tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16680731143597583502024-03-17T20:00:48.085-07:00X's Wrestling Reviewxfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-37199823443798890742019-11-29T15:35:00.524-08:002024-03-16T17:22:53.175-07:00AEW<b><span face="" style="font-size: x-large;">All Elite Wrestling</span></b><br />
<span face=""><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2018</span></b></span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis - ***1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Hangman Adam Page vs. Joey Janela (Chicago Street Fight) - ****1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Jay Lethal vs. Flip Gordon - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr. - ****</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Kazuchika Okada vs. Marty Scurll - ***3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">9/1/18 Kota Ibushi/Nick Jackson/Matt Jackson vs. Rey Mysterio/Rey Fenix/Bandido - ***3/4 </span><br />
<span face=""><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2019</b></span></span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Kip Sabian vs. Sammy Guevara - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. CIMA/T-Hawk/El Lindaman - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Britt Baker vs. Awesome Kong vs. Kylie Rae vs. Nyla Rose - ***</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Jack Evans/Angelico - ***1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Hikaru Shida/Riho Abe/Ryo Mizunami vs. Aja Kong/Yuka Sakazaki/Emi Sakura - ***1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes - ****3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Nick Jackson/Matt Jackson vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix - ****</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">5/25/19 Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega - ****1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">6/29/19 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">6/29/19 Riho vs. Nyla Rose vs. Yuka Sakazaki - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">6/29/19 Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">6/29/19 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix/Laredo Kid - ***1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">6/29/19 Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela (Non-Sanctioned Match) - ****</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">7/13/19 Evil Uno/Stu Grayson vs. Jack Evans/Angelico vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">7/13/19 Hangman Adam Page vs. Kip Sabian - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">7/13/19 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky - ***</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">7/13/19 Kenny Omega vs. CIMA - ***3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">7/13/19 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes/Dustin Rhodes - ***3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen vs. Jack Evans/Angelico - ***</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus/Marko Stunt - ***</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 PAC vs. Kenny Omega - ****1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Jimmy Havoc vs. Joey Janela vs. Darby Allin (Cracker Barrel Clash) - ***3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Riho vs. Hikaru Shida - ***1/2</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Cody Rhodes vs. Shawn Spears - ***3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson (Ladder) - ****3/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">8/31/19 Chris Jericho vs. Hangman Adam Page - ***1/4</span><br />
<span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/2/19 Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara - ***1/4</span><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/2/19 Pac vs. Hangman Adam Page - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/2/19 Chris Jericho/Santana/Ortiz vs. Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/9/19 Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****<br /></span><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/15/19 Kenny Omega vs. Joey Janela (Unsanctioned) - ****1/4</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/16/19 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/4</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/16/19 Chris Jericho vs. Darby Allin (Philadelphia Street Fight) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/22/19 Dustin Rhodes/Cody Rhodes/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. CIMA/T-Hawk/Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/4</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/23/19 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/23/19 Kenny Omega vs. Joey Janela - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/23/19 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ****</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/29/19 Darby Allin vs. Jimmy Havoc vs. Jack Evans (Falls Count Anywhere) - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/30/19 Hangman Adam Page vs. Sammy Guevara - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/30/19 Hikaru Shida vs. Shanna - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">10/30/19 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix - ***1/4</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">11/6/19 Pac vs. Trent Beretta - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">11/6/19 Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen vs. Evil Uno/Stu Grayson - ***1/4</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">11/6/19 Emi Sakura/Jamie Hayter vs. Riho/Shanna - ***1/2</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">11/6/19 Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara vs. Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/19 Santana/Ortiz vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/19 Hangman Adam Page vs. Pac - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/19 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/2</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">11/9/19 Riho vs. Emi Sakura - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/19 Chris Jericho vs. Cody Rhodes - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/19 Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega (Lights Out) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/19 Pac vs. Hangman Adam Page - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/19/19 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/19/19 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. T-Hawk/Lindaman - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/19 Rey Fenix vs. Nick Jackson - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/19 Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/19 Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/26/19 Trent Beretta vs. Pentagon Jr. - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/26/19 Kenny Omega vs. Jack Evans - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/27/19 Kenny Omega vs. Pac - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/27/19 Chris Jericho vs. Scorpio Sky - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/4/19 Dustin Rhodes/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Sammy Guevara/Santana/Ortiz - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/4/19 Rey Fenix vs. Trent Beretta - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/4/19 Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/11/19 The Butcher/The Blade vs. Cody Rhodes/QT Marshall - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/11/19 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Santana/Ortiz (Street Fight) - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/17/19 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/17/19 Kris Statlander vs. Bea Priestley - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/17/19 Pac/Jack Evans/Angelico vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor/Orange Cassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/18/19 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/18/19 Chris Jericho vs. Jungle Boy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/18/19 Kris Statlander vs. Britt Baker - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/18/19 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/24/19 Santana/Ortiz vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Jack Evans/Angelico vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/2</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">2020</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/1/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/1/20 Riho vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Nyla Rose vs. Britt Baker - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/1/20 Jon Moxley vs. Trent Beretta - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/1/20 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Pac/Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/8/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/8/20 Dustin Rhodes/Cody Rhodes vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/15/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/15/20 Jon Moxley vs. Sammy Guevara - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/15/20 Pac vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/22/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/22/20 Jon Moxley vs. Pac - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/29/20 Chris Jericho/Santana/Ortiz vs. Darby Allin/Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/4/20 Kenny Omega/Riho vs. Kip Sabian/Penelope Ford - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/5/20 Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/5/20 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix/The Butcher/The Blade vs. Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/5/20 Kip Sabian vs. Joey Janela - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/12/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/12/20 Nyla Rose vs. Riho - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/12/20 MJF vs. Jungle Boy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/12/20 Jon Moxley vs. Santana - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/18/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Jack Evans/Angelico - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/19/20 Tag Team Battle Royale - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/19/20 Jon Moxley vs. Jeff Cobb - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/19/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/19/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Wardlow (Cage) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/26/20 Kenny Omega vs. Pac (Iron Man) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/26/20 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus/Marko Stunt vs. Sammy Guevara/Santana/Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/29/20 Jake Hager vs. Dustin Rhodes - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/29/20 Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/29/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/29/20 MJF vs. Cody Rhodes - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/29/20 Pac vs. Orange Cassidy - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/29/20 Jon Moxley vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/4/20 Colt Cabana/Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky vs. Evil Uno/Stu Grayson/John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/4/20 Pac vs. Chuck Taylor - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/10/20 Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen vs. Sonny Kiss/Brandon Cutler - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/11/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/11/20 MJF/The Butcher/The Blade vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus/Marko Stunt - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/11/20 Pac/Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Joey Janela/Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/11/20 Dustin Rhodes/Hangman Adam Page vs. Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/18/20 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/18/20 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. The Butcher/The Blade - ***</span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">3/18/20 Jake Hager/Santana/Ortiz vs. Cody Rhodes/Matt Jackson/Hangman Adam Page - ***1/4</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: large;">3/25/20 Kenny Omega vs. Sammy Guevara - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/1/20 Kenny Omega vs. Trent Beretta - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/1/20 Shawn Spears/Sammy Guevara vs. Cody Rhodes/Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/8/20 Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/8/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Shawn Spears - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/14/20 Shawn Spears vs. Billy Gunn - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/15/20 Jon Moxley vs. Jake Hager (Empty Arena) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/22/20 Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/22/20 Orange Cassidy vs. Jimmy Havoc - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/29/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/29/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Kip Sabian/Jimmy Havoc (No DQ) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/29/20 Lance Archer vs. Dustin Rhodes - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/6/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Joey Janela - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/6/20 Jon Moxley vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/6/20 Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara vs. Kenny Omega/Matt Hardy (Street Fight) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/13/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/13/20 Kenny Omega/Matt Hardy vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/20/20 Rey Fenix vs. Orange Cassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 Brian Cage vs. Darby Allin vs. Colt Cabana vs. Joey Janela vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Luchasaurus vs. Kip Sabian (Ladder) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 MJF vs. Jungle Boy - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Lance Archer - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 Hikaru Shida vs. Nyla Rose (No DQ) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 Jon Moxley vs. Brodie Lee - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/23/20 Kenny Omega/Matt Hardy/Hangman Adam Page/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Chris Jericho/Jake Hager/Sammy Guevara/Santana/Ortiz (Stadium Stampede) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/3/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Jimmy Havoc/Kip Sabian - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/3/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Jungle Boy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/10/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. The Butcher/The Blade - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/10/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor/Orange Cassidy vs. Jake Hager/Santana/Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/17/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Dustin Rhodes/QT Marshall - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/17/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Ricky Starks - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/17/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jimmy Havoc/Kip Sabian - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/17/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/24/20 Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus (Lumberjack) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/24/20 Brodie Lee/Colt Cabana vs. Joey Janela/Sonny Kiss - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/24/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/1/20 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. MJF/Wardlow - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/1/20 Hikaru Shida vs. Penelope Ford - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/1/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Jake Hager - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/8/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/8/20 Lance Archer vs. Joey Janela - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/8/20 Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix/The Butcher/The Blade vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/8/20 Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/15/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Sonny Kiss - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/15/20 Casb Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/15/20 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus/Marko Stunt - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/15/20 Jon Moxley vs. Brian Cage - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/22/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Eddie Kingston (No DQ) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/22/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. The Butcher/The Blade (Falls Count Anywhere) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/29/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page vs. Evil Uno/Stu Grayson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/29/20 Jon Moxley/Darby Allin vs. Brian Cage/Ricky Starks (No DQ) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/5/20 Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Brodie Lee/Colt Cabana/Evil Uno/Stu Grayson/Ten/Five - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/5/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/5/20 Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/12/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Evil Uno/Stu Grayson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/12/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Scorpio Sky - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/12/20 Orange Cassidy vs. Chris Jericho - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/22/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/22/20 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus/Dustin Rhodes/QT Marshall vs. Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix/The Butcher/The Blade - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/22/20 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Alan Angels/John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/2/20 Santana/Ortiz vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/2/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian/Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/2/20 Thunder Rosa vs. Serena Deeb - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/20 Hikaru Shida vs. Thunder Rosa - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Kenny Omega/Hangman Adam Page - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/20 Orange Cassidy vs. Chris Jericho (Mimosa Mayhem) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/20 Jon Moxley vs. MJF - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/9/20 Brodie Lee vs. Dustin Rhodes - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/16/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/16/20 Hangman Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/16/20 Chris Jericho/Jake Hager vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/16/20 Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Santana/Ortiz (Parking Lot Fight) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/22/20 Ben Carter vs. Lee Johnson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/22/20 Scorpio Sky vs. Ben Carter - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/22/20 Matt Sydal vs. Shawn Spears - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/23/20 Jon Moxley vs. Eddie Kingston - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/30/20 Darby Allin vs. Ricky Starks - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/30/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/30/20 Chris Jericho vs. Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/30/20 Jon Moxley vs. The Butcher - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/7/20 Brian Cage vs. Will Hobbs - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/7/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Brodie Lee (Dog Collar) - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/14/20 Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/14/20 Cody Rhodes vs. Orange Cassidy - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/14/20 Jon Moxley vs. Lance Archer (No DQ) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/21/20 Pentagon Jr. vs. Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/21/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. The Butcher/The Blade vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy vs. John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/27/20 Brandon Cutler vs. Peter Avalon (No DQ) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/28/20 Hangman Adam Page vs. Wardlow - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/28/20 Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr. - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/4/20 MJF/Wardlow vs. Ortiz/Sammy Guevara - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/7/20 Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Adam Page - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/7/20 Orange Cassidy vs. John Silver - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/7/20 Darby Allin vs. Cody Rhodes - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/7/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Cash Wheeler/Dax Harwood - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/7/20 Jon Moxley vs. Eddie Kingston (I Quit) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/11/20 Brian Cage vs. Matt Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/11/20 Dustin Rhodes/QT Marshall vs. The Butcher/The Blade (Bunkhouse) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/11/20 Pentagon Jr. vs. Rey Fenix - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/18/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Darius Martin/Dante Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/18/20 Serena Deeb vs. Thunder Rosa - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/25/20 Hangman Adam Page vs. John Silver - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/25/20 Jack Evans/Angelico vs. Darius Martin/Duante Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/1/20 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Joey Janela/Sonny Kiss vs. Alan Angels/Preston Vance - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/2/20 Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/9/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jack Evans/Angelico - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/15/20 Evil Uno/Stu Grayson vs. Bear Bronson/Bear Boulder - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/16/20 Matt Hardy/Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy vs. Hangman Adam Page/John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/16/20 Chris Jericho/MJF/Jake Hager/Santana/Ortiz vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor/Brian Pillman Jr./Griff Garrison/Darius Martin/Dante Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/23/20 Chris Jericho/MJF vs. Darius Martin/Dante Martin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/23/20 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Max Caster/Anthony Bowens - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/30/20 Colt Cabana/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Matt Hardy/Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/30/20 Lance Archer/Evil Uno/Stu Grayson vs. Eddie Kingston/The Butcher/The Blade - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/30/20 Hangman Adam Page/John Silver/Alex Reynolds vs. MJF/Santana/Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2021</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/6/21 Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Max Caster/Anthony Bowens/Jack Evans/Angelico - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/6/21 Cody Rhodes vs. Matt Sydal - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/6/21 Kenny Omega vs. Rey Fenix - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/13/21 Pac vs. Eddie Kingston - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/13/21 Darby Allin vs. Brian Cage - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/27/21 Jungle Boy vs. Dax Harwood - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/27/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Karl Anderson/Doc Gallows vs. John Silver/Alex Reynolds/Evil Uno/Stu Grayson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/3/21 Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/3/21 Kenny Omega/Karl Anderson/Doc Gallows vs. Jon Moxley/Pac/Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/9/21 Joey Janela vs. Jack Evans - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/10/21 Darby Allin vs. Joey Janela - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/10/21 Kenny Omega/KENTA vs. Jon Moxley/Lance Archer (No Holds Barred) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/17/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***3.4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/17/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Matt Sydal/Mike Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/17/21 Jon Moxley/Lance Archer/Rey Fenix vs. Eddie Kingston/The Butcher/The Blade - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/24/21 Lance Archer vs. Rey Fenix - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/2/21 Stu Grayson vs. J,D, Drake - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/3/21 Ryo Mizunami vs. Nyla Rose - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Chris Jericho/MJF - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Casino Tag Team Battle Royale - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Hikaru Shida vs. Ryo Mizunami - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Hangman Adam Page vs. Matt Hardy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Scorpio Sky vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Penta el Zero Miedo vs. Lance Archer vs. Ethan Page vs. Max Caster (Ladder) - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Brian Cage/Ricky Starks (Street Fight) - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/7/21 Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley (Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/10/21 Rey Fenix vs. Matt Jackson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/10/21 Darby Allin vs. Scorpio Sky - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/17/21 Cody Rhodes vs. Penta el Zero Miedo - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/17/21 Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker (Lights Out Unsanctioned) - ****3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/24/21 Kenny Omega vs. Matt Sydal - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/24/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix/Laredo Kid vs. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Brandon Cutler</span><span> - ***1/2</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/24/21 Darby Allin vs. John Silver - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/29/21 Jungle Boy vs. Jack Evans - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/31/21 Christian Cage vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/31/21 Kenny Omega/Karl Anderson/Doc Gallows vs. Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix/Laredo Kid - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/31/21 Orange Cassidy/Chuck Taylor vs. Miro/Kip Sabian (Arcade Anarchy) - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/7/21 Kenny Omega/Karl Anderson/Doc Gallows vs. Jon Moxley/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/12/21 Konosuke Takeshita vs. Danny Limelight - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/14/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. PAC/Rey Fenix - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/21/21 Hangman Adam Page vs. Ricky Starks - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/21/21 Hikaru Shida vs. Tay Conti - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/21/21 Darby Allin vs. Jungle Boy - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/28/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Matt Sydal/Mike Sydal - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/28/21 Orange Cassidy vs. Penta el Zero Miedo - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/5/21 Cody Rhodes vs. QT Marshall - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/5/21 MJF/Wardlow/Shawn Spears/Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Chris Jericho/Jake Hager/Sammy Guevara/Santana/Ortiz (Blood and Guts) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/12/21 Jon Moxley vs. Yuji Nagata - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/12/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/12/21 Orange Cassidy vs. PAC - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/12/21 Miro vs. Darby Allin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/19/21 Christian Cage vs. Matt Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/19/21 Serena Deeb vs. Red Velvet - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Serena Deeb vs. Riho - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Hangman Adam Page vs. Brian Cage - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jon Moxley/Eddie Kingston - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Miro vs. Lance Archer - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Britt Baker vs. Hikaru Shida - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Scorpio Sky/Ethan Page - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/30/21 Kenny Omega vs. PAC vs. Orange Cassidy - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/4/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/8/21 Matt Sydal vs. Dante Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/11/21 Christian Cage vs. Angelico - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/11/21 Eddie Kingston/PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Brandon Cutler - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/18/21 Ethan Page/Scorpio Sky vs. Darby Allin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/21 Kenny Omega vs. Jungle Boy - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/30/21 Eddie Kingston/Penta el Zero Miedo vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/30/21 MJF vs. Sammy Guevara - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/7/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Eddie Kingston/Penta el Zero Miedo (Street Fight) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/14/21 Ricky Starks vs. Brian Cage - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/14/21 Christian Cage vs. Matt Hardy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/14/21 Darby Allin vs. Ethan Page (Coffin) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/21/21 Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Spears - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/21/21 Lance Archer vs. Jon Moxley (Texas Death Match) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>7/28/21 </span><span>Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Karl Anderson/Doc Gallows vs. Hangman Adam Page/Evil Uno/Stu Grayson/John Silver/Alex Reynolds (</span><span>Elimination) - ****1/2</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/28/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/3/21 PAC vs. Jack Evans - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/4/21 Chris Jericho vs. Juventud Guerrera - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/9/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Matt Sydal/Mike Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/11/21 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Matt Sydal/Mike Sydal/Dante Martin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/13/21 Christian Cage vs. Kenny Omega - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/16/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Jack Evans/Angelico - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/18/21 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Daniel Garcia/Angelo Parker/Matt Menard (Texas Tornado) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/18/21 Sammy Guevara vs. Shawn Spears - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/18/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/18/21 MJF vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/20/21 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/27/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/1/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Santana/Ortiz - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/1/21 Orange Cassidy vs. Jack Evans - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/1/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Karl Anderson/Doc Gallows vs. Pentagon el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus/Orange Cassidy/Chuck Taylor/Wheeler Yuta vs. Matt Hardy/Jack Evans/Angelico/Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 Miro vs. Eddie Kingston - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson (Cage) - *****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 Chris Jericho vs. MJF - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 CM Punk vs. Darby Allin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/5/21 Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/7/21 Joey Janela vs. Lee Moriarty - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/8/21 Malakai Black vs. Dustin Rhodes - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/8/21 Jon Moxley vs. Minoru Suzuki - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/10/21 Andrade el Idolo vs. PAC - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/15/21 Adam Cole vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/20/21 Sonny Kiss vs. Joey Janela - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/21/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Stallion Rogers/Anthony Greene - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/22/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega - ****3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/22/21 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/22/21 Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/24/21 CM Punk vs. Will Hobbs - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/24/21 Adam Cole/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Christian Cage/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/24/21 Jon Moxley/Eddie Kingston vs. Minoru Suzuki/Lance Archer (Lights Out) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/29/21 Adam Cole vs. Jungle Boy - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/29/21 Cody Rhodes/Lee Johnson vs. Dante Martin/Matt Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/1/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Nick Jackson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/6/21 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Adam Cole vs. Bryan Danielson/Christian Cage/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/6/21 Sammy Guevara vs. Bobby Fish - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/6/21 Hikaru Shida vs. Serena Deeb - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/6/21 Hangman Adam Page vs. Jon Moxley vs. PAC vs. Lance Archer vs. Matt Hardy vs. Andrade el Idolo vs. Orange Cassidy (Casino Ladder Match) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/8/21 CM Punk vs. Daniel Garcia - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/8/21 Ricky Starks vs. Brian Cage (Philly Street Fight) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/15/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Minoru Suzuki - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/15/21 CM Punk vs. Matt Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/15/21 Scorpio Sky/Ethan Page/Junior Dos Santos vs. Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara/Jake Hager - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/16/21 Malakai Black vs. Dante Martin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/16/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/16/21 Adam Cole/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Evil Uno/John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/16/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Bobby Fish - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/22/21 PAC vs. Andrade el Idolo - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/23/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Dustin Rhodes - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/23/21 Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/27/21 CM Punk vs. Bobby Fish - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/27/21 Sammy Guevara vs. Ethan Page - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/27/21 Hikaru Shida vs. Serena Deeb - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/27/21 Evil Uno/Stu Grayson/John Silver/Alex Reynolds vs. Kenny Omega/Adam Cole/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/29/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/29/21 Dante Martin vs. Matt Sydal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/3/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Samurai Del Sol/Aerostar - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/10/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Rocky Romero - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/10/21 Lio Rush/Dante Martin vs. Matt Sydal/Lee Moriarty - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/10/21 PAC vs. Dax Harwood - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/12/21 Jungle Boy vs. Bobby Fish - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 MJF vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 Bryan Danielson vs. Miro - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 Christian Cage/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Adam Cole/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson (Falls Count Anywhere) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 Cody Rhodes/PAC vs. Andrade el Idolo/Malakai Black - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 CM Punk vs. Eddie Kingston - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara/Jake Hager/Santana/Ortiz vs. Ethan Page/Scorpio Sky/Junior Dos Santos/Andrei Arlovski/Dan Lambert (Minneapolis Street Fight) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/13/21 Hangman Adam Page vs. Kenny Omega - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/17/21 Nyla Rose vs. Hikaru Shida - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/17/21 Lio Rush/Dante Martin vs. Max Caster/Anthony Bowens - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/19/21 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Adam Cole/Bobby Fish - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/24/21 Thunder Rosa vs. Jamie Hayter - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/24/21 Andrade el Idolo/Malakai Black/Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Cody Rhodes/PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/26/21 Adam Cole/Bobby Fish vs. Orange Cassidy/Wheeler Yuta - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/26/21 Eddie Kingston vs. Daniel Garcia - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/1/21 CM Punk vs. Lee Moriarty - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/1/21 Ruby Soho vs. Kris Statlander - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/1/21 Cody Rhodes vs. Andrade el Idolo (Street Fight) - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/3/21 Sammy Guevara vs. Tony Nese - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/3/21 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Penta el Zero Miedo/PAC - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/8/21 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Chuck Taylor/Rocky Romero - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/8/21 Riho vs. Jamie Hayter - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/8/21 Bryan Danielson vs. John Silver - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/10/21 Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/15/21 Hangman Adam Page vs. Bryan Danielson - *****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/15/21 Hikaru Shida vs. Serena Deeb - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/15/21 MJF vs. Dante Martin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/17/21 Orange Cassidy/Chuck Taylor/Trent Beretta/Rocky Romero vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Adam Cole/Bobby Fish - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/20/21 Evil Uno/Stu Grayson/Alan Angels vs. Matt Hardy/Isiah Kassidy/The Blade - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/22/21 Adam Cole vs. Orange Cassidy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/22/21 Sting/CM Punk/Darby Allin vs. MJF/Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/25/21 Jungle Boy vs. Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/25/21 Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/28/21 Joey Janela vs. Sonny Kiss (No DQ) - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/29/21 Matt Hardy/Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler/Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy vs. Christian Cage/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/29/21 Adam Cole/Kyle O'Reilly/Bobby Fish vs. Orange Cassidy/Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/31/21 Tay Conti/Anna Jay vs. The Bunny/Penelope Ford (Street Fight) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/31/21 Cody Rhodes vs. Ethan Page - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">2022</b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">1/5/22 Hangman Adam Page vs. Bryan Danielson - ****1/4</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">1/5/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix - ***1/2</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">1/7/22 Adam Cole vs. Jake Atlas - ***</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">1/8/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Dustin Rhodes - ***1/2</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">1/12/22 CM Punk vs. Wardlow - ***</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/12/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Daniel Garcia - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/14/22 Adam Cole vs. Trent Beretta - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/14/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/19/22 Adam Cole/Britt Baker vs. Orange Cassidy/Kris Statlander - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/21/22 Trent Beretta vs. Nick Jackson - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/25/22 Penta el Zero Miedo vs. Wheeler Yuta - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/26/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Cody Rhodes (Ladder) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/26/22 Orange Cassidy vs. Adam Cole (Lights Out) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/28/22 Jon Moxley vs. Anthony Bowens - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/28/22 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Brock Anderson/Lee Anderson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/28/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/2/22 Malakai Black/Brody King vs. PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/2/22 MJF vs. C</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">M Punk - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/4/22 Ricky Starks vs. Jay Lethal - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/9/22 CM Punk/Jon Moxley vs. Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/9/22 Hangman Adam Page vs. Lance Archer (Texas Death Match) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/11/22 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Trent Beretta/Rocky Romero - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/11/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Austin Gunn/Colten Gunn - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/16/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Lee Moriarty - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/16/22 Thunder Rosa vs. Mercedes Martinez (No DQ) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/16/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/18/22 Adam Cole vs. Preston Vance - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/18/22 Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Dante Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/18/22 Jay White vs. Trent Beretta - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/23/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Daniel Garcia - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2/25/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Andrade el Idolo - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/2/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Christopher Daniels - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/4/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin vs. Andrade el Idolo - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Malakai Black/Brody King/Buddy Matthews vs. Penta Oscura/PAC/Erick Redbeard - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Eddie Kingston vs. Chris Jericho - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Kyle O'Reilly/Bobby Fish - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Wardlow vs. Christian Cage vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Keith Lee vs. Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs (Ladder) - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 CM Punk vs. MJF (Dog Collar) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Sting/Darby Allin/Sammy Guevara vs. Matt Hardy/Andrade el Idolo/Isiah Kassidy - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/6/22 Hangman Adam Page vs. Adam Cole - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/11/22 Swerve Strickland vs. Tony Nese - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/16/22 Adam Cole/Kyle O'Reilly/Bobby Fish vs. Hangman Adam Page/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/16/22 Bryan Danielson/Jon Moxley vs. Chuck Taylor/Wheeler Yuta - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/16/22 Jeff Hardy/Matt Hardy vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/16/22 Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker (Cage) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/18/22 Darby Allin vs. The Butcher - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/23/22 CM Punk vs. Dax Harwood - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/23/22 Sting/Darby Allin/Jeff Hardy/Matt Hardy vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy/The Butcher/The Blade (Texas Tornado) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/25/22 Dustin Rhodes vs. Lance Archer - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/25/22 Ricky Starks vs. Swerve Strickland - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/30/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Wheeler Yuta - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3/30/22 Andrade el Idolo vs. Darby Allin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/1/22 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Dante Martin/Darius Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/1/22 Jamie Hayter vs. Skye Blue - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/6/22 Adam Cole vs. Christian Cage - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/6/22 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/8/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Trent Beretta - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/8/22 Jon Moxley vs. Wheeler Yuta - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/13/22 CM Punk vs. Penta Oscura - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/13/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Kyle O'Reilly/Bobby Fish - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/13/22 Ricky Starks/Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Keith Lee/Swerve Strickland - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/13/22 Samoa Joe vs. Minoru Suzuki - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/15/22 Hangman Adam Page vs. Adam Cole (Texas Death Match) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/16/22 Jonathan Gresham vs. Dalton Castle - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/20/22 CM Punk vs. Dustin Rhodes - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/20/22 Kyle O'Reilly vs. Jungle Boy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/20/22 Darby Allin vs. Andrade el Idolo (Coffin) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/22/22 Adam Cole vs. Tomohiro Ishii - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/22/22 Eddie Kingston vs. Daniel Garcia - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/26/22 Jeff Hardy/Matt Hardy/Frankie Kazarian/Dante Martin/Darius Martin vs. Angelico/The Blade/Isiah Kassidy/Marq Quen/Max Caster - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/27/22 Dax Harwood vs. Cash Wheeler - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/27/22 Serena Deeb vs. Hikaru Shida (Philly Street Fight) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4/29/22 Darby Allin vs. Swerve Strickland - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/4/22 Rey Fenix vs. Dante Martin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/6/22 Riho vs. Yuka Sakazaki - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/6/22 Jay Lethal vs. Konosuke Takeshita - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/11/22 Adam Cole vs. Dax Harwood - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/11/22 CM Punk vs. John Silver - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/11/22 Ricky Starks vs. Jungle Boy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/11/22 Jeff Hardy vs, Darby Allin (Anything Goes) - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/13/22 Ruby Soho vs. Riho - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/13/22 Scorpio Sky vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/17/22 Wheeler Yuta vs. Josh Woods - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/18/22 Hangman Adam Page vs. Konosuke Takeshita - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/18/22 Rey Fenix vs. Kyle O'Reilly - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/20/22 Bryan Danielson/Jon Moxley vs. Matt Sydal/Dante Martin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/24/22 Lee Moriarty vs. Alan Angels - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/25/22 Jon Moxley/Eddie Kingston vs. Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/25/22 Swerve Strickland vs. Jungle Boy vs. Ricky Starks - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/25/22 Samoa Joe vs. Kyle O'Reilly - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/27/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Matt Sydal - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/27/22 Ruby Soho vs. Kris Statlander - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 Jeff Hardy/Matt Hardy vs. Nick Jackson/Matt Jackson - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 Malakai Black/Buddy Matthews/Brody King vs. PAC/Penta Oscuro/Rey Fenix - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 Kyle O'Reilly vs. Darby Allin -***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 Thunder Rosa vs. Serena Deeb - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 Chris Jericho/Jake Hager/Daniel Garcia/Matt Menard/Angelo Parker vs. Jon Moxley/Bryan Danielson/Eddie Kingston/Santana/Ortiz (Anarchy in the Arena) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus vs. Swerve Strickland/Keith Lee vs. Ricky Starks/Powerhouse Hobbs - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5/29/22 CM Punk vs. Hangman Adam Page - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/1/22 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/Kyle O'Reilly/Bobby Fish/Hikuleo vs. Christian Cage/Matt Hardy/Darby Allin/Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/1/22 Ruby Soho/Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker/Jamie Hayter - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/1/22 Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/3/22 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Penta Oscura/Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/8/22 PAC vs. Buddy Matthews - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/8/22 Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O'Reilly - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/10/22 Kris Statlander vs. Red Velvet - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/10/22 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler/Trent Beretta vs. Will Ospreay/Mark Davis/Kyle Fletcher - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/15/22 Chris Jericho vs. Ortiz (Hair vs. Hair) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/15/22 Will Ospreay vs. Dax Harwood - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/15/22 Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Jungle Boy/Luchasaurus (Ladder) - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/17/22 Jon Moxley vs. Dante Martin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/17/22 Darby Allin vs. Bobby Fish - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/22/22 Orange Cassidy/Trent Beretta/Rocky Romero vs. Will Ospreay/Mark Davis/Kyle Fletcher - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/22/22 Malakai Black vs. Penta Oscura - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/22/22 Hangman Adam Page vs. Silas Young - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/22/22 Hiroshi Tanahashi/Jon Moxley vs. Chris Jericho/Lance Archer - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/24/22 Andrade el Idolo vs. Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Keith Lee/Swerve Strickland vs. El Desperado/Yoshinobu Kanemaru - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Chris Jericho/Minoru Suzuki/Sammy Guevara vs. Eddie Kingston/Wheeler Yuta/Shota Umino - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Rocky Romero/Trent Beretta vs. Jeff Cobb/Great O-Khan - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 PAC vs. Miro vs. Malakai Black vs. Clark Connors - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Sting/Darby Allin/Shingo Tagaki vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson/El Phantasmo - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Claudio Castagnoli vs. Zack Sabre Jr. - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Adam Cole vs. Hangman Adam Page - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/26/22 Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6/29/22 Jon Moxley/Eddie Kingston/Claudio Castagnoli/Santana/Ortiz/Wheeler Yuta vs. Chris Jericho/Jake Hager/Sammy Guevara/Daniel Ortiz/Matt Menard/Angelo Parker (Blood and Guts) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/8/22 Eddie Kingston vs. Konosuke Takeshita - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/8/22 Orange Cassidy vs. Tony Nese - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/12/22 Miyu Yamashita vs. Thunder Rosa - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/12/22 PAC vs. Shota Umino - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/13/22 Wardlow vs. Orange Cassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/13/22 Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/13/22 Keith Lee/Swerve Strickland vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Ricky Starks/Powerhouse Hobbs - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/20/22 Darby Allin vs. Brody King - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/20/22 Jon Moxley/Wheeler Yuta vs. Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/20/22 Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston (Barbed Wire) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/26/22 PAC vs. LJ Cleary - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/27/22 Jon Moxley vs. Rush - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/27/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Dante Martin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/27/22 Daniel Garcia vs. Bryan Danielson - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/29/22 Anna Jay vs. Ruby Soho - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/1/22 Toni Storm/Hikaru Shida/Willow Nightingale vs. Emi Sakura/Nyla Rose/Marina Shafir - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/2/22 PAC vs. Connor Mills - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/3/22 Jay Lethal vs. Orange Cassidy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/3/22 Christian Cage vs. Matt Hardy - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/3/22 Chris Jericho vs. Wheeler Yuta - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/6/22 Thunder Rosa vs. Jamie Hayter - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/6/22 Claudio Castagnoli vs. Konosuke Takeshita - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/10/22 Darby Allin vs. Brody King (Coffin) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/10/22 Andrade el Idolo/Rush vs. Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/10/22 Jon Moxley vs. Chris Jericho - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/17/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Daniel Garcia (2/3 Falls) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/17/22 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Andrade el Idolo/Rush/Dragon Lee - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/24/22 Jay Lethal vs. Dax Harwood - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/24/22 Will Ospreay/Mark Davis/Kyle Fletcher vs. Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix/PAC - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/26/22 Claudio Castagnoli vs. Dustin Rhodes - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/29/22 Hikaru Shida vs. Emi Sakura - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/30/22 Rush vs. Blake Christian - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/31/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Jake Hager - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/31/22 Hikaru Shida/Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker/Jamie Hayter - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/31/22 Wheeler Yuta vs. Rush vs. Rey Fenix vs. Dante Martin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/31/22 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Will Ospreay/Mark Davis/Kyle Fletcher - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 Eddie Kingston vs. Tomohiro Ishii - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 The Joker vs. Rush vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Penta el Zero Miedo vs. Andrade el Idolo vs. Wheeler Yuta vs. Dante Martin vs. Rey Fenix (Casino Ladder) - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. Hangman Adam Page/John Silver/Alex Reynolds - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 Swerve Strickland/Keith Lee vs. Max Caster/Anthony Bowens - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 Toni Storm vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker vs. Jamie Hayter - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 Chris Jericho vs Bryan Danielson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/4/22 CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/7/22 PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Orange Cassidy/Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/7/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Hangman Adam Page - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/7/22 Daniel Garcia vs. Wheeler Yuta - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/9/22 Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/9/22 Claudio Castagnoli vs. Dax Harwood - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/14/22 Jon Moxley vs. Sammy Guevara - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/14/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Chris Jericho - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/21/22 Chris Jericho vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/21/22 Max Caster/Anthony Bowens vs. Swerve Strickland/Keith Lee - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/21/22 Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/23/22 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Brody King/Buddy Matthews (No DQ) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/23/22 Jungle Boy vs. Rey Fenix - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/23/22 Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs (Lights Out) - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/28/22 Toni Storm vs. Serena Deeb (Lumberjack) - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9/28/22 Chris Jericho vs. Bandido - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/5/22 MJF vs. Wheeler Yuta - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/5/22 Darby Allin vs. Jay Lethal - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/5/22 Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara vs. Bryan Danielson/Daniel Garcia - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/7/22 Jon Moxley/Claudio Castagnoli/Wheeler Yuta vs. Rush/Marq Quen/Isiah Kassidy - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/7/22 PAC vs. Trent Beretta - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/12/22 Luchasaurus vs. Jungle Boy - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/12/22 Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/12/22 Hikaru Shida/Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker/Jamie Hayter - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/12/22 Orange Cassidy vs. PAC - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/18/22 PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Orange Cassidy/Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/18/22 Chris Jericho vs. Dalton Castle - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/18/22 Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Adam Page - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/24/22 Claudio Castagnoli vs. QT Marshall - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/26/22 Swerve Strickland/Keith Lee vs. Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/26/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10/26/22 Jon Moxley vs. Penta el Zero Miedo - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/1/22 Rey Fenix vs. AR Fox - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/2/22 Samoa Joe vs. Brian Cage - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/4/22 Orange Cassidy vs. Katsuyori Shibata - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/22 Max Caster/Anthony Bowens/Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Swerve Strickland/Keith Lee/Austin Gunn/Colten Gunn - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/9/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara (2/3 Falls) - ****1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/15/22 Daniel Garcia vs. Brock Anderson - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/16/22 Bryan Danielson/Claudio Castagnoli vs. Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/16/22 PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. AR Fox/Dante Martin/Darius Martin - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/18/22 Ricky Starks vs. Lance Archer - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/18/22 Jun Akiyama/Konosuke Takeshita vs. Eddie Kingston/Ortiz - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 Orange Cassidy/Rocky Romero/Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor/Danhausen vs. QT Marshall/Lee Johnson/Aaron Solo/Cole Karter/Nick Comoroto - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 Eddie Kingston vs. Jun Akiyama - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 Jack Perry vs. Luchasaurus (Cage) - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Sammy Guevara - ****1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/20/22 MJF vs. Jon Moxley - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/23/22 Ricky Starks vs. Ethan Page - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/23/22 PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/23/22 Chris Jericho vs. Tomohiro Ishii - ****3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/25/22 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Dante Martin/Darius Martin - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/30/22 Bryan Danielson vs. Dax Harwood - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11/30/22 Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson vs. PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/7/22 Samoa Joe vs. Darby Allin - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/7/22 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Max Caster/Anthoney Bowens - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/9/22 Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita - ***</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/14/22 PAC/Penta el Zero Miedo/Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/14/22 Action Andretti vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12/14/22 MJF vs. Ricky Starks - ***3/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">2023</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/18/23 Dante Martin/Darius Martin vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/18/23 Bryan Danielson vs. Bandido - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/18/23 Darby Allin vs. KUSHIDA - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/7/23 Evil Uno/John Silver/Alex Reynolds vs. Hangman Adam Page/Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7/7/23 Brian Cage/Big Bill vs. Trent Beretta/Matt Sydal - ***1/4</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/27/23 Hook vs. Jack Perry - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/27/23 CM Punk vs. Samoa Joe - ***1/2</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8/27/23 Konosuke Takeshita/Jay White/Juice Robinson vs. Kenny Omega/Kota Ibushi/Hangman Adam Page - ***1/4</span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;">8/27/23 Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson - ****</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">8/27/23 Eddie Kingston/Penta Oscuro/Orange Cassidy/Trent Beretta/Chuck Taylor vs. Jon Moxley/Claudio Castagnoli/Wheeler Yuta/Santana/Ortiz (Stadium Stampede) - ****1/2</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">8/27/23 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage/Swerve Strickland (Coffin) - ****1/4</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">8/27/23 Will Ospreay vs. Chris Jericho - ****</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">8/27/23 MJF vs. Adam Cole - ****</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-size: xx-large;">2024</b></div><div><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">3/3/24 Sting/Darby Allin vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson (Tornado) - *****</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">3/16/24 Bryan Danielson vs. Katsuyori Shibata - ***1/2</span></span></div>xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-21070821392480117162015-11-11T09:58:00.006-08:002015-11-11T16:08:20.940-08:00Hey, look! New ratings added to the blog! These are from the last few months and include two new five star match additions:<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>AJPW | 6/9/95 | Mitsuharu Misawa/Kenta Kobashi vs. Toshiaki Kawada/Akira Taue </i><br />
<i>AJW | 2/4/93 | Akira Hokuta vs. Shinobu Kandori </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br />WWE</b><br />
9/21/87 Islanders vs. Strike Force - ***1/2<br />
11/6/87 Hart Foundation vs. British Bulldogs - ***<br />
2/11/89 Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior - ***<br />
12/1/93 Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (Cage) - ***1/4<br />
5/23/98 TAKA Michinoku vs. Sho Funaki - ***<br />
5/26/99 X-Pac/Kane vs. D-Lo Brown/Mark Henry - ***1/2<br />
10/24/99 D'Lo Brown vs. Chris Jericho - ***<br />
10/31/99 Hardcore Holly/Crash Holly vs. Bradshaw/Faarooq (No DQ) - ***<br />
7/30/00 Dean Malenko vs. Scotty 2 Hotty - ***<br />
9/22/02 Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero - ***<br />
2/15/03 Billy Kidman vs. Jamie Noble - ***<br />
1/28/15 Adrian Neville vs. Tyson Kidd - ***1/4<br />
2/4/15 Finn Balor vs. Hideo Itami - ***<br />
2/10/15 Cesaro vs. Sin Cara - ***<br />
2/11/15 Finn Balor vs. Adrian Neville - ****<br />
2/11/15 Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte vs. Bayley vs. Becky Lynch - ***3/4<br />
2/11/15 Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn - ****<br />
2/18/15 Kevin Owens vs. Adrian Neville - ****<br />
2/22/15 Rusev vs. John Cena - ***<br />
2/22/15 Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan - ***3/4<br />
3/4/15 Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte - ***1/4<br />
3/23/15 Dolph Ziggler vs. Daniel Bryan - ***<br />
3/25/15 Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor - ***1/2<br />
3/29/15 Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper vs. Stardust vs. R-Truth (Ladder) - ***1/2<br />
3/29/15 Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins - ***1/4<br />
3/29/15 Triple H vs. Sting (No DQ) - ***1/4<br />
3/29/15 John Cena vs. Rusev - ***<br />
3/29/15 Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns - ***1/2<br />
3/30/15 Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***<br />
3/30/15 John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose - ***1/4<br />
4/7/15 John Cena vs. Stardust - ***<br />
4/13/15 Dolph Ziggler vs. Neville - ***<br />
4/15/15 Sami Zayn vs. Rhyno - ***<br />
4/26/15 Neville vs. Bad News Barrett - ***1/4<br />
4/26/15 Kofi Kingston/Big E vs. Cesaro/Tyson Kidd - ***1/4<br />
4/26/15 Roman Reigns vs. Big Show (Last Man Standing) - ****<br />
4/27/15 Neville vs. Luke Harper - ***<br />
5/4/15 Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins - ***3/4<br />
5/4/15 John Cena vs. Sami Zayn - ***1/2<br />
5/7/15 Kofi Kingston/Big E/Xavier Woods vs. Cesaro/Tyson Kidd/Ryback - ***<br />
5/17/15 Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***1/2<br />
5/17/15 Kofi Kingston/Big E vs. Cesaro/Tyson Kidd (2/3 Falls) - ***1/4<br />
5/17/15 John Cena vs. Rusev (I Quit) - ***1/2<br />
5/17/15 Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns - ****<br />
5/18/15 Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt - ***1/4<br />
5/20/15 Finn Balor vs. Tyler Breeze - ***<br />
5/20/15 Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch - ****<br />
5/20/15 Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn - ***1/2<br />
5/21/15 Kalisto/Sin Cara vs. Cesaro/Tyson Kidd vs. Diego/Fernando vs. Konnor/Viktor - ***<br />
5/28/15 Kalisto/Sin Cara vs. Cesaro/Tyson Kidd (Lumberjack) - ***1/4<br />
5/31/15 Kofi Kingston/Big E/Xavier Woods vs. Cesaro/Tyson Kidd vs. Titus O'Neil/Darren Young vs. Kalisto/Sin Cara vs. Fernando/Diego vs. Konnor/Viktor (Elimination Chamber) - ***1/2<br />
5/31/15 Kevin Owens vs. John Cena - ****3/4<br />
5/31/15 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose - ***3/4<br />
6/8/15 Kevin Owens vs. Neville - ***<br />
6/11/15 Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***<br />
6/14/15 Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Neville vs. Kofi Kingston (MITB Ladder) - ***1/2<br />
6/14/15 John Cena vs. Kevin Owens - ****1/4<br />
6/14/15 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (Ladder) - ****<br />
6/25/15 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose - ***1/4<br />
6/29/15 John Cena vs. Cesaro - ****<br />
7/4/15 Chris Jericho vs. Neville - ****<br />
7/4/15 Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens - ****1/2<br />
7/6/15 John Cena vs. Cesaro - ****1/2<br />
7/7/15 Cesaro vs. Luke Harper - ***1/4<br />
7/13/15 Rusev vs. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro - ***3/4<br />
7/15/15 Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte - ***1/4<br />
7/19/15 John Cena vs. Kevin Owens - ****<br />
7/27/15 John Cena vs. Seth Rollins - ***3/4<br />
7/30/15 Cesaro/Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens/Seth Rollins - ***<br />
8/3/15 Seth Rollins vs. Neville - ***<br />
8/5/15 Bayley vs. Charlotte - ***1/4<br />
8/10/15 Randy Orton vs. Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens - ***3/4<br />
8/12/15 Bayley vs. Becky Lynch - ***<br />
8/22/15 Bayley vs. Sasha Banks - ****1/4<br />
8/22/15 Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens (Ladder) - ****<br />
8/23/15 New Day vs. Primetime Players vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores - ***<br />
8/23/15 Seth Rollins vs. John Cena - ***3/4<br />
8/23/15 Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro - ***1/2<br />
8/23/15 Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar - ***3/4<br />
8/31/15 Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro - ***<br />
9/9/15 Samoa Joe/Finn Balor vs. Kalisto/Sin Cara - ***<br />
9/20/15 John Cena vs. Seth Rollins - ***3/4<br />
9/20/15 Seth Rollins vs. Sting - ***1/4<br />
9/21/15 John Cena vs. Seth Rollins - ***1/2<br />
9/24/15 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose - ***1/4<br />
10/3/15 Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho - ***<br />
10/3/15 John Cena vs. Seth Rollins (Cage) - ****<br />
10/7/15 Finn Balor/Samoa Joe vs. Dash Wilder/Scott Dawson - ***<br />
10/7/15 Rhyno/Baron Corbin vs. Chad Gable/Jason Jordan - ***<br />
10/7/15 Bayley vs. Sasha Banks (Iron Man) - ****1/4<br />
10/12/15 John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***1/4<br />
10/25/15 Barrett/Rusev/Sheamus vs. Neville/Cesaro/Ziggler - ***<br />
10/25/15 Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt (Hell in a Cell) - ***1/2<br />
10/25/15 Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker (Hell in a Cell) - ****<br />
10/26/15 Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens - ***1/2<br />
11/2/15 Paige vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch vs. Brie Bella - ***<br />
11/2/15 Seth Rollins/Kevin Owens/Kofi Kingston/Big E/Xavier Woods vs. Roman Reigns/Dean Ambrose/Ryback/Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso (Elimination) - ***<br />
11/4/15 Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews - ***<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA</b><br />
10/22/03 Jeff Jarrett vs. AJ Styles - ***<br />
11/19/03 AJ Styles vs. Abyss - ***1/4<br />
12/3/03 Low Ki vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Kid Kash - ***<br />
12/17/03 James Storm/Chris Harris vs. David Young/Glenn Gilberti (Street Fight) - ***<br />
1/28/04 Chris Sabin vs. Michael Shane - ***<br />
2/11/04 Juventud Guerrera vs. Chris Sabin - ***1/2<br />
2/11/04 Juventud Guerrera/Abismo Negro vs Jerry Lynn/Sonjay Dutt - ***<br />
2/11/04 Juventud Guerrera/Hector Garza/Mr. Aguila/Abismo Negro vs. Jerry Lynn/Chris Sabin/Elix Skipper/Sonjay Dutt (Elimination) - ***1/4<br />
2/25/04 Abyss vs. AJ Styles (Tables) - *** - <br />
7/11/13 Gail Kim vs. Taryn Terrell (Ladder) - ***<br />
7/25/13 Manik vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Greg Marasciulo (Ultimate X) - ***<br />
4/3/15 Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Lashley - ***1/2<br />
5/15/15 Kurt Angle/Bobby Lashley/Drew Galloway/Chris Melendez/Mica vs. Eric Young/MVP/Low Ki/Kenny King/Bram<br />
(Hardcore War) - ***1/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>LUCHA UNDERGROUND</b><br />
1/21/15 King Cuerno vs. Drago (Last Man Standing) - ***1/4<br />
2/4/15 Cage vs. Johnny Mundo - ***<br />
3/11/15 Johnny Mundo vs. King Cuerno (Cage) - ***1/2<br />
3/18/15 Aerostar vs. Drago - ***1/2<br />
3/18/15 Fenix vs. Mil Muertes (Casket) - ****3/4<br />
3/25/15 Alberto El Patron vs. Texano (Bullrope) - ***1/4<br />
3/25/15 Prince Puma vs. Cage (Street Fight) - ***3/4<br />
4/1/15 Johnny Mundo vs. Angelico - ***<br />
4/8/15 Angelico/Ivelisse/Son of Havoc vs. Aero Star/Drago/Fenix - ***1/4<br />
4/15/15 Cage/Texano/King Cuerno vs. Johnny Mundo/Hernandez/Prince Puma - ***<br />
4/15/15 Drago vs. Aero Star - ***3/4<br />
4/22/15 Sexy Star vs. Pentagon Jr. - ***<br />
<br />
<b><br />WCW/NWA</b><br />
3/12/83 Roddy Piper vs. Dick Slater - ***1/4<br />
3/12/83 Ricky Steamboat/Jay Youngblood vs. Sgt. Slaughter/Don Kernodle (Cage) - ***1/2<br />
1/9/88 Ric Flair vs. Sting - ***<br />
1/4/92 Riki Choshu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami - ***1/4<br />
1/4/92 Great Muta/Sting vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***1/4<br />
1/18/92 Steve Austin vs. Ricky Steamboat - ***<br />
5/17/92 Brian Pillman vs. Tom Zenk - ****<br />
5/17/92 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Tatsumi Fujinami/Takayuki Iizuka - ****1/4<br />
6/16/92 Barry Windham/Dustin Rhodes vs. Arn Anderson/Bobby Eaton - ***1/4<br />
7/12/92 Barry Windham/Dustin Rhodes vs. Rick Rude/Steve Austin - ***1/4<br />
8/2/92 Ron Simmons vs. Vader - ***<br />
9/2/92 Ricky Steamboat vs. Steve Austin (No DQ) - ***1/4<br />
10/17/92 Shane Douglas vs. Brian Pillman - ***<br />
10/25/92 Ricky Steamboat vs. Brian Pillman - ***1/4<br />
10/25/92 Barry Windham/Dustin Rhodes vs. Steve Williams/Steve Austin - ***1/4<br />
11/18/92 Sting vs. Rick Rude - ***1/4<br />
11/18/92 Ricky Steamboat/Shane Douglas vs. Barry Windham/Dustin Rhodes - ***1/4<br />
12/28/92 Ricky Steamboat/Shane Douglas vs. Barry Windham/Brian Pillman - ****<br />
1/13/93 Chris Benoit vs. Brad Armstrong - ***<br />
1/13/93 Ricky Steamboat/Shane Douglas vs. Brian Pillman/Steve Austin - ***1/2<br />
2/21/93 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Chris Benoit - ***3/4<br />
2/21/93 Cactus Jack vs. Paul Orndorff (Falls Count Anywhere) - ***1/4<br />
2/21/93 Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson vs. Stan Lane/Tom Prichard - ***1/2<br />
3/27/93 Ricky Steamboat/Shane Douglas vs. Brian Pillman/Steve Austin - ***1/2<br />
5/23/93 Vader vs. Davey Boy Smith - ***<br />
6/16/93 Barry Windham vs. 2 Cold Scorpio - ***1/2<br />
6/16/93 Vader/Rick Rude/Sid Vicious vs. Sting/Davey Boy Smith/Dustin Rhodes - ***<br />
6/16/93 Brian Pillman/Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair/Arn Anderson (2/3 Falls) - ***3/4<br />
7/3/93 Barry Windham/Brian Pillman/Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair/Arn Anderson/Paul Roma - ***1/4<br />
7/18/93 Brian Pillman/Steve Austin vs. Arn Anderson/Paul Roma - ***<br />
8/21/93 Ric Flair vs. Sting - ****<br />
11/10/93 Ric Flair vs. Vader - ***<br />
11/13/93 Ric Flair/Arn Anderson vs. Vader/Steve Austin - ***3/4<br />
1/27/94 Ric Flair/Sting vs. Vader/Rick Rude (Elimination) - ***1/4<br />
2/20/94 Brian Knobbs/Jerry Sags vs. Cactus Jack/Maxx Payne - ***<br />
2/20/94 Sting/Brian Pillman/Dustin Rhodes vs. Rick Rude/Paul Orndorff/Steve Austin (Thundercage) - ***1/2<br />
4/17/94 Bunkhouse Buck vs. Dustin Rhodes (Bunkhouse) - ***3/4<br />
4/17/94 Vader vs. The Boss - ***1/4<br />
4/30/94 Vader vs. Cactus Jack (Texas Death Match) - ***<br />
5/22/94 Terry Funk vs. Tully Blanchard - ***1/2<br />
5/22/94 Sting vs. Vader - ***1/4<br />
5/28/94 Ric Flair vs. Lord Steven Regal (Marquis of Queensbury Cup) - ***<br />
7/30/94 Sting/Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair/Steve Austin - ***1/4<br />
8/24/94 Ricky Steamboat vs. Steve Austin - ***3/4<br />
8/24/94 Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair - ***1/4<br />
9/18/94 Johnny B. Badd vs. Lord Steven Regal - ***1/4<br />
9/18/94 Vader vs. Sting - ***3/4<br />
9/18/94 Dusty Rhodes/Dustin Rhodes/Brian Knobbs/Jerry Sags vs. Terry Funk/Arn Anderson/Bunkhouse Buck/Col. Rob Parker (War Games) - ***<br />
10/23/94 Dustin Rhodes vs. Arn Anderson - ***<br />
11/16/94 Vader vs. Dustin Rhodes - ****<br />
2/19/95 Hulk Hogan vs. Vader - ***<br />
6/18/95 Alex Wright vs. Brian Pillman - ***1/4<br />
6/18/95 Sting vs. Meng - ***<br />
6/18/95 Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage - ***<br />
9/4/95 Sting vs. Ric Flair - ***<br />
9/17/95 Johnny B. Badd vs. Brian Pillman - ****<br />
9/17/95 Arn Anderson vs. Ric Flair - ***1/2<br />
10/2/95 Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko - ***<br />
10/7/95 Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***3/4<br />
10/16/95 Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***1/2<br />
10/23/95 Cnris Benoit/Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero/Mr. JL - ***1/4<br />
10/29/95 Chris Benoit/Dean Malenko vs. Lord Steven Regal/Bobby Eaton - ***1/4<br />
10/29/95 Johnny B. Badd vs. Diamond Dallas Page - ***<br />
10/29/95 Ric Flair/Sting vs. Arn Anderson/Brian Pillman - ***3/4<br />
11/6/95 Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit - ***1/4<br />
11/6/95 Sting vs. Ric Flair - ***<br />
11/13/95 Johnny B. Badd vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***<br />
11/18/95 Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***1/2<br />
11/26/95 Johnny B. Badd vs. Diamond Dallas Page - ***1/2<br />
11/26/95 Bull Nakano Akira Hokuto vs. Mayumi Ozaki/Cutie Suzuki - ***1/2<br />
11/26/95 Sting vs. Ric Flair - ***<br />
11/27/95 Bull Nakano/Akira Hokuto vs. Cutie Suzuki/Mayumi Ozaki - ***<br />
12/25/95 Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair - ***<br />
1/8/96 Chris Benoit vs. Alex Wright - ***<br />
1/15/96 Ric Flair vs. Sting - ***<br />
1/29/96 Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan - ***<br />
2/19/96 Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage - ***1/4<br />
3/11/96 Road Warriors vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***1/4<br />
3/24/96 Konnan vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***1/4<br />
3/24/96 Belfast Bruiser vs. Lord Steven Regal - ***<br />
4/29/96 Lord Steven Regal vs. Belfast Bruiser (Parking Lot Brawl) - ***<br />
5/19/96 The Giant vs. Sting - ***<br />
5/20/96 Ric Flair vs. Eddie Guerrero - ****<br />
5/20/96 Sting/Lex Luger vs. Meng/Barbarian - ***<br />
6/10/96 Sting/Lex Luger vs. Ric Flair/Arn Anderson - ***<br />
6/16/96 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Scott Norton/Ice Train - ***<br />
6/16/96 Dean Malenko vs. Rey Mystero Jr. - ***3/4<br />
6/16/96 Chris Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan (Falls Count Anywhere) - ***1/2<br />
6/16/96 Sting vs. Lord Steven Regal - ***<br />
6/16/96 Ric Flair/Arn Anderson vs. Steve McMichael/Kevin Greene - ***1/4<br />
6/17/96 Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage - ***<br />
6/17/96 Dean Malenko vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - ***1/4<br />
7/7/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Psychosis - ****1/2<br />
7/7/96 Dean Malenko vs. Disco Inferno - ***<br />
7/7/96 Hulk Hogan/Scott Hall/Kevin Nash vs. Randy Savage/Sting/Lex Luger - ***<br />
7/8/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko - ****<br />
7/8/96 Eddie Guerrero vs. Psychosis - ***1/4<br />
7/15/96 Dean Malenko vs. Billy Kidman - ***<br />
7/22/96 Eddie Guerrero vs. Psicosis - ***<br />
8/10/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***<br />
8/10/96 Chris Benoit vs. Dean Malenko - ***3/4<br />
8/10/96 Ric Flair vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***1/2<br />
8/12/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***<br />
8/15/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko - ***1/2<br />
8/19/96 Dean Malenko vs. Lord Steven Regal - ***<br />
9/2/96 Chris Jericho vs. Dean Malenko - ***<br />
9/15/96 Diamond Dallas Page vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. - ***<br />
9/15/96 Konnan vs. Juventud Guerrera - ***1/4<br />
9/15/96 Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho - ***3/4<br />
9/15/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Super Calo - ***3/4<br />
9/16/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera - ***1/2<br />
9/16/96 Konnan vs. Super Calo - ***<br />
10/7/96 Rick Steiner vs. Chris Benoit - ***1/4<br />
10/27/96 Dean Malenko vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - ***3/4<br />
11/4/96 Chris Benoit vs. Hector Guerrero - ***<br />
11/11/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ciclope - ***<br />
11/18/96 La Parka vs. Juventud Guerrera - ***1/4<br />
11/18/96 Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***1/4<br />
11/24/96 Ultimo Dragon vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - ****1/2<br />
11/24/96 Dean Malenko vs. Psicosis - ***<br />
12/2/96 Chris Benoit vs. Lord Steven Regal - ***<br />
12/23/96 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Mr. JL - ***<br />
1/21/97 Chris Jericho/Chavo Guerrero Jr./Super Calo vs. Konnan/La Parka/Mr. J.L. - ***1/2<br />
1/25/97 Eddie Guerrero vs. Syxx (Ladder) - ***1/4<br />
2/17/97 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Super Calo - ***<br />
2/23/97 Syxx vs. Dean Malenko - ***<br />
3/16/97 Ultimo Dragon vs. Psicosis - ***<br />
4/6/97 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***3/4<br />
5/18/97 Steven Regal vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***1/2<br />
5/18/97 Meng vs. Chris Benoit (Death Match) - ***<br />
6/9/97 Ultimo Dragon/Juventud Guerrera/Super Calo vs. Psicosis/La Parka/Silver King - ***<br />
6/15/97 Ultimo Dragon vs. Psicosis - ***1/2<br />
7/13/97 Mortis/Wrath vs. Glacier/Ernest Miller - ***<br />
7/13/97 Chris Jericho vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***1/4<br />
7/13/97 Chris Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan (Retirement) - ***<br />
8/18/97 Scott Hall/Kevin Nash vs. Lex Luger/Diamond Dallas Page - ***<br />
9/1/97 Chris Benoit/Steve McMichael vs. Eddie Guerrero/Jeff Jarrett - ***<br />
9/14/97 Jeff Jarrett vs. Dean Malenko - ***1/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>UWF</b><br />
7/24/89 Tatsuo Nakano vs. Masakatsu Funaki - ****1/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>ECW</b><br />
6/22/96 Chris Jericho vs. Pitbull #2 - ***<br />
6/22/96 Sabu vs. Rob Van Dam - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>JAPW</b><br />
4/21/01 Trent Acid vs. Ric Blade - ***<br />
<br />
<b><br />NJPW</b><br />
9/23/81 Andre the Giant vs. Stan Hansen - ****3/4<br />
1/4/92 Riki Choshu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami - ***1/4<br />
6/6/12 Prince Devitt vs. PAC - ****1/4<br />
11/11/12 Prince Devitt vs. Low Ki - ***1/4<br />
1/4/13 Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kazushi Sakuraba - ***1/2<br />
1/4/15 Bobby Fish/Kyle O'Reilly vs. Alex Shelley/KUSHIDA vs. Nick Jackson/Matt Jackson vs. Rocky Romero/Alex Koslov - ***1/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>WCCW</b><br />
7/4/84 Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich/Mike Von Erich vs. Michael Hayes/Terry Gordy/Buddy Roberts (Badstreet) - ***<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>CWA</b><br />
6/6/83 Jerry Lawler vs. Bil Dundee (Loser Leaves Town) - ****<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>AJPW</b><br />
12/8/84 Tiger Mask II vs. Pirata Morgan - ***<br />
6/9/95 Mitsuharu Misawa/Kenta Kobashi vs. Toshiaki Kawada/Akira Taue - *****<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>AJW</b><br />
2/28/85 Chigusa Nagayo vs. Dump Matsumoto (Hair vs. Hair) - ****<br />
2/4/93 Akira Hokuta vs. Shinobu Kandori - *****<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>ROH</b><br />
12/9/06 Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. Christopher Daniels/Matt Cross - ***<br />
12/9/06 Homicide vs. Adam Pearce (Cage) - ***1/4<br />
12/9/06 Jay Briscoe vs. Davey Richards - ***1/2<br />
12/9/06 Delirious/Nigel McGuinness/Colt Cabana/BJ Whitmer vs. Bryan Danielson/Jimmy Jacobs/Jimmy Rave/Shingo (Elimination) - ***1/2<br />
12/22/06 Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe - ***<br />
12/22/06 Roderick Strong vs. Davey Richards - ***1/2<br />
12/22/06 Christopher Daniels/Matt Sydal vs. Shingo/CIMA - ***1/4<br />
12/23/06 Jimmy Rave vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Davey Richards vs. El Generico - ***<br />
12/23/06 Jimmy Jacobs/Brent Albright vs. BJ Whitmer/Colt Cabana - ***1/4<br />
12/23/06 Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli - ****1/4<br />
12/23/06 Jimmy Rave vs. Nigel McGuinness - ***<br />
12/23/06 Matt Sydal/Shingo/CIMA vs. Austin Aries/Roderick Strong/Delirious - ***3/4<br />
12/23/06 Homicide vs. Bryan Danielson - ****<br />
1/26/07 Rocky Romero vs. Davey Richards - ***1/2<br />
1/26/07 Samoa Joe vs. Nigel McGuinness - ***<br />
1/26/07 Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe vs. Austin Aries/Roderick Strong (2/3 Falls) - ***1/4<br />
1/27/07 Austin Aries/Roderick Strong/Jack Evans vs. Delirious/Davey Richards/Shingo - ***1/4<br />
2/16/07 BJ Whitmer vs. Brent Albright (Tables) - ***1/4<br />
2/16/07 Christopher Daniels/Matt Sydal vs. Austin Aries/Roderick Strong - ***1/4<br />
2/16/07 Nigel McGuinness/Colt Cabana vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe - ***<br />
2/16/07 Samoa Joe vs. Takeshi Morishima - ****<br />
3/27/15 Jay Lethal vs. Jushin Liger - ***<br />
3/27/15 Jay Briscoe vs. Samoa Joe - ***1/2<br />
4/25/15 Kyle O'Reilly/Bobby Fish vs. Christopher Daniels/Frankie Kazarian - ****<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>CHIKARA</b><br />
9/7/08 Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brodie Lee (Cage) - ****1/4<br />
<br />
<b>PWG</b><br />
7/26/14 Joey Ryan/Candice LeRae vs. Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson (Guerilla Warfare) - ****1/4xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-81337807747040358502015-03-24T17:37:00.001-07:002015-03-24T17:38:42.987-07:00I'm Still Watchin'I may not be posting new reviews but just thought I'd let people know, I am in fact still watching and rating wrestling. I've been doing my best to catch up on all the WWE and TNA (and now Lucha Underground) I've missed as well as filling in the blanks on what's left of WCW, ROH, and others. Right now I'm mainly watching older WCW, filling in the gaps from 88-97 that I haven't rated, currently in the midst of 1992 (Kip Frey deserved better!). Finishing up the year 2006 in ROH also, closing in on that big Homicide title win at Final Battle. Otherwise I've also been watching older TNA, have watched a good chunk of late 2002 to most of 2003 and plan on continuing to chip away at that. Also cycling through ECW, in the midst of 1996 right now. As far as puro and indies go I've been a bit scarce in my viewing habits, but I hope to fix that soon. Anyways, here's a ton of new ratings I've added to the blog over the last month or two. Also added a shit ton in January but deleted them from my word file so I don't have them anymore (they are all on the blog though). <br />
<br />
WWE<br />
8/8/14 Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***<br />
8/14/14 Adrian Neville vs. Tyler Breeze - ***1/2<br />
8/15/14 Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro - ***<br />
8/17/14 Rob Van Dam vs. Cesaro - ***<br />
8/17/14 Rusev vs. Jack Swagger (Flag) - ***<br />
8/17/14 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (Lumberjack) - ***<br />
8/17/14 Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton - ***1/4<br />
8/17/14 Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena - ***1/4<br />
8/18/14 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (Falls Count Anywhere) - ***3/4<br />
8/28/14 Tyson Kidd/Tyler Breeze vs. Adrian Neville/Sami Zayn - ***<br />
8/29/14 Rusev vs. Jack Swagger (Submission) - ***<br />
9/1/14 John Cena/Chris Jericho/Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton/Kane/Seth Rollins - ***<br />
9/8/14 Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho (Cage) - ***1/4<br />
9/11/14 Justin Gabriel vs. Sin Cara - ***<br />
9/11/14 Sin Cara/Kalisto vs. Konnor/Viktor - ***<br />
9/11/14 Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Tyler Breeze - ****<br />
9/21/14 Goldust/Stardust vs. Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso - ***1/4<br />
9/21/14 Sheamus vs. Cesaro - ***1/2<br />
9/21/14 Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho - ***<br />
9/21/14 John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar - ***1/4<br />
10/2/14 Adrian Neville vs. Tyson Kidd - ***1/4<br />
10/13/14 Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***<br />
10/16/14 Sami Zayn vs. Tyson Kidd - ***<br />
10/20/14 Randy Orton/Kane/Seth Rollins vs. John Cena/Dean Ambrose (Street Fight) - ***1/2<br />
10/21/14 Seth Rollins vs. Jack Swagger - ***<br />
10/24/14 Dolph Ziggler vs. Cesaro - ***1/2<br />
10/26/14 Dolph Ziggler vs. Cesaro (2/3 Falls) - ***1/2<br />
10/26/14 Goldust/Stardust vs. Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso - ***<br />
10/26/14 John Cena vs. Randy Orton (Hell in a Cell) - ***3/4<br />
10/26/14 Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (Hell in a Cell) - ****<br />
10/27/14 John Cena vs. Seth Rollins - ***<br />
11/3/14 Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton - ***<br />
11/4/14 Tyson Kidd vs. Sami Zayn - ***<br />
11/13/14 Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn - ***1/4<br />
11/14/14 Dolph Ziggler vs. Cesaro vs. Tyson Kidd (Elimination) - ****1/4<br />
11/23/14 The Miz/Damien Mizdow vs. Goldust/Stardust vs. Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso vs. Diego/Fernando - ***<br />
11/23/14 John Cena/Dolph Ziggler/Big Show/Ryback/Erick Rowan vs. Seth Rollins/Kane/Mark Henry/Luke Harper/Rusev (Elimination) - ****<br />
12/11/14 Finn Balor/Hideo Itami vs. Konnor/Viktor - ***<br />
12/11/14 Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks - ***1/2<br />
12/11/14 Sami Zayn vs. Adrian Neville - ****<br />
12/14/14 Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper (Ladder) - ***1/2<br />
12/14/14 John Cena vs. Seth Rollins (Tables) - ***1/4<br />
12/14/14 Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose (TLC) - ***1/2<br />
12/15/14 Seth Rollins vs. John Cena (Cage) - ***<br />
12/17/14 Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt (Bootcamp) - ***<br />
12/22/14 Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper - ***<br />
12/22/14 Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose (Street Fight) - ***<br />
1/1/15 Finn Balor/Hideo Itami vs. Konnor/Viktor - ***<br />
1/5/15 Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose (Ambulance) - ***<br />
1/14/15 Finn Balor vs. Tyson Kidd - ***<br />
1/14/15 Sami Zayn vs. Adrian Neville - ***1/2<br />
1/15/15 Daniel Bryan/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins/Kane/Big Show - ***<br />
1/21/15 Hideo Itami vs. Tyler Breeze - ***<br />
1/22/15 Ryback vs. Rusev - ***1/4<br />
1/25/15 Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins - ****3/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
TNA<br />
2/19/03 Jeff Jarrett vs. AJ Styles - ***3/4<br />
2/26/03 Jerry Lynn vs. Juventud Guerera - ***1/2<br />
3/5/03 Jerry Lynn vs. Super Crazy - ***1/4<br />
3/5/03 Kid Kash vs. Amazing Red - ***<br />
3/12/03 Kid Kash vs. Amazing Red vs. Jonny Storm - ***1/4<br />
3/12/03 Christopher Daniels/Low Ki vs. James Storm/Chris Harris - ***<br />
3/19/03 Raven vs. AJ Styles (Ladder) - ***<br />
4/16/03 Jerry Lynn/Amazing Red vs. Christopher Daniels/Elix Skipper - ***3/4<br />
4/23/03 Perry Saturn/New Jack/Sandman vs. Mike Awesome/Brian Lee/Slash (Hardcore) - ***<br />
4/23/03 Amazing Red vs. Jerry Lynn - ***<br />
4/30/03 Jeff Jarrett vs. Raven - ***<br />
5/14/03 Chris Sabin vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Amazing Red - ***<br />
5/21/03 Paul London vs. CM Punk vs. Kid Romeo vs. Jason Cross (Elimination) - ***<br />
6/18/03 Christopher Daniels/Elix Skipper vs. James Storm/Chris Harris - ***<br />
6/25/03 Frankie Kazarian vs. Chris Sabin - ***1/2<br />
7/9/03 James Storm/Chris Harris vs. Simon Diamond/Johnny Swinger - ***<br />
7/9/03 Frankie Kazarian vs. Kid Romeo vs. Matt Sydal vs. Delirious vs. Matt Stryker vs. Altar Boy Luke (Elimination) - ***<br />
7/16/03 Jerry Lynn vs. Justin Credible (Last Man Standing) - ***1/2<br />
7/23/03 AJ Styles vs. D-Lo Brown (Ladder) - ***1/4<br />
7/30/03 Chris Sabin vs. Michael Shane - ***1/4<br />
8/6/03 James Storm/Chris Harris vs. Simon Diamond/Johnny Swinger (Strap) - ***1/2<br />
8/13/03 Frankie Kazarian vs. Michael Shane (Ladder) - ***1/4<br />
8/13/03 AJ Styles vs. Low Ki - ***1/4<br />
8/20/03 Michael Shane vs. Chris Sabin vs. Frankie Kazarian (Ultimate X) - ***<br />
8/20/03 Simon Diamond/Johnny Swinger vs. James Storm/Chris Harris (Bullrope) - ***<br />
8/27/03 Simon Diamond/Johnny Swinger vs. James Storm/Chris Harris - ***<br />
9/3/03 Juventud Guerrera vs. Teddy Hart - ***1/2<br />
9/3/03 Chris Sabin vs. Juventud Guerrera - ****<br />
9/17/03 AJ Styles vs. Jerry Lynn - ***<br />
6/13/13 AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle - ***1/4<br />
7/4/13 Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries vs. Manik - ***1/2<br />
7/5/13 Christopher Daniels/Kazarian vs. Generation Me (Ladder) - ***3/4<br />
3/13/15 Bobby Roode vs. Eric Young (Last Man Standing) - ***1/4<br />
3/13/15 Ethan Carter III vs. Rockstar Spud (Hair vs. Hair) - ***3/4<br />
3/20/15 Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Lashley - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<br />
LUCHA UNDERGROUND<br />
10/29/14 Johnny Mundo vs. Prince Puma - ***<br />
11/12/14 Fenix vs. Drago vs. Pentagon Jr. - ***1/2<br />
12/10/14 Johnny Mundo vs. Prince Puma vs. Big Ryck (Ladder) - ***1/4<br />
12/17/14 Fenix vs. Big Ryck vs. Drago vs. El Mariachi Loco vs. King Cuerno vs. Mascarita Sagrada vs. Pentagon Jr. vs. Prince Puma vs. Son of Havoc vs. Super Fly - ***<br />
1/7/15 Aztec Warfare Match - ***3/4<br />
1/14/15 Prince Puma vs. Fenix - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WCW<br />
11/27/86 Big Bubba Rogers vs. Ron Garvin (Street Fight) - ***<br />
11/27/86 Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson vs. Arn Anderson/Ole Anderson (Cage) - ***1/2<br />
11/27/86 Ric Flair vs. Nikita Koloff - ***1/4<br />
4/11/87 Lex Luger/Tully Blanchard vs. Bob Armstrong/Brad Armstrong - ***1/2<br />
4/11/87 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Animal/Hawk - ***<br />
4/11/87 Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham - ****1/4<br />
11/26/87 Nikita Koloff vs. Terry Taylor - ***<br />
11/26/87 Arn Anderson/Tully Blanchard vs. Road Warriors - ***<br />
3/27/88 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Bobby Fulton/Tommy Rogers - ****<br />
3/27/88 Barry Windham/Lex Luger vs. Tully Blanchard/Arn Anderson - ***1/2<br />
4/23/88 Arn Anderson/Tully Blanchard vs. Bobby Fulton/Tommy Rogers - ***<br />
4/23/88 Sting/Lex Luger vs. Tully Blanchard/Arn Anderson - ***1/4<br />
6/8/88 Bobby Fulton/Tommy Rogers vs. Sheepherders - ***<br />
7/10/88 Arn Anderson/Tully Blanchard vs. Sting/Nikita Koloff - ***1/4<br />
7/10/88 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger - ***<br />
9/7/88 Mike Rotunda vs. Brad Armstrong - ***<br />
9/7/88 Nikita Koloff/Steve Williams vs. Sheepherders - ***<br />
9/7/88 Sting vs. Barry Windham - ***1/2<br />
12/26/88 Kevin Sullivan/Steve Williams vs. Bobby Fulton/Tommy Rogers - ***<br />
12/26/88 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Dennis Condrey/Randy Rose - ***<br />
12/26/88 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger - ***3/4<br />
2/20/89 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane/Jim Cornette vs. Randy Rose/Jack Victory/Paul E. Dangerously (Loser Leaves NWA) - ***1/4<br />
2/20/89 Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham - ***<br />
4/1/89 Sting vs. Mike Rotunda - ***1/4<br />
6/14/89 Kevin Sullivan/Mike Rotunda vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***1/4<br />
9/12/89 Michael Hayes/Jimmy Garvin vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***1/4<br />
9/12/89 Lex Luger vs. Tommy Rich - ***1/2<br />
11/15/89 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Shane Douglas/Johnny Ace - ***<br />
11/15/89 Lex Luger vs. Brian Pillman - ***1/4<br />
11/18/89 Ric Flair vs. Great Muta - ***<br />
12/13/89 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger - ***<br />
1/26/90 Ric Flair/Sting/Arn Anderson vs. Great Muta/Buzz Sawyer/Dragonmaster - ****<br />
2/2/90 Ric Flair vs. Tom Zenk - ***1/4<br />
2/6/90 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Doom (Title vs. Masks) - ***<br />
2/17/90 Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson vs. Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane - ***1/4<br />
2/17/90 Ric Flair vs. Brian Pillman - ****<br />
2/18/90 Ric Flair/Arn Anderson vs. Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson - ***1/2<br />
2/25/90 Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson vs. Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane - ****<br />
2/25/90 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger - ****1/2<br />
3/9/90 Ric Flair vs. Tommy Rich - ***<br />
3/23/90 Cactus Jack vs. Eddie Gilbert - ***1/4<br />
3/30/90 Ron Simmons/Butch Reed vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***<br />
4/6/90 Ric Flair vs. Robert Gibson - ***1/4<br />
5/19/90 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Brian Pillman/Tom Zenk - ***3/4<br />
5/19/90 Ron Simmons/Butch Reed vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***1/4<br />
5/19/90 Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger (Cage) - ***1/2<br />
6/13/90 Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson vs. Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane - ***1/4<br />
6/13/90 Ron Simmons/Butch Reed vs. Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner - ***1/4<br />
7/7/90 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Steve Armstrong/Tracy Smothers - ****1/4<br />
7/7/90 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Michael Hayes/Jimmy Garvin - ***<br />
7/7/90 Sting vs. Ric Flair - ***1/4<br />
8/18/90 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Brian Pillman/Tom Zenk - ***<br />
9/5/90 Lex Luger vs. Ric Flair - ***1/2<br />
9/22/90 Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane vs. Steve Armstrong/Tracey Smothers - ***<br />
9/22/90 Scott Steiner vs. Ric Flair - ***<br />
10/13/90 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane - ***<br />
10/27/90 Tommy Rich/Ricky Morton vs. Bobby Eaton/Stan Lane - ***1/2<br />
10/27/90 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Brian Knobbs/Jerry Sags - ***1/2<br />
10/27/90 Ric Flair/Arn Anderson vs. Ron Simmons/Butch Reed - ***<br />
11/20/90 Brian Pillman vs. Buddy Landel - ***<br />
11/20/90 Ric Flair vs. Butch Reed - ***<br />
12/16/90 Bobby Eaton vs. Tom Zenk - ***<br />
12/16/90 Arn Anderson/Barry Windham vs. Ron Simmons/Butch Reed (Street Fight) - ***3/4<br />
1/30/91 Ric Flair vs. Scott Steiner - ***<br />
2/24/91 Bobby Eaton vs. Brad Armstrong - ***<br />
2/24/91 Itsuki Yamazaki/Mami Kitamura vs. Miss A/Miki Handa - ***<br />
2/24/91 Lex Luger vs. Dan Spivey - ***3/4<br />
2/24/91 War Games - ****1/2<br />
3/21/91 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Hiroshi Hase/Kensuke Sasaki - ****1/2<br />
3/21/91 Great Muta vs. Sting - ***<br />
3/21/91 Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Ric Flair - ***1/2<br />
5/19/91 Barry Windham vs. Brian Pillman (Taped Fist) - ***<br />
5/19/91 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Sting/Lex Luger - ****1/4<br />
5/19/91 Bobby Eaton vs. Arn Anderson - ***1/4<br />
5/19/91 Ric Flair vs. Tatsumi Fujinami - ***1/4<br />
6/12/91 Sting vs. Nikita Koloff - ***<br />
6/12/91 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Masahiro Chono/Hiroshi Hase - ***3/4<br />
6/12/91 Ric Flair vs. Bobby Eaton (2/3 Falls) - ***1/2<br />
9/5/91 Brian Pillman vs. Badstreet - ***1/4<br />
10/27/91 Bobby Eaton vs. Terrence Taylor - ***3/4<br />
11/17/91 Ricky Steamboat/Dustin Rhodes vs. Arn Anderson/Larry Zbyszko - ****<br />
11/19/91 Sting vs. Cactus Jack (Submit or Surrender) - ***3/4<br />
11/30/91 Cactus Jack vs. Brian Pillman - ***<br />
12/29/91 Lex Luger/Arn Anderson vs. Terrence Taylor/Tom Zenk - ***<br />
1/21/92 Scott Steiner/Rick Steiner vs. Big Van Vader/Mr. Hughes - ***1/4<br />
1/21/92 Brian Pillman/Marcus Alexander Bagwell vs. Taylor Made Man/Tracy Smothers - ***<br />
1/21/92 Cactus Jack vs. Van Hammer (Falls Count Anywhere) - ***1/4<br />
1/21/92 Barry Windham/Ron Simmons/Dustin Rhodes vs. Arn Anderson/Bobby Eaton/Larry Zbyszko - ***1/4<br />
1/21/92 Sting/Ricky Steamboat vs. Rick Rude/Steve Austin - ***1/4<br />
2/15/92 Sting vs. Big Van Vader - ***<br />
4/4/92 Brian Pillman vs. Brad Armstrong - ***<br />
10/9/95 Sabu vs. Mr. J.L. - ***1/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ECW<br />
5/13/95 Dean Malenko vs. Eddy Guerrero - ***1/2<br />
2/3/96 Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera - ***1/2<br />
2/17/96 Shane Douglas vs. Cactus Jack - ***<br />
3/8/96 Chris Jericho vs. Cactus Jack - ***1/4<br />
3/9/96 Cactus Jack vs. Mikey Whipwreck - ****<br />
4/20/96 Sabu vs. Rob Van Dam - ***3/4<br />
5/11/96 Chris Jericho vs. Mikey Whipwreck - ***1/2<br />
5/11/96 Shane Douglas vs. 2 Cold Scorpio - ***1/4<br />
5/11/96 Rob Van Dam vs. Sabu - ***1/4<br />
8/3/96 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
NJPW<br />
1/28/82 Tiger Mask I vs. Dynamite Kid - ***3/4<br />
8/2/96 Riki Choshu vs. Shinya Hashimoto - ***1/2<br />
1/4/15 Bobby Fish/Kyle O'Reilly vs. Alex Shelley/KUSHIDA vs. Nick Jackson/Matt Jackson vs. Rocky Romero/Alex Koslov - ***1/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ROH<br />
11/3/06 Matt Sydal vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ***<br />
11/3/06 Bryan Danielson vs. Delirious - ***<br />
11/3/06 Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. KENTA/Davey Richards - ***1/2<br />
11/4/06 KENTA vs. Matt Sydal - ***1/2<br />
11/24/06 Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Jacobs - ***<br />
11/24/06 Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli vs. Austin Aries/Roderick Strong (No DQ) - ***<br />
11/24/06 Christopher Daniels/Matt Sydal vs. Delirious/Davey Richards - ***3/4<br />
11/25/06 Christopher Daniels/Matt Sydal vs. Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli - ***1/4<br />
11/25/06 Homicide/Samoa Joe vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe (Elimination Street Fight) - ***1/2<br />
12/8/06 BJ Whitmer vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Davey Richards vs. Matt Cross - ***1/4<br />
12/8/06 Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. Matt Sydal/Shingo - ***3/4<br />
12/8/06 Bryan Danielson vs. Samoa Joe (Cage) - ***3/4<br />
<br />
<br />
OMEGA<br />
4/26/14 Jeff Hardy/Matt Hardy vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<br />
FMW<br />
5/16/92 El Hijo del Santo/Atsushi Onita/Tarzan Goto vs. Negro Casas/Horace Boulder/Tim Patterson (2/3 Falls) - ***3/4<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
HWA<br />
5/25/00 Chris Benoit vs. William Regal - ****xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-25857173916430188232014-05-19T00:30:00.005-07:002014-05-19T00:30:43.124-07:00WWE Extreme Rules 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WWE Extreme Rules 2014</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 4th, 2014</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Izod Center, East Rutherford, New Jersey</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Attendance: 15,907</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Well we're a month removed from YES!lemania and though Bryan has taken a bit of a backdrop in his feud with Kane to the Shield and Evolution's feud, this looks to be a solid show on paper and the one gimmick show a year where the guys really try to go all out. I've heard good things about this show so let's get to it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-Show WeeLC Match</b><br />
<b>El Torito (w/ Los Matadores) vs. Hornswoggle (w/ 3 Man Band)</b><br />
Well this should certainly be interesting if anything. We're joined at ringside by miniature versions of the commentary team with their own table and headsets and everything. Even the ring announcer is a little person.Torito immediately sends Swoggle to the floor with a headscissors and wipes out the entire 3 Man Band with a tope. Swoggle goes for one of his own but can't quite clear the ropes. Torito sets up Swoggle in the corner for the Bronco Buster off of a mini chair. Swoggle hits a clothesline and.asks for a mini-ladder from his teammates. He sets it up and misses a splash. Swoggle comes back with a powerbomb as take an ad break. When we return both stables are just brawling at ringside and one of the Matadores gets back dropped through a mini-table. Back in the ring Swoggle hits Rolling Thunder with a mini-chair. The action spills out to the floor where Swoggle sets up Torito on the mini-commentary table and then elbow drops Torito through it! 3 Man Band sets up another mini table for Swoggle in the ring and Slater tries holding Torito so Swoggle can give him a chair shot, but Torito moves and Slater winds up sailing off the apron through 3 more mini-tables! Although there might have been a regular sized one in there, it's hard to tell. Back in the ring Torito climbs up the ladder while Los Matadores hoist Jinder Mahal on thei shoulders so that Torito can dive off the ladder and give him a tower of doom clothesline through another two mini-tables with two mini-ladders on top of them! These little guys are bumping their asses off. Swoggle sets Torito up on a regular sized table on the other side of the ring for McIntyre, but the little guy escapes and nobody's home for Drew's somersault plancha through the table! Finally Torito wins it with a springboard seated senton through another mini-table at <b>10:53</b>. This was shockingly awesome, it's rare for what is essentially a comedy match here to deliver so well, but they nailed it here. It was funny, and it was definitely extreme, and reminded one of an ECW show in the way that they broke about nine tables in the opener. Way more fun than it had any right being.<b> ***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and John Bradshaw Layfield</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Triple Threat Elimination Match</b><br />
<b>Cesaro vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Jack Swagger</b><br />
Glad to see Cesaro getting the rocket push with Heyman as his manager now. All three men exchange blows at the bell until Swagger slams Cesaro. Van Dam hits a springboard thrust kick on Swagger and then monkey flips Cesaro on top of Swagger. Cesaro catches Van Dam in mid air off a cross body attempt and Swagger kicks them both down. Swagger gets sent out to the floor and then Cesaro joins him after a sunset flip powerbomb off the apron from RVD. Back inside Swagger gets a two count off of a wheelbarrow suplex on RVD. Swagger Bomb gets another two count but then Swagger is met by Cesaro with a spinebuster and the big swing, which RVD breaks up with a kick. Van Dam looks for the Frog Splash but Swagger gives him a big belly to belly suplex off the top and then slaps on the Patriot Lock. Cesaro breaks the hold up with a springboard European uppercut. Swagger tries for the top but Cesaro uppercuts him again and then superplexes him back into the ring from the apron when out of nowhere RVD comes flying off the top with the Five Star Frog Splash on Swagger to follow up and eliminates Swagger at <b>6:27</b>! Cesaro gets a two count on RVD off an uppercut and them delivers a trio of gut-wrench suplexes in Guerrero fashion. Van Dam tries for a spin kick but Cesaro counters with a German suplex for another close two count. RVD tries to catch his breath outside the ring but Cesaro meets him with a flying double axe handle and then tosses him torso-first into the barricade. Cesaro tries climbing the barricade but gets knocked off and draped over it so RVD can hit the flying spinning heel kick over the apron for our first "ECW!" chant. Rolling Thunder and the split legged moonsault both get Rob two close near falls, so he goes out under the ring for some plunder. Van Dam grabs a trash can but Cesaro just dropkicks it right into him, crushing it. Van Dam uses the trash can to hit the Van Daminator on Cesaro and then tries for the Five Stat Frog Splash but finds only the trash can instead. Cesaro gives Van Dam the Neutralizer onto the crushed trash can for the win at <b>12:34</b>. This was pretty solid stuff with all three men's styles meshing together cohesively, and there were some nice spots, but it felt lacking in places and a bit light on the plunder when the crowd was hungry for it. Still a good way to kick off the PPV. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Stephanie McMahon warns Daniel Bryan that she can't control Kane and that she doesn't want to see him hurt so she offers for him to not compete at all and just surrender the WWE title. Bryan tells her to get out of his face and that he's going to walk in and out tonight with the belt. Steph thinks he'll be walking out Kane's bitch instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Alexander Rusev vs. R-Truth/Xavier Woods</b><br />
Before the match begins Lana dedicates the match to Vladimir Putin, getting some nice heat. Putin may be bad news for global peace but he's good news for WWE creative, who can milk the old Russian heel character again. Woods eats a big axe kick from Rusev before the match even begins and then delivers a nice overhead belly to belly suplex to him outside the ring. Back inside the bell officially rings and Rusev tosses Truth into the corner. Truth gets some petty offense in and then hits a dropkick from the second rope and a corkscrew elbow. The axe kick gets him a two count. Back on his feet Rusev nails Truth with a spinning heel kick. Spinning sidewalk slam from Rusev is followed up by the Camel Clutch to make Truth tap out at <b>2:53</b>. After the match Rusev delivers a fallaway slam to the already hurt Woods on the outside. Rusev shows some promise, but this didn't belong on PPV. Truth and Woods could be a solid boost to the tag division with so many teams having broken up recently. <b>*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Renee Young is with Evolution. Hunter talks about the 31 World championships between them and says their egos are well deserved. Orton says tonight the Shield will perish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>WWE Intercontinental Title Match</b><br />
<b>Big E <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Bad News Barrett</b><br />
Barrett informs us that we're all going to be struck down with a debilitating sickness but even that will pale in comparison to the pain Big E will feel when Barrett wins the title tonight. Shoulder block from Big E sends Barrett to the floor at the bell. Outside the ring E sends him into the turnbuckle and then gives him the old football tackle into the post. Barrett catches E with a stiff kick off the apron and then drops an elbow from off the apron on him. E blocks a suplex with one of his own and then Barrett counters into a suplex of his own as well. Barrett gives E a big boot while he's tied up in the opes. Big overhead belly to belly suplex from E. Another belly to belly followed by a clothesline sends Barrett to the apron, where E spears him right off of it to the floor! Love that spot. Barrett hits the Winds of Change for a two count back inside. Barrett hits the Waste Land and that gets him only two as well. E blocks the Bull Hammer elbow with a uranage for two and then delivers a big splash. He tries for the Big Ending but Barrett slips out and hits the Bull Hammer to pick up the win and the title at <b>7:55</b>! Crowd was really hot for Barrett here so I don't mind the title change, E had a solid run with it. The match itself was stiff and hard hitting, high-impact stuff, just as you'd expect from these two. Another very solid if not spectacular match. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Shield (Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns) vs. Evolution (Triple H/Batista/Randy Orton)</b><br />
This one has been brewing for awhile now and on paper this should probably be the main event, but I like that they're giving Bryan and Kane those honors. If this is even half as good as the trio of six man tags the Shield had with the Wyatts than I'll be one happy camper. Cole reminds us it's been ten years since we've seen these three wrestle together and that they look better than ever. JBL goes a step further and says they are better than ever. I don't know about better, but they definitely used to have more hair because now all three are looking a bit like generic meatheads. Shield make their entrance and we're under way with all six men brawling at the start of the match. Shield dumps Evolution out of the ring completely and the bell officially rings when Triple H makes his way back in to eat some right hands from Rollins. Clothesline from Rollins sends the Game to the floor where Seth meets him with a big tope. Back inside Hunter takes Seth inside out with a clothesline. Batista tags in to beat down on Seth for a bit before tagging out to Randy. Orton catapults Seth throat first into the bottom rope and tags Hunter back in. Triple H works him over for a moment until Batista tags in and gives Seth a big boot on the floor while he's dangling off the ring apron. Orton tags back in and this is all the Seth Rollins as YOUR Babyface in Peril Show so far. Rollins tries for the tag but Batista and Hunter break it up. Randy tries grabbing Seth off the mat but instead Rollins springboards himself up with a stiff kick and finally manages to tag out to Dean Ambrose. Ambrose takes Orton's head off with a lariat and then slaps the figure four on him, but Hunter breaks it up. Outside Reigns misses a spear and flies into the steps. Back inside Evolution continue their quick tags while working Ambrose over behind the ref's back in true heel fashion. Orton works a chinlock on Ambrose, ah yes that's the rest hold loving young Orton from Evolution I remember. Hunter tags in and gets a two count off a spinebuster on Dean. He tries for the Pedigree but Ambrose counters into a DDT and gets the REAL hot tag to Roman Reigns, who nails Orton and Batista with right hands. He hits the running boot on Batista outside the ring and tosses Orton into the barricade. Back inside Batista sets up for the Batista Bomb on Reigns but Rollins breaks it up with a springboard flying knee! Superman punch from Reigns to Batista followed by all three members of the Shield delivering a triple powerbomb to Batista for a close near fall. Rollins tries to take out Triple H with a tope but just nails himself headfirst into the barricade instead. Back inside Triple H hits the Pedigree on Reigns, but Ambrose breaks up the cover attempt and he and Hunter topple on top of the Spanish commentary table while Orton manages to sneak up on Reigns for the RKO. Total chaos now as everyone is just brawling at ringside and into the timekeeper's section. Ambrose dashes across both commentary tables like a madman and wipes out all of Evolution with a body splash! Brawling into the crowd now where Orton and Ambrose are exchanging fisticuffs while Hunter and Rollins do the same. Meanwhile Batista and Reigns are still the legal guys in the ring. We're up into the cheap seats now and Ambrose tumbles down a set of stairs. Orton and Hunter work over Ambrose for a bit while Rollins makes his way further up into the stands and comes flying off the balcony with a crossbody wiping out all three men in a sick spot! Someone's been watching his old school Big Japan tapes, as that's a spot they used to love to run for all their big matches. Back inside the ring Batista hits a spinebuster, but Reigns counters with the Superman punch and then finishes Batista with the spear at <b>19:50</b>! This was all kinds of awesome, an intense throwback to the wild Attitude Era brawls or even Mid-South with all six men just going at it tooth and nail. Some nice heel work from Evolution as a group early in the match set up the hot finish, and Rollins continues to shine as the arguably the most fearless of the Shield in terms of willingness to take bumps. This was a real throwback match. <b>****1/4</b><br />
<br />
Legends House promo. I haven't caught any of the episodes yet but I imagine it's a slightly more boring version of The Surreal Life. If the talk of getting Flair and Hogan together into the house for the next season winds up being true though, I'll definitely be tuning in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Steel Cage Match</b><br />
<b>Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena</b><br />
The week to week promo stuff for this feud has continued to be good, if a bit over the top. Wyatt dominates to start with right hands and stomps in the corner. Fisherman suplex from Cena and he goes to climb the cage but is brought back down by Wyatt. And already we've got the dueling Cena chnts. Wyatt sends Cena face first into the cage. Wyatt holds him up against the cage and Rowan nails him from outside the ring as the crowd starts singing that damned song again. Wyatt tries to escape but Cena cuts him off and catapults him into the cage. Cena climbs to the top of the cage and gets over but Wyatt drags him back inside. Cena sends Wyatt off the top rope and tries to climb the cage again but Wyatt crotches him on the top rope. He plants Cena with a euranage for a two count but Cena fights back with a dropkick. Cena stupidly tries to scale the cage again (there's a door right over there John) and Wyatt takes the opportunity to bust out the creepy Linda Blair spider walk towards the door. Cena sends Wyatt into the cage and follows up with a pair of shoulder blocks and a sidewalk slam. He hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle and goes for the AA but Wyatt pops out to try and climb the cage so Cena just powerbombs him off the top rope instead for a two count. Cena goes to the door but Rowan just shuts it in front of him. Cena tries muscling it open and Harper helps out but Cena is just to gald darned strong darnitt! Wyatt grabs him and DDTs him for a two count back in the ring. Cena tries climbing out of the cage again but Rowan meets him and forces him back inside. Seriously, what the fuck is the point of having a cage match when you're just going to run interference anyways? Cena bulldogs Wyatt off the top for a two count and tries to climb the cage again, but Harper meets him this time and punches him back in. Cena drags Harper into the cage and tries climbing out again. Meanwhile Wyatt is crawling towards the door, but Cena slams it in his face. Rowan comes up with a chair and backs Cena back into the cage now with two men. Release suplex from Wyatt followed by a senton for two. Wyatt tries to climb out but Cena grabs him and gives him the AA off the top rope. It only gets two because Harper breaks up the pin. Cena tries to escape but Rowan meets him off again. Cena hits the top drop legdrop on Harper and tries crawling towards the door when suddenly the Wyatt's music hits and the arena goes dark. When the lights come back on a small child in a black robe is singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" in what sounds like a retarded android's voice. Well that was stupid. This gives Wyatt the chance to hit Sister Abigail on Cena and just walk out for the win at <b>21:26</b>. This was nowhere near as good as their Wrestlemania match and suffered from way too much interference, the stupid escape rules, and an absolutely goofy finish. The little kids creepily being swayed into the Wyatt's cult is a good thing, but they used it in the wrong way here and it hurt the match. Not that the match they were having was even anything special to begin with. <b>**</b><br />
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Over at the WWE Network analysts table Josh Matthews, Booker T, Sheamus, and Alex Riley are all shocked by Wyatt's actions. Well, Sheamus isn't. But everyone else is just appalled. Won't somebody PLEASE think of the children?! <br />
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<b>WWE Divas Title Match</b><br />
<b>Paige </b><b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">©</span></span> </span></span></b>vs. Tamina Snuka</b><br />
Oh yes I love me some Paige. Beautiful and a solid worker. Paige stomps away at Tamina at the bell and then follows with a dropkick. Victory roll from Paige only gets one. Paige sets Tamina up in the ropes and nails her with a few knees. She goes to the top but Tamina hits her with a kick and Paige falls to the floor. Back inside Tamina scoop slams Paige for a two count. Another pair of bodyslams gets her another near fall. Both ladies tumble out to the floor where Paige tries for a 'rana off the apron but Tamina just slams her head first into the barricade instead. Sunset flip powerbomb from the top garners Paige a two count and the flying headscissors gets her another one. Tamina catches Paige on a body press and hits a nice tilt-a-whirl slam. Tamina tries for the superkick but Paige catches her and locks her into the modified scorpion cross lock for the submission victory to retain at <b>6:18</b>. This was solid but nothing special, there were a few awkward moments but overall perfectly acceptable wrestling.<b> **1/4</b><br />
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Backstage Bray Wyatt does some more preachin' and prophesizin' to Little Johnny, who again talks with the weird Children of the Corn voice and puts a lamb mask on. All righty then. <br />
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<b>WWE World Heavyweight Title Extreme Rules Match</b><br />
<b>Daniel Bryan <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">©</span></span> </span></span>vs. Kane</b><br />
Glad to see these guys getting the main event spot, the title should always go on last. Also glad to see Kane back with the mask, not that Corporate Kane wasn't amusing. Bryan doesn't wait for the bell to run out to the aisle and start brawling with Kane as soon as he makes his entrance. Kane immediately goes under the ring and grabs a kendo stick and meekly hits Bryan with it before tossing it aside. He climbs to the top rope where Bryan meets him with a running knee and a top rope Frankensteiner. Bryan sends the both of them to the floor with a crossbody over the top rope, but outside the ring Kane takes the upper hand again with a big boot. He grabs a chair and uses it to assist him in slamming Bryan into the barricade. He grabs another chair and sets it up in a corner in the ring but Bryan takes the time to grab the kendo stick and mash Kane with it. He tries another attack with the stick off the top but Kane blocks it and waffles him with another steel chair. He sets the chair up and then side slams him right through it for a two count. Bryan blocks a chokeslam attempt and drop toe holds Kane into the chair in the corner he previously set up. Missile dropkick sends Kane out to the floor where Bryan delivers a big tope to him. Bryan slams the monitors and covering pieces of the commentary tables into Kane, and Kane returns the favor. Kane tries for a chokeslam on the Spanish announcer's table but Bryan blocks and counters with a big tornado DDT off of the table. Kane tries for a tombstone on the steel steps but Bryan slips out and slams him into the steel post. Guy in the front row to Kane: "You're terrible! You have fake hair!" Well that's just mean. Bryan grabs the kendo stick and starts going to town on Kane with it, hitting him repeatedly with it up the aisleway. Kane cuts him off though and then just sends him sailing head first into the LED display on the stage. The action spills into the backstage area now where Kane unsuccessfully tries to throw a TV at Bryan. They brawl all the way out to the parking lot now where Bryan hits Kane with a snow shovel and this is like an old Hardcore Title match now with them brawling on top of a car. Bryan takes a nice back body drop onto the hood of the car. Kane tosses what looks like an oxygen tank through the windshield just inches away from Bryan's head and then slams his own fist through another car's back window trying to punch Bryan. Bryan cleans Kane's clock with a tire iron out of the trunk, seemingly knocking the big monster out, but this isn't a falls count anywhere match so he can't just pin him here unfortunately. Since it would be foolish to try dragging the big man all the way back to ringside, Bryan loads him onto a forklift and just casually drives him back to ringside and just dumps him into the ring. The crowd seems bummed he didn't just keep Kane on the forklift and do a spot from it into the ring, so Bryan being the people pleaser that he is, he just climbs right up to the top of the fully raised forklift and delivers a sick flying headbutt halfway across the ring to a huge pop for a near fall. Crowd goes into YES! mode but Kane does his usual late match sit-up for the comeback and chokeslams Bryan for a two count. He sets up for a tombstone on a chair, but Bryan counters with a DDT onto it instead. Bryan has a hold of the chair now and slams it over Kane's back a good eight or nine times and then slaps on the YES! Lock. Kane tries breaking the hold with a kendo stick but Bryan just grabs it from him to help assist in the hold. Kane barely manages to escape out of the ring, where again Bryan tries a tope but this time Kane sees it coming and grabs him throat first to choke slam him right through the announcer's table! Kane tosses Bryan back into the ring and then sets up another table outside, and then grabs a god damn can of gasoline from under the ring! He douses the table in it and yes sir we have ourselves a good old flaming table. Kane goes to the apron but Bryan meets him there and simply flings him off the apron through the flaming table! Personnel are all over Kane with the fire extinguishers only seconds after the bump and apparently were blatantly obvious at ringside, kind of telegraphing the finish to the live crowd, but it still provided a great visual. After Kane has been extinguished completely he slides back into the ring where Bryan meets him with the running knee to retain at <b>22:28</b>. This was a great way to cap off another good show, as both men have a decent amount of chemistry due to all their ring time together as a tag team. This was a pure old school Attitude Era brawl mixed with some ECW styled spots, and it was a very heated and well executed brawl at that. They worked in some creative stuff amidst all the plunder too and this was really a perfect way to end a show called Extreme Rules, by giving the fans something you don't usually see anymore in wrestling with the flaming table. It really drove home the whole old school ECW PPV vibe this whole show has had going for it. Also one of Kane's best singles matches in a long time. <b>***3/4</b><br />
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After the match Bryan celebrates for a bit before Kane awakens again and gets to do his fire pyro to close out the show. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span></span> This was another winner from the WWE as this PPV typically tends to be, but this year they really delivered something special that gave off an old ECW vibe I hadn't really felt since watching...well, the original ECW. For a show built on that companies legacy, that's a very good thing and this was a solid show with two great matches in the main event and six man tag matches. The undercard is solid if not entirely spectacular, but combined with the fun pre-show antics I have no problem giving this one a hearty Thumbs Up. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Score: 8.0</b></span></span></div>
xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-40203952860286047132014-05-13T01:49:00.002-07:002014-05-19T00:34:41.612-07:00WWE Wrestlemania XXX<div>
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<span style="font-family: arial narrow,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Wrestlemania XXX</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>April 6th, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana<br />Attendance: 75,167</b></span></div>
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Well
it's been awhile, hasn't it? I can't remember the last time I properly
sat down to do a full review, but it had to have been at least a year
ago or so. With Daniel Bryan fever spreading across the nation I got
sucked back into the product again and have spent the last few weeks
properly watching all of the shows I missed out on to have everything in
the proper context and all that jazz. The fact that the fans basically
had to tell the WWE who they wanted to be in the spotlight at
Wrestlemania this year and they actually listened is great, and a
testament to hard work and wrestling talent overcoming things like
marketability and crossover appeal. <br />
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<b>Pre-Show WWE Tag Team Title Fatal Four Way Elimination Match</b></div>
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<b>The Uso's (Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso) <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. The Real Americans (Cesaro/Jack Swagger) vs. Ryback/Curtis Axel vs. Los Matadores (Diego/Fernando)</b></div>
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Jimmy and Axel start us off with a headlock than Axel tags Ryback in for a big boot. Diego makes the blind tag and exchanges chops with Jimmy until Cesaro tags himself in. Diego hits an Asai moonsault and suddenly everyone gets thrown out to the floor where the Matadores wipe everyone out with stereo flying elbows. Axel sets up for a top rope move but the Matadores holster him up on their shoulders so El Torito can give him a flying body press off the top and take everyone out tower of doom style. Back inside Swagger eliminates the Matadores with the Patriot Lock at <b>5:44</b>. Axel tags back in and hits a knee before tagging Ryback in who gives Jimmy (or Jey who knows) delayed brainbuster. Ryback hits a splash and Axel follows up after him with an axe handle for two. Ryback works a sleeper on Jimmy to build some heat and then misses a shoulder block in the corner allowing Jey to tag in and clean house with a Samoan drop on Axel. Swagger powerslams Jey but gets cut off on the Swagger bomb and Ryback cleans house on everyone in the ring. Cesaro tags in and gives Ryback a stiff European uppercut and the Neutralizer to eliminate Ryback and Axel at <b>11:45</b>. The Uso's wipe out both Swagger and Cesaro outside with stereo planchas and the crowd is fired up already. Cesaro catches Jimmy off the top in a backbreaker for two. Swagger tags in but Jey wipes both of them out with a corkscrew moonsault. Swagger has the Patriot Lock on one of the Usos but eats a superkick while the other Uso is busy eating a European uppercut from Cesaro and bodies are flying everywhere. The Usos hit double superkicks on Cesaro and then follow up with a double flying splash off the top for the pin on Cesaro to retain at <b>16:13</b>. After the match Cesaro turns on Swagger. splitting up yet another of the great tag teams the WWE had going for themselves and gives Jack the Big Swing to the crowd's pleasure. Typically red-hot action from the on-fire tag team division here and one of the better pre-show Wrestlemania matches I can remember ever seeing, did a good job of getting the crowd hot and ready for the show. <b>***1/4</b></div>
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We get a
jazzy little opening video package showcasing Wrestlemania's history,
the Yes! Movement, and of course the heritage of the city of New
Orleans.</div>
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<b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and John Bradshaw Layfield</b><br />
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HULKAMANIA
IS RUNNING WILD BROTHER! What better way to kick off a celebration of
Wrestlemania than with Hulk Hogan, the man who ensured the success of
the inaugural show in the first place? Hogan seems to think he's back in
the Pontiac Silverdome, but this is the Superdome brother. Hogan
doesn't get to say much else before the glass shatters and Stone Cold
Steve Austin himself makes his Wrestlemania return as well. Austin asks
the crowd if they want him to open up a can of whoop ass on Hogan, and
of course they do Steve, of course they do. Austin tells Hogan he
appreciates what he's done for the business though and shakes his hand
instead. Austin gets a 3:16 line in and then The Rock's music hits to
have this whole segment come full circle. Rock and Austin embrace each
other like old war buddies and it's a glorious sight to behold all three
of these men in the ring at the same time. The Rock makes striking
comparisons of Daniel Bryan to Steve Austin and John Cena to Hulk Hogan
Rock does some comedy stuff before all three do their catch phrases and
share some beers. <br />
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<b>Winner Gets a Spot in the WWE Title Match</b><br />
<b>Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H</b><br />
Great video package for this one and you've got to give the WWE credit for recognizing that their initial plans of Batista and Orton wasn't going to fly at Wrestlemania and finally giving into the fans demands. What a novel concept. Triple H's entrance this year is perhaps his most decadent and over the top yet, complete with Viking music, armor, and a trio of slave girls as well as Steph introducing him. 75,000 people doing the YES! chant simultaneously is quite the sight. Credit to Steph for still being a great heel after all these years, all of her facial reactions and mannerisms are gold. Hunter offers his hand to start but Bryan kicks it away and rolls him up for two. Hunter rolls out of the ring and gets a pep talk from Steph. Back Bryan dropkicks out of a hammerlock and works a headlock, feeling out the veteran. Hunter targets the injured shoulder but eats a dropkick on the apron and Bryan catches him with a flying DDT off the apron to the floor. Bryan follows up on Hunter with a somersault plancha off the top and gets a two count back inside. Bryan gets crotched on the top rope and Hunter sends him back out to the floor and clears off the announcer's table. He sets Bryan up for the pedigree on the table, but Bryan fights out of it only for Hunter to slam his injured shoulder into the table. Back inside Hunter stars targeting the shoulder and arm again, working it over with knees and another hammerlock. Hunter misses a charge and is sent out to the floor again so Bryan attempts a tope but gets cut off by a right hand from The Game. Hunter follows up with a nice suplex on the ring apron, once again targeting the injury. Bryan barely beats the ten count back in and is met with a cross face chicken wing and then just a traditional cross face. Back on their feet they trade blows and Bryan backflips into a waistlock, but he reverses that into a pair of German suplexes. Triple H blocks a third one with a sick Tiger suplex right on the injured shoulder. When's the last time you saw Hunter bust out a move like that? Bryan counters a superplex attempt with a sunset flip powerbomb off the top. He blocks a Pedigree attempt and goes for the flying headbutt but Hunter moves and slaps the crossface back on Daniel. Bryan manages to counter that into the YES! lock but Hunter gets to the ropes and goes outside for a breather, but Bryan hits him with a pair of topes to the floor. Back inside he hits a missile dropkick on the Game and follows with a flurry of stiff kicks. Hunter counters a running knee with a spinebuster and then hits Bryan with the Pedigree, but Bryan kicks out! Hunter is frustrated now and just starts laying in closed fists on Bryan in the corner. He goes for another pedigree but Bryan counters into a nearfall. Bryan counters another pedigree attempt with a kick and then flips out of a back suplex and hits the running knee for the win and the title shot at<b> 26:01</b>! The crowd goes wild but after the match Hunter attacks Bryan with a steel chair to further injure his shoulder. This was an awesome opener, a hot match with great psychology and a classic story of the overconfident grizzled veteran getting his comeuppance from the hard working young rebellious babyface. Steph's heel mannerisms and the story really put this over the top from goodness to greatness. <b>****1/4 </b><br />
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<b>The Shield (Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns) vs. New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg/Billy Gunn)/Kane</b><br />
The Shield's entrance cuts off the Outlaws usual pre-match mic work, which is what you want when they're playing heels. Reigns hits some big forearms on all three of his opponents and then hits the running boot on the apron on both of the Outlaws. Kane blocks a Superman punch but Rollins sends Kane to the floor and wipes him out with a plancha. The Outlaws try to regroup outside but Rollins and Ambrose take them out with topes while Reigns spears Kane inside. Reigns hits a spear on the Outlaws back inside and all three members of the Shield deliver a triple powerbomb to the Outlaws for the quick and decisive victory at <b>2:56</b>. Just a dominant squash for The Shield and that's all it should have been, though I wish they could have come up with something better for them to do on the biggest show of the year than this. <b>*</b><br />
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<b>31 Man Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal</b><br />
<b>(Featuring Alberto Del Rio, Big E, Big Show, Brad Maddox, Brodus Clay, Cesaro, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Darren Young, David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Fandango, Goldust, The Great Khali, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, The Miz, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Santino Marella, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Titus O'Neil, Tyson Kidd, Xavier Woods, Yoshi Tatsu, & Zack Ryder)</b><br />
Winner gets themselves a big old shiny golden statue of Andre himself. Odd numbered battle royals give me the creeps. Yoshi is the first eliminated (racism!) and is then shortly followed by Maddox. Khali eliminates Clay with a chop but then gets dumped out by a group of guys himself. Ryder gets tossed out by 3MB and is followed shortly by Young. Henry eliminates McIntyre and Jinder at the same time and then tosses Slater onto them for good measure before getting dumped out himself by Big Show. Show eliminates Titus next. Santino eliminates Miz with the Cobra (hard to believe he was main eventing this show a few years ago) and Sandow joins him. Big E dumps Gabriel and Otunga out but then gets eliminated by Fandango of all people. Sheamus breaks up his dancing celebrations with the clubbing forearms in the ropes and then just shoves him off the apron and eliminates him. Show tosses Truth out next while Tyson Kidd, Goldust, and Cody Rhodes are all eliminated by Del Rio kicks. Mysterio hits the 619 on Del Rio and then tries it on Cesaro but gets eliminated by a stiff European uppercut. Kofi gets seemingly eliminated but his feet hit the steel steps and technically he's still in the match, playing off his Rumble appearances. He hands out some spin kicks to everyone in the ring but then gets caught in an extra long big swing from Cesaro. Cesaro walks right into a chokeslam from Show, who eats a Brogue Kick from Sheamus who then eliminates Kingston. Ziggler gets superkicked out of the match by Del Rio to huge heat bringing it down to Cesaro, Show, Sheamus, and Del Rio as our final four. Sheamus tries to counter out of Del Rio's arm lock but both men wind up tumbling over the top and to the floor, leaving it down to just Show and Cesaro. Cesaro can't eliminate the big man with just a clothesline and he nearly gets tossed himself. He eats a huge chop from Show after coming off the top but Cesaro feeds him an uppercut and then picks the big man up off his feet and body slams him out of the ring ala Hogan slamming Andre at Wrestlemania 3 to pick up the win and the trophy at <b>13:25</b>. Crowd pops big for Cesaro's win and it gives him a nice Wrestlemania moment early into his career. Show shakes his hand afterwards in a show of respect. This one was fun once most of the clutter was removed. <b>**1/2</b><br />
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<b>John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt</b><br />
Wyatt offers John a free shot to finish him at the bell but Cena isn't having any of that and works a headlock instead. This is all Bray in the early going as he gets as much heat as he can muster from this decidedly anti-Cena crowd before John gets fed up manhandles Wyatt in the corner. Cena does a good job of selling the psychological aspect of the feud with his facial expressions here, appearing to take the crowd's jeers to heart for once and slowly doubt himself. Dropkick from Cena is followed by a long sleeper hold from Bray. John breaks it up and gets freaked out by Bray doing the Linda Blair crabwalk (and really, who isn't freaked out by that?) and slammed to the mat. Spinning DDT out of the corner gets Cena a two count. Cena goes for his top rope legdrop but Bray catches him mid-air with a powerbomb in a great counter for two. Five Knuckle Shuffle from Cena and he looks for the AA but Wyatt counters with a nasty gutbuster. Bray plants Cena on the apron with a DDT and looks for a superplex back inside but Cena blocks it and then wipes out Luke Harper and Erick Rowan on the outside with a plancha! Cena grabs the steps and thinks about hitting Bray with them but his conscious gets the better of him and he doesn't go through with it. Back inside Bray misses the back seton and walks into the AA but Wyatt kicks out at two. Harper attacks Cena behind the ref's back and Wyatt gets his own near fall. Best sign of the night pops up in the background here: "If Cena Wins, We Wyatt". Cena spears Harper through the barricade outside the ring and back inside slaps the STF on Wyatt briefly but it's broken up and Bray manages to deliver the Sister Abigail for a near fall the crowd buys into. Wyatt grabs a chair...and then tosses it to Cena and begs him to become the monster he truly is and finish him with it. Cena hits Rowan with it instead and blocks another Sister Abigail attempt with the AA for the win at <b>22:25</b>. This really wasn't the right crowd for the Cena babyface shtick, but you can't fault their effort as both men wrestled a good match that was made even better by the running story and Cena's layered character work. They probably should just have taken a chance and pulled the trigger on Bray here, but he doesn't lose anything from the loss.<b> ***</b><br />
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All of this year's Hall of Fame inductees get their moment on the big stage as they do every year. Surreal to see Warrior so happy knowing now that he'd be dead less than 48 hours after this.<br />
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<b>Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar</b><br />
The build for this infamous match was one of the weakest in years, but it's to be expected after the great builds they had for the HBK/Taker and Hunter/Taker series of Mania battles. Even the Punk build was better than this, but I always go into things with an open mind so lets get to it. Taker starts off with some punches but Lesnar gives him a nice overhead belly-to-belly suplex and sends him to the floor. Back inside Undertaker sends Brock into the ring post. Lesnar blocks an Old School attempt and they tussle out to the floor. Undertaker gives Brock a leg drop on the apron and back inside he gives him snake eyes. Brock blocks a chokeslam attempt and goes for the F5 but Taker blocks that as well. Lesnar works over Taker's leg for a bit with stomps and a half Boston crab. They fight to the outside again and Lesnar sends Taker into the barricade. Back inside Brock gives him a suplex. The announcers are calling this almost like it's an MMA fight, talking about Lesnar setting the pace. Lesnar lays into Taker with a series of punches for a bit until Undertaker counters with a DDT. Undertaker finally puts together a string of offense with another snake eyes and a big boot followed by a chokeslam for a two count. He tries for a Tombstone but Lesnar counters with the F5 for his own near fall. Undertaker catches Brock with the Hell's Gate submission but Brock just lifts him up and slams him to the mat. Taker catches him in the hold again and Brock slams him even harder. You knew they were going to work some MMA styled spots into this one with Taker's love for the sport. Lesnar gets the Fujiwara armbar on Taker but he reverses it into one of his own. It should be noted that the crowd is dead for all of this. Lesnar counters Old School with the F5 for another near fall. Brock follows up with a pair of German suplexes and then works Taker over in the corner with punches until Undertaker counters into the Last Ride. Taker follows up with the Tombstone but Lesnar kicks out. Undertaker goes for another tombstone but Brock counters into another F5 and yes, gets the pin to end the streak at <b>25:13</b>. The crowd is in complete shock at this, as was everyone, and the camera catches some incredible reactions from some of the fans at ringside. I'll just say that I understand why they wanted to book Lesnar over Taker here because of the shape Undertaker is apparently in, but they really fumbled this one. The streak is something that should just have been left alone as an accomplishment in Undertaker's career and there are other ways you can give Lesnar a rub from Undertaker instead of him flat out losing to him. As for the match itself, it was a plodding affair that definitely showed Undertaker's age, focused more on slow matwork and a few bursts of offense. It's not nearly as bad as some people might have you believe, but it obviously just didn't work as a match or an angle. <b>**1/4</b><br />
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<b>Vickie Guerrero Diva's Championship Invitational Match</b><br />
<b>AJ Lee vs. Aksana vs. Alicia Fox vs. Brie Bella vs. Cameron vs. Emma vs. Eva Marie vs. Layla vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Nikki Bella vs. Rosa Mendes vs. Summer Rae vs. Tamina Snuka</b><br />
Ah yes the annual piss break match. Perhaps that will change next year with women like Paige and Charlotte being thrown into the mix. Usual chaos you'd expect from a match like this. They do a suplex spot where everyone covers one another for a two count. The announcers are more interested in talking about the streak ending than this match. Emma works the Tarantula on Summer Rae but then eats an axe kick from Alicia Fox. All the divas fall to the floor where the Bellas wipe them all out with stereo topes in a fun spot. Back in the ring it's the BATTLE OF THE BELLAS! That gets broken up quickly though. Tamina tries for the splash but Naomi sends her sailing. Aksana comes to meet her up top and Natalya comes over as well and they do the tower of doom powerbomb/superplex combo. Outside Natalya hits a nice spinning clothesline on Tamina. Back in the ring AJ puts Naomi into the Black Widow for the submission victory at <b>6:48</b>. All of the divas have improved remarkably in the ring and this was a fun match even if the crowd didn't care<b>. **1/2</b><br />
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<br />
Backstage Mean Gene Okerlund is joined by the Hulkster and then Roddy Piper and Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff! I can't even remember the last time we saw Orndorff, but I'm pretty sure it was the 80s. Orndorff says every week of his life someone brings up the fact that he lost the first Wrestlemania main event and here comes Mr. T to back up Hulk and Pat Patterson in a referee's shirt for some bizarre reason. Hogan and Orndorff shake hands and bury the hatchet after all the years, and even Piper reluctantly shakes T's hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
We get a shot of all the legends in the audience tonight, and when the camera pans to Bob Backlund he seems to be locked in an intense battle of trying to get something out of his teeth with his tongue.<br />
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<br />
<b>WWE World Heavyweight Title Match</b><br />
<b>Randy Orton <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Batista vs. Daniel Bryan</b><br />
Whatever terrible Jersey Shore radio rock band that does Orton's theme music is here to perform it live for him for some reason. Batista tries for a Batista bomb right at the bell on Bryan but he counters and sends him to the floor. Orton cuts off some kicks from Bryan and just like Hunter targets Bryan's injured shoulder. Orton cuts in and gives Batista a backbreaker before getting clotheslined out of the ring himself. Batista slams Orton into the announcer's table and barricade while the crowd generally shits on them both. Orton back drops Batista onto the steps and then grabs Bryan and slams him into the barricade. Randy gives Batista a back suplex onto the barricade and soaks up some heat. Back inside Orton gets a two count and then both men are met with a double missile dropkick from Bryan. Bryan takes out Batista with a head kick and tries one on Orton but Randy counters into a powerslam for a near fall. Bryan hits a flurry of running kicks into both men in opposite corners and then gives Randy a Frankensteiner off the top. Batista suplexes Bryan out of the ring and then gets superplexed off the top from Orton. Bryan has recovered by then and hits a flying headbutt then follows up with a crossface on Orton when suddenly Triple H and Stephanie McMahon make their way to ringside through the crowd and pull the referee out of the match. They bring in their own personal official, Scott Armstrong, playing off the Bryan/Orton match at Night of Champions back in September which is a brilliant little bit of psychology to bring into the match but he can't get a fast count on Bryan down in time. Bryan kicks Armstrong to the floor and then wipes out Scott, Hunter, and Steph with a big tope to pop the crowd. Triple H pulls out a sledgehammer now but Bryan grabs it from him and cleans his clock with it. He rolls up Batista for a hot near fall and the regular referee is back with us now. Orton tosses Bryan into the barricade outside and then double teams Daniel with Batista for a bit as the McMahon family exits the ringside area. Orton slams the steel steps into Bryan's injured shoulder and both Orton and Batista are fed up now and strip the regular and Spanish commentary tables clean. Orton sets up the steel steps next to the tables and Batista delivers a Batista Bomb to Bryan right into an RKO through the announcer's table from Orton! Great spot there. They bring out the EMTs to put Bryan onto a stretcher while Batista works over Orton in total control. Orton fights back with a DDT from the apron and the crowd goes nuts as Bryan pulls himself off the stretcher and begins crawling back to the ring! Orton cuts him off with the steel steps though and tosses his limp body back into the ring as the crowd is back alive now. Orton looks for the RKO but Bryan counters into the YES! lock briefly until Batista breaks it up. Bryan slaps the hold on Batista for a bit as well but that's broken up too. Batista blocks an RKO from Orton and goes for a spear but Orton leap frogs him and he winds up taking out Bryan instead before turning around right into the RKO for a two count. Orton sets up for the punt but Bryan hits the flying knee on him instead. Batista looks to steal Bryan's pin attempt but only gets two. Batista Bomb on Orton but Bryan hits him with the flying knee out of nowhere and then slaps on the YES! Lock and Batista taps to give Bryan the title at <b>23:20</b>! Bryan celebrates with pyro and confetti and all that jazz as the crowd goes ballistic and everyone is sent home happy. They don't catch it on the PPV broadcast but moments after we go off the air Bryan thanks the now deceased young "Stone Cusher" Connor Michalek at ringside with a hug and some heartfelt words in one of the classiest things a champ has ever done afterwards. This one started off a bit slow but the run-ins and double-team psychology actually helped elevate it and the crowd was rocking for all the near falls for the home stretch. Bryan gets his deserved moment in the sun in another great match to cap off the night. <b>****</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bottom Line</b>:</span> This was definitely a show where they had to give the fans what they wanted or there would have been hell to pay, but fortunately enough they actually listened to the audience and put over Daniel Bryan in a major way with this show. Solid recommendation on this one because of the great opening and closing matches, but the stuff in the middle isn't bad either for the most part. Not one of the greatest Wrestlemania's of all time like I've seen some people say, but one of the better ones for sure. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating: 8.0</b></span></div>
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<br /><br /><b>WWE</b><br />9/24/79 Bob Backlund vs. Pat Patterson (Cage) - ***1/2<br />1/18/98 Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker (Casket) - ***1/2<br />2/15/98 TAKA Michinoku vs. Pantera - ***<br />2/15/98 Steve Austin/Owen Hart/Cactus Jack/Terry Funk vs. Triple H/Road Dogg/Billy Gunn/Savio Vega (Non-Sanctioned) - ***1/2<br />6/5/13 Sheamus vs. Antonio Cesaro - ***1/4<br />6/13/13 Antonio Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn - ***<br />6/14/13 Randy Orton/Daniel Bryan/Kane vs. Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns - ***<br />6/24/13 Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio - ***<br />6/24/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton (Street Fight) - ***1/2<br />6/26/13 Chris Jericho vs. Cody Rhodes - ***<br />7/1/13 John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio - ***<br />7/8/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus - ***1/2<br />7/12/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Christian - ***1/4<br />7/15/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***1/4<br />7/15/13 Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2<br />7/22/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Antonio Cesaro - ***3/4<br />7/29/13 Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio - ***<br />8/2/13 Christian vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Randy Orton - ***1/4<br />8/9/13 Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam - ***<br />8/9/13 Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio - ***1/4<br />8/14/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Cody Rhodes - ***<br />8/16/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett (No DQ) - ***1/4<br />8/21/13 Sami Zayn vs. Antonio Cesaro (2/3 Falls) - ***1/2<br />8/30/13 Antonio Cesaro vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***<br />9/4/13 Sami Zayn vs. Jack Swagger - ***1/4<br />9/6/13 Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam - ***<br />9/11/13 Kofi Kingston vs. Antonio Cesaro - ***<br />10/4/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***1/4<br />10/6/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Rob Van Dam (Hardcore) - ***<br />10/6/13 Cody Rhodes/Goldust vs. Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns - ***1/2<br />10/6/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton - ***<br />10/14/13 Cody Rhodes/Goldust vs. Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns (No DQ) - ***3/4<br />10/16/13 Bo Dallas vs. Sami Zayn - ***1/2<br />10/16/13 Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***1/4<br />10/18/13 Daniel Bryan/Cody Rhodes/Goldust vs. Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns - ***<br />10/21/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose - ***<br />10/27/13 Cody Rhodes/Goldust vs. Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns vs. Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso - ****<br />10/27/13 Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan (Hell in a Cell) - ***1/4<br />10/28/13 John Cena vs. Damien Sandow - ***<b></b><br />
<b><br />WCW</b><br />8/19/96 Dean Malenko vs. Lord Steven Regal - ***1/4<br /><b><br />ROH</b><br />3/29/14 AJ Styles vs. Michael Elgin - ****<br /><br /><b>NJPW</b><br />2/9/84 Antonio Inoki/Yoshiaki Fujiwara/Akira Maeda vs. Riki Choshu/Yoshiaki Yatsu/Animal Hamaguchi - ***<br />
7/29/12 Kota Ibushi vs. Low Ki - ***3/4<br />10/8/12 Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki - ****1/2<br />4/7/13 Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada - ****3/4<br />8/4/13 Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomohiro Ishii - ***3/4<br /><br /><b>PWG</b><br />10/22/11 EL Generico vs. Kevin Steen (Ladder) - ****1/4<br />7/21/12 Player Uno/Player Dos vs. Kyle O'Reilly/Adam Cole vs. Nick Jackson/Matt Jackson (Ladder) - *****<br />12/1/12 Adam Cole vs. Kevin Steen (Guerrilla Warfare) - ****1/4xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-6362401031765870552013-08-28T18:46:00.004-07:002013-08-30T19:56:50.090-07:00WWE Extreme Rules 2013 and TNA Turning Point 2012 RatingsYep, I'm finally back on the saddle of watching pro-wrasslin' on a more regular basis again, so I'm finally catching up. Slow but steady wins the race, right? Slowly catching up on WWE and taking chunks into the backlog of TNA PPVs I've missed. Stay tuned, I shall be back with a vengeance this fall (no, really, this time I will!)<br />
<br />
<b>WWE Extreme Rules 2013</b><br />
Randy Orton vs. Big Show (Extreme Rules) - <b>***</b><br />
John Cena vs. Ryback (Last Man Standing) - <b>***1/2</b><br />
Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H (Cage) - <b>***1/4</b><br />
<br />
<b>TNA Turning Point 2012</b><br />
Samoa Joe vs. Magnus (No DQ) - <b>***</b><br />
Chavo Guerrero/Hernandez vs. Christopher Daniels/Kazarian - <b>***</b><br />
AJ Styles vs. Bobby Roode vs. James Storm - <b>***1/4</b><br />
Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries (Ladder) - <b>***3/4</b>xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-49594660892068376532013-08-14T17:56:00.005-07:002013-08-14T17:56:53.316-07:00Wrestlemania 29 Ratings and futureFinally getting back into the swing of things, still lots of chaos in the coming weeks as I'm officially moving to Boston but I got around to seeing Wrestlemania finally last night and have the next few PPVs lined up, so I'll try to catch myself up atleast as far as ratings go for 2013 so far. Have some ratings.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wrestlemania 29</b></span><br />
The SHIELD vs. Randy Orton/Sheamus/Big Show - **1/2<br />
Mark Henry vs. Ryback - **<br />
Team Hell No vs. Dolph Ziggler/Big E Langston - **1/4<br />
Fandango vs. Chris Jericho - **3/4<br />
Undertaker vs. CM Punk - ****<br />
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar (No Holds Barred) - ***1/4<br />
John Cena vs. The Rock - ***1/2<br />
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<br />
Probably going to be alot of neglect on the blog this early fall, atleast until I get enough free time to catch up on/watch the goings on in WWE, TNA, and maybe even ROH. But this winter I should have plenty of time to finally catch my breath and start doing reviews again.<br />
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Until next time, your humble scribe,<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colin Rinehart</span>xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-77848380298954062682013-04-24T20:53:00.001-07:002013-04-24T20:53:24.705-07:00Boston StrongWell folks, I was planning on reviewing Wrestlemania 29 a few weeks back as my big huzzah and comeback to the world of writing reviews again. Then the Boston Marathon bombings happened. Thankfully none of my family or friends in the Boston area were hurt, but as you might imagine, it put a bit of a damper on anything entertainment-related. So all apologies folks but the Wrestlemania 29 Review won't be up for atleast another week or two (although I should finally have all the ratings done and updated for the show on the blog by later this week). Lots of things going on in my world right now that take precedence over my loyal duties as your trusted wrestling analyst and blogger unfortunately though, so for the time being, the blog is back on a kind of hiatus atleast until further notice, when I can sort things out, get in touch with certain loved ones, figure out plans, and all in all begin the healing process.<br />
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Thanks for understanding everybody. Be safe, be happy, and always fight for what's right. Until next time, signing out, X.<br />
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<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-53331358991832722432013-03-28T20:36:00.001-07:002013-03-29T07:30:42.326-07:00Pre-Mania Update!<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">So the whole "this is going to be the banner year for the blog!" thing isn't really feasible at least until my living situation is fixated as I plan to move to Boston in the fall with my girlfriend/future fiance. I'll definitely do a Wrestlemania review for old times sake, but don't expect anything in the way of reviews for awhile, atleast until the summer. I will however still continue to DVR all of the WWE, TNA, and ROH programming and I promise to keep up to date with ratings for both TV shows and PPVs going forward. Here's a massive update of ratings of stuff I've watched in the last few weeks. It's a great time to be a wrestling fan, innit? </span><br />
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<img alt="http://www.wwe24seven.com/images/115/daniel-bryan-yes-yes-yes-wallpaper.jpg" class="decoded" height="300" src="http://www.wwe24seven.com/images/115/daniel-bryan-yes-yes-yes-wallpaper.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in;" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">1/25/13 Alberto Del Rio/Kane/Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show/Cody Rhodes/Damien Sandow (Elimination) - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">1/27/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show (Last Man Standing) - ***1/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">1/27/13 Royal Rumble Match - ***3/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">1/27/13 The Rock vs. CM Punk - ****1/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">1/28/13 Randy Orton vs. Antonio Cesaro - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/1/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/4/13 CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/6/13 Sheamus vs. Cody Rhodes - ***1/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/11/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Chris Jericho - ***1/2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/13/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***3/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/17/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/17/13 Jack Swagger vs. Chris Jericho vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane vs. Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry (Elimination Chamber) - ****</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/17/13 John Cena/Sheamus/Ryback vs. Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns - ***1/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/17/13 The Rock vs. CM Punk - ***3/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/18/13 Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/18/13 Chris Jericho/Sheamus/Ryback vs. Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose/Roman Reigns - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">2/25/13 John Cena vs. CM Punk - ****3/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/1/13 Alberto Del Rio vs. Damien Sandow - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/2/13 Antonio Cesaro vs. Justin Gabriel - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/4/13 CM Punk vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. Big Show - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/6/13 Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/6/13 Sin Cara vs. Antonio Cesaro - ***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/8/13 Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio - ***3/4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">3/11/13 Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler - ***3/4 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">Phew! Been a hell of a few months, hasn't it? I haven't been this happy with the WWE's product since I was a kid during the Attitude Era. Could a new neo-Attitude Era be on the cusp? Who knows! Until Wrestlemania-time, I'm your most humble wrestling journalist/reviewer/blogger/radical in arms signing off and saying good night and good luck! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span>xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-39540192003752041632013-01-13T14:20:00.001-08:002013-01-13T14:21:20.151-08:00It's Alive!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xos2MnVxe-c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
No, not a reanimated corpse monster (though I've been called worse), rather, this blog still is! I know, some of you must be wondering where the hell I've been for the last 4 months or so. Long story short, lots of upheaval and personal changes going on in my life over this past fall/early winter and between a new girlfriend, work, and school I just simply haven't had the time for much wrestling reviewing. I do plan on returning to my monthly TNA PPV reviews for 411mania soon so stay on the look-out for that, and while I haven't kept up with the last few PPVs from the big two companies, I have been watching the TV shows diligently and rating matches accordingly, so there is SOME new content on here over the last few months. In the coming month I plan on catching up with all of the WWE, TNA, and hopefully even ROH PPVs (and iPPVs) so never fear wrestling fans, I am in fact still alive, and so is this blog. Also, if you're into comics or music (what young male isn't?) stay on the look-out for contributions to a local blog by the name of <a href="http://xx0011.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">xx0011</span></strong></a> by yours truly (mainly comics and music reviews). <br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who still gives hits to this humble little blog of mine, 2013 is going to be one of the biggest, best years this blog has seen since it's creation, that my friends, is a promise! <br />
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<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-50290797680713862062012-09-09T19:59:00.000-07:002012-09-09T20:00:58.221-07:00TNA No Surrender 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TNA No Surrender 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>September 9th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Impact Wrestling Zone, Orlando, Florida</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span></div>
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<br />
Well
it's that time of the month again---yep, time for more coverage of TNA
PPVs on 411. With the promotion on a bit of a creative hot streak the
last few months the company has seemingly become the smark darling again
that it once was years ago, but just how long can the goodwill last?
We'll see as tonight's show, while solid enough looking on paper, was
very poorly hyped and is clearly a stopgap or "filler" show before the
big one next month, Bound for Glory. All that said, the company has
delivered big on it's last few PPVs and I'm hoping tonight continues
that trend. Let's do this thing.<br />
<br />
<b><br />Your hosts are Mike Tenay and Taz</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bound For Glory Series Semi-Final Match<br />
Jeff Hardy vs. Samoa Joe</b><br />
Crazy how good booking has turned Joe from a pushover midcard act to
badass main eventer again, isn't it? Joe's arm is bothering him early
dating back to a steel chair attack from Magnus on Impact this past
week. Hardy headscissors Joe out of the ring but Joe drags him out after
him and socks him with a right hand. Jeff teases the poetry in motion
off the steel steps but seeing Joe avoiding the move Hardy re-routes
himself to the apron to hit the move instead. Back inside Joe hits an
atomic drop/big boot combo before finishing with a back senton for our
first near fall. Running spinkick in the corner from Joe. Joe works a
chinlock and then sends Hardy to the floor, where he wipes him out with a
big tope, clutching his sore arm in the process. Back inside Joe gets a
two count. Hardy counters with some offense of his own in an atomic
drop and running clothesline. Joe misses a back senton and Hardy hits a
big dropkick. Whisper in the Wind out of the corner gets Hardy a close
near fall. Hardy makes the silly mistake of charging Joe in the corner
and he's slammed to the mat like thousands before him. Joe looks to set
up a superplex but Jeff counters into a Twist of Fate! Hardy goes up for
the Swanton but Joe blocks it and tries for the muscle buster. Hardy
blocks that and counters into the same armbar he beat Joe with last
Thursday, but Joe counters into a cradle that Hardy then counters into a
cradle of his own for the win at <b>12:36.</b> I would have preferred
to see Joe win here to continue my dream of seeing the Aries/Joe feud
renewed in TNA, but the match itself was hot stuff with bot guys working
hard and busting out all the swank counters you expect. Great
kick-start to the show. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Jeremy Borash is with James Storm, who explains that he chose
Bully Ray as his opponent tonight because last year they faced off in
the BFG series and he couldn't get the job done and tonight he wants to
right that wrong by defeating Ray.<br />
<b><br />
<br />
Bound For Glory Series Semi-Finals Match<br />
Bully Ray vs. James Storm</b><br />
This is in fact a rematch from last year's No Surrender and BFG series,
which Ray won. Ray gets up in Storm's face so the cowboy spits in his
face and Ray throws a hissy fit outside the ring, slamming a fan's sign
into the ring repeatedly in anger. Ray eats a few right hands from Storm
and stalls some more. Ray rakes the eyes back inside and slams Storm
into a few corners. Storm backdrops him though for a two count. Storm
goes for the Last Call superkick but misses and Ray takes the upper hand
with a big bear hug. Ray hits a big suplex then pounds away on Storm in
the corner with right hands.Storm powerbombs Ray right ouf of the
corner and both men wind up trading punches on their knees. Storm hits a
spinkick in the corner and gets a two count off a flying cross body
from the top rope. Ray hits a side-slam for his own near fall. Storm
hits an enziguri but then accidentally wipes out the ref with a flying
forearm. Bully hits a cheap shot and tries for a cover with a new ref
but only gets a two count. He misses the back senton off the top rope
and when Storm gets to his feet he wipes out the second ref with another
forearm. Ray awakens the first ref and Storm hits the Last Call
superkick and seemingly has the win, but Ray takes out the ref in the
process and this all leads to Bobby Roode running out to the ring and
smashing a beer bottle over Storm's head, allowing Ray to cover him
finally for the pin to advance at <b>13:56</b>. There was a solid match
here mostly, but the beginning and end dragged it down a bit. Lots of
stalling followed by a cliched ref-crazy finish, but the middle portion
of the match was quite good. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Brooke Tessmacher is backstage to explain to JB that she needed to face
Tara tonight to prove to herself that she can defeat her longtime mentor
and friend. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA Knockouts Title Match<br />
Miss Tessmacher </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Tara</b><br />
The
former Tiffany from WWE is our special referee again. Basic lock-up to
start with each women cautiously applying holds and countering out of
them. Tessmacher takes a quick breather and Tara schoolgirls her for a
two count, apparently bringing out Tessmacher's nasty side as she dishes
out a few arm-drags. Tessmacher hits a clothesline out of te corner and
tries to rally the crowd but it's piss-break time for most. Tara blocks
a move with an elbow and then hits a tilt-a-whirl slam from te death
valley driver position. She lifts Tessmacher to the top turnbuckle and
superplexes her off for a two count. Tara is stunned that doesn't put
her away so she goes for the Widow's Peak but Tessmacher counters into a
roll-up to retain at <b>6:37</b>. This was actually pretty good by
Knockouts standards, Tara helped carry the load for most of the match
but Tessmacher didn't look terrible either, and the "teacher vs.
student" trope is a classic story that's hard to mess up. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Hulk Hogan berates a handcuffed Bobby Roode who is under arrest for his actions tonight apparently.<br />
<br />
<br />
Austin Aries comes out to te ring in street clothes and tells us
that there will be no capes and fancy clothes tonight for him (or as he
bluntly puts it "none of that bullshit"). This isn't a wrestling match,
it's a FIGHT and Aries is ready to take him on with no rules and no
referee. Aries calls out the Aces & 8's again. One of the henchmen
in a mask comes out to the ring and Aries nails him with a huge flying
tope. He pummels away at the masked man and then slides him into the
ring to kick and punch the crap out of him in the corner. Aries tries to
rip off the mask but gets low blowed and dumped to the floor. Lots of
heat for the Aces and 8's here, which is virtually impossible to get
from the Impact Zone. The masked man goes to work on Aries outside
before tossing him into the ring and calmly beating him down. The masked
man goes for a big powerbomb but Aries pulls out a bag of flour or
powder and blinds the big man with it. Aries hits the running dropkick
in the corner and then a high cross-body off the top to the floor wipes
out the villain. Aries goes to the top again but this time the masked
man sends him crashing to the floor. The masked man grabs a steel chair
but he misses his shot at Aries and the champ slugs him in the mouth
with a roll of quarters in his hand and then drops the big man with one
of the biggest brainbusters I've ever seen. <br />
<br />
Aries goes to unmask the man and the entire Aces and 8's crew comes out
to make the save and jump Aries. This clears out the entire locker room
now and it's total fucking chaos as everyone on the roster is arm-in-arm
trying to fight off the common enemy of the Aces and 8's. A small
"TNA!" chant even starts up for the first time in seemingly years.
Finally Hulk Hogan walks out and the Aces and 8's take off, clearing out
of the Impact Zone. Hogan demands security lock down every door in the
building and that the police are to be called. Jeff Hardy, who appears
to have been injured during the fracas, limps off with some of the
trainers backstage as Aries and Ray share a mutual fist-bump of respect.
<br />
<br />
This entire segment was great, creative, original and best of all it
drew me into the angle. This reminded me of something you might see
during the glory days of WCW and WWF in the early Attitude Era days, it
felt real and unscripted and totally fresh. I was skeptical of this
segment when it became clear it wasn't going to be an official "match",
but TNA turned it into the best segment of the show so far. Kudos.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA X-Division Title Match<br />
Zema Ion </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Sonjay Dutt</b><br />
There has been absolutely zero hype or build to this match, but
whatever, these two are talented enough to improvise something good I'm
sure. Ion and Dutt start off by trading holds but Dutt quickly
clotheslines the champ to the floor. Springboard wristlock by Sonjay
followed by a hurricanrana to the floor as Taz recants a tale of
watching Dutt for the first time years ago on a hotel TV. Another
hurricanrana on the floor by Sonjay and back inside he springboards
right into Zema's knee, which demolishes Dutt's lower abdomen. Ion lays
in some chops and snaps off a suplex for two. Outside we see the police
have arrived to the arena just as Ion hits the backflip into a
kneebreaker spot of his on Dutt. Dutt manages another nifty hurricanrana
counter that sends Zema to the floor, but Ion cuts off his tope
attempt. Dutt hands out some clotheslines and a big Yakuza kick before
hitting a Frankensteiner off the top rope on the champ and following it
with a moonsault for a two count. Dutt and Ion meet at the top rope
where Dutt front-suplexes Ion right out to the floor before hitting a
beautiful running moonsault off the second turnbuckle to the floor.
Springboard splash from Sonjay back in the ring gets a hot two count.
Dutt tries for the Electric Chair but gets powerbombed and then Ion puts
in a nasty submission with Dutt's arms both grapevined around Ion's
body. Sonjay lures Ion in for the Sliced Bread #2 then he rolls through a
moonsault attempt and trades crazy counter cradles with the champ. Both
men try for a cradle and bridge out and Ion winds up flapjacking Dutt
in a nasty slam that finishes it and gives Ion the win at 1<b>1:34</b>.
This one started off slow as the crowd was drained from the last segment
but both guys worked hard enough to get the match over with sheer
willpower and by the last five minutes the crowd was hot for every near
fall and chanting for more. Spectacularly solid title defense by Ion and
Dutt looks just as great as he ever did. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Outside Hogan tells the cops that he wants anyone who tries to get in or
out to be beaten and arrested. Kinky. Elsewhere Magnus interrupts JB's
update on Jeff Hardy's injury to tell us he's got RVD's number.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Rob Van Dam vs. Magnus</b><br />
This match came out of Magnus reacting very poorly to losing to RVD in
an earlier BFG series match and attacked RVD incessantly since. Magnus
starts us off with a nice wristlock and a drop toehold but RVD feeds him
a big kick and he slumps out to the floor. Rob sets Magnus up for the
legdrop on the guardrail spot but nobody's home when RVD attempts it and
he crashes nastily into the steel. Magnus slides him back inside and
goes to work on Rob's lower body and legs in a logical move. Decent heat
for Magnus as he applies the Texas cloverleaf submission on Van Dam.
Van Dam escapes to the floor but back inside Magnus hits him with a big
elbow drop from the top rope. Finally RVD fires off a spinning heel kick
to try and cut off the momentum of Magnus. RVD hits the Rolling Thunder
moments later for a two count. RVD misses a springboard kick but he
launches Magnus off the top rope. Rob unleashes a pair of spinkicks and
then finishes Magus with the Five Star Frog Splash at <b>10:07</b>.
Solid enough match as Magnus has really improved by leaps and bounds
since he first arrived with the British Invasion, but I don't see why
they wouldn't try and give Magnus a rub here with a win, even a tainted
one, instead of just giving RVD another meaningless win. Good, but
nothing you can't see on TV every week for free. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Christopher Daniels and Kazarian are upset that they aren't
getting the proper respect they deserve what with having to defend the
titles twice in two days, Claire Lynch defiling their good names, and
Kaz not even being included in the BFG series. Daniels then just goes
off on a wild rant about Romans and throws in biblical references by
referring to himself and Kaz as the "Rocks of Gibraltar" of TNA. Daniels
continues to be one of the most underrated guys on the mic in the
business, this was a great old school heel promo.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA Tag Team Title Match<br />
Christopher Daniels/Kazarian</b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> ©</span></span> vs. AJ Styles/Kurt Angle</b><br />
Note the emphasis on these being the world tag team titles of the world
as Daniels puts it. This could be seen as a re-match from their great
Slammiversary title match, and though a bit lazy it's solid booking
because you know these four will deliver every time together. Angle
(sporting some bandaging on his upper leg and probably wrestling injured
for the ten thousandth time) works over Daniels in the corner before
tagging in AJ for a double clothesline. Daniels tags out to Kaz who eats
a spinning neckbreaker and a powerful brainbuster from Styles. Angle
tags back in and he and AJ send Kaz back to the mat with a huge back
body drop. Kaz manages to break up the challenger's momentum with a
monkey flip and tags out to Daniels. The champs hit some nifty double
team leap-frog/leg drop combos to put over their unity and Styles is our
babyface in peril tonight of course. AJ teases a tag but Kaz cuts him
off and Daniels and Kaz go really old school by doing the old "tag out
behind the ref's back while the babyface complains" bit as Daniels slaps
on a sleeper on Styles. Finally Styles gets te ot tag and Angle
explodes with SUPLEXES EVERYWHERE. First Daniels gets a suplex then Kaz
gets two thirds of the Rolling German suplexes, but while Angle
belly-to-belly suplexes Daniels Kaz comes in with a codebreaker on the
Olympian. The champs hit a tandem leg and elbow drop combo on Angle but
that won't put the gold medalist away silly. Kaz goes to the top for a
moonsault but instead Angle runs up behind him and gives him an Angle
Slam off the top rope. AJ tags in now and hits a suplex/backbreaker
combo on Daniels. AJ hits the moonsault into reverse DDT spot but then
he gets absolutely BLASTED by a nasty drop-sault from Kaz. Never fear
because Angle gets the tag and frog-splashes Daniels off the top before
handing out Angle Slams to both of the tag team champions. Angle puts on
the ankle lock on Daniels but Kaz breaks it up with an enziguri. Styles
gets monkey flipped to Daniels but turns it into a hurricanrana in
mid-air in a neat spot before nailing Kaz with the pele. Angle applies
the ankle lock to Daniels on the apron wile Styles hits the springboard
450 splash on Kaz, who somehow kicks out on the hottest near fall of the
evening. Daniels gets dumped to the floor and now it's AJ and Kaz on
the top rope as Kaz delivers the Spanish freaking Fly of all things!
Angle gets in to break up any pin attempt though and wipes out Daniels
again. AJ looks for the Styles Clash but Daniels throws his martini that
was placed at ringside into Style's face and Kaz rolls up AJ for the
cheap pin at <b>19:31</b>. This was actually even better than their
first encounter as we had the added backstory and more time to develop
things here and god damn did they deliver in spades as all four men were
busting out new and innovative double-team moves everywhere. This was
absolutely fantastic, the best American tag team match I've seen this
year certainly.<b> ****</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Outside the arena Hulk tells the cops not to let anyone interfere or get
into the arena or ring during our most important main event. It's been
awhile since a wrestling company actually gave me a sense of atmosphere
and foreboding, but kudos to TNA again tonight with these segments.
Elsewere backstage Ray promises to win the BFG series and go on to win
the World title from Ray at Bound For Glory. He's not just bound for
glory, he's destined for greatness. Considering his newly signed
contract, I'm not quite sure I can disagree with him. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The BFG Series Finals match is ready to be our main event, but Jeff
Hardy is injured and instead of Jeff out comes Hulk Hogan. He's a bit
suspicious of Ray's intentions but Ray sticks to his story of hating the
Aces and 8's but that he should still win because Jeff can't compete.
Hogan says if he wants to do this the right way then he should wait
until next Thursday to face Jeff Hardy in the finals. Ray doesn't seem
too opposed to the idea but suddenly out comes Jeff Hardy, clearly
wounded, but still willing to fight. The subtle storytelling touches
here of teasing a babyface turn for Ray these last few weeks in the <br />
midst of the Aces and 8's angle is delicious, because you really could
see Ray going either way in this angle and in his face or heel status
after this. What's this, complexity to our wrestler's motivations? Whoda
thunk it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bound For Glory Series Finals Match<br />
Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy</b><br />
Ray extends his fist for a fist-bump of respect as the bell rings. Jeff
tries for a sleeper but can't even hold onto it so Ray sends him to the
corner and works over his arm a bit. The commentators put over Ray as
just doing what he has to do to advance in this business. Jeff goes
outside for a count and back inside Ray stomps him mercilessly before
Jeff bails again for a breather. Back inside Ray goes back to work on
Hardy's arm, but Jeff kicks out on sheer adrenaline. Bully continues the
beatdown, stomping on Hardy in the corner and unwrapping his bandages.
Suddenly Jeff fights through the pain and hits the Twist of Fate out of
nowhere, followed by the Swanton bomb, but Ray kicks out at two! Ray
sends Jeff shoulder-first into the corner and hits the Bubba Bomb for a
close two count. Jeff hits the Whisper in the Wind suddenly out of
nowhere for his own two count. Jeff misses a second Whisper in the Wind
and eats the Bubba Cutter but Hardy manages to still kick out. He hits
another Twist of Fate but misses the follow-up Swanton and eats the
Bubba Cutter again, and again Jeff kicks out. Jeff is pissed now and
hits not one but TWO Twist of Fates and he goes to the top but it takes
him too long so Bully meets him up there. Jeff kicks him off though and
finally nails the Swanton for a final time to win the match and the
Bound for Glory series at <b>12:23</b>. This one took a bit to get going
and it started off giving you the implication that Bully would win
quickly but begrudgingly and earn the fans respect in a way, but instead
they did a total 360 mid-match and had Jeff make the whole babyface
comeback and win the BFG series clean to justify his redemption story.
Solid story told in the match and though it was a bit finisher-heavy, it
served it's purpose well and ended the show on a high note. <b>***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We go off the air with Jeff Hardy celebrating his victory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line: </b></span>I
came into this show with very little expectations, seeing this as a
stopgap or filler show before BFG, complete with a last-minute announced
card and all. I came out of it pumped up and excited to watch Impact
this week and looking very much forward to Bound for Glory next month
and feeling like I got my money's worth on the show itself with solid
action through-out. Throw in a possible MOTYC tag team match, a crazy
segment that reeled me into the Aces and Eight's angle, and the general
strength and unpredictability (in a good, non-Russo way) of this entire
show and I can say this was a pleasant and rewarding surprise tonight.
Another winner from TNA, who continues their hot streak with another
very good show. Easy Thumbs Up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 8.5/10</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-18238868905821482382012-08-12T20:05:00.003-07:002012-08-12T20:51:14.833-07:00TNA Hardcore Justice 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIBQsXWUlGFiyjwD589dQ8PbxdisJdfSdSFhhviDUa-AgaORKf_6Bhp7zVo0vlzHihSXfKeUIMkRzp5U0CS0P0XtRC4NyM819JFXpcd7o6YGLxWqAsooeby3ANRqtkLd6NjVGm8wafhVj/s1600/mj_ppv_tnahar_aug12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIBQsXWUlGFiyjwD589dQ8PbxdisJdfSdSFhhviDUa-AgaORKf_6Bhp7zVo0vlzHihSXfKeUIMkRzp5U0CS0P0XtRC4NyM819JFXpcd7o6YGLxWqAsooeby3ANRqtkLd6NjVGm8wafhVj/s400/mj_ppv_tnahar_aug12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TNA Hardcore Justice 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>August 12th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Impact Wrestling Zone, Orlando, Florida</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome back everyone to another edition of 411's live TNA PPV
coverage with your always humble host, yours truly. We're a month
removed from one of the better TNA PPVs in recent memory and the
crowning of a new, somewhat unlikely World champion in Austin Aries and
everything from now until October is all about the build for Bound for
Glory. With the new Aces and 8's faction running roughshod over the
roster and Hardcore Justice's reputation for gimmick matches we can
surely expect an interesting show tonight. So sit back, keep your finger
near that refresh button, and enjoy the play-by-play and analysis.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Mike Tenay and Taz</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chavo Guerrero/Hernandez vs. Kid Kash/Gunner</b><br />
Nice choice for the opener. I like the pairing of Gunner and Kash too,
give 'em a Briscoes-lite gimmick and they could be quite entertaining.
The heels jump the faces before the bell can even ring and we're not
three seconds into the match before Chavo is pulling out the Three
Amigoes on Kash and looking for the frog splash. Gunner trips him up
though and the heels trade quick tags, working Chavo over in their
corner. Crowd is vocally behind Chavo from the start here and the heels
are doing good work of getting heat. The heels take their time to build
heat with Chavo in their corner, trading tags and grinding him into the
mat with submissions. Chavo busts out an Electric Chair on Gunner and
nearly is able to get the tag but Kash cuts him off again before he can.
Chavo leaps onto the top rope from a slingshot attempt, backflips out
of the corner, and clotheslines Kash in a neat moment which finally
gives him enough time to get the hot tag to Super Mex. Mex cleans house
on the heels and then delivers a sick Dominator to Kash for a two count.
He clotheslines Gunner out of the ring and then wipes him out on the
floor with a huge suicide dive. Chavo actually manages to tag Hernandez
while he's soaring in mid air though, and he climbs to the top rope and
leaps off to finish Kash off with the Frog Splash for the victory at <b>9:32</b>.
Mostly formula stuff but that's all it really needed to be, Chavo and
Hernandez both looked good and the crowd was hot all the way through,
solid opener. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />
Bound For Glory Series Falls Count Anywhere Match<br />
Rob Van Dam vs. Pope D'Angelo Dinero vs. Magnus vs. Mr. Anderson </b><br />
Pope gets jumped by Aces & Eight's backstage during his
entrance...so I guess he's not competing tonight. This is one of three
four-way (or three way now I guess) matches for 20 BFG Series points
tonight. RVD does his usual showboating to start and Magnus sends him
face-first into the steel steps out of the ring for his cockiness.
Magnus is only able to fire off a clothesline before RVD returns to the
ring to try and monkey flip one man onto the other. RVD gets sent off
the apron into the steel guardrail while trying to set up Anderson for
his leg-drop spot and all three men are brawling on the floor now.
Anderson grabs a chair to DDT Magnus on it but gets shoved back-first
onto it instead. Anderson gives Magnus a gourdbuster up the ramp onto
the guardrail and RVD comes running up to set Anderson up on the guard
rail and dive off the ramp with his signature legdrop in a sick spot.
These guys are going hard early. Magnus tries a sharpshooter on the ramp
on RVD but Anderson breaks it up and all three men find their way back
into the ring again. All three men tease going for the Tower of Doom
spot but Anderson sends Magnus out of the ring and winds up eating the
Frog Splash instead for a two count (cool to finally see someone block
the Tower of Doom spot). Magnus grabs RVD and suplexes him nastily onto
the rampway then kindly asks for a "fucking chair" from a fan. Of course
bringing a chair into a fight with RVD is a kind of self-fulfilling
prophecy and he spin-kicks the chair right back into his face to pick up
the somewhat surprising pin and 20 points at <b>9:06</b>. I'm a bit
surprised this didn't get more time to develop, but I guess that
explains why they were so quick to start going for the spots in this
one. Magnus didn't look out of place at all with two relative main
eventers, which has to be seen as a success. Fun stuff. <b>***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage JB informs us that Aces and Eights are nowhere to be found,
those dastardly villains. Madison Rayne joins him to insure us that Miss
Tessmacher doesn't stand a chance tonight. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TV Title Match<br />
Devon </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Kazarian</b><br />
Fingers crossed for a title change here. Kaz stalls to start and gets
tossed back into the ring for it. Backdrop from Devon and he sends Kaz
out of the ring for a refreshing beverage to the skull. Devon sends Kaz
into the steps and back in the ring Kaz wants to shake his hand, but
Devon will have none of that. Finally Kaz gets a finger to the eyes and
is able to mount some offense. Kaz hits a sick leg lariat and starts to
get a bit cocky, so Devon sets him straight with knife edge chops. Devon
hits a flying shoulder-block for a two count and then hits a nasty
running neckbreaker out of the corner. Crucifix pin gets Kaz his own
near fall and he tries for the Fade to Black, but Devon blocks it and
hits the spinebuster to retain at <b>8:33</b>. One of the better TV
title matches in recent memory thanks to Kaz's involvement, and I'll
give Devon credit for holding his own here tonight, but man, at the end
of the day, I still can't take Devon Dudley seriously as a singles
champ. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA Knockouts Title Match<br />
Miss Tessmacher </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Madison Rayne</b><br />
Earl Hebner is our ref of course, lets see if Rayne's wiley womanly
antics can persuade him to give her favor tonight. Brooke takes Rayne
into the corner but has to break. Madison stalls for a moment and then
works over Tessmacher in the corner with her boot. Butterfly suplex from
Rayne gets her a two count. Tessmacher comes off the top with a haggard
looking elbow drop but Rayne gets the ropebreak. Tessmacher doesn't see
the ropebreak though and argues with Earl, which gives Rayne enough
time to roll her up from behind and steal the pin and title with her
hands on the ropes for leverage at <b>5:30</b>. Could have seen that
finish coming a mile away and I really have no idea what they're trying
to do with the KO division anymore. The match itself started off decent
but Tessmacher was a bit awkward and sloppy and it hurt things. <b>*3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage JB is with Bully Ray, whose pissed off about Aces and Eights
apparently putting out the hit on him. He shows off some cards they left
on his truck that morning and then promises to pick up 20 points in a
few minutes by putting someone through a table, and then he'll be going
on to become the TNA World champion at Bound For Glory. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bound For Glory Series Tables Match<br />
Bully Ray vs. James Storm vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Robbie E</b><br />
Hmm, one of these things is not like the other. Crowd is very hot to
start and there are tables set up all around the ring. Robbie E gets in
Ray's face to start and gets the taste slapped out of his mouth. Moments
later Ray works over Storm and actually convinces Robbie E to bring a
table into the ring in a sign of teamwork before nailing him on the
apron as soon as he does in a funny bit. Storm and Hardy try to suplex
Ray through a table but E moves it (mostly) out of the way to save the
match. E actually works Hardy over a bit and sets him up on a table but
Storm grabs him on the top rope. Hardy meets them there and they do the
Tower of Doom spot as Ray moves the table out of the way again. Hardy
gives E a sitout gourdbuster and then sets him up on a table outside the
ring. Robbie T comes down the ramp to intervene so Hardy flies off the
top rope and wipes him out with a plancha. This gives E time to recover
though and set Hardy up on the table outside the ring. He tries for an
elbow drop off the top rope but Hardy moves at the last second and
Robbie crashes through the table instead, which means the match
continues. Back in the ring Bully slams Storm face-first into a table in
the corner and sets up for a move, but here comes Aces and Eights.
Storm hits the Last Call superkick on Ray and Aces and Eights give Storm
the Thumbs Up as if to signify this was all a plan under Storm's order.
Hardy jumps Storm from behind while he's distracted and sets a table up
and then nails the Whisper in the Wind. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate
but Aces and Eights distracts him again and Storm hits the Last Call
only for Ray to send Storm out of the ring, sneak inside and powerbomb
Hardy through a table to pick up the win and 20 points at <b>13:46</b>.
Ray immediately high-tails out of there as soon as the bell rings.
Another entertaining BFG series match, E actually fit nicely into the
scheme of things providing some comedy and they were able to work the
Aces and Eights storyline into the story of the match without hindering
any of the action, can't ask for much more than that. <b>***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Austin Aries explains again that his World title victory was
not a fluke and that he will not need a rematch, hence why he waived his
rematch clause for tonight's title match. Oh boy, that doesn't bode
well for Austin does it? <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>X-Division Title Match<br />
Zema Ion </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Kenny King</b><br />
This is exactly the kind of fresh match up between two talented young
guys that the X-Division made it's name off of and is exactly what I
wanted to see out of this division going forward, kudos TNA. It's also
nice to see the X-Division title not relegated to the opening slot like
it usually is. Both men lock up and King takes advantage of a wristlock.
Both men trade some nifty counters on the mat before Ion gets sent to
the floor with a haymaker. Ion blocks King's first moonsault attempt but
King winds up hitting it off the apron anyways. Ion sends King back to
the floor and it's his turn to fly now as he hits a big tope and then
nails a neckbreaker back inside the ring. Ion hits a big DDT for a two
count but then misses a moonsault from the second rope. King hits a
spinkick then delivers a sick cradle exploder suplex into the corner!
Ion bails to the floor for a reather but King wipes him out with a
corkscrew tope on the floor moments later. Springboard neckbreaker from
King back inside and King evades a kick from Ion before putting him deep
into a single leg Boston crab. Ion breaks it up and then flips King
backwards and face-first into his own knee in a unique move I've seen
him use a few times. King fires back with a rolling spinkick and another
cradle that nearly gets him a two count. King gets caught by Ion out of
the corner and just drops him face first onto the mat to pick up the
win and retain the title at <b>11:09</b>. Easily Zema's best singles
match in TNA so far and another great outing from King, this was
excellent stuff while it lasted and it left me wanting to see more out
of what these two could do together in the future. Good old fashioned
X-Division fun. <b>***1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage JB is with Samoa Joe, who of course lets us know he's going to
win the ladder match and the 20 points in the BFG series next. They
should really add something different to these backstage segments
sometimes because they're a bit formulaic and cookie-cutter. Even a
change of scenery for the interviews would be nice to see. Minor quibble
though.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Bound For Glory Series Ladder Match<br />
AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe</b><br />
As if this four-way wasn't already going to be awesome, they went and
added a ladder into the mix to spice things up. I can dig it. Daniels is
the first to be sent out of the ring as Joe hits running elbows on
Angle and AJ in opposite corners. Joe and Daniels brawl outside on the
floor and AJ wipes them out with a soaring tope. AJ gets absolutely
nailed with a ladder by Daniels in the corner moments later and I crack
up as a fan heckles Daniels by screaming "Daniels you suck! You haven't
won a match in two months!". Daniels makes the mistake of charging into
the corner on Joe and winds up getting an STO onto the ladder for it. He
briefly attempts to climb the ladder but AJ breaks it up. Daniels tries
to climb the ladder but Joe power-bombs him off of it into the corner!
He turns around right into a belly-to-belly suplex from Angle though and
a huge "USA!" chant breaks out. AJ just rockets a ladder right into
Angle's face and somewhere Joey Mercury is cringing. AJ hits Joe with
the pele kick and then unloads on Daniels in the corner with big
punches. Outside the ring Joe delivers a belly to belly to Angle but
eats an ace cutter on the floor from Daniels. Back in the ring AJ, Joe,
and Daniels do some of their signature three-way spots before Daniels
gets belly-to-belly suplexed into the corner. Joe tries for the Muscle
Buster on AJ but Kurt sneaks up behind him and hits a German suplex on
Joe while AJ is still on Joe's shoulders! Daniels gets put into the
ankle lock briefly but Daniels breaks it off only to eat a springboard
forearm from AJ. Styles climbs the ladder and nearly grabs the clipboard
but Daniels dumps him out to the floor like a sack of potatoes instead.
Daniels tries the same thing but Joe knocks the ladder out from under
him and he and Angle decide to have a suplex-off on Daniels, delivering
different variations of German and t-bone suplexes one after another in
an awesome spot. Daniels gets stuck in between the rungs of one of the
ladders that Kurt climbs while Joe climbs a ladder right next to him,
but here comes AJ like freaking Superman springboarding onto the top of
the ladders and grabbing the clipboard for the sneaky win at<b> 16:22</b>.
Just the kind of awesome wrestling match you'd expect with these four
in a ring at the same time, they didn't really work many ladder spots
into things but it was fine because they worked so much nifty stuff into
such a short amount of time that there was never a dull moment to be
had here. I'd still like to see these four wrestle in a non-gimmick
match with a good 20-30 minutes though. <b>***3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage JB asks Bobby Roode a question posted on Twitter--"Are you
afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Wait, no, that's not right. "Are you afraid
of Austin Aries?", yeah, that sounds better. Roode makes a promise to
walk into Bound For Glory the World Heavyweight champion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA World Title Match<br />
Austin Aries</b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> ©</span></span> vs. Bobby Roode</b><br />
Win or lose tonight Aries has had about as good of a one month run as
champ so far as anyone I can remember and it's really elevated him to a
whole other level. The fact that he beat Roode clean in the rematch on
Impact helped alot, but kind of makes the outcome of tonight's match a
bit predictable. Aries almost immediately is able to put Roode into the
Last Chancery but Roode is able to escape, though he's suitably pissed
now. Back inside Aries hits a dropkick in the corner and teases going
for the brainbuster, but again Roode escapes to the floor to stall.
Aries wipes him out with a pescado and Roode again tries to escape so he
just gives him another pescado on the opposite side of the ring. Back
inside he dropkicks the back of Roode's head from the corner. Roode
falls out to the floor and Aries meets him with a big double axe handle.
He brings him back into the ring with a suplex from the apron and gets a
two count off a kneedrop. Roode counters by lifting Aries onto his
shoulders and then driving his chest down into his knee in a sick
gutbuster. Roode wraps his legs around Aries in a legscissors and the
crowd tries to rally behind the young champ by chanting his name. Aries
gets set up in the tree of woe but he manages to counter out of it with a
unique stunner variation. Aries sends Roode out of the ring and hits a
huge double axe handle off the top that sends Roode into a chair in the
corner where Aries quickly dropkicks the everloving fuck out of his
face. Ouch. Back in the ring Aries has the Last Chancery but Roode rakes
Austin's eyes to break it up. Aries locks him into his own crossface
instead, but Roode counters that into his own crossface. Aries is able
to break that up and both men trade chops on their feet. Roode fires off
the spinebuster and nearly regains the belt, but Aries kicks out. Aries
blocks a superplex attempt with a sick Mongolian chop and then tries
for the 450 Splash, but Roode gets the knees up. Roode goes for the
spear but winds up taking out the ref instead of Austin. Roode spears
Aries now as a new ref runs down but he takes too long to hit the ring
and Roode only gets a two count. Aries blocks a Fisherman's buster and
sets up for the brainbuster, but Roode knocks him into the second ref,
knocking THAT ref out too. Aries nails Roode in the head and then hits
the brainbuster just as Brian Hebner regains consciousness but Roode
still kicks out at two! Damn I thought Aries might escape right there.
Roode crotches Aries on another 450 attempt and then superplexes him off
the top and both men wind up in a cradle with both of their shoulders
down and both refs make a double-count, and we have ourselves a
controversial draw of sorts it seems. Earl Hebner comes down to the ring
to try and clear things up and grabs the title out of Roode's hand, and
he decides instead to re-start the match! Aries goes for the tope while
Roode is arguing with the refs outside the ring but Roode is still
holding the title belt and he smashes Aries with it in mid-air, knocking
him out. Roode puts his lifeless body into the ring...but Aries still
kicks out at two! Aries turns Roode around and rolls him up and manages
to sneak away with the pin to retain at <b>26:18</b>! Okay I take
everything back about what I said about this being predictable. TNA
planted a red herring with the no rematch clause to make you think Roode
would cheat him out of the title here and screw the good guy out of the
title, but instead they went the other way and had Aries retain, and
retain cleanly albeit after a bit of hijinx. The match itself was the
usual stellar encounter these two have every time they wrestle each
other, but the added drama and element of story added another layer onto
this great match. Another winner from these two. <b>****</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We close out the show with a stunned Bobby Roode storming off while Austin Aries celebrates in the ring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bottom Line:</span> </b>Another
good show in a string of them from TNA lately, they've really been on a
roll as of late and even a relative B-show like this wound up being
worth my money with solid undercard matches abound, a fun ladder match
and X-title match, and another killer main event that not only delivered
the goods, but managed to surprise me in the best way possible, really
can't say enough good things about the direction TNA has taken lately
and this PPV is a shining example of that. Nothing extraordinary but
lots of good stuff and a killer main event so an easy Thumbs Up tonight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 8.0/10</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-84098705567891848442012-08-02T19:51:00.001-07:002012-08-02T19:51:25.662-07:00WWE Money in the Bank 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBg3Wsjn4i4euGnzxgAb64V3Mxe-0B4FaS9EnecAuQPF_fsjfIjtFloPgJH7hnDvyAx0TchPzii3Fao6Dp49RB-fSvVxFij60-1Ao8nYQ94Z-EXRmmYbQZvXvter1pvc-QrELes3Mu75N/s1600/wwe_money_in_the_bank_2012_poster_with_logo_by_mrawesomewwe-d54741m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBg3Wsjn4i4euGnzxgAb64V3Mxe-0B4FaS9EnecAuQPF_fsjfIjtFloPgJH7hnDvyAx0TchPzii3Fao6Dp49RB-fSvVxFij60-1Ao8nYQ94Z-EXRmmYbQZvXvter1pvc-QrELes3Mu75N/s400/wwe_money_in_the_bank_2012_poster_with_logo_by_mrawesomewwe-d54741m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Money in the Bank 2012</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>July 15th, 2012</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: 10,800</b></span><br />
</div>
<br /><br />I know, I know, I'm weeks late on this review but you'll
have to forgive me as my life has become increasingly busy and occupied
with work and a social life. Wrestling shows have started to pile up on
my DVR, so I've got to knock this one out and get moving because I can't
let you fine readers down, now can I? Hard to believe it was just one
year ago we were all in a buzz about Punk's promos and excited about the
product and a year later it feels like we're back to business as usual
with another fucking Cena vs. Big Show feud of all things, because we
haven't seen that thoroughly dead horse beaten to shit before, right?
Luckily we have guys like Punk and Bryan to save the shows and tonight's
show being Money in the Bank we have the added benefit of gimmick
matches, so this should be pretty fun regardless of the general malaise
the WWE product has filled me with as of late.<br />
<b><br /><br />Your pre-show hosts are Matt Striker and my main man Scott Stanford</b><br /><br /><b><br />Kofi Kingston/R-Truth vs. Hunico/Camacho</b><br />This...isn't
a tag title match for whatever reason. Truth takes Camacho down with
some Austin like fists after he insults Little Jimmy and then slaps him
the face. Kofi tags in with a springboard splash and then fires off a
big hurricanrana on the big man. Truth tags back in for a leg-drop and
Hunico manages to tag in and gain the upper hand. Camacho tags back in
for a sleeper but Truth breaks it up with a leg lariat and tags in Kofi,
who springboards in with a clothesline. Boom Drop from Kofi on Camacho
but he blocks the Trouble in Paradise. The heels work over Kofi with
some dirty antics and Camacho plants Kingston with a huge back suplex
and a legdrop for a two count. Camacho rolls through an armbar attempt
and slams Kofi to the mat. Kofi responds with a leaping hurricanrana off
the top rope. and tags Truth in. Powerslam from Truth and a big DDT but
Hunico eats the Trouble in Paradise and Camacho gets finished off with
another big DDT at 8:22. Decent tag match for the pre-show, they threw
in a few nice bits towards the end and for a free match you can't
complain. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br /><br /><b>Your<i> real</i> hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and Booker T</b><br /><b><br />
<br />SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match<br />Dolph Ziggler vs. Christian vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Santino Marella vs. Sin Cara vs. Tensai vs. Tyson Kidd</b><br />
Quite the odd bunch of participants here in this match and you can tell
they have no idea what they're doing booking wise with most of these
guys. Everyone tries attacking Tensai to start to little affect. He
grabs a ladder and sets it up in the corner and quickly introduces Tyson
Kidd's face to it with a catapult in the corner. Kidd and Christian
team up to take Tensai out with ladders but Christian quickly turns on
Kidd afterwards. Christian, Santino, and Kidd all try to scale the
ladder but Sandow tosses them all off. Ziggler knocks Sandow off and
then tosses Cody into the ladder. Cody eats a 'rana from Sin Cara out of
nowhere, and Cara then kicks Ziggler in the corner and hits a really
awkward DDT you could argue was botched. He tries for a splash on Rhodes
on a ladder but Christian tosses him off and goes for the splash
himself only for Rhodes to move out of the way at the last second.
Rhodes hits Sandow with the Disaster Kick out of nowhere but eats a
springboard missile dropkick from Kidd. Tensai returns to the ring and
powerbombs Santino before attempting a powerbomb on KIdd that he
counters into a 'rana out of the ring. Sandow tries to climb the ladder
but Cara stops him briefly. Sandow succeeds but Christian climbs right
over him and almost grabs the briefcase. Sandow sets up a ladder and
tries a running powerslam onto it, but Christian counters into a reverse
DDT at the last moment. Sandow blocks a spear attempt at first with a
knee but Christian eventually spears him into the ladder in the corner.
Dolph, Cody, and Christian try climbing the ladder but all get thrown
off by Tensai eventually. Tensai nearly climbs to the top despite the
efforts of Kidd and Cara, but Christian knocks him off with another
ladder and he and Santino slam it over the big man again. Santino tries
climbing the ladder but he's somewhat afraid of heights of course.
Sandow climbs to meet him but eats the Cobra and Rhodes dropkicks
Santino off the ladder from the top rope. Rhodes tries to climb to the
top but Vickie Guerrero decides to come in to distract him long enough
for Ziggler to just nail Rhodes with the Zig Zag from off the ladder.
Ziggler nearly grabs the case but Christian stops him and then Kidd
decides to be a maniac and uses one ladder to leap into mid air and
powerbomb Ziggler onto his face off the top of the ladder. A bit sloppy
but cool nevertheless. Christian nails Sandow with a ladder and takes
him to the floor with the Cactus clothesline. Tensai sets up a ladder in
between the ring and announce table and then powerbombs the everloving
fuck out of Sin Cara onto the ladder. Tensai tosses Ziggler over the
table but eats the disaster kick from Rhodes. Rhodes and Kidd climb the
ladder back in the ring and Rhodes gives Kidd a gourdbuster off the top
of the ladder! And then Rhodes gets speared by Christian from one ladder
off of another! Christian nearly captures the briefcase but Ziggler
tosses him off like a madman and grabs the briefcase for the win at <b>18:23</b>!
I'm so happy they actually gave Ziggler the win here and are seemingly
going to finally give him that main event push he's been busting his ass
and killing himself for. The match itself was pretty ho-hum to start
but picked up towards the finish and they worked some nice spots into
it. In the grand scheme of ladder matches this is but a mere blip on the
radar, but it had it's enjoyable moments for sure. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br /><br />Backstage Sheamus talks a bit about one of Del Rio's favorite
topics, cars, before threatening to leave Del Rio and Ricardo lying with
some rusty drive shafts.<br /><br /><br />The Miz makes his return (I
legitimately did not realize he was gone) and the crowd actually gives
him a "Miz is Awesome" chant. Miz is sick of being overlooked, as usual,
so he's inserting himself into the RAW Money in the Bank Ladder match.
Well that should add some levity to things. Miz came off great here with
the crowd even finishing his catch phrases for him, weird. <br />
<br /><br />Flashback to Mick Foley winning the WWF title on RAW in 1999.
Classic stuff that I'll never tire of seeing, keep the Attitude Era
nostalgia coming WWE, enough of that 80s shit. <br /><br /><b><br />World Heavyweight Title Match<br />
Sheamus </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Alberto Del Rio</b><br />The
match they kept trying to hold off because no one wanted to see it.
Sounds promising already. Cole recounts a bit about Del Rio ripping an
original Action Comics #1 in half at Comic-Con a few weeks back and as
someone whose recently rediscovered their love for all things DC and
Marvel related, I take offense to that. Lock up to start followed
quickly by a round of brute fisticuffs. Del Rio tries for an early
armbar but Sheamus blocks it. Sheamus suplexes Del Rio into the ring and
hits a shoulder block off the top. He allows himself to be distracted
by Ricardo though and Del Rio knocks him to the floor with a dropkick.
Back inside Del Rio goes to work on the Irishman's arm. Sheamus hits a
swinging neckbreaker after a vicious headbutt from Del Rio. Del Rio
continues the head butt action and goes for the armbar, but Sheamus
avoids it. Sheamus tries for his slingshot shoulder block but Del Rio
turns it into an armbreaker in mid-air. Sheamus returns fire with a big
knee and powerslam for a two count. Sheamus hits the ten clubbing
forearms spot and then follows up with the Irish Curse backbreaker for a
close two count. Sheamus misses the Brogue Kick and Del Rio hits a big
lung-blower for a two count.; Sheamus avoids an enziguri kick and hits
Del Rio with the White Noise. Sheamus finishes Del Rio off with the
Brogue Kick to retain at <b>14:22</b>. Maybe a little bit better than
you'd think, but still very bland from two guys who just have totally
different styles in the ring. There were some good bits and pieces but
nothing was ever able to be strung together particularly well.<b> **1/2</b><br />
<br /><br />After the match Del Rio and Ricardo beat down Sheamus and out
comes Dolph Ziggler ready to cash in! He gets into an argument with Del
Rio first though and eats a Brogue Kick but even though he handed the
case to the ref this isn't a match and Sheamus just walks off. Phew, was
scared Ziggler might be the first to lose his shot there for a second.<br />
<br /><br />Earlier today Josh Matthews asks Daniel Bryan about AJ and he reiterates that they're soul mates. <br /><br /><br /><b>Epico/Primo vs. Darren Young/Titus O'Neill</b><br />I
appreciate the effort to make the tag division seem more important, but
man we need some fresh match ups. Primo and Titus start off and Young
quickly tags in but eats a 'rana from Primo. Epico tags in and 'ranas
him again out of the ring, where Primo wipes him out with a tope. Epico
sends Titus outside with Young and wipes them all out with a somersault
tope. Titus grabs Epico and sends him back-first into the steel post.
Titus stretches him out over the post some more and the crowd is so dead
right now. Titus does some dancing but Rosa's dancing efforts are much
more appreciated by the crowd. Primo tags in and hits a
springboard...tomahawk chop?" That was weird. He follows with a
springboard corkscrew moonsault and tries another springoard but Young
blocks with a Codebreaker. Primo rolls him up anyways for the win at <b>7:27</b>. Not terrible but also not very good, this was exactly what it felt like---filler.<b> *3/4</b><br />
<br /><br /><b>WWE Title No DQ Match<br />CM Punk </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Daniel Bryan</b><br />With
our hottest special guest referee in awhile, AJ. Odds this is anything
less than awesome? Slim. Bryan tries to work over Punk's fingers to
start (I love stuff like that) but Punk is primed and ready to go. Both
men unload strikes on eachother and the action quickly spills to the
floor where Bryan sends Punk into the barricade. Back inside Bryan lays
in some kicks and Punk responds with knees. Punk misses a legdrop from
the top and eats more kicks. Once again they hit the floor and Punk
sends Bryan into the steel barricade near the ramp. On his way back in
Bryan sends Punk right into AJ, sending her flying. While Punk checks on
her Bryan attacks Punk, tosses him into the steel steps...and then goes
to check on AJ. That's devilishly dickish. Bryan just keeps delivering
the kicks and then hits a nasty running knee off the apron before
suplexing Punk onto the steel steps. Punk back drops Bryan into the time
keeper's section and then springboards off one guardrails and
clotheslines Bryan off of another. Crowd chants for tables, so Punk
pulls one out. Bryan slams him though and then grabs a kendo stick. He
slams it on Punk a few times and back in the ring they go into a nifty
counter sequence in the corner with the end result being Punk
springboarding right into a big kendo stick shot from Bryan. Bryan wails
away on Punk for what seems like a good minute but only gets a two
count from it. Bryan lays in more vicious kicks and hits a snap suplex
on the champ. He tries for the diving headbutt from the top but Punk
moves at the last moment. Punk fires back with a reverse neckbreaker and
then hits the high Muay Thai knee in the corner. Punk follows with a
powerslam for two. Both men tease going for their finishers with Bryan
countering Punk's GTS for a hot near fall. Bryan just knocks Punk's
lights out with one sick kick in response. Bryan puts Punk into the
Mexican Surfboard but Punk manages to escape and grab the kendo stick
and nail the hell out of Bryan with it for two. Both men scale the top
rope and Bryan superplexes Punk just in time for AJ to return from the
back...and skip...and grab a steel chair from under the ring. She places
it in the middle of the ring between Punk and Bryan like a cruel
mistress for the first one to grab it. Bryan does and waffles Punk with
it several times for a two count. Bryan gets in AJ's face and gets
rolled up himself. Bryan continues to kick the crap out of Punk in the
corner but the champ responds by firing off a big clothesline. Punk
takes his turn to waffle Bryan with the chair a few times and then sets
it up in-between the turnbuckle. AJ blocks Punk from using it though and
in the ruckus winds up getting dropkicked into the chair. Punk kicks
Bryan and then slams him with the steel chair underneath him before
missing the Macho Man elbow drop and slamming his arm into the chair!
Bryan takes advantage by applying the Yes! Lock, even using the Kendo
stick for leverage. Punk manages to escape the hold and drop Bryan's
head on the turnbuckle before hitting him with the GTS. Punk takes too
long to cover him though and only gets a two count. Punk grabs the table
he pulled out earlier from outside and sets it up in the ring. Punk
lays Bryan over the table and then signals for the elbow drop again, but
Bryan gets off the table and nails him with forearms on the turnbuckle.
Bryan gets crotched on the top and Punk lays in some vicious elbows
before giving him a huge back superplex off the top through the table
for the win at <b>27:45</b>! Well that was one hell of a finish to
another damn fine match in this feud, they managed to fit in all of
their usual great stuff while embellishing on it all with the No DQ stip
by introducing different weapons and gimmicks perfectly into the mix.
The whole thing built up and we got the pay-off with the finish, 'tis a
thing of beauty.<b> ****</b><br />
<br /><br /><b>Ryback vs. Curt Hawkings/Tyler Reks</b><br />Seems like they're
throwing a Ryback squash on every PPV now. Ryback launches Hawkins but
he runs off and tags Reks in, who manages to clothesline the big man.
Hawkins and Reks continue to trade tags in their corner, working over
Ryback with double team moves and actually having a bit of success with
it. Ryback manages to powerslam Hawkins and then just knocks Reks down
with several shoulders. He powerbombs Hawkins twice while a mild
"Goldberg" chant starts up. Ryback finishes Reks off with the Shell
Shock at <b>4:20</b>. This seemed like an experiment to see how the
crowd would react to Ryback actually selling some moves for a few
minutes. He did, and no one gave a shit.<b>*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Layla/Kaitlyn/Tamina vs. Beth Phoenix/Natalya/Eve Torres</b><br />
Say it with me kids: F-I-L-L-E-R MATCH! Layla does a nice crossbody on
Beth and misses a kick It's not long before all six women are in the
ring, hair-pulling. Seriously. And they wonder why nobody gives half a
shit about the divas? Layla finishes Beth off with a neckbreaker amongst
the ruckus at <b>3:23</b>. I hate paying to watch matches like this on PPV. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>RAW Money in the Bank Ladder Match<br />
John Cena vs. Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show vs. Kane vs. The Miz</b><br />
On paper this might be the least interesting looking ladder match in
wrestling history. Usual total brawl to start with all five men outside
the ring, meanwhile the Miz tries to sneak up the ladder but Cena
quickly nixes that plan. Show grabs a ladder and just tosses it at
Jericho. Kane and Jericho grab ladders but Show just knocks them into
them. Jericho hits the Codebreaker on Show, and Miz follows with the DDT
on the big man. Kane boots him out of the ring and Cena finishes off
the assembly line of destruction by giving Show the Attitude Adjustment
through the Spanish announcer's table! Everyone piles five or six
ladders on top of Show afterwards just for good measure until Jericho
comes in to break up the party and indulge in the crowd's love for him
momentarily. Jericho counters a rollup from Miz into the Walls of
Jericho. Miz escapes the hold but Jericho gives him a snap suplex. Miz
tries climbing the ladder as we have huge dueling Cena chants again but
Jericho sends him off into another ladder and makes the climb himself
only for John Cena to hop up and knock him off. HUGE DDT from Miz on
Cena, and he nearly nabs the case but Kane knocks him down by tossing a
ladder casually at him. Kane tries to chokeslam Miz and Jericho but
instead gets suplexed by both of them onto another ladder. Cena hits
some shoulder tackles and then hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle on both men
on a ladder before handing out another AA to Kane. Jericho tries
scaling the ladder but Show finally returns and then just rips the
ladder apart and sandwiches Jericho in between them. Damn. Show lays in
big body shots on Cena and then slams him into a ladder in the corner
Show goes underneath the ring and pulls out a special gold ladder that
is huge and fortified to hold Show's massive weight. I always wonder who
makes these ladders for the WWE, they have to be custom ordered. The
ladder weighs a ton so it takes Show a minute to actually set it up in
the ring but when he does he nearly climbs right to the top and grabs
the case, but Kane meets him on the other side of the ladder Show knocks
Kane off but Cena takes his place and meets the giant at the top, but
he too is sent off with a headbutt. Finally Jericho takes him down with a
steel chair shot to the spine. Several of them in fact. Jericho and
Cena climb the ladder now and battle at the top, where Jericho hops onto
Cena's back and applies a sleeper hold. Jericho won't let go of that
sleeper but Cena powers up and climbs to the top with him. Finally
Jericho sends Cena off the ladder with the sleeper but Miz scurries
right up the other side and those two begin grappling over the
briefcase, with Jericho hanging onto only the case at one point. Show
knocks both Miz and Jericho off the ladder but Cena hightails it up the
other side and uses the brief case as a weapon to blast Show with before
unhoooking it for his first Money in the Bank win at 20:03. These guys
really worked hard to make this one good as they must have known some of
them weren't exactly the best candidates for a ladder match. They
seemed to really hold back in this one but it actually didn't hurt the
match because it felt like it was bringing the match back to it's
roots---to be about the suspense and build of the climb as opposed to
just having several huge spotfests. This worked surprisingly well. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span>
There was no way they were going to live up to last year's show but
they gave a valiant effort with this show I thought, Giving Ziggler the
ball to run is a good choice and I can't wait to see this kid start
making real money. While both ladder matches were a bit underwhelming in
the grand scope of ladder matches the WWE has had over the years, they
were unique and fun. Luckily we have two stalwarts of an era passed in
CM Punk and Daniel Bryan to come along and drop their usual
awe-inspiring four-star match. Overall the positives outweighed the
negatives on this show, but they can only lean on the shoulders of guys
like Punk and Bryan for so long. Overall Thumbs Up for MITB 2012<br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rating: 7.5/10</b></span><br />
</div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-42245508566239163072012-07-08T20:08:00.000-07:002012-07-08T20:08:09.523-07:00TNA Destination X 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TNA Destination X 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>July 8th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Impact Wrestling Zone, Orlando, Florida</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span><br />
</div>
<br /><br />Welcome back everyone to another edition of 411mania's monthly
TNA PPV coverage! I'll be your host tonight as usual for what looks to
be one of the best TNA PPV offerings in quite some time with a stacked
card focusing on X-Division action and classic TNA rivalries like Kurt
Angle vs. Samoa Joe and AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels. Of course the
big match tonight is the World title match pitting Bobby Roode against
challenger Austin Aries, but the whole show looks solid on paper and
there's been a great build to the event, so enough with the preambling,
let's start this bad boy!<br /><br /><b><br />
Your hosts are Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash<br />
<br />
<br />
Last Chance X-Division Tournament Qualifying Match<br />
Rubix vs. Mason Andrews vs. Lars Only vs. Dakota Darsow</b><br />
Hmm, no Taz on commentary tonight. This match pits all of the guys who
didn't advance in the last few weeks together in one match for one last
shot at entering tonight's X-Division tournament to crown a new champ.
Rubix (or Jigsaw as CHIKARA fans know him) starts off snapping a
headscissors on Lars Only before bailing, allowing Lars to work a few
armdrags on Darsow. Darsow smashes Only's head over his knee and elbows
Rubix off the apron. Minor "We love Jigsaw!" chant from the Orlando
faithful as Rubix hits a cross-body off the top on Darsow. Falcon Arrow
from Darsow is broken up by Only and finally Mason Andrews (Scorpio Sky
to longtime PWG fans) returns to the fracas. Now the fans are chanting
for Rubix again as Andrews ducks Rubix and wipes out Darsow and Only
outside the ring with a huge tope con hilo. Rubix follows up with a huge
suicide moonsault out of the ring to take out all three men moments
later! Back in the ring Andrews works a nasty armbar on Rubix until Only
breaks it up and hits an awkward double STO move on Rubix and Mason.
Andrews takes out Darsow with some stiff low kicks and tries for a
superplex on Only in the corner but instead all three men do the
powerbomb/superplex tower of doom spot and as soon as they're done with
that Rubix hits a springboard dropkick to take out Darsow and ignite
another HUGE "Rubix" chant. Seriously, this crowd is vocally and clearly
behind the guy and it's obvious they're familiar with his background,
so hopefully the boys backstage are taking note of this. Rubix hits a
kick on Darsow but then eats a codebreaker from Only. Andrews counters
into a TKO/stunner combo on Only moments later and picks up the surprise
win at <b>8:23</b>. They probably should have called an audible and put
Rubix over after the huge reception for him but Andrews/Sky is a very
talented guy who has long deserved a break in this business so I can't
complain seeing him win here. The match itself was just what you'd want
out of an X-Division opener, quick and spotty but fun and they didn't
blow their loads early, saving momentum for later. I like it. <b>**3/4<br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
X-Division Title Tournament Match<br />
Kid Kash vs. Mason Andrews</b><br />
And moments later former X-Division champ Kid Kash runs down to the ring
to kick start our first official tournament match, giving Andrews no
time to rest at all. Kash tries a cocky pin inside the ring for two.
Total domination early from Kash as he overpowers Andrews with a few
nifty suplex and slam variations, making sure to trash talk him all the
while to firmly establish himself as the heel here. Kash works over
Andrews arm, doing a great job of eliciting heat from this crowd in and
old school Southern kind of way, just working simple holds over, wearing
Andrews down and never letting his mouth stop running all the while.
Finally Andrews is able to get something going with a few dropkicks and a
headscissors out of the corner. He only grazes Kash with a missile
dropkick for a two count but then nails him with a running knee to make
up for it moments later. Both men do the rolling bridge spot and then
Andrews counters a knee strike attempt into a roll up for the upset pin
on Kash to advance at <b>8:09</b>. This was worked at a much slower pace
than the opener but it worked because of that as Kash does a great job
as a retro Southern heel displaced in the X-Division. Simple stuff,
building up heat for the upset win by Andrews and they've quickly made
him out to be an underdog favorite for the tournament tonight. <b>**1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Christy Hemme is with Samoa Joe, who gives props to Austin
Aries before promising to defeat Kurt Angle tonight "by any means
necessary" to earn 10 points in the Bound for Glory series standings.
Atleast I think he said 10 points. And then JB plugs Twitter. Always
with the damn Twitter. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
X-Division Title Tournament Match<br />
Douglas Williams vs. Kenny King</b><br />
King, whose still technically one half of the ROH tag team champions
much to Cary Silkin's chagrin (and also an original Tough Enough
competitor), looked impressive in his Impact debut and Williams is one
of the most valuable members of the X-Division thanks to his classic,
grounded technical game. Douglas dominates early with some trademark
hold-for-hold grappling while Borash makes World of Sport references on
commentary. Crowd seems behind King here as he takes out Williams on the
floor with a twisting pescado. King shows some wrestling acumen of his
own with a floatover into a headlock after a rope-running sequence.
Williams hits a big clothesline but King rolls him up for a near fall.
Suplex from Williams and he teases going for the Chaos Theory but King
sees it coming and counters into a stiff enziguri. Spinebuster gets King
another two count. Both men fight to the top rope where Williams sends
King flying out to the floor before taking him out with a high knee from
the top! You don't see that too often. King responds with a springboard
neckbreaker back inside the ring but again Williams kicks out. King
hits a TKO into a spinebuster to pick up the win and advance at <b>10:37</b>.
Another slower paced match to start but King looked great once again
and Williams did his usual admirable job on the losing end. King also
had to be considered a favorite going forward tonight with some of this
momentum. <b>**1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Christopher Daniels explains what kind of man he is and more importantly, what kind of despicable man AJ Styles is. And that's something we can drink to. <br />
<b><br />
<br />
X-Division Title Tournament Match<br />
Sonjay Dutt vs. Rashad Cameron</b><br />
It's great to see Sonjay back in TNA but man, I had really hoped we
would never have to be subjugated to a BLK Jeez match on a real,
bonafide PPV. Armdrag exchange to start and both men seem evenly matched
as JB hypes how over Dutt was during his recent stint in India with
Ring Ka King. Dutt bails out and Cameron wipes out him with a nice
suicide dive. Back inside Dutt fires off a hurricanrana and then nails
Cameron with a baseball slide dropkick out of the ring. Cameron slows
things down with some heel work on Sonjay in the ropes while the fans
vocally get behind Dutt. Dutt hits a slingshot guillotine legdrop on
Cameron then springboards in with a splash for a two count. Headscissors
from Cameron out of the corner and he rolls into an armbar submission
briefly on Dutt before getting in referee Earl Hebner's face. Sonjay
blocks a DDT and then finishes Cameron with the moonsault into a
doublestomp at <b>7:16</b>. This seemed almost like a squash for Sonjay
at times though Cameron/Jeez did get to a chance to work a decent amount
of heat from the crowd during the match here. Weakest match so far
tonight but still perfectly adequate and solid for the time and spot
allotted. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />JB and Tenay bring us back to Against All Odds in February this year
and the tragic neck injury to Jesse Sorensen before introducing a video
package to update us on Jesse's recovery. After the video package
Christy Hemme introduces Sorensen himself who gets a nice reception from
the fans as he comes out with a neckbrace on (I'll take a neckbrace
over paralysis any day, yes sir). Big Welcome Back chant for Jesse and
you can see his mom crying in the front row. He talks about how scary
the injury was but tells us he knows that God wanted him to be a
professional wrestler and thanks the fans and his family for the
support. Finally Jesse gets to Zema Ion, the man who caused his injury,
ad he tells him that he hopes he wins the title tonight so that he can
come back and take the belt from him. Jesse promises to be the
X-Division champion next year at Destination X 2013 and that he'll cash
in that title to become the World champion. This was nice but I hope
that wasn't the big surprise Dixie tweeted about having in store for us
tonight. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>X-Division Title Tournament Match<br />
Zema Ion vs. Flip Cassanova</b><br />
Of course Ion's match is next so he and Jesse do a staredown during his
entrance. Flip Cassanova/Kendrick might be familiar to more diehard
indie fans but isn't anything too special to be honest. He doesn't like
Zema's cocky attitude to start so he sends him to the floor and takes
him out with a tope. He tries for a back senton but Zema blocks with his
knees. Cassanova is sent to the floor and Ion takes him out with a
dropkick. Zema misses a moonsault back inside and Cassanova makes him
pay for it with a springboard corkscrew moonsault. Flip misses a
shooting star press back senton and eats the back-flip into a knee from
Ion before Ion finishes him with what I can only describe as a reverse
Gory Bomb at<b> 3:55</b>. Well that really was just a squash match this
time, which makes me think they may be serious about pushing Ion for the
eventual return feud and blow-off with Sorensen going forward, which I
like. Quick and fun but really just a blow-out for Ion. <b>*3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Christy Hemme is with Mason Andrews, Kenny King, and Sonjay
Dutt who are excited about their X-Division shot when suddenly Robert
Roode walks up to interrupt and mock them for being excited about the
X-Division title. He says the X-Division and Austin Aries will both fail
tonight and he'll walk out with his World title intact. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bound For Glory Series Match<br />
Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle</b><br />
The first match these two had together in this company might be my
favorite TNA match ever, so I was very excited to see that these two
were being matched up again after a few years tonight (not counting
their recent Impact match, which was solid). Crowd is hot for this one
with dueling chants to start (this crowd has been great all night, where
has THIS Impact Zone crowd been hiding at?). Joe quickly evades some
hold attempts by Kurt to start and gives him a look as if to say "Yeah,
I've seen this from you before and I know what to do". Headlock from
Angle is countered by Joe into the corner, where he lays in big right
hands. Joe back drops Angle over the top rope out to the floor and then
wipes him out with a tope suicida moments later. Back in the ring Joe
hits a spinkick on Angle in the corner and sets up for the Muscle
Buster, but Kurt comes off the top with a dropkick before he gets a
chance to attempt it. Belly to belly suplex from Angle and Joe fights
back with a boot and a back senton. Angle grabs a hold of Joe's waist
and hits his trademark trio of rolling German suplexes though. Angle
looks for the Angle Slam but Joe counters and sets up for the Muscle
Buster, but Angle counters out of that into the ankle lock on Joe! Sweet
countering there and Joe slams Angle to the mat when he foolishly
charges in on him in the corner. Joe hits the Muscle Buster, but Angle
kicks out at two. They kind of treated the Muscle Buster very
nonchalantly there. Joe tries for the rear naked choke but Angle
counters into the ankle lock and really syncs it in until Joe manages to
counter into the Coquina Clutch! Kurt manages to power out of the hold
though into the Angle Slam, but Joe kicks out just in the nick of time
at two. Again Angle tries for the Angle Slam but Joe counters into the
Coquina Clutch and Joe is really wrenching away on the submission now,
adding pressure and strain to the hold until Angle simply passes out and
Hebner calls for the bell to award Joe the match at <b>14:37</b>.
Another simply fantastic match in the long running series between these
two men, and they totally did the right move by having Joe go over here
as it seems like they've finally realized how valuable he can be to them
as a main event player again and a true "TNA original" as it were. All
kinds of slick countering and psychology in this one, just like you'd
expect, and the finish leaves the door open for a rematch down the line.
With this win Joe is now atop the Bound For Glory Series leaderboard. <b>***1/2</b><br /><br /><br /><br />
<b>Last Man Standing Match<br />
AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels</b><br />
Even though it was a bit harebrained you have to keep props to TNA for
atleast attempting a dramatic soap-like angle with some actual intrigue
to it, even if it did fall flat on it's face. I love Styles and Daniels
but I hope this is the last they wrestle each other for a very long
time, because we've seen it ten billion times. So make this one the
bloody, wild blow-off boys please and thank you. Daniels stalls early
for some cheap heat and then just spits in Styles face. Daniels gets
sent into the steel guard rail outside the ring as both men begin
brawling now. Back in the ring AJ hits a dropkick and then suplexes
Daniels into the corner turnbuckle. Haven't seen that from AJ in awhile.
Daniels blocks a whip into the corner and just pokes AJ in the eye in
true slimy heel fashion before grabbing a steel chair from outside the
ring and tossing it inside. Styles stumbles out of the ring and Daniels
hits him with a knee. Back in the ring Daniels sets up the chair and
then hits a reverse STO on Styles through the chair! Nasty. Outside the
ring Daniels slams AJ into the floor and now AJ is busted open and
bleeding from the forehead. Daniels sets up the steel steps but winds up
tossing AJ into the ring instead to try and waffle him with a
chairshot. AJ blocks that though and then hits a springboard forearm
onto Daniels while he's holding the chair! Outside the ring AJ tosses
Daniels into the steps ferociously like a lawndart and now Daniels is
busted open too. Both men brawl up the ramp now and thy wind up wiping
each other out with a double clothesline as both men are bleeding on the
ramp while the crowd cheers on in a great, visceral image. Pele kick
from AJ. AJ finds a bit of stage equipment just high enough to climb
onto and then does his usual moonsault into a reverse DDT spot on
Daniels in a very clever variation on a classic Styles move. Suddenly
Kazarian comes running out and sends Styles flying off the ramp onto the
concrete the hardway. You had to know it was only a matter of time
before Kaz got involved. AJ makes it up at an 8 count from the ref but
gets sent into the guardrail by a pissed off Daniels who then promptly
retrieves a table from underneath the ring and sets it up back near the
rampway. He brings Styles back onto the ramp and sets up for the Angel's
Wings, but AJ blocks it with a low blow and hits the Pele kick again.
Styles then grabs Daniels and hits the Styles Clash off the stage
through a table! Styles barely makes it back to his feet at the ten
count while Daniels stays down to give AJ the big win at <b>17:42</b>.
This was the best match these two have had together in years and was a
suitably brutal and heated fight, just as it needed to be given the
angle going in. In simple terms this with two highly professional
veterans of their craft finding new ways to make the same old formulas
fun and exciting. Hell of a match. <b>****</b><br /><br />
<br />
The internet polls have picked Aries to win tonight, which makes sense
from a kayfabe sense given all of Aries' momentum. Backstage Christy
Hemme is with the man himself, who talks about how he was beating people
with brainbusters while Bobby Roode was beating people with beer
bottles. Aries says he's going to walk out the new World Champion and
change the industry. <br /><br />
<br />
<b>TNA X-Division Title Ultimate X Match<br />
Mason Andrews vs. Zema Ion vs. Kenny King vs. Sonjay Dutt</b><br />
I love the influx of fresh talent into the company lately and that we're
about to get to see this match on PPV. JB makes a very sly comment
about King being a "TNA exclusive", hardy har har. Zema is quick to try
and climb the ropes at the bell but he eats a trio of dropkicks from all
three of his competitors instead. Dutt hits a 'rana on King while
Andrews hits a missile dropkick on Ion. Ion counters with a tornado DDT
and then gets to be on the brunt end of King suplexing Andrews into the
corner in a neat spot.King hits a cartwheel kick on Dutt and then
springboards up to the X ropes to try and make a grab at the title, but
Dutt springboards into the ring and spears him off the ropes in mid-air
and follows up with an elbow drop just for good measure. Ion tries
shimmying across the X ropes as well but gets yanked down by Andrews and
King. King hits the springboard legdrop on Ion but then eats a top rope
back suplex from Dutt. King misses a tope outside the ring but moments
later Andrews takes out both King and Ion with a corkscrew moonsault.
Andrews shimmys across the X ropes again but King hits a nice
springboard spear in mid-air to break up that attempt. Now King and
Andrews are both shimmying across the X rope to the middle, where they
drop off with a huge neckbreaker! Meanwhile Dutt and Ion have climbed
past the ropes onto the steel structure above the ring! Suddenly Ion
sprays Dutt with his hairpsray and Dutt flies from the structure all the
way down to the ring mat, allowing Ion to unhook the belt and become
the new X-Division champion at 8:47! This was wild, fast, furious, and
nearly impossible to cover move-for-move. I can't believe they didn't
give it more time to develop as a match but what we got was absolute
balls-to-the-wall craziness in the best way possible and this seems to
cement the whole Ion/Sorensen angle going forward.<b> ***1/4<br />
</b><br />
<br />
After the match Ion is getting a ton of heat from the fans when he
dedicates his win to Jesse Sorensen (while some absolutely incredibly
unbearably annoying smarks in the front row scream "TRANSITION!
TRANSITION!" at him to let him know he's only a transitional champion)
to wrap up this whole thing. <br /><br />
<br />
<b>TNA World Title Match<br />
Robert Roode </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Austin Aries</b><br />
Kudos to TNA for doing an incredible job of hyping and building up this
match for the main event tonight and even if Aries walks out without the
title tonight he's clearly been put over onto another level and with
how they've built the X-Division up again it's like they have a perfect
feeder system to create main eventers for themselves going forward. To
say Aries is over here would be like saying Madison Square Garden was
fond of Hulk Hogan in the late 80s, it's a gross understatement. Aries
wants to lock up with Roode but he wants nothing to do with him at the
bell before grabbing a hold of Austin's wrist and going to work a
wristlock. Aries works his own hammerlock and then outclasses Roode for a
big pop. He hits the tope con hilo into the ring on Roode but then gets
caught in a side headscissors as he tries for a side headlock. Aries
does his trademark headstand and then dropkicks Bobby in the face,
sending him to the floor where he wipes him out with a Macho Man like
double axe handle smash off the top! Back inside Roode hits a nice
vertical suplex and a knee drop. Roode misses a knee drop from the
second rope and Aries goes to work with a few kicks before attempting
for the Last Chancery, but Roode gets the ropebreak. Roode gets sent to
the floor and and Aries goes for his trademark heat seeking missile tope
suicida but Roode has him scouted and gets out of the way, leaving
Roode to faceplant into the steel guardrail! Great psychology there.
Back in the ring Roode hits a back suplex,and then sends Aries into the
corner for a nasty case of whiplash against the turnbuckle. This has
been a perfectly crafted match so far, I must say. Roode hits a sitout
Samoan Drop on Aries and then nearly takes his head off with a big
lariat. Aries responds with a huge discus forearm of his own and he has
the eyes of a madman as he clotheslines Roode out of the ring and
successfully connects with the heat seeking missile outside the ring!
Back inside Aries hits a missile dropkick off the top but Roode responds
with a running powerslam. Aries counters a spear into a Last Chancery
briefly but Roode counters that into a crossface and Aries simply
counters back into the Chancery again. That was quite the incredible
display of stamina and strength by both men. Roode tries for a superplex
but Aries knees him in the head in mid-air and then sends him to the
mat and comes off with the 450 splash, but he misses it and instead
walks right into the spinebuster from Bobby Roode! Roode cranks on a
crossface on Aries afterwards and is really working the hold over on him
until finally Aries gets the rope break. Behind the ref's back Roode
low-blows Aries and tries to get the cheap pin, but thankfully Aries
kicks out. Roode gets in the ref's face and then Aries hits him with the
dropkick in the corner. He goes for the brainbuster but Roode counters
out and sends Aries into the ref, bumping him. Roode then nails Aries
with the title belt and drags the referee over to count the pin...but
Aries still kicks out at two! This man isn't mortal! Aries gets a
nearfall off a cradle then kicks Roode in the head and HITS THE
BRAINBUSTAAAH...and WINS THE TNA WORLD TITLE AT <b>22:43!</b> I wasn't
sure they'd really pull the trigger here but damnit give them credit
they did it Aries is now a made man in TNA. The match itself was
absolutely stellar, a combination of Southern psychology and the hard
hitting indy style Aries made his name off of, but throw in the story
and emotion of it all and everything here was just firing off on all
cylinders. Hands down our TNA Match of the Year thus far, no doubt about
it.<b> ****1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Aries celebrates with the World title as confetti flies
down on him and the crowd continues to chant his name all night long. We
close out the show with Austin Aries as our new World Champion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line: </b></span>Tonight
we truly saw what TNA is capable of when they make smart booking
decisions, hire fresh and hard working young talent, and build up
logical, long-term angles and stars. Destination X has officially
catapulted into the heavyweights of gimmick PPVs these days and I'm so
happy to see all of the investment TNA is putting into this PPV and
division each year going forward. Nevermind the fact that we got several
absolutely stellar wrestling matches on tonight's show trumped by one
of the flat out best wrestling matches I've seen all year with a fresh,
over young face going over in the main event. This delivered in every
way I thought it would and alongside that Silva/Sonnen fight made this
weekend a hell of a good time for buying PPVs, easy and enthusiastic
Thumbs Up tonight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score. 9.0/10</b></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-686669213103770932012-06-13T20:25:00.002-07:002012-06-13T20:25:33.564-07:00WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 6/8/12<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Friday Night SmackDown!</b><br /><b>June 8th, 2012</b><br /><b>Colonial Center, Columbia, South Carolina</b><br /><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span></div>
<br /><br />
Welcome back everyone to another edition of 411's WWE SmackDown report
with your resident recapper. We're inching closer to the No Way Out PPV
and apparently Vince has gone into panic mode again and wants CM Punk
and all sorts of other bigger name guys back on Smackdown now to help
that show's ratings, so let's see what we have in store for us.<br />
<br /><br /><b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Booker T, and Josh Matthews</b><br /><br /><br />We
open the show with Alberto Del Rio making his way out to gloat about
his attack on Sheamus on last week's show. He says maybe two sentences
before we hear Sheamus' music, but instead of the World champ it's
Ricardo Rodriguez dressed up as Sheamus.. Ricardo falls on his ass and
Del Rio mocks him a bit before the real Sheamus comes out to interrupt.
Sheamus tosses Ricardo and he and Del Rio trade strikes before Del Rio
tries to high tail it out of the arena. Sheamus catches him up the
rampway though and tosses Del Rio into a stage structure. Ricardo comes
and saves Del Rio long enough for him to attack the arm of Sheamus a bit
before some refs come out to break things up. Teddy Long, who is
apparently in charge again while John Laurinaitis gets ready for his job
evaluation on RAW (that makes little to no sense) comes out to book
Sheamus in a match against Kane later tonight as well as Del Rio against
the Great Khali, and that match is up next.<br />
<br /><b><br />Alberto Del Rio (12-10) vs. The Great Khali (9-8)</b><br />Khali
should just become a modern day 911 and not actually wrestle, just come
out and wreak havoc and then leave. Big chop from Khali at the bell but
Del Rio quickly takes Khali's legs out from under him and targets
Khali's knee like everyone does. Ricardo distracts Khali long enough for
Del Rio to apply to the cross armbar and Khali taps at<b> 3:23</b>.
Your usual "heel targets the Khali's limbs to beat him" match, which
seems to be all Khali is capable of working anymore. Very dull. <b>1/2*</b><br />
<br /><br />They replay the Big Show's pretaped heel promo from the last
week. Afterwards we cut to Teddy Long backstage with Brodus Clay, who is
informed by Teddy that he's off RAW and on SmackDown now apparently. <br />
<br /><b><br />"The Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay (5-4) vs. Derrick Bateman (0-2)</b><br />So
after getting squashed by Big Show it's back to midcard jobber matches
for Brodus. He's much more aggressive tonight though, taking Bateman
into the timekeeper's area and brawling with him a bit before tossing
him into the ring and finishing him off with a t-bone suplex and the
running splash at <b>1:06</b>. Your usual Clay squash and afterwards the kids hit the ring to dance with him as usual. You've seen this before. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br /><br /><b>Sin Cara (20-5) vs. Drew McIntyre (6-18)</b><br />Glad to see
Sin Cara back though I'm not sure McIntyre is the best choice of
opponent for him. He does a bit of gymnastics before eating a kick to
the face off the apron from Drew. Drew applies a chinlock then tries for
a press slam but Cara counters with a 'rana into the corner. He takes
Drew down with another headscissors and a springboard back elbow for a
two count. Huge boot from Drew and he tries to catch Cara off the top
rope into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, but Cara counters it into a DDT
for the win at <b>3:18</b>. This could have used a lot more time to
develop as Drew seemed game enough to have Cara bump off him like a
pinball, but what we got was fairly good anyways. Abrupt finish though.<b> *1/2</b><br />
<br /><br /><b>Ryback (8-0) vs. Tony Andriotis/Kevin Mahoney</b><br />Guess
what happens here. Go on, guess. If you guessed anything other than
"Ryback wrecks shit up", you do not pass go and you do not get to
collect $200. Ryback finishes them at the same time with the double
marching Samoan drop at<b> 1:46</b>. I guess Ryback only does the two on one Goldberg special now. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br /><br />Cody Rhodes comes out while the production crew are still trying
to set up the Peep Show interview segment for Christian and he tries to
explain that Christian is pandering to the fans agains but Christian's
music hits and the Intercontinental champ himself comes out to
interrupt. Christian explains that when he inducted Edge into the Hall
of Fame, he had a sudden change of heart in realizing that performing in
front of the fans is a privilege that could be taken away at any
minute. He claims he doesn't want to be the guy asking for "one more
match" but rather a proud champion like his best friend. Cody scoffs at
all this, proclaiming himself a future Hall of Famer in the process and
Christian interrupts him again by telling him to shut his mouth and
threatening to fight him then and there. Dolph Ziggler decides to come
out to interrupt so we he can get to his match with Christian up next. <br />
<br /><br /><b>Christian (18-13-1) vs. Dolph Ziggler (4-17)</b><br />Non-title
affair here as Cody joins the commentary team and we're off. Christian
sends Dolph out to the floor and nails him with a baseball slide
dropkick, but he gets caught with a stiff knee on his way out to the
floor as we take a commercial break. When we return Dolph is sending
Christian chest first into the corner turnbuckle for the Bret Hart bump.
Dolph spears Christian's torso in the corner a few times and then looks
for the Fameasser, but Christian counters into a sitout powerbomb for a
near fall. Drop toe hold/right fist combo from Christian and he tries
for the sunset flip but Dolph counters out right into the Fameasser for a
close two count. Reverse DDT from Christian and he looks for the spear,
but Ziggler nails him with the dropkick and looks for the MAIN EVENT
SLEEPER HOLD (all rights reserved Scott Keith) but Christian avoids that
hits the frog splash out of nowhere for the pin at 6:04 (shown). I
really would have loved to have seen this get another five minutes, but
maybe Christian isn't comfortable working a long match back yet? More
likely they're just cramped for time on the show and booked it short,
but what we got was really good and I'd actually love to see these two
wrestle on a PPV sometime after the Cody feud ends. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br /><br />Raw Rebound shows Cena triumphing over evil by single handedly
defeating the entire Viet Cong army on horseback Braveheart style. Wait,
wrong show. No this is just Cena beating Tensai and then that
incredibly long, drawn out beatdown of Cole. Afterwards Cole gets on the
mic but is interrupted by JR's theme music, which the crowd pops huge
for. Unfortunately for them it just turns out to be Hornswoggle dressed
up as JR and not the real deal. Oh die in a raging kerosene fire Vince. <br />
<br /><br />Damien Sandow comes out to interrupt all of this nonsense,
because wrestling is serious business damnit! I like this guy. As the
avenging sword of taste and decency, Sandow will not allow this charade
to go on. Sandow informs Hornswoggle he's welcome before Tyson Kidd runs
in to make the save with a springboard dropkick. Kidd challenges him to
a match on the spot and Sandow pretends to take off but returns to the
ring to nail Kidd with his neckbreaker anyways and gloat a bit. I demand
a Kidd/Sandow match on a show like Superstars where they'll get some
time to work with. <br />
<br /><br />Backstage Matt Striker wants to know how Kane feels about
potentially defeating the WWE and World Heavyweight champions in the
same week if he beats Sheamus tonight. Kane isn't concerned with it
though, just with the title match at No Way Out. Striker asks about AJ's
"look" at Kane on RAW but he won't answer that one and he takes off as
we see AJ lurking behind in the shadows, watching all of this from afar.
Creeeeper. <br />
<br /><br /><b>Antonio Cesaro (2-0) vs. Jimmy Uso (4-10)</b><br />Teddy has to
introduce Cesaro with his "lover" Aksana still, even though he's in
charge for the night with Johnny nowhere in sight. Jimmy gets some
feisty babyface offense in on the former King of Wrestling at the bell
but it's not long before Antonio nails him with the pop-up European
uppercut and then finishes him with the inverted cradle piledriver at<b> 1:00.</b>
These short squashes against guys who can get great air for the pop-up
European uppercut spot just make Claudio (excuse me, Antonio) look
great. I can't wait until they book him into an actual feud. <b>1/2*</b><br />
<br /><br /><b>Sheamus (35-16-1) vs. Kane (18-14)</b><br />Non-title match
here for our main event as well. Kane dominates to start with some dull
brawling in the corner. Sheamus tries fighting him off but gets booted
off the ring apron as we take our last commercial break. When we return
Kane is working over the champ with a chinlock. Sheamus breaks it up
with a boot and then hits a diving shoulder block from the top rope.
High knee and clothesline get him a two count. Bodyslam from Sheamus but
Kane comes back with a dropkick. Sheamus hits the Irish Curse
backbreaker but again Kane kicks out. Kane gets caught in the ropes and
eats the ten big hammerfists but he blocks the follow up suplex attempt.
Sheamus tries to superplex Kane but he gets knocked off. Kane tries for
the clothesline from the top but misses and gets nailed with the White
Noise from Sheamus. Kane blocks the Brogue Kick and tries for the
chokeslam but Sheamus counters out of that and out runs Del Rio for the
lame DQ at <b>9:13</b> (shown). Much better than I was expecting
honestly, Kane may be incredibly stale and unhelpful in his current role
in the main event between Punk and Bryan but he seems to have his
working boots on most nights these days so I can't fault his effort,
this was a solid match that would have been even better with a clean
finish. <b>**1/2</b><br />
<br /><br />After the bell rings Kane chokeslams Sheamus anyways and AJ
comes prancing out to smile and wave at Kane a bit. Sheamus gives
Ricardo a Brogue Kick and we go off the air with Del Rio and Sheamus
trading angry eyes.<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span>
Ho-hum show this week, really paint-by-numbers stuff. There was some
good stuff on here like the Christian/Cody promo segment and the
subsequent match between Christian and Ziggler and our main event was
once again solid (though once again with a lame finish) but everything
else was just the usual parade of meaningless jobber matches and
squashes. If they want people to start watching SmackDown more, here's
an idea: cut down on the 15 minute RAW Rebounds and highlight packages
and fill that time with more wrestling. Fans might be more inclined to
watch if they know guys like Christian and Ziggler are going to get
10-15 minutes to work with instead of 5 every Friday night. Could go
either way on tonight's show, not bad but not really good either, Thumbs
in the Middle.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 5.0/10</b></span></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-21339621195760120002012-06-10T21:57:00.002-07:002012-06-10T21:59:51.075-07:00TNA Slammiversary X 6.10.2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixVQ3eUVLLHYrL23yeqSD7j1TX-GXzCqubHT2VWeZxv4_9xYLACAfrrzj69zc6zhjslbtcNK2EBx4A4mzRCRGheeOBtGxMA8I6l08BGQS4m2UN1QbgWpqMoYJwhbdchVxkko8Tf9Y4Noc/s1600/slammiversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixVQ3eUVLLHYrL23yeqSD7j1TX-GXzCqubHT2VWeZxv4_9xYLACAfrrzj69zc6zhjslbtcNK2EBx4A4mzRCRGheeOBtGxMA8I6l08BGQS4m2UN1QbgWpqMoYJwhbdchVxkko8Tf9Y4Noc/s400/slammiversary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TNA Slammiversary X</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>June 10th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>College Park Center, Arlington, Texas</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Early Estimates-5,000-6,000 +/-</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome everyone to another edition of 411's live TNA PPV
coverage. I'll be updating this page periodically through-out the show
tonight with coverage and analysis of all the happenings on tonight's
big tenth anniversary show for TNA. Our main event tonight pits Bobby
Roode against Sting in a World title match but we've also got a huge tag
team title match with Christopher Daniels and Kazarian taking on the
team of AJ Styles and Kurt Angle in what's bound to be a good match.
Also tonight we've got a battle of former ROH World champions in Austin
Aries vs. Samoa Joe as well as a triple threat match between Jeff Hardy,
Mr. Anderson, and Rob Van Dam to determine the next in line to the
World title. We've also got the official opening of the TNA Hall of Fame
with an announced appearance by current WWE superstar Christian so it
should be an interesting evening. All of this and more, so let's kick
off the festivities.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Mike Tenay and Taz</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We
open the show with a highlights package of some of the big moments in
the past ten years of TNA (the debuts of Kurt Angle, Sting, and Hulk
Hogan among others) before doing the usual live open in the arena, which
is legitimately packed in what has to be one of the biggest crowds in
TNA history as the place looks to be just about legit sold out. Hulk
Hogan makes his way out to kick off the show (of course). He talks about
how excited he is with the current TNA product and then announces that
we're going to open the show tonight old-school style with Austin Aries
vs. Samoa Joe and it's going to be for the X-Division title instead of a
non-title affair.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
X-Division Title Match<br />
Austin Aries </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Samoa Joe</b><br />
Good to see Joe back in the X-Division as it's certainly better than him
being routinely forgotten about. Big dueling chants from the crowd to
start, and boy is it refreshing to hear a hot TNA crowd. Both men are
cautious to start, gauging each other with quick kicks and stiff chops
before Aries sends Joe to the floor with a hurricanrana. He attempts the
tope but Joe meets him with a forearm at the apron. Back inside Joe hit
the facewash boot on Austin in the corner. Joe catches Aries off the
top rope and tries a back senton but Austin gets the knees up. Forearm
from Joe sends the champ to the floor and Joe teases a tope but tumbles
to the floor and eats a tope from Aries instead. Missile dropkick from
Aries back in the ring but Joe catches his cross body attempt in the
corner and plants him with a running powerslam for a two count. Aries
tries another 'rana but Joe counters with a big powerbomb and of course
transitions into the Boston crab afterwards before transitioning into an
STF. And if that wasn't enough he transitions from THAT into an
abdominal stretch. Joe looks motivated tonight. Vicious headbutts in the
corner from Joe and he looks for the Muscle Buster but Aries blocks it
with a Mongolian chop and then hits the 450 Splash...but Joe kicks out!
Forearm exchange back on their feet and Joe loosely applies the Coquina
Clutch, but Aries counters into a close pin attempt. STO in the corner
from Joe and he looks for the Muscle Buster again, but Aries counters
into a Crucifix Bomb! Roaring elbow from Aries in the corner and he
finishes Joe off with the brainbuster to retain at <b>11:49</b>. Hell of
an opening match between two guys intimately familiar with each other,
Joe continues to look newly motivated in 2012 and Aries excellent title
reign rolls on with another great title defense. Perfect way to kick off
the show and both men trade a fist-bump of respect afterwards. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kid Kash vs. Hernandez</b><br />
Talk about random, when was this match even announced? Kash is a former
X-Division champ from the early days of the company though, so it fits
tonight's theme. Kash shows off the speed early with a leapfrog but
Hernandez sends him flying out of the ring with a shoulder block and
then brings Kash back in the hardway. Kash is able to target Hernandez's
shoulder with a dropkick and works it over with a submission, which is a
unique strategy against the big man. Hernandez gets his face planted
directly into the mat in a nasty moment after taking a top rope flying
headscissors and Kash follows up with a tornado DDT. Slingshot shoulder
block from Hernandez cuts off Kash's spurt of offense. Another
shoulder-block sends Kash out to the floor and Hernandez takes him out
with a huge suicide dive over the top rope! There's that crazy agile
Hernandez we all fell in love with years ago. Kash gets sent off the top
rope back inside and Hernandez finishes him off with a top rope splash
at <b>5:52</b>. Kind of a random match up but both guys looked good and
worked in a few nice spots in the short time they had to work with. I've
said it a few times now but Kash would be a perfect veteran addition to
the X-Division on a more long term basis.<b> **1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We flashback to another historical TNA moment, this time AJ Styles being crowned the first ever X-Division champion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Devon/Garrett Bischoff vs. Robbie E./Robbie T.</b><br />
This match screams "pre-show" to me but they're quite keen of Devon and
Garrett for some reason. Garrett starts off with Robbie E with some Erik
Watts-like basic babyface offense. Hey, wasn't Watts in TNA for a cup
of coffee? Shudder. Robbie T tags in now and Garrett can't get anywhere
with him as Madison Rayne makes her way out to the ramp all dressed up,
presumably to watch her "mystery love" in this match. How funny would it
be if it wound up being Devon? E tags back in and hits a clothesline
for a cover and the heels double team Garrett for a bit. E works a
sleeper on Garrett for a bit until the younger man gets the hot tag to
Devon, who's a HOUSE OF FIRE. Where did that cliche even originate from?
Bischoff takes out T with a cross body outside the ring and Devon
finishes off E with the spinebuster at <b>5:56</b>. Just a quick formula
tag match, not bad but not particularly exciting either. Devon and
Garrett bust out some of the goofiest dance moves afterwards to
celebrate. <b>**</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Jeremy Borash, whose been here since before the first show, is
with the tag champs Christopher Daniels and Kazarian. Kaz brags about
all of his past accolades in the company while Daniels hands a fruity
looking drink in a martini glass to JB and raises a glass of his own to
toast to the champs. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA World Title Number One Contender's Match<br />
Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson vs. Rob Van Dam</b><br />
Anderson does his usual pre-match promo before we start. Jeff gets a
pretty lukewarm reaction surprisingly. Jeff attacks Rob at the bell and
then nails Anderson (who has way more hair than I've ever seen him with)
with a forearm. Hardy uses Anderson to launch himself into Rob in the
corner with a leg lariat but gets caught with a swinging neckbreaker
from Anderson. Anderson blocks the Rolling Thunder from RVD in the
corner with a jack-knife cover attempt for two. All three men tease the
Tower of Doom spot in the corner but Anderson sends Rob out to the floor
and just superplexes Jeff instead., Rob tries for the Five Star Frog
Splash directly afterwards but both men move out of the way. Neat spot.
Rob tries a leg scissors cover on Jeff for two then hits a top rope
thrust-kick for another near fall. Split-legged moonsault from Rob onto
Anderson but Jeff breaks the cover up. Rob monkey-flips Anderson onto
Jeff and gets another near fall. Really good timing and delivery so far
from everyone. Hardy and Anderson both cover Rob at the same time in
another inventive spot. Rolling senton from Anderson on Hardy and he
clotheslines Rob out of the ring when he pops back up from the move.
Anderson and RVD begin brawling outside the ring and Hardy wipes them
both out with a big cross body off the top rope to the floor! Back
inside Jeff hits the Whisper in the Wind on RVD and we've got our first
"This is Awesome!" chant in awhile. Big time DDT from Jeff plants Rob
and he follows up with the Swanton, but Anderson breaks up the count by
pulling out the ref. Anderson tosses Hardy out of the ring into the
guardrail but eats a boot from RVD. Rob tries the Rolling Thunder again
but eats the Mic Check from Anderson and that's enough to give Anderson
the win at <b>11:25</b>. I wasn't sure this was going to work but boy
was I wrong as these guys pulled out some really inventive spots and
went all out for the duration of the match. They were able to avoid the
cliche "knock one guy out of the ring and then do a bunch of spots with
the remaining two guys, switch a guy, repeat" formula that triple
threats can fall into sometimes too so extra points there. Fun stuff.<b> ***1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Crimson informs JB that he doesn't care who accepts his open
challenge. Heel Crimson is much more tolerable than bland babyface
Crimson. He heads out to the ring to brag about his undefeated streak
and talk down the crowd a bit and a "You suck!" chant starts up. Crimson
waits for someone to come out and answer his open challenge...and out
comes the former World champ James Storm!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>James Storm vs. Crimson</b><br />
Nice surprise bringing Storm back here, didn't realize he was healthy
enough to wrestle. Storm immediately sends Crimson to the floor with
some big right hands and we're off. He suplexes Crimson back into the
ring and when he tries to finally take his jacket off Crimson is able to
get some offense in. Big forearm from Storm and he blasts Crimson with
the Last Call superkick to end Crimson's streak finally at <b>2:11</b>.
This was as good of a way as any to end Crimson's streak as that angle
had more than run it's course and at this point was more of a detriment
than an attribute for Crimson. The crowd really went apeshit for this
whole segment and match too so this worked. <b>*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage JB is with the X-Division champion Austin Aries and wants to
know what's next for him. Aries says he wants to be the man that sets
the bar and in the main event, and he'll do anything to get there. Damn
right, this X-Division title reign for Aries has been the perfect way to
establish him as a star in the company and at this point he's above the
title and deserves the push into the main event, which if you can't
tell from the involvement of Sting in our main event tonight, badly
needs fresh talent. For once I'm extremely happy with how TNA has
handled building up a talent, but alot of that credit goes to Aries for
getting over so quickly and easily. <br />
<br />
<br />
Resident Texan Dixie Carter comes out next and receives a very warm
reception despite her recent tawdry affair angle with AJ Styles. Dixie
announces that tonight's crowd is the largest in the United States in
TNA history. Dixie thanks her parents, Jeff and Jerry Jarrett, Spike TV,
and all of the fans for bringing them to this moment. Dixie says they
aren't ashamed of being a "WRESTLING company" and then decides to bring
out the whole damn roster to milk in the fan's appreciation a bit.
Everyone from Angle and Styles to the Knockouts and the refs come out.
Dixie Carter next decides to introduce the first introduction into the
TNA Hall of Fame...Sting!<br />
<br />
<br />
We get a nice video package with members of the roster praising Sting's
historic career. Sting hits the ring to a big ovation and hugs Dixie. A
"Thank You Sting!" chant starts up before it's quickly replaced by a
monster "YES!" Daniel Bryan chant, much to my amusement. Dixie puts over
how much Sting has meant to TNA's growth as a company (which is true,
they never would have gotten the Spike TV deal without him) and then
makes me laugh a bit by claiming he's doing his best work ever at the
current moment. She says the official induction ceremony will happen at
Bound For Glory however, not tonight. Sting, always humble, thanks
Dixie, the roster, and of course the fans. He claims tonight will be
SHOWTIME and that wraps up our segment. Hmm, no Christian? Maybe he's
involved in something else tonight? <br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA Knockouts Title Match<br />
Gail Kim</b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> ©</span></span> vs. Miss Tessmacher</b><br />
Nice pop for the native Texan Tessmacher. Kim nails her with a dropkick
after the bell but Tessmacher delivers an armdrag and Gail bails to the
floor. Tessmacher follows her out and gets her back sent into the ring
apron. Back inside Brooke hits a clothesline from the second rope and
fires off a decent hurricanrana. Gail drops her throat first over the
top rope from the wheelbarrow position and feeds her forearms.
Shoulderbreaker out of the corner gets Gail two and she works a neat
headscissors submission on Tessmacher as the smarky crowd seems more
into Gail then the hometown girl. Tessmacher fires off a neckbreaker and
then hits a dropkick in the corner. Tessmacher botches a move and seems
legit hurt and it doesn't help that Gail bumps her off the apron,
sending her into the guard rail outside the ring. Tessmacher reverses a
suplex attempt into a roll-up and gets the three count and the title at <b>6:44</b>.
Tessmacher is over so she's not a bad candidate to take the belt off
Gail even if she's not a great worker, but I figured it would be later
down the line. Match was decent enough but Tessmacher was sloppy and
this probably should have been a bigger "moment" in front of her
hometown crowd than it actually wound up being.<b> *3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Bully Ray sneaks up behind JB backstage for some promo time. He says
he's from Hell's Kitchen, "God's Country", which has to be the line of
the night so far. Ray reminds Joseph Park that he's not going to be
legally responsible if he plays dirty with Park because "anything goes"
in their match. <br />
<br />
<b>"Anything Goes" Match<br />
Bully Ray vs. Joseph Park</b><br />
How dumb did I feel when I realized only about three weeks ago that Park
is actually Abyss without the mask, but I guess that just speaks to how
well he plays the Park character. He comes out in a jogging suit and a
big "Yankees Suck!" chant starts up in reference to Ray's hat. Have I
mentioned I love this crowd? Park takes off his glasses and Ray wants
him to take a free shot. He does and misses of course. Bully spits in
his face and Joseph slaps him in the face for a big pop. Ray nails him
with a forearm and Park goes down. Bully grabs a chair but Park manages
to grab it from him. He teases hitting him with it but turns his back
stupidly and Ray nails him with another forearm before waffling him with
two chairshots. The action spills to the floor where Ray blasts Park
with a water bottle. Back inside Ray misses the back senton from the top
and Park HULKS UP, feeding off the crowd enough to lay in some girlish
fisticuffs on Ray in the corner before Ray kicks his face off. Ray pulls
a table out and sets it up in the ring as an "E-C-Dub!" chant breaks
out. He grabs a kendo stick as well but Park grabs a hold of it and
nails Ray with the kendo stick for a near fall. Park slides out of the
ring and underneath the ring....and then Abyss slides out the other
side! Abyss chokeslams Ray through the table and then disappears back
under the ring, and Park conveniently returns from under the ring and
covers Ray for the win at <b>10:25</b>. Park played his role as a
non-wrestler very well here and while this wasn't as brutal or exciting
of a match as I was hoping for they did work a good story and the finish
was amusing. Park was way over too. <b>**1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage the World champion Bobby Roode shits on the party by claiming
no one cares about Sting's Hall of Fame induction and that he'll be
retaining his title later tonight. <br />
<br />
<br />
Hulk Hogan comes out next and announces his next surprise for the
fans...Christian Cage! It's pretty surreal to see the current WWE
Intercontinental champion rolling up into a TNA ring in the middle of a
PPV. Tenay puts over his time in the company and his former NWA World
title reign. He gets some "Welcome back!" and "Please come back!"
chants. Christian jokes that the last time he was here there were a few
more corners to the ring but even though some of the faces and venues
have changed the one thing that hasn't changed is the fans. Christian
says everyone in attendance and watching at home should get up and give
themselves a round of applause. Christian gets down to business now
though, paying off the historical moments countdown by showing us the
number one moment in TNA history, the debut of Sting. We go right into
the video package for the next match afterwards but this was a neat and
surreal little moment to see a current WWE champion in a TNA ring for a
PPV. I doubt it will lead to anything but just the fact that the two
companies are working together in some way gives me hope for the future
that perhaps they could work out some sort of talent exchange. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA Tag Team Title Match<br />
Christopher Daniels/Kazarian </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. AJ Styles/Kurt Angle</b><br />
I have to admit I've been really looking forward to this one. AJ hits
the ring as soon as his music starts and we're off. Kaz tries a rollup
but AJ hits a pair of dropkicks. The action spills to the floor where AJ
is nearly sent into the guardrail but he slides underneath the rail
then launches himself off of it with a flying forearm on Kaz! Off-camera
Angle apparently hits Daniels with a flying forearm of his own and AJ
tags Angle in for a double team suplex. Angle backdrops Daniels and then
tags AJ back in, who delivers a big backbreaker. Kaz tags in and nails
AJ on the top rope with a big spin kick, leaving AJ hanging from the top
rope by one knee in grotesque fashion. Daniels and Kaz trade quick tags
in their corner, working AJ over as our babyface in peril. They hit a
nice reverse 3-D of sorts on AJ and Kaz tries for a suplex, but AJ
counters into a nasty neckbreaker. Daniels tags in but AJ gets the hot
tag to Angle. Kurt hands out a belly to belly to Daniels before giving
both of the tag champs a German suplex. Angle Slam on Daniels but Kaz
breaks the cover up. Another pair of Germans on Kaz and when Kaz tries
to grab the ropes to break up the third one he winds up grabbing a hold
of Daniels so that Angle delivers a double German suplex to both men!
Slightly contrived but a cool spot nevertheless. Angle blocks the
Angel's Wings from Daniels and tags AJ in, who cleans house on the
champs and then delivers a reverse/standard DDT combo to both of them
for a thunderous pop. All four men take each other out with big moves
and Styles nearly wins it with a wheelbarrow facebuster. Top rope belly
to belly suplex on Kaz from Angle but he gets wiped out with an STO from
Daniels when he tries celebrating. Daniels misses the Best Moonsault
Ever but lands on his feet only to be planted with a German from Angle!
Pele kick on Kaz and AJ makes the tag to Angle, who hits a top rope
splash for a two count that nearly wins it but Daniels pulls the ref
out. No worries, AJ wipes Daniels out with a springboard shooting star
press! Insane. Angle applies the ankle lock to Kaz in the ring and he
taps out despite being two inches away from the ropes to give Angle and
Styles the titles at <b>14:25</b>. I could have totally used another
five minutes to really flesh this one out but what we got was flat out
amazing as all four men went balls to the wall just as I expected and
delivered all kinds of awesome sequences and spots. Styles and Angle as
tag champs should lead to some interesting stuff down the line too.<b> ***3/4</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA World Title Match<br />
Robert Roode </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Sting</b><br />
I love Sting and am glad he's the first induction into the TNA Hall of
Fame, but I really hope that doesn't mean we're in line for another
Sting title run. Roode stalls for quite a bit to start but finally hits
the ring and Sting nearly gets him in the Scorpion Death Lock, which
sends Roode bailing out of the ring for a breather. Sting follows him
out and throws him into the guardrail. Why does every modern Sting match
wind up outside the ring within 20 seconds of the bell? Roode teases
walking off on the match but Sting grabs him and sends him into the
steel steps. Back in the ring Roode takes back the momentum with some
big chops in the corner. Roode works a sleeper on Sting but Sting breaks
it up and delivers a superplex. Sting locks him into the Scorpion Death
Lock but Roode is able to escape the hold barely. The action spills
outside once again and Sting hits a Stinger Splash on Roode on the
guard-rails. Sting locks Roode into the Scorpion Death Lock on top of
the announcer's table and Roode taps out, but you can't win by
submission outside the ring! Roode grabs a beer bottle left over from
James Storm's return and smashes Sting over the head with it behind the
ref's back to get the cheap win to retain at <b>10:55</b>. A fun brawl
and much better than some of Sting's recent efforts, this made both guys
look good (Roode winning in the cowardly heel way works perfectly with
his character) and was a fine way to cap off a surprisingly fun show.<b> ***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Sting is pissed, so he suplexes Roode on the ramp. Sting
winds up giving Roode a Stinger Death Drop off the ramp through a bit
of staging for a big bump to close off the PPV. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bottom Line:</span> </b>This
show was far better than I was expecting as the card looked solid but
unspectacular going in. Every match I was looking forward to delivered
here though and even some of the matches I wasn't anticipating wound up
being pretty good. Throw in some really cool moments like Christian
showing up, the Hall of Fame announcement, and the final bump to end the
show and this wound up being a pretty damn good show tonight. Easy
Thumbs Up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 8.0/10</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-86096912780868756082012-06-04T13:30:00.001-07:002012-06-10T22:18:36.211-07:00EVOLVE 8: Style Battle iPPV (5/20/11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LTbUszyMRLxK2D5Q3s6hFPDuqV9sX5vWu6MXZSjaOPELpH_zRsAwfznEMlJlZZx05l3j_H2QxZoA4AzPUov72EVYrhXVCO2NFphObN22W3hN7JcyKcRYUgbK_8qTjubKCppe4KYz1Lz-/s1600/evolve_8_dvd_cover_by_makewaygraphix-d4b57lj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LTbUszyMRLxK2D5Q3s6hFPDuqV9sX5vWu6MXZSjaOPELpH_zRsAwfznEMlJlZZx05l3j_H2QxZoA4AzPUov72EVYrhXVCO2NFphObN22W3hN7JcyKcRYUgbK_8qTjubKCppe4KYz1Lz-/s400/evolve_8_dvd_cover_by_makewaygraphix-d4b57lj.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>EVOLVE 8: Style Battle</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 20th, 2011</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>ACE Arena, Union City, New Jersey</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: 100</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
So after nearly a year of letting indy shows pile up I've
decided to work my way back into the pile again, and one of the
promotions I promised myself I'd keep a tab on is Gabe Sapolsky's
EVOLVE. It's becoming less and less relevant with Dragon Gate USA
getting more attention but I still like the roster and the wins/losses
system, so let's do this thing. Tonight's show is a live iPPV
mini-tournament being dubbed a "style battle" as every competitor has
been chosen for their unique style and set of skills in the ring. The
Win/Loss records will not be affected by the results of tonight's
tournament however, it's a one-off deal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Lenny Leonard and Rob Naylor </b><br />
<b><br /><br />Style Battle Quarter-Finals Match<br />A.R. Fox vs. Rich Swann</b><br />
These
two guys would be great additions to the X-Division if TNA ever
actually got serious about getting fresh young talent for it. Quick
moonsault from Fox and we're off. Swann eats a leaping ace crusher from
Fox but sweeps his legs out from under him and hits a standing SSP. Step
up enziguri from Fox and he follows up with a guillotine leg drop over
the apron. Swanton from Fox gets him a two count. Package piledriver of
sorts from Swann and he follows with the standing 450 splash for a near
fall of his own. Swann eats a Codebreaker from the top rope and that's
enough to give Fox the win at <b>5:23</b>. Pretty standard stuff from
these two, which means it was highly athletic and certainly fun but they
kept it short and sweet so as not to blow their loads early in the
event, and I can appreciate that with the tournament format of the show.
After the match Fox says he's glad to be moving onto the next round and
Swann refuses to shake his hand. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Style Battle Quarter-Finals Match<br />Jon Davis vs. Tony Nese</b><br />
Nese
was recently in TNA for a cup of coffee and is a pretty well-rounded
worker in the ring with a good look. Davis is an underrated powerhouse
himself. Davis shrugs off some early kicks from Nese but Tony hits a
springboard lionsault for a quick pin attempt. Davis delivers a big
powerslam out of the corner and then cuts off a comeback attempt by Nese
with an elbow. Delayed suplex gets Davis two. Back suplex out of the
corner gets him the same results. Davis catches Nese off the top in a
bear hug and starts squeezing the life out of him like a rag doll.
Spinning heel kick from Nese and both men briefly jockey for position on
the top rope before Nese fires off a top rope frankensteiner for
another near fall. Davis takes his head off with a lariat but Nese
fights off a second one with a bridging German suplex. Nese gets caught
off the top rope with a spinebuster then gets buckle-bombed in the
corner before Davis finishes him off with the 3 Seconds Around the World
at <b>10:02</b>. Power vs. Speed always works when you've got two guys
who can go like these two, and this was a lot of fun as Nese did a good
job of putting doubt into my mind about what the finish would be. After
the match Davis tells AR Fox he's next. <b>***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Style Battle Quarter-Finals Match<br />Brodie Lee vs. Sami Callihan </b><br />
Now
this should be some rough and tough fun. Lee finally got a WWE
developmental deal and is now Luke Harper in FCW, but this was when he
was still rippin' up the indies and impressing people with his agilit.
Brodie uppercuts Sami in and out of the ring and then cuts off a missile
dropkick attempt on the apron with a fist. Delayed suplex from Lee and
he follows it by tossing Sami up and over his head with a belly to belly
suplex like a ragdoll.Sami is able to apply a sleeper briefly to Brodie
but the big man breaks it up soon enough and delivers a huge pumphandle
slam for a two count. They trade stiff shops and Brodie boots his head
off. Brodie falls out to the floor and Sami takes advantage of the
circumstances with a big tope against the guardrail. Brodie recovers and
slams Sami on the ring apron with a series of back suplexes before
tossing him into the front row and hitting the ring before the ref's
count. Sami barely makes it back into the ring before 20 but gets caught
with a pair of swinging sidewalk slams. Sami takes all this punishment
and manages to muster up a lariat in defense. Brodie blocks a
springboard attempt and plants Sami with a Liger Bomb, but he kicks out.
Sami manages to lift the big man up for a Death Valley Driver but Lee
responds with a big chokeslam. Callihan grabs him anyways and puts him
into the Stretch Muffler, kicking his head while applying the move until
Brodie taps out at <b>12:36</b>. In front of a bigger crowd this could
have been something special but as it remains it was still a hard
fought, stiff, manly and brutal match that woke the crowd up.
Clobberiffic.<b> ***1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Sami gloats about making the biggest, baddest dude in the company tap out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Style Battle Quarter-Finals Match<br />Bobby Fish vs. Austin Aries</b><br />
Fish
has become a NOAH regular in Japan while Aries finally managed to cash
in on his buckets of talent and charisma in TNA with a bonafide push as
the central point of their X-Division. Lots of amateur takedown attempts
to start with the feeling out process. Aries works Fish out with some
nice armdrag exchanges off the ropes. Aries tries for a backslide but
Fish counters into a submission attempt that Aries quickly breaks up.
Aries hits a dropkick on Fish in the corner and then begins some upper
leg work on Bobby. They trade stiff chops and Fish hits a tope con hilo
for a near fall. Fish drives Aries chest first into the turnbuckle Bret
Hart style then refocuses back on the knee. Northern Lights suplex by
Aries but Fish catches him in the old abdominal stretch. Fish gets sent
out to the floor and Aries delivers a very Macho Man-esque double-axe
handle off the top to Fish on the floor (I believe this event aired on
or around the day Savage passed away).Both men tease a suplex on the
ring apron until Aries snaps Fish's neck over the top rope and then puts
him in the Last Chancery. Fish gets the rope break though and they're
trading forearms back on their feet. Aries teases the powerdrive elbow
but goes for a Macho Man elbow drop instead for a two count (prompting a
Macho Man! chant). Fish misses a moonsault attempt and lands on his
head. Aries misses a frog splash but makes up for it by sending Fish to
the floor and hitting another tope that knocks down the guard rail
completely in a neat bump. Aries misses the missile dropkick back in the
ring though and Fish targets that same leg he was working early in the
match with a dragon-screw and some kicks. He hits an exploder suplex out
of the corner and a diving headbutt off the top rope. Aries responds
with a back suplex but gets caught in a gutbuster and Fish is pissed
now, all fired up and delivering stiff roundhouse kicks straight to
Austin's head. Aries hits the patented dropkick/brainbuster combination
but only gets a two count from it. He misses the 450 splash and tries a
second brainbuster but that won't do it either so he transitions into
the Last Chancery. but Fish escapes it and grabs a hold of Aries in a
nasty heel hook submission that he doesn't let go of until Aries taps
out at <b>22:35</b>. I watched the first few minutes of this and thought
it was going to play out to a familiar formula but instead these guys
totally superseded my expectations and delivered a match that was chock
full of psychology, sick bumps and passion. The only thing missing was a
bigger crowd, but a minor gripe for a great match. <b>***3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Bobby says that was the biggest win of his
career, and explains that he learned that variation of the heel hook
from one Mr. Bryan Danielson himself. He doesn't seem to connect with
the fans as well as he should, but that's probably just because the
crowds are usually so small and quiet at these shows. Fish definitely
has all the tools necessary to be a helpful part of the roster. <br />
<br />
<br />
Next up Larry Dallas and Reby Sky make their way to the ring for
some promo time. Lenny Leonard brings up their actions at the last
show, throwing in the towel for one of their wrestlers and that a new
rule has been enacted that from now on only licensed trainers and
managers can be at ringside during a match. They talk a bit about their
newest acquisition participating in the FRAY match later tonight and
then take off before they get fired for being out here without a reason.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Style Battle Semi-Finals Match<br />AR Fox vs. Jon Davis</b><br />
Now
we're onto the semi-finals of the tournament here. Fox fires off a
quick 'rana to start but gets caught in a Blue Thunder Bomb from Davis.
Stiff knee from Davis and he delivers a pair of scoop slams before
hitting a running powerslam out of the corner. Davis muscles Fox up in a
big vertical suplex then goes to work on his mid-section in the corner.
Davis falls out to the floor and Fox nearly kills himself on a
moonsault off the apron. Back in the ring he hits a springboard 450
splash for two but Davis hits him with a huge football tackle.
Codebreaker off the top from Fox gets him the pin at <b>7:16</b>. This
match never got a chance to build any kind of momentum or story and it
was clear this was just a filler spot in the tournament, but the action
flew by atleast. Finish came out of nowhere. After the match Jon Davis
wishes AR Fox luck.<b> **</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Style Battle Semi-Finals Match<br />Sami Callihan vs. Bobby Fish</b><br />
Winner
faces Fox in the finals. Both men shake hands to start then trade
kicks.Fish goes for the heel hook he won with earlier but Sami quickly
escapes it. Falcon Arrow from Fish and he follows with an exploder
suplex out of the corner, followed by a diving headbutt for two. Sami
lays in some stiff forears on Fish then takes him to the mat and begins
reigning down big elbow smashes on Fish's head when the ref calls for
the bell to stop the match at <b>4:10</b>. Well that was a lame finish,
if you're going to do the "ref stop the match because the opponent can't
protect himself" finish you need to make sure you put over how much
punishment the guy has taken that night and in that match. This just
felt like Fish was on top one second and being knocked out with a few
forearms seconds later, which was especially strange after they put Fish
over so strong against Aries earlier in the night. Weird match.<b> *1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Fish congratulates Callihan, whose ready to take on AR Fox in the finals. <br />
<br />
<b>The S.A.T. (Joel Maximo/Wil Maximo) vs. The New Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes/Alex Colon)</b><br />
Both of these teams have a long history with Gabe and the old ROH but
each team here features a new member with cousin Wil replacing brother
Jose in the SAT and Alex Colon replacing Rocky Romero whose graduated
onto bigger and better things in Japan as the fourth incarnation of the
famous Black Tiger character that Eddie Guerrero once played. Joel is
quickly sent to the floor by Colon but he sends Alex into the guardrail
as Wil 'ranas Reyes out after him. Reyes cuts off a tope attempt and
elbows Wil back inside. Colon tags in and lays in big kicks on Wil, who
counters with a German suplex. Reyes tags in and applies a chinlock but
Wil fights it off with a jumping DDT and tags Joel in. Powerslam from
Joel but Reyes catches him with a kick and a neckbreaker. Pitbulls take
control with a double team double-stomp manuever and tag rules went out
the window in this one about twenty seconds in. The SAT finish Alex off
with the Spanish Fly at <b>5:29</b>. While it's nice to see the SAT
getting some work again, this felt like filler and the fans just didn't
care about any of it. It didn't help that they basically threw the tag
rules out the window within a minute of the match. It's one thing to
throw them out late in a match when the action is hot and heavy but what's the
point of even having tag rules if you can just come in and do whatever
you want within 60 seconds anyways? <b>*1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>FRAY!</i> Match<br />
Scott Reed vs. Cheech Hernandez vs. Brian XL vs. Blain Rage vs. Kory Chavis vs. Pinkie Sanchez vs. Derek Ryze vs. Ahtu</b><br />
The rules here are that two guys start out and every 90 seconds a new
guy enters the match and there are eliminations until there's only one
man left. Winner gets booked on the next slew of Dragon Gate USA shows.
Reed and Cheech start us off and you just can't help but hate Reed's
guts because of his goofy Mortal Kombat-esque ponytail haircut. STO from
Reed and the next man out is Brian XL, who old school indy fans will
remember from the very early days of ROH and CZW (there's a reason he
was gone as as soon as both companies could employ better talent) but he
hits a nice headscissors on Reed before totally botching a springboard
DDT on Cheech. And just to make sure to get over how bad XL still is he
immediately botches the suicide dive out of the ring onto Cheech moments
later, nearly breaking his own neck in the process. Reed hits a back
suplex and someone named Blain Rage is out next. I watch the most
obscure of indies and even I haven't heard of this guy. He and Cheech
fire off stereo hurricanranas on Reed and XL and the next man out is
Kory Chavis, the tag team partner of Jon Davis in the Dark City Fight
Club. He hits an inside out suplex on XL and quickly eliminates him at <b>5:45</b>. Kory lariats Rage and then plants him with a pendulum slam at <b>6:30</b>.
Well atleast we got the scrubs out now. Next man out is Pinkie Sanchez,
still freshly canned from CHIKARA around this point. Pinkie hits a
German on Kory out of the ring and then takes him out with a somersault
senton over the top rope. Reed eliminates Cheech in the ring with the
Roll of the Dice neckbreaker at <b>8:13</b>. Derek Ryze is in next,
another kid I've never heard of just as Reed gets his head booted off by
Chavis, who eliminates Reed at <b>9:03</b>. Pinkie stomps Derek's head
into the mat but Ryze hits a blockbuster on Chavis off the top. He tries
for a cross body but Chavis catches him, tosses him aside like a
ragdoll, and eliminates him at <b>10:19</b>. The final man out is Ahtu,
the mystery man in Larry Dallas' stable. He spears Chavis in the ring
and eliminates him immediately at <b>10:52</b>. Ahtu is ripped and huge
and looks like he would do well in the big leagues but he sloppily
tosses Pinkie out of the ring and a few fans chant "You can't wrestle!"
at him. Pinkie barely makes it back inside before the 20 count and it's
surreal seeing a crowd rally behind Pinkie as the underdog babyface here
as I'm so used to him a slimy heel. Rob Naylor makes a Devo reference,
earning cool points in my book while Pinkie launches off the top and
hits Ahtu with a DDT out of nowhere for the win at <b>14:56</b>. This
was a total mess for the most part as you had guys nobody knew in there,
a guy nobody has seen in several years botching things left and right,
and no flow whatsoever to this match. Even the spots were lame. The
finish was decent as the crowd actually got invested and behind Pinkie
against the meathead heel Ahtu, but everything before that was a waste
of time. After the match Pinkie promises to see everyone in Dragon Gate.
<b>*3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Style Battle Finals Match<br />
AR Fox vs. Sami Callihan</b><br />
And we arrive at the finals tonight with Fox representing the
high-flying style and Sami the hard-hitting. Fox calls for the Lo Mein
Pein (a top rope reverse STO of sorts) early but Sami blocks it and
wipes out Fox on the floor with a tope. Fox slides right back into the
ring though and wipes out Sami with a springboard 450 splash on the
floor. But Fox is fired up and that's not enough for him, so he goes
back in the ring and hits a huge somersault senton out of the ring as
well just for good measure. Back in the ring Sami retorts with a STIFF
jumping clothesline on the apron. Fox drops a leg over Sami's neck on
the ring apron and looks for another moonsault but Sami catches him with
an exploder suplex on the floor. Back in the ring Sami hits a back
suplex and slaps on a tight chinlock. Fans seem split, chanting for Sami
one minute and then getting behind Fox as the underdog the next.
Bicicyle kick/death valley driver combo from Sami followed by a
slingshot body press gets him two. Sami gloats a bit while beating down
Fox with chops but AR hits a chinbreaker and then a leaping ace crusher
for a two count. Swanton bomb from Fox and he tries for a follow up
moonsault but Sami gets the knees up and lariats him for two. Fox hits
the Codebreaker off the top (the move he won his first two matches
with), but Sami kicks out this time. Fox goes to the top but Sami takes
him off with a super Saito suplex, then follows with another Saito and a
lariat but still Fox kicks out. Fox hits a boot on Sami up top in the
corner and then hits him with the Lo Mein Pain that he teased earlier to
pick up the pin and win the tournament at <b>10:13</b>. This was a
great little finals match for the short time they had to work with, even
if the roles were a bit confusing at points. They went right to high
gear pretty much from the bell and didn't let up for ten minutes so it's
hard to fault their effort here, even if the whole thing felt slightly
underwhelming for a main event. These two were definitely the right
choices for the finals though.<b> ***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Fox thanks the fans for attending and he basks a bit in
their chats for a minute as the winner of the inaugural Style Battle
tournament tonight. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span> This wasn't one of
the stronger EVOLVE shows and a lot of that can be accredited to the
tournament concept. While the whole style battle tournament idea is a
good one in theory, they didn't really showcase any differing styles in
the ring other than your standard indie head-drop high-spot formula.
Some of that can be blamed on the short time restraints a few matches
had in order to fit under the 2 hour broadcast, but they could have cut
the Fray or tag team match easily I thought to accommodate them there.
All that said though, there were some enjoyable matches on this show,
particularly Sami/Brodie and Aries/Fish, so I can't call it an outright
bad show by any means, but just a rather boring and average one. Some
solid stuff on here for sure but as a whole you don't have to go out of
your way to see this one, so we'll go with a Thumbs in the Middle sort
of deal as half of this is quite good and half of it is boring and
amateurish. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Score: 5.5/10</b></span></div>
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-29954625733564040612012-06-01T15:05:00.003-07:002012-06-01T15:06:24.492-07:00WWE Over the Limit 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhXokKcjtspd3T5kTd6Je7pMdeiBMIbb856xNgOU3sVIE_f7oHBKAyJTwmAB8gxUo9Tl8iQPsZdobqOGA9rlmBGY1c6_Tl3BgMHEnGo58gcSl_sabBE_2uO-gf7rhEPCbCbceqrG3362J/s1600/wwe-over-the-limit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhXokKcjtspd3T5kTd6Je7pMdeiBMIbb856xNgOU3sVIE_f7oHBKAyJTwmAB8gxUo9Tl8iQPsZdobqOGA9rlmBGY1c6_Tl3BgMHEnGo58gcSl_sabBE_2uO-gf7rhEPCbCbceqrG3362J/s400/wwe-over-the-limit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Over the Limit 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 20th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: 8,000</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Well we've arrived at what many are predicting to be one
of the least bought WWE PPVs in recent years with a main event of John
Cena vs. John Laurinaitis, but to be honest I've seen worse cards and
atleast we've got a WWE title match between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan,
something I couldn't have imagined typing seven years ago when they were
both in ROH. Rest of the card is so-so, but let's do this thing
anyways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Matt Striker and Josh Matthews</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>YouTube Pre-Show Match<br />Kane vs. Zack Ryder</b><br />
The
viewership numbers for last month's YouTube pre-show match were so good
they decided to make it a regular thing, which I have no problem with, I
always liked the idea of a pre-show match. Ryder lures Kane out of the
ring in a chase and then sends the big man face-first into the steps
before wiping him out with a nice pescado. Back inside Kane regains the
upper hand with a backbreaker and a dropkick. Ryder hits a lucky
neckbreaker and then tries for the Rough Ryder, but Kane counters into a
side slam. Ryder blocks the top rope lariat attempt and hits Kane with
the Broski Boot in the corner, but only gets a one count out of it.
Ryder again looks for the Rough Ryder, but gets caught with the
chokeslam instead for the pin at<b> 6:52</b>. Not nearly as lopsided as I
was expecting, they actually let Ryder hit a few of his spots and it
made this far more entertaining than the squash I was expecting. Still,
hopefully Ryder gets some kind of win in this feud at some point to
regain any of the heat he's rapidly been losing since becoming a
punchline on RAW with Cena, Eve, and Kane. <b>**</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage during the preshow Santino Marella and Cody Rhodes
argue over whether the Intercontinental or US title are more
prestigious. Eve tells them that to decide the matter we'll have a
"People Power" battle royal up next to kick off the PPV with the winner
of the match getting a title shot against either the IC or US champ
(whoever they choose) later tonight on the show. Well, why not.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and Booker T</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"People Power" Battle Royal<br />(Featuring
The Great Khali, The Miz, JTG, Ezekiel Jackson, Curt Hawkins, Tyler
Reks, Michael McGillicutty, Yoshi Tatsu, Tyson Kidd, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso,
Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre, Heath Slater, Darren Young, Titus O'Neill,
Alex Riley, David Otunga, William F'N Regal, and Christian)</b><br />
I was excited enough just to see William Regal getting in this thing,
but a returning Christian makes this much more interesting. We kick off
the PPV live with the match just under way and both US and IC champs
sitting at ringside watching on. Heath Slater is our first man gone, and
he's followed quickly by McGiillicutty. JTG is eliminated by a sweet
pair of stereo superkicks from the Uso's and Tatsu joins him moments
later after being suplexed out of the ring by McIntyre. Big Zeke nearly
eliminates Hawkins, but Reks saves him and the two eliminated Jackson
instead. Jey Uso is gone next after a low bridge from D-Young. McIntyre
is gone next from Hawkins and Reks, but both men are eliminated
themselves moments later by the Great Khali, who tosses Jinder Mahal out
to join them as well. Khali gets tossed by Miz, Young, and O'Neill not
long after. Titus misses a kick though and gets eliminated by Jimmy Uso.
Regal is really stiffing Christian with some nice European uppercuts in
the corner while Darren Young clotheslines Jimmy Uso out of the ring,
nearly eliminating himself in the process. Regal is tossed next by
Christian to some minor boos. Sadface. Riley eliminated D-Young with a
dropkick and then lays out his former mentor Miz with a big spinebuster.
Miz knees Riley out of the ring moments later and we're down to our
final four, Christian, Miz, Kidd, and Otunga. Kidd lays in some stiff
kicks on Miz then takes out both Miz and Otunga with a sweet springboard
dropkick for a nice pop. Look at Kidd getting over as a babyface. Too
bad he's eliminated moments later by Otunga and Miz. Otunga and Miz team
up on Christian, so I guess he's a face again after that brief heel
turn to join Team Johnny. The crowd gets behind him while the heels do
the usual beatdown. Christian fights back with that feisty Canadian
offense and eliminates Otunga. Miz and Christian tease their finishers
on another but neither connect. Christian is nearly eliminated, hanging
on the apron until he manages to toss Miz onto the apron with him and
spear him to the floor, giving Christian the win at <b>12:24.</b> Pretty
good stuff for a battle royal actually, they got rid of alot of the
jobbers quickly and managed to let a few guys hit a nice spot or two to
showcase them (Kidd in particular popped the crowd big with his dropkick
spot). The final four was worked well too and though I think Christian
is above the IC/US title level at this point, it's better than him being
a sidebar on the GM feud. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />WWE Tag Team Title Match<br />Kofi Kingston/R-Truth </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Dolph Ziggler/Jack Swagger</b><br />
All
four of these guys are just lost in the midcard right now, but on paper
this still looks solid. Kofi starts off with Swagger, fighting off his
larger foe's power game with the usual flashy high-flying antics before
tagging Truth in for his dancing legdrop. Swagger tags out and Truth
cranks on Ziggler's arm a bit and tags Kofi back in for a flying
cross-body and two count. Inside-out suplex from Ziggler and the heels
take firm control here, suplexing Kofi around and trading tags. Truth
gets the tag in though and hits the corkscrew elbow and a sitout
gourdbuster. Swagger Bomb out of the corner gets two and the heels do an
extended heat segment on Truth in their corner for several minutes.
Nifty double-team move from the heels with Ziggler driving Truth's head
into the mat as Swagger holds him in a wheelbarrow position and Ziggler
applies a chinlock. Truth breaks it up as Swagger tags in and fires off a
huge tornado DDT on the All American out of the corner, finally
allowing him to get the hot tag to Kingston. Kofi takes out Ziggler with
cross-bodies and dropkicks before hitting the Boom Drop. Kofi misses
the Trouble in Paradise and the SOS, but he hits a huge cross-body for a
pin that Swagger only barely is able to break up. Jack unsuccessfully
tries to suplex Kofi out of the ring and falls out himself, but it gives
Ziggler enough time to nail Kofi with the Fameasser back in the ring.
Truth breaks up the pin before wiping out Swagger on the floor with a
pescado just as Kofi hits the Trouble in Paradise on Ziggler in the ring
to retain the titles at <b>12:17</b>. Standard formula stuff for the
most part but great talent will always find ways to spice up that
formula and all four men did here. Lots of fun and this probably should
have been the opener. <b>***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Eve hires Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks to go out into
the audience and remove any disrespectful signs about Johnny Ace. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>WWE Diva's Title Match<br />Layla </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Beth Phoenix<br />
</b>
Where the hell is Kharma? I thought she was all healed up. Sloppy lock
up and some hair pulling to start. Layla hits a cross-body and the crowd
is so bored already some fans randomly chant for Colt Cabana. Que? Beth
wraps Layla's surgically reconstructed knee around the post and works
the limb over back inside. Layla misses a spinkick and Beth tries for a
press slam, but Layla counters into a DDT. Both ladies trade roll up
attempts and Layla hits a nice neckbreaker for the win at <b>7:10</b>.
Fans just did not care at all about this and you can't blame them
either. Boring match that only slightly picked up a bit of steam towards
the end. <b>*1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Chris Jericho and Randy Orton get in each-others faces before the fatal four way match<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>World Heavyweight Title Fatal Fourway Match<br />Sheamus </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio</b><br />
Thank
God they changed this from Sheamus/Del Rio to the four-way because I'm
not sure anyone cared at all about seeing that title match on PPV. All
four men immediately brawl out of the ring to start where Sheamus and
Orton dispatch of the heels and return to the ring for a stand-off. They
trade punches until Jericho low bridges the champ out of the ring,
allowing the heels to team up on Orton with a double suplex. Outside the
ring Del Rio hits a running knee to Sheamus' repeatedly injured
shoulder and now the heels team up on the champ, tossing him into the
announcer's table. They try to the same act on Orton back in the ring
but the Viper fights them off, suplexing Jericho. Del Rio tries a cover
and Jericho breaks it up, ending their temporary alliance. Tilt-a-whirl
backbreaker from Del Rio on Jericho, but Alberto turns around into a
lariat from Orton, sending him out of the ring. Jericho, Orton, and Del
Rio all battle into the same corner back in the ring where they tease
the Tower of Doom spot, but Sheamus breaks it up and nails Alberto with a
flying shoulderblock from the top rope. Rolling senton from Sheamus but
he lets Ricardo distract him from outside the ring, allowing Del Rio to
recover and nail a huge spin kick on the champ for a near fall. Sheamus
comes back with a big knee and sideslam but Del Rio counters when he
signals for the Celtic Cross. Sheamus lays in the hammerfists on Del Rio
in the corner but Jericho breaks it up with a springboard dropkick.
Orton hits the ring and hands out powerslams to Jericho and Sheamus
before hitting the champ with the second-rope DDT. Del Rio puts Orton
into the cross armbar as he goes into his Viper pre-RKO sequence but
Jericho breaks up the hold. Del Rio blocks a Lionsault attempt from
Jericho and Orton gives him the over-the-shoulder backbreaker. Not to be
outdone Sheamus gives Del Rio the Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus and
Orton tease their finishers until Sheamus is sent out again. Orton gives
both Del Rio and Ricardo the second rope DDT for a nice pop and a near
fall. Codebreaker on Orton out of nowhere, but Jericho turns around into
the cross armbar from Alberto. No problem, he just counters into the
Walls of Jericho. Sheamus tries to break it up but eats a Codebreaker of
his own for another near fall. Jericho counters a rolling senton from
the champ into the Walls as well but Orton breaks it up with a RKO on
Jericho. Del Rio breaks up the pin but eats his own RKO. Randy turns
around into the Brogue Kick from the champ, who then finishes Jericho
with Finlay's old Celtic Cross (now dubbed "White Noise") at <b>15:53</b>.
Phew, that was just going a mile a minute and was hard to just keep up
with let alone recap, but it was chaotic in a very good kind of way. Not
much flow to begin with but by the time we got to the finish everyone
was firing on all cylinders. <b>***1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Cody Rhodes wants to wish Christian luck on challenging the US
champion tonight, but Christian isn't buying it and tells him he's
changed his mind and wants to wrestle Cody for the IC belt instead
tonight. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
"The Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay vs. The Miz</b><br />
From World champion to jobber for Brodus freaking Clay, my how Miz has
fallen. Miz does his usual mic shtick before the match and mocks Clay's
dancing a bit. Miz gets a few minor bits of offense in but it's not long
before Brodus takes him off the top rope with a huge pumphandle slam
and then finishes him with the splash at <b>4:12</b>. Who's coffee did Miz piss in to become such a joke these days? <b>3/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>WWE Intercontinental Title Match<br />
Cody Rhodes </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Christian</b><br />
Cody takes it right to Christian with a gourdbuster to start but
Christian sends him out to the floor quickly and then nails him with a
running dropkick. Back inside Cody hits a dropkick and then delivers a
big superplex to Christian. He gives Christian the Cactus clothesline
then launches a kick off the steps on his challenger. Missile dropkick
from Christian but he misses a top rope cross body. Cody blocks a
tornado DDT out of the corner and hits a nice moonsault for a near fall.
Christian counters a whip into the corner into the Killswitch to pick
up the win and the title at <b>7:25</b>. The work here was fine and even
good at points but there wasn't much heat or spark to anything here,
just felt a bit like going through the motions for most of the way
through. Not sure if I approve of a demotion to the midcard for
Christian either. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage CM Punk does a terrible impression of Vince McMahon
while reflecting on the fact that he and Daniel Bryan are actually one
of the main events of a WWE PPV, fighting for the WWE tite. It is a
rather surreal moment for a longtime fan of both men like myself. AJ
interrupts to wish Punk luck tonight.<br />
<br />
<b><br />WWE Title Match<br />CM Punk </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Daniel Bryan</b><br />
This
match almost made me buy this PPV. Almost. Long and LOUD dueling chants
from the fans for both men to start as the two men trade your basic
opening exchange of holds and strikes. Stiff kicks from Bryan in the
corner and back-flips out of the corner and almost right into an early
GTS. Punk just curb-stomps Bryan's face into the mat for a two count and
then back suplexes him right out of the ring. Punk follows him out but
gets tossed into the time-keeper's section. Back in the ring Bryan hits a
missile dropkick and tries applying a neck crank but Punk breaks it up
and tries for the figure four, which Bryan counters into a cradle for
two. Bryan stretches Punk out in one of the more vicious Mexican
Surfboards I can ever remember seeing, chanting "YES!" the whole way
through. Punk was being stretched like a pretzel and/or 90 pound Joshi
wrestler right there. Punk is finally able to break through with some
stiff elbows and fires off a fisherman's suplex. Bryan responds with a
diving headbutt off the top rope and both men wind up colliding in
mid-air as they simultaneously attempt cross-bodies off the ropes. Punk
picks up some momentum with a swinging neckbreaker and a huge powerslam
for a near fall. Bryan gets backdropped out of the ring and Punk takes
him out moments later with a tope. Back inside Punk tries coming off the
top but Bryan catches him with a dropkick. Bryan lays in more stiff
kicks but Punk counters with a dragonscrew legwhip and then slaps on the
figure four. Both men begin trading stiff slaps while in the hold in a
flashback to some of their ROH matches. Punk tries La Magistral for a
near fall and likes the idea so much he goes for the same move a second
time, but Bryan counters into a Magistral attempt of his own, which Punk
escapes only to be met with a sickening kick to the temple from Bryan.
That whole sequence was smoother than silk, but it only gets Bryan a two
count. Cole actually does a good job on commentary for once, bringing
up some of the nasty injuries both men have suffered in the past and
fought through. Bryan tries setting Punk up in the corner for a
frankensteiner but gets crotched on the top rope, and Punk follows it up
with a sick springboard clothesline just for good measure. Both men are
drained by now but still trade tired forearms on their knees before
each man misses a wild spin-kick attempt. Bryan counters a GTS attempt
into a cradle and then tries for the YES! Lock but Punk counters that by
launching Bryan over the top rope. Bryan catches the ropes though and
skins the cat back into the ring only to be met with a knock-out kick to
the temple from Punk. Another fantastic sequence there. Macho Man elbow
drop from Punk, but he hurts his ribs again and can't get the cover
quick enough. Bryan targets in on the ribs with huge knees but misses a
running dropkick in the corner. Punk hits the Muay Thai knee in the
corner and goes for the requisite running bulldog to follow up but Bryan
counters into the YES! Lock! Bryan cranks away on it but Punk manages
to shift into a cover on Bryan as the ref counts the three count just as
Punk begins tapping out to the move as soon as the ref calls for the
bell at <b>23:56</b>. This was everything we were expecting it to be,
and that's the kind of stellar affair that can only be provided by two
guys who are very familiar with one another in and out of the ring. Some
incredible sequences and counters in this one and the crowd was with
them the whole way through too in a way rarely seen in title matches
anymore. Potential Match of the Year candidate. <b>****1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Teddy Long threatens to have Eve and Otunga fired if Johnny loses tonight. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
Ryback vs. Camacho</b><br />
I hate squash matches on PPV, save that shit for TV. Goldberg chants for
Ryback and we've got our typical squash of his. Hunico tries to
interfere behind the ref's back to give Camacho an advantage but soon
enough Ryback is tossing him around like a scrub and finishing him off
with the marching Samoan drop at <b>1:54</b>. As I like to say, your typical Ryback squash. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis</b><br />
SMELL THE BUYRATE! Always a good idea to base a PPV around a comedy
match main event guys, really. Cena gives Johnny an airplane spin and
then grabs the ring bell and hammer and rings it right next to Ace's
head. Cena slams him into the commentary table and sets Johnny up in
Booker's seat before taking Cole's seat, putting headsets on both of
them. Cena does a mildly amusing Cole impersonation and Laurinaitis is
so out of it he even musters up a "Five time...five time" to parody
Booker. Cute spot. Back in the ring Cena gives Johnny the STF for ten
full seconds and Johnny manages to not tap out, so Cena applies it
again. Cena grabs a fire extinguisher from under the ring and blows it
in his face a bit. Johnny tries to run off again so Cena dumps a garbage
can full of popcorn and empty drinks on top of his head. Ace finally
gets some offense in, targeting Cena's arm and grabbing a steel chair to
hit Cena with it a few times. Cena grabs the chair from him though and
gives him the Five Knuckle Shuffle with it. Ace hits a low blow and
tries to leave again, and gets all the way backstage before the Big Show
comes out to drag him back to the ring. Gee, I wonder what could happen
next? And in a turn so un-shocking it reminds me of half of the NWO
turns in WCW, Show hits Cena with the WMD fist, allowing Johnny to get
the pin and keep his job at <b>17:04</b>. Good God that was one long and
tedious comedy match with a finish that absolutely everyone and their
mother knew was going to happen and saw coming a mile away. I have no
idea who the hell thought this was a good idea for a PPV main event, but
they should be canned. Don't be surprised if this PPV's buyrate bombs
and then they go and blame Punk and Bryan or something. Horrible, piece
of shit match. <b>DUD</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We go off the air with Big Show and John Laurinaitis celebrating over a
fallen John Cena. As Michael Cole would say, this is truly the darkest
day in the history of our sport. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b> </span>I
was all set to give this show the surprise thumbs up because of the
absolutely killer Bryan/Punk match and a really fun tag title match, but
then the rest of the show had to go and happen, including one of the
worst PPV main events I can remember in a long, long time. There's some
stuff worth seeking out here (mainly the two previously mentioned
matches) but just as we all thought going in this turned out to be a
total filler show with a terrible main event, so feel free to skip this
one as a whole. Slight Thumbs Down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 5.0/10</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-26409197282831272932012-06-01T14:03:00.002-07:002012-06-01T14:03:11.059-07:00WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 6/1/12<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Friday Night Smackdown</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>June 1st, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Riverside Centroplex, Baton Rouge, Louisiana</b></span><br clear="all" />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
You know the drill by now, another Friday, another edition of WWE
Smackdown. While the brand has been relegated to B-show status for quite
some time now there are rumors that McMahon and company want to try and
bolster the show a bit with bigger matches and names, starting with a
WWE title match tonight between CM Punk and Kane so tonight's show
look's a bit more interesting than usual. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Booker T, and Josh Matthews</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We open the show with the World Heavyweight champion Sheamus making his
way out to the ring for a bit of promo time. He cuts right to the chase,
talking about how rich and arrogant his opponent at the PPV Alberto Del
Rio is. He says you can't buy the title when suddenly David Otunga
decides to come out to interrupt. Otunga shows the clip of Sheamus
mowing down Johnny Ace on RAW two weeks ago again and orders him to
apologize yet again. Sheamus refuses of course and now out comes Del Rio
to call Sheamus a peasant and a hooligan before promising to win the
title. Otunga says that Del Rio can pick an opponent for Sheamus later
tonight when Sheamus gives Otunga a Brogue Kick out of nowhere. Del Rio
bails unscathed though and takes off up the ramp as Sheamus tells him to
"never trust a hooligan." Sound advice. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sin Cara (19-5) vs. Heath Slater (4-31)</b><br />
This is (finally) Sin Cara's return match after a 7 month layover due to
a knee injury. He's decked out in new red gear and immediately takes
Slater out of the ring with a lucha libre wristlock before taking him
out on the floor with a cross body. Slater catches him coming back in
the ring and applies a chinlock. Cara hits a springboard cross body then
a variation on his old La Mistica finisher for the quick win at <b>2:25</b>.
Just a total squash to welcome Cara back, as I guess they're going to
try using the La Mistica-like finisher again instead of the C4 suplex,
which sure makes him a lot less exciting. <b>*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Damien Sandow (1-0) vs. Ezekiel Jackson (14-17)</b><br />
Sandow of course calls Zeke an ignoramus before the match and tries to
walk off, but Zeke tosses him back into the ring and clubs him in the
corner. He tries for the torture rack but Sandow slips out and hits a
series of knees followed by a Russian leg sweep. The cross-armed
neckbreaker finishes it for Sandow at <b>1:37</b>. Sandow props his head
on his hands over Zeke's chest while laying on him afterwards, looking
delightfully evil in the process. I can't get enough of the old school
heel swagger of Sandow, keep this man on my TV please. <b>1/2*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Dolph Ziggler approaches Del Rio and volunteers to wrestle
Sheamus for him tonight, and Del Rio obliges him, setting our match for
later. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ryback (7-0) vs. Ryan Shelton/Chris Lyons</b><br />
This week's jobbers try to get some cheap heel heat by doing the
University of Alabama "Roll tide" chant before the match. Booker tries
to say these two guys are huge on the independent circuit---no sir, they
are not. The usual dissection via power moves from Ryback here and he
finishes them off with the double marching Samoan Drop at <b>2:02</b>. Your usual marginally entertaining Ryback squash. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sheamus (34-16-1) vs. Dolph Ziggler (4-16)</b><br />
Lock up and a side headlock takeover from Sheamus to start. Dropkick
from Ziggler but the Irishman responds with a clothesline. Ziggler leaps
off the top rope but Sheamus catches him and flips him onto his
shoulders for the rolling senton. Ziggler gets tossed to the floor and
we take a break. When we return Sheamus hits a knee and wants to go for
the Celtic Cross but Ziggler grabs the ring apron and ropes to separate
himself from the champ (subtle but cool touch) before dropping Sheamus
throat-first over the top rope and dropkicking him off the apron and
right into the Spanish commentary table. Subtle but awesome psychology.
Back in the ring Dolph hits a neckbreaker for a two count. DDT gets him
another near fall and he applies his patented sleeper-hold. Sheamus
flips him off his back into the ropes though and lays in the clubbing
hammerfists before suplexing Dolph back into the ring. Dolph tries
desperately to block the Irish Curse backbreaker but the champ hits it
anyways. Sheamus goes to the top but Dolph crotches him and then hits a
top-rope X-Factor on him! That was sick and unexpected. Sheamus fights
off the Zig-Zag attempt and then hits the White Noise (Finlay's old
Celtic Cross) on Ziggler. Jack Swagger hits the apron for the
distraction, but Sheamus just boots him off quickly before taking
Ziggler's head off with the Brogue Kick for the win at <b>10:01</b>. Now
that was a hell of a TV match right there, Dolph as always was awesome
here bumping like a madman and pulling out moves you never see anymore
like a top-rope X-Factor. Sheamus looked dominant and powerful in the
win as well, just a great match. <b>***1/4</b><br /><br />
<br />
Backstage CM Punk explains to Matt Striker that John Laurinaitis
represents everything he can't stand in the world before promising to
make Kane go to sleep later tonight. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
Zack Ryder/Santino Marella vs. Titus O'Neill/Darren Young</b><br />
D-Young and Santino start off but Titus quickly tags in and suplexes his
own partner onto Marella. Young tags back in and Santino rolls him
up...for the pin? Match is over at a whopping <b>1:16</b>. The match is
so short though because the Big Show comes out as Santino and Ryder are
celebrating on the ramp to destroy them with steel steps on the stage.
And I mean DESTROY. It's not like one of them is our US champ or
anything and Big Show so clearly needed to squash those two guys, right?
<b>DUD</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Daniel Bryan asks AJ if she thinks CM Punk actually cares
about her. AJ says it sounds like he's jealous and Bryan scoffs, saying
atleast he cared about her once upon a time unlike CM Punk. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cody Rhodes (21-25) vs. Tyson Kidd (0-12)</b><br />
Christian joins the commentary team for this match involving his next IC
title contender Cody Rhodes. This isn't NXT or Superstars so Kidd is in
jobber mode here, eating a quick suplex from Cody. He does some nice
rope flipping but gets caught with the Cross Rhodes almost immediately
for the pin at <b>1:20</b>. Another quick squash match, but atleast they
actually gave the IC title angle some TV time. Hopefully they give Cody
and Christian some time to work on the PPV. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br />
WWE Title Match<br />
CM Punk </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>(2-3-1) vs. Kane (18-14)</b><br />
This is the first WWE title match on Smackdown in four years, showing
you just how much of a B-show it truly has become. Both men lock up and
Kane is quickly sent to the floor by a dropkick from Punk, who follows
up with a double axe handle from the top rope. Punk wraps Kane's arm
around the steel post and goes to work on it with kicks and elbow
smashes. Punk works a wristlock briefly until Kane powers out and
clotheslines him to the floor as we take a commercial break. When we
return Punk is back to working over Kane's arm but waits too long on the
top rope and Kane lariats him off to the floor in nasty fashion. AJ
decides to run down to the ring to cheer on Punk now as Kane launches
the champ into the guard barrier. Back inside Kane works a chinlock and
then tries for the chokeslam, but Punk counters into a DDT. Muay Thai
knees in the corner from Punk. Punk counters a suplex attempt and hits a
swinging neckbreaker. Spinkick to Kane's arm but he responds with a
huge big boot. Punk blocks a charge into the corner and hits a leaping
bulldog from the top for a two count. He tries for the GTS but collapses
under Kane's weight, allowing the monster to hit a running dropkick for
a near fall. Kane goes for the top rope clothesline but Punk dropkicks
the arm again. Punk goes to the top when suddenly Daniel Bryan runs down
to the ringside area, so Punk leaps off and wipes out Bryan outside the
ring. The champ hits the Macho Man elbow on Kane moments later and
nearly wins it but Kane somehow kicks out and this crowd is hot now.
Kane clotheslines Punk and sets up for the chokeslam when Daniel Bryan
returns and delivers a missile dropkick off the top rope to both men for
the DQ finish at <b>11:52</b> (shown). Started off pretty slow but
picked up very nicely after the commercial break, the armwork was the
recurring theme through-out the match and while it would have been nice
to see it play into the finish, Bryan interrupting things makes sense
from a storyline perspective, even if it cheats us out of a clean finish
to an otherwise good little TV match. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Punk tries to give Bryan the GTS but Kane chokeslams
both men instead. Johnny Ace comes out moments later to announce that
the WWE Title match at No Way Out is now a Triple Threat match involving
Kane. I know I'm not the only one who saw that awesome classic
encounter between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan and thought "You know what
this classic scientific wrestling feud needs? KANE!", right? Oh, wait,
no one has thought that ever in the history of anything ever. Goddamnit
WWE, why ruin a perfectly awesome thing (just about the only good thing
you've got going these days) by injecting Kane into the mix? That's like
throwing molasses into the gears of a well-oiled machine. That's our
show for the week though folks.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line: </b></span>Apart
from the ending of injecting Kane into the Bryan/Punk title match
leaving a sour taste in my mouth, this was a really solid show this
week. There was a bit more star power than usual with Punk defending his
title on the show in a rather solid match against Kane but we also got a
great TV match in the middle of the show between Sheamus and Ziggler
and Dolph continues to bust his ass on a nightly basis in the apparent
hope that maybe someday they'll actually reward his constant hard-work
with something besides being a jobber to the stars. Everything else was
rather perfunctory but it did the trick and I certainly enjoyed this
more than last week's show. Thumbs Up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 7.0/10</b></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-33057786549282108672012-05-25T17:49:00.001-07:002012-05-25T17:49:57.003-07:00WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 5/25/12<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Friday Night SmackDown</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 25th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span><br />
</div>
<br /><br />Welcome back everyone to another edition of 411mania's Friday
Night Smackdown coverage. I'll be your guide to the world of the blue
brand as usual as we're less than a week removed from the Over the Limit
PPV which saw Sheamus retain his World Heavyweight title in a four-way
match among others. The build to the next PPV, No Way Out, should begin
for the brand tonight so let's see what's in store for us.<br /><br /><br /><b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Booker T, and Josh Matthews</b><br /><br /><br />
We open the show tonight with the assistant GM Eve coming out to gloat a
bit about John Laurinaitis' victory over John Cena at Over the Limit,
despite the fact that Johnny isn't here tonight (again), so Eve is in
charge. She promises that tonight Sheamus will apologize for tackling
Ace on RAW this week, and that we'll also decide who the new number one
contender is. Alberto Del Rio promptly comes out as soon as she says
this to suck up and try to get the title shot. Since this is the opening
segment of Smackdown and that means we need atleast 3-4 interruptions,
out comes Randy Orton to try and lay claim to the shot. And now here
comes Kane, who---yep, you guessed it, wants the title shot for himself,
but atleast he's got a clever reason---tonight is the 666th episode of
Smackdown. Eve decides to just book them all into a triple threat match
for our main event tonight, with the winner becoming number one
contender. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Christian (17-13-1) vs. Hunico (7-5)</b><br />
This is apparently Christian's first Smackdown match in 8 months, though
that seems a bit long. Non-title too. Christian quickly sends Hunico to
the floor with a back body drop but misses the baseball slide dropkick
to follow up. He takes his eye off Hunico for a second to keep his eye
on Camacho when Hunico sends him into the steel post, returns to the
ring, and then wipes him out with a nice tope. Hunico misses a
springboard senton but manages to catch Christian off the second rope
into a jackknife cover. Flying elbow from the second rope by Christian
and he sets up for the Killswitch, but Camacho distracts him briefly.
Christian shrugs it off and gives Hunico the Killswitch anyways though
and then finishes him with the frog splash at <b>3:04</b>. Just a quick
TV return match for Christian here, but both guys looked good in the
short time they got. Still not sure how I feel about Christian being
knocked back to the midcard, but he could bring some respect back to the
IC title I suppose. <b>**</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match Cody Rhodes comes out with a mic to brag about how epic
his IC title run was, comparing himself to Razor Ramon, Randy Savage,
and Shawn Michaels. Cody claims no one cares about Christian and that
when he gets his contractual rematch, it's only going to take him 3
seconds to win the title back. Give those two atleast ten minutes and
I'm confident they could have a darn good match. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Titus O'Neill/Darren Young vs. The Uso's (Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso)</b><br />
We see a backstage confrontation between the two teams from before the
show went on the air tonight as Titus and Jimmy start us off while
Michael Cole refers to O'Neill and Young as the future of the WWE tag
team division. Shudder. The Uso's trade quick tags and try isolating
Titus in their corner but he breaks free and tags Young in, suplexing
his own partner onto Jey. The heels trade quick tags in their corner now
until Jey fires off an elbow and tags Jimmy back in. Jimmy hits the
running ass slam on Young in the corner but Titus breaks it up. Huge
superkick on Young from Jimmy, but Titus distracts him when he goes for
the Superfly splash and the heels finish Jimmy off with the double team
elbow drop at <b>3:12</b>. Nice to see them give O'Neill and Young
another win after they got squashed by the champs last week, but frankly
I don't think I'm alone in thinking I'd rather see the Uso's getting
the push. <b>*1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Advertisement for Sin Cara to return on next week's show. Finally. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ryback (6-0) vs. Brian Edwards/Kevin Bendl</b><br />
Back to squashing no-name jobbers for Ryback. Bendl looks alot like
former ROH tag champ Ricky Reyes. Ryback seems to have a black eye and a
busted eye vessel for some reason. Typical Ryback squash, a few power
moves and then he finishes both guys off by giving them both the
marching Samoan drop SIMULTANEOUSLY for the win at <b>1:29</b>. Starting to tire of these Ryback squashes, but man that finish was awesome. <b>3/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Santino Marella (7-5) vs. Ricardo Rodriguez (0-0)</b><br />
I can't help but notice how much more over Ricardo is then Del Rio. This
match came out of an announcing dispute on RAW, if you missed it. Nice
leap-frog from Ricardo in the tux to start and they go into a
rope-running sequence, but Santino just stops and let Ricardo tire
himself out. Airplane spin from Santino but he trips and falls out of
the ring himself. He tries hiding under the ring apron and then pops
back into the ring behind Ricardo to nail him with The Cobra for the win
at <b>1:52</b>. A comedy match that was actually funny, that's a rarity
these days. I really have no idea why they put the US title on Santino
though if they're just going to continue to use him as a comedy act. <b>*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Sheamus comes out next for his apology to John Laurinaitis. Sheamus
claims it was an accident though and can't quite get the apology out.
Finally he apologizes...for John Laurinaitis being a massive arse. He
apologizes for Eve, Otunga, and Big Show all being his personal ass
kissers as well. Sheamus moves onto No Way Out, saying if it were up to
him he'd be facing Randy Orton. Vickie Guerrero comes out to interrupt
though and informs Sheamus that Eve just booked him into a match right
now, against Jack Swagger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sheamus (33-16-1) vs. Jack Swagger (9-12)</b><br />
Intense lock-up to start before Swagger takes the champ down with a
waistlock takedown. Sheamus elbows out of it and hits a flying
shoulder-block off the top. The action spills to the floor briefly and
Vickie distracts Sheamus long enough on his way back into the ring for
Swagger to tackle his knee, sending him flying to the floor as we take a
commercial break. When we return Swagger has begun working over the
same knee, wrapping it around the steel post and working an old school
stepover toe hold. Sheamus manages to break up the limb work with a
neckbreaker out of the corner. Sheamus gives him the hammer-fists on the
apron and suplexes him back in for a two count. Sheamus blocks the
ankle lock and then goes for the Brogue Kick, but misses and Swagger
takes his knee out again with a chop block. He follows with a Swagger
bomb in the corner but Sheamus kicks out. Sheamus flips out of the Gut
Wrench powerbomb attempt and hits the Brogue Kick out of nowhere for the
win at<b> 7:04</b> (shown). Pretty solid little match here, but man
that finish makes no sense. Swagger spends the entire match working over
the knee only for Sheamus to totally no sell it in the finish with the
Brogue Kick. Would have been better had Sheamus remembered to sell in
the last two minutes. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Damien Sandow (0-0) vs. Yoshi Tatsu (0-4)</b><br />
Sandow cuts his usual pre-match promo about how we're all not worthy,
especially Yoshi. He freaks out at the bell when Yoshi tries to attack
him while he's in the ropes, demanding the ref do his job. Sandow
delivers a series of knees and a Russian legsweep before quickly putting
Yoshi away with his neckbreaker at<b> 0:45</b> seconds. Just to add to
his whole throwback heel shtick, Sandow does a celebratory cartwheel
after the match. I love this freaking guy, his promo work is great, he's
solid in the ring, and how can you not love the Rick Martel-esque
tights? Squash city for Yoshi though. <b>1/2*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Big Show, in work clothes with a tie, comes out next. Show sits down in
the middle of the ring for a lengthy promo to explain again why he did
what he did. Long story short, Big Show lives for wrestling and is
apparently incapable of doing anything else, and when no one came to his
defense, he had no choice but to help Johnny. This promo just drags on
and on and on until finally Show takes off as Kane makes his way out to
the ring for our main event. <br />
<br />
<br />
Before the main event can actually start though, Daniel Bryan jumps Kane
from behind in the dark with a steel chair and waffles the everloving
hell out of him while the crowd chants "YES! YES! YES!" in appreciation.
Well that was...random. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>World Heavyweight Title Number One Contender's Match<br />
Alberto Del Rio (11-10) vs. Kane (18-13) vs. Randy Orton (31-11-1)</b><br />
Orton sends Del Rio out of the ring quickly but turns around into a big
boot and dropkick from Kane. Del Rio returns to the ring only to be
clotheslined out by Orton, who is then clotheslined out by Kane. Orton
drags Kane back to the apron and tries for the second rope DDT, but Del
Rio hits a spin kick to Orton to break it up as we take our last
commercial break. When we return Kane is back in control. Orton
dropkicks Del Rio out of the ring but walks right into a sideslam from
the Big Red Machine. Kane heads to the top rope but Del Rio hits his
step-up enziguri, sending him crashing out to the floor. Kane quickly
returns to the ring and Orton hands out powerslams to both him and
Alberto. Second-rope DDT on Del Rio from Orton out of the corner and he
sets up for the RKO, but Del Rio blocks it and Kane sends Orton crashing
into the steel steps outside the ring. Kane blocks the cross armbar
attempt from Del Rio and hits him with the chokeslam, but Daniel Bryan
runs back down to the apron to distract him and Kane takes off to chase
him. He returns to the ring and walks right into the RKO from Orton, but
before Orton can cover him Del Rio kicks Orton right in the head and
steals the pin and the title shot at <b>7:20</b> (shown). Meh, this was
decent enough but there was just zero flow whatsoever here, this just
felt like a few spots strung together in the loosest of ways. Just
chaos, and not the good kind. <b>**</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Del Rio celebrates on the ramp after the match when Sheamus comes out to jump him from behind as we go off the air. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line: </b></span>Okay
show this week, Swagger/Sheamus was pretty solid apart from some shoddy
selling but really there wasn't much else to see here. Big Show cuts
basically the same promo from RAW, and Del Rio once again is the number
one contender, even though people just flat out don't want to see him in
that position right now, atleast not against Sheamus. Really just not
much to say here tonight, run-of-the-mill show and for Smackdown that
just isn't very exciting these days. Not a bad show by any means, just a
boring one, so a very minor Thumbs Down tonight, though not by much.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 5.0/10</b></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-9275891497174096962012-05-18T10:50:00.000-07:002012-05-18T10:50:15.869-07:00WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 5/18/12<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Friday Night SmackDown</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 18th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Giant Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time </b></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome back everyone to 411's SmackDown report as we're on the last
stop tonight before the Over the Limit PPV and it's main event of doom,
Johnny Ace vs. John Cena. I can't believe I'm typing that in the year
2012. A non-title match between Sheamus and Randy Orton is scheduled for
tonight though so it doesn't look to be a total filler show, so let's kick it off.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Your hosts are Michael Cole, Booker T, and Josh Matthews<br />
</b><br />
<br />
We open with Johnny Ace coming out. I liked Ace's heel shtick at first,
but the more RAW and Smackdown become the Johnny Ace show, the less I
care. He rants a bit about how he's still as tough in the ring as he
ever was when he's promptly interrupted by the WWE champion CM Punk.
Brand split? What brand split? Punk asks Ace how it feels to be on the
other end of the stick for once, looking at his upcoming match with Cena
and his potential impending dismissal. Ace still has some power though
and books Punk into a match tonight with Kane. Punk doesn't mind though,
because Ace will be in the unemployment line soon enough. Not sure why
Punk's on the show tonight, but I'm not complaining, it certainly spices
things up a bit. Ace lets the fans know they can all go to hell if this is his last night on the job. That's nice.<br />
<br />
<br />
John Cena loves children! Just not in <i>that</i> way. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kofi Kingston/R-Truth vs. Titus O'Neill/Darren Young</b><br />
I've got to admit, as much as I've hated Titus and Darren's entire body
of work thus far in the company, they're actually somewhat entertaining
as a duo. Non-title match here, as if that matters. Truth starts off
with Young, booting him in the face before tagging Kofi in for a
cross-body. Young gives Kofi a nice back suplex onto the ring apron then
gets a two count back inside. Titus tags in for a bit of work on Kofi
but before long Truth and Young are tagged back in as Truth gets a near
fall off the corkscrew elbow. Kofi takes out Titus outside with a
pescado as Truth hits Young with the Little Jimmy for the win at <b>3:00</b>.
Well I'm not sure what the point of squashing what little heat Titus
and Young had here was, but it makes the champs look competent going
into their title match at the PPV. What's up though, were the Usos busy?
<b>*1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Zack Ryder appears to be taping himself with his own
camera-phone for an episode of his web show when Damien Sandow walks by.
He is not amused by Ryder's zany antics. <br />
<br />
<br />
Damien Sandow vs. Yoshi Tatsu is scheduled as our next match, but as has
been the trend these last few weeks, Sandow refuses to fight Tatsu
because he isn't worthy. Tatsu calls Sandow a chicken and apparently
Damien is Marty McFly because that's all it takes for him to hit the
ring to attack Tatsu. No match, he just hammers Tatsu a bit and gives
him a variation of a neckbreaker to beat him down and send a message. <br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Matt Striker is with Sheamus and Randy Orton for a few words
before their main event match tonight. They share some calm but heated
words and Orton says that Sheamus is a nice guy, and you know where nice
guy's finish---last. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Daniel Bryan (16-21-2) vs. Zack Ryder (8-1)</b><br />
I would love to see this get ten minutes but methinks this will just be a
squash for Bryan, and considering their respective places on the card
that's fine. Bryan takes it right to Zack with some forearms and then
kicks his knee out from under him. Running dropkick in the corner gets
Bryan two. Bryan works the arm and channels his inner Destroyer by
twisting on Ryder's fingers while he's in the hold, but Zack breaks it
up and fires off a missile dropkick. He tries for the Broski Boot but
misses and Bryan nails him with a kick to the temple before putting him
into the YES! Lock for the win at <b>2:28.</b> Just a quick squash for
Bryan and though I wish Ryder wasn't the one doing the job, it's not
like the loss will actually hurt him more than he's already been hurt.
Good, dominant showing for Bryan before his title match this Sunday,
simple and effective booking. *<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>CM Punk (2-2-1) vs. Kane (17-13)</b><br />
Bryan sticks around after his match to do color commentary for our next
match-up. Punk starts off cautious with the big man, firing off
half-hearted kicks early on. Punk clotheslines Kane out of the ring and
we take a break. When we return Punk gets a one count off a DDT. Punk
applies the figure four on Kane just as Josh Matthews is putting over
his submission skills on commentary in a nice moment, but Kane quickly
breaks it up and sends him outside. Punk tries springboarding back in
but gets met with a big right hand and boots in the corner. Backbreaker
from Kane and the big man wraps his legs around Punk in a body scissors
of all things. Kane tries for a chokeslam but Punk counters into a
swinging neckbreaker. Muay Thai knee from Kane followed by a leaping
bulldog from the second rope nets Punk another near fall. He hits a
springboard clothesline but again Kane kicks out. Punk tries to get Kane
up for the GTS but his ribs are too weak and Kane counters with a big
boot. Punk knocks Kane off the top and then hits the Macho Man elbow,
but again Kane gets the shoulder up. Punk tries transitioning into the
Anaconda Vice but Kane counters with a sidewalk slam. Top rope
clothesline from Kane and Bryan is loving it at ringside. Punk sends
Kane out of the ring and then wipes him out with a big tope, but before
he can capitalize on it Bryan gets up from the commentary table, grabs a
chair, and teases hitting Punk with it. Instead he waffles Kane with
the chair, giving Kane the win by DQ at <b>8:35 </b>(shown). After the
match Kane beats down Punk, giving him two chokeslams. Are they actually
making the title challenger look like a threat for once going into a
PPV? I thought they gave up on that crazy notion years ago. The match
itself was damn good for a modern Kane match, it seems if you put him in
there with a solid smaller guy like Punk or Orton more often than not
he can hold his own and deliver a fun contest, and this was no
exception. The finish hurt it a bit but it makes perfect sense booking
wise and for once they're actually trying to make you think Bryan has a
shot with Punk having weak ribs and getting another beatdown from Kane
here while Bryan dominated Ryder earlier, a far cry from their usual
strategy of "Let's just book both guys to lose going into the PPV!",
which has never made sense to me. Solid match, would have been better
with a legit finish. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>**3/4</b><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<b>Cody Rhodes (21-24) vs. Santino Marella (6-5)</b><br />
This is billed as a meeting of the IC and US champs (though neither
title is on the line), but it's not like holding either of those belts
actually means a thing these days, not when these two are used as
jobbers to the stars most of the time. Match starts off hot with Cody
missing a beautiful moonsault out of the corner before Santino quickly
teases the Cobra. Cody gives him a dropkick instead though. Santino
ducks a clothesline with the splits and then hits the Cobra out of
nowhere for the anemic win at <b>2:00</b>. Wow, with an epic encounter
like that I'm so glad they put over how prestigious each title used to
be once upon a time. One of these days they're going to find something,
anything for Cody to do besides constantly job to everyone, and I'll be a
happy fan that day. Match was ho-hum. <b>3/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Next we see the ENTIRE re-airing of the Big Show's "firing" on RAW,
'cause that's big news that is. Every time they show the footage of Show
bawling his eyes out, I laugh hysterically. Maybe it's because I've
grown incredibly tired of him constantly squashing hot young talent
while offering almost nothing in return, but I found his whole firing
segment to be unintentionally hilarious. Bad acting, goofy delivery, and
at the end of it I was just hoping this might lead to less Big Show on
my TV. <br />
<br />
<b><br />
Sheamus (32-16-1) vs. Randy Orton (31-10-1)</b><br />
Non-title match here of course since the four-way is this Sunday. They
start off with a lock up all technical like but it's not long before it
breaks down into a round of fisticuffs. Orton clotheslines Sheamus out
of the ring and they trade shots outside before Sheamus counters an
Irish whip, sending Orton shoulder-first into the steel steps. Sheamus
tries for the Brogue Kick but hits the steel post instead, and Orton
slams Sheamus down against the steps before slamming his arm and
shoulder several times back into the steel. We take a break and when we
return Orton is still working over Sheamus, in the ring now.
Shoulder-breaker from Orton as Randy continues to dissect the Irishman's
shoulder, which if you'll remember was taped up and injured only a week
ago and was a focus of his match with Bryan on that show. Sheamus
manages to send Orton to the apron, where he knees him hard in the face
and then begins laying in his signature hammer-fists in between the
ropes before bumping Orton off the apron and into the barricade as we
take our last commercial break. When we return Sheamus has taken the
advantage with a chinlock. Orton tries breaking it off but eats a knee
to the gut. Rolling senton from Sheamus and he sets up for the Celtic
Cross, but Orton counters into his over-the-shoulder backbreaker.
Powerslam from Orton and he follows it with a new trick, a
belly-to-belly suplex to Sheamus. Nice to see Randy throwing more
suplexes into his arsenal. Sheamus counters right back with the
slingshot shoulder-block though and follows it with a high running knee
and a bodyslam for a near fall. Orton manages to block the Irish Curse
backbreaker once, but takes the move on the second attempt. Sheamus
climbs to the top rope, but Orton just meets him up there and delivers a
towering superplex! Back on their feet both men are brawling when
Sheamus looks for (and misses) another Brogue Kick attempt, which leaves
him wide open for the second-rope DDT from Orton. He looks for the RKO
but Sheamus avoids it and tries for the Brogue Kick again, but Orton
avoids that as well and Sheamus winds up rolling up Orton for the clean
pin at <b>16:01</b> (shown). Excellent main event this week between two
men who've become familiar with one another, this was so much better
than their Royal Rumble 2010 match or even some of their matches last
winter. They put Sheamus over big here with a clean pin on one of the
golden boys in Orton and they gave the match enough time for both men to
fit in some of their usual stuff along with some new bits so the whole
thing just came together nicely in the end. I would absolutely LOVE to
see more 15+ minute long matches shown on TV time like this. Only
(minor) problem was that the two commercial breaks hurt the flow a bit.
Still, great stuff. <b>***1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match both men shake hands seemingly in a sign of respect when
Orton gives the champ the RKO out of nowhere! Decent amount of boos for
that and we go off the air with Orton looking smug over a fallen
Sheamus. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span>
Damn good show from Smackdown this week after a bit of a misstep last
week. Solid Punk/Kane match in the middle of the show that actually left
me wanting to see more of it with a clean finish, a great main event
that got over 15 minutes of TV time (which almost never happens anymore)
and ended cleanly between two of the top dogs on the show, and even the
usual quickie match stuff was kept quick and inoffensive. Really I've
got no complaints about this show apart from a few minor quibbles in
personal taste with the current booking and use of a few talents, but
that's not a big deal. Easy Thumbs Up tonight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rating: 8.0/10 </b></span><br />
</div>xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-52572356515961850012012-05-13T19:53:00.002-07:002012-05-14T11:54:15.221-07:00TNA Sacrifice 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC91w0Oa7pt_L8vL5bH73H3ZVpxfl0s6poc1-9F1P0qKnFfM10xlfBzLuxuyq7XEgm12UiUOPdFSVZOahQohr8QncpQUlmBCp0afZX_20Ea_FjB_vIXnWJoND7kHAw5ElnH_Xdag5sY6v/s1600/tnasac_may12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC91w0Oa7pt_L8vL5bH73H3ZVpxfl0s6poc1-9F1P0qKnFfM10xlfBzLuxuyq7XEgm12UiUOPdFSVZOahQohr8QncpQUlmBCp0afZX_20Ea_FjB_vIXnWJoND7kHAw5ElnH_Xdag5sY6v/s400/tnasac_may12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TNA Sacrifice 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 13th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Impact Wrestling Zone, Orlando, Florida</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome back everyone to another edition of 411's LIVE TNA
PPV coverage. I am your loyal host and recapper tonight once again and
though Sacrifice hasn't exactly been known as a blow-away event in years
past for the company, this year's card doesn't look half bad with a
ladder match between Bobby Roode and Rob Van Dam for the TNA World Title
set as our main event an undercard featuring Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles,
Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson, Austin Aries vs. Bully Ray, and a tag title
match between Joe & Magnus and Daniels & Kaz among others. If
most of those matches can deliver, I'll be a happy customer. Hard-sell
over, let's start the show!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Mike Tenay and Taz</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA Tag Team Title Match<br />
Samoa Joe/Magnus </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Christopher Daniels/Kazarian</b><br />
Looks like we're starting off tonight with the tag title match. Magnus
and Daniels start off trading wristlocks before Magnus gets the upper
hand with a pair of scoop slams. Magnus delivers a beautiful vertical
suplex to Daniels and Joe tags in to lay in some rights before Daniels
is able to bail finally to catch his breath and tag Kaz in. Joe tags
Magnus back in and the faces put together a few double team moves.
Daniels tris Magnus up from the floor and Kaz hits him with a
springboard leg-drop before tagging Chris back in. Daniels works over
Magnus a bit as the camera shows Joseph Park, the brother of Abyss, in
the audience. Kaz tags in to continue working Magnus over with a bow and
arrow stretch, but Magnus is able to break free and get the hot tag to
Joe. Joe does his signature walk-away spot as Daniels misses a moonsault
and eats the uranage out of the corner from Joe. Daniels takes Magnus
down with a judo toss (even though he's not legal) for a two count. He
tries the BME but misses and Joe nails him with a pele kick just as
Magnus hits the top rope elbow drop. That combo usually ends it for the
champs, but Kaz breaks up the pin. Joe gets sent out of the ring and the
heels hit a variation of Total Elimination on Magnus to pick up the win
and the titles at <b>10:54</b>. Match was just as solid as you'd expect
out of these four, but I have to question taking the belts off of Joe
and Magnus just as they were really starting to get over and come into
their own as a team. Good opener, but it lacked a certain spark. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Taz and Tenay put over the usual social media blabber. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA Knockouts Title Match<br />
Gail Kim </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Brooke Tessmacher</b><br />
If only Brooke could wrestle half as well as she looks. She takes it
right to Gail at the bell with a monkey flip and Brooke looks to use
Gail's own finisher, Eat Defeat, on her to no avail. Clothesline from
Gail and she follows with a cross-body in the corner. Backbreaker from
Kim and she stretches Brooke out a bit until the challenger is able to
break it up and build up a bit of momentum with a nice elbow drop from
the top for a two count. Brooke nails the champ with her own finisher,
Eat Defeat, but the move sends Gail out of the ring and by the time
Brooke brings her back in, she's able to kick out. Gail crawls away and
when Brooke chases after her, she rolls her up and puts her feet on the
ropes for extra leverage to get the cheap win and retain at<b> 6:54</b>.
This was actually much better than I was expecting and I might have to
take my opening comments back because Brooke seems to have actually
improved a good bit in the ring. Cheap finish, but you come to expect
that from the KO division.<b> **</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage the new TNA Tag Team champions Kazarian and Christopher
Daniels are with Jeremy Borash. Instead of talking about their title win
though they go right into talking about AJ Styles again. Can we PLEASE
get something for Daniels and Kaz to do that doesn't involve AJ Styles
for once? Pretty please?<br />
<br />
<b><br />
TNA Television Title Match<br />
Devon </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© </span></span>vs. Robbie E vs. Robbie T.</b><br />
Who booked this crap? Devon makes a fool out of both guys early, sending
T out and slamming E to the mat with a uranage before T pulls him out
of the ring for a sloppy clothesline. Back inside the heels double-team
Devon some more as Robbie E gets a few near-falls. Devon sends E out of
the ring and eats a running powerslam from T, but E hits the ring to
break up the count. The heels argue for a bit until Devon rolls Robbie E
up to retain at 5:34. About as exciting as your average Xplosion main
event---which is to say not very. Lord knows why this company feels the
need to have Devon carrying the TV title when it could be used to get a
young talent over. Blegh. <b>1/2*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson</b><br />
Odd to see these two so low on the card, but maybe it'll motivate them
to step their game up. Both men slap hands at the bell in a sign of
respect and then lock up. Wristlock exchange and Hardy dropkicks
Anderson out of the ring. He sends Anderson face first into the steel
steps and Hardy pulls the steps out for the Whisper in the Wind, but
Anderson moves and Hardy crashes into the steel guardrail instead. Back
inside Hardy hits a Russian legsweep and a leg-drop to the abdomen.
Anderson blocks the slingshot dropkick in the corner with a pair of
boots and tries for a few near-falls. Anderson starts to work over
Jeff's arm, trapping it behind him and slamming him to the mat. Hardy is
able to break it up and nail Anderson with his own finisher, the Mic
Check, but only gets two. Anderson responds by hitting Hardy with his
own finisher, the Twist of Fate, but Hardy kicks out at two as well.
Anderson tries a Swanton, but Hardy gets the knees up. He hits his own
Swanton, but Anderson kicks out again! Jeff tries the legdrop to the
abdomen again, but Anderson blocks it and counters into a roll-up that
Hardy appears to kick out of at the last milli-second, but the bell
rings and apparently the ref counted to three, giving Anderson the odd
win at <b>11:55</b>. On replay it appears Jeff absolutely kicked out
before 3. The match itself was good but not quite up to some of Jeff's
matches in the last few months, and the weird finish didn't help
matters. Still, this is the match of the night so far. <b>***</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Christy Hemme is backstage with the Greatest Man That Ever Lived, Austin
Aries. She asks him a question from a fan on Twitter about whether he's
intimidated by Bully Ray, and Aries scoffs at the question. He tells us
it's about skill, not size, and tonight he's going to show Ray who the
better man is. <br />
<br />
<br />
After a quick replay of the return of Abyss on Impact this past week we
cut to Jeremy Borash, whose in the audience with the brother of Abyss,
Joseph Park. The fans even start a "Joseph!" chant for him, proving once
and for all that the Impact Zone will literally chant for anything and
anyone. He says he's going to kick back and watch Austin Aries kick
Bully Ray's ass.<br />
<br />
<br />
Crimson makes his way out next to cut a promo. Heelish Crimson is so
much more tolerable than babyface Crimson. He was originally set to take
on Matt Morgan here but the company apparently ran out of contractual
appearances for him, which seems like something you'd be able to avoid.
Crimson issues an open challenge, brings in a ref, and has him begin
counting to 10 even though no one's here. Before the ten count though
Eric Young and ODB come out and apparently EY is here to accept the
challenge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Crimson vs. Eric Young</b><br />
EY locks up with the ref when he hits the ring but then realizes he's
wrestling Crimson and clotheslines the big man out of the ring. It's not
long before Crimson has taken the upper hand though, tossing Young out
of the ring easily. ODB tries to get in Crimson's face to defend her
man, but Crimson shoves her into the corner, enraging Young who strips
off his pants to reveal an American flag pair of tights. He cleans house
on Crimson then hits an elbow drop, but ODB gets sent out of the ring
in the process. When he goes to check on her Crimson pulls him around
and hits him with the Red Sky to pick up the win at around <b>5:00</b>
(the "official bell" started before Young ever even came out). Pretty
much just an excuse to get Crimson a quick pin in lieu of the blow-off
match with Morgan, inoffensive but nothing particularly good. Heel
Crimson > Face Crimson though, easily. <b>*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Bully Ray tells Jeremy Borash that he doesn't mess with that
TWITTAH thing, no, he's old-school....he still rocks MySpace! He tells
Aries that he won't be able to get him into the brainbuster tonight, no
matter how big his heart is. Awesome promo from Ray, as usual.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Austin Aries vs. Bully Ray</b><br />
The build for this one has been great with these two exchanging
excellent promos for weeks. Both men start trash-talking in each other's
face at the bell and the crowd is hot for Aries as he looks to lock up,
but Ray ducks out instead. Ray spits right in his face and Aries fires
back with big rights and lefts in the corner. Aries bites a chunk out of
Ray's pride and joy (his calves) and the fans love it. Aries climbs to
the top rope but Ray boots him right off the top and he just plummets
back and head first into the steel guardrail! Holy shit, Austin Aries is
DEAD. That was one of the sickest bumps I've ever seen, and Aries has
several straight up neon-purple bruises and welts on his back already
from that. I'm still cringing from that bump a full two minutes later as
the crowd chants "Bully sucks!" Ray works a brief bear hug but Aries
breaks it up with big Mongolian chops. Ray lays in some chops on Austin
but he just stands right back up and demands to know if that's all he's
got. Ray responds with a chop so stiff it would make Kobashi cringe but
Aries won't stay down, as he gets back to his feet and asks Ray for some
more, but instead of obliging Ray goes right for an eye-rake like a
true heel. Aries slips out of a powerbomb attempt and hits a discus
elbow, but Ray responds by launching him 10 feet into the air and giving
him an Ace Crusher in mid-air! Somehow Aries still kicks out though.
Ray grabs a steel chain from ringside and this brings Joseph Park down
to ringside to try and alert the ref. Ray brings him onto the rampway
and grabs a chair, but turns around only to meet the heat-seeking
missile tope from Aries. Back inside Aries hits a missile dropkick then
nails Ray with the brainbuster! He actually got him up for it! Ray kicks
out at two though to everyone's shock. Ray tries for a powerbomb again
but Aries slides out of the move at the last second, flips over, and
applies the Last Chancery submission to Ray...and Ray taps out! Aries
picks up the win at <b>13:17</b>. This totally exceeded all of the
expectations I had going in, I was expecting a solid big/little man
contest but what we got here was so much more. Aries took one of the
sickest beatdowns I've ever seen (including a bump on the railing so
sickening it would make an early 90s Cactus Jack blush) to build up just
fantastic heat for the finish, which practically had the place coming
unglued by the time Aries hit the brainbuster. Excellent story told here
from both men, kudos. <b>***3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage AJ Styles is with Jeremy Borash to voice concern over his
match with Angle next if he isn't focused. He doesn't want to talk about
the Dixie Carter photos though, he's just here to wrestle damnit. <br />
<b><br />
<br />
AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle</b><br />
We've probably seen this match twenty times in the past, but considering
how awesome they usually are, I can't exactly complain. Great amateur
sequence to start with Angle gaining the upper-hand predictably.
Leapfrog from AJ and he blocks a belly-to-belly attempt before both men
tease going for their finishers (the Styles Clash and ankle lock
respectively) unsuccessfully. Side headlock by Angle, but AJ breaks it
up with a dropkick and tries a headlock of his own. Angle gets sent to
the floor and AJ tries for a pescado as Angle moves and he lands on his
feet. Angle tries a German suplex on the floor, but AJ flips over onto
his feet in a neat spot. Back in the ring he can't block the overhead
belly-to-belly suplex from Kurt though. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker from
Kurt and he follows with a back-body drop. AJ hits a fireman's carry
slam on Angle, nailing his neck over AJ's knee in the process. Angle
blocks another Styles Clash attempt but gets sent out to the floor,
where AJ nails him with a springboard forearm off the top rope. Back in
the ring Kurt sets Styles up on the top turnbuckle and then
belly-to-belly suplexes him off for two. Styles hits the pele kick out
of nowhere though and then follows with the Styles Clash, but this is
TNA remember so of course it only gets two. Does anyone's finisher ever
actually FINISH a match anymore? Release German suplex from Angle takes
Styles inside out. Both men trade forearms and Kurt avoids the
backflip-into-reverse DDT spot Styles is famous for before hitting the
Angle Slam (only for two of course). Angle looks to hit AJ with his own
Styles Clash, but AJ blocks it and the follow up ankle lock attempt from
Kurt. Kurt turns him around and tries for the Clash yet again, and this
time he connects, but again Styles kicks out. Angle misses the
moonsault and Styles goes for the springboard 450, but doesn't get quite
enough air though and can't complete the second rotation, turning it
into a flipping back senton of sorts instead. Kazarian and Daniels run
down to ringside now though and trip Styles up behind the ref's back,
allowing Angle to hit the Angle Slam...but AGAIN Styles kicks out so
Kurt just locks him into the ankle lock and Styles taps out at <b>20:51</b>.
After the match Daniels and Kaz jump Styles again, but Angle makes the
save for his opponent. Face turn for Kurt? The match itself wasn't as
good as some of the classics these two have had in the past, but when
you've got Angle and Styles in the ring together, even when they're off
it's still a great contest. Some smart psychology behind some of the
counters too. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We get another "Top Ten Moments of TNA" clip, this time highlighting
Kurt Angle's insane moonsault off the top of the cage against Mr.
Anderson back at Lockdown 2010, which is still one of the craziest spots
of the last few years. <br />
<br />
<br />
Elsewhere backstage Jeremy Borash is with the World champion Bobby
Roode, who doesn't feel right without the World title around his waist
right now. He makes the usual promise of victory and takes off as we get
the pre-match hype package. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TNA World Title Ladder Match<br />
Robert Roode </b><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">© vs. </span></span></b><b>Rob Van Dam</b><br />
Good thing they turned this into a ladder match because I'm not sure
anyone really card about a non-gimmick match between these two. Barely a
minute passes before both men are out on the floor to no one's surprise
as RVD drapes Roode over the guardrail and hits his trademark spinning
leg-drop off the apron on him. Back in the ring Roode nails a DDT. He
slides out of the ring to grab a ladder but turns around just as RVD
slingshot-flips himself out of the ring onto him. Back inside Roode
jumps Rob from behind and sets up the ladder in the corner, but winds up
getting sent face-first into it instead. Jeremy Borash for some reason
is one of our camera-men outside the ring, as I guess JB really DOES do
just about every odd job for this company at times. RVD gets catapulted
face-first into the ladder in the corner and Roode slams it over his
back for a bit of good measure. Bobby sets up the ladder against the
second rope and tries for a suplex, but RVD counters with a suplex of
his own onto the ladder before hitting a beautiful Lionsault on Roode
against the ladder. RVD scissors his legs around Roode's legs and sends
his back of the head into the ladder yet again as these guys just aren't
wasting any time getting to the spots. Rob grabs a chair from ringside
and hits the running dropkick on Roode in the corner with the ladder
draped over him (double the steel and only half the price!). RVD grabs
another, oddly colored ladder and tries climbing it, but Roode climbs up
to meet him at the top and sends him off lazily. Rob knocks Roode off
the ladder by sheer accident but eats a lariat. Huge spinebuster from
Roode sends Van Dam back-first onto the new ladder in a nasty spot. Not
to be out-done, Rob sends the champ into the second ladder with a big
monkey flip and then follows up with the Rolling Thunder. RVD sets Roode
up on another ladder in the center of the ring and then tries for the
Five Star Frog Slash from the top rope, but Roode moves and Van Dam eats
steel. Roode sets up the ladder and tries to climb it when Van Dam
makes his way back to the ring and tries to leap from th top rope onto
the ladder, but his side of the ladder collapses under his leg and Rob
crashes to the mat in an ugly botch. Rob is able to recover but Roode
sends him off the ladder again, this time sending Van Dam's skull into a
steel chair on the mat. This allows Roode to grab the title and retain
at <b>15:26</b>. Aside from the botch at the finish this was your usual
fun car-crash ladder match with both guys just going straight to the
crazy high spots because of the lack of time left on the show. Still,
RVD really is great in these kinds of matches and this was non-stop
action the whole way through. I could have definitely used another five
minutes here instead of, say, Crimson vs. Eric Young earlier in the
evening, but otherwise a good way to close out a solid show. <b>***1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We go off the air with RVD checking in with some trainers at ringside
about his possibly injured ankle while Roode celebrates with his title
in the ring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span>
Well I said that as long as all of the main matches on this show
delivered in one way or another I'd be a satisfied customer, and that's
exactly what happened. The tag title opener was solid if unspectacular,
Aries/Ray was an outstanding slice of superb storytelling, Styles/Angle
was it's usual goodness, and the main event delivered the high spot fest
fun you expect from a ladder match. Everything else was pretty
disposable, but I doubt anyone bought this show for the TV title match.
Solid show with a good crowd for once (unlike Lockdown last month) and a
pretty easy Thumbs Up even if there was nothing amazing here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rating: 7.0/10</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-84322660416052059682012-05-11T12:40:00.001-07:002012-05-11T12:40:38.417-07:00WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 5/11/12<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Friday Night Smackdown</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 11th, 2012</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Roanoke Civic Center, Roanoke, Virginia</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span></div>
<br /><br />Welcome
back everyone to another edition of 411's WWE Smackdown report, I am
your loyal recapper as always. Hard to believe we're little more than a
week away from the next PPV, but that's the norm in the modern WWE. With
the World Heavyweight title match at the PPV being changed from
Sheamus/Del Rio to a fourway including Chris Jericho and Randy Orton,
which was definitely the right choice because I don't think anyone could
have given less of a shit about a Sheamus/Del Rio match or feud.
Without any more preambling, let's jump into the thick of things.<br /><br /><br /><b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Booker T, and Josh Matthews</b><br /><br /><b><br />Sheamus/Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho/Alberto Del Rio</b><br />Solid
looking tag involving all four men in the fatal fourway to kick off the
show, I like it. Orton and Sheamus trade angry tags to start against
Jericho, teasing the dissension already. Del Rio tags in and goes right
to working on Orton's arm. Randy shoves him off and tags Sheamus back
in, who delivers a rolling senton to Alberto before being low-bridged
out of the ring by Jericho on the apron. Jericho tags in and works a
loose Fujiwara armbar on Sheamus. Sheamus breaks it up and tags Orton
back in. Powerslam from Orton on Jericho and he follows it with the
second-rope DDT. You know what's coming next. Jericho shoves off the RKO
attempt only to turn around into a dropkick from Orton though. Del Rio
and Sheamus hop in now to join the action as well and barely two seconds
pass before the ref is already calling for the bell to throw out the
match at <b>5:18</b>. Are you kidding me? Since when did referees throw
out tag matches because all four men were in the ring for a whopping
5-10 seconds? That has to be the cheapest cheap finish in the history of
cheap finishes, I have never in my life seen a referee throw a match
out because all four men were in the ring for barely FIVE SECONDS. To
call that a stupid and insulting finish would be an understatement,
which is a shame because the match was going along quite nicely until
that monumentally dumb ending. <b>*3/4</b><br /><br />
<br />
After the match all four men continue brawling into the commercial
break. When we return Cole informs us that Sheamus will take on Chris
Jericho and Orton will take on Del Rio later tonight. That almost makes
up for the finish to that tag match. <br /><br /><br />
<b>AJ (5-10) vs. Kaitlyn (1-9)</b><br />
The battle of the BFFs! Total catfight to start with AJ going right for
the hair-pulling and clawing. She hits an awkward dropkick to her
mid-section and then finishes Kaitlyn off with a nice Shining Wizard at<b> 0:35</b> seconds. Not much of a match obviously, just something to set up what's about to happen. <b>1/4*</b><br /><br />
<br />
After the match Daniel Bryan makes his way out to the ring, and he seems
impressed by how ruthless AJ was in the ring with her former
best-friend. Bryan says he's seeing her in an entirely new light and
that he's ready to move past all of the tension in their relationship
(once he's become WWE champion at Over the Limit of course) and ready to
move on...TO KAITLYN! He laughs in AJ's face and she storms off in a
rage. Bryan heels it up some more with some YES! chants just to close up
this entire golden segment. Bryan is taking the slimy, narcissistic
heel boyfriend character to new levels of awesome and I can't wait to
see how this plays out now that he has his eye on Kaitlyn, AJ's best
friend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Daniel Bryan (15-21-1) vs. Big Show (24-6)</b><br />We return from the
break with Bryan still in the ring for his match-up against the Big
Show, who of course dominates to start with those frying-pan sized hand
chops. Bryan tries to fire off some kicks but eats another slap. Show
looks for the spear but Bryan kicks his leg from out under him. Bryan
locks in the YES! Lock and the bell rings before the submission is even
fully locked in and without Show ever tapping at <b>1:17</b>. Johnny Ace
pops up from the timekeeper's table out of nowhere to announce Daniel
Bryan as the winner, as yes, they can't even give Bryan a half-way
decent win going into his WWE title match at the PPV, opting instead for
the ten thousandth Montreal Screwjob rehash. Boy they are really
killing any interest I had in this show with these atrocious finishes. <b>1/4*</b><br /><br /><br />
After the match Bryan takes off as Ace hits the ring to make Show
apologize for mocking his voice on RAW this week. He makes him call him
"Sir" and then tells him to prepare for another apology on RAW. Don't
care. <br />
<br />
<br />
Heath Slater is in the ring when we return. He lisps his way through a
mediocre heel promo on Ryback, so you can guess where this is going.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ryback (5-0) vs. Heath Slater (4-30)</b><br />
Ryback has pyro now apparently to go along with his transition from
squashing no-name jobbers to in-house jobbers. Well, atleast he's
progressing. Your usual Ryback squash match follows with Slater trying
to get in some feisty offense to start only to be totally dominated and
pinned with the marching Samoan drop at <b>1:18</b>. Your usual 1998 Goldberg squash match. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Antonio Cesaro (1-0) vs. Alex Riley (0-1)</b><br />
Riley doesn't even get an entrance anymore, poor schmoe. Cesaro is with
Aksana again. Cesaro tosses Riley to the mat with a vicious waistlock to
start and then boots him in the face in the corner. Vicious gut-wrench
suplex from Cesaro, who really shows off his strength by tossing Riley
around like he was a pillow. Riley is able to get some offense in with a
few clotheslines, but Cesaro grabs Riley by his EAR of all things and
then finishes him with the cradle-piledriver slam at <b>2:24</b>.
Claudio/Cesaro continues to look absolutely stellar each week and though
it may be a bit early to say I think he's got a promising future ahead
of him in the WWE. After the match Aksana tells Teddy that Antonio's her
lover. SHOCK! <b>*1/4</b><br /><br />
<br />
<b>Randy Orton (30-10-1) vs. Alberto Del Rio (11-9)</b><br />
Orton takes it right to Del Rio from the bell, catapulting him
throat-first into the bottom rope. Del Rio goes for the armwork again,
bodyslamming Orton to the mat with his arm trapped behind him. Del Rio
blocks the second-rope DDT and hits a nice step-up enziguri on Orton for
a two count. Orton responds with the over-the-shoulder backbreaker but
Del Rio counters with a vicious armbreaker. Orton blocks the
cross-armbar attempt and then DDTs Del Rio from the second rope in the
corner. Orton sets up for the RKO but Ricardo Rodriguez leaps into the
ring to interfere and gets RKO-ed in mid-air, which still somehow calls
for the DQ at <b>5:18</b>. Definitely the best match of the night so far
up until the non-finish, but this time you expected it and it really
doesn't particularly hurt either man so I'm okay with it. <b>**</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>R-Truth (8-5) vs. Jack Swagger (9-11)</b><br />
Apparently Truth and Kofi will be defending the tag belts against
Ziggler and Swagger at the PPV, and that could actually be pretty good
if given time. Truth hits the dancing leg-drop to start for a one count
while Primo, Epico, and company watch on from backstage. Swagger tries a
chinlock but Truth breaks it up with a DDT. Corkscrew elbow from Truth,
but Ziggler pulls Truth out of the ring at the count of two. Kofi takes
out Ziggler outside the ring but this provides the distraction for
Swagger to ambush Truth. Kofi hits the Trouble in Paradise on Swagger
behind the ref's back and then Truth finishes him off with the Little
Jimmy at <b>3:19</b>. Nothing wrong with this match and segment here, just a quick thing to move along the tag team title program. Harmless stuff. <b>*</b><br /><br />
<br />
<b>Titus O'Neill/Darren Young vs. Zack Ryder/Santino Marella</b><br />
Remember when we thought Ryder was actually getting a push? Good times.
Titus starts off dominating Santino, then tags Darren in. Young delivers
a back suplex to Santino then tags Titus in, who gives his own partner a
gourdbuster onto Santino's chest in a nice display of teamwork. Santino
manages to escape a chinlock and tag Ryder in, who cleans house on the
heels before hitting Darren with the Broski Boot for a two count. Titus
trips Ryder up so Santino goes after him with the Cobra, but Young wipes
him out from behind. Ryder and Young are the legal men back in the ring
as Titus hops back in to drape Ryder over his knee while Young hits an
elbow drop off the top rope, a double-team move Booker calls the "Ghetto
Blaster", to pick up the win at <b>3:04</b>. O'Neill and Young are
starting to look more comfortable together and could actually make a
decent heel tag team believe it or not, despite how badly each man sucks
individually they aren't half bad together. After the match Titus and
Young get on the mic to dance and taunt the fans a bit about their
"millions of dollars" (that's a funny one). <b>*</b><br /><br /><br />
Backstage Matt Striker is with Damien Sandow, who cuts another smarmy
and pretentious promo about how he's here to save all of us poor
cretins. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"The Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay vs. Hunico</b><br />
Camacho jumps Clay with Hunico before the bell ever rings, but the
beatdown only serves to pump him up more for when the match actually
starts. Clay flattens Hunico with a backdrop then tosses him halfway
across the ring with a big t-bone suplex before pinning him with the
What the Funk splash at <b>0:57</b> seconds. You know I was just thinking to myself that this show needed more short squash matches. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sheamus (32-15-1) vs Chris Jericho (2-0)</b><br />Main event time
though we've only got less than ten minutes left in TV time and you know
damn well this isn't going to finish clean so I'm not expecting much.
Booker tries to claim Jericho's return has been a huge success, despite
him thoroughly and cleanly losing every feud and big match he's been
involved in since that return. Sheamus uses his power early, getting
Jericho tied up in the ropes and laying in the ten hammer-fists before
bouncing Jericho off the mat and into the barricade as we take our last
commercial break. When we return Sheamus hits a slingshot shoulder-block
on Jericho for a two count. Jericho targets the injured shoulder of
Sheamus and then dropkicks him off of the apron to the floor. Back
inside Jericho hits another dropkick then lands on his feet in a
Lionsault attempt. Sheamus hits him with a running knee but then gets
caught in the Walls of Jericho but he gets the rope break eventually and
then back-drops Jericho out of the ring. Del Rio runs out and tosses
Jericho into the steps for the DQ finish though at<b> 5:45</b> (shown).
About as good as the Del Rio/Orton match from earlier, though the
commercial break hurt it's flow a bit. Another cheap finish, but again,
this one was atleast expected. <b>**</b><br />
<br />
<br />
After the match all four men involved in the fatal fourway hit the ring,
where the faces give Del Rio their finishers while Jericho sneaks off
as we go off the air. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b></span>
Well that was...a show. I wish I had something good to say about the
show but outside of some angle advancement this was pretty much two
hours of filler TV, chock full of 2 minute matches with shitty finishes.
It seems like everytime this show builds up some good will with me
after a good show like last week's, they return the next week with a
stinker like this one. Feel free to skip this whole show as there's
really nothing here worth your time outside of a quick and interesting
development in the Bryan/AJ angle. Thumbs Down.<br />
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Score: 3.5/10</b></span><br />
</div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668073114359758350.post-74291240541236410162012-05-04T18:08:00.002-07:002012-05-04T18:09:26.657-07:00WWE Friday Night SmackDown! 5/4/12<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WWE Friday Night SmackDown</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>May 4th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attendance: Unknown at this time</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome
back everyone to another edition of 411's WWE Smackdown report from
yours truly. We're only five days removed from the Extreme Rules PPV and
the colossal encounter that was Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena, but there's
no time to rest as we're already only a few weeks away from the next
PPV, Over the Limit. Tonight's show looks to be a solid one on paper
with an Extreme Rules rematch between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan being
advertised, so let's jump right into the thick of things and hope
tonight's show is better than that dreadful RAW earlier this week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hosts are Michael Cole, Booker T, and Josh Matthews</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We
open the show with the World Heavyweight champion, Sheamus, making his
way out to the ring. He tells us just how much he loves to fight, and
that's exactly what he's come to do tonight with Daniel Bryan (big YES!
chant starts up before Sheamus steals the thunder and starts leading the
fans in the chant). Really? They're just going to take this incredibly
over chant that was totally Bryan's idea and baby and just start handing
it out to babyfaces just because the fans love to chant it and Bryan's a
heel? Bryan, the number one contender to CM Punk's WWE title,
interrupts and makes his way down to the ring as apparently we're going
to kick-start the show with our Extreme Rules rematch<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sheamus<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></span>(30-15-1) vs. Daniel Bryan (15-19-2)</b><br />
Sheamus goes for a shoulder-block at the bell but starts favoring his
arm, selling the injury from the Extreme Rules match (big points to
Sheamus there). Bryan hits a drop-toe hold and tries for a wristlock but
Sheamus just socks him in the jaw. Bryan comes back with a big
armbreaker though and then stomps away at the Irishman in the corner.
Sheamus drives his shoulder into Bryan's stomach in the corner and then
clotheslines him out of the ring when all of a sudden Ricardo Rodriguez
leaps into the ring and takes out Sheamus off the top rope with a
cross-body to draw the DQ at <b>2:49</b>. Del Rio hops in to give
Sheamus the cross armbar afterwards and then Bryan gives him the YES!
Lock as well to work over the injured arm even further. Well that wasn't
much of a rematch, but it started off very good before the run-in.
Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of these two tonight though.<b> *1/2</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage after the break Sheamus gets checked on by a doctor and writhes in pain.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kofi Kingston/R-Truth vs. Hunico/Camacho</b><br />
Oh, right, Kofi and Truth are the tag champs. I forgot about that in
about twenty seconds. Non-title match here and Epico, Primo, Rosa
Mendes, and A.W. all come out to watch. Truth and Hunico start off with
Truth hitting a nice Japanese armdrag before tagging Kofi in, who hits a
flying forearm from the top rope. Kofi gets sent out of the ring and
Camacho lariats him behind the ref's back. Back in the ring Camacho tags
in and hits a big legdrop on Kingston. Hunico tags back in with a
slingshot dropkick in the corner and they tease the tag between Kofi and
Truth with Hunico holding him back briefly before being monkey flipped,
allowing Truth to get the hot tag. Truth hits Camacho with the
corkscrew elbow and then launches Kofi over his head into mid-air where
he gives Hunico a big hurricanrana out of the ring, taking a page out of
the Billy Kidman/Rey Mysterio handbook. Truth hits Camacho with the
Little Jimmy (god that name is terrible) to pick up the win at <b>4:07</b>.
Damn, that was a hell of an energetic little four minute match, I would
have loved to have seen more of that. Truth and Kofi don't make much
sense as a tag team but they do work well together and Hunico and
Camacho make a great addition to the tag division. <b>**1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"The Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay (4-4) vs. Jack Swagger (9-10)</b><br />
Clay hits a belly-to-belly suplex right at the bell and then takes
Jack's head off with a clothesline. Dolph Ziggler distracts Clay long
enough for Swagger to tackle him out of the ring, where Ziggler eats
another headbutt from Clay when he tries to interfere. T-bone suplex
from Clay and he tries for the What the Funk splash, but Swagger leaves
the ring...and gets intentionally counted out at <b>1:43</b>. Wait, so
Clay can squash Ziggler clean but they need to protect Swagger? Huh?
Some little kids hit the ring to dance with Clay after the match. <b>3/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Highlights of the attack on John Cena by John Laurinaitis and Lord
Tensai from RAW. OTL is going to bomb if Cena/Ace is the planned main
event. Michael Cole informs us that Laurinaitis has taken a personal day tonight and isn't here.<br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Eve breaks up an arguing Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio.
Bryan says he would have beaten Sheamus if Del Rio didn't interfere but
Del Rio doesn't care since he's the number one contender for the WHC.
Bryan demands that he and Sheamus wrestle again tonight, and Eve tells
him that she'll decide if they wrestle again after talking to the
doctors.<br />
<br />
<br />
Up next we've got <b>Damien Sandow vs. Derrick Bateman</b>, which is
Sandow's debut after weeks of pretaped promos and he comes out to a
deliciously pretentious choral rendering of "Hallelujah" (or some
similar sounding hymn, I'm not great with those) as his theme music
before cutting an excellent heel promo about how he doesn't want to
wrestle a "miscreant" and "ignaramus" like Bateman for his debut.
Bateman mentions that he apparently earned this match FIVE MONTHS AGO on
NXT, so he wants to wrestle someone. Boy, what a prestigious prize.
Sandow takes off and Ryback comes out as his opponent of course. Guess
where this is going. Go on, guess. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ryback (4-0) vs. Derrick Bateman (0-1)</b><br />
Petty offense from Bateman while the crowd chants "Goldberg!" at Ryback.
He hits a neat backpack chinbreaker and a lariat before finishing off
Bateman moments later with the marching Samoan drop at <b>1:12</b>. Squash city. <b>1/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Randy Orton/Big Show vs. Kane/Cody Rhodes</b><br />
Not a bad looking match for the middle of the show. Orton and Rhodes
start us off with Orton takes the upper hand with a lariat. Show tags in
and drives his backside into Cody in the corner before bodyslamming him
and tagging Randy back in. Dropkick from Orton and Cody tags Kane in.
Kane goes to work on Randy's mid-section in the corner but Orton escapes
and tags out to Show, who spears Kane and then tosses Cody into the
ring for a big chop. Kane fires off a big DDT on Show as we take a
commercial break. When we return Cody is working over Show before
tagging out to Kane. Kane works over Show a bit before the big man is
able to hit a huge back suplex and get the hot tag to Orton. Randy hits
the powerslam on Cody but eats a right hand from Kane when he tries for
the second-rope DDT so Orton just hits Kane with the DDT instead. Kane
blocks the RKO and Cody low-bridges Orton out of the ring as the crowd
goes from nearly exploding to dead in seconds (that's good heel work).
Kane boots Orton outside the ring and covers him back inside for a two
count. Cody tags back in and hits a big dropkick for his own near fall
before tagging Kane back in. Orton is able to hit the over-the-shoulder
backbreaker on Kane but he wanders into the wrong corner looking for a
tag and the heels exchange tags again, cutting Orton off from his
corner. Cody applies a chinlock but Orton fights it off and then
counters the Cross-Rhodes attempt with a back body drop. Randy gets the
tag to Show, who cleans house on Cody. He looks for the chokeslam, but
Kane breaks it up with the top rope clothesline. He turns around right
into an RKO from Orton however! Cody sends Orton out of the ring but
Show hits him with the WMD fist for the win at <b>10:44</b> (shown).
Another really solid tag match here, I wasn't sure how well this one
would gel but by the time hey hit the finish with everyone trading big
moves everything was gravy. <b>**3/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Matt Striker tries to get a word with Sheamus about whether he'll wrestle Bryan tonight, and Sheamus tells him yes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Layla (8-8) vs. Natalya (9-14)</b><br />
I must say, Layla returning to win the title is just superbly random
(where's Kharma?). Layla tries a headscissors on the mat to start but
Nattie escapes and they trade wristlocks. Sweet spinning lariat from
Natalya gets a two count. She tries for a slam but Layla counters with a
roll through and hits a big neckbreaker for the win at <b>1:58</b>.
Your usual quick divas TV match here though Nattie showed a bit of fire.
Hopefully Layla's just a placeholder until Kharma returns for good. <b>3/4*</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Backstage Antonio Cesaro (the former Claudio Casagnoli) and Aksana take
some photos with a photographer while Eve talks them on. Eve thinks
Antonio looks dry though and Eve orders Teddy Long to rub oil on Cesaro.
Awkwaaaard. <br />
<br />
<br />
Elsewhere backstage AJ is full of remorse over striking Kaitlyn last
week and tries to apologize. Kaitlyn tells her she was just being her
friend but that this "pity party" over Daniel Bryan needs to stop. AJ
rears back and bitch slaps her again for that comment and storms off. I
shouldn't enjoy two hot women slapping each other so much. <br />
<br />
<br />
Highlights of Brock Lesnar's attack on Triple H this past week on RAW. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sheamus (31-15-1) vs. Daniel Bryan (15-20-2)</b><br />
Alberto Del Rio comes out to join the commentary team before the match
starts. Bryan goes right to work on the injured shoulder of Sheamus (now
taped up) with kicks. Nasty shoulder-breaker from Bryan, but Sheamus
counters with a big tilt-a-whirl slam. He tries for the Brogue Kick but
Bryan avoids it and sends Sheamus out of the ring as we take our last
commercial break. When we return Bryan is diving onto the shoulder of
Sheamus outside the ring. Sheamus tries to return to the ring but Bryan
sends him back out again and then sends him shoulder-first into the
steel post. Back in the ring Bryan hits the diving headbutt off the top
rope for a two count. Bryan manages to unwrap most of the bandages on
the shoulder, but Sheamus sends him shoulder-first into the steel post
in a taste of his own medicine. Sheamus rips off the bandages like a
badass and then lays in the ten hammer-fist forearms on Bryan in-between
the ropes not once, but twice, leaving Daniel's chest beet red. Sheamus
suplexes Bryan back into the ring, but Bryan kicks out of the pin.
Bryan hits a knee but Sheamus hits the Irish Curse backbreaker in
response and then begins kneeing the ever loving bejesus out of Bryan on
the apron. Bryan drapes the injured shoulder over the top rope and hits
the missile dropkick from the top, but now it's Sheamus' turn to kick
out. Bryan continues the shoulder-work but Sheamus lariats him
inside-out 360 degrees in one of the sickest damn clotheslines I think
I've ever seen, that was downright Hansen-esque. Del Rio hits the apron
but Sheamus sends Bryan into him to bump him off the apron. Bryan tries
for another missile dropkick from the top, but Sheamus BOOTS HIS HEAD
OFF with the Brogue Kick for the win at <b>9:27</b> (shown). I was already
digging this quite a bit but by the last few minutes Sheamus was just
murdering Bryan and he was taking all the bumps like a champ as they
just kicked this one into overdrive for the finish. This feud continues
to be awesome when they actually give them time to wrestle, what a
shocker. Great TV match. <b>***1/4</b><br />
<br />
<br />
We close out the show with Sheamus celebrating in the ring as Bryan lays
dead and Del Rio storms off up the ramp with Rodriguez. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bottom Line:</b> </span>This
was an excellent show tonight from the blue brand, they gave time to
several matches and the results were a few solid ones and an excellent
main event between Sheamus and D-Bry. The tag match in the middle of the
show was good as well and got time which is exactly the kind of stuff
I'd rather see carrying the mid-section of the show instead of three or
four more 2 minute matches to be honest. Damn good little show from
Smackdown tonight and an easy Thumbs Up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rating: 8.0/10</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />xfearbeforehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14749591597217945002noreply@blogger.com1