Friday, October 29, 2010

10/29/10 Smackdown

Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler: ***

Jack Swagger vs. Kaval: *1/2

Melina, Kelly Kelly, Nikki Bella, & Brie Bella vs. Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, & Rosa Mendes: *

The Big Show & Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre: **

Edge vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio: ***3/4
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Please, Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler every show for the rest of the year. Just like this all the time. Three fantastic matches in a row.

10/28/10 Superstars

Mark Henry vs. Jey Uso: 3/4*

Zack Ryder vs. Tyson Kidd: **

MVP vs. Curt Hawkins: *1/2

Tyler Reks vs. Chris Masters: *1/2

Thursday, October 28, 2010

10/28/10 Impact

Robbie E. vs. Jay Lethal (Street Fight): *1/4

Madison Rayne, Tara, & Sarita vs. Mickie James, Angelina Love, & Velvet Sky: *1/2

Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck vs. Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (Tag Team Titles): **1/2

AJ Styles & Douglas Williams vs. Rob Van Dam & Raven: *3/4

Jeff Jarrett vs. Matt Morgan (Chain): *

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

10/26/10 NXT

Naomi vs. Maxine: 1/2*

Brie Bella vs. A.J.: 3/4*

Goldust & Aksana vs. Ted DiBiase & Maryse: *1/4
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Here are the official remaining NXT Rookie Divas' records as of 10/26/10:
A.J.: 3-2
Naomi: 3-2
Kaitlyn: 2-2
Aksana: 2-3
Maxine: 1-4
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Rookie Diva Challenge Wins as of 10/26/10:
Naomi: 3 (Power of the Punch; Who's That Body; Limbo)
A.J.: 1 (Name That Tune)
Kaitlyn: 1 (Costume)
Maxine: 1 (Halloween Candy Eating)
Aksana: 0

NOTE: There is an elimination next week, and the person with the most challenge wins gets immunity.
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Costume Challenge Notes:
Kaitlyn was awesome. A.J. was cute. Regarding Naomi, really? The Hamburger Helper Hand?
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Halloween Candy Eating Challenge Notes:
Didn't care about this one...yeah.

10/25/10 ROH

Necro Butcher & Erick Stevens vs. Grizzly Redwood & Andy Ridge: *1/2

Josh Raymond & Christian Able vs. Super Smash Brothers (Player Uno & Player Dos): **1/4

Claudio Castagnoli & Chris Hero vs. Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe (Tag Team Titles): ***1/4

Monday, October 25, 2010

10/25/10 RAW

Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. John Cena & David Otunga (Tag Team Titles): N/A

Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler: ***1/4

Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Melina & Gail Kim: DUD

The Miz vs. R-Truth: **1/4

Santino Marella vs. Sheamus: N/A

John Cena vs. Randy Orton: ***
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Talk about an up-and-down show. Bad match followed by good match all the way down the line.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

10/24/10 Bragging Rights

Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler: Excellent match. Good array of holds by Ziggler to keep Bryan grounded. Great counters. Crowd was hot for DB all night. I could watch DB kick his opponent's head in all night. This was the right match to kick off the show, and these two delivered. ***3/4

John Cena & David Otunga vs. Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre (Tag Team Titles): If anything, this match attempted to set the tone that it would be Nexus' night. Just your standard tag match here, nothing too special. *1/2

Ted DiBiase vs. Goldust: The match was average with a weird ending. Guess the feud over the Million Dollar Title continues. *1/2

Layla vs. Natalya (Divas Title): This was also average. Crowd didn't really care and the finish was dirty again. And people wonder why the women's matches aren't taken seriously anymore. *

Kane vs. The Undertaker (Buried Alive; World Heavyweight Title): Not bad, but not that great, either. I didn't even understand why Nexus was out to dismantle Taker. Either way, I dislike non-clean finishes. Again, Buried Alive matches would likely thrive more in the Attitude era. *3/4

The Big Show, Edge, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio, & Tyler Reks vs. The Miz, CM Punk, Sheamus, John Morrison, R-Truth, Santino Marella, & Ezekiel Jackson (Elimination): Well, right off the bat, Santino and Reks were basically thrown in to do a couple moves and then get pinned later on. Not sure if Rey leaving due to injury was planned, but he at least came back later. Del Rio had his moments as well, but I wish he had more time. I liked Big Zeke in the final four. Although Miz's team lost, he earned his stripes again tonight. ***1/4

Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton (WWE Title): Well, who didn't see this one coming? Right when Barrett said he must win or Cena is fired, that instantly called for a DQ on Orton. The way it was done was quite simple: Cena able to take his frustrations out on Nexus at the right time. Cena will be able to explain his actions and at the same time be able to extract his revenge. Match was good for what it was. Good storytelling. **1/4
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MVPs: Easy here. I have to give it to both Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler for their top-notch performance to open the show. Definitely near four-star material for me.

Overall Rating: I thought the PPV was good, but not spectacular. The Bragging Rights elimination match provided some nice drama at the end, but I felt some quick pins and talent I felt were "jobber fodder" (i.e. Santino) hurt the match and the rating. And why don't team members break up pins in elimination matches?! I realize there are storylines within the teams, but couldn't team members who are NOT in a feud with the person being pinned break the count? Oh right, this is WWE, we're supposed to be not paying attention to things unless brought up by the commentating crew.

Interesting to have Smackdown win again after all the free TV shows had Smackdown with the momentum (usually the supposed underdog would come back and win at the PPV). The Buried Alive match was not too appealing to me. **1/4

Friday, October 22, 2010

10/22/10 Smackdown

The Big Show, Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz, Sheamus, & Ezekiel Jackson: *1/2

Jack Swagger vs. Santino Marella: *

Alberto Del Rio vs. John Morrison: *1/2

Edge vs. CM Punk: **1/2

Natalya & Kelly Kelly vs. Michelle McCool & Layla: 1/2*

Randy Orton vs. Kane: **

10/21/10 Impact

Robbie E. vs. Amazing Red: 1/2*

AJ Styles vs. D'Angelo Dinero (TV Title): *

James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Rob Van Dam & Sabu: *1/2

Mickie James vs. Sarita: *

Kazarian vs. Mr. Anderson (Ultimate X): *1/2

10/21/10 Superstars

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *3/4

William Regal vs. Darren Young: *1/2

Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre vs. MVP & Chris Masters: **

10/18/10 ROH

Davey Richards vs. Tyler Black: ****1/2
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One match, but so worth it to watch.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

10/19/10 NXT

Maxine vs. Kaitlyn: -***** (We have set an all-time new low, folks. This was far worse than Sharmell vs. Jenna Morasca.)

Brie Bella & Nikki Bella vs. Kelly Kelly & Naomi: 1/4*
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Here are the official remaining NXT Rookie Divas' records as of 10/19/10:
A.J.: 3-1
Kaitlyn: 2-2
Naomi: 2-2
Aksana: 1-3
Maxine: 1-3
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Rookie Diva Challenge Wins as of 10/19/10:
Naomi: 3 (Power of the Punch; Who's That Body; Limbo)
A.J.: 1 (Name That Tune)
Kaitlyn: 0
Aksana: 0
Maxine: 0
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Who's That Body Challenge Notes:
This was unbelievably bad. Wow.
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Limbo Challenge Notes:
I pulled a Michael Cole and talked with my friend on the phone during this one. Seriously. I came back and Naomi had won. Yeah, whatever.

10/18/10 RAW

Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre vs. Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith: 3/4*

Goldust vs. Zack Ryder: N/A

John Cena & Randy Orton vs. Husky Harris & Michael McGillicutty: *1/2

Natalya vs. Alicia Fox: 1/4*

RAW vs. Smackdown Battle Royal: 1/2*

Friday, October 15, 2010

10/15/10 Smackdown

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes: **1/2

Jack Swagger vs. MVP: *

Alberto Del Rio vs. Chris Masters: *1/2

Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler: ***

Kaval vs. The Big Show: N/A

Tyler Reks vs. Kaval: N/A

Kofi Kingston vs. Drew McIntyre: *1/4

10/14/10 Superstars

Kelly Kelly vs. Layla: *

Curt Hawkins vs. Trent Barreta: *3/4

Darren Young vs. Primo: *1/2

Melina vs. Alicia Fox: *1/4

Thursday, October 14, 2010

10/14/10 Impact

Madison Rayne vs. Tara (Knockouts Title): N/A

Samoa Joe vs. Abyss: 1/2*

AJ Styles, Douglas Williams, Kazarian, James Storm, & Robert Roode vs. D'Angelo Dinero: 3/4*

Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson: *1/2
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Well, this show sucked. I think Jeff Hardy pulls off a good heel act, though.

10/11/10 ROH

Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Jon Davis & Korey Chavis: **

Kevin Steen vs. Steve Corino: N/A

Christopher Daniels vs. Roderick Strong: ***

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

10/12/10 NXT

Alicia Fox vs. Naomi: *3/4 (best NXT Season 3 match by far, although sloppy at the end)

A.J. vs. Aksana: 1/4*
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Here are the official remaining NXT Rookie Divas' records as of 10/12/10:
A.J.: 3-1
Naomi: 2-1
Kaitlyn: 2-1
Aksana: 1-3
Maxine: 0-3
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Rookie Diva Challenge Wins as of 10/12/10:
A.J.: 1 (Name That Tune)
Naomi: 1 (Power of the Punch)
Kaitlyn: 0
Aksana: 0
Maxine: 0

NOTE: Slate wiped clean this week; the diva with the most challenges won after three more weeks will gain immunity again.
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Name That Tune Challenge Notes:
And this is why I love A.J. She definitely knows her themes and blew everyone else away. I was a little sad that none of them got Legion of Doom's theme.
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Power of the Punch Challenge Notes:
Naomi won and Kaitlyn shows how much of a klutz she is. Lovely.

Monday, October 11, 2010

10/11/10 RAW

R-Truth vs. Ted DiBiase: *1/4

John Morrison vs. Tyson Kidd: *3/4

Santino Marella vs. Zack Ryder: 1/2*

Randy Orton vs. Justin Gabriel: *3/4

Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan: **

CM Punk vs. Evan Bourne: *

The Miz vs. John Cena (No DQ): **1/4

Sunday, October 10, 2010

10/10/10 Bound for Glory

Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck (Tag Team Titles): Epic win. Enough said. ****1/4

Tara vs. Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne (Knockouts Title): Honestly, I was not a fan of the booking of the match. Tara winning at least allowed for the type of match to make sense. It was basically a tag match throughout, so it was really not a true four-way match. Mickie should not be a referee. The way she positioned herself to count the pin would clearly allow her to see Tara holding Velvet's tights. Refereeing 101, people: don't do that. 1/2*

Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal vs. Orlando Jordan & Eric Young: Mike Tenay said it best...what the hell did we just watch? Absolutely confusing and atrocious. I don't care how much people like watching Eric Young be a goofball. There's the current Santino-type comedy (which can be quite funny), and then there's wrong comedy where a guy has the IQ of Eugene. This was just ridiculously wrong. -**

Jay Lethal vs. Douglas Williams (X-Division Title): Not bad here, although they definitely can do better. Good for Lethal, his push continues. And the music of Robbie E. and Cookie reminds me of DJ Gabriel and Alicia Fox. Were they getting X-Pac heat already? *3/4

Rob Van Dam vs. Abyss (Monster's Ball): A bunch of barbed wire in this one. Good, but overall, not really that great. I miss the old Monster's Ball matches. Crowd reaction was good, but not the best. **1/2

Sting, Kevin Nash, & D'Angelo Dinero vs. Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe: And sure, why not? Let's have another swerve! This time, Jarrett turns on Samoa Joe. I wish I had a fast-forward button for this one. *

Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Stevie Richards, Raven, & Sabu vs. AJ Styles, Matt Morgan, James Storm, Robert Roode, & Kazarian (Cage; Lethal Lockdown): Oh come on. Why the hell is EV2.0 even still here? And on top of that, why did they WIN?! Great, the story probably continues now. *1/4

Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson (World Title): So 10/10/10 basically will be remembered for Jeff Hardy turning heel...sure. I was digging the match (some very nice spots), but the end felt like a mess. I was dozing off at times. So is Kurt Angle retired now in storylines? No, and they'll figure a way out considering it was Anderson that got pinned. ***1/4
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MVPs: The Guns and Generation Me, by default. Everything else sucked or was a letdown in some way.

Overall Rating: This was a horrid PPV. Aside from the opening tag match -- which was predictably awesome -- everything else just felt off or messy. Frankly, I will not waste any more typing here. I'm very sure WWE Bragging Rights in two weeks will be a lot better than this. **

Friday, October 8, 2010

10/8/10 Smackdown

Edge vs. Jack Swagger: **1/2

Kelly Kelly vs. Layla: 1/2*

Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston & Kaval: *1/4

Dolph Ziggler vs. MVP (IC Title): **

Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio: **3/4

Thursday, October 7, 2010

10/7/10 Superstars

Chris Masters vs. Vance Archer: *1/2

William Regal vs. Darren Young: *1/4

Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith: **1/4
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Scott Stanford (or whatever that guy's name is that replaced Michael Cole)...sucks.

10/7/10 Impact

Angelina Love & Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne & Tara (Rights to Beautiful People): 1/4*

Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair (Last Man Standing): **3/4

Orlando Jordan & Eric Young vs. Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal: *

$100,000 Bound for Glory Battle Royal: *1/2

10/4/10 ROH

Eddie Edwards vs. Kenny King (TV Title): ***

Tyler Black vs. Mike Sydal: 3/4*

Davey Richards vs. El Generico: ***1/4

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

10/5/10 NXT

Aksana vs. Maxine: 1/2*

Kaitlyn vs. Vickie Guerrero: -*** (this was an abomination)
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Here are the official NXT Rookie Divas' records as of 10/5/10:
Jamie: 2-0
Naomi: 2-0
A.J.: 2-1
Kaitlyn: 2-1
Aksana: 1-2
Maxine: 0-3
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Rookie Diva Challenge Wins as of 10/5/10:
A.J.: 3 (Musical Chairs; Talk the Talk; Diss the Divas)
Kaitlyn: 3 (Obstacle Course; Wheelbarrow; Talent Show)
Naomi: 2 (Dancing; Capture the Flag)
Aksana: 1 (Bull Riding)
Jamie: 1 (Joke)
Maxine: 0

NOTE: Kaitlyn and A.J. tied at three challenge wins, and the WWE Universe chose Kaitlyn over A.J. to win immunity. Thus, Kaitlyn was immune from elimination tonight
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Bull Riding Challenge Notes:
This was pathetic. Aksana won because she stayed on a mechanical bull (that lost its horns) for almost 18 seconds. Next!
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Talent Show Challenge Notes:
OK, this was actually a challenge that I enjoyed. Good talents all around -- or at least good job at getting people to care. Based on talent alone, Aksana's pushups won my vote.
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Rookie Diva Elimination:
Jamie was eliminated tonight...she was gracious on the way out. Although she won a challenge and had a 2-0 record, I thought her "character" and talent were practically non-existent; thus the elimination was not too surprising. I think Aksana's talent finally showed big time tonight, which could have helped save her. Maxine was also on the brink, in my book, and I think she doesn't have much longer on the show unless she turns it around.

Monday, October 4, 2010

10/4/10 RAW

Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. John Cena & Michael Tarver: *

Natalya vs. Alicia Fox: N/A

Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus: N/A

Nikki Bella & Brie Bella vs. Michelle McCool & Layla: N/A (I didn't see this one, likely because I wasn't caring at this point. From what I read, it was pretty bad.)

20-Man Over-the-Top-Rope Battle Royal (to determine new #1 contender for WWE Title): **1/4

Sunday, October 3, 2010

10/3/10 Hell in a Cell

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison (Submissions Count Anywhere; U.S. Title): I marked HUGE when DB used Cattle Mutilation on Miz. of course, Striker referred to it by name because he's the teacher. Tremendous opening match, as expected. Morrison is trying to fill the void Jeff Hardy left behind; he's doing all the crazy stuff in matches now. Lots of various submissions, and it went all over the arena. Awesome stuff. ***3/4

Randy Orton vs. Sheamus (Hell in a Cell; WWE Title): So I guess Miz is not cashing in MITB on this match because he just got nuked in the U.S. Title match. Great match here. I liked the use of the steps, chairs, and cell. In the PG era, anyway, it was physical. A few false finishes here. ***1/2

Edge vs. Jack Swagger: So this match just came about mainly from what we saw on TV the last couple weeks. Whatever the case, this was a good match. Edge's face turn is pretty much going full-force now. **1/4

Wade Barrett vs. John Cena: The evolution of John Cena continues. He seems more comfortable employing a ground-based mat wrestling game in long matches, and he continues to use the dropkick and leapfrog in matches -- getting serious height on it as well. Barrett also showed a vast array of moves in this one...he definitely has a future here. Wade Barrett, you have become a star tonight. The stunned crowd says it all: this was a captivating match that breathes new life into Nexus. See my comments at the end regarding the interference at the end. Excellent match all around that told a great story. ****

Michelle McCool vs. Natalya (Unified Divas Title): And this is what happens when you actually put two divas in the ring that can wrestle AND you give them time. Very well done here. The Sharpshooter countered into the Mad-T -- and then back to the Sharpshooter -- was very cool. It was the right outcome to further the feud. *3/4

Kane vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell; World Heavyweight Title): It was physical, but the match really suffered for three reasons. First, it happened in the PG era. Honestly, HIAC matches are usually pretty junk without the blood to highlight how demonic the match really can be. Second, Undertaker's age really showed here. Both guys are already slow, but Kane working on Taker's leg just made things worse. Third, the ending was hella confusing. So Paul Bearer is back with Kane now? I just threw my hands in the air on this one and wanted to eat dinner. Anyway, it's been rumored that WWE wants a Buried Alive match between Undertaker and Kane, so we'll see how this unfolds. **1/4
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MVPs: There are several nominations here, but the one person who really impressed me was Wade Barrett. Not only did he have a career-making match against John Cena, Nexus stays alive and Cena has to be a part of a now-rejuvenated stable.

Overall Rating: This was a good PPV, although it obviously could have been better. The Hell in a Cell match was being talked about by Cole, Lawler, and Striker as being so demonic, it's only happened 21 times in WWE history. Yeah, more like 21 times since 1997. It's bad enough that the PG era has made this match too tame for me. The fact that we have a PPV devoted to this really lessens the awesomeness of the entire gimmick match, period. I really miss blood in HIAC matches.

On the positive side, the right people won their matches, in my book. Stars were created (Barrett), and stars shone (Bryan, Miz, Morrison, Cena). Heck, even the divas match was quite good. I truly am interested to see how Cena/Nexus works out now. I'm glad WWE is trying to breathe life back into this stable, as they have totally dropped the ball up to this point. I'm reading that the two guys helping Barrett win were Husky Harris and Mike McGillicutty. I think those are the right two remaining guys to take from NXT Season 2. McGillicutty impressed me at times, and Harris has the look to be an enforcer. **3/4

Friday, October 1, 2010

10/1/10 Smackdown

Dolph Ziggler vs. MVP (IC Title): N/A

Natalya, Kelly Kelly, Nikki Bella, & Brie Bella vs. Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, & Maryse: 3/4*

Nexus vs. The Big Show: 1/4*

The Undertaker vs. CM Punk: *

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes: 1/2*

John Cena vs. Kane (Lumberjack): *1/2

9/30/10 Superstars

Brie Bella & Nikki Bella vs.Alicia Fox & Jillian: *1/4

Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger: **3/4
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Smackdown tonight is live on SyFy!