Friday, December 31, 2010

12/31/10 Smackdown

The Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes: 3/4*

Trent Barreta vs. Drew McIntyre: *1/4

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

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

Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger (IC Title): ***3/4
_________________

Happy New Year everyone!

12/30/10 Superstars

Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Yoshi Tatsu & Darren Young: *3/4

William Regal vs. David Hart Smith: **3/4

Tyler Reks vs. Chris Masters: **3/4

12/27/10 ROH

ROH Best of 2010, included:

Eddie Edwards vs. Davey Richards (TV Title Tournament Finals)
El Generico vs. Austin Aries (Cage)
Briscoes vs. Young Bucks
Kings of Wrestling vs. Briscoes (Briscoe's supposed last shot at tag team titles)
Kevin Steen & Steve Corino vs. El Generico & Colt Cabana (Anything Goes TLC-like match)
More Steen/Generico
Davey Richards says he's staying with ROH (still one of the best sit-down interviews I've seen in a very long time)
Christopher Daniels video package
Davey Richards vs. Tyler Black (Black's last ROH match)

Thursday, December 30, 2010

12/30/10 Impact

Robert Roode vs. Chris Sabin: **1/2

Rob Van Dam vs. Robbie E.: N/A (squash)

Sarita vs. Velvet Sky (Strap): 3/4*

AJ Styles & Rob Terry vs. Douglas Williams & Magnus: *1/2

Matt Morgan & Brother Devon vs. Mr. Anderson & Brother Ray: *1/4

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

12/28/10 NXT

Dolph Ziggler vs. Johnny Curtis: *

Conor O'Brian vs. Derrick Bateman: *1/4

Byron Saxton vs. Ted DiBiase: 3/4*
______________

Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 12/28/10:
Conor O'Brian: 2-0
Byron Saxton: 2-1
Brodus Clay: 1-1
Jacob Novak: 1-1
Johnny Curtis: 1-2
Derrick Bateman: 0-3
______________

Challenge Wins:
Johnny Curtis: 5 (Obstacle Course (2), Power of the Punch (2), Talent Show)
Derrick Bateman: 3 (Wheelbarrow (2), Hot Seat Trivia)
Byron Saxton: 1 (Karaoke)
Jacob Novak: 1 (Capture the Flag)
Brodus Clay: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0

NOTE: One rookie will be going home next week.
______________

Power of the Punch Challenge (2 points; 3 if break record):
Curtis won 2 points, score was 814. Thought Clay would punch harder than that.
______________

Talent Show Challenge (1 point):
I think I lost brain cells watching this whole debacle. Curtis, for whatever reason, won with his ribbon twirling and dancing gig. I woulda voted for Brodus -- and not because Michael Cole was involved. Clay eventually destroyed everyone in the ring, which is awesome.

12/27/10 RAW

Santino Marella vs. Ted DiBiase: DUD

John Morrison vs. Alex Riley: *1/4

Mark Henry vs. Tyson Kidd: 12*

Jerry Lawler vs. The Miz: *1/2

Melina & Alicia Fox vs. Eve Torres & Gail Kim: 1/2*

Daniel Bryan vs. Zack Ryder: 1/2*

Randy Orton vs. Sheamus: ***1/4

Friday, December 24, 2010

12/20/10 ROH

Holiday Gauntlet Match: **1/2

12/23/10 Impact

Kazarian vs. Max Buck vs. Jeremy Buck vs. Robbie E.: *1/4

Angelina Love & Winter vs. Madison Rayne & Tara (Knockouts Tag Team Titles): 1/2*

Douglas Williams vs. AJ Styles (TV Title): ***3/4

Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Matt Morgan, & Rob Van Dam vs. James Storm, Robert Roode, Jeff Hardy, & Abyss: **

12/23/10 Superstars

David Hart Smith vs. Zack Ryder: **1/4

Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Yoshi Tatsu & Darren Young: *3/4

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

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

12/22/10 Tribute to the Troops

(Extended version)

15-Man Over-the-Top-Rope Battle Royal: *3/4

Kofi Kingston & The Big Show vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler: *1/4 (rated on 12/18)

R-Truth vs. Ted DiBiase: *

Natalya, Kelly Kelly, Nikki Bella, & Brie Bella vs. Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, & Melina: *1/4

John Cena, Randy Orton, & Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz, Wade Barrett, & Alberto Del Rio: **1/4 (rated on 12/18)
_________________

Visiting relatives for the holidays, not sure if I'll have time to do ratings over the holidays.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

12/21/10 Smackdown (Live)

Randy Orton vs. The Miz: **3/4

Santino Marella vs.Chavo Guerrero: *

Drew McIntyre vs. Kaval: N/A (squash)

Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio & Jack Swagger: **3/4

John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero: ***

12/21/10 NXT

Jacob Novak vs. Johnny Curtis: *1/2

Chris Masters, Byron Saxton, & Natalya vs. Ted DiBiase, Brodus Clay, & Maryse: **
______________

Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 12/21/10:
Conor O'Brian: 1-0
Brodus Clay: 1-1
Byron Saxton: 1-1
Jacob Novak: 1-1
Johnny Curtis: 1-1
Derrick Bateman: 0-2
______________

Challenge Wins:
Derrick Bateman: 3 (Wheelbarrow (2), Hot Seat Trivia)
Johnny Curtis: 2 (Obstacle Course (2))
Byron Saxton: 1 (Karaoke)
Jacob Novak: 1 (Capture the Flag)
Brodus Clay: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
______________

Wheelbarrow Challenge (2 points):
More controversy on the clock, although what else is new? That clock has been screwy for all four seasons of NXT.
______________

Hot Seat Trivia (1 point):
Bateman won. Sure. Next!

Monday, December 20, 2010

12/20/10 RAW

Melina vs. Alicia Fox vs. Eve Torres: *

Daniel Bryan vs. William Regal: *3/4

Santino Marella & Tamina vs. Ted DiBiase& Maryse: *

John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler: ***1/4

Randy Orton, John Morrison, & Jerry Lawler vs. The Miz, Sheamus, & Alex Riley: ***

Sunday, December 19, 2010

12/18/10 Final Battle

Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Adam Cole & Kyle O'Reilly: And that, my friends, is how you start a PPV. What a great start. Crowd was going absolutely bonkers for the spotfest. I loved it...a lot. ***3/4

Colt Cabana vs. T.J. Perkins: Great mat wrestling. The two have wonderful chemistry, but I'm just not a big fan of Cabana's laid-back, having-fun style...I prefer the more intense stuff. **

Sara Del Rey & Serena Deeb vs. Daizee Haze & Awesome Kong: Now THIS is a treat. Serena returning to the ring (growing her hair out again), along with Awesome Kong. It's too bad women's matches can't always be like this. Tons of action, a few false finishes. Gotta love it. **3/4

Eddie Edwards vs. Sonjay Dutt: Another great match here filled with hard hitting and impact moves. I was wondering where Sonjay had disappeared to. ***1/4

Homicide vs. Christopher Daniels: What can I say...yet another solid match. These two veterans can definitely go. Despite the seemingly dirty finish, I enjoyed the action. ***

Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, & Mike Briscoe vs. Claudio Castagnoli, Chris Hero, & Shane Hagadorn: Excellent stuff. Very fun to watch. The right mix of comedy and intensity. Seeing Papa Mike do wrestling moves was pretty cool -- and he was super over with the crowd. ***3/4

Roderick Strong vs. Davey Richards (World Title): What an unreal title match -- and this was not even the main event! This one really put Strong over as a credible world champion. Richards had to have at least a concussion after this one. Damn. Davey is one tough SOB. The chase continues for Richards, but it will be that much sweeter when he actually does win the title. ****1/2

El Generico vs. Kevin Steen (Unsanctioned; Mask vs. Career): And this, my friends, is how you tell a story. An appropriately bloody war to end their one-year feud. Simply put, it was a Fight Without Honor that truly was not for the weak heart. This is not just the match of the night, but perhaps the match of the year. ****3/4
_________________

MVPs: Generico/Steen lived up to the hype. Enough said.

Overall Rating: Another incredible PPV from ROH. Ever since I was introduced to this a few years back, I've wondered if the product could get better. I think this PPV answered that question. Outstanding stuff, and a must-see for a wrestling fan. ****1/4

12/19/10 TLC

Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger (Ladder; IC Title): There were some good ladder spots,but I felt like they were not given nearly enough time. And of course, this ladder match was real tame; no real huge spots. The end was not bad because the controversy will keep the title chase going for Kingston and Swagger. **1/2

Natalya & Beth Phoenix vs. Michelle McCool & Layla (Tables): Pretty good, I'd say. Double Sharpshooter spot was unique. Pretty sure the table was supposed to break when LayCool both fell on the pink table, but I'm actually glad it didn't. Natalya doing the splash at the end to win it was a fitting end. **

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (Tag Team Titles): Just your basic tag match with a DQ ending. Eh. *

John Morrison vs. Sheamus (Ladder): Good history and storyline buildup between the two. Many great spots, especially the Morrison corkscrew from the top of the ladder. WWE rightfully gave these two a bunch of time. Because of that, the crowd was able to get into it a lot more at times. Sick ladder spot, and it definitely was Morrison's biggest win (so far) of his career. ****

The Miz vs. Randy Orton (Tables; WWE Title): I really am starting to dislike these types of dirty finishes for Miz to retain his title. I know it would be great to see Miz vs. Morrison again, but at least make Miz look stronger instead of a weak champion escaping to fight another day. Nice crowd reaction for this match at least. **1/2

Edge vs. Kane vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio (TLC; World Heavyweight Title): Excellent match. Great carnage in this one. To me, this was better than the Morrison ladder match due to more sick spots (i.e., Del Rio's fall from the ladder through the table), a wider radius of chaos (they brawled to the stage), and more action (easier with more people). Great job all around. ****

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett (Chairs): The predictable way to finish this one off. Cena takes out the leader. Nice to see the AA on six chairs, but the bigger question now is what happens to Nexus. Does Barrett go off on his own while the rest of Nexus stays together? **3/4
_________________

MVPs: Edge wins another World Title, but special mention must go to John Morrison for his big win tonight against Sheamus. Perhaps this will be the win that allows Morrison to break through the glass ceiling?

Overall Rating: I thought it was a very good show. Virtually all the matches were solid -- including the Divas match. I assume WWE threw in the tag title match at the last minute because Santino on the show = win. That tag match was a downer as far as match quality goes.

One gripe: why wasn't Punk on the broadcast team all night? He shoulda replaced Lawler. But hey, at least he got air time for the main event. Anyway, a fine show overall. ***1/4

Saturday, December 18, 2010

12/18/10 Tribute to the Troops

Kofi Kingston & The Big Show vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler: *1/4

John Cena, Randy Orton, & Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz, Wade Barrett, & Alberto Del Rio: **1/4

Friday, December 17, 2010

12/17/10 Smackdown

Kofi Kingston & Kaval vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger: **1/4

Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Masters: DUD

The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio: ***

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Chavo Guerrero & Tyler Reks: *1/2

Edge & Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz & Alberto Del Rio: **

Thursday, December 16, 2010

12/16/10 Superstars

JTG vs. Curt Hawkins: *1/2

Zack Ryder vs. Darren Young: **

Drew McIntyre vs. Yoshi Tatsu: *3/4

12/16/10 Impact

Jay Lethal vs. Robbie E. (X-Division Title): **1/4

Eric Young & Orlando Jordan vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck: 1/2*

Madison Rayne & Tara vs. Mickie James & Miss Tessmacher: DUD

Brother Ray vs. Amazing Red: N/A (squash)

Rob Van Dam vs. Rob Terry: *

Jeff Hardy & Kazarian vs. Matt Morgan & Mr. Anderson: *1/4

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

12/13/10 ROH

Daizee Haze vs. Taeler Hendrix: 1/2*

Kevin Steen vs. Korey Chavis: *1/4

Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries: ***3/4
_________________

Different entrance music for Aries...interesting.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

12/14/10 NXT

Ted DiBiase & Brodus Clay vs. Chris Masters & Byron Saxton: *1/2

Alberto Del Rio vs. Derrick Bateman: 3/4*
______________

Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 12/14/10:
Brodus Clay: 1-0
Conor O'Brian: 1-0
Johnny Curtis: 1-0
Byron Saxton: 0-1
Jacob Novak: 0-1
Derrick Bateman: 0-2
______________

Challenge Wins:
Johnny Curtis: 2 (Obstacle Course - 2 pts)
Byron Saxton: 1 (Karaoke)
Jacob Novak: 1 (Capture the Flag)
Brodus Clay: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
Derrick Bateman: 0
______________

Karaoke Challenge:
Byron Saxton won probably because he was on key for at least a little while. Bateman got a cheap pop. Other than that, just horrid. I'll give props to Brodus -- although I would have been more amused had he sung a Divas theme like Kelly Kelly or LayCool.
______________

Obstacle Course:
Controversy abound. Brodus Clay still rules. Johnny Curtis takes advantage of a second try and wins TWO immunity points. Was he scripted to win? Who knows.

Monday, December 13, 2010

12/13/10 RAW (Slammys)

The Big Show vs. Wade Barrett: 1/2*

Daniel Bryan & Kofi Kingston vs. Ted DiBiase & Dolph Ziggler: *1/4

Cody Rhodes vs. Mark Henry: *

The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio: *3/4

John Morrison vs. Sheamus: N/A

Divas Battle Royal: 1/2*

Edge vs. Jack Swagger: **

Randy Orton vs. Alex Riley & David Arquette: *1/2

John Cena vs. David Otunga: 1/2*
_________________

David Arquette started the show off. WWE fails just for putting him on the show. "Shocker of the Year" Slammy went to Nexus' debut. Predictable there.

Kelly Kelly and Tyson Kidd presented the "Despicable Me" Slammy. PUNK WINS! I marked out for that. And I liked the tease to a particular WWE superstar in the back that wronged him. If it turns out to be Daniel Bryan, I'd mark out again.

Santino and Kozlov presented the "Guest Star Shining Moment of the Year" to Pee Wee Herman. Good pick. It was entertaining -- at least for people who have watched Pee Wee over the years.

Jerry Lawler and Vickie Guerrero presented the "Holy $!&* Move of the Year." Cena wins. I wanted Orton to win that one, oh well.

Arquette presented the "WWE Fan Reaction of the Year" to Angry Miz Girl. That was seriously the best reaction ever. And of course, Miz comes out. Awesome.

Edge and Christian presented the "Oh Snap Meltdown of the Year" to...Edge. Woohoo. Vintage Edge meltdown!

JTG and William Regal present the "Knucklehead Moment of the Year." I didn't know JTG was still employed. Oh, that's why...he messed up. Mae Young beat up Laycool, not the other way around. But whatever, Mae Young is cool.

Michelle McCool won the 2010 Diva of the Year in winning the Divas Battle Royal. Good choice.

The Big Show presented the "WWE Moment of the Year" to Taker/HBK. Awesome.

Michael Cole presented the "And I Quote Line of the Year." That was the best video package of the night. Cole wins. Fail. CM Punk shoulda won. Or Chris Jericho. Or even HHH. Or Santino. Or Mae Young. Anyone but Cole.

Teddy Long presented the WWE Superstar of the Year to John Cena. Of course Cena won. The fans voted.

Friday, December 10, 2010

12/10/10 Smackdown

Jack Swagger vs. Kaval: *1/4

Hornswoggle vs. Swagger Soaring Eagle: N/A (I refuse to rate this because it was really for comedy effect, but I will admit some parts were entertaining)

Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston (IC Title): **3/4

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Chavo Guerrero & Drew McIntyre: *

Natalya vs. Layla: 1/2*

Edge & Rey Mysterio vs. Kane & Alberto Del Rio: **

12/9/10 Superstars

Tyler Reks vs. JTG: *1/4

Trent Barreta vs. Curt Hawkins: **3/4

Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder: *

Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox: **1/4

Thursday, December 9, 2010

12/9/10 Impact

Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal vs. Brother Ray & "Brother Devon" (fake Devon): *1/4

Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Gunner & Murphy: *1/4

Angelina Love & Velvet Sky vs. Sarita & Daffney: 1/2*

Douglas Williams vs. Abyss (TV Title): *1/2

Mickie James vs. Tara (Cage): ***
_________________

Why are the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles even existing anymore? They really don't have enough Knockouts to vie for the belts.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

12/6/10 ROH

Eddie Edwards vs. Colt Cabana (TV Title): ***

El Generico vs. Bobby Shields: N/A (squash)

Davey Richards vs. Erick Stevens: ***1/2

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

12/7/10 NXT (Season 4)

Johnny Curtis vs. Jacob Novak: *1/4

Alberto Del Rio & Conor O'Brian vs. Daniel Bryan & Derrick Bateman: **1/2
______________

Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 12/7/10:
Conor O'Brian: 1-0
Johnny Curtis: 1-0
Brodus Clay: 0-0
Byron Saxton: 0-0
Derrick Bateman: 0-1
Jacob Novak: 0-1
______________

Introductions:
Curtis was bad. Brodus was pretty good. Saxton didn't impress. Jacob Novak was also decent. Bateman was OK. O'Brian was weird, and I'm glad Alberto was on him.
______________

Challenge Wins:
Jacob Novak: 1 (Capture the Flag)
Brodus Clay: 0
Byron Saxton: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
Derrick Bateman: 0
Johnny Curtis: 0
______________

Capture the Flag Challenge:
Novak won, very close. Saxton sucks already for being both a klutz and taking his time.

Monday, December 6, 2010

12/6/10 RAW

Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella vs. Ted DiBiase & Maryse: *

Tyson Kidd vs. David Hart Smith: *

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Mark Henry & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (Elimination; Tag Team Titles): *3/4

Natalya vs. Melina: 3/4*

Randy Orton vs. Alex Riley: *1/4

Sunday, December 5, 2010

12/5/10 Final Resolution

James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal: A good opener to start. Nice moves from both teams. **1/2

Tara vs. Mickie James (Falls Count Anywhere): Excellent buildup for this match. Very nice, physical action. This gets a better rating from me than their last PPV match because this one played off its gimmick match well. I wish spraying the fire extinguisher was not the end of things; it was going quite well. **1/4

Robbie E. vs. Jay Lethal (X-Division Title): I was amused that Cookie was put inside the shark cage by Shark Boy. But hell, what in the world happened to Lethal? I liked his Black Machismo gimmick, but since dropping that, he's been just another wrestler to me in terms of character. Picked up a few wins. And I hate Taz doing the "Oh! Oh! Oh!" thing when Robbie is doing the fist pumps. **

Rob Van Dam vs. Rhino (First Blood): Nice physical match. Each man took it to the other and a fitting ending with the Van Terminator. **3/4

Douglas Williams vs. AJ Styles (TV Title): Real awesome match. These two really gave it their all out there. Chaos Theory on the outside was a great spot. Even more surprised with the finish...Williams beating Styles with the Styles Clash. ***1/2

Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck (Full Metal Mayhem; Tag Team Titles): Match of the night for sure. Chaos everywhere. Major spotfest. Lots of fun everywhere. Basically, the Guns won via not dying. Awesome. ****1/4

Abyss vs. D'Angelo Dinero (Casket): I honestly had no idea how to rate this. It wasn't bad, but I think after Full Metal Mayhem, not as many people cared. I sure as heck didn't care much for it. *1/2

Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Jarrett (Submission): Decent, although I wish Gunner and Murphy didn't get involved before and during the match. Nice use of submission moves. Jarrett winning was important to establish his new MMA persona -- and to set up a feud with Kurt Angle. **

Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Morgan (No DQ; World Title): I wasn't a big fan of this last match. Signature moves were hit, there was a back story between Hardy and Anderson (special ref), and Anderson played his role well. However, it lacked a big-match feel, and Bischoff's involvement with the ref was just one more in a line of "let's make sure the heel keeps the belt" attempts. *3/4
_________________

MVPs: Guns and Generation Me, easily. They tore the house down.

Overall Rating: It was a decent PPV. Solid matches on the first third and awesome matches in the second set of three matches. However, the final three matches left something to be desired. I would have wanted Mickie to win here, but there's no harm in waiting a little while longer for Mickie's Knockouts Title shot. ***

Friday, December 3, 2010

12/3/10 Smackdown

Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre vs. MVP & Kaval: **1/4

Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger: ***1/2

Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Masters: *1/4

Layla vs. Rosa Mendes: 1/2*

Edge vs. Kane: **3/4
_________________

This unfortunately was MVP's last televised match before requesting his release. I wish him well.

12/2/10 Impact

Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck: **

Douglas Williams vs. Kazarian: **

Sarita vs. Madison Rayne vs. Angelina Love: 1/2*

Matt Morgan vs. Rhino: *

D'Angelo Dinero & Samoa Joe vs. Abyss & Jeff Jarrett: *3/4
_________________

I do like Mickie's TNA "Hardcore Country" theme. Her feud with Tara is very physical, which I like. Looking forward to what happens next.

12/2/10 Superstars

Tyler Reks vs. Trent Barreta: **1/2

William Regal vs. Darren Young: *1/4

David Hart Smith vs. Tyson Kidd: ***
_________________

Loved the ending to the DH Smith/Kidd match. Very similar to how Bulldog won the IC title against Bret Hart at Wembley Stadium at SummerSlam 1992.