Monday, February 28, 2011

2/28/11 RAW

Evan Bourne vs. King Sheamus: N/A (squash)

Randy Orton vs. Michael McGillicutty: N/A (squash)

Divas Battle Royal: DUD

John Cena vs. Alex Riley: **1/4
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Nice to see Evan Bourne back on RAW. Definitely missed seeing his shooting star press.

Wait, is Jack Swagger relegated to being Michael Cole's trainer for Mania now? I hope WWE has more lined up for him than that.

Rock promo this week was from his home, but still an epic win. I'm already loving this back-and-forth stuff between Rock and Cena.

Not sure what Alex Riley will be doing now that he's been "dismissed" as Miz's apprentice.

Friday, February 25, 2011

2/25/11 Smackdown

Rey Mysterio vs. Kane: **1/4

Rosa Mendes vs. Layla: DUD

Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston: *

The Big Show vs. Wade Barrett: 3/4*

Edge & Kelly Kelly vs. Drew McIntyre & Vickie Guerrero: *3/4
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Did Justin Gabriel just about get hit in the head with a chair from Big Show? Sure,Gabriel got the hands up, but still....

2/21/11 ROH

Christopher Daniels vs. Devon Storm (TV Title): **

Claudio Castagnoli vs. Rhett Titus: *1/2

Kenny King vs. Chris Hero: ***1/4

2/24/11 Superstars

Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Trent Barreta & JTG: *

Chris Masters vs. Tyler Reks: *

Santino Marella vs. Tyson Kidd: *1/4

Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase: **3/4

Thursday, February 24, 2011

2/24/11 Impact

Gunner & Murphy vs. Eric Young & Orlando Jordan: *

Crimson vs. Magnus: 1/4*

Madison Rayne vs. ODB: 1/2*

Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle vs. Rob Van Dam: **3/4
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TNA fails for blatantly ripping off the "2 21 11" video WWE used to promote Undertaker's return (instead using "3 3 11").

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2/22/11 NXT

Johnny Curtis vs. Derrick Bateman vs. Brodus Clay: **3/4
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Here are the remaining official NXT rookie's records as of 2/22/11:
Brodus Clay: 6-3
Derrick Bateman: 3-6
Johnny Curtis: 3-6
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Immunity Points:
Brodus Clay: 8 (Smash & Grab; WWE Jeopardy; Talk the Talk)
Johnny Curtis: 3 (Obstacle Course)
Derrick Bateman: 0

NOTE: Brodus Clay won immunity this week and could not be eliminated.
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Obstacle Course Challenge (3 immunity points):
I wasn't even paying attention to this. Looked like a waste of time.
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Talk the Talk Challenge (3 immunity points):
They all played to the crowd, which was nice. Clay wins, which I agreed with. He seemed the most comfortable on the mic for that segment. Having the hometown crowd on your side is also not a bad thing.
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NXT Elimination:
Bateman eliminated, wow. Curtis' efforts on this show likely saved him. Finale next week!

Monday, February 21, 2011

2/21/11 RAW

CM Punk vs. John Morrison: *

Brie Bella & Nikki Bella vs. Eve Torres & Gail Kim: 1/2*

Mark Henry vs. King Sheamus: *

The Miz & John Cena vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel (Tag Team Titles): 1/2*

Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. The Miz & John Cena (Tag Team Titles): **
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2/21/11 (predictably) turned out to be Undertaker's return. But wow, Undertaker AND Triple H returned tonight. Taker/HHH is on for Mania, it appears.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan going into the WWE Hall of Fame? I like it. Grew up watching him perform and I thought he was cool. Still think he's great. Congrats to Hacksaw!

So um, I guess the point of Miz and Cena winning the titles was to simply lose it back so Miz can piss Cena off by costing him the titles? This was just bizarre and I didn't like it.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

2/20/11 Elimination Chamber

Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston: The proper opening match. Crowd was definitely jacked for this one. Alberto is on a major push and Kofi gave it one hell of an effort. Looked like Alberto pulled some moves out of Roderick Strong's playbook. Loved how Ricardo's interference still led to more great action. Excellent match here because it made both men look very strong. ***1/4


Edge vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Kane vs. Wade Barrett vs. Drew McIntyre vs. The Big Show (Smackdown Elimination Chamber; World Heavyweight Title): Edge and Mysterio started, which I like. Barrett in next, good move. Kane in fourth, which only means Show comes in last. I liked it when McIntyre came in and  sent Rey and Barrett through pods -- it was a great first impact. Kane then threw Rey into the pod and the post, ow. Big Show ate about 20 finishers before getting eliminated. Really liked the double spear spot Edge pulled off on Kane and Mysterio. Having Edge and Mysterio in that one-on-one war at the end was one for the ages. That's why these two are main eventers. ****1/2


Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (Tag Team Titles): An OK match here. Santino and Kozlov are so over with the crowd, they don't need the belts. That 450 splash is sweet. Typical that Big Zeke got involved in some form. *1/2

The Miz vs. Jerry Lawler (WWE Title): A decent match here. Lots of suspense, given Lawler's week (his mother had just passed away a few days prior). Great job in making Lawler look strong, like he would win on several occasions. ***1/4

John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. Randy Orton vs. King Sheamus vs. R-Truth (RAW Elimination Chamber): So Morrison and Sheamus started, which is OK, although I would really have liked Morrison and Truth to start. Not sure if Punk not being able to properly get out of the pod (and then eating an RKO from Orton) was planned, but the GM "reinstated" Punk back in. Loved Morrison scaling the chamber and coming down on Sheamus. Yes, it was pretty obvious Cena would win, but I still wanted Morrison to get his due. ****1/4
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MVPs: Miz gets props for retaining his title. But man, that Edge/Mysterio one-on-one encounter in the chamber was just epic stuff. It should remind people of Taker/HBK at the Rumble a few years ago, when they were the last two in the ring.

Overall Rating: I enjoyed this PPV, even though the winners were quite predictable. Also, the extra news that Trish Stratus would be one of the trainers on Tough Enough was extra sweet. WWE stacked the card with quality matches, as usual for this PPV. The chamber matches got their time and the divas were basically kept to skits instead of wrestling. Great job, WWE. ***3/4

2/14/11 ROH

Homicide vs. Mark Briscoe: ***1/4

Kyle O'Reilly vs. Jon Gresham: *1/2

Friday, February 18, 2011

2/18/11 Smackdown

Edge, John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, & R-Truth vs. CM Punk, Kane, King Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, & Drew McIntyre: ***1/4

Eve Torres & Beth Phoenix vs. Maryse & Layla: 1/2*

The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston: **1/4

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel (Tag Team Titles): 3/4*

Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler (World Heavyweight Title): *3/4
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So Dolph Ziggler has been "fired" by returning GM Teddy Long. Looks like he's going to RAW, which I agree with. Dolph has improved to the point where he should be on live every week, instead of a Smackdown taping.

2/17/11 Superstars

Chris Masters vs. Tyler Reks: *1/2

Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. David Hart Smith & Yoshi Tatsu: *3/4

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Zack Ryder & Primo: *3/4

Thursday, February 17, 2011

2/17/11 Impact

Hernandez vs. Douglas Williams: 1/4*

Kazarian vs. Robbie E. (X-Division Title): DUD

Matt Hardy vs. AJ Styles: *1/2

Sarita & Rosita vs. Angelina Love & Velvet Sky: 1/4*

Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam (World Title): **3/4

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

2/15/11 NXT

Brodus Clay vs. R-Truth: *

Daniel Bryan vs. Derrick Bateman: **1/2
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Here are the remaining official NXT rookie's records as of 2/15/11:
Brodus Clay: 6-2
Derrick Bateman: 3-5
Johnny Curtis: 2-6
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Immunity Points:
Brodus Clay: 5 (Smash & Grab; WWE Jeopardy)
Derrick Bateman: 0
Johnny Curtis: 0
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Smash & Grab Challenge (2 points):
Brodus rules! I didn't really pay attention other than that.
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WWE Jeopardy Challenge (3 points):
Brodus wins again! Yeah!
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NXT Elimination:
Another elimination coming next week! Johnny Curtis is likely next on the chopping block. Bateman has done very well in all areas, and Clay has really come into his own -- plus Clay has all those immunity points.

Monday, February 14, 2011

2/14/11 RAW

CM Punk vs. John Cena: **1/2

Eve Torres vs. Natalya (Lumberjill; Divas Title): *1/4

The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan: ***1/2

John Morrison & R-Truth vs. Michael McGillicutty & David Otunga: *1/4

Randy Orton vs. King Sheamus: *3/4
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So The Rock came back...home. Marked out big time. The man's still got it. Probably the best mic worker I've ever seen. People have their opinions, but for my money, Rock delivered (and apparently still knows how to deliver) the most consistent entertaining stuff. When there are multiple YouTube videos of Rock's funniest moments (in an entertaining way, not botchamania like Scott Steiner and Sid), that says something. If I gave star ratings to promos, Rock would easily have a ton of five-star ratings from me. The man is pure gold, and I can't wait to see what is in store between Rock and Cena.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

2/13/11 Against All Odds

Kazarian vs. Robbie E. (X-Division Title): Generation Me couldn't make it to the PPV due to travel issues, so Robbie E. apparently won via default (officially countout), so Kazarian (now a face through Fortune) says title match is now. Not a bad match, but nothing too special, in my book. *1/2

Scott Steiner, James Storm, & Robert Roode vs. Rob Terry, Gunner, & Murphy: Not a bad match; it played to the strengths of each man -- if there was any. Beer Money did most of the dirty work. Thought the Frankensteiner was a nice way to end it. *3/4

Samoa Joe vs. D'Angelo Dinero: Again, I wasn't really too happy with this one. Good moves here and there, but the finish seemed so abrupt. Need more time to get a better rating from me. *1/2

Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James (Last Knockout Standing; Knockouts Title): A match that had its physical moments, but I'm not a fan of the finish. Mickie needs the win more than Madison right now. the screwy finish might lead to one more match (probably at the next PPV), and Mickie should win that one. *3/4

Rob Van Dam vs. Matt Hardy: I thought it was a fairly solid contest here. Good counters, nice moves hit, couple of good near falls. **3/4

Bully Ray vs. Brother Devon (Street Fight): I thought it was very good for the violence, crowd reaction, and the storyline. Looks like the feud continues after tonight's post-match actions. **1/2

Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle: I loved this match. It had the emotions, the storyline, the drama, and most importantly, the wrestling.entertainment. It was fairly obvious to a lot of people that Jarrett would win; the vows would be on TV, the custody of kids would not. All about TV, people. ***3/4

Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson (Ladder; World Title): Very nice physical ladder match. Not sure if I agree with Hardy winning back the title. Finish was not really my favorite. There was no shenanigans either, a fairly clean win. ***1/4
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MVPs: Jeff Hardy wins back his world title!

Overall Rating: The PPV started off quite lackluster, but starting with the RVD/Matt Hardy match, things started to pick up rather nicely. The proper matches were saved for last. **3/4

Friday, February 11, 2011

2/11/11 Smackdown

Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston: *1/2

Justin Gabriel vs. Vladimir Kozlov: 3/4*

Drew McIntyre vs. Chris Masters: 1/4*

Wade Barrett vs. Rey Mysterio: **

Kane vs. JTG: N/A (squash)

Eve Torres vs. Layla: 1/2*

Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler (World Heavyweight Title): **

Thursday, February 10, 2011

2/10/11 Superstars

Natalya vs. Alicia Fox: *1/4

The Great Khali vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: DUD

Tyler Reks vs. Curt Hawkins: *

Jack Swagger vs. Trent Barreta: 1/2*

2/10/11 Impact

Rob Van Dam, Samoa Joe, & Brother Devon vs. Matt Hardy, D'Angelo Dinero, & Bully Ray (Tables): 1/2*

Madison Rayne, Tara, Sarita, & Rosita vs. Mickie James, Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, & Winter: *

Mr. Anderson vs. Matt Morgan (World Title): *1/4

Robbie E. vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Suicide: 1/2*

Kurt Angle & AJ Styles vs. Jeff Jarrett & Jeff Hardy: **1/2

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

2/8/11 NXT

Derrick Bateman vs. Byron Saxton: *

Brodus Clay vs. Johnny Curtis: DUD
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Here are the remaining official NXT rookie's records as of 2/8/11:
Brodus Clay: 5-2
Derrick Bateman: 3-4
Byron Saxton: 3-6
Johnny Curtis: 2-6
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Immunity Points:
Brodus Clay: 3 (WWEShop.com)
Johnny Curtis: 3 (Arm Wrestling)
Byron Saxton: 2 (Rock 'em Sock 'em)
Derrick Bateman: 2 (Talk the Talk)

NOTE: Johnny Curtis won immunity based on a WWE Universe vote.
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Rock 'em Sock 'em Rookie Challenge (2 points):
Saxton won after a redo on the final. OK, next!
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WWEShop.com Challenge (3 points):
Really, now? I think I was more interested in seeing AJ and Naomi again. Brodus won?! Cool.
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NXT Elimination:
Byron Saxton was eliminated. Another relatively easy call, given Curtis was immune, Bateman is way over with the crowd, and Clay is pretty darn impressive. And Saxton basically cried on his elimination speech. I think his elimination speech stunk. And then Saxton doesn't do anything when Dolph was basically in his face berating him? Yeah, get out Saxton. In this business, I'd still like to see some form of spine on a wrestler, some form of ruthless aggression -- even in a PG world.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2/7/11 RAW

R-Truth vs. Mason Ryan: 1/4*

Eve Torres, Gail Kim, & Tamina vs. Melina, Brie Bella, & Nikki Bella: 3/4*

John Morrison vs. Michael McGillicutty: *

Jerry Lawler & Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz & Ted DiBiase: *1/4

Sheamus vs. David Otunga: N/A

Alberto Del Rio vs. Santino Marella: N/A

CM Punk vs. John Cena: *1/2

1/31/11 ROH

Colt Cabana vs. Mike Mondo: *3/4

Roderick Strong & Michael Elgin vs. Alex Silva & Chrisjen Hayme: *

Sara Del Rey vs. Taeler Hendrix: *

Christopher Daniels vs. Eddie Edwards (TV Title): ***3/4

1/17/11 ROH

Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe vs. Ted McNaler & Adam Revolver: *1/2

MsChif vs. Daizee Haze: **

Christopher Daniels vs. Chris Hero: ***1/2

Friday, February 4, 2011

2/4/11 Smackdown

Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov: *

Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston: **1/2

Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger: **1/4

Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero: N/A (too short to rate)

Wade Barrett vs. The Big Show: 1/4*

Edge & Kelly Kelly vs. Dolph Ziggler, Michelle McCool, & Layla (World Heavyweight Title): **1/4
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NOTE: If Dolph OR LayCool pinned either Edge or Kelly Kelly, Dolph would win the World Title.

Great move to have Booker T as part of the Smackdown announce team. I'd rather have him as an announcer than an in-ring talent, even though he probably still has it in him.

2/3/11 Superstars

Yoshi Tatsu & David Hart Smith vs. Zack Ryder & Primo: **3/4

Melina vs. Tamina: *

Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks vs. JTG & Trent Barreta: **1/4

Thursday, February 3, 2011

2/3/11 Impact

Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal vs. Gunner & Murphy: *

Jeremy Buck vs. Douglas Williams vs. Jay Lethal: *1/2

Mickie James vs. Sarita (Taped Fist): *1/4

Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy (World Title): **3/4
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Guess the AJ Styles face turn has arrived. Good move, TNA.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

2/1/11 NXT

Chris Masters vs. Byron Saxton: *

Brodus Clay vs. Ted DiBiase: 3/4*

Daniel Bryan & Derrick Bateman vs. R-Truth & Johnny Curtis: *1/2
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Here are the remaining official NXT rookie's records as of 2/1/11:
Brodus Clay: 4-2
Byron Saxton: 3-5
Derrick Bateman: 2-4
Johnny Curtis: 2-5
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Immunity Points:
Johnny Curtis: 3 (Arm Wrestling)
Derrick Bateman: 2 (Talk the Talk)
Brodus Clay: 0
Byron Saxton: 0
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Arm Wrestling Challenge (3 points):
Curtis faced Saxton and Curtis made Saxton look like an idiot.
Clay faced Bateman and Clay won that

And of course we have the controversial deal with Clay headbutting Curtis, so Curtis won by DQ. Frankly, Curtis is the most likely guy, in my book, to be eliminated next week, so this may throw a wrench into who goes home.
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Talk the Talk Challenge (2 points):
Oh this will be fun, since people have epic failed in the past. Saxton had R-Truth and decided to do his R-Truth impersonation. Bateman had Ziggler, and I liked the "Turd Ferguson" line. Bateman was an easy winner here. Curtis had Chris Masters and basically decided to ditch the challenge to go after Brodus. Clay had Daniel Bryan and praised Gail Kim while questioning Bryan being a man. DB with the comeback on fat guys, lovely.
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NXT Elimination:
So I lied...another one will be gone next week, not this week!