Trent Barreta vs.Curt Hawkins: *3/4
Melina, Brie Bella, & Nikki Bella vs. Eve Torres, Natalya, & Gail Kim: *1/4
Thursday, March 31, 2011
3/31/11 Impact
Scott Steiner vs. Shannon Moore: 1/4* (Mainly for seeing Steiner's Frankensteiner. Always impressive to see someone his size do that. Otherwise, the match was pretty bad and I chose not to pay much attention after about 30 seconds.)
Max Buck vs. Jeremy Buck: *1/4 (I'd like a longer match between these two.)
Winter vs. Velvet Sky: DUD
Kurt Angle vs. Rob Terry: N/A (too short to rate)
Matt Hardy, Abyss, & Bully Ray vs. Sting, Rob Van Dam, & Mr. Anderson (Cage): *1/4
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Seeing Daniels at the end of the show really made me happy. Maybe now I will be able to see some good matches on free TV and on PPVs -- if TNA books such great matches at all.
Max Buck vs. Jeremy Buck: *1/4 (I'd like a longer match between these two.)
Winter vs. Velvet Sky: DUD
Kurt Angle vs. Rob Terry: N/A (too short to rate)
Matt Hardy, Abyss, & Bully Ray vs. Sting, Rob Van Dam, & Mr. Anderson (Cage): *1/4
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Seeing Daniels at the end of the show really made me happy. Maybe now I will be able to see some good matches on free TV and on PPVs -- if TNA books such great matches at all.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
WrestleMania 27 Thoughts
It's that time again for the Grandest Stage of Them All...WrestleMania! There are currently nine matches scheduled for April 3 in Atlanta. Here are my predictions and thoughts for each match. I usually base my predictions off what seems logical -- which probably means I go 3-6 or something for the PPV. But whatever.
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Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, & Ezekiel Jackson vs. Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, The Big Show, & Kane: First of all, Kane doing Santino's trombone victory celebration on the 3/28 RAW was absolutely hilarious. This match seemingly was put together at the last minute; to my knowledge, it was only announced on TV on the 3/28 RAW. Corre needs the win here for people to keep taking them seriously as a threat. They have good talent (IC champion and Tag champions), but a loss would really hurt. Prediction: Corre
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (U.S. Title): Well, at least Daniel Bryan has a match on the card, so I'm happy there. I'm a bit surprised Sheamus has been demoted a bit to the U.S. Title, only because he had won King of the Ring (and I thought would go into a little program with HHH over who was the real king). I must say that the U.S. belt at least is a decent consolation prize. I hope Sheamus, being a two-time former WWE champion, will bring some prestige to the belt. Sheamus should retain here; he just won the belt and Daniel Bryan could hopefully get into a more high-profile program (sorry, Gail Kim, I'm not really sold on this whole relationship thing; it's not even getting a lot of attention right now anyway). If this match gets 15 solid minutes, I'll be happy regardless of who wins. Prediction: Sheamus (retains title)
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes: I think this feud has been built up well. What basically started as an accident (Mysterio's knee brace striking the former "Dashing" one in the nose) has turned serious. I really like Cody's new demeanor, but, as much as I hate to admit it, his "Smoke & Mirrors" theme was a heck of a lot better than what he has now. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dusty Rhodes involved in some way (directly or indirectly), but a win would benefit Cody a heck of a lot more here. Give it about 15 minutes and we'll have a real nice match. Prediction: Cody Rhodes
John Morrison, Trish Stratus, & Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler, Michelle McCool, & Layla: I personally don't like Snooki being a part of a wrestling match at Mania. Celebrity appearance? Sure. Wrestling? No. It's pretty safe to say Morrison and Ziggler will be doing a lot of the work in this one. To me, the finish will either have one of LayCool pinning Trish or Morrison beating Ziggler. I'll go with Morrison winning, since LayCool is already doing well for themselves and they don't really need any more accolades (pinning a 7-time Women's champion) to add to their list of accomplishments. And besides, the celebrity should be on the winning end at a big event, right? Prediction: Morrison/Stratus/Snooki
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole: Jack Swagger is in Cole's corner, while Stone Cold is the special referee for this one. WWE has done an excellent job to build the hype for this match. Cole has so much crowd heat right now that anything Lawler does to Cole will get a HUGE reaction. I've read reports that Cole will assume a regular commentating role (perhaps keeping his heel announcing character) without the "Cole Mine" after Mania. There is no doubt in my mind that Lawler is winning this one. The only questions I have are: (1) how many stunners will we see? (2) how many beers will Stone Cold drink? (3) does Josh Mathews stay on the RAW broadcast team after Mania? I'm assuming a lot of stunners, a lot of beers, and Josh stays. Prediction: Jerry Lawler
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk: Another match given great buildup. Personally, I don't believe I'm alone when I say that Orton taking New Nexus out one by one was stupid. it really makes the entire group look like a joke when one man (already established as a firm main eventer) can do so much. I feel that Punk must win here at Mania to keep any believability in the New Nexus. Orton doesn't need a win; he's way over with the crowd and the feud would be done. I might expect some underhanded tactic from Punk to aid his victory. Prediction: CM Punk
Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio (World Heavyweight Title): I've read that Edge started 5-0 at Mania, but has dropped his last four contests on the Grandest Stage. If WWE doesn't put the title on Alberto, it would seriously shock me -- not because the Royal Rumble winner has gone on to win the WWE title or WHC more often than not, but because WWE has booked Del Rio so well from day one. A lot of people knew it was only a matter of time before ADR would get a World Title match, and now he has it. I'm expecting four stars or so for this one.
Christian is extremely likely to get involved, and it wouldn't surprise me to have Christian "accidentally" cost Edge his title so they can feud. I can only hope Edge/Christian feud, so maybe we can have someone like Kofi Kingston step in to challenge ADR (and what will Kofi even do at Mania, if anything?!). Prediction: Alberto Del Rio (new champion)
The Miz vs. John Cena (WWE Title): I've loved the buildup for this, not just because Rock is involved, but because WWE has booked Miz so strong against Cena. I'm not sure how this match will really turn out. Yes, Miz and Cena are capable of putting on a great match, but I wonder how Rock will get involved (he's basically guaranteed to after what happened on the 3/28 RAW). I'm sure we'll see a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow, for ol' time's sake.
Who wins this match will depend on its place on the card. Either this match will go last, or Taker/HHH. I personally want Miz to retain here. After all, WWE just gave him a new custom belt, and a loss to Cena would really just put us back at Square One -- and much of the crowd would riot. Thus, I am assuming Taker/HHH will be last on the card and Miz retains, likely after a good four-star affair. Prediction: The Miz (retains title)
The Undertaker vs. Triple H (No Holds Barred): Again, excellent buildup for this one. I know Taker is still not fully healed from his surgery (which is why no physicality has resulted between the two yet), but it's better off that there are no blows between the two just yet. Having the match be No Holds Barred will erase many of the limitations Taker still has at the show, and will allow for a lot more scenarios to develop.
Shawn Michaels will obviously be in attendance (all the Hall of Famers will make cameos at some point in the show anyway), and he is the wild card in all this. Based off what was said on the 3/28 RAW, HBK will probably get involved and, on at least one occasion, superkick HHH, either by accident or on purpose. HBK might even do the same at some point to Taker.
The bottom line here: The Streak is not ending. It would be a mistake for a future Hall of Famer to end it (and more of a mistake to have a future HOFer and a current HOFer in HBK) to finish off a streak that will not be approached. To me, Taker will win via Tombstone to go 19-0, then win once more at next year's Mania and retire 20-0. That would be the perfect sendoff for the Deadman. As for HHH, he probably will "die" trying -- and will eat maybe 2-3 Tombstones and 2-3 Sweet Chin Musics before staying down. it might be a way to end his in-ring career too, as HHH probably will transition in a more full-time manner to the WWE corporate side.
This is unlikely to get five stars, but I'm still expecting at least four. Prediction: The Undertaker
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Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, & Ezekiel Jackson vs. Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, The Big Show, & Kane: First of all, Kane doing Santino's trombone victory celebration on the 3/28 RAW was absolutely hilarious. This match seemingly was put together at the last minute; to my knowledge, it was only announced on TV on the 3/28 RAW. Corre needs the win here for people to keep taking them seriously as a threat. They have good talent (IC champion and Tag champions), but a loss would really hurt. Prediction: Corre
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (U.S. Title): Well, at least Daniel Bryan has a match on the card, so I'm happy there. I'm a bit surprised Sheamus has been demoted a bit to the U.S. Title, only because he had won King of the Ring (and I thought would go into a little program with HHH over who was the real king). I must say that the U.S. belt at least is a decent consolation prize. I hope Sheamus, being a two-time former WWE champion, will bring some prestige to the belt. Sheamus should retain here; he just won the belt and Daniel Bryan could hopefully get into a more high-profile program (sorry, Gail Kim, I'm not really sold on this whole relationship thing; it's not even getting a lot of attention right now anyway). If this match gets 15 solid minutes, I'll be happy regardless of who wins. Prediction: Sheamus (retains title)
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes: I think this feud has been built up well. What basically started as an accident (Mysterio's knee brace striking the former "Dashing" one in the nose) has turned serious. I really like Cody's new demeanor, but, as much as I hate to admit it, his "Smoke & Mirrors" theme was a heck of a lot better than what he has now. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dusty Rhodes involved in some way (directly or indirectly), but a win would benefit Cody a heck of a lot more here. Give it about 15 minutes and we'll have a real nice match. Prediction: Cody Rhodes
John Morrison, Trish Stratus, & Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler, Michelle McCool, & Layla: I personally don't like Snooki being a part of a wrestling match at Mania. Celebrity appearance? Sure. Wrestling? No. It's pretty safe to say Morrison and Ziggler will be doing a lot of the work in this one. To me, the finish will either have one of LayCool pinning Trish or Morrison beating Ziggler. I'll go with Morrison winning, since LayCool is already doing well for themselves and they don't really need any more accolades (pinning a 7-time Women's champion) to add to their list of accomplishments. And besides, the celebrity should be on the winning end at a big event, right? Prediction: Morrison/Stratus/Snooki
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole: Jack Swagger is in Cole's corner, while Stone Cold is the special referee for this one. WWE has done an excellent job to build the hype for this match. Cole has so much crowd heat right now that anything Lawler does to Cole will get a HUGE reaction. I've read reports that Cole will assume a regular commentating role (perhaps keeping his heel announcing character) without the "Cole Mine" after Mania. There is no doubt in my mind that Lawler is winning this one. The only questions I have are: (1) how many stunners will we see? (2) how many beers will Stone Cold drink? (3) does Josh Mathews stay on the RAW broadcast team after Mania? I'm assuming a lot of stunners, a lot of beers, and Josh stays. Prediction: Jerry Lawler
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk: Another match given great buildup. Personally, I don't believe I'm alone when I say that Orton taking New Nexus out one by one was stupid. it really makes the entire group look like a joke when one man (already established as a firm main eventer) can do so much. I feel that Punk must win here at Mania to keep any believability in the New Nexus. Orton doesn't need a win; he's way over with the crowd and the feud would be done. I might expect some underhanded tactic from Punk to aid his victory. Prediction: CM Punk
Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio (World Heavyweight Title): I've read that Edge started 5-0 at Mania, but has dropped his last four contests on the Grandest Stage. If WWE doesn't put the title on Alberto, it would seriously shock me -- not because the Royal Rumble winner has gone on to win the WWE title or WHC more often than not, but because WWE has booked Del Rio so well from day one. A lot of people knew it was only a matter of time before ADR would get a World Title match, and now he has it. I'm expecting four stars or so for this one.
Christian is extremely likely to get involved, and it wouldn't surprise me to have Christian "accidentally" cost Edge his title so they can feud. I can only hope Edge/Christian feud, so maybe we can have someone like Kofi Kingston step in to challenge ADR (and what will Kofi even do at Mania, if anything?!). Prediction: Alberto Del Rio (new champion)
The Miz vs. John Cena (WWE Title): I've loved the buildup for this, not just because Rock is involved, but because WWE has booked Miz so strong against Cena. I'm not sure how this match will really turn out. Yes, Miz and Cena are capable of putting on a great match, but I wonder how Rock will get involved (he's basically guaranteed to after what happened on the 3/28 RAW). I'm sure we'll see a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow, for ol' time's sake.
Who wins this match will depend on its place on the card. Either this match will go last, or Taker/HHH. I personally want Miz to retain here. After all, WWE just gave him a new custom belt, and a loss to Cena would really just put us back at Square One -- and much of the crowd would riot. Thus, I am assuming Taker/HHH will be last on the card and Miz retains, likely after a good four-star affair. Prediction: The Miz (retains title)
The Undertaker vs. Triple H (No Holds Barred): Again, excellent buildup for this one. I know Taker is still not fully healed from his surgery (which is why no physicality has resulted between the two yet), but it's better off that there are no blows between the two just yet. Having the match be No Holds Barred will erase many of the limitations Taker still has at the show, and will allow for a lot more scenarios to develop.
Shawn Michaels will obviously be in attendance (all the Hall of Famers will make cameos at some point in the show anyway), and he is the wild card in all this. Based off what was said on the 3/28 RAW, HBK will probably get involved and, on at least one occasion, superkick HHH, either by accident or on purpose. HBK might even do the same at some point to Taker.
The bottom line here: The Streak is not ending. It would be a mistake for a future Hall of Famer to end it (and more of a mistake to have a future HOFer and a current HOFer in HBK) to finish off a streak that will not be approached. To me, Taker will win via Tombstone to go 19-0, then win once more at next year's Mania and retire 20-0. That would be the perfect sendoff for the Deadman. As for HHH, he probably will "die" trying -- and will eat maybe 2-3 Tombstones and 2-3 Sweet Chin Musics before staying down. it might be a way to end his in-ring career too, as HHH probably will transition in a more full-time manner to the WWE corporate side.
This is unlikely to get five stars, but I'm still expecting at least four. Prediction: The Undertaker
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
3/29/11 NXT
Titus O'Neil, Byron Saxton, & Conor O'Brian vs. Lucky Cannon, Jacob Novak, & Darren Young: *1/4
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Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 3/29/11:
Titus O'Neil: 3-0
Darren Young: 2-2
Lucky Cannon: 2-2
Conor O'Brian: 1-1
Byron Saxton: 1-2
Jacob Novak: 0-2
Jacob Novak: 0-2
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WWE Redemption Points:
Titus O'Neil: 9 (Talk the Talk; Keg Carry; Arm Wrestling)
Darren Young: 7 (Obstacle Course; Battle of the Mic)
Byron Saxton: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
Jacob Novak: 0
Lucky Cannon: 0
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Arm Wrestling Challenge (4 points):
The crowd was dead for this. I didn't bother paying attention.
There were also a ton of video packages and clips from RAW. If you wanted to watch wrestling, this was really not really the show for you. The six-man tag was not bad anyway.
There were also a ton of video packages and clips from RAW. If you wanted to watch wrestling, this was really not really the show for you. The six-man tag was not bad anyway.
Monday, March 28, 2011
3/28/11 RAW
Edge & Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio & Brodus Clay: *1/4
Santino Marella vs. Justin Gabriel: 3/4*
Jack Swagger vs. Jerry Lawler: N/A
Sheamus & Dolph Ziggler vs. Daniel Bryan & John Morrison: *1/2
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I thought it was a pretty good last RAW before Mania, and, unlike how I've felt about non-wrestling segments in the past, it was the promos that I really liked. The Taker/HHH/HBK segment was extremely well done, the Rock/Cena/Miz segment was gold, and the Lawler/Cole stuff was pretty good too.
But Lawler got some new music. Meh. I liked his old music better.
Just found out that Sin Cara (a.k.a. Mistico) will make his WWE debut next Monday on RAW. I've loved the video packages of this guy, and I really hope he makes it in the company.
Santino Marella vs. Justin Gabriel: 3/4*
Jack Swagger vs. Jerry Lawler: N/A
Sheamus & Dolph Ziggler vs. Daniel Bryan & John Morrison: *1/2
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I thought it was a pretty good last RAW before Mania, and, unlike how I've felt about non-wrestling segments in the past, it was the promos that I really liked. The Taker/HHH/HBK segment was extremely well done, the Rock/Cena/Miz segment was gold, and the Lawler/Cole stuff was pretty good too.
But Lawler got some new music. Meh. I liked his old music better.
Just found out that Sin Cara (a.k.a. Mistico) will make his WWE debut next Monday on RAW. I've loved the video packages of this guy, and I really hope he makes it in the company.
Friday, March 25, 2011
3/25/11 Smackdown
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk: **1/2
Edge vs. Drew McIntyre: *
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Kelly Kelly & Rosa Mendes: N/A (too short to rate)
Wade Barrett vs. Kofi Kingston (IC Title): *1/2
Jack Swagger vs. R-Truth: N/A (squash)
Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio: **1/4
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Unlike CM Punk's New Nexus, I like how Wade Barrett's Corre has been booked to gain a lot of momentum. Slater and Gabriel are the tag team champions, Ezekiel Jackson is getting to show off his strength against the likes of Big Show and Kane, and now Barrett has the IC belt. I'm only hoping that Punk will eventually get his stablemates back in the near future (which would probably be after Mania). Punk doesn't necessarily need to be a part of New Nexus, but allowing Orton to take out everyone but Punk just totally destroys any credibility the faction has (or even had).
Michael Cole has a lot of heat. I love it. The feud has been booked extremely well, in my opinion.
Edge vs. Drew McIntyre: *
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Kelly Kelly & Rosa Mendes: N/A (too short to rate)
Wade Barrett vs. Kofi Kingston (IC Title): *1/2
Jack Swagger vs. R-Truth: N/A (squash)
Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio: **1/4
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Unlike CM Punk's New Nexus, I like how Wade Barrett's Corre has been booked to gain a lot of momentum. Slater and Gabriel are the tag team champions, Ezekiel Jackson is getting to show off his strength against the likes of Big Show and Kane, and now Barrett has the IC belt. I'm only hoping that Punk will eventually get his stablemates back in the near future (which would probably be after Mania). Punk doesn't necessarily need to be a part of New Nexus, but allowing Orton to take out everyone but Punk just totally destroys any credibility the faction has (or even had).
Michael Cole has a lot of heat. I love it. The feud has been booked extremely well, in my opinion.
3/24/11 Superstars
Chris Masters vs. Tyler Reks: *3/4
The Great Khali & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *
Daniel Bryan & Gail Kim vs. Tyson Kidd & Melina: **1/2
The Great Khali & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *
Daniel Bryan & Gail Kim vs. Tyson Kidd & Melina: **1/2
Thursday, March 24, 2011
3/24/11 Impact
Mickie James vs. Tara: 1/2*
Okato vs. D'Angelo Dinero: N/A
Hernandez & Anarchia vs. Matt Morgan & Devon (Street Fight): DUD
Scott Steiner & Crimson vs. Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal: 1/4*
Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson: *1/4 (A mess of a match and frankly, fittingly finishes up a real bad show)
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So why do I watch this show again? Another horrid Impact.
Okato vs. D'Angelo Dinero: N/A
Hernandez & Anarchia vs. Matt Morgan & Devon (Street Fight): DUD
Scott Steiner & Crimson vs. Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal: 1/4*
Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson: *1/4 (A mess of a match and frankly, fittingly finishes up a real bad show)
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So why do I watch this show again? Another horrid Impact.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
3/22/11 NXT
Titus O'Neil vs. Darren Young: * (love the name of Titus' finisher...Clash of the Titus)
Vladimir Kozlov & Conor O'Brian vs. JTG & Jacob Novak (Dance-Off): N/A (won't count in standings)
Lucky Cannon vs. Byron Saxton: *
Vladimir Kozlov & Conor O'Brian vs. JTG & Jacob Novak (Dance-Off): N/A (won't count in standings)
Lucky Cannon vs. Byron Saxton: *
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Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 3/22/11:
Titus O'Neil: 2-0
Darren Young: 2-1
Lucky Cannon: 2-1
Conor O'Brian: 0-1
Jacob Novak: 0-1
Darren Young: 2-1
Lucky Cannon: 2-1
Conor O'Brian: 0-1
Jacob Novak: 0-1
Byron Saxton: 0-2
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WWE Redemption Points:
Darren Young: 7 (Obstacle Course; Battle of the Mic)
Titus O'Neil: 5 (Talk the Talk; Keg Carry)
Titus O'Neil: 5 (Talk the Talk; Keg Carry)
Byron Saxton: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
Jacob Novak: 0
Lucky Cannon: 0
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Battle of the Mic Challenge (6 points):
Saxton did the best in the first round. The others were bad. In the finals, Young apparently was the best of the bunch. This was extremely horrible and makes me question why I even recap this stuff.
3/21/11 RAW
Sheamus vs. Evan Bourne: N/A (squash)
Eve Torres vs. Maryse: DUD
Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov: N/A (too short to rate)
John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler: N/A
John Morrison & Trish Stratus vs. Dolph Ziggler, Michelle McCool, Layla, & Vickie Guerrero: 1/2*
Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio: *
Eve Torres vs. Maryse: DUD
Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov: N/A (too short to rate)
John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler: N/A
John Morrison & Trish Stratus vs. Dolph Ziggler, Michelle McCool, Layla, & Vickie Guerrero: 1/2*
Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio: *
Friday, March 18, 2011
3/18/11 Smackdown
Edge vs. Brodus Clay: *3/4
Sheamus vs. Kofi Kingston: **
Cody Rhodes vs. Trent Barreta: N/A
Kelly Kelly vs. Layla: 1/2*
Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. The Big Show & Kane (Tag Team Titles): *
Chris Masters vs. Jack Swagger: 1/2*
Rey Mysterio vs. Ted DiBiase: *1/4
Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian (Cage): ***1/2
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Cody Rhodes gets new theme music. More attitude in this one, although it sounds more generic. It has a sinister feel to complement his "grotesque mask" (as Michael Cole puts it). We had a lot of matches for a Smackdown show, which can affect match quality. Gave great time for the steel cage main event though. Very good match there.
Sheamus vs. Kofi Kingston: **
Cody Rhodes vs. Trent Barreta: N/A
Kelly Kelly vs. Layla: 1/2*
Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. The Big Show & Kane (Tag Team Titles): *
Chris Masters vs. Jack Swagger: 1/2*
Rey Mysterio vs. Ted DiBiase: *1/4
Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian (Cage): ***1/2
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Cody Rhodes gets new theme music. More attitude in this one, although it sounds more generic. It has a sinister feel to complement his "grotesque mask" (as Michael Cole puts it). We had a lot of matches for a Smackdown show, which can affect match quality. Gave great time for the steel cage main event though. Very good match there.
3/17/11 Superstars
Tyler Reks vs. JTG: *1/2
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *1/4
Eve Torres, Natalya, Tamina, & Gail Kim vs. Melina, Alicia Fox, Nikki Bella, & Brie Bella: *1/4
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Read that the April 7 episode will be the series finale for WWE Superstars. One less show to feature midcard talent....
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *1/4
Eve Torres, Natalya, Tamina, & Gail Kim vs. Melina, Alicia Fox, Nikki Bella, & Brie Bella: *1/4
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Read that the April 7 episode will be the series finale for WWE Superstars. One less show to feature midcard talent....
Thursday, March 17, 2011
3/14/11 ROH
Lance Bravado & Harlem Bravado vs. Grizzly Redwood & Bobby Dempsey: *
Davey Richards vs. Tony Kozina (Pankration Rules): *1/4
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Mike Sydal: *
Mike Bennett vs. Kyle O'Reilly: **1/2
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Pankration Rules = win by submission, KO, TKO, or standing 10 count; no closed fists to head and no strikes to the back of the head; rope breaks in play
Davey Richards vs. Tony Kozina (Pankration Rules): *1/4
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Mike Sydal: *
Mike Bennett vs. Kyle O'Reilly: **1/2
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Pankration Rules = win by submission, KO, TKO, or standing 10 count; no closed fists to head and no strikes to the back of the head; rope breaks in play
3/17/11 Impact
Madison Rayne vs. Alissa Flash (Knockouts Title): N/A
Gunner vs. Rob Terry vs. Murphy (TV Title): 1/2*
Hernandez, Sarita, & Rosita vs. Matt Morgan, Angelina Love, & Winter (Street Fight): DUD
Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson vs. AJ Styles vs. Bully Ray: *1/2
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TNA is very consistent lately -- in a bad way. A horrible PPV followed by a horrible show. More non-wrestling than wrestling. Right now, TNA remains the worst wrestling promotion I watch. House shows are good stuff, but the on-camera stuff is just atrocious.
Gunner vs. Rob Terry vs. Murphy (TV Title): 1/2*
Hernandez, Sarita, & Rosita vs. Matt Morgan, Angelina Love, & Winter (Street Fight): DUD
Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson vs. AJ Styles vs. Bully Ray: *1/2
_________________
TNA is very consistent lately -- in a bad way. A horrible PPV followed by a horrible show. More non-wrestling than wrestling. Right now, TNA remains the worst wrestling promotion I watch. House shows are good stuff, but the on-camera stuff is just atrocious.
3/7/11 ROH
Kyle O'Reilly vs. Michael Elgin: **3/4
Mike Bennett vs. Andy Ridge: **
Roderick Strong vs. El Generico vs. Jay Briscoe vs. Homicide: ***1/2
Mike Bennett vs. Andy Ridge: **
Roderick Strong vs. El Generico vs. Jay Briscoe vs. Homicide: ***1/2
2/7/11 ROH
Mike Bennett vs. Grizzly Redwood: *1/4
Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Shelton Benjamin, & Charlie Haas vs. Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, Rhett Titus, & Kenny King: **3/4
Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Shelton Benjamin, & Charlie Haas vs. Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, Rhett Titus, & Kenny King: **3/4
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
3/15/11 NXT
Darren Young vs. Conor O'Brian: *
Tyson Kidd & Lucky Cannon vs. Yoshi Tatsu & Byron Saxton: *1/4
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Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 3/15/11:
Darren Young: 2-0
Titus O'Neil: 1-0
Lucky Cannon: 1-1
Byron Saxton: 0-1
Conor O'Brian: 0-1
Jacob Novak: 0-1
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WWE Redemption Points:
Titus O'Neil: 5 (Talk the Talk; Keg Carry)
Darren Young: 1 (Obstacle Course)
Byron Saxton: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
Jacob Novak: 0
Lucky Cannon: 0
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Talk the Talk Challenge (2 points):
Jacob Novak, that was awkward. Titus earned that one for a pretty entertaining promo. Saxton wasn't too bad either, taking shots at Lucky's wardrobe.
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St. Patrick's Day Keg Carry Challenge (3 points):
Was the keg even full? Novak, Young, Saxton, O'Brian, and Titus all broke 10 seconds. Titus didn't fall on his face this time, and he WON! Definitely represents the theme very nicely...redemption! It was real close and quite exciting.
Oh, and Lucky Cannon is an idiot who just happens to recite a French poem to Maryse.
Monday, March 14, 2011
3/14/11 RAW
The Great Khali vs. The Miz: N/A
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (U.S. Title): **1/2
Randy Orton vs. Mason Ryan: *1/4
Vickie Guerrero vs. Trish Stratus: N/A
John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio: *1/2
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Miz is on a HUGE roll. I really like how they've built Miz up as a legit main eventer. Good job, WWE. And I love the Sin Cara videos. can't wait for his debut!
Brian Christopher put on a bit of weight since his last stint in WWE. And nice to see Jim Ross back on camera. Overall, I'd say it was decent stuff tonight to further the storylines.
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (U.S. Title): **1/2
Randy Orton vs. Mason Ryan: *1/4
Vickie Guerrero vs. Trish Stratus: N/A
John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio: *1/2
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Miz is on a HUGE roll. I really like how they've built Miz up as a legit main eventer. Good job, WWE. And I love the Sin Cara videos. can't wait for his debut!
Brian Christopher put on a bit of weight since his last stint in WWE. And nice to see Jim Ross back on camera. Overall, I'd say it was decent stuff tonight to further the storylines.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
3/13/11 Victory Road
Tommy Dreamer vs. Bully Ray (No DQ; Falls Count Anywhere): Wait, this match started the show off? I woulda picked the Ultimate X match. I was amused when Dreamer used that stuffed animal on Bully Ray. Very physical match with a lot of weapons. Good crowd reaction here. Devon (and his sons) interference was predictable. **1/2
Sarita & Rosita vs. Angelina Love & Winter (Knockouts Tag Team Titles): Wait a minute, TNA still uses these belts? And apparently Sarita & Rosita are "Los Mexicanas" now or something. The tag title change was pretty predictable. The Latinas need the belts more to get over as a legitimate threat. The triangle between Love, Sky, and Winter can continue without the titles. Oh, there was a match? Um, all I can say is they tried. DUD
Hernandez vs. Matt Morgan (First Blood): It started with good physicality, but that was one of the lamest finishes I've ever seen in a First Blood match. In these types of gimmick matches on PPV, I want physicality, I want good chaos, I want the crowd to feel like they are seeing some great stuff. Pretty much the exact opposite here. WTF was this? DUD
Kazarian vs. Jeremy Buck vs. Max Buck vs. Robbie E. (Ultimate X; X-Division Title): See, this match should have started the show. A very entertaining match with great spots. I liked the tension with the Bucks just a little there, that brotherly competitiveness and jealousy comes out nicely. ***1/2
James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (Tag Team Titles): Good tag match here. Didn't understand the finish with Moore wanting to use that Book of Dilligaf in front of the ref. Looks like there's tension between Ink, Inc.? **3/4
AJ Styles vs. Matt Hardy: The best match of the night. Great crowd reaction. Flair is a great mouthpiece for Hardy on promos, and will easily help get Hardy over as a heel. Loved the physicality of the match, and AJ sliding under that barricade was pretty sweet. Hardy's style and gimmick are a winner to me. The finish was nice. I haven't seen Styles use that Spiral Tap in ages. A welcome sight to see. ***1/2
Mr. Anderson vs. Rob Van Dam: Apparently this was a #1 contender's match for the World Heavyweight Title. Really liked the start to this match, with the mat wrestling and split crowd reactions. Mic check on the entrance ramp was cool. Again, a lame finish. Double countout?! Really, now? *3/4
AJ Styles vs. Matt Hardy: The best match of the night. Great crowd reaction. Flair is a great mouthpiece for Hardy on promos, and will easily help get Hardy over as a heel. Loved the physicality of the match, and AJ sliding under that barricade was pretty sweet. Hardy's style and gimmick are a winner to me. The finish was nice. I haven't seen Styles use that Spiral Tap in ages. A welcome sight to see. ***1/2
Mr. Anderson vs. Rob Van Dam: Apparently this was a #1 contender's match for the World Heavyweight Title. Really liked the start to this match, with the mat wrestling and split crowd reactions. Mic check on the entrance ramp was cool. Again, a lame finish. Double countout?! Really, now? *3/4
Sting vs. Jeff Hardy (No DQ; World Title): WTF? Ten seconds of actual wrestling and it's over. N/A
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MVPs: AJ/Matt Hardy and Ultimate X. Basically both win by default.
Overall Rating: Overall, a very bad PPV.
First of all, the promoting was very poor. I didn't even realize until this past week that the PPV was today. I didn't even know many of the matches on this card. Perhaps I've been busy with other real-life matters, or maybe otherwise living under a rock, but if a wrestling promotion wants people to buy their PPV (or even watch it), they need to promote the hell out of that sucker.
Second, there were too many Jeff & Karen Jarrett "honeymoon" moments shown. Yes, it is a major storyline, but I watch wrestling for the matches, the in-ring action, to further or conclude storylines. Those skits could have easily been shown on Impact. More time could have been devoted to wrestling. To me, that's just poor time management and producing.
Sure, there were some good matches, but mostly negative things about this PPV. The Knockouts tag match was average. The First Blood match could have been so much better. The double countout spoiled an otherwise decent-looking #1 Contender's Match. The main event was real bad; hell, it wasn't even a match. They could have had at least a respectable match, but instead, it's basically over in less than a minute. Sting didn't reinvent himself, he's just as limited as ever. The main event should be one of the better matches on the card, and because it was practically non-existent, it severely hurts the overall rating.
Despite a couple of decent matches, it's easily the worst PPV of the year. This was mostly a waste of three hours. Seriously, I would have rather watched a mime perform. *
Friday, March 11, 2011
3/11/11 Smackdown
Kane vs. Wade Barrett: N/A
The Big Show & Kane vs. Wade Barrett & Heath Slater: *
Cody Rhodes vs. JTG: N/A (squash)
Layla vs. Kaitlyn: N/A (too short)
Rey Mysterio vs. Drew McIntyre: *3/4
Edge & Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio & Brodus Clay: *1/2
The Big Show & Kane vs. Wade Barrett & Heath Slater: *
Cody Rhodes vs. JTG: N/A (squash)
Layla vs. Kaitlyn: N/A (too short)
Rey Mysterio vs. Drew McIntyre: *3/4
Edge & Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio & Brodus Clay: *1/2
3/10/11 Superstars
Chris Masters vs. Tyler Reks: *3/4
Zack Ryder vs. Vladimir Kozlov: *
Mark Henry, The Great Khali, & Natalya vs. William Regal, Tyson Kidd, & Melina: DUD
Zack Ryder vs. Vladimir Kozlov: *
Mark Henry, The Great Khali, & Natalya vs. William Regal, Tyson Kidd, & Melina: DUD
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3/10/11 Impact
D'Angelo Dinero vs. Samoa Joe: *1/4
Madison Rayne vs. Roxxi (Knockouts Title): 1/4*
Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, & Winter vs. Sarita, Cookie, & Angelina: N/A (WTF was this?!)
Ric Flair vs. Matt Hardy vs. AJ Styles: 1/2*
Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck: *1/4
Sting & Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson & Jeff Hardy: N/A (To me, a waste of my time)
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Wait, there's a TNA PPV this Sunday? Wow, I seriously didn't even know until today. Really poor job by TNA to keep certain fans updated on PPVs. Is it sad that I remember their "3/3/11" deal more than the upcoming PPV?
Madison Rayne vs. Roxxi (Knockouts Title): 1/4*
Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, & Winter vs. Sarita, Cookie, & Angelina: N/A (WTF was this?!)
Ric Flair vs. Matt Hardy vs. AJ Styles: 1/2*
Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal vs. Max Buck & Jeremy Buck: *1/4
Sting & Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson & Jeff Hardy: N/A (To me, a waste of my time)
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Wait, there's a TNA PPV this Sunday? Wow, I seriously didn't even know until today. Really poor job by TNA to keep certain fans updated on PPVs. Is it sad that I remember their "3/3/11" deal more than the upcoming PPV?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
3/8/11 NXT (Season 5)
Darren Young vs. Jacob Novak: *
Titus O'Neil vs. Lucky Cannon: *
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So here are your WWE Pros and NXT Rookies for this season:
Pro: Chavo Guerrero --> Rookie: Darren Young
Pro: Vladimir Kozlov --> Rookie: Conor O'Brian
Pro: Tyson Kidd --> Rookie: Lucky Cannon
Pro: Yoshi Tatsu --> Rookie: Byron Saxton
Pro: JTG --> Rookie: Jacob Novak
Pro: Hornswoggle --> Rookie: Titus O'Neil
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Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 3/8/11:
Darren Young: 1-0
Titus O'Neil: 1-0
Byron Saxton: 0-0
Conor O'Brian: 0-0
Jacob Novak: 0-1
Lucky Cannon: 0-1
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WWE Redemption Points:
Darren Young: 1 (Obstacle Course)
Byron Saxton: 0
Conor O'Brian: 0
Jacob Novak: 0
Lucky Cannon: 0
Titus O'Neil: 0
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Obstacle Course Challenge:
Titus motored through that obstacle course and still had the slowest time of anyone who actually did the course (yeah Lucky Cannon, you're real stupid). Kudos to Darren Young for winning that. That was actually exciting.
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NXT Thoughts:
This season of NXT is titled "Redemption," as six past NXT rookies get one more shot to be the WWE's next breakout star. I don't get why the winner of this season gets to be on season six. It makes no sense and frankly just tells me how much this show has gone down the toilet. "Congratulations! You've won a seat in next season's show!" To have this as a prize is a far cry from that championship match promised to the winner of Seasons 1 and 2. Heck, even the tag title match promised to last season's winner (Johnny Curtis) is still a decent prize.
What the heck are Redemption Points? Yeah, make it confusing.
I like Regal on commentary, I'll say that much. Maryse co-hosting, not sold on that.
Monday, March 7, 2011
3/7/11 RAW
Randy Orton vs. David Otunga: 1/2*
Christian vs. Brodus Clay: *
Eve Torres vs. Nikki Bella (Divas Title): 1/4*
Daniel Bryan vs. King Sheamus: N/A
CM Punk vs. R-Truth: *
Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison: *1/2
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Sunny gets into the WWE Hall of Fame. I think it's quite well-deserved. Definitely the top diva, in my book, of the mid-90s.
JBL looks real good; been keeping in shape. That whole segment became epic with Austin coming out and being vintage Austin. And Austin is the special ref? Brilliant!
I'm really liking the back-and-forth promos between Rock and Cena. Cena's brought that rapping gimmick back, which I missed so much. Miz is being used quite well here. He does a run-in and does his mic work to garner heel heat. Not much for Miz to do physically, but it's very effective. Whoa, and Miz is using "candy ass" now too because of Rock's involvement in this storyline? Awesome!
Christian vs. Brodus Clay: *
Eve Torres vs. Nikki Bella (Divas Title): 1/4*
Daniel Bryan vs. King Sheamus: N/A
CM Punk vs. R-Truth: *
Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison: *1/2
________________
Sunny gets into the WWE Hall of Fame. I think it's quite well-deserved. Definitely the top diva, in my book, of the mid-90s.
JBL looks real good; been keeping in shape. That whole segment became epic with Austin coming out and being vintage Austin. And Austin is the special ref? Brilliant!
I'm really liking the back-and-forth promos between Rock and Cena. Cena's brought that rapping gimmick back, which I missed so much. Miz is being used quite well here. He does a run-in and does his mic work to garner heel heat. Not much for Miz to do physically, but it's very effective. Whoa, and Miz is using "candy ass" now too because of Rock's involvement in this storyline? Awesome!
Friday, March 4, 2011
3/4/11 Smackdown
Edge vs. Drew McIntyre: *1/2
Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (Tag Team Titles): *1/2
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Beth Phoenix & Rosa Mendes: 1/2*
The Big Show vs. Kane: N/A
Jack Swagger vs. JTG: N/A (squash)
Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (Tag Team Titles): *1/2
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Beth Phoenix & Rosa Mendes: 1/2*
The Big Show vs. Kane: N/A
Jack Swagger vs. JTG: N/A (squash)
2/28/11 ROH
Mike Bennett vs. Adam Cole: **
Michael Elgin vs. Bobby Dempsey: *1/4
Andy Ridge vs. Grizzly Redwood: *3/4
Christopher Daniels vs. Kenny King (TV Title): ***1/4
Michael Elgin vs. Bobby Dempsey: *1/4
Andy Ridge vs. Grizzly Redwood: *3/4
Christopher Daniels vs. Kenny King (TV Title): ***1/4
3/3/11 Superstars
R-Truth vs. William Regal: *1/2
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Zack Ryder & Primo: *3/4
Chris Masters vs. Curt Hawkins: *1/4
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Zack Ryder & Primo: *3/4
Chris Masters vs. Curt Hawkins: *1/4
Thursday, March 3, 2011
3/3/11 Impact
James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Gunner & Murphy (Tag Team Titles): *
Velvet Sky vs. Sarita (Velvet's Career on Line): DUD
Scott Steiner vs. Rob Terry: 1/4*
Matt Morgan vs. Hernandez: N/A
Sting vs. Jeff Hardy (World Title): *1/2
Velvet Sky vs. Sarita (Velvet's Career on Line): DUD
Scott Steiner vs. Rob Terry: 1/4*
Matt Morgan vs. Hernandez: N/A
Sting vs. Jeff Hardy (World Title): *1/2
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
3/1/11 NXT (Season Finale)
Brodus Clay vs. Johnny Curtis: *1/2
Derrick Bateman & Conor O'Brian vs. Byron Saxton & Jacob Novak: *1/4
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Here are the final remaining official NXT rookie's records as of 3/1/11:
Conor O'Brian: 4-1
Brodus Clay: 7-3
Derrick Bateman: 4-6
Byron Saxton: 3-7
Johnny Curtis: 3-7
Jacob Novak: 1-3
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NXT Winner:
Johnny Curtis wins! From a booking standpoint, it was the right move. Alberto Del Rio does not need the tag titles with his mega push. Apparently, the fans really got behind Curtis at the end. I think he will do fine if given the chance. Same with Brodus Clay. Bateman also has a chance to shine. The others, I don't believe they are ready just yet.
NXT Season 5 was mentioned in passing at the end. It will apparently be like nothing we've ever seen before. We'll see next week.
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