Ratings:
20-Man Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal: *1/2
Eve Torres vs. Layla: N/A (Michael Cole is an ass)
Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus: 1/2*
Jim Ross vs. Michael Cole: N/A
Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler: *
Rey Mysterio vs. Wade Barrett: *
The Miz, CM Punk, & Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena, Christian, & Mark Henry: *3/4
________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
I liked the battle royal to start to see who would get the first draft pick. It makes for a nice fast start to the show and puts the wrestling aspect first. Yes, I know WWE doesn't want to be equated with wrestling, but too bad, this is my blog. The Kofi/Bourne sequence on the ring apron was sweet. Smackdown won...thought it was an anticlimactic ending.
JOHN CENA goes to Smackdown! I really like the move. He will bring ratings to Smackdown, and he's been on RAW for six years already. It's time for a change. Smackdown just got their #1 face to replace Edge -- and then some.
Does anyone else see how fitting it is that Cena is going to Smackdown -- a show with a name made famous because of...The Rock? Talk about an opportunity to add fuel to their supposed year-long hype for next year's WrestleMania.
I thought R-Truth cut a very good promo. This feud with John Morrison should be good for both men, but especially for R-Truth.
We finally got a intro video of the former Awesome Kong that gave the audience a good shot of her face. She will also be called "Kharma" -- and WWE did a great job of putting the emphasis on the word "harm" in Kharma. I really like the buildup, and it's only a matter of time before she's killing divas dead.
I have the admit, I'm actually interested in the LayCool storyline. It has gotten good response from the WWE Universe.
REY MYSTERIO goes to RAW! I like it...gives RAW a much-needed face star with the departures of Cena and Orton.
Well, that Kofi/Sheamus match was short.
WHAT? RANDY ORTON is going to Smackdown as well?! So much for him being the #1 face on RAW. Smackdown has just won the lottery when it comes to beefing up their roster.
I won't even bother to rate the JR/Cole deal. It was never meant to be an actual match. I must say though, I loved seeing Cole get a little bloodied up. King using that belt on Cole was awesome too.
JR/King vs. Swagger/Cole in a Country Whipping tag team match? Um...sure.
Orton and Ziggler in an average match. Smackdown gets two more draft picks! But wait! Punk interrupting the draft pick was nice. Last Man Standing betwen Punk and Orton. I like it...hoping for a four-star match between these two.
We're told in passing that MARK HENRY and SIN CARA go to Smackdown. Good move for Sin Cara. He's still learning the WWE style and will benefit from both the editing of a taped show and a more wrestling-oriented program to really show the WWE what he can do. And as for Mark Henry...I wonder if he can still be called the Kool-Aid man if they put him in blue wrestling gear.
So after Rey beat Barrett, RAW gets two draft picks....
BIG SHOW and ALBERTO DEL RIO to RAW! Basically, Del Rio to RAW was not a surprise anyway, as he had been on RAW for some time now to get more exposure.
The main event really showed how different the roster is now, as compared to the last few months.
With ADR moving to RAW, Christian is actually in a good spot to win the World Heavyweight Title on Sunday. I hope he does...or he will get lost in the shuffle on Smackdown. Of course, I could also live with Christian turning heel in the future to make sure he stays in that main event status. The man has paid his dues and then some, and while some people say he may get the big belt now because of Edge's retirement, Christian still is widely respected and a great talent.
Ooh! Mark Henry heel turn! Maybe he's getting a push after all!
So RAW gets the last draft pick, and it's...JOHN CENA?! So basically, Cena stays put and now Orton can actually be the #1 face on Smackdown. It all worked out evenly in the end.
Average show this week at best.
Showing posts with label WWE Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WWE Draft. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 26, 2010
4/26/10 RAW (WWE Draft)
Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith vs. The Big Show & The Miz (Unified Tag Team Titles): **3/4
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Maryse & Eve Torres: *
CM Punk vs. Evan Bourne: *1/2
Battle Royal featuring Ted DiBiase, Santino Marella, MVP, Mark Henry, Yoshi Tatsu, Kane, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Drew McIntyre, & Shad Gaspard: *3/4
Chris Jericho vs. Christian: **3/4
Jack Swagger vs. John Morrison: **1/2
Hornswoggle vs. Dolph Ziggler: N/A
Batista vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton: **3/4
____________________
Draft Results:
Kelly Kelly drafted to Smackdown
The Big Show drafted to Smackdown
John Morrison drafted to RAW
R-Truth drafted to RAW
Edge drafted to RAW
Kofi Kingston drafted to Smackdown
Christian drafted to Smackdown
Chris Jericho drafted to RAW
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Maryse & Eve Torres: *
CM Punk vs. Evan Bourne: *1/2
Battle Royal featuring Ted DiBiase, Santino Marella, MVP, Mark Henry, Yoshi Tatsu, Kane, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Drew McIntyre, & Shad Gaspard: *3/4
Chris Jericho vs. Christian: **3/4
Jack Swagger vs. John Morrison: **1/2
Hornswoggle vs. Dolph Ziggler: N/A
Batista vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton: **3/4
____________________
Draft Results:
Kelly Kelly drafted to Smackdown
The Big Show drafted to Smackdown
John Morrison drafted to RAW
R-Truth drafted to RAW
Edge drafted to RAW
Kofi Kingston drafted to Smackdown
Christian drafted to Smackdown
Chris Jericho drafted to RAW
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thoughts on the WWE Draft
First, RAW received 15 superstars, Smackdown received 15 superstars, and ECW received 6 superstars. Based on who went where, it is obvious RAW won the draft, as the Supplemental Draft was mainly used to trade names that comprise the undercard or the jobbers. This way, RAW could get rid of a bunch of their jobbers to beef up the program. People like Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio were sent to Smackdown to keep some sort of balance between the programs - and of course to provide fresh storylines.
I like that they are keeping Cryme Tyme, the Colons, and the Bellas together for now. At least that is what appears to be the case. Morrison and Miz, on the other hand, will be fine on their own. Perhaps it is time for John Morrison, especially, to live up to people's expectations of being the next Shawn Michaels.
Speaking of HBK, it appears his knees are in very bad shape and he will need to take on a more reduced schedule from now on (until he retires). Quite frankly, I am fine with this. Mr. WrestleMania has given us so many memories over the years, he doesn't have to do any more for this company. And I still hope to God that Dave Meltzer gives Taker/HBK from WrestleMania XXV the full five stars. It's been way too long since WWE has had a five-star rating. Of course, Taker/HBK from the first Hell in a Cell in 1997 was the last five-star match. Surprisingly, I didn't give it the full five.
ECW gets the shaft again, with Kozlov (not the best worker in the world) the best known of the bunch, at least to how WWE is currently using that bunch of talent. It is unknown to me as to whether Helms will actually make an impact or be fed to guys like Mark Henry and Kozlov. Same goes for DH Smith, who has not appeared on TV in a very long time. Natalya will likely just take on more of a valet role with Tyson Kidd. It's a shame...Natalya is one of the few Divas on the roster with formal training. This is how the WWE repays the Harts?
So much for Alicia Fox remaining with DJ Gabriel. Does this allow Gabriel to turn full-on heel, you think? Or will this signal the end of DJ?
I have read rumors of Chris Jericho going to Smackdown so he can feud with the Undertaker. This should be quite the feud.
The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson are finally splitting due to the draft. Kendrick, to my knowledge, is still in the WWE doghouse, which shows why his push from last year has been all but thrown into reverse. On the other hand, Big Zeke looks like he could become a big-time star on ECW. He has the size, but he needs to prove to me that his mic skills and in-ring skills can also do the job.
The Divas are being shaken up in a big way, and I like it. Maryse on RAW will get the Divas title more air time. Vince is high up on Maryse, so this should be good for the Divas belt. Notice that the Bellas have also moved to RAW collectively. Is this just so they can remain with the Colons? Will they form a formidable team to go after the Divas title? Or will they just be on TV as eye candy and then break up down the road? It just might be a combination of the first and last ideas.
To me, Smackdown did win with respect to gaining the Women's Title. They get a great talent in Melina, and now Alicia Fox, Candice Michelle, and Layla might get into the mix. Note that Alicia and Layla were likely thrown to Smackdown also because their in-ring abilities are not up to par and WWE can do some major editing (remember, RAW is a live show with no edits). A Melina/McCool rivalry seems to be the best bet here. Throw the belt on McCool, and she will have all sorts of challengers, including Gail Kim. There actually might be a reason to watch Divas matches now!
Of course, Smackdown gets Rey Mysterio, and it was no surprise. Rey never wanted to leave Smackdown in the first place due to the strong Hispanic demographic that the show has. Now that Rey is back on Friday nights with the IC title, maybe I can see a feud with Shelton Benjamin on the horizon.
It will be interesting to see how Miz does on his own. Miz turning on Morrison just after finding out about the draft move seems to at least spark interest that Miz will be a more aggressive heel character. But will he end up just being fed to the big-name stars?
One more name drafted to RAW that really intrigues me is Festus. WWE has now officially split up Jesse and Festus. While it seems clear to me that Jesse will just disappear fromTV now (or become a jobber), Festus may have a chance. If they give Festus a push, it makes me wonder if he will have the same gimmick (ring the bell and he goes nuts, ring it again and he becomes a lazy defenseless person), or if WWE will repackage him?
Expect Matt Hardy to become a major superstar and establish himself as a top heel on RAW. Maybe not in the short term, but perhaps later down the road.
Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder are officially split apart. Not that it mattered, because after their alliance with Edge faded, they were basically thrown into jobber roles - if even on TV at all. Theoretically, it could be a chance for Ryder to do something, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Finally, Vladimir Kozlov is another name to throw into the mix of people who could claim the ECW Title. However, Swagger seems to be doing pretty good, and I wish WWE would go ahead and put the belt on Christian already. Enough dragging this Elimination Chase for the ECW Title. I seriously don't see how Vince McMahon can be so negative on Christian's abilities when "Captain Charisma" has proven otherwise.
I like that they are keeping Cryme Tyme, the Colons, and the Bellas together for now. At least that is what appears to be the case. Morrison and Miz, on the other hand, will be fine on their own. Perhaps it is time for John Morrison, especially, to live up to people's expectations of being the next Shawn Michaels.
Speaking of HBK, it appears his knees are in very bad shape and he will need to take on a more reduced schedule from now on (until he retires). Quite frankly, I am fine with this. Mr. WrestleMania has given us so many memories over the years, he doesn't have to do any more for this company. And I still hope to God that Dave Meltzer gives Taker/HBK from WrestleMania XXV the full five stars. It's been way too long since WWE has had a five-star rating. Of course, Taker/HBK from the first Hell in a Cell in 1997 was the last five-star match. Surprisingly, I didn't give it the full five.
ECW gets the shaft again, with Kozlov (not the best worker in the world) the best known of the bunch, at least to how WWE is currently using that bunch of talent. It is unknown to me as to whether Helms will actually make an impact or be fed to guys like Mark Henry and Kozlov. Same goes for DH Smith, who has not appeared on TV in a very long time. Natalya will likely just take on more of a valet role with Tyson Kidd. It's a shame...Natalya is one of the few Divas on the roster with formal training. This is how the WWE repays the Harts?
So much for Alicia Fox remaining with DJ Gabriel. Does this allow Gabriel to turn full-on heel, you think? Or will this signal the end of DJ?
I have read rumors of Chris Jericho going to Smackdown so he can feud with the Undertaker. This should be quite the feud.
The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson are finally splitting due to the draft. Kendrick, to my knowledge, is still in the WWE doghouse, which shows why his push from last year has been all but thrown into reverse. On the other hand, Big Zeke looks like he could become a big-time star on ECW. He has the size, but he needs to prove to me that his mic skills and in-ring skills can also do the job.
The Divas are being shaken up in a big way, and I like it. Maryse on RAW will get the Divas title more air time. Vince is high up on Maryse, so this should be good for the Divas belt. Notice that the Bellas have also moved to RAW collectively. Is this just so they can remain with the Colons? Will they form a formidable team to go after the Divas title? Or will they just be on TV as eye candy and then break up down the road? It just might be a combination of the first and last ideas.
To me, Smackdown did win with respect to gaining the Women's Title. They get a great talent in Melina, and now Alicia Fox, Candice Michelle, and Layla might get into the mix. Note that Alicia and Layla were likely thrown to Smackdown also because their in-ring abilities are not up to par and WWE can do some major editing (remember, RAW is a live show with no edits). A Melina/McCool rivalry seems to be the best bet here. Throw the belt on McCool, and she will have all sorts of challengers, including Gail Kim. There actually might be a reason to watch Divas matches now!
Of course, Smackdown gets Rey Mysterio, and it was no surprise. Rey never wanted to leave Smackdown in the first place due to the strong Hispanic demographic that the show has. Now that Rey is back on Friday nights with the IC title, maybe I can see a feud with Shelton Benjamin on the horizon.
It will be interesting to see how Miz does on his own. Miz turning on Morrison just after finding out about the draft move seems to at least spark interest that Miz will be a more aggressive heel character. But will he end up just being fed to the big-name stars?
One more name drafted to RAW that really intrigues me is Festus. WWE has now officially split up Jesse and Festus. While it seems clear to me that Jesse will just disappear fromTV now (or become a jobber), Festus may have a chance. If they give Festus a push, it makes me wonder if he will have the same gimmick (ring the bell and he goes nuts, ring it again and he becomes a lazy defenseless person), or if WWE will repackage him?
Expect Matt Hardy to become a major superstar and establish himself as a top heel on RAW. Maybe not in the short term, but perhaps later down the road.
Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder are officially split apart. Not that it mattered, because after their alliance with Edge faded, they were basically thrown into jobber roles - if even on TV at all. Theoretically, it could be a chance for Ryder to do something, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Finally, Vladimir Kozlov is another name to throw into the mix of people who could claim the ECW Title. However, Swagger seems to be doing pretty good, and I wish WWE would go ahead and put the belt on Christian already. Enough dragging this Elimination Chase for the ECW Title. I seriously don't see how Vince McMahon can be so negative on Christian's abilities when "Captain Charisma" has proven otherwise.
4/15/09 WWE Draft
There were 36 trades in all, including today's Supplemental Draft. The following list includes the 12 names that were drafted on Monday's RAW broadcast, and the 24 names that were drafted today.
RAW Draft Picks:
MVP (from Smackdown)
Big Show (from Smackdown)
Matt Hardy (from Smackdown)
Triple H (from Smackdown)
Miz (from ECW)
Maryse (from Smackdown)
Mr. Kennedy (from Smackdown)
Primo (from Smackdown)
Nikki Bella (from Smackdown)
Chavo Guerrero (from Smackdown)
Hornswoggle (from ECW)
Carlito (from Smackdown)
Festus (from Smackdown)
The Brian Kendrick (from Smackdown)
Brie Bella (from Smackdown)
Smackdown Draft Picks:
Melina (from RAW)
CM Punk (from RAW)
Kane (from RAW)
Chris Jericho (from RAW)
Rey Mysterio (from RAW)
Shad Gaspard (from RAW)
Alicia Fox (from ECW)
Mike Knox (from RAW)
Candice Michelle (from RAW)
Ricky Ortiz (from ECW)
Layla (from RAW)
John Morrison (from ECW)
JTG (from RAW)
Dolph Ziggler (from RAW)
Charlie Haas (from RAW)
ECW Draft Picks:
Vladimir Kozlov (from Smackdown)
Ezekiel Jackson (from Smackdown)
Zack Ryder (from Smackdown)
DH Smith (from Smackdown)
Natalya (from Smackdown)
Hurricane Helms (from Smackdown)
RAW Draft Picks:
MVP (from Smackdown)
Big Show (from Smackdown)
Matt Hardy (from Smackdown)
Triple H (from Smackdown)
Miz (from ECW)
Maryse (from Smackdown)
Mr. Kennedy (from Smackdown)
Primo (from Smackdown)
Nikki Bella (from Smackdown)
Chavo Guerrero (from Smackdown)
Hornswoggle (from ECW)
Carlito (from Smackdown)
Festus (from Smackdown)
The Brian Kendrick (from Smackdown)
Brie Bella (from Smackdown)
Smackdown Draft Picks:
Melina (from RAW)
CM Punk (from RAW)
Kane (from RAW)
Chris Jericho (from RAW)
Rey Mysterio (from RAW)
Shad Gaspard (from RAW)
Alicia Fox (from ECW)
Mike Knox (from RAW)
Candice Michelle (from RAW)
Ricky Ortiz (from ECW)
Layla (from RAW)
John Morrison (from ECW)
JTG (from RAW)
Dolph Ziggler (from RAW)
Charlie Haas (from RAW)
ECW Draft Picks:
Vladimir Kozlov (from Smackdown)
Ezekiel Jackson (from Smackdown)
Zack Ryder (from Smackdown)
DH Smith (from Smackdown)
Natalya (from Smackdown)
Hurricane Helms (from Smackdown)
Monday, April 13, 2009
4/13/09 RAW (WWE Draft)
Rey Mysterio vs. Evan Bourne: *1/2
Kane vs. The Brian Kendrick: DUD
Maryse, Natalya, & Michelle McCool vs. Melina, Kelly Kelly, & Mickie James: -1/2*
John Cena vs. Jack Swagger: *3/4
The Great Khali vs. Santino Marella: -*
Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz: *1/4
15-Man Tri-Branded Battle Royal: 1/2*
Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin: *3/4
Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk: *1/4
Chris Jericho vs. Tommy Dreamer: *1/2
Triple H, Shane McMahon, & Batista vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase: *1/2
__________________________
RAW Draft Picks:
MVP (from Smackdown)
Big Show (from Smackdown)
Matt Hardy (from Smackdown)
Triple H (from Smackdown)
Miz (from ECW)
Maryse (from Smackdown)
Smackdown Draft Picks:
Melina (from RAW)
CM Punk (from RAW)
Kane (from RAW)
Chris Jericho (from RAW)
Rey Mysterio (from RAW)
ECW Draft Picks:
Vladimir Kozlov (from Smackdown)
Kane vs. The Brian Kendrick: DUD
Maryse, Natalya, & Michelle McCool vs. Melina, Kelly Kelly, & Mickie James: -1/2*
John Cena vs. Jack Swagger: *3/4
The Great Khali vs. Santino Marella: -*
Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz: *1/4
15-Man Tri-Branded Battle Royal: 1/2*
Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin: *3/4
Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk: *1/4
Chris Jericho vs. Tommy Dreamer: *1/2
Triple H, Shane McMahon, & Batista vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase: *1/2
__________________________
RAW Draft Picks:
MVP (from Smackdown)
Big Show (from Smackdown)
Matt Hardy (from Smackdown)
Triple H (from Smackdown)
Miz (from ECW)
Maryse (from Smackdown)
Smackdown Draft Picks:
Melina (from RAW)
CM Punk (from RAW)
Kane (from RAW)
Chris Jericho (from RAW)
Rey Mysterio (from RAW)
ECW Draft Picks:
Vladimir Kozlov (from Smackdown)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)