5/6/11 Smackdown

Ratings:
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan: **

Ezekiel Jackson vs. The Big Show: *

Layla vs. Alicia Fox: N/A

Sin Cara vs. Tyson Kidd: *1/2

Randy Orton vs. Christian (World Heavyweight Title): ***1/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Mark Henry challenging Christian is a nice boost to Henry's career, and I guess I could believe that. But Khali?! Really?! I would cringe if Khali contending for the title again actually becomes reality. I wish Khali never became World Heavyweight Champion...seriously.

Orton is sporting a bit of facial hair tonight. He's also growing his hair out a little instead of sporting a shaved head. I think this new look could be good for him -- especially if he turns heel (see below).

Jinder Mahal is an intriguing character. I'm certainly interested in how WWE will use him in the storyline with Ranjin Singh and Khali. I definitely see Singh caught in the middle of a power struggle. Mahal may use a lot of persuasion and mind games, perhaps getting Singh to join him and leave Khali. It may be an acceptable feud for Mahal to get introduced to WWE fans, we'll see.

Good six-minute match between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan. A nice flow to the match, with lots of action and impactful moves.

Good promo from Cody Rhodes. WWE might try to keep the feud going between Rhodes and Mysterio. I know I want WWE to continue the feud, anyway.

Not a bad match between Ezekiel Jackson and the Big Show. Obviously it was going to be a power match. Zeke made a big statement with his showing.

Layla has inherited Michelle McCool's entrance theme (complete with new titantron)! Well, at least for now perhaps. Not sure if Layla will keep the entrance theme or just get new music later. In any event, Michael Cole, the heel commentator that he is, blames Layla for McCool leaving WWE.

The divas match was just real short, so I'm not rating it.

Kharma came out again for destruction. I did like Michael Cole's description of the divas' reactions to Kharma: almost as if Kharma hypnotizes the ladies into fear. And of course, Alicia Fox should have been a blonde because she made a very egregious move in trying to assault Kharma. Unfortunately, Alicia Fox suffered a legit right shoulder injury in the assault due to Kharma's stiff clothesline (you could see Alicia landing hard on her shoulder). Hopefully that won't affect Kharma's standing in the company too much. Kharma has to learn to work "WWE style" now. Triple H was the one who brought Kharma in, and he's probably pretty nervous about this acquisition -- and probably nervous with Sin Cara as well. The "One more time!" chants from the crowd...I liked that. It shows Kharma's buildup is working very well.

And the Corre has disintegrated again. Why excommunicate an imposing figure like Ezekiel Jackson? Oh, that's right, WWE doesn't care much for stables anymore.

Oh, and speaking of Sin Cara, another nice showing, this time against Tyson Kidd. Unfortunately, it was just too short to get a real high rating.

I found it interesting Chavo Guerrero came out for commentary. We may have a feud in the future between Sin Cara and Chavo. I still have no clue why Sin Cara's entrance lighting stays the way it does during the actual match. Chavo is right in one respect...Sin Cara is one-dimensional right now. I think Sin Cara is too much a high-flyer and risk-taker. Sin Cara is a spot monkey right now.

Christian dropping the title this early? WTF? OK, I know this was meant to be a fairy tale-like ending for Christian -- especially with Edge's retirement -- but to only let him have a two-day reign (Smackdown is taped on Tuesdays) is bloody ridiculous. Perhaps Christian's reign was doomed from the start when he cut the sappy promo at the beginning of the show.

Maybe Orton is meant to turn heel on Smackdown? He was complaining to the ref a little more than usual in the title match. Ever since I got the "no more Mr. Nice Guy" talk from Orton a few months back, I've been theorizing (probably along with many others) that a slow heel turn is imminent. Also, an Orton heel turn allows Christian to stay as a main eventer.

Or could Christian be the one turning heel? He cut a sappy promo at the beginning of the show. Then, Orton celebrated with the title and left the ring early, leaving WWE to cut to Christian's stunned reaction. WWE continued to show Christian as he walked up the entrance ramp to the back. R-Truth did something similar in his heel turn, although R-Truth's turn was more immediate (attacking Morrison right after the match) and involved more bad-guy factors (smoking and taking heelish breaks). Regardless, one of Orton or Christian is probably turning heel. Orton's new look may cut against a Christian heel turn occurring, but I can't ignore the dejected Christian reaction that was played on TV. We'll see what happens.

5/5/11 Impact

Ratings:
Sangriento vs. Suicide: *1/2

AJ Styles & Daniels vs. Bully Ray & Gunner: *

Rob Terry vs. Murphy: 1/2*

Mickie James vs. Miss Tessmacher (Knockouts Title): -1/4*

Kurt Angle & Velvet Sky vs. Jeff Jarrett, Angelina Love, & Winter: *3/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Excellent promo from Robert Roode at the beginning of the show.

Two masked wrestlers now. Sangriento (actually, he's Amazing Red with a mask) is basically TNA's answer to WWE signing Sin Cara. Not a bad match here, but the crowd was only mildly into it. The match was pretty much an attempt at a spotfest anyway.

Frankly, TNA (or should I just call it Impact now?) should have kept the high-flying X-Division stuff front and center from the start instead of trying to sign all these veterans that may have worked for WWE in the past. TNA needed to showcase something different from the WWE style, not copy them. Even if TNA wants to be the TV-14 "Attitude" programming while WWE goes PG, that by itself is not even close to enough. TNA needs to go back to the way they debuted on PPV nine years ago. Perhaps the exception would be for guys like Kurt Angle, Jeff Jarrett, etc.

The Mexican America promo was OK, I guess. The best part of the promo was telling the Spanish announce team to being their own tequila. Fine, so Ink, Inc. comes out and helps the Spanish announce team. But wait a second, wasn't there supposed to be tension between Shannon Moore and Jesse Neal?! Heck, they even played the heels at the TNA house show I went to in March. Oh, that's right, TNA is like WWE...we're apparently not supposed to remember continuity.

Christy Hemme is not bad as an announcer. Borash is good. I still miss David Penzer, though.

The next couple matches were just not good. The Knockouts match was atrocious.

Main event was OK for what it was.

5/5/11 Superstars

Ratings:
Trent Barreta vs. Jey Uso: **3/4

Beth Phoenix vs. Melina: *1/2

Evan Bourne vs. Zack Ryder: **1/2
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Another good episode of Superstars. A great, competitive match between Barreta and Uso...really liked it. A physical, decent divas match followed. Main event was great as well. Keep it up, WWE!

5/3/11 NXT

Ratings:

Chavo Guerrero vs. Darren Young: *1/2

Lucky Cannon vs. Conor O'Brian: 1/2*

William Regal vs. JTG: 3/4*

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Statistics:

Here are the official NXT rookie's records as of 5/3/11:

Titus O'Neil: 6-0

Lucky Cannon: 5-3

Conor O'Brian: 3-3

Jacob Novak: 2-4

Darren Young: 2-6

Byron Saxton: 1-5

WWE Redemption Points:

Titus O'Neil: 13 (Talk the Talk; Keg Carry; Arm Wrestling, Power of the Punch)

Darren Young: 7 (Obstacle Course; Battle of the Mic)

Jacob Novak: 6 (Pull Through; Know Your Pro)

Byron Saxton: 4 (Trivia)

Conor O'Brian: 0

Lucky Cannon: 0

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Reviews/Thoughts:

I never thought I'd see the day where Hornswoggle would root Chavo on and even help him win.

Vladimir/Conor O'Brian board breaking segment was entertaining.

I forgot Lucky Cannon was actually competing in NXT because he keeps running his mouth and not doing challenges. His match sucked.

Maryse not at NXT tonight because Kharma basically "killed her dead" last night on RAW. Good job to build up the dominance of Kharma.

Jacob Novak looks silly now trying to be like JTG. But hey, at least he stands out while doing so.

John Morrison will be on Tough Enough next week. I'm sure they will let Morrison talk about how he was a past TE champ and the dues he paid.

No challenges this week. Woohoo! I prefer watching Rock's segments on RAW anyway. The video package on the Rock was awesome.

5/2/11 RAW

Ratings:
R-Truth vs. John Morrison: N/A

Kelly Kelly vs. Maryse: N/A

John Cena vs. The Miz (WWE Title): **3/4

Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger & Drew McIntyre: **

Kane vs. Mason Ryan: N/A
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Reviews/Thoughts:
So this episode was pretty much a patriotic episode of RAW. The decision was made after President Obama announced the killing of Osama bin Laden yesterday. John Cena had also announced bin Laden's death after Extreme Rules went off the air -- and that clip was shown on RAW tonight.

I thought it was great they brought Lilian Garcia back for the night to sing the National Anthem. She is such an amazing singer.

Rock with an awesome promo as always. Cole with the cheap heat putting on a Boston Celtics jersey (the Miami Heat are facing the Celtics in the NBA playoffs right now). Rock with Rock Bottom to Cole! People's Elbow! Flashing the "U" sign for the University of Miami! Vintage Rock!

Good pre-match beatdown by R-Truth on John Morrison. Build up the heel heat for R-Truth. Really establish him more as the "bad guy" in all this.

Divas bout was all about Kharma interfering to wreak havoc again. I'm all for it. Go Kharma! The beginning of Kharma's music reminds me of the Boogeyman.

Wow. Seeing Khali in an oversized fairy outfit is something I will never get out of my mind. And of course, cue Ron Simmons!

Yeah, pretty obvious Cena was retaining...WWE decided to go with the referee-reversal move this time -- probably to inflict more tension between Miz and Riley.

Woohoo! Rock and...Mae Young?! And nice...epic showdown between Cena and Rock backstage.

I won't rate the match between Kane and Mason Ryan. I will say, though, good job on making Ryan look good. And I'm sure WWE made him grow out his hair so there aren't as many "Batista" references.

And yay for Vince coming out.

5/2/11 Tough Enough

Reviews/Thoughts:
Obstacle Course time...looked extremely grueling. If it was giving people like Luke problems, I shudder to think what it would do to me. Kudos to the ladies for doing the course too.

Yeah! Rey Mysterio makes a guest appearance! One of my all-time favorite performers. He's undersized, but man, he more than makes up for it with his high-flying style. Even if he's been more grounded in recent years, he never ceases to amaze me.

Challenge in the ring...run ropes, do leapfrogs, etc. Ivelisse and Christina collided pretty good, with Ivelisse getting a bunch of Christina's crotch on the leapfrog. Good move by Trish to meet with both of them and tell them stuff like that happens.

John Salley makes an appearance! Awesome. Teaching the contestants about teamwork. It's time to play basketball! Contestants got their asses kicked.

Skills Challenge...Three's a Crowd! Martin did very well in his threesome. Christina and Ivelisse did not fare so hot, so AJ basically won that one by default. Ryan did pretty well in his group, better than Luke. Final group...Martin wins!

Bottom three: Christina, Ryan, and...Luke?! Really? Ryan is out for being in the bottom three for the third time. Three strikes and you're out.

5/1/11 Extreme Rules

Ratings/Analysis:
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk (Last Man Standing): New Nexus banned from ringside again and Punk is pissed. I'm actually feeling sorry for Punk at this point.. Nice use of weapons in this one (kendo stick is one of my favorite weapons to see used). I'm disappointed this feud was really so one-sided. The feud could have been so much better. At least the match was very good, and a very nice ending. ***1/2


Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus (Tables; U.S. Title): Good match for what it was. Nothing really special though, although the final spot was cool. Kofi's champ again...how many times does Kofi Kingston have to win midcard singles gold before hitting the big time? **


Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross vs. Jack Swagger & Michael Cole (Country Whipping Match): The storyline is great for Cole, who gets to be an ass on both RAW and Smackdown. I still hope that the feud ends in the next month or so, though. Cole wrapping himself in bubble wrap was just funny. That was the worst-looking schoolboy rollup I've seen from two male performers. Granted, they're announcers, but still. This gets points for the crowd reaction anyway. 3/4*


Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes (Falls Count Anywhere): This match was pretty good. It lived up to its Falls Count Anywhere name by going into the crowd. Rey and Cody fought in the concession stands -- and even used some of their signature moves there. The crowd was into it. Wow, Rey used mist? Not sure if that was green or anything, as Booker and Josh stated on commentary, but I liked it. In the end, sure, it coulda been better. Not sure where the feud goes from here, now that Rey goes to RAW. ***


Layla vs. Michelle McCool (No DQ, No Countout; Loser Leaves WWE): It had already been brewing for at least the last couple of days that Michelle was leaving the company. I did like McCool's work in WWE, and this may be the perfect time for a new heel diva (Kharma, anyone?) to showcase some dominance. I thought it was a decent showing here. Not a lot of time, but it was physical from the start. Virtually all signature moves were hit. Loved the end. *1/2

Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio (Ladder; World Heavyweight Title): Good crowd reaction early with the "Let's go Christian!" chants. Great agility from both men. Nice innovation with the stepladder as well. Christian using the spear got a real nice pop. ADR really landed weird when trying to hit a top-rope move on Christian (when Christian was lying down on the ladder). I thought WWE did an outstanding job of utilizing Ricardo Rodriguez and Brodus Clay in the match to extend the match a little longer. And Edge at the end...priceless. ****

The Big Show & Kane vs. Wade Barrett & Ezekiel Jackson (Lumberjack; Tag Team Titles): I guess this was just a filler match so that we could get more WWE Superstars on the show and so people could really breathe again after the nice ladder match we just got. Average match. *

John Cena vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison (Cage; WWE Title): Nice action at the start. Good timing with Miz hitting the Skull-Crushing Finale on Cena and Morrison trying to escape the cage. Scary moment on the superplex...Miz pretty much landed on his neck. Cena did a monkey flip to Morrison? Liked the Morrison Starship Pain from the top of the cage. R-Truth interference was obviously gonna happen. Cena and Miz fight on cage again. Good finish, although a side of me still wished Morrison could have broken that last pin up (of course, that wasn't happening to sell the R-Truth beatdown). ***1/2
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Final Reviews/Thoughts:
With Orton going to Smackdown and Punk staying on RAW, this will be the end of this feud. I've been reading the last week or so on how Punk has been unhappy with his role in the company (and apparently having Beth Phoenix drafted to RAW was seen by many as a way to keep Punk happy for now).


Tables match was fine and the Country Whipping Match was pretty much a bathroom break unless you're one of the people that really wanted to see Michael Cole get beat up a little.

Regarding Rey/Cody, I've enjoyed this feud because the storyline has boosted Cody's career. If Cody is to be a future main eventer, I prefer the Cody Rhodes now -- with the dark side to him -- than the Dashing one.

Divas match was good for what it was. But the real story...KHARMA DEBUTS! Woohoo! Perfect debut here to take McCool out with the Implant Buster. She made a big impact, all right. Great shot of the divas' shocked/concerned faces in the back.

With Alberto Del Rio going to RAW, it appears WWE is finally allowing Christian to have a run with the World Heavyweight title (no real point in having both big belts on the RAW brand). It's a great feel-good story for Edge and Christian fans as well. While some may see Christian winning because of Edge's retirement, I'll say it again...Christian has paid his dues in the company. He deserves this. Having Edge there and seeing the two embrace...a Kodak moment for sure.

Well, Morrison was not winning due to his storyline with R-Truth, and it was even more obvious Cena was winning when the announcers kept saying it could be Cena's last chance. But hey, it's always nice to have Morrison in matches where he can be a spot monkey. Cena winning? Yeah, that's old hat.

I really liked R-Truth's performance here. He established himself further as a heel, getting the backing of Michael Cole in the process, and R-Truth also got shots in on Cena. R-Truth looked very strong here.

I thought it was a very decent PPV, with multiple strong, PPV-quality matches. ***1/2