Ratings:
Gunner vs. Kazarian: *1/4
Winter & Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James & Velvet Sky: *
Crimson vs. Samoa Joe: *1/2
Bobby Roode vs. James Storm: ***1/2
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Reviews/Thoughts:
In Knoxville tonight. They got killer BBQ there, and I'd be going to every damn BBQ joint they got.
Oh, a Beer Money promo this time! You mean the faces (other than the likes of Sting and Anderson) get to open the show with mic time? No way! Tonight, Roode and Storm go one on one, and RR wants everything Storm has. I'd pay good money to see those two wrestle for 20-30 minutes.
They replayed Hogan's arrival from January 4, 2010. So he's been in TNA almost two years and Impact went next to nowhere in the grand scheme of things. Ratings still suck, the bookings are as confusing as ever, and I'm still not sold that TNA will ever get to the point where they can be taken very seriously as a pro wrestling promotion.
Interesting armbar submission from Gunner. Pretty weak way to reverse the decision. I've seen post-match attacks lasting longer where the decision never got overturned. Lame. Kaz either sold a shoulder injury well or was legit hurt there.
Anderson promo to apologize to his fans and to call Bully Ray a douchebag. Cue Bully! Anderson wants one more match, and since BFG will be in Philly, Anderson wants a Philadelphia Falls Count Anywhere match.
Knockouts tag match. Interesting stuff to come out of this one. Madison gets the fluky win, while possible storyline stuff is in the works for Angelina and Winter.
Bischoff and Jeff Hardy in the ring. Bischoff basically calls Hardy the biggest screwup ever and says Hardy's done. But hey, a Twist of Fate before leaving! At least Hardy can get his 10-day jail sentence over with now.
Crimson and Joe have had a decent storyline going. Just straight-up physicality. Too abrupt a finish for me, though.
Yeah, I skipped through all that Roode/Angle video package stuff. Seen it already, and frankly, the whole Roode part of the video was too cheesy for me.
What's not cheesy is the Roode/Storm match. Complete with main event intros. Very exciting match here. Crowd was just about the loudest it was all night for any match. Lots of counters and extreme near falls. Ref bump leads to Angle coming out. Angle...throws Storm into the steps? I was with Tazz and thought Angle would rough up Roode instead. Nice false finish there. I was hoping for a real big finish, but it felt just a little flat. It sorta gets a pass here because the two were beaten to shreds. What I wish didn't happen was Angle coming out. Just can't give it four stars due to Angle's involvement.
I'm seeing Roode more as a main eventer with each passing week. Having a submission finisher is always great to have. Heck, people have two finishers (see John Cena). It's all versatility, folks.
Hogan's little "retirement" speech was all a ruse (of course), and Sting naturally had it all figured out. Hogan and Sting at BFG, and if Sting wins, Hogan gives the company back to Sting and Dixie! Frankly, not sure where to go on this one, but I do know this: the match will be ugly. Hogan's very limited in the ring.Two guys over 50 years old. Why couldn't these two take a damn backseat? Let guys like AJ, Roode, Storm, etc. all shine instead.
Friday, October 7, 2011
10/6/11 Superstars
Ratings:
Alex Riley vs. JTG: *1/2
Michael McGillicutty vs. Percy Watson: *1/4
AJ vs. Tamina: 1/2*
Ted DiBiase vs. Tyson Kidd: *3/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Hadn't seen A-Ry get a pop like that in, well, pretty much ever. And I like the theme he comes out to. Again, he's got great size, pretty ideal in my book. Oh, so A-Ry now has Edge's impaler DDT? Hopefully he gets a good push. Can't take anything away from JTG, he also showed me a few moves in this one. Scott Stanford needs to get a bit more excited when A-Ry hits his finisher. Then again, Stanford needs to get more amped up for the entire match.
McGillicutty gets his own entrance theme and generic music. Dammit, why can't he just have the Hennig name already? It worked for Cody Rhodes. Percy got a warm reception here. Respectable showing from Percy here.
Tamina has rock music now. Huh? Doesn't matter, she got no reaction anyway. I'd give her at least a version of that Usos theme. And why the hell did WWE break Tamina and the Usos apart? Geez. Too many rest holds in this one. I got bored. Neat finisher from AJ, but I'd want her to have a submission move instead.
Kidd and DiBiase had a good match. A few new moves from Ted in this one...a flying knee?! Not bad here, but I wish they got more time.
A replay of the RAW walkout ended the show.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
10/5/11 NXT
Ratings:
Derrick Bateman vs. Titus O'Neil: *
Yoshi Tatsu vs. JTG: *1/4
Daniel Bryan vs. Heath Slater: **1/4
Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *3/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
NXT has moved to Wednesdays now. For me, it didn't really matter much, but perhaps this was done to assure the show could be edited if necessary. From that standpoint, a good move, in my opinion.
Hawkins and Reks start off the show. Yeah, two more guys that had ZERO ties to NXT Season 5 when the season started. They sit on the top rope and didn't impress me at all on the mic. Whoopee, they referenced walking out on HHH on RAW the other day. Usos come out and do a generic face promo with cheap pops. Yeah, looks like we got great fashion sense here. Love the street clothes...not much of a suit guy, honestly.
And frankly, I facepalm at the lack of logic here. Reks said he liked walking out on HHH, yet he's back...in a WWE ring to compete. I guess it's because HHH is not there? Same goes for anyone else who was on NXT that participated in the walkout on RAW.
Oh, finally! Two NXT rookies get to fight one another! Titus and Derrick tonight! Maxine looked like she wore a damn green satin bedsheet around her body. Titus should be well at home, since Biloxi is still SEC country (college football reference). Not really a thrilling match here by any means.
Video package of the RAW walkout. I thought it was pretty well done. Hope this is used to elevate a ton of superstars instead of being all about HHH and Vince.
JTG and D-Young calling Yoshi Tatsu "Lucy Liu." Pretty much the only thing I got out of that segment. Oh, and Yoshi's makeup/face paint (Yoshi's sign of pride) got stolen. The deal with the "H8"...hope that's not construed as racist. Really walking that line there fella. In any event, I'm digging Yoshi's new look. He just needs new music.
Yoshi (sans face paint) facing JTG. D-Young taunts Yoshi and gets kicked in the head. So much for Darren. So Yoshi's got some of the hardest kicks in WWE...but man he's got some pretty nice chops as well. Average match here. Thought D-Young (who got up and stayed around ringside) would interfere at some point, but didn't.
Daniel Bryan and Heath Slater back on NXT. Love that they remember their WWE roots anyway. DB growing out the beard, but still a lukewarm pop at best. At least it's better than Slater, who got no reaction (aside from a few guys near the aisle). DB taking a page out of AJ Styles' book with the leapfrog-hurdle-dropkick sequence. Nice intensity in this one. DB shaking the ropes like Ultimate Warrior! I loved DB using the Regal Stretch with Regal on commentary.
Love the Usos entrance with the Siva Tau (or Manu Siva Tau). Reks is now the Dreadlock Demolition Man? Eh, it's OK, I guess. Some flashes of brilliance from all parties involved. Good finish, although the crowd (predictably) deflated at the end.
Derrick Bateman vs. Titus O'Neil: *
Yoshi Tatsu vs. JTG: *1/4
Daniel Bryan vs. Heath Slater: **1/4
Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso: *3/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
NXT has moved to Wednesdays now. For me, it didn't really matter much, but perhaps this was done to assure the show could be edited if necessary. From that standpoint, a good move, in my opinion.
Hawkins and Reks start off the show. Yeah, two more guys that had ZERO ties to NXT Season 5 when the season started. They sit on the top rope and didn't impress me at all on the mic. Whoopee, they referenced walking out on HHH on RAW the other day. Usos come out and do a generic face promo with cheap pops. Yeah, looks like we got great fashion sense here. Love the street clothes...not much of a suit guy, honestly.
And frankly, I facepalm at the lack of logic here. Reks said he liked walking out on HHH, yet he's back...in a WWE ring to compete. I guess it's because HHH is not there? Same goes for anyone else who was on NXT that participated in the walkout on RAW.
Oh, finally! Two NXT rookies get to fight one another! Titus and Derrick tonight! Maxine looked like she wore a damn green satin bedsheet around her body. Titus should be well at home, since Biloxi is still SEC country (college football reference). Not really a thrilling match here by any means.
Video package of the RAW walkout. I thought it was pretty well done. Hope this is used to elevate a ton of superstars instead of being all about HHH and Vince.
JTG and D-Young calling Yoshi Tatsu "Lucy Liu." Pretty much the only thing I got out of that segment. Oh, and Yoshi's makeup/face paint (Yoshi's sign of pride) got stolen. The deal with the "H8"...hope that's not construed as racist. Really walking that line there fella. In any event, I'm digging Yoshi's new look. He just needs new music.
Yoshi (sans face paint) facing JTG. D-Young taunts Yoshi and gets kicked in the head. So much for Darren. So Yoshi's got some of the hardest kicks in WWE...but man he's got some pretty nice chops as well. Average match here. Thought D-Young (who got up and stayed around ringside) would interfere at some point, but didn't.
Daniel Bryan and Heath Slater back on NXT. Love that they remember their WWE roots anyway. DB growing out the beard, but still a lukewarm pop at best. At least it's better than Slater, who got no reaction (aside from a few guys near the aisle). DB taking a page out of AJ Styles' book with the leapfrog-hurdle-dropkick sequence. Nice intensity in this one. DB shaking the ropes like Ultimate Warrior! I loved DB using the Regal Stretch with Regal on commentary.
Love the Usos entrance with the Siva Tau (or Manu Siva Tau). Reks is now the Dreadlock Demolition Man? Eh, it's OK, I guess. Some flashes of brilliance from all parties involved. Good finish, although the crowd (predictably) deflated at the end.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
10/3/11 RAW
Ratings:
Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre: *
Mark Henry vs. John Morrison: 1/4*
Kelly Kelly & Eve Torres vs. Beth Phoenix & Natalya: N/A
Santino Marella vs. Jinder Mahal: N/A
John Cena, CM Punk, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne, & Mason Ryan vs. Alberto Del Rio, Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes, & David Otunga: ***1/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Whoa, a match started the show off? Orton gets a nice reaction, while Drew gets a mere mention from Justin Roberts. McIntyre gets nuked on the outside of the ring. McIntyre gets offense in before succumbing. And how the heck has Michael Cole been in the company 15 years? Post-match, I liked Henry coming out for another melee with Orton.
Uh oh, Big Show coming back on Smackdown. Guess this means Henry will be watching out for that.
Poor Morrison. Another loss -- and then nuked post-match. Henry's kicking out of a bunch of finishers now. He's making a huge statement.
Rhodes, Ziggler, Otunga, Christian, Swagger, Vickie, and then Alberto Del Rio in the ring. They all want HHH ousted because he can't control the company. HHH comes out. 12-man tag tonight. The six guys in the ring against Kofi, Evan, Sheamus, CM Punk, and Cena. Wait, I think he forgot one guy.
Divas time. Again, Kelly and Eve vs. Beth and Natalya. I guess the divas division will pretty much be focused on these four for a while. You know, that was awesome if even to see Kelly go nuts. She reacted as if Beth killed her family or something. Holy crap.
Lauranaitis takes responsibility for Miz and Truth's actions last night. HHH smells a rat.
Jinder Mahal in the ring. Oh, Santino's back! JR: "Well, the closed captioning person just walked off the job." Ha! JR with an awesome line there. Match was too short for me to care.
Miz and R-Truth apologize via YouTube video, just saying they wanted to make a statement and get their jobs back.
Punk's wearing the ice cream bar shirt! Yes! Oh, by the way, the sixth man on the faces side that HHH forgot to mention was Mason Ryan. Ryan is huge, damn. This was a great match here. It got time, and the crowd was very loud in this one. Why Cole calls Ziggler's Rocker Dropper the "Zigzag" is beyond me. I thought the Zigzag was his jumping neckbreaker move. That was an excellent end sequence.
HHH holds his vote of confidence with all the superstars at the end. I liked Mike Chioda on the mic. He's not the center of attention and I didn't necessarily think he'd be good on the mic, but he was good. I like Lawler coming in at the end to be as objective as possible, but he does side with everyone else...no confidence. Interesting that people walked out in groups. Even the camera guys walked out. The last holdout...Jim Ross, the man HHH brought back. And he leaves as well. Does this pave the way for Lauranaitis to take over? It was a great end segment.
Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre: *
Mark Henry vs. John Morrison: 1/4*
Kelly Kelly & Eve Torres vs. Beth Phoenix & Natalya: N/A
Santino Marella vs. Jinder Mahal: N/A
John Cena, CM Punk, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne, & Mason Ryan vs. Alberto Del Rio, Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes, & David Otunga: ***1/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Whoa, a match started the show off? Orton gets a nice reaction, while Drew gets a mere mention from Justin Roberts. McIntyre gets nuked on the outside of the ring. McIntyre gets offense in before succumbing. And how the heck has Michael Cole been in the company 15 years? Post-match, I liked Henry coming out for another melee with Orton.
Uh oh, Big Show coming back on Smackdown. Guess this means Henry will be watching out for that.
Poor Morrison. Another loss -- and then nuked post-match. Henry's kicking out of a bunch of finishers now. He's making a huge statement.
Rhodes, Ziggler, Otunga, Christian, Swagger, Vickie, and then Alberto Del Rio in the ring. They all want HHH ousted because he can't control the company. HHH comes out. 12-man tag tonight. The six guys in the ring against Kofi, Evan, Sheamus, CM Punk, and Cena. Wait, I think he forgot one guy.
Divas time. Again, Kelly and Eve vs. Beth and Natalya. I guess the divas division will pretty much be focused on these four for a while. You know, that was awesome if even to see Kelly go nuts. She reacted as if Beth killed her family or something. Holy crap.
Lauranaitis takes responsibility for Miz and Truth's actions last night. HHH smells a rat.
Jinder Mahal in the ring. Oh, Santino's back! JR: "Well, the closed captioning person just walked off the job." Ha! JR with an awesome line there. Match was too short for me to care.
Miz and R-Truth apologize via YouTube video, just saying they wanted to make a statement and get their jobs back.
Punk's wearing the ice cream bar shirt! Yes! Oh, by the way, the sixth man on the faces side that HHH forgot to mention was Mason Ryan. Ryan is huge, damn. This was a great match here. It got time, and the crowd was very loud in this one. Why Cole calls Ziggler's Rocker Dropper the "Zigzag" is beyond me. I thought the Zigzag was his jumping neckbreaker move. That was an excellent end sequence.
HHH holds his vote of confidence with all the superstars at the end. I liked Mike Chioda on the mic. He's not the center of attention and I didn't necessarily think he'd be good on the mic, but he was good. I like Lawler coming in at the end to be as objective as possible, but he does side with everyone else...no confidence. Interesting that people walked out in groups. Even the camera guys walked out. The last holdout...Jim Ross, the man HHH brought back. And he leaves as well. Does this pave the way for Lauranaitis to take over? It was a great end segment.
Monday, October 3, 2011
10/2/11 Hell in a Cell
Ratings/Analysis:
Sheamus vs. Christian: Christian felt Sheamus had cost him a chance to win the World Title, so Christian cost Sheamus the IC title twice in five days in retaliation. Miz and R-Truth have tickets and get ringside seats. Lauranaitis comes out and basically boots them out of the arena. Conspiracy continues! Match now underway. Good mat wrestling to start, which should mean they get time to do their thing. Christian really has a good slap. Vintage Sheamus with the clubbing chest shots while Christian is in the ropes. Christian tries for an aerial move, but Sheamus catches him for a fallaway slam. Christian gets the upper hand on the outside. Second-rope forearm shot by Christian. Sleeper countered by Sheamus. Christian on offense but Sheamus keeps coming back. Sheamus cathces Christian off the ropes with a tilt-a-whirl for two. Killswitch blocked. Christian tries for his sunset flip but Sheamus hits the Irish Curse for two. Celtic Cross countered. Christian to top, but he gets caught. Christian tries for Killswitch again, Sheamus counters. Sheamus skins the cat and gets to the top, then hits his shoulder tackle. Impressive there. Brogue Kick attempt, Christian backs away and tosses Sheamus to the outside. He catches Christian with a shoulder to the gut. Christian tries again witha baseball slide but gets caught. Spear by Christian outside the ring! Sheamus gets back in the ring somehow...spear again! Only two! Christian frustrated. He goes to the top, misses the headbutt! Celtic Cross attempt countered, Killswitch...countered! Brogue Kick hit! Sheamus gets the three! ***1/4
Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara: This should actually be fun, unlike Taker/Taker from the 90s. Mistico is out first to the usual Sin Cara music. Hunico (Sin Cara #2) comes out to a little different music and a black outfit. Both do the trampoline somersault entrance. Sin Cara lights for the match...why am I not surprised? At least these two know each other's styles well. Lucha style at the start, as Mistico gets the upper hand first. Test of strength, Hunico gets the upper hand. Good bridging from Mistico. Flying head scissors from both Sin Caras. Crowd with a warm applause. Mistico with a neat springboard arm drag. Hunico to the outside. Mistico with a tope con hilo to the outside. Mistico with a baseball slide. Asai moonsault, but no one home. Hunico takes control now. Hunico with a senton to Mistico for two. Mistico to outside, Hunico flies (kinda like Taker at WrestleMania) onto Mistico. Hunico with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Double KO spot. Mistico kicks. Hurricanrana sends Hunico to the outside. Mistico off the top flies onto Hunico. Couple of near falls for both guys in the ring. Hunico to top but gets caught, Mistico arm drag from the top! Kick by Mistico, then goes for senton but misses. Mistico rolls through. Nice sunset flip countered into a powerbomb by Mistico for three! Real cool lucha stuff, but the crowd was mostly dead, sorry. *3/4
Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger (Tag Team Titles): Vickie introduces Ziggler and Swagger. I laughed when JR commented that his glass just broke when Vickie was on the mic. Air Boom wearing blue tonight. Good offense from the faces at the start. Heels get the upper hand and work on Bourne. Bourne tags Kingston who tries to come off the ropes but Swagger low bridges Kingston out of the ring. Ziggler gets Kingston back in the ring and covers for two. Heels working on Kingston now. Good isolation of Kofi here. Vickie continues her animated managing outside the ring. Bourne gets the hot tag and flies big time. Ziggler tries a rocker dropper but Bourne counters. Standing moonsault onto Ziggler for two. Swagger is in, ankle lock on Bourne but Kofi flies in to break that up. Zigzag (or a variation of it anyway) on Kofi. bourne rolls up Ziggler for two. Hard lariat by Ziggler. Swagger tagged in and he sits on the top rope. Ziggler places Bourne on Swagger...powerbomb? Hurricanrana by Bourne! Kofi takes out Ziggler and Bourne gets the three! Vickie is pissed. **1/4
Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton (Hell in a Cell; World Heavyweight Title): Henry out first, then Orton. Main event intros from Chimel. Orton right on Henry as the bell rings. Henry goes into the cell. Henry does get the upper hand and rams Orton's back into the post and the cell. Huge running powerslam from Henry for two. Man, that looked painful. Orton to the outside, and Henry continues the punishment. Powerslam again on the floor. Henry tries to throw the steel steps into Orton, but misses. Orton trying to fight back, but Henry rams Orton's head into the cell again. Henry splashes Orton in the ring for two. Henry now working on Orton's spine. Henry standing on Orton's chest...big time ow. Orton tries to fight back again, but Henry just tosses Orton to the outside. World's Strongest Slam to steps? Nope...countered! Orton hanging on the cell to kick Henry! DDT to Henry on the steps! Thesz Press to Henry! Dropkick to Henry. Hangman's DDT from Orton! Crowd into it now. Signaling for RKO! He hits it! ONLY TWO?! Orton trying to figure out what to do next. Punt time! Henry catches Orton! World's Strongest Slam for three! Not bad, but this is pretty much the best I think most people will get out of Mark Henry in a match. **3/4
The cell is raised. Uh oh. Henry's not done. Chair put on Orton's leg! Vader bomb attempt, but Orton moves the leg out of the way. Two chair shots to Henry! More chair shots on the ramp! Orton's going mad again. Henry gets away.
Cody Rhodes brings back the classic IC title! That was just awesome. Lauranaitis comes out and says Cody is defending the title tonight, and of course, Cole is livid.
Cody Rhodes vs. John Morrison (IC Title): Rhodes is still in his suit. Guess he's gotta take off the jacket and wrestle. Morrison gets the upper hand early. They get to the outside. Morrison takes off Cody's shirt and continues the punishment on Rhodes. Rhodes first tries to get counted out by walking away, but Morrison brings him back to ringside. Rhodes then hangs onto the ringpost on the outside to get a countout win, but that didn't work. Cody using that mask to gain control again. Figure four to Morrison, but John gets to the ropes. Morrison fighting back. Morrison with a cool backflip move thing for two. Starship Pain blocked. Morrison stomps on Cody's midsection. Pele kick from Morrison. Morrison goes for the flash kick and misses. Oklahoma Roll from Rhodes for three. Cole overreacts and calls it the greatest win in WWE history. Yeah, keep being an ass, Cole. *1/2
Truth and Miz take out Air-Boom. Zeke and Riley tend to Air-Boom. HHH basically saying Lauranaitis is in deep s*** if it happens again.
Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly (Divas Title): Beth out first (w/Natalya), Kelly comes out with Eve. Kelly comes out firing. Forearm shots, then a Thesz press. Top rope clothesline for two. KK tries for that hurricanrana but Beth counters into a backbreaker and gains control. Beth with a bunch of power moves. KK tries a surprise rollup for two. Beth with a slingshot suplex. Beth tries the powerbomb, KK into that hurricanrana victory roll again (that won it for her at NoC in Buffalo), but only gets two this time. Beth with a quick clothesline for two. KK with a neckbreaker! Sunset flip by KK blocked, Beth gets two. KK counters for two as well. Glam Slam countered. KK tries a backslide but Beth blocks it. KK rams Beth's face into the turnbuckles. Cartwheel back elbow from KK. KK goes to top and hits a bulldog and almost got her. Natalya up on the apron, Eve intervenes but gets sent into the barricade. KK goes for K2. Beth hangs her on the top rope and kicks KK in the...low stomach area, me thinks. Beth gets KK in that unique torture submission as Natalya taunts on the mic. KK refuses to give up. Ref restrains Beth and Natalya clocks KK with the mic. Glam Slam for three. Beth crying tears of joy. Actually quite good here. Nice storytelling. *1/2
Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena vs. CM Punk (Hell in a Cell; WWE Title): Alberto out first, then Punk, and Cena last. Intros and entrances basically took up about six minutes of time. First to gain a pinfall or submission in the ring gets the title. And of course, anything goes in the cell. ADR plays keepaway at the start. Both Punk and Cena go after ADR. Punk sneaks a two-count on Cena. AA, GTS, and STF all countered. Cena goes for AA on ADR, but Punk flies through and lands on both guys. Punk now working on ADR in the ring. Crowd chants for Cena and Punk. Cena whips Punk into the steps but Punk avoids that. ADR comes from the other side and pushes Punk into the cell. Cena and ADR both go for the chair in the ring but the chair gets knocked out of the ring. ADR works on Cena in the ring. Cena gets his usual comeback moves on ADR. Cena tries for the AA, countered. ADR tries for the armbreaker and Punk kicks ADR in the head. Double offense from Punk...neckbreaker to Cena, DDT to ADR! Two on Cena. Punk's back is all cut up.
Table set up on the outside! Punk hits his running knee to Cena and looks for the bulldog on the table. Cena tosses Punk into the cell! ADR with a chair to Cena's gut! ADR back suplexes Cena on the chair for two! ADR taunts Cena. ADR props Cena on the top rope and hangs him in the tree of woe. Kicks to Cena. ADR charges, Cena pulls himself up, and ADR crashes shoulder-first into the post. Cena to the top for his legdrop, but Punk pushes Cena off. Punk with a Russian Leg Sweep on ADR for two. ADR gains the upper hand on Punk. Cena out of nowhere with a top-rope legdrop and he gets two-counts on ADR and Punk. Cena tries for AA on ADR, but countered into a backstabber! Punk kicks ADR in the head. Double KO in the ring. Ricardo trying to revive ADR by fanning him with the towel. Haha.
Cena and Punk trading shots in the ring. ADR back in and assaults Punk and Cena with a chair. Two on Punk and another two-count on Cena. Punk launches ADR over the top and into the steps. Ow. AA to Punk, but ADR breaks up the count. ADR with the cross armbreaker to Cena, but Punk breaks it up. GTS to Cena,but ADR breaks it up! ADR takes out Punk on the outside. ADR tosses the chair into Punk's knee. Cena inside cradle for two, but eats an ADR clothesline. Cena tossed into the steps and the cell. Crowd not into it as much as I would like right now. Punk now working on ADR. Punk with the Savage elbow for two! Cena comeback offense on Punk now, but Punk kicks Cena in the head. Punk to the top for another elbow, but ADR pushes Punk off into the table! STF on ADR! Ricardo takes the ref out on the outside and gets into the cell! He has a pipe! Cena catches Ricardo and gives him an AA. ADR with a pipe shot to Cena's ribs. ADR locks Cena out of the cell! Genius move. ADR now focusing on a wounded Punk.
ADR German suplex with a bridge for two! Punk with a rolllup for a LONG two count! Punk on the second rope, but a running enzugiri from ADR gets two! Cena trying to get to his feet. Cross armbreaker countered, Punk kicks ADR multiple times. Leg lariat from Punk! Cena realizes he's locked out. Punk with a bulldog to ADR. Cena's looking for the key but it's nowhere to be found. Punk setting up for a springboard move. Clothesline for two. Cena's trying to muscle his way in the cell, to no avail. ADR on the outside. He grabs the pipe and clocks Punk with it, then taunts Cena. Nice storytelling there. Punk tries for the GTS! Another pipe shot to the ribs,then a pipe shot to the neck! ADR covers Punk for three and the title! ***1/2
Cell is raised. Cena gets to ADR. WTF? Two guys with hoodies attacking Cena?! It's Miz and Truth taking out everyone! HHH and Lauranaitis out, but the cell's lowered! Who lowered that cell? HHH tells Lauranaitis to get the cell raised. Beatdown still occurring in the ring. The entire locker room now trying to get the cell open. Loved Truth punching the cameraman while the broadcast shot was using that camera for the live feed; made it more vicious. Cops are out now trying to get the door open. Bolt cutters get the door open, but only 2-3 security guys go in (other cops hold HHH and other wrestlers back). Miz and Truth give in. Miz and Truth led away. HHH attacks both Miz and Truth -- and even shoves Lauranaitis away! HHH is restrained and Miz and Truth are led away. Now THAT was a kickass ending.
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Final Thoughts:
JR, Booker, and Cole called the action tonight. Lawler was still selling his injuries from Mark Henry's attack a few weeks back. I liked that...makes Henry's dominance that much better.
I hate all these title changes. My only hope is that WWE will legitimately give Mark Henry a long world title reign. That WWE title is changing hands too many times, to the point where Cena's gonna have at least 30 world title reigns before he's done.
I LOVED the Cody Rhodes segment where he brought back the late 80s to early 90s IC title. It's the belt I grew up seeing as a kid on the likes of Bret Hart and Mr. Perfect. Frankly, I loved that title more than the winged eagle WWF title. The pop that belt got showed that there are a bunch of people my age that still remember that belt and love that it's back. And it's a WHITE belt too! Yes! Just like the HBK days there.
The show overall was above average, but the main event and the post-main event incident was the best part. Miz and Truth are bringing back a lot of the Austin attitude era stuff, complete with getting led away in handcuffs. The entire locker room coming down to get in the cell was surreal. The whole deal with "who lowered the cell back down?" will resonate with fans for a while. Thinking Lauranaitis, Otunga, and Christian had to be all in on this one. It was brilliant stuff that really makes me love watching WWE. ***
Sheamus vs. Christian: Christian felt Sheamus had cost him a chance to win the World Title, so Christian cost Sheamus the IC title twice in five days in retaliation. Miz and R-Truth have tickets and get ringside seats. Lauranaitis comes out and basically boots them out of the arena. Conspiracy continues! Match now underway. Good mat wrestling to start, which should mean they get time to do their thing. Christian really has a good slap. Vintage Sheamus with the clubbing chest shots while Christian is in the ropes. Christian tries for an aerial move, but Sheamus catches him for a fallaway slam. Christian gets the upper hand on the outside. Second-rope forearm shot by Christian. Sleeper countered by Sheamus. Christian on offense but Sheamus keeps coming back. Sheamus cathces Christian off the ropes with a tilt-a-whirl for two. Killswitch blocked. Christian tries for his sunset flip but Sheamus hits the Irish Curse for two. Celtic Cross countered. Christian to top, but he gets caught. Christian tries for Killswitch again, Sheamus counters. Sheamus skins the cat and gets to the top, then hits his shoulder tackle. Impressive there. Brogue Kick attempt, Christian backs away and tosses Sheamus to the outside. He catches Christian with a shoulder to the gut. Christian tries again witha baseball slide but gets caught. Spear by Christian outside the ring! Sheamus gets back in the ring somehow...spear again! Only two! Christian frustrated. He goes to the top, misses the headbutt! Celtic Cross attempt countered, Killswitch...countered! Brogue Kick hit! Sheamus gets the three! ***1/4
Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara: This should actually be fun, unlike Taker/Taker from the 90s. Mistico is out first to the usual Sin Cara music. Hunico (Sin Cara #2) comes out to a little different music and a black outfit. Both do the trampoline somersault entrance. Sin Cara lights for the match...why am I not surprised? At least these two know each other's styles well. Lucha style at the start, as Mistico gets the upper hand first. Test of strength, Hunico gets the upper hand. Good bridging from Mistico. Flying head scissors from both Sin Caras. Crowd with a warm applause. Mistico with a neat springboard arm drag. Hunico to the outside. Mistico with a tope con hilo to the outside. Mistico with a baseball slide. Asai moonsault, but no one home. Hunico takes control now. Hunico with a senton to Mistico for two. Mistico to outside, Hunico flies (kinda like Taker at WrestleMania) onto Mistico. Hunico with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Double KO spot. Mistico kicks. Hurricanrana sends Hunico to the outside. Mistico off the top flies onto Hunico. Couple of near falls for both guys in the ring. Hunico to top but gets caught, Mistico arm drag from the top! Kick by Mistico, then goes for senton but misses. Mistico rolls through. Nice sunset flip countered into a powerbomb by Mistico for three! Real cool lucha stuff, but the crowd was mostly dead, sorry. *3/4
Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger (Tag Team Titles): Vickie introduces Ziggler and Swagger. I laughed when JR commented that his glass just broke when Vickie was on the mic. Air Boom wearing blue tonight. Good offense from the faces at the start. Heels get the upper hand and work on Bourne. Bourne tags Kingston who tries to come off the ropes but Swagger low bridges Kingston out of the ring. Ziggler gets Kingston back in the ring and covers for two. Heels working on Kingston now. Good isolation of Kofi here. Vickie continues her animated managing outside the ring. Bourne gets the hot tag and flies big time. Ziggler tries a rocker dropper but Bourne counters. Standing moonsault onto Ziggler for two. Swagger is in, ankle lock on Bourne but Kofi flies in to break that up. Zigzag (or a variation of it anyway) on Kofi. bourne rolls up Ziggler for two. Hard lariat by Ziggler. Swagger tagged in and he sits on the top rope. Ziggler places Bourne on Swagger...powerbomb? Hurricanrana by Bourne! Kofi takes out Ziggler and Bourne gets the three! Vickie is pissed. **1/4
Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton (Hell in a Cell; World Heavyweight Title): Henry out first, then Orton. Main event intros from Chimel. Orton right on Henry as the bell rings. Henry goes into the cell. Henry does get the upper hand and rams Orton's back into the post and the cell. Huge running powerslam from Henry for two. Man, that looked painful. Orton to the outside, and Henry continues the punishment. Powerslam again on the floor. Henry tries to throw the steel steps into Orton, but misses. Orton trying to fight back, but Henry rams Orton's head into the cell again. Henry splashes Orton in the ring for two. Henry now working on Orton's spine. Henry standing on Orton's chest...big time ow. Orton tries to fight back again, but Henry just tosses Orton to the outside. World's Strongest Slam to steps? Nope...countered! Orton hanging on the cell to kick Henry! DDT to Henry on the steps! Thesz Press to Henry! Dropkick to Henry. Hangman's DDT from Orton! Crowd into it now. Signaling for RKO! He hits it! ONLY TWO?! Orton trying to figure out what to do next. Punt time! Henry catches Orton! World's Strongest Slam for three! Not bad, but this is pretty much the best I think most people will get out of Mark Henry in a match. **3/4
The cell is raised. Uh oh. Henry's not done. Chair put on Orton's leg! Vader bomb attempt, but Orton moves the leg out of the way. Two chair shots to Henry! More chair shots on the ramp! Orton's going mad again. Henry gets away.
Cody Rhodes brings back the classic IC title! That was just awesome. Lauranaitis comes out and says Cody is defending the title tonight, and of course, Cole is livid.
Cody Rhodes vs. John Morrison (IC Title): Rhodes is still in his suit. Guess he's gotta take off the jacket and wrestle. Morrison gets the upper hand early. They get to the outside. Morrison takes off Cody's shirt and continues the punishment on Rhodes. Rhodes first tries to get counted out by walking away, but Morrison brings him back to ringside. Rhodes then hangs onto the ringpost on the outside to get a countout win, but that didn't work. Cody using that mask to gain control again. Figure four to Morrison, but John gets to the ropes. Morrison fighting back. Morrison with a cool backflip move thing for two. Starship Pain blocked. Morrison stomps on Cody's midsection. Pele kick from Morrison. Morrison goes for the flash kick and misses. Oklahoma Roll from Rhodes for three. Cole overreacts and calls it the greatest win in WWE history. Yeah, keep being an ass, Cole. *1/2
Truth and Miz take out Air-Boom. Zeke and Riley tend to Air-Boom. HHH basically saying Lauranaitis is in deep s*** if it happens again.
Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly (Divas Title): Beth out first (w/Natalya), Kelly comes out with Eve. Kelly comes out firing. Forearm shots, then a Thesz press. Top rope clothesline for two. KK tries for that hurricanrana but Beth counters into a backbreaker and gains control. Beth with a bunch of power moves. KK tries a surprise rollup for two. Beth with a slingshot suplex. Beth tries the powerbomb, KK into that hurricanrana victory roll again (that won it for her at NoC in Buffalo), but only gets two this time. Beth with a quick clothesline for two. KK with a neckbreaker! Sunset flip by KK blocked, Beth gets two. KK counters for two as well. Glam Slam countered. KK tries a backslide but Beth blocks it. KK rams Beth's face into the turnbuckles. Cartwheel back elbow from KK. KK goes to top and hits a bulldog and almost got her. Natalya up on the apron, Eve intervenes but gets sent into the barricade. KK goes for K2. Beth hangs her on the top rope and kicks KK in the...low stomach area, me thinks. Beth gets KK in that unique torture submission as Natalya taunts on the mic. KK refuses to give up. Ref restrains Beth and Natalya clocks KK with the mic. Glam Slam for three. Beth crying tears of joy. Actually quite good here. Nice storytelling. *1/2
Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena vs. CM Punk (Hell in a Cell; WWE Title): Alberto out first, then Punk, and Cena last. Intros and entrances basically took up about six minutes of time. First to gain a pinfall or submission in the ring gets the title. And of course, anything goes in the cell. ADR plays keepaway at the start. Both Punk and Cena go after ADR. Punk sneaks a two-count on Cena. AA, GTS, and STF all countered. Cena goes for AA on ADR, but Punk flies through and lands on both guys. Punk now working on ADR in the ring. Crowd chants for Cena and Punk. Cena whips Punk into the steps but Punk avoids that. ADR comes from the other side and pushes Punk into the cell. Cena and ADR both go for the chair in the ring but the chair gets knocked out of the ring. ADR works on Cena in the ring. Cena gets his usual comeback moves on ADR. Cena tries for the AA, countered. ADR tries for the armbreaker and Punk kicks ADR in the head. Double offense from Punk...neckbreaker to Cena, DDT to ADR! Two on Cena. Punk's back is all cut up.
Table set up on the outside! Punk hits his running knee to Cena and looks for the bulldog on the table. Cena tosses Punk into the cell! ADR with a chair to Cena's gut! ADR back suplexes Cena on the chair for two! ADR taunts Cena. ADR props Cena on the top rope and hangs him in the tree of woe. Kicks to Cena. ADR charges, Cena pulls himself up, and ADR crashes shoulder-first into the post. Cena to the top for his legdrop, but Punk pushes Cena off. Punk with a Russian Leg Sweep on ADR for two. ADR gains the upper hand on Punk. Cena out of nowhere with a top-rope legdrop and he gets two-counts on ADR and Punk. Cena tries for AA on ADR, but countered into a backstabber! Punk kicks ADR in the head. Double KO in the ring. Ricardo trying to revive ADR by fanning him with the towel. Haha.
Cena and Punk trading shots in the ring. ADR back in and assaults Punk and Cena with a chair. Two on Punk and another two-count on Cena. Punk launches ADR over the top and into the steps. Ow. AA to Punk, but ADR breaks up the count. ADR with the cross armbreaker to Cena, but Punk breaks it up. GTS to Cena,but ADR breaks it up! ADR takes out Punk on the outside. ADR tosses the chair into Punk's knee. Cena inside cradle for two, but eats an ADR clothesline. Cena tossed into the steps and the cell. Crowd not into it as much as I would like right now. Punk now working on ADR. Punk with the Savage elbow for two! Cena comeback offense on Punk now, but Punk kicks Cena in the head. Punk to the top for another elbow, but ADR pushes Punk off into the table! STF on ADR! Ricardo takes the ref out on the outside and gets into the cell! He has a pipe! Cena catches Ricardo and gives him an AA. ADR with a pipe shot to Cena's ribs. ADR locks Cena out of the cell! Genius move. ADR now focusing on a wounded Punk.
ADR German suplex with a bridge for two! Punk with a rolllup for a LONG two count! Punk on the second rope, but a running enzugiri from ADR gets two! Cena trying to get to his feet. Cross armbreaker countered, Punk kicks ADR multiple times. Leg lariat from Punk! Cena realizes he's locked out. Punk with a bulldog to ADR. Cena's looking for the key but it's nowhere to be found. Punk setting up for a springboard move. Clothesline for two. Cena's trying to muscle his way in the cell, to no avail. ADR on the outside. He grabs the pipe and clocks Punk with it, then taunts Cena. Nice storytelling there. Punk tries for the GTS! Another pipe shot to the ribs,then a pipe shot to the neck! ADR covers Punk for three and the title! ***1/2
Cell is raised. Cena gets to ADR. WTF? Two guys with hoodies attacking Cena?! It's Miz and Truth taking out everyone! HHH and Lauranaitis out, but the cell's lowered! Who lowered that cell? HHH tells Lauranaitis to get the cell raised. Beatdown still occurring in the ring. The entire locker room now trying to get the cell open. Loved Truth punching the cameraman while the broadcast shot was using that camera for the live feed; made it more vicious. Cops are out now trying to get the door open. Bolt cutters get the door open, but only 2-3 security guys go in (other cops hold HHH and other wrestlers back). Miz and Truth give in. Miz and Truth led away. HHH attacks both Miz and Truth -- and even shoves Lauranaitis away! HHH is restrained and Miz and Truth are led away. Now THAT was a kickass ending.
_________________
Final Thoughts:
JR, Booker, and Cole called the action tonight. Lawler was still selling his injuries from Mark Henry's attack a few weeks back. I liked that...makes Henry's dominance that much better.
I hate all these title changes. My only hope is that WWE will legitimately give Mark Henry a long world title reign. That WWE title is changing hands too many times, to the point where Cena's gonna have at least 30 world title reigns before he's done.
I LOVED the Cody Rhodes segment where he brought back the late 80s to early 90s IC title. It's the belt I grew up seeing as a kid on the likes of Bret Hart and Mr. Perfect. Frankly, I loved that title more than the winged eagle WWF title. The pop that belt got showed that there are a bunch of people my age that still remember that belt and love that it's back. And it's a WHITE belt too! Yes! Just like the HBK days there.
The show overall was above average, but the main event and the post-main event incident was the best part. Miz and Truth are bringing back a lot of the Austin attitude era stuff, complete with getting led away in handcuffs. The entire locker room coming down to get in the cell was surreal. The whole deal with "who lowered the cell back down?" will resonate with fans for a while. Thinking Lauranaitis, Otunga, and Christian had to be all in on this one. It was brilliant stuff that really makes me love watching WWE. ***
Saturday, October 1, 2011
9/30/11 Smackdown
Ratings:
Mark Henry vs. The Great Khali: 1/4*
Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne: *
Sin Cara vs. Heath Slater: 1/2*
Kelly Kelly vs. Natalya: DUD
Cody Rhodes vs. Sheamus (IC Title): **
Zack Ryder vs. JTG: *
Randy Orton vs. Christian: ***1/4
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Reviews/Thoughts:
We're in St. Louis for Smackdown!
Booker T starts off the show to interview Mark Henry. No extension strap for Henry (like they did for Big Show), but then again, Mark is not wearing the belt around his waist anyway. Henry's sending a message to Orton: Randy's next for the Hall of Pain at HIAC. Funny how they don't mention Kozlov in that Hall of Pain, but I guess it's only because he's been released. Another strong promo from Mark, and I love it.
Khali comes out for a match with Henry. They replayed the massacre on RAW between the two. Khali gets offense in this time. Two huge Punjabi chops only get a two-count, so I guess that's all she wrote for Khali. And in less an a minute after that, Khali is out for the count. Henry looking for a chair looking to injure Khali. Vader Bomb to Khali's leg. Khali not selling too well here. But I guess now Khali can go do some more promo work in India or something.
They are carting Khali to the ambulance. Mahal gets in Khali's face. Teddy Long breaks that up.
Air-Boom time! Bourne gets the hometown pop! Amusing that Swagger is coming out to Ziggler's music. The usual entertaining stuff here. Ziggler interfered but Kofi eventually took out Dolph. Vickie gets involved because there's strength in numbers. Bourne loses in his hometown much like Beth did. Ouch.
Sin Cara time, and I think it's Mistico under the mask this time. He's facing Slater. Nice senton to win it for Sin Cara. Short match here. Sin Cara #2 (Hunico) rips off the identical Sin Cara mask to reveal a blackened version, so now we can tell them apart. God, this reminds me of Taker/Taker, but at least these two got moves. And Hunico can speak English, so I'm glad he's doing the damn talking.
Christian, Otunga, Lauranaitis, Vickie, Dolph, and Cody all gathering backstage. I'm liking Otunga in his lawyer role. He's mediocre in the ring but can at least find a place on camera with this role.
Divas time between Kelly and Natalya. Natalya only getting a mention that she's in the ring. Beth on commentary out of nowhere! Kelly's got a candy stripe-inspired outfit going tonight. This was a short, lame match. Whole point was to beat down Kelly post-match anyway. I like Natalya's new submission.
IC Title match next. Cody's defending the title under protest and insults Sheamus. I like that flying battering ram from Sheamus. A simple aerial maneuver, but obviously very effective. Match really picked up steam when Sheamus started his comeback. And just like that, Christian (predictably) interferes again.
Zack Ryder is on TV again! And for once, he's not the jobber! JTG did put up some decent offense, anyway. Broski boot for two. "Are you serious, bro?!" Love the catchphrase, it's really taken off. Rough Ryder wins it for Zack.
Oh, finally, HHH on camera with Lauranaitis. John is sucking up to HHH, but it doesn't look like HHH buys it for a second.
Christian out first, because Orton gets the huge hometown pop afterward. They're facing each other for the gazillionth time, and I'm cool with it. The two are very comfortable working with one another. "RKO" chants from the crowd. And yes, they got time to shine as usual. Another phenomenal match here. Orton and Christian "knew what was coming" from the other, so they threw in some new moves as well. I love that stuff. Spear only gets two from Christian, nice. It shouldn't be his finisher anyway. Orton transforming to signal for the RKO. Christian tries to get away, but Orton brings him back to ringside. Ref was still counting in the ring, so double countout here. Doesn't matter to Randy.
Orton sending a message to Mark Henry, but Cody races down to help Christian. Sheamus comes down! Brogue Kick to Cody. Sheamus chases Christian through the crowd. Uh oh. Poor Cody is left with Randy. Nope! Mark Henry comes down! RKO countered again! World's Strongest Slam! Mark Henry is looking more dominant than ever. Henry grabs a chair again. RKO to Henry! Crowd loves it and goes home happy. Unfortunately, this should mean Mark retains at HIAC.
Mark Henry vs. The Great Khali: 1/4*
Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne: *
Sin Cara vs. Heath Slater: 1/2*
Kelly Kelly vs. Natalya: DUD
Cody Rhodes vs. Sheamus (IC Title): **
Zack Ryder vs. JTG: *
Randy Orton vs. Christian: ***1/4
_________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
We're in St. Louis for Smackdown!
Booker T starts off the show to interview Mark Henry. No extension strap for Henry (like they did for Big Show), but then again, Mark is not wearing the belt around his waist anyway. Henry's sending a message to Orton: Randy's next for the Hall of Pain at HIAC. Funny how they don't mention Kozlov in that Hall of Pain, but I guess it's only because he's been released. Another strong promo from Mark, and I love it.
Khali comes out for a match with Henry. They replayed the massacre on RAW between the two. Khali gets offense in this time. Two huge Punjabi chops only get a two-count, so I guess that's all she wrote for Khali. And in less an a minute after that, Khali is out for the count. Henry looking for a chair looking to injure Khali. Vader Bomb to Khali's leg. Khali not selling too well here. But I guess now Khali can go do some more promo work in India or something.
They are carting Khali to the ambulance. Mahal gets in Khali's face. Teddy Long breaks that up.
Air-Boom time! Bourne gets the hometown pop! Amusing that Swagger is coming out to Ziggler's music. The usual entertaining stuff here. Ziggler interfered but Kofi eventually took out Dolph. Vickie gets involved because there's strength in numbers. Bourne loses in his hometown much like Beth did. Ouch.
Sin Cara time, and I think it's Mistico under the mask this time. He's facing Slater. Nice senton to win it for Sin Cara. Short match here. Sin Cara #2 (Hunico) rips off the identical Sin Cara mask to reveal a blackened version, so now we can tell them apart. God, this reminds me of Taker/Taker, but at least these two got moves. And Hunico can speak English, so I'm glad he's doing the damn talking.
Christian, Otunga, Lauranaitis, Vickie, Dolph, and Cody all gathering backstage. I'm liking Otunga in his lawyer role. He's mediocre in the ring but can at least find a place on camera with this role.
Divas time between Kelly and Natalya. Natalya only getting a mention that she's in the ring. Beth on commentary out of nowhere! Kelly's got a candy stripe-inspired outfit going tonight. This was a short, lame match. Whole point was to beat down Kelly post-match anyway. I like Natalya's new submission.
IC Title match next. Cody's defending the title under protest and insults Sheamus. I like that flying battering ram from Sheamus. A simple aerial maneuver, but obviously very effective. Match really picked up steam when Sheamus started his comeback. And just like that, Christian (predictably) interferes again.
Zack Ryder is on TV again! And for once, he's not the jobber! JTG did put up some decent offense, anyway. Broski boot for two. "Are you serious, bro?!" Love the catchphrase, it's really taken off. Rough Ryder wins it for Zack.
Oh, finally, HHH on camera with Lauranaitis. John is sucking up to HHH, but it doesn't look like HHH buys it for a second.
Christian out first, because Orton gets the huge hometown pop afterward. They're facing each other for the gazillionth time, and I'm cool with it. The two are very comfortable working with one another. "RKO" chants from the crowd. And yes, they got time to shine as usual. Another phenomenal match here. Orton and Christian "knew what was coming" from the other, so they threw in some new moves as well. I love that stuff. Spear only gets two from Christian, nice. It shouldn't be his finisher anyway. Orton transforming to signal for the RKO. Christian tries to get away, but Orton brings him back to ringside. Ref was still counting in the ring, so double countout here. Doesn't matter to Randy.
Orton sending a message to Mark Henry, but Cody races down to help Christian. Sheamus comes down! Brogue Kick to Cody. Sheamus chases Christian through the crowd. Uh oh. Poor Cody is left with Randy. Nope! Mark Henry comes down! RKO countered again! World's Strongest Slam! Mark Henry is looking more dominant than ever. Henry grabs a chair again. RKO to Henry! Crowd loves it and goes home happy. Unfortunately, this should mean Mark retains at HIAC.
9/29/11 Superstars
Ratings:
Daniel Bryan vs. Trent Barreta: **
Brodus Clay vs. Brian Thomas: N/A
Brie Bella & Nikki Bella vs. AJ & Kaitlyn: *
John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre: **1/2
_________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Eden Stiles is the ring announcer for Superstars and has been getting a bit more screen time lately. At least they get some real attractive female ring announcers.
No clue why Daniel Bryan and Trent Barreta are relegated to Superstars. Two talented guys deserve more on-air time. Nice mat wrestling to start. These two got chemistry in the ring. Bryan showing off the submissions, showing more versatility. Barreta this time gets to fly to the outside on Bryan. Sick spot where Barreta actually got suplexed on his head but he popped up and hit his Gobstopper knee to Bryan. That's one of those ROH-like moments, not a WWE moment. Pretty sweet. Nice match overall, very physical.
Brodus destroyed another hometown hero. Next!
Loving the Bellas' catsuit ring attire. AJ and Kaitlyn are in matching gold colors anyway. Just waiting for AJ or Kaitlyn to really show me something in the ring in terms of wrestling ability. For now, teaming those two up is the right thing to do. Decent here, at least for a divas match.
Morrison and McIntyre get to main event Superstars this week. I loved the double kip-up...never thought Drew could do that. Real nice stuff in the ring tonight from these two; enjoyed this one.
There's no denying that Morrison is amazing in the ring. Unfortunately, he's made some decisions backstage that has ruffled feathers and prevented that main-event push. McIntyre unfortunately has just gotten lost in the shuffle. Morrison's been using that Moonlight Drive here and there lately -- after straying completely from it for a while. Morrison's got the moves, now can he get a better backstage rep and get that main-event push?
Daniel Bryan vs. Trent Barreta: **
Brodus Clay vs. Brian Thomas: N/A
Brie Bella & Nikki Bella vs. AJ & Kaitlyn: *
John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre: **1/2
_________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Eden Stiles is the ring announcer for Superstars and has been getting a bit more screen time lately. At least they get some real attractive female ring announcers.
No clue why Daniel Bryan and Trent Barreta are relegated to Superstars. Two talented guys deserve more on-air time. Nice mat wrestling to start. These two got chemistry in the ring. Bryan showing off the submissions, showing more versatility. Barreta this time gets to fly to the outside on Bryan. Sick spot where Barreta actually got suplexed on his head but he popped up and hit his Gobstopper knee to Bryan. That's one of those ROH-like moments, not a WWE moment. Pretty sweet. Nice match overall, very physical.
Brodus destroyed another hometown hero. Next!
Loving the Bellas' catsuit ring attire. AJ and Kaitlyn are in matching gold colors anyway. Just waiting for AJ or Kaitlyn to really show me something in the ring in terms of wrestling ability. For now, teaming those two up is the right thing to do. Decent here, at least for a divas match.
Morrison and McIntyre get to main event Superstars this week. I loved the double kip-up...never thought Drew could do that. Real nice stuff in the ring tonight from these two; enjoyed this one.
There's no denying that Morrison is amazing in the ring. Unfortunately, he's made some decisions backstage that has ruffled feathers and prevented that main-event push. McIntyre unfortunately has just gotten lost in the shuffle. Morrison's been using that Moonlight Drive here and there lately -- after straying completely from it for a while. Morrison's got the moves, now can he get a better backstage rep and get that main-event push?
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