It's the first RAW of 2013, live from Tampa, FL! We first see a video package highlighting Rock's return, Punk's heel turn on RAW episode #1000, and the tonight's scheduled TLC WWE Title match between Punk and Ryback.
Cena starts things off. We see the "craptastic" end to 2012 with the poo on Ziggler and AJ Lee. There's something electric in the air. We're reminded Cena's gonna be in the Rumble. Ziggler interrupts, flanked by AJ and Big E Langston. Aw, now AJ has a pet name for Ziggler. AJ calls Cena a pathetic, small man. And Cena starts a wave. Unreal. More Cena jokes. OH CRAP, LANGSTON TALKING AGAIN. If he wants to be taken seriously, Langston should just stay silent because he can't cut a promo if his life depended on it. Anyway, Cena wants to face Ziggler now.
John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler: Ziggler seems to bring out some of the best in Cena. I mean, we see more wrestling moves from Cena in these matches than a good 90% of the others. Langston and AJ get involved more than once, so the ref finally ejects the two. Nice simple counter to Cena's five moves of doom. Rocker Dropper gets two. Five Knuckle Shuffle hits. AA countered. Zigzag...only two! No Ziggler superkick. STF countered, jumping DDT from Ziggler for two. Cena rolls through a Ziggler crossbody, AA countered again, Ziggler superkick for two. Awesome spot. Ziggler sleeper. Big ref bump. STF on Ziggler -- and Cena lost his shoe in the process. Lovely. Langston runs back down, hits his finisher on Cena, and preps Ziggler to cover Cena. Second ref runs down. TWO! Cena hits the AA and gets three. Outstanding match to start 2013. ***3/4
Eve Torres vs. Kaitlyn (Divas Title): And for what seems like the billionth time recently, Kaitlyn gets another shot at Eve's title. Four-month feud, Cole says. Wished that Lawler didn't remind us about the Mae Young segment on New Year's Eve. Kaitlyn with the untied shoelace spot and Eve takes advantage. Kaitlyn is deemed the "hybrid diva," yet we're never told what she's exactly a hybrid of. Eve again runs away and the match AGAIN ends in a countout win for Kaitlyn. It's bad enough they did this ending before, but to do it again really pisses me off. I get that it's a heelish way to win, but make it a Falls Count Anywhere match or something now and end this thing. 3/4*
Santino and Ricky Steamboat talk in the back. Barrett comes in; to him, Steamboat's a has-been and Santino is a never-was. Steamboat will be in Santino's corner tonight. Gonna see if the "old man" Dragon still has some power behind that smoke.
Orton reminds everyone that he has also won a Royal Rumble before and plans to do it again this year. 3MB interrupts, so Orton picks Heath Slater to face later tonight. Didn't sound like anyone got the "playing the harp" comment. Luckily, I did.
Team Hell No vs. Team Rhodes Scholars: Daniel Bryan always gets a huge response in Florida. DB worked over again in this one for quite some time. Kane tries to get involved but Cody hits Cross Rhodes on DB for three. Not bad, just not the best. Point was to make Rhodes Scholars look good for a future tag title shot. *1/2
Randy Orton vs. Heath Slater: Fairly straightforward match here. The rest of 3MB gets some shots in behind the ref's back. Orton with a nice superplex and then the usual comeback moves. RKO to Slater and it's over. Mahal and McIntyre attack Orton after the match, but two RKOs end that. *1/2
Wade Barrett vs. Santino Marella: Ricky Steamboat's at ringside. Santino does a vintage Steamboat armdrag to start, but misses the second. Santino with a superkick(?!) of his own to get two. No Cobra tonight. Bullhammer ends things quickly. Steamboat tends to Santino. Barrett looks like he's gonna attack Steamboat but backs off when Steamboat removes the jacket. 1/2*
Sheamus makes fun of 3MB. So I assume he's gonna face someone other than Heath Slater later on.
Antonio Cesaro vs. Great Khali: Miz on commentary. Why is Khali still wrestling in 2013? Cesaro allegedly walked two miles through snow and rain to get to school. Sounds like something my grandpa woulda said. Yeah, the commentary was better than the match. Nice springboard Euro uppercut from Cesaro. Neutralizer on Khali still impresses the heck outta me. Bonus points for both Cesaro moves, but otherwise the match was unwatchable. 1/2*
Brad Maddox still seeking work. Heyman blows off Maddox again. Yup.
Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal: Main thing here is more of the one-upsmanship between Sheamus and Orton that will escalate into a full-on feud real soon (and Orton will get his wish to turn heel again). Sheamus with more comedy, placing Jinder's hands on Sheamus' ass. Clubbing blows to Jinder and McIntyre. Numbers game gives 3MB control for a little while, but Sheamus takes care of everyone. White Noise and Brogue Kick to Jinder get three. *3/4
CM Punk vs. Ryback (TLC; WWE Title): I still think this match shouldn't have taken place. Punk does the "walk under the ladder" superstition thing on his entrance. Fans still love to chant "GOLD-BERG" at Ryback. Chair in play early on. Ladder's next. Ryback with a suplex to Punk on the ladder. Steel ring steps to Punk. Heyman with his hands over his mouth for a bunch of the match. Punk keeps trying to fight back, but Ryback's booked strong as usual. Announce table's turn! More regular wooden tables are set up on the outside. Punk puts the chair on Ryback's left leg but misses and "tweaks" the left knee. Meathook clothesline hits. No Shellshocked as Punk gets to the outside. Punk moves and Ryback crashes through one of the wooden tables. Punk sets the ladder up and climbs, but Ryback knocks Punk off. Ryback literally inches from the title. Punk knocks Ryback off, but Ryback drops Punk on the ladder. Ladder is really bent now, probably can't climb it. Punk knee in the corner. Punk does it again and goes for the bulldog. Ryback picks Punk up and tosses him through another wooden table. Ryback grabs another ladder and climbs. Punk's still down. Lights go out?! Yeah, the Shield has arrived. Ryback tries to get rid of them, but numbers game too much. Triple powerbomb on the table and the ring steps. Punk slowly up the ladder and grabs the title. Heyman applauds and cries like his own son won his first championship. **3/4
Anyway, back to the show. Punk says he's going back out to deliver a pipebomb promo before Rock does.
More Team Hell No disagreement. Vickie says next week is the duo's 4-month anger management checkup with Dr. Shelby. Dr. Shelby is a monster. No, he's a nerd. MONSTER! NERD! *facepalm*
Match between Del Rio and Show advertised for Smackdown.
Big Show vs. Kofi Kingston: Match probably got cut due to time constraints. Show with a KO punch "out of nowhere" for three. They don't work by the hour, that's for sure. A pointless few seconds of TV because we already know how lethal that KO punch is. N/A
Punk comes back out for an outstanding promo to educate the world on what a pipebomb is: truth and honesty. Heeven throws in the ice cream bars and, in true heel fashion, indirectly plays the "people are obese" card to deprive them of those treats. Punk says he created the anti-hero (ignoring what the whole Austin deal from the Attitude Era was probably supposed to be) and mentions the glass ceiling. Big kudos for Punk saying Tyson Kidd is a workhorse and should be on RAW instead of "Little Jimmy." He mentions the pre-modern era days of Bruno Sammartino holding the title for a couple of decades. Punk says those guys never wrestled on free TV each week, or put their bodies through physically demanding matches like TLC. To Punk, one year for him equals 30 years for the pre-modern era. Definitely. Punk says he's successful in spite of the fans. Mentioning Flair, HBK, and Edge. Punk says these retired guys are weak, dishonest, or liars. But Punk believes he's the best in the world. Punk says there are winners and losers -- people meant for the spotlight and people paying to see the people in the spotlight. Golden. TV guy hops on the apron to tell Punk they have to cut to commercial and to wrap it up, and Punk handles it like a pro in true heel fashion.
Rock's music hits and the fans go NUTS. Rock says Punk is delusional and in 20 days, time's up. More vintage Rock TV-14 jokes. Great, now Punk's a "cookie puss." Rock's back for three reasons: (1) to entertain the people, (2) to stop Punk, and (3) to win the WWE Title. Rock calls Punk "Popeye on crack." Toot toot! "It doesn't matter if you matter!"
Punk doesn't care if Rock's here 1 day a year or 366. He'll still kick Rock's ass. Rock's jabs and insults are all kiddie games to Punk, but Punk says he's in the big leagues swinging for the fences. At the Royal Rumble, Rock finds out that his arms are too short to box with God. More Punk winning. Rock's literally sweating under the lights. Rock wants Punk to get more tattoos on his ass. Left buttcheek: M&M, Snickers, Milky Way, Mounds, but no Almond Joy. Right buttcheek: Rock's size 15 shoe. Rock Bottom to Punk to end the show so the fans can go home happy.
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Aaron sidebar for ramblings: It was a decent show. Regarding the TLC match, the crowd enjoyed it and it delivered nicely on the TLC aspect, so I can't say it was a bad match. It didn't have the real big spots like Rollins took at the TLC PPV, but let's face it: the weapon spots all stung. I hope I don't need to say this again, but this was horrible for Ryback's alleged "push." Shield interference was one of the few ways this match could have ended without Ryback losing clean, especially with Heyman wanting Maddox out of the picture. I don't think a lot of people believed Ryback would even win this time, not with Punk and Rock built up all these months. Besides, Ryback thrown in the title picture at this point would hurt the PPV advertising. So luckily, my friends attending the Royal Rumble PPV later this month will be happy that Punk and Rock will go down.
Frankly, Ryback is a one-trick pony. He's the jacked-up dude with a hoarse voice. Ryback reminds people of a guy with a huge win streak in WCW and wearing singlets that are made by the same guy who does RVD's gear (seriously). Ryback says one catchphrase (or a variation of it) and uses probably four or five power moves. Winning all those squash matches against two or three jobbers worked because it allowed fans to buy into this act.
Given the circumstances around the time of the Hell in a Cell PPV (Cena injured), I don't think Vince didn't made a mistake in throwing Ryback into the WWE Title picture then. Vince thought it would be great to capitalize on Ryback's popularity. I had no problem with the finish to that match because it kept Ryback strong on a booking standpoint. The problem lies with the repeated title rematches. Punk wasn't losing to Ryback -- not yet, anyway. It could have been better for the Shield to debut at Hell in a Cell, perhaps coming out from underneath the ring. Not sure if they were necessarily ready at the time, though. Either way, Ryback could have engaged in a feud with Maddox and/or the Shield. Those guys would be the distraction for Ryback while Punk moved on to greener pastures. Heck, have Punk face Team Hell No for all I care. I especially don't mind Punk and Daniel Bryan facing off again.
Rock and Punk delivered on their promos. And that, my friends, is another reason why Punk is a main eventer. The Rock Bottom ending didn't matter (no pun intended) because Punk clearly won the "promo-off." As Punk truthfully said, Rock stuck with his catchphrases and jokes that he's used for all these years. It was fresh and funny back then, and the fans love it now only because Rock isn't always around. While people like Chris Jericho have done something similar to Punk, Punk delivers his promos so convincingly and intensely, you seem to have no choice but to buy in. The "arms are too short to box with God" comment summed up the extraordinary mic skills Punk possesses and proved to be the ideal pipebomb parting shot. Right now in WWE, Punk is proving that he is the best in the world.
I still believe Rock is the man to end Punk's title reign only because there appears to be no other Superstar lined up to dethrone the champ. Cena's had a zillion chances and failed. Why would another opportunity make me think otherwise?
Would the Shield interfere during Rock vs. Punk? Right now, it's all but guaranteed. I see a ref bump, then Shield coming down to beat Rock up. After a few seconds, Ryback comes down for revenge on the Shield -- not necessarily to help Rock. Ryback or Rock will likely also deck Heyman during this chaos. Rock delivers a Rock Bottom (perhaps the third or fourth by that point) to get the three-count.
Cena can also win the Rumble match to set up a near-3-month promo feud to hype a rematch at WM 29 because that year-long "Once in a Lifetime" feud made a lot of money for WWE. Punk could face Undertaker, should the Deadman compete at WM. Since Lesnar is also reportedly participating at WM, people say Ryback should face him and win in another "pass the torch" moment for a new "Next Big Thing." Seeds have already been planted for a Sheamus/Orton storyline, and we should also see Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio feud. Ziggler may consider cashing in MITB at WM, should he not win the Rumble. I don't care if it's a singles match against Big Show, a triple threat including Del Rio, or whatever. Ziggler deserves to be World Heavyweight Champion.
A lot still up in the air, and WWE can always bait-and-switch things. But make most, if not all, of the above scenarios happen.
Big E Langston needs to stay silent. The guy can't cut a promo if his life depended on it. Once I heard his first words on the mic at an NXT taping, I facepalmed. To me, Langston made Eli Cottonwood look like a polished mic veteran. And besides, Eli gave us a reason to talk about mustaches. On the plus side, I love Langston's finisher, and he has the power to hit it on just about anyone.
Finally, I want to mention one thing about Zack Ryder. The guy's done real well to get TV time, but with all these "snubs" and other stuff that WWE has seemingly done to him (editing Ryder's YouTube show being another), it looks like seeds could be planted for a heel turn. The latest? Ryder getting snubbed on WWE's top 5 list of most followed Superstars on Twitter. At the time, Ryder had about 100,000 more followers than Miz, yet WWE ranked Miz 5th and Ryder wasn't on the list. Ryder voiced his displeasure on Twitter, which he has been doing a lot of. I think the heel turn would work if WWE really wants to push the guy; otherwise, Ryder will forever be in the midcard. Kane and Eve all but buried Zack's face character in 2012. Depressing to see.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
1/4/13 Smackdown
Orton starts the show. He wants to be the world champion again and officially enters the 2013 Royal Rumble. Sheamus interrupts and also says he'll be in the Royal Rumble. Orton attacked the Shield for revenge and vows to eliminate Sheamus (last year's Rumble winner). Big Show comes out and says it won't matter who wins the Rumble. Cesaro is next to the party and he's calling Americans "grotesquely obese" -- with Big Show standing 20 feet from him. Booker makes a tag match for tonight.
Miz vs. Heath Slater: Slater has Jinder and Drew with him. JBL wins again for the Spirit Squad reference. Miz with some good basic wrestling on Slater. Outside interference gives Slater the upper hand, and the ref ejects Jinder and Drew. Goodbye, Air Guitar Spirit Squad. Nice match once things settled. Slater works on Miz's left shoulder -- Miz's dominant arm. Miz with the comeback, hitting the SCF for three. **1/4
Great Khali, Hornswoggle, & Natalya vs. Primo, Epico, & Rosa Mendes: Six-person mixed tag match here. For yet another chance at facepalming and blindness, WWE replays the Mae Young "birth scene" on RAW -- and Hornswoggle is born. JBL says "Ugliest baby since (Josh Mathews)." LOL. Epico comes in, so Khali's tagged in. Epico tags Primo. That's tough love for your cousin. Hornswoggle's been watching tape of Stone Cold, got a couple stunners in. I wouldn't call a tag to Khali a "hot tag," more like a molasses tag. Big Khali chop to Epico gets three. *
Wade Barrett vs. Kofi Kingston (IC Title): Kofi lost the title on RAW and had to get his title rematch after pinning Barrett in the gauntlet match on Main Event. Wouldn't Kofi have had a rematch in his contract anyway? Oh wait, heels are more likely to use that, so we can't do that here. Kofi on fire early, so Barrett retreats. The usual Kingston flying stuff here. Barrett tries for the countout win, but unsuccessful. SOS gets two. Boomdrop also gets two. Trouble in Paradise misses, Bossman slam countered into a Kofi rollup for two. Barrett hits that Bossman slam, two again. Bullhammer misses, Trouble in Paradise knocks Barrett out of the ring. Kofi gets him back in, but Barrett gets his hand on the ropes to stop the count. Kofi leaps again and Barrett decks him with the Bullhammer for three. Best match all week. ***1/4
Tamina Snuka vs. Layla: Divas action next. Some physicality on the outside. Eventually, Tamina catches Layla on her springboard move and hits a Samoan Drop. One superfly splash later, Tamina wins. Not much more to write home here. 1/2*
We see highlights of the ending segment to RAW this past Monday. Next week, Rock returns to RAW and we have the TLC WWE Title match between Punk and Ryback.
Sheamus & Randy Orton vs. Big Show & Antonio Cesaro: This is the main event for this week's episode. Formulaic tag match. Glad to see Cesaro joining the main eventers for a night; he'll be there very often in the future. Big Show spear is still one heck of a move to take. Sheamus kicked out of Show's chokeslam, woulda preferred Orton come in to break up the pin. KO punch misses, Sheamus with the Brogue Kick. Hot tag to Orton. Sheamus tags himself in and Orton doesn't like it, to say the least. White Noise to Cesaro. Sheamus sets up for the Brogue Kick and Orton RKOs Cesaro in a game of one-upsmanship. Hey, it gets the three-count. Whatever works. **1/2
Miz vs. Heath Slater: Slater has Jinder and Drew with him. JBL wins again for the Spirit Squad reference. Miz with some good basic wrestling on Slater. Outside interference gives Slater the upper hand, and the ref ejects Jinder and Drew. Goodbye, Air Guitar Spirit Squad. Nice match once things settled. Slater works on Miz's left shoulder -- Miz's dominant arm. Miz with the comeback, hitting the SCF for three. **1/4
Great Khali, Hornswoggle, & Natalya vs. Primo, Epico, & Rosa Mendes: Six-person mixed tag match here. For yet another chance at facepalming and blindness, WWE replays the Mae Young "birth scene" on RAW -- and Hornswoggle is born. JBL says "Ugliest baby since (Josh Mathews)." LOL. Epico comes in, so Khali's tagged in. Epico tags Primo. That's tough love for your cousin. Hornswoggle's been watching tape of Stone Cold, got a couple stunners in. I wouldn't call a tag to Khali a "hot tag," more like a molasses tag. Big Khali chop to Epico gets three. *
Wade Barrett vs. Kofi Kingston (IC Title): Kofi lost the title on RAW and had to get his title rematch after pinning Barrett in the gauntlet match on Main Event. Wouldn't Kofi have had a rematch in his contract anyway? Oh wait, heels are more likely to use that, so we can't do that here. Kofi on fire early, so Barrett retreats. The usual Kingston flying stuff here. Barrett tries for the countout win, but unsuccessful. SOS gets two. Boomdrop also gets two. Trouble in Paradise misses, Bossman slam countered into a Kofi rollup for two. Barrett hits that Bossman slam, two again. Bullhammer misses, Trouble in Paradise knocks Barrett out of the ring. Kofi gets him back in, but Barrett gets his hand on the ropes to stop the count. Kofi leaps again and Barrett decks him with the Bullhammer for three. Best match all week. ***1/4
Tamina Snuka vs. Layla: Divas action next. Some physicality on the outside. Eventually, Tamina catches Layla on her springboard move and hits a Samoan Drop. One superfly splash later, Tamina wins. Not much more to write home here. 1/2*
We see highlights of the ending segment to RAW this past Monday. Next week, Rock returns to RAW and we have the TLC WWE Title match between Punk and Ryback.
Sheamus & Randy Orton vs. Big Show & Antonio Cesaro: This is the main event for this week's episode. Formulaic tag match. Glad to see Cesaro joining the main eventers for a night; he'll be there very often in the future. Big Show spear is still one heck of a move to take. Sheamus kicked out of Show's chokeslam, woulda preferred Orton come in to break up the pin. KO punch misses, Sheamus with the Brogue Kick. Hot tag to Orton. Sheamus tags himself in and Orton doesn't like it, to say the least. White Noise to Cesaro. Sheamus sets up for the Brogue Kick and Orton RKOs Cesaro in a game of one-upsmanship. Hey, it gets the three-count. Whatever works. **1/2
Saturday, January 5, 2013
1/4/13 Superstars
Usos vs. Primetime Players: Tag team action starts the show. You'd think people wouldn't dare try to headbutt a Polynesian person by now. Usos get the crowd into the match early on. Didn't know Striker got invited to the Usos for the holidays. Lovely. Jimmy (the one with the completed sleeve tattoo on the left arm) gets the hot tag in this match. Titus makes a blind tag but opts to do the "Millions of Dollars" dance with the ref while blowing a whistle. Usos do the switcheroo behind the ref's back. Superkick and splash get three. **
Punk segment from RAW detailing his knee injury. Vince says Punk competes if he's medically cleared, but if not, Ryback faces Punk. We'd find out a couple days later that Punk is medically cleared for the TLC WWE Title match against Ryback on the first RAW of 2013. Still don't like Punk facing Ryback again when most of us are already focusing on Punk and Rock at the Rumble. They could still do a last-minute swerve where Punk fakes an injury "setback" while training (or equivalent). Going back to what Vince said this past Monday, Heyman would then be left to face Ryback. I'd have no problem with a short squash like that. Having Ryback squash Heyman also makes a more logical segway if WWE opts for Ryback and Lesnar to square off at WM 29.
We then see the 1-on-3 handicap match between Ryback and the Shield that never materialized. Orton and Sheamus came down to get their hands on the Shield.
Brodus Clay vs. Primo: Now the cousins are competing in singles action, even though the tag division has supposedly been rejuvenated. Poor Primo gets nuked here. I swear Brodus gets slower in the ring with each passing match. 1/2*
The show ends with the Ziggler and AJ Lee New Year's toast from RAW. Cena came out and it rained poo on the happy couple. Yeah, that stinks.
Friday, January 4, 2013
1/3/13 Impact
Borash in the ring with a trophy. Five finalists for 2012 TNA Wrestler of the Year are Bully Ray, James Storm, Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, and Jeff Hardy. Aries and Roode both prematurely go down the ramp thinking they each won, but Hardy's announced as the winner. Considering the fans voted for this, it wasn't a surprise. Hardy thanked the fans and said the fan's votes mean just as much to him as the title. Roode and Aries cry foul. Ha, Aries says he averaged over four stars per PPV match as champ. Sounds about right. Hardy says triple threat at Genesis PPV. Roode and Aries attack Hardy. Aries decks Roode with the trophy on accident, and Hardy with a Twist of Fate to Aries.
James Storm vs. Kazarian: Daniels and Kaz make fun of Storm. Storm challenges one of them to a match. Both come out. Looks like Daniels was gonna go, but it's Kaz from behind. Typical heel tactics from Daniels and Kaz. Closing Time from Storm. Daniels on the apron, Storm knocks him off. Kaz misses Storm in the corner and flies right into a Last Call for three. *3/4
Devon still recruiting Mr. Anderson with more women. Where can I sign up? Doc wants to know if Anderson's helping them against Sting later. Anderson with a cryptic answer that Devon accepts as good news.
More video packages hyping Sting's return. Showed the Aces & Eights attack on Sting.
Doc to the ring and he wants Sting. Sting's black bat drops from the rafters, but no Sting. Doc's fired up. No Sting yet.
The year kicks off with a four-man X-Division Tournament to determine the #1 contender for RVD's title. First match tonight, second semi next week. The finals will be at Genesis, then the winner challenges RVD later on the PPV.
Christian York vs. Kid Kash: Kash can still fly after all these years. Quick pace, back-and-forth offense. Nice array of moves by York. York with a nice counter and a Mood Swing out of nowhere gets three. Crowd was somewhat into it, but I've seen more enthusiastic fans on other episodes. *3/4
Hernandez vs. Joey Ryan: Supposed to be the battle of the big men, but Morgan comes out in a sling and Joey Ryan faces Super Mex instead. Match never materialized. Morgan showed he wasn't injured after all and decks Hernandez with a discus clothesline. Morgan with a Carbon Footprint to Chavo. Ref calls for the bell. N/A
Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff offer to help Angle and Joe in the cage match tonight. Joe doesn't need anyone's help. Angle doesn't know where Sting is, so they should just focus on the match. Angle with a New Year's Resolution that he'll unmask all A&E members. I'd be willing to bet Garett and Wes both get unmasked as A&E members in the coming months.
Hulk Hogan to the ring. We saw a video package with what's gone on between Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan. Hulk calls Bully out. Bully comes out with Brooke. Hulk simply wants to know "why?" Bully says all the blame's on him for keeping the relationship a secret. Hulk says Bully "broke the code" and suspends Bully indefinitely without pay. Brooke is also basically thrown off TV. Awkward. Not sure if Bully has an injury or just requested time off.
Joseph Park training now going very well. Danny Davis now sees Park's heart and passion for the business. Why couldn't they just bring Abyss back...?
Tara & Gail Kim vs. Mickie James & Miss Tessmacher: Knockouts tag action tonight. Sorry, I'm not a fan of Tessmacher shaking her booty every single damn match. Not bad on the wrestling, thanks to Gail and Tara. Heel stuff done to isolate Tessmacher. Hot tag to Mickie finally. Tessmacher with a nice top-rope crossbody on to Tara and Jesse on the floor. Gail flies into the post, Mickie with her spike DDT for three. Good match. **1/4
I swear ODB got more tattoos in the last few weeks. Storyline now is that Eric Young's out of the hospital and recovering at home.
Hulk makes the triple threat World Title match official between Aries, Roode, and Hardy. It's also now an elimination match.
Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe vs. Aces & Eights: Devon and one of the big masked guys represent A&E tonight. Doc attacks Angle outside the cage and locks Joe in with the two A&E guys. Joe does a good job early on, but A&E eventually takes over. Angle kicks Doc in the nuts and gets in the cage. Angle goes after the mask on the big guy, but Doc slams the cage door in Angle's face. Angle cut on the forehead. Devon thrown into the cage. Angle Slam to the masked guy for three. **1/2
Doc storms the ring, then other A&E guys arrive for a gang beatdown. Sting marches to the ring without entrance music and hits all the A&E guys with the black bat.
The big masked A&E guy that wrestled in the match gets unmasked. As people predicted, it's Mike Knox, who had a stint in WWE a while back.
James Storm vs. Kazarian: Daniels and Kaz make fun of Storm. Storm challenges one of them to a match. Both come out. Looks like Daniels was gonna go, but it's Kaz from behind. Typical heel tactics from Daniels and Kaz. Closing Time from Storm. Daniels on the apron, Storm knocks him off. Kaz misses Storm in the corner and flies right into a Last Call for three. *3/4
Devon still recruiting Mr. Anderson with more women. Where can I sign up? Doc wants to know if Anderson's helping them against Sting later. Anderson with a cryptic answer that Devon accepts as good news.
More video packages hyping Sting's return. Showed the Aces & Eights attack on Sting.
Doc to the ring and he wants Sting. Sting's black bat drops from the rafters, but no Sting. Doc's fired up. No Sting yet.
The year kicks off with a four-man X-Division Tournament to determine the #1 contender for RVD's title. First match tonight, second semi next week. The finals will be at Genesis, then the winner challenges RVD later on the PPV.
Christian York vs. Kid Kash: Kash can still fly after all these years. Quick pace, back-and-forth offense. Nice array of moves by York. York with a nice counter and a Mood Swing out of nowhere gets three. Crowd was somewhat into it, but I've seen more enthusiastic fans on other episodes. *3/4
Hernandez vs. Joey Ryan: Supposed to be the battle of the big men, but Morgan comes out in a sling and Joey Ryan faces Super Mex instead. Match never materialized. Morgan showed he wasn't injured after all and decks Hernandez with a discus clothesline. Morgan with a Carbon Footprint to Chavo. Ref calls for the bell. N/A
Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff offer to help Angle and Joe in the cage match tonight. Joe doesn't need anyone's help. Angle doesn't know where Sting is, so they should just focus on the match. Angle with a New Year's Resolution that he'll unmask all A&E members. I'd be willing to bet Garett and Wes both get unmasked as A&E members in the coming months.
Hulk Hogan to the ring. We saw a video package with what's gone on between Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan. Hulk calls Bully out. Bully comes out with Brooke. Hulk simply wants to know "why?" Bully says all the blame's on him for keeping the relationship a secret. Hulk says Bully "broke the code" and suspends Bully indefinitely without pay. Brooke is also basically thrown off TV. Awkward. Not sure if Bully has an injury or just requested time off.
Joseph Park training now going very well. Danny Davis now sees Park's heart and passion for the business. Why couldn't they just bring Abyss back...?
Tara & Gail Kim vs. Mickie James & Miss Tessmacher: Knockouts tag action tonight. Sorry, I'm not a fan of Tessmacher shaking her booty every single damn match. Not bad on the wrestling, thanks to Gail and Tara. Heel stuff done to isolate Tessmacher. Hot tag to Mickie finally. Tessmacher with a nice top-rope crossbody on to Tara and Jesse on the floor. Gail flies into the post, Mickie with her spike DDT for three. Good match. **1/4
I swear ODB got more tattoos in the last few weeks. Storyline now is that Eric Young's out of the hospital and recovering at home.
Hulk makes the triple threat World Title match official between Aries, Roode, and Hardy. It's also now an elimination match.
Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe vs. Aces & Eights: Devon and one of the big masked guys represent A&E tonight. Doc attacks Angle outside the cage and locks Joe in with the two A&E guys. Joe does a good job early on, but A&E eventually takes over. Angle kicks Doc in the nuts and gets in the cage. Angle goes after the mask on the big guy, but Doc slams the cage door in Angle's face. Angle cut on the forehead. Devon thrown into the cage. Angle Slam to the masked guy for three. **1/2
Doc storms the ring, then other A&E guys arrive for a gang beatdown. Sting marches to the ring without entrance music and hits all the A&E guys with the black bat.
The big masked A&E guy that wrestled in the match gets unmasked. As people predicted, it's Mike Knox, who had a stint in WWE a while back.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
1/2/13 NXT
Show begins with Shield attacking some unknown wrestlers. Dusty Rhodes comes out and says Rollins will defend the NXT Title against Corey Graves later tonight.
Bo Dallas vs. Epico: Primo accompanies Epico to ringside. Bo gets beaten down for a couple minutes, then all of a sudden no-sells stuff and seems to love pain. Bo wins with the spear. *1/4
Primo and Epico ready to attack Bo in the corner, but Michael McGillicutty, of all people, makes the save. The last couple years, I haven't really been able to figure out when MM was gonna have a storyline to really break out. The feud he had with Tyson Kidd was great but didn't lead anywhere for either guy in terms of getting pushed and winning titles. Midcard purgatory sucks.
Tamina Snuka vs. Sasha Banks: Divas action now. Ring announcer just says "Tamina" instead of "Tamina Snuka," but I guess it doesn't really matter. Sasha with a couple of good moves but Samoan Drop and superfly splash get Tamina the win. 3/4*
Tyson Kidd & Justin Gabriel vs. Kassius Ohno & Leo Kruger: Tag match was predictable after what we saw a couple weeks ago. Great tag moves from Kidd and Gabriel, just fun, high-flying offense. Gabriel gets the hot tag in this one. Gabriel rolls through a Kruger rollup but Leo then hits the Kruger End (modified cutter or hangman's facebuster) for three. Leo's finisher is basically what Derrick Bateman used to win matches for a little while before getting injured. **
Seth Rollins vs. Corey Graves (NXT Title): Rollins comes out quietly and to no music, a stark contrast to his pre-Shield days. Main event intros. Graves tries for a few quick rollups early on. Graves goes for the legs to set up his leglock finisher. And in what shouldn't surprise anyone, Ambrose and Reigns come in to save Rollins. Dusty Rhodes sends out reinforcements but Shield dispatches them all. Triple powerbomb to Bo Dallas. Great way to book the Shield strong. *1/2
But here comes Big E Langston. Shield took out a half-dozen guys but retreat after seeing one more. Dusty says Rollins puts his title on the line against Langston next week. Might just be the same ending we saw this week.
Bo Dallas vs. Epico: Primo accompanies Epico to ringside. Bo gets beaten down for a couple minutes, then all of a sudden no-sells stuff and seems to love pain. Bo wins with the spear. *1/4
Primo and Epico ready to attack Bo in the corner, but Michael McGillicutty, of all people, makes the save. The last couple years, I haven't really been able to figure out when MM was gonna have a storyline to really break out. The feud he had with Tyson Kidd was great but didn't lead anywhere for either guy in terms of getting pushed and winning titles. Midcard purgatory sucks.
Tamina Snuka vs. Sasha Banks: Divas action now. Ring announcer just says "Tamina" instead of "Tamina Snuka," but I guess it doesn't really matter. Sasha with a couple of good moves but Samoan Drop and superfly splash get Tamina the win. 3/4*
Tyson Kidd & Justin Gabriel vs. Kassius Ohno & Leo Kruger: Tag match was predictable after what we saw a couple weeks ago. Great tag moves from Kidd and Gabriel, just fun, high-flying offense. Gabriel gets the hot tag in this one. Gabriel rolls through a Kruger rollup but Leo then hits the Kruger End (modified cutter or hangman's facebuster) for three. Leo's finisher is basically what Derrick Bateman used to win matches for a little while before getting injured. **
Seth Rollins vs. Corey Graves (NXT Title): Rollins comes out quietly and to no music, a stark contrast to his pre-Shield days. Main event intros. Graves tries for a few quick rollups early on. Graves goes for the legs to set up his leglock finisher. And in what shouldn't surprise anyone, Ambrose and Reigns come in to save Rollins. Dusty Rhodes sends out reinforcements but Shield dispatches them all. Triple powerbomb to Bo Dallas. Great way to book the Shield strong. *1/2
But here comes Big E Langston. Shield took out a half-dozen guys but retreat after seeing one more. Dusty says Rollins puts his title on the line against Langston next week. Might just be the same ending we saw this week.
1/2/13 Main Event
Miz and Cole in the ring to promote tonight's matches. Featured bout is the U.S. Title match between Cesaro and Khali. I still can't believe Khali won that battle royal. Cesaro comes out and Miz has words for him. "U-S-A!" chants.
Antonio Cesaro vs. Great Khali (U.S. Title): Well, Khali isn't from the U.S., so that at least gave hope if WWE wants to run with the "No American will defeat Cesaro for the title" deal. Not sure why Natalya has to be the one with the crush on Khali. Cesaro attacks Khali's leg like almost everyone else has done. Still an unbearably slow match. Cesaro does his best here. Neutralizer on Khali is impressive as heck. Cesaro retains. Yeah, Khali wasn't winning anyway. *1/2
Cesaro with the heel promo saying he's superior to everyone else. He calls Miz out. Miz with the baldness joke to Cesaro and a babyface promo because he's the American here.
WWE promotes Rock for the first RAW of 2013 next week.
WWE doctors medically cleared Punk to compete on Monday's RAW. TLC match will go down next week, as of right now.
Kofi on commentary. Barrett, the new IC champ, comes out and says the title should be worn by someone with prestige, a real fighter, not an "overhyped gymnast" like Kofi. Barrett challenges anyone in the back to a non-title gauntlet match. Kofi gets to watch.
Wade Barrett Gauntlet Match: Yoshi Tatsu is first. He misses a kick and Barrett with a Bullhammer for three. JTG next. Yup, he's still employed. Kofi says he's a fighting champion, no regrets on facing Barrett on RAW. JTG misses the Mugshot and Barrett Bullhammer for three. Justin Gabriel is third on the gauntlet. He gives Barrett the most competition so far. Wasteland countered, but Barrett still gets the Bullhammer in again for three. Gee, I wonder who's last? Yup, it's Kofi! The so-called "element of surprise" again. Kofi with his signature moves and hits Trouble in Paradise for three. **
Kofi faces Barrett in an IC Title rematch on Smackdown.
Next week's promoted match for Main Event: Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler.
Antonio Cesaro vs. Great Khali (U.S. Title): Well, Khali isn't from the U.S., so that at least gave hope if WWE wants to run with the "No American will defeat Cesaro for the title" deal. Not sure why Natalya has to be the one with the crush on Khali. Cesaro attacks Khali's leg like almost everyone else has done. Still an unbearably slow match. Cesaro does his best here. Neutralizer on Khali is impressive as heck. Cesaro retains. Yeah, Khali wasn't winning anyway. *1/2
Cesaro with the heel promo saying he's superior to everyone else. He calls Miz out. Miz with the baldness joke to Cesaro and a babyface promo because he's the American here.
WWE promotes Rock for the first RAW of 2013 next week.
WWE doctors medically cleared Punk to compete on Monday's RAW. TLC match will go down next week, as of right now.
Kofi on commentary. Barrett, the new IC champ, comes out and says the title should be worn by someone with prestige, a real fighter, not an "overhyped gymnast" like Kofi. Barrett challenges anyone in the back to a non-title gauntlet match. Kofi gets to watch.
Wade Barrett Gauntlet Match: Yoshi Tatsu is first. He misses a kick and Barrett with a Bullhammer for three. JTG next. Yup, he's still employed. Kofi says he's a fighting champion, no regrets on facing Barrett on RAW. JTG misses the Mugshot and Barrett Bullhammer for three. Justin Gabriel is third on the gauntlet. He gives Barrett the most competition so far. Wasteland countered, but Barrett still gets the Bullhammer in again for three. Gee, I wonder who's last? Yup, it's Kofi! The so-called "element of surprise" again. Kofi with his signature moves and hits Trouble in Paradise for three. **
Kofi faces Barrett in an IC Title rematch on Smackdown.
Next week's promoted match for Main Event: Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
12/31/12 RAW (New Year's Eve)
(NOTE: A new year brings a new format to my posts. Ratings will just be incorporated into my recap of the show.)
Miz starts the last RAW of 2012 in Washington D.C. with Miz TV. Guest is John Cena. Conversation is about AJ and Ziggler. Rhodes Scholars interrupts. Cena with the RGIII reference, so the chants start. Cena makes fun of Cody's mustache. So we have a tag match between Cena/Miz and Rhodes Scholars.
John Cena & Miz vs. Rhodes Scholars: Fairly standard tag match. Miz worked over. Cena gets the hot tag. Miz with SCF to Rhodes. Cena with AA to Sandow for three. *3/4
This is Champion's Choice Night; champions put their titles on the line but they get to pick their opponents.
New Year's party in the back. Otunga says 2013 will be his year. At least he has a solid on-camera role compared to others. Vickie puts Ziggler gets a match against Sheamus later in the show. CM Punk still on crutches. Of course, he says he'd face Ryback if his knee was good to go. Proposal that Ryback face all three Shield members. Sounds good to Vickie.
Antonio Cesaro vs. Sgt. Slaughter (U.S. Title): Cesaro picks Sgt. Slaughter as his opponent with the whole patriotism thing. Funny because Slaughter was one of those Iraqi sympathizers in the early 90s. Nice pop for Slaughter. Slaughter with the Cobra Clutch but Cesaro to the ropes. A few seconds later, Cesaro hits the Neutralizer for three. Did anyone think Sarge was winning? N/A
Ziggler and AJ Lee are planning a New Year's toast later.
Team Hell No wanted to face the Shield tonight, but that's a no-go now. We hear screeching worse than a cat. 3MB is rehearsing. I guess Team Hell No found their opponents.
Big Show picks Ricardo to face tonight. Nice knowing ya, Ricardo. IT'S MAE YOUNG! With all the divas around, Eve picks Mae as her opponent. Yup.
Team Hell No vs. 3MB (Tag Team Titles): McIntyre and Slater represent 3MB in this title match. Nice to see Slater and Daniel Bryan get solid on-screen roles after starting in NXT. Kane gets the tag and he works on McIntyre. Didn't Drew play a fake Kane once? Kane with a chokeslam and DB with the flying headbutt to pin McIntyre. *3/4
Punk comes out for a promo. Now on his 407th day as WWE champion. Punk also brings his personal doctor to the ring. We see a normal knee and Punk's knee. Major swelling, meniscus issues. They play the whole Punk bravado deal with the doc saying he's not medically clearing Punk.
Enter Vince McMahon! He basically says Punk's doc has no say and WWE officials and docs will determine next week whether Punk faces Ryback in the TLC WWE title match. Vince will continue to investigate if Punk had ties with Brad Maddox and/or Shield. Heyman calls Punk a hero (getting a few cheers) and calls Vince a flesh-peddling promoter. Vince says if Punk can't go next week, Ryback will instead face...Paul Heyman. Happy New Year!
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus: AJ and Big E Langston accompany Ziggler. Good technical wrestling here. Nice fallaway slam by Sheamus from the second rope to get two. Battering Ram gets two again. Sheamus can't get the cloverleaf on. Brogue Kick coming, but Langston gets involved. Ziggler tossed outside, and Langston catches Ziggler. Langston and Sheamus about to butt heads. Shield comes through the crowd and the ref rings the bell. Shield takes care of Sheamus. **1/2
Kofi Kingston and Wade Barrett for the IC Title tonight.
Brad Maddox goes to Heyman and Punk for a job. No chance.
Mae Young has stomach cramps. Get her on the table. Doc says Mae's pregnant. "Not again." Really LOL'd at that one. At least she didn't give birth to a hand.
Eve says since Mae can't make it out, the ref should declare Eve the winner by forfeit. Kaitlyn to the ring and they get physical. Ref never called for the bell to start the match. And the divas again get the shaft on wrestling time.
Ricardo says he's gonna win the title for Alberto. ADR admits he's treated RR like dirt all this time and shouldn't be doing that. Alberto gives Ricardo the scarf and the keys to the car. Ricardo's going to his title match in style.
Big Show vs. Ricardo Rodriguez (World Heavyweight Title): Ricardo comes out in a Mercedes -- and he's competing in a tux. ADR in Ricardo's corner. RR with some fight in him but Show catches him with a huge slap. Show lines up for the KO but ADR interferes and the ref calls for the bell. Multiple kicks to Show and a superkick to Show's face. Meh. *
Kofi Kingston vs. Wade Barrett (IC Title): Good pace to the match. A few counters on signature moves led to near falls. Barrett finally hits Wasteland for the first time in a while, but that only gets two. Kofi misses a top-rope move and Barrett hits the Bullhammer for three. Barrett begins 2013 as a champion. **1/4
They're doing the Mae Young giving birth segment AGAIN. NO! NO! The doc's really in there. Team Hell No with the NO YES thing. Khali must be thinking why the hell he gets to hold Mae Young's legs. Mae gives birth. Not a hand this time. HORNSWOGGLE is the New Year's baby?! Don't ask. If WWE wants us to lose brain cells, they did a great job of that.
Ryback vs. Shield: This is a 3-on-1 handicap match and it's just a brawl from the start. Ref never rang the bell. Shield pummeling Ryback, then Sheamus comes out to get revenge from earlier tonight. Orton then comes out to help as well. FYI, Shield laid Orton out a couple weeks ago to write him off TV for a little while after Orton dislocated his shoulder at the Tribute to the Troops taping. No match.
Ziggler and AJare out for the New Year's toast. Ziggler sarcastically thanks the fans for picking Cena as the Superstar of the Year and lists all of Cena's big losses. Ziggler and AJ make out in the ring. Cena comes out, so Langston blocks him from getting to the ring. Cena says Ziggler's right, it was a great year for AJ and Ziggler -- mainly AJ and her ascension to a prominent spot on the main roster. Nice photoshopped pic of AJ, Ziggler, and Langston in wedding wardrobe. And I agree, that was one creepy baby photo.
Big LOL at the family photo of many babies, especially the puppy, the Bushwhackers, and Mr. Fuji. The Fink was also a great choice. Can't forget Team Hell No. Sucks there was no Cena in there.
Cena with a nice promo on Ziggler. Seven years, basic rundown on Ziggler's career. Cena is the first to state he's entering the 2013 Royal Rumble and vows to become WWE champion again. Cena with a toast to Ziggler and AJ -- and crap literally falls from the arena on the lovely couple. End show.
__________________
Have to admit, while Cena tended to lose in more controversial situations in 2012 (and I would prefer he lose clean), at least he wasn't booked to win on too many big matches. I'm glad Cena didn't prevail from cashing in MITB, but I'm pissed he even had the briefcase in the first place. This is another year that proves Cena's main event spot will always be secure. He'll continue to get a championship match every year he's healthy until the day he retires. Cena's merchandise sells too well for WWE to ever let him go, let alone stay off TV. Ziggler's promo basically echoed a lot of Cena haters' sentiments.
I'm not alone in believing Ziggler will have a big 2013. Cena will also become a champion again if all falls in place. I still think Cena's in line to win the Rumble and face Rock at WM 29 for the title to avenge his WM 28 loss. Punk possibly drops the title to Rock at the Rumble and might move on to face Undertaker if the Deadman is gonna wrestle again. A lot can change, but all this has been rumored for months now.
As for Ziggler, he might not beat Show for the title, but I can see someone else like Sheamus finally beating Show after a huge war, then Ziggler successfully cashes MITB in to start his reign.
We'll see what 2013 brings. Happy New Year to all!
Miz starts the last RAW of 2012 in Washington D.C. with Miz TV. Guest is John Cena. Conversation is about AJ and Ziggler. Rhodes Scholars interrupts. Cena with the RGIII reference, so the chants start. Cena makes fun of Cody's mustache. So we have a tag match between Cena/Miz and Rhodes Scholars.
John Cena & Miz vs. Rhodes Scholars: Fairly standard tag match. Miz worked over. Cena gets the hot tag. Miz with SCF to Rhodes. Cena with AA to Sandow for three. *3/4
This is Champion's Choice Night; champions put their titles on the line but they get to pick their opponents.
New Year's party in the back. Otunga says 2013 will be his year. At least he has a solid on-camera role compared to others. Vickie puts Ziggler gets a match against Sheamus later in the show. CM Punk still on crutches. Of course, he says he'd face Ryback if his knee was good to go. Proposal that Ryback face all three Shield members. Sounds good to Vickie.
Antonio Cesaro vs. Sgt. Slaughter (U.S. Title): Cesaro picks Sgt. Slaughter as his opponent with the whole patriotism thing. Funny because Slaughter was one of those Iraqi sympathizers in the early 90s. Nice pop for Slaughter. Slaughter with the Cobra Clutch but Cesaro to the ropes. A few seconds later, Cesaro hits the Neutralizer for three. Did anyone think Sarge was winning? N/A
Ziggler and AJ Lee are planning a New Year's toast later.
Team Hell No wanted to face the Shield tonight, but that's a no-go now. We hear screeching worse than a cat. 3MB is rehearsing. I guess Team Hell No found their opponents.
Big Show picks Ricardo to face tonight. Nice knowing ya, Ricardo. IT'S MAE YOUNG! With all the divas around, Eve picks Mae as her opponent. Yup.
Team Hell No vs. 3MB (Tag Team Titles): McIntyre and Slater represent 3MB in this title match. Nice to see Slater and Daniel Bryan get solid on-screen roles after starting in NXT. Kane gets the tag and he works on McIntyre. Didn't Drew play a fake Kane once? Kane with a chokeslam and DB with the flying headbutt to pin McIntyre. *3/4
Punk comes out for a promo. Now on his 407th day as WWE champion. Punk also brings his personal doctor to the ring. We see a normal knee and Punk's knee. Major swelling, meniscus issues. They play the whole Punk bravado deal with the doc saying he's not medically clearing Punk.
Enter Vince McMahon! He basically says Punk's doc has no say and WWE officials and docs will determine next week whether Punk faces Ryback in the TLC WWE title match. Vince will continue to investigate if Punk had ties with Brad Maddox and/or Shield. Heyman calls Punk a hero (getting a few cheers) and calls Vince a flesh-peddling promoter. Vince says if Punk can't go next week, Ryback will instead face...Paul Heyman. Happy New Year!
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus: AJ and Big E Langston accompany Ziggler. Good technical wrestling here. Nice fallaway slam by Sheamus from the second rope to get two. Battering Ram gets two again. Sheamus can't get the cloverleaf on. Brogue Kick coming, but Langston gets involved. Ziggler tossed outside, and Langston catches Ziggler. Langston and Sheamus about to butt heads. Shield comes through the crowd and the ref rings the bell. Shield takes care of Sheamus. **1/2
Kofi Kingston and Wade Barrett for the IC Title tonight.
Brad Maddox goes to Heyman and Punk for a job. No chance.
Mae Young has stomach cramps. Get her on the table. Doc says Mae's pregnant. "Not again." Really LOL'd at that one. At least she didn't give birth to a hand.
Eve says since Mae can't make it out, the ref should declare Eve the winner by forfeit. Kaitlyn to the ring and they get physical. Ref never called for the bell to start the match. And the divas again get the shaft on wrestling time.
Ricardo says he's gonna win the title for Alberto. ADR admits he's treated RR like dirt all this time and shouldn't be doing that. Alberto gives Ricardo the scarf and the keys to the car. Ricardo's going to his title match in style.
Big Show vs. Ricardo Rodriguez (World Heavyweight Title): Ricardo comes out in a Mercedes -- and he's competing in a tux. ADR in Ricardo's corner. RR with some fight in him but Show catches him with a huge slap. Show lines up for the KO but ADR interferes and the ref calls for the bell. Multiple kicks to Show and a superkick to Show's face. Meh. *
Kofi Kingston vs. Wade Barrett (IC Title): Good pace to the match. A few counters on signature moves led to near falls. Barrett finally hits Wasteland for the first time in a while, but that only gets two. Kofi misses a top-rope move and Barrett hits the Bullhammer for three. Barrett begins 2013 as a champion. **1/4
They're doing the Mae Young giving birth segment AGAIN. NO! NO! The doc's really in there. Team Hell No with the NO YES thing. Khali must be thinking why the hell he gets to hold Mae Young's legs. Mae gives birth. Not a hand this time. HORNSWOGGLE is the New Year's baby?! Don't ask. If WWE wants us to lose brain cells, they did a great job of that.
Ryback vs. Shield: This is a 3-on-1 handicap match and it's just a brawl from the start. Ref never rang the bell. Shield pummeling Ryback, then Sheamus comes out to get revenge from earlier tonight. Orton then comes out to help as well. FYI, Shield laid Orton out a couple weeks ago to write him off TV for a little while after Orton dislocated his shoulder at the Tribute to the Troops taping. No match.
Ziggler and AJare out for the New Year's toast. Ziggler sarcastically thanks the fans for picking Cena as the Superstar of the Year and lists all of Cena's big losses. Ziggler and AJ make out in the ring. Cena comes out, so Langston blocks him from getting to the ring. Cena says Ziggler's right, it was a great year for AJ and Ziggler -- mainly AJ and her ascension to a prominent spot on the main roster. Nice photoshopped pic of AJ, Ziggler, and Langston in wedding wardrobe. And I agree, that was one creepy baby photo.
Big LOL at the family photo of many babies, especially the puppy, the Bushwhackers, and Mr. Fuji. The Fink was also a great choice. Can't forget Team Hell No. Sucks there was no Cena in there.
Cena with a nice promo on Ziggler. Seven years, basic rundown on Ziggler's career. Cena is the first to state he's entering the 2013 Royal Rumble and vows to become WWE champion again. Cena with a toast to Ziggler and AJ -- and crap literally falls from the arena on the lovely couple. End show.
__________________
Have to admit, while Cena tended to lose in more controversial situations in 2012 (and I would prefer he lose clean), at least he wasn't booked to win on too many big matches. I'm glad Cena didn't prevail from cashing in MITB, but I'm pissed he even had the briefcase in the first place. This is another year that proves Cena's main event spot will always be secure. He'll continue to get a championship match every year he's healthy until the day he retires. Cena's merchandise sells too well for WWE to ever let him go, let alone stay off TV. Ziggler's promo basically echoed a lot of Cena haters' sentiments.
I'm not alone in believing Ziggler will have a big 2013. Cena will also become a champion again if all falls in place. I still think Cena's in line to win the Rumble and face Rock at WM 29 for the title to avenge his WM 28 loss. Punk possibly drops the title to Rock at the Rumble and might move on to face Undertaker if the Deadman is gonna wrestle again. A lot can change, but all this has been rumored for months now.
As for Ziggler, he might not beat Show for the title, but I can see someone else like Sheamus finally beating Show after a huge war, then Ziggler successfully cashes MITB in to start his reign.
We'll see what 2013 brings. Happy New Year to all!
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