Ratings:
Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle: ***
Velvet Sky vs. Mickie James vs. Winter vs. Tara vs. Madison Rayne vs. Angelina Love: **
James Storm vs. AJ Styles: *3/4
Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Hernandez & Anarquia: *3/4
Mr. Anderson vs. Bobby Roode: *1/2
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Dixie Carter introduces the new GM, Hulk Hogan. All the talent surrounds the ring except Roode. Wait, Hogan met with creative? They actually have creative?
Lockdown matches are made. First, Morgan and Crimson in a cage. Morgan loves it, and Crimson still looks like he's willing to go (although somewhat displeased). Knockouts agenda. Gail needs to face someone. Fans want Velvet Sky. Hogan makes a match for this show to determine the #1 contender at Lockdown.
Vintage calling out Eric Bischoff! Flair (who was at WM to accept the HOF honor with the Horsemen) says Eric's not here. Oops, here comes Roode with security. Looks like the power struggle continues but Hogan opposes Roode this time. Hogan seems to randomly pick Mr. Anderson to face RR. Why the hell does Roode tell his security to tell Hogan "no" for? Oh right, because his security is supposed to represent brainless robots that will do whatever RR says.
Angle is next. No match with him and Jeff Hardy at Lockdown...but it occurs tonight! And it's next! Fans looked pumped -- hopefully that's not edited in, given how the production team has been guilty of pumping fake crowd noise in on multiple occasions.
Angle's right hamstring is taped up. Angle hit his head pretty hard on the steel barricade, and Angle's head is legit busted open, damn. Good crowd reaction here. Nice Hardy comeback gets the crowd going some more. Vintage Angle suplexes. Hardy's Twist of Fate looks more like a stunner now. Vintage Angle quick superplex for two. Angle gets Hardy in the ankle lock, but Hardy gets out after about a minute. Angle grabs Brian Hebner to prevent the Swanton. Angle low blow blocked! Twist of Fate escaped and Angle bolts.
(NOTE: Angle legit tore his hamstring. He says he has a 50/50 shot to make the Olympic trials later in April.)
Not so fast! This makes Hogan make Angle/Hardy at Lockdown in the cage. Oops.
"CALFZILLA" trending on Twitter! Bully Ray's done immensely well as a singles star. I'm interested in how Aries works as a face. A-double with a flurry of punches, but one Bully Ray powerbomb ends that. And no, Bully, I don't know who you are.
Joseph Park is still searching for Abyss. You won't find him in the chaffing dish, buddy. Perhaps you need to look deep inside you as to where he is....
Six-way Knockouts match is next. Only two at a time, Knockouts can tag anyone else. So now, Angelina and Winter are not together anymore? Pity. All these storylines have been weird as heck and all confusing. Thank you, Russo. Lagana may not be that much better. I liked that at least one Knockout generally kept breaking up a pin attempt. Several blind tags in this one. Match got a good amount of time for a change. Interesting that Madison would tag Mickie in to face Velvet. Even if she wanted BFFs to face one another, I'd think being in the match to score the pin would be more important. All of sudden, a flurry of finishers from everyone. At least it came back to Velvet and Mickie (the two legal Knockouts in the match). Good match here, folks!
EY's "bachelor party" was taped the previous night, Taz said. ROFL, woohoo Fantasy Baseball Draft! Vintage ODB with beer and wings! Dang, I wish I coulda drafted Jose Canseco for my team!
Storm and AJ Styles going at it tonight? I love it. As expected, another great competitive match. Styles even busted out a figure four for old times sake. AJ goes for his backflip into a reverse DDT, but Storm ducks and delivers a huge Last Call for three. Short match, but solid.
Storm wants to face RR in the ring next week for one last confrontation before Lockdown. RR pretty much responds by going to Storm's friends and spitting water in their face.
An absolute travesty that the MCMG barely got a mention for their return the last couple weeks. Really? Perhaps the best tag team in the U.S. right now needs more hype than that. One year ago, Sabin faced Anarquia and tore his knee up. Fitting the Guns face Mexican America tonight. Vintage Guns performance, but seriously? Only four minutes? Sucks. MCMG are coming for the tag titles!
Hogan and Eric segment. Team Garett vs. Team Eric at Lockdown. Garett loses, he's gone from TNA. Eric loses, he's gone from TNA -- and no more Bischoff name. Deal.
More Storm and Roode buildup with family members -- again. Gives it a nice real-life feel, but I've seen this enough over the last few months.
Anderson and Roode get the main event slot. No RR personal security tonight! Roode with "It Factor" on the seat of his trunks. Ref bump in this one, rare for a short match. Sorry, not sold on RR getting pinned with some forward flip fireman's carry slam thing that Finlay used to use. RR grabs a beer from a planted fan at ringside. Vintage beer bottle shot opens up Anderson and gets three for RR. Storm comes out after the match, but Roode bails. Then Hogan reverses the ref's call and Anderson wins by DQ.
Next week, EY and ODB get married in a steel cage? Wonder if something's up. Usually always happens.
Friday, April 6, 2012
4/5/12 Superstars
Ratings:
Hunico vs. Tyson Kidd: **3/4
Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks: *1/2
R-Truth vs. Heath Slater: *1/2
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Hunico and Camacho start. When is Camacho actually gonna wrestle? At least WWE is clearing up that Kidd was trained by the Hart family and is not a Hart by blood. Kidd with some lucha libre moves early on, which is great to see. Very impressive core strength from Kidd as the chain wrestling continues. Kidd with a springboard hurricanrana to Hunico, shades of Mysterio. Hunico works on Kidd's left arm. Kidd's got some lethal kicks of his own. Camacho interfered at the end to allow Hunico to get the win. And I loved the guys in ref shirts sitting in the front row. Great match here, wanted it to go just a tad longer, though.
Scott Stanford apparently has learned some Samoan phrase (or from some other Polynesian language). Vintage Scott Stanford! Typical match. Double Samoan drop was cool. Uso splash wins it.
"YES! YES! YES!" chants even during Superstars! Give DB a shirt! I'll buy it!
R-Truth and Slater was the last match of the show. WTF, Slater kicks the imaginary Little Jimmy and that pisses R-Truth off. Yes Josh, I think you're the only sane one. "Little Jimmy!" chants! Again, formulaic match with the typical face comeback. "What's Up" gets three.
WM highlights were shown throughout. WM 29 is 4/7/13.
In what shouldn't be a surprise, the show has a replay of Lesnar and Cena at the end of RAW.
From what I read, there was legit heat between Lesnar and Cena during Brock's first run with the company. They had a TV feud in early 2003 where Cena (in his heel rapper gimmick) kept calling Brock out. It was then that Cena unveiled his "Attitude Adjustment" finisher to the world, back then known as the F-U, to insult Lesnar for storyline purposes. Rumors are circulating that we may even get Lesnar vs. Rock next year, but I'm not sure on that one yet.
Hunico vs. Tyson Kidd: **3/4
Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks: *1/2
R-Truth vs. Heath Slater: *1/2
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Hunico and Camacho start. When is Camacho actually gonna wrestle? At least WWE is clearing up that Kidd was trained by the Hart family and is not a Hart by blood. Kidd with some lucha libre moves early on, which is great to see. Very impressive core strength from Kidd as the chain wrestling continues. Kidd with a springboard hurricanrana to Hunico, shades of Mysterio. Hunico works on Kidd's left arm. Kidd's got some lethal kicks of his own. Camacho interfered at the end to allow Hunico to get the win. And I loved the guys in ref shirts sitting in the front row. Great match here, wanted it to go just a tad longer, though.
Scott Stanford apparently has learned some Samoan phrase (or from some other Polynesian language). Vintage Scott Stanford! Typical match. Double Samoan drop was cool. Uso splash wins it.
"YES! YES! YES!" chants even during Superstars! Give DB a shirt! I'll buy it!
R-Truth and Slater was the last match of the show. WTF, Slater kicks the imaginary Little Jimmy and that pisses R-Truth off. Yes Josh, I think you're the only sane one. "Little Jimmy!" chants! Again, formulaic match with the typical face comeback. "What's Up" gets three.
WM highlights were shown throughout. WM 29 is 4/7/13.
In what shouldn't be a surprise, the show has a replay of Lesnar and Cena at the end of RAW.
From what I read, there was legit heat between Lesnar and Cena during Brock's first run with the company. They had a TV feud in early 2003 where Cena (in his heel rapper gimmick) kept calling Brock out. It was then that Cena unveiled his "Attitude Adjustment" finisher to the world, back then known as the F-U, to insult Lesnar for storyline purposes. Rumors are circulating that we may even get Lesnar vs. Rock next year, but I'm not sure on that one yet.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
4/4/12 NXT
Ratings:
Percy Watson vs. Tyler Reks: *3/4
Natalya vs. Kaitlyn: 3/4*
Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Titus O'Neil & Darren Young: *1/4
Michael McGillicutty vs. Derrick Bateman: **
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Percy faces Reks to start the show. And no one cares for either of them -- or Hawkins. Funny how Laurinaitis doesn't want Hawkins or Reks, so Regal basically seems forced to take them. Reks with a hammerlock slam, don't see that often. Working on Percy's left shoulder. Decent comeback from Watson, good counter into a rollup for three. Post-match, Reks and Hawkins want to gang up on Percy, but Regal steps in and would suspend both for six weeks if they touched Watson.
McGillicutty is trying to spill his guts to Natalya about having to live up to the family name. Natalya doesn't buy any of it. At least this storyline has my attention.
Kidd on commentary this week for the divas match. Kaitlyn has new music and is now the girl next door. Wasn't that AJ's role before? Regal inquires about Kidd and Natalya, haha. Strictly professional -- on camera, at least. Awkward commentary between Kidd and Regal. And that, friends, is how you lock in that Sharpshooter. Perfectly done.
Darren Young got Tamina a coconut tree? I hope it's a baby tree. ROFL, reservations at McDonald's?! That was awesome. Or awful.
Usos vs. Titus and D-Young this week. DY thrown to the outside in what was a weird few seconds. Tamina looks at DY funny. Titus calls for Darren, but he's nowhere to be found. Samoan drop and a splash wins it for the Usos. More tension between Titus and DY....
My head hurts just watching this whole Curtis/Maxine kidnapper dealie. I don't know why I even subject myself to watching it. Oh look, Reks and Hawkins are the kidnappers. Now my head really is all messed up. Thanks a lot!
Bateman was in control for the first half of the match and looked pretty good. MM's basic moveset was too damn slow-paced for me. Nice comeback from Bateman. Even saw a couple new moves from him. Liked MM's attempt at a Sharpshooter to bring the storyline back to the forefront. Kidd comes out to "applaud" MM post-match. Should be good next week.
Percy Watson vs. Tyler Reks: *3/4
Natalya vs. Kaitlyn: 3/4*
Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Titus O'Neil & Darren Young: *1/4
Michael McGillicutty vs. Derrick Bateman: **
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Percy faces Reks to start the show. And no one cares for either of them -- or Hawkins. Funny how Laurinaitis doesn't want Hawkins or Reks, so Regal basically seems forced to take them. Reks with a hammerlock slam, don't see that often. Working on Percy's left shoulder. Decent comeback from Watson, good counter into a rollup for three. Post-match, Reks and Hawkins want to gang up on Percy, but Regal steps in and would suspend both for six weeks if they touched Watson.
McGillicutty is trying to spill his guts to Natalya about having to live up to the family name. Natalya doesn't buy any of it. At least this storyline has my attention.
Kidd on commentary this week for the divas match. Kaitlyn has new music and is now the girl next door. Wasn't that AJ's role before? Regal inquires about Kidd and Natalya, haha. Strictly professional -- on camera, at least. Awkward commentary between Kidd and Regal. And that, friends, is how you lock in that Sharpshooter. Perfectly done.
Darren Young got Tamina a coconut tree? I hope it's a baby tree. ROFL, reservations at McDonald's?! That was awesome. Or awful.
Usos vs. Titus and D-Young this week. DY thrown to the outside in what was a weird few seconds. Tamina looks at DY funny. Titus calls for Darren, but he's nowhere to be found. Samoan drop and a splash wins it for the Usos. More tension between Titus and DY....
My head hurts just watching this whole Curtis/Maxine kidnapper dealie. I don't know why I even subject myself to watching it. Oh look, Reks and Hawkins are the kidnappers. Now my head really is all messed up. Thanks a lot!
Bateman was in control for the first half of the match and looked pretty good. MM's basic moveset was too damn slow-paced for me. Nice comeback from Bateman. Even saw a couple new moves from him. Liked MM's attempt at a Sharpshooter to bring the storyline back to the forefront. Kidd comes out to "applaud" MM post-match. Should be good next week.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
4/2/12 RAW/HOF Ceremony
HOF Ceremony:
Jerry Lawler was the emcee. Killer video on the Horsemen. Dusty Rhodes is the presenter. Nice shot of Dustin Rhodes and Rey Mysterio. People clearly came to see Flair. Good to see Barry Windham there. Standing ovation for Arn. Just wish they were inducted sooner.
Mike Tyson inducted into the celebrity wing. HHH and HBK are presenters. Oh man, they had me cracking up. Classic. Oh, a good shot of Wade Barrett in the crowd. Hope he's recovering well. Tyson's family in the crowd.
A small video package of the other inductees. Rikishi and other family members accepted on behalf of the late Yokozuna. Mil Mascaras and Ron Simmons were also inducted.
Last inductee for TV was Edge. Very heartfelt and emotional speeches from Christian and Edge. Really depicted such a feel-good story coming true.
__________________
Ratings:
Santino Marella vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger (U.S. Title): *1/2
Lord Tensai vs. Alex Riley: N/A (squash)
Mark Henry vs. CM Punk (WWE Title): **3/4
Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes: N/A
The Miz vs. Zack Ryder: *1/2
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Johnny addresses the roster before the show. Wasting no time making matches. People Power! New era!
Whoa, Rock's on RAW?! How the hell did that happen? Guess he was staying for one more show. Huge ovation as usual. "Boots to Asses!" chants. Still a little dumbfounded they let him win at WM, although I'm sure it'll become clearer in the coming days and weeks. "JHG" now trending worldwide. ROFL, how much do you have to suck to get cut from the CFL? Was that "YES! YES! YES!" chants?! Epic.
Whoa, Rock's proclaiming he'll be WWE champion again. Maybe next year?
U.S. Title match next. As expected, Ziggler and Swagger team up on Santino, then both heels turn on each other later to give Santino hope. Cobra to Swagger for a Santino win!
Holy crap, Brodus Clay now has a storyline with Swagger and/or Ziggler! And Santino and the cobra are dancing. Now I've seen everything -- I think.
Yes! Lord Tensai debuts with a manager, Sakamoto. They reference that Tensai was a former WWE superstar (Albert/A-Train) that went to become a wrestling star in Japan...all true stuff. Looks like Tensai has no body hair anymore, glad to see that. Mauling headbutts rule. A very deliberate beatdown. I liked the water spit into the hand and the claw. Very simple, but effective, especially when you're dealing with such a huge man.
WWE Title match next. Punk still selling the "back injuries" from his WM match with Jericho. Henry attacks the back to no end. A LOT of "YES!" chants when Punk hits elbows or kicks. Good grief, they seriously want Daniel Bryan. Henry really looked strong in this one. Great Punk comeback with chops and kicks. Big flying elbow. Two big running knees but Punk got thrown to the outside. Countout win for Henry. Boo.
Johnny wants more competitive matches. Punk will be defending a lot. I hope this actually means we get good matches....
Oh, it's Jericho! And he wants a drink with Punk! I guess they'll have a rematch at Extreme Rules. Booze poured all over Punk. Trick alcohol bottle to the skull of Punk. And to think, a couple years ago, this woulda been majorly cheered, right R-Truth?.
Wow, Sheamus is BOOED big time. Clearly Daniel Bryan territory. Yet, Lawler and Cole pretend like that doesn't matter. Hey, Alberto Del Rio is back! Aw, I thought it was a cool DeLorean and not a Mercedes. Woohoo, new challenger for Sheamus...and it's ALLBERTOOOOOOOOOOOOO DEL RIOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Sheamus and Alberto on Smackdown.
ROFL. The crowd still wants Daniel Bryan. Epic. Uh oh, ADR's mic on the fritz. Brogue Kick! Oops.
DB backstage interview. Or not. Vintage angry Bryan!
MGK is getting booed. Not new.
Cody Rhodes facing Kofi tonight. Oh, Big Show with a video for Cody about a couple minutes in. It's a Cody Rhodes embarrassing WM moment! Guess two can play at that game. Oh right, match still going on. Trouble in Paradise gets three. Not rating it.
Cena calling out Rock? They've said that like 100 times so far. Grr.
Again, Abraham Washington (not mentioned by name) appears. He gives his card to Mark Henry. Possible managerial role? Good way for AW to get back on WWE programming.
Eve Torres comes out. Hoeski chants. Good to know she's getting a reaction now. Thank Ryder later. Fans want Ryder. Oh, Eve admits she can't manipulate Johnny.
I'm hoping this is the start for Miz to get back on the main event track. Or at least not in the doghouse. Getting the pin last night was the best thing to happen to him lately. Did Lawler just compare Ryder with Tim Tebow? Uh, could do better than that. Cena apparently "arrived at the arena" during this match.
Standard match here. Broski Boot hits tonight, no Eve to distract Ryder. Ryder into the post, then SCF for three. Miz on a roll!
That's it for wrestling. Here comes Cena to call Rock out. Clearly getting booed tonight. Cena's more serious tonight! You know, either the crowd was saying "What a loser!" or "Fuck Madusa!" Madusa (Debra Miceli) was in the state during WM but did not attend. No clue how I got that latter chant, but eh, it happens. Cena still not gonna lash out at the WWE Universe, even though the crowd is getting closer to Hammerstein levels (but not totally there, and never will).
Cena's not calling Rock out.
ROFL, CROWD WANTS LESNAR!
Cena wants to invite Rock down to the ring. Rock has Cena's respect. Crowd STILL wants Lesnar....
"YES! YES! YES!" Good grief, what the hell is with the Miami crowd and Daniel Bryan?!?!!
OH SHIT, HERE COMES THE PAIN! Lesnar out to a HUGE ovation. He offers his hand...OOPS! F-5 TO CENA! That was awesome.
Incredible show tonight. Outstanding.
Jerry Lawler was the emcee. Killer video on the Horsemen. Dusty Rhodes is the presenter. Nice shot of Dustin Rhodes and Rey Mysterio. People clearly came to see Flair. Good to see Barry Windham there. Standing ovation for Arn. Just wish they were inducted sooner.
Mike Tyson inducted into the celebrity wing. HHH and HBK are presenters. Oh man, they had me cracking up. Classic. Oh, a good shot of Wade Barrett in the crowd. Hope he's recovering well. Tyson's family in the crowd.
A small video package of the other inductees. Rikishi and other family members accepted on behalf of the late Yokozuna. Mil Mascaras and Ron Simmons were also inducted.
Last inductee for TV was Edge. Very heartfelt and emotional speeches from Christian and Edge. Really depicted such a feel-good story coming true.
__________________
Ratings:
Santino Marella vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger (U.S. Title): *1/2
Lord Tensai vs. Alex Riley: N/A (squash)
Mark Henry vs. CM Punk (WWE Title): **3/4
Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes: N/A
The Miz vs. Zack Ryder: *1/2
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Johnny addresses the roster before the show. Wasting no time making matches. People Power! New era!
Whoa, Rock's on RAW?! How the hell did that happen? Guess he was staying for one more show. Huge ovation as usual. "Boots to Asses!" chants. Still a little dumbfounded they let him win at WM, although I'm sure it'll become clearer in the coming days and weeks. "JHG" now trending worldwide. ROFL, how much do you have to suck to get cut from the CFL? Was that "YES! YES! YES!" chants?! Epic.
Whoa, Rock's proclaiming he'll be WWE champion again. Maybe next year?
U.S. Title match next. As expected, Ziggler and Swagger team up on Santino, then both heels turn on each other later to give Santino hope. Cobra to Swagger for a Santino win!
Holy crap, Brodus Clay now has a storyline with Swagger and/or Ziggler! And Santino and the cobra are dancing. Now I've seen everything -- I think.
Yes! Lord Tensai debuts with a manager, Sakamoto. They reference that Tensai was a former WWE superstar (Albert/A-Train) that went to become a wrestling star in Japan...all true stuff. Looks like Tensai has no body hair anymore, glad to see that. Mauling headbutts rule. A very deliberate beatdown. I liked the water spit into the hand and the claw. Very simple, but effective, especially when you're dealing with such a huge man.
WWE Title match next. Punk still selling the "back injuries" from his WM match with Jericho. Henry attacks the back to no end. A LOT of "YES!" chants when Punk hits elbows or kicks. Good grief, they seriously want Daniel Bryan. Henry really looked strong in this one. Great Punk comeback with chops and kicks. Big flying elbow. Two big running knees but Punk got thrown to the outside. Countout win for Henry. Boo.
Johnny wants more competitive matches. Punk will be defending a lot. I hope this actually means we get good matches....
Oh, it's Jericho! And he wants a drink with Punk! I guess they'll have a rematch at Extreme Rules. Booze poured all over Punk. Trick alcohol bottle to the skull of Punk. And to think, a couple years ago, this woulda been majorly cheered, right R-Truth?.
Wow, Sheamus is BOOED big time. Clearly Daniel Bryan territory. Yet, Lawler and Cole pretend like that doesn't matter. Hey, Alberto Del Rio is back! Aw, I thought it was a cool DeLorean and not a Mercedes. Woohoo, new challenger for Sheamus...and it's ALLBERTOOOOOOOOOOOOO DEL RIOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Sheamus and Alberto on Smackdown.
ROFL. The crowd still wants Daniel Bryan. Epic. Uh oh, ADR's mic on the fritz. Brogue Kick! Oops.
DB backstage interview. Or not. Vintage angry Bryan!
MGK is getting booed. Not new.
Cody Rhodes facing Kofi tonight. Oh, Big Show with a video for Cody about a couple minutes in. It's a Cody Rhodes embarrassing WM moment! Guess two can play at that game. Oh right, match still going on. Trouble in Paradise gets three. Not rating it.
Cena calling out Rock? They've said that like 100 times so far. Grr.
Again, Abraham Washington (not mentioned by name) appears. He gives his card to Mark Henry. Possible managerial role? Good way for AW to get back on WWE programming.
Eve Torres comes out. Hoeski chants. Good to know she's getting a reaction now. Thank Ryder later. Fans want Ryder. Oh, Eve admits she can't manipulate Johnny.
I'm hoping this is the start for Miz to get back on the main event track. Or at least not in the doghouse. Getting the pin last night was the best thing to happen to him lately. Did Lawler just compare Ryder with Tim Tebow? Uh, could do better than that. Cena apparently "arrived at the arena" during this match.
Standard match here. Broski Boot hits tonight, no Eve to distract Ryder. Ryder into the post, then SCF for three. Miz on a roll!
That's it for wrestling. Here comes Cena to call Rock out. Clearly getting booed tonight. Cena's more serious tonight! You know, either the crowd was saying "What a loser!" or "Fuck Madusa!" Madusa (Debra Miceli) was in the state during WM but did not attend. No clue how I got that latter chant, but eh, it happens. Cena still not gonna lash out at the WWE Universe, even though the crowd is getting closer to Hammerstein levels (but not totally there, and never will).
Cena's not calling Rock out.
ROFL, CROWD WANTS LESNAR!
Cena wants to invite Rock down to the ring. Rock has Cena's respect. Crowd STILL wants Lesnar....
"YES! YES! YES!" Good grief, what the hell is with the Miami crowd and Daniel Bryan?!?!!
OH SHIT, HERE COMES THE PAIN! Lesnar out to a HUGE ovation. He offers his hand...OOPS! F-5 TO CENA! That was awesome.
Incredible show tonight. Outstanding.
Monday, April 2, 2012
4/1/12 WrestleMania XXVIII
Ratings:
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Title): N/A
Kane vs. Randy Orton: ***
Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes (IC Title): *1/2
Kelly Kelly & Maria Menounos vs. Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres: *3/4
Undertaker vs. Triple H (Hell in a Cell): ****1/2
Team Johnny vs. Team Teddy (Six-on-Six): **
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Title): ****
The Rock vs. John Cena: ****1/4
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Tag titles were defended in a dark match prior to WM. Primo and Epico retained.
Lilian Garcia opens with "America the Beautiful." Nice set.
I know I'm not alone when I loved hearing the World Heavyweight Title match was up first. And I know I'm not alone when I thought that was one of the crappiest ways to treat such a match. I seriously hope there's more to this, because DB shouldn't otherwise have been required to do an 18-second job. Look at all the "YES!" signs in the crowd. The crowd was going nutso with the "YES!" chants. And then THIS happened?!
I refuse to rate such a squash, but I was seriously tempted to give that negative stars. Very close.
Daniel may be playing a heel, but he's still got a loyal following, myself included. I suspect that this will be the start of DB officially dumping AJ. He'll likely blame her for the loss somehow and perhaps align slowly with Brie Bella.
Team Johnny was talking backstage. Looks like Swagger got a haircut of some sort?
Next year's WM is at Metlife Stadium in NJ. Fun.
Orton and Kane is next. ROFL, was that "Daniel Bryan" chants during Orton/Kane?!?! Now that's awesome. Honestly, the equivalent of a very good free TV match, certainly worthy of a PPV spot. Crowd was vocal at times, anyway. Orton kicked out of Kane's chokeslam, getting favorable crowd reaction. Nice super chokeslam to finish.
Promoting Deadliest Catch with Santino and Foley. Cobra and Socko! Ron Simmons! Damn! Win.
Cody/Show IC title match followed. Cody's got a new long coat for entrance gear. Cody plays keepaway at the start. Oh man, Big Show stinkface to Cody. Smart strategy from Cody to attack Show's legs, although that's likely the only good choice. One Beautiful Disaster rocks Show, but caught with a spear on the second attempt. One WMD later, Show's the new IC champ. Big Show is now a Grand Slam champ. Awesome.
Divas tag match...what the heck was Beth wearing on her head? That supposed to be a colorful phoenix or something? Otherwise, she was better off in Vegas with the showgirls. MM has the Greek colors going. Faint "Hoeski" chants. Double um...sweetface to Eve. Beth kick to MM's ribs turns the tide. MM coulda sold the moves just a bit better. Hot tag to KK didn't really get a reaction, but that's to be expected. Maria had more ring time than I thought she'd have. Whoa, points for KK on the Molly-Go-Round move (front somersault Thesz-like press from the top). KK counters the Glam Slam into a bulldog, great stuff there. MM got caught on the top, nearly slammed. KK and MM double-team Glamazon, MM with the rollup for three on Beth. KK was the clear MVP of that match. Very impressive.
YES JIM ROSS CALLING TAKER/HHH! Does Ross have a goatee?! HBK out first as the ref. HHH out next, then Taker. Taker with a new long trench coat and hoodie. Pyros for Taker. Taker's ring entrance took eons, of course.
Time to remove the hood! As a lot of people already knew, Taker buzzed his hair for this one. Very short hair now, although not completely shaved bald. White smoke still going as the HIAC comes down.
Bell rings. Slugfest to start. Brawl on the outside using the cell. Huge Taker chants. Nice stat from Cole (or was it from Vince?) about how HHH never lost a match when HBK was the special guest ref. Old School from Taker as he continues control early on. More Taker chants. Steps to HHH's face. Bigger half of the steps goes in the ring. Vintage Taker legdrop on the ring apron. HHH hits a quick DDT to take over.
Taker's face into steps. Pedigree on steps countered. Arn Anderson spinebuster from HHH to Taker on the steps. But Hell's Gate to HHH! HHH counters with a powerbomb for two. HHH gets two chairs. Huge shots to Taker. Steps propped in the corner, and Taker goes right into them. More chair shots to the back. A ton more. Vicious shots! Holy cow. HBK practically saying that's enough and to cover him, but HHH wants more. HHH shoves HBK aside and delivers more chair shots to Taker. HHH threatening HBK to end it, or HHH will. Taker says don't stop the match. Two more shots, and HHH still only gets two. Literally about 20 chair shots. HHH still telling HBK to end it. Nope.
SLEDGEHAMMER! Uh oh. HBK pleads Taker to let him ring the bell. Not a chance. Sledgehammer shot to the head! TWO! HHH is pissed. Whoa, big sledgehammer shot?! WTF, HBK took it away?! HBK teases calling for the bell a couple of times.
Hell's Gate to HBK! OH SNAP A FLYING SLEDGEHAMMER SHOT! Low blow to HHH! Hell's Gate to HHH. HBK's still down. Crowd's going nuts. HHH has the sledgehammer twice, but completely collapses. Ref's still down, though. All three are down. Charles Robinson comes down to be the emergency ref, but has to get inside the locked cell. Eventually he gets in.
Chokeslam from Taker...TWO! Little Naitch gets a chokeslam...we need another ref! "This is awesome!" chants. HBK's up! SWEET CHIN MUSIC INTO PEDIGREE! WTF!!!! TWO! Priceless look from HBK.
HHH throws HBK out of the ring in frustration. Taker sits up! Oh crap. Snake eyes and big boot! Tombstone! HBK back in for the count! TWO!!! Taker's in shock...even drooling a bit on accident. HBK priceless look again. An emotional wreck. Oh man, this is epic.
Trading blows. Pedigree! TWO! And the match continues. Good grief. And Taker sits up AGAIN. Taker's back is all red/bruised. HHH has the sledgehammer. Taker's got the chair. Taker steps on the sledgehammer. Taker destroys HHH with vicious chair shots. HARD chair shots. Chair is mutilated. Taker covers...and only gets two. Damn.
HHH grabs the sledgehammer but can't even lift it. HHH gasping for air. Taker says "stay down!" HHH lunges with the hammer but Taker blocks. Taker with the hammer now, shoving HHH back in the corner. DX crotch chop from HHH. Defiant to the end. Hammer to the face. HHH crawls to Taker. Throat slash from Taker. Tombstone for three. Damn.
Perfect job from HBK. He got involved, as we all knew he would. But in the end, he also stayed impartial. It wasn't five-star quality, but it was damn close. Just incredible storytelling; shows you don't need a spotfest to generate a MOTY candidate.
HBK pulls Taker up for a classy hug. Respect. Pyros to signal 20-0. HBK and Taker help HHH up and help him to the back. Group hug on the stage. Indelible moment right there, fellas.
Hall of Famers introduced. Fink does the honors. Four Horsemen includes Flair. Tyson with the DX crotch chop. Edge gets his own entrance as the featured inductee of 2012.
Heath Slater got his own backstage segment with Flo Rida? Sure, Hawkins and Reks came in at the end, but seriously now? Slater got just as much airtime than Daniel Bryan. Fail.
Over 78,000 in attendance. Legit or inflated? Not sure.
Six-on-six tag now. Brie introduces Team Johnny. Nikki introduces Team Teddy. Only one fall here, no elimination rules. Unfortunately, crowd is spent following Taker/HHH. Impossible act to follow. Very deliberate match here, but at least everyone got involved somehow. Unless it's Survivor Series and it gets like...30 minutes, please don't do these types of matches.
Anyway, vintage "everyone-gets-involved" spot. Aksana and Vickie go at it, and Bellas try to separate them. Booker and Miz in the ring, Santino's on the apron. Hot tag to Santino, and he works on Miz. Johnny distracts Santino, but cobra to Miz anyway! Dolph with a big save at the last second. Ryder's now in. Huge monkey flip to Ziggler, with DZ flipping once more onto his face. Ryder now on Miz. Rough Ryder to Ziggler. Broski Boot time to Miz?
Wait, Eve's in the ring! Ryder distracted. Miz with SCF to Zack for three. Well, that was peachy. Didn't think Miz would get the pin, but good for him. I guess Miz gets a re-push to the top now. Oh wow, now it's "Johnny Laurinaitis" with total control of RAW and Smackdown. Wait, Miz is undefeated at Mania? Well, I'm sure he won't do a Taker-like 20-0, though. Eve tends to Ryder in the ring. Yeah, keep playing Ryder for storyline's sake. Good match for what it was worth.
OW, Eve kicked Ryder low! Thought it was with the heel at first, but it was more with the shin. "No more children! No more children!"
April 29...Extreme Rules is back for a PPV.
HI TORRIE! Enjoying being with A-Rod? More Axxess moments are shown. Big mistake by me, probably shoulda had WM and/or the Masters as a vacation package. Miami and Augusta. Both were close enough to combine into one trip, right?
Laurinaitis wastes no time with his power. If Punk's DQ'd in his match against Jericho, Punk now loses the title. Jericho out first. "Best in the World" on the ass of his trunks. Great video package shown. Then Punk arrives. Jericho tries to goad Punk into losing his temper early. "How's your father?!" Good stuff. Punk with a flying clothesline from the top to the outside. Jericho mentions Punk's sister. Great mind games from Jericho. Punk's got a chair and Jericho just wants to be hit. Jericho suplexes Punk to the outside, very nice. Jericho works on Punk's back, love this. Set him up for the Walls.
Punk high knee in corner, bulldog blocked. Lionsault blocked, but countered into the Walls -- and then countered out of that. Excellent spot. Punk elbow blocked, Codebreaker sends Punk out of the ring. Jericho gets Punk back in, but GTS out of nowhere! Jericho with the foot on the ropes at two. Powerslam by Punk (not scoop slam, Cole!) for two. Multiple standing switches leads to Lionsault for two.
Punk for a top-rope hurricanrana, countered into Walls! Punk got to the ropes. Suicide dive by Punk on Jericho. OW, high knee to Jericho, and his head hit the post. Punk springboard...CODEBREAKER! Beautiful spot -- and only two. Damn.
Punk back in the Walls. Countered into an inside cradle for two. Countered into more pin attempts...Anaconda Vice! Countered briefly into a Jericho pin, but back to the Vice. Jericho knees. Back to the Walls? Countered out and back to the Vice! Best part there...Punk shifted his body to counter Jericho's attempts to counter. Jericho taps. Outstanding.
Brodus got a match?! Oh, he doesn't. But he brought his mama with a fake big-cushioned behind! And apparently the entire bridge club. Mama's got moves. Oh what a visual this is....
Diddy is in the building! MGK is performing to introduce Cena. Cleveland tank top? Nice indirect LeBron reference. Cena's the underdog? Really? Cena's got a new green shirt tonight. He gets mixed reactions, but thought he'd get booed more.
Flo Rida performs and leads to Rock's intro. Enormous pop. Duh, we're in his hometown.
Main event intros. There are the boos for Cena I was expecting. Still nothing like Hammerstein Ballroom, though. Staredown to start. Tie-up and Cena wins the first test of strength. Crowd going more nutso. Rock wins round two of test of strength. Rock with arm drags, a kip-up, and a rollup for two. Cena's got a WTF look on his face.
Battling on the outside. Rock getting beat down by Cena. Cena's focusing on the ribs. Bear hug? Ugh. Rock manages to get a DDT in for two. Rock battles back...spinebuster! People's Elbow...no! STF attempt! Countered out, but now Cena with his usual comeback moves. Five Knuckle Shuffle...got it! AA countered into a double clothesline. Both are up and trade bombs.
AA out of nowhere! ONLY TWO!!!! Fans are going apeshit. ROCK BOTTOM...TWO!!! Elbows from Rock in the corner, but side slam by Cena gets two. Top-rope bulldog legdrop...only two! Cena's surprised. Rock gets the Sharpshooter on Cena. Well, sorta. Rock crossed Cena's legs the wrong way. Cena gets to the ropes. Punches from Rock. Back to Rock's version of the Sharpshooter, but Cena back to the ropes.
To the floor they go. Cena into the steps. Back in ring...STF on Rock! Rock tries to get to the ropes, but Cena brings him back to the center. Rock's fading. Rock slowly appears to pass out. Ref checks. Hand drops once. Hand drops twice. Hand...STAYS UP! One more reach...and got the rope! Match continues. Very good segment. Rock was in that hold about three and a half minutes.
Rock hits a Samoan drop out of desperation. Both back up at eight. Trading bombs again. Rock Bottom countered. AA countered. Rock spinebuster! PEOPLE'S ELBOW! And...ONLY TWO!
Cena inside cradle out of nowhere, but only two. Crowd back to being very vocal. Cena slingshots Rock into the turnbuckle...rollup for two. Cena puts Rock on the top. Superplex, perhaps? Rock fights it off and pushes Cena off the ropes.
Wait...Rock to the top?!?! Can't remember the last time this happened. Cross body...roll through! Cena lifts Rock up! AA...OMGWTFBBQ ONLY TWO?!?! Incredible.
WTF. Cena's gonna mock Rock and do a People's Elbow? Cena caught! ROCK BOTTOM! 1...2...3!!!!! Holy cow. What a match.
I actually can't believe they booked Rock to win. Although now I do wonder if this leads to a possible Cena heel turn. Not often would I think Cena resorts to attempting another person's finisher in such a way. The look Cena has at the end is full of dejection.
Overall, a great PPV. Would have been even better had they actually given time for DB/Sheamus. ***3/4
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Title): N/A
Kane vs. Randy Orton: ***
Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes (IC Title): *1/2
Kelly Kelly & Maria Menounos vs. Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres: *3/4
Undertaker vs. Triple H (Hell in a Cell): ****1/2
Team Johnny vs. Team Teddy (Six-on-Six): **
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Title): ****
The Rock vs. John Cena: ****1/4
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Tag titles were defended in a dark match prior to WM. Primo and Epico retained.
Lilian Garcia opens with "America the Beautiful." Nice set.
I know I'm not alone when I loved hearing the World Heavyweight Title match was up first. And I know I'm not alone when I thought that was one of the crappiest ways to treat such a match. I seriously hope there's more to this, because DB shouldn't otherwise have been required to do an 18-second job. Look at all the "YES!" signs in the crowd. The crowd was going nutso with the "YES!" chants. And then THIS happened?!
I refuse to rate such a squash, but I was seriously tempted to give that negative stars. Very close.
Daniel may be playing a heel, but he's still got a loyal following, myself included. I suspect that this will be the start of DB officially dumping AJ. He'll likely blame her for the loss somehow and perhaps align slowly with Brie Bella.
Team Johnny was talking backstage. Looks like Swagger got a haircut of some sort?
Next year's WM is at Metlife Stadium in NJ. Fun.
Orton and Kane is next. ROFL, was that "Daniel Bryan" chants during Orton/Kane?!?! Now that's awesome. Honestly, the equivalent of a very good free TV match, certainly worthy of a PPV spot. Crowd was vocal at times, anyway. Orton kicked out of Kane's chokeslam, getting favorable crowd reaction. Nice super chokeslam to finish.
Promoting Deadliest Catch with Santino and Foley. Cobra and Socko! Ron Simmons! Damn! Win.
Cody/Show IC title match followed. Cody's got a new long coat for entrance gear. Cody plays keepaway at the start. Oh man, Big Show stinkface to Cody. Smart strategy from Cody to attack Show's legs, although that's likely the only good choice. One Beautiful Disaster rocks Show, but caught with a spear on the second attempt. One WMD later, Show's the new IC champ. Big Show is now a Grand Slam champ. Awesome.
Divas tag match...what the heck was Beth wearing on her head? That supposed to be a colorful phoenix or something? Otherwise, she was better off in Vegas with the showgirls. MM has the Greek colors going. Faint "Hoeski" chants. Double um...sweetface to Eve. Beth kick to MM's ribs turns the tide. MM coulda sold the moves just a bit better. Hot tag to KK didn't really get a reaction, but that's to be expected. Maria had more ring time than I thought she'd have. Whoa, points for KK on the Molly-Go-Round move (front somersault Thesz-like press from the top). KK counters the Glam Slam into a bulldog, great stuff there. MM got caught on the top, nearly slammed. KK and MM double-team Glamazon, MM with the rollup for three on Beth. KK was the clear MVP of that match. Very impressive.
YES JIM ROSS CALLING TAKER/HHH! Does Ross have a goatee?! HBK out first as the ref. HHH out next, then Taker. Taker with a new long trench coat and hoodie. Pyros for Taker. Taker's ring entrance took eons, of course.
Time to remove the hood! As a lot of people already knew, Taker buzzed his hair for this one. Very short hair now, although not completely shaved bald. White smoke still going as the HIAC comes down.
Bell rings. Slugfest to start. Brawl on the outside using the cell. Huge Taker chants. Nice stat from Cole (or was it from Vince?) about how HHH never lost a match when HBK was the special guest ref. Old School from Taker as he continues control early on. More Taker chants. Steps to HHH's face. Bigger half of the steps goes in the ring. Vintage Taker legdrop on the ring apron. HHH hits a quick DDT to take over.
Taker's face into steps. Pedigree on steps countered. Arn Anderson spinebuster from HHH to Taker on the steps. But Hell's Gate to HHH! HHH counters with a powerbomb for two. HHH gets two chairs. Huge shots to Taker. Steps propped in the corner, and Taker goes right into them. More chair shots to the back. A ton more. Vicious shots! Holy cow. HBK practically saying that's enough and to cover him, but HHH wants more. HHH shoves HBK aside and delivers more chair shots to Taker. HHH threatening HBK to end it, or HHH will. Taker says don't stop the match. Two more shots, and HHH still only gets two. Literally about 20 chair shots. HHH still telling HBK to end it. Nope.
SLEDGEHAMMER! Uh oh. HBK pleads Taker to let him ring the bell. Not a chance. Sledgehammer shot to the head! TWO! HHH is pissed. Whoa, big sledgehammer shot?! WTF, HBK took it away?! HBK teases calling for the bell a couple of times.
Hell's Gate to HBK! OH SNAP A FLYING SLEDGEHAMMER SHOT! Low blow to HHH! Hell's Gate to HHH. HBK's still down. Crowd's going nuts. HHH has the sledgehammer twice, but completely collapses. Ref's still down, though. All three are down. Charles Robinson comes down to be the emergency ref, but has to get inside the locked cell. Eventually he gets in.
Chokeslam from Taker...TWO! Little Naitch gets a chokeslam...we need another ref! "This is awesome!" chants. HBK's up! SWEET CHIN MUSIC INTO PEDIGREE! WTF!!!! TWO! Priceless look from HBK.
HHH throws HBK out of the ring in frustration. Taker sits up! Oh crap. Snake eyes and big boot! Tombstone! HBK back in for the count! TWO!!! Taker's in shock...even drooling a bit on accident. HBK priceless look again. An emotional wreck. Oh man, this is epic.
Trading blows. Pedigree! TWO! And the match continues. Good grief. And Taker sits up AGAIN. Taker's back is all red/bruised. HHH has the sledgehammer. Taker's got the chair. Taker steps on the sledgehammer. Taker destroys HHH with vicious chair shots. HARD chair shots. Chair is mutilated. Taker covers...and only gets two. Damn.
HHH grabs the sledgehammer but can't even lift it. HHH gasping for air. Taker says "stay down!" HHH lunges with the hammer but Taker blocks. Taker with the hammer now, shoving HHH back in the corner. DX crotch chop from HHH. Defiant to the end. Hammer to the face. HHH crawls to Taker. Throat slash from Taker. Tombstone for three. Damn.
Perfect job from HBK. He got involved, as we all knew he would. But in the end, he also stayed impartial. It wasn't five-star quality, but it was damn close. Just incredible storytelling; shows you don't need a spotfest to generate a MOTY candidate.
HBK pulls Taker up for a classy hug. Respect. Pyros to signal 20-0. HBK and Taker help HHH up and help him to the back. Group hug on the stage. Indelible moment right there, fellas.
Hall of Famers introduced. Fink does the honors. Four Horsemen includes Flair. Tyson with the DX crotch chop. Edge gets his own entrance as the featured inductee of 2012.
Heath Slater got his own backstage segment with Flo Rida? Sure, Hawkins and Reks came in at the end, but seriously now? Slater got just as much airtime than Daniel Bryan. Fail.
Over 78,000 in attendance. Legit or inflated? Not sure.
Six-on-six tag now. Brie introduces Team Johnny. Nikki introduces Team Teddy. Only one fall here, no elimination rules. Unfortunately, crowd is spent following Taker/HHH. Impossible act to follow. Very deliberate match here, but at least everyone got involved somehow. Unless it's Survivor Series and it gets like...30 minutes, please don't do these types of matches.
Anyway, vintage "everyone-gets-involved" spot. Aksana and Vickie go at it, and Bellas try to separate them. Booker and Miz in the ring, Santino's on the apron. Hot tag to Santino, and he works on Miz. Johnny distracts Santino, but cobra to Miz anyway! Dolph with a big save at the last second. Ryder's now in. Huge monkey flip to Ziggler, with DZ flipping once more onto his face. Ryder now on Miz. Rough Ryder to Ziggler. Broski Boot time to Miz?
Wait, Eve's in the ring! Ryder distracted. Miz with SCF to Zack for three. Well, that was peachy. Didn't think Miz would get the pin, but good for him. I guess Miz gets a re-push to the top now. Oh wow, now it's "Johnny Laurinaitis" with total control of RAW and Smackdown. Wait, Miz is undefeated at Mania? Well, I'm sure he won't do a Taker-like 20-0, though. Eve tends to Ryder in the ring. Yeah, keep playing Ryder for storyline's sake. Good match for what it was worth.
OW, Eve kicked Ryder low! Thought it was with the heel at first, but it was more with the shin. "No more children! No more children!"
April 29...Extreme Rules is back for a PPV.
HI TORRIE! Enjoying being with A-Rod? More Axxess moments are shown. Big mistake by me, probably shoulda had WM and/or the Masters as a vacation package. Miami and Augusta. Both were close enough to combine into one trip, right?
Laurinaitis wastes no time with his power. If Punk's DQ'd in his match against Jericho, Punk now loses the title. Jericho out first. "Best in the World" on the ass of his trunks. Great video package shown. Then Punk arrives. Jericho tries to goad Punk into losing his temper early. "How's your father?!" Good stuff. Punk with a flying clothesline from the top to the outside. Jericho mentions Punk's sister. Great mind games from Jericho. Punk's got a chair and Jericho just wants to be hit. Jericho suplexes Punk to the outside, very nice. Jericho works on Punk's back, love this. Set him up for the Walls.
Punk high knee in corner, bulldog blocked. Lionsault blocked, but countered into the Walls -- and then countered out of that. Excellent spot. Punk elbow blocked, Codebreaker sends Punk out of the ring. Jericho gets Punk back in, but GTS out of nowhere! Jericho with the foot on the ropes at two. Powerslam by Punk (not scoop slam, Cole!) for two. Multiple standing switches leads to Lionsault for two.
Punk for a top-rope hurricanrana, countered into Walls! Punk got to the ropes. Suicide dive by Punk on Jericho. OW, high knee to Jericho, and his head hit the post. Punk springboard...CODEBREAKER! Beautiful spot -- and only two. Damn.
Punk back in the Walls. Countered into an inside cradle for two. Countered into more pin attempts...Anaconda Vice! Countered briefly into a Jericho pin, but back to the Vice. Jericho knees. Back to the Walls? Countered out and back to the Vice! Best part there...Punk shifted his body to counter Jericho's attempts to counter. Jericho taps. Outstanding.
Brodus got a match?! Oh, he doesn't. But he brought his mama with a fake big-cushioned behind! And apparently the entire bridge club. Mama's got moves. Oh what a visual this is....
Diddy is in the building! MGK is performing to introduce Cena. Cleveland tank top? Nice indirect LeBron reference. Cena's the underdog? Really? Cena's got a new green shirt tonight. He gets mixed reactions, but thought he'd get booed more.
Flo Rida performs and leads to Rock's intro. Enormous pop. Duh, we're in his hometown.
Main event intros. There are the boos for Cena I was expecting. Still nothing like Hammerstein Ballroom, though. Staredown to start. Tie-up and Cena wins the first test of strength. Crowd going more nutso. Rock wins round two of test of strength. Rock with arm drags, a kip-up, and a rollup for two. Cena's got a WTF look on his face.
Battling on the outside. Rock getting beat down by Cena. Cena's focusing on the ribs. Bear hug? Ugh. Rock manages to get a DDT in for two. Rock battles back...spinebuster! People's Elbow...no! STF attempt! Countered out, but now Cena with his usual comeback moves. Five Knuckle Shuffle...got it! AA countered into a double clothesline. Both are up and trade bombs.
AA out of nowhere! ONLY TWO!!!! Fans are going apeshit. ROCK BOTTOM...TWO!!! Elbows from Rock in the corner, but side slam by Cena gets two. Top-rope bulldog legdrop...only two! Cena's surprised. Rock gets the Sharpshooter on Cena. Well, sorta. Rock crossed Cena's legs the wrong way. Cena gets to the ropes. Punches from Rock. Back to Rock's version of the Sharpshooter, but Cena back to the ropes.
To the floor they go. Cena into the steps. Back in ring...STF on Rock! Rock tries to get to the ropes, but Cena brings him back to the center. Rock's fading. Rock slowly appears to pass out. Ref checks. Hand drops once. Hand drops twice. Hand...STAYS UP! One more reach...and got the rope! Match continues. Very good segment. Rock was in that hold about three and a half minutes.
Rock hits a Samoan drop out of desperation. Both back up at eight. Trading bombs again. Rock Bottom countered. AA countered. Rock spinebuster! PEOPLE'S ELBOW! And...ONLY TWO!
Cena inside cradle out of nowhere, but only two. Crowd back to being very vocal. Cena slingshots Rock into the turnbuckle...rollup for two. Cena puts Rock on the top. Superplex, perhaps? Rock fights it off and pushes Cena off the ropes.
Wait...Rock to the top?!?! Can't remember the last time this happened. Cross body...roll through! Cena lifts Rock up! AA...OMGWTFBBQ ONLY TWO?!?! Incredible.
WTF. Cena's gonna mock Rock and do a People's Elbow? Cena caught! ROCK BOTTOM! 1...2...3!!!!! Holy cow. What a match.
I actually can't believe they booked Rock to win. Although now I do wonder if this leads to a possible Cena heel turn. Not often would I think Cena resorts to attempting another person's finisher in such a way. The look Cena has at the end is full of dejection.
Overall, a great PPV. Would have been even better had they actually given time for DB/Sheamus. ***3/4
Friday, March 30, 2012
3/30/12 Smackdown
(UPDATE: So apparently, I watched the International show on my original post. That had just WM highlights. The U.S. version had two matches and some Axxess highlights.
Ratings:
Zack Ryder vs. Drew McIntyre: **1/4
Chris Jericho vs. Kofi Kingston: **3/4
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Show starts with Ryder and Drew. Sounded like Striker indirectly referenced being fired as a schoolteacher when he initially tried out for WWE. I think McIntyre has potential, but he just needs momentum and the right feuds to elevate his status. I hope he gets a run with the IC title later this year, should Cody Rhodes move to the main event picture (or if they just keep doing some rotating champion carousel dealie). Anyway, a very good match between these two. Lively crowd helps.
Taker/HHH video package. Showing the evolution of both guys (no pun intended for HHH). Taker's gonna show a bald/shaved head at Mania, and I'm sure many people in the crowd will have those WTF moments.
Women's title split down the middle by LayCool! Awesome.
Buildup for the divas tag match, thanks to Maria Menounos and "Extra." MM has a couple of cracked ribs, from what I heard, so she may not get as much time in the ring. Kelly would do the brunt of the work anyway.
Loved the shots of superstars signing autographs for the fans. Edge has SHORT hair. He looks good, I must say. Well-deserved HOF induction for him. Too bad injury cut his career short.
Punk/Jericho video package. I'd like Jericho to win here, but only if he sticks around for a good while. I'd like this feud to continue after WM. Perhaps a fluky finish here could work.
Team Johnny and Team Teddy video highlights. No-brainer for me, Johnny's team will win. Long's run as GM went stale a long time ago. I'm with others who say Otunga likely gets the win for the team.
Unfortunately, Christian is not wrestling at WM. Injury probably didn't heal in time. He'll still be there. Perhaps Christian could help run interference in the 6-on-6 match? Or even interfere during Punk/Jericho?
Big Show promo. He's fired up and ready for Cody. I think Show wins at Mania. Cody's had a lengthy reign.
DB/Sheamus video package. I love how DB's garnered such momentum as a heel. As I've said in the past, look for DB to align with Brie Bella. I would have preferred AJ turn heel, but this could work if AJ still becomes part of the divas title picture. If DB loses, he probably blames AJ for his loss, leading to a split. Also, Sheamus winning would at least boost that stat of Rumble winners going on to win the World/WWE titles.
Finally, Kofi and Jericho go at it. Another high-caliber match here. Exciting stuff, very fluid sequences. Jericho with the old Lion Tamer version of the Walls. Generally, that means it's over, and it was here.
Show closes with more Rock/Cena stuff. Cena is the choice to win here. John's the present and future of the company, while Rock is a movie actor now. No point to having Rock win...he already made his mark in WWE. Better to add to a current star's legacy.
__________________
International Show is DIFFERENT from the U.S. version!
This was really just a show meant to promote WM 28 in two days. Video packages of the big matches at WM 28, but also plenty of past matches to re-live the greatness on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Among them:
Taker/HHH from WM 27
Steamboat/Savage from WM 3 (haven't seen this a lot,but it was outstanding)
Edge/Cena/Show from WM 25 (better than I thought after watching it again)
HBK/Jericho from WM 19
Taker/Orton from WM 21
Rock/Austin from WM 19 (Rock's clearly more jacked now, thanks to his movie role)
Probably will just watch WM 28 the next day, fellas. Hope you enjoy the PPV!
Ratings:
Zack Ryder vs. Drew McIntyre: **1/4
Chris Jericho vs. Kofi Kingston: **3/4
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Show starts with Ryder and Drew. Sounded like Striker indirectly referenced being fired as a schoolteacher when he initially tried out for WWE. I think McIntyre has potential, but he just needs momentum and the right feuds to elevate his status. I hope he gets a run with the IC title later this year, should Cody Rhodes move to the main event picture (or if they just keep doing some rotating champion carousel dealie). Anyway, a very good match between these two. Lively crowd helps.
Taker/HHH video package. Showing the evolution of both guys (no pun intended for HHH). Taker's gonna show a bald/shaved head at Mania, and I'm sure many people in the crowd will have those WTF moments.
Women's title split down the middle by LayCool! Awesome.
Buildup for the divas tag match, thanks to Maria Menounos and "Extra." MM has a couple of cracked ribs, from what I heard, so she may not get as much time in the ring. Kelly would do the brunt of the work anyway.
Loved the shots of superstars signing autographs for the fans. Edge has SHORT hair. He looks good, I must say. Well-deserved HOF induction for him. Too bad injury cut his career short.
Punk/Jericho video package. I'd like Jericho to win here, but only if he sticks around for a good while. I'd like this feud to continue after WM. Perhaps a fluky finish here could work.
Team Johnny and Team Teddy video highlights. No-brainer for me, Johnny's team will win. Long's run as GM went stale a long time ago. I'm with others who say Otunga likely gets the win for the team.
Unfortunately, Christian is not wrestling at WM. Injury probably didn't heal in time. He'll still be there. Perhaps Christian could help run interference in the 6-on-6 match? Or even interfere during Punk/Jericho?
Big Show promo. He's fired up and ready for Cody. I think Show wins at Mania. Cody's had a lengthy reign.
DB/Sheamus video package. I love how DB's garnered such momentum as a heel. As I've said in the past, look for DB to align with Brie Bella. I would have preferred AJ turn heel, but this could work if AJ still becomes part of the divas title picture. If DB loses, he probably blames AJ for his loss, leading to a split. Also, Sheamus winning would at least boost that stat of Rumble winners going on to win the World/WWE titles.
Finally, Kofi and Jericho go at it. Another high-caliber match here. Exciting stuff, very fluid sequences. Jericho with the old Lion Tamer version of the Walls. Generally, that means it's over, and it was here.
Show closes with more Rock/Cena stuff. Cena is the choice to win here. John's the present and future of the company, while Rock is a movie actor now. No point to having Rock win...he already made his mark in WWE. Better to add to a current star's legacy.
__________________
International Show is DIFFERENT from the U.S. version!
This was really just a show meant to promote WM 28 in two days. Video packages of the big matches at WM 28, but also plenty of past matches to re-live the greatness on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Among them:
Taker/HHH from WM 27
Steamboat/Savage from WM 3 (haven't seen this a lot,but it was outstanding)
Edge/Cena/Show from WM 25 (better than I thought after watching it again)
HBK/Jericho from WM 19
Taker/Orton from WM 21
Rock/Austin from WM 19 (Rock's clearly more jacked now, thanks to his movie role)
Probably will just watch WM 28 the next day, fellas. Hope you enjoy the PPV!
3/29/12 Impact
Ratings:
Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne: *1/4
Crimson vs. Matt Morgan: 3/4*
Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy: *1/4
James Storm & Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode & Bully Ray: **1/4
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Hogan to announce his decision if he accepts the GM spot tonight. Yeah, he's taking it. What else is he doing? Please don't make him wrestle anymore.
Roode starts the show? Thought he would just sit at home until Lockdown. Vintage security! Crowd sounds vocal, but I don't see nearly as much activity in the crowd until Storm came out. Mall cops! Bully Ray interference. Storm wants a handicap match...him against Roode and Bully. Crazy much?
Christy Hemme announcing from the crowd? That's a good one. Do that more often!
Aw, Gail and Madison are friends again. The queen is back. Velvet has a good entrance video. Sky's the limit! Yay for a fast start. What the heck kinda "spear" was that from Velvet? Double underhook sitdown facebuster for three. Good finisher from Velvet. In Yo' Face! Velvet wants that Knockouts Title.
Footage of Hogan and Dixie talking earlier today. I don't know about you, but doesn't the camera angle seem a bit creepy? Voyeur-like? Come on. Just put the damn camera in the open and conduct it normally.
Angle gives an ultimatum to Hardy: beat Anderson tonight or no match at Lockdown. Like that would fool me or other fans?
Aries comes on out unannounced. He's got a problem with Bully Ray, like that's anything new. A-double wants to tag with Storm tonight. Good plan to ensure Roode can keep away from Storm.
Crimson and Morgan. Finally, they go at it, and we come back from commercial with the two already trading blows. Double countout. Fitting, yet still lame at the same time. Good physicality, at least.
Anderson out first, and I don't care about his entrance anymore. Hardy is next and he's got the face paint as usual. Angle costs Hardy the win. Yup.
Goes right into the premiere of the "Longnecks and Rednecks" music video. Excellent stuff, loved it.
Oh man. ODB and Eric Young picking wedding dresses and tuxes. Nice job to get the cleavage so EY can go all nutso. How many can you take on at one time? Just classic there. Screw it, ODB and EY are getting hitched in a steel cage. Brilliant!
Bischoff segment. Gunner and Garett in a steel cage at Lockdown. Garett will be there. No intimidation here, fellas.
Video package on Storm and Roode. Very good to highlight the history between the two.
Tag match finishes the wrestling portion of the show. Good tease at the start between Roode and Storm. Aries eventually gets to fight Bully. Aries does the brunt of the work, as expected. Storm with the hot tag and he goes to town on Bully. RR goes for the beer but spits it in Bully's face. Roode shoves Bully in the way of the Last Call and Storm gets three.
By the way, how the hell do you just do a passing mention that the Motor City Machine Guns are returning next week?! The best tag team left in TNA, and they just get a mere mention during the main event?! Fail.
Dixie and Hogan segment at the end. Hogan's still refusing. Here goes Sting with a bunch of faces. Morgan, Styles, Hardy, Storm, etc. Hogan and Sting want to ensure each will back the other in Hulk's tenure. Yup. Hogan's the new GM in town. Hope this leads to some good stuff.
Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne: *1/4
Crimson vs. Matt Morgan: 3/4*
Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy: *1/4
James Storm & Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode & Bully Ray: **1/4
__________________
Reviews/Thoughts:
Hogan to announce his decision if he accepts the GM spot tonight. Yeah, he's taking it. What else is he doing? Please don't make him wrestle anymore.
Roode starts the show? Thought he would just sit at home until Lockdown. Vintage security! Crowd sounds vocal, but I don't see nearly as much activity in the crowd until Storm came out. Mall cops! Bully Ray interference. Storm wants a handicap match...him against Roode and Bully. Crazy much?
Christy Hemme announcing from the crowd? That's a good one. Do that more often!
Aw, Gail and Madison are friends again. The queen is back. Velvet has a good entrance video. Sky's the limit! Yay for a fast start. What the heck kinda "spear" was that from Velvet? Double underhook sitdown facebuster for three. Good finisher from Velvet. In Yo' Face! Velvet wants that Knockouts Title.
Footage of Hogan and Dixie talking earlier today. I don't know about you, but doesn't the camera angle seem a bit creepy? Voyeur-like? Come on. Just put the damn camera in the open and conduct it normally.
Angle gives an ultimatum to Hardy: beat Anderson tonight or no match at Lockdown. Like that would fool me or other fans?
Aries comes on out unannounced. He's got a problem with Bully Ray, like that's anything new. A-double wants to tag with Storm tonight. Good plan to ensure Roode can keep away from Storm.
Crimson and Morgan. Finally, they go at it, and we come back from commercial with the two already trading blows. Double countout. Fitting, yet still lame at the same time. Good physicality, at least.
Anderson out first, and I don't care about his entrance anymore. Hardy is next and he's got the face paint as usual. Angle costs Hardy the win. Yup.
Goes right into the premiere of the "Longnecks and Rednecks" music video. Excellent stuff, loved it.
Oh man. ODB and Eric Young picking wedding dresses and tuxes. Nice job to get the cleavage so EY can go all nutso. How many can you take on at one time? Just classic there. Screw it, ODB and EY are getting hitched in a steel cage. Brilliant!
Bischoff segment. Gunner and Garett in a steel cage at Lockdown. Garett will be there. No intimidation here, fellas.
Video package on Storm and Roode. Very good to highlight the history between the two.
Tag match finishes the wrestling portion of the show. Good tease at the start between Roode and Storm. Aries eventually gets to fight Bully. Aries does the brunt of the work, as expected. Storm with the hot tag and he goes to town on Bully. RR goes for the beer but spits it in Bully's face. Roode shoves Bully in the way of the Last Call and Storm gets three.
By the way, how the hell do you just do a passing mention that the Motor City Machine Guns are returning next week?! The best tag team left in TNA, and they just get a mere mention during the main event?! Fail.
Dixie and Hogan segment at the end. Hogan's still refusing. Here goes Sting with a bunch of faces. Morgan, Styles, Hardy, Storm, etc. Hogan and Sting want to ensure each will back the other in Hulk's tenure. Yup. Hogan's the new GM in town. Hope this leads to some good stuff.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)