-LAST WEEK: John Cena, thanks to a fan vote, gets stuck facing all three Wyatt Family members. He still manages to have the match won, because Cena, before getting put down.
-From St. Louis, MO
-Hosts are Cole, King, & JBL
-A steel cage is lowered and Cena comes out to start the show. ALSO TONIGHT: Stephanie apologizes to Daniel Bryan, and Roman Reigns VS Randy Orton.
-Cena asks what he did to deserve last week. The crowd: "You Suck!". Well that explains it. Cena flashes back to when he was drafted to Raw from Smackdown in 2005, and the ovation he got. He comes to the conclusion that everyone has changed. Or it could be that the company decided to strip everything that men over the age of 13 liked about you, and stuck you in a terrible Austin/McMahon re-hash. Cena knows that he can't do this forever, and actually agrees with the cheers that generates, because he sees the bright future of the WWE. Cena lists a bunch of babyfaces (and Cesaro) from both the main roster and NXT, then says Bray Wyatt is different because he is all about himself, and not the WWE. Cena says it's important that the match Sunday is in a cage, because it will keep Rowan & Harper out (yeah right) and Wyatt's message in, because if Wyatt escapes and wins, he message gets out. Cena says soon it will be Wyatt VS The World, and the world doesn't stand a chance.
That leads to a Wyatt interruption, and a choir singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands". Bray joins in, and gets them to both change the lyrics at his whim, then surround the ring before throwing on sheep masks. Cena is NOT happy, but some members of the WWE Universe with higher-pitched voices try to help out by chanting his name. Wyatt laughs his ass off to end the segment. Awesome way to open the show, but this had better be leading to something come Sunday. I've expected a Wyatt win then since their feud started, but that doesn't seem like it would be enough now.
-Match 1 for the WWE Tag Team championship: The Usos [c] VS Rybaxel
-Surprised this isn't on the PPV *ahem* WWE Special. Big match intros too. Can't remember that last time non-world title matches got that. Jimmy & Axel start, and they trade chops before Jimmyy hits a cross-body for two. Ryback gets in (to "Goldberg" chants) and hits a splash, but allows a tag, then takes a double superkick. The Usos also send Axel outside before hitting stereo dives. One of the Usos has injured his ankle as we go to break.
Back from break, Axel has Jimmy (now I know which is which) in a headlock. Jimmy fights out, but takes a knee to the head for two. Ryback gets in and after a series of two counts, sets Jimmy up top, then tags in Axel. Jimmy fights off a double team superplex (at least that's moderately different), and dumps both Ryback & Axel. Jimmy makes the tag, and Jey hits a cross-body off the top for two. Jey slugs away on Axel in the corner, then catches Ryback with a superkick. Jey hits the ATM on Axel for two, Ryback makes a bling tag, then Axel hits an awkward teardrop suplex, and Ryback follows up with a spinebuster for two. Ryback goes for the Meathook Clothesline, but Jey counters with a superkick to the chest for two. Ryback gets the clothesline, then goes for Shellshocked, but Jey counters into a sunset flip for two. Axel gets in, but Jimmy makes a blind tag, which Axel doesn't see. Axel hits Jey with a PerfectPlex, but leaves himself wide open for a big splash from Jimmy for the pin.
***1/2 Really good match. Added a little bit to the rating since I can't tell for sure if Jey is legit hurt, or just selling really well.
-The crew announce that Extreme Rules will not be available on DirecTV or Dish Network, so there's the first casualty of the WWE Network.
-LATER TONIGHT: Reigns VS Orton.
-A pretty nice hype video for Bryan/Kane airs, and it's officially an Extreme Rules Match.
-ADAM ROSE is here next week.
-Cesaro & Heyman have a pow wow, and Heyman is AGHAST that RVD would speak out against him. Heyman then says RVD is actually right in what he said last week, but he does take his clients to the top. That's all Cesaro needed to hear.
-LAST WEEK: Kane killed Bryan.
-KANE'S MASK IS HERE!
-Sheamus comes out for a match, but Titus O'Neill jumps him from behind. The crew talk about there being a "new" Titus as O'Neill kicks Sheamus' ass.
-Match 2: Sheamus VS Titus O'Neill
-Sheamus gives the OK, so the ref rings the bell. Titus goes to work in the corner, but gets pulled back by the ref, and eats a Brogue Kick for the pin. WTF was the point of THAT?
NO RATING I was getting ready to write something along the lines of "It's nice to see WWE finally doing something with Titus" when the Brogue Kick happened. The crew put over the "new" Titus. You mean a guy who jumps his opponent from behind, then loses after taking one move? Real winner there.
-Hugh Jackman is next.
-Kofi Kingston explains how to sign up for WWE Network. It's the most relevant thing he's done in months.
-BOLIEVE
-Dolph Ziggler comes out to play hype man for Hugh Jackman and pimp the new X-Men movie. Ziggler & Jackman bury the hatchet, with Ziggler mentioning the kick to the head he took from Swagger last year. Damien Sandow comes out dressed as Magneto, in a completely out-of-character moment for him. The crowd chants for Jackman to knock Sandow out (which Sandow interprets as the crowd chanting for him in a nice touch). Sandow tries to use the power of Magnetism, and Jackman sells it (as the crowd looks on silence) before revealing that he's just screwing with Sandow. Jackman hits a hiptoss, and Ziggler adds a Zig Zag to end the segment. That would have been awesome had it been anyone but Sandow (who did as well as he could have) in that suit.
-A video recaps the build to Shield/Evolution.
-ON SMACKDOWN: Zeb Coulter & Paul Heyman have a debate.
-Heyman does some tremendous trolling of the crowd before Cesaro makes his entrance.
-Match 3: Jack Swagger (w/Zeb Coulter) VS Cesaro (w/Paul Heyman)
-Swagger gets an immediate takedown, but Cesaro counters into not one, but two deadlift gutwrench suplexes. The crowd completely undersells how awesome that was. Swagger rolls outside, but Cesaro follows with an axe handle from the top. Swagger manages to send Cesaro into the guardrail, and once they get back in, Swagger sends Cesaro into the post before adding a short-arm clothesline for two. The crowd is DEAD AS DEAD CAN BE right now. Cesaro counters a backdrop with an uppercut to a minor reaction, but he then runs into a big boot for two. Zeb interferes and TWIRLS the mustache, and Heyman goes after him which wakes the crowd from their coma. Cesaro gets a German Suplex off the distraction to get the win.
* Geez, how can two guys have a match like the Smackdown match, then have this one?
-Parts of the opening segment are shown for anyone who missed it.
-Cena has no comment for Rene Young.
-KANE'S MASK IS STILL HERE!
-Match 4: Alberto Del Rio VS Cody Rhodes (w/Goldust)
-Cody gets a jobber intro. ADR gets no intro. Boy how the mighty have fallen. ADR gets the early jump, then Cody fires back, then ADR regains control and hits a suplex for two. Cody hits a slam (looking like he's struggling to do so), but gets caught with a cheap shot in the corner. ADR hits a belly-to-back suplex for two, then slaps on a chinlock. Cody fights out and hits a dropkick, but he then runs into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. ADR gets another chinlock, Cody gets out, but jumps into a punch to the gut, a superkick, and the cross-armbreaker to finish.
*1/2 This wasn't bad, but the crowd is deader than both of their pushes. I don't mind matches for
matches sake (in fact, I wish there were more of them), but WWE crowds
have been conditioned to think that they mean less than nothing.
-Cody pushes Goldust away, as they continue to drag this out. They definitely should have turned Cody right after the tag title loss, when it would have meant something. Now they have been jobbed out so much as a team and as singles, that the crowds don't care about them.
-Cesaro & Heyman have another conference backstage.
-Match 5: Alexander Rusev (w/Lana) VS Xavier Woods (w/R-Truth)
-Woods tries to get out of the box quickly, but Rusev squashes that, and him, in about 30 seconds. Rusev looks to finish, but Truth rushes in to cause a DQ.
-NO RATING Just there to set up the PPV handicap match that will get the same non-reaction this got.
-The supposed babyfaces double-team Rusev, then Woods talks shit after getting squashed in 30 seconds and needing his friend to save him.
-Cena grants three more wishes. It would be awesome if this was being aired to advance a heel turn, but that isn't happening.
-Rene interviews RVD. RVD wants to win his lucky #7 IC title, and that Barrett is going to get some bad news tonight. Zeb Coulter proposes an alliance since they both hate Heyman. RVD turns it down.
-Zeb & Coulter have their own pow-wow.
-Match 6: Los Matadores (w/El Torito) VS Heath Slater & Drew McIntyre (w/Jinder Mahal & Hornswoggle)
-Again no entrances, but the announcement of WEE-LC for the Extreme Rules pre-show is great. Diego actually gets the crowd to react via a couple athletic moves. Hornswoggle wants Torito, who gores Mahal when he tries to keep them apart. Slater catches Diego with an Impaler DDT and SLATER WINS! SLATER WINS! SLATER WINS!
No Rating This wasn't even really a match, just a setup for WEE-LC. However, SLATER WINS! SLATER WINS! SLATER WINS!
-Los Matadores avoid a dive from Hornswoggle, much to the amusement of the announce team.
-Stephanie's apology is next.
-Sheamus gets to do another job, this time to Bray, on Main Event.
-Stephanie comes out to make her apology. She calls out Bryan, who comes out with Bree and a neck brace. Bryan says he almost believed her when she cried for Kane to stop, but he can't, because she's full of crap. Steph goes over their history, and says emotions ran high, and Bryan counters by asking about what his wife must have felt during all of HHH's attacks. Stephanie responds that she only meant to give Kane a backbone and give Bryan a credible opponent (so why did she pick Kane?) for Extreme Rules, and that she can sympathize with Bree, having ridden in too many ambulances and slept in too many hospital rooms with HHH. Bryan says she's still full of crap, so Stephanie invites Bryan to the ring to look her in the eyes, but Bryan smells a trap (an intelligent babyface?). Bryan says his head hurts and he can't move his neck, but he won't give in, and if Kane does take Bryan down, Bryan will take Kane down with him. Stephanie says she doesn't know where Kane is, but while Bryan can't wrestle tonight, Bree can, and will, for the Diva's title. Bryan won't let Bree go to ringside alone, and Steph says that's cool. Well so much for Bryan being a smart babyface, but at least he has a reason to fall into an obvious trap.
-Of course, Kane's mask is now gone, for the two of you who were watching and didn't know what was coming up next.
-Match 7 for the Divas Championship: Paige [c] VS Brie Bella (w/Daniel Bryan)
-Paige gets jobber intro'd, continuing that streak for tonight. Brie gets a couple takedowns and a dropkick for two. Paige fires back with a kick to the stomach and a hair toss, followed by a mudhole stomping. Paige adds a snap suplex for one, then some knees in the ropes. Brie catches Paige coming through the ropes with a kick to the head, followed by a running knee to the face. Brie tries to go into BRIE MODE, but gets caught and superplexed. Paige is obviously a face, since she hit the move. Kane's pyro hits, and he emerges through the ring to grab Brie, so it's a no-contest.
NO RATING This was just hear to set up the following angle, but at least they didn't try to act like it was supposed to be a surprise.
-Bryan grabs a wrench and clocks Kane in the face, but ends up taking a chokeslam, and Brie ends up having to save herself, which she does.Well, you had to know it was only a matter of time before Brie became Bryan's damsel-in-distress, but I do question the logic of having her save herself after he got taken out.
-MOMENTS AGO: Kane tried to kidnap Brie.
-Bryan gets looked at by the doctor. Steph enters, concerned that Bryan will not be able to wrestle at Extreme Rules. Bryan says he will be there, and Steph will regret bringing his wife into this. Brie yells "GET OUT YOU BITCH", which wakes the crowd up.
-EARLIER TONIGHT: By far the best part of the show was the first 15 minutes.
-Cena is ready to talk, and he tries to convince himself that the WWE Universe hasn't turned their back on him. Cena jokes about buying Wyatt a donkey to name Glutious and bring to the ring with him. I like the running character thread that Cena makes bad jokes when he's really nervous about a match.
-Bad News Barrett has some bad news for RVD: the last time RVD was relevant, Barrett was in diapers back in England. He then messes up a line (or the line is poorly written, which wouldn't surprise me), saying RVD will be "back in" diapers and sipping his meals through a straw courtesy of B...N...B.
-Match 8-Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Final: Bad News Barrett VS RVD
-They start out slow. "Big E might as well prepare for both guys, because after tonight he'll know". Shush it, Lawler. Barrett knocks RVD outside via a back elbow to the face, then whips him into the barricade. Barrett rams RVD into the announce table, then stops to ask for approval from JBL, before rolling RVD inside and getting a two count. RVD comes back with kicks and a rollup for two, but Barrett blocks a headscissors, lifts RVD in the air, and hits a kick to the midsection on the way down, drawing some "OOOOOHHH"s from the crowd as we go to break.
Back from break, RVD escapes a chinlock, but walks into the Winds of Change for two. Barrett gingerly drops an elbow off the top for two, before choking RVD in the corner and hitting a hangman's neckbreaker for two. Barrett hits the chinlock then changes up to a surfboard. RVD gets out, and counters a kitchen sink with a rollup for two. RVD hits a kick to the face and goes for Rolling Thunder, but Barrett avoids it. RVD kicks Barrett down again. Cesaro comes out, then Swagger goes after him, so Cesaro sends Swagger into the barricade. RVD avoids the Bull Hammer and hits Rolling Thunder, but Cesaro causes another distraction, allowing Barrett time to lift his knees to counter the Five Star Frog Splash, then finish with the Bull Hammer.
** Barrett couldn't quite overcome the black hole of suck that RVD has become.
-Cesaro goes after RVD, then Swagger attacks Cesaro, hitting him with a gutwrench powerbomb. RVD kicks Swagger out of the ring, then hits a frog splash on Cesaro. Heyman is NOT happy. There's another match for the special event.
-FROM SMACKDOWN: The Shield run through 11 guys.
-The Shield don't think Evolution are "all that and a bag of chips".
-BREAKING NEWS: Dean Ambrose will have to defend the U.S. title against ADR & Rybaxel on Smackdown.
-Match 9: Randy Orton (w/Triple H & Batista) VS Roman Reigns (w/Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins)
-Orton gets a small hometown pop. HHH is impressed with what The Shield did on Smackdown, but Evolution will still kick their asses at Extreme Rules. Ric Flair comes out...and endorses The Shield. Please don't let him be in your corner on Sunday guys. Orton gets the early jump and sends Reigns outside. Orton tries a suplex on the floor, but Reigns blocks, and reverses the move. Reigns hits a headbutt, but Orton somehow survives that, and reverses a whip to send Reigns into the steps. Orton dares Rollins or Ambrose to attack him, but they don't, and HHH walks over in case they do. Back in Orton hits the chinlock, but Reigns fights out. After an awkward moment, Orton clotheslines Reigns out over the top. Orton pulls Reigns back in and tries for the draping DDT, but Reigns avoids it.
Reigns makes a comeback and FIRES UP, looking pretty goofy as he does so. He hits the floor-to-apron kick, then calls for the Superman Punch. Batista distracts the ref and HHH does the same to Reigns, allowing Orton to hit the Orton Backbreaker, and causing Rollins & Ambrose to attack HHH & Batista. HHH & Batista quickly turn the tide on Rollins & Ambrose. Back to the match, as Reigns hits the Superman Punch, but stops to join the fight on the floor, and it's a no-contest.
* Nothing special while it lasted. Taking a lot of offense then making a short comeback is not the formula Reigns needs to be working in.
-Evolution destroy The Shield, which completely goes against the storyline so far. Things go back in the ring, and the massacre continues, until HHH goes to Pedigree Ambrose, and Rollins breaks that up with a flying knee. The Shield take care of Orton & Batista, and Reigns spears HHH. The Shield set up for the triple powerbomb, but Orton & Batista grab chairs and try to save, forcing The Shield to abandon that plan to take care of them, and give HHH time to escape. The Shield stand tall to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: The opening half hour or so was great...then it all went to hell. Some really bass-ackwards booking on this show combined with completely inconsequential in-ring action makes for a pretty bad show. The only thing missing was a two minute match featuring Santino/Emma and Fandango/Layla.
-
TBHND
Well that's what I heard,,,
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Ring of Honor Wrestling for the Weekend of 4/25/14
-The show opens with still photos from Ladder War at Supercard of Honor VIII.
-From New Orleans, LA
-Hosts are Kevin Kelly & Steve Corino
-Kelly & Corino talk about Cole becoming the "Undisputed" RoH World Champion, and Jay Lethal winning the TV title. Lethal makes his first defense against Alex Koslov in tonight's main event. Plus, there is doubt surrounding the future of the Briscoes.
-Adam Cole opens the show with Matt Hardy by his side. Cole is still feeling the ladder match, since this was taped the day after. Cole says no one can understand what it's like to go to bed knowing you're the best pro wrestler on the planet and still have people question you. Cole says he went to hell and back to retain his world title, while Jay Briscoe went to hell and stayed there. Cole says both he and Michael Bennett beat the Briscoes like they've never been beaten before, and that the Briscoes will never show their face in RoH again. Cole presents Hardy with the Jay Briscoe title belt, and Hardy renames it the ICONIC Championsip.
Kevin Steen interrupts, stating that Cole has no idea what hell is, because Steen is the Devil, and he's going to show Cole hell at Border Wars in Toronto. Steen talks about never getting a title shot after losing the title last year. Steen makes fun of Cole for saying Toronto is Steen's hometown, when Steen is from Quebec. Steen punches Cole and goes after Hardy, but falls victim to a heel beatdown after Michael Bennett interjects.
-Match 1: Cedric Alexander VS BJ Whitmer (w/Jimmy Jacobs, Roderick Strong, & Adam Page)
-Whitmer backs Alexander into the corner, and gives a clean break. Roderick Strong joins the announce team as Cedric hits a dropkick for two. They exchange chops, but Whitmer hits a kitchen sink, followed by a gutbuster. Whitmer gets a modified abdominal stretch, but then walks into an enziguiri, followed by a Trouble in Paradise for two. Cedric slips while walking the ropes, but still manages to kick Whitmer in the face. Whitmer hits a snap powerslam, followed by a couple modified fisherman suplexes for two and we go to break.
-Truth Martini gloats about having yet another champion on his resume.
Back from break, Cedric counters an exploder and gets a rollup for two. Cedric hits a lumbar kick, but Jacobs distracts both he and the ref. Cedric takes care of Jacobs, but whiffs on another spin kick, and Whitmer hits a lariat for the pin.
**1/4 Not bad, not bad at all.
-Page holds Alexander in place as Jacobs cuts a promo on him. Alexander spits at Jacobs, so Strong kicks him in the face, and hits his release suplex into a backbreaker finish.
-Adam Cole tells Steen to "Run Steen Run".
-Match 2: Andrew Everett VS ACH (w/Tadarius Thomas)
-Jimmy Jacobs joins the announce team. They have a standoff, then Everett hits a nice dropkick. ACH comes back, and gets a Cloverleaf. Everett fires back with a springboard dropkick, then spikes ACH on his head with a rana for two. Everett hits a suplex, but misses a springboard SSP. ACH hits a double stomp to the head, followed by a low superkick. ACH ends up outside, and Everett hits a dive. Back in, Everett misses a double moonsault, allowing ACH to hit a pretty vicious running knee to the face, followed by a 450 for the pin.
*3/4 Didn't really care for this. It did have a nice contrast of Everett only having flippy stuff in his repertoire and looking only to impress the crowd, while ACH had some nice strikes that got him the win.
-A video recaps the Truth/Taven angle, as well as Lethal joining Truth while winning the TV title.
-Match 3 for the RoH Television Championship: Jay Lethal [c] (w/Truth Martini) VS Alex Koslov
-Koslov turns down a handshake, but then offers one after a standoff. Koslov hits a dropkick to send Lethal outside, then follows with a flip dive as we go to break.
Back from break, Lethal works Koslov over on the floor, then rolls him back inside for two. Kozlov counters the hiptoss/dropkick combo into a rollup for two. Lethal tries a springboard, but gets met with a dropkick on the way down. They do a strike exchange, then Koslov avoids an avalanche before hitting a springboard dropkick followed by Cossak Kicks and a double stomp to the face for two. Lethal tries fighting back, but he runs into a heel kick. Lethal rolls outside, and Koslov almost loses his balance on a springboard, but manages to execute a cross-body to the outside.
Back in, Lethal gets a Lethal Combination into a Koji Clutch. Koslov hangs on, then counters into a Cobra Stretch, forcing Lethal to grab the ropes. Lethal fights off a superplex, but Koslov avoids the newly-renamed Hail to the Champ. Lethal hits a kick to the gut, but Koslov counters the Lethal Injection into a Burning Hammer for two. Koslov goes up, but a bandaged Matt Taven runs out to go after Truth, who runs into the ring. Taven then takes the opportunity to go after Lethal, which draws a DQ.
*** This was getting pretty good before the finish. Not surprised to see Koslov protected here.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: Decent start to the new taping cycle. Nothing particularly memorable, but nothing too bad either except for Everett thinking it's 2002.
-From New Orleans, LA
-Hosts are Kevin Kelly & Steve Corino
-Kelly & Corino talk about Cole becoming the "Undisputed" RoH World Champion, and Jay Lethal winning the TV title. Lethal makes his first defense against Alex Koslov in tonight's main event. Plus, there is doubt surrounding the future of the Briscoes.
-Adam Cole opens the show with Matt Hardy by his side. Cole is still feeling the ladder match, since this was taped the day after. Cole says no one can understand what it's like to go to bed knowing you're the best pro wrestler on the planet and still have people question you. Cole says he went to hell and back to retain his world title, while Jay Briscoe went to hell and stayed there. Cole says both he and Michael Bennett beat the Briscoes like they've never been beaten before, and that the Briscoes will never show their face in RoH again. Cole presents Hardy with the Jay Briscoe title belt, and Hardy renames it the ICONIC Championsip.
Kevin Steen interrupts, stating that Cole has no idea what hell is, because Steen is the Devil, and he's going to show Cole hell at Border Wars in Toronto. Steen talks about never getting a title shot after losing the title last year. Steen makes fun of Cole for saying Toronto is Steen's hometown, when Steen is from Quebec. Steen punches Cole and goes after Hardy, but falls victim to a heel beatdown after Michael Bennett interjects.
-Match 1: Cedric Alexander VS BJ Whitmer (w/Jimmy Jacobs, Roderick Strong, & Adam Page)
-Whitmer backs Alexander into the corner, and gives a clean break. Roderick Strong joins the announce team as Cedric hits a dropkick for two. They exchange chops, but Whitmer hits a kitchen sink, followed by a gutbuster. Whitmer gets a modified abdominal stretch, but then walks into an enziguiri, followed by a Trouble in Paradise for two. Cedric slips while walking the ropes, but still manages to kick Whitmer in the face. Whitmer hits a snap powerslam, followed by a couple modified fisherman suplexes for two and we go to break.
-Truth Martini gloats about having yet another champion on his resume.
Back from break, Cedric counters an exploder and gets a rollup for two. Cedric hits a lumbar kick, but Jacobs distracts both he and the ref. Cedric takes care of Jacobs, but whiffs on another spin kick, and Whitmer hits a lariat for the pin.
**1/4 Not bad, not bad at all.
-Page holds Alexander in place as Jacobs cuts a promo on him. Alexander spits at Jacobs, so Strong kicks him in the face, and hits his release suplex into a backbreaker finish.
-Adam Cole tells Steen to "Run Steen Run".
-Match 2: Andrew Everett VS ACH (w/Tadarius Thomas)
-Jimmy Jacobs joins the announce team. They have a standoff, then Everett hits a nice dropkick. ACH comes back, and gets a Cloverleaf. Everett fires back with a springboard dropkick, then spikes ACH on his head with a rana for two. Everett hits a suplex, but misses a springboard SSP. ACH hits a double stomp to the head, followed by a low superkick. ACH ends up outside, and Everett hits a dive. Back in, Everett misses a double moonsault, allowing ACH to hit a pretty vicious running knee to the face, followed by a 450 for the pin.
*3/4 Didn't really care for this. It did have a nice contrast of Everett only having flippy stuff in his repertoire and looking only to impress the crowd, while ACH had some nice strikes that got him the win.
-A video recaps the Truth/Taven angle, as well as Lethal joining Truth while winning the TV title.
-Match 3 for the RoH Television Championship: Jay Lethal [c] (w/Truth Martini) VS Alex Koslov
-Koslov turns down a handshake, but then offers one after a standoff. Koslov hits a dropkick to send Lethal outside, then follows with a flip dive as we go to break.
Back from break, Lethal works Koslov over on the floor, then rolls him back inside for two. Kozlov counters the hiptoss/dropkick combo into a rollup for two. Lethal tries a springboard, but gets met with a dropkick on the way down. They do a strike exchange, then Koslov avoids an avalanche before hitting a springboard dropkick followed by Cossak Kicks and a double stomp to the face for two. Lethal tries fighting back, but he runs into a heel kick. Lethal rolls outside, and Koslov almost loses his balance on a springboard, but manages to execute a cross-body to the outside.
Back in, Lethal gets a Lethal Combination into a Koji Clutch. Koslov hangs on, then counters into a Cobra Stretch, forcing Lethal to grab the ropes. Lethal fights off a superplex, but Koslov avoids the newly-renamed Hail to the Champ. Lethal hits a kick to the gut, but Koslov counters the Lethal Injection into a Burning Hammer for two. Koslov goes up, but a bandaged Matt Taven runs out to go after Truth, who runs into the ring. Taven then takes the opportunity to go after Lethal, which draws a DQ.
*** This was getting pretty good before the finish. Not surprised to see Koslov protected here.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: Decent start to the new taping cycle. Nothing particularly memorable, but nothing too bad either except for Everett thinking it's 2002.
Smackdown 4/25/14
-Vickie Guerrero (I thought she was done?) opens the show. She says The Authority have taken the night off, leaving her in charge, since she's the Smackdown GM after all. She books The Shield in another 11-on-3 handicap match for later tonight, before introducing Zeb Coulter (w/Jack Swagger) & Paul Heyman (w/Cesaro) for a great managerial debate.
Zeb opens up by complaining about Cesaro aligning with Heyman and ditching the Real Americans. Zeb says Cesaro practically begged to join the RES, and that Zeb had to talk Swagger into it. Zeb gets cut off by a buzzer at about 90 seconds.
Heyman apparently doesn't care about what they came here to debate, because his client Brock Lesnar conquered the streak. Zeb warns Heyman about Cesaro, breaking out the "he'd rather climb a tree and tell a lie rather than stay on the ground and tell the truth" line. Heyman responds to Zeb's question as to why he took Cesaro from him by asking when the last time Swagger won. Heyman says Cesaro was already a Heyman Guy when he won the ARMBaR. Zeb gets upset and calls Heyman out, leading to the two managers having to be separated. It's Swagger VS Cesaro next.
-From Hershey, PA
-Hosts are JBL & Cole
-Match 1: Jack Swagger (w/Zeb Coulter) VS Cesaro (w/Paul Heyman)
-Swagger bum rushes Cesaro at the bell. WE THE PEOPLE! Cesaro fires back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a couple uppercuts. Swagger hip tosses Cesaro out over the top, then knocks him off the apron when Cesaro tries to climb back in the ring. Swagger rolls outside, but runs right into another uppercut, which gets a nice reaction. Cesaro sends Swagger into the barricade, then adds a couple chops and a kick to the face. Back in, Cesaro hits a double stomp to the gut for two. Swagger hits a chop block, followed by a belly-to-belly suplex for two.
Swagger pulls on Cesaro's arm as the crowd starts to rally behind Cesaro, completely destroying JBL's point that the fans don't like anyone involved. Cesaro gets out of the hold, and hits a springboard uppercut followed by a dead lift gutwrench suplex. Swagger, in turn, comes right back with a backdrop and a Swagger Bomb for two. Cesaro fights out of a corner, and sends them both outside via a clothesline as we go to break.
Back from break, Cesaro fights off a superplex attempt, then a running throw attempt, before hitting a diving uppercut from the top for two. Cesaro charges into a back elbow, followed by a big boot for two. Cesaro raises his boot to block a Swagger Bomb, but Swagger manages to get the Patriot Lock. Cesaro escapes, but Swagger takes him down for two. Cesaro scores with yet another uppercut, followed by a Tiger Driver, the CESARO SWING, and the Neutralizer to finish.
***1/2 I really liked this match, and am surprised this was apparently the blow off, unless they go Cesaro/Heyman VS Swagger/Zeb at Extreme Rules.
-The Shield come out through the crowd and Cesaro smartly bails. Swagger is not so lucky, taking a Superman Punch from Reigns, followed by a triple powerbomb, in an attempt to take Swagger out of the handicap match. The Shield warn they are just getting started.
-ON RAW: Kane killed Bryan. Bryan will still be at Raw, and Stephanie is promising a public apology to the champ.
-LATER TONIGHT: Bray Wyatt has a message for John Cena.
-Another video profile on Paige airs.
-Match 2: Tamina VS Natalya
-Just as Cole & JBL hype Tamina, Natalya completely dominates the opening moments of the match. Natalya hits a dropkick to send Tamina to the apron, but Tamina yanks Natalya by the hair and sends her crashing to the floor. Tamina throws her jacket at Natalya, then rolls her back inside before getting a two count. Natalya gets a small package for two, then a discus clothesline for another two count after Tamina fights off the Sharpshooter. Tamina fights off a roll-up, then catches Natalya with a kick to the face for the pin.
** Decent enough, but I have to question Tamina getting dominated for the most part like that before her big title shot.
-A video recaps the Shield/Evolution feud so far.
-The Shield meet up with 3MB backstage. It does not go well for 3MB. Slater's sell of knowing he's about to die is awesome.
-Vickie has a phone conversation with Triple H, who tells her to take the rest of the night off and leave Brad Maddox in charge. She is NOT happy. Maddox says he'll make The Shield RESPECT MAH AUTHORITAH.
-Match 3: Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso) VS Curtis Axel (w/Ryback)
-No entrances for anyone. They slug it out to start, then Axel hits an awkward running knee to the head. Axel follows up with a backbreaker and a forearm drop for two. Axel misses a splash in the corner, and Jey makes his comeback. Jey goes up, but Ryback causes a distraction, allowing Axel to regain control, and finish with the Axel neckbreaker.
** Watchable match to build to the tag title match at Extreme Rules.
-Bray Wyatt is next.
-BOLIEVE
-FROM RAW: Cena beats the Wyatts by himself, but gets laid out afterward.
-Bray cuts a sweet promo from inside a cage, with Harper & Rowan also inside. He loves that the WWE Universe would rather see Cena suffer than see him smile. Wyatt claims to be the conscience of a world that has thrown itself away to mortal monsters. Bray says he can see it now: all of Cena's fans turning on Cena to follow him.
-Match 4: Luke Harper & Erik Rowan (w/Bray Wyatt) VS The Brotherhood
-Cody starts with Harper, and hits a dropkick to the knee. Harper grabs Cody's face, but Cody fights back, and tags are made on both ends. Goldust gets Rowan down and tags Cody, who hits an uppercut. Bray gets on the mic and basically asks the crowd "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?" as the Family take over on Cody. Cody plays FIP, including a spot where Harper knocked Goldust off the apron, so Goldust wasn't there when Cody went to make a tag. Cody hits the Disaster Kick, and tags Goldust. The faces clean house, but Harper sends Goldust into Cody, which knocks Cody off the top into the barricade, then Harper finishes with distracted Goldust with a spinning clothesline.
***1/2 Good ring work coupled with good story telling = a happy Newb.
-The Shield take Maddox out. Ambrose's dive behind the couch to get him some is awesome.
-The Shield beat the shit out of Fandango and triple powerbomb him off the stage, thankfully saving us from Fandango/Layla VS Santino/Emma part 37.
-It's party time...ALL THE TIME!
-The whole murder of Daniel Bryan by Kane from Raw is replayed.
-ON MONDAY: Barrett VS RVD in the finals of the IC #1 Contender's Tournament.
-The Shield make their entrance.
-Match 5: The Shield VS Ryback, Bad News Barrett, Titus O'Neill, Damien Sandow, & Alberto Del Rio
-Ryback immediately takes Rollins down with a headlock. Rollins escapes, and hits a nice dropkick before tagging in Reigns. Reigns pounds away in the corner before tagging in Ambrose. The Shield triple team Ryback, who manages to catch a flying Rollins and slam him before tagging in Titus. Titus hits a slam, but he can't keep the advantage long, and he gets stuck in the Shield's corner. After taking some punishment, Titus powers Ambrose into the heel corner and tags Barrett. Rollins & Ambrose hit a double team suplex on Barrett, then clean house as we go to break.
Back from break, Barrett gets Ambrose in a chinlock. Ambrose gets out, but goes after the other heels instead of trying to make a tag, and walks into a big boot from Barrett, who tags in ADR. After Ambrose fights out of another headlock, ADR sends him outside, where Ryback whiffs badly on a punch to the head. Ryback gets in, and slaps on a headlock. Ambrose uses leverage to send Ryback into the corner, but walks into a huge spinebuster for two. Rollins tries to help, but gets casually tossed aside by Ryback.
Reigns gets the hot tag and cleans house, hitting a modified Blue Thunder on Sandow. Titus & Ryback get involved, then taken out in short order. Reigns hits the floor-to-apron dropkick on Sandow, and calls for the Superman Punch. ADR & Barrett look to get in, but then back off from Reigns before taking a walk. Reigns tags Rollins, who hits a dive on Ryback, then he & Ambrose hit stereo suicide dives on Sandow & Titus. Out on the ramp, Barrett shoves ADR into the path of a Superman Punch from Reigns, who comes out of nowhere. Awesome! Back to the ring. Reigns finishes Sandow with a spear.
***1/2 This was pretty fun. Not up to the best of the Shield tag matches, but it told a good story and made the Shield look like the baddest mother fuckers ever.
-Reigns adds a spear to Titus, then Ryback takes a triple powerbomb to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: I really liked this show. The in-ring stuff was good for the most part, and there were plenty of good stories being told to build to the near future. Can't ask for more than that.
Zeb opens up by complaining about Cesaro aligning with Heyman and ditching the Real Americans. Zeb says Cesaro practically begged to join the RES, and that Zeb had to talk Swagger into it. Zeb gets cut off by a buzzer at about 90 seconds.
Heyman apparently doesn't care about what they came here to debate, because his client Brock Lesnar conquered the streak. Zeb warns Heyman about Cesaro, breaking out the "he'd rather climb a tree and tell a lie rather than stay on the ground and tell the truth" line. Heyman responds to Zeb's question as to why he took Cesaro from him by asking when the last time Swagger won. Heyman says Cesaro was already a Heyman Guy when he won the ARMBaR. Zeb gets upset and calls Heyman out, leading to the two managers having to be separated. It's Swagger VS Cesaro next.
-From Hershey, PA
-Hosts are JBL & Cole
-Match 1: Jack Swagger (w/Zeb Coulter) VS Cesaro (w/Paul Heyman)
-Swagger bum rushes Cesaro at the bell. WE THE PEOPLE! Cesaro fires back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a couple uppercuts. Swagger hip tosses Cesaro out over the top, then knocks him off the apron when Cesaro tries to climb back in the ring. Swagger rolls outside, but runs right into another uppercut, which gets a nice reaction. Cesaro sends Swagger into the barricade, then adds a couple chops and a kick to the face. Back in, Cesaro hits a double stomp to the gut for two. Swagger hits a chop block, followed by a belly-to-belly suplex for two.
Swagger pulls on Cesaro's arm as the crowd starts to rally behind Cesaro, completely destroying JBL's point that the fans don't like anyone involved. Cesaro gets out of the hold, and hits a springboard uppercut followed by a dead lift gutwrench suplex. Swagger, in turn, comes right back with a backdrop and a Swagger Bomb for two. Cesaro fights out of a corner, and sends them both outside via a clothesline as we go to break.
Back from break, Cesaro fights off a superplex attempt, then a running throw attempt, before hitting a diving uppercut from the top for two. Cesaro charges into a back elbow, followed by a big boot for two. Cesaro raises his boot to block a Swagger Bomb, but Swagger manages to get the Patriot Lock. Cesaro escapes, but Swagger takes him down for two. Cesaro scores with yet another uppercut, followed by a Tiger Driver, the CESARO SWING, and the Neutralizer to finish.
***1/2 I really liked this match, and am surprised this was apparently the blow off, unless they go Cesaro/Heyman VS Swagger/Zeb at Extreme Rules.
-The Shield come out through the crowd and Cesaro smartly bails. Swagger is not so lucky, taking a Superman Punch from Reigns, followed by a triple powerbomb, in an attempt to take Swagger out of the handicap match. The Shield warn they are just getting started.
-ON RAW: Kane killed Bryan. Bryan will still be at Raw, and Stephanie is promising a public apology to the champ.
-LATER TONIGHT: Bray Wyatt has a message for John Cena.
-Another video profile on Paige airs.
-Match 2: Tamina VS Natalya
-Just as Cole & JBL hype Tamina, Natalya completely dominates the opening moments of the match. Natalya hits a dropkick to send Tamina to the apron, but Tamina yanks Natalya by the hair and sends her crashing to the floor. Tamina throws her jacket at Natalya, then rolls her back inside before getting a two count. Natalya gets a small package for two, then a discus clothesline for another two count after Tamina fights off the Sharpshooter. Tamina fights off a roll-up, then catches Natalya with a kick to the face for the pin.
** Decent enough, but I have to question Tamina getting dominated for the most part like that before her big title shot.
-A video recaps the Shield/Evolution feud so far.
-The Shield meet up with 3MB backstage. It does not go well for 3MB. Slater's sell of knowing he's about to die is awesome.
-Vickie has a phone conversation with Triple H, who tells her to take the rest of the night off and leave Brad Maddox in charge. She is NOT happy. Maddox says he'll make The Shield RESPECT MAH AUTHORITAH.
-Match 3: Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso) VS Curtis Axel (w/Ryback)
-No entrances for anyone. They slug it out to start, then Axel hits an awkward running knee to the head. Axel follows up with a backbreaker and a forearm drop for two. Axel misses a splash in the corner, and Jey makes his comeback. Jey goes up, but Ryback causes a distraction, allowing Axel to regain control, and finish with the Axel neckbreaker.
** Watchable match to build to the tag title match at Extreme Rules.
-Bray Wyatt is next.
-BOLIEVE
-FROM RAW: Cena beats the Wyatts by himself, but gets laid out afterward.
-Bray cuts a sweet promo from inside a cage, with Harper & Rowan also inside. He loves that the WWE Universe would rather see Cena suffer than see him smile. Wyatt claims to be the conscience of a world that has thrown itself away to mortal monsters. Bray says he can see it now: all of Cena's fans turning on Cena to follow him.
-Match 4: Luke Harper & Erik Rowan (w/Bray Wyatt) VS The Brotherhood
-Cody starts with Harper, and hits a dropkick to the knee. Harper grabs Cody's face, but Cody fights back, and tags are made on both ends. Goldust gets Rowan down and tags Cody, who hits an uppercut. Bray gets on the mic and basically asks the crowd "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?" as the Family take over on Cody. Cody plays FIP, including a spot where Harper knocked Goldust off the apron, so Goldust wasn't there when Cody went to make a tag. Cody hits the Disaster Kick, and tags Goldust. The faces clean house, but Harper sends Goldust into Cody, which knocks Cody off the top into the barricade, then Harper finishes with distracted Goldust with a spinning clothesline.
***1/2 Good ring work coupled with good story telling = a happy Newb.
-The Shield take Maddox out. Ambrose's dive behind the couch to get him some is awesome.
-The Shield beat the shit out of Fandango and triple powerbomb him off the stage, thankfully saving us from Fandango/Layla VS Santino/Emma part 37.
-It's party time...ALL THE TIME!
-The whole murder of Daniel Bryan by Kane from Raw is replayed.
-ON MONDAY: Barrett VS RVD in the finals of the IC #1 Contender's Tournament.
-The Shield make their entrance.
-Match 5: The Shield VS Ryback, Bad News Barrett, Titus O'Neill, Damien Sandow, & Alberto Del Rio
-Ryback immediately takes Rollins down with a headlock. Rollins escapes, and hits a nice dropkick before tagging in Reigns. Reigns pounds away in the corner before tagging in Ambrose. The Shield triple team Ryback, who manages to catch a flying Rollins and slam him before tagging in Titus. Titus hits a slam, but he can't keep the advantage long, and he gets stuck in the Shield's corner. After taking some punishment, Titus powers Ambrose into the heel corner and tags Barrett. Rollins & Ambrose hit a double team suplex on Barrett, then clean house as we go to break.
Back from break, Barrett gets Ambrose in a chinlock. Ambrose gets out, but goes after the other heels instead of trying to make a tag, and walks into a big boot from Barrett, who tags in ADR. After Ambrose fights out of another headlock, ADR sends him outside, where Ryback whiffs badly on a punch to the head. Ryback gets in, and slaps on a headlock. Ambrose uses leverage to send Ryback into the corner, but walks into a huge spinebuster for two. Rollins tries to help, but gets casually tossed aside by Ryback.
Reigns gets the hot tag and cleans house, hitting a modified Blue Thunder on Sandow. Titus & Ryback get involved, then taken out in short order. Reigns hits the floor-to-apron dropkick on Sandow, and calls for the Superman Punch. ADR & Barrett look to get in, but then back off from Reigns before taking a walk. Reigns tags Rollins, who hits a dive on Ryback, then he & Ambrose hit stereo suicide dives on Sandow & Titus. Out on the ramp, Barrett shoves ADR into the path of a Superman Punch from Reigns, who comes out of nowhere. Awesome! Back to the ring. Reigns finishes Sandow with a spear.
***1/2 This was pretty fun. Not up to the best of the Shield tag matches, but it told a good story and made the Shield look like the baddest mother fuckers ever.
-Reigns adds a spear to Titus, then Ryback takes a triple powerbomb to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: I really liked this show. The in-ring stuff was good for the most part, and there were plenty of good stories being told to build to the near future. Can't ask for more than that.
NXT 4/24
-The show opens with Divas/NXT Women's Champion Paige walking backstage, where she runs into NXT GM JBL, who strips her of the NXT title. Paige is miffed at that to begin with, but relents after JBL butters her up a bit.
-Lana opens the show proper by introducing Alexander Rusev.
-Hosts are Rich Brennan, Alex Riley, & Jason Albert
-Match 1: Alexander Rusev (w/Lana) VS Travis Tyler
-Tyler hits a dropkick...and that's it for his offense. Rusev runs through his usual offense, finish with the camel clutch.
-SQUASH The crowd getting behind the poor jobber was pretty funny.
-Adam Rose gets carried into his interview segment. He says Comacho is a boring party pooper.
-Match 2: The BFFS VS Emma & Divas Champion Paige
-The Paige reveal is done during commercial, presumably because she was carrying the NXT title belt when this was taped. Emma turns her back on Sasha, and gets rammed into the turnbuckles for it. She fires right back anyway, including noticing a blind tag to Charlotte, taking care of both heels and hitting Charlotte with a monkey flip. Paige tags in, and the faces hit a double team suplex on Charlotte. Charlotte gets a leglock, but Paige escapes and elbows her in the head, leading to a Flair Flop from Charlotte. Paige gets two, then tags Emma, who promptly cedes control to Charlotte.
Charlotte can't quite pull off landing on her feet after a monkey flip, and she tags Sasha. Sasha gets a Thesz Press, and Emma officially becomes a FIP. Charlotte gets a headscissors and turns it into a Skullfucker. Brennan compares the move to a figure 4, which completely flummoxes Albert. Emma finally turns it into a pin to force a break, but she can't make the tag until scoring with a clothesline. Paige hits Sasha with short-arm clotheslines and goes for the Scorpion Crosslock, but Charlotte hits a vicious low dropkick to break that up. Charlotte takes care of Emma, tags in, and hits her flipping neckbreaker for the upset pin.
**1/2 Decent enough tag formula work. I would be very surprised if Charlotte doesn't win the women's ittle tournament.
-Match 3: Tyson Kidd VS Mason Ryan
-Kidd gets the NXT version of a star entrance, then the announce team immediately talk about how much better his wife is doing than him. Mason Ryan gets ZERO reaction. Remember when he was going to be the next big thing? Kidd uses his speed and kicks at Ryan's legs, but gets caught and sent back into the corner. Ryan hits a slam and a legdrop for two, but Kidd comes back with kicks to get Ryan down. Kidd hits a slingshot legdrop a la Jerry Lynn for two, then goes for a front facelock. Ryan escapes, then counters a slingshot into a gorilla press slam in a cool spot. Kidd counters an avalanche with boots to the face, then finishes with a Blockbuster.
* Not good at all, aside from the one cool counter by Ryan.
-Rene Young interviews Kidd, who considers his comeback a rebirth, and this a good time to be on NXT. Well, he's not winning anything on the main roster, so it probably is a good spot for him.
-Match 4: Angelo Dawkins VS Tyler Breeze
-Dawkins is apparently a wrestling Urkel, which makes me realize that I miss Percy Watson. Dawkins gets a rollup for one, then a waistlock takedown, which pisses Breeze off something fierce. Breeze fires back and hits a kick to the back for two, and accidentally gets called a woman by Brennan. Breeze hits the chinlock, but Dawkins fights out. Breeze hits a kick to the midsection and some mounted punches before finishing with the Beauty Shot spinning heel kick. Yeah, he needs a new finisher.
1/2* The gimmick is there for Breeze. The ring work is not.
-LAST WEEK: Adrian Neville barely survives Brodus Clay in the ring, but gets attacked backstage, and loses some teeth.
-Match 5: NXT Tag Team Champions The Ascension & Corey Graves VS WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos & Sami Zayn
-I did not recognize Graves as Sterling James Keenan until stumbling upon that fact on wikipedia. I do remember the collective "WTF?" reaction on DVDVR when he was signed though. One of the Usos starts with Victor, and hits a chop to the throat to send him down, and Victor tags Graves, so Uso tags Zayn. Graves decides to tag Konnor rather than fight Zayn. Konnor gets Zayn down so Graves tags in, only to get taken down in turn, and Zayn hits some mounted punches to send Graves running again. Zayn catches Victor with a leg lariat, then tags in one of the Usos. The Usos double team Victor, and Jimmy gets a two count. Victor tries ramming the Usos' heads together, which they of course no-sell before dancing and slugging Victor down.
Jey hits a big shoulderblock for two, then tags in Jimmy. Jimmy works the arm, then tags in Zayn for more of the same, then he tags in Jey to keep it going. Jey stops to work the crowd, and gets caught with a huge clothesline and forced into the heel corner. Konnor gets in and works Jey over as Brennan awkwardly calls a replay that isn't actually shown on screen. Konnor hits a flapjack as we go to break.
Back from break, and Jey continues to play FIP, getting worked over by The Ascension. Graves gets in, and hits a front suplex followed by a fistdrop for two.Graves keeps control via a headlock, and Victor tags in. Victor hits some stomps and chops, and wins a strike exchange for two. Jey counters another headlock into a belly-to-back suplex, but Konnor prevents a tag. Jey gets a sunset flip for two, then a desperation punch to the face. Konnor prevents another tag and Victor gets in, but Victor immediately allows the hot tag to Jimmy, who cleans house. Jimmy catches both members of Ascension with Samoan Drops, followed by the ATM on Victor.
Graves tags in and is immediately caught with a small package for two. Zayn tags in, and hits a cross-body off the top for two. Graves blocks the Heluva Kick, but falls victim to Blue Thunder for two. The Usos take care of Ascension, and Zayn hits the Heluva Kick. Jimmy (I think) tags in, as Jey & Zayn hit stereo dives on Ascension, and Jimmy finishes Graves with a big splash off the top.
*** Pretty good tag formula work. I understand an Uso pinning Graves as they had to win here, but you don't want either of The Ascension taking the fall, and they can't let Zayn pin Graves just yet.
-The faces dance to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: Pretty good show this week, thanks mostly to the main event, and no thanks to the announce team, who were really awful, especially Brennan. I know there was another taping leading to a future NXT special, so I'm interested in seeing how things shake out over the next few weeks.
-Lana opens the show proper by introducing Alexander Rusev.
-Hosts are Rich Brennan, Alex Riley, & Jason Albert
-Match 1: Alexander Rusev (w/Lana) VS Travis Tyler
-Tyler hits a dropkick...and that's it for his offense. Rusev runs through his usual offense, finish with the camel clutch.
-SQUASH The crowd getting behind the poor jobber was pretty funny.
-Adam Rose gets carried into his interview segment. He says Comacho is a boring party pooper.
-Match 2: The BFFS VS Emma & Divas Champion Paige
-The Paige reveal is done during commercial, presumably because she was carrying the NXT title belt when this was taped. Emma turns her back on Sasha, and gets rammed into the turnbuckles for it. She fires right back anyway, including noticing a blind tag to Charlotte, taking care of both heels and hitting Charlotte with a monkey flip. Paige tags in, and the faces hit a double team suplex on Charlotte. Charlotte gets a leglock, but Paige escapes and elbows her in the head, leading to a Flair Flop from Charlotte. Paige gets two, then tags Emma, who promptly cedes control to Charlotte.
Charlotte can't quite pull off landing on her feet after a monkey flip, and she tags Sasha. Sasha gets a Thesz Press, and Emma officially becomes a FIP. Charlotte gets a headscissors and turns it into a Skullfucker. Brennan compares the move to a figure 4, which completely flummoxes Albert. Emma finally turns it into a pin to force a break, but she can't make the tag until scoring with a clothesline. Paige hits Sasha with short-arm clotheslines and goes for the Scorpion Crosslock, but Charlotte hits a vicious low dropkick to break that up. Charlotte takes care of Emma, tags in, and hits her flipping neckbreaker for the upset pin.
**1/2 Decent enough tag formula work. I would be very surprised if Charlotte doesn't win the women's ittle tournament.
-Match 3: Tyson Kidd VS Mason Ryan
-Kidd gets the NXT version of a star entrance, then the announce team immediately talk about how much better his wife is doing than him. Mason Ryan gets ZERO reaction. Remember when he was going to be the next big thing? Kidd uses his speed and kicks at Ryan's legs, but gets caught and sent back into the corner. Ryan hits a slam and a legdrop for two, but Kidd comes back with kicks to get Ryan down. Kidd hits a slingshot legdrop a la Jerry Lynn for two, then goes for a front facelock. Ryan escapes, then counters a slingshot into a gorilla press slam in a cool spot. Kidd counters an avalanche with boots to the face, then finishes with a Blockbuster.
* Not good at all, aside from the one cool counter by Ryan.
-Rene Young interviews Kidd, who considers his comeback a rebirth, and this a good time to be on NXT. Well, he's not winning anything on the main roster, so it probably is a good spot for him.
-Match 4: Angelo Dawkins VS Tyler Breeze
-Dawkins is apparently a wrestling Urkel, which makes me realize that I miss Percy Watson. Dawkins gets a rollup for one, then a waistlock takedown, which pisses Breeze off something fierce. Breeze fires back and hits a kick to the back for two, and accidentally gets called a woman by Brennan. Breeze hits the chinlock, but Dawkins fights out. Breeze hits a kick to the midsection and some mounted punches before finishing with the Beauty Shot spinning heel kick. Yeah, he needs a new finisher.
1/2* The gimmick is there for Breeze. The ring work is not.
-LAST WEEK: Adrian Neville barely survives Brodus Clay in the ring, but gets attacked backstage, and loses some teeth.
-Match 5: NXT Tag Team Champions The Ascension & Corey Graves VS WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos & Sami Zayn
-I did not recognize Graves as Sterling James Keenan until stumbling upon that fact on wikipedia. I do remember the collective "WTF?" reaction on DVDVR when he was signed though. One of the Usos starts with Victor, and hits a chop to the throat to send him down, and Victor tags Graves, so Uso tags Zayn. Graves decides to tag Konnor rather than fight Zayn. Konnor gets Zayn down so Graves tags in, only to get taken down in turn, and Zayn hits some mounted punches to send Graves running again. Zayn catches Victor with a leg lariat, then tags in one of the Usos. The Usos double team Victor, and Jimmy gets a two count. Victor tries ramming the Usos' heads together, which they of course no-sell before dancing and slugging Victor down.
Jey hits a big shoulderblock for two, then tags in Jimmy. Jimmy works the arm, then tags in Zayn for more of the same, then he tags in Jey to keep it going. Jey stops to work the crowd, and gets caught with a huge clothesline and forced into the heel corner. Konnor gets in and works Jey over as Brennan awkwardly calls a replay that isn't actually shown on screen. Konnor hits a flapjack as we go to break.
Back from break, and Jey continues to play FIP, getting worked over by The Ascension. Graves gets in, and hits a front suplex followed by a fistdrop for two.Graves keeps control via a headlock, and Victor tags in. Victor hits some stomps and chops, and wins a strike exchange for two. Jey counters another headlock into a belly-to-back suplex, but Konnor prevents a tag. Jey gets a sunset flip for two, then a desperation punch to the face. Konnor prevents another tag and Victor gets in, but Victor immediately allows the hot tag to Jimmy, who cleans house. Jimmy catches both members of Ascension with Samoan Drops, followed by the ATM on Victor.
Graves tags in and is immediately caught with a small package for two. Zayn tags in, and hits a cross-body off the top for two. Graves blocks the Heluva Kick, but falls victim to Blue Thunder for two. The Usos take care of Ascension, and Zayn hits the Heluva Kick. Jimmy (I think) tags in, as Jey & Zayn hit stereo dives on Ascension, and Jimmy finishes Graves with a big splash off the top.
*** Pretty good tag formula work. I understand an Uso pinning Graves as they had to win here, but you don't want either of The Ascension taking the fall, and they can't let Zayn pin Graves just yet.
-The faces dance to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: Pretty good show this week, thanks mostly to the main event, and no thanks to the announce team, who were really awful, especially Brennan. I know there was another taping leading to a future NXT special, so I'm interested in seeing how things shake out over the next few weeks.
Main Event 4/22/14
-Didn't feel like doing this week's show until now.
-Hosts are Byron Saxton & Tom Phillips
-Match 1: Intercontinental Champion Big E VS Alberto Del Rio
-Big E draws some "oooohs" with a leapfrog, then hits a shoulderblock followed by a clothesline to send ADR outside. ADR fires back, and hits a tornado DDT for two before hitting a chinlock. Big E fights out and hits a couple clotheslines, but ADR escapes a belly-to-belly with headbutts, then hits a low superkick for two. ADR goes up top, but gets caught on the way down, and Big E hits a belly-to-belly, followed by a big splash. Big E tries to finish, but ADR escapes, and hits a running enziguiri for two. Big E fights off the cross-armbreaker, then another tornado DDT attempt before hitting the Big Ending for the win.
** The match wasn't as good as Smackdown, but at least the finish was a lot better.
-Barrett has some bad news for Big E: his days as champion are numbered, and he's been a horrible champion. Plus he is boring and stupid. Barrett promises to end Big E's career, then he can be like the crowd, who mostly have crappy lives, or no lives at all.
-Match 2: Hornswoggle (w/3MB) VS El Torito (w/Los Matadores)
-They do some chain wrestling to start, and 3MB get frustrated as Torito gets the better of it. Torito hits a dropkick, but Hornswoggle comes back, and hits a pretty nasty kick to the head before adding a "Tribute to Layfield" clothesline for two. Torito comes back with a cross-body and a couple dropkicks, followed by the Bronco Buster. Torito looks to finish, but Slater provides a distraction, allowing Hornswoggle to hit the Tadpole Splash to finish. "No end in sight to this rivalry" says Phillips. Joy.
1/2* Not as entertaining as round one, mainly because Saxton & Phillips tried to copy Cole & JBL's commentary, failing miserable.
-FROM RAW: Evolution & The Shield talk some shit.
-The poor Bunny will never get over losing at Hungry, Hungry Hippos.
-Match 3: Sheamus VS Titus O'Neill
-They exchange strikes to start, until Titus goes for the Irish Hand Grenade. Sheamus blocks, but Titus knocks Sheamus off the apron to counter a shoulderblock, then barks. Titus sends Sheamus into the barricade, then gets one (two if you're Phillips) off that. Sheamus comes back with Irish Hammers, followed by a kneelift and a high knee in the corner followed by the Irish Hand Grenade. Sheamus goes for a cross-body, but Titus catches him, and hits a fallaway slam. That's pretty impressive. Titus wins a slugfest, then cuts off a comeback attempt with a big boot. Titus hits a Colt 45 for two, then talks some shit while slapping Sheamus in the face. Titus looks to finish, but Sheamus shoves him away, then hits the Brogue Kick for the pin.
*** Pretty good step up for Titus who looked good here. He really needs a win one of these days though.
-Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present. BOLIEVE.
-FROM RAW: Kane kills Bryan. Bryan says he'll be on Raw Monday.
-Match 4: WWE Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) VS Ryback (w/Curtis Axel)
-Uso immediately knocks Ryback outside, and follows with a dive. Back in, Ryback chops Uso down, then applies a headlock while telling the already quiet crowd to shut up. Uso escapes, and Ryback bails to avoid a superkick. Uso follows, and sends Ryback into the post as we go to break.
Back from break, Ryback has taken control, and gets a near-fall. Ryback hits a big delayed vertical suplex for two, and slugs away before applying a chinlock. Ryback hits a spinebuster, then pounds his chest King Kong style, before hitting the Meathook for two. Uso counters a second try at it and makes a brief comeback, but Ryback cuts him off. Uso avoids a powerslam and sends Ryback into the post, but he then runs into a big boot for two. Uso backdrops out of a powerbomb attempt, and makes a proper comeback. Uso hits a Samoan Drop, then hits a cross-body off the top for two. Uso hits an ATM for two, and the announcers still credit Rikishi with that move, despite it being an Umaga signature.
They meet at the top where Uso knocks Ryback down. Jey takes care of Axel, but the distraction allows Ryback to clobber Jimmy and finish with Shell Shocked.
** Not bad, but not particularly good either. It was way too long and didn't keep my interest.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: A better show than the last couple weeks, thanks mostly to Sheamus/Titus.
-Hosts are Byron Saxton & Tom Phillips
-Match 1: Intercontinental Champion Big E VS Alberto Del Rio
-Big E draws some "oooohs" with a leapfrog, then hits a shoulderblock followed by a clothesline to send ADR outside. ADR fires back, and hits a tornado DDT for two before hitting a chinlock. Big E fights out and hits a couple clotheslines, but ADR escapes a belly-to-belly with headbutts, then hits a low superkick for two. ADR goes up top, but gets caught on the way down, and Big E hits a belly-to-belly, followed by a big splash. Big E tries to finish, but ADR escapes, and hits a running enziguiri for two. Big E fights off the cross-armbreaker, then another tornado DDT attempt before hitting the Big Ending for the win.
** The match wasn't as good as Smackdown, but at least the finish was a lot better.
-Barrett has some bad news for Big E: his days as champion are numbered, and he's been a horrible champion. Plus he is boring and stupid. Barrett promises to end Big E's career, then he can be like the crowd, who mostly have crappy lives, or no lives at all.
-Match 2: Hornswoggle (w/3MB) VS El Torito (w/Los Matadores)
-They do some chain wrestling to start, and 3MB get frustrated as Torito gets the better of it. Torito hits a dropkick, but Hornswoggle comes back, and hits a pretty nasty kick to the head before adding a "Tribute to Layfield" clothesline for two. Torito comes back with a cross-body and a couple dropkicks, followed by the Bronco Buster. Torito looks to finish, but Slater provides a distraction, allowing Hornswoggle to hit the Tadpole Splash to finish. "No end in sight to this rivalry" says Phillips. Joy.
1/2* Not as entertaining as round one, mainly because Saxton & Phillips tried to copy Cole & JBL's commentary, failing miserable.
-FROM RAW: Evolution & The Shield talk some shit.
-The poor Bunny will never get over losing at Hungry, Hungry Hippos.
-Match 3: Sheamus VS Titus O'Neill
-They exchange strikes to start, until Titus goes for the Irish Hand Grenade. Sheamus blocks, but Titus knocks Sheamus off the apron to counter a shoulderblock, then barks. Titus sends Sheamus into the barricade, then gets one (two if you're Phillips) off that. Sheamus comes back with Irish Hammers, followed by a kneelift and a high knee in the corner followed by the Irish Hand Grenade. Sheamus goes for a cross-body, but Titus catches him, and hits a fallaway slam. That's pretty impressive. Titus wins a slugfest, then cuts off a comeback attempt with a big boot. Titus hits a Colt 45 for two, then talks some shit while slapping Sheamus in the face. Titus looks to finish, but Sheamus shoves him away, then hits the Brogue Kick for the pin.
*** Pretty good step up for Titus who looked good here. He really needs a win one of these days though.
-Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present. BOLIEVE.
-FROM RAW: Kane kills Bryan. Bryan says he'll be on Raw Monday.
-Match 4: WWE Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) VS Ryback (w/Curtis Axel)
-Uso immediately knocks Ryback outside, and follows with a dive. Back in, Ryback chops Uso down, then applies a headlock while telling the already quiet crowd to shut up. Uso escapes, and Ryback bails to avoid a superkick. Uso follows, and sends Ryback into the post as we go to break.
Back from break, Ryback has taken control, and gets a near-fall. Ryback hits a big delayed vertical suplex for two, and slugs away before applying a chinlock. Ryback hits a spinebuster, then pounds his chest King Kong style, before hitting the Meathook for two. Uso counters a second try at it and makes a brief comeback, but Ryback cuts him off. Uso avoids a powerslam and sends Ryback into the post, but he then runs into a big boot for two. Uso backdrops out of a powerbomb attempt, and makes a proper comeback. Uso hits a Samoan Drop, then hits a cross-body off the top for two. Uso hits an ATM for two, and the announcers still credit Rikishi with that move, despite it being an Umaga signature.
They meet at the top where Uso knocks Ryback down. Jey takes care of Axel, but the distraction allows Ryback to clobber Jimmy and finish with Shell Shocked.
** Not bad, but not particularly good either. It was way too long and didn't keep my interest.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: A better show than the last couple weeks, thanks mostly to Sheamus/Titus.
Friday, April 25, 2014
TNA Impact Wrestling 4/24/14
-Kurt Angle warns Spud & EC3 that if Spud backs out of their match tonight, Angle will come for EC3.
-TWO WEEKS AGO: Eric Young wins the world title. Then LAST WEEK he defends it against Abyss in a "Monster's Ball" match.
-Hosts are Tenay & Tazz
-A not-happy Magnus comes to the ring, with a turnbuckle piece in hand, and almost starts with "this is your champion speaking", but stops himself. He doesn't blame himself for his title loss, he blames Abyss for not helping him. Magnus calls out Abyss, and says he's a disappointment, and that's why everyone in his life abandons him. Magnus says he asked Abyss to do one thing: keep the world title on Magnus. Abyss responds that MVP said that if anyone interfered in the title match they'd be fired. Magnus points out that Abyss doesn't work for MVP or TNA, he works for Magnus. Well, worked for Magnus, since he's fired. Abyss says it was never about the money, it was about being Magnus' friend, but now he sees that Magnus is a dick in so many words). Abyss is ready to go back to hurting people, and he wants to start with Magnus. Magnus replies that Abyss is not a contracted wrestler and thus a civilian, so if Abyss touched Magnus, Abyss will be arrested.
This brings out MVP, who wants to give Abyss a second chance, in the form of a match against Magnus, and if Abyss wins, he gets a new TNA contract. After MVP skips away, Abyss tells Magnus that he never liked him, and tonight he's going to kick Magnus' ass.
-TONIGHT: Beer Money VS Bully Ray & Gunner
-NEXT: Spud gets killed by Angle.
-Spud doesn't want to hear any speeches from EC3. EC3 responds that the only man who can beat Angle is himself, and tonight he needs Spud to be a gazelle.
-Match 1: Kurt Angle VS Rockstar Spud (w/Ethan Carter III)
-Spud wants no part of this at all. Can't say I blame him. Spud tries for a single-leg, and gets thrown across the ring for it. Spud tries kicking at the bad knee next, but then runs into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Spud gets Kurt to chase him around the ring, and EC3 holds Angle's legs as he tries to slide back in, allowing Spud to hit a baseball slide, followed by a missile dropkick. Spud tries for a second missile dropkick, but Angle runs the ropes to hit a throw, then finishes with an anklelock.
**1/2 Enteraining enough squash, thanks mostly to Spud.
-EC3 clips Angle's bad knee, but Willow makes the save before more damage can be done.
-The Beautiful People promise to give Madison Rayne a makeover in an extremely badly-acted promo.
-Kenny King annoys MVP by lounging in MVP's office, so MVP gives King a match for tonight.
-Madison Rayne calls out the Beautiful People. The BP theorize that Madison looks tired because of her baby daughter. Madison goes on the attack, but that doesn't last long. Angelina says Madison was a nobody before she joined the BP, and that she was only allowed in to make the other members look better. Brittany fails to make the save, and the BP put a paper bag (with a pic of Angelina on it) over Madison's head.
-Mr. Anderson is in Samuel Shaw's hometown.
-Gail Kim wants to reform her team with Madison to face the BP. Madison accepts. Brittany wants to watch Madison's back, but she's good. Looks like they're setting up a Mickie/Trish situation there.
-Match 2: Kenny King VS ???
-Bobby Lashley is King's opponent. Remember when Lashley turned heel by saying he was too good for TNA, then promptly left the promotion? Good times. Lashley casually tosses King around, eating him up like a total jobber, because hey, who needs a credible heel in the X-Division? King manages to get a thumb in the eye followed by a springboard dropkick. King gets a headlock, then manages to slide out when Lashley tries to counter into a rack, but he then walks into a belly-to-belly suplex. Lashley fires back with punches and a clothesline before hitting a shoulderblock in the corner, followed by another throw.
King counters a spear and hits a kick to the head, but gets caught flying off the top right into a suplex. Well that was cool. Lashley goes for the spear again, but King rolls outside, and takes a walk for the count out.
*1/2 The catch into a suplex was nice, but this didn't do anything for King at all, and King is the one with a possible future, not Lashley.
-Mr. Anderson meets Samuel Shaw's mom Christy, who acts like a female version of him. He is understandably freaked out.
-James Storm & Robert Roode rehash old history.
-Match 3: Austin Aries VS MVP
-They go through a chain wrestling sequence that ends with Aries doing his usual counter to a headscissors. MVP comes back with a jawbuster and calls for the Ballin' Elbow, but Aries bails. MVP sends Aries back in, but Aries hits a running dropkick to MVP's knee, followed by a double axe off the top to the floor. Back in Aries hits a slingshot senton followed by a diving elbowdrop for two, followed by an elbow off the second rope for two. MVP avoids the IED, and goes to work with clotheslines in the corner.
MVP goes for...something, and Aries bites him to counter. MVP comes right back with a series of forearms, followed by a lariat for two. MVP goes Ballin', but Aries counters a waistlock with a back elbow, then hits a discus forearm to knock MVP for a loop. MVP counters a brainbuster and hits a release German suplex. MVP goes for the Drive By, but Aries blocks and hits his shinbreaker/teardrop suplex combo. Aries hits the IED for two, but misses the 450, and MVP hits the Drive By for the pin.
**3/4 Decent enough, but I'm not sure what this was meant to accomplish. This really should have been on PPV, and given PPV time.
-Another video profiles Sanada.
-Mr. Anderson gets some iced tea from Mrs. Shaw, who is also baking him his daily apple pie. Sam lives in the basement, despite having his own, very nice apartment when he was first introduced.
-Match 4: Beer Money VS Bully Ray & Gunner
-Match is JIP after a break, with Storm having Bully in a side headlock. Bully fights out, then casually takes control of both heels before tagging in Gunner. Storm manages to poke Gunner in the eye and tag Roode, who immediately cedes control back to Gunner, and Bully gets back in. Bully fights off both opponents again, until Storm manages to pull Bully down and crotch him on the post, before noting that Bully is fat.
Bully plays FIP for a while, before catching Roode with a sidewalk slam. Gunner gets the hot tag and cleans house, hitting a slingshot suplex on Storm for two, with Roode making the save. Bully & Gunner hit the WHAZZUP headbutt on Storm, with Gunner somehow managing to be even less graceful than D-Von. Bully tells Gunner to GET THE TABLES, but Bully is so fucking slow going to elbowdrop Storm through it, it gives Storm time to move, and Bully crashes through the table. Gunner hits Roode with an F5, but walks into a Last Call superkick from Storm for the pin.
**1/2 This was alright I guess, but it never found a second gear, which I'm becoming more-and-more convinced doesn't exist in TNA.
-Magnus plans to teach Abyss a lesson.
-Mr. Anderson sees Shaw's bedroom, which looks like it's meant for a small child. Shaw comes home, and the cameraman smartly bails as they fight. Shaw gives his mom a creepy hug as the segments end. I'll give them points for trying something different in the Shaw character at least.
-Match 5: The Beautiful People VS Gail Kim & Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne
-Madison works Velvet over, and the crowd is SILENT. The faces finally wake them up a little bit with some double team moves, then Madison uses a Skullfucker on Velvet for two. Gail gets in, and Velvet promptly almost moves too far away from her for a flying clothesline. Angelina makes a blind tag, and the BP take over for a bit. Gail fights back and sends them both to the floor. The BP take a walk, but the faces bring them back in short order. Gail gets Angelina in a headscissors, then tags Madison. Velvet manages to ram Gail into the apron to take her out. Madison spears Velvet, but Angelina gets a roll-up and the pin with a yank of the tights.
*1/2 Nothing terrible, but the crowd couldn't care less.
-Knux's carny girlfriend urges him to go back to TNA, this time with her going with him.
-Abyss repeats what he said earlier.
-The Wolves are coming for the tag titles. This would have been better without the needless and distracting "scary" editing.
-EY joins the announce team as it's finally announced that he's defending against Magnus at the PPV Sunday.
-Match 6: Magnus VS Abyss
-Abyss beats the crap out of Magnus to start, and tosses him out over the top as we go to break seconds in.
Back from break, Magnus is working the leg until he goes for a figure 4, and gets kicked away. He then tries to use the post, but Abyss counters that too. Abyss loads up a chokeslam, so Magnus kicks him in the nuts to draw a DQ.
1/2* Barely a match.
-Magnus grabs a chair and lays waste to Abyss, actually waking the crowd up and drawing some heel heat. The crowd chants for EY who tries to make the save, only to take a low blow and some chairshots from Magnus as well. Now, with the usual laws of wrestling booking, I'm not so sure Magnus is regaining the title on Sunday.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: I didn't care about the PPV before so I'm not sure it's possible for me to care less now, but this show did nothing to change my mind. TNA simply does not have many guys who are capable of having a memorable match anymore, having gotten rid of most of their longtime "originals". I still expect a Magnus title win, with a dumb Samoa Joe heel turn in the process. I really want a Spud fluke X-Division title win and a Honky Tonk Man-esque reign. He's awesome and it would give the "division" some focus.
-TWO WEEKS AGO: Eric Young wins the world title. Then LAST WEEK he defends it against Abyss in a "Monster's Ball" match.
-Hosts are Tenay & Tazz
-A not-happy Magnus comes to the ring, with a turnbuckle piece in hand, and almost starts with "this is your champion speaking", but stops himself. He doesn't blame himself for his title loss, he blames Abyss for not helping him. Magnus calls out Abyss, and says he's a disappointment, and that's why everyone in his life abandons him. Magnus says he asked Abyss to do one thing: keep the world title on Magnus. Abyss responds that MVP said that if anyone interfered in the title match they'd be fired. Magnus points out that Abyss doesn't work for MVP or TNA, he works for Magnus. Well, worked for Magnus, since he's fired. Abyss says it was never about the money, it was about being Magnus' friend, but now he sees that Magnus is a dick in so many words). Abyss is ready to go back to hurting people, and he wants to start with Magnus. Magnus replies that Abyss is not a contracted wrestler and thus a civilian, so if Abyss touched Magnus, Abyss will be arrested.
This brings out MVP, who wants to give Abyss a second chance, in the form of a match against Magnus, and if Abyss wins, he gets a new TNA contract. After MVP skips away, Abyss tells Magnus that he never liked him, and tonight he's going to kick Magnus' ass.
-TONIGHT: Beer Money VS Bully Ray & Gunner
-NEXT: Spud gets killed by Angle.
-Spud doesn't want to hear any speeches from EC3. EC3 responds that the only man who can beat Angle is himself, and tonight he needs Spud to be a gazelle.
-Match 1: Kurt Angle VS Rockstar Spud (w/Ethan Carter III)
-Spud wants no part of this at all. Can't say I blame him. Spud tries for a single-leg, and gets thrown across the ring for it. Spud tries kicking at the bad knee next, but then runs into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Spud gets Kurt to chase him around the ring, and EC3 holds Angle's legs as he tries to slide back in, allowing Spud to hit a baseball slide, followed by a missile dropkick. Spud tries for a second missile dropkick, but Angle runs the ropes to hit a throw, then finishes with an anklelock.
**1/2 Enteraining enough squash, thanks mostly to Spud.
-EC3 clips Angle's bad knee, but Willow makes the save before more damage can be done.
-The Beautiful People promise to give Madison Rayne a makeover in an extremely badly-acted promo.
-Kenny King annoys MVP by lounging in MVP's office, so MVP gives King a match for tonight.
-Madison Rayne calls out the Beautiful People. The BP theorize that Madison looks tired because of her baby daughter. Madison goes on the attack, but that doesn't last long. Angelina says Madison was a nobody before she joined the BP, and that she was only allowed in to make the other members look better. Brittany fails to make the save, and the BP put a paper bag (with a pic of Angelina on it) over Madison's head.
-Mr. Anderson is in Samuel Shaw's hometown.
-Gail Kim wants to reform her team with Madison to face the BP. Madison accepts. Brittany wants to watch Madison's back, but she's good. Looks like they're setting up a Mickie/Trish situation there.
-Match 2: Kenny King VS ???
-Bobby Lashley is King's opponent. Remember when Lashley turned heel by saying he was too good for TNA, then promptly left the promotion? Good times. Lashley casually tosses King around, eating him up like a total jobber, because hey, who needs a credible heel in the X-Division? King manages to get a thumb in the eye followed by a springboard dropkick. King gets a headlock, then manages to slide out when Lashley tries to counter into a rack, but he then walks into a belly-to-belly suplex. Lashley fires back with punches and a clothesline before hitting a shoulderblock in the corner, followed by another throw.
King counters a spear and hits a kick to the head, but gets caught flying off the top right into a suplex. Well that was cool. Lashley goes for the spear again, but King rolls outside, and takes a walk for the count out.
*1/2 The catch into a suplex was nice, but this didn't do anything for King at all, and King is the one with a possible future, not Lashley.
-Mr. Anderson meets Samuel Shaw's mom Christy, who acts like a female version of him. He is understandably freaked out.
-James Storm & Robert Roode rehash old history.
-Match 3: Austin Aries VS MVP
-They go through a chain wrestling sequence that ends with Aries doing his usual counter to a headscissors. MVP comes back with a jawbuster and calls for the Ballin' Elbow, but Aries bails. MVP sends Aries back in, but Aries hits a running dropkick to MVP's knee, followed by a double axe off the top to the floor. Back in Aries hits a slingshot senton followed by a diving elbowdrop for two, followed by an elbow off the second rope for two. MVP avoids the IED, and goes to work with clotheslines in the corner.
MVP goes for...something, and Aries bites him to counter. MVP comes right back with a series of forearms, followed by a lariat for two. MVP goes Ballin', but Aries counters a waistlock with a back elbow, then hits a discus forearm to knock MVP for a loop. MVP counters a brainbuster and hits a release German suplex. MVP goes for the Drive By, but Aries blocks and hits his shinbreaker/teardrop suplex combo. Aries hits the IED for two, but misses the 450, and MVP hits the Drive By for the pin.
**3/4 Decent enough, but I'm not sure what this was meant to accomplish. This really should have been on PPV, and given PPV time.
-Another video profiles Sanada.
-Mr. Anderson gets some iced tea from Mrs. Shaw, who is also baking him his daily apple pie. Sam lives in the basement, despite having his own, very nice apartment when he was first introduced.
-Match 4: Beer Money VS Bully Ray & Gunner
-Match is JIP after a break, with Storm having Bully in a side headlock. Bully fights out, then casually takes control of both heels before tagging in Gunner. Storm manages to poke Gunner in the eye and tag Roode, who immediately cedes control back to Gunner, and Bully gets back in. Bully fights off both opponents again, until Storm manages to pull Bully down and crotch him on the post, before noting that Bully is fat.
Bully plays FIP for a while, before catching Roode with a sidewalk slam. Gunner gets the hot tag and cleans house, hitting a slingshot suplex on Storm for two, with Roode making the save. Bully & Gunner hit the WHAZZUP headbutt on Storm, with Gunner somehow managing to be even less graceful than D-Von. Bully tells Gunner to GET THE TABLES, but Bully is so fucking slow going to elbowdrop Storm through it, it gives Storm time to move, and Bully crashes through the table. Gunner hits Roode with an F5, but walks into a Last Call superkick from Storm for the pin.
**1/2 This was alright I guess, but it never found a second gear, which I'm becoming more-and-more convinced doesn't exist in TNA.
-Magnus plans to teach Abyss a lesson.
-Mr. Anderson sees Shaw's bedroom, which looks like it's meant for a small child. Shaw comes home, and the cameraman smartly bails as they fight. Shaw gives his mom a creepy hug as the segments end. I'll give them points for trying something different in the Shaw character at least.
-Match 5: The Beautiful People VS Gail Kim & Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne
-Madison works Velvet over, and the crowd is SILENT. The faces finally wake them up a little bit with some double team moves, then Madison uses a Skullfucker on Velvet for two. Gail gets in, and Velvet promptly almost moves too far away from her for a flying clothesline. Angelina makes a blind tag, and the BP take over for a bit. Gail fights back and sends them both to the floor. The BP take a walk, but the faces bring them back in short order. Gail gets Angelina in a headscissors, then tags Madison. Velvet manages to ram Gail into the apron to take her out. Madison spears Velvet, but Angelina gets a roll-up and the pin with a yank of the tights.
*1/2 Nothing terrible, but the crowd couldn't care less.
-Knux's carny girlfriend urges him to go back to TNA, this time with her going with him.
-Abyss repeats what he said earlier.
-The Wolves are coming for the tag titles. This would have been better without the needless and distracting "scary" editing.
-EY joins the announce team as it's finally announced that he's defending against Magnus at the PPV Sunday.
-Match 6: Magnus VS Abyss
-Abyss beats the crap out of Magnus to start, and tosses him out over the top as we go to break seconds in.
Back from break, Magnus is working the leg until he goes for a figure 4, and gets kicked away. He then tries to use the post, but Abyss counters that too. Abyss loads up a chokeslam, so Magnus kicks him in the nuts to draw a DQ.
1/2* Barely a match.
-Magnus grabs a chair and lays waste to Abyss, actually waking the crowd up and drawing some heel heat. The crowd chants for EY who tries to make the save, only to take a low blow and some chairshots from Magnus as well. Now, with the usual laws of wrestling booking, I'm not so sure Magnus is regaining the title on Sunday.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: I didn't care about the PPV before so I'm not sure it's possible for me to care less now, but this show did nothing to change my mind. TNA simply does not have many guys who are capable of having a memorable match anymore, having gotten rid of most of their longtime "originals". I still expect a Magnus title win, with a dumb Samoa Joe heel turn in the process. I really want a Spud fluke X-Division title win and a Honky Tonk Man-esque reign. He's awesome and it would give the "division" some focus.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Raw 4/21/14
-LAST WEEK: The Shield take a rigtheous 14-on-3 ass kicking. They will face Evolution at Extreme Rules.
-From Baltimore, MD
-Hosts are Cole, King, & JBL
-An emotional (after learning of his father's passing) Daniel Bryan kicks off the show, with his new bride already in the ring. They lead a YES chant, but before anything else can happen, Stephanie McMahon interrupts.
Stephanie insincerely congratulates the happy couple on their wedding, and gives Bryan his wedding gift from WWE: a title defense against Kane at Extreme Rules. I'm not looking forward to that at all. Stephanie warns Bryan that Kane "in demon form" is uncontrollable, and that he better get his "pretty little wife" out of harm's way. Kane's pyro goes off and his music hits, but he's nowhere to be found until Bryan & Brie get out of the ring, and Kane comes over the barricade to attack Bryan. Bryan fights off a chokeslam attempt and the two brawl on the floor while Stephanie yells for Brie to get out of dodge. Kane sends Bryan into the barricade, then gives him a well-protected tombstone on the floor as Stephanie repeatedly tells Kane "that's enough". As the crowd chants "NO" Kane delivers a second tombstone on the steps as Stephanie calls for help. The crowd chants for Bryan as he's checked out, then put on a stretcher. Kane pulls him off, and tombstones Bryan again, this time on the announce table, which for once doesn't break at the slightest provocation. Stephanie calls Kane a "bastard", which draws "OHHHHHHH"s from the crowd. This was a pretty good segment, even thought it's wasted on a throwaway title challenge from Kane.
-After a break, Bryan is stretchered away. Stephenie hangs on to both title belts and sarcastically asks for applause from the crowd. The crew recap the beatdown, then switch to talking about the IC tournament.
-Bad News Barrett has some bad news: no lucky charms can help Sheamus tonight. Barrett's catchphrases are getting over, which is a good sign.
-Match 1-Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Semi-Final: Wade Barrett VS Sheamus
-They slug it out, then Sheamus takes control as the crowd chants for Barrett. Sheamus hits a Finlay Roll and goes up top, but gets caught by Barrett. Sheamus fights off a superplex (ugh), then catches Barrett rushing in with a big boot to send Barrett to the floor, before hitting a plancha to the outside (!). Sheamus has his working shoes on tonight I see. Barrett fights off the Irish Hand Granade, and knocks Sheamus to the floor with a big boot of his own as we go to break.
Back from break, Sheamus scores with a poweslam, followed by a couple Irish Hammers, a high knee, the running somethingorother in the corner, and finally the Irish Hand Granade and a flying shoulderblock for two. Sheamus hits the Irish Curse for two, but Barrett avoids the Brogue Kick, and hits the Winds of Change for two. Barrett calls for the Bull Hammer, but Sheamus dodges, and hits White Noise (stopping to yell "boom!") for two, as the announce team claim that move usually gets a pin. Well that's just not true.
They trade boo (Sheamus) --- yay (Barrett) punches, then Sheamus dives at Barrett, sending them both out over the top as the crowd chants "This is Awesome!". Sheamus goes for a suicide dive, but Barrett counters with the Bull Hammer to pick up the win.
**1/2 Although this was pretty hard-fought, I didn't love it as much as Barrett VS Ziggler or as much as the crowd did, because they didn't have much to offer outside breaking out all of their signature moves. Surprised to see Sheamus drop another clean fall here.
-Evolution are here.
-BOLIEVE
-SEPTEMBER 2011: Hugh Jackman punches Dolph Ziggler, allowing Zack Ryder to actually win a match. Ziggler wants to bury the hatchet with Jackman when Jackman is on Raw next week. Damien Sandow thinks that's amusing.
-PICK HOW BAD YOU WANT TO SEE CENA DIE: You can pick Cena VS Harper, Cena VS Harper & Rowan, or Cena VS Harper, Rowan, & Bray.
-Speak of the devil, here come the Wyatts. Bray talks about remembering the first time he was struck with "truth". It was intense, but he liked it. Bray says free will is an illusion, and when that illusion is lifted, we will see the truth, but tonight is a great night for change, and that no matter the choice, Cena will see that the Family stands against him, and that the fans don't love him anymore. Bray gloats about taking more and more fans with him every time they cross paths, before leading the crowd in a sing-a-long. Great promo, with Harper & Rowan standing behind him in separate creepy-looking spotlights adding a sweet visual.
-Match 2: Los Matadores & El Torito VS 2 1/2 MB (w/Heath Slater)
-The little guys start it off and exchange slaps, then Torito hits a rana, followed by a flying headbutt. Torito hits a Bronco Buster followed by a moonsault, but Mahal saves, tossing Torito halfway across the ring. It ends up Torito VS McIntyre. Torito gores Slater in the nuts, then kicks Slater in the nuts, before Los Matadores hit their finisher on McIntyre with Torito adding a sit-down splash, and Torito pins McIntyre. Remember when Drew was the "Chosen One"?
-NO RATING At least it was short.
-Evolution arrive via limo. It's a good thing, because they're out next.
-I must say, I like the new Evolution entrance video. I think HHH has already come out to that music as many times during this reunion than he did during their original run.
HHH has some vocal issues tonight, but he compares what happened last week to someone saying that they are the baddest dudes ever, just for their daddies to come along and spank them in front of the world. Over to Orton, who says it only took one "careless" act to bring about the reformation of the group, and a video of them during the original run plays. Nice way to show the younger viewers exactly why Evolution should be feared. After the video, Batista mentions the 31 world titles between the three of them, and says The Shield have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. This brings out The Shield, and Evolution bail.
Ambrose asks HHH if they look humbled, then notes that there was a reason why HHH hired them to protect both HHH & Orton. Over to Rollins, who points out that all three guys will, when push comes to shove, look out for themselves. Rollins says they know what they're getting into because they're the ones that started this. Last up is Reigns, who gives Evolution the option of trying to fight tonight, or running away and hiding. HHH instead calls in option 3: all the guys that helped beat The Shield down last week coming out and protecting Evolution.
-EARLIER TONIGHT: Kane killed Bryan.
-It's party time, all the time! Don't be a lemon, be a rosebud!
-Rybaxel are at ringside.
-ON TOTAL DIVAS: Jimmy marries Naomi.
-Match 3: WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos VS The Brotherhood
-Guess the Usos are done with getting their asses handed to them by Batista & Orton every week. Goldust hits Jey with an inverted atomic drop, but Jey hits a couple armdrags. Jey & Goldust have a face-off, then Goldust gets a couple shots in before tagging in Cody, who slaps on a hammerlock. The Usos hit a double team hot shot, and the ref allows them to switch, and Jimmy gets two. Ryback tells a story about his dad being a bartender and serving Curt Hennig & "Razor Ramon" during their AWA days. Goldust gets back in and works Jimmy's arm as Ryback is AMAZED that Goldust can still go despite being so old. Jimmy superkicks Goldust, then Jay breaks up a Cross Rhodes attempt with another superkick for the pin.
* Not much to this one.
-Cody finally walks away from Goldust to at least start the split of this going nowhere team. Rybaxel beat the shit out of the Usos to establish them as the next challengers. This did what it needed to do on both fronts.
-Watch clay Mark Henry work at a carnival!
-Match 4: Layla (w/Fandango) VS Emma (w/Santino Marella)
-It's the feud that JUST WON'T DIE. Fandango knocks Santino off the apron, allowing Layla to get the sneak attack on Emma. Layla gets a surfboard, and Emma fights out before whiffing on an intentionally-bad dropkick. Layla talks some shit, then runs into a flying clothesline. Santino drops Fandango with the Cobra, then Emma pulls one of her socks off to reveal a female Cobra, which she uses to finish Layla.
1/2* OK, can we move on now, please?
-Santino & Emma have a "cobra" fight. Their act is cute, as long as they stay away from the more contrived stuff like that.
-Rene Young interviews John Cena, who talks about the WWE Universe having his fate in their hands, which leads to a dueling "Let's Go Cena!/Cena Sucks!" chant. Cena tells Wyatt never to count him out.
-CESARO HAS NEW MUSIC! AND IT'S TERRIBLE!
-Heyman's pre-match promo gets cut off by the commercial break.
-Back from break, Heyman is reminding the crowd what Brock Lesnar did at WrestleMania XXX.
-Match 5-Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Semi-Final: Cesaro (w/Paul Heyman) VS RVD
-They feel each other out, then have an awkward moment leading to RVD escaping a suplex and hitting a heel kick. Cesaro fires back with a backbreaker for two. RVD comes back again and hits a monkeyflip, but stops to point his thumbs, allowing Cesaro to hit a kick to the face, which the director misses. Cesaro hits a suplex for two, but RVD comes back with another kick. RVD blocks having his shoulder rammed into the post, but Cesaro then dropkicks RVD in the ass, and RVD cracks his shoulder as we go to break.
Back from break, Cesaro has a headlock and the crowd is DEAD. RVD fucks up a sunset flip, and Cesaro double stomps his chest anyway for two, before hitting a deadlift gutwrench suplex for another near-fall. The crowd revives long enough to call for Cesaro Swing, as Cesaro hits an uppercut, then a few moments later a forearm drop for two before going back to the headlock.
RVD fights out and kicks Cesaro in the face again, before slugging away. Yet another kick to the face leads to Rolling Thunder for two. RVD hits still another kick to the face, this time from the top, before going for the Five Star Frog Splash. Cesaro springs to life, and nearly kills RVD with an uppercut. Still yet another kick to the face by RVD leads right into a split-legged moonsault for two. Cesaro counters a kick with another uppercut, and gets two off that. They trade punches, and RVD gets a legscissors roll-up for two. Cesaro comes back with a botched Tiger Driver for two, then as Cesaro goes for the Swing, he falls victim to the most devestating move in WWE: the musical distraction. RVD kicks Cesaro to the floor.
Swagger tries to distract Cesaro, who catches a flying RVD with an uppercut anyway. As Heyman & Zeb argue, Swagger rams Cesaro into the post, and Cesaro gets counted out.
*1/4 Eh, it had its moments, but also a lot of sloppiness. RVD is completely useless at this point.
-RVD leaves, then Swagger attacks Cesaro. Cesaro backdrops Swagger to the floor, then almost gets Coulter in the Swing before Swagger saves. Cesaro then gets Swagger in the swing to prove his superiority.
-EARLIER TONIGHT: Kane killed Bryan.
-THIS JUST IN: Bryan has "only" suffered a stinger.
-LATER TONIGHT: How bad do you want John Cena to die?
-Rene Young tries to interview RVD, but Cesaro & Heyman interrupt to knock RVD for the way he won. RVD responds by warning Cesaro to get away from Heyman.
-Match 6: Aksana VS Divas Champion Paige
-Instead of taking a beatdown to start, Paige goes right on the offensive, and gets a rollup for two. Paige follows up with several knees to the ribs, but Aksana suckers Paige in by backing off. Aksana puts Paige up top, and after a shoving match, throws her off. Aksana hits a slam and some knees of her own, before using the ropes to choke Paige. Aksana slaps Paige and gets a one count before hitting the chinlock. Aksana hits some elbows to the collarbone, then a backbreaker. Paige fires back, hitting a couple short-arm clotheslines, but Aksana comes back with a sloppy spinebuster for two as the crowd gets restless.
Paige counters another spinebuster into a guillotine choke, then knees Aksana right on the nose when she breaks it, before getting the Scorpion Crosslock for the submission.
* Not as good as their match on Smackdown. I've already said my piece about how I feel about Paige's match formula.
-ON SMACKDOWN: Cesaro VS Swagger
-LAST WEEK ON SMACKDOWN: Rusev squashes R-Truth, then takes care of Xavier Woods too.
-Match 7: Alexander Rusev (w/Lana) VS Sin Cara
-Rusev will face Truth & Woods in a handicap match at Extreme Rules. Sin Cara does a lot better than last time, actually getting some offense in that is mostly no-sold until he hits an enziguiri, followed by a missile dropkick. Rusev comes back with a big clothesline, front slam, and camel clutch for the submission.
*1/4 Not a bad match at all, but it's not a good sign when the crowd gets bored enough to chant "JBL" a minute in.
-BOLIEVE
-Match 8: John Cena VS The Wyatt Family
-Cena sells the reveal with an appropriate amount of despair. All three immediately mug Cena before the bell even rings, putting him at a disadvantage to start. Harper starts the match legally, and mauls Cena while taking him into the Wyatts' corner. There's dueling chants again as Rowan gets in and hits a slam. Cena fires back, but gets caught in mid-air and tossed with a fallaway slam. Tag to Bray, who leads Cena in a dance before slugging him down and tagging Harper. Cena comes back with a Stinger Splash, but runs right into an elbow from Harper.
Harper hits a couple uppercuts, but Cena ducks a third and hits a German suplex. Harper tags Rowan, who keeps the advantage before hitting a backbreaker for two and tagging in Bray. Bray stops short of kicking Cena's head in before tagging in Harper. Cena promptly gets Harper in the STF, but Rowan saves. Harper throws Cena outside. Cena goes after Rowan, and is sent into the steps by Harper for his troubles and we go to break.
Back from break, a Cena rally is cut short when Harper ducks a flying shoulderblock, and Cena falls outside. Back in, Cena slugs Harper down from the second rope, and hits a tornado DDT. Harper immediately tags Bray, who plants Cena with a HUGE urinage for two. Bray beats Cena down, then it's off to Rowan for the DOUBLE NOOGIE OF MILD DISCOMFORT as Bray talks some shit.
Bray gets back in, and absorbs a Cena comeback attempt before squashing him in the corner and spider walking. Bray charges right into a huge clothesline from Cena. Cena takes care of Harper and Rowan, then hits Blue Thunder on Bray. Cena low bridges Harper, then hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Bray, followed by the AA. That gets two with Harper & Rowan, then the ref just calls for the bell once the heel beatdown starts. What kind of bullshit is that? He didn't even give them a five count first.
** This was just kinda there the whole time. Not the best outing from these guys.
-Bray lays Cena out with Sister Abigail, then cradles Cena's head while he sings to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: I liked the angles on this show, but not the in-ring aspect at all. Usually Raw has been good for at least one really strong match, but it wasn't in the cards for this week.
-From Baltimore, MD
-Hosts are Cole, King, & JBL
-An emotional (after learning of his father's passing) Daniel Bryan kicks off the show, with his new bride already in the ring. They lead a YES chant, but before anything else can happen, Stephanie McMahon interrupts.
Stephanie insincerely congratulates the happy couple on their wedding, and gives Bryan his wedding gift from WWE: a title defense against Kane at Extreme Rules. I'm not looking forward to that at all. Stephanie warns Bryan that Kane "in demon form" is uncontrollable, and that he better get his "pretty little wife" out of harm's way. Kane's pyro goes off and his music hits, but he's nowhere to be found until Bryan & Brie get out of the ring, and Kane comes over the barricade to attack Bryan. Bryan fights off a chokeslam attempt and the two brawl on the floor while Stephanie yells for Brie to get out of dodge. Kane sends Bryan into the barricade, then gives him a well-protected tombstone on the floor as Stephanie repeatedly tells Kane "that's enough". As the crowd chants "NO" Kane delivers a second tombstone on the steps as Stephanie calls for help. The crowd chants for Bryan as he's checked out, then put on a stretcher. Kane pulls him off, and tombstones Bryan again, this time on the announce table, which for once doesn't break at the slightest provocation. Stephanie calls Kane a "bastard", which draws "OHHHHHHH"s from the crowd. This was a pretty good segment, even thought it's wasted on a throwaway title challenge from Kane.
-After a break, Bryan is stretchered away. Stephenie hangs on to both title belts and sarcastically asks for applause from the crowd. The crew recap the beatdown, then switch to talking about the IC tournament.
-Bad News Barrett has some bad news: no lucky charms can help Sheamus tonight. Barrett's catchphrases are getting over, which is a good sign.
-Match 1-Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Semi-Final: Wade Barrett VS Sheamus
-They slug it out, then Sheamus takes control as the crowd chants for Barrett. Sheamus hits a Finlay Roll and goes up top, but gets caught by Barrett. Sheamus fights off a superplex (ugh), then catches Barrett rushing in with a big boot to send Barrett to the floor, before hitting a plancha to the outside (!). Sheamus has his working shoes on tonight I see. Barrett fights off the Irish Hand Granade, and knocks Sheamus to the floor with a big boot of his own as we go to break.
Back from break, Sheamus scores with a poweslam, followed by a couple Irish Hammers, a high knee, the running somethingorother in the corner, and finally the Irish Hand Granade and a flying shoulderblock for two. Sheamus hits the Irish Curse for two, but Barrett avoids the Brogue Kick, and hits the Winds of Change for two. Barrett calls for the Bull Hammer, but Sheamus dodges, and hits White Noise (stopping to yell "boom!") for two, as the announce team claim that move usually gets a pin. Well that's just not true.
They trade boo (Sheamus) --- yay (Barrett) punches, then Sheamus dives at Barrett, sending them both out over the top as the crowd chants "This is Awesome!". Sheamus goes for a suicide dive, but Barrett counters with the Bull Hammer to pick up the win.
**1/2 Although this was pretty hard-fought, I didn't love it as much as Barrett VS Ziggler or as much as the crowd did, because they didn't have much to offer outside breaking out all of their signature moves. Surprised to see Sheamus drop another clean fall here.
-Evolution are here.
-BOLIEVE
-SEPTEMBER 2011: Hugh Jackman punches Dolph Ziggler, allowing Zack Ryder to actually win a match. Ziggler wants to bury the hatchet with Jackman when Jackman is on Raw next week. Damien Sandow thinks that's amusing.
-PICK HOW BAD YOU WANT TO SEE CENA DIE: You can pick Cena VS Harper, Cena VS Harper & Rowan, or Cena VS Harper, Rowan, & Bray.
-Speak of the devil, here come the Wyatts. Bray talks about remembering the first time he was struck with "truth". It was intense, but he liked it. Bray says free will is an illusion, and when that illusion is lifted, we will see the truth, but tonight is a great night for change, and that no matter the choice, Cena will see that the Family stands against him, and that the fans don't love him anymore. Bray gloats about taking more and more fans with him every time they cross paths, before leading the crowd in a sing-a-long. Great promo, with Harper & Rowan standing behind him in separate creepy-looking spotlights adding a sweet visual.
-Match 2: Los Matadores & El Torito VS 2 1/2 MB (w/Heath Slater)
-The little guys start it off and exchange slaps, then Torito hits a rana, followed by a flying headbutt. Torito hits a Bronco Buster followed by a moonsault, but Mahal saves, tossing Torito halfway across the ring. It ends up Torito VS McIntyre. Torito gores Slater in the nuts, then kicks Slater in the nuts, before Los Matadores hit their finisher on McIntyre with Torito adding a sit-down splash, and Torito pins McIntyre. Remember when Drew was the "Chosen One"?
-NO RATING At least it was short.
-Evolution arrive via limo. It's a good thing, because they're out next.
-I must say, I like the new Evolution entrance video. I think HHH has already come out to that music as many times during this reunion than he did during their original run.
HHH has some vocal issues tonight, but he compares what happened last week to someone saying that they are the baddest dudes ever, just for their daddies to come along and spank them in front of the world. Over to Orton, who says it only took one "careless" act to bring about the reformation of the group, and a video of them during the original run plays. Nice way to show the younger viewers exactly why Evolution should be feared. After the video, Batista mentions the 31 world titles between the three of them, and says The Shield have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. This brings out The Shield, and Evolution bail.
Ambrose asks HHH if they look humbled, then notes that there was a reason why HHH hired them to protect both HHH & Orton. Over to Rollins, who points out that all three guys will, when push comes to shove, look out for themselves. Rollins says they know what they're getting into because they're the ones that started this. Last up is Reigns, who gives Evolution the option of trying to fight tonight, or running away and hiding. HHH instead calls in option 3: all the guys that helped beat The Shield down last week coming out and protecting Evolution.
-EARLIER TONIGHT: Kane killed Bryan.
-It's party time, all the time! Don't be a lemon, be a rosebud!
-Rybaxel are at ringside.
-ON TOTAL DIVAS: Jimmy marries Naomi.
-Match 3: WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos VS The Brotherhood
-Guess the Usos are done with getting their asses handed to them by Batista & Orton every week. Goldust hits Jey with an inverted atomic drop, but Jey hits a couple armdrags. Jey & Goldust have a face-off, then Goldust gets a couple shots in before tagging in Cody, who slaps on a hammerlock. The Usos hit a double team hot shot, and the ref allows them to switch, and Jimmy gets two. Ryback tells a story about his dad being a bartender and serving Curt Hennig & "Razor Ramon" during their AWA days. Goldust gets back in and works Jimmy's arm as Ryback is AMAZED that Goldust can still go despite being so old. Jimmy superkicks Goldust, then Jay breaks up a Cross Rhodes attempt with another superkick for the pin.
* Not much to this one.
-Cody finally walks away from Goldust to at least start the split of this going nowhere team. Rybaxel beat the shit out of the Usos to establish them as the next challengers. This did what it needed to do on both fronts.
-Watch clay Mark Henry work at a carnival!
-Match 4: Layla (w/Fandango) VS Emma (w/Santino Marella)
-It's the feud that JUST WON'T DIE. Fandango knocks Santino off the apron, allowing Layla to get the sneak attack on Emma. Layla gets a surfboard, and Emma fights out before whiffing on an intentionally-bad dropkick. Layla talks some shit, then runs into a flying clothesline. Santino drops Fandango with the Cobra, then Emma pulls one of her socks off to reveal a female Cobra, which she uses to finish Layla.
1/2* OK, can we move on now, please?
-Santino & Emma have a "cobra" fight. Their act is cute, as long as they stay away from the more contrived stuff like that.
-Rene Young interviews John Cena, who talks about the WWE Universe having his fate in their hands, which leads to a dueling "Let's Go Cena!/Cena Sucks!" chant. Cena tells Wyatt never to count him out.
-CESARO HAS NEW MUSIC! AND IT'S TERRIBLE!
-Heyman's pre-match promo gets cut off by the commercial break.
-Back from break, Heyman is reminding the crowd what Brock Lesnar did at WrestleMania XXX.
-Match 5-Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament Semi-Final: Cesaro (w/Paul Heyman) VS RVD
-They feel each other out, then have an awkward moment leading to RVD escaping a suplex and hitting a heel kick. Cesaro fires back with a backbreaker for two. RVD comes back again and hits a monkeyflip, but stops to point his thumbs, allowing Cesaro to hit a kick to the face, which the director misses. Cesaro hits a suplex for two, but RVD comes back with another kick. RVD blocks having his shoulder rammed into the post, but Cesaro then dropkicks RVD in the ass, and RVD cracks his shoulder as we go to break.
Back from break, Cesaro has a headlock and the crowd is DEAD. RVD fucks up a sunset flip, and Cesaro double stomps his chest anyway for two, before hitting a deadlift gutwrench suplex for another near-fall. The crowd revives long enough to call for Cesaro Swing, as Cesaro hits an uppercut, then a few moments later a forearm drop for two before going back to the headlock.
RVD fights out and kicks Cesaro in the face again, before slugging away. Yet another kick to the face leads to Rolling Thunder for two. RVD hits still another kick to the face, this time from the top, before going for the Five Star Frog Splash. Cesaro springs to life, and nearly kills RVD with an uppercut. Still yet another kick to the face by RVD leads right into a split-legged moonsault for two. Cesaro counters a kick with another uppercut, and gets two off that. They trade punches, and RVD gets a legscissors roll-up for two. Cesaro comes back with a botched Tiger Driver for two, then as Cesaro goes for the Swing, he falls victim to the most devestating move in WWE: the musical distraction. RVD kicks Cesaro to the floor.
Swagger tries to distract Cesaro, who catches a flying RVD with an uppercut anyway. As Heyman & Zeb argue, Swagger rams Cesaro into the post, and Cesaro gets counted out.
*1/4 Eh, it had its moments, but also a lot of sloppiness. RVD is completely useless at this point.
-RVD leaves, then Swagger attacks Cesaro. Cesaro backdrops Swagger to the floor, then almost gets Coulter in the Swing before Swagger saves. Cesaro then gets Swagger in the swing to prove his superiority.
-EARLIER TONIGHT: Kane killed Bryan.
-THIS JUST IN: Bryan has "only" suffered a stinger.
-LATER TONIGHT: How bad do you want John Cena to die?
-Rene Young tries to interview RVD, but Cesaro & Heyman interrupt to knock RVD for the way he won. RVD responds by warning Cesaro to get away from Heyman.
-Match 6: Aksana VS Divas Champion Paige
-Instead of taking a beatdown to start, Paige goes right on the offensive, and gets a rollup for two. Paige follows up with several knees to the ribs, but Aksana suckers Paige in by backing off. Aksana puts Paige up top, and after a shoving match, throws her off. Aksana hits a slam and some knees of her own, before using the ropes to choke Paige. Aksana slaps Paige and gets a one count before hitting the chinlock. Aksana hits some elbows to the collarbone, then a backbreaker. Paige fires back, hitting a couple short-arm clotheslines, but Aksana comes back with a sloppy spinebuster for two as the crowd gets restless.
Paige counters another spinebuster into a guillotine choke, then knees Aksana right on the nose when she breaks it, before getting the Scorpion Crosslock for the submission.
* Not as good as their match on Smackdown. I've already said my piece about how I feel about Paige's match formula.
-ON SMACKDOWN: Cesaro VS Swagger
-LAST WEEK ON SMACKDOWN: Rusev squashes R-Truth, then takes care of Xavier Woods too.
-Match 7: Alexander Rusev (w/Lana) VS Sin Cara
-Rusev will face Truth & Woods in a handicap match at Extreme Rules. Sin Cara does a lot better than last time, actually getting some offense in that is mostly no-sold until he hits an enziguiri, followed by a missile dropkick. Rusev comes back with a big clothesline, front slam, and camel clutch for the submission.
*1/4 Not a bad match at all, but it's not a good sign when the crowd gets bored enough to chant "JBL" a minute in.
-BOLIEVE
-Match 8: John Cena VS The Wyatt Family
-Cena sells the reveal with an appropriate amount of despair. All three immediately mug Cena before the bell even rings, putting him at a disadvantage to start. Harper starts the match legally, and mauls Cena while taking him into the Wyatts' corner. There's dueling chants again as Rowan gets in and hits a slam. Cena fires back, but gets caught in mid-air and tossed with a fallaway slam. Tag to Bray, who leads Cena in a dance before slugging him down and tagging Harper. Cena comes back with a Stinger Splash, but runs right into an elbow from Harper.
Harper hits a couple uppercuts, but Cena ducks a third and hits a German suplex. Harper tags Rowan, who keeps the advantage before hitting a backbreaker for two and tagging in Bray. Bray stops short of kicking Cena's head in before tagging in Harper. Cena promptly gets Harper in the STF, but Rowan saves. Harper throws Cena outside. Cena goes after Rowan, and is sent into the steps by Harper for his troubles and we go to break.
Back from break, a Cena rally is cut short when Harper ducks a flying shoulderblock, and Cena falls outside. Back in, Cena slugs Harper down from the second rope, and hits a tornado DDT. Harper immediately tags Bray, who plants Cena with a HUGE urinage for two. Bray beats Cena down, then it's off to Rowan for the DOUBLE NOOGIE OF MILD DISCOMFORT as Bray talks some shit.
Bray gets back in, and absorbs a Cena comeback attempt before squashing him in the corner and spider walking. Bray charges right into a huge clothesline from Cena. Cena takes care of Harper and Rowan, then hits Blue Thunder on Bray. Cena low bridges Harper, then hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Bray, followed by the AA. That gets two with Harper & Rowan, then the ref just calls for the bell once the heel beatdown starts. What kind of bullshit is that? He didn't even give them a five count first.
** This was just kinda there the whole time. Not the best outing from these guys.
-Bray lays Cena out with Sister Abigail, then cradles Cena's head while he sings to close the show.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: I liked the angles on this show, but not the in-ring aspect at all. Usually Raw has been good for at least one really strong match, but it wasn't in the cards for this week.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
RoH TV for Easter 2014 Weekend
-This week's TV is again matches and highlights from Supercard of Honor VIII.
-From New Orleans, LA
-Hosts are Kevin Kelly & Steve Corino
-Match 1: Cedric Alexander VS Roderick Strong (w/Jimmy Jacobs & BJ Whitmer, & Adam Page)
-They exchange arm holds to start, and it's a standoff. Another sequence ends with Cedric hitting a nice dropkick, followed by some chops. Strong's hand is somehow busted open, and he wins a chop exchange. Cedric goes up top, but gets yanked down and his head hits the top turnbuckle. Strong gets two off that, and he goes to work. Adam Page runs to the back and quickly emerges with something that he hands to Whitmer. Strong hits a chop as we go to break.
Back from break, both guys are down. Strong scores with a kitchen sink (knee to the gut) followed by an Olympic Slam for two. Strong hits a running knee followed by a running forearm, but a backbreaker is countered into a crucifix for two. Strong comes back with a backbreaker, and they exchange chops again. Strong hits a jumping knee, followed by Death From Above for two, which draws a "This is Awesome" chant. Cedric hits a Disaster Kick, followed by a dropkick in the corner. Cedric hits a modified Go 2 Sleep, then goes after Jacobs before hitting a dive on Whitmer. Strong catches Cedric flying from the top with a dropkick, then finishes with a suplex toss into a backbreaker.
What was shown is worth **. The full match might have been a lot better judging by the crowd reaction.
-Jimmy Jacobs gets on the mic and tells the young wrestlers to look to Adam Page as an example, not Cedric.
-Match 2: Jimmy Jacobs, BJ Whitmer, & Adam Page VS Andrew Everett & Adrenaline RUSH [6 Man Scramble]
-Scramble = lucha rules = no tag needed if a team member goes to the floor. After a break, the match is JIP with ACH hitting a couple dropkicks which are no-sold by Whitmer. ACH goes low, and Whitmer rolls outside, allowing Jacobs to attack ACH from behind. ACH leaves and Thomas gets in, hitting a nice kick combo and a hangman's clothesline for two. ACH goes out, so Everett gets in and takes care of Jacobs before hitting a nice rana on Page.
Whitmer prevents a dive from Everett, leading to Thomas hitting a dive. ACH goes after Jacobs, but gets caught in Doomsday position by Whitmer, and Jacobs dives through the ropes with a spear, prompting another "This is Awesome" chant. ACH plays FIP for a bit, taking punishment from all three opponents. Whitmer slaps ACH around, before ACH sends him outside and walks the ropes to hit a dive. Thomas gets in and catches Jacobs with another kick combo for two. Thomas hits a release German suplex on Jacobs who rolls outside, allowing Page to sneak in and hit a nice backbreaker on Thomas. Everett gets in and slips on the turnbuckles, but comes back with a nice moonsault.
Everett hits springboard shooting stars to the outside, then on Whitmer in the ring for two. Whitmer tosses Everett out over the top, taking out a camera man in the process, then he & Jacobs finish Thomas with the All Seeing Eye.
***1/2 Pretty good action that was a throwback to the cruiserweight multi-man tags that used to open WCW pay-per-views.
-Jacobs threatens to stab Thomas with a spike, but doesn't do it.
-A video recaps Jay Briscoe winning the RoH title, then getting injured and having it stripped. Adam Cole wins the title then turns heel, so Briscoe has his own title belt made and declares himself the real champion. Clips from their Ladder War are shown, as Kevin Kelly explains that the match is too violent to be shown on TV, but you can go see it at rohwrestling.com. Well that's pretty good promotion right there.
-Match 3 for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Michael Elgin VS Kevin Steen
-Steen goes for the package piledriver right away, but Elgin blocks. Steen reverses a whip, hits a clothesline, and follows with a canonball for two. They go outside and exchange strikes, before Steen sends Elgin into the barricade, which breaks on impact and we go to break.
Back from break, they're still on the floor, and Elgin hits a delayed vertical suplex out there, then gets two after rolling Steen back in. Elgin hits a dropkick for two, but Steen fires back, hitting a DDT for two. Steen hits a slam and a senton for one, then goes to work in the corner. Elgin scores with an enziguiri, followed by a deadlift German suplex. They fight out of each others submission holds, and Elgin hits a Black Hole Slam for two.
Elgin goes up, but whiffs on a twisting senton. Elgin slides out of an F5, but gets caught with a fisherman's neckbreaker for two. Steen tries another canonball, but Elgin counters into a powerbomb. Elgin goes for another powerbomb, but Steen counters into an F5 for two, and we go to break again.
Back from break, Steen avoids another powerbomb, hits a pop-up powerbomb, followed by the package piledriver...for two. Steen goes up, but a Swanton Bomb hits knees. Steen charges into a urinage, and Elgin follows up with a backfist, buckle bomb, and spiral bomb for two. Elgin sets Steen up top, but takes too long going up himself, allowing Steen to hit a twisting superplex for two. Elgin counters a package piledriver, and hits a triple bomb.
Elgin hits a buckle bomb, but Steen suddenly comes to life and hits a sleeper suplex. Elgin fires right back with a massive clothesline, followed by another buckle bomb and a package piledriver for the pin.
*** This was going great until that final stretch. I didn't like Steen being dead, only to essentially no-sell a buckle bomb to hit his move, then go back to being dead after the clothesline. Also, Elgin using the package piledriver seems like a needlessly personal finish for the story they were telling.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a pretty worthwhile show to check out. I'm disappointed that the ladder war won't be shown on TV, but I already know who won, so it's not that disappointing. This show did get me to take a look at what they're offering on demand and see that it was enough for me to justify a 3 month membership for $20, so there's that.
-From New Orleans, LA
-Hosts are Kevin Kelly & Steve Corino
-Match 1: Cedric Alexander VS Roderick Strong (w/Jimmy Jacobs & BJ Whitmer, & Adam Page)
-They exchange arm holds to start, and it's a standoff. Another sequence ends with Cedric hitting a nice dropkick, followed by some chops. Strong's hand is somehow busted open, and he wins a chop exchange. Cedric goes up top, but gets yanked down and his head hits the top turnbuckle. Strong gets two off that, and he goes to work. Adam Page runs to the back and quickly emerges with something that he hands to Whitmer. Strong hits a chop as we go to break.
Back from break, both guys are down. Strong scores with a kitchen sink (knee to the gut) followed by an Olympic Slam for two. Strong hits a running knee followed by a running forearm, but a backbreaker is countered into a crucifix for two. Strong comes back with a backbreaker, and they exchange chops again. Strong hits a jumping knee, followed by Death From Above for two, which draws a "This is Awesome" chant. Cedric hits a Disaster Kick, followed by a dropkick in the corner. Cedric hits a modified Go 2 Sleep, then goes after Jacobs before hitting a dive on Whitmer. Strong catches Cedric flying from the top with a dropkick, then finishes with a suplex toss into a backbreaker.
What was shown is worth **. The full match might have been a lot better judging by the crowd reaction.
-Jimmy Jacobs gets on the mic and tells the young wrestlers to look to Adam Page as an example, not Cedric.
-Match 2: Jimmy Jacobs, BJ Whitmer, & Adam Page VS Andrew Everett & Adrenaline RUSH [6 Man Scramble]
-Scramble = lucha rules = no tag needed if a team member goes to the floor. After a break, the match is JIP with ACH hitting a couple dropkicks which are no-sold by Whitmer. ACH goes low, and Whitmer rolls outside, allowing Jacobs to attack ACH from behind. ACH leaves and Thomas gets in, hitting a nice kick combo and a hangman's clothesline for two. ACH goes out, so Everett gets in and takes care of Jacobs before hitting a nice rana on Page.
Whitmer prevents a dive from Everett, leading to Thomas hitting a dive. ACH goes after Jacobs, but gets caught in Doomsday position by Whitmer, and Jacobs dives through the ropes with a spear, prompting another "This is Awesome" chant. ACH plays FIP for a bit, taking punishment from all three opponents. Whitmer slaps ACH around, before ACH sends him outside and walks the ropes to hit a dive. Thomas gets in and catches Jacobs with another kick combo for two. Thomas hits a release German suplex on Jacobs who rolls outside, allowing Page to sneak in and hit a nice backbreaker on Thomas. Everett gets in and slips on the turnbuckles, but comes back with a nice moonsault.
Everett hits springboard shooting stars to the outside, then on Whitmer in the ring for two. Whitmer tosses Everett out over the top, taking out a camera man in the process, then he & Jacobs finish Thomas with the All Seeing Eye.
***1/2 Pretty good action that was a throwback to the cruiserweight multi-man tags that used to open WCW pay-per-views.
-Jacobs threatens to stab Thomas with a spike, but doesn't do it.
-A video recaps Jay Briscoe winning the RoH title, then getting injured and having it stripped. Adam Cole wins the title then turns heel, so Briscoe has his own title belt made and declares himself the real champion. Clips from their Ladder War are shown, as Kevin Kelly explains that the match is too violent to be shown on TV, but you can go see it at rohwrestling.com. Well that's pretty good promotion right there.
-Match 3 for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Michael Elgin VS Kevin Steen
-Steen goes for the package piledriver right away, but Elgin blocks. Steen reverses a whip, hits a clothesline, and follows with a canonball for two. They go outside and exchange strikes, before Steen sends Elgin into the barricade, which breaks on impact and we go to break.
Back from break, they're still on the floor, and Elgin hits a delayed vertical suplex out there, then gets two after rolling Steen back in. Elgin hits a dropkick for two, but Steen fires back, hitting a DDT for two. Steen hits a slam and a senton for one, then goes to work in the corner. Elgin scores with an enziguiri, followed by a deadlift German suplex. They fight out of each others submission holds, and Elgin hits a Black Hole Slam for two.
Elgin goes up, but whiffs on a twisting senton. Elgin slides out of an F5, but gets caught with a fisherman's neckbreaker for two. Steen tries another canonball, but Elgin counters into a powerbomb. Elgin goes for another powerbomb, but Steen counters into an F5 for two, and we go to break again.
Back from break, Steen avoids another powerbomb, hits a pop-up powerbomb, followed by the package piledriver...for two. Steen goes up, but a Swanton Bomb hits knees. Steen charges into a urinage, and Elgin follows up with a backfist, buckle bomb, and spiral bomb for two. Elgin sets Steen up top, but takes too long going up himself, allowing Steen to hit a twisting superplex for two. Elgin counters a package piledriver, and hits a triple bomb.
Elgin hits a buckle bomb, but Steen suddenly comes to life and hits a sleeper suplex. Elgin fires right back with a massive clothesline, followed by another buckle bomb and a package piledriver for the pin.
*** This was going great until that final stretch. I didn't like Steen being dead, only to essentially no-sell a buckle bomb to hit his move, then go back to being dead after the clothesline. Also, Elgin using the package piledriver seems like a needlessly personal finish for the story they were telling.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a pretty worthwhile show to check out. I'm disappointed that the ladder war won't be shown on TV, but I already know who won, so it's not that disappointing. This show did get me to take a look at what they're offering on demand and see that it was enough for me to justify a 3 month membership for $20, so there's that.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Smackdown 4/18/14
-From Nashville, TN
-Hosts are Cole & JBL
-Cold opening with Triple H kicking off the show. The crew oddly (at least in the case of Cole) act like Evolution VS The Shield was a fair fight on Monday, with Evolution destroying The Shield. HHH says part of his job is finding the top talent in the world and giving them the opportunity to succeed. He says that the guys he's most proud of are The Shield. He gave them a little bit of power, and they decided to cross a line that shouldn't be crossed, so they paid for it. A video shows exactly what happened at the end of Raw last week.
After that, HHH says The Shield were humbled at Evolution's feet, and that as he told Cole during their Wednesday chat, all The Shield have to do is crawl back to him, and this can all be forgotten, but all he's gotten is a message fron Reigns saying "Kings don't win wars, soldiers do". HHH says that's cute and could make for a nice movie tag line, but in reality "soldiers are the currency with which empires are built, bought, and sold" and that The Shield have outlived their usefullness. He then announces The Shield VS Evolution at Extreme Rules, and that Evolution will show The Shield what true power is. Good, focused promo from HHH.
-TONIGHT: Batista VS Sheamus
-Big E says he hasn't had this much competition since he entered Tampa Florida's "Pop, Lock, & Drop It" tournament. He says whoever wins the tournament has the opportunity to get dropped by the Big Ending.
-Match 1: Alberto Del Rio VS Intercontinental Champion Big E
-ADR gets the first shot in, but E runs him over and gets a one count. ADR shoves E into the corner, and hits a running enziguiri for two. ADR gets a chinlock as a "Let's Go Big E" chant breaks out. E fights out, but walks into a pair of boots to the face. ADR hits a running kick to the chest for two, then pounds away in the corner. ADR misses a charge and meets the post. Big E connects with a couple big clotheslines, followed by a belly-to-belly suplex. Big E goes for a big splash, but ADR gets his knees up, and E rolls to the floor as we go to break.
Back from break, both guys are down and hurting on the outside, and it's shown that it was due to a spear through the ropes by Big E. E rams his shoulder into the post, and ADR hits a DDT for two. ADR goes for a cross-body off the top, but gets caught and hit with a backbreaker. E throws ADR into the air, hits the big splash, and goes for the Big Ending, but ADR slides out and hits a backstabber for two. ADR goes for the cross-armbreaker, but E fights it off, and grabs the ropes. ADR releases right after the 5 count, and gets DQ'd. Well that was weak.
**3/4 The match was getting good before the bad finish. How many times over the years have we seen guys release a hold right after five? This is the first time I remember someone getting DQ'd even after releasing the hold.
-ADR goes for a post-match beatdown, but gets caught with the Big Ending. This is a perfect example of crappy 50/50 booking. If you want to put Big E over, put him over. This didn't do anything for either guy, aside from giving Big E his first good singles match in a while.
-Booker T, Sgt. Slaughter, & Ted DiBiase will talk about The Ultimate Warrior on a LEGENDS OF WRESTLEMANIA panel right after this show ends.
-Yes, THE STREAK is still over. Paul Heyman is next.
-BOLIEVE
-As promised, Heyman is here. Heyman reminds everyone who his clients are, then repeats "MY CLIENT, BROCK LESNAR, CONQUERED THE STREAK" over and over to give the crowd something to boo. He then thanks the crowd for letting him vent before going back to insulting them. Well that was pointless.
-The "rivalry" between Hornswoggle & El Torito is recapped, including a video showing what happened on Main Event. They face off in the first "little person" match in WWE since, what, 1998?
-Tamina says she'll win the Divas title at Extreme Rules by any means necessary.
-Match 2: Divas Champion Paige VS Aksana
-Paige's demeanor actually comes off quite heelish during her entrance. Aksansa does a short pre-match promo saying Paige's luck runs out tonight before bum rushing her. Aksana hits a suplex and goes for a waistlock, but Paige backs her into a corner and elbows her in the head. Paige lands several kicks to the chest, but gets knocked to the floor. Back in, Aksana gets a pretty nice spinebuster and works Paige over, getting two. Aksana locks on a chinlock, then crawls around the ring before kicking Paige in the face.
They both go for a cross-body at the same time, and collide in mid-air. Aksana slaps Paige, who fires back with a couple short-arm clotheslines, followed by the Scorpion Crosslock for the submission.
**1/2 Surprisingly good since I haven't seen anything out of Aksana, but again Paige does not need to be going 50/50 with jobbers.
-Rene Young interviews Sheamus, then shows him a video of the beatdown Batista gave him three weeks ago. Sheamus tells a story of taking care of a neighborhood bully, then says there's nothing Batista can do to slow him down before asking what will happen when he kicks Batista in the face.
-The little person match is next.
-Daniel Bryan will be on Raw...but Kane is waiting.
-Match 3: El Torito (w/Los Matadores) VS Hornswoggle (w/Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal)
-They feel each other out as Cole & JBL sarcastically act like this is a huge fight. Torito gets a headscissors and a dropkick. Hornswoggle confers with 3MB and rams Torito into the buckles. He goes for a big bonzai drop, but Mahal & McIntyre advise against it, so he settles for one off the lowest turnbuckle. That gets two, and Torito counters into a rollup for two. Hornswoggle hits a big clothesline, and 3MB point to JBL, who loves it. Hornswoggle works Torito over, but stops to taunt Los Matadores, and gets schoolboyed for two.
Hornswoggle sends Torito into the corner, but misses an avalanche. Torito hits a gore to the ass, followed by a Bronco Buster before finishing with a moonsault.
*1/2 JBL & Cole were actually the best part of this match with their commentary.
-Alexander Rusev is next.
-Bad News Barrett has some bad news: the crowd applauding the last match shows how dumb they are. They didn't seem to care, actually.
-Match 4: R-Truth (w/Xavier Woods) VS Alexander Rusev (w/Lana)
-Truth actually gets a heel kick and a missile dropkick to take Rusev down for the first time and get two. Rusev fires back with a thrust kick, then holds Truth in the ropes to hit some knees to the ribs before adding a fallaway slam. Lana gives orders for Rusev to CRUSH. Truth tries fighting back, but Rusev hits his spinning slam before locking on the Camel Clutch for the submission.
*** I actually really liked this match for Rusev. It's a good progression for him as he slowly starts facing guys that will fight back more and more to test him. They're giving him a chance, even if I still think it will fall flat once he gets further up the ladder.
-Xavier Woods tries to go after Rusev, and fails miserably.
-The Warrior tribute from Raw airs again.
-Santino gets a slap on the ass from Emma.
-Match 5: Fandango (w/Layla) VS Santino Marella (w/Emma)
-Cole says this is a mixed tag match before Lillian announces it is a singles match. Jeez, you guys couldn't fix that in post? Cute bit as Santino trips over Emma as they roll into the ring. They slug it out, then Fandango counters the splits from Santino with a kick to the face. Fandango takes Santino down, but misses a slingshot legdrop. Santino comes back with a hiptoss and diving headbutt. He goes for the Cobra, but Layla steals it. Emma takes Layla out, and Santino gets a sunset flip for the pin.
* I'm sure we'll get another two minute match in this endless series on Raw.
-Emma gives Santino his Cobra back, and he chases Fandango out. Emma wants a high five, and Santino hits her hand with the Cobra...which fucks up her arm. That's cute.
-Kane is going to try to destroy Daniel Bryan. He'll probably get a heel beatdown or two, then fall short at Extreme Rules.
-Daniel Bryan is still going to be on Raw.
-Adam Rose is still partying.
-Match 6: Sheamus VS Batista
-Sheamus attacks at the bell, and Batista bails. Sheamus follows, which allows Batista to gain the advantage. Back in, Sheamus scores with a big clothesline, then drops a knee to the back of the head before adding some mounted punches. Batista fires back with a corner clothesline, but lowers his head, allowing Sheamus to hit a kick to the chest followed by a clothesline for two. Sheamus goes for an armlock, but Batista makes it to the ropes. Sheamus goes for the Irish Hand Grenade, but Batista drops his neck onto the ropes. Sheamus hits a knee to the back which sends Batista to the floor as we go to break.
Back from break Sheamus sends Batista into the buckles, and they go outside. Batista kicks the steps into Sheamus' knees, then whips him into the barricade. Batista works Sheamus over on the apron, but gets caught with punches to the gut as he tries to follow up. Batista quickly regains control with a drop toe hold onto the turnbuckle, then rams Sheamus shoulder-first into the post, which also sends Sheamus to the floor. Batista follows up with a Decapitator for two.
Batista goes for the Batista Bomb, but Sheamus counters and throws him to the floor. Sheamus blocks a throw into the post not once, but twice, and manages to send Batista into the post on the second try. Sheamus hits a couple Irish Hammers, but walks into a boot to the face. Another Batista Bomb attempt is blocked, and Sheamus follows up with a high knee, then a flying...something in the corner followed by the Irish Hand Grenade and a slingshot shoulderblock for two.
Batista blocks White Noise, but walks into the Irish Curse for two. Sheamus goes for a Cloverleaf, but Batista makes it to the ropes. Sheamus shrugs off an elbow to the face and hits a powerslam before calling for the Brogue Kick. Batista bails and Sheamus rolls him back in. Batista avoids the Brogue Kick and hits a spear for two. Yet another attempt at the Batista Bomb is countered with a backdrop. Sheamus goes up, but gets caught and crotched on the ropes, and Batista finally hits the Batista Bomb for the win.
***1/2 Really good heavyweight slugfest. Batista gave Sheamus a lot and was just a little bit better on this night, keeping both himself and Sheamus strong. Surprised to see a clean finish, and I was also expecting another Batista beatdown to put Sheamus out of the IC tournament.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a hell of a lot better than last week's show. While I don't like some of the booking decisions (the finish to Big E/ADR, Paige going 50/50 with everyone), the ring work was pretty good especially for a free TV, and Cole/JBL elevated what could have been a groan enducing Hornswoggle/Torito match.
-Hosts are Cole & JBL
-Cold opening with Triple H kicking off the show. The crew oddly (at least in the case of Cole) act like Evolution VS The Shield was a fair fight on Monday, with Evolution destroying The Shield. HHH says part of his job is finding the top talent in the world and giving them the opportunity to succeed. He says that the guys he's most proud of are The Shield. He gave them a little bit of power, and they decided to cross a line that shouldn't be crossed, so they paid for it. A video shows exactly what happened at the end of Raw last week.
After that, HHH says The Shield were humbled at Evolution's feet, and that as he told Cole during their Wednesday chat, all The Shield have to do is crawl back to him, and this can all be forgotten, but all he's gotten is a message fron Reigns saying "Kings don't win wars, soldiers do". HHH says that's cute and could make for a nice movie tag line, but in reality "soldiers are the currency with which empires are built, bought, and sold" and that The Shield have outlived their usefullness. He then announces The Shield VS Evolution at Extreme Rules, and that Evolution will show The Shield what true power is. Good, focused promo from HHH.
-TONIGHT: Batista VS Sheamus
-Big E says he hasn't had this much competition since he entered Tampa Florida's "Pop, Lock, & Drop It" tournament. He says whoever wins the tournament has the opportunity to get dropped by the Big Ending.
-Match 1: Alberto Del Rio VS Intercontinental Champion Big E
-ADR gets the first shot in, but E runs him over and gets a one count. ADR shoves E into the corner, and hits a running enziguiri for two. ADR gets a chinlock as a "Let's Go Big E" chant breaks out. E fights out, but walks into a pair of boots to the face. ADR hits a running kick to the chest for two, then pounds away in the corner. ADR misses a charge and meets the post. Big E connects with a couple big clotheslines, followed by a belly-to-belly suplex. Big E goes for a big splash, but ADR gets his knees up, and E rolls to the floor as we go to break.
Back from break, both guys are down and hurting on the outside, and it's shown that it was due to a spear through the ropes by Big E. E rams his shoulder into the post, and ADR hits a DDT for two. ADR goes for a cross-body off the top, but gets caught and hit with a backbreaker. E throws ADR into the air, hits the big splash, and goes for the Big Ending, but ADR slides out and hits a backstabber for two. ADR goes for the cross-armbreaker, but E fights it off, and grabs the ropes. ADR releases right after the 5 count, and gets DQ'd. Well that was weak.
**3/4 The match was getting good before the bad finish. How many times over the years have we seen guys release a hold right after five? This is the first time I remember someone getting DQ'd even after releasing the hold.
-ADR goes for a post-match beatdown, but gets caught with the Big Ending. This is a perfect example of crappy 50/50 booking. If you want to put Big E over, put him over. This didn't do anything for either guy, aside from giving Big E his first good singles match in a while.
-Booker T, Sgt. Slaughter, & Ted DiBiase will talk about The Ultimate Warrior on a LEGENDS OF WRESTLEMANIA panel right after this show ends.
-Yes, THE STREAK is still over. Paul Heyman is next.
-BOLIEVE
-As promised, Heyman is here. Heyman reminds everyone who his clients are, then repeats "MY CLIENT, BROCK LESNAR, CONQUERED THE STREAK" over and over to give the crowd something to boo. He then thanks the crowd for letting him vent before going back to insulting them. Well that was pointless.
-The "rivalry" between Hornswoggle & El Torito is recapped, including a video showing what happened on Main Event. They face off in the first "little person" match in WWE since, what, 1998?
-Tamina says she'll win the Divas title at Extreme Rules by any means necessary.
-Match 2: Divas Champion Paige VS Aksana
-Paige's demeanor actually comes off quite heelish during her entrance. Aksansa does a short pre-match promo saying Paige's luck runs out tonight before bum rushing her. Aksana hits a suplex and goes for a waistlock, but Paige backs her into a corner and elbows her in the head. Paige lands several kicks to the chest, but gets knocked to the floor. Back in, Aksana gets a pretty nice spinebuster and works Paige over, getting two. Aksana locks on a chinlock, then crawls around the ring before kicking Paige in the face.
They both go for a cross-body at the same time, and collide in mid-air. Aksana slaps Paige, who fires back with a couple short-arm clotheslines, followed by the Scorpion Crosslock for the submission.
**1/2 Surprisingly good since I haven't seen anything out of Aksana, but again Paige does not need to be going 50/50 with jobbers.
-Rene Young interviews Sheamus, then shows him a video of the beatdown Batista gave him three weeks ago. Sheamus tells a story of taking care of a neighborhood bully, then says there's nothing Batista can do to slow him down before asking what will happen when he kicks Batista in the face.
-The little person match is next.
-Daniel Bryan will be on Raw...but Kane is waiting.
-Match 3: El Torito (w/Los Matadores) VS Hornswoggle (w/Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal)
-They feel each other out as Cole & JBL sarcastically act like this is a huge fight. Torito gets a headscissors and a dropkick. Hornswoggle confers with 3MB and rams Torito into the buckles. He goes for a big bonzai drop, but Mahal & McIntyre advise against it, so he settles for one off the lowest turnbuckle. That gets two, and Torito counters into a rollup for two. Hornswoggle hits a big clothesline, and 3MB point to JBL, who loves it. Hornswoggle works Torito over, but stops to taunt Los Matadores, and gets schoolboyed for two.
Hornswoggle sends Torito into the corner, but misses an avalanche. Torito hits a gore to the ass, followed by a Bronco Buster before finishing with a moonsault.
*1/2 JBL & Cole were actually the best part of this match with their commentary.
-Alexander Rusev is next.
-Bad News Barrett has some bad news: the crowd applauding the last match shows how dumb they are. They didn't seem to care, actually.
-Match 4: R-Truth (w/Xavier Woods) VS Alexander Rusev (w/Lana)
-Truth actually gets a heel kick and a missile dropkick to take Rusev down for the first time and get two. Rusev fires back with a thrust kick, then holds Truth in the ropes to hit some knees to the ribs before adding a fallaway slam. Lana gives orders for Rusev to CRUSH. Truth tries fighting back, but Rusev hits his spinning slam before locking on the Camel Clutch for the submission.
*** I actually really liked this match for Rusev. It's a good progression for him as he slowly starts facing guys that will fight back more and more to test him. They're giving him a chance, even if I still think it will fall flat once he gets further up the ladder.
-Xavier Woods tries to go after Rusev, and fails miserably.
-The Warrior tribute from Raw airs again.
-Santino gets a slap on the ass from Emma.
-Match 5: Fandango (w/Layla) VS Santino Marella (w/Emma)
-Cole says this is a mixed tag match before Lillian announces it is a singles match. Jeez, you guys couldn't fix that in post? Cute bit as Santino trips over Emma as they roll into the ring. They slug it out, then Fandango counters the splits from Santino with a kick to the face. Fandango takes Santino down, but misses a slingshot legdrop. Santino comes back with a hiptoss and diving headbutt. He goes for the Cobra, but Layla steals it. Emma takes Layla out, and Santino gets a sunset flip for the pin.
* I'm sure we'll get another two minute match in this endless series on Raw.
-Emma gives Santino his Cobra back, and he chases Fandango out. Emma wants a high five, and Santino hits her hand with the Cobra...which fucks up her arm. That's cute.
-Kane is going to try to destroy Daniel Bryan. He'll probably get a heel beatdown or two, then fall short at Extreme Rules.
-Daniel Bryan is still going to be on Raw.
-Adam Rose is still partying.
-Match 6: Sheamus VS Batista
-Sheamus attacks at the bell, and Batista bails. Sheamus follows, which allows Batista to gain the advantage. Back in, Sheamus scores with a big clothesline, then drops a knee to the back of the head before adding some mounted punches. Batista fires back with a corner clothesline, but lowers his head, allowing Sheamus to hit a kick to the chest followed by a clothesline for two. Sheamus goes for an armlock, but Batista makes it to the ropes. Sheamus goes for the Irish Hand Grenade, but Batista drops his neck onto the ropes. Sheamus hits a knee to the back which sends Batista to the floor as we go to break.
Back from break Sheamus sends Batista into the buckles, and they go outside. Batista kicks the steps into Sheamus' knees, then whips him into the barricade. Batista works Sheamus over on the apron, but gets caught with punches to the gut as he tries to follow up. Batista quickly regains control with a drop toe hold onto the turnbuckle, then rams Sheamus shoulder-first into the post, which also sends Sheamus to the floor. Batista follows up with a Decapitator for two.
Batista goes for the Batista Bomb, but Sheamus counters and throws him to the floor. Sheamus blocks a throw into the post not once, but twice, and manages to send Batista into the post on the second try. Sheamus hits a couple Irish Hammers, but walks into a boot to the face. Another Batista Bomb attempt is blocked, and Sheamus follows up with a high knee, then a flying...something in the corner followed by the Irish Hand Grenade and a slingshot shoulderblock for two.
Batista blocks White Noise, but walks into the Irish Curse for two. Sheamus goes for a Cloverleaf, but Batista makes it to the ropes. Sheamus shrugs off an elbow to the face and hits a powerslam before calling for the Brogue Kick. Batista bails and Sheamus rolls him back in. Batista avoids the Brogue Kick and hits a spear for two. Yet another attempt at the Batista Bomb is countered with a backdrop. Sheamus goes up, but gets caught and crotched on the ropes, and Batista finally hits the Batista Bomb for the win.
***1/2 Really good heavyweight slugfest. Batista gave Sheamus a lot and was just a little bit better on this night, keeping both himself and Sheamus strong. Surprised to see a clean finish, and I was also expecting another Batista beatdown to put Sheamus out of the IC tournament.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a hell of a lot better than last week's show. While I don't like some of the booking decisions (the finish to Big E/ADR, Paige going 50/50 with everyone), the ring work was pretty good especially for a free TV, and Cole/JBL elevated what could have been a groan enducing Hornswoggle/Torito match.
Friday, April 18, 2014
NXT 4/17/14
-From Orlando, FL
-Hosts are Byron Saxton, Tom Phillips, William Regal, & Rene Young
-Match 1: Colin Cassidy VS Aiden English
-English sings during his entrance, and he's not bad, actually. English immediately gets Cossidy in the corner and pounds away, but Cassidy comes back, tosses English in the corner, and lands a big punch. Cassidy hits a knee to the gut, and more blows in the corner. Cassidy hits a high knee, and hits the S-A-W-F-T big boot for two. English bails to the apron, then kicks Cassidy in the knee before adding windmill punches to the back before dropping a forearm.
English works Cassidy over in the corner, then hits a kick to the head for two. Cassidy reverses a whip and hits a backdrop. They take turns countering each others finishers, and English gets a rollup and a huge yank of the tights to get the pin.
*3/4 Really basic stuff, and neither of these guys looked remotely ready for the main roster.
-English gets roses thrown at his feet after his win.
-Tyler Breeze has nothing to say, he just thinks this show needed someone gorgeous.
-The same video on Paige that aired on Raw airs again here.
-EARLIER THIS WEEK: Paige knows that all the divas can be nice to her face, then shit-talkers behind her back. She's studied all the divas on both NXT & WWE, and that's why she's a double champion. She looks forward to the other women trying to take her down.
-Match 2: Comacho VS Oliver Grey
-Grey is making his return after a year off due to a torn ACL. Comacho hits a back elbow to the face, then stomps a mud hole in the corner. Comacho hits a running power slam for two, then pounds on the back. Comacho laughs off Grey's attempts at offense, and finishes him with a Samoan Drop.
SQUASH Damn, who did Oliver Grey piss off to suffer from THAT burial?
-Bo Dallas explains that his Occupy NXT movement was a slight disappointment because his Bolievers are law abiding citizens who would never do anything wrong.
-Match 3: NXT Tag Team Champions The Ascension VS Wesley Blake & Cal Bishop
-Blake tries getting a shot in on Konnor, who responds by literally running him over several times. On the outside, Victor beats the shit out of Blake before bringing him back in for more punishment from Konnor. Victor gets in, then taunts Blake before hitting an STO, then the champs finish with the Fall of Man.
SQUASH It's nice that this act is over with the crowd, but they need to do something with the tag "division" on NXT.
-Charlotte is tired of watching Sasha Banks lose, and takes over as the leader of the BFFs.
-CJ Parker addresses the *sigh* NXT Universe next.
-CJ Parker envisions that the world would be a much better place without the *sigh* NXT Universe. He's interrupted by Khali, and this should be quite the trainwreck.
-Match 4: CJ Parker VS The Great Khali
-Khali manhandles Parker, then hits a STIFF overhand chop to the chest. Khali clotheslines Parker out over the top, and his head bounces off the ramp. I'm sure that felt lovely. Parker yanks Khali's leg and pounds away in the corner. Parker hits a dropkick to the stomach, but gets caught with a chop on his way down from the top. Khali hits a couple clotheslines, and mercifully finishes this with the Punjabi Plunge.
SQUASH, but not nearly as bad as I feared going into it.
-BACKSTAGE EXCLUSIVE: Emma is coy as to whether she has a tag partner for next week.
-BACKSTAGE EXCLUSIVE #2: Sami Zayn feels fine. He tags with The Usos to team with Corey Graves & The Ascension next week. That could be good.
-Match 5: Jason Jordan & Tye Dillinger VS Baron Corbin & Sawyer Fullton
-I have no idea who any of these guys are. Jordan gets a waistlock on Corbin, who elbows out, but he soon falls victim to a nice sequence from Jordan & Dillinger for a one count. Dillinger hits a stiff chop, but walks into a huge lariat for two. Fullton gets in, and drops a series of elbows for two. Fullton drives Dillinger back into his teams' corner and tags in Corbin, who hits a big delayed suplex for two.
Corbin gets a chinlock, then a big slam. Corbin avoids a boot to the face while leaping off the second rope, but he misses an elbowdrop, allowing the hot tag to Jordan, who cleans house. Jordan gets the crowd behind him, and hits a shoulderblock on Fullton in the corner, before tagging in Dillinger, and they finish Fullton with the Snapshot/Problem Solver.
**1/2 This was pretty solid actually. Good tag formula work in the short time given.
-GO SEE OCULUS. I love that WWE is all about PG in their wrestling program, but a good portion of the movies they've produced are horror movies.
-Match 6: Brodus Clay VS NXT Champion Adrian Neville
-The NXT belt looks way too big on Neville. Clay shoves Neville down, and Neville fires back with several strikes while avoiding shots from Clay. Neville stupidly tries a sleeper, and gets thrown to the mat for it. Neville does a series of flips for no particular reason, then gets caught trying a flying move and thrown for two. Clay hits a heart punch for two. That's a great move for Clay. Clay then moves onto a nerve hold, which is much less great for him. Clay slugs Neville down, then hits a sitdown splash for two.
Neville tries kicking at Clay's knee, then has to slide away from a powerbomb attempt. Clay methodically works Neville over. The crowd goes from actually chanting for Clay to rallying behind Neville. Neville fights out of another nerve hold and hits a chin breaker, then counters another powerbomb attempt, and lands several kicks to the knee. Neville scores with an enziguiri, then a springboard flying forearm.
Neville misses the Red Arrow, but lands on his feet. Brodus hits a running headbutt to the chest, and Neville slides to the floor. Brodus follows and hits a slam on the floor, but misses an elbow off the steps. Neville makes it back in at nine, and wins by count-out.
**3/4 This was a pretty good big man vs little man match before the weak sauce finish.
-Brodus is PISSED, but backs away when Neville shows he is ready for more. I wouldn't mind seeing a rematch, actually.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: This was the definition of a nothing show before the last two matches. The main event in particular is worth checking out.
-Hosts are Byron Saxton, Tom Phillips, William Regal, & Rene Young
-Match 1: Colin Cassidy VS Aiden English
-English sings during his entrance, and he's not bad, actually. English immediately gets Cossidy in the corner and pounds away, but Cassidy comes back, tosses English in the corner, and lands a big punch. Cassidy hits a knee to the gut, and more blows in the corner. Cassidy hits a high knee, and hits the S-A-W-F-T big boot for two. English bails to the apron, then kicks Cassidy in the knee before adding windmill punches to the back before dropping a forearm.
English works Cassidy over in the corner, then hits a kick to the head for two. Cassidy reverses a whip and hits a backdrop. They take turns countering each others finishers, and English gets a rollup and a huge yank of the tights to get the pin.
*3/4 Really basic stuff, and neither of these guys looked remotely ready for the main roster.
-English gets roses thrown at his feet after his win.
-Tyler Breeze has nothing to say, he just thinks this show needed someone gorgeous.
-The same video on Paige that aired on Raw airs again here.
-EARLIER THIS WEEK: Paige knows that all the divas can be nice to her face, then shit-talkers behind her back. She's studied all the divas on both NXT & WWE, and that's why she's a double champion. She looks forward to the other women trying to take her down.
-Match 2: Comacho VS Oliver Grey
-Grey is making his return after a year off due to a torn ACL. Comacho hits a back elbow to the face, then stomps a mud hole in the corner. Comacho hits a running power slam for two, then pounds on the back. Comacho laughs off Grey's attempts at offense, and finishes him with a Samoan Drop.
SQUASH Damn, who did Oliver Grey piss off to suffer from THAT burial?
-Bo Dallas explains that his Occupy NXT movement was a slight disappointment because his Bolievers are law abiding citizens who would never do anything wrong.
-Match 3: NXT Tag Team Champions The Ascension VS Wesley Blake & Cal Bishop
-Blake tries getting a shot in on Konnor, who responds by literally running him over several times. On the outside, Victor beats the shit out of Blake before bringing him back in for more punishment from Konnor. Victor gets in, then taunts Blake before hitting an STO, then the champs finish with the Fall of Man.
SQUASH It's nice that this act is over with the crowd, but they need to do something with the tag "division" on NXT.
-Charlotte is tired of watching Sasha Banks lose, and takes over as the leader of the BFFs.
-CJ Parker addresses the *sigh* NXT Universe next.
-CJ Parker envisions that the world would be a much better place without the *sigh* NXT Universe. He's interrupted by Khali, and this should be quite the trainwreck.
-Match 4: CJ Parker VS The Great Khali
-Khali manhandles Parker, then hits a STIFF overhand chop to the chest. Khali clotheslines Parker out over the top, and his head bounces off the ramp. I'm sure that felt lovely. Parker yanks Khali's leg and pounds away in the corner. Parker hits a dropkick to the stomach, but gets caught with a chop on his way down from the top. Khali hits a couple clotheslines, and mercifully finishes this with the Punjabi Plunge.
SQUASH, but not nearly as bad as I feared going into it.
-BACKSTAGE EXCLUSIVE: Emma is coy as to whether she has a tag partner for next week.
-BACKSTAGE EXCLUSIVE #2: Sami Zayn feels fine. He tags with The Usos to team with Corey Graves & The Ascension next week. That could be good.
-Match 5: Jason Jordan & Tye Dillinger VS Baron Corbin & Sawyer Fullton
-I have no idea who any of these guys are. Jordan gets a waistlock on Corbin, who elbows out, but he soon falls victim to a nice sequence from Jordan & Dillinger for a one count. Dillinger hits a stiff chop, but walks into a huge lariat for two. Fullton gets in, and drops a series of elbows for two. Fullton drives Dillinger back into his teams' corner and tags in Corbin, who hits a big delayed suplex for two.
Corbin gets a chinlock, then a big slam. Corbin avoids a boot to the face while leaping off the second rope, but he misses an elbowdrop, allowing the hot tag to Jordan, who cleans house. Jordan gets the crowd behind him, and hits a shoulderblock on Fullton in the corner, before tagging in Dillinger, and they finish Fullton with the Snapshot/Problem Solver.
**1/2 This was pretty solid actually. Good tag formula work in the short time given.
-GO SEE OCULUS. I love that WWE is all about PG in their wrestling program, but a good portion of the movies they've produced are horror movies.
-Match 6: Brodus Clay VS NXT Champion Adrian Neville
-The NXT belt looks way too big on Neville. Clay shoves Neville down, and Neville fires back with several strikes while avoiding shots from Clay. Neville stupidly tries a sleeper, and gets thrown to the mat for it. Neville does a series of flips for no particular reason, then gets caught trying a flying move and thrown for two. Clay hits a heart punch for two. That's a great move for Clay. Clay then moves onto a nerve hold, which is much less great for him. Clay slugs Neville down, then hits a sitdown splash for two.
Neville tries kicking at Clay's knee, then has to slide away from a powerbomb attempt. Clay methodically works Neville over. The crowd goes from actually chanting for Clay to rallying behind Neville. Neville fights out of another nerve hold and hits a chin breaker, then counters another powerbomb attempt, and lands several kicks to the knee. Neville scores with an enziguiri, then a springboard flying forearm.
Neville misses the Red Arrow, but lands on his feet. Brodus hits a running headbutt to the chest, and Neville slides to the floor. Brodus follows and hits a slam on the floor, but misses an elbow off the steps. Neville makes it back in at nine, and wins by count-out.
**3/4 This was a pretty good big man vs little man match before the weak sauce finish.
-Brodus is PISSED, but backs away when Neville shows he is ready for more. I wouldn't mind seeing a rematch, actually.
-FINAL THOUGHTS: This was the definition of a nothing show before the last two matches. The main event in particular is worth checking out.
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