This is my attempt to combind a couple articles(The Hot Tag and The Quick Count) into a new one. The 3 count will be my personal look at what I see as 3 top stories arounf the world of professional wrestling.
1-John Cena Turning Heel
Obviously, as we saw on Monday Night Raw Cena is no heel. I was pleasently suprised with the way The WWE went with this. A lot of people have been clamoring for Cena to turn heel. H'es been getting booed at house shows and on teleision and you can't tell me the top brass doesn't notice. He even got booed at Hell In A Cell as the fans starting chanting "Let's Go Barrett". I thought Vince would opt to go the opposite way, as he tends to do and keep Cena the big baby face and have him go oer on Wade at HIAC. The outside interfearance was needed as at this point in his career it's not beliveable that Wade Barrett could beat John Cena cleanly. The expressions Cena gave after the match made it big as well. And Monday just blew me away. Cena's acting has paid big dividends as this angle would not have worked the way it has without him selling with all the emotion he had. Him not coming out to his music was a nice touch as well. I wanted to see him in full Nexus gear in the main event but I guess I'll have to wait(hopefully they make him drumo the jorts for some trunks, that would be the icing on the cake!). Now for those that wanta full fledge Cena heel turn I wouldnt expect it anytime soon. I think were going to see the continuation of whats going on now, the babyface forced to do the heels bidding. WWE.com has also posted that Cena will be in Barrets corner vs. Randy Orton at Bragging Rights. Now what I do expect is for this to continue for a solid amount of time. Barrett will gice Cena an out but it will include having to go through some top babyfaces to earn his freedom. Cena will break free of Nexus by the Royal Rumble where he'll be widly cheered again but will then turn heel and by WrestleMania will be a full fledged heel. Its a smart move. They'll have him as a babyface to start 2011 at one of the big PPV's. And by the grand daddy of em all he'll be a heel and possibly be the most hated man in the company. I'd look for a big time Cena heel run as champ in 2011. It's much needed and they're already off to a great start with it. I know I can't wait to see what happens.
2-TNA is prmoting the Live Impact better than Bound For Glory
I don't know about better but equil yes. WWE just went through this where they heavily promoted the Live Smackdown SyFy debut about the same, if not more than Hell In A Cell. The PPV is any companys momney maker. At an average of $50 a pop and with millions of people purchasing them its just behind merchandise sales as the top cash cow. TNA says Bound For Glory is their biggest PPV of the year. I can tell you only 2 or 3 matches for 10-10-10(maybe as it's yet to be seen what Hogan will do) however I can tell you all about 10-7-10. I know personally the only thing I'm interested about at BFG is what Nash and Sting are talking about, although I'm sure in true TNA fashion it'll be a cluster fuck and un-interesting, but I'm still intrigued. I'm pretty sure Angle is walking out with the title. And I'm not a huge fan of the RVD angle. However the Live Impact will have Foley vs. Flair. A 20 year feud coming to a head in a street fight pretty much. A battle royal, which are always fun to watch. The rumor of Mickie James debuting. She's gonna be a major player in the Knockouts division. And Hulk Hogan live giving us an update on his health and if he's gonna wreslte on Sunday. I have more vested interest in what goes down Thursday then what goes down Sunday. HOwever I think TNA is headed for something big. I think they can start competeing with WWE within a year and we could be looking at The Monday Night Wars 2, although they failed on Monday months ago, it was just too early. They are using the Live Impact and Boud For Glory as that big jump off and I know I am excited to see what happens all around.
3-Are Sting and Kevin Nash headed to the WWE?
I know this hasn't been a "big" topic but it held a lot of headlines recently. Nash, although drunk, Tweeted or YouTubed or whatever it was(although while drunk)that he was done with TNA and was going back to the WWE. After the dust had settled Nash said he was just drunk and frustrated and has since signed a new deal with TNA so that squashes Nash. However Sting is a differnet monster. Sting each year signs a one year deal with TNA. Dixie Carter at the begining of the year "negotiates" with Sting(and I use quotes do to the fact that from everything I've heard she throws as much money as he wants his way and lets him work however many dates he wants). But WreslteMania is in Atlanta, GA this year and word around the water cooler is it's going to be a WCW theamed Hall Of Fame Ceremony. Vince has said that if Sting is not with TNA at the time he would be the feature name of the inductions. Sting has said in the past that things like the Hall Of Fame don't matter to him. I truly do belive that, however if Vince throws more money than Dixie at him and says "hey, work a date here and a date there to promote it" Sting could be swayed. If WWE goes over the top with a monitary value and tells himj he only has to appear once or twice a month to help out, I think Sting might jump all over it. In the end I dont think he will as I belive he still enjoys working, albeit limited dates. That being said I think this would be Stings one and only chance at the WWE Hall Of Fame. He's never worked for them, not even when they purchased WCW so they would have no legit reason to induct him(his body of work outside of the WWE excluded).
Brian
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Raw Deal
I can't remember a Monday Night Raw with higher anticipation in a long time. With everything that went down at Hell In A Cell, a lot of story lines were up in the air and ready for a change. And boy, did WWE deliver for the first time in a long time!
We start off the night with Nexus making their way to the ring to gloat and introduce their newest member, former foe, John Cena. Wade Barrett also reveals that the 2 "fans" were Husky Harris and Michael McGilicutty, and claims that he knew nothing about it. At any rate Cena makes his way to the ring looking very distraught and with no entrance music. Cena didn't say much during this segment besides a written statement that Nexus had drawn up for him denouncing the fans and the WWE. We then get informed that Mark Henry and Evan Bourne want some revenge on Nexus and it's going to be Cenas first match with them and he can pick his own partner and he chooses Michael Tarver.
Cena starts off the match shaking hands with Bourne which causes Tarver to yell at Cena and tell him that he's going to show him the Nexus way. Tarver takes a beating from Bourne and Henry and Cena fakes trying to tag in, putting his hand in while Tarver is in holds and raising his hand so Tarver cant reach him. Eventually Tarver makes his way over and Cena hops off the apron and starts signing autographs. Tarver turns around into the worlds strongest slam and the 3 count. Winners via pin fall Mark Henry and Evan Bourne. After the match Cena beats down Tarver using things at ringside and eventually gets back in the ring and locks him in the STF and tells us all that he'll destroy Nexus from within.. We then get the GM chiming in and Cole tells us the GM says Cena has to fall in line and do whatever Wade Barrett says and if he fails to comply he'll be fired not just from Raw but from the WWE....This segment really delivered. Overall from the start of the show to Cena heading to the back it was apx. 35 minutes and I think I was into all 35 minutes of it not wanting to miss anything. The only thing that I think could've been different was that Nexus should have come out after Cena beat down Tarver and said something to the effect of "John we knew this would happen and I spoke to Vince and if you don't fall in line your fired" or something to that effect anyway. It made Nexus look kind of stupid that the GM had to come up with the idea. Other than that Cena did an amazing job selling with his facial expressions and this angle is white hot.
Back from break and I blinked my eyes and then saw Natalya putting Alicia Fox in the sharpshooter and she almost immediately tagged out. Winner via submission Natalya. WOW no idea what just happend. it was a 30 second match, if that. But Natalya looked strong for the second straight night. How far has Alicia Fox fallen? Just a few months ago she was the Divas Champion and now shes losing in less than a minute. Maybe they should ship her to Smackdown.
After the next commercial we get Johnny Knoxville pranking Zack Ryder followed by a Cena interview. Cena barely says anything when he spots Harris and McGilicutty and chases them all the way into the Nexus locker room. Barrett told Cena he saw what just happened and thanked him because he was thinking about letting Tarver go for a while now so he trimmed the fat for him. He then informed Cena he had big plans for him. Soooooo is Michael Tarver now out of Nexus??? I'm very confused at the moment as to whats going on with that whole thing.
Back from our next commercial break(this is starting to feel like Impact) and United States Champion Daniel Bryan is already in the ring ready for his next match. Out comes his opponent Sheamus. Sheamus starts taking the boots to Bryan, literally, as he stomps away at his head in the corner. The ref calls for a break and Sheamus ignores him resulting in a disqualification. Winner by DQ Daniel Bryan. After the bell rings several times Sheamus continues to stomp away and delivers the High Cross and then leaves while the refs check on Bryan. This I REALLY don't understand. So Daniel Bryan went from a REAL hot angle with the Miz and Alex Riley and John Morrison. Hes the United States Champ, he has 2 straight PPV victory's and he gets punked out in quick fashion by the former number one contender for the WWE title? Not only that he got NO tv time as he was already in the ring when we came back from commercial. I have no idea what WWE is thinking with this. They might've just dropped the ball with one of their brightest future stars.
Annnnnnnnd back from yet another commercial break to Michael Cole in the ring with the GM podium. Cole says that after last week the GM will no longer speak via a voice box and will go back to e-mailing him(Cole). Cole gets great heat here after claiming he's the voice of the WWE and calling for all of his Coleminers. Edge is out and calls Cole stupid and says he would rather listen to a recording of JR than a live Michael Cole. Cole informs us that the GM is not happy with Edge and as a result has traded him back to Smackdown. Edge threatens Cole and the Miz's music hits. Miz and Riley make their way out telling Edge to stop picking on Cole. Edge calls Miz an Edge wannabe. Miz says that tonight he'll either become number one contender in the Battle Royal(which was announced earlier in the segment) or he'll lead team Raw at Bragging Rights(which sealed the deal that Miz wasn't winning the main event) Edge goes at it with both Miz and Riley sending Miz into the podium and spearing Riley. Miz gets up and delivers the skull crushing finale as him and Riley leave.
We then go backstage to Cena and Nexus and Barret telling Cena that he has to help him win the battle royal tonight. Cena asks what happens if he gets eliminated. David Otunga speaks up and says that Cena would have to help one of them win. Barrett doesn't look pleased as we go to commercial.
Commercial break over and The Bella Twins are in the ring. Out next is the Divas Champion(s) LayCool. They come down to the ring both wearing headsets talking all the way down even calling Jerry Lawyer, Jerry "The Queen" Lawyer. The bells rings and McCool starts off with one of the Bella's, both her and Layla still wearing headsets so we get to hear everything they say. Eventually the Bella's make the ol double switch and get the pin. Winners by pin fall The Bella Twins. The Bella's leave as LayCool are left wondering out what happened yelling that the ref cant count, all the while still with the mics on. I thought that was HILARIOUS. I know a lot of people are over the LayCool thing but I'm not one of then. I thought they headset thing was great and made them look even more conceded.
We head backstage and Maryese is backstage with Knoxville. DiBiase sees this and claims it was Knoxville who's sending notes to Maryese. Knoxville begs DiBiase not to come any closer and he does and gets a giant hand in his face, er hole body.Knoxville seems worried as Mayrese goes to check on him and she gets slapped by the hand and crashes to the floor as Knoxville runs off as we head to break.
Back in the ring and Johnny Knoxville is introduced. He quickly thanks everyone and drops a promo for Jackass 3D and tries to leave but DiBiases (stupid) music hit. DiBiase and Maryese make their way down and Dibiase starts to attack Knoxville. "You Are Mine" appears on the Titan Tron and DiBiase is staring at it when Goldust appears out of nowhere and lays out Dibiase. He tells Ted he's not what he wants. He corners Maryese in the corner and strokes her hair and tells her shes not what he wants. Goldie drops to his knees and grabs the million dollar belt and says that is what he wants. Goldusts music hits to a nice pop. Glad to see the WWE doing something with Dustin. Goldust can still go and can put on any style of match. And I'm pretty sure DiBiase Sr. and Dusty had a decent feud years and years ago.
Backstage Cena is seen sitting and staring at his Nexus armband as Otunga comes in and tries to comfort him. He says that Barrett can be demanding but Nexus isn't all bad and they can make it work. Otunga tells Cena that if he ever wants to talk he's there for him. Awkward moment.
Back from break and the battle royal is about to begin. Cena comes out with Nexus in his old gear. I'm not going to go through all the eliminations excpet WHY did Evan Bourne get eliminated first?? Cena protects Barrett the entire match. Mark Henry gets pissed at Cena at one point. The whole time Cole is putting over the fact that Edge got traded to Smackdown and isn't in the match and Jericho is injured and not in the match. My question is why didn't they replace them? Why wasn't Daniel Bryan in the match? He could have sold his injuries. Why was the Miz even in the match? He holds the money in the bank briefcase. He doesn't need to be number one contender. In the end it came down to Wade Barrett and John Cena. Cena looks ready to go with Barret and he just smiles and points to the back and tells Cena to eliminate himself. Cena goes back and fourth over weather to do it and sold it REALLY well. Eventually Cena jumps off the apron and heads to the back leaving Barret as the last man. Winner and new number one contender for the WWE Championship Wade Barrett. Barrett is in the ring celebrating when Orton's music hits. He makes his way down and has a stare down with Barrett as the show goes off the air.
Overall I was pleased with Raw this week. I loved the Cena/Nexus angle and what WWE is doing with it. They have a bunch of different ways to go and a number of them will work. Cenas acting has paid off as he REALLY sold well tonight. My only issues were the Bryan/Sheamus match, some stupid stuff(wheres Edge when you need him?) in the main event, and Orton not being on the show until the last 10 seconds. He's the champ he needs to be out there as the chap. Not just at the end. But again overall a real real solid show from the WWE.
Brian
We start off the night with Nexus making their way to the ring to gloat and introduce their newest member, former foe, John Cena. Wade Barrett also reveals that the 2 "fans" were Husky Harris and Michael McGilicutty, and claims that he knew nothing about it. At any rate Cena makes his way to the ring looking very distraught and with no entrance music. Cena didn't say much during this segment besides a written statement that Nexus had drawn up for him denouncing the fans and the WWE. We then get informed that Mark Henry and Evan Bourne want some revenge on Nexus and it's going to be Cenas first match with them and he can pick his own partner and he chooses Michael Tarver.
Cena starts off the match shaking hands with Bourne which causes Tarver to yell at Cena and tell him that he's going to show him the Nexus way. Tarver takes a beating from Bourne and Henry and Cena fakes trying to tag in, putting his hand in while Tarver is in holds and raising his hand so Tarver cant reach him. Eventually Tarver makes his way over and Cena hops off the apron and starts signing autographs. Tarver turns around into the worlds strongest slam and the 3 count. Winners via pin fall Mark Henry and Evan Bourne. After the match Cena beats down Tarver using things at ringside and eventually gets back in the ring and locks him in the STF and tells us all that he'll destroy Nexus from within.. We then get the GM chiming in and Cole tells us the GM says Cena has to fall in line and do whatever Wade Barrett says and if he fails to comply he'll be fired not just from Raw but from the WWE....This segment really delivered. Overall from the start of the show to Cena heading to the back it was apx. 35 minutes and I think I was into all 35 minutes of it not wanting to miss anything. The only thing that I think could've been different was that Nexus should have come out after Cena beat down Tarver and said something to the effect of "John we knew this would happen and I spoke to Vince and if you don't fall in line your fired" or something to that effect anyway. It made Nexus look kind of stupid that the GM had to come up with the idea. Other than that Cena did an amazing job selling with his facial expressions and this angle is white hot.
Back from break and I blinked my eyes and then saw Natalya putting Alicia Fox in the sharpshooter and she almost immediately tagged out. Winner via submission Natalya. WOW no idea what just happend. it was a 30 second match, if that. But Natalya looked strong for the second straight night. How far has Alicia Fox fallen? Just a few months ago she was the Divas Champion and now shes losing in less than a minute. Maybe they should ship her to Smackdown.
After the next commercial we get Johnny Knoxville pranking Zack Ryder followed by a Cena interview. Cena barely says anything when he spots Harris and McGilicutty and chases them all the way into the Nexus locker room. Barrett told Cena he saw what just happened and thanked him because he was thinking about letting Tarver go for a while now so he trimmed the fat for him. He then informed Cena he had big plans for him. Soooooo is Michael Tarver now out of Nexus??? I'm very confused at the moment as to whats going on with that whole thing.
Back from our next commercial break(this is starting to feel like Impact) and United States Champion Daniel Bryan is already in the ring ready for his next match. Out comes his opponent Sheamus. Sheamus starts taking the boots to Bryan, literally, as he stomps away at his head in the corner. The ref calls for a break and Sheamus ignores him resulting in a disqualification. Winner by DQ Daniel Bryan. After the bell rings several times Sheamus continues to stomp away and delivers the High Cross and then leaves while the refs check on Bryan. This I REALLY don't understand. So Daniel Bryan went from a REAL hot angle with the Miz and Alex Riley and John Morrison. Hes the United States Champ, he has 2 straight PPV victory's and he gets punked out in quick fashion by the former number one contender for the WWE title? Not only that he got NO tv time as he was already in the ring when we came back from commercial. I have no idea what WWE is thinking with this. They might've just dropped the ball with one of their brightest future stars.
Annnnnnnnd back from yet another commercial break to Michael Cole in the ring with the GM podium. Cole says that after last week the GM will no longer speak via a voice box and will go back to e-mailing him(Cole). Cole gets great heat here after claiming he's the voice of the WWE and calling for all of his Coleminers. Edge is out and calls Cole stupid and says he would rather listen to a recording of JR than a live Michael Cole. Cole informs us that the GM is not happy with Edge and as a result has traded him back to Smackdown. Edge threatens Cole and the Miz's music hits. Miz and Riley make their way out telling Edge to stop picking on Cole. Edge calls Miz an Edge wannabe. Miz says that tonight he'll either become number one contender in the Battle Royal(which was announced earlier in the segment) or he'll lead team Raw at Bragging Rights(which sealed the deal that Miz wasn't winning the main event) Edge goes at it with both Miz and Riley sending Miz into the podium and spearing Riley. Miz gets up and delivers the skull crushing finale as him and Riley leave.
We then go backstage to Cena and Nexus and Barret telling Cena that he has to help him win the battle royal tonight. Cena asks what happens if he gets eliminated. David Otunga speaks up and says that Cena would have to help one of them win. Barrett doesn't look pleased as we go to commercial.
Commercial break over and The Bella Twins are in the ring. Out next is the Divas Champion(s) LayCool. They come down to the ring both wearing headsets talking all the way down even calling Jerry Lawyer, Jerry "The Queen" Lawyer. The bells rings and McCool starts off with one of the Bella's, both her and Layla still wearing headsets so we get to hear everything they say. Eventually the Bella's make the ol double switch and get the pin. Winners by pin fall The Bella Twins. The Bella's leave as LayCool are left wondering out what happened yelling that the ref cant count, all the while still with the mics on. I thought that was HILARIOUS. I know a lot of people are over the LayCool thing but I'm not one of then. I thought they headset thing was great and made them look even more conceded.
We head backstage and Maryese is backstage with Knoxville. DiBiase sees this and claims it was Knoxville who's sending notes to Maryese. Knoxville begs DiBiase not to come any closer and he does and gets a giant hand in his face, er hole body.Knoxville seems worried as Mayrese goes to check on him and she gets slapped by the hand and crashes to the floor as Knoxville runs off as we head to break.
Back in the ring and Johnny Knoxville is introduced. He quickly thanks everyone and drops a promo for Jackass 3D and tries to leave but DiBiases (stupid) music hit. DiBiase and Maryese make their way down and Dibiase starts to attack Knoxville. "You Are Mine" appears on the Titan Tron and DiBiase is staring at it when Goldust appears out of nowhere and lays out Dibiase. He tells Ted he's not what he wants. He corners Maryese in the corner and strokes her hair and tells her shes not what he wants. Goldie drops to his knees and grabs the million dollar belt and says that is what he wants. Goldusts music hits to a nice pop. Glad to see the WWE doing something with Dustin. Goldust can still go and can put on any style of match. And I'm pretty sure DiBiase Sr. and Dusty had a decent feud years and years ago.
Backstage Cena is seen sitting and staring at his Nexus armband as Otunga comes in and tries to comfort him. He says that Barrett can be demanding but Nexus isn't all bad and they can make it work. Otunga tells Cena that if he ever wants to talk he's there for him. Awkward moment.
Back from break and the battle royal is about to begin. Cena comes out with Nexus in his old gear. I'm not going to go through all the eliminations excpet WHY did Evan Bourne get eliminated first?? Cena protects Barrett the entire match. Mark Henry gets pissed at Cena at one point. The whole time Cole is putting over the fact that Edge got traded to Smackdown and isn't in the match and Jericho is injured and not in the match. My question is why didn't they replace them? Why wasn't Daniel Bryan in the match? He could have sold his injuries. Why was the Miz even in the match? He holds the money in the bank briefcase. He doesn't need to be number one contender. In the end it came down to Wade Barrett and John Cena. Cena looks ready to go with Barret and he just smiles and points to the back and tells Cena to eliminate himself. Cena goes back and fourth over weather to do it and sold it REALLY well. Eventually Cena jumps off the apron and heads to the back leaving Barret as the last man. Winner and new number one contender for the WWE Championship Wade Barrett. Barrett is in the ring celebrating when Orton's music hits. He makes his way down and has a stare down with Barrett as the show goes off the air.
Overall I was pleased with Raw this week. I loved the Cena/Nexus angle and what WWE is doing with it. They have a bunch of different ways to go and a number of them will work. Cenas acting has paid off as he REALLY sold well tonight. My only issues were the Bryan/Sheamus match, some stupid stuff(wheres Edge when you need him?) in the main event, and Orton not being on the show until the last 10 seconds. He's the champ he needs to be out there as the chap. Not just at the end. But again overall a real real solid show from the WWE.
Brian
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday Night Raw Preview 10/4/10
While my wife is watching house and I am waiting for Raw to start, I thought, why not take a look at whats ahead for the evening.I can't recall in recent memory anticipating Raw this much. Not saying I'm particularly "excited" about it, but definitely anticipating it.
I'm anxious to see where the Cena/Nexus angle is headed. I think I have it down in my head whats going to happen but wondering if WWE is going to see it the same way I do. I believe Cena will ultimately turn heel, just not with Nexus. He'll "earn" his freedom from them and turn anyway a couple months later. But how they are going to work it is going to be interesting. Trying to keep him in face mode while so many people want to boo him. Also it should be revealed who the two "fans" were(although anyone with the Internet and if your reading this you clearly have it, know it was Michael McGillicutty and Husky Harris) so the integration of those 2 into the stable should be good.
I'm wondering where the Miz/Bryan angle is going now. This has been my favorite story going lately as a huge Miz mark. This can go one of three ways. 1-Miz moves on to the WWE title picture with his Money In The Bank briefcase. Hes been holding it a little too long and its going to become an after thought real soon. It would also make room for a Morrison heel turn, which they hinted at a while back, and a feud with Bryan over the U.S. Title. 2-Miz cashes in his Money In The Bank briefcase on Raw against Bryan furthering the angle(he'd have to win it back of course) and making the U.S. title look more important than it ever has. 3-They continue the angle with Morrison joining Bryan against Miz and Alex Riley all the way up to Bragging Rights(which is only 3 weeks away). However BR is usually billed as a Smackdown vs. Raw event so either someone would have to switch brands or some sort of other angle would have to be taken for it to work(if they continue with that theme).
The WWE title picture is also up in the air at the moment. Orton winning wasn't a shock to me as I thought he would, however Sheamus would have been the better choice. Orton doesn't need the title. Hell In A Cell was Sheamus' re-match after losing the title. With a lot of big names retiring, taking time off, or heavily involved in other angles it remains to be seen what the WWE will do with this situation. I think Sheamus will stay in the picture in order to set up something at Bragging Rights, which could possibly move to more of a Survivor Series-esque card(with members of both brands on the same team). Jericho is gone, it would appear Edge is moving to Smackdown, HHH is still out, and Cena and Barret are involved with Nexus. That's not to say that none of them can't be put into the title picture, I just don't think it will happen.
All that along with the fact that Natalya left HIAC with Michelle McCool's title, Edge has to apologize to the computer, er, Raw GM and Jackass' own Johnny Knoxville will be in the house should make this an interesting Monday Night Raw. With the ratings drastically dropping the past 2 weeks, I'm hoping Vince pulls out all the stops and give us one hell of a show.
Brian
I'm anxious to see where the Cena/Nexus angle is headed. I think I have it down in my head whats going to happen but wondering if WWE is going to see it the same way I do. I believe Cena will ultimately turn heel, just not with Nexus. He'll "earn" his freedom from them and turn anyway a couple months later. But how they are going to work it is going to be interesting. Trying to keep him in face mode while so many people want to boo him. Also it should be revealed who the two "fans" were(although anyone with the Internet and if your reading this you clearly have it, know it was Michael McGillicutty and Husky Harris) so the integration of those 2 into the stable should be good.
I'm wondering where the Miz/Bryan angle is going now. This has been my favorite story going lately as a huge Miz mark. This can go one of three ways. 1-Miz moves on to the WWE title picture with his Money In The Bank briefcase. Hes been holding it a little too long and its going to become an after thought real soon. It would also make room for a Morrison heel turn, which they hinted at a while back, and a feud with Bryan over the U.S. Title. 2-Miz cashes in his Money In The Bank briefcase on Raw against Bryan furthering the angle(he'd have to win it back of course) and making the U.S. title look more important than it ever has. 3-They continue the angle with Morrison joining Bryan against Miz and Alex Riley all the way up to Bragging Rights(which is only 3 weeks away). However BR is usually billed as a Smackdown vs. Raw event so either someone would have to switch brands or some sort of other angle would have to be taken for it to work(if they continue with that theme).
The WWE title picture is also up in the air at the moment. Orton winning wasn't a shock to me as I thought he would, however Sheamus would have been the better choice. Orton doesn't need the title. Hell In A Cell was Sheamus' re-match after losing the title. With a lot of big names retiring, taking time off, or heavily involved in other angles it remains to be seen what the WWE will do with this situation. I think Sheamus will stay in the picture in order to set up something at Bragging Rights, which could possibly move to more of a Survivor Series-esque card(with members of both brands on the same team). Jericho is gone, it would appear Edge is moving to Smackdown, HHH is still out, and Cena and Barret are involved with Nexus. That's not to say that none of them can't be put into the title picture, I just don't think it will happen.
All that along with the fact that Natalya left HIAC with Michelle McCool's title, Edge has to apologize to the computer, er, Raw GM and Jackass' own Johnny Knoxville will be in the house should make this an interesting Monday Night Raw. With the ratings drastically dropping the past 2 weeks, I'm hoping Vince pulls out all the stops and give us one hell of a show.
Brian
Hell In A Cell Results And Thoughts
Hell In A Cell 2010 starts off with a highly evolved Cell as it appears to be talking to us. The first match of the night is the triple threat submissions count anywhere match for the United States Title with Daniel Bryan defending against the Miz and John Morrison. All three men got some solid spots in and some close taps. The match went all over the arena and Alex Riley made an appearance as all three were at the top of the ramp. In the end Bryan makes Miz tap to the LaBell lock on the top of the ramp. Winner via submission and still U.S. Champ:Daniel Bryan. Although I picked Bryan to win the match I thought Morrison would take the loss and Miz would cash in his Money In The Bank afterwards. So where does this angle go from here? This match felt like the blow of for Miz and Bryan but I'm not too sure it will be. I'm not too sure where these two can go. They've had a series of matches both picking up victory's, and it could get stale pretty quick.However the inclusion of Morrison and Riley can keep it fresh.
The second match of the night is the Hell In A Cell for the WWE Championship as Randy Orton will defend against Shameus. A lot of back and fourth aggressive action with these two. Shameus has done a great job with this angle looking like he genuinely hates Randy Orton. Again a lot of back and fourth action in this one with both men having some decent control throughout the match.Good use of weapons in this one, by good I mean good for being inside a cell in the PG-Era. Exposed turnbuckle(hey now), chairs, cell walls, and steal steps all came into play. Ultimately Shaemus ate and RKO on the steel steps in the middle of the ring. Winner via pin fall and still WWE Champion:Randy Orton. I'm not too sure where they can go from here. Cena will be wrapped up with Nexus(gasp spoiler), Edge is MOST LIKELY going to move to Smackdown. Jericho is apparently on another vacation. Unless HHH comes back I'm not sure who can step up and face Orton. I'm sure Shameus will somehow keep himself in the mix, I just hope they can get a little original with it.
Alberto Del Rio makes his way down to the ring next. He says that this is his first PPV in the WWE and bla bla bla usual stuff. He gets interrupted by Edge who says that he and this whole thing is stupid so hes here to take him. Jack Swagger makes his way down yelling at Edge about taking out the Swagger Soaring Eagle on Friday. They get into it and suddenly the Raw GM is in the house. The computer tells us that Edge must apologize Monday night and that hes booked Edge vs. Swagger for right now. Back and fourth action which included the second camera man of the night being taken out(the first being in the opening match). Edge is able to get to the ropes while in the ankle lock and ends up spearing Swagger for the 3. Winner via pin fall Edge. I knew WWE would add a match to the card, I just didn't think it would be this. I thought we were going to get Del Rio vs. Mysterio. I think this is obviously setting up an Edge face turn and move to Smackdown.
Cena vs Barret is next as Wade makes his way to the ring without Nexus. Cenas next to a massive pop. Back and fourth at the start but Barrett gains control. The crowd actually splits at one point chanting for Cena AND Barrett(this seems to be a growing trend no matter who Cena faces, take the hint Vince please). Cena eventually goes for his trademark moves but gets distracted when Nexus surrounds the ring(I thought they weren't allowed out, maybe I'm wrong). Big Show leads the charge with a hefty portion of the locker room behind him and the all take the boots to Nexus. Refs out to kick everyone out and the match continues. The 2 continue to exchange blows and near falls. At one point Barrett kicks out of a pin after an Attitude Adjustment. Cena locks in the STF on Barrett. A "fan" enters the ring and the referee is distracted with that. Meanwhile another "fan" comes in and clocks Cena with something enabling Barrett to get the pin. Winner:Wade Barrett. Afterwards all the members of Nexus laugh and Cena who looks really not happy about things. I'm glad this went down the way it did. Its going to keep things interesting on Raw. The face in the heel stable isn't a new concept but its one that hasn't been done in a while. Cena can still get the pops and sell the shirts while doing Nexus' bidding...all the while setting up an actual heel turn.
The Divas title match is next as Natalya will finally get a shot at a belt. Michelle McCool is representing LayCool with Layla on the outside. Natalya is OBVIOUSLY the better wrestler here. It goes to the outside at one point with McCool tossing Nattie into the steel barricade. Neidhart locks in the sharpshooter but McCool counters out of it. Nattie locks it in a second time but gets Layla's shoe thrown at her in front of the ref for the DQ. Winner via DQ Natalya. LayCool are still the chaps(that always sounds weird) Nattie tries to lock in a sharpshooter on Layla but the escape. Natalya grabbed McCool from the apron but gets Layla's other show in the head as the champ(s) run away. Nattie is left in the ring with Michelle McCool's title belt. Natalya NEEDS to be champion. I'm on board with LayCool although its a Beautiful People rip off I still enjoy it. But Natalya is hands down the best Diva they have and she needs to be rewarded as such. Soon enough, soon enough.
The last match of the night is the other Hell In A Cell match for the World Heavyweight Championship as Kane defends against his older brother The Undertaker with Paul Bearer. Kane is out first followed by Paul Bearer with The Undertaker a few feet behind him. Bearer wants to stay inside the cell but Taker tells him to leave. Kane really in control this match. Very aggressive against the Deadman and did not let up one bit. Action is as you'd expect from 2 big men. Slow, methodic and whatever weapons they can find.Lots of back and fourth as the match progresses. A few near falls. Both men hit a big boot at the same time and go down and then sit up as they always do. Kane gets a 2 count on Taker but thinks its 3 and argues with the ref. He lays the ref out and continues to beat on Taker. The officials open the cell to get the injured ref out and put a new one in.. Paul Bearer makes his way in as well. Kane sees this and goes after him. Bearer tries to run but Kane follows him to the outside. He demands that Bearer gets in the ring and he follows him in. Kane starts to yell at Paul telling him he should have never come back. Taker gets up and choke slams Kane. Just then the lights go out and "lightning" hits the ring. Bearer opens the urn up and a bright light comes out blinding the Undertaker. Taker is able to shake it off but runs into a choke slam from Kane for the 3 count. Winner via pin fall and still World Heavyweight Champion:Kane. Kane leaves with Paul Bearer and the Urn. They get to the top of the ramp and Bearer opens the urn to expose the light again shining right on Kane's face as the show goes off the air. As solid of a match as two older big men can have. Taker doesn't take a hit by losing but it definitely helps Kane.
Overall for a show that was only 2 weeks removed from their last PPV and had only a few matches it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm surprised the Miz didn't walk away with the U.S. Title and I'm left wondering where there going from here as it appears he cant beat Daniel Bryan. My only thought is he's next in line for Randy Orton. Not too too upset Natalya didn't walk away with the title(well, I guess she kinda did just not officially). She'll get it soon enough. I did pick Shameus to win. Although I'm sure he'll keep his nose in Orton's business for a while I'd look for HHH to return soon and start a feud with him. Taker doesn't need the title to be over and I feel Kane does so kudos to WWE for keeping it on Kane. I knew Paul Bearer would turn on Taker just didn't think it would be this soon. Interesting to see where this goes. And for once I'm excited about a John Cena angle!
So in the end I went 5-0 for the night(and if Edge/Swagger would have been advertised I don't know one person who would've picked Swagger so we can call it 6-0 right?) I just thought Nattie and Miz would walk out with titles. Alas, glad WWE sees most things my way.
Brian
The second match of the night is the Hell In A Cell for the WWE Championship as Randy Orton will defend against Shameus. A lot of back and fourth aggressive action with these two. Shameus has done a great job with this angle looking like he genuinely hates Randy Orton. Again a lot of back and fourth action in this one with both men having some decent control throughout the match.Good use of weapons in this one, by good I mean good for being inside a cell in the PG-Era. Exposed turnbuckle(hey now), chairs, cell walls, and steal steps all came into play. Ultimately Shaemus ate and RKO on the steel steps in the middle of the ring. Winner via pin fall and still WWE Champion:Randy Orton. I'm not too sure where they can go from here. Cena will be wrapped up with Nexus(gasp spoiler), Edge is MOST LIKELY going to move to Smackdown. Jericho is apparently on another vacation. Unless HHH comes back I'm not sure who can step up and face Orton. I'm sure Shameus will somehow keep himself in the mix, I just hope they can get a little original with it.
Alberto Del Rio makes his way down to the ring next. He says that this is his first PPV in the WWE and bla bla bla usual stuff. He gets interrupted by Edge who says that he and this whole thing is stupid so hes here to take him. Jack Swagger makes his way down yelling at Edge about taking out the Swagger Soaring Eagle on Friday. They get into it and suddenly the Raw GM is in the house. The computer tells us that Edge must apologize Monday night and that hes booked Edge vs. Swagger for right now. Back and fourth action which included the second camera man of the night being taken out(the first being in the opening match). Edge is able to get to the ropes while in the ankle lock and ends up spearing Swagger for the 3. Winner via pin fall Edge. I knew WWE would add a match to the card, I just didn't think it would be this. I thought we were going to get Del Rio vs. Mysterio. I think this is obviously setting up an Edge face turn and move to Smackdown.
Cena vs Barret is next as Wade makes his way to the ring without Nexus. Cenas next to a massive pop. Back and fourth at the start but Barrett gains control. The crowd actually splits at one point chanting for Cena AND Barrett(this seems to be a growing trend no matter who Cena faces, take the hint Vince please). Cena eventually goes for his trademark moves but gets distracted when Nexus surrounds the ring(I thought they weren't allowed out, maybe I'm wrong). Big Show leads the charge with a hefty portion of the locker room behind him and the all take the boots to Nexus. Refs out to kick everyone out and the match continues. The 2 continue to exchange blows and near falls. At one point Barrett kicks out of a pin after an Attitude Adjustment. Cena locks in the STF on Barrett. A "fan" enters the ring and the referee is distracted with that. Meanwhile another "fan" comes in and clocks Cena with something enabling Barrett to get the pin. Winner:Wade Barrett. Afterwards all the members of Nexus laugh and Cena who looks really not happy about things. I'm glad this went down the way it did. Its going to keep things interesting on Raw. The face in the heel stable isn't a new concept but its one that hasn't been done in a while. Cena can still get the pops and sell the shirts while doing Nexus' bidding...all the while setting up an actual heel turn.
The Divas title match is next as Natalya will finally get a shot at a belt. Michelle McCool is representing LayCool with Layla on the outside. Natalya is OBVIOUSLY the better wrestler here. It goes to the outside at one point with McCool tossing Nattie into the steel barricade. Neidhart locks in the sharpshooter but McCool counters out of it. Nattie locks it in a second time but gets Layla's shoe thrown at her in front of the ref for the DQ. Winner via DQ Natalya. LayCool are still the chaps(that always sounds weird) Nattie tries to lock in a sharpshooter on Layla but the escape. Natalya grabbed McCool from the apron but gets Layla's other show in the head as the champ(s) run away. Nattie is left in the ring with Michelle McCool's title belt. Natalya NEEDS to be champion. I'm on board with LayCool although its a Beautiful People rip off I still enjoy it. But Natalya is hands down the best Diva they have and she needs to be rewarded as such. Soon enough, soon enough.
The last match of the night is the other Hell In A Cell match for the World Heavyweight Championship as Kane defends against his older brother The Undertaker with Paul Bearer. Kane is out first followed by Paul Bearer with The Undertaker a few feet behind him. Bearer wants to stay inside the cell but Taker tells him to leave. Kane really in control this match. Very aggressive against the Deadman and did not let up one bit. Action is as you'd expect from 2 big men. Slow, methodic and whatever weapons they can find.Lots of back and fourth as the match progresses. A few near falls. Both men hit a big boot at the same time and go down and then sit up as they always do. Kane gets a 2 count on Taker but thinks its 3 and argues with the ref. He lays the ref out and continues to beat on Taker. The officials open the cell to get the injured ref out and put a new one in.. Paul Bearer makes his way in as well. Kane sees this and goes after him. Bearer tries to run but Kane follows him to the outside. He demands that Bearer gets in the ring and he follows him in. Kane starts to yell at Paul telling him he should have never come back. Taker gets up and choke slams Kane. Just then the lights go out and "lightning" hits the ring. Bearer opens the urn up and a bright light comes out blinding the Undertaker. Taker is able to shake it off but runs into a choke slam from Kane for the 3 count. Winner via pin fall and still World Heavyweight Champion:Kane. Kane leaves with Paul Bearer and the Urn. They get to the top of the ramp and Bearer opens the urn to expose the light again shining right on Kane's face as the show goes off the air. As solid of a match as two older big men can have. Taker doesn't take a hit by losing but it definitely helps Kane.
Overall for a show that was only 2 weeks removed from their last PPV and had only a few matches it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm surprised the Miz didn't walk away with the U.S. Title and I'm left wondering where there going from here as it appears he cant beat Daniel Bryan. My only thought is he's next in line for Randy Orton. Not too too upset Natalya didn't walk away with the title(well, I guess she kinda did just not officially). She'll get it soon enough. I did pick Shameus to win. Although I'm sure he'll keep his nose in Orton's business for a while I'd look for HHH to return soon and start a feud with him. Taker doesn't need the title to be over and I feel Kane does so kudos to WWE for keeping it on Kane. I knew Paul Bearer would turn on Taker just didn't think it would be this soon. Interesting to see where this goes. And for once I'm excited about a John Cena angle!
So in the end I went 5-0 for the night(and if Edge/Swagger would have been advertised I don't know one person who would've picked Swagger so we can call it 6-0 right?) I just thought Nattie and Miz would walk out with titles. Alas, glad WWE sees most things my way.
Brian
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Hell In A Cell Predictions
WWE's Hell In A Cell Pay Per View is tomorrow so why not throw out some predictions. Although I'm not a fan of the gimmick pay per views sometimes they tend to work. I feel if you have a certain match as the name of the PPV then ALL matches need to be contested under that match, not just the 2 shows main events. Alas, lets get started...
-WWE Championship Hell In A Cell
Shameus vs. Randy Orton(c)
With the rumors floating around that Vince and co. aren't happy with the reception of Orton as champion the obvious pick would be that they put the title back on Shameus. Frankly I think they should as well. Not because I don't think Orton cant carry the company, I just don't think he needs the title to be over. Shameus on the other hand does. He hasn't been around that long but hes managed to get some decent heat. Ive stated before that the baby face chasing the title works better than the heel. With such a short time in between PPV's this angle hasn't really heated up that much. Hell In A Cell is usually the pay off for an angle not the start of one. That being said I don't think they'll move it back to Shameus.
Winner:Randy Orton
-World Heavyweight Championship Hell In A Cell
Undertaker w/ Paul Bearer vs. Kane(c)
The return of Paul Bearer really added to this angle. There were a lot of people around the net saying they weren't interested in this story until Paul showed up. I am one of those. We've seen Taker/Kane before.however upon further review not like this. Kane is a mic stronger character now then he was then. Although a little gimmicky the whole "stealing of powers" thing is unique. Taker seeming very "human" like where he hasn't in the past. Due to what happened a few years ago where Taker dispatched of Bearer I think a swerve is bound to happen but not this early. However I do think Kane will remain champion when all is said and done, not cleanly however.
Winner:Kane
-United States Title Submissions Count Anywhere
John Morrison vs. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan(c)
This is the hottest angle in WWE right now. Miz seems to legit hate Bryan and Bryan seems to have the whole WWE Universe behind him. Morrison being put into the match only tells me one thing: he's taking the loss. They don't wanna make Miz or Bryan look weak in this. I'd look for Morrison to tap out to the LabBell lock and Miz to cash in his Money In The Bank and win the title back.
Winner:Daniel Bryan but Miz cashes in his Money In The Bank and takes the U.S. Title back.
-John Cena vs. Wade Barret If Cena wins Nexus is no more if Barrett wins Cena joins Nexus
This one I think is the biggest up in the air match of the night. Cena NEEDS to turn heel. However with money and ratings down Vince might be apprehensive to rock the boat. However Cena can join Nexus and still be a face. I think Vince will recognize that and that's what we'll get.
Winner:Wade Barrett
-WWE Divas Title Match
Natalya vs. LayCool(c)
I'm pretty sure that it's Michelle McCool in the match. Either way the only thing that excites me about this match is the fact that Natalya could walk away with the title. I think LayCool are great heels there just not as good in the ring, not that that's stopped the WWE before.
Winner:Natalya
A very small card for a short time in between Night Of Champions and Hell In A Cell. I'd look for them to add a couple more before the event happens.
-WWE Championship Hell In A Cell
Shameus vs. Randy Orton(c)
With the rumors floating around that Vince and co. aren't happy with the reception of Orton as champion the obvious pick would be that they put the title back on Shameus. Frankly I think they should as well. Not because I don't think Orton cant carry the company, I just don't think he needs the title to be over. Shameus on the other hand does. He hasn't been around that long but hes managed to get some decent heat. Ive stated before that the baby face chasing the title works better than the heel. With such a short time in between PPV's this angle hasn't really heated up that much. Hell In A Cell is usually the pay off for an angle not the start of one. That being said I don't think they'll move it back to Shameus.
Winner:Randy Orton
-World Heavyweight Championship Hell In A Cell
Undertaker w/ Paul Bearer vs. Kane(c)
The return of Paul Bearer really added to this angle. There were a lot of people around the net saying they weren't interested in this story until Paul showed up. I am one of those. We've seen Taker/Kane before.however upon further review not like this. Kane is a mic stronger character now then he was then. Although a little gimmicky the whole "stealing of powers" thing is unique. Taker seeming very "human" like where he hasn't in the past. Due to what happened a few years ago where Taker dispatched of Bearer I think a swerve is bound to happen but not this early. However I do think Kane will remain champion when all is said and done, not cleanly however.
Winner:Kane
-United States Title Submissions Count Anywhere
John Morrison vs. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan(c)
This is the hottest angle in WWE right now. Miz seems to legit hate Bryan and Bryan seems to have the whole WWE Universe behind him. Morrison being put into the match only tells me one thing: he's taking the loss. They don't wanna make Miz or Bryan look weak in this. I'd look for Morrison to tap out to the LabBell lock and Miz to cash in his Money In The Bank and win the title back.
Winner:Daniel Bryan but Miz cashes in his Money In The Bank and takes the U.S. Title back.
-John Cena vs. Wade Barret If Cena wins Nexus is no more if Barrett wins Cena joins Nexus
This one I think is the biggest up in the air match of the night. Cena NEEDS to turn heel. However with money and ratings down Vince might be apprehensive to rock the boat. However Cena can join Nexus and still be a face. I think Vince will recognize that and that's what we'll get.
Winner:Wade Barrett
-WWE Divas Title Match
Natalya vs. LayCool(c)
I'm pretty sure that it's Michelle McCool in the match. Either way the only thing that excites me about this match is the fact that Natalya could walk away with the title. I think LayCool are great heels there just not as good in the ring, not that that's stopped the WWE before.
Winner:Natalya
A very small card for a short time in between Night Of Champions and Hell In A Cell. I'd look for them to add a couple more before the event happens.
Smackdown Rebound
Yeah I know that's a WWE name but its all I got at the moment
Smackdown debuts on SyFy with a new video package(sans Matt Hardy by the way) and a new song(thanks to Green Day). We are joined in the ring for an Intercontinental title match with Dolph Zigler defending against M.V.P. M.V.P. tosses Zigler to the outside about a minute into the match which prompts Nexus without Wade Barrett make their way to the ring. The pound Zigler and surround the ring. M.V.P. looks ready as he attacks Tarver but quickly gets beat down. Gabriel delivers the 450 and the Big Show stalks his way to the ring. Show fights em off but a choke from Slater brings him down. Cue Cenas music as he sprints to the ring. Show back in with a chair and it clears the ring of Nexus. Nexus retreats to the top of the ramp as Wade Barrett appears on the titan tron. Apparently Wade is friends with the head of SyFy so hes made some matches. Big Show 5 on 1 against Nexus and Cena against Kane. Not a bad segment. Continued to make Nexus look strong and for those who only watched Smackdown and not Raw it gave em a look at Nexus. Winner: No Contest.
Back from break as Cole has joined Striker and Grisham at the booth. The Divas champion(s) LayCool make there way to the ring with Maryese and Alicia Fox for our next match as their taking on Natalya, Kelly Kelly and The Bella's. Before the match starts Cole tells us Nexus will be lumberjacks for Cena/Kane. Kelly and Fox start it off. All 8 divas end up on the outside. LayCool celebrating and Layla gets pulled under the ring. Michelle saves her and Horswaggle comes out. He chases Layla and runs into a kick from Michelle. Natalya makes the save and then locks the sharpshooter on Maryese as she taps. Winners via submission Natalya, Kelly Kelly, and The Bella Twins. They all celebrate with Hornswaggle. Not a bad match. The divas haven't been too impressive lately but this match was short and the workers worked.
Back from break and the ring is set up for a celebration for Oklahoma's own The All American American Jack Swagger. He makes his way to the ring with the Sooners music and a giant eagle. Cole turns insti-heel again and gives Swagger a standing O. Swagger gets some nice pops until he turns on his hometown. Swagger continues to talk to his new mascot, The Swagger Soaring Eagle and proclaim that they both have moved out of Oklahoma(huge pop) and gone to Texas(mega heat). Cole pops as hes "from Texas". Swagger officially declares himself King of Oklahoma which is confusing as he just denounced Oklahoma and moved to Texas. Edges music hits...thank god as this was really dragging on. Edge states that after what happened Monday hes now on a mission to destroy everything stupid in the WWE. Edge mocks Swaggers speech along with the Eagle. Edge drops the mic and Swagger hides behind the Eagle. The Eagle provokes Edge(pretty funny actually) and Edge takes him out. Swagger bails leaving his Eagle in the ring to take a spear. Cole screams "DEAD BIRD DEAD BIRD DEAD BIRD" which prompts Striker to say "put some BBQ sauce on it" HA! Segment was mildly amusing with The Eagle.
Nexus is in the back and Barrett tells them that if anyone from Smackdown interferes in their match there suspended. Back from the break and we get some grooming tips from "Dashing" Cody Rhodes. Nexus make there way to the ring for their 5 on 1 against the Big Show. Show tries to fend off Nexus but theres too many of them as they all apply a submission to him(2 on the legs, 2 on the arms one on the neck) and the ref calls for the bell as Show cant respond. Gabriel delivers two 450's and Nexus pose. Mysterio promo as he returns tonight.
Back from break and we get a Kane/Undertaker recap and CM Punk makes his way to the ring as we get another commercial. Back from this one Punks in the ring and Takers music hits to a big pop. Paul Bearer out without Undertaker. We walks to the end of the stage, hols up the urn and Taker makes his way out from the smoke. Nice old school feel. Punk quickly takes it to the Deadman but Undertaker is too much as he beats down Punk on the outside. Back in the ring Taker hits the old school but misses a boot in the corner. Punk takes control. He hits a bulldog on Taker but he sits up. Punk freaks out and ultimately gets a choke slam and a tombstone for his troubles. Winner via pin fall The Undertaker. After the match Paul Bearer holds up the urn and Taker poses with it.
Back from break and we see Del Rio injuring Mysterio. Ricardo Rodriguez is out so he can introduce Alberto Del Rio. Alberto drives his way into the ring to some nice heat. Del Rio says he exposed Rey for being weak and powerless and tonight will apologize and gibe him a kiss on the cheek(awkward). Ricardo then brings down a Chihuahua in a mask. Alberto refers to him as Rey and says his sorry and kisses him. Del Rio laughs and says he just kidding and the real Rey will be here tonight. Mysterio makes his way down and doesn't waste anytime going after Del Rio. Ricardo helps but ends up eating the 619. Mysterio wants Del Rio back in the ring but he doesn't oblige. Good segment bringing Mysterio back into the mix.
Back from break and we have another inter promotional match as Cody Rhodes will take on his former mentor WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton has control for most of the match. Rhodes with some offense towards the end but he gets an RKO and that's all she wrote. Winner via pin fall Randy Orton. After the match McIntyre tries to hit the Future Shock on Orton but he eats an RKO. Shameus down and he nails Orton with a couple kicks as we go to break.
Back from commerical and Kane interrupts Todd Grisham as hes ready for his lumberjack match against Cena. Kane in control for the start of the match. He eventually throws Cena to the outside which leads to Nexus taking the boots to him. They throw him back in and Kane still with control as we go to commercial. Back again and Kane has Cena in a choke hold and he makes his way to his feet. Both men avoid each others finisher and Cena sends Kane to the floor and then knocks Gabriel off the apron into Kane. Kane beats on Gabriel as Cena goes after the rest of Nexus. He eventually goes up the ramp after them as Kane makes his way back into the ring. Winner via count out Kane? Or is it a no contest? The lights go out and Taker is behind Kane. They brawl all over the arena and make their way back to the ring. Kane with a boot to Taker but he sits up. Nice sell by Kane as he looks like he cant believe what just happened. Kane tries to choke slam Taker but Paul Bearer makes his way down with the Urn and Taker grabs Kane by the throat and sends him down with a choke slam. Kane is able to roll out of the ring and escape as we go off the air.
Overall a solid debut for Smackdown on SyFy. I would have liked to have seen a few more Smackdown stars involved but with such a short time between PPV's I get that they need to further angles for Sunday.
Smackdown debuts on SyFy with a new video package(sans Matt Hardy by the way) and a new song(thanks to Green Day). We are joined in the ring for an Intercontinental title match with Dolph Zigler defending against M.V.P. M.V.P. tosses Zigler to the outside about a minute into the match which prompts Nexus without Wade Barrett make their way to the ring. The pound Zigler and surround the ring. M.V.P. looks ready as he attacks Tarver but quickly gets beat down. Gabriel delivers the 450 and the Big Show stalks his way to the ring. Show fights em off but a choke from Slater brings him down. Cue Cenas music as he sprints to the ring. Show back in with a chair and it clears the ring of Nexus. Nexus retreats to the top of the ramp as Wade Barrett appears on the titan tron. Apparently Wade is friends with the head of SyFy so hes made some matches. Big Show 5 on 1 against Nexus and Cena against Kane. Not a bad segment. Continued to make Nexus look strong and for those who only watched Smackdown and not Raw it gave em a look at Nexus. Winner: No Contest.
Back from break as Cole has joined Striker and Grisham at the booth. The Divas champion(s) LayCool make there way to the ring with Maryese and Alicia Fox for our next match as their taking on Natalya, Kelly Kelly and The Bella's. Before the match starts Cole tells us Nexus will be lumberjacks for Cena/Kane. Kelly and Fox start it off. All 8 divas end up on the outside. LayCool celebrating and Layla gets pulled under the ring. Michelle saves her and Horswaggle comes out. He chases Layla and runs into a kick from Michelle. Natalya makes the save and then locks the sharpshooter on Maryese as she taps. Winners via submission Natalya, Kelly Kelly, and The Bella Twins. They all celebrate with Hornswaggle. Not a bad match. The divas haven't been too impressive lately but this match was short and the workers worked.
Back from break and the ring is set up for a celebration for Oklahoma's own The All American American Jack Swagger. He makes his way to the ring with the Sooners music and a giant eagle. Cole turns insti-heel again and gives Swagger a standing O. Swagger gets some nice pops until he turns on his hometown. Swagger continues to talk to his new mascot, The Swagger Soaring Eagle and proclaim that they both have moved out of Oklahoma(huge pop) and gone to Texas(mega heat). Cole pops as hes "from Texas". Swagger officially declares himself King of Oklahoma which is confusing as he just denounced Oklahoma and moved to Texas. Edges music hits...thank god as this was really dragging on. Edge states that after what happened Monday hes now on a mission to destroy everything stupid in the WWE. Edge mocks Swaggers speech along with the Eagle. Edge drops the mic and Swagger hides behind the Eagle. The Eagle provokes Edge(pretty funny actually) and Edge takes him out. Swagger bails leaving his Eagle in the ring to take a spear. Cole screams "DEAD BIRD DEAD BIRD DEAD BIRD" which prompts Striker to say "put some BBQ sauce on it" HA! Segment was mildly amusing with The Eagle.
Nexus is in the back and Barrett tells them that if anyone from Smackdown interferes in their match there suspended. Back from the break and we get some grooming tips from "Dashing" Cody Rhodes. Nexus make there way to the ring for their 5 on 1 against the Big Show. Show tries to fend off Nexus but theres too many of them as they all apply a submission to him(2 on the legs, 2 on the arms one on the neck) and the ref calls for the bell as Show cant respond. Gabriel delivers two 450's and Nexus pose. Mysterio promo as he returns tonight.
Back from break and we get a Kane/Undertaker recap and CM Punk makes his way to the ring as we get another commercial. Back from this one Punks in the ring and Takers music hits to a big pop. Paul Bearer out without Undertaker. We walks to the end of the stage, hols up the urn and Taker makes his way out from the smoke. Nice old school feel. Punk quickly takes it to the Deadman but Undertaker is too much as he beats down Punk on the outside. Back in the ring Taker hits the old school but misses a boot in the corner. Punk takes control. He hits a bulldog on Taker but he sits up. Punk freaks out and ultimately gets a choke slam and a tombstone for his troubles. Winner via pin fall The Undertaker. After the match Paul Bearer holds up the urn and Taker poses with it.
Back from break and we see Del Rio injuring Mysterio. Ricardo Rodriguez is out so he can introduce Alberto Del Rio. Alberto drives his way into the ring to some nice heat. Del Rio says he exposed Rey for being weak and powerless and tonight will apologize and gibe him a kiss on the cheek(awkward). Ricardo then brings down a Chihuahua in a mask. Alberto refers to him as Rey and says his sorry and kisses him. Del Rio laughs and says he just kidding and the real Rey will be here tonight. Mysterio makes his way down and doesn't waste anytime going after Del Rio. Ricardo helps but ends up eating the 619. Mysterio wants Del Rio back in the ring but he doesn't oblige. Good segment bringing Mysterio back into the mix.
Back from break and we have another inter promotional match as Cody Rhodes will take on his former mentor WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton has control for most of the match. Rhodes with some offense towards the end but he gets an RKO and that's all she wrote. Winner via pin fall Randy Orton. After the match McIntyre tries to hit the Future Shock on Orton but he eats an RKO. Shameus down and he nails Orton with a couple kicks as we go to break.
Back from commerical and Kane interrupts Todd Grisham as hes ready for his lumberjack match against Cena. Kane in control for the start of the match. He eventually throws Cena to the outside which leads to Nexus taking the boots to him. They throw him back in and Kane still with control as we go to commercial. Back again and Kane has Cena in a choke hold and he makes his way to his feet. Both men avoid each others finisher and Cena sends Kane to the floor and then knocks Gabriel off the apron into Kane. Kane beats on Gabriel as Cena goes after the rest of Nexus. He eventually goes up the ramp after them as Kane makes his way back into the ring. Winner via count out Kane? Or is it a no contest? The lights go out and Taker is behind Kane. They brawl all over the arena and make their way back to the ring. Kane with a boot to Taker but he sits up. Nice sell by Kane as he looks like he cant believe what just happened. Kane tries to choke slam Taker but Paul Bearer makes his way down with the Urn and Taker grabs Kane by the throat and sends him down with a choke slam. Kane is able to roll out of the ring and escape as we go off the air.
Overall a solid debut for Smackdown on SyFy. I would have liked to have seen a few more Smackdown stars involved but with such a short time between PPV's I get that they need to further angles for Sunday.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
iMpact ReAction
...Yes I stole 2 TNA show names for my article...oh well....
Impact starts off this week with a Kurt Angle promo hyping the main event which is Angle vs. Abyss in a cage. Abyss interrupts and we get a full out all over the arena brawl. We then get a commercial followed by more brawling. Normally I don't like brawls that go on like that. It seems more like a match than an attack but I did enjoy this one as it got me a little more excited for the main event.
Beer Money is out with the rest of Fortune to take on Dreamer and Rhino along with the rest of EV2.0 as we have a lumberjack match.Good team work by Beer Money. Rhino took the beating for most of the match unto the hot tag to Dreamer. Minimal involvement from the outside until the end which ended in an all out brawl. Styles spits something in Dreamers faceStorm goes for the pin but Dreamer kicks out. Storm goes for the beer bottle but Dreamer ducks, hits the Dreamer Driver for the pin. Winners via pin Tommy Dreamer and Rhino. After the match the brawl continues until Mick Foley gets on the mic and basically says enough is enough. He challenged Flair to come into the ring and have a man to man discussion. Annnnnd we go to commercial. Way too many commercial breaks in TNA in my opinion.;
Back from break and Flair refers to himself as a wrestling god, asks if they're on the air and calls Foley an asshole. Flair always makes me pop. To have Foley and Flair in the ring cutting promos on each other is awesome. 2 or the best, if not the best 2 promo men in the history of the business. Foley challenged Flair to a match on the live Impact one on one for the last time ever. Flair steals Foley's book from a fan, insults Foley and drops an elbow on the book. Flairs still got it late into his years. Foley admits he wasn't as interested in wrestling as much recently but says Flair brought it back in him. Both men make themselves bleed. Lots of man love follows ending in Foley making the match a last name standing match, good call since that's probably all these guys can do at this point. Ends with Flair going nuts and Foley giving the bang bang!!
Backstage Anderson asks Bischoff why Hogan called Angle and not him. Anderson questions if they believe hes the future of the company. Bischoff says Hogan is a creature of habit and has a lot in common with Angle. Eric tells Anderson that he believes hes going to be the face of the company. Gen Me vs. Ink Inc is up next.
Ink Inc out first followed by Generation me who has Sabin's half of the tag titles with them. Solid tag team match. Max Buck fakes a knee injury to help Gen Me gain the advantage. Neal gets isolated by Gen Me until the hot tag to Shannon Moore. Moore cleans house. Taz: "Moore is flaring like a pack of hemroids". REALLY????? Max with a low blow while Jeremy has ref distracted. Winners via pin fall Generation Me. Gen Me look to beat down Ink Inc after the match but Motor City Machine Guns make the save Sabin grabs his title back. Anderson vs. Samoa Joe is next.
Anderson out first referring to Bound For Glory as "Ken-Ken-Ken", made me chuckle. Anderson's never been the greatest in ring performer but he can definitely cut a promo. Joe out next as Taz refers to him as a speed boat not a speed bump. Popes music hits before the match begins both men look confused. He makes his way to the broadcast booth followed by Nash and Sting. Decent back and forth action. Pope is the only one on commentary Nash and Sting just stand behind the booth. Pope eludes to things Nash and Sting have been talking about. Anderson gets out of a choke hold and hits the mic check. Winner via pin fall Ken Anderson. After the match Nash says hes going to talk to Joe(with the bat) "When did Nash and String get out here" HA Pope. Joe looks ready for battle with Nash...as we go to commercial.
We come back with Nash Sting and Pope in the ring with Joe no where in sight. Nash, Pope and Sting all cut promos on Bischoff and Hogan. Sting mentions WCW to a nice pop and then does Halls survey. Sting challenges Hogan to join Jarrett and Joe at Bound For Glory as him and Nash will take Pope. Eazy-E out with his "Secretary". Bischoff calls them selfish and political since the days of WCW. In the end Bischoff says Hogan will be at the live Impact and will answer them.
Backstage Knockouts promo which ends in all of them arguing with each other. Kendrick out first to take on AJ Styles for the TNA T.V. Title. Styles on his way to the ring with Matt Morgan. Flair shows up randomly at the broadcast booth still with blood on his shirt. Doesn't even sit down just yells into the headset about how hes going to destroy Foley. Kendrick got a lot of decent offense in but Morgan and Flair on the outside give Styles the advantage. Styles clash hit on Brian and still TV champ AJ Styles. Winner via pinfall A.J. Styles. Styles and Morgan celebrate in the ring with Flair on the ramp. Abyss promo and the main event is next.
Back from commercial RVD is saying he made a mistake returning last week as he wasn't at 100% and is now leaving it up to "doctors and the universe" to help him. Steel cage already lowered as were back in the arena. Abyss out first followed by the Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle in control early. "Lets Go Angle" chants lead to Kurt grabbing Janice and throwing it, er, her out of the cage onto the ramp. Back from break and Abyss has gained control over Angle. Abyss now methodically beating Angle. He busts Kurt wide open. Angle avoids being thrown into the cage and takes out AByss' knee. Angle with a frog splash and has a 2 count. Kurt is bleeding a lot now. Abyss avoids the ankle lock and hits a choke slam for a 2 count. Abyss looked like he was going to the Angle Slam but turns it into a back breaker. Crowd hot for Kurt to comeback right now. Abyss misses off the top and Angle hits the Angle slam. Angle about to leave and decides not to. Kurt climbs to the top of the cage as we get informed they are out of time...however you can continue watching on ReAction.....now on ReAction Abyss dragged Kurt off the cage. Match continues with back and forth action. Abyss choke slam's Angle. Mr.Anderson's music hits and he scales the cage and gets a choakeslam for his troubles. Abyss rips the door off the cage and goes for Janice. Abyss going back to the ring and he's met with a flurry of punches from a bloody angle as Impact goes off the air..kinda??? Winner: Abyss?? No Contest???
With Impacts main event ending on ReAction it wasn't a solid way to end the show. Nor was the actual ending to the match. Overall it was an ok show. TNA tends to throw a lot at you in a 2 hour time. They always have a lot going on and sometimes its hard to keep up. Tonight's show wasn't as big of a cluster fuck as its been in the past but still had a lot going on and did a good job promoting the live Impact on the 7th and Bound For Glory or 10-10-10 as they're calling it.
Impact starts off this week with a Kurt Angle promo hyping the main event which is Angle vs. Abyss in a cage. Abyss interrupts and we get a full out all over the arena brawl. We then get a commercial followed by more brawling. Normally I don't like brawls that go on like that. It seems more like a match than an attack but I did enjoy this one as it got me a little more excited for the main event.
Beer Money is out with the rest of Fortune to take on Dreamer and Rhino along with the rest of EV2.0 as we have a lumberjack match.Good team work by Beer Money. Rhino took the beating for most of the match unto the hot tag to Dreamer. Minimal involvement from the outside until the end which ended in an all out brawl. Styles spits something in Dreamers faceStorm goes for the pin but Dreamer kicks out. Storm goes for the beer bottle but Dreamer ducks, hits the Dreamer Driver for the pin. Winners via pin Tommy Dreamer and Rhino. After the match the brawl continues until Mick Foley gets on the mic and basically says enough is enough. He challenged Flair to come into the ring and have a man to man discussion. Annnnnd we go to commercial. Way too many commercial breaks in TNA in my opinion.;
Back from break and Flair refers to himself as a wrestling god, asks if they're on the air and calls Foley an asshole. Flair always makes me pop. To have Foley and Flair in the ring cutting promos on each other is awesome. 2 or the best, if not the best 2 promo men in the history of the business. Foley challenged Flair to a match on the live Impact one on one for the last time ever. Flair steals Foley's book from a fan, insults Foley and drops an elbow on the book. Flairs still got it late into his years. Foley admits he wasn't as interested in wrestling as much recently but says Flair brought it back in him. Both men make themselves bleed. Lots of man love follows ending in Foley making the match a last name standing match, good call since that's probably all these guys can do at this point. Ends with Flair going nuts and Foley giving the bang bang!!
Backstage Anderson asks Bischoff why Hogan called Angle and not him. Anderson questions if they believe hes the future of the company. Bischoff says Hogan is a creature of habit and has a lot in common with Angle. Eric tells Anderson that he believes hes going to be the face of the company. Gen Me vs. Ink Inc is up next.
Ink Inc out first followed by Generation me who has Sabin's half of the tag titles with them. Solid tag team match. Max Buck fakes a knee injury to help Gen Me gain the advantage. Neal gets isolated by Gen Me until the hot tag to Shannon Moore. Moore cleans house. Taz: "Moore is flaring like a pack of hemroids". REALLY????? Max with a low blow while Jeremy has ref distracted. Winners via pin fall Generation Me. Gen Me look to beat down Ink Inc after the match but Motor City Machine Guns make the save Sabin grabs his title back. Anderson vs. Samoa Joe is next.
Anderson out first referring to Bound For Glory as "Ken-Ken-Ken", made me chuckle. Anderson's never been the greatest in ring performer but he can definitely cut a promo. Joe out next as Taz refers to him as a speed boat not a speed bump. Popes music hits before the match begins both men look confused. He makes his way to the broadcast booth followed by Nash and Sting. Decent back and forth action. Pope is the only one on commentary Nash and Sting just stand behind the booth. Pope eludes to things Nash and Sting have been talking about. Anderson gets out of a choke hold and hits the mic check. Winner via pin fall Ken Anderson. After the match Nash says hes going to talk to Joe(with the bat) "When did Nash and String get out here" HA Pope. Joe looks ready for battle with Nash...as we go to commercial.
We come back with Nash Sting and Pope in the ring with Joe no where in sight. Nash, Pope and Sting all cut promos on Bischoff and Hogan. Sting mentions WCW to a nice pop and then does Halls survey. Sting challenges Hogan to join Jarrett and Joe at Bound For Glory as him and Nash will take Pope. Eazy-E out with his "Secretary". Bischoff calls them selfish and political since the days of WCW. In the end Bischoff says Hogan will be at the live Impact and will answer them.
Backstage Knockouts promo which ends in all of them arguing with each other. Kendrick out first to take on AJ Styles for the TNA T.V. Title. Styles on his way to the ring with Matt Morgan. Flair shows up randomly at the broadcast booth still with blood on his shirt. Doesn't even sit down just yells into the headset about how hes going to destroy Foley. Kendrick got a lot of decent offense in but Morgan and Flair on the outside give Styles the advantage. Styles clash hit on Brian and still TV champ AJ Styles. Winner via pinfall A.J. Styles. Styles and Morgan celebrate in the ring with Flair on the ramp. Abyss promo and the main event is next.
Back from commercial RVD is saying he made a mistake returning last week as he wasn't at 100% and is now leaving it up to "doctors and the universe" to help him. Steel cage already lowered as were back in the arena. Abyss out first followed by the Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle in control early. "Lets Go Angle" chants lead to Kurt grabbing Janice and throwing it, er, her out of the cage onto the ramp. Back from break and Abyss has gained control over Angle. Abyss now methodically beating Angle. He busts Kurt wide open. Angle avoids being thrown into the cage and takes out AByss' knee. Angle with a frog splash and has a 2 count. Kurt is bleeding a lot now. Abyss avoids the ankle lock and hits a choke slam for a 2 count. Abyss looked like he was going to the Angle Slam but turns it into a back breaker. Crowd hot for Kurt to comeback right now. Abyss misses off the top and Angle hits the Angle slam. Angle about to leave and decides not to. Kurt climbs to the top of the cage as we get informed they are out of time...however you can continue watching on ReAction.....now on ReAction Abyss dragged Kurt off the cage. Match continues with back and forth action. Abyss choke slam's Angle. Mr.Anderson's music hits and he scales the cage and gets a choakeslam for his troubles. Abyss rips the door off the cage and goes for Janice. Abyss going back to the ring and he's met with a flurry of punches from a bloody angle as Impact goes off the air..kinda??? Winner: Abyss?? No Contest???
With Impacts main event ending on ReAction it wasn't a solid way to end the show. Nor was the actual ending to the match. Overall it was an ok show. TNA tends to throw a lot at you in a 2 hour time. They always have a lot going on and sometimes its hard to keep up. Tonight's show wasn't as big of a cluster fuck as its been in the past but still had a lot going on and did a good job promoting the live Impact on the 7th and Bound For Glory or 10-10-10 as they're calling it.
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