Friday 30 December 2016

WWE Roadblock: End of the Line Review

WWE Roadblock: End of the Line took place last Sunday at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Will RAW end the year on a high? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show was Big Cass with Enzo Amore taking on Rusev with Lana. Big Cass is dominant for most of the match before it goes to the crowd. Lana pushes Enzo and he gets creamed with a clothesline by Rusev. When Big Cass checks on him, Rusev slides in and wins by countout. What the fuck was that?! It was looking like it was going to be a decent match thrn we suddenly get a shitty finish out of nowhere. Such a fucking disappointment
Winner: Rusev (1 for 1)

The first of the PPV was for the RAW Tag Team Championship as Cesaro and Sheamus challenge The New Day. Cesaro and Sheamus focus their offence on Kofi Kingston before he gets to tag in Big E. Later on, Cesaro hits the Neutraliser on Kofi but Big E breaks up the pin. In the end, Sheamus goes to tag in Cesaro but he moves his hand out of the way. Kofi hits Cesaro with Trouble in Paradise and covers him, thinking he's the legal man. Sheamus then rolls up Kofi to get the win and the 483 day reign of The New Day. This was a good match and I quite liked the ending.
Winners: The New Day (2 for 2)

Next is Sami Zayn taking on Bruan Strowman with a 10 minute time limit. Zayn uses his quickness but that lasted than a minute before Strowman proceeds to destroy him. After 6 minutes, Mick Foley comes down with a white towel. Zayn, however, persuades him not to throw in the towel then manages to avoid Strowman's attacks and survives the 10 minutes to win? I think? Isn't that technically a draw? Anyway, an interesting match to watch
Winner: Sami Zayn (2 for 3)

Now a match I was really looking forward to: Seth Rollins versus The Gift of Jericho. After some back and forth, Jericho hit a springboard dropkick sending Rollins off the apron. Rollins does get back into it and after a while, Kevin Owens comes in to try to help Jericho. When Jericho tells him to go to the back, Rollins hits him with a pedigree to win the match. To be honest, this match was a bit of a disappointment. It went too slow for me and nothing really stood out. Saying that, I quite liked that Owens keeps failing to help Jericho win matches yet Jericho doesn't seem to have that problem.
Winner: Seth Rollins (3 for 4)

Next is a triple threat match for the Cruiserweight Championship as Rich Swann faces the challenges of TJ Perkins and The Brian Kendrick. The match goes at a fast pace with all 3 guys heavily involved. There was a weird bit where Perkins has Swann in the kneebar and Swann gets to the ropes. Michael Cole says that that doesn't count in a triple threat yet the referee tells Perkins to release the hold. Anyway, in the end, Perkins and Swann superkick Kendrick then Swann pins Perkins after hitting him with a roundhouse kick. Except for the bit with the referee, it was a good match. However, it is overshadowed by what happened afterwards as Neville returns and beats the fuck out of Swann and Perkins. This was great and exactly what Neville needed. He has been criminally underused since he was called up to the main roster. Hopefully, he can go on to be the top heel in the division.
Winner: Rich Swann (4 for 5)

The penultimate match is a 30 minute Iron Man match for the RAW Women's Championship as Charlotte Flair challenges Sasha Banks. Charlotte is dominant for most of the match but it's not til the 20th minute that we get our first fall. Charlotte takes the lead after hitting a natural selection from the top rope. In the 22nd minute, Sasha manages to get a pinfall out of nowhere to make it 1-1. In the 25th minute, Sasha avoids a moonsault and gets Charlotte to submit to the Banks statement to take the lead at 2-1. It looks like, even with an injured knee, Sasha might just survive. However, Charlotte puts her in the figure 4 in the 29th minute and, despite her best efforts, Sasha submites with just 2 seconds left, ending the match at 2-2. The referee decides that the match will go into overtime. Sasha starts bleeding but she manages to apply the Banks statement. However, Charlotte gets out of it and gets the win with the figure 8 in the 5th minute of overtime.

This was a really good match and it was the match of the night. However, even though I predicted it, I'm not happy with Charlotte winning. Sasha has been a 3 time Womens Champion yet has never succesfully defended it. They have had some tremendous matches and it would have been my feud of the year. However, the Championship being passed around like a hot potato has ruined it a little for me.
Winner: Charlotte Flair (5 for 6)

The main event is Roman Reigns challenging Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship. During the match, Owens has Reigns in a chinlock for what seems like a year but Reigns does go back into it. Later on, Owens sends Reigns through the German announce table. In the end, Jericho comes in and Owens with the codebreaker, ending the match in a disqualification. Afterwards, it turns out to be a ruse. Rollins comes in and, along with Reigns, powerbomb Jericho through the Spanish announce table and Owens through the English announce table.

I thought that the match wasn't great to be honest although the ending was pretty good.
Winner: Kevin Owens (6 for 7)

I didn't think that Roadblock wasn't a great event. The women's match was really good but a lot of the matches were not that great. RAW PPVs have been a mixed bag this year. Hopefully, they will improve next year.

Monday 19 December 2016

WWE TLC 2016 Review

WWE TLC took place on Sunday 4th December at the American Airlines Centre in Dallas, Texas. The last couple of PPVs have been a mixed bag so will Smackdown end the year on a high? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show was the team of American Alpha, The Hype Bros and Apollo Crews taking on The Asecension, The Vaudevillians and Curt Hawkins. The match goes back and forth before Chad Gable gets worn down. Eventually he gets the hot tag to Jason Jordan and in the end, they go on to hit Simon Gotch with Grand Amplitude to get the win. It was a bit short for me but I enjoyed it.
Winners: American Alpha, The Hype Bros and Apollo Crews (N/A)

The first match of the PPV was for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship as Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt with Luke Harper challenge Heath Slater and Rhyno. Wyatt, thanks to Harper distracting the referee, pulls Slater off the ring apron to get his team the advantage. Slater does manage to get the hot tag but it was not enough. Rhyno goes to spear Orton on the outside but Harper moves him out of the way and takes the hit. Rhyno slides back in and is distracted by Wyatt's upside down walk and Orton slides in and hits the RKO to get the win. I was quite surprised that Orton and Wyatt but it's probably the  right decision as they both need this.
Winners: Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt (0 for 1)

Next is a no disqualification match between Carmella and  Nikki Bella. Carmella does a head scissors sending Nikki into the steel steps. She then focuses on Nikki's left leg, hitting it with a kendo stick. Carmella does go on to do the Code of Silence but Nikki hits her with the kendo stick. Nikki does get back into it, hitting a brutal roundhouse kick from the barricade. She then goes on to use a fire extinguisher for what seems like a year before hitting the Rack Attack 2.0 to get the win. Afterwards, Carmella tells Nikki that it was Natalya that attacked her at Survivor Series. The match was ok but I'm interested to see how they play with what happened after the match. Hopefully, it was Carmella who attacked Nikki and she's just fucking with her. Knowing WWE tho, it would turn out that Carmella was telling the truth.
Winner: Nikki Bella (1 for 2)

 Now a match that I was really looking forward to: Dolph Ziggler challenging Hollywood Miz (with Maryse) in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship. Highlights of the match include: Ziggler doing a tornado DDT sending Miz onto a ladder; Miz dropkicking a ladder into Ziggler; and Miz focusing on Ziggler's legs. Miz hits the skull crushing finale onto a ladder then climbs up. However, Ziggler takes the ladder, leaving The Miz hanging before he falls down, injuring his knee. In the end, Miz and Ziggler climb up on different ladders and Ziggler punches Miz off. The Miz, however, recovers and kickes Ziggler in the balls then grabs the belt to win the match. Afterwards, Miz decidates the match to Daniel Bryan and calls the Dallas crowd losers.

This match was really good and a great way to end the feud. Hopefully, The Miz can continue with someone else in the new year.
Winner: Hollywood Miz (2 for 3)

 Next is Kalisto facing Baron Corbin in a chairs match. Kalisto immediately goes at Corbin with but it's dealt with it quite quickly. Corbin goes on to be dominant for a lot of the match. Kalisto does a seated senton onto a row of chairs but Corbin responds by reversing a suicide dive into a deep six on the outside. Corbin then wins the match after hitting The End of Days onto a pile of chairs. Quite a good match between the two.
Winner: Baron Corbin (3 for 4)

The penultimate match is Alexa Bliss challenging Becky Lynch in a tables match for the Smackdown Women's Championship. The match goes at a fast pace before Alexa starts to be dominant. Becky tries to suplex Alexa through a table a few times, In the end, they end up fighting on the apron and Alexa manages to powerbomb Becky through a table on the outside to win the match. Although the finish seemed to come out of nowhere, this was quite a good match. I've become a big fan of Alexa over the last year but I didn't think that she was ready to be Champion just yet. Hopefully she can prove me wrong.
Winner: Alexa Bliss (3 for 5)

The main event is a TLC match for the WWE World Championship as Dean Ambrose challenges AJ Styles. Highlights of the match include: Ambrose running a chair into Styles while he was on the barricade; and Styles side suplexing Ambrose onto a row of chairs. There was a great spot where Ambrose put up a ladder on the German announce table and elbowed Styles from there through the English announce table. Later on, Styles hit a springboard 450 splash, sending Ambrose through a table. Styles goes on to climb up the ladder but stops when he sees James Ellsworth walk down the aisle. Styles attacks him but Ambrose stops him and hits dirty deeds onto the stairs. Ambrose looks like he's going to win it but Ellsworth tips the ladder sending Ambrose through 2 tables on the outside. Styles then climbs the ladder to grab the belt and win the match.

I enjoyed the match even though it was a bit of a weird ending. Ellsworth's reasoning for his decision, which he said on Talking Smack, does kinda make sense. He beat Styles twice so he wants him to be Champion. Sure, he had Ambrose's help in those victories but he has a point. I suspect that Ambrose will get his revenge in the near future.
Winner: AJ Styles

I thought that TLC was a good event and I was happy to see 2 new Champions. However, RAW will follow suit with Roadblock: End of the Line.


Sunday 18 December 2016

WWE Roadblock End of the Line Preview

RoadblockEOTL2016Poster.png 

WWE Roadblock End of the Line, the final RAW PPV of the year, will be taking place at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. WWE TLC was pretty good so will Roadblock follow in that suit? Let's take a look.

Big Cass vs Rusev
I feel that Rusev, who is somehow the heel in this, will win here.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

The New Day vs Cesaro and Sheamus
WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match
The New Day just recently became the longest reigning Champions this week. However, I feel that will come to an end
Predicted Winners: Cesaro and Sheamus

Seth Rollins vs The Gift of Jericho
This is one that I'm really looking forward to and it's a tough one to call. I feel that Rollins might just win this.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins

Sami Zayn vs Braun Strowman 
This match has a 10 minute time limit but I don't think it will last that long. I'm going for Strowman to win.
Predicted Winner: Braun Strowman

The Brian Kendrick vs TJ Perkins vs Rich Swann
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
This could be a good match. I think that Swann will find some way to retain
Predicted Winner: Rich Swann

Charlotte Flair vs Sasha Banks
30 Minute Iron Woman Match for the RAW Women's Championship
This feud, except for hot potato title changes, has been enjoyable and I really want Sasha. However, Charlotte is undefeated in PPV matches and I feel that WWE will continue in that vein.
Predicted Winner: Charlotte Flair

Roman Reigns vs The Kevin Owens Show
WWE Universal  Championship Match
This could be a good match between the two. I feel that Jericho will come in to help Owens win.
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens

I should have the TLC review in the next couple of days and this review before Christmas. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show  





Wednesday 14 December 2016

WWE Survivor Series 2016 Review

The 30th Survivor Series took place at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. We've got 3 RAW vs Smackdown elimination matches plus 2 matches that could change the landscape of the WWE. So. let's take a look and see what happens.

There were two matches on the Kick Off Show and the first was the team of TJ Perkins, Noam Dar and Rich Swann taking on the team of Ariya Daivari, Drew Gulak and Tony Nese. Perkins, Dar and Swann wear down Gulak and later on, Daivari hits an AA spine buster to give his team the advantage. Dar eventually manages to tag in Swann and he goes on to hit a standing 450 splash on Daivari to give his team the win. An enjoyable match to start the night.
Winners: TJ Perkins, Noam Dar and Rich Swann (1 for 1)

The second match was Kane taking on Luke Harper. Kane gets the win after avoiding a discus clothesline to hit a chokeslam. To be honest, the match wasn't great.
Winner: Kane (2 for 2)

The first match of the PPV was the Womens' elimination match. It's the team of Alicia Foxx, Bayley, Charlotte, Nia Jax and Sasha Banks from RAW took on the team of Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Naomi and Nikki Bella from Smackdown. Well, it was supposed to be Nikki but she was attacked backstage and unable to take part. Therefore, coach Natalya replaced her. After a little while, Alicia eliminates Carmella with a scissor kick to the back of the head but she is immeidately eliminated by Bliss with a twisted bliss. Nia Jax destroys Naomi and she gets eliminated by count out and Sasha Banks gets eliminated thanks to a roll up by Natalya. She then gets eliminated thanks to a big boot by Charlotte. In a big surprise, Nia Jax submits to the disarm-her applied by Becky then Bliss gets eliminated by another big boot by Charlotte. In the end, Bayley hits the Belly-to-Bayley on Becky to get her team the win. Charlotte celebrates by beating the fuck out of Bayley.

The match was pretty good but I am concerned about Nia Jax. Since she has been called up to RAW, she has destroyed random jobbers and Alicia Foxx yet she gets eliminated by submission. If they want to keep her as a monster, I thought it would make more sense to her to be counted out. The main difference between the divisions is that you can put the women in the title picture (except maybe Naomi) and it wouldn't look weird. RAW probably has the better talent yet are focusing their title picture on just Charlotte and Sasha Banks and I feel that that could harm the division in the long run.
Winners: Bayley and Charlotte (2 for 3)

The Intercontinental Championship is on the line as Sami Zayn challenges Hollywood Miz and if Sami wins, the Championship goes over to RAW. Miz takes advantage of Maryse getting in Zayn's face to chop block him and he continues to focus on the right knee. Zayn gets back into it with a brutal clothesline and it looks like he's going to win it when he puts Miz in the figure 4 when the bell suddenly rings. It turns out that Maryse rang it while the referee is telling Zayn that he hasn't won, Miz rolls him up to get the win. This was a good match and I liked the ending with Maryse. If I have a slight nitpick, I would have preferred it if Miz hit his finisher instead of a roll up.
Winner: The Miz (3 for 4)

Next is the Tag Team Survivor Series Elimination Match. The teams of Enzo and Big Cass, The Shining Stars, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Sheamus and Cesaro and The New day from RAW take on the teams of American Alpha, Rhyno and Heath Slater, Breezango, The Usos and The Hype Bros from Smackdown. Breezango get eliminated almost immediately when The New Day hit the midnight hour on Fandango; then Kofi gets hit with a superkick by Jey Uso to eliminate The New Day. The Hype Bros get eliminated Gallows and Anderson hit Zack Ryder with the magic killer; the shining stars get eliminated when Primo gets hit with an diving avalanche bulldog by American Alpha; and they get eliminated when Jason Jordan gets hit with another magic killer by Gallows and Anderson. Rhyno then gores Gallows to even the sides. Enzo and Big Cass eliminate Rhyno with the boom shakalaka to make it The Usos against Enzo, Big Cass, Cesaro and Sheamus. Enzo gets hit with a superkick followed by an Uso splash to eliminate his team; and in the end, Cesaro gets Jey Uso to submit to the sharpshooter to get team RAW the win. Except for the eliminations at the beginning, I enjoyed the match.
Winners: Cesaro and Sheamus (4 for 5)

Next is Kalisto challenging Brian Kendrick for the Cruiserweight Championship. If Kalisto wins, the entire Cruiserweight Division will go over to Smackdown. Kalisto goes at 100 miles an hour before Kendrick hits a spinning heel kick followed by a belly-to-back suplex to get the advantage. Kendrick goes on to use the steel steps against Kalisto in front of the ref which doesn't get him disqualified for some reason. Anyway, Kalisto hits an awesome Spanish fly from the ring apron to get back into it. He goes on to hit the salida del sol but Kendrick gets his foot on the ropes. The match ends when Baron Corbin runs in, blindsides Kendrick and hits Kalisto with the end of days. Due to the fact that Kendrick was attacked first, he wins by disqualification. This match was good but I didn't see the point of the extra stipulation. The one with the Intercontinental Championship made sense because it was Ziggler's idea; although it was a shame that he lost it the week before. I just don't think you can't have two matches that could have far reaching consequences then decide to keep the status quo. Hopefully 205 Live will give some development to the Cruiserweights.
Winner: Brian Kendrick (5 for 6)

The penultimate match was the final Survivor Series elimination match. It was the team of Kevin Owens, The Gift of Jericho, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Bruan Strowman from Team RAW against AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Shane McMahon with mascot James Ellsworth from Smackdown. It's a while before we get our 1st elimination. Ambrose and Styles let their feud boil over and they start fighting each other. Strowman takes advantage and eliminates Ambrose with a running powerslam. Strowman gets elbowed through the announce table by Shane then gets eliminated by count out when Ellsworth stops him from getting back into the ring. Strowman responds by throwing a fleeing Ellsworth off the ramp through a table, Owens gets eliminated by disqualification when he hits Styles with the List of Jericho. When Jericho picks up the pages that were strewn over the ring, Orton comes in and eliminates him with a RKO. Shane gets murdered when he attempts a coast to coast and he gets speared by Reigns. Shane then gets sent to the back by doctors. Later on, Ambrose runs back in and attacks Styles. Security try to stop him but Rollins and Reigns stop them and they combine to powerbomb Styles through the Spanish announce table. Rollins then rolls Styles in and pins him, making it Rollins and Reigns versus Orton and Wyatt.

Luke Harper returns to help out and Rollins gets eliminated by a super RKO by Orton. In the end, Reigns goes to spear Wyatt but Orton pushes him out of the way and takes the hit. Wyatt then hits Sister Abigail to get the win. I was quite surprised that Orton and Wyatt were the survivors but despite that, I really enjoyed the match.
Winners: Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton (6 for 7)

The main event is Goldberg in his first match in 12 years taking on Brock Lesnar. Goldberg hits 2 spears follwed by a jackhammer to win the match in 85 seconds. I'm torn about this. Goldberg has never really done long matches and I'm ok with him winning. However, Lesnar ended Undertaker's streak, destroyed John Cena and has been generally destroyed as a monster over the last 2 1/2 years. For him to lose to a guy who hasn't wrestled in over 12 years in less than 90 seconds does show that perhaps that it's the beginning of the end for Lesnar.
Winner: Goldberg (6 for 8)

I thought that Survivor Series was a bit of a mixed bag. I generally enjoyed the matches. However, you had 2 matches with game changing stipulations which didn't happen and a 85 second main event and it lowered my opinion of it. Recent WWE PPVs have been good in terms of wrestling quality. However, some of their creative decisions have disappointed me. Hopefully their last 2 PPVs of the year will improve on that.

Sunday 4 December 2016

WWE TLC 2016 Preview

WWETLC Poster2016.jpg

WWE TLC 2016 will be taking place this evening at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. At the time of writing this, there are 6 matches on the card. So, how will Smackdown look at the end of the year? Let's look at the card.

Kalisto vs Baron Corbin
Chairs Match
I'm not too bothered about this match but I think that Corbin will win here.
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin

Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton vs Rhyno and Heath Slater
Smackdown Tag Team Championship
This is an interesting match to consider. I can see it going both ways but I think that Orton will fuck Wyatt over and Rhyno and Slater will retain.
Predicted Winners: Rhyno and Heath Slater

Nikki Bella vs Carmella
No Disqualification Match
I'm quite looking forward to this one and I think that Nikki will win here.

Dolph Ziggler vs Hollywood Miz
Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
This match has the potential to be the match of the night and Miz has been one of my favourite wrestlers to watch at the minute. I think that he will win here.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Alexa Bliss vs Becky Lynch
Tables Match for the Smackdown Women's Championship
Another match that I'm looking forward to and Alexa is one of the front runners for my Mopst Improved Wrestler of the Year. I would love to see her as Champion but I think that it's too sonn so I think Becky will win.
Predicted Winner: Becky Lynch

Dean Ambrose vs AJ Styles
TLC Match for the WWE Championship
Another match that could be match of the night. It's also another tough one to call but I think that Styles will win here.
Predicted Winner: AJ Styles

I'm running a bit behind with PPVs but I hope to catch up before Roadblock. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.  















Wednesday 30 November 2016

WWE Hell in a Cell 2016 Review

WWE Hell in a Cell took place at the TD Center in Boston on Sunday 30th October. With three Hell in a Cell matches, will we see history being made tonight? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show was Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado and Sin Cara 2.0 taking on Tony Nese, Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari. As usual, the match was fast paced and there was a nice bit Alexander, Dorado and Cara did a suicide dive all at once on their opponents. In the end, Alexander hit the Lumbar Check on Gulak to get the win. An enjoyable match to start the event.
Winners; Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado and Sin Cara (1 for 1)

We get our first Hell in a Cell match right at the beginning as Rusev challenges Roman Reigns for the United States Championship. The match goes back and forth before Rusev attacks Reigns with the steel steps. Reigns, in return, beats up Rusev with a kendo stick. Rusev then uses achain and he puts Reigns in the accolade on the steps with the chain across the face. Reigns powers out of it and hits a Samoan drop onto the steps. He then hits spears rusev off the steps to get the win.

I quite enjoyed the match but I didn't like the ending. I thought that the accolade on the steps was a great way to end it, especially with the chain across the face. However, Reigns just powers out of it like Super Cena and goes on to win. I'm not a big fan of Reigns and WWE doing things like that is not going to make me one.
Winner: Roman Reigns (2 for 2)

Next is Bayley taking on Dana Brooke.  Dana starts to focus on Bayley's injured shoulder. Bayley gets back into it and powers through the pain to hit the Belly-to-Bayley to get the win. The match wasn't anything special but it's good to see Dana Brooke continuing to improve.
Winner: Bayley (3 for 3)

We get our 1st tag team match of the night as Enzo and Big Cass take on Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Gallows almost murders Enzo with a brutal clothesline to give his team the advantage. He does manage to tag in Big Cass after hitting a DDT from the top rope. However, despite their best efforts, Enzo gets hit with the magic killer and Gallows and Anderson get the win. It was a bit short but it was a good match.
Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (4 for 4)

Next is our second Hell in a Cell match as Seth Rollins challenges Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship. The match starts at a fast pace before Owens hits a couple of sentons on Rollins' injured back. Owens proceeds to throw him into the cell head first from the ring. Later on, Owens grabs a fire extinguisher and "accidentally" sets it off in the referee's face. When the second referee opens the door to check on him, The Gift of Jericho runs into the cell and locks the door, makng it a handicap match. Rollins deals with Jericho and powerbombs Owens through two tables. Despite Jericho's help and Owens hitting a powerbomb then using a chair, Rollins still stays in it. In the end, Owens powerbombs Rollins through 2 chairs to get the win. Afterwards, Jericho adds insult to injury by hitting Rollins with a codebreaker. I enjoyed the match and I liked Jericho getting involved. On a side note, will Triple H ever explain why he betrayed Seth Rollins.
Winners: Kevin Owens (5 for 5)

Next is The Brian Kendrick challenging TJ Perkins for the Cruiserweight Championship. Kendrick uses some of Perkins' tape to tie him to the rope to get the advantage. Perkins does get back into it and comes close to winning after applying the kneebar. In the end, Kendirck feigns injury and uses it to cheap shot Perkins with a headbutt. He then applies the Captain's Hook to get the win by submission. It was a good match tho it was maybe  bit short.
Winner: The Brian Kendrick (6 for 6)

The penultimate match is for the RAW Tag Team Championship as Sheamus and Cesaro challenge The New Day. Woods gets isolated but he manages to get the hot tag to Big E. The end comes when Cesaro puts Woods in the sharpshooter and Sheamus hits Woods with Francesca II to stop him from saving. Kofi retaliates by hitting Sheamus with Trouble in Paradise in front of the ref and The New Day get disqualified.  The match wasn't bad I think this is the second time that New Day have been disqualified ad they're supposed to be the good guys.
Winners: Sheamus and Cesaro (6 for 7)

The main event is for the RAW Women's Championship as Charlotte challenges Sasha Banks inside Hell in a Cell. Charlotte doesn't fuck around as she attacks Sasha whilst the cell was being lowered down. They continue to fight among the crowd and it ends with Charlotte powerbombing Sasha through the German announce table. The referees get Sasha some medical attention and Charlotte almost wins the match by forfeit. However, Sasha comes back into the cell and the match begins. They tear each other apart with the match going back and forth. Highlights of the match include: Charlotte hitting a side suplex onto a chair; Sasha doing the double knees off the cell; Sasha hitting the three amigos followed by a frogsplash; and Charlotte applying a figure 8 which Sasha stops with a chair. In the end, Charlotte throws Sasha onto a table twice followed by hitting natural selection to get the win. This was a really good match and I was shocked that Charlotte won as I feel thay it was the wrong decision. I don't think that you can have a beginning like that then have Sasha lose in her home town. Charlotte is now 14-0 in PPV matches and I can see that going on til Wrestlemania.
Winner: Charlotte (6 for 8)

I thought that Hell in a Cell was a decent event. They had some good match but, with the exception of the main event, nothing that really stood out. Hopefully it will get better for Survivor Series.



Sunday 20 November 2016

WWE Survivor Series 2016 Preview

SurviorSeries2016poster.jpg



The 30th Survivor Series takes place at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. We'll be getting 3 Survivor Series matches as well as a fantasy main event. So, let's look at the card.

Noam Dar, Rich Swann and TJ Perkins vs Ariya Daivari, Drew Gulak and Tony Nese
This should be an entertaining contest and I'm going for Dar, Swann and Perkins to win.
Predicted Winners: Noam Dar, Rich Swann and TJ Perkins

Kane vs Luke Harper
I'm not that bothered about this match but I'm going for Kane to win.
Predicted Winner: Kane

Kalisto vs Brian Kendrick
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
If Kalisto wins, the whole Cruiserweight division goes to Smackdown. I think that this will happen as the Cruiserweights haven't done much and the RAW roster is too big in my opinion.
Predicted Winner: Kalisto

Sami Zayn vs Hollywood Miz
WWE Intercontinental Championship
I feel so sorry for Dolph Ziggler. I was looking forward to him facing Sami Zayn. However, he dropped the belt to Miz earlier in the week so we'll be getting this match instead. It should be good and I'm going for Miz to win.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Team RAW(The New Day, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Sheamus and Cesaro, Enzo and Big Cass, and The Shining Stars) vs Team Smackdown LIVE (Heath Slater and Rhyno, The Hype Bros, American Alpha, The Usos and Breezango)
Tag Team Survivor Series Elimination Match
This could be a good match and I think that Team RAW will win here.
Predicted Winners: Team RAW

Team RAW (Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox and Sasha Banks) vs Team Smackdown LIVE (Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, Carmella, Naomi and Alexa Bliss)
Survivor Series Elimination Match
Another tough one to call but I'm going for Team Smackdown LIVE to win. 
Predicted Winners: Team Smackdown LIVE

Team RAW (Kevin Owens, The Gift of Jericho, Roman Reigns, Bruan Stroman and Seth Rollins) vs Team Smackdown LIVE (AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Shane McMahon(?))
Survivor Series Elimination Match
A really tough one to call but I'm going for Team Smackdown LIVE to win and take the bragging rights.
Predicted Winners; Team Smackdown LIVE

Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg 
Whilst it will be nice to see Goldberg in the ring for the first time in 12 1/2 years, I;m struggling to care about this match. I'm going to go with Lensar to win here.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

I'll be publishing the report for Hell in a Cell over the next couple of days and the review for this one next week. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.

Sunday 30 October 2016

WWE Hell in a Cell 2016 Preview

Hell in a cell poster 2016.jpg



WWE Hell in a Cell 2016 will be taking place this evening at the TD Garden in Boston. With 8 matches on the card, and 3 of them inside the cell, will we get to see some new Champions? Let's look at the card.

Cedric Alexander, Sin Cara and Lince Dorado vs Tony Nese, Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari
We get a cruiserweight tag team match on the Kick Off Show, and I'm quite looking forward to this one. I think that  the team of Alexander, Cara and Dorado will win.
Predicted Winners: Cedric Alexander, Sin Cara and Lince Dorado

Bayley vs Dana Brooke
This could be a good match and I think that Bayley will win.
Predicted Winner: Bayley

Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
This is a tough one to call but I think that Gallows and Anderson will be victorious.
Predicted Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson

The New Day vs Sheamus and Cesaro
WWE RAW Tag Team Championship
The New Day have been Champions for almost 15 months now and I can't see them losing to Sheamus and Cesaro.
Predicted Winners: The New Day

TJ Perkins vs Brian Kendrick
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
It's weird what they're doing with Kendrick. He's been going on about this being his last chance. However, he managed to get a full time WWE contract and has been No 1 contender twice. I think he'll win it just to shut him up.
Predicted Winner: Brian Kendrick

Roman Reigns vs Rusev
Hell in a Cell Match for the United States Championship
Whilst I would love for Rusev to win, I feel that Reigns will be victorious here.
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns

Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins
Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Universal Championship
This is one that I'm really looking forward to and whilst I'm a big fan of Rollins, I think that Owens will win
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens

Sasha Banks vs Charlotte Flair
Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE RAW Women's Championship
The possible main event is another one that I'm looking forward to. Charlotte is undefeated in PPV matches but I feel that she will have her first loss here.
Predicted Winner: Sasha Banks

I'll get to see the event during the week so I hope you guys enjoy the show.          

Thursday 20 October 2016

WWE No Mercy 2016 Review

WWE No Mercy 2016 took place on Sunday 9th October at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. With 8 matches on the card, will we see the end of Dolph Ziggler's career? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show was The Vaudevillians and The Ascension taking on The Hype Bros and American Alpha. Zack Ryder is the focus of his opponents' attack before he gets the tag to Jason Jordan. In the end, Aiden English hits Grand Amplitude on Aiden English to get the win. A quite entertaining match to start the event.
Winners: The Hype Bros and American Alpha (N/A)

In a surprise, the WWE World Championship match was on first with John Cena and Dean Ambrose challenging AJ Styles. The match starts at a thousand miles an hour. Highlights of the match include: styles hitting a double DDT; Cena hitting Styles with a code red; all of the guys putting sleepers on each other; and Cena hitting a double five knuckle shuffle. Ambrose puts Styles in the calf killer but Cena, because he's a dick, also puts Styles in the STF and Styles taps out. The referee restarts the match and Ambrose hits dirty deeds on Cena but Styles pulls out the referee. In the end, Cena hits an avalanche AA on Ambrose but Styles immediately hits Cena with a chair then pins him to win the match. This was such a great match and I can't wait to see what Styles does next.
Winner: AJ Styles (1for 1)

Next is Nikki Bella taking on Carmella. Nikki immediately gets the upper hand before she gets thrown into the ring skirting. Carmella gets Nikki in the code of silence but Nikki gets to the ropes. The end comes when Nikki hits the TKO seemingly out of fucking nowhere to get the win. I was convinced that, from how the match started, that it would degenerate into a cat fight. Thankfully, that didn't happen and it was quite a good match.
Winner: Nikki Bella (2 for2)

We now get The Usos challenging Heath Slater and Rhyno for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship. The Usos get the advantage after hitting Slater with a brutal clothesline. Rhyno gets tagged in but he gets worn down quite quickly. rhyno hits Jimmy Uso with a spinebuster and tags in Slater. and they get the win after Rhyno gores Jimmy. This was quite a good match between the teams.
Winners: Heath Slater and Rhyno (3 for3)

Next is Jack Swagger taking on Baron Corbin. Corbin focuses on Swagger;s right hand after trapping it in the steel steps. Swagger makes his comeback but it was in vain as Corbin pokes him in the eye then hits the End of Days. The match wasn't anything special to be honest.
Winner: Baron Corbin (4 for4)

Dolph Ziggler's career is on the line as he challenges Hollywood Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. Both guys try to end the match early before Miz gets the advantage. Ziggler makes a brief comeback with a dropkick before they go back and forth. Miz uses the figure four, 2 skull crushing finales and even has the help of the fucking Spirit Squad to help him win but he can't keep Ziggler down. In the end, Maryse and the Spirit Squad get ejected by the referee. The Miz complains then he walks into a super kick and Ziggler is the new Intercontinental Champion. This was a really good match and it begs the question: why wasn't this the main event?
Winner: Dolph Ziggler (5 for 5)

It was revealed that Becky Lynch is not able to compete due to injury. Therefore, no 1 contender Alexa Bliss will face Naomi instead. Naomi gets the win after reversing a cross armbreaker into a small package. It was quick match which was pretty good. However, I don't think that Bliss, the number 1 contender, should have lost.
Winner: Naomi (N/A)

The main event is Bray Wyatt taking on Randy Orton..? Great? Anyway, after some back and forth, Wyatt gets the advantage when he pushes Orton from the apron into the barricade. Orton mounts a comeback and hits an elevated DDT. When he's about to go for the RKO, the lights go out and come back on, revealing the return of Luke Harper. This distraction gives Wyatt to hit Sister Abigail and get the win. The match was ok and I do not get why this was the main event. This was Bray's first PPV win since July 2105. However, I guarantee that it won't get another one for a while.
Winner: Bray Wyatt (5 for 6)

I thought that No Mercy was an ok event. The WWE World Championship match went on first due to the Presidential Debate. It doesn't make sense mainly because it isn't on TV. You either watching it on PPV or on the Network, which is a streaming service. As for having Bray vs Orton as the main event, that did not make sense. Ziggler vs Miz had the better story plus it had Ziggler's career on the line. I assume they did it because technically Orton is the bigger star but that shouldn't always be the case. Hopefully, they'll learn that lesson at the next Smackdown Pay Per View.

Sunday 9 October 2016

WWE No Mercy 2016 Preview

WWE No Mercy will be taking place this Sunday at the Golden 1 Centre in Sacramento. With 7 matches on the card, will we see the end of a career? Let's take a look.

Jack Swagger will take on Baron Corbin on the Kick Off Show. I'm going for Corbin to win here.
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin

Nikki Bella will finally get her hands on Carmella in a match that I'm quite looking forward to. I think that Nikki will win.
Predicted Winner: Nikki Bella

Randy Orton versus Bray Wyatt on the other hand is one match that I'm struggling to give a fuck about. Only because I can't remember the last time that Bray won a match on PPV, I'm going for Orton to get the victory.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton

The Smackdown Tag Team Championship are on the line as The Usos challenge Heath Slater and Rhyno. This is a tough one but I'm going for Slater and Rhyno to retain.
Predicted Winners: Heath Slater and Rhyno

Alexa Bliss will be challenging Becky Lynch for the Smackdown Women's Championship. I'm a big fan of both ladies and I would like to see Alexa as Champion. However, I feel that they will give Becky a decent title reign so I think that she will win.
Predicted Winner: Becky Lynch

Dolph Ziggler will be challenging Hollywood Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. If Ziggler loses, he must retire. This is an interesting match to talk about. I'm a big fan of Miz but I feel that his reign is about to end. I'm going for Ziggler to win.
Predicted Winner: Dolph Ziggler

In the main event Dean Ambrose and John Cena will challenge AJ Styles in a triple threat match for the WWE World Championship. I can see either one of the guys winning, especially Cena. However, Styles has been a fucking joy to watch and I think that he will retain here.
Predicted Winner: AJ Styles

I'll be watching during the week so I'll post my review at the end of next week. I hope you guys enjoy the show.

Monday 3 October 2016

WWE Clash of Champions 2016 Review

WWE Clash of Champions, which is the first RAW exclusive Pay-Per-View in over 9 years, took place this Sunday at the Banker's Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With every RAW Championship on the line, how will RAW look afterwards? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show is Nia Jax taking on Alicia Fox. Alicia immediately goes on the offense, surprising Nia. However, it is quickly dealt with and despite a brief flurry by Alicia, Nia hits a Samoan drop to get the win. The match was ok but I slightly worry about what they're doing with Nia. Hopefully she will be in the Championship picture in the near future.
Winner: Nia Jax (1 for 1)

The first match on the show is for the RAW Tag Team Championships as Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson challenge Kofi Kingston and Big E from The New Day. Gallows immediately destroys Big E with a clothesline and this gives Anderson the chance hit Kofi with a running powerbomb then continue his assault. Big E does recover and gets tagged in by Kofi. Later on, Gallows and Anderson go for the magic killer for Kofi but are unsuccessful. In the end, Xavier Woods hits Anderson with the trombone Francesca and Kofi and Big E hit the midnight hour to get the win. A really enjoyable match to start the show although I don't like it when faces use heel tactics to win matches.
Winners: The New Day (1 for 2)

The next match is for the Cruiserweight Championship as The Brian Kendrick challenges TJ Perkins. Perkins goes for the kneebar early on but Kendrick starts to focus on the head and neck, applying straightjacket moves. Perkins does get back into it and gets the win after applying the kneebar. It was a good match but based on the amazing matches that we had in the Cruiserweight Classic, I do wonder if it could have been better.
Winner: TJ Perkins (2 for 3)

We now get the final match in a best of 7 series between Cesaro and Sheamus. Both guys get to use some unique offense against their opponent such as Cesaro hitting a 619. The end comes when the fight goes to the outside and Cesaro clotheslines Sheamus into the crowd. Medics attend to them and the referee determines that they cannot continue and ends the match due to a no contest. Wait, what? What a shitty ending. This was a good match and it was a shame that it ended like this.
Winner: No Contest (2 for 4)

Now a match I was really looking forward to: Sami Zayn taking on Chris Jericho. Jericho gets the advantage after hitting Zayn to the outside with a springboard dropkick. Zayn avoids a bulldog by throwing Jericho into the turnbuckle to start a comeback. After kicking out of a blue thunder bomb, Jericho suddenly hits the codebreaker to get the win. Whilst it seemed a bit slow at times, it was an enjoyable match between the two.
Winner: Chris Jericho (3 for 5)

Next was a triple threat match for the RAW Women's Championship as Bayley and Sasha Banks challenging Charlotte, who had Dana Brooke in her corner. After some back and forth, Dana takes out Bayley allowing Charlotte to focus on Sasha's back. Bayley gets back into it and hits the belly to Bayley on  Charlotte but Sasha stops it. Sasha puts Charlotte in the Banks statement but Dana pulls her out of the ring. In the end, Charlotte hits 2 big boots on Bayley to get the win. This was a good match but most of the time, it felt it was an 1-on-1 match between Sasha and Charlotte.
Winner: Charlotte (4 for 6)

The penultimate match is for the United States Championship as Roman Reigns challenges Rusev. Rusev focuses his attack on Reigns' ribs with punches and knee strikes. Later on, Reigns gets back into it and goes out of the accolade to hit a spear. However, Lana pulls the referee out of the ring. Instead of disqualifying Rusev, the referee ejects Lana. Rusev does apply the accolade but Reigns powers out of it and hits a spear to get the win. Up until the first spear, I found the match to be boring but then it picked up the pace and it seemed to be a bit better.
Winner: Roman Reigns (4 for 7)

The main event is Seth Rollins challenging Kevin Owens  for the WWE Universal Championship. Owens takes control after hitting a brutal DDT. He then focuses on Rollin's surgically repaired knee. rollins gets back the advantage after hitting a clothesline and slingblade. There was a bit where Owens misses a senton and crashes through the German announce table. Suddenly Chris Jericho(??) runs in and Rollins hits a pedigree. However, Jericho puts Owens on the rope. Rollins then knocks down the referee after getting out of a pop up powerbomb. The action continues and Stephanie McMahon sends out another referee. Owens then hits a pop up powerbomb to get the win.

I enjoyed most of the match but then it degenerated into a clusterfuck. We were all expecting Triple H to run in so it was surprising to see Jericho do it instead. We still haven't seen him on WWE TV since then yet he was at the show as seen in a wwe.com video. So, what is going on?
Winner: Kevin Owens (5 for 8)

I thought that Clash of Champions was a mixed bag. The wrestling was generally good but some of the matches were ruined with some bad endings. Hopefully, it will get better when Hell in a Cell comes around.

Sunday 25 September 2016

WWE Clash of Champions 2016 Preview

WWE Clash of Champions 2016 Poster.jpg

WWE Clash of Champions will be taking place this evening at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With 5 Championships, how will the 1st RAW exclusive Pay-Per-View in over 9 years? Let's look at the card.

Alicia Fox vs Nia Jax
Yeah, Nia Jax will destroy Alicia Fox here.
Predicted Winner: Nia Jax

Cesaro vs Sheamus
The final match of the series will be taking place and I think that Sheamus will win here.
Predicted Winner: Sheamus

Rusev vs Roman Reigns
United States Championship
This is a tough one to call as I can see Reigns. However, I think that Rusev will win here.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Bayley
WWE Women's Championship
This has the potential of being the match of the night and one that I'm looking forward to. I would love Sasha to win but I feel that Charlotte will win here.
Predicted Winner: Charlotte

Sami Zayn vs Chris Jericho
This is another match that I'm looking forward to and a tough one to call. I'm going for Jericho to win here.
Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho

The New Day vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
WWE Tag Team Championships
Whilst I've mostly enjoyed the New Day's reign, I feel it might be time for a change so Anderson and Gallows to win here.
Predicted Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson

TJ Perkins vs The Brian Kendrick
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
This could be a good match. I can't see Perkins losing so he will win here.
Predicted Winner: TJ Perkins

Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins
WWE Universal Championship
I'm a big fan of both these guys so I'm looking forward to this one. I think that Owens will win here with maybe a little help from Triple H.
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens

I'll get to watch the show during the week and post my review then. Until then I hope you guys enjoy the show.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 10

The final episode of thge Cruiserweight Classic took place last Wednesday at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Who will be the winner of the tournament? Let's take a look.

Zack Sabre Jr (England) vs Gran Metalik (Mexico)
Metalik doesn't fuck around at the beginning as he dropkicks Sabre out of the ring then hitting an over the top suicide dive. Sabre does get back into it, putting Metalik in complex stretches and submission moves. The match goes back and forth with Metalik hitting a standing shooting star press and Sabre hitting an European uppercut followed by a penalty kick.Metalik eventually manages to hit the Metalik driver to get the win. This was such an enjoyable match and I'm gutted that Sabre lost. However, I've become a big fan of Gran Metalik over the tournament so I'm happy that he won.

Kota Ibushi (Japan)  vs  TJ Perkins (Phillipines)
Ibushi tries to hit his kicks early on but Perkins blocks them each time. There was a great bit where Ibushi goes for the golden star powerbomb but Perkins reverses into a DDT then hits an inverted lungblower for 2. Ibushi does hit his finishing move but Perkins somehow kicks out, shocking everyone in the arena. In the end, Perkins avoids another golden star powerbomb and applys the kneebar. He then adds a leg cross andpulls back hard on the neck and make Ibusi submit and win the match. Wow. I honestly did not see that coming as I was convinced that it would be an Ibushi/Metalik final. This was an amazing match and a definite match of the year contender.

Noam Dar and Cedric Alexander vs Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampia
Alexander and Dar wear down Ciampia before he tags in Gargano. Alexander later on puts Gargano in an ankle lock with a grapevine but Ciampia stops it. After Alexander hits a very close near fall, Gargano and Ciampia get the win after hitting Alexander with their superkick/knee combo. This was an enjoyable match and I look forward to see how Alexander and Dar do on RAW.

TJ Perkins (Philippines) vs Gran Metalik (Mexico)
Before that match starts, Triple H comes out and announces that the winner of the match will also be crownied the new Cruiserweight Champion. Two quick things:
1) Didn't everyone know that anyway?
2) Wouldn't it make sense to announce this earlier on instead of like, 2 seconds before the bell rings.

Anyway, the match starts at a slow pace with both guys applying locka and holds. There was an awesome bit when Perkins is on the apron and Metalik hurdles the top rope to hit a frankensteiner. Perkins applies the kneebar a couple of times but Metalik gets out of it each time. Metalik does hit the Metalik driver  but, due to his injured knee, he is slow to make the cover and Perkins kicks out. In the end, Perkins getsd the win after getting out of a top rope Metalik driver getting Metalik to submit with a kneebar with a leg cross.

I have to admit that , out of the final four, TJ Perkins was the last one that I expected to win it. Unfortuantely, in the end this is a WWE product. Ibushi and Sabre turned down a WWE contract. and erkins is probably the best guy to be the face of the cruiserweight division. I do wonder tho if Ibushi would have won it if he had accepted a WWE contract.

I really enjoyed the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic. There were some amazing matches, including 3 contenders for match of the year, and it was great to see so many different styles in the matches. Hopefully, we get the same again.

Monday 19 September 2016

WWE Backlash 2016 Review

WWE Backlash, Smackdown's first exclusive Pay-Per-View for over 9 and a half years, took place on Sunday 11th September at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virignia. We get to see new Championships for the Women's and Tag Team divisions, so who will they be? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show was Baron Corbin taking on Apollo Crews. There were some close calls with Crews hitting an Olympic slam and Corbinf hitting Deep 6. In the end, Corbin hits End of Days to get the win. A decent match between the two.
Winner: Baron Corbin (0 for 1)

After Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan introduce the show, we get Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Naomi, Natalya and Nikki Bella in a Six-Pack elimination match for the Smackdown Women's Championship. Nikki almost gets the first elimination after hitting Carmella with an Alabama slam. Naomi eliminates Alexa after hitting a top rope neckbreaker/superplex combo with help from Natalya. Natalya then eliminates Naomi by getting her to submit to the sharpshooter. Nikki eliminates Natalya with a TKO but she is immediately eliminated thanks to a roll up by Carmella. In the end, Becky gets Carmella to submit to the dis-arm-her to become the inaugural Smackdown Women's Champion. I really enjoyed this match but I thought the eliminations were a bit too close together.
Winner: Becky Lynch (1 for 2)

Next was the second chance match in Tag Team Championship Tournament with The Usos taking on The Hype Bros. The Usos focus their attack on Zack Ryder and, despite a fightback by Mojo Rawley, Jimmy Uso gets Ryder to submit with a single leg Boston crab with a arm grapevine. This was quite a decent match and The Usos will face Heath Slater and Rhyno in the final.
Winners: The Usos (2 for 3)

We now got the Intercontinental Championship with Dolph Zigger challenging Hollywood Miz. Miz attacks the left leg and, despite Ziggler hitting a fameasser and applying a sleeper, Maryse sprays him in the face followed by Miz hitting a skull crushing finale to get the win. This was a good match and I liked the ending. Quite a few times now Maryse has helped Miz win a match without him knowing. I wonder if WWE would use that in a storyline.
Winner: The Miz (3 for 4)

 The next match was supposed to be Bray Wyatt against Randy Orton. However, Bray attacked Randy earlier in the night meaning that he is unable to continue and Bray wins by forfeit. Bray instead is forced into a no holds barred match against a returning Kane. Wyatt uses a steel chair to attack Kane and later on, hits a running senton driving Kane through the Spanish announce table. However, it was all in vain as Randy Orton runs down to hit a RKO on Wyatt. Kane then hits him with a chokeslam to get the win. I enjoyed this match but Bray loses againloses again. Can anyone remember the last time Bray won a match on Pay-Per-View.
Winner: Kane (N/A)

The penultimate match is The Usos taking on Heath Slater and Rhyno for the Smackdown Tag Team ChampionshipThe Usos focus their attacks on Slater after they suplex him into the ringpost. Slater do eventually tag in Rhyno but he's back in the match soon after. The end comes when Jimmy Uso hits Slater with a superkick. However, while the referee is dealing with Jey Uso, Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gioreand Slater pins him to get the win. This was an enjoyable match and well done to Heath Slater and Rhyno on becoming the inaugural Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
Winners: Heath Slater and Rhyno (3 for 6)

The main event is AJ Styles challenging Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. Styles trash talks during the match and gets the early advantage after getting out of a sunset flip and immediately hitting a flying forearm. The match goes back and forth between the two with Ambrose hitting a sit out facebuster and Styles suplexing Ambrose into the turnbuckle. In the end, Styles knocks Ambrose  into the referee and Styles takes advantage to hit the Styles clash to get the win and become the new WWE World Champion. This was a really good match and Styles is on fire right now so it makes sense for him to be the Champion right now.
Winner: (4 for 7)

I thought that Backlash was a good show with some enjoyable matches and I'm looking forward to seeing how the new Champions  do on the show.

Wednesday 14 September 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 9

The final matches of the quarter finals of the Cruiserweight Classic took place in this episode, which was shown on Wednesday 7th September. Who will join Gran Metalik and Kota Ibushi in the final four? Let's take a look.

Zack Sabre Jr (England) vs Noam Dar (Scotland)
Both these guys have faced each other numerous times in the British wrestling scene so this should be interesting. Sabre focuses on Dar's left arm while Dar focuses on Sabre's left knee. In the end, Sabre uses his legs, as he had a hurt arm, to apply the rings of Saturn to get the win by submission. This was a really good match and this was Dar's best match in the tournament.

Rich Swann (United States) vs TJ Perkins (Philippines)
During the match, Swann injures his knee while doing a moonsault slowing him down. This means that Swann has to change his offence, hitting moves such as a fisherman's driver. However, it was in vain as Perkins hits a pele kick and applies a kneebar to win the match by submission. I was quite surprised that Perkins won but this was another good match.

Next episode is the live finale and we will be getting a winner. I'll post the review of it after I've watched Backlash.

Monday 12 September 2016

WWE Backlash 2016 Preview

Backlash 2016 Poster.jpg



WWE Backlash, Smackdown Live's first Pay-Per-View, is taking place this evening at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond. Virginia. We will get to crown a new Women's Champion as well as new Tag Team Champions. So, who will they be? Let's look at the card.

Apollo Crews vs Baron Corbin
This has the ability to be a decent match and I think that Crews will win here.
Predicted Winner: Apollo Crews

The Usos vs The Hype Bros
Smackdown Tag Team Championship Tournament
This is a tough one to call but I think that The Usos will win here to help with the heel turn.
Predicted Winners: The Usos

Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt
Another opportunity for this to be a good match. I think that Wyatt will find some dubious way to win here.
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt

Heath Slater and Rhyno vs The Usos/Hype Bros
Smackdown Tag Team Championship Tournament Final
This is an interesting one to watch as I can see any one of these teams winning. I feel that The Usos will win and Heath Slater will remain a free agent.
Predicted Winners: The Usos

Dolph Ziggler vs Hollywood Miz
Intercontinental Championship
This should be a good match to watch and I would love Ziggler to win. However, I feel that Miz, who has been amazing since he's been Champion, will win here.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Alexa Bliss vs Becky Lynch vs Carmella vs Naomi vs Natalya vs Nikki Bella
Smackdown Women's Championship
This match is one that I'm really looking forward to seeing. I feel that Becky Lynch will win it but with Nikki Bella and Carmella in a feud, one of them could win it. I'm going to go with Becky on this one.
Predicted Winner: Becky Lynch

AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose
WWE World Championship
Another match that I'm looking forward to seeing. AJ Styles has been on fire for a few months on his heel run and I feel that he has to win here.
Predicted Winner: AJ Styles

I'll be watching the show during the week so I'll post the review then. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.

Tuesday 6 September 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 8

The quarter finals begin in this episode of the Cruiserweight Classic, which was screened last week. Who will progress to the final 4 after this episode? Let's take a look.

Akira Tozowa (Japan) vs Gran Metalik (Mexico)
There were a lot of kicking in this match with Tozowa hitting kicks to the face and Metalik hitting variations of dropkicks. They also managed to hit suicide dives at some point. Tozowa managed to hit a deadlift into a German suplex pin but Metalik kicked out. Metalik eventually hit the Metalik driver to get the win.

This was a good match and I was surprised that Metalik won. However, I like both guys and it's a shame that only one person can win this.

The Brian Kendrick (United States) vs Kota Ibushi (Japan)
This match had so many highlights including: Ibushi hitting a powerslam followed by a  moonsault; Kendrick hitting sliced bread; Ibushi hitting a German suplex from the apron into the ring; and Kendrick hitting a fucking burning hammer(!) Eventually, Ibushi manages to hit  a sit down powerbomb to get the win.

This was such an enjoyable match, with the main highlight being Kendrick hitting the burning hammer. For those who don't know the significance of that, it is the finishing move of legendary Japanese wrestler Kenta Kobashi. However, it is a move that he only ever used only 7 times in his entire career. Kendrick's whole story in this tournament was that this was probably his last big chance and you saw that in his matches. Using the burning hammer was a sign of desperation by Kendrick and it must have heartbreaking for Ibushi to kick out at 2.99. It was so sad to see Kendrick lose and it was a touching moment to see commentator Daniel Bryan, who has been supporting him throughout, hug him afterwards. As for Ibushi, he had three amazing matches so far, with the one against Cedric Alexander being a strong contender for my match of the year. Ibushi is many people's favourite to win the tournament and it's easy to see why.

Another great episode of the Cruiserweight Classic is now in the books. I might be watching the next episode live and possibly live tweeting but it will be shown at 2 in the morning here in the UK so I'm not sure yet. Keep an eye on my twitter feed for updates (@lodownwrestling)

Saturday 3 September 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 7

The final matches of the second round of the Cruiserweight Classic took place in this episode that was shown on Wednesday 24th August. How will the quarter finals look after the final matches? Let's take a look.

Lince Dorado (Puerto Rico) vs Rich Swann (United States)
Both guys had the chance to show their amazing high flying skills plus we saw a little bit of dancing by Dorado. Swann takes advantage of a missed shooting star press to hit a phoenix splash to get the win. This was a great combination of speed and high flying offense and it was great to see.

Drew Gulak (United States) vs Zack Sabre Jr (England)
Gulak, not happy with the praise levelled at Sabre, really took it to his opponent. We got to see the match go back and forth with counter after counter. In the end, Sabre reverses a dragon slepper into a bridging pin to get the win. This was an entertaining match but I'm not happy with WWE putting the two British wrestlers against each other in the quarter finals. With me being Scottish, I obviously want Noam Dar to win but Sabre is the better wrestler so I will be torn over that match.

Johnny Gargano (United States) vs TJ Perkins (Phillipines)
Both guys hit some big moves such as Perkins reversing a kick into a sit out powerbomb; and Gargano hittinh a brutal lawn dart for a 2 count. However, Gargano's left knee, which he injured at Takeover Brooklyn II the previous Saturday, flared up. Perkins, who isn't a idiot, focused his attacks on ti and eventaully applied a knee bar. Gargano submitted, shocking the crowd, and Perkins goes to the quarter finals. This match was thoroughly entertaining and fair play to WWE. This was taped a few weeks before Takeover and to have the finish of that match play into this match was some very clever booking.

The second round is now over which had some amazing matches. Next episode will be the beginning of the quarter finals and I will be really looking forward to seeing how that goes.

Wednesday 31 August 2016

WWE Summerslam 2016 Review

WWE Summerslam took place on Sunday 22nd August at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. With 13 matches in the whole event, including the Kick Off Show, plus the crowning of a new Champion, how will the biggest event of the Summer fare? Let's take a look.

The first match on the Kick Off Show was The Vaudevillians, The Ascension and Breezango taking on The Usos, The Hype Bros and American Alpha. After a while in the match, Ryder gets worn down by his opponents before he tags in Jimmy Uso. In the end, American Alpha hits grand amplitude on Simon Gotch. However, Jimmy Uso in a dick move, tags in and hits a splash to get the win. This was aquite an entertaining match and it looks like they are teasing a heel turn by The Usos.
Winners: The Usos, The Hype Bros and American Alpha (1 for 1)

The next match is another tag team match with The Dudley Boyz taking on the team of Sami Zayn and Neville. Zayn and Neville showed some good teamwork before the Dudleys focus their attack on Neville. Bubba Ray misses a senton, which gives Neville the chance to tag in Zayn. A miscommunication by the Dudleys leads to Zayn hitting a Helluva kick to Bubba Ray, who then receives a red arrow by Neville. This was a fun match although it seemed a little short to me.
Winners: Sami Zayn and Neville (2 for 2)

The final match on the Kick Off Show was the first in a best of seven series between Cesaro and Sheamus. The match goes back and forth before Sheamus gets the advantage. Despite Cesaro mounting a comeback, Sheamus throws him into a turnbuckle then hit a brogue kick to get the win. It was a decent match but I don't know if I want to see them 6 more times.
Winner: Sheamus (3 for 3)

The first match of the event was Enzo Amore and Big Cass taking on Jeri-KO. During the match, Jeri-KO get to focus their attack on Enzo. He eventually gets the tag to Big Cass after avoiding a cannonball by Owens. Despite Big Cass making a comeback, Jeri-KO get the win after Owens pops up Enzo into a codebreaker by Jericho. I was surprised that Jeri-KO won but I enjoyed the match.
Winners: Jeri-KO (3 for 4)

The second match was for the Women's Championship as Charlotte gets her rematch against Sasha Banks. Charlotte gets the early advantage after dropping Sasha's back onto the ropes. Charlotte goes on to ficus on the lower back before Sasha reverses a top rope razor's edge into a frankensteiner. Sasha applies a Boston crab, hits a double knee to the floor and puts on the Banks statement but Charlotte manages to turn it into a pin to get the win. This was a good match but the ending came out of nowhere. Also, Charlotte was a bit careless in a few moves during the match. I was very surprised that Charlotte would regain the belt but, with Sasha having to take some time off to deal with niggling injuries, it was probably the right move.
Winner: Charlotte (3 for 5)

Next is Apollo Crews challenging Hollywood Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. Miz was dominant for most of the match, even though we got to see Crew's impressive athletic ability. Miz gets the win after avoiding an avalanche splash and hitting the skull crushing finale. A very short yet enjoyable match between the two.
Winner: The Miz (4 for 6)

Now one match that I was looking forward to watching: AJ Styles taking on John Cena. This match went back and forth with Styles hitting a torture rack into a spin out powerbomb; and Cena hitting a fucking code red. This was a great bit when Styles applies a calf killer and Cena reverses into a STF. Cena comes very close to winning it after hitting a super AA. However, Styles hit a Styles clash followed by a phenomenal forearm to get the win. I was convinced that Cena would win but I'm so happy that Styles won and I really enjoyed this match. Styles is going on to challenge for the WWE Championship at Backlash. As for Cena, hopefully this will be a chance to evolve his character that he has had for the last 12 fucking years.
Winner: AJ Styles (4 for7)

We now get Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson challenging Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods from The New Day (with Jon Stewart). Gallows and Anderson focus their attack on Kofi before Woods gets the hot tag. The end comes Gallows and Anderson hit the magic killer on Kofi. Jon Stewart, bizarrely comes in to check on Kofi. Gallows and Anderson go to attack Stewart however, Big E comes in to make the save, getting his team disqualified. This match wasn't great to be honest which is a shame as I quite like both teams.
Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (5 for 8)

We now get the WWE World Championship with Dolph Ziggler challenging Dean Ambrose. This match went back and forth with Ziggler hitting moves such as a fameasser and a zig zag. However, he couldn't put Ambrose away. In the end, Ziggler tries to do a top rope facebuster but Ambrose stops it and hits dirty deeds to get the win. This match wasn't bad and it was weird seeing Ambrose display some heelish behaviour even though he is technically Smackdown's top babyface.
Winner: Dean Ambrose (6 for 9)

Next is the 6-woman's tag match with Becky Lynch, Carmella and Naomi taking on Natalya, Alexa Bliss and the returning Nikki Bella.  Carmella gets worn down by her opponents before she manages to tag in Lynch. However, Nikki Bella gets the win after hitting a TKO on Carmella. The match wasn't anything special to be honest.
Winners: Natalya, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Bella (7 for 10)

Now a match that I'm really looking forward to: Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor for the WWE Universal Championship. This match starts at a fast pace before Rollins takes over. Balor gets hit with a brutal buckle bomb. sending him into the barrier and dislocating his shoulder. Balor manages to put it back in and recovers to make a comeback. Rollins comes close to winning it after a pedigree. However, in the end, Balor hits the coup de grace to become the inaugural WWE Universal Champion. It was a good match however, Balor's injury did hinder it as it limited his move set. Unfortunately, his reign lasts less than 24 hours as he has to vacate the title. It's a shame as he has been pushed so strongly since he was called up in the draft. Anyway, Balor will be back in 6 months so get well soon Finn.
Winner: Finn Balor (7 for 11)

The penultimate match is for the United States Championship as Roman Reigns challenges Rusev. Rusev attacks Reigns before the bell and it degenerates into a brawl and Rusev gets destroyed. The match never starts as a result. It would be nice to see Rusev beat reigns but I suppose they need want to make both guys look strong so it was probably the best decision.

The main event is Brock Lesnar taking on Randy Orton. Lesnar hit a few German suplexes before the fight goes to the outsdie where he chuck Orton through the Smackdown announce table. Orton responds with a RKO on the RAW announce table. Orton hits another RKO in the ring for 2 before Lesnar hits a F5 then proceeds to elbow the fuck out of Orton's head. Orton starts bleeding profusely and the match is stopped by the referee. Afterwards, Lesnar hits Shane McMahon with a F5 when he comes out to check on Orton.

I'm torn about the ending of this match. I get that you want to protray Lesnar as a monster. However, with the issue of concussions being very prominent in the media, it's probably not the wisest idea to show that level of brutality; especially in the PG era.
Winner: Brock Lesnar  (8 for 13)

I honestly thought that Summerslam was a mixed bag. Some of the matches were pretty good and a couple were disappointing. I thought that the order of matches seemed a bit weird and I don't think that having someone bleeding and knocked out is the best way to end the second biggest event of the year.

Sunday 21 August 2016

WWE Summerslam 2016 Preview

SummerSlam 2016.jpg 

WWE's biggest event of the summer takes place this evening at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. With the return of Brock Lesnar and the crowning of a new Champion, how will the event fare? Let's take a look. By the way, I'm trying a slightly new format so let me know what you think of it.

Cesaro vs Sheamus
This match on the Kick Off Show is match 3(?) of a best of seven series. I like both guys but I don't want to see them face each other 7 matches in a row. If I remember correctly, Cesaro is 2-0 so I'm going for Sheamus to win here.
Predicted Winner: Sheamus

 Sami Zayn and Neville vs The Dudley Boyz
 The other match on the Kick Off Show involves the criminally underused Sami Zayn. Despite that, I do wonder how the Zayn/Neville team will go so I think they will win here.
Predicted Winners: Sami Zayn and Neville

American Alpha, The Usos and The Hype Bros vs Breezango, The Asecension and The Vaudevillians
Fucking hell! This must be a long Kick Off Show. Except for The Ascension, I generally like these teams. I'm going for the Alpha/Uso/Hype combo to win.
Predicted Winners: American Alpha, The Usos and The Hype Bros

Carmella, Becky Lynch and Naomi vs Natalya, Alexa Bliss and TBD
Eva Marie decided to celebrate her promotion to the main roster by getting a wellness policy violation. Hopefully Bliss and Natalya will get Nia Jax from RAW to help out. If they do, I think they will win
Predicted Winners: Natalya, Alexa Bliss and TBD

Hollywood Miz vs Apollo Crews
WWE Intercontinental Championship
A tough one to call as I really want the Miz to win. However, I believe that Crews will win here.
Predicted Winner: Apollo Crews

Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens
Another tough one to call but I think that Enzo and Cass will win.
Predicted Winners: Enzo Amore and Big Cass

Rusev vs Roman Reigns
United States Championship
I feel sorry for Rusev.  Reigns has a total dick to him and Lana yet Mick Foley rewards him with a title shot. Hopefully Rusev will make Reigns his bitch.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

The New Day vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
WWE Tag Team Championships
I like The New Day but they've been Champions for about a year. It might be time for a change.
Predicted Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson

AJ Styles vs John Cena
I really want Styles to win here but I feel that Cena will win it instead.
Predicted Winner: John Cena


Sasha Banks vs Charlotte
WWE Women's Championship
I was quite surprised that Sasha win a few weeks ago. I cannot see the Championship going back to Charlotte so Sasha to win here.
Predicted Winner: Sasha Banks

Dean Ambrose vs Dolph Ziggler
WWE Championship
I'm looking forward to this one. I can't see Ziggler so Ambrose to retain here.
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose

Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor
WWE Universal Championship
This match is one that I'm really looking forward to. I'm a big fan of both guys and I would love to see Balor win it. However, I feel that Rollins will become the first ever Universal Champion.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins

Brock Lesnar vs Randy Orton
I don't know why but I'm not really bothered about this match. Despite that, I feel that Brock will win.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

I won't get to see the show until Tuesday or Wednesday. Until then I hope you guys enjoy the show.

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 6

The second round of the Cruiserweight Classic continues in this week's episodes. With 2 amazing matches last episode, how will the ones in this episode fare? Let's take a look.

Akira Tozowa (Japan) vs Jack Gallagher (England)
I was interested in this one as I enjoyed their 1st round matches. There was a great bit where Gallagher uses Tozowa's limbs to tie him up. Gallagher goes on to attack Tozowa's lower body. Tozowa does get back into it and gets the win after a bridging German suplex. I'm gutted that Gallagher lost but Tozowa winning is the right decision and he will face Gran Metalik in the quarter finals.

Noam Dar (Scotland) vs Hoho Lun (Hong Kong)
Dar uses moves such as a reverse Indian deathlock and, despite Lun's best efforts, he submits to a kneebar for Dar to get the win. The match wasn't bad but compared to the other matches that we've seen, it wasn't very good. However, my totally biased pick is through to the quarter finals.

The Brian Kendrick (USA) vs Tony Nese (USA)
It doesn't start well for Kendrick as Nese starts to knee the fuck out of him. Kendrick takes advantage of a missed moonsault and applies an armbar. Nese hits a brutal buckle bomb but in the end, he misses a 450 splash and Kendrick puts on the bully choke to get the win. Another good match by both guys.

This was another good episode. Dar vs Lun was an ok match but considering we had possible match of the year last episode, it was going to hard to top that. Next week, we get to see Zack Sabre Jr, so hopefully we will have 2 British wrestlers in the quarter finals.

Thursday 18 August 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 5

The second round of the Cruiserweight Classic kicks off in this episode, which aired on Wednesday 10th August. Apologies for being a bit behind on this but I hope to catch up by Summerslam.

Tajiri (Japan) vs Gran Metalik (Mexico)
I was looking forward to this one as I could see both of these guys winning. The match went at a fast pace for most of it and it was so fun to watch. In a surprise win, Metalik manages to get the win after avoiding a buzzsaw kick to hit the Metalik driver. This match was awesome to watch and a great way to start the 2nd round.

Kota Ibushi (Japan) vs Cedric Alexander (USA)
This match went back and forth with some amazing high flying moves. Alexander gets the advantage after avoiding a moonsault then hitting one of his own. Ibishi gets back into it after a brutal dropkick. After some more back and forth, Alexander hits a brainbuster for 2 then immediately kicks him in the head and Ibushi kicks out at 2.9. Ibushi eventually gets the win after hitting a golden star powerbomb. This was another amazing match to watch and I thought that Alexander had won it a couple of times. Alas, it was not to be and Ibushi advances to the quarter finals.

This was an awesome episode involving a candidate for match of the year. Next week, we get to see Akira Tozowa vs Jack Gallagher and I hope that match will be just as good.

Thursday 11 August 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 4

The fourth episode of the Cruiserweight Classic took place last week and we got to see the last few matches of the first round. We will get to see the other two British wrestlers have their matches plus two tag team partners will be facing each other. Let's take a look.

Rich Swann (USA) vs Jason Lee (Hong Kong)
I've seen Swann a couple of times in NXT and I've been quite impressed with him. Swann obviously had the support of the Full Sail crowd but Lee did some impressive martial arts moves. Swann gets the win after an awesome standing 450 splash. This was an entertaining match and I'm looking to seeing Swann again in the next round.

Noam Dar (Scotland) vs Gurv Sihra (India)
Being Scottish, I am going to be biased as fuck and hope that Dar wins here. Sihra, on the other hand, wanted to do better than his brother did. Dar gets the win after doing a fisherman suplex transitioning into a knee bar. This was a good match and Dar will face Hono Lun in the next round.

Jack Gallagher (England) vs Fabien Aichner (Italy)
I was interested in this one due to Gallagher's gimmick, which reminded me a little bit of William Regal. Aichenr, being 40lbs heavier, tried to use that and his pwer to his advantage. Aichner comes close after a  double springboard moonsault. However, Gallagher gets the win after hitting a brutal dropkick in the corner. Great win for Gallagher and this means that all the British wrestlers have advanced to the second round. It's a shame that Gallagher is going to get fucking destroyed by Akira Tozowa in the next round.

Johnny Gargano (USA) vs Tommaso Ciampa (USA)
Whilst there has been some really good matches in the first round, this was the one that I was the most hinterested in. Gargano and Ciampa are a tag team in NXT and their pre-match interview suggests that there will no love ost here. Ciampa proceeds to seriously brutalise his tag team partner. Gargano gets to retun some of the favour later on, but Ciampa hits a white noise on the apron to get a very close nearfall. He then hits a powerbomb into a back stabber but Gargano again kicks out. After a flurry of reversals, Gargano gets the win with a crucifix pin. Afterwards, in a touching moment, they hug and shake hands. This was definitely the match of the night just on the emotion alone but I feel that it would have been better if they faced each other later on in the tournament.

The first round is now over and I've really enjoyed it so far. I'm sure that the second round will continue in that vein, espcially with matches such as Gallagher vs Tozowa in the next episode.

Friday 5 August 2016

The Cruiserweight Classic: Episode 3

The third episode of the Cruiserweight Classic was shown on Wednesday 27th July. The first two episodes have been entertaining so far so let's hope it continues

Tyson Dux (Canada) vs Zack Saber Jr (England)
I was looking forward to this as we get to see the first Brit in the competition. It was a very slow paced match but I was impressed by the way Saber was getting out of holds. Saber get s the win after applying the uber platter. I was impressed by both guys and I'll be looking out for Saber if he's ever in my area.

Drew Gulak (USA) vs Harv Sihra  (India)
Gulak is a submission specialist but he looks like to employ a brutal offence as he hits Sihra with some hard hitting moves. Gulak gets Sihra to submit thanks to a dragon sleeper with body scissors. I enjoyed this match between the two and I'm looking forward to Gulak and Saber in the next round.

Anthony Bennett (USA) vs Tony Nese (USA)
This was an interesting one to watch as Bennett is almost 50lbs lighter than Nese, which is unusual to see such a large weight difference in a cruiserweight match. Nese proceeds to throw Bennett round like a rag doll; and he wins after hitting a pumphandle slam followed by a 450 splash. This was a good match tho, whilst understandable, the referee checking on Bennett after he got hit by the pumphandle slam did slow it down a bit.

Raul Mendoza (Mexico) vs The Brian Kendrick (USA)
This match was very fast paced to begin with before Kendrick gets the advantage. Mendoza gets back into it, after hitting an awesome corkscrew suicide dive. However, it was not enough as Kendrick gets him to submit to a bully choke to get the win. I really enjoyed this match and hopefully we will see Mendoza in a WWE ring again.

This was another good episode and the next episode will feature another Brit, Jack Gallagher, who looks interesting. Sorry for the delay with this episode. I hope to put up Episode 4 over the weekend.

Monday 1 August 2016

WWE Battleground 2016 Review

WWE Battleground took place at the Verizon Center in Washington DC last Sunday. Battleground is normally not a great PPV; however, the card looks good here. Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show is The Usos taking on Brezzdango. In a short match, Brezzdango gets the win after Breeze stops a splash by Jimmy Uso. Breeze then puts Jimmy in a small package to get the win. It was a decent match but it felt that it was too short.
Winners: Breezdango (0 for 1)

The first match on the show was Charlotte and Dana Brooke taking on Sasha Banks and a mystery partner, who turns out to be Bayley. It looked like Cahrlotte and Dana would win it as they would shut down any momentum built up by Sasha and Bayley. After a back and forth match, sasha gets Charlotte to submit to the Banks Statement to get the win. This was an enjoyable match and it was so good to see Bayle make her main roster debut.
Winners: Sasha Banks and Bayley (1 for 2)

Next was The New Day facing The Wyatt Family. I was interested in this because of what was happening in The New Day. They were making jokes while Xavier Woods was taking it seriously and fearing the Wyatts. In the match, the Wyatts are dominant on Kofi before Big E gets the hot tag. In the end, Woods overcomes worries and takes on the Wyatts. However, he gets a Sister Abigail from Bray for the Wyatts to get the win. It was a good match but the brand split means that this feud will end too soon.
Winners: The Wyatt Family (2 for3)

Next is Zack Ryder challenging Rusev for the United States Championship. Ryder comes close to winning it after hitting a RoughRyder. However, Rusev manages to fold Ryder in half while applying the Accolade to get the win. Afterwards, Mojo Rawley comes out to stop Rusev continuing his assault on Ryder. This was a good match and it will be interesting to see how the Hype Bros do on Smackdown.
Winner: Rusev (3 for 4)


Now one match that I was looking forward to: Sami Zayn versus Kevin Owens. This match was as good as I expected it to be with one of the highlights being Zayn hitting Owens with a brainbuster on the apron. Owens goes on to survive 2 exploder suplexes before reversing a helluva kick to hit a pop up powerbomb for 2. In the end, Sami hit 2 exploder suplexes followed by 2 helluva kicks to get the win. This was probably the best match between the two of them. It's a shame that it's the end of this feud but with both guys on RAW, I suspect that it will be reignited at some point.
Winner: Sami Zayn (4 for 5)

The next match was Natalya taking on Becky Lynch. During the match, Natalya gets to focus on Becky's leg and, despite a brief fightback, gets the win with the sharpshooter. This was a goodmatc between the two. Shame it followed the Owesn/Zayn match.
Winner: Natalya (5 for 6)

We now get Darren Young challenging Hollywood Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. The match was going pretty well until it went off in a weird direction. Maryse slaps Backlund then tells Miz that she got hit by Backlund. Miz then pushes him to the floor and Young puts Miz in the cross faced chickenwing and the bell rings. I think it was a double disqualification tho I don't really get why.  It was a shitty ending to what is starting to become a good match.
Winner: None (5 for 7)

The next match was AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson taking on the team John Cena, Enzo Amore and Big Cass. The Club focus their attack before he gets the hot tag to Cena. After very close near falls, Cena hits Styles with an AA from the top rope to get the win. This was an entertaining match and I look forward to seeing The Club and Enzo and Cass fight each other on RAW.
Winners: John Cena, Enzo Amore and Big Cass (6 for 8)

After a special edition of Jericho's Highlight Reel featuring the return of Randy Orton, we get the main event that has been over 2 years in the making: Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns challenging Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. Highlights of the match include: Ambrose diving from the announce tables into his opponents in the timekeeper's area; Reigns hitting them both with a Superman punch; and Rollins and Ambrose working together to powerbomb Reigns through the Spanish announce table.Rollins comes close to winning after hitting a superplex into a falcon arrow. In the end, Reigns hits Rollins with a spear. However, Ambrose immediately hits Reigns with Dirty Deeds to get the win. This match was so much fun to watch. It's a shame that we never get to see them in the same ring for the foreseeable future.
Winner: Dean Ambrose (7 for 9)

 I really enjoyed Battleground as there were some really good matches. It's a shame that most of the feuds that were started now have to end due to the draft. However, I'm looking forward to the future with guys like Finn Balor now on the main roster.