WWE TLC(S?) 2014 Review

The final WWE Pay-Per-View of 2014, Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Stairs(?), took place on Sunday 14th December at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Once again, Brock Lesnar, the fucking WWE World Heavyweight Champion, is not here. However, the last two events have been pretty decent and he hasn't really been missed. So, let's look at the event to see how it did.

The Kick Off Show match was Gold and Stardust taking on Kofi Kingston and Big E from The New Day. The match didn't have anything special that really stood out to me. Despite the Dusts' best efforts, thier opponents get the win thanks to a Big Ending/ Axhandle combo.
Winners: Kofi Kingston and Big E
Predictions: 1 for 1

The first match of the show is a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship with Dolph Ziggler challenging Luke Harper. There was a nasty bit early on when Harper did a suicide dive and I thought that he broke his arm when he landed badly on a ladder. As with most ladder matches, we get spots with wrestlers either landing on ladders or having them thrown at them. Harper did a brutal powerbomb, sending Ziggler onto a ladder. In the end, Ziggler managed to superkick Harper off a ladder and climbed up to win the Championship. I really enjoyed this match. Hopefully, I feel that Ziggler should be going for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and I worry that he will be permanently hitting the glass ceiling.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Predictions: 1 for 2

We now get the Tag Team Championship match with The Usos challenging Hollywood Miz and Damien Mizdow. The Usos were dominant for most of the match and there was a nice bit when one of the Usos had Miz in a vertical suplex and Mizdow was doing a handstand as well. In the end, Miz and Mizdow decided to leave. One of the Usos suicide dived Mizdow and Miz hit him with the belt to get disqualified. It wasn't a bad match but I thought it was too short.
Winners: The Usos
Predictions: 1 for 3

We now get the first ever Stairs match between The Big Show and Erick Rowan. To be honest, except for them hitting each other with stairs, there wasn't too much to this match. Big Show gets the win after hitting the knock out punch then using some stairs to help him get the pin. It wasn't a great match and hopefully we won't see a stairs match again
Winner: The Big Show
Predictions:1 for 4

The next is a tables match between Seth Rollins and John Cena. During the match, Rollins had some help from his lackeys Jonny Mercury and Jamie Noble. We get a ref bump and Cena puts Rollins through a table with an Attitude Adjustment, but doesn't win thanks to the referee being down. Eventually, they both go through a table and the referee conveniently wakes up and calls for the bell. After some discussion with two other referees, the original referee restarts the match. Cena hits an attitude adjustment sending Reigns onto the announce table but it doesn't break. The Big Show comes out and attacks Cena. However, Roman Reigns runs in and spears Show through a table. Cena does eventually get the win when he sends Rollins through a table thanks to an attitude adjustment.
Except for the false finish involving three referees, I quite enjoyed the match. I'm not a fan of seeing Brock/Cena III at the Rumble but at the minute, I can't see Brock facing anyone else right now.
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 2 for 5

Next is the Divas Championship match with AJ Lee challenging Nikki Bella. AJ hits the shining wizard but Brie puts Nikki leg under the ropes to stop the pinfall. The referee notices this and sends Brie to the back. Nikki uses this opportunity to take a spray bottle out of our knee pad and spray it into AJ's face. Nikki then kicks AJ and pins her to get the win. The match was ok but it still pisses me off that Brie just decided to join Nikki despite everything that happened to her.
Winner: Nikki Bella
Predictions: 3 for 6

Kane takes on Ryback in a chairs match. Kane almost wins it when he throws a chair into Ryback's face then chokeslams him for 2. In the end, Ryback avoids a tombstone onto a chair, hits Kane with a meathook clothesline then a shell shock to get the win. Like the stairs match, there wasn't too much to write about bit it was an ok match.
Winner: Ryback
Predictions: 3 for 7

The penutlimate match is for the United States Championship as Jack Swagger challenges Rusev. Swagger was going for Rusev's ankle but Rusev manages to apply the accolade but Swagger gets to the ropes. Rusev goes for the accolade again but Swagger manages to get out of it and apply the patriot lock. Rusev broke free by kicking him in the face, hits a couple of kicks then applies the accolade to get the win. It wasn't as good as last few matches but it was ok.
Winner: Rusev
Predictions: 4 for 8

The main event is a TLC match between Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt. There was a great bit in the beginning when Ambrose threw a ladder into wyatt when he finished his entrance. The match went back and forth with so many highlights such as: Ambrose fucking up Wyatt with a kendo stick; then putting him through a table with an elbow drop; Wyatt hitting Sister Abigail for 2 followed a few minutes later by Ambrose hitting Dirty Deeds for 2. The end comes when Ambrose puts Wyatt through the Spanish announce table with an elbow drop then grabs a TV monitor. He tries to hit Wyatt with it bit it is still connected so he tries it again. However, it explodes with pyrotechnics blinding Ambrose and giving Wyatt the chance to hit Sister Abigail to get the win.

I really enjoyed the match and I thought that it was a good main event. However, I did not like the ending as it makes Ambrose look like a bit of an idiot.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

Predictions: 4 for 9

Overall, I thought that TLC was an ok event. There wasn't anything much that stood out except for the main event really. WWE are in a unique position with their World Heavyweight Champion being nowhere near the event. I feel that WWE ended 2014 with a slightly drab not and I hope 2015 with the Royal Rumble and the Road to Wrestlemania, will get to be better.

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 Review

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 took place on Sunday 26th October at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Without the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar on the show, how will the show fare? Let's take a look.

The first match is a 2-out-of-3 falls match with Cesaro challenging Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. There was one instance where they are trading near falls then Cesaro hits the giant swing. Cesaro covers but Ziggler reverses it to get the first pinfall. There was a great spot where Ziggler has Cesaro in a standing kimura; Cesaro manages to hold him and climb up the turnbuckle and hit a superplex. Ziggler gets a 2 count after a Fameasser. In the end, Ziggler gets the second fall after countering a Neutraliser to hit an armbreaker, then a superkick then a Zig Zag. I really enjoyed this match and I hope to see more matches between the two.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Predictions: 0 for 1

The next match is Nikki Bella facing Brie Bella. The loser must become the winner's personal assistant for 30 days. After driving Brie's face into her knee, Nikki focuses on the hair. Later on, Brie does a really bad suicide dive and then a missile dropkick. Nikki hits the rack attack for 2 and Brie apllies a Yes Lock but Nikki gets to the ropes. In the end, Nikki hits a brutal forearm then the rack attack to get the win. The match wasn't great but it had a couple of decent spots.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Predictions: 0 for 2

The Tag Team Championships are on the line as The Usos challenge Gold and Stardust. The Dusts work over Jimmy and he does get some respite after sending Goldust over the top rope and gets the hot tag to Jey. Jey dominates Goldust before he gets hit with an AA Spinebuster. The Usos superkick the Dusts at the same time and Jimmy attempts a Samoan drop on Goldust. However, Stardust stops that with a kick to the back of the knee. This gives Goldust the opportunity to hit the Final Cut to get the win. It was a decent match but I feel that they have done better matches together.

Winners: Gold and Stardust

Predictions: 1 for 3

We now, surprisingly, get our first Hell in a Cell match as John Cena and Randy Orton face each other for the chance to become the No 1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Orton is dominant for the first part of the match with the help of a steel chair. Cena makes a comeback but it's quickly cut off by Orton. Later on, Cena attempts another comeback but a shoulder block is countered into a RKO for 2. Orton gets another 2 count after throwing Cena through a table. Orton almost wins it after countering an AA into a RKO. However, Cena eventually gets the win after an AA from the top rope through a table. This was a decent match and the question is, when will we get Cena vs Lesnar III? I don't think it will be anytime soon
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 2 for 4

We now get Hollywood Miz challenging Sheamus for the United States Championship. Miz tries to get his stunt double Damien Mizdow to assist but that doesn't go well. The match goes back and forth before a distraction by Mizdow gives Miz the chance to hit the Skull Crushing Finale for 2. However, it was not enough as Sheamus hits a brogue kick as Miz jumps off the top rope to get the win. Afterwards, Sheamus does the YMCA with a knocked out Miz with Mizdow copying every move then Miz gets another brogue kick. This was another decent match and I can't wait to see more of Mizdow and Miz.
Winner: Sheamus
Predictions: 3 for 5

Next we get Big Show taking on Rusev. Show takes it to Rusev straight away. However, that doesn't last long as Rusev starts to focus his attack on his left leg. Show makes a comeback before Mark Henry comes out and Show hits a chokeslam for a very near fall. Rusev hits 3 superkicks then applies the Accolade to make Show give up. The match wasn't anything special but it was enjoyable.
Winner: Rusev
Predictions: 4 for 6

Next is the Divas Championship match as Paige (with Alicia Foxx) challenges AJ Lee.  We get some chain wrestling to start with. Alicia tries to interfere and fails but it gives Paige the chance ot get the advantage, attacking AJ with knees and stomps. Paige tries the RamPaige but it's countered by AJ. The end comes when Paige tries to suplex AJ from the barrier but AJ pulls her off. Alicia manages to get Paige back in the ring before the ten count and AJ suddenly applies the black widow to get the submission. It was another good match between the two but I thought that the ending came a little bit too quickly for me.
Winner: AJ Lee
Predictions: 5 for 7

The main event is a Hell in a Cell match between Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Ambrose comes out first and, after throwing some chairs into the ring, climbs to the top of the cell. Rollins comes out and demands that his minions Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury go up and get Ambrose. Ambrose destroys them with a kendo stick then Rollins climbs up and they brawl on top of the cell. They eventually end up crashing through the announce table from half way up the side of the cell. After some medical attention, Ambrose gets Rollins off the gurney and throws him into the cell. The match then officially starts and Ambrose proceeds to destroy Rollins. Rollins manages to get some respite after a back suplex onto a pile of chairs. It didn't last long as Ambrose elbow drops Rollins through a table. Rollins then gets some help thanks to Corporate Kane and a fire extinguisher and he powerbombs Ambrose through a table followed by a curb stomp for 2. Ambrose makes a comeback and tries to curb stomp Rollins through some cinder blocks when the arena goes black and we hear some chanting. We get a lantern in the middle of the ring and some smoke signalling the return of Bray Wyatt. He attacks Ambrose and this gives Rollins the opportunity to cautiously pin Ambrose and get the win. Afterwards, Wyatt hits a Sister Abigail on Ambrose.

I really enjoyed this match. I'm torn over this was better then their match at SummerSlam as they both told amazing stories. It's a shame that the feud had to end but I hope that it returns next year over the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Predictions: 6 for 8

I quite enjoyed Hell in a Cell. There were some good  matches and I really enjoyed the main event. I just find it weird that Brock Lesnar wasn't there. I do find it weird that WWE would give their World Heavyweight Championship to a part time wrestler. However, this event does show that you don't need their Champion to be involved. I hope that it doesn't stay that way.

WWE Survivor Series 2014 Preview

The 28th Survivor Series will be taking plave this evening at the Scottrade Center in St Louis. Once again, Brock Lesnar is not here so will the vent cope without him? Let's look at the card.

Dean Ambrose will take on Bray Wyatt in what could be a interesting match. It's a tough one to call but I think that Bray will win here.
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt

 Nikki Bella will get another chance to challenge AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. I've enjoyed AJ's reign but I don't really want Nikki to be Champion. However, I feel that they may use the Championship as someone for the Bellas to fight over. Therefore, I'm going for Nikki to win here.
Predicted Winner: Nikki Bella

The Tag Team Championship will be on the line in a fatal-4-way elimination match. Gold and Stardust will face the challenge of The Usos, The Miz and Damien Mizdow, and Los Matadores. This should be a good entertaining match and I think that Gold and Stardust will find some way to win here.
Predicted Winners: Gold and Stardust

 The Divas will have their own Survivor Series match as Alicia Fox, Emma, Naomi and Natalya take on Paige, Cameron, Layla and Summer Rae. Hopefully it won't be as bad as last year's match and I'm going for Paige's team to be victorious.
Predicted Winners: Paige, Cameron, Layla and Summer Rae.

In the main event, Team Authority (Seth Rollins, Corporate Kane, Mark Henry, Rusev and Luke Harper) will face Team Cena (John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Ryback and Luke Harper(??)) in a Survivor Series match. If the Authority win, everyone but Cena will be fired; if Cena wins, the Authority are out of power. This is a really tough one to call. I fully expect Cena to face 3 of them himself then proceed to beat them all with no problem. However, I don't feel that the Authority's reign is ready to end just yet. I'm going for Team Cena here, although I won't be surprised if he gets screwed and he loses.
Predicted Winners; Team Cena

I've had to put wrestling on the back burner recently, hence no Hell in a Cell review at the minute. I hope to have that and the Survivor Series review up in the next few weeks. Until then, I hope you enjoy the show.

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 will be takingplace this Sunday in the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. With the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar not scheduled to make an appearance, it will be interesting to see how this event will go. Let's look at the card.

Big Show will be the latest person to face Rusev. I like Rusev but I am getting a bit sick and tired of him just beating huge guys. It's time for him to challenge for a Championship. Anyway, Rusev to win here.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

Nikki Bella will take on her sister Brie Bella, in which the loser must become the winner's personal assistant for a month. It's a hard one to call but I'm going for Brie to win here.
Predicted Winner: Brie Bella

The Usos and Goldust and Stardust will once again face each other for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. Their matches have been pretty good so I expect the same here. I think that Goldust and Stardust will retain here.
Predicted Winners: Goldust and Stardust

Cesaro has decided to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship in a 2-out-of-3 falls match against Dolph Ziggler. I'm quite looking forward to this match and I think that Cesaro will be victorious here.
Predicted Winner: Cesaro

Paige will once again chgallenge AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. I've quite enjoyed thier matches and I expect to see another good one here. I'm going for AJ Lee to stay the Champion here. 
Predicted Winner: AJ Lee

Hollywood Miz has decided to spice things up and challenge Sheamus for the United States Championship. Whilst I expect that Damien Mizdow will try his best to help, I still think that Sheamus will be victorious here.
Predicted Winner: Sheamus

In the first of two Hell in a Cell matches, Dean Ambrose will take on Seth Rollins. This is the match that I'm most looking forward to and I expect it will be a lot of fun. I really would like Ambrose but I think that Rollins will find some way to win here.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins

In the second Hell in a Cell match, John Cena will face Randy Orton for seems like the 500th fucking time. Yeah, Orton is not winning this match.
Predicted Winner: John Cena

I won't get to see this for a couple of weeks. I've still to watch Bound for Glory and publish a podcast that I recrded almost a month. Hopefully, I'll get the blog up to date as soon as I can. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.

WWE Battleground 2014 Review

WWE Battleground 2014 took place at the St Pete’s Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. The inaugural Battleground was not very good. Will this year be any different? Let's take a look.

The first match on the Pre-Show was Fandango taking on Adam Rose. Layla and Summer Rae have now put their feud behind them and come out with the Rosebuds. In a short match, they distract Fandango long enough for Rose to hit the Party Foul and get the win. This match seemed to be more about the angle between the four of them and less about selling the Pay-Per-View. 

Winner: Adam Rose 

Predictions: 1 for 1

The second match on the Pre-Show was between Naomi and Cameron. There seemed to be a lot of hair pulling by both women in this match and some wrestling moves thrown in there. The end comes when Cameron throws Naomi front first into the ropes then rolls her up for the victory. This match was not very good and it had a terrible ending.  

Winner: Cameron 

Predictions: 1 for 2

The first match is a 2-out-of-3 falls match for the Tag Team Championships with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper challenging The Usos. The Wyatts work on Jey Uso and get the first fall after Jimmy Uso gets tagged in and gets creamed with a big boot by Harper. Jey Uso later on gets tagged in and takes the opportunity of Harper missing an avalanche splash to roll him up and get the second fall. After some back and forth, The Usos get the third fall after hitting a double superkick followed by a double splash on Rowan. I thought that the first two falls seemed a bit sudden. However, I thought it was a really fun match to watch, especially with the near falls near the end.

Winners; The Usos

Predictions: 2 for 3

Next is Dean Ambrose taking on Seth Rollins. At least that was the pan. Ambrose attacks Rollins while he was giving a backstage interview and he is restrained by the road agents and the referees. He is then thrown out of the building by Triple H. I guess we won’t see the match after all.

Now a match that I was looking forward to: Paige challenging AJ for the Divas Championship. Paige gets the advantage early on before getting hit with a tornado DDT. AJ later on applies the Black Widow but Paige gets out of it and hits the Paige Turner for 2. Paige goes for the PTO but AJ avoids it and almost kills Paige with the Shining Wizard to get the victory. Whilst I wished it went on for a bit longer, I thought it was a good match. The next night, Paige attacks AJ and turns heel. It will be interesting to see how Paige does as a heel because she has always been a face as “The Anti-Diva” while she was in NXT. So far, it hasn’t been too bad, so we’ll see how it turns out.

Winner: AJ

Predictions: 3 for 4

Next was Rusev with Lana taking on Jack Swagger with Zeb Colter. The match starts with Lana slapping Zeb Colter as soon as he starts to speak. During the match, Swagger keeps on trying to put on the Patriot Lock. Rusev does get to wear down Swagger, including sending him flying over the top rope. Swagger hits some big moves like the Swagger Bomb and he counters a superkick inot the Patriot Lock. Rusev does manage to get to the rope and the action goes to the outside. Swagger again applies the Patriot Lock but Rusev manages to send Swagger into the ring post. Rusev just manages to slide back in before the ten count to get the victory by countout. Afterwards, Rusev applies the Accolade on an unconscious Swagger. I thought it was a good match and it was refreshing to see Rusev have to work hard to get the victory. I look forward ot seeing more matches between the two.

Winner: Rusev

Predictions: 4 for 5

We now get Seth Rollins coming out and officially(?) winning his match against Dean Ambrose via forfeit. Ambrose, who Triple H had banned from the building, runs in and attacks Rollins. After a lengthy brawl, security manage to get Ambrose out of the building. It seems like they building it up to a match at Summerslam and that should be a good contest.

Winner: Seth Rollins (I guess)

Predictions: 5 for 6

Now another match that I was looking forward to: Bray Wyatt taking on Chris Jericho. Jericho, during the match, tries to apply the Walls of Jericho but Harper and Rowan interfere and eventually get sent to the back by referee Mike Choida. We get some really good back and forth between the two before Jericho hit the Code Breaker out of nowhere to get the win. It was a good match although nothing really stood out and I was surprised that Jericho won

Winner: Chris Jericho

Predictions:  5 for 7

After we see Dean Ambrose attack Seth Rollins as he was leaving the building, we get the battle royal for the vacant Intercontinental Championship. The competitors are: Big E, Alberto Del Rio, Cesaro, R-Truth, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Zack Ryder, Titus O’Neil, Damien Sandow, Heath Slater, Diego, Sin Cara Version 2, Xavier Woods, The Great Khali, Kofi Kingston, Bo Dallas, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz and Sheamus. Khali is, thankfully, eliminated early on and there were some good bits: Cesaro knocking Kofi off the apron and landing on top of Big E's shoulders; Cesaro then superplexing Kofi off Big E's shoulders back into the ring; and Cesaro getting shockingly eliminated by Heath Slater. It looks like Ziggler and Sheamus are the final two and Ziggler eliminates Sheamus by dropkicking an attempted shoulder block from the apron. However, The Miz, who had spent that last half of the match in a heap by the announce table, slides in and eliminates Ziggler to become the new Intercontinental champion. I really enjoyed the battle royal and whilst I was gutted that Bo Dallas didn't win, I'm happy with Hollywood Miz winning and I loved Ziggler's reaction afterwards.

Winner: The Miz

Predictions: 5 for 8

The main event is a fatal 4-way match with Roman Reigns, Kane and Randy Orton challenging John Cena for the WWE World heavyweight Championship. In the beginning, you get to see Kane and Orton work together. That falls apart when Kane covers Reigns after a DDT and Orton doesn’t take that well. You get teases of Cena and Reigns fighting each other but either Kane or Orton put a stop to it. Cena does hit the AA on Kane but he rolls out of the ring. Cena then puts Orton in the STF but Reigns drags Orton out of the ring and throws him over the announce table. Cena and Reigns then have a mini-match, in which Reigns hits the Superman punch then a spear. Reigns, later on, spears Orton through the barricade then spears Kane inside the ring and Cena breaks up the pin. Orton RKOs Reigns but Cena hits the AA on Orton, sending him on top of Kane. Cena then pins Kane to get the win. 

I thought this was a decent main event. They really made Reigns strong, although I don’t really see him as a World Champion, and they told a good story throughout the match. 

Winner: John Cena 

Predictions: 6 for 9

I thought the Battleground was good, with some enjoyable matches. However, the two matches they had for the Pre-Show were not very good. Even though a lot of their audience are watching the event through the WWE Network, there are some people paying to watch it. To help with that, they need matches on the Pre-Show that are enjoyable and I feel that they failed on that count. I hope that the Cesaro/RVD match on the SummerSlam Kick-off Show will be better than these matches.

WWE Summerslam 2014 Preview

WWE's biggest event of the Summer, Summerslam is taking place this evening at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Will we see a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion after the event? Let's look at the card.

Rob Van Dam  will face Cesaro on the Kickoff show. This could be a good match to watch and I think that Cesaro will win here.
Predicted Winner: Cesaro

Rusev will face Jack Swagger in a flag match. Their match at Battleground was pretty good so I'm hoping for the same here. I can see Swagger winning but I'm going for Rusev here.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

The Miz will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler. I think this could be a really good match and I'm going for Miz to win here.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Brie Bella  will take on Stephanie McMahon in something that I'm quite interested in seeing. Stephanie is not a wrestler but I'm sure her husband Triple H would have made sure she was capable in the ring. Whilst I believe that Stephanie has been in the right during this feud, she is the heel and I think that Brie will win here.
Predicted Winner: Brie Bella

Bray Wyatt will once again face Chris Jericho with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper banned from ringside. I don't know about this as Jericho won last month and if Wyatt wins, it might feel like he doesn't need his buddies. I'm going for Wyatt to win here.
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt

Paige will once again challenge AJ Lee  for the Divas Championship. The matches between the two have been pretty good, although it would be nice if they can given a bit more time. I think that AJ Lee will win here.
Predicted Winner: AJ Lee

Dean Ambrose will get his hands on Seth Rollins in a Lumberjack Match. As Mr Money in the Bank, I feel that Rollins needs to look strong. However, WWE have not done good over the last few years so it's tough to say. I'm going for Ambrose to win here.
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose

Roman Reigns and Randy Orton is a match that I'm quite looking forward to seeing. Like the Ambrose/Rollins match, this is a tough one to call. Reigns has been on fire recently and I think he will win here.
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns

Brock Lesnar will challenge John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This should be a good match. Lesnar may be a part-time wrestler but he has to win here otherwise I feel that him ending the Undertaker's Streak would be a pointless exercise.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

I'll watch Summerslam over the week and the Battleground review will be up in the next few days. Until then, I hope you enjoy the show.

Lo-Down Wrestling Podcast: I Quit Match Royal Rumble 1999

Joe Drilling from the What a Maneuver podcast returns as we talk about the I Quit Match between The Rock and Manking at Royal Rumble 1999. We also talk about the Beyond the Mat documentary and how difficult it is to watch the match again after 15 years.

Listen to the podcast here

TNA Lockdown 2014

The first TNA Pay-Per-View of the year, Lockdown, took place on Sunday 9^th March at the BankUnited Center in Miami, Florida. With every match in a steel cage, what will the landscape of TNA be like after this event. Let's take a look.

The first match is the interpromotional tag team match with Bad Influence and Chris Sabin taking on the Wrestle-1 team of Sandana, Yasu and The Great Muta. I was quite looking forward to this as I love Bad Influence and this is the first time that I will get to see The Great Muta. During the match, Sabin and Bad Influence start to wear down Yasu. They get a near fall when they triple dropkick Yasu then Kazarian misses a top rope legdrop. Sanada gets tagged in and later on, Great Muta comes in and dragon screws all of his opponents. Great Muta then spews green mist into Kazarian, which I assume is legal, hits a shining wizard on Daniels followed by a moonsault by Sanada to get his team the victory. I thought this was an enjoyable match and a fun way to start the Pay-Per-View.

Winners: Sanada, Yasu and The Great Muta

Predictions: 1 for 1

Next is the match between Samuel Shaw and Mr Anderson in which the only way to win is to escape the cage. Shaw is not happy that the object of his affection, Christy Hemme, is not at ringside and demands that he will jump off the cage if she doesn't come out. Mr Anderson comes out and suggests that he will help out Shaw after he beats the crap out of him. After a couple of minutes, Christy Hemme comes out and cheers on Mr Anderson. Sahw gets a couple of chances to climb out of the cage but Anderson is able to stop that from happening. Shaw tries to leave through the cage door but Anderson pushes him into the door, knocking down the referee. Anderson then hits the Mic Check then another one, bouncing Shaw's head off the turnbuckle. Anderson then climbs the cage. Hemme is cheering him on next to the hole in the cage for the camera and Shaw grabs her arm and pulls into the cage. Anderson has to get back into the cage to rescue Hemme and hits a few right hands to Shaw. Anderson leads Hemme to safety but is caught by a standing kata gatame by Shaw. Shaw then leaves the cage and the referee had conveniently recovered enough to see Sahw leave and declare him the winner. The match, whilst nowhere near a technical masterpiece, did tell an interesting story. I think that this could be a good character for Shaw as long as it doesn't become tasteless.

Winner: Samuel Shaw

Predictions: 2 for 2

We now get Ethan Carter III coming out. He was scheduled to face Kurt Angle but he injured him on the previous Impact. Therefore, EC3 issues an open challenge, which is accepted by a returning Bobby Lashley. EC3 refuses because Lashley does not have a contract. Lashley responds by hitting a running powerslam followed by a spear, killing EC3. I liked this segment. Whilst I'm not that bothered by Lashley, I do love EC3 and what he is doing in TNA. I'm also interested to see whether they will do a feud between Carter and Lashley and how it would develop.

We now get a match between Manik and Tigre Uno. We get a lot of high risk, fast pace wrestling which the crowd appreciates. Tigre Uno goes flying into the side of the cage, giving Manik the chance to hit a vertical suplex followed by a back suplex. Manik then applies a surfboard and later on, a sit out powerbomb for 2. Tigre Uno gets back into it and after hitting a sabretooth splash, gets the win. This was a really fun match to watch and I can't wait to see what Tigre does in the company

Winner: Tigre Uno

Predictions: 3 for 3

Next is a last man standing match between James Storm and Gunner. They immediately start brawling up the aisle and around the ring. Storm slams the door onto Gunner's head and the match offically starts. Storm starts choking Gunner with the tag team ropes for a little while before Storm starts bouncing his head off the turnbuckle. Gunner does make a comeback briefly and hits Storm in the head with a bit of the steel steps, which gets a 7 count. Storm hits a code breaker then throws Gunner head first into a steel chair in the corner, which gets a count of 8. Storm then attacks Gunner with the chair, but Gunner keeps Storm down for a while with a airplane spin onto the chair followed by a rock bottom. Gunner jumps from the top rope but Storm throws the chair into his head, which gets a count of 8. Storm tries to powerbomb Gunner onto 2 chairs but he is unable to do so. They fight on top the ropes, slamming each other's head into the cage, before Gunner superplexes Storm onto the steel chairs. Both men are down and Gunner uses a chair to get up before the count of ten to get the win. I generally like last man standing matches, although I did find it weird it being in a cage. Despite that, it was an enjoyable match and you really saw in the story that they told, how much they don't like each other.

Winner: Gunner

Predictions: 3 for 4

We now get the Knockouts Championship match with Gail Kim challenging Madison Rayne. Kim tries to get out of the cage door early on but is stopped by Rayne. Kim does get the momentum after Rayne misses a crossbody. Kim does a running corner clothesline as part of her offence. However, she misses an avalanche splash and crashes into the cage. This gives Rayne the chance to make a comeback. Kim almost gets out of the cage door but is dragged back in by Rayne. They both climb the cage and Kim tries the Eat Defeat. However, Rayne pulls her off then does a spear off the top rope to get the win and Rayne retains her Knockouts Championship. This was a fun match and once again, reinforces how good women's wrestling can be. I wish WWE would do things like this in their Divas Division but I don't think they will.

Winner: Madison Rayne

Predictions: 4 for 5

The second Championship match is Samoa Joe challenging Magnus for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. The match is under “Joe's Rules”, which means you can only win by tap out, knock out or submission.  After a little back and forth, Joe starts bouncing Magnus off the cage numerous times, busting him open. Magnus gets back into it and busts Joe open by doing what Joe did to him. Magnus applies a figure four but Joe reverses the pressure. Magnus keeps on the pressure on Joe with moves such as a camel clutch and a sleeper. Samoa Joe gets back into it and hits a muscle buster followed a rear naked choke. It looks like Joe is going to win here but a hand suddenly comes out of the mat and drags Joe through the hole. Joe manages to get out of the hole and chokes Magnus in the corner. Abyss appears out of the hole and hits Joe with Janice then hits the Black Hole Slam. Magnus then applies Joe's choke hold to get the win. I was enjoying the match but I didn't think it needed to have Abyss enter through a hole in the mat, especially since we still have the Lethal Lockdown match to come.

Winner: Magnus

Predictions: 6 for 7

The main event is a Lethal Lockdown match to determine who has control of the company's wrestling operations. It's Team Dixie (Bobby Roode, The BroMans and Austin Aries) taking on Team MVP (MVP and The American Wolves).  Austin Aries and MVP start off the match and they have a good match before Robbie E enters the fray. Then the rest of the wrestlers came in the following order: Eddie Edwards, Jesse Godderz, Davie Richards and Bobby Roode. Even though it's a 4-on-3 match, we get another ten count, introducing another wrestler, which is Willow(?) Willow appears on top of the cage and splashes all of Team Dixie. The top of the cage comes down and Dixie Carter comes out and announces that the special guest referee, and her insurance policy, is Bully Ray. Team Dixie use the weapons available to decimate Team MVP. Willow sends Aries flying into the cage and later on, Aries hits a brainbuster on Edwards onto a chair. Aries misses a 450 splash and he gets hit with a twist of fate followed by a swanton bomb. Bobby Roode just breaks up the count. Roode sets up a table and is about to send MVP through it when Bully Ray stands in the way. Roode and Bully have an argument and Bully hits a rock bottom on Roode. MVP then kicks Roode in the head to get the win by pinfall. This means that MVP have control of the wrestling operations of TNA. Understandably, Dixie is apoplectic over what just happened. Bully then powerbombs Roode through the table.

I thought this match was pretty good. However, I hate Lethal Lockdown matches because I find it really stupid that you can't win the match until all the wrestlers enter the cage and it feels that it is a waste of time. It also felt a bit overbooked to me with so much going on.

Winners: Team MVP

Predictions: 7 for 8

I thought that Lockdown was a decent event. As I always do, I do enjoy the wrestling that they do in TNA. I sometimes don't really understand the reason behind their booking. I was surprised that the Lethal Lockdown match was the main event but it makes sense because the control of the company is more important than a World Heavyweight Championship match. With MVP now in control of the company, it will be interesting to see where they go from where. Hopefully, it will be for the better.

TNA Lockdown 2014 Preview

TNA Lockdown is taking place this evening at the BankUnited Center in Miami, Florida. This is TNA's first PPV of the year and all of the matches will be in a steel cage. Let's look at the card.

Mr Anderson will take on Samuel Shaw in what could be an interesting match. While Mr Anderson has been protecting Christy Hemme from the attentions of Shaw, I can see it coming back to haunt him. Therefore, I'm going for Shaw to win here.
Predicted Winner: Samuel Shaw

Gunner will take on his former tag team partner James Storm in a last man standing match. Whilst I'm not the biggest fan of either of them, I do like last man standing matches; and I'm interested in seeing how Storm acts as a heel. It's a tough one to call, but I'm going for Storm to win here.
Predicted Winner: James Storm

Tigre Uno will make his debut as he takes on  Manik. This should be a fun match to watch. I will be very surprised if Manik wins the match; so Tigre Uno to win here.
Predicted Winner: Tigre Uno

Madison Rayne will defend her TNA Knockouts Championship from the challenge of  Gail Kim. These are both good competitors, so this should be a good match. I'm going for Rayne to win here.
Predicted Winner: Madison Rayne

We have an interpromotional 6-man tag match with The Great Muta, Sanada and Nakanoue from Wrestle-1 taking on the TNA team of Bad Influence and Chris Sabin. I'm looking forward to seeing The Great Muta for the first time, and I'm a big fan of Bad Influence. I'm going for the Wrestle-1 team to win here.
Predicted Winners: The Great Muta, Sanada and Nakanoue

Team MVP (MVP, The Wolves and Jeff Hardy) will take on Team Dixie (Bobby Roode, The BroMans and Austin Aries) in a lethal lockdown match for control of TNA's wrestling operations. I don't generally like lethal lockdown matches as I think the concept is dumb. However, the wrestlers involved should make it a decent match. Team MVP has to win here, otherwise the whole angle would be pointless.
Predicted Winner: Team MVP

The main event will see Samoa Joe challenge Magnus for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. I am struggling to see Magnus as a World Champion. However, this should be a good match and I'm going for Magnus to win here.
Predicted Winner: Magnus

Due to the TV deal that TNA have in the UK, I won't have the review until next weekend. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.