WWE Extreme Rules 2013 Review

WWE Extreme Rules took place at the Scottrade Center in St Louis on Sunday May 19th. With 9 matches on the card, it looks like it could be a decent event. Let's take a look.

The Pre-show match is between Cody Rhodes and The Miz. Miz gets a couple of early pin attempts and Rhodes gets the advantage after dropping his neck onto the top rope. Both guys applies some basic submission moves before Miz goes for the figure four. Rhodes gets out of it and goes for the cross rhodes but Miz manages to apply the figure four and Rhodes taps out. It wasn't a bad match but I found it a bit weird that they used a lot of rest holds in a short match.
Winner: The Miz
Predictions: 1 for 1


The first match is between Chris Jericho and Fandango.  Jericho gets the early advantage and he keeps on forcing Fandango out of the ring. Fandango finally gets some momentum when Jericho charges at the turnbuckle and he kicks them down. Fandango then does a springboard legdrop and Jericho slows him down with a back suplex. Jericho does a running bulldog and goes for the Walls of Jericho but Fandango kicks him away. Fandango goes for the top rope legdrop but misses and Jericho does the lionsault for 2. Jericho manages to apply the Walls of Jericho but Fandango gets to the ropes. Fandango goes the top rope legdrop again but Jericho hits the codebreaker while Fandango is flying through the air to get the win. Whilst I loved the ending, I felt that it was a repeat of their Wrestlemania match where Jericho gets in the vast majority of the offence; and when Fandango does get in some moves, they seem to be quite basic.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Predictions: 2 for 2

The next match is for the United States Championship as Dean Ambrose challenges Kofi Kingston. Kofi goes for trouble in paradise but Ambrose holds onto the rope. Kofi gets a little bit of offense in before Ambrose gets the advantage with a thunderous clothesline. Ambrose applies the chickenwing but Kingston manages to get out of it. This gives him the chance to make a comeback and hits the SOS but Ambrose kicks out at 2. Kofi does hit the trouble in paradise when Ambrose is on the edge of the ring and he goes to the floor. Kofi, instead of letting the referee count Ambrose out, rolls him back into the ring and covers but Ambrose reaches the bottom rope. Kofi goes for the trouble in paradise again but he misses and hits the ropes and Ambrose hits a headlock driver to get the win and become the new United States Champion. It was a good match and whilst I'm happy that Ambrose won, I am slightly worried that it could lead to the Shield breaking up. Hopefully, that will not happen for a long time.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
Predictions: 3 for 3

Next is a strap match between Sheamus and Mark Henry. Sheamus puts Henry down and hits one turnbuckle but Henry gets up and clotheslines him. Henry then uses the strap to bind Sheamus and hits two turnbuckles before Sheamus gets out of it. Shemaus then manages to hit three turnbuckles by going round the outside of the ring but Henry clotheslines him down to the floor. Henry then picks up Sheamus onto his shoulder and carries them to each turnbuckle and Henry starts to touch them. However, Sheamus does it just after him and Henry notices it when it touches the third turnbuckle and looks to see that turnbuckles that he has done so far are both lit up. Henry then headbutts Sheamus to reset both their counts. Sheamus gets the win when he touches three turnbuckles and Henry blocks his way for the fourth. Henry picks him up but he gets off his shoulder and hits the brogue kick. Sheamus then hits the final turnbuckle. This wasn't a bad match and I hope they have a rematch soon.
Winner: Sheamus
Predictions: 3 for 4

Due to Dolph Ziggler's concussion, Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger faced each other in "I Quit" match to determine the No 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match goes to the outside and Swagger hits Del Rio with a belly to belly suplex. The action goes back inside and Swagger beats the crap out of Del Rio with a kendo stick. Del Rio does grab the sric but Swagger clotheslines him. Del Rio eventually makes a comeback, hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a superkick followed by hitting Swagger's back with a kendo stick ad a backstabber. Later on, Swagger hits 2 gutwrench powerbombs then Del Rio applies the cross armbreaker but it's reversed to the patriot lock. Ricardo Rodriguez is considering throwing in the towel but Del Rio tells him not to. Coulter does so instead and Swagger hits the match. Or so we thought. Referee Rod Zapata comes down and tells match referee Mike Chioda that it's the last decision. Then, Chioda gets all NFL when he looks at the replay on a monitor that came out of fucking nowhere and will probably never be seen again. He sees that Coulter threw in the towel and decides to restart the match. Swagger immediately focuses on the injured ankle. However, Del Rio applies the cross armbreaker and, despite Swagger's best efforts to get out of it, he says "I Quit" and Del Rio is your new number 1 contender. I wasn't really a fan of this match due to two things: The referee constantly asking the wrestlers if they want to quit; and the ending with the replay. That has set a dangerous precedent and it has ruined my suspension of disbelief that you need to have as a wrestling fan. This is a really dumb ending and hopefully, they won't do it again.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Predictions: 4 for 5

The Tag Team Championships are on the line in a tornado tag team match as Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins challenge Team Hell No. Hell No get the advantage early on before Reigns and Rollins start to wear down their opponents. Reigns tries to hit Byran with a top rope powerbomb but it's reversed. Bryan applies the LeBell Yes No Lock on Reigns while Kane is preventing Rollins from interfering. Rollins eventually elbows Bryan and Kane hits him with a chokeslam then Reigns hits Kane with a spear. Kane tries to hit Reigns with another chokeslam but Reigns hits him with a flying knee from the top rope then a spear from Reigns. Reigns covers Kane but the pin is stopped by Bryan. The end comes when Reigns puts Bryan onto his shoulders and Rollins jumps off the tope rope and knees him in the face to get the win and make them the new Tag Team Champions. Afterwards, US Champion Dean Ambrose comes down to celebrate. I really enjoyed this match and it turned out to be a good day for The Shield.
Winners: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins
Predictions: 5 for 6

Randy Orton took on Big Show in an Extreme Rules match. Show gets the early advantage before Orton starts hitting a kendo stick on him. Show grabs it and breaks it and does the same to another stick later on. Show continues to dominant until he misses a shoulder block and this gives Orton the chance to make a brief comeback. Show takes down Orton with a spinebuster then puts a ladder on top of 2 chairs. Show puts Orton on top of the ladder and tries to splash but he misses and crashes through the ladder. Orton makes a comeback and hits a top rope DDT then the RKO for a 2 count. Orton uses a chair on Show's back then gets hit with a spear. Orton does another RKO, this time driving Show's head onto a chair then almost punts his head off to get the pinfall. I thought that was a good match which was quite brutal for the PG era.
Winner: Randy Orton
Predictions: 6 for 7

The penultimate match is for the WWE Championship as Ryback challenges John Cena in a last man standing match. Cena hits a running facebuster but Ryback hits a clothesline almost immediately then a powerslam for a count of 6. He then hits a gorilla press slam followed by a powerbomb for a count of 8. Cena brings in a table, which turned out to be a bad idea as a few minutes later, Ryback sends him flying through it with a fallaway slam. Cena keeps trying to make a comeback but Ryback manages to stop it with a move such as a spear. Cena hits a powerbomb for a count of 8 and later on, Ryback hits a meat hook clothesline for a count of 8. Cena then applies the STF in order to make Ryback pass out. However, Ryback gets up at the count of 9. Cena brings in another table and sends Ryback through it with an AA for a count of 9. Ryback gets another count of 9 with a shell shock then tries to injure Cena's ankle with a steel chair. However, Cena counters and sends Ryback through the barricade with a spear. The match goes into the crowd and Ryback hits Cena with a ice hockey board but when Cena gets up after a 9 count, he apllies a sleeper for a count of 9. Cena then elbow drops Ryback through a table for a 9 count. The action goes to the titantron area as Cena attacks him with a fire extinguisher. Ryback recovers, picks up Cena and they both go crashing through the lights under the titantron. Both men are down and the match is declared a draw. The match was good until the ending. I don't really mind the match ending in a draw but this is for the WWE Championship and you don't even see the referee make the count. You see them go through, the referee start to run to the back, a replay of what happened then other referees and paramedics tending to the wrestlers. I normally enjoy last man standing matches but the last one they had ended with Del Rio taping up Show's feet to help him win. If the WWE continue in that vein, I may start to hate them instead.
Winner: Draw so no contest
Predictions: 6 for 8

The main event is a steel cage match between Brock Lesnar and Triple H. Triple H wanted the match to start quickly as he attacks Lesnar from behind during his entrance, punches Paul Heyman and throws Lesnar into the cage. Triple H continues to be dominant, throwing Lesnar into the cage a few times then hitting a AA spinebuster. He goes for the pedigree but Lesnar stops it and flips him onto the cage. Lesnar starts to throw Triple H round like a rag doll and hits a throwaway German suplex. Lesnar hurts his knee when he tries to knee Triple H and he misses driving into the cage. Lesnar aggravates it when he hits a running powerslam. Triple H takes adavantage and focuses on the knee and he goes for the pedigree. However, Lesnar reverses it by going for the kimura and Triple H punches the knee to get out of it. Lesnar tries to leave the cage through the door and is stopped by a chop block and Triple H tries to go through the door. However, Heyman pushes referee Charles Robinson out of the way and slams the door onto Triple H's head. Lesnar then hits the F-5 for a  2 count. Heyman gives Lesnar a chair and attacks Triple H with it. Later on, Triple H uses the chair on Lesnar, especially on the injured knee. Lesnar manages to apply the kimura but Triple H slams Lesnar into the turnbuckle and applies the figure four. Lesnar then reserves the pressure and Triple H has to release it. Lesnar attempts to climb the cage but Triple H stops that with a steel chair to the injured knee. Lesnar falls down to the ring and Triple H grabs a sledgehammer that was hidden in the top of the ring but Lesnar stops him from using it. Triple H then applies the sharpshooter and Heyman goes into the ring to attack him but he gets hit with a pedigree instead. Triple H then hits the pedigree to Lesnar for a 2 count. Lesnar hits Triple H with a sledgehammer and hits the F-5 to get the win. I enjoyed this match and I wonder who Lesnar will feud with next.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Predictions: 7 for 9

I enjoyed most of Extreme Rules. The matches were entertaining and good. It's a shame that the matches involving the World Championships were ruined by extremely stupid endings. Hopefully, they won't do anything like that at the next PPV.

WWE Wrestlemania XXIX Review (finally!)

The Granddaddy of Them All, Wrestlemania XXIX took place on Sunday April 6th  at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The last two Wrestlemanias have been ok so how will this one fare? Let's take a look.

The Pre-Show match featured Wade Barrett defending the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz. In a relatively short match, it goes back and forth as Wade tries for the Wasteland then Miz tries for the Skull Crushing Finale. Wade hits the Boss Man Slam for a 2 count then he goes for the Bullhammer. However, Miz ducks and puts Wade down and applies the Figure 4. Wade goes for the ropes then hits the Wasteland for a 2 count. Miz, while on the floor, kicks Wade in the knee to take him down and applies the Figure 4 again. This time, Wade taps out and Miz becomes Intercontinental Champion...for about 24 hours when Wade gets it back (spoiler alert!) It wasn't a bad match to begin the event.
Winner: The Miz
Predictions: 0 for 1

Before we get into the actual Wrestlemania show, the match between Tons of Funk with the Funkadactyls and Rhodes Scholars with The Bella Twins was pulled from the card without any warning or announcement. Later, it was announced that it was for time constraints, which I found weird as they had the first 4 matches and a mini concert within a hour and an half. Anyway, they did have their match the next night on RAW. I didn't see it but I do know that Tons of Funk with the Funkadactyls won in a brief match. Great, I'm now 0 for 2 in my predictions so it's not going well.

Sheamus, Randy Orton and The Big Show vs The Shield

Ryback vs Mark Henry

The Tag Team Championships are on the line as Team Hell No are challenged by Big E Langston and Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler and Bryan start the show and Ziggler almost loses the match straight away when he kisses AJ Lee and Bryan kicks him in the head, in a repeat of what happened to Bryan last year. Bryan is all over Ziggler but he manages to tag in Langston. Kane is tagged in and tries to chokeslam him but Langston powers out of it and takes down Kane. Ziggler and Langston wear down Kane although he does get some offence in during this time. Ziggler hits the Fameasser and covers Kane but Bryan breaks it up. Ziggler then hits the ZigZag for a 2 count. AJ distracts the referee so that Ziggler can use the Money in the Bank briefcase on Kane. However, Kane dodges it and hits the big boot then a chokeslam. Kane then tags in Bryan who hits a flying headbutt to get the win. I enjoyed the match although I thought it was a bit short.. Both teams were good and I was impressed with Langston, who had his first WWE match here. As for Ziggler, he got over his loss pretty quickly as he finally cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Alberto Del Rio and become the new World Heavyweight Champion ( :) :) ad infintum)
Winners: Team Hell No
Predictions: 1 for 5

It looks like Lilian Garcia showed Justin Roberts how to get his name right as Fandango finally makes his debut, in an awesome entrance, against Chris Jericho. Jericho is dominant to start with before he hits Fandango with the codebreaker but he rolls out of the ring. Jericho tries to kick Fandango but Jericho counters it by kicking him in the head. This gives the opportunity for Fandango to get in some offence for something like 30 seconds before Jericho makes his comeback. Fandango throws Jericho into the ringpostt then hits a top rope legdrop to get a 2 count. Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho but Fandango powers out of it then clothesline him. Fandango then tries the top rope legdrop but Jericho pulls him off the top turnbuckle. Jericho goes for the Lionsault but completes misses it so he goes for the Walls of Jericho. However, Fandango manages to counter it into a small package to get the win. The match wasn't as good as I thought it could be as Fandango doesn't get much offence in and when he did, it was quite basic. It doesn't help that the ending was botched when Jericho misses the Lionsault. However, at least they improvised quickly.
Winner: Fandango
Predictions: 2 for 6

After a concert with P Diddy,  we get the World Heavyweight Championship as Alberto Del Rio is challenged by Jack Swagger.  After a few minutes, Swagger gets the advantage thanks to a distraction by Zeb Coulter. Swagger hits a short clothesline for a 2 count. Del Rio manages a pinning combination for 2 but Swagger kicks out then hits a big boot. Eventually Del Rio makes a comeback after booting Swagger who was charging into him. Del Rio goes for the cross armbreaker but it was countered into a suplex then Swagger applies the patriot lock. Swagger later hits a gutwrench powerbomb for a 2 count. Swagger once again applies the patriot lock but when Swagger attempts to go to the mat and apply further pressure to the ankle, Del Rio reverses it into the armbreaker. Swagger gets out of it and applies thepatriot lock again. Del Rio hits an enziguri and pins Swagger but Coulter puts his foot on the ropes. The end comes Del Rio finally applies the cross armbreaker to get the win. This was quite fun match and I would say that I'd love to see Del Rio continue as Champion but he loses it to Ziggler the next night so...yeah.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Predictions: 3 for 7

Now a match that has the potential to be the match not only of the night, but of the year as The Undertaker goes for 21-0 in his streak against CM Punk, who had the band Living Color play during his entrance. As for the Undertaker's entrance, it was awesome as he rises and the are hands from the grave reaching up towards him. During this time, Punk is mocking Undertaker by messing around with the urn that he stole early on in the feud. Punk gets some offence in early but Undertaker stops that and throws Punk round like a rag doll outside the ring. The action goes back into the ring and tries the old school rope walk but Punk grabs the arm and throws him off. This gives Punk the chance to the old school move himself which was brilliant. Punk continues the assault on Undertaker with a swinging neckbreaker. Undertaker makes a brief comeback with a snap suplex. Punk tries the old school again but Undertaker pulls Punk down onto the top rope and he falls to the outside. Undertaker tries the suicide dive but Paul Heyman gets in the way and this gives Punk the chance to go back on the offensive with a high running knee then the Macho Man elbow drop for 2. Punk tries the GTS but Undertaker gets out of it and hits a chokeslam for 2. Undertaker hits the snake eyes then goes for the big boot but Punk hits a high heel kick instead for 2. The action goes back to the outside and Undertaker tries to put Punk through the Spanish announce table with the last ride but Punk gets out of it and kicks him onto the table. Punk then does the Macho Man elbow drop which doesn't break the table. Punk rolls back in and Undertaker gets in just before the 10 count by referee Mike Chioda. Under taker then goes the Hell's gate but Punk counters into a pin for 2. Punk then applies the anaconda vice but Undertaker powers out of it and goes for the chokeslam. Punk gets out of it and hits the GTS. However, Undertaker bounces off the ropes and hits the tombstone piledriver for a 2 count. Undertaker goes for the chokeslam and Punk manages to get out of it, accidentally knocking the referee in the process. Undertaker goes for the last ride but Heyman throws the urn to Punk who hits him on the back of the head. Punk then does the Undertaker pin for 2. The end comes after Punk and Undertaker keep on countering their finishing move into their own. Undertaker eventually prevails and hits the Tombstone for the win. Undertaker then reclaims the urn and gives his tribute to the late Paul Bearer as the titantron displays that he is now 21-0. This was a really good match and all of them played their role brilliantly. I loved Paul Heyman's contribution as well as he was mocking the Undertaker and giving encouragement to Punk. Definitely the match of the night.
Winner: Undertaker
Predictions: 4 for 8

The penultimate match is between Triple H and Brock Lesnar in a no holds barred match and if Triple H loses, he must retire. They start punching each other and the action goes to the outside very early on and this gives Triple H the chance to get the advantage. Brock tries to use a chair and Triple H stops him but whe he tires to grab it, Paul Heyman takes it instead. Brock manages to get the advantage after hitting a overhead belly to belly suplex on the outside. Brock then sends Triple H through the Spanish announce table with a suplex. The action goes back inside and Lesnar continues his dominance with various suplexes, while Heyman is mocking Triple H. Triple H tries to punch his way into a comeback but |Lesnar slightshots him ito the turnbuckle, sending him to the outside. The action goes back inside and Lesnar hits a German suplex pin for 2. After Lesnar elbows Shawn Michaels off the apron,, Triple H hits an AA spinebuster then goes for the pedigree. Lesnar reverses into an attmept at a F-5 and Shawn tries to stop it but Lesnar hits him with the F-5 instead. Triple H hits the pedigree but only gets a 2 count. Triple H gets the sledgehammer but Lesnar grabs him and hits the F-5 for a 2 count. Lesnar starts to hit Triple H with the steel steps and then starts to mock him. Triple H slaps Lesnar and maes a brief comeback but Lesnar tries to apply the kimura and Triple H gets out of it by lifting him and slamming him to the mat. Triple H sends Lesnar into the ring post then hits a low blow. He then starts attacking Lesnar's arm with a steel chair then applies the kimura lock. Heyman tries to break the hold with a steel chair but Michaels stops him with the sweet chin music. Lesnar eventually gets out of the kimura lock by slamming Triple H onto the steel steps. Triple H applies the kimura 2 more times and Lesnar gets out of it both times. Triple H hits Lesnar in the head with the sledgehammer and then hits the pedigree onto the steel steps to get the win. I really enjoyed the match and with Lesnar doing another year, it will be interesting to see what WWE do with him.
Winner: Triple H
Predictions: 5 for 9

After we see the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2013, we get Once Twice in a Lifetime as John Cena challenges The Rock for the WWE Championship. The match starts quite slowly as they feel each other out. It goes back and forth for a while before Rock applies a sleeper and Cena manages to suplex his way out of it. Cena tries to apply the STF but Rock stops that from happening. Rock then applies the sharpshooter and Cena manages to roll through and get out of it. Cena goes for the five knuckle shuffle but Rock moves out of the way and hits a DDT. Cena then applies a crossface (not a STF, Michael Cole) but Rock rolls it into a pin attempt for 2. The match goes back and forth and Rock goes the people's elbow but Cena stops that from happening and applies the STF. Rock breaks the grip and hits the rock bottom for 2. Cena then hits the AA for 2. Cena then goes for a top rope legdrop but misses. Rock hits the spinebuster then the people's elbow for a 2 count. They start trading punches before Cena goes for the AA. Rock gets out of it and hits another rock bottom for 2. Rock goes for another people's elbow but Cena jumps up and hits the AA for 2. They start trading punches again and Cena hits the rock bottom for 2. Cena then goes for the people's elbow like last year, which didn't end for him so fuck knows why he is doing it again; Rock jumps up but Cena holds onto the ropes to stop Rock hitting him with a move and he goes forthe AA. However, Rock gets off Cena's shoulders and hits the rock bottom for 2. Both guys try for their finishing moves but Rock hits a DDT then stalks Cena looking to do the rock bottom. Cena gets up from the mat and Rock goes for the rock bottom but Cena reverses it into the AA for the win and Cena is the new WWE Champion. Afterwards, Rock and Cena shake hands and hug. I enjoyed the match and I thought it was better than their match at Wrestlemania XXVIIII. Both guys preformed well, especially The Rock who suffered a serious abdominal injury during the match.
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 6 for 10

I actually enjoyed this years event. It is better than the last two years as it didn't have anything that really pissed off. The Fandango/Jericho was a disappointment otherwise I thought the other matches were good. Here's hoping that the WWE continue in that direction.

TNA Slammiversary XI Preview

Slammiversary is taking place this evening at the Agganis Arena in Boston. Last year's event was possibly the best one that TNA had done for the last few years. So. how will this one fare? Let's look at the card.

Jay Bradley will take on Sam Shaw for the right to have the last spot in the 2013 Bound for Glory Series. I honestly don't know who these people are, so I'm taking a pot shot and going for Sam Shaw to win.
Prediction: Sam Shaw

The X-Divsion Championship will be a Ultimate X match with Kenny King defending the title against Suicide and Chris Sabin. I'm liking King as Champion so far and the X-Division have been pretty good over the last few months. I think that Kenny King will retain here.
Prediction: Kenny King

AJ Styles will take on Kurt Angle in a match that has the potential to be the match of the night. It's interesting which way TNA will take this. I think that they're going the route with Sting in 1997. I'm going for AJ to win here and further the mystery as to what his true intentions are.
Prediction: AJ Styles

Devon will be defending the Television Championship against Joseph Park (brother of Chris? You know, Abyss?) This could be an interesting contest and I can see Abyss making a cameo appearance and helping his brother to win the title. Therefore, Joseph Park to win here.
Prediction: Joseph Park

Former Knockouts referee Taryn Tarrell will face Gail Kim in a Last Knockout Standing match. This is the first time that I will see women compete in a last man standing match and I generally love those kinds of matches. It's a tough one tp call as I can see both of them winning but I'm going for Gail to be victorious here.
Prediction: Gail Kim

The team of Magnus, Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy are facing 3 members of Aces and Eights: DOC, Wes Brisco and Garrett "Future of the Business" Bischoff. This could be a good match, even though it has Garrett in it. I think that Aces and Eights will be victorious here.
Prediction: Aces and Eights

The Tag Team Championship will be defended in a 4-way elimination match between Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez, Bad Influence, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, and the new team of James Storm and Gunner. I'm really looking forward to this match as it involves four of my favourite people in TNA at the minute. This is a tough one to call as I really want either Bad Influence or Aries and Roode to win. I don't think that will happen though so I'm going for Storm and Gunner to be the new Tag Team Champions.
Prediction: James Storm and Gunner

The main event is Bully Ray defending the TNA World Championship against Sting. If Sting loses, he cannot challenge for the Championship ever again. Bully has been quite decent as Champion so far and I think that he will win. However, I think my shenangians sense will be tingling wildly during this match.
Prediction: Bully Ray

Due to the TV deal that TNA have with the UK, it won't get shown until Wednesday night. The review should be within the next fortnight. However, due to the fact that I published my Wrestlemania review two months after it happened, I wouldn't hold my breath.

WWE Extreme Rules 2013 Preview

Extreme Rules takes place this evening at the Scotrrade Center in St Louis. After an entertaining Wrestlemania (which I'll publish the review for next week), how will Extreme Rules go? Let's look at the card.

The Pre-Show match will be between The Miz and Cody Rhodes. This could be a good match and it's a tough one to call. I'm going for The Miz to win here.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Randy Orton will face The Big Show in an Extreme Rules match. I can see this being quite brutal yet probably not very entertaining. I'm going for Randy Orton to win here.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton

Chris Jericho will take on Fandango in a match that I would normally look forward to if it wasn't for that stupid fucking dance off they had last Monday. Anyway, Fandango won their last match so I think that Jericho will win here and possibly continue the feud.
Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho

Sheamus will face Mark Henry in a strap match, in which the rules are that you have to touch each turnbuckle in succession to win the match. This has the ability to be an entertaining match and it's a tough one to call. I'm going to take a slight punt and go for Mark Henry to win.
Predicted Winner: Mark Henry

The Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Tornado Tag Match as Team Hell No are challenged by Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns from The Shield. I strongly feel that Hell No title reign is going to end here. The Shield have been looking very strong, only losing their matches by disqualification. I'll think you will be looking at new Tag Team Champions after this match. If you don't, I will be very surprised.
Predicted Winners: The Shield

"So, what's happened to Dean Ambrose?" I hear you say. Well, he is challenging Kofi Kingston for the United States Championship. I was a bit pissed off when Kofi won the Championship from Antonio Cesaro. However, the general feeling is he is a transitional Champion and Ambrose will get the win here. While I think that it's great for Ambrose, I'm worried that this might lead to the break up of The Shield, which would be crazy as they have so much momentum right now. Anyway, Dean Ambrose for the win here.
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose

Brock Lesnar will take on Triple H in a steel cage match. I feel that Lesnar has to win this match here. I know that I said that when he faced Cena last year but it would look worse if he loses to a part-time wrestler such as Triple H. Therefore, Lesnar to win here.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

Due to Jack Swagger practically kicking Dolph Ziggler's head on Smackdown a couple of weeks ago giving Ziggler a concussion, the World Heavyweight Championship will not be defended tonight. Therefore, it will be an "I Quit" match between Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rio for the right to be the Number 1 contender. This could be a good match and with Zeb Coulter and Ricardo "Virgil" Rodriguez in the mix, my shenanigans sense is tingling. I'm going for Del Rio to win here and lose to Dolph when he recovers from his concussion.
Predicted Winner: Dolph Ziggler

The main event is for the WWE Championship as Ryback challenges John Cena. This should be an interesting match. With Cena's injury and him being stupid enough to continue to wrestle on it, there is the possibility of him losing under questionable circumstances. I feel that it is more likely that it's a situation where you have Cena overcoming the odds for the billionth time, which will probably in Ryback having a failed push. Even though I'm interested in seeing Ryback as WWE Champion, I can't see it happening. Therefore, Cena to win here.
Predicted Winner: John Cena

I'm yet to publish my Wrestlemania review. When I do, I'll write up the review for this as well and it should all be done within the next fortnight. Until then, hope you enjoy the show.

TNA Lockdown 2013 Review

TNA Lockdown took place on Sunday 10th March at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Genesis wasn't a bad event, so how Lockdown do? Let's take a look.

The first match was between Zema Ion, Christian York and Kenny King in a triple threat match for the X-Division Championship. The match begins with King hitting York with a cheap shot then Ion doing the same to King. As seems to be the norm with X-Division  matches, there was a lot of high-flying offense. Highlights include Ion doing a corkscrew splash to his opponents on the outside; York doing a top rope legdrop to King who was hanging off the middle rope; Ion doing a Tornado DDT on York; King doing a springboard legdrop to Ion on the ramp; and a move where York powerbombing King, who did a fallaway slam to Ion at the same time. The end comes when King reverses an attempt at a DDT by York into the Royal Flush to get the win and retain the Championship. I really enjoyed this match as there was a few times when they all did moves to each other at the same time. This match is undoubtedly the best X-Division match that I seen since Austin Aries left the division and I hope they can continue in that vein.
Winner: Kenny King

The next match is between Joseph Park (brother of Chris? You know, Abyss?) and Joey Ryan. Ryan goes on the mic to slag off Park before the bell rings. Park responds by saying how great San Antonio is and Ryan hits him with a cheap shot to start the match. Ryan uses his experience to get the advantage he attempts to crossbody Parks. Unfortunately, he just bounces off him. Ryan asserts his dominance for most of the match before Parks makes a comeback when he gives Ryan a wedgie. The end comes when Ryan attempts a sunset flip. Unfortunately, it backfires wildly when Parks is too heavy to flip over and Parks just sits on him, similar to a Banzai Drop, to get the win. If you were looking forward to a technical classic, don't watch this match. It was an enjoyable. fun match with a funny ending. If you want to have a little chuckle, watch this match.
Winner: Joseph Park

The Knockouts Championship is on the line as Velvet Sky is challenged by Gail Kim. The match starts with a few pin attempts by both ladies. Sky attempts a In Yo' Face on the outside but Kim pushes her into the ring post to get the advantage in the match. Kim during the match is arguing with the referee Taryn Terrell, due to their recent disagreements. Sky has a brief comeback and she grabs Kim's leg. Kim grabs Terrell to keep her balance and hit the Eat Defeat to get a 2 count. Kim doesn't take that well and starts arguing with Terrell and pushing her and then she slaps her. Kim dares Terrell to disqualify her but instead Terrell completely loses her shit and fucks Kim up. Sky takes advantage and hits the In Yo' Face to get the win. It was an ok match with dramatic consequences for Terrell. She gets attacked by Kim later on in the night; and Knockouts Executive Brooke Hogan fires her as a referee and reinstates her as an active wrestler, continuing the feud with Kim. This could be an interesting storyline but I feel that it needs to have the Knockouts Championship in the storyline as well.
Winner: Velvet Sky

Next is the match between Robbie T and Robbie E (oh, God!)  Robbie E attempts to hug it out and Robbie T doesn't take well and throws him off. Robbie E tries to do some wrestling moves but Robbie T very easily deals with them and hits Robbie E with big power moves. Robbie E takes advantage of Robbie T's missed moves to use his speed against him. However, it doesn't last long as Robbie T gets the win after hitting a fireman's carry into a spinebuster. The match wasn't anything special as it just seemed to show how strong Robbie T is.
Winner: Robbie T

The Tag Team Championships are on the line as Bobby Roode and Austin Aries defend their titles against Bad Influence and Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez. Chavo and Hernandez are dominant to start with. Chavo tries to do the Three Amigos on each of his opponents before Roode stops it and Bad Influence wear down Chavo. Roode tags himself and continues the assault on Chavo. Chavo and Roode hit each other with a clothesline. Aries get tagged in and throws Chavo out of the ring. Aries and Roode and Bad Influence get into it, and this gives Chavo the chance to tag in Hernandez. The match goes back and forth and the end comes when Chavo hits a frogsplash on Daniels. However, Roode tags himself in when Chavo jumps off the turnbuckle. The referee tells Chavo that he is not the legal man; Aries throws him out of the ring and Roode pins Daniels to win the match. I really enjoyed this match and it gives hope for the tag team division.
Winners: Bobby Roode and Austin Aries

After we get a pep talk from Aces and Eights Vice-President D'Lo Brown, we get Wes Brisco facing Kurt Angle in a steel cage match (the rest of the matches will be in a steel cage). Brisco is the first to try to leave the cage but Angle stops with a back suplex. Brisco starts to get the momentum after Angle misses a shoulder charge and hits the ring post. Brisco wears Angle down with a head lock but Angle gets out of it and hits a missile dropkick, giving him the opportunity to recover. Angle gets back some momentum with some clotheslines, a belly to belly suplex then 5 continuous German suplexes. Angle hits an Angle slam but Brisco hits a low blow and tries to leave the cage. Angle stops him with the ankle lock but Brisco powers out of it. The end comes when Brisco accidentally clotheslines the referee Brian Hebner; Angle applies the ankle lock and Brisco taps out but there's no referee. Angle hits the Angle slam and leaves the cage. However, D-Lo Brown runs in and attacks Angle. He throws Angle back in the cage and drags Brisco out. The referee recovers, sees Brisco outside the cage and gives him the victory. It was a decent match and I quite liked the ending, although it was a bit weird because there are normally two referees (one inside and one at the cage door) and there wasn't in this case.
Winner: Wes Brisco

The penultimate match is a Lethal Lockdown match with Aces and Eights (Devon, Mike Knox, DOC, Mr Anderson and Garrett "Future of the Business" Bischoff) taking on Team TNA (Sting, Magnus, Samoa Joe, James Storm and Eric Young (?!)) The match starts with Mr Anderson and Magnus. The match goes back and forth then Mike Knox is the next to enter. Samoa Joe enters next and starts beating on Knox and Anderson. Joe and Magnus keep the momentum going until Garrett "Future of the Business" Bischoff arrives. The rest of the competitors arrive in the following order: Eric Young, Devon, James Storm, DOC and finally, Sting. Sting brings some weapons with him and Team TNA use them to destroy Aces and Eights. After a while, Aces and Eights start to make a comeback. The match goes back and forth but Team TNA get the victory after Knox gets hit with a scorpion death drop from Sting followed by a elbow drop from the top of the cage by Young. The match was pretty good but I don't really like Lethal Lockdown matches as I find the concept of it quite dumb.
Winners: Team TNA

The main event is for the TNA World Championship as Bully Ray challenges Jeff Hardy. Hardy is the first one to climb out of the cage. However, he is stopped by Ray slamming Hardy's right leg into the cage. This gives Bully the chance to get the advantage. Hardy starts to make a small comeback and Bully tries for the Bully Bomb but it's countered into the Twist of Fate. As Hardy goes for the Swanton, Wes Brisco and Garrett "Future of the Business" Bischoff climb into the cage and interfere in the match. Hardy and Bully join forces against them and throw them out of the cage door. They get back into fighting each other and Bully gets a 2 count with a top rope splash. Bully then hits a sit-down powerbomb from the top rope. Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan come down to the ring to watch the match and encourage Bully (great neutrality by Hogan there). The rest of Aces and Eights arrive and climb the cage. Bully hands Hardy a chain and confronts Devon. Devon pulls out a hammer and after a staredown, hands it to Bully. Bully uses the hammer to hit Hardy in the back of the head and pins him to get the win and become the new TNA World Champion, shocking Hogan and Brooke. Bully then reveals that he is the President of Aces and Eights and the show ends with the crowd throwing bottles and glasses into the ring and Aces and Eights standing tall. It was a good match and I loved the reveal of Bully being the leader. A lot of people were expecting someone like Eric Bischoff or Jeff Jarrett being the leader and that would have pissed them off. I like the whole story of Bully deceiving Hogan and manipulating him and TNA into becoming World Champion. Plus, I like Bully a lot better as a heel anyway and he throughly deserves to be World Champion.
Winner: Bully Ray

Even though it took me over two months to get my finger out and watch the show, I enjoyed it. The first few matches (except for the X-Division match) weren't anything special and I don't really like Lethal Lockdown matches. Despite that, there were some good matches in there and as we head towards Slammiversary in Boston, I'm looking forward to see where TNA go from there.

WWE Wrestlemania 29 Preview

The 29th Wrestlemania will be taking place this evening at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. I found the last two Wrestlemanias to be slightly disappointing. However, with the way WWE have been with their PPVs so far this year, I am cautiously optimistic. Let's look at the card.

The Pre-Show match will be for The Intercontinental Championship as The Miz challenges Wade Barrett. This should be a good match if they get enough time and don't turn it into a clusterfuck. I would like Miz to win it but I think they will stay with Barrett for now.

Predicted Winner: Wade Barrett

We will see a inter-gender tag match as the team of Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls take on Team Rhodes Scholars and the Bella Twins. This has the ability to be a decent match and I can see Tons of Funk winning. However, I really don't want that to happen so I'm going to for Rhodes Scholars/Bella Twins to win.

Predicted Winners: Rhodes Scholars and the Bella Twins

The Tag Team Championships will be defended as Team Hell No are challenged by the team of Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston. I'm quite looking forward to this match as I quite excited to see Langston's WWE debut. I have a feeling that Team Rhodes Scholars will be the next Tag Team Champions so I think that Team Hell No will win.

Predicted Winners: Team Hell No

Ryback takes on Mark Henry in a modern version of a pissing contest. This could be a very interesting contest. It would be nice if Henry wins the match but Ryback seems to be Super Cena protection at the minute so I think he'll win.

Predicted Winner: Ryback

Chris Jericho  will take on Fandango  in what could be a good match. As long as Justin Roberts remembers to pronounce his name correctly, I think we will see Fandango be victorious in his Wrestlemania debut.

Predicted Winner: Fandango

The Shield will take on the WWE version of the Avengers: Randy Orton, Sheamus and The Big Show. While I have enjoying the Shield's success since they debuted, I can't see them winning. So, I'm going for Sheamus, Orton and Show to win.

Predicted Winners: Sheamus, Randy Orton and The Big Show

Brock Lesnar will face Triple H in a No Holds Barred match with the added stipulation that if Triple H loses, he must retire. This will be an extremely brutal contest but Triple H has to win this. He has to.

Predicted Winner: Triple H

The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Alberto Del Rio is challenged by Jack Swagger. I have been impressed with Swagger and Zeb Colter over the last few weeks but I can't see him being Champion although I think it could be done very well. I expect Del Rio to win but don't be surprised if you hear "I'm Here to Show the World" after the match.

Predicted Winner: Alberto Del Rio

CM Punk will be the 18th person to end The Streak with The Undertaker goes for 21-0. Even though I didn't like the match was set up, I think this has the possibility to be the match of the night and a contender of match of the year. CM Punk has come on so much since Money in the Bank 2011 and it would be great to see him end the streak. However, even though there will be times where you think Punk is going to win, he won't. Therefore, I'm going for The Undertaker to extend his streak.

Predicted Winner: The Undertaker

The main event will be Once Twice in a Lifetime as  John Cena challenges The Rock for the WWE Championship. This should be a good match as The Rock has improved over the last few months. I would love to see The Rock. However, it looks like that the WWE want to make 2013 The Year of Cena (yay) so I'm picking Cena to win.

Predicted Winner: John Cena

Due to work, I won't get to see the event for at least a week. I hope to publish an article on The Hall of Fame during the week along with my Lockdown review. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy the show.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2013 Review (2 down, 1 to go)

WWE Elimination Chamber took place on Sunday 17th February in New Orleans. Will the last PPV before Wrestlemania set the direction that it will be going? Let's take a (very belated) look.

The Pre-Show match is between Team Rhodes Scholars and Brodus Clay and Tensai. Rhodes Scholars work together to take down Tensai. However, a couple of minutes later Tensai manages to tag in Brodus. After a double headbutt then a double splash on Sandow, Brodus and Tensai win the match. The match was no more then four minutes long and it seemed fine.
Winners: Brodus Clay and Tensai
Predictions: 1for 1

The event starts with the World Heavyweight Championship match with Big Show challenging Alberto Del Rio. Show at the start of the match is very aggressive before Del Rio focuses his attack on Show's left knee. Other highlights of the match include Show hitting a Vader Bomb; Del Rio applying the Cross Armbreaker; 
and Show hitting a chokeslam for a 2 count. The end comes when Del Rio attempted to kick a bucket that Show had grabbed from Rodriguez into the side of his head with a running enziguiri. However, Del Rio slipped on the ropes and missed. So, they tried it again and it worked. Del Rio then applied the Cross Armbreaker and Show taps out. Except for the botched ending, it was an enjoyable match and I'm ok with Del Rio heading into Wrestlemania as Champion.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Predictions: 2 for 2

The next match is The Miz challenging Antonio Cesaro for the United States Championship. Cesaro focuses on the taped up shoulder of the Miz during the match and he gets to apply a submission on the arm. Miz fights out of it and hits a back body drop. Miz focuses his attack on Cesaro's knee and tries to apply the Figure Four when Cesaro kicks him in the leg. This results in Miz kneeing Cesaro in the groin and Cesaro acts like he's been shot and points to his groin. The referee then disqualifies The Miz. Wait, what? That's your ending? Really? Anyway, Miz decides to purposely kicks Cesaro in the groin. I'm a big fan of both Miz and Cesaro so I was looking forward to this match. I thought it was ok although I didn't like the ending and I've seen better matches between the two
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
Predictions: 3 for 3

The next match is the only Elimination Chamber match which is between Jack Swagger, Kane, Mark Henry, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho. Bryan and Jericho start the match and they exchange submission holds. Jack Swagger is the first one out of the pods and goes after Jericho. Kane is the next man to come out and he and Bryan work together. However, that doesn't last long when Bryan rolls up Kane for a 2 count. Bryan attempts to hug it out but Kane isn't interested so they get into it. A few minutes later, Orton comes out and then Mark Henry. Henry hits a World's Strongest Slam to Bryan to eliminate him then eliminates Kane when he attempted a top rope clothesline. Henry caught him and hit him with the World's Strongest Slam.

Jericho and Swagger work together on Henry and hit him with a double suplex onto the steel grating outside the ring. Henry is eventually eliminated after a codebreaker from Jericho followed by a RKO by Orton. Understandably, Henry doesn't take that well and hit the remaining wrestlers with World's Strongest Slams. Booker T, Theodore Long and a bunch of referees manage to get him out of there. After 30 minutes, Orton countered a Lionsault by Jericho then hit him with a RKO to eliminate him. Immediately afterwards, Swagger rolls up Orton to win the match.

I thought this was a good match and I was surprised that Swagger won the match. It looks like he could be a good opponent for Del Rio heading into Wrestlemania.
Winner: Jack Swagger
Predictions: 3 for 4

Next is The Shield taking on the team of John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus. During the match, Cena applies the STF on Reigns, but it was broke up by Ambrose. The Shield focuses on Cena with a lot of quick tags. Cena eventually gets the hot tag to Ryback who hit a backdrop on Reigns and Ambrose and a powerbomb on Rollins. Some of the action goes to the outside and Reigns hits Sheamus with a spear which sent him through the security barrier. The Shield start to focus their attack on Ryback but Cena arrives to prevent it and hits Ambrose with an Attitude Adjustment. Ryback is about to hit Rollins with the Shellshocked when he gets hit by a spear. Rollins lands on top of Ryback to pin him and get the victory. This was another good match with an amazing ending. I was surprised that The Shield won but I'm glad they did.
Winners: The Shield
Predictions: 3 for 5

Dolph Ziggler comes out with AJ Lee and Big E Langston and complains that he is not on the show. Booker T comes out and decides that because Ziggler is wasting time, he will have a match after all as he is facing Kofi Kingston.

Dolph Ziggler takes on Kofi Kingston for what seems like the billionth time in the last year is next. Some of the highlights of the match were Kingston hitting the Trouble in Paradise; and Kingston doing a dive to the outside taking out Langston. Ziggler eventually gets the win with a Zig Zag. Even though it was short, it was a good match. Ziggler and Kingston always seem to work well but it would be nice to not see them wrestle each other for a few months.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Predictions: N/A

The penultimate match is for the Divas Championship as Kaitlyn is challenged by Tamina. Kaitlyn gets a couple of pin attempts with a roll up and a backslide. The action goes to the outside when Tamina throws Kaitlyn into the ring post. The end comes when Tamina takes decades going for the Superfly Splash and Kaitlyn moved out of the way. Kaitlyn then spears Tamina to get the win. The match was ok but they are never to get anymore than five minutes, which is a shame because, with a bit more time it could have been a good match.
Winner: Kaitlyn
Predictions: 4 for 6

The main event is for the WWE Championship as CM Punk gets his rematch against The Rock with the added stipulation that Punk will win the title if Rock is counted out or disqualified. Punk tries to get Rock disqualified early on by doing things like spitting in Rock's face. Punk starts to wear down Rock after he raked his eyes. After about ten minutes, the action goes to the outside and Punk bangs Rock's head into the English announce table. The action goes back into the ring and Punk countered a Rock Bottom into a roundhouse kick and then later on, Punk hit a Rock Bottom to Rock landing him on top of the Spanish announce table. Rock manages to get back in before the ten count. After a ref bump, Punk hit the GTS but there is no one to make the pin count. The doctor checks on Mike Choida and referee John Cone takes over. Rock hits a spinebuster then the People's Elbow but Punk kicks out at 2. Cone then twists his ankle and rolls out to the floor. Heyman holds Rock against the ropes and Punk attempts to hit him with the belt. Unfortunately, Rock moves and Punk hits Heyman. Rock then hits the Rock Bottom to get the win. I enjoyed this match but both of their matches had ended with way too many factors involved. It would have been nice to see a nice clean ending. Anyway, it looks like we are going to get Once Twice in a Lifetime with Cena and The Rock at Wrestlemania.
Winner: The Rock
Predictions: 5 for 7

I enjoyed the event. There were a lot of good matches such as the Chamber match. WWE have started 2013 with 2 good PPVs. The question is, can they continue that trend at Wrestlemania, especially as I found the last two Wrestlemanias quite disappointing.

WWE Royal Rumble 2013 Review (1 down, 2 to go)

The Road to Wrestlemania began with the Royal Rumble which took place on Sunday 27th January in Phoenix, Arizona. Sorry that I have taking an age to do my reviews. I started a full time job which can involve me being away for aorund 16 hours a day. So here we go with the first of three reviews that I have to do before Wrestlemania XXXIX (no pressure then)

The Pre-Show match was between Antonio Cesaro and The Miz for the United States Championship.

Cesaro hit a nice tilt-a-whirl backbreaker after catching Miz in the air and then Cesaro hit a sit out slam for a two count. Cesaro hit more power moves like a gutwrench suplex and backbreaker for two counts. Miz made his comeback with the neckbreaker/backbreaker combo and Miz jumped off the top rope with a double axehandle, but he caught his knee on the mat. He was favoring his knee. Miz was able to keep the match going and he hit Cesaro in the face with a kick. Cesaro goes to the floor, Miz went after him and Cesaro threw him head first into the side of the ring where there was steel which the referee didn't see. Cesaro then rolled Miz into the ring and got the win. I thought it was a decent match to get people into buying the PPV.

Winner: Antonio Cesaro

Predictions: 1 for 1

The first match in the event is for the World Heavyweight Championship as The Big Show challenges Alberto Del Rio in a Last Man Standing match. Highlights of the match include Del Rio countering a powerbomb into a hurricanrana; Del Rio getting thrown through a table which resulted in a 9 count; Show crashing through the security wall; and Del Rio hitting Show repeatedly with a chair. The end came Del Rio doused Show with a fire extinguisher and then applied the cross armbreaker to him. While that was happening, Ricardo "Virgil" Rodriguez used duct tape (I'm fucking serious!) to tape up Show's legs to the bottom rope. The referee counted to ten and Del Rio wins the match. I enjoyed the match but I really didn't like the ending. Whilst it means another match between the two, I feel that it makes Del Rio look weak.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Predictions: 2 for 2

Next we get Matt Striker interview Dolph Ziggler in which he announces that he will be going in as number 1 in the Royal Rumble and then cash in his briefcase to win the World Heavyweight Championship as part of a plan to unify the World Championships at Wrestlemania. Yeah, good luck with that although I would seriously mark out if he does pull it off.

Next was the Tag Team Championships match with Team Rhodes Scholars challenging Team Hell No. The match begins with Bryan and Sandow with Bryan applying a surfboard submission in the corner. After a while, Rhodes Scholars started to isolate Bryan with Rhodes applying a half Boston crab and Sandow hit the Elbow of Disdain. Bryan eventually hit the hot tag to Kane after hitting a spike DDT to Rhodes. The end comes when Kane is hit with a double suplex. Bryan got in a blind tag and Kane hit a Chokeslam and afterwards Bryan applied the LeBell "Yes" "No" Lock to Sandow to get the win and retain the belts. I enjoyed the match and I was surprised that Team Hell No won as I thought they would go with the break up of the team. It looks like they are going in a different direction for now.
Winners: Team Hell No
Predictions: 2 for 3

Due to the fact that we're ending with the WWE Championship match, the Royal Rumble match is next. The number 1 entrant is Dolph Ziggler and number 2 is, shockingly, Chris Jericho. Cody Rhodes comes in at number 4, Kofi Kingston number 4 and Santino Marella is number 5. Santino doesn't last too long as Rhodes makes him the first to be eliminated. We get another surprise entrant as Goldust comes in at number 8 and goes after his brother and Sheamus, last year's winner, comes in at number 11. 

We now go to number 15 and Darren Young comes in. Kofi Kingston uses a head scissors to send Tensai out of the ring. Ziggler kicks Kofi and he lands on Tensai's back. Tensai throws Kofi onto the Spanish announcer's table, stranding him. Kofi saves himself from elimination by using JBL's chair to hop himself from the announcer's table to the the ring apron. Kofi eliminates Young however, Rhodes rewards Kofi's efforts by hitting him with the Disaster Kick to send Kofi to the floor, eliminating him.

We fast forward briefly to number 19 when my prediction John Cena comes out and quickly eliminates Slater and Rhodes and then Kane comes in at number 24, who is making a record 14th Rumble appearance and 
he eliminates Khali. Bryan (who came in at number 21) then eliminates Kane. Cesaro sends Bryan over the top rope and he is caught by Kane. Bryan pleads with him to put him back in the ring but Kane doesn't do that and Bryan is therefore, eliminated. 

The final two to come in are Sin Cara and Ryback and after Ziggler eliminates Jericho with a superkick, we are left with the final five of Ziggler, Cena, Orton, Sheamus and Ryback. Ryback eliminates Orton with a clothesline and Sheamus eliminates Ziggler after he had been in for over 50 minutes. Later on, Sheamus hit the White Noise on Ryback however, Sheamus went for the Brogue kick and Ryback ducked and eliminated Sheamus. We now are down to Cena and Ryback. Cena knocks out Ryback with a STF and tries to put him over the top rope. Ryback, however, fights back with a Thesz press and he then tries to powerslam Cena out of the ring. Cena manages to avoid elimination and he dumps Ryback out to win the Royal Rumble for the first time since 2008. 

I enjoyed this Rumble and, even though a lot of people are angry that Cena won and I'm a Cena hater, I'm actually ok with it. It would be nice to see the WWE Championship defended at the main event of Wrestlemania and with Cena, we will get to see that.
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 3 for 4

The main event is for the WWE Championship as CM Punk defends it against The Rock. The match starts with them brawling right away and after a little bit when they were outside the ring, Punk starts to wear down The Rock by focusing on his ribs. Rock sees an opportunity after Punk injures his knee after a springboard dropkick.

Later on, Rock goes for the Rock Bottom but Punk elbows out of it and goes for the GTS and then he applies the Anaconda Vice, which is countered into a pin for 2. Rock applies his really bad version of the Sharpshooter and Punk gets out of it by getting to the ropes. The action goes to the outside and Rock tries for the Rock Bottom on to of the Spanish announcer's table but it collapses before he could do so so he did it to the floor instead. The action goes back to the ring and Punk hits Rock with a roundhouse kick to the head. Rock hits a leaping clothesline then a spinebuster and is about to go for the People's Elbow when the lights suddenly go out. When the lights go back on, the referee is down and The Rock is on top of a collasped announce table. Punk looks shocked about what has happened and he rolls Rock back into the ring and pins him to retain the WWE Championship...

...Or so Punk thinks because Vince McMahon comes out and declares that because The Shield attacked The Rock (which you didn't see so I'm guessing Vince saw something that we didn't) the title would be stripped away from Punk. However, Rock goes on the mic and says that he doesn't want it to end that way and convinces Vince to restart the match. Rock goes back into the ring where Punk hits the bulldog in the corner followed by a clothesline then a Macho Man elbow drop for a 2 count. Punk goes for the GTS but Rock gets out of it and hits the spinebuster followed by the People's Elbow to get the win and become WWE Champion for the first time in over ten and a half years. 

I really thought this was an good, exciting match and the chemistry between the two was very good. It was good the way they used the disqualification stipulation as you didn't see The Shield attack The Rock. I thought that The Rock was really good and it looked at times like he had never been away. As for Punk, I'm sad that his reign had ended but it was the first time that a Championship reign lasted over a year since the 380-day reign of John Cena in 2006-2007. Punk is a bigger star now and although I would love to see him with the WWE Championship again, he doesn't really need it.
Winner: The Rock
Predictions: 4 for 5

I thought this was a really good show. All the matches seem to work well, although I didn't like the way the World Heavyweight Championship ended. The Road to Wrestlemania is up and running and it should be a good ride.

TNA Genesis 2013 Review (Hey, Better Late Than Never Right?)

TNA Genesis took place on Sunday 13th January at the Impact Zone in Orlando. Will TNA 2013 get off to a good start? Let's take a look.

The first match is Joey Ryan and Matt Morgan challenging Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez for the Tag Team Championship. Chavo and Hernandez start working on Ryan before Ryan before Ryan slingshots Chavo into an elbow from Morgan to get the advantage. Ryan and Morgan wear down Hernandez but he manages to tag in Chavo after hitting Ryan with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The end comes when Ryan gets hit with a powerbomb and a frogsplash to get Chavo and Hernandez the win. The match was ok as it didn't have anything special for it to stand out. Despite that, I thought it was a decent way to start the show.
Winners: Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez
Predictions: 0 for 1

The next match is between Samoa Joe and Mr Anderson and this should be quite a good match. Joe is completely dominant to begin with the match going to the outside. Anderson sends Joe into the steel steps and focuses his attack on the knees. The match goes back and forth before Mike Knox from Aces and Eights pays a visit and distracts Joe long enough for Anderson to hit the Mic Check to get the win. As I expected, it was a good match with some fun spots.
Winner: Mr Anderson
Predictions: 1 for 2

The next match is between Christian York and Kenny King to determine the No 1 contender for the X-Division Championship. Highlights of the match include York doing a head scissors takedown to King on the outside; and York doing a double stomp on King's back from the top turnbuckle. The end comes when King attempts a cradle pin but York reverses it into a pin of its own to get the win. King doesn't take well and hits York with a reverse Attitude Adjustment. I was surprised that York won but I suppose that TNA want to give him a push.
Winner: Christian York
Predictions: 1 for 3

Christian York doesn't have any time to recover as he has to face Rob Van Dam for the X-Division Championship. RVD tries to convince York to postpone the match and York responds by slapping him. RVD then proceeds to beat the crap out of York and he keeps on applying submissions to wear down York. York knees RVD in the head to slow him down and during the match, York has a few opportunities to win the match. However, it was not enough as RVD hits the 5-star frog splash to get the win. It was a good match and it made York look strong in the company.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
Predictions: N/A

The next match is between Devon and Joseph Parks (brother of Chris? You know, Abyss?) The match starts Devon mocking Parks about his lack of experience and outwrestling him. Parks eventually manages to take down Devon, infuriating him. The match goes back and forth and Parks almost gets the win with a splash from the middle rope. Devon slams Parks into an exposed turnbuckle and Parks goes into "Abyss Mode" and destroy Devon with a Black Hole Slam. Parks was about to hit a chokeslam when he snaps out of "Abyss Mode" and Devon takes advantage of the confusion to roll Parks up and get the win. I wasn't expecting much wrestling in this match but it was still fun to watch.
Winner: Devon
Predictions: 1 for 4

Next was a Knockouts gauntlet match involving Gail Kim, Miss Tessmacher, ODB, Mikie James and Velvet Sky to determine the No 1 contender to the Knockouts Championship. Kim and Tessmacher are the first two and, despite Tessmacher's best efforts, she is eliminated by an Eat Defeat by Kim. ODB is out next and is completely dominant to begin with. However, Kim eliminates ODB when she pulls her off the middle turnbuckle and grabs the tights while pinning her. Mickie James is out next. The match goes back and forth and Kim eliminates James when she reverses a roll up into another roll up.Velvet Sky is out next and Kim proceeds to fuck her up and sends Sky flying into the steel steps. Sky manages to get into the ring and the match goes back and forth for a bit. Kim attempts to use the ropes to gain leverage in a pin attempts but the referee notices it. Kim gets into an argument, which turns out to be a bad idea as Sky takes advantage and hits the In Your Face to get the final pin and the win. The match wasn't bad and I was impressed with Kim. However, I thought that Sky would have entered the match a bit earlier to make her look stronger.
Winner: Velvet Sky
Predictions: 2 for 5

The next match is between Christopher Daniels and James Storm to determine the No 1 contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Storm is dominant before Daniels, with some help from Kazarian, attacks Storm's left arm. Storm tries to fightback but Daniels pokes him in the eye and continues his attack. Later on, Daniels applies a variation of the crossface but Storm gets to the ropes. Storm manages to start a comeback after a side Russian legsweep and was unlucky not to get the win after an Eye of the Storm. Storm goes for the Last Call but manages to hit the Angel's Wings for a 2 count. The end comes when Kazarian tries to interfere and gets hit with a Last Call by Storm. Daniels then slams down Storm and pins him using the ropes for leverage to get the win. I enjoyed the match and Daniels deserves the win as he has been one of the best things to see on Impact over the last few weeks.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Predictions: 3 for 6

After we see the newly engaged Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan, we get Sting versus D.O.C. D.O.C. tries to attack Sting during his entrance but Sting stops that and they fight into the crowd. Some members of Aces and Eights then attack Sting, giving D.O.C. the chance to dominate the match. Sting eventually makes a comeback and gets the win after a Stinger splash and a Scorpion Death Drop. Afterwards, Aces and Eights arrive to attack Sting but change their mind and flee when Bully Ray runs in to make the save. The match wasn't too bad but I feel that they are both capable of something better.
Winner: Sting
Predictions: 3 for 7

The main event is an elimination triple threat match between Austin Aries, Bobby Roode and Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Aries and Roode decide to team up against Hardy. Hardy manages to fight back and attempts a Twist of Fate on Roode. However, Roode gets out of it and hits a AA Spinebuster to get the advantage. Hardy manages to take down Roode but Aries comes in and continues his assault on Hardy. Roode recovers and helps Aries out. Aries attempts a suicide dive on Hardy with Roode holding him. However, Hardy moves out of the way and Aries crashes into Roode. Later on, Hardy almost eliminates Roode with a splash and Roode and Aries continue to work together. Aries thinks he's eliminated Hardy with a Brainbuster but he kicks out at 2.

Roode convinces Aries to do a 450 splash on Hardy. However, he betrays Aries by moving Hardy out of the way, making Aries hit the mat and Roode hits him with the Pay Off to get a 2 count. Aries and Roode fight each other and when Aries does a backslide pin on Roode, Hardy runs in and pins down Roode's legs to eliminate him. A couple of minutes later, Hardy hits the Twist of Fate followed by a Swanton Bomb to get the win. I enjoyed the match and it was a good way to end the show.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
Predictions: 4 for 8

I thought that Genesis was a good event when I eventually watched it. The problem is, with TNA now only doing 4 PPVs a year, you expect them to really put a big effort into them. That doesn't really seem to be the case. However, Rome wasn't built in a day and I can see TNA improve the standard of their PPVs in the future.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2013 Preview

Elimination Chamber is taking place in New Orleans. How will the Road to Wrestlemania fare after the event? Let's take a look at the card.

Rhodes Scholars have a reunion for one night only as they take on the team if Brodus Clay and Lord Tensai. Due to the fact that Clay and Tensai have just teamed up, I can't see them losing.
Predicted Winners: Brodus Clay and Tensai

The Divas Championship is on the line as Tamina challenges Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn has looked pretty strong since becaoming Champion and I can see that reign continuing.
Predicted Winner: Kaitlyn

The Miz once challenges Antonio Cesaro for the United States Championship. Cesaro has been brilliant as Champion and, while I love the Miz, I don't want him to win here. Therefore, I'm going for Cesaro to win here.
Predicted Winner: Antonio Cesaro

There is only one Elimination Chamber match and that is being used ot determine the No 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania. The participants are Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry and Randy Orton.  This is a toug one to call as I can see two or three people winning it. In the end, I'm taking a punt and going for Chris Jericho to win this one.
Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho

The Shield take on the WWE's version of the Avengers, John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus. I would love for the Shield to win this but I feel that the WWE would want Cena to look strong looking to Wrestlemania. Therefore, I'm going for his team to win.
Predicted Winners: John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus

The World Heavyweight Championship match will be Alberto Del Rio vs The Big Show III. I personally find it weird that after 2 last man standing matches, they are now having a normal match. Anyway, I think there is a good chance, barring a cash-in by Dolph Ziggler, will be Champion at Wrestlemania.
Predicted Winner: Alberto Del Rio

The WWE Championship match will be The Rock vs CM Punk Part II with the added stipulation that if the Rock gets disqualified, he will lose the WWE Title. I don't think that will happen and we will be getting Once Twice in a Lifetime at Wrestlemania. Therefore, I think the Rock will be victorious.
Predicted Winner: The Rock

Due to work and various other things, I've not watched Genesis and Royal Rumble yet. I'm planning to watch them and Elimination Chamber abd publish their reviews by the end of the month. Until then, I hope you enjoy the show.