Lo-Down Wrestling Podcast: The Streak Part 1

Sawyer Paul from International Object is the first ever guest on the podcast as we discuss Undertaker's first Wrestlemania match against Superfly Jimmy Snuka at Wrestlemania VII. We also discuss Undertaker's debut at the 1990 Survivor Series and also highlights from his first year in the WWE.

If you enjoyed  the podcast, please leave a comment or if you have any questions or insights over the Streak in general, give me a tweet @lodownwrestling.

Listen to the podcast here: The Streak Part 1

WWE Elimination Chamber 2014 Preview

The last PPV before Wrestlemania 30 takes place this evening with WWE Elimination Chamber taking place at the Target Center in Minneapolis. There are 7 matches on the card so let's take a look.

The Pre-Show match is a tag team match with Cody Rhodes and Goldust facing the team of Curtis Axel and Ryback. This should be a decent match to watch and I'm going for Cody and Goldust to be victorious.
Predicted Winner: Cody Rhodes and Goldust

Batista faces Alberto Del Rio in a match that I'm not really interested in. Batista has been quite dominant in this feud and, with him being the Royal Rumble winner, I would be very surprised if he doesn't win here.
Predicted Winner: Batista

In a match that I am really looking forward to, The Shield  will take on The Wyatt Family. This is a tough one to call as I can see both teams. I think that The Shield will win here.
Predicted Winners: The Shield

The Tag Team Championships will be on the line as The Usos challenge The New Age Outlaws. I would love the Usos to be the Tag Team Champions but I don't think that will happen here. Therefore, Outlaws will win here.
Predicted Winners: New Age Outlaws

Titus O'Neill will face his former Prime Time Player in Darren Young. I'm not sure about this as either of them can win it. I'm going for O'Neill to be victorious.
Predicted Winner: Titus O'Neill

The Intercontinental Championship will be defended as Jack Swagger challenges Big E Langston. Big E has been a good Champion so far and I think his reign will continue here.
Predicted Winner: Big E

The Elimination Chamber match will be for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as Randy Orton is challenged by Antonio Cesaro, Christian, John Cena, Sheamus and Daniel Bryan. I can see a couple of people winning but I think that Orton will be the Champion heading into Wrestlemania.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton

I won't get to see this until later in the week, so I hope you guys enjoy the show and my review will be up during the week.

LDW Podcast Series: The Streak

I have decided to make the brave decision to go into podcasting, doing a series on the Undertaker's 21 Wrestlemania matches, otherwise known as "The Streak". In each podcast, myself and a guest from various wrestling podcasts discuss a match from the Streak and talk about what The Unertaker was doing during that time.

If you guys have any questions about a specific match or the Streak in general, contact me via twitter @lodownwrestling or by email at lodownwrestling@gmail.com. I plan to record the Wrestlemanias VIII to XII podcasts during the next two weeks, so any questions, let me know.

The first podcast will be released on the day of the Elimination Chamber on Sunday 23rd February. I thank you so much for supporting me in reading my blog and I hope it continues with the podcasts.

Royal Rumble 2014 Review

The 2014 Royal Rumble took place at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on Sunday 26^th January. Who win the Royal Rumble match and go on to main event Wrestlemania for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship? Let's take a look.

The Kick Off match was for the Tag Team Championship as The New Age Outlaws challenge Cody Rhodes and Goldust. The match goes back and forth for a little while the Outlaws wear down their opponents. The end comes when Rhodes hits the disaster kick on Road Dogg. Gunn, who did a blind tag, comes in and hits Rhodes with the fameasser to get the win and become the new Tag Team Champions. I don't really get why they won this match. Hopefully, it's to lead to Rhodes and Goldust focusing on singles matches.

Winners: New Age Outlaws

Predictions: 0 for 1

The event starts with Bray Wyatt taking on Daniel Bryan. I have to say, the crowd was really into this match, cheering “Yes” every time he hits an offensive move. Bryan hits a suicide dive on Luke Harper and when Erick Rowan tries to attack Bryan, referee John Cone see it and sends them to the back. Wyatt reassures them that he doesn't need them and when they leave, Wyatt walks into a crossbody from Bryan. There was a brutal bit when Wyatt goes flying into the steel steps and flips over, hurting his left leg. Bryan focuses on the leg before Wyatt injures Bryan's shoulder then focuses on the head as well. Bryan makes his comeback and hits a flying tornado DDT to the outside and later on, Bryan hits 2 flying kicks to the corner and when he goes for a third he gets turned inside out by a brutal clothesline. Bryan goes for the LeBell Yes No lock but stops that from being locked in by biting the hand. The end comes when Wyatt goes to the outside and when Bryan tries a suicide dive, Wyatt catches and hits a sister Abigail, sending Bryan's head crashing into the barrier. Wyatt then puts Bryan back into the ring and hits another sister Abigail to get the victory. I really enjoyed the match but I don't really get why Wyatt would get the win. It looked obvious that Bryan would win this match and it does seem weird that he lost. Despite that, it was a match that really showed how good Wyatt can be. I have heard good things about his wrestling ability while he was in NXT but he has never really shown it while he has been on the main roster until now. I hope they continue with that.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

Predictions: 0 for 2

The next match is between Big Show and Brock Lesnar. Lesnar decides to beat the fuck out of Show with a chair before the match even starts. The referee manages to get some order and rings the bell. When Lesnar goes for Show with a chair, Show hits the WMD to knock Lesnar down. Show unfortunately, can't take advantage and his attack on Lesnar is quite slow. Show goes for another WMD but Lesnar ducks and hits the F-5 to get the win. Afterwards, Lesnar proceeds to once again, beat the crap out of Show with a chair. When referee Mike Choida tries to stop him, Lesnar pushes him into the barrier and continues hitting Show with a chair. This was an interesting match to watch. I thought it would get into a brutal encounter but not in this way.

Winner: Brock Lesnar

Precdictions: 1 for 3

We now get the match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as John Cena faces Randy Orton in what's being billed as the most anticipated rematch in WWE history. It's not as they're having a normal match after a TLC match, but anyway. The crowd didn't seem to be into this match as they started with chants for Daniel Bryan. Cena early on goes for the Boston crab but Orton powers out of it and later on, Cena goes for AA but it's countered into a DDT. Cena keeps trying to get some momentum but it's cut off by Orton. Orton goes for the RKO but Cena dodges it and goes for the STF. The referee Charles Robinson gets knocked down when Orton kicks him trying to get out of the AA. Orton takes advantage and hits Cena with one of the World Championship belts but it only gets 2. Cena hits the AA for a 2 count and later on, Orton hits a RKO for 2. They both go for submission finishers and Orton hits the AA for 2. Then Cena hits the RKO for 2. Cena hits a reverse tornado DDT and applies the STF. It looks like Orton was about to tap out but a distraction by the Wyatt Family gives him the chance to hit the RKO to get the victory. Afterwards, the Wyatt Family beat the crap out of Cena ending in a Sister Abigail by Bray Wyatt.

The match was actually not bad but the crowd have seen it a billion times. It did get the crowd into it near the end when they started doing each other finishers and the ending involving the Wyatts were unexpected. I'm not sure whether I want to see a Cena/Wyatt feud but Cena needs something else that is new and keeps him out of the title picture for a little while and Bray Wyatt may be that answer.

Winner: Randy Orton

Predictions: 2 for 4

We now get the Royal Rumble match with Punk entering at number 1 and Seth Rollins at number 2. We get a couple of surprises early on as Kane enters at number 5 wearing suit trousers and he is eliminated by Punk. Then Alexander Rusev from NXT coming in at number 6 and he gets eliminated by almost everyone. Kofi Kingston, who came in number 8, gets sent flying over by Punk and is caught by Rusev who puts on the barricade by the entrance way. Kofi gets up, runs along the barricade and jumps onto the apron, which was a pretty cool spot. Seth Rollins get some help when Dean Ambrose comes in at number 11. We get another surprise when Kevin Nash comes in number 14 with the NWO music. Roman Reigns comes in at number 15 and immediately dropkicks Punk who was trying to eliminate Rollins. He then eliminates Kofi, Dolph Ziggler and Kevin Nash. Goldust eliminates Rhodes, which was revenge because he had been eliminated by Rhodes in the last 2 Rumbles. However, his joy doesn't last long as he is immediately eliminated by Reigns. We get another surprise entrant as Sheamus makes his return at number 17, who then proceeds to tear apart the Shield. Our next surprise entrant is El Torito, who has a fun bit with Punk when he reverses an elimination by a hurracarrana. El Torito eliminates Fandango who then gets eliminated by Reigns. Antonio Cesaro comes in at number 21 and does the giant swing to Miz, Punk then Rollins. Cesaro tries to eliminate Rollins but that's stopped thanks to a spear by Reigns. JBL then comes in number 24 who proceeds to give his coat to Michael Cole and is immediately eliminated by Reigns. Batista, a lot of people's favourite, comes in at number 28; Big E Langston isi in at number 29 and Rey Mysterio is number 30.

After a few minutes, Reigns eliminates Luke Harper with a superman punch and Ambrose tries to eliminate Reigns. Rollins stops him and goes “What the fuck are you doing?” Cesaro, Ambrose and Rollins get into a scuffle by the ropes and this gives Reigns the chance to send them all over the top rope. That leaves the final four to be CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Sheamus and Batista. Punk gets eliminated by Kane who had come in through the crowd earlier. Kane then chokeslams him through the Spanish announcers table. Sheamus gets eliminated when Batista sends him over to the apron and Reigns spears him off it. Batista spears Reigns but he spears him back. Reigns goes to throw him out but Batista reverses it to eliminate him and win the Royal Rumble match for the second time.

I thought that was a good Rumble match and there were some enjoyable moments. I enjoyed the entrances with the Real Americans when Zeb Colter came out with signs about illegals crossing the border; and Kofi efforts in trying to save himself from elimination. I was once again impressed with Roman Reigns who had broken Kane's record of 11 eliminations with 12. It looks like the Shield might be breaking up and Reigns could have a feud with Dean Ambrose over the United States Championship.

I wasn't that bothered about Batista winning. However, the crowd wanted Bryan to be in the Rumble and he wasn't. Early reports after the PPV indicated that the crowd were very unhappy about that. The WWE look to have rectified that by putting him in the elimination chamber match next month. However, I still don't understand what they are doing with Bryan. First of all, him losing to Bray Wyatt earlier on seemed a bit bizarre to me and they then don't enter him in the Rumble. Bryan is the most over person in the company right now but the WWE don't seem to be acting on it the way that I thought that they would. There's a chance that the Wrestlemania main event will be between Randy Orton and Batista and I get WWE want to use Batista because he will be starting in a big summer blockbuster. However, that means that the last 3 Wrestlemania main events have featured someone who is not here long term. That may be great for the casual fans that the WWE are trying to get but not for the ones who watch the shows every week and regularly buy their merchandise.

Winner: Batista

Predictions: 2 for 5

I quite enjoyed the event, although I didn't get a couple of decisions that they made. Wrestlemania XXX has the potential to be a great event. I'm not sure, however, if Batista vs Orton is the way to go.

Royal Rumble 2014 Preview

The Road to Wrestlemania 30 begins at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh with the Royal Rumble. Only 5 matches have been announced so far but it should be a fun event. Let's look at the card.

The Kick Off match is The New Age Outlaws challenging Cody Rhodes and Goldust for the Tag Team Championship. Whilst it's nice to see the Outlaws back, they shouldn't win the match as I feel it would be a backward step. Therefore, I'm going for Cody and Goldust here.
Predicted Winner: Cody Rhodes and Goldust

Big Show faces Brock Lesnar in a match that I'm torn over. We've seen this match before and I feel that Lesnar has to win this to look strong going into Elimination Chamber. So, Lesnar to win here.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

In a match that I'm looking forward to, Daniel Bryan will face Bray Wyatt. It was weird seeing Bryan with the Wyatt Family and I thought it would last a bit longer but it looks that WWE are going in a different direction and I would be very surprised if Bryan doesn't win here.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan

John Cena will get his rematch for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton. I thought that Orton will win the match but with Brock Lesnar waiting in the wings, I wasn't so sure. I'm going to stick to my guns and say Orton will win here. However, I won't be surprised if this turns into a clusterfuck and we see a triple threat match at Elimination Chamber.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton

The Royal Rumble match is, unless it's really obvious, is a tough one to predict. With the World Championships now unified, I can't see WWE going with someone new. Batista has been touted along with CM Punk, who thanks to Kane, is entering as number 1. I think that Punk will come close but probably get screwed. Batista is very tempting but I'm taking a risk and saying that Bryan will win here and hopefully reignite the feud between The Authority and Bryan.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan

I will try to see this live but if not, it will be during the week and weeks later like I have done over the last year. Hope you guys enjoy the show.

Lo-Down Awards 2013

It's now time for the 3^rd Lo-Down Wrestling Awards. I've not watched as much wrestling as I would have liked. However, I enjoyed the majority of what has happened in WWE this year and TNA, not so much. Let's see who will be (metaphorically) taking home a Lo-Down Wrestling award.

Most Improved Wrestler of the Year

Goldust

I know he hasn't wrestled for a couple of years but he has been a revelation since he made his return teaming up his brother Cody Rhodes. They feuded with the Shield culminating in them winning the Tag Team Championship. Goldust may be 44 years old but he is not wrestling like it and I hope that continues in 2014.

Best Newcomer

Big E Langston

Big E Langston has been a joy to watch over the last year. After being affiliated with Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee (and being her worst ever bodyguard), he turned face and ended the year as the Intercontinental Champion. I didn't think of him highly when he first started but he has really grown on me and he has the potential to be a huge star.

Worst Match of the Year

The Real Americans vs the Great Khali and Santino Marella, Battleground

This match was terrible and shouldn't be anywhere near this Pay-Per-View. Even though it featured the giant swing by Antonio Cesaro on Khali, that highlight could not save this match.

Douchebag of the Year

TNA Wrestling

It looked like it was going to be a great year for TNA with them leaving the Impact Zone and touring the country. Instead, they were losing money and released a lot of their talent; seemed to be reluctant to help people out who were ill like Zema Ion; and now rumoured to be up for sale. I hope that 2014 can go a hell of a lot better.

Pay-Per-View of the Year

Summerslam

This was such a great event with a lot of really entertaining matches. The fact that this event contains the a strong contender for match of the year, promo video of the year and the moment of the year should speak for itself.

Rivalry of the Year

AJ Lee vs Kaitlyn, May 2013-July 2013

Some of the male rivalries this year were good but I don't think they stood out as much as this did. They had a really good match at Payback followed by another good one at Money in the Bank. Also, it really developed AJ Lee's character, helping her on her way to becoming the highlight of the Divas Division and making her the LDW Female Wrestler of the Year.

Promo Video of the Year

Summerslam

The videos used to promote rivalries this year were decent as always but I really enjoyed the grindhouse style that they used for the beginning of Summerslam. It really made you excited for the event and I thought it was really well done.

Moment of the Year

Randy Orton Cashing In His Money in the Bank Briefcase, Summerslam
We all see false finishes in matches all the time. However, this is a time where we see a false finish to a Pay-Per-View. When Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Championship, we see him celebrating and confetti goign down. Then we see another false finish with Randy Orton coming out and teasing a Money in the Bank cash-in. When Triple H pegidrees Bryan and Orton does actually cash in, it showed a really cleverley done moment by WWE.

“Ok, I Did Not See That Coming” Surprising Moment of the Year

Daniel Bryan Joining the Wyatt Family

A lot of people are speculating that this would happen but I didn't want it to because I didn't think it was the right thing to do. However, I thought that the way it was done was done brilliantly by WWE. Bryan has had some victories against the Wyatts but in every episode of RAW and Smackdown, he got beaten down badly by them. Bryan obviously realised that his efforts were futile and decided to join them instead. It also shows a fallible side to his character because he is not John Cena, with his never give up character. It might end up with Cena, via the Bellas, being the person to save Bryan. Whilst I'm torn over whether I want that to happen, I will still be interested to see how that feud develops.

Honorable Mention: The Double Turn

Dolph Ziggler vs Alberto Del Rio, WWE Payback

This was one of the most brutal matches that I have ever seen in the PG era and it told a really good story. Ziggler, who was the heel at the beginning, had previously concussed and Del Rio understandably focused on the head. However, the way that he did it was well done as he showed absolutely no remorse or mercy in the process. During the match, it got to the point where people were booing Del Rio and cheering Ziggler due to the effort he had put in. The only other time a double turn has been successfully pulled off was at Wrestlemania XIII between Bret Hart and Steve Austin and it was good to see something like that happening again.

Male Wrestler of the Year

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan was a front runner to win this last year and if it wasn't for CM Punk's 15 month title reign, he would have. This year, Bryan has gone from strength to strength. From Team Hell No and teaming with the Undertaker to winning the WWE Championship (twice) and feuding with the Authority to feuding with then joining the Wyatt Family; Bryan is one of the most over wrestlers in the company and I hope it continues in 2014.

Female Wrestler of the Year

AJ Lee

Like Daniel Bryan, AJ Lee came very close to winning the Female Wrestler of the Year last year. However, this year, there was no contest. Her rivalry with Kaitlyn was really good and she is close to becoming the longest reigning Divas Champion of all time. The best thing I like about her is the fact that she is the most complete character in the Divas division and she has given the chance to develop that over the last couple of years. I hope 2014 will be another tremendous year for her.

Match of the Year

Antonio Cesaro vs Sami Zayn (2 out of 3 falls)

WWE NXT, aired 21^st August 2013

If you have not seen this, it was probably one of the best matches that I have ever seen and it, along with the articles by Brandon Stroud (who was at this match), made me start to become a big fan of NXT. There were so many big moves by both competitors, including Zayn jumping through the turnbuckles on the outside and hitting a tornado DDT, and the ending was absolutely amazing. Zayn tries to go for another tornado DDT and Cesaro stops it three-quarters of the way through the move. Cesaro manages to get Zayn up above his shoulders, push press him into an European uppercut then hits the neutraliser to get the victory. I was very close to giving this award to the Cena/Bryan match at Summerslam. However, every so often, I go on You Tube and watch the end of this match and that shows how much I enjoyed it. I strongly recommend you find this match on the internet because I guarantee that you will not regret it.

WWE TLC 2013 Review

WWE TLC 2013 Review

The final WWE Pay-Per-View of the year, TLC, took place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Sunday 15^th December. History will be made as, for the first time in 12 years, there will be an undisputed World Champion. Will it be Randy Orton or John Cena. Let's take a look.

The Kick Off show had the match between Fandango and Dolph Ziggler. I feel sorry for Dolph. It looked like it was going to be an amazing year for him when he cashed his Money in the Bank after Wrestlemania. However, since his concussion and losing the World Heavyweight Championship, he seems to be in a holding pattern and that's a bit of a shame. This match went back and forth before Fandango goes for the top rope legdrop. Ziggler stops that and goes for a superplex. Summer Rae goes up on the apron to distract Ziggler and this gives Fandango the chance to push Ziggler off to the ring and hit the top rope legdrop to get the win. Whilst the match was a bit too short for my liking, it was still pretty good.

Winner: Fandango

After we get an introduction by Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, the first match of the event was the first 3-on-1 handicap match with CM Punk and The Shield. This was a great way to start the PPV as they all can get the crowd going. I liked the story in the beginning as Punk frustrates the Shield by slowing things down and being in no hurry to lock up with first Ambrose then Rollins. Eventually Reigns manages to get Punk into their corner and beat him down with their 2-man advantage. Punk gets a breather when the action goes to the outside and Reigns to spear Punk. However, Punk dodges it and Reigns goes flying over the announce table, almost killing himself and the commentators, resulting in an injured eye. Punk gets a near fall when he kicks Rollins in the back of the head. Punk later on applies the anaconda vice on Rollins but Ambrose breaks it up then goes on the offensive. Punk hits the GTS on Rollins then tries it on Ambrose, the legal man. Ambrose gets out of it then gets accidentally hit with a brutal spear by Reigns, who had been with the doctor getting his eye checked. Punk, getting inspiration from Edge's manual “How to be the Ultimate Opportunist” throws Reigns out of the ring then pins Ambrose to get the win. Punk then commences Operation GTFO. I really enjoyed this match and I was looking forward to this one the most out of the two 3-on-1 matches. I'm glad that I wasn't disappointed.

Winner: CM Punk

Next was Natalya challenging AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. This was another match that I was looking forward as both Divas are extremely capable wrestlers. This was a surprisingly technical match. It goes back and forth for most of the match before Natalya applies the sharpshooter. AJ eventually gets to reverse it then takes advantage of a distraction by Tamina to apply the black widow. Natalya then surprises everyone by powering out of it then hitting a discus clothesline. She once again goes for the sharpshooter. However, AJ manages pull Natalya's hair and reverses it into a small package to get the win. This was a really good match. Natalya is the most technical Diva in the division by miles. AJ is getting close to that level but she is also the best character that they have had in the Divas division in years. I want AJ to be Champion til Wrestlemania but I'm torn over who I want to dethrone her. I would love it to be Kaitlyn as she finally gets her revenge on her former best friend. However, with the success of Total Divas, I suspect it will be someone from there. Hopefully, it will be Natalya or Brie Bella.

Winner: AJ Lee

The Intercontinental Championship is on the line as Damien Sandow challenges Big E Langston. I like both these guys. Sandow has the opportunity to be the most interesting character on the roster and I'm continually impressed by Langston's skill set. Sandow gets to wear Langston for a little while before Langston gets him on his shoulders and slamming him down. Langston goes for the Big Ending a couple of times but Sandow gets out of them. Langston eventually prevails in hitting the move to get the victory retaining the Intercontinental Championship. This was a good match to watch and I can see Langston being a big star within a couple of years.

Winner: Big E Langston

The Tag Team Championship are defended by a fatal 4-way elimination match with Cody Rhodes and Goldust being challenged by The Real Americans, Rey Mysterio and Big Show and Ryback and Curtis Axel. I was quite looking forward and I was expecting Rhodes and Goldust to win this. The first team to be eliminated were Ryback and Axel after Goldust gets out of a powerbomb attempt by Ryback and rolls him up to get the pinfall. The Real Americans spend a really long time wearing down Goldust, including the now famous giant swing on Cesaro. Goldust gets to hit a sunset flip powerbomb to get some relief and he manages to tag in Big Show. Show hits the KO punch to first Swagger then Cesaro while he was in the air to get them eliminated. Later on, Rhodes almost wins the match after hitting a disaster kick on Mysterio. The match then goes back and forth and Rhodes hits the Cross Rhodes on Mysterio to get the win. I really enjoyed this match as it was a lot of fun and it looks like the tag team division is looking well.

Now we get Brodus Clay facing R-Truth. This told quite an interesting story. Brodus acts quite arrogant when he goes on the offensive, taking his time with covering Truth and seeming in no hurry to end the match. Tensai gets frustrated with Brodus' attitude and he and Brodus start arguing. Tensai decides to leave and Brodus then gets into an argument with Naomi and Cameron so they leave. Truth takes advantage of the situation to hit a scissor kick followed by a roll up to get the win. The match wasn't anything special but as I stated, it told an interesting story and it seems to set Brodus on the path of becoming a heel.

Winner: R-Truth

Now we get what seems to be the millionth match between Kofi Kingston and The Miz. The match is no-disqualification and I guess they didn't know about that as they acted as if it was a normal match. Kofi goes for the trouble in paradise on the outside but misses and hits the leg on the ring post giving Miz the advantage. Miz suddenly remembers the no-disqualification stipulation and exposes a turnbuckle but it backfires on him as Kofi pushes his head into it followed by the trouble in paradise to get the win. I like The Miz but he needs something new and hopefully stop having constant matches with Kofi.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

The penultimate match is the second 3-on-1 handicap match with Daniel Bryan facing The Wyatt Family. Wyatt doesn't really get involved to begin with as he just sits in his chair in the corner. Wyatt only get involved after Harper hits a sit-out powerbomb. The Wyatt Family continue to beat the crap out of Bryan for a long time, while Wyatt is shouting at Bryan urging him to join him. Bryan makes a comeback after Harper misses a big boot in the corner. Bryan sends Harper and Rowan to the outside then hits a suicide dive on Harper, sending him crashing over the announce table. Bryan tries for the LeBell Yes No Lock but Wyatt gets out of it and hits the Sister Abigail to get the win. Wyatt afterwards cradles an unconscious Bryan. I was worried about this match, not because of the quality of the wrestlers but the fact that it was the second 3-on-1 match in the same event. However, both matches managed to tell 2 different stories and they managed to make both of them extremely enjoyable to watch.

Winners: The Wyatt Family

We now get to see history in the making as John Cena and Randy Orton take part in a TLC match for the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship. They both start to use the weapons available quite early on to beat each other down. Cena gets briefly incapacitated when Orton put a chair between the turnbuckles then sent Cena through it. This gives Orton the chance to grab the belts but Cena stops it. Cena gets a great opportunity to win the match when he hits Orton a ladder, sending him through a table that was set up on the outside. However, Cena took too long, giving Orton the chance to recover, pull Cena off the ladder and hit the RKO (outta nowhere!) Later on, Orton goes for the punt but Cena dodges and hits the AA, sending Orton through the Spanish announcers table. The match goes back and forth before Orton, getting inspiration from the WWE Championship TLC match two years ago, handcuffs Cena to the bottom rope and throws the key to the crowd. Orton gets a ladder, going past several of them to get one bizarrely, and takes his time setting it up and climbing it. That turned out to be a dumb idea as Cena, remembering what Punk did in the same situation, unscrews the turnbuckle, climbs the ladder and punches Orton off the ladder. Cena tries to get the belts but he can't because the handcuff is still on the rope and it's restricting him. Orton grabs the rope and sends Cena off the ladder with his head bouncing off the bottom of a table. Orton then climbs the ladder, grabs the belts and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, making him the first person to be the undisputed Champion since Brock Lesnar in Summerslam 2002. Afterwards, the Authority come out and congratulate Orton.

I really enjoyed this match. I thought that Orton would win this match and I hoped it might eventually lead to a Bryan/Orton feud at Wrestlemania, although recent events does seem to have changed that. I know that a lot of people are unhappy with Cena and Orton being in this match. I don't really mind it as it makes sense that the two most successful World Champions in the company are in it. When they last unified the Championships in December 2001, they gave it to Chris Jericho, which was surprisingly for a lot of people. However, I think that it didn't really work as WWE started booking him like he was a jackass and when he lost it to Triple H at Wrestlemania XVIII, he didn't win another World Championship until September 2008. Anyway, I hope that 2014 has a few new guys becoming WWE World Heavyweight Champion and not just the usual suspects like Cena and Orton.

Winner: Randy Orton

I thought that TLC was a fun event to watch. Except for a couple of matches, they were all really good and even one of those matches told a very good story. I thought that WWE had a good year, wrestling wise, in 2013 and may it continue in 2014.

WWE Survivor Series 2013 Review

The 27^th annual Survivor Series took place on Sunday 25^th November at the TD Garden in Boston. With not one but two Survivor Series matches taking place, I'm quite looking forward to this event. Let's take a look.

The kick-off show match was between Kofi Kingston and The Miz. This was quite an unusual one ot watch, especially since I didn't watch this til two weeks after the event. I'll get to the reason why in a bit. It was really fast paced to start with multiple pinning attempts and high-flying offense by Kofi. However, like last month when he faced Damien Sandow, his effort was in vain as Miz gets the win when his attempt to hit the skull crushing finale is reversed into a pin. Miz reverses that into a pin for the 3 count. Afterwards, Miz offers his hand and Kofi, forgetting he's the face in this match, slaps him. I enjoyed the match but I found it unusual because it looked like they were turning Miz heel, which is what he seriously needs. However, with an apparently awful TV movie being shown the following week, it got changed into both he and Kofi being really competitive hence them being dicks to each other. Er...ok then.

Winner: The Miz

Predictions: 1 for 1

The first match of the event was the first Survior Series elimination match with the team of Rey Mysterio, The Usos, Cody Rhodes and Goldust taking on The Shield and The Real Americans. I always like these matches so I'm looking forward to it. This match did throw up a lot of surprises, such as Dean Ambrose getting eliminated after a couple of minutes when he gets rolled up by Rhodes when Ambrose is aruging with the referee. Then, Swagger is eliminated after a splash by Jey Uso. Cesaro does the giant swing on both the Usos but he's eliminated by Cody with a sunset flip. This leaves Rollins and Reigns with the difficult task of eliminating 5 guys. Reings makes it easier after eliminating Jimmy Uso with a spear. Then he spears Cody Rhodes to obivilion after Cody hits the CrossRhodes on Rollins, making it 3 on 2. A couple of minutes later, Rollins hits the blackout on Jey Uso to even the odds. Unfortunately, Rollins gets eliminated by a roll up by Mysterio, leaving Reigns to face Goldust and Mysterio. After some back and forth, Reigns eliminates Goldust with another spear. Mysterio comes in and gets Reigns against the ropes then goes for the 619. Unfortunately for him, when he bounces off the ropes for the move, Reigns almost kills him with a spear to win the match and be the sole survivor. I really enjoyed the match as it was a lot of fun to watch. I was quite surprised that the heel team prevailed after going down to 5-on-2. However, it didn't take away from the match and it made Roman Reigns look great.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Predictions: 2 for 2

The next match is for the Intercontinental Championship as Curtis Axel gets his rematch against Big E Langston. The match goes back and forth for a little bit before Axel gains the momentum. Langston starts his comeback after powering out of a chinlock and hitting a few clotheslines. Axel comes close to winning it with a Perfect plex but Langston prevails after getting out of a hangman's facebuster to hit the big ending. The match was pretty good tho it was hard to follow the Survivor Series match. I wasn't a big fan of Langston to begin with but he's growing on me. As for Axel, I really want to like him, especially as I was a fan of his father. However, he seems pretty bland and he needs to show some of the chrisima his father had.

Winner: Big E Langston

Predictions: 3 for 3

Now we get the Divas Survivor Series elimination match with The Bella Twins, Natalya, JoJo, Eva Marie and The Funkadactyls taking on AJ Lee, Askana, Alicia Fox, Summer Rae, Tamina Snuka, Rosa Mendes and Kaitlyn. The match doesn't last anywhere near as long as I thought it would as most of them get eliminated after one move. Alicia Fox gets eliminated after a springboard moonsault by Naomi. Cameron gets eliminated by Rosa bouncing her head off the middle turnbuckle (I'm serious). Rosa gets eliminated by a facebuster by Brie Bella. After a brief dance-off between Summer Rae and Brie, Summer gets eliminated by getting kicked in the face. Eva Marie gets eliminated after Kaitlyn hits her with a press into a knee to the stomach then she eliminates Cameron with the same move. Nikki Bella eliminates Kaitlyn with a missile dropkick but she gets eliminated herself with a spinebuster by Askana. Askana gets eliminated after a backbreaker move by Nikki. After Nikki and Tamina have a brief mini-match, Nikki reluctantly tags in JoJo due to Natalya recovering from a cheap shot by Tamina earlier. Tamina easily dominates JoJo and hits her with a Samoan drop. AJ gets tagged in and pins JoJo to eliminate her. Tamina gets eliminated thanks to a sharpshooter by Natalya and then does the same move to AJ to win the match. Some bits of it weren't bad but some of it was terrible. I get it if JoJo and Eva Marie and Rosa Mendes (to a leeser extent) get eliminated after one move. However, a couple of eliminations were, especially Rosa's, were fucking riduculous. It's a prime example of WWE doing something decent with the Divas division one week then shitting over it the next.

Winners: Nikki Bella and Natalya

Predictions: 4 for 4

We now get an impromptu match with Ryback issuing an open challenge with Mark Henry accepting. Henry uses his impressive strength before Ryback chops him down. Despite Ryback's best efforts, Henry gets the victory after a world's strongest slam. The match was quite short and wasn't anything special but it was good to see Mark Henry back. As for Ryback, I don't know what they're doing with him anymore.

Winner: Mark Henry

Predictions: N/A

Next is the World Heavyweight Championship with Alberto Del Rio challenging John Cena. Much like their match at Hell in a Cell, De Rio keeps his focus on Cena's left elbow, because that worked last time(!) The match goes back and forth and eventually Del Rio wears Cena down with a few armbars. Cena does try to get some momentum a couple of times but Del Rio manages to stop them quite quickly. Del Rio comes close with a German suplex pin but Cena kicks out at 2. Later on, Cena almosts win it with a top rope fameasser. Del Rio goes for the cross armbreaker but cena rolls out of it and applies the STF. Del Rio manages to get a finger on the rope. Del Rio does apply the cross armbreaker but Cena, like every time Del Rio does that move, powers out of it and hits a powerbomb. In the end, Cena hits the AA to retain the Championship. The match wasn't too bad but it might be time for Del Rio to stay away from the title picture for a while.

Winner: John Cena

Predictions: 5 for 5

The penultimate match has Daniel Bryan and CM Punk taking on Erick Rowan and Luke Harper. Whilst I have slight doubts about Rowan and Harper, I am looking forward to this match. Bryan and Punk work on the legs of Rowan but he slows that down when he does a double suplex on them. Harper does a brutal big boot to Punk and this gives him and Rowan the advantage. Punk hits a tornado DDT on Rowan to give him the opportunity to hot tag Bryan and he goes for a top rope hurracarrana on Harper. However, Harper stops that and hits a top rope powerbomb, which would have given him the victory if Punk didn't save the pin. Punk gets thrown out of the ring, taking him out temporarily, and the Wyatts wear down Bryan for a little while. Punk eventually gets tagged in and a few minutes later, ducks a tornado clothesline by Harper to hit him with the GTS to get the victory. I really enjoyed it and I was really impressed with Harper and Rowan throughout the match. If I had a slight gripe, it would have been nice if it was a 3-on-2 tag team match. Otherwise, great match.

Winners: CM Punk and Daniel Bryan

Predictions: 6 for 6

The main event was for the WWE Championship as Big Show challenges Randy Orton. I have to admit, I wasn't really looking forward to this but I was interested to see how it went. Orton was reluctant to face Show but eventually, he gets to wear him down. Show gets back into it and hits a chokeslam for 2. Orton flees to the outside and when Show goes after to the outside and throws Orton against the ropes, he knocks into the referee. The action continues on the outside and Show hits the KO punch and drags him back into the ring. Triple H, along with Stephanie McMahon and Kane, come out. This gives Orton the opportunity to hit the RKO (outta of nowhere) then a punt to retain the WWE Championship. While they all celebrate, John Cena comes out and has a stare down with Orton. The match was ok to watch although Orton totally misses with the punt to give us a slightly botched ending. As for the end of the show, it turns out the next night that the Championships will be unified at TLC. I don't mind that but I wish that it didn't involve Cena and Orton.

Winner: Randy Orton

Predictions: 7 for 7

I thought that Survivor Series was fun to watch as I enjoyed a lot of the matches. 2013 looks like it will end with an Unified World Champion and I'm looking how that will take us into 2014.

WWE Hell in a Cell 2013 Review

WWE Hell in a Cell took place on Sunday 27^th October at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Will we finally have a WWE Champion or, through some nerafrious means, still be held in abeyance? Let's take a look.

The Kick-Off Show match was between Damien Sandow and Kofi Kingston. Whilst I like Sandow, I'm not a really big fan of Kingston. He is a very good athlete and quite fun to watch. However, he's been doing the same shit for years and he is in danger of not ever living up to his potential. Anyway, Kofi does his usual high-flying offense however, Sandow gets the win after hitting the You're Welcome. This was a decent match. Shame it was a bit short.

Winner: Damien Sandow

Predictions: 0 for 1

The first match of the PPV is a triple threat match for the WWE Tag Team Championships with Cody Rhodes and Goldust facing The Usos and Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. I was expecting this to be a fun match to start the event and I wasn't disappointed. It was done at a nice, fast pace between all the competitors and there was a lot to like about this: the sportsmanship between the Usos and the Rhodes; and Goldust getting to his corner only to realise that Cody had been taken out by Rollins. Cody almost wins it with a moonsault, and Jimmy Uso does a blind tag to Cody and proceeds to destroy Rollins and hits a Samoan drop for a nearfall. There was an awesome bit where Cody superplexes Rollins to the outside, crashing into the rest of the competitors. The end comes when Rollins gets hit with a right hand by Goldust followed by a CrossRhodes by Cody to get the pinfall and retain the Championships. The last few PPVs have started with an enjoyable, fun match and it didn't disappoint here.

Winners: Cody Rhodes and Goldust

Predictions: 1 for 2

After a segment in which Erick Rowan and Luke Harper dismantle The Miz and Kane coming in and taking out all of them, we get an intergender tag team match between Fandango and Summer Rae and The Great Khali and Natalya. Yeah...I feel sorry for Natalya, Summer Rae and Fandango in this match. Khali, whilst he can't wrestle and has the mobility of a crippled elephant, is popular with the fans so I can see why WWE keeps using him. However, it does sadden me that it's at the expense of a lot of talented wrestlers on both the main and the development rosters. Anyway, this match doesn't last long as Summer bounces Natalya off the ropes followed by a roll up (the Divas kryptonite) to get her team the victory. The bits with the women wasn't that bad as Summer is quite a decent wrestler and Natalya made her look good. I just didn't like the ending as I'm getting annoyed with Divas matches ending with just a roll up.

Winners: Fandango and Summer Rae

Predictions: N/A

The United States Championship is on the line as Big E Langston (worst ex-bodyguard ever) challenges Dean Ambrose. This was an interesting match to watch. I forgot how quick Langston is for his size and I loved Ambrose's ring psychology. Ambrose tries a sleeper a couple of times but Langston manages to power out of them. Langston gets back the momentum and Ambrose decides to go "fuck this!" and leave. Langston gets him back in and a few moments later, spears him to the floor while he was on ring apron. Ambrose gets counted out and afterwards, Langston hits the big ending. Whilst I wasn't a big fan of the finish, I quite enjoyed the match and I can see them having more matches in the future.

Winner: Big E Langston

Predictions: N/A

We now get our first Hell in a Cell match as CM Punk faces Paul Heyman and Ryback. This match did not go the way that I thought it would. Heyman uses a crane to get to the top of the cell and stay there, making this effectively an one-on-one match. The match doesn't go long before Punk grabs a kendo stick, which turns out to be a bad idea as Ryback stops him from using it and uses it instead. The match goes back and forth and Punk tries a springboard clothesline but he's caught by Ryback and gets hit with a powerslam. Later on, Ryback gets put through a table thanks to a Macho Man elbow drop. Punk then hits Ryback with a kendo stick then the GTS to get the win. Afterwards, Punk climbs the cell to face Heyman and proceeds to fuck him up with a kendo stick then hits the GTS, leaving Punk standing tall. The match wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. I thought that Heyman's way of avoiding the match was quite ingenuious, although he should have thought of a back up plan if Ryback lost. Otherwise, I honestly glad this feud is over. I was looking forward to this feud when it started but I couldn't get past Punk's reasoning for some of what he did.

Winner: CM Punk

Predictions: 2 for 3

We get another tag team match with Los Matadores take on The Real Americans. The Real Americans work on Diego for most of the match, including Cesaro doing the giant swing on him for almost 40 seconds. Eventually, Fernando gets tagged in and beats up Swagger. Swagger applies the anklelock but it's not enough as Los Matadores hit a move where one does a reverse STO while the other grabs the back of the head and drives it into the mat at the same time to get the pinfall over Swagger. Afterwards, El Torito hits a hurracarrana on Cesaro, headbutts Colter then a crossbody on Swagger. The match wasn't anything special except for, like the last PPV, the giant swing by Cesaro.

Winners: Los Matadores

Predictions: 3 for 4

The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Alberto Del Rio is challenged by a returning John Cena. Del Rio, understandably, goes for the tricep that was injured and keeps Cena down for most of the early going of the match. Cena does his comeback which is ended by Del Rio reversing an AA into a backstabber. Both guys go for their finishers which are stopped, but Del Rio applies the cross armbreaker but Cena rolls out of it and applies the STF. Del Rio does get to the ropes and does properly apply the cross armbreaker. However, Cena gets out of it by reversing into a powerbomb. Cena does hit the AA to get the win and become the new World Heavyweight Championship.

Even though it was obvious that Cena would win this, I quite enjoyed the match. I would say that this would give the chance for Cena to feud with some of the guys who are hovering round the Championship. However, I watched this a couple of weeks after it happened and I know that that turns out to be a momentual crock of shit. The next night, Damien Sandow practically destroys Cena's arm, cashes in his MITB briefcase and then proceeds to lose. Whilst I thought that it might be lead to a feud between the two, that was shat on the next week as Cena beats him in a tag match then goes to have a rematch with Del Rio. This is the biggest beef that I have with John Cena. I'm getting sick and tired of Cena always being the underdog and overcoming the odds at the first attempt. Sandow stops short of tearing Cena's arm off and Cena just brushes it off and wins without too much of a problem. This has been happening for years and it's getting to a point where it's getting ridiculous.

Winner: John Cena

Predictions: 4 for 5

The penultimate match is for the Divas Championship as AJ Lee once again faces Brie Bella. I was quite interested to see how this would turn out as Brie has been improving over the last few months. It was technical to begin with and AJ wears Brie down with a headlock/leg scissors combo. Brie sends AJ into the turnbuckle and makes a comeback. Brie applies a half Boston crab and Tamina Snuka goes up on the ring apron to distract the referee. Nikki Bella stops that by pulling Tamina's leg, sending her crashing to the floor and they fight on the outside. Brie accidentally knees Nikki and this gives AJ the opportunity to apply the black widow to get the win. Whilst it was short, I enjoyed the match. I generally enjoy Divas matches but WWE seem to give them decent matches one week then shits over the good stuff they created the next week.

Winner: AJ Lee

Predictions: 4 for 6

The main event is a Hell in a Cell match for the abeyant WWE Championship between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. Both guys use their cell to thier advantage, crashing their opponent into the cell and the steel steps. Michaels kept on asking if one of them wanted to quit when they get hit with a big move, which was a bit weird. The match is back and forth throughout. Bryan applies the LeBell Yes No lock and Orton manages to get out of it. Later on, Bryan decides to throw a shit load of chairs into the ring and that backfires as Orton stops Bryan from using one and proceeds to use them himself, including superplexing Bryan onto them. Triple H then comes out and argues with Michaels. This prevents him from counting a pin attempt by Orton and it leads to all three of them arguing. Orton tries for the RKO but Bryan pushes him into Michaels, knocking him down. Triple H then enters into the cell while Bryan runs the running knee to Orton. Bryan tries to get Michaels back up and Triple H and tosses him away. Bryan responds by hitting Triple H with the running knee. Michaels doesn't take that well and hits Bryan with the sweet chin music. Orton, after getting tips from Edge's manual "How to be the Ultimate Opportunist", covers Bryan. Michaels reluctantly does the count and Randy Orton is the new WWE Champion. It was a fun match to watch and, while it's hard to believe that Michaels would go down after a minor collision, the ending made sense as it makes Bryan look strong and cements the Authority's position. I suspect that Bryan will not be in the title picture til at least the Royal Rumble, so it will interesting to see what they do with him in that time.

Winner: Randy Orton

Predictions: 4 for 7

I thought that Hell in a Cell was quite an enjoyable event to watch. I just don't like 2 WWE Pay-Per-Views in one month. With Bound for Glory happening as well, there were 3 Pay-Per-Views in October and, like last year, I suffered a little burnout and decided to watch them in my own time. Sorry for the delay and next stop, Survivor Series.

WWE Survivor Series 2013 Preview

The twenty-seventh Survivor Series is taking place this evening at the TD Garden in Boston. It looks like it has an interesting card, so let's take a look.

The Kick Off Show match is between Kofi Kingston and The Miz. This is a tough one to call but I think, with Miz's recent heel turn, he'll get the win here.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Our first Survivor Series elimination match is between the team of Cody Rhodes, Goldust, The Usos and Rey Mysterio taking on the team of The Shield and The Real Americans. I can see this going both ways but I'm going for The Shield and Real Americans to win here.
Predicted Winners: The Shield and The Real Americans

The second Survivor Series elimination match involves the Divas as the team of Natalya, The Bella Twins, JoJo, Eva Marie and The Funkadactyls take on the team of AJ Lee, Kaitlyn, Rosa Mendes, Aksana, Alicia Fox and Summer Rae. I don't know if I'm doing to enjoy this as whilst it does involve some talented Divas like Natalya, AJ and Summer Rae; it does have JoJo and Alicia Fox in it. As for my prediction, even though I don't want them to win, I think that the Total Divas team will win here.
Predicted Winners: Natalya, Bella Twins, JoJo, Eva Marie and The Funkadactyls

The Intercontinental Championship is on the line as Curtis Axel gets his rematch against Big E Langston. This could be a good match but I can't see them giving Axel the belt back. Therefore, Langston to win here.
Predicted Winner: Big E Langston

Eric Rowan and Luke Harper take on Daniel Bryan and CM Punk in a match that I'm really looking forward to watching. This is a very tough one to call as I can see both teams winning. I'm going for Bryan and Punk and I'm wondering if this could lead to a Tag Team Championship reign next year.
Predicted Winners: Daniel Bryan and CM Punk

The World Heavyweight Championship match is between Alberto Del Rio and John Cena. I don't really care for this match. I thought that Sandow might get another chance for the Championship but that seems to have been shitcanned. Anyway, can't see Del Rio winning it so Cena to retain here.
Predicted Winner: John Cena

The WWE Championship will be defended as Randy Orton is challenged by Big Show. Unfortunately, I'm finding it hard to get up for this match. I think that Orton will be Champion til Wrestlemania so I'm going for him to retain here.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton

I won't get to watch this til at least next week so the review will be up then. I hope you guys enjoy the show.