WWE Summerslam 2012 Review

The Silver Anniversary of Summerslam took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. There were 8 matches on the card, including the Pre-Show. Was the show any good? Let's take a look.

The Pre-Show was Antonio Cesario challenging Santino Marella for the United States Championship. Santino goes the Cobra early and Cesario stops that from happening, eventually getting to rip up the sock. Santino gets back the momentum and pulls out another Cobra sock literally out of his ass. However, it wasn't enough as Cesario hits the Neutraliser and become the new United States Champion. It was a good match and, although I wanted Cesario to be the next United States Champion, I didn't think it would happen at Summerslam.
Winner: Antonio Cesario                                                                              Predictions: 0 for 1

After Triple H strongly encourages referee Scott Armstrong to be lenient with the rules regarding his match with Brock Lesnar, the PPV officially starts with Dolph Ziggler taking on Chris Jericho. I was surprised this match was on first. Despite that, I was really looking forward to his match so hopefully they won't disappoint. Jericho gets the early advantage before Ziggler starts to focus on the ribs that he injured on Smackdown. Ziggler mocks Jericho with a pin. Ziggler then hits the Fameasser followed later on by a sleeper. Jericho gets out of it and hits a top rope hurracarrana. Jericho goes for the Lionsaut but Ziggler knees him hits the ZigZag but that only gets a 2 count. Jericho hits the Codebreaker but Dolph rolls out of the ring. Jericho rolls Ziggler back in and gets distracted by Vickie as he is going back in. This gives the opportunity for Ziggler to do a small package but that only gets a 2 count. Jericho throws Ziggler into the turnbuckel and applies the Liontamer version of the Walls of Jericho to get the win. I really enjoyed this match and is one of the best opening matches ever seen at Summerslam.
Winner: Chris Jericho                                                                                    Predictions: 1 for 2

After Matt Striker interviews Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman (well, really Paul Heyman), we get Daniel Bryan taking on Kane. Bryan tries to use his superior agility to get the advantage but Kane is too strong for him eventually throwing Bryan out of the ring. Bryan starts to get some momentum but is stopped by Kane. Bryan tries to apply the LeBell "Yes" "No" Lock but Kane powers out of it. Bryan goes for a flying headbutt from the top rope but Kane catches him and hits the Chokeslam. Kane then goes the Tombstone; however, Bryan reverses it into a small package to get the win before commencing Operation GTFO. Kane goes after Bryan and starts to look for him backstage. Josh "Bad Timing" Mathews then decides that this would be a good time to interview Kane. Understandably Kane doesn't take that well and promptly sends flying Mathews flying through the air. Back to the match, it was an ok match with a good ending.
Winner: Daniel Bryan                                                                                     Predictions: 2 for 3

Next we get the Intercontinental Championship between Rey Mysterio and The Miz. The match goes back and forth to begin with with The Miz showing his new agressive stance. The action goes to the outsdie and Miz sends Mysterio onto the top of the guard rail. Miz has a lot of momentum including hitting a sit down powerbomb, which gets a 2 count. Mysterio manages to counter a few moves but is unable to get the pinfall.  Mysterio hits the 619. Miz tries the Skull Crushing Finale but it's reversed into a small package, which Miz kicks out at 2. Miz then sends Mysterio into the turnbuckle then hits the Skull Crushing Finale to get the pinfall and retain the Championship. I enjoyed this match with a lot of impressive counters by Mysterio.
Winner: The Miz                                                                                             Predictions: 3 for 4

We then get a backstage segment where CM Punk is not happy with AJ putting him into a triple threat match for the WWE Championship because he could lose the title without getting pinned. AJ decides to ignore him, which Punk feels that is disrespecting him. I kinda like where they are going with Punk as long as the WWE don't make into a generic heel. Punk can be a great anti-hero if played right.

The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Alberto Del Rio challenges Sheamus. The action goes to the outside early before going back in the ring. Del Rio goes for the Cross Armbreaker but Sheamus wh then attempts the Brogue Kick. However, Sheamus hits the ropes instead and this gives Del Rio to get the chance to wear down Sheamus. Del Rio attempts the Brogue Kick but Sheamus counters and tries to get some momentum but Del Rio gains it back. Del Rio applies the Cross Armbreaker but Sheamus manages to reverse it into a powerbomb. Sheamus hits the White Noise but Del Rio kicks out at 2. After Del Rio attempts a pin and Sheamus kicks out, Del Rio expresses his frustration at Ricardo "Virgil" Rodriguez and drags him into the ring. As the referee gets Ricardo out, he throws his shoe to Del Rio. However, Sheamus gets it instead and hits Del Rio in the head then hits the Irish Curse Backbreaker and pins him. Del Rio puts his foot on the rope but the referee doesn't see it and Sheamus moves it away to stop the referee spotting it. I enjoyed this match but I didn't like the ending. Sheamus' actions were more of a heel than a popular face. It looks like we will get another match between the two at Night of Champions.
Winner: Sheamus                                                                                             Predictions: 4 for 5

The Prime Time Players (#Millions of Dollars!) challenge Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the Tag Team championship.  Truth starts the match and is quickly dominated by O'Neill and Young. Kofi gets the hot tag and decimates O'Neill. Young distracts Kofi, giving O'Neill the chance to get out of the ring and hit a thunderous clothesline, giving the momentum back to the Prime Time Players. Kofi counters a slam into a DDT, giving him the opportunity to tag Truth. Young attempts a gutbuster but it's reversed into the Little Jimmy to give him and Kofi the win. This was a good tag team match and I wouldn't mind seeing a rematch between the two.
Winners: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth                                                                Predictions: 4 for 6

The penultimate match was the triple threat WWE Championship between CM Punk, The Big Show and John Cena. Show is dominant to begin with, which means that Punk and Cena work together against him. The did a suplex on Show but Show reverses it and suplexes them both. Punk dropkicks Show in the knee and starts to attack Show but it's only temporary as Show regains his dominance. There was a nice bit where   Punk attempt to do a suicide dive to Show but Show grabs his neck and slams him against the ring apron. Cena manages to hit a side suplex and Punk hit the Macho Man elbow drop but that only gets 2. Punk applies a submission move where he puts his legs and arms round Show's neck. Cena then decides to apply the STF at the same time to Show. Show understandably taps out which leaves everyone wondering. Punk and Cena both think they won, and I don't get Cena's reasoning here as he put on the STF after Punk put on his submission move. RAW General Manager AJ comes out to the ring and after taking a fucking decade to think about it, just says "Restart the match" and walks off. During this time, Show manages to recover and hits a double chokeslam but is unable to get the win. Show goes for the WMD on Cena but Cena ducks and hits the AA. Punk, taking inspiration from Edge's manual "How to be the Ultimate Opportunist", throws Cena out of the ring and pins Show to get the win and retain the WWE Championship. I enjoyed the match then it became a clusterfuck, which was really annoying.
Winner: CM Punk                                                                                               Predictions: 5 for 7

After a performance by Kevin Rudolf signing the theme song to Summerslam "Don't Give Up", including some embarrassing dancing by the ring announcers and the commentators; we get "The Perfect Storm" as Brock Lesnar takes on Triple H. Brock goes for the Kimura Lock early but Triple H powers out of it and clotheslines Brock over the top rope. This pisses Brock off and starts to destroy Triple H, focusing on the arm that he broke. Triple H tries to get some momentum but he is stopped by a German suplex. Brock continues his assault but is slowed down by a suplex by Triple H. Triple H goes for the Pedigree but is thrown over the top rope by Brock. Triple H sends Brock gut first into the announce table, and this gives Triple H the opportunity to focus on Brock's stomach, driving his knee continuously into the stomach. Triple H hits the AA Spinebuster then hits the Pedigree but Brock kicks out at 2. Brock hits a blatant low blow, which prompts ref Scott Armstrong to consider ringing the bell. He doesn't and Brock hits the F-5 but Triple H kicks out at 2. Brock applies the Kimura lock but Triple H manages to punch his way out of it. Triple H hits another Pegidree but as Triple H goes for the cover, Brock applies the Kimura lock, "breaks" Triple H's arm, prompting him to tap out and give Brock the win. Brock goes off and Triple H goes out mournfully saying goodbye. Although, I got a pissed off at Brock constantly going for the arm, I liked the story of the match, especially the role of referee Scott Armstrong and Paul Heyman. Heyman gets special credit for his reactions during the match, especially when he acts genuinely concerned for Brock when he inures his stomach.
Winner: Brock Lesnar                                                                                         Predictions: 6 for 8

I enjoyed most of Summerslam. Like I mention when I review Wrestlemania, Summerslam will not only be compared to not only the last PPV but also the last Summerslam and I think it's on the same level on both counts. The only thing that I really hated about the event was the finishes of the two World Championship matches as you see one in which the good guy cheats and another which ends in a bit of a clusterfuck. Despite that, I'm interested to see where the WWE goes from here.

WWE Summerslam 2012 Predictions

The 25^th Summerslam will be taking place once again at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The card looks quite decent so let’s take a look.

The Pre-Show Match on YouTube will feature the United States Championship as Santino Marella is challenged by Antonio Cesario. Normally, I would predict that Cesario would win. However, I can’t see the title changing on a pre-show. I’m going for Santino to pull it out of the bag and Cesario will hopefully win at Night of Champions.

Predicted Winner: Santino Marella

The Tag Team Championship will be on the line as The Prime Time Players (#millions of dollars) challenge Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. The tag team division is slowly, slowly looking like the WWE give a fuck about it. To continue in that trend, I think that the Prime Time Players will win and will be like: “A Who?”

Predicted Winners: Prime Time Players

Daniel Bryan will take on Kane in a match that doesn’t really make sense to me. Can someone tell  me what made Kane turn face? Anyway, I think this could be a decent match and I can see AJ fucking up Bryan’s chances to win. Despite that, I think that Bryan will win and continue to go “No! No! No!” at every opportunity.

Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan

The Miz will be challenged by Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. I’m looking forward to this match as it could be an entertaining contest. The Miz hasn’t been Champion for long, so I think that he will retain.

Predicted Winner: The Miz

Chris Jericho will face Dolph Ziggler in a match that I am really looking forward. The feud between the two has been a joy to watch and it looks like it will be Jericho’s last appearance before he goes off on tour with Fozzy. I can see either one winning but I’m going for a punt and predicting that Jericho will win. Ziggler may have the MITB briefcase but he doesn’t need to be a roll before he cashes it in. Prime example is Daniel Bryan last year. This match has the potential to not only be the match of the night but one of the matches of the year.

Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho

The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Sheamus will be challenged (yet again) by Alberto Del Rio. I was enjoying aspects of this feud but I feel that they have ruined it when they had the match two weeks ago. I can see both guys winning but I think that Sheamus will retain and hopefully go on to someone else.

Predicted Winner: Sheamus

The WWE Championship will be defended in a triple threat match between CM Punk, The Big Show and John Cena. I feel sorry for Punk. He bitches about not being in the main event at the expense of Cena; gets to face Cena in a PPV match, which normally guarantees main event status; then will get upstaged by the Lesnar/HHH match. I can’t see Show winning and I think that Cena will challenge for the WWE Championship at the next PPV. Therefore, I’m going for Punk to retain.

Predicted Winner: CM Punk

The main event (most likely) will be Brock Lesnar taking on Triple H. Even though this involves Triple H and Paul Heyman, two guys that I love watching, I’ve not really enjoyed this feud. I found it bizarre that the good guys effectively bullied Heyman into accepting the match Anyway, even though I love Triple H, Lesnar HAS to win this. If he doesn’t, then I feel that his one year contract has been a complete waste of time.

 Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

 I won't get to see the event til Monday evening so I'll publish my review during the week I hope you enjoy the show.

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 Review

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 took place at TNA's usual place of the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. The last two PPVs have been good, so will it continue the trend? Let's take a look.

The first match was a tag team with Gunner and Kid Kash taking on Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero. Guerrero does the Three Amigos and gets his ass kicked by Gunner and Kid Kash. Hernandez gets the hot tag and cleans house. Hernandez does a suicide dive while getting tagged out by Chavo. Chavo then gets the Frog Splash to Kash to get the win. This was a good match to start the PPV and hopefully they will use Chavo a lot more.
Winners: Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero                                                 Predictions: 1 for 1

The next match was a Falls Count Anywhere match for 20 points in BFG Series between Rob Van Dam, Magnus, Mr Anderson and D'Angelo Dinero. At least that was the plan. Aces and Eights paid Dinero a visit backstage and fucked him up, making the match a triple threat.The match goes over all the place from the ring up the entrance ramp then back to the ring. There was a good bit when Rob Van Dam does his "RVD" chant, Magnus chop-blocks him, mocks the "RVD" chant then hits RVD with a Texas Cloverleaf, which was stopped by Anderson. The end comes when RVD gets suplexed by Magnus and Magnus tries to get a chair. When he does, RVD hits him with the Vandaminator to get the win. A decent match which gives RVD 20 points and sends him up the rankings.
Winner: Rob Van Dam                                                                              Predictions: 2 for 2

Next was Devon defending his Television Championship against Kazarian. Devon is all over Kazarian until Kazarian gets the advantage with a clothesline. Devon spears Kazarian and starts to make a comeback. Devon hits a neckbreaker which Kazarian kicks out. Kazarian goes for the Fade to Black but Devon reverses it and hits the Spinebuster for the win. This was another decent match with a couple of good spots.
Winner: Devon                                                                                          Predictions: N/A

The Knockouts Championship is on the line as Madison Rayne challenges Ms Tessmacher with the most corrupt referee in wrestling history Earl Hebner in charge. I know Earl is the Senior Referee but surely Dixie Carter would make sure that he wasn't the referee. Oh, I'm sorry, that's using common sense. What was I thinking? Tessmacher gets a few pin attempts on Rayne, in which she gets upset at Earl for counting. Eventually, Tessmacher thought she would get the win with a elbow off the top rope but the referee saw Rayne’s leg on the rope. Rayne rolls up Tessmacher and uses her legs on the ropes for leverage, which Earl doesn’t see, giving Madison the win and becoming the new Knockouts Champion. The match was good, although I have see better matches from the Knockouts this year.
Winner: Madison Rayne                               Predictions: 3 for 3

The second BFG Series match is a Tables Match between Robbie E, Bully Ray, Jeff Hardy and James Storm. I have never seen a Tables Match between 4 people before. The rule seems simple enough, the first person to put someone through a table wins. We get numerous occasions where it looks like someone is about to go through a table but the table is moved by someone else. Robbie E tries to put Hardy through a table but fails and goes through the table instead. Bully and Storm fight it out before Bully gets the advantage and Aces and Eights arrive to distract him. This gives Storm the opportunity to hit the Last Call on Bully and the group gives Storm a thumbs up then leave. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate on Storm. Hardy sets up Storm on the table  and Aces and Eights come out to distract Hardy. This gives Bully the opportunity to grab Hardy and powerbomb him through a table to get the win. This was a fun match , although I felt it was slightly ruined by the appearances of Aces and Eights.
Winner: Bully Ray                           Predictions: 3 for 4

The X-Division Championship is on the line as Kenny King challenges Zema Ion. The match begins with a bit of slapping around. Some of the highlights of the match include Ion attempting a moonsault and missing; and Ion getting a single leg Boston crab. Ion eventually gets the win with a roll up and retains the X-Division Championship. It was a good fun match which showed off both their talents.
Winner: Zema Ion                         Predictions: 4 for 5

The penultimate match was a BFG Series Ladder match between AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. Like most ladder matches, there are a lot of high spots including Angle hitting belly to belly suplexes; Joe hitting the suicide dive on Daniels; Kurt applying the ankle lock on Daniels; and Daniels getting put through the middle of the ladder and then getting kicked by Angle and Joe. The end comes when Kurt climbs up a ladder and Joe climbs up s separate ladder. AJ gets back in the ring and springboards from the top rope onto the ladder and grabs the envelope and gets the win. This was the match of the night and was really enjoyable.
Winner: AJ Styles                      Predictions: 4 for 6

The main event was the TNA World Championship match between Austin Aries and Bobby Roode. Aries spits water into Roode’s face and attempts to apply the Last Chancery a couple of times but Roode manages to escape. Roode decides to leave then realises that that would be a bad idea as he wouldn’t get a rematch if he loses. Roode runs back in and gets the advantage.  There are a few high spots in the match including when Roode puts Aries in the crossface and Aries goes for the 450 splash but is kneed in the gut by Roode. The ref gets knocked out and Roode spears Aries and another ref comes out to make the count but Aries kicks out at 2. The second ref is then taken out and Aries hits the Brainbuster. The first ref gets up and makes the count but Roode kicks out at 2. Roode hits a superplex which puts both of them into a position in which they are pinning each other. Both refs get up and make the count to 3 and declare each person the winner. Roode claims victory, grabs the belt and starts to leave. However, the most corrupt referee in wrestling history Earl Hebner walks down the aisle and grabs the belt off Roode. After a discussion with the other referees, Earl decides to restart the match. Aries attempts a suicide dive to Roode but collides with the title belt that Roode managed to get a hold of. Roode rolls him back in the ring but only gets a 2 count. After arguing with the ref, Roode goes for Aries but is rolled up and Aries gets the win to retain the TNA World Championship. This was a good match. However, I didn’t like that the main event had 2 ref bumps and ended with a roll up.
Winner: Austin Aries                           Predictions: 4 for 7

I enjoyed some aspects of this PPV. I thought that the BFG Series matches were good, especially the ladder match. However, I didn’t like how the event ended and hopefully the next PPV, No Surrender, will have a better ending.

Fav Five: July 2012

It's time once again (belatedly) for the Fav Five for July 2012. With two decent PPVs, how will that change the standings?

5. Damien Sandow
Sandow has been one of the best guys to watch on Smackdown. He is an impressive athlete and is probably the best person on the mic at the minute. Sandow was good in Money in the Bank and his appearance at the D-Generation X Reunion at RAW 1000 shows that the WWE may have big things planned for him.
4. Dolph Ziggler
I have been more and more impressed with Ziggler over the last year, especially the way he sells moves. He deserved his victory at the World Heavyweight Championship MITB match and I have really enjoyed his feud with Chris Jericho; making me look forward to their match at Summerslam.
3. AJ
AJ, as always, is fun to watch with her crazy persona. However, since she became RAW General Manager, she hasn't really shown much of that. Hopefully, it may come out over Summerslam and perhaps have a story  where McMahon gets worried over AJ's behaviour.
2. Austin Aries
Austin Aries (the best thing in TNA right now) has stepped up on many levels over 2012. His match in which he won the TNA World Championship at Destination X is one of the matches of the year so far and it's so good to see him at the main event level that he deserves to be.
1. Daniel Bryan
I think Daniel Bryan is a paradox. His 18 second FUCKING LOSS(!!!!) at Wrestlemania would have buried most people. However, he seems to be more over than ever. His evolving persona in which he doesn't like people chanting "Yes!" at him, even going so far as to change his finishing move to the LeBell "Yes" "No" Lock, and  maybe slowly going more crazy than AJ is, has been a joy to watch; and Bryan is, along with Sandow, the guy that I most look forward to seeing on WWE Television.

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 Predictions

It's time for another TNA Pay-Per-View as Hardcore Justice takes place at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. How will the Bound for Glory Series look after this event and will the Aces and Eights get involved? Let's look at the card.

Zema Ion will defend his X-Division Championship against Kenny King in what could be a fun match to watch. Even though I like Kenny King, I think that Ion will be Champion until Jesse Sorenson comes back; so I'm going for Ion to win.
Predicted Winner: Zema Ion

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez take on Gunner and Kid Kash in a tag team match. I'm not sure about this one as I don't care for any of them except for Chavo. I think that he and Hernandez will win this one.
Predicted Winners: Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez

Ms Tessmacher will defend her Knockouts Championship against Madison "Screamer" Rayne. I think this match will strongly depend on whether Madison's crush, Earl Hebner, is the referee. If he is, then Rayne will definitely win.
Predicted Winner: Madison Rayne

We have 3 Bound for Glory Series matches and the first one is a Falls Count Anywhere match between D'Angelo Dinero, Magnus, Mr Anderson and Rob Van Dam. The only I don't see winning is Dinero; as for the others, it's a tough one to call. I'm going for RVD to win this one and climb up the standings.
Predicted Winner: Rob Van Dam

The second Bound for Glory Series match is a Tables Match involving James Storm, Bully Ray, Jeff Hardy and Robbie E. I have never seen a tables match involving 4 different competitors before so it will be interesting to see how that will play out. Except for Robbie E who has no FUCKING right to be in the BFG Series to begin with, it's hard to see who will win this. I'm going for James Storm to pull it out of the bag.
Predicted Winner: James Storm

The third Bound for Glory Series match is a ladder match between AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. It's a hard one to call as they are all capable of winning it. I can see Samoa Joe and James Storm fighting it out to win the Series, so I'm going for Joe to win this.
Predicted Winner: Samoa Joe

The TNA World Championship is on the line as Bobby Roode  gets his rematch against Austin Aries (the best thing in TNA right now). This is a really tough one to call. I can see Roode winning this and facing James Storm at Bound for Glory; but then why give the Championship to Aries? I can also see (although it's less likely) having Joe face Aries at Bound for Glory. I'm going for Bobby Roode to win this. I know that I'm once again going against the best thing in TNA right now but I think that Roode will win and build up the feud between him and Storm.
Predicted Winner: Bobby Roode

Due to the fact that I won't see this til later in the week, the review will be up next weekend. Until then, I hope you enjoy the event.

WWE Money in the Bank 2012 Review

WWE Money in the Bank took place in the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Last year's event was the best PPV WWE had done in years, so will this year be up to that standard? Let's review.

The Pre-Show match was between the team of Kofi Kingston and R-Truth and the team of Hunico and Camacho. The match was decent enough with R-Truth eventually getting the win
Winners: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth                                                             Predictions: 1 for 1

The event officially starts with the World Heavyweight Championship MITB match between Christian, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Dolph Ziggler, Lord Tensai, Santino Marella, Sin Cara and Tyson Kidd. The match starts with Tensai being dominant.Some of the other highlights include Rhodes doing a disaster kick on Kidd but hitting Sandow instead; Christian spearing Sandow onto the ladder; Rhodes getting distracted by Vickie Guerrero so that Ziggler can hit the Zig Zag on Rhodes; and Tensai powerbombing Sin Cara onto a ladder then throwing Ziggler over the announce table. The end comes when Christian and Santino are fighting over the briefcase and Christian pushes Santino. Ziggler then comes out of nowhere and pushes Christian off the ladder to claim the briefcase. This was a funny fun match and a great way to start the PPV. As for Ziggler, I personally think that he doesn't need the briefcase but it's just he needs to get him to the main event level.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler                                                                                     Predictions: 1 for 2


After a backstage interview with Sheamus, we get the return of The Miz. AAAWWEEEESOOOMMMEEE!!!!! Sorry, I'm a big fan of The Miz, who has been away fliming The Marine 3. Miz announces that he is entering himself into the WWE Championship MITB match. Hell, yeah! I like this bit as it looked like it was going to be a shit match with only 4 people in the match. The Miz has made the match more interesting with 5 people now in it.

The next match was the World Heavyweight Championship match with Alberto Del Rio challenging Sheamus. Sheamus takes control in the early going before a distraction by Ricardo "Virgil" Rodrigeuz gives Del Rio the chance to get the momentum, focusing on the arm that he injured on the previous Smackdown. Sheamus gets a slight reprieve with a swinging neckbreaker and the match goes back and forth for a little while after that. Del Rio sends Sheamus into the corner and tries a flying kick but misses. This gives Sheamus the opportunity to hit the White Noise followed by a Brogue Kick to get the win. Afterwards, Del Rio doesn't take the loss well and destroys Sheamus. Dolph Ziggler comes out in order to cash in his newly-won MITB contract and Del Rio and Ziggler argue for a while before Ziggler hits him with the briefcase. This gives Sheamus the opportunity to Brogue Kick Ziggler's head off and prevent the briefcase being cashed in. This was a good match and I can see a feud between Sheamus and Ziggler developing over the summer.
Winner: Sheamus                                                                                            Predictions: 2 for 3

We get a bonus tag team match between Epico and Primo and The Prime Time Players (MIllions of Dollars, Millions of Dollars!) with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth on guest commentary. We also get AW mic'd up as we listen to them give encouragement to The Prime Time Players and give verbal abuse to their opponents. Epico and Primo start to be dominant over Darren Young before Epico starts to get beat on. Primo gets the hot tag and does an impressive springboard into a corkscrew splash for a 2 count.  Primo Darren Young then gets rolled up by Primo to get the win. Afterwards, The Prime Time Players get into a standoff with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth.
Winners: Epico and Primo                                                                             Predictions: N/A


Next is the WWE Championship match between Daniel Bryan and CM Punk?! Great, it looks like the show will end with the John Cena Show. AJ is the Special Guest Referee for this match and it's no disqualification. Nothing really special happened until Bryan pushes Punk into AJ and sent her flying off the apron. AJ receives medical attention at the back and referee Chad Patton takes over. This is when the competitors decide to utilise the no-disqualification stipulation and Bryan brings out a kendo stick. Punk tries a springboard flying clothesline but Bryan hits Punk in the abdomen with the kendo stick. Bryan keeps on hitting Punk with the kendo stick. Punk begins a comeback and tries for the GTS but Bryan counters it into a roll up for 2. A little while AJ comes back out and orders Patton to the back. She then proceeds to grab a chair and leave it in the middle of the ring for Bryan and Punk to fight for it. Bryan manages to grab it and destroys Punk with it, only getting a 2 count. Bryan doesn't take the count well and pleads with AJ. Punk does a roll up, which gets 2. Punk uses the chair on Bryan. Punk puts the chair inbetween the middle and top turnbuckles and AJ stops Punk from throwing Bryan into it and this gives Bryan the opportunity to dropkick Punk into the chair. Bryan goes for the kendo stick but AJ puts her foot on it, preventing him from using it. Punk misses with a Macho Man elbow drop and Bryan applies the LeBell Yes Lock, putting the kendo stick  across Punk's face. Punk gets out of it and hits the GTS but Bryan kicks out at 2. Punk puts Bryan onto a table and attempts another Macho Man elbow drop but Bryan pushes Punk onto the turnbuckle. Bryan attacks Punk in that position before he is pushed onto the turnbuckle. Punk then does a back suplex sending both guys through the table and Punk pins Bryan to get the win. I enjoyed the match and it was interesting to see AJ's role in this match. I don't get what her position is. I think she is angry with both of them and is completely fucking up their minds. A part of me still feels that AJ is helping a third party but we'll wait and see over the next month.
Winner: CM Punk                                                                                           Predictions: 3 for 4

A squash match is next as Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks  get fucked up by Ryback. Hawkins and Reks actually put Ryback down and double team him for a bit. Unfortunately for them, that plan doesn't last long as Ryback gets back the momentum with a powerslam and fucks up Hawkins,throws him out of the ring and hits Reks with the Shellshock for the usual victory. It did its job, which was filler.
Winner: Ryback                                                                                               Predictions: N/A


We get another filler match as Divas Champion Layla, Kaitlyn and Tamina Snuka take on Beth Phoenix, Natalya and Eve Torres. Natalya and Tamina start the match. Beth and Kaitlyn get tagged in and Kaitlyn slaps her then Eve when she gets tagged in. Kaitlyn gets dominated for a while before Layla gets the hot tag. Beth attempts a Gorilla Press Slam but Layla reverses it into a roll up which Natalya breaks up. Natalya, Kaitlyn and Eve get sent flying out the ring and Tamina super kicks Beth into a Lay-Out by Layla to give her team the victory. The match wasn't that bad although it would be nice if they had a bit more time.
Winners: Layla, Kaitlyn and Tamina Snuka                                                    Predictions: N/A


The main event is the John Cena show the WWE Championship MITB match between Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane, John Cena and The Miz. Big Show starts fucking everyone up and this gives Miz the chance to climb the letter. Cena stops that from happening. Show continues to be dominant before his opponents join forces to send Show out of the ring and Cena AA's him through the Spanish Announcers table. Everyone else then proceeds to bury Show under a pile of ladders. Some of the other highlights include Miz and Jericho suplexing Kane onto a ladder; Cena AA'ing Kane on top of Miz; Show rising from his grave of ladders then proceeding to give Jericho a ladder sandwich; Show getting his Special Edition ladder (on sale at bigfuckoffladders.com); and Jericho stopping Show from getting the briefcase with a steel chair. Jericho almost gets the briefcase but Miz goes up the ladder and fight it out. Jericho punches him down the ladder and thinks he has the briefcase. Unfortunately, Show climbs up the ladder and hits Jericho with theWMD then on the Miz to send them both off the ladder. Cena then climbs the ladder and starts to use briefcase to hit Show in the head. The briefcase handle breaks, coming off the hook holding it up while Cena is doing this, giving him the victory. It looks like the ending was slightly botched as I think the plan was for Show to fall off the ladder, leaving Cena all by himself to grab the briefcase. Despite that, it looks weird having Cena with the Money in the Bank briefcase. The question is, what will he do with it?
Winner: John Cena                                                                                            Predictions: 4 for 5


I thought that Money in the Bank was a good event. The slight problem is that it will be compared to last year's, where it deemed to be one of the best PPVs WWE have done in years. It's not as good as that but it still had some good matches such as the World Heavyweight Championship MITB match. However, I'm getting sick to death with every event ending with the John Cena. With the exception of the Royal Rumble, Cena has always ended the show "overcoming the odds" against the heel of the month. We'll wait and see if Summerslam will continue in that trend.

WWE Money in the Bank 2012 Preview

It’s time for one of my favourite PPVs of the year which is taking  place in the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Last year, it not only won the Lo-Down Wrestling PPV of the Year ; it also had the Match of the Year with CM Punk versus John Cena. The build up to this has not been great but it has a couple of matches that I’m looking forward, so let’s take a look.

The Pre-Show match on YouTube  is between the team of Kofi Kingston and R-Truth taking on Hunico and Camacho. I don’t think it is for the Tag Team Championships as the number 1 contenders are The Prime Time Players (Millions of Dollars, Millions of Dollars!) Anyway, does anyone really think that Hunico and Camacho will win this match? No, didn’t think so.

Predicted Winners: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth

The World Heavyweight Championship match has Alberto Del Rio challenging Sheamus. This has been a decent build to this match and it would be interesting to see Del Rio as Champion. However, I think that Sheamus will retain here.

Predicted Winner: Sheamus

The World Heavyweight Championship MITB match will be between Christian, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Dolph Ziggler, Santino Marella, Sin Cara, Lord Tensai and Tyson Kidd. This is one of the matches that I am really looking forward and this could be a contender for LDW Match of the Year. It’s a tough one to call as I can see either Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler or Damien Sandow winning it. I’m going for Cody Rhodes to win this I think he is now ready for the main event level.

Predicted Winner: Cody Rhodes

On the other hand, the WWE Championship MITB match is one that I’m not looking forward to. This one is slightly different as it’s between active former WWE Champions: Big Show, Chris Jericho, John Cena and Kane. I can see this being nowhere near as good as the other MITB match and it would have made more sense to either include any former World Champions (such as Jack Swagger) or do this idea in 2013 where they will be more former WWE Champions (such as CM Punk, The Miz and Randy Orton) I feel really sorry about Chris Jericho who will be trying to make everyone look good. The only one that I see winning this match is John Cena, who will once again overcome the odds (even though he has more chance of winning this match then if he was in the World Heavyweight Championship MITB Match) and take the briefcase. I pray to God that this is not the main event otherwise I would not be happy.

Predicted Winner: John Cena

The WWE Championship match has Daniel Bryan challenging CM Punk with AJ as the Special Guest Referee. This has the ability to be a really good match but the question is, like last time, what about AJ? This is a tough one to call as my initial thoughts about AJ was allied with Bryan. Now I’m not so sure. A part of me doesn’t think AJ is as crazy as she has led us to believe and she could be working for a third party. Anyway, I think that Punk will win this one and remain Champion until Summerslam.

Predicted Winner: CM Punk

I won’t get to see the whole event until Monday or Tuesday so the review (like all my reviews recently) will be published during the week. I hope you enjoy the show.

TNA Destination X 2012 Review

It's time for the X-Division to shine as Destination X took place last Sunday at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. We will see a new X-Division Champion crowned but will we see a new TNA World Champion? Let's review.

We start with a four way match between Rubix, Lars Only, Dakota Darsow and Mason Andrews in which the winner will get to qualify for the X-Division Championship Tournament. As with most X-Division matches, there was a lot of high-flying offence, including Andrews doing a suicide dive to Only and Darsow, who were outside the ring; followed by Rubix doing an acrobatic suicide dive to his opponents when they all got up. With Darsow and Rubix being taken out, Only and Andrews fought it out with Andrews hitting a fireman's carry into a RKO to get the win. This was a really fun match to start the show and I hope they keep these guys on, especially Rubix as I thought he was really good.
Winner: Mason Andrews                                                                                   Predictions: N/A


Mason Andrews gets no time to rest as he immediately faces Kid Kash in the 1st X-Division Championship Tournament match. Kash starts to take advantage of his freshness and dominate Andrews. Kash tries a moonsault which Andrews countered with a knee to the face. Andrews almost won it with a running knee. Kash tries to knee Andrews in the face but Andrews grabs his leg and rolls him up to get the win. The match was not as fun as the first one but it was still enjoyable.
Winner: Mason Andrews                                                                                   Predictions: N/A


The 2nd X-Division Championship Tournament match is between Douglas Williams and Kenny King. The match goes back and forth with King hitting an impressive spinebuster and Williams hitting a flying knee to King who was outside the ring. King eventually gets the win with a fireman's carry into a slam. I picked Kenny King to become the new X-Division Champion, so I'm glad he won.
Winner: Kenny King                                                                                          Predictions: N/A


The 3rd X-Division Championship Tournament match is between Sonjay Dutt and Rashad Cameron. The match starts with both of them showing off their acrobatic skills and the match does have a lot of high-flying manoeuvres. Cameron keeps on bitching to senior referee Earl Hebner,which comes back to haunt him as Dutt takes advantage and hits a somersault into a double foot stomp from the top turnbuckle to get the win. Only because I had never seen these guys before, I didn't find it as enjoyable as the other matches so far. Despite that, it was still fun to watch.
Winner: Sonjay Dutt                                                                                         Predictions: N/A

Next we get an update on Jesse Sorenson. To remind you, Sorenson broke his neck at Against All Odds earlier this year when Zema Ion landed on Sorenson's head in a match. Sorenson goes to the ring and announces that he wants Ion to win the X-Division Championship so that he can take it off him and use it to get the chance to become TNA World Champion. Ion then comes out and has a staredown with Sorenson. It's great to see that Sorenson looks like he will, not only make a full recovery, but will be able to go back to wrestling by the end of the year. I know a lot of people dismiss professional wrestling as fake (I prefer choreographed myself) but it is an extremely dangerous profession and accidents do happen. I know I mentioned this in my Against All Odds review, but well done to the TNA medical staff for their quick reactions when the accident occurred to help ensure that Sorenson is where he is now.

Zema Ion  stays in the ring as he takes on Flip Cassanova in the 4th X-Division Championship Tournament match. The match doesn't take that long as, despite some brief glimpses of impressive offence  from Cassanova, Ion gets the win. It's good to see Ion get the win. Shame he had to beat Cassanova to do it as I think he is pretty good.
Winner: Zema Ion                                                                                            Predictions: N/A


Next we get a Bound for Glory Series match between Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle and finally, a match that I made a prediction on. The match goes back and forth and the crowd was really into it. Joe gets Angle into an Armbar but Angle reverses into a ankle lock. Joe eventually hits the muscle buster but Angle kicks out. Angle puts Joe into the ankle lock but Joe gets out of it and Joe hits the rear naked choke. Angle eventually gets out of it and hits the Olympic slam but Joe kicks out at 2. Angle tries the Olpympic slam but Joe puts on the rear naked choke and takes them to the floor, putting himself between Angle and the ropes. Despite Angle's best efforts, he passes out and the referee calls for the bell, giving Joe the victory. The match means that Samoa Joe takes the lead in the table by one point. I really enjoyed this match and it made both people look strong as we move on in the Bound for Glory Series.
Winner: Samoa Joe                                                                                          Predictions: 0 for 1


AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels were next in a Last Man Standing match. Hopefully, it won't get as fucked up as their I Quit match at Bound for Glory last year. It quite apparent quite quickly they wan tot hurt each other when Styles suplexes Daniels into the turnbuckle. Daniels brings in a steel chair and slams Angle onto it. Daniels continues to keep hitting Styles in the back and head outside the ring, busting Styles open. The action goes into the ring when Styles does a springboard punch which sends the chair that Daniels was carrying into Daniel's head. Styles then sends Daniels head first into the steel steps outside the ring, busting Daniels open. Daniels decided it would be a good idea to flee up the aisle with Styles in hot pursuit and they continue to fight on the stage near the announce table. They do a double clothesline and both guys get up at the count of 5. After a little while, Styles does an impressive somersault into a DDT. While the referee is counting , Kazarian arrives and pushes Styles off the stage onto the concrete. The referee then starts to count, which I find weird because it wasn't Daniels who put Styles down, and Styles gets up at 8. Daniels gets a table and puts it up on the floor by the ramp to the stage. He attempts to send Styles through it but Styles pushes Daniels into Kazarian and then hits the Styles Clash sending both men crashing into the table off the stage. The referee counts and Styles gets up at 8 but Daniels doesn't, giving Styles the win. The match was really enjoyable and I really enjoyed the ending.
Winner: AJ Styles                                                                                           Predictions: 1 for 2


Next we get the Ultimate X match between Zema Ion, Kenny King, Sonjay Dutt and Mason Andrews. For those who don't know, an Ultimate X match is when the X-Division belt is suspended by two ropes, which are held up by scaffold towers at each corner of the ring. The winner is the one who grabs the belt. Some of the highlights include Ion ending up in the Tree of Woe and King sending Andrews into him; Dutt hitting King doing a ground moonsault which dislocated Dutt's shoulder on impact; Ion getting pulled down by Andrews and King; and Andrews hanging off the rope and getting speared by King. King and Andrews get to the belt but they take each other out, and Dutt and Ion fight it out above the belt. Ion uses his hair spray on Dutt, sending him to the ring; and Ion grabs the belt to become the new X-Division Champion. It was a decent match and special mention to Sonjay Dutt, who dislocated his shoulder and elbow then managed to get that sorted so that he can get involved in the ending.
Winner: Zema Ion                                                                                           Predictions: 1 for 3


The main event is Austin Aries (the best thing in TNA right now) challenging Bobby Roode for the TNA World Championship. Both guys try to get into each other's head to begin with. Roode starts to get the momentum keeping Aries grounded. Roode starts mocking Aries and slapping him in the face. This pisses off Aries who starts to dominate the match. Aries hits the Last Chancery but Roode turns it round into the Crossface. Aries rolls out of it and hits the Last Chancery but Roode rakes the eyes to get out of it. After a little while, Roode applies the Crossface but Aries eventually grabs the rope. Roode grabs the belt but the referee stops him from using it. While the referee is putting the belt away, Roode hits a low blow but Aries kicks out at 2. Aries attempts the Brainbuster but Roode gets out of it and pushes Aries into the referee. Roode hits Aries with the belt and revives the referee but Aries kicks out at 2. Roode attempts a fisherman suplex but Aries reverses it into a small package. Aries then sends Roode into the turnbuckle and, after a kick to the head, hits the Brainbuster to get the win and become the NEW TNA World Champion. This was undoubtedly the match of the night and, although I predicted that Aries would lose, I'm really happy that he won. The only reason that I thought that Roode would win is that I thought that TNA would have Storm win the BFG Series and have him defeat Roode at Bound for Glory. That could still happen but I think it would have been better if Roode had been Champion for almost a year and not a couple of months. Despite that, congratulations on Austin Aries winning the TNA World Championship.
Winner: Austin Aries                                                                                   Predictions: 1 for 4


I enjoyed this event. I think that Slammiversary is still TNA's best PPV so far this year and it was going to be hard to top that. Despite the fact that a lot of matches had guys who are unfamiliar to those fans who are outside the Independent Wrestling scene in the United States (like myself), it was still good to watch. TNA have a lot of momentum right now and I hope they can keep it going.

Money in the Bank - The Contenders

Money in the Bank is this evening and, as usual, there will be ladder matches to determine who will get a title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Championship. Let’s look at the contenders.

World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match

Christian
Record: 0-4
The two –time World Heavyweight Champion and the current Intercontinental Champion is in his element in this kind of match. I know that a lot of people would love him to win it, but I don’t think he will
Chances of winning: Potential Dark Horse

Santino Marella
Record: First Time
I know that some people are wondering why the current United States Champion is anywhere near this match. I think that he has a very slim chance of winning but he was the runner-up to the 2011 Royal Rumble, so I’m not exactly ruling it out.
Chances of Winning: Slim

Lord Tensai
Record: First Time
Lord Tensai has been up and down the card since his return to the WWE. Because of that, I don’t think he will win.
Chances of Winning: Slim

Sin Cara
Record: 0-1
While 2011 has been difficult year for Sin Cara, 2012 has been so far, so good for him. I think he has a slim chance of winning and I still think that WWE would like a Champion who can, well...speak. Hopefully, he won’t get powerbombed through a ladder like last year.
Chances of Winning: Slim

Tyson Kidd
Record: First Time
Tyson Kidd is a tremendous athlete and is one of the underrated people in the WWE. It’s great to see him get a push and I think he has the potential to be a great Champion. However, I don’t think this will be that time.
Chances of Winning: Slim

Damien Sandow
Record: First Time
Damien Sandow has been a joy to watch since his debut on Smackdown and I think he is one of the best talkers in the company at the minute. It would be a massive surprise if he won the briefcase, but it would also be a nice surprise.
Chances of Winning: Er...it’s possible

Cody Rhodes
Record: 0-2
Could this be Cody’s time? Cody has been a revelation over the last 18 months with his excellent ability and character development. I have no doubt that Cody will be a future World Champion; the question is, are the WWE ready to give him that opportunity?
Chances of Winning: High

Dolph Ziggler
Record: 0-2
The question about Cody Rhodes could equally apply to Dolph Ziggler. Dolph has had chances to win a World Championship and he is (technically) a former World Heavyweight Champion. Personally, I don’t think he needs the briefcase but it could be exactly what he needs.
Chances of Winning: High

WWE Championship Ladder Match

The Big Show
Record: 0-1
The Big Show was looking good in his recent heel turn until Cena fucked that up. Now, I don’t really care. I can’t see him winning the briefcase though a feud between him and Punk could be interesting.
Chances of Winning: Slim

Kane
Record: 1-5
Kane has had the most experience in Money in the Bank matches yet he is probably the one who has the less chance of winning. Kane getting the briefcase would not help anyone.
Chances of Winning: Slim

Chris Jericho
Record: 0-3
The inventor of the match has an excellent opportunity to get the briefcase. It would be great to see. However, I can only see one people winning it and it’s not him.
Chances of Winning: Quite high

John Cena
Record: First Time
John Cena has never been in a MITB match before but he has suffered it by being cashed in on, not once but twice. He is the only one that I can see winning this match. The question is, will he do the honourable thing and actually cash it in to make a match or could this be the opportunity for a heel turn?
Chances of Winning: Very high.

Money in the Bank - The Winners

The Money in the Bank concept has been going on for 7 years now and is now of the PPVs that I look forward throughout the year. Let's look at the winners of these matches and see how they did afterwards.

Wrestlemania XXI

Competitors: Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Christian, Edge, Kane and Shelton Benjamin

Won by: Edge

When did he cash it in? Edge cashed in at New Year’s Revolution 2006 to defeat WWE Champion John Cena.

Wrestlemania XXII

Competitors: Bobby Lashley, Finlay, Matt Hardy, Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam and Shelton Benjamin

Won by: Rob Van Dam

When did he cash it in? So far, Rob Van Dam is the only one who has used the briefcase to book an actual match. He challenged WWE Champion John Cena to an Extreme Rules match at ECW One Night Stand 2006 and was victorious.

Wrestlemania XXIII

Competitors: CM Punk, Edge, Finlay, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Mr Kennedy, King Booker and Randy Orton.

Won by: Mr Kennedy

When did he cash it in? Er...yeah about that. Edge defeated Mr Kennedy for the briefcase on the May 7^th edition of RAW. Edge then cashed it in on the following Smackdown on World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker.

Wrestlemania XXIV

Competitors: Carlito, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Shelton Benjamin, John Morrison, Montel Vontavious Porter and Mr. Kennedy

Won by: CM Punk

When did he cash it in? Punk took advantage of World Heavyweight Champion Edge after he was destroyed by Batista on the 30^th June 2008 edition of RAW.

Wrestlemania XXV

Competitors: Christian, CM Punk, Finlay, Kane, Kofi Kingston,  Mark Henry, Montel Vontavious Porter and Shelton Benjamin

Won by: CM Punk

When did he cash it in? CM Punk cashed in on Matt Hardy after he had just become World Heavyweight Champion.

Wrestlemania XXVI

Competitors: Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Matt Hardy, Montel Vontavious Porter and Shelton Benjamin

Won by: Jack Swagger

When did he cash it in? After trying to cash it in unsuccessfully on John Cena, he managed to cash it in and defeat World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho, 5 days after Wrestlemania

RAW Match 2010

Competitors: Chris Jericho, Edge, Evan Bourne, John Morrison, Mark Henry, The Miz, Randy Orton and  Ted DiBiase Jr.

Won by: The Miz

When did he cash it in? After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, he teased cashing it in at Survivor Series, only to cash it in the day after, defeating Randy Orton to become WWE Champion.

Smackdown Match 2010

Competitors: Big Show, Christian, Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Kane, Kofi Kingston and Matt Hardy

Won by: Kane

When did he cash it in? Kane didn’t wait long as he cashed it in and defeated Rey Mysterio under an hour later to become World Heavyweight Champion

RAW Match 2011

Competitors: Alberto Del Rio, Alex Riley, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, The Miz.

Won by: Alberto Del Rio

When did he cash it in? Del Rio unsuccessfully tried to cash it in on CM Punk after he won the WWE Championship the same night. After another unsuccessful attempt on Rey Mysterio, Del Rio cashed it in and defeated CM Punk at Summerslam after an attack by Kevin Nash

Smackdown Match 2011

Competitors: Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Wade Barrett.

Won by: Daniel Bryan

When did he cash it in? Bryan stated that he was planning to cash it in at Wrestlemania XXVIII. Bryan tried to cash it in on Mark Henry but was unsuccessful in November. Bryan did cash it in and defeat Mark Henry a few days after Survivor Series, only to be told by GM Theodore Long that Henry was not medically cleared to wrestle. At TLC last year, Show defeated Mark Henry to become World Heavyweight Champion. Henry didn’t take that well and destroyed Show with a chair. Bryan took advantage to cash in his briefcase and become World Heavyweight Champion.