WWE Elimination Chamber took place on Sunday 17th February at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. There are only 7 matches on the card but we will see who will be the first ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. So let's take a look.
The match on the Kick Off Show was Akira Tozowa challenging Buddy Murphy for the Cruiserweight Championship. Murphy shrugs off Flair chops from Tozowa before catching him do a suicide dive and hitting with a suplex to the outside. Tozowa manages to make a comeback with multiple kicks. Both guys have a chance to win it before Tozowa hits a Senton from the rope to the back for 2. Tozowa puts Murphy in the Iron Octopus submission. However, Murphy powers out of it and hits Murphy's Law to get the win. This was a really good match and a great way to start the event.
Winner: Buddy Murphy (1 for 1)
The first match of the show is a Elimination Chamber Match to crown the first ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions consisting of the teams of Nia Jax and Tamina, The IIconics, Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan, Sasha Banks and Bayley, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville and Carmella and Naomi. Sasha and Bayley and Mandy and Sonya start the match. Sarah and Liv then enter the match followed by The IIonics and then Carmella and Naomi. Unfortunately, Billie and Peyton team up to do a beautiful pinning combination on Naomi to eliminate them. Nia and Tamina then enter and proceed to destroy everyone. The IIconics get eliminated when they hit with stereo Samoan Drops by Nia and Tamina. Liv and Sarah then get eliminated when Liv gets hit by a Samoan Drop from the middle rope followed by a Superfly Splash by Tamina. Nia then tries to spear Bayley but misses and goes crashing through one of the pads. This gives everyone else the chance to team up and pin Tamina to eliminate her and Nia. Sasha and Bayley come very close to winning when Sonya gets hit with a back stabber by Sasha followed by a Belly-to-Bayley by Bayley but Mandy just about breaks up the pin. In the end, Sasha gets Sonya to submit using a modified Banks Statement to get the win.
This match was a lot of fun with some really cool spots. The IIonics, as always, were great to watch and I thought all the women performed really well. Sasha and Bayley were probably the best choice to win this and I hope they have a long and significant reign.
Winners: Sasha Banks and Bayley (2 for 2)
The next match is for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships as Hollywood Miz and "Best in the World" Shane McMahon face the challenge of The Usos. Miz and Shane work well together before The Usos bounce Miz's neck off the rope to get the advantage. Miz manages to get the hot tag to Shane and he does a Coast-to-Coast to Jimmy. The match goes into a back and forth affair and The Miz goes to hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Jimmy. However, Jimmy manages to reverse Miz's cover into a crucifix pin to get the win and to the shock of The Miz. Even though I'm not a big fan of the whole Miz/Shane tag team, this was quite a good match. They have a rematch at Fastlane so hopefully they'll lose that and lead to Miz betraying Shane.
Winners: The Usos (2 for 3)
We now get a handicap match for the Intercontinental Championship as Finn Balor challenges Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley. Rush distracts Balor long enough for Lashley to slam him into the barrier. Lashley and Rush are completely dominant. However, Rush's arrogance leads to him missing a frogsplash, giving Balor a chance to make a comeback and isolate Rush. Balor goes on to hit the Coup de Grace to pin Rush and become the new Intercontinental Champion. Afterwards, Lashley chokeslams Rush. The match was pretty good. However, I hope that it doesn't lead to the break up of Rush and Lashley as I think they work well together.
Winner: Finn Balor (3 for 4)
Next is Ruby Riott challenging Ronda Rousey for the RAW Women's Championship with Charlotte Flair watching at ringside. Ruby starts well but Ronda quickly hits Piper's Pit then gets Ruby to submit to the armbar. Wait, that was it?! Afterwards, Charlotte gets into the ring and "The Man" Becky Lynch, who hasn't grasped what a suspension actually means, arrives and beats the fuck out of Charlotte and Ronda with her crutches. I felt that the match was pointless as it just led to what happened afterwards, which was judged as more important by WWE.
Winner: Ronda Rousey (4 for 5)
We now get a no disqualification match between Baron Corbin and Braun Strowman. Near the beginning, Corbin uses a kendo stick against Strowman and later on, the steel steps. Strowman deals with it and after crashing Corbin through a table, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley come down and beat Strowman with chairs. They go on to dominate Strowman and Shield Bomb him through two tables. Corbin then pins him to get the win. The match was ok and I wasn't a big fan of the ending.
Winner: Baron Corbin (4 for 6)
After we see Hollywood Miz spit the dummy over the loss he suffered earlier, a pointless cameo by Lacey Evans and multiple adverts, we get our main event. "The New" Daniel Bryan facing the challenges of Kofi Kingston, Samoa Joe, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles. Joe and Bryan start the match and Kingston is the next one to enter. This was followed by Styles and Joe was the first to be eliminated thanks to a Phenomenal Forearm by Styles. Hardy then enters but, after hitting a Swanton Bomb to Styles' back, he gets creamed by a running knee by Bryan to get eliminated. Orton is the last one to enter and eliminates Styles after countering a Phenomenal Forearm into a RKO. Kingston then eliminates Orton with a Trouble in Paradise, leaving him and Bryan. Kingston hits big moves such the SOS and Bryan comes close with another running knee. In the end, Kingston misses a splash off one of the pods. Bryan then kills him with a 3rd running knee to get the win.
This was a really good match and I loved the contest between Kingston and Bryan at the end, which had some amazing near falls. There's been some talk about Kingston getting a main event push and, based on them having another match at Fastlane, it looks that way. Hopefully it won't be a temporary measure.
Winner: Daniel Bryan (5 for 7)
Except for a significant lull in the middle, I thought that Elimination Chamber was pretty good. Hopefully, Fastlane will be the same and we get a good road to Wrestlemania.
Saturday, 23 February 2019
Sunday, 17 February 2019
WWE Elimination Chamber 2019 Preview
WWE Elimination Chamber 2019 will be taking place this evening at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. There are 7 matches on the card plus we will see the first ever Women's Tag Team Champions crowned. So, let's take a look at the card.
Buddy Murphy vs Akira Tozowa
Cruiserweight Championship
This should be a good match and I'm going for Murphy to retain.
Predicted Winner: Buddy Murphy
Braun Strowman vs Baron Corbin
No Disqualification Match
I think that Strowman will find a way to win.
Predicted Winner: Braun Strowman
Hollywood Miz and "Best in the World" Shane McMahon vs The Usos
Smackdown Tag Team Championship
I really want The Usos but I think that Miz and Shane will retain.
Predicted Winners: The Miz and Shane McMahon
Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush vs Finn Balor
Intercontinental Championship
I feel that Balor will find a way to win here.
Predicted Winner: Finn Balor
Ronda Rousey vs Ruby Riott
RAW Women's Championship
It will be a tough one for Ronda but I think she will go on to win here.
Predicted Winner: Ruby Riott
"The New" Daniel Bryan vs Samoa Joe vs Kofi Kingston vs AJ Styles vs Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton
Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Championship
This should be a fun match to watch and I think that Bryan will win here.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan
Sasha Banks and Bayley vs Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan vs The IIonics vs Naomi and Carmella vs Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville vs Nia Jax and Tamina
Elimination Chamber for the Women's Tag Team Championship
A tough one to call but I'm going for Sasha and Bayley to be the inaugural Women's Tag TEa, Champions
Predicted Winners: Sasha Banks and Bayley
It will be a couple of days before I get to see it so the review will be up before the end of the week. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.
Saturday, 16 February 2019
WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Review
The Road to Wrestlemania 35 got underway at the 2019 Royal Rumble from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. There are 10 matches on the card so let's take a look.
There were 3 matches on the Kick Off Show and we start with an unusual one. Rezar from AOP teams up with Scott Dawson from The Revival to challenge "Glorious" Bobby Roode and Chad Gable for the RAW Tag Team Championships. Gable misses a dropkick then gets swung into a chokeslam by Rezar to give him and Dawson the advantage. Eventually, Gable gets to tag in Roode and they go on to get the win after they hit a neckbreaker/moonsault combo on Dawson. The match was ok, nothing special.
Winners: Bobby Roode and Chad Gable (1 for 1)
The second match was Shinsuke Nakamura challenging Rusev for the United States Championship. After a quick start, the match goes to the outside and Nakamura does a kick off the steel steps to gain the advantage. Rusev gets back into it and goes for the Accolade but Nakamura avoids it and the match goes back and forth. Nakamura resorts to cheating by removing the turnbuckle and Lana gets involved, standing up on the apron, trying to tell the referee. Rusev accidentally knocks Lana off the apron and Nakamura takes advantage, hitting Rusev with the Kinshasa to the back of the neck to get the win. The match was pretty good but the ending made the referee Danilo Anfibio look like an idiot. Nakamura is cheating right next to him, yet Anfibio thought that Lana standing on the apron was more serious. A bit stupid if you ask me.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura (1 for 2)
The final match on the Kick Off Show was for the Cruiserweight Championship as Buddy Murphy faces the challenges of Akira Tozowa, Kalisto and Hideo Itami in a Fatal 4-Way match. Murphy uses his strength to dominate Kalisto and Tozowa before he takes on Itami. There were a couple of really cool spots including Kalisto monkey flipping Tozowa into Murphy on the outside. After Murphy knees Tozowa and Kalisto, he knees Itami then hits him with Murphy's Law to get the win. This was a really fun match to watch.
Winner: Buddy Murphy (2 for 3)
The first match of the show is for the Smackdown Women's Championship as "The Man" Becky Lynch challenges Asuka. Lynch goes well in the early going before the fight goes to the outside and she hits an exploder suplex, sending her into the barrier. After she puts Becky in the Asuka Lock through the ropes, Asuka is able to get some more offence in. The match goes back and forth and Lynch comes close after hitting a super Bex-ploder for 2. Both women trade submissions before Auska is able to put on the Asuka Lock and then bridge it to put on more pressure and force Lynch to tap out. This match was really good and a great way to start the show.
Winner: Asuka (3 for 4)
The next match is for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships as Hollywood Miz and "Best in the World" Shane McMahon challenge The Bar. Cesaro hits Miz with a running European uppercut to get his team the advantage and they continue to beat the fuck out of both of them. Eventually, Miz hits a back body drop to Cesaro, giving him the chance to tag in Shane. Sheamus accidentally hits Cesaro with a Brogue Kick and this gives Shane the chance to hit the Shooting Star Press on Cesaro to get the win...? Oh, for fuck's sake. I felt that the story of the match was all wrong,. I feel that it should have been Shane who got beaten up and Miz get the win. Hopefully, this will be a short title reign.
Winners: The Miz and Shane McMahon (3 for 5)
We now get our second Women's Championship match as Sasha Banks challenges Ronda Rousey for the RAW Women's Championship. Early on, they both to do their submissions then when the fight goes to the outside, Ronda accidentally elbows the ring post. This gives Sasha the opportunity to take the advantage, focusing on that elbow and arm. Sasha goes on to avoid the Piper's Pit and put on a brutal armbar. Ronda gets back into it but Sasha manages to apply the Banks Statement followed by an armbar. However, Ronda gets out of it and hits a gutwrench slam followed by the Piper's Pit to get the win. This match was pretty good between the two.
Winner: Ronda Rousey (4 for 6)
Next is the second ever Womens' Royal Rumble Match. The first two to come out were Lacey Evans and Natalya. Liv Morgan, who came in at number 4, is the first one to be eliminated by Natalya after 8 seconds. Other highlights of the match include:
I thought this was a really good Rumble Match and I liked the twist with Becky replacing Lana and going on to win. Becky goes to challenge Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania but recent events have put that in jeopardy.
Winner: Becky Lynch (N/A)
Now we get AJ Styles challenging "The New" Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. The match is pretty even to begin with before Bryan starts to focus on the left shoulder of Styles. The match then goes back and forth with Styles doing a beautiful moonsault into a reverse DDT on the outside. When Styles hits a Pele Kick, we see Erick Rowan come down. Bryan accidentally hits the referee with an enziguri and, after Styles hits Bryan with a Styles Clash, Rowan hits Styles with a Chokeslam. The referee conveniently recovers when Bryan covers Styles and gets the win. Afterwards, Bryan hits a running knee on Styles. Whilst it was at a slower pace than I expected, I quite enjoyed it. However, I wasn't a fan of the ending as I don't think that Bryan needs someone like Rowan to be a sidekick.
Winner: Daniel Bryan (5 for 7)
The penultimate match is for the Universal Championship as Finn Balor challenges Brock Lensar. Balor goes after Lesnar as soon as the bell rings. However, Lesnar hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, sending Balor flying out of the ring. Despite getting thrown into the corner of the announce table, Lesnar continues to hit Balor with brutal overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. Unfortunately, Lesnar's injury starts to hamper his offence, giving Balor an opening. Balor goes to hit the Coup de Grace but Lesnar kicks out and immediately applies the Kimura to get the win by submission. Lesnar celebrates by suplexing Balor to death. This match was short as I expected but quite fun to watch.
Winner: Brock Lesnar (6 for 8)
The main event is the men's Royal Rumble Match. The first two to take part are Elias and WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett. Other highlights of the match include:
There were 3 matches on the Kick Off Show and we start with an unusual one. Rezar from AOP teams up with Scott Dawson from The Revival to challenge "Glorious" Bobby Roode and Chad Gable for the RAW Tag Team Championships. Gable misses a dropkick then gets swung into a chokeslam by Rezar to give him and Dawson the advantage. Eventually, Gable gets to tag in Roode and they go on to get the win after they hit a neckbreaker/moonsault combo on Dawson. The match was ok, nothing special.
Winners: Bobby Roode and Chad Gable (1 for 1)
The second match was Shinsuke Nakamura challenging Rusev for the United States Championship. After a quick start, the match goes to the outside and Nakamura does a kick off the steel steps to gain the advantage. Rusev gets back into it and goes for the Accolade but Nakamura avoids it and the match goes back and forth. Nakamura resorts to cheating by removing the turnbuckle and Lana gets involved, standing up on the apron, trying to tell the referee. Rusev accidentally knocks Lana off the apron and Nakamura takes advantage, hitting Rusev with the Kinshasa to the back of the neck to get the win. The match was pretty good but the ending made the referee Danilo Anfibio look like an idiot. Nakamura is cheating right next to him, yet Anfibio thought that Lana standing on the apron was more serious. A bit stupid if you ask me.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura (1 for 2)
The final match on the Kick Off Show was for the Cruiserweight Championship as Buddy Murphy faces the challenges of Akira Tozowa, Kalisto and Hideo Itami in a Fatal 4-Way match. Murphy uses his strength to dominate Kalisto and Tozowa before he takes on Itami. There were a couple of really cool spots including Kalisto monkey flipping Tozowa into Murphy on the outside. After Murphy knees Tozowa and Kalisto, he knees Itami then hits him with Murphy's Law to get the win. This was a really fun match to watch.
Winner: Buddy Murphy (2 for 3)
The first match of the show is for the Smackdown Women's Championship as "The Man" Becky Lynch challenges Asuka. Lynch goes well in the early going before the fight goes to the outside and she hits an exploder suplex, sending her into the barrier. After she puts Becky in the Asuka Lock through the ropes, Asuka is able to get some more offence in. The match goes back and forth and Lynch comes close after hitting a super Bex-ploder for 2. Both women trade submissions before Auska is able to put on the Asuka Lock and then bridge it to put on more pressure and force Lynch to tap out. This match was really good and a great way to start the show.
Winner: Asuka (3 for 4)
The next match is for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships as Hollywood Miz and "Best in the World" Shane McMahon challenge The Bar. Cesaro hits Miz with a running European uppercut to get his team the advantage and they continue to beat the fuck out of both of them. Eventually, Miz hits a back body drop to Cesaro, giving him the chance to tag in Shane. Sheamus accidentally hits Cesaro with a Brogue Kick and this gives Shane the chance to hit the Shooting Star Press on Cesaro to get the win...? Oh, for fuck's sake. I felt that the story of the match was all wrong,. I feel that it should have been Shane who got beaten up and Miz get the win. Hopefully, this will be a short title reign.
Winners: The Miz and Shane McMahon (3 for 5)
We now get our second Women's Championship match as Sasha Banks challenges Ronda Rousey for the RAW Women's Championship. Early on, they both to do their submissions then when the fight goes to the outside, Ronda accidentally elbows the ring post. This gives Sasha the opportunity to take the advantage, focusing on that elbow and arm. Sasha goes on to avoid the Piper's Pit and put on a brutal armbar. Ronda gets back into it but Sasha manages to apply the Banks Statement followed by an armbar. However, Ronda gets out of it and hits a gutwrench slam followed by the Piper's Pit to get the win. This match was pretty good between the two.
Winner: Ronda Rousey (4 for 6)
Next is the second ever Womens' Royal Rumble Match. The first two to come out were Lacey Evans and Natalya. Liv Morgan, who came in at number 4, is the first one to be eliminated by Natalya after 8 seconds. Other highlights of the match include:
- Billie Kay coming in at number 7 and refusing to get in the ring without her friend Peyton Royce. She doesn't have to wait long as Peyton comes in at number 9.
- Getting to see NXT wrestlers Xia Li, Kairi Sane, Candace LeRae, Kacy Catanzaro, Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley
- Ember Moon saving herself from elimination by hanging on to the bottom rope with her toes.
- Naomi trying to save herself from elimination by doing a handstand onto the barrier, walking along it then jumping onto the steel steps. Unfortunately, Mandy Rose, who Naomi had just eliminated, pulls her from the steps to eliminate her then beats down on her.
- Zelina Vega hiding under the ring leading to a cameo by Hornswoggle.
- Catanzaro saving herself from elimination by landing on her back (both feet have to touch the floor), doing a handstand to the ring post then climbing up it.
- Alexa Bliss making her return to the ring for the first time since September
I thought this was a really good Rumble Match and I liked the twist with Becky replacing Lana and going on to win. Becky goes to challenge Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania but recent events have put that in jeopardy.
Winner: Becky Lynch (N/A)
Now we get AJ Styles challenging "The New" Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. The match is pretty even to begin with before Bryan starts to focus on the left shoulder of Styles. The match then goes back and forth with Styles doing a beautiful moonsault into a reverse DDT on the outside. When Styles hits a Pele Kick, we see Erick Rowan come down. Bryan accidentally hits the referee with an enziguri and, after Styles hits Bryan with a Styles Clash, Rowan hits Styles with a Chokeslam. The referee conveniently recovers when Bryan covers Styles and gets the win. Afterwards, Bryan hits a running knee on Styles. Whilst it was at a slower pace than I expected, I quite enjoyed it. However, I wasn't a fan of the ending as I don't think that Bryan needs someone like Rowan to be a sidekick.
Winner: Daniel Bryan (5 for 7)
The penultimate match is for the Universal Championship as Finn Balor challenges Brock Lensar. Balor goes after Lesnar as soon as the bell rings. However, Lesnar hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, sending Balor flying out of the ring. Despite getting thrown into the corner of the announce table, Lesnar continues to hit Balor with brutal overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. Unfortunately, Lesnar's injury starts to hamper his offence, giving Balor an opening. Balor goes to hit the Coup de Grace but Lesnar kicks out and immediately applies the Kimura to get the win by submission. Lesnar celebrates by suplexing Balor to death. This match was short as I expected but quite fun to watch.
Winner: Brock Lesnar (6 for 8)
The main event is the men's Royal Rumble Match. The first two to take part are Elias and WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett. Other highlights of the match include:
- Seeing NXT wrestlers Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne and Aleister Black
- Titus O'Neill not tripping and sliding under the ring to the cheers of the crowd
- Kofi Kingston saving himself from elimination from keeping his feet on the apron and cartwheeling himself to the steps. Later on, Xavier Woods saves him from elimination.
- No Way Jose dancing his way to the ring with a conga line, getting eliminated almost immediately by Samoa Joe, then dancing on his way back. Unfortunately, Drew McIntyre attacks him and most of the conga line when he comes out.
- Bobby Lashley gets eliminated almost immediately by Seth Rollins. Lashley doesn't take that well and chokeslams Rollins through the German announce table.
This match was pretty decent with nothing too much that stands out. What I found interesting was having Nia Jax in the match. I was annoyed that both Rumble matches had wrestlers getting replaced near the end. Despite that, it was refreshing to see some actual intergender wrestling in the WWE. I don't know if they will but I hope that WWE will explore that further.
Winner: Seth Rollins (7 for 9)
Winner: Seth Rollins (7 for 9)
I thought that the Royal Rumble was pretty good. Most of the matches were good and I'm interested to see how the Road to Wrestlemania will go.
Tuesday, 5 February 2019
NXT Takeover: Phoenix Review
The first NXT Takeover of the year took place at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday 26th January. The card looks really good so let's take a look.
The first match of the show is for the NXT Tag Team Championships as The War Raiders challenge The Undisputed Era. Strong and O'Reilly go at their opponents immediately but it doesn't last long. They get the advantage after sending Rowe into Hanson. The match then goes back and forth before The War Raiders come close after a splash by Hanson on O'Reilly. The Undisputed Era hit the Hi-Lo but Hanson kicks out. In the end, after hitting a powerslam/powerbomb combo, Hanson and Rowe hit O'Reilly with the Fallout to get the win and become the new NXT Tag Team Champions. This match was so much fun and a great way to start the show.
Winners: The War Radiers (1 for 1)
Next is Matt Riddle taking on Kassius Ohno. Ohno gets the advantage after trapping Riddle's head in the apron and stamping on it. Ohno contimued his advantage by sending him into the ring post and steel steps. When Riddle tries to make a comeback, Ohno attacks his bare feet. Riddle eventually gets back into it and hits a sleeper suplex followed by continuous elbows and forearms to the back of the head to get Ohno to tap out. This was a good match between the two and hopefully Riddle can move on to someone else.
Winner: Matt Riddle (2 for 2)
Now a match I was really looking forward to seeing: Johnny Gargano challenging Ricochet for the NXT North American Championship. After we get some chain wrestling, Ricochet does a beautiful Asai moonsault to the outside. Gargano reverses a hurracarrana to bounce Ricochet's head off the top turnbuckle and get the advantage. Ricochet hits a springbaord 450 to almost get the win; then Gargano hits a reverse hurracarrana followed by a slingshot DDT to get a near fall. Gargano gets frustrated and exposes the floor but stops himself from hitting Ricochet with a DDT to the floor. Ricochet puts Gargano in the Garga-No Escape but Gargano gets out of it and goes on to suplex Ricochet on the exposed floor. Gargano then hits another slingshot DDT to get the win. This was an amazing match between the two and I hope they have a rematch in the near future.
Winner: Johnny Gargano (3 for 3)
The penultimate match is Bianca Belair challenging Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship. Baszler uses Belair's hair against her when she uses it to send Belair into the ring post. Baszler then focuses on Belair's left arm and shoulder. Belair makes her comeback but her injured shoulder hampers it and has to whip Baszler with her hair. Baszler pushes Belair into the referee Jessika Carr and this gives Baszler's lackeys Jessamyn Duke and and Marina Shafir the chance to help Baszler out. Belair deals with them but Baszler applies the Kirifuda Clutch, which Belair manages to get out of with a suplex. Belair goes for the 450 splash but misses and Baszler again applies the Kirifuda Clutch. Belair can't get out of it and passes out, giving Baszler the win. This was a good match but I don't really think it needed the interference of Duke and Shafir.
Winner: Shayna Baszler (4 for 4)
The main event is for the NXT Championship as Aleister Black challenges Tommaso "Fuckface" Ciampa. Black tweaks his knee when he does a suicide dive to the outside and Ciampa takes advantage of that by slamming it against the steel steps. Ciampa continues his attack on the knee by slamming into the ropes and ring posts. Black gets back into it and manages to hit a brain buster for 2. Ciampa hits the Fairy Tale Ending but Black kicks out at 2. Ciampa, being inspired by Gargano earlier in the night, and exposes the floor. Black goes on to hit Black Mask but he can't get the pin. Ciampa then goes on to hit 3 Fairy Tale Endings to eventually get the win. Afterwards, Johnny Gargano comes out and they hold up their belts on the stage. This leads to a massive brawl involving Velveteen Dream, Black, Ricochet and Adam Cole (Bay Bay!)
This match was really good and I enjoyed the back and forth between the two. It looks increasingly likely that Gargano and Ciampa will get back together and I can't wait to see where that will lead.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa (5 for 5)
I really enjoyed Takeover Phoenix. NXT seems to be getting better and better and long may that continue.
The first match of the show is for the NXT Tag Team Championships as The War Raiders challenge The Undisputed Era. Strong and O'Reilly go at their opponents immediately but it doesn't last long. They get the advantage after sending Rowe into Hanson. The match then goes back and forth before The War Raiders come close after a splash by Hanson on O'Reilly. The Undisputed Era hit the Hi-Lo but Hanson kicks out. In the end, after hitting a powerslam/powerbomb combo, Hanson and Rowe hit O'Reilly with the Fallout to get the win and become the new NXT Tag Team Champions. This match was so much fun and a great way to start the show.
Winners: The War Radiers (1 for 1)
Next is Matt Riddle taking on Kassius Ohno. Ohno gets the advantage after trapping Riddle's head in the apron and stamping on it. Ohno contimued his advantage by sending him into the ring post and steel steps. When Riddle tries to make a comeback, Ohno attacks his bare feet. Riddle eventually gets back into it and hits a sleeper suplex followed by continuous elbows and forearms to the back of the head to get Ohno to tap out. This was a good match between the two and hopefully Riddle can move on to someone else.
Winner: Matt Riddle (2 for 2)
Now a match I was really looking forward to seeing: Johnny Gargano challenging Ricochet for the NXT North American Championship. After we get some chain wrestling, Ricochet does a beautiful Asai moonsault to the outside. Gargano reverses a hurracarrana to bounce Ricochet's head off the top turnbuckle and get the advantage. Ricochet hits a springbaord 450 to almost get the win; then Gargano hits a reverse hurracarrana followed by a slingshot DDT to get a near fall. Gargano gets frustrated and exposes the floor but stops himself from hitting Ricochet with a DDT to the floor. Ricochet puts Gargano in the Garga-No Escape but Gargano gets out of it and goes on to suplex Ricochet on the exposed floor. Gargano then hits another slingshot DDT to get the win. This was an amazing match between the two and I hope they have a rematch in the near future.
Winner: Johnny Gargano (3 for 3)
The penultimate match is Bianca Belair challenging Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship. Baszler uses Belair's hair against her when she uses it to send Belair into the ring post. Baszler then focuses on Belair's left arm and shoulder. Belair makes her comeback but her injured shoulder hampers it and has to whip Baszler with her hair. Baszler pushes Belair into the referee Jessika Carr and this gives Baszler's lackeys Jessamyn Duke and and Marina Shafir the chance to help Baszler out. Belair deals with them but Baszler applies the Kirifuda Clutch, which Belair manages to get out of with a suplex. Belair goes for the 450 splash but misses and Baszler again applies the Kirifuda Clutch. Belair can't get out of it and passes out, giving Baszler the win. This was a good match but I don't really think it needed the interference of Duke and Shafir.
Winner: Shayna Baszler (4 for 4)
The main event is for the NXT Championship as Aleister Black challenges Tommaso "Fuckface" Ciampa. Black tweaks his knee when he does a suicide dive to the outside and Ciampa takes advantage of that by slamming it against the steel steps. Ciampa continues his attack on the knee by slamming into the ropes and ring posts. Black gets back into it and manages to hit a brain buster for 2. Ciampa hits the Fairy Tale Ending but Black kicks out at 2. Ciampa, being inspired by Gargano earlier in the night, and exposes the floor. Black goes on to hit Black Mask but he can't get the pin. Ciampa then goes on to hit 3 Fairy Tale Endings to eventually get the win. Afterwards, Johnny Gargano comes out and they hold up their belts on the stage. This leads to a massive brawl involving Velveteen Dream, Black, Ricochet and Adam Cole (Bay Bay!)
This match was really good and I enjoyed the back and forth between the two. It looks increasingly likely that Gargano and Ciampa will get back together and I can't wait to see where that will lead.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa (5 for 5)
I really enjoyed Takeover Phoenix. NXT seems to be getting better and better and long may that continue.
Sunday, 27 January 2019
WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Preview
WWE Royal Rumble is taking place this evening at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. There are 10 matches on the card so let's take a look.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable vs Scott Dawson and Rezar
Yeah, Bobby and Chad to win.
Predicted Winners: Bobby Roode and Chad Gable
Buddy Murphy vs Akira Tozowa vs Hideo Itami vs Kalisto
Fatal 4-Way for the Cruiserweight Championship
A tough one to call but I think that Buddy will retain.
Predicted Winner: Buddy Murphy
Rusev vs Shinsuke Nakamura
United States Championship
I don't think Rusev will lose on Rusev Day so I think he'll retain.
Predicted Winner: Rusev
The Bar vs Hollywood Miz and Shane McMahon
Smackdown Tag Team Championship
The Bar had better fucking win this or I'll be pissed.
Predicted Winners: The Bar
Ronda Rousey vs Sasha Banks
RAW Women's Championship
This should be a good match and I'm going for Ronda to win.
Predicted Winner: Ronda Rousey
Asuka vs "The Man" Becky Lynch
Smackdown Women's Championship
Another good one to look forward to. I really want Becky to in but it's more likely that Asuka will retain.
Predicted Winner: Asuka
Brock Lesnar vs Finn Balor
Universal Championship
After 2 and a half fucking years, Finn has the chance to regain the Championship that he never lost. Unfortunately, I think that Brock will suplex his way to victory.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar
"The New" Daniel Bryan vs AJ Styles
WWE Championship
I'm really looking forward to this one. I'm going for Bryan to retain.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan
2019 Women's Royal Rumble Match
I can't really any one person that stands out in winning this. I'm probably going out on a limb but I'm going for Charlotte Flair to win.
Predicted Winner: Charlotte Flair
2019 Men's Royal Rumble Match
I can only see one person winning this and that's Seth Rollins. However, they could go in a different direction.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins
It will be a while before I see the show as I have to watch Takeover first. I hope you giuys enjoy tha show.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable vs Scott Dawson and Rezar
Yeah, Bobby and Chad to win.
Predicted Winners: Bobby Roode and Chad Gable
Buddy Murphy vs Akira Tozowa vs Hideo Itami vs Kalisto
Fatal 4-Way for the Cruiserweight Championship
A tough one to call but I think that Buddy will retain.
Predicted Winner: Buddy Murphy
Rusev vs Shinsuke Nakamura
United States Championship
I don't think Rusev will lose on Rusev Day so I think he'll retain.
Predicted Winner: Rusev
The Bar vs Hollywood Miz and Shane McMahon
Smackdown Tag Team Championship
The Bar had better fucking win this or I'll be pissed.
Predicted Winners: The Bar
Ronda Rousey vs Sasha Banks
RAW Women's Championship
This should be a good match and I'm going for Ronda to win.
Predicted Winner: Ronda Rousey
Asuka vs "The Man" Becky Lynch
Smackdown Women's Championship
Another good one to look forward to. I really want Becky to in but it's more likely that Asuka will retain.
Predicted Winner: Asuka
Brock Lesnar vs Finn Balor
Universal Championship
After 2 and a half fucking years, Finn has the chance to regain the Championship that he never lost. Unfortunately, I think that Brock will suplex his way to victory.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar
"The New" Daniel Bryan vs AJ Styles
WWE Championship
I'm really looking forward to this one. I'm going for Bryan to retain.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan
2019 Women's Royal Rumble Match
I can't really any one person that stands out in winning this. I'm probably going out on a limb but I'm going for Charlotte Flair to win.
Predicted Winner: Charlotte Flair
2019 Men's Royal Rumble Match
I can only see one person winning this and that's Seth Rollins. However, they could go in a different direction.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins
It will be a while before I see the show as I have to watch Takeover first. I hope you giuys enjoy tha show.
Saturday, 26 January 2019
NXT Takeover Phoenix Preview
NXT Takeover Phoenix will be taking place this evening at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The card, as usual, looks awesome so let's take a look.
Matt Riddle vs Kassius Ohno
Riddle won the first two matches so I think he'll win again and move on
Predicted Winner: Matt Riddle
War Raiders vs Undisputed Era
NXT Tag Team Championship
I think that the War Raiders will get the win.
Predicted Winners: War Raiders
Bianca Belair vs Shayna Baszler
NXT Women's Championship
I'm quite looking forward to this one and whilst I love Bel Air, I think that Shayna will retain.
Predicted Winner: Shayna Baszler
Johnny Gargano vs Ricochet
NXT North American Championship
This is a really tough one to call. I'm going for Gargano to find a cheap way to win.
Predicted Winner: Johnny Gargano
Aleister Black vs Tommaso "Fuckface" Ciampa
NXT Championship
This is another one that I'm looking forward to seeing. I'm going for Ciampa to retain. The question is will Gargano help him?
Predicted Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
It will be a few days before I get to see it. Until then I hope you guys enjoy the show.
Matt Riddle vs Kassius Ohno
Riddle won the first two matches so I think he'll win again and move on
Predicted Winner: Matt Riddle
War Raiders vs Undisputed Era
NXT Tag Team Championship
I think that the War Raiders will get the win.
Predicted Winners: War Raiders
Bianca Belair vs Shayna Baszler
NXT Women's Championship
I'm quite looking forward to this one and whilst I love Bel Air, I think that Shayna will retain.
Predicted Winner: Shayna Baszler
Johnny Gargano vs Ricochet
NXT North American Championship
This is a really tough one to call. I'm going for Gargano to find a cheap way to win.
Predicted Winner: Johnny Gargano
Aleister Black vs Tommaso "Fuckface" Ciampa
NXT Championship
This is another one that I'm looking forward to seeing. I'm going for Ciampa to retain. The question is will Gargano help him?
Predicted Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
It will be a few days before I get to see it. Until then I hope you guys enjoy the show.
Friday, 25 January 2019
NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool Review
The first ever NXT UK TakeOver took place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday 12th January. I've been really looking forward to this show so let's see how it goes.
The first match on the show is between Moustache Mountain and James Drake and Liverpool's Number one Zack Gibson to crown the first ever NXT UK Tag Team Champions. Bate and Seven run rings round their opponents before Gibson takes out Seven outside the ring. A brutal forearm by Drake to the back of Seven's head cuts him open, helping to keep him down. Eventually, Seven reaches over Gibson to tag in Bate. Both teams come close to winning but in the end, Gibson and Drake hit Seven with the Ticket to Mayhem to get the win. I was surprised that Drake and Gibson won but this was a really entertaining match. Well done to them becoming the first ever NXT UK Tag Team Champions
Winners: James Drake and Zack Gibson (0 for 1)
The next match is between Travis Banks and Jordan Devlin. Earlier in the day, Devlin welcomes Banks to Blackpool with a brutal attack, injuring the knee. Banks attacks Devlin during his entrance but that turns out to be a bad idea as Devlin re-injures the knee. Luckily, NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint and his assistant Sid Scala had a back up plan. That turns out to be...Finn. Fucking. Balor. Balor tries to hit the Coup de Grace early but Devlin leaves the ring. Devlin then attacks Balor as he's getting back in the ring to get the advantage. Balor gets back into it and hits the Coup de Grace to get the win. The match was perhaps a little shorter than what I expected but I enjoyed it.
Winner: Finn Balor (N/A)
We now get a no disqualfication match between Eddie Dennis and Dave Mastiff. Dennis is the first one to take advantage of the stipulation by using a kendo stick. Both guys go on to use the steps and a steel chair against each other. Dennis comes close with a neck stop driver but in the end, Mastiff cannonballs Dennis through a table to get the win. The match was pretty decent between the two.
Winner: Dave Mastiff (0 for 2)
The penultimate match is for the NXT UK Women's Championship as Toni Storm challenges Rhea Ripley. The match starts at a fast pace before Ripley kicks Storm into the barrier. Later on, Storm headbutts Ripley, giving her the chance to make a comeback. Both ladies try to get the other to submit before Ripley hits the Riptide for 2. Storm then goes on to the Storm Zero, but that only gets 2. Ripley goes for another Riptide but Storm gets out of it and hits another Storm Zero to get the win. I really enjoyed this match and congratulations to Toni on becoming Champion.
Winner: Toni Storm (0 for 3)
Our main event is for the United Kingdom Championship as Joe Coffey challenges Pete Dunne. After some back and forth, Coffey powerslams Dunne onto the ramp to get the advantage. Coffey hits moves such as a bear hug and a powerbomb, focusing on the lower back. Dunne gets back into it and tries various moves to get Coffey to submit then hits The Bitter End but Coffey kicks out. Coffey then hits a sit down powerbomb to the apron, which almost leads to a double count out. Both guys have chances to win it before Dunne hits another Bitter End but he doesn't get the cover. In the end, Dunne hits a 3rd Biiter End and Coffey again kicks out. Dunne then immediately starts rearranging Coffey's fingers to get him to submit and get the win. Afterwards, we get the debut of WALTER.
The match was absolutely amazing and a early contender for match of the year. I was surprised that Coffey submitted but it makes sense here with Dunne having to find a different way to get the win. As for WALTER, I've never seen him wrestle but I've heard good things so I'm interested to see how he does in NXT UK.
Winner: Pete Dunne (1 for 4)
I really enjoyed NXT UK TakeOver Blackpool. With the amount of talent available there, I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here.
The first match on the show is between Moustache Mountain and James Drake and Liverpool's Number one Zack Gibson to crown the first ever NXT UK Tag Team Champions. Bate and Seven run rings round their opponents before Gibson takes out Seven outside the ring. A brutal forearm by Drake to the back of Seven's head cuts him open, helping to keep him down. Eventually, Seven reaches over Gibson to tag in Bate. Both teams come close to winning but in the end, Gibson and Drake hit Seven with the Ticket to Mayhem to get the win. I was surprised that Drake and Gibson won but this was a really entertaining match. Well done to them becoming the first ever NXT UK Tag Team Champions
Winners: James Drake and Zack Gibson (0 for 1)
The next match is between Travis Banks and Jordan Devlin. Earlier in the day, Devlin welcomes Banks to Blackpool with a brutal attack, injuring the knee. Banks attacks Devlin during his entrance but that turns out to be a bad idea as Devlin re-injures the knee. Luckily, NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint and his assistant Sid Scala had a back up plan. That turns out to be...Finn. Fucking. Balor. Balor tries to hit the Coup de Grace early but Devlin leaves the ring. Devlin then attacks Balor as he's getting back in the ring to get the advantage. Balor gets back into it and hits the Coup de Grace to get the win. The match was perhaps a little shorter than what I expected but I enjoyed it.
Winner: Finn Balor (N/A)
We now get a no disqualfication match between Eddie Dennis and Dave Mastiff. Dennis is the first one to take advantage of the stipulation by using a kendo stick. Both guys go on to use the steps and a steel chair against each other. Dennis comes close with a neck stop driver but in the end, Mastiff cannonballs Dennis through a table to get the win. The match was pretty decent between the two.
Winner: Dave Mastiff (0 for 2)
The penultimate match is for the NXT UK Women's Championship as Toni Storm challenges Rhea Ripley. The match starts at a fast pace before Ripley kicks Storm into the barrier. Later on, Storm headbutts Ripley, giving her the chance to make a comeback. Both ladies try to get the other to submit before Ripley hits the Riptide for 2. Storm then goes on to the Storm Zero, but that only gets 2. Ripley goes for another Riptide but Storm gets out of it and hits another Storm Zero to get the win. I really enjoyed this match and congratulations to Toni on becoming Champion.
Winner: Toni Storm (0 for 3)
Our main event is for the United Kingdom Championship as Joe Coffey challenges Pete Dunne. After some back and forth, Coffey powerslams Dunne onto the ramp to get the advantage. Coffey hits moves such as a bear hug and a powerbomb, focusing on the lower back. Dunne gets back into it and tries various moves to get Coffey to submit then hits The Bitter End but Coffey kicks out. Coffey then hits a sit down powerbomb to the apron, which almost leads to a double count out. Both guys have chances to win it before Dunne hits another Bitter End but he doesn't get the cover. In the end, Dunne hits a 3rd Biiter End and Coffey again kicks out. Dunne then immediately starts rearranging Coffey's fingers to get him to submit and get the win. Afterwards, we get the debut of WALTER.
The match was absolutely amazing and a early contender for match of the year. I was surprised that Coffey submitted but it makes sense here with Dunne having to find a different way to get the win. As for WALTER, I've never seen him wrestle but I've heard good things so I'm interested to see how he does in NXT UK.
Winner: Pete Dunne (1 for 4)
I really enjoyed NXT UK TakeOver Blackpool. With the amount of talent available there, I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here.
Saturday, 12 January 2019
NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool Preview
The first NXT UK TakeOver will be taking place tomorrow at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lancashire. The Winter Gardens was where the UK division started so it makes sense that it will be hosting their first ever TakeOver. Let's take a look at the card.
Travis Banks vs Jordan Devlin
This should be a good match and I'm going for Devlin to win.
Predicted Winner: Jordan Devlin
Eddie Dennis vs Dave Mastiff
No Disqualification Match
A tough one to call but I'm going for Dennis to win here.
Predicted Winner: Eddie Dennis
Moustache Mountain vs Grizzled Young Veterans
NXT UK Tag Team Championship Tournament Final
Whilst I'm a big fan of Liverpool's Number 1 Zack Gibson, I will be very surprised if he and Drake win this. Therefore, I'm going for Moustache Mountain to win.
Predicted Winners: Moustache Mountain
Rhea Ripley vs Toni Storm
NXT UK Women's Championship
This has the potential to be the match of the night. I might be in the minority but I'm going for Rhea to retain.
Predicted Winner: Rhea Ripley
Pete Dunne vs Joe Coffey
United Kingdom Championship
I'm really looking forward to this one and I'm going for Dunne to retain.
Predicted Winner: Pete Dunne
It will be a few days before I get to see this so the review, along with my awards, will be up before next weekend. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.
Tuesday, 25 December 2018
WWE TLC 2018 Review
WWE TLC took place on Sunday 16th December at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. There are 12 matches on the card, so will WWE end 2018 on a positive note? Let's take a look.
The first match on the Kick Off was for the Cruiserweight Championship as Cedric Alexander challenges Buddy Murphy. After some fast paced action and quick pin attempts, Murphy knees Alexander in the face, sending him out of the ring. Alexander gets back into it with a kick to the stomach and both guys try to hit their finishing moves. Alexander does hit the Lumber Check but Murphy manages to get his foot on the ropes. In the end, Murphy manages to retain the Championship after hitting Murphy's Law. This match was pretty good and I'm disappointed that it was on the Kick Off.
Winner: Buddy Murphy (1 for 1)
The second match on the Kick Off Show is an actual ladder match between Elias and Bobby Lashley. Now the rules are that whoever grabs the guitar hanging up wins. Lashley tries to get a ladder but Elias stops him and gets one himself. Lio Rush tries to stop Elias from climbing up the ladder, giving Lashley the chance to recover. Elias manages to turn it around and, despite Rush's efforts, grabs the guitar to get the win. Afterwards, Lashley and Rush beat up Elias. This match was ok and was shorter than I thought it would be.
Winner: Elias (1 for 2)
The first match is the final of the Mixed Match Challenge as Fabulous Truth take on Mahalicia. After Carmella and R-Truth have their mandatory dance break, Alicia Fox hits Carmella in the back to get the advantage. Carmella comes close with a Superkick but Jinder Mahal breaks up the pin. In the end, Carmella gets Alicia to submit to the Code of Silence and they get to enter their respective Royal Rumble matches at number 30. They also get an all expenses paid trip to WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut...? Ah ok, then. Anyway, this was a fun match between the two teams.
Winners: Fabulous Truth (2 for 3)
Next is The Bar facing The New Day and The Usos in a triple threat match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship. The Bar get the advantage, wearing down Xavier Woods. Eventually, Kofi Kingston gets tagged in and Jimmy Uso tags himself in by tagging Cesaro. Cesaro gets tagged back in and puts Kofi in the sharp shooter after a giant swing but Woods stops that with a DDT. In the end, Sheamus hits Woods with a Brogue Kick to get the win. This was a good match but it was hampered by the fact that only two wrestlers were allowed in the ring even though it was a triple threat match.
Winners: The Bar (2 for 4)
We now get a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match between Braun Strowman and RAW General Manager-Elect Baron Corbin with Heath Slater as referee. Earlier in the night, Corbin was convinced that Strowman wouldn't show up. However, Strowman turns up with Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable and Apollo Crews. They attack Corbin with chairs and when he tries to leave, he is stopped by a returning Kurt Angle. Obviously, Corbin gets destroyed and Strowman pins him to get the win. This means that Corbin is no longer the RAW General Manager and Strowman will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble. This wasn't a match and I felt that having 5-on-1 against Baron Corbin was overkill. WWE must have liked it as they put Corbin against 6 wrestlers the following night.
Winner: Braun Strowman (2 for 5)
Next is a Tables Match between Natlaya and Ruby Riott. Early on, Natalya tries to spear Riott but Liv Morgan gets in the way and gets speared through a table. Later on, Sarah Logan tries to interfere but gets bodyslammed through another table by Natalya. In the end, Natalya gets a table with Ruby plastered on it. Natalya then powerbombs Ruby from the top turnbuckle through the a table to get the win. The match was ok but it dragged too long at times.
Winner: Natalya (3 for 6)
We now get Finn Balor taking on Drew McIntyre. McIntyre sends Balor halfway across the ring with a brutal overhead belly-to-belly suplex to get the advantage. Balor gets back into it with a twisting DDT. After they fight outside the ring, McIntyre throws Balor back into the ring then gets s surprise superkick from Dolph Ziggler. McIntyre doesn't take well and hits him with a big boot. When McIntyre tries to attack Ziggler with a steel chair, Balor hits him with a running dropkick followed by the Coup de Grace to get the win. The match was pretty decent.
Winner: Finn Balor (4 for 7)
Next is a Chairs Match between Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio. Mysterio is the first one to use a chair, attacking the stomach and back. Mysterio goes for a seated senton but misses and lands on a chair. Orton continues his assault then tries to hit him with a RKO onto the chairs. However, Mysterio avoids it and hits a hurracarrana into a victory roll to get the win. There were a couple of cool spots otherwise, the match wasn't that special.
Winner: Rey Mysterio (4 for 8)
We now get our Women's Championship match as Nia Jax challenges Ronda Rousey. Ronda tries to apply the armbar but Nia powers out of it with a sit down powerbomb. Nia then uses her superior strength to dominate Ronda. Ronda hits a crossbody to the floor to start her comeback. However, Nia hits a Samoan Drop for 2. Ronda goes for the armbar but Tamina distracts her. In the end, Nia goes for face breaker but Ronda grabs the arm and twists it in half in an armbar to get the win by submission. Afterwards, "The Man" Becky Lynch backstage goes "remember me, bitch?"and attacks Nia. This was quite a fun match to watch and it was nice to see Becky get some revenge on Nia.
Winner: Ronda Rousey (5 for 9)
Next is AJ Styles getting his rematch for the WWE Championship against "The New" Daniel Bryan. Bryan stops a forearm by Styles with a kick to the ribs then goes on to apply submission holds. The match goes back and forth before Bryan hits 2 running dropkicks and gets clotheslined when he goes for a third. Styles attacks Bryan's left leg and applies a single leg crab. However, Bryan manages to get out and apply theLeBell Yes No Yes LeBell Lock; which Styles gets out of. In the end, Bryan avoids a Phenomenal Forearm and manages to pin Styles with an inside cradle to get the win. I was slightly surprised that it ended in an inside cradle. However, it does't take away from the fact that this was a really good match.
Winner: Daniel Bryan (6 for 10)
The penultimate match is for the Intercontinental Championship as Dean Ambrose challenges Seth Rollins. Ambrose slams Rollins into the steel steps then onto the announce table to get the advantage. After hitting moves such as a neckbreaker with some taunting thrown in, Ambrose starts to focus on the the repaired knee and applies a cloverleaf. Rollins starts a comeback but is hampered by the injured knee. The match goes back and forth before Rollins goes for the Curb Stomp. However, Ambrose manages to hit Dirty Deeds instead to get the win. The match was pretty good, although it felt like a normal wrestling match; which was weird considering the people involved. However, the commentary bothered me as Corey Graves kept going on and on to Ambrose's wife, Renee Young during the match.
Winner: Dean Ambrose (7 for 11)
The main event is the first ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match for the Smackdown Women's Championship as Asuka and Charlotte Flair challenge "The Man" Becky Lynch. Highlights include: Asuka hitting a code breaker on Charlotte; Asuka powerbombing Charlotte off a ladder and through a table; Becky fucking up her opponents with a steel chair; Becky hitting a legdrop off a ladder, sending Charlotte through the German announce table; Charlotte going apeshit on everyone with a kendo stick; Charlotte spearing Asuka into the timekeeper's area; and Charlotte Flair chopping Becky to death before splashing her through a table. After Charlotte and Becky fight it out on a ladder, Ronda Rousey comes out and tips the ladder, sending them to the floor. Asuka seizes the opportunity and climbs the ladder to claim the belt and win the match.
This match was absolutely incredible and I was surprised that Asuka won the Championship. Ronda interfering made sense although I thought she would have done it earlier. If this doesn't lead to Becky facing Ronda at Wrestlemania, I will be very surprised.
Winner: Asuka (7 fror 12)
I thought that TLC was a good event. Considering some of the creative disasters that WWE have done with their events, it was nice for the year to end on a positive note. Hopefully, there will continue that as we approach the road to Wrestlemania XXXV.
The first match on the Kick Off was for the Cruiserweight Championship as Cedric Alexander challenges Buddy Murphy. After some fast paced action and quick pin attempts, Murphy knees Alexander in the face, sending him out of the ring. Alexander gets back into it with a kick to the stomach and both guys try to hit their finishing moves. Alexander does hit the Lumber Check but Murphy manages to get his foot on the ropes. In the end, Murphy manages to retain the Championship after hitting Murphy's Law. This match was pretty good and I'm disappointed that it was on the Kick Off.
Winner: Buddy Murphy (1 for 1)
The second match on the Kick Off Show is an actual ladder match between Elias and Bobby Lashley. Now the rules are that whoever grabs the guitar hanging up wins. Lashley tries to get a ladder but Elias stops him and gets one himself. Lio Rush tries to stop Elias from climbing up the ladder, giving Lashley the chance to recover. Elias manages to turn it around and, despite Rush's efforts, grabs the guitar to get the win. Afterwards, Lashley and Rush beat up Elias. This match was ok and was shorter than I thought it would be.
Winner: Elias (1 for 2)
The first match is the final of the Mixed Match Challenge as Fabulous Truth take on Mahalicia. After Carmella and R-Truth have their mandatory dance break, Alicia Fox hits Carmella in the back to get the advantage. Carmella comes close with a Superkick but Jinder Mahal breaks up the pin. In the end, Carmella gets Alicia to submit to the Code of Silence and they get to enter their respective Royal Rumble matches at number 30. They also get an all expenses paid trip to WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut...? Ah ok, then. Anyway, this was a fun match between the two teams.
Winners: Fabulous Truth (2 for 3)
Next is The Bar facing The New Day and The Usos in a triple threat match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship. The Bar get the advantage, wearing down Xavier Woods. Eventually, Kofi Kingston gets tagged in and Jimmy Uso tags himself in by tagging Cesaro. Cesaro gets tagged back in and puts Kofi in the sharp shooter after a giant swing but Woods stops that with a DDT. In the end, Sheamus hits Woods with a Brogue Kick to get the win. This was a good match but it was hampered by the fact that only two wrestlers were allowed in the ring even though it was a triple threat match.
Winners: The Bar (2 for 4)
We now get a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match between Braun Strowman and RAW General Manager-Elect Baron Corbin with Heath Slater as referee. Earlier in the night, Corbin was convinced that Strowman wouldn't show up. However, Strowman turns up with Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable and Apollo Crews. They attack Corbin with chairs and when he tries to leave, he is stopped by a returning Kurt Angle. Obviously, Corbin gets destroyed and Strowman pins him to get the win. This means that Corbin is no longer the RAW General Manager and Strowman will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble. This wasn't a match and I felt that having 5-on-1 against Baron Corbin was overkill. WWE must have liked it as they put Corbin against 6 wrestlers the following night.
Winner: Braun Strowman (2 for 5)
Next is a Tables Match between Natlaya and Ruby Riott. Early on, Natalya tries to spear Riott but Liv Morgan gets in the way and gets speared through a table. Later on, Sarah Logan tries to interfere but gets bodyslammed through another table by Natalya. In the end, Natalya gets a table with Ruby plastered on it. Natalya then powerbombs Ruby from the top turnbuckle through the a table to get the win. The match was ok but it dragged too long at times.
Winner: Natalya (3 for 6)
We now get Finn Balor taking on Drew McIntyre. McIntyre sends Balor halfway across the ring with a brutal overhead belly-to-belly suplex to get the advantage. Balor gets back into it with a twisting DDT. After they fight outside the ring, McIntyre throws Balor back into the ring then gets s surprise superkick from Dolph Ziggler. McIntyre doesn't take well and hits him with a big boot. When McIntyre tries to attack Ziggler with a steel chair, Balor hits him with a running dropkick followed by the Coup de Grace to get the win. The match was pretty decent.
Winner: Finn Balor (4 for 7)
Next is a Chairs Match between Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio. Mysterio is the first one to use a chair, attacking the stomach and back. Mysterio goes for a seated senton but misses and lands on a chair. Orton continues his assault then tries to hit him with a RKO onto the chairs. However, Mysterio avoids it and hits a hurracarrana into a victory roll to get the win. There were a couple of cool spots otherwise, the match wasn't that special.
Winner: Rey Mysterio (4 for 8)
We now get our Women's Championship match as Nia Jax challenges Ronda Rousey. Ronda tries to apply the armbar but Nia powers out of it with a sit down powerbomb. Nia then uses her superior strength to dominate Ronda. Ronda hits a crossbody to the floor to start her comeback. However, Nia hits a Samoan Drop for 2. Ronda goes for the armbar but Tamina distracts her. In the end, Nia goes for face breaker but Ronda grabs the arm and twists it in half in an armbar to get the win by submission. Afterwards, "The Man" Becky Lynch backstage goes "remember me, bitch?"and attacks Nia. This was quite a fun match to watch and it was nice to see Becky get some revenge on Nia.
Winner: Ronda Rousey (5 for 9)
Next is AJ Styles getting his rematch for the WWE Championship against "The New" Daniel Bryan. Bryan stops a forearm by Styles with a kick to the ribs then goes on to apply submission holds. The match goes back and forth before Bryan hits 2 running dropkicks and gets clotheslined when he goes for a third. Styles attacks Bryan's left leg and applies a single leg crab. However, Bryan manages to get out and apply the
Winner: Daniel Bryan (6 for 10)
The penultimate match is for the Intercontinental Championship as Dean Ambrose challenges Seth Rollins. Ambrose slams Rollins into the steel steps then onto the announce table to get the advantage. After hitting moves such as a neckbreaker with some taunting thrown in, Ambrose starts to focus on the the repaired knee and applies a cloverleaf. Rollins starts a comeback but is hampered by the injured knee. The match goes back and forth before Rollins goes for the Curb Stomp. However, Ambrose manages to hit Dirty Deeds instead to get the win. The match was pretty good, although it felt like a normal wrestling match; which was weird considering the people involved. However, the commentary bothered me as Corey Graves kept going on and on to Ambrose's wife, Renee Young during the match.
Winner: Dean Ambrose (7 for 11)
The main event is the first ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match for the Smackdown Women's Championship as Asuka and Charlotte Flair challenge "The Man" Becky Lynch. Highlights include: Asuka hitting a code breaker on Charlotte; Asuka powerbombing Charlotte off a ladder and through a table; Becky fucking up her opponents with a steel chair; Becky hitting a legdrop off a ladder, sending Charlotte through the German announce table; Charlotte going apeshit on everyone with a kendo stick; Charlotte spearing Asuka into the timekeeper's area; and Charlotte Flair chopping Becky to death before splashing her through a table. After Charlotte and Becky fight it out on a ladder, Ronda Rousey comes out and tips the ladder, sending them to the floor. Asuka seizes the opportunity and climbs the ladder to claim the belt and win the match.
This match was absolutely incredible and I was surprised that Asuka won the Championship. Ronda interfering made sense although I thought she would have done it earlier. If this doesn't lead to Becky facing Ronda at Wrestlemania, I will be very surprised.
Winner: Asuka (7 fror 12)
I thought that TLC was a good event. Considering some of the creative disasters that WWE have done with their events, it was nice for the year to end on a positive note. Hopefully, there will continue that as we approach the road to Wrestlemania XXXV.
Sunday, 16 December 2018
WWE TLC 2018 Preview
WWE's final Pay-Per-View of the year, TLC, will be taking place tomorrow evening at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. There are 12(!!) matches on the card, so let's take a look.
Rey Mysterio vs Randy Orton
Chairs Match
Er...I not that bothered about this match so Orton to win, I guess.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton
Fabulous Truth (Carmella and R-Truth) vs Mahalicia (Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox)
Mixed Match Challenge Final
I'm a few weeks behind on the Mixed Match Challenge so I'm surprised that two of the worst teams in the tournament are now in the final. I'm going for Fabulous Truth to win.
Predicted Winners: Fabulous Truth
Elias vs Bobby Lashley
Ladder Match (Kind Of)
This match is slightly different as it has pinfalls and submissions but a guitar is hung up to be used as a weapon. I can see this being a mess and I'm going for Lashley to win.
Predicted Winner: Bobby Lashley
Natalya vs Ruby Riott
Tables Match
I will be very surprised if Natalya doesn't win this.
Predicted Winner: Natalya
Buddy Murphy vs Cedric Alexander
Cruiserweight Championship
This should be a good match and I'm going for Murphy to retain.
Predicted Winner: Buddy Murphy
The Bar vs The Usos vs The New Day
Triple Threat Match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships
This should be another good match and I think that The Usos will win.
Predicted Winners: The Usos
Finn Balor vs Drew McIntyre
This could be a good match and I think that Finn will win
Predicted Winner: Finn Balor
Braun Strowman vs Baron Corbin
Table, Ladders and Chairs Match
I can see Corbin using his authority as acting General Manager and cheating like fuck to get the win.
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin
Ronda Rousey vs Nia Jax
RAW Women's Championship
I can see Ronda winning this and continue her quest to the new Chyna
Predicted Winner: Ronda Rousey
Seth Rollins vs Dean Ambrose
Intercontinental Championship
This should be a fun match to watch. A tough one to call but I think that Ambrose will win.
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose
"The Man" Becky Lynch vs Asuka vs Charlotte Flair
TLC Match for the Smackdown Women's Championship
I'm really looking forward to this one and it has the potential to be the match of the night. I think that Becky will retain.
Predicted Winner: Becky Lynch
AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan
WWE Championship
I think this should be a good match abd I think that Bryan will retain.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan
It will be a few days until I get to see it. I hope you guys enjoy the show.
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