Original Airdate: Monday, April 4th, 2005
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California
They show the highlight reel from WrestleMania from the night prior. As soon as it's done, Triple H's music hits and making his way to the ring by himself wearing a suit. He admits that Batista beat him last night, but that this is not the Batista era. He says that Batista was great for one night, but that he is great every night and that he will win the championship back.
Triple Threat Match For The Intercontinental Championship
Shelton Benjamin vs. Christian vs. Chris Jericho
All three guys come down to the ring selling injuries from their ladder match. Shelton and Jericho take turns beating on Christian, trying to one up another. This quickly leads to Jericho attacking him. Jericho takes down Shelton with his modified bulldog. As he goes for the Lionsault, Christian hits him from outside the ring. Shelton then takes control until Christian gives him a thumb to the eye. Christian hits a really nice neckbreaker for a 2 count. Despite being so poorly booked for years as a solo star, the crowd still digs him. They then immediately start chanting "CLB", so now they hate him. Shelton is going for a superplex, but Jericho gets underneath Shelton and they do the tower of doom spot to a nice pop from the LA crowd. Jericho tries to pin both guys, but can't get the victory. It's crazy to think that in a few months, only one of these guys will be left on the roster. Sunset flip by Shelton on Jericho for a 2 count, but then Christian sneaks in and rolls him up for a 2 count. Jericho does a double pin for a 2 count as well. Shelton hits a Stinger Splash on Jericho and then drops Christian on the ropes for a 2 count again. Shelton catches Jericho off the second rope for the Exploder, but Tomko pulls Shelton off and Christian goes for the pin, but again it's a 2 count. Christian goes for the Unprettier on Jericho, but it's reversed and Jericho eventually gets him in the Walls of Jericho. Christian is about to tap, but Benjamin comes flying out of nowhere and takes down Jericho and scores the pinfall. Talk about packing in a ton of action in an eight minute match. This was just a really good match with a good finish.
Match Rating: ***1/2 (out of 5)
Edge is back with Eric Bischoff and they make it official that he is Mr. Money In The Bank. Bischoff asks if he is ready for his match with Batista, but Edge says that he'll call the shots for when he faces the champion. Bischoff then tells him that he will be taking on Chris Benoit tonight.
Randy Orton is on his way to the ring with a defeated look on his face. He said he came close to beating the Undertaker last night. He said watching Batista win last night made him sick. He says that he at least respected Undertaker and Triple H, but not Batista. Bischoff makes his way out and Orton demands Batista tonight. Bischoff makes the match official.
They cut to Trish Stratus walking backstage carrying her championship and they say that we are getting a rematch.
WWE Women's Championship Match
Christy Hemme vs. Trish Stratus
Trish comes in and immediately hits Christy with a kick to the head. Lita and Trish start brawling and Trish kicks Lita in her injured knee and starts pulling back on her knee. There was no match, this was all angle and it was well done. Trish played her role great here and the crowd was into it.
They show about half of the Hulk Hogan segment from WrestleMania.
Shawn Michaels makes his way down to the ring limping. Shawn thanks the crowd and then asks if they would like to see him against Kurt Angle in a rematch, to which the crowd obviously loves. He says he'll do everything he can to make it happen and then Daivari and Muhammad Hassan interrupt. He said the fans cheered for a washed up wrestler in Hulk Hogan when he interrupted him and they cheered for when Shawn lost last night. Shawn takes off his sport coat and starts to roll up his sleeves as Hassan continues to ramble on. Hassan calls him a loser and said the crowd will continue to cheer for him because losers love losers. Michaels slaps him and hits the leaping forearm. As he kips up, his knee is hurting and Daivari takes him down. They go on with a double team, while the crowd chants for Hogan. Hassan puts him in the Camel Clutch while Daivari kicks him in the head. They leave Michaels laying in the ring alone. I liked how they teased the Hogan save by showing his segment from the night before.
Edge vs. Chris Benoit
Benoit comes down to the ring with stitches above his eye and his arm wrapped up. Benoit is instantly hitting Edge with some stiff knees and chops. Benoit hits a baseball slide kick to Edge, who lands face first to the mats outside the ring. As Edge gets back into the ring, he drapes Benoit's injured left arm over the rope and is quickly on the offensive. It will be interesting to re-watch Edge's ascension to a main event player, because he still is not there yet with the audience. Benoit finally makes a comeback with three German suplexes. Edge is able to avoid the diving headbutt and both men are down. Edge goes up top. but Benoit breaks it up with some headbutts and then nails an aggressive superplex. Benoit gets Edge in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. After a good struggle, Edge is able to reach the bottom ropes. Benoit gets Edge in the Crippler Crossface and for some reason he no sells his arm as he wrenches back on Edge's head. Edge gets out of it and goes for the spear. Benoit sidesteps it and rolls him up for the pinfall victory. Nice lengthy match from these two. So even after the first Money In The Bank match, the winner couldn't win the next night.
Match Rating: ***1/4
After the match, Edge attacks Benoit with a chair onto the arm. JR loses it and it's wonderful. Edge walks to the back with his briefcase, while Benoit is in the ring selling it.
Simon Dean and Maven are in the ring with a table full of Simon Dean's products. They insult the crowd and then out comes Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin takes offense to his comment about beer drinkers. Austin makes a proposition that he'll try one of his protein shakes, if Simon drinks one of his beers. Simon takes a sip and says he has to work off the calories and does a goofy pair of push ups. Austin bets him that he can't do five more and five more and then ten more. Simon does the last ones on his knees and then tells Austin it's his turn to try the protein shake. Austin spits it out and calls it worthless. Maven accidentally pats Simon too hard on the back, causing him to spill the shake all over Austin and he goes after both men. Austin takes both men out and it finishes with Stunners to both. This was probably about 3 minutes too long, but the live crowd loved it.
Randy Orton is walking in the back and runs into Kane. Kane tells him he told him he couldn't beat the Undertaker.
Randy Orton vs. Batista
Orton hits a dropkick that sends Batista outside the ring and Orton instantly capitalizes by throwing Batista shoulder first into the ring steps. Batista is back in it after he sends Orton shoulder first into the ring post. Batista then throws Orton into the ring post on the outside. Big spinebuster and Batista signals for the Batista Bomb. Batista hits it and gets the victory. Now that was a statement. Orton was about to have some time off with an injury, so it makes sense that they would use him to put Batista over.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Triple H's music hits and he gives Batista the slow clap. Triple H signals for the belt as the show goes off the air.
Well, the Raw after WrestleMania isn't the same as it is these days, but it still was a great start to the next chapter. We got two really entertaining matches, a definitive win by the new champion and some good story with Hassan/Michaels. Raw continues to be the better of the two shows for the time being.
Overall Rating: 70%
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
NXT 11-14-12 Review
Original Airdate: Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Jinder Mahal is backstage and he thinks he is the next NXT Champion. He says that he beat a nobody and Bo Dallas takes offense to that. Dallas challenges him to a match with Mahal putting his #1 contender spot on the line and Mahal accepts.
The Ascension vs. Yoshi Tatsu & Percy Watson
This is...random. The Ascension have Watson in the corner, making quick tags. They continue to destroy him and then Tatsu comes in and they destroy him. They hit their finisher and that's it. The Ascension really isn't very interesting and considering I know where they go from here, I'm ready to be done with them.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Aksana talks trash to Layla backstage and then Layla gets her back.
Corey Graves vs. Oliver Gray
Gray is already in the ring. Gray gets a little offense in to start, but it doesn't last long. Graves works on Gray's leg and this is less of a squash than I expected. Graves puts on his submission move and that's all. That wasn't exactly an impressive showcase for Graves.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Big E Langston is out on the stage for an interview. He talks about Vickie and starts chanting "5" until Camacho comes from behind and attacks him and then bails. This has been just an off episode so far.
Layla vs. Aksana
Apparently Aksana is no longer with Cesaro. Aksana takes control and then decides to seductively crawl along the ring apron for no reason and then Layla dropkicks her off and she basically no sells it by getting right back in the ring as if nothing happened. Aksana gets Layla on the ground and throws some of the worst punches I have seen. This has already gone on way longer than expected. Layla finally fights back and hits a springboard crossbody for a 2 count. Layla hits a kick to the back of the head and gets the victory. Layla tried hard, but she wasn't the woman who was going to get a passable match out of Aksana.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Bray Wyatt is out cutting a promo in the middle of nowhere. He says to look up in the sky and follow the buzzards.
Roman Reigns vs. Chase Donovan
They say that Reigns is the Lebron James of the WWE as a prospect. He hits a couple of slams and then goes to wear down Donovan. He hits a big slam for the victory. That wasn't as fun of a match as his debut. After the match, he yells at Byron Saxton and tells him to re-announce his name as the Thoroughbred Roman Reigns.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Jinder Mahal vs. Bo Dallas
Apparently this is what my life has come to. Mahal takes the early advantage, but Bo makes the comeback to some applause from the NXT Universe. Dallas hits a nice suplex followed by some elbows to the head. Jinder uses the referee as a distraction and hits Dallas with a running knee. Dallas makes a comeback again and it just becomes more apparent to me that both of these guys have just such uninteresting move sets. I don't think everyone needs to be some sort of innovator, but both of these guys just need something more. Dallas charges at Mahal, who moves and Dallas' head goes right into the second turnbuckle. Mahal puts him in the Camel Clutch and Dallas taps. Well, I was expecting worse. That's about my biggest compliment here.
Match Rating: *
After the match, Mahal attacks Dallas and Seth Rollins comes to make the save, causing Mahal to retreat.
Well, that was a weak episode of this show. It still desperately needs better talent to make this format work. We all know that is coming, but it can't come soon enough.
Overall Rating: 28%
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Jinder Mahal is backstage and he thinks he is the next NXT Champion. He says that he beat a nobody and Bo Dallas takes offense to that. Dallas challenges him to a match with Mahal putting his #1 contender spot on the line and Mahal accepts.
The Ascension vs. Yoshi Tatsu & Percy Watson
This is...random. The Ascension have Watson in the corner, making quick tags. They continue to destroy him and then Tatsu comes in and they destroy him. They hit their finisher and that's it. The Ascension really isn't very interesting and considering I know where they go from here, I'm ready to be done with them.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Aksana talks trash to Layla backstage and then Layla gets her back.
Corey Graves vs. Oliver Gray
Gray is already in the ring. Gray gets a little offense in to start, but it doesn't last long. Graves works on Gray's leg and this is less of a squash than I expected. Graves puts on his submission move and that's all. That wasn't exactly an impressive showcase for Graves.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Big E Langston is out on the stage for an interview. He talks about Vickie and starts chanting "5" until Camacho comes from behind and attacks him and then bails. This has been just an off episode so far.
Layla vs. Aksana
Apparently Aksana is no longer with Cesaro. Aksana takes control and then decides to seductively crawl along the ring apron for no reason and then Layla dropkicks her off and she basically no sells it by getting right back in the ring as if nothing happened. Aksana gets Layla on the ground and throws some of the worst punches I have seen. This has already gone on way longer than expected. Layla finally fights back and hits a springboard crossbody for a 2 count. Layla hits a kick to the back of the head and gets the victory. Layla tried hard, but she wasn't the woman who was going to get a passable match out of Aksana.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Bray Wyatt is out cutting a promo in the middle of nowhere. He says to look up in the sky and follow the buzzards.
Roman Reigns vs. Chase Donovan
They say that Reigns is the Lebron James of the WWE as a prospect. He hits a couple of slams and then goes to wear down Donovan. He hits a big slam for the victory. That wasn't as fun of a match as his debut. After the match, he yells at Byron Saxton and tells him to re-announce his name as the Thoroughbred Roman Reigns.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Jinder Mahal vs. Bo Dallas
Apparently this is what my life has come to. Mahal takes the early advantage, but Bo makes the comeback to some applause from the NXT Universe. Dallas hits a nice suplex followed by some elbows to the head. Jinder uses the referee as a distraction and hits Dallas with a running knee. Dallas makes a comeback again and it just becomes more apparent to me that both of these guys have just such uninteresting move sets. I don't think everyone needs to be some sort of innovator, but both of these guys just need something more. Dallas charges at Mahal, who moves and Dallas' head goes right into the second turnbuckle. Mahal puts him in the Camel Clutch and Dallas taps. Well, I was expecting worse. That's about my biggest compliment here.
Match Rating: *
After the match, Mahal attacks Dallas and Seth Rollins comes to make the save, causing Mahal to retreat.
Well, that was a weak episode of this show. It still desperately needs better talent to make this format work. We all know that is coming, but it can't come soon enough.
Overall Rating: 28%
Monday, July 29, 2019
Superstars 9-12-92 Review
Original Airdate: Saturday, September 12th, 1992
Von Braun Civic Center
Huntsville, Alabama
We start right off with highlights of Randy Savage losing the WWF Championship to Ric Flair thanks to the help of Razor Ramon. We now cut to Vince McMahon and Mr. Perfect, who is stoked that he is in the corner of the WWF Champion.
Razor Ramon vs. Gary Jackson
Razor attacks Jackson right away and almost looks like he is going to go for the Razor's Edge early on, but Jackson looked like he slipped and so he just throws him into the turnbuckles. He hits a back suplex off the second rope and then hits the Razor's Edge, which Jackson sells nicely. Razor looked sharp here, just in case you haven't heard that pun enough in your lifetime.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Mean Gene is in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the title change took hand. They show highlights of SummerSlam, followed by a face-to-face interview between Macho Man and Razor Ramon. We get even more highlights of the title change. Razor Ramon then attacked Savage after the match and then Ultimate Warrior carried him back to the dressing room. Razor Ramon then cuts a promo saying that Savage isn't too macho now.
Natural Disasters vs. Doug Somers & Joe Turner
Man, Somers and Turner couldn't look any less like professional wrestlers. Earthquake hits his big man dropkick, which will always be impressive. Double splash and that is all. It must be pretty late in this taping because the crowd is dead and the fake noise is in full effect.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Event Center time with Sean Mooney. Money, Inc. wants the championships back. El Matador cuts the same promo he always does about all the tough competition and that he'll take on anyone.
Papa Shango vs. Justin Taylor
The announcers speculate as to whether or not Papa Shango put a curse on Bret Hart. Shango hits a lot of punches and kicks. He then hits his reverse shoulder breaker finisher for the victory. Not much to see here.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Back to the Event Center. Crush is done pretending and he is from Hawaii. Cool. The Beverly Brothers say they will always be at the top.
Big Boss Man vs. Iron Mike Sharpe
This is about as close to a feature match that we get on 1992 Superstars. Sharpe clubs away at Boss Man, but Boss Man catches his big boot and reverses it into a leg drop south of the border. Sharpe argues with some fans at ringside, so Boss Man hits him with a sucker punch. Boss Man brings Sharpe back in the hard way, but Sharpe again hits a few punches to the midsection. Boss Man sends him off the ropes, hits the Boss Man Slam and gets the victory. Not a bad little squash.
Match Rating: 1/2*
We now get to see Flair celebrating his championship win in the locker room after the match. Perfect and Heenan are there and then are joined by Razor.
Greg Brown & Red Tyler vs. Nasty Boys
Knobbs goes right after Tyler and seems to be pretty motivated here. We actually get a commercial break here in the middle of a squash match. The Nasty Boys hit the Pit Stop on Tyler and then throw Brown over the top rope. They beat on Brown a little more and hit a double DDT and get the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
One more trip to the Event Center. Skinner is upset that Jack Tunney banned his chew. Meanwhile, fans are shocked that he's still on the roster. LOD is here with their dummy and think they can cut a serious promo with him in the middle.
Next week we get Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The Mountie vs. Tatanka. We also will hear from Macho Man in a special interview.
The Undertaker vs. Pat Rose
Look at them shuffling around the format of this show. How dare they tell me what's on next week before the last match. Pat Rose looks like your friend in middle school's dad. Rose takes one of the worst chokeslams of Taker's career by getting about 6 inches off the ground. Taker hits Old School and then buries Rose with the Tombstone. After the match, they stuff Rose in a body bag while the world anxiously awaits his rematch with Kamala.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Well, that was a pretty eventful show just with the fact that we got highlights of a major title change. Razor Ramon came away looking like a star here as well, as he is quickly becoming very comfortable with his new character. Survivor Series is about to get turned upside down once they decide to change the WWF Championship yet again, but we'll get there when we get there.
Overall Rating: 40%
Von Braun Civic Center
Huntsville, Alabama
We start right off with highlights of Randy Savage losing the WWF Championship to Ric Flair thanks to the help of Razor Ramon. We now cut to Vince McMahon and Mr. Perfect, who is stoked that he is in the corner of the WWF Champion.
Razor Ramon vs. Gary Jackson
Razor attacks Jackson right away and almost looks like he is going to go for the Razor's Edge early on, but Jackson looked like he slipped and so he just throws him into the turnbuckles. He hits a back suplex off the second rope and then hits the Razor's Edge, which Jackson sells nicely. Razor looked sharp here, just in case you haven't heard that pun enough in your lifetime.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Mean Gene is in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the title change took hand. They show highlights of SummerSlam, followed by a face-to-face interview between Macho Man and Razor Ramon. We get even more highlights of the title change. Razor Ramon then attacked Savage after the match and then Ultimate Warrior carried him back to the dressing room. Razor Ramon then cuts a promo saying that Savage isn't too macho now.
Natural Disasters vs. Doug Somers & Joe Turner
Man, Somers and Turner couldn't look any less like professional wrestlers. Earthquake hits his big man dropkick, which will always be impressive. Double splash and that is all. It must be pretty late in this taping because the crowd is dead and the fake noise is in full effect.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Event Center time with Sean Mooney. Money, Inc. wants the championships back. El Matador cuts the same promo he always does about all the tough competition and that he'll take on anyone.
Papa Shango vs. Justin Taylor
The announcers speculate as to whether or not Papa Shango put a curse on Bret Hart. Shango hits a lot of punches and kicks. He then hits his reverse shoulder breaker finisher for the victory. Not much to see here.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Back to the Event Center. Crush is done pretending and he is from Hawaii. Cool. The Beverly Brothers say they will always be at the top.
Big Boss Man vs. Iron Mike Sharpe
This is about as close to a feature match that we get on 1992 Superstars. Sharpe clubs away at Boss Man, but Boss Man catches his big boot and reverses it into a leg drop south of the border. Sharpe argues with some fans at ringside, so Boss Man hits him with a sucker punch. Boss Man brings Sharpe back in the hard way, but Sharpe again hits a few punches to the midsection. Boss Man sends him off the ropes, hits the Boss Man Slam and gets the victory. Not a bad little squash.
Match Rating: 1/2*
We now get to see Flair celebrating his championship win in the locker room after the match. Perfect and Heenan are there and then are joined by Razor.
Greg Brown & Red Tyler vs. Nasty Boys
Knobbs goes right after Tyler and seems to be pretty motivated here. We actually get a commercial break here in the middle of a squash match. The Nasty Boys hit the Pit Stop on Tyler and then throw Brown over the top rope. They beat on Brown a little more and hit a double DDT and get the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
One more trip to the Event Center. Skinner is upset that Jack Tunney banned his chew. Meanwhile, fans are shocked that he's still on the roster. LOD is here with their dummy and think they can cut a serious promo with him in the middle.
Next week we get Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The Mountie vs. Tatanka. We also will hear from Macho Man in a special interview.
The Undertaker vs. Pat Rose
Look at them shuffling around the format of this show. How dare they tell me what's on next week before the last match. Pat Rose looks like your friend in middle school's dad. Rose takes one of the worst chokeslams of Taker's career by getting about 6 inches off the ground. Taker hits Old School and then buries Rose with the Tombstone. After the match, they stuff Rose in a body bag while the world anxiously awaits his rematch with Kamala.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Well, that was a pretty eventful show just with the fact that we got highlights of a major title change. Razor Ramon came away looking like a star here as well, as he is quickly becoming very comfortable with his new character. Survivor Series is about to get turned upside down once they decide to change the WWF Championship yet again, but we'll get there when we get there.
Overall Rating: 40%
Sunday, July 28, 2019
WrestleMania 21 Review
Sunday, April 3rd, 2005
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkingTheNetwork2
Lillian Garcia is here to sing "America The Beautiful". They splice in some footage from Tribute to the Troops. The red curtains lift up on the big screen to unveil clips from the movie spoofs they did. Now we get a Gladiator spoof featuring Steve Austin. That was kind of a whole lot of nothing there, but we are now with the pyro.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
Eddie comes out in a sweet low rider. You know that you have a strong card when this is your opening match. Eddie hits an awesome arm drag and these two are already off to a great start. There's chemistry and then there's Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero chemistry. Rey hits a nice corkscrew plancha and is building momentum until Eddie hits him with an elbow. Eddie goes for the Three Amigos, but Rey counters into a pinfall for a 2 count. Eddie goes for Three Amigos again and Rey hurricanranas out of the third one. Eddie avoids a 619 and then hits a titl a whirl backbreaker. Eddie goes up top, but Rey moves out of the way at the very last second. Nicely done there by Rey. Eddie counters a West Coast Pop into a powerbomb, but only gets a 2 count. The crowd is chanting for Eddie now. Rey hits an elbow and then a hurricanrana into a pinfall and gets the surprise 3 count for the victory. For my money, that is one of their most underrated matches. They told a really good story and had one of the best WrestleMania opening matches ever. They shake hands after the match, but Eddie is definitely peeved. Great start to the show.
Match Rating: **** (out of 5)
JBL and the Cabinet are walking backstage and run into Ric Flair and Triple H. Triple H mocks JBL for calling himself a wrestling god. They share words.
Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider are in the front row.
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit vs. Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Edge vs. Kane
This is the one that started it all. Huge bonus points for Howard Finkel doing ring announcing. There has never been anyone better. Everyone comes down to Kane before he can make it to the ring, but Kane prevails and goes for a ladder. Everyone then attacks him and now we are underway. Jericho hits a springboard dropkick onto Edge right into Benoit, knocking them both off the apron. Christian takes a top rope dive followed by a beautiful Shelton leaping somersault over the top rope. Not to be outdone, Kane hits a flying clothesline. Benoit puts Kane and then Edge into the Crippler Crossface, but then eats a ladder to the face from Kane. Edge hits a spear on Kane. Edge and Christian hit a con-ladder-o onto Kane. Edge goes for the spear on Shelton, but Shelton drops him right onto the ladder. Shelton gets the first legit chance of winning, but Jericho interrupts. Christian joins them followed by Benoit and then Edge. All five men are at the tops of ladders brawling. Edge and Shelton are the last two standing until Shelton hits a T-bone suplex off the ladder. Jericho is climbing up the ladder again after fighting off Christian, but then here comes Shelton climbing up the ladder and clotheslining Jericho off the top in one of my favorite ladder match moments ever. Kane tries to chokeslam Shelton over the the top rope and his foot gets caught in the top rope in a scary moment. Tomko comes in and takes out Kane and carries Christian up the ladder until Kane retaliates. Kane then pushes Christian off the ladder over the top rope onto Tomko. Benoit, selling the arm brilliantly, hits a headbutt off the top of the ladder onto Kane and as a result busts open his stitches. Benoit is going for the briefcase and out of nowhere Edge comes and nails Benoits injured arm with a chair and he is up and grabs the briefcase to begin what would be a great run. This is still the best Money In The Bank match of all time in my opinion. This was just bell to bell action and it made Edge a true star. Shelton also stole the show here and proved that he truly was one of the best athletes in WWE history.
Match Rating: ****3/4
Out comes Eugene, who was injured at New Year's Revolution. Eugene is excited to be at WrestleMania and talks about WrestleMania 3. Out comes Muhammad Hassan and Daivari. Hassan is still upset that he's not wrestling tonight. He then attacks Eugene. Everyone in the building knows what is going to happen next and of course it's Hulk Hogan. Hassan and Daivari double team him, but that lasts all of 5 seconds before Hogan destroys them. I've never been a Hulk Hogan fan, so this did nothing for me but the live crowd loved it.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Taker gets a druid entrance, so this should take about 15 minutes. I'm not a big fan of either performer, but this was a well built feud and they made it feel special instead of just another match on the card. They start off a million times quicker than you've seen either of these two start probably since this match. Taker dumps Orton to the outside and then hits a leg drop on the apron. Taker then hits one of the more awkward Old School's I can remember. It looked like Orton was thinking maybe he was countering it. Orton makes a short lived comeback until he is hit with a DDT. Taker hits Snake Eyes, but Orton hits Taker with a big elbow. Both men trade blows and then they hit an awkward almost double clothesline, but Taker no sells it and Orton was knocked down despite looking like he hit Taker harder. Taker puts Orton in the Dragon Sleeper, which I have to say I don't remember him using. Orton counters it into a DDT and gets a 2 count. Orton goes for the Last Ride, but Orton counters it and goes for an RKO, but he gets out of that and now Earl Hebner is knocked out. They do another awkward spot where they both fall down during a Last Ride attempt and in comes Cowboy Bob Orton interfering. Orton goes for a pin, but only gets a 2 count. Taker sits up and gets sent off the ropes, but gives Bob a big boot. Taker goes for the chokeslam on Randy, but he gets hit with an RKO instead. Orton goes for the pin and Taker kicks out at the last possible second. The crowd is really into this. Orton picks Taker up for the Tombstone, but Taker reverses it and hits it for the victory. This was a tough one to rate. This was way more entertaining than I would hope for, but there were also a lot of awkward spots. Good undercard match and I do think they had the crowd believing that Orton might be the guy to end the streak.
Match Rating: ***1/2
WWE Women's Championship Match
Christy Hemme vs. Trish Stratus
There's a reason they don't ever mention Christy when it comes to pioneers of the women's revolution. They're trying their best to use their personalities to make this passable, but the crowd isn't buying it. Christy hits a Twist of Fate, but Trish kicks out. Trish rolls her up, but Christy reverses it and almost gets the victory. Trish hits a Chick Kick and that is all. Well, at least it was short and it honestly could have been a lot worse.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
Michaels slaps Angle, so Angle goes nuts on him showing off his takedown skills. Michaels then takes to the mat to show Angle what he can do. Michaels clotheslines Angle over the top rope. Michaels is thinking of using a table, but Angle has other plans and hits an Angle Slam into the steel post. Angle is working on the back using suplexes, but Michaels is trying to fight back. He goes up top, but misses with the elbow drop. However, he is able to back body drop Angle over the top rope and then hits a flying cross body to Angle on the floor that looked like he lost his balance and fell more than he leaped. They are both trying to get back in the ring, but Angle grabs Michaels and attempts to suplex him to the floor. Michaels hangs on and when the ref is trying to break it up, he hits a low blow on Angle. He pushes Angle to the table and then hits a springboard reverse dive onto the table. That one looked like it hurt, as the table did not break and Michaels appeared to land about his whole body right on top of Angle. They're both back in the ring and trading blows. Michaels hits a flying forearm and then nips up. Michaels hits the flying elbow drop this time and is now setting up for Sweet Chin Music. Angle catches it and puts him right into the Ankle Lock. After a lengthy stay, Michaels is finally able to grab the bottom rope. Angle Slam is reversed into a pin, which is reversed into an Ankle Lock and then a pinfall for Michaels, but he gets a long 2. Angle bounces up and hits an Angle Slam for a 2 count. Angle puts his straps back up and then pulls him back down. He goes up top and attempts a moonsault and misses. Has Angle ever hit a moonsault? Michaels goes up top, but Angle runs up the turnbuckles and hits an Angle Slam, but only gets a 2. The crowd is 110% into this match and rightfully so. Angle is talking trash, so Michaels hits him with Sweet Chin Music and both men are down. Angle puts him back in the Ankle Lock. Michaels is desperately trying to get to the ropes. After what had to have been over a minute in the hold, Michaels finally taps to cap off an amazing match. Two guys who were in third gear from bell to bell for a hard hitting, evenly contested wrestling match. I haven't seen too many that I would put above that one.
Match Rating: *****
Out comes Rowdy Roddy Piper, who then introduces Steve Austin. So I guess this would be a good way to follow one of the greatest matches in company history. Piper welcomes him to Piper's Pit with a slap to the face. Austin naturally slaps him back. They go back and forth and then Carlito's music hits. Carlito asks both of them to walk on out of the ring. Piper steals Carlito's apple and scarfs it down and naturally spits it in Carlito's face. Carlito attacks Piper and Austin sits back and laughs. Austin then attacks and stomps a mud hole in Carlito. Piper hits a thumb to the eye and then eats a Stunner for good measure. Austin and Piper drink a few cold ones. Austin then hits a Stunner on Piper as he's chugging and Austin celebrates some more. Not the best segment, but the live crowd loved it and Austin seemed to be having fun.
Sumo Match
Akebono vs. Big Show
The poor ring crew had to pretty much disassemble the ring for this classic. Akebono is a huge man. After a lengthy pre-match routine, they finally go at it. Big Show lifts Akebono off his feet, but Akebono takes him and throws him out of the circle for the victory. I'm not sure what made them think that anyone really wanted to see this, but at least it was short. They shake hands after the match and that's it. I can't rate this since it was definitely not a wrestling match.
Match Rating: No Rating
WWE Championship Match
JBL vs. John Cena
JBL has a police escort on his way to the ring. JBL gets the early advantage and is off to a more intense start than normal. "Guys, this is vintage JBL." Great. Thank you, Michael Cole. I have to say that the crowd is not as into this match as much as they were the big matches earlier on. Just as a small minority was starting to chant "Boring", JBL puts Cena into a sleeper hold. Cena finally fights back, but JBL dumps him through the ropes to the floor. Cena catches JBL in the air and hits a body slam. Cena hits some right hands and a clothesline. There were some boos sprinkled in before his You Can't See Me. Cena ducks a Clothesline From Hell and hits the FU and wins his first ever WWE Championship. This was barely a SmackDown main event type match, which is a shame. I think it would turn out okay for Mr. Cena though, so I won't feel too bad for him.
Match Rating: *1/2
They show highlights from the Hall of Fame and then introduce all of the new inductees.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Triple H vs. Batista
Motorhead is here to perform Triple H's entrance music live. This is the match I've wanted to re-watch the most on this show, just for the simple fact that I liked it a little bit less than the majority. This would be a theme for the entire feud. Based on the pace for the start of this match, it's pretty obvious we're getting a 20+ minute Hunter special. Batista gains an early advantage until Batista is distracted by Ric Flair, allowing Triple H to throw him into the steps. Flair continues to play a factor in the match by choking Batista. The crowd is definitely more into this math than the previous match, which to me says more about JBL than it does Cena. I am doing everything I can to not doze off here. Triple H pulls out the steps and goes for a Pedigree but Batista hits a catapult into the steel post. Triple H is now busted open. Batista is clubbing away on Triple H's forehead and then hits a big boot to the face. Batista blocks an attempt from Flair and the referee stops Triple H before he can hit Batista with a chair. The ref is distracted by Flair and Triple H hits Batista with the belt and almost steals the victory. Batista hits a huge spinebuster and sets him up for the Batista Bomb, but Triple H hits the big low blow. Triple H goes for the Pedigree, but Batista blocks it and then slams Triple H behind his back. Batista hits the Batista Bomb and gets the victory. Disappointingly, I did not like that any more than I remembered. Even the ending was pretty anti-climatic.
Match Rating: **
This is a really hard show to rate. It features two of my favorite matches in WWE history and also another great match in Eddie/Rey and a fun match with Orton/Taker. However, I didn't really care for the other 4 matches. But still, one ****3/4 and on ***** match easily makes this one of the best shows WWE ever put on. I just wish the last hour or so would have been stronger. Plus, from a historical perspective, this is one of the most important nights in modern WWE history as we saw the crowning of the two guys that would carry the company on top of the first ever Money In The Bank match, which would obviously go on to spawn it's own show. Definite thumbs up for any wrestling fan.
Overall Rating: 92%
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkingTheNetwork2
Lillian Garcia is here to sing "America The Beautiful". They splice in some footage from Tribute to the Troops. The red curtains lift up on the big screen to unveil clips from the movie spoofs they did. Now we get a Gladiator spoof featuring Steve Austin. That was kind of a whole lot of nothing there, but we are now with the pyro.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
Eddie comes out in a sweet low rider. You know that you have a strong card when this is your opening match. Eddie hits an awesome arm drag and these two are already off to a great start. There's chemistry and then there's Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero chemistry. Rey hits a nice corkscrew plancha and is building momentum until Eddie hits him with an elbow. Eddie goes for the Three Amigos, but Rey counters into a pinfall for a 2 count. Eddie goes for Three Amigos again and Rey hurricanranas out of the third one. Eddie avoids a 619 and then hits a titl a whirl backbreaker. Eddie goes up top, but Rey moves out of the way at the very last second. Nicely done there by Rey. Eddie counters a West Coast Pop into a powerbomb, but only gets a 2 count. The crowd is chanting for Eddie now. Rey hits an elbow and then a hurricanrana into a pinfall and gets the surprise 3 count for the victory. For my money, that is one of their most underrated matches. They told a really good story and had one of the best WrestleMania opening matches ever. They shake hands after the match, but Eddie is definitely peeved. Great start to the show.
Match Rating: **** (out of 5)
JBL and the Cabinet are walking backstage and run into Ric Flair and Triple H. Triple H mocks JBL for calling himself a wrestling god. They share words.
Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider are in the front row.
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit vs. Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Edge vs. Kane
This is the one that started it all. Huge bonus points for Howard Finkel doing ring announcing. There has never been anyone better. Everyone comes down to Kane before he can make it to the ring, but Kane prevails and goes for a ladder. Everyone then attacks him and now we are underway. Jericho hits a springboard dropkick onto Edge right into Benoit, knocking them both off the apron. Christian takes a top rope dive followed by a beautiful Shelton leaping somersault over the top rope. Not to be outdone, Kane hits a flying clothesline. Benoit puts Kane and then Edge into the Crippler Crossface, but then eats a ladder to the face from Kane. Edge hits a spear on Kane. Edge and Christian hit a con-ladder-o onto Kane. Edge goes for the spear on Shelton, but Shelton drops him right onto the ladder. Shelton gets the first legit chance of winning, but Jericho interrupts. Christian joins them followed by Benoit and then Edge. All five men are at the tops of ladders brawling. Edge and Shelton are the last two standing until Shelton hits a T-bone suplex off the ladder. Jericho is climbing up the ladder again after fighting off Christian, but then here comes Shelton climbing up the ladder and clotheslining Jericho off the top in one of my favorite ladder match moments ever. Kane tries to chokeslam Shelton over the the top rope and his foot gets caught in the top rope in a scary moment. Tomko comes in and takes out Kane and carries Christian up the ladder until Kane retaliates. Kane then pushes Christian off the ladder over the top rope onto Tomko. Benoit, selling the arm brilliantly, hits a headbutt off the top of the ladder onto Kane and as a result busts open his stitches. Benoit is going for the briefcase and out of nowhere Edge comes and nails Benoits injured arm with a chair and he is up and grabs the briefcase to begin what would be a great run. This is still the best Money In The Bank match of all time in my opinion. This was just bell to bell action and it made Edge a true star. Shelton also stole the show here and proved that he truly was one of the best athletes in WWE history.
Match Rating: ****3/4
Out comes Eugene, who was injured at New Year's Revolution. Eugene is excited to be at WrestleMania and talks about WrestleMania 3. Out comes Muhammad Hassan and Daivari. Hassan is still upset that he's not wrestling tonight. He then attacks Eugene. Everyone in the building knows what is going to happen next and of course it's Hulk Hogan. Hassan and Daivari double team him, but that lasts all of 5 seconds before Hogan destroys them. I've never been a Hulk Hogan fan, so this did nothing for me but the live crowd loved it.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Taker gets a druid entrance, so this should take about 15 minutes. I'm not a big fan of either performer, but this was a well built feud and they made it feel special instead of just another match on the card. They start off a million times quicker than you've seen either of these two start probably since this match. Taker dumps Orton to the outside and then hits a leg drop on the apron. Taker then hits one of the more awkward Old School's I can remember. It looked like Orton was thinking maybe he was countering it. Orton makes a short lived comeback until he is hit with a DDT. Taker hits Snake Eyes, but Orton hits Taker with a big elbow. Both men trade blows and then they hit an awkward almost double clothesline, but Taker no sells it and Orton was knocked down despite looking like he hit Taker harder. Taker puts Orton in the Dragon Sleeper, which I have to say I don't remember him using. Orton counters it into a DDT and gets a 2 count. Orton goes for the Last Ride, but Orton counters it and goes for an RKO, but he gets out of that and now Earl Hebner is knocked out. They do another awkward spot where they both fall down during a Last Ride attempt and in comes Cowboy Bob Orton interfering. Orton goes for a pin, but only gets a 2 count. Taker sits up and gets sent off the ropes, but gives Bob a big boot. Taker goes for the chokeslam on Randy, but he gets hit with an RKO instead. Orton goes for the pin and Taker kicks out at the last possible second. The crowd is really into this. Orton picks Taker up for the Tombstone, but Taker reverses it and hits it for the victory. This was a tough one to rate. This was way more entertaining than I would hope for, but there were also a lot of awkward spots. Good undercard match and I do think they had the crowd believing that Orton might be the guy to end the streak.
Match Rating: ***1/2
WWE Women's Championship Match
Christy Hemme vs. Trish Stratus
There's a reason they don't ever mention Christy when it comes to pioneers of the women's revolution. They're trying their best to use their personalities to make this passable, but the crowd isn't buying it. Christy hits a Twist of Fate, but Trish kicks out. Trish rolls her up, but Christy reverses it and almost gets the victory. Trish hits a Chick Kick and that is all. Well, at least it was short and it honestly could have been a lot worse.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
Michaels slaps Angle, so Angle goes nuts on him showing off his takedown skills. Michaels then takes to the mat to show Angle what he can do. Michaels clotheslines Angle over the top rope. Michaels is thinking of using a table, but Angle has other plans and hits an Angle Slam into the steel post. Angle is working on the back using suplexes, but Michaels is trying to fight back. He goes up top, but misses with the elbow drop. However, he is able to back body drop Angle over the top rope and then hits a flying cross body to Angle on the floor that looked like he lost his balance and fell more than he leaped. They are both trying to get back in the ring, but Angle grabs Michaels and attempts to suplex him to the floor. Michaels hangs on and when the ref is trying to break it up, he hits a low blow on Angle. He pushes Angle to the table and then hits a springboard reverse dive onto the table. That one looked like it hurt, as the table did not break and Michaels appeared to land about his whole body right on top of Angle. They're both back in the ring and trading blows. Michaels hits a flying forearm and then nips up. Michaels hits the flying elbow drop this time and is now setting up for Sweet Chin Music. Angle catches it and puts him right into the Ankle Lock. After a lengthy stay, Michaels is finally able to grab the bottom rope. Angle Slam is reversed into a pin, which is reversed into an Ankle Lock and then a pinfall for Michaels, but he gets a long 2. Angle bounces up and hits an Angle Slam for a 2 count. Angle puts his straps back up and then pulls him back down. He goes up top and attempts a moonsault and misses. Has Angle ever hit a moonsault? Michaels goes up top, but Angle runs up the turnbuckles and hits an Angle Slam, but only gets a 2. The crowd is 110% into this match and rightfully so. Angle is talking trash, so Michaels hits him with Sweet Chin Music and both men are down. Angle puts him back in the Ankle Lock. Michaels is desperately trying to get to the ropes. After what had to have been over a minute in the hold, Michaels finally taps to cap off an amazing match. Two guys who were in third gear from bell to bell for a hard hitting, evenly contested wrestling match. I haven't seen too many that I would put above that one.
Match Rating: *****
Out comes Rowdy Roddy Piper, who then introduces Steve Austin. So I guess this would be a good way to follow one of the greatest matches in company history. Piper welcomes him to Piper's Pit with a slap to the face. Austin naturally slaps him back. They go back and forth and then Carlito's music hits. Carlito asks both of them to walk on out of the ring. Piper steals Carlito's apple and scarfs it down and naturally spits it in Carlito's face. Carlito attacks Piper and Austin sits back and laughs. Austin then attacks and stomps a mud hole in Carlito. Piper hits a thumb to the eye and then eats a Stunner for good measure. Austin and Piper drink a few cold ones. Austin then hits a Stunner on Piper as he's chugging and Austin celebrates some more. Not the best segment, but the live crowd loved it and Austin seemed to be having fun.
Sumo Match
Akebono vs. Big Show
The poor ring crew had to pretty much disassemble the ring for this classic. Akebono is a huge man. After a lengthy pre-match routine, they finally go at it. Big Show lifts Akebono off his feet, but Akebono takes him and throws him out of the circle for the victory. I'm not sure what made them think that anyone really wanted to see this, but at least it was short. They shake hands after the match and that's it. I can't rate this since it was definitely not a wrestling match.
Match Rating: No Rating
WWE Championship Match
JBL vs. John Cena
JBL has a police escort on his way to the ring. JBL gets the early advantage and is off to a more intense start than normal. "Guys, this is vintage JBL." Great. Thank you, Michael Cole. I have to say that the crowd is not as into this match as much as they were the big matches earlier on. Just as a small minority was starting to chant "Boring", JBL puts Cena into a sleeper hold. Cena finally fights back, but JBL dumps him through the ropes to the floor. Cena catches JBL in the air and hits a body slam. Cena hits some right hands and a clothesline. There were some boos sprinkled in before his You Can't See Me. Cena ducks a Clothesline From Hell and hits the FU and wins his first ever WWE Championship. This was barely a SmackDown main event type match, which is a shame. I think it would turn out okay for Mr. Cena though, so I won't feel too bad for him.
Match Rating: *1/2
They show highlights from the Hall of Fame and then introduce all of the new inductees.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Triple H vs. Batista
Motorhead is here to perform Triple H's entrance music live. This is the match I've wanted to re-watch the most on this show, just for the simple fact that I liked it a little bit less than the majority. This would be a theme for the entire feud. Based on the pace for the start of this match, it's pretty obvious we're getting a 20+ minute Hunter special. Batista gains an early advantage until Batista is distracted by Ric Flair, allowing Triple H to throw him into the steps. Flair continues to play a factor in the match by choking Batista. The crowd is definitely more into this math than the previous match, which to me says more about JBL than it does Cena. I am doing everything I can to not doze off here. Triple H pulls out the steps and goes for a Pedigree but Batista hits a catapult into the steel post. Triple H is now busted open. Batista is clubbing away on Triple H's forehead and then hits a big boot to the face. Batista blocks an attempt from Flair and the referee stops Triple H before he can hit Batista with a chair. The ref is distracted by Flair and Triple H hits Batista with the belt and almost steals the victory. Batista hits a huge spinebuster and sets him up for the Batista Bomb, but Triple H hits the big low blow. Triple H goes for the Pedigree, but Batista blocks it and then slams Triple H behind his back. Batista hits the Batista Bomb and gets the victory. Disappointingly, I did not like that any more than I remembered. Even the ending was pretty anti-climatic.
Match Rating: **
This is a really hard show to rate. It features two of my favorite matches in WWE history and also another great match in Eddie/Rey and a fun match with Orton/Taker. However, I didn't really care for the other 4 matches. But still, one ****3/4 and on ***** match easily makes this one of the best shows WWE ever put on. I just wish the last hour or so would have been stronger. Plus, from a historical perspective, this is one of the most important nights in modern WWE history as we saw the crowning of the two guys that would carry the company on top of the first ever Money In The Bank match, which would obviously go on to spawn it's own show. Definite thumbs up for any wrestling fan.
Overall Rating: 92%
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
NXT 11-7-2012 Review
Original Airdate: Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Kassius Ohno vs. Trent Barreta
No complaints from me on a rematch between these two. Barreta goes for a sunset flip bomb over the top rope, but Ohno pulls the apron over Barreta's face in a smart spot. The crowd surprisingly isn't very into this match. Barreta hits a really nice jumping DDT and follows it up with an elbow, but Ohno is right back with a knee to the midsection. Barreta almost gets a small package victory. Barreta fights Ohno off the top rope and then hits a missile dropkick. He goes for the knee, but Ohno avoids it and then hits him with the spinning forearm for the victory. The lack of crowd interest hurt it a little bit, but it was still solid.
Match Rating: ** (out of 5)
After the match, Ohno tries to attack and then Barreta is able to fight him off.
We get a Corey Graves vignette.
Big E Langston vs. Memo Montenegro
Big E steamrolls Memo and just like that hits the Big Finish for the victory, but the ref only counts to 3. Big E demands a 5 count and the crowd is chanting for him. He hits the Big Ending again and counts to 5 on his own. Big E continues to be a bright spot in a mediocre time for their developmental. Big E is about to go for another one, but Vickie Guerrero interrupts on the big screen. She announces it is open season for Big E and she has offered $5,000 to anyone who can put him on the shelf. Big E is about to go back to Memo, but Chad Baxter attacks Big E from behind. It doesn't work and Big E hits the Big Ending and counts to 5 on him.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Jason Jordan vs. Luke Harper
Bray Wyatt comes out preaching his nonsense in a much more fun way than the majority of the last few years. Jordan interrupts and says that all Bray does is talk and he wants to have a match with Bray now. Bray says that he doesn't want anything to do with him because he is a monster, but he is never alone and out comes Luke Harper. Apparently, Jordan was supposed to fight Aiden English. Harper attacks Jordan and immediately begins manhandling Jordan as Bray watches on from the stage. The announcers are unaware of who Harper is. Jordan is able to kick out of a big clothesline and ducks a big boot, but Harper hits his spinning suplex for the victory. This was a solid little debut for Harper and Wyatt did a nice job. Wyatt then announces Luke Harper as the first son of the Wyatt family.
Match Rating: *1/4
They show clips of Roman Reigns' match last week and he is out on the stage to join Byron Saxton. Reigns takes the mic away from Saxton and sends him to the back. It seems as if Reigns is trying to talk like Dusty Rhodes. He says he is the man and it doesn't matter if you are with him or against him. Not the character I expected him to play here.
Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match To Determine The #1 Contender For The NXT Championship
Justin Gabriel vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Bo Dallas
The action quickly moves outside the ring and Gabriel hits a somersault dive over the top rope on all three men. When we come back from commercial, it's Gabriel and McIntyre in the ring until Bo comes in and clotheslines McIntyre. This match feels like it's in slow motion. Gabriel goes up top, but Mahal trips him up. JR says that Mahal can do a lot of things well, but I can't think of one. Gabriel hits a 450 splash on Mahal, but then out of nowhere Bo eliminates McIntyre and then Gabriel. Um, sure? So the two least interesting guys in the match are the two left. Seth Rollins has come to the stage to do some scouting. Mahal hits a high knee that may have accidentally hit him a little harder than intended. Dallas goes for a spear, but Mahal avoids it and Dallas runs his throat into the ropes. Mahal immediately puts on the Camel Clutch and Dallas taps out. Mahal will face Rollins next week. I'm not really sure why they are so in love with Mahal. This match looked like a beginner's course in WWE style wrestling. Very disappointing.
Match Rating: 1/2*
I was looking forward to this show, but it just wasn't to be. The main event just didn't deliver and the crowd was pretty flat throughout. Let's hope that Seth can help bring a good match out of Mahal.
Overall Rating: 32%
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Kassius Ohno vs. Trent Barreta
No complaints from me on a rematch between these two. Barreta goes for a sunset flip bomb over the top rope, but Ohno pulls the apron over Barreta's face in a smart spot. The crowd surprisingly isn't very into this match. Barreta hits a really nice jumping DDT and follows it up with an elbow, but Ohno is right back with a knee to the midsection. Barreta almost gets a small package victory. Barreta fights Ohno off the top rope and then hits a missile dropkick. He goes for the knee, but Ohno avoids it and then hits him with the spinning forearm for the victory. The lack of crowd interest hurt it a little bit, but it was still solid.
Match Rating: ** (out of 5)
After the match, Ohno tries to attack and then Barreta is able to fight him off.
We get a Corey Graves vignette.
Big E Langston vs. Memo Montenegro
Big E steamrolls Memo and just like that hits the Big Finish for the victory, but the ref only counts to 3. Big E demands a 5 count and the crowd is chanting for him. He hits the Big Ending again and counts to 5 on his own. Big E continues to be a bright spot in a mediocre time for their developmental. Big E is about to go for another one, but Vickie Guerrero interrupts on the big screen. She announces it is open season for Big E and she has offered $5,000 to anyone who can put him on the shelf. Big E is about to go back to Memo, but Chad Baxter attacks Big E from behind. It doesn't work and Big E hits the Big Ending and counts to 5 on him.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Jason Jordan vs. Luke Harper
Bray Wyatt comes out preaching his nonsense in a much more fun way than the majority of the last few years. Jordan interrupts and says that all Bray does is talk and he wants to have a match with Bray now. Bray says that he doesn't want anything to do with him because he is a monster, but he is never alone and out comes Luke Harper. Apparently, Jordan was supposed to fight Aiden English. Harper attacks Jordan and immediately begins manhandling Jordan as Bray watches on from the stage. The announcers are unaware of who Harper is. Jordan is able to kick out of a big clothesline and ducks a big boot, but Harper hits his spinning suplex for the victory. This was a solid little debut for Harper and Wyatt did a nice job. Wyatt then announces Luke Harper as the first son of the Wyatt family.
Match Rating: *1/4
They show clips of Roman Reigns' match last week and he is out on the stage to join Byron Saxton. Reigns takes the mic away from Saxton and sends him to the back. It seems as if Reigns is trying to talk like Dusty Rhodes. He says he is the man and it doesn't matter if you are with him or against him. Not the character I expected him to play here.
Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match To Determine The #1 Contender For The NXT Championship
Justin Gabriel vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Bo Dallas
The action quickly moves outside the ring and Gabriel hits a somersault dive over the top rope on all three men. When we come back from commercial, it's Gabriel and McIntyre in the ring until Bo comes in and clotheslines McIntyre. This match feels like it's in slow motion. Gabriel goes up top, but Mahal trips him up. JR says that Mahal can do a lot of things well, but I can't think of one. Gabriel hits a 450 splash on Mahal, but then out of nowhere Bo eliminates McIntyre and then Gabriel. Um, sure? So the two least interesting guys in the match are the two left. Seth Rollins has come to the stage to do some scouting. Mahal hits a high knee that may have accidentally hit him a little harder than intended. Dallas goes for a spear, but Mahal avoids it and Dallas runs his throat into the ropes. Mahal immediately puts on the Camel Clutch and Dallas taps out. Mahal will face Rollins next week. I'm not really sure why they are so in love with Mahal. This match looked like a beginner's course in WWE style wrestling. Very disappointing.
Match Rating: 1/2*
I was looking forward to this show, but it just wasn't to be. The main event just didn't deliver and the crowd was pretty flat throughout. Let's hope that Seth can help bring a good match out of Mahal.
Overall Rating: 32%
Monday, July 22, 2019
Superstars 9-5-1992 Review
Original Airdate: Saturday, September 5th, 1992
Von Braun Civic Center
Huntsville, Alabama
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
We get a recap of SummerSlam, which surprisingly includes video, not just still photos. I have to say I am pretty shocked. They are showing highlights of the entire match of Macho Man and Ultimate Warrior and then also show clips from Kamala/Undertaker and British Bulldog/Bret Hart. This whole intro is over 8 minutes long. Vince's announcing is unsurprisingly over the top and obnoxious over the whole thing. They then pan to Vince with Mr. Perfect, who is not happy.
Legion of Doom vs. Gary Jackson & Jerry Stephens
How did Hawk ever sign off on Rocco? Hawk seems to be a little angry today, it looks like he is taking it out on these poor jobbers today. Doomsday Device ends it here for LOD, who won't be around a whole lot longer.
Match Rating: 1/4* (out of 5)
Vince then hypes up how there are no steroid freaks, just wrestlers using IcoPro, which uses science.
Event Center time with Sean Mooney. The Nasty Boys are the meanest and nastiest tag team around. Big Boss Man says he did what he had to do to protect society from the piece of trash, Nailz.
Nailz vs. Tommy Stevenson
Nailz instantly charges Stevenson and I can't believe it, but he starts choking him. He then kicks him and starts choking him again. There is absolutely no reaction from the crowd. Nailz gives Stevenson one of the worst looking clotheslines you will ever see and then does his chokehold sleeper for the victory. They should have just had Boss Man beat him at SummerSlam and move on like this never happened.
Match Rating: 0 stars
Back to Sean Mooney again. Natural Disasters say they will defend their titles any time. Rick Martel will show you that he is the best with arrogance.
Kato vs. Crush
Crush is now billed as being from Hawaii and then gets a quick interview shown of him speaking with an accent. Kato shows a little bit of fight, but Crush then hits a spinning backbreaker. Crushes then shows off his strength with a powerslam and crushes his head for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
The Mountie vs. Ken Wayne
I think it's safe to say that Ken shares no relation to John. The Mountie grabs the mic before the match and starts singing along with his entrance music. The Mountie is in full ham mode today, which is pretty much why I love this character. Piledriver gets the victory here. After the match, he chases Wayne out of the ring with the shock stick and then sings along with his music again. The Mountie continues to be a highlight for me.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Mr. Perfect introduces a taped interview from Razor Ramon. Razor says that Macho Man may be champion, but their is only one person who is oozing machismo and that's Razor.
Barry Horowitz vs. Virgil
Vince claims that Virgil is really coming into his own just days after getting squashed by Nailz at SummerSlam. I do have to say Virgil's squashes have been among the best on my run of Superstars. Horowitz gets in a little bit of offense, but then out of nowhere Virgil hits the side Russian leg sweep for the victory. They cut away to the crowd at the last count for some odd reason.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Money, Inc. vs. Burt Styles & Warren Quinn
IRS does some of the lazier cheating I have seen in awhile by sort of half grabbing Dibiase's arm while doing the abdominal stretch on a jobber. I do like that Money, Inc. typically treat their squashes as actual matches. Dibiase puts on the Million Dollar Dream and that's it. The jobber gets $100 in the mouth for good measure.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Back to the Event Center and Tatanka and Repo Man do what they do. It's funny that the Repo Man still gets as much interview time as he does. It's probably just a guilty pleasure of Vince's...and mine too.
As they zoom into a child chewing on an Undertaker foam tombstone, next week we get Big Boss Man, Razor Ramon, Natural Disasters and Ric Flair. They then show Ultimate Warrior helping Macho Man up at SummerSlam.
This was your typical episode of 1992 Superstars with the bonus of getting to see actual highlights from SummerSlam if you were like me and didn't order the show. I enjoy the Mountie character a lot and the Virgil match was decent. Then there was Nailz...
Overall Rating: 36%
Von Braun Civic Center
Huntsville, Alabama
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We get a recap of SummerSlam, which surprisingly includes video, not just still photos. I have to say I am pretty shocked. They are showing highlights of the entire match of Macho Man and Ultimate Warrior and then also show clips from Kamala/Undertaker and British Bulldog/Bret Hart. This whole intro is over 8 minutes long. Vince's announcing is unsurprisingly over the top and obnoxious over the whole thing. They then pan to Vince with Mr. Perfect, who is not happy.
Legion of Doom vs. Gary Jackson & Jerry Stephens
How did Hawk ever sign off on Rocco? Hawk seems to be a little angry today, it looks like he is taking it out on these poor jobbers today. Doomsday Device ends it here for LOD, who won't be around a whole lot longer.
Match Rating: 1/4* (out of 5)
Vince then hypes up how there are no steroid freaks, just wrestlers using IcoPro, which uses science.
Event Center time with Sean Mooney. The Nasty Boys are the meanest and nastiest tag team around. Big Boss Man says he did what he had to do to protect society from the piece of trash, Nailz.
Nailz vs. Tommy Stevenson
Nailz instantly charges Stevenson and I can't believe it, but he starts choking him. He then kicks him and starts choking him again. There is absolutely no reaction from the crowd. Nailz gives Stevenson one of the worst looking clotheslines you will ever see and then does his chokehold sleeper for the victory. They should have just had Boss Man beat him at SummerSlam and move on like this never happened.
Match Rating: 0 stars
Back to Sean Mooney again. Natural Disasters say they will defend their titles any time. Rick Martel will show you that he is the best with arrogance.
Kato vs. Crush
Crush is now billed as being from Hawaii and then gets a quick interview shown of him speaking with an accent. Kato shows a little bit of fight, but Crush then hits a spinning backbreaker. Crushes then shows off his strength with a powerslam and crushes his head for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
The Mountie vs. Ken Wayne
I think it's safe to say that Ken shares no relation to John. The Mountie grabs the mic before the match and starts singing along with his entrance music. The Mountie is in full ham mode today, which is pretty much why I love this character. Piledriver gets the victory here. After the match, he chases Wayne out of the ring with the shock stick and then sings along with his music again. The Mountie continues to be a highlight for me.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Mr. Perfect introduces a taped interview from Razor Ramon. Razor says that Macho Man may be champion, but their is only one person who is oozing machismo and that's Razor.
Barry Horowitz vs. Virgil
Vince claims that Virgil is really coming into his own just days after getting squashed by Nailz at SummerSlam. I do have to say Virgil's squashes have been among the best on my run of Superstars. Horowitz gets in a little bit of offense, but then out of nowhere Virgil hits the side Russian leg sweep for the victory. They cut away to the crowd at the last count for some odd reason.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Money, Inc. vs. Burt Styles & Warren Quinn
IRS does some of the lazier cheating I have seen in awhile by sort of half grabbing Dibiase's arm while doing the abdominal stretch on a jobber. I do like that Money, Inc. typically treat their squashes as actual matches. Dibiase puts on the Million Dollar Dream and that's it. The jobber gets $100 in the mouth for good measure.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Back to the Event Center and Tatanka and Repo Man do what they do. It's funny that the Repo Man still gets as much interview time as he does. It's probably just a guilty pleasure of Vince's...and mine too.
As they zoom into a child chewing on an Undertaker foam tombstone, next week we get Big Boss Man, Razor Ramon, Natural Disasters and Ric Flair. They then show Ultimate Warrior helping Macho Man up at SummerSlam.
This was your typical episode of 1992 Superstars with the bonus of getting to see actual highlights from SummerSlam if you were like me and didn't order the show. I enjoy the Mountie character a lot and the Virgil match was decent. Then there was Nailz...
Overall Rating: 36%
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
SmackDown 3-31-05 Review
Original Airdate: Thursday, March 31st, 2005
Reliant Arena
Houston, Texas
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Eddie Guerrero vs. Danny Basham
It's always good to start right with a match. Jerry Lawler is with Michael Cole this week. Eddie starts with an eye poke, but Basham is able to overcome it and goes to work on Eddie. Basham misses a splash in the corner and Eddie hits a nice dropkick. Three Amigos by Eddie and then Doug Basham grabs Eddie and goes to work. Rey Mysterio comes down and Doug backdrops him into the ropes and Rey accidentally kicks Eddie in the head. Danny gets the pinfall victory. This was just a last minute bonus wrinkle to build to their WrestleMania match. The match was too short to be anything special, but at least the finish was unique.
Match Rating: *3/4
They show a hype video for the JBL/John Cena match. JBL is with Teddy Long and he is guaranteeing that he will walk out as WWE Champion.
Cruiserweight Championship Battle Royal
Since there is no Cruiserweight Championship match at WrestleMania (shocking, I know), we are getting this match. They instantly eliminate Chavo, so we are now guaranteed a new champion. Chavo tries to grab his title, claiming that everyone cheated. Funaki and Nunzio are eliminated fairly quickly Scotty 2 Hotty hits the worm on Spike Dudley and then eliminates him with a kick. The crowd is clearly behind Scotty. Scotty of course is then eliminated by Akio. Paul London hits a moonsault but then is greeted by a dropkick courtesy of Billy Kidman. Kidman and Akio are working together to try to eliminate London, who is clearly going to win this match. Kidman and Akio argue, which leads to Akio getting eliminated. Kidman tosses over London over the ropes, but he holds on and uses a hurricanrana to pull Kidman over and out. London is the new Cruiserweight Champion. Watching the replay did not make this move look great, as Kidman just sort of willingly walked right into his legs.
Match Rating: *1/4
Akebono has arrived to the building. Teddy Long is backstage reading the SmackDown magazine and in walks Carlito. Carlito says instead of him putting on a cowboy hat or singing, he should be in a match tonight. He says that he is now medically cleared. Carlito says he doesn't care who his opponent is so Long chooses John Cena.
Eddie is asking if Rey hit him on purpose earlier, which of course Rey says he doesn't. Rey says he's going to talk to Teddy Long and challenge Doug Basham tonight. Eddie tells him that he will have his back just like he did for him.
Luther Reigns' plunge down the ranks continues as he is already in the ring. They then cut to Booker T and Sharmell backstage. Sharmell pumps up Booker before his match.
Luther Reigns vs. Booker T
Hey, Booker. We're so sorry that you don't have a featured match at WrestleMania, so we'll let you fight Luther Reigns in your hometown. That should make everything better. Booker takes the early advantage until he goes for a kick and Reigns ducks, leaving Booker on the top rope. Reigns doesn't stay on top for long, as we get a spinebuster by Booker and then a spinaroonie. Reigns for some reason decides do duck right into a scissors kick and Booker gets the win. That was a pretty paint by the numbers match, which of course is no surprise.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Long walks into his office and sees Cowboy Bob Orton sitting there and they give each other a hug. Orton says Randy has gone too far and now he wants to talk to the Undertaker, which Long says is a bad idea. After the commercial break, Bob Orton comes down to the ring and asks for Undertaker to come to the ring to hear him out. After a long pause, he is on his way down. Bob says Randy has gone way too far and he loves his son. He thinks Randy is the future of this business, but not if Taker takes him out at WrestleMania. Taker then goes to chokeslam Bob and out comes Randy, who hits him with an RKO. Michael Cole wonders if this was a setup? No, Michael. It wasn't.
Rey Mysterio vs. Doug Basham
Danny distracts Rey and Doug attacks him from behind. Mysterio hits a springboard seated senton for a 2 count. You can tell this match isn't going to be very long as they are working at brisk pace. 619 from Rey and he goes up top. Danny tries to stop Rey and Eddie runs in and hits the top rope, which causes Rey to lose his balance and Doug Basham takes advantage for the pinfall. Decent match, but much too short to be anything memorable.
Match Rating: *1/2
After the match, Eddie explains that accidents happen and they then hug.
Kurt Angle is with Josh Matthews. Angle doesn't like his question and attacks him. He takes him out to the ring and continues the assault. Matthews tries to fight back out of desperation, but of course Angle snaps and hits the Angle Slam and puts him in the Ankle Lock. As Angle steps on Matthews' head, he tells Shawn Michaels that this is what he can expect at WrestleMania. He then asks Shawn to watch this video package of Angle, which I believe is the one they have shown before.
Michael Cole is in the ring and brings down Big Show and Akebono. They have an electronic scale on the stage and both men are going to get weighed. Big Show weighs in at 493 pounds and Akebono weighs in at 504 pounds. Big Show says this is the first time he has fought someone who has weighed more than him, but he's still taller than him. Akebono is trying really hard to remember his lines. Akebono says he would like to have a WWE style match tonight.
Akebono vs. Eddie Vegas
Akebono doesn't even take his kimono off. Vegas tries to attack him, but gets destroyed. After knocking him down with a thrust, he quickly pins him. This is just one of these things that really just didn't work out well at all.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Carlito vs. John Cena
Cena chases Carlito around the ring and despite Carlito outsmarting him, Cena fights off Carlito's punches and gives him a few punches. Carlito rakes the eye and it still doesn't slow down Cena. Cena starts pumping up his sneakers and out comes JBL with some law enforcement and they take Cena down. JBL says it is for him destroying his limo last week. They give Cena the Steve Austin treatment and handcuff him. JBL then gives Cena a cheap shot as he's being walked to the back and then does the You Can't See Me. JBL stands tall as the show comes to an end. For those keeping score, the match had no official finish, so I really have no official rating.
Match Rating: N/A
While Raw was not a stellar show by any means, it was once again significantly stronger than what we got here. The Eddie/Rey build was fun, but most of the rest fell flat for me. I know it's the go home show for WrestleMania, so I'm not expecting too many great matches, but one nice feature match would have been effective here. Regardless of what we got here, I am still very much looking forward to watching WrestleMania soon.
Overall Rating: 34%
Reliant Arena
Houston, Texas
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Eddie Guerrero vs. Danny Basham
It's always good to start right with a match. Jerry Lawler is with Michael Cole this week. Eddie starts with an eye poke, but Basham is able to overcome it and goes to work on Eddie. Basham misses a splash in the corner and Eddie hits a nice dropkick. Three Amigos by Eddie and then Doug Basham grabs Eddie and goes to work. Rey Mysterio comes down and Doug backdrops him into the ropes and Rey accidentally kicks Eddie in the head. Danny gets the pinfall victory. This was just a last minute bonus wrinkle to build to their WrestleMania match. The match was too short to be anything special, but at least the finish was unique.
Match Rating: *3/4
They show a hype video for the JBL/John Cena match. JBL is with Teddy Long and he is guaranteeing that he will walk out as WWE Champion.
Cruiserweight Championship Battle Royal
Since there is no Cruiserweight Championship match at WrestleMania (shocking, I know), we are getting this match. They instantly eliminate Chavo, so we are now guaranteed a new champion. Chavo tries to grab his title, claiming that everyone cheated. Funaki and Nunzio are eliminated fairly quickly Scotty 2 Hotty hits the worm on Spike Dudley and then eliminates him with a kick. The crowd is clearly behind Scotty. Scotty of course is then eliminated by Akio. Paul London hits a moonsault but then is greeted by a dropkick courtesy of Billy Kidman. Kidman and Akio are working together to try to eliminate London, who is clearly going to win this match. Kidman and Akio argue, which leads to Akio getting eliminated. Kidman tosses over London over the ropes, but he holds on and uses a hurricanrana to pull Kidman over and out. London is the new Cruiserweight Champion. Watching the replay did not make this move look great, as Kidman just sort of willingly walked right into his legs.
Match Rating: *1/4
Akebono has arrived to the building. Teddy Long is backstage reading the SmackDown magazine and in walks Carlito. Carlito says instead of him putting on a cowboy hat or singing, he should be in a match tonight. He says that he is now medically cleared. Carlito says he doesn't care who his opponent is so Long chooses John Cena.
Eddie is asking if Rey hit him on purpose earlier, which of course Rey says he doesn't. Rey says he's going to talk to Teddy Long and challenge Doug Basham tonight. Eddie tells him that he will have his back just like he did for him.
Luther Reigns' plunge down the ranks continues as he is already in the ring. They then cut to Booker T and Sharmell backstage. Sharmell pumps up Booker before his match.
Luther Reigns vs. Booker T
Hey, Booker. We're so sorry that you don't have a featured match at WrestleMania, so we'll let you fight Luther Reigns in your hometown. That should make everything better. Booker takes the early advantage until he goes for a kick and Reigns ducks, leaving Booker on the top rope. Reigns doesn't stay on top for long, as we get a spinebuster by Booker and then a spinaroonie. Reigns for some reason decides do duck right into a scissors kick and Booker gets the win. That was a pretty paint by the numbers match, which of course is no surprise.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Long walks into his office and sees Cowboy Bob Orton sitting there and they give each other a hug. Orton says Randy has gone too far and now he wants to talk to the Undertaker, which Long says is a bad idea. After the commercial break, Bob Orton comes down to the ring and asks for Undertaker to come to the ring to hear him out. After a long pause, he is on his way down. Bob says Randy has gone way too far and he loves his son. He thinks Randy is the future of this business, but not if Taker takes him out at WrestleMania. Taker then goes to chokeslam Bob and out comes Randy, who hits him with an RKO. Michael Cole wonders if this was a setup? No, Michael. It wasn't.
Rey Mysterio vs. Doug Basham
Danny distracts Rey and Doug attacks him from behind. Mysterio hits a springboard seated senton for a 2 count. You can tell this match isn't going to be very long as they are working at brisk pace. 619 from Rey and he goes up top. Danny tries to stop Rey and Eddie runs in and hits the top rope, which causes Rey to lose his balance and Doug Basham takes advantage for the pinfall. Decent match, but much too short to be anything memorable.
Match Rating: *1/2
After the match, Eddie explains that accidents happen and they then hug.
Kurt Angle is with Josh Matthews. Angle doesn't like his question and attacks him. He takes him out to the ring and continues the assault. Matthews tries to fight back out of desperation, but of course Angle snaps and hits the Angle Slam and puts him in the Ankle Lock. As Angle steps on Matthews' head, he tells Shawn Michaels that this is what he can expect at WrestleMania. He then asks Shawn to watch this video package of Angle, which I believe is the one they have shown before.
Michael Cole is in the ring and brings down Big Show and Akebono. They have an electronic scale on the stage and both men are going to get weighed. Big Show weighs in at 493 pounds and Akebono weighs in at 504 pounds. Big Show says this is the first time he has fought someone who has weighed more than him, but he's still taller than him. Akebono is trying really hard to remember his lines. Akebono says he would like to have a WWE style match tonight.
Akebono vs. Eddie Vegas
Akebono doesn't even take his kimono off. Vegas tries to attack him, but gets destroyed. After knocking him down with a thrust, he quickly pins him. This is just one of these things that really just didn't work out well at all.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Carlito vs. John Cena
Cena chases Carlito around the ring and despite Carlito outsmarting him, Cena fights off Carlito's punches and gives him a few punches. Carlito rakes the eye and it still doesn't slow down Cena. Cena starts pumping up his sneakers and out comes JBL with some law enforcement and they take Cena down. JBL says it is for him destroying his limo last week. They give Cena the Steve Austin treatment and handcuff him. JBL then gives Cena a cheap shot as he's being walked to the back and then does the You Can't See Me. JBL stands tall as the show comes to an end. For those keeping score, the match had no official finish, so I really have no official rating.
Match Rating: N/A
While Raw was not a stellar show by any means, it was once again significantly stronger than what we got here. The Eddie/Rey build was fun, but most of the rest fell flat for me. I know it's the go home show for WrestleMania, so I'm not expecting too many great matches, but one nice feature match would have been effective here. Regardless of what we got here, I am still very much looking forward to watching WrestleMania soon.
Overall Rating: 34%
Monday, July 15, 2019
Extreme Rules 2019
Sunday, July 14th, 2019
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
I know that people are down on the current WWE product these days, but I feel pretty confident that this will be better than King of the Ring 1995.
No Holds Barred
Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns & Undertaker
I thought they might put this one in the main event spot, but putting it here makes sense to me. McIntyre and Roman start things off and McIntyre takes early advantage and tags in Shane who enters the ring to some big boos. Roman retaliates and is all over Shane. Undertaker gets the tag to a nice pop, which I am semi-surprised being that it's Philly. It takes probably less than a minute for Michael Cole to remind us that Undertaker is the "best pure striker", which he probably isn't. McIntyre's chance with Taker receives a good response from the crowd and Taker hits a couple of his trademarks on him before tagging in Roman. Taker chases Shane away to the ramp with a chair because this is NO HOLDS BARRED. I remember watching Undertaker lose to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania and saying to myself that he should retire. That was 5 years ago and here we are. I'm already losing interest in this one here. Roman and Drew are both down and both make tags and Taker takes care of both men. Renee Young then drops a F bomb? Had to rewind it to make sure I heard it right. Taker was ready to give Shane a Last Ride through a table, but out comes Elias and he hits Taker with a guitar to some massive boos. Roman takes care of Elias but gets a Claymore Kick from McIntyre. Shane then does an elbow drop off the top rope on Taker through the table. Shane is now setting up the garbage can with the help of Elias and McIntyre for the coast to coast. Shane hits it, but then Reigns returns and he takes out Elias, but then McIntyre takes care of him. Shane drags Taker to the center of the ring, but Taker sits up and gives Shane a chokeslam. He then hits one on Elias, but McIntyre is behind him and ready to attack, but in comes Reigns with a spear. Taker hits the Tombstone on Shane and that is all. The first half was really boring house show stuff, but the second half was fun overbooked entertainment. Your enjoyment will definitely vary on this one.
Match Rating: *** (out of 5)
After the match, Taker and Reigns shake hands. As Reigns exits, Taker lingers around and then poses. If you were hoping for a 5 hour pay-per-view, Taker is helping your cause.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins are backstage to talk about their match later tonight. Not a very good promo by either performer.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
The Revival vs. The Usos
Usos get the early advantage and do a double leap over the top rope. For some reason they didn't clean up some of the table stuff from the opener. The Revival take over and the crowd is a little flat so far for this one. It's nice to see the Revival's smart wrestling showcased here and get some time. They hit Demolition's finisher and continue to work on Jey Uso. Jey finally gets the hot tag to Jimmy Uso. Both teams seem to be a little stuck in first gear here so far tonight. Everything has been good, but not show stealing good. Dawson hits the superplex and then a splash from Wilder, but Jimmy Uso soars in for a save and all four men are down and retreat to different corners of the ring. They all start brawling and Jey Uso cleans house. Dawson then pulls one of the Usos out of the ring and they use some nice tag team wrestling and hit the Shatter Machine for the pinfall. Chalk that one up as a minor disappointment.
Match Rating: ***
Cesaro vs. Aleister Black
This may be my most anticipated match of the night. These guys are off to a super fast pace a hoss fight, but no surprise since both are in amazing shape. Black is presented as a star early on and then Cesaro pushes Black over the top rope as he was going for a springboard. Cesaro then hits a very nice springboard uppercut for a 2 count. Black goes for a double knee off the top rope, but Cesaro catches him and throws him up for an uppercut. Cesaro isn't human. With all of the things that get "This is awesome" chants in modern wrestling, somehow that didn't. Black gets some stiff kicks in and Cesaro goes for another leaping uppercut and gets greeted with a big knee to the chin. I love getting to see two guys do what they do best. Cesaro sells the knee as he tries to throw up Black and almost loses to a small package. Black puts Cesaro in a submission hold and somehow Cesaro turns it into a Sharpshooter. Black is about to escape, so he puts him in the Crossface and Black turns that into a nearfall. We get a delayed "This is awesome chant". Both men hit multiple uppercuts and then Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer, but Black gets out and hits Black Mass and gets the three count. These are kinds of matches that WWE needs more often. This highlighted what both men can do and both men are more over because of this match. Cesaro should be able to quickly get himself over because he looked fantastic here.
Match Rating: ***3/4
R-Truth and Carmello are backstage looking for Drake Maverick and out comes Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Truth asks if she's seen Hornswoggle. She tells him he is, but Carmella tells him not to listen to her. Bliss then gives Cross a gift and it's an Alexa Bliss coffee shirt. The Street Profits are watching and comment on how cute they are. They ask her where the party will be at when Bliss becomes champion. Bliss corrects them and says co-champions, which the Street Profits laugh at. Cross gets defensive. That was kind of a weird segment, but I liked it.
Handicap Match For The SmackDown Women's Championship
Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley
I'm a big Bayley fan, but I'm not really sure what to expect with this one. The heels naturally take advantage of the 2-on-1, as Bliss knocks Bayley off the apron into the chairs after a blind tag. Cross catches Bayley in the apron as she went for a baseball slide, but Bayley fights back until Bliss hits her from behind. Bayley is able to make a comeback and takes out both opponents. Bayley puts Cross in a deathlock and then is able to somehow put Bliss in a Crossface at the same time. Bliss goes for Twisted Bliss, but Bayley gets the knees up, but Bliss tags in Cross. Cross goes off the top rope for some reason and Bayley counters that as well. Bayley hits the elbow drop off the top rope and gets the win. That finish didn't really make Cross look good, but it's nice to see Bayley booked as a legit threat.
Match Rating: **1/2
Last Man Standing Match
Lashley vs. Braun Strowman
I have zero interest in this match and I can almost guarantee it's one of the longest of the night. Lashley tries to attack Strowman, but Strowman tosses him over the top rope. Strowman runs around the ring to gain momentum before attacking, but Lashley hits him with a spear. Lashley is now attacking Strowman up the steps in the crowd. They are now battling up in the concourse. Strowman suplexes Lashley into a merch stand wall and he takes a pretty hard fall to the concrete. Strowman then leads Lashley back down the stairs of the arena. Strowman then takes a big running start and just steamrolls Lashley to the concrete. Lashley is able to get up before the 10 count. Lashley then drives Strowman through the barricade. Now Lashley runs around the ring and steamrolls Strowman over the table and it's now on top of him for a 9 count. Lashley then leaps on top of the barricade, or maybe just tries to jump over it (?) and then Strowman catches him and throws him into the international announcers tables. Lashley is taking a beating and then Strowman hits him with a padded chair. Strowman then picks up Lashley and hits a leaping powerslam into some sort of crash pad. Strowman breaks out of the cardboard box that was set up there at the 7 count and gets the victory as Lashley is counted out at 10. Like I said earlier, I had no interest in ever seeing that match, but both men worked hard and did their best with the stipulation. Much better than expected.
Match Rating: **3/4
AJ Styles is in the back with Gallows and Anderson. I'm all good with heel AJ being back.
Triple Threat Match For The SmackDown Tag Team Championships
New Day vs. Heavy Machinery vs. Daniel Bryan & Erick Rowan
This match has some dark horse potential. I feel like a Daniel Bryan vs. Woods or Big E has some good potential. Rowan has been good in this role, but he still can be a liability in the ring. Otis gets a tag and does what he does with Bryan. It can not be said enough just how valuable Bryan is to this company. He is an absolute top 10 performer in WWE history in my book. Otis hits the caterpillar. Chaos breaks out and Big E hits his spear through the ropes. Otis is the lone man standing and teases jumping over the ropes, but then goes through them and does a leap off the apron. Tucker then does a leap off the top rope to the floor. Rowan comes in and tries to do a double Iron Claw, but Heavy Machinery gets out of it and crush Rowan and hit him with an assault of splashes. They go for a double superplex, but Big E slams both down and then delivers a superplex to Rowan. Bryan made a blind tag and he hits a diving headbutt on Big E and then gets him in the Lebell Lock. Big E is able to get to the ropes and is now dominating on Bryan. Bryan tries a running moonsault, but is caught by Big E. New Day hits Midnight Hour and we have new tag team championships. Not sure I love Bryan & Rowan's reign being ended here, but that was a good match and the crowd loved the finish. At the very least, it is going to be interesting to see where they go from here with all 6 men.
Match Rating: ***1/2
Kofi is in the back celebrating with his fellow New Day members and Paul Heyman walks by them and out to the ramp. Heyman says that he is Philadelphia and that Lesnar will cash in his Money In The Bank contract tonight.
United States Championship Match
AJ Styles vs. Ricochet
Before the bell even rings, Gallows and Anderson attack Ricochet during his entrance. Michael Cole reminds us that even though this is Extreme Rules, well, this match isn't. Ricochet continues to amaze me with how effortless everything he does looks. He is flying all over the ring at such a calm pace. He hits AJ with a flurry of moves and then leaps and takes out Gallows and Anderson. Styles hits a nice suplex into the corner and is now working on Ricochet's back. Ricochet avoids the Phenomenal Forearm and then counters the Styles Clash into a hurricanrana into a pinfall. By Philadelphia standards, the crowd is really quiet tonight. I think one issue with this card is that a lot of the matches have two performers that the crowd likes. Ricochet hits the Shooting Star Press and is about to win when Anderson points out to the ref that Styles' leg is under the rope. The Club then attacks Ricochet off a distraction. Styles then goes up top and hits a super Styles Clash. Chalk that one up as a slight disappointment as well. The crowd didn't do them any favors either. I hope we get a rematch and maybe they can top this one.
Match Rating: ***1/2
Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler
Since his awesome feud with the Miz, has Ziggler done anything really of note? Ziggler slaps him and Owens retaliates with a kick and a Stunner and gets the win. So when should I expect Ziggler to get a title shot of some sort again? Next week on SmackDown or at SummerSlam? After the match, Owens grabs the mic and continues his rebellious gimmick.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Samoa Joe is backstage and says he is here to end the insignificant reign of Kofi Kingston.
WWE Championship Match
Samoa Joe vs. Kofi Kingston
Kofi goes right after Joe, but it doesn't last long. Joe has been so good in 2019 and yet he really has been booked pretty poorly. It seems like every time that he gains momentum, they have him lose. I don't watch the current product outside of the big shows, but I think if I were giving out MVPs of 2019 so far, they would be Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan and Kofi. Kofi makes a comeback, but Joe slugs him as Kofi was going for a suicide dive. Joe works on Kofi's fingers and stomps his hand in between the steps in a painful looking spot. Joe's heat segments are so much better than most big men and he works so well with smaller opponents. Kofi is able to hit a SOS for a 2 count and again the crowd is pretty quiet. Kofi goes for Trouble In Paradise, but Joe catches him in the Coquina Clutch. Kofi tries getting out of it and he slams him down as he is running up the turnbuckle. Then out of nowhere, Kofi hits Trouble In Paradise and that's all? I don't hate finishes out of nowhere, but they had a good 10 minutes left in them. Disappointing booking here.
Match Rating: **3/4
Winner Takes All Mixed Tag Team Match For Both The Universal Championship & Raw Women's Championship
Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans vs. Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins
The cameras did a Divas-era zoom in of Evans' at the beginning and it shows that she has "SETH" written on her tights. Rollins and Lynch start unloading on their opponents with kendo sticks. God, anytime that Corbin is on, I instantly reach for my phone. Forcing myself to watch here for the greater good. Corbin has some chairs set up in the ring as he works on Rollins. After Rollins escapes a chair shot, Corbin hits a DDT on Rollins on the chair for a nearfall. Lynch unloads on Evans with a bunch of chair shots on the outside of the ring. Lynch hits a Becksploder onto some chairs. Becky hits a leg drop onto a chair. Lynch and Rollins set up some tables, but Corbin and Evans come back with kendo sticks and regain control. Evans and Corbin go for suplexes into the tables, but Lynch and Rollins counter with suplexes to the steel ramp. Lynch hits a leg drop on Evans through a table and then Rollins follows it with a huge splash on Corbin through another table. Corbin hits Deep Six on Rollins, but Lynch makes the save on the pin attempt. Corbin then hits End Of Days on Lynch and then taunts Rollins. Seth then goes nuts with the kendo stick and a chair on Corbin. Rollins hits the Stomp and Evans retreats. Rollins hits a second and then a third Stomp and gets the victory. That shouldn't have been the main event of the show. It wasn't horrible, but it didn't feel important.
Match Rating: **1/4
Instantly after the bell rings, Lesnar's music hits and he is actually here. Lesnar hits two German suplexes and then Heyman hands over the briefcase.
Universal Championship Match
Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins
Lesnar hits the F5 and that is all. I don't think the timing was right for this one, but what do I know?
Match Rating: 1/4*
Well, that was a good show, but I can't help but thinking it should have been better. The crowd was mostly dead and a few of the matches didn't reach my (admittedly high) expectations. However, it was an easier watch than many of the marathon shows and is a recommended watch. I'm curious to see where they go for SummerSlam as they made a few adjustments I didn't think they would make just yet.
Overall Rating: 75%
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
I know that people are down on the current WWE product these days, but I feel pretty confident that this will be better than King of the Ring 1995.
No Holds Barred
Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns & Undertaker
I thought they might put this one in the main event spot, but putting it here makes sense to me. McIntyre and Roman start things off and McIntyre takes early advantage and tags in Shane who enters the ring to some big boos. Roman retaliates and is all over Shane. Undertaker gets the tag to a nice pop, which I am semi-surprised being that it's Philly. It takes probably less than a minute for Michael Cole to remind us that Undertaker is the "best pure striker", which he probably isn't. McIntyre's chance with Taker receives a good response from the crowd and Taker hits a couple of his trademarks on him before tagging in Roman. Taker chases Shane away to the ramp with a chair because this is NO HOLDS BARRED. I remember watching Undertaker lose to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania and saying to myself that he should retire. That was 5 years ago and here we are. I'm already losing interest in this one here. Roman and Drew are both down and both make tags and Taker takes care of both men. Renee Young then drops a F bomb? Had to rewind it to make sure I heard it right. Taker was ready to give Shane a Last Ride through a table, but out comes Elias and he hits Taker with a guitar to some massive boos. Roman takes care of Elias but gets a Claymore Kick from McIntyre. Shane then does an elbow drop off the top rope on Taker through the table. Shane is now setting up the garbage can with the help of Elias and McIntyre for the coast to coast. Shane hits it, but then Reigns returns and he takes out Elias, but then McIntyre takes care of him. Shane drags Taker to the center of the ring, but Taker sits up and gives Shane a chokeslam. He then hits one on Elias, but McIntyre is behind him and ready to attack, but in comes Reigns with a spear. Taker hits the Tombstone on Shane and that is all. The first half was really boring house show stuff, but the second half was fun overbooked entertainment. Your enjoyment will definitely vary on this one.
Match Rating: *** (out of 5)
After the match, Taker and Reigns shake hands. As Reigns exits, Taker lingers around and then poses. If you were hoping for a 5 hour pay-per-view, Taker is helping your cause.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins are backstage to talk about their match later tonight. Not a very good promo by either performer.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
The Revival vs. The Usos
Usos get the early advantage and do a double leap over the top rope. For some reason they didn't clean up some of the table stuff from the opener. The Revival take over and the crowd is a little flat so far for this one. It's nice to see the Revival's smart wrestling showcased here and get some time. They hit Demolition's finisher and continue to work on Jey Uso. Jey finally gets the hot tag to Jimmy Uso. Both teams seem to be a little stuck in first gear here so far tonight. Everything has been good, but not show stealing good. Dawson hits the superplex and then a splash from Wilder, but Jimmy Uso soars in for a save and all four men are down and retreat to different corners of the ring. They all start brawling and Jey Uso cleans house. Dawson then pulls one of the Usos out of the ring and they use some nice tag team wrestling and hit the Shatter Machine for the pinfall. Chalk that one up as a minor disappointment.
Match Rating: ***
Cesaro vs. Aleister Black
This may be my most anticipated match of the night. These guys are off to a super fast pace a hoss fight, but no surprise since both are in amazing shape. Black is presented as a star early on and then Cesaro pushes Black over the top rope as he was going for a springboard. Cesaro then hits a very nice springboard uppercut for a 2 count. Black goes for a double knee off the top rope, but Cesaro catches him and throws him up for an uppercut. Cesaro isn't human. With all of the things that get "This is awesome" chants in modern wrestling, somehow that didn't. Black gets some stiff kicks in and Cesaro goes for another leaping uppercut and gets greeted with a big knee to the chin. I love getting to see two guys do what they do best. Cesaro sells the knee as he tries to throw up Black and almost loses to a small package. Black puts Cesaro in a submission hold and somehow Cesaro turns it into a Sharpshooter. Black is about to escape, so he puts him in the Crossface and Black turns that into a nearfall. We get a delayed "This is awesome chant". Both men hit multiple uppercuts and then Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer, but Black gets out and hits Black Mass and gets the three count. These are kinds of matches that WWE needs more often. This highlighted what both men can do and both men are more over because of this match. Cesaro should be able to quickly get himself over because he looked fantastic here.
Match Rating: ***3/4
R-Truth and Carmello are backstage looking for Drake Maverick and out comes Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Truth asks if she's seen Hornswoggle. She tells him he is, but Carmella tells him not to listen to her. Bliss then gives Cross a gift and it's an Alexa Bliss coffee shirt. The Street Profits are watching and comment on how cute they are. They ask her where the party will be at when Bliss becomes champion. Bliss corrects them and says co-champions, which the Street Profits laugh at. Cross gets defensive. That was kind of a weird segment, but I liked it.
Handicap Match For The SmackDown Women's Championship
Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley
I'm a big Bayley fan, but I'm not really sure what to expect with this one. The heels naturally take advantage of the 2-on-1, as Bliss knocks Bayley off the apron into the chairs after a blind tag. Cross catches Bayley in the apron as she went for a baseball slide, but Bayley fights back until Bliss hits her from behind. Bayley is able to make a comeback and takes out both opponents. Bayley puts Cross in a deathlock and then is able to somehow put Bliss in a Crossface at the same time. Bliss goes for Twisted Bliss, but Bayley gets the knees up, but Bliss tags in Cross. Cross goes off the top rope for some reason and Bayley counters that as well. Bayley hits the elbow drop off the top rope and gets the win. That finish didn't really make Cross look good, but it's nice to see Bayley booked as a legit threat.
Match Rating: **1/2
Last Man Standing Match
Lashley vs. Braun Strowman
I have zero interest in this match and I can almost guarantee it's one of the longest of the night. Lashley tries to attack Strowman, but Strowman tosses him over the top rope. Strowman runs around the ring to gain momentum before attacking, but Lashley hits him with a spear. Lashley is now attacking Strowman up the steps in the crowd. They are now battling up in the concourse. Strowman suplexes Lashley into a merch stand wall and he takes a pretty hard fall to the concrete. Strowman then leads Lashley back down the stairs of the arena. Strowman then takes a big running start and just steamrolls Lashley to the concrete. Lashley is able to get up before the 10 count. Lashley then drives Strowman through the barricade. Now Lashley runs around the ring and steamrolls Strowman over the table and it's now on top of him for a 9 count. Lashley then leaps on top of the barricade, or maybe just tries to jump over it (?) and then Strowman catches him and throws him into the international announcers tables. Lashley is taking a beating and then Strowman hits him with a padded chair. Strowman then picks up Lashley and hits a leaping powerslam into some sort of crash pad. Strowman breaks out of the cardboard box that was set up there at the 7 count and gets the victory as Lashley is counted out at 10. Like I said earlier, I had no interest in ever seeing that match, but both men worked hard and did their best with the stipulation. Much better than expected.
Match Rating: **3/4
AJ Styles is in the back with Gallows and Anderson. I'm all good with heel AJ being back.
Triple Threat Match For The SmackDown Tag Team Championships
New Day vs. Heavy Machinery vs. Daniel Bryan & Erick Rowan
This match has some dark horse potential. I feel like a Daniel Bryan vs. Woods or Big E has some good potential. Rowan has been good in this role, but he still can be a liability in the ring. Otis gets a tag and does what he does with Bryan. It can not be said enough just how valuable Bryan is to this company. He is an absolute top 10 performer in WWE history in my book. Otis hits the caterpillar. Chaos breaks out and Big E hits his spear through the ropes. Otis is the lone man standing and teases jumping over the ropes, but then goes through them and does a leap off the apron. Tucker then does a leap off the top rope to the floor. Rowan comes in and tries to do a double Iron Claw, but Heavy Machinery gets out of it and crush Rowan and hit him with an assault of splashes. They go for a double superplex, but Big E slams both down and then delivers a superplex to Rowan. Bryan made a blind tag and he hits a diving headbutt on Big E and then gets him in the Lebell Lock. Big E is able to get to the ropes and is now dominating on Bryan. Bryan tries a running moonsault, but is caught by Big E. New Day hits Midnight Hour and we have new tag team championships. Not sure I love Bryan & Rowan's reign being ended here, but that was a good match and the crowd loved the finish. At the very least, it is going to be interesting to see where they go from here with all 6 men.
Match Rating: ***1/2
Kofi is in the back celebrating with his fellow New Day members and Paul Heyman walks by them and out to the ramp. Heyman says that he is Philadelphia and that Lesnar will cash in his Money In The Bank contract tonight.
United States Championship Match
AJ Styles vs. Ricochet
Before the bell even rings, Gallows and Anderson attack Ricochet during his entrance. Michael Cole reminds us that even though this is Extreme Rules, well, this match isn't. Ricochet continues to amaze me with how effortless everything he does looks. He is flying all over the ring at such a calm pace. He hits AJ with a flurry of moves and then leaps and takes out Gallows and Anderson. Styles hits a nice suplex into the corner and is now working on Ricochet's back. Ricochet avoids the Phenomenal Forearm and then counters the Styles Clash into a hurricanrana into a pinfall. By Philadelphia standards, the crowd is really quiet tonight. I think one issue with this card is that a lot of the matches have two performers that the crowd likes. Ricochet hits the Shooting Star Press and is about to win when Anderson points out to the ref that Styles' leg is under the rope. The Club then attacks Ricochet off a distraction. Styles then goes up top and hits a super Styles Clash. Chalk that one up as a slight disappointment as well. The crowd didn't do them any favors either. I hope we get a rematch and maybe they can top this one.
Match Rating: ***1/2
Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler
Since his awesome feud with the Miz, has Ziggler done anything really of note? Ziggler slaps him and Owens retaliates with a kick and a Stunner and gets the win. So when should I expect Ziggler to get a title shot of some sort again? Next week on SmackDown or at SummerSlam? After the match, Owens grabs the mic and continues his rebellious gimmick.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Samoa Joe is backstage and says he is here to end the insignificant reign of Kofi Kingston.
WWE Championship Match
Samoa Joe vs. Kofi Kingston
Kofi goes right after Joe, but it doesn't last long. Joe has been so good in 2019 and yet he really has been booked pretty poorly. It seems like every time that he gains momentum, they have him lose. I don't watch the current product outside of the big shows, but I think if I were giving out MVPs of 2019 so far, they would be Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan and Kofi. Kofi makes a comeback, but Joe slugs him as Kofi was going for a suicide dive. Joe works on Kofi's fingers and stomps his hand in between the steps in a painful looking spot. Joe's heat segments are so much better than most big men and he works so well with smaller opponents. Kofi is able to hit a SOS for a 2 count and again the crowd is pretty quiet. Kofi goes for Trouble In Paradise, but Joe catches him in the Coquina Clutch. Kofi tries getting out of it and he slams him down as he is running up the turnbuckle. Then out of nowhere, Kofi hits Trouble In Paradise and that's all? I don't hate finishes out of nowhere, but they had a good 10 minutes left in them. Disappointing booking here.
Match Rating: **3/4
Winner Takes All Mixed Tag Team Match For Both The Universal Championship & Raw Women's Championship
Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans vs. Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins
The cameras did a Divas-era zoom in of Evans' at the beginning and it shows that she has "SETH" written on her tights. Rollins and Lynch start unloading on their opponents with kendo sticks. God, anytime that Corbin is on, I instantly reach for my phone. Forcing myself to watch here for the greater good. Corbin has some chairs set up in the ring as he works on Rollins. After Rollins escapes a chair shot, Corbin hits a DDT on Rollins on the chair for a nearfall. Lynch unloads on Evans with a bunch of chair shots on the outside of the ring. Lynch hits a Becksploder onto some chairs. Becky hits a leg drop onto a chair. Lynch and Rollins set up some tables, but Corbin and Evans come back with kendo sticks and regain control. Evans and Corbin go for suplexes into the tables, but Lynch and Rollins counter with suplexes to the steel ramp. Lynch hits a leg drop on Evans through a table and then Rollins follows it with a huge splash on Corbin through another table. Corbin hits Deep Six on Rollins, but Lynch makes the save on the pin attempt. Corbin then hits End Of Days on Lynch and then taunts Rollins. Seth then goes nuts with the kendo stick and a chair on Corbin. Rollins hits the Stomp and Evans retreats. Rollins hits a second and then a third Stomp and gets the victory. That shouldn't have been the main event of the show. It wasn't horrible, but it didn't feel important.
Match Rating: **1/4
Instantly after the bell rings, Lesnar's music hits and he is actually here. Lesnar hits two German suplexes and then Heyman hands over the briefcase.
Universal Championship Match
Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins
Lesnar hits the F5 and that is all. I don't think the timing was right for this one, but what do I know?
Match Rating: 1/4*
Well, that was a good show, but I can't help but thinking it should have been better. The crowd was mostly dead and a few of the matches didn't reach my (admittedly high) expectations. However, it was an easier watch than many of the marathon shows and is a recommended watch. I'm curious to see where they go for SummerSlam as they made a few adjustments I didn't think they would make just yet.
Overall Rating: 75%
Monday, July 1, 2019
Monday Night Raw 3-28-05 Review
Monday, March 28th, 2005
Fort Worth Convention Center
Fort Worth, Texas
We're kicking off the show with a Highlight Reel and the Money In The Bank briefcase is hanging above the ring. Jericho goes over what happens when you win and then introduces Chris Benoit and Shelton Benjamin. They argue over who the hungriest to win this match is. Christian's music hits and he's out with Tyson Tomko. Christian says they don't look hungry, they look full of crap. Christian brags about his win over Jericho last year at WrestleMania and that he has two WrestleMania ladder match victories, which naturally brings out Edge. Edge fires them up and a brawl ensues.
Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit & Shelton Benjamin vs. Edge, Christian & Tyson Tomko
During the commercial break, Eric Bischoff ordered a 6 man tag match and we join it already in progress. The heels take turns working on Shelton as Lawler goes over some scenarios as to how you can cash in the briefcase. Shelton gets the tag to Benoit and he puts Edge in the Sharpshooter, but Christian saves him but eats 3 German suplexes. Benoit is completely busted open after headbutting Tomko. Benoit fights through it and hits a diving headbutt onto Christian and then makes the tag to a fresh Jericho. Shelton helps out, but eats a big boot to the face. Jericho comes back in and puts the Walls of Jericho on Tomko and he taps. It seemed a little too obvious as to who was going to eat the pinfall there, but this was a good match to kick off the show.
Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)
Christian goes to use the ladder after the match and out comes Kane. He takes out Edge and Christian and then climbs the ladder and hit his pyro.
Eric Bischoff walks into Batista's locker room and wants assurance that there will be no physicality during his faceoff with Triple H. Batista says he won't start anything, but if Triple H does, he'll finish it. Bischoff then says that he thinks Batista could be a big movie star and he can help him get there. Batista then tells Bischoff that he reminds him of the gimp from Pulp Fiction.
Christy and Lita are on their way to the ring.
Trish and Christy are to square off in an arm wrestling contest. Trish is a heel, so of course she is going to stall as much as possible. They lock up and Christy beats her instantly. Trish then demands a rematch because she wasn't ready. Christy again beats her instantly and Trish pushes over the table and then knocks down Lillian Garcia and Lita. I feel like the arm wrestling segments never really work well and they always seem to go back to it.
Randy Orton is here and let's us know that he's either with him or against him. Stacy was becoming a distraction, so he eliminated her. Orton says people will be talking about his undefeated streak after he ends Undertaker's. The bell tolls and the lights go out and they show a countdown of all of Undertaker's WrestleMania victims. The ring posts are then all set on fire and Orton is clearly flustered.
After the commercial break, Kane approaches Orton backstage. Kane says that he has faced Undertaker twice and that he's lucky that he escaped with his soul. Kane says if he's not afraid of Undertaker, he has 6 days to prove it.
World Tag Team Championship Match
La Resistance vs. Simon Dean & Maven vs. William Regal & Tajiri
This pretty much sums up the tag team division in 2005 right here. We get a chaotic beginning with lots of tags and teams breaking up falls. Tajiri gets a hot tag and he takes out Maven, Conway and Simon Dean. Maven makes a blind tag and hits a flying cross body for a nearfall. Tajiri then hits a big kick and gets the pinfall. I'm not sure how they weren't able to have that fill a few more minutes, but for the time these teams were given, they gave a good enough effort.
Fort Worth Convention Center
Fort Worth, Texas
We're kicking off the show with a Highlight Reel and the Money In The Bank briefcase is hanging above the ring. Jericho goes over what happens when you win and then introduces Chris Benoit and Shelton Benjamin. They argue over who the hungriest to win this match is. Christian's music hits and he's out with Tyson Tomko. Christian says they don't look hungry, they look full of crap. Christian brags about his win over Jericho last year at WrestleMania and that he has two WrestleMania ladder match victories, which naturally brings out Edge. Edge fires them up and a brawl ensues.
Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit & Shelton Benjamin vs. Edge, Christian & Tyson Tomko
During the commercial break, Eric Bischoff ordered a 6 man tag match and we join it already in progress. The heels take turns working on Shelton as Lawler goes over some scenarios as to how you can cash in the briefcase. Shelton gets the tag to Benoit and he puts Edge in the Sharpshooter, but Christian saves him but eats 3 German suplexes. Benoit is completely busted open after headbutting Tomko. Benoit fights through it and hits a diving headbutt onto Christian and then makes the tag to a fresh Jericho. Shelton helps out, but eats a big boot to the face. Jericho comes back in and puts the Walls of Jericho on Tomko and he taps. It seemed a little too obvious as to who was going to eat the pinfall there, but this was a good match to kick off the show.
Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)
Christian goes to use the ladder after the match and out comes Kane. He takes out Edge and Christian and then climbs the ladder and hit his pyro.
Eric Bischoff walks into Batista's locker room and wants assurance that there will be no physicality during his faceoff with Triple H. Batista says he won't start anything, but if Triple H does, he'll finish it. Bischoff then says that he thinks Batista could be a big movie star and he can help him get there. Batista then tells Bischoff that he reminds him of the gimp from Pulp Fiction.
Christy and Lita are on their way to the ring.
Trish and Christy are to square off in an arm wrestling contest. Trish is a heel, so of course she is going to stall as much as possible. They lock up and Christy beats her instantly. Trish then demands a rematch because she wasn't ready. Christy again beats her instantly and Trish pushes over the table and then knocks down Lillian Garcia and Lita. I feel like the arm wrestling segments never really work well and they always seem to go back to it.
Randy Orton is here and let's us know that he's either with him or against him. Stacy was becoming a distraction, so he eliminated her. Orton says people will be talking about his undefeated streak after he ends Undertaker's. The bell tolls and the lights go out and they show a countdown of all of Undertaker's WrestleMania victims. The ring posts are then all set on fire and Orton is clearly flustered.
After the commercial break, Kane approaches Orton backstage. Kane says that he has faced Undertaker twice and that he's lucky that he escaped with his soul. Kane says if he's not afraid of Undertaker, he has 6 days to prove it.
World Tag Team Championship Match
La Resistance vs. Simon Dean & Maven vs. William Regal & Tajiri
This pretty much sums up the tag team division in 2005 right here. We get a chaotic beginning with lots of tags and teams breaking up falls. Tajiri gets a hot tag and he takes out Maven, Conway and Simon Dean. Maven makes a blind tag and hits a flying cross body for a nearfall. Tajiri then hits a big kick and gets the pinfall. I'm not sure how they weren't able to have that fill a few more minutes, but for the time these teams were given, they gave a good enough effort.
Match Rating: *1/2
Bischoff is now with Triple H and tells him that he can't afford an injury before WrestleMania. Triple H is blaming Bischoff for anything that happens since he is the one who pushed for Batista to challenge him for the title.
Muhammad Hassan says that we are only 6 days away from WrestleMania and he is still excluded despite never losing on Raw.
Muhammad Hassan vs. Shawn Michaels
Michaels gets the best of Hassan in the early going and even dumps him over the top rope onto Daivari. When we get back from the commercial break, Hassan is in control and we see Hassan hit some moves on Michaels' back. Daivari is yelling orders throughout the match. After a pretty long heat segment, Hassan puts on the Camel Clutc, but Michaels grabs the ropes. Michaels fights back and heads to the top rope and hits the elbow drop. Michaels is tuning up the band and then out of nowhere comes Kurt Angle and he assaults Michaels. Hassan holds Michaels, but he ducks and Angle hits Hassan. Michaels gets out of the Angle Slam and Angle ducks out of Sweet Chin Music, so Michaels hits it on Hassan. Angle retreats in the crowd. Match was okayish. Hassan just wasn't very good in the ring and this was really all about building up for Angle/Michaels.
Match Rating: **
Bischoff is talking to security and is telling them that Angle should have never been allowed in the building. He then orders them to make sure nothing happens between Batista and Triple H.
Bischoff introduces Triple H and Batista. Triple H calls Batista an ungrateful piece of crap. Yes, really. He goes over the whole you were nobody before you met me that we have been going over for what seems like forever. Batista thanks Ric Flair and says that he is a legend. He then tells Triple H he is taking his title and Triple H slaps him. Batista jumps him and then all of the security guards are holding him back and Triple H punches him. Batista breaks free and attacks Triple H again. Triple H and Flair retreat as Batista's music plays.
Well, this episode was heavy on non-wrestling segments and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I thought the Undertaker one was well done for what it was. The Batista/Triple H segment was exactly what you thought it would be. I was hoping to see a little more out of Hassan up against arguably the greatest wrestler of all time, but he just isn't there. The tag match did a nice job building for the Money In The Bank match while the arm wrestling match fell completely flat. All in all, this was a pretty mixed bag, but it did a solid enough job building for WrestleMania.
Overall Rating: 58%
Bischoff is now with Triple H and tells him that he can't afford an injury before WrestleMania. Triple H is blaming Bischoff for anything that happens since he is the one who pushed for Batista to challenge him for the title.
Muhammad Hassan says that we are only 6 days away from WrestleMania and he is still excluded despite never losing on Raw.
Muhammad Hassan vs. Shawn Michaels
Michaels gets the best of Hassan in the early going and even dumps him over the top rope onto Daivari. When we get back from the commercial break, Hassan is in control and we see Hassan hit some moves on Michaels' back. Daivari is yelling orders throughout the match. After a pretty long heat segment, Hassan puts on the Camel Clutc, but Michaels grabs the ropes. Michaels fights back and heads to the top rope and hits the elbow drop. Michaels is tuning up the band and then out of nowhere comes Kurt Angle and he assaults Michaels. Hassan holds Michaels, but he ducks and Angle hits Hassan. Michaels gets out of the Angle Slam and Angle ducks out of Sweet Chin Music, so Michaels hits it on Hassan. Angle retreats in the crowd. Match was okayish. Hassan just wasn't very good in the ring and this was really all about building up for Angle/Michaels.
Match Rating: **
Bischoff is talking to security and is telling them that Angle should have never been allowed in the building. He then orders them to make sure nothing happens between Batista and Triple H.
Bischoff introduces Triple H and Batista. Triple H calls Batista an ungrateful piece of crap. Yes, really. He goes over the whole you were nobody before you met me that we have been going over for what seems like forever. Batista thanks Ric Flair and says that he is a legend. He then tells Triple H he is taking his title and Triple H slaps him. Batista jumps him and then all of the security guards are holding him back and Triple H punches him. Batista breaks free and attacks Triple H again. Triple H and Flair retreat as Batista's music plays.
Well, this episode was heavy on non-wrestling segments and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I thought the Undertaker one was well done for what it was. The Batista/Triple H segment was exactly what you thought it would be. I was hoping to see a little more out of Hassan up against arguably the greatest wrestler of all time, but he just isn't there. The tag match did a nice job building for the Money In The Bank match while the arm wrestling match fell completely flat. All in all, this was a pretty mixed bag, but it did a solid enough job building for WrestleMania.
Overall Rating: 58%
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