Monday Night Raw (Eddie Guerrero Tribute) 11-14-05 Review

Monday, November 14th, 2005
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

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We start off the show with a 10 bell salute to Eddie Guerrero, which is still just as heartbreaking today as it was 15 years ago. Vince says that tonight they will be paying tribute to the life of Eddie Guerrero. After the salute, we get a video package of memories and highlights. Sadly, the WWE Network version did not get the rights to the Johnny Cash version of "Hurt" and instead we get just some generic instrumental.

John Cena gets the first chance to talk and says that Eddie was a great man. We then get a a highlight of Eddie spraying Big Show with sewage. I have to say that I have no recollection of that one. 

Big Show & Kane vs. MNM

Big Show immediately picks up Nitro and throws him into the corner and gives him the big slap to the chest. Has a Big Show match started any other way all year? Kane comes in and goes up top, but a distraction allows them to knock him off the top rope. Nitro sort of hits Kane in the face with one of the title belts. Back in the ring Nitro hits a neckbreaker. MNM goes for a double suplex, but Kane reverses it and hits the tag to Big Show. He splashes both in the corner and hits a double clothesline. Melina tries to distract, so Big Show decides to kiss her because why not? They hit the double chokeslam on Nitro and completely squash the blue brand champions. This was probably what you would expect from these two.

Match Rating: *1/4 (out of 5)

Lilian Garcia says that her favorite memory was being in the same group with him in Iraq and how humble he was to all of the soldiers. They then show a highlight of Eddie putting Kurt Angle's stuff up for auction. 

Kurt Angle vs. Shelton Benjamin

Shelton uses the ropes to backflip out of an armlock because he can. Angle catches Shelton and hits a belly-to-belly overhead suplex because he can. Angle knees him in the midsection and then hits a backbreaker for a 2 count. Shelton is able to pull out a DDT and both men are down. They begin trading right hands, with Shelton getting the better of Angle. Angle gets a boot to the face, but Shelton hits the Samoan drop. Angle tries to go for the Ankle Lock, but Shelton gets out and then hits a spinning kick for a nearfall. Shelton goes up top. Angle tries to catch him, but Shelton is ready for it, knocks Angle off and hits a flying clothesline. He misses the splash in the corner and Angle is able to pull off two German suplexes. Shelton counters the third one into a pin attempt, but Angle kicks out. Angle hits the Angle Slam, but Shelton this time is able to kick out. The straps are down and he goes for a moonsault, but Shelton gets there first. Shelton then hits a German suplex off the second rope, with Angle landing pretty awkwardly. Shelton rolls him over and gets a close call. Angle trips him up and gets the Ankle Lock on and Shelton has no choice but to tap. That was a sprint of a match and I enjoyed every second of it. 

Match Rating: ***

Shawn Michael's memories with Eddie are their talks about their faith. We then get some highlights of the vignettes of Los Guerreros. Chavo talks about how much it meant for him to be a tag team with Eddie. 

Shawn Michaels vs. Rey Mysterio

An absolute dream match that comes to us under the absolute worst circumstances. As you would expect, we get some nice wrestling to start. Mysterio hits a springboard seated senton, but Michaels catches Mysterio on a headscissor attempt and slams him face first. Mysterio hits a dive over the top rope and we head to a commercial break. Mysterio hits a flying headscissors and then a sprinboard crossbody. Mysterio hits a dropkick to the knees and then one to the face of Michaels and gets a close call. Michaels is able to avoid the 619 and hits a clothesline. Michaels hits a top rope elbow drop and signals for Sweet Chin Music. Mysterio rolls under and sets up Michaels for the 619. He hits it and then the springboard leg drop and Mysterio gets the big victory over Michaels here. This was a nice little match and a nice tribute to Eddie. 

Match Rating: ***

Batista is torn to pieces over Eddie and talks about how much Eddie helped him out. 

Diva's Battle Royal

All of the competitors are wearing the "I'm Your Papi" t-shirts. Jillian Hall is wearing a guard that covers the "growth" on her face. Candice uses her wand in one of the weakest weapon shots I have ever seen. Victoria and Candice hit a double slingshot on Ashley and she just rams right into the ropes instead of over them. They send her over after. Maria surprises everyone by kicking Victoria out and we are down to Trish, Melina and Maria. Trish and Melina team up to take Maria out. Trish goes for Stratusfaction, but Melina counters it and the knocks her off the apron for the victory. This wasn't very good.

Match Rating: 1/4*

They show the WrestleMania XX celebration with Eddie and Chris Benoit. 

Eugene vs. Simon Dean

Simon gives Eugene a Simon System bar and then tries to roll him up. They both then begin to do push ups and Simon misses with an elbow drop. Eugene then pulls out his Junkyard Dog imitation with the headbutts and bites Simon's butt. Eugene goes on the Dean Machine, but Simon attacks him from behind. Simon hits a big clothesline and gets a 2 count. Eugene fights back and hits the Rock Bottom for the victory. Eugene then drives the Dean Machine to the back. This was here only to lighten the mood. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Chris Benoit says that Eddie was his best friend. We then see Eddie winning the championship at No Way Out from Brock Lesnar. Triple H then talks about how inspirational Eddie was for overcoming his demons. 

Ric Flair vs. William Regal

Here's our traditional wrestling match for the night. Regal breaks an abdominal stretch by unlacing Flair's boot. That's some heel work I can get behind. Flair fights back with some chops and then goes to work on the knee. Flair slaps on the Figure Four and that's all she wrote. 

Match Rating: *1/2

We get the highlight of Eddie "accidentally" pinning Chyna.

John Cena vs. Randy Orton

Cena starts off hot, but a distraction from Bob Orton allows Randy to take control. I wonder how many matches these two ended up having with one another? Cena fights back and gives Orton the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena has Orton up for the FU, but in comes Cowboy Bob to interfere and they double team Cena. Cena fights back and blocks the RKO. He hits the FU instead, as Cena stands tall at the end of the show. This one never really got a chance to get going. Cena lays down his Eddie shirt on the mat and then puts the WWE Championship on top of it before heading to the back. 

Match Rating: 3/4*

Well, these types of shows are tough to grade. Eddie is without a doubt one of the greatest performers of my lifetime. This was such a tough loss and it still hurts. The performers did a nice job of trying to put on a good show for their friend and I commend them for that.

Overall Rating: 60%

Payback 2020 Review

Sunday, August 30th, 2020
Amway Center
Orlando, Florida

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United States Championship Match

Bobby Lashley vs. Apollo Crews

For the record, I have no idea why this show exists. Crews gets so show off some of his elite athleticism early on and hits a moonsault off the apron. If there is one thing that can be said about the quarantine era, it's that they are able to take risks that they weren't able to in front of a live crowd. Now it will be interesting to see what kind of a reaction a guy like Crews gets in front of an audience whenever that happens. A distraction from Shelton Benjamin and MVP allows Lashley to attack him and he carries him on his back and rams him into the ring post. As I have been going back and watching 2005, it makes me happy to see that Shelton still has a role 15 years later. Lashley considers the attack in the ring, but Apollo is able to get in a step up enzuigiri. Lashley hits a variation of the Dominator, but a cocky cover allows Apollo to kick out. Apollo hits a crossbody and both men are down. Apollo is fired up and hits a splash in the corner and hits a spinebuster. Standing moonsault from Apollo gets him a nearfall. Apollo hits a German suplex, but Lashley pops right back up. Apollo gives him another one and goes up to the top rope and hits a Frog Splash for another close call. Lashley comes back with a huge pop up chokeslam and puts in the Full Nelson and we have a new United States Champion. This was a good, solid professional wrestling match. I have become a bigger fan of Lashley's ring work over the years and Apollo is super talented. After the match. Apollo attacks Lashley and says that he is getting his title back. 

Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)

They show the clip of Roman Reigns joining forces with Paul Heyman. Kayla Braxton talks with Heyman backstage. Apparently Reigns has not signed the contract for the match tonight. Heyman says that he has every reason to believe that he will, but doesn't allow her to come in and ask.

Keith Lee is getting ready and in walks JBL. JBL offers him a hedge fund at "only" a million dollars. JBL says that if he wins tonight, he'll be on his way and then tries to psych him out. 

They then show a clip of Miz and Big E on Talking Smack. 

Sheamus vs. Big E

I do really hope that Big E can gain the momentum needed to pull off a big push here. After some action on the apron, Big E misses a splash and Sheamus capitalizes. Sheamus slows things down and wrenches on Big E's leg. Big E starts to battle out, so Sheamus stomps him in his face. Big E catches Sheamus from a top rope leap and hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Big E goes for the Spear through the ropes, but Sheamus gets his knee up and he launches himself over the top rope for a shoulder tackle. Big E hits another belly-to-belly suplex, but Sheamus hits an Alabama Slam. Sheamus hits a Sharpshooter/Texas Cloverleaf combo, but Big E gets to the bottom rope. Big E is able to launch Sheamus over the top rope and this time he hits the Spear through the ropes to the floor. Sheamus is able to momentarily lock in a heel hook. Big E gets out and Sheamus greets him with a huge knee to the face. Big E catches Sheamus and hits a powerbomb. He hits the Big Ending and gains the pinfall victory. This was a little slow to get going, but it finished strong. 

Match Rating: **3/4

Matt Riddle says the stallion is going to run all over King Corbin. Apparently Corbin tweeted something about Riddle being a failure at home, to which Riddle gets serious and walks away.

Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are backstage playing up the fact that they don't like each other. 

King Corbin vs. Matt Riddle

Just as Riddle flips off his slides, Corbin attacks Riddle. Corbin stomps a mud hole on Riddle and then tosses him to the floor. Back in the ring, Riddle jumps on Corbin's back and puts on a sleeper hold. Corbin slams him back to the mat, but Riddle locks it in on the ground this time. Corbin gets out and fights back. People can tell me as many times as they want that Corbin is a true heel, I still never want to see him wrestle again. Corbin slides under the ropes and comes back in the ring, but Riddle hits him with a kick to the head. Riddle hits a running knee after a flash of offense, but Corbin kicks out. Riddle hits some big kicks and Corbin hits a big right hand and both men are in pain. Corbin hits a Deep Six, but Riddle kicks out. Riddle hits the Bro To Sleep and hits the Floating Bro for the victory. That was probably the worst Riddle match I have seen. On top of that, Michael Cole calls that a huge upset. Ummmm, sure. Anyways, this was probably the worst Riddle match that I can think of. 

Match Rating: *3/4

Riddle is interviewed backstage and is immediately attacked by Corbin. Why is every Baron Corbin feud 8 months long? 

WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Match

Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler

Sasha pulls the leg of Jax on the apron and Bayley counters a submission hold from Baszler, sending Baszler into Jax and knocking her off the apron. Sasha hits two suplexes on Baszler and she tags in Baszler to slam her down back-first. On the outside, Jax swings Sasha back and forth into the barricade outside the ring. Back in the ring, Jax throws Bayley around until Sasha clips her knee when the ref isn't looking. This match is really struggling to get anything going. Jax misses a leg drop and Bayley grabs her leg in an attempt to put on a submission hold, but she gets up and drags Bayley to her corner and makes the tag. Baszler gives both opponents some big knees and hits a gut wrench face-first suplex. Jax and Baszler are now on the same page and steamroll both women. Sasha counters a powerbomb into a X-Factor. Bayley hits a top rope elbow drop on Jax and Sasha immediately follows it up with a Frog Splash, but Jax kicks out. Sasha hits the running knee and again Jax kicks out. The champions hit a double back body drop, but Jax tagged in Baszler and she puts Sasha and Bayley in a double submission hold and Bayley taps out. The match wasn't very good, but that was a pretty unique finish at least. Jax just seems to be really struggling to improve in the ring. 

Match Rating: *3/4

The new champions are immediately interviewed while Nia obnoxiously celebrates. 

Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton

Lee leapfrogs Orton and hits him with the low crossbody on Orton. Orton hits Lee with a series of stiff chops. Lee then charges at Orton and misses, hitting the ring post. Orton then hits a back suplex on Lee on the announce desk. Lee hits a back elbow and then launches Orton with a shoulder. Now Lee hits a back suplex on the table. Once they get back in the ring though, Orton hits the draping DDT. Orton goes for a RKO, but Lee hits the Spirit Bomb and gets the victory? I did not see such a short match here. If you're going to push him, strap the rocket to him. The match wasn't long enough to be really any good, but I'm in full support of Lee getting the strong victory here. Kudos to Orton here.

Match Rating: *1/2

Heyman is startled by Kayla Braxton and she once again asks about Roman signing the contract. He says that Roman offered a spoiler alert that he will leave tonight as the Universal Champion. 

Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy vs. Rey Mysterio & Dominik

Dominik teases going on the apron first, but attacks both opponents to start. Dominik frustrates Rollins after a hip toss, so he tags in Murphy. Dominik hits a side Russian leg sweep and Rey follows him up with a dropkick. Rey wants Seth in there and he tags in. After a nice little segment, Rollins hits a gutbuster to slow it down. Rollins throws Rey under the ropes and he lands on Murphy who is laying on his back with his knees up. That was an innovative spot. Rey tags in Dominik and he tries a top rope crossbody, but Murphy and Rollins catch him and Rollins hits the Falcon Arrow. Murphy puts the abdominal stretch in on Dominik and Rollins tags in and hits a body slam. Rollins distracts the ref while Dominik is outside the ring, but it backfires. Dominik throws Murphy into the barricade and then Rollins misses with a leap off the apron. Dominik makes the hot tag to Rey and he hits the tilt-a-whirl headscissor on Rollins. He follows it up with a moonsault for a 2 count. Rollins ducks the 619, but Rey hits a kick to the head. Dominik hits a tornado DDT on Murphy and Rollins hits him with a Sling Blade. Rey hits a suicide dive to take out Murphy and goes for a top rope, but Rollins catches him with leaping knees to the midsection for another close call. Rey avoids the Stomp, but Rollins slams Rey face-first to the mat. Rollins and Murphy knock out Dominik into the barricade and then Rollins does the same with Rey. Rollins goes for the Buckle Bomb, but Rey counters it and Murphy accidentally kicks Rollins. Dominik hits the 619 on Murphy and hits the Frog Splash for the victory. Rey continues to be an ageless wonder and Dominik continues to impress. Rollins has really done a nice job in 2020 as a heel, while still putting on strong matches. After the match, Rollins gives Murphy a dirty look and walks away. 

Match Rating: ***1/2

No Holds Barred Triple Threat Match For The Universal Championship

The Fiend vs. Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns

The Fiend is the first one out and during his entrance, Strowman attacks him. Strowman its a powerslam, but the Fiend kicks out. The Fiend hits a running crossbody and hits Sister Abigail, but Strowman kicks out. The Fiend slams Strowman through the table and Alexa Bliss is shown in the back watching. Roman Reigns is still not out for the match. I legitimately never wanted to see these two wrestle again. We get the stupid hammer out and Wyatt hits him with it. I'm just going to call him Wyatt because I hate the name the Fiend. Wyatt hits Strowman with the steps and again Bliss is shown backstage. I saw this match seven days ago and it wasn't good then either. Strowman throws Wyatt into the LED board and they are both down. Strowman avoids another Sister Abigail and charges through Wyatt and they land through a table. They head back to the ring and Strowman tries to get up to the top rope, but Wyatt gets to him before he can. Wyatt hits a superplex and they do the ring collapse gimmick here. Out comes Roman Reigns with a steel chair in his hand. Roman signs the contract on his way down. Roman throws the chair down and calls for a referee. Wyatt kicks out twice and then Strowman kicks out as well. He goes back and grabs the chair and goes after Strowman first. Wyatt gets the Mandible Claw on Roman, but Roman kicks him below the belt. Roman hits the Spear on Strowman and is the new Universal Champion. This was a terrible match, but I guess at least it established Roman as a heel? 

Match Rating: 1/4*

This was the exact definition of a non-essential show. There was no reason to have another pay-per-view just seven days after your second biggest show of the year, especially in the era of three hour episodes of Raw and two hour episodes of SmackDown. 

Overall Rating: 38%

Off The Grid, Volume 3: SummerSlam 1990 Review

Monday, August 27th, 1990
The Spectrum
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Off The Grid, Volume 3:

So this is the 30th anniversary of me becoming a wrestling fan. I was coming home from renting a video game from the video store and my neighbors were outside. I told them that I had rented a game, so they invited me over to spend the night to watch SummerSlam. Knowing nothing about pro wrestling whatsoever (I had never even heard of Hulk Hogan), I assumed it was some sort of basketball event and accepted the invitation. I honestly think we missed a lot of the beginning, as the first memory I have of the event is the Demolition/Hart Foundation match. As soon as I saw that match, I was hooked. It was also this night that I started my 30 years of disliking Hulk Hogan. I took part in way too many arguments at the lunch table over this topic. With all of that being said, let's get to the show. 

Power & Glory vs. The Rockers

Hercules attacks Shawn Michaels with his chain before the match starts, which allows Michaels to sell his legit injury. The other three men get in the ring and Marty Jannetty is able to outsmart his opponents. Marty is able to get a small package, but Slick has the ref distracted long enough and then Hercules breaks it up. Marty dumps Hercules over the top rope in a unique fashion, but Paul Roma is right there to attack. Marty goes for a sunset flip, but Roma wisely tags in Hercules, who is able to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Michaels is trying to crawl back into the ring and every time he gets close, Power & Glory is there to stop him. Marty hits a powerslam on Roma and a superkick on Hercules. Marty goes up top and hits a flying fist. Roma is able to drag Marty near the ropes and Hercules clocks him with a right hand. Hercules then hits a huge clothesline. Hercules hits the superplex and Roma hits the elbow drop for the victory. After the match, Power & Glory continue to pound on both Rockers, as they bring out the stretcher for Michaels. Being that we are in Philly, Power & Glory get a pretty nice ovation for their win. As far as six minute matches go where one of the tag team partners is hurt, this is probably the best one.

Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)

Mr. Perfect and Bobby Heenan are with Sean Mooney. They remind us that he is absolutely Perfect.

Texas Tornado is with Mean Gene and he gives us a Tornado themed promo. 

Intercontinental Championship Match

Mr. Perfect vs. Texas Tornado

Tornado shows off his strength early on by tossing Perfect across the ring. Perfect is, of course, a bumping machine. Tornado hits a hip toss, body slam and then clotheslines Perfect out of the ring. Perfect starts making his comeback and puts Tornado in a sleeper hold. Perfect starts chopping him and then gets a little cocky, which allows Tornado to put him in the claw and then hits the discus punch for the victory pretty much out of nowhere. Perfect had the brilliant sell on the finish there. After the match Heenan and Perfect show their dissatisfaction for the ending. We are two for two on short matches tonight, which will be a theme.

Match Rating: **

Mean Gene is reporting on Sapphire when Perfect and Heenan storm in and talk about the awful officiating. This is absolutely brilliant here. 

Sensational Queen Sherri vs. Sapphire

Sherri is sporting a unique mask here for her big non-match. Sapphire's music hits an she is nowhere to be found. Sherri is awarded the match via forfeit. 

We now go to Mean Gene, who is with Dusty Rhodes. Dusty says that he can't find her anywhere and he's worried big time. Dusty asks Hacksaw, since he randomly walks in. Oscar-worthy performances here. 

The Warlord vs. Tito Santana

What's up with Slick's wrestlers not having entrance music? Tito reminds us all that he is one of the best in the company still here, hitting a nice dropkick. Tito tries to work on Warlord's arm, as Vince admires them on commentary. Tito brings the fight with a modified Thesz Press, but Warlord throws him out of the ring on the pin attempt. Warlord then runs Tito into the ring post while Slick has the referee distracted. I forgot how much that the Warlord loves his classic club to the back move. Tito tries to make his comeback and hits a clothesline. Tito then hits the flying forearm, but Warlord gets his foot on the rope just before the 3 count. Warlord gets back up and hits the running powerslam, which gets a pop from a bigger pocket of fans than you would expect. Tito had his working boots on tonight, but Warlord looked like someone having his first televised match. 

Match Rating: *

Sean Mooney is now back with all three members of Demolition. They play up the mystery of which two members of Demolition are going to be involved in the match, even though Smash and Crush are the ones holding the titles.

Mean Gene is with Hart Foundation. Bret was expecting Ax and Smash, while Neidhart lets us know that he isn't paid to think. Vince absolutely loves the "two Harts beating as one" line. 

Two-Out-Of-Three-Falls Match For The WWF Tag Team Championships

Demolition vs. Hart Foundation

So this is my absolute first memory of ever watching wrestling. Not a bad way to start. Smash and Bret start things off, but all four members get involved quickly. Bret gets a quick roll up in and tags in Anvil. They begin working on the arm of Smash in a way that we don't see anymore. Smash is able to hit a body slam on Bret and tags in Crush. He misses with a knee, but catches Bret on a crossbody attempt and hits a body slam. Bret gets his feet up on a charging Crush and both men make a tag. Crush gets his boot up when Neidhart is running the ropes behind the referee's back. Neidhart explodes with a clothesline and makes the tag to Bret. Bret takes care of both opponents and then throws Smash into Crush. Bret gets a nearfall on Smash that nearly the entire arena buys. Crush breaks up another pin attempt after an elbow drop. Neidhart is still on the outside and Demolition hits Decapitation on Bret for the first fall. After a short break, Demolition continues to hammer away on Bret. Bret finally hits his leaping clothesline, but he's on the other side of the ring. Smash grabs him by his leg and then has Crush drag him back by his leg. Earl Hebner isn't having it and then Bret is able to tag in Neidhart. Neidhart hits a big powerslam for a nearfall and he has Piper screaming for poor officiating. They hit the Hart Attack on Smash, but Crush stops Hebner from counting 3. Hebner gives the Hart Foundation the fall as a result of a disqualification. Crush knocks Bret off the apron and we see Ax run down to the ring and hide under the ring. Neidhart finally gets Bret up and going and he actually immediately is on offense. We get kind of a weird spot that ends well with Neidhart body slamming Hart on top of Smash. Ax rolls from under the ring and the referee somehow doesn't notice that he looks nothing like Smash. Vince gave this away earlier by saying Crush was the one that was easy to distinguish and that Ax and Smash look the same. I would think a guy who referee's for the company on a nightly basis would be able to tell the difference. Crush hits a backbreaker and has his pin attempt broken up. The match has completely fallen apart and Smash helps double team Bret outside the ring. Out come the Legion of Doom and they get involved. On the distraction, Neidhart launches himself at Crush and Bret trips him up into a pin and they score the third fall to become new WWF Tag Team Champions. That finish was spectacular. There were a few awkward spots in this match, as it was clear that Crush was not ready for a spot like this. However, the crowd loved every second of it and the action was constant.

Match Rating: ***1/2

WrestleMania VII will be at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Honest, it will!

Mean Gene is here with the Legion of Doom. They want Demolition and they're sick of them ignoring them. They cut a fun promo and then congratulate the Hart Foundation as they walk in. Bret says that they'll take on anyone. 

Mooney is outside the door of Demolition's locker room. He reports that they are yelling about Legion of Doom and not Hart Foundation. 

Sherri is now with Mean Gene, who is gloating about her victory. Sherri is completely unhinged here. There really is a lack of personalities like her in the present day.

After intermission, Mean Gene reminds us that we still have a lot of action ahead of us. He shows us footage of the Harlem sewer rat and Damian. Now we have Big Boss Man and he will make sure that justice prevails. 

Mooney is with the legendary tag team of Jim Duggan and Nikolai Volkoff. Volkoff couldn't contain himself as he waited to say that they were the "American Express". 

Earthquake, Dino Bravo and Jimmy Hart now have their turn. Earthquake cuts a really solid promo recapping everything for us. 

We now hop over to Jake Roberts, who slows things down and Damien is not cooperating at all here. 

Bad News Brown vs. Jake The Snake Roberts

Big Boss Man is the referee here, but Bad News attacks Jake before he gets in the ring. Jake ducks Brown and almost gets the DDT in, But Brown slips away. Bad New hits a hip toss and goes for the Ghetto Blaster, but Jake falls down before he can. Bad News doesn't like Boss Man's count and they get into it a little bit. Bad News goes outside and hits Jake with a chair to the midsection of Jake, but Boss Man doesn't disqualify him. Piper continues to refer to Boss Man as the Big Bosom Man in case you're wondering. Brown whips him into the corner and follows it up with a clothesline. Jake rolls out of the way of a flying fist and then hits him with a knee lift. Short arm clothesline by Jake and the crowd is chanting for the DDT. Brown back body drops him out of another DDT attempt. Brown again hits Jake with the chair and this time Boss Man says that's it. Brown grabs the bag with Damien and goes for a leg drop, but Boss Man moves it out of the way. Brown then attacks Boss Man from behind. Jake and Damien make the save and Brown retreats. Piper isn't impressed with the victory, calling it cheap. I'm not sure why you book this match if this is what you're going to deliver.

Match Rating: 1/2*

Really, WrestleMania will be at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 100%.

Demolition is with Mean Gene complaining about cheating. 

It's time for the Brother Love Show with Sgt. Slaughter. Sgt. Slaughter presents Brother Love with a medal for being a Great American. Slaughter says that he is declaring war on Nikolai Volkoff and says that America is too chicken to declare war. He went from Nikolai Volkoff to the WWF Championship. I would say that is quite the step up. I remember this being the part of the sleepover where a few of the kids over fell asleep. This segment felt like 45 minutes back in 1990. Now it only felt like 44. 

The Orient Express and Mr. Fuji are with Mooney. They get interrupted by breaking news. Mean Gene thinks he has Sapphire, but the door closes in his face. 

The Orient Express vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan & Nikolai Volkoff

Hacksaw and Volkoff sing "God Bless America" before the match and it legit is one of the worst things you will ever hear. The Orient Express attack them, but they hit dual atomic drops and then give them the boot out of the ring. Volkoff has Tanaka up for a body slam, but then decides to hold him and back into the corner so that he can allow Sato to hit him off the top rope. Tanaka misses Volkoff with a splash and he makes the tag to Duggan. Duggan hits a double clothesline and then a a double noggin knocker. It's amazing how over Duggan is here. Duggan and Volkoff throw their opponents into each other. Duggan hits the running clothesline and gets the victory. Volkoff and Duggan had zero chemistry as a team and it's not hard to see why this didn't last long. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Mean Gene is now with Dusty Rhodes, who is knocking on the door. Dusty says there is something going down here.

Randy Savage says that there are millions of peasants waiting to catch a glimpse of him tonight. 

Dusty Rhodes vs. Macho King Randy Savage

Before the match starts, Ted DiBiase and Virgil are out. He says that everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man and his money can buy anyone or anything. Tonight, it has bought Rhodes' humiliation and brings out his latest purchase, Sapphire. She comes out in a fur coat, diamond necklace and a WWF duffle bag full of money. Dusty goes after him, but Savage attacks him from behind in the aisle. Savage hits the double ax handle and some fists. Rhodes fires back and knocks Savage down. Dusty even pulls out a dropkick, knocking Savage out of the ring. Savage puts Sherri in front of him. This distracts the referee and allows Savage to knock Rhodes out with Sherri's purse. That's it. That's the match. They booked Savage and Rhodes and gave them 135 seconds. 

Match Rating: 3/4*

Mooney tries to get a word with DiBiase. He reminds us again that there is nothing that his money can't buy. Dusty is shown running backstage, but the limo drives away just in time. 

Hulk Hogan and Big Boss Man are with Mean Gene. Hogan is dedicating the match to the Tugster tonight. Just so you know, the Hulkster never tells a lie. 

Earthquake vs. Hulk Hogan

We get lots of stalling to start and why not? Hogan hits him with a boot to the gut and immediately goes for a body slam, but Earthquake starts working on Hogan's back. Hogan fires back, but he can't knock him down. A big right hand finally gets him to fall down and he knocks Dino Bravo and Jimmy Hart off the apron. Boss Man is now getting involved and he and Hogan hit double boots to the face right in front of Hebner and I guess we are good with this. Bravo and Earthquake hit a double body slam behind Hebner's back. Earthquake hits an elbow drop for a nearfall. Earthquake is up on the top rope and he hits him with a clubbing blow to the back. Earthquake starts stomping on Hogan's hands and then pulls out the Boston Crab. Hogan gets to the rope, but Bravo hits a body slam on him behind Hebner's back. Hogan avoids an elbow drop. He again goes for a body slam and this time he gets him up, but falls on his back. Earthquake now puts my favorite move on Hogan, the bear hug. Hogan fights his way out of it, but Earthquake catches Hogan on a crossbody and hits a beautiful powerslam. Hogan then gives one of the worst kick outs with Earthquake standing on him. Earthquake hits the finisher, but he decides to get off of Hogan. That won't backfire. Earthquake hits it again and Hogan kicks out. It's time for the Hulk Up. Where does he get it from? Hogan hits the big boot, but Earthquake is still standing. Hogan hits the body slam and follows it up with the leg drop. Dino Bravo distracts the ref and Jimmy Hart tries to attack him. Hogan throws him at Earthquake and Boss Man throws Bravo out. Hogan and Earthquake are battling on the outside. Hart tries to hit Hogan with the megaphone, but it backfires and hits Earthquake. Hogan then slams Earthquake on the blue table that was holding the sewer rats earlier and Hogan gets the countout victory. Earthquake attacks Hogan and has him up by his throat. Boss Man is hitting him with a chair, but he is no selling it. Boss Man pulls out the nightstick and Earthquake retreats. We get a close up of the welts on Earthquake's back from the chair. Minus the stupid finish, this was a fairly entertaining match by Hogan standards. Piper argues that Hogan was victorious. 

Match Rating: **

Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan are with Mooney now. Rude says that this is his type of match. Heenan reminds us that Rude has beaten Warrior before. 

Mean Gene is with Dusty Rhodes. How many more interviews can this show have? This is not one of his better ones, but he's probably still recovering from his brutal 2 minute match. 

We go to Lord Alfred Hayes talking about them setting up the big blue cage because why not?

Hulk Hogan is with Mean Gene...again. He talks about all of the buildings being made that are earthquake proof. He's going to beat Earthquake all over the world and become the #1 contender again. He then talks about buying a surfboard and he's going to chase every shark or something? 

Earthquake and crew aren't happy. He's coming for both Hogan and Boss Man. 

So after 138 interviews, Ultimate Warrior finally gets his time. What do Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan have in common with the Liberty Bell? One is cracked and the other is a ding dong. Somehow, this made me fall in love with his character.

Steel Cage Match For The WWF Championship Match

Ravishing Rick Rude vs. Ultimate Warrior

Thanks to them having to edit Rude's theme here on the Network, Vince and Piper's mics are all messed up. This sucks because Rude's theme is top 10 territory for me. Warrior does everything in his power to blow himself up before the match starts. The bell rings before Warrior even gets in the ring, as they start brawling on the cage. Warrior knocks Rude down to the mat and hits a flying chop from the top rope. Warrior throws Rude into the cage a few times. Rude baits him and ducks, causing Warrior to leap into the cage. Rude starts climbing the cage. Warrior barely gets to him and then Rude hits him with a clubbing blow off the top rope. Now it's Rude's turn to start throwing Warrior into the cage. Rude is bleeding from the top of the forehead. Rude goes for the Rude Awakening, but Warrior powers out of it and hits a clothesline. He goes for the splash, but Rude gets his knees up. He hits the Rude Awakening. Instead of pinning him or escaping, Rude decides to jump off the top of the cage and clubs Warrior again. Rude goes up to the top of the cage again and this time Warrior is ready for it. Warrior tries to escape out the door, but Heenan slams it shut on his head. Rude gets a 2 count. The crowd doesn't seem to be buying Rude here as a threat as much as they were probably hoping to. Heenan tries to pull Rude out, but Warrior has him and the moon is out. Warrior pulls Heenan in the ring now and hits him with a big right hand. He hits an atomic drop and it sends him back out of the ring. Rude comes in and nails Warrior with a clothesline. Warrior is starting to shake the ropes and begins no selling. Warrior hits three running clotheslines. Piper is too distracted by asking what it means when Warrior pumps his arms. He hits the Gorilla Press and climbs up and out of the cage. It was nice of Warrior to throw in a gyration on the way out. That certainly wasn't a very creative finish, but this was a different time. Warrior climbs the cage again and celebrates by swinging his title belt. The match was compact and had a good pace, but it lacked any real drama. 

Match Rating: **

This is a tough show to give a score to. So many of the matches were short and there were so many interview segments. The nostalgia of this era is strong and the character work blows away modern day wrestling, as goofy as so many of them were. The main events delivered about as good as they were going to and the Rockers/Power & Glory and Demolition/Hart Foundation matches were very solid. If you like this era, this show is a no brainer. However, I'm not sure it would win over younger fans. 

Overall Rating: 62%

NXT 8-21-13 Review

Original Airdate: Wednesday, August 21st, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida

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WWE Divas Championship Match

Bayley vs. AJ Lee

AJ doesn't want to hug Bayley and gains the early advantage. Bayley tries to make a comeback, but is stopped by an AJ reverse elbow. AJ misses a splash in the corner and Bayley gives her multiple hugs, while pushing her into the turnbuckles. Bayley hits an elbow off the second rope for a nearfall. AJ uses Bayley's naivety against her, knees her in the midsection and hits the Shining Wizard for the victory. This was more about character development than the actual match.

Match Rating: * (out of 5)

Backstage, Tyler Breeze asks Alexa Bliss to take a picture. She thinks it's of the two of them, but he just wants one of himself. CJ Parker photobombs it and Breeze isn't happy about it. 

Michael Zaki & Ron Hicks vs. The Ascension

This will shock you, but the Ascension start of destroying whichever guy is in there. They hit the Fall Of Man and get the victory. Yep.

Match Rating: 1/4*

Baron Corbin vs. CJ Parker

So Parker is a hippie and Corbin is still a jobber. Corbin gets in a little bit of offense, but it of course doesn't last long. Parker hits a knee and then hits a version of a DDT for the pinfall victory. The crowd was not digging the hippie character. In the post match interview, he says that he is just a guy going with the flow. Out comes Tyler Breeze and he flat out does a Zoolander impersonation. Breeze calls him a Lenny Kravitz wannabe and gets out of the ring before Parker can do anything. That wasn't very good.

Match Rating: 1/4*

Alexander Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler

I have no idea why Rusev is never on NXT? We get a little bit of a house show match type start, with lots of stalling and playing up their characters. Ziggler explodes for a dropkick, but then Rusev catches Ziggler and knees him in the midsection before dumping him over the top rope. Rusev misses in the corner and Ziggler hits a splash and another dropkick for a 2 count. Ziggler hits the Fameasser for a nearfall. Rusev hits a spinning kick and then goes up to the top rope. Rusev misses with a splash and Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for the victory. While this wasn't necessarily a great match, Rusev got to show a little bit of what he can do and Ziggler hit the high notes for the NXT crowd. 

Match Rating: **

2-Out-Of-3 Falls Match

Sami Zayn vs. Antonio Cesaro

This is one of my most anticipated matches to watch that I have never seen. Zayn hits a dive over the top rope and gets a quick pinfall less than a minute in the match. Zayn then clothesline Cesaro over the top and throws Cesaro into the steps. Zayn continues the attack in the ring, hitting a top rope crossbody. Cesaro finally gets in some offense and hits a powerbomb. Zayn makes a comeback and hits a hurricanrana, but then Cesaro hits a suplex into a bridge for a 2 count. Zayn hits a pop up dropkick, but Cesaro catches Zayn for a chinlock. In a first for me, Zayn taps out of the vicious looking chinlock. We are tied up 1-1. Cesaro immediately hits him with a running uppercut while the ref is trying to check on Zayn. Cesaro then hits an amazing superplex and Zayn kicks out. Cesaro goes back to the chinlock, but Zayn turns it into a pin attempt and almost steals the victory. Yakuza Kick by Zayn, but Cesaro kicks out. Zayn hits a Canadian Destroyer and again Cesaro kicks out. Zayn hits the always awesome dive through tornado DDT on the outside. The referee gets up to a count of 9 before Cesaro dives in. Zayn has become mainly a character in present day WWE, that people almost forget that he was one of the best performers in the company. Cesaro counters a tornado DDT with a huge pop up uppercut and then hits the Neutralizer for the final fall. What an awesome final few minutes there. It's not quite the classic I hoped for, but it is the best NXT match up to this point. 

Match Rating: ***3/4

That is two very strong showings in a row for NXT. During this time, getting help from the main roster was a blessing and it shows. Watching Cesaro and Zayn work is always a joy and this match was no different. 

Overall Rating: 70%

Monday Night Raw 6-14-93 Review

Original Airdate: Monday, June 14th, 1993
Manhattan Center
New York City, New York

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We go to an interview after the King Of The Ring with new WWF Champion, Yokozuna. It's kind of a weird interview where Mean Gene is arguing with Mr. Fuji and they pan over to Yoko, who says that "Hulkamania is dead". 

Mr. Perfect vs. L.A. Gore

So this is one of those deals where they taped this show before the pay-per-view. Gore is making his triumphant return here to Raw. They have a nice little segment to start things off. Gore tries some chops, but they have no effect and Perfect shows him how it's done. Gore goes for a back body drop, but Pefect counters it into a Perfect Plex for the victory. Perfect was definitely in the mood here tonight to make this one entertaining.

Match Rating: 1/2* (out of 5)

Razor Ramon is out her for an in ring interview and the crowd starts chanting "1-2-3". He has now upped his amount up to $10,000. 

Doink vs. Marty Jannetty

Doink hits Marty with a boot to the head to start things off. Marty makes a comeback, but kind of misses a move off the second rope. They go with it anyways and he gets a 2 count. We get a commercial break and then Doink dumps Jannetty out of the ring. Jannetty slams Doink into the apron and goes up to the top rope. He hits the flying crossbody for a 2 count. Doink catches Marty and hits a powerslam. Doink now goes up top and hits a Whoopee Cushion, which I believe is the first time he uses that. Doink hits a neckbreaker and goes up top. Doink slips a little, allowing Marty to slam him off the top rope. Jannetty hits a reverse elbow and a nice dropkick. Doink picks up Marty and they both fall over the top rope and continue brawling outside the ring. The ref calls for the bell, but Jannetty keeps wailing away on Doink. This was a good match and I am looking forward to the rematch.

Match Rating: **3/4

Owen Hart vs. Dan Dubiel

I've needed the neon taxi cab pants with suspenders back in my life. 1-2-3 Kid joins live via telephone, who is in Japan. Kid says all he's been hearing about over there is that Yokozuna won the WWF Championship. Vince lets him know that it is now up to $10,000. Meanwhile, Owen continues to dominate Dubiel. Kid accepts the challenge because it's just too much money to turn down. Owen hits a missile dropkick and a Northern Lights Suplex into a bridge for the victory. I am very much looking forward to the evolution of Owen.

Match Rating: 1/4*

We now get some footage of Undertaker from Superstars. Well, I guess I might as well review it.

Undertaker vs. PJ Walker

Undertaker hits his leaping clothesline and hits a chokeslam. Out comes Giant Gonzalez. Meanwhile, Taker gets the pinfall victory. Taker attacks Gonzalez and out comes Mr. Hughes. Hughes takes Paul Bearer and hits a variation of the Boss Man Slam. They grab the urn and hit Taker over the back of the head. So yeah, this was terrible.

Match Rating: 1/4*

Jerry Lawler vs. Mark Thomas

Lawler is sporting pink and black gear. Lawler comes out cutting a promo and the crowd is chanting "Burger King", which causes Bobby Heenan to leave in protest. Heenan is back and has a big scoop. He said that Yokozuna will be issuing a challenge to any professional athlete to slam him at a historic American location on the 4th of July. It's a good thing that there's all of this extra stuff going on because this squash is like watching paint dry. Lawler hits a piledriver and gets the victory. This existed more for the live crowd than it did for us at home. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Next week we're back in Poughkeepsie and we're getting Doink vs. Marty Jannetty in a return match under 2 out of 3 falls match. We're also getting Razor Ramon vs. 1-2-3 Kid. I'm legitimately pumped up to watch this one. 

For a taped show that occurred before the pay-per-view, this one was pretty good. It started off really good, but the last 20 minutes dragged it down from being a good episode. This is a middle of the road episode. 

Overall Rating: 49%

SummerSlam 2020 Review

Sunday, August 23rd, 2020
Amway Center
Orlando, Florida

Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2

SmackDown Women's Championship Match

Asuka vs. Bayley

Asuka starts off hot with a dropkick and eventually knocks her off the apron. Outside the ring, Asuka hits a leaping DDT in a really nice looking spot. Bayley makes a comeback by hitting jumping off the second turnbuckle and hitting a neckbreaker over the middle rope. Bayley tries to wear down Asuka with a headlock. Bayley catches an Asuka kick and hits the Bayley-to-belly, but Asuka kicks out. Asuka hits her with a kick to the head and both women are down. Asuka gets her second win and hits a Hip Apptack in the corner and then a knee to the face. She hits another Hip Attack, this time with Bayley on her knees. Asuka goes for a Hip Attack on the apron, but Bayley catches her and throws her knees first on the apron. Bayley puts Asuka in a submission that I'm not familiar with, similar to a reverse Figure Four. Asuka gets out and hits a running knee for a 2 count. Bayley puts her in a knee bar and Asuka is screaming in pain, but is able to get to the ropes. Bayly hits a variation of the sunset flip bomb, tossing Asuka in to the turnbuckle. Bayley goes for a top rope elbow drop, but Asuka catches her and puts her into a submission hold, but Sasha Banks uses distraction to help her get out of it. Sasha again distracts her and Bayley almost steals the victory with a roll up. Sasha again distracts her and Bayley this time gets the victory. Sasha runs in and starts attacking Asuka. The storytelling here was simple, but effective and the action was solid. Good opener.

Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)

Dominik is back with his parents and tells Rey that he wants to handle this fight on his own. Rey gives him his word that he won't get involved. 

Kevin Owens is here to join as a guest announcer. 

Raw Tag Team Championship Match

Angel Garza & Andrade vs. The Street Profits

Andrade gets a couple of stiff shots to start things off, but Ford hits a hurricanrana off the top rope and they send Andrade out of the ring. Ford goes for a somersault dive over the top rope, but Andrade and Garza catch him and slam him to the mat. Andrade sets Ford on the apron and Garza hits a running dropkick, knocking him to the floor. Garza and Andrade continue to both be some of the most entertaining performers in WWE right now, which means they will certainly lose this match. Andrade puts Ford in an arm bar, while draping himself over the top rope. Andrade sets Ford up on the second rope and Garza hits a running knee. Garza hits a running kick this time with Ford in the tree of woe and then Andrade hits a top rope stomp on him. Dawkins has yet to be tagged into the match. Ford finally makes the tag and Dawkins steamrolls Andrade with some elbows. Andrade hits a huge back elbow, but Dawkins is able to hit a spear. I'm sorry, but that elbow looked vicious and there is no reason Dawkins should have immediately hit the spear. Ford gets tagged in and hits his beautiful crossbody, but Garza rolls through and almost gets the victory. Zelina is up on the apron, distracting the ref. Garza hits a superkick, but Ford's momentum knocks Zelina off the apron. Andrade is checking in on him. Dawkins hits the Cash Out and Ford hits the splash for the victory. I like the Street Profits quite a bit, but I think Garza and Andrade are top tier performers. 

Match Rating: ***1/4

Bayley and Sasha Banks are here for an interview with Kayla Braxton. Sasha says that if Bayley can beat Asuka, then she knows that she can beat Asuka too. Bayley brings out the broom and says that tonight will be a clean sweep. 

No Disqualification Loser Leaves WWE Match

Sonya Deville vs. Mandy Rose

As I have seen all over Twitter, Mandy is rocking the Sharon Stone look tonight. They immediately head outside and Mandy hits a suplex on the apron. Mandy throws Sonya into the barricade and then hits a leaping clothesline off the announcer table. Mandy pulls out a table from under the ring. Sonya is able to hit her with a chair to the midsection and slams her face first into the announcer table. Back in the ring, Deville hits a running knee. They really need to mandate that only a select number of superstars use moves like the superkick and knee strikes. It's getting out of control. Sonya puts Mandy in a Dragon Sleeper. Mandy starts to fight back with some slaps and hits a running knee on Deville. Mandy starts chucking chairs at Sonya, but Sonya hits a bicycle kick on her. Mandy hits a trio of running knees back in the ring and hits a variation of a piledriver, but slams her face first. She hits another running knee and gets the victory. The match was entertaining, but I was hoping for something a little bit more special. I think it would have benefited from a live crowd. Otis comes out after the match to celebrate with his love. 

Match Rating: **3/4

Street Fight

Seth Rollins vs. Dominik Mysterio

Rollins wearing Rey's outfit from Halloween Havoc is a great touch. I haven't been watching the current WWE product, but I have seen the clips of the build of this match and it has me intrigued. I know it's not cool to love Rollins now, but he is really one of the best in the business as a heel. Dominik immediately shows that he is legit with some of his lucha libre style moves. I know he has been training for awhile, so I am nowhere near as surprised as I was last night by McAfee's performance. Rollins bullies Dominik and hits a body slam. Buddy Murphy hands Rollins a kendo stick, but Dominik hits a dropkick and grabs the kendo stick. He chases him around the ring, but Rollins is able to knock it out of his hands on the way back in. As he continues to beat on Dominik, he taunts Rey to get involved. Buddy now slides Seth a chair. He tries to hit a Stomp while leaping off a chair, but Dominik avoids it and hits a drop toe hold, sending Rollins into the chair. Rollins goes for a buckle bomb, but Dominik counters for a hurricanrana. Dominik hits a DDT for a nearfall. Dominik now grabs the kendo stick and starts wailing away. Dominik tries to head up to the top rope, but Rollins hits him with a right forearm. Dominik shoves him off, but Rollins comes running up and hits a superplex and then rolls through to the Falcon Arrow for a 2 count. Rollins now has the kendo stick and is all over Dominik with it. Rollins sets up a table in the corner of the ring. Rollins sets Dominik backwards on the top rope and face first towards Rey. Rollins wastes time and Dominik pulls him back through the table. Dominik hits a Frog Splash and almost gets the victory. Rollins is able to get a chair away from Dominik and hits a superkick and then hits a powerbomb. Rollins pulls down the top of Dominik and starts attacking again with the kendo stick. Buddy Murphy now hands Rollins a pair of handcuffs and Rey is trying his best to not get involved. Angie is now out and Rey tries to stop her. Dominik rolls up Rollins and gets a nearfall. Murphy gets involved and tries to re-create the eye incident. Rey finally hits his breaking point and attacks Murphy. Rollins is quickly there and they double team Rey. Rollins then tosses Dominik into the barricade and go back to beating on Rey. They handcuff Rey to the ropes and grab a handful of kendo sticks. Before they use them, Rollins turns his attention to Angie while Rey pleads for him to attack him. Dominik makes the save and tosses Buddy over the guardrail and then tosses Rollins into the steps. He hits a reverse 619 on Rollins and then hits one in the ring. Dominik goes for another Frog Splash, but this time Rollins gets his knees up. Rollins dangles Dominik in Rey's face, but Rey can't reach him. He hits the Stomp and gets the victory. This was a storyline heavy match and they delivered. Dominik looked fantastic and absolutely did a great job in his first big time match. 

Match Rating: ***3/4

Raw Women's Championship Match

Sasha Banks vs. Asuka

They start off on the mat with some aggressive fighting. Sasha goes for a headscissors outside of the ring, but Asuka counters it into a knee bar. Back in the ring they go, but it doesn't last long. Sasha hits an awesome sort of sunset flip powerbomb to the floor. That sounded like it hurt. Sasha tries a couple of pin attempts, but Asuka is able to kick out. Sasha hits a running kick to the face of Asuka in the corner. Asuka gets Sasha up in on her shoulders and slams her face first and then grabs the ankle lock on her immediately after. Asuka hits a nice DDT from the second rope and Sasha is now out of the ring. Asuka gets her back into the ring and she hits a missile dropkick. Sasha hits double knees to the face. Sasha misses with a Frog Splash, which is the third match to have a Frog Splash in it. Asuka is able to get the Asuka Lock, but Banks uses the turnbuckle and rolls into a pin attempt and then the Bank Statement. Banks uses the ropes to get towards the center of the ring, but Asuka turns it again into the Asuka Lock. Asuka then hits a kick to the midsection of the Banks. Both Sasha and Bayley avoid a Hip Attack, but Asuka again gets the Asuka Lock on her again. Banks taps out and Asuka is once again the Raw Women's Champion. I think I liked this match slightly more than the opener. 

Match Rating: ***1/2

WWE Championship Match

Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre

Orton plays mind games to start things off by repeatedly getting out of the ring. McIntyre finally chases after him and there's no way that you can tell me that McIntyre would fall for that, but he does. Orton goes for a RKO, but McIntyre is able to roll out of the ring. McIntyre regroups, but after they both miss their finishers, Orton throws McIntyre into the ring post shoulder first. Orton tosses McIntyre on his back onto the announcer table. Orton then hits a suplex off the table. Orton then goes back into the ring and goes with his methodical offense that I keep hearing is just so great. McIntyre is able to hook on the Figure Four. Orton tries to roll through, but McIntyre is able to roll all the way back. Orton pulls the ref by the shirt to distract him so that he could hit a thumb to the eye to break the hold. So, hold up there. Orton thought a thumb to the eye would get him disqualified, but not pulling a referee by the shirt? They start slugging it out and McIntyre hits a series of clotheslines. McIntyre then hits a couple of overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. McIntyre hits a top rope clothesline and then sets him up on the top rope. Orton crotches him and has McIntyre in the tree of woe. McIntyre rolls up and throws Orton off the top for a 2 count. McIntyre hits the Future Shock, but it's still not enough. McIntyre misses off the top rope and Orton hits a snap powerslam. McIntyre hits the Glasgow Kiss and then both men go over the top rope and are down. Orton kicks McIntyre on the way back into the ring and hits his draped DDT. Orton goes for the punt, but McIntyre avoids it and hits a powerbomb. Orton ducks the Claymore Kick and then McIntyre blocks the RKO, turns it into a backslide and gets the victory. There's a finish you don't see too often in this millennium. I had high hopes for this one and I don't think it delivered. Orton's work for me is just so dull at certain times and it's just too predictable.

Match Rating: ***

Keith Lee is coming to Raw. That is pretty much the only explanation for the booking at TakeOver.

Falls Count Anywhere Match For The Universal Championship Match

The Fiend vs. Braun Strowman

If you were to make a list of rematches that I never wanted to see, this one would be at the top of the list. The Fiend attacks Braun right away and then hits him with a tool box to the midsection. Braun then does WWE's favorite spot by knocking Wyatt through the barricade. The Fiend stands right back up because he's magical, but Strowman chokeslams him onto the table and it doesn't break. Strowman hits Wyatt with the steps to the head and he is forced to sell it. Strowman hits a powerslam, but Wyatt kicks out. They are now up on the stage and into the backstage area. Wyatt hits Sister Abigail, but Strowman kicks out. Back out onto the stage and Wyatt slams Strowman into the LED screens. He puts in the Mandible Claw, but Strowman grabs Wyatt by the throat and throws him into the ring to break the hold. This match already feels like 45 minutes long. Strowman hits a running powerslam and Wyatt kicks out. Strowman walks out and grabs a box cutter from the tool box. Strowman uses it to cut up the ring and remove the thin piece of padding, exposing the wood boards. By the time he is done, Wyatt is up and hits Sister Abigail on it twice and wins the Universal Championship. This was a terrible main event to an otherwise good show. Just as Wyatt is starting to celebrate, in comes Roman Reigns with a Spear and saves us all from having to watch more of The Fiend. He then goes outside and hits a Spear on Strowman. He starts attacking Strowman with multiple chair shots. He goes back in the ring and hits another Spear on Wyatt. This is the character that Reigns was meant to play, let's hope that they keep it up. Reigns holds the title up as the show goes off the air. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Outside of a terrible main event, this was a good show. As far as SummerSlam shows go, this was probably in the middle, which is a compliment in the quarantine era of the company. Dominik and Rollins put on a really nice match and Asuka delivered in both of her matches. I would have liked to have seen the tag team match get some of the minutes they dedicated to the Orton match, but it is what it is. Good show, good ending, bad main event.

Overall Rating: 71%

NXT TakeOver: XXX Review

Saturday, August 22nd, 2020
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida

Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2

Finn Balor vs. Timothy Thatcher

The stage set once again is top notch for this TakeOver. Balor charges at Thatcher as he is taking off his jacket, but Thatcher takes Balor right down to the mat. We get some straight up mat wrestling, as one would expect with Thatcher. Balor eventually is able to dump Thatcher over the top rope to the floor and then stomps on him as soon as he gets back in the ring. Back to the mat they go. Thatcher gets a bow and arrow in, which Balor counters into an unsuccessful pinfall attempt. Thatcher goes to work on the leg of Balor. Balor charges at Thatcher and Thatcher is able to counter it into a Kimura. Balor starts to get a second wind, hitting a series of kicks to the head. Balor can't hit the Sling Blade, so he stomps him instead. Balor puts on an abdominal stretch and then an inverted suplex. Balor hits the running dropkick and goes up top. Balor misses with the Coup de Grace and Thatcher puts him in a single leg crab. Balor gets to the bottom rope to break the hold, but Thatcher pulls him away and nails him with some kicks to the back. Balor hits a kick to the ribs, but Thatcher hits an enzuigiri and a German suplex. Thatcher puts the Ankle Lock on in the middle of the ring. Balor rolls through it and hits another stomp. Balor goes up to the top rope again and this time he hits the Coup de Grace and then the 1916 for the victory. This was...okay? I didn't dislike it, but there just wasn't enough excitement for my taste. I'm sure your mileage will vary.

Match Rating: **1/2 (out of 5)

Bayley and Sasha Banks are shown in the "crowd". 

Ladder Match For The NXT North American Championship

Damian Priest vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Bronson Reed vs. Cameron Grimes vs. Velveteen Dream

Priest and Reed team up to take out Grimes, but then Dream pushes Reed into Priest. Gargano goes after Dream, but Dream hits a Fameasser on him instead. In comes Grimes, but Dream throws him out. Priest goes for a ladder, but Reed is there to take him out. Grimes goes for a ladder, and it's a miniature ladder, which allows Priest to stop him. Grimes climbs a ladder and hits Priest with a kick. Gargano then hits the lawn dart dive on Grimes. Reed then shows off his strength by using Priest as a weapon and then suplexes him across the ring. Priest and Dream begin climbing up ladders, but Grimes knocks them off. He decides to climb with one foot on each ladder, but Dream and Priest pull apart the ladders and Reed helps them bring the pain. Reed hits a double splash on a ladder that's draped over Gargano and Grimes. Reed hits a huge clothesline of Grimes. Gargano has a nice moment of countering some moves into getting on the ladder. Gargano throws a ladder at Dream while he is climbing to the top rope. We then get a unique spot of ladders and the competitors in the corner, which leads to Reed splashing all of them. We get the obligatory tower of doom spot, which is one of the more unique ones that I have seen in awhile. Priest gets the first good opportunity to grab the ladder, but Dream is there to stop him just as he gets his hands on the championship. Dream starts climbing and Priest returns the favor with a nice kick. Priest launches a ladder at Gargano, who ducks and it hits Priest and the plexiglass outside. It should be noted that Reed is wearing Bam Bam Bigelow themed gear. Gargano hits a move that I personally have never seen, which was just a running crossbody, but Grimes flipped over while selling it. Reed then hits a dive through the ropes on all of the competitors. Priest then scales a ladder leaning on the ropes to hit a somersault dive to the outside. Candice LeRae is out to check on Gargano and then pulls Grimes leg as he is climbing the ladder. LeRae attacks Grimes and that allows Gargano to hit him with a ladder to the face. LeRae then hits a hurricanrana off the apron onto Grimes, who knocks down everyone on the floor on his way down. Reed is at the top of the ladder and again LeRae is there to stop him. She is on his back and Reed dives off the top of Gargano with her on his back the whole way down. Grimes then has his hands on the belt, but Dream stops him. Dream gets his leg stuck in the ladder, allowing Grimes to superkick him. They get a ladder set up into the standing ladder and Dream drapes Grimes on there. As he goes to jump off the ladder, his arm hits the belt and he turns his attention to the title instead of Grimes. Priest is right behind him and knocks him off. Priest then chokeslams Reed on a ladder and then Grimes comes in and knocks Priest down. Grimes is up at the top of the ladder and up comes Gargano, who hits a sunset flip powerbomb on to the ladder set up on the ropes and other ladder. That one looked dangerous. Dream hits a DVD on top of Priest who is lying on a ladder. Dream climbs up the ladder , but Reed knocks him off the ladder and Dream dives all the way to, well, I don't actually know where he landed. It looks like he launched himself off the top rope and landed somewhere in the production area. Grimes is at the top of the ladder, but Gargano hits him with a right hand. Gargano swings the belt and knocks Grimes off. Gargano has it, but he's too cocky and Priest stops him, knocks him off the ladder and grabs it. Damian Priest is the new North American Champion. This was probably my favorite match of the quarantine era of WWE. All five guys got a time to shine and they kept the pace frantic for over 20 minutes. 

Match Rating: ****1/4

Adam Cole vs. Pat McAfee

I can't believe I am watching Adam Cole take on Pat McAfee. I know that this won't happen, but this match should not be longer than like five minutes. McAfee's crew starts getting involved, but out come the Undisputed Era. Before the brawl gets going, McAfee hits a swanton off the top rope. That was pretty impressive. McAfee is now in full heel mode and is stomping away on Cole. They begin slapping each other back and forth and then turn into right hands. Cole pulls the shirt over his head and starts slugging away. Cole hits an Attitude Adjustment into a backbreaker, but McAfee is able to kick out. Cole hits a back cracker, but McAfee kicks out again. They are fighting on the top rope and Cole pushes him off, but McAfee lands on his feet. McAfee leaps up to the top rope and hits a superplex. That was pretty remarkable. McAfee hurts his knee on the outside and Cole puts him in the Figure Four back in the ring. McAfee hits a low blow behind the ref's back and then kicks Cole for the very close nearfall. McAfee goes off the top rope, but Cole hits a superkick. Cole starts rolling down his knee pad, but decides not to and instead goes to the second rope. He hits the Panama Sunrise and gets the victory. The match itself was just basic, but as far as first matches by "celebrities" go, McAfee put on a really impressive showing. It was obvious that he has watched wrestling and understands what translates in the ring. On top of that, he is a lot more athletic than I realized he is. 

Match Rating: ***

Drew McIntyre is here and he picks Keith Lee tonight. 

NXT Women's Championship Match

Dakota Kai vs. Io Shirai

They go right at it and Kai is able to get the better of it early on. Shirai goes for a cartwheel move and looked to hit her head on the mat accidentally. Hopefully it's nothing serious there. Raquel Gonzalez distracts her, allowing Kai to attack her from behind. Shirai misses a 619 and Kai hits her with a kick to the head. Kai continues on offense for awhile until Shirai is able to hit a palm strike. This time she hits the 619 and then a top rope springboard dropkick for a 2 count. Kai goes for a German suplex off the apron, but Shirai is able to hold on the ropes. Instead, Shirai is able to hit a stomp on her. Kai starts kicking Shirai in the jaw, but Shirai isn't having it and fires back. Kai hits a scorpion kick to the head, but misses with the big boot in the corner. Shirai hits three straight running knees in the corner. She leaps up to the top rope, but Kai hits her with a forearm. They battle on the rope and Shirai knocks Kai into the tree of woe. Shirai hits a double stomp with Kai hanging there and gets a 2 count. Kai is able to slap on an arm bar. Kai misses again with a boot in the corner, but she hits the ref instead. Shirai goes up and hits a moonsault, but the referee is knocked out. Raquel Gonzalez is there to interfere and wakes up the ref. Shirai is able to kick out at 2 and you'll never guess it, but the heels are shocked. Shirai hits a moonsault on both of them on the outside of the ring. She throws Kai in the ring and hits another moonsault and picks up the victory. I had really high hopes for this one and I have to say it underwhelmed me a little bit. I thought it had potential to be one of the best matches of the year, but instead I thought it was simply good. After the match Gonzalez goes to attack Shirai until Rhea Ripley makes her way out. We get a stare down, but Gonzalez heads to the back. 

Match Rating: ***1/4

NXT UK is returning next month. Tommaso Ciampa returns Wednesday. Cesaro is in attendance tonight and then we see Damian Priest celebrating in a hot tub. 

NXT Championship Match

Karrion Kross vs. Keith Lee

It looks like Scarlett still does the lip syncing thing, which is just so lame. We get a hoss fight to start things off. Kross was very impressive in his squash of Ciampa at In Your House, but let's see what he can do in this spot. Lee ducks a punch, and Kross's hand hits the plexiglass. Kross then ducks a Lee elbow and the same thing happens. Kross throws Lee into the ring post shoulder first. Kross then gets into some submission wrestling and this is not what I wanted to see out of this match. Lee starts to mount a comeback and hits a big powerslam. Kross hits a series of kicks and a DDT, but Lee kicks out. Kross hits a big running clothesline, but again Lee is able to kick out. Kross is able to hit the Doomsday suplex and Keith gets his shoulder up. Lee makes another comeback and hits the Spirit Bomb for a close call. They start throwing haymakers on the second rope now and Kross hits the Doomsday Suplex off the second rope and he wins? This was a long match and I hardly had anything to write about. This was an anti-climatic of a major title victory that I can ever remember. I love Keith Lee, but this was not a Keith Lee match. Kross showed me nothing here and Lee deserved better. Why did they strip Lee of the North American Championship if he was just going to lose it here? I'm just not sure what this was supposed to be? An absolutely flat ending to an otherwise solid night of action.

Match Rating: **

This was the ultimate mixed bag, which is not usually the case with TakeOver events. Even after way too many ladder matches, I am still a sucker for them and the one tonight was good fun. Pat McAfee put on a performance that I had no idea he had in him and actually wouldn't mind him being an occasional special attraction. On the other hand, this event seemed to lack star power. The women's division is absolutely stacked and they only get one match on the card. And honestly, if I'm running the show, there's no way I don't have Tegan Nox on the show in some form. I feel like she has more potential to be a big star than anyone on the roster right now. Where do I start with the main event? Keith Lee deserved way more than some transitional champion garbage. They obviously felt like the time was now to strap the rocket to Kross, but they just strapped it to Lee a few weeks ago. The match was way too sluggish and it was almost like they told Lee to tone down his act. It's hard to really love a show with such a flat ending. 

Overall Rating: 65%

SmackDown 11-11-05 Review

Original Airdate: Friday, November 11th, 2005
Conseco Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, Indiana

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We start off with Teddy Long giving the SmackDown locker room a pep talk. He brings up the 5-on-5 match at Survivor Series and the main event tonight, which is Edge vs. Batista. He says that he will pick members of the team tonight. Randy Orton says that he should be on the team based on the fact that he has been the sole survivor two years in a row. He has a match to kick things off. 

Team SmackDown Qualifying Match

Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio

Rey hits some nice arm drags and has Orton off his game a little bit. Orton regains his composure and hits an atomic drop and a big uppercut. Mysterio ducks Orton and he goes over the top rope and then Mysterio hits him with a corkscrew to the floor. Mysterio hits a bulldog off the second rope and gets a close call. Bob Orton grabs the ankle of Mysterio and then Randy rams him into the ring post from the apron. Mysterio makes another comeback and hits the flying headscissors. Mysterio follows it up with a dropkick and then gets a real close call off the roll up. Mysterio hits a crucifix and gets another 2 count. Mysterio misses the 619 and Orton nails him with a clothesline. Mysterio hits a bulldog though and then hits the 619. Bob Orton grabs Mysterio's leg on the springboard leg drop attempt and Nick Patrick calls for the bell. For some reason Bob Orton is surprised that this would be a disqualification when he does it in front of the referee. Orton takes out his frustration on Mysterio, but out comes Matt Hardy to make the save. Mysterio hits a headscissors and then Hardy hits the Twist of Fate. Minus the obvious ending, this was the entertaining match that you would expect these two to have. 

Match Rating: **3/4 (out of 5)

Josh Matthews interviews Randy and he says that Matt Hardy messed with the wrong legend killer. 

MNM is out to the ring and Melina shows how they won the titles. Melina then references Tyra Banks and America's Next Top Model. Talk about things that I forgot existed, this would be one. She introduces Michelle Leighton, who apparently was a runner up on the show. Melina makes fun of her, so Michelle slaps her. Melina is about to destroy her when the Mexicools come out and make the save. This was pretty stupid. 

Team SmackDown Qualifying Match

Orlando Jordan vs. Lashley

I guess this is when they dropped Bobby from Lashley's name. Lashley hits a belly-to-belly suplex with a release. Jordan rolls outside, so Lashley throws him into the ring and hits a clothesline. Lashley hits the Dominator and gets the victory. Survivor Series will be by far Lashley's biggest opportunity so far. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Edge and Lita walk into Teddy Long's office. Edge is trying to talk Long into cancelling the match tonight. Teddy tells them to get permission from Batista themselves. 

Team SmackDown Qualifying Match

Mr. Kennedy vs. Eddie Guerrero

Unfortunately, this is Eddie's last televised wrestling match. We get a lot of stalling to start things off. Kennedy offers his hand to Eddie and he then slaps him instead. Eddie hits him with a thumb to the eye and he starts stomping away on him. Kennedy comes back with a knee to the head of Guerrero and then puts him in a hammerlock. Eddie counters that with a back suplex and hits a couple of clotheslines. He hits the Three Amigos. He goes to whip Kennedy in the corner and he accidentally sandwiches the referee. Eddie gives us his famous smirk and goes and grabs a chair. Eddie sees the ref trying to get up, so Eddie smacks it on the mat and tosses it to Kennedy. Referee Charles Robinson calls for the bell and Eddie steals one. After the match, Kennedy hits Eddie in the head with a chair. Ugh. The match was too short to be anything special and the chair shot was unnecessary. 

Match Rating: *1/2

They show Batista checking in on Eddie, who is being looked at by a trainer. 

Pierrothito vs. Todd Stone

Stone reverses a hip toss and hits one of his own. Stone goes for a sunset flip and gets a 2 count. They do the gimmick where Pierrothito tosses Stone into the arms of the referee. Pierrothito hits a nice elbow drop off the top rope and gets the victory. Outside of the elbow drop, this was really poor. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Edge and Lita are talking about getting out of the match tonight. Edge goes to talk to Batista and Boogeyman comes up behind Lita. 

I haven't really noted them, but I don't really get why they keep showing promos for the Undertaker returning at Survivor Series?

Edge approaches Batista and tells him that they shouldn't do the match tonight. Edge says they're too important to be involved in a petty fight between Teddy and Bischoff. Batista tells him that people paid to see a Street Fight, so he's going to give them a Street Fight.

The Dicks are backstage to talk about their debut match against Heidenreich and Animal. 

Team SmackDown Qualifying Match

JBL vs. Chris Benoit

Benoit hits a snap suplex and starts chopping away. JBL is able to hit him with a boot to the face and follows it up with two swinging neckbreakers. Benoit makes a comeback and hits all three German suplexes. Benoit goes up to the top, but Booker T's music hits and both he and Sharmell are on their way down to the ring. We come back from the commercial break and JBL hits Benoit with a thumb to the eye outside the ring. Benoit finally gets out of JBL's bear hug and both men are down. Benoit hits another five German suplexes. Benoit hits a headbutt from the top rope and it gets a 2 count. JBL breaks up the Sharpshooter attempt with another thumb to the eye. JBL goes for the Clothesline From Hell, but Benoit counters it into the Crippler Crossface. That was pretty cool. Benoit gets the Sharpshooter on, but here comes Booker T. Since Benoit grabs him, Nick Patrick doesn't call for the bell. Benoit turns around and is hit with the Clothesline From Hell and JBL is joining Team SmackDown. Outside of the one counter move by Benoit, this one didn't really click for me. These guys never had great chemistry for whatever reason. 

Match Rating: *3/4

Street Fight

Edge vs. Batista

They show Teddy backstage and telling Bischoff that he needs to leave. Chris Masters comes from behind and puts Teddy Long in the Master Lock. The SmackDown locker room comes to make the save and Masters jumps in the limo and speeds off. Back in the arena, Edge brings both Kane and Big Show out. Batista takes on all three men, but Kane and Show quickly turn that around. Out comes Funaki, who immediately is chokeslammed. Scotty 2 Hotty, Brian Kendrick, Paul London, Hardcore Holly, Heidenreich and Animal all come down get destroyed. I'm not a genius or anything, but their odds would have been a little better had they not run out one by one. 

This show was a disappointment. SmackDown had a lot of momentum, but this was just really flat for me. The opener was good, but the rest just didn't have the energy that I have come to enjoy on SmackDown in 2005. They've had much worse shows, but I don't think I can give this one a recommendation.

Overall Rating: 48%

Monday Night Raw 11-7-05 Review

Monday, November 11th, 2005
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Eric Bischoff is out in the ring surrounded by a bunch of the Raw roster. He announces that Ric Flair will take on Triple H in a Last Man Standing Match at Survivor Series. Also, Kurt Angle will once again take on John Cena for the WWE Championship. Bischoff says that the big question though is who is going to be on Team Raw. The first two spots are going to the tag champs, Kane and Big Show. He then announces that the team captain is Shawn Michaels. It's amazing to see how small the roster is, as they only fill up three of the sides of the ring. Carlito says that he is the biggest star on Raw. Shelton Benjamin then asks him if he is high and reminds him that he lost at Taboo Tuesday. Shelton says they need the most amazing athlete in WWE history to be on the team. Bischoff says that Benjamin will take on Carlito to earn a spot on the team. Trevor Murdoch then talks about how he got screwed at Taboo Tuesday and that they are better than those two freaks. He challenges the champs to a Hardcore Match for the titles tonight. Gregory Helms says that he wants a match with the man who has been holding him back, Rosey. It's now Mickie James' turn and she wants everyone to give Trish a round of applause for winning the battle royal at Taboo Tuesday. Bischoff then announces Kurt Angle and Chris Masters against Shawn Michaels and John Cena for tonight. Bischoff then calls Edge and Lita into the ring. They show the clip of Edge disrespecting Raw and tells Edge that he's going to SmackDown to take on Batista in a Street Fight. We now get Vince's favorite song to wish them well on their way out. It should be noted that Joey Styles is once again on announcing duty along with Coach and King.

Team Raw Qualifying Match

Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin

We join this match in progress with Shelton showing off his athleticism. He then hits a rolling neckbreaker off the apron and to the floor. Shelton would have done well for himself in the original ECW. Carlito hits a dropkick to the knee of Benjamin on his way back in the ring. Shelton avoids a splash on the ropes and just launches Carlito way up in the air and face-first to the mat. Remind me again why they have nothing for Shelton to do? Shelton counters a vertical suplex and hits a Northern Lights suplex into a bridge for a 2 count. Despite selling the knee, Shelton tries going to the top rope and Carlito meets him up there. Shelton knocks him off. He goes for a top rope clothesline, but Carlito ducks. Carlito hits a DDT and gets a very close call. Shelton hits a Samoan drop, but Shelton is still selling the knee. He misses his spinning kick and Carlito hits another dropkick to the knee. Carlito gets him in a half crab, but Shelton rolls through. Carlito reverses that and steals a victory. 15 years later and I still won't understand how Carlito got this spot over Shelton. The match was good and Shelton was feeling it here.

Match Rating: ** (out of 5)

Mickie is so excited about teaming up with Trish, who is starting to get a little irritated.

Trish Stratus & Mickie James vs. Victoria & Candice Michelle

Mickie hits a headscissors on Victoria, but Victoria is immediately back on offense. Candice pulls down the second rope, sending Mickie out of the ring. Victoria then hits a nice clothesline. Candice then does her version of the Tarantula and is pretty proud of herself. Victoria hits an elbow on Mickie, preventing her from getting the tag. Trish gets knocked off the apron and she snaps, going after both opponents. They use Candice as a battering ram into Victoria in the corner. Mickie tries to go on Victoria's shoulders, but she loses her balance and she falls into the rope. Candice uses her wand on Mickie and Victoria gets the pinfall victory. The ladies crammed a lot of action into a short amount of time. They finally have a story that people are starting to get interested in, which is extremely helpful. 

Match Rating: *

Big Show asks Kane what his strategy is tonight. Kane gives a long winded answer and Big Show loves it. 

Gregory Helms vs. Rosey

Helms slaps Rosey, but then gets tossed in the turnbuckle. Rosey gets some revenge by destroying Helms to start. Helms heads outside of the ring and Rosey is there again to hit some more right hands. Helms tries to trick him when he gets back in the ring, but it doesn't work. Helms does finally get some offense in by throwing Rosey into the second turnbuckle. Rosey fights him off and goes up for a moonsault. Helms runs up and kicks him below the belt, knocking him to the mat. He hits the Shining Wizard and gets the victory. The crowd wasn't really digging it and it was way too short. 

Match Rating: 3/4*

Hardcore Match For The World Tag Team Championships

Kane & Big Show vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

Murdoch throws the garbage can at Kane, but that just makes the big man mad. Both Kane and Big Show start dishing out some punishment and bringing in lots of weapons. Big Show goes off the ropes, but Cade pulls down the top rope, sending him to the floor. Kane goes off the top rope, but Cade moves out of the way and Murdoch hits him in the head with a trash can lid. Murdoch hits Big Show off the apron and then they both avoid a double chokeslam. It doesn't last long and Kane and Big Show regain the advantage. Big Show hits a back suplex on Cade onto a garbage can. Kane then kicks Murdoch, who is sporting a trash can on his head, against the ring post. Kane starts clearing off the announcer table and they hit a double chokeslam through the table for the victory. This was entertaining for what it was and established the champs as an unstoppable force. 

Match Rating: **

Kurt Angle comes out and cuts a promo on how much he hates the "You suck!" chant, so he tries to make them stop by doing it over. Of course they do it again, so he goes back again. He then talks about how he never sees his daughter and that he lost his wife all because of everything he does for this business. Angle says that he's not going to take it any more and he's going to leave the arena and he's not giving us the main event. 

Back from commercial break, Bischoff is pleading with Angle for him not to leave. Angle wants the fans to stop chanting and he wants to select his own referee. 

Triple H is here now and is sitting on the stage. 

Intercontinental Championship Match

Rob Conway vs. Ric Flair

This may be the first time Conway is actually wrestling in front of a crowd that cares about his match. Conway gets some offense in, but then Flair grabs him by the balls and hits him with an elbow. It doesn't take long for Flair to lock in the Figure Four. Triple H starts walking towards the ring with a chain. Meanwhile, Conway taps out and then Triple H starts choking Flair with the chain. They start brawling out through the crowd and honestly it feels like it is in slow motion. This was all to further the Flair/Triple H story.

Match Rating: 1/2*

Lita comes to Bischoff to apologize and tries to talk him out of having Edge face Batista. Bischoff isn't buying it and then Lita asks if there is anything she can do about it and flashes him. Bischoff turns her down and sends her away.

Chris Masters & Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels & John Cena

They bleep out the crowd chanting this time around. The special guest referee is Daivari. This feels even stranger 15 years later. We join the match in progress with Masters and Michaels in the ring. Masters gets a quick roll up and Daivari already gives us our first fast count for a 2. We then get a slow count for Cena's pin attempt. Cena hits a fisherman suplex and is all over Daivari for his slow count. Masters and Angle are now working on Michaels' back. Masters puts on the dreaded bear hug, but Michaels fights out of it with some right hands. Masters tags in Angle, who goes for the Angle Slam, which Michaels counters into a DDT. Hot tag to Cena and he takes down both men. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle and knocks Masters off the apron. Cena has Angle up for the FU, but Masters comes in and breaks it up. Masters hits a nice vertical suplex for another fast 2. Cena hits a back suplex and makes the tag to Michaels. Michaels heads up top, but Angle hands Masters a chair. Michaels comes down and he and Masters fight over it. Daivari sees Michaels with it and he calls for the bell. Michaels hits Masters with Sweet Chin Music, but they hit Cena in the back with a chair. Well, that was a garbage finish. This was all storyline, which we knew it would be going in. 

Match Rating: *3/4

While there were no standout matches, this was a huge step in the right direction for Raw after some really bad episodes. Everything felt a little fresher this week, including the tag team match and women's match. Those are two divisions that are so desperately in need of getting people to care. Let's see if they can keep their momentum.

Overall Rating: 60%

NXT 8-14-13 Review

Original Airdate: Wednesday, August 14th, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida

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"My name is Paul Heyman." I certainly did not expect to hear those words on NXT. He says that it is time for him to start scouting the next Paul Heyman guy. He says that not only is there not only the next Paul Heyman guy, but somewhere back there is the next Brock Lesnar. He also says that there is someone who is the next Intercontinental Champion, Curtis Axel. The weird thing about only watching NXT from this year is that I completely forget what storylines are going on over on Raw and SmackDown. Paul says that Curtis is not defending his title tonight, which of course leads to Big E Langston coming out. He wants a shot at the Intercontinental Championship and Axel agrees. He just means not tonight. Big E of course bullies his way into it and I guess we're getting a match.

Intercontinental Championship Match

Curtis Axel vs. Big E Langston

Just a quick reminder that the white Intercontinental Championship is the best looking belt of all time. Axel comes out firing away, but Big E hits a belly-to-belly suplex and then clotheslines him over the top rope into the commercial break. When we come back, Big E has Axel in a headlock. Big E follows up with five right hands to the gut. After some heel tactics, Axel hits a big clothesline to the back of Big E. Axel hits a standing dropkick and I have to say that Axel looks really motivated here. More so than he ever did in NXT. Big E makes his comeback with a trio of clotheslines and five knees. The straps are now off and Heyman comes from behind and tries to attack Big E. The ref calls for the bell. Big E turns his attention to Paul and Axel attacks Big E from behind. Axel goes to hit Big E with the title belt, but Big E ducks and hits the Big Ending. He then counts to 5 for the live crowd, but obviously Axel is still your champion. They were actually having a nice match until the abrupt finish. 

Match Rating: ** (out of 5)

Renee Young is backstage with Sami Zayn. Zayn says that he is not ashamed of who he is and that he's still waiting for his rematch. He wants a 2 out of 3 falls match with Cesaro. 

Mason Ryan vs. Scott Dawson

Ryan immediately hits a series of clotheslines on Dawson and then out come Enzo and Cass. This allows Dawson to hit a chop block on Ryan. It doesn't last, as Ryan hits a big boot and then hits whatever his finisher is and gets the victory. He then knocks Enzo and Cassidy out of the ring. He takes Dawson and throws him on top of both of them. It's funny that the only guy who never got over is the guy that buried three people in about two minutes here.

Match Rating: 1/4*

NXT Women's Championship Match

Paige vs. Summer Rae

Summer hits a crossbody, but Paige pulls down Summer by her hair and throws her across the ring by her hair. That's a pretty heel move right off the bat. Summer catches Paige's boot and slams her face-first. Paige drives Summer into the corner and hits some elbows. Paige catches Summer's boot and gives her a taste of her own medicine. That would have worked better had it happened earlier in a lengthy match rather than about 60 seconds later. Paige hits the Paige Turner and the victory. The NXT Women's Championship continues to get very little time. This was pretty good for a three minute match, but every match just feels like an extended squash.

Match Rating: 3/4*

AJ Lee is now with Renee. AJ will be defending her Divas Championship, but she doesn't want to know who it is. In walks Bayley, who gives her a hug. Bayley pretty much admits she was stalking her and then asks if she could face her next week and AJ agrees. Bayley then says that she doesn't get why people think AJ is crazy, because she thinks she's awesome. Bayley wants to be friends with AJ after she beats her next week and gives her a hug. 

Dolph Ziggler will also be on NXT next week. 

During the commercial break, Emma came in and attacked Summer Rae. 

The Shield vs. Corey Graves, Adrian Neville & Xavier Woods

Here's to hoping that we see a good effort here. Graves hits a nice counter of a Rollins hip toss into a hip toss of his own and then tags in Neville. Neville hits two low dropkicks and tags in Woods. It seems like the crowd isn't sure who they want to cheer for here. Rollins tries to make a comeback, but Graves leg whips Rollins off the second rope. In come Woods and Neville and they hit dual somersaults over the top rope to take out the Shield as we head into the commercial break. Graves gets some stiff offense in on Ambrose and then puts him in Lucky 13 until Reigns breaks it up. Reigns hits a nice variation of a powerslam and gets a nearfall on Graves. The Shield now isolate Graves in their corner. Graves avoids a charging Reigns and finally tags in Neville. Neville speeds up the pace and hits a big kick to the head of Ambrose. Neville goes for the Red Arrow, but Ambrose gets the knees up. He is able to tag in Woods and he gets some time to shine. He hits his somersault clothesline and almost gets the victory until Reigns again makes the save. Reigns has Neville up for a powerbomb, but Neville counters it with a hurricanrana to the outside. Ambrose then suplexes Graves over the top rope as well. Woods avoids a leaping Rollins and sets him up on the top turnbuckle. Rollins counters it and Reigns makes a blind tag. Rollins hits a buckle bomb, which leads to a Reigns spear and that is all for Woods. Those last few minutes were very good. It's fun to remember how good the Shield really were.

Match Rating: ***1/4

Renee Young is now with Cesaro, who says that he is the boss of the world. He accepts Zayn's challenge, who then comes in and attacks Cesaro to end the show. 

This was a very entertaining episode of NXT. Everything had a purpose and most of the action was good. This is the power of a one hour show. 

Overall Rating: 70%