No Way Out 2006 Review

Sunday, February 19th, 2006
1st Mariner Arena
Baltimore, Maryland

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Cruiserweight Open For The Cruiserweight Championship

Gregory Helms vs. Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Paul London vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Funaki vs. Super Crazy vs. Psicosis vs. Nunzio vs. Kid Kash

Helms slides out of the ring and everyone goes to work as he watches on the outside. The Mexicools knock London and Kendrick out of the ring and launch themselves over the top rope onto both of them. London hits a hurricanrana, but then immediately eats a missile dropkick from Super Crazy. I get the storyline for the match, but this type of thing is really hard to pull off. Kid Kash has a nicely executed spot where he launches himself over the top rope and hits a hurricanrana on Psicosis. London and Kendrick then get a chance to use their teamwork and hit a double crossbody off the top rope to the floor. Super Crazy is looking to join the fun outside, but Helms shuts it down. He misses with a Shining Wizard and Crazy gets a nearfall. They all trade big moves, as they often like to do in these multi-man matches. Scotty hits the Worm, but Psicosis saves the pinfall. Kash hits the Dead Level, but then Crazy hits a Senton. Helms comes in and steals the victory. The ending was predictable, but the action was good. After the match, Helms gets chased to the back by his opponents. 

Match Rating: **3/4

Booker T is all fired up and saying that he's not ready to go out there yet. Teddy Long says that he looks 100% to him. Sharmell and Booker both get down on their knees to beg. Teddy says that either he fights tonight or he forfeits the title. Sharmell was really good here and continues to be an unsung hero. 

Kristal is interrupted by Finlay, who says that since he doesn't have a fight tonight, he'll pick a fight. So he picks up Kristal and takes her to the ring. Out comes Bobby Lashley to make the save and they start going at it. JBL's music hits and he's out in his limo. 

Bobby Lashley vs. JBL

I have to say, I do not remember the Finlay brawl at all. Lashley is all over JBL to begin and to JBL's credit, he is selling big time for the new star. The action spills outside and Lashley hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Lashley goes for the Dominator, but JBL throws him through the ropes. As Lashley is walking back in, he is greeted with a boot to the face. JBL hits a couple of swinging neckbreakers and elbow drops. This match is longer than I remember it being. JBL puts on the sleeper and he's not only putting Lashley under, but I'm getting close to tapping out here as well. JBL goes up top, but Lashley catches him for a powerslam. Lashley hits more belly-to-belly suplexes and JBL is busted open. Lashley goes for a Dominator, but JBL slides out. He goes for a Clothesline From Hell, but Lashley catches him for a T-Bone Suplex, but JBL kicks out of the pin attempt. Out comes Finlay and he helps create a distraction. He hits Lashley with the shillelagh in the head. JBL follows it up with the Clothesline From Hell and hands Lashley his first singles defeat. Lashley looked dominant here, even in defeat. This kind of felt like more of a TV angle, but it was by no means bad overall. 

Match Rating: **1/4

Tony Chimel announces a special guest and it's none other than Batista. He says the first reason he is here is to see Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker and the second reason is to see the SmackDown fans. The third reason he is here is to tell us his torn bicep isn't torn anymore. 

Randy Orton walks into Kurt Angle's locker room to talk trash. Kurt fires back and says that he is focused on Undertaker. 

MNM vs. Matt Hardy & Tatanka

This is a non-title match for whatever reason. Tatanka came out to a very minimal reaction. Hardy and Tatanka get the early advantage and show off a little bit of teamwork, causing MNM to retreat outside the ring. Hardy counters a double suplex and hits a double neckbreaker. He tags in Tatanka and he greets MNM with some chops and fists. The action spills outside and Melina rakes Tatanka's eyes behind the referee's back. Nitro then hits him with a dropkick off the apron and they isolate Tatanka in the corner. Tatanka is able to pull off a clothesline and make the tag to Hardy. Hardy hits a running bulldog/clothesline combo and a Side Effect. Mercury counters a Twist Of Fate and Nitro hits him with a superkick. Hardy fires back with a double clothesline and tags in Tatanka. He hits a double top rope chop. He hits End Of The Trail and Hardy hits the Twist Of Fate and they gain the victory over the champs. This was a decent match that they slowly won over the crowd by working hard. 

Match Rating: **3/4

United States Championship Match

Chris Benoit vs. Booker T

Before the match, Booker has Teddy Long out and then declares that he is forfeiting the title. Benoit grabs the mic and chants "Coward" as he is walking to the back. Benoit says that he isn't going to accept the title like this and he tells Booker to come in the ring right now. Sharmell starts yelling at him and begins slapping him. Booker then comes from behind and attacks him and we are underway. Benoit ducks a leg lariat and goes to work. We have a sloppy spot where Booker goes for a pin by putting his feet on the ropes, but they just fall over. They recover nicely though and they are outside the ring. Benoit throws Booker into the steps, but after some stalling Booker pulls Benoit into the steps. After some rest holds by Booker, Benoit fights out with some elbows and hits a German suplex. He tries for a Crippler Crossface, but we are back to Booker and rest holds. Booker hits a few vertical suplexes and gets a 2 count. Benoit tries to build some momentum, but he runs into a Booker boot in the corner. Booker goes for the Scissor Kick, but Benoit moves and hits more chops. Benoit hits the Three Amigos and gets a nearfall. Booker is able to slow him down again and hits a spinning leg lariat. Booker climbs the ropes, but Benoit is there and hits a superplex. Booker hits a big spinebuster and again goes up top. He goes for the somersault leg drop, but Benoit rolls out of the way. Benoit now hits his trio of German suplexes and he goes up to the top. Sharmell distracts him on the apron and Booker crotches him. Booker hits the Scissor Kick, but Benoit kicks out. The crowd is finally starting to wake up. Benoit tries to go for the Sharpshooter, but Booker kicks out and Benoit's momentum knocks Sharmell off the apron. He gets Booker into the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring and then switches into the Crippler Crossface for the victory. I probably should re-watch their WCW series before saying this, but I will say it anyways. I always felt that the chemistry between Booker and Benoit was overrated. For the most part this match was slow and paint by the numbers. I believe Booker was actually nursing a real injury here and that may be part of it. Either way, this was just very average to me. 

Match Rating: **1/2

After showing Sharmell and Booker limping back to the locker rom, Benoit celebrates with Rey backstage. After that the rest of the babyface roster is there and also notably Pat Patterson. Chavo and Vickie are there and they congratulate him as well. He then tells Rey to do this for Eddie. Rey hugs Vickie. 

WrestleMania #1 Contender Match

Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio

Despite the terrible build for this match, the crowd is 100% behind Rey. They would have been without the terrible Eddie story. As bad as it all is, Randy is very easy to dislike. I know after so many years you have to switch things up, but it's kind of amazing that they ever felt like he could play the face role. Mysterio hits a nice bulldog early on and has Orton reeling. Orton is able to move out of the way of a springboard crossbody and slows things down. Orton mocks Eddie Guerrero by slapping his shoulder. WWE sometimes just doesn't know when to stop themselves, do they? Mysterio hits the tilt-a-whirl headscissors and it sends Orton out of the ring. He goes for the seated senton off the apron, but Orton catches him and swings him into the ring post. Orton hits an awesome variation of a neckbreaker and gets a 2 count. He goes for it again, but this time Mysterio hits an arm drag that sends Orton rolling out again and he is selling his shoulder. Mysterio hits a drop toe hold and Orton hits the second turnbuckle. Mysterio climbs to the top rope, but Orton gets there first and puts him on his shoulders for a super electric chair. Rey battles out and hits sunset flip powerbomb and almost gets the pinfall. Mysterio hits a springboard senton and a reverse blockbuster. Orton catches Mysterio's moonsault, but he spins around and drives Orton to the mat. Mysterio goes off the top rope, but Orton hits him with a standing dropkick. Orton is ready for the RKO, but Mysterio hits a dropkick. Orton baits him into a 619, moves out of the way and rolls him up for the victory. I remember knowing that this was going to happen, but at the same time was still stunned they actually would. The crowd agrees. Good match, but the Eddie stuff hurts it and Rey was having great matches with anyone with a pulse. 

Match Rating: ***1/2

After the match, Orton grabs the mic and tells him that he's going to WrestleMania. He asks Mysterio where he's going and drops the mic. Mysterio is an emotional wreck and is beside himself. After Cole and Tazz dissect the situation, they show Mysterio apologizing to Vickie and Chavo. Chavo tells him to keep his chin up and that he didn't let anyone down. This just all feels way too close to home. 

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker

Taker targets the left arm and shoulder of Angle early on. We get the dueling "Let's go Taker"/"Let's go Angle" chants and Taker is definitely appealing to the Cena segment. I'm not sure if this is a hot take or anything, but I'll take Cena over Taker any day of the week. Taker misses with a boot in the corner and then Angle bounces him off the apron and he lands hard into the barricade. Angle leaps off the apron, but Taker catches him and drives him into the ring post. Taker follows that up with a guillotine leg drop and gets a 2 count. Angle ducks a clothesline and clips the knee of Taker and then slams it on the ring post. Angle then does the Figure Four on the ring post. Taker tries to make a comeback and goes for another guillotine leg drop, but this time Angle catches it and puts him in an Ankle Lock outside the ring. He rolls in the ring to break the count and rolls right back out to put him in it again. Back in the ring he works on the leg until Taker is able to break the hold. Angle takes him right back down. This time Taker counters it with a triangle choke until Angle gets his foot on the bottom rope. They end up outside the ring again and Taker throws Angle into Tony Chimel for whatever reason. Angle is able to hit an Angle Slam through a table and both men are down. Taker throws Angle into the steps. Back into the ring, Taker is up top. Angle tries to stop him, but he knocks him back to the mat. Angle climbs the ropes and hits a suplex off the top for a nearfall. Taker goes for a chokeslam, but Angle rolls through and turns it into an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Taker counters that into a triangle choke. Angle again rolls through and turns it into an Ankle Lock again. Taker is out and hits a chokeslam and the crowd bought the nearfall on that one. Taker goes for the Last Ride, but again Angle rolls through and into the Ankle Lock. Undertaker again kicks out, but this time Angle hits an Angle Slam for another close call. Taker is going for the Tombstone, but Angle flips him over and then Taker flips it back. Angle takes it from there and turns it into yet another Ankle Lock. Taker is able to get another triangle choke and Angle looks to be out. Nick Patrick checks his arm and on the third drop, Angle snaps out of it and jumps through and gets a pinfall victory while Taker still has the hold on. Patrick lets Chimel know that Angle was the victor by pin and Taker isn't happy with it. He lifts Angle up and throws him in the corner and tells Angle that he's not done with him. Kind of a weird ending there and the show is off the air. This was a very good main event, although I will have to say not as good as I had remembered. 

Match Rating: ****

Outside of the terrible Eddie Guerrero storyline with Randy Orton, nothing was actively bad on this show. Every match but one got 10 minutes or more and that helped with the overall quality of the show. None of the first four matches are worth seeking out, but both of the headliner matches delivered enough to make this one a thumbs up overall. 

Overall Rating: 71%

NXT 12-25-13 Review

Original Airdate: Wednesday, December 25th, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida

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Renee Young is here in an empty Full Sail University for the NXT Rewind. She first introduces the opening of the WWE Performance Center. We then get a recap of all of the stars that appeared on the main roster. Big E cuts a promo holding his Intercontinental Championship and thanks the NXT fans. 

Cesaro talks about William Regal being an influence and now he is the better man, so it's time for Regal to go. 

We now get highlights from the finals of the NXT Tag Team Championship tournament. Remember Oliver Grey?

Now it's time for highlights of Emma vs. Paige in the finals of the NXT Women's Championship tournament. These are all very brief recaps. Paige then joins us for a backstage interview. She says that Emma has her respect now. As soon as she is done, Bo Dallas scoots in and says Bo-lieve a bunch of times. He then rolls the footage of him beating Big E Langston for the NXT Championship. 

We get a Wyatt Family studio interview. As usual, he says nothing. 

Now it's time for future stars. First up, it's Aiden English, who has really been a bright spot at the end of 2013. Mojo Rawley, not so much. Bayley is finding her groove and Tyler Breeze has become a fan favorite despite being a heel. Rusev is more than ready for the main roster at this point and Sasha has been developing the Boss gimmick that would end up getting her over. Corey Graves doesn't have much time left on the active roster and Sami Zayn is the easy MVP of 2013 for the yellow brand. 

They then highlight the main roster stars that have made appearances on NXT throughout the year. 

William Regal reminds us that he's a vicious and sadistic wrestler and a unique performer. He never achieved his goal of becoming World Heavyweight Champion and he blames himself. He says it will take a miracle for him to win tonight, but if he does he knows he will have beaten one of the best competitors there is. 

Renee Young is about to announce the best match of the year, but it's interrupted by a Shield promo. The match of the year is announced as Sami Zayn vs. Antonio Cesaro. I know I am very much in the minority, but I had Sami Zayn vs. Jack Swagger narrowly beating this one for my favorite NXT match of 2013. For what it's worth, I had them both at ***3/4. We then get a backstage interview with Zayn and he says that Cesaro is a beast. He wants Leo Kruger in a 2 out of 3 falls match next week. 

Antonio Cesaro vs. William Regal 

As you would expect, they start off with mat wrestling because they are two of the very best at it. Regal is 45 years old here. I'm not smart enough to know the names of all of the moves here, but Cesaro basically suplexed Regal from his knees and that was awesome. Regal gets in a few cheap shots while distracting the ref, but it backfires as Cesaro takes out his knee as he walks out of the corner. We get a second commercial break as Cesaro continues to work on the knee. Regal tries to fight back with some European uppercuts, but Cesaro delivers one that knocks him right back down. He hits the Cesaro Swing and he goes for the Neutralizer. Regal counters out and goes to work on the arms. Cesaro hits a double stomp to the head of Regal in a vicious looking move. Regal is limp as Cesaro tries to to give him the Neutralizer. Cesaro shows some compassion for a minute, but thinks the better of it and hits the Neutralizer for the victory. This was unlike any other match in NXT all year. It wasn't the classic I was hoping for, but it was definitely good. Regal made Cesaro look like a million bucks and it's too bad he wasn't being given that chance over on the main shows. After the match, Cesaro shakes Regals hand as he is being helped to the back. 

Match Rating: ***1/4

This was mostly a lot of clips, but we did get one long wrestling match and it was a memorable one. It was nice to see Cesaro get a strong victory, as he has been one of the bright spots of NXT when he has been on the show. This was a good recap of a much improved 2013 NXT. 

Overall Rating: 60%

Monday Night Raw 10-25-93 Review

Original Airdate: Monday, October 25th, 1993
Mid-Hudson Civic Center
Poughkeepsie, New York

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Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan are here to kick things off and we get highlights of the Crush/Randy Savage Summit. Heenan is so good at introducing a show. 

Crush vs. Phil Apollo

Crush is wearing the facepaint and purple attire. Crush kind of hits a spin kick in an awkward fashion. I will say the military press slam is pretty impressive here and then puts on his Kona Clutch for the easy victory. Crush is still Crush. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Johnny Polo makes fun of 1-2-3 Kid and Marty Jannetty. 

1-2-3 Kid vs. Marty Jannetty

I'm not quite sure why this is a match here, but I'm pretty stoked to watch it. We get a slow start, you know, since they are both babyfaces. They start showing off their speed and ability though and these guys are among the most talented on the roster right now. Kid hits a leaping spin kick and gets an early 2 count. Kid goes up for a dropkick, but Jannetty catches him and hits a powerbomb. Out comes Johnny Polo as we go to commercial break. Polo trips up Jannetty and the Kid almost steals the victory. Kid goes up top and misses with a somersault dive. Kid goes off the ropes and this time Polo trips him up. Jannetty slows things down and hits a snap suplex. He goes for another one and Kid counters into a German suplex into a bridge for a nearfall. Kid goes for a somersault plancha, but misses with Polo pushes Jannetty out of the way and Kid goes splat on the floor. Both men get counted out and Polo walks away laughing hysterically. Jannetty goes after him and brings him back into the ring. He and Kid work together and hit a double superkick. The match was good and unlike just about everything else on WWF TV in this time period. 

Match Rating: ***

We get another Jeff Jarrett vignette. He calls out Undertaker and Mr. Perfect, which is a weird pairing. These vignettes are pretty lame. 

Ludvig Borga vs. Mike Bucci

So glad to be blessed with another Bucci match. Borga goes right after him as soon as he enters the ring. Borga is kind of just a crappy version of modern day Brock Lesnar to be honest. He hits a couple of suplexes and then a leaping clothesline. He puts on the Toture Rack for the victory. It's the same thing every match for Borga. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

After the match, he says he will end Tatanka's streak.

Men On A Mission vs. Todd Mata & Steve Greenman

Mo hits a second rope clothesline and then in comes Mabel to steamroll Greenman. They hit a double dropkick and Greenman tags in Mata. Mabel hits a splash in the corner and a double team for a clothesline to the back. Mabel finishes him off with a running inverted bulldog. That was a boring squash. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

It's Survivor Series Report time. Four Doinks against Bam Bam Bigelow, Headshrinker and Bastion Booger is added. Also added is Mr. Perfect, 1-2-3 Kid, Marty Jannetty and Razor Ramon against Adam Bomb, Diesel, Rick Martel and IRS. 

Diesel vs. Dan Dubiel

Nice work on a taped show to spell Diesel wrong. With a mullet like his, I guess that's enough to distract you. Diesel just toys around with Dubiel, not really doing much of anything. Diesel hits a big boot and then a right hand, which I guess is his finisher. That wasn't overly impressive. It's a testament to how far he would come by 1994. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Next week it's Well Dunn vs. Smoking Gunns and Razor Ramon vs. Bastion Booger. It doesn't get much better than that. 

Even though this show featured one of the better Raw matches of the year, it also featured some of the worst squash matches of the year between Diesel, Borga and Crush. Nothing else really happened storyline wise either and none of the feuds feel hot as we near Survivor Series. 

Overall Rating: 41%

Elimination Chamber 2021 Review

Sunday, February 21st, 2021
Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg, Florida

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Elimination Chamber For A Universal Championship Match Later Tonight

Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. King Corbin vs. Jey Uso vs. Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan

It's the Ring of Honor 4 in here tonight and no better way to start things off than with Cesaro and Bryan. Bryan hits a back body drop, causing Cesaro to hit the chains and follows it up with a top rope kick. Bryan hits a missile dropkick this time and gets the first 2 count. Cesaro hits a big clothesline on a charging Bryan, turning him inside out. After exchanging forearms, Cesaro hits a vertical suplex that would make Davey Boy proud. King Corbin is the first out of the pod and hopefully the first to be eliminated. Bryan hits dueling dropkicks in the corner, but Cesaro moves the second time and hits running forearms on both. Corbin catches him for Deep Six and regains control. Corbin ties up Bryan in the tree of woe as the clock counts down and releases Sami Zayn next. Zayn closes the door while Corbin tries to attack him. Bryan comes in and makes the save. While Zayn taunts Corbin, Cesaro comes from the other side and attacks him. Zayn is the best character going. Sami goes for a Helluva Kick, but misses and hits the pod. Corbin hits a superplex on Bryan and Zayn hits a tornado DDT on Cesaro. Cesaro launches Zayn up on top of the pod just as I was thinking to myself how there hasn't been a big spot yet. Cesaro and Zayn start battling on top of the pod. Zayn starts climbing across the cage, but Cesaro is right behind him and hits a double stomp to knock him down to the mat. Corbin is there to greet Cesaro, which kind of makes no sense. Why would you not try to pin Zayn? After a nice little segment between Corbin and Cesaro, Cesaro hits a top rope forearm and then the Cesaro Swing. Cesaro puts him in the Sharpshooter and Corbin taps. The clock is counting down and in comes Kevin Owens. Zayn tries to talk him into teaming up, but Owens throws him into the pod instead. Bryan puts on a sleeper hold, but Owens dumps them both on top of Cesaro. Zayn goes up top, but Owens meets him there. Zayn bites his arm and knocks him off. Zayn leaps over Owens and Owens hits him with a superkick. Owens hits cannonballs to all three opponents. We get the big move spot and Owens finishes it off with a Pop Up Powerbomb to Bryan. Owens then hits a neckbreaker on his knee on Zayn for a nearfall and then a fisherman buster on Bryan for another. Jey Uso is the last man in and Owens goes right after him. Owens goes up top and hits a moonsault onto the pack of opponents. Owens hits the Stunner on Bryan and Cesaro, then rolls in the ring and gives Zayn one. That's enough to eliminate Zayn and we are down to four. As Zayn is being taken out, Uso slams the door on Owens' arm and fights to keep it down on it. He hits the trapped Owens with superkicks. Uso goes up top and hits a frog splash to eliminate Owens. Uso charges at Cesaro, but Cesaro hits a leaping forearm for a stiff looking shot. I truly wish there was a live crowd here for this. Cesaro starts swinging Uso into the chains. Cesaro catches Bryan and slams him back into the ring. Cesaro goes off the top, but Bryan hits him in the midsection with a kick. Bryan hits a big kick to the head and we get another nearfall. Bryan again hits him with a kick to the head, but this time goes up top. Cesaro gets in a forearm before he gets there and puts him on his shoulders and tosses him up for a super gutbuster! He puts him in a one legged Cesaro Swing on the bad knee of Bryan, but Uso hits him with a superkick and a frog splash to eliminate Cesaro. Uso then hits a frog splash for Bryan, but Bryan kicks out. Uso climbs up the chains and to the top of the pod. Bryan gets his knees up on the big frog splash. Bryan hits the running knee and gets the victory! Yes! They certainly got a lot of time, with the match running close to 40 minutes. Cesaro and Bryan did a great job running the match and the rest played their roles well. 

Match Rating: ***3/4

Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman are here now and I guess we're getting this match right now. 

Universal Championship Match

Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns

Reigns goes after Bryan and Bryan gets the Yes Lock in! Reigns powers out of it though and starts clubbing Bryan. He hits a variation of a powerbomb and puts him in the Guillotine for the easy victory. They did a nice job giving you that false hope and then putting over Reigns as the nasty heel. This was for storyline purposes and it worked. As a match though, I can't go any higher than my squash rating.

Match Rating: 1/4*

In comes Edge and he hits him with a Spear. If there was any doubt at this point, it's looking like Edge and Reigns, as Edge points to the sign and fireworks magically go off. 

Bad Bunny is hanging out with Sonya Deville and here comes the Miz. Bad Bunny insults him for not being a champion and Damian Priest is there for backup. Miz heads out, while they celebrate. 

Triple Threat Match For The United States Championship

Riddle vs. John Morrison vs. Bobby Lashley

When I unquestionably find myself randomly skimming pay-per-view results 10 years from now, I will very likely find it impossible to remember how these three ended up in the same match. After knocking Riddle out of the ring and hitting Lashley with a kick, Lashley charges at Morrison and knocks hi off the apron. He then puts him on his shoulders in a Torture Rack and spins him into the ring post. Why is Lashley so much better in his 40s than he was in his prime? He then throws a charging Riddle and then back into the ring. Morrison decide to work together and it works for a moment until Lashley hits a huge slam on Morrison and then Riddle. Riddle catches Lashley with a headscissor and dumps him outside. Morrison hits a corkscrew dive over the top rope and Riddle hits a springboard moonsault on Lashley. Morrison drives Riddle into the ring post and throws him back in for a 2 count. Morrison and Riddle have a really fast-paced sequence together and then Lashley joins in on the fun. Riddle hits a Flying Bro and then MVP and Morrison start arguing. Morrison takes MVP's crutch and he goes to use it on Lashley, but he ducks and puts in the Hurt Lock. Riddle uses it and breaks it on his back. Riddle hits the Bro Derek to win the United States Championship. I really loved this match, shockingly more than the opener. I love matches that go at this pace especially when they have a diverse group of wrestlers. 

Match Rating: ****

WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Match

Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax vs. Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks

Please don't turn Sasha heel for this feud. Bianca gets a little time to shine and it just proves that she was the right choice to win the Royal Rumble. Honestly, she probably should have won it in 2020 instead. Baszler reminds us that she's pretty good too, despite being saddled with Jax. Things just seem a little bit off, which isn't that surprising with thrown together tag teams. The champs haven't even had the chance to do house shows to help their teamwork. Sasha hits a frog splash on Baszler for a nearfall. Belair hits the KOD, but Jax pulls her out of the ring to save their titles. Belair tries to lift up Jax, but it's too much and she hits a chokeslam. Jax puts Belair up for a Samoan drop, but Sasha makes the blind tag and hits a Meteora for a 2 count. Out comes Reginald, but Banks puts on the Bank Statement on Jax. Reginald tosses Sasha a bottle of champagne, which distracts the ref and Jax hits a Samoan drop to retain their titles. This would have probably been better served for SmackDown, but obviously they wanted the extra shine on the Reginald storyline. 

Match Rating: **

They hype up Fastlane, which will be the first show on Peacock. That will take awhile to not be weird. They show Miz and MVP talking in the back. 

Elimination Chamber Match For The WWE Championship

Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton

So Orton and Hardy start this one out like it's 2008. Honestly, nothing of note really happens here and finally the countdown begins. Drew McIntyre is in here now and goes right after Orton. Orton is able to slow the momentum quickly though and hits a reverse neckbreaker. Kofi Kingston is fourth and he sneaks in and eliminates Orton with a surprise pinfall. No complaints from me there. Orton hits RKOs out of frustration and then AJ Styles has Omos rip out the plexiglass from behind the pod and Styles runs into the chamber and tries to steal a victory. I'm not quite sure why that would even count? Adam Pierce ejects Omos from ringside and I guess Styles stays in. Hardy leaps up top, but McIntyre tosses him into the pod. Kofi then hits a SOS on McIntyre for a nearfall. Now that Orton it out of there, I am much more interested in the match. Styles hits a nice brainbuster on Kofi, but Kofi kicks out of the pin attempt. McIntyre really seems to thrive in matches like these, where his size and strength really stand out and he can just be a beast. In comes Sheamus and they start with the hockey fighting. Kofi leaps up to the top rope and knocks over both Sheamus and McIntyre. Kofi works his way to the top of the pod and Sheamus is climbing up there too, but McIntyre crotches him. Styles and Hardy come in to help McIntyre hit the superplex on Sheamus. I thought for sure Hardy would hit one big spot and then be eliminated quickly. Instead, Kofi hits his dive and knocks out all four opponents. None of his pin attempts work though. Sheamus and Kofi go at it and it leads to a Brogue Kick and Kofi being eliminated. No Kofi Mania this year. Hardy hits a Twist Of Fate on McIntyre for a 2 count and then he hits one on Styles. Hardy now goes on the pod and hits a Whisper In The Wind on McIntyre and Sheamus. He then hits a Swanton on Styles, but gets hit with a Claymore Kick and is eliminated by McIntyre. Styles hits a 450 splash on McIntyre, but the champ kicks out. Sheamus hits a top rope clothesline on Styles, but then McIntyre hits a Future Shock on Sheamus. McIntyre wants the Claymore Kick, but Sheamus hits him with a Brogue Kick. Styles then hits Sheamus with the Phenomenal Forearm and eliminates Sheamus. Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but McIntyre hits the Claymore Kick and retains his title. Even though the visual of Omos ripping out the plexiglass was great, I didn't love the little wrinkle of Styles entering early. There was some good action in here, but it felt a little less exciting than I thought it would be. McIntyre retaining of course was the right decision and that final Claymore was a highlight reel moment. 

Match Rating: ***1/4

Lashley comes in and attacks McIntyre. The Miz's music hits and he is cashing in the Money In The Bank. Interesting that they would do this with the Reigns match earlier feeling very similar. 

WWE Championship Match

Drew McIntyre vs. Miz

Miz hits a DDT, but McIntyre kicks out. Skull Crushing Finale and we have a new WWE Champion. I make no secret about it, I am a Miz fan and I absolutely wanted to see one more reign for him. So count me in as one of the few that love this moment. Obviously, the match is a squash, but the moment is fun. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

I really enjoyed this show overall. It didn't feel overly long, despite featuring two long Chamber matches. I would have liked the main event to have delivered a little bit more, but the triple threat match over-delivered earlier, so I felt that made up for it. I am a big Miz fan, so the ending worked and the show gets a thumbs up from me. Between this and TakeOver, I am getting more excited for WrestleMania. 

Overall Rating: 76%

SmackDown 2-17-06 Review

Original Airdate: Friday, February 17th, 2006
Norfolk Scope Arena
Norfolk, Virginia

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Rey Mysterio vs. Sylvan

Sylvan insults Mysterio on his way to the ring, so Mysterio hits him with a dropkick and a dive to the outside. He hits a springboard seated senton, but instead of going for the pin, he shows his aggressive side. He misses a bronco buster in the corner and Sylvan takes advantage. Sylvan hits a standing spinebuster for a 2 count. Mysterio misses a springboard moonsault and Sylvan greets him with a clothesline. Mysterio escapes a body slam and hits the 619/springboard leg drop combo and picks up the victory. Out comes Randy Orton and tells Rey that he will never main event WrestleMania and become Heavyweight Champion. 

Match Rating: **

Kurt Angle confronts Mysterio backstage and tells him to "never say never". Angle says he'll face him at WrestleMania and in comes Mark Henry, who says that he's taking out both Angle and Undertaker. 

Orlando Jordan is in the ring and he says that he should be facing Booker T at No Way Out, not Chris Benoit. He claims to be the greatest athlete in SmackDown history. He says that there is no one in the locker room that he can't beat and out comes the Boogeyman.

Orlando Jordan vs. Boogeyman

Jordan attacks Boogey on his way in, but he no sells the offense. He catches a kick and hits him with a clothesline. He hits the pump handle slam and gets the victory. Yep. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

In the back Gregory Helms walks through a group of cruiserweights and tells them to "watch and learn". 

Cruiserweight Championship Match 

Gregory Helms vs. Scotty 2 Hotty

Scotty gets the quick burst of offense, but Helms throws him into the ring post. Helms hits a variation of the F5 in a pretty innovative spot. After some submission holds, Scotty makes his come back and signals for the worm, but Helms hits him with a big right hand. Helms hits the Shining Wizard and that is all. Helms grabs the mic and says that he'll do that to any cruiserweight any time he wants and starts attacking Scotty. All of the cruiserweights come in and attack Helms. They all hit their signature moves and then lay him out so that Scotty can hit the worm. The match itself was fine for what it was. 

Match Rating: *1/2

Helms is shown backstage getting medical attention and Teddy Long lets him know that Sunday he is facing every cruiserweight at the same time. 

Kristal is with the pirate, Paul Burchill. Mr. Kennedy walks in and insults him. Burchill holds a sword to his throat and Kennedy says that they could use a pirate in this business. 

Booker T and Sharmell are out and are joining the announce booth. 

Finlay & JBL vs. Bobby Lashley & Chris Benoit

Benoit and Finlay start things off. Finlay gets in some mat wrestling to start, but you'll never guess what Benoit does next? If you had chops, you're catching on. Benoit goes for a baseball slide, but Finlay catches him in the apron and then JBL stomps on his hand on the steps. JBL tags in and continues to work on Benoit. Benoit is able to make a tag into Lashley and he throws JBL around. JBL throws Lashley out of the ring, but he's right back in and on the attack. JBL hits a thumb to the eye and tags in Finlay. Lashley hits a clothesline in the corner on Finlay and he rolls out of the ring. Lashley misses a clothesline on Finlay and JBL is there to hit him with a big boot into the commercial break. Lashley makes a comeback and a tag to Benoit and he hits more chops. Benoit hits suplexes on both men, but Finlay drops an elbow on Benoit during his pin attempt. Benoit gives German suplexes out and then puts JBL in the Crippler Crossface. Finlay pulls him off and throws him out of the ring. Benoit throws him into the steps and then hangs up JBL on the top rope. He knocks out the referee and Booker hits him with a chair. JBL hits a Clothesline From Hell and picks up the victory. That was the appropriate time to use a cheap finish, as it furthered the Booker/Benoit story and kept both Finlay and JBL strong. The match itself was pretty good as well. 

Match Rating: ***

Simon Dean makes fun of the fat Virginia hams and tells them there will be no way out of their seats with all of the food they are eating. It should be noted that Gymini is with Dean. 

Simon Dean vs. Matt Hardy

Hardy charges after Dean in the corner, but one of the Gymini pull him out of the way. Charles Robinson ejects them both and Dean hits an elbow to the back of Hardy. Hardy hits a Side Effect and some clotheslines. He hits a swinging neckbreaker and the second rope leg drop. Hardy hits the Twist Of Fate and gets the quick victory. I love Simon Dean. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Matt Hardy approaches Melina and he says he's accepting her offer, but not the "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine". He says that he and a mystery opponent will take on MNM at No Way Out. Michael Cole and Tazz then run down the card for No Way Out and it really is a strong card for a brand exclusive show. 

Handicap Tag Team Match

MNM & Mark Henry vs. Kurt Angle & Undertaker

Angle is ready to start, but then Taker steps in front of him, so Angle goes in the corner. After a quick showdown with Mercury, he tags in Henry. Blind tag by Angle though and he attacks Henry when he goes off the ropes. Things break down and Taker knocks Henry off the apron and then he and Angle one up each other with Nitro and Mercury. As they have a face off, Henry comes in and knocks them both out. I like the dynamic in this match. Angle is able to pull out an Ankle Lock on Henry, but he kicks out and goes back to isolating Angle in his corner. Angle hits a back suplex on Mercury and makes the hot tag to Taker. He takes out both members of MNM, but when he goes for a double chokeslam, Henry comes in from behind to knock him down. Taker makes his comeback with a big DDT on Henry. When Taker signals for the chokeslam, Angle tags his hand and hits suplexes on MNM. Angle Slam on Nitro and the straps are down. Henry walks in and Taker hits a big boot. Angle puts on the Ankle Lock and Nitro taps to a big pop from the crowd. After the match, Henry goes to attack Angle and Taker saves him and gives him a chokeslam. Taker then hits a Tombstone on Henry and Angle stands in disbelief. They have the face off that would become the DVD cover and we are out of time. The match was a good showcase for the main event, even if it didn't do their opponents many favors. 

Match Rating: ***

This episode featured a lot of action and most of it was enjoyable. The two tag matches delivered and I am really looking forward to re-visiting No Way Out. Thumbs up. 

Overall Rating: 68%

Monday Night Raw 2-13-06 Review

Monday, February 13th, 2006
Greensboro Coliseum
Greensboro, North Carolina

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Road To WrestleMania Tournament Semi-Final Match

Triple H vs. Big Show

No arguments from me with them starting the show with a match instead of an interview. Big Show attacks Triple H on his way into the ring and then starts hitting with the open palm chops. Show throws Triple H into the corner and he is out and over the ropes to the floor. Triple H is able to throw Show into the ring post and he is busted open. It's not too often that you Show bleeding. He's fired up now and hits a body slam, but misses the leg drop. He goes for a chokeslam, but Triple H counters with a DDT for a 2 count. Triple H goes for the Pedigree, but Show back body slams him and both men are down. Show goes for a chokeslam, but he gets a thumb to the eye. Triple H goes to the second rope, but Show catches him for a chokeslam, but Triple H is able to get his foot on the bottom rope before the 3 count. The action spills outside again and Show throws him into the steps. Show charges at Triple H, but he pulls him into the steps now. Triple H tries to crawl in, but Show grabs him and both men are counted out. They keep brawling after the match and Show pushes him through the barricade. These two definitely have better than you would expect chemistry. 

Match Rating: **1/2

They show the highlight of when Shawn lost his smile. They go to Vince McMahon backstage and ask him if the winner of RVD/Chris Masters match will go to WrestleMania. Vince says that since neither man lost, both Big Show and Triple H will face the winner in a triple threat. In comes Ms. Benjamin and she begs him for an Intercontinental Championship match. Vince says that if Shelton wins tonight against Eugene, he'll be the #1 contender. 

Mick Foley is singing "Big Time" and in walk Edge and Lita. Mick lets Edge know that he won't screw him over. We are just 48 days away from WrestleMania.

Shelton Benjamin vs. Eugene

Eugene tries to apologize to Shelton's mom, but Shelton attacks him and throws him in the ring. Eugene is already no selling head shots in the turnbuckle. He hits a series of fists and an airplane spin. Shelton is able to hit a Samoan drop and then hits the Exploder for the quick victory. That was extremely short when you think that just 6 months ago Eugene faced Kurt Angle at SummerSlam. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

They show a clip of Michaels confronting Vince in 1997 about the curtain call. 

Ashley vs. Torrie Wilson

Torrie attacks Ashley before the bell and it sends her outside. Back in the ring, Torrie swings Ashley around by her pigtails and then shoves Chloe's butt in her face. Torrie hits a big clothesline and then a X-Factor. Ashley goes for a crucifix, but slips off and pins her anyways. Not a good ending there. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

After Torrie's loss, Candice Michelle announces that she'll be on the cover of Playboy and then takes off her robe. 

The next highlight is from the night that started the whole feud between Michaels and Vince in December. 

Vince is out with a desk and two attorneys for the retirement of Michaels. He introduces Michaels, who is down in the dumps. Vince brings out the Spirit Squad for a special cheer and it's as bad as you probably remember unless you wisely blocked them out of your memory. Vince insults Michaels and the crowd and tells him to sign the papers. Shawn starts to speak, but Vince cuts him off and tells him to sign the papers. Vince tells him no and says that walking away isn't an option. He asks Vince why he's doing this to him and Vince says that Shawn has the inner peace that he craves. Vince then gets all red-faced and crazy trying to get over the stupid lines he's reciting. Vince says that Shawn will sign the papers because he hates people like him. Shawn starts to sign and then rips up the papers. Vince slaps him and Shawn flips over the table. Vince walks to the back and reminds him that by ripping those papers he opened the floodgates to his own personal hell. This was a well done segment, but the reasoning for Vince's motives were pretty weak. 

They then announce that Bret Hart will be inducted to the Hall of Fame, which was a pretty huge announcement at the time. 

Road To WrestleMania Tournament Semi-Final Match

Chris Masters vs. Rob Van Dam

RVD starts off hot with some slingshot leg drops. Masters blocks a monkey flip attempt and then catches RVD in the air for a body slam. Masters knocks RVD off the apron and he lands on the barricade and into the laps of fans in the first row. Masters puts him in the Torture Rack until RVD is able to fight out with some elbows and into a sunset flip pin attempt. Shout out to the fan wearing a Barry Sanders jersey. Masters eats a springboard back kick to the chin and then a leaping kick off the top rope. He hits Rolling Thunder, but is crotched when he goes up to the top rope. RVD blocks the superplex and kicks him off. RVD hits the Five Star Frog Splash for the victory. They seemed to be a little off on chemistry and I have to say I am a little surprised how quickly he got the victory over Masters. 

Match Rating: *3/4

Backstage they show Trish's boyfriend bringing flowers to her locker room. He walks in and it's Mickie James in a wig. She tries to seduce him, but he shuts it down. Mickie starts screaming and a security guard takes him away. Back from commercial and Trish is checking in on a crying Mickie. This wasn't good. 

WWE Championship Match

Edge vs. John Cena

Mick Foley of course is the guest referee here. They try playing up the fact that Foley won't call it down the middle as we go into an early commercial break. Cena hits a fisherman suplex and gets an early 2 count. Edge regains control and punts Cena right in the gut and hits a clothesline. Edge sets up for a superplex, but Cena pushes him off and hits a top rope splash for a 2 count. Lita gets involved and Foley ejects her to the delight of the crowd. Edge hits a baseball slide and gets a 2 count when Foley is slow to get back in the ring. Edge puts Cena in a sleeper hold in the middle of the ring and Cena is down. Cena uses his strength to get back up to his feet and slams Edge back. Cena explodes with clotheslines and shoulder blocks. Cena hits a belly-to-belly suplex for a 2 count, but Edge hits him with a boot right to the face. Edge goes up to the top rope, but Cena gets him up on his shoulders. Edge counters that for a sunset flip powerbomb, but gets caught with his feet on the ropes during the pin attempt. He and Foley get into it and Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena goes for the FU, but Edge hits a DDT for a close call. Edge misses the Spear, but then pushes Cena into Foley. Edge hits Foley again and sends him out of the ring. Cena puts on the STFU and Edge is tapping, but Foley is out. Lita breaks it up and provides a distraction for Edge to comeback. He hits Cena in the face with the WWE Championship and in comes Foley. Cena kicks out of the pin attempt and Edge again goes up to the top rope. Cena catches him and puts him up for the FU and gets the victory. Those last 5 minutes was some just great main event craziness. Very well executed TV main event match. 

Match Rating: ***1/2

After the match, Lita hits Foley with a low blow and Edge follow up with a Spear. 

This was a really enjoyable episode of Raw featuring a good main event and a solid opener. There was a lot of action and also featured the continuation of both the Vince/HBK and Mickie/Trish storylines. Good stuff all around. 

Overall Rating: 70%

NXT 12-18-13 Review

Original Airdate: Wednesday, December 18th, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida

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It's time to play the game. Triple H is here to celebrate the 200th episode of NXT, which is kind of a stretch. I don't really see how you can say that the original variation of NXT is the same as it is here in 2013. He thanks the fans and it's on with the show.

Sami Zayn & Tyson Kidd vs. Leo Kruger & Antonio Cesaro

We start off with Kidd and Kruger and then Zayn and Cesaro. Cesaro then hits a big backbreaker on Kidd as we go into a commercial break. They cut the ring in half and continue to work on Kidd. Kidd makes a hot tag to Zayn despite Kruger's best effort to keep him away. Zayn hits a crossbody for a nearfall. Zayn hits a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Cesaro breaks up the pin attempt. Kidd hits a somersault dive to the outside on Cesaro. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick and that is all. This was a strong opener for the show. 

Match Rating: **3/4

Emma walks up to Natalya, who is watching her husband. Natalya is irritated with her and they decide to have a match. 

Sasha Banks vs. Paige

A slight distraction by Summer Rae allows Sasha to start off strong. Paige is able to throw Sasha off the top rope and then hits some clotheslines. Summer grabs Paige's ankle to slow her down, but she moves out of the way and Sasha accidentally hits Summer. She hits the Paige Turner for the victory. That was a lot shorter than I expected.

Match Rating: 3/4*

Enzo and Big Cass are backstage with Enzo being in a wheelchair. They go up to Aiden English, who is singing. They are going to have a sing-off next week. 

NXT Tag Team Championship Match

The Ascension vs. American Pitbulls

The American Pitbulls are the American Wolves. Byron Saxton trying to say that you can't compare the Pitbulls to the Ascension because of the unspoken chemistry is hilarious. There was a scary spot where Billington almost gets dropped on his head, but he made a nice recovery. He makes a tag to Cahill and he gets a nearfall. He sends both opponents to the outside and they hit the double dive. Billington hits a top rope headbutt for another 2 count. He then gets hit by a big kick and they hit Fall Of Man for the victory. That was about as impressive as the Pitbulls were going to look in this situation. Hunico and Camacho after the match come down, so the Ascension hit another Fall Of Man on Cahill. 

Match Rating: **

Kofi Kingston is here and he of course gets interrupted, this time it's Lana. She lets him know that Rusev wants him next week and Kofi accepts. 

Lumberjack Match For The NXT Championship

Adrian Neville vs. Bo Dallas

The Fink is here for the ring introductions and man, do I miss him. Bo throws Neville out and when Tyler Breeze tries to throw him back in, Neville greets him with a slap to the face instead. After the commercial, Neville hits a series of Yes Kicks to the champion. Bo slows things down and takes control of the match. Bo hits a big clothesline and gets a 2 count. Neville makes his comeback and surprisingly the crowd is kind of flat here. Neville hits a standing shooting star press for a 2 count that wakes the crowd up. Neville goes up top, but Dallas leaves the ring. In a dumb spot, all of the lumberjacks come over to Dallas and then just stand there while Neville hits them all with a senton off the top rope. The only good that comes out of it is that Breeze is the only one who didn't go over there. Neville goes up top and Breeze pulls Dallas out of the ring, causing Neville to miss the Red Arrow. Dallas gets the pin and retains the title. This was a good main event, but nothing to go out of your way to see. 

Match Rating: **1/2

While they didn't hit a home run for the 200th episode, they definitely presented an entertaining show featuring many of their best talents. 2014 is the year the TakeOver era begins, but 2013 was where the momentum began. 

Overall Rating: 60%

NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day Review

Sunday, February 14th, 2021
WWE Performance Center
Orlando, Florida

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Women's Dusty Rhodes Classic Finals

Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez vs. Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon

Gonzalez throws Shotzi around a little, so she tags in Ember. Gonzalez hits a sidewalk slam on her and so they illegally double team her while Kai just watches. Gonzalez's strength really is impressive. Kai tags in and misses a kick in the corner. Shotzi ties up her legs, dumps her to the mat and puts on a Texas cloverleaf. Kai gets to the ropes, but they hit a flurry of offense on her immediately after. Shotzi rolls into a single leg crab and Kai is unable to make a tag. Interesting to see them have Kai play the heel in peril here instead of the usual babyface. Moon and and Blackheart are arguing with the ref about a tag, but they get to Kai yet again before she can make the tag. Kai rolls Moon into the turnbuckle and finally makes the tag. Gonzalez hits a couple of clotheslines and then hits a fall away slam. She pulls Shotzi and gives her one for good measure. She tags in Kai and holds her up for a top rope clothesline, but Shotzi makes the save on the pin attempt. Shotzi and Gonzalez start brawling and Gonzalez throws her into the plexiglass. Moon is in, but the numbers game catches up to her and just barely kicks out of a pin attempt. All four women here are working extremely hard and keeping up a frantic pace. Kai hits a kick into a seated Moon in the corner for another 2 count. Moon ducks a clothesline and Gonzalez hits Kai. Moon makes a comeback while Shotzi is still knocked out of commission. Moon hits an Eclipse on Gonzalez, but Kai distracts the ref long enough to give Gonzalez time to recover. Gonzalez picks up Moon, but Shotzi hits her with a missile dropkick. Shotzi hits a dive under the legs of Moon and through the ropes onto Kai on the outside. Shozi hits a neckbreaker and Moon hits a Codebreaker, but it is still not enough. They are doing everything to make Gonzalez look like a monster and it is working. Moon then hits a crossbody variation of the Doomsday Device off of Moon's shoulders on Kai. Gonzalez hits a variation of the Go To Sleep with Kai hitting her with a kick instead of Gonzalez's knee. She then throws Moon onto the entrance ramp and then off of it to the floor. Shotzi hits Gonzalez on her way back in and gets a nearfall. Shotzi flips Kai over onto Gonzalez and goes up top. Gonzalez knocks her off and then tosses Kai onto Shotzi. Gonzalez hits the chokeslam and they win the first ever Women's Dusty Rhodes Classic. This was an absolutely fabulous opening match with non-stop action. Well done. 

Match Rating: ****1/4

NXT North American Championship Match

Kushida vs. Johnny Gargano

We get some mat wrestling to start. We then get a quick burst of action with Kushida being one step ahead of Gargano's signature offense and it ends with Kushida putting on the Gargano Escape, but Gargano gets to the ropes. Garagano hits a kick to the jaw of Kushida from the apron. Kushida hits a suplex on the outside, as he continues to dominate this match. Kushida is focusing on Gargano's left shoulder and arm. Gargano finally gets in some offense with a neckbreaker on the second rope. Gargano hits a series of suplexes and mocks Kushida. We then get a series of pinfalls and then into a double clothesline. Kushida hits a nice cartwheel dropkick and then is stomping him in the back of the head. We get another series of counters until Kushida hits him Gargano with a kick to the back of the head. Kushida catches the slingshot and hits a DDT into a suplex combo for a nearfall. This is two matches in a row where they are telling a really nice in ring story, this time with Kushida having an answer for everything Gargano throws at him. Kushida hits a cartwheel kick on Gargano, who was climbing the ropes. Gargano counters Kushida this time and hits a corkscrew superplex. They are battling on their knees. Kushida goes for a springboard back elbow, but Gargano catches him and puts him in the Gargano Lock. The little details that Gargano puts into his facial expressions are top notch. Kushida rolls over and puts in the Hoverboard Lock. Gargano hits a lawn dart into the second turnbuckle and both men are down. Kushida brings Gargano up top and hits a variation of a Spanish Fly and into an arm bar on the injured arm. Gargano rolls over, but Kushida rolls right back. Gargano struggles and finally gets his legs to the rope. They're out of the ring and Gargano drives Kushida into the barricade to buy himself some time. They are on the elevated ramp and Kushida takes a running charge and kicks Gargano in the shoulder. Gargano snaps his neck on the ropes and hits One Final Beat on the ramp. Gargano hits a second One Final Beat, this time in the ring and gains the victory. That was another tremendous match and Kushida's true breakthrough performance here on NXT. Gargano, as always, was amazing. 

Match Rating: ****

Men's Dusty Rhodes Classic Tournament Finals

MSK vs. Grizzled Young Veterans

After the GYV take control early, Nash Carter hits a sprinboard corkscrew to turn the tide. Wes Lee comes in and they hit a flurry of moves including a cartwheel leap over the top rope by Lee and then Carter leaps off of Lee's back. Gibson avoids it and hits a clothesline on Carter. GYV isolate Carter, showing off their veteran instincts. Carter tries to comeback, but is greeted by a huge clothesline. Carter shows signs of life again and hits a suplex. He's unable to make the tag because Lee is dragged out of his corner and they hit a double team on Carter, but he kicks out. Lee finally gets a tag in and explodes with his athletic offense. He hits a swanton over the the corner turnbuckle and knocks off both men. He then hits a backflip kick and gets a 2 count. Lee goes up top, but after a distraction from Drake, Gibson pulls him off. He goes for a powerbomb, but it's countered into an X Factor. Carter is all fired up and is going crazy on Gibson. He then hits a springboard Diamond Cutter and we get another close call. He goes for another backflip kick, but Gibson hits him with a knee. He hits a Helter Skelter and then a 450 splash, but Carter kicks out. I am going to rain on my own parade a little bit and say that they shouldn't have kicked out of that. I so often get lost in the spectacular pace of these NXT matches that I forget that they kick out of everything. MSK then hits a reverse rana and then some high flying moves and somehow Drake kicks out. Again, that was a finish. GYV then hit a Doomsday Device suicide dive clothesline that flips Lee over. That was pretty insane. Carter fights off both opponents, but Gibson clubs him from behind and they hit a super backstabber and again we get a kick out. Lee breaks up a double team and saves the day. Lee gets the legal tag and he hits a backflip reverse neckbreaker for the victory. This was another pedal to the metal match, but I do have to nitpick on the false finishes being a little too unbelievable. Still, there was still too much for me to like to go below excellent. MSK looks to be WWE's answer to the Young Bucks.

Match Rating: ****

We get a fun Cameron Grimes music video to break things up. 

Triple Threat Match For The NXT Women's Championship

Mercedes Martinez vs. Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai

Martinez interrupts the introductions and starts the brawl. Martinez is able to slam Storm to the mat and then bait Shirai into missing a moonsault to the outside. Martinez is now focusing on Storm in the ring. Shirai comes in and puts Storm in a Crossface and then Martinez puts Shirai in a Dragon Sleeper. Martinez then hits a face-first suplex on Shirai. Shirai hits a 619 and a missile dropkick on Martinez. Ash she's going up top, Storm meets her there. As she is going for a superplex, Martinez shoves Shirai off and hits a German suplex from the top. Shirai is back up there and hits a stomp to the hanging Martinez. We get some craziness on the outside of the ring and Shirai leaps off the steel pillar. Martinez hits a fisherman suplex and gets a 2 count on Storm. Storm hits a nasty looking headbutt and Storm Zero, but Martinez kicks out. Cue the shocked face from Storm. This is where the kick outs start to wear thin. You have a third competitor to break up the pin. Storm hits a headbutt off the top rope, but Shirai hits a moonsault off the top rope on both and pins Martinez. This one just didn't click like the first three matches. It felt a little disjointed and just not as important. This was still good, just not anywhere near great. 

Match Rating: ***

LA Knight has signed with NXT and they show him from the pre-show. Wade Barrett was fun here. So glad he's back. 

NXT Championship Match

Pete Dunne vs. Finn Balor

These two put on a clinic to start and show why they are main eventing the show. Dunne starts with the finger manipulation, with Balor doing whatever he can to try and roll through. Balor changes things around and works on the ankle of Dunne. Dunne hits a suplex, but drops him on his back rather than completing the suplex. Dunne hits a big enzuigiri, but Balor bounces up for a big clothesline. Balor continues to work on the ankle and then puts on the STF. Dunne is out and the pace picks up, with Dunne hitting a sit down powerbomb for a nearfall. Dunne stomps on the fingers of Balor, but Balor is able to take out his leg again. He hits a backstabber and a running dropkick. Balor is up top and he goes for the Coup de Grace, but Dunne catches him and puts him in a triangle choke. Balor is able to drag his feet to the bottom rope, but Balor appears to be knocked out. Dunne drags him to the middle of the ring, but the referee gets in there to check on the status of Balor. Balor says he can continue and Dunne stomps him. Balor goes into an abdominal stretch, but Dunne grabs the fingers of Balor and snaps them. Balor is still fighting for his life, but Dunne keeps holding on. Dunne hits the Bitter End, but Balor kicks out. Dune hits a double stomp on Balor's hands, but Balor counters a powerbomb with a DDT. Dunne is clinging to the fingers of Balor, even as he goes after Dunne's leg again. Balor finally breaks the hold and then rips the mouth guard from Dunne's mouth and hits a running dropkick. He hits the Coup de Grace and 1916 to retain his title. This was an intense and physical battle that featured a different style than the other matches on the show. I didn't love it quite as much as probably some will, but I definitely respect the effort and what they were going for. Another good main event to a great show. After the match, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch attack Balor and throw him back into the ring. Undisputed Era's music hits and they clear the ring. O'Reilly helps up Balor and they seem to come to an agreement. As they all pose, Adam Cole hits Balor with a superkick. O'Reilly doesn't like it, so Cole hits him with one as well. Roderick Strong is shocked as Cole heads to the back as the show comes to an end. There's the big angle heading into WrestleMania season. 

Match Rating: ***3/4

NXT has definitely found it's groove again when it comes to their TakeOver shows. Balor has created a shift in style for their main event matches to help break up the sprints that we see from the undercard on the shows. The women's tag match was the match of the night for my money and Gargano continued his incredible run of high quality matches on NXT's biggest stage. This show is another high recommendation. 

Overall Rating: 93%

Monday Night Raw 10-18-93 Review

Monday, October 18th, 1993
Mid-Hudson Civic Center
Poughkeepsie, New York

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Macho Man is very agitated as we kick things off and insists that everything will be fine between him and Crush.

Steiner Brothers vs. PJ Walker & Tony DeVito

The key word tonight is "summit" and I would say this match is the usual suplex summit by the Steiners. Scott then hits a vertical suplex into a sit down piledriver. Man, if I was only getting paid like $50 to do a squash, I'm not sure I would let anyone do that to me. They hit their super bulldog finisher and that is all. Why did they not do more in their run again? Awesome squash match. 

Match Rating: 3/4*

For only $0.99 a call, you can vote yes or no on whether or not Shawn Michael's suspension be lifted. They then have Diesel and Mr. Perfect on split screen pleading their cases. Diesel claims Michaels had a 108 degree fever. Seems legit. 

IRS vs. Scott Taylor

The Steiners seem to have fired up IRS a little, as he a little bit more pep in his step tonight. It doesn't last long, as he goes back to his usual snorefest. He hits his running clothesline and gets the victory. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

We now get a vignette on Jeff Jarrett. This is H-O-Double R-I-B-L-E.

Tatanka vs. Iron Mike Sharpe

They show a confrontation between Tatanka and Ludvig Borga over the weekend. Tatanka lets Sharpe get in some offense, so that he can make his comeback. He hits the Samoan drop for the victory. He's still undefeated and it still means nothing. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

It's finally time for a Survivor Series Report and unfortunately it's with Joe Fowler. They do add a pretty solid 1993 CGI intro though. No sarcasm, it's actually pretty good for the era. It's the All Americans against the Foreign Fanatics and the Hart Family against the King and his Knights. If that's not enough, Ray Combs is going to be there too! If Mean Gene was a Cadillac, Fowler is a bicycle with a flat tire. 

Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Dennis Diamond

The announcers are more focused on the whole Savage/Crush saga and the Shawn Michaels voting. Bam Bam is his usual self. He hits a dropkick and then launches himself over the top rope for a splash for the victory. Then it's right back to the Michaels phone numbers.

Match Rating: 1/4*

We cut to Diesel who is begging people to vote yes. 

Bobby Heenan introduces Crush to the ring and he's out with Mr. Fuji as his manager. Crush is all fired up and then explains how Savage did nothing but sit there while Yokozuna gave him Banzai Splashes. Savage says Crush is making a big mistake, but I would say Vince is making a big mistake by letting this be the feud that brings Savage back in the ring. Savage wants a chance to talk in private and offers a handshake. Heenan tells him not to do it and Crush tells him to shut up. After a long pause, they shake hands and Savage's music plays. They start walking to the back and then Crush clotheslines him. He then military presses him onto the guard rail. Out comes Jim Cornette and Yokozuna. Yoko hits the Banzai Splash. This was pretty well done as far as segments with Crush go.

Only 34% of people voted yes for Shawn. Next week it's 1-2-3 Kid vs. Marty Jannetty, plus Crush, Diesel and Ludvig Borga. 

There was not one feature match on this show, so it was basically an episode of Superstars. However, Raw has the live crowd feeling to it and it significantly helps out an episode like this. The Crush/Savage segment could have been a lot worse and the Steiners are always a blast to watch in this era. Hardly a thumbs up, but I would say this was a best case scenario considering the lineup we were given.

Overall Rating: 45%

SmackDown 2-10-06 Review

Original Airdate: Friday, February 10th, 2006
Columbus Civic Center
Columbus, Georgia

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United States Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4-Way Match

Matt Hardy vs. JBL vs. Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit

Booker T and Sharmell come out just before the bell rings to check things out at the announce booth. JBL and Jordan team up on Benoit. JBL clothesline Hardy over the ropes and throws him into the steps. Benoit fights back and then he and Hardy team up to throw JBL into the steps. Jordan comes from behind and throws Hardy into the ring post and then throws Benoit back into the ring. All four men are down heading into the commercial break. JBL comes in and starts cleaning house. He even hits a second rope elbow drop on Benoit. JBL and Jordan hit a double suplex on both Benoit and Hardy. Jordan holds Hardy up and JBL hits the Clothesline From Hell. JBL lets Jordan pin him and JBL kicks him in the head. JBL goes for a pin, but Benoit comes in and breaks it up. Benoit hits the Three Amigos on JBL and then hits the three German suplexes on Jordan. He then hits the top rope headbutt on Jordan and gets a nearfall. JBL tries to make nice with Jordan, but he dumps JBL out of the ring. Hardy hits the Side Effect on Jordan and goes for it on Benoit, but it is countered into the Crippler Crossface and Hardy taps. That match just did not click for me. I was expecting a really good match here and was really let down. 

Match Rating: **

Booker and Sharmell are steaming backstage and in walks Teddy Long. Teddy says that the title match will take place at No Way Out and if he can't wrestle, he will forfeit the United States Championship. 

JBL is interviewed backstage and he's mad since he didn't get beat tonight and says that he can beat anyone in the locker room. In walks Lashley and he challenges him to a match at No Way Out. Jillian Hall accepts the challenge for JBL. 

Matt Hardy is recovering from his match and MNM walks by and makes fun of him. Melina sends Nitro and Mercury to the ring, while she stays behind. Melina tries to recruit him and tells him that if he scratches her back, she'll scratch his. 

Mark Henry and Daivari are now interviewed by Josh Matthews. Henry is mad that they gave his title shot at No Way Out to Undertaker. He's going to take Taker out tonight just like he did to Batista. 

MNM is out and they issue an open challenge to get their 15 minutes of fame. It's none other than those "carefree daredevils" London and Kendrick, who unfortunately come out to no reaction. 

MNM vs. Paul London & Brian Kendrick

These are two teams that I can get behind. It's sad that there was no one else even close to these two. Sorry if that upsets any Gymini fans. Nitro lands on his feet out of a monkey flip by Kendrick, but then gets hit with a flying headscissors. London comes in and hits a nice dropkick, but then gets clotheslined to the back of the head. In comes Mercury, but he gets hit by a mule kick and a dropsault. They hit a double arm drag and then London launches Kendrick into a double dropkick on both members of MNM. London hits a dive over the top rope. Back in the ring, Kendrick hits a top rope crossbody for a 2 count. Kendrick is in trouble after a backbreaker. He makes a tag, but the referee didn't see it, allowing MNM to hit a Snapshot for the victory. That was a really nice tag match. 

Match Rating: ***

They show highlights of the shows they ran over in Japan. 

Randy Orton is backstage and he wants to comment about the things he said about Eddie Guerrero. They show the clip from last week and when they come back, he is no longer there. His music hits and out comes Orton in Eddie's low rider. He is going to beat Rey Mysterio at No Way Out and go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. He then says that Eddie Guerrero was no saint and he holds up Eddie's book. He is about to read a quote from the book and out comes Rey to attack him. 

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match

Gregory Helms vs. Nunzio

They announce that Kid Kash will get a match against the winner of this one since he wasn't pinned at Royal Rumble. Kash is on the entrance ramp distracting Helms. Helms hits an F5-like maneuver and it sends Nunzio on the top rope. Helms hits a top rope crossbody and it looked like Nunzio was trying to roll through. Instead, Helms stands up and tries to pin him with one foot on his chest. Nunzio is able to hit a neckbreaker and a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. He then hits a swinging neckbreaker for a 2 count. Helms hits a Go To Sleep and then the Shining Wizard and that is all. That was neither guy's best work. 

Match Rating: *

Kristal is with Palmer Cannon. RATINGS. He is excited about the return of the Juniors and they all run in. Then in walks Mr. Kennedy who jokes around with the roster. In walks the pirate, Paul Burchill. Cannon and Kennedy just stand in awe.

Pequeno Violencia & Octagoncito vs. Mascarita Sagrada & Tsuki

I still can't get over how terrible the Junior Division logo is. Violencia has a huge height advantage. He misses in the corner and falls on the back of his head. Tsuki hits a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. He then throws Octagoncito into Violencia and he hits a hurricanrana. Octagoncito hits a backbreaker and then out comes Finlay. Finlay comes out and attacks Octagoncito with a big boot and then his shillelagh. He then goes after Tsuki and yanks him off the barricade and throws him back in the ring. He then hits the Celtic Cross on him. Finlay gets on the mic and says that he doesn't care who you are, because he comes here to fight. The match was just a set up to help get Finlay over. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

They run down the No Way Out card and then we cut to Booker and Sharmell walking to their car. They open the trunk and inside are thousands of worms. 

Mark Henry vs. Undertaker

Taker is selling early on for Henry's offense. Henry tries to splash him on the ropes, but Taker moves out of the way and he slid through the ropes to the floor. He lands on his feet and isn't happy as we head into commercial break. When we come back, they are on the outside and Taker throws Henry into the steps. Taker hits a leg drop to Henry hanging over the apron. Taker hits Old School and follows it up with a running knee in the corner. It doesn't last long, as Henry is once again back on offense and wearing Taker down. Taker tries for a chokeslam, but it's blocked. He runs off the ropes and explodes for a clothesline. This time Taker hits the chokeslam and Daivari signals to the back. Out comes MNM and Daviari joins them. He gives Daivari a chokeslam and then goes for a double chokeslam, but Henry hits Taker from behind. Out comes Kurt Angle to make the slam and he hits German suplexes them all. He runs into Henry and is knocked out. Taker comes in and hits Henry with a boot to knock him out of the ring. Taker grabs the title and tosses it to Angle and then out comes Teddy Long. Next week it will be Mark Henry and MNM against Undertaker and Kurt Angle. As far as these two guys go, this was pretty entertaining despite the ending. 

Match Rating: **

This wasn't as strong of an episode as they have been producing, but still was by no means bad. The card for No Way Out is still very strong, but this kind of felt like a filler episode. 

Overall Rating: 59%

Monday Night Raw 2-6-06 Review

Monday, February 6th, 2006
Philips Arena
Atlanta, Georgia

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The show starts with a hype promo for the Road To WrestleMania Tournament that starts tonight. Sounds good to me. 

Maria is in the ring to announce the former WWE Champion, Edge. Edge announces that he and John Cena will be facing off again next week since he technically won last week by disqualification. Lita then makes Maria announce him as the future WWE Champion. Out comes Hacksaw Jim Duggan and he wants to be the special guest referee for his title match next week. This all of course leads up to the "Hooooo" joke once again and Edge attacks him with his 2x4. Lita then slaps Maria and throws her by her hair. Edge is going to Spear her, but out comes John Cena to make the save. 

Road To WrestleMania Tournament 1st Round Match

Kane vs. Chris Masters

Kane starts off in control, but Masters hits Snake Eyes to slow Kane down. It doesn't work for long, as Kane hits a big boot and a couple of clotheslines in the corner. Kane heads up to the top rope, but Masters moves out of the way of the clothesline and tries to put the Master Lock on. Kane counters the attempt twice and then puts him up for the Tombstone. Masters counters it into a pinfall and gets the victory when he grabs the ropes for leverage. That was an awkward ending with Kane putting his legs up for Masters to grab. The crowd was dead for this, which should never happen in the opener featuring well-known stars. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Edge is with Vince McMahon and he suggests that Lita be the guest referee. Vince thinks she'd be biased and Lita then tries to seduce him to get what they want. Vince finds it repugnant and he loves it. He announces that Edge and Lita will take on John Cena and Maria where the winner gets to select the guest referee. 

Ashley vs. Mickie James

This is a Royal Rumble rematch, with Trish Stratus once again as the guest referee. Mickie attacks Ashley as soon as the bell rings. Ashley gets in some forearms and sends Mickie off the ropes. Mickie accidentally hits Trish, which allows Ashley to roll her up for the victory. I'm not sure if that one was even 60 seconds long. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

The show that the Spirit Squad performed during the commercial break. 

Mickie apologizes to Trish backstage and Mickie lets her know that she loves her as a friend. Her date "Jack" comes to pick up Trish, which gets some big boos from the audience. 

Shelton is pushing his mama in a wheelchair and he lets her know that he told Ric Flair that he's going to take his Intercontinental Championship. He lets her know that he'll be right back and she says every time he leaves, some freak comes up to her. He lets her know that he's taken care of all of them. All of a sudden she has a Shelton action figure in her face and it's Eugene. Shelton comes back and he comforts her. 

They show a WrestleMania moment and it's Pete Rose at WrestleMania XIV with Kane attacking him.

Road To WrestleMania Tournament 1st Round Match

Triple H vs. Ric Flair 

Flair is able to back body drop Triple H to the outside into the early commercial break. When we come back, Flair has Triple H on his knees and hitting him with fists. Triple H is able to hit a big spinebuster and hits Flair with a series of right hands. It was pretty obvious who was going to win this tournament, but having Triple H start off with Flair was a good touch. With that being said, watching Flair here, it's pretty amazing that he made it another 2 years in WWE. Flair hits Triple H with a boot to the face and he's profiling his way to the top rope. Triple H tries to block it, but Flair actually hits a chop off the top. Flair slaps on the Figure Four in the middle of the ring. The ref accidentally gets a thumb to the eye and Flair hits a low blow on Triple H while he recovers. Flair goes for a back body drop, but Triple H hits a Pedigree and that is all. That ending was kind of out of nowhere. This was a fine match, just nowhere on the level of their 2005 work. 

Match Rating: **1/4

Maria is backstage with John Cena and she doesn't want to have her match tonight. As she's ranting, Cena kisses her and then being the class act he is, smacks her butt on the way out. 

Road To WrestleMania Tournament 1st Round Match

Big Show vs. Shawn Michaels Shelton Benjamin

Vince McMahon comes here and announces to Shawn that Shane is not here tonight. Vince insists that Shawn walk away from his career and next week we're going to have a Shawn Michaels retirement party. Since Shawn has to retire, he is being replaced by Shelton Benjamin in the tournament. That goes into a commercial break and when we come back the match is in progress. We get the usual Big Show slapfest to start until Shelton is able to snap Show's neck on the top rope. He then hits a top rope springboard bulldog for a 2 count. Show comes back and squashes Shelton in the corner and then knocks Shelton into the ref. Shelton's mama distracts Show and Shelton hits him with a kick to the side of the head. Show is now on the outside, but Shelton gets hit with a slap when he leaps off the apron and then Show lifts Shelton into the ring and yells at his mama. His mama falls to the ground and is unconscious and then Show hits the chokeslam for the victory. Paramedics come out and take her away on a stretcher. 

Match Rating: *

Carlito is with Todd Grisham and he talks about wanting to be in the main event at WrestleMania. 

Road To WrestleMania Tournament 1st Round Match

Carlito vs. Rob Van Dam

RVD quickly attacks Carlito and hits a spinning leg drop off the apron on Carlito, who is draped on the guardrail. RVD looks to be slowly getting rid of the ring rust. Carlito hits the double springboard somersault dive for a 2 count. Carlito tries to hit him with a chair, but RVD hits a spin kick to the chair and into his face. RVD hits the 5 Star Frog Splash and gets the victory. I think they were probably running tight on time here. 

Match Rating: *3/4

The fans think Rob Van Dam is going to win the tournament. Do they not know how this works? Next week it will be Triple H vs. Big Show and Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Masters. 

Edge & Lita vs. John Cena & Maria

Well, there is about 7 minutes left on the show, so this isn't going to be some epic main event here tonight. Cena is in hyper speed here and it leads to him hitting his shoulder on the ring post. Edge forces Maria to tag Cena's back. He throws Cena into the steps and then tags in Lita. Lita toys with her, but Lita eventually breaks free and tags in Cena. Cena hits his signature moves, but when he goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, Lita distracts him. Edge attacks, but he moves out of the way and Lita ends up hitting a headscissor on Edge instead. Lita is in the ring with Cena and she lifts up her shirt. Edge goes for the Spear, but hits Lita by mistake. Cena tags in Maria and she picks up the victory. Cena gets on the mic and he picks Mick Foley to be the guest referee next week. The match was entertaining enough, but too short to make a mark.

Match Rating: *1/2

This wasn't necessarily a particularly strong episode, but I like that they are dialed in on what they are doing. They are continuing the Edge/Cena saga while they heat up Triple H for the WrestleMania main event. Mickie and Trish is starting to get more intense. We are going to see the beginning of the Foley/Edge story. Things are starting to move into place and that always makes the show better. 

Overall Rating: 58%

Off The Grid, Volume 8: Saturday Night's Main Event XXX Review

Original Airdate: Saturday, February 8th, 1992
Lubbock Memorial Coliseum
Lubbock, Texas

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Off The Grid, Volume 8:

Intercontinental Championship Match

The Mountie vs. Roddy Piper

So this was taped 8 days after Royal Rumble, but of course did not air until February 8th. The action gets started right away and Piper gives Mountie and Jimmy Hart a double noggin knocker. Hart grabs his leg and Mountie is able to capitalize. They announce that Bret Hart will face the winner of this match at WrestleMania. Piper tries to go for a bulldog, but Mountie pushes him and he knocks down the referee. Mountie hits a piledriver and then Hart gives the Mountie a cup of water. He pours it on Piper and tries to shock him, but Piper no sells it. Piper takes it away and shocks Mountie and gets the victory. That was certainly a brief match. After the match, Piper reveals that he's wearing a shock proof vest. That crafty Piper. This was really too short to be anything special. 

Match Rating: *

They then show the ending of the Royal Rumble match. The crowd reaction has clearly been edited. They then show the highlights of the WrestleMania VIII press conference with Sid snapping. We then get a studio promo from Sid apologizing to Hogan.

Undertaker & Ric Flair vs. Sid Justice & Hulk Hogan

It is pretty crazy that Undertaker doesn't even get a televised entrance here. They then cut to a Sid and Hogan interview with Sean Mooney that starts with them shaking hands. I love how they tried to make it an argument that Sid didn't fight him face to face. It's totally cool to have lost and then cheat to eliminate someone else though. We get a huge surprise here with Brutus Beefcake making his return in Hogan's corner. Sid and Flair start things out and Flair quickly has to roll out of the ring. Hogan gets tagged in and he takes care of both opponents. Hogan looks a lot less toned here. The heels eventually double team Sid and hit a double atomic drop. So between these four men, you have the WrestleMania VIII main event, WrestleMania 13 main event and the WrestleMania X-8 semi-main event. Sid and Hogan clean house before the commercial break, but Sid seems annoyed by Hogan's gloating. Undertaker attacks Sid from behind and they regain control. They then start to work on Hogan and his knee. Sid doesn't extend to Hogan as he is starting to crawl to his corner. Flair goes up top, but Hogan is able to slam him off. Sid again doesn't tag and encourages the booing. Hogan again is able to make a ta and this time Sid walks away. Beefcake tries to stop him, but it doesn't work and Taker and Flair continue the attack on Hogan. The ref calls for the bell and Beefcake gets in the ring. It allows Hogan to take care of both guys and get his posing in. This match was actually worked at a much quicker pace than you would expect, but the Sid and Hogan story was the focus of the match and completely telegraphed. 

Match Rating: **1/4

Sid is with Sean Mooney and he still can't believe that Jack Tunney named Hogan the #1 contender. 

Mean Gene is now with Hogan and Beefacake. They gush about how great of friends they are or something. Whatever it is, I couldn't care less about it. 

Hacksaw Jim Duggan & Sgt. Slaughter vs. Beverly Brothers

Well here's the reason to watch the show. All four men are in the ring when they come back from the interview. All four men eventually get into the ring and Beau misses Slaughter with the scroll. Slaughter hits him with it and that's enough for the victory. That was barely a match. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

We get a recap of the Randy Savage/Jake Roberts feud. Savage is with Mean Gene and he says that Roberts doesn't know how insane he is. 

Jake Roberts vs. Randy Savage

They start brawling quickly with Savage doing the madman role. Jake is bleeding from his nose here, but is able to throw Savage into the ring post. After the commercial, Savage goes up top, but Roberts blocks it and then hits the DDT. Roberts sits in the corner and lets the referee count to 10 instead of pinning him. What could go wrong with that plan? Roberts goes for another DDT, but Savage dump him over the ropes and then hits a double ax handle on Roberts, who is leaning on the guardrail. Savage hits the elbow drop for the victory. Savage hits another elbow drop despite a bunch of officials being in his way. He then grabs the bell, but Roberts retreats. Out comes Elizabeth to celebrate, but they pan to Roberts peaking behind the curtain, saying that it's not over yet. This was a pretty fun main event here and Savage worked his butt off. 

Match Rating: **1/4

This was a very fast paced show and it absolutely flew by. I'm not sure why they felt they had to cram in four matches here because the Duggan and Slaughter match felt completely unnecessary. Regardless, everything felt like a winner and despite the popularity dwindling, this felt like a big deal. I have really enjoyed all of the 90s SNME shows that I have watched so far. 

Overall Rating: 68%

NXT 12-11-13 Review

Original Airdate: Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida

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NXT Tag Team Championship Match

Hunico & Camacho vs. The Ascension

Whatever the opposite of a dream match is, this is kind of it for me. The bickering back and forth between Alex Riley and William Regal seems like there's a little bit of animosity. Riley is brutal as an announcer. This match has been going on for about 5 minutes and I feel like not one thing worth my time has happened. Camacho gets a hot tag and hits a spinning neckbreaker and a back suplex. Victor breaks up the pin attempt, but Hunico sends him to the floor. O'Brian is able to hit a full nelson slam and then a flapjack. They hit Fall Of Man for the victory. That was as vanilla of a match as you will see. They pan to the crowd and they are all just literally sitting there with no reaction. That sums it up. 

Match Rating: 3/4*

Alexander Rusev vs. Kassius Ohno

I believe this is Ohno's last match here in his first NXT run. Rusev manhandles Ohno to start with repeated knees to the ribs and then into a Samoan drop. Meanwhile, I might as well remind you of how WWE had two chances to do something huge with Rusev and they chose not to either time. Ohno catches Rusev with an elbow and gets a small package for a 2 count. Rusev blocks a charging Ohno and instantly puts on the Accolade for the victory. Rusev won't release the hold after the bell until Lana gives him the OK. This was really short and decisive. 

Match Rating: 3/4*

Bayley and Natalya are talking backstage and Natalya lets her know that she is her friend and that she has her back tonight. 

Regal gets all serious about Cesaro attacking Byron Saxton. I say can he attack Alex Riley too?

Bayley & Natalya vs. Summer Rae & Sasha Banks

Bayley shows a little bit of an aggressive side by slamming Sasha's face to the mat and then a double suplex with Natalya. They then hit a double suplex on Summer. Sasha and Summer isolate Bayley for a short bit and then Natalya gets a hot tag. She hits a suplex, which leads to Riley saying something to the effect of "I know men who don't throw suplexes that good". Cool. Summer Rae slows down her momentum so Bayley tags herself in and pushes Summer out of the ring. This allows Sasha to hits Bankrupt on Bayley for the victory. That was actually a very spirited match that was criminally short. 

Match Rating: *1/2

Leo Kruger says that he's going to hurt Sami Zayn more than anyone ever has before. 

Scott Dawson vs. Mojo Rawley

Rawley has to have one of the longest runs with the least amount of pay-per-view matches. Dawson is in control early on, hitting a suplex and a clothesline. Rawley hits three moves and that is all. His offensive move set has to be among the worst I have seen. After the match, Sylvester Lefort distracts Rawley and Dawson attacks him. Dawson tried. 

Match Rating: 1/2*

Leo Kruger vs. Sami Zayn

Kruger hits a big spinebuster to start off and then kicks him out of the ring. Back in the ring, Zayn tries to fight back and hits a nice dropkick. Zayn hits a top rope crossbody for a nearfall. Zayn goes for a tornado DDT off the ropes, but he gets crotched by Kruger. Kruger hits a clothesline and gets the victory? I did not expect that. After the match is over, Zayn ducks a second clothesline attempt and clotheslines Kruger over the top rope. Zayn the hits a running senton to Kruger on the floor. This was another rushed match on a show full of them. 

Match Rating: *1/2

NXT was due for a bad show and this was it. The opening match got the most time and was not deserving of it at all. The other matches were all fine for what they were, but they all could have been more except for maybe the Rawley match. 

Overall Rating: 42%

Monday Night Raw 10-11-93 Review

Original Airdate: Monday, October 11th, 1993
New Haven Coliseum
New Haven, Connecticut

Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2

Vince gives us a retro-tastic recap of last week's battle royal. 

Intercontinental Championship Match

Rick Martel vs. Razor Ramon 

Martel is cocky to start things off, slapping the back of Razor's head after taking him down. Razor catches Martel and hits the fall away slam. Martel gets in a little bit of offense, but Razor then goes to work on the shoulder and arm of Martel. They go to commercial at a pretty weird spot, especially considering this was a taped show. When we come back, they are fighting on the outside and Martel hits a body slam to the floor. Martel hits a back suplex and goes for a cover, but gets caught with his feet on the ropes. Martel hits him with a knee to the back, sending him into the turnbuckle and then puts him in the Boston Crab. Razor is able to grab the bottom rope, but then hits a side suplex. He slaps on the Boston Crab again, this time in the middle of the ring. Razor rolls out of it and both men get pin attempts out of it and then Martel hits a dropkick for a 2 count. Martel hits a top rope crossbody, but Razor rolls through for a 2 count. Martel hits a clothesline, but when he sends Razor off the ropes, he gets a knee to the face. Razor gets Martel up for the Razor's Edge and we have a new Intercontinental Champion. This gets a huge reaction from the live crowd and you can't help but wonder what he could have done as WWF Champion. Two good professional wrestlers having a good match.

Match Rating: ***

The Headshrinkers vs. Tommy Morrison & Sid Curtis

Samu tosses both jobbers around and Fatu greets one of them with a superkick. Samu slams him outside the ring behind the referee's back. They hit Morrison with a double clothesline and then drag him to his corner to force the tag. They hit a double face-first slam and then Fatu hits the top rope splash for the victory. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Owen Hart vs. Scott King

Owen's entrance music is still so good. They're hyping up WWF Radio while Owen goes to work on King. Owen hits a monkey flip and a dropkick. Owen hits a trio of suplexes and then hits a second rope elbow drop. Owen hits a missile dropkick and then a Northern Lights suplex for the victory. Owen was pretty darn good. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Vince McMahon is in the ring and introduces Ludvig Borga. He cuts the same promo he always cuts. It is kind of surprising that they always had Vince do these because he isn't that far off from a height standpoint on Borga. Out comes Lex Luger to interrupt in his USA pants. Luger says we are sick and tired of his anti-American garbage while he collects his paycheck in the USA. Luger tells him "love it or leave it". Luger wants to fight right now, but Borga says they fight where and when he says and walks away. The crowd is still very much behind Luger despite the countout victory at SummerSlam.

Adam Bomb vs. Russ Greenberg

So Harvey Wippleman is the manager of Adam Bomb now. Bomb hits a dropkick and then a slingshot clothesline. Bomb isn't as over here as he is when they are in the Manhattan Center. Next week we're getting a Savage/Crush Summit. Bomb hits the Atom Smasher for the victory. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Rock 'n' Roll Express vs. Barry Hardy & Duane Gill

This is a non-sanctioned match since the Express are the Smoky Mountain Wrestling Tag Team Champions. Even though this is just a throw away thing, this is still a pretty cool deal to have the Express on Raw. They hit a Hart Attack on Gill, but Hardy interrupts the pin attempt. They hit a double dropkick on Hardy and that's all. 

Match Rating: 1/4*

Next week it's Tatanka, IRS and the Steiners. Don't forget the big summit!

This show featured a good match in Razor/Martel and then a whole bunch of squash matches. I was pretty surprised to see how much the live crowd was into the Luger/Borga segment as well. As far as 1993 Raw goes, this was a strong episode. 

Overall Rating: 62%