Original Airdate: Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Sofia Cortez vs. Paige
Cortez is currently Ivelisse in Lucha Underground and Paige has since retired. Paige was only 19 here and doesn't have her entrance shown. Cortez gets in some nice offense, but then is slapped by Paige and she gets in some strikes. Cortez hits a solid looking DDT after a Rey Mysterio-esque set up. Cortez looked impressive here. I have never been a fan of Paige's in ring work and she looked a little awkward here.
Match Rating: *1/4 (out of 5)
Camacho vs. Seth Rollins
Camacho has gone onto have a nice career in TNA and now New Japan. They keep hyping up the rock star personality of Rollins. The cameras are doing nothing to hide all the empty bleachers here again tonight. Rollins goes right to Camacho, but Camacho takes Rollins down and goes to work in the corner. JR compares some of Rollins' offense to CM Punk, which I do not agree with at all. Rollins hits a nice enzaguri after being picked up by Camacho. Hunico distracts Rollins and Camacho takes advantage. Rollins then pushes Camacho into Hunico and hits the Blackout for the victory. Hunico attacks Rollins after the match. Out comes Bo Dallas for the save. Hunico and Camacho run out to the back.
Match Rating: **
Jake Carter & Corey Graves vs. CJ Parker & Nick Rogers
Graves looks really weird with his haircut. Jake Carter is Vader's son, which you would never know by looking at him. Both Graves and Carter look solid here, although they don't look like a match as a team. They hit a tandem powerslam/neckbreaker for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We get a Kassius Ohno hype video followed by another Bray Wyatt vignette. I believe this is the first one to show Luke Harper.
Kassius Ohno vs. Mike Dalton
Ohno weighs a good 100 lbs. less here than he does currently. Full Sail is currently about 60% full. Dalton tries some quick pace offense, but Ohno hits him with a kick, fist and clothesline. Dalton his a nice spinning kick and actually gets a 2 count. Ohno then hits the spinning spinning elbow for the victory. Solid debut here for Ohno. Ohno the cuts a promo saying he knocks people out.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Derrick Bateman vs. Jinder Mahal
It still is kind of amazing to me that Derrick Bateman and EC3 are the same person. After some offense, Bateman clotheslines Mahal over the top and then hits him with a suicide dive. Bateman sells his knee, which gives Mahal the opening. I like Mahal's tights. That's about the nicest thing I can say about Mahal. Bateman hits a nice running neckbreaker. But other than that, both of these guys look so vanilla. Bateman goes for a side Russian leg sweep, but Mahal counters and knees him in the back. Camel Clutch and that is all. It is still amazing that Mahal was a WWE Champion. After the bell, Mahal goes back into the Camel Clutch.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Seth Rollins, Tyson Kidd & Bo Dallas vs. Michael McGillicutty, Hunico & Camacho
After some tags, Hunico and Kidd start things off. Nice headscissors by Kidd. Gory Special by Hunico and then an impressive reversal by Kidd. I'm still bummed that we will never see Kidd wrestle again. Rollins takes a beating but finally gets a tag to Dallas after a monkey flip buys him some time. It can't be a good thing that so many of these guys have not improved in almost 7 years. McGillicutty and Dallas are the exact same in 2019 as they are here. That's not a compliment. After watching Halftime Heat last week, this feels like sloooow motion. Kidd gets the hot kick. A flurry of kicks by Kidd, but the pin is interrupted. Rollins goes up and dives off the top rope and knocks Dallas, Hunico and Camacho down. Running neckbreaker for the victory.
Match Rating: *1/2
Well, that was an improvement. Some longer matches and just an overall pace here than the previous episodes. We're still not even close to where we end up being now, but they are trying. Let's just hope we get some guys that don't throw punches and kicks.
Overall Rating: 49%
Friday, February 8, 2019
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Cruiserweight Classic Episode 3 Review
Original Airdate: Wednesday, July 27th, 2016
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tyson Dux
Sabre Jr. was one of the bigger draws of the tournament and is of course in New Japan and a lot of the major indies. Tyson Dux is currently working the indies as well. Dux is working on the ankle and Sabre Jr. escapes beautifully. Now a head scissors by Dux and again Sabre Jr. is out. Sabre Jr. is definitely one of the most unique competitors in the tournament. Dux is getting fed up with Sabre and is able to get some offense. Sabre then hits the European uppercut off the second rope. Now he attacks him with some kicks. Sabre slaps him, but that sets Dux off and he hits him with a fisherman buster. Dux is working on the arm again. Sabre gets him in the octopus and then a kick to the face. Leg sweep and then a running kick, but Dux kicks out. Inverted atomic drop and a DDT by Dux. He then goes for a Texas cloverleaf, but Sabre Jr. blocks it for a pin. Sabre Jr. is putting him in multiple submission moves and then starts pulling back on the hand and Dux finally submits. Sabre Jr. is about as smooth of a submission wrestler as I have ever seen. Not a great match, but one that showcased what both guys could do.
Match Rating: ** (out of 5)
Drew Gulak vs. Harv Sihra
Gulak is of course on 205 Live and Sihra is with Jinder Mahal on Raw. I am kind of surprised they put Gulak and Sabre Jr.'s matches back to back since they both use the submission style. Nice monkey flip by Sihra, who Gulak counters into a body scissors and then Sihra counters into a a submission of his own. After a bunch of counters by both wrestlers, Gulak goes off the second rope with a clothesline. Gulak with some slaps and then slams Sihra onto the ropes. Back body drop by Sihra, sends Gulak outside. He then hits a springboard crossbody. The crowd is not really into this one at all. Gulak goes up top, but Sihra hits a superplex. Gulak gets the dragon sleeper, Sihra tries to counter, but is unsuccessful and has to tap out. This was definitely the weakest match so far of the tournament.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Anthony Bennett vs. Tony Nese
Bennett is working the indies and Nese is on 205 Live. Nese does a Matrix-esque duck to miss a clothesline. Nice segment overall. Bennett only weighs 145 lbs. Nese drills Bennett with a superkick on the outside. Nese goes for a powerbomb, but Bennett is able to get on the apron and then hits him with a cannonball. Nese hotshots him and then dives and takes out his feet, setting up a moonsault. Nese goes for a suplex, but Bennett knees him to the head. Nese is still able to hold him up and hit the suplex. Dropkick by Bennett. Bennett to the second rope going for the tornado DDT, but Nese blocks. Bennett then blocks the kick and then Bennett hits the tornado DDT, although it didn't look great. Powerslam by Nese. 450 splash to Bennett after the ref checked on Bennett and that's it. Nese looked pretty good, but the match was nothing special.
Match Rating: *
Brian Kendrick vs. Raul Mendoza
Kendrick is on 205 Live and Mendoza is with NXT. Nice back and forth wrestling to start. Kendrick still has it and Mendoza is a good athlete. Mendoza does a great submission move where he crossed Kendrick's ankles and did an airplane spin. Kendrick with a big boot. Kendrick forces Mendoza to bite the rope and then kicks the ropes. Mendoza's mouth is now bleeding. Kendrick plays the heel role very naturally. Big clothesline into the corner by Kendrick. Kendrick then sends Mendoza into the corner and Mendoza slides through the ropes and then hits a dropkick. Then Mendoza does a leaping corkscrew over the ropes to the outside. Mendoza misses a 450, but lands it and then kicks Kendrick to the back. Coast to coast dropkick by Mendoza, but Kendrick gets his foot on the rope. Kendrick hits Mendoza into the ropes and then gets him into the Captain's Hook for the submission win. The ending was kind of out of nowhere, but this was a really fun match and a show saver.
Match Rating: ***1/2
This was the weakest episode overall, but the main event was a great showcase for both Kendrick and Mendoza. The other three matches were essentially squash matches. Let's hope episode 4 kicks back into gear.
Overall Rating: 59%
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tyson Dux
Sabre Jr. was one of the bigger draws of the tournament and is of course in New Japan and a lot of the major indies. Tyson Dux is currently working the indies as well. Dux is working on the ankle and Sabre Jr. escapes beautifully. Now a head scissors by Dux and again Sabre Jr. is out. Sabre Jr. is definitely one of the most unique competitors in the tournament. Dux is getting fed up with Sabre and is able to get some offense. Sabre then hits the European uppercut off the second rope. Now he attacks him with some kicks. Sabre slaps him, but that sets Dux off and he hits him with a fisherman buster. Dux is working on the arm again. Sabre gets him in the octopus and then a kick to the face. Leg sweep and then a running kick, but Dux kicks out. Inverted atomic drop and a DDT by Dux. He then goes for a Texas cloverleaf, but Sabre Jr. blocks it for a pin. Sabre Jr. is putting him in multiple submission moves and then starts pulling back on the hand and Dux finally submits. Sabre Jr. is about as smooth of a submission wrestler as I have ever seen. Not a great match, but one that showcased what both guys could do.
Match Rating: ** (out of 5)
Drew Gulak vs. Harv Sihra
Gulak is of course on 205 Live and Sihra is with Jinder Mahal on Raw. I am kind of surprised they put Gulak and Sabre Jr.'s matches back to back since they both use the submission style. Nice monkey flip by Sihra, who Gulak counters into a body scissors and then Sihra counters into a a submission of his own. After a bunch of counters by both wrestlers, Gulak goes off the second rope with a clothesline. Gulak with some slaps and then slams Sihra onto the ropes. Back body drop by Sihra, sends Gulak outside. He then hits a springboard crossbody. The crowd is not really into this one at all. Gulak goes up top, but Sihra hits a superplex. Gulak gets the dragon sleeper, Sihra tries to counter, but is unsuccessful and has to tap out. This was definitely the weakest match so far of the tournament.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Anthony Bennett vs. Tony Nese
Bennett is working the indies and Nese is on 205 Live. Nese does a Matrix-esque duck to miss a clothesline. Nice segment overall. Bennett only weighs 145 lbs. Nese drills Bennett with a superkick on the outside. Nese goes for a powerbomb, but Bennett is able to get on the apron and then hits him with a cannonball. Nese hotshots him and then dives and takes out his feet, setting up a moonsault. Nese goes for a suplex, but Bennett knees him to the head. Nese is still able to hold him up and hit the suplex. Dropkick by Bennett. Bennett to the second rope going for the tornado DDT, but Nese blocks. Bennett then blocks the kick and then Bennett hits the tornado DDT, although it didn't look great. Powerslam by Nese. 450 splash to Bennett after the ref checked on Bennett and that's it. Nese looked pretty good, but the match was nothing special.
Match Rating: *
Brian Kendrick vs. Raul Mendoza
Kendrick is on 205 Live and Mendoza is with NXT. Nice back and forth wrestling to start. Kendrick still has it and Mendoza is a good athlete. Mendoza does a great submission move where he crossed Kendrick's ankles and did an airplane spin. Kendrick with a big boot. Kendrick forces Mendoza to bite the rope and then kicks the ropes. Mendoza's mouth is now bleeding. Kendrick plays the heel role very naturally. Big clothesline into the corner by Kendrick. Kendrick then sends Mendoza into the corner and Mendoza slides through the ropes and then hits a dropkick. Then Mendoza does a leaping corkscrew over the ropes to the outside. Mendoza misses a 450, but lands it and then kicks Kendrick to the back. Coast to coast dropkick by Mendoza, but Kendrick gets his foot on the rope. Kendrick hits Mendoza into the ropes and then gets him into the Captain's Hook for the submission win. The ending was kind of out of nowhere, but this was a really fun match and a show saver.
Match Rating: ***1/2
This was the weakest episode overall, but the main event was a great showcase for both Kendrick and Mendoza. The other three matches were essentially squash matches. Let's hope episode 4 kicks back into gear.
Overall Rating: 59%
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Superstars 5-9-92 Review
Original Airdate: Saturday, May 9th, 1992
Onondaga War Memorial
Syracuse, New York
Vince McMahon and Mr. Perfect are back as always reminding us that it's Mother's Day.
Bret Hart vs. Von Krus
Hart gives away his trademark sunglasses as always. Von Krus gets a little offense in, but now the Hitman is on the attack. Side Russian leg sweep was always one of my favorites and before I could even finish typing that sentence, he puts him in the Sharpshooter and Von Krus taps immediately.
Match Rating: 1/4* (out of 5)
It's Update time with Mean Gene. We get a clip of British Bulldog vs. Repo Man from Wrestling Challenge. Repo Man attacks Davey Boy with the hook and then chokes him with the rope. Bulldog responds with a pre-recorded interview. Never his strong suit.
Sonny Blaze vs. Kamala
Harvey Wippleman announces Kamala. Kamala attacks Blaze to begin. It's kind of interesting that he wrestled the same gimmick pretty much his entire career. He splashes Blaze, but tries to cover him while he is on his stomach. Kim Chee instructs him to roll him over and get the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
El Matador vs. Bob Bradley
Bradley looks somewhat respectable. It appears he had a decent career. Mr. Perfect reads a letter from the convict telling Boss Man that he's out and that Boss Man is a pig without a prayer. McMahon is calling this match like its at WrestleMania. He hits El Paso de la Muerte for the win.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Sean Mooney in the Event Center and we get a Mountie and Jimmy Hart interview. Mountie was so over the top here, it is great. High Energy gets a generic background. Koko is still not wearing the matching gear. They call out the Nasty Boys. Koko repeatedly says how much energy he has. Two great little interviews.
Legion of Doom says Happy Mothers Day. Yeah, I'm sure they loved doing that.
Legion Of Doom vs. Mark Kay & Terry Davis
Hawk with a dropkick was always a fairly impressive move. Whichever jobber this is with the mullet and neon pink and green trunks, he is a legend. The Beverly Brothers and Genius go back to their LOS. I can't imagine why LOD wanted to get out of here. Doomsday Device and that is all. We are 17 minutes into the show and we have already had 4 complete matches.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Back in the Event Center with Money Incorporated. They give the same promo they always gave. Undertaker and Paul Bearer then once again discuss their distaste for Berzerker. Sean Mooney then reminds us that Berzerker tried to kill the Undertaker
Kato vs. Crush
This is Crush's "debut". He of course was already part of Demolition with the exact same name, but we pretend he isn't. His mullet is glorious. His attire, almost as good. At least they gave him a good worker to put him over in Paul Diamond. Crush wins the match with a spinebuster. He then lifts Kato up and raises his arm, then lets him drop to the ground.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Papa Shango is burning photos of Ultimate Warrior then burns a voodoo doll of him. I remember being pretty spooked by that.
Mean Gene then introduces Rick Martel, wearing the feathers he stole from Tatanka. I am a mark for the "Yes, I Am A Model" button he wears. Martel denies that he didn't spray Arrogance in Tatanka's eyes, right after they show the clip of him doing so. Mean Gene is thanking God that he got medical attention immediately or else the damage could have been serious.
Ric Flair vs. Sgt. Slaughter
Sgt. Slaughter wishes everyone a happy Mother's Day. There was a time that this would have been a headlining feud, but it wasn't in 1992. Vince is flying solo on commentary. Out comes the Mountie. Jimmy Hart just brought out a box and gave it to the Mountie. After some back and forth, Flair whips Slaughter into the corner and he goes flying over the top rope. Some chops by Flair, but Slaughter fights back. Back body drop and a clothesline by Flair for a 2 count. Clothesline to the outside and Slaughter is out there on the attack. Mountie has a shock stick if you really weren't sure what it was. Suplex by Sarge back to the center of the ring. Flair does his over the rope off the Irish whip. They show a close up of Mounties huge shock stick. Flair is going up top, but surprisingly Slaughter gets to him before he can jump. Flair goes for a slingshot, but they botch it terribly and Flair on the fly turns it into a Boston Crab. Clothesline by Sarge and a count of 2. Flair throws Slaughter chest first into the turnbuckle and with the ref distracted, the Mountie shocks him twice. Flair gets the pinfall victory. He then shakes hands with the Mountie. Minus the botch, that was a fun enough match by Superstars standards.
Match Rating: *3/4
Nasty Boys vs. Brian Brieger & Bill Pierce
Jimmy Hart says the first thing you do when you get in the ring with the Nasty Boys is get insurance. We get the usual punch and kick offense from the Nastys with frequent tags. Sags then goes off the top rope for an elbow drop and finishes it.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Sean Mooney then introduces the Bushwhackers. They talk about Spring or something. How were they not tag team champs for years? Fuji and Berzerker then respond to Undertaker and Paul Bearer. Priceless.
We get an update that there is no update on Sgt. Slaughter. Next week, one of the Nasty Boys will take on the Ultimate Warrior. 5 star potential there.
Hey, this episode had a halfway decent match. There were still too many squash matches, but we got the re-debut of Crush and Kamala along with Bret Hart and Tito Santana. Not great, but it's an improvement.
Overall Rating: 38%
Onondaga War Memorial
Syracuse, New York
Vince McMahon and Mr. Perfect are back as always reminding us that it's Mother's Day.
Bret Hart vs. Von Krus
Hart gives away his trademark sunglasses as always. Von Krus gets a little offense in, but now the Hitman is on the attack. Side Russian leg sweep was always one of my favorites and before I could even finish typing that sentence, he puts him in the Sharpshooter and Von Krus taps immediately.
Match Rating: 1/4* (out of 5)
It's Update time with Mean Gene. We get a clip of British Bulldog vs. Repo Man from Wrestling Challenge. Repo Man attacks Davey Boy with the hook and then chokes him with the rope. Bulldog responds with a pre-recorded interview. Never his strong suit.
Sonny Blaze vs. Kamala
Harvey Wippleman announces Kamala. Kamala attacks Blaze to begin. It's kind of interesting that he wrestled the same gimmick pretty much his entire career. He splashes Blaze, but tries to cover him while he is on his stomach. Kim Chee instructs him to roll him over and get the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
El Matador vs. Bob Bradley
Bradley looks somewhat respectable. It appears he had a decent career. Mr. Perfect reads a letter from the convict telling Boss Man that he's out and that Boss Man is a pig without a prayer. McMahon is calling this match like its at WrestleMania. He hits El Paso de la Muerte for the win.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Sean Mooney in the Event Center and we get a Mountie and Jimmy Hart interview. Mountie was so over the top here, it is great. High Energy gets a generic background. Koko is still not wearing the matching gear. They call out the Nasty Boys. Koko repeatedly says how much energy he has. Two great little interviews.
Legion of Doom says Happy Mothers Day. Yeah, I'm sure they loved doing that.
Legion Of Doom vs. Mark Kay & Terry Davis
Hawk with a dropkick was always a fairly impressive move. Whichever jobber this is with the mullet and neon pink and green trunks, he is a legend. The Beverly Brothers and Genius go back to their LOS. I can't imagine why LOD wanted to get out of here. Doomsday Device and that is all. We are 17 minutes into the show and we have already had 4 complete matches.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Back in the Event Center with Money Incorporated. They give the same promo they always gave. Undertaker and Paul Bearer then once again discuss their distaste for Berzerker. Sean Mooney then reminds us that Berzerker tried to kill the Undertaker
Kato vs. Crush
This is Crush's "debut". He of course was already part of Demolition with the exact same name, but we pretend he isn't. His mullet is glorious. His attire, almost as good. At least they gave him a good worker to put him over in Paul Diamond. Crush wins the match with a spinebuster. He then lifts Kato up and raises his arm, then lets him drop to the ground.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Papa Shango is burning photos of Ultimate Warrior then burns a voodoo doll of him. I remember being pretty spooked by that.
Mean Gene then introduces Rick Martel, wearing the feathers he stole from Tatanka. I am a mark for the "Yes, I Am A Model" button he wears. Martel denies that he didn't spray Arrogance in Tatanka's eyes, right after they show the clip of him doing so. Mean Gene is thanking God that he got medical attention immediately or else the damage could have been serious.
Ric Flair vs. Sgt. Slaughter
Sgt. Slaughter wishes everyone a happy Mother's Day. There was a time that this would have been a headlining feud, but it wasn't in 1992. Vince is flying solo on commentary. Out comes the Mountie. Jimmy Hart just brought out a box and gave it to the Mountie. After some back and forth, Flair whips Slaughter into the corner and he goes flying over the top rope. Some chops by Flair, but Slaughter fights back. Back body drop and a clothesline by Flair for a 2 count. Clothesline to the outside and Slaughter is out there on the attack. Mountie has a shock stick if you really weren't sure what it was. Suplex by Sarge back to the center of the ring. Flair does his over the rope off the Irish whip. They show a close up of Mounties huge shock stick. Flair is going up top, but surprisingly Slaughter gets to him before he can jump. Flair goes for a slingshot, but they botch it terribly and Flair on the fly turns it into a Boston Crab. Clothesline by Sarge and a count of 2. Flair throws Slaughter chest first into the turnbuckle and with the ref distracted, the Mountie shocks him twice. Flair gets the pinfall victory. He then shakes hands with the Mountie. Minus the botch, that was a fun enough match by Superstars standards.
Match Rating: *3/4
Nasty Boys vs. Brian Brieger & Bill Pierce
Jimmy Hart says the first thing you do when you get in the ring with the Nasty Boys is get insurance. We get the usual punch and kick offense from the Nastys with frequent tags. Sags then goes off the top rope for an elbow drop and finishes it.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Sean Mooney then introduces the Bushwhackers. They talk about Spring or something. How were they not tag team champs for years? Fuji and Berzerker then respond to Undertaker and Paul Bearer. Priceless.
We get an update that there is no update on Sgt. Slaughter. Next week, one of the Nasty Boys will take on the Ultimate Warrior. 5 star potential there.
Hey, this episode had a halfway decent match. There were still too many squash matches, but we got the re-debut of Crush and Kamala along with Bret Hart and Tito Santana. Not great, but it's an improvement.
Overall Rating: 38%
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
SmackDown 1-6-05 Review
Original Airdate: Thursday, January 6th, 2005
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
My god, the intro song to this show horrible. Maybe the worst intro song that I can remember and that is saying something when it comes to wrestling. Despite being a taped show, it definitely has more of a live feel than I remember it having at the time. Mysterio comes down with a camcorder and they are using it as the 619 Cam. These two will go on to open up WrestleMania 21 in a couple of months. This is apparently a rematch from the previous week. The more I go back and watch retro wrestling, the more I appreciate Mysterio. These two together are magic. After a couple attempts, Eddie is finally able to slow things down and works on Mysterio with a hammerlock. Eddie catches Mysterio's springboard moonsault and puts him in the tree of woe. Guerrero goes for the dropkick to the face, but Mysterio is able to lift up, causing Eddie to crotch himself on the pole. During the commercial, Mysterio hits a nice moonsault that looks like it probably legit hurt Guerrero. Mysterio reverses a sleeper hold into one of his own. Eddie gets out and they appear to have a little big of a misstep, which he turns into a nearfall. Another springboard moonsault from Mysterio hits and hes back to a sleeper hold. Guerrero goes for a powerbomb, Mysterio gets out of it and sets him up for a 619, but Eddie is out of there. Man, I miss Eddie. Guerrero blocks a top rope hurricanrana and Eddie goes for a sunset flip and then Mysterio rolls out and dropkicks him. This match would still bring the house down in 2019. Referee bump and Eddie has a big smile on his face. Eddie grabs the belt and lays it on Mysterio and lays down next to him. Rey then puts the belt back on Eddie and says he was hit with the belt. Eddie is trying to hide it and the ref catches him trying to get rid of it. While Eddie is watching the refs on the ropes, Rey goes for a 619 again and Eddie moves and rolls Mysterio up. They roll all around until Mysterio ends up on top and gets the victory. This was such a fun match between two of the best ever.
Match Rating: **** (out of 5)
Heidenreich is backstage and we get the fake boos piped in. Paul Heyman says he will get rid of the casket stipulation at Royal Rumble.
We are getting a battle rap between John Cena and Kenzo Suzuki.
Carlito is down for what the announcers think is for guest commentating, but he says that he is down to get signatures to remove Teddy Long as the Smackdown GM.
Cruiserweight Championship Match
Funaki vs. Akio
We are about 30 seconds in and we are already focusing more on Carlito than the match. Carlito is in the ring trying to get a signature from Charles Robinson. Meanwhile, Akio and Funaki are having a solid match. Funaki comes off the top rope, but Akio nails him with a spinning heel kick. Akio then misses a moonsault that leads to a Tornado DDT and a 3 count. Good match for what it was, which was a backdrop to the Carlito angle. Carlito then spits an apple at Joy Giovanni.
Match Rating: **
Heyman and Heidenreich is now with Long trying to remove the casket stipulation. Long's fine acting skills are in rare form tonight. Heidenreich was really a weird character. Long decides to give Heidenrich with a match with Undertaker tonight with the stipulation that if he wins, the Royal Rumble match is no longer a casket match. Oh and it's a handicap match with Heyman teaming up with Heidenreich. Heyman is furious, but Heidenreich says he's got this.
Kurt Angle is with police officers telling them to guard his medals. Amy Weber then comes in to talk to Angle. I do not remember Amy Weber at all (outside of her name). She invites Angle to come to her locker room to get better acquainted.
Kurt Angle Invitational
Kurt Angle vs. Brian Black
Angle is on the mic and he says he is in a gambling mood. He says he will either pin or make his opponent tap in under 3 minutes or else he will give him his gold medal. Brian Black introduces himself and Angle punches him right in the face. Ankle lock and it's over in 26 seconds. Good heel heat here for Angle.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Daniel Puder is met backstage by Jackie and Torrie. Puder acts like a jerk. It's easy to see why he didn't last.
It's Battle Rap time. First comes Kenzo Suzuki dressed up as Uncle Sam. Cena then comes out with his spinner US Championship. This was still his old entrance music. Kenzo, who barely speaks English, sounds exactly how you think. Cena then does his and it's safe to say that none of this would be able to be on the air in 2019. This leads to Divas to come out (including Michelle McCool) just to make this segment even worse. Hiroko attacks McCool and Kenzo attacks Cena. Cena clears him out of the ring and ends it with "If you want some, come get some". That was the opposite of entertaining.
Rob Van Dam vs. Doug Basham
This was when the Bashams were in JBL's Cabinet. What a useless faction that was. It's amazing to me that even on a roster that lacked the depth of Raw at the time, they still didn't pull the trigger on RVD as champion. The Bashams are among the more forgettable performers of the era. RVD is over with the crowd as usual. The referee orders Mysterio to leave, but Danny Basham gets to stay. Alrighty then. Basham goes up top, but RVD gets his feet up. Rolling Thunder and then RVD is about to go up top, but Danny grabs his leg and distracts him and the ref. Orlando Jordan hands Doug something, but RVD knocks him out. Danny comes in and rolls Doug out and then hits RVD with a sit down powerbomb for the victory.
Match Rating: *1/4
Kurt Angle is now in Amy Weber's locker room waiting for her to arrive. He checks the bathroom and hears the water running. Angle starts undressing and rubs his nipples. No words. For anyone who thinks they need to get rid of TV-PG should watch this and the Cena segment. The shower is off and it's Joy and she's screaming at the sight of Angle. She runs around backstage with only a towel to get away from Angle. She runs into the arms of Big Show. Angle's explanation doesn't work and Show is chasing Angle to the ring. They start to brawl, which brings out Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, who aren't able to do anything. Show punches the chair onto Angle's head and stands tall.
JBL is backstage and reveals that they put a Amy Weber sign over Joy Giovanni's locker room.
Heidenreich is backstage punching a wall. He says he isn't afraid of the Undertaker, just the casket.
Heidenreich & Paul Heyman vs. Undertaker
Heyman is wearing a suit. We're less than a minute in and Heidenreich already puts Taker in a headlock. Heidenreich goes to work with some big boots. Taker gets the jumping clothesline and gives him Snake Eyes and a big boot. Old School time. He gets down to one knee and out come the druids with two caskets. Heidenreich is freaking out. Taker lifts his hands up and the casket opens. Heidenreich tags in Heyman and bails through the crowd. For some reason Heyman doesn't do the same, which leads to him trying to talk his way out of this. tombstone to Heyman and he drags him into the casket and closes the door. Taker's music plays even though technically the match isn't over? No explanation given on that one.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Well, that show sure took a dive after a hot start. Mysterio and Guerrero put on an amazing opener, but the rest is pretty much garbage. It's amazing how many forgettable wrestlers were on the roster at this time. Joy Giovanni, Orlando Jordan, Mark Jindrak, Luther Reigns, the Bashams, etc. The opener is well worth your time, but then feel free to move on to another show.
Overall Rating: 48%
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
My god, the intro song to this show horrible. Maybe the worst intro song that I can remember and that is saying something when it comes to wrestling. Despite being a taped show, it definitely has more of a live feel than I remember it having at the time. Mysterio comes down with a camcorder and they are using it as the 619 Cam. These two will go on to open up WrestleMania 21 in a couple of months. This is apparently a rematch from the previous week. The more I go back and watch retro wrestling, the more I appreciate Mysterio. These two together are magic. After a couple attempts, Eddie is finally able to slow things down and works on Mysterio with a hammerlock. Eddie catches Mysterio's springboard moonsault and puts him in the tree of woe. Guerrero goes for the dropkick to the face, but Mysterio is able to lift up, causing Eddie to crotch himself on the pole. During the commercial, Mysterio hits a nice moonsault that looks like it probably legit hurt Guerrero. Mysterio reverses a sleeper hold into one of his own. Eddie gets out and they appear to have a little big of a misstep, which he turns into a nearfall. Another springboard moonsault from Mysterio hits and hes back to a sleeper hold. Guerrero goes for a powerbomb, Mysterio gets out of it and sets him up for a 619, but Eddie is out of there. Man, I miss Eddie. Guerrero blocks a top rope hurricanrana and Eddie goes for a sunset flip and then Mysterio rolls out and dropkicks him. This match would still bring the house down in 2019. Referee bump and Eddie has a big smile on his face. Eddie grabs the belt and lays it on Mysterio and lays down next to him. Rey then puts the belt back on Eddie and says he was hit with the belt. Eddie is trying to hide it and the ref catches him trying to get rid of it. While Eddie is watching the refs on the ropes, Rey goes for a 619 again and Eddie moves and rolls Mysterio up. They roll all around until Mysterio ends up on top and gets the victory. This was such a fun match between two of the best ever.
Match Rating: **** (out of 5)
Heidenreich is backstage and we get the fake boos piped in. Paul Heyman says he will get rid of the casket stipulation at Royal Rumble.
We are getting a battle rap between John Cena and Kenzo Suzuki.
Carlito is down for what the announcers think is for guest commentating, but he says that he is down to get signatures to remove Teddy Long as the Smackdown GM.
Cruiserweight Championship Match
Funaki vs. Akio
We are about 30 seconds in and we are already focusing more on Carlito than the match. Carlito is in the ring trying to get a signature from Charles Robinson. Meanwhile, Akio and Funaki are having a solid match. Funaki comes off the top rope, but Akio nails him with a spinning heel kick. Akio then misses a moonsault that leads to a Tornado DDT and a 3 count. Good match for what it was, which was a backdrop to the Carlito angle. Carlito then spits an apple at Joy Giovanni.
Match Rating: **
Heyman and Heidenreich is now with Long trying to remove the casket stipulation. Long's fine acting skills are in rare form tonight. Heidenreich was really a weird character. Long decides to give Heidenrich with a match with Undertaker tonight with the stipulation that if he wins, the Royal Rumble match is no longer a casket match. Oh and it's a handicap match with Heyman teaming up with Heidenreich. Heyman is furious, but Heidenreich says he's got this.
Kurt Angle is with police officers telling them to guard his medals. Amy Weber then comes in to talk to Angle. I do not remember Amy Weber at all (outside of her name). She invites Angle to come to her locker room to get better acquainted.
Kurt Angle Invitational
Kurt Angle vs. Brian Black
Angle is on the mic and he says he is in a gambling mood. He says he will either pin or make his opponent tap in under 3 minutes or else he will give him his gold medal. Brian Black introduces himself and Angle punches him right in the face. Ankle lock and it's over in 26 seconds. Good heel heat here for Angle.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Daniel Puder is met backstage by Jackie and Torrie. Puder acts like a jerk. It's easy to see why he didn't last.
It's Battle Rap time. First comes Kenzo Suzuki dressed up as Uncle Sam. Cena then comes out with his spinner US Championship. This was still his old entrance music. Kenzo, who barely speaks English, sounds exactly how you think. Cena then does his and it's safe to say that none of this would be able to be on the air in 2019. This leads to Divas to come out (including Michelle McCool) just to make this segment even worse. Hiroko attacks McCool and Kenzo attacks Cena. Cena clears him out of the ring and ends it with "If you want some, come get some". That was the opposite of entertaining.
Rob Van Dam vs. Doug Basham
This was when the Bashams were in JBL's Cabinet. What a useless faction that was. It's amazing to me that even on a roster that lacked the depth of Raw at the time, they still didn't pull the trigger on RVD as champion. The Bashams are among the more forgettable performers of the era. RVD is over with the crowd as usual. The referee orders Mysterio to leave, but Danny Basham gets to stay. Alrighty then. Basham goes up top, but RVD gets his feet up. Rolling Thunder and then RVD is about to go up top, but Danny grabs his leg and distracts him and the ref. Orlando Jordan hands Doug something, but RVD knocks him out. Danny comes in and rolls Doug out and then hits RVD with a sit down powerbomb for the victory.
Match Rating: *1/4
Kurt Angle is now in Amy Weber's locker room waiting for her to arrive. He checks the bathroom and hears the water running. Angle starts undressing and rubs his nipples. No words. For anyone who thinks they need to get rid of TV-PG should watch this and the Cena segment. The shower is off and it's Joy and she's screaming at the sight of Angle. She runs around backstage with only a towel to get away from Angle. She runs into the arms of Big Show. Angle's explanation doesn't work and Show is chasing Angle to the ring. They start to brawl, which brings out Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, who aren't able to do anything. Show punches the chair onto Angle's head and stands tall.
JBL is backstage and reveals that they put a Amy Weber sign over Joy Giovanni's locker room.
Heidenreich is backstage punching a wall. He says he isn't afraid of the Undertaker, just the casket.
Heidenreich & Paul Heyman vs. Undertaker
Heyman is wearing a suit. We're less than a minute in and Heidenreich already puts Taker in a headlock. Heidenreich goes to work with some big boots. Taker gets the jumping clothesline and gives him Snake Eyes and a big boot. Old School time. He gets down to one knee and out come the druids with two caskets. Heidenreich is freaking out. Taker lifts his hands up and the casket opens. Heidenreich tags in Heyman and bails through the crowd. For some reason Heyman doesn't do the same, which leads to him trying to talk his way out of this. tombstone to Heyman and he drags him into the casket and closes the door. Taker's music plays even though technically the match isn't over? No explanation given on that one.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Well, that show sure took a dive after a hot start. Mysterio and Guerrero put on an amazing opener, but the rest is pretty much garbage. It's amazing how many forgettable wrestlers were on the roster at this time. Joy Giovanni, Orlando Jordan, Mark Jindrak, Luther Reigns, the Bashams, etc. The opener is well worth your time, but then feel free to move on to another show.
Overall Rating: 48%
Monday, February 4, 2019
NXT 6-27-12 Review
Original Airdate: Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Seth Rollins vs. Jiro
We get right to action, as we get the debut of current headliner Seth Rollins. They treat him as somewhat of an odd, metal loving competitor. I first saw Rollins back in Ring Of Honor in 2008 and walked away thinking he had big star potential. He makes quick work of Jiro. He then cuts a promo after the match and it is basically him yelling. Jinder Mahal then interrupts and Rollins heads to the back.
Match Rating: 1/4* (out of 5)
Jinder Mahal vs. Jason Jordan
Jordan's hair will continue to be a highlight here on NXT. Mahal is just as uninteresting in 2012 as he is in 2019. After some boring action, Mahal puts Jordan in the Camel Clutch and that is all. Mahal cuts a promo in his native tongue to a chorus of boos.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We get a hype video for Leo Kruger, who would of course go on to be Adam Rose. A lot of their talents during this time on NXT were pretty weak.
Leo Kruger vs. Aiden English
Well, here are two matches in a row where the guy they are hyping is significantly worse than the guy putting them over. English attempts to hit some dropkicks but is swatted away. Kruger then just goes on to destroy him and get the submission victory. I will say, he looked better than I ever remember him as Adam Rose, but the bar is set very low there.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Now it's Richie Steamboat's hype video and how he will try to carve out his own legacy as a Steamboat.
The Usos vs. The Ascension
The Usos had already been with the company for 2 years at this point. If this were a match on Raw or Smackdown, it would likely be a 3 minute squash for the Usos. The Ascension have a unique entrance, that would probably still work if they brought that back. Usos get a few moves in, but The Ascension hits the Downcast and that's all. I didn't expect that to be as short as it was.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Richie Steamboat vs. Rick Victor
Interesting that future Ascension member wrestles immediately after in a total jobber role. This is my first time actually seeing Steamboat wrestle a match. It seemed as if he was always a sure thing to be a huge star before a back injury ended it. There is no doubting that he is the son of Ricky. He reminds me of a more polished 1996 Rocky Maivia. He hits the Slingblade for the victory. His father celebrates the victory in the crowd.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Antonio Cesaro vs. Dante Dash
Cesaro is accompanied by Aksana. Good times. I am a huge Cesaro fan and I will never understand why they sent him to NXT but it ended up working ok. Byron Saxton is really not good at all as an announcer and actually takes away from the matches. Cesaro's power moves are still impressive 7 years later. Neutralizer and its all over.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We get another Bray Wyatt video and it's hard not to think what could have been with that character. A definite missed opportunity.
Johnny Curtis vs. Derrick Bateman
Both of these guys had a lot of hype at the time, but this is my first time watching them during this era. I enjoy Curtis's work, but have never been big on Bateman. After a flurry of moves from Bateman, Curtis now goes to work on the leg. Curtis seems like an interesting guy. I also love how this was the era of random generic names. I mean, would Vince really main event WrestleMania with a guy named Derrick Bateman? I guess at least it was better than Michael McGillicutty. Then out of nowhere, Bateman hits the DVD and that is all. For a match they made out to be a big deal, that was awfully short.
Match Rating: 1/2*
I felt like I was watching an episode of 1992 Superstars right there. I get that they wanted to keep introducing all of these new stars, but why not spread them out and give your main event a few more minutes? Also, why waste the Usos appearance in a squash match? Confusing episode to me.
Overall Rating: 29%
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Seth Rollins vs. Jiro
We get right to action, as we get the debut of current headliner Seth Rollins. They treat him as somewhat of an odd, metal loving competitor. I first saw Rollins back in Ring Of Honor in 2008 and walked away thinking he had big star potential. He makes quick work of Jiro. He then cuts a promo after the match and it is basically him yelling. Jinder Mahal then interrupts and Rollins heads to the back.
Match Rating: 1/4* (out of 5)
Jinder Mahal vs. Jason Jordan
Jordan's hair will continue to be a highlight here on NXT. Mahal is just as uninteresting in 2012 as he is in 2019. After some boring action, Mahal puts Jordan in the Camel Clutch and that is all. Mahal cuts a promo in his native tongue to a chorus of boos.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We get a hype video for Leo Kruger, who would of course go on to be Adam Rose. A lot of their talents during this time on NXT were pretty weak.
Leo Kruger vs. Aiden English
Well, here are two matches in a row where the guy they are hyping is significantly worse than the guy putting them over. English attempts to hit some dropkicks but is swatted away. Kruger then just goes on to destroy him and get the submission victory. I will say, he looked better than I ever remember him as Adam Rose, but the bar is set very low there.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Now it's Richie Steamboat's hype video and how he will try to carve out his own legacy as a Steamboat.
The Usos vs. The Ascension
The Usos had already been with the company for 2 years at this point. If this were a match on Raw or Smackdown, it would likely be a 3 minute squash for the Usos. The Ascension have a unique entrance, that would probably still work if they brought that back. Usos get a few moves in, but The Ascension hits the Downcast and that's all. I didn't expect that to be as short as it was.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Richie Steamboat vs. Rick Victor
Interesting that future Ascension member wrestles immediately after in a total jobber role. This is my first time actually seeing Steamboat wrestle a match. It seemed as if he was always a sure thing to be a huge star before a back injury ended it. There is no doubting that he is the son of Ricky. He reminds me of a more polished 1996 Rocky Maivia. He hits the Slingblade for the victory. His father celebrates the victory in the crowd.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Antonio Cesaro vs. Dante Dash
Cesaro is accompanied by Aksana. Good times. I am a huge Cesaro fan and I will never understand why they sent him to NXT but it ended up working ok. Byron Saxton is really not good at all as an announcer and actually takes away from the matches. Cesaro's power moves are still impressive 7 years later. Neutralizer and its all over.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We get another Bray Wyatt video and it's hard not to think what could have been with that character. A definite missed opportunity.
Johnny Curtis vs. Derrick Bateman
Both of these guys had a lot of hype at the time, but this is my first time watching them during this era. I enjoy Curtis's work, but have never been big on Bateman. After a flurry of moves from Bateman, Curtis now goes to work on the leg. Curtis seems like an interesting guy. I also love how this was the era of random generic names. I mean, would Vince really main event WrestleMania with a guy named Derrick Bateman? I guess at least it was better than Michael McGillicutty. Then out of nowhere, Bateman hits the DVD and that is all. For a match they made out to be a big deal, that was awfully short.
Match Rating: 1/2*
I felt like I was watching an episode of 1992 Superstars right there. I get that they wanted to keep introducing all of these new stars, but why not spread them out and give your main event a few more minutes? Also, why waste the Usos appearance in a squash match? Confusing episode to me.
Overall Rating: 29%
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Halftime Heat 2019 Review
Sunday, February 3rd, 2019
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Aleister Black, Ricochet & Velveteen Dream vs. Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa
Gargano and Ricochet, fresh off their epic battle at Takeover, start things off. These two were made for each other. Cole and Black in there now and Black is bringing it tonight. 6 man tag matches can be so much fun and this is off to a great start, with all 6 men getting some time in there. Therope faces do some showing off of their athletic ability and for some reason the camera angle is a little awkward. This naturally leads to the heels taking over. It's been said a million times, but Ciampa is such a great heel. Why more people don't strive for that anymore is beyond me. Cole goes up top, but Dream catches him with a superkick to the gut. Ricochet gets the hot tag and causes Ciampa to DDT Gargano in a fun spot. If Ricochet isn't in a featured match at next year's WrestleMania, WWE has really screwed up. Black looks extra motivated tonight, flying all over the place. I can't even type fast enough even to call a handful of the moves here. After a flurry of offense by both teams, Gargano and Dream are struggling to get up. Dream gets the tag to Ricochet, but Gargano hits a big time clothesline and tags in Cole. Ricochet is able to fight off their double team and hits a standing shooting star press, but then tries a moonsault and Cole hits a superkick like their match at Takeover. This is just absolutely a blast. All 6 men are in the ring and we have an all out brawl now. Gargano hits a reverse hurricanrana but then gets hit by a knee from Black who immediately gets hit by Ciampa. Cole on the second rope to a Canadian Destroyer to Ricochet. That's still not enough to get the victory. Ricochet is alone in the ring with all 3 of the opposition and they hit a 3 man superkick! 1-2-Black saves the match for his team. In comes Dream, who is barely able to stand. Now we have superkicks all around. Gargano almost hit Ciampa, but stopped and then got nailed by Black. Dream Driver Driver to Cole and Ricochet and Dream hit their moves off the top rope and get the victory. What an incredible match. Let's hope this was successful, because the original Halftime Heat was such a fun alternative back in the day and this surpassed that match without question. It will be interesting to see what happens with all 6 of these performers in the near future.
Match Rating: ****1/2
This was an absolutely excellent showcase for the NXT brand and hopefully a lot of people were interested enough to check it out and be blown away. The 6 man tag is something that doesn't always get featured in the way it should be, but this was definitely a case for it to be something they do more often on a Takeover or pay per view. I won't do an overall rating since it was just one match, but definitely make sure to check this out.
Full Sail University
Winter Garden, Florida
Aleister Black, Ricochet & Velveteen Dream vs. Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa
Gargano and Ricochet, fresh off their epic battle at Takeover, start things off. These two were made for each other. Cole and Black in there now and Black is bringing it tonight. 6 man tag matches can be so much fun and this is off to a great start, with all 6 men getting some time in there. Therope faces do some showing off of their athletic ability and for some reason the camera angle is a little awkward. This naturally leads to the heels taking over. It's been said a million times, but Ciampa is such a great heel. Why more people don't strive for that anymore is beyond me. Cole goes up top, but Dream catches him with a superkick to the gut. Ricochet gets the hot tag and causes Ciampa to DDT Gargano in a fun spot. If Ricochet isn't in a featured match at next year's WrestleMania, WWE has really screwed up. Black looks extra motivated tonight, flying all over the place. I can't even type fast enough even to call a handful of the moves here. After a flurry of offense by both teams, Gargano and Dream are struggling to get up. Dream gets the tag to Ricochet, but Gargano hits a big time clothesline and tags in Cole. Ricochet is able to fight off their double team and hits a standing shooting star press, but then tries a moonsault and Cole hits a superkick like their match at Takeover. This is just absolutely a blast. All 6 men are in the ring and we have an all out brawl now. Gargano hits a reverse hurricanrana but then gets hit by a knee from Black who immediately gets hit by Ciampa. Cole on the second rope to a Canadian Destroyer to Ricochet. That's still not enough to get the victory. Ricochet is alone in the ring with all 3 of the opposition and they hit a 3 man superkick! 1-2-Black saves the match for his team. In comes Dream, who is barely able to stand. Now we have superkicks all around. Gargano almost hit Ciampa, but stopped and then got nailed by Black. Dream Driver Driver to Cole and Ricochet and Dream hit their moves off the top rope and get the victory. What an incredible match. Let's hope this was successful, because the original Halftime Heat was such a fun alternative back in the day and this surpassed that match without question. It will be interesting to see what happens with all 6 of these performers in the near future.
Match Rating: ****1/2
This was an absolutely excellent showcase for the NXT brand and hopefully a lot of people were interested enough to check it out and be blown away. The 6 man tag is something that doesn't always get featured in the way it should be, but this was definitely a case for it to be something they do more often on a Takeover or pay per view. I won't do an overall rating since it was just one match, but definitely make sure to check this out.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Worlds Collide 2019 Review
Original Airdate: Saturday, February 2nd, 2019
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona
15 Man Battle Royal
It's interesting to see WWE in a Ring Of Honor type atmosphere. Tyler Bate, Velveteen Dream and Adam Cole get the biggest pops as expected. Humberto Carrillo and Zack Gibson are the first two eliminated, which means they will meet in the first round. Cedric Alexander is eliminated shortly after, which is a surprise. Honestly, the best way to go about a battle royal is to clear out at least close to half of the guys within the first 2 or 3 minutes. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of guys punching and kicking each other waiting for their spot to be eliminated. Tyler Bate is the next one to be surprisingly eliminated early. This match is already 5 minutes too long and we are nowhere near the ending. Adam Cole is eliminated to some huge boos. I can't emphasize how much longer this match is than it should have been. The two big men, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic are both eliminated and we are FINALLY down to 4. Someone in the crowd shouts out "Anyone but TJP". Nese and TJP are working together here. Velveteen throws out TJP. A few minutes later he knocks out Nese and almost himself. He gets back in and Devlin is there to eliminate him and pick up the victory. That was a poorly constructed opener. It can only go up from here.
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona
15 Man Battle Royal
It's interesting to see WWE in a Ring Of Honor type atmosphere. Tyler Bate, Velveteen Dream and Adam Cole get the biggest pops as expected. Humberto Carrillo and Zack Gibson are the first two eliminated, which means they will meet in the first round. Cedric Alexander is eliminated shortly after, which is a surprise. Honestly, the best way to go about a battle royal is to clear out at least close to half of the guys within the first 2 or 3 minutes. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of guys punching and kicking each other waiting for their spot to be eliminated. Tyler Bate is the next one to be surprisingly eliminated early. This match is already 5 minutes too long and we are nowhere near the ending. Adam Cole is eliminated to some huge boos. I can't emphasize how much longer this match is than it should have been. The two big men, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic are both eliminated and we are FINALLY down to 4. Someone in the crowd shouts out "Anyone but TJP". Nese and TJP are working together here. Velveteen throws out TJP. A few minutes later he knocks out Nese and almost himself. He gets back in and Devlin is there to eliminate him and pick up the victory. That was a poorly constructed opener. It can only go up from here.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Charly Caruso explains that they are only showing the key matchups here and the rest can be seen on WWE.com and YouTube. I will only be covering this special.
Zack Gibson vs. Humberto Carrillo
This is my first time seeing Carrillo in the ring. Right from the get go, it is clear Carrillo is an athlete. I truly feel like I am back in 2008 and watching a ROH DVD. Carrillo hits a nice reverse somersault into a moonsault for a nearfall. Carrillo is impressing here, but then Gibson hits an awesome move to turn the tables. Carrillo then hits a handstand into a springboard elbow drop for the victory. I liked what I saw from Carrillo. Gibson was mostly just average.
Match Rating: **1/2
We now see the quarterfinals bracket followed by a highlight package of all the other first round matches.
Drew Gulak vs. Jordan Devlin
This is a quarterfinals matchup. We get some mat wrestling to start off. Devlin finally gets some offense in after some hard hitting forearms. I am a little surprised they are showing this match, as the crowd is pretty much dead silent here. Devlin goes the sunset flip, but Gulak grabs the ropes and gets caught. Then Devlin tries to pin Gulak with his feet on the ropes and he gets caught as well. We get some dual slaps and they both eventually are down. Devlin with a springboard moonsault, but Gulak catches him and puts him in the Gu-lock. Devlin is able to get out of it. I will say these guys are beating the crap out of each other. We get some nearfalls and they are slowly winning over the crowd here. Devlin hits Ireland's Call for the pin.
Match Rating: **1/4
Adam Cole vs. Tyler Bate
We are in the semi-finals now. Not sure if they'll be going 110% like they would at a Takeover, but regardless this should be an awesome match. Both of these guys should be huge stars on the main roster sooner rather than later. Bate gets the early advantage after a couple of hip tosses and a dropkick. Cole recovers and hits him with a big running kick. If you don't know a lot about Adam Cole, I highly recommend listening to his interview on the E&C Pod of Awesomeness. Bate gets Cole up for an airplane spin followed by an uppercut. Standing Shooting Star Press gets a 2 1/2 count. Bate hits him with a big left hand, but Cole follows that up with a superkick. Cole hits a knee for a near 3 count. Cole rolls down his knee pad but misses the knee and Bate turns that into a Tyler Driver for the victory. Good match, but it never got into the next gear.
Match Rating: ***1/4
Jordan Devlin vs. Velveteen Dream
It's clear WWE is high on Devlin, as they gave him a match against Finn Balor at the NXT UK Takeover and gave him a nice run here. Velveteen Dream of course has a lot ahead of him in the near future. Dream's ribs are wrapped here. This is an odd nitpick, but I think Dream needs to either tape his wrists or wear wristbands. Yeah, I'm crazy. Dream is selling the ribs all the way here, which is nice to see from such a young performer. Devlin is doing a nice job as well targeting the ribs, even if isn't resulting in the most impressive match. Dream lifts him up for a Dream Driver, but Devlin hits him in the ribs to get otu of it. Devlin stops Dream from going upstairs and goes for a sunset flip powerbomb, but Dream hangs onto the ropes. Dream then hits him with a moonsault. Crossbody by Dream, but Devlin rolls through for a 2 count. Backstabber by Devlin and it's still not enough. Dream hits his version of a DDT and Devlin is able to kick out. Devlin goes for a moonsault, but Dream blocks hit and hits the Dream Driver. Dream is up top and hits the Purple RainMaker. Dream will go on to take on Bate in the finals.
Match Rating: **1/2
Tyler Bate vs. Velveteen Dream
Interesting that they went with two fan favorites despite them having Dream sell the rib injury. Also interesting that they show a close up of someone wearing a Young Bucks shirt. Bate has Dream in an abdominal stretch and is working the elbow on the injured ribs. The fan shots they have shown during the show have been even more pointless than usual. Bate hits a suplex from the second rope while Dream is on the apron, which is quite impressive. It's definitely kind of strange seeing Bate playing this role of dominating the match. Dream hits him with a knee to the face and both are dazed. Dream hits a couple of clotheslines followed by a huge back body drop. Superkick and Fameasser gets him a 2 1/2. After some big moves by both, Dream hits the Dream Driver and Bate kicks out. Bate has Dream in a Boston Crab and Dream is screaming in agony. Dream attempts to crawl to the ropes but Bate puts his foot on his head. Dream nearly passes out, but snaps out of it, but Bate drags him back to the center of the ring. Dream reverses and after multiple kicks finall gets out of it into an inside cradle for a 2 7/8 as Nigel said. Crowd is chanting "This is awesome", but it looks as if they are at a golf outing instead of a wrestling match. Dream dumps Bate outside the ring and then hits him with a double ax handle. Dream up top again, but Bate hits him with a jumping headbutt. Dream appears to be out. Bate is climbing up top but Dream stops him. Dream going for a superplex, but that too is blocked. Bate with a big left hand. Bate is going for a Tyler Driver 97, but falls to the mat and Dream hits the Purple RainMaker for the pinfall and the opportunity for a title match of his choosing.
Match Rating: ***1/4
Well, this was essentially the quality of a house show. A couple solid matches, but lacking the excitement we expect from a bigger event. I'm always happy when they decide to do Network Exclusive shows and even though I didn't love it, I am glad they gave something a shot. Don't go out of your way to watch it, but if you do, just skip the first half hour or so.
Overall Rating: 52%
Charly Caruso explains that they are only showing the key matchups here and the rest can be seen on WWE.com and YouTube. I will only be covering this special.
Zack Gibson vs. Humberto Carrillo
This is my first time seeing Carrillo in the ring. Right from the get go, it is clear Carrillo is an athlete. I truly feel like I am back in 2008 and watching a ROH DVD. Carrillo hits a nice reverse somersault into a moonsault for a nearfall. Carrillo is impressing here, but then Gibson hits an awesome move to turn the tables. Carrillo then hits a handstand into a springboard elbow drop for the victory. I liked what I saw from Carrillo. Gibson was mostly just average.
Match Rating: **1/2
We now see the quarterfinals bracket followed by a highlight package of all the other first round matches.
Drew Gulak vs. Jordan Devlin
This is a quarterfinals matchup. We get some mat wrestling to start off. Devlin finally gets some offense in after some hard hitting forearms. I am a little surprised they are showing this match, as the crowd is pretty much dead silent here. Devlin goes the sunset flip, but Gulak grabs the ropes and gets caught. Then Devlin tries to pin Gulak with his feet on the ropes and he gets caught as well. We get some dual slaps and they both eventually are down. Devlin with a springboard moonsault, but Gulak catches him and puts him in the Gu-lock. Devlin is able to get out of it. I will say these guys are beating the crap out of each other. We get some nearfalls and they are slowly winning over the crowd here. Devlin hits Ireland's Call for the pin.
Match Rating: **1/4
Adam Cole vs. Tyler Bate
We are in the semi-finals now. Not sure if they'll be going 110% like they would at a Takeover, but regardless this should be an awesome match. Both of these guys should be huge stars on the main roster sooner rather than later. Bate gets the early advantage after a couple of hip tosses and a dropkick. Cole recovers and hits him with a big running kick. If you don't know a lot about Adam Cole, I highly recommend listening to his interview on the E&C Pod of Awesomeness. Bate gets Cole up for an airplane spin followed by an uppercut. Standing Shooting Star Press gets a 2 1/2 count. Bate hits him with a big left hand, but Cole follows that up with a superkick. Cole hits a knee for a near 3 count. Cole rolls down his knee pad but misses the knee and Bate turns that into a Tyler Driver for the victory. Good match, but it never got into the next gear.
Match Rating: ***1/4
Jordan Devlin vs. Velveteen Dream
It's clear WWE is high on Devlin, as they gave him a match against Finn Balor at the NXT UK Takeover and gave him a nice run here. Velveteen Dream of course has a lot ahead of him in the near future. Dream's ribs are wrapped here. This is an odd nitpick, but I think Dream needs to either tape his wrists or wear wristbands. Yeah, I'm crazy. Dream is selling the ribs all the way here, which is nice to see from such a young performer. Devlin is doing a nice job as well targeting the ribs, even if isn't resulting in the most impressive match. Dream lifts him up for a Dream Driver, but Devlin hits him in the ribs to get otu of it. Devlin stops Dream from going upstairs and goes for a sunset flip powerbomb, but Dream hangs onto the ropes. Dream then hits him with a moonsault. Crossbody by Dream, but Devlin rolls through for a 2 count. Backstabber by Devlin and it's still not enough. Dream hits his version of a DDT and Devlin is able to kick out. Devlin goes for a moonsault, but Dream blocks hit and hits the Dream Driver. Dream is up top and hits the Purple RainMaker. Dream will go on to take on Bate in the finals.
Match Rating: **1/2
Tyler Bate vs. Velveteen Dream
Interesting that they went with two fan favorites despite them having Dream sell the rib injury. Also interesting that they show a close up of someone wearing a Young Bucks shirt. Bate has Dream in an abdominal stretch and is working the elbow on the injured ribs. The fan shots they have shown during the show have been even more pointless than usual. Bate hits a suplex from the second rope while Dream is on the apron, which is quite impressive. It's definitely kind of strange seeing Bate playing this role of dominating the match. Dream hits him with a knee to the face and both are dazed. Dream hits a couple of clotheslines followed by a huge back body drop. Superkick and Fameasser gets him a 2 1/2. After some big moves by both, Dream hits the Dream Driver and Bate kicks out. Bate has Dream in a Boston Crab and Dream is screaming in agony. Dream attempts to crawl to the ropes but Bate puts his foot on his head. Dream nearly passes out, but snaps out of it, but Bate drags him back to the center of the ring. Dream reverses and after multiple kicks finall gets out of it into an inside cradle for a 2 7/8 as Nigel said. Crowd is chanting "This is awesome", but it looks as if they are at a golf outing instead of a wrestling match. Dream dumps Bate outside the ring and then hits him with a double ax handle. Dream up top again, but Bate hits him with a jumping headbutt. Dream appears to be out. Bate is climbing up top but Dream stops him. Dream going for a superplex, but that too is blocked. Bate with a big left hand. Bate is going for a Tyler Driver 97, but falls to the mat and Dream hits the Purple RainMaker for the pinfall and the opportunity for a title match of his choosing.
Match Rating: ***1/4
Well, this was essentially the quality of a house show. A couple solid matches, but lacking the excitement we expect from a bigger event. I'm always happy when they decide to do Network Exclusive shows and even though I didn't love it, I am glad they gave something a shot. Don't go out of your way to watch it, but if you do, just skip the first half hour or so.
Overall Rating: 52%
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