Smackdown Live – 6/9/16

Backlash is on Sunday guys, so this go home show might be a bit shaky. Then again, it can’t be as shaky as last nights Raw. While the second half was good, it took a major downward trend in the second half. Here’s hoping Smackdown is nothing but net.

No cold opening this week, as we start immediately with the opening credits. That’s a shame, since I like the cold openings, but if they don’t have the material for it then I’m glad that it isn’t being forced. We open with Daniel Bryan starting a yes chant in ring with the Smackdown Women’s title on a table behind him. He describes the rules of the six pack challenge, this is probably for the best since there’s been very little build for this match at all. He announces a women’s tag match later in the night before calling Becky Lynch to the ring. Becky admits that she thought Bryan would bring Nikki in first. This prompts Daniel to plug Total Bellas while Becky just sort of sits there. Come on Daniel, do you really have to plug it right now. Becky Lynch is able to talk about her drive before Natalya and Alexa Bliss come out to play heel. Bliss gets the highlight as she calls Bryan a Bella trophy husband.

Carmella comes out and starts ripping into Alexa for this, not sure why. She called her ‘Paulie Pocket’. Love that accent. They turn on Becky, before Becky gets backup in Naomi and Nikki and halfheartedly throw Team Heel out of the ring. Alright. That’s some ludicrously artificial heat.

A lost looking Dean Ambrose messes with the craft table and fills his coffee with some salt before stalking off. Ambrose really doesn’t fit in Smackdown. He’s too above everyone else to talk to anyone properly, but he has nothing to do by himself. His character doesn’t really fit.

Daniel Bryan fails to drop responsibilities of the women’s division on Shane just before The Miz comes out and complains about his Intercontinental championship match at Backlash, upset with Dolph’s ineligibility for the number one contenders position. Rightly so really considering all he’s went through to keep it. He can’t complain much more though, since he’s due a match tonight.

The Miz vs Apollo Crews 

Dolph Ziggler is here commentating on this match, as The Miz screams at him from the side of the ring. Dolph’s commentary seems pretty bland in comparison to Miz’s larger than life persona. Apollo Crews comes out smiling like always, oblivious to the beef going down. This doesn’t stop him from putting on his best effort, performing interesting moves and unusual reversals in response to Miz’s straight forward style. A lot of the match is ignored in favour of camera time for Dolph. An altercation with Dolph outside the ring works in Miz’s favour as he uses the dodges Apollo and whips him into the ring for the Skullcrushing finale. He leaves the title in the ring, leaving Dolph alone with it as he yells at Miz, calling him a coward. Miz proves him wrong by sending Maryse to get it. Good man.

Winner by Pinfall: The Miz

We go to the Talking Smack set as Renee asks AJ Styles (Still rocking that headband) about his ringropeitis from last week. This pisses off AJ, as he summons the man responsible for the footage’s appearance and threatens his job live on camera. ‘No one will know if I destroy your headset and blame it on you.’ Uuuuuh, sure. Logic notwithstanding, that’s some pretty good heelwork by AJ.

After a good advertisement for Connor’s Cure, Mauro starts to introduce a vignette on American Alpha before the screen goes back. Then the Smackdown opening plays. Then Mauro introduces the vignette again. Ooops. The short vignette plays before we get an Usos interview. Luckily The Usos are allowed to show some character so it isn’t a total trainwreck. They talk about their Slammy history before we go back to the ring.

Bray Wyatt interrupts Mauro with a good promo about the life of a predator and man’s evolution to combat it, leaving the predator in the dust. Bray describes himself as the evolution of man and tells Randy about how he can’t combat a god. Please let Bray win this god damn match. You can’t make him look like a loser again. Please just let him win one feud. Bray needs to be strong.

Team Face vs Team Heel

Nikki Bella is the first out for Team Face, with Naomi and Becky following. Naomi’s still stealing the show with her entrance, weeks down the line, love it so much. Team Heel can’t compare, with Bliss, Carmella and Natty following. The match is good to start with Becky’s interesting pin escape techniques and  Naomi’s good attacks. But gets a little sloppy with a strange delay in Carmella’s follow through to Becky’s roll up pin. The match gets more vicious as the action goes outside the ring, with Becky taking all the bumps for Team Face, this goes on for a while as Becky is unable to get the tag from anyone as Team Heel continues to work her. If they use this as a reason for her not getting the title on Sunday I’ll be pissed. She’s finally able to get the tag on Nikki as the match turns around. Once Carmella gets into the ring though all bets are off, as the ring descends into chaos, with all but the legal women in the ring. Carmella uses a submission move that capitalises on Nikki’s neck and gets the submission.

Winner by Submission: Team Heel

Tag Team Tournament Semi Finals: The Usos vs American Alpha

The Usos come out to a quiet crowd, allowing them to hype them up with an Uso chant.No ones really appreciated them in a long time, their entrance colouring and war dance would be more suited to heels. This comes to fruition after American Alpha come out. The Usos go for a handshake and sucker AA into a fair fight until the bell rings and they attack. This lasts about five seconds before Gable gets the pin on Jimmy. The Usos then launch another attack on AA, focusing on injuring Gable’s leg with a frog splash to the leg in particular. Maybe this’ll help Slater get a pin on Sunday (There’s no way his storyline ends at the semi finals. EDIT Shane later announced that Gable strained his MCL and now The Usos will fight the Hype Bros at Backlash for the chance to get into the finals.

Winner By Pinfall: American Alpha

We then get a response from Randy Orton on Bray Wyatt’s parable from earlier. Randy also tells a parable about a rabbit and a snake. He talks about how overconfidence will be Bray’s ending while Orton bides his time and waits to strike.

We go back to the ring as a lone Fandango explains that Tyler Breeze is away. He brings in a woman and compliments her tattoos before attempting an awkward dance with her. Her dance ends with an awkward dab. Fandango kicks her out of the ring and gets angry, demanding someone worthy comes out to dance with him. Oh my God, Fandango is Dennis Reynolds

Fortunately Kane comes out and chokeslams him, reminding us that he’s here.

Before we move onto the next match, let’s view the introduction of the Slater family, I really have no words for it. It’s perfect. With the implied incest, Slater knowing where to buy a tongue and Uncle Rhyno who doesn’t like kids. Heath is money.

Tag Team Tournament Semi Finals: The Hype Bros vs Heath Slater and Rhyno

Hopefully this week Rhyno will be able to get through this one without bleeding all over the place. That’s likely the case with The Hype Bros’ orthodox gear and style in comparison to The Headbangers last week. I like Zack’s Hype Bros ring gear, the colours seem to work for him. The match is interesting, with Slater working for most of the match with Zack before Rhyno pulls him out of the way of the Broski Boot and Gores Zack. This gives Rhyno the pin, allowing them to move on to the finals.

Winners By Pinfall: Heath Slater and Rhyno

Next up we have The Usos explaining why they turned heel earlier in the night, attributing it to how they’ve been working for the people’s respect for six years with no results (two slammies, multiple tag team titles). They’re done with that and if they’re getting no respect, they want to deserve it. Let’s see if people care in a months time.

Next up we have a meeting between Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles, with Dean offering AJ an old participation trophy from a bowling tournament. He claims that it’ll be the only trophy that AJ will gain from him. Dean then brings up the Ringropeitis incident and AJ’s haircut, causing a ‘soccer mom’ chant through the crowd. AJ brings his last trophy to attention, Cena’s armband, before dropping the bowling trophy. Dean Ambrose isn’t John Cena. Ambrose claims that he isn’t in a ring when he fights, he fights in a battlefield, refering back to when he beat Styles earlier in the year.  This leads to another Smackdown ending with dick trauma, as AJ kicks Ambrose in the junk, throws the trophy at him and Smackdown just sort of ends. Maybe we were pushed for time.

This Smackdown was a weird one, with only four matches taking place and a fixxled out ending. The highlights being Slater and Rhyno’s segments and The Uso heel turn, maybe Smackdown will be revitalised after Backlash.

Follow me on Twitter @Oliverwoodster

 

 

Alberto Del Rio Parts Way With WWE, Leaving Paige’s Future In Doubt

In a move that has surprised no-one (but its good to get closure), Alberto Del Rio has announced via Twitter that he and WWE have mutual parted ways … again:

My business relationship with @WWE has come to an end in good terms…thanks for the opportunities they gave me.
Termine mi relación con WWE

— Alberto Del Rio (@VivaDelRio) September 9, 2016

The announcement comes after the Mexican Superstar was benched back in August for violation of WWE’s wellness program, during which time it was widely reported that Del Rio was waiting out the 30 Day Suspension to terminate his contract with the Pro-Wrestling Company.

Alberto (real name José Alberto Rodríguez) made his return to WWE in October last year after previously being fired due to a backstage altercation with a company employee who had made a racist joke about the wrestler.

Although this time around his departure seems on the up-and-up, Del Rio has been the bone of contention backstage regarding his unhappiness with lack of Main Event status and real-life relationship with former Divas Champion Paige.

Paige, who is currently on suspension herself, has garnered heat from her romantic relationship with Del Rio with dirt sheets and fans noting that the pair were recently split-up during the Brand Split in July. Adding fuel to the fire that Big-Wigs at WWE are unhappy about the pairing.

Since then reports have surfaced that the Total Divas star has lawyers looking into getting herself out of a 7 year contract with WWE but as-of-yet that rumour is unconfirmed.

For all your WWE News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated & #SkatronixxxWrestling only on Twitter & Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – September 3rd, 2016 – Blood Moon On The Rise

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! With a relatively quiet week on the Main Roster, it was left to NXT to kick things into high gear.

Although he debuted in a losing effort, CWC favourite Tony Neese teamed-up with fellow WWE Network show brethren Ariya Daivari and put on a heck of show. With the Tag Team Divisions favourites TM61 (ugh … that name) in the other corner, I was hard pressed to believe that Neese and Daivari stood a chance. But as with the formers performance on CWC, I was suckered in as Neese dominated for much of the match before falling to a harsh clothesline from Shane Thorne.

At this point I’m sold on Nick Miller & Shane Thorne, so these kinda matches are superfluous in getting what I believe are the next big Babyface Tag Team to come outta NXT over with the crowd. With Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano seemingly done with developmental (?), its important to push TM61 further towards an eventual program with The Revival rather than a pointless feud with The Authors of Pain that we can all see coming.

Speaking of feuds, is it just me hoping that they push Ember Moon into a storyline with the NXT Women’s Champion Asuka soon as possible? I mean, I know its gonna happen while both of these incredible athletes are on the same show but c’mon … give me an early Christmas present all ready.

Coming off her big win at TakeOver Brooklyn II, Moon was paired with a debuting Leah Von. Unlike her first match with WWE, this time around we got see a lot more of the strength that Moon has in her arsenal. From a frickin’ sweet Butterfly Suplex to a brutal spinning Heel-Kick; Moon showed that she is a lot more than just a high-flying Werewolf.

A quick kudos on Ember’s ‘Werewolf/War-Goddess’ gimmick. Rarely do things in WWE just exist without being turned into something. Besides Tom Phillips mentioning Ember’s “Prophecy of Fire” on Twitter, subtly with regards to this aspect of her character really will come in to play when it comes to her longevity with the company.

Now of course I don’t expect that WWE plan on ‘Wolfing-out’ Ember anytime soon (Fingers so crossed on that one) but go ahead and keep mentioning those crazy-freaky-contacts and “Blood Moons” all you want. Showmanship after all is what makes Pro-Wrestling fun. Just keep it subtle and let Ember Moon do her thing.

Because what she does is great. #NXTWarGoddess

After his debut last week Steve Cutler looked to make a name for himself in the nights Main Event against none-other than the King of Strong Style himself, Shinsuke Nakamura.

Cocky Cutler may have played the big man early in the evening but the young up-start soon realised his mistake after Shinsuke went at him hard and fast. Showing why he had what it takes to force former NXT Champion Samoa Joe out of action and get the win tonight.

Unfortunately for Nakamura, Joe was healthy enough to sit at ringside for a majority of the match staking his claim on the title and hopefully a rematch in the not too distant future.

Now that I would like to see.

But until then we will have to enjoy the gift that keeps on giving which is Grumpy-Joe.

Cheer up mate! It might never happen … oh wait

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated and the entire #SkatronixxxWrestling team on Twitter and Skatronixxx.com

TNA Impact Wrestling: Moose Prototype Or Hype?

Pro Wrestling, and football has gone hand and hand for decades. Who could forget the infamous WWE vs. NFL Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 2. Players stepped into the squared circle for many reasons; some for extra income during the off season, injuries, many wanted to stay in the lime light after life on the grid iron. For some, they just loved  wrestling.

We’ve seen many come for pay, and leave an impact. While a select few became superstars.  Ron Simmons,  “Big Cat”   Ernie   Ladd,   “Hacksaw”  Jim Duggan, and Vader paved the way for the    likes   of  Goldberg,    and     The Rock. Now theres Moose.

Quinn “Moose” Qjinnaka, 6′ 5 299 pound former offensive lineman; known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons. Moose, currently signed with TNA got his his start in 2012 after being cut by the St. Louis Rams, receiving his training by former WWE star Curtis Hughes.

After training, Qjinnaka  was  highly sawed      after      by       GFW,   TNA, Lucha  Underground,   ROH  and WWE. GFW    won    the    sweepstakes    only partially, and  for a limited time with Moose signing an exclusive deal with ROH in 2014. Tasting success for two years at ROH, Moose was once again a free agent.

Wrestling fans were close to seeing Moose in WWE, with fellow NFL alumnus Dean Muhtadi (Mojo Rawley), and Thomas Pestock (Baron Corbin).

Unfortunately this did not come into fruition, Qjinnaka was arrested back in 2009 for domestic violence after fighting his then wife. WWE figured at the time of signing Quinn would of been unwise during the ongoing Adam Rose and Jerry Lawler situation. With that Moose made his TNA debut on July 12th 2016.

Moose was thrust into major story line with    former    ROH    standout   Mike Bennett,  and  TNA  World  Champion Lashley. In his first couple of matches, Moose has shown great agility, speed, and skill. In time his “mike” presence will continue to grow, building off his NFL swagger. The question is, can Moose stay mentally focused, and discipline to survive in the square circle. If  he  does Moose  will  be  the prototype  for  the future “Big Man” in pro wrestling.

WWE Raw Review: 05.09.2016

OPENER

Before the show starts we get a recap of last week’s events, and the reaction to Kevin Owens’ victory and the shocking Triple H return. Then we kick off with a cold open that shows Stephanie McMahon talking to somebody on the phone about the upcoming celebration for Kevin Owens’ title win. The call is followed by a tense confrontation between her and GM Mick Foley who demands to know if Steph had any about what was planned for last week with her husband Triple H. Stephanie denies any knowledge leading to a heartfelt conversation between the two. It was quite cringy to be honest but I see what they were going for, and it was decent.

CELEBRATION TIME                                                            

Kevin Owens comes out to the ring decked out in a sharp suit to join the authority figures in the ring (no HHH though). Kevin Owens agrees with the overwhelming “you deserve it” chants, but he lashes out at the crowd for trying to take over the show and steal his moment (looking at you Full Sail). This celebration is interrupted by one very pissed off Seth Rollins who comes down to the ring and at first he completely ignores Kevin Owens and instead demands an explanation from Stephanie, who continues to deny any knowledge or involvement. However after some goading by the new Universal Champion he decides to attack Owens leading to Stephanie suspending Seth, a decision that is quickly overturned by Mick who decides that Seth is worthy of a title shot at Clash of Champions as he was screwed out of a win last week. This segment was great, I never knew I wanted a Rollins/Owens feud but now it’s all I want. Face Rollins was intense and awesome while champion KO was as great of a heel as ever.

• Stephanie and Foley talk about what had just happened in the ring and she tells him that it was the right decision to make but if he ever undermined her authority again he would be gone. Kevin Owens arrived to shout at Foley too, followed by Chris Jericho who arrived to back up his best friend (love this by the way), in response two matches are set up, Rollins vs Jericho and Owens vs Sami Zayn.

CHARLOTTE vs BAYLEY

We see that before the match earlier Charlotte gave her apprentice Dana Brooke some advice and told her to take notes during the match with Bayley tonight. The match was pretty good as it involved both wrestlers getting good amounts of offense in, making both Bayley and Charlotte look like a threat. The key focal point in the match became Bayley’s leg as half way through the match Bayley would seemingly botch a corner post dropkick and then pull a muscle in her leg, this leg was then worked by Charlotte throughout the rest of the match. The focus on the leg hints that this was not a real injury and while Bayley was obviously not hurt it the botch itself seemed very real possibly hinting that they decided to focus on it half way through the match, which would be very impressive. With Orton at Summerslam, Zayn last week and now this I have to say that WWE is doing well in working me recently. Bayley ended with the win after Dana’s attempt at distracting the hugger ended up costing Charlotte the match.

• Charlotte slaps Dana backstage

BO DALLAS vs KYLE ROBERTS

This was weird for so many different reasons. Firstly because after the recent Bo Dallas controversy they thought that this was the best time to put Bo back on the show, secondly because of that weird battle poem that Bo recited before the match. Lastly and most importantly, why does Bo Dallas need a squash match? Why him of all people? Bo wins.

• Jericho promises to win his match tonight

SETH ROLLLINS vs CHRIS JERICHO

Another week another good Seth Rollins match, well actually I could change that name to Chris Jericho and it would be just as justifiable. This match was my personal high point of the show as it was a high paced and well worked match between two excellent performers. Seth looked dangerous throughout and as his face turn seems imminent it was no surprise he went over clean. Each of the competitors looked great, especially Rollins who fought with intensity and focus that really sold his current mental state. The use of the pedigree surprised me as I would have assumed he was cutting ties with HHH completely but it was used to send a message here. I wouldn’t be surprised if after the inevitable feud with Haitch he drops it for God’s Last Gift or the Phoenix Splash.

CESARO vs SHEAMUS (BEST OF SEVEN)

Before the next stage of the best of seven series begins we see a video package dedicated to the result of last week’s match, especially focusing on the damage done to Cesaros back, it seems that this damage will play a part in tonight’s contest. Well it did, Cesaro lost handily tonight as Sheamus immediately and precisely targeted the injured back, with this victory it means that Sheamus could wrap the series up on Wednesday in London (WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY YOURS TRULY). The only question is whether he will have more tape by then.

• The Shining Stars dare to plug Puerto Rico on Labour Day so they are interrupted by Enzo and Cass who talk smack and then Enzo has a baby. Weirdly I still enjoyed this.

ENZO & CASS vs THE SHINING STARS

The match goes the usual way an Enzo and Cass match does, with Enzo taking a massive beat down and then Big Cass makes his way into the ring with the hot tag to decimate the competition. Look, I love Enzo and Cass but this match formula is beginning to get boring. Let Enzo do something other than getting beaten up all match up. For some odd reason The Shining Stars get the win, even if it was by surprise roll up after a distraction, the decision was a weird one as The Shining Stars have been doing absolutely nothing since the draft.

• In an interview Sami Zayn admits that things haven’t gone his way since his match with Kevin Owens at Battleground, and that he is a little jealous and that KO being champion does affect him. Owens arrives to mock Zayn.

NIA JAX vs ANN ESPOSITO

We find out that Nia Jax’s latest victim is Ann Esposito who is a friend to WWE diva Alicia Fox, though I would not blame you if you forgot Alicia existed. Surprisingly this Ann Esposito actually got some offense in on Nia Jax as she was able to hurt Nia with kicks and then land a choke hold. However eventually Nia was able to put away her competition like she always does.

THIS SEGMENT SUCKED

I’m not going to go in detail about what happened in this segment, The Club came out they brought out a parody of the New Day called the Old Day, then the New Day came out drove off The Club and beat down the Old Day. I think it is more important to go into detail about what the fuck they have done to this feud and to The Club overall. It’s a joke to be honest, they seem to be trying to make Anderson and Gallows look like a new version of DX or something like that but they don’t need to be, how about you make them like the Bullet Club instead? It’s worked before. This feud has become my least favourite part of Raw which really shows the disservice they have done to these teams.

DARREN YOUNG vs JINDER MAHAL

These two guys compete in a nothing match with Titus O’Neil on commentary trying to discredit Darren Young, Bob Backlund and the entire Make Darren Great Again campaign. Darren wins the match with the Gut Check, then Titus comes down to the ring and the two brawled. No one cared.

• Alicia Fox is waiting for her friend Ann Esposito who is being treated by the medics. Outside the medics room Nia Jax shows up then Alicia goes all crazy diva bitch which really takes me back to the butterfly belt era. Fox seems to be Nia Jax’s first real feud.

BRAUN STROWMAN vs SIN CARA

It seems that Braun Strowman is finally allowed some real competition as he faces off against Sin Cara, who vowed to defend his culture and heritage after Strowman disrespected Americo last week. The match, like Nia’s is slightly different as for once Braun’S opponent is able to get some offense in, however Braun ultimately dominated the match. The contest ended in a count out after Braun was dragged Sin Cara out of the ring and smashed him into the barricade. This was a bit clumsy but I actually like that Braun is getting real opponents.

SASHA BANKS RETURNS

Sasha Banks comes out to the ring and he puts over the new Women’s Revolution, Stephanie McMahon and the heroes of the past (as usual WWE change history to suit their narrative), she buries the butterfly belt and also teases a possible retirement. However the swerve was that she was completely okay and she will be back to take her title at Clash of Champions against Charlotte (and possibly Bayley?). I didn’t like this segment just because there was no reason to resort to the fake retirement angle as it was completely unnecessary.

KEVIN OWENS vs SAMI ZAYN

The match between these two at Battleground was a masterpiece and it was painted as the last time in a while we would see the pair of Owens and Zayn face off, so having them be the main event of tonight’s show was a bit surprising but despite that I am okay with this as the matches they put on are always fantastic. This match was slightly different as KO being the champion presented it as a different fight with Sami being more of an underdog than he had ever been before. The match saw the trademark spots from the two including the senton from Owens and the Blue Thunder Bomb from Zayn. Zayn would lose the match partly due to the ankle injury he suffered at the hands of Rollins last week which gave him an excuse but still allowed Owens to look strong.

After this Roman Reigns would make his entrance and scare Kevin Owens from the ring. Before the situation got out of hand GM Mick Foley made his way out to announce that next week if Reigns can beat Owens then he will be added to the main event at Clash of Champions.

FINAL NOTES & SCORE

• Tonight’s MVP: Kevin Owens
• Match of the Night: Rollins vs Jericho
• Moment of the Night: KO Celebration
• I’m disappointed in a no show from HHH but the anticipation is only growing to see what he will do next.

This week’s show was definitely a mixed bag with some great in ring work and terrible promos, the confusion with some of these promos/matches were mind boggling, but the in ring work does save this weeks raw. 6/10

The NXT Review – August 31, 2016 – Grumpy Joe Is Grumpy

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! NXT’s homecoming saw the dawning of a new era. As the New NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura started his Strong Style reign, his TakeOver Brooklyn opponent Samoa Joe was on the receiving end of a rather wooden backstage segment. That further added fuel to growing SmackDown Live debut fire, after Joe left without uttering a word. Leaving GM William Regal looking displeased.

Mmmmh, moody! But more on that later.

You wait nigh on a month for a Tye Dillinger Match, only for two to come along back-to-back. I ain’t complaining because The Perfect 10 was on … well … Perfect form. Coupled with the fact that my favourite NXT Superstar got to perform at TakeOver last week. But I refuse, let me repeat that, refuse to get my hopes up for any iota of a storyline to come for Tye anytime soon. His opponent Buddy Murphy got more character development through Corey Graves explaining that he was looking to one-up his former Tag Team partner Wesley Blake, over any legit development for the under-utilised Heel Bad-Ass.

So you can predict future Gold for Dillinger all you want Graves. But action speaks louder than words NXT … make it so!

Did everyone see that Monday Night RAW promo for the incoming Cruiserweight Division? Alongside the widely reported CWC stars to receive WWE contracts, was NXT own’s Tommaso Ciampa. It stands to reason that WWE would be quick to capitalise on Ciampa and Johnny Gargano’s meteoric rise to prominence, especially with their outstanding Cruiserweight Classic match. But does that mean their days at Full Sail are numbered?

With Gargano seemingly written out of storylines and Ciampa receiving a beatdown at the hands of The Revival. Could this be leading to a ultimate ‘Goodbye‘ Match at a future TakeOver against their nemesis?

I just don’t know … too many uncertainties. Too many Questions, so little answers. Ah Wrestling.

What is certain, when a Superstar enters the ring sporting attire that can be better described as bondage. You’ve got a Heel-Turn on your hands ladies and gentlemen.

Liv Morgan got the win here but lets be clear, she shouldn’t have. I understand the babyface formula of ‘coming from behind‘ to win the match but Aliyah just looked far too impressive for me to believe the end result. For starters her new bad-girl attitude (and bondage attire) saw her dominate the match with superior wrestling skills. But when you sinch-in that submission move, damn. Don’t know what its called but I’m all about it.

And while Liv Morgan has had more TV time, her character is just a Jersey rip off Carmella’s shtick. When she got hyped up and spun around I swear deJaVu kicked in.

Match takeaway? More Aliyah please.

Capping off the evening was the NXT Champ himself, Shinsuke Nakamura.

The Champ wasn’t in action tonight but rather putting his stamp on a new era for NXT, which was probably a good thing given the rather sombre mood Joe was in tonight. Not that man with the wired jaw would get his rematch straight away but how long is that clause in effect?

Damn it! More questions.

But with Alberto Del Rio sitting out the rest of his contract with WWE on the bench. Many have speculated that Samoa Joe has been fast track to take his place has second top-tier-Heel behind Bray Wyatt on SmackDown Live. As per-norm with Pro-Wrestle, speculation comes hand-in-hand with dirt sheets rumours but with Nakamura being positioned to take the reigns from the former champ I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe make his Main Stage debut anytime now. Especially if a rematch takes place before the next TakeOver event.

Until then, Regal will have to put up with the silent grump stalking the halls of Full Sail.

#GrumpyJoeIsGrumpy

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated and the entire #SkatronixxxWrestling team on Twitter and Skatronixxx.com

Smackdown Live 30/08/2016

Welcome back to this weeks review of Smackdown Live,how long do you think it’ll be before we drop the ‘Live’ of Smackdown Live? I reckon probably a year max, not that I hate it, just seems a bit convoluted. We come back after a pretty ok Raw, albeit with the best main event it’s had in a while. In Smackdown related news, we come back heated, with the seeds set for an Ambrose/Styles rivalry, the Tag Team Tournament in full swing and some heat between Daniel Bryan and The Miz after last weeks argument on Talking Smack. Lets get in.

We open with Shane and Bryan rewatching the interview, Shane awkwardly grimaces before telling Bryan that he has to apologise. You can’t provoke talent like that, though Shane agrees with him. Bryan finds it ironic considering Shane’s beef with Lesnar. (Team Shane vs Team Lesnar SS 17 BAYBEE). We cut to The Miz walking to the ring in a suit, determined, no time for needless aspects, yelling ‘cut the music!’. He yells at the crowd for not taking him seriously until now, announcing his ambition to elevate the title to a higher level again. He yells at the crowd, calling them cowards, but I see nothing but good points. Before he can say anything more, out comes Dolph Ziggler. He argues the same points but in a facelike fashion, saying that Dolph does it to be the best while Miz just wants to be famous. Dolph wants a piece of Miz right here. The Miz follows his philosophies and denies. Dolph calls him a soft safe coward. The crowd chants along as he leaves. I personally don’t believe that the Miz is Sawft, I’m supporting him for this feud.

Tag Team Tournament Round 1: Hype Bros vs The Vaudevillains

I know its been a while since The Vaudevillains have been taken as serious contenders, but they aren’t even playing their whole entrance anymore. Hopefully its just because of time constraints rather than a lack of care. Hopefully the fact that this match was less than five minutes long is also due to time constraints. Mojo and Zack utterly destroyed them but I don’t see the Hype Bros as Tag Team Title worthy, The Vaudevillains could be if they had a chance. It seems that they’re just going down the route of The Ascension. At least they would have got more of a reaction than Mojo’s sad, lonely ‘we don’t get hype’ to dead silence.

Winner by Pinfall: The Hype Bros

Good to see AJ still rocking the headband, flaunting the halls, rightfully calling himself the face that runs the place to randos. His match tonight is hinted at when he mocks Apollo Crews, seeing Apollo’s dopey smiling face pisses me off so I’m glad that Styles will hopefully kick his ass. AJ is then introduced by the announcers as the face that runs the place, then Apollo comes in, hopefully granting my wish early.

AJ Styles vs Apollo Crews

The build to this match was so short, in  fact the show so far has been feeling rushed even though its already a half hour in. Hopefully they’re building to something towards the end of the show. Apollo needs to find his place in the company by the Rumble or he’s in trouble, he just seems like a guy that just roams, losing contendership matches and title matches without doing anything of merit.Maybe with matches against AJ like this, he could be elevated to a midcard title at least. AJ continues to show his mastery of the 2.98 kickouts and puts on a good show with Crews before finishing him off with the Phenomenal Forearm.

Winner by Pinfall: AJ Styles

We now take some time to see Heath Slater’s beautiful wife and seven kids, Rhyno is now apparently living in his home. This is great. Renee is presented with a mean spread of Cheez spray and crackers, as Rhyno goes through the plate solo and Heath’s wife burps and lingers in the room. Heath laments his kids absence, they’re picking up cans and bottles. Shit this is great. Heath then runs away when his car is stolen while Rhyno continues to eat crackers and smile. Since they were excluded, I have a Skatronixxx exclusive available for you! For the first time ever, we can reveal the appearance of one of Heath’s kids.

Cherub like.

The fireflies light up the ring as the next spot starts up. Bray Wyatt is in the house! He takes a seat in the middle of the ring before calling out Randy Orton, he talks about his weaknesses and how Bray is resistant to his strengths. Just as he tells Randy to run, Orton’s music hits. Bray can do nothing but laugh as the crowd chants for Randy. Randy addresses Bray as one damaged man to another, presenting himself as the predator that Bray wanted to see. Bray however, is the predator in this situation, and makes it known. He then tells Randy that he wants him at Backlash. Randy can do nothing but tell Bray that he respects him and wants to give him what he wants. Orton runs to the ring but Wyatt is gone before he gets there.

Natalya and Alexa Bliss vs Naomi and Becky Lynch

We get a reminder of Carmella’s feud with Nikki Bella as Nikki comes out as the guest commentator for this womens tag team match. This means that the match is kind of immediately derailed in favour of a Total Bellas advertisement, the focus soon comes back to the match as team heel gets a good offence going on Naomi. Bliss is responsible for most of this, showing Natty how to be a proper heel. This is short lived however, as Naomi gets the tag and brings Becky into the ring. Becky is distracted by Natty and a sudden attack on Nikki from Carmella. Alexa gets the rollup on Becky, leading  to a loss to Team Face, as Carmella leaves and Lynch and Naomi are left to comfort Bella.

Winner by Pinfall: Alexa Bliss and Natalya

Tag Team Tournament Round 1: The HeadBangers vs Heath Slater and Rhyno

We get a blast from the past as The Headbangers reenter the ring to try and prevent Heath and Rhyno from progressing in the tournament. They dominate Heath, doing a combo move on him before  slamming Rhyno out of the ring. luckily Rhyno gets back in time to stop the pin and he is… bleeding very heavily from the eye. Wow. The Headbangers are pretty unsafe huh? Heath might be bleeding from the lip, that may have been from Ryhno dragging him across the ring though. Heath tags out and one fitting gore gives Rhyno the pin over The Headbangers, allowing them to progress through the tournament. Rhyno is terrifying busted open.

Winner by Pinfall: Heath Slater and Rhyno

AJ Styles is guest commentating as ‘The Milkman?’ comes out, demanding an opponent to face in the ring. He then removes all his clothes and demands a challenger. Out comes Kane, The Milkman struggles to get his clothes back on before he is chokeslammed by Kane. It’s over. I suppose this squash match was a reminder that Kane exists.

Baron Corbin vs Dean Ambrose

Why’s Baron Corbin here? Did he get a shot at Ambrose because his best friend Dolph Ziggler did? Corbin fights like a guy who needs promotion which he really does, meanwhile Dean dozes his way through the ring. This is a pretty subpar main event, could you imagine how awesome it would be if it was a hair match? whoever loses has to finally say goodbye to their shit balding hair? That’s whats needed. Corbin completely controls the match, really makes you question how Ambrose is supposed to fight Styles when he can barely keep up with Corbin? Dean hits the same dumb no sell ring rebound attacks before Corbin comes back to the offensive. A distraction from Styles nearly spells the end for Corbin but he kicks out at the last second. Corbin accidentally kicks the ref, disqualifying him and starting a brawl between Styles and Ambrose. I really hope that Styles gets the title at Backlash because I don’t think Ambrose can do much else outside of a Wyatt feud for the title. He paralyses Styles through a testicular rope attack before making a fool of him after putting in zero work the entire match. Sort of devalues the win.

Overall, I’d say while it lacked the huge moments of Raw, Smackdown was a consistantly better show than Raw. Backlash is next week, so things should be heating up for the finish soon enough. I’ll see you next week for the last Smackdown before Backlash.

You can follow me @Oliverwoodster on Twitter.

 

TNA Impact: Still Relevant Or Obsolete?

TNA Impact Wreslting has seen alot of changes    since    late   2015.  With     the departure of talents that put TNA on the map such as Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Austin Aries, and Samoa Joe to rival company WWE.

Today, we   see  the  new  talents   of Drew   Galloway,  ECIII,  and   TNA  Champion  Lashley.  Continuing  to bolster the roster, signing ROH standout Mike Bennett,  former Atlanta Falcons Moose,  and Aron  Rex  once   known   as Damion   Sandow   in WWE.

The roster talent isn’t the only thing that has changed in TNA, management as well. It hasn’t been a secret that TNA has been on financial disarray. A lending hand was sent, when minority shares was purchased by Smashing Pumpkins leads  man,  and  wreslting   enthusiast Billy Corgan.   Corgan   began   working along  side  Dixie Carter Chairman  and President of TNA.

Recent    reports    have    shown     that   Carter     lost     creative     power,     and President role  to  Corgan. Corgan  now runing  the Creative Team  and   Talent Development. Carter   not   losing all her shares  keeps her role as Chairman,  now running  day to  day  operations from the  TNA Headquarters in Nashville, TN.

With Corgan now overseeing backstage, and storylines. TNA can continue move towards the right direction. Positive results have already occurred, with ratings spiking, in recent months as high as 410,ooo in July. A significant increase since Febuary with a rating low of 255,000.

Corgan,   really   shaking   things  up introducing a new title belt. Yes, we   have the TNA Grand Championship, replacing the King of the Mountain Title.

Along with a new belt, will be a new set of rules. An eight man tournament will take place. Each match will be 3 timed rounds, with a team of judges to award a winner  based  on  points,  if  the  round goes  to distance.*Cough* *Cough* UFC anyone.

Although, the idea is a bit far fetched, I command Corgan for taking the risk of exploring new ideas. Fortune favors the bold, and is continuation keeping TNA’s own idnetity. Haven’t seen this kind originality since the X Division.

On a personal note, I see promise in the new TNA. With new management, talent with   alot   of  potential. Mix  in  a couple of  remaining  veterans, such   as   Abyss, James Strom, and The Hardys to guiding the way. The  question is can  all  of  it come together?  Stepping up to this new challenge, or  will  TNA  find  itself DELETED!!!

 

 

WWE Raw Review: 29.08.2016

Wow, just wow. That ending right? I know, I know the thing everyone wants to talk about is the main event, but patience, we’ll get to that, first, however, I just have to say that this week’s Raw stepped up big time considering what it has been the last few weeks and the show it has been up against.

OPENER

So we open this week with the four contenders in tonight’s main event being interviewed collectively by Corey Graves. It is not long before Graves gets hijacked by Seth Rollins who decides he wants to take over the segment, and soon the other guys decide they want to too. The other members of tonight’s main event also had something to contribute with Kevin Owens being his usual sarcastic self, Big Cass making a great dick joke on Seth and finally Roman Reigns deciding he didn’t need words just action (please keep him silent as much as possible). Overall this was a great segment as not only did it make the prize of the Universal Championship seem important but it also was short and sweet and by the end, I was still very much engaged (unusual for a Raw opening) as was the crowd who were very much a presence tonight.

• Paul Heyman will be here tonight to address the Brock Lesnar situation
• Tom Phillips interviews Chris Jericho and there isn’t much more to say other than this is some of the great back and forth we have seen in previous weeks with Jericho.

JERICHO vs NEVILLE                    

Though this match really had no stakes to get me emotionally invested into the result it was still a great contest between the two. Jericho and Neville had great in ring chemistry and are obviously both great workers. Apparently, Jericho is rumoured to be cutting to under 205lbs which would make him eligible for the Cruiserweight division, which will obviously feature Neville heavily. The match was back and forth with both hitting big spots including Neville’s standing shooting star press and almost landing the Red Arrow but the highlight was from Jericho who went full Liontamer on the man who gravity forgot to pick up the win. Great match even better finish.

• Bayley is handing out hugs backstage when she runs into the New Day who she is thrilled to see. This happiness is returned as she and the tag team champs bond before being rudely interrupted by Dana Brooke. It seems a mixed tag with Bayley and New Day vs Dana and The Club is set up (also watch Big E specifically in this segment. He cracks me up).

NIA JAX vs HYAN

Same deal different day. Nia squashes the competition in the usual fashion and picks up the win. The only question is, who is she being built up for? Bayley? Sasha?

• The Club continue their PSAs which infuriates me. I want the Club to just kick the shit out of people not be comedy acts. Dana Brooke also joined in, but she just looked like an absolute porn star in her outfit.
• Rollins video package

SAMI ZAYN vs JINDER MAHAL

This wasn’t a squash match but it might have well have been. What was the point of having Sami Zayn win his feud with Kevin Owens to the put him in a nothing match at the biggest show of the summer, then have him compete in more nothing matches like this? Zayn wins.

• We get an update from Sasha Banks about her back injury, in which she calls Charlotte a coward.

NEW DAY & BAYLEY vs THE CLUB & DANA BROOKE

It is kind of refreshing to see a mixed tag match as they happen so rarely but with the WWE rules on mixed gender fighting this basically felt like two separate matches happening in the same ring for the majority of the matchup, the corner dropkick from Bayley to Anderson was the notable exception from this. The match was fairly even as both teams got solid hits in and were allowed to work for a decent amount of time. Bayley ended the match with a Bayley to belly suplex, the crowd was crazy for her all match.

• In an interview, Cesaro claims that he will come back from is a loss at Summerslam tonight.
• Kevin Owens video package

BEST OF 7: SHEAMUS vs CESARO

This was another excellent match between the pair, this best of 7 series seems to have been a great idea as it is giving both guys a chance to showcase their skills. During the early parts of the match, Cesaro showed his game plan by going for the quick pinfall. The match was very stiff as both guys took brutal hits none more so than the brutal cloverleaf to finish the match with a Sheamus win.

• Touching Fuji tribute
• Kevin Owens video package

BRAUN STROWMAN vs AMERICO

Braun Strowman once again squashes his opponent instantly. Two good things, first Strowman has seemingly ditched that terrible reverse chokeslam, secondly, Braun showed some character when he removed the Lucha mask showing great disrespect.

STEPH & PAUL

Stephanie comes out to address the controversial ending to Summerslam with Brock Lesnar but before she can really address anything, the advocate himself makes his way out to confront the commissioner. Paul receives the ECW chants which Stephanie brilliantly counters by claiming that she bought the company years ago, however, this just leads to the Punk chants (that wound is somehow still too fresh). Paul claims he is willing to pay the $500 fine, and he brings out 500 single dollar bills and proceeds to count them. The segment ends with some back and forth threats between the two, I am excited to see where this goes.

• Roman Reigns video package

TITUS O’NEIL vs DARREN YOUNG

Ugh. Not this feud again, it actually pains me to have to write about this, especially after the Titus O’Neil promo last week. Like all Titus matches, this is slow and clumsy as Darren Young is not good enough to save it from the mess of a wrestler that is Titus O’Neil. Darren grabs the win using a roll up but after the match, he is ambushed along with Bob Backlund by Titus,

• Foley apologized to Stephanie for not having her back. Rollins arrived and he told both Steph and our GM that he would bring home the gold tonight then he hugs Steph (I SURE HOPE NOTHING HAPPENS TO HIM TONIGHT).
• Stephanie and Mick Foley are ringside for the main event
• Enzo came out with Cass and hyped up the big man. Cass, Owens, and Seth all got pops from this hot crowd. Roman got booed out of the building despite being better tonight.

ROLLINS vs REIGNS vs OWENS vs CASS (WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP)

So finally onto what we have all been waiting for, the main event for the Universal Championship. Immediately after the bell rings Owens escapes from the ring to chill with the authority figures at ringside. Meanwhile, in the ring the action starts as both Cass and Roman team up on Rollins then we get another tease of a Roman/Cass showdown. The rest of this match was high paced with some great spots. The 4 superstars saw action both inside and outside the ring and looked dangerous at all times. All guys excelled in some way, Big Cass looked like a real threat which helped elevate him to the level of the other guys. Roman and Seth continued to look main event worthy as in ring they were able to control the tempo and finally Kevin Owens’ earlier statements about being a smart fighter proved true. Big Cass was the first to be eliminated after taking a barrage of punishment from the other 3 men.

After this, things got REAL interesting. In the middle of this great match things really couldn’t get much better, you know unless TRIPLE FUCKING H RETURNED! (DICKS OUT FOR HHH BOYS). Amidst the chaos of Roman and Seth struggling HHH takes Roman and gives him a pedigree seemingly paying him back for the loss at Wrestlemania. The COO then hands Seth the pin allowing him to eliminate Roman. So if this crazy shit wasn’t enough when Triple H goes to hand Seth the win against Kevin Owens, HHH turns on The Man and lays him out for KO. WHAT IS HAPPENING? Owens defeats Seth after a pedigree from HHH, and celebrates to a crowd chanting “You deserve it”. As HHH left he stared down Foley and even his wife.

This ending was insane. The transition from Rollins to Owens as HHH’s guy was totally unexpected but felt perfectly natural and the possibilities after this are endless. On youtube after the show, the heartbreak of Seth Rollins can be seen as he is seen talking to a confused Steph. This is definitely setting up a Seth face turn and hopefully, we get a Seth/HHH feud or even a Steph/HHH battle for Raw.

FINAL NOTES & SCORE

• Tonight’s MVP: Kevin Owens
• Match of the Night: Main Event Fatal 4-Way
• Moment of the Night: HHH Return
• Commentary was on point tonight especially the main event
• I pray the stuff with Paul and Stephanie ties into the HHH return. Brock should play a part in this battle as should the entire roster
• Beat that Smackdown

So wow is a fitting word to describe this ending. Nothing could have gotten me more excited than that ending, well maybe a Punk return but other than that this was it for me. The show wasn’t all good, though, there were some noticeable bad parts such as the squash matches, the mixed tag wasn’t great and Titus vs Darren sucked. Overall this show earns an 8/10.

Kevin Owens Your NEW WWE Universal Champion

DAMN!!!

Wow it seems like the WWE has finally got something right. After the inury that forced fan favourite Finn Balor to relinquish the WWE Universal Title moments after winning it, the WWE was in tatters it’s so called planned ‘New Era’ had been derailed.

The WWE was left with a choice do they go back to the Seth Rollins and the Roman Reigns and let them win the vacant title or throw us a curve ball with someone like Big Cass? The writing has been on the wall for Kevin Owens for months now, he has been one of the most consistent and entertaining members on the WWE roster since being called up. I was begging for him to win Money In The Bank but it went to Dean Ambrose who to be honest had quite rightly earned it.

So when Kevin was announced in the fatal four way it was in my eyes a given that he would be the workhorse who would ultimately be screwed out of the title yet again, but no this time was different!

Kevin won, Kevin Owens is your NEW Universal champion. Let that sink in for a minute, the new era is right back on track and I for one am a million times more excited with Kevin at the helm of this rollercoaster than Finn (sorry Finn). Look out WWE fans, if WWE plays this right we’ll have the second coming of Stone Cold if they get it wrong we could end up with a glorified Brooklyn Brawler.

Whatever they decide to go with I for one am damn excited!!!