Smackdown Live 24/8/2016

Hey guys I’m back! Y’know me…. Parzy? Ok its been a long month and a lot has changed so I’ll forgive you. This is where I’d say that Smackdown is hot off of Summerslam but to be honest, are we? I mean what did Smackdown do during Summerslam? A subpar WWE title match with no title change, a forgettable Intercontinental match, an alright women’s match, Randy Orton’s bleeding all over the ring. There’s nothing reall- JOHN CENA LOST CLEAN! God that match was so damn good, AJ Styles kicking out of that Super AA nearly gave me a heart attack.God I love AJ Styles.

We open in the locker room, superstars are chatting, including Corbin and a masked Rowan, until someone enters. The new face that runs this place, AJ Styles, he gloats as he puts Cena’s armband on his head (Cena’s biceps are so fucking big) before noticing Dolph Ziggler sulking. AJ tells him that he hates losers before Dolph erupts and attacks him, the two are quickly seperated before the opening credits role.

The Tag team and Women’s division line the ring with some new belts in the center, both of which looking better than the Universal title. The titles are great but there are really so little people to contend for the titles, I mean six women for the title sort of diminishes its importance. The Tag Team division is looking more full though, with any team being possible champs, though some more than others (American Alpha man). Shane and Daniel are interupted by top free agent HEATH SLATER. He announces that he wants a title of some kind. When told that he isnt equipped to get the Women’s title, he announces that he’ll find a tag team partner and win the Tag Team title at Backlash. As he runs backstage to get a partner, AJ Styles comes out infuriated. As he lambasts the Tag Team division, the women’s title and the g- Dolph Ziggler! Obviously the locker room comments were too much for Dolph to handle, as he attacks AJ, starting another feud that he’s sure to lose. We go to adverts as they’re held apart.

Becky Lynch vs Alexa Bliss

Our first match of the night sees Lynch fighting Bliss as Naomi and Natalya commentate. Naomi has been so over since her rebrand, it’s unreal. It’s great too, the women’s division didn’t hhave time for a character who’s entire gimmick was ‘She has a big ass’. I wonder if Tamina will get similar treatment when she comes back. Natalya doesnt really do much. Lynch and Bliss put on a good match to open the night, with Bliss tapping out to Lynch after a short bout.

Winner by Submission: Becky Lynch

Next we get our first Slater backstage promo which had me laughing. Slater is surprised by a shockingly happy Miz as he agrees with Slater’s  proposal, saying that it’ll launch his career to new heights. Then he takes off his hood and reveals his bluetooth headset, he was accepting a job offer from Spielberg to be the new Indianna Jones. I’d prefer a movie of his chicken character from Summerslam but beggers can’t be choosers. Slater’s quest goes on.

Tag Team Tournemant Round 1: The Uso’s vs The Ascension

We start the tournemant with a battle of the jobbers, while The Usos are less jobberly, I hope The Ascension at least get to the second round of this tournemant. They desperately need a push of some kind. It pleases me that the crowd is so alive for this match though, chanting in response to Jey’s ‘OOOS’ yells and gasping where appropriate, maybe these teams are back on the up and up, at least to this crowd. The match ends with the Usos’ getting a win after an impressive finisher gets the pin for them. As The Usos advance and stand next to the titles (They look so good compared to my expectations) We find out that Randy Orton will be back to explain Summerslam’s ending tonight.

Winner By Pinfall: The Usos

AJ Styles, clad with Cena’s sweatband on his arm walks out to the ring and pulls out a mic. He gloats about his victory over Cena and allows Cena fans to look to him as their new idol. Felt like when when Harry Potter died and Voldemort invited people to look to him as a role model. God I love AJ’s heel work so much. As AJ yells at the crowd, Dolph Ziggler once again comes out, before being stopped by security. Daniel Bryan announces that they’ll fight tonight, if AJ wins, he faces Dean for the WWE Title at Backlash, if Dolph wins, so does he. I honestly don’t know what I want.

Carmella comes out, the crowd is almost silent. Why doesn’t the crowd like Carmella? she deserves so much more. At this rate she won’t get a pop until she shares a promo with Enzo and Cass. Nikki Bella comes out and completely crushes her pop, as she starts an interview with Renee Young, Carmella attacks. Maybe a heel run will get her the attention she requires. Oh shit it does. The Bella Buster she performs on Nikki actually gets her a cheer. This could be a good rivalry. Face Nikki vs Heel Carmella is what they both need right now, especially since being face did nothing for Carmella.

Randy Orton comes out to thunderous applause as he sports 1o staples in his noggin. Randy is annoyed, that Shane intervened in his match, believing that he could have went on, but he’s confident that they’ll have a rematch one day. He can’t say anymore as he is interupted by Bray Wyatt. God I love Bray Wyatt. His accent just puts me behind his promos instantly. ‘How’s your head randy?’ He compliments Randy’s fortitude, but chalks his loss up to his limits as a man. While Bray himself is a god. Bray begins to remove his jacket before he disapears, leaving the rocking chair empty.

We go backstage as Shane Mcmahon is interviewed, accusing Stephanie of not taking the incident with Brock seriously enough. He says that a $500 fine is a miserable punishment, and that he isn’t finished with Brock. Oh god, Team Shane vs Team Brock at Survivor Series please.

Heath Slater’s quest  for a partner continues, as he asks his final potential partner, Arn Anderson. Anderson declines, but tries to set him up with something before Slater lets slip that he was his last hope. Anderson leaves and Slater is crushed, until a new partner enters the picture. Rhyno!

‘I bet a Tag Team Title could pay for an above ground pool’

‘Did we just become Tag Team Partners?!’

This could be good.

Tag Team Championship Tournemant Round 1: American Alpha vs Breezango

Both of these teams should have went through to the next round over the Usos and The Ascension, instead  we’re probably losng Breezango so AA may live. American Alpha dominate, completely pumping the crowd up to give out USA chants. even though they’re sure to lose, Breezango put on their best performances, with breeze selling like a champ to the armbar. After the adverts the match gets elecric, with both teams stepping up their game, with huge moves and tonnes of exchanged near falls. Breezango have come a long way from their sunburnt match with The Golden Truth. However, an Alphaplex to a  Grand Amplitude puts Breeze in the ground, allowing Alpha to get the pin.

Winner by Pinfall: American Alpha

Dean Ambrose comes down from the casino to make an appearance as he’s interviewed about what he thinks of the #1 contenders match at the end of the show, he seems wholly unconcerned with it, although he will provide commentary.

Dolph Ziggler vs AJ Styles

Loving these new ringposts, the new look just makes the show feel more fresh, I was hoping they’d stay after Summerslam and I’m glad they did, definitely a good addition. The same goes for the grey mats. Oh yeah also the main event is on. Ambrose compliments Ziggler as the match goes on, bringing up his new aggressiveness and power since they started their feud. It shows as he dominates the early match, could this be the start of a new heel turn for Ziggler? Then again, the aggressive nature is making this match sloppy as hell, just like it did on Sunday. Hopefully if he goes heel he’ll at least put some more finesse into it. Ambrose completely outshines Otunga and JBL on colour commentary, showing them up at their own game. Those two have been terrible tonight and Ambrose’s success with limited experience shows that off really well.

The ending of the match is ridiculously close, with multiple near calls and masterful last second kickouts, the closest being Dolph’s pin after superkicking Styles. This completely  picks up the drama and draws ‘this is Awesome’ chants from the crowd. This main event is probably better than the title match on Sunday. In the end though, Styles is too much for Ziggler.I feel so bad for Dolph though, this may have been his last push for a title and it ended at this match. I hope he gets something after this.

Winner by Pinfall: AJ Styles

Overall, that was a great Smackdown, setting up interesting storylines and introducing great looking titles (although a bit too similar to the Raw ones). While, I won’t make a habit of this, I have to bring attention to the destruction of Daniel Bryan on Talking Smack.

That has to have been the best promo of The Miz’s career and it wasnt even on the main show. I originally saw Talking Smack as a cash in on the Talking Bad/Talking Dead formula but if it blurs the lines between shoot and work like this so often, I need to watch it some more and so should you. Other highlights of Talking Smack included The Usos being allowed personality and more expansion on the Bella/Carmella feud. Great Smackdown, great Talking Smack, watch the clip again.

Have a good one, and find me on Twitter @Oliverwoodster

The NXT Review – August 17, 2016 – Just Keep Smiling

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! First up I have to redact my hater-aid-waterfall of Mojo Rawley’s ‘Farewell‘ tour. Plenty of people get a kick outta him and his Hype–ness, I’m just not amongst them. That aside, my main complaint with the Main Event last week was that it was needless given that of the handful of NXT stars movin’-on-up, Rawley was by far the least deserving if my precious Alexa Bliss wasn’t to receive the same treatment.

Well what’d you know *Open Mouth, Insert Foot* soon as my complaint was out there and into the ether. We get a mucho-good 6-Women-Tag-Team match.

You know, there is a lesson to be learnt from all this. Never doubt NXT. Or maybe my whining echoed back through time and altered these pre-taped shows. I doubt it but, you know, Time Lordian powers. Just sayin’

Before we get to that, Hideo Itami faces off against another CWC competitor, Mustafa Ali.

It seems that Kota Ibushi’s NXT debut as opened the floodgates for Cruiserweight Classic alumni to appear on the brand. No bad thing in of itself but this match mirrored the meh appeal of Itami’s other match with Sean Maluta.

While this match told more of a story, Ali was nothing more than enhancement talent for Itami’s comeback. Which is what NXT should be doing with a guy like Hideo, push-push-push, but until we get someone to match his calibre (Shinsuke Nakamura anyone?), these matches become nothing more than pre-show level stuff.

Moving on.

It may have well been a 6-Women-Tag Team match but with Bliss and Carmella on opposing teams, this Main Event was about the veterans of NXT’s Women’s division paving the way for fresh blood on the roster.

Okay, confession time. As a watcher of Tough Enough and Total Divas, seeing Amanda ‘Mandy‘ Saccamonno finally debut on TV alongside Daria Berenato was an unexpected pleasure. While these two have worked numerous house-shows, giving them TV time now highlights WWE’s faith in presenting them as the future of NXT.

And it isn’t without justification.

Daria for her part worked her MMA background to perfection, highlighting her aggressive powerhouse style and submission moveset while Mandy Rose seemed more subdued in the ring, clearly  the more greener of the pair. That being said, I already feel protective over Mandy with the Eva Marie comparisons already echoing loudly from the future. Time Lord remember. But at this point its too early to tell. Sure she moves around the ring as if she is bored to be there but just because she is a former Fitness Model that John Laurinaitis would’ve lost his shit over. Doesn’t make her a lost cause … just yet!

Nikki Glenncross on the other hand showed why she is the self-proclaimed “best in the galaxy” and took it to the monster Berenato only to be in wrong end of a spear for her troubles. With all the glamour, swagger and sparkling attires the other five women brought to this match. It was refreshing to see a striped back Glenncross whose fighting Scottish spirit and superior wrestling skills spoke volumes in-between ropes. My only concern is that at this point she reminds me of a pre-Steampunk Becky Lynch. Without the right gimmick/defining style and prerequisite name change. Glenncross will easily be lost in the shuffle.

While all women took a fair share of the limelight (with Liv Morgan playing the sacrificial lamb), it was the departing Vets. that stole the show. While I’m Blissed-off that Alexa didn’t get a one-on-one match (but then again did she ever get enough singles competition on NXT?), its time to let my evil-pixie shine on SmackDown! Live. And with Daniel Bryan confirming another Women’s Title is on the way, maybe she’ll finally bag that elusive top spot.

We will see.

NXT Champion Samoa Joe closes the show in an interview with Byron Saxton and his TakeOver Brooklyn opponent Shinsuke Nakamura.

Poor Byron Saxton. Not only does he get mock mercilessly by JBL, and now his former NXT buddy Cory Graves over on RAW. But now he has to sit in-between these two forces of nature. One a brooding-narcissistic-champ, who can go off at any moment. The other a notorious Nose-Stealer and showboater who smiles widely when he thinks about the pain he afflicts to others inside the ring.

Surprisingly, not much besides raised voices and Saxton’s Roadrunner routine goes off here. I suppose Nakamura can placate his urges by merely fantasising about hurting Joe in the ring. But the Champ, he seems pre-occupied with levelling his vocal barbs at William Regal, a man that he insists doesn’t like him too much. And he has a point. How many times did Joe have to prove he deserved a shot against the then NXT Champ Finn Balor before he got his off-screen win?

I’ve lost count but this point but if Regal thinks Samoa Joe is going let that belt slip through his grasp easily, especially after the GM placed him in this match without his say so (how dare he). Nakamura has another thing coming.

Onwards to Brooklyn!

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated only on Skatronixxx

WWE Smackdown Live! Results July 26, 2016

Smackdown has a huge task ahead of them because, Monday Night RAW was actually pretty good! You can see for yourself Clicking Here! Just like RAW, Smackdown Live has a  new set, which once again isn’t that different or creative. Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon introduce the night with a camera following them from backstage to the live crowd in Buffalo, NY. All Smackdown superstars stand on the apron of the ring, while Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan announce their will be a Number 1 contender for Dean Ambrose’s WWE Championship. Bryan says their will be a six-pack challenge match to determine the winner  First entrant is John Cena, followed by, Bray Wyatt! (my favorite wrestler) Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, and the phenomenal AJ Styles! The sixth spot is open to….. the winner of a battle royal starting right now! In my eyes just as good of a start to Smackdown as it was to RAW! I am excited for the second night in a row which is very rare given the recent WWE PPV’s. The commentating team consists of Mauro Ranallo, JBL, and David Otunga! (when is the last time you heard that name?)

Battle Royal

All wrestlers constantly try to eliminate each other to gain the upper hand. I can estimate about 16 wrestlers in this match. Elimination after elimination as the crowd watches in suspense. Whose it going to be? Breezango is working well together with a classic commercial interruption. A little fast considering we are only 16 minutes in and have had 2 breaks already! After the break we see the battle royal consisting of only 8 guys now. Alberto Del Rio takes control of the match but is quickly eliminated. After a few eliminations, we are down to the final four! Kane, Apollo Crews, Kalisto and Zack Ryder! I hope Crews wins! Crowd chanting Woo! Woo! Woo! for Zack Ryder. Exciting close drama with Zack Ryder botching a top rope move, slipping off the ropes! Kane eliminates Kalisto! Double broski boot on Kane and Apollo Crews. Giving Kane a chance to stand up and eliminate Zack Ryder by throat! Kane runs after Crews as he pulls the rope down and eliminates the big red machine! Apollo Crews is your 6th man in the number 1 contender match! Typical battle royal match, followed by an interview right near the apron by Renee Young with Apollo! A good way to start off the night let’s see how it continues.

In-between matches a vignette shows Shelton Benjamin returning to Smackdown! Which I reported first in this article HERE!

Natalya vs Becky Lynch
A rematch from Battleground which was not a bad match. A good technical exchange between the women with both female wrestlers taunting towards the crowd. Natalya behind the heel, Becky being face. Crowd chants Becky! Becky! The crowd cheers on energizing Becky Lynch. A few near falls, followed by another taunt by Natalya, and a commercial break. We continue with a series of aggressive forearms by Becky taking control of the match. She climbs to the top rope ascending with a flying leg drop across the throat of Natalya! 1….2….kickout! Sharpshooter attempt blocked with a german suplex on Becky. More submission attempts ending with a discus clothesline by Natalya to a close 2 count! A brief window opens as Becky Lynch locks in the disarmer for a tap out victory!! A Renee Young post interview is interrupted by Alexa Bliss and then Naomi! Carmella interrupts them introducing herself. And now Eva Marie’s music hits to a sea of boos! (I actually like Eva Marie) A strange entrance with a voiceover describing Eva Marie? Very unusual and weird honestly. A good match between Natalya and Becky Lynch, overshadowed by the introduction of the new era women which led to nothing unfortunately.

MizTv SegmOOOOHH! Maryse gets pissed and accepts the match on her husband’s behalf!

Randy Orton vs The Miz
This match seems to be a warmup match to get Randy back in the ballgame. Mis right away exits the ring. Miz tosses Randy out of the ring aggravating his right shoulder injury. He continues to stomp on it all over the ring. Throwing him into steel steps and rolling him back in the ring….RKO outta nowhere! Orton does not cover Miz, favoring his shoulder. Orton pumps the crowd up going into viper mode, hitting another RKO seconds later and now covering him for the 1….2….3! Randy Orton used 1 move twice in the match, which sends a message to Brock Lesnar, showing it only takes 1 RKO to send him to Viper Ville! A double segment between these guys not really showcasing a “new era” in Smackdown.

Heath Slater shows up and knocks out a random wrestler currently in the ring! He spews out frustration why he should have been drafted. Heath wants to be in the main event tonight! Heath starts the chant #SignHeathSlater , to the crowd’s approval, echoing on his side. Shane interrupts him asking for his resume.’ Heath Slater spits out his resume, while to much surprise………..Rhyno slips into the ring and GORES! Heath Slater! The crowd goes nuts as the hottest free agent Rhyno is signed to Smackdown!

Six Pack Challenge
Bray Wyatt vs John Cena vs Apollo Crews vs Dolph Ziggler vs AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin
Bray Wyatt enters first with his vintage…..”Buffalo“……..”I’m here,” to a good crowd ovation. Apollo Crews, Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, AJ Styles, and John Cena follow in that order. The match starts and 2 seconds later they go to commercial! Another awful break, by the geniuses at WWE and USA! We return with Styles and Wyatt working as a team clearing the ring. Ziggler slides back into the ring gaining a near fall on Bray. With Bray still down AJ hits a 450 splash to another near fall on Bray. Chaos ensues as AJ knocks out Cena, then gets tossed by Apollo Crews. Corbin showcases his skills against Apollo with a great amount of intensity. Baron and Apollo fight for a while. All other wrestlers are still on the outside of the ring. Again with a commercial break! We return to a double Tower of Doom Pyramid knocking all 6 guys to the floor! Once more we see only Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin alone in the ring with everyone else outside. A close fall by Crews after a powerbomb, with Wyatt pulling the referee out! Bray spider walks, hitting apollo with a sister abigail, followed by Ziggler hitting him with the Zig-Zag! Cena AA to Ziggler! Cena AA to Styles!! 1…..2…..kickout!! Cena AA’s everyone to a bunch of boos! AJ Styles hits a phenomenal Elbow off the top rope! Ziggler superkicks AJ Styles!! 1…..2……3…!! I am in shock that Dolph Ziggler won this match! I honestly would have rather have Cena win who I hate but I guess Dolph Ziggler does deserve his shot in the new era! Ziegler celebrates as Dean Ambrose’s music hits to a great big cheer, coming down to the ring. Taunting Ziggler with the belt in hand! Decent show put on by Smackdown but I think they lose the first matchup between RAW and Smackdown.

On one show Finn Balor is the winner, and the other Dolph Ziggler? Ziggler should have got his shot a long time ago, but I guess they are making up for lost time. Dean Ambrose against Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam only on the WWE Network! In my eyes Stephanie McMahon 1 Shane McMahon 0. How did you feel about this week’s show let me know in a comment below or tweet me @MAK10GATOR !!