The NXT Review – September 21st, 2016 – Kill Joe Kill!

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! How creepy was Grumpy-Joe’s disappointment that NXT Champ Shinsuke Nakamura’s injuries, sustained at his hands, won’t require surgery? It’s almost as if keeping him bench for 6-12 weeks was a consolation prize. Then again an assassin doesn’t aim to maim after all. Maybe he should-be taking a page out of the Kevin Owen playbook.

Kill–Joe–Kill.

Talking of Kill. This animosity building between Joe and William Regal is fascinatingly murky with regards to where their growing feud will end up. Firstly Joe has known for sometime – or at least made it known – that Regal dislikes him. And for his part Mr. Regal displays an inability to hide is displeasure of having to deal with Grumpy-Joe.

And can you blame him? What a headache this guy has been. Firstly turning on his Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic partner, Finn Balor. Only to now destroy the newly crowned NXT Champion. Clearly this guy does not play well with others.

But with Regals in-ring days seemingly over, this uneasy partnership between GM and Superstar looks to go down this rocky-road for some time. So lets enjoy the ride folks.

Okay, I’m so ready for this Austin Aires – Hideo Itami showdown. Not to step-over Oney Lorcan’s defeat here because he put on a hell of show. But when Itami came out – ring ready I should add – cutting Aries ranty-rant short. Holy Shit, I thought all my Christmas’ came early.

But Aries being Aires, it wasn’t to be. The perpetual Troll of NXT proceeded to lure Itami into the ring only to turn tail and scamper towards the back.

I can wait, that’s okay, sometimes the juice is worth the squeeze. And I have the feeling that this match will be a TakeOver show stealer. Should it get that far. #ItamiHuntingSeason

Seriously, throw Aliyah a bone already. Not to take anything away from Billie Kay who is on a roll in NXT, of course minus her big loss to Ember Moon at TakeOver Brooklyn II. But when someone like Liv Morgan is getting pushed over Aliyah … you really start to question.

My Fan-Girling aside, I can see why Kay is being positioned as next in line to Asuka’s throne. With the various gimmick-fails and losses behind her, the Australian native really has come far in-between the ropes. And those long-legs are deadly as hell.

I assume once we get Morgan’s inevitable loss to the NXT Women’s Champ (Next Week), Billie will take her shot at the Championship.

Which is great, if you have a Death wish.

With the CWC not only bringing back the long belated Cruiserweight Division, it also gave superior athletes like Cedric Alexander a chance at the big leagues. A chance that many will agree is long overdue in-of-itself.

Clearly Alexander’s time on NXT is limited with his Monday Night RAW debut already in the books. But if this is a one-and-done thing, then at least we got this.

This really was a great match but it only further showed that a so-called ‘Cruiserweight‘ style has been thriving on NXT for some time now. Sure we get Heavyweights like Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens and Bray Wyatt pass through the doors. But some of the Main Eventers like Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville and Seth Rollins have already demonstrated the High-Flying, Grapple Savvy and Fast Paced wrestling that has been wowing fans on CWC of late. Has already made them legit Championship material down on NXT.

Not to say that NXT invented that kind of wrestling because … D’uh. But with RAW going hard on the Cruiserweight division, I just hope that Superstars like Cedric Alexander, Rich Swan and TJ Perkins won’t get stuck in Mid-Card Mediocrity throughout their time with the WWE. Especially when most viewers are tuning in to see this style of Pro-Wrestling more-over the Big Guys that Vince McMahon still holds dear.

At least down in NXT, these small guys get to Main Event and put on a heck of Match. While its still slow progress up-top.

#ThisIsNXT

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

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

New Era Train Derailed? Finn Bàlor Relinquished WWE Universal Title On RAW

 

By Daniel Finney

Nature  Boy  Buddy  Rogers,  first WWF World Champion, Pat Patterson   first  WWF  Intercontinental Champion, and now Finn Bàlor.The Demon King ushered in the New Era becoming first WWE Universal Champion. The event was the 29th annual SummerSlam at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, this past Sunday.  His opponent fellow WWE Superstar, former 2 times WWE World Champion Seth Rollins.

The bar had been set high for Bàlor, when signing to NXT. Living up to that standard, Bàlor became the longest reigning champion there. After losing the NXT Title to Samoa Joe, everyone including Finn Bàlor wondered what was next. His next and final opponent at NXT was none other than Shinsuke Nakamura. After a valiant but losing effort, Bàlor was then drafted 5th overall at the WWE Draft this past July. Being called up to the big show, the brass ring was Bàlor’s for the grasping.

That next week on Raw, Bàlor was trusted into two fatal four way matches to determine a number one contender to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam.

Bàlor, victorious over Roman Reigns was now headed to SummerSlam to face Rollins for the new WWE Univeral Championship. Fast forwarding this past Sunday, Rollins superiorly confident in his abilities and accomplishments thought Bàlor was just another wrestler. Underestimating Bàlor’s alter ego The Demon King, a deep, dark place Finn goes to take his skill to that next level.

In a grueling back and forth match it was difficult for people to determine who would be victorious. Sequence after sequence of maneuvers it truly came down to a battle of attrition. In the middle of the match, both competitors were outside the ring. In a desperate attempt to finish Bàlor, Rollins relied on one of his signature moves power bombs Bàlor into the barricade. Unbeknownst to the WWE Universe, Bàlor separated his shoulder. With a warrior’s mentality, Bàlor lived up to this warrior’s  code putting it back in place. Enduring on in the match, Bàlor turned perseverance into triumph. After a series of front dropkicks, Bàlor, ascended to the top rope and landing his finisher Coup de Grâce.

Bàlor accomplished the impossible, defeating Stephane McMahons chosen one Seth Rollins. Overcoming all adversity, and silencing the nay- sayers. Finn Bàlor was leading the helm of the WWE. Beginning with an appearance on Good Morning America accompanied with also newly crowned 2x WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte.

The sky was the limit for Bàlor, but unfortunately fate had other plans. Turns out that that shoulder was damaged more than everyone expected. What was thought to be a separated shoulder, MRI showed it to be a torn labrum of the shoulder. With the severity of the injury, Bàlor is required to have surgery to repair the injury. This results in Balor being out of action until early 2017. Devastated, Finn was forced to relinquish the title on this past Monday episode of Raw.  With grace in the middle of the ring Bàlor thanked GM Mick Foley, Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, the WWE Universe, and even Seth Rollins for pushing him to reach his full potential that night.

Handing over the title to Foley then making his exit to the back. In the middle of his walk, Rollin’s theme music comes on. Out comes the cocky self-proclaimed winner of SummerSlam.  Rollins walked into the ring hugging Stephany expecting to be handed the belt. The WWE had other plans, thrusting Rollins into a series of matches ending in a fatal four way next week episode of Raw. The finalist along with Rollins, are Kevin Owens, Big Cass, and Roman Reigns all members of the New Era as well. It’s up in the air will come out victorious, whispers are that Reigns will be “The Guy”. That victory could reopen the feud with Reigns and Rollins for Clash of Champions, Raw’s first PPV.

Or go in a different direction, and Kevin Owens seizing the victory. His feud with Sami Zayn has become legendary in a short time, and the WWE Universe seems enjoy their grudge. There’s the open possibility of a jealousy angle with WWE veteran Chris Jericho, and Owens.  The potentials seem to be high only time will tell. It begins next week on Raw. A new champion will eventually  be crowned.

Is the New Era train derailed, or can the WWE find an alternate route leading them back on track on a destination course to the future with Bàlor conducting the way. For now all we can do is wish him a full speedy recovery.

 

WWE Raw Review: 22.08.2016

Sooooooo…. Summerslam was weird, right? The matches weren’t terrible and there wasn’t a major problem with the results either, but the show was just off in some way. Going into Raw there are some big events that need to be addressed. The ordeal that was the main event, the lack of a US title match and most importantly the Universal Title. The belt may look like trash but my boy Finn Balor ascended to the top of the mountain and has earned his first WWE world championship, let’s pray for a long fruitful reign.

OPENER

Well fuck. The show opens with the announcement that last night Finn Balor injured himself during his match with Seth Rollins. Due to this injury, Finn will be out for 6 months and therefore has to vacate the title. This is fucking terrible news and I am praying Finn gets better ASAP. Balor gives a moving speech announcing that he has to leave but when he comes back he will be back in the hunt for the title. Before the Demon even has the chance to make his way to the back, the herd of challengers make their way into the ring. First Seth Rollins, followed by Zayn, Owens, Jericho, Enzo & Cass, and Roman Reigns. Foley announces a short tournament for the title that will end with a fatal 4 way next week.

SETH ROLLINS vs SAMI ZAYN

Before the rest of the wrestlers were able to make it to the back, Seth decides to ambush Zayn to get the first match of the tournament started. The match went as all the previous Rollins/Zayn matches did, which means it was very good.  Zayn eventually takes a nasty bump on his ankle which looked like a legitimate injury but as it turns out this was a worked spot that completely fooled me. Zayn was almost able to pull off a comeback to grab the win but in the end, a pedigree from Seth was able to seal the deal and made Crossfit Jesus the first man in the finals next week.

KEVIN OWENS vs NEVILLE

Well, we know who is winning this match right? I mean, no offense to Neville but he is far from the main event picture at the moment. Whereas Kevin Owens seems like the next in line for his moment. Despite the predictable outcome, Owens and Neville put on a really great match. Owens worked wonders selling the insane offense of Neville, and despite the unnecessary Jericho involvement the finish worked well as it allowed Neville to look slightly stronger than he would with a clean loss.

• The New Day come down to the ring and discuss their title reign. They celebrate retaining the title to make their reign officially over a year. The club comes down and demands their rematch which they are entitled to as they won the match last night even if it was by DQ. This segment sets up the next match Big E vs Karl Anderson, but honestly… I don’t care. This feud has managed to make what used to be one of the freshest teams feel stale, and weaken the reputation of the Club.

BIG E vs KARL ANDERSON

This was a short pointless match that had no purpose and only made The Club look ridiculous and gave little momentum to the New Day. Most of the action happened outside of the ring with the other members of both respective teams at ringside. Woods and Kingston brawled with Gallows and Big E hit the Big Ending for the win.

• Titus O’Neil delivers one of the worst promos I have ever heard. I mean Jesus Christ this was bad. He stumbled over his words like they were Olympic hurdles and the actual meat of the promo wasn’t anything special to being with. The promo ended with a Titus vs Darren confrontation.

RUSEV vs BIG CASS

Rusev is obviously worse for wear after the events of the previous night with Roman Reigns, which can be seen by the taped up ribs. Throughout the match, Rusev tries to act like his usual bullying self but the injury to his ribs prevents him from doing so. Rusev does a great job of selling the injury to his ribs and the damage done to Rusev obviously impacts his ability to go in the ring. The Bulgarian Brute walks out of the match halfway due to his injuries, meaning that Cass picks up the victory by count out. I feel like this was the right decision as the count out victory does not hurt Rusev too badly and even though he will not win the match, just being involved elevates Cass.

• Tom Phillips interviews JeriKO who as usual make fun of the interviewer and then argue about who will win the title.

CHARLOTTE DOESN’T LIKE HUGS

Fresh off her title win last night Charlotte delivers a promo detailing how she was able to beat Sasha Banks all by herself, without the help of her dad or Dana. Charlotte once again, top of the female division, decides that she is the queen of the WWE roster and tells Sasha that there is no point in her coming back to WWE. As she is about to leave Mick Foley decides to once again get overly involved in women’s wrestling and announce the new signing Raw has made, BAYLEY! The hugger herself has made her way to the main roster finally! Who would have thought that Alexa, Dana, Mojo, American Alpha and Nia Jax would get called up before her? Bayley is her usual babyface self as she hugged  Foley and even stole his cheap pop which made me laugh out loud. Charlotte is furious at this addition to the roster so she decides that Bayley has to make her way through the Women’s division the good ole fashioned way. By wrestling. Foley agrees to this and sets up Dana vs Bayley.  The pop for Bayley was great and her involvement will give the roster a fresh new feel.

BAYLEY vs DANA BROOKE

Bayley vs Dana Brooke was a solid match which is to be expected when you have a great worker vs a not so great worker. The hugger surprisingly had a 50/50 match with Brooke, considering this was her debut I expected her to bury Dana or whoever she would be facing, but it looks like they are committed to this babyface underdog story which is a good choice. Despite Charlotte’s involvement Bayley is able to pick up the win.

• Reigns says he is a big man with a big fist
• Cruiserweights are coming to Raw September 19^th. Excited to see my favourites such as Swann, Alexander, and THE Brian Kendrick.
• The best of 7 series continues next week. Sheamus says Cesaro will fold like New York sports teams (cheap heat).

BRAUN STROWMAN vs GAY RIGHTS

So we see the latest victim of Braun ‘I piss my pants’ Strowman, who is in an interview with Byron Saxton. His reasoning for fighting Braun is that he likes big sweaty men….. Is this the LGBT stories we had been told to expect? I can’t say I am surprised. Obviously, Strowman wins.

DUDLEYZ SAY GOODBYE

The Dudleyz come out to the ring in their hometown of Brooklyn, New York to say their goodbyes. I was certain that we would be seeing a Bubba heel turn on D-Von (come on Reverend D-Von I need you). However, it seems that the teasing we have been getting over the last few weeks will have no payoff. The Dudleyz go through their career bringing up the famed TLC match and their opponents like Edge and Christian and The Hardys (DELETE). The Club come out and they attack the retiring legends, earning the Club some cheap heat and possibly setting up a final match for the Dudleyz at Clash of Champions?

ROMAN REIGNS vs CHRIS JERICHO

This matchup has a rocky first half. The match seemed like it was just going through the motions from spot to spot. Nothing was visibly impressive despite both men being good in the ring (Jericho especially is an all-time great). Y2J played the part of an over cocky heel who really had no reason to be while Roman played the part of a dominating beast, beating down Jericho and hitting big moves. Kevin Owens arrives to help out his pal Chris but while he is able to hit the Samoan Badass with a superkick he is ultimately unsuccessful at securing the win for Jericho as Roman is able to get the W after taking out Owens and hitting Y2J with a spear.

FINAL NOTES AND SCORE

• Tonight’s MVP: Kevin Owens
• Match of the Night: Zayn vs Rollins
• Moment of the Night: Bayley debut
• So the title 4 way next week is Owens vs Reigns vs Rollins vs Cass. My prediction now is Owens to win and for us to get Reigns vs Owens up until Survivor Series.
• Finn you will be missed, I pray for a Demon return at the Rumble.
• The Club needs to be given wins soon, they are quickly becoming a joke.

So this Raw was once again weaker than its blue counterpart, but it wasn’t as bad as last week’s go home show. Good matches that actually meant something saved this Raw earning a 6/10.

Smackdown Live Results/Recap August 2nd, 2016

In the second week of the “new era” in wrestling, Monday Night Raw failed. Smackdown does not have to do much to top them this week. Shane McMahon has a lob pitch right down the middle, all he needs to do is make contact. Let’s see how the night goes……

The show starts with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan reliving Randy Orton’s RKO from last night with a huge group of security guards waiting. The Miz interrupts them, followed by Dean Ambrose. Daniel Bryan announces there will be a triple threat match for the new number 1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship featuring Baron Corbin, Kalisto, and Apollo Creed. Yes he said Apollo Creed. Dean Ambrose music hits and now the show starts from Nashville, Tennessee. Dean Ambrose says he is not a one hit wonder and is going to be the champ for a long time. He invites his opponent Dolph Ziggler to the ring for a friendly confrontation. Dolph Ziggler is way better than Dean in this promo, talking about how he started as a male cheerleader. Pretty boring trash talk back and forth with Dean ending it with “your not as a good as you say you are.” Dean bumps Ziggler and leaves the ring. The screen goes black with Bray Wyatt’s vignette, appearing in the ring hitting Ziggler with sister abigail! The crowd goes nuts as Bray challenges Dolph to a match tonight, winner taking the number 1 contender spot at SummerSlam!! The crowd erupts with a YES! Chant!!! (Bray Wyatt saved the start of the show)

Number 1 Contender Intercontinental Championship

Baron Corbin vs Kalisto vs Apollo Crews

The Miz is on commentary. YAWN* Corbin is in control early being the bigger man. Kalisto and Crews double team him knocking him to the outside. Kalisto hits a dive to the outside followed by a commercial. We return with Corbin standing and both men on the ground in the ring. Kalisto jumps off Apollo’s back and hits Corbin with a hurricanrana. Crews samoan drops Kalisto for a near fall. Corbin catches Kalisto off the top rope and gets drop kicked by Apollo to the outside. Schoolboy by Crews 1…..2…..3..! Apollo Crews is your new Number 1 contender!! All 3 men fight after the match with Miz interfering hitting his Skull Crushing Finale!! But Baron Corbin destroys all 3 men and leaves them on the floor as he stands above them.

Winner – Apollo Crews

Becky Lynch vs Eva Marie

Eva Marie enters second to a barrage of boos. Her entrance is so weird with that voiceover. Eva Marie appears to have a leg injury and the match is cancelled? Very sketchy situation? Can’t tell if it is real or fake? Cut to Carmella being interviewed by Renee Young, interrupted by Natalya arguing about absolutely nothing. Waste of a segment.

Vaudevillains vs American Alpha

The debut of Jason Jordan and Chad Gable! I am excited for this tag team match. Gable against Simon Gotch to start. All technical wrestling to start off with Gable impressively trading reversals. Tag to Jordan who hits a dropkick. Multiple tags to each member as Gable flies off the top rope hitting a double clothesline. The Vaudevillains take advantage of a window with double team moves. Gable fights back tagging Jordan with a hot tag. Jordan hits a variety of suplexes on both member. Spearing Aiden English into the corner, tagging Gable back in, hitting their finisher for the win! Decent match, unfortunately very quick following the Eva Marie episode.

Winner – American Alpha

AJ Styles comes out and wants John Cena. Cena’s music hits. Styles says he has a message for Cena, with the crowd barely chanting “Soccer Mom Hair.” AJ says he wants John Cena out of the WWE. AJ Styles makes fun of Tennessee. Then goes onto to hate on Cena’s fans starting with “idiot , delusional kids.” Then he makes fun of the parents who raise Cena fans. John responds saying the fans make up their own minds. “Let’s Go Cena, Cena Sucks!” chants begin. AJ asks John why he is still here? They trade disses, and Cena finally answers the question with I’m here out of love. He defends the kids and their parents with how he is in love with the WWE Universe. Cena pours his heart out in a long-winded segment defending his love for the company. AJ Styles challenges him to a match at SummerSlam. I feel like John Cena says the same thing in every promo about his hustle, loyalty and respect. Same exact in-ring promo segment from Cena we have always seen.

Fandango vs Randy Orton

Security is surrounding the ring in case Brock Lesnar retaliates. Randy is in control with the crowd chanting RKO! A dropkick by Fandango into a headlock while Tyler Breeze looks on. A series of clotheslines , a bodyslam and a second rope ddt knocks out Fandango. Brock Lesnar is shown by the barricade, he hops over the railing and F5’s Randy Orton. Suplex City chants erupt with Shane McMahon racing down the aisle telling Brock to leave. Security escorts him out of the arena. Very quick spot, felt like they could have definitely milked it a little more.

Heath Slater is shown in Daniel Bryan’s office begging for a contract. Daniel says he can have a match next week. His opponent is……Slater gets gored by Rhyno. Rhyno will be his opponent next week in a contract match.

Carmella enters rhyming on the microphone walking down the aisle. Natalya comes down the ramp and clotheslines Carmella. Putting her into the sharpshooter outside the apron. Carmella screams tapping out.

Bray Wyatt vs Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler starts face with a dropkick and a fame-asser to a two count. Bray rolls out and clotheslines a chasing Dolph. Back into the ring they go. Ziggler tries a schoolboy and lands on Bray’s ankle. He is definitely hurt, as they cut to commercial break. Come back from commercial and we see a superplex by Bray Wyatt. Spider walk into a 2 count near fall. Headlock for a couple of minutes by Bray. Ziggler finally fights back with a pair of clotheslines, followed by a stinger splash neckbreaker to a 2 count. Super kick caught into a suplex toss followed by a back senton by the new face of fear. Wyatt unties the turnbuckle wasting time, backing up right into a zig zag by Dolph. 1…….2…..kickout! Ziggler finishes the turnbuckle off and exposes it, sister abigail teased, Ziggler fights it off, Bray Wyatt bookends Dolph to a very close 2 count. Forearms and right hands by Bray knocking Ziggler down. Tossing him into the exposed turnbuckle missing it by an inch. Bray goes for the corner and gets tossed into the steel by Dolph! SuperKick!! 1….2…..3…!! Dolph Ziggler is still your number 1 contender going into SummerSlam. Dolph taunts Dean as Erick Rowan interferes and slams Ziggler down. Dean tries to help but gets tossed out by Rowan. Bray gets up and hits a long sister abigail!

Winner – Dolph Ziggler

On the second week, of the new era, WWE has lacked performance on both shows. RAW wasn’t entertaining at all with matches, nobody really cared about it except Seth Rollins vs Sami Zayn. Smackdown was extremely weird and unorganized. Daniel Bryan stuttered and messed up a whole bunch. The Eva Marie injury kind of seemed like a work but we will find out more during the week I guess. The segments were very quick and the matches didn’t perform well until the Main Event. Brock interfering was cool, but again it was over in the blink of an eye. As a fan who waits all week sometimes to watch wrestling, this week felt like they winged it on the spot for both shows. Overall the storytelling wasn’t there and I was not impressed at all with the shows this week. Sorry WWE!

WWE Monday Night Raw Recap July 25, 2016

The night starts off with a bang! A new set for the show with a brand new logo. Honestly they didn’t change much, looks the same. Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley start in the ring, bringing every RAW wrestler on stage. They announce that there will be a new belt introduced on RAW. Calling it the WWE Universal Championship. Two huge fatal 4-way matches are announced with the winners facing each other in the main event. A winner from that match will go on to face Seth Rollins for the new title at SummerSlam. The 8 men announced are Sami Zayn, Sheamus, Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, Cesaro, Rusev, Kevin Owens and……the Demon! Finn Balor!! Pittsburgh erupts with an ovation well deserved. Also announced is a WWE Women’s Championship between Charlotte and Sasha Banks. A great opening segment to a new era in the WWE. I have loved Stephanie since I was 10 years old and I won’t stop. On a side note the commentators are now reporting live from the entrance area. A new team of Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves.

Fatal 4-Way
Kevin Owens vs Rusev vs Cesaro vs Finn Balor
Overall the match was really good interrupted by too many commercials. All guys got their move sets in hitting every signature move. Rusev and Owens worked together at one point. Owens called the match in the middle out loud telling Rusev what to do next. Cesaro was impressive with his swiss upper cuts and big swing, that he successfully hit on Rusev. They used every space in and out of the ring, which I always appreciate. Near falls for all men involved finally concluding with Finn Balor taking advantage at the end. Vintage Balor moves, sling blade, Pele’ kick, double dropkick into the ropes setting up Rusev for the Coup De’ Grace. Jumping High into the air stomping both feet on Rusev for the 1,2,3! Pittsburgh goes crazy as we will see who faces Finn Balor in the Main Event?!!!

Nia Jax Debut
Nia Jax fought a jobber in a match that took about 2 minutes. You can picture the match probably in your head right now, Nia Jax winning in dominate fashion. I actually like Nia Jax and think she can shake up the division if they use her properly.

Fatal 4-Way
Chris Jericho vs Sami Zayn vs Sheamus vs Roman Reigns
Roman of course gets booed like crazy on his entrance. All 3 men attack Reigns to start which is entertaining to me. Sami Zayn is clearly the crowd favorite almost by default. Slow paced match that was brought back to life by Roman, hitting a flying move over the top rope on the 3 other wrestlers,  outside of the ring. Sami seems to be a much better wrestler showcasing it in this match. Sami had a near fall on Roman via blue thunder bomb. Roman hits a spectacular razor’s edge powerbomb to a very close near fall on Sami. Roman superman punches every guy in the ring multiple times. Jericho botches a spot with Roman, interesting. Roman very athletically leap frogs over Jericho and hits a spear moments later. 1….2…..3! Reigns with the victory! Roman was actually pretty impressive in this match showing off his power and strength. Setting up Finn Balor vs Roman Reigns in the main event! I’m not a Reigns guy but I do appreciate when a wrestler puts on a good performance and he did tonight. I am not mad with Roman Reigns winning even though I am a Sami Zayn fan.

New Day Celebration
I like New Day but they never wrestle. I can not remember the last time they defended their record-breaking tag team titles? A title reign should be vindicated with at least a few defenses. But the fans still are behind them as they celebrate in a decent segment revealing their new cereal Booty-O’s. (PG show though right?) They show a video package which I personally couldn’t care less about. They choose an honorary New Day member from the crowd which is obviously a plant. The audience members name is Sonny Boy? Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows interrupt the celebration! Thank You!! Destroying each member of New Day. Hitting magic killer on Big E, ripping off their outfits embarrassing them. A segment to kill time in my view.

Neville vs Curtis Axel
JoJo Introduces Curtis Axel as Mr. Irrelevant. Neville makes his ring return which I am excited about. He is more than talented and has tremendous experience all over the world. Another wrestler who deserves more of a shot than he gets. A match in which Neville almost looks like he is facing a jobber, showcasing his move repertoire. Hitting Red Arrow which all fans should love! Neville should at least be thrown into the Intercontinental or United States Championship picture. This new era could definitely use a fresh face like him. Go Neville!

WWE Women’s Championship
Charlotte vs Sasha Banks
First off, I think Sasha Banks needs to change her entrance music. Sasha is super talented but I don’t understand why she has sky rocketed to the top? All because she likes Eddie Guerrero and is cousins with Snoop Dogg? (I want to hang out with Snoop Dogg one day) Charlotte enters with her protegé Dana Brooke. They grapple and roll around for the beginning of the match. A distraction by Dana gives Charlotte the advantage. Sasha hits bank statement into a different type of straight jacket submission. Charlotte breaks out, another bank statement attempt. They spill to the outside of the ring with Sasha hitting her double knees off the apron which is always fun to watch. Moments later Charlotte violently kicks Sasha into thew barricade teasing her with the Women’s Championship. Charlotte rolls into the ring and in a very good homage to Eddie Guerrero, she tosses the belt to Dana Brooke acting as if she was hit with the belt. We Lie, We Cheat, We Steal! Mike Chioda of course sees this and ejects Dana Brooke from ringside. A great moment destroyed by a commercial break! (bad timing with commercials tonight WWE) Some decent wrestling after the break concludes, with a near fall after double knees in the turnbuckle by Sasha. Moments later, Sasha botches another suicide dive landing very awkwardly. (hopefully she is okay) Charlotte lands a moonsault from the top rope, to the outside onto Sasha! Holy S–T! Echoes through Pittsburgh. Near falls climax after Charlotte hits natural selection to a 2 count! Figure Four attempt on Sasha as she holds the submission attempt rolling onto the apron. Sasha continues with another bank statement attempt broken up by a rope break. Another backstabber into a bank statement in the center of the ring! Charlotte taps to everyone’s surprise! And Neeeeewwwww! Women’s Champion! Sasha Banks! If I am being realistic it wasn’t the great of a match. Charlotte outperformed her in my opinion hitting a majority of the big spots and not botching anything. Byron Saxton comes to the ring to interview her, as the crowd goes wild chanting YES!

Braun Strowman Debut
Braun Strowman comes out to a new look, and pretty cool entrance music. James Ellsworth, a local competitor the size of a cockroach is set to face him. Strowman destroys him in less than 2 minutes with a reverse chokeslam. A dominating performance similar to Nia Jax earlier in the night.

Throughout the night Goldust and R-Truth walk around backstage looking for Pokémon! Pretty funny segments in-between matches.

Enzo and Cass vs Shining Stars
Enzo comes out and does his thing on the mic. Big Cass is interrupted by Primo and Epico promoting their beautiful paradise in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico! Enzo and Cass dominate the match fairly quickly after a big boot by Big Cass. During the match R-Truth walked through the match looking for Pokémon haha! I thought that was genius writing for once by WWE. A funny moment which brought a smile to my face. Maybe a tease for Golden Truth to face off against Jersey’s finest! Another quick segment match which makes 3 for the night. If you combine this match with Nia Jax and Braun Strowman, it would take longer to say the alphabet. You need balance and variety which is the only defense I can come up with to explain these matches.

They announce Brock Lesnar will return next week on RAW!

Main Event
Roman Reigns vs Finn Balor
This has the potential to be an amazing match! I am very enthused to see who will fight Seth Rollins at SummerSlam for the WWE Universal Championship. Finn receives a great response. Reigns, obviously again getting booed. Reigns tosses Balor viciously like a rag doll to start. Reigns exuding his power in an angry mood. The match displays quickness against strength. Size against strategy. Big clothesline in the corner by Roman. Leaving Finn displayed on the ropes. Roman looks for his double dropkick on the apron, Finn jumps over the ropes and double foot stomps onto the outside! Finn dropkicks Roman into the barricade followed by another bad commercial break just as the match was picking up! ( Did I mention I hate commercials) Headlock in the middle of the ring on Finn Balor. It feels as if Roman Reigns is trying to slow the match down using slow power moves. I remind you this is the second match for both of these men. A missed superman punch moments later clears Finn Balor for a running knee on the apron to Reigns. Leading to a high-flying coupe de grace to the back of the head by Finn Balor for a 1….2…kickout! Both guys are physically exhausted following Balor’s sling blade. They rise to their feet, Finn runs into a superman punch! 1….2………Kickout!! I can’t believe he kicked out from the destructive punch by Roman Reigns! Reigns power bombs Finn twice, almost breaking him in half to another near fall! Looking for the spear, runs into another sling blade, double dropkick into the corner! Finn climbs to the top rope! Coup De Grace!!!! 1…..2……3!!! Happy Birthday Finn Balor!!! An amazing ending to a decent match. Baylor being the much appreciated victor in this one. I am shocked Finn Balor won! Thank You Stephanie and Mick!! It is a New Era in WWE!! Another post-fight interview with Roman Reigns. Seems like they are just copying UFC with the interviews following the matches. They have better writers than that, I think. Finally a good Monday Night RAW with the winner being the fans going home happy. Don’t count your chickens though, we will see who is the first Universal Champion at SummerSlam!!

WWE BATTLEGROUND Results/Recap

Kickoff Show
Usos vs Breezango
Jimmy and Jey Uso arrive first on the kickoff entrance. I still believe they have one of the more entertaining entrances even though it has lost some steam over time. Breezango enter right after to a few spots of cheers. It feels like Breezango might win the match. Fandango starts against Jimmy, getting caught in a decent double team move followed by some chops. Tyler Breeze and Fandango show some decent teamwork with a slingshot elbow hopping over the top rope by Fandango. Frequent tags by Breezango leads to an opening by the Uso’s after they miss a window of opportunity. The Uso’s try to pump up the crowd with an US-O chant but it is followed by a sea of boos. The match is slow-paced with the crowd waiting for something to happen. Crowd cheering for Breezango after some near falls. A confusing outside spot leads to a super kick fiasco by the Usos. Jimmy sets up for a big splash, as Jey spears through the ropes with a suicide dive taking out Fandango on the outside. Jimmy jumps and hits the splash on Tyler Breeze but being the legal man, he wisely rolls Jimmy into a small package ending in a 1,2,3 count victory! Received well by the crowd to a moderate cheer!
Winners-Tyler Breeze and Fandango (Breezango)

Main Match Card
Charlotte and Dana Brooke vs Sasha Banks and ????
Sasha Banks enters to an eruption of cheers after Charlotte and Dana are already in the ring. Sasha’s mystery partner is……BAYLEY!!! Thank You GOD!!! WWE finally did something for the fans!! My heart is racing from the enormous reception she received. I have donned Bayley the female Daniel Bryan. Charlotte and Dana cutoff their celebration attacking both Sasha and Bayley knocking them outside the ring. Referee Mike Chioda settles things down and they ring the bell! Charlotte and Bayley begin the match with the crowd cheering for every move done by Sasha and Bayley. Sasha botches a hurricanrana off the top rope but still manages some effectiveness. Dana Brooke and Charlotte control the majority of the match for a good five minutes. A vicious double clothesline by Bayley and Dana allows the hot tag to Sasha who cleans house against Charlotte. Sasha hits double knees on Charlotte but again botches a cross body off the top rope barely connecting. Charlotte hits natural selection but Bayley makes the save! Sasha hits a bank statement but Dana makes the save. A squirm ends, with Sasha hitting another bank statement, Charlotte tapping fairly quickly! Sasha and Bayley have a moment with a hug after to a huge reaction! I was happy for Bayley, especially starting out the night on a great note and a gift from WWE. An ok match in which you kind of wanted more from Bayley but WWE did not allow it.
Winners – Sasha Banks and Bayley

Second Match
A New Day vs The Wyatt Family
New Day come out to a big crowd reaction as they immediately make a Taylor Swift joke while referencing Bone Crusher’s “Never Scared” hit song entering the ring. As they spew out the giddiness of being drafted together to RAW. The Wyatt Family disrupts them as the crowd turns into a sea of fireflies. New Day tags each member in before the match starts, while Xavier Woods is still hypnotized by Bray Wyatt. Frequent tags by both teams as every member appeared in the ring, in the first 30 seconds. Erick Rowan and Kofi Kingston end up as the beginners of the match. There has been 2 headlocks with no real action to begin with, other than a mean clothesline by Bray Wyatt on Kofi. Wyatt family clearly in control for the first part of this match. Big E gets the crowd back into it with his Big Splash chanting “New Day Rocks.” Kofi moments later hits a flip over the top rope on Strowman on the outside. Bray goes to hit Sister Abigail and Xavier Woods interrupts, to a standoff with Bray again hypnotizing Xavier. Eventually he breaks out of it and attacks Bray to a crowd cheer. Strowman grabs a hold of Xavier choking him and Big E hits his suicide spear on Strowman landing really awkwardly. Hopefully he is alright. In the blink of an eye you see Bray Wyatt in his spider walk, freezing Xavier in time which allows him to hit sister abigail for the 1,2,3 count! I am a fan of the Wyatts but it doesn’t matter as the winner of this match means nothing. Only time will tell where all these Wyatt Family superstars wil go. Bray Wyatt got the pin so I am satisfied with it.
Winners – The Wyatt Family

Third Match
United States Championship
Rusev vs Zack Ryder
Lana is in the ring pretty much wearing a wedding dress outfit and tiara. I am already falling asleep. Zack Ryder comes out in an american flag Randy Savage looking outfit. Rusev is dominating with a series of wrestling moves and headlocks. Zack Ryder fights back to a desperate crowd cheering USA! trying to will some energy into this match. Rusev has done nothing but hug Zack up until this point. Ryder again trying to fight back with some forearms. Crowd chanting Woo! With every connection. The first attempt for a Broski Kick is stopped short by Rusev. Zach reverses a suplex into a neck breaker which is quite a good move on the eye. They tangle outside for a minute ending with Zack Ryder hitting a dropkick off the barricade. They enter the ring with Zack Ryder hitting a Rough Ryder and missing a Macho Man-esq elbow off the top rope. Rusev then locks in the “Rusev Crush'” applying major pressure, ending in a Zack Ryder tap out. Snooze Button Please….Rusev attacks Zack after the match with Mojo Rawley coming out for the save! I don’t know what this does for WWE but maybe just a segment that the writers did not want to work too hard on.
Winner – Rusev

Fourth Match
Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
Let’s Go! Sami Zayn receives a great reaction as the vignette done by WWE was actually pretty good in-between matches. Kevin Owens musics hits to an equally big pop from the Verizon Center dawning a clean look. Sami immediately goes for a helluva kick, but misses as they spill to the outside exchanging aggressive moves, with Sami having the upper hand. The crowd going back and forth cheering both amazing wrestlers. Owens hits his cannonball to a near fall. You can feel the energy with crowd again starting an Ole’ chant, to Kevin Owens mocking them. Owens has had the advantage for most of the match so far. A 2 minute headlock by Owens allows the crowd to build behind Sami as he fights back with a big clothesline. A Michinoku driver out of nowhere to a near fall. Sami botches a flip off the rope, which looked like a botch on purpose so Owens can work on that limb. A blue thunder bomb, again out of nowhere to a near fall. Sami clutching that arm, again looks like a work on the botched move. Each wrestler struggles on the top rope teasing a superplex. Sami fights off Owens ending with a super kick into a crossface. Pretty good match so far I must say. Sami moments later hits a exploder suplex missing a helluva kick again. Both men fight on the apron with Sami hitting an amazing Suplex on the side of the apron to a “This Is Awesome” chant. Exchanging right hands to the crowd, being again half and half on the cheering meter.  Violently trading right hands. Later, Sami goes for the tornado ddt through the ring post and is met by a super kick followed by a cannonball, followed by a frog splash! What A Sequence! Only a 2 count as Sami Keeps fighting! Sami hits a tornado ddt, walking on the ropes Undertaker style. Walking into a super kick by Owens followed by dragon suplex and then another, for a 2 count! The Crowd Is Standing Up Chanting YES!! Sami goes for a helluva kick running into a pop-up power bomb to a really close 2 count with Sami’s foot on the rope. Again “This Is Awesome” chant! Kevin Owens slaps the s**t out of Sami, with him begging for another. Sami stands up and hits Kevin with an exploder suplex, followed by 2 vicious helluva kicks for the 1…2…3!!! An amazing match!! By far the best match in a while put on by WWE, finally giving the crowd a great match stealing the show! A match for the ages, story telling, good wrestling and a finish sequence that had the crowd cheering the whole time. I really wish they would fight forever every week for the rest of my life!
Winner- Sami Zayn

Fifth Match
Natalya vs Becky Lynch
Every time Natalya’s music hits I get a nostalgia moment for my favorite wrestler Bret Hart. They grapple for the advantage with Natalya leaving the ring in a heel move. Becky is the crowd favorite, as Natalya methodically stays outside the ring every chance she gets. Whipping Becky into the steel steps hurting her leg. Natalya works on that leg Bret Hart style setting her up for the infamous sharpshooter hopefully. Becky is doing a fantastic job of selling her leg injury as Nattie continues to attack it. Natalya does a very acrobatic flip showboating, which is quite impressive. Becky comes back with an enziguiri, followed by some clotheslines. They trade submission attempts but Natalya locks the sharpshooter in with Becky crawling to a rope break. Moments later another sharpshooter hold is applied in the center of the ring. Strategically dragging her back into the center everytime Becky crawls to the ropes. Becky taps painfully with the winner Natalya! This match will go unnoticed because of the short segment they had. I like both female wrestlers and believe they are both at the top in terms of talent. Obviously Natalya is the best given her experience and background. Once again they deserved a better rivalry and more time to expand this feud!
Winner- Natalya

Sixth Match
Darren Young vs The Miz
What the hell is Miz and Maryse wearing?!?!? All I can say is google it. Darren Young looks good to start the match executing his holds well. Backlund shouts some words of encouragement as again he performs his maneuvers very technically. Maryse with a distraction, allowing Miz to push Young off the top rope. Headlock by Miz allowing the crowd to pick sides, they clap for Darren to come back. Miz talks trash to Backlund, which I think is a dumb move, if you know who Bob Backlund is. Both guys try a backslide and fail for about 10 seconds. Miz hits the boots in the corner stomping out Darren Young showboating. Young explodes with a suplex. Pumping up the crowd Young drops Miz on the apron. Miz tries to leave the arena as Backlund cuts him off. Maryse comes over and slaps Backlund pretending that Bob hit her. Miz comes outside the ring to confront Bob as Darren Young hops down and applies the crossfire chicken wing! The ref rings the bell in a disqualification because of a 10 count! Darren holds the submission attempt while referees try to break it up. Darren Young pushes a referee, which the commentators say will lead to a fine. I thought Darren Young looked good but we didn’t get a good enough sample size for these wrestlers which stinks! Darren Young does have potential with Bob Backlund but again a segment which felt rushed, and a terrible ending on a PPV!
Winner- The Miz

Seventh Match
John Cena, Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs The Club
Cena, Enzo and Big Cass gets a big crowd reaction! Enzo and Cass do their thing with the crowd behind them echoing every word. Enzo actually tells a few good jokes which are pretty funny. The crowd is 100% behind them. Well, all I can say is if there was a mic war, this match is already over. S-A-W-F-T SAWWWFFTTT! Great mic work by both men. Enzo Amore starts against Karl Anderson. Karl immediately tags AJ Styles to the crowd’s favored chant. Cass and Anderson enter, off both teams tagging. A minute later Cass sends Enzo outside into The Club minus AJ. Right after Cass sends AJ into The Club as well knocking everyone down. Cena chants, back and forth as you could imagine. Great teamwork by The Club attacking Enzo every moment they get. Enzo five minutes later is still getting beat up by The Club. Enzo fights them off and flies for a tag, which he is met mid-air, by a fantastic knee by Karl. Finally a tag to Cena, with the five moves of death coming. Every wrestler gets their hits in, finishing with a sit down choke bomb by Gallows on Cass. I am not sure what just happened as Cena used Enzo as a kendo stick almost. Every wrestler is hitting their spots, while it concludes with Enzo jumping off the steel steps hitting a ddt on Karl Anderson. Cena makes it into the ring, with the count of 8, falling into a styles clash disrupted by Cass. The Club takes control of the ring. Enzo is left in the ring hulking up against Anderson and Gallows. He takes out Anderson. Him and Gallows stand toe to toe eating a boot to the face. It is now Gallows and Cena in the ring with John knocking Gallows outside the ring. Styles mounts the top rope as Cena hits an amazing Attitude Adjustment for the 1…2….3! An entertaining match/segment that any fan would appreciate. All wrestlers had their good moments as Enzo stole the show again with his microphone skills! It’ll be interesting to see where Enzo and Cass go after this.
Winners-John Cena, Enzo Amore, Big Cass

Highlight Reel with Randy Orton
Randy’s music hits and everybody reacts positively! Randy is enjoying the response and he deserves it. He makes a joke about Y2J and the crowd immediately chants, RKO! RKO! They exchange insults which is pretty entertaining. Chris Jericho recalls the asylum match involving the 69 thumbtacks. Randy makes a pretty good Ellen DeGeneres joke as well. They show a vignette of Brock Lesnar. Randy explains he needed to make an epic return not like Jericho did against Fandango. Randy introduces he only needs 1 RKO a.k.a. Viper Ville, and says he does not need any enhancement!! WOOOO!! Jericho talks some more and they tease the RKO, followed by an RKO outta nowhere!! At SummerSlam it will be Suplex City vs Viper Ville!! Another segment which did not need to be on a PPV. It would have been much more exciting to see Randy return interfering in a match or interrupting a segment. But I did enjoy seeing him back as his mic skills have greatly improved.

Main Event
WWE Championship
Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns
They introduce all the GM’s with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan getting huge reactions. Seth Rollins has a good reaction. Roman Reigns gets booed like crazy. Dean Ambrose gets a pretty decent pop, but Seth wins the crowd reaction. The crowd is anticipating a great match. Mike Chioda rings the bell here we go! Roman Sucks! Chants echo through the Verizon Center! Reigns shoulder tackles Rollins to begin. Rollins taking the damage from both guys to begin. Quick schoolboy on Roman by Ambrose. Dean against Reigns to start. Boo! Yeah! Chants as Dean and Roman exchange right hands. Seth gets back involved in the match attacking both men. All 3 men go at it, fighting for control hitting intermediate level moves on one another. Rollins and Ambrose take the ring as Seth mocks Dean by slapping him. You can feel the crowd ready to explode! Reigns then goes after Rollins with Ambrose interfering. Running knee off the apron by Rollins on Ambrose. All men are outside the ring. Back body drop into the time-keeper on Rollins by Roman. Dean runs across all 3 announce tables colliding with each member of the former Shield. Dean and Roman scramble into the ring, with Ambrose having the upper hand. After a near fall Seth Rollins hits a splash on Dean following the pin. Roman takes advantage knocking out both men looking for a spear on both guys. Superman Punch on Seth, Clothesline from Dean on Roman! In a triangle, the former Shield members exchange punches. Concluding with Dean and Seth stomping out Roman to a YES! chant. Roman falls to the outside, suicide dive by Dean, Flip over the rope by Seth! Seth and Dean rip the spanish table off..YES! YES! YES! Dean sets up Roman on Seth Rollins for a power bomb Shield style! Through the table goes Roman! Seth grabs a chair and deja vu, nails Dean in the back with it! They get back in the ring with a turnbuckle power bomb, reversed into a hurricanrana by Dean. They fight on the top rope with Seth hitting his vintage superplex into another suplex pin. “This Is Awesome” chants ring again. Reigns is back, powerbombing Seth, knocking out Dean to a close 2 count! Roman teases, superman punch misses, Dean teases dirty deeds, Roman teasing Razor’s Edge, Seth hits the pedigree 1…..2….kickout! Seth turnbuckle powerbomb, reacted with a superman punch by Roman, Dean breaks the count up and hits dirty deeds on Roman Reigns! 1…….2……..3!!! Dean Ambrose retains!! Smackdown Wins!! The whole Smackdown roster comes out and lifts Dean up, ironically it is the Uso brothers lifting him. A great match with a good finish!  Dean winning is fine with me as long as Roman did not win. Smackdown has the championship which will keep the fans interested in the new product. The PPV as a whole only had a few good moments, but it was the first ppv after the draft. Give them time to get acquainted. I am fine that I took time to type this all out and appreciate the good wrestling that took place. RAW should be interesting tomorrow!

WWE BATTLEGROUND Preview:

Tonight is the long-awaited WWE PPV Battleground 8pm Eastern on the WWE Network. Taking place live from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. I am super excited for this match card based on the fact it is going to determine the future of the WWE. The brand split has raised many questions with the recent WWE Draft. Personally I see many good and bad things that come out of this but we will only know by the end of the tonight. Let’s preview the matches that will change the WWE Universe!!

Kickoff Show
Usos vs Breezango
This is going to be a warmup match for the crowd piling in, in what usually is a good energetic scene in the Verizon Center. Breezango to me has a huge upside in the long run. We haven’t seen much of the Usos on Raw and Smackdown lately so it’ll be interesting if this is just another match or they will actually make them competitive again in the tag team division. Not a bad match from my view but in today’s society nobody has the patience to appreciate the work in a good match on paper.

Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho Featuring Randy Orton
I am a little confused as to why this is even on the PPV. Maybe we will see Brock Lesnar interference or Randy Orton possibly putting Chris Jericho through a table just to get the crowd on his side. I am not too interested in this segment even though Randy Orton is one of the better wrestlers in the company today. A waste of time to fill space is what comes to mind.

New Day vs Wyatt Family
Unfortunately this feud could have been so epic but again WWE had to kill it with the recent WWE Draft. After having a great segment at the Wyatt Family compound, New Day will be staying together with the Wyatts breaking up after this match. I am a huge Bray Wyatt fan and you just wish he would get the push he deserves already. Maybe Bray turns against his family and destroys everyone after the match? That is the only way this would be interesting. Another match where the outcome won’t matter at all unless they doing something dramatic.

Becky Lynch vs Natalya
Becky Lynch and Natalya are two of the most talented and well equipped female wrestlers today. Not giving Natalya any love and Becky switching partners every month pushes them to the bottom of the barrel which they do not deserve. This clash should have been written better with a more dramatic storyline then another partner who turned on Becky. Natalya and Becky Lynch will put on a better match than expected as long as the WWE gives them a decent amount of time for their segment.

Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs Sasha Banks & Mystery Partner
The big question since this match was announced is who is going to be Sasha’s partner? Obviously everyone in the world wants it to be Bayley, but WWE does have a tendency to go against the people just to prove whose in control. I have heard names like Eva Marie, Carmella, and even Nikki Bella. With the crowd expecting Bayley anybody who comes out will get booed out of the gym unless it is Bayley. The only other name I can think of to get some sort of recognition is Asuka. Asuka injured Dana Brooke in NXT so there is some history there and is arguably the best female wrestler in the company. I’ll be biting my nails like everyone else until we have the answer to, who is Sasha Banks’ mystery partner?

Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn
I can write 100 pages on why this match is going to be amazing. With the move sets and history these best friends have on the indy scene, this will be your match of the night. A rivalry that we all wished would last forever. Crowds have ironically chanted “fight forever” when these two square off. Kevin Owens is a genius in terms of mic skills and in-ring psychology. Sami Zayn is your perfect underdog to get behind and root for considering all the injuries he has been through.I am a huge fan of Sami and I will be on the edge of my seat this whole match, unless of course WWE lets somebody win by DQ or interference which would cause a riot at the Verizon Center.

Cena, Enzo & Big Cass vs The Club
Enzo and Big Cass shockingly joined John Cena in the fight versus AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Enzo and Cass have a great gimmick going and to pit them with John Cena shows that the people backstage are clearly high on them. Another segment which should be entertaining and might even be a good idea to start the show with given the mic skills from almost every wrestler in this match. Is it going to be #BeatUpJohnCena day or The Club turning SAWFT after the match concludes? The future is foggy for The Club after being split up by the WWE Draft. Another match I believe will be fun and exciting for the fans.

United States Championship
Rusev vs Zack Ryder
Rusev and Zack Ryder have been forced to compete against each other in the weirdest way. I can’t even remember how this feud started to be honest. I am a fan of Zack Ryder and was happy for him with his big IC win at WrestleMania. Nobody wants to see Rusev, they all want to see Lana, which we have had a small taste of with her in-ring abilities. So we don’t really know how good she is. This match will be a low point for me with Rusev most likely retaining the United States Championship with his infamous “Rusev Crush.” A good time to take a bathroom break or even play Pokemon Go!

Intercontinental Championship
The Miz vs Darren Young
A rush of energy ran through my body when Darren Young signaled for the CrossFace Chicken Wing last week! Bob Backlund and Darren Young are entertaining whether your an old school fan or not. The Miz has been the same gimmick for years and Maryse is a nice addition. It would be funny if Maryse and Bob somehow got into it distracting Miz and Darren Young coming away with the victory! Once again WWE won’t give the fans what they want unless their investors agree. So another match which could have the potential to be really good but a Miz win with a distraction by Maryse seems to be the consensus like we have seen 1000 times.

WWE Championship
Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns
Whether you like it or not this is the match everyone has wanted since The Shield broke up. “The Man” against “The Guy” against “The Dude.” Personally I think it was a little to premature to do it this earlier but everyone will be looking forward to this. Former Shield buddies with injuries plaguing almost every member up until this point. A match which should have been saved for a WrestleMania opportunity and a little bit better of a build up. Who is going to be the victor? Was the Roman Reigns suspension for Adderall a work? (Find out HERE with an article written by Mr. Skatronixxx himself) Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose work magic segments together and will always come through entertaining in my opinion. Another possibility in this match is we can see some type of tag teaming back and forth between the 3 former Shield members. A match everyone will be glued to the television for in hopes of something spectacular happening. I can’t see this match failing in any way, but if it does I will be extremely disappointed and it will kind of be a turn-off with the let down of the recent WWE Draft. Come on WWE, don’t fail your beloved WWE UNIVERSE Tonight!

WWE Raw Review: 11.07.2016

INTERCONTINENTAL NUMBER 1 CONTENDER BATTLE ROYAL

This week we start off with the battle royal which will decide who will face The Miz for the IC title at Battleground this month. There were many people in the battle royal but it was clear from the start that there were some obvious choices to win the match. This Battle Royal genuinely left me curious as of who would win as there were numerous people who had a legitimate claim, such as Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio who were focused on heavily throughout the match, also Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews who are recent call-ups who could be given a chance to shine. In the end, it is revealed that the Make Darren Young Great Again promos were actually leading to something as the former Prime Time Player picked up the win, resulting in an overjoyed Bob Backlund. As Battle Royals go it was quite good, with few botches and a steady rhythm. Once again Alberto Del Rio turned it on for this match proving that at any time he can return to the World Class performer we once knew. Please do it more often. As for Young picking up the win, I am unsure what to think. On one hand, the promos have been repetitive but at least they finally have some direction. If Darren Young is going to be a plain white meat babyface I will not be happy.

• Backstage Shane and Stephanie McMahon discuss the arrival of Vince McMahon. Seth Rollins interrupts to make his case as the number 1 draft pick and also inform the siblings that he has exclusive footage of Roman Reigns being disrespectful to the WWE Universe that will be shown on the Rollins Report (NOT EVERYONE NEEDS A FUCKING TALK SHOW)
• Cole and co. go into detail about Brock Lesnar’s win at UFC 200 and his match with Randy Orton at Summerslam. Orton will return at Battleground to discuss the match.
• Zack Ryder seeks out Rusev about a possible championship match with the Bulgarian Sheamus interrupts Ryder telling him they have a match next.

SHEAMUS def. ZACK RYDER

Zack Ryder gets off to an early start overwhelming Sheamus who pleads for Ryder to calm down in the middle of the ring. However, Ryder’s great start doesn’t last as in no time Sheamus is able to turn the tide and once he hit the Brogue Kick getting the pinfall. As soon as the match finishes Rusev comes out to put Zack into an Accolade saying he’s accepted his challenge. It may have come at the expense of a loss but I am thrilled to see Zack Ryder get a title shot after he was robbed by Miz the night after Wrestlemania.

BREEZANGO def. THE LUCHADRAGONS

This was a surprisingly good match considering it involved Breezango who have been stuck in a terrible Goldust feud for 5 months and the other team being the underused Luchdragons who have been underused as a team for months. The match was quite even with back and forth, but despite this, there were some rough parts to the match especially where Kalisto nearly badly hurt himself with a botched springboard. In the end, Breezango picks up the win by pinning Kalisto.

ROLLINS REPORT

Seth channels his inner talk show host as he hypes up his footage of Roman Reigns. Seth proceeds to show the interview with Roman which is definitely fake as Reigns still has the title. The interview is quite funny but the only problem is they have done it before when Kurt Angle interviewed the Rock, and the first time was much funnier. After the interview WWE Champion Dean Ambrose makes his way to the ring, the arch rivals argue back and forth about who will win at Battleground. Dean delivers a promo that will knock your socks off. Seriously this is the Dean Ambrose that became the crowd favourite that he is. Less wacky Dean and more serial killer Dean, please. The end result is that we get a 1 on 1 match for the WWE title next week on Raw.

• Sami Zayn comes out to the ring to serve on commentary for Kevin Owens’ match, but KO refuses to make his way down the ring until Zayn is gone, which Stephanie accepts.
• Sami is removed but as Owens makes his way down to the ring they briefly brawl before KO flees to the ring.
• We see Vince McMahon’s limo arrive and Renee Young’s interview reveals that Vince is here to reveal the Commissioner for Raw and Smackdown (don’t call the Commissioner name new. There has been 6 in the history of WWE.

KEVIN OWENS def. CESARO

As usual Kevin Owens and Cesaro are able to put on a great match, and easily the match of the night. Both men looked impressive nad pulled out some big moves to put away their opponent, from the corner dropkick from Cesaro to the cannonball from KO. There were many near falls from the two as they crawled their way through this exhausting matchup. In the end, Kevin Owens is victorious after he hits the TKO on Cesaro. I am glad that we are getting some more variety in the ways wrestlers are finishing their matches, instead of just using their finishers. It adds some suspense to these matchups and when a finisher is used it seems more special. The commentary was terrible in this match, constantly trying to force the draft discussion and ignoring the in-ring action.

• After the match, Owens gives a Punk like a promo about he is the best at everything he does, but he is then attacked by Sami Zayn who comes out from the crowd.
• Renee Young interviews The Club backstage who claim that John Cena doesn’t care about anyone other than himself shown by the fact that he has ditched Enzo and Cass for the Espy awards.

TITUS O’NEIL def. HEATH SLATER

This match was clunky, clumsy and careless which is usual for Titus who is a poor worker. Heath Slater and the Social Outcast tried to build heat against Titus, but there is nothing sympathetic about O’Neil who has done nothing to earn the support of the WWE Universe. Titus picks up the win with a Clash of the Titus.

• Renee Young interviews Sasha Banks about her match with Dana Brooke, and Sasha claims that she is going to shut Dana up.

THE WYATT COMPOUND

In the wake of TNA’s final deletion, it seems that for once WWE is on the back foot as they decide to imitate their smaller opposition in an attempt to cash in on the deletion’s hype. The New Day take a visit to the Wyatt’s Compound where they engage in a 3 on 3 brawls with the members of the Wyatt Family. The fight doesn’t go too well for the WWE Tag Team Champions as at the end of the fight they are chased off by the Wyatts and their fireflies. Now while they definitely were inspired by the Final Deletion it would be unfair to say that they copied TNA as the tone of the two video packages were completely different in tone, and the only thing especially strange about the Compound was the ending and that god awful filter.

ENZO & CASS def. THE CLUB

After the mandatory Enzo and Cass entrance, the duo explains that while everyone wants John Cena’s spot but unlike the Club, they are going to earn it. Styles gives them the chance to walk away but to no avail as the match goes ahead. For the first few minutes Enzo is dominated by various members of the Club, he is able to escape from Karl Anderson with a tag to Big Cass who is able to even the odds and tag Enzo back in. However, Enzo continues to get dominated when Luke Gallows is tagged in and he throws Enzo around. The match continues with this pattern but ends early when AJ Styles attacks Cass giving Enzo and Cass a DQ win. The Club surround Enzo in the ring for a 3 on 1 assault but despite what everyone had claimed John Cena was here tonight and he makes the save for Enzo as he and the tag team drive The Club from the ring.

SASHA BANKS def. DANA BROOKE

I’m sick and tired of seeing Dana Brooke wrestle. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt but she is greener than grass and it really shows. Even when she is able to get her moves correct they look so clumsy and disjointed. She definitely needed more time in NXT. The match was pretty even which isn’t doing Sasha any favours as she is miles better than Dana and her struggling against Brooke makes her seem weak. After Sasha picks up the win Charlotte declares that this week on Smackdown she will need to beat Dana again (For fucks sake. I’m sick of this shit).

MCMAHON VS MCMAHON

So after all this anticipation Vince makes his way out to the ring to announce what will be happening with the brand split. Vince tells his children that while they have done a good job he is upset that they have not been as ruthless as he had imagined. This spurs Stephanie to reveal the true backstabbing character she has always been, as she berates Shane, who stays true to his convictions by thanking the fans. Shane also makes his case that he should be the leader for Smackdown, he successfully convinces Vince but at the cost of his Raw duties being relieved as Stephanie is given the flagship show. So it seems we get Stephanie and Smackdown reviewer Parzy gets Shane. Great. At least we have the reveal of the GMs to come.

FINAL NOTES & SCORE

• MVP of the Night: Dean Ambrose
• Match of the Night: Kevin Owens vs Cesaro
• Moment of the Night: Rollins Report
• The commentary really sucked this week, Miz was the only person who knew how to put people over
• Rumours of Daniel Bryan being the Smackdown GM and HHH being the Raw GM. I am jealous of Smackdown but if HHH is like he is in NXT then I am all good.

Coming off a terrible July 4^th episode of Monday Night Raw this week’s definitely restored the natural order. The natural order being very average. This week gets a 5.5/10.

WWE Raw Review: 27.6.2016

OPENER

With the shocking announcement of Roman Reigns’ suspension after last weeks the WWE Universe has been eagerly anticipating this week’s episode of Raw, wondering what the official response from the WWE will be. Well, we immediately got our answer at the start of this week’s Raw as Seth Rollins made his way out to the ring in order to discuss the upcoming triple threat at Battleground. Seth claims that “they said I wasn’t allowed to talk about this”, but talk he did and we find out that the WWE are going to acknowledge the suspension on TV, though I am sceptical it seems that the suggestions this suspension could possibly be a work might be legit (check out the article on Skatronixxx.com about this specific topic). As expected Roman has not been removed from the match to Rollins’ chagrin (he has a point though). Seth suggests that it becomes a singles match between him and champion Dean Ambrose, however after interruptions from superstars AJ Styles and John Cena, as well as the princess of wrestling herself Stephanie McMahon, it is revealed it will still be a triple threat with the possibility of becoming a fatal five way. Tonight Cena will face Rollins and Styles will face Ambrose in order to earn a spot in the title match at Battleground. Holy crap those are some big matches.

PAIGE & BANKS def. CHARLOTTE & BROOKE          

I feel like saying this might get me crucified by the IWC who rightfully adore Sasha Banks as she is definitely an amazing performer, however, this is the second time she has been in a title feud on the main roster and it is also the second time that her involvement has felt forced and undeserved. Sasha has been gone for months now and all of a sudden she comes back and overshadows Paige who has 2 legitimate clean wins over the champion Charlotte. I’m sure they will make something good out of this feud but the Women’s division deserves more. The match itself was pretty standard with the babyfaces coming across strong as they got the win, Banks especially continues to look like a force to be reckoned with after submitting Dana Brooke.

TITUS O’NEIL def. RUSEV (UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP – COUNTOUT)

The match started with a beat down from Titus as he continues to take out his rage on Rusev, eventually after trading control things get moved outside the ring and eventually lead to a count out victory for Titus after a double clothesline spot. They continue to build this feud for absolutely no reason. I have no issue with Titus but he is not the tight person to be challenging the Bulgarian Brute like this currently. Titus is not a credible singles champion and was an okay victim to build Rusev’s monster status but this is not how you do it. Titus is being portrayed as a serious threat towards Rusev seen by this count out victory.

• Corporate Kane makes his return to speak with Stephanie McMahon, once again pleading for the job as Smackdown manager. They are interrupted by a returning Miz who rudely complaining about the lack of a movie star treatment. In response, Kane sets up a surprise IC title match. (Call me crazy but I was hoping for an NXT call up, especially hoping for my man Finn).

SETH ROLLINS def. JOHN CENA

Now if you were around during Summerslam last year and saw the Rollins/Cena over both the WWE and US titles, also paired with the fact that Cena can really raise his game when put with world class performers (examples being  Michaels, Styles, and Punk), then you should have known that this was going to be a good match. Well, we aren’t disappointed as what we receive is definitely the match of the night with some great spots, such as the falcon arrow from Seth and the near fall after the AA from Big Match John. Seth eventually picks up the win but not after a run in from The Club which is not surprising as we all know a clean win over John is hard to come by. I would have liked Seth to get the win clean, however. I know this is a lot to ask the WWE, especially for a heel but it would be nice to see Rollins become the cocky heel who really is that good, making him that much of an asshole. This does make sense however as they want to keep both Cena and Rollins protected going into their big matches at Battleground.

ENZO AND CASS def. JOBBERS

It would take me longer to recap this match then for it to actually take place. So Enzo & Cass win. Easily. The only thing of note is that the Social Outcasts come out to the ring after the match and make a penis joke. It’s as bad as it sounds.

• I am beginning to wonder when all these Darren Young promos are going to lead to something. We have been seeing them for a while now, maybe they are waiting for the general elections?
• Becky Lynch had a scheduled match with Summer Rae (underrated by the way) but it never happens as she decides to attack Natalya who is at commentary. It is good to see Becky look like less of a victim.

THE HIGHLIGHT REEL – SAMI ZAYN AND KEVIN OWENS

Jericho sticks with his heel shenanigans and starts to insult our WWE Champion Dean Ambrose (depending how long Dean is champ this is definitely a possible future championship feud). Y2J announces his guests, former best friend’s now bitter rivals, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. I enjoyed this segment as they brought up the storied past between the two, both recent and not so recent events. My only complaint is that Jericho felt uneeded in this segment and though he tried to stay out of focus he interrupted enough that it became annoying, even if it did end with a cool double kick spot. Both Owens and Zayn were great in this segment but I have to highlight Sami especially as he brought some real fire to his promo on Kevin Owens and anyone who doubted his serious mic skills needs to watch this segment.

DEMON KANE (SIGH) def. THE MIZ (INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP – COUNTOUT)                    

Earlier in this review, I said that the best case scenario for this surprise Intercontinental title match was a call up for NXT star Finn Balor, who has to be arriving soon due to the upcoming brand extension. It seems that WWE decided to mock me as we did end up getting a demon. It just happened to be the wrong one. Kane completely dominated The Miz in this short-lived match up that is until Maryse Streep took a dive that looked like it belonged on a football pitch (soccer for my Yank readers). In order to save his lady love Miz receives a count out loss which of course allows him to keep his title. This was really a crowd killer as it was the second title match that ended in a count out, plus the reveal of Kane was extremely underwhelming. Bad match.

• Maryse reveals to Miz that she was faking the injury in a masterclass of acting that it worth an Emmy.
• Jojo interviews Dean Ambrose but they are interrupted by Stephanie who tells Dean that she is furious that he is a champion and cannot wait until he is no longer champion. I understand that Dean is meant to be the anarchist/renegade face who hates the authority so they are getting big heels to hate him but why does Steph hate him so much? She has a bigger and more and more troubled history with Reigns.

CESARO & CREWS def. SHEAMUS & DEL RIO          

I can’t think of much to say about the action of this match. The most striking thing about it was that there was an unusual focus on Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio who despite being former teammates they are not in a rivalry, unlike Sheamus and Apollo Crews, and possibly Del Rio and Cesaro. I’m still waiting for Apollo to turn it up a notch like I know he can. Also, it is upsetting to Cesaro without a solid storyline which he deserves. Not inherently bad, just there is nothing to make me care about this at all.

• The New Day impersonate The Wyatt Family by coming out to a parodied version of their entrance while wearing similar clothing. The interactions between Xavier Woods and Bray Wyatt is absolute gold as Woods continues to be the star of this rivalry so far. They are continuing to play on the possession angle they introduced last week.

DEAN AMBROSE def. AJ STYLES

This match has never been considered a dream match by a lot of people but as soon as it was announced I couldn’t wait to see it. On top of this surprise main event, we get some Seth Rollins commentary as he hilariously has to deal with the fact that he is rooting for his arch rival The Lunatic Fringe. The match is quite good as both men seemed to adjust comfortably with working with each other. We get to see some varied move sets from both of the wrestlers, including a brain buster from Styles (I bet Vince wasn’t crazy about that). In the end, Ambrose gets the win with a Dirty Deeds on Styles after Cena provides some distraction. Raw ends with Cena being taken out with the Magic Killer at the top of the ramp while Seth takes out Ambrose in the middle of the ring. Once again Styles proves how insanely good he is in the ring, as he was able to really show off and frankly he overshadowed Dean a little bit. Not that Dean isn’t also good, just that you need someone special to keep up with AJ.

FINAL NOTES & SCORE

• Tonight’s MVP: AJ Styles
• Match of the Night: Seth Rollins vs John Cena
• Moment of the Night: New Day and The Wyatts
• Cena, can you PLEASE call your spots a little quieter? It’s like you’re a guest commentator for your own matches.
• Enzo and Cass are definitely popular with the fans but that wave stuff is way cooler when it is spontaneous
• Let us all pray to God that we do not get a Miz/Kane feud
• So no new additions to the Battleground main event. Not really surprised but at least the matches we got were good.

This week’s Raw was poor for a 3-hour show, but it is saved by a good New Day/Wyatt segment and the two qualifying matches. I am going to give this week’s episode a 6/10.