‘The NXT Review’ For Jan 27, 2016

Whats up wrestling-peeps. This is The NXT Review and after my disappointment of last week, I’ll say that the yellow brand got back to its feet with a progressive episode. Wow big word.

If last week was all about treading water than this go-around push things forward, laying groundwork for possible future rivalries.

The action got off to quick start with the newly christened American Alpha against the former Tag Champs Blake & Murphy. Now of course the Dub-step loving duo were escorted to ring by the rebel-pixie Alexa Bliss as-per-usual but lets just highlight that without Bliss, these guys would be pretty vanilla heels no? Bliss brings that extra something-something that really makes them pop or sparkle if you would have.

Now I need to fess up that I’m on an amateur wrestling kick at the moment after having watched the fantastically creepy Foxcatcher with ol’ Channing ‘Step Up’ Tatum himself. And boy I’m I looking at some of those moves in a different light. Especially seeing how Jason Jordan and Chad Gable combined their background in the sport with high-flying and eye-catching spots that make the pair an exciting prospect not only for the NXT Tag Team titles but the main roster. These guys are really something special, they sparkle as Bliss would say. Are maybe not given her obvious distain for the pair, I mean that look she gave Jordan at the start of the match. Boy if Pixies could kill, she’d BAMF him all the way home … did that sound dirty?

Nia Jax made her terrifying return to the ring to basically rag doll the petite Liv Morgan. Jax won, big surprise but I can’t help but think that Nia has got that it factor. That TakeOver London match, boy did she make me a believer. Now I don’t want to put the title on her straight away. Lets go the fun route shall we. Maybe even a Karma route of destroying the entire roster of NXT ladies … perhaps without the tears in the ring though. We ain’t got time for tears.

I can’t be alone in wanting the two most dangerous ladies in NXT to meet right? Asuka vs Nia Jax … make it so Regal.

Bull Dempseys back and I’m sorry but I’m not a Bull-levier. Ha Ha … witty. But anywho, Bull-Fit did his Bull-thing and faced up against a returning Alex Riley with longer-darker-hair which of course means. Duh-Duh-Duh … Heel Turn!

Talking of Heel, hello Elias Samson. Now I want to like this guy, I’ve always been a lover of Heels, wrestlers not women’s footwear. But damn does this guy make it hard to cheer for, primarily ’cause this guy is boring. So boring. I need something, anything, add an extra dimension to this drifter character. Don’t just tell me, show me.

The commentators ask themselves “what does Samson bring to NXT”, If you guys dunno, I’m at a lost.

The Triple-Threat Match that has been on everyones mind closed the show but did it live up the hype? I dunno, I enjoyed it fine and if anything it showed that Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn have chemistry when in the ring together but Baron Corbin was pretty much pointless. An annoyance that seemed to scupper the flow of what was clearly Zayn and Joe’s match.

That sounds harsh, which is misleading because I enjoyed the match. Its frickin Zayn and Joe for cry-out-loud but I guess thats my point. A Triple-Threat that could have worked better as a one-on-one competition. Which makes me a fan of that confused ending that I’m in no doubt will lead to another Zayn-Joe face-off.

Now that FTW!

For The NXT Review, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review With @Mitch_Rated – 20th January 2016

 It looks like Adam Rose is back in NXT or is it Leo Kruger ? – Skatronixxx

Whats up Wrestling peeps, welcome back to my NXT Review. In the interest of full-disclosure ‘Hot Takes’ is dead, its gone, its no-more. I didn’t particularly care for the name, It was a sophomore choice but like many of our favourite wrestlers, names change, people Evolve and so to must this review.

Lets get started and NXT this week got off to a fast start. No promo opening like last week because that Triple-Threat match is coming fast and coming next week, so there really isn’t much to say other that I want it now like a fat-kid needs cake. But of course that is all Tom Phillips and Corey Graves could hype about, informing us that all three competitors would be in action tonight with Sami Zayn opening the show.

No one can get an NXT crowd excited like Zayn, that music hits and you are on your feet ready for the inevitability which is a good-solid-wrestling match. Unfortunately the same cant be said for his talent enhancer, Adam Rose. I mean, could the crowd be more dead for Adam Rose, even his time on the main roster jobbing and hanging around with a demented Bunny has killed the good-will back down in Orlando. Its sad given that Rose was a legit star in the yellow brand before his call up to the big leagues.

That being said, the man can wrestler. A technically sound match with loads of holds, chops and Woooos (of course), maybe a tad slow for a frenetic Zayn but the dude just back for a long hold from injury. He should be protected for a while … until that triple threat match of course. Let the pain-rain.

Before the next match we get a cute little promo from Chad Gable and Jason Jordan. I say cute because these too have the bro-chemistry down. Like Zack Ryder’s short reign with the United States Champion. You can’t help but to cheer for these guys with their underdog appeal. And the moment they hit upon their new Tag Team Name, American Alpha. Genius.

Tye Dillinger took on Apollo Crews next and if you’ve read my TakeOver London review you’d know that I’m not down on Crews. I know that Haters-Gonna-Hate but I need to see more from him and this match showed me that 2016 could be the big-guys year. The crowd is always over with Dillinger and pairing Crews with the more popular wrestlers on the roster such as him. Then letting the guys skills speak for themselves, will do wonders for his NXT career, maybe a mini-feud with Finn Balor could do just that. Side-note, Dillinger’s Man-Bun is adorbs.

Baron Corbin runs rough-shot next over a debuting Rich Swann. Although Swann was impressive in his first Televised match for NXT, boy that Tilt-the-Whirl Headscissor bro. His role essentially tonight was to enhance Corbin going into his big match next week. ‘Nuff said.

Time for the ladies and wow is Dana Brooke annoying. I mean, a Heel, I get it but just her voice screaming at the top of her lungs cheering Emma on … a Lana she aint. Hot-take, Bayley telling Brooke to “shut up” was my highlight. Any-who, this Tag Team match was okay and it got everyone over appropriately. The Heels Alexa Bliss and Emma gave Heelish behaviour in jumping the perpetual underdog (even though she is the Champ) Bayley before the bell. Meaning that the Champ was hampered from the off-set leading to a hot-tag that allowed for Carmella to run in and save the day and grab the win. Obvious booking, as most of the matches on the night, it showed that Carmella is over with crowd and ready for her match with Bayley. Is that happening next week by-the-way?

Before the main event of the evening we get a response from the NXT Champion Finn Balor on Apollo Crews request for a match next week. Of course the Champion accepts but there was something different about Balor than from his usual promos. I could be reading way to much into this but could a Heel-turn be on the horizon? His intensity and rebuttal seem personal, like he was offended by Apollo’s assertions that he could call him out any time, like Crews was somewhat beneath him. I dunno, guess we’ll see next week.

Samoa Joe was in no mood for Johnny Gargano, and neither was I. The night has been fun with some really great matches but overall obvious. The Triple-Threat and the return of Finn Balor to the square ring is all I’m thinking off at this point and using Gargano as yet another enhancer was cheap. I know I needed to finish my greens before I get my dessert but the night was a chore.

Roll on next week already.

For all your NXT-Pros-Cons and Chat-alongs, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

NXT Hot Takes With @Mitch_Rated – 13th January 2016

 Hot women in lycra? I’m there *SORRY* hehe – Skatronixxx

Welcome wrestling-peeps to my first NXT blog of 2016 and what a first blog its gonna be. We have the #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s title decided, a Triple-Threat match scheduled for two weeks time to decide a #1 contender for the NXT title. And perhaps most exciting of all, the return of Tommaso Ciampa. Yeah … bet you didn’t see that coming.

So here we are, NXT is back for 2016 and things got off to a hot start with the return of William Regal after some-sort-of-surgery. I’ll be honest, not so read up on this as perhaps I should be but legit worried about ol’ Willy because homeboy was not looking as fresh as he should be. Gaunt and a tad bit pasty-faced, not trying to be a hater, but concerned that maybe the GM of NXT should take time off to recover. Look after yourself Regal, you living legend.

Regal does the usual pomp and ceremony of buoying the fans spree-decor. NXT had a great 2015 yadda-yadda and its all down to us fans. First of all NXT did indeed have a great 2015 and yes maybe Fandom got bigger in the year that was 2015. But damn, with great programming and TakeOvers given to us for the low-low price that is £9.99. You better believe i’m watching.

So “Thank You Regal” but THANK YOU NXT.

And perhaps a special thank you should go to the handling of women on the brand because lets face it, NXT is a separate brand now. In the hierarchy that is wrestling shows within the WWE, it goes RAW, NXT, SmackDown! and those other shows that nobody watches and sometimes get uploaded onto the Network, just £9.99 folks. I’d arguable put NXT at the top but you know, I’m writing this blog so go figure right.

Go women’s wrestling. Thats the attitude that NXT take with their female wrestlers, yes wrestlers. They don’t become Divas until they reach the Main roster and suddenly gain an inherently bad moniker that is commonly associated with Mariah Carey at the hight of her fame. These women-wrestlers are continuously handled with care and given main event booking that matters, as evident by the nights Battle Royale to find the #1 Contender to Bayley’s title. Woah, things got a tad ranty there.

With the main event booked we saw the return of jiggy-jiggy-dancey-dancey Sami Zayn with a dope Flat-cap and jacket. Side note, I want that jacket. With Zayn back in the ring he was down to business hyping the crowded and mentioning last months TakeOver London. Even if he did spit in the eye of this TakeOver attendee with his “no place like coming home” comment. Hey dude, we cheered the shit out of you man and you rag on me like this … J-K internet, J-K Zayn, still love your fuzzy face.

After announcing himself “responsible for building NXT” out stomps Samoa Joe looking ready to snap Zayn in two and perhaps even feed on his still beating heart. Sorry bro, got a sick imagination. But Joe looks scary in NXT, given all the time wasted on TNA, and sorry that was wasted time given how overlooked he was towards the end of his tenure with the number 2 wrestling show in America. Joe looks like he is having fun out there and it shows. The same can’t be said for pouty Baron Corbin. Seriously, if that guy was any stiffer on the mic, Hacksaw Jim Duggan could use him as his favourite piece of weaponry. J-K Corbin, don’t kill me … please.

That being said, Corbin in the title picture … I aint mad at it. I know the guy has a long way to go and I know it appears like he couldn’t give the F-ing F about the business. But the dude has the look, height and I believe he will gain the wrestling skills to make it in the business. If he starts giving the F that is.

After the shenanigans that goes down in the ring between these three, Regals announcement that all three men will fight it out in a Triple-Threat match in two weeks time was a no-brainer. Any combination from this three against reigning champ Finn Balor is a win in my eyes. But its Zayn right … no? We will see.

Anywho, onto the first match of the night and what a match it was. No seriously, that Ciampa fellow really impressed me. With Neville up on the main roster languishing in obscurity, its about time we got a fast-offence-type-dude (minus the gravity-defying high-spots of course) who is able to put himself over. And that reverse mat arm-bar for the win was impressive.

The Tag Champs Dash & Dawson are up next and as Corey Graves and Tom Phillips, who apparently went somewhere because he is welcomed back (did I miss something), keep telling us must be pissed because they lost out to Enzo & Cass in the NXT: End of Year Awards for Tag Team of the year. I dunno guys, they always look pissed to me.

The Ascension is back in NXT guys, yay. That really is sarcasm because whenever these guys come back home, its to put over another tag team. Big surprised what happened tonight then.

We cut backstage for a big upset because Nia Jax wont be cleared to compete in tonights Battle Royal. Apparently Bayley’s choke-out at TakeOver London has had lingering damage to her throat or what not. Big takeaway is that Jax is out of the title hunt (for now) and Eva Marie couldn’t be happier for her supposed ally.

On to Elias Sampson who mysterious mopes to the ring to face newcomer (I assume) Corey Hollis who doesn’t stand a chance. I mean NXT normally gives superstars a chance but Hollis got destroyed by a headlock and a series of punches and kicks before being quickly dispatched by a Neckbreaker. Sampson seems to be living the gimmick but forgetting that skills in the ring help you to survive. I see that NXT have got plans for this chap but I just want to see him wrap that Guitar around someone’s noggin already.

We finally reach the diamond in the rough which is the Women’s Battle Royale. Everyone that isn’t a name in NXT is already in the ring as Alexa Bliss, Emma, Carmella, Eva Marie and Auska make their entrance. Pause for thought, why Alexa Bliss hasn’t received a notable singles feud given the heat she garners from a small Full Sail crowed is beyond me.

The match is suitable long but I need to thank Corey Graves for reminding us that these wrestlers have to go over the top rope in a Battle Royale. A rule seemingly forgotten on the main roster, with Divas eliminating one another via any-which-way. Guess rules are made to be broken and forgotten apparently. Sorry, ranty again.

With many of the named wrestlers like Emma, Auska and Alexa dominating the match it was impressive that little Liv Morgan went for broke in her debut match by Powerbombing Cameron. Granted, she biffed it the first time but the scrappy newcomer picked up the former Funkadactyl and lifted her over the tope rope. Instant stand-out moment.

Eventually Auska single handily took out Peyton Royce and Billie Kay for the win, or so she thought. In fact Eva Marie had been lying in wait on the outside of the ring and eliminated Auska for the win, erm maybe not. For Carmella use to same tactic and flipped all-red-everything over the top rope becoming the #1 Contender to her best friend Bayley’s NXT title.

Carmella’s win unsurprisingly got a massive pop from the crowd. Not only has she worked hard to gain favour with the NXT fans, continuously improving in the ring. But I think even Cameron could have eliminated Eva Marie and received the same fan-fare. Girl-Bye.

Overall not mad at it. WWE is old-hat at using the synergy from other shows and using it in the ring. If using the real-life friendship between Bayley and Carmella shown to us on Breaking Ground gives somebody new a shot at the title, I’m all for it. Even if it is a stop off before Bayley and Nia Jax round 2.

Thats fine. I can wait.

For all your NXT Hot Takes and News, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

A New Year, A New Start For TNA (Impact Wrestling) And Myself

I know it’s no longer TNA but it’ll always be TNA to me

For those of you who know me, follow me and interact with me on a daily basis, you will know that I recently sadly lost my father to cancer. Thank you for all the kind messages of love and support and it is helping the family cope at this moment in time.

One thing my father was, was a fighter. He kept fighting all the way till the end and he tried to instil that in myself. So I am going to continue with my site, after taking a recent break. I am going to come back stronger than ever and work with my co-writers to make skatronixxx.com the BEST and most varied popular culture news site on the web. It’s what ‘Poppa S’ would have wanted me to do.

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 RIP Dad, we all miss you

2016 is a chance for new beginning and fresh starts and skatronixxx.com is going to smash it! I can feel it in my bones.

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Not many other people or companies get a chance for a fresh start, a re-invention. TNA recently went through a re-invention of sorts with the arrival of Hulk Hogan to the number two wrestling company in America, back in 2009. However their dreams of further cementing their position as the number two wrestling company, ended up with massive debts, long standing talents leaving and looking more like a number two you’d find in a public bathroom.

Was my last comment a little harsh? Maybe, maybe not. But if you consider the money they threw at The Hulkster and his cronies such as Orlando Jordan (remember him?).  You would have expected success then again, if you think about who they signed (Nasty Boys? REALLY!!) It was no surprise they ended up in the situation they found themselves a couple of months ago.

The television company that TNA had an agreement with had decided to cut its losses and who could blame them? Top talents such as Samoa Joe, Austin Aries had jumped ship to WWE:NXT, the now unofficial number two wrestling company in America (however we don’t count them as they are still an offshoot of the WWE powerhouse). AJ Styles packed his bags and left for Japan, where he became an even bigger star. Magnus went to Jeff Jarrett’s new promotion Global Force. Suddenly a roster where Matt Hardy had become champion (yes seriously), surrounded by the likes of EC3 (that’s Derek Bateman from WWE), Bobby Lashley and TNA mainstays Eric Young and Bobby Roode,  although these guys had talent were no way going to threaten WWE.

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 You let these guys go? You stupid, silly company

So let’s evaluate TNA went from being the main underground rival to WWE with a style on innovate and no holds barred extreme style to a watered down, almost bankrupt promotion that signed the 50+ Nasty Boys, whilst the talent it should have been built around left for pastures new. Sounds familiar to WCW does it not? When will people learn, you shouldn’t build around past stars, you should establish your own. Silly TNA. When you throw in the fact that new and existing promotions such as Lucha Underground and ROH were gaining more and more followers, their future did not look rosy.

Wow look at me go on about the past when I should be talking about the future, I did that so you could understand why TNA needed this fresh start. Will TNA rise from the ashes of the Hulk Hogan era like a phoenix or barely get set alight and slowly fade away? Let’s have a look as I evaluate the new era of TNA wrestling.

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It’s a well-known fact that TNA had been dropped from its previous channel in America, so when it was announced TNA needed a new home. Many choices were banded about, some would have been good such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, some not. TNA ultimately decided to go with a channel by the name of Pop TV (who???). Pop TV are a small start-up  company, although they were not able to offer megabucks they were able to offer stability and assurances that they would not be dropped in the immediate future.

Was TNA wise to go back to its roots and sign with a small TV company that offered a reduction in viewers but the chance to bring stability to its company? Well it’s hard to tell to be honest, as if Pop TV takes off TNA is in a very good position. But if Pop TV fails, TNA I feel will also ultimately fail too. So let’s not worry too much about that now and actually review the show.

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 Pop who?? Sorry Pop TV never heard of you

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The show starts with Dixie Carter talking about the ‘World Title Series’. For those of you who don’t know the world title series, was a tournament that was set up to determine and crown a new champion after Matt Hardy was stripped of the championship by an injunction courtesy of EC3. In reality the real reason behind it was because that TNA had no home and had to fill out the remaining episodes using a limited roster and limited matches. Thus the world title series was born. For those of you who regularly read the dirt sheets, you would already know that like many of the matches, the series final had already been taped with Bobby Lashley winning. So what was the point of these? Why not just scrap the storyline as we already knew who the victor would be.

As Dixie (TNA’s watered down and more whiny version of Vince McMahon) talks she is interrupted by EC3 and Tyrus (that’s Derek Bateman and The Funkasaurus Brodus Clay). EC3 is Dixie’s storyline nephew and was unhappy at his treatment from his aunt and accuses her of being jealous of his success. Dixie responds by saying that Derek has turned into a monster and a man she is ashamed to call his nephew. EC3 is one of the bright spots in this organisation and I used to enjoy seeing his skits with Daniel Bryan in WWE back in the day. Would EC3 succeed in today’s WWE? I feel he would given half the chance but would they give him that chance? Sadly not! Stick in TNA EC3 as it’s your time to shine.

Matt hardy interrupts and tells EC3 he’s not afraid of him and see’s through his façade. Matt then goes on to vow to win the title on tonight’s show as EY (Eric Young), another semi-final opponent in the world title series appears. What follows is a vicious assault on Matt Hardy by EC3, Tyrus and EY. That is only broken up when Bobby Lashley (remember him when he had Donald Trump in his corner at Wrestlemania?) saves the day.

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 Remember this moment? I bet Bobby Lashley doesn’t want to

The wrestling starts with the first semi-final match in the world title series BOBBY LASHLEY VS. EC3 . The match was the usual where Lashley dominates until EC3 distracts the ref to allow Tyrus 9EC3’s bodyguard) to attach Lashley when the ref’s back is turned. Come on ref, have you not seen wrestling matches; the baddies have bene using this tactic for years. Silly ref!! Lashley tried to make a comeback but EC3 wins the match with a roll up and handful of tights (tights? Wouldn’t trunks sound more manly?) hmm lol.

Ok that’s the first match and pre-determined winner has lost? That suddenly makes things interesting! Who will be the new TNA champion, well as long as it isn’t Hulk Hogan making a return ala Wrestlemania 9, I’ll be happy. Well unless it’s Matt hardy. I’m sorry Matt but you as TNA champ? As nice as you seem, I think I’d be better!

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 Could we see Hulk Hogan as a surprise champ? I wouldn’t put it past TNA

The show then cuts to the Randy Orton of TNA Bobby Roode  (one day he’s a face, the next a heel, make up your minds!!). Roode cuts an open challenge promo (John Cena anyone?) saying that he is going to prove himself. As much as I love Bobby Roode ( a modern day mix of Arn Anderson, Rick Rude, Randy Orton and John Cena) rolled into one we have seen this all before. Can’t we just turn Bobby bad again please? With promo skills like these, turn him heel and let him and EC3 form an alliance similar to Rated RKO and you’re onto a money maker.

Wrestling god Kurt Angle appears, yes he is a god, he has even been on my site before! And talks about his farewell tour, let’s hope it doesn’t last as long as One Direction otherwise he’s still gunna be here in 5 years. Angle thanks the crowd and then goes on to mention some of the people he has faced in his career, even dropping several WWE names. Although TNA has gone wrong by signing washed up stars from WWE. If Chris Jericho would have appeared I would have marked out for this. Sadly the challenge was answered by Drew McIntyre, I mean Drew Galloway lol. Don’t get me wrong Drew is good but if TNA wanted to go all out this would have been the chance to win and gain more viewers.

 Remember this moment? What a ledge 😉

Further into the promo lower midcard heels  Eli Drake and Jesse Godderz, interrupt arguing over who is the future star of TNA. A brawl ensues where Kurt and Drew clear the ring of the pesky knats that are Eli and Jesse and stand tall. A better finish would be where Drew then hit’s his finisher on Kurt to be left standing tall. But noooooooo TNA you went with the easy finish, shame on you. That’s just lazy booking.

We then to go the Howard Finkel of TNA Jeremy Borash who is speaking to Jeff Hardy. Jeff goes on to say that his brother Matt will win the belt. I don’t get why Jeff paints his face so crazy. I mean he reminds me of Sting but a more doped out, wacked out version.

EY enters to say that Matt Hardy is finished and washed up,  although I have been bashing Matt hardy, I still feel like he has a lot to contribute towards the promotion just not in the main event scene. So boooooo EY!! EY goes on to say he want’s the ref to start to count Matt out but considering the match hasn’t even started that just doesn’t make sense. EY was so much better as a comedic face. Yes I know I’ve suggested turning Bobby Roode and Drew Galloway heel, but let’s turn EY face. I’m sorry but EY should always be a face, like John Cena. EY as a crazy nutjob heel is wrong, it’s like eating avocado. You put avocado on your face not in your belly!!!

A promo for ‘The Miracle’ then airs, it’s a very effeminate promo and one can only imagine it’s for a new diva or a repackaged one. Could it be Trish Stratus making a shock debut or could it be Taryn with a new style? The news came out that TNA was using the miracle tagline to promote someone came out about a week or two ago. The ‘miracle’ was meant to be the saviour of TNA in epic proportions. Many were expecting Punk or Goldberg, if either of them debut later tonight with that vigenette it’s gunna fall flat. VERY FLAT.

MEH

We then go onto the next match in the world title series semi final MATT HARDY VS. ERIC YOUNG . OMG another wrestling match it’s been like forever since we seen some wrestling on this show now. The match was a quick affair that Matt Hardy won with his finished. EY piledrived (a move that IS banned from WWE) Matt to the floor, it looked pretty brutal, this resulted in Jeff rushing out to check on his brother.  EY then proceeded to go after Jeff too. Could we be seeing a Jeff Hardy/EY feud in the future? Maybe!!

We then cut to back stage to see EY going nuts like he does and trashing the backstage area. Sore loser anyone? Jeff then runs into EC3 where he  publicly supports his brother, if prowrestling has taught me anything these kind of public displays of support, usually result in a heel turn. Especially considering TNA’s treatment of Jeff and there lazy booking. Get me in there I’d do a better job. But hey that’s a story for another day.

Roode comes out for his open challenge. Wait didn’t he do that earlier? Bram who is like a crazier version of EY but also British, that makes him sound even more crazy accepts. (Hey I’m British I can say it!) Bram responds by saying that 2006 is going to be his year. FACEPALM!!! Bram you may be right as I see you being future-endeavoured in 2016 if you continue to be as crazy out of the ring as you are in it.

We are then treated to our third match of the evening BOBBY ROODE VS. BRAM . This is the usual TNA booking where Roode retains and Bram beats him down post match. What’s that??? IT’S JAMES STORM!!! James Storm is in the house. Storm proceeded to kick Bram’s ass, saving Roode and teasing a Beer Money reunion. I like James Storm he’s like TNA’s modern version of Stone Cold but a better wrestler. Would I like to see a Beer Money reunion for the nine millionth time? No I’m good thanks, make this a onetime only affair. Considering James Storm was meant to be in WWE:NXT this was actually surprising to me. Good work TNA.

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 BEER…. MONEY

We then cut back to JB (Jeremy Borash) who is interviewing Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky aka ‘The Beautiful People’ ahead of their match with the crazy women group ‘The Dollhouse’. So we have a group of self proclaimed beautiful people, don’t get me wrong they are ok looking but they remind me of those bitchy mean girls who would use their meh looks to get what they want. Turn this group heel, it works better that way. As for ‘The Dollhouse’ when you consider the fact they have two of the best female wrestlers around today in a ridiculous faction with little character. Split them up or give them more promo time. The Beautiful People tease a replacement for their fallen (injured) member Angelina Love, it’s the female version of Kurt Angle, GAIL KIM!!!

Beer Money then announce they are taking on the crazy team of Bram and EY at the upcoming One Night Only event.

On for match number four THE DOLLHOUSE VS. THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE . Considering that TNA actually has the best female wrestlers today in my opinion this match sucked. Lucha Underground does it better, where they have intergender matches and let the women wrestler a more relaxed and crazy style. Needless to say Gail Kim picked up the win. Post match Awesome Kong came down and beat up Velvet, Madison and Gail. Wait Awesome Kong as sided with The Dollhouse? This S*** just got interesting. I mean if you add the beast that is Kong to the craziness that is The Dollhouse. Skatronixxx approves.

The moment is here. Who is TNA’s miracle, I don’t know why but this made me think of when Damien Sandow debuted as the intellectual saviour of the masses in WWE. The lights go out, the music hits, who is it? It’s Armando Estrada. Wait a minute Armando Estrada is here to save us? Lol no it’s actually former ROH star Mike Bennett.  Mike is on the entrance ramp with wife former WWE diva Maria (Kanellis) in tow. Mike’s entrance would have been that more impressive is he wasn’t dressed like the man from Del Monte and Maria wasn’t slapping her thigh to the music like she was trying to swat a fly. But hey Maria is in TNA, that makes me happy 😉 forget about Mike Bennett it’s alllllllllllllll about Maria hahaha. Sorry ladies but I am male after all 😛

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 Is it a bird? Armando Estrada? The man from Del Monte? No it’s Mike Bennett

We then get another match announced where The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) vs. Eli drake and Jessie Godderz is announced for One Night Only.

It’s time for the final match of the night. The world series final MATT HARDY VS. EC3 . Will Matt who has been built up all evening retain? Will EC3 cheat him out of his destined victory? Will Jeff turn on his brother? Will we have another surprise return? Or debut? So many questions, so little time. Well the outcome was pretty meh tbh. EC3 won the belt clean. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t like interference in the matches but if there was one TNA needed to interfere to further the plot this was it. You could have had Jeff turn on Matt, EY cost Matt. Anything could have happened. Even a returning AJ Styles, I know he signed with WWE days before but how much buzz would that have generated?

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 Your NEW TNA champion EC3, EC3, EC3!

Me? I would have had ‘The Miracle’ Mike Bennett debut mid match rather than before and cost Matt hardy the match, that way you have EC3 cheat his way to victory and set up a post match feud for Matt where he pushes Mike Bennett as a credible main event talent.

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So how was TNA’s rebirth? It’s reinvention? Tbh it was more like ‘new’ coke debut then seeing the latest iPhone. TNA you let me down, you promised so much but fell flat once again. I was neutral I gave it a chance but I’m off to Lucha Underground or even Global Force.

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 It’s Lucha Underground for me now, sorry TNA

The Rock Set To Appear At WrestleMania 32

Will The Rock be supporting his cousin current WWE star Romain Reigns or facing him? – Skatronixxx

With The Road To WrestleMania just around the corner, starting at WWE’s annual event Royal Rumble next month. This is the season where rumours, wonderings and down-right wishful thinking start to do the rounds on the dirt sheets until the Wrestling nirvana reaches our screens on April 3.

The latest tip-bit is that legit movie star (and former wrestler … but as if you didn’t know that already) Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson will grace the square circle when the WWE rolls up at the AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas.

In an Instagram post, Johnson revealed that he will be “a part of ‘Mania 32.” With matches yet to be announced for the event, this is first bit of news regarding the PPV.

Given that the popular WWE superstar has featured heavily at past WrestleMania events since his retirement; wrestling John Cena twice in the main event. It’s hardly surprising that he is set to appear, but in what capacity? That is the question.

Let the speculation begin.

For all your WWE news, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

NXT Takeover London Review

 Let’s meet the future stars of tomorrow at NXT – Skatronixxx

NXT Takeover London was a special night for this WWE live event virgin. Not only did the live crowd, the atmosphere and the event encapsulate a heady mixture of pro-wrestling euphoria and homeland pride. But is was also a capper to a whirl-wind tour of the U.K. for the NXT superstars, and you get the sense that they wanted to end their first tour this side of the pond with a bang.

Asuka Vs. Emma w/ Dana Brooke

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Boy did these women get the show off to lively start. With Baby-face heat going into this match-up, the crowd were ready to cheer for smiley-assassin Asuka. A Japanese indie darling who seemed at home in the 10 thousand strong Wembley Arena, playing to the crowd and Hulking-up at appropriate intervals.

The fans were strongly behind the Joshi grappler but that didn’t stop the delectable Aussie Emma from raining on our parade. The back-and-fourth match highlighted both women’s confidence to slow down the momentum, taking the action to the mat on numerous occasions with storytelling that put over Emma as credible threat in the women’s division. In fact I found myself doing something I never thought I’d do, admiring Dana Brooke’s charisma while at ring-side. The badass Barbie not only gained the suitable heat from the crowd, but used it to strengthen the surprising team that she and Emma have made success of late.

The heels didn’t stand chance however as the only instance of interference from Brooke saw her exiled backstage which opened the window for Asuka and a well placed spinning heel kick to the face for the win.

Highlight: Emma once again climbing through the ranks as a respect women’s wrestler after her team-up with Santino Marella on the main roster, killed any credibility she had. Welcome back Emma.

NXT Tag Team Champions Dash Dawson & Scott Wilder Vs Enzo Amore & Colin Cassidy w/Carmella

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 You can’t help but cheer for the quick-talking, hard-hitting combo which is Enzo & Cass. And no louder could you hear it then from inside the arena. The clear favourites coming into this match, surely it was their time to take the Tag Team gold home to Full Sail?

Dash & Dawson wouldn’t make it easy for the pair however as you can’t deny the chemistry that the Tag Team Champions have when they are on their game. Singling out Enzo, as so many teams choose to do, the scrawny motor-mouth took a hell of beating before tagging in the big-man who sought to clean house but was foiled by a well place chop-block to the rehabbed knee.

A few hot-tags build the crowd up into believing that team SAWFT could capture the gold but Dash and Wilder put an end to our dreams and retained the titles.

Highlight: Same-old-storytelling from Enzo & Cass but its something that the pair do to perfection, so it kinda makes it hard for you to get mad at. Tonight wasn’t their night to take the titles, after all it is their underdog status thats makes the scrappy pair endearing to chant for.

Baron Corbin Vs Apollo Crews

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This match held no reverence from me, maybe unfairly so but I don’t feel as if NXT has given us enough to cheer for, and I wasn’t the only one to feel that way.

Ignore the boring chants, although justifiable so. Baron Corbin was no match for Apollo Crews in terms of pro-wrestling ability so it was farcical that he would win this match leaving a bad taste in my mouth when he did just that.

Given the matches that preceded this, no storytelling was on display or a chance given to show the ability that Crews has in his arsenal besides a few stand-out moments.

Highlight: Match was long enough for me to get a much needed beverage.

NXT Women’s Champion Bayley Vs Nia Jax

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 Like Daniel Bryan’s ‘Yes’ movement, Bayley has cornered the market on scrappy-underdog-wrestler within the NXT. To such success that unlike other wrestlers who win the gold only to find their momentum dwindle. Bayley’s mixture of infectious personality and in-ring ability has catapult her to main event status within the NXT landscape.

This match needed to tell a story that Bayley could take on different opponent. We’ve seen the huggster take down similar opposition in comparison to herself with the likes of The Boss Sasha Banks proving a worthy opponent at Takeover Brooklyn. Nia Jax however is a different animal entirely. The figurative brick wall that Bayley would have to smash through to retain her long sought-after title.

The women’s champ did not shy away from the task, taking her A-game and throwing it at the foreboding Jax who seemed hell-bent on breaking Bayley in two. Nia Jax proved impressive, rag-dolling the champ with numerous Samoan slams and leg-drops that legitimately seemed a threat to take the title home. But Bayley knew that her usual approach would not succeed in the this instance, never once using her famed Bayley-to-belly suplex finisher, no matter how hard the crowd chanted for it.

Instead the Champion retained via a hard fought tap out that levelled the giant Jax to the delight of not only the crowd but this reviewer.

Highlight: Bayley … nuff said.

NXT Champion Finn Balor Vs Samoa Joe

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 An outsider would assume that with Takeover in London, NXT Champion Finn Balor would be the crowd favourite for the win. However the room was decidedly split, with a large contention cheering for heelish brute Samoa Joe. With this mind, Balor wasn’t about to be out mind-gamed. Channeling a hometown demon Jack The Ripper, Balor would slick his way into the arena looking strong to retain the gold.

For the most part Samoa Joe dominated the champion early on with Balor getting in a few strikes here-and-there showing that if Joe wanted to take the demon down, it wouldn’t be an easy feat. It was only a matter of time until the action spilled onto the outside with Joe nearly decapitating Balor with a brutal STO. The demon would later retaliate however with a sweet high flying over-the-top-rope-senton taking Joe off his feet.

The match ebbed and flowed encapsulating the story in the ring with both men unrelenting in pursuit of the biggest prize in NXT, trading brutal blows to one another. Even an appearance from suplex city saw Joe gain the upper hand. A high flying Coup de Grace however saw Balor retain but winded with medics rushing to the ring to check on the champ.

Samoa Joe was helped to backstage area but would not take his eyes off Balor. I have a feeling this feud isn’t over.

Highlight: Both men showed how a match can be put both men over without ending in a DQ. Both Samoa Joe and Finn Balor looked strong at the end of the match as they did going in.

Overall my first live experience has me stoked for another taste. The crowd was buzzing as were the superstars in the ring. A bonus match from a returning Sami Zayn against the Perfect Ten Tye Dillinger topped off the night and showed once again that NXT is the future of the WWE.

For all your NXT-fandom news and reviews. Stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

 

WWE Survivor Series Adds A World Title Tournament To Its PPV

 I predict he’ll return a MASSIVE babyface – Skatronixxx

After WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins suffered a debilitating injury against Kane in Dublin, Ireland this week. WWE.com announced that a tournament will be held at the annual Survivor Series PPV to crown a new champion for the vacated title.

The injury occurred at a house show when Rollins attempted a powerbomb through a table from the ring corner. As fan footage from the event shows, Rollins right knee visibly buckles during the manoeuvre which resulted in the World Champ suffering a right ACL/MCL/medial meniscus tears.

 If you’re squeamish look away now

Rollins was originally scheduled to face former SHIELD brother-in-arms Roman Reigns for the title on Sunday, November 22nd. But now the Survivor Series PPV will hold the aforementioned tournament in its place. Another match rumoured for the event also includes Bray Wyatt and his disciples Luke Harper, Braun Stowman and Erik Rowan facing off against Kane and the legendary Undertaker. The event itself is being promoted as celebrating 25 years of The Undertakers tenure with the company, and as such fans are expecting him to team up with his brother and two mystery companions in a traditional Elimination Tag Team match.

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 Odds are that Seth’s SHIELD buddies are going to win, who’s your money on Roman or Dean? – Skatronixxx

Alongside the announcement of Rollins injury, WWE.com also revealed that the former champ will be out of action for 6-9 months. This unfortunately means that the fantasy booking of all three SHIELD brothers, Rollins, Reigns and Dean Ambrose, facing off in a Triple Threat World title match at Wrestlemania 32, will have to be played out by fans on WWE2k16. Its a shame, it was a damn good match when a played it last night.

For more Wrestling news stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

More Proof Of Why Kurt Angle Is A Legend!

Kurt Angle on http://www.skatronixxx.com

Kurt Angle, Olympic gold medalist with a broken neck, WWE Icon, TNA legend, Sharknado 2 superstar and now fan of Skatronixxx it’s DAMN TRUE!!! Ok this is a video greeting that someone surprised me with but hey it’s Kurt FREAKIN Angle!!!

You Wanted It, You Got It! Another Lucha Underground Review

Who is Cage? Think Colt Cabana meets Jack Swagger

It’s time for another blog now I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback on my blogs about Lucha Underground and I would like to add that I may be adding a writer to cover the wrestling aspect of my site, whilst I sit back and deal with the stuff behind the scenes but that may not be for a couple of weeks so until then your stuck with me. And if you ask you shall get so here’s the newest review of this weeks ‘Lucha Underground’.

Before I get too much into the review I have it on good authority that an advert for Lucha appeared during the commerical break of WWE’s Monday night raw and it generated quite a buzz, well what else can I say other than I TOLD YOU SO!!! This is the promotion to watch and where else can you find out about it but where else than on http://www.skatronixxx.com !

The show immediately opens with a recap of Alberto Del Patron otherwise known as Alberto Del Rio in WWE. What? Del Rio is in Lucha Underground? Yes he is, I won’t cover the how’s and why’s he ended up there but all I’ll say is with all the recent stuff about Bill DeMott coming out, poor Alberto got fired after he was on the receiving end of a very similar incident. Alberto is shown speaking with sleazy owner Dario Cueto about his debut before he is being shown being attacked by an unknown wrestler before overcoming the odds and attacking this attacker with the same implement a bull rope! Well I guess that explains the bull rope match later tonight then. After that we go to yet another promo of Konnan and Prince Puma talking about executing their ‘master plan’ whatever this may be. We then go back to Dario Cueto who is in the office with Ivelisse, Angelico and Son of Havoc and the highlights of their match last week. I told you this one wasn’t over people 😉 We then go back to Dario Cueto with Cage the man shown attacking Konnan last week. Man Dario is busy this week! He say’s that Cage has ‘Everything he wants in a champion’ could we see a Lucha ‘Montral’ Screwjob with a Puma face turn??? Oh wait there’s a towel match highlight where if Cage wins he get’s a title shot and Konnan throws in the towel? Hmm what are Konnan’s motives on this one? There is a lot of promo’s on this one it looks like Lucha is getting a bigger budget production wise, let’s hope they don’t blow it.

The show opens with the same Mexican band from last week, I guess they do this every week then and a shot of the ever lively crowd before we are greeted by our announcers. They run down the matches tonight, the Lucha championship match between Puma and Cage and the AAA match between Alberto and the wrestler shown previously who we now know to be El Texano Jr. So that would explain why El Texano was attacking Alberto as he lost his title to Alberto. Hmm it’s all making sense now. I’d also like to point out how much of a big thing is that Lucha was able to get a AAA title match. For those of you that don’t know AAA is the mexican version of WWE but bigger. In Mexico AAA is regarded as a premier sport, now we all know wrestling is fake but in Mexico they rightfully admire the skill and talents of the performers rather than the muscly body builder meatheads we get in WWE.

We then go straight into the first match with the future Mrs Skatronixx, yeah I said it last week I’ll say it again this week lol introducing the competitors. Oh it’s Angelico aka Chris Sabin’s twin I wonder if he could be facing Ivelisse again or Son Of Havoc or both??? During Angelico’s entrance it is noted by Matt Striker that Angelico has faced and beaten both Ivelisse and Son Of Havoc in recent weeks. Let’s find out who his opponent is and it’s ……. Son Of Havoc!!!! Hmm could I be sensing more tension between Havoc and Ivelisse or Ivelisse accidentally costing Havoc the match or Ivelisse running off with Angelico let’s find out.

MATCH 1 – Angelico vs Son Of Havoc

I don’t know why but Son Of Havoc reminds me of Eric Young, I guess it’s the beard lol. He needs to lose the mask he looks like a pimp gimp yeah I said pimp gimp rather than a wrestler, if he ditched the mask he’d be much more imposing as a wrestler in my eyes. The match opens straight away with a spear on Angelico on by Son Of Havoc so it looks like this is going to be a match with more storytelling than action. The match started out with a pretty one sided affair by havoc being urged on by Ivelisse. The commentary by Vampiro about Ivelisse’s cat like screeching is a nice add to the match. Highlights of this match include an an enzeguri and a standing running moonsault from Angelico from one side of the ring to the outside arena, that is truly a HOLY S*** moment or Havoc’s reversal from a crucifix powerbomb to a hurricanrana. Havoc impressed me quite a lot by his aerial arsenal given his past history as jobber. Havoc climbs to the top turnbuckle and he grabs a mic. Ok this could be interesting, he says he knows why he’s been losing and swiftly publically dumps Ivelisse and nails Angelico with another moonsault. The winner was Son of Havoc. WHAT??? Havoc wins and in quite a one sided affair DAMN! I knew that this was going to be more about the story than the action but I didnt predict that. I’d give it a 2 out of 5 easy. Why so low? Well tbh it felt like the wrestlers were holding back, I would have let the match roll on longer, make it a lil one less sided but hey that’s just me.

Son Of Havoc and Ivelisse

Post match Ivelisse get’s in the ring only to get embarrassed by Son Of Havoc who has a Daniel Bryan type moment with the crowd. Just as Angelico comes around he realised what has happened and tries it on with Ivelisse only to get a swift kick to the head. Poor Angelico beaten by a bearded gimp and a woman, not cool bro.

After the match a promo is hyped between the match of Puma and Cage it’s a short and sweet one so there’s not much to comment on really as all the previous highlights have covered the background already.

Another promo is shown of Dario Cueto with a muscly man, his face is not shown but Dario lets us known that whoever this guy is he has been signed to a contract on Konnan’s recommendation. I know who this guy is by just seeing his tattoo’s and I’m sure some of you will too and let me tell you this guy will thrive in Lucha Underground. Several clues are dropped such as ‘he won’t be held back in a tag team like elsewhere’ hmmm I wonder who this could be, well I know but do you? Then we get a shot of his face, it’s SUPERMEX!!! Aka Hernandez! For those of you who are thinking who? Hernandez was a fixture of TNA for years, they tried to push him but he was unable to connect with the crowd, mainly through no fault of his own but bad script writing. Dario ends by saying that Hernandez has a set ‘reserved’ for tonight’s main event, could we be seeing Cage win and having an altercation with Hernandez post match?

 Super Mex aka Hernandez is in Lucha Underground!!!

MATCH 2 – Alberto Del Patron vs Texano in a bull rope match for the AAA match championship.

As Texano makes his way out, Matt let’s us know that he is not only the youngest AAA champion but also the longest running. I guess when you’re facing Alberto you need all the hype you can get. Texano looks like a cheap stripper when he comes out couldn’t wardrobe think of a better outfit than chaps and a sheriff hat? I mean come on wardrobe. I’m scarier looking than him. I find it amusing that local boy Texano is booed whereas Alberto is treated like wrestling royalty I guess it’s clear that locality plays no part in who the favourite is here. For those of you who don’t know what a bullrope match is, it’s a match where you are tied to your opponent by a piece of rope that is about 18 feet long. Normally bullrope matches is where you win by touching all four corners of the ring but in this instance it will be a match that ends in pinfall or submission. The commentators let us know of Alberto’s history as an Olympic wrestler with a legitimate street fighter pedigree and of Texano’s career as well a badass. Highlights of the match include a backstabber and reverse suplex by Alberto or a top rope powerbomb through the table by Texano. The winner was Alberto even though that was a foregone conclusion. As for the match again I’d give it 2 out of 5, it was only so low due to the shortness of the match and quickness of the finish and as for the wrestlers? Well we all know about Alberto so I can’t say much except it was good to see what he could do outside of a PG restricted environment and as for Texano he seemed a good wrestler and he may have held the AAA championship for 2 years but I’m sorry my cornflakes have a bigger personality.

Post match we are shown yet another identical promo of tonight’s main event from earlier. Can’t they give Cage a better promo other than doing a squat in a corridor? We then goto another promo of Konnan sparring with Puma, with slices interjected of the match where Konnan thrown in the towel. Then both Puma and Konnan get a visit from Hernandez. Konnan let’s Puma know about his and Hernandez’s history as I covered earlier in TNA when they were part of the LAX and we see a fist bump between Puma and Super Mex. Could we see another stable forming???

MATCH 3 – Prince Puma vs Cage in a Boyle Heights street fight for the Lucha Underground championship.

Cage comes out where Matt let’s us know about the list of people who’s beaten in quick secession. It reads like a who’s who list of Lucha Underground. What are my first thoughts in Cage? Think of a mix between Colt Cabana and Jack Swagger, yes I’m serious! The match is hyped and we are told about how Cage destroyed the title belt, could we see a new title belt here? And Cage’s vicious attack on Konnan. As the match is about to start Dario Cueto comes out and shows us what the two competitors will be fighting for, the new Lucha Underground Championship. What are my thoughts on the belt? It looks very bling but unfortunately due to the quality of the streaming website I can’t make much of the belt out, sorry! The commentators reiterate that it will be a match up of Cage’s strength vs Puma’s speed. The match opens as a one sided affair where Cage tosses Puma around like a rag doll. Highlights of this match include a standing moonsault on a bin lid, a torture rack backbreaker by Cage, a shooting star press by puma from the top of the ringpost to the arena outside. The most savage move had to be Puma whilst having his neck caught in the middle of a chair being thrown into the ring post by Cage, one word OUCH!!!! The eventual winner was Prince Puma courtesy of some outside interference by Konnan and Hernandez. How would I rate the match? I’d give it 3.5 out of 5? Why 3.5 well Puma winning didn’t really make sense, don’t get me wrong he’s an awesome athlete but this was more about a future feud between Cage and Hernandez, whilst wanting to make Cage look strong but somehow have Puma retain. I think given how the match was hyped a better winner would have been Cage by far as there’s always more money in a face chasing a heel rather than the other way around. As for the wrestlers? Again Puma impressed me but as for Cage to be honest if he let more of his personality come out he could be a legitimate threat but at the moment he’s a bit of a bland generic wrestler who kicks ass. Give him a manager or let his personality come through, then you’ll be on to something.

Here’s tonight’s main event Prince Vs Cage in a Boyle Heights street fight

As for the show? Well that’s 3 shows and 3 reviews. The main thing I noticed was the potential and the main drawback was the length of the show, it needs to be longer, make each match 20 minutes and you’re on to a winner. Until next time this has been Skatronixxx signing out!

2 Days, 2 Episodes And 2 Reviews of Lucha Underground

If you don’t know who this guy is, shame on you!

It’s time for another blog, wait a minute two blogs in 2 days? Yeah I know the saying you wait for a blog for ages then two come at once. Well this one is kinda the second part of my first previous blog to be honest and it continues with my review of the wrestling promotion Lucha Underground. Now those of you who read my blog post yesterday would know that I described it as an modern day version of ECW, and if you don’t know what ECW is? Shame on you!!! Now I know you’ll know what Lucha Underground is as you’ll have read my last review and if by a rare chance you don’t and didnt read my last blog, tut tut tut, go and read it and then come back and read this one.

The show immediately opens with a recap of Konnan with three unknown wrestlers who seemed to have formed some sort of clique. They are shown talking with the owner of Lucha Underground, Dario Cueto. Now how would I describe Dario? Think of an Hispanic version of Vince McMahon’s heel character and you got Dario. It then cuts to the three guys attacking a unknown wrestler. This guy goes by the name of Big Rick but it turns out it’s actually Ezekiel Jackson from the WWE. Wow another wrestler from WWE’s attempt to bring back ECW and if you read my blog yesterday you’ll know I dropped a hint of big Zeke being in this promotion. The shot then goes back to Dario Cueto and an unknown female wrestler, saying if Big Rick can defeat her he’ll get a 3-on-1 match with the attackers known as The Crew! Wait a minute there’s another intergender match? Only in Lucha Underround. Needless to say Big Rick beat this female wrestler and got his wish of getting retribution against The Crew. As the match ends Big Rick is attacked by The Crew but then the female wrestler known as Sexy Star (Original I know!) saves the day and Big Rick. It later turns out that she’s wants retribution for her friend who was injured by The Crew. Could we see Big Rick and Sexy Star team up against The Crew? I reckon so.

We then cut to a highlight reel of two masked luchadors wrestling each other in a series of matches when Dario comes out and announces a best of five series where the winner will get a unique opportunity. Hmm I wonder what the could be??

Finally we cut to the masked wrestler from last weeks promo who is now revealed to be a character by the name of Fenix??? With a manager who is formally Maxine from WWE NXT and they hype the casket match against Mil Muertes with a little more of the backstory. It looked like whoever Maxine is called was Muertes’s manager and when Meurtes defeated Fenix he turned on Maxine only for Fenix to save her. So this is the plot to the casket match. As I said yesterday I don’t envy a match against Muertes. Even though I know wrestlign is fake this guy is gunna crush you. I wouldn’t want to be Fenix!

The show opens with a Mexican band and shot of the crowd before we are greeted by our announcers. Now yesterday I told you this was Matt Striker and Vampiro and I gotta say this team impressed me. Once again the crowd is chanting again showing more passion and interest in the product then at any WWE event. We then go straight into the first match with the future Mrs Skatronixx introducing the competitors it looks like it’s the third match in the series of five between the two wrestlers seen earlier who are revealed to be Aerostar and Drago, Aerostar looks like a gold power ranger and makes his way into the ring with a series of flips and dives Drago looks like a dragon crossed with an extra from the rock band Lordi. Remember Lordi? This should be interesting.

MATCH 1 – Aerostar vs Drago

 You wouldn’t want to run into this guy in a dark alley

Drago’s outfit has impressed me, I miss this element of wrestling. When I grew up in the early 90’s all the wrestlers had a character and stuck to it, these days in the big promotions it’s all muscly he-men body builders, I’d love to see a team of Drago and Pentagon Jr. I’d call them something like the ‘Hell Raisers’, Anyway back to the action. As for the actual match itself, we are treated to a mix of high octane moves where Aerostar is flipping up and around like a younger Psicosis and Drago occupying an array of unique and powerful submission moves. This match truly did remind me of watching a cruiserweight match from the days of WCW in the mid to late nineties. Highlights of this match Aerostar diving backwards of the top rope sending Drago onto the concrete (yes there’s no padding here) below. One word OUCH!!! Or Dargo’s rope hung DDT take note Randy Orton or his tilt a whirl come modified huricanarana slam, Aerostar comes out the victor in this one, I gotta say this is a little predictable and classic best of 5 matches where the face goes 2-1 up only for the heel to win the next one to settle it at 2-2 for the final match. How would I rate the match? Matches liek these are part of the reason I used to like wrestling. I admire the high flying acrobatics more than the power moves. I’d give it a 3 out of 5 easy. As for the wrestlers? Aerostar? Although I admire his arsenal the moveset is a dime a dozen for luchadors and his character is a little one dimensional think Cody Rhodes and you got Aerostar. Drago that’s another reason, this guy has the look and the talent but the best thing for him is to stay clear of the WWE as they’d ruin him. If I was him I’d stay in AAA where his character just seems to fit.

Post match we are then shown a quick promo for tonight’s main event the casket match, this is a quick promo as it\s been hyped all all of the last episode and the start of this one.

Another promo is then shown with Konnan playing chess against an unknown figure interjected with clips of Konnan attacking a man called Cage before getting beat down. The character shown to be playing chess against Konnan is his protege Lucha Underground champion Prince Puma. I know it’s Prince Puma even though we haven’t seen him in action yet as I did a little bit of research on the show beforehand. I have to say Prince Puma unmasked looks a hell of a lot like Turk from Scrubs, so that’s where he went when the show ended!!

The next match is hyped as Big Zeke I mean Big Rick takes on The Crew ina 3 on 1 elimination match.

MATCH 2 – Big Rick vs The Crew

 

It’s Big Zeke from WWE with an eye patch! As if he wasn’t scary enough

First up I know how this match is gunna end for 3 reasons the first being the fact that The Crew look like a Mexican version of The Mean Street Posse, I’m sorry but I got two words for you JOB SQUAD. The second being that it’s a match about revenge, matches about revenge always end with the wronged guy getting his revenge, always and lastly it’s Big Rick who wouldn’t bet against him. Big Rick is clearly the favourite and my first impressions of him are like a mix of M Bison from the Street Fighter series mixed with Hannibal from theA-Team with a cigar. If you don’t believe me look for him yourself and you’ll see where I’m coming from. As for the match it was the usual handicap match where the fan favourite gets beaten down by the heels before overcoming the odds. Just as Big Rick is about to finish the last member of The Crew up for the win, he runs away from Big Rick only to be greeted by Sexy Star. I told you so 😉 needless to saySexy Star grabs the last remaining member of the Mexican Mean Street Posse and throws him in the ring to be beaten by Big Rick. Match wise I’d give this match a 1.5 out of 5, the quality was awful to be honest and why would I rate it that low? Well for two reasons, the first being I know Big Rick can actually wrestler so let him show off his moveset and the second being I think with a poor second match it’ll make the final match seem that much better. As for the wrestlers all need to stay in Lucha because to be honest it’s the best they can do sorry Big Rick!

We then get another promo hyping the main even, it’s the same promo from earlier. Another promo is showing showing that next week AAA champion the artist formally known as Alberto Del Rio from the WWE now known as Alberto Del Patron will defend his title in a bull rope match and Prince Puma will defend his Lucha Underground title against Cage. Now straight away when two championship matches are hyped this means that one champion will lose and my money is on Prince Puma as Alberto has only recently won his, sorry Puma!

MATCH 3 – Fenix vs Mil Muertes

This match has been hyped for two weeks so you know it’s gunna be good. Some people come out carrying the coffin and it’s hyped more or a Mexican version of a coffin match think a lil less Undertaker and a lil more day of the dead. How can I describe this match? Easy 5 out of 5! Yes 5 out of 5 the hype was totally worth it. We were treated to gore, acrobatics and more gore. Highlights of this match include, Fenix being busted open like I haven’t seen a wrestler being busted open in years! If you’re a fan of gore, do not I repeat DO NOT watch this match, it even had me a little queasy at times. Other highlights include a DDT onto the coffin, an almost superplex two stories up onto the conrete and crowd below before being tossed down two flights of steps like a bowling ball. I was right in what I predicted that Mil Muertes would destroy this other wrestler. However as for the result that was another story and you’ll have to watch it to find out what happens 😉

Don’t believe me the  match was awesome? Check it out here

So what were my overall thoughts on the show? Now I’ve seen two epsilons I gotta say I like it, when it’s good it’s REALLY good but when it\s bad it’s really bad but hey wasn’t the WWE bad at certain points? All I’ll say is when a crowd continually chants HOLY S*** it can’t be a bad thing.