Saturday 25 August 2012

WWE Summerslam 2012 Review

The Silver Anniversary of Summerslam took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. There were 8 matches on the card, including the Pre-Show. Was the show any good? Let's take a look.

The Pre-Show was Antonio Cesario challenging Santino Marella for the United States Championship. Santino goes the Cobra early and Cesario stops that from happening, eventually getting to rip up the sock. Santino gets back the momentum and pulls out another Cobra sock literally out of his ass. However, it wasn't enough as Cesario hits the Neutraliser and become the new United States Champion. It was a good match and, although I wanted Cesario to be the next United States Champion, I didn't think it would happen at Summerslam.
Winner: Antonio Cesario                                                                              Predictions: 0 for 1

After Triple H strongly encourages referee Scott Armstrong to be lenient with the rules regarding his match with Brock Lesnar, the PPV officially starts with Dolph Ziggler taking on Chris Jericho. I was surprised this match was on first. Despite that, I was really looking forward to his match so hopefully they won't disappoint. Jericho gets the early advantage before Ziggler starts to focus on the ribs that he injured on Smackdown. Ziggler mocks Jericho with a pin. Ziggler then hits the Fameasser followed later on by a sleeper. Jericho gets out of it and hits a top rope hurracarrana. Jericho goes for the Lionsaut but Ziggler knees him hits the ZigZag but that only gets a 2 count. Jericho hits the Codebreaker but Dolph rolls out of the ring. Jericho rolls Ziggler back in and gets distracted by Vickie as he is going back in. This gives the opportunity for Ziggler to do a small package but that only gets a 2 count. Jericho throws Ziggler into the turnbuckel and applies the Liontamer version of the Walls of Jericho to get the win. I really enjoyed this match and is one of the best opening matches ever seen at Summerslam.
Winner: Chris Jericho                                                                                    Predictions: 1 for 2

After Matt Striker interviews Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman (well, really Paul Heyman), we get Daniel Bryan taking on Kane. Bryan tries to use his superior agility to get the advantage but Kane is too strong for him eventually throwing Bryan out of the ring. Bryan starts to get some momentum but is stopped by Kane. Bryan tries to apply the LeBell "Yes" "No" Lock but Kane powers out of it. Bryan goes for a flying headbutt from the top rope but Kane catches him and hits the Chokeslam. Kane then goes the Tombstone; however, Bryan reverses it into a small package to get the win before commencing Operation GTFO. Kane goes after Bryan and starts to look for him backstage. Josh "Bad Timing" Mathews then decides that this would be a good time to interview Kane. Understandably Kane doesn't take that well and promptly sends flying Mathews flying through the air. Back to the match, it was an ok match with a good ending.
Winner: Daniel Bryan                                                                                     Predictions: 2 for 3

Next we get the Intercontinental Championship between Rey Mysterio and The Miz. The match goes back and forth to begin with with The Miz showing his new agressive stance. The action goes to the outsdie and Miz sends Mysterio onto the top of the guard rail. Miz has a lot of momentum including hitting a sit down powerbomb, which gets a 2 count. Mysterio manages to counter a few moves but is unable to get the pinfall.  Mysterio hits the 619. Miz tries the Skull Crushing Finale but it's reversed into a small package, which Miz kicks out at 2. Miz then sends Mysterio into the turnbuckle then hits the Skull Crushing Finale to get the pinfall and retain the Championship. I enjoyed this match with a lot of impressive counters by Mysterio.
Winner: The Miz                                                                                             Predictions: 3 for 4

We then get a backstage segment where CM Punk is not happy with AJ putting him into a triple threat match for the WWE Championship because he could lose the title without getting pinned. AJ decides to ignore him, which Punk feels that is disrespecting him. I kinda like where they are going with Punk as long as the WWE don't make into a generic heel. Punk can be a great anti-hero if played right.

The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Alberto Del Rio challenges Sheamus. The action goes to the outside early before going back in the ring. Del Rio goes for the Cross Armbreaker but Sheamus wh then attempts the Brogue Kick. However, Sheamus hits the ropes instead and this gives Del Rio to get the chance to wear down Sheamus. Del Rio attempts the Brogue Kick but Sheamus counters and tries to get some momentum but Del Rio gains it back. Del Rio applies the Cross Armbreaker but Sheamus manages to reverse it into a powerbomb. Sheamus hits the White Noise but Del Rio kicks out at 2. After Del Rio attempts a pin and Sheamus kicks out, Del Rio expresses his frustration at Ricardo "Virgil" Rodriguez and drags him into the ring. As the referee gets Ricardo out, he throws his shoe to Del Rio. However, Sheamus gets it instead and hits Del Rio in the head then hits the Irish Curse Backbreaker and pins him. Del Rio puts his foot on the rope but the referee doesn't see it and Sheamus moves it away to stop the referee spotting it. I enjoyed this match but I didn't like the ending. Sheamus' actions were more of a heel than a popular face. It looks like we will get another match between the two at Night of Champions.
Winner: Sheamus                                                                                             Predictions: 4 for 5

The Prime Time Players (#Millions of Dollars!) challenge Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the Tag Team championship Truth starts the match and is quickly dominated by O'Neill and Young. Kofi gets the hot tag and decimates O'Neill. Young distracts Kofi, giving O'Neill the chance to get out of the ring and hit a thunderous clothesline, giving the momentum back to the Prime Time Players. Kofi counters a slam into a DDT, giving him the opportunity to tag Truth. Young attempts a gutbuster but it's reversed into the Little Jimmy to give him and Kofi the win. This was a good tag team match and I wouldn't mind seeing a rematch between the two.
Winners: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth                                                                Predictions: 4 for 6

The penultimate match was the triple threat WWE Championship between CM Punk, The Big Show and John Cena. Show is dominant to begin with, which means that Punk and Cena work together against him. The did a suplex on Show but Show reverses it and suplexes them both. Punk dropkicks Show in the knee and starts to attack Show but it's only temporary as Show regains his dominance. There was a nice bit where   Punk attempt to do a suicide dive to Show but Show grabs his neck and slams him against the ring apron. Cena manages to hit a side suplex and Punk hit the Macho Man elbow drop but that only gets 2. Punk applies a submission move where he puts his legs and arms round Show's neck. Cena then decides to apply the STF at the same time to Show. Show understandably taps out which leaves everyone wondering. Punk and Cena both think they won, and I don't get Cena's reasoning here as he put on the STF after Punk put on his submission move. RAW General Manager AJ comes out to the ring and after taking a fucking decade to think about it, just says "Restart the match" and walks off. During this time, Show manages to recover and hits a double chokeslam but is unable to get the win. Show goes for the WMD on Cena but Cena ducks and hits the AA. Punk, taking inspiration from Edge's manual "How to be the Ultimate Opportunist", throws Cena out of the ring and pins Show to get the win and retain the WWE Championship. I enjoyed the match then it became a clusterfuck, which was really annoying.
Winner: CM Punk                                                                                               Predictions: 5 for 7

After a performance by Kevin Rudolf signing the theme song to Summerslam "Don't Give Up", including some embarrassing dancing by the ring announcers and the commentators; we get "The Perfect Storm" as Brock Lesnar takes on Triple H. Brock goes for the Kimura Lock early but Triple H powers out of it and clotheslines Brock over the top rope. This pisses Brock off and starts to destroy Triple H, focusing on the arm that he broke. Triple H tries to get some momentum but he is stopped by a German suplex. Brock continues his assault but is slowed down by a suplex by Triple H. Triple H goes for the Pedigree but is thrown over the top rope by Brock. Triple H sends Brock gut first into the announce table, and this gives Triple H the opportunity to focus on Brock's stomach, driving his knee continuously into the stomach. Triple H hits the AA Spinebuster then hits the Pedigree but Brock kicks out at 2. Brock hits a blatant low blow, which prompts ref Scott Armstrong to consider ringing the bell. He doesn't and Brock hits the F-5 but Triple H kicks out at 2. Brock applies the Kimura lock but Triple H manages to punch his way out of it. Triple H hits another Pegidree but as Triple H goes for the cover, Brock applies the Kimura lock, "breaks" Triple H's arm, prompting him to tap out and give Brock the win. Brock goes off and Triple H goes out mournfully saying goodbye. Although, I got a pissed off at Brock constantly going for the arm, I liked the story of the match, especially the role of referee Scott Armstrong and Paul Heyman. Heyman gets special credit for his reactions during the match, especially when he acts genuinely concerned for Brock when he inures his stomach.
Winner: Brock Lesnar                                                                                         Predictions: 6 for 8

I enjoyed most of Summerslam. Like I mention when I review Wrestlemania, Summerslam will not only be compared to not only the last PPV but also the last Summerslam and I think it's on the same level on both counts. The only thing that I really hated about the event was the finishes of the two World Championship matches as you see one in which the good guy cheats and another which ends in a bit of a clusterfuck. Despite that, I'm interested to see where the WWE goes from here.

Monday 20 August 2012

WWE Summerslam 2012 Predictions



The 25th Summerslam will be taking place once again at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The card looks quite decent so let’s take a look.

The Pre-Show Match on YouTube will feature the United States Championship as Santino Marella is challenged by Antonio Cesario. Normally, I would predict that Cesario would win. However, I can’t see the title changing on a pre-show. I’m going for Santino to pull it out of the bag and Cesario will hopefully win at Night of Champions.
Predicted Winner: Santino Marella

The Tag Team Championship will be on the line as The Prime Time Players (#millions of dollars) challenge Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. The tag team division is slowly, slowly looking like the WWE give a fuck about it. To continue in that trend, I think that the Prime Time Players will win and will be like: “A Who?”
Predicted Winners: Prime Time Players

Daniel Bryan will take on Kane in a match that doesn’t really make sense to me. Can someone tell  me what made Kane turn face? Anyway, I think this could be a decent match and I can see AJ fucking up Bryan’s chances to win. Despite that, I think that Bryan will win and continue to go “No! No! No!” at every opportunity.
Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan

The Miz will be challenged by Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. I’m looking forward to this match as it could be an entertaining contest. The Miz hasn’t been Champion for long, so I think that he will retain.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Chris Jericho will face Dolph Ziggler in a match that I am really looking forward. The feud between the two has been a joy to watch and it looks like it will be Jericho’s last appearance before he goes off on tour with Fozzy. I can see either one winning but I’m going for a punt and predicting that Jericho will win. Ziggler may have the MITB briefcase but he doesn’t need to be a roll before he cashes it in. Prime example is Daniel Bryan last year. This match has the potential to not only be the match of the night but one of the matches of the year.
Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho

The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Sheamus will be challenged (yet again) by Alberto Del Rio. I was enjoying aspects of this feud but I feel that they have ruined it when they had the match two weeks ago. I can see both guys winning but I think that Sheamus will retain and hopefully go on to someone else.
Predicted Winner: Sheamus

The WWE Championship will be defended in a triple threat match between CM Punk, The Big Show and John Cena. I feel sorry for Punk. He bitches about not being in the main event at the expense of Cena; gets to face Cena in a PPV match, which normally guarantees main event status; then will get upstaged by the Lesnar/HHH match. I can’t see Show winning and I think that Cena will challenge for the WWE Championship at the next PPV. Therefore, I’m going for Punk to retain.
Predicted Winner: CM Punk

The main event (most likely) will be Brock Lesnar taking on Triple H. Even though this involves Triple H and Paul Heyman, two guys that I love watching, I’ve not really enjoyed this feud. I found it bizarre that the good guys effectively bullied Heyman into accepting the match Anyway, even though I love Triple H, Lesnar HAS to win this. If he doesn’t, then I feel that his one year contract has been a complete waste of time.
 Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

 I won't get to see the event til Monday evening so I'll publish my review during the week I hope you enjoy the show.

Sunday 19 August 2012

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 Review

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 took place at TNA's usual place of the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. The last two PPVs have been good, so will it continue the trend? Let's take a look.

The first match was a tag team with Gunner and Kid Kash taking on Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero. Guerrero does the Three Amigos and gets his ass kicked by Gunner and Kid Kash. Hernandez gets the hot tag and cleans house. Hernandez does a suicide dive while getting tagged out by Chavo. Chavo then gets the Frog Splash to Kash to get the win. This was a good match to start the PPV and hopefully they will use Chavo a lot more.
Winners: Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero                                                 Predictions: 1 for 1

The next match was a Falls Count Anywhere match for 20 points in BFG Series between Rob Van Dam, Magnus, Mr Anderson and D'Angelo Dinero. At least that was the plan. Aces and Eights paid Dinero a visit backstage and fucked him up, making the match a triple threat.The match goes over all the place from the ring up the entrance ramp then back to the ring. There was a good bit when Rob Van Dam does his "RVD" chant, Magnus chop-blocks him, mocks the "RVD" chant then hits RVD with a Texas Cloverleaf, which was stopped by Anderson. The end comes when RVD gets suplexed by Magnus and Magnus tries to get a chair. When he does, RVD hits him with the Vandaminator to get the win. A decent match which gives RVD 20 points and sends him up the rankings.
Winner: Rob Van Dam                                                                              Predictions: 2 for 2

Next was Devon defending his Television Championship against Kazarian. Devon is all over Kazarian until Kazarian gets the advantage with a clothesline. Devon spears Kazarian and starts to make a comeback. Devon hits a neckbreaker which Kazarian kicks out. Kazarian goes for the Fade to Black but Devon reverses it and hits the Spinebuster for the win. This was another decent match with a couple of good spots.
Winner: Devon                                                                                          Predictions: N/A

The Knockouts Championship is on the line as Madison Rayne challenges Ms Tessmacher with the most corrupt referee in wrestling history Earl Hebner in charge. I know Earl is the Senior Referee but surely Dixie Carter would make sure that he wasn't the referee. Oh, I'm sorry, that's using common sense. What was I thinking? Tessmacher gets a few pin attempts on Rayne, in which she gets upset at Earl for counting. Eventually, Tessmacher thought she would get the win with a elbow off the top rope but the referee saw Rayne’s leg on the rope. Rayne rolls up Tessmacher and uses her legs on the ropes for leverage, which Earl doesn’t see, giving Madison the win and becoming the new Knockouts Champion. The match was good, although I have see better matches from the Knockouts this year.
Winner: Madison Rayne                               Predictions: 3 for 3

The second BFG Series match is a Tables Match between Robbie E, Bully Ray, Jeff Hardy and James Storm. I have never seen a Tables Match between 4 people before. The rule seems simple enough, the first person to put someone through a table wins. We get numerous occasions where it looks like someone is about to go through a table but the table is moved by someone else. Robbie E tries to put Hardy through a table but fails and goes through the table instead. Bully and Storm fight it out before Bully gets the advantage and Aces and Eights arrive to distract him. This gives Storm the opportunity to hit the Last Call on Bully and the group gives Storm a thumbs up then leave. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate on Storm. Hardy sets up Storm on the table  and Aces and Eights come out to distract Hardy. This gives Bully the opportunity to grab Hardy and powerbomb him through a table to get the win. This was a fun match , although I felt it was slightly ruined by the appearances of Aces and Eights.
Winner: Bully Ray                           Predictions: 3 for 4

The X-Division Championship is on the line as Kenny King challenges Zema Ion. The match begins with a bit of slapping around. Some of the highlights of the match include Ion attempting a moonsault and missing; and Ion getting a single leg Boston crab. Ion eventually gets the win with a roll up and retains the X-Division Championship. It was a good fun match which showed off both their talents.
Winner: Zema Ion                         Predictions: 4 for 5

The penultimate match was a BFG Series Ladder match between AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. Like most ladder matches, there are a lot of high spots including Angle hitting belly to belly suplexes; Joe hitting the suicide dive on Daniels; Kurt applying the ankle lock on Daniels; and Daniels getting put through the middle of the ladder and then getting kicked by Angle and Joe. The end comes when Kurt climbs up a ladder and Joe climbs up s separate ladder. AJ gets back in the ring and springboards from the top rope onto the ladder and grabs the envelope and gets the win. This was the match of the night and was really enjoyable.
Winner: AJ Styles                      Predictions: 4 for 6

The main event was the TNA World Championship match between Austin Aries and Bobby Roode. Aries spits water into Roode’s face and attempts to apply the Last Chancery a couple of times but Roode manages to escape. Roode decides to leave then realises that that would be a bad idea as he wouldn’t get a rematch if he loses. Roode runs back in and gets the advantage.  There are a few high spots in the match including when Roode puts Aries in the crossface and Aries goes for the 450 splash but is kneed in the gut by Roode. The ref gets knocked out and Roode spears Aries and another ref comes out to make the count but Aries kicks out at 2. The second ref is then taken out and Aries hits the Brainbuster. The first ref gets up and makes the count but Roode kicks out at 2. Roode hits a superplex which puts both of them into a position in which they are pinning each other. Both refs get up and make the count to 3 and declare each person the winner. Roode claims victory, grabs the belt and starts to leave. However, the most corrupt referee in wrestling history Earl Hebner walks down the aisle and grabs the belt off Roode. After a discussion with the other referees, Earl decides to restart the match. Aries attempts a suicide dive to Roode but collides with the title belt that Roode managed to get a hold of. Roode rolls him back in the ring but only gets a 2 count. After arguing with the ref, Roode goes for Aries but is rolled up and Aries gets the win to retain the TNA World Championship. This was a good match. However, I didn’t like that the main event had 2 ref bumps and ended with a roll up.
Winner: Austin Aries                           Predictions: 4 for 7

I enjoyed some aspects of this PPV. I thought that the BFG Series matches were good, especially the ladder match. However, I didn’t like how the event ended and hopefully the next PPV, No Surrender, will have a better ending.

Monday 13 August 2012

Fav Five: July 2012

It's time once again (belatedly) for the Fav Five for July 2012. With two decent PPVs, how will that change the standings?

5. Damien Sandow
Sandow has been one of the best guys to watch on Smackdown. He is an impressive athlete and is probably the best person on the mic at the minute. Sandow was good in Money in the Bank and his appearance at the D-Generation X Reunion at RAW 1000 shows that the WWE may have big things planned for him.
4. Dolph Ziggler
I have been more and more impressed with Ziggler over the last year, especially the way he sells moves. He deserved his victory at the World Heavyweight Championship MITB match and I have really enjoyed his feud with Chris Jericho; making me look forward to their match at Summerslam.
3. AJ
AJ, as always, is fun to watch with her crazy persona. However, since she became RAW General Manager, she hasn't really shown much of that. Hopefully, it may come out over Summerslam and perhaps have a story  where McMahon gets worried over AJ's behaviour.
2. Austin Aries
Austin Aries (the best thing in TNA right now) has stepped up on many levels over 2012. His match in which he won the TNA World Championship at Destination X is one of the matches of the year so far and it's so good to see him at the main event level that he deserves to be.
1. Daniel Bryan
I think Daniel Bryan is a paradox. His 18 second FUCKING LOSS(!!!!) at Wrestlemania would have buried most people. However, he seems to be more over than ever. His evolving persona in which he doesn't like people chanting "Yes!" at him, even going so far as to change his finishing move to the LeBell "Yes" "No" Lock, and  maybe slowly going more crazy than AJ is, has been a joy to watch; and Bryan is, along with Sandow, the guy that I most look forward to seeing on WWE Television.

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 Predictions




It's time for another TNA Pay-Per-View as Hardcore Justice takes place at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. How will the Bound for Glory Series look after this event and will the Aces and Eights get involved? Let's look at the card.

Zema Ion will defend his X-Division Championship against Kenny King in what could be a fun match to watch. Even though I like Kenny King, I think that Ion will be Champion until Jesse Sorenson comes back; so I'm going for Ion to win.
Predicted Winner: Zema Ion

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez take on Gunner and Kid Kash in a tag team match. I'm not sure about this one as I don't care for any of them except for Chavo. I think that he and Hernandez will win this one.
Predicted Winners: Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez

Ms Tessmacher will defend her Knockouts Championship against Madison "Screamer" Rayne. I think this match will strongly depend on whether Madison's crush, Earl Hebner, is the referee. If he is, then Rayne will definitely win.
Predicted Winner: Madison Rayne

We have 3 Bound for Glory Series matches and the first one is a Falls Count Anywhere match between D'Angelo Dinero, Magnus, Mr Anderson and Rob Van Dam. The only I don't see winning is Dinero; as for the others, it's a tough one to call. I'm going for RVD to win this one and climb up the standings.
Predicted Winner: Rob Van Dam

The second Bound for Glory Series match is a Tables Match involving James Storm, Bully Ray, Jeff Hardy and Robbie E. I have never seen a tables match involving 4 different competitors before so it will be interesting to see how that will play out. Except for Robbie E who has no FUCKING right to be in the BFG Series to begin with, it's hard to see who will win this. I'm going for James Storm to pull it out of the bag.
Predicted Winner: James Storm

The third Bound for Glory Series match is a ladder match between AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. It's a hard one to call as they are all capable of winning it. I can see Samoa Joe and James Storm fighting it out to win the Series, so I'm going for Joe to win this.
Predicted Winner: Samoa Joe

The TNA World Championship is on the line as Bobby Roode  gets his rematch against Austin Aries (the best thing in TNA right now). This is a really tough one to call. I can see Roode winning this and facing James Storm at Bound for Glory; but then why give the Championship to Aries? I can also see (although it's less likely) having Joe face Aries at Bound for Glory. I'm going for Bobby Roode to win this. I know that I'm once again going against the best thing in TNA right now but I think that Roode will win and build up the feud between him and Storm.
Predicted Winner: Bobby Roode

Due to the fact that I won't see this til later in the week, the review will be up next weekend. Until then, I hope you enjoy the event.