Monday 15 December 2014

WWE TLC 2014 Preview

The final WWE PPV of the year, TLC, is taking place this evening at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. For the 3rd PPV in a row, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar is not here. So, how will the event go? Let's look at the card.

In the Pre-Show, Kofi Kingston and Big E from the New Day will take on Gold and Stardust. This one is quite hard to call as New Day are just starting out. I think that Kingston and Big E will win here.
Predicted Winners: Kofi Kingston and Big E

Ryback will take on Kane in a chairs match. This probably won't be a great match but I hope it will be fun. I think that Kane will win here.
Predicted Winner: Kane

Erick Rowan  will face Big Show in a Steel Stairs match. I'm still getting used to Erick Rowan being a good guy and this should be an interesting match. I think that Rowan will win here.
Predicted Winner: Erick Rowan

The Tag Team Championships are on the line as The Usos challenge Hollywood Miz and Damien Mizdow. I'm quite looking forward to this match and it's quite a tough one to call. I'm going for Miz and Mizdow to win here.
Predicted Winners: Hollywood Miz and Damien Mizdow

Nikki Bella will face the challenge of AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. This should last longer then their last match but I feel sorry for AJ in this. I'm going for Nikki to win here.
Predicted Winner: Nikki Bella

Dean Ambrose will take on Bray Wyatt in a TLC match. I'm really looking forward to this and it should be a lot of fun. It's a tough one to call but I'm going for Dean Ambrose to win here.
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose

Jack Swagger will be challenging Rusev for the United States Championship. I can see Swagger pushing Rusev hard but I think he will ultimately fail.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

Luke Harper will defend his Intercontinental Championship in a ladder match against Dolph Ziggler. I'm looking forward to seeing where this match would go and it should be a lot of fun to watch. I would like to see Ziggler win here but I think that it's Harper who will be victorious instead.
Winner: Luke Harper

John Cena will take on Seth Rollins in a Tables match. If Cena loses, it will mean he lose his No 1 contendership to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Yeah, that is not happening. Cena to win here.
Predicted Winner: John Cena

With any luck, I should be able to watch and review this before Christmas. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.

Sunday 14 December 2014

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 Review

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 took place on Sunday 26th October at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Without the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar on the show, how will the show fare? Let's take a look.

The first match is a 2-out-of-3 falls match with Cesaro challenging Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. There was one instance where they are trading near falls then Cesaro hits the giant swing. Cesaro covers but Ziggler reverses it to get the first pinfall. There was a great spot where Ziggler has Cesaro in a standing kimura; Cesaro manages to hold him and climb up the turnbuckle and hit a superplex. Ziggler gets a 2 count after a Fameasser. In the end, Ziggler gets the second fall after countering a Neutraliser to hit an armbreaker, then a superkick then a Zig Zag. I really enjoyed this match and I hope to see more matches between the two.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Predictions: 0 for 1

The next match is Nikki Bella facing Brie Bella. The loser must become the winner's personal assistant for 30 days. After driving Brie's face into her knee, Nikki focuses on the hair. Later on, Brie does a really bad suicide dive and then a missile dropkick. Nikki hits the rack attack for 2 and Brie apllies a Yes Lock but Nikki gets to the ropes. In the end, Nikki hits a brutal forearm then the rack attack to get the win. The match wasn't great but it had a couple of decent spots.
Winner: Nikki Bella
Predictions: 0 for 2

The Tag Team Championships are on the line as The Usos challenge Gold and Stardust. The Dusts work over Jimmy and he does get some respite after sending Goldust over the top rope and gets the hot tag to Jey. Jey dominates Goldust before he gets hit with an AA Spinebuster. The Usos superkick the Dusts at the same time and Jimmy attempts a Samoan drop on Goldust. However, Stardust stops that with a kick to the back of the knee. This gives Goldust the opportunity to hit the Final Cut to get the win. It was a decent match but I feel that they have done better matches together.
Winners: Gold and Stardust
Predictions: 1 for 3

We now, surprisingly, get our first Hell in a Cell match as John Cena and Randy Orton face each other for the chance to become the No 1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Orton is dominant for the first part of the match with the help of a steel chair. Cena makes a comeback but it's quickly cut off by Orton. Later on, Cena attempts another comeback but a shoulder block is countered into a RKO for 2. Orton gets another 2 count after throwing Cena through a table. Orton almost wins it after countering an AA into a RKO. However, Cena eventually gets the win after an AA from the top rope through a table. This was a decent match and the question is, when will we get Cena vs Lesnar III? I don't think it will be anytime soon
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 2 for 4

We now get Hollywood Miz challenging Sheamus for the United States Championship. Miz tries to get his stunt double Damien Mizdow to assist but that doesn't go well. The match goes back and forth before a distraction by Mizdow gives Miz the chance to hit the Skull Crushing Finale for 2. However, it was not enough as Sheamus hits a brogue kick as Miz jumps off the top rope to get the win. Afterwards, Sheamus does the YMCA with a knocked out Miz with Mizdow copying every move then Miz gets another brogue kick. This was another decent match and I can't wait to see more of Mizdow and Miz.
Winner: Sheamus
Predictions: 3 for 5

Next we get Big Show taking on Rusev. Show takes it to Rusev straight away. However, that doesn't last long as Rusev starts to focus his attack on his left leg. Show makes a comeback before Mark Henry comes out and Show hits a chokeslam for a very near fall. Rusev hits 3 superkicks then applies the Accolade to make Show give up. The match wasn't anything special but it was enjoyable.
Winner: Rusev
Predictions: 4 for 6

Next is the Divas Championship match as Paige (with Alicia Foxx) challenges AJ Lee.  We get some chain wrestling to start with. Alicia tries to interfere and fails but it gives Paige the chance ot get the advantage, attacking AJ with knees and stomps. Paige tries the RamPaige but it's countered by AJ. The end comes when Paige tries to suplex AJ from the barrier but AJ pulls her off. Alicia manages to get Paige back in the ring before the ten count and AJ suddenly applies the black widow to get the submission. It was another good match between the two but I thought that the ending came a little bit too quickly for me.
Winner: AJ Lee
Predictions: 5 for 7

The main event is a Hell in a Cell match between Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Ambrose comes out first and, after throwing some chairs into the ring, climbs to the top of the cell. Rollins comes out and demands that his minions Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury go up and get Ambrose. Ambrose destroys them with a kendo stick then Rollins climbs up and they brawl on top of the cell. They eventually end up crashing through the announce table from half way up the side of the cell. After some medical attention, Ambrose gets Rollins off the gurney and throws him into the cell. The match then officially starts and Ambrose proceeds to destroy Rollins. Rollins manages to get some respite after a back suplex onto a pile of chairs. It didn't last long as Ambrose elbow drops Rollins through a table. Rollins then gets some help thanks to Corporate Kane and a fire extinguisher and he powerbombs Ambrose through a table followed by a curb stomp for 2. Ambrose makes a comeback and tries to curb stomp Rollins through some cinder blocks when the arena goes black and we hear some chanting. We get a lantern in the middle of the ring and some smoke signalling the return of Bray Wyatt. He attacks Ambrose and this gives Rollins the opportunity to cautiously pin Ambrose and get the win. Afterwards, Wyatt hits a Sister Abigail on Ambrose.

I really enjoyed this match. I'm torn over this was better then their match at SummerSlam as they both told amazing stories. It's a shame that the feud had to end but I hope that it returns next year over the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Predictions: 6 for 8

I quite enjoyed Hell in a Cell. There were some good  matches and I really enjoyed the main event. I just find it weird that Brock Lesnar wasn't there. I do find it weird that WWE would give their World Heavyweight Championship to a part time wrestler. However, this event does show that you don't need their Champion to be involved. I hope that it doesn't stay that way.

Sunday 23 November 2014

WWE Survivor Series 2014 Preview

WWE Survivor Series 2014 Official Poster.jpg
The 28th Survivor Series will be taking plave this evening at the Scottrade Center in St Louis. Once again, Brock Lesnar is not here so will the vent cope without him? Let's look at the card.

Dean Ambrose will take on Bray Wyatt in what could be a interesting match. It's a tough one to call but I think that Bray will win here.
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt

 Nikki Bella will get another chance to challenge AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. I've enjoyed AJ's reign but I don't really want Nikki to be Champion. However, I feel that they may use the Championship as someone for the Bellas to fight over. Therefore, I'm going for Nikki to win here.
Predicted Winner: Nikki Bella

The Tag Team Championship will be on the line in a fatal-4-way elimination match. Gold and Stardust will face the challenge of The Usos, The Miz and Damien Mizdow, and Los Matadores. This should be a good entertaining match and I think that Gold and Stardust will find some way to win here.
Predicted Winners: Gold and Stardust

 The Divas will have their own Survivor Series match as Alicia Fox, Emma, Naomi and Natalya take on Paige, Cameron, Layla and Summer Rae. Hopefully it won't be as bad as last year's match and I'm going for Paige's team to be victorious.
Predicted Winners: Paige, Cameron, Layla and Summer Rae.

In the main event, Team Authority (Seth Rollins, Corporate Kane, Mark Henry, Rusev and Luke Harper) will face Team Cena (John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Ryback and Luke Harper(??)) in a Survivor Series match. If the Authority win, everyone but Cena will be fired; if Cena wins, the Authority are out of power. This is a really tough one to call. I fully expect Cena to face 3 of them himself then proceed to beat them all with no problem. However, I don't feel that the Authority's reign is ready to end just yet. I'm going for Team Cena here, although I won't be surprised if he gets screwed and he loses.
Predicted Winners; Team Cena

I've had to put wrestling on the back burner recently, hence no Hell in a Cell review at the minute. I hope to have that and the Survivor Series review up in the next few weeks. Until then, I hope you enjoy the show.















Sunday 26 October 2014

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014

Hell in a Cell (2014) poster art.jpg

WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 will be takingplace this Sunday in the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. With the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar not scheduled to make an appearance, it will be interesting to see how this event will go. Let's look at the card.

Big Show will be the latest person to face Rusev. I like Rusev but I am getting a bit sick and tired of him just beating huge guys. It's time for him to challenge for a Championship. Anyway, Rusev to win here.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

Nikki Bella will take on her sister Brie Bella, in which the loser must become the winner's personal assistant for a month. It's a hard one to call but I'm going for Brie to win here.
Predicted Winner: Brie Bella

The Usos and Goldust and Stardust will once again face each other for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. Their matches have been pretty good so I expect the same here. I think that Goldust and Stardust will retain here.
Predicted Winners: Goldust and Stardust

Cesaro has decided to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship in a 2-out-of-3 falls match against Dolph Ziggler. I'm quite looking forward to this match and I think that Cesaro will be victorious here.
Predicted Winner: Cesaro

Paige will once again chgallenge AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. I've quite enjoyed thier matches and I expect to see another good one here. I'm going for AJ Lee to stay the Champion here. 
Predicted Winner: AJ Lee

Hollywood Miz has decided to spice things up and challenge Sheamus for the United States Championship. Whilst I expect that Damien Mizdow will try his best to help, I still think that Sheamus will be victorious here.
Predicted Winner: Sheamus

In the first of two Hell in a Cell matches, Dean Ambrose will take on Seth Rollins. This is the match that I'm most looking forward to and I expect it will be a lot of fun. I really would like Ambrose but I think that Rollins will find some way to win here.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins

In the second Hell in a Cell match, John Cena will face Randy Orton for seems like the 500th fucking time. Yeah, Orton is not winning this match.
Predicted Winner: John Cena

I won't get to see this for a couple of weeks. I've still to watch Bound for Glory and publish a podcast that I recrded almost a month. Hopefully, I'll get the blog up to date as soon as I can. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.























Thursday 23 October 2014

WWE Night of Champions 2014 Review

WWE Night of Champions took place in Nashville, Tennessee. With all the Championships on the line, how many new Champions will we see? Let's take a look.

The first match is for the Tag Team Championship as Goldust and Stardust challenge The Usos. Jey Uso gets worked over after receiving a cheap shot by Goldust. Jey manages to tag in Jimmy but his momentum is stopped after a brutal powerslam on the outside by Goldust. Stardust and Goldust work on Jimmy before he gets the hot tag to Jey. After some back and forth, Jey tries to splash Stardust. However, Stardust gets the knees up and pins Jey to get the win. I quite enjoyed the match although I wasn't a big fan of the ending.
Winners: Goldust and Stardust
Predictions: 1 for 1

Next we get Cesaro challenging Sheamus for the United States Championship. In this, we get a lot of brawling. Near the end of the match, Cesaro avoids a Brogue kick and hits an European uppercut. Sheamus does eventually kill Cesaro with a brutal Brogue kick to get the win. It was an enjoyable match and it told a good story.
Winner: Sheamus
Predictions: 2 for 2

The Intercontinental Championship match was next as Hollywood Miz with Damien Mizdow challenges Dolph Ziggler with R-Ziggler. After a while, Mizdowinterferes then attacks R-Ziggler and mocks the band Florida Georgia Line (never heard of them) who were on commentary. They push down Mizdow and R-Ziggler chases him to the back. Miz applies the figure 4 but Ziggler gets to the ropes. The end comes when Mizdow comes back and gts superkicked by ZIggler. This gives Miz the opportunity to roll up Ziggler and get the win with some help from a handful of tights. It was a decent match and I would say that I look forward to Miz's reign. However, Ziggler regains it the next night.
Winner: Hollywood Miz
Predictions: 3 for 3

We now get a segment with Seth Rollins. He feels that Roman Reigns having emergency surgery for a hernia is not an excuse for him not turning up. Rollins sportingly gives Reigns a ten count to turn up. Obviously, that is not going to happen so Rollins claims victory by forfeit.

Afterwards, Rollins issues an open challenge. Dean Ambrose convienently arrives by taxi to accept the challenge and proceed to beat the fuck out of Rollins all ovwer the arena. Eventually, Security arrive to stop Ambrose and escort him out of the building. I'm glad that Ambrose is back and I can't wait to see how this feud develops.

Next is Mark Henry taking on Rusev. After not gettign Rusev a chance to get going, Henry gets slammed against the steel steps. Rusev works on his back and tries to apply the accolade. However, Henry gets out of it and manages to hit the World's Strongets Slam. Rusev manages to roll out of the ring and hits a superkick when Henry attempts to drag him back in. Rusev hits another superkick in the ring then applies the accolade to get the win. I quite enjoyed the match, although I feel that Henry should have given more of a fight.
Winner; Rusev
Predictions: 4 for 4

Next is the match between Chris Jericho and Randy Orton. Durign the match, Orton does some unpleasant moves to Jericho such as sending him flying over the turnbuckle; and a back suplex onto the announce table. Jericho does get back into it and hits a lionsault after avoiding a RKO. After some back and forth, including a code breaker by Jericho; Orton does get the win afetr a super RKO. I really enjoyed the match and they were a lot of good spots between the two of them.
Winner: Randy Orton
Predictions:  5 for 5

Next is the Divas Championship match with Paige facing the challenges of AJ Lee and Nikki Bella. Paige doesn't get any offence for the first half of this match, which pissed me off because she is the Champion. The end comes when AJ sends Nikki onto the floor then applies the black widow on Paige to get the win. I thought it was a decent match but it seemed more like a AJ/Nikki match. I was surprised that AJ won the match but it makes sense to keep the Championship between AJ and Paige for now.
Winner: AJ Lee
Predictions: 5 for 6

The main event is John Cena challenging Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Lesnar keeps on doing what he did last time and hit 7 suplexes and apply the kimura 3 times. Cena does put up more of a fight and he manages to hit the AA 3times. Cena hits a fourth AA and pins Lesnar. However, Rollins comes in and breaks up the pin, casuing the disqualification. He takes out Cena, hits a curb stomp on Lesnar, driving his head onto the MITB briefcase; then tries to cash in, Cena recovers and brawls with Rollins, preventing him from cashing in. Rollins then flees.

The match wasn't too bad, although I thought the ending made no sense. Surely, if Rollins wanted to cash in, it would make more sense to do it on Cena, instead of a man who could geniunely kill him.
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 5 for 7

I thought that Night of Champions wasn't a bad event. The had some good matches but the WWE seem to be using the same guys all the time in their Pay-Per-Views at the minute. It would be nice to see a bit of variation.

Sunday 21 September 2014

WWE Night of Champions 2014 Preview

 

WWE Night of Champions 2014 will be taking place this evening at the Bridgestone Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. All the Championships will be on the line, so will we see any new Champions after the event? Let's take a look.

Chris Jericho will take on Randy Orton in what could be a good match. It's a tough one to call but I can see Orton winning here.
Predicted Winner: Randy Orton

The other non-Championship match is between Mark Henry and Rusev. I expect Henry to give Rusev a good fight here but he'll still lose.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

The United States Championship match will have Cesaro challenging Sheamus. This could be a good match and it's one that I'm looking forward to. I would like Cesaro to win here but it's more likely that Sheamus will retain here.
Predicted Winner: Sheamus

The Intercontinental Championship match will be between Hollywood Miz and Dolph Ziggler. I quite enjoyed the mnatches that they have had and I can see Damien Sandow helping Miz to win here.
Predicted Winner: Hollywood Miz

The Divas Championship will be defended in a triple threat match with Paige facing the challenges of AJ Lee and Nikki Bella.  I would like Paige retain the Championship here but it's more likely that, unless Brie interferes, Nikki Bella will be your new Divas Champion.
Predicted Winner: Nikki Bella

The Tag Team Championship match will be between Goldust and Stardust and The Usos. This is another match that I'm looking forward to and The Usos have been Champions for a while and it might be time for a change.
Predicted Winners: Goldust and Stardust

The main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship will be the rematch between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. I don't expect Lesnar to be as dominant as he was at SummerSlam. However, he has to win here, otherwise it would all be wasted.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

I'll hopefully get to see the event during the week so until then, I hope you enjoy the show.

Sunday 14 September 2014

WWE SummerSlam 2014 Review

WWE SummerSlam 2014 took place, once again, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Will we see the Paul Heyman Beast become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion? Let’s take a look. 

The match on the Kick-off Show was between Rob Van Dam and Cesaro. Highlights of the match include RVD doing rolling thunder outside the ring; and Cesaro continually stopping RVD going for the 5-star frog splash with European uppercuts. In the end, RVS does manage to hit the 5-star frog splash to get the win. I enjoyed the match and I loved afterwards, Cesaro taking the referee up to the Kick-off panel and bitching that it was a fast count. 
Winner: Rob Van Dam 
Predictions: 0 for 1

After we get Hulk Hogan come out and sell the WWE Network (which is $9.99 a month, apparently), we get the Intercontinental Championship with Dolph Ziggler challenging The Miz. There were some good spots such as Ziglger getting thrown into the turnbuckle; and Ziggler hitting a superkick to the face. Miz applies the Figure Four but Ziggler gets to the ropes. Ziggler hits the Fameasser but Miz immediately hits the Skull Crushing Finale for 2. In the end, Ziggler dodges a kick and hits a Zig Zag to get the win and become the new Intercontinental Champion. I thought it was a good match and a fun way to start the Pay Per View. 
Winner: Dolph Ziggler 
Predictions: 0 for 2

Next is the Divas Championship as Paige challenges AJ Lee. AJ goes on the offensive, pulling Paige's hari out and bouncing her head off the announce table. Later on, Paige bounces AJ 's face off the top of the barrier. After some back and forth, AJ applies the Black Widow. However, Paige gets out of it and hits the RamPaige to get the win and become a 2-time Divas Champion. Whilst it would have been nice if they had more time, I really enjoyed it and I'm loving the fact that they are becoming a bit more brutal in their matches.  
Winner: Paige 
Predictions: 0 for 3

Rusev and Jack Swagger face each other in a flag match, in which the winner will have their flag raised and their national anthem played. That's not the normal definition of a flag match, but whatever. Swagger's entrance was nice with the military Colour Guard. They start fighting before the bell rings and Swagger applies the Patriot Lock, injuring Rusev's ankle. When the bell does ring, Swagger focuses on the injured ankle. Rusev gets back into it and keeps Swagger down with stomps and kicks, while struggling to put pressure on his ankle. Swagger makes his comeback with a belly-to-belly suplex. Rusev hits a brutal superkick then applies a modified Accolade. However, Swagger counters it into a Patriot Lock. Rusev does manage to properly lock in the Accolade, forcing himself to stand on his injured ankle. Swagger passes out and the referee gives Rusev the win. Afterwards, to be a dick, Rusev kicks Zeb Colter in the face and he and Lana stand over them while the Russian National Anthem is playing.  

I thought this was another good match between the two. Swagger not tapping out does probably mean another match between the two and I'm looking forward to it. 
Winner: Rusev 
Predictions: 1 for 4

Next is a Lumberjack Match with Mr Money in the Bank Seth Rollins taking on Dean Ambrose. The point of a Lumberjack Match is that the wrestlers surrounding the ring keep the competitors in the ring. Unfortunately, that falls apart when Ambrose reverses an apron suplex and they both go crashing into a large group of them. Despite their best efforts, Ambrose and Rollins brawl into the crowd and Corporate Kane runs down and helps to organise the Lumberjacks. They drag Ambrose back to the ring and Rollins tries to leave. However, Big E, The Usos and Cody Rhodes Stardust stop that from happening and take him back to the ring. Amborse gets a 2 count after seemingly killing Rollins with a clothesline that JBL would be proud of; then hits Peace of Mind, Rollins' finisher. Kane breaks up the pin and the match degenerates rapidly into a clusterfuck as the Lumberjacks all slide in and brawl with each other. They all throw each other out of the ring, leaving Ambrose with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper. Ambrose disposes of them easily but Rollins comes in and creams him with the Money in the Bank briefcase to get the win. 

I absoutely loved this match. I've not seen many Lumberjack matches but this is the first one where they fuck up the one job they had to do. I loved Kane's role in this match, coming in and sorting the clusterfuck that had occurred. I predicted that Ambrose would win but Rollins winning makes more sense. I can't wait to see them fight again, hopefully in a Last Man Standing match.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Predictions:  1 for 5

Next is Chris Jericho taking on Bray Wyatt with Eirck Rowan and Luke Harper banned from ringside. Wyatt, after dealing with Jericho for a little while, gets the advantage and focusing on the head; sandwiching it against the steel steps and the corner. Jericho would try to make a comeback a few times, but Wyatt would shut that down relatively quickly. Jericho manages to apply the Walls of Jericho but Wyatt gets to the ropes then hits an apron DDT to get back the advantage. Despite Jericho hitting a Code Breaker for 2, it was not enough as Wyatt hits a Sister Abigail into the barricade then another onee back in the ring to get the win. I enjoyed the match and I thought it was better than their one at Battleground. I'm quite interested in this feud and I'm looking forward to their next match.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Predictions: 2 for 6

Next is a match that I'm quite surprised to be looking forward to: Brie Bella taking on Stephanie McMahon. The match is very basic to start with with some arm drags and a wrist lock. Stephanei takes the advantage after countering a suicide dive with an axhandle to the head then a DDT. Brie does get back into it after a Lou Thesz Press and she keeps Stephanie down with kicks and stomps. Triple H then runs down followed immediately by Nikki Bella. Brie counters a Pedigree into the Yes Lock but Triple H pulls out the referee. Brie hits Triple H with a dropkick . Stephanei tries to flee but Nikki stands in her way. When Brie slides back into the ring, Nikki hits her with an elbow and this gives Stephanie the chance to hit the Pedigree and get the win.

Even though it was a bit basic at times, which does make sense, I quite enjoyed the match. I've been really impressed with Stephanie McMahon over the last few months and I'm sure that Triple H made sure that she was capable in the ring. I was surprised that Nikki betrayed her sister. However, because Stephanie is not a trained wrestler, Brie does need someone to feud against and perhaps Nikki is the answer. Good job that they haven't kayfabe acknowledged Nikki's relationship with John Cena; otherwise it might be a bit awkward.
Winner: Stephanie McMahon
Predictions: 2 for 7

The penultimate match is between Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. Both guys try to wear each other down with chinlocks, which I didn't really expect. Reigns hits a Samoan drop and they exchange punches and kicks. Orton slams Reigns onto the announce table then sends him into the steel steps. Reigns hits a Samoan drop from the middle rope then hits the Superman punch. Reigns goes for the spear but Orton counters it into a powerslam. Orton hits an amazing RKO for a 2 count. Orton goes for the punt but reings sweeps away the leg and gets to hit the spear to get the win.

Whilst the middle part was a bit slower than I was expecting, I really enjoyed the match and I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Predictions: 3 for 8

The main event is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as Brock Lesnar challenges John Cena. Lesnar hits the F-5 within a minute to get a 2 count and is pretty dominant throughout the match. Cewna does get in some offence at times but Lesnar shuts them down pretty quickly. Lesnar, in the course of the match, hits FIFTEEN German suplexes. Yes, fifteen. Cena does the AA and later on, applies the STF. However, it was in vain as Lesanr gets out of it and hits another F-5 to win the match.

It was a weird match to watch as I really wasn't expecting Lesnar to be so dominant. I'm so used to Cena always overcoming the odds and prevailing. I didn't think Cena would win but I expected him to put up more of a fight. They're having a remath at Night of Champions and I feel that Cena will be more competitive in that match.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Predictions; 4 for 9

I quite enjoyed SummerSlam. Some of the matches were pretty good and I was surprised at how good the Stephanie/Brie match was. It's nice to see Lesnar be the Champion and it would make sense for him to be the Champion until at least the Royal Rumble. However, since he is in effect a part-time wrestler, I can't see that happening. I'll be pissed, but not surprised, if Cena is the Champion before too long.

Tuesday 26 August 2014

WWE Battleground 2014 Review



WWE Battleground 2014 took place at the St Pete’s Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. The inaugural Battleground was not very good. Will this year be any different? Let's take a look.

The first match on the Pre-Show was Fandango taking on Adam Rose. Layla and Summer Rae have now put their feud behind them and come out with the Rosebuds. In a short match, they distract Fandango long enough for Rose to hit the Party Foul and get the win. This match seemed to be more about the angle between the four of them and less about selling the Pay-Per-View. 
Winner: Adam Rose 
Predictions: 1 for 1

The second match on the Pre-Show was between Naomi and Cameron. There seemed to be a lot of hair pulling by both women in this match and some wrestling moves thrown in there. The end comes when Cameron throws Naomi front first into the ropes then rolls her up for the victory. This match was not very good and it had a terrible ending.  
Winner: Cameron 
Predictions: 1 for 2


The first match is a 2-out-of-3 falls match for the Tag Team Championships with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper challenging The Usos. The Wyatts work on Jey Uso and get the first fall after Jimmy Uso gets tagged in and gets creamed with a big boot by Harper. Jey Uso later on gets tagged in and takes the opportunity of Harper missing an avalanche splash to roll him up and get the second fall. After some back and forth, The Usos get the third fall after hitting a double superkick followed by a double splash on Rowan. I thought that the first two falls seemed a bit sudden. However, I thought it was a really fun match to watch, especially with the near falls near the end.
Winners; The Usos
Predictions: 2 for 3

Next is Dean Ambrose taking on Seth Rollins. At least that was the pan. Ambrose attacks Rollins while he was giving a backstage interview and he is restrained by the road agents and the referees. He is then thrown out of the building by Triple H. I guess we won’t see the match after all.

Now a match that I was looking forward to: Paige challenging AJ for the Divas Championship. Paige gets the advantage early on before getting hit with a tornado DDT. AJ later on applies the Black Widow but Paige gets out of it and hits the Paige Turner for 2. Paige goes for the PTO but AJ avoids it and almost kills Paige with the Shining Wizard to get the victory. Whilst I wished it went on for a bit longer, I thought it was a good match. The next night, Paige attacks AJ and turns heel. It will be interesting to see how Paige does as a heel because she has always been a face as “The Anti-Diva” while she was in NXT. So far, it hasn’t been too bad, so we’ll see how it turns out.
Winner: AJ
Predictions: 3 for 4

Next was Rusev with Lana taking on Jack Swagger with Zeb Colter. The match starts with Lana slapping Zeb Colter as soon as he starts to speak. During the match, Swagger keeps on trying to put on the Patriot Lock. Rusev does get to wear down Swagger, including sending him flying over the top rope. Swagger hits some big moves like the Swagger Bomb and he counters a superkick inot the Patriot Lock. Rusev does manage to get to the rope and the action goes to the outside. Swagger again applies the Patriot Lock but Rusev manages to send Swagger into the ring post. Rusev just manages to slide back in before the ten count to get the victory by countout. Afterwards, Rusev applies the Accolade on an unconscious Swagger. I thought it was a good match and it was refreshing to see Rusev have to work hard to get the victory. I look forward ot seeing more matches between the two.
Winner: Rusev
Predictions: 4 for 5

We now get Seth Rollins coming out and officially(?) winning his match against Dean Ambrose via forfeit. Ambrose, who Triple H had banned from the building, runs in and attacks Rollins. After a lengthy brawl, security manage to get Ambrose out of the building. It seems like they building it up to a match at Summerslam and that should be a good contest.
Winner: Seth Rollins (I guess)
Predictions: 5 for 6

Now another match that I was looking forward to: Bray Wyatt taking on Chris Jericho. Jericho, during the match, tries to apply the Walls of Jericho but Harper and Rowan interfere and eventually get sent to the back by referee Mike Choida. We get some really good back and forth between the two before Jericho hit the Code Breaker out of nowhere to get the win. It was a good match although nothing really stood out and I was surprised that Jericho won
Winner: Chris Jericho
Predictions:  5 for 7

After we see Dean Ambrose attack Seth Rollins as he was leaving the building, we get the battle royal for the vacant Intercontinental Championship. The competitors are: Big E, Alberto Del Rio, Cesaro, R-Truth, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Zack Ryder, Titus O’Neil, Damien Sandow, Heath Slater, Diego, Sin Cara Version 2, Xavier Woods, The Great Khali, Kofi Kingston, Bo Dallas, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz and Sheamus. Khali is, thankfully, eliminated early on and there were some good bits: Cesaro knocking Kofi off the apron and landing on top of Big E's shoulders; Cesaro then superplexing Kofi off Big E's shoulders back into the ring; and Cesaro getting shockingly eliminated by Heath Slater. It looks like Ziggler and Sheamus are the final two and Ziggler eliminates Sheamus by dropkicking an attempted shoulder block from the apron. However, The Miz, who had spent that last half of the match in a heap by the announce table, slides in and eliminates Ziggler to become the new Intercontinental champion. I really enjoyed the battle royal and whilst I was gutted that Bo Dallas didn't win, I'm happy with Hollywood Miz winning and I loved Ziggler's reaction afterwards.
Winner: The Miz
Predictions: 5 for 8

The main event is a fatal 4-way match with Roman Reigns, Kane and Randy Orton challenging John Cena for the WWE World heavyweight Championship. In the beginning, you get to see Kane and Orton work together. That falls apart when Kane covers Reigns after a DDT and Orton doesn’t take that well. You get teases of Cena and Reigns fighting each other but either Kane or Orton put a stop to it. Cena does hit the AA on Kane but he rolls out of the ring. Cena then puts Orton in the STF but Reigns drags Orton out of the ring and throws him over the announce table. Cena and Reigns then have a mini-match, in which Reigns hits the Superman punch then a spear. Reigns, later on, spears Orton through the barricade then spears Kane inside the ring and Cena breaks up the pin. Orton RKOs Reigns but Cena hits the AA on Orton, sending him on top of Kane. Cena then pins Kane to get the win. 
I thought this was a decent main event. They really made Reigns strong, although I don’t really see him as a World Champion, and they told a good story throughout the match. 
Winner: John Cena 
Predictions: 6 for 9

I thought the Battleground was good, with some enjoyable matches. However, the two matches they had for the Pre-Show were not very good. Even though a lot of their audience are watching the event through the WWE Network, there are some people paying to watch it. To help with that, they need matches on the Pre-Show that are enjoyable and I feel that they failed on that count. I hope that the Cesaro/RVD match on the SummerSlam Kick-off Show will be better than these matches.

Sunday 17 August 2014

WWE Summerslam 2014 Preview


WWE's biggest event of the Summer, Summerslam is taking place this evening at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Will we see a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion after the event? Let's look at the card.

Rob Van Dam  will face Cesaro on the Kickoff show. This could be a good match to watch and I think that Cesaro will win here.
Predicted Winner: Cesaro

Rusev will face Jack Swagger in a flag match. Their match at Battleground was pretty good so I'm hoping for the same here. I can see Swagger winning but I'm going for Rusev here.
Predicted Winner: Rusev

The Miz will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler. I think this could be a really good match and I'm going for Miz to win here.
Predicted Winner: The Miz

Brie Bella  will take on Stephanie McMahon in something that I'm quite interested in seeing. Stephanie is not a wrestler but I'm sure her husband Triple H would have made sure she was capable in the ring. Whilst I believe that Stephanie has been in the right during this feud, she is the heel and I think that Brie will win here.
Predicted Winner: Brie Bella

Bray Wyatt will once again face Chris Jericho with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper banned from ringside. I don't know about this as Jericho won last month and if Wyatt wins, it might feel like he doesn't need his buddies. I'm going for Wyatt to win here.
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt

Paige will once again challenge AJ Lee  for the Divas Championship. The matches between the two have been pretty good, although it would be nice if they can given a bit more time. I think that AJ Lee will win here.
Predicted Winner: AJ Lee

Dean Ambrose will get his hands on Seth Rollins in a Lumberjack Match. As Mr Money in the Bank, I feel that Rollins needs to look strong. However, WWE have not done good over the last few years so it's tough to say. I'm going for Ambrose to win here.
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose

Roman Reigns and Randy Orton is a match that I'm quite looking forward to seeing. Like the Ambrose/Rollins match, this is a tough one to call. Reigns has been on fire recently and I think he will win here.
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns

Brock Lesnar will challenge John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This should be a good match. Lesnar may be a part-time wrestler but he has to win here otherwise I feel that him ending the Undertaker's Streak would be a pointless exercise.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

I'll watch Summerslam over the week and the Battleground review will be up in the next few days. Until then, I hope you enjoy the show.


Monday 4 August 2014

Lo-Down Wrestling Podcast: I Quit Match Royal Rumble 1999


Joe Drilling from the What a Maneuver podcast returns as we talk about the I Quit Match between The Rock and Manking at Royal Rumble 1999. We also talk about the Beyond the Mat documentary and how difficult it is to watch the match again after 15 years.

Listen to the podcast here

Monday 28 July 2014

WWE Money in the Bank 2014 Review



WWE Money in the Bank took place at the TD Garden in Boston. After this event, we will see a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion as well as a Money in the Bank briefcase holder. So, who will they be? Let's take a look.

The first match is for the Tag Team Championship as The Wyatt Family challenges The Usos. The Usos show some good double team moves to get some near falls. The Wyatts later on, start to use their strength and size to wear down Jey Uso. Rowan misses a shoulder charge into the corner to give Jey the chance to tag in his brother. Despite Harper hitting a big boot to slow down the momentum, and almost winning it with a sit-down powerbomb, the Usos hit 2 consecutive splashes to get the win and retain the Championships. I really enjoyed this match and I really liked both teams here.
Winners: The Usos
Predictions: 0 for 1

We now get the Divas Championship match as Naomi (with Cameron) challenges Paige. Naomi takes advantage by throwing Paige from the ring to the floor then doing a suicide dive. During the match, we get a lot of pinfall counters. Naomi hits the rear view, which I fucking hate, to get a near fall. Despite Naomi's best efforts, Paige hits the Ram-Paige to get the win. I was actually really impressed with Naomi's athletic ability and I hope she can continue to improve.
Winner: Paige
Predictions: 1 for 2

Next we see Damien Sandow, dressed as Paul Revere, taking on Adam Rose.  Sandow does get some offence in the early going. However, Adam Rose does manage to hit a headlock driver to get the win. The match wasn't anything special. I just feel sad for Sandow. This time last year, he won the opportunity to have a World Heavyweight Championship shot. Since he cashed it in and lost to Cena, he seems to be on a downward course and that's disappointing.
Winner: Adam Rose
Predictions: N/A

Next is the Money in the Bank ladder match between Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston,  Rob Van Dam and Dolph Ziggler. Highlights of this match include: Ambrose tilting the ladder with Kofi and he then bounces off the ropes and splashes Swagger, RVD and Ziggler on the outside; a rolling thunder by RVD sending Rollins onto a ladder; Ambrose suplexing Rollins off the ladder; and Ambrose dislocating his shoulder. Rollins starts to climb up the ladder but is stopped by Ambrose who runs back in. When Ambrose climbs up and is about to grab the briefcase, the Corporate Demon Kane runs in, pulls Ambrose off the ladder and gives him a chokeslam then a tombstone piledriver. Kane then helps Rollins climb the ladder and grab the briefcase. I thought this was a pretty good match and while I did predict that Rollins would win, I'm quite surprised that he actually won. I'm interested to see when he cashes in as it could result in a great feud depending on who the Champion is at the time.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Predictions: 2 for 3

We now get a tag team match with Rybaxel taking on Goldust and Stardust. Goldust and Stardust work really well together and Rybaxel do get some time wearing down Goldust. Eventually Goldust gets to tag in Stardust and he almost wins the match after reversing a muscle up into a cross rhodes for 2. Stardust takes advantage of Axel accidentally hitting Ryback with a clothesline to roll up Ryback and get the win. It was a decent match to watch. I'm kind of torn with Stardust at the minute. Half of me thinks it's great, half of me think it's stupid. Despite that, at least it means that the Rhodes brothers aren't breaking up.
Winners: Goldust and Stardust
Predictions: 2 for 4

The next match is Rusev fucking up Big E(spoiler alert!) To be fair, Big E does get more offence than he did at the last Pay-Per-View and makes it a bit of an even contest. Big E spears Rusev off the ring apron to the floor, which looked nasty and he hit a few suplexes as well. However, it was all in vain as Rusev does manage to apply the Accolade and, despite Big E's best efforts, he is forced to tap out, giving Rusev the win. I thought this match was pretty good and it was nice to see Big E put up more of a fight than he did last time.

Winner: Rusev
Predictions: 3 for 5

Next is the Divas match between Summer Rae and Layla with  Fandango as the special guest referee. Both women spend the match flirting with Fandango at every opportunity; and it does degenerate into a catfight with little wrestling moves actually taking place. Lyal does hit a high kick to the head of Summer Rae to get the win and afterwards, kisses Fandango. I did not give a fuck about this match, which is a shame as Layla and Summer Rae are good wrestlers. Hopefully, they will get better things to do.
Winner: Layla
Predictions: 3 for 6

The main event is a ladder match for the vacant WWE World Heavywieght Championship between John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Kane, Sheamus, Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. All of this is under the watchful eye of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at ringside. Highlights of the match include: Kane chokeslamming Cena to the cheers of the crowd; Kane helping Orton out; Reigns spearing Kane; Wyatt doing the Sister Abigail to Orton; and Orton pulling Cesaro off the ladder into a RKO, making the Authority jump up in celebration. In the end, Cena AA's Kane, pulls Orton off the ladder and AA's him on top of Kane. Cena then climbs the ladder to collect the belts and become a 15-time World Champion (sigh).

I did enjoy the match, although I felt the middle bit of it was a bit slow. Cena winning was a bit predictable but I'm ok with it for now. I don't mind him going past Ric Flair's 16 World Championship reigns, which seems inevitable. As long as they don't give Cena 10 title reigns over the next two years, then I will be happy.
Winner: John Cena
Predictions: 4 for 7

I thought that Money in the Bank was a decent show. It may seem that Cena being Champion once again might be boring. However, the presence of Seth Rollins could lead to an interesting feud. Only time will tell.