Sunday 30 July 2017

WWE Great Balls of Fire 2017 Review

WWE Great Balls of Fire took place on Sunday 9th July at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas. Brock Lesnar has decided to grace us with his presence and face the challenge of Samoa Joe for the Universal Championship. So, how will that go? Let's take a look.

The match on the Pre Show was for the Cruiserwieght Championship as "Titus Brand" Akira Tozowa challenges King Neville of the Cruiserweights. Tozowa gets the early advantage before Neville kicks him hard in the head. Tozowa does make a comeback, including applying an octopus stretch, Neville puts Tozowa onto the top rope then kicks it to hurt him. Neville follows that with a kick to get the win. I quite enjoyed this match and I wonder who will dethrone Neville as I can't see anyone doing it at the minute.
Winner: Neville (1 for 1)

The first match of the show is Bray Wyatt taking on Seth Rollins. Wyatt throws Rollins head first into the steel steps to get the advantage. He continues to hit moves such as a superplex and driving him head first onto the apron. Rollins does get back into it with a dropkick and a suicide dive. However, in the end, Wyatt pokes Rollins in the eye and then hits Sister Abigail to get the win. I thought the match was pretty decent between the two.
Winner: Bray Wyatt (1 for 2)

Next is Enzo Amore taking on Big Cass. This match has come full circle as this is the arena where they made their main roster debut. Enzo tries to use his speed to begin with but Cass shoulder tackles him then proceeds to demolish him. Cass then hits Enzo with a big boot to get the win. As expected, this was a squash match and I can't see them having a rematch.
Winner: Big Cass (2 for 3)

We get our second Championship match of the evening as The Hardy Boyz challenge Cesaro and Sheamus in a 30 minute Iron Man Match for the RAW Tag Team Championship. Cesaro and Sheamus take the lead almost immediately as Cesaro distracts Matt Hardy and Sheamus kills him with a Brogue Kick. The Champs  then take a 2-0 lead when they hit Jeff with a double team move. The Hardys make it 2-1 when they hit Cesaro with a side effect by Matt followed by a Twist of Fate by Jeff. However, Cesaro and Sheamus make it 3-1 when Matt gets counted out. The Hardys team up to pin Cesaro and make it 3-2. The pace increases as The Hardys try to equalise and they do when Matt hits Sheamus with a Twist of Fate from the top rope. The Hardys then try to take the lead but with just over 30 seconds left, Jeff hits Sheamus with a Swanton Bomb but they're unaware that Cesaro is the legal man. Cesaro then slides in to pin Jeff to make it 4-3. Cesaro bails and even though Jeff hits him with a Twist of Fate, time runs out and the Champs retain.

The match was dull at certain points but the last few minutes were really good. A strong contender for match of the night.
Winners: Cesaro and Sheamus (3 for 4)

Next is Sasha Banks challenging Alexa Bliss for the RAW Women's Championship. Alexa looks like that she broke her arm but she uses that to hit a cheap shot and gain the advantage. Alexa goes on to attack the lower back but Sasha makes her comeback with forearms. In the end, Alexa gets herself counted out to lseo but retain the title. Sasha doesn't take that well and they brawl to the announce table, ending with Sasha hitting a double knee. This was a good match and whilst I'm not happy with a count out finish, it does set up a rematch. At least I thought it did but it will be Bayley vs Alexa at Summerslam. Normally, I would be ok with that but I think that the majority would prefer Sasha instead.
Winner: Sasha Banks (N/A)

Dean Ambrose challenging Hollywood Miz with the Miz-tourage for the Intercontinental Championship is our next match and Ambrose divides his attack between Miz and his lackeys at the beginning before Axel helps Miz get the advantage. Ambrose hits a swinging neckbreaker to start his comeback and after some back and forth, Bo Dallas hits Ambrose in the back of the head and that gives Miz the chance to hit the Skull Crushing Finale to get the win. Whilst I enjoyed the match, I want other people to challenge The Miz now.
Winner: The Miz (4 for 5)

Next is Roman Reigns facing Braun Strowman in an Ambulance Match. Strowman and Reigns go back and forth before Reigns uses a steel on Strowman's elbow. After some more back and forth, the end comes when Reigns tries to spear Strowman into the ambulance. However, Strowman moves out the way and Reigns goes flying into the ambulance. He then shuts the door and wins the match. Reigns, because he's a dick, beats up Strowman, throws him into the ambulance and drives off and it ends with him reversing the ambulance full speed into a lorry trailer.

The match was pretty good and I thought the ending was brilliant. As for Reigns trying to kill Strowman, that is the epitome of a heel turn. However, it doesn't look like that WWE are doing that right now. I assume that Reigns has to commit mass murder to be considered a heel.
Winner: Braun Strowman (4 for 6)

We get an impromptu match between Curt Hawkins and Heath Slater. Apparently, Slater wins but we don't see it as the focus is on the emergency services tending to Strowman. Whilst this was good to watch, I do wonder if this should have ended the show instead and had the aftermath featured on RAW Talk.
Winner: Heath Slater (apparently) (N/A)

The main event is Samoa Joe challenging Brock Lesnar  for the Universal Championship. Joe attacks Lesnar before the bell and sends him through the Spanish announce table. Lesnar manages to get into the ring and when the bell rings, Joe continues his assault. Lesnar does recover and goes on to hit 6 German suplexes. In the end, Joe puts on the Coquina Clutch but Lesnar reverses into a F5 to get the win. This match was great and not only did it make Joe look like a million dollars but it was probably Lesnar's best match since Wrestlemania 31. If Samoa Joe doesn't become Universal Champion by Wrestlemania 34, I will be very surprised.
Winner: Brock Lesnar (5 for 7)

I actually quite enjoyed Great Balls of Fire. Some of the matches were pretty good and it looks like RAW is in a good place going into Summerslam. The question is whether Smackdown can do the same with their next PPV Battleground.

Sunday 23 July 2017

WWE Battleground Preview 2017

WWE Battleground 2017 poster.jpeg



WWE Battleground will be taking place this evening at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The last Smackdown PPV, Money in the Bank, was a massive disappointment so will this one be any better? Let's look at the card.

Tye Dillinger vs Aiden English
This could be a good match and I'm going for Dillinger to win.
Predicted Winner: Tye Dillinger

Sami Zayn vs Mike Kanellis
I would love for Sami but it's more likely that Mike will win instead.
Predicted Winner: Mike Kanellis

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Baron Corbin
A tough one to call as I can see both guys winning. I'm going for Corbin to win here.

Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles
United States Championship
This is one that I'm really looking forward to and I'm going for Styles to retain.
Predicted Winner: AJ Styles

The New Day vs The Usos
Like last time, I'm going for The New Day to win. Hopefully it will be a clean victory.
Predicted Winners: The New Day

John Cena vs Rusev
Flag Match
I can see both guys winning but I think that Cena will win.
Predicted Winner: John Cena

Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair vs Lana vs Natalya vs Tamina
Elimination Match to Determine the No 1 Contender for the Smackdown Women's Championship
I think that it's between Becky and Charlotte for this one and I think that Charlotte will win.
Predicted Winner: Charlotte Flair

Randy Orton vs Jinder Mahal
Punjabi Prison Match for the WWE Championship
Admittedly I have never seen a punjabi prison match but I've heard that they're not great. Anyway, I feel that Jinder and Randy will deliver a good match and I'm going for Jinder to retain.
Predicted Winner: Jinder Mahal

I'm still catching up on PPV reviews so I will get to publish my review as soon as I can. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.

Friday 21 July 2017

WWE Money in the Bank 2017 Review

WWE Money in the Bank 2017 took place at the Scottrade Center in St Louis on Sunday 18th June. We will see history in the making as the first ever Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. So, who will be Mr and Miss Money in the Bank? Let's take a look.

The Pre Show match was The Colons taking on The Hype Bros. The Hype Bros get the win after they hit The Hype Ryder on Epico. The match wasn't anything special.
Winners: The Hype Bros (1 for 1)

The first match of the event was Becky Lynch, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Natalya and Tamina taking part in the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. Highlights of the match include: Becky and Natalya fighting over a ladder before Natalya suplexed Becky onto it; Natalya putting Becky in the sharpshooter; Charlotte spearing Tamina out of the ring; and Becky powerbombing Carmella off the ladder. The end comes when Becky is on the verge of grabbing the briefcase when James Ellsworth tips the ladder to send her off. He then climbs the ladder, grabs the briefcase and drops it to Carmella for her to win the match.

First of all, I found the match to be a disappointment as I felt that it could have been better. As for the ending, things like this have almost happened. Maryse trying to help The Miz in 2010 is one that springs to mind. However, that didn't end the match and it put a very sour note on what should be a historic match. Instead of discussing whether Carmella is the right person to be the first Miss Money in the Bank, we're talking about the way she won it, which is a very bad creative decision by the WWE. Smackdown General Manager Daniel Bryan does reverse the decision and sets up a rematch on the following Smackdown, which Carmella does go on to win. However, the history making moment has been ruined.
Winner: Carmella (2 for 2)

Next is the Smackdown Tag Team Championship match as The New Day challenge The Usos. The Usos get the advantage when Jimmy pulls down the rope, sending Kofi to the floor. Eventually Kofi stomps on Jey and that gives him the chance to tag in Big E. They hit Jey with The Midnight Hour but Jimmy pulls him out and they go "Fuck this" and lose the match by count out. This was a good match although I was pissed off that it ended in a count out, especially after what happened in the previous match.
Winners: The New Day (3 for 3)

The second Championship is Lana (yes, really) challenging Naomi for the Smackdown Women's Championship. Naomi is dominant to begin with before Lana suplexes Naomi's legs onto the ropes. Lana does go on to hit a sit down spinebuster but after Naomi kicks out, Carmella comes down and teases cashing in the briefcase. This gives Naomi the chance to recover and gets Lana to submit to the Slay-O-Mission to get the win. This was an ok match and Lana showed some potential. However, this had a distraction finish, which you don't need to do. So far, we had a history making moment ruined, an intentional count out and a distraction finish. I don't think this PPV is going well.
Winner: Naomi (4 for 4)

After we see an episode of Fashion Vice and the return of Maria Kinellis with her husband Mike, we get the WWE Championship match with Randy Orton challenging Jinder Mahal. Orton goes for the RKO early on but Mahal rolls out of the ring. He manages to get the advantage after sending Orton over the top rope, landing badly on his left leg. Mahal continues his assault, hitting moves such as a shinbreaker onto the announce table and a figure four. However, Orton gets back into it after hitting a superplex. Orton goes on ot hit the RKO but the Singh Brothers puts Mahal's leg on the ropes and the referee sends them to the back. Instead they go after Bob Orton, who was sitting at ringside and Orton goes after them. This gives Mahal the chance to recover and hit the Khallas on Orton to get the win. I generally enjoyed the match but it had the same ending as the one at Backlash. It would have been nice to have a different ending.
Winner: Jinder Mahal (5 for 5)

The penultimate match is Breezango taking on The Ascension who have claimed responsibility for attacking Tyler Breeze the week before. Fandango gets saved from a tag team move by Breeze then puts Viktor in a small package to get the win. The match wasn't anything special.
Winners: Fandango (N/A)

The main event is AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura in the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match. Corbin attacks Nakamura during his entrance and he ends up being taken to the back by medics. Other highlights include: Zayn doing an over the top suicide dive to Owens; Corbin hitting Ziggler with a Deep Six onto the floor; Ziggler hitting Corbin with a Zig Zag off the ladder; Zayn hitting Owens with a half nelson suplex onto the apron; and Corbin chokeslamming Styles onto the ladder. After Nakamura comes back and beats up Corbin, we get him fighting Styles for a bit before they end up climbing the ladder. However, Corbin tips the ladder to send them flying and climbs up to get the briefcase and win the match.

This was a really good match and I'm quite surprised that Corbin won. It will be interesting to see how he will do if he becomes the Champion.
Winner: Baron Corbin (5 for 6)

I thought that Money in the Bank was a terrible event. The matches were generally good but the endings were fucking shit. We had a man effectively win the Women's Money in the Bank, an intentional count out, a distraction finish and a repeat ending. I pray that Smackdown get their shit together for their next event Battleground. 

Sunday 9 July 2017

WWE Great of Balls 2017 Preview

The first Great Balls of Fire PPV will be taking place this evening at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The RAW PPVs have been a mixed bag recently, so will this one be an improvement? Let's take a look.

Big Cass vs Enzo Amore
First of all, WWE are stupid for splitting this team up as I feel that it's way too soon for them. Despite that, I can see this being quite entertained. Big Cass has to win this otherwise his heel push might derail.
Predicted Winner: Big Cass

"Titus Brand" Akira Tozowa vs King Neville of the Cruiserweights
I don't get why Akira is in this thing with Titus O'Neill. However, like the Cass/Enzo match, I can see them having an entertaining match. Neville has been a breath of fresh air in 2017 and his matches with Austin Aries have been the best matches of the night. I think that Neville will continue his reign.
Predicted Winner: Neville

Seth Rollins vs Bray Wyatt
Due to the fact that I give no fucks about Wyatt, Rollins has to win this.
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins

Roman Reigns vs Bruan Strowman
Ambulance Match
This feud has been quite enjoyable so far and this could be quite a good match. I'm going for Reigns to win here.
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns

Dean Ambrose vs Hollywood Miz
Intercontinental Championship
I've been quite enjoying these matches but I feel that Miz's entourage of Maryse, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel will be the difference here. So, Miz to retain.
Predicted Winner: Miz

Hardy Boyz vs Cesaro and Sheamus
30 Minute Iron Man Match for the RAW Tag Team Championship
This could be another interesting match. I'm going for Cesaro and Sheamus to retain.
Predicted Winners: Cesaro and Sheamus

Samoa Joe vs Brock Lesnar
Universal Championship
This is one match that I'm really looking forward to as it's something fresh. I would love to see Joe win this but I feel that Brock will retain.
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar

I still need to see Money in the Bank and once I've seen that, I'll watch this. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy the show.

WWE Extreme Rules 2017 Review

WWE Extreme Rules 2017 took place at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. After recovering from a serious lung conditon, I have now found the time to watch this.The last few RAW PPVs have been a mixed bag but will this one be any different? Let's take a look.

The match on the Kick Off Show was Apollo Crews with Titus O'Neill taking on Kalisto. After some back and forth, Crews hits a standing 450 splash for 2. When he argues with O'Neill, Kalisto hits him with the Salida Del Sol to get the win. The match wasn't that special and it's weird seeing Crews being a heel by association to O'Neill.
Winner: Kalisto (1 for 1)

The first match of the show is for the Intercontinental Championship as Hollywood Miz challenges Dean Ambrose and Ambrose will lose the title if he gets disqualified. Miz keeps trying to get Ambrose angry so that he would lose his temper but the referee would stop him before that happens. Miz gets the advantage after hitting a DDT onto the apron. Amborse does make his comeback but Maryse tries to get Ambrose disqualified by slapping her husband. However, the referee is not an idiot and ejects Maryse and while he was sorting that out, Miz sends Ambrose into him, sending him to the outside. Ambrose pleads with the referee and Miz takes advantage and hits the Skull Crushing Finale to get the win and become a 7-time Intercontinental Championship.

This match was pretty good but I'm torn about the ending. The referee was clever enough to realise that Miz got Maryse to slap him but not clever enough to realise that Miz might throw Ambrose into him. Despite that, I'm glad that it didn't end in Ambrose getting disqualified.
Winner: The Miz (2 for 2)

Next is a mixed tag team match with Noam Dar and Alicia Fox taking on Rich Swann and Sasha Banks. Fox and Dar would tag each other in when it felt like they were getting beaten. In the end, Swann hits a Phoenix Splash on Dar to get the win. The match was ok but nothing special.
Winners: Rich Swann and Sasha Banks (3 for 3)

We now get our 2nd title match as Bayley challenges Alexa Bliss in a Kendo Stick Match for the RAW Women's Championship. Alexa gives Bayley the opportunity to go for the stick but stops her cos she's a dick. The sitck falls to the ring and eventually Bayley does pick it up but doesn't get to use it. Alexa grabs it and uses it relentlessly. In the end, Alexa throws Bayley into the kendo stick that she had propped up in the corner. Alexa follows that with a DDT to get the win. This match was only 6 minutes long. Also, I don't get what WWE are doing with Bayley. I get her being reluctant to use the stick but she could have gone on to win without using it instead of what we got here. A big disappointment for me.
Winner: Alexa Bliss (4 for 4)

 Next is a steel cage match for the RAW Tag Team Championship as Cesaro and Sheamus challenge The Hardy Boyz. The only way to win is for BOTH members of the team to leave the cage. Keep that in mind by the way. After some back and forth, The Hardys climb the cage but only Jeff escapes. Matt tries to leave a few times but he gets double teamed. Jeff does a whisper in the wind on Cesaro and Sheamus, sending him back into the cage and that means we're back to square one...? Anyway, Matt leaves the cage through the door and is trying to drag Jeff out with him. However, Cesaro and Sheamus just about manage to escape the cage first and win the Championship.

The rules of this match ruined it for me. Putting aside the logic behind a high flying team choosing a steel cage match, did they decide these rules or are they forced on them. I know that steel cage matches used to be that the only way to escape but you can't do that with tag teams. Plus it was probably confusing for the live audience as well.
Winners: Cesaro and Sheamus (4 for 5)

The penultimate match is one that I was really looking forward to: Austin Aries challenging King Neville of the Cruiserweights in a submission match for the Cruiserweight Championship.  Aries uses moves such as a guillotine and a figure four but Neville manages to put on the Rings of Saturn. Aries does get to the ropes and eventually gets Neville to submit to The Last Chancery, but it's outside the ring. In the end, Neville hits the Red Arrow followed immediately by the Rings of Saturn to get the win by submission.

This was a good match and I loved the ending. However, the referee was annoying me during the match. If the only way to win is by submission, why did it seem like that disqualifications and count outs can still happen?
Winner: Neville (5 for 6)

The Universal Champion Brock Lesnar couldn't be fucked to be here so the main event is to determine his next challenger. It's Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Seth Rollins. Highlights of the match include: Balor doing a suicide dive to Joe, Rollins and Wyatt; Wyatt and Joe working together; Rollins hitting a double blockbuster on Wyatt and Joe; Reigns spearing Balor and Joe into the timekeeper's area; and Rollins frog splashing Wyatt through the Spanish Announcers' table. It looks like Balor is going to get the win after hitting a Coup de Grace on Rollins. However, Joe puts Balor into the Coquina Clutch. Balor passes out, giving Joe the win.

This was an enjoyable match to watch. I was surprised that Samoa Joe won but it will give us something different and I'm looking forward to seeing them in Great Balls of Fire.
Winner: Samoa Joe (5 for 7)

I thought that Extreme Rules was a mixed bag, when seems to be the norm for RAW PPVs. Some matches were good but some were disappointing,  especially the Steel Cage match. Hopefully Great Balls of Fire will be an improvement,  although I'm not holding my breath.