12-30-11 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 30, 2011 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Booker T in the ring thanking the fans for a great 2011. Then Cody Rhodes comes out and rags on Booker T again, saying that he is a joke. Then Dustin Rhodes comes out and tells Cody that he is being a Punk to Booker. Then Booker offers Cody another match and wants it to be for the Intercontinental Title. Cody accepts and that will happen next week. Booker left the ring then Cody kicked Dustin and bailed. Then Booker T came back in to check on Dustin. This was a good opening promo. They had some good back and forth stuff here with Cody saying that Booker & Dustin are both finished and Dustin & Booker trying to set Cody straight.

Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. Jinder Mahal. Jinder wins by submission. This match was ok.

Drew McIntyre walks in on Aksana & Teddy Long and says that he is ready for his return match. Long tells that he needs to start winning his matches and says that if he doesn’t beat Ezekiel Jackson, he might have to let him go. Drew says that he will make Zeke beg just like he made Teddy. This was ok.

Alicia Fox & Kaitlyn vs. Natalya & Tamina. Alicia & Kaitlyn win. After the match Tamina lays out Natalya. This was lousy. Who’d Natalya tick off to be booked so badly?

Daniel Bryan & AJ are backstage and Big Show comes by and says that he didn’t need Daniel’s help Monday, because giants don’t need to be rescued. Bryan says that he saw Show in a spot and came out to help him. Then Teddy Long comes by and says that Daniel Bryan & Big Show vs. David Otunga & Mark Henry will not take place because Mark Henry isn’t cleared to compete. Then he says that Otunga wants a rematch with Big Show tonight and Long says the match is on and that Mark Henry will be at ringside with Otunga. Bryan tells Show that maybe giants need saving after all and wishes him good luck. This was a solid promo.

Justin Gabriel vs. Hunico. Hunico gets the pin. This was a solid match. After wards Hunico and Camacho double team Gabriel.

Big Show vs. David Otunga. Big Show gets the pin. This was a squash. Mark Henry was about get in there but Daniel Bryan came out through the crowd and hit Mark Henry in the back with the World Title and then had Henry chasse him to the back while holding the Title and taunting Henry.

Ezekiel Jackson vs. Drew McIntyre. Zeke gets the pin. After wards McIntyre flips out. This was a decent match. I’m not sure why McIntyre is still being booked like a jobber.

Drew McIntyre is backstage complaining to Teddy Long about the referee being biased against him and Teddy says he can’t stand losers who make excuses.

Sheamus come to the ring and talks about the Royal Rumble. Then Hornswoggle comes out and says that he will win the Rumble. Then Heath Slater comes out and rags on them and then Sheamus rags on Slater and chucks him out of the ring. This leads to the next match. This was idiotic. Why is Sheamus being used as a comedy guy? He’s one of the few top baby faces on Smackdown and should be used better!

Sheamus vs. Heath Slater. Sheamus gets the pin. This match was ok. Sheamus dominated most of it.

Daniel Bryan & Big Show are backstage with Teddy Long and Bryan says that he is Big Show’s good luck charm. Big Show doesn’t go for that and Long sets up Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show for the World Title next week. Then Daniel says that no matter what happens next week, his World Title reign was longer than Big Show’s 45 second reign. This was ok too. One of these guys will be turning heal for sure. I’m interested in seeing Daniel Bryan as a heal.

They show another 1/2/12 video clip saying that it ends this week.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a Falls Count Anywhere match. The match goes to a No Contest after Orton goes down a flight of stairs. This was a good brawl. They went into the crowd and then got in an elevator and went up a couple levels. Then they fight by the stairs and when the camera man comes in Orton’s already fallen. Barrett walks out and they show Orton lying at the bottom of the stairs to end the show. (Randy Orton actually suffered an injury and this was the storyline for writing him of TV)

I thought that this week’s show was ok but not as good as other ones. The opening promo with Booker, Dustin & Cody was good and the Orton-Barrett match was too. The Daniel Bryan-Big Show tension was decent too and I would like see Daniel Bryan be the heal here. I’m not sure why they have Sheamus in a comedy role with Hornswoggle since he is the only other top good guy besides Orton (who will be out for a while). Overall I thought this was a middle of the road show.

12-29-11 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 29, 2011 episode of Impact

The show starts with Gail Kim & Madison Rayne coming to the ring and Madison tells Tara & Brooke Tessmacher to come out. They come out and Madison “fires” them for attacking her last week. Then Sting comes out and Madison doesn’t think there is a reason for Sting to be out there. Sting tells Madison that she can’t take Karen’s role as head of the Knockouts. Then he tells Gail that she will defend the Knockouts title tonight and he brings out her challenger, Mickie James. This was a decent opening segment. I thought Sting shrieking like Madison and the 2 of them going back and forth was kind of funny.

Scott Steiner & Abyss are backstage and Steiner says that they are the best team. Whatever.

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament match: AJ Styles & Frankie Kazarian vs. Abyss & Scott Steiner. AJ & Kazarian win Kazarian pins Steiner after Abyss gives him a Black hole Slam. After the match Bully Ray comes out to confront Abyss and they go to commercial. Back from commercial and Ray says that he’s tired of Abyss trying to push him & Steiner around and imposing his will on people. Then he calls Abyss a bully. Then he mentions how they helped him win matches. Abyss takes the mic and asks if he really wants to know what he wants. He says that he wants to face Ray at Genesis and says that if he loses he will rejoin Immortal (That makes no sense). Ray accepts then Abyss tells him that their match will be a Monster’s Ball match. This was some good stuff. The match was solid and the post match promo with Abyss & Ray was really good. Ray is tremendous on the mic.

They show Kurt Angle & Sting backstage talking about Angle’s bit from last week. Then Sting says he should have a match tonight. Angle asks who he wants him to face and Sting says he has the right person and hints at who he will face. Angle figures out who Sting has in mind and says he won’t face RVD. Sting says the match will take place. This was ok.

They show Ric Flair & Gunner backstage and Flair talks about how what Gunner has been doing has made him a real bad man. Gunner mentions the ambulance behind them and that his third victim will be tonight. He says that he is going to the top and Flair says that he is going to be the man. I wasn’t into this. I think it’s good that they’re pushing Gunner but it seems to be hit and miss at times. Also I’m real tired of seeing Flair!

Tony Nese vs. Zima Ion in the final match of the best of 3 series-Contract on a pole match. Austin Aries is on commentary. Ion wins and will be in the 4 Way with Kid Kash, Jessie Sorensen & Champion Austin Aries at Genesis. This was a good match. It wasn’t as good as the other 2 but it was still good. Both these guys are talented. Nese particularly shows a lot of potential.

Douglas Williams vs. Gunner. Williams wins by DQ when Gunner shoves the referee. Afterwards Gunner pulls back the floor mats and gives Williams a DDT on the concrete.

TNA World Champion Bobby Roode comes to the ring and mentions how a lot have expressed their opinions of him. He mentions that there was a friend who came on the show and said that he is selfish. He says that he is the leader of the selfish generation. Then he mentions that he flew his friend to the Impact Zone so that he can come to the ring and tells him what he thinks of his tactics. He tells the fans that he is a long time friend of his and asks him to come to the ring. The guy is in the crowd and Roode tells the fans to applaud him. He comes in the ring and the fans chant his name. Roode gets him a mic and the guy mentions how his friends and family have been trying to call him and have gotten no response. Then he says that he doesn’t know who he is anymore. Then he talks about how Bobby wasn’t a selfish guy and that he misses the “old” Bobby Roode. Then he mentions that he takes Roode’s kids to hockey practice and they always ask where there dad is. Roode says that his friend was his lackey. Then he rags on his parents saying they were never there for him. He says the same about his sister. Then he tells the guy not to bring up his kids. Then he says that they’ve had their 15 minutes of fame and their time is up. Then he attacks the guy but then Jeff Hardy comes out and Roode bails. I wasn’t into this. I don’t get why they have Roode’s family all in shock that he’s being a heal when he’s been a heal throughout most of his TNA run!

Eric Young & ODB are backstage and Eric talks nonsense again. ODB asks if they’re on the same page and Eric says that they are and he rambles more. This was typical Eric Young idiocy.

Kurt Angle is backstage and he talks about his match with RVD saying that this match isn’t fair. Then he says that he doesn’t have to face RVD or James Storm. This was ok for what it was.

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament match: Samoa Joe & Brutus Magnus vs. Eric Young & ODB. Joe & Magnus win when Joe pins Young. This was a comedy match.

Mickie James is backstage talking about her Title match with Gail Kim and says she want the Title and that she is ready. This was a solid promo.

Rob Van Dam vs. Kurt Angle. Angle wins by DQ when James Storm comes in. This was a decent match.

RVD & Kurt Angle cut promos about the match while they show clips of what happened. James Storm cuts a promo saying that Kurt Angle got a little taste of what he will get at Genesis. Kurt Angle then rags on Storm and says that he isn’t a real wrestler. I’m not sure what they were doing with this.

Mickie James vs. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim for the Title. Kim gets the pin after a masked woman comes in and hits Mickie with Madison’s finisher. The woman goes under the ring and she peaks out and it’s Madison Rayne wearing Jeff Hardy face paint. I’m not sure why she had her face painted. This was a really good match but the finish was lame.

I thought that this was a good episode overall. There were some good matches and the promos for the most part were good. I thought the opening segment was funny and I liked the Ion-Nese match. I still don’t get why they have the wild card tournament but the AJ & Kazarian-Abyss & Steiner match was good. I’m not sure why they had Bobby Roode’s “friend” on the show saying that he’s not the Bobby Roode he knew. That whole storyline doesn’t make sense. RVD & Kurt Angle had a decent match too and they continued the James Storm-Kurt Angle feud. I liked the Mickie-Gail match up till the finish. I thought they both really worked hard. I’m not sure why they had Madison Rayne come in masked and wearing face paint. On the whole though I thought that this week’s episode was better than others.

12-26-11 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 26, 2011 episode of Raw

The show starts with CM Punk’s music playing but Johnny Ace comes out wearing a CM Punk t-shirt. He says that the new golden era will continue in Punk’s home town, Chicago. He then says that he is a Punk believer. Punk’s music plays again and he comes out. Punk says that Ace is trying to get a reaction from him. Then he asks what is stopping him from kicking him in the face. Ace says he might fire him. Then he says that since it is the holiday season he wants to give him a holiday gift he wouldn’t expect. He then gives Punk the night off. Then he asks who says he can’t be unpredictable. Punk says that everyone knows that he can’t be unpredictable. Then he says that Punk will be in a gauntlet match tonight and if any of them beat him they will get a WWE Title match on next week’s Raw. Then Punk asks what happens after he wins. Ace says he hasn’t given that much thought and Punk says that is the problem. Punk then says that after he beats 3 guys he has a fourth match being Punk vs. Johnny Ace. Ace says that Punk doesn’t want to do this. The fans chant, “You can’t wrestle” at Ace. Punk then asks the fans if they want to see Punk vs. Ace tonight and of course they cheer for that. Ace accepts Punk’s challenge. This was a decent opening segment. Punk was great on the mic as usual.

They show the 1/2/12 video saying it begins next Monday. I don’t know they don’t have the announcers mention these.

Booker T vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Booker T gets the pin. This was a good back and forth match. I’m not sure why they had this match again and why they had Booker win, but at least it was a good match.

Zack Ryder is backstage with John Cena thanking him for being U.S. Champion. Cena says Ryder doesn’t owe him anything and that he earned the U.S. Title. Ryder then asks what’s up with Kane. Cena says that if Kane’s around, he will make sure that 2011 goes out with a bang. The fans booed Cena.

Jerry Lawler announces who CM Punk’s 3 opponents will be. They are Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler & Mark Henry. Lawler then mentions that if Punk wins all 3 matches he will get a match with Johnny Ace.

Big Show & Kelly are backstage and referee Scott Armstrong comes in and tells him that Johnny Ace wants to see him. This was idiotic.

They show Johnny Ace and David Otunga backstage and Ace is on his cell phone telling Brodus Clay he will make his return next week (I doubt that will happen). Big Show then comes in and they replay him punching out Otunga on Smackdown. Otunga yaps and Show says that he can beat him with one arm tied behind his back. Ace then offers to make the match and Otunga takes it. Show says he sees what’s going on and he hints punching Otunga again. This was dull. I’m beyond tired of Johnny Ace and David Otunga.

Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger are backstage and they argue. Vickie Guerrero comes in and says that it doesn’t matter who beats Punk but all that matters is that one of them will beat Punk and bring the WWE Title to her stable. Mark Henry then comes by and says, “Excuse me.” This segment was ok. Mark Henry coming in was kind of funny.

U.S. Champion Zack Ryder & Eve Torres vs. Tyson Kidd & Natalya in a Mixed Tag Team match. Ryder & Eve win when Ryder pins Tyson. This was a decent match. I don’t know why Tyson & Natalya are being booked like jobbers.

John Cena’s music hits and he comes out to a huge amount of boos! He says that he can’t say that he’s Chicago’s favorite son. He mentions that he had his first match in this arena and talks about the mixed reaction he gets. The fans continue to boo him. Cena then says that there is magic in this building and mentions that there were 3 WrestleManias in Chicago. He mentions that Chicago was where Eddie Guerrero was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Then he mentions that Punk beat for the WWE Title there at Money in the Bank. Then he says let the world remember Chicago. Then he says that they will see him vs. Kane. The Miz’s music hits and he comes out and says that they have some lose ends to tie up and that 2011 was the year of The Miz. He mentions beating Cena at Mania and says that the win was tainted because of The Rock. He says that Rock stole his moment and that he doesn’t need Rock to beat Cena. Then he says that he wants the final image of 2011 to be him standing triumphant over Cena. Cena then asks for a referee to come out and have the match right now.

John Cena vs. The Miz. Miz goes outside the ring, gets the mic and tells the fans that they’re chanting the wrong guy’s name. Then he says forget the match and he is the most must see WWE Champion of all time. Then he says that this match doesn’t matter and that he is a winner. He talks some more and then R-Truth’s music plays and he comes out and goes after Miz. Truth throws him into the announce table and the ring barrier. Then he throws him into the steal steps. Truth gets the mic and says that there isn’t any fun in finishing this right now. He continues to beat on Miz. Then he says that the problem with Christmas is that once the gifts are open it’s over. He says that he will beat down Miz every Monday and will take his time with him. He says that “Little Jimmy” said it’s ok and that in the new year auld acquaintance is “gonna get got.” Then he hits Miz with a water bottle. The Cena promo at the start was the usual kind of Cena promo and the fans booed him. The match wasn’t much and Cena won by count out, but Truth attacking Miz and saying that he will do that to him every Monday was good.

 Big Show vs. David Otunga with one arm tied behind Big Show’s back. Mark Henry’s music plays and he comes out and gets in the ring. The referee calls for the bell, so I guess Show wins by DQ. LAME! Henry then punches Show. Then Daniel Bryan comes out and Big Show unties his arm and goes after Henry, but Otunga comes in and Big Show choke slams him. This was ok. The match wasn’t much, but I thought the continuing of the Big Show-Mark Henry feud was decent. Maybe we’ll Bryan vs. Show vs. Henry for the World Title at the Rumble.

Alberto Del Rio’s music plays and he come out in a wheel chair and Ricardo Rodriguez has a neck brace. Del Rio says that he won everything in 2011 and brought class and honor to WWE and that he is now injured with a torn groin. He says it doesn’t matter because he will be back. Then the Bella Twins come out and one of them tells the fans that they should show him respect. Then the other one says that she will have a big return party for him. Then they argue over whose idea that that was and Del Rio tells them to split. Then he says that he will be back more vicious and aggressive then ever before and that he doesn’t care who he has to destroy, he will be WWE Champion again. This was ok. Del Rio cut a good promo but the Bellas were boring as usual. (Del Rio is actually going to be out because of an injury for awhile.)

Time for CM Punk to run the gauntlet.

CM Punk vs. Jack Swagger. Punk gets the pin. This was solid and was longer than I thought it would be.

CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler. Swagger attacks Punk before Dolph gets in the ring. The referee asks Punk if he can go. Punk says he can and the match starts and they go to a commercial break. Back from commercial and the match is in progress. Johnny Ace comes out and says that there has been an injustice and tell the referee that Vickie tripped Punk and Ace kicks Swagger & Vickie out. This all happens while Punk has Dolph pinned. Ace then distracts Punk and Dolph gets the pin. So Dolph Ziggler will face CM Punk for the WWE Title next Monday. Dolph celebrates running around the ring holding the Title and he walks up the ramp with it. The match ok but the way they had it end with boring Johnny Ace distracting Punk was dumb. Punk vs. Dolph could be good if they book it right, but they should have it at the Royal Rumble.

Time for Kane to talk about why he’s been attacking Cena. He says that he might wear a mask but the fans are living the lie. Before he can say anything further John Cena’s music plays and he comes out. Then Kane’s pyro goes off and he says he’s not here to pick a fight with Cena. He mentions that he made Cena his victim because he has lead them astray and that telling them to rise above the hate is bull because the world is a dark place. He says that humans are hateful by nature and that the natural reaction is to embrace hate. Then he goes on a rant and says that people hate their miserable existence. Then he says that the rising above is a lie and that hate is the seed from where everyone’s born. He says that it motivates people and he knows that Cena feels it too. Then he says that once Cena embraces the hate he becomes free and honest with himself. He mentions that Cena grows weaker with his denial and that he can never be free if continues to deny the truth. Then he says that he and all the fans are going to help him on his path towards enlightenment because the last thing that will hear this year will be the fans chanting, “Cena sucks.” He says that a few times and the fans have a mixed reaction with the dueling “Let’s go Cena-Cena sucks” chants. Cena stands on the ramp as the fans continue the back and forth chant and he soaks it in. That ends the show. This was terrible.

I thought that this week’s show was a mixed bag on the whole. There were some good matches and some lame booking. The opening promo was decent. Punk was good as always. R-Truth returning and attacking The Miz was good too. Punk-Swagger was solid and was longer than I expected it to be. His match with Dolph was ok but the finish was awful. The Kane promo at the end was awful too. I’m not sure what they’re doing with him and Cena about the whole “let the hate flow through you” bit. Overall this was a mixed bag episode this week.

12-22-11 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 22, 2011 episode of Impact

The show starts with Bobby Roode & Bully Ray coming to the ring and Roode talks about how he loves this time of year and wishes the fans a Merry Christmas. Then he says that he hopes the fans love the gift that he & Ray gave them last week when they beat down Sting. Ray says that he’s not Scrooge and says that he is a giving person and loves giving beatings and says season’s beatings to Jeff Hardy & Sting. Then Roode talks about how he’s a bad man and he tells Sting to come to the ring so Sting can suspend him. Jeff Hardy then comes out and doesn’t get in the ring. He says that this isn’t about Roode and Sting, but it is about Roode and him. Hardy says that there will not be a suspension because he will win the World Title at Genesis in 3 weeks. Then he tells Roode & Ray that they will be facing him and a partner of his choice later tonight. Ray tells Jeff that he has no friends and is not loved like he is. Sting then comes out with his Joker face paint and says that Jeff Hardy is loved all over the world (I’m not sure about that) and that he would be honored to team with him later. Roode says he can’t do that and Sting says that he just did. This was a decent opening segment. Roode & Ray cut good promos.

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament Match: AJ Styles & Frankie Kazarian vs. Rob Van Dam & Christopher Daniels. AJ & Kazarian win when Kazarian pins Daniels after RVD kicks him. This was a good back and forth match even if having RVD & Daniels teaming doesn’t make sense.

Tony Nese cuts a promo saying that he has the heart to stands with the X Division and heavyweight wrestlers. Then they replay Zima Ion’s promo.

Match 2 in the best of 3 Series: Zima Ion vs. Tony Nese. Nese gets the pin. This was a good back and forth match too. They’re now tied 1-1.

Madison Rayne is backstage saying that Impact wrestling will never be the same. Then she mentions that Karen Jarrett made her in charge of the Knockouts and that the referee gear is her first business act and she has something planned for later. I still don’t get why Sting left a heal in charge of the Knockouts in the first place.

Pope cuts a promo backstage saying that he is like a father to Devon’s sons. Then he says that Devon should be more like him. Then he mentions that they have a match at Genesis. Devon comes in and chews out Pope and rams him against the wall. Then Devon’s sons come in and one of them hits him with a chair. Pope rags on Devon some more. I wasn’t crazy about this.

They show Eric Young & ODB having dinner. Then a waiter comes in with a whiskey bottle and Eric Young pulls his shirt. Young says that he is nervous about their first date and ODB mentions that this isn’t a date. Young walks out and ODB asks where the bar is. This was idiotic.

Madison Rayne comes to the ring in her referee gear and she tells Tara & Brooke Tessmacher to come out. They come out and Madison tells them that she will destroy everyone beneath her and she will start with the 2 of them and says that they will face each other. Then she mentions that she will be the referee.

Tara vs. Brooke Tessmacher with Madison Rayne as the guest referee. The match goes to no finish when they both attack Madison. This was terrible! Madison tried to turn them against each other and it looked like it was working but they’re still a team.

Sting mentions that he’s wanted to team with Jeff Hardy for a while and that Jeff Hardy got into wrestling because of Sting. Hardy says that teaming with Sting is a dream for him. Then they mention their match with Bully Ray & Bobby Roode. This was ok.

They show Eric Young in a kitchen looking for something for ODB. Some guy comes in and says he’s calling security, Young pushes him, then he gets a fan. This was idiotic too.

James Storm comes to the ring and wants to talk to Kurt Angle. He tells him that there are 2 places that Angle can find him at. Either at the bar or with the fans. Then he talks about how there match was like a football game. He mentions that Angle had control of the match but in the “fourth quarter” he got the job done. They show a video of Kurt Angle in Leather Sport, TN and he is dressed like a cowboy. He spits a beer in a girl’s face and tells Storm where he would be. Then he tells Storm, “Sorry about your damn luck.” This was decent. Storm’s promo was good as usual but Angle’s part was kind of hokey.

Shannon Moore cuts a promo backstage saying that he & Anarquia don’t get along. He then says that he will fight and win no matter what Anarquia does. Whatever. This was dull.

Bully Ray & Bobby Roode are backstage and mentions that 2 of the greatest wrestlers are teaming tonight to face Jeff Hardy & Sting in a street fight. Roode says that he has Sting where he wants him and that tonight Sting will get his and Hardy will get a taste of what he will get at Genesis. Ray then says that someone is going through a table. This was good promo.

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament Match: Eric Young & ODB vs. Shannon Moore & Anarquia. Young & ODB win when ODB pins Anarquia. Moore walked out during the match. This was crappy. I’m tired of the goof ball Eric Young bit.

Matt Morgan & Crimson talk about the Wild Card Tournament. Crimson says he doesn’t know why any of them would want to win this tournament and challenge them. Morgan says they will face any tag team.

They show Kurt Angle at the bar in TN and he attacks some people and then he drops a Christmas tree on someone. This was hokey too.

Jeff Hardy & Sting vs. Bully Ray & TNA World Champion Bobby Roode in a Street Fight. Hardy & Sting win when Hardy pins Roode after he hits a splash off the top rope through a table. This was a good match. There was a lot of plunder and brawling. Jeff Hardy poses on the ropes to end the show.

I thought that this was a mixed bag show on the whole. There were some good matches on here. I liked the main event, the Ion-Nese match. The AJ & Kazarian-RVD & Daniels match was good too and I liked the opening promo. I wasn’t into the Devon-Pope bit this week. That storyline is idiotic. I also don’t get why Sting is letting a heal run the Knockouts division. If he “fired” both Jeff & Karen then shouldn’t he have picked who will be in charge of the Knockouts? The James Storm promo was good too but Kurt Angle being in the bar was kind of lame. Overall this was a middle of the road show.

12-19-11 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 19, 2011 episode of Raw

The show starts with a long drum roll and then CM Punk’s voice comes over the speakers that live from philly it’s Monday Night Raw. Then he rags on Johhny Ace for being uncreative. Then he says, “Who was the winner of the TLC match” and Del Rio’s, Miz’s & Punk’s pics show up on the screen and said that he the best wrestler in the world won. Punk’s music plays and he comes out. Punk talks about the TLC match and that he managed to retain the WWE Title. Then he talks about the U.S. Title match and does the who was the winner bit and then Dolph’s & Zack’s pics show up on the tron. Then Ryder’s music plays and he comes out. Punk says that he has saved the biggest for last and he talks about the World Title match and does the “who won” bit again. Henry’s & Show’s pics show up on the tron. Punk says that Show won and then the unthinkable happened and that Daniel Bryan became World Champion. Bryan’s music plays and he comes out. Punk says he figures that Philly would a city that would appreciate this and the fans chant ECW! Punk then says that he and Bryan met 10 years ago and who would’ve thought that 10 years later they would be standing in a WWE ring as WWE & World Champion. Then he puts over Ryder and Punk says this his crazy. Then he says that tonight is not about him, but about Ryder & Bryan. He mentions how he has watched them both break their backs for the fans. Ryder says that he asked his dad if was really the U.S. Champion and his dad said the Ryder catchphrase. Then Bryan says that people never expected him to get to WWE and then he says now he is not only there but he is THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! He was going to say more but The Miz, Dolph Ziggler & Alberto Del Rio come out. They try to attack the faces but they hold them off. The heals strategize on the outside and then Ryder dives onto them and the brawl starts. Then Johnny Ace comes out (boo!) and says that last night he gave them all opportunities. Then he says that tonight’s main event will be Daniel Bryan, CM Punk & Zack Ryder vs. Alberto Del Rio, The Miz & Dolph Ziggler. He says that this is their Christmas present and wishes everyone Happy Holidays. This was a really awesome opening segment. Punk cut a great promo as usual and seeing him in there with Ryder & Bryan all as champions was a great moment. The mini brawl was good too, but of course Johnny Ace was his usual boring self and made the predictable 6 man tag, but that should be a good match.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett. Orton wins by DQ after Barrett thumbs him in the eye. Afterwards Barrett continues attacking Orton and gives him the Boss Man Slam. Then he gets a table out from under the ring. Orton gets up and Barrett gives him a big boot. Then he set up the table gave Orton Waste land through the table. This was good too I thought. They’re continuing this feud and I’m ok with that. This feud has been good.

They show still shots of the Triple H-Kevin Nash match from last night and they mention that Nash got injured and will be out 6 weeks. Actually from what I read/heard that was his final on screen appearance.

Alicia Fox vs. Divas Champion Beth Phoenix. Alicia gets the pin. This was short and pointless. I don’t know why they continue to have Natalya & Beth lose in 1-2 minutes. Alicia gets the mic and hopes everyone has a foxy holiday. Lame! It looks she will be the challenging for the Divas Title next. Oh joy! (Not!)

Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal. Before the match Jinder says that Sheamus has no class and no honor and that it is about time that somebody puts him in his place. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a short decent match.

John Cena comes to the ring. First he mentions that a lot fans don’t like and gets all sarcastic about it. Then he mentions his match with Rock at WrestleMania 28. Then he talks about Kane choke slamming him last week. He says that he is here to face his fears and then says that if he choke slammed Cena last week on purpose they should handle their business now. Mark Henry’s music plays and he comes out. He says that he had Cena last week and that if it weren’t for Kane he would be in the hall of pain. Then he mentions how Cena’s out here making jokes and he says he’s not in the mood for any. Then he talks about losing the World Title last night and that he is here to talk about his injuries and why he lost. Then he tells Cena to beat it. Kane’s music then plays and he comes out. Henry goes outside the ring and Kane stares him down as Henry backs off. Then Kane turns to Cena. He takes his helmet off and gets in the ring and Cena clotheslines him out of the ring. The Kane throws Cena on to the announce table and then he places his hand on Cena’s face and smothers him. He rips Cena’s shirt off and walks out as Cena gasps for air. This was some decent stuff. Cena’s promo at the start was lousy as usual, but Henry cut a good promo and him backing down from Kane but also telling him he’s not scared of him was ok. The beat down on Cena was ok too.

The Usos vs. Primo & Epico. Primo & Epico win when Epico pins Jimmy. They show Kofi & Bourne watching the match on a monitor backstage. This was a solid match. All these guys are really talented. They should be booked better, but it looks like Primo & Epico will be challenging for the Tag Titles.

Josh Mathews interviews Cody Rhodes and asks him how he fells after beating Booker T. He says Booker’s come back was idiotic and then he talks about the Royal Rumble. Santino Marella then comes in and he has a Christmas cobra for him. This was dumb. Cody’s promo was good but the Santino bit is way old.

Santino Marella vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Cody gets the pin. This was a squash.

They show the end of last week’s Tribute to the Troops show.

They show The Bellas backstage with Johnny Ace and they argue with each other and tell him about Teddy Long. Ace says that mangaemnet is watching Long and he wishes them a Merry Christmas. Vickie Guerrero then comes in and says that Dolph got cheated out of his U.S. Title. She goes nuts and David Otunga comes in and then Hornswoggle comes in with a missile toe and kisses Vickie. Vickie flips out some more. This was idiotic.

They show Zack Ryder celebrating his U.S. Title win with his dad and his dad says that he is proud of him.

Josh Mathews interviews Big Show and Show mentions that after 9 years he had the World Title in his hand and that it went away in seconds. He says that he was speechless and he blames himself because he encouraged Bryan to cash in the MITB case. Then he gives him credit and says that Daniel’s living his dream. Then Josh says that Show the shortest World Title reign in history. Show says he is ok and he walks off. This was a decent promo.

Before the 6 man tag they show another 1/2/12 video.

World Champion Daniel Bryan, WWE Champion CM Punk & U.S. Champion Zack Ryder vs. The Miz, Alberto Del Rio & Dolph Ziggler. Bryan, Punk & Ryder win when Bryan makes Del Rio tap. This was a really good match. The faces celebrate with the fans as Bryan stands on the ring barrier and Punk stands on the announce table to end the show.

I thought that his week’s show was good overall. It was easily way better than last week’s! I liked the opening segment with Punk, Bryan & Ryder in the ring as champions and the heels coming out led to a really good main event 6 man tag. The Usos and Primo & Epico had a good match too. They should really give these guys the push they deserve. Big Show’s promo was good too. I’m not sure if he will turn heal but  we’ll see in the next few weeks. They might do Bryan vs. Show for the Title at the Rumble. The Divas stuff was pointless as usual. I have no idea why they have Natalya & Beth lose in such short matches. It makes them look really weak. The Cena-Kane-Henry stuff was good too I thought. Henry’s going to be out for awhile because of injuries so him backing down from Kane was ok. Kane attacking Cena was ok too. The Cody promo was good till Santino came in. On the whole I thought that the good outweighed the bad this week and they did a decent job in setting up the follow up storylines.

12-16-11 Smackdown results and thoughts

   Coverage and thoughts on the December 17, 2011 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Josh Mathews in the ring and he interviews Booker T. Josh asks him if he is ready for his TLC match with Cody Rhodes and Booker asks the crowd if he looks ready. He says that he never wanted to fight Cody but Cody’s ego forced him to. Then he mentions that won’t be Cody’s “legitimizer” and says that he will add the Intercontinental Title to 5 WCW World Title reigns (Booker held the Intercontinental Title before). Then Josh asks him that if he wins the Intercontinental Title would he make an in ring return. Booker says he’s not sure about that. He mentions how he will give Cody the beating of his life at TLC. Then Cody Rhodes comes out and says that Booker is an announcer and that Cody will not let him make a comeback at his expense. Then he tells Booker that because he got involved in 2 matches already that if he does during Cody’s match with Daniel Bryan tonight then he would petition that Booker be suspended. Daniel Bryan then comes out and the match starts. This was a good opening segment. I thought Booker cut a good promo and Cody’s was good too. I liked him saying that if this were a movie Booker would win but this isn’t a movie.

Daniel Bryan vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Cody gets the pin. This was a good back and forth match, but the commentary was distracting as usual. They focused more Booker T then they did the match.

Alicia Fox vs. Natalya. Alicia gets the pin. This was pointless. Why do they keep having Natalya lose in 2-3 minutes? After the match Alicia taunts Natalya with some of Natalya’s hair that she pulled out and tells her to cry because she got, “out foxed.” Natalya tries to attack her from behind but Alicia sees it and gives Natalya a front flip leg drop. The post match stuff was ok. I know there was a botched spot by Alicia that they either re taped or chopped out.

They showed the pipe bomb of the year award clips.

Jack Swagger is backstage with Vickie Guerrero and Mark Henry comes by and tells him to hurt Big Show just like Big Show hurt Henry. Then Henry tells Swagger that if he does he will give him a World Title match. Swagger agrees but says that he is going to do this for himself and says that if takes Big Show out then he will be next in line for a Title match anyway. Then he says that he will do something that Mark Henry hasn’t and that is beat Big Show (Henry beat Show at Money In The Bank and broke his ankle after the match and that’s how this feud started!) Henry walks off all disgusted.

The Usos vs. Primo & Epico. Primo & Epico win. This was a solid match.

Big Show vs. Jack Swagger. Show gets the pin. This was ok. Show dominated Swagger most of the match. Mark Henry watched the match at ringside. After the match Big Show tosses Swagger out of the ring and then Henry takes that folding he sat in and hits Swagger in the back with it and then he does the same to a camera man. Henry walks up the ramp while Show checks on the camera man and Henry tells Show that he will have all of him he can handle at TLC. This was good stuff. This storyline is easily the best WWE has going right now.

Randy Orton & Zack Ryder are backstage and Ryder asks if they’re on the same page. Orton says now. Then Ryder asks if they’re in the same book. Orton says maybe. Ryder gets psyched and does his usual bit.

Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. Heath Slater. Ted gets the pin. This was a decent match. After the match Jinder Mahal comes out and attacks Ted and locks him in the Camel Clutch. Then Teddy Long comes out and tells Mahal that if he wants to fight he can fight the guy that he has unfinished business with from Monday, Sheamus. Sheamus then comes out for the next match.

Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal. Sheamus gets the pin. This was solid too.

Randy Orton & Zack Ryder vs. Wade Barrett & U.S. Champion Dolph Ziggler. Orton & Ryder win when Orton pins Dolph. This was a good match too. Barrett was going to break up the pin but Orton stared him down and Barrett backed off. After the match Barrett stands on a table and he and Orton have a stare down to end the show.

I thought this was a good episode overall. They had some solid to good matches on the show and I thought that they did a good job in the final hype for Show-Henry & Orton-Barrett matches for TLC. On the whole I thought this was the usual good stuff we get from Smackdown.

12-15-11 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 15, 2011 episode of Impact

The show starts with AJ Styles and Bobby Roode facing each other with a 5 minute time limit to have a finish to their draw at Final Resolution.

AJ Styles vs. TNA World Champion Bobby Roode for the Title. The match goes to a draw.

Afterwards the crowd chanted for 5 more minutes. Sting comes out and says that AJ & Roode that they will go to a finish.

AJ vs. Roode for the Title – Part 2. Roode wins by submission to retain the Title. The match was solid, but they could have done a rematch on PPV. TNA dropped the ball with this one!

Bobby Roode & AJ Styles cut promos backstage about the match. Then Roode says that he is ready for Jeff Hardy.

They show Abyss & Scott Steiner backstage before they come out with Steiner trying to get Abyss on his side. This was idiotic.

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament match: Abyss & Scott Steiner vs. Rob Terry & Hernandez. Abyss & Steiner win when Steiner pins Terry. Abyss raises Steiner’s arm afterwards. This was a decent match but I don’t get why they’re doing this battle bowl like tournament.

Kurt Angle is backstage saying that he has had enough of Sting and it is time to do something about it.

Kurt Angle comes out and says that he wants to talk to Sting. Sting comes out and Angle complains about losing the World Title to James Storm and then losing his rematch and then at Final Resolution. He demands a rematch with Storm and Sting doesn’t grant him the match because Storm won and there is no reason to give Angle a rematch. Sting goes to leave the ring but then Angle tells Sting that he will go to Storm’s home town if he doesn’t get his rematch. This was a short segment thankfully.

Match 1 in a Best of 3 Series: Zima Ion vs. Tony Nese. Zima Ion gets the pin. This was a good match.

They show the Jarretts backstage and Karen says that she will bow out and Jeff says that he will step down. Then some guy comes in and says Sting wants to talk to them. Then they say they want to talk to Sting and they debate over who will resign continued. This was ok.

Zima Ion promo backstage saying that from now it is all about, “me, myself & Ion.” That was corny.

Ric Flair is backstage with Gunner and he tells him to forget about Garrett and to make an example of Jessie Neal.

Jessie Neal vs. Gunner. Jessie wins by DQ when Gunner hits the referee. Afterwards Gunner gives Neal a DDT on the floor. (This was Neal’s exit storyline from the company).

They show Karen Jarrett & Sting backstage and she’s telling him how great he looks. Then he asks what she wants. She then begs Sting not to fire her. Sting says that he is going to talk to Jeff too. This was crappy.

Jeff Hardy comes out for an interview and he says that he is still aching from the cage match. Then he talks about becoming World Champion at Genesis. Bully Ray then comes out and he tells Jeff that he has a match with him tonight. Ray then talks about how he got Jeff Hardy’s spot in Immortal back in March and that he is better then him. This was a short but good segment. Ray cut a good his usual good promo.

Samoa Joe & Magnus are backstage and Joe tells him that he doesn’t want to know him. Magnus tells him that neither of them get an opportunity and that he doesn’t care about friendship and they both want to win the tournament.

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament match: Samoa Joe & Magnus vs. Robbie E & Douglas Williams. Joe & Magnus win when Joe pinned Williams. This was a solid match. I don’t get why they have The British Invasion facing each other, but I liked the match.

Jeff Jarrett is backstage with Sting and he mentions that Karen is anxious because being fired would be humiliating for her and he tells Sting to let her down easy. Sting asks if Karen isn’t looking for a nanny. This was just as crappy as the Sting-Karen segment.

They show Eric Young backstage talking nonsense. Then ODB comes in and she tells him that she will be his partner in the Wild Card Tournament. They grapple and more idiocy happens.

Devon comes to the ring and wants D’Angelo Dinero to come to the ring. Pope comes out with Devon’s sons. Devon tells Pope that he doesn’t want to put his kids in harms way (then how come they’re always at the shows?) Then he says that he will bring them up the way he wants to and that everything with Pope is over. Devon is about leave with his sons and Pope tells him that they want to be like Pope. Then he says that they should have been his sons. Then he says that he and Devon’s mom are working on that. Devon punched Pope and he tries to leave with his sons. Then Pope kicks Devon low and Devon sons stare at their dad. Dinero then attacks Devon and one of his sons puts on Pope’s shades and Pope beats down Devon. Then his sons hold him and Pope punches him. This was a mixed bag. Devon & Pope cut good promos but this storyline is really idiotic!

They show the Jarretts backstage and Karen tells Jeff that she told Sting that no one can take his place. Jeff then mentioned that he told Sting that Karen is a star. The same guy from before comes in and says that Sting wants to see them again. They think it’s individually but the guy says that Sting wants to see both of them together. This was lousy too.

Traci Brooks vs. Madison Rayne. Madison gets the pin. This felt like it was just there.

Jeff & Karen are in Sting’s office and they continue the same crap from before. Sting says that they haven’t seen one segment of the show and he mentions how they each ragged on each other. They say that Sting is stirring the pot and Sting shows the clips from earlier. They argue and Sting has a good laugh. I’m certainly not! They scream at each other and then Sting says that they’re both fired! This was really idiotic! I got a kick out of Sting saying that they weren’t watching the show, but the rest of this segment was awful! Why do they have the “no one sees the show” crap?

Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray. Hardy gets the pin. This was a good back and forth match. Roode was on commentary during the match. After the match Roode goes to the ring and attacks Hardy and he & Ray then set up a table in the ring. Ray powerbombs Hardy through the table and then Sting comes out (why come out AFTER the baby face gets flattened?) and Roode dares him to punch him and then they attack him. Roode then scrams at Jeff Hardy while holding the Title to end the show.

I thought that this week’s episode was a mixed bag on the whole. They had some decent to good matches and the main event match was really good. I wasn’t into the whole bit with the Jarretts & Sting. The whole thing was really stupid! The rest of the show had its ups and downs. The X Division match was good. The opening 5 minute Title match was lousy. They dropped the ball with that one. They could’ve had an AJ-Roode rematch at Against All Odds if they have Jeff Hardy challenging Roode at Genesis. Nope! TNA has to ditch this just like that. The other thing I don’t get is why does the main event start with 5 minutes left on the show? Overall this was typical TNA. They had decent to good matches and the booking was hit and miss.

12-12-11 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 12, 2011 3 hour Slammy Award episode of Raw

The show starts with Booker T & Hornswoggle coming to present the “Tell me I didn’t just see that award.” The choices are 1. Santino Marella’s almost winning the Royal Rumble 2. The Miz giving John Cena a Rock Bottom while dressed as The Rock 3. R-Truth losing his Capital Punishment WWE Title match after “Little Jimmy” threw soda at him and 4. Jim Ross’ dance performance.  The winner is Jim Ross. Jim Ross comes out and thanks the fans but then Michael Cole cuts him off saying that this show is a shame. Cole then rags on JR AGAIN! Booker T then says Cole is a loser and that tonight JR can beat him in a rap off. OH NO! JR, Booker T & Hornswoggle come to the ring and Booker says that Cole will go first. Cole does his stupid rap bit. THIS IS BEYOND STUPID! Booker then says that that was the worst rap he’s ever heard in his life. JR then does his bit. Cole tells him that he’s supposed to rhyme. That was awful too. Booker asks the fans who the winner is and naturally they go with JR. Booker then tells JR that the people want to see JR do a “JR-rooni”. To quote Zack Ryder, “Are you serious bro!!?” Booker does the spinnarooni then JR does his variation. THIS WAS UNBELIVEABLY PAINFUL!!

Mick Foley is backstage and he will hand out the next slammy.

Mick Foley and The Million Dollar Man come out to present the “holy **** award. Mick and Ted do a good back and forth bit. The choices are 1. Sheamus Power Bombing Sin Cara through a ladder at MITB 2. Randy Orton giving Christian an RKO on the steel steps at SummerSlam 3. The ring imploding at Vengeance during the Big Show-Mark Henry match and 4. Evan Bourne does a Shooting Star Press off a ladder at MITB. The winner is Big Show vs. Mark Henry. Big Show comes out and mentions his encounter with Mark Henry on Smackdown. Then he says the World Title would look really good with the slammy. Then he says he’s going to go to the ring and bounce someone around. This was better then the first segment.

Big Show vs. Wade Barrett. Before the match Barrett says that Show’s award was about the unexpected and that there isn’t anything unexpected about him giving Orton the beating of his life. Then he tells Big Show that he should hope he doesn’t World Champion at TLC, because if he does the Barrett Barrage will come after him. Big Show breaks a table at ringside with his bear hands. Then he punches a chair and the match ends with Big Show winning by DQ. Barrett then bails. This was ok for what it was.

The Road Dogg makes his return to hand out the pipe bomb of the year award. Then he does his old bit. They show a number promo bits/segments. I have no idea who the choices were. The winner is CM Punk. The right guy got this one. Punk comes out with a mannequin. I’m not sure what that’s for. Punk says he wants to give someone the recognition he never gets and that the person is very boring and has no honor or intelligence. Then he “honors” Johnny Ace. The play a music video with Johnny Ace clips. They showed some old clips and man did he look different. This was kind of funny. Then Punk says that Ace couldn’t be there to accept the award son Punk accepts it for him and then he imitates him. This was the usual good promo from Punk. His delivery was good as always.

Lita returns to present the most “Divalicious” moment of the year. The choices are 1. Natalya does a Double Sharpshooter 2. Kelly Kelly wins the Divas Title 3. Kharma’s debut and 4. Beth Phoenix Glam Slams Eve Torres from the top rope. The winner is Kelly. WHAT? This whole thing is rigged! Kelly comes out but before she can speak Natalya & Beth come out. Beth snatches the slammy and Kelly slaps her and snatches it back and Lita raises her arm. This was pointless. They’ve made Natalya & Beth look weaker than ever!

Santino Marella & the Bella Twins come out to present the OMG moment of the year. The choices are 1. Triple H tombstones Undertaker at WrestleMania 2. Rock Bottom on John Cena 3. The Walkout and 4. CM Punk winning the WWE Title. The winner is Triple H giving Taker a Tombstone. Triple H comes out with a water bottle and sledge hammer and he goes to the ring. He gets the mic and says that the OMG award wasn’t what they showed but the real moment was after the match because Undertaker was wheeled to the back for the first time and his career. Then he says that Taker is no more and that the streak came to an end. Then he mentions Kevin Nash and they show Nash attacking him with a sledgehammer 2 months ago (Why do we have to relive this crap again?) HHH then says that Nash should’ve finished the job. Then he says that their 16 friendship might have been about who makes it to the top first. Then he says that he will get the sledgehammer and beat Nash with it over and over. Then he says that at TLC he will show the world that Nash is done. Then he stares down Santino who bails. This was crappy too! I hope to God that this storyline ends this Sunday!

        

David Otunga & Tony Atlas come out to present the most twitter trending award. This is a strange team. Otunga talks and Atlas laughs. Otunga asks what’s so funny and Atlas says him. The choices are 1. Cody Rhodes 2. Daniel Bryan 3. Dolph Ziggler and 4. Zack Ryder. The 4 guys will be in a 4 Way next before we find out who gets the award.

Zack Ryder vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Daniel Bryan vs. U.S. Champion Dolph Ziggler. Dolph wins when he pins Daniel. This was a really good match! Jerry Lawler gets in the ring and announcing that trending winner is Zack Ryder. Dolph lays Ryder out and takes the slammy. I’m not sure what the point of the match was if that didn’t decide who would win the award, but it was a good match.

Christian comes out on crutches and with a neck brace to present the game changer of the year award. First he presents himself with the most courageous award for being there injured. Then he asks how come he isn’t nominated for this award or for super star of the year. Then he mentions how he won 2 World Titles. Then he blames the fans that he never got one more match for the World Title. Christian cut a good promo. The choices are 1. Triple H relieving Vince 2. Edge announcing his retirement 3. Kevin Nash attacking CM Punk at SummerSlam and 4. The Rock & John Cena announcing their match for WrestleMania 28. The winner is Rock challenging Cena. Cena comes out and gets the usual mixed reaction. He says this award happened because of a team and he introduces The Rock, but of course Rock isn’t there. Then Cena says they will show Rock on the tron and that doesn’t happen either. Then he says that he is having fun and hopes that it fuels Rock. Then he talks about the match at WrestleMania and that they will change the game forever. This was the usual Cena promo.

WWE Champion CM Punk & Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio & The Miz. Miz & Del Rio win when Miz pins Punk. This was a good match. Wade Barrett yanked Orton off the apron. After the match Orton goes into the crowd and looks to find Barrett. Then Del Rio & Miz double team Punk with a ladder. Del Rio locks Punk in the cross arm breaker and Miz has a mic and says that they will make sure that Punk makes it to TLC because one of them will take the WWE Title. Then he says that Punk’s pipe bomb will blow up in his face and that he is done at TLC. This was good.

Vickie Guerrero & Goldust come out to present the A Lister of the year award. The choices are 1. The Muppets 2. Snooki 3. Hugh Jackman and 4. Cee-Lo Green. The winner is Snooki. Thankfully she’s not there, but she was on the tron and thanked the fans. Whatever. Snooki makes me sick!

Josh Mathews interviews Mark Henry and Henry says that Big Show hasn’t seen anything yet. Then he mentions that Cena disrespected him and that he should be worried about getting inducted into the hall of pain. This was a good promo.

Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal. Mahal is on the mic saying that he will have a slammy award winning match. The match doesn’t happen because Sheamus Brogue Kicks him before the bell rang. I’m not sure what this was for.

Rey Mysterio returns to present the super star of the year award. Rey says that it feels great to be back. Then he mentions that winning this award is a major honor. The choices are 1. CM Punk 2. Mark Henry 3. Randy Orton 4. The Miz 5. John Cena and 6. Alberto Del Rio. The winner is CM Punk. YES! Johnny Ace comes out and he tells the fans who he is AGAIN! Then he talks about the TLC match this Sunday. Then he says that Punk is in no condition to accept this award so he will accept it for him and he thanks the fans. This was lousy.

The show Mark Henry walking backstage and then they cut away to the 1/2/12 video.

They show the husband and son of a solider in the crowd. That was a nice moment.

John Cena vs. World Champion Mark Henry. Kane’s pyro goes off, the lights go out, his music plays and he comes out with his hair grown back and a Darth Vader like mask. Kane comes in the ring and Choke Slams Cena and stands over him and his pyro goes off again. Then he takes the mask off and he has his old mask on underneath. He stands over Cena to end the show. This was a decent match and Kane coming out at the end was cool. I liked the Darth Vader type mask he had on.

This show was just as painful as I expected it to be! There were only 4 matches in a 3 hour show! Big Show-Wade Barrett wasn’t much of a match. The 4 way was good and I liked the tag match. I also thought Cena-Henry was decent and the end was good. The rest of the show with all the slammys was total crap! They didn’t do much to hype up the TLC PPV that takes place THIS SUNDAY!!!

12-9-11 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 9, 2011 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Booker T being attended to by medics after an attack from Cody Rhodes that happened before the show went on the air. They show the attack and then the trainers help Booker backstage.

The announcers mention that the show was scheduled to start with a beat the clock challenge with both Randy Orton and Wade Barrett each being in single action later. Whichever guy wins their match faster will get to pick the stip for their match at TLC.

Tony Chimel introduces the returning Lillian Garcia. Lillian thanks the fans and says how great it is to be back. Cody then gets the mic and stands on the announce table. He says that no one cares that Lillian is back and he’s not sure if anyone knew that she ever left. He says that he likes seeing the return of one announcer (Lillian) and the departure of another (Booker T). Then he asks who will fill Booker’s spot and asks who will talk about a “fav 5 with 11 people in it?” That was funny. He says that he will take Booker’s spot. Then he tells Booker to watch and he might learn something, “sucka.” This was a good promo from Cody.

Ezekiel Jackson vs. Wade Barrett in the beat the clock challenge. Barrett gets the pin at 7:53. This was a decent match. Afterwards Barrett gets the mic and says that when he started the Barrett Barrage his goal was to become World Champion, but Randy has been standing in his way. Then he mentions that he repeatedly humiliated and beat Orton. Then he says that only voice that Orton’s hearing in his head right now is his. He then says that Orton usually a psychological advantage over his opponents, but he doesn’t have that advantage with him. Then he says that voice in Orton’s head is telling him that he is out of time. This was a good promo.

They announce that the Big Show-Mark Henry World Title match at TLC will be a chairs match.

David Otunga is in Teddy Long’s office complaining about how Mick Foley had him the street fight with Orton and wants his loss erased from the record books. Teddy mentions that he was on Smackdown last week and that Mick Foley was the guest host. Then he mentions that since Otunga’s on Smackdown this week he will be in a match with Sheamus. This was boring.

Josh Mathews is in the ring and he introduces Daniel Bryan. Bryan comes out Josh asks him what is going through his mind after the cage match from last week. He says that he is disappointed that he let the fans down and that he had everything that he wanted right in front of him but couldn’t get it. He says that he always wanted to be World Champion and then Michael Cole cuts him off and says he can’t take it anymore and says that Daniel is nothing but a loser. Bryan then tells Cole to do everyone a favor and shut up (I so wish he would)! They go back and forth and Bryan asks Cole why he doesn’t respect him and Cole says he doesn’t respect guys who lose or whatever. Then he says that after Daniel cashes in the MITB case and doesn’t win he will whine about that too. Then he tells Daniel that he never earned a Title match and Bryan says that he earned a Title match by making Cody Rhodes tap out. Cole tells Daniel that he should beat it and that he’s had it. Bryan then exits the ring and gets in Cole’s face and says he should make him tap out and go away. (That works for me!) Then Cody attacks Daniel. This was terrible! The Michael Cole heal character is way beyond painful! I don’t know why they decided to turn him heal when Daniel Bryan came in.   

Zack Ryder vs. Heath Slater. Ryder gets the pin. This was a squash.

They show a Jinder Mahal promo saying Ted will pay for causing him to lose last week.

Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. Jinder Mahal. Ted gets the pin. This was a short and meaningless match.

Big Show is in the ring and he mentions that it has been 9 years since he beat Brock Lesnar in MSG to win the WWE Title (that was at Survivor Series 2002). He says that a lot of people said that it couldn’t be done and mentions how he made the impossible possible by beating Lesnar (thanks to Paul Heyman turning on Lesnar).He says that 9 years is a long time and that he has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to become World Champion again (I guess the ECW Title doesn’t count). Then he talks about his match with Mark Henry at TLC saying that’s the perfect time to become champion again. Then he says that at TLC the doors to Mark Henry’s hall of pain are gonna get closed. Mark Henry then comes out and tells Big Show that he isn’t afraid of him but he is halfway hurt and that he’s not looking for a fight. Then he tells the fans to shut and the fans chant, “you shut up” at him. That was comical. Then he says he says something that he wants to say to Big Show face to face. Big Show invites him to come in the ring. Henry then says that he wants to promise that he won’t put his hands on him. Show says no to that. Henry then asks what kind of legacy will Big Show lead if he beats him while he’s not at 100%. Then he tells him that he have all of him that he can handle at TLC, but right now he is asking for Big Show not to put his hands on him if he gets in the ring. Show gives his word and Henry gets in the ring. He says that he and Big Show have a lot in common. He mentions that they’re both 2 of the greatest big men to ever come into this business (what about Bam Bam Bigelow, Yokozuna, or Vader?). Henry mentions that Show was a champion and that he is the current champion. Then he mentions that by TLC he should be 100% and then Big Show can have all of him that he can handle. Henry then says that they should put everything they’ve done to each other aside and may the best man win. Henry offers to shake Big Show’s hand and he accepts. Henry then says that he can see in Big Show’s eyes that he thinks he is a monster, but he just thinks it and Henry says that he knows he is. Then he punches Big Show. Big Show then spears Henry and pounds away on him. Then he elbows Henry’s injured ankle and Henry rolls to the outside. Big Show then gets a chair and hits Mark Henry in the back with it, then he hits his bad ankle. Big Show then throws the chair into the ring and walks out while trainers check on Mark Henry. This was a really good segment. Both guys cut great promos and the match at TLC should be interesting. They’ve done a great job with the build.

Lillian Garcia announces that Hornswoggle will be the guest ring announcer for the next match.  

Sheamus vs. David Otunga. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a short match. Afterwards he and Hornswoggle celebrate.

They show the 1/2/12 video package.

Daniel Bryan vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Cody wins by DQ when Booker T comes in. They went at it for a bit and then Cody bailed. The match was good, but Michael Cole’s constant ragging on Daniel Bryan really made it hard to watch.

Cody comes in to Teddy Long’s office saying that he wants a match with Booker T and Long tells him that he will face Booker at TLC for the Intercontinental Title. He then asks Aksana what she’s looking at and walks out.

Matt Striker interviews Randy Orton and asks about his thoughts going into his match next. Orton says that he should ask Barrett since he is in his head so that means he knows what he is thinking and that is that Wade Barrett has done Dolph a great favor. Orton then

says he usually likes to make his opponent’s suffering really long but thanks to Barrett Dolph will still suffer but it will be over faster than usual. Than he says that Barrett think that he is in Orton’s head, but Orton has him right where he wants him. This was a good Randy Orton promo. 

Randy Orton vs. U.S. Champion Dolph Ziggler in the beat the clock challenge. Orton gets the pin at 7:51. Wade Barrett came during the match. After the match Barrett came back out and gave Orton the Boss Man Slam. The he took the mic and says that he’d like to help Orton pick the stip for his match so he is going to make his own suggestion. He throws Orton outside the ring and was about to give Orton the Wasteland through the table but Orton escapes and was going to pile drive Barrett but Barrett escapes, rams Orton into the steal steps and then runs up the ramp. Orton then Powerbombs Dolph through the table and the announcers say that it looks like Orton has picked a tables match. Orton and Barrett then have a stare down to end show.

Note: AJ & Kaitlyn vs. Natalya & Divas Champion Beth Phoenix did not air because. Kaitlyn turned heal at the taping but WWE scratched the idea. Natalya & Beth win.

I thought that this was a good show overall. They did a good continuing the build for Show-Henry and I liked how they set up the Orton-Barrett match. Daniel Bryan and Cody Rhodes had a good match the segment before it was beyond painful! Michael Cole is really tough to hear these days! I don’t know why they made him this annoying heal character who’s always ragging on Daniel Bryan. It was nice to see Lillian Garcia back and she looked genuinely happy to be back. Cody’s opening promo was good too. I liked the Orton-Dolph match too. The Big Show-Mark Henry segment was also really well done. On the whole I thought this was a good episode of Smackdown.

12-8-11 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the December 8, 2011 episode of Impact

 The show starts with Sting coming to the ring. He calls out Bobby Roode and he comes out. Sting then asks Dixie Carter to come out and she does. Sting tells Roode to apologize to Dixie. Roode says that he will. He says that he is sorry for not being honest with her and that she needs him since he is the Champion. He calls Dixie a fake and that she everything handed to her. Then he says that like it or not he is the face of TNA and that he has just spit in the face of authority. Then he spits on Dixie and he bails as Sting chases him up the ramp. This was decent. I thought Roode cut a good promo.

AJ Styles tells Bobby Roode off backstage saying that he will take care of him tonight and at Final Resolution. Then Sting comes in and AJ tells him to be level headed. Jeff Hardy & Al Snow were also there.

Abyss vs. Samoa Joe. Abyss gets the pin when Bully Ray and Scott Steiner come in. Steiner distracts the referee and Ray comes in and hits Joe with a chain. Then Abyss hits the choke slam for the pin. This was ok. I wasn’t crazy about the run in. After the match Abyss gives Steiner the Black Hole Slam and Ray bails. I don’t get this. Immortal crapped all over Abyss when he was in the fold and now that he’s the “unstoppable monster” they want him back in the stable? Plus Samoa Joe is still being booked liked a jobber!

Karen Jarrett is backstage with Gail Kim & Madison Rayne and she tells Madison to take care of Mickie James. Then she tells Gail that she has a match with Traci. Gail freaks out but Karen has a plan and she shuts the door on the cameraman. This was terrible.

Sting is backstage telling Gunner it’s over and Gunner says that Sting gave Garrett 2 matches with him and Gunner asks for a third without Flair or Eric at ringside. Sting agrees after Gunner gives “his word.” This was lame.

Devon & The Pope come to the ring and Devon asks Matt Morgan & Crimson to come out. They come out and Devon congratulates them on winning the tag team titles. Then he talks about the teams he and Ray have faced over the years. Then he talks about their tag title match and he tells them to bring their A game and that he & Pope will win the titles. Then he does the testify bit and says may the best team win and they shake hands. Pope then gets the mic and says he may not agree with what Devon said but they do agree that Morgan & Crimson are 2 of the dumbest guys they’ve come across. He then says that with the gold comes the money and says that he will do whatever it takes to win the titles. Then they brawl. Then Devon’s sons come in and they help out Pope by beating down Morgan. Morgan then gets up and they bail. Why are Devon’s sons the heals? This storyline has made no sense from the start. Devon doesn’t trust Pope, but his sons love him and now they’re a makeshift tag team that doesn’t get along challenging another makeshift tag team FOR THE TAG TEAM TITLES! This segment was idiotic!

They show James Storm coming into the building.

Mickie James vs. Madison Rayne. Mickie gets the pin. This match was decent. After the match Gail Kim comes out and she and Mickie have a stare down.

They show Bully Ray & Scott Steiner backstage trying to figure out what to do to get Abyss back in the fold. Ray says that he talked to Eric and Steiner says that he will now. Steiner walks off and Ray is screaming at him to go talk to him. This was crappy!!

Garrett Bischoff vs. Gunner. Flair & Eric come out with Gunner! Sting is still playing the sap! Wait a minute, Gunner tells Flair & Eric that he’s got this and they go to the back. Garrett gets the pin. So Garrett beats Gunner for a THIRD time! After the match Gunner attacks Garrett and throws him into the steal steps. He was about to pile drive him on the mat but Eric came out and told Gunner not to do it. Then Eric take the mat off and Gunner pile drives him on the concrete. Back from commercial and Garrett is on a stretcher and wheeled into the ambulance while Flair & Eric rag on him. This was beyond stupid! I’m really tired of the Bischoff and son saga!

James Storm comes to the ring and calls out Kurt Angle. Angle comes out says that he won’t screw up at Final Resolution and that he will be well prepared this time. Storm says that Angle doesn’t scare him and that he will take care of him at Final Resolution. Then Storm turns his back and dares Angle to hit him. Angle doesn’t. Then Storm uses Angle’s catchphrase and tells him that at the PPV, “It’s real. It’s damn real.” This was a great segment. Both guys cut really good promos. This was one of the better parts of the show.

Karen Jarrett is backstage with Gail Kim & Traci Brooks and Karen tells Traci that she wants her to lay down for Gail. This was just as terrible as the other knockout segments.

Devon is backstage yelling at his sons saying that he calls the shots. Then Pope comes in and Devon grabs him but his sons stop him from attacking him. He tells his sons to beat it before he does something he might regret. Devon walks off and Pope comes back in and Devon’s sons walk off with him. This was idiotic! Can they end this storyline!?

Jeff Hardy & AJ Styles are backstage saying that will take care of business in their match later.

Traci Brooks vs. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim. Gail gets the pin. Traci lies down but kicks out at 2 and goes after Gail. Then Karen comes out and gets Traci’s the referee’s attention. Traci was about to let Karen have it but Madison comes in and lays out Traci and that allows Gail to get the pin. This was crappy. This storyline is idiotic too!

Jeff Hardy & Bobby Roode are backstage talking about their matches at Final Resolution and their match later.

They show a Christopher Daniels promo from “earlier today” challenging “Bob” Van Dam to a regular wrestling match at Final Resolution. This was a good promo.

Jeff Hardy & AJ Styles vs. Jeff Jarrett & TNA World Champion Bobby Roode. AJ & Hardy win when AJ pins Roode. They brawl right away. Then Hardy & Jarrett brawl to the back and then AJ gets the pin. This was a really good match. After the match Roode attacks AJ but AJ fights back and Roode bails. AJ then celebrates on the ramp but Roode comes back out and attacks AJ from behind and then he went after his injured knee. Roode then get the belt and tells AJ that it is his an AJ can’t beat him. Roode holds the Title above his head to end the show. This was good.

I thought that this was a typical episode of Impact. There was a lot of crappy booking. What is with fathers and sons feuding in this company? Eric Bischoff and his son and Devon and his 2 sons? These 2 storylines are idiotic. Having Bully Ray & Scott Steiner trying to get Abyss back into the fold is also idiotic as is everything with the knockouts. I thought the opening segment was decent. Bobby Roode cut a good promo. I also liked the James Storm-Kurt Angle segment. They did a good job leading into their match Sunday. The Christopher Daniels promo was short but good too. Even if they did just throw his match with RVD in there. I also enjoyed the tag match main event. There was some good action in there. I thought they did a good job in hyping the AJ-Roode, Hardy-Jarrett and Storm-Angle matches for Final Resolution. Overall I thought the show was a mixed bag. It certainly had its ups and downs.