5-31-12 Live Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 31, 2012 live episode of Impact

The show starts with Sting vs. TNA World Champion Bobby Roode in a Lumberjack match. Sting wins by submission. This was a really good match. Afterwards Hulk Hogan comes out and says that Sting is Impact’s number one man. Hulk then says that he will make headline news right now. The main event at Slammiversary will be Sting vs. Bobby Roode for the World Title. The match was great. Hulk announcing Sting-Roode for the PPV was kinda odd. Why is Sting getting the Title match?

Madison Rayne is backstage talking about how she and Brooke will get along great. Then she says “he” might be watching.

Bully Ray is in the ring and he says he’s looking for Joseph Park. Park is in the crowd. Ray says that he’s surprised Joseph’s there. Then Ray asks if he forgot that Ray laid him out last week. Then he tells the guy in the production truck to roll the clip. Ray says that he wants to fight Joseph right now. Joseph comes to the front row and says that he doesn’t wanna fight. Ray says that’s because he’s a coward. Then Ray says that his parents are cowards, but most of all Abyss is a coward. Then Joseph comes over the guard rail and security holds him back. Ray says to let him go. Joseph reluctantly gets in the ring. Then Ray says he wants to fight him right now. The fans chant fight. Joseph says he’s not a fighter. Ray says that’s fine he doesn’t wanna fight him. Then Ray changes his plea to guilty. Guilty of leaving Abyss for dead. Ray asks Joseph what he’s gonna do now. Joseph grabs him by the throat and Ray dropped to his knees. Ray says that if Joseph hits him then Ray will sue him. Then Ray says that Joseph is a coward just like his brother. Ray walks out. Then Joseph says if Ray wants to fight, “Let’s do this right now.” Ray taunts him on the mic and says they’ll fight at Slammiversary. Good segment. Ray was great on the mic as always and Joseph had great facial expressions.

They showed a video package recapping Crimson’s undefeated streak. Then he says he can’t be beat.

X Division Champion Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin for the Title. Aries gets the pin. This was a really good back and forth match.

They show Hulk Hogan backstage with Taz from earlier in the day. Taz is the new gut check judge. Taz says we will see the real Taz. Hulk says the gut check is the future of TNA. Hulk thanks Taz for stepping up. This was a decent segment.

They show Bruce Pritchard, Al Snow & Taz in an office. Taz says they’ll but heads at some point. Then they talk about Joey Ryan’s look. Al goes for it, saying he stands out. Taz agrees. Pritchard says he’s trying to be something he’s not. Al disagrees. Bruce says that some guys thought Joey was better than Alex Silva. Taz says that Joey didn’t look like he was in for the fight of his life. They debate about giving him a contract. This was crazy. I have no idea why they had Taz say that Joey Ryan stayed in character. I know this is a work but you don’t have to remind us. I thought they were doing away with the whole, “This is real, this is fake” idiocy.

The show Jeremy Borash backstage with Ken Anderson, Jeff Hardy, RVD & Robbie E. They mention that by the fan’s votes one of them will challenge Devon for the TV Title.

Dixie Carter comes to the ring. She says that in 10 days TNA will be 10 years old. She’s proud of everyone who’s stepped in the ring. Then she thanks the fans. Then she says that June 10 (Dixie said September 10) will be a special night. She says that they will announce the first TNA hall of fame inductee. Then she says they’ll be live all summer. She then says that they have the best female wrestlers in the world. Then she mentions that who she’s going to bring out next knows a lot about the business. She introduced the new head of the Knockouts division, Brooke Hogan. Brooke comes to the ring. Dixie welcomes Brooke to Impact. Dixie says she’s looking forward to what Brooke will do. Brooke says this is amazing and she thanks Dixie and the fans. Brooke says she know that Dixie wants the Knockouts to be seen as talented and powerful. Then she says that she has some big yellow boot to fill. Then she says that she will work her butt off and she thanks Dixie again. I wasn’t into this.

Kazarian & Daniels are backstage and they mention that she never mention the AJ bit. Daniels says they can’t be stopped on live TV. Daniels says he will take out AJ later. Good backstage segment.

They show November 13, 2005 when Christian made his TNA debut.

Time to find out who will challenge Devon for the TV Title. Devon comes to the ring.

They go backstage to JB with the contenders. JB says the winner is Jeff Hardy.

TV Champion Devon vs. Jeff Hardy for the Title. The match goes to a no finish when Robbie E & Rob Terry come in. Devon & Jeff clean house on the Robbies. The match was good but I’m getting really tired of the 2 Robbies. This is the second week in a row they’ve been taken out by Devon and a second guy.

They show a James Storm video package. He’s on his ranch and he says that’s how he was brought up. Then he talks about Roode being the it factor in wrestling, but Storm’s home is his it. Then he talks about losing to Roode at Lockdown. Storm says he doesn’t like letting down his family, friends or the fans. Storm says he’s made his decision. Then his daughter asks if that means he’s going back to wrestling. Storm tells the camera man to turn the camera off. This was a good promo.

They show a video package recapping the AJ-Angle-Daniels-Kazarian storyline.

Jeremy Borash and the gut check judges are in the ring. JB then introduces Joey Ryan. He comes to the ring. Joey says that he is a big deal and that he is trending on twitter. Then he says that most of the fans voted yes for him. Then JB asks Bruce. Bruce says Joey’s a good talent but his answer is no. Al Snow’s turn. Al says that he doesn’t like Joey. He says that he doesn’t like his attitude but it isn’t about if he likes him or not. Then Al votes yes. Joey says that he’s too good not to have a contract. Time for Taz to break the tie. Taz says that he’s gonna keep it reel. Taz says if that was the promo to save his life, he’s out of his mind. Joey says that Taz doesn’t scare him. Taz says that he has forgotten about more about wrestling than Joey has learned and he votes no. Taz then says that Joey messed up his promo. Then Taz tells Joey to improve and return down the line to prove him wrong but his answer is still no. This was terrible. I knew they were gonna vote now this time.

They show a Bobby Roode promo from London. He talks about becoming the longest reigning TNA World Champion.

AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels. AJ gets the pin. This was a good match. Afterwards Kazarian comes in and he & Daniels beat down AJ. Then Kurt Angle comes out to even the odds. Daniels kicks Angle low. Then Kazarian gets piece of plastic from under the ring and cuff Angle to the ropes. Then Kazarian hits AJ with a belt. Then Daniels gets the mic and says that they’ve shown pics and videos but the fans still don’t believe them. Daniels then says that he says proof positive of the AJ-Dixie affair right from their own mouths. Then the play a recording of an AJ-Dixie phone call. Then Dixie comes out and gets on the phone. She tells the production guy to turn the call off. Then she drops an f bomb and tells the guy he’s finished. This ends the show. Good match but the whole bit with Dixie at the end was stupid.

I thought this was a good show on the whole. The Sting-Roode match was good. I wasn’t really into Hogan setting up Sting-Roode for the PPV however. I liked the AJ-Daniels match but the AJ-Dixie phone call was stupid. Aries-Sabin was a good match. Those guys are great wrestlers. I liked the Joseph Park-Ray promo too. They both did the usual great job there. The Devon-Jeff Hardy match was decent but I wasn’t into the no finish. I thought the James Storm segment was good. I wasn’t into the gut check segment and the Brooke-Dixie segment was terrible. Overall though I thought that for the first live show this was solid.

5-28-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 28, 2012 episode of Raw

They start the show with a video package dedicated to the U.S. Armed Forces. Classy move.

They recap the Cena-Johnny-Big Show angle. This feud is idiotic!

The actual show starts with Big Show coming to the ring. He has a smile on his face and says that this is him doing his job. He says it was easy making people smile and he didn’t mind it. Then he says that was a business decision. He says that’s all over now because he has an iron clad contract. Then the fans chant Cena. He says that his contract and bonus have him set for life. He says that he can do whatever he wants and doesn’t have to worry about putting smiles on people’s faces. He says he’s not an entertainer. He’s a giant. Then he says there’s no one in his league in WWE or any other sport. He says that might have been why no one came to his defense 2 weeks ago. Then he mentions that just after he was begging, “This happened.” They show Brodus Clay. Show says his tears weren’t even dry in the ring when Brodus came out and did his shtick. He says that he thought Kofi & Truth were his friends and he says it was easy for the fans to just move on. He then says that the fans are shallow and phony. Then he says that Cena disappointed him the most. He says that when he saw Cena confront Ace he Show thought he was coming to his defense. But “the hero” did this. Then they show Cena saying “Loser” to Johnny later that night. Show mentions that Cena made jokes. Show says that he’s one big joke to the fans. He then says that Cena hurt him and last week Show knocked him out twice in 24 hours. He says that what he will do to Cena at No Way Out won’t be pretty. He says that if Cena suffered when he lost to Rock, took a beating from Lesnar, or lost to Ace at Over the Limit, Cena will experience all those things in 1 night. Show then says that puts a smile on his face. This was a good promo. Despite this story line being totally idiotic, Show’s promos have been good through out this insanity!

U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio wins by submission. Afterwards Ricardo stands over Santino and announces Del Rio as the winner. This was a short match and about Ricardo getting payback on Santino.

Alex Riley is backstage telling Eve what a great job she’s doing. Then Big Show comes in and Eve tells him that Johnny will let Show pick his opponent tonight. She walks out and then Riley gets frazzled. Show says he’s not picking him to face. Then Show says there’s a message he wants to send to the locker room. Then he throws Riley face first into the wall.

WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler for the Titles. Kofi & Truth win when Truth pins Swagger. This was a good match. Afterwards Ziggler chews out Swagger and walks out on him and Vickie.

They show Santino being helped out backstage and Big Show comes by. He says that Santino didn’t care what happened to him. Then Brodus comes in and says for Show to pick him to face tonight. Show says that after tonight Brodus won’t be walking. This was ok. It looks like Brodus won’t in any squash fest tonight.

Johnny Ace comes out on his power scooter with Eve & David Otunga. Ace gets in the ring and waves to the fans. Then he says who he is again. He says that he has several announcements tonight. First Big Show will face Brodus Clay. Then he says that the Cena-Big Show at No Way Out will be a steel cage match. Then he says that since he beat Cena he has become the most powerful WWE star in history. Then he talks about the WWE 13 game being released soon. Then he has a drum roll and they unveil a picture of him for the cover. Ace says this is gonna be better than Pac Man. Then CM Punk comes to the ring. He poses and stares at the Johnny Ace pic. The fans chant CM Punk. Then Punk says that Ace and Pac man have no testicles. Then he tells Johnny that he isn’t popular. He then says that being on the cover of a video game means a lot. Then he mentions that the real pic is a lot better looking than Johnny is. Then a pic of CM Punk is lowered. Punk then says that his pic is bigger than Johnny’s. Then Punk says what a concept of having a wrestler on a wrestling video game is. Then he says that Ace will put him in a never been done before match. Then he says he has to beat Daniel Bryan and he tells Ace to get out of his ring. Punk then says that the Board of Directors are watching. Johnny then wishes Punk good luck. Punk says luck’s for losers. Ace gets on his power scooter and heads up the ramp. Then Punk kicks Johnny’s pic. This was decent. Punk was good as usual and Johnny Ace wasn’t too bad here either.

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan. Daniel gets the pin. This was a really good match. AJ was at ringside and she distracted the referee. Daniel exposed a turnbuckle and rammed Punk into it for the pin. Afterwards Kane came out and hit Daniel with a chair. Then he choke slammed him. Then Punk comes in the ring with a chair that AJ tossed to him and Punk hit Kane a few time with the chair. This was solid. I like what they’re doing with AJ too. I’m thinking that they’ll have her help Daniel Bryan at No Way Out.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. The Miz. Christian gets the pin. This was a solid match. Cody Rhodes was on commentary during the match. Then he took his headset off and walked up the ramp. After the match Cody walked to the back.

Johnny, Eve & Otunga are in Johnny’s office. Eve tells Teddy to get her coffee. Johnny says that he is disappointed in both of them. He’s pissed at Otunga for tapping to Cena’s STF and at Eve for not getting an apology from Sheamus. Otunga asks Johnny to have him face Cena. Johnny says that he won’t be around forever and that he might retire in 10-20 years. Then Teddy comes in with Eve’s coffee. She has some and spits it on Long and says that it’s cold. The heels walk out and then Long says that it’s supposed to be cold because it was ice coffee. This was a lame segment.

The Miz is still in the ring and he says that he wants this match erased from the record books. Then he says that he is the reason Johnny Ace is GM and asks why he doesn’t get a bonus. He says he’s not going anywhere and then Randy Orton comes to the ring. Miz tells Orton to head to the back and Orton gives him an RKO.

Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero are backstage and Dolph tells Vickie to get him out of the tag team. He says that should’ve been him in the ring with Orton. Vickie says she’ll see what she can do. Ziggler wanted to get an RKO and look like more of a jobber?

They show a Memorial Day video package narrated by John Cena. This was good.

World Champion Sheamus vs. David Otunga. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a squash.

They show Brodus backstage and he’s doing his shtick as he heads to the ring. This made no sense! They had Brodus stand up to Big Show and being more serious and now he’s back to the funkasauris bit as he goes to the ring?

Brodus Clay comes out for his match with Big Show. He does the whole Funkasauris bit. This is idiotic! Why is Brodus coming out all smiles when he’s facing Big Show?

Then Big Show comes out with a mic and he says that he’s a big fan of Brodus’. He says that he thought he was a sell out when he faced Akibono at WrestleMania 21. Show says that he did embarrassing things for business, but Brodus does embarrassing things every night. Then Show says that when Brodus’ gimmick gets old then maybe he can be the next Doink. Then Big Show says that the difference between Brodus & Doink is that Doink had talent.

Then Big Show pounds on Brodus while the Funkettes watch in freight from the ring. Then Kofi Kingston & R-Truth come out and Kofi dives at Show but Show catches him and throws him onto Truth. Then Show breaks the announce table and hits Brodus over the back with a piece of it. Then he throws Truth around for a bit. Then Kofi was going for the Trouble in Paradise but Big Show caught him and threw Kofi into the ring barrier. Then he throws Truth into the steel steps. Then he gives Brodus a knockout punch. Big Show looks around at the fans and then he walks up the ramp. Then Johnny Ace comes out and he raises Show’s arm while Brodus, Kofi & Truth lay unconscious. Big Show & Johnny Ace shake hands to end the show. I thought they did a good job of making Big Show look like a monster here. Kofi took a sick bump into the barrier and Brodus took a beating.

I thought this week’s show wasn’t as bad as the last 2 weeks. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t terrible either. Big Show’s opening promo was good and I liked seeing him lay out Brodus and the tag champs at the end of the Show. I thought they did a good in making Show look like a monster. I don’t get why he’s with Johnny Ace but he does a good job in the role. Punk-Bryan was a really good match too. Those guys always have good matches. I like what they’re doing with AJ too. They had her wearing a CM Punk t-shirt, so I would think that means she will be helping Daniel Bryan out. The tag title match was good too. It looks like they’re attempting to push Dolph again. We’ll see what they do with him. Sheamus-Otunga was a squash. There isn’t much to say about that. The bit with Johnny, Otunga & Eve in the back with Johnny being pissed at them both followed by Long bringing in ice coffee was lame. Christian-Miz was solid. Miz is certainly on the downward spiral. I was ok with his promo where he complained about not getting any recognition for being the reason why Johnny is the GM. Of course he got buried by an RKO right after that. Santino-Del Rio was a short squash. I liked Ricardo getting in Santino’s face after the match. The CM Punk-Johnny Ace bit with the WWE 13 poster was ok. I thought they both cut decent promos despite the segment being kind of corny. On the whole I thought this week’s show was better than the last 2.

5-25-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 25, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Eve Torres coming to the ring. She mentions that Johnny beat Cena at Over the Limit. Then she says that because of an international business trip Johnny isn’t there tonight, but he left her in charge. She says that Johnny will deal with Cena Monday but tonight she will deal with Sheamus. She says that tonight 2 things will happen. First Sheamus will apologize for bumping into the injured Johnny Ace Monday night. Second she will pick Sheamus’ opponent for No Way Out. She was going to say more but Alberto Del Rio comes out on the stage. He tells Eve how nice looking and smart she is and that she should pick him to face Sheamus because there is no one better. Alberto gets in the ring and he says what happened to him and his quest for the World Title was horrible. He mentions how perfect Eve is but she needs to ask herself if she wants to make Johnny Ace proud. He asks if she does and he says, “The answer is si.” Then he asks her to let him face Sheamus at No Way Out. Eve says that Del Rio makes a very compelling case and there is no one more deserving. Then Randy Orton comes to the ring and says that he knows Eve is new to the job so he tells her who he is. He then says that it looks like she has a major decision to make, so how about the fans help her out with that. Then he asks the fans if they want to see Del Rio or him. Of course the crowed cheers for Orton. Then Orton says that in the name of people power Eve has her answer. Then Kane comes to the ring. He says that neither of the other 2 guys has the qualifications that he does. Kane says that Sheamus (or as he called him, “That pasty white Irish ghost”) should have to face him. He then says that in case that if Eve needs more convincing is because this Smackdown episode 666. Whatever. Eve says there is only one way to settle this and she says that Kane, Del Rio & Orton will face each other in a triple threat match tonight and the winner faces Sheamus. This was a decent opening segment.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Hunico. Christian gets the pin. This was a solid match. Afterwards Cody Rhodes comes out on the stage and he says that for 8 months he spent his time cleaning the dirt off the Intercontinental Title and restoring it back to the pinnacle of its prominence. I’m not too sure about that. He then says that the title was held by joke and abused by the likes of Santino Marella. Then he says that he made the title mean what it meant when it was held by some of the all time greats like Razor Ramon, Macho Man Randy Savage and Shawn Michaels. Then Cody says that in 1 night Christian ruined it. Cody says that no one cares about that title because no one cares about Christian. Cody says that when he gets his rematch it will only take him 3 seconds. Then Christian places the belt down and gestures for Cody to come in the ring. That doesn’t happen. This was good. Cody cut a really good promo here.

They show a clip from earlier in the day where the 2 teams were arguing with each other.

The Usos vs. Titus O’Neill & Darren Young. Titus & Darren win when Titus pins Jimmy Uso. This was a solid match too.

They show a video package hyping the return of Sin Cara next week.

2 guys names Brian Edwards & Kevin Bendl are in the ring. Brian gets the mic and rags on the fans saying that pronounce the name of their own town. Then Kevin takes the mic and says that they know Ryback has beaten 2 guys before but not at the same time. He says they’re there to prove tonight, before he could finish Ryback comes out.

Ryback vs. Brian Edwards & Kevin Bendl. Ryback wins when he puts 1 guy on top of the other and the gets the pin. This was a pointless squash. I don’t know why they still have Ryback squashing unknown guys.

U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Ricardo Rodriguez. Santino get the pin. This was a comedy match. Ricardo came out in his tux and gave his own ring introduction.

Sheamus come to the ring and talks about bumping into Johnny Ace on Monday. He acts like he’s going to apologize but of course he doesn’t. He apologizes for Johnny Ace being a “Massive arse.” Then he says that David Otunga & Eve have their heads rammed so far up Johnny’s arse they could tell you what he had for breakfast. Terrible line. Then he apologizes to everyone else who kisses Johnny’s arse including a giant 440 pound arse kisser. Man this is idiotic. Then he talks about his World Title match at No Way Out. He says that if he had his way he’d be facing Orton. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out and says that Eve just told her that he will face someone right now. Then she introduces Jack Swagger. This was idiotic. I don’t know why they have Sheamus make these lame arse jokes. It weakens the character.

World Champion Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a good match.

Damien Sandow comes out for his match with Yoshi Tatsu. Before the match he says that he is here to help the fans. He mentions how last week he was scheduled to face an unworthy opponent. He rags on the fans for being ignoramuses and says that match wouldn’t have done anything to enlighten them. He says that he did the honorable thing so that the fans can place him on the pedestal of enlightenment that they’re yearning for. The fans boo and he asks them to remain silent while he is speaking. That was funny. He says that he chose to depart without incident when he was verbally attacked by the ignoramus who he again stands before tonight. He says that the dunce did not grasp the concept of what he was trying to teach him. Then he says that tonight he will impart his lesson upon Yoshi physically. He says that he does this not just for Yoshi but as always he does it for the common good of the fans. Then he says, “You’re welcome.” This was really good promo. Sandow is great in the intellectual heel role.

Yoshi Tatsu vs. Damien Sandow. Sandow gets the pin. This was a short match.

They show the video package for the No Way Out PPV. This was good. I liked how they did the silent film bit with Daniel Bryan.

Big Show comes to the ring in a suit. He mentions that on the Raw before Over the Limit he was fired. He says he knows that the fans know what that’s like but he had never been fired before. He says that he wasn’t proud to beg for his job. He says the difference between him and those who have been fired before is that they don’t love what they and for them it’s just a job. Show says that he loves what he does. Then he says that when he lost his job he felt betrayed by his friends inside and outside the ring and by the fans. He says that no fan, superstar or member of the production crew came to his defense. I remember the fans getting behind Big Show during that segment but apparently we’re supposed to forget that. Then he says that after all the years and all that he has done this is what he gets. Then the fans chant you sold out at him. Show says that he did not sell out. He says that after everything that he has done for the fans this is the thanks he gets. Then he says that he realized at the moment that he has no friends. He says that he realized that he is alone in this world. He says that then he got the call. He asks the fans if they’re drowning if they really care where the life line is coming from. The fans chant for Cena. Then Show says that he made a deal. He mentions that if he helped Johnny Ace beat John Cena then he would get his job back. He mentions that he got a new contract and a big fat bonus. He then says that all Johnny had to do was escape from Cena and it was set. He mentions that he dragged Ace back to the ring like he wanted revenge. Then he says that it was just a ruse for Cena. Then he says that when he threw Johnny to Cena he knew what was going to happen next. He mentions that with 1 punch he knocked Cena cold. Then he watched Johnny pin Cena for the pin. The fans chant for Cena again. Then he says that at No Way Out he will knockout Cena again. Then he says that the fans never really cared about him. Big Show then says that he doesn’t care about the fans. This was a good promo. The storyline might not make a lot of sense but Show is really good in his delivery with the promos. Then Kane comes out and he and Big Show walked past each other.

Kane gets in the ring and Daniel Bryan hits him in the back with a chair. Bryan pounds Kane with the chair and the fans chant yes after every chair shot. Then referees come in to break it up. Then Daniel walks up the ramp. That was a solid bit.

Randy Orton vs. Kane vs. Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio wins when he pins Kane. Daniel Bryan comes back out with the chair. Kane goes after him and Daniel runs to the back. Then Daniel comes back and distracts Kane again. Then Orton gives Kane an RKO and went for the pin but Del Rio broke it up. Then Del Rio covered Kane for the pin. This was a good match. As Alberto & Ricardo celebrate on the stage Sheamus comes out and attacks Del Rio from behind. Then he stands over Del Rio congratulating him on becoming the number one contender. The he says that he can’t wait to kick Del Rio’s head off at No Way Out. Sheamus stands over Alberto and holds up the World Title to end the show.

I thought this was a good show overall. The opening segment setting up the 3 way was solid. I liked the main event too. I’m not sure what they’re doing with Kane & Daniel Bryan but Bryan is really good at playing the weasel heel. Big Show’s promo was good too even if the storyline doesn’t make total sense. Cody cut a good promo too about bringing meaning back to the Intercontinental Title was good too. Christian-Hunico was decent also. Santino-Ricardo was total comedy and I wasn’t into it. Damien Sandow was great on the mic as usual. His match with Yoshi was short and it was all him pounding Yoshi Tatsu. Sheamus-Swagger was also a good match. The Usos vs. Titus & Darren was solid too. On the whole I thought this was a good show.

5-24-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 24, 2012 final taped (for now) episode of Impact

  The show starts with Hulk Hogan in his office reading the show format sheet. Bully Ray, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle & AJ Styles are in there too. Then he says that on Open Fight Night there will be more changes than he thought. Then he hands copies to Ray, Jeff, Angle & AJ. He talks about Bobby Roode becoming the longest champion in TNA history. Then Hulk mentions that AJ is currently the longest reigning champion. Hulk says that all the momentum is pushing them into a fast forward situation that the current formats don’t work anymore. Then they AJ, Angle & Ray talk about all the titles they’ve held. Hulk tells Ray to convince him why he deserves a title match. Ray says he’s been around for 20 years. Ray says that he is the most legit guy out of everyone in there. He says he could intimidate Hogan if he wanted to. Angle says he’s not intimidated and Ray says that Angle been intimated by him before. Then AJ says he doesn’t want Roode to become the longest running TNA Champion. Then Angle mentions that he beat AJ Styles at Sacrifice. Ray then turns to Jeff and he says that his plan is working perfectly. He doesn’t say a word while they argue. Jeff says to let the fans decide. Hulk says that there’s some good about Roode being champion but he still has to be stopped. Hulk says that he knows all 4 guys can beat him. Hogan then eliminates Ray from the picture. Ray says that Eric was right about Hulk. I wasn’t into this. I don’t get this whole crisis about Roode becoming the longest reigning champion in TNA history. I also thought that the winners of the “qualifying matches” last Thursday would be in a 4 Way match. Why do they have the 4 guys in Hogan’s office with Hogan deciding who gets the Title match!?

Gail Kim & Madison Rayne come out and she says that being her is great. She says that she is the current Knockouts Champion and the most dominant one in TNA history. She says that she is the Knockouts division. She says that she is the most important woman in TNA. She then says that she has a problem that the Knockouts tag titles are being held buy a guy. While this is happening, Madison is checking herself out. Then Gail calls out Young & ODB. They come to the ring and it’s time for match # 1.

Knockouts Tag Team Champions Eric Young & ODB vs. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim & Madison Rayne. Gail & Madison win when Gail pins ODB. ODB had Gail set up for a fall away slam but Madison tripped ODB form outside the ring and her legs down for Gail to get the pin. This was ok.

They show Bobby Roode backstage going into his dressing room.

Hulk is on the phone in his office. He mentions that he made his first cut. Then he asks whoever it is he’s talking to if they’re still coming and that it’s been way too long.

Rob Van Dam comes to the ring and says that he’s been so focused on winning the World Title he forgot about settling some unfinished business. Then he tells Gunner to come out. Time for match # 2.

Rob Van Dam vs. Gunner. RVD gets the pin. This was a good but short match.

Devon is in the ring and mentions that Hogan gave him the chance to defend the TV Title every week. He says that last week Hulk also gave him a chance to be the number one contender for the World Title in the Battle Royal. Than he puts over Garrett Bischoff for eliminating him and making it to the final four. Then he asks Garrett to come out. Match # 3.

TV Champion Devon vs. Garrett Bischoff for the Title. The match goes to a no contest when Robbie E & Rob Terry come in and go after both guys. Robbie E gets in Devon’s face. They go for a double clothesline but Devon clotheslines them both. Then Devon & Garrett take out Robbie E & Rob Terry. This wasn’t much either. Garrett looked better here however. Having the 2 Robbies come out and get taken out by Devon & Garrett was weak. Will there be any other challengers for Devon besides Robbie E & Rob Terry?

Back to Hulk in his office with the 3 remaining contenders. He mentions Angle’s accomplishments. He mentions Jeff has been good since he came back. Angle says that Hulk should pick him to be the challenger. Hulk then eliminates Jeff from the picture. Hulk says he will decide who gets the title match in the ring. Angle says he can get the job done.

Bully Ray comes to the ring and he does the “do you know who I am” bit. He says that Hulk must’ve forgotten who he is since he was the first eliminated from the title hunt. Ray says he’s in a bad mood and that means he will take it out on the fans. Then he mentions that someone came up to him today and asked him if knew that Joseph Park was in the arena. He finds Park sitting in the crowd. Ray tells him he’s tired of seeing him sitting with the fans. Then he tells him to get in the ring. Joseph reluctantly comes to ring side. Then he gets a mic and says that he isn’t a fighter or a wrestler and that he’s never been in a real fight. He says that he is a little intimated and asks if he can have some space. Then Joseph gets in the ring and says that all he ever wanted was answers about his brother disappearing. Then he mentions that all the facts pointed to Ray. Then Joseph says that he’s represented a lot of defendants over the years. He says he can tell by looking into a person’s eyes if they’re guilty. The fans chant guilty at Ray and Park says he didn’t tell them to do that. Joseph says that luckily for Ray he is entitled to a fair and speedy trail. Then he says that the jury is right here (the fans). The fans chant guilty at Ray. Then Joseph asks the fans what they think and they cheer for guilty. Then Ray his him in the gut with his chain. Then he hits him with the chain some more and then he picks up the mic and says, “Not guilty.” This was good. Ray is a really good heel and I’m getting more into the Joseph Park Character.

They show a Joey Ryan video package with him mentioning that he’s always been a wrestling fan. He says that it’s in his heart forever. Good video.

Jeremy Borash is in the ring with Al Snow & Joey Ryan. JB talks about the Gut Check Challenge. He says that Al and other judges will decide if Ryan gets a TNA contract. Then Borash asks Ryan if he’s ready. Ryan says he is. Austin Aries comes to the ring. Time for match # 5.

X Division Champion Austin Aries vs. Joey Ryan. Aries gets the pin. This was a good back and forth match.

They show the Sting-Hulk Hogan match from Bound For Glory this past October. This was idiotic when it happened. Why are they showing this as a top 10 moment?

Bobby Roode comes to the ring to find out who he will defend the title against next. Then AJ Styles comes to the ring. Then Kurt Angle. Finally Hulk Hogan comes out on the stage pyro and all. Hogan says he thought this would be one of the toughest decisions he’s had to make. He says no matter who he picks he can’t make a wrong decision. Then he puts over both Angle & AJ. Hulk then says that because AJ knows Roode better than anybody he gets the title match tonight. Angle gives AJ a nod of approval and walks out. Match # 6

AJ Styles vs. TNA World Champion Bobby Roode for the Title. Roode gets the pin. This was a really good back and forth match! During the match they show Hulk Hogan watching the match in the production truck and some guy tells him that his guest has arrived. Daniels & Kazarian watched from the stage.

Afterwards Roode says history has been made. He says that he is officially the longest reigning world champion in TNA history. He says it’s time to celebrate. He asks for his champagne. Val gives him the bottle and a glass. Roode tells Val to give him a second glass. Then he says that for the celebration of domination to take place Hulk Hogan should come out and celebrate with him. Roode says that he can celebrate without Hulk. Then he asks for his confetti. The confetti comes down from the ceiling. Then Hulk Hogan comes out again and says he had the deck completely stacked against Roode. He says he didn’t realize how good Roode really is. Roode drinks out of the bottle. Then Hulk says that he’s glad Roode asked him to come out. He congratulates Roode and says that he has Hulk’s respect. Then Hulk says that for Roode to hang on to the belt the hard work has just begun. Then Hogan says that there is someone else who wants to celebrate with Roode. Then the lights go out and when they come back on Sting is in the ring. Roode turns around and Sting clotheslines Roode out of the ring. Then Hogan announces that Impact will be on at 8:00 starting next week. Then he says that the first match on next week’s show will be Sting vs. Bobby Roode in a lumber jack match. Roode is on his knees at the front of the ramp flipping out while Hogan & Sting celebrate in the ring to end the show.

I thought this was good show overall. I wasn’t really into having Hogan pick who will challenge Roode for the title but the AJ-Roode match was great! I liked the end to when Roode celebrated. The guy’s a really good heel. Sting returning was cool too. I also liked the Aries-Ryan match. There was some good action there. The Joseph Park-Bully Ray promo was good too. Both those guys are really good on the mic. RVD-Gunner was good but a bit short. Devon-Garrett was decent too but I wasn’t into the Robbies coming in. They need to find new guys for Devon to face. Young & ODB vs. Gail & Madison was ok too. This was typical Eric Young comedy. Overall though I thought this week’s show was good.

5-21-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 21, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with John Cena coming to the ring. He says that win lose or draw he comes out and congratulates his opponent and says lets move on. Then he asks what the hell happened. He mentions Johnny Ace beat him. He says that it’s not how it happened, it’s why something like that would happen in the first place. Cena says that Ace has been a selfish power hungry bully. Then he talks about their match last night saying that Ace getting hit tail kicked was what people power was about (Heh).Then he mentions Big Show bringing Johnny back to the ring and he talks about. He says that Show gave Ace to Cena so Cena could finish the job but then Big Show, a man he used to call a friend knocked him out cold. He says there’re experts asking why he toyed with Johnny rather finishing him. He says that Ace deserved everything that he got. He says Big Show decided to sell out. He says he doesn’t know what Show is thinking. He says it doesn’t matter who the next GM would have been. Then he brings up the computer GM. UGH! He says that we’re stuck with this people power garbage. He rags on Ace and the people power crap. Then Eve Torres comes out. She introduces Johnny Ace saying he is the guy who beat Cena. Johnny comes out in a power scooter and has a crutch. Eve helps him up and he leans on the crutch. He says that he was rushed to the emergency room. The doctors told that he might have a spinal injury and other injuries. He says he can’t lift his left arm or move his left leg, but that’s ok because he showed when he’s in the ring he’s a fierce competitor. But when he’s outside the ring he is a WWE executive and that no one can lay a hand on him. He says if they do they will be terminated. Then he mentions that a rehired, gave a bonus to, and who Cena will be facing at No Way Out. Out comes Big Show. Show says that he’s sure Cena and everyone would like an explanation but no one deserves to hear it. He talks about how he begged for his job last Monday and he says that no one lives this business more than he does. He says that he was so upset he was crying. He mentions that he, a giant cried on world wide TV. Then he says that he got no sympathy from the fans and did what he had to do, and what the fans would have done. He says that he has an iron clad contract now. He says how dare Cena or the fans judge him. Show then says that he will be judging Cena at No Way out. He says for Cena there will be no way out because he will knock Cena out. Then David Otunga comes out and says that Cena lost to Ace and now it’s time to lose to him. Cena says he’s not in the mood. He tells Otunga that if he gets in the ring he will hurt him. Otunga says so be it and then he dedicates this match to Johnny. This was mostly a crappy segment. I thought Cena wasn’t the over the top cartoon that was last week, but him parodying the lap top GM was stupid. Johnny Ace’s promo was boring too. I’m way sick of this guy. Why is he the main heel!? I thought Big Show cut a good promo however. His being pissed at Cena and the fans for not doing anything was really well done and he was good in his delivery as usual.

John Cena vs. David Otunga. Cena wins by submission. This was a squash. Afterwards Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks, Titus O’Neill & Darren Young attack Cena. Then Sheamus comes out and he and Cena clean house. Ace says he never gave the heels permission to come out. He tells them to get back to the locker room. Then he says that Cena & Sheamus will team up tonight and it will be in a 3 on 2 handicap lumber jack match. This was idiotic. I thought this was the start of a push for the low level heels, but it doesn’t look like it.

Ricardo Rodriguez was going to introduce Alberto Del Rio but Santino Marella came out. He says that he can’t understand a word Ricardo says. He says his accent is as almost as ridiculous as his eye brows. Then he says Ricardo doesn’t roll his “R’” Then they go back and forth with rolling R and then Santino hits him with the cobra. Then he tells the music guy to hit Alberto’s music. Then he does this over the top comedy introduction for Del Rio. This was really idiotic!!

Then they have a video package plugging Raw will have its 1000^th episode on July 23 and that Raw will be going to 3 hours. AHH!!

Then Alberto Del Rio comes to the ring and Santino heads to the back.

Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio. Orton wins by DQ when Jericho comes in and gives Orton a Code Breaker. Then Jericho gets a mic and says that he is the best in the world at what he does. Then Orton gets up and Jericho gives him a second Code Breaker. Then he asks if Orton understands what he’s saying. He again says that he is the best in the world. Then he picks Orton and gives him a third Code Breaker. This was good. I liked the match and I thought Jericho coming and lying out Orton was good too. It looks like they might have Orton vs. Jericho at No Way Out.

Daniel Bryan comes to the ring and the fans chant yes. He says that a great injustice was done last night. He says he should be WWE Champion. Then they show the “controversial” clip to the finish of the match. Daniel asks if he made Punk tap out. He says Yes. He asks if should be WWE Champion. He says yes. He asks if he faces Punk one more time will he make him tap out again. He says yes. He then says the only reason he isn’t WWE Champion right now is because the referee made a bad. He then demands a rematch. Then CM Punk comes out on the stage. He says that last night’s match was one of the greatest battles he’s ever been and he thanks Daniel. Then he tells Daniel that he pinned him. Then he talks about what happened on Smackdown. They show Daniel hitting Kane with the chair during the Punk-Kane match. Then Punk says he’s ashamed that he fell for that. Then Punk introduces Daniel’s opponent for tonight. Cue Kane’s pyro. Kane comes to the ring. Punk goes to do commentary.

Kane vs. Daniel Bryan. Daniel wins by DQ when Kane hits him with a chair. Punk takes his headset off and he gets a chair/ He was going to do the same that Daniel did on Smackdown but Bryan yanked the chair out of Punk’s hands. Then Kane sees Daniel with the chair. He gets the chair and pounds Daniel with it. This lead to the DQ. Afterwards Kane gets Daniel back in the ring and gives Daniel 2 choke slams. Kane walks out. Then Punk gets in the ring, locks the Anaconda Vice on Daniel and Daniel taps. This was good. Punk & Daniel are 2 of the best guys in WWE today.

CM Punk is backstage and AJ shows up. She says that she enjoyed watching him beat on Daniel. Punk asks if she’s sadistic. AJ starts to lose it. Punk says that she has to know that she’s the one who’s been acting like a fool this whole time. Then she cries and Punk says it will be ok and he hugs her. Then AJ showed that she was faking. Punk says he sort of digs crazy chicks. Punk walks off and AJ “cries” again. This was decent. I’m not sure where they’re going with this but I thought they both did a good job here.

They reshow the Triple H-Paul Heyman segment from last week.

Justin Roberts announces the return of the man who won the people power battle royal and then won the Intercontinental Title last night. Christian.

Christian comes to the ring for his match next.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Jinder Mahal. Christian gets the pin. This was a decent match.

Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix. Beth gets the pin. This was mostly a squash. Kelly got in some offense before getting pinned. Layla watched on a monitor backstage.

Sheamus & John Cena come to the ring for their 3 on 2 lumber jack match. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out and says she is thrilled to still be a part of the people power era. Then she introduces Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler. Then their partner comes out and it’s Tensai. Then the lumber jacks come out. They’re all heels.

World Champion Sheamus & John Cena vs. Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler & Tensai in a handi cap lumber jack match. The lumber jacks get in the ring and pound on Cena & Sheamus. Then some of the faces came out and a brawl started. Cena headed up the ramp to find Big Show while the brawl continued. They show Cena backstage and Johnny Ace asks what he wants. Cena says he doesn’t want anything from him. He asks where Big Show is. Johnny tells Cena not to touch him or he will be canned. Ace walks off and then Big Show his Cena with a Knockout Punch. Big Show walks off while Cena lies on the floor to end the show. The match was good and I liked the brawl. Big Show knocking out Cena backstage was ok too.

I thought this was a mixed bag show. The opening segment was mostly crap, but Big Show’s promo was good. I thought the main event match was good and I thought the brawl was decent. Punk was good too. The segment with him & Daniel Bryan was good. Both guys are really amazing. The Kane-Daniel match was decent too. I liked Punk tricking Kane to thinking Daniel was going to hit him with the chair. Punk pulling the same on Daniel from Smackdown was good. Punk & AJ were both good too. I’m not sure where they’re going with this but they were both good in this bit. Kelly-Beth wasn’t much and Christian-Jinder had a decent but short match. Santino & Ricardo doing the “rolling R” bit was idiotic! Orton-Del Rio was a good match though and I liked Jericho coming out and giving Orton the Code Breakers. On the whole I thought this was a mixed bag show.

5-18-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 18, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Johnny Ace coming to the ring and he says that he disagrees with ruling from the Board of Directors. He says that he asked the board to reconsider and they said no. He says that he is being sent to the slaughter and needs the support of the people. Then CM Punk came out and says that Johnny is all on his own Sunday. He says that Johnny has abused his power. Punk mentions what happened with Big Show on Monday. He says that Johnny is out of touch and humiliates Teddy Long. Punk asks him how it feels to be on the other end of the stick. Then Johnny says that he is still GM and that he can make any match he wants. Then he tells Punk that he will face Kane tonight. Punk says he respects Kane which is more than he can say for Johnny. Punk walks out. Then Johnny says that he’s been a tough but fair GM. Then he says that he works hard for the fans and it seems like the harder he works the more they like to crap all over him. He says he isn’t blaming Cena or Punk for their actions. He blames the fans and he tells them where to go. This was a decent segment. Punk’s promo was good as usual and this was one of Johnny’s better promos.

WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Titus O’Neil & Darren Young. Kofi & Truth win when Truth pins Darren. This was a solid match.

Zack Ryder is backstage filming his youtube show and Damien Sandow walks by and gives him a disgusted look.  

Damien Sandow comes out on the stage and says that he is here to help the fans. He says that it is his passion to set them all free from the chain of ignorance. He talks about how he was going to bring enlightenment 2 weeks ago but his opponent was unworthy. He says that he finds himself in the same spot tonight. He says that he won’t face Tatsu. Then she says you’re welcome. Then as Sandow is walking out, Tatsu gets the mic and calls Sandow a chicken. Then Sandow runs in the ring and beats down Tatsu. This was good. Sandow is really good at playing the snobby intellectual heel. The guy is easily one of the highlights of WWE.

Matt Striker interviews Sheamus & Randy Orton backstage. Sheamus that he is looking forward to the 4 Way and wants to prove what a champion he is at Over the Limit. Then Randy Orton says that he used to be overconfident and looked like an idiot. Then Orton says that he will win the Title. Sheamus says he could brogue kick Orton but he won’t because he’s a nice guy. Orton says that Sheamus is a nice guy unlike him. Then they have a stare down. This was a good bit. Both guys cut good promos. The 4 way should be good Sunday night.

Zack Ryder vs. Daniel Bryan. Daniel wins by submission. Ryder got some offense in but this was mostly a squash. Daniel pounded Ryder.

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Kane. Kane wins by DQ. Daniel Bryan was on commentary. He went to hit Punk with a chair but Punk and the referee saw him. Then he turned around and hit Kane. That led to the DQ. Then Kane flipped and thought it was Punk who hit him. Kane pounds on Punk. Kane choke slammed Punk twice in the ring. Daniel Bryan watched from the stage. This was good stuff. The match was good and I liked the post match bit too. Punk-Bryan should be good.

U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Santino gets the pin. This was ok but I don’t know why they had Cody job clean to Santino.

They show a video package recapping the Johnny Ace-Big Show segment from Monday.

World Champion Sheamus vs. Randy Orton. Sheamus gets the pin. Orton went for the RKO but Sheamus countered it into a roll up and got the 3 count. This was a really good back and forth match. Afterwards Orton shake Sheamus’ hand, then he gives him an RKO. I saw that coming. Orton stands over Sheamus to end the show.

I thought this was good show overall. The Punk-Ace segment at the start was good. I thought Johnny cut a good heel promo. Punk of course was good too. I liked the Sheamus-Orton match. That was really good! Ryder-Bryan was mostly a squash. Ryder got some offense in but Bryan dominated most of the match. Santino-Cody was ok but I don’t know what they’re doin with Cody. Having him job clean to Santino was weird. Kofi & Truth vs. Titus & Darren was a solid match too. Where were Chris Jericho & Alberto Del Rio? This is the final show before the Over the Limit PPV and Jericho wasn’t on the show and Del Rio wasn’t on here or Raw. That I don’t get. Punk-Kane was good also. I liked the Sheamus-Orton promo backstage. On the whole I thought this was a good show.

5-17-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 17, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with Bobby Roode coming to the ring. He talks about how he beat RVD at Sacrifice in Van Dam’s kind of match. He says that RVD gave him one of the most grueling matches he’s had in his career, but he came out the Champion and proved everyone wrong again. Then he says that next week he will officially be the longest reigning TNA World Champion in TNA history. He says host a party and call it the “It factor’s celebration of domination”. Then he tells Hulk Hogan to come out. Hulk comes to the ring. Roode takes out a list of demands for his party. He wants his dressing room redecorated and wants 5 chilled champagne bottles. He also says he wants on green M&M’S. He also wants golden confetti from Canada to come down from the ceiling. Then Hogan takes the list and he says that out of all the champions he’s seen, that till Roode became champion people were stabbing each other in the back looking to become World Champion, but Roode ended that by becoming champion. He says that everyone is coming after him. Then he tears up Roode’s list. Then he says that next week is Open Fight Night. He tells Roode that he will defend his World Title. Roode complains and Hulk asks which title should be defended. Roode says he doesn’t care as long as it’s not the World Title. Hulk says Roode will defend the title tonight anyway. Then the whole TNA locker room comes out on the stage. Then Hulk says that there will be a series of matches tonight. He announces RVD vs. Bully Ray first. Then Jeff Hardy vs. Ken Anderson. He makes Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe third and finally a battle royal. The winners of those matches will be in a 4 Way next week. Hogan says that the winner of the 4 Way will challenge Roode for the World Title. This was a mixed bag opening segment. Roode cut a good promo as usual but Hogan of course was typical Hogan. I thought Hogan saying that everyone was stabbing each other in the back before he won the title was idiotic!

They replay Abyss’ promo at the end of last week’s Impact.

Rob Van Dam vs. Bully Ray in a 4 Way Qualifier. Ray gets the pin. This was a good match. RVD had his left elbow and left knee taped up to sell the injuries from the Sacrifice match.

Bully Ray is backstage and says that pissed at the Kardashians for jumping on the anti-bullying band wagon. Then Joseph Park comes in and apologizes for getting involved in his match Sunday. Then he mentions Abyss’ promo about staying away from the fire. He says Ray is the fire. Ray tells him to stay away. Decent segment.

They show last week’s MMA Uncensored with King Mo & Dixie Carter, where they talk about King Mo signing with TNA. I never heard of this guy before last Thursday and I don’t know why they brought him in. I wasn’t into this.

Gail Kim and Madison Rayne are backstage and Gail is complaining about having to face Brooke & Velvet. Madison says she’s going to fix her hair and wishes Gail good luck. Then Brook & Velvet show up and they say that Gail Kim cheated to win at Sacrifice. Then Velvet says that either she or Brooke will beat her for the Knockouts Title. This was dumb.

Battle Royal a 4 Way Qualifier. AJ Styles wins. This was decent. Madison Rayne watched from the stage. I guess the guy she has a thing for is in the battle royal.

Back from commercial and they recap the whole AJ-Daniels-Kazarian angle.

Back to the show and AJ says that he will beat Roode for the World Title. Then AJ tries to explain the Dixie photos. He says that they have been business partners for 10 years. Then he says that things aren’t always as they seem. Then Daniels & Kazarian come out. Daniels says that last week the world saw photographic proof of how he got to where he is today. Then Kazarian says that this hasn’t been about humiliating AJ but exposing a truth that AJ has benefited from for 10 years. Then Kazarian asks what the deal with the pictures is. AJ says he explained it all. Then Daniels says maybe they misunderstood one of the pics. Then he says that is why they have videos. Then Kazarian takes out a camera and they show a video of AJ & Dixie walking into a hotel room together. Daniels says more but AJ get upset. Daniels says he struck a nerve and that the truth hurts. AJ walks to the back all upset. This is really idiotic! What is the point of this storyline!?

Samoa Joe & Kurt Angle are backstage. Joe says that it’s a shame he has to go through Angle to get his title back. Angle says that it’s all about who makes the first move. Then he slaps. They brawl for a bit and then the other wrestlers come in to break it up. This was a good backstage segment.

Ken Anderson talks about his match with Jeff Hardy at Sacrifice. He talks the controversial finish and says he will give Jeff another shot tonight and will beat him again. Then he says that he will win the World Title next week. Decent promo.

They show clips from the AJ Styles-Samoa Joe-Christopher Daniels X Division Title match from Unbreakable in September 2005. This is one of the greatest matches ever in TNA!

Jeff Hardy vs. Ken Anderson in a 4 Way Qualifier. Jeff gets the pin. This was a really good match. Afterwards they hug each other.

Brooke Tessmacher vs. Velvet Sky vs. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim for the Title. Gail wins when she pins Brooke. This was a good back and forth match. Velvet gave Brooke here finisher and then Gail chucked Velvet out of the ring and pinned Brooke.

Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe in a 4 Way Qualifier. Angle gets the pin. This was a good match too. Bobby Roode came out to do commentary. Afterwards Bobby Roode stands on the stage and he and Angle taunt each other. Then Jeff Hardy shows up in the crowd. Then Bully Ray comes out and then AJ Styles does. They all stare down Roode to end the show. I liked having the 4 possible challengers coming out and facing off with Roode. Good ending.

I though this was a decent show overall. Roode’s opening promo was good as usual. I wasn’t into Hogan’s part of the segment however. The end with Ray, Jeff, AJ & Angle all staring down Roode was good and I liked the Joe-Angle match too. I thought Jeff Hardy & Ken Anderson a really good back and forth match and I liked the Knockouts match too. Both matches had good pinfall reversals. I’m not sure where they’re going with AJ, Daniels & Kazarian. This whole angle about AJ & Dixie is idiotic. The battle royal was solid too. I also like the RVD-Ray match. Ray was also good backstage with Joseph Park. I’m not into the Madison storyline but we’ll see how that plays out. I wasn’t into the King Mo piece that they showed from MMA Uncensored last Thursday either. But On the whole I thought this was a decent show.

5-14-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 14, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with Triple H backstage. He has his arm in a cast. He bumps into Johnny Ace and Ace tells Hunter that it was painful to watch Brock beat up Triple H. Then he says that wants Hunter to know that he has Ace’s support. Ace asks him if he’s gonna say anything. Triple H says that he will say what’s on his mind in the ring. Then he wishes Johnny good luck in his match with John Cena.

Triple H comes to the ring. He says that everyone wants to know his thoughts on Lesnar. He says it’s not the physical that bother’s him. He is offended by what Brock about bringing legitimacy back to WWE. Then he mentions that the night before at WrestleMania he was facing Taker. He says that Brock’s arrogance and stupidity offend him, Taker, Backlund, Taker, Michaels, Austin and Savage. Hunter says that it also offends him as a fan. He says that he will always be part of the WWE Universe and Brock offends him. Then he says that he was slightly embarrassed not because a 300 pound guy attacked him from behind, but because he bought into Brock’ crap. The same spiel he fell for in 2002. Then he mentions that back then Lesnar made it but then when things got tough he quit. Then he mentions how Brock went to UFC and says that when the fight wasn’t so easy he quit that too. He mentions that Lesnar decided to return to WWE because he figured he could take Cena. Hunter then says Cena reached deep inside himself and beat Lesnar. Then he mentions that Brock came out the next night making all these demands and he was told no. Hunter then says that Brock once again quit. He was going to say more but Brock’s music hits and Paul Heyman and a lawyer guy come out. Heyman says that Hunter lost his biggest star and that he truly screwed up as a businessman. He then mentions Brock’s contract and says that Hunter ripping it up is a breach of that contract. Then he says that Hunter doesn’t get the seriousness of this situation but he does get this. The lawyer hands Triple H a paper and Triple H says that Lesnar is suing him. He says that Brock expected a fight from Hunter and didn’t get it. He says more but Triple H knocks the mic out of his hands. He had his hands on Heyman’s face like he’s gonna hit him. Then he backs off and tells Heyman to tell Brock he will get everything he deserves. Hunter heads up the ramp but Heyman says that Triple H screwed up again. He says that because Hunter put his hands on him he now has a second law suit on his hands. He says that he will see Triple H in court. This was a really good opening segment. Triple H cut a good promo and of course Heyman’s promo was outstanding!

WWE Champion CM Punk & U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Daniel Bryan & Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Punk & Santino win when Punk pins Cody. This was a good match.

Alicia Fox vs. Beth Phoenix. Beth gets the pin. This was a squash. Layla watched from the stage and applauds Beth. Afterwards Beth goes after Alicia but Layla hits the ring gives Beth a face plant and runs her off.  

They show a video package of John Cena’s Make A Wish grants. The guy really does do a lot!

Johnny Ace & David Otunga come to ringside to watch the Big Show-Kane match.

Big Show vs. Kane. Kane gets the pin. This was ok. Johnny Ace gets the mic and tells Big Show he wants an apology now. Kane then choke slams Big Show for the 3 count. Afterwards Johnny gets in the ring and tells Show to talk to him like a man. Then Johnny talks about Show mimicking his voice last week. He says that he isn’t going to take it. He says he wants an apology and it better be good or he will can him. Big Show gets a mic and says that he’s been thinking about what he will say tonight. Then he talks about how he’s been in wrestling 18 years. He says there’s a part of him that can walk away with his head held hi, but he loves what he does. He loves performing for the fans. He talks about the friendships he’s made in the back. Show asks Johnny not to erase 18 years of his life. He says Johnny can fine or bar him from having a title match. He then says that Ace has any ounce of decency he will let him do what he loves. Johnny says he never heard Show say he’s sorry. Show said he said it. Johnny says that the fans didn’t hear it. Show says he’s sorry again. Johnny then says now that Show said he’s going to have to prove it. He tells Show to get on his knees and beg him. Show cries and debates what to do. He hints getting to his knees but is all torn about it. Then Show says that he will beg. He says again that he’s sorry and asks Johnny not to make him get on his knees. Johnny says that Show disgusts him. Then he says that he doesn’t care about the fans or Show. He does he does what is right for business. Then Johnny says he will reconsider. Johnny & Otunga head up the ramp and Ace was about to can Show but Show told him to wait. Show then drops to his knees and apologizes. Ace says for what. Show says he apologizes for mimicking his voice and he won’t do it again. He asks Ace if he’s happy. Ace says he’s not and wishes Show the best in his future endeavors and he cans him. This was terrible! Why are they making Big Show look so week!? I thought Show was good in his delivery but this storyline is idiotic!

Brodus Clay and WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R- Truth vs. The Miz, Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler. Brodus, Kofi & Truth win when Brodus pins Miz. This was decent. They show the A.W. stable watching from the sky box.  

CM Punk & Alex Riley are backstage and then AJ comes by. Riley leaves and AJ wishes Punk good luck Sunday. Punk says he doesn’t want to get involved with what’s going on with her & Daniel Bryan. He says he’s known Daniel for years but he hasn’t known AJ that long and says that she’s unstable.

Sheamus comes to ringside to do commentary for the Orton-Jericho match.

Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho. Jericho wins by DQ. Jericho threw Orton into Sheamus during the match. Then Sheamus yanks Jericho out of the ring and that leads to a DQ win. Afterwards Sheamus & Orton argue again. Then they get in the ring but referees come in to break it up. The match was good and it made sense not to have a clean finish. Sheamus & Orton getting ready to go at it was good too.

Michael Cole announces that Eve tweeted that Sheamus will face Randy Orton on Smackdown.

Johnny Ace comes to the ring. He says that he is sorry that Cena is everyone’s favorite superstar because that makes them all losers. He calls Cena a loser after the last to PPV matches he’s had. Johnny says that he is better than Rock & Brock combined and he will beat Cena at Over the Limit. Then he says if there weren’t any losers like the fans there wouldn’t be any winners like him. Then Cena’s music plays and he heads to the ring. He says that desperation is a stinky cologne. Then he does his usual cartoon funny man shtick mimicking his voice. Then he makes light of Ace canning Big Show. He then runs down Ace’s track record. He says that at WrestleMania Ace didn’t do anything. He also wanted CM Punk not to be WWE Champion but he still is. Then he mentions how Ace brought in Brock to take out Cena but that didn’t work either. Then he says Johnny is a loser. This is really stupid! Cena’s making these chimp noises while saying loser. UGH! Then Cena says that Ace will be a loser at Over The limit too. Cena mentions how Ace has stepped on everyone and that he should change people power to person power because all that matters to Johnny is Johnny. He does more of his cartoon super hero funny man gimmick. He asks the fans how bad they want to pummel Johnny. They cheer. Cena says that Ace has no concept of reality (Neither does Vince). Then he says that he can’t think of a better place to give Johnny a wake up call right here in Pittsburgh. Then he talks about the legend of the steel curtain and says that he will destroy Ace at Over The Limit. Then Johnny says something and Cena says he couldn’t hear him. Then he keeps cutting Ace off by saying loser. Then Ace calls the Pittsburgh Penguins losers. Cena says some of the Penguins are at the show tonight. Then Cena gets a hockey puck out and tells Johnny to go puck himself. TERRIBLE!! Johnny says that he is Big Johnny. He says he is taller and better looking than Cena and he knows that bothers Cena. Then he says that as GM he can do whatever he wants with a match. Then Eve gets in the ring and hands Johnny a sheet of paper. Cena snatches it and says it’s from the Board of Directors. The note is about the Cena-Ace match at Over The Limit. It says that the match will be one on one with no guest referee. No one is allowed at ringside. The only ways to win are by pinfall or submission. Also any superstar who gets involved in the match they will be immediately terminated. Then he reads that if Ace loses to Cena then Ace will be officially terminated. Cena talks about Johnny saying that he had a major announcement. He asks what it is and Johnny slaps him. Then he walks to the back. Cena stares at the stage to end the show. This was typical John Cena stupidity! Why do they feel the need to have Cena be this wise cracking, joke machine, cartoon character!? This is what turns fans against Cena!!

I thought this week’s show was a step down from last week’s. For a go home show I didn’t think they did much to hype up the PPV. The opening segment with Triple H & Paul Heyman was good. Hunter cut a decent promo and Heyman cut a really good one! He saved the segment. The closing segment was crap! Cartoon Cena strikes again!! Orton & Jericho had a good match but the DQ finish wasn’t a shocker. Orton & Sheamus getting ready to go at it was good. The 6 man tag was decent but pretty much pointless. Brodus pinned Miz AGAIN! The Big Show-Johnny Ace segment was also terrible. They made Big Show look like a real weakling, which is beyond stupid! Punk & Santino vs. Daniel & Cody was good. That was one of the better parts of the show. The backstage bit with CM Punk & AJ was good too. Punk saying that he’s known Bryan for years and saying that AJ is unstable was good. AJ plays the psycho role well. The Alicia-Beth match was a squash. This was more of a way to build to Layla vs. Beth at Over The Limit. Overall I thought this was a weaker show than last Monday!

5-11-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the May 11, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with World Champion Sheamus & Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho & Alberto Del Rio. The match ends in a Double DQ when a brawl starts. Afterwards Sheamus goes at it with Jericho while Orton goes at it with Alberto. Referees come in to break it up. Orton chucks Del Rio out of the ring and Orton punches him on the floor, while Sheamus and Jericho continue brawling in the ring. Sheamus clotheslines Jericho over the top rope out of the ring and Orton clotheslines Del Rio over the barrier. The match was good but this was more about building to the 4 Way. Having the DQ finish made sense since you don’t wanna have any of these guys do a clean job. The brawling was good too.

Michael Cole announces that because of the double DQ ending to the tag match, Eve has made 2 singles matches for later in the show. Orton vs. Del Rio and Sheamus vs. Jericho.

Kaitlyn vs. AJ. AJ gets the quick pin. AJ pounded the crap out of Kaitlyn the whole match. Afterwards AJ attacks Kaitlyn again. Then Daniel Bryan’s music hits and he comes out. He gets in the ring and says and was impressed with her gusto. He says that he had no idea that she could be so ruthless. He says that if she wanted to send him a message he got it and he sees her in a new light. Then he says there has been a lot of tension between them since WrestleMania. He says that he is ready to move past it all. Then he says that at Over the Limit after he becomes WWE Champion he is really looking forward to moving on. AJ has this look on her face all happy about what Daniel’s saying. He says that he is looking forward to moving on to Kaitlyn. He laughs it up and AJ intently stares him down. Then she walks out of the ring. Then Daniel does his yes chant. The match wasn’t much but Daniel Bryan cut a good promo as usual. I’m not sure what they’re gonna do with him “moving on to Kaitlyn.” Maybe Daniel & Kaitlyn had this planned all along.

Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan. Daniel wins when he gets the Yes lock on Big Show and the bell rings. Then Johnny Ace comes out and says that Daniel is the winner by submission. Daniels heads up the ramp doing the yes bit again. Then Johnny gets in the ring and says that he heard about Show mimicking his voice on Raw. He asks Show if he thinks it’s funny. Show says no. Johnny says, “No what” and Show says, “No I don’t think it’s funny.” Then Johnny says that Big Show isn’t getting it and says, “No what” again. Then after a bit Big Show says, “No sir.” Then Johnny says that he heard Big Show’s apology from Monday and he says that Show didn’t really mean it. Then Ace mentions what Eve told Show on Raw that outside the wrestling business there isn’t much need for a 400 pound freak. Then Johnny tells Show that Show will apologize to him again this Monday night on Raw and that it better be a good one. Then Johnny Ace walks up the ramp. Then he says that at Extreme Rules Brock Lesnar destroyed John Cena and revolutionized WWE in 1 night. Then he says that he will shock the world when beats Cena at Over the Limit. I wasn’t into this. I don’t know why they have Big Show look so weak.  

Heath Slater is in the ring and he says that Ryback looks like a cave man with a small brain. Then he says that Ryback hasn’t really beaten anybody. Then he says that he hasn’t beaten him, the one man southern rock band. Then he says for Ryback to come out and see what he’s got. Ryback comes out and it’s match time.  

Ryback vs. Heath Slater. Ryback gets the pin. This was a squash.

Lillian Garcia announces that Johnny Ace has made Teddy Long the guest ring announcer for the next match.

Alex Riley vs. Antonio Cesaro. Antonio gets the pin. This was a short match too. Alex got some offense in but this was mostly a squash. Then Long announces Cesaro as the winner. Then Aksana gets the mic and says that to Long no hard feelings but they’re just friends. Then she mentions Antonio and says that she likes the sound of his name. Then she says that Cesaro is her lover. Then they kiss. This was idiotic.

They show a Make a Wish video package that John Cena narrated. This was really good. It’s great that they do this stuff for the Make a Wish kids!

Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio. Orton wins by DQ when Ricardo comes in. Ricardo got on the top rope and dove at Orton, but Orton gave him a mid air RKO. Afterwards Del Rio throws Orton’s left shoulder into the ring post and then locks Orton in the cross arm breaker. Referees come in to break it up and Orton rolls out of the ring. He sells the arm injury on the floor. This was a good match too and again having the DQ finish makes sense.

WWE Tag Team Champion R-Truth vs. Jack Swagger. Truth gets the pin. Truth had Swagger pinned but Dolph yanked Truth’ leg. Then Truth went after Dolph and punched him. Then Kofi dove onto Dolph from the steel steps. Then Swagger clotheslined Truth. Then Truth & Swagger got back in the ring but Kofi gave Swagger the Trouble in Paradise kick from the outside. Then Truth hit his finisher for the pin. This was a decent match. The A.W. stable watched on a monitor backstage.

They show the John Cena interview from Monday.

U.S. Champion Santino Marella & Zack Ryder vs. Darren Young & Titus O’Neil. Darren & Titus win when Titus pins Ryder. This was a decent match. Titus & Darren got in most of the offense of course. Afterwards Titus gets the mic and tells Lillian to announce them as the winners a second time. She does. Then Titus says that they will be the future tag champions. Young asks if the fans no the difference between him & Titus and the rest of the teams in WWE (There aren’t many). Titus says the fans don’t know but he & Darren do. They both say millions of dollars. Then do some of kind of million/billion dollar chant. That was kind of funny. I think this team has potential. Hopefully they’ll be booked right.

Damien Sandow is backstage with Matt Striker. Striker mentions that Sandow has been promising to bring enlightenment but he chose not to compete in his match last week. Striker asks if there is any insight. Sandow sarcastically apologizes if they he spoke confused Striker. He says that “to think you were an educator.” Then he says that his message flew over everybody’s head. He then says that the fans are looking for enlightenment but there’s no one for them to turn to. Then he pretty much says that he is the guy who will bring enlightenment to WWE. Then he says, “This concludes our interview.” Then he says, “You’re welcome.” Great promo. This guy is really amazing as the intellectual heel. This promo was also pretty funny.

Brodus Clay vs. Hunico. Brodus gets the pin. Before the bell rang Hunico & Camacho double teamed Brodus. Then Brodus “funked up” and the bell rang. Brodus went to town on Hunico. Camacho got on the apron but Brodus knocked him off. Then Brodus hit the big splash on Hunico for the pin. There wasn’t much to this.

They reshow Brock Lesnar breaking Triple H’s arm from 2 weeks ago. Then the show the Paul Heyman promo from last week.

World Champion Sheamus vs. Chris Jericho. Jericho wins by DQ when Del Rio comes in. Del Rio threw Jericho into the steel steps then he locked the arm breaker on Sheamus. Then Randy Orton came to the ring and pounds Del Rio. Then Sheamus pushes Orton off Alberto and then Sheamus pounds on Del Rio. Then Orton pulled Sheamus off of him and then they had words. Then Jericho came in and gave Alberto the Code Breaker. Then Orton gave Alberto an RKO. Then Sheamus gives Del Rio a Brogue Kick. Then Orton & Sheamus intently stare each other down to end the show. Good stuff here. I thought they did a good job building up to the 4 way.

I thought this was a solid show overall. The tag match at the start of the show was good. I liked Orton-Del Rio and Sheamus-Jericho too. It made sense to have a DQ/No finish in these matches since they will be in the World Title match. I liked Daniel Bryan’s promo too. I’m not sure what he meant about moving on to Kaitlyn but he does a great job in the heel role. Damien Sandow cut a great promo too. The guy is really funny with his delivery. I’m liking the Titus O’Neil-Darren Young tag team also. They got potential. Overall I thought this was a solid show.