6-29-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 29, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Divas Champion Layla vs. AJ. Layla gets the pin. Daniel Bryan came out and hopped around the ring doing his yes chant. That distracted AJ and allowed Layla to get the pin. Afterwards AJ attacks Layla. This was a solid match.

Then after that happened Daniel tells her to settle down. He says that it’s not so fun when someone distracts you in the middle of a match. He says that he has something important that he needs to discuss. AJ goes to leave but Daniel tells her not to. He says that there’s something he wants to talk about with Vickie Guerrero and he wants AJ to hear it. Then he says that isn’t leaving the ring till he gets what he wants. He says that he is holding the show hostage if he has to. Then Daniel does his yes chant and then AJ does to. Back from break and they’re still doing the dueling yes chants. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out. She says that everyone is tired of Daniel repeating his annoying catch phrase. Daniel says that he needed to make a point. He mentions that he beat both Kane & CM Punk on Raw Then he says that he needed to everyone that WWE will soon revolve around him. Then he thanks Vickie for working the Board to give him his title match. Then he says that he wants Vickie to run both Raw & Smackdown on a permanent basis. He then says that if she is going to be the GM and if he is going to be Champion they will need to work together hand in hand. He then says that if that happens he has an idea that he wants Vickie to take to the Board of Directors. Then he says that he wants AJ banned from ringside at Money in the Bank when he faces CM Punk. He says that he refuses to lose his opportunity because of AJ. Vickie says that she’s not a fan of AJ and that she hasn’t forgotten what AJ did to her Monday. Then Vickie gets in AJ’s face but then Daniel says that this isn’t about her & AJ. This is about him. Then Vickie says that there was a poll on the WWE website that asked the fans what role they want AJ to play in the Punk-Daniel match. The choices were guest referee, guest timekeeper, guest ring announcer and guest commentator. AJ will be the guest referee. Vickie flips out about that. Then Vickie says that she has respect for the Board of Directors and they should all agree to have AJ as the guest referee. AJ walks by Daniel and then gets in Vickie’s face and says yes. Then she does the yes chant as she heads up the ramp. Bryan says this isn’t fair. Vickie says she has to respect the Board’s decision. Then Daniel chants no as he leaves the ring. This segment was good. I thought all 3 did a great job here. Vickie & Daniel both cut great promos and AJ was really good here too. I think it was a little long but it was still good.

Then Vickie says that there will be qualifying matches for the Smackdown Money in the Bank ladder match over the next 2 weeks. Then she says that the first qualifying match will start right now. Then Zack Ryder comes out and we go to a break.

Back from the break and Damien Sandow comes out with a mic. He says he’s here not just to help the fans but to also help his opponent this evening. He calls Ryder the ambassador of ignorance, mediocrity & stupidity. Then he says that Ryder is no different then any of the fans. Then he says that when emerges victorious he will ensure that the unwashed masses of the WWE Universe will soon have a World Champion that will Shepard them all towards the enlightenment that they all so desperately yearn for. You’re welcome. Great promo. This guy is really entertaining.

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Zack Ryder vs. Damien Sandow. Sandow gets the pin. This was a solid match.

Daniel Bryan is backstage and he pound on the Diva’s locker room door screaming for AJ. Then he knocks and tells AJ that he needs to talk to her. The door opens and Kaitlyn comes out and tells Daniel that AJ isn’t in there. He asks where AJ is. Kaitlyn doesn’t know but what she does know is that Daniel should try to get on AJ’s good side because, then she has him bend forward. She says that he didn’t here this from her but AJ is a little mentally unstable (No duh!). Then she goes back in the locker room. This was idiotic!

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Tyson Kidd vs. Jack Swagger. Tyson gets the pin. This was a good match.

Dolph & Vickie are backstage in the GM office. Vickie mentions how great it would be if she became the regular GM. Dolph says that he is trying to become World Champion. Then Dolph tells Vickie to ban the Brogue Kick and the cross arm breaker. Vickie asks how that will look on her. Dolph flips and says that 6 long years of his life. Then he yells at Vickie and says that he is telling her to do this for him. Then Vickie smacks him. Then Dolph says to announce him as the new World Champion and to raise his hand. Vickie says that she will. This was ok. It looks like Dolph & Vickie will be splitting up soon. 

Before the next match David Otunga gets in the ring. He throws his coat off. Then the spotlight goes on him and he poses. What is the point of this?

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Intercontinental Champion Christian & U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Cody Rhodes & David Otunga. Christian & Santino win when Christian pins Otunga. This was a solid match too.

Backstage Matt Striker interviews Sheamus. Strike asks him if he’s worried about tonight’s match. Sheamus says that he didn’t become World Champion by being worried. He says there is a great he can lose his title tonight. Then he says that if retains the Title tonight and at money in the Bank he could then lose it to the MITB winner. Then Sheamus says that he doesn’t spend his life worrying about what ifs. He says that Del Rio likes to think that he’s better than everyone because he’s rich. Then he says that Dolph thinks he’s better than everyone just because he’s Dolph Ziggler. Then he says that either way he has an opportunity tonight to be better than both guys by winning the triple threat match. Then Sheamus says that he doesn’t worry. He just kicks arse. This was a good promo except for the arse part. That is stale. I was ok with the rest of this.   

Backstage they show Daniel Bryan. He’s trying to get on AJ’s good side. He tells her that he knows a doctor who can help her out. He says that is what people who care about each other do. They help each other out. He asks her if he wants her to give him his phone number. She does the yes chant and skips away. Daniel had this disgusted look on his face. This was a good backstage bit. These 2 work really well together.

Time for the 2 on 1 Ryback squash. Dan Barone & Brendan Burke are the 2 guys. They do the usual promo and then Ryback comes out.

Ryback vs. Dan Barone & Brendan Burke. Ryback gets the pin. This was the typical Ryback squash.

Backstage Antonio Cesaro & Aksana make out. Then Teddy Long comes by and tells them that he will be the GM next week. Then Aksana flirts with Teddy. Long doesn’t buy it. Then he says that not only to they deserve each other but they need each other. Especially next week. He then tells them that on live Great American Bash Smackdown special Cesaro & Aksana will face Layla & Great Khali. This felt like filler but at least they didn’t make Long look like a moron here.

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Justin Gabriel vs. Tensai. Tensai gets the pin. This was a solid match too.

Alberto Del Rio comes to the ring for the World Title match. He says he is forced to being in a triple threat match rather than getting a one on one Title match and is forced to compete in the filthy town and that the place has nothing. Then he says that in spite of all that he will be World Champion. Then he says that he knows that the fans in the arena don’t know anything about greatness but do they know why he will win tonight. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out and tells Alberto that he isn’t winning tonight. She says that the crowning jewel of her week as GM is that she gets to introduce the next World Champion Dolph Ziggler. Then Dolph comes out. Then finally Sheamus comes out.

World Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio for the Title. Sheamus wins when he pins Dolph. This was a good match. Sheamus hold up the title to end the show.

I thought this was a good show overall. The Layla-AJ match was solid and I liked the 3 way title match. I thought that was good. Ryback had the typical squash fest. I thought the other matches were solid too. I also liked Daniel Bryan’s promo with Vickie Guerrero at the beginning of the show. They both cut great promos. The backstage bit with Daniel & Kaitlyn was idiotic I thought. I liked the backstage bit with Daniel & AJ though. Sheamus’ interview about not worrying about what ifs was solid too except for the “arse” part. I thought the rest of it was ok. Damien Sandow is really good. I enjoy his character quite a bit. Overall I thought this was a good episode.

6-28-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 28, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with AJ Styles & Dixie Carter backstage. Dixie says she’s glad the secret’s out and is ready to move on. AJ says he’s going to pound the crap out of Daniels & Kazarian. Whatever.

Then they show Dixie & Claire Lynch walking backstage. Mike Tenay mentioned that we will hear the Claire story throughout the night. Goody!

Ken Anderson vs. Rob Van Dam in a Bound for Glory Series match. RVD gets the pin for 7 points. This was a good match.

Austin Aries comes to the ring. Back to the show. Aries says that last week he was in the ring with Hulk and had a major decision to make. One that would change TNA as whole. He says that relinquishing the X Title wasn’t easy. He then says that he’s beaten everyone and now wants to challenge for the World Title. Aries says that when Hogan agreed to Aries option it made easier form him. Then he says there will be a tournament at Destination X to crown a new X Division Champion. He says that he saw some old and X guys. He says that every X Division guy will have the same chance he has every year thanks to him. Then Bobby Roode comes out. Roode says that Aries sounds pathetically overconfident but that right up Aries’ ally. Roode says that his title is the real World Title because he made it that way. He says he made the World Title the most important belt in the industry. He says he is the most dominant champion in Impact Wrestling. Roode then says that there’re 12 guys clawing for a title shot against him at Bound for Glory. Roode then says that Aries got a chance at his title because of Hulk Hogan. Roode then says that “option c” is a failure. Roode says that Aries is setting himself and the X Division up for failure and Roode will see that Aries fails. Roode tells Aries that he isn’t in his league, calls him kid and tells him to get out of his ring. Aries says that it’s his ring and that if Roode wants to him to leave, then he should make him. Roode walks out saying it isn’t worth his time. This was a good segment. Aries & Roode both cut great promos.

Claire & Dixie Carter are backstage. Claire says that she met AJ through Dixie. Then she says that the story got bad when Daniels & Kazarian found out. She says she never met them before and she can’t believe they blackmailed them. This was a crappy segment and I’m sure the rest of these will be just as bad.

Kazarian & Daniels are backstage and Kazarian tells Daniels that he turned on his best friend because he bought into Daniels’ crap. Kazarian walks out and Daniels mentions they have a Tag Title match. This was idiotic!

X Division Title Tournament- First Round: Sonjay Dutt vs. Rubix (Jigsaw). Sonjay gets the pin. This was a good match too. Afterwards Christie asks Sonjay how it feels to be back in the Impact Zone. He says there’s one thing he never accomplished and that was win the X Division Title. He says that he will win the title at Destination X. Sonjay cut a good promo.

They show Bruce Pritchard, Al Snow & Taz from “Last Thursday.” They discuss Taeler’s match next week. They say that she has potential. Pritchard asks if she’s too green. Taz talks about her being misdiagnosed and would make her humble but also hungry. Taz says that she doesn’t have a sense of entitlement. Taz & Al say that she isn’t gonna be handed anything. Pritchard doesn’t think she’s got it. Taz thinks she does. Al isn’t sure. Whatever. I’m not into these gut check segments.

Samoa Joe vs. Bully Ray in a Bound for Glory Series match. Joe wins by submission for 10 more points. Joseph Park comes out. Ray gets in his face but Park slaps him. Then Samoa Joe locks on the Coquina Clutch for the submission win. This was also a good match. Then Joseph gets the mic and says that he knows who Ray is but does Ray know who he is. He says he’s Joseph Park and Ray is nothing but a jackass bully. Then he mentions that he was bullied his whole life but that ends tonight. He then says that it’s no longer about Abyss. He says that he was watched Ray bully everyone around long enough and he’s sick of it. Then Joseph says in 2 weeks he will fight Ray again. This time he’s bringing the fight right to Ray. This was a really good promo. Chris Park is really doing a tremendous job at this new character.

More on Claire & Dixie. They talk about who shocked they were with Daniels’ & Kazarians’ actions. Dixie says that she & AJ going into a hotel room was to see Claire. She also says that the phone call was to plan a birthday party for Serge. Claire says she wasn’t there. Dixie says she was having problems then. This was crappy too. Who cares about any of this? None of it makes any sense!

Kazarian tells Hulk Hogan that he’s made a mistake falling for Daniels’ crap. He says that he can’t be a tag champion with Daniels. Hogan says that Kazarian knew what Daniels was doing was wrong and that Kazarian isn’t the same guy. Then Hulk tells him that he booked the match and we will find out what Kazarian is made of tonight. Kazarian walks out all upset. This was awful too.

Madison Rayne walks by Garrett Bischoff backstage. Madison tells him that she has this crush and she was wondering what he’s like. He asks who and she says who it is in his ear. Garrett says good luck with that.

Backstage with the 2 Brookes. Hogan got Tessmacher onto the auto insurance ad. Then Gail Kim comes in and says that Brooke Hogan needs to realize that the other Knockouts are cheap imitations of her. Then Brooke says that Gail’s rematch against Tessmacher will be next week. These segments with Brooke Hogan are horrendous.

X Division Title Tournament-First Round: Rashad Cameron vs. Mason Andrews. Cameron gets the pin. This was good too. Afterwards Christie asks him how it feels to be going to Destination X. He says that everyone is looking at the next X Division champion and everyone just saw the beginning of the Rashad Cameron movement. This was a decent promo.

Hulk Hogan is in his with Jeff Hardy & James Storm He puts both guys over and then he says that next week’s Bound for Glory Series main event will be Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm.

Time for the Gut Check segment. Pritchard, Al & Taz are in the ring JB brings out Taeler Hendrix. Taz says that he knows how he will vote. Then JB asks Al & Pritchard if they’re ready to vote. Of course they are. Hendrix says she is hungry for success. Taz votes first. He votes yes. Al Snow next. He says he’s known Taeler for years and has watched her perform. Then they show Joey Ryan in the front row and Taz leaves the ring. Ryan dares Taz to hit him. Security comes in to remove Joey Ryan. Back to Al Snow’s decision. He votes no. Time for Taeler to cut a promo to impress Pritchard. She says that someone somewhere each of the judges were given a chance. She says that is what she wants and she will fight to prove that she can shone. Time for Pritchard to vote. He says she’s green and isn’t sure if she has that mean streak in her. He says he isn’t sure if she’s ready for prime time. He says that she has heart and class. Pritchard votes yes. So Taeler Hendrix gets the TNA contract. This gut check segment wasn’t as bad as the other ones. I liked the bit with Taz & Joey Ryan. The segment itself was good too. I thought Taeler cut a good promo. 

Kurt Angle tells AJ Styles that everything with Dixie is over. Angle says that the AJ he knows is back. AJ says the weight is off his shoulders. Then AJ mentions that he has a last man standing match with Daniels at Destination X. Then Angle mentions their tag title match. They say that they’re united and that Daniels & Kazarian are divided. This was a decent backstage promo.

They show Dixie & Claire sitting at ringside.

TNA World Tag Team Champions Kurt Angle & AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian for the Titles. Daniels & Kazarian win to regain the Titles when Daniels pins AJ. Daniels throws Angle into the referee. Then he gets a chair. He was going to hit AJ with it but Kazarian took it out of Daniels’ hands. AJ was going to go for the Styles Clash but Kazarian hit AJ in the back with chair. Then Daniels pinned AJ for the 3 count. Afterwards Daniels says it’s a great day because they’re the tag champs. Then he turns to Dixie and says that Claire didn’t tell her the whole truth. Daniels mentions that Claire is pregnant. Then he says that AJ is the dad. That ended the show.

I thought this week’s show was a bit weaker than the last few Impacts but it was still solid. I thought all the matches were good. The opening segment with Austin Aries & Bobby Roode was really good. I liked the tag title match too. I wasn’t into Dixie & Claire being at ringside or Daniels revealing that AJ is the father of Claire’s kid. The Dixie-Claire segments backstage were stupid. I wasn’t into the Tessmacher-Kim-Brooke Hogan bit either. Joseph Park cut a really good promo on Bully Ray. Chris Park is really doing a great job with this new character. I wasn’t into the Madison-Garrett segment. The gut check segment was decent too. The Taz-Joey Ryan part was good. I also thought Taeler’s promo was solid too. It was also nice to see Sonjay back. So overall I thought this week’s show was a bit weaker than the past few but I still thought it was a solid show.

6-25-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 25, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with AJ backstage and she says that she knows Daniel still has feelings for her but they’ll have to drift apart. Then she mentions Kane and she says that they both know he’s not a man, he’s a monster. Then she gets to Punk. She thinks of her and Punk as sole mates but she doesn’t he’s thinking what she’s thinking whatever. Then she says it’s best that they go their separate ways. Then the camera shows that she was talking to herself while looking in a mirror. This was really strange way to kick off the show. Where are they going with this storyline?

Vickie Guerrero comes out and says that the board of directors decided to make her GM for Raw and Smackdown. Then she says that she will become the regular GM on the 100^th Raw. Then she says that she’s excited to bring us a great show. The first match is a 3 Way Elimination match. This was a typical Vickie heel promo. I thought she was good here. I also like that they have a 3 Way match with elimination rules. I’m not sure why we’re getting ANOTHER No Way Out rematch however!

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Kane vs. Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan wins. AJ’s music hits and she skips to the ring. Then Punk hit the GTS on Kane for the pin. Punk is eliminated. Then Daniel kicks Punk in the back of the head for the pin. Daniel Bryan wins. This was a good match and this story with AJ continues.

They show Vickie in the office and Alberto & Ricardo come in. Ricardo gives Vickie flowers. Then Del Rio says he’s the rightful number one contender for the World Title. Then Dolph Ziggler comes in and says that he deserves another title match. Vickie says that Del Rio & Dolph will face each other and the winner challenges Sheamus on Smackdown. Then Dolph take the flowers and throws them into the wall. This was kinda corny.

Brodus Clay vs. Big Show. Big Show gets the pin. This was ok.

They show a video package of John Cena making his 300^th Make A Wish. This was a nice video.

Back to the show and they show Brodus being helped to the back during the break. Then Big Show punched Brodus.

They reshow the Triple H promo from No Way Out followed the Triple H-Paul Heyman promo from last Monday. Then they announce that Brock Lesnar will answer Triple H’s challenge next week.

AJ is backstage with Kane. Kane says that she’s made him feel things that he never thought possible. He says he isn’t boyfriend material and he doesn’t do relationships. Plus he’s a monster and he wears a mask and even he finds her mentally unstable. Then he says they should stay away from each other. Kane walks out and AJ makes like she’s going to cry but predictably she laughs about it. This was weird.  

U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Jack Swagger for the Title. Santino gets the pin. This was ok but typical Santino comedy.

They show John Cena walking backstage and he finds a People Power t-shirt. Then Zack Ryder comes in and throws in the trash. Then they fist pump. That was lame.

John Cena comes to the ring. He says that for the past month WWE has been turned upside down. Then he says that Johnny Ace convinced Big Show to turn heel. Then he talks about the steel cage match they had at No Way Out. He mentions that Brodus, Santino & Ryder were at ringside. He does the whole thing using Star Wars references. Then he says that after he hit the floor “Yoda” McMahon said to Emperor Johnny, “No chance in hell have you. Fired you are” Then he was about to make his “historic announcement” but the lights go out. Then Chris Jericho’s music hits and he returns! The fans chant Y2J. Jericho asks Cena what he’s talking about. Jericho tells Cena to shut up and get out of his ring because tonight is Chris Jericho’s night. Cena says that since Jericho has been gone some things have happened. He mentions that Big Show has entered the Money in the Bank match. Then he says that to stop Big Show he is also putting himself in the MITB ladder match. (I called it!) Cena mentions that he’s had the case cashed in on him more than once. Then he says that he hasn’t been Champion in a year. Then Jericho says that Cena’s arrogance & Ignorance is mind boggling. Jericho says that he invented the MITB ladder match in 2005 and has been in 3 of them. Cena says Jericho hasn’t won any of them. Jericho says this match isn’t a joke. He says MITB is a serious match and no one has been in more ladder matches than he has. He says that this match is a career ender. Then he tells Cena not to worry about stopping Big Show. Cena should be worried about stopping him because he is entering the MITB ladder match too. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out and says that there will be 2 MITB matches. One for each title. She says that only former WWE Champions can be in this year’s match. They are Kane, Big Show, Chris Jericho & John Cena. Then she says that tonight Cena will face Jericho. This was a mixed bag segment. Cena’s Star Wars promo was idiotic. Jericho’s was good and Vickie was ok here too. I’m not digging the only former champions can be in the Money in the Bank ladder match bit. I knew that Cena’s announcement was gonna be that he’s entering the Money in the Bank match because Big Show’s in there.

Time for the former main eventer match. Out comes Heath Slater. He says he’s the one man band and doesn’t care what Vader, Cyndi Lauper, Wendi Richter or Piper think about him. He is one of the top super stars on Raw. He says that he rules the world. Then Psycho Sid’s music hits and he comes out! I popped big for Sid!

Psycho Sid vs. Heath Slater. Sid gets the pin. This was a squash. It was cool to see Sid back!

Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio in a World Title shot contract on a pole match. They were both on the top rope and Dolph grabbed the contract but it fell out of his hands. Then Ricardo comes in to grab it but Dolph kicks it out of his hands to the floor. They fall to the floor on the opposite side of where the contract is. Then Sheamus comes out and says that Vickie set up a Triple Threat match for the World Title. Then Sheamus says that this match will be about him kicking both their “arses” on Smackdown. So we get a no finish. What was the point of this match if they were to going to have a 3 way?

They announce that CM Punk will defend the WWE Title against Daniel Bryan at Money in the Bank.

CM Punk is backstage and AJ shows up and covers his eyes. She says guess who. He says King Kong Bundy. That was funny. Then AJ says that things didn’t go to well for Punk before and she wants to make it up to him. She then says that she will dedicate the battle royal win to Punk. Punk says they need to talk. AJ says that she is open to taking things to the next level. Then she says she has to win the battle royal next. This was a decent backstage segment.

Time for the Divas Battle Royal. Vickie Guerrero comes out and says that “Vickie Power” is in charge tonight. She gets in the ring and reveals her swim suit. In the battle royal are AJ, Vickie Guerrero, Divas Champion Layla, Rosa Mendez, Natalya, Beth Phoenix, Maxine, Tamina, Alicia Fox, Aksana & Kaitlyn. AJ wins. This was a waste! It came down to AJ & Vickie. Then AJ does Daniel Bryan’s Yes chant.

John Cena vs. Chris Jericho. Cena wins by DQ when Big Show came in. Jericho had Cena in the Walls of Jericho and then Big Show came in and leg dropped Cena. That led to the DQ. Then Show choke slammed Cena. Then he locked Cena in the camel clutch and had him in that for a bit. Show releases the unconscious Cena and looks at the referee to end the show.  

I thought this week’s show was hit and miss overall. The 3 Way match was good and I thought Cena-Jericho was decent. Show locking the camel clutch on Cena was ok too. The AJ storyline is good and AJ plays the whacko role really well. I liked her segments in the back with Kane & Punk. AJ is the only diva right now who is in a storyline. That divas battle royal was pointless! I knew AJ would win. Cena’s Star Wars promo was stupid. Jericho’s promo was decent though. Dolph-Alberto was good but also pointless if they were going to have both guys challenge Sheamus anyway! Brodus-Show was ok for what it was. Santino-Swagger was ok too but it was typical Santino comedy. I liked seeing Psycho Sid. That might have been my favorite part of the show. So overall I thought this week’s show was not great but not terrible either.

6-24-12 ROH Best in the World recap and thoughts

Recap and thoughts on the June 24, 2012 ROH Best in the World iPPV

I watched the ROH Best in the World IPPV last night. I thought this was a really awesome show! Most of the matches were good to great!

On with the show.

The show started with The Briscoes coming out for their match. Then Truth Martini came out and he introduced their mystery opponents, The Guardians of Truth.  Then 2 guys came out in what looked like a new version of the old Executioner costumes. I read later on that the were the Headbangers. No one could tell because when they came out the fans chanted, “Who are You?”

The Briscoes vs. The Guardians of Truth (AKA The Headbangers). The Briscoes won when Jay got a roll up pin. The ropes were really lose in this match. I think it was because whatever holds the ropes together broke. The match was decent but because of the ropes being lose it was a bit off. Jay lifted one of the Guardians on his shoulders and Mark went up top for a Doomsday Device but the Guardian attempted to counter that with a Victory Roll and then Jay managed to drop down and get the pin. After the match The Briscoes were going to give the Doomsday Device to Truth Martini but one of the Headbanger Guardians pushed Mark off the top. Then they double teamed Jay till security ran in to break it up. This was ok but the lose ropes really had an affect on the match.

Eddie Edwards vs. Homicide. Edwards got the pin. This was a great match. They wrestled like this was the main event. Both guys really gave it their all.

Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly in a Hybrid Rules match. Cole won by submission. This was AWESOME! Easily one of the best matches on the show! The rules for this Hybrid match were a bit confusing. All I pretty much remember is that there were no pin falls. At one point in the match Adam Cole bled like crazy from the mouth. They thought his teeth were knocked out but they weren’t. Cole did have to get stitched up after the match though. Really great match! Well worth seeing! After the match Cole went to shake Kyle’s hand but Kyle smacked him in the face and walked out.

Fit Finlay vs. Michael Elgin. Elgin got the pin. This was a good match too. Finlay looked good here. He’s still in great shape. Elgin is really good too. The guy has all the makings of a star. After the match Finlay extended his hand out to Elgin. Then Truth Martini came out and he told Elgin not to shake Finlay’s hand but Elgin shook it anyway. Then Martini gets in Elgin’s face about that and then Elgin backed him into the corner and told Martini not to tell him what to do. This was good too. I have a feeling Elgin will be turning face soon.

Then they went to a 20 minute intermission.

Back to the show and out come Mike Bennett, Bob Evans & Maria. The crowed chants CM Punk since Punk & Maria used to be together. Bennett mentions that he’s from Boston and he rags on the New York fans pretty much. Then he & Maria make out AGAIN! Then out came Mike Mondo who said that he is from New York. He said that the first show he was ever at was at the Manhattan Center and he also said that it has always been his dream to wrestle in the Hammerstein. Then he challenges Bennett to a fight. Then he says that he will fight Bennett and then F Maria.

Mike Mondo vs. Mike Bennett. Mondo got the pin with an inside cradle. This was a solid match. The crowd really popped for Mondo!

Jay Lethal vs. Tomasso Ciampa vs. ROH World TV Champion Roderick Strong in a 3 Way Elimination match for the Title. Strong won after pinning Lethal. This was a good match also. Lethal got Strong in a Figure 4 and locked Ciampa in a cross face at the same time. That was cool spot. Ciampa was going for Project Ciampa on Strong but then Prince Nana came in and toppled over Ciampa. Then Strong fell on top of Ciampa and the got the pin on him. Then Lethal went for a spring board on Strong but Truth Martini hit Lethal in the back with the book of truth. Then Strong hit a suplex into a back breaker for the pin. This was a really good match too. Ciampa was upset at Nana for costing him the match. It looks like the might be turning Ciampa face too. I was hoping they would put the Title back on Lethal.

The All Night Express vs. ROH World Tag Team Champions Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team for the Titles. If WGTT lost by DQ they would lose the titles. ANX won to become the new champions. This was another great match. AT one point Kenny tossed a chair to Shelton and tried goading him into using it. Then Titus gave Shelton a DDT on the chair for a near fall. Then Toward the end Rhett was busted open and the champs were working him over. They were going for the leap of faith but then Kenny spring board dove onto Shelton. Then Rhett rolled up Charlie for the pin. The place went nuts for the title change. Afterwards Benjamin & Hass attacked the All Nights but the Champs got back and headed to the back with the titles.

Then Steve Corino came out and said that he was proud to be evil and was going to be on commentary for the main event. Then Jim Cornette came out and said that if Corino was going to be at ringside he will be too so that Corino wouldn’t get involved in the match. Then after Richards & Steen come out and the introductions were out of the way Kyle O’Reilly came out and told Richards that he has too much respect for him and that he wasn’t going to stab him in the back. He was going to stab in the f’n eye. He says that Team Ambition is done and he is looking to break out on his own. Good heel promo from Kyle.

Davey Richard vs. ROH World Champion Kevin Steen in an Anything goes match for the Title. Steen got the pin. This was the other REALLY AWESOME match of the show! These guys had a crazy brawl. At one point ring announcer Bobby Cruise got taken out. Then Davey kicked the referee. Then the other referee came out and Steen gave him a Package Piledriver. Richards got a chain and tied it to his ankle and kicked Steen in the head with it. That was nuts. There were a lot of insane bumps here. Tables broken, piledriver on a ladder. Crazy stuff. Jimmy Jacobs came in and pulled a spike out of his boot but Jim Cornette came in and took the spike out of his hands. He was going to hit Jacobs with it but then Corino was standing behind Cornette. When Cornette turned around Corino kicked him in the groin. Jacobs then got the spike back but Davey ducked and suplexed Jacobs into the corner. Then Steen got the spike and he hit Davey low. Then he hit the Package Piledriver for the 3 count. This was a really insane match! Must see stuff here! After the match Steen got the mic and said that he has been a hypocrite so that can get a Title match. He said that he does respect Davey and he says that Davey is the best in the world. Then he ragged on the fans but they cheered for him anyway. He said they have turned on everyone who has been ROH World Champion. Then he says that they can’t turn on him because he doesn’t care about the fans anyway. They still cheered for him though. Then he said that he will be the final ROH World Champion. Then Steen said that at the last Best in the World show he said F Ring of Honor and this year he is going to say what he means. He says F NYC. This was good. It looks like Steen is going to be face just because the fans cheer him. It also looks like they might be turning Davey heel. It really felt like the Bret-Austin double turn at WrestleMania 13. We’ll see if that’s what they do here. If they do I can see this working.

Overall this was a great and well worth going out of your way to see! Most of the matches were really enjoyable! The Cole-O’Reilly & Richards-Steen matches were my 2 favorite matches on the show!

6-22-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

 Coverage and thoughts on the June 22, 2012 episode of Smackdown

They start the show with the commentators mentioning that Kane will face Daniel Bryan and Sheamus will face Dolph Ziggler. Why are the giving us a rematch from the PPV?

 The actual show starts with Teddy Long coming to the ring. He mentions that the former GM Johnny Ace has been canned. Then he says that the GM for tonight’s Smackdown is Mick Foley (Why isn’t Long the GM again?) Long was going to say more but then Big Show’s music hits and he comes out.

Big Show gets in the ring and he says that he doesn’t care that Johnny got canned. He doesn’t care about him or the fans. He only cares about himself. Then he congratulates Cena for escaping the cage with the help of 6 other guys at No Way Out. Then he says that he’d crush Cena in a singles match and the fans know that he’s telling the truth. Then he says he doesn’t care about Cena anymore. The fans chant Cena. Then Big Show says that he is moving on. He says that he is throwing his hat into the Money in the Bank match. He says that no one in that match can stop him. He says that he will champion for as long as he wants. Then he says that he isn’t doing this for the locker room, WWE or the fans. He’s doing this for him. He says that it will be all his. Then Brodus Clay comes out. Show attacks him but Brodus knocks him down. Then David Otunga runs in and clips Brodus’ knee from behind. Then Big Show kicks Clay in the knee a few times. Then he boots him in the gut. Then Show gives Brodus the knockout punch. He then walks to the back. Then Otunga says that somebody better call Brodus’ mama. Then Otunga tells Brodus to get up so that he can show Brodus how it’s done. He has Brodus’ music play and he does this hokey dance. Then he poses. This was mostly good. Big Show’s promo was really enjoyable. I thought having him beat down Brodus again was a good way to give him more heel heat. The Otunga bit was hokey though.

Time for 2 unknown guys to get squashed by Ryback. Their names are Jared Wachtler & Frank Venezia. They do the usual corny promo before Ryback comes out.

Ryback vs. Jared Wachtler & Frank Venezia. Ryback gets the pin. This was a squash.

Mick Foley chats Yoshi Tatsu backstage. Then Vickie Guerrero comes in. Yoshi walks out. Then Vickie mentions that next week she will be the GM of Raw & Smackdown. She says that Mick will get to be her assistant. He’s all thrilled about and she tells him he’s supposed to be upset. Then Mick says that he knows who would be a good assistant

Then Khali’s music plays and he comes in. Then they do the Dude Love dance and Vickie walks out. Kinda corny.

Time for the favorite Raw moment. This time we get Daniel Bryan. He says that his favorite was when Marty Jannetty beat Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental Title. That was a good pick.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio wins by submission. This was a really good match but I’m not sure why they had Christian lose cleanly. Afterwards Cody Rhodes comes to the ring and he clotheslines Christian from behind. Then he locks Christian in a cross arm breaker. Christian fights back but Cody sends him shoulder first into the ring post. Then Cody walks out as his own music plays. This was good too. It looks like they’re continuing the Christian-Cody feud.

Kane vs. Daniel Bryan. Kane gets the pin. This was a good match. AJ was the guest time keeper. Daniel got the Yes Lock on Kane. Kane went for the ropes but AJ rang the bell. Then Daniel celebrates but the referee tells him that the match isn’t over. Then Kane gave Daniel a choke slam and got the pin. Then AJ skips up the ramp. AJ does a good job playing the crazy chick.

Mick Foley comes to the ring. He’s limping but he’s in a good mood. He thanks Johnny Ace for being so lame that he got canned. Then Heath Slater comes to the ring. He says that he came out to make a formal protest. He mentions that Cyndi, Wendi & Piper embarrassed him on Raw. Mick tells him that Cyndi is formidable and that he doesn’t have to be embarrassed. Then Mick announces Heath’s opponent for his match right now. Zack Ryder.

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

Then they show Mick Foley & Zack Ryder backstage celebrating. Then they run into Damien Sandow. Sandow says that Ryder is the world’s biggest miscreant. “You’re welcome.” Great promo from Sandow as always. The guy is really good in his role.

The Usos vs. The Primetime Players. The Players win when Titus gets the pin. AW distracted the referee and Young crotched one of the Usos on the top rope. Then Titus hit the Clash of the Titus for the pin.

Titus & Darren do their millions of dollars bit backstage and then Primo & Epico attack them. This was good too.

Santino Marella comes to the ring. He’s there for the “fans show their signs” bit. Then they show fans’ signs on the Tron. Some woman had an I love Santino sign and he has her come to the ring. She has a cobra sock on her hand too. She’s all psyched and says cobra. Then they have their cobras “kiss.” Then she plants one on Santino and then Santino collapses. This was typical Santino comedy. I wasn’t into it.

World Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a really good back and forth match. I don’t why they had this on the show since they had it on the PPV but it was good. Sheamus celebrates with the fans to end the show.

I thought this was a good show overall. I liked Big Show’s opening promo and the Sheamus-Dolph match was the highlight of this week’s show. I liked most of the other matches too. I thought most of them were solid to good. The only 2 short ones were the Ryback squash fest and Ryder-Slater. I liked Damien Sandow’s bit in the back too with Foley & Ryder. Sandow’s great in his role. Primo & Epico brawling with the Primetime Players backstage was good too. The Santino bit was typical Santino comedy. I like how AJ plays the whack job too. I’m not sure where they’re going with her character but it’s good to watch. On the whole I thought this was a good show.

6-21-12 Impact results and thoughts

      Coverage and thoughts on the June 21, 2012 episode of Impact

 

The show starts with Hulk Hogan coming to the ring. He says that when change happens you make friends and enemies. Then he talks about what happened to Sting last week. He says it was uncalled for but he will find out who the guys were, and he will make it right for Sting. Then he mentions Open Fight Night and the Bound for Glory series and he says anything can happen tonight. Then he mentions that he told Austin Aries decide what he was gonna do. Hulk says he’s waiting for an answer. Aries comes to the ring. The fans chant his name. Aries talks about what happened last week. Hulk asks if he heard what the people want him to do. Aries mentions that if wants a title match he’d have to hand over the X Division Title. He says that he could give the title or be the longest reigning X Champion in TNA history. Then Aries says that on one side to be the man you have to be World Champion. But on the other side the X Title is what put TNA on the map. He says that if he hands the belt over it loses its meaning. Then Aries says that he came up with a third option. Hulk says that if Aries has a plan C he better one heck of a visionary. Aries says he will hand over the X title if he sets the standard moving forward. That means that at every Destination X, whoever the X Champion is they will have the same choice he has. He says that will make the title more prestigious. Hulk says he likes where he’s going and he agrees to option C. Then Bobby Roode comes out and says he told Hulk to remain in his office. He asks Aries who he thinks he is calling the shots. Roode says that “paper belt” that Aries has means nothing to him and that Roode himself has the real World Title. Roode tells Aries he made the biggest mistake of his life. Roode then says that he is the it factor and the longest reigning Champion in TNA. He says that he will beat, hurt and embarrass Aries. Aries says if Roode’s so confident, this is Open Fight Night and they can go at it right now. Then they brawl and referees come in to break it up. Aries screams that Roode isn’t tough. Then Ken Anderson comes out and says that he doesn’t care who the champion after Destination X is because the Champion will face “The winner of the Bound for Glory series, Mr. Anderson.” This was a really good opening segment but I thought having Anderson coming out was a bit weak. The Aries-Roode promo was really good though and I liked the back and forth with Hulk & Aries too.

Back to the show and Ken Anderson is in the ring. He says there’s a guy he’d like to call out right now. He tells Christopher Daniels to come to the ring. Daniels comes out.

Ken Anderson vs. Christopher Daniels in a Bound for Glory series/Open fight Night match. Anderson gets the pin to earn 7 points. This was a good but short match.

They show AJ Styles & Dixie Carter backstage. She asks if he’s ready. AJ says he’s not sure. Dixie says this has never been about Kazarian or Daniels. Then AJ says maybe there’s another way. This was awful. I really hope to God they end this tonight.

They show the Knockouts in an office and Brooke Hogan will decide who challenges Miss Tessmacher for the Title next.

Back to the show and Brooke says that tonight is a big night. Then she says that she wanted to get to know why they want the Knockouts Title. ODB says she’s different than any other Knockout. Madison Rayne says she was Knockouts Champion before. Brooke tells Madison to make her work her boyfriend. Mickie says she’s the greatest female wrestler in the world. Brooke says things are changing and none of anyone’s back talk will affect her decision. Then she tells Madison that she needs to focus more and get her head back in the game. Madison walks out. Brooke says that she was one more elimination to make later tonight. Terrible segment. There was way too much talking happening here!

Robbie E is in the ring and he says that he isn’t scared of anyone in the Bound for Glory series. He challenges anyone in the BFG series to face him. Kurt Angle answers the challenge.

Kurt Angle vs. Robbie E in a Bound for Glory series/Open fight Night match. Angle wins by submission to get 10 points. This was a squash.

They show a video package on tonight’s Gut Check wrestler, Taler Hendrix. She says that she overcame being diagnosed with cancer at 21. She says that she wants to be the Knockouts Champion and Knockouts Tag Team Champion. She says that she will get it all.

Magnus comes out and says that winning the BFG series means everything to him. We’ll find out who Magnus calls out next.

Back to the show and Magnus picks someone whose head isn’t in the game. Magnus says that he knows what it’s like to have woman trouble while trying to focus. He then says that he doesn’t mess with the woman who signs the pay checks. Then he calls out “that home wrecker” AJ Styles.

AJ Styles vs. Magnus in a Bound for Glory series/Open fight Night match. Magnus gets the pin for 7 points. Daniels & Kazarian came out holding an envelope. That distracts AJ and Magnus got the pin. The match was decent but I wasn’t into the finish.

Back to the show and Jeremy Borash Taler Hendrix, who is already in the ring. She will be facing Tara.

Taler Hendrix vs. Tara in a Gut Check challenge match. Tara gets the pin. This was a solid match. I don’t know they keep having the Gut Check contestants lose. They have to have one win eventually.

Joseph Park is backstage and Bully Ray comes by and tells him to get lost. Ray says he can smell the fear in Joseph. Park says he was scared but not as scared as Ray was when Abyss went after him. Ray says that if he sees Joseph or Abyss it will be the last time they’re ever seen. This was decent segment. Ray was good as always.

Samoa Joe comes to the ring. He says since no one in the back has the guts to say his name he figured he’d come out. Then he calls out James Storm.

James Storm vs. Samoa Joe in a Bound for Glory series/Open fight Night match. Storm gets the pin to get 7 more points. This was a good match. Afterwards Joe gets a beer bottle and he makes like he’s going to hit Storm with it but he hands it to him.

They show a video package recapping the Dixie-AJ-Daniels-Kazarian storyline. Please end this!

AJ & Dixie are backstage again. AJ says he can’t focus and that they have tell the truth tonight.

Back to Brooke Hogan with the Knockouts. Brooke says she’s trying to find out who’s focused. Then she eliminated ODB. ODB asks where Hulk’s office is and Brooke says she’s standing in it. Then Brooke tells ODB to make sure Eric Young doesn’t get jealous.

Bully Ray comes to the ring. He says he is the most hated bully in the world. Then he asks where Joseph Park is. He says he isn’t there and it’s about time he listened. Then he mentions Jeff Hardy, RVD & The Pope. Ray says he’s going for the easy win and he calls out Pope. He says Pope has been in Hollywood the last couple months and Ray says that he will get his 10 points easily.

Pope D’Angelo Dinero vs. Bully Ray in a Bound for Glory series/Open fight Night match. Pope gets the pin to get 7 points. Abyss shows up in the crowd. Ray gets distracted and Pope knocks him out of the ring. Then Abyss grabs Ray, Ray gets lose. Abyss goes over the guard rail and Ray gets back in the ring. Then Pope took advantage and got the 3 count. This was a solid match.

Hulk Hogan is backstage with Jeff Hardy & RVD and he says that since they weren’t called out they must be the biggest threats in the BFG series. Then Hulk tells them that they will face each other in tonight’s main event.

Brooke Hogan will decide who challenges Miss Tessmacher for the Knockouts Title next.

They show this music video that Velvet Sky was in. This was pointless.

Miss Tessmacher comes to the ring to find out who her challenger will be. Brooke Hogan is backstage with Mickie James & Velvet Sky. Brooke picks Mickie James.

Knockouts Champion Miss Tessmacher vs. Mickie James for the Title. Tessmacher gets the pin. This was a solid match too.

Rob Van Dam vs. Jeff Hardy in a Bound for Glory series match. Jeff gets the pin for 7 points. This was a good match.

AJ Styles & Dixie Carter come to the ring. Dixie gets the mic and says this has been going on awhile. She says hat situations like this never have a positive outcome and people’s lives change. AJ then tells her they can leave right now. Then some woman comes to the ring. AJ holds the ropes open for her. Then this chick gets the mic and says her name. She says that she came to them for help. She says that AJ has the highest moral character she’s ever seen. Then she says that AJ & Dixie aren’t together. She says that she’s an addict trying to clean up her act. She says that AJ took her to rehab and they kept her secret because she didn’t want anyone to know. Then she says that’s when Daniels & Kazarian got in the way. She says that the photos and video were AJ & Dixie looking out for her and trying to protect her. Then they show Daniels & Kazarian backstage and Daniels is flipping out. Then this chick says she’s sorry and they all hug. Then Daniels & Kazarian come to the ring and AJ goes after them. He power bombs Kazarian and then he punches Daniels to end the show. This was really idiotic and ended the show on a really bad note!

I thought this was a good show overall. I thought all the matches were solid to good (except Angle-Robbie E. That was a squash). I liked the opening segment with Hulk Hogan & Austin Aries. Roode coming out and brawling with Aries was good too. I wasn’t really into Anderson coming in though. I wasn’t into the Brooke Hogan segments with the Knockouts and I thought the music video that Velvet was in was pointless. The end of the show was TERRIBLE!! None of this crap made any sense! On the whole though I thought this was a decent show.

6-18-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 18, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with Mick Foley coming to the ring. He says that he got a call last night from the Board of Directors saying that they’re calling former GM’s. He says that he was Commissioner. He says that this week he will host both Raw & Smackdown. Then for tonight he announced Kane & Daniel Bryan taking on Sheamus & CM Punk. Then he talks about Johnny being allowed to come out and give his farewell address. Then he introduces Johnny as the former GM. Johnny comes out with a neck brace and his arm in a sling. He still has the crutch too. Foley hugs him. Then Johnny gets the mic and he says who he is and the fans chant you suck. Then he says his name again and the fans boo. Then he says something to Foley and Foley says that Johnny has asked for the fans not be so noisy. Then Foley says that Johnny said Long Island sucks. The fans rag on him and Ace tells them to shut up. He calls the Long Island fans rude. Then he says that last night before he was canned he made tonight’s main event. It will be a handicap match. Cena vs. Big Show, David Otunga & him. Then he tells Mick, “Have a nice day.” Then Sheamus comes out. Johnny walks up the ramp. Then as he is CM Punk comes out and he taunts Johnny. Punk gets in the ring with Sheamus & Foley and Johnny walked to the back. This was a mediocre segment. Foley as GM has been done before and I wasn’t into Johnny Ace. I’m hoping he will be off TV for awhile. The main event match that he made before he got “canned” was the main event dark match that was in Hartford last Monday. Thankfully this segment wasn’t that long!

WWE Champion CM Punk & Sheamus vs. Kane & Daniel Bryan. Pun & Sheamus win when Sheamus pins Bryan. This was a good match. AJ’s music hits and she comes out wearing a Kane mask. She skips around the ring and then skips to the back. That distracted Kane. Then Punk gave Daniel the GTS and then Sheamus gives him the Brogue Kick and then Sheamus pinned him. AJ coming out with the Kane mask was weird.

Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler are backstage and they bicker. Dolph says that Vickie knows who the real star of this team is. Then Vickie comes in and says that it’s time for her to decide which guy deserves her respect & admiration. She says that she just spoke to Mick Foley and they will settle this in the ring right now. This was a lame segment.

Then they show Johnny Ace & David Otunga laughing it up. Then Big Show comes in and asks what’s so funny. Johnny says what’s funny is that that Cena can’t beat Show one on one much less a 3 on 1 handicap match. Then he mentions that the fans don’t deserve him. He says what’s funny is that tonight he will leave a lasting impression they won’t forget. Show says that he doesn’t find anything funny and walks out. Otunga says Show’s in a bad mood. Then Johnny says that tonight Cena will get his. This was a dull segment.

Jack Swagger vs. Dolph Ziggler. Dolph gets the pin. This was a solid match. Then Vickie gets in the ring and hugs Dolph. Then they kiss.

They show Triple H’s promo from No Way Out when he challenged Lesnar to a match at SummerSlam.

They show a Limo in the back.

Brock Lesnar’s music hits and Paul Heyman comes out. He says that he is here fro Brock. He says that every person up in the tower cater to Triple H’s whims but Brock isn’t one of them. Then Heyman that Brock won’t drop his lawsuit against WWE, Heyman will not drop his lawsuit against Triple H and Brock won’t face Triple H at SummerSlam. Then he thanks the fans and Triple H. Then Triple H’s music plays and he comes out. Triple H says that they’re not in a bingo hall and isn’t one of Heyman’s buddies. Hunter then says that Brock will face him at SummerSlam. Heyman wants him to shut up but Hunter says that he wants Lesnar to be a man and face him at SummerSlam. Hunter says that Brock wants to be the star and he can make it happen. Then they show a SummerSlam poster on the Tron with Brock’s face. Hunter says that will be the poster if Brock fights him. Heyman says Brock has no ego. Hunter says Heyman lies better than this. Then he says it’s all about money & ego for Brock. Then Hunter says that if Brock doesn’t do this he will be remembered as the guy who is scared of Triple H. Heyman says Hunter almost had him but he doesn’t buy it. Heyman tells him to stop playing the ass kicking wrestler he used to be. He tells him to go back to Titan Towers and says that in Brock’s & Heyman’s world Hunter isn’t the king of anything. Then Heyman says that Hunter is more like Vince and will push Hunter’s buttons the same way he pushed Vince’s. Then he says that if Hunter hits him they will run WWE and he & Brock will have nothing for him. Then he says that he has something for Stephanie. Then Hunter grabs Heyman by the collar and chokes him. Then Heyman says that he knows what Hunter will do long before he does it. Then Triple H punches Heyman. Then Hunter says for Heyman to tell Brock he will see him at SummerSlam if Lesnar isn’t afraid that what happened to Heyman what happens to him. This was a mixed bag segment. I liked Heyman’s promo. He’s always good on the mic. I wasn’t really into Triple H’s promo though. Did he really have to take ANOTHER shot at ECW by mentioning “The Bingo Hall!?” That was idiotic!!

Ricardo Rodriguez is in the ring and he introduces the returning Alberto Del Rio.

U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio wins by submission. This wasn’t much. Alberto dominated the whole time. Afterwards Ricardo grabs Santino by the arm and slams him back to the mat.

Layla is in the ring and she introduces Cyndi Lauper. Cyndi & Wendi Richter come to the ring. Cyndi says how great it is to see Richter. Wendi says it feels like yesterday when Cyndi managed her at WrestleMania 1. Then Heath Slater comes to the ring. He says that this is a train wreck (he’s right about that). Cyndi asks who he is. He says he’s the one man band. Cyndi says she could afford a band. Slater says that he isn’t going to let her ruin his moment and he tells them to split so he can sing his first single. He “sings” his song, “The One Man Band.” Then Roddy Piper’s music hits and he comes out. He kisses Layla and then kisses Richter’s & Cyndi’s hands. Piper tells “Miss Slater” to beat it. Slater says that Piper never liked Cyndi so why is he out there. Piper says that it was the Rock & Wrestling Connection that launched WWE to where it is. Then he says he loves everything about Cyndi and he has something special for her. He gets a gold record. Then Piper mentions Captain Lou. Piper mentions hitting Lou over the head with a record. Then Piper says that he wants to give her this gold record on behalf of himself, Lou and the fans. He says that she is the best lady he’s ever known and loves what she’s done for him, Wendi & Layla. Then they hug. Slater says that was all 20 years ago (actually more) and no one remembers or cares about this. Then Slater says that he will get a gold record. Then he sings his song again. Piper says he sings like a vulture and pokes him in the eye. Then Cyndi breaks the gold record over Slater’s head. THAT WAS F’N HORRIBLE!! Cyndi & Wendi have not aged well. This whole segment was total crap!

Primo, Epico & Rosa are in the ring. Then A.W. comes out and says that he is the owner of “All World Promotions.” Then he introduces The Primetime Players. Titus O’Neil & Darren Young then come out.

Primo & Epico vs. The Primetime Players. Primo & Epico win by count out when Titus & Darren walk out. This was a solid match but the end was weak.

They show Johnny, Otunga & Big Show backstage.

They show a Chris Jericho Fozzy video and mention that he will be back next week. God knows they sure can use him.

Johnny Ace is in the ring and says that last night Cena cheated by having 5 other guys help him beat Big Show. Then he says that he isn’t the loser here and neither is Big Show. He says the fans are because there isn’t anymore “People Power.” He calls all the fans at home and the arena losers. He says the next time they will see him is when he is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He says this is one of the darkest days in WWE history. Then he says he and the other guys will give Cena his worst beating ever. Then he introduces David Otunga. Otunga comes out doing his Chris Masters pose. Then Big Show comes out.

Back to the show and Teddy Long is at ringside. He rips up his name tag. Then he gets on commentary. Then Big Show gets the mic and says that it took 6 guys to beat him and one of them was Cena. Show thanks Johnny for his iron clad contract and his fat bonus. Then he thanks Johnny for letting him be him. Show says he’s proven that he can beat Cena on his own and is on to bigger and better things. He says there’s no reason for him to compete tonight. Then he tells Johnny & Otunga they’re on their own. Show walks to the back. So is Big Show a face again? Then Cena comes out.

John Cena vs. David Otunga & Johnny Ace. Cena wins when he makes Johnny tap. Johnny threw down his crutch and took off his neck brace & sling. Then David Otunga walked out. Then he gave Ace the AA. The fans ask for one more. Cena gives Ace a second AA. Then a third. Then he locks in the STF & Johnny tapped out. This wasn’t much of a match. It was the typical sports entertainment bit. Cena does the, “You can’t see me” gesture to end the show.

I thought this week’s show was mediocre at best. I’m hoping to God that this will be all for the Johnny Ace character. The opening segment wasn’t that great. Mick’s promo was the usual get the cheap pop from the crowd bit. The handicap match was weak. I’m not sure what they’re doing with Big Show. I hope he isn’t gonna challenge Punk for the WWE Title. He doesn’t need the belt. The Cyndi Lauper-Piper and crew segment was the worst part of the show! That segment sucked so bad! I’m not even sure how many fans in the arena know who Cyndi Lauper is! Punk & Sheamus vs. Kane & Daniel Bryan was good. AJ coming out dressed like Kane was weird. Santino-Del Rio was a squash. Del Rio pounded him the whole way through. Primo & Epico vs. The Primetime Players was solid but I thought the count out finish was weak. Swagger-Ziggler was solid but the whole reason behind it was corny. The Triple H-Paul Heyman segment was mixed bag promo. Heyman was good as usual but Triple H was kinda dull. I also hated that he took a shot at ECW! Did they really have to do that!? Triple H-Lesnar at SummerSlam could be good if they book it right. Overall I wasn’t really into this week’s show.

6-15-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 15, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with AJ coming to the ring. She talks about kissing Kane on Raw and tries to explain why she did. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out. She says that this isn’t about AJ kissing Kane or Vince getting knocked out by Big Show. Vickie says that everyone is talking about Dolph.  Dolph comes out and says that on Monday he stole the show. Then he tells AJ that he isn’t going to let her steel his spot light. Then AJ says that Dolph is delusional if he thinks he will be World Champion. Him and his grandma. Then Vickie slaps AJ. Then she tells AJ to get out of the ring before she throws her out. Then CM Punk comes out and says that just because Vickie says excuse me doesn’t mean he, AJ or the fans have to. Then Punk says that is no excuse in the world that justifies having to listen to Vickie. He says that Vickie is always touting Dolph and Dolph never comes through. Then Punk says to Dolph that he remembers when Dolph said that he was going to beat him for his World Title back in January. He says it’s the same old stuff with Dolph and Vickie. He says it will be the same old stuff when Dolph faces Sheamus at No Way Out. Then he says that it will be the same old stuff tonight when Dolph & Daniel Bryan face Punk & Sheamus. Punk then says that if he is the voice of the voiceless, then Vickie is the voice of the pointless. Dolph was about to say that he is the voice of the next World Champion but then Daniel Bryan’s music plays and he comes out. He calls Punk AJ’s knight in shining armor. Daniel says that AJ probably told Punk that she kissed Kane to save Punk from the monster. Then he looks AJ and says that isn’t true. Then Daniels says that AJ has Punk wrapped around her little finger and Punk doesn’t realize it. Then Daniel says that there is one thing better than learning from his mistakes and that is watching Kane & Punk make the exact same mistake for the first time. Daniel then says that mistake is AJ. Daniel mentions that AJ cost him the World Title at WrestleMania. Then he says that if she is Punk’s corner at No Way Out than Punk’s bad luck will lead him to becoming the new WWE Champion. Then he does his yes chant. Cue Sheamus’ theme music and he comes out. Sheamus asks Daniel how many to they prove wrong that is wasn’t AJ who cost him the World Title at WrestleMania. Then he tells Dolph that he had a very impressive showing on Monday but that was just one night. Then he says that now Dolph is talking about how at No Way Out he will be the new World Champion. Then Sheamus says that in his opinion all that Alberto Del Rio’s injury has done is to give Sheamus another opportunity to beat Dolph again. Then Sheamus says that they’re scheduled for a match later tonight but since they’re all in the ring, he says that he’s ready. He asks Punk if he’s ready. Punk says he is. Then Sheamus says that the fans are ready too and they cheer. Then Sheamus asks for a referee to come to the ring and start the tag match right now. AJ then says if that’s the case she has a little bit of old business to take care of. Then she attempts to go after Vickie but Punk grabs her. The tag match is next. This was a good opening segment. I thought all 4 guys cut good promos and I liked AJ trying to get at Vickie.

WWE Champion CM Punk & World Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan & Dolph Ziggler. Daniel & Dolph win when Dolph pins Sheamus. Vickie got on the apron and distracted Sheamus. Then AJ threw Vickie in the ring. Sheamus was distracted by that and then Dolph got the roll up for the 3 count. Afterward Dolph hopped over the ring barrier into the crowd but Sheamus went after him. Back in the ring and Vickie screamed at AJ and shoved her. Then AJ smiled and then pummeled Vickie. Vickie crawls out of the ring but AJ goes after her. Then AJ grabs Vickie’s legs but Vickie kicked her off and ran to the back. Then Kane came out and he picks up AJ and carries her up the ramp but Punk ran up the ramp and hit Kane from behind. Then Kane & Punk go at it. Kane rolls Punk into the ring and then Daniel Bryan pounds on Punk. Then Kane gets in the ring and choke slams Daniel. Then he choke slammed Punk. AJ watched from the stage. Kane looked at her from the ring. Then AJ dropped to her knees and was all smiles. This was good too. I have a feeling that AJ is going to help Bryan at No Way Out and they’ll be the new “Power couple.”

Brodus Clay comes to the ring and Brodus gets the mic. He says he wants to get down to business. He mentions that Johnny Ace has banned hi from Raw. Then he mentions that also told him that if he gets anywhere near his prized position he will be canned on the spot. Then Brodus says he is confident that Cena will take care of Big Show at No Way Out. Then Brodus says that he will agree if Johnny gives him competition. Then Brodus mentions that Johnny told that before the night was over Brodus would be flat on his back. Brodus asks who he has that will try to put him on his back. Then Heath Slater’s music hits and he comes out.

Brodus Clay vs. Heath Slater. Brodus gets the pin. This was a squash. Then David Otunga comes out and clips Brodus’ left leg. Then Otunga worked over the leg. This wasn’t bad actually. I’m not really a fan of either guy but I thought Otunga attacking Brodus’ leg was good.

Alicia Fox vs. Beth Phoenix. Beth gets the pin. This was a squash. Layla was on commentary.

Time for the favorite Raw moment. This time we get Hornswoggle saying his favorite was when the Muppets guest hosted Raw this past Halloween. It sure wasn’t my favorite!

Johnny Ace comes to the ring and he publicly apologizes for Vince getting knocked out on Monday. His apology sounded more like a warning to everyone that Big Show would knock out anybody who gets in his way. Then the re show what happened on Monday. Back to the show. Johnny is in the ring and he says that at WrestleMania he willingly put up his job and that Team Johnny won. Then he says that his job was on the line at Over the Limit and he beat John Cena. Then he mentions that at No Way Out his job is on the line again but not in jeopardy. That’s because he put his fate in the man who will destroy Cena at No Way Out. Then he brings out Big Show. Show says that he has no reason to lie as to whether or not he purposely punched Vince Monday. He says that if he did it on purpose he might get canned but he would still get paid millions of dollars to stay at home and not do anything. Then he says that he doesn’t have to lie and will tell the fans the truth. Then he mentions that even when he was in WCW is was never really allowed to reach his fullest potential because he was never allowed to outshine the so called faces of the company. He mentions Hulk Hogan, Sting and Ric Flair. Then he mentions that when he finally became a free agent everyone gave him told him to go to WWE because Vince could make him a star. Then he mentions how he came to WWE and talked to Vince. Show then talks like Vince says that Vince told him that he has to be a better business man and let people learn to care about him. He mentions that Vince told him he had to put on a show. Then he mentions that Vince told him that his name is no longer Paul White, his name is Big Show. Show sarcastically says “Great name.” Show says that for 14 years he did it Vince’s way. Then he mentions that guys like John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton and Sheamus all rose to the top while he was sitting on the sidelines. Then he says that he was supposed to be happy about being a special attraction. He says that for years he smiled and made jokes and slapped the fans’ hands. Then he says that he is proud that he is not John Cena. Then Show says that in the steel cage at No Way Out he will make up for lost time. He says that he will show the world what he is truly capable of and the best part is he isn’t burdened by what the fans think anymore. Then Show says that what he does to Cena will be extremely deliberate. Then he says that at No Way Out he will make Cena suffer. The he says that he’s been in WWE for 14 years but he is looking at his match with Cena as his first match. Then he guarantees that he will win. Then he shakes Johnny’s hand. Then Michael Cole gets the mic and says he heard that Cena left his house and will be in the arena before the show ends. Then Show says that if John Cena is coming tonight and looking for, he won’t be hard to find. This was a bit long but I thought Big Show cut a good promo. This storyline doesn’t make any sense and he has been allowed to be a giant before. I don’t know why they’re going with this “Big Show had to do what Vince wanted” bit.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Jack Swagger. Christian gets the pin. This was a solid match. (In a segment that didn’t air, Jack Swagger got the mic and complained. Then Triple H came out and gave him a pedigree. Why are they having Triple H lay out the jobbers?)

Time for the Ryback 2 on 1 squash. The 2 unknown guys named Ari Cohen & Mike Testa are in the ring and they do the usual pre squash promo. This was corny.

Ryback vs. Ari Cohen & Mike Testa. Ryback gets the pin. This was a squash. When are they gonna have Ryback face regular guys on the roster? Having him squash 2 unknown guys every time is way beyond old!

Damien Sandow comes out for his match with Tyson Kidd. Before the match he cut his usual pre match promo. He tells the fans to remain silent while he is speaking. Then he says that he was attacked by Tyson. He says that Tyson will learn the consequences of undermining not only his enlightenment but the enlightenment of the fans. “You’re welcome.”

 Tyson Kidd vs. Damien Sandow. Sandow gets the pin. This was a good but short match.

They show John Cena walking backstage and he comes across Johnny Ace’s office. He kicks the door open and no one is there. Cena looks around and then walks out. That was odd.

John Cena comes to the ring and he challenges Big Show to come out and fight him right now. Then Johnny Ace comes out and he says that what happened to Vince is Cena’s fault. Then he says that the Board of Directors said that the Cena-Show cage match at No Way Out will happen no matter what. Then he says that he sent Big Show home to protect Cena. Cena says that he will knockout Johnny. Johnny tells Cena that if he lays a hand on him he will can him. Then Cena reminds Johnny that he can’t can him because the Board of Directors said that the Cena-Show match will happen. Then Johnny says that he embarrassed Cena when he beat him at Over the Limit and he has no problem embarrassing him in front his family and the fans. Cena says that Johnny is embarrassing. Cena says that he embarrassed by Johnny being in a position of power. Cena then reminds Johnny that if Big Show lose at No Way Out then Johnny will be canned. Then Johnny tells Cena that if he attacks him now and then loses at No Way Out then he will can Cena the next night. Then Cena says if that’s going to happen he might as well do this. Then he knocks out Johnny. That end the show. This wasn’t as bad as the usual Cena-Ace promos usually are but it was still corny. I’m not sure if Johnny slipped up for real when he said that he would can Cena after he said that the cage match will happen no matter what.

I thought this was a decent show overall. I liked the opening segment and the tag match. AJ plays that whacko really well too. The closing segment wasn’t great but it wasn’t awful either. I thought the Tyson-Sandow match while short was good. Sandow’s promo before the match was good as usual. Ryback squashing the 2 unknown guys was dull. Christian & Swagger had a solid match. Big Show’s promo was good even if this storyline makes no sense.  Alicia-Beth was a squash and so was Brodus-Slater. I didn’t mind David Otunga coming out and working over Brodus’ leg. I thought that made sense. On the whole I thought this week’s show was ok. Not great but not terrible either.