1-9-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the January 9, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with Kane’s pyro and music playing and he comes out and tells the fans that they all hate their lives and that when they chant, “Cena sucks” they’re actually chanting that about themselves. Then he mentions how the fans made Zack Ryder a star but that doesn’t mean anything. Then John Cena’s music plays and he comes out and goes after Kane. He clotheslines him out of the ring and then they brawl outside the arena. This was a decent opening segment. The promo was ok and I thought the brawl was alright too.

Sheamus & Santino Marella vs. Wade Barrett & Jinder Mahal. Sheamus & Santino win when Santino pins Jinder. This was meaningless. I don’t know why they have Sheamus teaming with a comedy guy.

The Miz is backstage complaining about R-Truth attacking him and asks Johnny Ace why he isn’t doing anything about it. Ace says that he is going to be the guest referee for the Punk-Dolph Title match at the Rumble. Then he says that he has a huge super show to run and tonight is the debut of Brodus Clay (I doubt it). Then Miz says he wants protection and Ace tells him to get his own protection and says that he is not “Little Jimmy” he is “Big Johnny.” This was idiotic. Also David Otunga stood there with his coffee mug. Why not have Brodus Clay be the body guard for The Miz? That would be cool.

They show a video package for Edge who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. This was well put together. They also had comments from Randy Orton, Christian, John Cena & CM Punk.

They show Miz backstage asking Mason Ryan to be his body guard. Ryan walks off.

Zack Ryder is talking to his dad on his phone & Eve shows up and Zack says that they should go out tonight. Eve gives it some thought and then agrees, but she has a Non Title match with Beth Phoenix tonight and if she wins she gets a Divas Title match. They walk off and then we see a set of doors and when one of them opens Kane comes out. This was ok for what it was.

WWE Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston vs. World Champion Daniel Bryan. Bryan wins by submission. This was too short. These guys can really go and they should’ve let them have at least a 10 minute match. After wards Big Show comes out and gets in the ring. He was going to talk about last week, but Bryan cuts him off and says that he hated that Mark Henry got involved and caused a DQ. He says that he will give Show a Title match whenever he wants. Then Show says that Teddy Long also agrees and he says that they will have rematch on Smackdown and it will be no DQ & no count out. They shake hands and Daniel looks worried. This was a solid promo. Daniel Bryan is doing a good job as a heal.

They show a dressing room door with Brodus Clay’s name on it and they say that he will finally debut (actually return) next. We’ll see if this actually happens.

They show clips from the 1994 Royal Rumble that both Lex Luger & Bret Hart won. I remember this very well.

Brodus Clay comes out doing a Flash Funk type gimmick. Complete with Funkettes! Are they kidding? This is idiotic! The guy is a monster and should be booked as one, not as a funky comedy guy!

Brodus Clay vs. Curt Hawkins. Brodus gets the pin. This was a squash.

Zack Ryder is backstage brushing his teeth and is all psyched about going out with Eve.

The Miz asks Primo, Epico & Rosa Mendes if they’re interested in backing him up. Rosa says they aren’t. Then Miz bumps into Punk who is on his way to the ring for his match with Jack Swagger next.

Before the Punk-Swagger match starts Johnny Ace comes out and says that if Punk beats Swagger tonight then Swagger & Vickie are barred from ringside at the Rumble. Then he tells Dolph that he will face John Cena tonight.

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Jack Swagger. Punk gets the pin, but it looked like Swagger kicked out at 2. Johnny Ace was at ringside. This was good back and forth match but the finish was lousy.

John Cena & Zack Ryder are backstage and Ryder thanks him for saving him from Kane last week. Then Cena tells him to keep it together. This was idiotic. I don’t know why they have Cena & Ryder as buddies. I thought Ryder was getting over just fine on his own.

The Bella twins are backstage and Ricardo Rodriguez comes in asking why they asked him there. They were about to say why, but The Miz comes in and tells Ricardo to call out R-Truth. Then he says if it doesn’t happen he will injure Ricardo. Then Ricardo asks the Bellas if they want to go to the ring with him and they say no. Miz then tells him to head to the ring.

They show a video package on the Four Horsemen who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. This was well done too. They had comments from Shawn Michaels, Dusty Rhodes, Steve Austin & Jim Ross. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, Tully Blanchard & JJ Dillon will all be inducted. Ric Flair is already in the Hall of Fame plus he is in TNA so how will WWE manage to have him there?

Ricardo Rodriguez is in the ring and is reluctantly insulting R-Truth. Truth then comes out and says he doesn’t know why Ricardo would want to pick a fight with him. Then he says that he is a good R-Truth and “Little Jimmy” told that he should let bygones be bygones and let Ricardo go. Then he asks the fans if he should and they say no. The Truth says that “Little Jimmy” doesn’t care for Ricardo. Then Truth tells Ricardo to sing “La Cucaracha. Ricardo sings a bit and Truth tells him to one more time. Ricardo has this terrified look on his face and Truth gives him the Lie Detector. Then The Miz comes out and attacks Truth. Truth fights back and Miz hops over the barricade and escapes. This was weird. Truth as this comedic whack job can be funny but having Ricardo sing was dumb. The Miz attack was good, but how come R-Truth didn’t hop the rail and go after Miz?

Justin Roberts announces Chris Jericho as the only guy to beat Rock & Austin in the same night to become the first Undisputed Champion. The lights dim, Jericho’s music plays and he comes out. He does the same bit as last week, getting the fans to cheer him and slapping their hands. Then he gets a mic. The fans chant Y2J and he poses more and acts all choked up by the fans’ reaction. Then he walks up the ramp all emotional. I’m not sure where they’re going with this. I hope this doesn’t become a recurring bit for Jericho. It was the first night, but they continue this it’s going to get old.

They show clips from the 1998 Royal Rumble that Steve Austin won.

Eve Torres vs. Divas Champion Beth Phoenix. Eve is in the ring and Kane’s music plays and Ryder comes and drags her to the back. He gets her in a car, but the tire is flat. Ryder tells Eve to stay in the car while he tries to fix the tire and Eve gets hysterical. Back from commercial and Ryder is still trying to get the spare tire on while Eve still panics. I wasn’t too crazy about this.

John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler. During the match the show Ryder getting the spare tire on from the tron and Kane comes in and attacks him. Dolph locks on a sleeper when Cena gets distracted. Kane chokeslams Ryder onto a crate, Cena exits the ring and Dolph gets the sleeper back on him. Cena rams Dolph into the steel steps and Cena runs to the back. Cena heads outside and Kane attacks him and smothers him with his gloved hand again. The cameras get a close up of Kane to end the show. This was awful! This is the kind of hokey crap that makes fans tune out.

This week’s show was lousy. Miz had some good reactions, but that was about it. Kofi & Bryan had a decent match but that was WAY too short, Chris Jericho’s bit was the same as last week, Brodus Clay’s “Flash Funk” gimmick was idiotic and the whole bit with Cena going after Kane to save his dumb side kick was beyond stupid. I wasn’t into this week’s show.

1-6-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the January 6, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Booker T vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes for the Title. Cody gets the pin. This was a real good back and forth match.

Cody is talking to Dustin backstage and tells him that he accomplished more than the former Goldust ever did. Then he says that he is going to be a bigger success than Dusty. This was good segment.

Zack Ryder is in Teddy Long’s office talking about being the Assistant GM and Long reminds him that he is the assistant to the GM. Ryder says that since he is U.S. Champion he is too busy and recommends a replacement for Long’s assistant. Drew McIntyre comes in and Teddy questions the recommendation but Drew isn’t who Ryder had in mind and Santino Marella comes in. Santino tells Teddy that he was going to can for losing last week and they set up Santino vs. McIntyre. If Santino wins he will be Long’s assistant and Drew will be canned. If Drew wins, Long will consider not canning him. Aksana then comes as everyone exits. This was idiotic. Santino is not that funny and the Aksana bit is beyond stale.

They show clips from the 2008 Royal Rumble that John Cena won.

AJ is backstage with Alicia Fox and Daniel Bryan comes in. They talk about his World Title match with Big Show and Bryan was confident that he would retain the Title. The he asks AJ why she’s friends with Alicia. Daniel Bryan was good here at being cocky. They could be planting the seeds for a Daniel Bryan heel turn.

Hornswoggle vs. Heath Slater in an Over the Top Rope challenge. Hornswoggle wins. Slater attacks him afterwards and Justin Gabriel comes in to make the save.  This was a joke.

Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. Hunico. Hunico gets the pin. This was a solid match.

Wade Barrett comes out to give an update on Randy Orton’s condition. He says that Orton has a herniated disk and his back and that he will have to miss the Royal Rumble, which will be in his home town, St. Louis. Then Barrett says that he will win the Rumble and then Sheamus comes out. They go back and forth on the mic and then Jinder Mahal comes out. Barrett walks out and Sheamus & Jinder are face to face. Jinder slaps him and then a brawl starts and Barrett comes back out and he & Jinder double team Sheamus. Sheamus has a short amount of offense but Barrett gets the upper hand and he walks out again. Then Jinder locks Sheamus in the Camel Clutch. This segment was ok. I thought Barrett cut a good promo but I don’t know why they have Sheamus telling these idiotic tales about his “relatives”.

They show a tale of the tape with Daniel Bryan & Big Show.

Santino Marella vs. Drew McIntyre. Santino gets the pin. This was meaningless. Why is Drew still a jobber?

Drew goes into Teddy Long’s office and asks for another chance. Teddy says that tonight was strike 2 and next week could be the third strike. Then Santino comes in and does his trombone bit. This was dumb.

WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs. Primo & Epico. Primo & Epico win when Primo pins Bourne.

Big Show was being interviewed and says that Daniel Bryan is a good wrestler and then Bryan comes in and says that he is a very good wrestler. Then he says that if he was Big Shows size and the ring skill that he has he wouldn’t have without a World Title for 9 years. Then Show puts his hand on Bryan’s shoulder and tells not to make him hurt him. Bryan then tells Show to get his hand off his shoulder. Show says Bryan’s talking like a tough guy and the tension starts to show a bit more here. This was great stuff. Daniel Bryan cut another great heal promo. Big Show’s promo was good also.

They show a video and announce that Sheamus will face Jinder Mahal next week.

Tamina vs. Natalya. Tamina gets the pin. I’m not sure why Natalya is a jobber, but hopefully they will push Tamina. They should push both as well as Beth Phoenix. They should have Tamina be part of “Pin Up Strong” if they still have that going. Or maybe they’ll turn Natalya baby face.

They show the clips of the first Royal Rumble in 1988 that Hacksaw won. This was the same clip they showed on Raw.

Mark Henry comes out to do commentary for the World Title match.

Big Show vs. World Champion Daniel Bryan for the Title. Bryan wins by DQ to retain the Title when he rags on Henry & Henry pushes him. Then Bryan walks up the ramp kissing the Title to end the show. This was a good match too and the interaction with Bryan & Henry was good stuff also.

I thought that this was a good episode overall. The Booker T-Cody Rhodes & Big Show-Daniel Bryan matches were fun to watch. They’re doing a good job so far with the slow Daniel Bryan heel turn. There was other stuff on the show too. The Bourne & Kingston-Primo & Epico match was solid. I wasn’t really into the Sheamus-Barrett-Mahal stuff or the Hornswoggle-Heath Slater match. The stuff with Teddy Long, Santino & Drew McIntyre wasn’t that good either. I’m not sure what they’re going to do with Natalya. I would like to see her turn baby face and feud with Tamina and then go on to challenge Beth for the Divas Title. Daniel Bryan was really good on this show. He did a great of playing the cocky heal. On the whole I thought this was a good show.

1-5-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the January 5, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with Sting coming out and he asks Jeff Hardy to come to the ring. Jeff comes out and Sting mentions how Jeff wasn’t welcome right away but Sting has watched him earn everyone’s trust. Then he talks about the bad choices he made and that he was given a second chance and has been running with it. He says that there is life coming out of Jeff and Sting says that he’s giving Jeff his full endorsement. Then Bobby Roode, Kurt Angle & Bully Ray come out and Roode questions Sting for endorsing Jeff Hardy and calls Jeff an embarrassment. Then he says that he is the face of TNA. Then he asks why Sting doesn’t endorse Roode or Angle and then he talks about Angle being in the bar a couple weeks ago and then puts him in a match with RVD last week. Then he asks Bully Ray how many title matches he’s had. Ray says none and Roode says that’s because Sting picks who goes for the Title. Then James Storm and Abyss come out and he talks about Angle going to Storm’s home town. Then he says that Angle is scared because he knows it takes only 1 super kick to knock his lights out. Storm then says that Abyss likes to drink beer and the both have a cold one. Then Abyss takes the mic and tells Angle to shut up. Then he tells Ray how Immortal took advantage of him and now they realize that they need him but he doesn’t need Immortal. He says that at Genesis he will make Ray suffer. Then Sting sets up a 6 man tag for the main event. This was good opening segment. I thought all the guys who spoke cut good promos.

They show Madison Rayne posing in her bikini and Traci is in the Jacuzzi and Madison comes in and they go at it and then Gail Kim jumps in and she and Madison double team Traci. Then Mickie James jumps in to help Traci out. I wasn’t crazy about this.

Mickie James & Traci Brooks vs. Knockouts Tag Team Champions Madison Rayne & Knockouts Champion Gail Kim for the Titles. Madison & Gail win when Gail pins Traci. This was a good back and forth match. The brawl at the start was entertaining and I liked the rest of the match.

Backstage Ric Flair is telling Gunner that he is an Impact Player and that no one will want to face him a month from now. Then Sting comes in and tells Flair he is barred from ringside during the RVD-Gunner match. This was ok. The back and forth with Sting and Flair was decent.

Eric Young is backstage looking for ODB and he thinks the tag tournament is a double elimination and that he and ODB are in love. This was idiotic. Can they ditch the goof ball Eric Young character?

They show Magnus & Samoa Joe backstage and Magnus says that after they win tonight they will no longer be over looked. This promo was ok.

AJ & Kazarian are backstage and Kazarian says that they’re the only team that gets along in this tournament. Then AJ says that they trust each other. This was a decent promo.

They show Garrett Bischoff backstage and Sting comes in and asks how he’s doing and he says that he’s been cleared to wrestle. Then Sting asks what he’s doing with the referee shirt and Garrett says he is going to referee the next match. Sting tells him to take the shirt off. Then he tells him that he isn’t a referee but a wrestler and gives him a set of wrestling boots. I wasn’t a fan of this.

Eric Young goes into the Knockouts locker room and Madison Rayne & Gail Kim flip. This was awful!

Rob Van Dam vs. Gunner. The match goes to a double count out. Then Gunner goes to pile drive RVD on the floor but RVD flips him over and Gunner lands back first on the concrete. Then RVD goes for a spinning leg drop off the apron with Gunner on the guard rail but Gunner gets out of the way. Gunner goes to pile drive RVD but referees & agents come out and Gunner heads up the ramp.

James Storm, Jeff Hardy & Abyss are backstage and Storm says that they’re not scared of Roode, Angle or Ray. Then Jeff says that tonight will be a warm up for Genesis. Then Abyss says that he doesn’t need Immortal.

Robert Roode is with Kurt Angle & Bully Ray and Roode says that Hardy doesn’t stand a chance at Genesis. Then Angle says that he will break Storm’s ankle tonight and he won’t make it to Genesis. Then Ray says screw Monster’s Ball and says that he will take out Abyss. Then he mentions his house show match with RVD tomorrow night and says that he will take care of him too.

Jessie Sorensen & Zema Ion vs. Kid Kash & X Division Champion Austin Aries. Sorensen & Ion win when Sorensen pins Aries. This was a good back and forth match.

They show Kazarian backstage looking upset about something and then AJ comes in and tells him their match is next. AJ & Kazarian leave and then Christopher Daniels shows up. This was good.

Eric Young walks in on ODB who is doing a photo shoot. She tells him that they’re out of the tournament. Then they lock up and ODB takes him down and then kisses him. Young is all ecstatic. I’m tired of Eric Young playing the buffoon!

Wild Card Tag Team Tournament finals: AJ Styles & Frankie Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe & Magnus. Joe & Magnus win when AJ gets pinned. Daniels comes and Kazarian drops to the floor and that causes AJ to lose. This was a good back and forth match. I’m not sure what they’re doing with Kazarian. Possibly a heal turn? Anyway Joe & Magnus will challenge Matt Morgan & Crimson for the Tag Titles. I’m not sure why they had this Battle Bowl like tournament.

They show Matt Morgan & Crimson backstage and they say that they will beat Joe & Magnus at Genesis. Then Joe & Magnus come in and a brawl breaks out. This was good stuff.

Abyss, James Storm & Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray, Kurt Angle & TNA World Champion Bobby Roode.  The match ends in a double DQ when a brawl breaks out. After wards brawl continues with Hardy & Roode in the ring and Hardy gives him the Twist of Fate and then goes for the Swanton but Ray crotches Jeff. Then Storm takes Roode out and was about to give him a super kick but Angle came in and gave Storm a low blow. Then Abyss has Angle set up for Shock Treatment but Ray hits Abyss in the leg with a chain. Then the heals get the upper hand and Ray chokes Abyss with the chain, Angle has Storm in the Ankle Lock and Roode has Jeff in a cross face. This ends the show. This was a good match. I thought they did a good job in hyping the matches for the PPV.

I thought that this was a really good show on the whole. There were some good matches. The opening segment was good and I liked the Knockouts Tag Title match. I thought they did a good job of starting a possible reluctant heal turn for Kazarian during the tag match with AJ again Joe & Magnus. Will find out what Daniels told him soon hopefully. I thought that there were too many backstage segments on this show. I wasn’t into the Eric Young-ODB angle. They need to rebook Eric Young because this act is beyond old. I thought RVD & Gunner had a decent match too and they’re continuing to push Gunner as this unstoppable force, which I think is good. I also like the main event. There was some good action in there and the brawl at the end with the heals laying out the faces was a good way to get heat on the heals. Overall I thought I this was a good show and I thought they did a good job with the final build up for Genesis.

1-2-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the January 2, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with John Cena coming to the ring and wishes everyone a Happy New Year and he gets a “You suck” chant and a lot of boos from the fans. He says that he will make some changes to himself in 2012. He mentions a few resolutions and the top one will be at WrestleMania when he beats The Rock at WrestleMania. He says what will not change about is that he will remain who he is. He then mentions that he was emotional last week and that it wasn’t at any of the fans. Then he says that the fans have earned the right to do whatever they want. He says that he was disappointed in Kane and mentions how Kane is upset with how Cena does things and says that he won’t do what Kane wants. He says that there is no better feeling than being in the ring in front of all the fans and that he will continue to enjoy every reaction he gets. Then he thanks the fans but before he can say more Kane’s music hits and he show up on the tron. He tells Cena that he can hold off the inevitable all he wants but he will witness the true power of hate tonight. This was a decent promo. I thought most of it was better than Cena’s usual promos. The Kane bit was ok too.

World Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Bryan gets the pin. This was a good back and forth match. After wards he stands on the announce table and holds up the Title and poses on the barrier.

They show R-Truth returning and attacking The Miz from last week.

Johnny Ace is backstage texting AGAIN and Miz comes in and Miz asks what he thinks about what R-Truth did last week. Ace says Truth was out of line. Miz asks of he will take any action and then Ace shows the clip from 2 months ago when Miz turned on Truth. Ace says that he will make sure that Truth doesn’t attack him tonight when he faces Sheamus. Miz is in shock and says that he is a sitting duck. Ace says that that is better than being a lame duck and Miz says tat wasn’t funny (it wasn’t). Then Miz walks out and says that he is not a sitting duck. R-Truth then shows up and does and he quacks. This was a decent segment. Miz was good with his promo as usual and Johnny Ace wasn’t as boring as usual. Truth showing up at the end was kind of funny too.

They show clips from the 1988 Royal Rumble match that Hacksaw Jim Duggan won. That was good stuff.

Wade Barrett comes out and says that he doesn’t care about the new or old year. Then he mentions that 2012 is off to a good start because there is no Randy Orton. Then he talks about throwing Orton down the stairs on Smackdown. Then he mentions that he is looking to win the Royal Rumble and go to WrestleMania. Before he can say more, Santino Marella comes out and gets the mic and mentions that he was in the Rumble longer than Barrett last year. Then he does more of his comedy bit. Time for their match.

Santino Marella vs. Wade Barrett. Barrett gets the pin. This was a squash.

The Miz is backstage with The Bellas who are arguing AGAIN and Miz asks if they saw R-Truth. They say they haven’t but they saw Little Jimmy. Miz walks off, looks around and after Miz was off camera Truth shows up again. This was ok.

Sheamus vs. The Miz. Miz attacks Sheamus and ties him in the ropes before the match starts. Then Sheamus gets free and fights back and Miz jumps over the barrier and bails. Then R-Truth speaks and we see him in the crowd. He said he was watching his match and that he saw Little Jimmy. Then he says that Little Jimmy doesn’t like him and that needs to get got. Miz goes back over the barrier and Sheamus gives him a Brogue Kick. Truth then heads to ringside and hits Miz with a water bottle. Then Truth goes back into the crowd and says that this week’s weekly beat down was brought to us by Little Jimmy and that Miz got got. Then he asks a fan who he calls Little Jimmy how he feels about it and the fan says, “Happy New Year Miz” and “What.” This was good stuff. Truth’s promo was really good. They’ve been doing a good job with this so far. Sheamus was good here too but I’m not sure what they’re gonna do with him next.

Josh Matthews interviews Dolph Ziggler and asks if he can beat Punk. Dolph says that he beat Punk last week and says that he has all the talent and charisma. Then he says he doesn’t have the WWE Title but he will later tonight.

Zack Ryder is backstage with Eve and Jack Swagger comes in and calls Ryder an imposter of a U.S. Champion. They go back and forth and Johnny Ace comes in and says that they will be in a 6 man tag team elimination match, John Cena, Big Show & Zack Ryder vs. Mark Henry, Kane & Jack Swagger. This was lame. Johnny Ace was back to being Mr. Boring again here. Also why do they have Kane & Mark Henry on the same team when Henry took Kane out a few months ago? I hate when WWE wants us to forget stuff!!

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler for the Title. Johnny Ace comes out and shows the referee that one of the turnbuckles is exposed. While this is happening Punk gets Dolph in the Anaconda Vice and Dolph taps out but the referee doesn’t see it. Punk kicks Dolph into Ace. Then Dolph throws Punk to the outside and Ace yanks down the top rope and Punk is counted out. Winner but not WWE Champion Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler celebrates with Vickie and then hops the rail and poses with the Title. This was a good match right up till the finish. I knew there wasn’t going to be a clean finish here but they could have done something besides Johnny Ace coming out and distracting the referee again! I’m hoping they have Punk vs. Dolph for the Title at the Rumble.

They show clips from the 1995 Royal Rumble match that Shawn Michaels won.

Kelly Kelly & Eve Torres vs. The Bella Twins. The Bellas do the switch bit and Brie pins Eve for the win. This was dull.

Johnny Ace & David Otunga are backstage and CM Punk comes in and chews out Ace for screwing him over. Ace says that Dolph beat Punk twice and will challenge Punk for the Title at the Royal Rumble. Ace was about to say who the special referee would be but Punk says that if Ace screws him out of the Title at the Rumble then he will want to sue him and that he will be in jail for animal cruelty because he will he will be Ace like a B**ch. This was a really intense promo from Punk.

They show the final video for tonight’s return and the boy says that the end of the world as we know it is here. Then they go back to the arena and they have a rumbling sound and the cameras shake. Then the lights and tron go out and the fans chant Y2J. They show Jericho doing his entrance pose, then pyro goes off and Chris Jericho’s music hits. Chris Jericho is back!! He got a great crowd reaction and he played to the fans. He stands in the ring for a bit, then he goes around and slaps the fans’ hands. Then he gets back in the ring and the fans still chant Y2J! Then they chant welcome back. Man he is major over! Jericho continues to get the fans to cheer him and they were really behind him! This guy is really good. He soaked in all the cheers and Y2J chants from the fans! Then he takes a production camera and films the fans for a bit and then he slaps more fans’ hands as he walks up the ramp and the crowd is still cheering for him big time! He continues to soak in the cheers on the stage and then he walks to the back. Jericho got a major pop and the fans kept cheering for him and chanting his name. I liked seeing Jericho back and thought that he played off the crowed well, but I’m not sure why he didn’t say anything.

John Cena, Big Show & U.S. Champion Zack Ryder vs. Kane, Mark Henry & Jack Swagger in a 6 Man Tag Team Elimination Match. Kane’s music plays but he doesn’t come out. David Otunga does (why) and he tells the referee & Justin Roberts something and then Roberts announces that Kane will not be in the match so it will be 3 vs. 2.  Maybe Kane remembered that Mark Henry took him out? * Big Show & Mark Henry brawl on the outside, Show hits Henry in the back with a chair and they both get counted out. * Cena pins Swagger. Winners-Cena & Ryder. This was ok but nothing amazing. After the match Kane’s pyro and music hit and Cena goes to the ramp but Kane comes out from under the ring and he boots Ryder. Then he places his hand over Cena’s face and smothers him. Then he goes after Ryder and tries to pull him under the ring but Cena makes the save. Kane’s pyro goes off from under the ring and Cena & Ryder look on in shock. That ends the show.

I thought that this episode was ok overall. Not great but not horrific either. The Punk-Dolph Title match was good, but I wasn’t crazy about the finish. Punk’s promo on Johnny Ace was good as usual. I liked the R-Truth-Miz action and Sheamus was good here too, but I’m not sure what’s next for him. Daniel Bryan & Cody Rhodes had a good match too. The main event was ok and then end with Kane coming out from under the ring was ok too. I’m not sure why Cena & Ryder were so shocked at what Kane did since he, like Undertaker does these kinds of attacks. On the whole I thought this was a decent show.

12-30-11 Smackdown results and thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12-29-11 Impact results and thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12-26-11 Raw results and thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time for CM Punk to run the gauntlet.

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

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

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

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