11-15-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the November 15, 2012 taped episode of Impact

  

The show starts with James Storm coming to the ring. He says the last year has been a long hard road but he’s done it. He wants to thank and give cheers to the fans in the Impact Zone and to the fans watching at home. He thanks his family and also thanks the doubters. He says they were the fuel that kept him going. Now he is the number 1 contender for the World Title. Then Bobby Roode comes out with 2 beer bottles. He says he isn’t here to fight or spoil Storm’s party but to join it. Roode toasts Storm for being the number 1 contender. Roode says pinned AJ Styles and not him. Roode cheers Storm and the fans. The fans will have to watch him fail at becoming champion. Then Roode cheers Storm’s family because they’ll have to pick up the pieces after he takes his ball and goes home again. Roode drinks the beer. Storm asks if Roode’s done. Then he pounds on him. Roode bails. Storm tells Roode to get his ass back in there and he will gladly kick it. Roode says not unless Storm puts the number 1 contender spot on the line. Storm says he worked to hard to earn that spot. Roode says how about Storm’s daughter gives Roode a call when she’s 18 and he will show her a real man. Then Storm accepts. So we have Storm vs. Roode for the number 1 contender spot. Why do they have number 1 contenders defend that spot? It makes no sense. Also I thought the Storm-Roode feud was over after Bound for Glory. Both Storm & Roode were really good here but logically it doesn’t make sense for Storm to put up the number 1 contender spot. I don’t know why they have guys do that.

Hulk Hogan says he feels bad for AJ Styles. Hulk says AJ is a main event player but he has been trending water and is in the same spot that he has been in for years. That’s because AJ is his own worst enemy. This was typical Hogan nonsense.

Aces & 8s are in the clubhouse. The vice president chews out DOC for losing his mask. DOC mentions that he beat down Sting last week and beat down Joseph Park at Turning Point. Then DOC gives the VP his vest. Then Devon tells the VP they have business to take care of. Then Devon throws a dart on TNA roster wall. It lands on someone and says that person deserves it. This bit is old.

X Division Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Kid Kash for the Title. RVD gets the pin. This was a good match.

Eric Young & ODB are backstage. Young rambles for a bit. Then he says right now they’re awesome. Young will take care of Jessie. ODB will take care of Tara and become the “knocked up” champ. Young says to think about their celebration after they win tonight. Then they kiss. ODB then notices the red light is, says hey to it and they continue kissing. This was typical Eric Young-ODB comedy.

Backstage Wes Briscoe & Garrett Bischoff are with Kurt Angle. Angle says that he has a tag match tonight with Aces & 8s and he needs a partner. Wes & Garrett of course both want to team with him tonight. Garrett says he teamed with Devon. Wes says Angle trained him and he wants to team with Angle. Angle picks Garrett. Then he tells Wes he has plans for him. This was weak. Wes was all whiney here with the “oh let me be your partner Kurt” bit.  

Eric Young vs. Jessie. Jessie gets the pin. ODB & Tara brawled on the floor. Young checked on ODB. Then Tara hit Young from behind and then threw Young back into the ring. Then Jessie got the pin. This was alright.

They show clips of the Joseph Park-DOC match from Turning Point. DOC says that he showed everyone that he is the director of chaos.

Joseph Park is in Hulk’s office. He wants 1 more match with Aces & 8s guys. Hulk says this isn’t Park’s calling and he isn’t trained to be a wrestler. Hulk says that Ray & Joseph conned him and he won’t let that happen again. Park then asks if Hulk is telling him to go to wrestling school. Joseph gets all psyched and walks out. Hulk says he won’t be back. This was terrible.

TV Champion Samoa Joe vs. Magnus for the Title. The match doesn’t happen because Aces & 8s come out and attack Magnus. Then they hold him down and DOC hits him in the knees with the hammer. Then Devon goes to hit Magnus with a bat but out comes Bully Ray and he runs Devon and Aces & 8s off. Al Snow, Pat Kenney & D’Lo Brown also come out to check on Magnus. This was decent.

Back to the show and Magnus is being placed on a stretcher.

They show clips of the Jeff Hardy-Austin Aries ladder match from Turning Point. Jeff says Aries wanted to be world champion and beat Jeff at his own game. Jeff says Aries gave it all he had and came close.

The camera guy asks Austin Aries how he’s feeling after Turning Point. Aries says that he & Jeff went through hell. The cameraman asks what’s next for him. Aries shows his scars that are on his back and asks the guy how he thinks he feels. Then he goes into Jeff’s trailer and says they had a really good match. Aries says that he has respect for Jeff for winning, but it was in Jeff’s kind of match all because Aries brought it out of him. But this isn’t over because Aries has something Jeff wants. Aries walks out. Then we get prerecorded thoughts from Jeff. He says it is over and that Aries left not as World Champion. Aries was good here but I’m not into the whole prerecorded thoughts from Jeff.

Kurt Angle & Garrett Bischoff come to the ring. Angle says he doesn’t need a dart to decide who he wants to fight. If Aces & 8s want to do to him what they did to Sting then they should come out and face him. Angle says no one threatens him. He & Garrett are there and they’re waiting.

Kurt Angle & Garrett Bischoff vs. Devon & an Aces & 8s guy. Angle & Garrett win when Angle pins the masked guy. This was solid. DOC came in to hit Angle with the hammer but Wes Briscoe came in with a pipe and ran DOC off. Then Angle rolled up the masked guy for the win.

Jessie & Tara are backstage. Tara says they need to find Brooke Hogan. They go into her office & Brooke & Bully Ray are thereon the couch. Ray gets up and walks out. Then Tara says that Brooke never discussed the knockouts battle royal with her. Brooke says Tara to deal with it. Then she tells Tara to knock before coming in. Tara advises Brooke to lock the door. This was idiotic. What is this angle with Bully Ray & The Brookester?

Dixie Carter says she knows what AJ Styles went through because she has been through it with him. Then she says that she’s never seen him the way he is now. She mentions that he can’t challenge for the World Title for almost a year. Then she says that has known AJ for a long time and she has never seen him this down. She & Hulk don’t know what to do. Whatever. This was weak.

Gail Kim, ODB, Brooke Tessmacher, Madison Rayne & Mickie James in a battle royal to determine the number 1 contender for the Knockouts Title. Mickie James wins. * Madison & Gail eliminate Tessmacher * ODB eliminates Madison * Gail eliminates ODB * Mickie eliminates Gail. This was solid.

Backstage the camera man asks James Storm if he knows what he’s gotten himself into. Storm says he knows and he is tired of Bobby Roode always barging into Storm’s business. He has worked the last year to get to where he is at. Storm says tonight he gets to shut Roode up. Then AJ Styles walks by and he gets in Storm’s face have a quick stare down. This was decent. Storm’s promo was good & it looks like they’ll be having a Storm-AJ feud.

Back to the Aces & 8s clubhouse. The VP tells DOC not to let the door hit him in the ass on the way out. DOC gets up and walks to the door. Then he looks at his Aces & 8s vest and the crew celebrate with him. This was weird.

They reshow clips of the Storm-Styles-Roode match from Turning Point.

AJ Styles comes to the ring. He mentions the Turning Point match and the stip. Then he says that he lost. This is the kind of year AJ has had. He was accused of banging Dixie Carter and having a baby with a crack head. He says that the worst of it is that the fans doubted him. He was points away from winning the BFG series and if he got the title match he would be champion. AJ says the year isn’t over yet. The holidays are coming and people are thankful for a lot of things, but he’s not thankful for anything. Then out come Daniels & Kazarian. Kazarian says AJ is a hound dog crying all the time. Daniels says every word out of AJ’s mouth was 100% accurate. This was been the worst year of AJ’s career. Daniels says that AJ needs to look in the mirror to find the problem. Daniels says that AJ is a broken little man. Daniels tells him to sing his sad song to the vagrants if he wants. Daniels then reminds AJ that he is nothing but a complete failure. AJ says the record books show AJ beating Daniels more often than Daniels beaten AJ. AJ then challenges Daniels to find out who the better man is. Kazarian says Daniels has nothing to gain by facing AJ. AJ is stale. AJ doesn’t know who he is anymore. Kazarian & Daniels are riding high and are the real world tag team champions of the world. Daniels says this is the perfect time to have AJ-Daniels one last time to find out who the real failure is. AJ then says, “Let’s do it.” I thought all 3 guys were good on the mic here. AJ-Daniels is always good to watch.

Austin Aries says that he loved studying psychology in college. He talks about how if you watch people and their reactions you can tell what they’re thinking and you know what buttons to push. He says that next week on open fight night he will push some buttons. He will call out someone who will help him get to the truth. This was good.  

Kurt Angle comes by Bruce Pritchard, Al Snow & D’Lo Brown and recommends Wes Briscoe for the gut check. Bruce says they need to discuss it. D’Lo says Wes is a blue chipper. Angle says that Taz likes the idea too. This was a bit off.

James Storm vs. Bobby Roode for the number 1 contender spot for the World Title. Roode gets the pin to become the new number 1 contender. Roode threw Storm into the exposed turnbuckle and then rolled Storm up and hooked the tights for the pin. Roode poses on the ramp shouting that he did it while Storm is disbelief. This ends the show. The match was good but I don’t get why they had Storm win the number 1 contender for the World Title at Turning Point and then have him lose that to Roode tonight. They could have had Roode win at Turning Point if they were going to have him challenge for the Title.

I thought this was a solid show overall. The Storm-Roode segment at the start of the show was good and their match was good too. I just don’t get why they didn’t have Roode win at Turning Point if they were going to have him be the number 1 contender. Kurt Angle recommending Wes Briscoe for the gut check was a bit off. I’m guessing Wes will be the next gut check contestant. I liked Aries promos too. The first one when he talked with Jeff was good but I wasn’t into the prerecorded thoughts from Jeff. That bit is idiotic. Aries second promo about psychology and pressing buttons next week was good. The AJ-Daniels-Kazarian segment was solid too. All 3 guys cut good promos and AJ-Daniels matches are always enjoyable. The Aces & 8s clubhouse segments were weak. That whole clubhouse is stale. Them hinting that DOC had been kicked out of Aces & 8s and then saying that he is “officially” in Aces & 8s was lame. Devon & Aces & 8s attacking Magnus was decent and I liked Ray coming out and running Devon off. The Tara-Brooke Hogan bit was terrible. So was the Hulk Hogan-Joseph Park segment. Dixie’s promo was awful too. Eric Young-Jessie was ok. RVD-Kid Kash was good. Wes Briscoe & Garrett Bischoff both pleading to be Kurt Angle’s partner was weak too. The Knockouts battle royal was solid too. SO on the whole I thought this was a solid show.

11-12-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the November 12, 2012 episode of Raw

 They start the show with a video package honoring the veterans. Very nice video.

They show a video package mentioning that Jerry Lawler will return tonight.

Then they recap the rest of last Monday and they mention that Cena will face Punk tonight. Why are they having this match 6 days before they face each other on PPV?

The actual show starts with Randy Orton coming to the ring for a match.

They show clips of the Orton-Del Rio falls count anywhere match from Smackdown.

Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler. Orton gets the pin. Del Rio got on the apron and distracted Orton but Orton was still able to get the win. So Dolph loses cleanly AGAIN! Afterwards Del Rio & Ricardo come back out. Ricardo goes after Orton. Then Del Rio & Dolph double team Orton. Then out comes Kofi Kingston and he cleans house on the heels.

Then Teddy Long comes out. He says Vickie is obsessed with the AJ scandal. Since this is a super show he will do something super. On behalf of Booker T This match will restart right now as a tag match. What’s so super about having all 4 guys in the ring in a tag match? That was the usual predictable bit we always get. Plus we’re all supposed to forget about the Kofi-Orton feud from almost 3 years ago!

Randy Orton & Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio & Dolph Ziggler. Del Rio & Dolph win when Del Rio pins Kofi. This was a decent but kind of short match. Afterwards Orton helps up Kofi.

Michael Cole mentions that Jerry Lawler will return tonight.

Vickie Guerrero is on her way to the ring. We’ll find out more about the AJ scandal next. This angle is really stupid!

Vickie Guerrero & Dolph are in the ring. Dolph says a scandal is an event that’s legally and morally wrong. He’s not out here to hide behind Vickie. He’s out here for the truth. The truth cannot be denied. They show the Cena/AJ videos again. Dolph mentioned Cena went to dinner in his wrestling gear. That was funny. Dolph commented on the rest of videos too. Vickie says last week AJ said that if she was ever in the ring with Vickie that she would give Vickie the beating of her life. Vickie says she is the managing supervisor and won’t be threatened. She could’ve suspended AJ but she chose not to because she’s not vengeful. Then she says she has more evidence against AJ. She tells AJ to come to the ring. Out comes AJ. AJ asks why Vickie’s doing this. Vickie says AJ did something wrong. She tells AJ to admit she had an affair with Cena. AJ won’t lie. They go back and forth. Vickie tells AJ to be careful what she says. Then she said something about this week’s evidence. Vickie tells AJ to be careful of what she is going to say. Vickie says she’s AJ’s boss and then keeps telling AJ to admit that she had a fling with Cena. AJ finally “admits” it. She admits the truth. Cena & AJ (long pause) are just friends. Nothing has happened between the 2 of them. AJ says this about the fact that at Raw 1000 Vince made AJ the Raw GM and not Vickie. It’s about the fact that AJ has physically embarrassed her in the ring twice. And Vickie can’t stand the fact that AJ can do that again. AJ says Vickie is throwing her considerable weight around. Vickie says AJ has caused a mess for herself. Vickie says she has voicemails that will silence the non believers. They play a message that AJ left on Cena’s phone saying what happened “last night” was a mistake. AJ says she didn’t leave that message. Then they play another. AJ says that she & Cena have to stop doing this but when she sees Cena she loses control. Third voicemail. Cena drives AJ crazy. They should be together. AJ says that Vickie hacked into Cena’s phone. AJ calls Vickie a desperate lying little…Then Dolph says the cat’s out of the bag. We all know something happened and now AJ “can’t see Cena”. Dolph then asks AJ what is worse. The fact that Cena & AJ can’t talk anymore or the nights she spent in Cena’s hotel room. Then John Cena comes to the ring. AJ says she’ll take care of this and slaps Dolph to the mat. Then Cena punches him. Dolph rolls out of the ring and then Cena tosses him the MITB case. This was f***ing terrible!! There was so much crap said here that’s not even worth recapping! How much more of this bull s**t storyline do we have to put up with? Also Dolph got laid out by Super Cena! Great so Mr. MITB gets to look like a loser twice in less than an hour!!

They show the film of Big Show attacking Sheamus in the pub.

Cena & AJ are backstage. Cena asks AJ if she’s ok. AJ says she’s fine. Cena says Dolph & Vickie are making AJ’s life miserable over something that never happened and never will happen. AJ asks, “Never will happen?” Then Cena says, “Ok, never happened.” This was stupid. No one cares about this idiotic storyline!!

William Regal vs. World Champion Big Show. Show gets the pin. This was decent but short. Regal got some good offense in here before getting choke slammed. Afterwards Show was going to punch out Regal but Sheamus storms to the ring and pounds on Show. Show rolls out of the ring. Sheamus checks on Regal while Big Show walks up the ramp. This was alright. Easily better than the crap before this!

Eve Torres is on commentary for the next match

Layla vs. Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn gets the pin. This was really short. Afterwards Kaitlyn & Eve have a stare down.

Michael Cole mentions that Jerry Lawler will be making his return next.

Then they show what happened that night. They actually had film of medics tending to Lawler backstage? This was a real heart attack and I find it in bad taste that they filmed that!

Jim Ross mentions that The King will return next.

Michael Cole & Jim Ross are in the ring. He mentions that 9 weeks ago Jerry Lawler collapsed at ringside and it’s a miracle that he made. Then Jim Ross welcomes back his friend Jerry The King Lawler. Lawler’s music plays and he comes out. JR & King hug. Then King hugs Cole. JR gives King the mic. The fans cheer and chant Jerry. King thanks the fans. He thought he wouldn’t get back in a WWE ring again. Then he mentions how It’s a Wonderful Life is shown every holiday. He says what that movie was about. He then says that in the past few weeks he lived that movie. He had no idea that he had so many friends and fans that sent him they’re well wishes and prayers. King thanks the fans and says it’s great to be back. Then out come CM Punk & Paul Heyman. Lawler leaves the ring. Punk gets in the ring and has the mic. Punk says he’s glad Jerry left the ring because if he hadn’t Punk would’ve beaten him to death again. Punk says what he does is in bad taste. The things he does are disrespectful. Then he mentions that Lawler came back to life and is a real life zombie. Punk says that what Lawler does is in bad taste because having a 60 something year old man getting in the ring with the WWE Champion is in bad taste. Punk says one of the side affects to that is having a heart attack. Punk says that fans blame him but the blame is on Lawler’s shoulders. Punk says the fans point at him and say that what he does is in bad taste. Punk says shame on Lawler for steeling his spotlight. Punk mentions he’s been champion for 358 days. Punks has just tied with Diesel as the 9^th longest reigning champion. Punk says that in a week he will be standing in the ring still WWE champion on day 365. He will beat Cena & Ryback just like he has before. Punk’s glad Lawler’s back and is glad he will get to see Punk do what he does best. Punk tells King not to croak. King says he won’t and the only thing on life support is Punk’s title reign. Punk says maybe Lawler wants to get in the ring. Then Heyman acts like he’s having a heart attack. Punk sarcastically screams for medics. Punk says he just saved Heyman’s life. Then Heyman gets up. Punk says Heyman almost gave him a heart attack. Then out comes Mick Foley. Foley says Punk doesn’t cease to amaze him how much he demands respect but refuse to show any to Lawler who commands it. Punk says he & Foley are no longer team captains. Punk says that Foley should worry more about the gaping hole on his team. Foley isn’t picking the 5^th guy. The fans will. Punk says Foley shouldn’t care what the fans think because they can’t think. Punk stopped caring what everyone thought of him a long time ago. Punk says that Foley should call his team, Team Worthless. Foley screams at Punk saying that we lost Jerry Lawler but through miracles, hope and Prayers Lawler is here with us today. Foley says this isn’t about Punk. Foley says he wasn’t thrilled when Vince changed the match. Then he realized that Punk doesn’t care about anything but his title. Now Punk is in a position where Ryback or Cena can beat Punk for the title. Punk says no one’s beaten him and no one will. He tells Foley that he doesn’t matter and none of this involves him. Foley says it does. He says that he has a parting gift for Punk. He says that tonight he will be the special enforcer for the Cena-Punk match. This was uncomfortable. I thought them having Punk do a promo about Lawler’s real life heart attack was in bad taste. Punk was good at being the heel and Foley’s promo was good too but the fact that it was based on a real incident didn’t sit well with me. I was really hoping they would just have Lawler speak for a bit and that would be all. They didn’t have to put this into a storyline!

Punk & Heyman are backstage. Punk says he wonders if Heyman is trying to screw him. Punk says that Foley being involved in any of his matches is idiotic. Heyman says they might be out of options. Punk tells him to fix it. Then Heyman asks what about Brad Maddox. Punk tells Heyman to fix that too.

Jerry Lawler is back on commentary, replacing Jim Ross.

Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara, Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd vs. Primo, Epico & The Primetime Players. Rey, Cara, Gabriel & Tyson win when Gabriel pins Darren. This was a solid match but I don’t know why they had this on Raw when they could’ve had this at Survivor Series. Ricardo came out and gave Rosa Mendes a note during the match.

They show a video package of the National Guard.

Then they show some of the Ohio National Guard solders in the front row.

They show Brad Maddox backstage and Paul Heyman comes by. He asks the cameraman to shut the camera off. Then Heyman & Maddox walk off.

They show a video promo for Johnny Curtis’ new character Fandango.

Miz is on his phone saying he will find a way to impact Survivor Series. Then Dolph comes by and tells Miz it’s only a matter of time before Miz begs Dolph to be on Team Ziggler. Dolph mentions how he led himself & Del Rio to victory earlier tonight. Miz says he missed that but he saw Dolph losing to Orton and then getting slapped by a girl. Dolph says that he never thought Miz was worthy of Team Ziggler. Then Miz mentions that he main evented WrestleMania. Then Mick Foley comes by and Dolph says what a dumb idea having the fans decide who the 5^th guy on his team is. Foley says that tonight 2 guys from Team Foley vs. 2 guys from Team Ziggler. Dolph picks Rhodes Scholars. Foley says they will face Kane and the winner of the fan Twitter voting. Dolph walks off. Then Miz tells Foley that they haven’t seen eye to eye but if Foley let Miz be on Team Foley at Survivor Series would be awesome. Foley tells Miz that he is on the ballot. This was weak. They’re actually turning Miz face?

They show the options that fans can vote for to be on Team Foley. Santino Marella, Zack Ryder & The Miz.

They announce that Antonio Cesaro will defend the U.S. Title against R-Truth at Survivor Series.

Antonio Cesaro comes out and says that Truth talks to “Little Jimmy” because he was once a proud champion who became a joke, just like this country. At Survivor Series he will show everyone that they shouldn’t mess with a true super power. I’m tired of this gimmick too. The whole anti America bit is WAY beyond stale!

R-Truth vs. Tensai. Truth gets the pin. This wasn’t much. Afterwards Cesaro gets the mic and says there’s no way this Sunday at Survivor Series…then Truth gets the mic and does a knock knock joke. “Europe.” You’re up in my face” That was really corny. Then Truth says he will knock Cesaro’s teeth down his esophagus and become a 2 time U.S. Champion. That’s the truth. That was weird. Is R-Truth vs. Antonio Cesaro going to increase the PPV buy rate? Nope. Also poor Tensai. They’ve really messed up with him.

Brad Maddox comes out for his match with Ryback. Then an ambulance pulls in to the arena. Then after Ryback comes out EMTs come out with a stretcher for Maddox.

Time for the promo box. Maddox says that everyone thinks these will be his last words. Maddox says that win or lose this is the greatest night of his life. He has no regrets because he is a WWE super star. Then he says that after tonight no one will forget the name Brad Maddox.

Ryback vs. Brad Maddox. Ryback gets the pin. This was a meaningless squash. Ryback beat the crap out of Maddox the whole match! Afterward the medics get Maddox on the stretcher. Then Ryback tips the stretcher over. Then he throws Maddox into the ringside barrier. Then Ryback gives him a running clothesline. Then Ryback picks up Maddox and carries him to the ambulance and he slams Maddox back first into the doors. Ryback then opens the doors and throws Maddox in. Then Ryback does the feed me more chant. This was pointless.

Back to the show and they show that during the break the ambulance left the arena.

Sheamus vs. David Otunga. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a squash. Afterwards Sheamus says he hope’s Big Show’s watching because the same will happen to him at Survivor Series. He will brogue kick Show and win back his World Title.

Then they show Big Show pounding on William Regal on the Tron. Show tells Sheamus this is what will happen to Sheamus at Survivor Series. Sheamus runs to the back.

Josh Mathews is backstage outside the Trainer’s room. He says that Regal regained consciousness but might have a concussion.

Kane is backstage and Daniel Bryan says they need to talk. Kane ignores him but then asks Daniel what he wants. Daniel wanted to wish him luck tonight with his new partner. Kane says he doesn’t have a new partner; they have a new team mate. Daniel says that if Foley had let him pick a partner he would’ve picked Kane. Daniel then says they could go to Foley and say that they’re not teaming with anyone but each other. As he says that Kane walks off and then Daniel screams no. This was ok.

Time to find out who will team with Kane to face Rhodes Scholars. No surprise it’s The Miz.

Before the match starts Daniel Bryan comes out. He takes a fan’s sign and looks at it for a bit. Then he offers his hand to Miz and they shake hands.

WWE Tag Team Champion Kane & The Miz vs. Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow. Kane & Miz win when Kane pins Cody. This was a solid match. Daniel went after Miz but Miz sent him into Cody against the ring post. Then Miz threw Cody back in the ring and Kane choke slammed Cody for the win. Afterwards Daniel comes in and celebrates. Kane tells Daniel that he & Miz won. Daniel flips and raises Kane’s hand a few times.

Special Enforcer Mick Foley comes out for the Cena-Punk match.

John Cena vs. WWE Champion CM Punk. Cena gets the pin. This was a solid match but they had the WWE Champion lose cleanly! During the match Cena had Punk in the STF. Then Heyman got in the ring but Foley yanked him out. Later on Punk was going to walk to the back but then Ryback came out. Cena went after Punk, got him back in the ring and gave Punk the AA for the win. Afterwards Cena & Ryback stare each other down. Then they both pick up the belt. Then they turn their attention to Punk and then they pick up the belt again. Then Punk gets on the apron saying the belt is his. Cena & Ryback both hold the belt as Punk looks on to end the show. So they once again made Punk a background player to Ryback & Cena! This is what’s wrong with WWE! They book their heels to look like losers!

This week’s show really dragged! Orton-Dolph wasn’t much. They had Dolph lose cleanly. Orton & Kofi vs. Dolph & Del Rio was solid. Cena-Punk was solid but they had Punk lose cleanly to Cena. Then they had him in the background when Ryback & Cena faced off. The Cena-AJ-Dolph-Vickie segment was painful! I was uncomfortable with the Lawler-Punk-Foley segment. Kane & Miz vs. Cody & Sandow was solid but having Miz as a baby face is odd. Sheamus-Otunga was a squash. Show attacking Regal backstage was decent. R-Truth-Tensai wasn’t much. The bit with Truth & Cesaro was weak too. I also wasn’t into the Dolph-Miz-Foley bit backstage. Ryback-Maddox was a squash. Maddox took a pounding. Layla-Kaitlyn was too short to be much of anything. Kaitlyn will now face Eve at Survivor Series. That won’t get any extra buys. They really didn’t do that great a job building to the PPV. Overall I thought this week’s show was lousy.

11-8-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the November 8, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with Aces & 8s in their clubhouse. The Vice President chews out Luke Gallows for losing his mask. Gallows has 1 week to show them why he should be in Aces & 8s. Devon says that Hogan booked Sting & Kurt Angle vs. 2 Aces & 8 guys. Devon says that he & Gallows should face Sting & Angle tonight. Gallows says he will make this right. This was lame.

James Storm comes out for commentary.

AJ Styles vs. Bobby Roode. Roode gets the pin. This was a really good match. Bobby Roode got a chair. James Storm took his head set off to stop Roode. The referee held him back. There also looked to be tension with Styles & Storm.    

Austin Aries runs into Hulk Hogan backstage. Hulk tells Aries to quit walking around like he is the champion because he isn’t. Aries says that he wants the ladder Match called off. He’s a wrestler, not an acrobat. Hulk says that Aries also isn’t the GM. Hulk tells Aries to handover the title and if Aries doesn’t want to face Jeff, Hulk can find some one who does. Hulk walks off & Aries says that Hulk is drinking the Jeff Hardy Kool-Aid. This was a decent bit. Aries was good here as usual.

Kurt Angle & Wes Briscoe are backstage. Angle tells him timing is everything. Sting comes in and tells Wes to have eyes in the back of his head. Tonight is show time.

Joseph Park is in the ring. He says it’s been a trying week. After the act that was perpetrated by Aces & 8s. He realized 2 things. The human body isn’t meant to go through tables. 2 it felt great to rip Gallows’ mask off even it wasn’t intentional. Then he says that as a man he wants his match with Aces & 8s. Hulk Hogan is the guy who can make it happen. Joseph begs Hulk to give him the match. He’s stood by Hulk since he came to TNA. Now he’s asking Hulk to stand by him. Cue Hulk’s music and out comes the Hulkster. Hulk says that he is proud of him for helping give TNA momentum in the war with Aces & 8s. Hulk tells him that it’s better to be lucky than good. Joseph was lucky but isn’t a wrestler and shouldn’t be in the ring. Hulk says that he can’t have TNA liable for what would happen to Park if he got hurt in the ring. Then Bully Ray comes to the ring. Ray says he didn’t want to come out but he did because he knows Hulk is about to tell Joseph no. Ray knows that because Hulk has been saying no to him for 2 months. Ray is sticking up for Park. Ray says that Park fought him and also has a lot to prove against Aces & 8s. Ray then mentions Park being kidnapped. Ray believes in Park. Hulk says he’s running TNA. Ray says he believes in Joseph and the fans do too. The fans cheer. Ray says these are Hulk’s fans. His Hulkamaniacs. Ray asks Hulk why say no when it feels so damn good to just say yes? Joseph says he’s ready for this. Hulk says just this 1 time. This was solid. Ray & Joseph were both good here.

Tara & Jessie are backstage. Jessie brags about finishing off ODB. ODB comes in and says that he got her with a school girl. Eric Young & ODB are the only TNA power couple. Eric isn’t there but she wants to face both Tara & Jessie in a handicap match. This was idiotic. This Jessie guy is awful.

AJ Styles is screaming at the cameraman about James Storm scouting his match. James Storm comes in and says that he & AJ have both been in TNA for the same amount of time but AJ is the face of TNA. Then he asks AJ how it will look when the face of TNA gets kicked in. I was ok with this bit.

Knockout Tag Team Champion ODB vs. Tara & Jessie. ODB wins when she pins Tara. This was a comedy match. Afterwards Jessie goes to hit ODB from behind but ODB turns around. Then Tara hits ODB from behind with the flask. Then Tara gives her the Widow’s Peak. Then Tara pours the liquid courage on ODB and then she & Jessie make out. Can they please end this Tara-Jessie crap?

ODB is on the phone yelling at EY. She flips out about her liquid courage being poured on her. She tells Eric to be there Sunday.

They show Bruce, Al & Taz. They talk about the fate of Christian York. Taz mentions he didn’t watch the match because he has no power. Taz says it’s a no-brainer. Al says that he was attached someone and that other guy took the spot light. Bruce asks if York can be a singles guy. Al brings up Beer Money. Taz doesn’t care if he was a tag guy. Taz says York is a wrestler. Taz says they’ll make the right decision. Taz says that he always does. Then Taz & Bruce comment on Al’s jacket. This was a typical pre Gut Check segment.

Kurt Angle & Sting vs. DOC (Luke Gallows) & Devon. Sting & Angle win by DQ when Devon hit them both with a bat. Angle & Sting take the fight outside the ring before the bell. Angle & Devon go at it while Sting & DOC brawl. Sting throws DOC in the ring and the bell rings. Towards the end, Sting had DOC in the Scorpion Death Lock and then Devon came in with the bat and hit both Angle & Sting. That led to the DQ. After the match Angle was sent shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Then Ray comes out and clotheslines Devon. Then Ray gets a table from under the ring. Ray sets it up but Devon bails. Ray goes after him. Then DOC picks up Sting but Sting punches him. Then Sting was going for a power bomb but more Aces & 8s guys come in. 1 of them hits Sting with a hammer. Then DOC choke slams Sting threw the table. Then DOC hits Sting a few times with the hammer. Finally Samoa Joe, Chavo & Hernandez come out and run Aces & 8s off. EMTs then come in to check on Sting. They help Sting to the back. This was good. Sting did a good job selling the attack.

JB & the Gut Check judges are in the ring. Time to find out if Christian York will get a TNA contract. Christian York comes out. JB says all that stands in York’s way is the decisions from the judges. JB asks York if he felt that he gave it his best effort last week. York says he knows that he did and the fans know it too. Taz goes first. Taz says York looked great and says that York has that “it” factor. Taz votes yes. Next is Bruce. Bruce says York has been a wrestler for 16 years but he hasn’t made it to the big league. He asks York what kept him from making it. Bruce says maybe York hasn’t had a chance. Bruce votes yes. Christian York gets the contract. York says this is what he worked 16 years for. He tells the fans that dreams can come true. I’m glad that he got the contract. This was really good.

Austin Aries is backstage on his phone and he walks by Ray & Brooke Hogan. They’re having words about something but they stop when Aries walks by. Aries tells whoever’s he’s on the phone with to find a loophole. I’m not sure what the Ray-Brooke Hogan bit was about.

Hulk is on the phone asking how badly Sting is hurt because TNA’s in major trouble without him. Then Joey Ryan comes in. Ryan wants Hulk to congratulate him. Hulk says that isn’t happening. He’s not congratulating him on something that hasn’t happened. Hulk then tells Morgan that he won’t be at ringside for Joey Ryan’s match at Turning Point. Morgan says that Hulk still doesn’t know who he’s messing with. Morgan & Ryan walk off and Hulk says to himself that maybe he does know. Thankfully it was short so I was ok with this bit.

TV Champion Samoa Joe and Tag Team Champions Hernandez & Chavo Guerrero, Jr. vs. Magnus, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian. Magnus, Daniels & Kazarian win when Magnus pins Joe. This was a good match.

Bobby Roode is backstage. He talks about how AJ & Storm were at each other’s throats after the match. Everything’s going his way. He’s 1 step closer to regaining his world title. Good promo from Roode.

A ladder is set up in the ring and out comes Austin Aries. The fans chant we want Hardy. Aries says he does too. Aries says that Jeff is calling himself the best wrestler on Earth. Aries says that’s all well and good but he’s the greatest who ever lived. He says that having to face Jeff in a ladder means that Jeff knows that he can’t beat Aries. Jeff’s career has been defined by the ladder. Jeff is the greatest risk taker in the business. Jeff has climbed to the highest of highs and has taken some of the greatest falls. AT Turning Point this will be the great fall that Jeff doesn’t recover from physically, mentally or emotionally. The fans chant what. Aries says he’s speaking English. Aries will beat Jeff at his own game. He will have both the real title and Jeff’s after Turning Point. Then Aries says that Jeff has Hulk doing his bidding for him. Aries isn’t handing over the title. If Jeff wants it he can come down like a man and take it. Out comes Jeff Hardy. Hardy hits the ring and Aries goes right after him. Aries goes fro a brain buster but Jeff escapes. Then he goes for the Twist of Fate but Aries escapes. Then Jeff takes both belts and has them raised above the ring. Then Jeff climbs the ladder. Then Aries kicks the ladder out from under Jeff. Then he places the ladder over Jeff, climbs the ladder and takes down both belts. Aries stands on the ladder over Jeff to end the show. This was really good. Aries was great on the mic as usual. They did a good job building to their title match at Turning Point.

 I thought this was a good show overall. The opening segment with Aces & 8s in the clubhouse was lame but the Sting & Angle vs. DOC & Devon match/Sting attack was really good. I liked the Jeff Hardy-Austin Aries segment too. They did a really good job building to their title match at Turning Point. Joe, Hernandez & Chavo vs. Magnus, Daniels & Kazarian was really good too. I also enjoyed the AJ Styles-Bobby Roode match. I liked the Gut Check segment too. I’m glad Christian York got the contract. The Ray-Hulk-Joseph Park segment was solid too. I was also ok with Joey Ryan & Matt Morgan in Hulk’s office because it was short. ODB vs. Tara & Jessie wasn’t much. Roode’s promo backstage was good too. I liked that he said, “I love it when a plan comes together.” I guess he was watching the A-Team. I’m not sure what they’re doing with Bully Ray & Brooke Hogan but I liked Aries here too. I also liked the AJ Styles-James Storm bit backstage. So on the whole I thought this was a good show this week. I thought they did a good job for the go home show before Turning Point.

11-6-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the November 6, 2012 episode of Tuesday Night Live but not really Live Smackdown

The show starts with Michael Cole in the ring and brings out Sheamus. Cole says that last night after Sheamus & Regal went to a pub. Reports have surfaced that there was an incident at the pub. They show the film on the Tron. Big Show comes in and attacks Sheamus (This was shown on the WWE website). Cole says that footage had to be difficult for him to watch. Sheamus tells Cole it isn’t a good idea for him to be in the ring. Sheamus says part of him respects Show for coming into his turf but doesn’t respect Show attacking Regal. The problem is Sheamus is still standing and he’s giving Show a chance to finish what he started right now. It will be about the title at Survivor Series but right it will be about Sheamus kicking Big Show’s giant “arse.” Show comes on the Tron and says that he held back so that Sheamus could be at Survivor Series. Show then says that at Survivor Series he will take out Sheamus permanently. He tells Sheamus that if he thinks fighting him is a good idea then he should ask Regal. Sheamus says Show is scared to come to the ring. Show says he isn’t and he has no reason to come out. Sheamus tries to egg him on but out comes Wade Barrett. Barrett questions Sheamus’ sanity for looking for a fight with Big Show when Sheamus has a match with him for Main Event. Once he’s finished with Sheamus, he will be in no shape to face Big Show at Survivor Series. If he does survive Sheamus will have received a gift from the Barrett Barrage. Sheamus tells Barrett that if he wants to fight then he come in the ring and fight him now. Barrett hints heading to the ring but then walks to the back. I thought this segment was solid.

Wade Barrett is backstage and Booker T comes by. He says he never thought Barrett would back down from a fight. Barrett says he never does. Booker tells him that he spoke to Regal and tonight’s main event will be Sheamus & Regal vs. Barrett & Big Show.

They mention that Jerry Lawler will be back on Raw this coming Monday.

Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz for the Title. Kofi gets the pin. This was a good match. Afterwards Miz offers Kofi his hand and Kofi dropkicks him out of the ring.

Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs. The Primetime Players. The Players win when Titus pins Mysterio. This was a solid match. Afterwards Matt Striker looks for comments from the Players. Titus blows his whistle into the mic. Then he says that he will handle this interview. Titus asks Darren what this win means to him. Darren says millions of dollars. Titus asks when they win the tag title what will they be getting. Darren again says millions of dollars. Then Titus asks Striker that when he thinks of The Primetime Players what’s the first thing that comes to Striker’s mind. Titus makes Striker reluctantly says millions of dollars. Titus tells Striker to say it again. Striker says it a bit louder. They do the millions dance with Striker but Striker messes it up. Then Titus rags on Striker. Then The Players do the millions of dollars dance. This was lame.

They reshow the Cena-Vickie segment where Vickie had the film of AJ. UGH!

Booker T & Teddy Long are in the GM Office. Long says that there’s a lot of controversy going on with AJ & Vickie. Then Long says that he’s looking forward to the next tag match. Booker asks Long if Vickie can come up with a match like this. Long says she might. Booker asks Long if he’s saying that Booker’s not original. Long says on second thought maybe Vickie couldn’t come up with that. Booker complains about Long sucking up to him but he was only joking. This was weak. Also NOTHING in WWE is original!!

Sheamus & William Regal vs. Wade Barrett & World Champion Big Show. Show & Barrett win when Show pins Regal. This was solid too.

Alberto Del Rio & Ricardo Rodriguez are backstage. Matt Striker comes in and asks if they’re brawl last week is a sign of things to come. Del Rio says Orton got the upper hand because he attacked him from behind. Del Rio says tonight when they’re face to face he will beat Orton all over the arena. There is only 1 Apex Predator in WWE. He will show the world that Orton is nothing but a crying little girl. Then Rosa Mendes comes by and wishes Del Rio luck. This was weak. The Orton-Del Rio feud has gotten old. I’m also not into Matt Striker being the interviewer who gets man handled all the time.

Time to recap Brad Maddox’s promo.

Matt Striker interviews Randy Orton. He asks Orton about Del Rio’s comments. Orton says this will be a brutal & sadistic fight. He’s not worried about Del Rio’s comments. Del Rio can back up what he says. Tonight they won’t just fight. They’ll have to get a little sick. They will have to show that they can cross a line most people won’t be able too. Orton says this is one of his favorite kinds of matches because he gets to show everyone just how sick and twisted he can get. This was ok but we’ve heard Orton say how sadistic he is before. Him repeating that can get stale.  

Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Falls Count Anywhere match. Orton gets the pin. This was a mixed bag brawl. Parts of it felt forced while other parts were solid. I also don’t get why they had Del Rio lose to Orton again! During the match Orton kicked Ricardo in the gut. Then he threw him into the phone booth that was on the stage and pounded on him for a bit. Later in the match Del Rio took the mic and told Orton to quit trying to be the Apex predator. Then he tells Orton to get ready to tap out. Del Rio locked him in the cross arm breaker but Orton hit Del Rio in the head with the mic. Then Orton hit Del Rio with the RKO on the steel steps and got the pin. Orton poses on the turnbuckle to end the show.

This week’s show felt like it was just there. They didn’t really do much. Every time they have Smackdown on a Tuesday, the show is usually not much. The opening segment with Sheamus & Big Show on the Tron and then Wade Barrett coming out was solid. Orton-Del Rio felt forced at times but was solid at parts too. Kofi-Miz was a good match. Rey & Cara vs. The Primetime Players was solid but I wasn’t into the post match “interview” with Matt Striker. I’m not sure why they’re having Striker be the interviewer that gets beaten on. Del Rio’s promo was weak. It looks like they’re going to do something with him & Rosa. Orton’s promo was ok but him talking about how brutal he can get is old. Sheamus & Regal vs. Barrett & Big Show was solid too. The Booker T-Teddy Long bit was idiotic. Overall I thought this was a weak show.

11-5-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the November 5, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with an earlier in the day segment with Miz & Paul Heyman. Miz asks what kind of leader runs away. Heyman says that Punk did not run. He took a strategic retreat. That is the art of war. Heyman tells Miz that team Punk has to be on the same page. Miz says that he isn’t on the same page as Punk & Heyman and says they’re full of crap. Miz then says that he doesn’t need Punk and as far as the Survivor Series team is concerned, Miz quits. This was a good segment.

They show a TOUT from Antonio Cesaro saying R-Truth stuck his nose in Cesaro’s business.

R-Truth says that in every language Cesaro is gonna get got.

Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara & R-Truth vs. The Primetime Players & U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro. Mysterio, Cara & Truth win when Truth pins Cesaro. This was a good match.

They mention that Jerry Lawler will be back next week.

They recap the Cena-Vickie segment from last week.

Vickie Guerrero comes to the ring. She says that she is very proud of herself. She is thrilled that AJ Lee resigned as Raw GM. She says we need to be honest and that is something that John Cena has a problem with. Then Vickie mentions that Cena asked AJ out on a date. They show that clip from last month. Next, Cena & AJ “embrace romantically.” They show that clip from 2 weeks ago. (That happened AFTER AJ resigned!) Next Cena luring AJ into an elevator. Time for 1 of Vickie’s favorites, where Cena admitted that he walked AJ to her room. Tonight she is going…Then Cena comes out. Vickie says he won’t stop her from showing…Cena cuts her off and says that Vickie running a clean show is like him learning a new wrestling maneuver. Then Cena mentions that when Vickie was GM of Smackdown she married Edge and got him the World Title. Now she’s with Dolph. Then he rags on Vickie in typical Cena idiocy. Vickie says that someone sent her this hotel security footage. They show a surveillance camera of AJ walking the hotel hall in her bath robe and walking into a room. Cena says that’s not evidence that AJ went from one room to another. Vickie says she has more. They show Cena poking out his head and he has a towel around his waist. Vickie says that when he put the do not disturb sign on the door that must have been one heck of a business meeting. Cena says that Vickie is manipulating the truth. Vickie then tells AJ to come to the ring and explain to everyone why she likes to walk through hotel hallways half naked. AJ shows up on the Tron. She tells Vickie that she doesn’t want her to go out there. Because if she does she will give Vickie the beating of her life. Then Vickie will can her and she won’t be able to do what she loves. Then Dolph comes by and says we all know AJ loves to do. Then Cena runs up the ramp as Vickie does the mad scientist laugh. This was terrible. Who really cares about this angle? It’s so stupid. The only part that made sense was Cena mentioning that Vickie was “married” to Edge and is now with Dolph.

Paul Heyman is backstage saying Miz is conniving and cowardly, which is why Team Punk needs someone like this guy. The camera shows Wade Barrett. Barrett says that this is the same tired routine from last week. Barrett mentions that he refused Heyman last week and is refusing him now. He doesn’t trust Heyman. Barrett reconsiders but Heyman owes him and he wants it in writing. I’m not sure what that last part was about but this was a decent bit.

WWE Tag Team Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Cody Rhodes. Cody gets the pin. This was a decent but short match. Kane & Damien Sandow were both at ringside. Afterwards Cody gets the mic and says that was an impressive victory by 1 half of the future tag champions. Then Cody says that Sandow can beat Kane just as easily as Cody beat Daniel. Then Kane pulls Sandow by the hair into the ring.

WWE Tag Team Champion Kane vs. Damien Sandow. Kane gets the pin. This was a decent match but I wasn’t into Sandow getting pinned cleanly. During the match Daniel & Cody brawled on the outside. Then Cody slid in the ring and back out by the entrance ramp. Then the referee kicked both Daniel & Cody out of ringside.

Michael Cole is in the ring and brings out Brad Maddox. Cole says that Maddox met with executives in Stamford to discuss this. They reshow the clip from the PPV. Coles asks Maddox if he is working with Punk & Heyman. Maddox says that it was all him. It was his plan. All his life he has wanted to be a WWE super star. For years he tried to get his foot in the door and everybody shut the door in his face. He has paid $2,000.00 for a try out. Then he was finally given a chance with a developmental contract. Even there he wasn’t good enough. Is it because he isn’t 6 feet, a giant, can’t do spots, etc. Even when WWE officials told him that he would never make it to the main roster of WWE his dream didn’t die it got stronger. He wants to be somebody. He made a vow to himself that he would do whatever it takes to get into WWE. Then he mentions that when Raw went to 3 hours and AJ made him a referee that was all he needed to make an impact. Punk had nothing to do with it. Maddox’s actions were driven by his desire to be somebody. Now he’s famous. People know his name in England and everywhere. His dream is to be a WWE super Star. He wants a contract and a match with Ryback. No one will forget who he is now. Then Vince comes out and tells Maddox it’s one thing to be famous and another to have a death wish. Vince says he thinks Maddox is working with Punk & Heyman. Then Vince says that he will give Maddox a million dollar contract if he beats Ryback. Then Vince brings out Vickie. She agrees to give Maddox a match. Then Vince asks Vickie why she would reward Punk by being in a Survivor Series match rather than having him defend the WWE Title. Vince has Vickie admit that she wanted Dolph to challenge Punk. Vince says he was hoping she would say someone who got screwed last Sunday. Ryback. Vince then says that the title match should be a triple threat match. If Vickie says Dolph, he will can her on the spot. Vickie doesn’t think whoever she has in mind is involved in a scandal. Vince asks if it’s the guy who fought Punk to a draw. Vickie says Cena. Vince doesn’t hear her and she says it louder. Then Vince says that Vickie doesn’t always make the right decisions but she did here. This was idiotic. Does anyone even care about this? A referee is looking for a wrestler’s contract. I’m not into this. This whole bit with a “crooked” referee is old. Then the whole bit with Vince & Vickie was really idiotic!! Also why announce who the10 guys for the Survivor Series match will be last week and then change it up this week?

Then Sheamus comes out and shakes Vince’s hand. Then he heads to the ring for his next match with The Miz.

Big Show comes out to do commentary for the next match.

Sheamus vs. The Miz. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a good match. Afterwards Big Show stands and shows Sheamus the World Title.

Dolph is standing outside Vince’s office. Then Vickie comes out and tells Dolph that he will be the new captain for the Survivor Series match. Punk comes in and says that Dolph is captain because Vince is trying to screw him. Vince is doing this because Punk beat him up a couple weeks ago and now he’s getting pay back. Then Vickie says that Dolph & Punk will face Ryback & Cena. Punk asks Dolph what is wrong with Vickie. This was a solid segment. Punk was good here as usual.

Sheamus is backstage with William Regal. Sheamus says that he owes Regal a lot. Then Sheamus tells Regal to hold off on congratulating him till he beats Big Show and regains the World Title. Regal says they’ll have a pint later. This was a decent bit. Nice to see Regal on Raw.

Layla & Kaitlyn vs. Aksana & Divas Champion Eve Torres. Layla & Kaitlyn win when Kaitlyn pins Eve. This was decent.

Alberto Del Rio & Ricardo Rodriguez are backstage complaining about Dolph being the new captain. Ricardo says that as far as he’s concerned Del Rio is the captain. Then they bump into Rosa Mendes. This was ok.

Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio. Kofi gets the pin. Randy Orton’s music played. That distracted Del Rio and Kofi got the pin. This was a good match despite Del Rio being distracted by Orton’s music. Afterwards Orton comes in and gives Del Rio an RKO.

Zack Ryder & Santino Marella vs. Primo & Epico. Ryder & Santino win when Santino pins Epico. This was a decent match.

Brodus Clay vs. Wade Barrett. Barrett gets the pin. This was decent too. Barrett was way over.

Michael Cole again mentions that Jerry Lawler will be back next week. Glad he’s gonna be back!

Jay Uso vs. Heath Slater. Slater gets the pin. This was solid.

CM Punk & Paul Heyman come to the ring. Punk mentions that he beat Ryback and ever since then people have been throwing accusations his way because they think Brad Maddox is working with him & Heyman. Now at Survivor Series Team Punk gets demoted to Team Ziggler. Punk says that he is being screwed at Survivor Series. He says he knows that fans want to see 1 of them end his 351 title reign. Punk has proven that he is better than anyone that wants to step in the ring with him. Punk has set the bar at an unattainable level. After Survivor Series he will continue to show that he is the best in the world!  This was the usual good promo from Punk.

Ryback & John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler & WWE Champion CM Punk. Ryback & Cena win when Ryback pins Punk. This was a solid match. Afterwards Ryback does his feed me more bit. Then Cena gets back in the ring and the 2 stare each other down. Then Ryback leads the fans in another feed me more chant. This ends the show. Why were they focusing on only Cena & Ryback? They completely ignored Punk here.

I thought this week’s show was ok overall. I liked the opening bit where Miz quit team Punk. The main event tag match was solid but I wasn’t a fan of WWE again forgetting about Punk afterwards. I did like Punk’s pre match promo though. The 6 man tag and Kofi-Del Rio were good. The Cena-Vickie-AJ-Dolph segment was idiotic. So was the Brad Maddox promo. The “crooked” referee bit is way beyond old. Also the Vince-Vickie part of that segment was lousy too. Having Vince force Vickie into making the triple threat for Survivor Series was dumb. Jay Uso-Heath Slater was also a solid match. Ryder & Santino vs. Primo & Epico, Brodus-Barrett, & the divas tag matches were decent too. I’m glad that Jerry Lawler will be back next week. I also liked seeing William Regal on the show. The Alberto-Ricardo bit backstage was ok. I liked Ricardo saying that Del Rio is the real captain. I’m not sure where they’re going with Rosa though. The Punk-Dolph-Vickie bit was solid too. Punk was good as usual. Daniel-Cody was also decent but short. Kane-Sandow was decent too but having Sandow lose cleanly was the wrong finish. Sheamus-Miz was good too. I also liked the backstage segment with Wade Barrett & Paul Heyman. They were both good here. I liked Barrett saying that he doesn’t trust Heyman. I wasn’t sure what Heyman owing Barrett meant though. On the whole I was ok with this week’s Raw.

10-26-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the October 26, 2012 episode of Smackdown

      

The show starts with Randy Orton coming to the ring. He came out tonight to set the record straight. Most of the fans if not all of think that he despises Alberto Del Rio because Del Rio attacked him last month. That’s not entirely true. It’s not because Del Rio attacked him, it’s why Del Rio attacked him. If Del Rio would have stated that because of his failed attempt at beating Sheamus for the World Title he was trying to make the fans forget what a disappointment he was that would have been 1 thing. But Del Rio attacked Orton after Orton fought Big Show and tried to look like a tough guy. Del Rio made 2 critical mistakes. Del Rio wasn’t honest and he picked the wrong guy to try and make an example out of. Then Orton says that this Sunday he will give Del Rio the single most brutal beating of his life. Del Rio likes to call himself the new Apex Predator of the WWE. Orton says that’s probably the biggest lie of all. Once he gets Del Rio in the ring with him…Then out come Alberto Del Rio & Ricardo Rodriguez. Del Rio mentions that Orton says that Del Rio isn’t very honest. Del Rio tells Orton that he’s not very smart. Last week Del Rio said they would do this on his terms, not Orton’s. In 2 days Del Rio will show the world that Orton is not a viper. Orton is nothing but a garden snake & Del Rio can crush him with his boot in any moment. Del Rio then says that he is the new Apex Predator in WWE. Then Ricardo does the Orton pose (that was comical). Orton says that he understands Del Rio but in case the fans in Providence don’t Orton will translate for Del Rio. Orton says that Del Rio is saying that he has big talk when Orton is not in the building. Del Rio’s got big talk when there’s safe distance between him & Orton. Orton then says that Del Rio is no predator. Del Rio is nothing but a spineless bottom feeder with no cajones. Del Rio asks Orton if he thinks he is afraid of him Del Rio they will do this when he wants, and he’s just decided that Orton’s time is up. Ricardo wants Del Rio to get in the ring but Del Rio remains on the stage. Orton asks him what he’s waiting for. Del Rio says not yet but he will see him Sunday. Then Del Rio & Ricardo walk to the back. Then Wade Barrett comes in from behind and hits Orton in the back. Then Barrett backs up the ramp and taunts Orton. This was a decent way to kick off the show.

Del Rio & Ricardo are backstage and Teddy Long comes by. He asks Del Rio if he’s feeling after what he just pulled out there. Del Rio says he wasn’t even there. Then Wade Barrett comes in and asks Del Rio if that us what he was looking for. Then Long says that Del Rio can’t fool anybody. Then Long tells Barrett that he doesn’t know if him attacking Orton is what Del Rio was looking for but he will tell Barrett what Booker T is looking for. Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett tonight. Long walks off and Barrett has a smirk on his face. This was a decent backstage bit.

Daniel Bryan & Damien Sandow are on commentary for the next match.

Kane vs. Cody Rhodes. Kane gets the pin. This was a solid match.

Big Show is in the locker room and Booker T comes in. Booker tells Big Show that he will be face to face with Sheamus later tonight. Booker needs them both to handle themselves with some professionalism. Booker saw what happened on Monday. Big Show tells Booker to save his breath. Show proved what he had to prove Monday night when he choke slammed Sheamus. He has nothing else to prove till Sunday. Big Show tells Booker that there won’t be any trouble from him. He then says that Booker won’t get any trouble with Sheamus either because right now Sheamus is scared. Tonight Booker will get the hype & Sunday he will get a new World Champion. This was a good promo.

Yoshi Tatsu vs. The Miz. Miz gets the pin. This was a decent match. Tatsu got in some offense here.

They reshow the end of Raw when Ryback came to the ring during the Sheamus-Punk match. Then they show Paul Heyman’s promo from Main Event.

They reshow the Kaitlyn-Eve Torres backstage bit from Raw, which was followed by Layla coming by.

Booker T is in the GM office with Layla, Kaitlyn, Aksana & Eve. He tells Aksana that he needs the truth. He asks Aksana if Eve send her an e-mail. Aksana says no. It was a text message. Then Layla & Kaitlyn scream Eve saying they knew it. Booker shuts them up. Then in comes Teddy Long. Long tells Booker that it’s real simple. Last month at Night of Champions Kaitlyn was supposed to face Layla. However Eve sent Aksana a text message to take Kaitlyn out. This forced Booker in a position to replace Kaitlyn at the last minute. Long says that Eve’s plan worked perfectly. She played innocent and won the Divas title. Then Long tells Eve that the jig is up. She is exposed for who she really is. A bold faced lair. Layla applauds. Booker tells Eve that if this is true then he can no longer have her as a part of his staff. Eve has a confession to make. She says that she is too trusting. She leaves her I pad and I phone out (why would you just leave them lying around?) and doesn’t have any pass codes. If anyone wanted to use and got a hold of it they could have. She then tells Booker that she had nothing to do with this but she thinks that somebody else did. She looks at Long. Long says he doesn’t know why she’s looking at him. Then Layla & Kaitlyn shout at Eve. Booker shuts them up again. He says he’s sick of all this drama (I’m sick of this whole angle). Right now Booker doesn’t know who to believe. What he does know is this. Kaitlyn & Layla have been talking about getting a rematch for Eve’s Divas title. Now they got it. This Sunday at the PPV. Triple Threat rules. Layla vs. Kaitlyn vs. Eve. Then Booker says that since everyone is dressed to compete Layla & Kaitlyn will face Aksana & Eve tonight. He tells the Divas to beat it. They walk out. Then Booker & Long look at each other. This segment was lame.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett. Barrett gets the pin. This was a really good match. Del Rio & Ricardo came out and distracted Orton. That led to Barrett getting the pin. Afterwards Del Rio gets in the ring and beats on Orton. He gets Orton in a corner and goes for a kick but Orton ducks. Then Del Rio kicks Orton in the gut. Then he goes for the cross arm breaker but Orton counters. Then he goes for an RKO but Del Rio shoves him off and rolls out of the ring

Layla & Kaitlyn vs. Aksana & Divas Champion Eve Torres. Aksana & Eve win when Eve pins Kaitlyn. Layla went to kick Eve but Eve ducked and Layla wound up kicking Kaitlyn my mistake. Then Eve chucked Layla out of the ring and then covered Kaitlyn for the win. This was decent.   

Time for the Raw Rebound.

Booker T walks up to Sheamus backstage. Booker needs Sheamus to promise him that he will keep a cool head when he goes face to face with Big Show later. Booker mentions that Big Show will. Sheamus asks, “And you believed him?” Sheamus says that lie is bigger than Big Show is. Sheamus says that he respects Booker but as far as tonight goes Sheamus can’t promise Booker anything. This was decent.

Daniel Bryan is backstage. Kane comes in. Daniels asks him, “What?” Kane says that he won his match Daniel says, “So?” Kane says that he knows that he is not the weak link of their team. Kane says that if he won his match and Daniel loses his it’s pretty obvious who the real tag team champions is. Then Kane says, “No pressure.” Then Daniel Bryan’s music plays. Kane tells him that’s Daniel’s cue. Kane slaps him on the behind and Daniel says no.

Damien Sandow comes out. “Allow me to beg your indulgences for a moment. This craze sweeping the nation is a direct reflection of the poor mental state of each and every one of you. Why are you all so enamored with such a simple word like yes? There are far more sophisticated ways to respond in the affirmative. Example, ‘absolutely, I am more handsome than Daniel Bryan’ ‘Undoubtedly by beard is more sophisticated than Daniel Bryan’s’ And indubitably Team Rhodes Scholars will walk away this Sunday with the WWE Tag Team Titles. And that is not a yes or no question. You’re welcome.” Really good promo from Sandow.

Kane & Cody Rhodes are on commentary for the next match. Kane never spoke. I don’t know why they have a guy come to do commentary and then the guy doesn’t say anything. Why bother with the headset then?

Daniel Bryan vs. Damien Sandow. Sandow gets the pin. This was a solid match. Cody took his headset off. Daniel shoved Cody. That distraction allowed Sandow to clothesline Daniel. Then Kane goes after Sandow and while that happened Cody threw Daniel Bryan into the ring post and then threw him back in the ring. Then Sandow got back in the ring too and hit Daniel with a neck breaker for the win.

Josh Mathews is in the ring with security. He says that in less than 48 hours at the hell in a cell PPV the fans will bare witness to a clash of epic proportions. For the first time, Sheamus goes 1 on 1 with Big Show. Then out comes Sheamus. Before Big Show comes out Josh says that Show is the self professed possessor of the most lethal move in WWE the knockout punch.  Then out comes Big Show. Big Show says that there is nothing self professed about his KO punch being the most devastating finisher in WWE history. The KO punch is stronger than Te Rock’s Rock Bottom, stronger than Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stunner, stronger than Cena’s AA and we’ve clearly seen through scientific evidence that his KO punch is clearly more powerful than Sheamus’ Brogue Kick. There’s nothing self professed about that. Sheamus tells Show that if he wants to believe that his KO punch is the most lethal maneuver in WWE he can go ahead and think it. He tells Show to feed his ego but for that knockout punch to be lethal Show has to hit someone with it. Sheamus then says that at hell in a cell he guarantees…Big Show cuts him off and says that Sheamus will fail like he did before. Show asks Sheamus if he’s forgotten what happened the last time he tried to Brogue Kick Big Show. They reshow Big Show blocking the kick from 3weeks ago. Then Big Show says that Sheamus’ boot got right to about Show’s chest. That’s not high enough for Sheamus to kick Big Show’s head off his shoulders. For the Brogue Kick to be affective he has to put his boot in his opponent’s face. Show then tells Sheamus that it’s a matter of physics. Show is a giant. Sheamus doesn’t have what it takes to Brogue Kick him in the head and Sheamus definitely doesn’t have what it takes to beat Big Show. If Sheamus thinks that he is going to walk into the PPV and kick Big Show’s head off his shoulders, then Sheamus is either stupid or delusional. Sheamus says there’re 2 things that he loves in this life. 1 is a nice cold pint of some drink on a hot day (they had to throw that corny line in there). The other is a great fight. Sheamus then says that when he saw Big Show become the number 1 contender by knocking out Randy Orton his mouth began to water “Fella.” That’s because he got an opportunity to face a giant. A monster who has dominated WWE for more than a decade (well, not throughout his whole run). Sheamus then says that Show is a monster who held this very title that’s on Sheamus’ shoulder in his first day in the business. Sheamus then says that is what legends are made of. That’s a challenge and Sheamus strives for a challenge. Sheamus then says that there is no bigger challenge than Big Show. Sheamus then says that ever since he won the Title at WrestleMania he has defeated everybody that has come up and faced him. Then Sheamus says that Big Show is another animal all together. Big Show is a giant, a mountain and Sheamus says that Big Show is a mountain that he will conquer. Big Show tells Sheamus that he is not going to conquer him. He says that Sheamus is delusional. Sheamus says that he has never been more ready in his entire life. Then Big Show says that Sheamus thinks that he is ready but he’s not. Big Show says that Sheamus is scared. He can see it in his eyes. Sheamus asks Show if he looks scared. Then Sheamus says that if he has to chop down Big Show to Brogue Kick him then that’s exactly what he is going to do. If he has to hit him with 1,2, 3 or 5 or 10 Brogue Kicks to put Big Show down for good then that is exactly what he will do. It’s not going to be easy but a challenge this size never is. Then Sheamus says that it has been more than a month since he found out that he will face Big Show at the PPV. There’s been a lot of talk, messing and playing, but Sheamus has counted every single minute of every day and right now they’re 48 hours away from hell in a cell. The time for talking is over and the time for fighting is now. Then Sheamus goes through security and after Big Show. Sheamus punches him in the corner for a bit but security pulls him off. Then Sheamus & Big Show both take out the security guys. Then Sheamus goes to Brogue Kick Big Show but Show roles out of the ring. Sheamus wants Show to get back in the ring, but Show stands in front the ramp and tells Sheamus that he will see him Sunday. Then Sheamus gave a security guy a brogue Kick. Then Sheamus screams, “FELLA” to Big Show. Big Show & Sheamus then stare at each other to end the show. I thought this was a solid segment and a decent way to build up to their match.

I thought this was a decent show overall. I was ok with the Orton-Del Rio segment that started the show and the Wade Barrett sneak attack was alright. I also thought the Sheamus-Big Show face for the most part was solid. Daniel-Sandow was good. Sandow’s promo before the match was great. Kane-Cody was solid too. The segment with Booker, Teddy Long and the Divas was lame. That whole storyline is terrible. The Divas tag match was decent and so was Yoshi Tatsu vs. Miz. The bits where Booker was with Big Show & Sheamus were ok too. On the whole I thought this was decent show this week.

10-25-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the October 25, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with Hulk Hogan & Jeff Hardy in the GM office. Hulk says Jeff raised the bar at BFG and Jeff has to be ready. Jeff says he’s ready. Hulk thanks Jeff for everything he’s done for this company. Then Jeff walks out of the office. Anderson, Ray, Storm & Angle are outside the door. Then we hear pre recorded comments from Jeff that were meant to be like he’s thinking to himself. He comments about the 4 guys. He says that Angle is machine, Storm drinks too much, Anderson will always be an a**hole & Ray is dangerous but his mind is preoccupied. This was idiotic. Having Jeff Hardy “thinking” to himself was really dumb! That looked like something Russo would right if he were there.

X Division Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Zima Ion for the Title. RVD gets the pin. This was a decent match. Afterwards Matt Morgan comes in and gives RVD a carbon foot pint. Then Joey Ryan comes in and holds the X Title. Morgan then says Hogan wanted to see a different side from Matt Morgan. He tells Hulk to be careful what he wishes for because now he will get it.

Austin Aries is backstage. He talks about the other 4 guys begging for a title shot, but he doesn’t have to because he has a rematch clause. Then Aries says Hulk is using these guys for his personal amusement. Aries says that he will do the same. He will stick around to see the guys’ reactions after getting tossed out buy H double. This was decent. Aries was pretty funny here.

Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian come to the ring. Kazarian says it’s fitting that Halloween is coming because they have a lot of tricks but no treats. They’re the victims of a conspiracy. He says that last week Hulk altered his travel so that he couldn’t make it to the Impact Zone, which left Daniels at a disadvantage. Second and most importantly at BFG their tag titles were illegally taken from them who are probably illegally in this country. Daniels says the fans are slow so they should take it slow. Daniels says tonight’s supposed to championship Thursday. He says that Ion got his rematch and Tessmacher will get her rematch but they haven’t gotten their rematch and that’s a crime. He says they’re not liars like Hernandez & Chavo. Daniels says that Chavo mentions his family to get a pop. They also know that Dixie is looking for the Latino fans. He says Chavo & Hernandez should come out with sombreros. Daniels has a petition that he wants their fans to sign. They’ll show Hulk that the fans want Daniels & Kazarian to get a rematch. Then out come Chavo & Hernandez. Chavo says if they need help getting a rematch and signing a petition. Chavo says nothing would make him & Hernandez then to give them a rematch so they shove the tag titles down their throats. They go after Kaz & Daniels and the heels bail. Chavo says any time they want a rematch any place is good for the champs. Then Chavo & Hernandez sign the petition. This was a decent segment. Daniels & Kazarian were good here.

Hulk is in the GM office. Storm says he showed at BFG what he’s capable of doing. Ray says he’s steamed about Devon. Angle says if he wasn’t hurt he would’ve had a title match. Anderson doesn’t know what Hulk wants. Hulk says Anderson doesn’t have the fire he’s looking for and eliminates him from the hunt. Then Anderson walks out and Austin Aries is there and he rags on Anderson. Then Anderson hits him over the head with a table piece. Then he continues to pound on him. Anderson says “alright a-hole. You and me tonight.”  I wasn’t really into this. I hate that they do this whole “Guys have to convince the Hulkster why they should get a shot at the title” bit. The Anderson-Aries bit was alright however.

Devon is with Aces & 8s. Devon says the president told him that the masks shouldn’t be allowed to come off. That’s their identity and no one needs to know who they are. Devon then says that they’re gonna have some good times the way they used to. Devon says they gotta take somebody out tonight. One of the guys walks up to a wall of pics and the guy throws a dart on the wall. This was terrible. This whole bits with masks has gone WAY too long and now we find out that the masks aren’t coming off yet? Really? This angle started out really good but has gone down hill a lot!

TV Champion Samoa Joe vs. Rob Terry for the Title. Joe wins by submission. This was a squash.

Tessmacher says every moment she’s had to wait for this rematch had been like an eternity. She says that she liked seeing Jessie get man (or woman) handled by ODB. She says that tonight she takes back the knockouts title and send Tara & Jessie back to the D list.

Back to Hulk with the potential title contenders. Angle says that Ray is too focused on Devon and he would be too if it were him. Storm says he doesn’t think Ray’s focused. Ray says he’s more focused on Devon. If he can’t get a title match he will confront Devon to get answers. Hulk tells Ray to find Devon.

Ken Anderson is backstage screaming at some guy about what happened with Aries before. Hulk said it’s ok and he says it’s ok. This was weak. 

Ken Anderson vs. Austin Aries. Aries wins by KO. This was a weird match. Anderson had brass knuckles and was thinking of using them, but the referee took them. Then later on the referee wound up knocked out. Aries got the brass knuckles out of the referee’s pocket. He goes to use them on Anderson but Anderson got them. Then Aries got his own brass knuckles and hit Anderson. Then he put Anderson on top of him for a cover and he kicked out at 2. Then he got the unconscious Anderson in the Last Chancery. The referee raised Anderson’s arm ONLY ONCE and it dropped. Then the referee called for the bell and Aries got the win. I don’t know what they were doing here.

Tara is with Brooke Hogan saying that the situation with ODB has to stop. Brooke asks why Tara’s worrying about ODB. Jessie complains. Brooke reminds Tara that she has a title match against Tessmacher. Tara walks off. Then Brooke tells Jessie that ODB had her eye on him. This was stupid. Brooke is terrible and I’m really tired of Tara’s character. The whole thing with her & Jessie “boo” is stupid!

Brooke Tessmacher vs. Knockouts Champion Tara for the Title. Tara gets the pin. This wasn’t much. Afterwards Tara jumps into Jessie’s arms and plants one on him. Afterwards Brooke Hogan comes out. She says she sees how things work around here. She says that next week is open fight night. Brooke says she just got off the phone with ODB and ODB wants to challenge Jessie. Terrible.

Joseph Park comes into Hulk’s office. Hulk says he doesn’t want Joseph getting in the ring with Aces & 8s. Joseph says that Hulk wasn’t the guy who was kidnapped. He asks Hulk if he’s concerned with Joseph’s heath or his liability. Hulk says both. Then Joseph takes out a contract from Park, Park and Park that says he can do whatever he has to. He says that Hulk can help him if he wants, but otherwise Hulk should stay out of his way. This was hit and miss.

Bully Ray comes to the ring. He first thanks Sting for letting him be his partner at BFG. Not much shocks him but at BFG when the mask came off and the whole world found out that Devon was part of Aces & 8s he was shocked. He says that Devon gave some bull crap excuse last week. He calls out Devon & Aces & 8s to find why they’ve done what they have. Devon & Aces & 8s come out through their own entrance in the crowed. Devon says he doesn’t owe Ray an explanation. He says he & Ray are no longer or a team or a family. Ray turned on him 2 years ago and this has nothing to do with that. This all has to do with Hogan. Hogan said he wanted Devon back. Devon mentions that Hulk never called him but he & TNA sat behind their desks and did nothing. Then he says that Aces & 8s had his back. Devon then says that when everything is said and done they will take out everyone that has wronged them 1 by 1. Then he tells Ray to go because he’s no longer a threat. Ray says this is over when he says it’s over. Then he says that Devon knows why Ray turned on him 2 years ago. He says that this has everything to do with him. Then Ray mentions the night they faced the Motor City Machine Guns. He mentions how Sabin kicked out of 3D. He says that no one had before. Then Ray says when they were in the locker room and felt down, Devon asked him what he’s so worried about because they’re rich and screw the fans. Ray says that was why he turned on him. Ray says they’re doing far too much talking. They’ve always been about fighting. Ray tells Devon to get Aces & 8s out of there so he can kick Devon’s ass right now. Devon says no. He tells Ray it’s not all about him. Then he says he will let Ray know. Ray says that Devon has been nothing but a coward. He says that Devon always hid behind him. He had no balls then and doesn’t have any now. Then Ray challenges Devon for Open fight night next week. Ray says that somebody’s going through a table. This was a decent segment. Ray & Devon were both good on the mic here. That was what made this segment bearable. The storyline doesn’t really make too much sense but the former Dudley Boys were good with their promos. Ray turned heel on Devon because Devon said screw the fans? That was a strange line.

Matt Morgan & Joey Ryan are backstage. The camera guy asks what was up with Morgan attacking RVD. Ryan says that rules don’t apply to them. Then he says it’s time to put some X Division gold around his waist. Morgan says Hulk started this by trying to hold him down. But now Morgan will do what he wants when he wants.

They have a video on next week’s Gut Check contestant, Christian York from ECW. He talks about teaming with Joey Mathews. He also mentions that he watched Mathews go to OVW. Then he says that he’s been doing this for 16 years and this is his time.

Hulk is backstage with Storm & Angle. He tells Storm that he went through a war and he has a big plan in mind for him. Angle, or as Hulk called him Cyborg gets the title shot. Hulk tells Storm they need to talk as Angle makes his way to the ring. 

TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle for the Title. Jeff gets the pin. This was a really good match. Afterwards Austin Aries comes in and hits Jeff with a belt. He says that he wants to announce when and where he wants his rematch. He says it will be at Turning Point. He says it will be a turning point for both their careers. Jeff goes back to the outhouse and Aries goes back to the penthouse. He says that he is so confident that he can beat Jeff that he will hold on to the actual TNA title belt. This was good too. Aries was good here. I don’t know why Jeff has 2 belts. The actual title and his own version.

Backstage Devon & Aces & 8s beat down Kurt Angle. Then Wes Briscoe & Garrett Bischoff come by and run them off. Wes yells for help for Angle to end the show.

I thought this week’s show was boring on the whole. The Jeff Hardy-Kurt Angle match was the highlight this week. The Hogan segments were typical Hogan. The opening 1 with him & Jeff that was followed by hearing Jeff’s “thoughts” was idiotic. The Hernandez & Chavo-Daniels & Kazarian segment was decent. Daniels & Kazarian were both really good on the mic as usual. Joe-Rob Terry was a squash. RVD-Ion was decent. The Aces & 8s storyline is awful. The in ring segment with Ray & Devon was good because they both cut really good promos. The Christian York video package was decent too. The Anderson-Aries match was weird. The whole bit with brass knuckles wasn’t that great. I also wasn’t sure why Aries put Anderson on top of him before winning. Tessmacher-Tara wasn’t much. Tara’s whole “knowing celebrities” bit is terrible. Brooke Hogan was terrible too. Does anyone even care about that Jessie guy? I’m not looking forward to him facing ODB next week. Joseph Park wanting to get revenge on Aces & 8s made sense but I thought this segment was hit and miss. Matt Morgan & Joey Ryan were decent in their backstage bit. Overall I thought this was a dull show.