Top 4 of FCW 2/26/12

This list should have been so much more than 4 but doing it now seems like I would be open to cheating in the future. Still, this episode was full of awesome for lack of a better word.

4. Seth Rollins vs. Rick Victor

Everyone already knows of Rollins and how good he is. Seeing him in action is always something to behold. But for some reason this might have been my favorite match I’ve seen thus far of his. Victor is coming along nicely and would be my pick for best dressed of the males. Rollins wins this match, which was obvious from the beginning, but there was enough back and forth that the tense moments were there.

3. Raquel Diaz Promo 

She did not wrestle this week but she went out looking sensual in a blue dress that was cut low enough if she breathed wrong the men in the audience (and some of the women) would have enjoyed the show even more and her hairstyle is different, more stylish. She seems to be experimenting with her look but her attitude does not change, nor does it need to. Next week she promises to wrestle two women for the championship so that she can show she’s not a coward. It is nice to see a confident woman, a strong woman, a beautiful woman that is utilized the way she should be.

2. Damien Sandow vs. Richie Steamboat

What made this match was the ending. Oh, sure, it was exciting the entire way through, these men put on a good show, but I was surprised at the direction they took. This match was for the 15 Championship which Steamboat held. In fifteen minutes not one man won a pinfall over the other, which defaults it back to Steamboat. Steamboat, though, was unhappy. He nearly had the pin. Another second or two and he would have pinned Sandow. Why does he care? He is a man who wants to win on his own merits. When the crowd started chanting, “Five more minutes,” which I totally would have gone for, Steamboat was chanting with them five more minutes. When he was declared the winner he looks happy to be the winner and torn at having lost the pin. Great story in this.

1. Sakamoto vs. Dean Ambrose

I like Sakamoto. He has a good luck and a good style. But he was up against Dean Ambrose. There was no winning this. William Regal perhaps gave Ambrose the best compliment a man could receive during this match: “Have either of you ever faced the person that is going to be your demise? That is what I see in the eyes of Dean Ambrose.” If you have been online you know of Dean Ambrose, it is time to see him in action, using Regal’s finishers, and giving the man an epic stare down. Ambrose wins this match with a Regal Stretch.

Here are the things that would have made the list if I wasn’t always going for 4:

5. Corey Graves vs. CJ Parker

6. James Bronson and Dean Ambrose promos

7. Big E Langston vs. Jason Jordan

Yeah, the episode was that full of greatness.

Love,

Solace Winter 

Unknown by Rachel Caine

3 out of 5

This book was almost as good of an idea as SOPA.

Sorry, the dig had to come as Rachel Caine was one of the authors who was outspoken enough to claim that she supported SOPA. Having read this book after her comment, and owning it before her comment, I will not hold that against her but I did have to get at least one dig in there.

Plot: This is book two of her Outcast Season series. Book two comes after book one, obviously, but sometime around seven or eight of the Weather Warden series. Probably was not the best bet to write a book that is taking place simultaneously with another series and not be honest about the order they actually go in. This is Cassiel’s continued attempts to take down Pearl as a human after having refused the conduit Djinn, Ashan. Teamed with Luis and an assortment of others along the way Cassiel has to save Isabel, Luis’s niece, from Pearl.

Characters: Cassiel is still learning to be human, growing in her caring for other humans, and getting a grip on her powers. Cassiel is a contradictory character in the fact that as a Djinn she was indifferent to humans to the point of not caring, but refused to destroy them all. It is little wonder she grew attached so quickly, but a larger wonder why she did not just simply destroy them. Luis, her partner in more ways than one, is flat in this novel but it could be he barely makes any appearances and when he does he is being ordered around by Cassiel though he pretends often to have a will of his own. They are joined by Rashid, a New Djinn, who barely acts like a New Djinn. He is infuriating, but a character that is true to his self the whole way.

What this novel does right is continue a storyline. It also moves away from relying too heavily on the characters from the Weather Warden series. With mentions to the characters that are typically needed this novel achieved what the other could not: being a novel unto itself.

What the novel misses on is contrived reasons for Cassiel to keep fighting. There is a betrayal that leaves Cassiel fighting and dragging things out about twenty pages longer than necessary. The betrayal at this point seems entirely unnecessary. They were after the same goal. The other down side to this novel was how in the world were they ever recovering powers? They kept fighting to the point of exhaustion, but never resting.

Reasons to read this novel:

4. A Fan of the Weather Warden Series

3. Want to know what is happening with Cassiel

2. Still well told despite flaws

1. Djinn are awesome

Reasons not to read this novel:

2. Forced plot turns

1. Takes too long to get to the point

 

Queen of Dragons by Shana Abe

Queen of Dragons by Shana Abé

2 of 5 stars

The third novel of the series is about the woman who seems to be the strongest of the drakon race she is a part of. Traveling to Darkfrith to meet the other drakon for herself the story is about the troubles she meets along the way.

Plot: The plot is about a group of men that are killing off the drakon, though you do not actually realize what the plot is about until halfway through. Before that it seemed to be about how Maricara could possibly be destroying cattle and churches and… well, I do not really know.

Characters: Maricara is the main character, a princess with overly strong dragon powers. She meets up with Kimber, the man she is supposed to marry, at least he believes she is supposed to. Kimber is a pompous jerk and never really changes, but she falls for him anyway since this is first and foremost a romance novel. The romance was forced and the characters did not mesh well and all they ever talked about was how she was different but that they should marry for the better of his society.

What did I just waste my time on? I nearly gave this book 3 stars just because Shana knows how to write a sentence. But she knows how to write a sentence too well and most of the book is spent explaining how they turn to smoke, then to dragons. Like we don’t understand that from the first two novels, Shana instead decides to find whole new ways to describe it for us. She spends so much time on this aspect that the plot becomes disjointed and important questions are left unanswered. Like, how were they getting messages back and forth but when one tried to visit he would be killed? Seems that the forces working against them would have kept the messages away as well!

Reasons to read this novel:

3. You read the first two

2. You like historical fantasy romance

1. You like very detailed novels

Reasons not to read this novel:

4. More of a cliffhanger than the other 2

3. Too little happens throught it

2. Contrived romance

1. Poorly executed story

Top 4 WWE Superstars 2/23/12

This week the Heels swept the episode, which is a bit amazing. While Superstars is more about having whomever they are pushing being the winner, which in this case is usually the Face, in this episode it appears may we are getting a new round of pushes?

4. Justin Gabriel vs. Jinder Mahal

This really only made it on the list or otherwise I would have to have made number four Matt Striker’s eyes. Not so much his commentary during this match, but he does have eyes that sparkle. Justin Gabriel and Jinder Mahal put on a mediocre performance. Mahal’s Camel Clutch looks painful, but he’s won matches with it about four weeks in a row now. He does not need to perfect this move, he has it down. By the time he is back on Smackdown and winning I will be tired of this move. Justin Gabriel and Jinder Mahal both need finishers other than what I continually see. They also did nothing that made me overly excited to see the match.

3. Alex Riley vs. Michael McGillicutty

Yes, I put this match over the last one. Even if Michael McGillicutty won and I prefer Jinder Mahal of the two. Unlike Riley’s match on NXT, which was ho-hum, Riley performed up to par in this match-up. McGillicutty has always been good in the ring, his character is just flat. The two put on a good enough match that I wanted it and have decided that both have learned where their mistakes were. Problem is, as WWE usually does, they tried to push both too soon. The WWE Universe has a long memory and they are not yet ready to forgive WWE for pushing Riley and McGillicutty on us before either was able to perform to their best.

2. Scott Stanford

Now that you have all woken up after collectively stealing the room of its air with your gasps I may explain. Scott is the best there is in commentary. If you do not believe me I will forgive you for either being a William Regal fan over him or because you have been brain washed. Otherwise, face it, the man puts more talent over than anyone else has tried in the WWE for years. He has enthusiasm, he gives us a story why the men are fighting, this week his story comes about a locker room argument between Ryan and Reks, and he keeps the audience glued to what is happening and not his own personal feelings. While Josh Mathews continues to fall quiet despite the great openings Scott leaves him, constantly, Scott fills the dead air with chatter about the men, or ladies, in front of him. And has this man come a long way from his early days back in 2010. This episode Scott gives McGillicutty’s finisher a name with “Turning Heads,” and even knew the actual name of a suplex used (Saito Suplex, though my boyfriend and I argued about how to properly pronounce it. We both won.) So, why isn’t Scott number one if I have all of this love for him?

1. Tyler Reks vs. Mason Ryan

I know, right? Mason Ryan in the number one spot? Superstars is first and foremost about wrestling. If it wasn’t for Scott there would be no storylines between the men and it would just be match after match for no reason. You are tuning in because you want wrestling, right? Tyler Reks and Mason Ryan deliver with zeal. This match makes Tyler Reks’ first singles win since March of last year.  Ryan, while being stiff up until this point, seems to have loosened up and Reks… just… wow. I had no words when Reks lifted Ryan up like he weighed nothing at all and threw him to the mat. I do not know the name of that finisher but by the Wrestling Gods I want to see this again. So I’ll probably watch Superstars a second time. And not just for Scott! I also debate if this Tyler Reks match might make my top four for match of the week, that is how much I loved it.

The matches were a showcase of talent. Because I am bored with a man makes him no less talented in the ring. I may not have enjoyed Gabriel and Mahal because I had seen this before, but the two men worked well despite my own misgivings. If you truly want wrestling, this is the Superstars to watch.

Bonus points for no Vickie Guerrero passing notes to Scott this week.

Top 4 WWE NXT 2/22/12

Originally I left what is number four off of this list and made it simply one of the promos, because promos ruled this episode of NXT for the most part. However, upon speaking to one of my favorite chicks on twitter I realized I could not leave it off. So, sigh…

4. Titus O’Neil and Alex Riley

Meh.
Fine, I’ll say more. Titus O’Neil does NOT speak. Phew. In the ring he’s a much stronger character and moves well. As it was my friend’s first time watching in a while she did not understand why there was so much hate on Titus. She did not hear him speak! But, in the ring he’s decent. And Alex Riley is decent. I just think these two could be so much better… away from one another. Darren Young joining William Regal and Josh Mathews on commentary for this match gave it a bigger boost because Young does have fun while out there.

3. Promo Trois

The third promo of the night was Tyson Kidd on the phone with Trent Barreta, who is injured, at least in the storyline. They are talking about when he comes back that the two of them will be the best tag team and Kidd wishes him a speedy recovery. Kidd then is confronted with McGillicutty, who complains about Striker forcing him to come in when he doesn’t even need him to wrestle. This is positively the most personality I have seen out of McGillicutty yet and when Kidd and McGillicutty agreed to wrestle on next week’s NXT I found myself looking forward to it.

2. Promos Un and Deux

Why are the numbers in French? Because I felt like it. The first promo involved, you guessed it, Derrick Bateman with Maxine, Kaitlyn, and Curtis. “How did it go with Maxine?” “How did the Bay of Pigs go?” “I’m just here to go on to Smackdown, win the Intercontinental Title, hold if for 100 years.” Yeah, Bateman is brilliant. Kaitlyn has a good quip to Curtis at the end that is better off seen than described. In the second promo Kaitlyn goes up to Striker backstage. Striker’s greeting of her, “Hey, pretty girl, hi!” made my night and became funnier when Maxine barged in and he grumbles, “No, no need to knock.” Kaitlyn later tells Striker he rocks and he is excited because someone thinks he rocks. Striker has a strong personality that comes out when he’s working as host. All five people in these two promos have a sort of comedic timing that would go well in a sitcom. WWE Network, take note. A Derrick Bateman sitcom should be in the works.

1. Tyson Kidd vs. Tyler Reks

When I had yet to watch NXT yet and said, “I am waiting to see NXT so I can put Derrick at number one,” Derrick responded with, “It’s going to be Kidd and Reks this week. My stuff is too brief.” Now, brief, no, though I guess when I jump around for joy every time Derrick is on screen anything would be considered too brief. But upon watching this match I had to conclude that my favorite wrestler might just be right. Kidd is incredible, as I have been saying for awhile.  Kidd ultimately wins with a wicked Sharpshooter that he rolls Reks into. This match easily should have been the main event as there was no botching, no dead spots, and constant fluid motions. It also helped that Hawkins came out originally wearing that Change shirt of his. I want one. This might make match of the week out of the WWE shows.

Honestly, NXT is my favorite show consistently. Better wrestling, better promos, and great commentating. (Notice I did not say best commentating as it is lacking a certain Scott…) I still think you should give it a try and realize this is not a competition show, but a storyline show. And so far none of the stories have just been dropped because the writer’s don’t know what they are doing.

Top 4 of FCW 2/19/12

Another weaker episode of FCW this week and yet I was still working hard to narrow it down to simply four things. What did not make the list was a great interaction between 15 Minute Champion Richie Steamboat and Damien Sandow. Sandow, again, has a great entrance but I still can not figure out what it is I hate about his delivery. His voice? Maxine announced during the show that everyone on the roster would need to go and see Dr. James Bronson, the psychologist, at some point. It was mandatory. Meanwhile the stick, I mean, Danielle, made faces and noises.

4. Xavier Woods vs. Antonio Cesaro

I went into this match expecting to be bored. Neither man has been overly impressive and Cesaro, while great at offense, could not sell the defense. Woods, well, “Good job” comes to mind. Instead these two decided to wake me up so I would pay attention. Cesaro looked brutal and sold well when Woods did a dropkick from the top rope. As Russo was exclaiming it had to be done Cesaro broke from the pin and Saxton quipped, “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, it’s just a 2.” Cesaro ultimately won, which was predictable from the beginning, but it was a tense match-up which was the first Cesaro really had since joining the roster.

3. William Regal

During the first match of the night Regal regales us with a story of Bo and Husky that is hilariously delivered in the way only Regal can. He admires the brutality and bloody aspirations and sounds a little misty-eyed for a moment there. Regal is the best commentator to step into FCW and he proves it again during this episode. Regal likely would have made it high on the list if he had not walked out during the Woods vs. Cesaro match and left us to the likes of Road Dogg. Road Dogg surprised me by not being awful, but given the option… Road Dogg wouldn’t even top my list of 10 commentators I could listen to.

2. Brad Maddox and Eli Cottonwood vs. Bo Rotundo and Husky Harris

Everyone always hatin’ on ol’ Mustache, but Cottonwood moves well for being an oddly built giant. Brad Maddox, after a promo that had me wincing with his over use of the word, “tragic,” told us of Briley Pierce’s injury that will have him out for at least two months. Out of everyone on the roster Maddox chose Cottonwood to be his new tag team partner. Here is where FCW did it right. Instead of forcing a storyline about the tag titles they simply forced Maddox and Pierce to vacate the titles as Pierce was injured and could not defend it. Rotundo and Harris fought again these two and ultimately won the titles. Harris did very little in the match, maybe that is why I enjoyed it so much? Either way I enjoyed this double-pairing and look forward to it again. I doubt Maddox and Cottonwood will carry over again, though. Maddox blamed Cottonwood for the loss, even though Maddox was the one pinned, and in retaliation Cottonwood chokeslammed the smaller man who took a nice bump. Put Cottonwood in Ascension, it needs members suddenly and I don’t want to see it disappear!

1. Leo Kruger vs. Mike Dalton

Sadly, I knew how this would end, if just because of spoilers that people can not avoid tweeting. Despite that they did not ruin this match completely because Kruger is still a star on the mic and that accent, oh yes, pure girly moment every time I hear that voice. The match was excellent and showed off how far Dalton had come. Mike Dalton was trained by Lance Storm and in a hurry it has shown. Dalton ultimately wins this match, even when Kruger nearly walked out of it, which still would have had Dalton winning. This match was not for the championship, but stipulations had if Dalton wins Kruger will give him a match for the title.

All right, so looking back, this was a better episode than I gave it credit for!

Confessions of a Virgin Sacrifice

Confessions of a Virgin Sacrifice by Adrianne Ambrose

4 out of 5

A virgin is sacrificed once a year to a Volcano God who demands it. This is what happens when women do not sit around waiting to be sacrificed.

Plot: It is hard to explain what the plot of this novel is about without giving too much away. Extremely fast-paced and a very quick read by the time you apprehend one thing there is a new one. This does not make it a bad thing but it does make for a plot that is constantly fluid.

Characters: Point-of-view character Jezebelle proves, often, to be the smartest character in the novel. Which is actually rather scary considering she has her own dense moments where she should have stopped to consider things. However, her companions in travel, Dizeray, the actual virgin sacrifice, and Thor, a barbarian that Jez admits has a stupid name, seem to be that much… stupider. It is frustrating to a point, but entertaining to watch the group bumble their way through the plot. They are joined by a troll, Lestor, and Thor’s brother, Tul. Lestor has the most personality out of the group and might be verging on the next smartest, which is scary considering he is an idiot as well.

Why did I enjoy a novel filled with so many idiots? It was a well told mess of bumbling circumstances. It reminded me of an episode of a sitcom where everything just keeps going wrong as they try to make it to their destination. Jez and Diz keep stumbling their way along, not really sure where they are going or why, and enjoying the fight. They are joined later by a wolf named Puddin’ who I kept hoping would do more.

This is not a plot to take seriously. It is easily torn apart and questioned if you really wanted to think about it, but that is not the purpose of this novel. This novel is to entertain and allow the non-virginal women to embrace something new. We all have days where we feel like Jez, Jez is just unabashedly brazen about her attitude. When you come to the ending you realize this ending is so very much the character. What could you have expected?

4 reason to enjoy this novel:

4. Fast paced, easy read

3. Humor that pokes fun at the fantasy genre

2. Strong female heroine that does not want to be

1. Does not attempt to take itself seriously

4 reasons to stay way from this novel:

4. Plot could become incoherent if deliberately picked at

3. Definitely a book for women

2. No real descriptions for the sex scenes

1. Does not attempt to take itself seriously

Orbiting the WWE Universe: Smackdown 2/17/12

Thanks to author and musician, Shawn Decker, of Synthetic Division, and myself, President of the Scott Stanford Fan Club, we convinced a poor woman to watch WWE for the first time.  Wanda, hearing us talk of WWE shows on twitter and filling her timeline decided to venture in.  Will she decide to land in the WWE Universe or continue to orbit?  A newbie’s take on what we adore!

Match-up 1 Big Show / The Great Khali vs Cody Rhodes / Wade Barrett (Tag team)

• Big Show – what is with the beanie and geez he bitch slapped his tag team partner, that’s not cool. Oh and serious anger management issues too slapping Mark Henry.
• The Great Khali – has he had chin implants, you could eat your dinner off his chin or maybe even land a plane on it and why is he hiding his legs in the red baggy trousers, perhaps he is not as manly (as in endowed) as his opponents
• Cody Rhodes, pocket dynamo and handsome
• Wade Barrett – slick, his hair that is. How much hair product does this guy use? My guess he is endorsed by Loreal, because he is worth it 

Match-up 2 – Ted DeBiase vs Hunico

• Ted DeBiase – wrist injury, who cares. Nice propeller flick of Hunico. Gotta wonder though about that wrist, he was wearing what look liked a ten pin bowling wrist strap so was he really protecting his injury or was he going bowling straight after his match (or did he come from bowling immediately before his smackdown match)?
• Hunico – entry via a girly bicycle and another one “hiding” something in his long pants. Even though he won, there is something about him I don’t like. Think it might be wrestling in his church best trousers that did it. Is he trying to convey an image that is more angelic than he is?

Match-up 3 The Usos vs Epico / Primo (Tag Team)

• The Usos – imitation maori’s and heavily oiled bodies. Synchronized smackdown, all that’s missing is the frilly head wear (like the synchronized swimmers wear) 
• Epico & Primo – who the heck is the pussycat cat dolls lookalike that is with them? Oh and they are wearing nice full length Lycra pants. Ok, she isn’t a pussycat dolls lookalike, I can’t understand a word she is screaming

 

Match-up 4 – Daniel Bryan vs The Great White Sheamus

• Daniel Bryan – is he a miniature Sheamus? Ok, he really shouldn’t speak.  He caresses his World Champ Belt like he has a tummy ache. Winner due to forfeit of Randy Orton, hmmm, I don’t think so.
• Ok, so didn’t pick that The Great White Sheamus was going to appear. Sheamus vs mini me Sheamus, wow Sheamus sure is white, wonder if he needs vitamin d supplements (not that there is anything wrong with that as I take them and live in a very sunny country). Oh look, Daniel picked up his belt and wanted to go home. Come on Beaker, get up, don’t let this wanna be win. Spitting, how is that WWE and then Sheamus gets disqualified after being “egged” on by Daniel. Not fair, favoritism that what this is.

Match-up 5 – Jinder Mahal vs Ezekiel Jackson

• Jinder Mahal – um does he wear the crown jewels or something expensive in his turban? Why does he get to place in a perspex container? I don’t get it, if it is that precious then leave it at home buddy.
• Ezekiel Jackson – he is a happy man and omg, what muscles he has but what good were they against the tall turban.

  

When it was announced that the Divas were up next I was very tempted to fast forward past them, but then I thought, hang on, this is no longer a man’s sport with equality and all so lets give it a go.

 

  

Match-up 6 – Tamina Snuka / Alicia Fox  vs Beth Phoenix / Natalya

• Tamina Snuka – Super Fly Slammer
• Alicia Fox - Scream like a Banshee
• Beth Phoenix – Xena, pink Warrior Princess
• Natalya – She Woman who just looks plain manic

Enough said about the Diva’s – I just couldn’t get into them, perhaps I just prefer the manly match-ups or maybe this just wasn’t a great example of Diva WWE 

  

 

Match-up 7 – Elimination Chamber Wildcard Challenge

So many wrestlers in the ring for the Elimination Chamber Wildcard Challenge but in the end it comes down to Santino vs Otunga with Santino and his green cobra winning. Even I found it hard to believe that he won against all the other non underdogs…

Post view summary

After 2 hours of Smackdown viewing (less ad’s, RAW recaps – thanks Solace for the head’s up) I have come to this conclusion:

• I spend far too much time looking at what they are wearing (I do care about fashion) than the actual wrestling. I personally don’t see anything wrong with that at all though.
• I seem to have a passion for Sheamus and Ezekiel Jackson, I like these guys, they are “real” wrestlers.
• I missed Brodus Clay aka The Funkasaurus, I need to move on I guess if he is not coming back anytime in the future.

Will I watch WWE again, yes I will.

Why will I watch it again, because I will admit I did get a chuckle from some of the antics during Smackdown. Not sure if I was supposed to but I did anyway.

Another reason why I will watch it again, I might then understand the tweets from you two a little better. It’s not going to help though being over the other side of the world and viewing WWE perhaps a week or so after it has aired in the U.S. But at least I might have some idea of who you guys are talking about.

By: Wanda, AKA @wvawser

Top 4 of WWE Superstars 2/16/12

What WWE needs to realize when it comes to Superstars is that we absolutely do not need the Raw recaps. The people who watch Superstars watched Raw. I can not think of many cases where someone deliberately skipped Raw and then decided to watch Superstars. With that in mind, what in the world possessed WWE to put the entire HBK/HHH segment in the recap. And I mean entire! Not even the entrance of either of them was cut for time. We’ll get this again on Smackdown (please no) and of course Bottom Line. That being said…

4. Santino Marella and Alex Riley vs. Epico and Primo

This was easily the best match of the show with four men I like. Why did they not make it higher up, because I think individually the others are more impressive. Yes, you get to see Rosa jiggle, and Santino go through yet another tag partner, but they are not taking the tag team seriously, not Santino and his tag partners. That sours me more to this match than anything any of the men did. There are too many tag teams in the WWE to treat them like they are the D-Class citizens, like how they treat poor Superstars.

3. Maxine

Maxine faces off against Aksana. If I simply put the match on the list I would not have been able to put this at 3. Aksana is stiff in the ring and appears to not have completely utilized her time as queen in FCW. Her character is fine for the sexy eye candy she is, but she’s worth little in the ring. Maxine has come a long way from her time as a rookie on season 3 of NXT. She no longer has that flat black hair for one thing which was holding back her looks incredibly. She also has learned much in the ring and shows it off with style in her every match. She is a diva to be reckoned with and if WWE does things right you are looking at a future champ.

2. Jack Swagger

Swagger had his match with Mason Ryan. Swagger does not deserve to be punished any longer. He is the United States Champion, let him prove his worth. Instead they put him against Ryan, which is a good match only because this proves to the non-believers how huge Swagger really is. Swagger is a chameleon, blending in to his surroundings, never looking his full imposing height. Here, against Ryan, Swagger looks large and vicious. Forget his lisp, or that he sort of has a face that does not match his moves, and focus on the fact that Swagger is a collegiate wrestler and it carried over into the WWE. The man is fearsome, and Ryan taps to the ankle-lock like it should always be tapped to. When put in a submission where your ankle is being twisted until a possible breaking point, no one, and I mean no one, should ever escape that. Not without a broken ankle.

1. Scott Stanford

You have to admit Scott did an incredible job for being out there alone. Wait? Did I hear you right? Mathews was out there? Well then maybe he should have joined in the conversation! There is hardly any back and forth and it’s not for a lack of trying on Scott’s part. The man keeps throwing things over to Josh and Josh keeps sitting there like a lump on a log. “Yep.” At one point Josh does tell a joke about Lin and all I could think was, “Did Scott pass him his notes to make sure Josh got a joke out there?” Scott once again was doing all of the work in putting over talent, commentating a match and the move set, and refraining from punching his commentating partner in the face. Oh wait, that last part was me. And only because I wasn’t at the taping. Scott did get handed a Valentine from Vickie this episode, perhaps that is why I am extra angry. I can not blame my perfect, handsome, darling Scott so everyone else feels my wrath instead!

But, I doubt that’s the reason.

Scott Stanford’s best lines this episode:

“Wow, he’s got the moves like Swagger!”

“Vickie smelling victory there on the side.”

“Just a freight train, Mason Ryan.”

“Swagger’s gotta let that go!”

“This is what I like about the tag team division, new tag teams being formed all of the time.”

“Let me just say muy caliente. You didn’t know I spoke Spanish, did you?”

Top 4 of NXT 2/15/12

I am beginning to worry what WWE is going to do with Striker. Is he being phased out? Is he moving on to other things? Last week he insinuated that he was having a hard time as host of NXT and this week he announced he would have a substitute: William Regal. I love William Regal on commentary, and now I had the opportunity to watch him as host of NXT as well. Side note, they really should stop calling it the “host” of NXT as at this point it is just a General Manager position.

4. The Love Triangle

"It's like stealing candy from a Bateman."

NXT jumped from the love triangle of Maxine, Derrick, and Johnny to the love triangle of Maxine, Derrick, and Kaitlyn. Derrick seems to be mostly oblivious to Kaitlyn’s feelings. Johnny, in typical Curtis fashion, is the biggest reason this is even a triangle. While Kaitlyn goes around being the nice person she is and just being good friends with Sweetmeat, Curtis keeps telling her how much Derrick likes her. Maxine ends this episode needing to be pulled away from Kaitlyn, Derrick carrying her from the ring area. Some might find a continual love triangle repetitive but considering the people involved it just seems to expand and give the four of them more reasons to act out. And acting out is what these four do best.

3. William Regal

William Regal takes his hosting duties to new levels. He decided not to give everyone obvious matches and instead wanted to push the rookies of NXT to fight someone on a higher level than themselves. He also had the best lines of the evening with lines like, “The reason is I just don’t like you you dirty, scruffy, swine,” and, “Do I know how to put a show together or do I know how to put a show together?” There is also the moment where Kaitlyn joins them for commentary and Regal looks to her and says, “On a lighter note, we are joined by…” and has to stop because he is giggling and blushing. His crush on Kaitlyn is great and I would do about anything to see Regal join into The Love Triangle (Square?) and make it… whatever comes next.

2. Derrick Bateman and Justin Gabriel vs. Heath Slater and Johnny Curtis

You know what was best about this match? No 450 Splash. Instead, Gabriel had to rely on wrestling skill and then Bateman to get the pin on Slater whom he lost to last week. This might have been my second favorite match of the week so far, and that includes Raw and FCW so that is a pretty strong showing. All of the men are intense in the ring, but not quite as intense as…

1. Curt Hawkins vs. Tyson Kidd

Well you had to know if number two was my second favorite match of the week that my number one was going to be the best match of the week. Regal, thinking the loud-mouthed Hawkins needs to face the best in WWE brings out Tyson Kidd. Hawkins had some great offense, first getting Kidd while he was on the edge of the ring. Hawkins, from the floor, swept Kidd’s legs back, forcing Kidd to fall and smack his face on the edge of the ring. Later, in the ring Hawkins does a move I don’t have any clue what the name is, neither did Regal or Mathews. In the end, though, Kidd prevailed with a sharpshooter that looked painful, and it better have been because Hawkins tapped almost instantly.

Titus O’Neil had the first match of the evening against Yoshi Tatsu. After O’Neil won (damn it) he called out Alex Riley, he wants to have a match with him. Riley comes out, looking fly in an all black suit/shirt combo (sorry JTG, I do not mean any character infringement!) and words happen. I kind of tuned out, not because I don’t like Riley, but because I loathe O’Neil’s speaking skill. Percy Watson went up against a, “true WWE Superstar,” (really Regal?), Michael McGillicutty. McGillicutty has the in-ring work but not the personality. Neither of these matches were bad, but they were not top four worthy either.