Top 4 Matches of the Week June 17 – 23, 2012

This was actually an incredible week for wrestling and it was hard to narrow it down. I tried very very very hard to not be biased, but let’s admit that to some extent, I am.

4. Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler – No Way Out

It was between this match or their match on Smackdown. The reason this one won out was the amount of time given to it. These are two men who do not slow down and do not give up on their need to put on a show for the audience. In the heat of the moment during this match people forgot that Dolph Ziggler was a replacement for Del Rio and were gasping and holding their breath as a few times it looked like he could win. Another thing that held the Smackdown match back was that now it’s become a match we have seen a few times. Let Ziggler win, he’s incredible in the ring and deserves that “damn” title.

3. Hunico vs. Sin Cara – No Way Out

As I said in the No Way Out blog, this was an incredible match and I wish this is what it had been like when they had feuded as Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara. Instead this was a welcome back to the man they push harder, Sin Cara, but done in a way that Hunico looked incredible, and he is. WWE just needs to use him correctly. Still worth watching for the athleticism and where Sin Cara has seemed to have found his stride.

2. Zack Ryder vs. Drew McIntyre

Zack Ryder has hit a plateau, lucky for him the plateau is still pretty far up there. However he’s constantly paired with men who can easily dominate him in the ring, ala Drew McIntyre. Drew has fun with this match even though he’s going to lose and it becomes even more entertaining. McIntyre’s ruthlessness paired with Ryder’s playfulness make for two men desperately seeking that win over the other in a way that keeps the flow going. In case you can’t tell by now, I prefer matches that are pretty much non-stop. Drew, as Ryder lays on the mats, goes to the audience and teases them with the “LI” hand gesture, keeping the crowd focused on entertainment even when a man is down.

1. Tyson Kidd & Justin Gabriel vs. Tyler Reks & Curt Hawkins

Okay, so this match had Reks in it, who might happen to be in my Top 5 (and not my Booker T Top 5 but a pretty solid Top 5) and it had Kidd in it (not far down the list either) oh, and the newly improved Gabriel since his return, and Hell, can’t forget Hawkins and… … … Okay, I went into a small explosion of excitement because this is four incredible wrestlers in one match and I might be biased, but the match is a testament to why Reks is awesome. The Guilty Spark (which involves dropping Kidd on the ropes, you must see it) is incredible. Hawkins does not get to wrestle much in this match, it really is more about Kidd and Reks, but Hawkins is not to be outdone and does not let the fresh Gabriel take him down easily.

The fact that the top two matches were commentated by Scott Stanford has no bearing. Mostly.

Top 4 of NXT 6/13/12

The last episode of NXT Season 5, also known as NXT: Redemption. It’s a bit heart-breaking as we ended up watching this show take on a life of its own and become an excellent showcase of talent as opposed to wrestling bad matches and using challenges for redemption points. However, on the horizon is a show that combines our favorites from NXT with our favorites in FCW. That’s why…

4. The NXT Trailer

I am a huge fan of FCW so upon seeing some of my favorites in this trailer for the new NXT made me squeal. A bit. Sort of. Maybe. Okay, a lot of squealing like a school girl, leave me alone. The point is I will soon have a show that not only combines Mike Dalton, Rick Victor, Ascension, Garrett Dylan, Summer Rae, okay, I’m stopping, you get the point. There is some incredible talent in FCW that go mostly unnoticed and I love the chance and opportunity this will give them to wow you.

3. Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty vs. The Usos

Curtis and McGillicutty make a good tag team because they seem to have working together down to an art, however their styles are so similar that you could have had just one in the ring the whole time and it would have seemed to be the same match. Curtis and McGillicutty, as Scott would say, are the “ground and pound,” type. The Usos strive on being quicker. Still excellent to see these men in this capacity for the last time. They all grew on me during this season.

2. Kaitlyn vs. Natalya

These two divas are in my top four of divas, along with Maxine and Layla. Kaitlyn and Natalya have this spark in the ring, especially with each other. They are both beautiful and talented and never take themselves too seriously while at the same time taking what they are doing in the ring to heart. I was so tickled by this match I nearly made it number one, but nothing can beat…

1. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins vs. Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson

I mean, come on. Two of my favorite men in the company were in this match. Granted, on opposing teams, but I didn’t really lose either way. Hawkins is no slouch himself! Reks and Bateman go at each other and for awhile Bateman looks like he could win against the man, but ultimately Bateman and Watson do lose to the Kings of Change. An excellent match to start up the end and to give us a chance to say goodbye to the men who have made us laugh, cringe, and cheer.

Top 4 of NXT 6/6/12

Well, not even a little plot actually gets through on this episode, and that’s mostly because Regal is absent. What a difference a commentary team makes. I like Striker, but he and Mathews continue to not really bring much in commentary to NXT (or their portion of Superstars for that matter). Striker spends the episode getting his lines wrong or being in what seems to be a nasty little tiff with Mathews, and Mathews does his robot thing.

4. Percy Watson vs. JTG

I really wanted to put this higher because JTG is amazing. He carries this match. But, that’s why it’s number four. A match between two men should not be about one man doing all of the work. If I had made this about individuals as opposed to matches, JTG would have been second after Reks, but it’s about the match, and while JTG dominated this match, Watson did nothing special and continues to make me question if he’s grown any since his return to NXT.

3. Tamina vs. Natalya

This is one of those rare times where Chris and I differ on opinions. He thinks Tamina’s a bit stiff, I like the way Tamina wrestles. Is she has experience as Natalya, definitely not. Is she still green, absolutely, but Tamina has something about her that shines in her matches. Tamina and Natalya put on a beautiful display in this match and Natalya shows off different ring gear, though she needs new boots if she will continue to wear this.

2. Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd vs. Heath Slater and Johnny Curtis

Kidd typically makes not only the number one on my NXT list, but he usually makes it to match of the week. This week there was something greater. However, Gabriel and Slater were the ones to shine in this match. Kidd did his best, as he always did, but seemed content to let his team partner get a time to shine after being gone for awhile. Curtis does his best at looking “weird” not creepy, and broods in the corner before going out to get pinned. He is incredible, but this match was about Gabriel, and Gabriel isn’t doing the 450 Splash so I am celebrating.

1. Tyler Reks vs. Jey Uso

Of the two Usos, Jey is the better wrestler. So throwing him in the ring with Reks almost guaranteed an excellent match. I also was excited to hear Reks’ music again because, hey, it’s been awhile. Reks embodied his solo persona once again, more of a dominant monster during the match than the nearly playful Reks that wrestles with Hawkins. Reks still has that interaction with the crowd but there’s this difference in him as a solo performer. Jey Uso and Tyler Reks put on a fluid match that made me smile the entire time!

My Smackdown Live Experience for May 1, 2012

SPOILERS!!!

Hey, what a surprise, NXT was my favorite part of the night.

We started off standing in line to get into the Huntington Center and in front of us someone referred to Lord Tensai as, “that Chinese guy.” I had to hold my breath and count to 10 or else I was going to jump on him and pummel him into oblivion. Behind us a woman called Chris Jericho gay, which meant it was Chris’s turn to hold his breath and count to 10.

We were a bit more leisurely walking around Huntington Center as they let people in an hour before hand and the lines moved relatively quickly. Of course, when we have time, there were no Ziggler shirts available to buy. We did buy a program for $10. No Derrick in it and it still had Jack Korpela in it. I love Jack, but perhaps this program needs some updating?

The dark match: Ezekiel Jackson against… Dean Ambrose again! This one really was more of the Dean Ambrose Show. Ambrose talked ahead of time, was booed like crazy, and then won the match. Kids whined. This was a worse crowd than the night before. Let me tell you about the people in front of me before I go on to the show.

A mom and dad brought their two sons and their two friends along to enjoy Smackdown. We were on the second floor (which were actually great seats since it was a small arena). The balcony has just a metal barrier that is easily climbable and the metal “ledge” was about the width of six inches. It’s not a lot to keep someone from climbing right over, and those kids were leaning all over it and around. The mom and dad once each told the kids not to lean on it, but they didn’t listen. Dad got on his phone and never got off of it through the whole show and Mom just didn’t give a crap. So I was yelling at the kids most of the time and whenever someone got up there wasn’t a security guy in sight. Yeah, I was doing anything I could to ignore the Hell out of those kids.

The first thing taped at Smackdown is NXT, likely so they can get the yellow ropes out of the way. Imagine my excitement when Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins walked in and took their seats at ringside. I immediately got on my phone and sent Reks a direct message on twitter, because I had to tell someone he was there, and I’m not about spoilers on my timeline. I said, “I see you!” in my excitement.

Regal acknowledged them first thing before NXT really was rolling by staring them down with that smug look he does so well. Unfortunately you only see the tail end of it on NXT. Actually, NXT minimized Reks and Hawkins being in the audience, which was a shame. Reks and Hawkins were very interactive with the fans, talking to those around them, holding up their signs, and even getting a “Regal Sucks” chant started. Let me explain why that in itself was amazing. Toledo was all about faces. Every time a face walked out the screams were deliriously loud, and the crowd screamed just as loudly when Regal came out before NXT started. So when Reks and Hawkins had the crowd shouting, “Regal Sucks!” it was quite the feat.

At one point Reks and Hawkins held up their tickets for Matt Striker to see when he went over and interacted with them.

Reks was on his phone at one lull during what would be a commercial break and Chris pointed out, “Reks is texting someone.” Wasn’t I excited when my phone buzzed a moment after Reks put his phone down.

Now, all of this with Reks and Hawkins that was going on, besides the end where Regal throws them out of the arena, never made it to air. That’s a shame, because Reks and Hawkins might have been the most exciting part of the show, and I love most of the men on NXT. NXT was not a boring show, but the fact that Reks and Hawkins were in the audience actually gave the audience a sort of buzz, a contact high of greatness because this should have been shown throughout the entire show. Clips of them should have made it on. Their show of support for their fellow athletes as they applauded the wins. They were nothing but entertaining and NXT only showed one part, and that was them being thrown out? Who was thinking what there? They had an excellent storyline, an excellent shot, and excellent athletes and decided it would be in the background. When I mentioned Reks and Hawkins were there as we watched NXT the next night I was asked no less than 5 times where they were. No one saw them until the ending segment unless they knew to look.

I would like to point out that JTG also had a loud pop. Crazy loud. The kids loved him, and I was screaming with the kids. I’ve always liked JTG and he’s a great wrestler. I believe this is the first time we had the chance to see JTG wrestle at any of the shows. He had been at a few of the other Smackdown tapings, but we didn’t get to see him wrestle.

Not the first time we were able to see Kidd wrestle, though, and that’s as exciting as it is every other time.

But where the Hell was Derrick on NXT?

After NXT was over I already knew the rest of the show was going to go down hill. I mean, what was going to top Reks and Hawkins for me? And Kidd? Unless Derrick made it to Smackdown?? That might top it!

Superstars as a taping of Khali and Jinder Mahal where the crowd proved they lacked in intelligence. As the match was going on not once, but twice a “USA” chant was started. I was beginning to get embarrassed to be a part of this crowd! Khali was another those little kids were screaming for non stop.

Time for Smackdown! And since I’ve been asked a few times, no, Lilian did not have any shoe malfunctions and never tripped. Loved her zebra print dress.

The first match of Smackdown ended in a disqualification. The second match of Smackdown, which was Brodus Clay against Jack Swagger, also ended in a disqualification in almost the same way. Later during the show Swagger and Ziggler came out demanding a rematch and this time the ending was Swagger walking out on Clay and refusing to continue the match, which will likely be the ending that makes it to television instead of having two disqualifications in a row.

I don’t get why Clay has children in the ring with him to dance. They don’t look happy, they look freaked out. Or like they have no idea what they are doing in the ring.

To my mixed excitement, suddenly Derrick Bateman came out. YA- shit, this means it’s going to be bad, doesn’t it? At first I thought they were going to feed him to Damien Sandow, which I might have been more pissed about than what it ended up being. After a speech from Sandow it ended up being Ryback. I like Ryback, but Derrick deserved better than a squash match. Now I know why he was barely on NXT, and sacrificing a good match on NXT, or plot, or whatever they likely would have done with him, instead he was thrown to Ryback. Again, I like Ryback, I don’t like his matches and I don’t like they fed Derrick to him. My mood just kept tumbling.

The main event: pretty much another rematch from the beginning of the show. They fit in a re-record, ran a bit over, and still it was probably the shortest taping I would say of Smackdown I’ve seen.

The after dark match was Randy Orton against Kane. This was entertaining in that these two men seem to have a bit more fun with doing things when the camera is off of them. Sure, they were still in character, but they looked less stiff against one another.

Top 4 of WWE NXT 4/18/12

I have to admit that in the very beginning of this episode, I worried. Okay, not the very beginning. The Glee-esque opening, “And that’s what you missed on NXT,” was hilarious. But then they opened with Watson versus Curtis. No story, just throwing them back in the ring together. But the show went up, up, and away from there!

I have to admit that in the very beginning of this episode, I worried. Okay, not the very beginning. The Glee-esque opening, “And that’s what you missed on NXT,” was hilarious. But then they opened with Watson versus Curtis. No story, just throwing them back in the ring together. But the show went up, up, and away from there!

4. Percy Watson vs. Johnny Curtis

Besides just having complained about the match opening the show it was a great match. Just, predictable. In the determination to be different and not give us very long feuds, which I like, NXT does tend to go one to one and then need a tie-breaker. Great for storyline, but sometimes you need a shakeup. Still, sound match that shows off Curtis’s skill and Watson’s moves.

3. The One-Liners

Okay, they weren’t all one-liners. Some played off of one another, but the writing for this show is spectacular. Or whoever is coming up with what everyone decides to say.

Maxine: “Matt Striker is fine. There is nothing wrong with Matt Striker.” Josh: “HE WAS KIDNAPPED FOR 3 WEEKS!”

Regal: “Please let it be Derrick Bateman, I’d like to fire him.” Derrick: “No one is, no one’s a fan of me. I’m a fan of you though Regal! I used to like playing as you on WCW/nWo Revenge!”

Curtis: “Single, ready to mingle.”

Regal: “You don’t have to sign it, and you don’t have to work here.”

Kaitlyn: “Maxine, aren’t you used to these by now?”

Hawkins: ““What are you going to do, you little midget?”

2. Maxine vs. Kaitlyn

These women just work wonderfully together. It’s a far cry from their first match ever together, which I think is part of what makes the two such a joy now. When they are in the ring you can see how far they have truly come. Beautiful match that ends with Maxine wrapping herself around Kaitlyn and putting on an expertly executed Dragon Sleeper. My only complaint: NXT needs more divas. More Natalya would be great!

1. Curt Hawkins vs. Tyler Reks

I am going to try to keep this as short as possible while describing how fantastically horrible and wonderful this was. Hawkins and Reks are ousted as the kidnappers. Reks and Hawkins confront Regal claiming the film was doctored, they weren’t really the kidnappers. Striker comes out, says he wasn’t beaten by fists, but with a blunt object, much like a walking stick. In his hands, Hawkins’ cane. Oh yes, quite nice. Regal, tired of the two slackers, tells them they must fight one another. Whoever loses is fired. Reks begins to refuse, but Hawkins panics and punches him, turning this into a brawl.

These two men do not just wrestle. This is a knock-down drag out (without blood, kudos!) They fight through a desperation to stay employed, not thinking about who they are fighting on the other side. Reks ultimately wins (didn’t see that coming) but both are still ultimately fired.

Solace has a heart attack.

Will she survive? Guess we’ll find out next week, on NXT

 

Top 4 of WWE’s NXT 4/11/12

These two make me think twice about wearing this shirt as no one could make it look as good as these two!

In a few conversations with Hellions, the man who hosts my blogs on his site and knows more in general about wrestling than me, I’ve realized a few things. One, in getting to know a writer for NXT and learning he’s a former soap opera writer, it makes sense why the storylines are where they are. Two, Hellions pointed out to me NXT seems to be the show more aimed towards women. Sitting back, looking over NXT, I’ve realized it’s probably a huge part of the reason I enjoy it while some fans still don’t like it. I like drama. And comedy. And facial expressions. I also like good wrestling. This show brings me the things I would love to see in a show. Which is why today’s Top 4 had to be broken down the way it is.

4. Tamina, Darren, Titus
- 4.3 – Titus: He gave Tamina the coconut tree Darren wanted to give her! And has been increasingly funny. And I haven’t wanted to stab him in about three weeks.

- 4.2 – Tamina: Loves the coconut tree and commends Titus, to Darren, how thoughtful he is.

- 4.1 – Darren: Heartbroken, near face turn, and I can’t help rooting for him in this upcoming love triangle.

3. Maxine, Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins, Derrick Bateman, and Kaitlyn
- 3.3 – Derrick Bateman and Kaitlyn: Hello Chicks and America shirts, hello best facial expressions of the show

- 3.2 – Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins: It’s interesting to see Tyler Reks playing the part of someone a little confused while Hawkins plays the part of the man who knows what’s going on, until he forgets his cane somewhere very important.

- 3.1 – Maxine: She flirts her way through with Regal, figures out how transparent the Reks/Hawkins kidnapping is, and generally knows how to act and bluff her way through anything. The woman has more chemistry with anyone who walks on screen then anyone I’ve seen.

2. Percy Watson vs. Johnny Curtis

I’m inclined to put matches before storylines on the list because first and foremost… this is a wrestling show! Unfortunately this show only had two matches and they were still longer and better put together matches than anything we saw on Raw or Smackdown this week. Curtis and Watson prove to be a tool for Maxine to distract Regal and take him away for a little while, but in the meantime these two tear up the squared circle and put on a non-stop show.

1. Tyson Kidd vs. Michael McGillicutty

The two are 1-1 in their matches and William Regal informs us that this is the last match. This will determine who the winner is. Despite believe I knew who would win going in this was still a tense match up. McGillicutty reminds me why I originally enjoyed him and brings personality and style to the ring against a man who could arguably be the best technical wrestler in the WWE. (arguably, I could see a few other names thrown into the debate.) Kidd has continually brought PPV quality matches to television, or the internet, in the past months and despite being on the show everyone keeps talking about wanting off of he never skimps in the ring. MCGillicutty gives it back just as equally, culminating into what could be more than match of the week.

Top 4 of WWE Superstars 4/5/12

Why does Scott get all of the girls?

This was a really packed episode when it came to matches. Some of my favorite matches of the week were on this show, whether for the skill of the wrestlers or the story they were telling in the ring.

4. The Usos vs. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins

He's Reksy and he knows it.

Out of sheer love for Tyler Reks I would love to have moved him higher on the list. This match lost points for one big reason: it was too short. None of the four looked the least bit winded and this might be the “problem” with wrestlers who are not seasoned or older. They last a lot longer. In the ring. So when the pin comes you can be left wondering what these few could have done in the ring if given more time. Still an excellent match that shows off all of their talents.

3. R-Truth vs. Heath Slater

Did he just kick-- He just kicked Little Jimmy!

This match was hilarious. Okay, before I give you the wrong idea, Slater and Truth worked excellently together, but Truth brought little Jimmy into the ring with him. Scott makes remarks that had so much to go with them that I can not even type them all out. But what sold the beginning of this match was when Truth danced with little Jimmy before the match started and Slater proceeded to kick Little Jimmy out of the ring! How dare he kick Truth’s friend?? And poor Josh Mathews can’t see him unlike the rest of us it seems.

2. Hunico vs. Tyson Kidd

While The Usos against Reks and Hawkins had potential, and Truth and Slater had hilarity, Hunico and Kidd had acrobatics. I do not have words for the moves they did in the ring, and outside of the ring. This match was a match we could have seen on a pay-per-view, as is. The only different is there would be no breaks during the pay-per-view. This is one of those matches there are no real words for, you have to watch it to believe that acrobats and talent of these two men.

1. Scott Stanford

Enthusiasm and storytelling make this the winning episode of Superstars it was. Scott carries it through the last two matches of the night (3 and 4) and tells a story that completes the show. He’s one of the only men who can tell you to live by the words from the Siva Tau even though he does not know what they translate to and not sound an utter fool. He can see Little Jimmy and convince Josh he’s the crazy one for not being able to. Scott once again brings the storytelling while the superstars bring the in-ring talent and together they make a conglomeration of what wrestling should be about.

Top 4 of NXT 4/4/12

I really wanted to break this into more sections, but I cheat enough during my Top 4, so here’s 4. Ish.

4. All the promos

Darren: “I’ve made reservations at McDonalds!”
Derrick: “It’s getting weird.” Johnny: “It’s my line!” Derrick: “That was my fiancée.”
Johnny: “We are not going to get outdone by a couple of homeless looking guys.”
Maxine: “They obviously don’t know how weird we can make it.”

And oh yeah, Reks and Hawkins were the kidnappers. If you want hilarity, this show has it. Yup, that’s all I’m saying because I think the characters speak for themselves.

3. Natalya vs. Kaitlyn

I expected this match to be good. Natalya is a seasoned wrestler and probably the best one in the diva’s division. She is up against Kaitlyn, who is still green but has improved immensely since her debut. In this match you could not have guessed that Kaitlyn was still a bit wobbly. She and Natalya both move gracefully and I highly enjoyed this match. NXT is the WWE show (that’s not FCW) that knows how to actually showcase their women.

2. Tyler Reks vs. Percy Watson

Okay, so the man I favor in this match lost. That does not stop Reks and Watson from putting on a great match and Reks doing that whole selling thing I talked about in a blog dedicated to him. Okay, so during one part he totally no sold Watson’s move and popped right back up, but I think that is a testament to the move doing no impact. Despite that this match was the second best of the night.
1. Derrick Bateman vs. Michael McGillicutty

Okay, so the man I favor in this match lost. Déjà vu. Still, Bateman and his drop kicks rule this match and McGillicutty, as I’ve said, has come a long way. These two wrestle around each other, against each other, and destroy each other with energy that is lost on the bigger shows. These two are almost tireless which contributes to the how of McGillicutty winning, but it in no way made Bateman look bad, even if Regal was a commentator of little faith during this match.

 

Top 4.5 of Wrestlemania 28 4/1/12

How I am going to be hated for this list, but here’s the list, and the whys.

4. Team Johnny vs. Team Teddy

The heels vs. the faces. This match-up actually gives a very good idea of what the future of the company is coming to. Comedic acts, and Kofi, or heels that are strong together but cowardly apart. While there is probably not one man on either team I do not like in some aspect, I was heavily for Team Johnny because I love more of them, and prefer John Laurinaitis and lack of facial expressions. Oh, and that suit. I expected this match to last, oh, five minutes. Instead it lasted at least twice that (okay, more, I’m joking) and did a great job of showcasing everyone. The ending, at least to me, though, was terribly predictable. While perfectly executed (showing off how great of athletes both Ziggler and Ryder are) I knew from the beginning Eve would screw things up for Ryder and that Miz was going to win it, making him 3-0 at Wrestlemania. This puts The Miz in 3rd place for most wins without a loss at a Wrestlemania, if you can believe that. Undertaker first, RVD second, and then The Miz? You got it.

3. Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *deep breath* AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Okay, all kidding aside, there is a reason this happened. First, it was supposed to be the new shortest match in Wrestlemania history but, oops, botch. Second, this is better for Bryan’s storyline. If he won this match there was no place else for him to go. Of course his losing in about ten seconds was awful because did not get to see these two wrestle. I hate Bryan and I still don’t mind seeing him wrestle because he can put on a good show, but it makes an interesting twist to the storyline where Bryan can blame AJ and hopefully she can escape this storyline and Bryan can focus on something other than AJ.

2.5 Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins

TYLER REKS AND CURT HAWKINS MADE IT ON MANIA! (okay, so it was a small segment, but they were there, so nyah)

2. Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk

I was rooting for Jericho, but I knew Punk would win this. It allows the feud to continue. (Hmm, how many feuds actually ended at this Wrestlemania?) However, having said that, the two put on a pretty sound match that showcased their moves. Was it botch-free on either end, no? But are these guys great to watch because their personalities shine through even in the ring? Absolutely.

1. Triple H vs. The Undertaker with Special Guest Ref Shawn Michaels

When asking on twitter what everyone’s favorite match was I had no one tell me anything but this match. I was against it, I did not want to see Triple H and The Undertaker again, but to be honest I was proud of Triple H in this match. Besides being the one who needed to be helped out of the ring by Michaels and Undertaker, he did not make this match about him. This was a match between two men who respect one another with a ref who is equally respected, and they left carrying one another through. Michaels helped make this match because he’s the best actor of the three. He looked torn, downtrodden, and as if he wanted to break down any time either man looked broken. Why can WWE not put on matches like this more often? Why is it simply about one man making fun of another? Should they all be about mutual respect? No. But matches like this show that a broadened horizon does work to create storylines. This was the most satisfying match of the night and one I will truly never forget.

Sidenote: What was with Rock throwing around the F-bomb?

The Missing Wrestlemania 28 Match

Wrestlemania is so jammed pack full of gimmick matches that have little to do with storylines people care about that they left out a glaring error, because they forgot they were supposed to be pushing tag matches again. Epico and Primo hold the tag team titles but who remembers that? It’s not the men’s fault but sadly misused booking. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins have been used better and they are on NXT.

Speaking of Reks and Hawkins… Oh yes, you knew I would go there.

Solace’s Dream Missing Match

Before the start of the show Reks and Hawkins are up to their usual antics of being bullies and utterly cool while doing so. When they run into Epico and Primo they make fun of them for not having a match even though they are tag champs and for having to be managed by a woman whose only talent is dancing. This is where Regal does his thing and comes in to announce that since there was some time to fill on the card and people want to see their tag team champs he is going to make an impromptu tag match. However, if Reks and Hawkins lose they get to clean the entire arena once everyone leaves with a pro showing them how it’s done. Reks and Hawkins agree on the condition that Regal will do the sweeping instead if they win. Regal agrees because he believes there is no chance that Reks and Hawkins can win.

Epico and Primo put on a great show, and even get a little help from their former stable-buddy Hunico, but they just can’t hold up to Reks and Hawkins. Reks and Hawkins ultimately win the tag titles from Epico and Primo. No, not because I prefer Reks and Hawkins, but because Reks and Hawkins have done more to show what tag teams should be like in the last six months than anyone else has. These men should be the two going around and crushing any and all other tag teams, while helping to build groups who want to take them down.

After the show Reks and Hawkins hand Regal his broom and wish him luck on cleaning. Oh, and they found his pro, the ever handsome Scott Stanford, who is the lone man cleaning the arena corridors. As soon as Reks and Hawkins leave, and Scott starts saying how happy he is to work with Regal and how he could use the help, Regal instantly starts making excuses. His twins need him. His wife found out about Maxine. Etc. Leaving poor Scott to sweep on his own and Regal calculating a better revenge on Reks and Hawkins.

Of course I found a way to incorporate Scott into this. What were you expecting?