Category Archives: November 2011
NXT Top Four 11/30/11
This episode decided to not have William Regal on commentary, which was a sad, sad thing for me. William Regal is over in Japan currently fighting against Santino at house shows. Matt Striker and Josh Mathews take over commentary, and while Striker has been entertaining as host of NXT and backstage interviewer, as of late he is not the same Striker on commentary. However, Curt Hawkins joins them on commentary for one match which brings us right into number four this week.
4. Tyler Reks vs. Percy Watson with Curt Hawkins on commentary
I will admit the match itself was not as interesting as it should have been. Tyler Reks is amazing in the ring but Watson looked sloppy. Watson is the lesser of two evils when it comes to the Titus O’Neil and Percy Watson team up. Percy is usually the better of the two and he did not show off those skills in the ring this episode. Despite that, it did not keep him from winning over Reks. To distract from the match in the ring is Curt Hawkins who someone ( @drustuart ) suggested would make a good manager. Upon thinking about it, this man has the look, the attitude, and the voice of a man who would make a good manager, or a great commentator. Sure, he’s not Scott Stanford on commentary but he has this smooth, calm voice that enraptures the audience. He could make watching grass grow interesting.
3. Yoshi Tatsu and Trent Barreta vs. Tyson Kidd and Johnny Curtis
Going into this match I was not sure which way they were going to go. I was sure that Barreta was going to be the one to get pinned if the team was losing or that Tatsu would get the pin on Curtis if they won. I was wrong. Johnny Curtis got the pin on Yoshi Tatsu. Johnny Curtis with a finisher that Hell if I know the name of, I can only say I was impressed watching him do it. This man that had become a joke that no one would take seriously because they did nothing with him on Smackdown besides let him lose one match actually is good in the ring. It helps that Tatsu, Barreta, and Kidd are three of the best in-ring guys to work with when trying to show off someone’s skills, but Curtis holds up on his own. Beautiful story-telling in the ring for a match that showed off some of the best that you aren’t watching.
2. Batemax Part 1
Maxine goes out to the ring to fight Alicia Fox. Striker and Mathews spend too much time making fun of her fashion sense in the beginning. Giggling during commentary is not professional boys. When Alicia Fox comes out I sat a bit stunned at first. This isn’t the usual divas match on NXT! What is also great is NXT is the one place I continually look forward to the divas matches. These women get a regular amount of time and put on a good show, and damn do these two women work well together. I’ve thought Maxine has looked good against AJ and Kaitlyn on NXT as of late but watching Maxine against someone who might be a little more seasoned than those two women and this could have easily been my favorite match of NXT this week. Derrick Bateman comes out with his mom (yes, his real mom, not some actress, and she’s a looker!) to applaud Maxine. He stands beside his fiancée the way he always wants her to stand by his side, but it distracts her. She loses due to the distraction and it’s impressive. They are pushing Maxine enough that there was a chance she would have won if not for the distraction!
1. Batemax Part 2
Did I mention that Derrick Bateman was on this show? With his real mom? Who is quite the lovely lady, and good at making Maxine feel not quite up to what the son deserves. Bateman treats his mom like gold while being his usual smug self, whipped by the gorgeous Maxine, and a superstar in the ring. His match tonight is against Titus O’Neil and Darren Young for a match on Smackdown. I was confused, wasn’t Bateman already signed to Smackdown? According to the commentators that match was a one time deal. Fine, but Bateman is still going to win. I had no fear, and I was right. Bateman won and then called for his beautiful fiancée to come out and join him. “Baby, we’re heading to Smackdown!” But Maxine doesn’t appear. Instead, Tamina and JTG come out. Tamina tries her best to be nice, “Maxine packed her things and…” JTG interrupts, informing Tamina not to sugarcoat it for him. “Derrick, your girl, your fiancée, your booboo, yo, she left with Curtis.”
Okay, so NXT has turned into the soap opera of the WWE, but you know what? Good! It’s storylines that continue from week to week. They have cliffhangers, and even get to a point where there is resolution. I’m excited every time I see Bateman and Maxine on my screen and they know how to tell a story. For those who continually insult JTG, he knows what he’s doing. He brings a smile to my face when he comes on and I giggle because he’s working a stereotype in a comedic fashion. Plus, he’s better in the ring than you give him credit for.
But, you still aren’t watching NXT. And for that I’m going to keep trying. Every week I’m going to tell you what you are missing, and it’s more than just Maxine’s curves and Derrick’s oiled chest… Okay, wait, what was I saying again? Every time I end an NXT blog I feel I need a mop, or at the very least, a beach towel.
Superstars Top Four for 11/24/11
Shortly after watching this week’s episode a friend yelled at me for his having “wasted” an hour on this show. It was the first time he had watched Superstars in a long time. Did I force him to try to watch during a bad show? No, this was actually a better put together show than some have been of late, though like NXT they are falling into a lack of variety in matches. No, he said the matches were of a type that could be described as, “The crowd goes mild.”
People want wrestling, but it’s been proven time and again they want a story to go with their matches. As certain commentators *coughScottStanfordcough* try to give us a background to the matches many others simply commentate a match or talk about what is coming up in the WWE. If people simply wanted to watch men beat up one another they would watch boxing, or better (or worse depending on whose point of view you are looking from) UFC.
This particular blog is not a complaint on what WWE is doing wrong, though. This is the top four reasons to watch Superstars, and I’m sorry they were not enough to keep my friend interested. Is he jaded? Possibly. A lot of people spend their nights complaining about RAW but will tune in next week. Superstars should be the show to tune in to watch out of enjoyment.
4. Jinder Mahal vs. Trent Barreta
Sure, as soon as I saw Barreta come out I knew he was going to lose. With a heavy sigh I sat back to watch the match. Jinder had been on fire for a few weeks on Smackdown before they realized something crucial about him: his wrestling skill was sloppy. It was not necessarily bad but if he continued the way he was going he was going to hurt someone, and like many wrestlers before him who allowed themselves to grow sloppy, it would not be himself but his opponent. A match with Barreta is almost a free pass to be free and try out new things as Barreta has more control than most of the main eventers. Calm down, I didn’t say he was better (is he?) just claimed he has more control. He flops and flips like a pro and Jinder needs someone like him to practice on. This match shows how far Mahal has come and showcases a man who needs to find something to do on one of the flagship shows.
3. Drew McIntyre vs. Ted Dibiase
The focus for Dibiase on this episode is the Dibiase Posse Parties that are held outside of the arena. Hundreds of people go to see the man before he enters, just generally hanging out. Dibiase’s song needs to change, for Dibiase did not work in the Million Dollar Son character. Dibiase is a good actor, he even proved his acting chops in the second best WWE movie to date (The Marine 2 which Scott Stanford makes mention of, no The Marine would not be the first best). Dibiase needs to find something he is more comfortable with, and the Posse Partier and outdoorsman that he is might be something more relatable. Tonight he fights the brilliant McIntyre, who has managed to win one fight on Superstars in months, and it was against Morrison two weeks ago. Tonight is not the night he wins again. I am sad, but it is interesting to see Dibiase growing and perhaps finding his niche.
2. The threat of Tyson Kidd kicking Josh Mathews in the face
Okay, so the threat was only said by Striker. “Tyson Kidd said to me a couple of weeks ago that he got upset with you and I. He said that we spent too much time talking about twitter and not enough time talking about Tyson Kidd’s match. He said that if we do that again this week he’s going to come over here and kick you in the face.” I have to admit when I saw Tyson Kidd step out for the night I groaned knowing a twitter conversation was coming. No matter where Kidd seems to be the conversation always leads to twitter. This man deserves more than twitter conversation when he’s on screen and tonight he had it. I do not know what the real reason is Striker and Mathews were told to lay off, maybe it was Kidd, but I thank the person, from the bottom of my heart.
1. Scott Stanford
The return of the list sees Scott Stanford at the return to the top! The man with the plan, the commentator with the stories. Tonight he’s feeling fresh, no redundancy in lines and his usual upbeat enthusiasm. While there are no stories to tell this time around for his two groupings he does give background on the men in the ring to keep the listener intrigued. He is a major part of the reason the Dibiase match was as entertaining as it was because his words put the Dibiase Posse Partier over more than anything else. While people shout “Dibiase” from their seats Scott will make sure you take note. You may not even realize he’s manipulated you into wanting to root for the man until it is too late. That is how good he is.
Tonight Mathews gets some respect for starting an odd conversation. He mentioned he was at the Dibiase Posse Tailgating Party and said,
“We roasted a turducken.”
So Scott could reply, “A turducken? I love those things!”
“Get’s so excited.”
“All three in one. What is that, a-”
“A duck, a chicken, and a turkey, right.”
“I’ll tell ya what, if I was a goose I’d feel left out.”
NXT’s Top Four of 11/23/11
There were only about four things that really happened on NXT this week. Usually this would not incline me to do a top four but I am going to. The reason? You still are not watching this show! No matter how many times I tell you that you are missing something great, you will not watch it. No matter how many times I tell you that you can not insult something without watching, you won’t watch, and continue to insult it. NXT is not what it was. Do not talk to me about “challenges” or how long the competition has been. Tune into the show, because certain things about it will wow you! (Though those certain things will not be Titus O’Neil or Percy Watson)
4. Jimmy Uso vs. JTG
The Usos are unhappy that Tamina has decided to take up with this man. “He’s not one of us.” While this could sound like some good ol’ fashioned racism I just take it as JTG was raised from the streets and the Usos were raised a little more privileged, I mean, look who their father is? Jimmy and JTG, after each getting their time to shine on the microphone, put on a match that was predictable but entertaining. I miss Scott Stanford’s commentary when JTG is in the ring. No one is telling me how fly JTG is! (After complaining about this on twitter Scott gave me this, “This JTG is so fly, when you look up “fly” in the dictionary, there’s a picture of Jayz and Eminem pointing to a poster of JTG.” I can breathe a little easier now)
3. Yoshi Tatsu vs. Johnny Curtis
While this match is going on Derrick Bateman and Maxine drop on to commentary, however I’m not going to talk much about them here since they are further up on this list. This is all about Curtis, who is trying to make a good showing for the woman he went on one date with, and Yoshi Tatsu who is dressed in blue and seems to have lost the Dark Yoshi look and feel. Perhaps he did not like being a darker him? I am unsure but he seems to be back to his usual self which might be for the best. Curtis might lose this match but at least Curtis is doing something. For those who have been wondering about him since his promos on Smackdown, he’s easily a reason to tune in!
2. Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins, and Darren Young
Matt Striker, who is host, seeming general manager, and tonight also a commentator, creates an impromptu match. Of course the match has to involve Percy Watson and Titus O’Neil, but he teams up Tyler Reks and Darren Young, while also telling Hawkins he may be there as well. Earlier, before the match, it seemed that Reks and Hawkins might have been inviting D. Young to join their duo and turn it into triplicate talent. Either way Reks and Young work better together than I was expecting and Hawkins makes a great showing at the side of the ring, interfering enough for Young to get the win. Another shock because I was sure they were going to let O’Neil get the win after Young had just freshly returned. Young was a little sloppy in places but I will brush it off and say he’s a bit out of practice after 30 days, or not used to lifting the dead weight of O’Neil. In coming weeks it will tell if my returning adoration for the man will remain. I look forward to it, and I hope he continues on with Reks and Hawkins.
1. Batemax
That’s pronounced Beta Max. If you don’t get it you might be too young.
As I mentioned Bateman and Maxine join Striker and Regal on commentary during the Johnny Curtis and Yoshi Tatsu match. If you are wondering why this match of all matches I again urge you to watch NXT. The Curtis/Bateman feud is the best one they have going, and you’ll notice that they are actually allowing two “heels” to work together? Yeah, take note that this does work. Striker does what he does best and is downright rude to Maxine but, damn, if the woman can not give it as good, or better, than she gets. She has quite the tongue on her and Striker, for the first time, seems to lose a battle of words between commentators. All the while Bateman, who has been freshly signed to Smackdown which could mean the end of his purgatory in NXT land, speaks eloquently and with his usual panache. At the end of the Curtis match, after Curtis has already lost, Bateman excuses himself to slide into the ring. What happens next is the most unexpected thing I’ve seen in WWE in months, at least. I won’t spoil it, why don’t you watch it?
Best line of the whole show? Matt Striker keeps calling William Regal, “Master Regal.” Regal quips that he should stop because it makes him feel weird. While Derrick quickly quips back, “Matt, don’t call me Master, it might be inappropriate.”
For those complaining about the “PG Era” why don’t you watch NXT? Batemax alone push the boundaries of PG. And it’s a bit hot when they kiss. And are wrestling. And just in general on screen.
Excuse me, I need to go get the mop now.
Top 4 FCW Moments on 11/20/11
FCW 11/20/11
FCW this week has Dusty Rhodes joining Matt Martlaro on commentary. Dusty Rhodes is a living legend but a good commentator he is not. Though I had to smile when Rhodes mentioned, “Steven Regal.” William Regal still has a plotline going on so he is out of commentary and tonight’s episode did not see him return to the ring, though we did see a return of Dean Ambrose. FCW continues to be the best WWE produced show. Highlights? Why here’s the top four of this episode!
4. Maxine and Aksana
Maxine, as general manager, seems to have an open door policy. She allows people to walk in and speak to her and seems to be patient, almost the opposite of her NXT character. However, no matter where Maxine is, she is a devious woman with something always up her sleeve. But, so is Aksana. Aksana comes in asking for the Steamboat/Harris match to be for the title and puts on a womanly pout. At the end of this discussion the two even hug, with similar looks on their faces behind the other’s back. Beautifully done. These women know how to give a promo.
3. Corey Graves vs. Leakee
Graves is accompanied by Leah West to the ring, which at first I thought Rhodes was saying Leo West and left me wondering if Kruger changed his name until I saw her. Graves was to face Leakee who I’ve quickly become a fan of. He has the look, he has the moves, I just do not know his promotional skills yet. That is all right, I am happy to watch this man in the ring. Graves puts on a good show and is more believable than I was expecting. I was expecting them to feed the man to Leakee, not let him have a good showing before he was finally pinned. WWE has done a good job programming me, and yet it’s so bad.
2. 6 Man Tag Match
Derrick Bateman may be upset with me for this one, but his match has to go to number two. This match is an excellent showing of talent and there is not one person who I do not think deserves a spot with the WWE. Dean Ambrose, Damien Sandow, and Antonio Cesaro are up against Seth Rollins, Johnny Curtis, and Derrick Bateman. While Derrick Bateman will outshine anyone, he has the most charisma and the best abs, this still is an entertaining match that showcases each man and touches more on the upcoming feud between Cesaro and Rollins. Why was this not the best?
1. Richie Steamboat vs. Husky Harris
A pinfall anywhere match. Or “Pretty much anywhere in the Tampa area!” as Martlaro would tell us. I was expecting a slow match, I do not think I have completely forgiven Harris for his first showing in NXT. He continues to try to prove me wrong about him and Harris and Steamboat put on a match that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending alone made this show worth watching because I want to know what happens next! How often does a wrestling show end and I continue to sit there and go, “Well? What happened?”
Lowlight? NO Ascension. At all. Not even a promo.
Another highlight of this episode was a very special happy birthday to a woman in the crowd. Since it was October, and her birthday, and breast cancer awareness month, they wish this breast-cancer a happy birthday that had her in tears. Now that is touching.
Survivor Series Predictions 11/20/11
Another Pay-Per-View rolls around and the usual band get together to make their predictions. I was pumped for this pay-per-view. Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison was amazing but the crowd never had the interest they should have because they waited the entire match for Ryder to make his appearance. When he did it was after Ziggler had won the match and was not what the crowd had wanted. To me the show only went down from there, but this is not a review of the show. It is only to show if a pay-per-view has been booked predictably or if they managed to surprise us. So here we go!
Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison
Solace Prediction:
I am going to go out on a limb for my prediction and say it is going to be Morrison. I have no logical reasoning other than my gut tells me Ziggler is not winning. HOWEVER if Zack Ryder somehow winds up in the match Zack Ryder will win it. Winner: John Morrison unless Ryder shows up, therefore Ryder
StephiOC815 Prediction:
Ziggler vs. JoMo: Don’t me started on how it should be Zack Ryder instead so let me say that since they must be done being mad at JoMo, He’ll more than likely win. Also, it gives Ziggler a chance to move up the card. He’s really come into his own. Winner: JoMo
BizarroDoom Prediction:
Ziggler’s been fantastic for a while, now, and Morrison’s been jobbed out to no end (until Monday). So, naturally, expect an illogical hot-shot title change to pop the crowd and get another face victory. Ziggler will get it back, shortly, and continue a program with Ryder as Morrison fades away with one last title to his credit. Winner: John Morrison (new US Champion)
MarkBilly Prediction:
I don’t even see the point of JoMo challenging, yet alone winning, so Ziggler FTW! (If it’s JoMo, I might cry!) Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Yawsrko Prediction:
Ziggler all the way. I don’t think they’re re-signing Morrison,since his name’s being removed from the Dec. Japan show advertising. And even if he is re-signing, I still prefer Ziggler. For all the people who say “Oh, he just needs his gimmick tweaked,” NO. NO no no no no no NO. Because he’s been in WWE a *long* time with a lot more chances than people seem to remember. Lots of other talent that could have been promising were let go (Kozlov, anyone?) and not given different gimmicks to try out (Johnny Nitro?). I think he sounds like a retard on the mic, I think there are a lot more guys who could use the push and TV time, who wouldn’t snub Trish Stratus and get involved with backstage heat and politics. I also don’t see the locker room respecting him. “Move over while I fuck your girlfriend.” No. Just too much going on there along the lines of drama potential. I think he’s done. Sorry. Lol. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I honestly think that they’re gonna throw a swerve at us and have JoMo win the title. I don’t see him holding it for a while, but I think That he’ll somehow find a way to get the W, even if that means a run-in by the Woo Woo Woo Kid. Winner: John Morrison
Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I don’t see Morrison being the one to take the belt off him, it should be Ryder, it might be Ryan. Morrison is very unlikely. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I predict that a surprise competitor will make an appearance and win it. Who? Well, if I told you, I’d meet a BIG demise. Winner: Mystery
TheSupremeForce Prediction:
This is such a stupid booking decision. Doesn’t this have to go one of two ways? Either they intend to sneak Zack Ryder into this scenario as a “surprise” or Ziggler simply wins. I suppose they might have decided they don’t want Ziggler losing twice in one show, so they gave him Morrison instead of Ryder. If that’s the case, they’re idiots. This should be Ryder’s moment, and I’m saying that as a guy who considers Ziggler to be my favorite wrestler. Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins unless Ryder gets added. If that happens, Ryder walks out with the Title.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Beth Phoenix vs. Eve
Solace Prediction:
Beth Phoenix has not held up as the tough Diva of Doom she was meant to be. WWE has done all they could to show how easy it was to beat a woman that should be unstoppable. However, Eve has no reason to win. I predicted Eve on Wednesday, after watching Smackdown I changed my vote. Winner: Beth Phoenix
StephiOC815 Prediction:
I love Beth but w/ the way they’ve mishandled the whole Divas Of Doom thing, I think Eve wins. Winner: Eve
BizarroDoom Prediction:
The formula here seems to be for the challenger to beat Natalya clean approximately 12-15 times under an aggregate time of 5 minutes, and then lose to Beth. They did it with Kelly. I think they’re doing it with Eve. And next, they’ll do it with Rey Mysterio’s daughter, Aaliyah. Winner: Beth Phoenix
MarkBilly Prediction:
I don’t really see the point in taking the title from Beth. Maybe somewhere down the line but not now. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Yawsrko Prediction:
I don’t care. No. Really. I don’t care. But I’ll say Beth since I like her better than Eve. Winner: Beth Phoenix
SirTweets_a lot Prediction:
Same prediction as last time. Beth, because Eve is the diva’s division’s Alex Riley, and needs to disappear. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I don’t see anyone but Natalya taking the belt away from her, but I think Beth is going to be a dominant champion first. Winner: Beth Phoenix
JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I really want Beth to win, but I just don’t trust WWE to make it happen, so I’ma have to go with Eve. Winner: Eve
TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Ugh. They’ve already destroyed any credibility this Sisters of Salvation angle might have had. They’ve put a lot of effort into making it look like the SoS are outnumbered, and since this is a Lumberjack Match (Lumberjill is stupid), I’m sensing a swerve. One of the face divas is going to turn heel and help Beth retain. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Team Barrett vs. Team Orton
Solace Prediction:
Orton has been on quite the losing streak of late. While I prefer Team Barrett this round, Orton’s lost too much. Winner: Team Orton
Bonus: Sheamus pins Wade
StephiOC815 Prediction:
Why will they win, because #HeelsDoItBetter. And because if you take away Sheamus & Orton, the team is losers. Because they rock & are hot as hell… Winner: Team Barrett
Bonus: Rhodes pins Orton
BizarroDoom Prediction:
Barrett has looked really strong, lately, and that probably won’t change, here. However, being an Elimination Match, there are plenty of ways for him to lose and remain credible. When it comes down to it, I think WWE will want some top faces to go over ( other than Punk). Plus, this is Randy Orton. Winners:Team Orton
Bonus: Orton pins Ziggler
MarkBilly Prediction:
THe all round better team that needs the win more. When Kingston pinned Punk/Orton at SS10 it made him a star. I hope the same happens for Barrett (or one of his team) Winner: Team Barrett
Bonus: Barrett pins Orton
Yawsrko Prediction:
Team Orton, even though I don’t think Kofi and Ryan have any business being there. Those two spots should have gone to Ted and Daniel Bryan. It was like somebody in Creative decided to shit all over Randy Orton and just throw random people on his team. My memory doesn’t permit me to forget the “STUPID! STUPID!” incident on live RAW, which makes me wonder if RKO even *wants* Kofi on his team. Sure, time’s passed, but if I recall correctly, Kofi botched and made Orton and Batista bleed within 2 weeks of each other. Team Barrett should also be Team *Rhodes*, as RKO and Cody were feuding, Cody’s the Intercontinental Champion, and Wade’s push keeps stalling. It just seems odd that it’s named after Wade Barrett. And you know I like Wade Barrett, so this isn’t like I’m just marking for Cody and saying this for no reason. But I see Team Orton going over, despite the fact that the team in and of itself makes absolutely ZERO sense to me. Winner: Team Orton
Bonus: Orton pins Rhodes
SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
This one is easy, in my mind. Team Orton, with the last men standing being Botch Cara and RKO. If Christian were to still be in the match, I think it might be a different outcome. But Barrett needs the Peepulation. Winner: Team Orton
Bonus: Orton pins Ziggler
Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
It’s obvious that WWE is back to pushing Barrett, and I feel they can give him a win here, while protecting Orton. Winner: Team Barrett
Bonus: Barrett pins Orton
JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I’m going with Team Orton because his team is BEAST. Winners: Team Orton
Bonus: Orton pins Rhodes
TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Okay, so it’s difficult to imagine any force on earth managing to overcome the combined power of SuperOrton and SuperSheamus, but judging from the way Raw and Smackdown went this week, it pretty much needs to happen. With Christian at ringside, he’s probably good for picking off either Orton or Sheamus. Wade is the likeliest candidate to survive. Of course, it’s just as likely (if not more likely) that Orton and Sheamus destroy everyone and both survive. I’m going to hope that the WWE actually does the “right” thing though. Go, Team Barrett! Winner: Team Barrett
Bonus: Wade pins Orton
Winner: Team Barrett
Mark Henry vs. Big Show
Solace Prediction:
It’s hard to call. Mark Henry has been dominating and Big Show still hasn’t seem to won properly for a return. And while I’m still a fan of Big Show (more so since I learned he read novels by Brandon Sanderson) I don’t want to see him with the title right now. I’m REALLY enjoying the Mark Henry thing and I’m not ready to see it go away. Winner: Mark Henry
StephiOC815 Prediction:
This one match I honestly don’t care about but I’ll say I’d like to see Henry keep it. Would love to see him take on D Bryan Because it would be the smart move… Winner: Mark Henry
BizarroDoom Prediction:
Big Show is being used to help further Henry’s credibility as a tough guy and as a champion. They’ve both stepped it up in their encounters in order to surprise and silence critics, and I expect the same here. But there is little doubt regarding the outcome. Winner: Mark Henry
MarkBilly Prediction:
Henry has been on a really good run and if a big man has the title, I don’t see it being anyone but him. Winner: Mark Henry
Yawsrko Prediction:
Only because Henry’s been on the big winning streak or whatever you wanna call it. I have no f*cks to give about this match. Winner: Big Show
SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I think Show’s time has come and gone. D-Bry vs Henry at WM28. Winner: Mark Henry
Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
It looks like they might be leading to Daniel Bryan taking the belt away. Plus I don’t think Henry is done as champ, not for awhile. Winner: Mark Henry
JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Henry JUST got a new shirt. (Of course, so did Rot, so…) I’m going with Henry. Winner: Henry
TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Henry needs to win this. If he’s not still the Champion after this show, the WWE will have completely WASTED Henry’s push. Feeding him to the Big Show would be idiocy on an epic scale. It wouldn’t surprise me, but it would be stupid. Winner: Mark Henry
Winner: Big Show
Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk
Solace Prediction:
With what I have felt has been minimal build up for the match itself, and now being well outside of the Mexico tour, there’s only one man who is going to win. Winner: CM Punk
StephiOC815 Prediction:
Because my life runs on wishful thinking AND because he makes a great foil for Johnny Ace…Winner: CM Punk
BiarroDoom Prediction:
I thought that Punk might not win until TLC, but a Survivor Series win is more meaningful. Plus, based on Punk’s verbal buryings of Del Rio as of late, I’m beginning to think that WWE thinks Del Rio is boring and unimpressive as champ. Winner: CM Punk (new WWE Champion)
MarkBilly Prediction:
I reckon the feud will continue on to TLC when (at the moment) I predict Punk will take the title so an ADR win here. Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Yawsrko Prediction:
Punk, since he lost last PPV and maybe it’s time for Del Rio to do something else. Winner: CM Punk
SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
For the simple fact that I don’t think the title is changing hands again in 2011. Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
More of a want pick, but I’m really not liking ADR as Champ. At least Punk works as champ, and this lets Cena back into the ME. Winner: CM Punk
JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I want Punk to win because Del Rio’s boring, but I bet Johnny Ace screws him over. Winner: Del Rio
TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Unfortunately, I think that Del Rio is sunk. I think he needs to retain one more time and drop the Title next month, but the WWE doesn’t care about screwing over heels. They’ll do that here. Winner: CM Punk
Winner: CM Punk
The Miz and R-Truth vs. John Cena and The Rock
Solace Prediction:
Really? Really?? Winner: John Cena and The Rock
StephiOC815 Prediction:
I can ALMOST see A.T. getting the win here because Cena & Rock will not be able to work together. With a screw job sort of ending…Winner: Awesome Truth
BizarroDoom Prediction:
Okay. Everyone’s expecting an easy win by Cena and The Rock. But a loss adds fuel to the fire for their WrestleMania match and propels The Miz and R-Truth to new heights. It’s the only beneficial outcome. Winners: The Miz and R-Truth
MarkBilly Prediction:
The fallout will be ‘who made Rock/Cena lose?’ or ‘Who made Rock/Cena win?’. I don’t see the point in the latter cos that buries Miz/Truth when they might as well big them up and have the same outcome for Rock/Cena. Winner: The Miz and R-Truth
Yawsrko Prediction:
I say this because I got burned at the last PPV when I was oh so sure that Punk and HHH would take it.Definitely Miz and Truth. Winner: The Miz and R-Truth
SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I’m gonna take the non-obvious route, Awesome Troof. I think the Dream Team is going to implode, and Miz is going to capitalize. And Miz will be a world champ again by WM28. Winner: The Miz and R-Truth
Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
While there’s a chance Rock may screw Cena or something, I feel that this is the ‘safe bet’ so to speak, hard to see them losing. Winner John Cena and The Rock
JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Oh fine. Rock and Cena win because Rocky won’t let himself be booked to lose, especially before WrestleMania. Winners: Cena & Rock
TheSupremeForce Prediction:
The Awesome Truth should win this, but the WWE has been so obnoxious with its focus here that the Rock and Cena are going to “overcome the odds.” They can’t get along, so they can’t possibly succeed, right? Yeah, right. Take a look at the other eight times Cena has been put in this scenario and won anyway. Winner: John Cena and The Rock
Sol 3/6 Steph 2/6 BD 2/6 Mark 3/6+1 Cyd 4/6 STA 1/6 PL 4/6+1 Jay 1/6 Force 5/6+1
TheSupremeForce – 83% plus the bonus, giving him 85%
Paradise_Lost12 – 66% plus the bonus, giving him 71%
Yawsrko – 66%
MarkBilly – 50% plus the bonus, giving him 57%
ME! – 50%
SephiOC815 and BizarroDoom – 33%
SirTweets_ALot and JayTheBrainMann – 16%
Considering the varying percentages of our luck I’m going to say the show was not terribly predictable. I think TheSupremeForce would argue with me on that because three shows in a row he’s been at least in the 80 percentile. We’ll see next show! Thanks for joining us!
Can Darren Young Redeem NXT Redemption?
When Darren Young arrived on the scene over a year ago when the first season of NXT debuted I liked him. He seemed to be the naïve party guy to CM Punk’s Straight Edge Society. They had differences that went over Young’s head for the most part because he seemed like his IQ was a little below average. Honestly, I loved it. He was most interested in smiling and going out and having a good time than the biting barbs of a man like Punk or even his help he received from Gallows or the attention he gave to Serena.
He somewhat triumphantly returned with the entrance of Nexus. Enter a new attitude and a new era for the man who had only been off screen for a couple of weeks. Every since his days in Nexus, and his ultimate exile, and then his days of Superstars, my dislike for the man had begun to grow. Here was just another angry superstar with an agenda. At least as a naïve partier he had shown personality that differed from most of the men in that first season class. Now he was just one in a crowd of many. Many who did it better than him.
Fast forward through his career to his return to NXT Redemption. Redemption? The man, as he kept reminding us, was at Summer Slam 2010! What does he need Redemption for? Another reason for me to grumble at the show. That and the show seemed entirely ready to hand the season over to Titus O’Neil.
On the day the only rookie I liked was eliminated (Conor O’Brian) another rookie entered. Derrick Bateman. And did Derrick Bateman save this season of Redemption.
At least, for a while he did.
Unless you have been living under a rock you will know that a little over 30 days ago Darren Young was suspended for violating the Wellness Policy put in place by the WWE. When it happened I simply shrugged and said, “Well that will mean more Bateman.” What I did not think about was, “That will mean more Titus O’Neil.”
For weeks we were subjected to the same matches, which was usually Bateman against O’Neil. I was ready to start throwing things at the screen every time that dog bark sounded and Matt Striker announced he was making an impromptu match; Bateman and O’Neil.
There are many superstars who have shown their faces of late on NXT. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks made their showing as a tag team and The Usos became a part of it. Does Bateman get to fight these men? Nope. Titus O’Neil and then a smattering of Percy Watson.
I was beginning to despise NXT. I have been the show’s biggest supporter as people were losing interest and now I am finding it harder and harder to want to pay attention (except when Bateman is being his wacky self, refusing to turn and look at Striker when he addresses him!).
During the show Chris and I actually sat down and complained about the lack of Darren Young. At least while he was on the show Bateman did not have to be the only one fighting O’Neil. These men should be showing their chops against pros, not just one another. After all how can we really compare their wrestling abilities if they are fighting the same man every week? How can they improve as wrestlers if there is no room to grow? Boredom makes the muscles and brain lazy.
Then a beacon of light shone down. That beacon of light, the return of Darren Young. I have never been so excited to see Darren Young in my life. This also might have renewed my faith in Young. Has he been a bad wrestler? Of course not. Is he bad on the mic? Actually, no. Given time to develop a character he feels comfortable with he could be excellent.
Maybe I have been a little hard on Young? If I could still be happy to see him then perhaps I was being too cynical.
Now I am looking forward to NXT next week! Don’t screw it up, WWE.
FCW 11/13/11
FCW continues to be the show to watch. Faces tap out to submissions, the matches dominate the show, but you are never left out with story that carries on from week to week. There are still some downsides to FCW, Briley Pierce continues to manage to be the least interesting man on the show and Matt Martlaro as a commentator makes my ears want to bleed. Luckily this week Byron Saxton returned to put on a good show on commentating. Byron Saxton has the voice and the ability.
4. Husky Harris vs. Leo Kruger vs. Richie Steamboat
This matches end was predictable in that you knew who was going to win. Despite that the three of them actually put on a good show. If you read this regularly you know that I am not a fan of Husky Harris. This week’s episode was by far my favorite performance from him I’ve seen since his debut on NXT (since I did not see his debut on FCW). Harris finally lived up to what the commentators are always saying about him and it was good to see. It did not win me over completely, I’m still not a fan, but I can say he helped make this match an incredible showing. Leo Kruger and Richie Steamboat are incredible in the ring as well. Steamboat still seems awkward on the microphone but all of that can be forgotten while he’s moving in the ring while Kruger is ace all around.
3. Seth Rollins vs. Damien Sandow
This rematch so Rollins can regain his Jack Brisco 15 Minute Championship was so well timed I’m not sure if one of the bigger shows could have pulled it off. Rollins is attacked before ever getting into the ring by Antonio Cesaro and Rollins still goes into the ring and fights with a sore ankle. Rollins sells. Wonderfully. Rollins wins the first pinfall, Sandow the second with a submission. There are three seconds left on the clock, Rollins has Sandow down, 3, 2, Wu… The question becomes did the three count happen before or after the bell for the challenge to end? Once it comes to that it’s obvious how the story is going to end but it’s still an exciting moment as you hold your breath to figure out if Rollins regained his title or if Sandow retained. At the end of this Cesaro takes a mic and tells Rollins he is after him and once he finishes with him he’s gone. Foreshadowing for when Cesaro will be brought up to the main roster?
2. Aksana
Aksana is in a tag team match with Caylee Turner against Cameron Lynn and the FCW Divas Champion Audrey Marie. Aksana is the current Queen of FCW, which seems like a more fun title for women since she walks around with a crown on her head. This entire match shocks me because Cameron Lynn does not come out wearing the thick blonde wig or acting like a general idiot. It’s a quick realization she is a pretty lady and has good moves. But this match is a showcase of Queen against Divas Champ and the Queen proves that she’s worthy. Aksana is brutal in the ring while still looking like a sensual being. She has a dark Goth look that works well for her and between these four women they show what a divas match could or should be. The reason Aksana is really the only one who gets the mention instead of the whole group is she outshone them all. This match was an Aksana showcase as it well should have been. She’s beautiful and good. She is no longer the blonde woman hoping to win NXT with Goldust’s help.
1. Ascension
No one who reads my blogs will be surprised I chose Ascension. I am slightly obsessed with this group, and for good reason. Ascension starts off this particular FCW with a threeway match of the male members of Ascension (Conor O’Brian, Tito Colon, and Kenneth Cameron) versus Mike Dalton, Jason Jordan, and Colin Cassady. From the moment they enter Ascension is a dessert for the senses. They are well choreographed and have the look down perfectly. While they fight their sad opponents Raquel Diaz stands to the side, once again with a mic hidden under her hair so you can hear the way she commands these three men. When Raquel tells them, “NOW!” they do what needs to be done that instance. Her maniacal laughter and delight at watching her men destroy their opponents adds to the general ill at ease feeling that is meant to be felt when Ascension steps out.
FCW 11/6/11
This week was heavy on the matches and light on the Ascension (as in not even a promo!). With five matches and the ability to stand out amongst the crowd I am glad to announce I can return the top four reason to watch for FCW this week.
4. Byron Saxton
Byron Saxton was the commentator for the evening as William Regal was preparing for his match against Dean Ambrose. At first I inwardly groaned because this is the man who leads Naomi and Cameron Lynn around and these two women are the most obnoxious thing I’ve seen on FCW. They might beat out divas I dislike in the WWE for annoyance they are that bad. Byron had commentating down solid and when Matt Matlaro stopped to take a breath what Saxton interjected was always succinctly put. Even if it was just him saying to Regal, “You’re evil! You’re evil!” It may sound like a childish taunt and still it somehow worked on Saxton. A certain someone pointed out to me that Saxton was the opposite of Regal on the mic. While Regal is a face announcer with heel tendencies Saxton is the heel announcer who has the excitement of a face. This described the feeling perfectly.
3. Brad Maddox
Brad Maddox was set to fight Percy Watson and Titus O’Neil and needed a partner. As Briley Pierce sat idly by with his microphone and dressed in his suit Maddox called him out and told him he would be the partner. Honestly, the match itself was uninteresting as I tend to get a glazed over look when Watson and O’Neil are anywhere close by and Maddox and Pierce have yet to really impress me in the ring. However, Maddox’s taunts of Pierce telling him he didn’t have time to change and that he was serious about him being his partner were fun. Maddox does have the personality he just is not quite there with the talent. Yet.
2. Dean Ambrose
This man has taken crazy to a new level. In an era when crazy is growing on us he mixes Orton, Rhodes, and guest from an asylum perfectly. He twitches, he snorts, and he generally looks like he’s enjoying himself with a crazed smile, even as he is being destroyed by his opponent. I am not quite sure what it is that he is still lacking but watching him it is something. Perhaps I think he could take this character even further. Of course having Ambrose at number two can lead me right into number one.
1. William Regal
This man is charismatic. That in itself shines every time he steps in the ring. The FCW fans are always lively but when Regal stepped out the chants were the most audible part of the night. Regal is up to his usual tricks in this match when he has Ambrose in a corner and is facing the ref while kicking Ambrose. Regal does not stop there. He actually slips Ambrose’s arm into the turnbuckle and tightens it around his arm. The ref has to help Ambrose escape, all the while Regal stands back and watches with his usual, “What?” look. If this was on of the WWE shows they would have disqualified Regal and had no ending to this match, however FCW is all about finishing as many matches as they can. Which only leads Ambrose to even more abuse by Regal so that Regal can win this main event. Regal is a brilliant man in and out of the ring and it’s good to see him used.
I would just like to end this blog with one simple question: “What do you mean there was no Ascension?” Not to worry, I hear they return next week!
Solace Winter's Thoughts 
Commentating Dream Team/Y U NO USE STANFORD RIGHT
Nov 6
Posted by solacewinter
Anyone who talks to me knows that I am a huge fan of the commentating in WWE. Why? Because the commentating can make or break a match. Cole often breaks them. Stanford often makes them. No one ever agrees on their dream teams so I figured a few of my usual smattering would discuss who they want to see.
I pride myself being of a short-term memory, so I will stick within the company of current commentators. This gives me the option of Jerry Lawler, Michael Cole, Matt Striker, Josh Mathews, Jack Korpela, Booker T, William Regal, and Scott Stanford.
Well we know number one is Scott Stanford. Second would be Matt Striker. If I can pick a third I think I would sprinkle in William Regal. And all of them would commentate for Raw.
I choose Raw as their seat of power for one reason: these three men are the ones who put the superstars over. They tell the audience what is great, or faulty, with the superstars in the ring. Regal and his barbs are biting yet said in such a hushed tone that instead of sounding angry as he insults the superstar for the fifty-third time in an episode he just says a few words that are enough. If a few words and a hushed tone is all it takes to sell that the wrestler in the ring is a heel and deserves to be booed, why go over the top?
Matt Striker, to me, is a commentator who makes excellent calls of what is going on in the ring, I know because I have learned more from Striker over the years than most other commentators calling a move. He also is the best at transitioning between heel and face and advertisement. Striker will talk about the match then announce the next PPV in the same breath and no one really notices that he’s stopped talking about the match.
Of course saving the best for last is Scott Stanford. While Scott Stanford has proven he can talk to the audience about anyone and they pay attention, here he has his time to really shine. His goofy comments about a face will fit in perfectly and it would make him the loudest man at the commentary table, and he does it without screaming.
The Raw show needs three commentators who will make the wrestlers look better because despite being their main show and the one people watch it has the poorest structure for matches. If a superstar has three minutes to put on a match they deserve to have someone who will call this match like it should be called and give the superstars the attention they deserve.
@MarkBilly:
My dream commentary team would be:
Matt Striker – I don’t care what people think of him, I think he’s ace. He actually talks about the match, puts over the wrestlers and doesn’t take himself too seriously.
CM Punk – Who can say they didn’t enjoy his commentary stint at the start of the year? It was absolutely hilarious!
As for the third, it’s a bit harder…
I enjoyed JBL on commentary, he just heeled on the wrestlers he didn’t like in real life and bigged up the ones he did. Mick Foley was good on commentary even if he didn’t particularly enjoy it. Wade Barrett is amazing on the mic and great in commentary on the odd occasion he joins the table, he also commentated for FCW when injured and I thought he was amazing. Kelly Kelly because I’m a male. No need for a microphone, she can just sit there.
(I also put into debate Scott Stanford) I’m not entirely sure what it is about Scott Stanford that makes me like him so much but he just has this kind of way of doing things, he always brings a smile to your face, whether it’s his jokes or his one-liners. He also actually commentates on the match and it’s always interesting listening to him. The ‘I was talking to X earlier’ stuff is always a joy to hear because it shows he actually cares and has thought about it enough to make up the fact that he was talking to X earlier! Although the things he says X said are often what they probably would say!
However I think I’ll plump for William Regal is also amazing on commentary, unbelievably hilarious and very relevant.
Between Striker, Punk and Regal you’ve got 3 guys who have been there and done it at various levels and various degrees of notoriety. Striker’s career essentially went nowhere, even though I thought he was a solid wrestler and played his heel gimmick well. Regal has to be near the top, or top, of anyone’s list of greatest wrestlers never to be World Champ. I’d put Perfect, Owen Hart and Ultimo Dragon up there with him (off the top of my head). CM Punk’s career has been a mixture of the previous two and then super-stardom.
Also you’ve got 3 guys who are funny, keep it relevant and don’t pretend they weren’t one of the dirtiest heels in the business (I like King, but he was 100x better as a heel IMO).
As for which show I’d put them on, I’m not sure. In fact, I’m not sure I’d even care all that much because they’d make whatever show they were on better IMO… So I’ll go for the BBC News!
@TheSupremeForce
There are only four commentators in the WWE I believe even try to actually put over talent these days. If someone is unwilling or unable to promote the actual talent in a positive way, I don’t want that person doing commentary. Therefore, the four people under any sort of consideration are William Regal, Matt Striker, Booker T, and Scott Stanford. I listed Scott last in order to build tension. Technically, there would be five, but I’m going to exclude JR who may or may not return to doing commentary at some point. Either way, I have a lot of respect for JR, but I don’t want to see him on Raw every week, so there’s no way he’s making my Dream Commentary Team.
I don’t have a strong opinion about which show the DCT should handle, but for the sake of argument, I’ll say Raw. I tend to prefer Smackdown, but Raw is the “flagship” show. In a world where I get to decide on who does commentary, I am confident that I could fix the other issues I have with Raw. If we’re going with a two man team, give me Stanford and Regal. Stanford’s one of two commentators the WWE has who manages to sound consistently excited about what his happening. Having someone who will be consistently upbeat makes everything more watchable. Besides, Stanford is better spoken and has a better voice than pretty much every other option here. His partner would be William Regal. This is a no brainer, since Regal is brilliant in every way. The only thing that could make me consider going with my next choice (Matt Striker) would be the possibility of giving Regal one last push as an actual in ring competitor. A Stanford/Striker team would be quite glorious in its own right, but I have to give the edge to Regal.
I’d be tempted to toss Booker T into the group as the third man, just for the hilarious Booker-isms that he pulls out so often. He’s also the other guy who is always excited, which is a plus. If I needed a three man team, I couldn’t go wrong with Stanford/Regal/Booker or Stanford/Striker/Booker. Stanford/Regal/Striker might work, but I have the feeling that someone would get lost in the shuffle.
@yawsrko:
Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon. On any show. Of course, that’s impossible. But that’s my perfect commentary. And since perfection can’t be achieved, I’ll simply deal with what they give us, although I’d love to put a dry cleaning bag over Jerry Lawler’s head with the instructions to “inhale deeply”, because his commentary makes me homicidal. While I like Booker as a performer and can respect him in-ring, I have commented on Twitter, jokingly, but offline, cringe when I turn closed captioning on. (I’m not deaf, lol. I sometimes use it so I don’t turn the TV up too loud so my son can sleep). Some of what Booker says does not translate kindly to CCTV, which makes me wonder exactly wtf the deaf viewers think. Example: Why would an Irishman have a “Bro Kick”? It’s brogue. I know a lot of fault will lie with those transcribing, but sometimes it is difficult to understand his commentary (beyond the quacking and things that just don’t..seem to fit into broadcasting schematics. But maybe it’s me. Again, idk.) I don’t hate Cole as much as I “should”, although I hate that they’ve put him in the ring. With as much talent as the rosters hold, you really don’t need him, nor JR, mixing it up in the ring. So..yeah. Gorilla and The Brain for me. Oh, let me just add one thing on Scott Stanford. Until he’s incorporated into a show and used *properly* on a routine basis, I think that WWE does a disservice to themselves. You’re paying a guy who’s won Emmys. Who the tri-state area knows from NBC. To quote the Y U NO guy:
WWE! Y U NO USE STANFORD RIGHT?
Posted in November 2011
1 Comment
Tags: Booker, Cole, Commentating Dream Team/Y U NO USE STANFORD RIGHT, Jerry, Lawler, matt, Michael, Scott, solace, Stanford, Striker, T, winter, WWE