Randy Orton vs Antonio Cesaro
This was a great Main Event match, that put over the new Miz/Cesaro issue. I have grown to like Miz since he has started in the commentary booth, he really adds a lot to the show. Cesaro uses a move or two from Miz to drive home the point that he is studying Miz. Cesaro went airborne, getting great height, on a double axhandle. Most of the match revolves around Orion's injured shoulder, all for nought though as The Shield make a run in. After Orton and Miz are left lying around Cesaro neutralizes Miz.
Prime Time Players vs The Usos
Beef Wellington comes down for commentary and it rules, I have become a big Brad Maddox fan. The match was secondary to Maddox being unbelievably awesome here. He steal JR's lines, makes fake promotional sponsors, creates tweets on air, does the lead in to a break that isn't happening. I really didn't pay attention to the match, Maddox was that entertaining. I doubt Cole and Maddox even called one move the entire match. The Vesselmania 13 promo had Cole trying not to lose it on camera. Usos win but I don't care, WWE needs to let the Beef loose!
Thoughts: Great main event and an entertaining tag match make this worth your while to find on YouTube. Very enjoyable show!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
WWE: RAW 01/14/13 - 20th Anniversary Show
We start with Vince McMahon in the ring hyping the big 20th Anniversary show. We will get a Cena/Ziggler cage match. The Big Show interrupts and is upset over the circumstances surrounding his title loss. Show had me cracking up when he mentions that he has an ironclad contract which makes him better than everyone in the world. He must have one good agent. Alberto Del Rio comes out and is awesome. First off Ricardo is the most likable man in wrestling. His announcements of ADR have become "sing along with Ricardo" moments. ADR wanted to defend the title tonight but Show wanted to be prepared so it is made for the Royal Rumble. The crowd reacting to ADR is awesome. They start chanting "Si" when they approve of his suggestions. It is a fun environment in Houston. Ricardo throws confetti on Show and Del Rio deposits Show out of the ring. There was a lot going on in this segment and it was fun. Alberto Del Rio looks refreshed and having a lot of fun as a face. I think his problem was that he had gotten stale doing the same shtick since his debut.
Wade Barrett© vs Randy Orton - Intercontinental Championship
Could not believe Barrett was put over that strong over Orton. A true landmark win for Barrett and should mean his career is still heading upwards, or possibly Orton falling out with management. Match was okay with nothing really special or worth remembering happening. The ending Bull Hammer elbow was awesome. Great to see Barrett with the clean win.
Book lays down a stip for the Divas championship match tonight. If Eve gets DQ'ed or counted out she looses the title. Eve laid an awesome slap on Teddy Long.
Team Hell No is sent back to the doctor for a follow-up where they plan to lie and tell him what he wants to hear to get out. Dr Shelby brings in Rhodes Scholars to try a new treatment, however they criticize the doctor and he lets Hell No chase them away. These segments are always funny and this was no different. Amazing how much chemistry Kane and Bryan have.
Kane vs Damien Sandow
Most matches featured on RAW aren't much and this certainly was more of the same. Kane wins this extended squash with a
Mick Foley is announced as going into the Hall of Fame. The Shield attempts to make a name for themselves at his expense but Ryback, Orton and Shaemus come in for the save and a decent brawl. Ryback says he is determined to destroy the Shield. He isn't a bad interview in a caveman sort of way.
Skipped the DIVAS match because I frankly do not care. Katelyn is your new champ, as Eve is leaving to get married.
Brodus Clay has foul words for Punk. Looks like we might have a match.
Brodus Clay vs CM Punk
Fun little squash by Punk. The ending was cool as Punk transitioned the Macho elbow into the Anaconda Vice. Being a special show, RAW hasn't provided anything great in matches.
Mick Foley is in the back and is found by The Rock. Vickie interrupts, and actually shuts them up. Rock doesn't respond, as he will choose to respond during his concert.
Shaemus vs 3MB - Over the Top Rope Challange
I like the booking of a fluke win for 3MB. Shaemus is clearly better than all three combined but a missed Brogue Kick puts him on the Apron where the two eliminated members pull Shaemus off the ring. Shaemus tears them a new one afterwards.
Cena claims RAW is his house and he is going to destroy Ziggler. He also mentions taking a dump the size of Papa Shango.
MIZ tv with Ric Flair
A complete nostalgia segment with Antonio Cesaro playing the heel the faces trash. Amazing how a special show can be so crappy, and I enjoy the WWE midcard more than most.
Ziggler lays down a passionate promo promising the greatest performance in the history of RAW.
Dolph Ziggler vs John Cena - Steel Cage Match
Jim Ross has joined the commentary team for this match. I was not happy about the Cena win here. He wrestles the Hogan formula but his comeback is instantaneous instead of having to chain together moves like Hogan did. I like Ziggler a lot and keep hoping he can keep his momentum after the big PPV win. I will say Big E Langston was boss taking that briefcase to the head, it was one of the harder shots to the head in recent memory. This match is good and the fans were very much into it. This would be worth inclusion on a 2013 comp.
The Rock ends the show with a hilarious concert about Vickie Guererro and a brawl with CM Punk. They were running so late that the brawl was the shortest part of this segment. Rocky is a great entertainer.
Overall Thoughts: I was hoping for a blow away show and we just didn't get it. It was one of those RAW's that seemed to drag on forever and by the end you are so tired you just want it to be over. Hope they find a way to add some life to the marathon show.
Wade Barrett© vs Randy Orton - Intercontinental Championship
Could not believe Barrett was put over that strong over Orton. A true landmark win for Barrett and should mean his career is still heading upwards, or possibly Orton falling out with management. Match was okay with nothing really special or worth remembering happening. The ending Bull Hammer elbow was awesome. Great to see Barrett with the clean win.
Book lays down a stip for the Divas championship match tonight. If Eve gets DQ'ed or counted out she looses the title. Eve laid an awesome slap on Teddy Long.
Team Hell No is sent back to the doctor for a follow-up where they plan to lie and tell him what he wants to hear to get out. Dr Shelby brings in Rhodes Scholars to try a new treatment, however they criticize the doctor and he lets Hell No chase them away. These segments are always funny and this was no different. Amazing how much chemistry Kane and Bryan have.
Kane vs Damien Sandow
Most matches featured on RAW aren't much and this certainly was more of the same. Kane wins this extended squash with a
Mick Foley is announced as going into the Hall of Fame. The Shield attempts to make a name for themselves at his expense but Ryback, Orton and Shaemus come in for the save and a decent brawl. Ryback says he is determined to destroy the Shield. He isn't a bad interview in a caveman sort of way.
Skipped the DIVAS match because I frankly do not care. Katelyn is your new champ, as Eve is leaving to get married.
Brodus Clay has foul words for Punk. Looks like we might have a match.
Brodus Clay vs CM Punk
Fun little squash by Punk. The ending was cool as Punk transitioned the Macho elbow into the Anaconda Vice. Being a special show, RAW hasn't provided anything great in matches.
Mick Foley is in the back and is found by The Rock. Vickie interrupts, and actually shuts them up. Rock doesn't respond, as he will choose to respond during his concert.
Shaemus vs 3MB - Over the Top Rope Challange
I like the booking of a fluke win for 3MB. Shaemus is clearly better than all three combined but a missed Brogue Kick puts him on the Apron where the two eliminated members pull Shaemus off the ring. Shaemus tears them a new one afterwards.
Cena claims RAW is his house and he is going to destroy Ziggler. He also mentions taking a dump the size of Papa Shango.
MIZ tv with Ric Flair
A complete nostalgia segment with Antonio Cesaro playing the heel the faces trash. Amazing how a special show can be so crappy, and I enjoy the WWE midcard more than most.
Ziggler lays down a passionate promo promising the greatest performance in the history of RAW.
Dolph Ziggler vs John Cena - Steel Cage Match
Jim Ross has joined the commentary team for this match. I was not happy about the Cena win here. He wrestles the Hogan formula but his comeback is instantaneous instead of having to chain together moves like Hogan did. I like Ziggler a lot and keep hoping he can keep his momentum after the big PPV win. I will say Big E Langston was boss taking that briefcase to the head, it was one of the harder shots to the head in recent memory. This match is good and the fans were very much into it. This would be worth inclusion on a 2013 comp.
The Rock ends the show with a hilarious concert about Vickie Guererro and a brawl with CM Punk. They were running so late that the brawl was the shortest part of this segment. Rocky is a great entertainer.
Overall Thoughts: I was hoping for a blow away show and we just didn't get it. It was one of those RAW's that seemed to drag on forever and by the end you are so tired you just want it to be over. Hope they find a way to add some life to the marathon show.
Monday, January 14, 2013
WWE Smackdown 01/11/13
First let me say that I am seemingly always behind watching wrestling but that is the great thing about a DVR. Second I did check out the big spoiler for this show, since I do all of my reviews live that knowledge will be factored to the review too.
Booker comes out and makes US and World Title matches. Big Show is understandably upset and runs down the Latinos in Miami effectively getting a good face reaction for Del Rio. ADR comes down and knocks Show out of the ring.
Antonio Cesaro© vs Randy Orton - United States Championship
Not much was shown but I though what was was okay, this was mostly here for The Shield to further their issue with Orton. I think a clean win for Cesaro would get him where they are taking him a lot faster.
3MB is interviewed and says they are ready for the Royal Rumble but first they are going to et even with Shaemus. At this point I must mention the awesomeness of JBL on commentary. He has been great all night really putting over the fighting show Smackdown is. Matthews asks JBL is there is a chance 3MB can win the Rumble, to which he simply replies "No!" It was so short and direct that it made me laugh and laugh hard.
CM Punk sends a tape of an awesome promo he cut in Miami telling the Rock he can come back to Miami but never come back home. It is hard to describe these promos because Punk is on such a high level right now that you have to see them to take in everything he is trying to say.he is that good.
Dolph Ziggler & AJ vs The Great Khali & Natalya
What was this?? Horrible match that showed how slow Khali has become, I must have bought into the WWE hype machine the last few weeks because this was a different Khali tonight. AJ skips around the ring bites Natty and a Sliced Bread #2 for the win. Waste...of....time.
Another great promo by CM Punk, amazingly I am starting to think that CM Punk could win this match. He is talented.
The Rock comes out and is The Rock of 2000. Rhodes Scholars interrupts and awesomeness follows. Lots of fun from The Rock. The Craigslist and Caterpillar lines were the best of the night.
Team Hell No vs Prime Time Players
Daniel Bryan's knee is still messed up from RAW. He sells better than 99% of wrestlers in the world. This is essentially a squash with THN winning with a Kane chokeslam. Amazing how fast the PTP's have fallen. They should be in the title picture.
The Big Show© vs Alberto Del Rio - Last Man Standing - World Heavyweight Title
Get this match, if you can find it!! it is such a great moment booked very very well. ADR needs to drop the large champ so he hits him repeatedly with the steps until he drops, then turns the announce table on too of Show. I don't think the fans were convinced ADR was going to win until the ref hit 9. Amazing moment for a wrestler that has had some false starts. Before this win, ADR was good not great and could have been released in a year or two. Hopefully this will become the memorable reign he needs to become a mainstay in WWE.
Booker comes out and makes US and World Title matches. Big Show is understandably upset and runs down the Latinos in Miami effectively getting a good face reaction for Del Rio. ADR comes down and knocks Show out of the ring.
Antonio Cesaro© vs Randy Orton - United States Championship
Not much was shown but I though what was was okay, this was mostly here for The Shield to further their issue with Orton. I think a clean win for Cesaro would get him where they are taking him a lot faster.
3MB is interviewed and says they are ready for the Royal Rumble but first they are going to et even with Shaemus. At this point I must mention the awesomeness of JBL on commentary. He has been great all night really putting over the fighting show Smackdown is. Matthews asks JBL is there is a chance 3MB can win the Rumble, to which he simply replies "No!" It was so short and direct that it made me laugh and laugh hard.
CM Punk sends a tape of an awesome promo he cut in Miami telling the Rock he can come back to Miami but never come back home. It is hard to describe these promos because Punk is on such a high level right now that you have to see them to take in everything he is trying to say.he is that good.
Dolph Ziggler & AJ vs The Great Khali & Natalya
What was this?? Horrible match that showed how slow Khali has become, I must have bought into the WWE hype machine the last few weeks because this was a different Khali tonight. AJ skips around the ring bites Natty and a Sliced Bread #2 for the win. Waste...of....time.
Another great promo by CM Punk, amazingly I am starting to think that CM Punk could win this match. He is talented.
The Rock comes out and is The Rock of 2000. Rhodes Scholars interrupts and awesomeness follows. Lots of fun from The Rock. The Craigslist and Caterpillar lines were the best of the night.
Team Hell No vs Prime Time Players
Daniel Bryan's knee is still messed up from RAW. He sells better than 99% of wrestlers in the world. This is essentially a squash with THN winning with a Kane chokeslam. Amazing how fast the PTP's have fallen. They should be in the title picture.
The Big Show© vs Alberto Del Rio - Last Man Standing - World Heavyweight Title
Get this match, if you can find it!! it is such a great moment booked very very well. ADR needs to drop the large champ so he hits him repeatedly with the steps until he drops, then turns the announce table on too of Show. I don't think the fans were convinced ADR was going to win until the ref hit 9. Amazing moment for a wrestler that has had some false starts. Before this win, ADR was good not great and could have been released in a year or two. Hopefully this will become the memorable reign he needs to become a mainstay in WWE.
Zero1: Happy New Year 01/01/13
Hayato Mashita vs Yoshikazu Yokoyama [*]
This was a super fast sprint that was clipped. We have two young boys with a combined 7 years wrestling experience. There were slaps galore and a cool spear to the back. The younger Yokoyama prevails with a camel clutch.
Meiko Satomura vs Yuhi [**]
The first JOSHI match of the year and it was pretty good, though I might be too accustomed to women's wrestling in America. This felt little more than an exhibition with the only story being who could hit one of their many kicks to win. One of the big faults in the match is that the kicks do not come into play in the finale. After a backdrop suplex Satomura puts Yuhi in a sleeper and its lights out. For a 17 year old in her rookie year (she started April '12), Yuhi impressed me. She is high energy and uses her kickboxing background extensively. Yuhi sold the sleeper very well by flopping around like a fish out of water until she was wrapped up by Satomura.
Bikuma, Craig Classic & Menso-re Oyaji vs Mineo Fujita, Travis Banks & Yuki Sato [1/2*]
This was both JIP and hacked to pieces. We mostly see Menso-re Oyaji and Fujita. Fujita gets the win with a beautiful swanton.
KAMIKAZE, Kohei Sato, Onryo & Ryouji Sai vs Jesse Williams, Shito Ueda, Will Gibson & Yusaku Obata [1/4*]
There is no two ways about it, this match was not good. You have eight men in a match that can turn into a Dragon Gate sprint or an awesome suplexfest or something you know interesting. I zoned out twice through the match looking at other posts on DVDVR or something on CAGEMATCH. Onryo's vampire dust (or whatever the stuff is called) was the most engrossing thing in the match. Onryo gets the pin on Will Gibson after sitting down to escape a full nelson and rolling him up, think last half of a victory roll.
Akebono vs Jason New & Jo Kyung-ho - Handicap Match [*3/4]
I maybe overrating this but I really enjoyed Akebono destroying these two young boys. New and Kyung-ho must be the youngest of the young boys as neither has a page on CAGEMATCH (cagematch.net). These two actually get a good amount of offense in but that allows Akebono ample opportunity to look boss no selling it. One of Akebono's opponents attempts a swanton bomb from 3/4ths of the way across the ring and comes dangerously close to landing on the top of his head. I actually cringed when I first saw it. If Akebono was any smaller that guy could have broken his neck. Akebono wins with a big splash on both New and Kyung-ho. After the match there is a big angle but I don't speak Japanese.
Takuya Sugawara© vs Ikuto Hidaka - ZERO1 International Jr Heavyweight Title/NWA World Jr Heavyweight Title [**1/4]
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. The first half is filled with good leg work that is forgotten in the latter half of the match. The latter half of the match is fast paced but it is just move move move without a definitive story being told. If the leg work would have been carried past the midpoint in the match this could have been very good. Sugawara retains the titles after an impressive head dropping move that I think is the Shiisanpuuta or the T.C.O. Cannot find a YouTube clip to confirm this.
Daisuke Sekimoto & James Raideen vs Emblem (Masato Tanaka & Shinjiro Otani) [**3/4]
Raideen is the NWA UN Heavyweight Champion and he along with his partner Sekimoto come out to Sting's old NWA music which scores major points with me. The tag team action is good but yet again we get another match lacking something to bind the match together. Make no mistake this is a power match that features plenty of suplexes, shoulderblocks and clotheslines, but the mat wrestling never goes anywhere Sekimoto breaks out a Chaos Theory which I had never seen him do. Otani gets the pin on Raideen after a head and arm suplex and of course Raideen kicks out at three. In a complete Botchamania moment Otani slips on the second rope celebrating and drops to the canvas laying there with his foot trapped between the ropes for a couple of minutes. I enjoyed this match but it is nothing special nor is it worth going out of your way for.
Overall Thoughts: Happy New Year is mediocre at best. This is probably for the hardcore Puro fans and not for everyone. Most of the matches give you something to enjoy, and though the rating doesn't reflect it the handicap match would be the only match I would recommend to see because it is harmless fun.
This was a super fast sprint that was clipped. We have two young boys with a combined 7 years wrestling experience. There were slaps galore and a cool spear to the back. The younger Yokoyama prevails with a camel clutch.
Meiko Satomura vs Yuhi [**]
The first JOSHI match of the year and it was pretty good, though I might be too accustomed to women's wrestling in America. This felt little more than an exhibition with the only story being who could hit one of their many kicks to win. One of the big faults in the match is that the kicks do not come into play in the finale. After a backdrop suplex Satomura puts Yuhi in a sleeper and its lights out. For a 17 year old in her rookie year (she started April '12), Yuhi impressed me. She is high energy and uses her kickboxing background extensively. Yuhi sold the sleeper very well by flopping around like a fish out of water until she was wrapped up by Satomura.
Bikuma, Craig Classic & Menso-re Oyaji vs Mineo Fujita, Travis Banks & Yuki Sato [1/2*]
This was both JIP and hacked to pieces. We mostly see Menso-re Oyaji and Fujita. Fujita gets the win with a beautiful swanton.
KAMIKAZE, Kohei Sato, Onryo & Ryouji Sai vs Jesse Williams, Shito Ueda, Will Gibson & Yusaku Obata [1/4*]
There is no two ways about it, this match was not good. You have eight men in a match that can turn into a Dragon Gate sprint or an awesome suplexfest or something you know interesting. I zoned out twice through the match looking at other posts on DVDVR or something on CAGEMATCH. Onryo's vampire dust (or whatever the stuff is called) was the most engrossing thing in the match. Onryo gets the pin on Will Gibson after sitting down to escape a full nelson and rolling him up, think last half of a victory roll.
Akebono vs Jason New & Jo Kyung-ho - Handicap Match [*3/4]
I maybe overrating this but I really enjoyed Akebono destroying these two young boys. New and Kyung-ho must be the youngest of the young boys as neither has a page on CAGEMATCH (cagematch.net). These two actually get a good amount of offense in but that allows Akebono ample opportunity to look boss no selling it. One of Akebono's opponents attempts a swanton bomb from 3/4ths of the way across the ring and comes dangerously close to landing on the top of his head. I actually cringed when I first saw it. If Akebono was any smaller that guy could have broken his neck. Akebono wins with a big splash on both New and Kyung-ho. After the match there is a big angle but I don't speak Japanese.
Takuya Sugawara© vs Ikuto Hidaka - ZERO1 International Jr Heavyweight Title/NWA World Jr Heavyweight Title [**1/4]
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. The first half is filled with good leg work that is forgotten in the latter half of the match. The latter half of the match is fast paced but it is just move move move without a definitive story being told. If the leg work would have been carried past the midpoint in the match this could have been very good. Sugawara retains the titles after an impressive head dropping move that I think is the Shiisanpuuta or the T.C.O. Cannot find a YouTube clip to confirm this.
Daisuke Sekimoto & James Raideen vs Emblem (Masato Tanaka & Shinjiro Otani) [**3/4]
Raideen is the NWA UN Heavyweight Champion and he along with his partner Sekimoto come out to Sting's old NWA music which scores major points with me. The tag team action is good but yet again we get another match lacking something to bind the match together. Make no mistake this is a power match that features plenty of suplexes, shoulderblocks and clotheslines, but the mat wrestling never goes anywhere Sekimoto breaks out a Chaos Theory which I had never seen him do. Otani gets the pin on Raideen after a head and arm suplex and of course Raideen kicks out at three. In a complete Botchamania moment Otani slips on the second rope celebrating and drops to the canvas laying there with his foot trapped between the ropes for a couple of minutes. I enjoyed this match but it is nothing special nor is it worth going out of your way for.
Overall Thoughts: Happy New Year is mediocre at best. This is probably for the hardcore Puro fans and not for everyone. Most of the matches give you something to enjoy, and though the rating doesn't reflect it the handicap match would be the only match I would recommend to see because it is harmless fun.
BJW 01/02/13
Amigo Suzuki & Atsushi Ohashi vs Hideyoshi Kamitani & Kazuki [*1/4]
They packed a lot in here but it still kept a nice flow without feeling overwhelming. This match contains the most violent backslide I have ever seen. It is a arm ringer into the backslide, cool spot. The Big Japan young boys win this short opener.
Bad Bones, Shinobu & Shinya Ishikawa vs Strong BJ (Diasuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi) & DJ Hyde [3/4*]
Strong BJ and Shinobu are the only guys to like here. DJ Hyde moved slower than a school bus driven by a 90 year old woman. The match put over Shinobu as one tough man by taking several lariats that folded him in half yet he still kicked out. Okabayashi finally put Shinobu down after a big splash from the top rope.
Danny Havoc, Drake Younger & Jaki Numazawa vs Jun Kasai, MASADA & Masashi Takeda - World War 2013 Death Match [**]
My experience with BJW is very limited and I have no history with watching CZW. I am a big MASADA fan since I was in the crowd to see him, apart of Texas Death Club (with Todd Sexton), win the NWA-Wildside tag team titles. I was impressed with his size and MASADA just looks cool. Drake Younger left an impression as he took his beating like a boss. Drama is an element I love in deathmatches and there is none here. It feels like all six got together and decided to have a deathmatch instead of hating and wanting to destroy one another. The ending gains points in my eyes for Danny Havoc being smart. I do not like "Hey buddy, hold this item while I kick it into your head" spots. Danny holds the light tubes until he reverses Kasai's move into a death valley driver through light tubes for the pin.
Yoshihito Sasaki© vs Manabu Soya - BJW Strong World Heavyweight Title [*3/4]
Nice to see Soya, a member of Get Wild in AJPW, win a singles title here. The match was slow until the end and was two bulls going at it. I may overuse that line but it is very true in its description of the match. They challenged each other in anything they could, who was stronger, who had the better shoulderblock, who had the hardest chop, etc. They pick up the pace towards the end and Soya takes the title with a lariat.
Isami Kodaka & Yuko Miyamoto© vs Sumerian Death Squad (Michael Dante & Tommy End) - BJW World Tag Team Titles [*1/2]
The crowd was dead for this match and so was I. While there were some nice moves there was not much of a context to put them in. In the end the champs isolate Michael Dante and put him away with a quick flury of offense. Dante screws up the ending by kicking out at three. Take a pass here.
Abdullah Kobayashi© vs Shuji Ishikawa - Glass Board and New Years Death Match - BJW Deathmatch Heaveyweight Title [***1/4]
Abdullah is my favorite deathmatch wrestler and his title reign goes out with a bang here. I think Abby outdid Ishikawa, though Ishikawa did take the bump through the pane of glass. We got a ton of violence with thumbtacks, nails, chairs, light tubes, a staple gun and a plant potted in a glass pot. My favorite spot of the match was the little arms behind their backs headbutt contest. They hold nothing back and it is as brutal as it sounds. Great match and worth a look.
They packed a lot in here but it still kept a nice flow without feeling overwhelming. This match contains the most violent backslide I have ever seen. It is a arm ringer into the backslide, cool spot. The Big Japan young boys win this short opener.
Bad Bones, Shinobu & Shinya Ishikawa vs Strong BJ (Diasuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi) & DJ Hyde [3/4*]
Strong BJ and Shinobu are the only guys to like here. DJ Hyde moved slower than a school bus driven by a 90 year old woman. The match put over Shinobu as one tough man by taking several lariats that folded him in half yet he still kicked out. Okabayashi finally put Shinobu down after a big splash from the top rope.
Danny Havoc, Drake Younger & Jaki Numazawa vs Jun Kasai, MASADA & Masashi Takeda - World War 2013 Death Match [**]
My experience with BJW is very limited and I have no history with watching CZW. I am a big MASADA fan since I was in the crowd to see him, apart of Texas Death Club (with Todd Sexton), win the NWA-Wildside tag team titles. I was impressed with his size and MASADA just looks cool. Drake Younger left an impression as he took his beating like a boss. Drama is an element I love in deathmatches and there is none here. It feels like all six got together and decided to have a deathmatch instead of hating and wanting to destroy one another. The ending gains points in my eyes for Danny Havoc being smart. I do not like "Hey buddy, hold this item while I kick it into your head" spots. Danny holds the light tubes until he reverses Kasai's move into a death valley driver through light tubes for the pin.
Yoshihito Sasaki© vs Manabu Soya - BJW Strong World Heavyweight Title [*3/4]
Nice to see Soya, a member of Get Wild in AJPW, win a singles title here. The match was slow until the end and was two bulls going at it. I may overuse that line but it is very true in its description of the match. They challenged each other in anything they could, who was stronger, who had the better shoulderblock, who had the hardest chop, etc. They pick up the pace towards the end and Soya takes the title with a lariat.
Isami Kodaka & Yuko Miyamoto© vs Sumerian Death Squad (Michael Dante & Tommy End) - BJW World Tag Team Titles [*1/2]
The crowd was dead for this match and so was I. While there were some nice moves there was not much of a context to put them in. In the end the champs isolate Michael Dante and put him away with a quick flury of offense. Dante screws up the ending by kicking out at three. Take a pass here.
Abdullah Kobayashi© vs Shuji Ishikawa - Glass Board and New Years Death Match - BJW Deathmatch Heaveyweight Title [***1/4]
Abdullah is my favorite deathmatch wrestler and his title reign goes out with a bang here. I think Abby outdid Ishikawa, though Ishikawa did take the bump through the pane of glass. We got a ton of violence with thumbtacks, nails, chairs, light tubes, a staple gun and a plant potted in a glass pot. My favorite spot of the match was the little arms behind their backs headbutt contest. They hold nothing back and it is as brutal as it sounds. Great match and worth a look.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
TNA Impact 01/10/13
Opening segment seeing Sting, Angle and Joe come out and establish that they still do not like Aces and 8's (A&8's). The real issue with with Mr. Anderson's non involvement in the cage match last week. I do not like Mr Anderson so maybe it is good he is a heel. There were odd silent moments from the crowd during this, something not heard in the WWE. Angle used a form of the tired "You're either with us or against us" line. Angle and Anderson have a little exchange and Anderson bails. It may be that it has only been two weeks since I ended my Impact hiatus but I have no idea what A&8's objective is, other than giving midcard wrestlers something to do.
Brooke Hogan has been getting better but her fake answering of the phone looked just that fake. Her interview skills are better though she says nothing of note and nothing to do with pro wrestling.
Zema Ion vs Kenny King
Competitive match, but the result was never in doubt. Kenny King is going to win this little tournament and the title at Genesis. He is too good to not be pushed up the company. He won with his Royal Flush.
I take back what I said about Mr Anderson, I hate Robbie E much much worse. There is never a reason to say Bro....NEVER A REASON TO SAY BRO. Robbie must say it every other sentence. He asks one of the Knockouts to tag with him in his mixed tag. She says yes if she can tag with Robbie T (his bodyguard) instead of him. Not much of a segment, just hate seeing Robbie E on my TV.
I like all thing Joseph Park. He is ultra dedicated to this character and his facial expressions are second to none. It adds so much believability to everything he does. Tonight he is proud to not talk to Hogan as a lawyer but as a professional wrestler.
Jesse & Tara vs Robbie T & Miss Tessmacher
Not much here but is continuing the push for Robbie T. He is so big you wonder how he passed a drug test. Robbie T has a killer looking powerbomb that destroys Jesse and ends the match. And there was much dancing by all.
Brian Cage vs Jay Bradley - Gut Check
I forgot who the wrestlers were, which isn't a resounding vote of approval for these two. The most interesting move of the match was a superplex where the man delivering the move stood on the second rope and pulled his opponent up into the vertical suplex position. Cage won with his Boom Stick lariat and I predict he will win the contract next week.
Back at the biker shack A&8's talk about business and because Mike Knox lost his mask last week, he needs to earn his spot back into the business table or he will be out of the group.
I really like the Joseph Park character, and he gets any match he wants with A&8's. The segments turns into Brooke handling personal business with her father in public. Hulk says he will not reinstate Mark (Bully Ray's real name). Brooke has gotten better behind the mic......please TNA don't let her act!
Another thing I love is this new pairing of Aries and Roode. The are TNA's Team Hell No as they fight over everything and it is fun to watch. This week they fight over what they are wearing.
Austin Aries & Bobby Roode vs Jeff Hardy & James Storm
Aries and Roode are the best thing going in TNA. Their one upsmanship is the story of the match and it is so entertaining to watch. It is amazing to me that we complained about feuding tag team partners 10 years ago and now they are the "in" thing. I guess the better handling of these situations along with the better talent involved has helped matters. This match fell into 2000- era booking with the match going along fine until Kaz and Daniels make a run in and through all the craziness Aries hits Hardy with the belt causing the DQ. Good TV match brought a little higher with the Roode and Aries stuff. We are left with Aries and Roode in a tug of war over the belt.
Brooke Hogan calls Bully for a ride home....really.
Joey Ryan continues to be awesome, and I quote "Morgan and the organ, we will continue to show that size matters" the tag champs sneak attack them then after a brief scuffle run off.
Mr Anderson vs Kurt Angle
We get a no contest due to Mike Knox with the hammer in the ring on the neck of Angle. Angle gets stretchered out. I guess he gets back to the table of A&8's.
Sting vs Mike Knox
Sting comes out and calls out Knox. This was a complete squash. Sting dismantled Knox and after the match nailed Knox with the hammer.
After the match A&8's show they hold Brooke Hogan and Bully makes the save. Hulk still doesn't trust Bully, B Ray cuts a good promo and has the crowd on his side. It is by far the best promo of the show, though once he proposes the promo jumps the shark for me. We go from dating marriage in two weeks. This is WAY to fast to progress an angle. It takes wrestling and puts in giant flashing neon letters "WE ARE FAKE!!!"
Overall Thoughts: I was not a fan of the ending but the show wasn't bad. I liked most of the show, and the Aries/Roode stuff takes the cake for me.
Brooke Hogan has been getting better but her fake answering of the phone looked just that fake. Her interview skills are better though she says nothing of note and nothing to do with pro wrestling.
Zema Ion vs Kenny King
Competitive match, but the result was never in doubt. Kenny King is going to win this little tournament and the title at Genesis. He is too good to not be pushed up the company. He won with his Royal Flush.
I take back what I said about Mr Anderson, I hate Robbie E much much worse. There is never a reason to say Bro....NEVER A REASON TO SAY BRO. Robbie must say it every other sentence. He asks one of the Knockouts to tag with him in his mixed tag. She says yes if she can tag with Robbie T (his bodyguard) instead of him. Not much of a segment, just hate seeing Robbie E on my TV.
I like all thing Joseph Park. He is ultra dedicated to this character and his facial expressions are second to none. It adds so much believability to everything he does. Tonight he is proud to not talk to Hogan as a lawyer but as a professional wrestler.
Jesse & Tara vs Robbie T & Miss Tessmacher
Not much here but is continuing the push for Robbie T. He is so big you wonder how he passed a drug test. Robbie T has a killer looking powerbomb that destroys Jesse and ends the match. And there was much dancing by all.
Brian Cage vs Jay Bradley - Gut Check
I forgot who the wrestlers were, which isn't a resounding vote of approval for these two. The most interesting move of the match was a superplex where the man delivering the move stood on the second rope and pulled his opponent up into the vertical suplex position. Cage won with his Boom Stick lariat and I predict he will win the contract next week.
Back at the biker shack A&8's talk about business and because Mike Knox lost his mask last week, he needs to earn his spot back into the business table or he will be out of the group.
I really like the Joseph Park character, and he gets any match he wants with A&8's. The segments turns into Brooke handling personal business with her father in public. Hulk says he will not reinstate Mark (Bully Ray's real name). Brooke has gotten better behind the mic......please TNA don't let her act!
Another thing I love is this new pairing of Aries and Roode. The are TNA's Team Hell No as they fight over everything and it is fun to watch. This week they fight over what they are wearing.
Austin Aries & Bobby Roode vs Jeff Hardy & James Storm
Aries and Roode are the best thing going in TNA. Their one upsmanship is the story of the match and it is so entertaining to watch. It is amazing to me that we complained about feuding tag team partners 10 years ago and now they are the "in" thing. I guess the better handling of these situations along with the better talent involved has helped matters. This match fell into 2000- era booking with the match going along fine until Kaz and Daniels make a run in and through all the craziness Aries hits Hardy with the belt causing the DQ. Good TV match brought a little higher with the Roode and Aries stuff. We are left with Aries and Roode in a tug of war over the belt.
Brooke Hogan calls Bully for a ride home....really.
Joey Ryan continues to be awesome, and I quote "Morgan and the organ, we will continue to show that size matters" the tag champs sneak attack them then after a brief scuffle run off.
Mr Anderson vs Kurt Angle
We get a no contest due to Mike Knox with the hammer in the ring on the neck of Angle. Angle gets stretchered out. I guess he gets back to the table of A&8's.
Sting vs Mike Knox
Sting comes out and calls out Knox. This was a complete squash. Sting dismantled Knox and after the match nailed Knox with the hammer.
After the match A&8's show they hold Brooke Hogan and Bully makes the save. Hulk still doesn't trust Bully, B Ray cuts a good promo and has the crowd on his side. It is by far the best promo of the show, though once he proposes the promo jumps the shark for me. We go from dating marriage in two weeks. This is WAY to fast to progress an angle. It takes wrestling and puts in giant flashing neon letters "WE ARE FAKE!!!"
Overall Thoughts: I was not a fan of the ending but the show wasn't bad. I liked most of the show, and the Aries/Roode stuff takes the cake for me.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
WWE Main Event 01/09/13
-Prematch interviews has Shaemus extremely confident and Dolph Ziggler's bodyguard chasing off a reporter asking tough questions.
Shaemus vs Dolph Ziggler
I really like Shaemus. I can get through the comedy stuff however the "I just want to fight" part of his character is awesome. He is a big man with offense that can believably end a match quickly. Shaemus has high quality matches with virtually everyone with alarming regularity. Shaemus had a lot to work with here and this was a slight step below a PPV match without a quality finish. I was actually okay with the finish since it continues to put over Shaemus's Brogue Kick as a killer match ending move, however Ziggler rolls to the outside and flees protecting him from being pinned by Shaemus. It is good protective booking for a free TV show.
Wade Barrett vs Zack Ryder
I do not understand how a group of adults running an entertainment business have no idea what to do with a wrestler. Ryder has passion to be a wrestler and doesn't just want a check but isn't given a chance to succeed. Last year he got over with the fans due to his own merit with his YouTube show. Ryder's career is to the point now where nobody in their right mind would pick him to be the Intercontinental Champion in a non-title match. Wade Barrett has been skyrocketing through the WWE since coming back from injury. He has found a gimmick that is true to himself and easy to play. This is something that bothers me about the WWE, in the late 90's wrestling boom they gave wrestlers characters that were extensions of themselves and saw their family run company explode into a gigantic corporation. CM Punk was right in his infamous 2011 Las Vegas promo, Vince McMahon should be a Billionaire not just a millionaire. The WWE wastes time on characters and wrestlers doomed to fail. To succeed in the WWE you really need to love, no just like wrestling. You need to be able to reinvent yourself and not rely on the same gimmick that will grow stale over time. WWE also seems timid to make star as they are afraid their newly made stars will leave for brighter lights and bigger checks. In this match Ryder gave it a try but the fans never buy into him as a threat in this match and Barrett mops him up with the Bull Hammer elbow. Not a bad extended squash, but several steps below the previous match.
The show continues to be good. Make no mistake about it this is a complete wrestling show, unlike other programs the WWE produces
Shaemus vs Dolph Ziggler
I really like Shaemus. I can get through the comedy stuff however the "I just want to fight" part of his character is awesome. He is a big man with offense that can believably end a match quickly. Shaemus has high quality matches with virtually everyone with alarming regularity. Shaemus had a lot to work with here and this was a slight step below a PPV match without a quality finish. I was actually okay with the finish since it continues to put over Shaemus's Brogue Kick as a killer match ending move, however Ziggler rolls to the outside and flees protecting him from being pinned by Shaemus. It is good protective booking for a free TV show.
Wade Barrett vs Zack Ryder
I do not understand how a group of adults running an entertainment business have no idea what to do with a wrestler. Ryder has passion to be a wrestler and doesn't just want a check but isn't given a chance to succeed. Last year he got over with the fans due to his own merit with his YouTube show. Ryder's career is to the point now where nobody in their right mind would pick him to be the Intercontinental Champion in a non-title match. Wade Barrett has been skyrocketing through the WWE since coming back from injury. He has found a gimmick that is true to himself and easy to play. This is something that bothers me about the WWE, in the late 90's wrestling boom they gave wrestlers characters that were extensions of themselves and saw their family run company explode into a gigantic corporation. CM Punk was right in his infamous 2011 Las Vegas promo, Vince McMahon should be a Billionaire not just a millionaire. The WWE wastes time on characters and wrestlers doomed to fail. To succeed in the WWE you really need to love, no just like wrestling. You need to be able to reinvent yourself and not rely on the same gimmick that will grow stale over time. WWE also seems timid to make star as they are afraid their newly made stars will leave for brighter lights and bigger checks. In this match Ryder gave it a try but the fans never buy into him as a threat in this match and Barrett mops him up with the Bull Hammer elbow. Not a bad extended squash, but several steps below the previous match.
The show continues to be good. Make no mistake about it this is a complete wrestling show, unlike other programs the WWE produces
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