SEScoops

Tag: Champions

  • WWE Extreme Rules 2014 Reaction

    WWE Extreme Rules 2014 took place in East Rutherford, New Jersey and had a pretty solid card for being one of WWE’s “B” PPVs. Daniel Bryan defended his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Kane in an Extreme Rules main event and The Shield and Evolution produced a masterful performance that we’ll be talking about for quite some time.

    There were a total of eight matches that took place at the IZOD Center. I have expressed my thoughts and given each bout a grade as well. Extreme Rules was an above average PPV that had two memorable matches and respectable action in every bout on the card.

    Please feel free to leave a comment letting me know your overall thoughts on the Extreme Rules PPV. I’ll be sure to respond to as mant comments as I can.

    El Torito vs. Hornswoggle (Kickoff WeeLC Match)

    Hornswoggle-Torito

    Match: El Torito flew around the ring and hit Hornswoggle with some athletic moves early on, but Hornswoggle showcased his power game and was a valiant foe from the opening bell.

    El Torito successfully hit a Huricanrana earlier in the match and attempted another one, but Hornswoggle reversed it by catching the bull and executing a massive Power Bomb. The biggest spot of match saw Jinder Mahal and Los Matadores crash through a contraption consisting of both ladders and tables.

    In the end, El Torito reigned victorious after hitting a Rey Mysterio-esque Springboard Seated Senton onto Hornswoggle through a table.

    Reaction: I knew from the start that El Torito vs. Hornswoggle was either going to be dreadful or entertaining as hell, and I’m happy to say that it was the latter. I have to admit, this match was both entertaining and hilarious. There was a midget ring announcer, referee, and three commentary announcers dressed and acting as Michael Cole (Micro Cole), Jerry Lawler (Jerry Smaller) and JBL (JBeLf).

    The crowd seemed to love the action that was going on inside the squared circle and there were some genuinely funny spots. Both 3MB and Los Matadores got involved, but that only enhanced the action as 3MB members crashed through tables and were hit by chairs as well. No joke, this was one of the most extreme matches I have witnessed in quite some time. Hell, the match even garnered a “this is awesome” chant.

    Grade: B-

    RVD vs. Jack Swagger vs. Cesaro (Elimination Match) 

    Match: The first five minutes of the match showcased each competitor’s strengths.  RVD hit a Sunset Flip to Cesaro from the ring apron to the outside of the ring, which looked pretty brutal. Cesaro was taken out of action for some time and Swagger and RVD fought it out in the ring with Swagger getting the upper hand.

    Once Cesaro recovered, he hit Swagger with an impressive Super Plex from the ring apron and as Cesaro was resting/catching a breath, RVD executed a Five Star Frog Splash and pinned Jack Swagger, which eliminated him from the match. It was now down to RVD and Cesaro.

    Cesaro hit three Gutwrench Suplexes, Eddie Guerrero Suplex style, and the crowd loved it. Van Dam went for a kick, but Cesaro reversed it into a German Suplex and got a near-fall. The match turned extreme after RVD brought a trash can into the mix.

    RVD used the trash can to his advantage as he kicked it into Cesaro’s face. RVD then laid the trash can on top of him. Van Dam attempted a Five Star Frog Splash, but Cesaro moved out of the way and RVD smashed his face against the edge of the trash can, which busted him open. Seconds later, Cesaro nailed Van Dam with the Neutralizer (on top of the trash can) and picked an impressive victory.

    Reaction: RVD and Cesaro worked very well with one another and they seemed to love the match they were having. RVD hit his signature stuff and got plenty of near-falls on Cesaro, but the Swiss Superman kicked out of everything Van Dam threw (and kicked) at him. Cesaro won the match cleanly, which was the right move.

    It’s nice to see that Cesaro is the type of wrestler who doesn’t need his manager’s help in order to win matches. Paul Heyman was at ringside motivating his client from start to finish, that’s it. Cesaro will move onto bigger and better things and I for one would pay good money to see a Cesaro vs. Bad News Barrett rivalry.

    Grade: B+

    Alexander Rusev vs. R-Truth & Xavier Woods (Handicap Match) 

    Match: Lana came out to introduce her client and she said that she is dedicating the match to the most powerful man in the world, Vladimir Putin. I mean wow, talk about controversial. I wonder if that was Vince’s idea. Had to be.

    Anyways, before the match even started, Rusev attacked both R-Truth and Xavier Woods. He pretty much destroyed Woods, rendering him unable to compete once the bell officially rung. Instead of a handicap match, it was just Truth vs. Rusev.

    Rusev dominated the entire match, but Truth hit some good offensive moves and even got the Bulgarian Brute down on the mat. Truth hit Rusev with a Scissor Kick, but the he kicked out just before three.

    In the end, Rusev applied the accolade on Truth and made him tap out. Before the submission hold, Rusev hit a running heel kick onto Truth, which was impressive as hell. You could tell that the fans were impressed as I could hear gasps coming from my TV screen.

    Reaction: This was Rusev’s most competitive match yet, but that’s not saying much. The Bulgarian who now resides in Russia, according to Lana, put forth his best performance and was undoubtedly impressive. There was never any question as to who would win this match, but Rusev beating down Woods proves that he and Lana are not only powerful, but smart, and that’s a dangerous combination. It was a little better than your average squash match.

    Grade: C

    Big E (c) vs. Wade Barrett (Intercontinental Championship) 

    Match: After some back and forth, evenly matched action, Big E hit Barrett with a Spear through the ropes and both men crashed onto the floor. From out of nowhere, Barrett nailed Big E with his beautiful Winds of Change signature maneuver and got a near-fall. Barrett journeyed back to his Nexus days and performed his used-to-be-finisher, Wasteland, but Big E kicked out.

    Barrett motioned for the Bull Hammer, but Big E reversed it with a Samoa Joe/Rock Bottom type corner move, but Barrett kicked out. Big E hit a running splash and then pulled down his singlet straps, indicating that it was time for the Big Ending.

    However, Barrett wiggled out of the move, bounced off the ropes and hit Big E with a running Bull Hammer. Bad News Barrett won the match via pin-fall and is the new Intercontinental champion.

    Reaction: Big E was booed before and during the match, but that’s what happens when your Intercontinental champion is booked poorly. The fans were chanting Barrett’s name throughout and booed whenever Big E hit an offensive maneuver. Barrett is finally over with the crowd and has been putting forth top notch performances ever since he beat Rey Mysterio about a month ago.

    I have always been high on Barrett and credit to the performer for taking gimmick destined to fail and making it one of the hottest acts in WWE today. As for the match itself, Big E and Barrett seemed to have a bit of chemistry and had an above-average contest. Barrett is now on the rise and Big E, and his character, needs to be involved in something important in order for fans to care.

    Grade: B-

    The Shield vs. Evolution 

    Match: Before the bell rang, the Shield and Evolution scrapped in the ring. The crowd went wild as the Shield stood their ground and cleared the ring, winning the first battle of the night. Once the bell rang, all hell broke loose.

    Rollins and Triple H started the match and Rollins really took it to the Game. He hit punch after punch, but the Cerebral Assassin eventually gained the upper hand. Evolution showcased some classic heel tag team wrestling, which was refreshing to see. Every time the referee’s back was turned, they were doing something illegal.

    All three members of the Shield attacked Rollins for a good ten minutes. The Architect of the Shield desperately tried to tag Reigns or Ambrose into the match, but Evolution made sure that wasn’t possible. After a long beat-down, Rollins jumped in the air and kicked Orton in the back of the skull and created much needed separation.

    Rollins made a hot tag Dean Ambrose and he cleared house. Ambrose duked it out with Triple H and Ambrose’s selling was out of this world. After being systematically picked apart by all three members of Evolution, Ambrose nailed the Game with an Impaler DDT and made a super-hot tag to Roman Reigns, who went on an absolute tear, taking out all three members of Evolution.

    Reigns, along with Ambrose and Rollins, isolated Batista in the ring and hit him with a Triple Power Bomb. Just as Reigns made the cover and just before the referee counted to three, Orton broke up the count.  Shortly after, Triple H hit Reigns with a Pedigree and Batista, who was the legal man, recovered from the Triple Power Bomb and made the pin, but Reigns kicked out. Just as Reigns recovered from the Pedigree, Orton slithered into the ring and hit him with an RKO. Batista crawled and made the cover, but Rollins unexpectedly saved his friend from being pinned. The crowd went ballistic.

    Batista and Reigns were both in the ring injured while Ambrose/Rollins and Triple H/Orton were scrapping outside. Ambrose wowed the crowd as he ran across both announce tables and took out Triple H and Orton who were outside of the ring beating up Rollins. All four competitors brawled outside of the ring and into the stands.

    Ambrose was being annihilated by Orton and Triple H, but that was until Seth Rollins made the save. Rollins, from out of nowhere, climbed up high in the stands and took a leap of faith in order to save his friend. Rollins beautifully soared through the air and landed on Triple H, Orton and Ambrose. All four men were taken out as the WWE Universe witnessed a truly extreme and memorable moment.

    Back inside the ring, Reigns and Batista recovered from their injuries. Batista nailed Reigns with a Spine Buster and then called for the Batista Bomb. However, Reigns reversed the finisher, hit a Superman Punch and went to the corner. Reigns Speared Batista in half and picked up the win for his team.

    Reaction: The Shield vs. Evolution was a dream match that exceeded its massive expectations. With the brawling in the crowd and all the crazy spots, this seemed like an Attitude Era tag team match. And as DDP would say, that’s a good thing.

    This was arguably the best match of the year and a proving point that the Shield is here to stay and they belong nowhere else but at the top of WWE. All six men involved in the match played their roles to perfection, but Seth Rollins was the standout as he tore the roof off the IZOD Center after jumping from the stands, soaring through the air and landing on both Triple H and Randy Orton.

    The Hounds of Justice are now certified stars. They just beat one of the greatest factions in professional wrestling history and are incredibly over with the crowd. Evolution did a great job making the Shield look like respectable opponents. Orton, Triple H and Batista dominated the match for the most part, but the booking and action that took place will make this six man bout one of the greatest in recent memory.

    Quick question – what do all you guys think of Batista wrestling is Jordan’s? I’m not so sure how I feel about that. Seems kind of ridiculous and Cena-esque, no?

    Grade: A+

    John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt (Steel Cage Match) 

    Cena-WyattMatch: Bray Wyatt took it to Cena early on in the bout, hitting his head into the steel and trying to unleash the demon inside him. After being beat-down, Cena mounted a comeback and smashed Bray’s head off the steel cage. Cena tried to escape by climbing out, but Harper and Rowan blocked his way down.

    After catching Cena climbing the cage a second time, Wyatt danced with the leader of the Cenation and then dropped him with that powerful Rock Bottom type maneuver. Bray got on all fours and did his spider walk in order to escape the cage, but Cena stopped him.

    Throughout the match, Cena tried to escape the cage on four or five occasions, but was met by either Luke Harper or Erick Rowan, who prevented him from escaping. Eventually, Cena threw Harper inside the steel cage and had Rowan injured on top of the cage. Cena worked up enough strength and hit Bray an awesome Attitude Adjustment from the top rope, but Harper broke up the count.

    At that point in time, all three members of the Wyatt Family were knocked out. Cena had a clear path to walk out of the ring and just before his feet touched the floor, the lights went out. In the dark, a chilling voice started singing “He’s got the Whole World” and when the lights came back on; the singer was revealed to be a little kid dressed in a black cloak. The child couldn’t have been older than 10 years old and Cena was absolutely stunned.

    Cena backed away, but by that time Bray recovered and hit Cena with Sister Abigail. Bray, with his eyes wide open, stared at the kid who distracted Cena and embraced him. Bray didn’t pin Cena, he instead walked out of the cage and won the match that way.

    Reaction: The crowd was firmly behind Bray Wyatt from start to finish, but after witnessing that Shield vs. Evolution match, they cooled off quite a bit and didn’t make as much noise as expected. Overall, the match was pretty long, but it was good. It told a phenomenal story.

    Now, I’m not one of these guys who hates on Cena. I think he is a great wrestler, yes, a great wrestler, and one of the best talkers in the game today. I understand the hate Cena receives, but I don’t agree with it for the most part. However, I think Cena was way too protected in this cage match. He had Bray beat on four or five occasions, but Harper and Rowan stepped in and prevented Cena from winning. I’m okay with that happening once or twice, but four or five times is too much.

    Plus, Bray hit Sister Abigail to Cena and had a chance to pin him in the ring. Instead, he opted to walk out of the cage. I know it may not sound like a big deal, but after everything that happened in the match, Bray pinning Cena would have been ideal and the right move. Instead, Bray walked out of the cage, which made him look even weaker than he already looked.

    I understand WWE protecting Cena. They need to protect him because he is the face of the WWE and the number one guy. But, unfortunately, WWE took it a bit too far and protected him so much that it made Bray Wyatt look weak.

    Grade: B

    Paige (c) vs. Tamina Snuka (Divas Title) 

    Match: When the bell rang, Paige wrestled smart. She hit Tamina with some innovative moves and dodged every attack Tamina threw at her. However, Tamina turned the tables by planting Paige with a Super Kick.

    Towards the end of the bout, Paige hit Tamina with a kind of botched Sunset Flip Power Bomb and looked to have gotten a three count, but the referee said it was two. Paige locked in the Scorpion Cross Lock, which forced Tamina to tap out.

    Reaction: Even though Tamina noticeably yelled out spots and botched a few moves along with Paige, this was one of the better Divas bouts we have seen in quite some time. The match lasted longer than six minutes, which has to Divas singles match PPV record.

    Paige hit some innovative moves and did her best working a match with Tamina, but the Samoan just isn’t that great in the ring and it’s obvious to see that. Fans are aching for a Paige and AJ Lee feud, so give it to us, WWE!

    Grade: C+ (for a Divas match)

    Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Kane (WWE World Heavyweight Title)

    Match: Bryan didn’t waste any time as he attacked Kane as soon as the match started. Bryan wanted to get revenge after the Big Red Machine put his hands on his new wife, Brie. Bryan hit Kane with a kendo stick, but a swift uppercut from Kane stopped Bryan’s momentum.

    Kane grabbed a chair and hit Bryan multiple times. He set up the former vegan for a Choke Slam, but Bryan wiggled out. Half-way through the bout, Kane had Bryan lying on top of the announce table. Bryan worked up the courage to fight him off and delivered an impressive Tornado DDT off the announce table.

    The fight moved backstage and into the parking lot. After using some props like a car and fire extinguisher, Bryan found a crow bar and nailed Kane across the head with it. The Devil’s Favorite Demon was knocked out cold, but Bryan couldn’t drag his body back to the ring in order to pin him.

    Bryan put on his thinking cap, found a forklift, and drove the forklift with Kane on the vehicle back to the arena. The crowd didn’t seem like they were too into the match, but after Bryan dumped Kane back into the ring and he started the Yes chant, the crowd was finally alive. Bryan jumped from the top of the forklift and executed a beautiful diving head-butt to Kane, but only got a near-fall.

    After gaining the upper hand and Choke Slamming Bryan through the announce table (not the Spanish announce table, surprisingly), Kane pulled out a table, gasoline and a lighter. Kane lit the table on fire and was about to do dastardly things to Bryan. However, Bryan fought Kane off, kicked him in the groin, and pushed him into the flaming table.

    WWE officials had fire extinguishers in hand and sprayed Kane so that he was not on fire anymore. As Kane got back into the ring, Bryan nailed him with his running knee finisher and picked up the win. Daniel Bryan retained the WWE World Heavyweight Title.

    Reaction: Daniel Bryan vs. Kane was a respectable main event. It was arguably the second best match on the card and both competitors definitely made use of the “Extreme Rules” rules. The crowd wasn’t as loud as they usually are for Bryan, but once he stood on top of that fork lift and started a “YES” chant, they woke up.

    Bryan driving the fork lift was a bit corny. It didn’t get a big reaction and fans have seen this kind of shenanigans plenty times before. However, Bryan’s flying head-butt off the lift was pretty special. Kane going through a table lit on fire was cool, but it didn’t have that Joey Styles “oh my god” feel to it. Mick Foley vs. Edge at WrestleMania had a much more impactful table-on-fire spot and that’s what I think was missing from this bout. In my opinion, everything happened too fast.

    A Daniel Bryan vs. Kane feud may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’d like to see Stephanie McMahon and Brie play a bigger role. Kane clearly isn’t done with the Dragon and if they want to make things interesting, bring in the hot women!

    Grade: B+

     

    Extreme Rules 2014 Quick Results (winners in bold):

    El Torito vs. Hornswoggle

    RVD vs. Jack Swagger vs. Cesaro

    Alexander Rusev vs. R-Truth & Xavier Woods

    Big E (c) vs. Bad News Barrett (Intercontinental Title)

    The Shield vs. Evolution

    John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt (Steel Cage Match)

    Paige (c) vs. Tamina Snuka (Divas Title)

    Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Kane (WWE World Heavyweight Title)

  • Extreme Rules 2014: A Noticeable Lack of Extreme

    This Sunday, the WWE will hold its annual Extreme Rules pay-per-view. However, upon glancing at the card, something immediately stands out: a noticeable lack of extreme.

    With the card seemingly set (assuming a Tag Team Championship match between the Usos and Rybaxel isn’t added last minute), only two matches on the entire seven-match card feature stipulations that are even slightly extreme (not counting the inevitable dud between El Torito and Hornswoggle on the pre-show).

    Sunday's contest between Daniel Bryan and Kane is one of only two matches on the card featuring extreme rules.
    Sunday’s contest between Daniel Bryan and Kane is one of only two matches on the card featuring extreme rules.

    Those matches are of course the WWE Championship match between Daniel Bryan and Kane, which will be fought under no-holds barred rules, and the cage match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt. Even the six-man tag between Evolution and the Shield has not been announced as an extreme rules match, although that could change between now and Sunday.

    This Sunday’s card highlights the problem with holding themed pay-per-views. How can the company possibly market an event under the name Extreme Rules and then hold one match that is actually extreme (the WWE Title contest) and one (the cage match) that is billed as extreme, but is in fact usually tamer than the pit at a Justin Bieber concert.

    It is especially difficult during the PG Era to hold an event such as this one, as most of the matches that could have been utilized (first blood match, inferno match, casket match, etc.) are now essentially banned, leaving creative with few options other than a typical no-holds barred match and TLC type matches that are already featured on other pay-per-views throughout the year. In short, the event does not offer anything unique.

  • Alexander Rusev: The Squash Approach

    At first glance, Alexander Rusev seems like a rehash of a character WWE fans have seen countless times: the monster foreign superstar who feasts on unworthy foes while being accompanied by a manager who serves as his mouthpiece.

    Some have contended that the character is so unoriginal that it was completely lifted from a Rocky movie of all places, as he has drawn comparisons to Rocky IV villain Ivan Drago and his wife Ludmilla.

    Despite the fact that many believe he is a recycled, cliché character, Rusev has managed to make his way through the WWE’s NXT division and to the main roster in a relatively short amount of time.

    Rusev has been booked as a monster, but do fans actually view him as one?
    Rusev has been booked as a monster, but do fans actually view him as one?

    Since making his debut on the main roster, Rusev made a brief appearance in this year’s Royal Rumble and has been feasting on jobbers ever since. Unlike some of his critics, I believe that Rusev can be successful at the main level, but only if he is booked differently from similar heels in the past.

    In recent years, the WWE has chosen to rely upon the tried-and-true formula of debuting a monster heel and serving him a hearty portion of heels (see Ryback for example). They expect that if the heel is shoved down fans’ throats long enough by competing in squash matches, they will eventually realize his dominance and he will be over in no time.

    It appears they are attempting to take the same course of action with Rusev, as he has competed against only jobbers and will face R-Truth and Xavier Woods in a handicap match at Extreme Rules. Hell, they even threw Rusev into the coalition of jobbers that worked to beat down the Shield during the 11-on-3 handicap match a few weeks back on Raw.

  • Roman Reigns: Ready for Prime Time?

    When the Shield debuted over a year ago, Roman Reigns was like the shadowy muscle of the group. He was the least featured member of the trio. He was given few lines during their promos. Yet he was always there to deliver a devastating spear or triple powerbomb when needed.

    With the rich indy wrestling history of both Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, it is no surprise that they were expected to carry most of the load during the early days of the stable. After all, Roman Reigns was a former football player and started wrestling in 2010, whereas both Ambrose and Rollins had been wrestling since the early 2000’s.

    Reigns does have a rich family history though, as he is a member of the famous Anoa’i family that includes past superstars such as Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The Rock, so it is not like he was a complete stranger to the world of wrestling.

    After his dominating performance at last year's Survivor Series, it seemed obvious that there were big plans for Roman Reigns.
    After his dominating performance at last year’s Survivor Series, it seemed obvious that there were big plans for Roman Reigns.

    A little over a year ago, it appeared that Dean Ambrose was the member being groomed for a breakout solo career. He was considered the de facto of the group and is the only member of the group to win a solo title while Rollins and Reigns shared the Tag Team Championships.

    Something changed last fall, however, and it appeared that Reigns was the one gaining momentum in the Shield after Ambrose seemed enter a lull. Coincidentally enough, it was as soon as Rollins and Reigns lost their championships that his push began. The first hint that he was going to be a breakout star was at last year’s Survivor Series, where he was the sole survivor and dominated the competition, eliminating four opponents during the contest.

    Reigns later eliminated the most competitors in Royal Rumble history during the 2014 contest and he has not looked back since. With the Shield now entering into a program with the newly reformed Evolution, there are reports that the ultimate goal of the feud is to set up a matchup between Triple H and Roman Reigns at this year’s SummerSlam. The reports make one wonder: is Roman Reigns ready for a massive solo push?

  • Kane vs. Bryan: Main Event Worthy?

    The Big Red Monster is back, and it appears he is on a collision course with Daniel Bryan. After reclaiming his mask last week on Raw, Kane vowed to take care of the WWE Champion and send him to the depths of hell.

    In true WWE storytelling fashion, they had a Kane video package queued up and ready to go about five minutes later, leading me to believe that he will be featured prominently in the storyline in the coming weeks.

    With Evolution set to take on the Shield at Extreme Rules and seemingly no other contenders in line, it appears that Daniel Bryan’s first pay-per-view title defense will be against his former tag team partner.

    Kane has temporarily retired his suit in favor of his signature mask in an attempt to exact revenge.
    Kane has temporarily retired his suit in favor of his signature mask in an attempt to exact revenge.

    The thought of Kane headlining a pay-per-view in 2014 and competing for the WWE Championship could leave some fans scratching their heads, but I believe it could work well if planned appropriately. With other storylines, particularly the Shield/Evolution program, eating up a good portion of the main event roster, creative was left with few options for Bryan’s matchup at Extreme Rules.

    Randy Orton still holds a rematch clause but is fighting with Evolution, not to mention that Orton/Bryan headlined three pay-per-views last year and most fans would like something fresh. I think Brock Lesnar is being built up to eventually challenge Bryan for the title, but it would be too soon and neither superstar could afford a loss immediately following WrestleMania. Lesnar needs to continue winning to validate his win against the Undertaker and Bryan cannot lose the title just one month after finally winning it. A no contest would also leave the crowd unsatisfied with the outcome.

    Therefore, I think Bryan and Lesnar will both be built up over the coming months to set up a blockbuster showdown at SummerSlam. Bryan’s first victim will almost assuredly be Kane. It is no secret that Kane is past his prime, but he can still put on a decent match if paired with the right opponent.

    At the very least, the two have been involved with one another in the storyline over the past several months and creative can rely on that to tell a decent story. It certainly works a little better than randomly choosing someone like Sheamus or Alberto Del Rio to challenge for the title.

  • WWE Tag Team Division: On the Back Burner

    Near the end of last year, it appeared the WWE would once again focus on promoting its tag team division. After the championships were practically ignored and bounced around between random teams that were comprised of young talent for over a year, Team Hell No helped legitimize the titles once again.

    Kane and Bryan held the titles for nearly a year before eventually dropping the straps to Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. The division picked up even more after the Shield got their hands on the titles and was straight up stacked for months. At one point the company was even relying a lot on six-man tag matches just to get as many guys as possible on the broadcast.

    Team Hell No helped spark fan interest after a dull period in the tag division.
    Team Hell No helped spark fan interest after a dull period in the tag division.

    Near the end of last year, the Rhodes Brothers, the Shield (Rollins and Reigns), the Wyatt Family (Harper and Rowan), the Real Americans, the Usos, the Prime Time Players, and the New Age Outlaws were all in contention for the Tag Team titles at some point.

    Since then, nearly every one of those teams has fallen off the face of the Earth, save the Usos who are now the champions. The Rhodes Brothers are barely competing together, the Shield is beyond competing for the championships at this point, the Wyatt Family has been involved in other affairs, both the Real Americans and Prime Time Players have split, and it appears the New Age Outlaws do not want to exercise that rematch clause after all.

    The dissolution and promotion of various teams has resulted in the tag team division entering into a transitional state where the company needs to develop new teams or promote others from NXT. Think about the current teams on the roster. We have the Usos who are obviously champions, but who are their challengers? The only other teams even on the roster are Los Matadores, Ryback and Axel, and 3MB, unless I am forgetting someone.

  • RAW Reaction (3/31): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (3/31)

    WWE Raw (3/31)

    Here we are the Raw before WrestleMania XXX. The go home show of all go home shows. Did Raw deliver? Check out our YES! and NO!

    Brock Lesnar Finally F5's after circling the ring 10 times. NO!
    Brock Lesnar Finally F5’s after circling the ring 10 times. NO!

    The Undertaker & Brock Lesnar
    The Undertaker comes out and cuts seeming the same promo he has each week he’s had a mic. Out pops Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, eventually Brock circles the ring seemingly a dozen times, before the obligatory Paul Heyman distraction where he slips in with a chair, to distract The Undertaker enough so that Brock can “sneak” in and get his hands on The Dead Man.

    I had such high hopes for this program, but I must tell you, I’ve been less than impressed. Paul Heyman cut an amazing promo a few weeks back simultaneously putting over The Streak, and why Brock Lesnar would break it (Undertakers age, wear and tear). Since then this has been a lackluster build for me. Am I really to believe that a huge man like Brock Lesnar is THAT afraid to get into the ring? I can buy into some trepidation, but this was ridiculous.  NO!

     

    Alberto Del Rio takes it to Big E. Good Match YES!
    Alberto Del Rio takes it to Big E. Good Match YES!

    Big E. vs. Alberto Del Rio
    I thought Big E and Alberto Del Rio put on a great match, with several near falls and a clean Del Rio win. Of course why they constantly beat a champion, I’ll never understand. Does anyone remember when they actually had in-ring introductions for a Big E intercontinental championship match? That being said, YES!

    Summer Rae vs. Natalya
    I liked how a clip was shown from this past weeks Total Diva’s and there was a match to tie things in. I suppose that’s the one thing we lack when it is seemingly all the Total Divas ganging up on AJ who didn’t want to be on the show. However, the conflict was clearly 100% manufactured, and if there was any ounce of reality to Total Divas before this, there isn’t now. YES!

     

    The Authority
    The Authority implying that Daniel Bryan is a “Flavor Of The Day” like Fandango was last year.

    The Authority’s Farewell To The “Yes!” Movement, Batista, Randy Orton
    Triple H and Stephanie come out and cut a brutally honest promo that blurts the lines between story line and reality. They made some interesting arguments about people wanting to be on a bandwagon, and support a cause. This brought out chants of CM Punk, Yes, and others including boring. After a Stephanie McMahon narrated promo about Triple H always beating the “Flavor of the Day” including Booker T, Chris Jericho, RVD, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy,  Out comes BOOtista, and Orton. Pretty much the same song and dance.  Objectively I think this was a good Heel Triple H Promo.  But I’m exhausted from these Authority promos, and Batista and Orton coming out in succession. I’m tired from Daniel Bryan not getting anywhere in the stratosphere of equal mic time. By itself this was good, but after weeks of this, I’m over it. So I say NO!

    The Usos & Los Matadores vs. The Real Americans & Ryback and Curtis Axel
    This is basically the Pre-Show match with two teams combined. Less reason to get excited about the match itself. After an incredible year of tag-teams in the WWE in 2013, everything that I have enjoyed up to this point has vanished. Cody Rhodes and GoldDust were the hottest Tag Team attraction in WWE last year, they should have been in the tag-team titles mix, or facing each other, in a brother vs brother match that has been rumored for two years.  The USO’s have been in line to win the Tag Titles since July of 13. What better way to elevate those titles then have them win it at WrestleMania XXX against the Outlaws? So another match, similar to what we will see on the small big stage, and I fear that The Uso’s who should retain this, may not possibly, so that a title change gets a reaction, or creates some sort of moment. NO!

    Backstage Segment: The Shield & Roman Reigns vs. Kane
    I enjoyed this backstage segment from The Shield, they seemed like a cohesive unit here, and I hope to see more of this at WrestleMania. Could The Shield stay together for a while longer? Many thought the match would be all three members of The Shield in a triple thread at this years WrestleMania. I would dislike it to see someone like Dean Ambrose accidentally or deliberately cause a loss for the team. I’d like to see The Shield show their dominance over the last two years. YES!

      View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW 

  • The Directionless Divas Division

    After AJ Lee cut her version of a “Pipebomb” promo last year on Raw, it seemed like the WWE would finally spend more time developing in-depth plotlines for its Divas division.

    After all, the elements were there for an intriguing Divas division: a fresh batch of competitors, a champion who was miffed at not gaining exposure, and a highly successful reality television show documenting every move along the way.

    AJ Lee has been champion for nearly a year. Is it time for another Diva to take the title?
    AJ Lee has been champion for nearly a year. Is it time for another Diva to take the title?

    Instead, it seems as if the division has been on autopilot in recent months. AJ Lee has held the championship longer than any Diva in the history of the company, but her run has seemed stale recently. This is taking nothing away from Lee as a champion though. I think she is great and is certainly a worth champion.

    It is instead creative’s fault for not doing anything worthwhile with her as champion. They have instead chosen to simply plug in a new challenger each month without building any sort of rivalry, with the challenger usually gaining a title shot by winning a random number-one contender’s match instead of actually engaging in a feud with Lee.

  • RAW Reaction (3/17): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (3/17)

    WWE Raw (3/17)

    Triple H has words with BOOTista and Randy Orton, in the opening Segment YES!
    Triple H has words with BOOTista and Randy Orton, in the opening Segment YES!

    In-Ring Segment: Triple H, BOOtista and Randy Orton
    Raw started off with Triple H in the middle of the ring, blaming the WWE Universe, for the events leading to the match between Triple H & Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania. He said he had no chocie but has too end the #YesMovment. Out comes Batista, followed by Randy Orton. I really enjoyed the back and forth between all three. With Batista caling Randy Orton a “paper champion” and Orton saying if Batista was the big deal he was supposed to be they wouldn’t have gone on to cheer for Daniel Bryan.

    Triple H tried to make his exit, Batista stopped him and said he has to fix things. That’s when Triple H went off on Batista, saying he hated when Part-Time movie stars come back and think they know how to run the business. Triple H also called out Orton, for being technically gifted, but still needs his hand held to win the match.

    Triple H then annoucned a bombshell that if he wins the match between him and Daniel Bryan, he will enter the triple threat match at WrestleMania XXX, and win it to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

    I thought this was a great segment, and I like that now Triple H has a shot to be in the Main Event at WrestleMania. That gives people some doubt that Daniel Bryan could lose his match between him and Triple H, which he wont. I like the direction this story is going in, as we are two Raw’s from Mania! YES!

    Sheamus wins on St Patrick's Day. NO!
    Sheamus wins on St Patrick’s Day. NO!

    Bad News Barrett & Hornswoggle
    Obligatory Hornswaggle segment for St Patrick’s day. Followed by an unfunny and predictable  Bad News Barrett segment. Yawn. Someone tell me why Barrett is not wrestling, is he injured? NO!

    Sheamus vs. Titus O’Neil
    Gimmick Match, the aforementioned Hornswaggle gets involved and becomes a chess piece. Christian on commentary was the bright spot. He attacks after the match, which also was predictable, I didn’t hate the attack though, but overall for me the segment was a NO!

    The Usos vs. The Real Americans
    Sold match, looks like The Real Americans are back as a cohesive unit. This win by The Real Americans I’m assuming will lead to their involvement in a 4-way tag match at WrestleMania. Perhaps on the grandest stage of them all, we will finally see Cesaro snap on Jack Swagger and swing him many many times. YES!

    John Cena and Bray Wyatt, let's hope the match lives up to the hype. YES!
    John Cena and Bray Wyatt, let’s hope the match lives up to the hype. YES!

    John Cena & Bray Wyatt Promo Segment
    Obviously we won’t know until WrestleMania XXX if these two will have a good or great match. For all we know they could have an amazing match. But I have to say I really enjoy Bray Wyatt’s promo work here. John Cena is John Cena, I could do with out the comedy. His act is getting stale, and he is in need for a change, a big change. I think this this program is a good fit for both superstars, of course I would rather have seen The Shield vs The Wyatts, but since that ship has sailed, I’m enjoying what I see. YES!

    Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan......Part 20. YES!
    Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan……Part 20. YES!

    Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan
    Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton have good matches with each other, I enjoyed this one as well. Batista came down to take it to Orton, followed by Daniel Bryan sending Batista out of the ring with the Knee. This was a great live illustration to show what “could” happen at WrestleMania XXX. Batista power bombing Orton Afterwords got a decent pop. I have to say, seems a fair amount of heat on BOOtista is melting away, now that Daniel Bryan has the potential to headline with him and Orton at WrestleMania XXX YES!

    Paul could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a woman wearing white gloves. YES!
    Paul could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a woman wearing white gloves. YES!

    Segment: Paul Heyman
    Paul Heyman is a master wordsmith. He is perfect for someone like Brock Lesnar, who’s mic skills aren’t as sharp. I love the story they are telling here, acknowledging The Undertaker is getting older and it has been getting harder the last few years for him to win decisively. YES!

    Interesting observation, did you notice how CM Punk didn’t exist on the promo they showed? Would have made great sense to use him, after all, The Undertaker beat CM Punk last year at WrestleMania 29 and, Brock Lesnar went on to beat CM Punk at SummerSlam. But no, he is erased.

      View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW 

  • #OccupyRAW Reaction (3/10): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (3/10)

    WWE #OccupyRaw (3/10)

     

    Two Iconic figures of Professional Wrestling YES!
    Two Iconic figures of Professional Wrestling YES!

    Hulk Hogan’s WrestleMania XXX Announcement, John Cena & The Wyatt Family
    Hulk Hogan starts the show announcing an Andre The Giant memorial 30 man Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans. Battle Royals have happened before at WrestleMania, with Andre The Giant winning the first ever Battle Royal at WrestleMania II. At Wrestlemania IV Bret Hart and Bad News Brown, both heels at the time agreed to share the trophy, well for a few moments. And who could forget the 19 man Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven. I don’t think anyone was expecting this, and at first I thought, the idea seemed silly, but this will get alot of talent on the card, and could be interesting to watch.

    John Cena came out to have a Raw moment with The Hulkster. Dislike Cena all you want, he has been the top guy in WWE for the last 10 years. Buff Bagwell, made a ridiculous comment, that John Cena isn’t a Stone Cold Steve Austin, or a Rock, and that HE could have been John Cena, if he was pushed like Cena has been. That’s the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Cena is a true star, and any way you slice it this was a Raw moment, to see Cena posing down with the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling.

    Bray Wyatt doing his thing as John Cena and the legendary Hulk Hogan YES!
    Bray Wyatt doing his thing as John Cena and the legendary Hulk Hogan YES!

    I enjoyed the Wyatt involvement, the challenge was issued by Cena, for a match at WrestleMania, Wyatt would later accept. Prior to the Royal Rumble, when the heavy rumor was John Cena vs Bray Wyatt, I was scratching my head. After months of excellent build up of Bray and the Wyatt Family, I can honestly tell you, I’m excited to see this match, and love the Wyatt Family. YES!

    John Cena vs. Erick Rowan
    Short match, between Cena and Rowan, with Rowan having the upper hand for a good portion of the match, Cena wins with a surprise pin. I’m not sure why he was so shocked. Hulk Hogan in Cena’s corner, makes me wonder if this will foreshadow some physical Hogan involvement in the match at WrestleMania XXX.  YES!

    The Authority Address Daniel Bryan
    I’m a huge Vince McMahon fan, I loved watching Vince McMahon verbally and sometimes even physically battle Stone Cold Steve Austin, back in the Attitude Era. Perhaps because I’m so over the last 7 months of beating Daniel Bryan to the ground, I just can’t stand Stephanie McMahon and Triple H as The Authority. When I say that, I don’t mean, “I can’t wait to see Daniel Bryan get his hands on Triple H.” I just can’t stand the way either of them are, at all.  Stephanie does all the talking in this segment, demanding Daniel Bryan apologize or face severe consequences. NO!

     

    Cessaro griping a bit too tight for Jack Swagger YES!
    Cessaro griping a bit too tight for Jack Swagger YES!

    Big E. vs. Jack Swagger / Real Americans Break-Up Tease # 395
    This match was basically a filler to highlight the inevitable break up of Cesaro and Swagger. It’s a shame that Big E has been pushed to the back in all this, I had high hopes that the Intercontinental Title would finally get more prestige. That being said I am enjoying the break up of The Real Americans, because Cesaro is going to be a break out star.  YES!

    In-Ring Segment: The Undertaker & Paul Heyman
    This segment was pure brilliance, Paul Heyman with two amazing weeks in a row of fantastic promos. Playing the Chicago crowd expertly. Tying CM Punk’s departure into not being able to defeat The Undertaker, was a genius concept. I like how the story is now centered around Paul Heyman trying to get his revenge on The Undertaker. This could also set the stage for another CM Punk Undertaker encounter if he ever comes back and returns his ball. I’m cautiously optimistic for the Brock vs Taker match at WrestleMania XXX. YES!

     View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW 

  • #HijackRAW Reaction (3/3): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (3/3)

    WWE #HijackRAW (3/3)

     

    They'll never be another person as great as Paul Heyman. Brilliant performance. YES!
    They’ll never be another person as great as Paul Heyman. Brilliant performance. YES!

    Paul Heyman Opens RAW, Brock Lesnar Attacks Mark Henry
    Raw kicked off with a bang, CM Punk’s music hit and, naturally the crowd went wild. I’m sure most older WWE fans know this drill all too well. WWE loves pushing buttons (now called trolling). I fully expected to hear CM Punk’s entrance music hit at some point during the broadcast, it was inevitable.  However after about 30 seconds, it became clear there was no CM Punk, it was Paul Heyman. Paul comes into the ring, goading the crowd to cant their heads off for the voice of the voiceless. Paul then sat Indian style in the center of the ring, and began to talk about CM Punk, and ultimately said that the fans were to blame for his absence. Paul tied it into CM Punk losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29, and moved towards Brock Lesnar taking on The Deadman in New Orleans. Brock then comes out, followed by Mark Henry who eventually gets an awesome F5 into the announce table. I loved this segment, this was exactly how you capture lighting in a bottle. Paul Heyman was simply brilliant. If I have one criticism on this segment, I would have placed it towards the middle of the program. I think the crowd should have been given a bit of time to try to “HijackRaw” with their CM Punk chants, and then WWE would strike back with their response.  YES!

    WWE Tag-Team Championships
    The New Age Outlaws (c) vs. The Usos
    With a crazy night came this tag team match. I was pretty surprised that The USO’s won the contest and became The WWE Tag Team Champions. For some reason I thought we would have to wait till WrestleMania XXX to see The USO’s win the tag team championship, there is still 4 weeks before WrestleMania so as they say anything can happen. I’m happy for The USO’s they deserve the championship. YES!

    The Real Americans Hugging it out... For now.
    The Real Americans Hugging it out… For now.

    Big E. vs. Cesaro & Big E. vs. Jack Swagger
    I’ve been seeing Jack Swagger interrupt many Cesaro matches. Earlier in the night Swagger again caused the DQ by attacking Big E during the match. Later Big E pulls double duty taking on Swagger Cesaro returns the favor. Obviously these two are destined for a breakup, but when? And how does Big E’ Factor into this match. I wouldn’t mind seeing the three of them go at it in a triple Threat Match at WrestleMania, where we can see Cesaro finally turn on Jack Swagger. YES!

    The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family
    What an incredible match these 6 young up and coming SuperStars had at The Elimination Chamber PPV, This match was great too, with Seth Rollins proving he is not the weakest link in The Shield. Flying across the ring! I like Rollins walking out of the match to further the breakup of The Shield. I think The Shield vs The Wyatts much like The Rock vs Triple H will go down in history as two matches that should have taken place on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania. Still an awesome showing and a great way to keep the momentum for Bray Wyatt who got the pinfall. YES!

    Renee Young Interviews Batista
    BOOtista turning full heel on Smackdown! this past Friday night, now on Raw calls the Daniel Bryan #YesMovement the the dumbest thing he’s ever seen in his life. I like heel BOOtista. Well maybe I don’t. I didn’t like WWE trying to keep Batista a face when the crowd would have none of it. There’s your real change! We actually turned him heel. There was no other choice anyway, I don’t want to get my hopes up for the SEVENTH month in a row, but this seems to be heading towards what most of us are hoping to see at WrestleMania XXX.

    Santino Marella & Emma vs. Fandango & Summer Rae
    I’m still not sold on Emma. It must be because of Santino. Or that music just doesn’t feel big enough. Again I get it she was very over in NXT, but that arena holds 500-800 people. (I’ve been to a NXT Taping at Full Sail) Sometimes things don’t play as well on the big stage. I hear that music, and I hear a pin drop. Then again, this might be another Fandango in the making the night after WrestleMania XXX. NO!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78HUkVvnLXg

    To much talk, Daniel Bryan should have kneed them both. NO!
    To much talk, Daniel Bryan should have kneed them both. NO!

    Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon & Kane Promo
    So here’s the problem I have with Triple H vs Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX. I don’t want to see it. I want to see Daniel Bryan vs Batista vs Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. I don’t want to see Daniel Bryan face Triple H even for a chance to be in that match. Why? Because I’ve invested wasted seven long months waiting to see the payoff from a story that began at SummerSlam. I attended SummerSlam, Hell-In-A-Cell, Survivor Series, and The Royal Rumble. I don’t want to see Daniel Bryan beat up Triple H the character. Although I might not mind Brian Danielson decking Paul Levesque, for this frustrating half year plus. I’m just not into seeing this match, I’m turned off. 2-4 months ago, I would have been into the idea of this match, and invested in it. Now all I want is for him to win to get put in the championship match at the end of WrestleMania XXX. It’s a shame too, because Triple H vs Daniel Bryan should be a featured marquee match, on it’s own. I just don’t see myself enjoying the match as much as I would if I didn’t have this bad taste in my mouth from the last seven months.

    I hate when people compare Daniel Bryan to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Daniel Bryan is mega over right now, but back in the Attitude era Austin, the whole business was over way more. These hijack shows though are starting to offer up more of that attitude era feel, I will say though. The thing is with Stone Cold Steve Austin, he gave his blood his sweat and tears to be WWE Champion. He stopped at nothing and got physical along the way. I was not a fan of Daniel Bryan just standing there, taking abuse from Triple H and Stephanie. I wanted him to beat the crap out of both of them. If I were Daniel Bryan, I’d offer up the stipulation that we all expect to eventually happen. If he can Beat Triple H at WrestleMania, he gets inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match. But I still don’t want to see the match at WrestleMania, too turned off from the last few months. NO!

    I'm enjoying this story more and more each week. YES!
    I’m enjoying this story more and more each week. YES!

    John Cena Addresses The Wyatt Family
    I liked what John Cena had to say to the crowd, the CM Punk chants were beginning to get on my nerves by this point. I’m enjoying Bray Wyatt and what he has to offer, he could be a top Hollywood horror actor. It wouldn’t surprise me if after Mania he stars in a film. YES!

       View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW 

  • WWE RAW Reaction (2/24): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (2/24)

    WWE RAW (2/24)

     

     

    The Legendary Hulk Hogan Returns to WWE! YES!
    The Legendary Hulk Hogan Returns to WWE! YES!

    Hulk Hogan Opens Up RAW
    The big announcement earlier this week was of course the return of the Hulk Hogan, and how he will be The Host of WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans. What can be said about Hulk Hogan? He’s the Babe Ruth of wrestling, and icon and legend. He deserved to be in WWE in come capacity, and why on earth he was in TNA for as long as he was, I’ll never know. Wade Barrett took a verbal shot at hogan at The Elimination Chamber Pay Per Vew, and was no were to be seen on this show, so I can only wonder, if he will fill the role of Hogan’s Punching bag at WrestleMania XXX, time will tell.  YES!

    Alberto Del Rio vs. BOOtista / Randy Orton Interrupts.
    WWE is now starting to acknowledge that BOOtista is getting booed out of the building. Well it’s about time! How long can you go jamming someone down the audience’s throats that is clearly not connecting positively with the fans? Let me make myself clear, I don’t hate Batista, I hate the idea that WWE felt they needed Batista to fill some gap at WrestleMania XXX, and injected him into the Main Event, in spite of an organic rise of Daniel Bryan. Clearly a large portion, and not a vocal minority is in agreement with this sentiment. Batista is already starting to

    BOOTista is going to WrestleMania XXX #DealWithIT NO!
    BOOTista is going to WrestleMania XXX #DealWithIT NO!

    lean towards heel tendencies, making a crying face, after his entrance, and his #DealWithIt catch phrase, is quite antagonizing. So Big Dave loses to Del Rio after Randy Orton distracts him. Orton acknowledges the recent crowd reception Batista is receiving. Batista responds while sweaty and slobbering all over, that the fans have a choice, and he’s okay with their choice. I’m just turned off to this story. I’d be happier if Batista went full on Heel and Batista Bombed the crap out of Daniel Bryan, get him in this story, because this is boring me, and even if they inject Daniel Bryan into the Main event, I’m not sure I can take 5 weeks of build up to Orton vs Batista.  NO!

    WWE Intercontinental Championship Big E. (c) vs. Cesaro
    The match was good, Ceasaro is definitely getting a face turn soon, and rightly so, there is a big drop off on faces, and I would argue to you he already is a face, based on the crowd reaction he’s getting, and his Ceasaro Swing. Looks like Jack Swaggar is going to be Cesaro’s opponent, eventually. YES!

    John Cena Injured during his interaction with The Wyatts NO!
    John Cena Injured during his interaction with The Wyatts NO!

    John Cena Addresses The Wyatt Family
    Thirty days after John Cena was screwed out of the WWE Championship at The Royal Rumble, and one night after he was screwed again from The Wyatts, John Cena finally decides to address the situation. He must have had that on his iPhone to-do list and kept forgetting to take care of this task. You know if the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is the most prized possession in sports entertainment, and they were combined because of your challenge to Randy Orton in December, you’d figure John Cena would have had have a bit more fire, than to wait 30 days. Bray Wyatt vs John Cena, has the potential to be a good story, and maybe even a good match, although Erick Rowan, may have changed the whole situation, because Cena appeared to be legitimately injured. Time will tell. I wouldn’t be terribly upset with a plan B of The Shield vs The Wyatts at WrestleMania. YES!

    Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Christian NO!
    Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Christian NO!

    Christian vs. Sheamus
    Match was okay, nothing special in my opinion, but I must admit, it was just a match, and I was quite bored from it. Heavy rumor is Heel Sheamus vs Cesaro WrestleMania, I think that would be a good match. NO!

     

       View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (2/10): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (2/10)

    WWE RAW (2/10)

     

    Legendary Betty White Guest Stars on Raw . YES!
    Legendary Betty White Guest Stars on Raw . YES!

    Betty White
    Guest Star Betty White came out with The Big Show to kick of this weeks WWE Monday Night Raw live from Los Angelas. She said a few words and that she’s there to “Kick some Ass!”  The Authority come out to start an in-ring segment.  Later we see Betty White in a few segments with the New Age Outlaws. They attempt to give Betty White some spiked tea, however Betty turns the tables on Billy Gun and he ends up with the drink. How can I say something bad about Betty White?  She’s a legend. It was exactly what you would have expected. The kick some ass line was charming. It was fine. YES!

    https://www.wwe.com/videos/betty-white-guest-stars-on-raw-raw-feb-10-2014-26181110

    Even Daniel Bryan couldn't save this boring segment. NO!
    Even Daniel Bryan couldn’t save this boring segment. NO!

    The Authority – Randy Orton – Daniel Bryan
    Another in-ring segment with The Authority followed by Randy Orton. Orton now wants to be on Kelly and Michael and truly be The Face of the WWE. Daniel Bryan comes out and reminds Randy Orton that he beat him clean last week. Bryan wasn’t happy he was laid out by Kane and Orton after the match, and wanted Kane on Raw. The Authority said that Kane was suspended, and that wouldn’t be possible.  I can’t take these segments with Randy Orton and The Authority.  Even my beloved Daniel Bryan couldn’t save it in my eyes. Perhaps Bryan goes over at the Elimination Chamber and becomes WWE World Heavyweight Champion. All I know is they need to stop these segments this way, I mean at least mix it up, have Bryan in a fiery rage from his “NO NO NO” days  call out The Authority. All these segments are the same, and boring. NO!

    Rey Mysterio, Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. The Wyatt Family
    Amazing match from the Former Tag Team Champions, and Rey and the Wyatts. Bodies flying all over made for a great visual, and the quick hook of the Sister Abigail onto Rey Mysterio was awesome. Bray cuts a promo on The Shield for their upcoming match at The Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View.  Probably the match I’m looking forward to the most. Check out the match below YES!

    Santino Marella (with Emma) vs. Fandango (with Summer Rae)
    Another bizarre use of Emma here, backing a losing Santino. Emma did her dance during their entrance to Santino’s Music. I mean I understand Santino is wrestling, but isn’t her dancing gimmick attached to her music from NXT? The debut and usage of Emma is quite confusing to me. NO!

     

    Sheamus and Cesaro getting it on in a great tag match on Raw YES!
    Sheamus and Cesaro getting it on in a great tag match on Raw YES!

    Sheamus & Christian vs. The Real Americans
    Antonio Cesaro is now just called “Cesaro”. Like Prince, or Madonna or Sting, if that means they are going to push him more you can call him Mud for all I care. Cesaro was great in this match, as was Sheamus and a very beat up Christian. Our friend The Solomonster has said on his podcast that his European Uppercut should be his finisher and I agree, after he hit the move in this match, it almost seemed the crowd expected the three count. As did I, it’s a great move. Good Match! YES!

       View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (2/3): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (2/3)

    WWE RAW (2/3)

    Reports of Fans getting kicked out and CM Punk signs being taken away. NO!
    Reports of Fans getting kicked out and CM Punk signs being taken away. NO!

    CM Punk
    CM Punk took his ball and went home. The longest reigning WWE champion in the Modern Era, seemingly quit WWE last week after a meeting with Vince McMahon. We are now in the age of the crowd hijack, so as expected chants rang out and signs for CM Punk were all over the place. rang A CM Punk sign was viable with in the first few seconds of the Raw preview. My biggest fear was that this was going to take away from Daniel Bryan, and It did. Omaha isn’t a big market to begin with, and I feel energy was wasted chanting CM Punk’s name. CM Punk may have left for “the right reasons” but I fear that now Daniel Bryan has to share the spotlight with the absence of CM Punk. Time will tell. NO!

    The Authority, Randy Orton
    I’m sick of Randy Orton and The Authority segments. I’m sick of Randy Orton. I’m sick of Triple H, who comes out to a moderate pop because, of course he is a very big star, and when you have Randy Orton out there whining and complaining, anything is better than Randy Orton. Stephanie McMahon saying “I can’t believe I’m saying this, Daniel Bryan might be the new face of the WWE.”  Randy Orton will take on Daniel Bryan in a non-title match later tonight. As Triple H throws his hands in the air mimicking the yes chant. Michael Cole saying that he was leading the fans in the chant, nice try Cole. This segment could have been a 2 min promo backstage, it was a waste of time, and I was bored. NO!

    Jerry The King Lawler with weaker content than BNB. NO!
    Jerry The King Lawler with weaker content than BNB. NO!

    Bad News Barrett & Jerry Lawler
    Wade Barrett, with a useless generic heel post superbowl “you stuffed your faces” corny promo. Yelling and screaming. Out of no where Jerry Lawler is on a mic cutting off Wade Barrett with the weakest retort I’ve ever heard from Jerry, saying “I have some bad news, maybe you won’t be here next week.”  Crowd was just as confused as I was. That was it?  Terrible NO!

    The Shield vs. Rey Mysterio, Big E. Langston & Kofi Kingston
    Roman Reigns busted open the hard way in this match and required stitches after the fact. He will truely be a big star in the very near future, and it’s exciting to see him work. Dean Ambrose tagged Roman at the last moment to get a pinfall victory on Big E. Langston, after Roman did all the heavy lifting. This will further increase tension amongst The Shield, which is fine, but why does the Intercontinental champion have to take the fall? Can’t Kofi or Rey lay down? WWE continues to make their secondary champions look weak. However since Dean did get a pin-fall victory over Big E. perhaps this could set up a unification between the US and IC Championships, which needs to happen. After the Match The Wyatts cut a promo on the RawTron as the Shield looked on. YES!

     

    Road Dogg should have caught Cody, but the match was a YES!
    Road Dogg should have caught Cody, but the match was a YES!

    WWE Tag-Team Titles: New Age Outlaws (c) vs. Goldust & Cody Rhodes (Steel Cage Match) I enjoyed the tag team re-mach in a steel cage. However why in a match that has no disqualification would there be a requirement to tag in an out? #WWELogic I suppose. Cody Rhodes climbed the cage to deliver a moonsault much like The Moonsault he did In Madison Square Garden. However he missed, and I dont’ think he was supposed to, I think Road Dogg botched this move by not getting out in front of him. Billy Gunn would have been there to deliever his finisher if Cody hit the move, and the result would have been the same. I was fully expecting a Golddust beat down in the cage, so kudos to WWE for not being predictable. YES!

      View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (1/27): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    The Raw after the Royal Rumble saw action, matches set up for The Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View and more. Check out The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW  Comment below and tell us your thoughts.

    Complete WWE RAW Results With Videos (1/27)

    WWE RAW (1/20)

    The Royal Rumble: Everyone who watched The Royal Rumble, or heard about it, know that the crowd was completely upset that the 10 or so unadvertised spots did not go to Daniel Bryan. Loud Boos directed at Rey Misteryo who was number 30, and Batista (who I will from now on refer to as #Bootista) who won the 2014 Royal Rumble were heard loud and clear.   I know this because, I was there. Yes I few out to the 2014 Royal Rumble in frigid Pittsburgh, PA to watch that Pay-Per-View live, and yes Daniel Bryan wasn’t scheduled to be in the Rumble, but not only did everyone want him in the thing, they wanted him to win. Congrats to the live crowd for making their voices heard. Hopefully this will induce change, because I dare the WWE to put on Batista vs Orton in the main event at WrestleMania XXX and not get booed out of the building.

     

    Triple H and Daniel Bryan Face to Face
    Triple H and Daniel Bryan Face to Face. YES!

    The Authority, Daniel Bryan
    With the largest story out of the Royal Rumble being Daniel Bryan not being in the Royal Rumble, WWE Raw kicked off right away with The Authority, and Daniel Bryan. Daniel talking about the #YesMovement and how he wanted to be in the Royal Rumble but The Authority wouldn’t let him.  Daniel Bryan then gets in Triple H’s face and demands to be in the Elimination Chamber Match. Triple H then brings out the shield to beat down Daniel Bryan.  Sheamus and John Cena make the save. I would have liked Raw to start with Daniel Bryan calling out The Authority, also I would have liked Daniel Bryan to beat the crap out of Triple H, the second The Sheild’s music hit. But for what it was, it was okay, and at least the segment didn’t end with Daniel Bryan being killed. It doesn’t happen often, but did you see Seth Rollins slip on his entrance? YES!

    Bad News Barrett Segment
    You know it’s funny, I was in Pittsburgh with 13 other insane wrestling fans, some who like me flew in for The Rumble, and one my friends does a great Wade Barrett impression, and he was hilarious. “I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news.”  I heard that BNB used to be a fixture of the JBL & Cole show, and he was hilarious. I’ve come to the realization, that there are three main reasons I HATE Bad News Barrett on WWE Raw. NO!

     

    What happened to this man? NO!
    What happened to this man? NO!

    Three Reasons I hate Bad News Barrett

    1. Yelling
    I know he’s in the arena, but I don’t think he needs to yell as much, I think it’s annoying. If he did it more soft spoken, even if it was backstage being shown to the crowd, it would come across better.

    2. Podium & Gavel
    The podium and gavel is just plain silly and stupid. Is he a judge? Is he a preacher?

    3. The Material
    So generic dising a local city, and their sports team. Wade Barrett can cut a great promo, we’ve seen it years ago in The Nexus and The Coree, why is he wasting time with cheap heat? Dumb!

    #BOOtista, Orton and Brock Lesnar, on Raw. NO!
    #BOOtista, Orton and Brock Lesnar, on Raw. NO!

    In-Ring Segment: Randy Orton, #BOOtista, Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman
    I said it already once, but I dare WWE to put Randy Orton vs #BOOtista in the Main Event at WrestleMania XXX. Daniel Bryan chants ring though the arena, even though Daniel Bryan is not supposed to be involved with this segment. Brock Lesnar and Heyman come out to challenge Batista or Randy Orton, tonight on raw. But if you think you’re going to get a free Brock Lesnar match on TV, you must also believe the tooth fairy, was the one who gave you the five bucks under your pillow. NO!

    Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz
    The battle of Cleveland as these two are locals, I couldn’t help wondering how WWE was going to screw both of them, being WWE loves to beat guys in their own hometown (See: Jim Ross). Dolph wins it, and maybe his punishment is over? Probably not. YES!

    WWE Tag-Team Titles

    Brock destroys the Rhodes Brothers
    Brock destroys the Rhodes Brothers. YES!

    New Age Outlaws (c) vs. Goldust & Cody Rhodes
    Some trash talking from The Road Dogg before this matche gets underway. I’m okay with NAO as the WWE Tag Team Champions. I’m assuming they will defend them at WrestleMania and lose it to a good team like The Usos.  Brock Lesnar comes out destroys  the Rhode’s brothers, which I was also okay with. YES!

      View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (1/20): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Batista Returned to WWE and it’s the go home show before the Royal Rumble, but was it  enough for us to say YES! Check out The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us your thoughts.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (1/20)

    WWE RAW (1/20)

    The Animal Is back, with the world's tightest pants!
    The Animal Is back, with the world’s tightest pants! NO!

    The Authority, Randy Orton & Batista
    I wasn’t exactly thrilled with this segment. Randy Orton Triple H and Stephanie McMahon is just boring me. Orton is way more whinyer these days as well. This isn’t the cold-hearted viper, we all know and love. This is an annoying whimpy sometimes self-doubting viper. Batista comes out wearing a pair of ridiculous tight Jeans. That outfit is what I would expect someone to put on him as a joke in the WWE 2k14 video game, with a diva’s dancing entrance. He’s back to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans to become the WWE Champion. Part of me want’s to say YES! because Batista is awesome, maybe I’m being to hard on the guy? But if I’m rating the segment by itself I have to go with NO!

    Goldust, Cody Rhodes & Big E. Langston vs. The Shield
    WWE has won me over on tag team wrestling, plain and simple. I enjoy it, I love wathcing Cody and Golddust out there. I think it’s rediciolous that these two are defending their championship on the Royal Rumble pre-show. They deserve mid-card of the Pay-Per-View. Some would arugue, that if you put a solid match on the pre-show that will get people on the fence to buy the PPV. I get it, but still I think this is an attraction worthy of the actual event. Especially because I feel The New Age Outlaws could very well win the titles.  YES!

    Daniel Bryan is back YES!
    Daniel Bryan is back YES!

    Daniel Bryan & Bray Wyatt
    Great to see Daniel Bryan on Raw, especially since SEScoops.com broke the news a day after last week’s Raw that he had suffered a concussion last week. As a precaution he was pulled of the weekends live events and underwent impact testing to make sure he was good for this Sunday. He’s facing Bray Wyatt in a 1 on 1 match. Currently he is not scheduled to compete in the Royal Rumble. If he doesn’t show up in the Rumble and win it, I will be pretty disappointed, this is his year to win it. Do the right thing WWE, you have a major star on your hands. YES!

    Xavier Woods vs. Fandango
    Fast forwarded this match. I think Fandango won. I have no idea why. Meaningless. NO! 

    CM Punk vs Billy Gun
    I didn’t catch Smackdown! on Friday, but I enjoyed The Road Doggs explinatinon here on commentary. The New Age Outlaws aren’t heel’s per se, more like tweeners. I would expect them to win the Tag Team titles to further along a breakup with Golddust and Cody Rhodes. Billy Gun looked a bit blown up in the match with CM Punk, but good match. YES!

    Batista gets his revenge on Alberto Del Ro before the Rumble. Now What?
    Batista gets his revenge on Alberto Del Ro before the Rumble. Now What? – NO!

    Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio
    Another fast forward delight, back in the day before DVR’s and dare I say VCR’s We would change the channel watching this thing live. Truth be told, I fell asleep during this very match live on Monday, and caught up Tuesday. Batista comes out and attacks Alberto Del Rio. Now I thought I was going to have to pay to see Batista get physical with Del Rio? Why give it away on Raw? I can only guess that Alberto Del Rio will cause Batista to be eliminated at the Rumble. We saw Batista destroy him, so something else needs to happen. Perhaps Ricardo Rodriguez comes back and they both get Batista out? Who knows. All I know is I give the match and aftermath a NO!

     

    Brock Lesnar should be Fearless
    Brock Lesnar should be Fearless – NO!

    Big Show, Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman 
    Brock Lesnar shouldn’t be afraid of anyone at any time, period! I did like the Big Show this week, more serious, more business, calling out Brock Lesnar. I thought it was silly watching Brock backup from the ring, not wanting to get in there with Big Show. Getting thrown out and then throwing a temper tantrum. Brock is going to win this match at the Royal Rumble, a match I am looking forward to. But this segment was silly. I liked Big Show’s impression of Paul Heyman though. NO!

      View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (1/13): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    With two weeks before the Royal Rumble, Noah Mark is back with his analysis of the second raw of 2014. Check out The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us your thoughts.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (1/13)

    WWE RAW (1/13)

    Daniel Bryan & Bray Wyatt Kick Off Raw vs The USO'S - YES!
    Daniel Bryan & Bray Wyatt Kick Off Raw vs The USO’S – YES!

    The Usos vs. Bray Wyatt & Daniel Bryan (Part 1) Raw starts off with the match advertised last week of Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt. The USO’s were in the ring at the start of Raw ready for the match. The lights blacked out for the Wyatts entrance, and came back on 30 seconds later to reveal Daniel Bryan and The Wyatts already in the ring. I liked the quick entrance. The match was good with Daniel Bryan in a more aggressive style. Luke Harper and Derek Rowan, interfered just before The USO’s were about to get airborne on Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt.  This prompted another DQ on the Wyatts in their second week in a row with Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan drops to his knees to receive a Sister Abigail from Bray Wyatt. As I said for the last two weeks, I’m okay with this story in it’s context, provided it doesn’t go 16 weeks to WrestleMania. YES!

    Damien Sandow holding his own against John Cena - YES!
    Damien Sandow holding his own against John Cena – YES!

    Damien Sandow vs. John Cena I was fortunate to be in the crowd at Raw in Orlando, FL the night after The Hell-In-A-Cell Pay-Per-View. It was on that night that Damien Sandow cashed in his Money-In-The-Bank briefcase on John Cena. Although he didn’t win the match then, it was a great competitive match with Cena, and this episode of Raw was no different. There is a great chemistry between Sandow and Cena, and proof that Sandow should have a much more elevated status in WWE. All the things about Damien Sandow I enjoy are stripped away, no more robe, no more witty promos, he’s seemingly just an angry body. Where’s the man that would sign autographs with a quill pen? Why do we get “Sandow-Gimmick-Light”? I question this especially, because when he is called upon he delivers.  Match was great.  Don’t throw away Sandow after this. YES!

    Kane & Brad Maddox, No Triple H or Stephanie. Kane and Brad get into it backstage, and Mr Maddox comes up with a Bray Wyatt & Daniel Bryan vs The Uso’s rematch in a steel cage for the main event. With Kane adding that he will personally chain the cage door shut. I thought this would spell disaster for Daniel Bryan, with some ulterior motive for his former Co-Tag Team Champion.

    I did like the fact that Triple H and Stephanie were not on the show this week. Although they seem to back Orton, promoting him as the face Of WWE, they haven’t been targeting John Cena, like they did Bryan, with beat-downs and impossible handi-cap matches.  YES!

     

    Left - Intense Big Show to confront Brock Lesnar 1/6 YES! Right - Jolly Big Show eventually Beating Up Zed NO!
    Left – Intense Big Show to confront Brock Lesnar 1/6 YES! Right – Jolly Big Show eventually Beating Up Zed NO!

    On an unrelated note, is Kane injured? Kane is one of the longest tenured Superstars on the roster, I know he has been working several holiday house show matches, however I don’t recall him having a TV match since that aforementioned Orlando Raw I was at where, on that show he shed his mask, this was after returning from filming a See No Evil sequel. It looked like he had a noticeable limp coming down the aisle way. 

    Big Show vs. Jack Swagger I don’t like smiling big show. I liked hoodie and skull cap wearing, intense Big Show from last week. I want all business Big Show. I want a focused Big Show that is going to seriously take on Brock Lesnar. Big show almost has John Cena-itus. Big Show should learn from his mistakes. Smiling Big Show ended 3-4 Raws this fall, then lost the Big One. Big show can smile his way to another loss at the Royal Rumble. I like Zeb Colter,  but for some reason I DON’T want to see him hurt. I like Paul Heyman, but I DO want to see him get hurt. NO!

    Moments before The New Age Outlaws, pull back their hands and walk out on CM Punk - NO!
    Moments before The New Age Outlaws, pull back their hands and walk out on CM Punk – NO!

    CM Punk & The New Age Outlaws vs. The Shield I’m hoping after The Royal Rumble, CM Punk will move away from The Shield. I love Roman Reigns but If the Shield were to break up, I don’t think he should be put against CM Punk one on one, yet. I like the idea of him building up his singles resume, perhaps with a Big E, Dolph Ziggler, a returning Jericho, maybe even Daniel Bryan, before we see CM Punk vs Roman Reigns in a big time match. I love the New Age Outlaws, and I don’t want to boo them. I haven’t checked out the Smackdown Spoilers (They are scheduled to take on Cody Rhodes and Golddust) so I’m curious to see if they are “bad guys” now.  They both appear to be in great shape, and would love to see them, hang around till WrestleMania, but not at heels. Besides, book him however you wish, but at WrestleMania XXX they will no doubt be faces one way or another.   NO!

    Meaningless win for AJ. Waste of talent - NO!
    Meaningless win for AJ. Waste of talent – NO!

    The Funkadactyls vs. AJ Lee & Tamina Snuka Throw-a-way match, AJ being underutilized. AJ hasn’t had many title defenses, the belt isn’t as special, not because of the person, because of the booking. She taps out and pins people left and right, then a silly beat down afterwords. If you’re going to give her a clean win, why bother, having the faces beat her down after the fact, they lost. This is why there is a huge drop off in star power in WWE, because you have someone like an AJ Lee who can cut a dynamite promo, you can cultivate that, make people want to see her, and let her flourish! Instead of losing her in the shuffle of 20 Total Diva® tag matches. NO!

    WWE Hall Of Fame 2014 Inductee The Ultimate Warrior will Headline The 2014 Hall Of Fame. Ironic I watched a DVD about how he was horrible person to work with, held up Vince McMahon for money at SummerSlam 1991, and “self destructed” But as the saying goes Money Talks, and there is a lot of people who remember the guy you see below and could care less about what was hapening behind the curtain. So for that (and because our Webmaster is a huge fan of the man from Parts Unknown) we say YES!

      View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (1/6): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Noah Mark is back with his analysis of Old School Raw! Check out The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us if you agree with this week’s picks.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (1/6)

    OLD SCHOOL RAW (1/6)

     

    Orton playing the generic Bad Guy, he's much better than this. NO!
    Orton playing the generic Bad Guy, he’s much better than this. NO!

    Ric Flair, Randy Orton, & John Cena Promo Old School Raw kicked off with the 16 time “Nature Boy” Ric Flair out first. He was quickly interrupted by former Evolution partner. Randy Orton. Randy Orton said he respected Ric Flair, but he needed the time more to address the one on one rematch putting himself vs John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at The Royal Rumble. Ric chimes in saying he’s not as good as he thinks. Orton threatens Flair, Cena ends up making the save.

    For me this segment fell flat, and seemed forced. Orton was seemingly going through the motions, with “I respect you, but….” going into generic heel mode. This is not The Viper I know and enjoy. I feel some people don’t give Randy Orton the credit he deserves for his promo and character skills, he makes great facial expressions, and conveys a cold-hearted disposition. Well normally he does, this promo didn’t do Orton any favors. Clearly Ric Flair is getting order, or he had a few in the back, because he sounded marble mouth in this segment. Cena didn’t offer anything to this segment either. One month ago Cena may have  delivered the best promo of his life in Seattle. Here, I felt the whole thing was boring. NO!

     

    NO!

    Jerry Lawler Health Update:  Earlier in the day we reported Breaking News Jerry “The King” Lawler was hospitalized. Of course with Jerry’s Heart Attack last year during Raw, your first thought would be another heart issue. Thankfully it seemed to be a stomach virus or food poisoning. however that didn’t stop the WWE from sensationalizing  by directing viewers to turn to the WWE App to get an update on Jerry Lawler. NO!

    Raw-1-6-DanielBryan.2jpg
    Daniel Bryan…er Wyatt. So far okay. YES!

    Luke Harper, Erick Rowan & Daniel Bryan vs. The Usos & Rey Mysterio Our first chance to see Daniel Bryan on TV as a Wyatt. First the original Wyatt trio appeared for their normal entrance, followed by the fourth Daniel “Wyatt”. Daniel Byran came out looking like he was in a Janitor or prison jump suit. A blank stare on his face, as he teamed up with Rowan and Harper to take on The Usos and Mysterio. I enjoyed this, I thought Bryan looked good with the group. They ended up losing the match due to Harper getting rolled up after a brief disagreement with Bryan as to who should come into the match when Rowan tagged both men. I would have preferred The Wyatts to win clean in this match. Their first week out and they’re arguing, I think an eventual separation from Bryan would be more effective if they were on the same page to start. But I’m still okay with this story line, provided I don’t have to wait 15 more weeks for Bryan to “Snap out of it”. YES!

     

    Too Cool & Rikishi just 3 of the Old School Legends at Raw YES!
    Too Cool & Rikishi just 3 of the Old School Legends at Raw YES!

    WWE Legends On Old School Raw: I was happy to see some of my old school favorites on Raw. Everyone had a good role on the show and for older fans this definitely was a great nostalgia feel. I will say that over the past few years we’ve seen a crop of “usual” legends. Most of which were not actually on a whole lot of episodes of WWE Raw. I would love to have seen a Raw with more attitude era and post era stars.  Some of them are still affiliated and working for WWE. Perhaps WWE held a few back for a Royal Rumble appearance. There was also no “old school” diva on this show. I know Mae Young was originally scheduled to attend this show, however Mae Young experienced  health issues and was unable to appear.  With Brock Lesnar, in attendance this seemed like a perfect time for Sable to make an appearance in the show.  YES!

    Big E walks though a hallway WWE Old School time warp.
    Check out the Full Old School Raw Results w/ More Videos.

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6BucX5HK_mY

    Piper & Ambrose - YES!
    Piper & Ambrose – YES!

    Piper’s Pit – Piper’s still got it plain and simple. His interaction with The Shield, the hottest faction, group, whatever you what to call them. Piper pinching Roman Reigns cheek put goosebumps on my arm. I saw Reigns neck throbbing, great moment! People have compaired Dean Ambrose to Piper in the past, it was great to see Ambrose get to interact with a Legend. This would not be his only legend interaction on this episode of Old School Raw. I enjoyed seeing CM Punk and The New Age Outlaws come in to save piper. YES!

     View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW Old School and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (12/30): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Happy New Year everyone! Noah Mark is back with his the latest installment of “The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us if you agree with this week’s picks.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (12/30)

    WWE RAW (12/30)

    Alright everyone, I’ve been sitting on writing this article to give all of us enough time to digest what we saw on Monday. I didn’t want to make a knee jerk reaction to what I saw. So hopefully here is my calm observation.

    Daniel Bryan Takes On Luke Harper - YES!
    Daniel Bryan Takes On Luke Harper – YES!

    Daniel Bryan Joins The Wyatts: Daniel Bryan is an incredible wrestler, he’s got a likable personality, and he’s good on the mic. Shawn Michaels definitely taught him well, but Bryan has that extra ingredient needed to make a star, that unteachable “it” factor. You either have it, or you don’t. Bryan has it, and it has developed over the years to something a massive audience can get behind. We are in in a time where WWE has failed to match the caliber star power and top new talents of the decades before it. So partly due to John Cena’s injury Daniel Bryan is given the ball. The crowds love him, and are behind him. Daniel Bryan headlines Summer Slam with Cena, followed by the next 3 Pay-Per-Views with Orton. The Pay-Per-View buy rates  were down from the previous year. It shouldn’t rest squarely on Bryan’s shoulders, there is an incredible short shelf on top stars, with practically all of them on John Cena’s level either retired or part time. Look at Survivor Series, headlined by Big Show vs Randy Orton, drawing one if not the lowest Survivor Series buy rates in the PPV’s history. I could argue that Daniel Bryan in the main event SAVED the prior three pay-per-views from a similar dismal buy rate.

    Erick Rowan vs Daniel Bryan - YES!
    Erick Rowan vs Daniel Bryan – YES!

    Nonetheless, back down Daniel Bryan goes on the card, he becomes the scapegoat, pun intended! Bryan’s been in a feud with the Wyatts  since the end of October. My anger and frustration has clouded my appreciation for the Wyatts, and this story line. So let me look at it just from the perspective of the story line alone. The Wyatts have a great persona, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan can hang with the likes of just about anyone in the ring. I feel Bray Wyatt is the weakest wrestler out of the group, but wrestling isn’t the most important talent needed for this, Bray could easily fit in a horror movie, he looks the part and is competent enough. So after two months of mostly Daniel Bryan getting the short end of the stick, on this past Monday’s Raw Bryan is given a chance to go one on one with Bray Wyatt. All Bryan must do is defeat Luke Harper and Derrek Rowen.

    Daniel Bryan Joins the Wyatt Family. YES!
    Daniel Bryan Joins the Wyatt Family. YES!

    After the two matches Bray comes in the ring, the match starts, Erick and Luke join in on the attack. Bray tells Bryan he’s afraid this is where their story ends. He says he has no mercy left to give. He says this is his fault. Bryan says you’re right, you were right all along and joins the Wyatts. (View Full Details here)  So within the story line itself. I’m okay with this, in fact I’m totally fine with this scenario, provided Daniel Bryan is out of this “spell” by The Royal Rumble. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, in this day in age, with people wanting instant gratification, binge-watching full seasons of TV shows in a sitting, I can’t wait 16 weeks for WrestleMania XXX for Daniel Bryan to come out of his spell. Doing so may inflict permanent damage on his popularity. So if Daniel Bryan is “following the buzzards” for four weeks, I’m on board. YES!

     

    CM Punk takes on Seth Rollins on an "Off Night" - NO!
    CM Punk takes on Seth Rollins on an “Off Night” – NO!

    CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: Everyone has an off night,  Seth Rollins and CM Punk didn’t work. there were a few botches, CM Punk tried to cover by turning a move off the ropes into a small package, but it was sloppy. I would imagine most of the heat goes on Seth Rollins, but it takes two to tango. CM Punk on Twitter knew it was a stinker NO!

     

    View Page 2 to find out more items and our Overall Raw Rating

  • WWE RAW Reaction (12/23): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Noah Mark is back with his the latest installment of “The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us if you agree with this week’s picks.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (12/23)

    WWE RAW (12/23)

    Here are some quick thoughts about this weeks edition of Christmas Raw. Did you watch it?

     

    The WWE Diva's are awesome to look at. Not so awesome to watch wrestle.
    The WWE Diva’s are awesome to look at. Not so awesome to watch wrestle.

    12-diva’s Jingle Bells Match: The tag team division has been completely turned around.  At one point it seemed like there was barely a tag team division. AJ Lee is the best women’s wrestler on the roster, why aren’t we seeing her in great matches. I guess I know why, because of Total Diva’s.  That doesn’t mean there can’t be great woman’s wrestling.  NO!

     

     

     

    John Cena, CM Punk, and Big E. Langston victorious to end Christmas Raw
    John Cena, CM Punk, and Big E. Langston victorious to end Christmas Raw

    CM Punk John Cena & Big E Langston vs The Shield I enjoyed the match, Cena, Punk and Big E all out there. The end seemed silly though. Why would there suddenly be a disqualification, because the two illegal Shield members saved themselves from being pinned by Big E? It doesn’t make sense, but still the match was better than the Good Santa vs Bad Santa, which I thought for sure would close the show. Therefore it gets a YES!

    The USOS vs The Prime Time Players:  The match was fun to watch.  Good tag team action YES!|

    The USO's and The Prime Time Players all celebrate after the match. Barf
    The USO’s and The Prime Time Players all celebrate after the match. Barf

    The USOS & Prime Time Players Curtain Call Before the match Darren Young mistakenly refer to Austin Texas as Houston, to get some sort of heel heat, I didn’t have a problem with this. I did have a problem with after the match, The USO’s and The Prime Time Players all doing the Millions of Dollars dance. Here’s why I have an issue with it.  This is starting to become a thing, with Superstars hugging after the match, we saw it a few weeks ago with the Michael Strahan, Miz, Titus O’neil segment. We saw it with Big Show, Rey Mysterio and The Rhodes. Forget about ruthless aggression, these guys are all becoming wimps! It’s OKAY for two fan favorites to dislike each other, and not hug at the end. I’m not saying they need to attack each other after the match… but I’m hoping it’s just a lighthearted Christmas episode thing, and not a growing trend. Although with the recent article of WWE shopping their television shows to TV Network’s including Disney. We might see everyone hug at the end of matches in the future. NO!

    "Bad Santa' full of Christmas Cupcakes
    “Bad Santa’ full of Christmas Cupcakes

    Good Santa Vs Bad Santa: It is what it is I guess. Mark Henry playing the good Santa, Damien Sandow playing the bad Santa with produced backstage segments contrasting the two. The announcers played it up as you would have expected. The whole concept is silly. Bah Humbug! NO!

     

     

    Live Announcing: I would say it was a good thing that Michael Cole and JBL announced the show live from Stanford CT. (They had pre-recorded cut-in’s from the arena, but voiced most of Raw Live) it gave it a fresh feel, JBL made some topical references as he eluded to on twitter. The Batista announcement which clearly wasn’t scheduled for the show originally was added in, and the live commentary allowed for reaction from JB and Cole. Did you miss Jerry “The King” Lawler? I did not. YES!

     

    "Santa Claus is an Illegal Immigrant" - Zeb Colter
    “Santa Claus is an Illegal Immigrant” – Zeb Colter

    The Real Americans vs Los Matadores: Another good tag team match on Raw. We saw the Antonio Cesaro swing, which if you haven’t’ seen live is an awesome thing to watch. With all the tag teams in the WWE, I think the WrestleMania pre-show match should involve all the tag-teams that one make it to the PPV. Perhaps the winner can face the champions.  YES!

     

    RAW OVERALL: NO! Call me scrooge if you will, but the over cheesy holiday wrestling show, should go on Smackdown!  I think Raw looses it’s coolness by being lame. If Disney pony’s up the cash this could be what you see on RAW every week so get used to it! There was some good action on the show which I enjoyed, no real progression of WWE story lines but the big announcement of The Animal Batista, which was awesome to see. 

     

  • WWE RAW Reaction (12/9): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Noah Mark is back with his the latest installment of “The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us if you agree with this week’s picks.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (12/9)

    WWE RAW (12/9): The “YES!”

    Daniel Bryan

    The Star of Raw
    The Star of Raw Daniel Bryan

    Daniel Bryan, winning three Slammy Awards competing in a match, appearing in the Championship Ascension Ceremony, was without question the star of the show. His hometown crowd chanting YES! YES! YES! and DANIEL BRYAN! throughout the beginning of the Championship Ascension Ceremony. Going back earlier in the night to his first Slammy win for Superstar Of The Year. On stage The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. He announces the Superstar of the year is Daniel Bryan. We were all expecting fireworks to occur during that interaction. HBK even exited stage right a perfect set-up for a “surprise” superkick from out of nowhere! But there was no Sweet Chin Music. Just a humble acceptance speech by Bryan for his Slammy Award which he refereed to as The “HB Swizzle”  award, Michaels naming it that just before presenting the award. Bryan did mention if it wasn’t for Shawn he wouldn’t be in the WWE. Likewise if it wasn’t for his interference at Hell-In-A-Cell he would be the WWE Champion. Although there was no physical interaction here, that wouldn’t be the last time these two interacted on the show.

    See this is why I can’t shake off fighting the Daniel Bryan cause, he belongs in the main event. Heck this article uses his YES! and NO! and lord help us all if Daniel Bryan ever appears in a “NO!” portion of this article.  Some people might say, he was in his hometown and had an extra kick of support. There may be a bit of truth to that, but I feel that there are just some hot wrestling towns. Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and apparently Seattle. After what transpired later in the show who knows what will happen the next few months. I’m excited! YES!

    Championship Ascension Ceremony

    WWE Reminding us what they are capable of. Powerful Compelling end to Raw
    John Cena showing why he is in fact the face of WWE.

    Former World Heavyweight and WWE Champions appeared all in the ring for the Championship Ascension Ceremony. As I said earlier the crowd was going crazy for Daniel Bryan. While Triple H was talking up the match, and the championship, the Seattle crowd chanted YES and Daniel Bryan to the point where Triple H gave them what seemed like at least a minute of chanting and Yessing and clapping. This crowd was on fire for Daniel Bryan. Triple H introduced both Orton and Cena. The crowd did not want to hear what Orton had to say. There were boos and boring chants. Then Cena took the mic. More boos and cheering mix. Then Cena begins to speak and prove why he is the face of the WWE. These days with everything being very planned and scripted, Cena played to the crowd and included Daniel Bryan in the conversation, he compared Randy Orton’s rise to success to Daniel Bryan’s. The idea was Bryan didn’t have a father and grandfather to get him in to the WWE, he did it by working. Cena turned practically the entire crowd around and behind him., shouting out his past opponents, HBK, CM Punk, and putting over that the only fair shot Daniel Bryan had was the one with him.  Brilliant, this is why he is where he is. The end was something I haven’t seen in the WWE in a long time. It was an awesome chain of events excuited perfectly. Cena and Orton shake hands as the World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship are hoisted up. Orton gets in a cheap shot, the two are down on the mat fighting. Orton and Cena get pulled apart to their corners. CM Punk gets shoved by Orton causing CM Punk to start attacking Orton. Triple H throws down CM Punk, who retaliates with a knockdown of his on on The Game. HBK Superkicks CM Punk, setting up Daniel Bryan to

    The Authority and John Cena look over A fallen Randy Orton. A great segment to end raw.
    The Authority and John Cena look over A fallen Randy Orton. A great segment to end raw.

    WWE Reminding us what they are capable of, a Powerful and compelling end to Raw.

    deliver his running Knee on HBK. Orton tries to RKO Bryan but instead gets shoved into Stephanie McMahon knocking her down. Triple H runs to Stephanie’s aid, and then gets up and pedigrees Randy.  The show closes with The Authority and John Cena looking disappointed over Randy Orton on the mat. What a great segment. This is what WWE used to do on a regular basis. Twists and turns, these chain-reaction action segments. YES!

    Quick Mentions

    Dean Ambrose vs CM Punk – Ambrose vs CM punk was a Pay-Per-View quality match with a great dissension in the ranks tease when Dean Ambrose wanted Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to head to the back so he could finish the job by himself. Punk gets the win shortly after that exchange, although Punk loses out to the numbers game and gets a great spear from Reigns. YES!

    The Wyatts – With a chip on my shoulder because of Daniel Bryan’s demotion, I don’t think I appreciated Bray Wyatt’s amazing performances over the last few weeks.  They are great, and compelling. YES!

    Hit up Page 2 below for the “NO!” of this week’s WWE RAW:

     

  • WWE RAW Reaction (11/25): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

    Here’s the latest installment of “The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” I may have a different perspective than you since I was live at Raw this week at The Nassau Colosseum! Comment below and tell us how you like the column and if you agree with this week’s picks.

    Complete WWE RAW Results (11/25): With VIDEOS

    WWE RAW (11/25): The “YES!”

    Daniel Bryan & CM Punk vs The Wyatts

    Daniel Bryan & CM Punk cut a promo before facing The Waytts
    Daniel Bryan & CM Punk cut a promo before facing The Wyatts

     

    The obligatory rematch between The Wyatts and Daniel Bryan & CM Punk, took place on Raw. First a promo from “The Beard & The Best” CM Punk discussing team names, and asking questions allowing Daniel Bryan to answer them with a “Yes!”.  Daniel Bryan got a chance to say more than just the three letter word that will follow him for the rest of his career.

    I love Daniel Bryan, and so does the crowd. In fact you could hear Daniel Bryan chants during the opening segment, proving once again that this demotion was not “Best For Business” But more on that in the “NO!” section.

    Any match can be enhanced with the crowd behind you. When you have top stars like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, the two most over Superstars at Raw, it can add just that little more energy to the match.

    CM Punk made a comment about Triple H and the authority in the opening promo, and wouldn’t know it after Daniel Bryan was “Kidnapped” by the Wyatts. CM Punk was laid out by The Shield.  I wonder if that marks the end of Daniel Bryan and CM Punk together, because I was enjoying that. Time will tell.

    Who would have thought Golddust would be having great matches alongside his brother in 2013
    Who would have thought Goldust would be having great matches alongside his brother in 2013!

    The Shield vs The Rhodes and Rey Mysterio 

    I have never been a fan of Tag Teams growing up watching the WWE. I must say however, though all the missteps, and bad booking since SummerSlam, The WWE has a great tag team division. This, of course includes The Shield and The Wyatt factions. Day in and day out these teams from The Veteran Golddust, to newer WWE talent in The Shield and The USO’s, are having great matches. I am thoroughly enjoying watching these teams work.

     

    The Kosher Butcher!
    The Kosher Butcher!

    The Kosher Butcher
    Superstars for Sandy Relief Auction winner, ” Charlie Tebele was interviewed by Jerry “The King” Lawler. When asked if he were to be a WWE Superstar, what would his name be. Charlie was prepared, with a blue T-shirt and a great gimmick “The Kosher Butcher” He even went as far to come up with his finisher, The Circumcision! At first the crowd didn’t know what to make of this.  Not sure if this was shown on TV, but The Kosher Butcher had at least a dozen of his friends and family at Raw, all wearing their Blue shirts! Great stuff. Half way during the Xavier Woods match, and some further thought, the crowd broke out into chants of  both “Kosher Butcher” and “Circumcision”, add that to the list of most bizarre Raw chants.
    Great Stuff.

     

     

    Hit up Page 2 below for the “NO!” of this week’s WWE RAW:

  • New TOPPS Trading Cards Based On Ridiculous Top-10 WWE Champions Lists

    The TOPPS trading card company have officially released a new WWE trading card set based on lists of the greatest champions in company history. Their lists, which interestingly enough exclusive WWE Hall Of Famers “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, among many others, are as follows:

    Top Ten WWE Champions:

    1. John Cena
    2. Triple H
    3. The Rock
    4. The Undertaker
    5. CM Punk
    6. Sheamus
    7. Brock Lesnar
    8. Eddie Guerrero
    9. The Miz
    10. JBL

    Top Ten World Heavyweight Champions:

    1. The Undertaker
    2. Triple H
    3. Randy Orton
    4. Batista
    5. Sheamus
    6. Rey Mysterio
    7. Kane
    8. CM Punk
    9. Booker T
    10. Daniel Bryan

    Top Ten WWE Intercontinental Champions:

    1. Randy Orton
    2. Rey Mysterio
    3. Christian
    4. Kofi Kingston
    5. Cody Rhodes
    6. Wade Barrett
    7. Dolph Ziggler
    8. William Regal
    9. Santino Marella
    10. Ezekiel Jackson

    Top Ten WWE Tag-Team Champions:

    1. D-Generation X
    2. Team Hell No
    3. Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero
    4. Big Show & Kane
    5. Kofi Kingston & R-Truth
    6. Air Boom
    7. ShoMiz
    8. Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes
    9. Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
    10. Primo & Epico

    Huge Update On The Undertaker’s Opponent For WrestleMania XXX

  • New Japan Pro Wrestling iPPV Results – May 3, 2013

    The following are quick-match results from the latest New Japan Pro Wrestling internet pay-per-view:

    -Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Maximo defeated Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo & Jado

    -Rocky Romero & Alex Skoslov defeated Kushida & Alex Shelley when Romero pinned Kushida after the Contract Killer for the pinfall. Romero & Skoslov won the IWGP Jr. Tag-Titles with the victory.

    -Prince Devitt & King Fale defeated Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan when Devitt pinned Captain following a Choke Lariat.

    -Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer, Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka and Manabu Nakanishi & Strongman in a four-way to win the NWA & IWGP Tag-Team Titles. Kojima pinned Strongman following a Lariat.

    -Masato Tanaka defeated Tomoaki Honma via the Sliding D to retain the NEVER Championship.

    -Togi Makabe defeated Yujiro Takahashi via the King Kong Kneedrop.

    -Hiroki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata fought to a Double Knockout.

    -Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Karl Anderson via the High Fly Flow.

    -Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Shelton Benjamin via the Bom Ba Ye to retain the Intercontinental Title.

    -Kazuchika Okada defeated Minoru Suzuki via the Rainmaker to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Title.

    24WRESTLING.COM: Tons Of Hot Babe Galleries & WWE *Spoilers* [>>]