NXT Review 29/08

Rumours the original script for RAW on Monday night was changed

Following RAW on Monday night, there has been plenty of internet rumour and speculation regarding the main event of the show.

According to the reports and rumours online over the last few days, this is what we have learned;

Main Event Review - 26/08

Here are the results from last night's Main Event on the WWE Network. Including a surprise victory.

RAW Rundown - 25/08

Here is our weekly RAW Rundown with all the best bits from this week's show.

RAW Preview

With just a few hours until RAW gets under way. Here is our brief RAW preview;

Hogan on RAW tonight!

Last night, Hulk Hogan revealed via his Twitter that will be on RAW again tonight, live in Los Angeles.

Why John Cena can't beat Brock Lesnar

WWE Main Event Review - 20/08

First and foremost, the most important piece of news from last night's Main Event was the announcement that Brock Lesnar will be defending his WWE title at Night Of Champions against...

...John Cena!

After taking a severe beating from Lesnar at SummerSlam, it will be very interesting to see how Cena responds in a rematch.

We'll find out next month!

Picture courtesy of: WWE.com

In lighter news; Slater Gator went up against Los Matadores in tag team action, with Hornswoggle at ringside, dressed as a cow. As you do...

Slater Gator picked up the win. But the final word went to Hornswoggle and El Torito;

Big Show faced off against Erick Rowan and picked up the victory with the most basic of finishing moves;

Finally, we seem to be back at a Sheamus/Cesaro feud for the US title in the lead up to Night Of The Champions.

This was a feud that initially took place a couple of months ago. Although this is basically a repeat, they did have some good matches, so we'll give this one time to build.

Sheamus picked up the win over Curtis Axel whilst Cesaro was at ringside on commentary for the match.
Following Sheamus' win, Cesaro was eyeing up the US title belt.

You can watch the highlights here YouTube - Sheamus vs. Curtis Axel: WWE Main Event, Aug. 19, 2014

RAW Rundown 19/08

Following on from a decent SummerSlam PPV the previous night, this was a decent RAW showing.

This episode came complete with the brand new 'Clean' WWE logo which has been much talked about in recent weeks.

I think it is very nice and clear and suits this PG era very much. At the same time I'm sad to see the old Attitude Era one disposed of, but I guess we all have to move with the times.

The new 'Clean' WWE logo: Pic courtesy of WWE.com

A lot of celebrities haven been taking part in the "Ice Bucket Challenge" all in aid of a good cause.

Seth Rollins took part in the challenge, not through choice, but through Dean Ambrose' choosing;

Following on from SummerSlam the previous night, Nikki Bella was invited out to ringside by Stephanie McMahon to explain why she turned on her twin sister, Brie the previous night.

Initially I liked the idea of a feud between Steph and Brie - That was until I realised Brie is truly terrible at acting! Meanwhile, Steph as a character is as good as ever.

So imagine my surprise to discover the only person worse at acting than Brie Bella is...

...Nikki Bella!

The match between Steph and Brie at SummerSlam was decent enough. But I've really struggled to buy into the whole storyline to be honest.

From here we are obviously heading towards a match between the Bella Twins.

I'd be keen to see the match - But not the acting during the build up!

Dolph Ziggler defended his newly-won Intercontinental belt against former champ The Miz. Albeit by default after The Miz won the match by countout.

Since we've now had the title change and rematch, it is definitely time to move on.

 

On paper, the scheduled three-way tag team match looked to be a weird one.

Sheamus, RVD & Roman Reigns vs Rybaxel & Randy Orton.

Luckily the end product was actually quite good and it was nice to see RVD pick up the spoils instead of Roman Reigns for a change.
Let's be honest, a Five Star Frog Splash is more exciting than a Spear any day of the week!

The other highlight of the match was Ryback perfroming in front of his hometown, Vegas crowd.
He was comfortably the most over out of all six men, without having to do very much!

Along with a brand new look WWE logo and RAW graphics - A new WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt was presented to Brock Lesnar.
It features the new look WWE logo and does away with the need to carry two championship belts. 

The new WWE champ - With the new belt: Pic courtesy of WWE.com

With the formalities out of the way, Paul Heyman took the microphone to address the WWE Universe as only he can;

WWE seem keen to grow and develop the tag team division recently and who can blame them?
Tag teams have become a neglected commodity in recent years and for a long time The Usos have been the only real tag team.
So it was nice to see recent competition from the Wyatt's, who appear to have slipped in the pecking order having lost both of their recent title challenges.
Recently, Mark Henry & Big Show have had a push as a tag team - Which is an interesting (and big!) proposition.

On RAW things just got much more interesting as the reigning champs The Usos lost to Goldust & Stardust.
I had a feeling that it was going to happen and it puts them right at the front of the queue for a title shot.

Seeing as the Rhodes brothers are so over with pretty much every WWE crowd, along with their brilliant, synchronised new look, I think you could well be looking at the next tag team champs!

Looks like WWE are moving on from the Rusev/Jack Swagger feud.

Last night Swagger lost clean to Cesaro; Interesting, given Cesaro hasn't been able to buy a win of late;

Meanwhile Rusev looks as if he could be heading into a new feud with Mark Henry after the World's Strongest Man came out to confront him on RAW.

Has Rusev finally met his match? 

The main event of the evening followed on from the epic Lumberjack match at Summerslam between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.
This was a rematch, with the stipulation chosen by WWE fans, who were given the chance to vote via the WWE app.
The choices were either No Disqualification, Falls Count Anywhere or No Holds Barred - We chose Falls Count Anywhere - But basically all three of the options added up to same damn thing anyway!

This match was on a par quality-wise with the Lumberjack match at SummerSlam the previous evening, which is especially encouraging to see on an episode of RAW.
There were some brilliant high spots featuring a Powerbomb onto a stack of steel chairs and a Superplex through a table.
After such an entertaining match it was a real shame to see it all ruined by such an unrealistic gimmicky end, involving Seth Rollins Kerb-Stomping Ambrose' head through a pile of concrete blocks...

Concrete blocks. A gimmick too far: Pic courtesy of WWE.com

I mean, seriously? Come on WWE! It's supposed to be CONCRETE!!!

If it was the real thing I would imagine Ambrose would probably be dead now - Seriously injured at the very least.

Look. We all know that wrestling is, for want of a better word in this instance, "fake". But there really is no need for these gimmicky incidents. It's way too over the top. It's unrealistic. It just makes a mockery of the product and, what was up until that point, a great match.

That aside, the good news is that this feud is going to run and run. Brilliant news for the fans and I'm sure they've got plenty of great matches to come.

Who knows - Maybe they could be fighting for the WWE World Title soon enough?

SummerSlam Review

SummerSlam 2014 got underway with a surprise appearance from the immortal Hulk Hogan. 

Nothing all that exciting about his appearance though, he was basically there to sell the WWE Network.
 

I understand that the WWE have a product to sell, but I do find the way they advertise it to be cringeworthy most of the time.
 

(By the way the WWE Network is just 9.99!)

The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler
(Intercontinental Title Match)

Decent match to kick off SummerSlam and the first of three title changes during the evening.
 

After some nice exchanges in a fast-paced match, Ziggler picked up the win with the Zigg-Zag.
 

For me, this was a surprise title change. But at the same time Ziggler is so over with the WWE Universe that it can't really go wrong!
 

Who knows what's next for The Miz - Are they doing a new Marine movie?

AJ Lee vs Paige (Divas Title Match)

Second title match of the evening and the second title change. Again, for me this was a surprise title change, but an enjoyable one.
 

Paige's recent heel turn added some spice to the rivalry in the build up to this match. But in the end she won clean to regain the Divas title.
 

Where this rivalry goes from here, who knows?
 

Maybe AJ will win the title back tonight on RAW! The Divas belt is seemingly becoming a hot potato between the two of them, so why not!?

Rusev vs Jack Swagger 

Flag Match

We never thought for one second that Rusev's winning run would be broken at SummerSlam by Jack Swagger. It is clear that WWE are lining him up for a push and have been for some time. 

That said, this was his biggest test to date and for once he had take part in a fairly even match where he had to sell and take bumps. 

Swagger got Rusev in the Patriot Lock before the match had even started and so the Bulgarian Brute had to nurse his ankle through the entire contest - Which he sold well and convincingly.

Rusev's ankle made it difficult for him to put Swagger in his finishing hold 'The Accolade', but once he finally did (fighting through the pain barrier) Jack Swagger eventually passed out.

Rusev wins - But Swagger didn't tap. 

We've got a feeling this one may rumble on.

Seth Rollins vs Dean Ambrose

(Lumberjack Match)

This was easily the match of the night and given all the hype and build-up it certainly delivered.

I think we all groaned a bit when Ambrose chose a Lumberjack Match for his stipulation, but last night the groaning stopped.

The lumberjacks all played their part and there was some brilliant brawling through the crowd between the two former 'brothers'.

The best high spot of the night went to Ambrose who dived onto the lumberjacks carrying Rollins back to the ring. In one motion he took out half of the WWE roster - Incredible!

Rollins was always going to win this one and always going to win unclean and so that proved to be the case, with a little bit of help from Kane and his MITB briefcase! 

The good news is that this feud is FAR from over and we've got a feeling Ambrose will get his revenge.

Bray Wyatt vs Chris Jericho

We haven't really been won over by this feud. 

Y2J was brought back to the WWE specifically to feud with Wyatt and to get him over even more. 

Not sure it's been entirely successful and Wyatt was certainly getting over more during his feud with John Cena. Not to mention that the Cena/Wyatt matches were better in general. 

Wyatt was always going to win this one after losing to Jericho at Battleground and so that proved to be the case, with Jericho putting him over clean as well.

With the scores now at 1-1 will we get a decider next month? Maybe we will. Either way I'm not sure the WWE Universe are sold on this feud and it will be interesting to see what happens after, particularly for Wyatt.

Stephanie McMahon vs Brie Bella

The spoilers did what they do best and spoiled the ending to this one weeks ago.

It was practically common knowledge that Nikki Bella was going to turn on her sister Brie and I found myself just waiting for it to happen.

This distracted from the match somewhat, which wasn't actually all that bad! 

Most impressive was the in-ring prowess of Steph. With the crowd chanting "You've still got it" throughout the match.

Steph picked up the win with a LOT of help from her husband and Nikki Bella. 

We fully expect this one to rumble on for a while to come.

 

Roman Reigns vs Randy Orton

Roman Reigns is the golden boy, make no mistake about it. He is being primed to become a WWE champion in the not to distant future. 

Which is exactly why he was always going to go over against the Apex Predator, Randy Orton. 

In all honesty, I'd completely forgotten about this match on the card! What with all the excitement that went before it, I was just waiting for the main event between Cena and Lesnar. 

The match itself was neat and tidy without ever really setting the world alight. It would've been nice to have seen Orton in the mood he was in a few weeks ago on RAW when he destroyed Reigns.

The most impressive spot was Reigns launching into his trademark 'Superman Punch', only to be caught by a mid-air RKO - This led directly to the best near-fall of the night.

Reigns eventually picked up the win with a Spear, and his WWE mega-push continues.

I do worry for him slightly for a few reasons. Mainly that he is still a little bit green and rough around the edges in my opinion. It does feel a bit like his push is as a direct result of his stature and looks.

But more importantly I worry for his sequence of trademark moves becoming too predictable and repetitive. I think it could end up being as boring as Cena building up to his 'Five-Knuckle Shuffle' and we all know what kind of response that gets!

Was I the only one who heard a few moans and groans directed at Reigns last night? If so, that doesn't bode well.

John Cena vs Brock Lesnar

(WWE World Heavyweight Title Match)

Wow.

We all thought that Lesnar might win this one - But I don't think ANYONE could have predicted the manner in which he won the belts.

In short, Cena was annihilated by Lesnar. I would go as far as to say that this was just an extended squash match. 

Cena received SIXTEEN brutal suplexes and two F5's before losing clean to the Beast. 

With Cena losing in this manner it does make you wonder - Is he off for a break? Or is the unthinkable about to happen? 

Is he about to turn heel?

I mean, how DO you come back from a main event defeat like that? 

For Lesnar, this sets him up for a long run as WWE champion. He looked every bit 'The Beast' last night and it does pose the question - Who could realistically beat him?

Time will tell, but one thing is for sure - Get used to seeing those two golden belts a lot less on the TV - We now have a part-time World Champ.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Best SummerSlam Moments EVER

The biggest event is coming up on Sunday and we can't wait!

To get you in the mood - Here are some of the best SummerSlam moments EVER;
 

RAW Rundown 11/08

If you missed last night's RAW, or you just fancy watching the highlights all over again, here are the best bits from last night's show;

Paul Heyman and his client Brock Lesnar opened the show. With Lesnar sporting a new, modified version of his trademark vest;

Heyman once again reiterated that Cena is in for the "beating of a lifetime" at SummerSlam on Sunday.

We can only assume that Lesnar has very sensitive vocal chords or a very small vocabulary. Heyman certainly suffers from no such problem.


Roman Reigns then faced the world's most boring tag team Rybaxel, as per the orders of corporate Kane.

Rybaxel were disqualified. Reigns picked up the win and then proceeded to go through his usual routine against both members of Rybaxel. Superman Punch, Spear etc...You know it by now!

Mr. Money In The Bank Seth Rollins took on Mr. Monday Night Rob Van Dam. Rollins predictably picked up the victory with a vicious Kerb-Stomp.

However on his way back up the ramp, there was a little surprise lurking for poor old Seth; 

In an ever so slightly ridiculous angle, Stephanie McMahon revealed that Daniel Bryan has been having an "Affair" with his Physical Therapist. CRINGE.

The whole angle was made worth it however, due to the facial expressions of Steph when Brie Bella put her in the 'Yes Lock'. Enjoy;

Sticking with the ladies for the time being - "She can't wrestle" but Eva Marie managed to pick up a surprise win over Divas Champ AJ Lee - With a little help from crazy Paige;

Regardless of what you think of John Cena, I think we can all admit his promos of late have been brilliant. This one was no different;

Then, following on from the ridiculous Daniel Bryan/Brie Bella/Physical Therapist love triangle, Brie Bella got herself arrested for the 'assault' earlier in the evening.

Haven't we been here before?

For the record - We'd also add a charge of 'Crimes against acting' to the Brie Bella charge-sheet.

After all that nonsense, it was time for the WWE superstars to gather at the top of the ramp to celebrate the 61st Birthday of The Hulkster. Who was joined in the ring by some very special guests.

Everything was going well until Heyman and Lesnar pooped the proverbial party;

We were kind of hoping that Hulk Hogan was going to receive an 'F5' as a Birthday present from Brock, but no such luck.
Instead John Cena sprinted in to save the day;

FINAL THOUGHT: If you think Brock Lesnar really is the "Beast Incarnate", then think about this - Cena called him out TWICE in the space of an hour, but the "Beast" politely declined. Just something to consider.

FINAL FINAL THOUGHT;

This.

SummerSlam Predictions

With less than a week to go until the BIGGEST event of the summer, here are our predictions for SummerSlam.

Remember, these are just predictions. No inside info. No spoilers.

JACK SWAGGER vs RUSEV 

FLAG MATCH

PREDICTION: RUSEV WIN

 

 CHRIS JERICHO vs BRAY WYATT

 PREDICTION: WYATT WIN

THE MIZ vs DOLPH ZIGGLER 

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

PREDICTION: MIZ WIN

AJ LEE vs PAIGE

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

PREDICTION: AJ LEE WIN

BRIE BELLA vs STEPHANIE MCMAHON

PREDICTION: STEPH WIN

ROMAN REIGNS vs RANDY ORTON

PREDICTION: REIGNS WIN

DEAN AMBROSE vs SETH ROLLINS

LUMBERJACK MATCH

PREDICTION: ROLLINS WIN

JOHN CENA vs BROCK LESNAR

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH

PREDICTION: LESNAR WIN

New matches confirmed for SummerSlam

A few days ago we listed the matches that have been confirmed for SummerSlam and last night on RAW more matches were added to the card.
We predicted all of these a few days ago anyway, but here is a full list of the most recent confirmed matches;


AJ Lee vs Paige - For the Diva's Title;

Roman Reigns vs Randy Orton;

The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler - For the Intercontinental Title

Seth Rollins vs Dean Ambrose - (With a stipulation of Ambrose' choosing TBC);

Let's all hope Ambrose chooses one of these as his stipulation...

 

Raw Rumour: No Cena or Lesnar on tonight's show

We are hearing rumours that neither World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, or his Summerslam opponent Brock Lesnar, will be appearing on RAW tonight.

It's no surprise that Lesnar isn't appearing and perhaps therefore it shouldn't come as a shock that Cena isn't either.

I mean, if Cena's main rival isn't going to be in the building, then why should he be?
What's the point?

With Lesnar's reported contract only including PPV's and a few RAW appearances - Is this going to become the norm?

If he does beat Cena and win the titles at Summerslam, we will be seeing those two golden belts on television a LOT less often.

For me, that would be a real shame.

That's why at Summerslam - I'm team Cena.

SummerSlam Lineup So Far

Quite a few matches have already been confirmed for SummerSlam.
Here is how the card is looking so far;

John Cena vs Brock Lesnar - For the WWE World Heavyweight Championship;




Stephanie McMahon vs Brie Bella;




Jack Swagger vs Rusev - Flag Match;




Chris Jericho vs Bray Wyatt




So those are the confirmed matches so far, obviously with another 3 or 4 to come.

On Smackdown last night, Randy Orton challenged Roman Reigns to a match at SummerSlam. I would imagine Reigns will accept on Raw this coming Monday.

After cruelly denying us (the fans) a match between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at Battleground, the WWE really owe us this one at SummerSlam.
What with Rollins running away from Ambrose any time he is challenged, this could be leading to a steel cage match.
Not sure how Ambrose would get Rollins and The Authority to agree to it. But if they can work out a way to do it, I'm sure it will be an awesome match - Probably the most exciting on the whole card.

Paige's heel turn on AJ was about as predictable as the sun rising and setting. With this rivalry continuing to hot up (and with Paige getting crazier every week) expect this to be a Divas title match at SummerSlam.

Finally for now, the other title rivalry seems to be between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental strap.
With the amount of air time WWE are investing in this feud, surely a match will be on the card in two weeks time.

What matches would YOU like to see at SummerSlam?
Get in touch and let us know!