Print this articleWWE Divas Championship match
Maryse vs. Michelle McCool
Raw still has by far the superior Women’s division but with the Divas title now on Smackdown at least there seems to be some point to having women wrestle on Smackdown. I wouldn’t have a Divas title match on PPV instead of having a Women’s Title match though. Michelle McCool should retain here as her off screen relationship with The Undertaker has obviously given her power backstage by association with the Phenom.
Championship Scramble for the ECW Championship
Mark Henry (c) vs. Matt Hardy vs. The Miz vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Finlay
Regardless of what you think of the current state of ECW that is a strong match to put out. I remember when the new ECW brand first started and you had matches with the likes of Kevin Thorn and others but now you have a match where all guys have experience on either Raw or Smackdown. I want to see Matt Hardy win but with Mark Henry’s current push I could see him retaining and there is always a outside chance that they could give it to Finlay as he comes nearer to the end of his career it may be nice to see him as a champion. Saying all this though I’m going to go with a gut instinct and go with Matt Hardy on this one.
World Tag Team Championship
Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase (c) vs. Cryme Time
For a tag match this has been built quite well over the last month on Raw with Cryme Time stealing the belts and then Rhodes and DiBiase attacking them to take them back. I for one am just glad they are doing something with Cryme Time at the moment as for weeks they were left with nothing. WWE at the moment are trying to mould DiBiase as the next star, the new Randy Orton if you will so I think this will be a successful title defence for the pairing.
Unsanctioned Match
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
This has had the best build up for a match at a PPV in some time. The rivalry is so heated and has been crafted so well that you could easily believe that it’s real. Nothing about it has been rushed and we were all expecting a great match at Unforgiven but now with Michaels injury on Raw no one is sure how this match will pan out. People were expecting great things from this match but now if it doesn’t deliver it could undo a lot of the good work already done in this feud and affect the future storyline and matches this pair could have. My prediction is a win for Shawn Michaels.
Championship Scramble for the WWE Championship
Triple H (c) vs. The Brian Kendrik vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jeff Hardy
Expect Triple H to easily retain in this one but that isn’t the interesting thing to watch for in this one. This match is a gauge for where Kendrik and Benjamin are at and if they can fit in to the main event scene. MVP has been waiting for a main event push for sometime but with his recent backstage antics I’m not sure if the wait will go on or not. The match also sees Hardy’s return to main event so will be interesting to see what he brings.
Championship Scramble for the World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk (c) vs. Batista vs. Kane vs. JBL vs. Rey Mysterio
This has the potential to be an interesting match as it has many different storylines going on and unlike the Smackdown scramble match each competitor has been pushed as a potential winner. This match will be used to develop the Kane / Mysterio feud but I don’t see either of them winning as Rey has just come back from injury so won’t be put in to a main event feud. The match gives CM Punk the chance to lose the title without losing believability as he doesn’t have to be involved in the deciding decision afterwards he can then continue a feud with JBL. Leaving Batista as the winner as he has now been a while without the belt and will be a babyface champion ready in waiting for Orton’s return. Don’t even be surprised to see Orton get involved somehow in this one.
Overall
With three scramble matches all only going twenty minutes and a Divas match which won’t go much over ten minutes it leaves a lot of PPV to fill which I think they were expecting Jericho and Michaels to fill but with his injury will that be possible. Having three identical gimmick style matches on a PPV doesn’t work in this day and age, that’s why Survivor Series is not done how it use to be any more. This event was going to be remembered for Jericho vs. Michaels but now everyone is unsure how it is going to go down but I hope even with an injury they can steal the show.
Maryse vs. Michelle McCool
Raw still has by far the superior Women’s division but with the Divas title now on Smackdown at least there seems to be some point to having women wrestle on Smackdown. I wouldn’t have a Divas title match on PPV instead of having a Women’s Title match though. Michelle McCool should retain here as her off screen relationship with The Undertaker has obviously given her power backstage by association with the Phenom.
Championship Scramble for the ECW Championship
Mark Henry (c) vs. Matt Hardy vs. The Miz vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Finlay
Regardless of what you think of the current state of ECW that is a strong match to put out. I remember when the new ECW brand first started and you had matches with the likes of Kevin Thorn and others but now you have a match where all guys have experience on either Raw or Smackdown. I want to see Matt Hardy win but with Mark Henry’s current push I could see him retaining and there is always a outside chance that they could give it to Finlay as he comes nearer to the end of his career it may be nice to see him as a champion. Saying all this though I’m going to go with a gut instinct and go with Matt Hardy on this one.
World Tag Team Championship
Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase (c) vs. Cryme Time
For a tag match this has been built quite well over the last month on Raw with Cryme Time stealing the belts and then Rhodes and DiBiase attacking them to take them back. I for one am just glad they are doing something with Cryme Time at the moment as for weeks they were left with nothing. WWE at the moment are trying to mould DiBiase as the next star, the new Randy Orton if you will so I think this will be a successful title defence for the pairing.
Unsanctioned Match
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
This has had the best build up for a match at a PPV in some time. The rivalry is so heated and has been crafted so well that you could easily believe that it’s real. Nothing about it has been rushed and we were all expecting a great match at Unforgiven but now with Michaels injury on Raw no one is sure how this match will pan out. People were expecting great things from this match but now if it doesn’t deliver it could undo a lot of the good work already done in this feud and affect the future storyline and matches this pair could have. My prediction is a win for Shawn Michaels.
Championship Scramble for the WWE Championship
Triple H (c) vs. The Brian Kendrik vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jeff Hardy
Expect Triple H to easily retain in this one but that isn’t the interesting thing to watch for in this one. This match is a gauge for where Kendrik and Benjamin are at and if they can fit in to the main event scene. MVP has been waiting for a main event push for sometime but with his recent backstage antics I’m not sure if the wait will go on or not. The match also sees Hardy’s return to main event so will be interesting to see what he brings.
Championship Scramble for the World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk (c) vs. Batista vs. Kane vs. JBL vs. Rey Mysterio
This has the potential to be an interesting match as it has many different storylines going on and unlike the Smackdown scramble match each competitor has been pushed as a potential winner. This match will be used to develop the Kane / Mysterio feud but I don’t see either of them winning as Rey has just come back from injury so won’t be put in to a main event feud. The match gives CM Punk the chance to lose the title without losing believability as he doesn’t have to be involved in the deciding decision afterwards he can then continue a feud with JBL. Leaving Batista as the winner as he has now been a while without the belt and will be a babyface champion ready in waiting for Orton’s return. Don’t even be surprised to see Orton get involved somehow in this one.
Overall
With three scramble matches all only going twenty minutes and a Divas match which won’t go much over ten minutes it leaves a lot of PPV to fill which I think they were expecting Jericho and Michaels to fill but with his injury will that be possible. Having three identical gimmick style matches on a PPV doesn’t work in this day and age, that’s why Survivor Series is not done how it use to be any more. This event was going to be remembered for Jericho vs. Michaels but now everyone is unsure how it is going to go down but I hope even with an injury they can steal the show.
With ir being the last Smackdown before Unforgiven and with some exciting storylines happening on Smackdown I was quite interested to see how tonight’s show was going to unfold.
Good Points
Structure
For one the champion HHH kicked off the show with an in ring promo about the main event this Sunday and the show ended with him in the main event. I think this is the first show that HHH has started and ended since he moved to Smackdown. I know HHH doesn’t need a push but your champion should always be the one you put the most time in to. Added to this there were a lot more promos and interviews on the show which was a good thing.
More great work by The Undertaker
Before the show started we saw a video package highlighting The Undertaker / Vickie storyline. Then early on in the show we had another awesome Undertaker promo which although not as good as last weeks was still the best promo of the night.
Good build for the Championship Scramble
We had a great push for The Brian Kendrik as he lead the beating on HHH in the first segment and then secured a big win over Jeff Hardy later in the show. Jeff Hardy although losing to Kendrik got a push of his own as he made the save for HHH early on and then at the end turned on him and left him lying in the ring after his main event and as the cameras stopped rolling.
Bad Points
Match Quality
There were some really good matches on Smackdown this week but the show was let down by the inclusion of a throwaway match that being Ryan Braddock vs. Super Crazy and by having two Diva matches. I’d prefer to see less matches than have these spoil to flow of the show.
Vickie Guerrero
Many people love Vickie but I think her promos need work as she is a great character but on the whole her promos go on far too long. When you’re in a programme with The Undertaker your promos need to be spot on which hers weren’t.
Overall
The bad points were only nit picks so again another great Smackdown, really liking what they are doing at the moment, roll on Unforgiven.
Good Points
Structure
For one the champion HHH kicked off the show with an in ring promo about the main event this Sunday and the show ended with him in the main event. I think this is the first show that HHH has started and ended since he moved to Smackdown. I know HHH doesn’t need a push but your champion should always be the one you put the most time in to. Added to this there were a lot more promos and interviews on the show which was a good thing.
More great work by The Undertaker
Before the show started we saw a video package highlighting The Undertaker / Vickie storyline. Then early on in the show we had another awesome Undertaker promo which although not as good as last weeks was still the best promo of the night.
Good build for the Championship Scramble
We had a great push for The Brian Kendrik as he lead the beating on HHH in the first segment and then secured a big win over Jeff Hardy later in the show. Jeff Hardy although losing to Kendrik got a push of his own as he made the save for HHH early on and then at the end turned on him and left him lying in the ring after his main event and as the cameras stopped rolling.
Bad Points
Match Quality
There were some really good matches on Smackdown this week but the show was let down by the inclusion of a throwaway match that being Ryan Braddock vs. Super Crazy and by having two Diva matches. I’d prefer to see less matches than have these spoil to flow of the show.
Vickie Guerrero
Many people love Vickie but I think her promos need work as she is a great character but on the whole her promos go on far too long. When you’re in a programme with The Undertaker your promos need to be spot on which hers weren’t.
Overall
The bad points were only nit picks so again another great Smackdown, really liking what they are doing at the moment, roll on Unforgiven.
With one week to go until Unforgiven I was excited to see what was going to happen on Raw although this week’s episode was a pre-record so wouldn’t have the normal live feeling which makes Raw stand out from it’s competitors.
Good Points
Returning Stars
Instead of the weeks of build that TNA does for it’s returning stars WWE surprised us this week with no build Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio made their returns to Raw. Randy still claiming to be injured and probably still is didn’t wrestle but came to give a damning promo on the current state of WWE and Rey Mysterio made a surprise entrance at the conclusion of the main event to attack Kane. In the long run I always think it is better to surprise people and not have big builds for returns as it adds to the spontaneity of the show and that feeling that anything can happen. To add to this we also saw the return of Candice Michelle.
Great psychology between HBK and Jericho
These two will be forever famed for their Wrestlemania match but the great thing with the feud this time round is they are getting to do a great and heated storyline to build up to their PPV match. I always think the champion should be pushed the most but am glad if they aren’t doing that, that this match is getting all the time and attention. The only problem on Raw was that Michaels tore his tricep which may have a huge impact on the quality of their match at Unforigiven.
Kane getting the push
Kane is being put over as a likely winner of the scramble match at Unforgven as he got three big segments on Raw and was the winner of the Battle Royal main event on Raw. Personally I don’t think he is right to be champion and I don’t think they will give the belt to him but it is good that they are making him believable as a possible title winner.
Bad Points
Batista pushed to the side
With being the main babyface of Raw and the main face of the advertising of Unforgiven I thought they would be giving Batista an actual storyline or feud to go in to the main event with as at the moment we have the JBL/Punk feud and the Kane/Mysterio feud with Batista just making up the numbers so it would seem. Saying this it probably means he will win the belt on Sunday.
Too much time given to ECW stars
This week we had an ECW Battle Royal, a tag match featuring Morrison and The Miz as well as backstage time for Teddy Long. If Raw are doing a crossover storyline with ECW then yes have their stars on the show but if not it makes no sense.
Overall
For a show that wasn’t live it was brilliant, lacked focus at times but worked brilliantly at getting done what was needed to be done. I am now looking forward to Unforgiven it’s just a shame about Shawn Michaels injury as I was really looking forward to his match with Jericho.
Good Points
Returning Stars
Instead of the weeks of build that TNA does for it’s returning stars WWE surprised us this week with no build Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio made their returns to Raw. Randy still claiming to be injured and probably still is didn’t wrestle but came to give a damning promo on the current state of WWE and Rey Mysterio made a surprise entrance at the conclusion of the main event to attack Kane. In the long run I always think it is better to surprise people and not have big builds for returns as it adds to the spontaneity of the show and that feeling that anything can happen. To add to this we also saw the return of Candice Michelle.
Great psychology between HBK and Jericho
These two will be forever famed for their Wrestlemania match but the great thing with the feud this time round is they are getting to do a great and heated storyline to build up to their PPV match. I always think the champion should be pushed the most but am glad if they aren’t doing that, that this match is getting all the time and attention. The only problem on Raw was that Michaels tore his tricep which may have a huge impact on the quality of their match at Unforigiven.
Kane getting the push
Kane is being put over as a likely winner of the scramble match at Unforgven as he got three big segments on Raw and was the winner of the Battle Royal main event on Raw. Personally I don’t think he is right to be champion and I don’t think they will give the belt to him but it is good that they are making him believable as a possible title winner.
Bad Points
Batista pushed to the side
With being the main babyface of Raw and the main face of the advertising of Unforgiven I thought they would be giving Batista an actual storyline or feud to go in to the main event with as at the moment we have the JBL/Punk feud and the Kane/Mysterio feud with Batista just making up the numbers so it would seem. Saying this it probably means he will win the belt on Sunday.
Too much time given to ECW stars
This week we had an ECW Battle Royal, a tag match featuring Morrison and The Miz as well as backstage time for Teddy Long. If Raw are doing a crossover storyline with ECW then yes have their stars on the show but if not it makes no sense.
Overall
For a show that wasn’t live it was brilliant, lacked focus at times but worked brilliantly at getting done what was needed to be done. I am now looking forward to Unforgiven it’s just a shame about Shawn Michaels injury as I was really looking forward to his match with Jericho.
After a good iMPACT last week and the promise of Sting appearing on this episode people were interested to see how TNA was going to handle the storyline and so was I.
Good Points
Abyss on Karen’s Angle
Abyss delivered a great promo and finally got chance to verbalise about his return and his action as of late, it also explained what was going on during his absence. It was a master class of character work in wrestling. Abyss should be given more time on the mic to voice his character as I fell it would get the fans back in to him again.
Knockouts Division
The Knockouts division really held this show together with Awesome Kong kicking the show off with a win against an unknown which forced ODB in to make a save which she backed up with an awesome promo later. We then had another excellent Beautiful People promo and finally a win for the pairing over Roxi and Taylor Wilde. If this wasn’t enough we learnt that Traci Brooks has been assigned by Cornette to run the division which should make things interesting as they get their very own GM style character.
Tying up loose ends
I always like it when promotions remember about loose ends and go back to them which is what TNA did here with Nash cashing in his favour for helping our Cornette many, many iMPACT’s ago and getting himself a shot at Angle. This shows great writing and gives people a reason to watch every week as they get a better understanding of why things are happening.
Bad Points
Sting's lack of impact
After watching Undertaker’s promo on Smackdown Sting’s big promo at the end of iMPACT wasn’t even close. Sting started spouting his message of how the new guys need to respect the old guys which we expected he would but it is a tired storyline idea and a flawed one at that. Sting claimed that AJ needed to pay his dues to the legends that paved the way where in fact he has been with TNA since the start and when comparing him with Angle as he has only been in the business just over 10 years I am sure AJ was getting in to wrestling before Angle came on the scene.
SoCal story line
This is ridiculous soap opera writing at the moment with the latest idea being that Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt as going to wrestle for a ring and whoever gets it will marry So Cal. It’s storylines like this which get wrestling a bad rep.
Team 3D
This week their role was reduced just to comedy heels and as a side part of a Booker T promo. Normally they at least get a match or a chance to do something which backstage makes them seem like heel team and not just goofballs.
Overall
After all the build up not enough substance. It’s not going to happen but they need to push Abyss back to main event. Instead we are going to see a new school, old school feud over the next months with I’m sure some surprising heel or face turns.
Good Points
Abyss on Karen’s Angle
Abyss delivered a great promo and finally got chance to verbalise about his return and his action as of late, it also explained what was going on during his absence. It was a master class of character work in wrestling. Abyss should be given more time on the mic to voice his character as I fell it would get the fans back in to him again.
Knockouts Division
The Knockouts division really held this show together with Awesome Kong kicking the show off with a win against an unknown which forced ODB in to make a save which she backed up with an awesome promo later. We then had another excellent Beautiful People promo and finally a win for the pairing over Roxi and Taylor Wilde. If this wasn’t enough we learnt that Traci Brooks has been assigned by Cornette to run the division which should make things interesting as they get their very own GM style character.
Tying up loose ends
I always like it when promotions remember about loose ends and go back to them which is what TNA did here with Nash cashing in his favour for helping our Cornette many, many iMPACT’s ago and getting himself a shot at Angle. This shows great writing and gives people a reason to watch every week as they get a better understanding of why things are happening.
Bad Points
Sting's lack of impact
After watching Undertaker’s promo on Smackdown Sting’s big promo at the end of iMPACT wasn’t even close. Sting started spouting his message of how the new guys need to respect the old guys which we expected he would but it is a tired storyline idea and a flawed one at that. Sting claimed that AJ needed to pay his dues to the legends that paved the way where in fact he has been with TNA since the start and when comparing him with Angle as he has only been in the business just over 10 years I am sure AJ was getting in to wrestling before Angle came on the scene.
SoCal story line
This is ridiculous soap opera writing at the moment with the latest idea being that Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt as going to wrestle for a ring and whoever gets it will marry So Cal. It’s storylines like this which get wrestling a bad rep.
Team 3D
This week their role was reduced just to comedy heels and as a side part of a Booker T promo. Normally they at least get a match or a chance to do something which backstage makes them seem like heel team and not just goofballs.
Overall
After all the build up not enough substance. It’s not going to happen but they need to push Abyss back to main event. Instead we are going to see a new school, old school feud over the next months with I’m sure some surprising heel or face turns.
With the Undertaking stealing the show last week and with him being more involved with storylines on Smackdown than ever before I was looking forward to see what this weeks offering had in store.
Good Points
Use of The Undertaker
The Undertaker showed again why he is the biggest star on the roster as he stole the show. He kicked the show off delivering an awesome in ring promo telling Vickie that he was coming for her soul and that he wasn’t the forgiving kind. The show then ended with him making his presence felt in Vickie’s office as the show went to a close. They are building the Vickie / Undertaker storyline well as there was a real sense of suspense as Vickie panicked backstage about what was going to happen.
Finally HHH wrestle in a proper match and in the main event
Was great to see HHH headlining Samckdown in a champion vs champion match as he took on Shelton Benjamin. The match wasn’t a squash and served a purpose for Khali to come down after the match to try and beat on HHH.
Big Show serves notice
The Big Show is doing a great job and really getting over with the fans. After being overlooked for the championship scramble match he is now interrupting matches and destroying everyone in them. This week he decided to beat on everyone in the tag title match. What makes these segments are the funny / serious promos he delivers afterwards.
Bad Points
Too many guys on the periphery
Last week we saw the debut of Scotty Goldman who was nowhere to be seen this week, we also saw Mike Knox from ECW get involved with Finlay and again wasn’t on this week’s show. If this wasn’t enough we had two new debutants this week R-Truth and Brie Bella who both picked up impressive victories. The only thing is that I don’t know if I will see them next week.
Overall
Awesome show so many other good points I didn’t have chance to go in to like Kendrik’s backstage promo and the quality of wrestling matches. This could have possibly been the best Smackdown show in recent history, if Smackdown delivered like this every week it would be the number one brand.
Good Points
Use of The Undertaker
The Undertaker showed again why he is the biggest star on the roster as he stole the show. He kicked the show off delivering an awesome in ring promo telling Vickie that he was coming for her soul and that he wasn’t the forgiving kind. The show then ended with him making his presence felt in Vickie’s office as the show went to a close. They are building the Vickie / Undertaker storyline well as there was a real sense of suspense as Vickie panicked backstage about what was going to happen.
Finally HHH wrestle in a proper match and in the main event
Was great to see HHH headlining Samckdown in a champion vs champion match as he took on Shelton Benjamin. The match wasn’t a squash and served a purpose for Khali to come down after the match to try and beat on HHH.
Big Show serves notice
The Big Show is doing a great job and really getting over with the fans. After being overlooked for the championship scramble match he is now interrupting matches and destroying everyone in them. This week he decided to beat on everyone in the tag title match. What makes these segments are the funny / serious promos he delivers afterwards.
Bad Points
Too many guys on the periphery
Last week we saw the debut of Scotty Goldman who was nowhere to be seen this week, we also saw Mike Knox from ECW get involved with Finlay and again wasn’t on this week’s show. If this wasn’t enough we had two new debutants this week R-Truth and Brie Bella who both picked up impressive victories. The only thing is that I don’t know if I will see them next week.
Overall
Awesome show so many other good points I didn’t have chance to go in to like Kendrik’s backstage promo and the quality of wrestling matches. This could have possibly been the best Smackdown show in recent history, if Smackdown delivered like this every week it would be the number one brand.
After more bad than good last week I was hoping Raw could turn the corner this week especially with Unforgiven edging ever nearer.
Good Points
Build for Unforgiven
The creative team did well to get to more matches announced and built in to the storylines for Unforgiven. These two matches will be Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels which we all expected and Cody Rhodes / Ted DiBiase vs. Cryme Time. So that’s three strong matches Raw are offering with the possibility to squeeze a few more out if needed with the most likely being something to do with Santino and Beth.
Shawn Michaels / Chris Jericho feud
I am more excited to see the unsanctioned match between these two at Unforgiven than the title match. Chris and Shawn have done an excellent job of building this up with great psychology without even having to lay a finger on each other to build the heat. This should be one of the most intense matches of the year but me personally I wouldn’t waste a match this good and this well built on Unforgiven I would have saved it for one of the big four. Shawn’s promo was great as he told Jericho it would be an eye for an eye at Unforgiven.
Bad Points
John Cena out indefinitely
Ok nothing the writers could have done about this one but it is a big blow to WWE. Love him or hate he drew numbers and got backsides on seats. With Batista and CM Punk left as your only major babyfaces at the moment the show looks weak which isn’t helped when you have the likes of Jerry Lawler and hacksaw Jim Duggan getting ring time on Raw.
CM Punk might as well not be there
CM Punk should be the main attraction and in the main feud on Raw instead this week he was first out and after his win against JBL wasn’t seen again for the whole show. Like I said last week please get the belt off CM Punk for his own good.
Rey Mysterio added to Scramble at Unforgiven
Because of John there was one space open in the Scramble which Mike Adamle announced had gone to Rey Mysterio who we still haven’t seen for some time. After his mask has been randomly used in the Kane storyline he is now going to comeback with no build and go straight in to the main event. It makes no sense added to this he is probably being rushed back because of the injury to Cena so may hurt himself again like he has done every other time he has rushed back.
Overall
Again if it hadn’t been for Jericho and Michaels the show would have been terrible. I think as soon as they have a marquee talent as champ again Raw will improve a lot as they won’t give the ball to any champ who isn’t marquee talent and let them run with it.
Good Points
Build for Unforgiven
The creative team did well to get to more matches announced and built in to the storylines for Unforgiven. These two matches will be Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels which we all expected and Cody Rhodes / Ted DiBiase vs. Cryme Time. So that’s three strong matches Raw are offering with the possibility to squeeze a few more out if needed with the most likely being something to do with Santino and Beth.
Shawn Michaels / Chris Jericho feud
I am more excited to see the unsanctioned match between these two at Unforgiven than the title match. Chris and Shawn have done an excellent job of building this up with great psychology without even having to lay a finger on each other to build the heat. This should be one of the most intense matches of the year but me personally I wouldn’t waste a match this good and this well built on Unforgiven I would have saved it for one of the big four. Shawn’s promo was great as he told Jericho it would be an eye for an eye at Unforgiven.
Bad Points
John Cena out indefinitely
Ok nothing the writers could have done about this one but it is a big blow to WWE. Love him or hate he drew numbers and got backsides on seats. With Batista and CM Punk left as your only major babyfaces at the moment the show looks weak which isn’t helped when you have the likes of Jerry Lawler and hacksaw Jim Duggan getting ring time on Raw.
CM Punk might as well not be there
CM Punk should be the main attraction and in the main feud on Raw instead this week he was first out and after his win against JBL wasn’t seen again for the whole show. Like I said last week please get the belt off CM Punk for his own good.
Rey Mysterio added to Scramble at Unforgiven
Because of John there was one space open in the Scramble which Mike Adamle announced had gone to Rey Mysterio who we still haven’t seen for some time. After his mask has been randomly used in the Kane storyline he is now going to comeback with no build and go straight in to the main event. It makes no sense added to this he is probably being rushed back because of the injury to Cena so may hurt himself again like he has done every other time he has rushed back.
Overall
Again if it hadn’t been for Jericho and Michaels the show would have been terrible. I think as soon as they have a marquee talent as champ again Raw will improve a lot as they won’t give the ball to any champ who isn’t marquee talent and let them run with it.
After a nice iMPACT last week I was looking forward to seeing how TNA were going to improve and get us closer to No Surrender. Was Sting going to show up and was Jarrett going to put in an appearance.
Good Points
MCMG turning heel
Good to see TNA doing something with MCMG. After a big push as top babyface tag team there act had become a bit stale recently so to see them pushed heel should see them getting back up the PPV card again.
Angle screwed again
Once again Angle was screwed at the hands of a guitar. TNA are really pushing an Angle / Jarrett feud for when he returns. This week Angle tried to get his medals again but this time in a ladder match in which when it looked like he was going to do it the lights went out and AJ had a guitar in his hands. As well as pushing Jarrett / Angle these wins are really pushing AJ even though they aren’t clean.
Push for Matt Morgan
It looks like Matt Morgan has a feud finally and with Team 3D. After Morgan’s win he was jumped by Team 3D to which Abyss made the save. It’s good to see Matt Morgan involved in a storyline around such established names.
Bad Points
Two main storylines both carbon copies
To bring back two of the biggest TNA stars in the same fashion by having lights go out and then wrestlers appear with their weapons of choice with the wrestlers in question never actually appearing on TNA is terrible. Ok Sting has been announced for a comeback next week on iMPACT but it still isn’t the best. These are both major returns of Sting and Jarrett and to do them both at the same time and in the same way isn’t the way to go.
TNA need to do more to appeal to the casual fan
With the wrestling audience shrinking TNA need to stop doing the storylines that appeal to the internet wrestling fans which is an even smaller group again. This week we had Nash talking about the backstage workings of wrestling which didn’t need to be said.
Overall
A really good show which will be a million times better when Sting and Jarrett are on the show. TNA need to b careful not to drag the Jarrett storyline out too long.
Good Points
MCMG turning heel
Good to see TNA doing something with MCMG. After a big push as top babyface tag team there act had become a bit stale recently so to see them pushed heel should see them getting back up the PPV card again.
Angle screwed again
Once again Angle was screwed at the hands of a guitar. TNA are really pushing an Angle / Jarrett feud for when he returns. This week Angle tried to get his medals again but this time in a ladder match in which when it looked like he was going to do it the lights went out and AJ had a guitar in his hands. As well as pushing Jarrett / Angle these wins are really pushing AJ even though they aren’t clean.
Push for Matt Morgan
It looks like Matt Morgan has a feud finally and with Team 3D. After Morgan’s win he was jumped by Team 3D to which Abyss made the save. It’s good to see Matt Morgan involved in a storyline around such established names.
Bad Points
Two main storylines both carbon copies
To bring back two of the biggest TNA stars in the same fashion by having lights go out and then wrestlers appear with their weapons of choice with the wrestlers in question never actually appearing on TNA is terrible. Ok Sting has been announced for a comeback next week on iMPACT but it still isn’t the best. These are both major returns of Sting and Jarrett and to do them both at the same time and in the same way isn’t the way to go.
TNA need to do more to appeal to the casual fan
With the wrestling audience shrinking TNA need to stop doing the storylines that appeal to the internet wrestling fans which is an even smaller group again. This week we had Nash talking about the backstage workings of wrestling which didn’t need to be said.
Overall
A really good show which will be a million times better when Sting and Jarrett are on the show. TNA need to b careful not to drag the Jarrett storyline out too long.
Fter Raw was a bit of a mess I hope the Smackdown brand could do a good job with their first show since the PPV. Would the Undertaker appear? Who will be HHH’s next challenger? And is it the last we have seen of Edge?
Good Points
The Undertaker speaks
Was great to see The Undertaker rock up at the end of Smackdown after being promoted heavily during the show. The two lines Undertaker delivered were awesome and showed everyone else that it’s not about how much mic time you have when you deliver like he does. After getting his revenge on Edge Undertaker also got the chance to get revenge on the family as he left them lying in the ring to end the show.
Use of Big Show
Big Show was overlooked for the qualifying matches to see who would be involved in the title match at Unforgiven. He played the angle well having words with Vickie and then clearing house during a ten man battle royal that he wasn’t even a part of. I just hope they put him in a programme with Taker as both don’t yet have a match for Unforgiven.
Nice Unforgiven Promo
Really like the promo vid for Unforgiven. A real push for Batista as he alludes to thing he has done in his life for which he will be unforgiven.
Bad Points
Copying Raw
Smackdown will have the same title match as Raw for Unforgiven that being the 5 man scramble. There were some interesting inclusions in the match with The Brian Kendrick, Shelton Benjamin, MVP and Jeff Hardy all getting a chance to take HHH’s belt. It doesn’t look as good as the Raw five man but am happy MVP is getting the push. The match was announced with little fanfare as if the fans already knew what the main event was going to be. If you truly want to build two brands then you need to act as if the fans only watch your show and not the other.
Use of Kenny Dykstra
Now I like Kenny I think he has some potential but he is being pushed in a stupid way. First they bring him back to be squashed in a title match by HHH with no build and then on this week’s Smackdown he had to interrupt HHH’s in ring promo just to get pedigree’d right away. It’s good to see him around the main segments but it is doing him no good in the long run.
Overall
More good than bad which is more that can be said for Raw. The one thing Smackdown needs to do is develop another strong mid card talent. Benjamin Kendrick and Hardy are good wrestlers but not the best on the mic. With it being a five man main event for Unforgiven I can only see Smackdown putting two matches worth seeing in to Unforgiven that being the five man and an Undertaker match as there is no other real talent or feud which you would pay to see.
Good Points
The Undertaker speaks
Was great to see The Undertaker rock up at the end of Smackdown after being promoted heavily during the show. The two lines Undertaker delivered were awesome and showed everyone else that it’s not about how much mic time you have when you deliver like he does. After getting his revenge on Edge Undertaker also got the chance to get revenge on the family as he left them lying in the ring to end the show.
Use of Big Show
Big Show was overlooked for the qualifying matches to see who would be involved in the title match at Unforgiven. He played the angle well having words with Vickie and then clearing house during a ten man battle royal that he wasn’t even a part of. I just hope they put him in a programme with Taker as both don’t yet have a match for Unforgiven.
Nice Unforgiven Promo
Really like the promo vid for Unforgiven. A real push for Batista as he alludes to thing he has done in his life for which he will be unforgiven.
Bad Points
Copying Raw
Smackdown will have the same title match as Raw for Unforgiven that being the 5 man scramble. There were some interesting inclusions in the match with The Brian Kendrick, Shelton Benjamin, MVP and Jeff Hardy all getting a chance to take HHH’s belt. It doesn’t look as good as the Raw five man but am happy MVP is getting the push. The match was announced with little fanfare as if the fans already knew what the main event was going to be. If you truly want to build two brands then you need to act as if the fans only watch your show and not the other.
Use of Kenny Dykstra
Now I like Kenny I think he has some potential but he is being pushed in a stupid way. First they bring him back to be squashed in a title match by HHH with no build and then on this week’s Smackdown he had to interrupt HHH’s in ring promo just to get pedigree’d right away. It’s good to see him around the main segments but it is doing him no good in the long run.
Overall
More good than bad which is more that can be said for Raw. The one thing Smackdown needs to do is develop another strong mid card talent. Benjamin Kendrick and Hardy are good wrestlers but not the best on the mic. With it being a five man main event for Unforgiven I can only see Smackdown putting two matches worth seeing in to Unforgiven that being the five man and an Undertaker match as there is no other real talent or feud which you would pay to see.
After an average SummerSlam I was still looking forward to Raw as coming out of the PPV there seemed to be some interesting directions they could take the storylines in the run up to Unforgiven.
Good Points
Build for Jericho
After not having much of a push since his return finally Jericho is getting pushed back to the top in his feud with Shawn Michaels. Jericho gave a great promo in the ring to start the show off where he blamed Michaels and the fans for him hitting Michaels wife. He also ended the show with a non tile victory over Cm Punk so is being pushed as the main draw.
New concept for title match at Unforgiven
The theme for Adamle’s tenure as GM on Raw has been coming up with new and different concepts for matches. This time in a TNA style idea they are having a scramble match for the title between five competitors which will have a twenty minute time limit with the last competitor to get a submission or pinfall victory being declared the champion. Although I’m not sure about the quality of the match it will be a way of getting the belt off Punk which doesn’t harm him.
Santino stealing the show
Santino marella along with Beth Phoenix are stealing the show in the undercard right now. Who cares that Santino can’t wrestle as his character skills and mic skills put even the main eventers to shame. If only he was a bigger guy who could wrestle, if he was he would be the new Rock which the WWE really needs.
Bad Points
Killing CM Punk
CM Punk’s credibility was killed on Raw as in his hometown he lost a non tile main event to Jericho who isn’t even a challenger for the title. I think now the sooner they got the belt off him the better as he will never be allowed to go over big on anyone and it is doing him no favours to continue to be the champion the way he is being booked.
Main event stars put in throwaway matches
The guys who main evented SummerSlam were all put in terrible matches as JBL beat Jamie Noble, John Cena beat DiBiase and Holly. Then to add to this Batista was allowed to run over Burchill. It’s great to see Burchill being booked against the main event stars but he shouldn’t just be used for this.
Kane off the backburner
After having nothing to do at SummerSlam they are pushing Kane again by putting him in the main event at Unforgiven, giving him promo time on Raw and then having him chokeslam Batista. They should have continued Batista’s heel push and have him as champion not have him feuding with a heel who is probably not going to be given the title.
Overall
If it wasn’t for Jericho and Santino the show would have sucked. When the two guys you tune in for aren’t the main eventers in the championship scene you know there’s a problem.
Good Points
Build for Jericho
After not having much of a push since his return finally Jericho is getting pushed back to the top in his feud with Shawn Michaels. Jericho gave a great promo in the ring to start the show off where he blamed Michaels and the fans for him hitting Michaels wife. He also ended the show with a non tile victory over Cm Punk so is being pushed as the main draw.
New concept for title match at Unforgiven
The theme for Adamle’s tenure as GM on Raw has been coming up with new and different concepts for matches. This time in a TNA style idea they are having a scramble match for the title between five competitors which will have a twenty minute time limit with the last competitor to get a submission or pinfall victory being declared the champion. Although I’m not sure about the quality of the match it will be a way of getting the belt off Punk which doesn’t harm him.
Santino stealing the show
Santino marella along with Beth Phoenix are stealing the show in the undercard right now. Who cares that Santino can’t wrestle as his character skills and mic skills put even the main eventers to shame. If only he was a bigger guy who could wrestle, if he was he would be the new Rock which the WWE really needs.
Bad Points
Killing CM Punk
CM Punk’s credibility was killed on Raw as in his hometown he lost a non tile main event to Jericho who isn’t even a challenger for the title. I think now the sooner they got the belt off him the better as he will never be allowed to go over big on anyone and it is doing him no favours to continue to be the champion the way he is being booked.
Main event stars put in throwaway matches
The guys who main evented SummerSlam were all put in terrible matches as JBL beat Jamie Noble, John Cena beat DiBiase and Holly. Then to add to this Batista was allowed to run over Burchill. It’s great to see Burchill being booked against the main event stars but he shouldn’t just be used for this.
Kane off the backburner
After having nothing to do at SummerSlam they are pushing Kane again by putting him in the main event at Unforgiven, giving him promo time on Raw and then having him chokeslam Batista. They should have continued Batista’s heel push and have him as champion not have him feuding with a heel who is probably not going to be given the title.
Overall
If it wasn’t for Jericho and Santino the show would have sucked. When the two guys you tune in for aren’t the main eventers in the championship scene you know there’s a problem.
Back in the day SummerSlam was sold as the hottest event of the Summer however in recent years I think it has lost it’s magic and it’s importance. To me SummerSlam is now just another monthly PPV which was proved by a gimmick match with no title at stake being booked as the main and two horrible title matches which haven’t been hyped. So with this in mind here are my thoughts on the show.
Good Points
Development of Jericho / HBK feud
Now everyone with an ounce of intelligence knows that HBK isn’t going to retire and him coming out to announce his retirement was just a way to get even more heat on Jericho and to add to it they have brought HBK’s wife in the mix. As Jericho went to confront HBK he accidentally hit HBK’s wife instead which will goad HBK to change his mind to defend the honour of his wife. The way that have brought his wife back I think that she is going to end up turning on HBK to add even more spice to this feud which could be the feud of the year.
Batista vs John Cena
I thought these two for the suppose little wrestling talent they have put on a superb match which was really entertaining and left you wanting more. By not having JBL win the title they needed a heel to go against CM Punk and this match did good at turning Batista in to a heel as he did everything that good heel does in the match. The only problem is besides another feud with JBL where does this leave Cena?
Bad Points
Two worst title matches ever
A major PPV should revolve around the title matches but it was the two non title main event matches that stole the show. By putting both of the matches early in the card this event devalued the belts in my eyes as the championship match should always be the match people come to see and the match people go home talking about.
Hell in a Cell
Now if you watch the original Hell in a Cell between HBK and Undertaker you will see an impressive match with lots of psychology which kept you on the edge of your seat without any major spots. Then you had the spots in the Hell in a Cell between Undertaker and Mankind that will never be topped. So to do a good entertaining Hell in a Cell match is very hard. When these two had a brilliant story to tell they instead had a match that was geared round a couple of spots which compared to the Mankind match weren’t that impressive.
Overall
A PPV that will soon be forgotten about and that lacked substance. There are too many titles in the WWE right now which only goes toe devalue them and dilute them and they need to cut back on the number of title matches on a PPV. When my highlight of the night was a non wrestling section it kind of tells you all you need to know.
Good Points
Development of Jericho / HBK feud
Now everyone with an ounce of intelligence knows that HBK isn’t going to retire and him coming out to announce his retirement was just a way to get even more heat on Jericho and to add to it they have brought HBK’s wife in the mix. As Jericho went to confront HBK he accidentally hit HBK’s wife instead which will goad HBK to change his mind to defend the honour of his wife. The way that have brought his wife back I think that she is going to end up turning on HBK to add even more spice to this feud which could be the feud of the year.
Batista vs John Cena
I thought these two for the suppose little wrestling talent they have put on a superb match which was really entertaining and left you wanting more. By not having JBL win the title they needed a heel to go against CM Punk and this match did good at turning Batista in to a heel as he did everything that good heel does in the match. The only problem is besides another feud with JBL where does this leave Cena?
Bad Points
Two worst title matches ever
A major PPV should revolve around the title matches but it was the two non title main event matches that stole the show. By putting both of the matches early in the card this event devalued the belts in my eyes as the championship match should always be the match people come to see and the match people go home talking about.
Hell in a Cell
Now if you watch the original Hell in a Cell between HBK and Undertaker you will see an impressive match with lots of psychology which kept you on the edge of your seat without any major spots. Then you had the spots in the Hell in a Cell between Undertaker and Mankind that will never be topped. So to do a good entertaining Hell in a Cell match is very hard. When these two had a brilliant story to tell they instead had a match that was geared round a couple of spots which compared to the Mankind match weren’t that impressive.
Overall
A PPV that will soon be forgotten about and that lacked substance. There are too many titles in the WWE right now which only goes toe devalue them and dilute them and they need to cut back on the number of title matches on a PPV. When my highlight of the night was a non wrestling section it kind of tells you all you need to know.
After an ok Hard Justice I was looking forward to iMPACT as the event had left some questions to be answered and some doors wide open which should be what a PPV tries to do.
Good Points
Jarrett on his way back
The show was all about teasing the return of Jarrett with Samoa Joe teasing it in the opening interview of the show and then by at the end having the lights go out, Jarrett’s music hitting and AJ having a guitar in hand. They really need to finish the Sting storyline properly first but at least it is keeping things interesting.
Nice reference to the Olympics
Was good to see TNA linking in to the Olympics with Angle doing an interview about his success at the Olympics and then putting his Gold Medal o the line in an Olympic wrestling style challenge against AJ for the main event.
Push for Matt Morgan
After being left out of the PPV Matt Morgan got his biggest push to date as after a promo in which he referred to himself as a the Blueprint and after a win over Jonny Divine, Abyss came down to the ring and when it looked like Abyss was going to take Morgan out he just shook his hand as both stood and posed for the cameras. This new partnership could be a force to be reckoned with in TNA.
Bad Points
No Sting
Even though we had another blackout moment with his music we could have really done with a Sting promo to explain his actions at Hard Justice. The only thing I can think is maybe Sting, Jarrett and Nash are going to be forming a faction at some point and takeover TNA as Nash says he hasn’t told Joe everything and now Sting and Jarrett are doing similar things with blackouts and having their music play.
Segment arrangement
Yet again I witnessed three back to back backstage interviews. Like I keep on saying this stuff should take precedent in a weekly TV show but it doesn’t mean you have three like segments bunched together.
Overall
Highly enjoyable if not a bit rough round the edges. TNA needs to be very careful how it builds the main storylines as it could very easily become quite confusing.
Good Points
Jarrett on his way back
The show was all about teasing the return of Jarrett with Samoa Joe teasing it in the opening interview of the show and then by at the end having the lights go out, Jarrett’s music hitting and AJ having a guitar in hand. They really need to finish the Sting storyline properly first but at least it is keeping things interesting.
Nice reference to the Olympics
Was good to see TNA linking in to the Olympics with Angle doing an interview about his success at the Olympics and then putting his Gold Medal o the line in an Olympic wrestling style challenge against AJ for the main event.
Push for Matt Morgan
After being left out of the PPV Matt Morgan got his biggest push to date as after a promo in which he referred to himself as a the Blueprint and after a win over Jonny Divine, Abyss came down to the ring and when it looked like Abyss was going to take Morgan out he just shook his hand as both stood and posed for the cameras. This new partnership could be a force to be reckoned with in TNA.
Bad Points
No Sting
Even though we had another blackout moment with his music we could have really done with a Sting promo to explain his actions at Hard Justice. The only thing I can think is maybe Sting, Jarrett and Nash are going to be forming a faction at some point and takeover TNA as Nash says he hasn’t told Joe everything and now Sting and Jarrett are doing similar things with blackouts and having their music play.
Segment arrangement
Yet again I witnessed three back to back backstage interviews. Like I keep on saying this stuff should take precedent in a weekly TV show but it doesn’t mean you have three like segments bunched together.
Overall
Highly enjoyable if not a bit rough round the edges. TNA needs to be very careful how it builds the main storylines as it could very easily become quite confusing.
Jeff Hardy vs. MVP
MVP is stuck going nowhere at the minute, at one point I thought they may give him a main event push but seem to be stalling with him here. This match does nothing for either guy really, I expect Hardy to get the win in his first major Smackdown feud and help propel him further up the card on Smackdown.
Mark Henry vs. Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy is going to be the new face of ECW so I expect him to win this one. To have him lose would ruin his position and with him winning Mark Henry can always have a rematch which would keep ECW moving nicely for the next month.
Kofi Kingston and Mickie James vs. Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix
I know WWE are really starting to push Santino and Beth as a couple so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the titles changing here. Love the concept for the match by having singles titles on the line in a tag match. Mickie James has got stale as champ and I’m not sure if Kofi is ready for a title yet but it will be a bold move by the creative team to switch both titles in one night.
John Cena vs. Batista
Since coming back and winning the Rumble Cena really hasn’t done much he has lost at Mania and on PPV to JBL. He really needs a win to get it back on track but WWE seem to be really pushing Batista at the moment. With this in mind I would probably go with a Batista win.
CM Punk vs JBL
I love CM Punk but with the undercard that Raw has at the moment with John Cena and Batista both being seen as faces it makes sense for JBL to win the title here to set up a feud with either or. CM Punk is only a transitional champ and has held the title for longer than I expected him to.
Triple H vs. The Great Khali
Word is that Khali is soon to be done with wrestling and after being booked in a shocking match I don’t think they are going to have the belt taken off Triple H as well. With no title change here it then makes sense for this title to stay the same.
The Undertaker vs. Edge
Makes no sense for The Undertaker to lose although when people get built up in a match for not being able to lose they normally have them lose to build the other guy. If Edge wins it will be a screw job type finish but my money is still on an Undertaker win.
One more thing to look out for
When Randy Orton got injured WWE originally said SummerSlam as his return date and this week there have been many stories circulating about Orton getting injured which could be a cover story for the fact that he will be at SummerSlam. If he is to get involved anywhere it will either be in the John Cena / Batista match or Hell in a Cell.
MVP is stuck going nowhere at the minute, at one point I thought they may give him a main event push but seem to be stalling with him here. This match does nothing for either guy really, I expect Hardy to get the win in his first major Smackdown feud and help propel him further up the card on Smackdown.
Mark Henry vs. Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy is going to be the new face of ECW so I expect him to win this one. To have him lose would ruin his position and with him winning Mark Henry can always have a rematch which would keep ECW moving nicely for the next month.
Kofi Kingston and Mickie James vs. Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix
I know WWE are really starting to push Santino and Beth as a couple so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the titles changing here. Love the concept for the match by having singles titles on the line in a tag match. Mickie James has got stale as champ and I’m not sure if Kofi is ready for a title yet but it will be a bold move by the creative team to switch both titles in one night.
John Cena vs. Batista
Since coming back and winning the Rumble Cena really hasn’t done much he has lost at Mania and on PPV to JBL. He really needs a win to get it back on track but WWE seem to be really pushing Batista at the moment. With this in mind I would probably go with a Batista win.
CM Punk vs JBL
I love CM Punk but with the undercard that Raw has at the moment with John Cena and Batista both being seen as faces it makes sense for JBL to win the title here to set up a feud with either or. CM Punk is only a transitional champ and has held the title for longer than I expected him to.
Triple H vs. The Great Khali
Word is that Khali is soon to be done with wrestling and after being booked in a shocking match I don’t think they are going to have the belt taken off Triple H as well. With no title change here it then makes sense for this title to stay the same.
The Undertaker vs. Edge
Makes no sense for The Undertaker to lose although when people get built up in a match for not being able to lose they normally have them lose to build the other guy. If Edge wins it will be a screw job type finish but my money is still on an Undertaker win.
One more thing to look out for
When Randy Orton got injured WWE originally said SummerSlam as his return date and this week there have been many stories circulating about Orton getting injured which could be a cover story for the fact that he will be at SummerSlam. If he is to get involved anywhere it will either be in the John Cena / Batista match or Hell in a Cell.
It being the last Smackdown before SummerSlam I was expecting to see some great build up for Edge vs Undertaker which should headline the show.
Good Points
HHH actually has a wrestling match
Was good to see HH actually wrestling on Smackdown all it be it in a throwaway match against Kenny Dykstra. The match set up the situation for HHH to get Khali in to the ring who was watching from the outside and lay a beat on him which is all good build for SummerSlam.
Good build for MVP vs. Jeff Hardy
Although this match will do for their future career the build has been really good for this one. I feel the animosity from MVP and can’t wait to see the match. This week MVP cost Hardy the US title as he had Shelton beat but Hardy still managed to lay a beating on MVP. MVP followed this up by later cutting a great promo on Hardy.
Bad Points
Match order
For the last match of the card to be Kozlov vs. Festus is shocking there is no way that should ever be a last match of any show. They should have saved either HHH or the Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin match for last.
Too many new guys
This week we had Scotty Goldman who many wrestling fans will know as Colt Cabana, Bryan Braddock and Kenny Dykstra who may not be new but has not be on TV for some time. I love Colt or should I say Kenny but the rest I’m not a big fan of. If you are going to bring new faces in the fold you have to do this gradually not all at once.
Overall
It was like wrestling the 90s when the big named stars use to wrestle local jobbers. The show lacked any entertainment and quality, it was of house show standard at best.
Good Points
HHH actually has a wrestling match
Was good to see HH actually wrestling on Smackdown all it be it in a throwaway match against Kenny Dykstra. The match set up the situation for HHH to get Khali in to the ring who was watching from the outside and lay a beat on him which is all good build for SummerSlam.
Good build for MVP vs. Jeff Hardy
Although this match will do for their future career the build has been really good for this one. I feel the animosity from MVP and can’t wait to see the match. This week MVP cost Hardy the US title as he had Shelton beat but Hardy still managed to lay a beating on MVP. MVP followed this up by later cutting a great promo on Hardy.
Bad Points
Match order
For the last match of the card to be Kozlov vs. Festus is shocking there is no way that should ever be a last match of any show. They should have saved either HHH or the Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin match for last.
Too many new guys
This week we had Scotty Goldman who many wrestling fans will know as Colt Cabana, Bryan Braddock and Kenny Dykstra who may not be new but has not be on TV for some time. I love Colt or should I say Kenny but the rest I’m not a big fan of. If you are going to bring new faces in the fold you have to do this gradually not all at once.
Overall
It was like wrestling the 90s when the big named stars use to wrestle local jobbers. The show lacked any entertainment and quality, it was of house show standard at best.
If you have been reading my blog for some time now you will know that I haven’t enjoyed many TNA PPV’s. So I wasn’t expecting too much from this one but I was hoping there would be a few standout moments.
Good Points
Angle vs AJ Styles match of the year candidate
This was one of my favourite matches of the year so far. As you already know I’m a huge AJ Styles fan and have loved the storyline between him and Angle. However I haven’t been a fan of their recent bouts but this one really showcased both at their best. The only problem I have is with Angle’s history of neck problems I cringe hen I see some of the moves and some of the risks he takes especially where they do endings when a stretcher comes out because with Kurt’s history there is always a chance it could be real.
Great effort put in to the Knockouts Division
The six woman tag was brilliant one of the best women’s tag matches I have seen in some time. The promos and videos before hand were brilliant as they labelled The Beautiful People as the step sisters from the Cinderella story. I like videos like this which are made to feel more like short films than wrestling promos.
Bad Points
LAX lose titles to Beer Money
This had the potential to be a great feuds but I feel that the longevity in this was to keep LAX as champs for a bit longer to build them and make it mean more when Beer Money finally got the belts off them. I feel this results weakened LAX and didn’t enhance Beer Money.
More could have been done with Sting
To have Sting come out and attack AJ Styles was the wrong thing to do. AJ had just been built as a heel for going back and attacking Angle whilst on a stretcher and that heat was then ruined by Sting. For all the build up they did with Sting they should have done more with him. It started off well with him being filmed coming in to the arena but after that it soon went downhill.
Team 3D losing their way
Their feud with Cage and Rhino isn’t really helping develop either team at the moment. The inappropriateness of their characters behaviour round women doesn’t fit in the current climate and to top this off they are suppose to be pushed as believable heels but then have comedy moments like getting them to go in the rafters and say they are scared of heights. You can have comedy heels but they need to be built as such and not just try and change between comedy and bad ass heels.
Booker T killed off
After having him beaten to a pulp at Victory Road in his home town and to have him lose clean well at least clean for a weapons match is stupid. You now have Angle who can’t wrestle a full programme, AJ and Sting put in a feud together and the other main eventers like Christian Cage pushed so far down the card they aren’t seen as main eventers any more. The only thing I can think of is that this leaves the way clean for Jeff Jarrett to come back.
Overall
Well worth the watch for the two matches I have mentioned. As an event as a whole again it didn’t work for me. They need to try and stop having too many matches which are overhyped and instead have a double main event which is hyped and an undercard which isn’t hyped that much but develops the talent involved well and is a talking point after the event.
Good Points
Angle vs AJ Styles match of the year candidate
This was one of my favourite matches of the year so far. As you already know I’m a huge AJ Styles fan and have loved the storyline between him and Angle. However I haven’t been a fan of their recent bouts but this one really showcased both at their best. The only problem I have is with Angle’s history of neck problems I cringe hen I see some of the moves and some of the risks he takes especially where they do endings when a stretcher comes out because with Kurt’s history there is always a chance it could be real.
Great effort put in to the Knockouts Division
The six woman tag was brilliant one of the best women’s tag matches I have seen in some time. The promos and videos before hand were brilliant as they labelled The Beautiful People as the step sisters from the Cinderella story. I like videos like this which are made to feel more like short films than wrestling promos.
Bad Points
LAX lose titles to Beer Money
This had the potential to be a great feuds but I feel that the longevity in this was to keep LAX as champs for a bit longer to build them and make it mean more when Beer Money finally got the belts off them. I feel this results weakened LAX and didn’t enhance Beer Money.
More could have been done with Sting
To have Sting come out and attack AJ Styles was the wrong thing to do. AJ had just been built as a heel for going back and attacking Angle whilst on a stretcher and that heat was then ruined by Sting. For all the build up they did with Sting they should have done more with him. It started off well with him being filmed coming in to the arena but after that it soon went downhill.
Team 3D losing their way
Their feud with Cage and Rhino isn’t really helping develop either team at the moment. The inappropriateness of their characters behaviour round women doesn’t fit in the current climate and to top this off they are suppose to be pushed as believable heels but then have comedy moments like getting them to go in the rafters and say they are scared of heights. You can have comedy heels but they need to be built as such and not just try and change between comedy and bad ass heels.
Booker T killed off
After having him beaten to a pulp at Victory Road in his home town and to have him lose clean well at least clean for a weapons match is stupid. You now have Angle who can’t wrestle a full programme, AJ and Sting put in a feud together and the other main eventers like Christian Cage pushed so far down the card they aren’t seen as main eventers any more. The only thing I can think of is that this leaves the way clean for Jeff Jarrett to come back.
Overall
Well worth the watch for the two matches I have mentioned. As an event as a whole again it didn’t work for me. They need to try and stop having too many matches which are overhyped and instead have a double main event which is hyped and an undercard which isn’t hyped that much but develops the talent involved well and is a talking point after the event.
With this being the last Raw before SummerSlam I wa hoping the creative team were going to do something to get me interested in the Raw side of the card.
Good points
Nice build for CM Punk vs. JBL
These two should have been giver a larger chunk of the show but they did well with what they had. With JBL you are almost guaranteed a great build up if he is allowed to play his bully character. It was nice how they wove CM Punk’s straightedge character in t it with the liquior challenge and CM Punk throwing it back in JBL’s face.
Good build for Kofi/Mickie vs Santino/Beth
I’m really looking forward to this match. The concept is great they have Santino who is great on the mic and some guys who can really work. They promoted well on Raw with Santino challenging Mickie James to a atch winning it and then celebrating like he had won Gold at the Olympics.
Another solid outing for William Regal
Before his last suspension Regal wasn’t given much inring time but since his return he has been my winner of match of the night on all the Raw’s he has wrestled on. I just hope they get give him more mic time again soon as to build himself properly he needs both in ring time and mic time.
Bad Points
Kane’s bag containing Rey’s mask
In a terribly executed swerve we finally found out what Kane had been hiding in his bag which turned out to be Rey’s mask. With rumours that he may be departing soon I’m not surprised if WWE may want to kill his character off. The problem with this was its execution. A great swerve is one that you didn’t see coming but when you look back on it makes logical sense which this one didn’t. It just again smacked of last minute thinking by the creative team.
Poor build for Cena vs Batista
This match has been so poorly handled it’s untrue. This match should have been saved for Wrestlemania or if they were going to do it have it be for a heavyweight title and have a brilliant storyline to go with it. Try as they might this week on Raw they didn’t generate any interest to me as they both gave weak in ring promos to a mixed crowd response and went off air having lost the tag titles.
Lack of substance
For a Raw before one of the four biggest PPV’s of the year there wasn’t enough substance for me, not enough meaningful matches and not enough storyline development. With time given to Kelly Kelly, The Highlanders, Cryme Time, Jamie Noble, William Regal and Rhodes & DiBiase it broke up the hype for SummerSlam as they are not on the cardas and more time should have been given to the eight Raw stars that are on the card for SummerSlam.
Overall
A pretty boring episode of Raw which didn’t feature enough good non-wrestling segments. The only match on the Raw side I am really looking forward to is the mixed tag and that’s saying something.
Good points
Nice build for CM Punk vs. JBL
These two should have been giver a larger chunk of the show but they did well with what they had. With JBL you are almost guaranteed a great build up if he is allowed to play his bully character. It was nice how they wove CM Punk’s straightedge character in t it with the liquior challenge and CM Punk throwing it back in JBL’s face.
Good build for Kofi/Mickie vs Santino/Beth
I’m really looking forward to this match. The concept is great they have Santino who is great on the mic and some guys who can really work. They promoted well on Raw with Santino challenging Mickie James to a atch winning it and then celebrating like he had won Gold at the Olympics.
Another solid outing for William Regal
Before his last suspension Regal wasn’t given much inring time but since his return he has been my winner of match of the night on all the Raw’s he has wrestled on. I just hope they get give him more mic time again soon as to build himself properly he needs both in ring time and mic time.
Bad Points
Kane’s bag containing Rey’s mask
In a terribly executed swerve we finally found out what Kane had been hiding in his bag which turned out to be Rey’s mask. With rumours that he may be departing soon I’m not surprised if WWE may want to kill his character off. The problem with this was its execution. A great swerve is one that you didn’t see coming but when you look back on it makes logical sense which this one didn’t. It just again smacked of last minute thinking by the creative team.
Poor build for Cena vs Batista
This match has been so poorly handled it’s untrue. This match should have been saved for Wrestlemania or if they were going to do it have it be for a heavyweight title and have a brilliant storyline to go with it. Try as they might this week on Raw they didn’t generate any interest to me as they both gave weak in ring promos to a mixed crowd response and went off air having lost the tag titles.
Lack of substance
For a Raw before one of the four biggest PPV’s of the year there wasn’t enough substance for me, not enough meaningful matches and not enough storyline development. With time given to Kelly Kelly, The Highlanders, Cryme Time, Jamie Noble, William Regal and Rhodes & DiBiase it broke up the hype for SummerSlam as they are not on the cardas and more time should have been given to the eight Raw stars that are on the card for SummerSlam.
Overall
A pretty boring episode of Raw which didn’t feature enough good non-wrestling segments. The only match on the Raw side I am really looking forward to is the mixed tag and that’s saying something.
After a disappointing TNA last week in terms of setting up Hard Justice I hoped that this week would be a more focused edition of iMPACT and that the right feuds would be developed. The show was good last week but this week’s episode isn’t about being a good wrestling show it’s about selling the PPV.
Good Points
Jay Lethal / SoCal Val / Sonjay Dutt storyline developing nicely
The TNA creative team did a good job with this one as they developed the feud nicely for a Hard Justice. Just as we thought Sonjay was going to be rumbled for stealing the wedding ring, Sonjay managed to worm his way out of the situation and back in to the affections of Val. Looking forward to seeing what the outcome is or if there will be another twist this Sunday.
Karen’s Angle turning in to Jerry Springer
They are using Karen’s Angle well now as they have taken it away from the shoot style interview it started like when it first aired. Now it’s more like Jerry Springer which fits perfectly on a wrestling show as Karen’s guests get out of control.
Liking the new start style.
On WWE they usually start with the announcers sat behind the desk promoting what was going to be happening but now TNA have a new style which they should keep to. The style is to have Mike Tenay in the ring with a mic and his broadcast colleagues like Jeremy Borash out in the crowd giving their opinions which I think is better than having them behind a desk.
Bad Points
Stuff that shouldn’t be on a wrestling show
Team 3D’s backstage interview with Beer Money had no place on a wrestling show. In a world where we are looking even more closely at how media with a large male following portrays women this segment had me reaching for the remote to change channel. The interview consisted of Brother Ray making sexual comments about the female interviewer and then trying to pull at her top. There wasn’t any need for Brother Ray to do this as he is already one of the top heel in the promotion and the creative team should be ashamed of themselves.
Too many backstage interviews
At one point I counted three backstage interviews in a row. Now I agree that the spotlight shouldn’t be on actual wrestling matches on a TV show but you have to keep the show moving and keeping it fresh. Having three backstage interviews in a row was overkill.
Poor storyline development
Again TNA need to learn how to sell a PPV today on iMPACT not all feuds were featured and then those that were most were just featured in the last twenty minutes so if you missed that you wouldn’t have a clue about Hard Justice. In the last twenty minutes the main event was a gauntlet match featuring many different feuds which really did nothing to further any of them as it was just a mess.
Overall
TNA has the potential to be great but until thy learn how to sell PPV’s properly they are just going to keep going round in circles.
Good Points
Jay Lethal / SoCal Val / Sonjay Dutt storyline developing nicely
The TNA creative team did a good job with this one as they developed the feud nicely for a Hard Justice. Just as we thought Sonjay was going to be rumbled for stealing the wedding ring, Sonjay managed to worm his way out of the situation and back in to the affections of Val. Looking forward to seeing what the outcome is or if there will be another twist this Sunday.
Karen’s Angle turning in to Jerry Springer
They are using Karen’s Angle well now as they have taken it away from the shoot style interview it started like when it first aired. Now it’s more like Jerry Springer which fits perfectly on a wrestling show as Karen’s guests get out of control.
Liking the new start style.
On WWE they usually start with the announcers sat behind the desk promoting what was going to be happening but now TNA have a new style which they should keep to. The style is to have Mike Tenay in the ring with a mic and his broadcast colleagues like Jeremy Borash out in the crowd giving their opinions which I think is better than having them behind a desk.
Bad Points
Stuff that shouldn’t be on a wrestling show
Team 3D’s backstage interview with Beer Money had no place on a wrestling show. In a world where we are looking even more closely at how media with a large male following portrays women this segment had me reaching for the remote to change channel. The interview consisted of Brother Ray making sexual comments about the female interviewer and then trying to pull at her top. There wasn’t any need for Brother Ray to do this as he is already one of the top heel in the promotion and the creative team should be ashamed of themselves.
Too many backstage interviews
At one point I counted three backstage interviews in a row. Now I agree that the spotlight shouldn’t be on actual wrestling matches on a TV show but you have to keep the show moving and keeping it fresh. Having three backstage interviews in a row was overkill.
Poor storyline development
Again TNA need to learn how to sell a PPV today on iMPACT not all feuds were featured and then those that were most were just featured in the last twenty minutes so if you missed that you wouldn’t have a clue about Hard Justice. In the last twenty minutes the main event was a gauntlet match featuring many different feuds which really did nothing to further any of them as it was just a mess.
Overall
TNA has the potential to be great but until thy learn how to sell PPV’s properly they are just going to keep going round in circles.
After not being too impressed with recent editions of Smackdown I was hoping this week would see an upturn as we get closer to SummerSlam.
Good Points
Edge going off the rails
Edge is doing a brilliant job at the moment playing this out of control guy who has been pushed over the Edge by the fact that he has been put in Hell in a Cell with the Undertaker and is slowly going crazy. He is carrying Smackdown at the moment with the highlight this week of him turning on Chavo and delivering a beatdown on him whilst scaring Vickie half to death. The greatest thing about though is the logic put behind it with Edge saying he has to get himself this on Edge to survive Hell in a Cell.
Creative team taking a leaf out of TNA’s book with the Undertaker
It looks WWE creative read this blog as they followed my ideas from last week of having the WWE do a similar thing that TNA is doing with Sting. This week they had people being found laid out all over the building with a black rose left by every beaten man as the calling card of the Undertaker. It is a great way of hyping his return without him being on the show.
Bad Points
Worst title match for some time
HHH vs. Great Khali is going to be the worst match in PPV history at SummerSlam. Khali can’t wrestle and HHH has done nothing to sell the feud. With it being the title feud and involving HHH thy only give it under ten minutes in the middle of the show for an arm wrestling contest between the two to hype the match. I have never been this uninterested with a heavyweight title match in my entire life.
Wrestling quality continues it’s downwards spiral
If it wasn’t for Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin saving the show it would have been a dire night on Smackdown for wrestling. The thing that made Smackdown unique and made me want to watch is that time was given to quality matches featuring quality wrestlers but that doesn’t sem to be the case anymore.
Overall
I think Hell in a Cell will steal the show at SummerSlam but nothing else much excites me on Smackdown at the moment, the hype of the good names acquired in the draft seems to have worn off and if Edge was to win an Oscar for his wrestling performance as lead guy best supporting wrestler wouldn’t go to anyone at the moment.
Good Points
Edge going off the rails
Edge is doing a brilliant job at the moment playing this out of control guy who has been pushed over the Edge by the fact that he has been put in Hell in a Cell with the Undertaker and is slowly going crazy. He is carrying Smackdown at the moment with the highlight this week of him turning on Chavo and delivering a beatdown on him whilst scaring Vickie half to death. The greatest thing about though is the logic put behind it with Edge saying he has to get himself this on Edge to survive Hell in a Cell.
Creative team taking a leaf out of TNA’s book with the Undertaker
It looks WWE creative read this blog as they followed my ideas from last week of having the WWE do a similar thing that TNA is doing with Sting. This week they had people being found laid out all over the building with a black rose left by every beaten man as the calling card of the Undertaker. It is a great way of hyping his return without him being on the show.
Bad Points
Worst title match for some time
HHH vs. Great Khali is going to be the worst match in PPV history at SummerSlam. Khali can’t wrestle and HHH has done nothing to sell the feud. With it being the title feud and involving HHH thy only give it under ten minutes in the middle of the show for an arm wrestling contest between the two to hype the match. I have never been this uninterested with a heavyweight title match in my entire life.
Wrestling quality continues it’s downwards spiral
If it wasn’t for Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin saving the show it would have been a dire night on Smackdown for wrestling. The thing that made Smackdown unique and made me want to watch is that time was given to quality matches featuring quality wrestlers but that doesn’t sem to be the case anymore.
Overall
I think Hell in a Cell will steal the show at SummerSlam but nothing else much excites me on Smackdown at the moment, the hype of the good names acquired in the draft seems to have worn off and if Edge was to win an Oscar for his wrestling performance as lead guy best supporting wrestler wouldn’t go to anyone at the moment.
With it being Mike Adamle’s first Raw as GM I was very intrigued to see if my opinions of Mike would change after viewing this weeks episode or whether this would be the worst raw in history.
Good Points
Interesting matchmaking
I will get on to Mike Adamle the character a bit later on but I was impressed with his match making. First we had Jericho and JBL in a handicap match against CM Punk with the stipulation being whoever got the pin would get the title match at SummerSlam. Then he made an interesting match for SummerSlam which will see IC Champ Kofi Kingston tagging with Womens champ Mickie James against Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix and if the team of Santino and Beth win they both win a title.
John Cena gets bigger cheer than Batista
With Cena being the most controversial face in WWE for some time with his mixed fan reactions it was great to hear him getting a louder pop than Batista at the close of the show. I think he WWE were hoping for Batista to get the pop as they seem to be building him as the to face in the promotion so I found this comical as the WWE need to learn they can’t push a face and make the audience like them
William Regal back in the mix
After having the best match on Raw last week with CM Punk it was good to see Regal getting some mic time. Regal made mention to his King of the Ring win earlier in the year so it look like the WWE are pushing him to be a major player which was the plan before his last suspension.
Bad Points
Paul Burchill getting used as a jobber
First it looked like Paul was going to feud with Mr. Kennedy then they had him lose in their first match which killed that and now they have done the same with him and Kofi Kingston. After a little build up he has already jobbed to Kofi killing that dead. The only thing they can do now to save Burchill is to have him and Katie lea interfere in Kofi’s tag match at SummerSlam.
Mike Adamle’s terrible character
A GM needs to be ruthless and stick up for the heels if he is a heel GM or if he is a face GM he needs to be assertive and stop the heels at every turn. Instead we have him built like Cena was to start with as a man that wants to win over the fans as a face. Mike shouldn’t be left too long by himself with the mic as he worked ok when in a segment with another person but his opening address was terrible.
Tired old storyline
The WWE have recycled a very old storyline idea for SummerSlam as they had John Cnea and batista winning the tag belts before their match at SummerSlam. This has been done icountless times when two faces are going head to head to try and build discontent between the two as they soon fall out and distrust each other.
Overall
A good episode but not the best didn’t like Jericho’s new ring attire with trunks instead of tights ut I do hope they make the title match a triple threat with Jericho involved as he deserves a big match and it will give HBK the chance to interfere. Although the show wasn’t the best there are a lot of things which could happen because of the storyline developments so it has made me want to tune in next week which is the whole point of a weekly wrestling show.
Good Points
Interesting matchmaking
I will get on to Mike Adamle the character a bit later on but I was impressed with his match making. First we had Jericho and JBL in a handicap match against CM Punk with the stipulation being whoever got the pin would get the title match at SummerSlam. Then he made an interesting match for SummerSlam which will see IC Champ Kofi Kingston tagging with Womens champ Mickie James against Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix and if the team of Santino and Beth win they both win a title.
John Cena gets bigger cheer than Batista
With Cena being the most controversial face in WWE for some time with his mixed fan reactions it was great to hear him getting a louder pop than Batista at the close of the show. I think he WWE were hoping for Batista to get the pop as they seem to be building him as the to face in the promotion so I found this comical as the WWE need to learn they can’t push a face and make the audience like them
William Regal back in the mix
After having the best match on Raw last week with CM Punk it was good to see Regal getting some mic time. Regal made mention to his King of the Ring win earlier in the year so it look like the WWE are pushing him to be a major player which was the plan before his last suspension.
Bad Points
Paul Burchill getting used as a jobber
First it looked like Paul was going to feud with Mr. Kennedy then they had him lose in their first match which killed that and now they have done the same with him and Kofi Kingston. After a little build up he has already jobbed to Kofi killing that dead. The only thing they can do now to save Burchill is to have him and Katie lea interfere in Kofi’s tag match at SummerSlam.
Mike Adamle’s terrible character
A GM needs to be ruthless and stick up for the heels if he is a heel GM or if he is a face GM he needs to be assertive and stop the heels at every turn. Instead we have him built like Cena was to start with as a man that wants to win over the fans as a face. Mike shouldn’t be left too long by himself with the mic as he worked ok when in a segment with another person but his opening address was terrible.
Tired old storyline
The WWE have recycled a very old storyline idea for SummerSlam as they had John Cnea and batista winning the tag belts before their match at SummerSlam. This has been done icountless times when two faces are going head to head to try and build discontent between the two as they soon fall out and distrust each other.
Overall
A good episode but not the best didn’t like Jericho’s new ring attire with trunks instead of tights ut I do hope they make the title match a triple threat with Jericho involved as he deserves a big match and it will give HBK the chance to interfere. Although the show wasn’t the best there are a lot of things which could happen because of the storyline developments so it has made me want to tune in next week which is the whole point of a weekly wrestling show.
After an above average iMPACT last week with some great storylines and PPV style matches I was very much looking forward to seeing this weeks offering.
Good Points
Use of the Sting storyline
The creative team are doing a great job with the Sting storyline. They are building the suspense for Sting’s in ring return and putting up more questions than answers which always keeps a wrestling fan hooked. The other thing they are doing well is branching storylines off the whole thing of the lights going off as now off the back of it we have the Samoa Joe feud with Sting and more heat to the AJ / Kurt Angle feud.
Matt Morgan has a feud
Matt Morgan has been given a great feud to prove himself with as he has been put in a programme with Tomko. Many people had Tomko down to be a breakout star this year so will be interesting to see how this one goes. I have at terrible feeling that a PPV match between the two would suck though as their styles are too similar.
Kaz leaves TNA is it a work or a shoot
If you have been reading the internet as of late you would have heard that Kaz is done with TNA so it was no shock when he announced it on iMPACT. Not many wrestlers get to announce they are leaving on their own show so this has many people wondering if this is just a storyline or not. Was an interesting way how they did it how Kaz announced it on Karen’ Angle in a pre-record segment as if this is a shoot they have more control doing it that way than letting him go in the ring.
Bad Points
Booker T pushed to the side
The only problem with the Sting storyline developments is that Booker T has been pushed to the side. After an excellent storyline build in the iMPACT after Victory Road since then Booker has been marginalised. Booker needs to do something big on the iMPACT before Hard Justice to really make this a math people want to see.
Prince Justice Brotherhood
The segments wear very comical on iMPACT but if they use too many of them in a show the comic effect will wear off very quickly. Sharkboy is the only really funny one out of the three as he carries the other two in the promo stakes but Sharkboy needs people to work off with his humour so needs them there.
Beautiful People never get a win
TNA give them a lot of TV time which they deserve as they are great on the mic and with their gimmick but it seems like every week they come out they lose. It’s alright giving them TV time but you have to let them win a bit to really establish themselves instead of giving the wins to Gail Kim and ODB who have gone a bit stale as of late.
Overall
More positives than negatives. If they can just focus in on the big feuds next week I’m sure they will get the fans buzzing for Hard Justice.
Good Points
Use of the Sting storyline
The creative team are doing a great job with the Sting storyline. They are building the suspense for Sting’s in ring return and putting up more questions than answers which always keeps a wrestling fan hooked. The other thing they are doing well is branching storylines off the whole thing of the lights going off as now off the back of it we have the Samoa Joe feud with Sting and more heat to the AJ / Kurt Angle feud.
Matt Morgan has a feud
Matt Morgan has been given a great feud to prove himself with as he has been put in a programme with Tomko. Many people had Tomko down to be a breakout star this year so will be interesting to see how this one goes. I have at terrible feeling that a PPV match between the two would suck though as their styles are too similar.
Kaz leaves TNA is it a work or a shoot
If you have been reading the internet as of late you would have heard that Kaz is done with TNA so it was no shock when he announced it on iMPACT. Not many wrestlers get to announce they are leaving on their own show so this has many people wondering if this is just a storyline or not. Was an interesting way how they did it how Kaz announced it on Karen’ Angle in a pre-record segment as if this is a shoot they have more control doing it that way than letting him go in the ring.
Bad Points
Booker T pushed to the side
The only problem with the Sting storyline developments is that Booker T has been pushed to the side. After an excellent storyline build in the iMPACT after Victory Road since then Booker has been marginalised. Booker needs to do something big on the iMPACT before Hard Justice to really make this a math people want to see.
Prince Justice Brotherhood
The segments wear very comical on iMPACT but if they use too many of them in a show the comic effect will wear off very quickly. Sharkboy is the only really funny one out of the three as he carries the other two in the promo stakes but Sharkboy needs people to work off with his humour so needs them there.
Beautiful People never get a win
TNA give them a lot of TV time which they deserve as they are great on the mic and with their gimmick but it seems like every week they come out they lose. It’s alright giving them TV time but you have to let them win a bit to really establish themselves instead of giving the wins to Gail Kim and ODB who have gone a bit stale as of late.
Overall
More positives than negatives. If they can just focus in on the big feuds next week I’m sure they will get the fans buzzing for Hard Justice.
After an exciting Raw with a terrible ending I was looking forward to seeing what Smackdown were going to offer this week and to see if they could put on an exciting show with a better finish.
Good Points
Big Push for Hardy / MVP Feud
The creative team are really getting behind this feud which is good to see. The direction may not have been the best with the feud being based on MVP’s problems with Hardy’s past which not many casual fans would have known about but these two should put on a good match at SummerSlam.
Two other feuds developed
With Mr. Kennedy scoring a non title victory over Shelton Benjamin and with Umaga interfering after Big Show’s match it looks like we have three strong undercard feuds for SummerSlam.
Hawkins and Ryder getting promo time
Was good to see Hawkins and Ryder getting more backstage promo time. After getting the titles I would like to see them in more tag matches on Smackdown but at least thy are getting something.
Bad Points
No HHH again
Ok HHH has a reason no to be on TV after the birth of his and Stephanie’s new child but his absence is costing Smackdown. As Khali can’t sell anything by himself as he has no promo skills he needs HHH to be there.
No Undertaker
With Edge doing his best in his character of being pushed over the edge by recent events and acting a bit crazy but he needs the Undertaker on Smackdown to really make the build up memorable. Even if they did the same that TNA are doing with Sting with lights going out and people getting beaten up it would be something.
Overall
The undercard feuds look great but for one of the major four PPV’s of the year more should have been done to push the two main event feuds. Don’t get me wrong Edge vs. Undertaker in Hell in a Cell is guaranteed to be awesome but to get the hype and the buys they need to push it.
Good Points
Big Push for Hardy / MVP Feud
The creative team are really getting behind this feud which is good to see. The direction may not have been the best with the feud being based on MVP’s problems with Hardy’s past which not many casual fans would have known about but these two should put on a good match at SummerSlam.
Two other feuds developed
With Mr. Kennedy scoring a non title victory over Shelton Benjamin and with Umaga interfering after Big Show’s match it looks like we have three strong undercard feuds for SummerSlam.
Hawkins and Ryder getting promo time
Was good to see Hawkins and Ryder getting more backstage promo time. After getting the titles I would like to see them in more tag matches on Smackdown but at least thy are getting something.
Bad Points
No HHH again
Ok HHH has a reason no to be on TV after the birth of his and Stephanie’s new child but his absence is costing Smackdown. As Khali can’t sell anything by himself as he has no promo skills he needs HHH to be there.
No Undertaker
With Edge doing his best in his character of being pushed over the edge by recent events and acting a bit crazy but he needs the Undertaker on Smackdown to really make the build up memorable. Even if they did the same that TNA are doing with Sting with lights going out and people getting beaten up it would be something.
Overall
The undercard feuds look great but for one of the major four PPV’s of the year more should have been done to push the two main event feuds. Don’t get me wrong Edge vs. Undertaker in Hell in a Cell is guaranteed to be awesome but to get the hype and the buys they need to push it.
After missing lat weeks Raw due to problems with my PVR I was looking forward to getting back in the weekly routine and see what was happening on the Raw Brand.
Good Points
On screen return of Shane McMahon
Don’t know if we will see him again for a while or not but it was good to see Shane on the show as he got ready to announce the new GM for Raw. The show always seems to be better when there is a McMahon on the show.
Return of William Regal
After his recent drugs problems it was good to see the return of William Regal and to see him pushed to the top immediately with a non title match against CM Punk. He was even given the title of hottest free agent by Shane which is a heck of a compliment.
Great stuff with Jericho
Jericho came on to the show to present his last ever Highlight Reel and to officially bury his old happy go lucky persona. Jericho is doing really well in his heel roll and is now staking his claim for a heavyweight title shot which is good to see.
Bad Points
Mike Adamle new GM!
After at last minute Michael Cole was thrown in to a match at Raw and when Mike Adamle came don to replace him in commentary it was obvious who the new GM was going to be but it has to rank up there as one of the worst decisions in some time. Because of the huge paycheque Mike gets and because he is no good on commentary they had to give him something worthwhile to do to justify his price tag. All I can say is I hope this is only a short reign.
Kane pushed to the side
After having a strong storyline over recent weeks with him going on the warpath with his bag asking if he is dead or a live whoever he is we don’t know, Kane now is back to a bit part. This week he had to do the job in the main event as Cena pinned him for the three count and giving Kane very little other time except for coming down at the end of the CM Punk match.
Overall
A great show ruined by the final announcement of Adamle as GM. Just shows you that two hours of hard work can be destroyed with a few moments of madness.
Good Points
On screen return of Shane McMahon
Don’t know if we will see him again for a while or not but it was good to see Shane on the show as he got ready to announce the new GM for Raw. The show always seems to be better when there is a McMahon on the show.
Return of William Regal
After his recent drugs problems it was good to see the return of William Regal and to see him pushed to the top immediately with a non title match against CM Punk. He was even given the title of hottest free agent by Shane which is a heck of a compliment.
Great stuff with Jericho
Jericho came on to the show to present his last ever Highlight Reel and to officially bury his old happy go lucky persona. Jericho is doing really well in his heel roll and is now staking his claim for a heavyweight title shot which is good to see.
Bad Points
Mike Adamle new GM!
After at last minute Michael Cole was thrown in to a match at Raw and when Mike Adamle came don to replace him in commentary it was obvious who the new GM was going to be but it has to rank up there as one of the worst decisions in some time. Because of the huge paycheque Mike gets and because he is no good on commentary they had to give him something worthwhile to do to justify his price tag. All I can say is I hope this is only a short reign.
Kane pushed to the side
After having a strong storyline over recent weeks with him going on the warpath with his bag asking if he is dead or a live whoever he is we don’t know, Kane now is back to a bit part. This week he had to do the job in the main event as Cena pinned him for the three count and giving Kane very little other time except for coming down at the end of the CM Punk match.
Overall
A great show ruined by the final announcement of Adamle as GM. Just shows you that two hours of hard work can be destroyed with a few moments of madness.
With some interesting storylines hotting up in TNA at the momen and with Kurt and Joe both having more TV time I was looking forward to shee what they were going o do this week on iMPACT.
Good Points
Great storyline build for Booker T and Samoa Joe
The show started and ended with these two in the ring which was great to see. The match in place for Hard Justice sounds great as we get ready for full metal mayhem inside the six sides of steel. Having Sting’s music hit and then for Samoa Joe to be laid out when the lights came back up has added intrigue to the feud although I believe this wasn’t Sting but a staged set up to make it look like Sting.
Push for Matt Morgan
Great to see Matt’s continuing push and put in a position where he can show off his size and ability. I have him down as a main eventer in 2009 so watch this space. I still believe if handled right he has potential.
New segment
Great new segment called Karen’s Angle, much like the rough cuts segment, very distinguishable as a shoot section of the show rather than a storyline section. Look forward to seeing next week’s part 2 of her interview with Kaz.
Bad Points
Giving away PPV style matches
This week we had a five table elimination match featuring the team of 3D and Angle vs. Christian, Rhino and AJ as well as a strap match between Beer Money and Motor City Machine Guns. Stipulation matches like this should be saved for PPV.
After Thoughts
Sometimes it is best not to feature something than to just throw something non noteworthy in. This was the case for the Sonjay Dutt / Lethal / Val storyline as they put in a few minutes of Sonjay in hospital which looked like a last minute idea to keep something from the storyline in the episode.
Overall
Great episode, lots of video segments lots of focus on the main storyline, can’t ask for anymore than that really.
Good Points
Great storyline build for Booker T and Samoa Joe
The show started and ended with these two in the ring which was great to see. The match in place for Hard Justice sounds great as we get ready for full metal mayhem inside the six sides of steel. Having Sting’s music hit and then for Samoa Joe to be laid out when the lights came back up has added intrigue to the feud although I believe this wasn’t Sting but a staged set up to make it look like Sting.
Push for Matt Morgan
Great to see Matt’s continuing push and put in a position where he can show off his size and ability. I have him down as a main eventer in 2009 so watch this space. I still believe if handled right he has potential.
New segment
Great new segment called Karen’s Angle, much like the rough cuts segment, very distinguishable as a shoot section of the show rather than a storyline section. Look forward to seeing next week’s part 2 of her interview with Kaz.
Bad Points
Giving away PPV style matches
This week we had a five table elimination match featuring the team of 3D and Angle vs. Christian, Rhino and AJ as well as a strap match between Beer Money and Motor City Machine Guns. Stipulation matches like this should be saved for PPV.
After Thoughts
Sometimes it is best not to feature something than to just throw something non noteworthy in. This was the case for the Sonjay Dutt / Lethal / Val storyline as they put in a few minutes of Sonjay in hospital which looked like a last minute idea to keep something from the storyline in the episode.
Overall
Great episode, lots of video segments lots of focus on the main storyline, can’t ask for anymore than that really.
After missing Raw because of some technical hitches with my Sky+ box I was looking forward to my only WWE fix of the week. I just hoped Smackdown could deliver.
Good Points
Push for Hawkins and Ryder
Great to see these two getting pushed as on the show they were seen snubbing Edge and then Hawkins had a one on one match with Festus.
Good Video for Ron “The Truth” Killings
Very nice video promo for Ron, hopefully he can make a bigger impact on Smackdown than last time round when he was K-Kwick and part of the X-Factor.
Good video package
Was good to see a nice video package for Edge and Vickie to the start the show off with to show all the history that has been going on.
Bad Points
Terrible match order
Not only was the match quality terrible but the order was crazy with the last match of the night being Kendrik vs. Shannon Moore. On top of this we had outings from Jimmy Wang Yang, Stevie Richards and Festus. This is suppose to be the wrestling show!
Khali is going to SummerSlam
Can’t believe the WWE is pushing the Great Khali again as he won a shot at HHH at SummerSlam. WWE must be desperate for that Indian market that’s all I’ve got to say.
Again no real use of HHH
Triple H’s involvement this week consisted of coming down to the ring after Great Khali’s match to square up against him. This guy is doing less than Samoa Joe in TNA at the moment and that’s saying something.
Overall
Best thing about the show was pre-taped videos, that says everything really.
Good Points
Push for Hawkins and Ryder
Great to see these two getting pushed as on the show they were seen snubbing Edge and then Hawkins had a one on one match with Festus.
Good Video for Ron “The Truth” Killings
Very nice video promo for Ron, hopefully he can make a bigger impact on Smackdown than last time round when he was K-Kwick and part of the X-Factor.
Good video package
Was good to see a nice video package for Edge and Vickie to the start the show off with to show all the history that has been going on.
Bad Points
Terrible match order
Not only was the match quality terrible but the order was crazy with the last match of the night being Kendrik vs. Shannon Moore. On top of this we had outings from Jimmy Wang Yang, Stevie Richards and Festus. This is suppose to be the wrestling show!
Khali is going to SummerSlam
Can’t believe the WWE is pushing the Great Khali again as he won a shot at HHH at SummerSlam. WWE must be desperate for that Indian market that’s all I’ve got to say.
Again no real use of HHH
Triple H’s involvement this week consisted of coming down to the ring after Great Khali’s match to square up against him. This guy is doing less than Samoa Joe in TNA at the moment and that’s saying something.
Overall
Best thing about the show was pre-taped videos, that says everything really.
The Great American Bash usually wins the award for worst PPV of the year, the card is normally terrible, the matches equally as bad and no good storyline developments. This got me to the point where I started to think if this was done deliberately by Vince to bury a PPV concept originally created by WCW for his own amusement. However on Sunday night I witnessed in my opinion the best minor PPV of the year so far.
Good Points
Freshening up
Was good to see the bottom end of the card getting a shake up with Hawkins and Ryder winning the tag title and Shelton Benjamin winning the US Title. This frees up Matt Hardy to go after the ECW title and gives Ryder and Hawkins the chance to establish themselves. The tag match was also very well put together.
Good Matches
With a few exceptions those being the ECW title match and the Divas title match there wasn’t a bad match on the card and luckily the two matches that weren’t up to scratch were kept short. Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels was another great match in the series between these two and kept their feud going.
We Make Movies
In the documentary Beyond the Mat Vince said that about the WWE ‘That they make movies’ which was true of the Cena vs. JBL match. Yes it was preposterous that Cena could get run down on Raw and not have a scratch on him and then participate in a match which saw cars getting set on fire, vehicles smashed and so on but it was great fun. Like every action film needs a good chase scene or a good fight scene I think there is a place for matches like the Parking Lot Brawl on a PPV.
Feuds continue to SummerSlam
I expected nothing else than HHH to keep his title but they managed to do it in a way that kept Edge strong which was important for SummerSlam then we had the double dq finish for the CM Punk / Batista match to keep that going. With one month to go to SummerSlam the Bash should be about building and developing feuds for SummerSlam.
Bad Points
Needed better build
WWE need to just be careful of how they build storylines for the PPV’s with the most exciting developments happening on the episodes of Raw and Smackdown directly before the PPV was a mistake. If fans had missed one week they would have missed some pretty pivotal developments. The big things should happen as early as possible as you want to start the build for a PPV on the first Raw after the last PPV.
Overall
A great PPV after some of the shockers of the last twelve months this restored my faith in the WWE.
Good Points
Freshening up
Was good to see the bottom end of the card getting a shake up with Hawkins and Ryder winning the tag title and Shelton Benjamin winning the US Title. This frees up Matt Hardy to go after the ECW title and gives Ryder and Hawkins the chance to establish themselves. The tag match was also very well put together.
Good Matches
With a few exceptions those being the ECW title match and the Divas title match there wasn’t a bad match on the card and luckily the two matches that weren’t up to scratch were kept short. Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels was another great match in the series between these two and kept their feud going.
We Make Movies
In the documentary Beyond the Mat Vince said that about the WWE ‘That they make movies’ which was true of the Cena vs. JBL match. Yes it was preposterous that Cena could get run down on Raw and not have a scratch on him and then participate in a match which saw cars getting set on fire, vehicles smashed and so on but it was great fun. Like every action film needs a good chase scene or a good fight scene I think there is a place for matches like the Parking Lot Brawl on a PPV.
Feuds continue to SummerSlam
I expected nothing else than HHH to keep his title but they managed to do it in a way that kept Edge strong which was important for SummerSlam then we had the double dq finish for the CM Punk / Batista match to keep that going. With one month to go to SummerSlam the Bash should be about building and developing feuds for SummerSlam.
Bad Points
Needed better build
WWE need to just be careful of how they build storylines for the PPV’s with the most exciting developments happening on the episodes of Raw and Smackdown directly before the PPV was a mistake. If fans had missed one week they would have missed some pretty pivotal developments. The big things should happen as early as possible as you want to start the build for a PPV on the first Raw after the last PPV.
Overall
A great PPV after some of the shockers of the last twelve months this restored my faith in the WWE.
After a terrible Victory Road I was interested to see how TNA were going to turn things round. TNA are erratic at the moment they aren’t consistently good and they aren’t consistently bad so here’ hoping this was going to be a good week.
Good Points
Great Booker T / Samoa Joe Promos
After a duff main event at Victory Road these guys really pulled out all the stops tonight. Great in ring and backstage promos throughout with a brilliant ending. Again no in ring action for Joe but he made up for it on the mic.
Unpredictability
I know it’s my favourite word but TNA had it in spades tonight as first three men get out a limo with Sting masks who we later find out to be Kurt Angle and Team 3-D then we have Beer Money going around beating on anyone fans, production crew and visitors to Universal. All really good stuff very reminiscent of NWO days.
Push for Matt Morgan
There was a great push for Morgan as he beat both members of the Rock and Rave Infection. Next they just need to give a one on one feud for a PPV and see from there.
Bad Points
No Sting
After his actions at Victory Road I personally would have started the show with him but to not have him on the show at all is criminal. I know TNA have to use him sparingly but it just seems to be the case that TNA are doing that with too many guys at the moment like Abyss, Angle, Joe etc.
Lack of consistency
After not doing much for a while Eric Young was thrust back on to our screens and after not being on the PPV Consequences Creed was in the main event on iMPACT. Yes you can’t highlight all your roster at the same time but when your not highlighting someone you need to keep them around and involved so when you want to push them back in to the spotlight the crowds aren’t scratching their heads to think of the last time they did something.
Overall
On millions time better than the PPV and it was free. The backstage, segments, promos and in ring mic time really stole the show tonight which it should on a TV show. After feeling gloomy about TNA I finally see light again but saying that next week I could be back in gloom again.
Good Points
Great Booker T / Samoa Joe Promos
After a duff main event at Victory Road these guys really pulled out all the stops tonight. Great in ring and backstage promos throughout with a brilliant ending. Again no in ring action for Joe but he made up for it on the mic.
Unpredictability
I know it’s my favourite word but TNA had it in spades tonight as first three men get out a limo with Sting masks who we later find out to be Kurt Angle and Team 3-D then we have Beer Money going around beating on anyone fans, production crew and visitors to Universal. All really good stuff very reminiscent of NWO days.
Push for Matt Morgan
There was a great push for Morgan as he beat both members of the Rock and Rave Infection. Next they just need to give a one on one feud for a PPV and see from there.
Bad Points
No Sting
After his actions at Victory Road I personally would have started the show with him but to not have him on the show at all is criminal. I know TNA have to use him sparingly but it just seems to be the case that TNA are doing that with too many guys at the moment like Abyss, Angle, Joe etc.
Lack of consistency
After not doing much for a while Eric Young was thrust back on to our screens and after not being on the PPV Consequences Creed was in the main event on iMPACT. Yes you can’t highlight all your roster at the same time but when your not highlighting someone you need to keep them around and involved so when you want to push them back in to the spotlight the crowds aren’t scratching their heads to think of the last time they did something.
Overall
On millions time better than the PPV and it was free. The backstage, segments, promos and in ring mic time really stole the show tonight which it should on a TV show. After feeling gloomy about TNA I finally see light again but saying that next week I could be back in gloom again.