Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tommy's Take on: WWE NXT 2/23/10

- WWE NXT!  I'm actually looking forward to this.

- 8 WWE Pros and 8 WWE "Rookies"...people assume its going to be a quasi reality show, but truthfully, no one knows for sure what we're getting.  Here is the "Cast"

Daniel Bryan and The Miz - This is the huge selling point.  Daniel Bryan is Bryan Danielson, internet sensation who has been proclaimed the best wrestler in the world.  He's been wrestling at least 5 years longer than The Miz.  The Internet suffered a minor explosion at this announcement.

Darren Young and CM Punk - Young looks like a black John Cena.  Rumor has it he's a bit of a partier, so there's a good chance that will be brought up to conflict with Punk's Straight Edge lifestyle.

David Otunga and R-Truth - Otunga is engaged to former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson.

Heath Slater and Christian - Slater calls himself "The One Man Rock Band" and reminds me a bit of Christian back in his long hair days.

Justin Gabriel and Matt Hardy

Michael Tarver and Carlito - Tarver claims he can knock any man out in under 2 seconds.

Skip Sheffield and William Regal - Sheffield is a former Tough Enough contestant known as Ryan Reeves.  Regal is unadulterated awesome.

Wade Barrett and Chris Jericho - Jericho is not only awesome, but the new World Champion as well.

- NXT opener showcases the cast and pairings.  We begin with a backstage shot of the Rookies...The Miz!  The Miz is all over Daniel Bryan, talking about him being an "internet darling".  Telling Bryan to go to the ring, introduce himself and that he better have a catchphrase...and that he can use Miz' music!  Most of these guys look like they're having a hard time keeping a straight face, including Bryan.  Jim Cornette would slap somebody.

- Miz' music hits!  Miz is bagging on Bryan's personality...saying he will slap some personality into Bruan if he doesn't show some on his own.

- Michael Cole?  Ew.  Please tell me he's at least got Matt Striker.  Really??  Cole and Matthews?

- STRIKER is the host!  AWESOME.  Thank God.

- Savannah - who is naked in a new movie - introduces Bryan.  Bryan is stumbling over his words.  He's apologizing to his fans for being paired with The Miz.  He pretty much is dry as toast.  Crowd doesn't sound impressed.  Miz here to interrupt just before the segment died.

- I wonder if Vince called the audible on this.  Thing is...this alone could get Bryan over.

- "I'll submit you right now."?

- Nice!  He's bagging on Miz's reality show past and fauxhawk.

- "You tap, or you snap."

- He sounds awkward, but he's slowly winning the crowd over.  Miz being here is going to be HUGE for him.

- SLAP!  Miz bails, leaving Bryan stewing in the ring.

- Bryan says he will slap Miz back, someday.

- Well, Miz is WAY more comfortable on the mic.  Thing is, Bryan didn't sound any worse than Heath Slater or Michael Tarver sounded last night on Raw.

- Striker backstage with Bryan.  Bryan says he slaps a lot harder than The Miz.  Bryan points out that he's been in wrestling twice as long as The Miz, Striker points out that he's not been in  WWE.  Daniel Bryan vs Chris Jericho tonight?

- Carlito brings out Michael Tarver.

- We get a video package for Tarver, focusing on his ability to knock out any man in 1.9 seconds.  He looks like Ernest Miller in this package, wearing a lopsided hat.  He's really comfortable in this package.  Intercut with clips of Tarver from FCW.  This will be a tag team match, apparently.

CARLITO & MICHAEL TARVER vs CHRISTIAN & HEATH SLATER

- Oh, we're getting the Heath Slater package now.  "A Rock Star without the instruments".  Sounds a little too southern for the WWE.  Talking about people who told him he couldn't make it.  Weird camera angle.  Carlito wants Slater in the ring.  Quick roll up by Slater!  Carlito cheap shot.  Beating Slater down, and tag to Tarver.  How comes Slater's not been knocked out yet?  Springboard out of the corner by Slayer!  Nice!  The camera work is distracting.  Tarver is choking Slater in the ropes and Carlito kicks his head off.  Ref out of position for the cover.  Christian wants in.  Crowd is dead.  Carlito doing most of the work on Slater.  Tarver back in, pummeling Slater.  Camel clutch variation.  Slater fighting up...but knocked back down.  Slater powerslam!  Something felt off about that.  Pros are in!  Christian is all over Carlito!  Missile dropkick!  Calling for the KILLSWITCH!  Counter...springboard...Killswirch again?  No!  Sequence turns into the springboard sunset flip!  Carlito takes him down and Tarver's in with Christian for the first time!  Double team backfires and Christiann takes out both men!  Slater pulls Carlito out of the ring and Killswitch on Tarver gets the biggest reaction so far!

Winners: CHRISTIAN and HEATH SLATER via pinfall on Tarver (KILLSWITCH)

- Darren Young is backstage with The Straight Edge Society - who does not look impressed - while R-Truth is talking to David Otunga.  Young vs Otunga is NEXT.

DARREN YOUNG (w/Straight Edge Society) vs DAVID OTUNGA (w/R-Truth)

- "Every time Punk speaks, drink." AWESOME.  Punk, apparently, is here under protest.  Young is trying to talk to Punk, who no-sells him.  Otunga's heeling it up, being a big "Hollywood star".  Otunga is drawing connections with Obama.  TOTAL HEEL.  The upside, is that he sounds great.  The downside, is that he sounds like he believes his crap.  He and R-Truth are easily my least favorite duo.  So far it has been Raw-Raw and Smackdown-Smackdown.  Both of these guys are big.  Big powwer stuff.  Botched a spinebuster.  Wow.  Otunga gets the win off a botched spinebuster?

Winner: DAVID OTUNGA via pinfall (spinebuster)

- Seriously...I hate these camera angles.

- Replay of Miz-Bryan.

- Raw recap.

- Nice...Cole talks about how he's the pro and Matthews is the "rookie" and Matthews talks about JR coaching Cole on Twitter.

- JERICHO~!  Jericho is here with Wade Barrett.  Wait...the main event is next?  Are the other three not getting on TV tonight, aside from the group shot?

- Next week, Matt Hardy will be on the show with Justin Gabriel.

CHRIS JERICHO (w/Wade Barrett) vs DANIEL BRYAN (w/The Miz)

- Jericho is having Wade Barrett introduce him, instead of Savannah.  Barrett has a heavy accent.  Huge heat for this duo.  AWESOME!  Jericho cuts off Barrett's promo, telling him to get straight to the introduction.  Here comes Miz and Bryan.  This is interesting as well, given how Miz has essentially replaced Jericho as Big Show's "leader".  The announcers sound almost like they're trying to bury Bryan as being cocky.  Commercials.

- Bryan asks for a handshake.  Jericho slaps his hand down.  Jaw jacking.  Shove by Jericho.  Pie face.  Slap on Jericho!  Dropkick!  Huge charge in the corner.  Beatdown, but ref breaks it up.  Cheap shot by Jericho and dropkick of his own.  Jericho laying into him.  Awesome...Matthews talks about how everyone has heard of Bryan, Cole says he's never heard of him, Matthews retorts with Cole having not heard of a lot of things.  Josh Matthews is awesome.  This seems like a hostile environment for Bryan.  Yep...Cole is totally bagging on Bryan.  Roll up by Bryan gets two, but Jericho with an enzuigiri.  Interesting...Matt Strike is interviewing Wade Barrett at ringside.  Jericho misses a corner charge!  Bryan lays into Jericho!  Dragonscrew...someone screwed that up.  Bryan runs up the ropes and kills Jericho!  Cole is totally bagging the internet, Matthews is cheerleading him.  Bryan tried to knock him over the ropes, but he failed.  Jericho bails out instead.  Bryan runs and dives...and Jericho guides him into the announce table!  Oh my God!  But Bryan takes back control!  Springboard...Walls of Jericho!  Victory Roll into a leglock!!!  Crowd is going nuts!  Jericho in the ropes.  CODEBREAKER!!!  Jericho can't get to the cover...oh...he wants to go for the Walls...and dick Walls!  Bryan taps!

Winner: CHRIS JERICHO via submission (WALLS OF JERICHO)

- Miz is beating Daniel Bryan down!  Miz beats him down, pointing out that he's "The Pro".

- Strike backstage with the six rookies who weren't in the main event giving a hard sell setting up a video package of highlights from the show.

- Good start.  Bryan was the best in ring worker among the "Rookies", but Tarver was the most comfortable promo without being annoying (like Otunga).  Obviously, way too early to call this for anyone, since three of them didn't get to do anything.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Tommy's Take on: WWE Smackdown 2/5/10

SMACKDOWN~!

Tonight, Edge returns to The Cutting Edge, with The Undertaker as his guest...and Elimination Chamber qualifiers!

- Edge video package.

- Smackdown opening.

- CHRIS JERICHO~! is here.  Standard Jericho promo, talking about how he's been building to the WM main event since beating four men at WM 25, but Edge came in and stole it.  He suddenly ramps the intensity up to a new level talking how he's been left with NOTHING and that won't settle for NOTHING.  Demanding Teddy Long lets him bypass Elimination Chamber qualifiers...Long is refusing to come out, so Jericho's going after him!

- Jericho is stalking around backstage.  Demanding people tell him where Long is at.  Edge is in Long's office!  Edge tells Jericho that he's the reason Edge worked to come back!  Edge points out that he's interviewing The Undertaker tonight...Jericho blows it off and says he'll be watching.

- Elimination Chamber video that they aired on Raw.

- Sheamus defends against Cena, HHH, Orton, DiBiase and Kofi at the PPV.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
DREW MCINTYRE vs JOHN MORRISON vs KANE

- Interesting.  I gotta imagine Morrison and McIntyre will cancel each other out, letting Kane advance.  He's just the kind of big threat to put in a multiman match like this.  Morrison goes after McIntyre, then fights off Kane before Drew attacks from behind.  School boy on McIntyre.  Morrison and McIntyre team up to drop Kane!  Back at each other.  Cross body takes Morrison and McIntyre both over the top!  Commercials.

- McIntyre is beating Kane down.  Kane fires back.  Morrison out on the floor.  Kane has the upper hand.  Snap mare and basement dropkick.  Morrison with the save!  Morrison is all over McIntyre as well!  Big backbreaker by McIntyre!  McIntyre with some cheap shots but he eats a boot!  Kane up top...Morrison with a huge kick!  Gets clotheslined out by Drew!  Drew meeting Kane up top...Kane blocks...Drew gets dumped!  He rushes Kane...gets the throat!  Choke Slam?  Flying Chuck on both men!  Morrison on fire!  Big kick to Kane!  Drew breaks it up.  Head butt.  I thought only blacks, Samoans and masked guys did that?  Round the world DDT!  All three men feeling the effects.  McIntyre crushed in the corner!  Morrison as well!  Drew gets sent out!  Kane hammers Morrison...duck under...uppercut!  Kane side slam!  Kane goes up...clothesline on Morrison!  Calling for the Choke Slam!  McIntyre with the belt!  Future Shock!  Morrison breaks it up!  STARSHIP PAIN!!!

Winner: JOHN MORRISON via pinfall (STARSHIP PAIN)

- Awesome!!!  Morrison steals the win!!!  Very glad to be wrong!

- Exclusive Batista-Cena footage tonight.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
R-TRUTH vs MIKE KNOX

- I can't imagine a situation in which Knox wins this.  R-Truth dodging Knox but got NAILED with the Flying Bear!  Big slam and a knee drop.  Knox is repeatedly covering R-Truth.  Big forearm.  R-Truth ducks down and sends Knox over the ropes!  Flip onto Knox!  Back in...dropkick!  Kick to the gut...spinning forearm!  That's it!

Winner: R-TRUTH (SPINNING FOREARM)

- Undertaker vs John Morrison vs R-Truth vs ? vs ? vs ?

- Chris Jericho, Batista and...Dolph Ziggler?

- Bret-Vince footage.

- Foorage after Raw went off the air...Cena saved Bret....Batista charged the ring and sent Cena into the post.  Then the steps.  Then over the announce table.  Brutal beating on the floor.  Smashed him with the ring steps.  OW!  Huge Batista Bomb on the steps.  I think they's going to WrestleMania.

- CM Punk looks a little freaked out...as he's facing Batista tonight.  Definitely selling the scary.  Punk assked Gallows and Serena what they will do to protect their "savior".  Batista winning by DQ, and Gallows and Serena getting killed by Batista?

- Great job selling the psychology there.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
BATISTA vs CM PUNK (w/Luke Gallows & Serena)

- A lot of bald heads here.  What is this, TNA?  Batista looking cocky.  Scoffing at the Straight Edge Society outside the ring.  Batista playing mind games here.  He's leaving the ring?  Staring down Gallows..no...walking away?  He's cut some kind of deal with Vince?  Punk wins via countout!

Winner: CM PUNK via countout.

- Undertaker vs John Morrison vs R-Truth vs CM Punk vs ? vs ?

- Punk is ecstatic...mostly that he's not dead.

- Matt Hardy is backstage and runs into Maria.  Celebrity Apprentice plug.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
MATT HARDY vs CHRIS JERICHO

- I can't see Jericho losing this.  Jericho hides in the ropes.  Lock up.  Jericho shoves Matt and dives to the floor.  Re-enters...tie up.  Headlock by Jericho.  Matt shoots him off...shouldertackle.  Matt clothesline.  Hardy beats Jericho.  Er, beats ON Jericho.  Striker playing up the mishmash of Hardy's style.  Matt backdrops Jericho out of the ring!  Dives onto Jericho!  Striker points out that Jericho hasn't missed any serious time due to injury, but Edge has.  Jericho sends Matt into the steps.  Ref's up to 8.  Matt BARELY gets back in.  Boot to the ribs.  Into the corner...clothesline!  Matt's bleeding from the mouth.  Matt fights back...small package!  Kickout by Jericho. Enzuigiri!  Choke on the ropes.  Jericho hammers Matt.  Jericho hits the corner!  Sleeper neckbreaker!  Matt pounds Jericho...clothesline!  Bulldog!  Kickout.  Big elbow by Matt.  Twist of Fate?  Shove off!  Elbow!  Lionsault!  Kickout.  Crowd getting behind Hardy...Side Effect!  Kickout!  Jericho's acting wobbly.  Schoolboy with feet on the ropes, but Matt kicks out!  Walls of Jericho!  Matt Hardy never dies!  Hardy rolls through into a small package but Jericho kicks out!  Kick!  Twist of Fate but he holds the ropes!  CODEBREAKER!

Winner: CHRIS JERICHO via pinfall (CODEBREAKER)

- Undertaker vs John Morrison vs R-Truth vs CM Punk vs Chris Jericho vs ?

- That was an awfully slow, plodding match for those two.  And given how awesome Jericho is these days, I blame Matt.

- Royal Rumble recap showing Layla in a fat suit, Mickie attacking Layla and squashing Michelle, and the face divas bringing out a cake to smash on Michelle.

- Mickie James!

- She's awfully bouncy for a fat chick.  Just saying.

- Not sure if the crowd is buying the feel-good promo.  You jaded pricks.

- Beth Phoenix!!  Uh-oh. Beth entered the Rumble and eliminated The Great Khali.

- Beth downplays Mickie's victory by touting her Rumble entry.  Beth says the belt is hers as soon as she wants it.  Mickie says she won't back down...but...ugh...Vickie Guerrero comes out.  Neither one looks pleased to see her.  Vickie shuts them down.  She says they won't get to wrestle each other...but they will be facing Michelle McCool and Layla tonight!

MICKIE JAMES & BETH PHOENIX vs TEAM LAYCOOL

- Matching entrance gear.  That's cool.  Is McCool going to actually wrestle tonight?  Beth is starting off with McCool.  Beth DOMINATES.  Cheap shot by McCool.  McCool crushed in the corner.  McCool drops Beth and works the leg.  Tries for an anklelock and fails.  Layla calls for a tag...but Beth nails her!  Drags McCool to her corner and lays into McCool!  Tag to Mickie!  Mickie is all over McCool...BETH NAILS MICKIE!  Beth smiles at McCool...and nails HER!  Layla tags in...and gets rolled up by Mickie!!

Winners: MICKIE JAMES & BETH PHOENIX via pinfall on LAYLA (Small package)

- Layla and McCool are arguing as Mickie and Beth stare down.  Does this mean Mickie/McCool is done?  Please?

- Cryme Tyme Word Up segment.  I...don't even know what they just said.  Word is "King", but it has nothing to do with Jerry Lawler...wait...or maybe it does.  Kings such as BB King...Elvis Presley...Shad is singing...and singing well...nice, Lawler shout out.  Lawler's there!  Cool.  They're going to save some "puppies".

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
REY MYSTERIO vs DOLPH ZIGGLER

- Rey and Dolph locking up.  Dolph go around and takedown.  Taunting Rey.  Headlock by Dolph.  Rey fights back.  Rey drops down and leapfrogs, then gets clotheslined!  Rey fights up and over into a sunset flip!  Dolph and Rey unloading on each other!  Big headscissors by Rey!  Dive to the floor!  They are officially doing the "Rey is old" psychology.  Rey fights into the ring.  Leaps off the ropes into a dropkick!  Rey kicks out.  Back drop?  Rey flips over...Dolph nails him but gets dropped onto the second rope!  Dolph bails before Rey can hit the 619!  Dolph is on the floor as we go to break.

- Dolph in control as we return.  Whip into the buckles.  They fight up...Rey sends Dolph down but he pops back up!  Superplex!  Pin only gets two.  Dolph stomps a mudhole into Rey.  Surfboard variation.  Rey knees Dolph in the face.  Dolph cuts him off..slingshot into the corner is blocked as Rey lands on the ropes!  Sends Dolph into the buckles!  Springboard sitdown!  Dolph cuts him off and sunset flip, but Rey flips through and kicks him in the face!  Reversal and Dolph runs into a boot!  Rey with a wheelbarrow bulldog!  Dolph barely hangs on!  Dolph sends Rey into the buckles face first and crushes him!  Dolph catches Rey in the air with a powerslam!  Holy crap!  Rocker Dropper!  Dolph is stalking Rey, hammering him.  Backbreaker...he holds on...victory roll!  Rey gets it!!

Winner: REY MYSTERIO via pinfall.  (Victory Roll)

- Dolph charges him post match!  619!

- I just wanna say...Dolph is getting REALLY good.

- Edge is here for The Cutting Edge!

- Looks like he's still moving gingerly.  "Good to be back, blahblahblah".  Definitely acting more like a face here.  Edge points out that he's back months earlier that he's supposed to be...and by most accounts that's true.  What are the chances that won't end well?

- Showing the video from his confrontation with Sheamus.

- Jericho interrupts!  Man...Jericho's on fire.  He's quite ticked.  Its gonna be sad when he jobs to Edge at WrestleMania.  Edge is stepping it up with Jericho here.  First time this week Edge has sounded like he means it.

- CM Punk?  No thanks, we don't need any.  He's saying something, but I don't care, really.  Seriously...this guy is boring me to tears.  It was such an awesome freaking segment until he showed up.

- UNDERTAKER!  He's in the ring!  Tearing apart the Straight Edge Socierty as Edge wipes out Jericho!  Choke Slam on Punk!  Edge sizes him up for the spear...but chooses not to hit it!  He taunts Undertaker instead!  The two men stalk each other as the show goes off the air.

- Good show, mostly.  Let's hope this continues through WrestleMania.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Star Wars Saga: Gaming With My Son Part 2

Session began with Goodloki introducing Anakin to Delane, a Gran padawan and Jayden Keroff, a Miraluka padawan.  Goodloki explained that they were also being placed under his charge (due to the number of Jedi masters being forced into frontline roles and so forth.)

Goodloki took their lightsabers and gave them training sabers, and ordered them to spar...starting with Delane and Anakin.  Delane's not a better fighter than Anakin, but was getting the better of him...so Anakin drew his blaster pistol and shot Delane in the face!  I decided he had the foresight to put it on stun first.

Goodloki blew his top at this one and was in the process of dressing Anakin down when a droid summoned him to speak with Master Yoda.  Jayden was laughing at Anakin being in trouble, and  Goodloki told the students to not get in trouble while he was gone.

Jayden ignited his training saber and told Anakin he wanted to fight, that he figured he could beat Anakin.  He rushed Anakin but was blocked, and Anakin tried to kick him, so Jayden headbutted him!  Anakin reached in and snapped the lightsaber away, then withdrew!  Jayden was furious at the humiliation and used the Force to steal Delane's lightsaber!  Anakin used Draw Closer on Jayden but missed his attack, and when Jayden tried to bring the lightsaber down on Anakin, Goodloki's blade blocked it!

The Jedi Master was, once more, quite angry.

Goodloki unloaded on Jayden and Anakin, and told them that they had been requested to venture to Tattoine...a ship carrying a Clone Trooper unit had crashed, and they were to seek out any survivors.  Goodloki rounded the students up and they departed for Tattoine, setting course for Anchorhead.  During the flight, he made sure to warn them to keep their heads down so as not to run afoul of Hutts.

As they arrived in Anchorhead, Goodloki sensed a dark disturbance.  He told Anakin, Jayden and Delane that he wouldn't be going with them, but that their mission should be simple.  He stressed to Anakin that if he didn't see him again, that he was very proud of the man Anakin is becoming.

Anakin couldn't sense the trail to the ship, so he Searched His Feelings and the group headed South.  As they walked a ways, they caught a Tusken scout stalking them in the hills!  Jayden used the Force to steal Anakin's blaster and opened fire on the Tusken Raider, so Anakin said “That's okay,” asked if he could borrow Jayden's lightsaber, snatched it with the Force and lunged up onto the cliffs (after activating Surge).  He planted a boot into the Tusken Raider as Jayden blasted him, but when the raider ran off, he decided not to follow, figuring separating the Jedi was a bad idea.

He returned to the others and gave Jayden (who was kind of miffed) back his lightsaber and took his blaster back...then they headed on, finding the downed ship.  Anakin had Jayden and Delane go around the outside while he ventured in.  Seeing dead Clone Troopers strewn about, Anakin was disappointed...until he noticed that something had been chewing on them!  Looking around, Anakin was surrounded by three womp rats!  Anakin telepathically called to Jayden who shouted out to Delane.

Delane moved to the door and hurled debris at one womp rat, while Jayden moved in.  Two of the womp rats went at Anakin, one of them biting him badly.  They were trying to tear him apart, as Jayden moved in and attacked the third.  Anakin fought back hard at the two attacking him, while Jayden killed the third.  Anakin finally killed one of his, then whipped the final one across the room at Jayden.  Jayden struck it, and Delane ran in and finished it.

Looking around the room (after Anakin caught a Second Wind), they noticed a bloody trail leading out of the ship.  With a little concentration, Anakin was able to Force Track the presence he sensed, and led the Jedi out of the ship and toward the cliffs.

Along the way, the Jedi found a piece of Clone Trooper armor laying on the rocks.  They picked it up and moved on, coming to a cave opening where five Sand People were, with a Clone Trooper tied up at  the cave entrance!  Anakin Surged and flipped over a rock formation, landing at the cave mouth and cutting the Clone Trooper free!  The lead Sand Person (a Soldier) roared and attacked Anakin, but missed.  The Clone Trooper, though wounded, rushed the Soldier.  The Scout that escaped earlier was on the wall with a slugthrower as the other two Jedi poured out to helped.  Delane cut down one of the Sand People, and the Clone Trooper moved in and snatched up the gaffi stick.  Jayden got shot by the Scout and he grew angry, using Force Grip to begin crushing the life out of the Scout!  The Scout fired again, but missed, and Jayden finished crushing him.  Delane flung the Soldier back against the rock formation, while Anakin kept trying to telepathically contact Goodloki, and only sensed a very dark rage.

The Sand Person Soldier rushed Anakin again, and missed again, only to be struck down hard by a Dark Rage fueled Jayden.  As the Soldier staggered in front of Anakin, Anakin rolled across his back and stabbed him with his lightsaber, dropping him.  The Clone Trooper finished off the last Sand Person with the gaffi stick, and then dropped to one knee.

The Clone Trooper thanked them for coming to his aid and asked their named before introducing himself as “CT-5581”.  After some thought, Anakin wound up giving the Clone Trooper something he'd never had before: A name.  Dubbing him “Ben Wizard” (long story), Anakin said they would get Ben – sole survivor of his ship – out of there.

Returning to Anchorhead, they could find no sign of Goodloki...but they did find reports of a lightsaber-wielding Wookie battling a pale woman with two lightsabers.  The battle was fierce...until an unidentified person shot the Wookie from behind and the woman made off with him.  Ben swore to Anakin that, for saving his life, he wouldn't leave Anakin's side until Goodloki was found.

To be continued...

Notes: Introducing an NPC supporting cast proved interesting.  My son caught onto some things I was only hinting at, which was nice.  I momentarily described Jayden's eyes flashing yellow during the Dark Rage, to which my son reminded me that Miralukans don't HAVE eyes (as I pointed out to him earlier)...in Savage Worlds, I would have given him a benny for that...=P  One somewhat disturbing thing is that he had HUGE issues with killing Dark Jedi last time...he had no such compunction about killing Sand People, because they're “stupid” and he doesn't like them.

Anyway...next time, the three Jedi and the Clone Trooper are on the trail of the missing Wookie!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Tommy's Take on: ECW 1/2/10

My ECW viewing was delayed by the awesomeness of LOST, which began its final season last night.

On this week's ECW?  Former ECW Heavyweight Champion VINCE MCMAHON will be here.

- Normal WWE intro.

- McMahon will be discussing the FUTURE of Tuesday Nights!

- Crap.  Abraham Washington show with Christian.  CRAP.  I hate this schtick.  A lot.

- Sorry...tuning out through this.  Something about Washington replacing Conan or something.  Atlas did get off a remark about Washington not being good enough to replace Conan.

- Points out that Christian is the longest reigning WWECW champion.

- ZACK RYDER~!  Rosa Mendes is kinda attractive when her ugly tattoo is covered.

- Ryder throws up Hurricane's mugshot!  ON CAMERA BURIAL!

- Christian with a nice retort about how Helms made it on TMZ and Ryder hasn't, and people actually recognize Helms.  Sticking up for Helms.  Zings Abraham's talk show as well!  HA!  "I made a mistake agreeing to be on Abe's talk show."  Christian is kinda funny tonight.  HA!  Calls Rosa "Tila Tequila"!


- Push comes to shove, and Abraham and Atlas get between Christian and Ryder.

SHELTON BENJAMIN vs VANCE ARCHER

- Oh, goody.  Shelton may be an uncharismatic spotmonkey, but at least he doesn't suck.  Shelton brawling at the beginning.  Dive to the floor!  Over the top, without the aid of the ropes!  Archer with a cheap shot coming in.  Archer should have used his signing bonus to get rid of his tramp stamp.  Sleeper Hold...Shelton with a back drop!  Shelton dives off the apron, into the barrier!  Commercials.

- Back from the break and Archer has Shelton grounded.  Attacking the sternum.  All black people look the same to Josh Matthews.  SU-PLAY on Shelton.  He was working the sternum...why does he have an armbar on him now?  Shelton fights back...and runs into a side slam.  Near fall.  Shelton totally needs to not lose.  This match is kinda boring...Archer misses a knee in the corner!  Chop block by Shelton!  Shelton is working the leg now.  This match is ugly as crap.  Neckbreaker by Shelton!  Wow...just an UGLY exchange in the corner.  Looks like an adlibbed finish because Archer grabbed the ropes right in front of the ref.

Winner: VANCE ARCHER via pinfall (school boy with feet on the ropes)

- Archer is AWFUL...and Shelton is decent.  Wrong result on so many levels.

- Bret-Vince recap.

- Apparently WWE is going to acknowledg the Cena chants from the end of Raw.  Yup...they had a huge confrontation post-Raw, and we will see it Friday.

- Christian vs Ryder tonight!

YOSHI TATSU (w/Goldust) vs TRENT BARETTA (w/Caylen Croft)

- So...if Goldust faces Croft last week, they will have done every combo, right?  Hm.  Just not feeling this match tonight.  Tatsu is very energetic tonight.  Baretta cheapshots Tatsu from the ropes.  Beating Tatsu down.  Good energy, but the match feels irrelevant.  Yoshi goes up top...Baretta cuts him off!  Fighting on the ropes...Baretta huracanrana, Tatsu rolls through but Baretta rolls through!  Kickout!  Baretta argues with the ref...and eats a buzzsaw kick!

Winner: YOSHI TATSU via pinfall (Buzzsaw Kick)

- Heeeeeerer's Vince!  He goes straight to the "ECW is dead" annnouncement.  He thanks the crew and wrestlers...er, superstars.  Wow...that was short and sweet.

- I would have let Ryder kill it, frankly.

- Gregory Helms is in the ring to interview Ezekiel Jackson with William Regal.  Hey, Josh, he's not unstoppable if he's been stopped.

- Regal immediately derails the interview, bagging on Helms.  Suckerpunch on Helms!  The crowd is dead for this beatdown!  This is the most heatless two on one beatdown I have ever seen.

- Christian is here with a kendo stick!  Crowd wakes up!

CHRISTIAN vs ZACK RYDER (w/Rosa Mendes)

- So is Christian still feuding with Jackson?  Trading shoulderblocks.  Ryder with a cheap shot.  Some of these guys are so screwed when they get folded into Raw and Smackdown.  Christian runs into Ryder's shoulder!  Drops his face on the mat!  Dropkick to the floor!  Christian hammers Ryder and goes for a dropkick, but Ryder catches the legs and guillotines him on the bottom rope!  Rough Ryder!  Christian fighting him off and going up...Ryder cuts him off!  Fighting up top and Ryder is down...cross body block!  Christian is getting fired up.  Bowls through Ryder!  Flapjack!  Christian is looking for his peeps!  Choking Ryder in the ropes and floats to the floor with a cheap shot!  Dropkick!  Sunset flip...countered!  Christian barely kicks out!  Christian with a kick in the corner and flying uppercut!  Killswitch!  Jackson attacks Christian!

Winner: Christian via DQ

- Regal is here as well and its two on one!  Jackson rams Christian into the steps!

- I would rather have seen Christian vs Ryder as thhe "final" feud.  Not a great show, as the one good match was the main, and it was a backdrop to the Jackson-Christian feud.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Tommy's Take on: WWE Monday Night Raw 2/1/10

MONDAY NIGHT RAW~! with WILLIAM SHATNER~!

Okay...so I called it on Mickie, and Sheamus...and nothing else.  Miz beat MVP in an unscheduled match, but I am making my prediction NOW for WrestleMania: Christian remains champion until WM, where Zack Ryder beats him and "kills" ECW.

Of note: Edge returned last night and won the Rumble.  HBK turned on Triple H, and Beth Phoenix entered the Rumble and eliminated Khali.

Tonight: Bret Hart returns as The Road To WrestleMania BEGINS!

- In memory of Oklahoma's own Jack Brisco.  Rest In Peace.

- EDGE~!

- Mixed reaction?  He had a solid babyface reaction last night, I hear.  And apparently he was wrestling HEAVILY taped.  Hopefully that doesn't come back to bite him.  Not sure I want to see Edge as a face.

- Yeah, crowd's not giving him a full face reaction at all.

- Edge sounds a bit like a heel here...lets see how this plays out.  Small "Edge, Edge, Edge" chant.  Shouldn't this angle be on Smackdown?  Edge is stumbling all over his words here.

- Dennis Miller joke.

- Anyone think that rushing back from an injury is a good idea for Edge?

- Edge needs a heel out here, fast.

- Edge vs UT, Streak vs Streak would be HUGE.  Notice how Christian isn't even a WM option?

- Weak promo.  I've never been an Edge hater, but I can't say he's thrilled me being back.

- Sheamus interrupts!

- Sheamus is getting a strong enough reaction, I think.  Yeah...the crowd timing on boos is heel heat, not X-Pac heat.

- I think Cena's coming out.  Maybe even Orton.

- Good, strong promo by Sheamus so far.  Here comes the full face turn, I think.  Careful, Sheammus...Edge IS fragile.

- Cheap shot!  He's stalking Edge...takedown by Edge!  They're going at it!  Spear?  Yuck...Edge has a crappy new tattoo on his forearm.  But he does hit the spear.

- Elimination Chamber promo, as that is the next PPV.

- John Cena is WALKING!  Tonight, Elimination Chamber qualifiers.  Good call.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
JOHN CENA vs CODY RHODES

- Legacy completely imploded last night.  I expect Ted to interfere, but accidentally blast Rhodes.  Either way, Cena is going on.  Rhodes takes over right away.  HUGE Cena chant.  Cody getting a little amateur.  Neckbreaker.  Kneedrop...the camera accidentally caught that it missed.  Flying shoulderblocks.  Protobomb reversed into a roll-up!  Protobomb!  Five Knuckle Shuffle!!  Rhodes fights out of the Attitude Adjustment.  Wow!  Release gourdbuster!  Nice.  Moonsault set up...hit!  Lawler keeps calling Rhodes "Orton".  ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!

Winner: JOHN CENA via pinfall (ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT)

- Elimination Chamber: SHEAMUS vs JOHN CENA vs ? vs ? vs ? vs ?

- Every match tonight is a qualifier...I thought Maryse was facing Gail Kim tonight?

- Bret-McMahon package.

- Vince is backstage blowing off the idea that Bret will show.  Someone's in the office with him...we're supposed to think it's Bret, but we're getting SHATNER~!

- YES!  Pop for that.

- Shatner seems uncomfortable, which surprises me.  Says he can't wait for Hart to embarrass Vince.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
JACK SWAGGER vs TRIPLE H

- Ouch.  Let the burial begin.  Hunter seems to be lacking DX colors.  Swagger takes Triple H down.  Rolling him around the ring.  Good heat for Swagger.  Right cross!  Knee offense!  Clothesline over the rope!  Commercials.

- Spin-around DDT by Swagger!  Big elbowdrop.  Legdrop.  Abdominal stretch into a takedown.  Triple H sends Swagger to the floor.  Awkward spot getting back in the ring.  Swagger slam on Triple H.  Something's gone off the rails here.  Triple H clearly callinng the audible here on Swagger.  Vader Bomb gets knees!  Hunter unloads.  Knee offense!  Spinebuster! Pedigree blocked!  I want to like this match, but its just missing...something.  I'm not sure who to blame.  I hate to say it, but take it home, please.  PEDIGREE!

Winner: TRIPLE H via pinfall.  (PEDIGREE)

- Elimination Chamber: SHEAMUS vs JOHN CENA vs TRIPLE H vs ? vs ? vs ?

- Kofi, Orton and...DiBiase?

- Orton vs HBK is NEXT!

- The Shat?

- Shatner is backstage...doing dramatic readings of WWE lyrics!  Starts with HBK!  Awesome.  Cena!  Rey Mysterio!  This is brilliant.  Hilarious.

- HBK is sulking backstage.  Triple H wants to talk...Hornswoggle is here.  Triple H shoos him off.  Triple H
isn't holding a grudge about last night, acknowledging that he would have done the same.  Awesome.  Triple H is trying to get Shawn to get into the Chamber so they can face each other at WM.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
RANDY ORTON vs SHAWN MICHAELS

- Orton should go to TNA.  Then I stop recapping TNA and its all good.  Commercials before HBK comes out.

- WWE Rewind showing Rhodes costing Orton the match by getting him DQed.  Orton unloading on Legacy.

- Here's Shawn.  Shawn looks like he's grudgingly going through his motions.  Orton with a clean break?  Fighting in the corner.  Neckbreaker by Shawn.  Orton powders.  Shawn getting a little fire under him.  Is Orton's mouth bleeding?  3.0.  Orton is stomping Shawn down.  This match isn't doing it for me.  Orton dropkick.  Fast forward chinlock.  Sets Shawn up top.  Uppercut.  HBK fights him off.  Elbow!  Tuning up the band!  Ducks the Superkick!  HBK blocks the RKO!  Inverted Atomic Drops!  Forearm!  Kippup...roll-up!!!  Orton gets the pin!!

Winner: RANDY ORTON via pinfall (school boy)

- Elimination Chamber: SHEAMUS vs JOHN CENA vs TRIPLE H vs RANDY ORTON vs ? vs ?

- Shawn looks like he's about to snap.  Throwing off the DX armbands.  Temper tantrum Shawn.

- Another Bret-Vince package.

- WM promo.  55 days away.

- DiBiase apologizes to Orton.  Orton won't even talk to him.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
MARK HENRY vs TED DIBIASE

- Hmmm...Big Show vs Kofi as the main?  Has Henry gotten bigger?  Tie-up and toss Ted down.  Shoulderblocks.  Ted gets sent to the floor!  DiBiase grounds Henry and works him over.  Top wristlock right now.  Huge clothesline drops Ted!  Boot to Henry!  World's Strongest Slam?  No!  DiBiase goes over the top rope with an arm breaker!  Dream Street blocked!  Single arm DDT!  He wins clean!

Winner: TED DIBIASE via pinfall (single arm DDT)

- Wow. Clean?!?!  Nice.  Let the push begin?

- Elimination Chamber: SHEAMUS vs JOHN CENA vs TRIPLE H vs RANDY ORTON vs TED DIBIASE vs ?

- Kofi vs Show is the final qualifier.

- Jack Brisco tribute.  Great tribute for a guy that was unknown in the modern era.  Very classy.

- Kelly Hot Kelly is backstage with Gail Kim when Maryse walks up.  Maryse is playing "nice".  Maryse is trashing Mickie James and Michelle McCool's Smackdown angle?  Hm?

- Miz and Big Show are backstage, hanging out.  Why are they not letting Shatner in front of the live crowd?

- CM PUNK AND LUKE GALLOWS?  Holy crap.  SHAT.  Wow.  "Raw Match Negotiator."

- Miz and Show want a match with DX, Punk and Gallows want DX...Shatner deems that both teams get a shot next week!  Shatner's now shilling Priceline.com and the Hollywood Horse Show.  Nice...he wants a "Freeze frame" and both teams walk off because he's weird.

- HHH is trying to reach HBK backstage.  Awww...Shawn is whining because he wants Undertaker.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
KOFI KINGSTON vs THE BIG SHOW

- Miz is out as the match starts!  Kofi uses his speed right off.  Show slows him down...does The Miz have a laptop in front of him?  Show hammers Kofi.  Big knee by Show.  Straddles himself on the top!  Kofi dropkicks him out!  Commercials.

- Show is dominating as we return.  Kofi jawbreaker.  Show cuts him off with the headbutt.  Miz gets in Kofi's face.  MVP attacks Miz from the crowd!  Chasing him out of the ring area!  Kofi drops Show's throat on the ropes!  Kofi screws up going up top but tries to save it!  Unloading with kicks!  BOOM DROP!!  Kickout!  Kofi leaps...hammering Show...Show's going for a Choke Slam, Kofi's going to the eyes!  Show punches the ref!!!  Show's trying to wake the ref up!!  We have a new ref...DQ!!!

Winner: KOFI KINGSTON by DQ

- Show's arguing!  Kofi wins...and the crowd doesn't sound pleased.

- Elimination Chamber: SHEAMUS vs JOHN CENA vs TRIPLE H vs RANDY ORTON vs TED DIBIASE vs KOFI KINGSTON

- Show's just shy of threatening Steve Armstrong.

- Another McMahon-Hart package.

- Vince~! Is~! Walking~!

- NASCAR Driver Carl Edwards hosts next week as CM Punk & Luke Gallows and Miz & Big Show challenge DX.

- Lawler is in the ring to FINALLY bring out Shatner.

- Shatner falls onto Lawler getting into the ring.  Doing an "I'm Okay" bit.  Shatner is taking over...to bring out Bret Hart!

- Bret's back!  Looks a LITTLE less like Raven.

- Bret says he's here to get in Vince's face, not play nice.  Vince comes out acting scared...but then mocks Bret as he struts to the ring.  Vince says he regrets nothing, Bret calls him the world's biggest liar.  Bret mocks Vince's claims of "being like a father" to him.  Starts talking about his stroke 8 years ago.  Says he fought his way out of the wheelchair, and Vince knocked him back down a month ago.  Great promo by Bret so far.  He's threatening to kick Vince's ass!  Vince is firing back, hitting Bret with all his taglines and nicknames.  Says "The Best There Is..." is a crock.  Says Bret's not a hero.  Vince is saying he's never understood the big deal about Bret.  Which...makes sense if you look back at the booking.  Says Bret has no personality, and Bret was always boosted by who he faced.  Says Bret has no charisma.  No mic skills.  Bashing Bret's face and hair.  Vince is tearing him apart.  Vince says Bret deserved to be screwed.  Vince is now yanking the Stu Hart nomination for the Hall of Fame!  Says Stu doesn't deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, and Bret explodes!!  Beating Vince down!!  Throws Vince's show at him!  Batista!!!  Batista attacking Bret!!  Batista chant?  Really?  Batista is holding Bret!  Spits in Bret's face!!!  Cena chant as we go off the air.

- Nice show...is Cena going to be the one standing up for Bret again?  I just PRAY the Vince doesn't legitimately screw Bret again.