- 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.
The Proof Is In the Fun
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
WWE Royal Rumble Preview
Tonight is the first WWE PPV of the year, The Royal Rumble! Winner gets a title shot of his choice at WrestleMania. I luvs me some battle royals, but I don't order PPVs anymore. That said, here is a Royal Rumble preview. Card subject to change, and card information courtesy of 411wrestling.
WWE Women's Title Match
Michelle McCool vs Mickie James
- McCool is the reigning Women's champion, who has just sat on the belt for months after getting hurt. She's mediocre in the ring and awful on the mic, but she's also dating The Undertaker. That said, this feud is the biggest women's feud in a long time...and it all started with McCool taunting Mickie with fat jokes and calling her "Piggy James". Especially the last few weeks, the heat has been off the charts. Here's the thing: McCool has humiliated James at every turn. James HAS to win here, or this is one of the highest profile burials in recent WWE memory. The winner, regardless, has Beth Phoenix to deal with, I figure. McCool pretty much only has Maria to face (and she's disappearing soon due to Celebrity Apprentice), while Mickie could face Layla, Natalya or CM Punk's new recruit, Serena.
Winner: Mickie James
ECW Title Match
Christian vs Ezekiel Jackson
- I don't have a problem with Jackson, but of all the guys Christian could have been facing, he's kind of a letdown. That said, Christian has battled Zack Ryder and William Regal a fair bit as it is, so Jackson's pretty much it. I think Jackson ends Christian's reign as ECW comes to a close, and Christian moves on to Raw or Smackdown.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson
World Title Match
The Undertaker vs Rey Mysterio
- Rey has been offended that no one is taking him seriously, while Undertaker has been avoiding Shawn Michaels. This result is tied directly into the Royal Rumble, I figure. I see a few scenarios: 1) If this match goes on first, Undertaker wins. 2) If it goes on after the Rumble, and Shawn loses the Rumble...he costs Undertaker the belt. 3) If it goes on after the Rumble and Batista wins, he costs Undertaker the belt so he can face Rey. 4) HBK wins the Rumble and costs Rey the match to ensure that he gets Undertaker at WrestleMania.
Winner: Rey wins, but with help.
WWE Title Match
Sheamus vs Randy Orton
- The least compelling match I could imagine. Sheamus wins, I just don't know how.
Winner: Sheamus
Royal Rumble:
See the list of announced participants below. I'm seeing Batista or Cena as the likely winners, just looking at the likely title pictures.
Winner: Batista, so HBK can screw Undertaker, and set up Batista vs Rey and HBK vs UT for WrestleMania.
* The Royal Rumble Match:
From Raw:
John Cena
Triple H
Shawn Michaels
Ted DiBiase
Cody Rhodes
MVP
The Miz
Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry
Jack Swagger
Big Show
Evan Bourne
Carlito
Chris Masters
From ECW:
Shelton Benjamin
Yoshi Tatsu
William Regal
Zack Ryder
From Smackdown:
Batista
CM Punk
The Great Khali
Kane
Matt Hardy
R-Truth
Chris Jericho
WWE Women's Title Match
Michelle McCool vs Mickie James
- McCool is the reigning Women's champion, who has just sat on the belt for months after getting hurt. She's mediocre in the ring and awful on the mic, but she's also dating The Undertaker. That said, this feud is the biggest women's feud in a long time...and it all started with McCool taunting Mickie with fat jokes and calling her "Piggy James". Especially the last few weeks, the heat has been off the charts. Here's the thing: McCool has humiliated James at every turn. James HAS to win here, or this is one of the highest profile burials in recent WWE memory. The winner, regardless, has Beth Phoenix to deal with, I figure. McCool pretty much only has Maria to face (and she's disappearing soon due to Celebrity Apprentice), while Mickie could face Layla, Natalya or CM Punk's new recruit, Serena.
Winner: Mickie James
ECW Title Match
Christian vs Ezekiel Jackson
- I don't have a problem with Jackson, but of all the guys Christian could have been facing, he's kind of a letdown. That said, Christian has battled Zack Ryder and William Regal a fair bit as it is, so Jackson's pretty much it. I think Jackson ends Christian's reign as ECW comes to a close, and Christian moves on to Raw or Smackdown.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson
World Title Match
The Undertaker vs Rey Mysterio
- Rey has been offended that no one is taking him seriously, while Undertaker has been avoiding Shawn Michaels. This result is tied directly into the Royal Rumble, I figure. I see a few scenarios: 1) If this match goes on first, Undertaker wins. 2) If it goes on after the Rumble, and Shawn loses the Rumble...he costs Undertaker the belt. 3) If it goes on after the Rumble and Batista wins, he costs Undertaker the belt so he can face Rey. 4) HBK wins the Rumble and costs Rey the match to ensure that he gets Undertaker at WrestleMania.
Winner: Rey wins, but with help.
WWE Title Match
Sheamus vs Randy Orton
- The least compelling match I could imagine. Sheamus wins, I just don't know how.
Winner: Sheamus
Royal Rumble:
See the list of announced participants below. I'm seeing Batista or Cena as the likely winners, just looking at the likely title pictures.
Winner: Batista, so HBK can screw Undertaker, and set up Batista vs Rey and HBK vs UT for WrestleMania.
* The Royal Rumble Match:
From Raw:
John Cena
Triple H
Shawn Michaels
Ted DiBiase
Cody Rhodes
MVP
The Miz
Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry
Jack Swagger
Big Show
Evan Bourne
Carlito
Chris Masters
From ECW:
Shelton Benjamin
Yoshi Tatsu
William Regal
Zack Ryder
From Smackdown:
Batista
CM Punk
The Great Khali
Kane
Matt Hardy
R-Truth
Chris Jericho
Tommy's Take on: Martial Flavor, for D&D 4e
Martial Flavor is an interesting product. Its a 3rd party 4th edition D&D supplement designed for the purpose of adding some extra variation to your D&D PCs...specifically, those of the Martial power source. The book is a PDF, bookmarked and searchable. It is written Hannah Lipsky, who basically IS Chaotic Shiny Productions, and has art by Rachel Yung.
The premise of the book is simple: Five cultures, each of which has details on the races and classes that it favors, a discussion of their societal set-up, common threads in a appearance and so forth, and ending in some crunchy bits for your games, such as Utility Powers the PC can choose to take and cultural feats. Nothing here REPLACES anything in 4th edition, just adds another layer of detail to the Race/Class paradigm.
The art is...not great. On one hand, I think the colors are very vibrant, and I would be inclined to say they bring the art up a level. The book is very pretty with the color scheme and tones in place. On the other, there are several black and white, line art pieces that look much better than the color work...so I don't know if the colors are actually boosting the quality of the color art, or actually bringing it down. Either way, I would put it a tad below what I've come to expect from RPG art these days.
The Daikort Pact
The first culture is a race of mercenary warriors. These are ruthless, cutthroat types who take missions from third parties and assign warriors to the job. As well, the Daikort have a system of favors in place that they barter with one another which can be used to compel a packmate to perform a mission for you.
Sidebars cover naming conventions for the Daikort, in which they take animal names based off of their specialty, and a list is provided of 10 missions performed by the Daikort which can be used as inspiration for Daikort missions in your own game. All of the Player's Handbook races get a paragraph discussing how well they fit with the Daikort, and the Player's Handbook 2 races get a single paragraph.
A series of sample NPCs (unstatted) are provided, and then the chapter provides mechanical options for Rangers and Warlords (such as replacing Prime Shot with a new Class Ability called Feral Strike). A list of Utility Powers follows, such as Instinctive Orientation which gives you an internal compass, and Turn the Tables, which eliminates a surprise disadvantage and grants your party an initiative bonus.
14 Feats for the Daikort follow, for the Heroic and Paragon Tiers, many of them triggered off of failing saving throws or taking damage, giving the Daikort a “never say die” attitude.
The Elessim
The Elessim are a culture with a forgotten past. Whatever has driven them to the circumstances of raising horses on the plains, they don't speak of it and they don't keep record of it. They pay every God some homage, in fear of offending one by favoring another.
Again, each race in the first PHB gets a paragraph, though this culture favors the two elven races, humans, halflings and half-elves.
The mechanical options for The Elessim are provided for Rangers and Fighters, and all focus on mounted builds (like Fighters gaining an attack bonus when mounted). The Utility powers have some nice effects, my favorite being Horse-Hearted, which allows for your mount catching something you may have missed and alerting you. 19 Feats are present for Heroic and Paragon tiers, all involving mounts. A standout here is Fey Rider, which allows Eladrin to take their mounts with them when they Fey Step.
The Ikanoi
The Ikanoi are fantasy Eskimos who are very tribal and friendly with outsiders, if somewhat dismissive of their capabilities. An Ikanoi will become lifelong friends with one that proves their worth to them, however. Hailing from the cold grants Ikanoi cold resistance.
Ikanoi are all covered in tattoos, starting with a tribal chest tattoo and vary from there by the experiences of the individual. Each location is meant for a different part of the person's heritage and experiences, and the author does a great job detailing this. 11 Guiding Ancestors are provided to flesh out the heritage of the PCs, as well as the legends of the Snow Spirits, imps known to steal babies and kill travelers.
The Races section here focuses on dragonkind, dwarves, humans and half-elves, with a single paragraph covering the remaining PHB races, and a second one for the PHB2 races.
Fighters, Rangers, Rogues and Warlords all get treatment here, from class abilities to Utility Powers. I was less impressed with the Utility powers here, though I like the cultural details more. 20 feats, most of which are cold based, but more than a few of which are tied to the cultural link to the Guiding Ancestors.
The Legions of Arytis
This culture is designed around protecting the city of Arytis, to which they have a slavish devotion. The children are trained to be guards from day one, and those not physically able to to join the guard wind up in whatever service capacity they are suited for.
This culture isn't specifically geared toward certain races, though dragonborn are mentioned as the best candidate if you decide this culture is composed entirely of one race. Each core race gets a full paragraph here, with the PHB2 races again sharing a single paragraph.
Fighters and Rogues get the mechanical perks here, with Rogues acting as assassins and spies as opposed to thieves. In fact, Arytyn Rogues get a noticeable build shift, focusing more on Strength as opposed to Dexterity. 15 feats, but one or two are truly nasty, such as Brutal Killer which grants you a free attack if your Sneak Attack Bloodies your target.
The Sijara
A second nomadic race, the Sijarans are less “horsemen” and a little more “gypsy”. The appearance section here details the different colors of sashes worn by the Sijarans, with the meanings of each detailed. As well, Sijarans are known for wearing lots of jewelry “wearing their wealth” as it were.
Half-elves, humans, halflings and tieflings get the most focus here, with two paragraphs covering all of the other races.
The mechanical perks focus on Warlords and Rogues, with the best Utility power (in my view) going to Warlords with their Whirlwind Strategy. This allows them to shift one ally per round a number of spaces equal to their Charisma modifier so long as the Warlord isn't moving. 18 feats present here, such as Unshakeable Loyalty which allows a Warlord and his allies to make multiple saves against Charm and Fear effects each round.
Conclusion
The interesting part about this book, is that it is weighted more towards fluff than crunch, meaning that its easy enough to take these cultures and drop them into a different game system if you so chose.
I really liked the Ikanoi, at least from a fluff perspective, and I found the rogues of the Legions of Arytis as well as the entirety of the Daikort Pack to be intriguing. There is definite use here for the non-4e group, but some nice stuff built in for the 4e group.
The plan is to expand this line with Arcane Flavor (and, I assume, Divine Flavor), as well as mini supplements for the cultures inside the books, expanding upon the information here. In fact, Arytis and The Sijara have already been released as their own titles.
The author does a great job giving important details to the cultures, while providing information in broad enough strokes that a) you can drop it into your game easy enough and b) she doesn't bore you to death.
That said, there are downsides. I don't know what the going rate is for D&D 4e third party PDFs is, but my gut tells me that $15 seems JUST a touch expensive. Certainly, if you're going to buy it for a non-4e game, then I would have to see its a bit overpriced. For me, I would rather pay $5 to have the Ikanoi fully fleshed out, than $15 and get a culture like The Sijara that don't appeal to me in the book as well.
The other thing, to my mind, and I hate sounding brutal..I just don't like the art, especially the color art. The colors themselves are gorgeous, but something about the art is flat when colored. The black and white art in the interiors looks much better than the colored cover.
Still, far from a bad product. If you want a little more variation in your D&D characters, or even a unique group or two for your own fantasy game, you could do far worse than Martial Flavor.
The premise of the book is simple: Five cultures, each of which has details on the races and classes that it favors, a discussion of their societal set-up, common threads in a appearance and so forth, and ending in some crunchy bits for your games, such as Utility Powers the PC can choose to take and cultural feats. Nothing here REPLACES anything in 4th edition, just adds another layer of detail to the Race/Class paradigm.
The art is...not great. On one hand, I think the colors are very vibrant, and I would be inclined to say they bring the art up a level. The book is very pretty with the color scheme and tones in place. On the other, there are several black and white, line art pieces that look much better than the color work...so I don't know if the colors are actually boosting the quality of the color art, or actually bringing it down. Either way, I would put it a tad below what I've come to expect from RPG art these days.
The Daikort Pact
The first culture is a race of mercenary warriors. These are ruthless, cutthroat types who take missions from third parties and assign warriors to the job. As well, the Daikort have a system of favors in place that they barter with one another which can be used to compel a packmate to perform a mission for you.
Sidebars cover naming conventions for the Daikort, in which they take animal names based off of their specialty, and a list is provided of 10 missions performed by the Daikort which can be used as inspiration for Daikort missions in your own game. All of the Player's Handbook races get a paragraph discussing how well they fit with the Daikort, and the Player's Handbook 2 races get a single paragraph.
A series of sample NPCs (unstatted) are provided, and then the chapter provides mechanical options for Rangers and Warlords (such as replacing Prime Shot with a new Class Ability called Feral Strike). A list of Utility Powers follows, such as Instinctive Orientation which gives you an internal compass, and Turn the Tables, which eliminates a surprise disadvantage and grants your party an initiative bonus.
14 Feats for the Daikort follow, for the Heroic and Paragon Tiers, many of them triggered off of failing saving throws or taking damage, giving the Daikort a “never say die” attitude.
The Elessim
The Elessim are a culture with a forgotten past. Whatever has driven them to the circumstances of raising horses on the plains, they don't speak of it and they don't keep record of it. They pay every God some homage, in fear of offending one by favoring another.
Again, each race in the first PHB gets a paragraph, though this culture favors the two elven races, humans, halflings and half-elves.
The mechanical options for The Elessim are provided for Rangers and Fighters, and all focus on mounted builds (like Fighters gaining an attack bonus when mounted). The Utility powers have some nice effects, my favorite being Horse-Hearted, which allows for your mount catching something you may have missed and alerting you. 19 Feats are present for Heroic and Paragon tiers, all involving mounts. A standout here is Fey Rider, which allows Eladrin to take their mounts with them when they Fey Step.
The Ikanoi
The Ikanoi are fantasy Eskimos who are very tribal and friendly with outsiders, if somewhat dismissive of their capabilities. An Ikanoi will become lifelong friends with one that proves their worth to them, however. Hailing from the cold grants Ikanoi cold resistance.
Ikanoi are all covered in tattoos, starting with a tribal chest tattoo and vary from there by the experiences of the individual. Each location is meant for a different part of the person's heritage and experiences, and the author does a great job detailing this. 11 Guiding Ancestors are provided to flesh out the heritage of the PCs, as well as the legends of the Snow Spirits, imps known to steal babies and kill travelers.
The Races section here focuses on dragonkind, dwarves, humans and half-elves, with a single paragraph covering the remaining PHB races, and a second one for the PHB2 races.
Fighters, Rangers, Rogues and Warlords all get treatment here, from class abilities to Utility Powers. I was less impressed with the Utility powers here, though I like the cultural details more. 20 feats, most of which are cold based, but more than a few of which are tied to the cultural link to the Guiding Ancestors.
The Legions of Arytis
This culture is designed around protecting the city of Arytis, to which they have a slavish devotion. The children are trained to be guards from day one, and those not physically able to to join the guard wind up in whatever service capacity they are suited for.
This culture isn't specifically geared toward certain races, though dragonborn are mentioned as the best candidate if you decide this culture is composed entirely of one race. Each core race gets a full paragraph here, with the PHB2 races again sharing a single paragraph.
Fighters and Rogues get the mechanical perks here, with Rogues acting as assassins and spies as opposed to thieves. In fact, Arytyn Rogues get a noticeable build shift, focusing more on Strength as opposed to Dexterity. 15 feats, but one or two are truly nasty, such as Brutal Killer which grants you a free attack if your Sneak Attack Bloodies your target.
The Sijara
A second nomadic race, the Sijarans are less “horsemen” and a little more “gypsy”. The appearance section here details the different colors of sashes worn by the Sijarans, with the meanings of each detailed. As well, Sijarans are known for wearing lots of jewelry “wearing their wealth” as it were.
Half-elves, humans, halflings and tieflings get the most focus here, with two paragraphs covering all of the other races.
The mechanical perks focus on Warlords and Rogues, with the best Utility power (in my view) going to Warlords with their Whirlwind Strategy. This allows them to shift one ally per round a number of spaces equal to their Charisma modifier so long as the Warlord isn't moving. 18 feats present here, such as Unshakeable Loyalty which allows a Warlord and his allies to make multiple saves against Charm and Fear effects each round.
Conclusion
The interesting part about this book, is that it is weighted more towards fluff than crunch, meaning that its easy enough to take these cultures and drop them into a different game system if you so chose.
I really liked the Ikanoi, at least from a fluff perspective, and I found the rogues of the Legions of Arytis as well as the entirety of the Daikort Pack to be intriguing. There is definite use here for the non-4e group, but some nice stuff built in for the 4e group.
The plan is to expand this line with Arcane Flavor (and, I assume, Divine Flavor), as well as mini supplements for the cultures inside the books, expanding upon the information here. In fact, Arytis and The Sijara have already been released as their own titles.
The author does a great job giving important details to the cultures, while providing information in broad enough strokes that a) you can drop it into your game easy enough and b) she doesn't bore you to death.
That said, there are downsides. I don't know what the going rate is for D&D 4e third party PDFs is, but my gut tells me that $15 seems JUST a touch expensive. Certainly, if you're going to buy it for a non-4e game, then I would have to see its a bit overpriced. For me, I would rather pay $5 to have the Ikanoi fully fleshed out, than $15 and get a culture like The Sijara that don't appeal to me in the book as well.
The other thing, to my mind, and I hate sounding brutal..I just don't like the art, especially the color art. The colors themselves are gorgeous, but something about the art is flat when colored. The black and white art in the interiors looks much better than the colored cover.
Still, far from a bad product. If you want a little more variation in your D&D characters, or even a unique group or two for your own fantasy game, you could do far worse than Martial Flavor.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tommy's Take on: WWE Smackdown! 1/29/10
Last week's Smackdown had a confrontation between Rey Misterio and HBK as well as an AWESOME confrontation between Maria, Mickie James, Michelle McCool and Layla.
Tonight: DX defends against The Straight Edge Society!
- Holy crap...DX is here RIGHT NOW. Are they curtain jerking again?
- Are you ready?
- Rey interrupts? I have a feeling this is about The Undertaker. Yup...he's here to confront Shawn. Seems he feels slighted about HBK overlooking him. Wow. Shawn's not making any bones about it. Triple H to play peacemaker? OH. Hornswoggle reference! Rey says he's going to beat Undertaker, which neither member of DX could do at WrestleMania. Ouch...Shawn's threatening Rey...Rey's countering! Rey just called him out!
- CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Serena! I admit...the heat is huge. Punk says Rey MUST be high. Triple H trashes the Straight Edge life. OH MY GOD!!!! TRIPLE H IS A GOD!!! HE JUST CALLED PUNK OUT ON LOOKING LIKE A JUNKIE!!! Awesome.
- Teddy Long! What happened to his probation?
- Boo...he just pulled the plug on the Straight Edge Society, and the crowd is pissed. Rey vs HBK instead. I don't think the crowd liked that.
- CM Punk vs Triple H one on one tonight! Will he beat Punk faster than Cena did?
- Great opening segment.
CM PUNK (w/Luke Gallows & Serena) vs TRIPLE H
- I think the match has already gone on longer than the last time Punk faced cena. Triple H keeping Punk down with headlocks. Punk hammers away in the corner. A series of kneelifts on Triple H. Hunter fires back. Punk beats him down. Pedigree? Punk slips away...Triple H gets the hair and pulls him back in! Punk takes over and hits a springboard clothesline! Commercials.
- Punk in charge when we return. Has a head scissors on Triple H, and is driving elbows in. Crotch chop by Punk! Triple H fights back, but gets caught with a leg lariat! Punk beats Triple H down in the corner. Suplex blocked! Suplex on Punk! HUGE kick on Triple H! Kickout. Punk with the leg scissors to wear Triple H down again. Charges Triple H and gets a boot! Spinebuster! Both men down! Knee offense! Triple H unloads! Crotch chop! High knee! Pedigree? Backdrop! Running knee by Punk! Bulldog blocked! Kneebreaker! Figure four! Crowd Whoos! Triple H has the ropes!! Serena enters the ring...no! Gallows with a cheap shot! Crowd is PISSED! GTS Blocked...Serena jumps on Triple H! DQ
Winner: Triple H via DQ
- Gallows is beating him down while Serena is on his back!!! Crowd is LIVID! Punk is directing traffic! Where's Shawn?!?! Punk hammereing Triple H! They have clippers!! Here's HBK! Triple H is up! Staredown between DX and Punk! Punk puts Serena in front of him!! Crowd goes nuts! Punk bails! SHAWN TEASES THE KICK!!! She bails!
- That wwas one hell of a segment. That was an excellent payoff to the last few weeks. The Straight Edge Society should be the ones that take the belts off of DX, and I don't even like Punk.
- Rey vs HBK tonight!
- John Morrison vs Drew McIntyre - NO DQ for the Intercontinental Title
- Chris Jericho is up next.
CHRIS JERICHO vs R-TRUTH
- They do a recap of last week, but no mention of Superstars. Jericho is slumming it here. Striker does mention Superstars during the match. R-Truth with some high impact offense. Commercial.
- Jericho is still doing the Hogan ear bit. Tearing R-Truth down. A little miscue, but Jericho suplexes R-Truth onto the top rope. Big gutbuster by Jericho. Abdominal stretch on Killings. Killings makes a big comeback, crowd's behind him. Huge spinning leg scissors! Kickout. Ric Flair mention by Todd Grisham that turns into a subtle jab at Flair. Walls of Jericho! Counter! Small package! Kickout! CODE BREAKER! R-Truth held onto the ropes!! Jacknife cradle!! Its over!
winner: R-TRUTH via pinfall. (Jack knife cradle)
- Wow. A clean win over Jericho. They'll feed him to anybody.
- Sheamus vs Orton and Rey vs Undertaker this Sunday.
- Batista is backstage looking like a golfer. Seriously...what the Hell is up with that look? Standard Rumble promo.
- John Morrison is WALKING!
No Disqualification Intercontinental Title Match
JOHN MORRISON vs DREW MCINTYRE
- The Morrison-McIntyre feud has looked a lot like the Sheamus-Cena feud on a midcard scale. McIntyre was "pedigreed" into the corporate champion? Triple H reference? Morrison is cutting a promo about the prestige of the Intercontinental title, and putting over the No DQ stip. Morrison's getting a lot better on the stick. Nice promo. There's a reason I'm a Morrison mark. Striker is playing up the psychology of a No DQ match for a chicken heel. Morrison with an unorthodox offense. McIntyre with a jawbreaker but Morrison doesn't stay down. Huge clothesline sent Drew out of the ring! Crowd wants tables. Kendo stick! He swings it like an amateur. Bolo would have ended this with one shot. Cover by McIntyre with no avail. Huge clotheslines in the corner. Great heat. Striker does an awesome job pointing out that the belt brings fame and money, not the other way around. McIntyre is trying to end early, but getting frustrated. Morrison sends McIntyre out of the ring...and kicks him when he tries to get away! Turning into an ugly brawl now. Drew just ground and pounding Morrison. Getting the belt and posing...commercials.
- McIntyre still in control. Morrison rallies but gets cut off. TThe belt is still in the ring. Flying Chuck, but Morrison is pushed over the ropes! Drew has ring steps! He misses Morrison! Clothesline over the barrier into the crowd! Morrison recovers! McIntyre dumped back inside the ring area...diving clothesline over the barrier by Morrison! Morrison kendo shot! Cheap shot by Drew! Hiptoss on the ring steps! Cover...two! Starship Pain? Knees up!! Scot Drop on the belt!!!
Winner: DREW MCINTYRE via pinfall (SCOT DROP on the title belt)
- Wow. Very nice match...too bad Morrison had to lose. Can we begin his main event build now? Oh...apparently his finisher is the FUTURE SHOCK.
- Here comes Michelle McCool with more heat than any wwoman in the company. She needs to lose this belt NOW. Mickie vs McCool this Sunday. McCool's awful on the mic. Saying she's ran Mickie off. Video reminder of last week's awesome segment humiliating Mickie. McCool is piling on the piggy jokes. Calling out Mickie...Layla in a fat suit? Totally saw that coming. Crowd's not thrilled. Striker thinks its hilarious. Wait...this is a match?
Women's Title Match
MICHELLE MCCOOL vs PIGGY JAMES
- Piggy chases McCool out of the ring...and barely makes it back in. McCool pins her with a schoolgirl.
Winner: MICHELLE MCCOOL via pinfall. (Schoolgirl)
- Pure angle advancement. Mickie REALLY needs to win the match.
- HBK is WALKING. Batista stops him. Says he'll take out Shawn at the Rumble. HBK calls him overrated! Triple H! Batista decides that two on one sucks. HHH and Batista stare down. Did HHH ever beat Batista?
REY MYSTERIO vs SHAWN MICHAELS
- I...don't really care about this match. Lock up and headlock by HBK. He's pretty much wrestling the Triple H match from earlier. Shoulderblock on Rey. HBK is bullying Rey. Big chops taking Rey down. Rey send udner the ropes and to the floor! Headscissors into the 619 position and HBK bails! Shawn hammers Rey in the corner...Rey reverses! Trading blows! Fight to the floor. Snap mare by Shawn. Drop toehold! HBK goes for a superkick! Rey ducks! Headscissors takes them to the floor as we go to the break!
- Rey is working Shawn over as we return. Rey is attacking the leg. Smart move. Leglock on HBK. Headbutt to the hamstring. Big forearm by Rey! Neckbreaker by Shawn! Ouch! Rey went up, but Shawn knocked the leg out! Rey went for a frankensteiner but got slapped down! HBK with a figure four variation! Rey gets the ropes! Enzuigiri on HBK! HBK gets the kippup and goes for the inverted atomic drop, but huracanrana! West Coast Pop! Inverted atomic drop by Shawn! Rey with a reverse DDT out of a slam! Springboard splash gets knees! Shawn goes up...elbow! Tuning...up...the...band! Spinning kick by Rey! 619! Springboard into the superkick!!! Both men are down! Batista spears Shawn! Spinebuster on Rey! Triple H!!!
No Contest
- Triple H unloads on Batista! Trading shots! Spinebuster on Batista! Clothesline takes both men out! Rey and Shawn both getting up...lights go out! Gongs! Undertaker is in the ring!! Double chokeslam!!! Undertaker stands tall!!
Tonight: DX defends against The Straight Edge Society!
- Holy crap...DX is here RIGHT NOW. Are they curtain jerking again?
- Are you ready?
- Rey interrupts? I have a feeling this is about The Undertaker. Yup...he's here to confront Shawn. Seems he feels slighted about HBK overlooking him. Wow. Shawn's not making any bones about it. Triple H to play peacemaker? OH. Hornswoggle reference! Rey says he's going to beat Undertaker, which neither member of DX could do at WrestleMania. Ouch...Shawn's threatening Rey...Rey's countering! Rey just called him out!
- CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Serena! I admit...the heat is huge. Punk says Rey MUST be high. Triple H trashes the Straight Edge life. OH MY GOD!!!! TRIPLE H IS A GOD!!! HE JUST CALLED PUNK OUT ON LOOKING LIKE A JUNKIE!!! Awesome.
- Teddy Long! What happened to his probation?
- Boo...he just pulled the plug on the Straight Edge Society, and the crowd is pissed. Rey vs HBK instead. I don't think the crowd liked that.
- CM Punk vs Triple H one on one tonight! Will he beat Punk faster than Cena did?
- Great opening segment.
CM PUNK (w/Luke Gallows & Serena) vs TRIPLE H
- I think the match has already gone on longer than the last time Punk faced cena. Triple H keeping Punk down with headlocks. Punk hammers away in the corner. A series of kneelifts on Triple H. Hunter fires back. Punk beats him down. Pedigree? Punk slips away...Triple H gets the hair and pulls him back in! Punk takes over and hits a springboard clothesline! Commercials.
- Punk in charge when we return. Has a head scissors on Triple H, and is driving elbows in. Crotch chop by Punk! Triple H fights back, but gets caught with a leg lariat! Punk beats Triple H down in the corner. Suplex blocked! Suplex on Punk! HUGE kick on Triple H! Kickout. Punk with the leg scissors to wear Triple H down again. Charges Triple H and gets a boot! Spinebuster! Both men down! Knee offense! Triple H unloads! Crotch chop! High knee! Pedigree? Backdrop! Running knee by Punk! Bulldog blocked! Kneebreaker! Figure four! Crowd Whoos! Triple H has the ropes!! Serena enters the ring...no! Gallows with a cheap shot! Crowd is PISSED! GTS Blocked...Serena jumps on Triple H! DQ
Winner: Triple H via DQ
- Gallows is beating him down while Serena is on his back!!! Crowd is LIVID! Punk is directing traffic! Where's Shawn?!?! Punk hammereing Triple H! They have clippers!! Here's HBK! Triple H is up! Staredown between DX and Punk! Punk puts Serena in front of him!! Crowd goes nuts! Punk bails! SHAWN TEASES THE KICK!!! She bails!
- That wwas one hell of a segment. That was an excellent payoff to the last few weeks. The Straight Edge Society should be the ones that take the belts off of DX, and I don't even like Punk.
- Rey vs HBK tonight!
- John Morrison vs Drew McIntyre - NO DQ for the Intercontinental Title
- Chris Jericho is up next.
CHRIS JERICHO vs R-TRUTH
- They do a recap of last week, but no mention of Superstars. Jericho is slumming it here. Striker does mention Superstars during the match. R-Truth with some high impact offense. Commercial.
- Jericho is still doing the Hogan ear bit. Tearing R-Truth down. A little miscue, but Jericho suplexes R-Truth onto the top rope. Big gutbuster by Jericho. Abdominal stretch on Killings. Killings makes a big comeback, crowd's behind him. Huge spinning leg scissors! Kickout. Ric Flair mention by Todd Grisham that turns into a subtle jab at Flair. Walls of Jericho! Counter! Small package! Kickout! CODE BREAKER! R-Truth held onto the ropes!! Jacknife cradle!! Its over!
winner: R-TRUTH via pinfall. (Jack knife cradle)
- Wow. A clean win over Jericho. They'll feed him to anybody.
- Sheamus vs Orton and Rey vs Undertaker this Sunday.
- Batista is backstage looking like a golfer. Seriously...what the Hell is up with that look? Standard Rumble promo.
- John Morrison is WALKING!
No Disqualification Intercontinental Title Match
JOHN MORRISON vs DREW MCINTYRE
- The Morrison-McIntyre feud has looked a lot like the Sheamus-Cena feud on a midcard scale. McIntyre was "pedigreed" into the corporate champion? Triple H reference? Morrison is cutting a promo about the prestige of the Intercontinental title, and putting over the No DQ stip. Morrison's getting a lot better on the stick. Nice promo. There's a reason I'm a Morrison mark. Striker is playing up the psychology of a No DQ match for a chicken heel. Morrison with an unorthodox offense. McIntyre with a jawbreaker but Morrison doesn't stay down. Huge clothesline sent Drew out of the ring! Crowd wants tables. Kendo stick! He swings it like an amateur. Bolo would have ended this with one shot. Cover by McIntyre with no avail. Huge clotheslines in the corner. Great heat. Striker does an awesome job pointing out that the belt brings fame and money, not the other way around. McIntyre is trying to end early, but getting frustrated. Morrison sends McIntyre out of the ring...and kicks him when he tries to get away! Turning into an ugly brawl now. Drew just ground and pounding Morrison. Getting the belt and posing...commercials.
- McIntyre still in control. Morrison rallies but gets cut off. TThe belt is still in the ring. Flying Chuck, but Morrison is pushed over the ropes! Drew has ring steps! He misses Morrison! Clothesline over the barrier into the crowd! Morrison recovers! McIntyre dumped back inside the ring area...diving clothesline over the barrier by Morrison! Morrison kendo shot! Cheap shot by Drew! Hiptoss on the ring steps! Cover...two! Starship Pain? Knees up!! Scot Drop on the belt!!!
Winner: DREW MCINTYRE via pinfall (SCOT DROP on the title belt)
- Wow. Very nice match...too bad Morrison had to lose. Can we begin his main event build now? Oh...apparently his finisher is the FUTURE SHOCK.
- Here comes Michelle McCool with more heat than any wwoman in the company. She needs to lose this belt NOW. Mickie vs McCool this Sunday. McCool's awful on the mic. Saying she's ran Mickie off. Video reminder of last week's awesome segment humiliating Mickie. McCool is piling on the piggy jokes. Calling out Mickie...Layla in a fat suit? Totally saw that coming. Crowd's not thrilled. Striker thinks its hilarious. Wait...this is a match?
Women's Title Match
MICHELLE MCCOOL vs PIGGY JAMES
- Piggy chases McCool out of the ring...and barely makes it back in. McCool pins her with a schoolgirl.
Winner: MICHELLE MCCOOL via pinfall. (Schoolgirl)
- Pure angle advancement. Mickie REALLY needs to win the match.
- HBK is WALKING. Batista stops him. Says he'll take out Shawn at the Rumble. HBK calls him overrated! Triple H! Batista decides that two on one sucks. HHH and Batista stare down. Did HHH ever beat Batista?
REY MYSTERIO vs SHAWN MICHAELS
- I...don't really care about this match. Lock up and headlock by HBK. He's pretty much wrestling the Triple H match from earlier. Shoulderblock on Rey. HBK is bullying Rey. Big chops taking Rey down. Rey send udner the ropes and to the floor! Headscissors into the 619 position and HBK bails! Shawn hammers Rey in the corner...Rey reverses! Trading blows! Fight to the floor. Snap mare by Shawn. Drop toehold! HBK goes for a superkick! Rey ducks! Headscissors takes them to the floor as we go to the break!
- Rey is working Shawn over as we return. Rey is attacking the leg. Smart move. Leglock on HBK. Headbutt to the hamstring. Big forearm by Rey! Neckbreaker by Shawn! Ouch! Rey went up, but Shawn knocked the leg out! Rey went for a frankensteiner but got slapped down! HBK with a figure four variation! Rey gets the ropes! Enzuigiri on HBK! HBK gets the kippup and goes for the inverted atomic drop, but huracanrana! West Coast Pop! Inverted atomic drop by Shawn! Rey with a reverse DDT out of a slam! Springboard splash gets knees! Shawn goes up...elbow! Tuning...up...the...band! Spinning kick by Rey! 619! Springboard into the superkick!!! Both men are down! Batista spears Shawn! Spinebuster on Rey! Triple H!!!
No Contest
- Triple H unloads on Batista! Trading shots! Spinebuster on Batista! Clothesline takes both men out! Rey and Shawn both getting up...lights go out! Gongs! Undertaker is in the ring!! Double chokeslam!!! Undertaker stands tall!!
Tommy's Take on: TNA Impact 1/28/10
Now for Impact.
Last week, Angle got to relive the Montreal screwjob. AJ Styles officially joined Flair, and Mick Foley bloodied Eric Bischoff, who fired him.
- Will tonight's main event also be Angle vs Styles?
- Angle has "quit" and Foley is "fired"...does this mmean TNA originals will get time on the air?
- "Cross the Line" video package.
- "I flew 6000 miles for TNA". Loser.
- Some kind of tournament at Against All Odds? I couldn't hear what Taz said.
- Bischoff and Hogan to the ring. Bischoff isn't showing any bandages or stitches.
- I bet they planted the "4 Sides 4 Life" sign.
- Is that Sean Waltman in the crowd?
- Why is Hogan calling out Foley? I thought Foley was fired? Either way, here he is.
- Is Foley taller than I thought, or has Hogan shrank?
- Nice...Hogan's going to "work things out" right here. Hogan's saying Foley has potential, but they can make him work.
- Foley is claiming that he didn't touch Eric. Nice...Bischoff not looking rough is a plot point. Good show. Foley pointing out that he would have torn Bischoff up. Hogan telling Foley to work it out or walk.
- Hogan's music hits...I'm confused. "Work it out, or walk out. That's up to Bischoff." I don't think that segment made any sense.
- Crap. Bubba the Love Sponge and Jeff Jarrett. Can they PLEASE get rid of Bubba?
- Mr. Anderson and Christy Hemme backstage. She calls him "Ken", and he gets offended. Anderson doesn't have a match, so he has to "book" himself. Issuing an open challenge to anyone: Sting, The Motor City Machine Guns, Beer Money, Samoa Joe or even Hemme. But he REALLY wants Abyss. Might be a good idea for someone lower on the card than Abyss to answer the call.
- I used to like that guy...but he's kinda worn off on me.
- An "8 Card Stud Tournament" to determine a #1 Contender to the TNA title...but Lashley still has a shot he hasn't cashed in, and Joe has a shot HE hasn't cashed in...
8 Card Stud Tournament Qualifier
DESMOND WOLFE (w/Chelsea) vs SEAN MORELY
- Two of the blandest looking men on the roster. Awesome. Chelsea's cute. Quick cuts to women in the audience...are they supposed to look put off? Isn't he the face? Wolfe's new tights are an improvement. I notice that both men are bald and wearing purple. Wolfe unloads, chops to the throat, boot choke. Hernandez faces Daniels in this tournament as well. Wolfe is working over the arm. Wristlock brings him down. Wolfe has both arms locked, but Morley rolls through. Morely fights back....armbar takedown. Wolfe charges into a boot! Morely fires back with his good arm and hits a one arm neckbreaker. I can't help but notice that Morely's offense looks identical to Hardy's from Superstars. Morely goes for the Money Shot...Wolfe cuts him off! TOWER OF LONDON!
Winner: DESMOND WOLFE via pinfall. (TOWER OF LONDON)
- Can we get a Chelsea photoshoot?
- Jarrett barges in on Hogan and Bischoff, minus an attorney. Jarrett's backpedaling on his tirade from two weeks ago. Hogan seems accepting, Bischoff is skeptical. Jarrett's offering to start over from the bottom of the ladder. Wait...are they throwing Ken Anderson vs Jeff Jarrett out this week with no build? Either they have no confidence in either man, or they still hate money. Bischoff's still doing his movie villain crap after people leave his office. I'm confused...did Jarrett just turn face again?
- Screwjob recap.
- Back in AJ's locker room, they're looking at suits. Apparently AJ is sitting on the belt for 30 days. Its funny, because when Flair was champion back in the day, he was the hardest working champion in wrestling.
8 Card Stud Tournament Qualifier
DANIELS vs HERNANDEZ
- Will anyone with hair get in this tournament? Daniels attacks at the beginning. TNA needs to remove all of their hexagonal graphics. Hernandez with a delayed suplex. Daniels tries for a sunset flip but Hernandez just stands there...then flips him overhead. Daniels takes over with an eye gouge and enzuigiri. Good. I'm tired of guys twice Daniels size selling his power offense. Daniels grounds Hernandez. Jawbreaker staggers him for an STO and then a moonsault! Angel's Wings? Backdrop! Daniels sends him to the floor. Slingshot shoulderblock back in! Hernandez on fire! Biel! Misses a charge. This is looking a little sloppy. Both men up top...Daniels thrown off! Misses a splash! School boy with feet on the ropes, but he kicks out! Daniels is so screwed. Huge shoulder from Hernandez. Border Toss coming...no! Dominator!
Winner: HERNANDEZ via pinfall (DOMINATOR)
- Two men are in...Hernandez and Wolfe. Nothing special.
- Dear God. Mike Tenay is mediating Team 3D and The Nasty Boys.
- Beautiful People preparing backstage. They take on Tara, Kong and Hamada later on.
- Team 3D vs The Nasty Boys at Against All Odds. EW. Ya know, Sags no longer has a mullet at least. Knobbs does. Security seperates them. I just can't believe annyone thinks this is a good idea. The Nastys have only been "missing" for ten years?
- Really? SAGS just called Brother Ray fat?
- Really? D-Von just called The Nastys fat? Team 3D have been in TNA for five year already?
- I don't like Team 3D, but Knobbs and Sags are just embarrassing next to Team 3D. Crowd gives a mild reaction to the idea that they want to see this match.
- That's the best reason not to watch the match.
- Hemme interviewing The Beautiful People. Hemme goes straight to Angelina Love being back. Are they really building to Lacey vs Angelina? It should really be Love vs Sky...Sky is definitely the more forceful personality there.
- Lashley is talking to Bischoff again. Bischoff fires him. So...we spend two weeks with Lashley demanding his release...they ignore him. He changes his tune...and they fire him? What?
THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE vs AWESOME KONG, HAMADA & TARA
- Kong, Hamada and Tara have all the belts between them. Tara and Kong have been known to have issues as well. The Beautiful People are scared on the floor, because of the spider. Madison Rayne will be starting off against Hamada. Rayne tries to ignore her, and Hamada hits some slow motion kicks and headbutts. Hamada ropewalks Rayne's arm and then hits an armdrag. Rayne reverses and tags Velvet, who tags Lacey...who tags Rayne...who will probably take the pin. Hamada gets free and tags Tara. Tara with a slam and she steps on Rayne before hitting a moonsault. Sky kicks Tara on an irish whip. and Tara gets isolated in the Beautiful People corner. Double hair takedown by Sky and Tara. Kong is in! Rayne is dead! Double clothesline doesn't budge Kong! Hamada back in...cleaning house with whiffed kicks. Tara slams Lacey...Hamada moonsault! Rayne with the Ugly Stick on Hamada!
Winners: THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE via Rayne pinfall on Hamada (Ugly Stick)
- They attack Tara with the Ugly Stick! Love is in cleaning house!
- Not a good match at all.
- Hogan has Earl Hebner backstage...Hebner is claiming Angle tapped, Hogan is calling BS. They are actively referencing Montreal. Seriously? Hebner is actively taking credit for screwing Bret, and says Flair paid him off...and Hogan suspends him? That's not a fireable offense? Well...this IS TNA.
- Just embarrasingly bad. There's no logic there, and it is clearly piggybacking off of the Bret-Vince angle...because TNA doesn't have anything else.
- Angle is here? I thought he quit?
- Flair is backstage with AJ...who looks like he's never seen a girl before. Wow. AJ is just so unnatural here. There's talk that he's dying his hair soon.
- UGH. Bubba tracks down Mick Foley. Why is he here? Foley is optimistic that he'll be alright, no matter what happens with Bischoff.
- UGH. Angle. I don't want to hear this. Seriously...I thought he quit? Hogan has given Angle a chance to qualify for the 8 Card Stud Qualifier. There just really was no point to the "Angle gets no more shots" bit, huh? Angle claims the fans are disappointed in AJ, but they don't sound like they fully agree. This from the asshat who was in charge of The Main Event Mafia. Now we're getting the "Flair doesn't care" bit, and he wants to strip AJ of his "innocence". Um...AJ's already had about three heel turns. I'm really sick of the idea of AJ vs Angle, myself.
- SIGH. Hogan. Where's Eric Young? Or Beer Money? Raven and Daffney? Sorry...tuning out here. I don't like either one of these bald bastards. Angle's apologizing for accusing Hogan of being involved in the screwjob, I guess.
- Waltman attacks Angle! Here comes Hall! Waltman with the Bolo Legdrop! COINCIDENCE?!
- Security running off Hall and Waltman. Appparently quitting or being fired means you get to be on TV every week.
BRIAN KENDRICK & THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS vs GENERATION ME & AMAZING RED
- Red is X Division champion. Most of the guys in this match are smaller than me. Kendrick, apparently, isn't getting along with Shelley or Sabin. Big, choreographed X Division spots. One, I don't type fast enough to keep up and two, if they're not going to sell anything, why should I? Kendrick pins Red with a cradle after a blind tag.
Winners: MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS & BRIAN KENDRICK via pinfall on Red (Kendrick cradle)
- Here comes The British Invasion! Beating down Red! Rob Terry with a choke slam! Terry's going to cash in the X Division shot, Brutus Magnus cuts him off!
X Division Title Match
AMAZING RED vs DOUG WILLIAMS
- Back from the break, apparently Magnus made Terry give Doug Williams the X Division title shot! CHAOS THEORY on Red! New champion!
Winner: DOUG WILLIAMS via pinfall (Chaos Theory)
- Jarrett's really starting to show his age.
- The Money in the Bank gimmick is fine...in WWE. I'd like to see TNA do something a little more original.
- Foley and Bischoff backstage, with Foley trying to get Eric to reveal how he got busted open. Foley launches into a story about his son crapping at Chuck E. Cheese's. Foley would rather clean up crap than work for Bischoff. So...now Bischoff is leveraging Abyss and Borash to make Foley remain working there? I'm confused with who they are trying to keep and who they're trying to fire.
- Bischoff barges in on Flair, Styles and the women. AJ! What about your wife and kids?! Your Christian values! Apparently Flair's contract is air tight. AJ will be working at Against All Odds...but Bischoff won't tell him against who.
- Where's Samoa Joe?
- Main event is next.
MR. ANDERSON vs JEFF JARRETT
- This could be very generic. Crowd is crapping all over Anderson, and I think its X-Pac heat. Jarrett gets no music or video, and is slapping hands...so...did they reverse the heel turn? Anderson backpedals early on. Jarrett has to remember for a second that he's working face. Jarrett's looking winded? As that selling the "ring rust" or is that legit?
- Back from the break and Anderson is beating Jarrett down, ramming his arm into the ringsteps. Hammerlock...and drop on the mat. Main event armbar. Sleeper by Anderson...Jarrett blocks...top wristlock by Anderson. Jarrett fights up...shoulderblock by Anderson. Sorry...this thing really is bland. Anderson up top...misses the Swanton! Even my son sees the end coming...and he barely watches wrestling. Jarrett rallies...Stroke! Low blow by Anderson! Small package!
Winner: MISTER ANDERSON via pinfall (small package)
- Bischoff was pleased backstage. That match was very, very "blah".
- Anderson attacks post match! Beating Jarrett down! He's waiting on Jarrett to get up...sizing him up...Mic Check (flatliner). No Abyss? Bischoff does the evil movie villain thing again.
- I still don't know what to make of TNA. No Eric Young, no Beer Money, no Samoa Joe. TONS of Bischoff and Hogan. Anderson-Jarrett was incredibly bland. I can't imagine people who want to see Team 3D vs The Nasty Boys...honestly, there just wasn't much to enjoy in this episode.
Last week, Angle got to relive the Montreal screwjob. AJ Styles officially joined Flair, and Mick Foley bloodied Eric Bischoff, who fired him.
- Will tonight's main event also be Angle vs Styles?
- Angle has "quit" and Foley is "fired"...does this mmean TNA originals will get time on the air?
- "Cross the Line" video package.
- "I flew 6000 miles for TNA". Loser.
- Some kind of tournament at Against All Odds? I couldn't hear what Taz said.
- Bischoff and Hogan to the ring. Bischoff isn't showing any bandages or stitches.
- I bet they planted the "4 Sides 4 Life" sign.
- Is that Sean Waltman in the crowd?
- Why is Hogan calling out Foley? I thought Foley was fired? Either way, here he is.
- Is Foley taller than I thought, or has Hogan shrank?
- Nice...Hogan's going to "work things out" right here. Hogan's saying Foley has potential, but they can make him work.
- Foley is claiming that he didn't touch Eric. Nice...Bischoff not looking rough is a plot point. Good show. Foley pointing out that he would have torn Bischoff up. Hogan telling Foley to work it out or walk.
- Hogan's music hits...I'm confused. "Work it out, or walk out. That's up to Bischoff." I don't think that segment made any sense.
- Crap. Bubba the Love Sponge and Jeff Jarrett. Can they PLEASE get rid of Bubba?
- Mr. Anderson and Christy Hemme backstage. She calls him "Ken", and he gets offended. Anderson doesn't have a match, so he has to "book" himself. Issuing an open challenge to anyone: Sting, The Motor City Machine Guns, Beer Money, Samoa Joe or even Hemme. But he REALLY wants Abyss. Might be a good idea for someone lower on the card than Abyss to answer the call.
- I used to like that guy...but he's kinda worn off on me.
- An "8 Card Stud Tournament" to determine a #1 Contender to the TNA title...but Lashley still has a shot he hasn't cashed in, and Joe has a shot HE hasn't cashed in...
8 Card Stud Tournament Qualifier
DESMOND WOLFE (w/Chelsea) vs SEAN MORELY
- Two of the blandest looking men on the roster. Awesome. Chelsea's cute. Quick cuts to women in the audience...are they supposed to look put off? Isn't he the face? Wolfe's new tights are an improvement. I notice that both men are bald and wearing purple. Wolfe unloads, chops to the throat, boot choke. Hernandez faces Daniels in this tournament as well. Wolfe is working over the arm. Wristlock brings him down. Wolfe has both arms locked, but Morley rolls through. Morely fights back....armbar takedown. Wolfe charges into a boot! Morely fires back with his good arm and hits a one arm neckbreaker. I can't help but notice that Morely's offense looks identical to Hardy's from Superstars. Morely goes for the Money Shot...Wolfe cuts him off! TOWER OF LONDON!
Winner: DESMOND WOLFE via pinfall. (TOWER OF LONDON)
- Can we get a Chelsea photoshoot?
- Jarrett barges in on Hogan and Bischoff, minus an attorney. Jarrett's backpedaling on his tirade from two weeks ago. Hogan seems accepting, Bischoff is skeptical. Jarrett's offering to start over from the bottom of the ladder. Wait...are they throwing Ken Anderson vs Jeff Jarrett out this week with no build? Either they have no confidence in either man, or they still hate money. Bischoff's still doing his movie villain crap after people leave his office. I'm confused...did Jarrett just turn face again?
- Screwjob recap.
- Back in AJ's locker room, they're looking at suits. Apparently AJ is sitting on the belt for 30 days. Its funny, because when Flair was champion back in the day, he was the hardest working champion in wrestling.
8 Card Stud Tournament Qualifier
DANIELS vs HERNANDEZ
- Will anyone with hair get in this tournament? Daniels attacks at the beginning. TNA needs to remove all of their hexagonal graphics. Hernandez with a delayed suplex. Daniels tries for a sunset flip but Hernandez just stands there...then flips him overhead. Daniels takes over with an eye gouge and enzuigiri. Good. I'm tired of guys twice Daniels size selling his power offense. Daniels grounds Hernandez. Jawbreaker staggers him for an STO and then a moonsault! Angel's Wings? Backdrop! Daniels sends him to the floor. Slingshot shoulderblock back in! Hernandez on fire! Biel! Misses a charge. This is looking a little sloppy. Both men up top...Daniels thrown off! Misses a splash! School boy with feet on the ropes, but he kicks out! Daniels is so screwed. Huge shoulder from Hernandez. Border Toss coming...no! Dominator!
Winner: HERNANDEZ via pinfall (DOMINATOR)
- Two men are in...Hernandez and Wolfe. Nothing special.
- Dear God. Mike Tenay is mediating Team 3D and The Nasty Boys.
- Beautiful People preparing backstage. They take on Tara, Kong and Hamada later on.
- Team 3D vs The Nasty Boys at Against All Odds. EW. Ya know, Sags no longer has a mullet at least. Knobbs does. Security seperates them. I just can't believe annyone thinks this is a good idea. The Nastys have only been "missing" for ten years?
- Really? SAGS just called Brother Ray fat?
- Really? D-Von just called The Nastys fat? Team 3D have been in TNA for five year already?
- I don't like Team 3D, but Knobbs and Sags are just embarrassing next to Team 3D. Crowd gives a mild reaction to the idea that they want to see this match.
- That's the best reason not to watch the match.
- Hemme interviewing The Beautiful People. Hemme goes straight to Angelina Love being back. Are they really building to Lacey vs Angelina? It should really be Love vs Sky...Sky is definitely the more forceful personality there.
- Lashley is talking to Bischoff again. Bischoff fires him. So...we spend two weeks with Lashley demanding his release...they ignore him. He changes his tune...and they fire him? What?
THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE vs AWESOME KONG, HAMADA & TARA
- Kong, Hamada and Tara have all the belts between them. Tara and Kong have been known to have issues as well. The Beautiful People are scared on the floor, because of the spider. Madison Rayne will be starting off against Hamada. Rayne tries to ignore her, and Hamada hits some slow motion kicks and headbutts. Hamada ropewalks Rayne's arm and then hits an armdrag. Rayne reverses and tags Velvet, who tags Lacey...who tags Rayne...who will probably take the pin. Hamada gets free and tags Tara. Tara with a slam and she steps on Rayne before hitting a moonsault. Sky kicks Tara on an irish whip. and Tara gets isolated in the Beautiful People corner. Double hair takedown by Sky and Tara. Kong is in! Rayne is dead! Double clothesline doesn't budge Kong! Hamada back in...cleaning house with whiffed kicks. Tara slams Lacey...Hamada moonsault! Rayne with the Ugly Stick on Hamada!
Winners: THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE via Rayne pinfall on Hamada (Ugly Stick)
- They attack Tara with the Ugly Stick! Love is in cleaning house!
- Not a good match at all.
- Hogan has Earl Hebner backstage...Hebner is claiming Angle tapped, Hogan is calling BS. They are actively referencing Montreal. Seriously? Hebner is actively taking credit for screwing Bret, and says Flair paid him off...and Hogan suspends him? That's not a fireable offense? Well...this IS TNA.
- Just embarrasingly bad. There's no logic there, and it is clearly piggybacking off of the Bret-Vince angle...because TNA doesn't have anything else.
- Angle is here? I thought he quit?
- Flair is backstage with AJ...who looks like he's never seen a girl before. Wow. AJ is just so unnatural here. There's talk that he's dying his hair soon.
- UGH. Bubba tracks down Mick Foley. Why is he here? Foley is optimistic that he'll be alright, no matter what happens with Bischoff.
- UGH. Angle. I don't want to hear this. Seriously...I thought he quit? Hogan has given Angle a chance to qualify for the 8 Card Stud Qualifier. There just really was no point to the "Angle gets no more shots" bit, huh? Angle claims the fans are disappointed in AJ, but they don't sound like they fully agree. This from the asshat who was in charge of The Main Event Mafia. Now we're getting the "Flair doesn't care" bit, and he wants to strip AJ of his "innocence". Um...AJ's already had about three heel turns. I'm really sick of the idea of AJ vs Angle, myself.
- SIGH. Hogan. Where's Eric Young? Or Beer Money? Raven and Daffney? Sorry...tuning out here. I don't like either one of these bald bastards. Angle's apologizing for accusing Hogan of being involved in the screwjob, I guess.
- Waltman attacks Angle! Here comes Hall! Waltman with the Bolo Legdrop! COINCIDENCE?!
- Security running off Hall and Waltman. Appparently quitting or being fired means you get to be on TV every week.
BRIAN KENDRICK & THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS vs GENERATION ME & AMAZING RED
- Red is X Division champion. Most of the guys in this match are smaller than me. Kendrick, apparently, isn't getting along with Shelley or Sabin. Big, choreographed X Division spots. One, I don't type fast enough to keep up and two, if they're not going to sell anything, why should I? Kendrick pins Red with a cradle after a blind tag.
Winners: MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS & BRIAN KENDRICK via pinfall on Red (Kendrick cradle)
- Here comes The British Invasion! Beating down Red! Rob Terry with a choke slam! Terry's going to cash in the X Division shot, Brutus Magnus cuts him off!
X Division Title Match
AMAZING RED vs DOUG WILLIAMS
- Back from the break, apparently Magnus made Terry give Doug Williams the X Division title shot! CHAOS THEORY on Red! New champion!
Winner: DOUG WILLIAMS via pinfall (Chaos Theory)
- Jarrett's really starting to show his age.
- The Money in the Bank gimmick is fine...in WWE. I'd like to see TNA do something a little more original.
- Foley and Bischoff backstage, with Foley trying to get Eric to reveal how he got busted open. Foley launches into a story about his son crapping at Chuck E. Cheese's. Foley would rather clean up crap than work for Bischoff. So...now Bischoff is leveraging Abyss and Borash to make Foley remain working there? I'm confused with who they are trying to keep and who they're trying to fire.
- Bischoff barges in on Flair, Styles and the women. AJ! What about your wife and kids?! Your Christian values! Apparently Flair's contract is air tight. AJ will be working at Against All Odds...but Bischoff won't tell him against who.
- Where's Samoa Joe?
- Main event is next.
MR. ANDERSON vs JEFF JARRETT
- This could be very generic. Crowd is crapping all over Anderson, and I think its X-Pac heat. Jarrett gets no music or video, and is slapping hands...so...did they reverse the heel turn? Anderson backpedals early on. Jarrett has to remember for a second that he's working face. Jarrett's looking winded? As that selling the "ring rust" or is that legit?
- Back from the break and Anderson is beating Jarrett down, ramming his arm into the ringsteps. Hammerlock...and drop on the mat. Main event armbar. Sleeper by Anderson...Jarrett blocks...top wristlock by Anderson. Jarrett fights up...shoulderblock by Anderson. Sorry...this thing really is bland. Anderson up top...misses the Swanton! Even my son sees the end coming...and he barely watches wrestling. Jarrett rallies...Stroke! Low blow by Anderson! Small package!
Winner: MISTER ANDERSON via pinfall (small package)
- Bischoff was pleased backstage. That match was very, very "blah".
- Anderson attacks post match! Beating Jarrett down! He's waiting on Jarrett to get up...sizing him up...Mic Check (flatliner). No Abyss? Bischoff does the evil movie villain thing again.
- I still don't know what to make of TNA. No Eric Young, no Beer Money, no Samoa Joe. TONS of Bischoff and Hogan. Anderson-Jarrett was incredibly bland. I can't imagine people who want to see Team 3D vs The Nasty Boys...honestly, there just wasn't much to enjoy in this episode.
Tommy's Take on: WWE Superstars 1/28/10
WWE Superstars! Routinely the best show of the week!
Sorry I'm late...fun with bad weather and Angelus being home has kept me running behind on the wrestling viewing.
Trying to cram three shows in AND a Royal Rumble preview.
- Rotating WWE Superstars opening.
THE BELLA TWINS vs JILLIAN HALL & KATIE LEA BURCHILL
- Wow. The Bellas are univerally awful. Jillian is the unsung hero of the Raw Divas division. Katie Lea is just cool. This will be ugly. Katie is wrestling with Brie...tag to Nikki. Nice double team on Katie. Leg roll move...I don't know what to call it. Jillian tags in and Nikki is getting taken apart. Angelus just popped for Jillian doing a hair toss on Nikki. Nikkie fights back in the corner, and tags Brie. Hiptoss senton on Jillian. The Sudden Impacts were cooler...they did a hiptoss 450. Jillian chokes Brie on the ropes and that sets up a Katie boot. Man, I hope Katie and Jillian win. Katie Lea Catatonic Backbreaker! Brie kicks out. Boo! Hot tag. Nikki unloading with dropkicks...that look like they are connecting, unlike Eve's. Man...Nikki is on a roll. Katie unloads with forearms...Victory Roll by Nikki as Brie nails Jillian! That's it!
Winner: THE BELLA TWINS via pinfall on Katie (Nikki VICTORY ROLL)
- Man...that was better than expected, but I wish Jillian and Katie had won. Not like the crowd would have turned on the Bellas just for jobbing. I mean, they both jobbed to Maryse in one match a few weeks ago.
- Matt Hardy vs David Hart Smith later on, apparently with Great Khali, Ranjin Singh, Natalya and Tyson Kidd all at ringside. Khali-Hardy is so random.
- Does Spartanburg, SC just have amazing corporate tax laws, or what?
CHAVO GUERRERO vs PRIMO vs CHRIS MASTER (w/Eve Torres)
- Masters is winning...right? I believe this is a Rumble qualifier. Masters as a face is still so weird. The two little guys keep acting like they are going after Masters, but Primo decides to nail Chavo instead. Masters dominating both men. Masters gorilla presses Chavo, Primo nails him and Chavo winds up covering him. Chavo and Primo was some quick, quick exchanges until Masters kills them with a double clothesline. Chavo all over Masters. Masters fires up and stomps him down in the corner. Huge powerslam! Primo makes the save. Primo unloads on Masters...spinning headscissors! Springboard gets caught...Masterlock?! No! Chavo dives and Masters catches HIM! Primo knocks Masters out of the ring, and Chavo sends him over the top onto Masters! Chavo crashes on both men as we go to break!
- Back from the break and Masters is still out of the match, and Chavo has a top wristlock on Primo. Primo rallies...Chavo droptoehold! Rolling senton! Nails Masters as he climbs back in! Chavo walks into a Primo dropkick! Trading blows. Spinning back elbow by Primo! Catches Masters with a Russian Legsweep! Masters blocks an irish whip...Primo drops his chest across the turnbuckles! Chavo with the 3 Amigoes...Primo small package on the third! Masterlock attempt on Chavo! They backdrop Primo out! Masterlock...Chavo slides down...Masters wheelbarrows him up and into the MASTERLOCK!! Chavo is fighting!!! Submission!
Winner: CHRIS MASTERS via submission (MASTERLOCK)
- They are doing a GREART job with Masters and the psychology that the Masterlock is a killer.
- Video recap from Smackdown last week, where Natalya was flirting with Khali and Matt Hardy upset David Hart Smith with a small package.
- Awesome "Rumble by the Numbers" video package.
- Chris Jericho?
- In a suit?
- Is there not an ECW match this week?
- Jericho's bagging on the other Rumble participants. Standard Jericho promo, guaranteeing a Rumble victory.
- Oh...crap.
- R-Truth.
- I really don't like R-Truth. Jericho's facial expression was tremendous. R-Truth agrees that Jericho is the best at what he does: Being an arrogant loud-mouth who runs his mouth all the time. Also throws in annoying and aggravating, and "that pimple that appears at the wrong time". He's just piling it on. R-Truth just called him...Jack Sparrow? R-Truth says he's winning the Rumble..."No Chance in Hell"...=P R-Truth says he'll personally eliminate Jericho if he gets the chance.
- Suckerpunch by Jericho! Trading blows! R-Truth with a big kick, and Jericho bails!
- I hate R-Truth, but that was a nice segment for building him up.
- Main event is NEXT...no ECW match tonight.
- William Shatner hosts RAW...and Bret Hart has been invited back!
DAVID HART SMITH (w/Tyson Kidd & Natalya)) vs MATT HARDY (w/The Great Khali & Ranjin Singh)
- Just...how random. Matt Hardy is the "heart and soul" of Smackdown. Alright. Lock up. Smith has the clear power edge. Smith trying to outwrestle Hardy...going for an armbreaker, but Smith turns it into a sleeper. Hardy unloads with right hands! Twist of Fate? Bailout! Baseball slide! Hardy up top...Natalya stands in the way! Khali goes around the side of the ring to chase off Kidd and Natalya. Commercials.
- We return...and DH Smith is applying a top wristlock. Didn't I see this earlier in the show? Seriously...I hate matches that look exactly the same on the same show. The Road Agents, at least, should be watching for this crap. Smith channels Arn Anderson with a hammerlock slam. Hardy uses his injured arm for a clothesline and sells apropriately. Natalya gets a slap in. Smith isolates Hardy in his corner, which he would do if this were a tag match. Nice touch. Smith mocks the damage to the arm. Hardy fights back...ellbow off the ropes! Sleeper drop! Right hand clothesline and bulldog gets two. Calling for the Twist of Fate! Smith catches the boot...Side effect! Kidd looks like he's looking for a chance to jump in! Natalya with a distraction and Kidd with am armbreaker on Hardy! Carbon Footprint by Smith!
Winner: DAVID HART SMITH via pinfall (Big Boot)
- Khali unloads on the Hart Dynasty! Khali cleans house! Helping Matt up, who has to stop Khali from raising the injured arm. Khali throws Hardy over the top rope! Just a reminder that it is every man for himself!
- Not a good match at all. No real energy, it was dragging at several points, and certainly not main event calibre...the triple threat was better, even if Chavo and Primo are lower on the totem pole right now.
Sorry I'm late...fun with bad weather and Angelus being home has kept me running behind on the wrestling viewing.
Trying to cram three shows in AND a Royal Rumble preview.
- Rotating WWE Superstars opening.
THE BELLA TWINS vs JILLIAN HALL & KATIE LEA BURCHILL
- Wow. The Bellas are univerally awful. Jillian is the unsung hero of the Raw Divas division. Katie Lea is just cool. This will be ugly. Katie is wrestling with Brie...tag to Nikki. Nice double team on Katie. Leg roll move...I don't know what to call it. Jillian tags in and Nikki is getting taken apart. Angelus just popped for Jillian doing a hair toss on Nikki. Nikkie fights back in the corner, and tags Brie. Hiptoss senton on Jillian. The Sudden Impacts were cooler...they did a hiptoss 450. Jillian chokes Brie on the ropes and that sets up a Katie boot. Man, I hope Katie and Jillian win. Katie Lea Catatonic Backbreaker! Brie kicks out. Boo! Hot tag. Nikki unloading with dropkicks...that look like they are connecting, unlike Eve's. Man...Nikki is on a roll. Katie unloads with forearms...Victory Roll by Nikki as Brie nails Jillian! That's it!
Winner: THE BELLA TWINS via pinfall on Katie (Nikki VICTORY ROLL)
- Man...that was better than expected, but I wish Jillian and Katie had won. Not like the crowd would have turned on the Bellas just for jobbing. I mean, they both jobbed to Maryse in one match a few weeks ago.
- Matt Hardy vs David Hart Smith later on, apparently with Great Khali, Ranjin Singh, Natalya and Tyson Kidd all at ringside. Khali-Hardy is so random.
- Does Spartanburg, SC just have amazing corporate tax laws, or what?
CHAVO GUERRERO vs PRIMO vs CHRIS MASTER (w/Eve Torres)
- Masters is winning...right? I believe this is a Rumble qualifier. Masters as a face is still so weird. The two little guys keep acting like they are going after Masters, but Primo decides to nail Chavo instead. Masters dominating both men. Masters gorilla presses Chavo, Primo nails him and Chavo winds up covering him. Chavo and Primo was some quick, quick exchanges until Masters kills them with a double clothesline. Chavo all over Masters. Masters fires up and stomps him down in the corner. Huge powerslam! Primo makes the save. Primo unloads on Masters...spinning headscissors! Springboard gets caught...Masterlock?! No! Chavo dives and Masters catches HIM! Primo knocks Masters out of the ring, and Chavo sends him over the top onto Masters! Chavo crashes on both men as we go to break!
- Back from the break and Masters is still out of the match, and Chavo has a top wristlock on Primo. Primo rallies...Chavo droptoehold! Rolling senton! Nails Masters as he climbs back in! Chavo walks into a Primo dropkick! Trading blows. Spinning back elbow by Primo! Catches Masters with a Russian Legsweep! Masters blocks an irish whip...Primo drops his chest across the turnbuckles! Chavo with the 3 Amigoes...Primo small package on the third! Masterlock attempt on Chavo! They backdrop Primo out! Masterlock...Chavo slides down...Masters wheelbarrows him up and into the MASTERLOCK!! Chavo is fighting!!! Submission!
Winner: CHRIS MASTERS via submission (MASTERLOCK)
- They are doing a GREART job with Masters and the psychology that the Masterlock is a killer.
- Video recap from Smackdown last week, where Natalya was flirting with Khali and Matt Hardy upset David Hart Smith with a small package.
- Awesome "Rumble by the Numbers" video package.
- Chris Jericho?
- In a suit?
- Is there not an ECW match this week?
- Jericho's bagging on the other Rumble participants. Standard Jericho promo, guaranteeing a Rumble victory.
- Oh...crap.
- R-Truth.
- I really don't like R-Truth. Jericho's facial expression was tremendous. R-Truth agrees that Jericho is the best at what he does: Being an arrogant loud-mouth who runs his mouth all the time. Also throws in annoying and aggravating, and "that pimple that appears at the wrong time". He's just piling it on. R-Truth just called him...Jack Sparrow? R-Truth says he's winning the Rumble..."No Chance in Hell"...=P R-Truth says he'll personally eliminate Jericho if he gets the chance.
- Suckerpunch by Jericho! Trading blows! R-Truth with a big kick, and Jericho bails!
- I hate R-Truth, but that was a nice segment for building him up.
- Main event is NEXT...no ECW match tonight.
- William Shatner hosts RAW...and Bret Hart has been invited back!
DAVID HART SMITH (w/Tyson Kidd & Natalya)) vs MATT HARDY (w/The Great Khali & Ranjin Singh)
- Just...how random. Matt Hardy is the "heart and soul" of Smackdown. Alright. Lock up. Smith has the clear power edge. Smith trying to outwrestle Hardy...going for an armbreaker, but Smith turns it into a sleeper. Hardy unloads with right hands! Twist of Fate? Bailout! Baseball slide! Hardy up top...Natalya stands in the way! Khali goes around the side of the ring to chase off Kidd and Natalya. Commercials.
- We return...and DH Smith is applying a top wristlock. Didn't I see this earlier in the show? Seriously...I hate matches that look exactly the same on the same show. The Road Agents, at least, should be watching for this crap. Smith channels Arn Anderson with a hammerlock slam. Hardy uses his injured arm for a clothesline and sells apropriately. Natalya gets a slap in. Smith isolates Hardy in his corner, which he would do if this were a tag match. Nice touch. Smith mocks the damage to the arm. Hardy fights back...ellbow off the ropes! Sleeper drop! Right hand clothesline and bulldog gets two. Calling for the Twist of Fate! Smith catches the boot...Side effect! Kidd looks like he's looking for a chance to jump in! Natalya with a distraction and Kidd with am armbreaker on Hardy! Carbon Footprint by Smith!
Winner: DAVID HART SMITH via pinfall (Big Boot)
- Khali unloads on the Hart Dynasty! Khali cleans house! Helping Matt up, who has to stop Khali from raising the injured arm. Khali throws Hardy over the top rope! Just a reminder that it is every man for himself!
- Not a good match at all. No real energy, it was dragging at several points, and certainly not main event calibre...the triple threat was better, even if Chavo and Primo are lower on the totem pole right now.
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