Match 1: TJ Perkins vs. Michael Elgin
The future of the company open up the last show of the year and they put on quite the match. I’ve definitely been improved by the agility of Perkins and the strength of Elgin. Those attributes were displayed at their finest here and the crowd ate it up. An awesome opening contest that puts Elgin more over as he challenges for the big one down the line.
Winner: Michael Elgin
Rating: ***
Match 2: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Jimmy Rave
Former Embassy member Jimmy Rave returns to the company after a two year absence to take on Ciampa and the rest of the new Embassy. As I’ve stated before, Ciampa looks like a star and with the right booking, he could easily become a main player. A pretty good match with Ciampa picking up the win with a few distractions from the Embassy.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
Rating: **¾
Match 3: ROH World Television Championship - Jay Lethal © vs. El Generico vs. Mike Bennett
Very unpredictable contest for the belt as Lethal defends against two guys gunning for him. While I’ll admit that the match overstayed its welcome, the action was great and very enjoyable throughout. Bennett got huge heat from the crowd and Maria added more flame to the fire. I enjoy his work and look for him to become a big player in the company. He eliminates Generico but walks into Jay Lethal who plants him for the win.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Rating: ***¼
Match 4: No Disqualification - Kevin Steen vs. Steve Corino
This is a match that is over two years in the making. Steen taking on his former partner and mentor, Steve Corino. If Steen wins, he is reinstated into the company. However, if Corino wins, Steen must leave the company for good again. I love these guys but this match was just a train wreck and I didn’t find the action fun to watch at all. As I watch this, I couldn’t help but think of the brutal fights these two guys waged with Generico & Cabana in 2010. But those were different, they were full of meaning, excitement, and wonder. This match just seemed forced and full of mindless spots. Listening to Nigel on commentary really had me wondering why both men were taking shots to the head in the year 2012. The lack of reason behind some of these spots was a complete turn off. I understand that this is pro wrestling but sometimes, logic needs to be taken into account. Steen eventually gets the win by landing a Package Piledriver on steel chairs. Steen then lands another one through a table on Generico. I understand the heat I’ll be getting for this, considering how I scored Steen’s Final Battle 2010 match a perfect five stars and how I rank the 2010 Chicago Street Fight as one my favorite matches. But those made sense and had perfect flow, this match consisted of one spot to another stupid spot. Perhaps the bar was set too high in 2010.
Winner: Kevin Steen
Rating: n/a
Match 5: Gauntlet - The Bravado Brothers vs. Future Shock vs. The All Night Express vs. The Young Bucks vs. Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander
I’m not the biggest fan of these matches. They go by slowly if not executed correctly and this match didn’t exactly have the best pacing ever. While I thought that the eliminations were done correctly, the drama was certainly killed after each one due to the new team running in and running rampant. This happened every single time and it got so repetitive. After over twenty minutes, The Young Bucks stand tall over The All Night Express as they pick up an opportunity for the gold in 2012.
Winners: The Young Bucks
Rating: ***
Match 6: Roderick Strong vs. Chris Hero
The man who accepts Strong’s open invitational challenge is Chris Hero! The crowd pops big for him and it is just awesome to see him again in the ring! It doesn’t look as if he is in the best shape ever but he has not lost a step in his work. We got the same awesome kicks and the same awesome kicks. The exchanges were fun to watch and the memories of that awesome 2010 run he had with Claudio kept rising. Strong wins in a fairly short contest but that was a pretty cool moment. We’ll see what happens to Hero down the line from here.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Rating: ***
Match 7: ROH World Tag Team Championships - Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team © vs. The Briscoes
Before the match begins, Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team put down a huge beating upon The Briscoes with unprotected chair shots and all. Even still, the match begins as The Briscoes fall to a big disadvantage. The match was extremely sluggish at times and the crowd wasn’t much into the action at all. The chemistry between these two teams just isn’t really there and all the tag matches of this company are beginning to feel repetitive and canned. The focus on Shelton’s injured ribs and the help of the crowd led The Briscoes to win and capture gold once again.
Winners: The Briscoes
Rating: ***
Match 8: ROH World Championship - Davey Richards © vs. Eddie Edwards
This is the rubber match between two former partners, The American Wolves. It’s no secret, my love for their first two matches is very much near and dear to my heart. This match, however, felt out of place from the first two and the feud really waters down the actual substance. The match, while exciting and fun at certain moments, was virtually a rehash of the previous match. Nothing new or innovative was exactly implemented and having guys in the corner watching the champion and challenger did nothing. The interference did nothing. The crowd wasn’t much of any help either. Maybe I’m just being a negative Nancy but I was really passionate about both men facing each other so my opinions are definitely going to be stronger. The match went way too long, had way too many false finishes, and was an unnecessary cluster. Richards got the win and his title reign continues. However, Steen interrupts Davey’s speech after the match and closes out the night.
Winner: Davey Richards
Rating: ***½
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
A very underwhelming show to say the least. The main matches didn’t deliver on their promises and the reemergence of Kevin Steen wasn’t anything too special. It all felt predictable and because of that, Final Battle 2011 closes out the year on a very low note.
Rating: 6.5/10
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
WWE TLC 2011 Review
Match 1: United States Championship - Dolph Ziggler © vs. Zack Ryder
The hype that is Zack Ryder rolls into Baltimore as he challenges Ziggler for the United States Championship. I will be the first to admit that I am not the bigger Ryder fan but there is no doubting that he is over with the fans and has earned his role. Good opening contest between the two with Vickie getting kicked out and Ryder beating Ziggler with the Rough Rider. Fun to watch but felt canned from what we have seen from them.
Winner: Zack Ryder
Rating: **¾
Match 2: WWE Tag Team Championships - Air Boom © vs. Primo & Epico
Air Boom continues their hot streak into TLC by going up against Primo & Epico! It’s nice to see that we have some tag team wrestling on the show but it’s hard to get the crowd getting behind two teams that were basically just slapped on the show for a filler match. The action was good but nothing memorable or PPV quality good. Air Boom retain the belts after Kofi lands a huge Trouble in Paradise.
Winners: Air Boom
Rating: *¼
Match 3: Tables - Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
Randy Orton looks to cap off a banner year in the WWE against Wade Barrett in what has been a great feud so far. This was a very smart Tables match, no nonsense and all psychology. Orton finishes off Barrett with an amazing RKO through the table after Barrett jumped off the top turnbuckle. Even though the finish was foreseen from Barrett climbing the top rope, there is no denying that that was certainly an awesome finish. Orton right now is untouchable in my opinion.
Winner: Randy Orton
Rating: ***
Match 4: Divas Championship - Beth Phoenix © vs. Kelly Kelly
It’s time for the Divas part of the show and I won’t be shy to admit that Kelly Kelly has stepped up her game. There is no doubting that and this match is a good example. It wasn’t necessarily the greatest match ever but it was still pretty enjoyable. And really cool to see Phoenix plant Kelly on her face.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Rating: *
Match 5: Sledgehammer Ladder - Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
You’re reading the title right, it’s Triple H taking on Kevin Nash in one of the marquee matches. A bit odd but understandable considering they needed a match to kill the feud. As expected, this was a slow match but they still managed to come up with a couple cool spots and let the smoke and mirrors of the weapons play a big role. Triple H knocks Nash off the ladder through a table and clubs Nash with the sledgehammer to get the win. Mercifully, this feud is over and Triple H can move on to something better.
Winner: Triple H
Rating: **¼
Match 6: Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger
An impromptu match was set up by GM Teddy Long where Sheamus takes on Swagger. It’s pretty obvious who is going to win this one but at least we got a pretty okay match to give both men some PPV time. But again, this is PPV and there is no reason for matches such as this to go on when the quality isn’t even there. Sheamus hit’s the Brogue Kick for the win.
Winner: Sheamus
Rating: *½
Match 7: World Heavyweight Championship - Chairs - Mark Henry © vs. The Big Show
It’s no secret. I’m a huge fan of Mark Henry and his title reign. He defends his championship one more time against The Big Show in a Chairs Match. A type of match that I feel that is perfect for two animals such as these two. The match itself, however, only lasted roughly over six minutes or so before Show knocks out Henry with a huge punch right before Henry was looking to clock Show with the chair. The finish was a little underwhelming but seeing Show celebrate was really cool. But…
Winner: The Big Show
Rating: **
Match 8: World Heavyweight Championship - The Big Show © vs. Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan then comes out to the delight of the crowd and cashes in his Money in the Bank contract! Bryan covers a downed Big Show who was attacked from behind by Mark Henry and scores the pin! Who would have guessed it? Daniel Bryan is the new World Heavyweight Champion in the WWE!
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Rating: n/a
Match 9: WWE Championship - TLC - CM Punk © vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio
Go back two years and never would anyone guess that the last PPV match of 2011 would be this. And that’s a good thing! I’m happy to say that the WWE closed out the year with a bang with one hell of a match. Was it the best TLC match ever? No. Was it even close? Not really. But that’s not to say that all the guys in this match worked their asses off and that includes Ricardo Rodriguez who took a nasty fall off a ladder through a table. Handcuffs were also brought into play when The Miz tied up Punk who eventually broke free as he then went on to land a GTS on Miz and knock Del Rio off the ladder to retain. Very fitting main event to close out the year with Punk standing tall.
Winner: CM Punk
Rating: ***¾
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
Even without John Cena, the WWE managed to pull off a decent PPV to finish off a strong 2011. Daniel Bryan winning the big one and CM Punk retaining were the two big highlights and if this is a sign of things to come, then the future is in good hands.
Rating: 6.75/10
The hype that is Zack Ryder rolls into Baltimore as he challenges Ziggler for the United States Championship. I will be the first to admit that I am not the bigger Ryder fan but there is no doubting that he is over with the fans and has earned his role. Good opening contest between the two with Vickie getting kicked out and Ryder beating Ziggler with the Rough Rider. Fun to watch but felt canned from what we have seen from them.
Winner: Zack Ryder
Rating: **¾
Match 2: WWE Tag Team Championships - Air Boom © vs. Primo & Epico
Air Boom continues their hot streak into TLC by going up against Primo & Epico! It’s nice to see that we have some tag team wrestling on the show but it’s hard to get the crowd getting behind two teams that were basically just slapped on the show for a filler match. The action was good but nothing memorable or PPV quality good. Air Boom retain the belts after Kofi lands a huge Trouble in Paradise.
Winners: Air Boom
Rating: *¼
Match 3: Tables - Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
Randy Orton looks to cap off a banner year in the WWE against Wade Barrett in what has been a great feud so far. This was a very smart Tables match, no nonsense and all psychology. Orton finishes off Barrett with an amazing RKO through the table after Barrett jumped off the top turnbuckle. Even though the finish was foreseen from Barrett climbing the top rope, there is no denying that that was certainly an awesome finish. Orton right now is untouchable in my opinion.
Winner: Randy Orton
Rating: ***
Match 4: Divas Championship - Beth Phoenix © vs. Kelly Kelly
It’s time for the Divas part of the show and I won’t be shy to admit that Kelly Kelly has stepped up her game. There is no doubting that and this match is a good example. It wasn’t necessarily the greatest match ever but it was still pretty enjoyable. And really cool to see Phoenix plant Kelly on her face.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Rating: *
Match 5: Sledgehammer Ladder - Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
You’re reading the title right, it’s Triple H taking on Kevin Nash in one of the marquee matches. A bit odd but understandable considering they needed a match to kill the feud. As expected, this was a slow match but they still managed to come up with a couple cool spots and let the smoke and mirrors of the weapons play a big role. Triple H knocks Nash off the ladder through a table and clubs Nash with the sledgehammer to get the win. Mercifully, this feud is over and Triple H can move on to something better.
Winner: Triple H
Rating: **¼
Match 6: Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger
An impromptu match was set up by GM Teddy Long where Sheamus takes on Swagger. It’s pretty obvious who is going to win this one but at least we got a pretty okay match to give both men some PPV time. But again, this is PPV and there is no reason for matches such as this to go on when the quality isn’t even there. Sheamus hit’s the Brogue Kick for the win.
Winner: Sheamus
Rating: *½
Match 7: World Heavyweight Championship - Chairs - Mark Henry © vs. The Big Show
It’s no secret. I’m a huge fan of Mark Henry and his title reign. He defends his championship one more time against The Big Show in a Chairs Match. A type of match that I feel that is perfect for two animals such as these two. The match itself, however, only lasted roughly over six minutes or so before Show knocks out Henry with a huge punch right before Henry was looking to clock Show with the chair. The finish was a little underwhelming but seeing Show celebrate was really cool. But…
Winner: The Big Show
Rating: **
Match 8: World Heavyweight Championship - The Big Show © vs. Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan then comes out to the delight of the crowd and cashes in his Money in the Bank contract! Bryan covers a downed Big Show who was attacked from behind by Mark Henry and scores the pin! Who would have guessed it? Daniel Bryan is the new World Heavyweight Champion in the WWE!
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Rating: n/a
Match 9: WWE Championship - TLC - CM Punk © vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio
Go back two years and never would anyone guess that the last PPV match of 2011 would be this. And that’s a good thing! I’m happy to say that the WWE closed out the year with a bang with one hell of a match. Was it the best TLC match ever? No. Was it even close? Not really. But that’s not to say that all the guys in this match worked their asses off and that includes Ricardo Rodriguez who took a nasty fall off a ladder through a table. Handcuffs were also brought into play when The Miz tied up Punk who eventually broke free as he then went on to land a GTS on Miz and knock Del Rio off the ladder to retain. Very fitting main event to close out the year with Punk standing tall.
Winner: CM Punk
Rating: ***¾
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
Even without John Cena, the WWE managed to pull off a decent PPV to finish off a strong 2011. Daniel Bryan winning the big one and CM Punk retaining were the two big highlights and if this is a sign of things to come, then the future is in good hands.
Rating: 6.75/10
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