Match 1: ECW Championship - Ladder - Christian (c) vs. Shelton Benjamin
This is one of the better WWECW matches that you will find as Christian challenged Shelton Benjamin in this match in order to steal the show. Expectations were obviously high for this one and you have to feel bad for anyone that has to follow this match. I get that their objective was to both steal the show and win the gold, but it felt like this match was just spot after spot after spot. It certainly got the crowd going, but I found it hard to really sink my teeth into this match. They had some really athletic and innovative spots with the ladders as the crowd ate it up. Christian got a cut on his face after Benjamin dropped a ladder on his face which then made the trainers run out to delay the match as they fixed the cut. You guessed it, the crowd was not happy and it really slowed down the momentum the match had built. The end spot came when Christian had Benjamin prone on top of a ladder set up between the ring apron and the announce table where Christian splashed on Benjamin from the top rope and through the ladder. Christian then climbed the ladder to retain the belt. Good match that really didn't live up to the huge hype the internet had built for it. Still, it was lots of fun and a great way to open up the night.
Winner: Christian
Rating: ***1/2
Match 2: Intercontinental Championship - John Morrison (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
After Mr. McMahon came out on an episode of Friday Night SmackDown to declare Drew McIntyre as the chosen one, he faces John Morrison here for the Intercontinental Championship. The crowd hasn't yet adapted themselves to McIntyre as his generic entrance music and basic style of wrestling isn't necessarily the greatest thing to watch. Even still, he more than held his own against Morrison and I liked the match. He got in a significant amount of offense and he looked good. McIntyre poked Morrison in his eyes before hitting his DDT finisher for the win and secures his first taste of gold early on in his career. Even with a pretty dead crowd, I still enjoyed this match and it's pretty clear that the WWE had some big plans for McIntyre.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Rating: ***
Match 3: Women's Championship - Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James
This has to be one of the dumbest and most immature feuds in recent memory as both Michelle McCool & Layla tease Mickie James for being fat. James looks to be in great shape and also, this is just straight up stupid. Regardless, here we are as the two go at it for the Women's Championship. Just your basic Divas match until Layla tries to get involved before inadvertently eating a boot from McCool. James isn't able to take advantage and instead eats a boot from McCool, as well. McCool covers and retains. Crowd could care less.
Winner: Michelle McCool
Rating: *1/4
Match 4: WWE Championship - Tables - John Cena (c) vs. Sheamus
Sheamus practically ran through the ECW roster within months before finally making his transition to the brighter lights of Monday Night Raw on October 26, 2009. After winning a battle royal, he earned a shot to face John Cena here for the company's richest prize. Cena comes out hot and looks more motivated than ever here. Sheamus definitely holds his ground and just looks like he belongs there. He's a smart and brash heel, trying his best to get away from Cena in some spots and throwing a table out of the ring when he looked to be in trouble. The match ended when the two were perched on the top rope as Cena fell off where he landed through a table set up in the middle. Whether or not Cena fell by himself or by Sheamus is irrelevant, Sheamus is the WWE Champion. After the match, the cameras get an amazing shot of the stunned fans across the arena as Cena takes home a piece of the broken table for the icing on the cake. This was a shock in 2009 and still remains a shock to me in 2015. It was a huge risk to put the gold on Sheamus but looking back, it ultimately worked out for the better. People always complain about Cena being on top forever and once we got a new guy on top, even more complaints came in. Awesome. Sheamus looked like a star here and in 2015, he still remains one of the company's biggest names. Sometimes, moments like these ones are the ones that truly make a star. The match was fairly short but it ultimately served its purpose and the point got across. It didn't need to go five more minutes because the story was really Cena letting his guard down and letting the new guy score the biggest win of his career out of absolutely nowhere.
Winner: Sheamus
Rating: ***1/4
Match 5: World Heavyweight Championship - Chairs - The Undertaker (c) vs. Batista
I'm not a fan of revisiting old feuds, especially when they ended theirs a couple years ago in a Hell in a Cell match. Still, Batista is now a completely different character and is a full-fledged heel. One of the best in the game, too. This match against The Undertaker felt very dry. I didn't feel the hate between the two like I could in 2007 and it just felt like a filler of a match. The chair shots weren't brutal, nothing felt new, and the crowd sucked to make matters worse. Batista looked to score the victory when he hit a low blow on The Undertaker before following it up with a chair shot to the head. He score the victory before Teddy Long came out and demanded that the match restarted. Undertaker hit Batista with the chair and nailed a Tombstone for the win. A pretty boring match between two guys who have great chemistry with each other but the ending made sense. Nobody had to eat the true loss and Batista has another reason to say why he got screwed over again.
Winner: The Undertaker
Rating: **1/4
Match 6: Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton
2009 marked the changing of Kofi Kingston's persona and it really got started with his feud against Randy Orton. Kofi had a marquee moment on an edition of Monday Night Raw in Madison Square Garden where he did his Boom Drop on Orton through a table which eventually led to a match here. Strong match here that saw the younger Kingston try to keep up with the veteran in Orton. Whenever Orton looked to be in trouble, he got right back into the fight with a dropkick or some sort of reversal. Basically, he was still on another level than Kingston and the story they told got across pretty well. Orton was able to nail Kingston with an RKO to win the match. However, Kingston walks away looking like a main player despite the loss.
Winner: Randy Orton
Rating: ***
Match 7: Unified Tag Team Championships - TLC - The Big Show & Chris Jericho (c) vs. D-Generation X
The veterans main event the night as Triple H & Shawn Michaels look to capture their first Tag Team Championships as D-Generation X. I'm praying for the crowd to be louder for this one but I was wrong. Either way, the match itself was good enough for me to not worry so much about that. You knew these guys wanted to be different from TLC matches from the past and they really did a fine job of doing that. Lots of innovative spots including The Big Show Chokeslamming Shawn Michaels through Triple H onto a table outside or the awesome ending scene of Michaels hitting a Sweet Chin Music on Big Show with Chris Jericho on Show's shoulders. Triple H then grabbed half of a broken ladder and held it up for Michaels to grab the gold from the top to send the fans home happy. I hate going back to the crowd but they really deterred me from truly sinking my teeth into the match. They had some cool spots but they couldn't even react accordingly. Still, an enjoyable TLC match and a proper way to end 2009 for WWE PPVs.
Winners: D-Generation X
Rating: ***1/2
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
I remember watching this event in 2009 and being really disappointed. In 2015, I was hoping that maybe my perspective of this show would have changed. Unfortunately, it didn't. The crowd was terrible and nothing really stood out too much aside from Sheamus capturing the WWE Championship and maybe the main event. The matches were good but nothing that will set the world on fire and nothing I would really recommend anyone to go out of their way to watch. Nothing was bad, but nothing was spectacularly good.
Rating: 7/10
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
WWE Elimination Chamber 2015 Review
Match 1: WWE World Tag Team Championships - Elimination Chamber - The New Day (c) vs. Tyson Kidd & Cesaro vs. Los Matadores vs. Prime Time Players vs. The Ascension vs. Lucha Dragons
For this first time in Elimination Chamber history, the Tag Team Championships are on the line. This has all the makings to be a fun, fun mess. The champs get a definitive advantage in the match as all three members are allowed to compete and they enter the match last. We get two former NXT teams going at it to begin the match in Ascension against Lucha Dragons. Fun action throughout that did get a little odd at some points. Why exactly did one of the Lucha Dragons have to climb his way to the middle of the chamber? Why is Cesaro breaking up counts against other teams? I hate to dwell on that but it really made me scratch me head. There were some fun spots throughout the match but nothing that really stood out and lived up to the match's hyped billing. Prime Time Players had a prime opportunity to score a victory but The New Day scored the win and retained their titles. This match just had so much hype but did not live to its expectations. Simple as that. The eliminations did not seem important at all and they did not make much use of their surroundings. Easily one of the weakest Elimination Chamber matches in history.
Winners: The New Day
Rating: **
Match 2: Divas Championship - Nikki Bella (c) vs. Naomi vs. Paige
Finally switching things up in the Divas division with a triple threat match. Hey! At least we get something else other than our typical singles match that pretty much is a carbon copy every week. Some pretty decent action from the three but still sluggish in a lot of areas that it just made things difficult to really sink my teeth into. Bella retains the title as she hits her Rack Attack finisher for the win.
Winner: Nikki Bella
Rating: *
Match 3: John Cena vs. Kevin Owens
As I review Extreme Rules from 2014, I recall mentioning that it felt impossible to believe that The Shield defeated Evolution. The same can easily be said here, it feels impossible to believe that Mr. Wrestling is taking on John Cena on a PPV in his first WWE match. Kevin Owens made a huge debut on an edition of Raw when the NXT Champion answered John Cena's open invitational. Crowd is hot for this one and that includes Owens, who was only introduced to the WWE audience a few weeks ago. I had no doubt in my mind that this was the match to steal the show. I was right. Back and fourth match that had the crowd on the tips of their toes. WWE looks to be really behind Owens, especially considering how much offense he was able to put upon Cena who sold his moves accordingly. Owens even kicked out of an Attitude Adjustment! Owens managed to hit his Powerbomb and score the incredible victory over the face of the WWE. Triple H definitely likes this Owens guy. Awesome match that made me feel like I was watching ROH on a WWE scale. What an amazing story, an amazing journey. Truly living the dream, truly working his ass off, an inspiration to anyone who enjoys this sport. Let's see where the rest of this story takes us...
Winner: Kevin Owens
Rating: ****1/4
Match 4: Bo Dallas vs. Neville
These guys definitely have their hands full as the vibe of the audience is completely different following the last match. Bo Dallas isn't the best guy to get a crowd on their feet but with Neville around, fun things are bound to happen. The commentators are quick to point out the NXT influence upon the show but quickly change the subject to random talk as the crowd and the match have been completely deflated. Even still, I enjoyed the action in the ring and do like Bo Dallas as a snarky heel. In the end, Neville hits his beautiful Red Arrow to score the easy victory. Decent match to separate the last match and the Elimination Chamber match after this.
Winner: Neville
Rating: **
Match 5: Intercontinental Championship - Elimination Chamber - Mark Henry vs. Sheamus vs. R-Truth vs. Ryback vs. King Barrett vs. Dolph Ziggler
This is the second Elimination Chamber match of the night and for the first time ever, this is for the vacant Intercontinental Championship. Rusev was scheduled to take part in the match but due to injury, he is not in this match. That somewhat takes out a different layer to the match. Things start with both King Barrett and Dolph Ziggler with Barrett getting the better of the exchange. Crowd is completely dead for this match, WWE should reconsider coming back to this arena. Sheamus is the last person to enter the match but purposely jams the door with his cross necklace. Once he enters, he looks to be in control before the tides change. However, he remains in the final three with both Ryback and Dolph Ziggler. After Ziggler gets eliminated, it is down to Ryback and Sheamus. The two go at it before Ryback hits a Shell Shocked for the win. Nice exchange but Sheamus put some heavy damage on Ryback but Ryback hardly sold anything once he scored the pin. Afterwards, Daniel Bryan gets in the ring and congratulates The Ryback. Despite the terrible, terrible crowd, the match was good. But it lacked build and any real intrigue from the audience. The Chamber needs to have a better reason to take place, not just six guys beating up each other on a two weeks notice.
Winner: Ryback
Rating: ***1/4
Match 6: WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Seth Rollins (c) vs. Dean Ambrose
Two former Shield brothers collide as the richest prize in the business is on the line. Before the match, Triple H made it clear to Roman Reigns that any interference from him would lead to a disqualification. This was a fun roller coaster of a match, their chemistry together is simply off the charts. Seth Rollins was booked like a real champ here and didn't have to resort much to help from J & J Security or Kane who were all by his side. It's pretty amazing to see how the company has evolved, who would have thought that these two would be the main event of a special event a few years ago? This felt like they were wrestling their style of match on a WWE platform, it felt like I was watching a Ring of Honor match with all the counters and innovative spots. The ending saw Rollins pull the referee in the way of Dean Ambrose flying off the top rope. However, Ambrose was able to hit his Dirty Deeds DDT to score the win as another referee came to make the count. The call was overruled when the referee that was hit by Ambrose made the disqualification call. Ambrose wins by disqualification, Rollins retains. The look on the face of Rollins was absolutely priceless. Ambrose doesn't want to give up the belt and gets ambushed before Roman Reigns comes out to make the save as they both leave together through the crowd as Ambrose carries the belt with him. The ending felt more like an ending to Monday Night Raw more than anything. I'm not a fan of these types of finishes but if they were ever to pull off this type of finish, I guess this would be the match. Despite the wonky finish, I still really enjoyed this match.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
Rating: ****
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
This was a tough event to score. On one hand, you had a couple really good matches but on the other, it never really felt like a special event and with the crowd being really dead, it never seemed to get out of first gear. However, it wouldn't hurt for anyone to check out the Cena vs. Owens match or even the main event. It's just so hard to build a show like this in two weeks and to think that Money in the Bank is only two weeks away from this show is pretty staggering. It's a definite oversaturation of a product.
Rating: 6.25/10
For this first time in Elimination Chamber history, the Tag Team Championships are on the line. This has all the makings to be a fun, fun mess. The champs get a definitive advantage in the match as all three members are allowed to compete and they enter the match last. We get two former NXT teams going at it to begin the match in Ascension against Lucha Dragons. Fun action throughout that did get a little odd at some points. Why exactly did one of the Lucha Dragons have to climb his way to the middle of the chamber? Why is Cesaro breaking up counts against other teams? I hate to dwell on that but it really made me scratch me head. There were some fun spots throughout the match but nothing that really stood out and lived up to the match's hyped billing. Prime Time Players had a prime opportunity to score a victory but The New Day scored the win and retained their titles. This match just had so much hype but did not live to its expectations. Simple as that. The eliminations did not seem important at all and they did not make much use of their surroundings. Easily one of the weakest Elimination Chamber matches in history.
Winners: The New Day
Rating: **
Match 2: Divas Championship - Nikki Bella (c) vs. Naomi vs. Paige
Finally switching things up in the Divas division with a triple threat match. Hey! At least we get something else other than our typical singles match that pretty much is a carbon copy every week. Some pretty decent action from the three but still sluggish in a lot of areas that it just made things difficult to really sink my teeth into. Bella retains the title as she hits her Rack Attack finisher for the win.
Winner: Nikki Bella
Rating: *
Match 3: John Cena vs. Kevin Owens
As I review Extreme Rules from 2014, I recall mentioning that it felt impossible to believe that The Shield defeated Evolution. The same can easily be said here, it feels impossible to believe that Mr. Wrestling is taking on John Cena on a PPV in his first WWE match. Kevin Owens made a huge debut on an edition of Raw when the NXT Champion answered John Cena's open invitational. Crowd is hot for this one and that includes Owens, who was only introduced to the WWE audience a few weeks ago. I had no doubt in my mind that this was the match to steal the show. I was right. Back and fourth match that had the crowd on the tips of their toes. WWE looks to be really behind Owens, especially considering how much offense he was able to put upon Cena who sold his moves accordingly. Owens even kicked out of an Attitude Adjustment! Owens managed to hit his Powerbomb and score the incredible victory over the face of the WWE. Triple H definitely likes this Owens guy. Awesome match that made me feel like I was watching ROH on a WWE scale. What an amazing story, an amazing journey. Truly living the dream, truly working his ass off, an inspiration to anyone who enjoys this sport. Let's see where the rest of this story takes us...
Winner: Kevin Owens
Rating: ****1/4
Match 4: Bo Dallas vs. Neville
These guys definitely have their hands full as the vibe of the audience is completely different following the last match. Bo Dallas isn't the best guy to get a crowd on their feet but with Neville around, fun things are bound to happen. The commentators are quick to point out the NXT influence upon the show but quickly change the subject to random talk as the crowd and the match have been completely deflated. Even still, I enjoyed the action in the ring and do like Bo Dallas as a snarky heel. In the end, Neville hits his beautiful Red Arrow to score the easy victory. Decent match to separate the last match and the Elimination Chamber match after this.
Winner: Neville
Rating: **
Match 5: Intercontinental Championship - Elimination Chamber - Mark Henry vs. Sheamus vs. R-Truth vs. Ryback vs. King Barrett vs. Dolph Ziggler
This is the second Elimination Chamber match of the night and for the first time ever, this is for the vacant Intercontinental Championship. Rusev was scheduled to take part in the match but due to injury, he is not in this match. That somewhat takes out a different layer to the match. Things start with both King Barrett and Dolph Ziggler with Barrett getting the better of the exchange. Crowd is completely dead for this match, WWE should reconsider coming back to this arena. Sheamus is the last person to enter the match but purposely jams the door with his cross necklace. Once he enters, he looks to be in control before the tides change. However, he remains in the final three with both Ryback and Dolph Ziggler. After Ziggler gets eliminated, it is down to Ryback and Sheamus. The two go at it before Ryback hits a Shell Shocked for the win. Nice exchange but Sheamus put some heavy damage on Ryback but Ryback hardly sold anything once he scored the pin. Afterwards, Daniel Bryan gets in the ring and congratulates The Ryback. Despite the terrible, terrible crowd, the match was good. But it lacked build and any real intrigue from the audience. The Chamber needs to have a better reason to take place, not just six guys beating up each other on a two weeks notice.
Winner: Ryback
Rating: ***1/4
Match 6: WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Seth Rollins (c) vs. Dean Ambrose
Two former Shield brothers collide as the richest prize in the business is on the line. Before the match, Triple H made it clear to Roman Reigns that any interference from him would lead to a disqualification. This was a fun roller coaster of a match, their chemistry together is simply off the charts. Seth Rollins was booked like a real champ here and didn't have to resort much to help from J & J Security or Kane who were all by his side. It's pretty amazing to see how the company has evolved, who would have thought that these two would be the main event of a special event a few years ago? This felt like they were wrestling their style of match on a WWE platform, it felt like I was watching a Ring of Honor match with all the counters and innovative spots. The ending saw Rollins pull the referee in the way of Dean Ambrose flying off the top rope. However, Ambrose was able to hit his Dirty Deeds DDT to score the win as another referee came to make the count. The call was overruled when the referee that was hit by Ambrose made the disqualification call. Ambrose wins by disqualification, Rollins retains. The look on the face of Rollins was absolutely priceless. Ambrose doesn't want to give up the belt and gets ambushed before Roman Reigns comes out to make the save as they both leave together through the crowd as Ambrose carries the belt with him. The ending felt more like an ending to Monday Night Raw more than anything. I'm not a fan of these types of finishes but if they were ever to pull off this type of finish, I guess this would be the match. Despite the wonky finish, I still really enjoyed this match.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
Rating: ****
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
This was a tough event to score. On one hand, you had a couple really good matches but on the other, it never really felt like a special event and with the crowd being really dead, it never seemed to get out of first gear. However, it wouldn't hurt for anyone to check out the Cena vs. Owens match or even the main event. It's just so hard to build a show like this in two weeks and to think that Money in the Bank is only two weeks away from this show is pretty staggering. It's a definite oversaturation of a product.
Rating: 6.25/10
Sunday, November 15, 2015
WWE Survivor Series 2007 Review
Match 1: ECW Championship - CM Punk (c) vs. John Morrison vs. The Miz
Somewhere along in my life, I feel like I have reviewed this match and maybe even this entire event. Nonetheless, here I am as I dive into 2007, my freshman year of high school and give you guys my thoughts on this show. This is one of my favorite WWECW matches of all time. It wasn't the best match from a technical standpoint but it delivered on so many different levels. This was the perfect spot for this match on the card, any other spot and this match would have gone completely forgotten. There was never a dull moment as John Morrison teamed with The Miz to eliminate CM Punk before they eventually threw the plans out the window and things turned into a legit triple threat match. They had some really creative spots and the Miami crowd was really into the action, a rarity in 2007 for most ECW Championship matches. Punk scored the win after hitting Miz with the GTS. Would have loved for this match to have gone a little bit longer but it was great for what it was. Punk finally scores another credible PPV win.
Winner: CM Punk
Rating: ***1/2
Match 2: Traditional Survivor Series Elimination - Team Mickie James (Mickie James, Maria, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool & Kelly Kelly) vs. Team Beth Phoenix (Beth Phoenix, Jillian, Melina, Victoria & Layla)
This is the first Traditional Survivor Series match to feature ten Divas since 1997 and thankfully, it's a sudden death situation. Meaning, no eliminations as the first pin scores the win for the team. You get your typical Divas fun with everybody coming in at the very end to get in their offense as Mickie James was left alone in the ring with Melina. James plants a kiss on Melina and kicks her to score the win. Better than expected but what could you really say about a match that was this short?
Winners: Team Mickie James
Rating: *1/4
Match 3: World Tag Team Championships - Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch (c) Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly
I always liked the pair of Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch, it oddly worked and their gimmick was pretty over. The established champs took on the team of the veteran in Hardcore Holly and the rookie in Cody Rhodes. Just a basic tag team match that featured some slow action but more importantly, got both teams over with the audience. Cade & Murdoch continued to look like a well-oiled machine while the audience gets to know the new team of Rhodes & Holly. Murdoch scored the pin over Rhodes in a pretty cool flipping sit-out powerbomb. Holly looked disappointed in Rhodes afterwards but still gave him a pat on the side for his efforts.
Winners: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Rating: *1/4
Match 4: Traditional Survivor Series Elimination - Team Triple H (Triple H, Kane, Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio) vs. Team Umaga (Umaga, Mr. Kennedy, MVP, Finlay & Big Daddy V)
It is now 2015, count how many guys in this match are still in the WWE. Unfortunately, two of them have passed away. Matt Hardy was also scheduled to be in this match before MVP took him out on an edition of SmackDown which then made this match a 5 vs. 4 situation. Team Triple H found themselves in a pickle as Kane was eliminated first and soon after, so was Rey Mysterio via Umaga. It's down to Triple H & Jeff Hardy against the entire Team Umaga. One by one, Triple H & Hardy narrow it down until it is finally only Umaga remaining. Hardy hits his Swanton Bomb and seals the win for his team. This is what Survivor Series is all about, this was a great Tradition Survivor Series match that showcased the correlating feuds and got nearly everyone over pretty nicely. Sure, Triple H & Jeff Hardy eliminated the entire Team Umaga, it made sense to the story. The guys from Team Umaga looked like dominant heels and when it came down to it, the two main faces rose to the occasion and Hardy got the big rub. Got to love Survivor Series!
Winners: Team Triple H
Rating: ***3/4
Match 5: Hornswoggle vs. The Great Khali
Vince McMahon tells Hornswoggle that he book him in a match against The Great Khali because Hornswoggle is a McMahon and must defy the odds. Shane McMahon makes an appearance to side with little Horny. Hornswoggle takes off his playful attire and looks ready to fight before Khali swats him away to the dismay of Shane. Finlay then runs out to make the save and beats down Khali as Vince is now the one to look in dismay. The McMahons walk away after as Vince has a subtle, yet pissed look in his face. Don't even know where to start with that. Why exactly did this have to be on PPV? At least it didn't eat up that much time.
Winner: n/a
Rating: n/a
Match 6: WWE Championship - Randy Orton (c) vs. Shawn Michaels
I gave this match **** back in the day so let's see how that score holds up. If Shawn Michaels uses the Sweet Chin Music, he will be disqualified from the match and will no longer be able to challenge for the WWE Championship against Randy Orton. However, an Orton disqualification will lead to the title switching hands. Pretty odd stipulations but if anyone can make it work, it's HBK. Guess what, he made it work. The two were forced to build the match around these stipulations so there was more technical wrestling than what we are accustomed to seeing. The legendary Jim Ross was brilliant in making that aware to the audience. Michaels brought some fancy tricks out of the bag like the controversial sharpshooter, the controversial crossface, and the always controversial ankle lock. See the pattern here? Every different submission added a new layer and new dimension to the match and Orton looked like he had no counter for them. But ultimately, it was Michaels' instincts that led him to his downfall when he was ready to hit the Sweet Chin Music, he cocked it back and got nailed with an RKO. Orton then taunts Michaels afterwards before Michaels finally plants one on the jaw to Orton who sells it brilliantly. Great WWE Championship match and Orton gets a cool win over Michaels on a big stage in Survivor Series, even with the odd stipulations. The **** holds but it could have been more if they stretched it out a couple minutes or so.
Winner: Randy Orton
Rating: ****
Match 7: World Heavyweight Championship - Hell in a Cell - Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker
2007's best and most epic rivalry comes to a conclusion inside Hell in a Cell. They each have a win under their belts along with two draws, this is the rubber match. Even in 2015, this match holds up as one of my personal favorites in Survivor Series history. You could feel the hate between the two and everything was spaced out perfectly. While the crowd could have been livelier, it didn't detract me from the action in the ring as both men were on the top of their games respectively. Everything action done was done with purpose, no wasted spots or motions from the two. They emphasized how brutal the structure was early on as the blood flowed hard. The Undertaker driving Batista's neck with a steel chair onto the steel steps and Batista smashing Undertaker's head in with the steel steps were both sights to be seen. Every fall felt like it could have been the legit finish and when Batista wasn't able to finish off Undertaker with a Batista Bomb through a table, things got even more interesting. Batista later kicked out of a Tombstone and when Undertaker hit another one, Edge appeared out of nowhere disguised as a cameraman. He hit a shocked Undertaker with the camera and then hit his famous Con-Chair-To before lifting Batista's lifeless body onto Undertaker's lifeless body where he forced the referee to make the count. Batista retains. Afterwards, Edge smashes Undertaker's face in with a steel chair to close out the night. What. A. War. An incredible end to their rivalry which ultimately got overshadowed by the return of Edge. While this match could have done without Edge, his return still added another layer to this contest. Regardless, this was the ultimate main event for the night and maybe even for the entire year.
Winner: Batista
Rating: ****1/2
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
Far and away one of my favorite Survivor Series shows of all time. There was no John Cena but the WWE had more than enough star power here to push it over the edge. From the opening match, to the Team Triple H vs. Team Umaga match, to the WWE Championship and to the main event, this was a great show and definitely one that tends to get overlooked.
Rating: 9/10
Somewhere along in my life, I feel like I have reviewed this match and maybe even this entire event. Nonetheless, here I am as I dive into 2007, my freshman year of high school and give you guys my thoughts on this show. This is one of my favorite WWECW matches of all time. It wasn't the best match from a technical standpoint but it delivered on so many different levels. This was the perfect spot for this match on the card, any other spot and this match would have gone completely forgotten. There was never a dull moment as John Morrison teamed with The Miz to eliminate CM Punk before they eventually threw the plans out the window and things turned into a legit triple threat match. They had some really creative spots and the Miami crowd was really into the action, a rarity in 2007 for most ECW Championship matches. Punk scored the win after hitting Miz with the GTS. Would have loved for this match to have gone a little bit longer but it was great for what it was. Punk finally scores another credible PPV win.
Winner: CM Punk
Rating: ***1/2
Match 2: Traditional Survivor Series Elimination - Team Mickie James (Mickie James, Maria, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool & Kelly Kelly) vs. Team Beth Phoenix (Beth Phoenix, Jillian, Melina, Victoria & Layla)
This is the first Traditional Survivor Series match to feature ten Divas since 1997 and thankfully, it's a sudden death situation. Meaning, no eliminations as the first pin scores the win for the team. You get your typical Divas fun with everybody coming in at the very end to get in their offense as Mickie James was left alone in the ring with Melina. James plants a kiss on Melina and kicks her to score the win. Better than expected but what could you really say about a match that was this short?
Winners: Team Mickie James
Rating: *1/4
Match 3: World Tag Team Championships - Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch (c) Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly
I always liked the pair of Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch, it oddly worked and their gimmick was pretty over. The established champs took on the team of the veteran in Hardcore Holly and the rookie in Cody Rhodes. Just a basic tag team match that featured some slow action but more importantly, got both teams over with the audience. Cade & Murdoch continued to look like a well-oiled machine while the audience gets to know the new team of Rhodes & Holly. Murdoch scored the pin over Rhodes in a pretty cool flipping sit-out powerbomb. Holly looked disappointed in Rhodes afterwards but still gave him a pat on the side for his efforts.
Winners: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Rating: *1/4
Match 4: Traditional Survivor Series Elimination - Team Triple H (Triple H, Kane, Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio) vs. Team Umaga (Umaga, Mr. Kennedy, MVP, Finlay & Big Daddy V)
It is now 2015, count how many guys in this match are still in the WWE. Unfortunately, two of them have passed away. Matt Hardy was also scheduled to be in this match before MVP took him out on an edition of SmackDown which then made this match a 5 vs. 4 situation. Team Triple H found themselves in a pickle as Kane was eliminated first and soon after, so was Rey Mysterio via Umaga. It's down to Triple H & Jeff Hardy against the entire Team Umaga. One by one, Triple H & Hardy narrow it down until it is finally only Umaga remaining. Hardy hits his Swanton Bomb and seals the win for his team. This is what Survivor Series is all about, this was a great Tradition Survivor Series match that showcased the correlating feuds and got nearly everyone over pretty nicely. Sure, Triple H & Jeff Hardy eliminated the entire Team Umaga, it made sense to the story. The guys from Team Umaga looked like dominant heels and when it came down to it, the two main faces rose to the occasion and Hardy got the big rub. Got to love Survivor Series!
Winners: Team Triple H
Rating: ***3/4
Match 5: Hornswoggle vs. The Great Khali
Vince McMahon tells Hornswoggle that he book him in a match against The Great Khali because Hornswoggle is a McMahon and must defy the odds. Shane McMahon makes an appearance to side with little Horny. Hornswoggle takes off his playful attire and looks ready to fight before Khali swats him away to the dismay of Shane. Finlay then runs out to make the save and beats down Khali as Vince is now the one to look in dismay. The McMahons walk away after as Vince has a subtle, yet pissed look in his face. Don't even know where to start with that. Why exactly did this have to be on PPV? At least it didn't eat up that much time.
Winner: n/a
Rating: n/a
Match 6: WWE Championship - Randy Orton (c) vs. Shawn Michaels
I gave this match **** back in the day so let's see how that score holds up. If Shawn Michaels uses the Sweet Chin Music, he will be disqualified from the match and will no longer be able to challenge for the WWE Championship against Randy Orton. However, an Orton disqualification will lead to the title switching hands. Pretty odd stipulations but if anyone can make it work, it's HBK. Guess what, he made it work. The two were forced to build the match around these stipulations so there was more technical wrestling than what we are accustomed to seeing. The legendary Jim Ross was brilliant in making that aware to the audience. Michaels brought some fancy tricks out of the bag like the controversial sharpshooter, the controversial crossface, and the always controversial ankle lock. See the pattern here? Every different submission added a new layer and new dimension to the match and Orton looked like he had no counter for them. But ultimately, it was Michaels' instincts that led him to his downfall when he was ready to hit the Sweet Chin Music, he cocked it back and got nailed with an RKO. Orton then taunts Michaels afterwards before Michaels finally plants one on the jaw to Orton who sells it brilliantly. Great WWE Championship match and Orton gets a cool win over Michaels on a big stage in Survivor Series, even with the odd stipulations. The **** holds but it could have been more if they stretched it out a couple minutes or so.
Winner: Randy Orton
Rating: ****
Match 7: World Heavyweight Championship - Hell in a Cell - Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker
2007's best and most epic rivalry comes to a conclusion inside Hell in a Cell. They each have a win under their belts along with two draws, this is the rubber match. Even in 2015, this match holds up as one of my personal favorites in Survivor Series history. You could feel the hate between the two and everything was spaced out perfectly. While the crowd could have been livelier, it didn't detract me from the action in the ring as both men were on the top of their games respectively. Everything action done was done with purpose, no wasted spots or motions from the two. They emphasized how brutal the structure was early on as the blood flowed hard. The Undertaker driving Batista's neck with a steel chair onto the steel steps and Batista smashing Undertaker's head in with the steel steps were both sights to be seen. Every fall felt like it could have been the legit finish and when Batista wasn't able to finish off Undertaker with a Batista Bomb through a table, things got even more interesting. Batista later kicked out of a Tombstone and when Undertaker hit another one, Edge appeared out of nowhere disguised as a cameraman. He hit a shocked Undertaker with the camera and then hit his famous Con-Chair-To before lifting Batista's lifeless body onto Undertaker's lifeless body where he forced the referee to make the count. Batista retains. Afterwards, Edge smashes Undertaker's face in with a steel chair to close out the night. What. A. War. An incredible end to their rivalry which ultimately got overshadowed by the return of Edge. While this match could have done without Edge, his return still added another layer to this contest. Regardless, this was the ultimate main event for the night and maybe even for the entire year.
Winner: Batista
Rating: ****1/2
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
Far and away one of my favorite Survivor Series shows of all time. There was no John Cena but the WWE had more than enough star power here to push it over the edge. From the opening match, to the Team Triple H vs. Team Umaga match, to the WWE Championship and to the main event, this was a great show and definitely one that tends to get overlooked.
Rating: 9/10
Sunday, November 8, 2015
WWE Hell in a Cell 2015 Review
Match 1: United States Championship - John Cena (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio
As John Cena opens up the show, he is joined by a returning Zeb Colter. Colter introduces his opponent, Alberto Del Rio! The Los Angeles crowd loves this as Del Rio looks to be in fantastic shape and walks down to the ring with his classic theme song in the background. I've missed this guy. Michael Cole does a fantastic job of introducing Del Rio to the newer audience by reminiscing about his past accomplishments along with his finishing submission, the cross armbreaker which put both Rey Mysterio and Christian on the shelf. Really good exchanges from the two here with Del Rio looking like he hasn't lost a beat. Almost forgot how good this guy is as a heel, toying with the crowd with whatever chance he gets. He's so calculating and so full of himself. Cena looked to score the win with an Attitude Adjustment before Del Rio was able to escape and eventually hit Cena with a kick to the face for the clean win! Wow. Just wow. The fact that Del Rio is back was a headline in itself. But for him to win cleanly over John Cena? Speechless. As a Del Rio fan, I could not be more excited to have him back and cannot wait to see how the WWE books him in the upcoming months leading to WrestleMania. With that being said, it was a great match that really could have used a few more minutes. Is this the third time these guys are going up against each other at this event?
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Rating: ***
Match 2: Hell in a Cell - Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns
Still not a fan of seeing a Hell in a Cell match so early on a card, especially when this feud doesn't really have the hot feud for it. But this is a new era and those days of bloody Hell in a Cell matches are behind us, something I still need to accept. It's difficult to really understand why two guys are engaging inside the cell when the offense is so limited. They used plenty of tables and kendo sticks and while it was a pretty cool scene, it was nothing really spectacular. I applaud them for trying to do some creative spots like the Spear through the table off the apron or setting up the sticks in the corner of the ring. However, I just wasn't able to truly feel the hate and the emotion that this feud was supposedly set over. Ending scene saw Roman Reigns drive Bray Wyatt through a kendo stick stuck in the corner before hitting a Spear for the victory.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Rating: ***1/2
Match 3: WWE Tag Team Championships - The New Day (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz
The Dudley Boyz look to hit double digits and win the gold over The New Day who don't have Xavier Woods at ringside. Although The Dudley Boyz have only recently made their return, but it feels like we've seen this bout countless times already. The crowd feels the same as they were pretty quiet throughout the contest. Action was good but nothing we haven't seen before and as much as I love The Dudley Boyz, their act is getting pretty old. Big E clobbers Bubba Ray with the trombone before Kofi Kingston is able to hit Trouble in Paradise for the win as they hold on to the gold for another day. The New Day is as over as it gets! And I love it!
Winners: The New Day
Rating: **
Match 4: Divas Championship - Charlotte (c) vs. Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella attempts to restart another reign as champion against Charlotte Flair with anybody and everybody being banned from ringside. As much as the internet loves to hate on Nikki & Brie Bella, there is no denying how much they have improved in the ring. This match is a prime example of how good these girls can be when given the right time and stage to perform. While it wasn't fluid for the entirety of the match, they still managed to put on a great show with some minor miscues here and there. We even got to see a spectacular reversal from Charlotte off the top rope along with a sick Alabama Slam from Nikki on the ring apron. They even added some psychology to the match with Nikki working on Charlotte's back to help neutralize the Figure Eight. And guess what, it worked! Charlotte was unable to lock it in on her first attempt but after a second try, she was able to lock it in for the win. Great match, one of the better Divas matches you will come across.
Winner: Charlotte
Rating: ***1/4
Match 5: WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Seth Rollins (c) vs. Kane
While the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, as is the career of Corporate Kane. Personally, I've been really enjoying Kane's role in the suit and am pretty disappointed to see that role of his go away. I know, I am probably the only guy who will say that. As for the match, it was exactly what you would expect from the two. Good action with a couple cool spots but nothing out of the ordinary or nothing we haven't seen from them before. This seems to be the flavor of WWE events. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the match because I did but there was no way I believed Kane would be the one to dethrone Seth Rollins and quite frankly, nobody in the crowd seemed excited to see this match. Rollins is able to land a couple slingshot knees to Kane's face along with a couple kicks to the face before hitting the Pedigree for the win. Still odd to see Rollins use that as his finisher. Regardless, the announcers hardly discussed how Corporate Kane is now relieved of his duties as they quickly put their focus elsewhere.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Rating: ***
Match 6: Intercontinental Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs. Ryback
Is anyone else tired of Ryback as much as I am? He gets his rematch for the Intercontinental Championship here against Kevin Owens and the crowd rallies for Owens to win throughout. I admire Ryback's ambition and love for the business but his character is so one-dimensional and repetitive. Owens is fresh and makes Ryback seem like a distant memory with his style of wrestling not really adapting well to today's audience. This match is a perfect example, the Los Angeles crowd was much hotter for Owens while they hardly even reacted to Ryback's moves or taunts. Owens lands a poke to the eye before hitting his finisher to retain in a very quick match before the main event.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Rating: *1/2
Match 7: Hell in a Cell - Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
This is it, the ultimate culmination for one of WWE's biggest feuds in history. Brock Lesnar is undoubtedly The Undertaker's biggest foe and they finally clash one last time in the main event inside the confines of Hell in a Cell. Nobody in the business is better than letting the audience feel the intensity in the ring more than more so than these guys. Off the bat, they just went at it before bringing in the steel chair as Lesnar swung that thing like a madman. One of the shots he landed on Undertaker outside the ring looked so nasty, it was awesome. Lesnar got cut pretty badly when Undertaker shoved Lesnar into one of the posts, blood began to easily poor out of Lesnar's forehead as he most definitely got cut the hard way. A trainer was sent to the ring to check on Lesnar who quickly shoved the trainer away before hitting Undertaker with an F5. This is where the pace really picked up, some cool exchanges between the two before the ring mat was exposed to the wood beneath it as Lesnar hit a low blow and another F5 to secure the win. The Wyatt Family then came out and delivered another beating towards The Undertaker before carrying him out. Great main event match that really didn't exceed any expectations. Even still, the match was one of the more violent PG matches you will come across in 2015 with the right man getting the win. I understand that they want to build The Undertaker's next feud, but I feel like seeing The Wyatt Family beat down The Undertaker on the next night's Raw would have been better. I would rather have seen Undertaker walk to the back on his own terms while leaving the crowd in awe of what had just transpired. It's also really interesting to see where they go with Lesnar now as WrestleMania season approaches.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Rating: ****1/4
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
The conclusion to Brock Lesnar's Go to Hell Tour was a success. A great show that featured a couple great Hell in a Cell matches along with the return of Alberto Del Rio! Definitely one of WWE's better offerings in a long time. Check out the main event!
Rating: 8/10
As John Cena opens up the show, he is joined by a returning Zeb Colter. Colter introduces his opponent, Alberto Del Rio! The Los Angeles crowd loves this as Del Rio looks to be in fantastic shape and walks down to the ring with his classic theme song in the background. I've missed this guy. Michael Cole does a fantastic job of introducing Del Rio to the newer audience by reminiscing about his past accomplishments along with his finishing submission, the cross armbreaker which put both Rey Mysterio and Christian on the shelf. Really good exchanges from the two here with Del Rio looking like he hasn't lost a beat. Almost forgot how good this guy is as a heel, toying with the crowd with whatever chance he gets. He's so calculating and so full of himself. Cena looked to score the win with an Attitude Adjustment before Del Rio was able to escape and eventually hit Cena with a kick to the face for the clean win! Wow. Just wow. The fact that Del Rio is back was a headline in itself. But for him to win cleanly over John Cena? Speechless. As a Del Rio fan, I could not be more excited to have him back and cannot wait to see how the WWE books him in the upcoming months leading to WrestleMania. With that being said, it was a great match that really could have used a few more minutes. Is this the third time these guys are going up against each other at this event?
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Rating: ***
Match 2: Hell in a Cell - Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns
Still not a fan of seeing a Hell in a Cell match so early on a card, especially when this feud doesn't really have the hot feud for it. But this is a new era and those days of bloody Hell in a Cell matches are behind us, something I still need to accept. It's difficult to really understand why two guys are engaging inside the cell when the offense is so limited. They used plenty of tables and kendo sticks and while it was a pretty cool scene, it was nothing really spectacular. I applaud them for trying to do some creative spots like the Spear through the table off the apron or setting up the sticks in the corner of the ring. However, I just wasn't able to truly feel the hate and the emotion that this feud was supposedly set over. Ending scene saw Roman Reigns drive Bray Wyatt through a kendo stick stuck in the corner before hitting a Spear for the victory.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Rating: ***1/2
Match 3: WWE Tag Team Championships - The New Day (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz
The Dudley Boyz look to hit double digits and win the gold over The New Day who don't have Xavier Woods at ringside. Although The Dudley Boyz have only recently made their return, but it feels like we've seen this bout countless times already. The crowd feels the same as they were pretty quiet throughout the contest. Action was good but nothing we haven't seen before and as much as I love The Dudley Boyz, their act is getting pretty old. Big E clobbers Bubba Ray with the trombone before Kofi Kingston is able to hit Trouble in Paradise for the win as they hold on to the gold for another day. The New Day is as over as it gets! And I love it!
Winners: The New Day
Rating: **
Match 4: Divas Championship - Charlotte (c) vs. Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella attempts to restart another reign as champion against Charlotte Flair with anybody and everybody being banned from ringside. As much as the internet loves to hate on Nikki & Brie Bella, there is no denying how much they have improved in the ring. This match is a prime example of how good these girls can be when given the right time and stage to perform. While it wasn't fluid for the entirety of the match, they still managed to put on a great show with some minor miscues here and there. We even got to see a spectacular reversal from Charlotte off the top rope along with a sick Alabama Slam from Nikki on the ring apron. They even added some psychology to the match with Nikki working on Charlotte's back to help neutralize the Figure Eight. And guess what, it worked! Charlotte was unable to lock it in on her first attempt but after a second try, she was able to lock it in for the win. Great match, one of the better Divas matches you will come across.
Winner: Charlotte
Rating: ***1/4
Match 5: WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Seth Rollins (c) vs. Kane
While the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, as is the career of Corporate Kane. Personally, I've been really enjoying Kane's role in the suit and am pretty disappointed to see that role of his go away. I know, I am probably the only guy who will say that. As for the match, it was exactly what you would expect from the two. Good action with a couple cool spots but nothing out of the ordinary or nothing we haven't seen from them before. This seems to be the flavor of WWE events. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the match because I did but there was no way I believed Kane would be the one to dethrone Seth Rollins and quite frankly, nobody in the crowd seemed excited to see this match. Rollins is able to land a couple slingshot knees to Kane's face along with a couple kicks to the face before hitting the Pedigree for the win. Still odd to see Rollins use that as his finisher. Regardless, the announcers hardly discussed how Corporate Kane is now relieved of his duties as they quickly put their focus elsewhere.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Rating: ***
Match 6: Intercontinental Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs. Ryback
Is anyone else tired of Ryback as much as I am? He gets his rematch for the Intercontinental Championship here against Kevin Owens and the crowd rallies for Owens to win throughout. I admire Ryback's ambition and love for the business but his character is so one-dimensional and repetitive. Owens is fresh and makes Ryback seem like a distant memory with his style of wrestling not really adapting well to today's audience. This match is a perfect example, the Los Angeles crowd was much hotter for Owens while they hardly even reacted to Ryback's moves or taunts. Owens lands a poke to the eye before hitting his finisher to retain in a very quick match before the main event.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Rating: *1/2
Match 7: Hell in a Cell - Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
This is it, the ultimate culmination for one of WWE's biggest feuds in history. Brock Lesnar is undoubtedly The Undertaker's biggest foe and they finally clash one last time in the main event inside the confines of Hell in a Cell. Nobody in the business is better than letting the audience feel the intensity in the ring more than more so than these guys. Off the bat, they just went at it before bringing in the steel chair as Lesnar swung that thing like a madman. One of the shots he landed on Undertaker outside the ring looked so nasty, it was awesome. Lesnar got cut pretty badly when Undertaker shoved Lesnar into one of the posts, blood began to easily poor out of Lesnar's forehead as he most definitely got cut the hard way. A trainer was sent to the ring to check on Lesnar who quickly shoved the trainer away before hitting Undertaker with an F5. This is where the pace really picked up, some cool exchanges between the two before the ring mat was exposed to the wood beneath it as Lesnar hit a low blow and another F5 to secure the win. The Wyatt Family then came out and delivered another beating towards The Undertaker before carrying him out. Great main event match that really didn't exceed any expectations. Even still, the match was one of the more violent PG matches you will come across in 2015 with the right man getting the win. I understand that they want to build The Undertaker's next feud, but I feel like seeing The Wyatt Family beat down The Undertaker on the next night's Raw would have been better. I would rather have seen Undertaker walk to the back on his own terms while leaving the crowd in awe of what had just transpired. It's also really interesting to see where they go with Lesnar now as WrestleMania season approaches.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Rating: ****1/4
Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
The conclusion to Brock Lesnar's Go to Hell Tour was a success. A great show that featured a couple great Hell in a Cell matches along with the return of Alberto Del Rio! Definitely one of WWE's better offerings in a long time. Check out the main event!
Rating: 8/10
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