The Unthinkable Has Happened: Review of WWE Survivor Series 2010

Hello everybody.  Just a few things I want to say before you read this review.  Personally, I really wanted to have the return of The Silverdome Match of the Week today, but with all that has gone on these last two days I did not feel up to it.  Also I did not want to rush the article out and not have it up to the quality I and you expect of it.  Since Survivor Series is a few weeks away, I thought why not put up the review I wrote for last years' Survivor Series show with a few edits.  So I hope you all enjoy.

Ever since he won the WWE Championship in 2005, one man has been synonymous with the WWE.  Just like Stone Cold Steve Austin before him, he became the face of the largest wrestling company in the world, the WWE.  That man is John Cena and he was“fired” from the WWE as per the stipulation of the main event of Survivor Series.  Even with this event all being one big storyline, WWE did a phenomenal job of making it look like Cena was legitimately fired.  It is so interesting to see how WWE creative plays with the fact that their biggest superstar has been “fired”.  Hopefully the WWE does not bring Cena back every week or so as a fan in the crowd because that would sadly ruin the illusion that the WWE strived so hard to set up. 

Along with one big moment to end the show, WWE surprisingly put on a good show in Survivor Series 2010.  It has taken quite awhile for the WWE put on another good PPV.  The top half of the Survivor Series card was very strong with some really competitive contests between some of the most talented superstars WWE has.  The bottom half was not as impressive as the top half, but still was quite enjoyable nonetheless.  This was one PPV that this writer would strongly suggest wrestling fans go out of their way to watch especially for the great moment at the very end of the PPV. 

Daniel Bryan def. Ted DiBiase by submission to retain the U.S. Championship

Rating:  8.5/10

John Morrison def. Sheamus

Rating:  8/10

Dolph Ziggler def. Kaval to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Rating:  7/10

Team Mysterio (Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Chris Master, Big Show and MVP) def. Team Del Rio (Alberto Del Rio, Tyler Reks, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes) in a Traditional Survivor Series Match

Rating:  9/10

Natalya def. LayCool (Michelle McCool & Layla) in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match to win the WWE Diva’s Championship

Rating:  5/10

Kane fought Edge to a draw –Kane retains the World Heavyweight Championship

Rating:  7/10

Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater def. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship

Rating:  6/10

Randy Orton def. Wade Barrett with John Cena as Special Guest Referee to retain the WWE Championship and as a result Cena is fired from the WWE

Rating:  7.5/10

Overall, WWE Survivor Series was a good PPV.  Even though the main event between Randy Orton and Wade Barrett was very anti-climactic, the moment after the match ended was stunning.  John Cena made his supposed final goodbyes to the fans and to the WWE crew out at ringside.  This moment made the fact that John Cena was “fired” seem that more believable and real; great job on WWE’s part there.  The show was very top heavy, but still enjoyable enough for me to recommend you go check it out.  My overall rating for WWE Survivor Series 2010 is 7.5 out of 10.

Vengeful Sunday: Preview of WWE Vengeance 2011

Violence and big egos are the lifeblood in the WWE.  With all the fighting, arguments and big messy disagreements that go on a daily basis, it is common for some to hold grudges.  It is common for others to remember past transgressions and wrongdoings.  It is very common for wrestlers to seek vengeance.

Welcome back, WWE Vengeance!  For fans that do not know or cannot remember, Vengeance use to be the PPV at the end of June before it was replaced by Night of Champions back in 2008.  Vengeance has returned and now takes the place of Bragging Rights.  Bragging Rights had one great concept as the whole PPV revolved around a competition between Raw and Smackdown to determine who the best brand in the WWE was.  The only thing wrong about the PPV was where it was positioned on WWE’s PPV schedule.  If it took place in May, it would be perfect, but it took place right before Survivor Series.  Survivor Series has always been known for its traditional 8 to 10 Men Elimination Tag Team Matches, the same match that was pivot on the Bragging Rights card.  In short, Bragging Rights overshadowed Survivor Series and here we are.  Considering this show is the third PPV that has taken place within a months’ time, hopes are not high.  If the WWE got rid of Hell in a Cell a had five weeks to build Vengeance, this writer along with many others would not feel so burnt out.  There has no rest for the wicked and no rest for some dedicated wrestling pockets.  Top to bottom the card looks solid and given more time to build storylines and feuds between PPVs, I personally believe people would be more excited for Vengeance.  Given the situation we in right here right now, people just want to get to Survivor Series as soon as possible.

Air Boom (c) vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Tag Team Championship

We saw this match placed on Hell in a Cell at the very last minute.  From what this writer heard, it was pretty good.  So it would be wise to expect more of the same here.  It is nice that the WWE is taking the Tag Team Division a little more seriously, but I thought crowning Air Boom tag champs meant a dawn of a new Tag Team Division in the WWE.  Personally, this writer believes that Air Boom should still be feuding with Awesome Truth.  That is a discussion for another day.  Swaggler (hope this name catches on) should provide a good challenge for Air Boom’s tag title reign, which should continue this Sunday and for many months to come.

Prediction:  Air Boom retains

Sheamus vs. Christian

I would be more invested in this match if it was a No. 1 Contender’s Match to determine the next superstar in line for the World Title.  Sadly it is not, so honestly why should we care?  Sheamus and Christian are excellent main event level talent, but WWE has not given us anything to elevate this rivalry above two guys who do not really like each one another.  If this rivalry meant more than Christian could possibly win this match to push another match at Survivor Series.  Unless the WWE adds some story this rivalry, expect Sheamus to beat Christian yet again, elevate his status on Smackdown and move on to bigger and hopefully better things.

Prediction:  Sheamus wins

Beth Phoenix (c) vs. Eve for the Diva’s Championship

It took so long to get this point with the Divas of Doom storyline that it almost fizzled out.  Beth should have won the Diva’s Title back at Night of Champions instead of Hell in a Cell.  Now that the title is on the Glamazon, Beth and Natalya have been making all the Barbie dolls scream and cry with their new and awesome submission hold, Pin Up Strong.  Now with Kelly stepping aside, it is time for Eve to challenge Beth for the title.  Considering that Eve can wrestle much better than most Divas, this match could be a pleasant surprise that will end with another Diva crying in pain courtesy of the Divas of Doom.

Prediction:  Beth Phoenix retains

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder for the U.S. Championship

36 weeks ago, Zack Ryder started the Youtube sensation known as Z! True Long Island Story.  36 weeks later with millions of fans support, Zack Ryder has his first one-on-one match on PPV for the United States Championship no less.  It is the perfect time to give the Woo Woo Woo Kid the singles title run he most rightfully deserves.  With Dolph Ziggler as his opponent, this match should be great showcase of the young talent in the WWE.

Prediction:  Zack Ryder wins the U.S. Championship

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes

It has been a long time since we have seen Randy Orton outside of a title match, it is very refreshing.  The WWE has paired with the perfect opponent in Cody Rhodes.  Cody and Randy have a history going back to their days as stable mates in Legacy and even as far as Cody’s debut back in 2007.  Since the implosion of Legacy, both men have changed, some more dramatic than others with Cody Rhodes.  Now after Orton inadvertently busting Rhodes open with the ring bell, both men are at each other’s necks.  Cody wants his revenge and Orton just wants pay Rhodes back for costing him the World Heavyweight Championship two weeks ago.  With all this pent-up anger, these two could possibly steal the show this Sunday.

Prediction:  Cody Rhodes wins

Triple H & CM Punk vs. Awesome Truth

There are so many ways that the WWE could of set-up this match and the Miz and R-Truth’s anticlimactic return two weeks ago was not it.  What was the whole point of them getting fired if a month later they would just be magically rehired?  In the week of build this match got, the WWE tried so very hard to make the Miz and Truth look like a threat to Triple H and CM Punk and failed miserably.  There is no way in a match without outside interference that the Miz and R-Truth would come close to beating Triple H Almighty and CM Punk.  This match will be worth it if and only if as a result of this match, the WWE reveals the person who has been pulling the strings in the WWE as of late at Vengeance or on the following Raw.

Prediction:  Triple H & CM Punk win

Mark Henry (c) vs. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship

Big Show is back and he wants his vengeance paid with the World Heavyweight Championship.  Upon his return, the World’s Largest Athlete has made an impact.  Big Show has laid out Mark Henry week after week and single-handedly proven that he is Henry’s biggest challenge yet as the World Heavyweight Champion.  A challenge that should bring the World’s Strongest Man to the brink and will show what kind of champion he really is.  The match itself might not be that good, but the rewards would be huge if Mark Henry wins (and he better win WWE).  A win will definitely catapult to the biggest monster on the WWE roster and prove that he is one of the most dominant World Champions in WWE history.

Prediction:  Mark Henry retains

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. John Cena in a Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship

After all that has gone on with the WWE Championship in the last four months, this writer has gone from completely interested to not even caring.  The WWE Title scene has become just as absurd as Booker T’s commentary, it is numbing.  The only purpose of this match should be to repair Alberto Del Rio’s main event status.  With Del Rio getting a decisive win over John Cena, the WWE could have the very lucky chance to reverse all the damage their short-sighted title change caused.  By the end of this Last Man Standing Match we will know for sure if the WWE really trusts that Alberto Del Rio can hold the WWE Championship.  If not, we are in for another reign of John Cena.  What a bummer that would be.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

Unfortunately the return of Vengeance happens after a long line of consecutive PPVs.  It is definitely nice to see an old PPV that you remember fondly return in this gimmick PPV ruled day and age.  If there was more time and more thought put into a lot of the hype and the feuds, this PPV could of standout.  At the end of the day, this writer along with many other wrestling fans are getting a little burnt out and sadly can care less about Vengeance.

Glory Bound: Quick Preview of TNA Bound for Glory 2011

In all honesty, this writer has missed a good chunk of the hype for TNA’s biggest PPV, Bound for Glory.  So much of my opinions for this show were made from the three episodes of Impact Wrestling that I watched and what I read online.  The overall impression is just more of the same from Total Nonsensical Action.  At least Sunday means the culmination of TNA’s biggest storylines from the past year meaning the possible disbanding of both Immortal and Fortune.  Seriously TNA needs to move on from these stale and meaningless factions.  With the start of new and completely fresh storylines and feuds, this writer is more excited to see what will happen this coming Thursday on Impact Wrestling than watch the end of a rather abysmal year from TNA.

Bound for Glory is TNA’s equivalent to WWE’s WrestleMania.  It is Total Nonstop Action’s biggest and most hyped show of the wrestling year.  Considering that most TNA PPVs get little to no hype, most hyped is not saying much.  Being the biggest PPV of the year, guess that means gimmicks galore for TNA.  Gimmick matches are great once or twice on a card or PPVs like Extreme Rules and Hardcore Justice, but a good half of the Bound for Glory card consists of gimmick matches.  There are only two plain singles matches on the card and TNA moved what was going to be the only tag match to the pre-show.  Shows how important the Tag Team Titles are to TNA, but I digress.  Much like WrestleMania is for the WWE, TNA is under an incredible amount of pressure to deliver with Bound for Glory.  If TNA does not deliver at least a good PPV, it could mean another nail in the coffin for this struggling company.

Austin Aries (c) vs. Brian Kendrick for the X Division Championship

Prediction:  Austin Aries retains

Samoa Joe vs. Crimson vs. Matt Morgan in a 3-Way Match

Prediction:  Crimson wins

Winter (c) vs. Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James vs. Velvet Sky in a 4-Way Match for the TNA Knockouts Championship

Prediction:  Velvet Sky wins the TNA Knockouts Championship

Mr. Anderson vs. Bully Ray in a Falls Count Anywhere Match

Prediction:  Mr. Anderson wins

Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn in a Full Metal Mayhem Match

Prediction:  Rob Van Dam wins

AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniel in an “I Quit” Match

Prediction:  Christopher Daniels wins

Hulk Hogan vs. Sting in a No DQ Match for Control of TNA

Prediction:  Sting wins & Dixie Carter regains control of TNA

Kurt Angle (c) vs. Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship

Prediction:  Bobby Roode wins the TNA World Heavyweight Championship

Bound for Glory is not your normal PPV.  It is TNA’s wrestling extravaganza.  Like every year before it, Total Nonstop Action has spared no expense, but there is one question lingering in the minds of most wrestling fans.  Can TNA really pull it off?  We will just have to see come this Sunday night when TNA Bound for Glory originates from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

A Summer Party for All: Review of WWE Summerslam 2011

One word sums up the ending of Summerslam, chaos.  After CM Punk emerged from the Undisputed WWE Championship match victorious, in controversial fashion nonetheless, a series of events took place that left many jaws dropped.  First, Kevin Nash, who has not been seen in the WWE since the Hall of Fame ceremony, jumped the guardrail and attacked the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion.  Nash hit a thunderous clothesline followed by an impactful Jackknife Powerbomb before being chased out of the arena by Triple H.  Then Alberto Del Rio made his way down to the ring with his Money in the Bank briefcase in tow ready to cash in.  With a step-up enzigiri and a pin, Del Rio’s long prophesized destiny was fulfilled as the Mexican Aristocrat left Summerslam with the WWE Championship.  It was ending that left fans shocked, confused and most importantly, eagerly anticipating the upcoming Monday Night Raw.  It was a perfect cliffhanger ending that WWE should do more of.

With all the chaos that ended Summerslam 2011, there was one thing you have to say about this show.  It was definitely fun a lot of fun to watch.  Not every match or every moment on this show was stellar, but they all came together to make one very enjoyable PPV.  The only horrible moment on this PPV was the music performance by Cee Lo Green.  You should watch it once just to see how horrible it was and how much the crowd in the Staples Center did not care.  Talking about the crowd in the Staples Center, they were amazing.  They were hot for every match on the card, which made watching the show that much more enjoyable.  Summerslam may not have been as magical as Money in the Bank, but no wrestling fan should miss this PPV. 

Rey Mysterio, John Morrison & Kofi Kingston def. Alberto Del Rio, The Miz & R-Truth

Rating:  8/10  

Mark Henry def. Sheamus by count-out

Rating:  6.5/10

Kelly Kelly def. Beth Phoenix to retain the Diva’s Championship

Rating:  7/10

Wade Barrett def. Daniel Bryan

Rating:  8.5/10

Randy Orton def. Christian in a No Holds Barred Match to win the World Heavyweight Championship

Rating:  9.5/10

CM Punk def. John Cena to become the Undisputed WWE Champion

Alberto Del Rio def. CM Punk to win the Undisputed WWE Championship after cashing in the Raw Money in the Bank briefcase

Rating:  9.5/10

All-in-all, WWE Summerslam 2011 was truly the Biggest Party of the Summer.  Just like Money in the Bank, Summerslam had amazing wrestling, an extremely hot audience and an excellently crafted cliffhanger that had fans eagerly anticipating the following Monday Night Raw.  It was a great way to cap off the incredible summer that the WWE had and it made us all eagerly anticipate if the WWE could continue it s success for the months to come.  So if you missed Summerslam or want to show your support for great wrestling, make sure to buy the DVD, which you can find on store shelves now.  The overall rating for WWE Summerslam 2011 is 8.5 out of 10.

Hell on Earth: Preview of WWE Hell in a Cell 2011

Here we are once again.  You might think that this writer seems like a broken record, but in all honesty I have to state what I feel.  Again the WWE has done a horrible job of building a PPV.  It might not be a surprise yet it has to be stated.  We are only two weeks removed from Night of Champions and the WWE has done close to nothing to convince fans to pay another forty to fifty dollars on a PPV. 

The WWE has announced five matches for the event and done little to build their importance on this card.  It would have been so much easier to have a three hour Raw with this exact card than have another PPV.  It would definitely give the WWE more time to build to their next PPV, Vengeance, which will be in three weeks time.  Also the WWE would not have to further tarnish the reputation of the once great Hell in a Cell match.  You cannot throw just any two competitors into that steel structure, the feud between those two superstars has to be worthy of the Cell.  The fans have to believe that these two superstars NEED to settle their differences in Hell in Cell.  Ever since the WWE started the Hell in a Cell PPV back in 2009, no feud has been worthy to be put in the Cell.  Not to say there were any good matches that took place in Hell in a Cell during the last two events, there has, but none of them have felt like they needed to be in Satan’s Structure.  At the moment, there is not much going for this year’s edition of Hell in a Cell.  We will just have to see if WWE can make this Sunday’s event that originates from the New Orleans Arena much more than a throwaway PPV.

Blue Mask Sin Cara vs. Black Mask Sin Cara

There is only room in the WWE for one Sin Cara, so this Sunday at Hell in a Cell both Sin Caras will battle to determine who deserves the right of being the real Sin Cara.  This match should be one great high-flying show, which is perfect for the opening match.  You have to give the WWE credit where credit is due.  The WWE has done a great job in giving each Sin Cara its own colour scheme.  This addition will definitely prevent confusion for all those watching this match.  It looks like this feud has only started so expect the evil Black Mask Sin Cara to triumph over the Blue Mask Sin Cara to continue this feud between luchadors.

Prediction:   Black Mask Sin Cara

Mark Henry (c) vs. Randy Orton in a Hell in a Cell Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

Want to know what feud would have been perfect for Hell in a Cell?  That feud is Randy Orton vs. Christian.   The feud’s intensity got to the point that it deserved to be in the Cell.  All the WWE needed to do was keep Christian off of all WWE programming until the Smackdown after where he would challenge Orton to a final match in Satan’s Structure.  It also would have had plenty of build due to Orton and Christian’s history.  This writer believes it would have been an incredible match, but we are left with Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton for the World Title.  It should be a very physical match.  The only thing is that this match does not even deserve to be a Hell in a Cell match.  It would have been much better to have a No DQ match instead.  Just hope Mark Henry retains because this writer is getting seeing Orton as World Heavyweight Champion.

Prediction:   Mark Henry retains

Kelly Kelly (c) vs. Beth Phoenix for the Diva’s Championship

For the third straight PPV we have a match between Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly and for the third straight PPV this writer will hope Beth Phoenix wins the Diva’s Title.  What once inspired so much excitement from the WWE Universe has completely fell flat in the WWE’s attempt to create the Diva’s version of John Cena.  There are only so many times us fans can watch Kelly Kelly beat Beth Phoenix with a sunset flip.  If Beth Phoenix does not win at Hell in a Cell, this writer will officially give up on the Diva’s division until Kharma makes her return next year.

Prediction:   Beth Phoenix wins the Diva’s Championship

Christian vs. Sheamus

The WWE has been hinting at a match between these two for a month now and it has now come to fruition.  Other than both men costing each other a shot at a championship, be it the World Title or Intercontinental Title, there has not been much animosity between Sheamus and Christian.  It feels like WWE Creative just thought, “Hey, Sheamus is a face and not doing anything and Christian is a heel and he’s not anything either.  Let’s throw put them in a feud.”  Even though this match and feud seems like it was thrown together because the WWE could not think of anything better to do with these two superstars, it should be a pretty good match.  Expect Sheamus to get the win in order to push the Celtic Warrior towards an evident World Title match.

Prediction:   Sheamus wins

John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship

This match should have been the main event for Night of Champions considering the way Summerslam ended.  Sadly to our displeasure, the WWE decided to jump the gun on CM Punk vs. Triple H and we were left watching Cena bury Alberto Del Rio and his main event status.  Now with no way to build a worthy main event, the WWE decided to keep things quick and easy by announcing this match as the main event for Hell in a Cell.  Like Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton, this match does not need to be in Hell in a Cell.  With the talents of CM Punk and Del Rio carrying Cena, we should be in store for one great main event.  We will just have to see if these three can make this Triple Threat match a great Hell in a Cell match.   Later this month the WWE will be heading to Mexico to tape Raw and Smackdown, so expect the Mexican Aristocrat to win the WWE Title.

Prediction:   Alberto Del Rio wins the WWE Championship

Personally, I have not seen a successful wrestling PPV with only two weeks of build, so it is extremely hard to get excited for Hell in a Cell.  When talking wrestling, never say never because you will never know how things turn out.  The WWE could possibly pull it off, but chances are slim.  Unless you really enjoyed Night of Champions, there is not much reason to pay another 50 dollars to watch WWE Hell in a Cell 2011.