The Silver Report: November 2018

Looking at things objectively, November was a great month for yours truly. I got to reconnect with some friends I haven't seen in a while, went to ROH's Global Wars: Toronto with my amazing crew of wrestling fans, met Juice Robinson and Kushida (who put the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship over my shoulder), and got to watch an unbelievable NXT TakeOver: WarGames with those same wrestling friends. Despite all the great things that happened in November, I've been a complete mess mentally.

While I have spoken about this ailment in other forums, I've never talked about it here. I live with anxiety and depression. Although it has never progressed into anything severe — and hopefully never will — it is a constant struggle. Lately, I'm just finding it a little harder to cope, especially when I start thinking about my dating situation or rather lack thereof.

But what does this have to do with wrestling?

As one of my greatest passions, professional wrestling has helped me through the toughest of times. From watching a match to fantasy booking a current storyline to pouring over the latest news, fixating on professional wrestling and its many aspects, both in the ring and behind the scenes, helps get my mind off of the negativity that permeates my thoughts from time to time. While this next statement might sound like hyperbole, I can't think of how my life would've turned out without professional wrestling. For all the frustration it can cause, it has brought me just as much or even more joy and more importantly, relief from the anxiety and depression.

Crown Dud

While WWE's 10-year deal with Saudi Arabia was controversial from the very beginning — due to the country's restrictions on women — recent events have put this business relationship at the forefront of public discourse.

On October 2, Washington Post journalist and critic of the Saudi government Jamal Khashoggi entered Saudi Arabia's consulate in Turkey. Khashoggi would never leave the consulate as he was assassinated within. The assassination caused an international incident that saw many countries and corporations cut ties with Saudi Arabia. That is everybody but WWE.

Unfortunately for WWE, this incident and the resulting investigation happened right in the middle of the build for their second show in Saudi Arabia, Crown Jewel. Despite being vilified by the media and most of the roster being against doing the show, WWE decided to put their head down and push forward. They put their head down so far, in fact, that they lost all common sense. To be honest, that's the only way you could explain the rather distasteful "respect is out the window" storyline used to build the Brothers of Destruction vs. D-Generation X.

As horrible as everything proceeding Crown Jewel was, it couldn't get any worse ... right? Right?!

Although the live crowd reactions may say otherwise, Crown Jewel was quite easily the worst pay-per-view of 2018. Confirmed racist Hulk Hogan was paraded out to "host" the show. The supposed WWE World Cup to determine the best in the world was filled with mediocre matches and won by Shane McMahon — who wasn't even in the tournament. Brock Lesnar squashed Braun Strowman to win the Universal Championship yet again, a result I should be frustrated over but I've stopped caring about the Universal Championship at this point. And as the awful cherry on top, the Brothers of Destruction vs. D-Generation was an absolute disaster as Triple H tore his pectoral muscle in the opening minutes, Shawn Michaels almost spiked himself doing a moonsault, Kane's mask slipped off at one point, and Undertaker forgot how to perform a simple Irish whip.

In summation, what goes around comes around. So hopefully, WWE's recent loss to karma will cause them to rethink the future of their business relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Source: SportingNews

When The Man Comes Around

WWE's handling of their women's division on the main roster has been laughable at best, but I'll give them credit for stumbling on gold in Becky Lynch's new badass attitude. Although this attitude started as a misguided heel turn as WWE creative tried their best to frame Becky as the villain despite overwhelming cheers, WWE finally gave up pushing Becky as a heel and started pushing her as a badass babyface, nicknamed "The Man", after Evolution. Positioned to face Ronda Rousey in a champion vs. champion match at Survivor Series, it looked like Becky's rising star in the women's division and WWE as a whole would be fed to the company's new golden girl.

Well, that wasn't how things would go down.

On the final Raw before Survivor Series, Becky Lynch would lead the women of SmackDown in an all-out assault on Ronda Rousey and Raw's roster of women. In the chaos, Becky would have a chance encounter with Nia Jax. Becky accidentally hit Nia a little hard, which caused Nia to retaliate with a wild fist to the face. The resulting blow gave Becky a concussion and a broken nose. Unfortunately for the women of Raw, that punch only fired up The Man as she laid waste to their entire roster before leaving through the crowd with blood smeared all over her face like war paint.

As a result of the concussion that Nia's punch caused, Becky was pulled from her much-anticipated match with Rousey at Survivor Series. Despite that disappointment, Becky's popularity has skyrocketed to heights unseen. You could say she has even surpassed Rousey as the most popular wrestler in the company.

Now fingers crossed that WWE can capitalize on their accidental superstar.

Source: WhatCulture

Must-See Matches of November

11/3/2018

Power Struggle
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki

11/11/2018
Global Wars: Toronto
SoCal Uncensored vs. Super Smash Bros.
Juice Robinson vs. Baretta

11/13/2018
Smackdown
AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan

11/14/2018
NXT
Hanson vs. Kyle O'Reilly

11/17/2018
TakeOver: WarGames
Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Velveteen Dream
Undisputed Era vs. Pete Dunne, Ricochet & War Raiders - WarGames

11/18/2018
Survivor Series
Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

11/28/2018
NXT UK
Pete Dunne vs. Jordan Devlin

Straight to Hell... in a Cell: Preview of WWE Hell in a Cell 2013

Ever since Triple H pedigreed Daniel Bryan and handed Randy Orton the WWE Championship at Summerslam, we were firmly placed upon this road straight to Hell in a Cell.  The journey has had its peaks and valleys, but it has all led to this one climactic match-- Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton in Hell in a Cell.  The result of this one match will heavily influence the Authority storyline from this point forward as well as the directions for Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Big Show and Triple H leading to WrestleMania XXX.

Considering how Battleground felt less like a PPV and more like an episode of Raw, the storylines surrounding Hell in a Cell have been cooking for well over a month now.  Even though there are only five matches announced for this show, Hell in a Cell hits all the major feuds taking place in the WWE right now.  Creative will definitely add a match and/or segment to pad out time for the PPV and create buffers between big matches as it is very rare to see a five match card from WWE nowadays.  Personally, I cannot fully articulate my feelings about this PPV.  I am cautiously optimistic as Hell in a Cell feels like the climax of many ongoing storylines.  At the same time due to this PPV being such a pivot point in all these feuds, this writer is worried that WWE in their infinite wisdom will find a way to screw it up.  It is a very interesting predicament as in actuality Hell in a Cell can either make or break the rest of the year for WWE. 

Cody Rhodes & Goldust (c) vs. The Shield vs. The Usos in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match for WWE Tag Team Championship

The trials and tribulations of the Rhodes Family has been the most enthralling program in WWE today.  WWE has legitimately made the audience care so much for Cody and Goldust that they were able to take the tag titles from the Shield, something this writer did not think we would see for a long while.  While this writer does not want to get hopes up for the resurrection of WWE's Tag Team division, putting the Rhodes Brothers as the champions of this division seems to have given the tag team division a much needed shot of adrenaline.  Quality tag team matches have been main eventing Raw for the last two weeks and there are a good number of heel tag teams to challenge for the titles (The Shield, Wyatt Family and Real Americans to name a few).  If there is more variety needed, WWE can easily bring a few tag teams up from NXT to fill the void such as Kidd & Gabriel and the Ascension.  This Triple Threat Tag Team Match can be the first step in putting the spotlight firmly on tag teams once again as it could easily steal the show.  WWE needs to figure out fast that this push cannot be sporadic.  It has to be a major focus of WWE programming going forward in order for this push to truly work.

Prediction:  Cody Rhodes & Goldust retain

AJ Lee (c) vs. Brie Bella for the Diva's Championship

No matter how hard WWE tries the Bellas will not magically garner support when there has been no official face turn on WWE programming whatsoever.  Other than comfort Daniel Bryan after beatings, they have done nothing to categorize them as face.  Handing the Diva's Title over to Brie will not automatically correct the crowd's view of the Bellas either.  Just get us out of this lame program and move AJ and the Diva's Title onto something worthwhile.

Prediction:  AJ Lee retains

CM Punk vs. Ryback & Paul Heyman in a Hell in a Cell Match

While this writer does love both CM Punk and Paul Heyman, this feud has gone on long enough.  One can only go so long seeing Punk almost get his hands on Heyman just to be cut off by Curtis Axel or Ryback at the last minute.  At first, it was entertaining; now it is boring.  It is time for Punk to get his revenge on Heyman and move onto the WWE Championship.  Considering this is a handicap match taking place in the confines of Hell in a Cell, do not expect a spectacular wrestling showcase.  This match will be a brutal manhandling of both Ryback and Heyman and nothing more.

Prediction:  CM Punk wins

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. John Cena for the World Heavyweight Championship

When John Cena announced he needed to take time off for surgery, nobody expected him back before Royal Rumble.  Correction, nobody wanted him back before Royal Rumble.  It is not very often that wrestling fans get a reprieve from John Cena's endlessly tiresome antics that when it does happen, we cherish it.  John Cena may be able to compete, but just two months after leaving for surgery seems too soon to risk possible re-injury of WWE's top star.  While Raw ratings might be down, there is no need for WWE to bring back John Cena to be an unnecessary addition to storylines already in motion.  Also the incredible lack of hype for the announcement of Cena's return makes this entire situation seem very shortsighted on WWE's end.  Placing Alberto Del Rio in the middle of this return is just a waste for the World Heavyweight Champion, which should be taking on actual contenders instead of being fed to the wolves.  Maybe Cena's pairing with Del Rio at Hell in a Cell will introduce a new storyline about Cena returning to action too soon as his elbow has not properly healed yet.  One can dream.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan for the vacant WWE Championship in a Hell in a Cell Match with Shawn Michaels as the Special Guest Referee

If there is one match to watch this Sunday, it is Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan in Hell in a Cell.  The ultimate showdown between Bryan and Orton has been building for two months and it is finally time to close the curtain on this chapter in their rivalry.  Although the intensity of this feud has not built to the point that Hell in a Cell is particularly needed in this writer's opinion, the Cell adds a sense of finality to the match.  Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton are trapped in an impenetrable cage with any sort of weapon at their disposal.  If you thought their No Disqualification match from Raw a few months back was brutal, expect this Hell in a Cell match to turn the brutality up to eleven.  Two men will enter the Cell, but only one will emerge with the WWE Championship around their waist.  Do not forget that Shawn Michaels is officiating this match and has a history with both men.  The Heartbreak Kid will definitely be a factor in the finish for this match.  While Michaels trained Bryan, there is a possibility for HBK to turn on his pupil as Triple H hinted at on Monday with his comment that HBK will do what is "best for business".  Big Show may also play a factor in the result of this match for better or worse.  Nonetheless, this match has high expectations to live up to.  Hopefully, WWE can pull it off and successfully start a new chapter of the Authority storyline.

Prediction:  Randy Orton wins the WWE Championship

The Frontline of the WWE: Preview of WWE Battleground 2013

It seems that WWE never learns.  One pay-per view a month is plenty.  Adding these unnecessary PPVs in no way helps the product; in fact, it dilutes the product because you break the focus from building entertaining and engrossing storylines to promote a PPV that does not seem anywhere close to important.  Especially with Hell in a Cell set for later this month, WWE's newest PPV Battleground feels like a generic throwaway PPV.  Personally, this writer never hopes for any show to be a throwaway, but that is the nature of things.  When establishing a new PPV, WWE needs to really make a strong first impression or risk going the ways of December to Dismember, Breaking Point or Capitol Punishment.  There are some interesting storylines heading into Battleground; the one caveat being that Battleground feels more in lines with a big episode of Raw than a major PPV event as it is stuck in the middle of two pivotal PPVs (Night of Champions and Hell in a Cell).  Well the wait will not be that long to see if this new PPV sinks or swims as Battleground originates from the First Niagara Center in Buffalo this Sunday evening.

Kofi Kingston vs. Bray Wyatt

Bray Wyatt has not had much to do since WWE Creative wrote Kane off of TV at Summerslam.  Given the incredibly unique talent of the Wyatt Family, this writer would have thought WWE would spring at the opportunity to put together a little feud to keep them busy for the time being.  No, all viewers got were more cryptic messages and squash matches.  It seems WWE is stalling until they decide to bring Kane back into the fray.  Speaking of the Big Red Monster, this match would be an excellent opportunity to bring Kane back into his feud with Bray Wyatt in some capacity.  Be it an opponent or follower, Kane is desperately needed to give the Wyatt Family some much needed direction.

Prediction:  Bray Wyatt wins

Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Shield

The feud between the Corporation and the Rhodes Family has been the most entertaining television on any current WWE programming.  All starting with Triple H prematurely firing Cody Rhodes for losing a match to Randy Orton, this feud has slowly escalated over the past month to involve the entire Rhodes Family (Cody, Goldust and Dusty).  In a last ditch effort to eradicate the Rhodes threat, Triple H gave them a proposition they could not refuse-- beat The Shield and Cody and Goldust get their jobs back, lose and the entire Rhodes Family is banned from the WWE.  These huge stakes along with the great set-up make this match worth paying attention to this Sunday.  With the right intensity, environment and direction, this simple tag team match could steal the show.

Prediction:  Cody Rhodes & Goldust win

AJ Lee (c) vs. Brie Bella for the Diva's Championship

Well, it was wishful thinking that mixing the Diva's Title scene with the cast of Total Divas was just a one shot deal.  WWE is back at it again this month.  Now WWE will be cycling through the cast to individually challenge AJ.  Outside of Natalya, this writer does not see any of the other divas taking the title away from WWE's resident crazy chick.

Prediction:  AJ Lee retains

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Rob Van Dam in a Battleground Hardcore Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

With such a short period between Night of Champions and Battleground, it would not have been the best choice to build up a brand new challenger for Alberto Del Rio.  The easiest and smartest choice was to continue this decent feud with Rob Van Dam and Ricardo Rodriguez especially after the disqualification ending to their match at Night of Champions.  Given RVD's history of excellent hardcore matches and Del Rio's developing mean streak, this match should be an exciting bout to say the least.  With RVD set to be taking a break after Battleground, this writer has a feeling Rodriguez will once again be joining forces with Alberto Del Rio.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

Curtis Axel (c) vs. R-Truth for the Intercontinental Championship

It really is hard to preview this match as there is absolutely no story or real significance for it.  R-Truth beat Curtis Axel in a non-title match on Raw so guess that win warrants him a title opportunity.  The only purpose for this match serves is being the buffer between the bigger matches on the card.  Being the buffer is just what this match is going to be as it should be an average bout at best.

Prediction:  Curtis Axel retains

CM Punk vs. Ryback

Placing Ryback into the hands of Paul Heyman was ingenious.  There was no real direction for his character other than the obligatory Ryback bullying segment that appeared on every episode of Raw and Smackdown for the past few months.  After Curtis Axel and Brock Lesnar, it was hard to think of somebody to keep CM Punk busy with Paul Heyman.  Ryback fits the bill perfectly as there is history and chemistry between the two and he has nothing else to do.  As it is only the first match between Punk and Ryback, expect the newest Paul Heyman guy to get the win in some underhanded way.  Heyman needs to keep winning in order for this feud to continue.  If Punk wins, he can finally exact his revenge against Heyman thus end of story and end of keeping Punk away for the WWE Title picture.

Prediction:  Ryback wins

Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton for the vacant WWE Championship

Speaking of the WWE Title picture, it has been an interesting three weeks.  At Night of Champions, Daniel Bryan reclaimed the WWE Championship from Randy Orton, but things were not right in the world.  When Scott Armstrong went to count the winning pinfall, he made an obviously quick count.  This fast count was used by Triple H to strip Daniel Bryan of the WWE Championship the next night on Raw.  While it was obvious Triple H orchestrated the entire fast count fiasco, you do have to applaud WWE for thinking of a neat way to extend this feud between Bryan and Orton without damaging the standing of either superstar.  The Corporation storyline has made considerable strides in making the faces look on even footing with the heels, but all paths lead to a climactic multi-man match at Survivor Series.  In order to get to that climax, there needs to be some adversity for the new leader of the locker room, Daniel Bryan.  In some way, shape or form, Randy Orton has to leave Battleground as WWE Champion to keep this major storyline on course for Survivor Series.

Prediction:  Randy Orton wins the WWE Championship

Under Corporate Rule: Preview of WWE Night of Champions 2013

The Summer was such a high point for WWE this year that the only way to go from there is down.  As much as the new Corporation angle will be a huge launching point of all storylines going forward, it has been quite a one-sided affair where interest is waning and fast.  A slow burn can lead to big dividends in the end, but Triple H and his cronies have been making the Faces look inferior for weeks on end.  Yes, you need to put the Corporation over as this insurmountable force, but four weeks straight of beatdowns and public humiliations is a little too much.  WWE Creative needs to figure out a way to make this power struggle a little less lopsided and get the Faces on even footing with the Corporation.  Seeing a small contingent of superstars led by Daniel Bryan and the Big Show putting together some kind of hit-and-run approach to combatting the Corporation would be an interesting turn of events.  Ultimately, WWE needs to put together something fast to turn around this angle because the way it is going, the only superstars being put over are Triple H and Randy Orton.

With all that said, this year's Night of Champions is in quite an interesting predicament.  Rather than riding off the coattails of a hot Summer for the WWE, it is stuck with all the disinteresting fallout.  All the exciting stuff happened at Summerslam and sadly Night of Champions is left with the cold leftovers.  There should be good matches on this card; it is just WWE has done such a poor job in  building this PPV.  It seems all the effort went into putting over the Corporation rather than building a worthy follow-up to Summerslam.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose (c) for the United States Championship

This writer has said this before and he will say it again.  If WWE wants to get Dolph Ziggler over as a face, he should be chasing Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship rather than playing around with whatever mid-card talent WWE wants to throw at him next, no offence Dean.  These two will definitely put a good match; it is just both this writer would rather see Dolph make steps forward with his character rather than taking steps back.  The WWE's focus should be about preparing Ziggler to regain the World Heavyweight Championship, so everything that does not contribute to this end goal is a waste of time.

Prediction:  Dean Ambrose retains

The Shield (c) vs. Winners of the Pre-Show Tag Team Turmoil for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Usually this writer likes to do a separate preview for the pre-show match.  Due to how it directly influences this Tag Team Championship match, it would be easier to include it all in one match preview.  Out of all the tag teams set for the Tag Team Turmoil match (Tons of Funk, the Real Americans, 3MB, the Usos and the Prime Time Players), the best candidates to challenge the Shield at Night of Champions are the Prime Time Players.  The team of Titus O'Neil and Darren Young have been on a roll since Summerslam and it is time for them to get a chance to challenge for the Tag Team Titles.  While the Prime Time Players do deserve this title shot, that does not mean they will best the Hounds of Justice for the Tag Team belts tonight.

Prediction:  The Shield retains

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Rob Van Dam for the World Heavyweight Championship

Ever since WWE paused Del Rio's feud with Dolph Ziggler, the World Heavyweight Champion has been in limbo.  Alberto has just been feuding with whatever challenger WWE decides to throw at him.  Last month, it was Christian.  Now Rob Van Dam seems to be the flavour of the month.  Mr. Monday Night has been paired with the returning Ricardo Rodriguez to give the illusion that this feud was planned from the beginning.  The nice thing about this little feud, we will get to see WWE put over Del Rio's viciousness in a good bout against RVD.  Hopefully, Alberto can stop treading water very soon and move onto a full-blown program over the title rather than these little stints.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

AJ Lee (c) vs. Natalya vs. Naomi vs. Brie Bella in a Fatal 4 Way Match for the Divas Championship

Thought we saw the last forced injection of Total Divas into WWE PPV programming at Summerslam?  Well think again because WWE is back at it.  Now they have mixed in the one thing that most wrestling fans hoped stayed very far away- the Divas Championship.  With AJ as champion, the Divas Title seemed to be gaining some semblance of prestige with the best wrestler in the Divas division holding it.  Time to throw in the Total Divas to screw everything up.  If AJ leaves Night of Champions with her reign intact, good for her.  Sadly, this writer does not see such an outcome happening.  Rather go with the best Diva on that stupid show, Natalya, to hold the Divas Title if we have to go with one Total Diva to win this bout.

Prediction:  Natalya wins the Divas Championship

CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel & Paul Heyman in a Handicap Elimination Match

CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar last month at Summerslam was a possibly the best match of the year.  With Brock's appearances used up for the moment, WWE has decided to put in Curtis Axel in this feud as a Lesnar replacement of sorts.  The only caveat being that Axel does not have anywhere close to the star power that Lesnar has.  Good thing, WWE has positioned this match around whether or not Punk will finally be able to get his hands on Paul Heyman.  Unless Axel and Heyman win, this writer does not see the Intercontinental Champion getting out of this match some damage to his current push.

Prediction:  CM Punk wins

Randy Orton (c) vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship

At Summerslam, the WWE Championship was stolen from Daniel Bryan's grasp by Triple H and Randy Orton.  Now it is time for the Beard to get some revenge.  Well everybody thought Bryan would get some comeuppance, but the American Dragon has been put through the ringer these past four weeks.  Being put through countless beatdowns on both Raw and Smackdown with only a few real moments of actual resistance, this feud has not currently done much to get Bryan more over than he already is.  Considering this program is set to last for a while, do not expect Bryan to regain the WWE Title just yet.  If WWE wants to keep this feud going without it growing stale quick, they need to start putting over Bryan rather than Triple H and Randy Orton.

Prediction:  Randy Orton retains

The Beard is Now: Review of WWE Summerslam 2013

With all the factors leading into Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena, there was no doubt something big would happen during the main event of Summerslam.  Cena and Bryan had one excellent match which saw each wrestler trade their biggest shots and a few unique maneuvers in a clean match-up.  After twenty minutes of great wrestling, Bryan finally put Cena down with a devastating knee to the head.  The resulting explosion of cheers at the Staples Center and in the theatre yours truly was watching from was incredible.  To finally see Daniel Bryan hold the WWE Championship, even for a moment, was an unbelievable experience.  Bryan's celebration lasted a couple minutes before Randy Orton and Triple H spoiled everything.  With a pedigree to Bryan, Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to steal the WWE Title from the grasp of the American Dragon.  In one fell swoop, Randy Orton and Triple H turned from beloved superheroes to corporate goons.  While Bryan's moment may have been spoiled for the return of the Corporation, this new storyline looks to set-up Bryan as a main eventer in the WWE.  With John Cena out of action and CM Punk busy with Paul Heyman, it is time for WWE to push Daniel Bryan as the ultimate underdog who can stand toe-to-toe with the insurmountable forces of the McMahon's Corporation and their hand-picked champion.

To sum up Summerslam in one word, this writer would have to say exhausting.  Yours truly walked out of the theatre after watching Summerslam exhausted both physically and mentally.  The top three matches on the card (Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar and Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena) were extremely tense and incredibly immersing.  Hands down, these three matches are well worth spending your hard earned cash on watching Summerslam.  Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio is a spectacular World Title match.  CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar is a definite Match of the Year contender.  Last but not least, Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena along with the post match theatrics is an extraordinary main event.  The rest of the card is hit or miss.  None of these matches are below average although they are quite underwhelming when compared to the top three matches.

Bray Wyatt def. Kane in a Ring of Fire Match
Rating:  5.5/10

Cody Rhodes def. Damien Sandow
Rating:  7/10

Alberto Del Rio def. Christian to retain the World Heavyweight Championship
Rating:  9/10

Natalya def. Brie Bella
Rating:  5/10

Brock Lesnar def. CM Punk
Rating:  10/10

Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn def. Big E Langston & AJ Lee
Rating:  6.5/10

Daniel Bryan def. John Cena to win the WWE Championship
Randy Orton def. Daniel Bryan to win the WWE Championship
Rating:  9.5/10

Top to bottom, Summerslam 2013 has varying degrees of quality.  While there was nothing absolutely horrendous on the card, it is still a three match show.  Funny thing being that those three matches are among the best matches of 2013.  The varying quality really makes this year's Summerslam hard to put a rating on.  Summerslam delivered with every big match on the card, but fell short with the undercard.  Overall, Summerslam 2013 is a very enjoyable PPV which is definitely worth watching and even owning.  WWE Summerslam 2013 just irks out an 8 out of 10.

The Best vs. The Beast: Preview of WWE Summerslam 2013

The Best vs. The Beast, The Champ vs. The Beard.  These are two tag lines that easily describe this year's Summerslam in a nutshell.  While Summerslam is being built as a two match show, it is understandable when WWE picks the two of the largest matches of the year to headline the second biggest PPV of the year after WrestleMania.  These two matches could single-handedly sell an entire PPV so having both on the same show is unbelievable.  So unbelievable in fact that WWE has sold Summerslam to yours truly on these two matches alone.  Personally, it is the most excited I have been for a PPV since Money in the Bank 2011 and we all know how that PPV turned out.  Looking at the card top-to-bottom, Summerslam does not seem that impressive outside of the two main events.  Hopefully the buzz surrounding both CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar and John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan will inspire WWE creative and the wrestlers to produce a Summerslam worthy of being called the second biggest PPV of the year.  We will have to tune in this Sunday to find out if WWE can pull it off.

Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Rob Van Dam for the U.S. Championship

Most times the pre-show match can be easily dismissed as a throwaway match, but not as of late.  Last month, the WWE Tag Team Championship match placed on the pre-show was said to be a great match-up.  The pre-show match for Summerslam looks to be another exciting affair.  While this writer does have reservations about placing a big draw like RVD on the pre-show, he is a great veteran wrestler to test Ambrose on such a big stage.  Given enough time, these two stars should be able to put on a very entertaining show to lend into the main attraction- Summerslam.

Prediction:  Dean Ambrose retains

Cody Rhodes vs. Damien Sandow

The logic behind this match might be a little wonky considering Damien Sandow never really betrayed Cody Rhodes.  All Sandow did was knock Rhodes off the ladder in  the Money in the Bank Ladder match, which has a free-for-all format, to win said match.  If you take a closer look at it it was not a betrayal, more like the spirit of this competition.  While the storyline might not be the best, this match should be the start of great things for both Rhodes and Sandow.  Having a singles match booked for the second biggest PPV of the year is an excellent opportunity to put the spotlight on both men and their many talents.  We will have to wait and see how things go for both superstars' singles career in the months and years to come, but this writer expects to see their A games come Sunday.

Prediction:  Damien Sandow wins

Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn vs. Big E Langston & AJ Lee

As a huge fan of Dolph Ziggler seeing such a phenomenal talent wasted in a mixed tag match is just disheartening.  Dolph's World Title run was criminally short and he barely got a chance to chase after the title before WWE decided to start this feud with Langston and AJ.  If WWE wants to get Dolph Ziggler over as a face, it is better to have him chasing Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship rather than fooling around with his ex-girlfriend, former bodyguard and the girl he made out with on NXT Season 3.  No offence to the other talent in this match; Ziggler should be in the main event, not the lower mid-card.  The expectations for this match are very low, but this writer is hoping to be surprised by the effort these four superstars give us.

Prediction:  Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn win

Kane vs. Bray Wyatt in a Ring of Fire Match

I never understood the excitement brought from the Wyatt Family vignettes.  I heard a lot of good things about the Bray Wyatt character from NXT online reports, but the vignettes were more odd than exciting.  Then Bray Wyatt and his family made their debut and my opinions on them did a full 180.  The Bray Wyatt character is just so fascinating because his character is so different from most of the cookie cutter faces and heels that permeate the WWE.  Even though the wrestling fan in me was praying for the Brothers of Destruction vs. the Shield for Summerslam, Wyatt's brief feud with Kane has served as a very enjoyable alternative.  Considering this match will be the in-ring debut of Bray Wyatt, there is a little bit of anticipation building inside as we see if Bray Wyatt can live up to the hype.

Prediction:  Bray Wyatt wins

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Christian for the World Heavyweight Championship

After reading the paragraph about the mixed tag team match, I think you know who I wanted in this match instead of Christian.  Actually this writer along with many others thought Christian would be the one challenging for the U.S. Title so to see WWE put him in the World Heavyweight Championship match came as a surprise.  It was a very nice surprise because I am a bigger peep than a Dolph Ziggler fan.  Alberto Del Rio and Christian have had many matches before this meeting and all of them have nothing short of great in my opinion.  These two have the chemistry and the history to put on a highly entertaining and exciting World Heavyweight Championship belt.  While I am a big peep, I do not see Christian walking out with the World Title around his waist at this point in time.  There is much more WWE Creative can do with Alberto Del Rio as World Heavyweight Champion at the moment than Christian can.  Although Christian would make a perfect champion for Damien Sandow to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase on.  Now that is some food for thought.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

John Cena (c) vs. Daniel Bryan with Triple H as Special Guest Referee for the WWE Championship

The Beard is here!  It has been a long time coming, but finally Daniel Bryan is where he belongs- the main event of the WWE.  Bryan has had some stints in the main event holding the World Heavyweight Championship or feuding with CM Punk.  Aside from those brief runs, Bryan has stayed in the mid-card for the majority of his WWE career.  Well times are changing for the American Dragon.  He has gone on a such an incredible roll these last few months, his popularity has skyrocket and he is coming into his own on the microphone.  With everything coming together for Daniel Bryan and John Cena rumoured to be taking time off for surgery, it seems like the best time to put the WWE Championship on him.  While everything would be sunshine and rainbows, there are a couple of complications to this situation.  First is the McMahon situation that seems to now engulfed the WWE Championship feud.  Triple H is now the special guest referee for the match, Vince is trying everything in his power to make sure Bryan does not leave with the title and Stephanie is trying to appease both.  It is a crazy family affair.  Next is Randy Orton and his Money in the Bank briefcase.  Orton has been teased cashing in his briefcase for weeks now.  To see Orton cash in against the winner at Summerslam will not be a surprise.  All-in-all, there are so many moving parts in this WWE Championship match that there is no doubt in this writer's mind that something big will happen.

Prediction:  Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Championship

Natalya vs. Brie Bella

WWE's newest reality show Total Divas may be a success for the company.  That success does not mean that they need to unnecessarily force matches involving the cast on their shows.  It is easy to tolerate the atrocities that the current divas division creates on Raw or Smackdown because you do not have to watch them.  It stings a bit when you are paying hard earned cash to watch these messes.  Please WWE, pull this match from Summerslam and give us Mark Henry and the Big Show vs. the Shield instead.  I promise you it will make a lot of people happy.

Prediction:  Natalya wins

CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar

If you told me a few months ago that CM Punk vs. Brock Lesner would be main eventing Summerslam, I would have laughed.  Undertaker vs. CM Punk II all the way!  In all seriousness, I never thought WWE would turn CM Punk face less than a year after turning him heel.  The jury is still out on Punk's current turn, but so far so good.  This feud between Punk and Lesnar has been one of the most exciting feuds of 2013.  Honestly, I have been ready to pay money to watch this match since the Raw after Money in the Bank.  This feud has only gotten better as the weeks have gone on.  The verbal duels between Punk and Heyman and the physical brawls between Punk and Lesnar have both been sights to behold.  The main reason Punk vs. Lesnar is so captivating is due to how unpredictable the match will be.  Aside from a slight advantage to Brock Lesnar due to WWE possibly wanting to preserve his monster persona, this match can go either way.  You can legitimately believe that either wrestler can come up on top.  A match this even does not come around too often in professional wrestling, but it is a special event when it happens.  There is no doubt in this writer's mind that CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar, The Best vs. The Beast, will be something special.

Prediction:  Brock Lesnar wins

The Silver Report: May 26-June 1

Say goodbye to the month of May and hello to June.  We are just a few weeks away from the official start of summer and the Payback PPV.  Payback in the oh so glorious wrestling city of Chicago will be the beginning of the build-up for the Biggest Event of the Summer, Summerslam.  There is a lot to hope for this coming summer as we move out of a lackluster few months.  To hype up this summer, next week’s blog will be this writer’s Top 5 Hopes for the Summer.

Clash of the Best in Chi Town

CM Punk disappeared from WWE television just over a month ago after a rather cryptic promo.  What this promo meant was anybody’s guess, but we will not have to wait much longer.  Last Monday in Calgary, Chris Jericho hosted a special edition of the Highlight Reel with Paul Heyman as the guest.  While pleasantries were exchanged at first, Jericho quickly got down to business, the whereabouts of the self-proclaimed Best in the World.  Heyman tried to redirect Jericho’s questions, but nothing would deter Y2J.  Jericho kept pushing Heyman’s buttons by saying Punk no longer deserved the Best in the World moniker and getting the Calgary crowd to chant said moniker at Mr. Heyman.  Heyman would eventually succumb to Jericho’s mind games and accept Jericho’s challenge to face CM Punk at Payback.  While it has only been a year since CM Punk and Chris Jericho feuded over the WWE Championship, it is still exciting to see these two wrestle especially considering the roles have been reversed since their last feud.  This match at Payback looks to be more of a way to bring Punk back in time for the summer rather than the start of a summer long feud.  Either way, the match should be entertaining nonetheless.  Considering that Payback takes place in Punk’s hometown, the atmosphere surrounding this match should be nothing short of electric.  This story should keep many fans interested in the weeks ahead.

The Axel Begins to Turn

From the Shield to Fandango, this year has already seen a good number of fresh faces debut.  The latest to join the main WWE roster is Curtis Axel, the son of “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and the grandson of Larry “The Axe” Hennig.  With the mentorship of the one and only Paul Heyman and the supposed backing of the WWE big wigs, Curtis Axel is primed to being pushed to the main event of the WWE.  Those plans are not for certain considering WWE executives love to change their minds on a dime.  Axel has gotten a win over Triple H (funny it took a week to tell the audience the result) and John Cena in his first two weeks on Raw.  While these wins have only been by count-out and knockout (I believe), they are wins nonetheless.  It will be interesting to see how Axel will be booked in the coming months.  It is nice to give him wins over main eventers like Cena and Triple H, but Axel will need some pinfall victories if Creative wants the fans to believe Axel is a bona fide main eventer.  This writer just hopes that Creative does not get scared when it comes to pulling the trigger on taking Axel to the next level like they are currently doing with Ryback.  Only time will tell if the Curtis Axel experiment is a success or failure.  Considering the WWE is in dire need of stars, expect Axel to be pushed heavily in the weeks and possibly months ahead.

The Silver Report: May 19-25

Extreme Rules marked the end of WrestleMania season.  Now we enter the dry spell, which are the spring months, as nothing big happens during these months.  Most of the bigger angles are left for the most important season after WrestleMania season, the summer.  The seeds for these angles are usually planted in the spring.  To see these seeds come to fruition can be absolutely exciting or excruciatingly boring.  As the WWE heads toward the new Payback PPV this coming June, it will be interesting to see if the spring slump takes hold this year.  

Game Over?

When you are the COO of the WWE, the question comes up whether you should still be competing as a wrestler anymore.  Over the past year that question has come up multiple times for Triple H.  While Triple H may still be a big star, the company has moved on from the point of needing him to sell an event.  Considering that Triple H is not the most enthusiastic about giving rubs to the younger talent, there is not much reason for him to stick around in a wrestling capacity.  Look no further than this past Monday when Triple H made his way out to interrupt the reveal of Paul Heyman’s newest client, Curtis Axel (the re-branded Michael McGillicutty).  Instead of making Axel look like a million bucks, Triple H made him look like a chump in the span of three minutes.  It did set up a match later in the night between Triple H and Curtis Axel, but that match did not go any better.  Triple H did absolutely nothing to put over Axel as Creative decided to do a concussion angle with Triple H about four minutes into their match.  The match went to a supposed No Contest and everybody was left confused as Raw came an abrupt ending.  If a concussion angle was planned, the least Creative could do was put over Axel in the process.  Have Axel beat Triple H in a quick five-minute match or have the referee call for the bell after Axel beats Triple H to the point where he cannot compete any longer.  There were definitely better ways to put together this angle, but we were left with one of the worst endings in Raw history possibly due to Hunter’s ego.  After this past Monday, it might just be time for Triple H to step away from the ring and take on the Mr. McMahon role that he is currently being groomed for.

The Ryback Situation

Well, the misfortunes of Ryback continue.  WWE must be scared to pull the trigger on a Ryback WWE Championship reign because they trying to find any way possible to keep it off of him.  While Ryback did not face defeat at Extreme Rules, he did not leave Extreme Rules in better standings as the Last Man Standing Match ended in a No Contest.  WWE has hit Ryback’s glass ceiling.  The only way to get him more over as a heel now is to destroy John Cena and take the WWE Championship.  As much as Ryback still has room to improve on both the mic and in the ring, he will not be able to improve if not given the opportunity to excel.  It might seem too early to place the title on Ryback considering he debuted only a year ago, but WWE has booked this powerhouse into a corner.  The only way to get Ryback out of that corner is to give him the WWE Title and see if he can run with it.  If Ryback cannot carry the title, there are ways to take the belt off of him.  To push Ryback so heavily and do next to nothing with him in the main event scene is a complete and utter waist.  With the right direction, Ryback could be WWE’s equivalent to a Goldberg-like monster.  Even though this writer may sound like a broken record by now, it is time to stop stalling and take the Ryback experiment to the next level.  A dominating victory in the Ambulance Match against Cena at Payback will be the best time to take that next step.

Moving On: Preview of WWE Extreme Rules 2013

WrestleMania only comes once a year.  When the festivities of that one grand weekend come to an end, it is time for the WWE and the fans to get their heads out of the clouds and back to reality.  The show never stops, so we move onto the PPV that immediately follows WrestleMania, Extreme Rules. 

The one night of the year where the WWE packs some of their biggest gimmick matches all onto one show.  At its best, Extreme Rules can be one of the most entertaining PPVs of the year.  At its worst, Extreme Rules can be a complete mess of bland and boring gimmick matches.  Even with the loss of the Triple Threat Ladder Match (a match plenty of wrestling fans, myself included, were looking forward to), this year’s card looks solid.  Hopefully, the WWE can put on a good show with all the talent on the card.  There is only three hours to put on eight matches, a couple backstage promos, a few video packages and dozens of pre-match entrances; this writer is a little worried that a few matches will be rushed while others will given too much time.  Time constraints are always a factor, but when it comes to gimmick matches sometimes giving too much time to a boring gimmick or too little to an interesting gimmick can hurt the show.

Randy Orton vs. Big Show in an Extreme Rules Match

Big Show turned on Randy Orton and Sheamus at WrestleMania after Orton lost the match for their team, thanks to a blind tag.  Big Show was the man wronged by the distrust of Orton and Sheamus.  Funny enough, this match has been built around the idea that Orton should not have trusted the Largest Athlete in the World, a little backwards if I say so myself.  Who cares that much about the generic storyline when the wrestling is all that matters?  Big Show has been at his best this past year so hopefully he and Orton can put together an enjoyable brawl.  Considering Extreme Rules is in St. Louis, expect Randy Orton to get the win in front of his hometown crowd.

Prediction:  Randy Orton wins

Chris Jericho vs. Fandango

Ever since WrestleMania, Fandango’s popularity has been all over the place.  His popularity skyrocketed WrestleMania weekend with his win over Chris Jericho and the rise of the Fandangoing Internet dance craze.  After that faithful week, Fandango seems to all over the place.  Fandango has jumped between pandering to the crowd one week, to feuding with the Great Khali the next and finally coming back to feuding with Jericho the week after that.  Creative does not seem to know what exactly to do with Fandango as they try to push him as a heel while the crowd dances and hums along to his entrance theme.  Putting this young gun with a ring veteran like Jericho is the best direction to take Fandango at this present time, but it seems Extreme Rules will be the end of this little feud between Fandango and Jericho.  Since Jericho is being advertised to feud with Ryback in the coming months, it would be best for Y2J to win this Sunday.  As long as these two put on a competitive bout, one loss will not hurt Fandango.

Prediction:  Chris Jericho wins

Sheamus vs. Mark Henry in a Strap Match

This feud came straight out of left field.  There was perfect set-up for a Triple Threat Match between Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus for Extreme Rules considering the fallout from their match at WrestleMania.  The plans never seemed to materialize as WWE was set on a one-on-one match between Orton and Big Show.  Since being left out of that feud, Sheamus did not had much to do so enter random Mark Henry attacks and another big man trying to get Sheamus to be serious (honestly I will applaud the person that finally gets Sheamus to stop being funny man and back to being a no nonsense ass-kicker) and we got a match.  Sorry for the lack of excitement, I just do not care for a match where two big guys are going whip each other with a strap for ten minutes instead of actually wrestling. 

Prediction:  Sheamus wins

Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Dean Ambrose for the U.S. Championship

Let the Shield’s stranglehold of championship gold begin.  Everything the Shield has touched since they debuted last November has turned to gold.  They are one of the best factions in years and to put the United States and Tag Team belts on them will hopefully bring prestige back to those divisions.  Creative will definitely not feed these stars to the dogs of the main event scene like they have been doing with mid-card champions for the past year now.  With the unorthodox style of Dean Ambrose and the high-flying fast-paced offence of Kofi Kingston, this match could be one to possibly steal the show.

Prediction:  Dean Ambrose wins the U.S. Championship

Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger in an “I Quit” Match for the No. 1 Contendership for the World Heavyweight Championship

As much as it hurts to see such an amazing match taken away due to an injury, the world of wrestling is definitely unpredictable.  Hopefully Dolph Ziggler has a speedy recovery, but we are left in good hands, Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rio.  While a ladder match may not play to the strengths of Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rio, an “I Quit” Match certainly does.  The story just might not be there, but these two can and have put on some great wrestling matches.  This “I Quit” Match will be no different as I personally expect a grueling submission clinic on display at Extreme Rules.  There are rumours floating around that the WWE wants to have the Triple Threat Ladder Match for Summerslam.  If that is the plan, there are definitely plans to keep both Swagger and Del Rio in the World Title picture for the time being.

Prediction:  Jack Swagger becomes the No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship

Team Hell No (c) vs. The Shield in a Tornado Tag Team Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship

A 6-Man Tag between the Shield and Team Hell No and the Undertaker would have easily blown the roof off the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.  Sadly, not everything we dream becomes reality, but this match should be very good as well.  In one corner, you got the Tag Team Champions Team Hell No, one of the best pairings the WWE has made since Jeri-Show back in 2009.  In the other, you got Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns of the Shield, the best thing to happen to the WWE in what seems like ages.  Expect some great action to result from this Tornado Tag Team match, a stipulation that is more akin to a Fatal 4 Way than a traditional tag team match.  When the dust settles, the Shield will prevail and leave Extreme Rules with gold around their waists.

Prediction:  The Shield wins the WWE Tag Team Championship

Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H in a Steel Cage Match

The one feud nobody wanted to see more after their main event match from Summerslam.  Having Triple H and Brock Lesnar on Extreme Rules definitely adds enough star power to garner some buys from casual wrestling fans.  Setting their third and hopefully final match in the Steel Cage will provide a brutal canvas for Triple H and Lesnar to paint their final masterpiece or disasterpiece.  Steel Cage matches have been hit or miss in the WWE the last few years.  As long as Lesnar emerges from the cage as the victor of this match and feud, this writer will be happy.

Prediction:  Brock Lesnar wins

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

There is no doubt in this writer’s mind that it is time for John Cena to step aside as Ryback’s time is now.  You can debate all day whether Ryback is ready to hold the WWE Championship or not.  The fact of the matter is Ryback has lost so much on PPV the last few months that a loss against Cena at Extreme Rules just might be the tipping point for fans.  It is hard to believe in a monster that cannot win a big match on PPV.  With how Cena has buried Ryback verbally the last few weeks, there is no way Ryback can leave Extreme Rules with loss without serious damage done to his image with the audience.  Also dropping the title to Ryback will allow Cena to properly heal for his Achilles tendon injury.  It is time to take this Ryback experiment to the next level and see if he can succeed as the WWE Champion. 

Prediction:  Ryback wins the WWE Championship

The month long build for Extreme Rules went a long way in creating a solid card with some well put together feuds.  Now WWE needs to combine the longer build with actual PPV hype and the interest and buy rates in PPVs will definitely improve.  It is a good start and WWE can make steps forward from here.  Top to bottom, Extreme Rules looks like a good card with no filler except for the Strap Match, but that is more my personal opinion.  If you are looking for some wrestling to watch this Victoria Day weekend, look no further than Extreme Rules.

The Silver Report: April 14-20

As we move farther away from WrestleMania, we move closer to the WWE’s next PPV extravaganza, Extreme Rules.  The fallout from the Biggest PPV of the Year always gets settled at the event where all the rules are thrown out the window.  Programs begin to gear up for big gimmick matches that will either enthrall fans with excitement or alienate them with their absurdity.  Hopefully, WWE can put together a card that has a set of gimmick matches that fans would pay to see like Ladder and Extreme Rules matches rather than Blindfold and Tuxedo matches.  Where WrestleMania has become much more focused on the entertainment side of sports-entertainment, Extreme Rules is WWE’s chance to focus more on sports side.  Keying into what the core fan is looking for could easily make Extreme Rules one of the best PPVs of the year yet again.

Step Aside Cena, Ryback’s Time is Now

The Raw following WrestleMania 29 ended with the image of Ryback standing over a Shellshocked John Cena with WWE Title in hand.  While many fans could care less if Ryback is face or heel as long as he kicks as much butt as possible, the commentators pushed the question of why Ryback would attack John Cena.  The simple answer would be Ryback wants a shot at John Cena, but the WWE decided to go in a different direction.  The WWE decided to construct this John Cena vs. Ryback feud from past encounters between John Cena, Ryback and The Shield.  The taped promo of Ryback explaining his actions was very well done.  It got the point across that Ryback is sick and tired of being held down and is now only out for himself.  The “John Cena turned his back on Ryback” part of the argument would have been a little more effective if the WWE did more to build an actual friendship between Cena and Ryback in the months leading up to WrestleMania other than teaming up on a few occasions.  While there is some nitpicking about Ryback’s new heel persona, I personally believe it is the best direction the WWE can go with the character at this point in time because they have exhausted the options they could go with the Goldberg-lite face persona.  At least, having Ryback work as a heel gives him some more character than his one-dimensional “Feed Me More” act.  With the direction the WWE has gone with Ryback since last October, it is about time to give this behemoth from Sin City a crack at holding the WWE Championship.  Ryback has lost every PPV match he has been in since Hell in a Cell, give the guy a break and let him beat Cena for the WWE Title.  Wrestling fans have seen enough of Cena as WWE Champion so it is time for him to step aside and give a rub to a guy that could possibly be one of the next big stars in the WWE in Ryback.  Love him or hate him, all roads lead to Ryback leaving Extreme Rules as WWE Champion.  If Ryback does not beat John Cena at Extreme Rules, WWE would have buried Ryback deep into a hole that he will never recover from.

Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H, Round 3

Brock Lesnar won the first round last summer in Los Angeles.  Triple H evened up the score at one apiece at WrestleMania 29.  After making a surprise appearance this week on Raw by dismantling 3MB, Brock Lesnar and his manager Paul Heyman made the challenge to Triple H for their third and hopefully final match at Extreme Rules.  This match will not be anything goes or no holds barred like their two previous encounters; Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H III will be set inside the annals of a Steel Cage.  We still have to wait until Triple H officially accepts the match before saying anything is set in stone, but WWE would not waste an appearance by Lesnar if this match was not going to happen at Extreme Rules.  While yours truly has not been very enthusiastic about the last two matches between Brock Lesnar and Triple H, I was caught completely off-guard by this challenge that I am actually looking forward to this match.  Even if this match falls flat on its face, it is a big match that will easily get more buys for Extreme Rules than any other match on the card.  Now WWE just needs to find a way to get Team Hell No and the Undertaker vs. The Shield in some type of gimmick match on Extreme Rules if they really want to see buys for Extreme Rules skyrocket.

The Road to WrestleMania 29 Part 4: Coming Home

Before we start this preview for WrestleMania 29, I want to address the lack of posts these last two weeks.  While I was hoping to be able to sneak in another part or two for The Road to WrestleMania 29 series, it never came to fruition with the amount of work that I had to do for my classes.  Split between working on a presentation and two major papers, I did not have much time or energy to work on anything other than school work.  Getting those projects done and out of the way was so important that this series had to be put on the backburner.  I am sorry that I could not address this delay sooner, but I hope to make up for it with one huge preview for WrestleMania 29.

Personally, I cannot remember a WrestleMania so poorly built as this year’s event.  Watching WWE this last month has been very straining because seeds for feuds that should have been planted all the way back at the Royal Rumble were entirely nonexistent until only a few weeks ago.  WWE missed an incredible amount of opportunities to make this WrestleMania live up to the majesty and grandeur this event demands.  Matches like CM Punk vs. Undertaker and Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar that could single-handedly sell any other PPV have been so poorly built that nobody cares or is remotely interested.  In the shadow of Madison Square Garden, WrestleMania’s true home, you would expect the WWE to pull out all the stops to make this WrestleMania worthy of this grand homecoming especially considering that next year WrestleMania will not be coming from MSG, breaking a WrestleMania tradition.  It is still WrestleMania and honestly this wrestling fan is hoping even with my doubts the WWE can pull together a show to surprise us and live up to the name of WrestleMania or fail gloriously in the process.

Wade Barrett (c) vs. The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship

Not very often do the secondary championships get showcased at WrestleMania.  It feels pretty special when it happens and it stings a lot when this match gets shafted to the pre-show.  It is understandable considering how little build this match has had and the roller coaster WWE creative has sent these two wrestlers on for the last month before settling with this match.  Given enough time, Wade Barrett and the Miz will no doubt put on a good match.  There is a slight possibility that the WWE will give the title to the Miz in order to push his new babyface second-coming of Ric Flair gimmick down our collective throats.  Personally, I am pulling for Barrett to retain the title to hopefully give him and his Intercontinental Title reign more legitimacy.

Prediction:  Wade Barrett retains

Brodus Clay, Tensai and the Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars and the Bella Twins in an Eight-Person Tag Team Match

This match is the definition of a pre-show match.  There is no feud between these teams, no build for this match and no interest from the fans.  To put this match on the main card for WrestleMania would be a travesty.  It is definitely sad to see two young talented wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow in a throwaway match on the Biggest Stage of Them All.  There is no need to watch this match as it will be nothing more than mediocre filler anyway.

Prediction:  Brodus Clay, Tensai and the Funkadactyls win

Team Hell No (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston

Speaking of talented wrestlers going to waste on the Biggest Stage of Them All, we have the Tag Team Title match.  Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler and Kane could have easily been placed in singles matches that would be more appealing than this match.  Team Hell No, while still enjoyable, has gone its course.  If WWE is not going to use Team Hell No to build a tag team division worth caring about, it is time to take Daniel Bryan and Kane in a new direction.  WrestleMania could have easily been the big climactic finale to their long-term feud.  It just feels like a missed opportunity in my opinion.  These guys will probably put on a good tag team match.  Like with many other things with WrestleMania 29, it could have been so much better.

Prediction:  Team Hell No retains

Ryback vs. Mark Henry

Ryback hits the Shellshock on Mark Henry.  Nobody will care about the match; they will only care about the big WrestleMania moment at the very end.  That folks is Ryback vs. Mark Henry in a nutshell.

Prediction:  Ryback wins

Chris Jericho vs. Fandango

While this match should have been Dolph Ziggler vs. Chris Jericho, this wrestling fan believes Chris Jericho can put on a good match at WrestleMania no matter who he is paired with.  Considering this match will be Johnny Curtis’ debut as Fandango, the lights will definitely be on this young up-and-comer.  It will be a true test if Fandango is deserving of the push he is currently getting from WWE Creative.

Prediction:  Fandango wins

The Shield vs. Sheamus, Randy Orton and Big Show

The Shield has been seemingly unstoppable during their short time in the WWE.  Superstars step up to challenge this faction of young superstars, but all fall to the Shield of Justice.  The next challengers are a pretty mighty bunch in Sheamus, Randy Orton and Big Show.  This fragile alliance will be severely tested Sunday night as they battle one of the most cohesive groups in WWE history.  This match is one that I am personally most excited for because of how great the Shield’s matches have been and the possibility of a Randy Orton heel turn.

Prediction:  The Shield wins

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Jack Swagger for the World Heavyweight Championship

The more I think of this match, the more it reminds me of Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle from WrestleMania XX.  I could care less about the storyline between the American-loving Alberto Del Rio and the American Extremist Jack Swagger, it is the match these two technical wrestlers put on that really matters.  Technically this match will be great as you got two technical styles that will work wonderful together.  The match will come down to a showdown between the Cross Armbreaker and the Patriot Lock and that should be a sight to see.  Also I am personally hoping for Dolph Ziggler to cash in the Money in the Bank contract after this match, fingers crossed.

Prediction:  Alberto Del Rio retains

Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H in a No Holds Barred Match with Triple H’s Career on the Line

Looking for an all-out brawl reminiscent to the hardcore matches of eras past than look no further than Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H II.  While their first match at last year’s Summerslam left a lot to be desired, giving these two free reins to beat the living crap out of one another with everything and anything will be a big improvement.  It might seem obvious that Triple H will get the victory over Brock Lesnar to avoid retiring, but that result would be incredibly damaging to the monster the WWE is trying to build in Brock Lesnar.  Brock should not lose a match until the WWE is ready to have him face somebody they want to push to the main event like Sheamus or challenge Undertaker to end The Streak.  Honestly, Triple H does not need to be wrestling anymore, so give Brock Lesnar another win under his belt and a definitive ending to Triple H’s career.

Prediction:  Brock Lesnar wins and Triple H retires

Undertaker vs. CM Punk

There was one point in time when Undertaker vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 29 seemed like a great idea then we got the last four weeks of WWE programming.  Opinions can quickly change when thoughts on paper turn into reality.  CM Punk and Undertaker tried their best to make the storyline they were given to work with, but it was not enough.  While these guys are great on the microphone especially Punk, the storyline really drew off the death of Paul Bearer, way too soon in my opinion, that it felt quite uncomfortable at times.  There is no doubt that these two will steal the show at WrestleMania.  Some of the excitement that normally surrounds an Undertaker match at WrestleMania is gone thanks to such a horrible storyline.

Prediction:  Undertaker wins

The Rock (c) vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship

Here we are, at the rematch no one asked for—The Rock vs. John Cena II.  For the main event of the Biggest Show of the Year, this match has had less build than Undertaker vs. CM Punk.  That is what WWE gets for wasting two weeks showing the exact same video package about this match.  While this match has been built as John Cena’s redemption, nobody really cares who wins if one of two things happens.  First, Rock and Cena deliver a match that surpasses last year’s match in Miami.  Second, John Cena FINALLY turns heel.  Wrestling fans are getting sick and tired on John Cena’s character because it has not evolved in over six years now.  Cena needs a new direction and why not initiate on the Grandest Stage of Them All where the lights are on bright and the whole world is watching.

Prediction:  John Cena wins the WWE Championship

It is WrestleMania Sunday and there is no hype, no excitement.  Last year, I could not contain my excitement to see Rock vs. Cena, Undertaker vs. Triple H and CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho that I tried to find affordable venue to watch the event to no avail.  This year I have no such inclination to watch WrestleMania live.  It is easier and much more affordable to wait two months and pick up the DVD.  Yes, you miss out on watching it in the moment, but you pay about twenty dollars to have the event forever.  Instead of wasting thirty to fifty dollars only to see if WWE can put an amazing show despite the incredible lack of build and excitement.

The Flawed Storm: Quick Preview of WWE Summerslam 2012

This year Summerslam has the tagline, “The Perfect Storm.”  This tagline has been used as hype for what was supposed to be the biggest match on the card, Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar.  Much like the build for this big match, the build for this year’s Summerslam has been flawed in my opinion.  WWE focused too much on hyping the 1000^th episode of Monday Night Raw that they forgot to put anything towards making people care about Summerslam.  Summerslam is suppose to be built as the second biggest PPV of the year behind WrestleMania, but for the last few years it feels like WWE has been treating it like every other PPV, which is not how you build one of the biggest shows of your year.  From top to bottom on paper, the card for Summerslam looks very good, but WWE has not done much of anything to make me or any other wrestling fan care about this card.  Out of all the matches on this card, the only feud that has gotten the proper attention and good build has been the Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler feud.  In all honesty, the Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler is the only match on the card I actually want to watch.  It is the one to watch as I can personally see these two stealing the show.

The Miz (c) vs. Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship

Prediction:  The Miz retains

R-Truth & Kofi Kingston vs. The Primetime Players for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Prediction:  The Primetime Players win the WWE Tag Team Championship

Kane vs. Daniel Bryan

Prediction:  Daniel Bryan wins

Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler

Prediction:  Dolph Ziggler wins

Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship

Prediction:  Sheamus retains

Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar

Prediction:  Brock Lesnar wins

CM Punk (c) vs. Big Show vs. John Cena in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship

Prediction:  CM Punk retains

Much like last year’s Summerslam, WWE could possibly pull out a great PPV out of absolutely no build.  Right now looking back on the weeks leading up to this event, it has been quite frustrating that even with all the glimpses of greatness we have experienced with Raw’s move to three hours.  Summerslam is supposed to be built as the second biggest PPV of the year and it does not feel like that anymore.  Personally I am more excited for a regular PPV like Extreme Rules or Money in the Bank than I am for Summerslam and that is a huge problem, WWE. 

The Silver Report: August 5-11

It was a mixed week of wrestling in the WWE.  While Raw and Smackdown did have their ups and downs this week, there are a few moments and matches that were good to great that saved this week from being a complete and utter waste in my opinion.  We are a week away from Summerslam and I honestly bared hyped for this PPV whatsoever other than being excited to see Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler, but more on that later.  It seemed like WWE put all their resources into hyping Raw 1000 that they forgot to put any hype towards their second biggest PPV of the year, Summerslam.  With one week left, let us see if WWE can pull out a miracle and make us care about Summerslam this year.

Lesnar Is Coming to Get You

Considering the main WWE Championship storyline repeated what happened last week just with Big Show standing tall at the end of Raw, we will have to look at the Brock Lesnar-Triple H feud for the biggest story of the week.  Seeing as Raw was in San Antonio this past Monday, Shawn Michaels made a special appearance.  The main reason Michaels was at Raw was for Shawn Michaels Appreciation Night, which happened after Raw went off the air, but WWE also decided to inject Michaels into the feud between Triple H and Brock Lesnar.  Shawn Michaels made his way out to the ring and gave his take on the whole situation between his best friend and Brock Lesnar.  Shawn’s opinions got the attention of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman as they made their way to the ring to confront HBK.  Paul Heyman’s attempts to convince Shawn Michaels was the superior athlete were futile as they only infuriated the Heartbreak Kid.  They infuriated Shawn to the point that he announced that he would be in Triple H’s corner at Summerslam.  This announcement did not sit well with Lesnar as he made his move to attack Shawn Michaels to only be stopped by Triple H.  Hoping to hold off the fighting for another day, Lesnar and Heyman made their retreat.  Before they left, Lesnar told Michaels that he will see him before Summerslam.  While I do think it was a good move for WWE to hold off until the go home Raw before Summerslam for Lesnar destroys Michaels, I personally did not like the execution.  Why would you blurt out your plan to your opponent and the whole world no less and completely destroy the element of surprise?  Now that Shawn and Triple H know what you are going to do this week on Raw, so how does Brock think he will be able to get away with it?  WWE could have easily had Brock make a gesture towards Michaels that insinuated that Michaels would not make it to Summerslam instead of the overly cartoony and unrealistic villain telling the heroes his plan.  Still it is a good hook for the Summerslam go home show, just the whole element of surprise is gone from an angle that could have easily stolen the show.

Y2J is Back, Baby!!

Ever since Dolph Ziggler made the mistake of saying Chris Jericho has lost his touch, the Show-Off has been made to eat his words.  After delivering numerous Code Breakers to the World Heavyweight Money in the Bank winner, Chris Jericho has gotten into Dolph’s head.  Case and point, Dolph Ziggler spent too much time concentrated on Chris Jericho on commentary this past Monday on Raw that Alex Riley rolled Dolph up to pick up his second win of the 2012.  This past Friday on Smackdown, the Highlight Reel, Jericho’s classic interview segment, made its’ return.  Along with the return of the Highlight Reel, came the return of a side of Chris Jericho that everybody has missed for a long time.  Some of Dolph’s insults really home with Chris Jericho as he has not been up to snuff in the big matches, so Jericho has welcomed his Y2J character back with open arms.  It did look like the WWE has been building for this moment for a month or so now considering Jericho’s increased use of his classic catchphrases.  Personally I love the return of Y2J as it gives an established face for the WWE to pull upon as a challenger for Dolph Ziggler’s eventual World Heavyweight Title reign especially with all signs pointing to their current feud ending at Summerslam.  Once Y2J made his return, Dolph Ziggler made his move, attacking Chris Jericho with the Money in the Bank briefcase.  This attack got Dolph some much needed payback on the man that has humiliated him these past few weeks.  With their match finally set in stone for Summerslam and the return of Y2J, this feud is easily the most interesting thing on WWE TV at the moment.

Sheamus vs. Del Rio Cancelled for Summerslam

In all honesty, I have not cared for this feud one bit.  There have been little glimmers of greatness, but things have gotten so drawn out and stop and go that it would be better if Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio went their separate ways.  I thought that until witnessing the events of this past Smackdown.  Back on Monday, Sheamus stole Alberto Del Rio’s car and went on a joy ride throughout San Antonio.  While the fact that Sheamus got away with grand theft auto with little to no repercussions is beyond me (logic is sometimes thrown out the window in the WWE), it lead right into the main event of Smackdown, which was suppose to see Sheamus defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio.  The match did not even start because these policemen came out and surrounded the ring.  At first, Del Rio told the policemen to stop walking towards the ring because he did not file that report with San Antonio police against Sheamus and that he wanted his chance to win the World Title.  As these supposed policemen got closer to ring, Del Rio begged and pleaded them to stop until the Mexican Aristocrat’s look of horror turned into a smile and he told his hired guns to attack Sheamus.  At first, Sheamus beat off the horde, but eventually the numbers became too much for the World Heavyweight Champion.  Sheamus succumbed to the overwhelming odds and Del Rio was left standing over a beaten down World Champion.  As result of what happened at the end of Raw, the Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio World Heavyweight Championship Match has been removed from the Summerslam crowd.  While did like that the WWE has put more heat on Del Rio with this beat down, it might be too late to do a whole cancelation angle seeing that Summerslam is only a week away.  If they go with entire different match, there will be no time to build anything and it would kill almost all the momentum Del Rio gained from this beat down.  The wise decision would be to add a No DQ stipulation to their match at Summerslam to capitalize on the heat generated toward Del Rio by this entire angle and make it that much more satisfying when the fans see Sheamus fight him at Summerslam.  We will have to wait and see what actually happens, but I do have to applaud the WWE for getting me interested in Shemus vs. Del Rio again.  Now hopefully they do not screw it up before Summerslam.

The Silver Report: July 22-28

The 1000^th episode of Raw has come and gone.  In the end, it was a very entertaining show that had incredible ups and very few lows.  It was a celebration of both Raw’s past, present and future.  It was nice to see the WWE take some time to make fun of themselves like the return of Mae Young and Mark Henry’s son all-grown up.  The 1000^th episode of Raw was easily the best 3 hour Raw the WWE has put on in years.  Now the question is if the WWE can keep each Raw from dragging each and every week now that it is permanently three hours long?  This next month will be the real test and I hope the WWE either brings the same passion and excitement they brought for this 1000^th episode that they do for the next 1000 or change the Raw back to a two hour show before the three hours damages the overall quality of WWE’s product.  For all wrestling fans, the 1000^th episode of Raw is a must-watch show.  Also make sure to watch this week’s Smackdown, it has some quality matches that deserve your viewing.

The Rock, Daniel Bryan and CM Punk Steal the Show

A lot of focus might have been on Daniel Bryan and AJ’s wedding on Monday, but it was what followed that wedding that really stole the show in my opinion.  After being stood up at the altar by AJ, who is now the new General Manager of Raw, Daniel Bryan was livid.  He would not leave the ring until AJ came back to the ring to apologize.  Instead CM Punk made his way down to the ring to rub salt into Bryan’s wound.  It did not turn out as Punk had expected as Bryan’s tirade on being the greatest wrestler of all-time brought out The Rock.  The Rock did his normal shtick, but added in one important detail.  The Rock will be challenging whoever the WWE Champion is come the Royal Rumble in Phoenix.  Then Rock went on to wish CM Punk good luck in his match against John Cena later on last Monday’s Raw.  Feeling a bit left out of the proceedings, Daniel Bryan interrupted Punk and Rock’s talk, which lead right into The Rock making of fun and laying out the American Dragon to end this incredible segment.  Seeing Daniel Bryan and CM Punk hold their own on the microphone with the Great One was an excellent moment.  It was easily the best segment of the night and the most fun I had while watching Raw 1000.

Triple H and Brock Lesnar, Summerslam

The 1000^th episode of Raw began with the full reunion of D-Generation X sans Chyna.  It was very fun and light-hearted segment that had some of the best superstars from the Attitude Era giving one hell of a rub to the up-and-coming Damien Sandow.  While Triple H did get to have some fun with old friends at the top of the show, things got serious when he came out to find out Brock Lesnar’s answer to his challenge for a match at Summerslam.  Triple H called out Brock Lesnar once again only to have Paul Heyman make his way to the ring.  Heyman reiterated yet again that Brock Lesnar would not accept Triple H’s challenge to a match at Summerslam.  Before Heyman could waddle backstage, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H’s wife and daughter of Vince McMahon, made her first appearance on Raw in a few years.  Stephanie got on the microphone and just torn into Paul Heyman.  At first, Heyman went back-and-forth with Stephanie in an incredible war of words, but eventually Vince McMahon’s little girl got under Paul Heyman’s skin.  Paul Heyman, in Brock Lesnar’s name, accepted Triple H’s challenge for a one-on-one match at Summerslam.  Once Heyman made the announcement and a few derogatory comments towards Triple H’s children, all hell broke loose.  Stephanie started beating the crap out of Heyman and Brock Lesnar made a mad sprint to the ring to fight Triple H.  At the end of segment, Triple H stood tall in the ring as Lesnar and Heyman would retreat backstage, but this is just the start of a feud that should escalate nicely in the next few weeks leading up to Summerslam.

Long Live Heel Punk

You knew WWE had something big planned for the very end of Raw 1000.  They needed a huge hook like the debut of the Nexus or CM Punk’s pipe bomb to get everybody excited to tune into episode 1001 of Raw.  There was a ton of speculation, but what we actually happened got caught many including me completely off guard.  Like expected the main event had CM Punk and John Cena put on a fairly entertaining one-on-one contest for the WWE Championship.  The only thing I personally did not enjoy was the disqualification ending to the match.  Personally I would of preferred a screw job finish with the Big Show costing John Cena the match, much like the false finish we had earlier in the match.  While the ref was knocked out, Big Show hit Cena with a huge spear, which gave Punk the opening to pick up the victory.  CM Punk, being a face, was conflicted over taking the easy way to victory or winning fair and square.  The time Punk spent reflecting gave Cena enough energy to kick out of the eventually pinfall attempt.  I can see why they went with the DQ ending because they want to extend CM Punk vs. John Cena until Summerslam.  I just believe things could have done differently to get the same great end result.  The ending I am talking about happens immediately after Big Show breaks the STF.  Big Show continues to beat down John Cena while CM Punk walks away with the WWE Championship in hand.  Seeing that nobody is coming to John Cena’s aid, The Rock sprints to the ring to plant the Big Show with a huge spinebuster.  When Rock goes for the People’s Elbow, CM Punk intercepts the People’s Champ with a thunderous clothesline.  With John Cena, Big Show and the Rock all laid out in the ring, Punk turns his back and walks down the ramp with a serious look on his face.  At first, I did not fully enjoy the ending of Raw 1000 as I thought WWE would put a bigger, more in your face cliffhanger than what actually happened much like the debut of Nexus.  It was very surreal and more thought-provoking cliffhanger ending that took a while for me personally to see it’s brilliance much like Shawn Michaels’ turn on Hulk Hogan way back in 2005.  I was surprised that WWE would turn CM Punk heel just a year after turning him face even though Punk works much better as a heel than he does as a face.  CM Punk’s heel turn was an excellent way to end the 1000^th episode of Raw off and it keeps fans wanting to see Punk’s explanation this coming week on Raw.  Great job WWE and long live heel Punk!!