IMG Credit: Impact Wrestling

Impact Wrestling
Date: May 3, 2019
Location: Rebel Sports Entertainment Complex, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Commentators: Don Callis, Josh Matthews

We’re past the rather good Rebellion show and the big story is Brian Cage winning the World Title but injuring his back so badly that he won’t be on TV for the time being. With the champ gone, odds are we’re going to be focusing on the #1 contendership, which could go in a variety of ways. Ok so it’s pretty clear who it’s going to be but there are options. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of Rebellion, which was one of their best shows in a long time.

Opening sequence.

Here’s Michael Elgin (who debuted after the World Title match and laid out Cage) for a chat. Elgin talks about the time honored tradition of a new World Champion coming out to celebrate his title win with the new champ. So where is Cage now? That would be in the hospital, but Elgin has more important things to worry about. On Sunday, the Canadian fans cheered for Cage instead of sticking up for their Canadian heroes, like him. He left Japan to come here and be World Champion so he should get a title shot.

This brings out Johnny Impact (all in white for a cool look) to say he’s seen the muscle man with no brain, but this one doesn’t have hair. Elgin says Johnny’s testicles are in his wife’s purse, which Impact points out is Versace and expensive, unlike Elgin’s Highspots gear. Impact takes the credit for sending Elgin to the hospital but Elgin says it was the Elgin Bomb that left Cage laying. We hear about the rematch clause….and here’s Konnan to interrupt.

After making a gay joke, he talks about the main event on Sunday and how the Lucha Bros are familia. Pentagon should be getting the next title shot but Impact says he’s played games of Mario Kart that lasted longer than Pentagon’s title reign. Konnan: “Kind of like your movie career.” Elgin grabs Konnan so here’s Pentagon for the save and the brawl is on. With the champ gone, this is as good as anything else and they were smart to start the show hot to distract from the lack of Cage.

Tonight: Pentagon vs. Elgin vs. Impact for the #1 contendership.

We look at Cage getting injured on Sunday.

Preview for the rest of the night.

Ace Austin vs. Petey Williams

The fans sing O Canada for Williams as Impact continues to book for the live crowd instead of the larger audience. Petey headscissors him out to the floor to start but Ace hits a forearm to send Petey outside. That means a suicide dive and Austin’s rather impressive flips on the apron to frustrate Petey again. Back in and Ace gets caught in the Tree of Woe so Petey stands on his crotch for O Canada, earning himself a German superplex.

Ace pulls out a card to slice open Petey’s finger but Petey is right back with his swinging Russian legsweep. A kick to the head gives Austin two and the swinging double underhook slam is good for the same. Petey is right back with the Sharpshooter to send Austin bailing to the ropes so it’s a springboard spinning Fameasser to drop Petey again. The Fold misses so Petey hits his lifting Downward Spiral, only to get enziguried on top. Now the Fold can connect to give Austin for the pin at 7:19.

Rating: C. This was fine for a quick match with the right guy winning, which is about all you cak ask for with Petey. He shouldn’t be winning anything significant and the fans like him enough so this isn’t that bad. At least Austin won though, which is a good sign as I could see him being a success very soon.

Rosemary still has the Undead Maid of Honor on the chain and takes her to find a firefly.

OVE wants an eight man tag against Rich Swann next week, with any three people Swann can find. Anything goes.

Rosemary vs. Kiera Hogan

Rosemary has the Maid of Honor on the chain and ties her to the post in a smart move. Kiera starts fast and sends Rosemary into the corner for a running kick to the face. A side slam gets Rosemary out of trouble but a fireman’s carry doesn’t work. Some low superkicks give Kiera two but Rosemary is right back with a release German suplex. The Upside Down makes it even worse for Kiera so she sends Rosemary out onto the ramp. With Rosemary in trouble, cue Su Yung and the Undead Bridesmaids to jump Rosemary for the DQ at 4:27.

Rating: D+. Not much to this one, but Kiera is starting to get better and better in the ring every week. She has a charisma to her which makes her look like a stronger force and that’s a good sign for her future. Rosemary’s story is still going, though I’m not sure they know how to get to wherever they’re going.

Post match Su frees the Maid of Honor and everyone destroys Rosemary. Kiera thinks about making the save but leaves.

Taya Valkyrie brags about how awesome she is when Madison Rayne comes in to say she’s 2-0 against Taya and should get a title shot. Taya blows her off and tells Melissa Santos to come with her.

Flashback Moment of the Week: Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle get in a brawl.

Taya says she doesn’t have to defend her title for thirty days so next week, Madison’s match is non-title.

Konnan and LAX celebrate their title win and count money. They’re not worried about the North and then they get to go to the Rascalz’ clubhouse. For now though, training time.

Eddie Edwards vs. Fenix

Hang on though as Eddie doesn’t want to put Kenny down. We get a rather over the top handshake before they lock up, with Fenix taking him to the mat without much trouble. It’s back up to another standoff until Fenix sends him to the floor, meaning Eddie needs to bring Kenny in. With that taken away, Fenix hits a Pele kick and rolls forward, only to have to back away from another stick threat.

They go outside with Eddie hitting a chop against the barricade as Killer Kross is watching from the stage. Back in and now the rolling forearm connects for Fenix, setting up a crucifix bomb for two. Eddie gets two of his own off a powerbomb but stops to stare at Kross. Fenix uses the distraction to hit the rolling cutter but Eddie is right back with a tiger driver for two more. Kross offers Kenny to Eddie, but won’t let him take it. That means a superkick and the Black Fire Driver to give Fenix the pin at 8:03.

Rating: B-. Fun match (well duh) with some angle advancement as Fenix was his usual great self. What catches my attention here though is Eddie, who has gone from clean cut wrestler to this in the span of just a few months. I want to see what happens with him and how far he can take this, which seems to be a very long way given how talented he really is.

Tommy Dreamer offers his services to Rich Swann for next week. Scarlett Bordeaux, with smoke, comes in to offer Fallah Bahh as well.

Here’s an old looking Rob Van Dam to greet the “Impact Universe”. He knows the talent is great here so he isn’t going to list off all the classic matches he could have here so it’s time to show the difference between who you met on TV and the Whole F’N Show. This brings out Ethan Page with a couple of chairs, which he says must excite Van Dam. Tonight he’s going to show Van Dam a fresh way to use these chairs, by sitting down in one of them and offering Rob the other one.

Page doesn’t like the idea of Van Dam being a hero and the inspiration for everyone’s offense. Page: “Clearly you’ve never watched an Ethan Page match.” Van Dam: “Nope.” Rob gets the bucket list thing of being in the ring with him and is ready to fight right now. Page tells him to take some medicine and calm down so they can do this next week. The Van Daminator leaves Page laying.

Post break Josh Alexander yells at Page for not thinking about the North. Moose comes in and tells them to win the Tag Team Titles.

Video on Gail Kim vs. Tessa Blanchard with Gail talking about being glad to give Tessa that moment. The loss makes things feel complete.

Tully Blanchard congratulated Tessa on her win and talks about how proud he is of her. He knows Tessa and Gail respect each other, just like he respected the people who beat him up back in the day.

Preview for next week’s show.

Michael Elgin vs. Johnny Impact vs. Pentagon

For the #1 contendership. Pentagon goes straight for the rollup on Elgin and it’s already a standoff. Elgin gets sent to the floor and pulls Impact with him, allowing Pentagon to dropkick both of them through the ropes. Impact tries a springboard but gets pulled down into an apron bomb, leaving Pentagon to take a German suplex inside. Pentagon kicks him off the top though and goes up top, only to have to chop Elgin in the chest.

That has no effect so it’s Impact springboarding back in for the German superplex as Elgin superplexes Impact. Elgin plants Pentagon again and suplexes Impact onto him and it’s time to start wrecking things. Impact survives enough to kick Elgin off the top as well, setting up a spinning Razor’s Edge slam. Countdown to Impact misses (it’s going to hit one day and it’s going to be amazing) and Elgin hits three straight kicks to the face.

Now it’s Pentagon coming back in with a Pentagon Driver to Elgin and a powerbomb backbreaker for two on Impact. Elgin gets knocked to the floor and Impact….I’m not sure what he does actually but I think he kicked Pentagon by mistake instead of coming down onto Elgin. Some chair shots have Pentagon down but Elgin is fine enough to blast Impact with a clothesline. The Elgin Bomb is good for the pin and the title shot at 10:48.

Rating: C+. This was all about having Elgin win and that’s what matters most, especially with him pinning Impact. Pentagon can come back later on and get somewhere on his own, which is what probably should happen going forward. If nothing else, Impact can get back into the title scene just by being the former champion, though I hope we don’t get a triple threat title match out of this. They did things right here and Cage vs. Elgin could be great.

Overall Rating: B-. Pretty strong show for the most part here with solid wrestling and storytelling, with some things moving forward between now and Slammiversary. If that’s the case in the future, Impact is doing a lot better than I expected. This was a rather nice show and I liked just about everything I saw, which is a pretty rare accomplishment in just about any wrestling company.

Results

Ace Austin b. Petey Williams – The Fold

Rosemary b. Kiera Hogan via DQ when Su Yung and the Undead Bridesmaids interfered

Fenix b. Eddie Edwards – Black Fire Driver

Michael Elgin b. Johnny Impact and Pentagon – Elgin Bomb to Impact

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

We’ve heard a lot about many WWE guys and gals being unhappy in WWE, especially as of late. The Revival, Sasha Banks, Luke Harper, Bayley, The Usos & Alexander Wolfe are reported cases just in these past 4 months. In a sense, that’s crazy. But when you think about it, it really shouldn’t be too shocking.

Boasting nearly 200 wrestlers in total between Raw, Smackdown, NXT, NXT UK & 205 Live plus trainees in the US and UK Performance Centers, finding your place in this utter ocean of talent is not easy. Even with 5 different brands, tons of talent gets lost in the shuffle. Add to that very questionable booking on Raw & Smackdown just adding to the frustration. Breaking through is next to imposible between so many people and so much confusion.

Many fans are highly critical of these unsatisfied talents. Which surprises me. I can understand disliking Sasha Banks who has shown very poor behavior over the years. But at the same time, the idea that an entire year was spent fumbling a feud between her and Bayley all so Tag Team titles could be made for them and they would cross Raw, Smackdown and NXT, something that was in face presented on TV, axed out of nowhere for no real reason. Who wouldn’t be mad? It’s very akin to working hard for a year for a promotion. Only for someone far less qualified to get it and the only explination offered is “because”. Sure, you could say you should just do as your told. That’s understandable given you’ve signed a contract yielding yourself to do as told despite any opinion otherwise. That still doesn’t stop rising frustration though, eventully rising tensions will spill over and that’s what we’re witnessing today.

That’s just looking at it as a job. To many, this is also an artform. Wrestling is theater after all. Imagine being an artist. Having all these great ideas you want to explore. But despite having this gigantic outlet to express yourself, you’re never really given an opportunity to do so. That would be very frustrating. Look at a Luke Harper. Shown to be extremely talented in the ring, a singles run is cut short in no time. When he’s given a push as a tag team wrestler, it’s stopped because of injury. At 39 years old, he’s a family man as well and despite the good pay, he’s creatively stiffled. His best years are falling behind him being unable to do anything. He was between no form of expression for good pay to expressing himself again in the independent scene which has grown to the point that would likely still pay very well. At which point, why stay? As the independent scene grows, the idea of staying in WWE for the money seems to just be less and less appealing. As many start to see that being outside WWE actually grants more freedom and while the money may not be as good, it’s good enough. If WWE won’t listen, why stress yourself and stay?

WWE placed itself in this awkward position little by little mostly due to paranoia. Signing any and all independent wrestler that had just enough buzz. Something that started in the early days of NXT as guys like Tyler Black (Seth Rollins), Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose), Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) to more modern guys like Ricochet, Tommy End (Aleister Black), Keith Lee and Matt Riddle. The names pile on, graduating from NXT to Raw/Smackdown but despite more and more talents came up, none were filtered out. WWE used to be famous for it’s “Spring Cleaning”, releasing unused talent by the dozen each year but that has stopped in the past 7 years. As such, we’ve seen a massive glut of talent gathered at the top that just keeps growing. As such, it becomes harder and harder for anyone to stand out. Not just as a top star of WWE, but even as midcard talent.

Solving the issue really boils down to WWE being more open to allowing people out of their contracts as shuffling talent from Raw/SD to NXT/NXTUK becomes problematic due to the gap in pay for talent. WWE seems to be leaning that way MOSTLY though there are still some very blatant cases of WWE burying anyone with a negative mentality. The recent run of The Revival as Tag Team Champions is a very blatant case of WWE punishing talent for wanting out. If you’re trying to present yourself as a fair company, this just does not do good. Presenting yourself in a very negative light not just to your locker room but to anyone outside. If there is no reason to keep a talent. Why do so and in a manner that can come off so poorly?

Thank you for reading and if you wanna follow me, check out my personal Blog page where I post updates, write Blogs and promote any article I write. Click Here.

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IMG Credit: WWE

Worlds Collide: Battle Royals
Date: May 1, 2019
Location: Pier 12, New York City, New York
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Percy Watson

Yes it’s a fourth one of these things and no I don’t get it either. As the name suggests, we’re looking at a pair of battle royals here (one for the men and one for the women) with almost everyone from the previous three shows plus a few bonus entrants. Your guess is as good as mine as to why we need to see this nearly a month after Wrestlemania. Let’s get to it.

The audio commentary is really low here for some reason.

Women’s Battle Royal

Bianca Belair, Taynara Conti, Kacy Catanzaro, Deonna Purrazzo, Io Shirai, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke, Jesse, Lacey Lane, Xia Li, Kavita Devi, Kay Lee Ray, Mia Yim, Piper Niven, Reina Gonzalez, Vanessa Borne, Aliyah, Toni Storm

Everyone gets an entrance, which I’ll certainly take over having to go through all the entrance in a big group shot. We start the same way most battle royals start, with a variety of teased eliminations and people saving themselves. Lane tries a double springboard due to reasons of not seeming that bright and gets kicked out, as she should be. Shafir and Duke get together again to eliminate Jesse and it’s back to more brawling on the ropes.

Niven dumps Ray, who seems to swear revenge. Conti gets knocked off the top but hangs onto the post and gets back in for this match’s Kofi Kingston save. Purrazzo gets rid of Li and Kacy does a crazy handstand on the top into a headscissors on Reina, who forearms her out a second later. Shirai tosses Purrazzo as the ring is starting to clear a lot. Gonzalez and Storm slug it out as Niven drops Conti with a hard forearm.

Devi and Gonzalez do the hoss fight with Devi getting kicked out. Almost everyone but Gonzalez is down for a bit until Niven and Storm get together, only to fail to eliminated Conti. Shafir accidentally knocks Duke out and then intentionally tosses Yim. Shirai sends Conti to the apron and dropkicks her out as the field is clearing out a lot. Belair forearms Shafir out and we’re down to Belair, Storm, Shirai, Aliyah, Niven, Gonzalez and Borne.

Niven Hulks Up on Borne and Aliyah but misses a charge and gets tossed. Excessive celebration lets Shirai and Storm get rid of Borne and Aliyah and we’re down to four. Niven chases the two of them out as Belair and Gonzalez’s alliance lasts all of fourteen seconds. Gonzalez sends Belair and Storm into the same corner for shoulders to the ribs. Shirai sends Gonzalez to the apron and forearms her out to get us down to three.

Belair fireman’s carries Storm and swings her into Shirai before dumping her out. We’re down to Belair vs. Shirai with a hard forearm knocking Shirai down. A headscissors sends both of them to the apron but Belair slides back in and avoids a springboard dropkick. The gorilla press toss eliminates Shirai to give Belair the win at 18:27.

Rating: D+. Well that was long. Belair winning is fine, though it doesn’t make her any better or fix any of the problems that have held her back so far. There isn’t much to say about something like this because it’s a bunch of standing around until the finish, which is always the case in battle royals. Gonzalez and Conti looked good here, but they’re more people who aren’t getting much of a chance anywhere.

Men’s Battle Royal

Ariya Daivari, Brian Kendrick, Dave Mastiff, Drew Gulak, Fabian Aichner, Eric Bugenhagen, Humberto Carrillo, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Dominik Dijakovic, Ligero, Matt Riddle, Rinku Singh, Saurav Gurjar, Roderick Strong, Wesley Blake, Steve Cutler, Akira Tozawa, Travis Banks, Tyler Bate

It’s a brawl to start with Bugenhagen and Riddle heading outside for a jam sessions which makes way more sense than it should. Back in and it’s another standard battle royal opening as we wait on the ring to clear out a bit. Dijakovic sends Aichner to the apron and superkicks him out, followed by a toss to get rid of Tozawa. High levels of confidence allow Dijakovic to stop and pose, meaning it’s a group beatdown but so many split off that Dijakovic is able to shove everyone else away.

The cyclone boot eliminates Carrillo and Bugenhagen tosses Daivari for excessive jamming. Gurjar dumps Bugenhagen and you can feel the energy go out of the arena. The Forgotten Sons gets together to eliminate Ligero and Kendrick saves Gulak for no logical reason. There goes Banks as the ring is still rather full. Gulak and Riddle grapple on the mat and wind up on the apron but come back in after realizing they’re wasting their time. Mark Coffey is out and Riddle gives Dijakovic a GTS for another elimination.

Mastiff eliminates Gulak and Cutler but Kendrick (still in the leather jacket) saves himself. Riddle and Mastiff chop it out and Gurjar gets rid of Singh. Kendrick eliminates Blake but tries Sliced Bread on Coffey, earning himself his own elimination. We’re down to Riddle, Joe Coffey, Mastiff, Strong, Bate and Gurjar. Riddle unloads on Mastiff in the corner and knees him out but the backsplash hits Coffey’s knees.

Bate hits the rebound lariat to get rid of Coffey and it’s a four way staredown. Gurjar fights off all three of them with a good side slam planting Riddle. That’s enough to send Riddle to the apron and a big boot gets rid of him in a heck of an upset. Bate uses raw strength to get rid of Gurjar and the fans are very appreciative. Strong and Bate slug it out with Bate hitting an exploder suplex into the nip up. The Tyler Driver 97 is countered into a jumping knee to the face so Bate comes right back with the airplane spin.

Rating: C+. The ending sequence alone made it better than the first match but this was another example of a long match with very little going on until we got to the finish. There were so many people in there until the ending and while the final grouping was pretty strong, there is only so much you can get out of waiting around to get there for half of the match.

Overall Rating: C-. The show was fine, though spending the better part of twenty minutes on entrances alone was kind of a stretch. The biggest thing I got from this was how many people WWE has down in developmental who aren’t likely to get a major push ever. Can you picture the Coffeys on the main roster? Or Xia Li?

They’re talented, but WWE would pick a lot of others before them and it’s just bloating the roster more and more. NXT UK has helped, but there are so many people under the WWE banner that they can run shows like this and still have a ton of roster members left over. That’s probably not good, but neither is running these four shows for the sake of adding content to the Network. We can have this but not Legends With JBL or Royal Rumble Rewind or more round table shows? Anyway, not bad, but really don’t waste your time.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Ring of Honor Wrestling

Ring of Honor
Date: May 1, 2019
Location: Stage AE, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman

We are FINALLY back to the present with some fresh material after nearly a month of pre-taped shows. It’s been a long time coming and I can barely remember what happened at the Madison Square Garden show, but Matt Taven is the World Champion and that means we’re not in for something all that interesting. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a look at Taven winning the title.

Opening sequence.

Here’s Taven for his first address as champion. He takes his sweet time getting into the ring and gets a pretty weak YOU DESERVE IT chant. Taven: “I earned this.” Taven explains what it means and another weak TAVEN chant starts up. He lists off everything he’s done in the last year, which is quite the run. It took a long time to get there, but everything was worth it in the end. If you want this title, you’ll have to earn it like he did.

This brings out Flip Gordon (rocking a suit) to say he earned his opportunity when he won the Sea of Honor tournament. Taven laughs that off because a tournament on a cruise ship is different than the main event in Madison Square Garden. Gordon doesn’t think it’s so funny, because he is the official #1 contender. This wasn’t crazy long, but the reaction to Taven is as underwhelming as I was expecting it to be. He’s the Jeff Jarrett of ROH and that didn’t work so well either.

We look back at Silas Young injuring Jonathan Gresham’s knee, the ensuing trash talk and then the cheating win.

Silas talked more trash after the match when Gresham came in and asked for one more match. Security broke it up in a hurry though.

In three weeks: Gordon vs. Taven for the title on the 400^th episode.

Silas Young vs. Jonathan Gresham

Young has promised to win with a wrestling move. He also wants a handshake, which Gresham agrees to before dodging an early low blow attempt. Some leg trips gives Gresham two and it’s time to go old school with the crisscross. A hiptoss sends Young outside but he pulls Gresham with him, meaning it’s time for the headlock takeover into the headscissors counter sequence on the floor. Back in and another hiptoss attempt doesn’t send either of them over the top so we take a break.

We come back with Young riding him off a waistlock until Gresham chops his way to freedom. Young doesn’t like the strikes because he was offering pure wrestling. They chop it out until Gresham starts throwing fists, which is way outside of his norm. Young offers him the wrist and then spins out of a wristlock into a quickly broken armbar. Gresham does the same to him as this isn’t quite what I was expecting. Now it’s Gresham offering Young the wrist, which earns him the cheap shot you knew was coming.

A dropkick sends Young into the corner and there’s the running dropkick as we take a second break. Back again with Young getting a fast two off a sunset flip, followed by a DDT to send Young outside. Young tries to bring in a chair, which is quickly taken away, allowing Young to get in a ring bell hammer shot to the head. An abdominal stretch goes on and the unconscious Gresham is unconscious at 11:25.

Rating: C+. I liked the story here and that’s what mattered most as they’re pretty clearly setting up a rematch with that finish. Young is being a great jerk in the whole thing and the win is the ultimate slap in the face to Gresham. The third match will be entertaining as well and that’s a good sign for a midcard feud.

We look back at Kelly Klein winning the Women’s Title back but getting beaten down by the debuting Allure.

Klein says the title is what matters so she’s going to clean up the hot mess.

We look at Rush beating Dalton Castle in thirty seconds in New York.

We look back at Bully Ray putting Tenille Dashwood through a table (off camera) last week.

Lifeblood promises revenge on Bully Ray and the Kingdom.

Briscoes vs. Soberano Jr./Caristico

Soberano and Caristico (the original Sin Cara) are from CMLL. Mark takes Soberano down and shakes at him a bit so Soberano grabs a waistlock into a sunset flip for two. Some kicks to the arm set up a springboard hurricanrana and it’s off to Jay vs. Caristico. Jay doesn’t take kindly to the dancing test of strength so it’s a headlock to slow Caristico down. He’s fine enough for a rope walk wristdrag to send Jay outside but they back up before the double dives.

Back in and the masked men get kicked out to the floor with Mark hitting a dropkick through the ropes. The Cactus Jack elbow takes us to a break with the Briscoes in control. We come back with Caristico still in trouble as Mark headbutts him into the corner. A double handspring elbow takes down both Briscoes and it’s back to Soberano to pick up the pace.

That means a running moonsault dive to the floor and everyone is down on the outside. Back in and Caristico kicks Mark in the head, setting up a high crossbody for two. Jay is tired of this flying stuff and sends Caristico face first into a chair on the floor. A Death Valley Driver gives Mark two on Soberano and Redneck Boogie gets the same. The Jay Driller into the Froggy Bow finishes Soberano at 13:01.

Rating: B-. Good formula based match here and that’s what you should be doing when there’s no story. I’m not wild on the random foreigners appearing more often than not but at least we got a good match out of it, which is all you can ask for in a situation like this. You know the Briscoes are getting back in the title scene soon so the win here makes sense.

Overall Rating: C+. Uh, ok I guess. We spent nearly a month waiting for an announcement of a big TV main event, the continuation of a midcard feud and a one off tag match? I mean, it was a good show but is that really the best they had with all this time off? The stories need to be a little stronger and this wasn’t a good start to the new era. Hopefully it improves in the coming weeks but this was pretty underwhelming for what the show should have been.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: May 2, 2019
Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Commentators: Renee Young, Byron Saxton, David Otunga

Oh dear. Do we really have to do this one? After this week’s rather horrible Raw and Smackdown, I’m scared to see what we could be getting in the way of highlights. There aren’t many good things to look at and I have a bad feeling that WWE will want to focus on the less than thrilling stuff. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

I was in the arena for this show so it’s my second time seeing the original matches.

Opening sequence.

Heath Slater vs. Mojo Rawley

Rawley now has paint around his eye, which I’m sure will lead him to nothing but success. The fans remind Mojo that he has kids and suggest that they want Ryder (this is the arena where Mojo turned on Ryder and the fans always remind him) as he hits a corner splash. Slater gets knocked outside and a running charge drives him into the barricade. Back in and the running right hand in the corner sets up the Alabama Slam to finish Slater at 2:44. Slater had no offense.

We look at Kevin Owens turning on New Day last week.

From Smackdown.

Michael Cole brings Kofi Kingston to the ring to start things off. We look at Kofi’s performance in the Elimination Chamber and the second gauntlet match. Kofi talks about how none of this happens without Big E. and Xavier Woods because they proved that the impossible is possible. Cole calls the win over Daniel Bryan maybe the greatest Wrestlemania moment ever (uh, hang on a second now) and we see a clip of the title win.

Kofi calls it the greatest moment of his life, next to the birth of his children and his wedding day. With that comes people gunning for him though, which leads us to a clip of Kevin Owens attacking him last week. Kofi agrees that he probably should have seen this coming but the New Day believes in letting people change if they want to. At the end of the day though, Kevin Owens is going to be Kevin Owens.

If Owens wanted a title shot, all he had to do is ask. Last week, Kevin said he was coming for the title so let him come, say at Money in the Bank. This brings out Owens, who says challenge accepted. Owens talks about how the moment from Wrestlemania is fleeting and everyone knows Kofi isn’t championship material. Cue Woods to jump Owens from behind but Owens superkicks him down, leaving Kofi to chase him off.

From later in the night.

It’s time for the Kevin Owens Show, but there is now no set with just a pair of chairs. Owens points out the lack of a set but it’s ok because he is the show. At Money in the Bank, he will take away the burden of being WWE Champion from Kofi Kingston because it belongs to him. That brings us to his guest, but there is no Xavier Woods.

Owens expected this to be the case, so he brings out a Xavier action figure. It was part of a pack though so there is also a Big E. figure, complete with a cast around his leg. Owens puts them in the chair and then kicks it over. He knows what is in their mind and heart….but here’s Kofi for the brawl. Kingston throws him over the announcers’ table but gets raked in the eyes, allowing Owens to bail to end the show. Good final segment with Kofi bringing out the fire again.

Cesaro vs. Cedric Alexander

Rematch from last week’s Raw. Cesaro runs him over for an early two and it’s off to a quickly broken chinlock. A slam cuts Cedric off and it’s a chinlock to keep him down. Some stomps to the head have Cedric in trouble until he comes back with some chops. Those just earn him an uppercut and another chinlock, followed by a big boot for two.

It’s time to crank on the arm, which seems a little out of place. Cedric fights up for his spinning elbow to the head but the Neuralizer is blocked with an elbow to the back. Cesaro doesn’t follow up fast enough though and gets caught by a middle rope dropkick. A whip into the corner sets up a rollup to give Cedric the pin at 5:05.

Rating: C. This didn’t have the time that it needed to go somewhere but there is a reason that my eyebrows went up when I heard the music playing. These two have some nice chemistry and the mixture of styles has made some good little matches. Cedric winning here is quite the shock, but at least he’s getting somewhere.

From Smackdown again.

Roman Reigns vs. B Team

Elias is on the floor. Reigns powers out of Dallas’ headlock but gets punched into the corner by Axel. Reigns fights out of the corner without much effort though and gets two off the Samoan drop. A quick Elias distraction lets Axel get in a clothesline though and we take a quick break.

Back with Reigns fighting out of a chinlock and hitting a clothesline on Dallas. Everything breaks down and a Samoan drop/DDT combination plants the B Team. The Superman Punch hits Axel for two with Elias pulling the regular referee out at two. Elias takes over as referee and the PerfectPlex gives Axel two of his own. The guitar is brought in but it’s a Superman Punch to Elias and a spear finishes Axel at 10:47.

Rating: D+. The match wasn’t exactly the most surprising result and that’s not the best way in the world to go when Elias isn’t going to be bought as a serious threat to Reigns at Money in the Bank anyway. Reigns overcoming the odds is fine, but if the odds don’t make him an underdog in the first place, what is he overcoming?

Tamina/Alicia Fox vs. IIconics

Non-title and this is the first time Main Event has had three matches in a very long time. On the way to the ring, the IIconics make fun of Kentucky and the Kentucky Derby. Oh and the Wildcats are terrible too. Billie and Peyton can’t decide who has to start with Tamina so it’s the alternating tags to make the decision.

Peyton gets shoved down so Billie tries a waistlock and gets thrown away with ease. It’s off to Alicia, who scores with dropkicks on both champs. A sunset flip out of the corner gets two on Peyton but she drops Fox and it’s time for the pose. Tamina comes back in for a running corner splash on Billie but Peyton breaks up the Samoan drop. The big boot sets up Peyton’s running knee for the pin at 3:56.

Rating: D. The IIconics are fun to watch but Tamina and Alicia? Someone thought that was a good idea? Like, we’re supposed to cheer for Tamina? I know this means nothing and it’s not likely to be a permanent change, but egads that’s a heck of a stretch. We get a third match for the first time in forever and it features Tamina? Really?

From Raw to wrap it up.

It’s time for the contract signing between AJ Styles and Seth Rollins. Michael Cole starts the questioning by asking what a win would mean to AJ. That’s an easy one because the win is the reason AJ came here. He spent two years on Smackdown and he’s very grateful, but now it’s time to come where the really crazy fans are.

AJ has heard about Seth for two years and knows he’s a good guy, but AJ wants the Universal Title. When you want something bad enough, you’ll do some unexpected things to get it. The fans aren’t sure what to make of that so AJ goes back to the compliments by saying Seth is a winner and a champion. But how many times has it been said that Seth will be the new AJ? Not very many that I can think of, but AJ thinks it makes sense because Seth is stronger, faster and younger. Fans: “SHAVE YOUR BACK!”

The reality though is Seth will never be the next AJ Styles. Seth didn’t want to be though, because he would rather be the first Seth Freaking Rollins. The compliments are appreciated but things are different on Raw. That’s Michael Cole instead of Tom Phillips and the ropes are red. If AJ wants to take the title, he needs to be better than phenomenal.

AJ asks about Seth’s health after being a workhorse for all those months. Fans: “BURN IT DOWN!” AJ knows they’ll burn it down and then he’ll build it back up. Seth doesn’t know how much trouble he’s in because the Shield isn’t around to help him anymore. Yeah he went through a lot at Wrestlemania, but Seth doesn’t have much left.

AJ is ready to go now though and at Money in the Bank, he’s biting like a pit bull and not letting go until he’s Universal Champion. Styles signs and Seth starts talking about their differences. It’s true that AJ likes to build things up but Seth likes to burn things down. There is one thing that separates them though: Seth beat Brock Lesnar. That seems to get to AJ as Seth signs.

AJ picks up the title and slowly hands it over so Seth can hold it up. Fans: “SHAVE HIS BACK!” AJ jumps him instead and the fight is on with Seth kicking him out to the floor. There’s the suicide dive and Seth poses again, but it’s a shot to the head into the Phenomenal Forearm through the table to end the show.

This took some time to get going because they don’t have any reason to hate each other, but some of those lines from Seth ran deep. AJ seems to be playing heel here, and while that might not go full blast or last permanently, it’s an interesting way to go here. It’s also something AJ knows how to do, so we should be in for some quality stuff if that’s where they’re going.

Overall Rating: D+. They were very, very smart to stay clear from Raw this week because the show was just that bad. That being said, I can go for having three matches here as it gets some people in the ring for a change, though that doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea. You could have dropped the first match for some more highlights, but in this case having fewer highlights was the right call. I’m indifferent to the new format, but egads they picked a good week to start rolling with it.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: April 30, 2019
Location: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness, Aiden English, David Otunga

We’re actually on the road to Ariya Daivari vs. Tony Nese, which is the kind of thing you always hear about but never think you’ll actually see. Other than that we have the continuing issues between Drew Gulak and Humberto Carrillo, plus Mike Kanellis vs. Akira Tozawa. Hopefully the execution is better than it sounds. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Tony Nese handles our opening recap/preview and is ready to face Drew Gulak in a non-title match tonight.

Gulak says his plans for a better 205 Live can continue with a win tonight.

Opening sequence.

Yes we now have a FOUR MAN BOOTH on this show. Three is too many and we’re approaching having the same amount of people in the booth as wrestle on the show.

Lucha House Party vs. Singh Brothers

Before the match, the Singhs talk about being back to fix the division and dance a lot. They’ve been around the world for the last two years taking on World Champions and they’re the only undefeated team around here. Lince and Sumir dance at each other to start and it’s already time to work on Sumir’s arm. The announcers debate Bollywood movies as Sunil comes in and gets chopped in the corner.

A Sumir distraction lets Sunil get in a knee to the back to take over and a double suplex gets two on Dorado. Hang on though as we need to stop for more dancing. Something close to a dancing Demolition Decapitator gets no count as Dorado’s arm is underneath the rope so it’s off to the chinlock (with Sumir turning around to look at the camera in that never natural looking style).

Sunil comes back in for a chinlock of his own until more dancing is required. Back up and the Golden Rewind is enough to set up the hot tag to Gran Metalik. The rope walk dropkick into the reverse Sling Blade gets two and it’s Dorado coming back in off a blind tag. The Brothers aren’t fooled though and hit him with a double superkick but Metalik is right back in to take over. A rope walk elbow sets up the shooting star press to finish Sumir at 9:36.

Rating: C+. Nice formula match here and while the Singh Brothers aren’t great with Mahal, they’re right at home here. This is the place they should have been a long time ago as their run with Mahal was only known for them taking ridiculous bumps. They can be great cannon fodder here, but giving them a push as a team isn’t the worst idea in the world.

Humberto Carrillo comes in to see Drake Maverick, who suggests that Humberto steer clear of Drew Gulak. Jack Gallagher comes in and says he’ll be medically cleared in two weeks, when they happen to be in London. He offers a handshake to Carrillo in a rather polite challenge for a match at some point in the future.

Brian Kendrick comes out for a match but here’s Mike Kanellis to jump him from behind. Akira Tozawa runs in for the save and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of this in the future.

Ariya Daivari talks about being undefeated this year, which has put him in line for a Cruiserweight Title shot. Tonight, he’s going to enjoy seeing Gulak stretch Nese.

Next week: Tozawa vs. Kanellis in a no disqualification match.

Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese

Non-title. Nese takes him down by the arm to start but Gulak pulls him down into a pinfall reversal sequence for a few near falls. Back up and Nese starts firing off the strikes for two more, sending Gulak bailing outside for a breather. That means the big Fosbury Flop to drop Gulak for two back inside as it’s almost all Nese in the early going. They get back inside where Drew can start pulling on the arm but a knee to the face gets the champ out of trouble.

It’s too early for the running knee in the corner though so Gulak takes him outside for a slam onto the apron to bang up the back. A backbreaker gives Gulak two as it’s time to start picking Nese apart piece by piece. Gulak’s hammerlock is broken up though and Nese sets him on top for a running palm strike.

There’s a jumping hurricanrana to bring Gulak back down and they’re both in need of a breather with Nese favoring his knee. Nese scores with a spinwheel kick into a Lionsault for two, meaning frustration has begun. The Gulock is broken up and they fall to the floor for a double knockdown. Nese sends him into various things and hits a suplex to make it even worse. Back in and the pumphandle driver gives Nese two so he heads up.

Gulak catches him up there though, setting up a super gutbuster (Perhaps a tribute to the recently gone Dean Malenko?) for two more. A slugout goes to the champ but the 450 only hits mat. Now the Gulock can go on full but Nese manages to slip his head out. A hard running clothesline gives Gulak two more and it’s time for another Gulak. This one never even goes on as Nese pops up with a superkick into a German suplex into the corner. The running knee gives Nese the pin at 17:21.

Rating: B. This was a very strong back and forth match with Nese looking like the star the show wants him to be. However, the lack of energy and sizzle was very showing as the fans just did not care. That’s a big part of the problem with the show in general: there is nothing to get overly excited about and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

Overall Rating: B. Another quality but uninspiring show, which is looking like the standard operating procedure around here these days. You can’t expect much from these less than interesting stars but they’re having some awesome matches week to week. Just find someone that gets the fans’ attention and the show can get that much better.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Smackdown
Date: December 2, 2004
Location: Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia
Commentators: Michael Cole, Tazz

We’re finally into December and things have been a near nightmare around here as of late. With a combination of the Tough Enough stuff taking over the show and very limited wrestling, I’m not sure what is supposed to make me want to keep watching the thing. That has never stopped WWE before though so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

JBL and the Cabinet (complete with the Bashams being named the Co-Secretaries of Defense) arrive late with Theodore Long not being happy. Tonight the Bashams can face Booker T. and Eddie Guerrero while JBL and Orlando Jordan can face the Undertaker. Two matches made in less than two minutes. Not too shabby.

Opening sequence.

Rey Mysterio/Rob Van Dam/Torrie Wilson vs. Kenzo Suzuki/Rene Dupree/Hiroko

Fallout from last week’s brawl which started over Kenzo oogling Torrie. Hiroko shoves Torrie before the bell and strikes the Crane Kick pose because we need more stereotypes in this one. Rob and Rene start things off but hang on as Dupree needs to bow to Suzuki first. We get what looks like one of the same sequences Van Dam used to do with Jerry Lynn until Rene is sent to the floor.

That leaves the women to come in and roll over Kenzo, who likes it so much that he swivels his hips. Rey loads up a 619 on Hiroko but walks into a spinebuster, followed by the French Tickler. Rey is back up and plants Rene, setting up a Five Star from Van Dam so Rey can grab a rollup for the pin.

Rating: D-. I have no idea what the point of this was other than stretching us out for another week before we get to what should be a layup of a title change at the pay per view. The match was barely a thing and focused way too much on the stupid Kenzo angle. He hasn’t been interesting since he debuted and that isn’t going to change with having a thing for Torrie.

After that waste of time, here are the Tough Enough guys for their weekly shindig. Ryan Reeves isn’t quitting due to his broken ribs so let’s look at who each person wants voted off.

Mizanin wants Puder gone because he’s a suckup and hasn’t actually fought in the UFC.

Reeves wants Puder gone for not wanting to be a wrestler and only being here to get himself over in MMA.

Smith wants Puder gone for being too overconfident.

Puder wants Smith off because he’s been on other shows before and doesn’t want to be a wrestler.

Ryan Reeves is voted off. That leaves us with three, and next week another will be voted off. The remaining two will box at Armageddon, but there’s another competition tonight. This week: they get to dress like women.

Hiroko doesn’t like Kenzo wanting Torrie and since her milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, she wants Torrie in a bra and panties match next week.

Charlie Haas vs. Jesus

Before the bell, Carlito gets in the ring and says he doesn’t like Charlie hogging up the women like Jackie and Dawn Marie. Carlito hits on Jackie and puts his hand on her shoulder so Charlie grabs him, meaning it’s a beatdown from Jesus. Haas gets posted and chained in the chest. No match.

Post match Long yells at Carlito and Jesus, the latter of whom gets to have a street fight against John Cena at Armageddon.

Raw Rebound.

Michelle McCool stretches with Eddie Guerrero and Booker T. She feels some negative energy though and the tensions seem ready to boil over. They argue over losing title shots but Michelle calms them down before their tag match later. At least she has a few perks.

Basham Brothers vs. Eddie Guerrero/Booker T.

JBL is out for commentary with Jordan at his side. After a quick argument over who gets to start, Booker knocks Doug into the corner and stomps him down. A running clothesline puts Doug on the floor and we take a break. Back with Eddie leg lariating Danny into the corner for some stomping of his own.

Some double teaming lets the Bashams take over so Eddie snaps off a hurricanrana to get himself out of trouble. Eddie feeds Doug into a side kick from Booker for two but the referee yells at Eddie, allowing the Bashams to take over again. We cut over to JBL ranting about how awesome of an athlete he is as the Bashams take turns on Booker.

The flapjack plants Doug and Eddie comes in as JBL threatens lawsuits over commentary criticizing him. Everything breaks down and Eddie low bridges Doug but sends Booker to the floor at the same time by mistake. The argument is on and Danny knocks Eddie into Booker from behind. We’ll get to the explosion later, but for now it’s a rollup with ropes to give Danny the pin.

Rating: C. The Bashams have had one match as part of the Cabinet and they’re already about 18485% better than Jordan. They look better, they’re actually effective in the ring and they didn’t need three chinlocks to get them through a nine minute match. This was all it needed to be and Eddie vs. Booker could be good once we’re done with the pay per view.

Post match JBL Clotheslines Eddie and Booker.

Kurt Angle Invitational: Kurt Angle vs. Sebastian McCauley

Angle Slam and ankle lock in less than a minute.

Post match Angle has Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns join him in the ring because he wants to make something right. Now he wants Joy Giovanni in the ring because she was embarrassed last week. Reigns apologizes for last week with the Thanksgiving meal because he got carried away. As an apology, he offers her dinner tonight, his treat of course.

Joy accepts the apology but says she already has dinner plans with Big Show. Angle thinks that’s insulting to the three of them so Reigns gets more aggressive in asking about that dinner. Cue Big Show for the save and a challenge to fight all three of them at once but the bad guys bail.

We look back at last week’s Christmas in Iraq.

And now, the Tough Enough contestants in drag. Mizanin is in a Metallica shirt, Daisy Duke shorts and has a six pack of Miller Lite. As a bonus, he even does the slow lean into the ring ala Stacy Keibler. The other two are just guys in drag with little effort. Cue Hardcore Holly (Cole: “If anyone was homophobic, it would be Hardcore Holly.”) to say these are some ugly women.

They each have thirty seconds to prove that Holly is the object of their affections, which is too far for Holly. Snow: “Are you saying you’re not tough enough?”

Holly actually stays and Michelle Mizanin (just go with it) asks if he likes whips and chains. He leans over and asks if Hardcore can smack that and thankfully the time is up.

Justina Smith talks about speaking with Hardcore’s mama, who says he likes lobsters. For a present, he pulls out a bottle of “crunk juice”….and a live lobster. Snow: “GIVE ME THE MIC!”

Daniella Puder has a Puder Bear and admires the way Holly fills out his trunks.

Mizanin wins, ending one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever seen as a wrestling fan. Thankfully Holly punches Snow out for putting him through all this.

Armageddon rundown.

Here’s Dawn Marie to say that her sexy Santa outfit is better than Jackie’s earlier tonight. Jackie runs out and the brawl is on. Long comes out and makes a match between the two of them at Armageddon with Haas as guest referee.

Undertaker vs. John Bradshaw Layfield/Orlando Jordan

The Bashams are banned from ringside but Amy Weber is given a chair. Jordan starts for the team as JBL chills on the floor, looking rather terrified. The threat of a right hand sends JBL bailing off the apron but Jordan’s kick to the face just annoys Undertaker again. A trip to the floor lets Undertaker beat up Jordan some more, followed by a Downward Spiral for two back inside.

JBL makes the save and gets Snake Eyes into a big boot and the bad guys are sent outside in a heap to end us to a break. Back with Undertaker hitting a side slam for two on Jordan with JBL making another save. The apron legdrop crushes JBL and the jumping clothesline drops Jordan. The Last Ride is broken up with a big boot so JBL is willing to come in, allowing Undertaker to grab a legbar. Jordan stomps away, making Cole think he could be champion one day. Thankfully a DDT cuts off that nonsense and it’s time for the double chokeslam, drawing a low blow from JBL for the DQ.

Rating: D. That’s only because it wasn’t as bad as the first match. This feud has been a disaster and this match didn’t do it any favors with a long, boring beatdown from Undertaker until HAHA LOW BLOW for the finish. You really can’t have Jordan take a chokeslam for the pin? His whole job is to take a beating and that can’t be the finish?

Post match Undertaker comes back and beats them up some more until the Bashams come in. The big beatdown leaves Undertaker laying to end the show.

Overall Rating: F. The Basham Brothers were the best thing about this show. The build to Armageddon is almost entirely based on the four way and the Tag Team Titles, meaning Kenzo and Dupree are one four of the pay per view build. Other than that, you have Angle vs. Show, which is fine but something we just recently covered. Dawn vs. Jackie is good for eye candy but I need something with a little more substance. The less said about Tough Enough the better.

Right now Smackdown feels like a classroom where the teacher put a movie on and hoped for the best. It might keep a few people quiet, but there is nothing for the majority of the people there. I’m sure it’s going to get better when the Rumble season starts, but until then we’re stuck with this no effort show and it’s making me long for the days of Maven being a focal point of Raw.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Fusion #55
Date: April 27, 2019
Location: Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York
Commentators: Jim Cornette, Rich Bocchini

We’re still in New York and that means it’s time for Jim Cornette’s head to continue exploding. The main event this week isn’t your usual violent brawl, as this one is a different kind of brawl. In this case it’s a tables match between the Dynasty and the Hart Foundation, which has been a rather nice feud. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Richard Holliday and Alexander Hammerstone are leaving the building and find that the Hart Foundation have trashed their car again.

Opening sequence.

The National Openweight Title is coming. Seems to be a midcard title.

Jordan Oliver vs. Kotto Brazil

Oliver takes him into the corner to start so Kotto comes out with a dropkick. Cornette is too busy trying to figure out why Brazil losing an eye in a bar fight isn’t treated as a bigger deal as Kotto hits a dive to the floor. The charge only hits the post though and Oliver goes very evil by going after the good eye. A spinning kick to the face sets up a chinlock but Brazil pops up and hits a hurricanrana.

The Blockbuster into a frog splash gives Kotto two but here are Ricky Martinez and Salina de la Renta for a distraction. Oliver’s Stunner gets two so Brazil hits one of his own to send Jordan to the floor. That means a suicide dive and a second one makes it even worse for Jordan. Martinez breaks up the third so Kotto hits an even better one to take Martinez out. Back in and Jordan hits a springboard cutter (that looked good) for the upset pin at 6:32.

Rating: C-. There was a lot going on here and the ending works fine as Brazil lost thanks to a pair of interferences. The problem though is Jordan looks like he weighs about 110lbs and has arms that Adam Cole would find skinny. The match was the usual entertaining stuff from Kotto, but Jordan’s look was rather distracting throughout.

Avalanche Robert Dreissker is getting a World Title shot at some point in the future.

Avalanche is coming for the title.

The Dynasty has attacked Brian Pillman and Pillmanized his arm in the most poetic attack you can ask for.

Ace Austin vs. Rey Horus

They take their time to start as Cornette talks about how he is under the middleweight limit for the first time in forever. Austin’s headlock doesn’t get him very far so he poses instead, earning himself a dropkick into the corner. Horus starts speeding things up for a few near falls and Austin wants a handshake. Thankfully Horus is smart enough to turn that down but Austin kicks him in the ribs to take over.

A German suplex doesn’t work so Austin hits a belly to back slam and a kick to the head. They head outside with Austin firing off kicks to the chest, followed by knees to the ribs back inside. Since a luchador is involved, Austin has to go after the mask (it’s a requirement) and for once it actually comes off. Horus knocks him off the top though and gets the mask back on but Austin stays on him in the corner.

We get an inset update saying that Pillman is likely out of the main event (Quick, to the point, doesn’t distract from the match that much. Well done.) and come back with Horus hitting a slingshot corkscrew dive to take over. Austin gets posted and kicked in the face as the announcers talk about what it means to lose your mask. The Spanish Fly gives Horus two but Austin kicks him in the face. A double underhook driver gets two but Horus runs the ropes and grabs a super victory roll for the pin at 14:12.

Rating: B. I liked this one a lot but I like both guys so it’s not shocking. Austin looked better here than he has since he started debuting on national shows so he’s definitely moving in the right direction. He was hanging in there with one of the best high fliers around today and the match was a blast. Easily one of the better matches from MLW in quite some time.

We look back at the ending of the first match.

Next week: Salina is in charge.

Salina is ranting on the phone and comes up to Low Ki, who wants to talk about the National Title tournament. She leaves and Low Ki isn’t happy.

Tom Lawlor is ready for Avalanche and hasn’t forgotten about Contra. It’s a great idea to have these promos from the champ every week. Lawlor needs the practice on the mic and the champ should get some kind of attention, even if it’s just forty five seconds, every week. His delivery is getting a little better too.

Hart Foundation vs. Dynasty

Tables match with the Harts coming in at a 3-2 disadvantage. We get through the dueling fan chants before the opening bell to eat up some of the remaining time. Jim: “Rich do you have any naked pictures of your wife?” Rich: “No.” Jim: “Would you like one?” The bell finally rings and Hart jumps MJF from behind, followed by Smith superkicking Holiday. The Harts clear the ring and the fight heads outside with Hart hitting the awesome top rope moonsault.

Hammerstone gets suplexed on the floor and Holiday takes one of his own. Smith takes Holiday inside for some uppercuts and the lifting DDT makes it even worse. MJF and Hammerstone come back in and take the hanging DDT/piledriver combination as the Harts continue to dominate.

A superpowerslam hits MJF and Hart adds the moonsault. Not to be outdone (though he was outdone), Smith adds a top rope headbutt, followed by Hart’s second moonsault for a cover, which Hart thankfully lets go in less than a second. The Dynasty is back in and knocks Smith outside, leaving Hart to take a spike Tombstone. Smith gets back up and grabs a delayed vertical suplex on MJF, at the same time Hammerstone does one to Hart, meaning it’s a suplex off.

Holiday comes back in and the numbers game takes over again. Hart is down on the floor and has to ram his shoulder into the barricade to pop it back into joint. The Dynasty loads up a table but here’s Pillman to even things up a little more, albeit with one good arm. As assisted Canadian Destroyer plants Hammerstone but instead of throwing him through a table, it’s a Doomsday Destroyer to MJF. Holiday uses the delay to come in with a double low blow, allowing Hammerstone to hit the running powerbomb to put Pillman through the table for the win at 11:37.

Rating: C+. The 3-2 stuff was fine and it keeps the Harts looking strong while giving the Dynasty their first big win. This feud has some legs though and the hoss fight between Smith and Hammerstone will be more than enough to keep me entertained. What we got was fun and mainly wrestling instead of brawling, which is long overdue in the main event.

Salina makes Gringo Loco vs. Hijo de LA Park, Daga (“Dumbo”) vs. Low Ki and Pentagon Jr. vs. LA Park for next week.

Overall Rating: B-. Now this was more like it, with a nice mixture of different styles and mostly good action. Throw in a healthy dose of Salina and this was a heck of a show, with a much needed break from the brawling style main event. The stories are getting to grow a little bit and things are becoming more and more entertaining. Check out that Horus vs. Austin match if you get the chance.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Looking at the difference between logical but boring and entertaining but Russo.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/kbs-review-hawkins-ryder-didnt-read-fine-print-lockbox-bro/

IMG Credit: WWE

NXT UK
Date: May 1, 2019
Location: Pier 12, New York City, New York
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

We’re still in New York and that means it’s hard to say what we’re getting this week. There is however one very big match set up with United Kingdom Champion Walter facing Jordan Devlin in a non-title match. I’ve seen them have a heck of a match elsewhere so I have some high hopes for this one. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Travis Banks vs. Mansoor

Busy day for Mansoor as he was on the regular NXT as well. Banks takes him to the mat and Mansoor demands that the referee get him off as soon as the rope is reached. Mansoor flips out of a wristlock so Banks is right back with a running knee to the face. A trip to the top doesn’t go well for Banks as Mansoor shoves him off the top and possibly bangs up the previously injured shoulder.

Back in and we hit the arm trap chinlock to stay on the arm (showing some intelligence rather than going with the regular chinlock) but Banks is up in a hurry. The running dropkick hits Mansoor in the corner to put him on the floor, setting up a hard suicide dive. Slice of Heaven is broken up though and Mansoor hits a reverse spinning suplex for two. Banks has had it with him though and it’s the Slice of Heaven into the Kiwi Crusher for the pin at 5:57.

Rating: C+. Banks is someone who seems ready to break out at any given time and now he seems to be getting ready to move forward. This place needs some fresh blood on top and people like Banks and Devlin could fill those roles very well. Mansoor is someone else who is showing their potential and I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him today.

Video on Xia Brookside, who is ready to keep fighting after Rhea Ripley beat her up. The bubbly personality continues.

Ilja Draganov is coming. Cool.

Nia Samuels is ready for her revival. I’m not sure if I am.

Piper Niven vs. Reina Gonzalez

They fight over the power game to start with Reina actually driving the bigger Piper into the corner. Piper’s waistlock is broken up by a ram into the corner and Reina kicks her in the back. The chinlock is broken up so Reina goes with more kicks to take her back down. Niven gets smart by sending her outside for a breather and now it’s time for the slugout. Piper gets the better of this one with an ax handle to the chest, setting up a running crossbody. The backsplash gets two and it’s the Michinoku Driver to finish Reina at 5:00.

Rating: C. This was fun with the two of them hitting each other really hard until Niven had to take it up a notch to beat her. Reina looked good again, just like she did in the tournament. The Texan thing works well for her and the gear gives her a unique look that makes her feel like someone different. Fun hoss fight here, which is exactly what they were shooting for.

Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan want a Tag Team Title shot. They don’t get how the Grizzled Young Veterans can’t lead a locker room they know nothing about. That title shot needs to come in Glasgow.

Gallus can’t wait to come home next week.

Next week in Glasgow: Jordan/Williams get their title shot.

Jordan Devlin vs. Walter

Non-title. Walter throws him down with ease to start and Jordan isn’t sure what to do here. Back in and a few shots have no effect and Walter sends Devlin outside again. Back in again and Devlin blocks the sleeper so Walter kicks him in the face. It’s time to start in on the arm with a hammerlock and then a Crossface as it’s all Walter so far.

A suplex sends Devlin outside for the third time but this time he’s able to get a few shots to the knee. Devlin dragon screw legwhips him around the rope and puts on the half crab. Walter powers out and avoids a dropkick to the knee, setting up a seated senton but the knee gets banged up again. The knee is fine enough for a backdrop and a release German suplex gives Walter two.

The powerbomb is countered into a rollup to give Devlin his own two and they’re both down. Devlin strikes away but gets pulled into a hard Saito suplex for two (the referee telling him to kickout probably helped). Walter goes up top so Devlin tries to pull him down into the Saito, which only kind of connects. That’s enough for Walter, who hits the powerbomb for the pin at 12:37.

Rating: B. This worked very well in a Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles formula, with Walter dominating until Devlin got in a few shots to slow the monster down and even things up. Devlin has become one of the better names on the roster and I could see him getting a major push down the line, especially if they ever do a taping in Ireland, which is almost a guarantee.

Post match here’s Pete Dunne to demand his rematch. Walter nods to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. These shows are getting more and more interesting as the top starts make for good shows, but so do the lower level names. That’s what works for NXT and it’s working here too because it’s how wrestling should be done. This show felt important, but so did what they did last week. Next week will be the same, and it makes the show something I want to watch. It’s another good show

Results

Travis Banks b. Mansoor – Kiwi Crusher

Piper Niven b. Reina Gonzalez – Michinoku Driver

Walter b. Jordan Devlin – Powerbomb

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

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