Throughout my years in high school and college, I always had a deck of cards with me. I’ve played cards in one for or another since I was two years old and haven’t really stopped since. To this day I collect decks of playing cards and have quite the unique set to my name. It’s something I’ve always loved doing over the years and I’ve also spent quite a bit of time making (and losing) money with them. Be it at a weekly card game across the street or at a casino shortly after my 21^st birthday, I’ve spent more than enough time playing with cards in various forms.

As some of you may or may not know, my wife is from England and came to live with me in America. Since we’re from two different countries, we had two wedding ceremonies for the sake of not having our families go from one country to another, which would have been a combination of next to impossible while also being incredibly expensive. The first wedding was in England, where we had a three day honeymoon….of which we spent a good time in a casino.

My wife had never actually been to a casino before so she wasn’t exactly sure what to expect there. While she was a little unsure, she wound up having quite the good time and asked to go back both other days we were in town. After three days of gaming, we wound up ahead about 75 pounds total and left, having had quite the positive experience overall, which isn’t a bad way to start a married life.

So what made it so enjoyable? Well aside from making money, the casino had quite the friendly staff and was very uncrowded, which helped things a lot. It can be very annoying going to a place where the staff is rude and you feel cramped because the building is overflowing with people. Issues like that mean you can’t sit back and relax, as you should be able to do during something like this.

Now wouldn’t it be nice to know what you’re getting into before you go into a place like that? You do it with movies, restaurants, hotels and more, so why not for online casinos? That’s where a site can help with best casinos compare It’s a cool new site that shows you what to expect at various casinos, in case you’re looking for various games in particular (as is often the case, since you might not be familiar with everything that every place has to offer).

It helps to know things like stakes, number of free options and bonuses, games and more, which is where something like this can come in handy. These things can get incredibly specific, based on where you are, including something like players just in the United Kingdom, which you can find here: https://greatcasinocanada.com. That’s likely to be rather helpful in the case of various laws, as things can be different in each country, including the UK of course.

It’s a rather complicated world to get into and that’s where such a guide like this could come in handy. There’s so much information available and instead of having it all all over the place, putting it all into a single location could cut down on a lot of hassle. This is something that is supposed to be fun in the first place so having it all together like this eliminates a lot of the complications. Whatever you’re looking for can be found at the Online Casino Box.

This is a sponsored post from Online Casino Box.

It covered a lot.1. Kofi Kingston is out of the Fastlane main event.

2. Kevin Owens is in the Fastlane main event.

3. Matt Hardy is back.

4. The Hardys are back together.

5. It’s Wrestlemania season.

6. I’m already behind on the show so more on these things later.

7. Thoughts?

IMG Credit: WWE

Monday Night Raw
Date: February 25, 2019
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young

It’s another big show this week with a double shot of huge. First up, we have the return of Roman Reigns, who will be making some sort of a major announcement. It’s the first time he’s been on television in months, having vacated the Universal Title in October due to leukemia. In addition to that, it’s Ric Flair’s 70^th birthday and there is going to be a celebration, which of course means a lot of guest stars. Did I mention it’s Wrestlemania season? Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Reigns vacating the title back in October. Has that only been four months?

Here’s Reigns, in street clothes, to open things up to an absolute ROAR. His arms are looking a little smaller, but you have to expect something like that. Reigns takes a long time high fiving people and stops to hug three women in the front row, likely family. He hits the pose on the ropes and stares at the ring for a bit before getting back inside. Reigns thanks the fans, which he’ll likely be doing a lot. He missed us all because there is no job like this.

Reigns says this is our yard and believed that God had his back the whole time. He was scared back in October and didn’t know if he wanted to tell everyone about the condition. Fans: “IT’S OK!” When he got home from making the announcement, he couldn’t believe all of the messages he received and he was so touched that God’s voicemail was full about him. Reigns is going to use his platform to support people and raise awareness for the condition he went through.

So as for the announcement, he’s done better than swinging for the fences. They’ve hit a home run because he’s in remission. After one heck of an ovation for that, Reigns says that the Big Dog is back. The fans greet that with some barking and a WELCOME BACK chant and Reigns says thank you so much. No return date is given. Reigns leaves to another ovation and here’s Seth Rollins to hug him.

Aleister Black/Ricochet vs. Revival

Non-title and the non-champs get vignettes on their way to the ring. The Revival jumps them both before the bell so Black kicks them down, allowing Ricochet to hit the big crossbody, followed by Black’s moonsault into a seated position. Ricochet dives onto Dawson but grabs his knee as we take a break. We come back after the opening bell with Black firing off a bunch of kicks and what looked to be a botch off a German suplex/top rope sunset flip combination. Dawson slugs away at Black before catching him in DDT. Ricochet shoves Wilder off the top, leaving Black Mass to finish Dawson at 2:03.

Baron Corbin doesn’t like being asked about his comments regarding Reigns’ having leukemia. For Reigns’ sake, he better hope their paths don’t cross.

Snoop Dogg wishes Ric Flair a Happy Birthday.

Elias is in the ring for his song but Lacey Evans interrupts, with the commentators being rather big fans. As usual she doesn’t say anything so here’s Dean Ambrose (Renee: “And more greatness!”) to interrupt. Dean wants a rematch with Drew McIntyre and he wants it to be No DQ. Elias plays some guitar but Dean requests some songs, including Dirty Deeds. That’s exactly what Elias gets and Renee wants an encore.

Riott Squad vs. Ronda Rousey/Natalya

Logan gets aggressive on Natalya to start but gets driven into the corner, allowing Ronda to come in for a snap suplex. A hard STO drops Rousey though and the Squad takes over in the corner. A clothesline with a roll allows the tag off to Natalya to pick the pace back up but Liv Morgan pulls Natalya to the floor. That means something like a Hart Attack (forearm instead of a clothesline) from the steps, only to have Logan dropkick Natalya as we take a break.

Back with Natalya still in trouble, including Logan putting on the Rhea Ripley standing Cloverleaf. That’s broken up and the hot tag brings in Rousey to clean house. Everything breaks down and Natalya takes Riott outside for the discus lariat. Piper’s Pit hits Logan but here’s Becky Lynch on a crutch to come through the crowd and hits Natalya for the DQ at 9:36.

Rating: D+. This was little more than a way to have the women in the ring so Becky could come out there and there’s nothing wrong with that. The wrestling was fine enough, though Ronda has already destroyed the Squad so many times now that it doesn’t mean much the third time around. At least the Becky appearance got a good reaction.

Post match the brawl is on until cops come out to arrest Becky (Becky: “Easy! I need these hands to hold up the Women’s Title!”).

Post break Rousey demands that Vince get out here right now but she gets Stephanie McMahon instead. Becky has just been arrested but Rousey doesn’t want anything other than the suspension being lifted. Stephanie says Rousey can face Charlotte at Wrestlemania because Becky is unprofessional and brought this on herself. Rousey appeals to Stephanie’s legacy and her three daughters but it’s still a hard no.

That’s not good enough for Rousey so Stephanie shouts about being Rousey’s boss. Rousey says she’s not like everyone else because she’s Ronda Rousey and the Raw Women’s Champion. This is just a belt (that’ll be a fine) and it’s not even her style. It’s time for Vince to make the right decision. Rousey lays the title down and walks away. They’re doing everything they can to spread this out until Wrestlemania and it’s feeling the strain.

Steve Austin wishes Ric Flair a happy birthday.

Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers are in the ring. Mahal isn’t happy with the way Ric Flair is getting all the attention tonight she he’s challenging anyone invited to the birthday party to a match right now.

Kurt Angle vs. Jinder Mahal

Normally I’d make a joke about Angle sitting in the back in his gear on a night he’s invited to a birthday party, but that feels exactly like something he would do. Mahal jumps him from behind to start and we hit the very early chinlock. That’s broken up so we hit the chinlock, just in case you didn’t get enough. Angle gets up and hits a release German suplex, followed by the rolling German suplexes. The Khallas is countered into the ankle lock and Mahal taps at 2:59. Angle shouldn’t need to be in two chinlocks in a three minute match.

Post match the Brothers gets suplexed as well.

It’s time for a Moment of Bliss, with Alexa mocking Ronda and saying enjoy leaving on the red carpet WWE rolled out for her. Anyway the guest this week is Finn Balor, who is asked about being the new champion. Bliss doesn’t like him being champion, because it covers up those beautiful abs. Bliss: “You’ve got to let those babies breathe.” Bliss makes him an offer: show her the abs and she’ll show him her….and here’s Lio Rush. Corey: “I HATE THIS GUY NOW!”

Rush says that Bobby Lashley should be Intercontinental Champion, but Balor sees it as Rush saying he’s better than Lashley. That’s an accepted challenge. Bliss asks if Rush is man enough to do the job by himself. Somehow Bliss gets to say the match is on right now so Rush says play his music. That was a great way to have Bliss be a bit more sexual in nature without going over the line. There’s more to her character than thinking Balor looks good, which sets her a good distance apart from a lot of the women from the Divas era.

Maria Menunos wishes Flair a Happy Birthday.

Intercontinental Title: Lio Rush vs. Finn Balor

Balor is defending and wastes no time in taking Rush down for some hard stomps to the ribs. They head outside with Rush hitting an Asai moonsault into a pair of suicide dives. Back in and the Final Hour hits raised knees but Balor’s knee is banged up. A leglock doesn’t last long as Balor is right back with an Eye of the Hurricane. 1916 doesn’t work and Rush kicks him in the head for two. Balor scores with a clothesline but gets crotched on top, setting up a super hurricanrana for another near fall. The second 1916 connects and the Coup de Grace retains the title at 7:39.

Rating: C-. Is there a reason that a former Universal Champion and the current United States Champion is having a competitive match with the loudmouthed manager? I know Rush can work and is very athletic, but there are times when he should be taking a beating. JJ Dillon once told a story about wrestling a match as a manager and being competitive because he had wrestled for years and knew his way around a ring. The promoter yelled at him for acting like a wrestler instead of a manager and destroying the illusion. That’s a lesson WWE needs to learn with Rush.

Ascension asks Tucker where Otis is. That would be out back dumpster diving for cheeseburgers. They make fun of him even more but Tucker warns them that Otis won’t find this funny. Otis comes in and Tucker explains the story to them with Otis repeating individual words. He runs them both over and says that’s what they get. To call this bizarre would be the understatement of the night.

We look at the Reigns announcement and its media attention.

Bobby Lashley yells at Rush and asks if he can trust him tonight.

Bobby Lashley vs. Braun Strowman

Lashley jumps Strowman from behind before the bell and the fight is on, with Strowman hitting a splash in the corner, followed by the forearm to the chest to send Lashley outside. That means the running shoulders around the ring. No match.

Seth Rollins says he’s about to go burn it down with Reigns. Cold beverages are promised.

Ric Flair arrives.

WWE superstars talk about seeing where Martin Luther King died.

We look back at the Becky/Ronda segment.

Drew McIntyre vs. Dean Ambrose

No DQ and the fight starts on the floor. Dean pulls off his belt (he has another underneath) but gets whipped with it instead, setting up a suplex on the floor as we take a break. Back with Drew in trouble and Dean hitting a top rope elbow to the floor. Note that yes, it is possible to come back with action instead of another chinlock. Back in and Dean unloads with the belt (the first, not the under belt) but the Glasgow Kiss knocks him outside. McIntyre gets sent face first into the steps though and it’s time for Dirty Deeds, only to have Elias come out with a guitar to the back. The Claymore finishes Dean at 9:16.

Rating: C+. It wasn’t anything special but I had a good time with this one. They were going with the violence and aggression that you should see in a match like this and that’s the right idea. Ambrose going out (allegedly) on his back like this is a good sign, though these midcard heel alliances are kind of getting tiresome.

Post match it’s Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley coming out for the beatdown but Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins make the save. Superman Punches and chair shots abound with Reigns even hitting a spear on McIntyre. Seth and Roman go to leave but look back at Dean.

Bayley vs. Nia Jax

I don’t think it’s going to be as good as the London match. Nia starts throwing her around to start but Bayley manages a nice hiptoss. That earns her a shove to the floor and we take a break. Back with Nia missing a sitdown splash and an elbow but Bayley takes too much time loading a charge in the corner and gets run over again. The chinlock goes on, followed by Nia tying her in the Tree of Woe. That means the running hip attack but Nia goes after Sasha, allowing Bayley to hit a knee to the head. The top rope elbow finishes Jax at 9:00.

Rating: D+. I stand by my normal assertion that Nia just needs to go away for awhile. There’s little impact to these appearances anymore and that’s not likely to change. These matches are good enough, but it’s getting really hard to care when it’s a bunch of stuff that we’ve seen before. There’s no time for Nia to make an impact because she’s always here. That’s the case with any giant and it’s caught up with her too.

With the roster on the stage, the ring is ready for the party and HHH and Stephanie handle the introductions. After HHH recaps the night, Stephanie introduces the special guests: Shawn Michaels, Ricky Stemboat, Kurt Angle and Sting. HHH introduces a video on Flair as we’re running low on time.

Overall Rating: C. I had a good time with this show, mainly because I’m having a great time laughing at how little WWE cares about Fastlane. They’re hyping up several Wrestlemania matches at the moment and I believe there are three confirmed matches at Fastlane so far. I’m sure they can throw a card together and it’ll be watchable enough, but my goodness they don’t care about it and it’s hilarious.

As for tonight, it was a nice effort with the storytelling taking some steps forward all around, but it’s not like there was anything special in the wrestling department. Reigns’ return is what’s going to matter most here and there’s nothing wrong with that. It was a big moment and there’s a chance we’ll see a Shield match at Fastlane. This certainly was an eventful show and it’s the right kind of you like storytelling instead of wrestling.

Results

Aleister Black/Ricochet b. Revival – Black Mass to Dawson

Ronda Rousey/Natalya b. Riott Squad via DQ when Becky Lynch interfered

Kurt Angle b. Jinder Mahal – Ankle lock

Finn Balor b. Lio Rush – Coup de Grace

Drew McIntyre b. Dean Ambrose – Claymore

Bayley b. Nia Jax – Top rope elbow

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

You might have guessed it.Reigns came out to a major pop and said that he was in remission.  He also said that he’s back on Raw, though no date was given for an in-ring return.  That being said, he got physical later in the night in a brawling segment with Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley and Elias, so a match at Fastlane isn’t out of the question.

Either way, it’s cool to see him back in any fashion.

IMG Credit: Impact Wrestling

Impact Wrestling
Date: February 22, 2019
Commentators: Don Callis, Josh Matthews

We’re on to Las Vegas now after a pretty good run down in Mexico. The question now is where we go from here as the road to….is it the New York show or the April pay per view now? Either way the main event scene isn’t likely to be great, which has been the problem for far too long now. At least we can get the Tag Team Title stuff going again though, which has been great every time. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening recap looks at Uncaged, which was one of their better shows in a while.

Opening sequence.

Here’s Johnny Impact for a chat. He said he’d be a fighting champion and he has been, then he said he’d retain the World Title last week and he did that too. Last week he did everything he said he would and beat three people, so it’s time to move on. This brings out Moose, who seems to disagree. Moose doesn’t want to hear this crying because other people cost him the World Title last week. Cue Killer Kross to say he hates Moose and his outfits. The clothing is too far as Moose gets in Kross’ face. Impact decides that that they can have a match right now for the #1 contendership. Here’s a referee and we’re ready to go.

Killer Kross vs. Moose

Impact is on commentary. Kross shoulders Moose down but Moose nips up so it’s a running clothesline in the corner to actually do some damage. Moose gets two off a rollup and yells at the referee, allowing Kross to score with a low blow. They fight to the floor where Kross throws coffee in Impact’s face, leaving Moose to kick the champ in the jaw. That’s enough to draw Johnny inside to jump both of them for the no contest at 4:10, though he hit Moose first so that should be a DQ. It won’t be, but it should be.

Rating: D+. This was an angle instead of a match, though I’m getting really tired of the whole No Contest that should be a DQ finish. It’s as basic of a wrestling rule as you can get but it’s ignored because this is the only thing they can think of. Have Moose and Cage beat on Johnny and have the referee throw it out or something, but stop making this stuff up as you go.

Post match Brian Cage comes in for the save.

Announcers. Preview.

Don Callis has hired Glenn Gilbertti (Disco Inferno) for the Las Vegas shows. I smell unfunny comedy.

Konnan fires up LAX.

Impact thanks Cage but says he can’t have a title shot with those tow running around. They should team up to get rid of Moose and Kross but Cage doesn’t trust him. Impact has a contract though and Cage seems interested.

GWN Flashback Moment of the Week: the six man interpromotional match from the Impact vs. Lucha Underground WrestleCon show. That’s certainly different.

The Rascalz are in their circle when Gama Singh comes in to say they can’t beat the Desi Hit Squad. Drugs are exchanged and they can’t keep up with Gama. Uh, Gama is a heel right?

Reno Scumm is coming back.

Desi Hit Squad vs. Rascalz

The Rascalz (Trey Miguel/Dezmond Xavier here) aren’t themselves after the previous segment. Raj rolls Dezmond up for a very fast two and the villains take over in the corner. Xavier gets in a dropkick but Trey is too high to tag. Instead he gets tagged in and starts the kicks with no issues, because the Rascalz are a weird team. Everything breaks down and the Squad’s wheelbarrow DDT combination gets two on Miguel. Not that it matters though as the Rascalz hit a double 619 in the corner, setting up Trey’s top rope Meteora for the pin at 6:13.

Rating: C-. I guess the good Desi match was a one off because this was nothing all that noteworthy. The Rascalz are still a good team and they have more than enough time to be advanced somewhere else. Right now they’re just being put out there as the fun act and there’s nothing wrong with doing that for a long time.

Eli Drake says the Book of Eli says don’t raise your hand to him, which is what Eddie Edwards did last week. He’s coming down on Eddie for not listening to him and tonight, he’ll show Eddie the way. Hardcore wrestling makes you a loser and no one can stop him.

Sami Callihan comes in to see the injured Rich Swann. The beatdown last week was out of love because Rich’s big brother is here. Callihan called Swann from Japan when Swann needed him because Swann is the most talented person Sami has ever met. A nurse comes in to say Callihan has to leave because this is family only. Callihan leaves and Swann looks confused.

Eli Drake vs. Eddie Edwards

Drake hides on the floor from the threat of Kenny the kendo stick for a long time (smart) before we’re finally ready to go. An early shoulder has Eddie in the corner though he seems more happy than anything else. Eddie is right back up with a hiptoss and armdrags because he can do the wrestling when he wants, as opposed to when Drake wants. Drake gets sent outside and Eddie crotches him against the post for the funny visual. Instead of covering though, Eddie has a seat on the ramp for a few moments.

Back in and Eddie ducks his head, allowing Drake to hit a running DDT but the middle rope elbow misses. Drake tries a Lionsault of all things but crash lands, allowing Eddie to hit the backpack Stunner for two. A Blue Thunder Bomb gets the same but the Boston Knee Party is countered into the Gravy Train which is countered into a rollup to give Eddie two.

Rating: B-. I like the idea of this feud and they’re getting into some more complicated stuff with it. Eddie wanting to be crazy and violent but allowing himself to go back to his roots (which are still inside him) is an interesting story and I’m wondering where it’s going. Drake getting to talk is a very good thing and the more of it we get to see, the better.

Tessa Blanchard isn’t getting a rematch for the Knockouts Title and blames Gail Kim. Impact management can’t protect Gail forever though and Tessa will get to her one way or another.

Gilbertti can’t get inside.

Alisha Edwards vs. Delilah Doom

Post match Doom goes after Tessa and gets Batista Bombed for her efforts. The Buzzsaw DDT makes it even worse.

Ace Austin is coming. Cool.

Doom wants to fight Tessa next week.

Impact is partnering with the NFL Alumni Association for some charity work. Nothing wrong with that.

James Mitchell comes in to see Allie, Su Yung and an Undead Bridesmaid. He’s here to offer a deal: Su’s dark army against his own. If Su wins, she gets Allie free and clear (Doesn’t she already have that?) but if Mitchell’s team wins, they (not sure who he’s with, though it’s likely Rosemary) gets Su.

Taya Valkyrie thinks Tessa whining is funny. Tessa can cry like a baby all she wants but Taya isn’t helping her.

Tag Team Titles: LAX vs. Lucha Bros

Rating: B. These four can do now wrong, even if it’s with a shorter form match like this one. They beat each other up with one big spot after another and it’s nice that they didn’t spam the moves as much this time. LAX will be back later on due to pure talent but it makes more sense to go with the Lucha Bros right now as they’re just that good.

Post match Konnan congratulates the champs and tells LAX to do the same. LAX offers the handshakes but get taunted instead, meaning it’s a beatdown and unmasking to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. There’s more than enough good wrestling to carry a show on here and that’s what matters most. The storytelling is still a weakness, but if they focus more on the action than on the stories, they can have a way forward. Now unfortunately that kind of a show doesn’t have the best track record, but I’d rather they do something well than do something weak over and over.

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: February 21, 2019
Location: Cajundome, Lafayette, Louisiana
Commentators: Percy Watson, Renee Young, Byron Saxton

Well this was certainly an eventful week. In case you didn’t know it was Wrestlemania season, it’s time to pick up the pace with debuts, big storyline developments and announcements of some big stuff coming up. The question now is how WWE will manage to screw this week up. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

No Way Jose vs. Rezar

Only on Main Event. Rezar wastes no time with the power by driving Jose into the corner. A fall away slam makes things even worse and it’s time for the forearms to the face. Rezar’s chinlock doesn’t last long as Jose fights up with a shot to the face. The top rope shoulder gets two but Rezar calmly chokeslams him for the pin at 4:27.

Rating: D. What else were you expecting here? Jose is now to the point where he can’t beat the healthy half of a tag team. The problem with that is he never was going to be someone who could beat Rezar even on his best day. What should be one of the easiest characters ever has been thrown away, but to be fair it’s not like he had crazy high value in the first place.

From Raw.

Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin

Tables match and Strowman has bad ribs coming in. Strowman knocks him around to start but a shot to the ribs cuts him down. Corbin drives him into the barricade but Strowman whips him into it even harder to take over. It’s already time for a table, though Strowman’s ribs slow him down. Some kicks to the ribs keep Strowman in trouble but Corbin can’t suplex him on the ramp.

Strowman can certainly do it to him though and Corbin is screaming a lot. They head up to the stage where some tables are set up, though Strowman prefers the announcers’ table. Corbin knocks him off the stage though and we take a break. Back with Corbin knocking Strowman out of the ring and swinging a kendo stick at the bad ribs. Strowman knocks him out of the air with some steps though and the running powerslam puts Corbin through a table in the corner for the win at 14:35.

Rating: D. Well that’s very nice for Strowman as he gets to beat up the least interesting and intimidating heel in recent memory to get back a win that he didn’t need to give up in the first place. This feud has been going for months now and I’m still waiting for it to get interesting in the first place. I’m not sure what the endgame is supposed to be, but it seems like something we should have reached a long time ago.

Very short clip of Finn Balor/Ricochet vs. Lio Rush/Bobby Lashley.

We get both parts of the Paul Heyman narrated video on Brock Lesnar’s career. Still good stuff.

D-Generation X Hall of Fame announcement.

B Team/Tyler Breeze vs. Jinder Mahal/Singh Brothers

Rematch from last week. Breeze and Sunil start things off fast with Breeze kicking him in the face. It’s off to Sumir vs. Axel for the EXACT SAME dance off they did last week. Mahal takes Dallas down though and we take an early break. Back with a double suplex to Dallas setting up a chinlock, which doesn’t exactly last long. A suplex allows the tag off to Axel so house can be cleaned with everyone but Sunil being knocked off the apron. Breeze’s half crab has Sunil in trouble but Sumir makes the save. Not that it matters as the Beauty Shot finishes Sumir at 9:24.

Rating: D. It was the same match, almost down to the letter, as last week. You would think they could mix things up at least a little bit here and there but it’s not like Main Event is important. This was another waste of time, but that’s the case on this show almost every week so I can’t say I’m surprised.

We look back at the week in Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte vs. Ronda Rousey.

Stills of the men’s Elimination Chamber match with Daniel Bryan retaining.

From Smackdown:

Kofi Kingston/AJ Styles/Jeff Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan/Randy Orton/Samoa Joe

During his entrance, Bryan talks about how ignorant everyone here is for not knowing Thomas Beckett. These people put him inside the Elimination Chamber but he survived. Bryan is going to educate us on his opponent for Fastlane but he won’t be saying who it is. The only thing he’ll tell us is that the opponent is NOT in this match. Bryan tags out to Joe at the bell, leaving him to face Kingston. An exchange of shots to the face allow the tag off to Hardy for the legdrop between the legs.

Orton comes in and grabs the chinlock, which is quickly broken up with a jawbreaker. It’s already back to Kofi to pick up the pace as things break down a bit. Orton drops Kofi onto the announcers’ table and we take a break. Back with Bryan hammering on Kofi until a dive allows the tag to Styles. AJ unloads on Bryan and cleans house, allowing the hot tag off to Kofi. That means the real comeback is on, including a pair of dives. Trouble in Paradise hits Bryan for the clean pin at 12:11.

Rating: C. The wrestling wasn’t the point here, at least not until the very ending. This was all about Kofi getting the pin on Bryan to set up what has to be the title match at Fastlane. There’s no reason for it to be anything else either before or after this match and there’s nothing wrong with that, especially after how things went over the last week.

Post match Shane comes out to make Kingston vs. Bryan for Fastlane to end the show.

Overall Rating: F. WHAT IS THIS SHOW??? The NXT guys debuting was one of the biggest stories in WWE in a very long time and it’s glossed over here, with only Ricochet being mentioned. But at least we got more build to a match six weeks from now instead of, you know, what’s actually happening now. It’s clear that WWE is banking very hard on the two Wrestlemania matches they’ve already announced but they’re running a very strong risk of making the fans so apathetic to the show that it’s not going to matter.

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: February 19, 2019
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Commentators: Aiden English, Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

We’re on the way to Fastlane because that’s a thing that exists. It also doesn’t mean a ton around here as Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy retained the title last Sunday at Elimination Chamber. That means it’s time to set up a new challenger, which could take place here. Something big is coming at Wrestlemania but I’m not sure what that is just yet. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Murphy retaining the Cruiserweight Title over Akira Tozawa on Sunday. That means we need a #1 contender for Wrestlemania so it’s tournament time, starting next week. Drake Maverick previews the show as usual.

Opening sequence.

TJP vs. Humberto Carrillo

Aiden sings (not literally, though in this case you have to clarify) Humberto’s praises as he sends TJP outside. The dive is teased but here are Jack Gallagher and Drew Gulak to say hang on with the diving. Carrillo seems to listen as he lets TJP back in and takes him down by the knee. Back up and Humberto starts the flips, followed by a quick splash for two. A springboard wristdrag is countered with a faceplant though and TJP starts in on the arm.

The slingshot hilo sets up the chinlock and then more arm cranking, only to have Humberto nip up for a kick to the face. The backflip into the moonsault gives Humberto two but TJP reverses a victory roll into something close to a Regal Stretch. A rope is grabbed but Humberto’s shoulder is pretty banged up. They head to the apron with Carrillo jumping around, setting up a quick dropkick. The handstand springboard moonsault finishes TJP at 10:21.

Rating: C. So that’s it for TJP in WWE and I’m going to miss him. I know he hasn’t been pushed in forever, but he was always good for a solid match and knew how to make his opponents look good. It’s nice to see him put someone like Carrillo over on his way out though, as hopefully he can get to be a bigger success elsewhere.

Post match Gulak and Gallagher congratulate Carrillo, even putting him on their shoulders. He doesn’t seem to mind.

Tony Nese says he’s proven he’s better than Noam Dar and now 205 Live is his for the taking. He’s coming for the title.

Maria Kanellis says her husband is going to prove that he’s the most dangerous man in 205 Live by taking out its heart tonight.

D-Generation X Hall of Fame video.

Ariya Daivari vs. Johnny Lyons

On his way to the ring, Daivari promises to beat someone so badly that no one can say it was the wrong call (reference to the New Orleans Saints losing via a bad call). Lyons hits an early dropkick but misses a charge into the corner. The fans are behind Lyons, even as Daivari kicks him down. The hammerlock lariat sets up a cobra clutch to make Lyons tap at 1:24. Well it’s an upgrade over the lariat.

Murphy talks about how he’s beaten everyone and he’ll do it again with whomever wins this tournament.

Mike Kanellis vs. Cedric Alexander

They go to the mat to start before Mike drives him into the corner for a shove to the face. Mike’s headlock takes Cedric down but he’s right back with a snap armdrag. A dropkick has Kanellis in more trouble and a kick to the back of the head gets two. Kanellis punches a springboard out of the air though and drives in some knees to take over. More forearms give Kanellis two and it’s off to the chinlock.

Alexander fights up with more dropkicks as Maria is starting to get nervous. There’s the Neuralizer but a springboard doesn’t work as Alexander falls down and grabs his knee. Mike is smart enough to stomp away, sending Aiden and Nigel into another argument over ethics in wrestling. Cedric hits a superkick but walks into a Samoan driver for two more. A backpack Stunner gets the same, only to have Cedric grab a Michinoku Driver for two of his own.

They head to the apron and trade boots to the face with Cedric taking the worse of it. A very hard spinebuster on the ramp has Cedric literally screaming and a Boston crab inside makes it even worse. Cedric grabs the rope and sends Mike outside for a flip dive (WAY too soon to be fine enough for that). Maria offers a distraction though and it’s a superkick into a Roll of the Dice for the pin, sending Nigel to his feet in celebration. He’s right back down though as the referee waves it off, saying Cedric’s shoulder was up. The Lumbar Check finishes Kanellis at 17:37.

Rating: B. Easily Kanellis’ best match of his WWE career and while that’s a low bar to clear, it’s a good sign for his future. Kanellis has never been known for his work but something at this level with Maria doing the talking will be enough to keep him around for a nice run. I liked the false finish in there too and actually bought it for a few seconds.

Maria is devastated.

Drake announces the following first round matches:

Kalisto

Tony Nese

Brian Kendrick

Drew Gulak

Four more names will be announced later.

Overall Rating: B-. The tournament is a good idea as we need a new challenger before Wrestlemania and you can only do so much around here to build up a feud. It should be a fun way to get there as last year’s tournament was great. As long as the work is there and we get a surprise (Kushida for example), everything is going to be fine.

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

I think we have some stuff to talk about this week.  Between the debuts, the departures and Kofimania, we cover quite a bit here.

https://mightynorcal.podbean.com/e/wwp-56-nxt-storms-the-beach-of-raw-and-sd-huge-roman-reigns-news-and-three-superstars-released/

IMG Credit: WWE

Smackdown
Date: September 23, 2004
Location: America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Commentators: Michael Cole, Tazz

We’re coming up on No Mercy and that means it’s time to really get things going. Well as much as things can get going around here. The big story coming out of last week was Big Show deciding to face Kurt Angle at the pay per view, again because WWE doesn’t know how contracts actually work. The card isn’t looking thrilling but maybe they’ll get better tonight. Oh and it’s the fifth anniversary of the show so things might be a little different tonight. Let’s get to it.

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

Vince McMahon welcomes us to the show and thanks us for five years. More great memories will be made tonight. Nothing wrong with that.

Opening sequence, and a new one at that. No words to the theme song, but an update was needed.

New graphics too, now with a white background.

Billy Kidman vs. Paul London

Hang on though as we have a replacement.

Booker T. vs. Paul London

Non-title. Booker jumps him fast to start and elbows London in the face for two. London has a busted nose but he comes back with a middle rope kick to the jaw to take over more than you might have expected. A hot shot gets Booker out of trouble though and we hit the double arm crank. London makes the comeback with a variety of kicks to the head for two but Booker rolls through a crossbody and puts his feet on the ropes for the pin. Ignore London’s shoulder being about eight inches off the mat.

Rating: C-. It was energetic while it lasted and that’s all I can ask for in something like this. I’m not sure why Booker came out for a match like this as he tends to be a somewhat cowardly champion but London got in some offense and Booker had to cheat to win. Not too bad here and when you consider how short it was, the match looks a little better.

Post match Booker says he’ll treat John Cena even worse but London jumps him from behind and leaves.

Cole won’t talk about Heidenreich but he’ll throw us to a Mick Foley video, talking about his favorite Smackdown moment. It’s from after a show went off the air when Rock was doing his shtick but dropped his sunglasses. They both stood there until Foley picked them up and got a “The Rock thanks you for that.” The transformation from Mankind into Cactus Jack gets a quick mention.

Kidman is about to leave when Theodore Long comes in to say he made a match and wanted to see it. Just like everyone wants to see Kidman doing the shooting star press. The match is going to happen and if it doesn’t, Kidman is fired.

Spike Dudley and Rey Mysterio have a staredown but Spike doesn’t want this set up as him stabbing Rey in the back. Rey thinks he’s loco and speaks some Spanish but here’s Kenzo Suzuki to tell Rey that he’ll be sorry. That means a shot to Suzuki’s face and Rey running.

Smackdown Throwback: Rock makes Coach do the Charleston. That was always a great pairing.

Some Phoenix Suns are here and don’t seem to want to look at the camera.

Cruiserweight Title: Rey Mysterio vs. Spike Dudley

Spike is defending and has Bubba and D-Von in his corner. Rey starts fast by sending Spike face first into the corner and then he does it again for good measure. Bubba comes in for a cheap shot but gets caught, meaning it’s a double ejection. With Spike panicking, Rey hits a baseball slide but the referee won’t let him hit a dive. Instead Rey dives over the referee, in a spot straight out of ECW.

Back in and they bump heads for a break so abrupt that Cole has to apologize for it after the commercial. Rey goes shoulder first into the post but crotches the champ on top for the super hurricanrana. They’re certainly going back and forth here. The springboard spinning crossbody hits the referee, leaving Rey to load up the 619. Cue Suzuki and Rene Dupree to lay Mysterio out though and Spike retains.

Rating: C. I really don’t know what they see in Spike getting this kind of a push, though he’s certainly not the worst. It’s more along the lines of he’s not interesting and I don’t buy Bubba and D-Von as being intimidated or scared of him. They telegraphed the interference ending too and it didn’t help things. What we got was watchable, though this title reign has run its course.

Post match the beatdown is on until Rob Van Dam makes the save.

Video on the Wrestlemania XXI press conference. HHH gets in a good line by saying Hollywood is going Wrestlemania.

Stephanie McMahon’s favorite Smackdown moment was slapping her mom because it was hard for her to do. Or the mixed tag match where she was knocked off the apron and got knocked out on the steps because HHH came out and carried her to the back. Later that night, Kurt Angle kissed her, but he’s the worst kisser in the world.

Long makes Mysterio/Van Dam vs. Dupree/Suzuki for the titles at No Mercy. Long: “Fo shizzle fizzle.” Dupree: “FO SHIZZLE FIZZLE???”

Heidenreich is on his way to the ring but stops in Vince’s office instead, allowing Cole to calm down a bit.

Smackdown Throwback: Big Show and Brock Lesnar break the ring. That’s still a great visual.

Gangrel/Viscera vs. Undertaker

Fallout from last week with JBL hiring the former Ministry goons. Speaking of JBL, here he is in the limo, driving through Undertaker’s smoke for a somewhat cool visual. Viscera misses a charge in the corner (he never was that bright) and Undertaker punches Mideon without much trouble. Big boots abound but Viscera grabs a chokebomb to cut him off. The big splash gives Viscera two but a second attempt misses, allowing Undertaker to clothesline Gangrel. Undertaker cleans house with ease and the Tombstone finishes Gangrel. This was exactly what it should have been.

Post match Undertaker chokeslams (eh close enough) Viscera and crushes his throat with a chair while looking at JBL. A lot of pointing and posing ensues.

Heidenreich tells Vince that they’re similar but Vince doesn’t get where this is going. It’s a poem actually about how no one knows him, and that is a poem by Heidenreich.

Dawn Marie vs. Torrie Wilson

They’re both schoolgirls….but here’s Long to interrupt before anything can start. Actually hang on a second (playa) because he has a better idea.

Fabulous Moolah/Mae Young vs. Dawn Marie/Torrie Wilson

And yes they’re all schoolgirls. We go to the “comedy” with Mae and Dawn taking turns grabbing the referee’s pants. Torrie comes in and tries a sunset flip, with Mae sitting down on it for more laughter. There’s the required Bronco Buster and it’s off to Dawn vs. Moolah. Dawn loses her top to the first real pop of the match and a schoolgirl finishes Marie, thank goodness.

Rating: F. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the Diva Search, it’s that WWE can indeed manage to screw up good looking women in nice outfits. I get the idea here but egads it’s just not funny. At least they beat up the models instead of the wrestlers and that’s about all the positives you can say about this one.

Steve Austin’s favorite Smackdown moment: the first Tribute to the Troops. Oh and singing to Vince McMahon, which really was a funny bit. So none of these people advertised last week are actually going to be here in person are they?

Billy Graham is here again, just like he was on Monday.

John Cena, on top of the production truck, talks about how great Smackdown has been over the years, even quoting the Rock’s greatest hits. Well that would be different today. He gets in a few Austin lines for a bonus before promising to win the Best of Five Series.

No Mercy rundown.

Kurt Angle demands our attention and lists off some great names he’s beaten on this show. Yet he wasn’t asked about his favorite Smackdown moment. That’s a disgrace, but not as much of a disgrace as Big Show. Last week Show signed up to face him at No Mercy, so tonight he’ll create his own Smackdown moment.

Hulk Hogan’s favorite Smackdown moment is winning the Tag Team Titles with Edge on the 4^th of July.

Kurt Angle/Luther Reigns vs. Big Show/Eddie Guerrero

Eddie and Angle start things off but it’s off to the power guys before any contact is made. Show shoves Reigns down but an Angle distraction lets Luther hammer away to very limited success. It’s back to Eddie to chop Reigns in the corner, followed by Three Amigos and a quick taunt to Angle. That’s enough to bring Angle in for a cheap shot and the villains take over for the first time.

Of course Angle is fine with going after Eddie on the mat but the threat of a Show right hand from the apron lets Eddie hit a quick hilo. Angle gets in his own suplex for two and the beating continues. The Angle Slam is countered with an armdrag though and Eddie nails a dropkick. Show comes back in for a chokeslam on Reigns but Angle breaks up a super frog splash.

Rating: C. It was your standard main event tag match until the pretty weak ending, though I can understand not jobbing Angle. What we got wasn’t bad though as Eddie is still one of the most popular faces on the show. Speaking of the show, the Big one is doing well enough as a face and is in the best shape I’ve seen him in in years, though the interest is probably limited.

Post match Jindrak takes out Eddie but Show gets his hands on him….so Angle whips out a tranquilizer dart gun and shoots Show in the back to make him wobble. Show tries to fight anyway but the dart sticking out of his back finally takes him down. With Show out, Jindrak runs to the back and comes back with scissors and hair clippers to leave Show bald, a look that he would have for the rest of his career. The haircut takes a long time to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. Aside from the complete disaster that was Torrie and Dawn as schoolgirls (just go with it), this was a completely mediocre show with very little standing out and almost nothing I can remember by the ending. The show was completely watchable, but No Mercy is looking weaker and weaker by the show.

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

To the WWE Network, which launched five years ago. That’s incredibly appropriate as I’m using it to watch the fifth year anniversary of Smackdown. The Network really is the greatest gift imaginable for a wrestling fan and there is very little that will ever come close to its level of awesomeness. There is practically something new almost every day and with Wrestlemania for $10, what else can you ever want?