Main Event – November 28, 2019: Last One Out Of Chicago

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: November 28, 2019
Location: Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Byron Saxton

My quest to get caught up on everything continues with a show I took in live. Main Event continues to be in a race with 205 Live for the least important show you can watch, but maybe this time will be a bit different. At least this one has the Survivor Series weekend to fill in the time, which should at least be interesting. Let’s get to it.

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

I was in the arena for this show, sitting in the upper deck and looking straight at the Titantron.

Opening sequence.

Natalya vs. Sarah Logan

And there goes most of the potential interest. Logan takes her to the mat in a hurry and punches away, followed by a running forearm for the same result. Back up and Natalya gets in her own takedown but it’s way too early for the Sharpshooter. Instead Logan knees her out to the floor and drives her into the barricade. A toss sends Natalya into the timekeeper’s area as this has been almost one sided so far. The armbar sets up the chinlock to start Natalya’s comeback, meaning it’s the discus lariat to drop Logan for two. Natalya pulls her out of the corner and grabs the Sharpshooter for the tap at 5:16.

Rating: C-. Logan was trying here and the match was certainly better than the seemingly endless feud with Dana Brooke. Natalya is always good for something like this and as long as you keep her away from a microphone or a story, she can be just fine. In other words, she’s perfect for Main Event.

We look at Brock Lesnar retaining the Raw World Title over Rey Mysterio at Survivor Series.

From Raw.

The locker room is around the ring and it’s Seth Rollins, billed as the locker room leader, running a town hall. We wait for the CM Punk chants to wrap up (Seth: “I tried to get him here. He wants to sit behind a desk in Los Angeles.”) before Rollins admits that NXT destroyed them last night. Rollins grew up a fan of Raw and watched people like Steve Austin and DX, but last night, everyone around this ring sucked. If anyone wants to say something, now would be the time.

With no one saying anything, Rollins calls out Orton for being the weak link on the team last night. Orton looks at him and walks out so Rollins calls out Charlotte for failing as a leader last night. Rollins: “And you call yourself a Flair.” Charlotte walks out too and Rollins wants to know where AOP were last night.

They leave when told they aren’t needed, so Rollins focuses on Rey Mysterio. Rollins says he beat Brock Lesnar twice this year but Rey couldn’t do it with a lead pipe and his stupid kid. Rey leaves and so does everyone else, save for Kevin Owens. Rollins rants about Owens being Mr. NXT and how he does nothing on Raw these days. He’ll never be Seth Rollins….and there’s a Stunner to leave Rollins laying. Turning Rollins from the guy who says stupid things on Twitter while still being a face on Raw into a delusional heel is a good idea and something they had to do after how loudly he was getting booed.

Quick look at Rey Mysterio winning the four way to become #1 contender to the US Title.

From Raw.

US Title: Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles

Rey is challenging and gets sent into various turnbuckles to start. A backbreaker keeps Rey in trouble for a bit and AJ ties him in the Tree of Woe for a baseball slide to make it worse. The catapult sends Rey’s throat into the rope as AJ isn’t seeming worried here. Rey gets in a few shots to the ribs but his knee gives out on a springboard attempt. He’s fine enough to send AJ shoulder first into the post though and they’re both down. It’s Rey up first but Anderson breaks up the 619, which is good for a double ejection.

We take a break and come back with Rey getting sent chest first into the buckle because he isn’t banged up enough already. The Tree of Woe is on again but the baseball slide earns AJ a crotching this time (Lawler: “Oh no! Oh no!”). The seated senton and the sitout bulldog combine for two but Rey is running out of steam.

AJ catches him on top and it’s the fireman’s carry backbreaker for two. Rey is right back with Code Red for two of his own and now the 619 connects….to bump the referee. Cue the OC but Orton runs out as well to cut them off. A 619 sends AJ into the RKO and the frog splash gives Rey the pin and the title at 15:08.

Rating: B. This was the big culmination of the whole story and the fans got completely behind Mysterio. That’s what Mysterio does as well as almost anyone ever and this was a very well done story. Mysterio overcame the odds again and won the title as a nice consolation prize after last night. And of course it was a good match given who was out there. Well done all around and the feel good moment they were shooting for.

Eric Young vs. No Way Jose

Jose dances out of a headlock to start and then dances over to grab one on Young. That isn’t cool with Young who knees away in the corner, only to get caught in an airplane spin of all things. Young isn’t having that though and goes outside to hit the hot dog in the Conga Line, sending Jose into a new level of seriousness as we take a break.

Back with Young charging into a boot in the corner but sending Jose outside for a crash. Some shots to the back on the apron give Young two and we hit the dragon sleeper in the corner. There’s the chinlock (of course) to set off the comeback (of course again), including the backdrop (you get the idea). Jose gets two off a Backstabber but Young knocks him off the top, setting up the top rope elbow for two more. Young misses a charge though and it’s the pop up right hand to finish Young at 10:06.

Rating: C. The crowd was getting into this one and I can’t say I blame them. Jose knows how to work an exciting style and Young can have a good match against anyone. Just like Natalya though, don’t let him talk too much or get into too big of a story and he’ll be fine. The full version of this was even better and it’s one of the better surprises I can remember.

Quick look at Bray Wyatt defeating Daniel Bryan at Survivor Series.

From Raw.

Kevin Owens has known who he is since the beginning, unlike Rollins, who has been doing everything he can to become whatever someone else wants him to be. All Rollins is is insufferable so tonight, Owens is Stunning Rollins.

And from Raw one more time.

Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens

Rollins sends him to the floor to start but the suicide dive hits an elbow to the face. A half crab has Owens down but he’s right back up with a superkick to the floor. That’s enough for Rollins to grab a chair, which isn’t going to be allowed as the refereeing seems to have been upgraded after the mist nonsense. Back with Owens in a reverse chinlock, followed by some chops in the corner.

A DDT gives Owens a breather and the Cannonball crushes Rollins again. Rollins rolls outside so it’s a backsplash to make it even worse, plus the frog splash for two. The Pop Up Powerbomb is countered though and Rollins hits the Blockbuster. The Stomp misses though and now the Pop Up Powerbomb gets two. They hit a superkick each and Owens grabs the Stunner but can’t cover. Instead….here’s the AOP to jump Owens for the DQ at 14:03.

Rating: C+. The ending is going to be what matters here and I’m not sure how well it’s going to go. Rollins as a top heel with some big lackeys behind him could work, especially if this sets up a rematch against Owens at TLC. The wrestling was fine enough but you could sense that they were tired after a long weekend, which is understandable.

The fans are NOT happy with this and call it BS, with some fans in my section shouting about how it makes no sense and is therefore bad. That suggests to me that they suggesting that they don’t quite get how wrestling works. Owens gets sent into the post but AOP walks away from Rollins. The Stomp to Owens ends the show.

Overall Rating: C+. So this wasn’t so much the Survivor Series recap show but rather the Raw recap show, which makes perfect sense here. There was no need to recap the go home show so this worked out well enough. Throw in a shockingly nice Jose vs. Young match and this was a rather pleasant surprise.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

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Starrcade 2019: Thanks I Guess?

IMG Credit: WWE

Starrcade 2019
Date: December 1, 2019
Location: Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth, Georgia
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton

I mean, it has been a whole week since their last big event. This is another one of those house shows that is airing on the Network in a shortened form. It isn’t exactly something interesting though last year’s show was pretty good. The two matches announced aren’t exactly breaking new ground but they could be good. Let’s get to it.

The announcers talk about the history of Starrcade and run down the matches announced.

Here is Kevin Owens for the Kevin Owens Show. He doesn’t waste any time and brings out Ric Flair to make it feel like Starrcade. Flair talks about how he’s a fan of Owens and, after switching to a microphone that works, he talks about how proud he is of Charlotte. On Smackdown, Roman Reigns talked about family, and that’s what everyone in WWE is.

The first Starrcade was thirty six years ago and back then all Flair wanted to do was be the best wrestler in the world. That’s what everyone wants to do here tonight and it’s going to be a good one. Owens has heard a lot of WOOing so he wants to let Flair have one of his own. They count it down….and here are the Good Brothers to cut them off.

Anderson and Gallows aren’t happy with hearing about the past when we could be talking about their present. They are the best tag team in the world but Owens brings up their lack of hair. Anderson thinks we should see a bunch of OC highlights for the rest of the show. Gallows: “Maybe some Botched Club!” Owens: “You want to see highlights of your last match?” Cue the Street Profits as Flair goes out to the floor. I think you know where this is going.

Good Brothers vs. Street Profits

Anderson punches Ford into the corner as we hear about a tag match opening the first Starrcade. Ford flips away though and it’s off to Dawkins for a headlock. Dawkins talks a lot and brings him over to the corner so Ford can come back in with a dropkick (it looked like Ford had to lower his legs because he was going to get too high).

Gallows comes in and superkicks Ford to the floor to take over. The pummeling starts in the corner and there’s a big kick to Ford’s head for a bonus. The chinlock goes on again for a few seconds before a fall away slam sends Ford back into the corner. Gallows runs him over and elbows him into another chinlock.

Ford gets up and backflips out of a suplex, setting up the enziguri to put Gallows down. There’s the hot tag to Dawkins and it’s time to clean house. Everything breaks down and Anderson cuts off the hot streak with a spinebuster for two. The belly to back suplex/neckbreaker combination gets two but Dawkins hits his own spinebuster. Ford’s frog splash is good for the pin on Anderson at 8:46.

Rating: C-. Total and complete house show match here and that’s all it needed to be. This was just about giving the fans something to cheer for and they did it well enough. The Profits are a team who can get fans interested through pure charisma and it isn’t like the Good Brothers are going to be hurt by a loss.

Post match the Profits bring Flair into the ring and do the elbow/knee onto the invisible coat in tribute.

Bayley and Sasha Banks don’t like being around here and talk about winning the Women’s Tag Team Titles tonight.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Becky Lynch/Charlotte vs. Alexa Bliss/Nikki Cross vs. Sasha Banks/Bayley vs. Kabuki Warriors

The Warriors are defending and it’s one fall to a finish. Sane and Cross start things off but it’s Asuka and Charlotte coming in before anything happens. Charlotte shoulders her down but gets kicked in the ribs when trying to flip backwards. She’s fine enough to hit a fall away slam but Sasha tags herself in to frustrate Charlotte a bit. Sasha’s yelling at the crowd allows Cross to come in and bring Sasha into the corner.

Bliss hits her running slap and tags out for a bow. It’s quickly off to Bayley vs. Becky for a slugout until Bayley actually gets the better of it. Becky kicks her away though and brings in Bliss to clean house. Sane comes in to pull Bliss’ hair though and a dropkick to the back has Bliss in trouble. It’s back to Bayley but she gets small packaged for two, meaning Asuka tags herself back in.

That means a few kicks until Bliss punches her down, setting up the double tag to Lynch and Sane. Bexploders abound and it’s a double DDT to the Warriors. Sane is back up but Cross tags herself in for a high crossbody. The Purge gets two on Asuka with Banks making the save. The Insane Elbow hits Becky so Charlotte spears both Warriors down. Cross rolls Asuka up but gets pulled into the Asuka Lock for the tap at 13:26.

Rating: C+. This was the kind of fun insanity that these matches thrive on, though there is only so much you can do with so many people. It’s really just about keeping people moving the whole time and that is what we got here. There is a pretty firm limit on what they can do with something like this aside from a special occasion and this was as good as it was getting.

Bobby Lashley vs. Rusev

Last Man Standing and Lana is with Lashley, who is fine after Monday’s beatdown. Before the match, Lana talks about her hot boyfriend but there is some bad news: no Last Man Standing match tonight because the restraining order is still in effect. They’ll take that forfeit though. The referee raises Lashley’s hand and rings the bell but hang on a second.

Cue Kevin Owens to say that’s not how this is ending. Owens: “NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE TWO OF YOU AND YOUR STUPID RELATIONSHIP!” Lana wants everyone to ignore Owens right now. Owens: “Like you’ve been ignoring that stupid Russian accent for the last five years?” Lashley lets Owens take Rusev’s place and the match is on.

Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens

Regular match instead of Last Man Standing. Owens hits two superkicks into the Cannonball but Lashley bails from the threat of a Stunner. Another Cannonball off the apron takes Lashley down again but he fights back to send Owens into the announcers’ table. They get back inside with Lashley’s shirt coming off to reveal the taped up ribs and shoulder. Lashley starts hammering away but Owens hits him in the ribs for a breather. A Downward Spiral gives Lashley two and he grabs a Crossface of all things.

That’s broken up with a quick grab of the rope so Lashley throws him outside. Back in and Lashley’s superplex is broken up, allowing Owens to Swanton onto the bad ribs. The frog splash gets two so Owens hits the Stunner, only to have Lana distract the referee. Lashley runs Owens over and grabs a chair, which draws in Rusev, in a Bob Ross shirt, through the crowd for the DQ at 9:29.

Rating: C. This was less of a match and more of a countdown to the obvious ending. That isn’t a bad thing but it wasn’t exactly a thrilling match. Owens could have been just about anyone here as we continue this Rusev vs. Lashley feud that has only started to pick up some steam over a month into the thing. It wasn’t a bad match but there wasn’t exactly a secret to where it was going.

Post match the beating is on with Rusev taking it into the crowd as Lana shouts about Rusev breaking the law. They head back into the ring with Lashley hitting him with some kendo stick shots. Rusev blocks the big shot though and grabs a chair to hammer away. The jumping superkick into the chair sends Lashley and Lana bailing. Rusev runs through the crowd to avoid being arrested to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. Much like every single one of these things, this was a show that existed and little more. There is nothing on here that you need to see and nothing on here that is worth your time, though the women’s match was pretty good. You would be better off watching a host of other things though as it’s just a house show with a bigger set than usual. The Starrcade name is fine though and it’s better than just leaving the things dormant for AEW to pick off. Completely acceptable use of an hour, but nothing you’ll regret missing.

Results

Street Profits b. Good Brothers – Frog splash to Anderson

Kabuki Warriors b. Nikki Cross/Alexa Bliss, Charlotte/Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks/Bayley – Asuka Lock to Cross

Bobby Lashley b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Rusev interfered

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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Main Event – November 21, 2019: It’s Becoming A Trend

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: November 21, 2019
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Byron Saxton

I’m a bit behind here so it could be interesting to see how this serves as a recap. The big story of the week has been NXT’s Invasion, which could make for some entertaining television. The story has been energizing for the two main roster shows and hopefully that shows through here. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Mojo Rawley vs. Boston Bob

Bob is a guy in a Celtics shirt and shorts so Rawley isn’t all that interested in beating him up. Bob’s early attempts at offense are cut off but a hard clothesline and more trash talking, including some applause and a “Way to go Bob!”. The chinlock doesn’t last long but Mojo has time to throw his sweat on the crowd. The comeback is actually on with a few shots to the face and a clothesline until the Alabama Slam gives Mojo the pin at 3:30.

Rating: D. I could go for more like this as Rawley was a little funny as he picked Bob apart. What else do you want from something like this? This was your old school squash and it let Mojo be arrogant, which is as good as he is going to get at the moment. Let him show some frustration with the lower level competition and maybe he can get a small step forward for once.

We look back at the Fiend attacking Bray Wyatt.

From Smackdown.

It’s time for MizTV with Miz quickly introducing Daniel Bryan. Miz asks about the Fiend attacking Bryan last week but Bryan can’t bring himself to say anything. Miz wants to know what is going on with Bryan, who looks confused about everything going on. Does Bryan not know who he is anymore? Bryan stands up and says he’s been quiet because MizTV sucks, just as it always has.

Miz doesn’t understand the passion that he has, just like these people. It was a mental instability combined with his passion that drove him to do things. Bray Wyatt understands though and that’s what makes him dangerous. Bray is unstable….and the Firefly Fun House starts up. Wyatt says it’s rude to talk about someone when they aren’t there. Being confused is a scary feeling, but maybe Fiend did it to scare Bryan. Or maybe it’s because of what Bryan did. You remember what that is, right Bryan?

It isn’t explained, because we need to look in Bray’s toy box. After throwing out some stuff, including a saw, he finds the Universal Title. If Bryan wants to come play, all he has to do is say that one word. Bryan: “NO!” This turns into an argument with Bray’s friends but if they’re going to fight, it’s going to be for the Universal Title. Bray says yes and starts his own YES chant. That goes on for a long time with Bray’s eyes bugging out. Bray stops and Miz announces the title shot for Survivor Series. Bryan leaves to end the show.

From Raw.

Becky Lynch/Charlotte vs. IIconics

The bell rings after a break with Joe on commentary, describing himself as a Brock Lesnar proof commentator. The IIconics jump them to start and Peyton spinkicks Charlotte in the face to give Billie an early two. A missed charge in the corner gives Billie two more but Charlotte is right back with a quick Figure Eight. Becky Bexplodes Peyton and Billie taps at 2:17.

Post match the Horsewomen come in and jump the IIconics, drawing Becky and Charlotte back for the fight. The numbers get the better of Becky and Charlotte but they’re fine enough to chase the three of them into the crowd. Becky punches out a security guard to a big reaction.

Video on Brock Lesnar vs. Rey Mysterio.

Cedric Alexander vs. Eric Young

They lock up to start with Cedric armdragging him into an armbar. Young blocks the spin out of a wristlock and takes it into the corner. That earns him an anklescissors into a dropkick and they head outside. Young drops him onto the apron and we take a break. Back with Cedric in more trouble, including Young lifting him for a dragon sleeper in the corner.

The neck crank/chinlock goes on for a bit until Cedric gets up for a dropkick. The Neuralizer puts Young on the floor for the big flip dive and the springboard Downward Spiral gets two back inside. Young’s DDT and top rope elbow get the same, only to have Cedric grab the Lumbar Check for the pin at 11:23.

Rating: C. These Main Event matches where people are actually trying are becoming a trend and I’m not sure what to think of them. Maybe it’s just that Young is a talented guy who can do good things in the ring, as long as he isn’t pushed as the top heel in the company. Cedric is rather talented too, but it wasn’t translating on Raw and pulling the plug on him was probably the right move.

From Raw to wrap it up.

Tag Team Titles: Randy Orton/??? vs. Viking Raiders

Orton and his mystery partner who isn’t a mystery if you are paying even the slightest bit of attention, Ricochet, are challenging. Ricochet chops away at Erik, who takes him down and plants him face first on the mat. A dropkick puts Erik on the floor and Orton tags himself in before the flip dive can launch. Ricochet tries a moonsault to the floor but gets kneed in the face.

Orton drops Erik onto the apron but we cut to the back where Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are beating up what looked like Eric Young and Cedric Alexander. Back from a break with Ricochet and Ivar trading flips until Ricochet is sent outside. Ivar hits his big dive and here’s Smackdown to jump Orton for the DQ at 8:23.

Rating: C. There is something amusing about WWE setting up Hawkins and Ryder as #1 contenders at a house show match in German but then having them taken out before they can even get to the ring. Anyway, the match was good enough until the finish, which fit in with a theme tonight. I don’t think the titles were ever in any real jeopardy and there were bigger things at stake here.

Orton, Ricochet and the Raiders clear the ring but here’s NXT for the brawl. NXT gets the better of it and here are even more of them, including the Undisputed Era. NXT comes in but I believe Steve Cutler walks into an RKO (which the camera misses). Everyone gets in at once but here’s Rollins with Raw for the big fight. We cut to the back with HHH saying that this is the beginning of the end. It’s over in six days when NXT shows that it is the A brand. On Wednesday, it is an open door to Raw and Smackdown to come to NXT and do whatever they want. Back in the arena, the brawl ends the show.

Overall Rating: C-. The ending was hot, though you would expect to see something from NXT after the big HHH speech. What we got was good enough though and Young vs. Alexander was surprisingly good. The important thing here was focusing on Survivor Series and they did that well enough. Just watch Survivor Series though and you’ll be better off.

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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Quick Live Thoughts From Survivor Series

It only took me 31 years.

Freshly back from the show (I could really get used to this concept of walking from the arena to the hotel and needing 25 minutes from the time I get out of my seat to the time I’m back and sitting down at the hotel) and it was certainly a different one. There were no major sections tarped off though there were some small pockets of empty seats. It was definitely 95%+ full though and one of the biggest non-Wrestlemania crowds I’ve seen in years.

I won’t go through everything match by match as I’ll save that for the review, but a few highlights:

NXT was over like free beer in a frat house all night long with no one getting anything less than a strong reception.

The women’s Survivor Series match felt a little disjointed at times but Rhea was a STAR, as she has been since she debuted. Fans were a little confused by Shirai and LeRae going out and some were expecting Asuka to come back for a surprise. Either way, Rhea won and it changed the complexion a bit, with NXT now looking like they had a chance.

Cole retaining…..I’m going to need to think about that one for a long time. Cole beating Dunne on normal circumstances is one thing but it’s going to take some mental gymnastics to get my head around a banged up and spent Cole beating Dunne clean. I’m not saying I can’t get there, but it’s going to take some time.

Bryan vs. Bray should have been short like it was and it was booked as well as could have been expected. This worked very well with Bryan fighting as hard as he could and even bringing back the YES chant, but not being enough to overcome that kind of evil. I’m not sure who beats Bray but it’s going to be fun watching people try.

I’ve loved the Survivor Series for years and have always wanted to see one of the matches live. That’s what I got in the men’s match, which felt like an old school Survivor Series match. Corbin stealing pins was a great idea, especially with the one on Ricochet as the fans wanted to kill him. Lee looked incredible out there and got over huge, meaning he should be getting close to the main event scene soon. Heck of a match and exactly what I wanted, but SCREW OFF with getting rid of Walter that fast. If that’s what you bring him in for, what was even the point?

The place came unglued when Rey and Dominick hit the double 619, but you knew it wasn’t happening right after that kickout. Still though, great emotional moment and all it needed to be.

Then there was the main event and…..dang it wrestling fans can be annoying. There were chants of THIS IS AWFUL, CM PUNK, BORING and various similar things. I would bet money that these are the same fans who have been begging WWE to do something new and call Shayna up. She gets a chance in the main event and what does she get? Treated like she’s some lame wrestler on Raw in a bad match.

The match wasn’t great, but good grief people. What else was supposed to close the show? Bray and Brock crushing dreams? Reigns standing tall again, this time over NXT? You had almost everything you wanted and then this is how you treat the main event? WHERE NXT STOOD TALL AGAIN??? They’ll never be happy, and thankfully a lot of fans booed the chants down.

Overall, a rather good night and the match I wanted to see. Reviews for Smackdown/Takeover will hopefully be up Monday with Survivor Series and Raw hopefully the next day or two.

Thank you again for letting me be able to do all this and your patience with the lack of reviews (the WiFi here is pretty horrible).

205 Live – November 15, 2019: New Levels Of I Don’t Care

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: November 15, 2019
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Jon Quasto, Aiden English

I’m trying to keep my interest up in this show. I really am, but they are not exactly making it easy on me. Last week’s show featuring a match from Full Sail made it clear that things could go a lot better around here but for some reason we just can’t get that out of them on a regular basis. Tonight is likely to continue Angel Garza vs. Lio Rush, which feels like a far cry from Alexander, Murphy and Ali. Let’s get to it.

We open with a recap of Rush successfully defending the title against Angel Garza, who blew Rush’s wife a kiss as a result.

Opening sequence.

Angel Garza vs. Jack Gallagher

Angel offers a handshake to start but pulls it away and grabs a rollup for two. That earns him a double stomp to the legs so Angel takes Gallagher down for a splash to the leg of his own. Garza pulls on the leg some more but spends too much time going after Gallagher’s hair, allowing Gallagher to reverse into a headlock. Back up and Gallagher’s very spinning headscissors is countered into a reverse powerbomb to put Gallagher in trouble.

Gallagher is sat on top for a running dropkick but hang on because GARZA HAS TO TAKE OFF HIS PANTS! It’s off to a seated abdominal stretch for a bit before Gallagher comes back with some suplexes. Garza sends him to the floor though and, after faking a dive, slaps Gallagher in the back. That makes Gallagher scream but also annoys him enough to start the comeback. The Gentleman’s Dropkick misses though and Garza grabs a rollup, plus trunks, for the pin at 6:37.

Rating: C. Just a quick match with Garza continuing to feel like a star and the regular 205 Live wrestlers feeling like tired acts that we have seen forever. Gallagher is awesome but he’s been around so long now that his talents are not having any real impact. That has been one of the biggest problems for 205 Live for months now and it isn’t going well in the slightest.

Post match Gallagher yells at English for saying bad things about him on commentary.

24/7 Title: Tim Gange vs. Samir Singh

Singh is defending. Before the match, the Singh Brothers brag about their long reign with the title (which now says Bollywood) and even sing us a song. They’re a team, so this is a handicap match.

24/7 Title: Tim Gange vs. Singh Brothers

The Brothers are defending. The Brothers double team him to start but Gange fights back and even gets to shake the ropes a bit. A superkick/Russian legsweep combination sets up the Bollywood Blast for the pin at 1:52. I’m reaching new levels of being sick of the Brothers.

On Wednesday, Lio Rush said he wasn’t happy with Angel Garza disrespecting his wife. It’s becoming personal and if Garza ever comes near his wife again, Rush is rearranging his face.

Lio Rush/Raul Mendoza vs. Ariya Daivari/Tony Nese

Mendoza goes straight after Nese but gets sent outside by Daivari. Rush enziguris Nese to the floor and hits the big suicide dive, allowing Rush and Mendoza to rule the ring. Back in and Rush stomps on Daivari’s arm before handing it off to Mendoza for an elbow. A splash gets two and it’s Rush grabbing a chinlock. Nese gets in a cheap shot though and Rush gets knocked outside.

Back in it’s Rush’s turn to get beaten up with Daivari and Nese taking turns putting the audience to sleep. Rush is back up with a suicide dive to take Daivari out on the floor and the hot tag brings Mendoza back in. Daivari makes a save but Mendoza is right back with a running kick to the face. Mendoza and Daivari head to the floor where Daivari drives him into the barricade because this show needs to keep going.

A double suplex puts Mendoza down and Nese teases knocking him off the apron. Daivari’s sleeper is broken up and Mendoza rolls over for the hot tag to Rush. Everything breaks down and Daivari superplexes Rush down. A lot of punching sets up Rush’s springboard Stunner for two and Mendoza’s spinning Rock Bottom to Daivari gets the same. Nese’s 450 misses and the Final Hour finishes him off at 13:26.

Rating: C-. The wrestling wasn’t too bad but my goodness I do not care about these people or anything that they are doing. That is the underlying problem here and it was certainly on display here. I’m not sure if we’re supposed to be going for NXT vs. 205 Live but if that’s the case, they’re even more delusional about the future of this place than I thought they were.

Overall Rating: D. The wrestling isn’t interesting, the characters aren’t interesting and the show isn’t interesting. I don’t know why I’m supposed to be interested in the Singh Brothers shouting BOLLY BOLLY BOLLY BOLLY BOLLY every single week or various low level NXT people showing up. This show is dying in a way that I didn’t think was possible and even though the shows have been a bit shorter as of late, they are feeling longer and longer almost every week. I would say fix this, but I don’t think that can be done without blowing the whole thing up. Again.

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

Main Event – November 14, 2019: The British Special

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: November 14, 2019
Location: Manchester Evening News Arena, Manchester, England
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Mickie James

We’re still in England and that has not been the most thrilling thing so far. All of the energy that the shows had due to the NXT invasion is long gone and I don’t see that making for the best Main Event. You never know what you might get around here but if the best they can do is Mojo Rawley wrestling with a British accent, I don’t have the highest hopes. Let’s get to it.

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

And….it’s a studio recap show due to Raw being taped on the same night as Smackdown. I’m thinking that might be an improvement.

From Raw.

Here’s Seth Rollins to talk about Survivor Series and we recap the invasion so far. Rollins likes the energy and talks about how he didn’t know what was next after losing the Universal Title. Last week HHH told him that he should go back to his roots but Raw is his home. Rollins lost his title but that doesn’t mean he is no longer the best in the world. Therefore, anyone in the back can come face him right now. Cue Imperium, with Walter introducing himself and saying Rollins is defiling sacred ground. Just because he’s in the UK doesn’t mean he can avoid an NXT invasion so let’s do this right now.

Seth Rollins vs. Walter

Non-title. Walter throws him around to start so Rollins tries some chops, only to get caught in the release German suplex. We hit the chinlock and then a half crab as Rollins can’t do much against the size and power. Rollins fights back up and even gets to tease the Stomp, which draws in the rest of Imperium for the DQ at 4:49.

Rating: C. This didn’t have time to go anywhere but dang it’s cool to see Walter on the main show. I know his look may not be traditional but sweet goodness the guy commands respect in the ring. He can do a little bit of everything and that power is impossible to ignore. More of him please, as long as he doesn’t become a regular.

Post match the beatdown is on so it’s the Street Profits and Kevin Owens running in for the save.

Imperium vs. Kevin Owens/Street Profits/Seth Rollins

Rollins gets sent outside early on and we get the big staredown with Imperium. Walter drops Rollins back first onto the apron and the beating begins. The chinlock doesn’t last long and Wolfe gets two off a bridging German suplex. Aichner drives Rollins into the corner and it’s Walter coming in for some forearms to the chest. A dropkick into a powerbomb plants Rollins and everything breaks down for a bit as Owens makes the save.

Owens and the Profits get kicked to the floor so Walter goes up, only to get superplexed right back down. The hot tag brings in Owens to take over and a Swanton gets two on Aichner. Everything breaks down again and Ford hits a huge flip dive, which lands on the announcers’ table for a scary landing. Back in and Rollins Stomps Wolfe for the pin at 6:40.

Rating: C+. Imperium is an idea that isn’t very complicated but the four of them execute things so well that it’s hard not to be impressed. They’re just good at what they do and you want to see them beat people up. Walter is the star of the team, but the other three have come up very nicely and the whole thing has turned into one of the best things about NXT UK.

From Raw again.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Charlotte/Becky Lynch vs. Kabuki Warriors

Natalya and Charlotte beat the Warriors last week but “family issues” kept Natalya from being here, meaning Becky is in her place. Asuka kicks away at Becky to start and the shots to the head just get on her nerves. Sane comes in and gets armdragged down, allowing Becky to strike a quick pose.

Becky gets one off a suplex and it’s off to Charlotte for the first time. That means a lot of chops and some strutting but Asuka kicks away. Cue Shayna Baszler to watch as we take a break. Back with Asuka taking over and kicking at Charlotte’s face in the corner. We hit the chinlock from Sane before Asuka comes back in for some strikes.

The Asuka Lock goes on for a few seconds but she switches to an armbreaker. That’s reversed with a lifting powerbomb but Sane is back in with a kick to Charlotte’s face. Charlotte finally avoids a charge in the corner and makes the hot tag off to Becky to stomp away in the corner. Sane gets sent into Asuka and there’s the Bexploder. Baszler jumps onto the apron but here’s Bayley to take her down, allowing Asuka to roll Becky up for the pin at 17:49.

Rating: C. This ate up a lot of time and that’s probably a good idea on a show where everyone is going to be tired in the first place. The ending was annoying but at least Becky vs. Asuka sounds good. I’m glad they addressed the lack of Natalya, though I doubt it was anything more than wanting Becky in the spot and not thinking it through from last week.

Post match Bayley sends Becky into the barricade.

From Smackdown.

Tag Team Titles: New Day vs. Revival

Revival is defending. Kofi rolls Dawson up for some early near falls and it’s off to Big E. to go after Wilder’s knee. The referee has to check on Wilder and we take an early break. Back with Big E. hitting a belly to belly on Wilder, whose knee is just fine. Kofi comes back in for the dropkicks and the big dive onto both champs. Back in and Dawson avoids Trouble in Paradise, leaving Kofi to get two off the SOS to Wilder.

Big E.’s Rock Bottom out of the corner is broken up and it’s a double hanging DDT to Big E. for no cover. A middle rope uppercut/German suplex combination gives Wilder two but the Shatter Machine is broken up. Dawson gets sent outside and Big E. holds Wilder up for Trouble in Paradise for the pin and the titles at 8:30.

Rating: C+. Well so much for Kofi’s post title loss depression. I’m not sure how much sense it makes to go back to that but if Kofi needs another line on his already Hall of Fame resume, so be it. At this rate he’s already a two time Hall of Famer so it’s hardly a stretch to have him win another title. The match was the usual entertaining stuff between these two.

From Smackdown again.

Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin

Reigns jumps him before the bell and hits a clothesline to the floor. After a quick beating, it’s Corbin coming back inside and hammering away. Reigns hits a big boot but here are Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler to go after Reigns, because he’s lost the locker room or something. Corbin catches Reigns with Deep Six back inside and we take a break.

Back with Ziggler getting in another cheap shot so Corbin can send Reigns into the barricade. They get back in and slug it out until Corbin hits a chokeslam. Corbin misses a shot off the top though and Reigns hits a running clothesline for two. Ziggler and Roode come in again though and the distraction lets Corbin hit End of Days for the pin at 9:27.

Rating: D+. This really missed for me as Corbin vs. Reigns is boring enough on its own, and then we have Roode and Ziggler, who shouldn’t like Reigns in the first place, attacking him because….he took time off for cancer? It feels like it could be the start of Reigns’ big road to redemption, because that’s a story WWE loves to do. It isn’t the worst thing they could go with, but please find a more interesting way to go about doing so.

And again, from Smackdown.

Sami tries to convince Bryan to not do the YES Movement again. The lights go out and the Fiend appears for the Mandible Claw on Bryan as Sami runs away.

Video on Brock Lesnar vs. Rey Mysterio.

From Raw to wrap it up.

OC vs. Humberto Carrillo/Ricochet/Randy Orton

Ricochet grabs Anderson by the arm to start and it’s off to Orton to take over. Orton tags out to Carrillo by slapping him in the chest, so Carrillo twists AJ’s arm around as well. A multiple springboard sets up a very high angle wristdrag into an armbar as Carrillo gets to show off a bit.

Ricochet hits a springboard spinning crossbody but Orton isn’t happy with being knocked off the apron as we take a break. Back with Carrillo’s springboard armdrag being countered into a faceplant to put him in trouble. Carrillo fights out in a hurry and it’s off to Ricochet, who gets beaten up in the corner instead.

Gallows drops an elbow and the big leg before he stops to knock Orton off the face. AJ comes in but gets kicked in the face, allowing Ricochet a breather. The hot tag brings in Carrillo to clean house but he misses the moonsault. That’s enough for the tag to Orton, who starts hitting his usual on AJ. Orton teases the RKO to Ricochet but takes AJ out instead, setting up the moonsault to give Carrillo the pin at 15:40.

Rating: C. Completely standard tag match formula outside of the ending angle. Orton could go for a face turn a long heel stretch but you can’t just jump straight in with someone like him. That’s all well and good, though the turn on Ricochet isn’t out of the question. I like the idea of giving Carrillo the pin, but I don’t think it’s something that is going to change much after his multiple losses to Styles.

Post match Orton and Ricochet stare at each other, with Orton saying he can take Ricochet out whenever and wherever he wants.

Overall Rating: C-. The biggest problem here was the show reminding us how uninteresting the week in England really was. What we got here was a bunch of recaps of stuff that wasn’t great, but they did a good job of making me realize how little the original matches add to this show. They are just things that exist and don’t add much, but it’s better than having the wrestlers sit around and do nothing. This was a completely nothing show, but maybe that is what Main Event needs to be.

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

It’s Clobberin Time

So this happened.

IMG Credit: WWE

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/breaking-video-clobberin-time-cm-punk-returns-wwe-gives-quick-message-future/

I’m not sure where this is going to go and I’m not sure if he is going to wrestle again, but my goodness it was a moment to hear that music again.

Main Event – November 7, 2019: The Flashback Show

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: November 7, 2019
Location: Nassau Coliseum, New York City, New York
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Mickie James

It’s more of the weekly recap and I really am running out of ways to say I don’t know what is coming. Raw and Smackdown are such swings and misses most of the time anymore and I’m not sure how much better it is going to be in a short form version. At least this is before we went to the UK as the international slog continues. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

No Way Jose vs. Shelton Benjamin

Jose dances out of an early wristlock and dances again to put on a headlock. That means more dancing as we might be seeing a one note character here. Shelton catches him with a kick to the face in the corner and we hit the chinlock. Jose shakes his way up (I’ll call that dancing) and the clotheslines connect. The Dragon Whip misses and Jose hits a Backstabber. The pop up right hand is blocked and it’s Paydirt to finish Jose at 5:11.

Rating: D+. Standard Main Event match here as Shelton has joined its ranks, meaning his main roster career is either over or he’ll be WWE Champion in a month. Jose on the other hand is doomed to walk the airports forever as he goes to Main Event after Main Event, likely answering questions about the NWO along the way.

Video on the NXT invasion.

From Smackdown.

Here’s the Miz for MizTV. After sucking up to the Buffalo crowd, he talks about how he was going to be interviewing Bray Wyatt, who won the Universal Title last night. We see a package of the win but since Bray isn’t here, we’ll move on. Miz talks about all the NXT talents in the building tonight, with Riddle and Lee beating up Sami being his favorite.

Miz can’t wait to see what happens next….so here’s Tommaso Ciampa to a huge reaction. Ciampa talks about how Miz likes to pretend that he’s a star while Ciampa is literally breaking his neck for wrestling. Miz likes acting so while he’s acting the part, Ciampa is playing the part. That’s something Miz has heard for fifteen years and he’s so tired of hearing it that he’s ready to fight right now.

Miz vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Miz’s headlock doesn’t get him anywhere so he slides between Ciampa’s legs for a sunset flip. Ciampa gets sent outside but is fine enough to send Miz into various things, allowing him to sit on the apron and applaud himself. Back in and Miz’s Reality Check gets two but Ciampa beats him up again to take over.

The Fairy Tale Ending is broken up and Miz gets in a shot to the knee to cut Ciampa down. The shot DDT gives Miz two and it’s the Figure Four going on, only to have Ciampa glare at him and escape. Miz tries it again but gets small packaged for two. Ciampa’s half crab doesn’t get him very far as Miz hits the running corner clothesline. Miz gets kneed out of the air though and the Fairy Tale Ending finishes Miz at 7:41.

Rating: C. Ciampa is an interesting case as he is more than capable of hanging on the main WWE roster (if not thriving) but he seems tailor made to be an NXT lifer. Maybe it’s his size, age or history but he screams perfect for NXT and that’s all he needs to be. This was an important win for him, though I can’t imagine him being a big deal on the main roster, at least not one Vince controls.

Video on Rey Mysterio vs. Brock Lesnar.

From Raw.

Here are an annoyed looking Lesnar and Heyman to open the ring. Heyman explains Lesnar quitting and THEY’RE ACTUALLY EXPLAINING THE WAY OUT. The week of the Draft, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were sent to Smackdown for future considerations and here’s Lesnar as those future considerations. Heyman makes it clear that Lesnar is better than everyone here and wants to know where Mysterio is so either get out here or Brock will go slap everyone in this audience. Tonight, someone is going to say where Mysterio is so Lesnar can destroy him. Heyman gives Rey’s career the last rites and they’re out.

In the back, Brock looks for Rey and beats up a backstage worker for not answering fast enough. Post break another backstage guy says Rey is in that car over there so Brock breaks into a car to find….not Rey. Brock breaks the door to vent some frustration.

Immediately after the match, Lesnar and Heyman come out to demand Mysterio’s whereabouts from commentary. Heyman says Lawler knows everything going around here so either say where Mysterio is or Lesnar will kill him and there will be no bringing him back to life this time. Maddin gets up and stares Lesnar down, earning himself an F5 through the table. Cue Mysterio with a pipe to whack Lesnar in the knees over and over. A running belt shot leaves Brock laying.

During the break, Lesnar couldn’t stand and nearly crawled to the back.

Rey says he’s fighting fire with fire and coming for the WWE Championship. The challenge is on for Survivor Series.

Zack Ryder/Curt Hawkins vs. Eric Young/Erick Rowan

Rowan? Really? Young hammers on Ryder to start so Ryder makes the comeback with some clotheslines. Hawkins comes in to work on the wristlock as the actual team takes over. A toss to the floor lets the villains take over and we go to a break. Back with Ryder slugging away in the corner but getting sent over to Rowan to cut that off in a hurry. A pumphandle backbreaker keeps Ryder down and we hit the neck crank. Rowan’s charge hits boots though and that’s enough for the tag off to Hawkins. Everything breaks down as Hawkins cleans house, setting up a rollup to finish Young at 9:38.

Rating: C-. I’m almost stunned here, but at least they let the hometown guys win a match, even if it doesn’t matter whatsoever. Hawkins and Ryder are the kind of guys who seem like they’re both trying and having fun out there at the same time and what more can you ask for than that? I can always appreciate something like that and that is more than the case here.

Video on Adam Cole.

From Raw.

NXT Title: Adam Cole vs. Seth Rollins

Rollins is defending and Cole is out with HHH. Cole gets driven into the corner and knocked to the floor to start, allowing Rollins to hit the slingshot dive. A few rams into the barricade take us to a break and we come back with Cole kicking him in the face. An enziguri staggers Rollins but he’s right back with the low superkick for two. Rollins goes up top but dives into a heck of a superkick for two more.

The middle rope Canadian Destroyer is blocked and Rollins kicks him down again. Rollins loads up the Falcon Arrow but gets reversed into the brainbuster onto the knee. The double clothesline puts both of them down until Cole heads up top. That means the superplex into the Falcon Arrow and they’re both down again. Rollins loads up the Stomp…and it’s the Undisputed Era for the DQ at 12:30.

Rating: B. You could feel the interference here but that’s the logical way to go here as you have stable mates for just such a situation. The match was as entertaining as you would have expected from these two and it makes sense to not have Rollins take the title here. If nothing else, Cole hung with Rollins for a match that got a little time, which is how you make someone look good in an invasion like this.

Post match the NXT and Raw locker rooms come out for the huge brawl with NXT getting the better of it due to the numbers advantage. Ricochet hits the big springboard shooting star onto the pile and everyone is down. Keith Lee one ups Ricochet with the huge flip dive to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. Maybe it was the England shows but I had a good time watching this one and looking back at the pretty awesome NXT invasion. They’ve got something with that and while it has all but died due to the NXT talent not being in England, it was something fun for a week and I could go for more of that. Just anything with a spark please, which has been lacking from WWE for a long time now.

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

205 Live – November 8, 2019: Welcome Home And Please (PLEASE) Stay Awhile

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: November 8, 2019
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Aiden English

After WAY too long, the show is finally taking place at Full Sail, which is what they should have done when the show first debuted. I have no idea why WWE feels the need to put the show in front of an empty arena after Smackdown but at least we’re getting a change of pace this time around. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Brian Kendrick vs. Mansoor

Kendrick pounds him down to start but Mansoor headscissors him out of the corner, followed by a dropkick to the apron. Back up and Kendrick is fine enough to send Mansoor’s hand into the rod connecting the buckle to the post. The same hand gets crushed in the barricade and there’s a Codebreaker to the arm.

The short armscissors doesn’t last long so Kendrick takes him down by the arm again. We hit the Fujiwara armbar for a bit until Mansoor gets up for some loud chops. An enziguri into the Falcon Arrow gives Mansoor two and a Death Valley Driver is good for the same. A half nelson suplex drops Mansoor on his head and there’s a powerslam, only to have Mansoor roll through into a small package for the pin at 6:33.

Rating: C-. The arm stuff was fine but Kendrick was recently turned heel and here he has to job to Mansoor because….I’m assuming it’s a clause for the Saudi Arabian shows. Mansoor is good enough in the ring to get by and certainly isn’t a chore to watch but if he isn’t going to be around (which wouldn’t be the worst idea), it’s a little annoying to have him come in and get a win just because Saudi Arabia.

From NXT.

Tony Nese vs. Angel Garza

The winner gets a Cruiserweight Title shot at some point in the future. Garza goes after the arm to start but it’s an early standoff. With that not working it’s time to start on the leg but Nese manages to get on top for a fast two and it’s another standoff. This time Nese takes him down by the arm for all of a few seconds, meaning it’s Garza snapping off a running hurricanrana.

That means it’s time for GARZA TO TAKE….a chop to the chest to prevent his disrobing. Garza puts him on the top and hits an enziguri, only to have Nese try a sunset bomb. That’s blocked and NESE TAKES OFF GARZA’S PANTS! Garza gets in a kick to the face and we take a break. Back with Garza hitting another kick to set up the moonsault to the floor. Nigel: “A thing of beauty from the most beautiful man in the world!”

Nese’s sitout pumphandle powerslam gives him his own two but Garza is back up with a reverse Project Ciampa. It’s Nese’s turn to knock him down and this time it’s a 450 for two with Garza getting a foot on the rope. They chop it out again until Garza flips around into a sitout powerbomb for his own near fall. A double underhook drop down (think a Bubba Bomb but with Nese turned the other way and with a butterfly instead of a full nelson) called the Wing Clipper finishes Nese at 11:19.

Rating: C. Garza winning is the right call and it makes more sense to push the NXT guys over the 205 Live guys. Point blank, most of the people on 205 Live are there for a reason and while Nese is good, he doesn’t feel like someone who would be a star around here. I’m still not sure how much longer 205 Live can last, but I’ve been saying that for two years now so what do I know.

Post match Lio Rush comes out and Garza slaps him in the face. Their title match is next week.

Danny Burch is coming.

Video on NXT invading Raw and Smackdown.

Lio Rush vs. Raul Mendoza

Non-title rematch from last week. Mendoza starts fast and knocks Rush into the corner, only to have the champ fight right back out. An enziguri slows Mendoza down but he catches Rush on top. We hit the surfboard on Rush, causing me to cringe as usual. With that broken up, Rush rolls around and flips into an enziguri to drop Mendoza again. That means a LIO chant so maybe he is doing something right.

Rush kicks him to the floor for a suicide dive (of course) and there’s the springboard Stunner for two back inside. A YES Kick is blocked and it’s a fisherman’s driver for two on Rush. Mendoza has to bail out of a Phoenix splash so Rush kicks him in the head and hits the spinning Unprettier for the pin at 5:40.

Rating: C. Rush is getting better at the face stuff and that’s a good thing if they won’t let him do what worked so well in the first place. Mendoza losing again doesn’t hurt him as it wasn’t like he had any capital in the first place, even if he has quite a bit of talent. They packed enough stuff into the match to make it entertaining, but it’s nothing I’m going to remember in fifteen minutes.

Overall Rating: C+. Maybe it was the show being shorter but my goodness does Full Sail make this show a lot easier to watch. There is an actual energy there and WWE doesn’t have to spend a lot of time trying to hide the empty seats from the camera. Just keep doing thing and cut the whole arena thing, though history has suggested that WWE will keep going because….well because they can be stubborn at times.

Results

Mansoor b. Brian Kendrick – Small package

Angel Garza b. Tony Nese – Wing Clipper

Lio Rush b. Raul Mendoza – Spinning Unprettier

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

205 Live – November 1, 2019: Maybe They Can’t Help It

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: November 1, 2019
Location: Keybank Center, Buffalo, New York
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Aiden English

It’s time for the show that continues to exist for no adequately explained reason outside of the need for content. Lio Rush and the Cruiserweight Title were back last week to prop things up a bit but that wasn’t enough to hide the fact that the lack of star power/interest from the fans are killing this show. Maybe this week can be better. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Rush returning last week and Tony Nese setting himself up as the next challenger.

Opening sequence.

Isaiah Scott vs. Ariya Daivari

For those of you who didn’t get enough of it last week. Daivari jumps him before the bell and a short beatdown ensues on the floor. Back in and Daivari sends Scott hard into the corner as the referee is as ineffective as you would guess. More referees come out (three times nothing is still nothing) to check on Scott, who wants to start the match. The bell rings and Daivari charges into a jumping knee to the face but Daivari sends him back first into the apron.

They get back in with Scott eating an elbow but stomping away in the corner anyway. Daivari gets in a cheap shot though and we’re already in the chinlock, because Daivari needs one less than three minutes in. Daivari says he can do this all day and I don’t doubt him for a second. Scott fights up with a suplex and stomp to the back as the fans are already gone. An Iconoclasm is broken up and it’s a snap German suplex into the jumping Downward Spiral for two on Daivari.

A middle rope DDT gives Scott the same but Daivari is right back up with a superkick. Now the Iconoclasm can connect for two but the hammerlock DDT misses. Daivari’s Rock Bottom gets a delayed two and a double clothesline puts them both down. Scott sends him outside for a double stomp off the apron, though Daivari catches him on top for a belly to belly superplex. The Persian splash only hits mat and the Swerve Kick finishes Daivari at 11;36.

Rating: C+. The action was better but my goodness Daivari is boring. The guy could give out free ice cream and money and he still wouldn’t be interesting. He’s every generic wealthy foreign heel that you can find and that is hardly enough to keep my attention these days. Scott continues to look like a star in the making but can we PLEASE get him a better opponent?

We look at the Singh Brothers trading the 24/7 Title with R-Truth at Crown Jewel.

Jack Gallagher vs. Ray Jazikoff

What a name. Gallagher takes him down by the arm and ties up three out of four limbs at the same time. Back up and Ray sends him into the corner, only to have Gallagher do his hand stand to get Ray to pause. The headbutt puts Ray outside and there’s a whip into the barricade. The Gentleman’s Dropkick against the barricade knocks Ray silly and the regular version finishes him off at 3:29.

Rating: C. Total squash here and Gallagher is showing a nice mix of heel and face stuff. He was extra aggressive here and yet still charming, which is a good place for him to be. That dropkick is awesome and looks like it would knock anyone silly. I’m not sure Gallagher is ever going to get above the midcard, but at least he’s got his stuff down cold.

Next week: NXT UK joins 205 Live.

Lio Rush vs. Raul Mendoza

Non-title. Rush headlocks him down to start and the cockiness is on full display. A kick to the head misses and Tom refers to Raul as Luis Mendoza in a Mighty Ducks reference. What is with commentary being so off on Friday? English was a disaster on Smackdown and now this. Are they that worried about the Saudi situation?

Rush snaps off a hurricanrana to the floor and follows with a suicide dive to shot off. Back in and Rush shouts at the crowd and the silence is nearly deafening. It’s too early for the Final Hour though and Mendoza hits an enziguri to catch him on top. A suplex into a swinging neckbreaker gets two and a running dropkick is good for the same. We hit the chinlock as the fans start cheering for English.

Back up and Raul hits a hard clothesline for two more but Rush grabs a jawbreaker. That just earns him a running boot to the face to give Raul another two but Rush is smart enough to roll to the apron as Raul goes up top. They slug it out on the apron with the fans finally getting into something.

Rush knocks him to the floor though and hits the bottom rope moonsault, only to bang up the ribs even more. Back in and Rush hits some forearms, followed by a series of strikes for a near fall. Raul gets in a dropkick for two but Rush rolls into a half crab of all things. The rope is grabbed but Raul’s knee is done, allowing Rush to hit the springboard Stunner and the Final Hour for the pin at 14:36.

Rating: C+. Another technically fine match in front of a crowd that absolutely does not care. Rush is someone who can do a lot of things in the ring but his calling really seems to be as a loudmouthed guy hype man. It’s a lot more memorable than someone else with suicide dives and frog splashes. 205 Live is full of them and while Rush is impressive, it isn’t like he’s one of a kind.

Post match Rush shows Mendoza respect. The camera on the other hand shows multiple sections of the arena that are at best 25% full. I know that has been the case forever but how long is WWE going to put up with those visuals?

Overall Rating: C. I know I bring it up almost every time but my goodness those crowd shots are so sad to see. The wrestlers are trying but they’re fighting a completely lost game. What amazes me more than anything else is how much WWE just accepts that the show is worthless and they don’t care about the crowds not being there. WWE never does something like that, but maybe it’s just that there is no way around the whole thing? Either way, it looks awful, even for a perfectly watchable show.

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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