Dynamite
Date: July 12, 2023
Location: SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz

We’re still in Canada and a week away from Blood & Guts next week. That means we should be getting a big build towards the match, but at the same time, there are also three tournaments, plus Battle Of The Belts coming up. For now though the Blind Eliminator tournament gets a little more focus so let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Komander vs. Chris Jericho

Jericho sends him into the corner for the headstand to start so Komander comes back with a very bouncy hurricanrana. Komander tries to bounce around but gets forearmed in the face, setting up the backbreaker. Back up and Komander snaps off some kicks to the face, only to be hiptossed out to the floor as we take a break.

We come back with Komander in trouble, including a pair of powerbombs to plant him hard. The Lionsault misses so Komander grans la majistral for two. Back up and Jericho takes his head off with a clothesline but Komander kicks him down. The rope walk shooting star press gets two and Jericho misses a dive to the floor. Komander hits the rope walk flipping dive (or trick as Tony calls it), setting up a phoenix splash for two back inside. Jericho’s Codebreaker gets two so Komander tries another springboard, only to get pulled into the Liontamer for the tap at 12:50.

Rating: B-. Komander was trying here but there were so many instances where Jericho had to stand there for Komander to set something up. That doesn’t make for the best visual as I keep waiting for Jericho to do something about it. Other than that, Jericho pulling him in and ultimately catching Komander trying once too often is a good way to go. Just stop being so ridiculous and Komander’s stock goes way up.

Post match Don Callis comes out to show us a clip of himself and Jericho, with their mentor Bad News Allen, early in their careers. Jericho remembers this and says Allen told them to stay together. They didn’t keep his promise but Callis believes that Allen is looking down and smiling at the idea of the two of them getting together again. Jericho still doesn’t say yes.

Jungle Boy will not get out of his car so here is Hook to chase him away. Hook: “Keep running Perry.”

Don Callis is ready to name the fifth member of his team for Blood & Guts.

We recap MJF’s efforts to win over Adam Cole.

MJF and Cole were at a bar last week, with MJF not being pleased over Cole not wearing their team shirt. Some attractive women come in and MJF says two for him, two for Cole. That’s not going to work for Cole, which MJF says makes four for him. MJF and the ladies leave and we cut to MJF coming back, saying the maximum ride is spent.

Cole says he’ll put the team shirt on if they do what he wants to do next. Cool with MJF…..but Cole wants to play video games. It happens to be Fight Forever, where they bond over how they were going to turn on each other. They win the titles in the game to wrap up this hilariously goofy segment.

Blind Eliminator Tag Team Tournament Semifinals: Darby Allin/Orange Cassidy vs. Sammy Guevara/Daniel Garcia

Sammy mocks the hands in the pockets to start before they trade armdrags. Cassidy puts his hands in his own pockets, leaving Sammy to spin into his pose. Allin comes in for a handshake before hitting a heck of a suicide dive onto Garcia. Back up and Garcia tags himself in for the spinning front chancery to Allin as we take a break.

We come back with Cassidy getting the hot tag and coming in to take over. Garcia’s sleeper is quickly broken up but the Dragontamer has Cassidy in trouble. Allin makes the save and it’s the Stundog Millionaire into Allin’s flipping Stunner into Cassidy’s spinning DDT. Guevara is back in with a running knee but a second misses, allowing Cassidy to hit the Beach Break.

Cassidy and Garcia trade rollups for two each until they trade shots to the face for a double knockdown. Sammy misses the shooting star press as Garcia Dragontamers Cassidy. Cue Prince Nana of all people to hand Garcia the skateboard. With Allin going after Garcia, here is Swerve Strickland for a cheap shot. The GTH hits Allin for the pin at 12:53.

Rating: B-. It would have been hard to imagine MJF/Cole not going through to the finals but this practically seals their spot. The interesting thing here is you could have gone either way for the winners, as both teams were options to move on. Strickland interfering works well as a way to save Allin’s status, but the Society moving on to the finals makes all the sense in the world too.

Video on Nick Wayne, who started training for wrestling at 9 years old. Then his father died and now he wrestles for both of them.

Roderick Strong, in a neck brace, asks Adam Cole if he is starting to really like MJF. Cole gets a text from MJF, saying he has the flu and might not be able to go.

Blind Eliminator Tag Team Tournament Semifinals: Brian Cage/Big Bill vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman/Adam Cole

And MJF is fine. Cole even has his team shirt as MJF asks who wants to see him slam Bill. MJF tries and there goes his back as a result. That means we need a quick meeting on the floor before it’s off to Cole vs. Cage. We pause for Cage to do some pushups and it’s back to Bill vs. MJF, the latter of whom still can’t hit a slam. Bill gets dropped as we take a break.

We come back with MJF losing his shirt and telling Bill to hit him. Instead Bill grabs a choke but MJF manages the slam. Cage comes back in and blocks a piledriver so MJF goes to the eyes and dives over to Cole. MJF calls for the double clothesline but Bill clotheslines both of them instead. Some superkicks put Bill down for a change but Cage hits a double clothesline of his own. The fall away slam/Samoan drop combination has Cole and MJF in more trouble. Not that it matters as Cole is right back with the Boom to finish Cage out of nowhere at 10:14.

Rating: C+. Sweet goodness this team is fun. I know it isn’t a long term thing and it shouldn’t be, but I’m having a great time watching Cole and MJF be goofy together. That’s exactly what they’re going for before the big betrayal, which should be a heck of a moment (even better if the double clothesline is involved). This story has been all kinds of fun and they made a match work that way too.

Post match MJF acknowledges how over he is in Canada but then has Cole do his own catchphrase. MJF says the double clothesline is coming and we get a rare DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE chant. After explaining boundaries to MJF, Cole says he never expected this to work, but they’re doing pretty well. They’re ready to win the tournament.

Roderick Strong is in the back and doesn’t seem impressed.

Jake Hager goes to see Chris Jericho, who is considering the Don Callis offer. Hager goes over their history together and hands him his hat.

Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinals: Ruby Soho vs. Skye Blue

Soho runs her over to start and they go to the apron, where Toni Storm’s distraction doesn’t work. Instead Blue faceplants Soho on the apron but gets sent knees first into the steps. Soho kicks at the knee back inside and wraps it around the post to keep Blue in trouble. Back up and Soho gets in some kicks of her own, allowing her to plant Soho for a fast two. The knee gives out but Blue is still able to block Destination Unknown. A half crab sends Blue over to the ropes but her leg gives out again. Soho hits a middle rope No Future for the pin at 8:36.

Rating: C. I could have seen this one going either way as Blue winning the whole thing would not have shocked me. Soho could use a win of some kind if she isn’t going to be a champion anytime soon, so sending her forward makes sense. The match itself was only so good, but an underdog fighting through an injury is almost always going to work.

Harley Cameron has a music video for a song called Rap Lessons.

Swerve Strickland vs. Nick Wayne

Wayne turned 18 the day before yesterday and takes Strickland into the corner for a tap on the jaw. Some kicks miss for Wayne and that’s an early standoff. Wayne sends him to the apron where a hurricanrana sends Strickland outside as we take a break. Back with Wayne fighting out of a chinlock and catching Strickland on in the corner.

Cue Darby Allin to cheer Wayne on as a reverse hurricanrana gives Wayne two. Wayne’s World (diving cutter) gets another two but Strickland counters a hurricanrana attempt into a powerbomb. The Last Call, plus a glare at Allin, sets up the JML driver to finish Wayne at 10:36.

Rating: B-. Wayne is incredibly young and definitely feels like someone who came up through the independents, but he does have a natural athleticism that works for him. I’m not sure how far he is going to go right off the bat, but it’s certainly a unique story. He got in a lot on Strickland here, though ultimately AEW did the right thing.

Here’s what’s coming on various shows.

Here is Don Callis to announce the fifth member for Blood & Guts. Callis mocks Kenny Omega, who comes out but gets cut off by Jon Moxley and Konosuke Takeshita. Cue Pac, who will be the fifth man, to help with the big beatdown of Omega. Hold on though as Omega, despite being choked with a chair, says his team has a fifth member as well: Kota Ibushi. The Elite make the save and Omega promises to destroy Callis to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This was another tournament heavy show but the good thing is next week will be completely focused on something else. The MJF/Cole stuff is pretty great and that makes for more than enough of an interesting story. Other than that, you had a lot of focus on the Chris Jericho/Don Callis stuff and….yeah I cannot bring myself to be interested in Callis and his unending string of “remember when’s”. It was a good show for the most part, but Blood & Guts next week will change everything.

Results
Chris Jericho b. Komander – Liontamer
Daniel Garcia/Sammy Guevara b. Orange Cassidy/Darby Allin – GTH to Allin
Maxwell Jacob Friedman/Adam Cole b. Brian Cage/Big Bill – Boom to Cage
Ruby Soho b. Skye Blue – No Future
Swerve Strickland b. Nick Wayne – JML Driver

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Monday Night Raw
Date: May 19, 2008
Location: Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri
Attendance: 9,300
Commentators: Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler

We’re done with Judgment Day and the big Raw story coming out of the show was Shawn Michaels defeating Chris Jericho in a rather good match that didn’t seem to wrap up their story. Other than that, HHH successfully defended the World Title against Randy Orton in a feud that will likely never be over. Let’s get to it.

Here is Judgment Day if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga

Umaga is ticked off after last week and hammers away, only to miss a sitdown splash and get dropkicked in the face. The Samoan drop cuts Hardy off fast though and we’re already into the nerve hold. With that not working, Umaga ties him in the Tree of Woe for the running headbutt, only to miss a middle rope version. The Whisper in the Wind missed as well, but Umaga misses the running hip attack. Jeff knocks him outside in a big crash and follows with the slingshot flip dive. The fight keeps going on the floor, including the swinging release Rock Bottom to Hardy, and that’s a double countout.

Rating: C+. This was short and designed to set up a third match but it worked while it lasted. Hardy works well when he is bouncing off of someone and Umaga knows how to do that style incredibly well. What matters here is they kept things interesting, which is exactly what you want to do when you’re trying to set up a rematch, likely at One Night Stand.

Post match Jeff has to be checked on.

Batista tells Chris Jericho to stay out of his way to get to Shawn Michaels, but Jericho isn’t stepping aside. Threats are made before their match tonight.

Here is General Manager to make Jeff Hardy vs. William Regal in a falls count anywhere match. Regal brings Randy Orton and JBL up on the Titantron and tells them they have a tag match against HHH and John Cena tonight. If Orton and JBL win, they get their respective rematches against HHH and Cena and get to pick the stipulations. If Cena and HHH win, they will face each other in an extreme rules match of Regal’s choosing.

Cue Mr. Kennedy to interrupt to offer a challenge for tonight. Regal says he’s above Kennedy and the next person to interrupt him will be fired on the spot. Cue Vince McMahon, with Kennedy mocking Regal about his promise. Vince says that since Regal has taken over, there have been ALL KINDS OF COMPLAINTS and he only cares about the money. Regal is a ratings killer but Vince wants Kennedy gone too. So tonight it’s Regal vs. Kennedy, loser is fired. Well that’s abrupt.

Maria vs. Beth Phoenix

Melina joins commentary and does the splits entrance on the announcers’ table. Maria gets quite the pop as Melina says she isn’t the kind of girl to do Playboy. Beth wastes no time with a gorilla press to start and then bends Maria’s back over her knee. A quick bulldog out of the corner gives Maria two but the Glam Slam (I believe making its debut) into a seated double chickenwing gives Beth the win.

Post match Melina jumps Beth and gets dropped on the ramp for her efforts.

Roddy Piper was at a birthday party for Jimmy Kimmel Live when Santino Marella showed up. A fight with Jimmy’s cousin Sal broke out. This is edited off the Peacock version.

Mickie James is in the back with Katie Lea Burchill, with the latter saying she’ll be Women’s Champion soon. She also accuses Mickie of sleeping with John Cena to get to the top but Mickie denies anything happening. Burchill says more would have happened with her.

Shawn Michaels comes in to see William Regal, who tells him that Shawn is facing the winner of Batista vs. Chris Jericho in a stretcher match.

WWE won an award for how they praise the military.

Batista vs. Chris Jericho

Non-title. Jericho gets powered out of the corner to start as the fans are way behind Batista here. Batista shoves him out of the corner again and hits him in the face, setting up an elbow for two. Hold on though as Jericho grabs his knee and we take a break with Batista not buying it.

We come back with a limping Jericho being whipped into the corner but managing to low bridge Batista to the floor. This time it’s Batista grabbing his own knee and Jericho is fine with going after that as well. Lawler points out how fast Jericho’s knee healed as Jericho cranks on Batista’s knee. Batista is fine enough to kick Jericho outside and then boot him in the face back inside.

The spinebuster connects but Jericho goes after the leg to break up the Batista Bomb attempt. A half crab goes on (that’s a clever twist on the normal Walls) until Batista makes the rope. The leg is fine enough to avoid the Lionsault and a big clothesline drops Jericho again. The charge goes into the post but Batista pulls Jericho off the ropes and into the Batista Bomb for the pin.

Rating: B-. Not exactly a great match here but it turned into a good showdown. The leg injuries were a nice way to tie into everything else they have been doing in recent weeks and they made you wonder what was going on. Batista’s seemed to be legitimate but he was able to catch Jericho trying to be too aggressive. Batista vs. Shawn again should work, and you know Jericho is going to be waiting on the other side.

Post match Shawn Michaels comes out to stare Batista down.

Vince McMahon talks to William Regal about the match with Mr. Kennedy tonight. Ted DiBiase of all people comes in and they need to have a money talk.

It’s time for the return of Piper’s Pit but instead we have Santino Marella dressed as Roddy Piper with a very large fake stomach. As Santino stands next to a birthday cake, he messes up some Piper catchphrases and we see a clip of the Jimmy Kimmel segment from earlier. The real Cousin Sal comes out and Santino mocks Piper for not being able to do anything.

Sal goes off about how Santino can’t accomplish anything, including winning a title, beating up Steve Austin or sleeping with a Playboy Playmate, as apparently…something like being built similar to a fourth grader. Santino picks up the cake but the real Roddy Piper comes in to shove it into Santino’s face. Santino vs. Sal is set up as this feud just keeps going. This is also edited off the Peacock version.

William Regal vs. Mr. Kennedy

Loser gets fired and Kennedy promises to win. Kennedy slugs out of the corner to start and a backdrop gets a very early two. A running kick to the head rocks Regal but he sweeps the leg and takes Kennedy down on the apron. Back in and Regal unloads in the corner before grabbing something close to a Tazmission.

Regal charges into a boot in the corner though and Kennedy’s spinning kick to the head gets two. They go outside, where Regal decides that this is going to be a No DQ match. The brass knuckles are loaded up and Regal sends him into the steps. Back in and the knuckles shot is countered into the Mic Check to give Kennedy the fast pin.

Rating: C+. And that is how WWE dealt with Regal getting Wellnessed again. Regal was on a tear with the power mad General Manager/King deal and then screwed himself over by breaking the rules. The match itself was an energetic fight and having Regal screw himself over by trying to cheat once too often was some nice poetic justice.

Post break Regal tries to go into his office but Teddy Long walks out.

HHH doesn’t are who he faces at One Night Stand.

Randy Orton/JBL vs. HHH/John Cena

If Orton and JBL win, they get their rematches at One Night Stand and pick the stipulations. If HHH and Cena win, they face each other at One Night Stand in a match of….well Regal is fired so there’s a snafu in the plan. Cena and HHH clear the ring rather quickly to start and we take an early break.

Back with HHH in trouble but Orton misses a dropkick. The tag brings in Cena to pick up the pace, including the Shuffle to Orton. The RKO and FU are both countered and JBL kicks Cena in the face for two. Cena knocks Orton outside though and the hot tag brings in HHH. Everything breaks down and the STFU has JBL in trouble but Orton breaks it up with the Punt to give JBL the pin.

Rating: C+. This was another match where they didn’t have a ton of time to get stuff going but it did what it needed to do. The feuds are already set up so getting to the point of a big violent match between the pairings work. Granted they kind of telegraphed the ending with Regal being fired but at least they did what they should have done.

Post match JBL picks a first blood match with Cena while Orton picks last man standing with HHH.

Overall Rating: B-. This was the “ok we need to get the pay per view ready” show and it worked well enough. One Night Stand is the attempt to keep the stories going with some added stipulations and that should be fine. The build to Summerslam can start after that but giving us something this simplistic should work. Not a great show, but an efficient one and that is important too.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

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As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).

NXT
Date: July 11, 2023
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s a big night as Judgment Day is here again. This time around that should mean some issues for Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, as there are still issues to deal with from before Money In The Bank. Other than that, we have the fate of Tony D’Angelo as NXT’s idea of how the courts work continues to be out there. Let’s get to it.

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

Here is Judgment Day to get things going. The fans chant for Mami but Finn Balor says DADDY’S HOME. It’s time to do some Judgment Day things, starting with Damian Priest, who doesn’t like Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes. Dominik Mysterio gets booed down, but here are Hayes and Williams to interrupt. Hayes praises Balor but says the two of them run this place. Priest says that’s because Judgment Day isn’t here every week. Williams and Priest get into the argument and a tag match is made for later.

Tony D’Angelo, who needs to get to chow time in jail, says he wants to trust Stacks but he keeps hearing bad things. He’s just not sure anymore.

Gigi Dolin talks about how she puts herself out there, while Kiana James tries to hide her past. We see some shots of a younger James seemingly being quite the different kind of person.

James insists that isn’t her anymore.

Chase U vs. Charlie Dempsey/Drew Gulak

The fight is on before the bell until we settle down to Dempsey hitting Hudson in the face. As Lucien Price and Bronco Nima pop up on the platform to watch, Hudson gets in a running hurricanrana on Gulak, with commentary not believing it. Hudson gets caught on top but manages something like a super Michinoku Driver. Chase comes in and is quickly slammed down, allowing Dempsey to grab the chinlock.

That doesn’t last either, as it’s back to Hudson to clean house. Everything breaks down and Chase U clears the ring as we take a break. Back with Hudson fighting out of trouble and bringing in Chase to clean house. Suplexes abound and there’s the Spelling Stomp to Dempsey. A high crossbody gets two and it’s time to exchange German suplexes. Thea Hail has had it with this and grabs a Kimura on Gulak, leaving the Fratliner to finish Dempsey at 11:22.

Rating: C+. This was all about getting Chase back in the ring and the fans still seem to absolutely love him. That is exactly what NXT had to be hoping for, but now it’s all about actually doing something with him. Chase U was the hottest thing in NXT for a good while but they never really did anything. Change that this time and we could be in for something rather interesting.

Bron Breakker is ready to beat Ilja Dragunov and become #1 contender.

Von Wagner talks about how he was an outcast as a kid and eventually accepted being a monster. He started doing that here, but for the first time, the fans were cheering him. Wagner has Mr. Stone to thank for that, which leaves Stone looking happy.

Kelani Jordan vs. Cora Jade

Dana Brooke is here with Jordan. The gymnastics frustrated Jade to start but she gets in a few stomps to take over. A running dropkick hits Jordan as she is tied up in the ropes, setting up the chinlock. That’s broken up and Jordan gets two off a rollup and the forearms abound. Jordan’s springboard is broken up though and Jade hits the DDT for the pin at 3:58.

Rating: C. They didn’t have much time to do anything here but Jade continues to look strong. That’s all you can ask for from a match this short when Jade is facing someone brand new. There’s a good chance we get Jade vs. Brooke next and then hopefully Jade gets to move on to something a little more difficult.

Post match Jade goes after Jordan again but Dana Brooke makes the save.

Ilja Dragunov is ready to be #1 contender.

We look at Eddy Thorpe winning the NXT Underground match last week.

Gable Steveson isn’t sure what to do now because he loves being here but also wants another Olympic medal.

Dijak is not impressed with Thorpe winning one NXT Underground match.

Ilja Dragunov vs. Bron Breakker

For the NXT Title shot at the Great American Bash. Breakker powers him straight into the corner to start but Dragunov wins a slugout. The 61Line is countered with a heck of a suplex though and Dragunov is right back in trouble. Dragunov chops away but Breakker just unloads on him with forearms and right hands as we take a break.

Back with Dragunov winning another slugout but getting caught with a German suplex. Breakker cuts him off with some raised boots though and the top rope bulldog (which barely makes contact) knocks Dragunov silly. Dragunov is back up with a Death Valley Driver into the corner, setting up a Coast To Coast.

The Torpedo connects for two, and Dragunov is stunned by the kickout. Breakker is right back with a heck of a spear for two before loading up the gorilla press. That’s reversed into a DDT for two but Breakker hits a clothesline. Another spear is cut off by a knee to Breakker’s head and now the Torpedo to the back of the head can finish for Dragunov at 14:22.

Rating: B. This was straight out of the old NXT playbook, as you have the new top challenger facing the previous top challenger to give the new one some credibility. In this case it helps that Dragunov and Breakker worked very well together and had a pretty great fight. Dragunov can sell like no other and Breakker’s power stuff looked awesome against him. Very good match here and it could have been on some kind of special instead of regular TV.

Wes Lee talks about being ready for Mustafa Ali when Dominik Mysterio, with Rhea Ripley, comes in to accept the open challenge. There wasn’t one open, but they can do it next week.

A driving Baron Corbin talks about not knowing who he is anymore because he has changed so many times. He comes to a circle of torches and asks who he is.

Ivy Nile vs. Tiffany Stratton

Non-title. Stratton shoulders her down to start and then does it again. Back up and Nile grabs the arm before getting in a hard shot to the face. Stratton is fine enough to knock her to the apron, setting up a running hip attack to the floor. Back in and the chinlock is broken up without much trouble, allowing Nile to kick her in the head. The Diamond Chain Lock is broken up and it’s a Regal Roll into the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pin at 4:38.

Rating: C. Much like the previous women’s match, there wasn’t much time to do anything here, but at least Nile got in a bit more offense. I’m not sure what she is going to be able to do with the Creeds gone, but her in-ring abilities should be enough to carry her pretty far. Stratton is looking for her next challenger, so keeping her warm is a good idea.

Post match Stratton grabs the mic but is told she tapped out so many times that she gives up.

Chase U gives Thea Hail a pep talk and believe she can be Women’s Champion.

Noam Dar is still depressed.

Blair Davenport mocks Roxanne Perez for taking a beating last week and promises to do it even worse next time Perez comes at her.

Stacks vs. Joe Coffey

Galls is here with Coffey. If Stacks wins, the charges against Tony D’Angelo are dropped and he and Stacks get a Tag Team Title shot. Otherwise, it goes to trial. Feeling out process to start until Coffey grabs a headlock takeover to grind away. Back up and All The Best For The Bells gets two on Stacks, with Coffey looking stunned at the kickout. Stacks insists that he isn’t a snitch and we take a break.

Back with D’Angelo calling in to be happy with Stacks as Coffey cranking on the arm. A clothesline cuts Stacks down again and here are Lucien Price and Bronco Nima to glare at Gallus. Price and Nima leave as Stacks fights up and hits him in the face. Stacks runs him over so Wolfgang yells at the referee, allowing Stacks to grab what looks like a pipe. With the referee turning around, Stacks hands the pipe to Wolfgang, getting Gallus ejected. The running knee to the back of the head finishes D’Angelo at 10:45.

Rating: C+. This whole story has been way over the top and more than a bit nuts at times, but Stacks has gotten a lot out of the whole thing. He has gone from little more than a generic heel to an actual character who can back it up in the ring. That’s more than I would have bet on and the D’Angelo Family winning the titles would make a lot of sense.

Schism comes up to Ivy Nile, who accuses Joe Gay at being the masked man last week. They invite Nile to join the team but she doesn’t say anything.

Yulisa Leon and Valentina Feroz talk about Noam Dar when Humberto and Angel come in to hit on them. With that not being well received, Dragon Lee and Nathan Frazer come in to get rid of the pesky guys.

Carmelo Hayes/Trick Williams vs. Judgment Day

Finn Balor/Damian Priest for the team here, with the latter punching Williams in the face to start. Priest cranks on the arm before handing it off to Balor for some choking on the ropes. The chinlock goes on for a bit before Balor drives him into the corner for some chops. Williams manages to get over to the corner for the tag to Hayes though and the ring is quickly cleared.

We take a break and come back with Hayes being sent into the wrong corner, allowing Priest to hit a running corner elbow. The double arm crank is broken up rather quickly and the rolling tag brings Williams back in. A running neckbreaker gives Williams two but Priest gets in a clothesline for the double knockdown. Hayes and Balor come in to pick the pace back up with Hayes hitting a superkick for two. The Sling Blade drops Hayes again but the Coup de Grace misses.

A springboard clothesline gives Hayes two more but it’s Priest coming in with a kick to the head. Williams makes the save as everything breaks down. Priest hits a Razor’s Edge onto the announcers’ table but Hayes grabs a Codebreaker. Cue Dominik Mysterio for a distraction but Hayes faceplants Priest anyway. The briefcase is thrown in but here is Ilja Dragunov to take it away. Hayes is sent into the briefcase though and it’s South of Heaven into the Coup de Grace to pin Hayes at 12:15.

Rating: B-. There was a lot of protection for Hayes, but I’m still not sure why you need to have the champion lose here when you have Williams in the same match. At least it does set up more of the Great American Bash main event, which should be great, but I’m assuming this is it for Judgment Day, at least most of them, in NXT. This id feel like a big time main event though and that is what matters more than almost anything else.

Hayes and Dragunov yell at each other to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. Pretty nice show this week with some of the matches feeling rather big for a regular TV show. The women’s matches weren’t exactly treated as important though and that is still a little weird to see. Other than that though, there wasn’t much that brought this down and it did a nice job of setting things up for the Great American Bash later this month.

Results
Chase U b. Charlie Dempsey/Drew Gulak – Fratliner to Dempsey
Cora Jade b. Kelani Jordan – DDT
Ilja Dragunov b. Bron Breakker – Torpedo
Tiffany Stratton b. Ivy Nile – Prettiest Moonsault Ever
Stacks b. Joe Coffey – Running knee to the head
Judgment Day b. Carmelo Hayes/Trick Williams – Coup de Grace to Hayes

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Make sure you check out a recent review:

Monday Night Raw – July 10, 2023

Get Him! AEW Fans Want Former WWE Star In The Ring, Tony Khan Responds.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/get-aew-fans-want-former-wwe-star-ring-tony-khan-responds/

WATCH: Braun Strowman Joins Country Music Star On Stage For Song.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-braun-strowman-joins-country-music-star-stage-song/

BREAKING: Becky Lynch Reportedly Not Medically Cleared, Monday Night Raw Match Currently Off.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/breaking-becky-lynch-reportedly-not-medically-cleared-monday-night-raw-match-currently-off/

WATCH: WWE Stable Seems To Drop A Member On Monday Night Raw.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-wwe-stable-seems-drop-member-monday-night-raw/

One Of The Other: Medical Updates On Bray Wyatt And Johnny Gargano.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/one-medical-updates-bray-wyatt-johnny-gargano/

How Many? Roman Reigns’ Tribal Court SmackDown Segment Featuring The Usos Draws Crazy Audience.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/many-roman-reigns-tribal-court-segment-featuring-usos-draws-crazy-audience/

WRESTLING RUMORS: Huge Change Coming Soon For LA Knight.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wrestling-rumors-huge-change-coming-soon-la-knight/

His Family: Jey Uso Makes Statement Following Challenge To Roman Reigns.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/family-jey-uso-makes-statement-following-challenge-roman-reigns/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).

Monday Night Raw
Date: July 10, 2023
Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York
Commentators: Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves

We are less than a month away from Summerslam and Judgment Day is having some major issues. Finn Balor and Damian Priest can’t seem to get along and the introduction of the Money In The Bank briefcase isn’t helping. Other than that, we have more issues between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar so let’s get to it.

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

We open with a look at the Judgment Day’s issues.

Here is a ticked off Finn Balor, who blames Damian Priest with costing him the World Title. Cue Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio, with the former telling Balor to calm down. Balor says he is calm and walks out, leaving Ripley to say the team still runs Raw. If anyone disagrees, come out here and prove it. Cue Seth Rollins, with a plate of buffalo wings, with Dominik not being pleased and making threats. Rollins apologizes to Ripley, because she isn’t the only one who is going to be whipping Mysterio tonight.

Post break, Damian Priest comes up to Ripley and Mysterio, saying that went as expected. Ripley tells him to fix this with Balor.

Imperium vs. Drew McIntyre/Matt Riddle

Gunther is at ringside as Riddle powers out of Kaiser’s headlock and gutwrench suplexes him down. It’s off to McIntyre vs. Vinci, with the former taking him down for an assisted Floating Bro from Riddle. Back up and Vinci gets Riddle into the corner and sends him crashing out to the floor as we take a break.

We come back with Riddle getting two off a crucifix before Vinci kicks him in the face. Riddle starts winning a strike off with Kaiser until a Downward Spiral brings him back down. A kick to the head isn’t enough for Riddle either, as Vinci plants him with a brainbuster. Riddle’s next kick is enough to get over to McIntyre though and house is quickly cleaned. Gunther pulls McIntyre to the floor but Riddle takes him down. Back in and the Claymore finishes Vinci at 10:57 as Riddle ankle locks Kaiser.

Rating: C+. This was a nice way to get McIntyre back into the swing of things as he is ready to face Gunther for the title soon. Other than that, Riddle gets to be on the winning side to give him a bit of a boost as well. Gunther has lackeys for just this kind of occasion and it was a fine enough match as well.

Post match, Imperium glares at Vinci and leaves him behind.

Finn Balor and Damian Priest are arguing again but Rhea Ripley tells them to cool it. Balor says he’ll save Rollins for him if Balor can get to him first. Deal.

Long recap of the Bloodline’s implosion.

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens say they have taken care of everyone and are ready for anyone else. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio come in to say Judgment Day should have been on that list. Any combination of the team could take the titles anytime because Dominik worked on cardio in prison and never gets tired. Sami and Owens discuss what that could mean.

Video on Indus Sher.

Dominik Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins

Non-title and Rhea Ripley is here with Dominik, who jumps him before the bell. They fight into the crowd and here is the rest of Judgment Day to jump Rollins. Cue Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens for the save as Judgment Day is cleared out. No match.

Here is Ricochet for a chat. He’s happy to be here for the fans but he’s here for one individual person: Logan Paul. He knows Paul is here tonight but first of all, we need to talk about what Paul was saying on his podcast. Paul was blaming Ricochet for what went wrong at Money In The Bank, but then said he himself didn’t know what he was doing. So come say something to his face.

Cue Paul, to say he doesn’t want to be in this town any longer than he has to be. He stands by what he said on his podcast, as Ricochet cost them both the briefcase. Ricochet says no one wanted Paul to win, and we cut to Paul taking a picture with a fan in a great moment. The fans chant for Paul, which has him cracking up that Ricochet can’t even get cheered during his own promo.

Ricochet promises to hurt him but Paul laughs off the threats from someone who is 90% forehead. Paul calls himself a superstar but Ricochet is just about replays and clips. Ricochet flips over the top and lands in front of Paul (mostly sticking the landing), who says that was cool…..for a TikTok. Paul starts swinging but gets dropped with a Sliced Bread off the apron. Talking still isn’t Ricochet’s strong suit, but when you can move like that, it can be ignored.

Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark

Trish Stratus is here with Stark, who grabs a headlock to start. With that not working for Lynch, she grabs a front facelock to slow Stark down instead. The first gear continues until Trish trips Lynch down, allowing Stark to stomp away. A springboard missile dropkick puts Lynch on the floor as we take a break.

Back with Stark getting caught on top and kicked in the ribs over and over. A baseball slide drops Stark on the floor and Lynch hits a running shot off the apron. Back in and Starks kicks her into the corner, setting up a springboard spinning hilo for two. Lynch tries the Disarm-Her but gets kicked in the face for her efforts. Z360 is blocked and Lynch kicks Trish down, but the distraction lets Stark get a rollup pin at 10:26.

Rating: C+. That’s a bit of a weird way to go but Lynch does have an out after being cheated away from a victory. You can all but guarantee the Stratus vs. Lynch match for Summerslam and maybe Lynch finds a friend to deal with Stark? For now though, the build for Lynch vs. Stratus continues and that should be a heck of a fight when we get there.

Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins have a plan for Judgment Day tonight: hurt them.

It’s time for Maxxine Dupri’s graduation ceremony from the Alpha Academy. Chad Gable praises Maxxine’s accomplishments last week and brings her out to receive her diploma. Maxxine didn’t think much of Gable when she started but she has grown to realize that he is a great trainer and a wonderful friend. She also has to thank Otis for catching her eye in the first place. Finally, thank you to the WWE Universe for accepting her and helping her become a star. Otis whips off his gown and puts on his jacket, with Maxxine being presented with one of her own. Cue the Viking Raiders to jump the Academy and steal her jacket.

Earlier today, Emma came up to Shayna Baszler in the back and dared to speak to her, setting up a match for later.

Emma vs. Shayna Baszler

Emma kicks her in the face to start and hits the running crossbody in the corner. Baszler is right back with the rights and lefts and the Kirifuda Clutch finishes Emma at 1:30.

Post match here is Ronda Rousey to brawl with Baszler, who runs off.

Here is Cody Rhodes for a chat. Since he has returned, he has been talking about life goals instead of career goals. When he was in the United Kingdom, he was asked how his momentum has been making him feel. This question has been haunting him but he answered honestly by talking about how the fans have great and by every measure, he’s doing great.

As for in the ring though, things have been a bit shaky because of the Brock Lesnar shaped mountain. Everyone has a Brock Lesnar in their way but in his case it’s a 6’3 285lb living symbol of Darwinism and natural selection. Cody wants a rubber match with Lesnar at Summerslam because he wants to be next in line. More solid words from Cody, as he has to fill in a lot of gaps as Lesnar isn’t around every week and the story is already set up.

The Miz vs. Tommaso Ciampa

No DQ and Ciampa jumps him on the floor before the bell as Graves gets very tongue tied trying to explain what “No DQ” means. They get inside with Ciampa hammering away and the bell rings. Ciampa sends him outside and over the announcers’ table, setting up a running knee to the face.

Back in and the Fairy Tale Ending onto the chair is blocked so Miz kicks him in the head. Ciampa grabs a chair to knock Miz out of the air though and then wraps it around Miz’s neck for the posting. The pat on the back sends us to a break and we come back with Ciampa grabbing a chair. Miz kicks him over the announcers’ table though, only to get thrown off said table and into the barricade.

Ciampa grabs a bunch of weapons, including a table, but Miz gets in a cheap shot to slow him down. Back in and Ciampa knees Miz out of the air before some running knees drive a trashcan lid into Miz’s face. An Air Raid Crash puts Miz through a table but here is Bronson Reed to jump Ciampa. Reed crushes him on the floor and hits the Tsunami inside to give Miz the pin at 11:20.

Rating: B-. They had a good fight and having Reed come in for the interference works. He and Miz have a history together and Ciampa vs. Reed could make for some interesting fights. Ciampa didn’t lose clean and now he and Miz can be wrapped up, or he might need some backup. Like say someone else from Cleveland who could deal with Miz?

Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville talk trash to Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan. Rhea Ripley comes in to tell Rodriguez to stay out of their business, because she’s on two strikes. Green: “That’s right and three strikes you’re out. Basketball!” Ripley glares Green and Deville away, but Morgan says they’re not afraid of her. Sounding tough is really not in Morgan’s wheelhouse.

Chelsea Green/Sonya Deville vs. Kayden Carter/Katana Chance

Deville gets double teamed in the corner and a running dropkick staggers her again. Green comes in and rolls Carter up, with Deville adding a knee to the face to make it worse. Chance comes in and takes Green down, with an assisted middle rope splash getting two. Everything breaks down and Green rolls Chance up, with an assist from Deville, for the pin at 2:21. Kind of a messy match but Green and Deville getting another win is all that matters.

Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre are heading out again, with Byron Saxton not invited.

Seth Rollins/Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens vs. Judgment Day

Rollins chases Dominik around to start, with a quick tag bringing in Balor. That’s fine with Rollins, who stomps Balor in the corner before Priest comes in and gets hit in the face as well. Zayn comes in and everything breaks down with everyone but Owens fighting on the floor. Owens flip dives onto Judgment Day and we take a break.

Back with Balor beating on Owens until a quick shot allows the hot tag to Rollins. A kick to the face gets two on Dominik but Priest blasts Rollins with a clothesline for the same. Rollins is right back with a superkick into the Pedigree, with Balor having to make the save. Dominik frog splashes Rollins for two with Sami making the save, giving us a hilarious reaction from a stunned Ripley. Sami hits the Blue Thunder Bomb for two but Ripley offers a distraction. South of Heaven sets up the Coup de Grace to give Balor the pin at 12:30.

Rating: B-. This was a good bit shorter than I was expecting but it served a nice purpose. You can probably pencil in Judgment Day for a Tag Team Title shot at Summerslam and that could make for a nice match. As Zayn and Owens said earlier in the night, they need some more challengers and this is a fresh team to come after the belts. Rollins needs an opponent as well though, and I can’t imagine that is anyone here.

Balor and Priest are cool to end the show (as Ripley approves).

Overall Rating: B. Another good show here as we are well on the way to Summerslam, though there are some spots that still need to be filled. Other than the main event, this show didn’t set much up for Summerslam, but it did keep some of the already established stories going. Throw in some solid wrestling of its own and this was a pretty nice show for three hours.

Results
Drew McIntyre/Matt Riddle b. Imperium – Claymore to Vinci
Zoey Stark b. Becky Lynch – Rollup
Shayna Baszler b. Emma – Kirifuda Clutch
Miz b. Tommaso Ciampa – Tsunami
Chelsea Green/Sonya Deville b. Kayden Carter/Katana Chance – Assisted rollup to Chance
Judgment Day b. Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens/Seth Rollins – Coup de Grace to Zayn

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Make sure you check out some recent reviews:

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Summerslam 1995 (2019 Edition)

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Summerslam 1996 (2013 Edition)

Monday Night Raw – August 1, 1994

Monday Night Raw – August 8, 1994

NXT LVL Up – July 7, 2023

Monday Night Raw – August 15, 1994

Give It Time: Update On WWE’s Plans For NXT Europe.

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WATCH: Former Champion Splits From AEW Stable On Collision.

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Maybe? Possible Good News On Injured WWE Star’s Return.

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Tick Tock: Here Is Why WWE SmackDown Did Not Go As Planned This Week.

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Nope: Dominik Mysterio Sounds Off On Former Champion Possibly Returning To WWE.

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It’s Over There: SmackDown Not Airing As Usual Later This Month.

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Target In Sight: Warner Brothers Discovery Has Interesting Goals For AEW Collision.

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WATCH: Rhea Ripley’s Moshing Goes Too Far, Has To Apologize To Dominik Mysterio.

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WRESTLING RUMORS: WWE Very High On New Star, See Him As Potential Main Eventer.

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That One? Former WWE Star Reveals How Vince McMahon Came Up With Infamous Event.

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As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).

Monday Night Raw
Date: August 15, 1994
Location: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, Massachusetts
Commentators: Vince McMahon, Randy Savage

We are two weeks away from Summerslam and last week’s show saw a huge focus on Lex Luger vs. Tatanka. Other than that, the Undertaker vs. Fake Undertaker feud is still nothing important and Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart is making up for it. The rest of the card is set and it’s really nothing much to see. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Tatanka accusing Lex Luger of selling out to Ted DiBiase.

Opening sequence.

Commentary previews the show.

1-2-3 Kid vs. Owen Hart

Jim Neidhart is here with Owen. Kid kicks Owen in the face to start fast (ala their classic at the 1994 King of the ring) before starting in on the arm. Back up and Owen pulls him down by the hair as commentary points out that Owen is going to want to beat Kid faster than Bret could beat him five weeks ago (nice touch).

Kid’s headlock keeps Owen down but he finally cheats his way to freedom and nails a headbutt. The chinlock doesn’t last long so Kid hiptosses him down but gets kicked away. Stereo nipups let Kid send him outside for a baseball slide and a big springboard dive (in 1994) makes it worse.

We take a break and come back with Owen suplexing him to the floor in a NASTY crash and then slapping Kid in the face a few times. Some postings keep Kid in trouble and a hard whip into the buckle stays on his bad back. We hit the chinlock with a knee in said back, followed by a neckbreaker for…no cover. Instead Owen goes up top and misses some double knees before missing the enziguri as well. Kid grabs the half crab as the confused fans think you can get a 1-2-3 out of that kind of hold. Neidhart comes in for the DQ at 13:30.

Rating: B. It wasn’t quite the King of the Ring match but the Kid can do some great things in the ring and Owen compliments him very well. I’m not sure if I would have had Owen not be able to put Kid away two weeks before the biggest match of his career, Owen has already proven that he can beat Bret anyway. Good match with a bad ending, the former of which shouldn’t be any kind of a surprise.

Post match, Owen and Neidhart beat the Kid down even more.

It’s time for the Summerslam Report, with a chat about Bret vs. Owen and Undertaker vs. Undertaker. Other than that, Razor Ramon is bringing in Walter Payton to even things out with Shawn Michaels and Diesel.

We hear from Payton, who is ready to take out Shawn (Razor doesn’t actually say anything as Payton does some good cue card reading).

Some more of the card gets a quick look, with another look promised for later tonight. Yay.

Abe Knuckleball Schwartz reminds us that he is on strike. Earlier tonight, he blamed the fans for baseball being on strike, because the owners certainly can’t be blamed. Sweet goodness topical WWF is stupid.

Duke Droese vs. Nick Barbery

Joined in progress after an ICOPRO ad and Droese hits a powerslam. The chinlock goes on as a USA chant starts up for some reason. Barbery fights up and actually gets in a few shots until a clothesline takes his head off. A big elbow finishes Barbery at 1:26. I still think there was something to Droese if he wasn’t saddled with the goofy gimmick.

Leslie Nielsen is still trying to find Undertaker and the puns and plays on words are very strong with this one. After having his own look-a-like arrested, Nielsen promises to solve the case at Summerslam.

Call and waste money to say if Lex Luger sold out or not.

Kwang vs. Tony Roy

Ted DiBiase is on commentary to talk about Lex Luger. Kwang stomps away, sprays mist into the air, stomps away some more, and finishes with a spinwheel kick at 46 seconds.

It’s time for the King’s Court with Ted DiBiase. Jerry Lawler talks about all the people saying there is nothing to DiBiase’s Undertaker so here is Paul Bearer for the big argument. Bearer insists that DiBiase’s is fake and promises the real Undertaker will destroy the fake one at Summerslam. DiBiase brings out the fake Undertaker (who again, looks like an Undertaker cosplayer), with Bearer promising more destruction. Fake Undertaker chokes Bearer out until the lights go off, allowing Bearer to escape.

Mabel vs. Raymond Roy

Oscar raps Mabel to the ring so a big clothesline can drop Roy. A Hennig necksnap of all things connects and an elbow to the face sets up quite the slam. Mabel splashes him in the corner and drops the middle rope elbow for the pin at 2:32 in a nearly literal squash.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Scott Taylor

Joined in progress with Jeff dropkicking him down but Taylor gets a sunset flip for two. Jarrett blocks a rollup attempt but a small package gives Taylor two more. Back up and Jarrett takes him down, setting up the Figure Four for the win at 2:00.

Post match Oscar (rapping again) and Mabel come to the ring for the rap vs. country showdown but referees break it up.

Vince and Randy preview Sunday Night Slam (which is taking place of next week’s Raw) to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. The opener absolutely carries this show as Summerslam is looking pretty awful outside of Bret vs. Owen. Other than Owen vs. Kid, this was a bunch of squashes and nothing stands out in the slightest (save for Mabel doing a Hennig neck snap). This was a rough time for the company and that was on full display here, with one bad thing after another. Just get through with Summerslam and move on to anything else already.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

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NXT LVL Up
Date: July 7, 2023
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Blake Howard

It’s another short form show this week as the Fourth Of July schedule made things a little weird. In a way, these shows are a bit better as they don’t overstay their welcome or feel repetitive in the slightest. Last week’s version worked rather well and it would be nice to have that be the case again here. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Fallon Henley vs. Tatum Paxley

Henley grabs a headlock to start as commentary talks about how far apart these two have gone since debuting together. A legdrag out of the corner gives Henley two but Paxley sends her neck first into the ropes. Paxley hits a jumping elbow (which is called “innovative” by commentary) and some trash talk gets one. The abdominal stretch goes on, followed by a waistlock to keep Henley down. Henley gets tired of getting beaten up and comes back with some forearms, followed by a Shining Wizard for the pin at 5:55.

Rating: C. It really is kind of astounding to see Henley fall this far. She was never a top star or anything close to one, but you would think that she would have been able to do something better than being relegated to LVL Up. Henley hasn’t been involved in anything important in months, but it isn’t like Paxley has been doing much better. They’re both talented, though neither is doing anything whatsoever at the moment.

Kale Dixon is ready for Scrypts buts seems a bit confused as he talks about telling a great story.

Kale Dixon vs. Scrypts

They trade headlocks to start until Scrypts snaps off a dropkick. Dixon’s headscissors is countered into a headlock, followed by a slingshot crossbody for a fast two. Dixon powers him off though and stomps away before hitting a knee to the face for two. We hit the chinlock but Scrypts pops back up and strikes away. The Molly Go Round finishes Dixon at 5:52.

Rating: C-. This wasn’t working as neither exactly seemed to know how to keep things flowing. Instead it was a bunch of kicking and stomping until Dixon took over. Scrypts’ comeback took all of a few seconds and it wasn’t exactly interesting. Dixon has a solid attitude but nothing to back it up while Scrypts is an incredible athlete but not interesting. That doesn’t make for a good combination and that was obvious here.

Overall Rating: C-. I wasn’t feeling this one and the only saving grace was the fact that it was so short. Henley was the biggest star on the show and she hasn’t done anything in months. Nothing to see here, as this was one of the lamer editions of the show in a rather long time.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Monday Night Raw
Date: August 8, 1994
Location: Beeghly Center, Youngstown, Ohio
Commentators: Vince McMahon, Randy Savage

We continue on the road to Summerslam Monday (yeah it’s still weird) and in this case that means we need to keep setting things up. A good chunk of the card has already been announced and now it is time to put on some finishing touches. That could mean more than a few things and hopefully some of them are covered this week. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening video features doctors in surgery but stopping to turn Raw on at 9. That’s not great patient care.

Commentary runs down the card.

Fake Undertaker vs. Butch Banks

Ted DiBiase is here with the Fake Undertaker, who strikes away to start in a decent impression but missing the finer points. Choking in the corner and on the ropes set up a clothesline, followed by….more choking on the ropes. The chokeslam finishes Banks at 2:58, thankfully ending the crowd’s horribly bored silence. They seem to have given up on the story meaning much by now because it’s just not working.

Post match Banks gets the body bag treatment.

We see Leslie Nielsen’s character from the Naked Gun movies trying to track down the Undertaker. To be continued, because it just has to be.

We look back at Lex Luger on the Heartbreak Hotel, where Shawn Michaels accused Luger of selling out to Ted DiBiase. Luger says that he was made a very lucrative offer but didn’t say yes.

Lex Luger vs. Chad Miller

Before the match, Ted DiBiase comes out to hold up some money at Luger, who walks away. After a break, we get the opening bell and go split screen to DiBiase, saying he told Luger to not worry about a thing. Luger grabs an armbar and then a hammerlock, the latter of which sends Miller over to the ropes. Miller gets knocked down again, setting up the running forearm for the pin at 2:59.

The Summerslam Report with Todd Pettengill runs down the whole card. The big deal: Walter Payton will be in Razor Ramon’s corner against Diesel.

Bam Bam Bigelow/IRS vs. Tatanka/Doink The Clown

Ted DiBiase is here with Bigelow and IRS because he has to be in every segment this week. Dink is here too, because it’s 1994. IRS shoulders Tatanka down and drops an elbow for two. Back up and Tatanka dropkicks him into the corner, setting up a hard whip. A clothesline gives Tatanka two so it’s off to Doink, who is quickly hiptossed. Bigelo comes in and actually gets drop toeholded for two, setting up a Fujiwara armbar of all things. Tatanka comes back in to chop away until Bigelow sends him outside as we take a break.

Back with Tatanka sunset flipping IRS for two but a Bigelow cheap shot gives IRS the same. The chinlock goes on for a bit before Bigelow elbows Tatanka in the face. Tatanka and Bigelow try crossbodies at the same time (which Savage says he has NEVER seen before). The hot tag brings in Doink (sure) and house is cleaned in a hurry. Everything breaks down and IRS hits the Write Off for the pin on Tatanka at 11:30.

Rating: C-. That’s how Bigelow and IRS were set up for the Summerslam title shot: by beating Tatanka and Doink. I’m not sure how this is supposed to be their best option either but here we are, and no it didn’t work. The Headshrinkers vs. IRS/Bigelow doesn’t exactly scream interesting in any way, but the tag division really was that bad at this point.

Post match Tatanka gets beaten down but Lex Luger makes the save. DiBiase puts money in Luger’s hands (Luger didn’t ask for it) and gets jumped by Bigelow. Tatanka sees Luger holding the money and freaks out, as expected.

It’s time for the King’s Court with Jerry Lawler bringing out Owen Hart, with Jim Neidhart. Owen is very excited about his Summerslam cage match against Bret, which are just like the cage matches they had in the Dungeon (that must be worth a look). We hear about Owen’s history with Bret and how he has since gone on to become the King Of The Ring.

Owen says that the entire Hart Family is behind him, but Lawler brings out Bruce Hart (announced as being here earlier tonight) to say not so fast. Bruce points out how much help Owen has needed from Neidhart and how the family is disgusted by Owen. He also accuses Neidhart of being jealous of Bret for carrying the Hart Foundation…and we’re just done. Heck of a promo here from a fired up Bruce but it felt like it got cut off at the end.

Video on the New Generation, which is WAY better than that Hogan/Andre garbage.

Bob Backlund vs. Kevin Krueger

Vince tries to explain that Backlund is NOT part of the New Generation but yeah it’s not the best looks. Krueger won’t shake hands to start so Backlund pulls him down with an armdrag. With his celebration complete, Backlund twists the arm around and sweeps the leg as this is one sided so far. Krueger’s wristlock lasts all of two seconds as Backlund kicks him away. Vince thinks there is an evil spirit in Backlund as the fans want Bret. We pause for Backlund to pose on the ropes before the crossface chickenwing finishes Krueger at 3:52.

Rating: C-. The Backlund thing is a work in progress to put it mildly, as he’s mostly wrestling as his old good guy self but with a lethal finisher. That’s all well and good, but the finisher isn’t cheating or illegal, so what is bad about him here? Other than the fans wanting Bret more, he doesn’t feel like a villain yet and that’s a problem.

Preview for next week’s show.

Lex Luger goes to Ted DiBiase’s dressing room to find him but Tatanka comes in, saying he knew he would find Luger here. The argument ends the show.

Overall Rating: C-. This was the Ted DiBiase show and that is only going to take you so far. DiBiase is a rich man and that’s about all he can really do here. The rest of Summerslam is a bit more interesting, but that didn’t get any real focus here. Not a great show, but at least they do have a few more weeks to focus on the other stuff.

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