Dynamite
Date: July 17, 2024
Location: Simmons Bank Arena, Little Rock, Arkansas
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz

It’s the 250th episode and that means the show is going to be a stacked one. In this case, that means we have MJF challenging Will Ospreay for the International Title, along with a champion vs. champion match between Swerve Strickland and Kazuchika Okada. It’s also a week before Blood & Guts so we should get the final push. Let’s get to it.

Here is Collision if you need a recap.

International Title: Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Will Ospreay

MJF is challenging and bails to the floor to start. Back in and MJF has to duck the Bidden Blade before dodging a bunch of shots to the face. Ospreay flips over him and MJF isn’t sure what to do. His best idea seems to be bailing out to the floor, where Ospreay hits a big flip dive. Back in and MJF manages a quick Stunner for two, meaning frustration is staying on. Ospreay fights up again and knocks him to the floor for the Sasuke Special.

A sky twister press gets two on MJF and it’s time to set up a table at ringside. Instead they head back inside with Ospreay chopping away until is back with a Cheeky Nandos Kick. The fake knee injury lets MJF hit a piledriver for two and Ospreay is down. The Figure Four goes on but Ospreay gets over to the ropes. MJF whips him into the corner and the knee gives out, which has MJF rather pleased. Ospreay gets back up again and knocks him down for a needed breather, only to get his leg taken out again.

The brainbuster (which MJF shouts in advance) is countered into a Stundog Millionaire and MJF rolls outside. Back in and the Oscutter misses as MJF just kind of falls down and we take a break. We come back with Ospreay hitting a handspring kick to the head for the double knockdown but coming up favoring his shoulder. They go out into the crowd with Ospreay (leg seeming fine) striking away, and letting a kid get in a few shots (ok that was great).

They head back to ringside where MJF gets another beating. They go back inside to trade rollups for two each. Ospreay grabs a poisonrana but MJF is back with the Long Island Sunrise for two. MJF heads outside and has some water, which he throws around with a nice look on his face before breaking the count. The delay lets Ospreay get in a shot of his own and Cross Rhodes (with a wink) connects for two.

Back up and MJF pokes him in the eye, setting up a stomp to the arm. A hammerlock DDT gets two on Ospreay but MJF crotches him on top. They go to the apron and fight over a piledriver attempt until Ospreay hits a Styles Clash for two. Ospreay plants him down for two more and we take another break.

Back again with MJF hitting a Tombstone for two and they head to the apron, followed by a middle rope elbow to the back of MJF’s head for two. MJF takes him up but gets reversed into a super Styles Clash for a rather delayed near fall. Ospreay is put on the table for the top rope elbow and the huge crash sends us to another break. Back again with MJF holding the abdominal stretch until he gets caught cheating, allowing Ospreay to hiptoss his way to freedom.

One heck of a backbreaker gives MJF two and he takes Ospreay to the top where, after some pelvic thrusting, his super hurricanrana is flipped out of the air for a standoff. They trade rollups for two each before the brainbuster is countered into another Stundog Millionaire. Another poisonrana sets up a countered Stormbreaker and a Spanish Fly gives Ospreay two.

They fight to the top again where Ospreay has to fight out of a super Tombstone. The Oscutter and a running elbow to the face gets two on MJF, who can barely move. The Hidden Blade misses so Ospreay teases the Tiger Driver 91 as we have a minute left. Ospreay picks him up but can’t bring himself to go through with it. He doesn’t drop MJF but the referee gets bumped. Back up and the big shot with the ring gives MJF the pin and the title at 59:58.

Rating: A. This started hot and then kept going with some great stuff. While it dragged a bit at times and the leg injury was just dropped, they played up a great back and forth match with MJF finally cheating in the end while Ospreay wanted to do it the right way. This was Ospreay getting to show that he still has it and they had an awesome match throughout.

Post match MJF gets some oxygen before bragging about his win.

The Acclaimed want in on Blood & Guts so Mark Briscoe and Swerve Strickland agree.

It’s time for TV Time with the Learning Tree, with Big Bill introducing Chris Jericho. After the “hi guys” and a lecture about how Little Rock needs to work on its crime rates, Jericho says this is the 250th Dynamite and he’s been on almost all of them (Taz: “Shocking.”). Jericho promises to be on every show until episode #500 before talking about how many “accidents” there have been in recent weeks.

Who would be crazy enough to not want to listen to the Learning Tree? Cue Minoru Suzuki, with a paper in his hand. Next week it’s Suzuki vs. Jericho with Bill and Bryan Keith banned from ringside. I know he’s a legend, but I’m having more and more trouble caring about Suzuki every time he shows up.

The Elite aren’t going to lose their Tag Team Titles and threaten to beat up Swerve Strickland so much that the World Title is vacated. Mercedes Mone comes in to thank them for banning Britt Baker from the building. Okada requests she do her dance, which she obliges, leaving Okada rather, uh, bothered.

TBS Title: Mercedes Mone vs. Nyla Rose

Mone is defending and is placed on the ropes, where it’s already time to dance. Rose’s suplex is blocked so Mone tries a tornado DDT. Rose blocks that as well (Rose: “HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND???”) and plants Mone down as we take a break. Back with Rose powering out of a suplex and hitting a splash in the corner.

The Cannonball gets two but Mone kicks her off the ropes and hits a Vader Bomb. The middle rope Meteora gives Banks two and a middle rope bulldog puts Rose down again. Mone loads up a CEO glove (ala Britt Baker) and grabs Lockjaw, with Rose just biting her hand for the break. Instead the Statement Maker (Bank Statement) makes Rose tap at 9:18.

Rating: C+. I know the ending was never in doubt whatsoever but egads it’s frustrating to see Rose be such an incredibly charismatic star only to come up short. Mone is by far the bigger star but I’m still having trouble caring about almost anything she does. It’s like she got to skip all of the stuff that she would need to do to connect with the audience and is just on top because of everything else she’s done. That makes sense, but it’s not the easiest thing to watch.

Post match Mone rips up a DMD > CEO sign…and yeah of course it’s Britt Baker.

We look back at Mariah May snapping on Toni Storm.

Jack Perry doesn’t care about Darby Allin beating up Brandon Cutler, and proceeds to beat Cutler up himself. Allin can come find him tonight. This would work better if there was any reason to care about Cutler.

Here is Toni Storm……as played by Mariah May. Schiavone: “Speak b**** come on now.” Taz and Excalibur: “WHOA TONY!” May says everyone but Storm saw it coming because Storm was giving it all away. The question shouldn’t be why, but rather why May took so long. She didn’t think it would take this long either. It was so easy though and she had so much fun stringing her along. She was ready to turn on Storm but then she figured she might as well beat her at Wembley.

Don’t worry though: she still loves Storm, who she never loved more than when she was on her knees, bleeding in front of May. The greatest performance will be at All In, because AEW is All About Mariah. She didn’t exactly tell us anything we didn’t know here, but it wasn’t supposed to be/didn’t need to be that kind of an explanation.

On Collision, the Bang Bang Gang was stripped of the Trios Titles but promise to win them back in their match for the vacant titles on Saturday. This still seems WAY more complicated than it needs to be.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland

Non-title. Okada takes over to start but Swerve slips out and grabs a headscissors into the corner. Swerve gets in a bit of dancing before they head outside, where Okada plants him with a DDT. We take a break and come back with Swerve favoring his wrist, allowing Okada to knock him down again.

The top rope elbow connects but Okada spends too much time posing, allowing Swerve to roll him up for two. Okada is back up with the dropkick though and they both need a breather. Swerve is back up with a backbreaker into a powerslam but the Swerve Stomp misses. Okada is back up with a Tombstone but the Rainmaker is countered into the Swerve Stomp. Cue the Young Bucks to jump Swerve for the DQ at 11:28.

Rating: B-. This didn’t have the time to really go anywhere, especially with the break in the middle and little chance of a clean ending (which shouldn’t have happened). The did at least get some time to make it feel important, but it was always going to end with the big Blood & Guts preview. That’s the right way to go as well, as neither of these two should be taking a pin.

Post match the Acclaimed, Jack Perry and Mark Briscoe all run in for the brawl. Hangman Page runs in as security can’t break it up. Since team AEW is outnumbered, here is Darby Allin….from the ceiling ala Sting to even things up. The huge brawl ends the show.

Overall Rating: A-. When half of your show is spent on an instant classic, you’re pretty much playing with the house’s money. This was a heck of a show with a pair of huge matches and nothing bad to bring it down. While some parts of it might not have been as interesting (Mone/Jericho/Suzuki), that opener was more than enough to carry it. They only needed one other good thing to make this an easy win and the May promo was more than enough. Great show here, with that opener being more than PPV quality.

Results
Maxwell Jacob Friedman b. Will Ospreay – Punch with Dynamite Diamond Ring
Mercedes Mone b. Nyla Rose – Statement Maker
Swerve Strickland b. Kazuchika Okada via DQ when the Young Bucks interfered

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.

Make sure you check out some recent reviews:

Summerslam 2002 (2017 Edition)

Summerslam 2003 (2018 Edition)

Summerslam 2004 (2019 Edition)

Summerslam 2005 (2020 Edition)

Monday Night Raw – August 4, 2008

ECW On Sci Fi – August 5, 2008

Monday Night Raw – July 15, 2024

NXT – July 16, 2024

Yes Her: Surprise Name Set For Upcoming WWE Live Tour.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/yes-her-surprise-name-set-for-upcoming-wwe-live-tour/

It’s On. Major Title Grudge Match Officially Set For WWE Summerslam.

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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 16, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

The big story coming out of last week was the return of Joe Hendry, who showed up in the main event and teamed with Trick Williams to beat Shawn Spears and Ethan Page. That could be something that continues this week, though Hendry isn’t someone who appears on every show. Other than that, we need to start getting ready for the Great American Bash so let’s get to it.

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

The Rascalz are ready for Gallus.

Gallus is ready for the Rascalz.

Rascalz vs. Gallus

The fans are rather happy to see the Rascalz. Mark shoves Miguel down to start as Booker makes sure Vic doesn’t say Joe Hendry’s name. Wentz comes in but gets forearmed straight into the corner as the villains take over. That’s broken up so Lee comes in for a headlock, only to get his head taken off with a clothesline. Booker says he hasn’t seen a trio like Gallus since the Freebirds, making me wonder how Booker has a job talking about wrestling. Someone says Hendry’s name and he appears, joining commentary as we take a break.

Back with Lee avoiding a charge in the corner and bringing Wentz in with a missile dropkick. Everything breaks down and Miguel’s Lightning Spiral (similar to a Paige Turner) hits Mark with Wolfgang making the save. A triple dropkick puts Wolfgang on the floor and the dives connect (Hendry approves) and it’s a top rope double stomp to pin Mark at 12:05.

Rating: B-. As usual, the Rascalz are a lot of things, with exciting being at the top of the list. They wrestle a fast paced style and fly around the ring so quickly that it is hard to not get interested in what they’re doing. That makes for some very entertaining matches and I had a good time here.

Hendry says Gallus might have won if they had believed a bit more.

We get a Hendry narrated video on last week’s tag team main event, with Hendry pinning Shawn Spears for the win.

Chase U has a big night as Duke Hudson is ready to win the North American Title.

Roxanne Perez is walking to the back and Thea Hail has to be held back from jumping her.

NXT Champion Ethan Page comes in to see Ava and says this is an unsafe work environment. Oro Mensah storms in and wants a title shot. Ava says no because Mensah keeps attacking him. Ava gives Mensah a match tonight while Page will face…..Dante Chen (his choice)!

Here is Roxanne Perez for a chat. She’s tired of the lack of respect while everyone is looking at greatness when they see her. Perez is on pace to shatter all of the records but everyone is talking about how Giulia or Stephanie Vaquer is going to run her over. That’s just wrong, but her next opponent is Thea Hail, who is a joke. Cue Hail to say she has beaten all kinds of people she was never supposed to beat so let her rewrite the history books. Perez laughs her off and brings up Andre Chase throwing in the towel before calling Hail a little girl. The fight is on and the Kimura makes Perez tap, with referees breaking it up.

Kelani Jordan is ready for her next challenges when Wendy Choo comes in for some staring. Jordan: “That was weird right?”

We take a quick look at the Brooks Jensen incidents.

Lola Vice gave it her all but she’s ready for next time. Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx come in to mock her, saying Vice should go back to MMA. A match with Henley is made.

Brooks Jensen vs. Je’Von Evans

Josh Briggs is here as Jensen’s chaperon. Evans starts fast and knocks him out to the floor, where Jensen drops Evans onto the barricade. A quick moonsault drops Jensen though and spinning kick to the face gives Evans two back inside. They go back outside where Jensen drops him onto the announcers’ table (Jensen: “That boy’s bouncy!”) and we take a break.

Back with Jensen kneeing him down to stay on the bad ribs. The reverse chinlock goes on but Evans is back up with a super hurricanrana. A springboard high crossbody gives Evans two but Jensen Neutralizes him for the same. Cue Shawn Spears, only for Jensen to go outside and call Briggs off. Evans uses the distraction to hit a big dive, setting up the top rope cutter for the pin at 9:00.

Rating: C+. I’m not sure I quit get what they’re doing with Jensen as he had all kinds of hype but then gets beaten here. It’s a weird way to go but it does feel like there is more to it than what we’ve gotten so far. He still has a long way to go to get around the fact that he’s Brooks Jensen though, and I’m not sure if he can pull that off.

Post match Jensen jumps Evans but Briggs pulls him off.

The D’Angelo Family is playing cards when Charlie Dempsey comes in to mention putting someone (presumably Damon Kemp) in the trunk last week. Dempsey asks what happens if someone saw them, with Tony D’Angelo suggesting that Dempsey kill them too. It’s a woman though, which makes it more complicated.

Dante Chen is ready for his title shot.

Trick Williams is on the phone with Ilja Dragunov and talks about needing the title back. Dragunov tells him to go do it. Williams runs into Pete Dunne and asks for some advice, with Dunne saying figure it out.

NXT Title: Dante Chen vs. Ethan Page

Page is defending and shoulders Chen down to start. Chen grabs a quick rollup for two and a low superkick gets the same. Page sends him outside for a shoulder from the apron, setting up a powerslam for two back inside. Chen is sent to the apron but comes back in with a sunset flip for two. The double chop gets the same but a springboard something misses for Chen. Page kicks him down and hits the Ego’s Edge to retain at 4:16.

Rating: C+. They didn’t waste time on this and they shouldn’t have. Chen isn’t the biggest name and there is no reason to let him make the new champion look bad. Page isn’t likely going to be champion long term but giving him a relatively easy win like this is a good thing. Let him get built up a bit, especially over someone who isn’t a major threat.

Post match Oro Mensah comes in to take Page down and counts his own three count.

Video on Duke Hudson vs. Oba Femi.

Gallus is annoyed at Joe Hendry, who appears to say he’s sticking around here. Maybe NXT would think of Gallus when they hear about Scotland if they believed a bit more.

Izzi Dame vs. Tatum Paxley

Paxley starts fast but her hurricanrana is cut off. A kick to the face gives Paxley two but Dame whips her into the corner a few times. Dame’s backbreaker gets two and we hit an over the shoulder backbreaker. Cue Wendy Choo for a distraction, allowing Paxley to get in a knee to the ribs. Dame’s charge hits post and the Psycho Trap gives Paxley the pin at 4:05.

Rating: C. The important thing here is the fact that this was a match (if not a feud) that has nothing to do with a title but got some TV time. It’s nice to have something other than everything being about a title and shows you just how far ahead the NXT women’s division is by comparison. It’s great to see for a change, even if the match was just ok.

Post match Choo hands Paxley a doll.

Chase U fires up Duke Hudson.

Cedric Alexander and Ashante Thee Adonis talk to Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend but Oro Mensah isn’t having this.

Jacy Jayne vs. Lola Vice

Jazmyn Nyx is here with Jayne, who runs Vice over and dances a bit. A low superkick lets Jayne go after the bad hand bu Vice is back up with the rapid fire kicks. Jayne kicks her in the face, only to get caught with the spinning backfist for the fast pin at 2:46.

Post match Fallon Henley jumps Vice until Sol Ruca and Karmen Petrovic run in for the save.

Kelani Jordan runs into Tatum Paxley, who has the doll. Jordan isn’t interested in playing, but Paxley pulls out what looks like a Jordan doll.

Ethan Page goes to leave but insists that nothing is bothering him, including Oro Mensah.

OTM vs. OC

Mixed six person tag. It’s a brawl to start with Michin hammering away on Parker in the corner but getting sent into the post. Parker gets two off a spinebuster but it’s off to Gallows to kick Price in the face. Price hits a running corner clothesline so Nima comes in to choke on the ropes. The neck crank goes on but Gallows is back up with a fireman’s carry flapjack. Michin comes back in to suplex Parker, who snaps off a German suplex. Anderson’s middle rope neckbreaker gets two on Price and the Magic Killer finishes Nima at 6:00.

Rating: C+. This feud has been going on for a few weeks now and I’m still not sure why I’m supposed to be interested. The OC is a team that has some star power but they are only so interesting. OTM feels like they have potential but that is only going to get them so far if they keep losing. Wrap this feud up already.

Wren Sinclair wants to be part of the No Quarter Catch Crew in exchange for her silence. That isn’t happening, and she almost gets into a fight with Miles Borne. She promises to get in somehow.

Lexis King interrupted Eddy Thorpe’s DJing and got in a fight.

North American Title: Oba Femi vs. Duke Hudson

Hudson, with Chase U, is challenging. Femi powers out of a headlock to start and grabs one of his own. A hard shoulder drops Hudson, who takes the shirt off to get serious. Hudson hits a DDT into a running clothesline to the floor and we take a break. Back with Femi knocking him into the corner and getting two off a side slam.

Hudson fights up again and slugs away, including the Chase U elbow to the face. A German suplex gives Hudson two and a crucifix out of a fireman’s carry gets the same. Femi is right back with a chokeslam for two and he puts Hudson up top, only to have him grab a sunset bomb. Femi knocks him outside and over the announcers’ table, setting up the Fall From Grace to retain the title at 11:33.

Rating: B. This is exactly what it should have been, with Chase U’s big guy slugging away at the really big champion. It made you wonder if Hudson could pull off the miracle and while the result was never really in doubt, they were certainly trying. Chase U knows how to get the crowd behind them and they made that happen again here. Good main event here, with Femi getting to look like the unstoppable monster again.

Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen are leaving with Briggs yelling about how Jensen is lost. Jensen wants a No DQ match next week and leaves to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. This show pulled off an impressive trick by having an entertaining and engaging two hours without burning through a major story. The main event was for the midcard title, the Tag Team Champions were nowhere to be seen, the Women’s Champion set up her match and the NXT Champion won a relatively easy match. To turn that into a good show is a very positive sign and they didn’t touch anything important. Nice job here and another good show.

Results
Rascalz b. Gallus – Top rope double stomp to Mark
Je’Von Evans b. Brooks Jensen – Top rope cutter
Ethan Page b. Dante Chen – Ego’s Edge
Tatum Paxley b. Izzi Dame – Psycho Trap
Lola Vice b. Jacy Jayne – Spinning backfist
OC b. OTM – Magic Killer to Nima
Oba Femi b. Duke Hudson – Fall From Grace

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: July 25, 2024
Location: Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio
Commentators: Pat McAfee, Michael Cole

The big story coming out of last wee was the return of Rhea Ripley, who chased off Liv Morgan and glared at Dominik Mysterio. Ripley is opening the show this week and Dominik is going to have some splainin to do. That could make for some interesting situations, along with the possibility of more matches being added to the Summerslam card.  Let’s get to it.

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

Long recap of the Dominik Mysterio/Rhea Ripley/Liv Morgan situation.

We open with the long tracking shot of Ripley walking from the back and into the arena to quite the hero’s welcome. She’s glad to be back and will deal with Dominik Mysterio later, but for now, she wants to take care of Liv Morgan. Cue Dominik, with a black rose, but before he can say anything that matters, Morgan pops up on screen. After apologizing for screaming a lot in Mexico over the weekend, Liv talks about how she’s gotten to know Dominik while Ripley has been gone and finally got to be on top.

Ripley is ticked but says she knew Morgan wasn’t going to come face her. She’s waited three months for this and her patience can handle a bit longer. Like say until Summerslam. For the title. Morgan knew it would come to this and accepts, but hopes Daddy Dom will be there too. She blows him a kiss to wrap it up. Ripley looks into the camera and says she’s ending the revenge tour at Summerslam, along with Morgan’s title reign and career. Dominik tries to sweet talk her but the rose is thrown away. As usual, Ripley felt like the biggest star in the world here.

Post break Dominik continues to try to calm Ripley down but she throws a bunch of flowers at him. Damian Priest comes in to ask if everything is ok with Dominik, who isn’t sure.

Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed

They start with the brawling and Reed knocks him up against the ropes. Sheamus fights back but gets knocked to the floor and over the announcers’ table. The ten forearms to the chest have Reed in trouble and Sheamus hugs McAfee. Back with Sheamus hitting White Noise but he charges into a powerbomb. Reed misses the moonsault though, setting up a running knee to give Sheamus the pin at 8:28.

Rating: C+. As usual, there is little that you can do with an eight minute match that has a commercial in the middle. The good thing here though was the match was about two big monsters beating on each other until one of them couldn’t get up anymore. Sheamus gets a win, but he’s going to need something fresh to do sooner than later.

Post match Reed goes after Sheamus again but Pete Dunne runs in for the save. Sheamus wonders what’s up with that and Dunne decks him, allowing Reed to hit the Tsunami.

Damian Priest welcomes Rhea Ripley back to the team and is glad that everything seems to be ok. Ripley wants to know why Carlito is here but Dominik Mysterio cuts them off. Dominik apologizes but Ripley wants to know where this was last week, or for the three months she’s been gone. Dominik being in so far over his head and not realizing it is great stuff, as is Priest needling him about it because he knows Dominik is dead.

Ilja Dragunov comes up to Sami Zayn in the back and says he doesn’t want a title shot in exchange for helping him last week. Zayn says he’s giving Dragunov the title shot because he earned it. Dragunov reminds Zayn of himself, but he better bring it tonight.

Video on Gunther.

Zelina Vega says that when the love triangle is over, she wants the Women’s Title shot. Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark interrupt, with Deville saying the line starts behind them. Vega: “Sorry, I couldn’t hear anything past your forehead.” A match seems to be made for later.

Zelina Vega vs. Sonya Deville

Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler are here too. Vega starts fast and sends her into the ropes for an early 619. Baszler gets in a cheap shot on Vega’s arm though and a reverse DDT (Deville’s Advocate, erg) finishes Vega at 1:02.

Post match the beatdown is on but Katana Chance, Kayden Carter and Lyra Valkyria run in for the save. Don’t lump Valkyria in with those two.

Dominik Mysterio asks Damian Priest why he didn’t warn him about Rhea Ripley week. Jey Uso runs in to ask if Ripley is single but Dominik tells him to leave. Priest reminds Dominik that he’s been in prison and tells him to deal with this.

Chad Gable interrupts Adam Pearce about the Wyatt Sicks situation, announcing that BO DALLAS IS UNCLE HOWDY. Pearce says Dallas is here tonight so Gable can call him out if he wants to. Gable says he’ll do everything by himself, again.

Here is Damian Priest for a face to face chat with Gunther, who talks about how Priest is still carrying this show on his back. Priest is still carrying out his childhood dream of being the World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther’s official assessment is very simple though: Priest is not living up to the hype and his reign is nothing. He’s willing to save Priest the embarrassment so just hand him the title now.

Priest wishes it was Summerslam so he could hit him in the face right now. Priest was living on the streets when Gunther was having everything hand to him in Europe. If Gunther is here for a paycheck, WWE doesn’t need him. Gunther: “Yeah you do.” Gunther says he appreciates the hardship but living on the street is a choice.

It shows how Priest was raised, while Gunther had everything he ever needed. Gunther was signed to WWE to avoid street trash like Priest winning the title. Priest talks about how Gunther has no heart because he never had to fight for everything he had. Priest is ready to fight right now, but here is Braun Strowman to interrupt. More on that later, but this was the first time that I had wanted to see Gunther vs. Priest as they have a personal reason to fight. Priest continues his excellent mic work as of late and I want to see how they play this out in Cleveland.

Adam Pearce tells Jey Uso that something is on but Bron Breakker interrupts to ask why he isn’t getting an Intercontinental Title shot. Pearce has no idea why this has anything to do with him and basically tells him to get lost.

Damian Priest vs. Braun Strowman

Non-title. Strowman goes straight to the power to start and sends him flying. They go outside where Strowman’s charge goes into the barricade, banging up his knee, as we take a break. Back with Priest hammering away but Strowman is back up with a choke. Strowman shrugs off a kick to the face but the knee gives out on a powerslam attempt. South Of Heaven finishes Strowman at 8:12.

Rating: C. This was a nice win for Priest but Strowman did not look good here. He looked slow and hobbled, even before the knee situation. The match let Priest look good against a monster and should get a boost on the way to the Gunther math, but Strowman might need a bit of time away. He did not look like a dominant force here but rather someone who couldn’t do much.

Post match Gunther comes out and slaps Priest in the face but Priest slugs him down. Gunther bails.

Chad Gable comes up to the Alpha Academy and says Uncle Howdy is Bo Dallas! They all know that, but Gable wants them to have his back against Dallas tonight. They’ll pass, because they would rather team up with Xavier Woods against Final Testament. Deal.

Kayden Carter/Katana Chance vs. Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark

Lyra Valkyria and Sonya Deville are here too. Carter gets taken down by Baszler to start but can’t get in the arm stomp. Chance comes in and gets choked down by Stark as we get a preview for Twisters. Chance fights up and the villains are sent outside for the Keg Stand from the top and we take a break. Back with Chance fighting back and hitting moonsault knees to Baszler. Carter drops Chance onto Baszler for two more but Deville comes up onto the apron. Valkyria cuts her off but the distraction lets chance get launched into Baszler’s knee to the face for the pin at 9:52.

Rating: C+. The ending was good but this was a match that could have been a lot shorter without losing much. That’s a solid finisher from the villains, but Chance and Carter haven’t been all that interesting in a long time. They’re just kind of there, which isn’t a great sign when the entire division is about five teams.

The Miz was at a celebrity golf tournament this week.

Dominik Mysterio comes up to Rhea Ripley again and says he has gotten a match with Jey Uso over what he said about her. Ripley: “Are you stupid?” Dominik says that he’s just trying to prove that she belongs to him and everyone knows he just screwed up. Ripley says “Excuse me?” and walks off. Carlito: “Not cool.”

Here is a rather happy Drew McIntyre to meet with Adam Pearce. They both want the match with CM Punk to happen and while Punk is off working to get cleared, McIntyre needs to do his part. Pearce brings some referees into the ring and says McIntyre needs to apologize. McIntyre says no, but Pearce basically threatens him with no match. McIntyre: “No.”

Why would he apologize after everything the referees have done to him? He wants Punk’s head on a spike, so Pearce says McIntyre is still suspended. The referees get shoved down but here is Seth Rollins before McIntyre can go after Pearce. The fight is on, with McIntyre getting away before the Stomp can connect. Rollins does the wave and McAfee gets into it too. They’re taking their time setting up Punk vs. McIntyre, but this much time being devoted to it tells me that it’s coming a lot sooner than later.

The Wyatt Sicks invaded the Pat McAfee Show by hacking the feed and delivered another box, with another PLAY ME tape.

We see said tape, with Erick Rowan sitting down and being asked how he’s been. Rowan says the last few years have been very hard because he used to have a family. They were unstoppable and always had each others’ backs….but then the whole world changed. He lost a brother, the one person who believed in him more than anyone else.

Then he started to get it together and his other brother was gone too. Now he doesn’t have a Family and he’s just Rowan. The unseen interviewer asks how that makes him feel and hands him a Wyatt sheep mask. Rowan says it gives him hope because they have a chance. This was great, probably the best thing Rowan has ever done, and you can tell how much it meant to him.

Even commentary basically admits that was sad.

Jey Uso vs. Dominik Mysterio

Commentary is now full in on the YEET entrance. Dominik jumps him before the bell and hits a dropkick before shouting about how that is HIS Mami. The beating continues, including Three Amigos, followed by a posting to keep Jey down as we take a break. Back with Uso fighting back and knocking Dominik down, only for Liv Morgan to run out and pull him away from the Superfly Splash.

Uso kicks Dominik onto Morgan, who flips him over onto his back on the floor. Cue Rhea Ripley (Morgan, with her head snapping up: “S***.”) to chase Morgan into the crowd, with the distraction letting Uso hit the spear. The Superfly Splash finishes Dominik at 9:09, leaving Ripley to roll her eyes.

Rating: C+. The match was a glorified backdrop for the angle, which was that much better. This story is carrying Raw right now and Morgan is pulling off an amazing feat by making the biggest star in the division look even better. Jey gets a win to boost him up again, but this was about everyone else.

A frustrated Ripley leaves, with Jey giving her a quick “call me” sign.

Video on Ilja Dragunov.

Damian Priest tells Dominik Mysterio to take it easy, because Rhea Ripley is behind them. She makes it clear: she belongs to no one, but he is hers. The black rose is returned and Ripley seems ok.

Here is Chad Gable to reveal that Uncle Howdy is in fact Bo Dallas! Only he could figure this out, but here is Dallas to interrupt. The Creed Brothers jump Dallas in the aisle and all three beat him up inside, but Dallas laughs. One heck of a German suplex connects and Dallas laughs in the corner, which doesn’t sit well with Gable. The lights go out (the people approve) and the Wyatts are here to surround the lantern. Laughing ensues.

Intercontinental Title: Ilja Dragunov vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn is defending. They grapple a bit to start until Dragunov is sent outside for the Arabian Moonsault as we take a break. Back with the Constantine Special connecting to leave both of them down. Dragunov tries it again but gets reversed into the Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Dragunov’s charge into the corner is countered into an exploder but the Helluva Kick is cut off by a boot to the face.

The H Bomb is cut off as well though and Dragunov knocks him to the floor for an H Bomb from the apron. Back in and a top rope missile dropkick (which Cole calls a Coast To Coast, ignoring the lack of a second coast) hits Zayn but a top rope backsplash misses. Zayn hits a running boot to send him outside…and cue Bron Breakker to spear Dragunov for the DQ at 11:28.

Rating: B. This picked up near the end but the Breakker interference was the right call. There is a good chance that we are getting a triple threat at Summerslam, which makes me wonder why Breakker got pinned at Money In The Bank. Either way, good action and the correct result, which is a great combination.

Breakker spears Zayn as well to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. This was a show where the non-wrestling parts were outstanding and the in-ring work was just good enough. The Dominik/Liv/Rhea stuff is great, with Dominik having no idea what to do, Morgan not realizing that Ripley does in fact want to kill her, and Ripley being in full control the entire time.

Throw in Priest almost as the Statler and Waldorf of the whole thing and it’s even better. Priest’s time with Gunther worked very well too and I’m hyped for Summerslam. Oh and Rowan’s promo was incredible as well. This was a great show and if the wrestling had been better, it would have been the best they had done in a long time.

Results
Sheamus b. Bronson Reed – Running knee
Sonya Deville b. Zelina Vega – Deville’s Advocate
Damian Priest b. Braun Strowman – South Of Heaven
Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark b. Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark – Knee to Chance’s face
Jey Uso b. Dominik Mysterio – Superfly Splash
Ilja Dragunov b. Sami Zayn via DQ when Bron Breakker interfered

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.

ECW On Sci Fi
Date: August 5, 2008
Location: Phillips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Todd Phillips, Matt Striker

I refuse to believe that this show could be less interesting than last week’s, but I also have a tendency to be very wrong about this kind of thing. Last week’s show featured a grand total of nothing interesting and bad matches, but hopefully they can do anything better here. Then again they probably won’t. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Matt Striker is replacing Tazz for this week on commentary. Oh yeah it’s already getting worse.

Chavo Guerrero/Bam Neely vs. Evan Bourne/Ricky Ortiz

Ortiz knocks Neely into the corner to start as commentary goes over the history of wrestling in Robinsdale, Minnesota, Neely’s hometown. Ortiz cranks on Neely’s arm and Bourne comes in for a shot to the same arm. It’s off to Chavo, who gets taken down with a running hurricanrana. A middle rope shoulder gives Ortiz two on Chavo as Striker talks up Ortiz’s time in the XFL.

Neely gets in a cheap shot from the apron though and comes in to send Ortiz into the corner (thankfully not messing up his large hair). Chavo comes back in for a chinlock but Ortiz fights up without much trouble and hands it back to Bourne. Everything breaks down and Bourne rolls Neely up for the pin.

Rating: C. Bourne is a good high flier, Chavo is fine as a midcard villain and there are worse bodyguards than Neely. That leaves Ortiz and sweet goodness he is somehow getting less interesting. Other than a unique look, there is absolutely nothing that stands out about him and thankfully the attention was on Bourne here, which did help a bit. Ortiz isn’t the next thing though and hopefully WWE figures that out fast.

Here is Mike Knox, who isn’t going to explain why he attacked Finlay last week. Instead, he’s here to show why Finlay is a fraud. We get a clip of Finlay dancing around with Hornswoggle, which Knox calls a joke. The idea of Finlay being the man who loves to fight makes Knox laugh but here are Finlay and Hornswoggle to interrupt. Finlay says that was a funny clip but it’s just the tip of the iceberg “Fred”. He doesn’t really care what Knox’s name is because if Knox has a problem with them, take a shot. Finlay tells Knox to take his shot, but Knox better knock him out. Knox walks off instead.

Raw Rebound.

Armando Estrada vs. Tommy Dreamer

This is Estrada’s final chance to earn a contract. Dreamer grabs a headlock to start before armdragging him into an armbar. Back up and a running clothesline sends Estrada to the floor before tying him in the Tree of Woe. Cue Colin Delaney for a distraction though, allowing Estrada to grab a rollup for the fast pin.

Post break, Delaney congratulates Estrada, who has no idea why Delaney helped him. It’s because Estrada gave him a chance, but here is Teddy Long to make Delaney vs. Dreamer in an Extreme Rules match next week.

Smackdown Rebound. A one hour show should really not need two lengthy recaps.

Summerslam rundown.

Braden Walker vs. James Curtis

They fight over wrist control to start until Walker’s suplex gets two. Commentary talks about Curtis being a boating captain as they try to come up with anything interesting here. Curtis gets in a shot of his own but Walker is back with an atomic drop into a clothesline. A jumping clothesline puts Curtis down, only to have him knock Walker into the corner. Walker hits another clothesline (even commentary points out that he likes that move) and grabs a fisherman’s suplex for the pin. This was really dull, with Walker never getting out of first gear and doing absolutely nothing that made him feel interesting in the slightest.

It’s time for the TV debut of the Dirt Sheet, Miz and John Morrison’s talk show. Morrison says he was offered $15 million for photos of himself as a baby but he turned People Magazine down because he isn’t for sale. With that out of the way, it’s time for our guest: Mark Henry. This means a picture of Henry on the Titantron with his mouth making grunting noises.

Tony Atlas (again, a picture) pops up to say something odd about money. Henry talks about his love of eating, which Morrison says makes you fat. Morrison: “Mark, I think you might have a gland problem.” None of the Divas would find Henry attractive, so here is a picture of Lena Yada to agree, along with blowing Miz kisses. Morrison shows off his abs but here are the real Henry and Atlas to interrupt.

Atlas is sure there has been some kind of a mistake because they did not come here to be disrespected. Miz and Morrison back off, with Morrison praising Henry’s abs. If they were going to disrespect anyone, it would be their next guest: Matt Hardy (or a picture thereof). Matt doesn’t know what it’s like to be champion because he’s never been #1 at anything.

Cue the real Matt to call out the Conan O’Brien style comedy and make a Brokeback Mountain joke. They had wondered how Matt became the #1 contender, which Matt says was by beating them. Like the slogan of their show says: be jealous. Matt promises to win the ECW Title but gets in a fight with Miz and Morrison. That includes Morrison accidentally hitting Henry, leaving Miz and Morrison to get wrecked to end the show. Miz and Morrison are amusing, but it might take some time for this stuff to really catch on.

Overall Rating: C-. Somehow, Finlay and Knox might be the most entertaining part of the show, which says a lot. There is just not much to this show and people like Ortiz, Delaney and maybe Estrada aren’t helping. A lot of the show feels it is just there to fill in time, which is hard to fathom on an hour long episode. It’s hard to imagine that there is no one else that could be sent to this show to spice it up a bit, but there is nothing to indicate that they will be showing up anytime soon.

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 4, 2008
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler

For reasons I still do not want to understand, we’re in the Mike Adamle Era as he is the new GM of the show. Other than that nightmare, we have less than two weeks to go before Summerslam and the real main event from Raw is set as John Cena will face Batista. Other than that, CM Punk still needs an official challenger and we might get that tonight. Let’s get to it.

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

Quick note: I did the Saturday Night’s Main Event but it didn’t save properly and was lost. Normally I would redo it but a grand total of nothing happened on the show and I’m not going to waste even more time on such a pathetic excuse for a “special”.

Here is Mike Adamle to get things going. The fans are all over him before he tells a story about a man who worked in a circus like atmosphere and wasn’t very good at his job. He’s talking about Ronald Reagan, who went from being a B list movie star to the Presidency. Reagan acted with a monkey, while Adamle said Jeff Harvey.

There have been people criticizing his work as an ECW commentator and wanting his resignation. That is your right as an American but it isn’t an American that he wants to be in. He wants to be in an America where a 5’9 man can play seven years in the NFL and be a star. As for tonight, how many people would like to see a championship match tonight? Instead, we’ll do three of them, with Cody Rhodes/Ted DiBiase defending the Tag Team Titles against John Cena/Batista….and here is JBL to interrupt.

JBL knows what it means to make a bad first impression, but now people see him for the success that he is. After bragging about being featured in Fortune Magazine and being a former professional football player, he brings up the World Title match at Summerslam. Cue Chris Jericho to interrupt, saying he should get the title shot instead.

Bickering ensues, but Adamle cuts them off and makes JBL/Jericho vs. CM Punk, where either of them get the title shot at Summerslam if they beat him. If Punk wins, neither gets a title shot. That’s kind of an unfair stipulation, but I had to listen to Adamle talk so there is nothing fair. He’s just not the right pick for this spot and that was even more apparent here.

Intercontinental Title: Kofi Kingston vs. Paul Burchill

Burchill, with Katie Lea, is challenging and works on a wristlock to start. Kingston flips him over for two as we hear about Burchill’s rugby career. Some right hands in the corner keep Burchill in trouble but Katie offers a distraction, allowing Burchill to get in a clothesline. We hit something like a seated crossface chickenwing until Kingston fights up and strikes away. A crossbody gives Kingston two and Trouble In Paradise retains the title.

Rating: C+. Hopefully this finishes Burchill as a challenger as it feels like it has been going on for months now. Burchill hasn’t felt like a big time challenger but he keeps going after Kingston. The clean finish gives me some hope though as there is pretty much no reason to keep this going.

Post match the Burchills go after Kingston again, only to be cleared out. Cue Mickie James for her scheduled match with Katie.

Women’s Title: Katie Lea vs. Mickie James

Joined in progress with Mickie striking away, including a dropkick to the floor. Mickie hits a Thesz press off the apron and strikes away before doing the same in the corner. A neckbreaker over the ropes has Mickie in more trouble and we hit the surfboard. With that broken up, Mickie hits her own neckbreaker for two but Lea’s suplex gets the same. Not that it matters as the MickieDT retains the title.

Rating: C. This feud has been going even longer than Kingston vs. Burchill and it’s nice to seemingly have it wrap up. Mickie is in need of a fresh challenger for the title and there aren’t many options around here. Lea is fine enough in the ring but there are only so many people she can face at the moment. For now though, it doesn’t seem to be Mickie and that’s fine.

Post match Beth Phoenix runs in to take Mickie out. Santino Marella approves and mild spanking ensues.

Mike Adamle calls Stephanie McMahon to thank her for the opportunity. Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella come in to interrupt because they both want title shots at Summerslam. Adamle says there is only room for one more match so they bicker a bit. Adamle finally cuts them off and makes a tag match between the two of them and Kofi Kingston/Mickie James, winner take all.

Video on John Cena.

Batista is happy to get a shot at the Tag Team Titles but could go for a different partner. He could also go for the World Title shot at Summerslam but if beating John Cena gets him there, so be it.

Layla dances in the ring and we see a clip of her ending things with Jamie Noble (who had made reservations at Waffle House). Cue William Regal to remind us that he is the King Of The Ring but here is Noble to interrupt. The brawl is on but referees break it up.

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho/John Bradshaw Layfield

Non-title. Hold on though as Mike Adamle pops up on screen to say that this match has a ten minute time limit. If the match goes to the time limit, it’s a triple threat match at Summerslam for the title. JBL and Jericho argue to start so Punk jumps them, not wanting a triple threat either. A double shoulder drops Punk and Jericho gets sent outside. The fall away slam gives JBL two on Punk an JBL slowly hammers away in the corner.

Jericho manages to send JBL into the steps though and the chinlock has Punk in trouble. Back up and Punk catches him on top, only to get pulled into an abdominal stretch with five minutes left. JBL comes back in and tries to steal the pin on Punk, meaning it’s time for the villains to slug it out. JBL gets sent outside so the Lionsault can give Jericho two. Punk is back up with a springboard clothesline to JBL before sending Jericho into the corner with three minutes left.

Punk’s running knee in the corner sets up the bulldog to drop JBL and the GTS gets two with Jericho making the save. Jericho gets catapulted into JBL for two as we have a minute and a half left. Another GTS attempt is countered into the Walls on Punk with JBL making his own save…and then falling on Punk to steal the pin with one second left.

Rating: C+. This had quite a few different rules and while they might have been more complicated than necessary, at least it clears up the question of who will be getting the title shot. On the other hand, it’s JBL, who is just so boring with everything he does that he drains the life out of everything. Punk should be able to get a nice title defense, but dang it is not going to be interesting on the way there.

We get a long recap of Chris Jericho injuring Shawn Michaels’ eye and possibly ending his career.

Michaels joins us from San Antonio and says his eye is really banged up. The injury has allowed him to take a break and heal up a bit but he has all kinds of health issues. He has another evaluation two days before Summerslam and he wants to come to the show and announce his decision. If he is allowed to compete, even on a part time basis, he’ll do it, but he’s going to listen to his doctors. Chris Jericho said maybe Shawn should just go home and be with his family….and maybe he should.

Here is Matt Striker to remind us who he is and request the best competition.

Matt Striker vs. Kane

Kane powers him away to start and shrugs off a forearm to the back. Kane plants him with a slam, hits the top rope clothesline and finishes with the chokeslam.

Post match Kane grabs the bag he has been carrying around and says he has been in a bad place lately. He looks at the bag and says “he’s not alive, he’s dead.”

Smackdown Rebound.

Summerslam rundown.

Video on Batista.

John Cena talks about how that video gives him a perspective on Batista, because it makes him know what Batista can do in the ring. As for Mike Adamle, we’ll have to see what happens with his time as the boss, but anyone can see what happens when Cena and Batista face off.

Cena has been overshadowed by Batista more than once and knew that they were going to go head to head at some point. They they both wound up on Raw and he knew it would happen one day. Then a few weeks ago, he punched Batista in the face and knew that one day was going to be at Summerslam. First though, they can become Tag Team Champions. Cena hopes they win. This was the kind of promo that made the match feel so much bigger, which is where Cena tends to shine.

Kelly Kelly comes in to see Mike Adamle to compliment him on everything he has done. She brings up Kane, but Adamle has an idea for him for next week. For now though, she’s going to watch the main event with him.

Raw Tag Team Titles: Cody Rhodes/Ted DiBiase vs. Batista/John Cena

Cena and Batista are challenging. DiBiase starts with Cena and is quickly knocked down for an early two. Batista comes in to shove Rhodes down and fires off the shoulders in the corner. A missed charge goes into the post though and we take a break. Back with Rhodes working on the arm but Batista powers out again and hands it off to Cena. DiBiase breaks up the FU though and hits a belly to back. The fist drop (ala his dad) has commentary thinking DiBiase is mocking the Five Knuckle Shuffle because these two aren’t very good at times.

Batista does not look impressed as Cena gets double elbowed down for two more. Rhodes grabs a sleeper (from the left for a weird look) and then DiBiase does the same (from the right side, in case you were wondering), only to have Cena reverse into one of his own. That’s broken up as well but Cena walks over and slaps Batista in the face for the tag. A backdrop and spear take DiBiase down and Cena cuts Rhodes off, leaving the Batista Bomb to connect for the pin and the titles.

Rating: B-. The match itself was fairly dull, but the storytelling with Batista not wanting to do this because he can’t stand Cena, while Cena is always going to want to compete and win because that’s who he is. It made for an interesting dynamic and gives another layer to a match that is pretty much already set up. Other than that, it was a fairly long match with Cena and Batista running through the champions at the end, which is a bit more acceptable when you have a modern day Mega Powers in Cena and Batista.

Batista rather forcefully hands Cena his belt and they slowly hold up the titles. It turns into a pose off and then a staredown to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This show is pretty much Cena/Batista and then everything else, as there is very little that I would want to see otherwise. Adamle is just not interesting, which might be what they’re going for but it’s not making for the most thrilling material. Other than that, you have the World Title stuff which is hardly making me want to see what happens next. Batista and Cena are good stuff, but I’m going to need a lot more than that to sell this side of the Summerslam card.

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.

Make sure you check out some recent reviews:

Summerslam 2001 (2021 Edition)

Monday Night Raw – July 28, 2008

ECW On Sci Fi – July 29, 2008

NXT LVL Up – July 5, 2024

Smackown – July 12, 2024

Rampage – July 12, 2024

Smackdown – August 1, 2008

Impact Wrestling – July 11, 2024

Collision – July 13, 2024

Ring Of Honor – July 11, 2024

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Still In: 59 Year Old WWE Hall Of Famer Says He Will Never Retire.

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Doesn’t Work For Him Brother: Hulk Hogan Doesn’t Understand AEW Spot That Led To Major Injury.

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And Out: Another Name Gone From AEW Following Lengthy Absence.

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Probably: Two Major Title Matches Heavily Teased For WWE Summerslam.

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And Done: Ric Flair Reportedly No Longer Being Used By AEW, Sponsorship Deal Done.

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You Can’t See Him: Details On John Cena’s Retirement Tour, Why It Is Starting In January.

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https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/comeback-wwe-planning-major-match-at-summerslam-pending-a-big-return/

Tribal Chief Time? Huge Update On Roman Reigns’ Return To WWE TV.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/tribal-chief-time-huge-update-on-roman-reigns-return-to-wwe-tv/

He’s In: Update On New AEW Character, Tony Khan’s Idea.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/hes-in-update-on-new-aew-character-tony-khans-idea/

WATCH: AEW Vacates Titles, Title Match Officially Announced.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-aew-vacates-titles-title-match-officially-announced/

FULL MATCH: Stephanie Vaquer Makes WWE Debut At Live Event.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/full-match-stephanie-vaquer-makes-wwe-debut-at-live-event/

Ouch: Another AEW Star Written Off TV Due To Injury, Attacked With A Wrench.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/ouch-another-aew-star-written-off-tv-due-to-injury-attacked-with-a-wrench/

That’s A Lot: Rey Mysterio Sets All Time WWE Record Unlikely To Be Matches Anytime Soon.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/thats-a-lot-rey-mysterio-sets-all-time-wwe-record-unlikely-to-be-matches-anytime-soon/

WATCH: Money In The Bank Cash In Attempt At WWE Live Event.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-money-in-the-bank-cash-in-attempt-at-wwe-live-event/

WATCH: Former WWE Champion Training For In-Ring Return After Year And A Half Absence.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-former-wwe-champion-training-for-in-ring-return-after-year-and-a-half-absence/

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).

Ring Of Honor
Date: July 11, 2024
Location: Landers Center, Southaven, Mississippi
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman

We are less than a month away from Death Before Dishonor and last week saw the announcement of a bit of the card. There is of course a lot more that needs to be done but I’ll take something of a start over nothing. In theory we get more of that this week, but stranger things have happened. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

We run down the card.

Robyn Renegade vs. Taya Valkyrie vs. Marina Shafir

Johnny TV is here with Valkyrie. Renegade powers Shafir into the corner to start and hits a running dropkick to send her outside. That lets Valkyrie fire off some knees to Renegade but we stop for a kiss to TV. Back in and Renegade gets double chopped, only to have her kick her way to freedom. Renegade ties Shafir in the ropes for something like a springboard stomp before superkicking Valkyrie into the corner. Mother’s Milk goes on but Valkyrie makes the save and spears Shafir. Shania Pain finishes Renegade at 6:02.

Rating: C+. They packed a good bit of action into a little amount of time and Valkyrie continues her bit of momentum. In theory that would set her up for the next title shot after Death Before Dishonor, but that could be several weeks away. Other than that, Shafir and Renegade both get slowed down, which isn’t a great sign for either of them.

The Kingdom wants to have a night off at Death Before Dishonor. They have a bad history at that show so let’s just not do it this year.

TV Title: Serpentico vs. Atlantis Jr.

Atlantis Jr. is defending, having defeated Kyle Fletcher for the title a few weeks ago. Serpentico grabs a headlock at the bell and they head out to the floor where Atlantis gets knocked down. Back in and Atlantis is fine enough to grab a rolling cutter for two, only to get caught in a Downward Spiral for the same. A missed charge leaves Serpentico in the Tree of Woe for a running dropkick to give Atlantis two more. Serpentico is back with his own kick for two but Atlantis hits a powerslam into a frog splash to retain at 4:21.

Rating: C+. This is where a lot of the problems with these crossovers come from: what about this was supposed to stand out? Atlantis Jr. is talented, but it isn’t like there was anything here that made me really want to see more of him. We don’t know anything about him other than he beat Fletcher and has a famous dad. That doesn’t matter though, as we’re just supposed to go with Atlantis as a big deal because we’re told that he is without seeing it. That doesn’t work, but it’s all we get most of the time.

Skye Blue vs. Laynie Luck

Blue starts fast with a rollup and then takes Luck into the corner for some choking. Luck is right back with a Death Valley Driver for two, only to have Blue slug away to knock her back. A quick Code Blue gives Blue the pin at 3:40.

Rating: C. This was the latest attempt to get Blue in the ring as often as possible, albeit it in a rather cold match. Luck has shown that she can be better than a lot of the local jobbers but she didn’t have much of a chance to showcase herself here. It was kind of a random match and that rarely helps anyone.

The MxM Collection (Mansoor and Mason) is coming. These guys look very fun, just due to how over the top they’re going.

Billie Starkz vs. Mackenzie Morgan

Non-title Proving Ground match, meaning if Morgan wins or survives the ten minute time limit, she gets a future title shot. Starkz (with Athena) works on the arm to start but stops to pose, allowing Morgan to grab an armdrag into an armbar. That’s reversed into a quickly broken chinlock but Morgan misses a dropkick. Athena, still on crutches, gets in a cheap shot before remembering that she’s injured. Back in and Starkz slips out of a fireman’s carry, setting up the fish hook chickenwing for the win at 5:22.

Rating: C+. Starkz is already set for a title match at the pay per view so the chances of her winning here didn’t seem that high. At the same time, Morgan got in some offense here, which is surprising given that Starkz probably needed a stronger showing. It wasn’t a bad match, but they put it together in an odd way.

Diamante vs. Nyxx

Diamante doesn’t waste time by hammering away to start, only to walk into a side slam for two. Back up and Diamante grabs her rolling cutter into the cross armbreaker (which she dedicates to Leyla Hirsch) for the win at 1:39.

Athena celebrates, only to remember that her ankle hurts.

Roderick Strong and Dalton Castle are having a #1 contenders match, with the winner getting the World Title shot at Death Before Dishonor. It’s taking place this weekend on Collision, because this is the most useless show in wrestling.

Lee Johnson/Infantry vs. Dark Order

Silver grabs a headlock on Bravo to start with Bravo ducking and dodging to set up a running elbow. It’s time to go after Silver’s arm as commentary talks about Broadway. Reynolds and Johnson come in as everything breaks down. The Order gets sent outside for a series of dives but manage to take over, with a suicide dive/suplex combination dropping Johnson.

Back in and the Order take turns beating on Johnson, with the other two holding him so Silver can get in a big boot. Johnson enziguris his way to freedom and it’s off to Dean to clean house. Everything breaks down again and Johnson gets triple teamed into a German suplex for two. They trade stereo shots to the face but Johnson escapes the triple flipping slam. Johnson’s frog splash finishes Uno at 10:06.

Rating: B-. Probably the best match on the show this week, but it’s another case where I don’t quite believe that any of this is going to matter. Beating the Order hasn’t meany anything in forever and the other three feel like the latest makeshift team. We have two shows left until Death Before Dishonor but they’re still burning off main event slots for pretty meaningless six man tags. That’s part of this show’s problem in a nutshell and I have no reason to believe it’s going to get better.

Overall Rating: C. This is a show where, as usual, the wrestling wasn’t the problem. The problem here is they have two weeks to go before one of their three pay per views and they did NOTHING for the show. What did we get here? Some people building momentum, a nothing TV Title match and a six man that has no bearing on anything. Where do we go to get the build to Death Before Dishonor? Collision, where Ring Of Honor’s World Title will be used as filler to take up part of that show’s two hours.

This show actually made me mad because it felt like Ring Of Honor saying “yeah this show doesn’t matter, but make sure you pay to watch the big show, which isn’t going to have much of a build because we can’t bother but TRADITION IS REALLY, TOTALLY IMPORTANT TO US!” The pay per view will be fine, but this show, which I remind you that you have to pay to watch monthly, is somehow getting more useless, which I didn’t think was possible.

Results
Taya Valkyrie b. Marina Shafir and Robyn Renegade – Shania Pain to Renegade
Atlantis Jr. b. Serpentico – Frog splash
Skye Blue b. Laynie Luck – Code Blue
Billie Starkz b. Mackenzie Morgan – Fish hook chickenwing
Diamante b. Nyxx – Cross armbreaker
Lee Johnson/Infantry b. Dark Order – Frog splash to Uno

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.

Collision
Date: July 13, 2024
Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness

We’re still in Canada after a pretty awesome Dynamite, meaning this show is going to have some work to do. The good thing is there is always the chance that they could pull it off, as the lineup looks strong enough. If nothing else, we should be able to move a bit closer to the All In card so let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Tommy Billington

Don Callis is on commentary and the fans are behind Billington to start. Takeshita isn’t having anything of Billington’s running shoulders to start but Billington manages to knock him outside for a breather. Back in and Takeshita powers him into the corner before avoiding a running dropkick.

Billington hits a running crossbody and they go outside, with Billington sending him face first into the apron a few times. Back in and Takeshita hits a nice top rope superplex for two and we hit the chinlock. The double arm crank keeps Billington down and Takeshita sends him into the post as we take a break.

We come back with Billington hitting a top rope dive to the floor, followed by a missile dropkick back inside. There’s the snap suplex as Billington sounds impressed. Takeshita slams him off the top but Billington is right back with a Tombstone to leave them both down. The Swan Dive misses though and Takeshita hits the Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Takeshita’s running knee finishes at 13:30.

Rating: B. Billington has done rather well in his two matches so far and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him getting a spot if he shows up more regularly. Throw in the family connection and it’s even better. His aggression makes up for some of his size issues and that could go a long way. Good, impressive stuff here.

Post match Callis offers Billington a spot in the Don Callis Family, but Billington says kiss my a**. Billington goes after Callis but gets jumped by Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. FTR makes the save.

We look at Mariah May winning the Women’s Owen Hart Tournament and then destroying Toni Storm.

Bang Bang Gang vs. Michael Allen Richard Clark/Shaun Moore/London Lightning

Non-title. Robinson and Moore start things off, with Robinson allowing him a headlock. That goes rather badly for him as it’s the Gunns coming in for some running splashes. Lightning comes in and gets punched in the face for his efforts, setting up 3:10 To Yuma for the pin at 2:05.

Post match Austin says that since Jay White was injured at the hands of Christian Cage, Juice Robinson is officially a champion in his place. Cue Christopher Daniels to say not so fast, because an injured champion means the titles are officially vacated. Cue the Patriarchy to say they can just be the champions, but Daniels instead makes the Patriarchy vs. the Bang Bang Gang for the titles. Christian Cage passes on doing it now though. This seems to be quite the overly complicated solution, but I’ll certainly take it over an interim champion.

We look at Jake Perry beating Marko Stunt last week.

The House Of Black is ready to start building towards All In.

We get a nice look at Jeff Jarrett talking to Owen Hart’s family.

Roderick Strong vs. Dalton Castle

The winner gets a Ring Of Honor World Title shot at Death Before Dishonor and this match is taking place here because the regular Ring Of Honor show is useless. The Kingdom and the Outrunners are here too. Strong works on the arm to start and messes with Castle’s hair, which is really not that nice. Castle wrestles him down and they go to the ropes, with Strong needing a breather on the floor.

Back in and Castle sends him outside for a change, where the Outrunners give him enough of a pep….uh muscle flexing to fire him back up. Castle gets in a shot of his own to take over and a hurricanrana off the apron has Strong down. A Kingdom distraction lets Strong get in a cheap shot though and we take a break.

Back with Castle hitting a belly to back suplex and some hard strikes in the corner. Strong manages to knock him outside though, meaning the Kingdom can get in some good mocking. Strong suplexes him onto the apron and, after escaping the Bang A Rang, hits the jumping knee for the pin at 10:53.

Rating: B-. Not much to see here and there wasn’t exactly much drama about the winner in the first place. Strong is a bigger deal than Castle, who has fallen firmly into the jobber to the stars spot. At the same time, the Ring Of Honor World Title feels less and less important every day, with the #1 contender being decided here rather than, you know, in Ring Of Honor.

Ring Of Honor World Champion Mark Briscoe is at home in Delaware and training in his ring. He’s ready for blood and guts because that’s what he does, blood, guts and chicken s***. After that though, it’s going to be his title match against Roderick Strong. Works for him.

Someone who seems to be named Hologram appears to be coming next week.

Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway don’t think much of Willow Nightingale, whose favorite color is three. This will never end for Nightingale.

Nyla Rose vs. Ava Lawless

Chokeslam, superkick and Beast Bomb finish for Rose at 1:54.

We look at Bryan Danielson winning the Men’s Owen Hart Tournament by beating Hangman Page, setting up his World Title match against Swerve Strickland at All In.

Top Flight vs. Shane Taylor Promotions

In case the six man version on Rampage didn’t do enough for you, with Action Andretti and Shane Taylor at ringside. Dante rolls Moriarty up a few times to start and armdrags him into an armbar. Darius comes in but gets taken into the corner for a forearm from Ogogo. Back up and Darius sens him into the other corner so Dante can hit a running clothesline. A cheap shot from Moriarty lets Ogogo take over though and we take a break.

Back with Moriarty working on an armbar but Darius fights out, allowing the tag back to Dante. House is quickly cleaned, including a springboard high crossbody for two on Ogogo. It’s back to Darius but Ogogo knocks Dante outside to take over. Moriarty hits a clothesline for two and Taylor trips Darius down. Andretti dives onto Taylor, leaving Darius to hit something like an F5 to pin Moriarty at 11:49.

Rating: B-. This was getting good but never quite got to that next level. I can go for seeing these groups fighting each other, but it would be nice to see it have something on the line. Even if that means the next shot at the Trios Titles, it would be better than just having them keep fighting for weeks on end.

Post match Taylor comes in and the good guys are beaten down.

Deonna Purrazzo isn’t done with Thunder Rosa but is ready to burn everything down to remake it in her image. Rosa comes in and says they have a lumberjack match next week.

Nyla Rose is accepting the open challenge to face Mercedes Mone on Dynamite. She’s never driven a Mercedes but she’s going to wreck one next week. As usual, Rose is one of the most entertaining talkers around.

Skye Blue vs. Harley Cameron

Blue has a new cowgirl look while Cameron has Saraya (also in a cowboy hat) in her corner. Cameron grabs a rollup for an early two before choking away in the corner. A kick to the head and a clothesline put Blue down again but she ties Cameron in the corner for the Cheeky Nandos Kick.

Saraya offers a distraction so Cameron can ram Blue’s head onto the floor and we take a break. Back with Blue planting her for two more but Cameron slips out of a fireman’s carry. A running knee gives Cameron two but Blue hits a superkick. Blue’s TKO into something like a dragon sleeper finishes Cameron at 8:04.

Rating: C+. This was a good sign for Blue, as she has been needing something to move her up to the next level. While not losing as much would be a good start, the new hold could be another nice boost for her. Code Blue is fine enough, but it doesn’t feel like something that would be a big time finisher. Cameron has gotten better and could go somewhere, though it’s going to take more time.

We look at Chris Jericho taking out Samoa Joe on Dynamite, plus part of Jericho’s mocking response on Rampage.

Skye Blue challenges Hikaru Shida for next week.

Orange Cassidy/Kyle O’Reilly vs. Kingdom

Non-title and Roderick Strong is on commentary. The Kingdom bails to the floor to start so Cassidy takes them out with a dive. Back in and Cassidy trades armdrags with Bennett before backdropping Taven. O’Reilly comes in to strike away until Taven rakes his eyes. Everything breaks down and O’Reilly ankle locks Bennett, which is broken up by Taven.

Cassidy and Bennett fight to the floor before Bennett comes back in for the backpack Stunner/running boot combination to O’Reilly. Back up and O’Reilly hits a double clothesline as we take a break. We come back with a pop up right hand dropping Cassidy for two but he avoid a splash in the corner. Bennett gets kicked away and the tag brings in O’Reilly for the house cleaning. Some dragon screw legwhips have the Kingdom in trouble but it’s a springboard spinning kick to the face to put O’Reilly back down.

Bennett is catapulted into the corner to knock Taven down and it’s back to Cassidy. The Beach Break gets two and it’s time for Strong to come down to the ring. Cue Tomohiro Ishii to brawl with Strong but the distraction lets Trent Beretta run in and take out Cassidy. The distraction lets the Hail Mary finish O’Reilly at 13:40.

Rating: B. The ending picked up a good bit and it was nice to see the champions actually win a match for a change. If nothing else, this avoids the champions taking another loss before defending against a random team at Death Before Dishonor. Cassidy’s issues continue as well and there is a good chance that it lets to yet another match with Beretta. Just in case you hadn’t gotten the point already.

Post match Trent jumps Cassidy and then goes to yell at the Kingdom, allowing Cassidy to grab a wrench and deck Trent from behind. Ishii comes back in to pose with Cassidy and O’Reilly.

A video on MJF vs. Will Ospreay ends the show.

Overall Rating: B. This show was a bit more entertaining than last week’s as it didn’t feel like it had quite so much filler. That is often the worst thing about Collision so any week where the pace picks up a bit is nice to see. The main event was a hot enough match and the titles being stripped, while a bit more complicated than needed, is a big moment. Throw in a good opener and this was a pretty easy watch, which is always nice.

Results
Konosuke Takeshita b. Tommy Billington – Running knee
Bang Bang Gang b. Michael Allen Richard Clark/Shaun Moore/London Lightning – 3:10 To Yuma to Lightning
Roderick Strong b. Dalton Castle – Jumping knee
Nyla Rose b. Ava Lawless – Beast Bomb
Top Flight b. Shane Taylor Promotions – Fireman’s carry faceplant to Moriarty
Skye Blue b. Harley Cameron – Modified dragon sleeper

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.

Impact Wrestling
Date: July 11, 2024
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Mathew Rehwoldt

We have two shows left before Slammiversary and as of last week, the main event is set with all five challengers ready to come after Moose’s TNA World Title. The rest of the show is mostly set as well but we can probably get some more things set up this week. That could also include more from NXT’s Charlie Dempsey, who invaded the show last week. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

We pick things up from last week, with Frankie Kazarian revealing that he attacked Nic Nemeth but seeing someone filming him. That someone is Ryan Nemeth, who distracts Kazarian so Nic can jump him.

Knockouts Title: Jordynne Grace vs. ???

Grace is defending in an open challenge against….NXT’s Izzi Dame. The bell rings but here is Ash By Elegance’s personal concierge to say that Ash will be watching via satellite from an undisclosed beach. We get a quick shot of Ash on said beach as Dame grabs a waistlock but gets backed into the corner. The much bigger Dame’s right hand gets blocked and Grace muscles her up with a suplex.

A gutwrench faceplant sends Dame outside but the concierge has to be chased….into Rosemary, who is sitting in the crowd. Dame uses the distraction to get in a neck snap across the top and a Falcon Arrow out of the corner gets two. Grace blocks a powerbomb attempt and takes her into the corner for some hard forearms. The Juggernaut Driver is blocked though, meaning they slug it out from their knees. Grace Death Valley Drivers her, setting up the Juggernaut Driver to retain at 8:34.

Rating: C+. That’s what this kind of match needed to be, as Grace gets to beat someone from the other promotion. While Dame might not be the biggest name in NXT, it is better than beating another lower level TNA star. This crossover has made Grace look like an even bigger star, which should help when she likely heads to WWE early next year.

Santino Marella announces a wild card tag match for tonight, with the teams being drawn at random. That gives us a main event of Josh Alexander/Joe Hendry vs. Steve Maclin/Moose.

Charlie Dempsey vs. Zachary Wentz

Trey Miguel is in Wentz’s corner as they grapple to start. Wentz takes him down for a basement dropkick, only for Dempsey to pull him down by the arm. Dempsey cranks on the arm before having to block Wentz’s kick. That earns Wentz a dragon screw legwhip but he’s back up with a handspring knee to the face. A German suplex sends Dempsey into the corner and a running shooting star gets two. Cue Dempsey’s teammate Myles Borne to jump Miguel for a distraction though, allowing Dempsey to grab a dragon suplex for the pin at 4:46.

Rating: C+. They’re doing a good job of keeping the invasion/crossover stuff to the lower levels of the show and that is a smart idea. The Rascalz are a big enough team that it means something when NXT comes in to mess with them, though the addition of Wes Lee as a bridge between the two companies could make for a good blowoff at Slammiversary. For now though, nice enough here, even with the limited time.

Post match Dempsey and Borne lay out Wentz and Miguel.

The System is ready for the Hardys to be back next week.

The No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey/Myles Borne/Tavion Heights) are ready to dominate. Santino Marella comes in to say they’re in a six man next week, but we’ll have to see who will team with the Rascalz. Given that we saw a video of them reuniting with Wes Lee before the match, this might not be the biggest mystery.

Kushida vs. Jonathan Gresham vs. Mike Bailey

For a future X-Division Title shot. They all go for a rollup to start until Bailey takes over. Gresham and Kushida are sent outside for a moonsault from Bailey and the running shooting star press gets two on Gresham back inside. We take a break and come back with Bailey grabbing the ropes to get out of Gresham’s Figure Four. Kushida is back up to kick away at Bailey, setting up a cartwheel dropkick.

Gresham blocks the Hoverboard Lock before Bailey and Kushida kick it out. The Tornado Kick is blocked in the corner and Kushida dives onto Gresham on the floor. Bailey goes up but gets crotched by Gresham, who can’t use the ink on Kushida. Instead it’s green mist to Gresham, allowing Bailey to hit the Ultimate Weapon for the pin and the title shot at 8:25.

Rating: B-. Commentary played up the idea that Bailey wasn’t just being handed a title shot and had to earn it. I rather like that, as there is little reason for bailey to have gotten the title shot other than he and Mustafa Ali are having issues. It gives things a bit more realism and didn’t take too long, even if there was little doubt about how this would ind up.

Post match Mustafa Ali and company run in to beat down Bailey but Trent Seven cuts off a big chair shot. Seven gets wrecked for his efforts, with Ali putting him in the Sharpshooter.

Steph de Lander is sitting on the beach and upset over how things have been going with PCO. She has to tie up some strings in Australia but hopes PCO will wait or him.

Slammiversary rundown.

Digital Media Title: Rhino vs. AJ Francis

Francis, with Rich Swann, is defending and mocks the Philadelphia Phillies, meaning it’s a jump start by Rhino and an ECW chant. Swann comes in for the DQ at 43 seconds.

Post match Santino Marella says he doesn’t think so, meaning it’s time to restart this as a street fight.

Digital Media Title: AJ Francis vs. Rhino

Francis is defending in a street fight so they head outside with Francis hitting him in the back with something made of metal. Rhino fights back and sends the table in That takes too long though and Francis hits him low for the pin to retain at 1:38. Other than ticking off the fans, I’m not sure if I see the point in this entire thing.

Post match PCO comes in but misses a dive, allowing Francis to plant him on the ramp.

Tasha Steelz vs. Gisele Shaw

Steelz jumps her before the bell and sends her back first into the apron a few times. They get inside for the opening bell and Steelz grabs an early chinlock. Shaw is back up with some rollups for two each before they forearm it out. Shock And Awe (the Lethal Combination) gives Shaw two and she grabs a scoop powerslam for two more. Shaw’s running knee finishes at 4:17.

Rating: C. It’s good to have Shaw back and she is feeling more like a star. While this is probably leading to some kind of match involving Gail Kim, I could absolutely see Shaw getting back into the title picture off of this whole thing. That being said, none of that matters if she doesn’t actually win the title at some point, as she has come so close multiple times now.

Xia Brookside wants Alisha Edwards and knows that Steph de Lander will be back.

JDC vs. Chris Bey

Ace Austin is here with Bey. They start fast with Bey sending him to the floor, setting up the big running flip dive. Back in and Bey kicks him down for two, only to miss a charge and fall out to the floor. Cue the System as Bey starts the comeback and hits a running clothesline in the corner. A neckbreaker out of said corner brings the System outside to fight with Bey and Austin. The distraction lets JDC hit a quick Down And Dirty for the pin at 5:03.

Rating: C. This didn’t have time to get very far and was more about having the System screw over part of the ABC before their likely title match at Slammiversary. JDC is still good for a match like this and giving him a win keeps him looking strong as he is now part of the System. Not much of the match, but it did what it needed to do.

Video on the Hardys in TNA. They’re ready to take the Tag Team Titles next week.

Joe Hendry/Josh Alexander vs. Steve Maclin/Moose

Before the match, Hendry talks about how he’s against Dancing Moose and Maclin, who wants to tag em and bag em. After tonight, he’ll only be bagging Hendry’s groceries because the people believe. Hold on though as here is Frankie Kazarian to join commentary. Alexander and Maclin start things off as Kazarian talks about how it is time for him to do things for himself.

The KIA and C4 Spike are both escaped to start so Alexander grabs an armdrag into an armbar. Moose comes in for a slam and wants Hendry, who comes in to hammer away in the corner. Everything breaks down and Alexander suplexes Maclin, followed by Hendry doing the same to Moose (with an assist from some believers). Alexander comes back in to send Maclin into the corner but Moose beaks up the running crossbody.

Maclin’s elbow to the face gets two as commentary is not pleased with a lot of Kazarian’s bragging. Alexander manages to low bridge Moose to the floor but gets tied in the Tree of Woe. A middle rope hurricanrana gets Alexander out of trouble though and it’s off to Hendry to clean house. Hendry grabs a cutter on Maclin and a powerbomb to Moose but Maclin slips out of the Standing Ovation. Alexander comes back in to roll some German suplexes and everything breaks down. A hard clothesline drops Moose but Kazarian offers a distraction to Hendry. The spear and KIA finish Alexander at 12:20.

Rating: B-. This was a bit of a random match but that’s kind of the point of the six way. The title match is going to be all about the chaos and everyone fighting everyone so throwing some random pairings out there is interesting. The villains get to stand strong on the way there, but the title match is all about whether Hendry can win the title and there is no hiding that right now.

Overall Rating: B-. This show did a nice job of building on matches and stories that were already set for Slammiversary and that is not a bad thing. The show is in less than a month and while most of the card is set, you can occasionally use a fine tuning show like this one. It helps get ans more invested in the show and they did that rather nicely again this week. Not a great show, but one they needed to do.

Results
Jordynne Grace b. Izzi Dame – Juggernaut Driver
Charlie Dempsey b. Zachary Wentz – Dragon suplex
Mike Bailey b. Jonathan Gresham and Kushida – Ultimate Weapon to Gresham
Rhino b. AJ Francis via DQ when Rich Swann interfered
AJ Francis b. Rhino – Low blow
Gisele Shaw b. Tasha Steelz – Running knee
JDC b. Chris Bey – Down And Dirty
Moose/Steve Maclin b. Josh Alexander/Joe Hendry – KIA to Alexander

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.