Since it’s NXT 2.0, this is pretty much a Takeover without being a Takeover. We still have the double WarGames matches, which have been set up about as well as can be expected. I’m not sure how the whole thing is going to go, but we could be in for a heck of a fight. That being said, NXT’s expectations have more or less plummeted in recent months so I wouldn’t quite get my hopes up as much. Let’s get to it.

Cameron Grimes vs. Duke Hudson

I like Grimes a lot and Hudson is slowly growing on me, but what is working for this match is Grimes’ talking over the last few weeks. Grimes has been cutting some old fashioned wrestling promos about Hudson taking away his hair and beard, which apparently meant a lot to him. That’s the kind of thing that has worked in wrestling for the better part of ever and it worked again to set up this hair vs. hair match.

I’m not sure on this one, but I think I’ll take Grimes. If nothing else, we have already been through the “Grimes loses over and over” deal so having him do it again here would seem counterproductive. Let him get the win and send Hudson on to something else, as Grimes should be fine enough with just the trimmed hair. Getting rid of the caveman look was a big change, but if it gets him higher up on the card where he belongs, I’m all for it.

Cruiserweight Title: Roderick Strong(c) vs. Joe Gacy

So this is a Cruiserweight Title match with a non-cruiserweight because WWE has given up on the title (again). This will be Strong’s first defense of the title since September so the cruiserweight deal is either being dropped or…well what other option is there really? Gacy is claiming weight discrimination or fat shaming or something similar and gets a title shot as a result, because NXT 2.0.

Therefore, we’ll go with Gacy to win, as it is pretty clear that WWE has no interest in keeping the title on Strong. I’m hoping this leads to the title either being dropped completely or turned into some kind of TV Title, the latter of which would be unnecessary in NXT when the North American Title is around. There’s a good chance that the title is done for after Gacy holds it for a bit, so we’ll say he starts his reign here.

Tag Team Titles: Imperium(c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly/Von Wagner

I had to think for a second about who held the titles coming into this show and that is rarely a good sign. This seems to be more about O’Reilly and Wagner’s future than the titles and that does not bode well around here. O’Reilly and Wagner haven’t exactly done much to get much momentum going here and I don’t think I can see that changing in the near or far future.

Give me Imperium to retain here and that is about the only good choice they have here. Wagner and O’Reilly seem destined to lose and split up, with O’Reilly probably putting Wagner over on his way out, likely with an Undisputed Era reunion in his future. That gives us Wagner and Imperium as the real winners in NXT, because…egads because that’s really where we are these days.

Women’s WarGames

This is Toxic Attraction/Dakota Kai vs. an assortment of heroines, because when you think WarGames, you think of Mandy Rose and pals. As little need as there is for this to be a WarGames match, it might be better to have them do a bunch of spots with weapons than trying to have a long form regular match. Leave the big spots to Kai and Io Shirai/Kay Lee Ray and it should lower the risk for a horrific injury.

I’ll go with the villains winning here, as Toxic Attraction needs another big win and I fully expect Ray to embrace her inner villain and turn on the rest of the team. That being said, if she does, it is going to leave NXT rather heel heavy and I don’t know how good of an idea that would be. Toxic Attraction needs challengers, but I’m not sure if either of them are in this match. Therefore, we’ll go with the champs and Kai winning.

Men’s WarGames

This is old vs. new, which is about as good of an idea as NXT has right now and should make for a good WarGames match. As usual, this is going to be about seeing what kind of carnage Bron Breakker can wreck on the rest of the field, as this is the kind of match where he could thrive. There is a lot more talent and success on the old side though and that could make things interesting.

This is where the good guys win, as you have either Grayson Waller or Tony D’Angelo to take the fall for the villains. Breakker is going to wreck people and likely get the NXT Title before the end of the year, but at least he should have a good run in this match to get him there. I’m looking forward to this one, as the DIY reunion alone should be worth a look, but the good/old guys win here.

Overall Thoughts

On paper, this show doesn’t look bad. The problem is that for every good thing they have, there is something else on there that feels like some kind of a joke or a half thought out idea that doesn’t belong on a major show. I do like that they dropped the Takeover name and are just going with the name of the show, because that is the only reason to make this a special at the moment.

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Smackdown
Date: July 6, 2007
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 13,500
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield

We’re on the way to the Great American Bash and that could go in a few different directions after last week. Batista beat Edge but isn’t allowed to challenge for the title. Therefore we are going to need a new challenger, but I’m not sure who that is going to be. Maybe we can have a wacky competition to crown a new #1 contender. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

MVP vs. Matt Hardy

Non-title and before the match, MVP says that the title means he is better than anyone here but Matt’s music cuts him off. They lock up to start with MVP grabbing a headlock to take over. Matt gets sent into the corner and MVP is already looking cocky. A slam drops Matt again and MVP gives him the Ballin pose. Matt flips out of a test of strength and but MVP spins over into a backslide for two.

This time it’s Matt working on a headlock of his own, setting up a bulldog out of the corner. Back up and MVP kicks away at the leg before pulling up the pant leg to get at the brace. We take a break and come back with MVP kicking him in the back and grabbing an armbar. Matt fights out of that in a hurry and hits the middle rope elbow to the back for two more. MVP catches him on the apron though and knocks him into the barricade for the big crash to take over.

We hit the seated abdominal stretch on Matt on the mat, followed by a waistlock to mix it up a bit. Matt gets up again and hits back to back Side Effects for two each but catches him on top with a superplex for two of his own. A fireman’s carry drop bangs up Matt’s ribs even worse and MVP kicks him in the head for another near fall. MVP’s running boot to the chest in the corner gets two but Matt is right back with a Twist of Fate for the pin out of nowhere.

Rating: B-. This got some time and Matt continues to be the underrated gem of the roster as he is having one long and pretty good match after another. I liked this one well enough, though some of the ribs work could have been cut out in the middle. I’m not wild on the champ losing twice in a row though, and hopefully that isn’t the start of a trend. It probably is, but hopefully not.

Michelle McCool goes shopping.

Kristal and Teddy Long are discussing wedding plans when Edge comes in. He wants to know what he’s doing tonight so Long says go have the Cutting Edge. Long will even send in the biggest guest the show has ever had.

Chris Masters vs. Jimmy Wang Yang

Masters sends him into the corner to start and runs him over without much trouble. A clothesline knocks him silly as JBL says this is what happens when cruiserweights face heavyweights. Yang fights up and kicks away, including a dropkick, but a high crossbody is pulled out of the air. The Masterlock finishes in a hurry.

Post match here is Great Khali, so Masters bails in a hurry. Yang is picked up and chokeslammed without much effort. Through the translator, Khali issues an open challenge for the Great American Bash, promising to destroy more people until someone accepts.

Jesse and Festus are coming to Smackdown. Apparently Festus is a navigational wizard.

Major Brothers vs. Jeremy Young/Mike Fox

Brian cranks on Fox’s arm to start and it’s off to Brett to work on an armbar. A double hiptoss gets two with Young making the save but Brett knocks him off the apron. That leaves Fox to get caught in a Russian legsweep/STO combination for a fast pin. The Majors didn’t look bad here.

Rey Mysterio is coming back.

Finlay vs. Ric Flair

Somehow this is their first singles match ever. They start slowly as we hear about their various bar activities. A hard shoulder puts Flair into the corner but he takes Finlay down by the leg. Back up and Finlay knocks him into the corner before grabbing the nerve hold. Flair fights up and goes with a thumb to the eye, only to get clotheslined back down for two. Now it’s Finlay starting in on the leg, including a half crab into the Celtic Knot.

Flair makes the rope so Finlay hits a Vader Bomb onto the leg to stay on the target. A cannonball down onto the leg is cut off though and Finlay crashes outside. Back in and Flair grabs the Figure Four, sending Finlay to the ropes this time. A belly to back suplex drops Finlay again but here is Hornswoggle for a distraction, allowing Finlay to hit Flair in the knee with the Shillelagh. The Celtic Knot finishes Flair in a hurry.

Rating: C+. These are the kind of guys who could have a good match with each other just due to pure talent so I’m not at all surprised that this worked out. The ending was an easy way for Finlay to cheat and win so Flair gets to save a bit of face. Not exactly a great match, but it was nice to see for the sake of a curiosity.

Victoria interrupts Torrie Wilson’s Summerslam photo shoot and says Torrie isn’t taking over Smackdown like she did on Raw. Torrie calls her crazy and the fight is on.

Great Khali beats up a stagehand, who had been accused of wanting to face him at Great American Bash.

Chuck Palumbo vs. Kenny Dykstra

This is Palumbo’s return after several years away and he has become a biker in his absence. Palumbo sends him into the corner to start but Dykstra is back with a dropkick. Dykstra sends him arm first into the post and a DDT on the arm gets two. We hit the armbar for a bit but Palumbo fights up and hits a slam spun into a Rock Bottom (Full Throttle) for the pin.

Rating: D+. Not much to see here, but what were you expecting from these two? Palumbo as a biker is about as lower card of a gimmick as you can get but he could be fine to fill in some time for a few weeks. Dykstra continues to be someone who is fine as a heel that you want to see get punched in the face and he filled in that role well enough this time too.

Raw Rebound.

Mark Henry is ready to hurt the new wrestlers around here.

Deuce vs. Eugene

What an odd match, though it might have something to do with Domino having a broken nose. Eugene is distracted by Cherry’s skates so Deuce sends him into the corner to start. Deuce stops for a kiss from Cherry so Eugene Hulks Up…and here is Great Khali to beat both guys up.

Post no contest (which should have been a DQ), Khali issues the open challenge again and here is Batista to accept. The staredown is on with Khali leaving.

Rey Mysterio is still coming back. Nothing has changed in the last hour.

Here is Edge for the Cutting Edge but he doesn’t know the guest. He would love to tell us about the guest but he can’t do that tonight. Edge is ready to ask the tough questions so here is…..Kane (giving us a great face from Edge, who seems to gulp a bit). Edge: “Like the kids say today, it’s all good.” Edge talks about how Kane debuted in WWE ten years ago this October and brings up Kane introducing the Inferno match.

We hear about See No Evil, but that doesn’t Edge talks about his own accomplishments, which are a bit better than Kane’s. Edge goes to leave but Kane grabs him by the throat, saying he doesn’t like Edge very much. That’s enough for Edge, who says he’ll never be in the ring with Kane again. Cue Teddy Long to say not so fast, because Edge is defending the World Title against Kane at the Great American Bash. It might not be the biggest match in the world, but Kane is as good as anyone else available at the moment.

Overall Rating: C+. This was a nice show with some good action and the main event set for the pay per view. They still need some bigger names around here and hopefully the returning Mysterio can help in that area. The stars they have are good enough at the moment, but they don’t have much of a bench and that could become a problem in a hurry. For now though, they had a pretty good show, even with Deuce vs. Eugene getting the final match slot.

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ECW on Sci Fi
Date: July 3, 2007
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 13,500
Commentators: Joey Styles, Tazz

We have a new focal point as last week saw CM Punk become the new #1 contender to Johnny Nitro’s ECW World Title. That should be enough to get us to the Great American bash, though they might want to have something else to build towards, as one feud isn’t likely to be enough to fill in a whole show. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Johnny Nitro vs. Tommy Dreamer

Non-title and CM Punk picked Dreamer to be Nitro’s opponent. Dreamer knocks him down a few times to start and we hit the armbar. That’s switched into an abdominal stretch as commentary isn’t sure how much sense it makes to go after Nitro’s stomach (ala Rick Rude). Nitro fights up and starts in on Dreamer’s arm but a Cactus Clothesline puts them both on the floor. Dreamer can’t suplex him to the floor so Nitro dropkicks him off the apron instead.

We take a break and come back with Nitro staying on the arm, including an armbar and some kicks to said arm. The cranking continues until Nitro gets up and tries the springboard kick to the face, which only hits mat. A one armed fall away slam gives Dreamer two and he ties Nitro in the Tree of Woe for the running dropkick. The DDT is blocked though and Nitro’s corkscrew neckbreaker is good for the pin.

Rating: C-. There was a lot of armbarring in this but at least the ending was the right way to go. Dreamer made Nitro sweat a bit and that’s about as far as he should ever be going. Nitro picking Dreamer apart and then finishing him is fine, as Nitro isn’t quite the one to get a dominant win. Fine enough for a longer TV match.

Raw Rebound.

Video on the Boogeyman.

Video on CM Punk.

Extreme Expose is back next week. Normally I would say ‘they’re that big of a draw?’ but yeah, they probably were.

From Vengeance 2007.

ECW World Title: CM Punk vs. Johnny Nitro

The title is vacant coming in and Nitro is replacing Chris Benoit, who is missing the show due to personal reasons. The Peacock version changes the intro from “CM Punk’s opponent, the man who will be replacing Chris Benoit” to “CM Punk’s opponent” and commentary is muted during Nitro’s entrance. What isn’t edited out is the WE WANT BENOIT chants as they circle each other to start. Punk wastes no time in kicking him out to the floor and it’s time for a chase on the floor.

Back in and Nitro hits the Flying Chuck to take over and some right hands are rained down. We hit the armbar as the fans still want Benoit. A flying armbar takes Punk down again and Nitro grabs a cobra clutch to keep him in trouble. Punk fights up and hits an enziguri, setting up the slugout. Nitro gets up an elbow in the corner and puts his feet on the ropes for two, with the referee catching him. Back up and Punk hits the running knee in the corner into the bulldog for two. Nitro avoids the springboard clothesline though, setting up the hanging flip neckbreaker for the pin and the title.

Rating: C+. Nitro has come a long way and is actually feeling like a serious threat to win some fairly big matches. That being said, this was still an upset and Nitro looking surprised was a nice touch. It came out of nowhere and this wasn’t quite the original match, but at least they did rather well with what they had.

The Miz is coming.

CM Punk vs. Kevin Thorn

Thorn is Johnny Nitro’s handpicked opponent. Punk takes him straight down for the kick to the back and some more kicks to the leg keep Thorn in trouble. Another kick to the leg sets up a slingshot hilo for two on Thorn and we take a break. Back with Thorn dropping him throat first across the top rope for two and grabbing a chinlock.

Punk fights up and hits a springboard spinning crossbody before striking away. Some right hands in the corner rock Thorn again but he catches Punk on the top. The Dark Kiss is broken up but so is the GTS. Instead Thorn tries a Razor’s Edge but Punk escapes and hits an enziguri. A cradle finishes Thorn.

Rating: C. Much like the opener, I don’t think there was much doubt about who was winning here and it was fine to see Punk sweat a bit before pulling off the win. This was more about putting Punk in the ring and giving him a win to keep up his momentum on his way to the second title match with Nitro. Thorn isn’t great, but he’s more than good enough for a match like this.

Post match Johnny Nitro comes out for a distraction so Thorn jumps Punk again. Punk fights up and clears Thorn out, just as Nitro arrives. The champ bails to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This was quite the weird version of ECW, but they were trying to figure out where to go with everything and needed another week to get there. At the same time, this was part of a triple taping on the same night, so cutting out about fifteen minutes in the middle was probably necessary for the sake of some breathing room. That being said, it was quite a lot to have the whole show be built around one feud. Not a bad show, but some variety would have helped a bit.

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Make sure to check out some recent reviews.

205 Live – November 26, 2021

Smackdown – December 3, 2021

Rampage – December 3, 2021

VIDEO: Surprise Return On This Week’s SmackDown.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/video-surprise-return-weeks-smackdown/

Now On The Team: AEW Officially Signs Another Former WWE Star.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/now-team-aew-officially-signs-another-former-wwe-star/

It’s A New Day 1 Card, Yes It Is! Two Huge Title Matches Added To WWE Day 1.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/two-huge-title-matches-added-wwe-day-1/

WWE Releases Another Employee After 17 Years With The Company.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-releases-another-employee-17-years-company/

Update On The Contract Statuses Of AEW’s Top Stars.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/update-contract-statuses-aews-top-stars/

Top Top Soon To Be Free Agents Backstage At AEW Dynamite.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/top-top-soon-free-agents-backstage-aew-dynamite/

WRESTLING RUMORS: Elias Was Almost Brought Back Like Randy Savage.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wrestling-rumors-elias-almost-brought-back-like-randy-savage/

WRESTLING RUMORS: Top Wrestling Couple Splits Up.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wrestling-rumors-top-wrestling-couple-splits/

As always, please check out all of the videos if you can, hit up the comments section and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page.

Rampage
Date: December 3, 2021
Location: Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia
Commentators: Taz, Ricky Starks, Excalibur

This week we get to find out what happens after Cody Rhodes lit himself on fire to try and get people to cheer for him. That could make for a slightly weakened crowd, but I’m not sure how much of a difference it is going to make. At least the card looks good this week so let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

TNT Title: Sammy Guevara vs. Tony Nese

Guevara is defending and goes right after Nese at the bell. Nese is sent outside and the big running flip dive takes him down again, but Guevara bangs up his own ribs in the process. Guevara gets sent into the steps but comes back with some chops against the barricade. Back in and a gutbuster plants Guevara again and Nese gets to stomp away at the bad ribs. The double springboard moonsault gets two on Guevara, setting up a spinning kick to the face for two. The logical bodyscissors goes on and we take a break with Guevara in trouble.

Back with Guevara fighting out of a half crab and kicking away at Nese. That just earns him another half crab, which is broken up as well. This time Guevara hits a Spanish Fly for two and Guevara sends him outside, setting up a heck of a springboard moonsault. Back in and another Guevara springboard is broken up, setting up Nese’s running flip dive to the floor. A 450 gives Nese two so he powerbombs Guevara into the corner. The running Nese is countered with a kick to the face though and a nasty GTH retains the title at 13:03.

Rating: B-. AEW certainly does love itself some rib injuries, but Guevara knows how to make this work very well. There’s a lot of Jeff Hardy in him, as it is easy to want to see him fight through the odds and win in the end. That’s one of those intangibles that you either have or you don’t and Guevara makes it work as well as anyone else these days.

A rather intense Christian Cage promises to make Jurassic Express the Tag Team Champions if it is the last thing he does.

Jade Cargill vs. Janai Kai

Kai, the Kick Demon, is Thunder Rosa’s student so Rosa is on commentary. Jade kicks her in the face and Jaded finishes at 32 seconds.

Post match the beatdown continues so Rosa comes to the ring and the fight is on, with Rosa’s strikes not exactly looking great. Referees break it up, fail to break it up, then break it up again.

The Superkliq tells Orange Cassidy to find his best friends and meet them in a six man. I’m not sure why Don Callis casually walked by during the segment but at least he didn’t talk.

Eddie Kingston is ready to end 2.0 and Daniel Garcia.

Video on Bryan Danielson vs. John Silver. Danielson says that Silver is thirty and making jokes. When Danielson was thirty, he was winning World Championships.

Mark Henry does his face to face interview between FTR and Pac/Pentagon. Pac is ready for revenge for revenge on FTR for taking out Rey Fenix.

Pac/Penta El Cero Miedo vs. FTR

Non-title with Alex Abrahantes and Tully Blanchard as seconds. Penta and Cash start things off and the glove is thrown, with Abrahantes catching it on the floor. Pac comes in for his share of some stereo dropkicks to put Wheeler on the floor. A quick breather on the floor doesn’t go well for FTR as Harwood comes back in, only to get caught with the dropkick What’s Up.

Pac gets to strike away but the eye patch messes with his vision, allowing Harwood to punch him down instead. We take a break and come back with Pac knocking Wheeler into the barricade but Harwood breaks up the tag attempt. Something like a Demolition Decapitation gets two as the fans want Penta. Pac knocks Harwood off the top though and it’s back to Penta to clean house. Everything breaks down and the Backstabber out of the corner gets two on Wheeler.

Pac superkicks Harwood down and a spinning sunset flip to Wheeler gets two more. Penta and Harwood head outside and it’s a right hand into a tiger driver for two on Pac. Back up and Pac is rammed into Tully on the apron but he’s fine enough to roll Harwood up for two. Wheeler hits a tornado DDT to plant Penta on the floor but Pac moonsaults onto FTR. Back in and Harwood claims a knee injury, allowing Malakai Black to come in and mist Pac so Harwood can steal the pin at 20:20.

Rating: B. As good as you would have expected from these guys and that’s a rather nice result to have. Death Triangle was doing their hard hitting stuff while FTR was working hard and using every dirty trick in the book. It’s a chemistry that works well and they were feeling it here. Good main event, even with the last minute substitution.

Post match Black goes after Pac’s eye like a good evildoer should.

Overall Rating: B+. Another heck of a use of an hour here as they had two good matches and set up Rosa vs. Cargill in the tournament. This is the kind of show that works best for Rampage: giving some actual time to stuff that can’t be crammed into Dynamite and letting it have an impact. Somehow the hour long show feels far less rushed than the two hour edition and that is quite the upgrade a lot of the time.

Results
Sammy Guevara b. Tony Nese – GTH
Jade Cargill b. Janai Kai – Jaded
FTR b. Pac/Penta El Cero Miedo – Rollup to Pac

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Smackdown
Date: December 3, 2021
Location: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

In something you probably don’t remember hearing around here, it’s the Brock Lesnar Show as he is back after his suspension last month. Odds are this is going to set something up for either Day 1 or the Rumble and that opens up a few questions. I’m curious to see where this is going so let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Sami Zayn becoming #1 contender last week but Brock Lesnar’s return was announced for the show immediately thereafter.

Here is Brock Lesnar to get things going. Lesnar says he is here for the Universal Title but cue Sami Zayn to interrupt. Sami talks about how he’s a fan of Lesnar and is cut off almost immediately. Lesnar: “I’m sorry, you’re a fan?” Lesnar talks about living in Saskatchewan, where he hunts, kills and eats things. Now why hasn’t he ripped Sami’s head off yet? Sami explains the battle royal win….and Lesnar starts laughing.

Sami says it might be funny and Lesnar wants to see the title match tonight. Lesnar: “Sami right? Tonight! Sami Zayn vs. Roman Reigns!” Sami says he didn’t want to do it in Texas and he has a bad hip but Brock doesn’t want to hear this. Brock backs the babbling Sami up against the ropes and twists his arm until Sami agrees to the match. Lesnar will be there too! Crazy scary Lesnar who isn’t worried about anyone is great.

Post break, Sami is with Sonya Deville and tries to talk his way out of the Roman Reigns match. Brock comes up and Sami changes his tune, with Sonya making the match. Lesnar even gets to face the winner at Day 1!

Video on Shayna Baszler, including the stomp to mess up Nia Jax’s arm. After the video, McAfee refers to this as the Future Endeavors Kick.

Sasha Banks vs. Shayna Baszler

Baszler is sent outside to start, where she counters a baseball slide into an ankle lock. Banks breaks that up and hits the Meteora off the apron for two as we take a break. Back with Baszler hitting a running knee in the corner, setting up a gutwrench suplex for two. Banks fights up and hits a springboard tornado DDT for two of her own. Baszler pulls her down into the Kirifuda Clutch but Banks flips out and grabs the Bank Statement. That’s broken up as well so Baszler hits a running knee, only to get caught in a hurricanrana for the pin at 8:49.

Rating: C. You knew it was happening as soon as the Baszler video aired. I’m not sure what the point of this one was other than getting Sasha a win, though there is no reason to get annoyed at WWE for having Baszler lose again. Baszler has long since reached the point of “it’s not going to happen” so this is about all you could have expected.

Adam Pearce calls Sonya Deville and says he isn’t going to show up because it would be better if he just remembers the Alamo. Deville: “Oh come on.” Drew McIntyre comes in and doesn’t like that it was Adam Pearce’s decision for him to not be in the battle royal last week.

It’s time for Happy Talk, with Happy Corbin in shorts to show off his rather tattooed legs. Corbin and Madcap Moss talk about last week’s battle royal, including Moss eliminating a bunch of people until Corbin tossed him out as well. Jeff Hardy did some stupid things and Drew McIntyre didn’t even get in the match. Cue McIntyre, with Angela the sword, allowing Hardy to jump Corbin from behind. Hardy and McIntyre steal their hats.

Xia Li debuts next week so we get another comic book video. This one talks about her walking through a quiet street until she has to beat up some muggers.

Viking Raiders vs. Los Lotharios

Erik plants Angel in a hurry and them knocks Humberto off the apron. Ivar gets knocked off the apron though and it’s a Muta Lock to Erick….and we pause for a good while until Rick Boogs can show up on the announcers’ table. This time though, Humberto is fine enough to roll Erik up for the pin at 1:41 anyway. Ok points for a surprise twist.

Post match the Vikings are mad at Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura but the power of rock calms things down.

We look at Toni Storm getting pied into fear by Charlotte last week.

Storm says she wants a title shot and doesn’t care how much Charlotte embarrasses her. All she wants is the title.

Jey Uso vs. King Woods

Before the match, the Usos call out Sami Zayn and Brock Lesnar for wanting to face Roman Reigns at Day 1. Woods cuts them off and brings out the returning Kofi Kingston to have his back. Jey hammers him in the corner to start but misses a running hip attack. Back up and Woods kicks him in the face but Jimmy interferes for the DQ at 2:02.

Post match Kofi helps Woods clear the ring.

Roman Reigns isn’t happy with everything happening tonight without his knowledge. Paul Heyman insists he didn’t know any of this would be happening, but Reigns promises to smash Sami Zayn and Brock Lesnar.

The New Day, with Aliyah for a bit for her latest random cameo, is ready to win the Tag Team Titles from the Usos at Day 1.

Here is Charlotte to respond to Toni Storm’s challenges. The point is that #1 doesn’t acknowledge #2, but she’ll get to the point: no. Charlotte leaves and Storm is waiting on her with a pie.

Video on Ricochet.

Sheamus vs. Cesaro

Sheamus sends him straight to the apron for the ten forearms to the chest and an early near fall. The double fish hook stretches Cesaro’s face but he fights up and knocks Sheamus over the barricade. Back in and Sheamus drives some knees to the head while shouting about how much better Ridge Holland is than Cesaro. That starts a comeback….and it’s cut off by the Brogue Kick to give Sheamus the pin at 3:47.

Rating: C. Can they please just release Cesaro already? They aren’t going to push him, they aren’t going to give him anything to do and they don’t see much in him. If they’re that sure he isn’t a star, why keep him on the payroll? I know the answer to most of these questions is AEW, but egads it’s frustrating to watch something like this after his token pay per view main event earlier this year.

Naomi challenges Sonya Deville again and Sonya accepts. The catch is Naomi can’t touch her until they’re in the ring, so Sonya hits her in the face and doesn’t give her a date for the match.

Universal Title: Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn

Sami is challenging but first he needs to rant about no one having his back for years. Cue Brock Lesnar so Sami keeps talking about how he’s going to win the title. Brock snaps off the German suplexes into the F5 and Sami is left laying. Another F5 makes it even worse and Lesnar puts Sami in the corner, despite him being out on his feet. Lesnar leaves and post break, Reigns comes out for the match. The Usos are here with Reigns and pull Sami back up so the bell can ring. Spear and guillotine retain the title at 16 seconds to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. I wasn’t exactly feeling this one as it was much more about setting things up for Day 1 rather than anything of note here. It wasn’t terrible or even that bad, but it’s a show where you would have been better off reading a recap than watching the show. At least they accomplished something, but don’t waste your time with anything on this show, save for maybe Lesnar having fun getting a fat check.

Results
Sasha Banks b. Shayna Baszler – Hurricanrana
Los Lotharios b. Viking Raiders – Rollup to Erik
King Woods b. Jey Uso via DQ when Jimmy Uso interfered
Sheamus b. Cesaro – Brogue Kick
Roman Reigns b. Sami Zayn – Guillotine

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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205 Live
Date: November 26, 2021
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Nigel McGuinness, Vic Joseph

NXT is on its way to WarGames and that means we are on our way to a non-cruiserweight challenging for the Cruiserweight Title. I’m not sure why that should be a surprise, as Roderick Strong hasn’t defended the title in about two months, so the future isn’t exactly bright. At the same time, that has very little to do with this show so let’s get to it.

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

Valentina Feroz vs. Elektra Lopez

Legado del Fantasma is here with Lopez. Feroz tries to take her down to start and is blocked with straight power. A hard slap to the face sets up a slam spun into a Rock Bottom (which isn’t innovative Vic) and we hit the nerve hold. That’s broken up and Feroz kicks away at the leg, setting up a running hurricanrana. Lopez isn’t having that though and muscles her up into a sitout powerbomb for the pin at 3:50.

Rating: C-. It was little more than a squash, but this is the kind of a match that Lopez needs. There is no pressure on either of them and a grand total of almost no one, certainly no one that high up, is going to see it. Let her get in the ring and get some experience, which is what she needs more than anything else.

Erica Yan vs. Amari Miller

They fight over hammerlock control to start and that doesn’t get either of them anywhere. A hiptoss into an armdrag works a bit better for Yan and a cartwheel lets her pose at Miller a bit. Miller takes her down into a cradle for two and we hit the cobra clutch. That’s broken up and Yan grabs a suplex for two, meaning frustration is setting in. Miller is done with this and hits a knee, setting up a faceplant onto the knee for the pin at 4:35.

Rating: C-. Miller is still clearly a big prospect for the company but she also feels like someone who isn’t exactly comfortable in the ring. It feels like she is trying to figure out what to do next, which is something all young wrestlers go through. Much like Lopez, giving her time in the ring is the best thing for her at the moment and that’s what she was getting here.

We look back at Joe Gacy calling out the Cruiserweight Title for weight shaming. The match is set for WarGames.

Solo Sikoa vs. Andre Chase

Chase calls this a teachable moment because he is going to show that you win fights with your mind instead of your fists. Sikoa is fired up but Chase grabs an armbar to slow him down for at least a good six seconds. They fight over a wristlock until Sikoa hits him in the face to take over. A belly to belly sends Chase outside and it’s time for Sikoa to shout some more.

The Samoan drop is countered though and Chase hits a swinging neckbreaker. Chase slams him down and stomps away, while shouting GIVE ME AN INSERT LETTER HERE to spell out CHASE U. We hit the long form chinlock on Sikoa but he’s right back up with a legsweep into a backsplash. A spinwheel kick gets two on Chase but he sends Sikoa throat first into the ropes. That and a tornado DDT are enough for two on Sikoa, who plants Chase with a Samoan drop instead. The Superfly Splash finishes Chase at 8:29.

Rating: C. You could tell that Chase was carrying a good bit of this as Sikoa is another person lacking the experience. The Chase U stuff is a very minor league gimmick but it’s doing its job and seems to have found at least a bit of an audience. Keep stuff like that going and Chase should be able to stick around here for a pretty good while. Sikoa should be a star in the future, and, for the third match in a row, he is someone who needs the kind of ring time he can get around here.

Overall Rating: C. This was what 205 Live should be: a training show where the wrestlers can go out and have short matches to get them in the ring a bit. They can work up to some bigger things later on, but for now this is where they should be. It’s more or less the same concept of the old Florida house show circuit, which is something that could do them a lot of good but probably got cut due to budget issues.

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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Make sure you check out some new reviews:

Monday Night Raw – July 2, 2007

NXT UK – December 2, 2021

Impact Wrestling – November 25, 2021 (Wrestle House 2)

WWE Hall Of Famer Stepping Away From Broadcasting Role.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-hall-famer-stepping-away-broadcasting-role/

AEW Dominates This Year’s PWI Tag Team 50 List.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/aew-dominates-years-pwi-tag-team-50-list/

WWE Considering Dropping One Of Its Titles.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-considering-dropping-one-titles/

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https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wrestling-rumors-spoiler-upcoming-monday-night-raw-title-match/

Try Again Later: WWE Postpones International Tour.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/try-later-wwe-postpones-international-tour/

How WWE May Be Changed By The Golden Girls (Seriously).

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-may-changed-golden-girls-seriously/

WWE Legend Announces He Needs Back Surgery.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-producer-announces-needs-back-surgery/

WATCH: Funny Fall Takes Place During AEW Dynamite Main Event.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-funny-fall-takes-place-aew-dynamite-main-event/

As always, please check out all of the videos if you can, hit up the comments section and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page.

Impact Wrestling
Date: November 25, 2021
Commentators: James Mitchell, Dr. Ross, Sinn Bodhi

So it’s Thanksgiving and that means things are going to be a little different around here. Since Impact Wrestling is smart enough to realize that a TV show on Thanksgiving isn’t going to draw so well, this is going to be a special look at the second season of Wrestle House. In other words, it’s the wrestling version of a reality show, whose first season was a mixture of a lot of fun and near torture at times. Let’s get to it.

A rhyming narrator (sounds like James Mitchell) welcomes us to Wrestle House and we recap the first season, featuring a bunch of people who have not been around much lately. This ultimately led to Rosemary nearly marrying John E. Bravo, Tommy Dreamer, then a shooting at the wedding, an investigation, more Tommy Dreamer, the rise of Swinger’s Palace, the closing of Swinger’s Palace and then Bravo sending everyone here so Swinger can be happy. I think we can say this is the most intricate story in Impact in a long time, and points to whoever is putting it together because they are clearly having a blast.

The cast figures out they are on a reality show and Johnny Swinger goes on a rant about how bad this place in. Last time it was like Brutus Beefcake stabbing Cesar Romero on a Coliseum Video. Swinger tries to escape but sees his greatest fear: the ghosts of rizats past! Then he marches away like a Bushwhacker.

Everyone else wants to leave, but Rosemary says they have to stay until Swinger is happy. It doesn’t sit well that they are all here because of JOHNNY SWINGER. Does anyone here even like him? Then Chris Sabin comes out in a towel, much to Swingerella #1’s delight. People head off to find their rooms and Rosemary has an apple.

Back from a break and the cast, minus Swinger, tries to figure out how to make Swinger happy. Kaleb With A K makes reality show references no one else gets and here is Sabin again, complete with a lot of steam and in slow motion. Kaleb With A K calls him out on the slow motion/steam/towel/abs so a fight is teased, but John E. Bravo is told he can’t say MATCH TIME. They need a new catchphrase and Sabin’s “I Love This Match” will seem to do.

Chris Sabin vs. Kaleb With A K

Suddenly they’re in gear and Sabin dizzifies him with a bunch of armdrags. Kaleb With A K flips him over into the Rings of Saturn but it’s the Cradle Shock (in slow motion because reasons) to give Sabin the pin at 2:01.

Back in the house, Swinger is doing Tae Bo.

Now it’s time to cook but Madison Rayne freaks out because no one else is trying to escape. Decay says they have to leave for their Knockouts Tag Team Title match at Turning Point. Rayne doesn’t like this but Sabin, who walks down the steps in slow motion, though at least now wearing pants, has a match too.

We go to the living room, where Alisha Edwards and Rayne have a plan on how to get out of here. They have a tape, from the original Throwback Throwdown event (imagine if Southpaw Regional Wrestling had a full show). We see some clips of Julian Cummerbund vs. Downtown Daddy Brown (Ethan Page vs. Willie Mack) as the women try to explain what the heck this is. Swinger loves this stuff, so maybe seeing his old friends will make him happy.

A blindfolded Swinger is brought into the living room, along with a blindfolded Brown…and they’re ready to tear each other apart. Swinger tried to hook up with his daughter and that means it’s time for Brown to come out of retirement. Alisha: “A Downtown Daddy Brown match in 2021???” Swinger: “We can’t wait until 2021! Let’s do it right now!” Sabin comes in for the catchphrase and we’re on.

Johnny Swinger vs. Downtown Daddy Brown

The match is in the morning, as Brown’s gout was acting up. Brown punches his way off of the ropes and Swinger is caught in the ropes like a see saw, as powered by Brown’s right hands. Swinger gets in a shot to the eye but Brown punches him out of the air (Bodhi: “BREADBASKET!”). The referee (Bravo) gets bumped so Swinger grabs Brown’s cane for a shot to the throat and a near fall. Brown is right back up with a jumping elbow for the pin at 3:43.

Rating: C. I have no idea how to rate most of these and I think that is going to be a running theme. It’s not meant to be a competitive match and one guy is probably supposed to be in his mid 60s, so they were limited in what they were able to do. In other words, it’s perfect for Swinger and this was worth at least a chuckle for his antics alone.

Swingerella #1 checks on Swinger and Brown is transported to…..Perkins. I could go for some Perfect.

Swinger tells the cast that he’ll never cheer up and everyone is stuck here with him.

The non-Swinger cast is annoyed and Madison Rayne blames Rosemary for not blinking them out of here. Kaleb With A K busts out a roll of tape and it’s everyone who wants to stay vs. everyone who wants to go, with each team getting a side. A big tag match is set, but Alisha wants Eddie Edwards on her team. They snap him in, though he comes in from another room for the sake of an entrance. That means the cast sings his entrance song, which is quite the cute moment.

Rosemary/Havok/Crazzy Steve/Black Taurus/Chris Sabin vs. Madison Rayne/Kaleb With A K/Hernandez/Alisha Edwards/Eddie Edwards

The former team wants to help Swinger and the latter wants out, with the winners getting their way (I think?). Alisha yells at Rosemary to start, earning herself a trip to the mat and some shots to the face. Havok comes in for a double right hand so it’s off to Madison, who gets screamed at.

Madison tries an Irish whip and is quickly flattened so it’s off to Steve, who slugs it out with Eddie. Steve grabs a suplex so it’s off to Kaleb With A K, who is run over by Taurus. Alisha comes back in and jumps the also legal Rosemary, but neither can hit a suplex. Eventually all ten are trying for the same suplex but it turns into five brawls. Rosemary finally spears Alisha down for the pin at 4:09.

Rating: C-. This is what you’re going to be getting on this show and that isn’t the biggest surprise. At the end of the day, the show isn’t meant to be taken seriously (understatement) and the wrestling is certainly a part of that. It was nice to have some stakes, assuming that’s what was happening here. Commentary says all of ten words during a match so it’s not like they’re much help, so the details can be a little hazy.

Back in the house and Madison Rayne isn’t happy. Eddie Edwards gets a quick explanation of what is going on as Rosemary asks if Swingerella #1 has feelings for Johnny Swinger. Rosemary approves but they’re going to have to speak to someone.

Post break, Rosemary and Swingerella #1 go to see….someone we don’t see.

Everyone is around the pool table when Swinger comes in. After some coaxing, Swingerella #1 introduces her boyfriend: Lawrence D. (the serious Larry D., from the first season). Swinger isn’t impressed and leaves, as we find out that this is Lawrence’s house.

Opening sequence, complete with cast name cards.

The non-Swinger house has a new plan.

The plan seems to involve Locker Room Talk, with Madison Rayne bringing Swinger in as her co-host. Swinger is still sad though, as it’s hard being Johnny Parisi (his real name). He’s worried about a letter from McDevitt! Madison brings in the guest: Gene Simmons of KISS. Actually it’s the Demon, but Swinger doesn’t seem to know the difference. Swinger thinks the Demon is impersonating Simmons…who is clearly right here, because Swinger isn’t that bright. The Demon thinks Swinger needs to find true love and settle down, which gives Swinger something to think about.

Kaleb With A K wants people to use the confessional room.

Alisha and Eddie Edwards use the confessional room for married activities.

Johnny Swinger pops in to say that Eugene Simmons has told him to find love. Maybe it’s time for the Swingerella #1 to become his #1. Lawrence isn’t happy so Rosemary hits on him but Swinger is ready to fight anyway.

Johnny Swinger vs. Lawrence D.

They trade kicks to the ribs to start before Swinger goes to the eyes. Lawrence runs him over and hits a backbreaker but dives into a raised boot. Swinger takes the strap down and hammers away but Lawrence hits the Best Hand In The Business for….two, as referee Bravo accuses Lawrence of using his cologne to cheat. The distraction lets Swinger throw powder in Lawrence’s face and hit the swinging neckbreaker for the pin at 3:35.

Rating: C. The Lawrence D. stuff wasn’t funny the first time around but at least it’s some continuity for the continuation of Wrestle House. Swinger almost had to win a match on this thing and it even came with cheating. That’s about all you could expect here and it was so short that it wasn’t worth getting annoyed over in the first place.

Post match Swinger grabs the fanny pack and pulls out….a bunch of stuff, capped off by a ring. Swingerella #1 says yes and the kiss ensues. Rosemary comes in to say no one is going anywhere until we get to the altar.

Back in the house, Alisha yells at Eddie and tells him to take this seriously. Swinger, in leopard print, comes in to ask Hernandez to be his best man. He says sure, but thinks there is something fishy going on. Alisha is taking charge of the wardrobe plans.

Swingerella #1 and Swingerella #2 discuss dresses.

Hernandez overhears Rosemary and John E. Bravo discussing trading Bravo’s soul for an escape. That’s not cool with Hernandez, who gets caught in a match as a result.

Hernandez vs. Black Taurus

The not so reluctant Bravo is the referee and Taurus jumps Hernandez from behind to start fast. A low blow rocks Taurus though and Hernandez comes back with shoulders and clotheslines. The Border Toss is escaped though and a Rosemary distraction lets Taurus grab a rollup for the pin at 2:29.

Post match Rosemary touches Hernandez’s head and makes him think of LAX, which seems to erase his memory.

Back in the house, Hernandez has no idea what any of this is and only remembers Swinger as the ECW guy.

Eddie Edwards overhears Rosemary and Bravo talking about exchanging his virgin blood for an escape. Decay scares Eddie off though.

Kaleb With A K seems to dump Swingerella #2 for Madison Rayne. Sabin comes in and says he’s married but would love to go with Swingerella #2 as friends.

It’s wedding time and yes James Mitchell is ministering. We go straight to the vows and Swinger brags about all of the women he has had over the years. Swingerella #1 reveals that her name is Brunhilde, so Swinger says we’ll stick with Swingerella instead. Eddie tries to break it up but can’t talk (presumably due to magic) so Hernandez translates and reveals the plan. Rosemary: “Oops, we did it again.” A bunch of people: “FREE BRITNEY!”

Rosemary says Bravo is ready to satisfy that virgin blood….but Bravo reveals that he isn’t a virgin anymore! Swingerella #1 reveals that she was the one who changed Bravo’s status, but Swinger is thrilled because you never marry a rizat. Bravo offers to marry her instead (Sabin: “I love this match too.”) and the vows are exchanged.

Everyone sits down for Thanksgiving dinner and Swinger is happy for being free from rizats past.

It starts snowing and Sweet Daddy Brown comes in as Santa Claus, saying it’s time for Christmas.

The narrator suggests there is more coming later to wrap it up.

Overall Rating: C+. What am I supposed to say about this? It’s a one off special, which was quite the surprise as I was expecting one big episode to start the new batch of stuff on the regular Impacts. For a one off wrestling related special, I had a good bit of fun with it, but it’s complete turn off your brain stuff. It’s self contained and I had a good time so we’ll call it a totally goofy pass. Whoever put this together is clearly having a great time with it and it’s the kind of silly wrestling fun that either doesn’t exist in WWE or has way too much history and in-jokes in AEW. Nice job, though a lot of people aren’t going to be thrilled.

Results
Chris Sabin b. Kaleb With A K – Cradle Shock
Downtown Daddy Brown b. Johnny Swinger
Rosemary/Havok/Crazzy Steve/Black Taurus/Chris Sabin b. Madison Rayne/Kaleb With A K/Hernandez/Alisha Edwards/Eddie Edwards – Spear to Alisha
Johnny Swinger b. Lawrence D. – Swinging neckbreaker
Black Taurus b. Hernandez – Rollup

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

NXT UK
Date: December 2, 2021
Location: BT Sports Studios, London, England
Commentators: Andy Shepherd, Nigel McGuinness

It’s time for a big show with the United Kingdom Title on the line as Ilja Dragunov defends against Rampage Brown. Dragunov works well against big powerful bruisers so we should be in for a good one here. Other than that, we have…well probably a bunch of UK wrestlers in a variety of matches. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a video on Brown vs. Dragunov.

Opening sequence.

Women’s Title: Meiko Satomura vs. Xia Brookside

Brookside is challenging after whining her way into a title match (daddy threats were made). Satomura takes her down by the arm to start and a slightly shaken Brookside gets up for a test of strength. A wristlock is broken up with some well timed flipping and spinning so Satomura takes her down by the leg for some cranking. Brookside grabs a headlock takeover but gets reversed into a headscissors.

That’s broken up with a headstand and a bit of dancing so Brookside can hit some knees to the back. You don’t do that to Satomura, who blasts her with a kick to the chest. An armbar sends Brookside straight to the rope and she avoids a running spinwheel kick. Brookside takes her down again for two and the near fall causes a bunch of screaming. Back up and Satomura knocks her hard into the ropes, setting up the Death Valley Driver. Scorpion Rising retains Satomura’s title at 7:58.

Rating: C+. Brookside didn’t feel so much like a threat here as much as she felt like someone who Satomura had to beat into silence. It wasn’t exactly a hard match for Satomura, but it seems that there is more in this whiny daddy’s girl for Brookside. As for Satomura, it’s hard to imagine anyone but Blair Davenport taking the title from her at the moment.

Rohan Raja takes Charlie Dempsey up to the roof, where they call Teoman. Dempsey says he cares about legacy and respect, which he wasn’t seeing from Gallus. Teoman (not heard) approves so welcome to De Familia.

Meiko Satomura is with Emilia McKenzie and says she’s going back to Japan for a few weeks. Blair Davenport comes in to ask who is going to protect McKenzie while Satomura is gone. This doesn’t sit well with McKenzie and a match is set for later.

Saxon Huxley vs. Kenny Williams

Williams throws his coat at Huxley to start and gets elbowed in the face for his efforts. A running crossbody against the ropes has Williams rocked again and a forearm to the back puts him outside. They’re right back in with Huxley choking away and slamming the back of Williams’ head into the mat. Huxley misses a charge though and crashes out to the floor in a heap.

Back in and a top rope crash down onto Huxley’s back gets two so Williams switches to the knee. That earns Williams a heck of a gutwrench toss and something like a chokebreaker, leaving both of them down. A pair of clotheslines set up a gorilla press toss and another backbreaker gives Huxley two. Huxley misses the middle rope elbow though and Williams hits a DDT for his own near fall. Cue the Subculture entrance video though and the distracted Williams gets caught in a fireman’s carry spinebuster to give Huxley the pin at 8:15.

Rating: C. This was the second match between the two and the series is evened up, though I’m not sure where this is going. You could go with Huxley vs. Williams III, but it seems more likely to be about Williams vs. Subculture. Either way, it’s nice to see the rather charismatic Gradwell get a win.

Sha Samuels is running betting odds on the next #1 contender to the Heritage Cup (including names such as Eh? Kid, Tiler Bate, John Coffee, St. Johnny Saint, Doink (The Clown) and Samson Gradwell). Sam Gradwell comes in, doesn’t like that he is last at 4000=1, and offers to beat Samuels next week. He’ll even throw in a ten pound bet at those odds that he can pin Samuels. Deal.

We look at Moustache Mountain becoming the new #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles.

Pretty Deadly isn’t scared of Moustache Mountain getting a title shot next week. Why should they be worried when they have beaten Moustache Mountain already?

Moustache Mountain talks about the meaning of Moustache Mountain. It’s all about the climb, and now they are ready to reach the peak. Trent Seven makes it clear that he needs to win.

United Kingdom Title: Rampage Brown vs. Ilja Dragunov

Dragunov is defending and the much bigger Brown powers him into the corner to start. Brown misses an elbow though and Dragunov chops away until a shot to the face…just wakes him up. Some heavy forearms stagger Brown and Dragunov grabs a headlock to grind away. Brown powers up again but charges back into a headlock takeover to keep Dragunov in control. Back up and Brown finally sends him outside for a posting to take over for the first time.

It works so well that Brown does it a second time as Dragunov screams a bit. Brown slams him for two back inside and Dragunov’s back is hurt even more as he fails at a slam of his own. A waistlock is broken up so Brown knocks him silly with a headbutt. More shots keep Dragunov in trouble and an Irish whip into the ropes has him dropping down in pain.

Brown tries a powerbomb but Dragunov (very slowly, as it should be) backdrops his way to freedom. Dragunov strikes away so Brown hits him in the face, earning himself an enziguri to send Brown crumpling. He crumples so much that the referee actually calls the match at 8:49, with Dragunov retaining via stoppage.

Rating: B-. I’m never sure what to call a match like this as it was starting to cook before the injury. The referees were kind of inconclusive as Brown’s hand was in the way of the camera, but it looked like the toe of Dragunov’s boot caught Brown in the jaw/side of the head. You could see him going down hard and that’s never good to see. I would assume they had about eight to ten minutes left, as this was the shortest episode in a good while and Dragunov was just starting the comeback. Odds are he was retaining anyway, but a rematch wouldn’t shock me.

Dragunov doesn’t look happy as he celebrates the win. Brown is tended to by the trainer and has to sit down next to the ring instead of walking to the back to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This is a hard one to grade because they were having a good show that felt big and it was cut off because of an accident rather than their own idea. I can be a lot more forgiving than that and hopefully Brown is ok sooner rather than later. Other than that, this show was big on its own and set up more stuff for the future, which feels so different than what you see in WWE. It furthers my theory that Vince McMahon has forgotten this show exists and that is a great thing for fans.

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.