Smackdown – May 22, 2020: The Anchor

IMG Credit: AEW

Smackdown
Date: May 22, 2020
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re on the road to Backlash and that means the Intercontinental Title tournament is still ongoing. We have two more first round matches tonight and that means we could be in for some interesting showdowns. Other than that, we need to build towards the pay per view and see what we have coming up. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with the Memorial Day video, which is starting early this year.

Opening sequence.

We open with the Dirt Sheet, where John Morrison’s abs are now certified social media influencers. Miz can’t believe that Otis is Mr. Money in the Bank and goes on a rant about how Braun Strowman teamed together. Miz: “It just makes no sense.” Morrison: “Like Becky Lynch choosing to have a child with Seth Rollins.” Morrison can’t believe that the Universal Champion is the one that Bray Wyatt replaced with puppet animals. Miz: “Bray Wyatt had the choice between Braun Strowman and stuffed animals. HE PICKED STUFFED ANIMALS!”

We have a special feature tonight: rejected Firefly Fun House puppets, all of whom don’t think much of Strowman. One of which is Mandyquin Rose, whose power is to whisper plans into Otis’ ears. Mandyquin: “Not everything about Braun is a monster.” Morrison: “TOO FAR!”

Cue Strowman to say the show isn’t half bad. Now ask him about Bray’s puppets at Money in the Bank. Miz can’t believe that Strowman thinks Bray is done with him. Miz fought Bray Wyatt and it spiraled into the lowest point of his life (and it only took him about a week to bounce back) but Morrison was there to help him. Morrison doesn’t think much of Strowman and manages to get him a match against Miz next.

Miz vs. Braun Strowman

Non-title. Miz slugs away to start and is knocked down with a single forearm to the chest. The running shoulder puts Miz down again and the dominance is on. A low bridge puts Strowman on the floor and Morrison adds a Flying Chuck. Strowman posts himself by mistake and Miz kicks him in the head. The short DDT is blocked though and Miz is driven into the corner. There’s the big toss and the running powerslam finishes Miz at 3:45.

Rating: C-. Miz got some stuff in here but he and Morrison, even combined, shouldn’t be any real threat to Strowman at this point. It’s not a very good match but that wasn’t the point of something like this. Odds are we get Morrison vs. Strowman next week and that’s the end of it as Bray comes back for the PPV title match.

Post match, Morrison challenges Strowman to a handicap match for the title at Backlash. Strowman says it’s on.

Intercontinental Title Tournament First Round: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Styles has officially been traded to Smackdown for wrestlers to be named later. AJ’s headlock is reversed into the same thing from Nakamura, followed by a shot to Styles’ throat. That just earns Nakamura the dropkick, setting up the forearm off. Nakamura kicks him down and we take a break.

Back with AJ hitting the Pele to give us a double knockdown, with AJ up first for the fireman’s carry backbreaker. The Calf Crusher sends Nakamura to the ropes so he can snap off a Landslide for two. The sliding knee gives Nakamura two and he grabs a triangle choke. That’s broken up in an awesome counter into a one armed Styles Clash for two. AJ is sent to the apron and cuts Nakamura off with a kick to the head, setting up the Phenomenal Forearm for the pin at 13:17.

Rating: B-. These two always work well together, though AJ’s sudden face turn was a little jarring. I can go with that though as the trading wrestlers is something that would be fine for a logical storyline explanation of various moves. It’s certainly better than the Brand To Brand thing and a four guest star punch card.

We recap Charlotte stirring the pot between Bayley and Sasha Banks last week.

Bayley doesn’t want Sasha in her corner tonight so she can prove what she can do on her own. Banks doesn’t seem thrilled.

Charlotte vs. Bayley

Non-title and the announcers talk about this like it belongs at Wrestlemania. They also make it clear that this is another part of the Brand To Brand Invitational for Charlotte so that’s two in a row. Bayley tries an early rollup with feet on the ropes but the referee isn’t having it. Charlotte tries the same but only gets one without getting caught. After dropping Charlotte onto the apron, Bayley misses a baseball slide so Charlotte can drop her with a clothesline. Charlotte tosses her over the barricade and calls Sasha out here so she can beat both of them up at once.

Back from a break with Bayley fighting out of a chinlock but being knocked down in a hurry. Charlotte misses the moonsault though and seems to tweak her knee so they go outside. Bayley rams her into the apron and barricade to put her in real trouble, meaning it’s time to hammer away back inside. The chinlock goes on as we hear about Charlotte defending the title against Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley at Takeover. This is noteworthy as it was first reported by TV Guide, who always has someone on the NXT beat.

Charlotte fights up with a fall away slam and sends Bayley face first into the middle buckle. The moonsault misses again (the knee seems fine) so Charlotte hits the big boot for two instead. Bayley kicks her into the corner but the top rope elbow hits knees. That doesn’t hurt Charlotte’s knee either so it’s off to a Liontamer.

That’s reversed into a rollup for two and Bayley sends her head first into the middle buckle for a receipt. The kickout makes Bayley shout at commentary before chopping away at a kneeling Charlotte. Bayley’s Figure Four attempt is blocked with a right hand and Charlotte chops her down in the corner. They fight over a rollup and Bayley grabs the ropes and trunks for the pin at 14:58.

Rating: C+. This worked well enough but it wasn’t exactly the epic that they were going for. Part of that comes from the fact that Bayley does not feel like she’s on Charlotte’s level, despite having practically held the title for a year straight. She’s a distant third to Charlotte and Becky Lynch and a single win over Charlotte, after commentary reminded you how great Charlotte was every chance they could, isn’t some game changer.

Post break Bayley and Sasha are all good.

Otis/Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville/Dolph Ziggler

Otis slams Ziggler down to start so it’s quickly off to the women. Sonya sends Mandy into the corner and shouts a lot as Ziggler whips Otis into the steps. Back from a break with Sonya chinlocking and then kicking Mandy as Otis is up on the apron to shout a lot. Mandy fights up and makes the hot tag to Otis to clean house, including the running splash in the corner. The Caterpillar is loaded up but Ziggler gets over for the tag to Sonya. Mandy’s running knee sends Sonya into the corner and a running dropkick gets two. Sonya knees her in the face though and a running knee finishes Mandy at 9:35.

Rating: D+. Mandy really isn’t very good in the ring and it doesn’t help that Sonya is outclassing her every step of the way. Sonya has been bringing it on the microphone and completely outshined her in the ring here. Sonya just feels way more complete and polished at this point and it is becoming more and more clear every week.

Post match Ziggler hits a superkick to Otis for a bonus.

Jeff Hardy is ready for one more run and it starts with the Intercontinental Title. What better way to kick things off than by beating up a bully like Sheamus?

In Memory of Shad Gaspard. Just a graphic, an hour and a half into the show.

The Forgotten Sons say their blood is on the fans’ hands. Therefore, the fans’ blood should be on their hands.

Long recap of Miz/Morrison vs. Strowman. It was barely an hour ago and we need a long recap? The match is officially set.

Miz isn’t thrilled with Morrison making the challenge but Morrison talks about Strowman’s record in handicap matches. They even quote Sun Tzu about how to get ready, sending them into a Renee Young assisted HEY HEY HO HO dance.

We recap Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy.

Intercontinental Title Tournament First Round: Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus

Sheamus powers him into the corner to start so Hardy grabs a headlock to take things to the mat. Back up and Jeff hits a running forearm, only to get blasted with a running elbow to the face. The ten forearms to the chest are blocked and Jeff hits a dropkick through the ropes. The dive off the apron is blocked though and Sheamus drives him into the post. That’s not all though as Hardy gets bounced hard onto the announcers’ table. Sheamus shouts at Cole for spending four weeks putting Hardy over as we take a break.

Back with Sheamus dropping a knee and leaving it on Hardy’s face for a bonus. A hard clothesline lets Sheamus talk trash, only to have Jeff fight back with a dropkick. Whisper in the Wind drops Sheamus but Hardy’s delayed cover only gets one. Sheamus grabs the Irish Curse and hits it two more times for a bonus.

Hardy is so out of it that Sheamus can even dance a bit (Graves: “I GOT YOU SHAME-O!”) but Sheamus misses a charge into the post. The basement dropkick gives Hardy two and they head outside, with Hardy hitting the clothesline off the barricade. Back in and the Swanton hits knees to give Sheamus two more. The Brogue Kick misses and Hardy grabs a rollup for the pin at 14:09.

Rating: B. I don’t have anything major to complain about here as they told a good story of Hardy being physically outmatched but surviving long enough to win in the end. It’s a well told story both in the short and long term while also giving us a good match here. Sheamus doesn’t lose much by getting pinned by a legend and can complain about something that cost him the win. I liked this a good bit and it was well put together and executed.

Here are the updated brackets, with the semifinals next week:

Daniel Bryan

Jeff Hardy

AJ Styles

Elias

Overall Rating: B-. This was one of the better shows in a long time and the tournament has a lot to do with that. By having something to build the show around, it keeps things from going too nuts and you can see where a lot of the things are going. It’s not perfect as the Charlotte overkill is on full blast and Strowman vs. Miz/Morrison at the pay per view sounds horrible. I liked the show a lot more than I didn’t though and it was one of the better pandemic episodes.

Results

Braun Strowman b. The Miz – Running powerslam

AJ Styles b. Shinsuke Nakamura – Phenomenal Forearm

Bayley b. Charlotte – Rollup while grabbing the ropes

Sonya Deville/Dolph Ziggler b. Mandy Rose/Otis – Running knee to Rose

Jeff Hardy b. Sheamus – Rollup

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

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

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

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NXT UK – May 21, 2020 (NXT UK’s Most Brilliant): The Title Is Made

IMG Credit: WWE

NXT UK
Date: May 21, 2020
Host: Andy Shepard

It’s another special show with a big look at a major match. This time around it’s the triple threat match for the Women’s Title between Kay Lee Ray, Piper Niven and Toni Storm. I don’t remember that match being such a huge one but it’s nice to take a look at something else for a change. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

We open with a video on Storm, who won the Mae Young Classic, earning a shot at the NXT UK Women’s Title. Storm defeated Rhea Ripley to become the new champion, but Jinny was waiting for her.

From NXT UK, April 12, 2019 (actually April 10 in a weird error).

Women’s Title: Toni Storm vs. Jinny

Jinny is challenging. They go right at it to start with Toni getting the better of it and grabbing a half crab. The fans don’t make it any better by calling Jinny a Primark Princess, though Toni switching to an STF might be more painful (emphasis on might). After using the rope for a break, it’s off to a camel clutch to put Toni in trouble for a change. Storm reverses into a surfboard on the mat but Jinny is right back in the ropes for the break.

A Downward Spiral into the middle buckle knocks Toni silly and it’s time to start in on the back. Jinny hits a backbreaker and grabs a chinlock with a knee in the back. Now it’s a regular chinlock as Jinny is looking rather strong so far. Toni fights up with some rolling German suplexes but another shot to the back cuts her off. Jinny’s version of Storm Zero is countered with a headbutt and Jinny is rocked. She’s fine enough to try a hurricanrana, which is reversed into a powerbomb. Storm Zero retains the title at 10:34.

Rating: B-. Jinny was treated as an equal here and a real threat to the title, which is the best thing that can happen to the division at the moment. Storm and Ripley have been on top for so long that they need someone fresh in the ranks. It doesn’t have to be someone to win the title, but there needs to be someone who makes Toni sweat, which is what we had here.

Then we had Rhea Ripley and the debuting Piper Niven ready to fight for dominance.

From NXT UK, July 3, 2019.

Rhea Ripley storms to the ring and, after telling the cheering fans to shut up, calls out Piper Niven for a fight right now.

Rhea Ripley vs. Piper Niven

Rhea manages to pound her down to start but the big running crossbody out of the corner gets Niven out of trouble. A trip to the floor lets Ripley snap Niven over the top rope and the beating continues outside. Niven gets posted to give Ripley one as the fans have moved to split. We hit the bodyscissors on Niven for a good while until Piper dropkicks her into the corner. Niven does exactly the same thing but Rhea drops her across the ropes.

The standing Cloverleaf has Niven screaming a lot until a rope is grabbed. That just makes Rhea even angrier so she slaps Piper in the face. A Saito suplex plants Rhea and the fans move to a more general NXT chant. An exchange of clotheslines goes nowhere but Rhea can’t hit Riptide. Instead Piper avoids a charge to send her shoulder first into the post, setting up the Piper Driver to finish Ripley at 8:33.

Rating: C+. I liked this more than I was expecting to and Ripley got in a lot on Niven. That being said, it makes sense to have Niven win here as we’ve seen Ripley at the top of the division before and it’s a good idea to let someone else get close to that level. Niven is an athletic monster and will likely be near the title scene soon enough.

Kay Lee Ray won a title shot though by winning a battle royal. It turns out that they used to be friends but Ray didn’t think much of her. Ray won the title in an upset at Takeover: Cardiff, which was quite the twist.

We look at Niven, Ray and Storm being friends for a long time but Niven talked about differences coming up. Ray and Storm both started fighting, perhaps over needing to be the dominant one. Niven doesn’t know what happened to the three of them but all Ray and Storm wanted was the title. Storm even asked Niven to step aside from her title shot, but that wasn’t happening. They don’t even know who each other are anymore and they all want the title.

From Takeover: Blackpool II.

Women’s Title: Kay Lee Ray vs. Piper Niven vs. Toni Storm

Ray is defending and Niven jumps her during the Big Match Intros. Niven sends Ray outside for the suicide dive and then Cannonballs both of them in a row. That earns her a whip into the steps so Toni and Ray can fight, only to have Niven drop a backsplash onto both of them. Ray superkicks Niven and chokes Toni, who is right back with a release German suplex.

Storm suplexes Niven as well but gets planted by Ray, who is suplexed by Niven to put all three down at once. It’s Toni and Piper slugging it out but Ray shoves them together in what might not have been the smartest move. Ray grabs a chair and wraps it around Storm’s neck but Niven breaks up the Pillmanizing (and near death). Storm picks up the chair and Niven says hit her, only to have them both go after Ray instead.

With Ray and Storm on the floor, Niven hits a Cannonball off the apron to crush the champ. Back in and Niven breaks up the superplex by powerbombing Storm but Niven breaks it up with a top rope Swanton. Niven’s Michinoku Driver gets two on Ray, who somehow gets Niven up for the Gory Bomb and the same near fall.

Niven busts out a Canadian Destroyer on Ray (because she can) but Storm breaks up the cover and hits Storm Zero for two more on Ray with Niven making the save this time. Storm Zero doesn’t work on Niven so Toni settles for something like a Pedigree instead. A frog splash hits Niven but Ray steals the pin to retain at 13:24.

Rating: B. They didn’t really stop moving here for the most part and Ray winning that way makes sense. I’m a little surprised they pinned Niven, but it makes a little sense given that Storm is coming up on the big match with Rhea Ripley at When Worlds Collide. All three worked hard here though and it was good stuff with the logical ending.

Niven doesn’t think they can ever be friends again.

Ray is glad she crushed everyone’s dreams because she’s champion.

Overall Rating: B. This was a pretty entertaining use of an hour as you got a nearly complete story of three people who are no longer friends and it’s all because of the title. It makes the championship look a lot more important and that’s one of the best things that can be done. The women’s division still needs some work, but at least they have some good talent at the top of the heap. Solid show here, though not exactly worth going out of your way to see.

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

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

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New Column: Jinder Mahal And The Austin Theory Theory

A tale of two ideas and one of them is good.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/kbs-review-jinder-mahal-austin-theory-theory/

NXT – May 20, 2020: How To Build A House

IMG Credit: WWE

NXT
Date: May 20, 2020
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix, Tom Phillips

I’m not sure what to expect at the moment but it’s time to start getting ready for Takeover. The show is in two and a half weeks and that means we are going to need to get things going in a hurry. There isn’t much set for the show but NXT knows how to do this stuff like no one else. Let’s get to it.

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

In Memory of Shad Gaspard.

Opening sequence.

Karrion Kross vs. ???

Scarlett doesn’t do as much lip syncing this week but the entrance is still cool. Doomsday Saito and the Krossjacket choke finishes…someone (his tights say Liam) at 49 seconds.

Post match here’s Tommaso Ciampa to say Kross started by going after the top man in NXT. Ciampa knows Kross is special and Kross can prove that when they fight at Takeover. They’re starting fast with the build.

We take a quick look at the Interim Cruiserweight Title Tournament.

Interim Cruiserweight Title Tournament Group B: Akira Tozawa (2-0) vs. El Hijo de Fantasma (1-1)

The winner wins the block. Tozawa takes him to the mat with a test of strength but Fantasma is back up with a northern lights suplex for two. They trade armdrags but Tozawa misses a dropkick to give us a standoff. The chop off is on until Tozawa head fakes him into the right hand. A hurricanrana sends Fantasma outside and Tozawa hits the running flip dive off the steps.

Back from a break with Fantasma hitting a frog splash on the apron but Tozawa plants him down inside. Fantasma crotches him on top but Tozawa drops him on the same buckle to even things up. The top rope backsplash gets two with Fantasma sending him outside for the big suicide dive. Back in and the Phantom Driver finishes Tozawa at 11:30.

Rating: B-. This was a rather action packed one and it’s smart to go with someone new in Fantasma getting the win. He’s someone with a lot of potential and while Tozawa has the history, he hasn’t been getting much extra momentum on Raw with all of the losses. I like the result here though and it’s the right call.

Group B Standings

El Hijo de Fantasma – 2 – 1

Akira Tozawa – 2 – 1

Jack Gallagher – 1 – 2

Isaiah Scott – 1 – 2

We recap last week’s Tag Team Title change and Timothy Thatcher attacking Matt Riddle to end the show.

Thatcher wants one more match with Riddle where pinfalls don’t count and you can only win via knockout or tap out. Riddle can pick the time and the place.

Shotzi Blackheart, on a tank, promises to destroy the NXT Women’s division. She rolls over some cars, which sounds like Dakota Kai. Chelsea Green’s makeup got crushed and she’s sorry to Candice LeRae but she might have just squashed a pixie. This was rather over the top and one of the more memorable things I’ve seen in a long time.

Mia Yim vs. Santana Garrett

They try stereo dropkicks to start so it’s an early standoff. Santana sends her into the corner for a handspring elbow and floats over into a press for two. Yim is back with a dragon suplex and Protect Yo Neck finishes Garrett at 1:15.

Post match here are Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae with Johnny mocking Mia’s theme song. Candice mocks her for winning because she should be winning against Charlotte. See, Mia had ANOTHER chance to win and blew it, as she always does. The brawl is on but Johnny low bridges Mia to the floor. Keith Lee runs in for the save.

We recap Damien Priest attacking Finn Balor last week to unveil himself as the attacker and causing Balor to lose to Cameron Grimes in the process.

Grimes gloats a lot about his win.

Drake Maverick has to beat Kushida tonight and that’s not easy against one of the best junior heavyweights of all time. He has to pin Kushida or make him submit and since Maverick isn’t Bret Hart, he doesn’t have a lot of options. All Drake knows is he’s tired of doubting himself so tonight’s winning.

Roderick Strong vs. Dexter Lumis

During the Era’s entrance, Adam Cole promises a celebration of his one year title reign next week. Lumis wins a wrestle off to start and stares Strong to the floor in frustration. Back in and Strong still can’t outgrapple him, meaning it’s time for another breather. Strong gets back in where Lumis uppercuts and slams him into a legdrop. A bulldog brings Strong down again so it’s out to the floor for a third time.

This time Lumis follows and gets sent into the steps as a result. Strong drops him onto the apron and we take a break. Back with Strong hitting his running forearms in the corner and grabbing the seated abdominal stretch. Lumis glares his way to freedom so it’s an Olympic Slam to give Strong two.

The Stronghold is broken up so Strong elbows him in the back instead. This time it’s Lumis fighting up with shots to the head and a backdrop, followed by a slingshot suplex for two. Strong chops away and Lumis just glares at him again and grabs a spinebuster. Strong tries the Stronghold again so Lumis reverses into a cradle but Strong sits down on it for the pin at 11:28.

Rating: C+. It was good, but Lumis continues to be so gimmicky that it’s distracting. I’m not sure if I can get into him being this high on the card but it might not be something that lasts too long. They have to try something else though and it makes sense to put him out there and see what he can do. And at least he didn’t pin Strong here so it could have been much worse.

Post match, Lumis chokes Strong out. The Era comes in for the save but Velveteen Dream comes in to make the real save. A Purple Rainmaker over the barricade hits Cole, likely setting up the rematch for the title at Takeover. Lumis cradles Strong and rubs his head while blankly staring out into the distance.

During the break, Akira Tozawa and Fantasma showed respect but the masked men ran in to jump Tozawa. Fantasma made the save and ran them off.

Oney Lorcan/Danny Burch vs. Ever Rise

Burch runs over Parker to start and hands it off to Lorcan for the headlock on Martel. The running Blockbuster sets up a half crab for the tap at 1:33 while Burch Crossfaces Parker at the same time. Well that was fast.

We look back at the Garganos/Keith Lee/Mia Yim segment from earlier.

Keith Lee is sick of the Garganos and is willing to prove it at Takeover.

Matt Riddle would love to face Timothy Thatcher and let’s do it in a cage.

Interim Cruiserweight Title Tournament Group A: Kushida (2-0) vs. Drake Maverick (1-1)

If Kushida wins, he wins the block outright but if Maverick wins, it’s a three way tie between the two of them and Jake Atlas. Kushida grabs a headlock to start so Maverick reverses into a sunset flip. They stare each other down before Drake has to avoid an armbar attempt. A basement dropkick to the ribs puts Maverick in trouble and a handspring elbow makes it even worse.

Kushida snaps the arm back as Jake Atlas comes out to watch. The cartwheel into another basement dropkick gets one on Maverick and we take a break. Back with Maverick sending him into the corner and hitting a middle rope dropkick. A Code Red gets two but Kushida goes right back to the arm to put him outside. Back in and Kushida stomps on the arm but the Sakuraba Lock is broken up with a grab of the rope.

The hold goes on again and stays on a good bit longer, sending Drake into the rope again. Drake demands that the match not be stopped so Kushida gives him a running palm strike in the corner. What looked to be a tornado DDT is blocked but Kushida gets the Sakuraba Lock in the ropes. That has to be broken up due to the ropes so Maverick goes up top for a super sitout bulldog. That’s reversed into the cross armbreaker but Maverick stacks him up for the upset pin at 12:01.

Rating: C+. I understand the issues that exist with the story (playing off of employment at this point, possibly faking a release, releasing someone and then possibly keeping them around because of all of the emotion etc.) but DANG I’ve gotten hooked on the whole thing. I want to see Maverick survive and that’s the kind of story that you need.

Group A Standings

Kushida – 2 – 1

Drake Maverick – 2 – 1

Jake Atlas – 2 – 1

Tony Nese – 0 – 3

Post match it’s Byron Saxton coming out to announce a triple threat match next week for the spot in the finals.

We recap Rhea Ripley vs. Io Shirai.

The Riddle vs. Thatcher Cage Fight is next week.

Drake Maverick talks about living forever. Championships will come, but Finn Balor was a target that turned into an opportunity. Balor put this place on the map so Priest is coming for him at the place where Balor made a name for himself. At Takeover, Balor’s name will turn to ash while the name Damian Priest will live forever.

Ciampa vs. Kross is confirmed for Takeover.

Io Shirai vs. Rhea Ripley

Shirai scratches the back to start so Ripley dropkicks her down. That earns her a quick double stomp from Shirai for two and we take a break. Back with Shirai getting a sunset flip for two and slapping on a Crossface. Ripley powers out and catches her on top for a top rope superplex. That’s good for two and Shirai strikes away, only to get knocked down by a single shot.

Shirai slaps her down into another Crossface so Rhea makes it to the rope again. The 619 connects and a dropkick puts Rhea on the floor. Shirai nails the suicide dive….and here’s Charlotte, for her third appearance on three straight shows. Shirai headscissors Rhea into Charlotte and hits the running knees in the corner back inside. A DDT plants Rhea for two more, only to have Charlotte come in for the big boot to Shirai for the DQ at 10:50.

Rating: C+. Why yes it is Charlotte interfering again, likely setting up a triple threat match for the title at Takeover. I know WWE loves itself some Charlotte and having her on all three weekly shows is something that seems to be a regular move, at least for the time being. Hopefully that isn’t the case, but the title match at Takeover does sound intriguing.

Post match Charlotte spears Rhea down and poses with the title to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. I had a better time with this one than most of the recent shows as it felt like two regular hour long shows stacked on top of each other. That made things a little bit easier to watch, if nothing else due to the fact that they didn’t stay on anything for too long. You don’t need to spend that much time on any one thing and make it more like a buffet than one big meal. That has worked well for NXT for years and it’s what they were doing here. Good show, and Takeover is taking shape in a hurry.

Results

Karrion Kross b. ??? – Krossjacket Choke

El Hijo de Fantasma b. Akira Tozawa – Phantom Driver

Mia Yim b. Santana Garrett – Protect Yo Neck

Roderick Strong b. Dexter Lumis – Rollup

Oney Lorcan/Danny Burch b. Ever Rise – Half crab to Parker

Drake Maverick b. Kushida – Rollup

Io Shirai b. Rhea Ripley via DQ when Charlotte interfered

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

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

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

Dynamite – May 20, 2020: The One With The Munched Metatarsal

IMG Credit: AEW

Dynamite
Date: May 20, 2020
Location: Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, Florida
Commentators: Excalibur, Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone

It’s the go home show for Double or Nothing and that means it is time to hammer home everything that has already been set up. Hopefully that makes for a good show as you never know what you might get out of something like this. Maybe Cody can ram something at six miles an hour this time. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a look at Double or Nothing’s three big matches.

The Inner Circle arrives and has a surprise for Matt Hardy.

Here’s a preview of the show.

Jon Moxley vs. 10

Non-title and Brodie Lee, carrying the title, is here with 10. Before the match, Lee tells 10 to take a knee and talks about how he puts his pants on like anyone else and can’t walk on water. He is a man rather than a god, but he has taken possession of something important. This is the new Dark Order, and they operate at a different level. Lee sends 10 to hurt Moxley for him.

Moxley wastes no time in sending 10 flying with a suplex into the corner. That means some mocking but 10 gets in a cheap shot and hits a suplex onto the apron. Back in and 10 hits his spinebuster but Moxley pops back up with the Paradigm Shift. The Gotch style piledriver and another Paradigm Shift finish 10 at 3:36.

Rating: C. This is how things should have gone as Moxley beat him up, shrugged off the offense, and then beat up the goon. They have done some stuff to make 10 look important over the last few weeks so the win means more than beating some flunky who hasn’t accomplished anything. Perfectly booked buildup to the title match.

Post match Moxley wraps a chair around the arm and says Lee has ten seconds to get out here or the arm is being broken. Lee pops up on screen to say he’ll see Moxley Saturday and leaves. Moxley breaks the arm.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Marko Stunt

Wardlow is here with MJF. As we get going, JR pays a quick tribute to Shad Gaspard in a nice touch. Stunt gets slammed down to start and MJF grabs the bearhug. Stunt gets suplexed and we hit the chinlock, with MJF forcing Stunt’s finger into his own nose and then mouth. Wardlow gets in a cheap shot and MJF throws him down by the hair.

Stunt fights out of a superplex attempt and hits a top rope flipping hurricanrana into the corner. A dropkick and jumping knee have MJF in trouble and he gets low bridged to the floor. MJF is sent into the steps but he blocks the suicide dive with a forearm. The shoulder breaker into the Salt of the Earth (Fujiwara armbar) finishes Stunt at 4:56.

Rating: C-. At least Stunt didn’t get in too much offense and MJF got to dominate for the most part. That’s all this needed to be and the match wasn’t too long. MJF can beat Jungle Boy on Saturday and move on to something bigger, as you have to expect a World Title chase coming sooner rather than later.

Post match Wardlow holds Marko so MJF can make him kiss the ring. That means hitting him in the face, which draws out Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy for the late save.

We look back at Cody and Lance Archer’s brawl from last week.

Here’s Jake Roberts for his face to face discussion with Arn Anderson. Roberts talks about how it’s an honor to sit across the table from Anderson but the reality is Lance Archer is a monster. Archer is going to rip Cody’s face off and take the TNT Title. Anderson says he almost believed what Jake was saying because the two of them are what you call credible. He has known that Jake is evil for a long time now but the snake in the bag was just a distraction.

What matters is in the heart, but Jake challenges Anderson to a fight. Anderson says he’d love to but he won’t for the sake of decorum. At Double or Nothing, Mike Tyson will be at ringside to present the title but he’ll also have free reign. Is Jake going to throw the snake on Tyson? Jake talks about Archer being ready to take Tyson’s head off but he was hoping Brandi would be there to present the title. Jake: “I’d love to bump into her again.” Anderson talks about Jake doing DDP Yoga, which is a good thing because he wants Jake to be limber when he spinebusters him to the mat. Referees break it up in a hurry.

Video on Darby Allin, who pushes chips into a table and then climbs a ladder with fire above.

The Death Triangle threatens violence.

Orange Cassidy vs. Rey Fenix

Cassidy, with his hands in his pockets, grabs the leg to start and sends Fenix to the floor. Back in and Cassidy tries a bit more, including a rollup for two. Fenix stomps on the back of his head but a slingshot powerbomb is countered into a Code Red for two. That earns Cassidy a few kicks into a springboard legdrop for two more. We hit the chinlock with both of Cassidy’s arms pinned back as we take a break.

Back with Cassidy getting fired up with rapid fire shots to the chest and the Superman punch. The suicide dive connects, followed by a high crossbody. There’s a tornado DDT for two, with JR pointing out that Jake Roberts’ DDT actually beat people. A top rope DDT gives Cassidy two more and he catches Fenix on top with a headbutt. Fenix is right back with a right hand on top but the Black Fire Driver is countered into a small package for two. Cue Kip Sabian with a ladder and the distraction lets Fenix hit a low blow. The rolling cutter finishes Cassidy at 10:32.

Rating: B-. I was worried when the match started but it wound up being a rather entertaining back and forth match. Cassidy is at least entertaining when he puts in the effort, though it’s not like he’s done anything that others haven’t done better. Still though, pretty easily the best thing Cassidy has done so far so well done.

Post match SCU comes out to shove Sabian off the ladder. They head outside for the big dives, with Jimmy Havoc joining in. Fenix hits a crazy springboard flip dive and might hurt himself on the landing. Colt Cabana runs in for one of his own, followed by the Best Friends coming out to toss Cassidy onto the pile for the huge crash.

Hikaru Shida/Kris Stadtlander vs. Nyla Rose/Britt Baker

Rose misses a kendo stick shot to start and it’s a brawl before the bell. We finally settle down enough to officially start with Rose hammering Stadtlander in the corner. We take a break and come back with Shida firing off the running knees, including one to Baker on the apron. Everything breaks down again and Rose is double Death Valley Drivered into Baker in the corner.

Shida adds another running knee to the back of Rose’s head for two The medics are checking on Baker’s knee as Rose counters a sunset flip by landing on Shida for two. The Beast Bomb finishes Shida at 9:53 in what might have been a missed spot as Stadtlander didn’t make the save in time.

Rating: C. Not too bad here though I’m thinking the ending was either botched or switched due to Baker possibly being injured. There was no logical reason to have the #1 contender take a fall three days before the pay per view so maybe that wasn’t the plan. If it was though, I’d love to hear the logic behind it.

Post match Rose busts out a table but Shida jumps up and superplexes her through it instead.

Moxley talks about how disagreements can get a lot worse in a hurry. It started with a stolen belt and now it’s a broken arm. How bad is it going to get on Saturday?

It’s time for Shawn Spears News. In a breaking story, Dustin Rhodes has retired. That’s what Cody wanted all along right? Either way, it must be a tough pill to swallow, though a few years ago, Dustin had no problem swallowing pills. Another tough pill to swallow is Spears not having a match at Double or Nothing because wins matter around here. Therefore, he’s challenging Dustin to a match at Double or Nothing.

Double or Nothing rundown.

Matt Hardy and Sammy Guevara recap the Elite/Hardy vs. Inner Circle brawls over the last two weeks.

Matt Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara

Matt takes him outside to start and sends Sammy’s hand into various things. Sammy’s head is crushed against the post but he’s able to block the Twist of Fate. The superkick to the back of the head staggers Hardy but a springboard cutter is countered into a reverse DDT. A Razor’s Edge bomb is countered into a hurricanrana to send Hardy outside, meaning it’s a corkscrew dive to take him out again.

Back with Sammy missing a standing moonsault so Matt can send him into the buckles over and over. A running clothesline sets up the Side Effect for two and Matt sends him outside. Another Twist of Fate is countered back inside and Sammy kicks him in the face. The shooting star press misses and the Twist of Fate connects for two, with Matt not believing the kickout.

Matt takes off the boot and bites the toe (JR: “The metatarsal has been munched on!”) so Sammy gets in a jumping knee to the face. A springboard cutter gives Sammy two but another shooting star hits knees. Another Twist of Fate is enough to give Matt the pin at 13:18.

Rating: B-. It’s a nice relief that Matt just wrestled as himself instead of doing something ridiculous like he tends to do in the Broken persona. Matt can still have a good match when he has the chance, but a lot of the time the antics get to be a little too much. Sammy continues to look like a star and it’s great to see him getting this kind of a chance.

Post match Matt grabs a chair but we cut to the stadium where the Inner Circle has Kenny Omega against the goal post. Matt goes running off for the save but here are the Young Bucks to dive in for the save (Were they just going to wait there until someone came over to them?).

Matt comes in to help (showing that you can get from the arena to the stadium in maybe forty five seconds on foot, proving again that the explanation of “Cody was over by the stadium and can’t make the save” from two weeks ago was stupid) and Hangman Page sprints down the field for the real save. The Inner Circle bails and Page walks off on his own now that the fight is over.

Overall Rating: B. This one is going to depend on what you were looking for, but they did a good job in both areas. The wrestling itself tonight was fine enough, but the important thing was they made me want to see Double or Nothing. I’m looking forward to the stadium match to see what they can pull off and the rest of the card looks good enough. Just make it work as they usually do and it can be another great night.

Results

Jon Moxley b. 10 – Paradigm Shift

Maxwell Jacob Friedman b. Marko Stunt – Salt of the Earth

Rey Fenix b. Orange Cassidy – Rolling cutter

Nyla Rose/Britt Baker b. Hikaru Shida/Kris Stadtlander – Beast Bomb to Shida

Matt Hardy b. Sammy Guevara – Twist of Fate

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

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

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

Monday Night Raw – December 19, 2005 (2020 Redo): These Still Work

IMG Credit: WWE

Monday Night Raw
Date: December 19, 2005
Location: Bagram Air Force Base, Bagram, Afghanistan
Attendance: 5,000
Commentators: Jerry Lawler, Joey Styles

We pause to go overseas for Tribute to the Troops, which felt a lot more special when they actually went to the troops. None of the storyline stuff here is going to matter whatsoever and that’s not the point of the show. This is going to be a bunch of fast paced stuff and thanking the troops. There’s nothing wrong with that so the quality of the wrestling isn’t what matters this week. Let’s get to it.

The troops rush into the makeshift arena.

We get a video on the history of entertaining the troops and how special this show is.

Here’s Vince McMahon to open things up (Lawler: “He’s like our five star general.”) and he’s got a big promise: Santa Claus himself is making a special trip here, but he’s not sure what to get everyone for Christmas. Santa doesn’t know what to tell the negative media types back home who have forgotten about the soldiers here. That story is one with a happy ending because the armed forces get the job done. He has an idea of what they should do though and brings out military brat Lilian Garcia to sing the National Anthem (and certainly admires the barely existing outfit).

WWE had to stop at a base in Germany on the way here and met some troops at a medical hospital.

Carlito vs. Big Show

Carlito hides to start but manages to snap Show’s throat across the top rope. Some left hands don’t do much and it’s the chokeslam to finish Carlito in just over a minute.

Post match Show celebrates with the troops. Just assume that takes place after every match.

We look at the troops having to be worried about mines, some of which had to be destroyed with C4 (Spanish Fly, same thing).

Jonathan Coachman is in the ring and introduces Santa Claus, who isn’t fat and is in military gear instead of the red suit. He also seems to be John Bradshaw Layfield, who talks about knowing Vince since he was a little evil boy. Vince is wrong about the world forgetting about their troops, because the reality is no one cares. If this place was any better, it would suck. There was NO Dom Perignon for his reindeer and it might as well be called Rehabistan.

As a result, Santa is skipping Afghanistan next year and is canceling Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest, Arbor, St. Patrick’s Day, Bastille Day and everything else. Oh and no leave for the troops! He’s going back home to cold beer….but we’ve got another Santa, who is rather large and in the red and white. This one says he’ll be delivering presents RIGHT HERE in Afghanistan but the other one says the only ho-ho-hos around here are the Divas. The red Santa wants a No Ho-Ho-Holds Barred match to settle this once and for all.

Good Santa vs. Bad Santa

Bad Santa hammers away to start so Good Santa hits him with the sack of toys. The pillow comes out of Good Santa’s shirt (that’s a relief as even Mick isn’t that big) but since it’s a pillow, it doesn’t do much damage. A big boot drops Good Santa instead but the Clothesline From Bad Santa misses and it’s the double arm DDT. The Mandible Claw is good for the fast pin.

John Cena and Trish Stratus had a quick press conference and met some troops.

MSNBC was here too and interviewed some troops. They’re still looking for Osama Bin Laden.

Shelton Benjamin vs. Snitsky

Snitsky shoves him in the face to start and knocks him down without much effort. The turnbuckle pad is ripped off but Shelton slugs away and hits a running forearm. The top rope clothesline connects but the Stinger Splash hits the buckle. A big boot gives Snitsky the pin. Shelton can’t even win HERE?

We look at a hut that has been turned into a makeshift coffee bar.

John Cena vs. Chris Masters

Non-title. Cena grabs a headlock to start as the announcers talk about the great strides democracy has been making in Afghanistan. Masters runs him over with a shoulder but Cena is right back with a front facelock. Back up and Masters pounds him down with a front facelock of his own. The Masterlock doesn’t quite work and Masters’ middle rope fist drop misses. Cena initiates the finishing sequence and it’s the Shuffle into the AA for the pin.

Rating: C. Yeah this was fine as Cena gets to beat up a muscleheaded heel. It’s not like Masters loses anything by getting beaten by the champ here as the show exists in its own continuity. That and it’s not like anyone believed he had a real chance to win the title in the Chamber anyway. I’m not entirely sure why it was non-title but it doesn’t really matter.

More clips of wrestlers meeting the troops.

Coach brings out Ric Flair, who is rather well received. Coach calls this Flair’s farewell tour because HHH beat him down at Survivor Series. Even Coach could beat him right now so let’s do it for the Intercontinental Title.

Intercontinental Title: Jonathan Coachman vs. Ric Flair

Flair is defending and takes Coach into the corner without much effort to start. A back elbow staggers Flair and Coach gets to take off the shirt (King: “Oh no, he’s exposing his body!”). Flair comes back with the chops and a low blow, followed by the Figure Four to retain in a hurry.

More clips of the troops, including an explanation from future United States Senator Martha McSally, and the wrestlers talking about how awesome this is.

Candice Michelle to keep Maria from going into an area that hasn’t been cleared for mines.

Candice Michelle/Maria vs. Trish Stratus/Ashley Massaro

The women are attired as you would expect them to be. Ashley and Maria start things off with Maria celebrating an early takedown. Candice comes in and wants Trish but it’s already time for the stalling on the floor. Actually make that body surfing and then the Go Daddy dance. Trish shoves her to the floor and lays on the ropes before accidentally headscissoring the referee. Maria is too busy posing on the apron to take the tag so Trish headscissors Candice this time. Ashley comes back in for a double elbow but Candice rolls her up and grabs….whatever you call what Ashley is wearing for the pin.

Rating: D+. There might have been something other than the wrestling here and that’s fine given the situation. The women were there for one purpose here and it worked well enough. The soldiers liked it and that’s all they were going for here. Again though, kind of weird to have the heels win but it doesn’t exactly matter.

Dark – May 19, 2020: They Do This To Themselves

IMG Credit: AEW

Dark
Date: May 19, 2020
Location: Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, Florida
Commentators: Excalibur, Taz

For reasons I don’t think I want to understand, this week’s show is even longer than last week’s, clocking in at an hour and twenty seven minutes. Factoring out commercials, that is as long as a regular two hour wrestling show, comprised almost entirely of squash matches. Why this is seen as a good idea is beyond me, but that has never stopped AEW before. Let’s get to it.

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

Quick preview of the show.

Hikaru Shida vs. Dani Jordyn

Dani has her burn book. They trade shoulders to start with Shida’s giving her a knockdown, followed by a backbreaker to keep Dani down. A running knee to the face lets Shida point at the camera but Jordan hits a springboard DDT back inside. The Tommaso Ciampa flipping armbar has Shida in more trouble but she’s out in a hurry with a missile dropkick for two. Jordyn grabs a German suplex, which Shida no sells and hits a running knee to the back of the head for two more. The running knee (yes another one) into the Falcon Arrow finishes Jordyn at 5:08.

Rating: D+. I’m guessing Shida went to the Kenny Omega school of “knee people in the face over and over”, though at least she isn’t doing it fifteen times a match. Shida is geared up for the title shot against Nyla Rose and a title change wouldn’t surprise me. AEW has done a good job of building her up and if she winds up as champion, it could be a rather smart move. Then again Rose could keep the title too. It could go either way and that’s always welcome.

Clutch Adams vs. QT Marshall

This is Adams’ debut and Marshall has taped up ribs. Marshall starts in on the arm so Adams gets smart by going after the ribs with shoulders in the corner. A crossbody is pulled out of the air though and Marshall muscles him up for a suplex. Adams goes right back to the ribs for two of his own but he charges into a shot in the corner. A backdrop puts Adams on the ramp and some shots to the face put him down back inside. Some rams into the corner put Marshall in more trouble but he’s right back with a cutter for the pin at 4:56.

Rating: C. Marshall is a fine hand in the ring and that’s what he got to do again here. I can see why he’s around here and it’s a good place to put him. That being said, he probably shouldn’t be having this much trouble against a guy named Clutch making his debut. Then again, that’s a problem up and down this show.

Marko Stunt vs. Jason Cade

They’re going to have someone as talented as Cade lose to Stunt? They start fast with Cade being sent outside and a sunset flip giving Stunt two back inside. Stunt hits a knee to the face so Cade just hammers him down in the corner. A whip sends Stunt chest first into the corner and he’s busted open. Cade elbows him in the face and gets two off a DDT. Stunt is back up and sends Cade outside for a suicide dive. Back in and Cade goes up but Marko catches him in a Razor’s Edge out of the corner. A 450 gives Stunt the pin at 4:48.

Rating: C-. Yeah I still can’t buy Stunt as a serious guy. He’s fine enough in something like this, but I don’t want to see Cade as a threat to anyone else for a long time. Stunt just threw him off the top and then beat him clean in less than five minutes. Not off a fluke rollup or anything, but by a clean pin. I’m sure that’s not what will happen, but anyone associated with Stunt is treated a little oddly anyway.

Post match Stunt has to be checked out.

Lee Johnson/Musa vs. Jimmy Havoc/Kip Sabian

Sabian and Johnson start things off with Johnson working on the arm early on. A headscissors puts Sabian down but he’s right back up with a headlock. Havoc comes in to stomp away at the ribs and send Johnson flying with a suplex. It’s off to Musa, who shakes hands like a schnook and gets punched in the face for his efforts. Sabian comes back in to run the ropes and hit a leg lariat to keep Musa in trouble. Musa snaps off a running hurricanrana into a dropkick and it’s back to Johnson for his own dropkick.

Havoc isn’t having any of that and comes in to pull on Johnson’s face to take over again. The villains take turns beating on Musa in the corner, including Havoc’s eye poke. Sabian adds a kick to the chest and Havoc suplexes him down. Musa fights back and sends Havoc into the corner, allowing the hot tag to Johnson. That means the comeback can be on but Havoc cuts him off with the Acid Rainmaker into the fisherman’s DDT for the pin at 9:54.

Rating: D. If you wanted to see two guys beat up some jobbers for longer than it should have taken, this was a match you’ll want to see. Sabian and Havoc are fine at what they do but they haven’t been anywhere above the midcard in AEW so far. Johnson and Musa have done well so far, though when you know they’re not going to win, the interest goes away in a hurry.

Shawn Dean vs. Rey Fenix

Fenix gets pyro. Dean gets caught in an armbar to start but slips out into a headlock. That doesn’t last long as Fenix kicks him in the face and throws on a cross armbreaker. With that broken up in a hurry, Fenix goes with the loud chop against the ropes so Dean knees him in the face. Fenix gets sent outside and Dean hits a big flip dive, even going feet first into the barricade. Back in and Fenix hits his rolling dropkick into a quickly broken chinlock. Fenix tries a slingshot but gets caught in a tiger bomb for two. You don’t do that to Fenix, who is right back with the springboard kick in the corner into the Black Fire Driver for the pin at 5:34.

Rating: C+. As usual, Fenix has one of the more entertaining matches of the night, mainly due to pure athleticism. I’ve been a big Fenix fan since the first time I’ve seen him and I can go for him either in singles or tag matches. Dean is one of the better jobbers, but it’s still more of the same problem on the entire show.

Jon Cruz vs. Luther

Luther hammers away to start and adds the chops, only to yell at his hands to give Cruz a breather. Cruz gets sent face first into the corner and more shouting ensues. See he’s a bit insane. Luther rips at Cruz’s face and sends him outside for a whip into the barricade. Back in and Luther slowly pounds away, with the screaming included. Cruz gets a boot up in the corner but Luther knocks him right back down. A reverse suplex into a camel clutch with Luther ripping at the face makes Cruz tap at 4:43.

Rating: D+. Well that Luther sure is wacky. This was the first match that felt like a squash after a bunch of far too competitive ones. That being said, Luther is as much of a niche/gimmick wrestler as you can have and it’s another match where I’m glad he comes and goes in a hurry.

Ryan Rembrandt/Mike Reed vs. Private Party

Quen throws Rembrandt down to start and Rembrandt is rather irritated. A dropkick drops Rembrandt again and it’s Kassidy coming in as everything breaks down in a hurry. Rembrandt gets caught with a dropkick and chop against the ropes but he’s back with a belly to belly.

Kassidy has to fight out of a hammerlock and rolls over for the tag to Quen so the pace can pick up. Quen uses Reed as a launchpad to kick Rembrandt, followed by the big flip dive to the floor. An assisted Sliced Bread gets two on Rembrandt and there’s the Silly String to Reed. He’s not legal though so it’s a springboard X Factor to take Rembrandt down instead. Kassidy’s Swanton connects for the pin at 6:30.

Rating: C. Private Party is still great as the two guys who go out there and do their cool spots, but there isn’t much to them beyond that. They have some incredible athleticism but so can a lot of teams around here. It never seems like they have a reason or a plan in the match as it’s more just spot after spot. In other words, they’re AEW junk food.

Alan Angels vs. Sammy Guevara

The announcers put over Angels as someone who can hang with the stars but can’t get over the hump. How is that not the case for most of the people on this show? Angels calls Sammy a punk to start so Sammy headlocks him (as you deal with most insulting people). The wristlock doesn’t last long as Angels rolls away, only to get taken down in a hurry. Sammy stops to dance so Angels is back with some hard chops.

Angels rolls over his back into a quickly broken crossface and then mocks Sammy’s pose. A springboard is broken up with Sammy’s jumping knee and it’s time to choke on the ropes. Sammy demands that commentary praise him and then does the fireman’s carry squats. Those take too long and he gets rolled up for two so Sammy stomps on his hand.

The delayed vertical suplex plants Angels again but he’s able to block the big slap. They chop it out and then trade spinning kicks to the head for a double knockdown. Angels is up first and strikes away but Sammy knees him in the face. The GTH (Go To Hospital/Burning GTS) is good for the pin on Angels at 7:49.

Rating: C+. Angels continues to be entertaining and it’s easy to see why Sammy is seen as such a big deal. The match was another entertaining one and I could see Angels becoming something if he is given a few wins. There’s a natural talent to him and he could either hang in there on Dynamite or be a star in a mid-sized promotion.

Serpentico vs. Darby Allin

From what I can find, Serpentico is Jon Cruz under a mask. Believe it or not, Allin starts with a headlock so Serpentico crawls over to the ropes. Serpentico is back with an armbar but Allin is right back up with the springboard armdrag. That just earns him a running knee to the floor and Serpentico hammers away back inside. A springboard cutter gives Serpentico two but Allin is back with right hands to the face. Allin’s top rope superplex gets two and there’s a backdrop to the floor. That means the Coffin Drop to the floor takes Serpentico down again and it’s the Last Supper to give Allin the pin at 5:22.

Rating: C-. Allin continues to look good and is an established star in the company. It’s good to see him get what was almost a squash, though Serpentico didn’t exactly thrill me. He’s better than he was as Cruz but that’s not exactly saying much. At least Allin got to showcase himself, but that Coffin Drop is a rather dangerous looking move and hopefully it doesn’t backfire on him.

A quick preview of Dynamite and a reminder that Mike Tyson will be at Double Or Nothing wrap us up.

Overall Rating: D+. I know it seemed like I was complaining a lot during this and that’s because I do not understand why this show is put together this way. It’s a YouTube show that they film before and after Dynamite. Unless this is broadcast somewhere else that I’ve never heard of, there is no need to make it this long. The show is now having more content than Dynamite and I don’t get the point. Doing a show like this is fine but it should be about forty minutes or so at most, not a show that would last two hours if you took out commercials.

What do fans get out of this? A chance to see wrestlers who are often competing on Dynamite? The matches and show as a whole aren’t terrible or anything, but when you’re watching one after another with no doubt about the winners and they’re mostly mediocre at best, you get bored in a hurry, which feels a lot longer when you know you have so much time left. I don’t get the thinking here and this show has gone from a nice little supplement to a chore to watch. That’s not good, and it’s not like there is anyone making them do it this way.

Results

Hikaru Shida b. Dani Jordyn – Falcon Arrow

QT Marshall b. Clutch Adams – Cutter

Marko Stunt b. Jason Cade – 450

Kip Sabian/Jimmy Havoc b. Lee Johnson/Musa – Fisherman’s DDT to Johnson

Rey Fenix b. Shawn Dean – Black Fire Driver

Luther b. Jon Cruz – Face pulling camel clutch

Private Party b. Ryan Rembrandt/Mike Reed – Swanton to Rembrandt

Sammy Guevara b. Alan Angels – GTH

Darby Allin b. Serpentico – Last Supper

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

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

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

205 Live – May 19, 2020: What Is With This Show

IMG Credit: WWE

205 Live
Date: May 15, 2020
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Corey Graves, Byron Saxton

After those weeks of not having this as the least interesting show WWE offers, it’s back to the same formula that turned the show into a joke. This week is back to the two matches with little story to them and telling us to watch NXT if we want the cruiserweight matches that actually matter. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

Tyler Breeze vs. Tehuti Miles

Miles looks impressed with his own looks and throws a towel at Breeze to start. A spinebuster cuts Miles down so he heads to the ropes, where the referee has to pull him off. That lets Miles get in a shot to the face and he poses a bit while Breeze staggers around on the floor. Back in and the slow stomping ensues, followed by the chinlock. Breeze fights up and hits a quick Supermodel Kick for two but Miles hits a spinning Dominator for the same. Miles loads up a neckbreaker but Breeze reverses into the Unprettier for the pin at 6:00.

Rating: D+. Miles comes off as a cross between Breeze and Velveteen Dream, which isn’t quite the most interesting thing in the world. The bigger problem here is getting back to how 205 Live matches tend to feel: no emotion, no energy and nothing worth watching. You had two guys doing moves to each other and that isn’t the best way to fill in a few minutes when the moves aren’t all that great in the first place.

We look at the ten man tag from two months ago, with Jack Gallagher causing Tony Nese to be interrupted. Nese attacked him a few weeks ago and then jumped Isaiah Scott in the Cruiserweight Title tournament, allowing Gallagher to win. How that makes them hate each other is beyond me but it’s better than nothing. I think.

Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher

Feeling out process to start with Gallagher working on the arm but getting taken down into a leglock. Gallagher gets up and kicks him outside but Nese comes right back in to knock him down. The chinlock goes on, followed by a headlock to keep Gallagher in trouble. Nese switches to the bodyscissors and then a Boston crab, with Gallagher fighting up without much damage done.

They head outside with Gallagher sending him into the barricade for two back inside. The slugout it on until Nese snaps him throat first across the top. A Lionsault gets two and the Sunset Driver connects for the same. The Running Nese is countered with a headbutt and Gallagher’s sunset flip gets two. Nese can’t hit a pumphandle slam so Gallagher nails the rolling elbow for the pin at 8:38.

Rating: C+. Much better match than the first though you can feel how low level the whole thing is. This feels like the kind of a match that we have seen in some form several times now, which is the problem with so much around here. These matches run together and while this one was pretty good, it wasn’t the kind of match that I’m going to remember in about five minutes.

Post match Gallagher says this isn’t over.

Overall Rating: C-. I know I’ve harped on this but you can really feel how little this show matters. During the middle of the show, they were talking about how the tournament stuff is on the other show while pointing out that the main event was a match between people already eliminated. They go out of their way to make it clear that this show is the bottom of the barrel and I just don’t get it. If WWE cares so little about the show, why bother running the thing? This one was fine, though don’t expect to see WWE act like it matters.

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

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

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

Monday Night Raw – May 18, 2020: Tighten Up

IMG Credit: WWE

Monday Night Raw
Date: May 18, 2020
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Samoa Joe, Byron Saxton

We’re on the road to Backlash and that means we need to get ready for a midlevel pay per view. I’m not sure what to expect from the show but there is a good chance that something will be added this time around. If nothing else, we have King Corbin as a guest star and an ax throwing contest. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a Becky Lynch highlight reel. I know the timing of this might not be the best, but this feels like an In Memorium segment.

Opening sequence.

Charly Caruso is in the ring to start and brings up the idea of Randy Orton vs. Edge being the best wrestling match of all time, should it take place. Cue Orton to say that challenging Edge to a wrestling match isn’t a surprise because the second W stands for wrestling. They’ve already torn the building apart in a Last Man Standing match and on that night, Edge was the better man.

No one can do what he does in the ring in a wrestling match though, including Edge. Last week Orton saw doubt in Edge’s eyes and the grit (take a shot) and passion are gone. Cue Edge (in a GET GRIT) to say Orton is playing a game of chess so he wasn’t going to rush in. This is just about getting a paycheck for Orton because he was handed this spot.

Orton didn’t grow up dreaming of being WWE Champion or saving up money to go to the show at the end of the month like Edge did. He didn’t cry when he won the Intercontinental Title because it was a stepping stone to the top. Edge remembers beating Orton for that title in 2004 but Orton tells him to hold on. Edge isn’t stopping because Orton doesn’t love this like everyone else does and yes he accepts the challenge. That’s enough for Orton, who leaves without saying a word. I’m digging the love of the business vs. love of a check vibe here, though the “best match ever” thing isn’t working.

We look back at Seth Rollins injuring Rey Mysterio’s eye and getting in a fight with Aleister Black as a result.

Rollins, in a suit, has a revelation for Murphy.

Here are Rollins and Murphy to explain what that revelation is. Rollins talks about falling into a dark place after losing to Drew McIntyre at Money in the Bank, but without darkness, there can be no light. However, he has been pulled out of the darkness by Rey Mysterio. What happened last week has been described as an act of hatred and an act of penance.

Rollins saw it as a moment of clarity that can make him the leader Raw needs. Rey is sitting at home with his family and soon, he will come to know that what happened to him was a blessing in disguise. Soon Rey will say thank you. Cue Humberto Carrillo to say Rey is an idol to millions and Rollins is just a coward. Carrillo gets in the ring but Murphy gets between them.

Murphy vs. Humberto Carrillo

Joined in progress, despite Murphy already having a match with Aleister Black scheduled for later. Humberto gets in a kick to the head from the apron but Murphy sends him head first into the mat. Back up and Humberto hits an enziguri, followed by a springboard kick to the face to put Murphy on the floor. That means the big twisting flip dive but Carrillo glares at Rollins, allowing Murphy to knee him out of the air. Murphy’s Law finishes Carrillo at 2:50.

Post match Murphy stays on Carrillo but here’s Black to start in a hurry. Or not actually as Black tries Black Mass, sending Murphy bailing up the ramp.

King Corbin complains about not having his own private locker room. There were fingerprint smudges on his crown and he has to go from building to building to get food. What is going on here at Raw? Now, he and the referee need to talk about how tonight’s match is going to go.

An emotional Liv Morgan talks about her mom not having much in her bank account but having a lot of determination. She is her mother’s daughter and a couple of weeks ago, she had a match with twelve time champion Charlotte. No she didn’t win, but she did learn. One day, she will be Raw Women’s Champion.

Here’s Charlotte for a chat because she needs to be on every show. Charlotte talks about everything she’s been doing lately, including a champion vs. champion match this week on Smackdown against Bayley and her sidekick Sasha Banks. As for tonight though, she invites Ruby Riott out here for a challenge.

Charlotte vs. Ruby Riott

Non-title and joined in progress again with the fight heading to the floor where Riott can dodges a chop, which hits the post by mistake. Riott goes after the arm but gets sent into the post, allowing Charlotte asks if Liv is watching this. Back up and Riott manages to send Charlotte face first into the middle buckle for two. Riott hits a Downward Spiral, though Charlotte takes it almost like a DDT. A double wristlock is broken up so Ruby tires the Riott Kick, which is blocked with ease. The Figure Eight makes Riott tap at 3:40.

Rating: C. Hey Charlotte wins again while Riott loses again. It’s almost like you could have just gone with that result as soon as Riott’s music came on. The match was the usual way to let WWE praise Charlotte every chance they can, because the solution to everything is more Charlotte (and more Corbin of course).

Bobby Lashley is ready for R-Truth but MVP comes in to bring up the fact that Lashley hasn’t had a WWE Championship match in thirteen years. Lashley already has enough trophies, like that trophy wife. That earns MVP a glare, but all he wants is to unleash Lashley.

We look back at last week’s basketball game. Tonight: axe throwing.

The Street Profits are ready for the competition and run into a bunch of people in viking gear. The Viking Raiders blow a horn and say they have a gift for them: SMOKE, as produced by a fire. Dawkins says they don’t mean it literally, but Ford says you accepts a gift from a bunch of vikings with axes. Good advice really. Ivar throws a perfect axe and Ford is ready to go already. Dawkins says they’ve got this. More on this later.

Here’s Kairi Sane with a bunch of balloons around the ring to celebrate Asuka. Cue Asuka, who is very pleased by the whole thing. Sane presents her with some flowers and talks about all of Asuka’s accomplishments, making her a Grand Slam Champion. Sane busts out a flute and plays a little diddy, only to have Nia Jax interrupt.

There’s nothing to celebrate because Asuka was handed the title. Becky is on maternity leave so Asuka is just on a temp job. Nia will be champion soon because look at her. Then we can have a real party, so Asuka starts striking away. The running hip attack sends Jax outside. This would have been a little better had it not been the same as about 184 other Jax promos.

King Corbin says Drew McIntyre may be WWE Champion but he’s not a king you see. Drew beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship but he still has the ability to slip up. We see Drew watching in the back as Corbin says the next time they face off, he’ll take Drew’s title in the main event of Wrestlemania.

Here’s R-Truth, whose cousin Pretty Ricky has talked about how bad Bobby Lashley has been lately. Now he doesn’t want to be put in Nelson from the Simpsons again but he’s going to have to face Lashley tonight. His childhood hero John Cena would never give up, just like Truth will never give up on getting his baby back. So Tom Brady, he’s coming for you, even if it means a sack! After commentary explains the joke (AGAIN), we’re ready to go.

R-Truth vs. Bobby Lashley

Truth accuses Lashley of trying to Debo him and bails outside, where Pretty Ricky appears. Lashley isn’t having that and sends him ribs first into the post. Back in and Lashley slaps him a few times, sending Truth into a frenzy. Unfortunately that frenzy lasts about three seconds as it’s a clothesline into the full nelson slam. The full nelson makes Truth tap at 2:25.

Post match MVP comes out to applaud.

Lana is watching in the back and screams again. She throws some stuff to add an extra dimension.

The Kabuki Warriors are rather happy in the back as Nia Jax watches on.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Alexa Bliss/Nikki Cross vs. IIconics

The IIconics are challenging and show us a clip of their win last week. They’re looking forward to getting their titles back so Bliss and Cross can just leave. Bliss has to fight out of the corner to start and the double knees Royce’s ribs get two. It’s off to Kay for a scoop brainbuster on Cross but she misses a big boot, allowing the (rather early) hot tag to Bliss. Insult To Injury gets two on everything breaks down in a hurry. Bliss blasts Kay with the right hand and Twisted Bliss gets two as Royce makes the save. Peyton sends Bliss into the post three times in a row, which is a DQ at 2:44.

Sane is playing the flute again but Jax sends her into a case.

Post break, Kay blames Royce for the loss and slaps her before they hug and cry.

We look at Chapter Two of Undertaker’s Last Ride.

We look back at Shayna Baszler beating Natalya last week. Tonight, they’re meeting again in a submission match.

Asuka is livid and wants revenge on Nia.

Post break, Asuka jumps Nia as they’re flying through this story tonight.

Natalya vs. Shayna Baszler

Submission match. Natalya goes right after her and tries an early Sharpshooter, which is reversed into an ankle lock. That’s broken up with a boot to the face so Baszler starts bending the arm. Natalya spins out so Baszler pulls her straight down by the hair. Shayna can’t get the Sharpshooter so Natalya puts her own. The rope is reached but THANKFULLY that’s not a break, meaning Shayna has to crawl out of the ring for the break. Back in and Natalya grabs a kneebar but Shayna reverses into a Koquina Clutch for the tap at 3:48.

Rating: C-. Some of the holds looked a bit nasty but it’s still Natalya. Why does WWE think fans are interested in her other than she’s been around for a long time? The match wasn’t terrible but I’m going to need a much bigger reason to care about Natalya than….well whatever reason WWE thinks we have of caring about her. A heel turn isn’t going to work either, as Natalya can’t do emotions no matter what.

Post match the production staff sets up the KO Show but Natalya wrecks everything in a fit.

We look at the issues between Zelina Vega and company.

Vega tells her team to be on the same page out there. Andrade seems to blame Austin Theory for everything and tensions remain high.

Here’s Kevin Owens for the first time since Wrestlemania for the Kevin Owens Show, though the set is still wrecked. Owens has been out since Wrestlemania due to an injury but now he’s back at full health. Therefore, let’s bring out his guests: Zelina Vega, Andrade, Angel Garza and Austin Theory.

Owens heads to the apron so Vega can talk about how there is no distention here and there won’t be a Jerry Springer Show. Vega brags about all four of them and isn’t happy that Owens is on the apron. Owens says he’s offering them some respect but it’s also because there is another guest: Apollo Crews, who runs in to jump Andrade. The big brawl is on and we take a break.

Angel Garza/Andrade vs. Kevin Owens/Apollo Crews

Not joined in progress for once with Garza TAKING OFF HIS PANTS early on. Due to the lighter weight, Crews suplex slams Garza down and hands it off to Owens to stomp away. A backsplash crushes him as Owens tells Andrade to get in. Andrade does just that and kicks Owens down but he’s right back with a clothesline.

It’s back to Crews to pick up the pace, including a hard spinebuster to Garza. Vega offers a distraction so Theory can accidentally hit Garza, allowing Crews to hit the toss powerbomb to finish Garza at 2:49. Owens is very proud of Crews. Not that Owens would want the US Title for himself or anything, because that’s not what we’re doing at the moment.

Post match the team is in disarray and Andrade jumps Theory from behind. The fight is on with Garza helping take Theory down as Vega yells at them to stop. Theory is sent into the barricade and Vega adds a slap, saying she should have never believed in him. Another whip sends Theory into some chairs as the team seems to be down one man.

Drew McIntyre says he’s ready for all of the challenges and Monday is always a good night for a Claymore Party. He knows Bar….hold on let him get this right….King Corbin is dangerous but Drew has a special Claymore for him.

Back to the woods, where the Vikings are really, really good at axe throwing (or maybe the production staff is really good at camera cuts). Ford asks for some space so he can get his Tiger Woods on. Ivar: “TIGER??? IS THERE A TIGER IN THE WOODS???” Can we PLEASE get some continuity on their level of pop culture knowledge? Anyway, Ford throws and the axe goes sailing over a tree.

Post break, Dawkins goes to throw and accidentally breaks the barrel of ale. Ford offers some of his cup but Dawkins says this is nothing like Thor.

Aleister Black vs. Murphy

Seth Rollins is here too. Black wastes no time in striking away at Murphy and taking it to the floor for a big kick to the chest. Another kick hits post though (like when Charlotte chopped the post earlier) and Murphy takes him inside as Rollins sees Theory still down at ringside. Black fights back and loads up Black Mass but Theory comes in for the DQ at 2:34 on Rollins’ orders.

Post match the beatdown is on with Theory hugging Rollins.

And now, in the fourth segment of the night, it’s time for the actual axe throwing competition. They both get ten throws and only bulls’ eyes count. The Vikings win 10-1 with Ford hitting the only target on the last throw. Then the cops come up to complain about an axe being thrown through their police car window. It must have been someone who couldn’t throw, so Dawkins takes the axe, throws it over his shoulder, and hits a bull’s eye. See, it’s like the opposite of last week, but with axes!

Apollo Crews says he’s been waiting a long time since Money in the Bank and now he had to do something. Now, he knows what he wants: the United States Title, which he wants a shot at next week. Zelina Vega comes in and promises pain next week if Crews goes through with this. Crews is ready for his title shot.

We’re STILL not done with the axe throwing thing, as the cops yell at all four of them for being dangerous. The female cop lets them go though because Ivar is cute. Erik, not so much.

Drew McIntyre vs. King Corbin

Non-title. Hold on though as here are Bobby Lashley and MVP, with the former saying he’s coming for McIntyre’s title no matter what. The two of them watch as McIntyre and Corbin fight over a lockup to start. A shot to the leg staggers McIntyre early on but he’s fine enough to clothesline Corbin outside. Another clothesline puts Corbin over the barricade with MVP clapping from the stage.

There’s a third clothesline to put Corbin at ringside and he goes inside, only to roll back to the floor to avoid a Claymore. Corbin knocks McIntyre off the apron and into the barricade, followed by the slide underneath the corner clothesline for two. McIntyre gets sent face first into the turnbuckle and it’s a superplex to give Corbin one. Corbin talks trash and runs into an overhead belly to belly.

There’s a big boot to set up the top rope shot to the head into McIntyre’s nip up. McIntyre gets two off a spinebuster but Corbin plants him down for one more. Back up and the Futureshock looks to set up the Claymore, which is countered into Deep Six for two. Corbin tries the slide under the ropes clothesline but walks into the Claymore for the pin at 9:12.

Rating: C. Now this is a better usage of Corbin (provided you keep him on one show): let him do one match as a threat to the champ and then send him elsewhere. There is no reason to do anything higher up with him than that and if WWE can grasp that concept, they might be able to get something out of Corbin. It was fine for a warmup for McIntyre vs. Lashley and that’s all it needed to be. Now keep Corbin on his own show if you have to have him in such a big role.

McIntyre calls out Lashley but MVP points at his watch to say on their time to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. I’m not sure how to feel on this one as they had some good and bad things going. I like the keeping things moving and making you want to know where things are going next. There is no reason to have some big fifteen minute match and then expect me to want to see more of it next week. Save that stuff for the pay per view and make it feel more important.

Then though you have points where they just kept going with stuff. Nia seems primed to be the next challenger for Asuka. Ok, that’s fine. Have her interrupt, then have her attack Sane, then have Asuka swear revenge for her fallen friend, who Nia could beat in a regular match if you have the chance. That’s probably a month and they did it in about ten minutes. It’s ok to not burn through EVERYTHING in one night while also keeping things moving. Find the middle ground.

That middle ground does not include FIVE SEGMENTS on an axe throwing contest in the middle of the woods, especially a week after a basketball game. The Vikings beat the Profits in a tag match two weeks ago on Raw. In theory that sets up a title match (because WWE loves that trope) but instead, it’s setting up a rehash of MVP/Matt Hardy when neither were healthy enough to wrestle. I know they’re stretched for ideas here, but can we please just get to a match instead of the guaranteed tiebreaker competition next week?

Overall, this show wasn’t the worst by any stretch and they are indeed doing something, but a lot of what they are doing is making my head hurt. Lashley is a great choice as the Monster Of The Month/Two for McIntyre and I like Theory joining up with Rollins, who is a much better fit for him than Vega and company. Just tighten things up a bit and this show could actually work rather than being dragged over the finish line for a change.

Results

Murphy b. Humberto Carrillo – Murphy’s Law

Charlotte b. Ruby Riott – Figure Eight

Bobby Lashley b. R-Truth – Full nelson

Alexa Bliss/Nikki Cross b. IIconics via DQ when Royce sent Bliss into the post

Shayna Baszler b. Natalya – Koquina Clutch

Apollo Crews/Kevin Owens b. Angel Garza/Andrade – Toss powerbomb to Garza

Aleister Black b. Murphy when Austin Theory interfered

Drew McIntyre b. King Corbin – Claymore

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

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

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

This One Hits Home A Bit

411’s Larry Csonka has passed away.

Larry Csonka Has Passed Away

I didn’t know Larry on a personal level but I was a member of the 411 staff a bit back in the day. I would regularly read his reviews and while I didn’t always agree with him, I understood how he came to most of his conclusions. He was a machine at reviewing material and it’s sad to see that he’s not here anymore. There was no cause of death given but he’s had some health issues over the years, including losing a leg.