They changed the main event of Wrestlemania.To exactly what people thought it would be.  It’s now Winner Take All, which is the solution to everything.  There was no reason to confuse the casual fans by having Becky beat Ronda to win the Raw Women’s Title and then have Charlotte leave with the Smackdown belt.  Make it winner take all and then figure out a way to get the belts apart (or not, preferably) later.  Good move and Stephanie was done talking in about three minutes to make it even better.

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: March 21, 2019
Location: Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois
Commentators: Renee Young, Byron Saxton, Percy Watson

As tends to be the case around this year, it’s time to hurry things along as we have to build up Wrestlemania in a hurry since WWE feels the need to add things in as fast as they can. I’m not sure what to expect here, but I’d assume some short matches that don’t mean much will be included. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Rezar vs. Curt Hawkins

Zack Ryder is here to counter the force that is Drake Maverick. Hawkins charges straight at him but gets shoved down and a fall away slam makes things even worse. Back in and Rezar hammers in some crossface forearms and the chinlock goes on. A side slam gets two and we hit the neck crank. Hawkins fights up for some dropkicks as the fans are behind him here. A superkick to the ribs into a DDT gets two and another DDT sets up the top rope elbow for another near fall. Rezar is right back up and the chokeslam finishes Hawkins at 5:53.

Rating: D. I’m getting into Hawkins more every week and that’s rather impressive considering what he’s been doing for about two and a half years now. He’s trying to get this over and it takes a lot to get fans into a character that has no chance of winning. The big win is going to be a cool moment, though I’ve been saying that for over a year now.

From Raw.

Raw Women’s Title: Ronda Rousey vs. Dana Brooke

Ronda is defending and if there is any justice in the world, Dana shouldn’t lay a finger on her and then lose in about thirty seconds. Rousey knees her in the face, knees her in the ribs and the armbar finishes Brooke in 19 seconds.

Rousey won’t let go of the arm until some referees come out. Ronda beats them up too and goes over to her husband, who hits a guard for trying to hold her back. Browne pulls Ronda over the barricade.

From Smackdown.

It’s time for the KO Show with Kevin Owens talking about how tonight is all about Kofi Kingston. He’ll be watching the gauntlet match closely, but for now we need to get to the guests. That would be Becky Lynch and Charlotte with Owens talking about how Becky is willing to fight Charlotte and Ronda Rousey at the same time.

As for Charlotte, Becky has said that she was shoehorned into the match and doesn’t belong. What Owens knows is that everyone is sick of hearing them talk and want to see the two of them fight. They stand up, Owens, leaves, and the fight is on. Security and referee get beaten up as well as the fans are very pleased with Becky.

We look at Drew McIntyre attacking Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

From Raw.

Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins

The fight is on in the aisle with referees and security out to break it up. Joined in progress with Drew pulling him down into an armbar with the pressure on the face. A hard shot to the face keeps Rollins in trouble and they head outside, where Seth misses a moonsault off the steps to send us to a break. Back with Drew stomping on Seth’s back as it’s all McIntyre so far.

Rating: B. This was starting to rock at the end and as tired as I am of that ending, it did what it needed to accomplish. Lesnar gets to prove that he’s smart enough to mess with Rollins and McIntyre looks strong before going on to face Reigns. Lesnar’s distraction might not have been inspired stuff, but at least it went the right way after a pretty awesome match while it lasted.

From Raw.

Batista joins us via satellite and says he doesn’t like HHH. He’s wanted one more match with HHH but can’t get his attention. Batista has heard about how he owes his career to HHH but all HHH ever did was groom him to be the muscle. There’s more to him than just being a meathead and it was HHH who caused him to quit nine years ago. There were goals that Batista wanted to accomplish but HHH was cutting him off. Now look at what Batista has accomplished since leaving WWE.

Cole defends HHH but Batista doesn’t buy it. HHH is a cerebral assassin and now he’s gotten in Cole’s head too. The real HHH is a manipulative control freak so hopefully Vince McMahon fires him one day and ends his corporate career. Then at Wrestlemania, Batista can end his in-ring career. Interview over. That’s the explanation I’ve been waiting on and it cleared up enough to make the story work. It’s still a stretch, but at least it’s a story that can make sense.

Wrestlemania rundown.

Titus O’Neil/Lucha House Party vs. Revival/Ascension

SERIOUSLY??? This is what the Revival has been reduced to less than a month before Wrestlemania??? We take a break at the bell because no one cares about this show. Back with Kalisto in trouble in the corner but kneeing his way out of Konnor’s suplex attempt. The hot tag brings in Titus to clean house with the Clash of the Titus finishing Viktor at 6:43. Nowhere near enough shown to rate but the Revival did not need to be slumming it like this.

We get clips of Kofi Kingston’s gauntlet match.

From Smackdown.

Post match Big E. and Woods come out to celebrate and here’s Vince McMahon to interrupt. Vince congratulates Kofi, who is going to Wrestlemania….if he can beat one more person. That would be Daniel Bryan, who kicks away in the corner to start. A knee to the ribs cuts off Kofi’s comeback and Bryan ties him in the Tree of Woe for more kicks to the ribs.

Bryan gets two off a top rope belly to back superplex and we hit the LeBell Lock. Kofi gets a foot on the rope for the break The YES Kicks are countered into the SOS for two and the fans gasp on the kickout. Some running corner dropkicks connect with Kofi reversing the third into another rollup. Bryan avoids a spinning high crossbody and stomps away at the head and it’s the running knee for the pin at 1:00:06 total.

Rating: B. It was long and exactly as advertised, but if this company EVER stopped moving the goalposts, I think my head would explode. It’s the same thing as the Becky Lynch story where the evil boss just feels like being evil and changes the match. I’m sure Kofi will get the title shot, but we’re long past the point of this being surprising. It’s just the move that WWE makes and that’s not a good thing.

The match itself was however a good thing with Kofi showing that he can hang in there for a long time at a high quality, which is exactly what he’s done for years. The fans want to see him, but you can only keep doing this “HAHA EVIL BOSS” stuff before it stops mattering. Considering that it’s happening in two big matches, it’s rather taxing and downright annoying.

New Day checks on Kofi to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. Now this is more like it with Main Event as we get a nice balance between the two shows instead of everything from Raw for a change. Wrestlemania season is the part of the year that matters most and in this case we actually got a nice set of recaps. The original content was rather terrible but it’s not like that matters in the slightest. Nice show this week, which is more than I would have bet on.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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

IMG Credit: WWE

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 25, 2019
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young

We’re down to less than two weeks before Wrestlemania and the big story today (and one of the biggest in recent years) is that the Raw Women’s Title match will be headlining the show. It’s hard to fathom that something like this could actually happen, but that’s the case now and I really can’t believe I’m seeing it. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a discussion of the main event being announced, which is quite the sight to behold.

The Riott Squad comes out as the opponents for Ronda, Becky and Charlotte but here’s Becky for a rebuttal first. Becky talks about how Ronda was handed everything when she came in but no one cared until the Man came around. At Wrestlemania, the night will end with Ronda’s title over Becky’s head and Ronda’s head under Becky’s boot. Now it’s Charlotte interrupting, saying that it’s not the last six months for Becky or the last year for Ronda, but everything since Charlotte debuted.

Beat the Clock Challenge: Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Logan

This is the first of three matches with the competition being won by whomever has the fastest time. Logan bails to the floor to start and the chase is on until Sarah dives back inside. A modified Texas Cloverleaf has Rousey in trouble until she makes the rope. That means a Superman elbow to the face and the armbar to make Logan tap at 1:25.

Beat the Clock Challenge: Charlotte vs. Ruby Riott

Charlotte misses a running big boot to start and nearly gets thrown outside. Natural Selection misses as well and Ruby hits a quick Downward Spiral. The Riott Kick is countered into the Figure Eight but time expires at 1:25.

Beat the Clock Challenge: Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan

Charlotte boots Becky in the face before the clock starts and the screaming Morgan stomps in the corner. We hit the early chinlock as Rousey is looking confident on the stage. Becky rolls away and fires off the uppercuts. A kick to the ribs looks to set up the Disarm-Her but Becky gets rolled into the corner. Morgan goes for the leg but gets rolled up to give Becky the fast pin at 1:18 to win the challenge. This was a good idea as the wrestling didn’t mean anything, but Becky winning a match that plays into Ronda’s claim to fame is a smart way to go about things.

Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley/Lio Rush

If Balor wins, he gets a title shot at Wrestlemania. Rush is in street clothes though and says that he’s not medically cleared to compete thanks to Braun Strowman. Therefore, we have a replacement.

Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley/Jinder Mahal

If Balor wins, he gets an Intercontinental Title shot at Wrestlemania. The Singh Brothers offer an early distraction and Balor gets clotheslined to the floor as we take a fast break. Back with Balor making a comeback until the Singh Brothers trip him from the floor. That just means a big flip dive onto all four, followed by the Coup de Grace to pin Mahal at 4:47. Not enough shown to rate but it did exactly what it should have and needed to.

Elias is in Time Square for a performance when a guitar player comes up and sings. That’s enough for Elias, who is going to focus on headlining Wrestlemania.

Revival vs. Ricochet/Aleister Black

Non-title. It’s a brawl before the bell to start with Ricochet kicking Dawson to the floor and Wilder joining him in a hurry. The NXT chants begin (which would apply more to the Revival than Black/Ricochet) and we get the opening bell with Dawson sending Black into the corner. Black kicks his way out of a hammerlock and brings Ricochet in to pick up the pace. The Revival is sent to the floor and it’s the moonsault from Black, followed by one from Ricochet which barely makes contact.

Back from a break with Ricochet taking a double suplex but getting in a kick to the face for the tag off to Black. That means more kicks and a double standing Lionsault but Dawson takes him into the corner to regain control. It doesn’t last long though as Black Mass knocks Wilder silly, setting up the 630 for the pin at 8:38.

Rating: C. Not a bad match and it can set up something for Wrestlemania, but egads man come up with something other than having the champs lose. If WWE is so scared of having people leave, maybe not having them lose like this could entice Revival to stick around. Also, as weakened as the titles are at this point, do they belong on Wrestlemania? Against two people who haven’t been on the main roster for three months yet?

Here’s Drew McIntyre with a clip from two weeks ago when he attacked Roman Reigns. Then last week he challenged Roman to a match at Wrestlemania. Back in the arena, Drew says he hopes someone got through to Reigns because he’s already beaten Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Now he’s going to appeal to Joe the man, the husband and the father. Reigns has already been through enough because they’ve already watched their dad fight for his life. Do they want to see him go through it again at Wrestlemania when he’s going to lose this time?

This brings out Reigns to say that he accepts, but this is coming from Joe: don’t ever run your mouth about his wife and kids. The fight is on with Reigns getting the better of it until a low blow and Claymore take Roman out. Just in case you didn’t get the idea, we see a replay of the high points a few seconds after.

Post break McIntyre runs into Ambrose (Wasn’t he supposed to….leave?), who didn’t like being called a cockroach. Dean wants a Last Man Standing match tonight and it’s on.

Sasha Banks vs. Natalya

Bayley and Beth Phoenix are at ringside. Natalya doesn’t waste time in going after Sasha and it’s an early surfboard hold. That’s broken up with a rollup, though Natalya is right back with one of her own. They head outside with Natalya being sent into the barricade and we take a break. Back with Banks kicking at the ribs and slapping on the Bank Statement. That’s broken up and Natalya gets the Sharpshooter for a long crawl to the ropes. Cue Nia Jax and Tamina for the no contest at 8:48.

Rating: C-. It wasn’t bad while it lasted but then HEY! IT’S TIME FOR NIA AND TAMINA! Why these two have to be involved is beyond me but that’s never stopped WWE before and it’s not going to here. As annoying as they are, they’re going to be around and I’m sure they’ll be around after they lose, because that’s the only way WWE knows how to book them.

Post match the brawl is on with Beth hitting a Glam Slam on Tamina to send the monsters running. Beth and Natalya stare down at Bayley and Banks.

Hart Foundation Hall of Fame video. Back in the arena, Natalya is in tears and points to the sky.

Kurt Angle is happy to have his last match in Boston tonight when Baron Corbin comes in to mock him for sticking around so long. Angle: “Screw you.”

Bayley and Banks aren’t happy with the interference so they’ll take on everyone at Wrestlemania.

It’s time for A Moment Of Bliss, this time in the ring. She’s very happy about everything that has happened since she was announced as the host of Wrestlemania, but not everything has gone that well. We look at Braun Strowman’s issues with the SNL guys before Strowman is here as the guest. Bliss recaps everything that Strowman has done to various cars and asks what would happen if Strowman were to give them his hands.

That would be severe pain, which Bliss says is the first step in the healing process. Bliss brings in her seconds guests (via satellite): the SNL guys, who are soundly booed. Colin Jost apologizes for putting on a Mets hat last time and puts on a Yankees hat instead. Michael Che accuses Strowman of crossing the line and Jost makes jokes about the college admission scandal. Maybe he could teach Strowman something, like how to be an adult.

They want to make this right and all it takes is repayment for the car and an autograph from Brock Lesnar. Strowman has a better idea: Jost enters the Andre the Giant battle royal. Or maybe he can just stay backstage and let Strowman take care of this himself. Jost is eventually convinced but decides that Che is in too. Bliss makes it official and the two of them panic. I’ll definitely take this over some unfunny segment that gets extra time.

Elias is in front of Madison Square Garden, which isn’t quite the Garden in Boston, but he’ll sell it out faster than Billy Joel will. He’s having a cup of tea and someone puts a quarter in it. That seems to give Elias an idea.

Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews

Corbin gets a special intro, listing off his accomplishments and announcing him as Boston’s favorite son. Crews starts fast and dropkicks Corbin to the floor for the apron moonsault. Back in and Corbin slams him down to take over as Renee and Graves argue over whether or not they should make fun of Corbin for getting the match against Angle. Crews is right back with an enziguri and the frog splash for two. End of Days wraps up Crews at 2:46.

We recap the Beat the Clock Challenge.

Next week: Rousey/Lynch/Charlotte vs. Riott Squad.

Here’s Seth Rollins for a chat. He and Brock Lesnar are not cut from the same mold and they’re taking different paths forward. Rollins wants the burden that comes with being champion so he can inspire people. When he was a kid, he was inspired by Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Ric Flair, HHH and John Cena. Brock Lesnar doesn’t inspire people that way and that’s not what Rollins wants. Yesterday he had an autograph signing and everyone told him to beat Lesnar at Wrestlemania.

This brings out Paul Heyman and my eyes roll as this feels so old hat. Heyman thanks Rollins for making the Wrestlemania title match a handicap match with Rollins and the people teaming up against Lesnar. Heyman likes the odds because Rollins is just begging for the support. What’s next? Asking for thoughts and prayers because he’s undersized and overconfident? Heyman hopes Rollins loses so that everyone can take it personal. That’s it for Paul, but Rollins charges up the ramp and scares him down. Rollins promises to burn Suplex City down. This was every not great Heyman promo you’ve heard for nearly two years.

Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

Non-title. I love it when the Brand Split is thrown completely out the window during Wrestlemania season. Joe says he forgot his bow of flowers but he was never that sentimental in the first place. His gift instead: a good night’s sleep when Joe chokes him out. Joe blocks an early German suplex attempt and sends Angle outside for a suicide dive.

Back from an early break with Angle in trouble but managing to roll the German suplexes. A running boot to the chest sets up the running backsplash but Angle…..ok there’s no snapping off to it but he gets the Angle Slam for two more. Joe on the other hand snaps off the powerslam, only to have Angle slip away and hit a missile dropkick. Angle Angle Slam is escaped and Joe gets the Koquina Clutch, with Angle dropping back into a cradle for the pin at 8:59.

Rating: D. Well of course. I mean OF COURSE you have the US Champion lose here to give Angle a feel good moment in a match to cap off a rivalry that ISN’T FROM THIS COMPANY. This is the kind of thing that WWE brings on itself and doesn’t get why it’s a bad idea. Joe just lost to Angle, who can barely move, and now I’m supposed to buy that he’s a threat to Rey Mysterio? Why? Just because he has the US Title?

This match didn’t need to happen or at the very, very least, didn’t need to be a clean fall. A countout was an impossibility here? I’m sure having the third champion lose tonight was the better call instead. And they wonder why no one cares about titles anymore and haven’t in a long time.

Here’s HHH for a chat. Before he gets to Batista, he praises the women getting to the main event of Wrestlemania because they’ve all earned it and it’s the ultimate goal. HHH talks about being glad that he didn’t get the microphone that Batista spit on, but he has something else to see. That would be a letter….which HHH can’t get out of his pocket. HHH: “I’m doing the job for the envelope in my pocket!”

It’s a letter from Batista’s lawyers, saying that he won’t be wrestling at Wrestlemania unless certain conditions are met. Batista talked about a lot of things, including figuring out that Evolution just existing to keep the World Title on HHH a little while longer. HHH: “Dave had a big week. He realized that and figured out that the moon isn’t made of cheese!” Batista also said that Evolution didn’t do anything for him.

When Batista joined Evolution, he was the Deacon and carried around a collection plate for D-Von Dudley. Evolution kept him from having a successful career. Six World Titles later, he left when he found out he couldn’t beat John Cena. Then he said HHH’s obsession made him quit again, just because he wouldn’t answer Batista’s phone calls. HHH called him back and Batista’s manager asked if HHH would move Wrestlemania to better accommodate his shooting schedule.

The letter finally got to the point: Batista wanted HHH to give him what he wanted. What he really wanted. What he really, really wanted. This goes on for two pages (to the tune of Wannabe by the Spice Girls if that isn’t clear) until it’s finally announced that HHH’s career had to be on the line. Batista beat up a seventy year old man to get HHH on the grandest stage of them all and that’s what HHH gave him. Now Batista is trying to quit again by making HHH put his career on the line but HHH isn’t letting him out of things that easily.

See, if HHH can’t beat a “self diluted douchebag” like Batista, he doesn’t belong in the ring. His career is on the line. This was hilarious with me laughing out loud multiple times. The problem is that’s the completely wrong direction to go for the feud, as HHH’s mentor and idol was beaten down. He shouldn’t be trying to be funny here (though he was really good at it).

Elias has collected thousands of dollars for performing….but he spends too much time bragging and a guy comes up to steal it. Then he steals the guitar case. Elias isn’t worried because he’ll make more money when he performs at Wrestlemania.

Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre

Last Man Standing. Drew chops him down to start and sends things to the floor, including a swing into the barricade. Back from a break with Dean hitting a top rope ax handle but getting beaten up with a kendo stick to the ribs. Dean is right back up though and knocks Drew to the floor for a suicide dive.

The Glasgow Kiss drops Dean again and a steps shot to the head makes it even worse. A chair is brought inside and wedged into the corner, of course with Drew going face first into it after having set it up. Dirty Deeds gives Dean an eight count and it’s time to hammer away some more. Dean grabs a table but gets thrown through it in the corner. That’s good for a nine count and the Claymore is good for the ten at 9:55.

Rating: C. This didn’t have much time to go anywhere and was one of the most obvious endings you could have. That being said, it’s also the most logical way to go as Dean doesn’t seem to be sticking around (though he keeps popping up). McIntyre beating up Reigns’ Shield buddies is a good way to go and it gives him some actual momentum heading into Wrestlemania.

Overall Rating: D+. I’m not sure what to think of this one as the wrestling was nothing great, but the pace of the show was excellent with nothing dragging and none of the stories getting too much time. The promos were good (albeit repetitive in some cases) and advanced or addressed the stories….but then there’s the problem on the show. Of the five matches involving champions, the champions went 1-3-1, with Rousey getting the lone win. I have no idea why that needed to be the case less than two weeks before Wrestlemania, but Raw has never been the most logical show in the world.

Results

Ronda Rousey b. Sarah Logan – Armbar

Charlotte vs. Ruby Riott went to a time limit draw

Becky Lynch b. Liv Morgan – Rollup

Finn Balor b. Bobby Lashley/Jinder Mahal – Coup de Grace to Mahal

Ricochet/Aleister Black b. Revival – 630 to Wilder

Natalya vs. Sasha Banks went to a no contest when Tamina and Nia Jax interfered

Baron Corbin b. Apollo Crews – End of Days

Kurt Angle b. Samoa Joe – Rollup

Drew McIntyre b. Dean Ambrose – Ambrose couldn’t answer the ten count

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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

IMG Credit: WWE

by AB Morales

Growing up I was a big fan of anime and western animation. Batman and the rest of the DCAU, X-Men, Dragonball Z, Sailor Moon and so on. There’s a lot of guys like me running around these days I dare to believe. Those were all big shows in the late 90’s. They reflected the edgy culture of the time just like Jerry Springer, Cops and others did on TV and movies were these big edgy action flicks for the most part. Except for Titanic. And Space Jam. I always knew all that was fake (yes, even Jerry Springer, I was constantly reminded) but I always had a sense of wonder. Most of these shows managed to really tug at my imagination. It’s why in my 20’s I’d rather sit and watch anime than something involving real life actors. My imagination just gets explored more like that. When it comes to pro wrestling, it’s kind of the opposite for me. It presents very fictional stories as real life. In a previous article here I compared the Johnny Gargano/Tommaso Ciampa feud to the plot of Naruto.

In wrestling, after an age of caricatures in the 80’s that eventually collapsed as realism bled more and more into WWF (not necessarily wrestling in general) we saw a mainstream renaissance via ECW’s influence which domino’ed into WCW’s grungier approach via the NWO and finally WWF’s Attitude Era. In that entire time we witnessed some of the most insane things ever in wrestling. But we realized it was “fake” by then. By this point, wrestling tried to present their stars as real as possible to keep things as grounded as possible because the kayfabe wall had collapsed. It was no longer about larger than life personalities, it was about blending realism with fiction. From there, the stars became larger than life. After we developed a real-life connection. The Rock didn’t start out as a move-star/jock. He developed into one. Stone Cold didn’t just show up one day taking over. He was given a reason to. No, Vince didn’t really create a very elaborate deception with a satanic cult to take Stone Cold Steve Austin’s title. But we invested into the happenings between Stone Cold and Mr. McMahon because of how relatable the story of the blue collar worker vs the power-hungry boss was. The key to wrestling and any work that involves any sense of fiction is the suspense of disbelief. When we detach ourselves from reality and accept these happenings of fiction as real and are impacted by them. It moves all forms of art. TV, movies, books, comics even music or a painting. They all require you to detach yourself and see things from a fictional point of view.

Which is why I find it so preposterous that Ronda Rousey’s heel character is “this is all fake”. Starting with a vlog several weeks ago, Ronda went on a tirade about how fake wrestling is. It has spurred a hilarious meme. But then that character permeated into Raw and it’s just become cringe-worthy. At least in my opinion. It’s made even more silly given how clearly scripted her promos are. No, shockingly enough “Screw the Woo and Down with The Man” was not this clever play on her opponent’s she just made up.

You hear her make these claims and right off the bat you have to wonder, if this wrestling stuff is all “fake” what the heck was everyone doing before hand? She was fined this past week on Raw for attacking Dana Brooke. But then where was Drew McIntyre’s fine for attacking Roman Reigns later that night? Where was Braun Strowman’s fine for choking a non-wrestler over the course of a commercial break? Ronda Rousey’s character does something that goes against the very core of pro wrestling, entertainment under any form and art as a whole. It kills the suspension of disbelief.

How can you tell a compelling story if your suspension of disbelief is constantly being stomped on? If your constantly told your investment in this constructed narrative is pointless? This isn’t Deadpool breaking the 4^th wall. No, that’s a creative form of comedy. It’s suspension of disbelief comes from the jokes told and how Deadpool plays with the superhero medium. That’s the engagement. But where is the engagement of seeing Becky Lynch struggle and claw her way to the top by any means necessary or Charlotte being gifted her opportunities due to preference if Ronda Rousey comes in to remind us it was all just a part of the script? Her MMA is real. But Dana Brooke’s promo on Raw wasn’t? Or was it? Why is that something I have to think about?

Did they ever need to sell Brock Lesnar as “real”? No. it was always subtext. This man had a very real background and was fitted in this fantastical world perfectly. He just conquered pro wrestling (or sports entertainment, whatever) the same way he conquered amateur wrestling, MMA, the cattle in his farm and the shark from that Summerslam 2003 commercial. Ronda just kills the fiction we’re invested in. But this fiction breaking isn’t even limited to Ronda Rousey. WWE has seemingly had a kick for insisting that “no, this is actually real you guys, like totally” lately. Maybe as a result of Roman Reigns’ very real Leukemia scare. Heck, this week on Raw saw Drew McIntyre address “Joe” based on that. Or maybe its ideas brought in by the refreshed creative team. Or Vince. I mean, his TV character has literally become his real life persona of just changing everything on the fly on a total whim.

Batista’s memetastic “Give Me What I Want” promo was pretty silly. But still believable because he sold you on the fact those are the terms of his retirement. He was willing to do anything for it. One last match against Triple H. But the week before, that same Triple H comes to the ring saying “This isn’t about Triple H and Batista, this is about Paul and Dave”. I may be paraphrasing but yet again, suspension is challenged again as WWE wants to sell you this match as “it’s totally real you guys”. But if that is meant to be real, what’s everything else? You have character’s saying they’re “real”, then you give them fake fines. That’s the point where I start to question if this is worth watching. It doesn’t know what it wants to be. Becky Lynch struggled to reach the top after defying expectations and her former best friend taking advantage of her. Said best friend Charlotte was constantly favored by the company to the point that she was given Becky’s rightfully won opportunity for a second time. Ronda WAS the major obstacle to topple. This amazing cross-over star that drove the level of competition to the peak as well as it’s star-power. “Oh, but it’s all fake. Never mind it all.” At that point the investment feels pointless. Watching these characters becomes pointless. Watching WWE becomes pointless. And that’s the last thing you want to do. Suspension of Disbelief should always remain. Ronda is without a doubt doing a fantastic job as a heel. For the most part. But the immersion has struggled a bit because of that detail. What could be a rebellious, unstoppable force, ends up boiled down to “oh no, she went off script” as a consequence and it’s a line Ronda treads because of that small trait stamped onto her. It was a detail we certainly could’ve done without and Ronda would still be quite impactful as she is today.

CheIf you wanna follow me on social media, Like my Facebook Page Here. See you next article.

IMG Credit: WWE

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 18, 2019
Location: Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois
Commentators: Michael Cole, Renee Young, Corey Graves

We’ve got four shows left between now and Wrestlemania and that means it’s time to really crank things up. This time around it means that Brock Lesnar is actually here for a change and is likely going to get in Seth Rollins’ face. We also get to find out who will face Kurt Angle in his retirement match. Let’s get to it.

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

Here are Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar to open things up. The fans boo a lot so Lesnar holds up the title, drawing a BURN IT DOWN chant. Since commentary can’t be quiet, Cole points this out for everyone. Heyman takes a shot at the fans and then moves to Seth Rollins, who necessitated an appearance from Lesnar tonight. Rollins acts like he’s a Suplex City arsonist (good line) who suggests that Lesnar has a problem with the smaller guys. Heyman points out the problem with that theory: Lesnar won all the matches.

Now Rollins is out here talking about Lesnar on the same night he has to fight a career killer like Drew McIntyre. Heyman: “WHAT ARE YOU THINKING SETH ROLLINS???” This brings out McIntyre for the showdown I’ve wanted to see for a long time. Last week he took out Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns and after tonight, Lesnar is going to need a new challenger. Cue Rollins with a chair to knock McIntyre silly before chasing Lesnar out of the ring. It’s nice to have Lesnar around, but I still don’t really want to see Rollins win the title. He’s just kind of there, but at least he’d be around every week.

We look back at Bobby Lashley regaining the Intercontinental Title last week.

Here’s Finn Balor for a chat before a tag match. Last week the luck of the Irish wasn’t with him but he’ll get the title back. This brings out Lashley and Rush with Lashley showing off his new favorite pose: holding up the title, because Chicago doesn’t get many championships. Balor says enjoy the pose, because he’s getting the title back soon. He has a partner tonight though.

Bobby Lashley/Lio Rush vs. Finn Balor/Braun Strowman

This would have been better if Cole hadn’t said it was going to be a MONSTROUS tag match before the break. Strowman and Lashley take turns shoving each other around before Lashley bounces off of him to send us to a break. Back with Balor kicking Rush into the corner, allowing Lashley to run in and break up a hot tag attempt. The Downward Spiral gets two and Lashley punches him in the head to stop the tag again.

The missed charge sends Lashley into the corner and Balor dives over for the tag. Rush gets thrown off some hiptosses but Lashley breaks up a powerslam with a spear. A frog splash gives Rush two with the kickout sending Rush into the corner. He heads outside but is suddenly surrounded but Strowman runs Lashley over instead. There’s a chokeslam to Rush as Lashley leaves, followed by the running powerslam for the pin at 7:26.

Rating: D+. I could go for Strowman being added to the Intercontinental Title match, if nothing else for the sake of having something new over just Balor vs. Lashley. The feud isn’t exactly on fire and getting Strowman involved with something like this is certainly better than just being the celebrity guy.

We look back at Ronda Rousey wrecking Dana Brooke last week, including slapping a referee.

Rousey, with husband Travis Browne, arrives and gets yelled at by a referee for being late. The referee now has his own security.

It’s time for A Moment Of Bliss, with Alexa Bliss throwing it to the announcers for a rundown of the big matches. Bliss talks about how the show deserves a big host, just like her. Now it’s time for her guest, so ladies and gentlemen, Elias. Bliss announces that Elias has an announcement: he’ll be the headlining musical act for Wrestlemania. Last year’s interruption serves as motivation for this year because he hates being embarrassed.

This is going to be better than Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison or Queen at Live Aid. Cue No Way Jose’s conga line (minus Jose), with Heavy Machinery included. Bliss apparently invited them but they’re here way too early. As she yells, one of the people in the line jumps Elias and reveals himself as Jose.

Elias vs. No Way Jose

Jose, with the green braids, runs Elias over to start and armdrags him into an armbar. A running clothesline in the corner sets up a missed high crossbody and Elias unloads in the corner. Elias drops a knee to set up a top rope elbow, followed by Drift Away for the pin at 3:54.

Rating: D. It’s such a relief to have Elias as a heel again, but it feels like he’s right back where he was a year ago. I’m sure someone is going to interrupt him at Wrestlemania to do something and it should be entertaining, but there’s nothing new for him to do other than the same thing again?

Here’s Kurt Angle to announce his opponent for his final match. There are a lot of people he wants to face but only one he wants to beat. That would be Baron Corbin, which the fans don’t seem to like. As for tonight though, Angle gets to have one final match in Chicago.

Kurt Angle vs. Chad Gable

Gable says the pleasure is all his and that this is an honor for him because Angle is a hero to him. A running shoulder takes Angle down to start so he wrestles Gable to the mat. Chad walks into an overhead belly to belly to send him outside for a breather. Back in and they hit the mat with Gable starting in on the arm.

Angle whips him into the corner and grabs a front facelock but Gable kicks him to the floor. Some shots to the knee have Angle in trouble and we take a break. We come back with Gable skinning the cat but walking into some clotheslines. The ankle lock is reversed so Angle grabs a German suplex, which is reversed into an ankle lock from Gable. That’s broken up but Gable misses the moonsault, allowing the ankle lock with the grapevine to make Gable tap at 12:16.

Rating: D. I know I’ve seen Angle looking worse at a steady pace but this was the first time where it was actually hard to watch. He looked like he was laboring to pick Gable up for another German suplex and that’s very tough to take after seeing him in his prime. Even his TNA days were better than this and he only had sparks there. I’m very glad he only has a few matches left because it’s getting worse by the week.

Post match Corbin comes out to say how much he’s looking forward to humiliating Angle.

Post break Corbin talks to the Revival when Apollo Crews comes up. He doesn’t like what Corbin did out there and a match is made for later tonight. Corbin says the Revival likes him. Revival: “H*** no!”

Here’s the Boss N Hug Connection for a chat. Sasha Banks isn’t happy with the IIconics saying they’re ducking them but Bayley says they’ll be on Smackdown tomorrow. This brings out Natalya and Beth Phoenix with Beth talking about wanting to contend for the titles….when she was active. She was happy as a commentator but then she saw Nia Jax and Tamina’s pettiness. They awoke the dragon and now she’s thinking that the one missing thing could become a reality.

Beth is ready to step out of retirement and challenge for the titles along with Natalya. Bayley thinks Beth needs to train a bit more but Natalya points out that Bayley is talking to a Hall of Famer. The fight is on and we have a referee. This was another terrible, terrible example of WWE having no idea how women talk to each other as Bayley felt out of character and there was no real reason for the champs to turn down the challenge.

Natalya vs. Sasha Banks

At least it’s not the non-title match. Natalya slams her down for her running basement dropkick and knocks Sasha outside….and here’s Nia to talk about how Beth is jealous of her. She’s more successful and the prettier version of the Glamazon. Tamina superkicks Beth and Bayley as the bell rings at 2:35. Nia says she’ll see them at Wrestlemania.

Mojo Rawley is looking in the mirror again (after about a two month break) and talks about how much he hates potential. Mojo: “FIGURE IT OUT!”

Ricochet vs. Jinder Mahal

Ricochet starts fast and hits the springboard missile dropkick, followed by the moonsault into the superhero pose. Back in and the Singh Brothers breaks up another springboard, allowing Mahal to get two off a slam. We hit the chinlock with Jinder adding in some shots to the ribs. Ricochet fights up and rolls into a dropkick, followed by a springboard….kind of a crossbody (more like a rib attack) to send Mahal outside. The Space Flying Tiger (as called by Graves) takes out everyone and the 630 finishes Mahal at 6:45.

Rating: C-. There was no reason for Mahal to get in this much offense but it’s nice to see Ricochet getting to showcase what he can do. He’s just fun to watch and it’s more impressive when you consider Ricochet is more average sized than most high fliers. Throw in the cool look in general and it’s really easy to cheer the guy.

Warrior Award announcement for Sue Aichison, who has worked for the company for 33 years.

Seth Rollins is ready to burn Suplex City down.

Dana Brooke says this is the Road to Wrestlemania and she’s ready to shake things up.

Raw Women’s Title: Ronda Rousey vs. Dana Brooke

Ronda is defending and if there is any justice in the world, Dana shouldn’t lay a finger on her and then lose in about thirty seconds. Rousey knees her in the face, knees her in the ribs and the armbar finishes Brooke in 19 seconds.

Rousey won’t let go of the arm until some referees come out. Ronda beats them up too and goes over to her husband, who hits a guard for trying to hold her back. Browne pulls Ronda over the barricade.

Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews

Corbin charges at Corbin to start and slides underneath the ropes, where Crews nails a moonsault. Back in and Corbin nails a shot to the face, followed by an elbow into a chinlock. That’s broken up in long order so Corbin grabs Deep Six for two. The fans get on Corbin as Cole and company talk about fans not being happy with Corbin being Angle’s opponent. Crews loads up the End of Days but gets reversed into a small package for the pin at 4:45.

Rating: D. Please let that be a sign that Corbin is being swapped out for anyone else. I can’t believe how pathetic Corbin is every week and it just never stops. Corbin is like a low level infection that you can’t get rid of: he doesn’t harm much, but he just won’t leave no matter what.

We recap last week’s argument between HHH and Batista.

Batista joins us via satellite and says he doesn’t like HHH. He’s wanted one more match with HHH but can’t get his attention. Batista has heard about how he owes his career to HHH but all HHH ever did was groom him to be the muscle. There’s more to him than just being a meathead and it was HHH who caused him to quit nine years ago. There were goals that Batista wanted to accomplish but HHH was cutting him off. Now look at what Batista has accomplished since leaving WWE.

Cole defends HHH but Batista doesn’t buy it. HHH is a cerebral assassin and now he’s gotten in Cole’s head too. The real HHH is a manipulative control freak so hopefully Vince McMahon fires him one day and ends his corporate career. Then at Wrestlemania, Batista can end his in-ring career. Interview over. That’s the explanation I’ve been waiting on and it cleared up enough to make the story work. It’s still a stretch, but at least it’s a story that can make sense.

We look back at Braun Strowman breaking a car from the SNL guys last week.

Strowman wants an apology from the two of them and he’s so mad that he’s entering the Andre the Giant Memorial battle Royal so as many people as possible can get these hands. Then he’ll deal with the SNL guys. Bliss comes up and says that can’t happen but she’ll deal with it.

Charlotte talks about Serena Williams for Women’s History Month.

Here’s Drew McIntyre for a chat before his match. We see a clip of McIntyre laying out Roman Reigns last week. Drew talks about how everyone around here believes in fairy tales, which is why he took Reigns out last week. McIntyre wants to speak to Joe, the man behind Reigns. Joe was sitting on his couch because of Drew, so let’s do it at Wrestlemania.

Reigns needs to say no but he knows what is going to be said. All bets are off at Wrestlemania and what he did to Dean and Reigns last week will be nothing. Rollins comes up on screen and says that’s why he did what he did to Drew earlier tonight. We see a replay of the beatdown, which was for his brothers. This is for Seth.

Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins

The fight is on in the aisle with referees and security out to break it up. Joined in progress with Drew pulling him down into an armbar with the pressure on the face. A hard shot to the face keeps Rollins in trouble and they head outside, where Seth misses a moonsault off the steps to send us to a break. Back with Drew stomping on Seth’s back as it’s all McIntyre so far.

Rating: B. This was starting to rock at the end and as tired as I am of that ending, it did what it needed to accomplish. Lesnar gets to prove that he’s smart enough to mess with Rollins and McIntyre looks strong before going on to face Reigns. Lesnar’s distraction might not have been inspired stuff, but at least it went the right way after a pretty awesome match while it lasted.

Lesnar and Heyman laugh to end the show.

Overall Rating: D+. I’m not sure what to make of this one. They did advance a lot of stuff towards Wrestlemania, but they made sure to go with a lot of the least interesting stuff possible. Nia/Tamina being added to the Women’s Title picture, Corbin as Angle’s opponent and Strowman still dealing with the SNL guys. There was enough stuff on the show to keep me going, but there were a lot of times where I was rolling my eyes and wondering how much longer there was to go.

Results

Braun Strowman/Finn Balor b. Bobby Lashley/Lio Rush – Running powerslam to Rush

Elias b. No Way Jose – Drift Away

Kurt Angle b. Chad Gable – Ankle lock

Natalya vs. Sasha Banks went to a no contest

Ricochet b. Jinder Mahal – 630

Ronda Rousey b. Dana Brooke – Armbar

Apollo Crews b. Baron Corbin – Small package

Drew McIntyre b. Seth Rollins – Claymore

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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

IMG Credit: WWE

We’re on the Road To Wrestlemania as you know. Heck, you could say we’re on the fast lane there. Get it? But bad jokes aside, we all know WWE’s absolute love for “creating history”. “The first Women’s Royal Rumble”. The “first match ever between AJ Styles and Samoa Joe in the WWE”. We had John Cena vs Randy Orton labelled as “historic” 2 years ago because it was the first time they faced each other on Smackdown for heaven’s sake. WWE loves to brand themselves as these prophets of wrestling history. But this Wrestlemania, we might get some very genuine historic moments taking place. So why not take a look at them and hope they all happen?

1- The First Time Wrestlemania Is Headlined By Women

Sure, a Women’s title match semi-main evented the first Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania 2000 and Wrestlemania X8 did have Stephanie in some capacity (and Linda for 2000). But NEVER have the women been the undisputed star attraction of WWE. The company has been pushing since 2015 to better their presentation of the women to the point that them main eventing became a strong suggestion the past 2 years. For this year, the stars seemed aligned with Ronda Rousey signing. But destiny shined even brighter over them with the advent of “The Man” Becky Lynch. Which of course was something born from their careless storytelling. But here we are. 2019. With a story that involves women genuinely feeling as the true star attraction for Wrestlemania. Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey feels like the most heated Wrestlemania main event since Daniel Bryan vs Evolution in 2014. Similarly enough, that one also kinda fell on their lap after clunky storytelling. Maybe Vince is a mad genius after all.

2- The First Ever African WWE Champion

For some odd reason, a black WWE Champion has never happened before. Now one could say The Rock falls on that, but he’s of mixed heritage. Now we have gotten black World Heavyweight Champions such as Mark Henry and Booker T, but holding the WWE Championship specifically? The stars have never really aligned. Not for lack of trying though. Vince McMahon has been shown to go ga-ga over any muscular guy regardless not to mention attempts to push guys to the main event scene have been made. But actual success to capture the WWE neve comes. However, again, by seeming luck, they have a genuine opportunity to do it now. With Kofi Kingston subbing for Mustafa Ali in the Elimination Chamber came an amazing reaction from the crowd willing to support the long-standing midcarder’s out-of-nowhere push. It led to one of the most emotional Pay-Per-View endings in years as the crowd poured pure support for the man and gave him a fantastic standing ovation. Fan reaction was so great, it would’vee been foolish of WWE not to follow up with a one on one match against Daniel Bryan at Fastlane. However, in a very rare case of WWE jumping on someone’s buzz quickly rather than letting it die out, WWE seemingly planted the story for Kofi Kingston to have a title shot at Wrestlemania instead by virtue of imitating the same story as with Becky Lynch. As if they wanted to acknowledge how they got this lucky twice. While the question remains if the WWE title match at Wrestlemania will be Kofi Kingston vs Daniel Bryan or a 3 Way with originally planned opponent Kevin Owens, it seems almost certain Kofi will challenge for the title. And if WWE truly wants those “Historic Moments” they love to tout about so much, giving him the title, even if just for a short time would make this Wrestlemania “Historic”. Not only would we get the first ever black WWE Champion, he would be the first WWE Champion born in Africa. It would also validate their constant claims of “listening to the fans” as not only would fan reaction have pushed Kingston from no plans to a World title match at Wrestlemania in the span of a month and a half where he could very well emerge Champion.

3- No Undertaker

The Streak may have ended it’s legend at Wrestlemania XXX but another streak regarding The Undertaker has been standing since Wrestlemaina X-Seven. He hasn’t missed one since. Sixteen Wrestlemania’s straight have featured The Deadman in a match. Think how crazy it is that John Cena’s full time wrestling career started and ended in less time. He’s missed a few in that time. Triple H has too. Shawn Michaels’ career resumed and ended in that time frame. Daniel Bryan’s started, ended and started again in this timeframe. Two generation’s worth of wrestlers have spawned in that time-frame. But as of last month, Undertaker is no longer an official part of the WWE. It is very likely that will not be a part of Wrestlemania this year. 2012 may have seen the “End Of An Era”, but this year may see the end of a dynasty as The Deadman seemingly embarks on the convention scene and brings an end to one of the most impactful careers in wrestling history.

While genuine historic possibilities for Wrestlemania end there (I think), this is also a very notable Wrestlemania for bucking many trends. The most notable being Roman Reigns’ placement in the card. Fate gave the man a scare but he is back at full health and will be a part of the show he has headlined for better or worse a record 4 times straight. That’s where that streak ends as the main event this year seems almost fitted perfectly to be Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte vs Becky Lynch. It would also be the first time since Wrestlemania 31 in 2015 where the Royal Rumble winner challenges the Champion in the main event spot of the night. While Triple H did win it in 2016 and headlined that year, he went in as Champion. It’s been 4 years since that tradition was undermined in favor of, well…… Roman. It also might be the first Wrestlemania since Wrestlemania XXX that doesn’t end with intense negativity. Hopefully. I’m certainly pumped for Wrestlemania. You could say the match card isn’t very impressive, yet. But there’s a sense of new things being presented. Heck, I just listed them. This year presents a Wrestlemania not booked by stubbornness. But by what fans want. Both Royal Rumble winners this year were people the fans wanted in those spots. Kofi Kingston has ended up here because of massive fan support and despite it happening very late into “The Road To Wrestlemania”, WWE seems like they will simply adjust course to fit him in by response to the crowd. It’s been years since we’ve felt that so strongly. They tried it a bit last year, but it did not quite pan out. But this year, its a strong feeling of it all being different and it makes this year’s Wrestlemania stand out.

Follow my Facebook page here to see all my work and follow me on Twitter here. Until next time!

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: March 7, 2019
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Renee Young, Percy Watson

Things started happening in a hurry last week as WWE suddenly remembered that they needed to set up Fastlane outside of the big matches. That made for some eventful stuff this week and hopefully that translates to this show as well. I’m not sure if I should believe that to be the case or not, but you have to have hope. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Apollo Crews vs. EC3

Rematch from last week. EC3 takes him down with a quickly broken headlock as Crews fights up with a dropkick and armdrag. Crews gets stomped down in the corner for a bit and we hit the reverse chinlock. A clothesline cuts off Crews’ comeback but Crews gets in one of his own. That’s enough to head up top, only to get crotched back down. The 1%er finishes Crews at 5:25.

Rating: D. EC3 has to be near the top of most ridiculous demotions in recent years. He had two matches and is already trading wins with Apollo Crews on Main Event? That’s really the best thing they could do with him? I feel sorry for the guy as he was brought up without any thinking and never had a chance to show what he could do up there. Maybe it can change, but for now it’s rather ridiculous.

From Raw.

Here’s Roman Reigns to open things up to another solid pop. Reigns says last week was the comeback but this week it’s time to take the yard back. There was one person standing in his way and that’s Seth Rollins. This brings out Rollins, who says what an inspiration this is for him. Rollins wants to bring the Universal Title back to Raw but he knows what Reigns is going through. If anyone deserves the shot, it’s Reigns. That sounds nice to Reigns, but he tells Rollins good luck.

They had me believing that they were going to go with Reigns vs. Lesnar again at Wrestlemania so it’s quite the relief that it was just a tease (for now). I know that Reigns is going to be back on top of the card at some point in the future but for now, it needs to be Rollins after what they’ve built up over the last few months.

From Raw.

Rollins tries talking to Ambrose about getting the Shield back together but it’s a no. He appreciates the help last week but now he has to do it on his own.

From Raw.

Post break Dean is still in the ring when Reigns and Rollins come out to pitch the reunion one more time. Dean goes through the crowd instead but here are Lashley, Corbin and McIntyre to interrupt and make fun of the Shield being split again. The fight is on until Ambrose runs back to the ring for the save. Rollins and Reigns do the pose and Dean throws his fist in for the big reunion.

Yet again, from Raw.

We look back at Batista attacking Ric Flair last week and calling out HHH.

Here’s HHH to talk about Batista and Flair. HHH says he was here last week for Ric Flair, but also for Richard Fliehr, one of the best men he has ever known. They were at each other’s sides for their weddings (well, most of Flair’s weddings as HHH couldn’t make all of them) and HHH was next to him when Fliehr buried his son. Then a year ago he stood by Fliehr’s bed when he was clinging to life and was scared to answer his phone because he thought it was the call saying he was gone.

Last week HHH wanted him out here to be the Nature Boy one more time but Batista wouldn’t let that happen. Batista has been trying to get HHH’s attention for months and when HHH got hurt in November, it seemed to be the end of things. That wasn’t good enough for Batista, who finally didn’t quit for once. So Batista attacked a seventy year old man who was trying to have one more moment?

Now Batista wants to show up on a screen and go Bad Guy 101 with HHH by saying he doesn’t like Philadelphia? HHH doesn’t care where he wants to go and he’ll come to Batista’s house or go to a movie set if he has to. When Batista comes to see him, it’s going to be the man instead of a character and Dave has to look him in the eyes. Good promo here and HHH’s response made sense, though I’m still needing to know why Batista did this in the first place. What exactly does he have to prove?

Tyler Breeze/Lucha House Party vs. Jinder Mahal/Singh Brothers

Lince Dorado and Kalisto for the Luchas here. Sumir shoulders Dorado down to start and we get the Bollywood dancing. That just earns him a dropkick and it’s off to Sunil, who gets taken down with a spinning crossbody. Kalisto comes in for the splashes and we take an abrupt break. Back with Breeze getting the hot tag and kicking Sumir in the face for two. Everything breaks down and the Beauty Shot drops Jinder, leaving Sunil to take the Salida Del Sol into the shooting star press to give Dorado the pin at 7:39.

Rating: D+. There’s something hilarious about Mahal taking a backseat to the Singh Brothers in these matches. The guy stopped mattering a long time ago but now he’s the definition of “just there”, which says a lot when he’s by far the most successful of all six people in a match.

We look back at Kevin Owens taking Kofi Kingston’s place in the Fastlane title match.

We see the brawl between Owens and Rowan from Smackdown.

From Raw.

Here’s Stephanie McMahon with the Women’s Title and the agreement for Becky to sign. After we see Rousey laying the title down last week, Stephanie brings out Charlotte and Becky. Stephanie explains the hold harmless agreement but Charlotte mocks her before any signing takes place (and I need to make sure who signs and who doesn’t, because if there’s one thing WWE adheres to, it’s signed contracts). Becky offers to fight her right now on one good leg and there’s the signing.

We cut to the back where Rousey is storming into the arena and come back with her walking to the stage (must be a huge arena). Rousey storms in and demands the title back. Stephanie hands it over and changes Sunday’s match. Now, if Becky wins the on Sunday, she’s in the Wrestlemania title match. Ronda isn’t done yet though and yells at Stephanie about making money for the company. She goes into a rant against the fans about how terrible everything is and how she’s sacrificed so much for this company and then they boo her out of the Staples Center.

Screw the Woo and the beating is on with Charlotte getting kicked to the floor. Rousey puts Becky in the armbreaker and cranks back before hammering away in the corner. The armbreaker goes on again and Charlotte leaves as Ronda poses over Becky. Ronda puts the hold on for the third time as they seem to have wrapped things up very early.

And from Smackdown.

Here’s Charlotte to call out Becky for a friendly discussion. First though, we get a video from last night featuring Ronda Rousey attacking Becky before Sunday’s match. Cue Becky, who says she’s sore but it’s worth it to be inside Charlotte and Rousey’s head. She’s going to be damaged going into Fastlane but that just means she has nothing left to lose.

Charlotte kicks the crutch out and the attack is on with a knee to Becky’s knee and a kick to the arm making her cringe in agony. Becky gets in a crutch shot though and grabs the Disarm-Her while shouting that it’s her title. Referees come out and break it up as Charlotte rolls outside.

Overall Rating: D. This show continues to be astounding in its efforts to marginalize Smackdown even more. For the second biggest wrestling show in the world and what is going to be the flagship show very soon, it’s amazing to see how little WWE itself cares about the thing. It was incredible to see how much Raw stuff they crammed in here as Smackdown was thrown in at the end. Not a good show, and at this point I’m less and less surprised every week.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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

Since it’s Fastlane and WWE doesn’t care, here’s a bunch of stuff at once.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/kbs-review-news-fastlane-week-edition/

IMG Credit: WWE

Main Event
Date: February 28, 2019
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Percy Watson, Renee Young

We’ve reached that time of the week to find out how much WWE can ignore various storylines that they present as some of the biggest stories on their television shows. I’m sure we’ll see a lot from Raw of course, as it’s building towards Wrestlemania and Smackdown’s build to Fastlane means absolutely nothing. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Rezar vs. No Way Jose

Jose sidesteps him to start and we hit the early dancing. I’m not sure why you would expect anything else, which is also the case for Rezar throwing Jose down without much effort. We’re already in the chinlock, followed by right hands to the face and a standing side choke. That’s switched up into a laying side choke until Jose fights up with a slam. Some right hands have little effect as Rezar drives him hard into the corner again. A chokeslam finishes Jose at 5:28.

Rating: D. Total Main Event match here and that’s all you could have expected. The wrestling isn’t the point of a show like this as much as it is just having something before the main crowd. Jose is your run of the mill Main Event guy and I’m not sure what the point is in having Rezar around as a singles guy when he’s going to be a tag guy as soon as Akam is back on the active roster. Let someone else get out there instead.

We look back at Roman Reigns announcing that he had leukemia and had to vacate the title.

From Raw.

Here’s Reigns, in street clothes, to open things up to an absolute ROAR. His arms are looking a little smaller, but you have to expect something like that. Reigns takes a long time high fiving people and stops to hug three women in the front row, likely family. He hits the pose on the ropes and stares at the ring for a bit before getting back inside. Reigns thanks the fans, which he’ll likely be doing a lot. He missed us all because there is no job like this.

Reigns says this is our yard and believed that God had his back the whole time. He was scared back in October and didn’t know if he wanted to tell everyone about the condition. Fans: “IT’S OK!” When he got home from making the announcement, he couldn’t believe all of the messages he received and he was so touched that God’s voicemail was full about him. Reigns is going to use his platform to support people and raise awareness for the condition he went through.

So as for the announcement, he’s done better than swinging for the fences. They’ve hit a home run because he’s in remission. After one heck of an ovation for that, Reigns says that the Big Dog is back. The fans greet that with some barking and a WELCOME BACK chant and Reigns says thank you so much. No return date is given. Reigns leaves to another ovation and here’s Seth Rollins to hug him.

From Smackdown.

We open with the contract signing, as Daniel Bryan and Rowan are in the ring with Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon (twice in a week). Shane hypes up the match and shows us some of Kofi’s career highlights in a really good package (including his first match on ECW, which is the worst debut I’ve ever seen for a future star). With that out of the way, Stephanie talks about Kofi’s recent history in that weird way of hers, such as saying approximately two weeks ago (it was two weeks ago), Kofi lasted over an hour in the gauntlet match with a “globally trending” victory over Bryan.

This brings out New Day (Stephanie gets to dance of course because she’s fun that way) with Kofi saying that he’s been here for eleven years and he’s FINALLY getting a chance. He wouldn’t be here without Big E. and Xavier Woods and we stop for a YOU DESERVE IT chant. There’s only one thing left for him to do now, and he’ll do it at Fastlane when he beats Bryan to become WWE Champion. They both sign….and here’s Vince McMahon.

Vince thanks Kofi for everything but it’s his job to give the fans the biggest matches they can get. That’s why Kofi is being replaced at Fastlane with a returning superstar who will face Bryan instead. That man is…..Kevin Owens (who once destroyed Vince). Kevin comes out and signs as New Day protests, though Kofi is devastated.

That gives me way, way more hope about Kofi winning the title. There was next to no way he was walking into Wrestlemania as champion, but now Kofi walking out as champion is a very real possibility, maybe after a triple threat with Bryan and Owens? It would be a heck of a moment, and it could be incredible.

And from later in the night.

Kofi Kingston/Kevin Owens vs. Daniel Bryan/Rowan

Rowan shoves the upset Kofi down to start so it’s off to Owens to try his luck. Owens slugs away but gets caught with a dropkick of all things for two. It’s off to Bryan who gets elbowed in the face to send him outside. That means the big running flip dive from Owens and we take a break.

Back with Rowan cranking on Kofi’s neck before it’s back to Bryan for some nose ripping. Rowan comes back in to drive Kofi ribs first into the corner, setting up Bryan’s top rope superplex for two. The LeBell Lock goes on but a boot on the rope gives Kofi a breather. Kofi hits the double stomp out of the corner and brings Owens in to beat up both villains.

A superkick knocks Owens off the apron and the Pop Up (sitout this time) powerbomb gets two on Bryan. Owens leans over the ropes so Rowan can hit him in the face. Kofi dives onto Rowan and posts him though, allowing Owens to avoid a charge and Stun Bryan for the pin at 16:20.

Rating: C. The ending is the right call for the story they’re going with but another loss for the champ is rather annoying. WWE has become obsessed with having the champs lose lately and it’s going to become an even bigger problem as we move towards Wrestlemania. This continues to set up Kingston as a challenger for after Fastlane, and that has me rather interested.

From Raw.

Post break Rousey demands that Vince get out here right now but she gets Stephanie McMahon instead. Becky has just been arrested but Rousey doesn’t want anything other than the suspension being lifted. Stephanie says Rousey can face Charlotte at Wrestlemania because Becky is unprofessional and brought this on herself. Rousey appeals to Stephanie’s legacy and her three daughters but it’s still a hard no.

That’s not good enough for Rousey so Stephanie shouts about being Rousey’s boss. Rousey says she’s not like everyone else because she’s Ronda Rousey and the Raw Women’s Champion. This is just a belt (that’ll be a fine) and it’s not even her style. It’s time for Vince to make the right decision. Rousey lays the title down and walks away. They’re doing everything they can to spread this out until Wrestlemania and it’s feeling the strain.

From Smackdown.

Here’s Charlotte to talk about what happened on Raw. She compares herself to Kevin Owens earlier tonight because she’s here to save Wrestlemania. Charlotte isn’t scared of Wrestlemania and shows us a clip of Ronda from November where she says if you can’t do your job as champion you need to step aside. She’ll be on Raw to see what Ronda thinks about Wrestlemania.

Apollo Crews vs. EC3

How in the…..never mind. EC3 runs him over to start and poses as the announcers talk about the other NXT callups. The fans are split as Apollo fights out of a top wristlock and takes EC3 down with an armdrag. We take an abrupt break and come back with EC3 hitting a suplex and slapping on a nerve hold. The EC3 elbow gets two but they both try crossbodies at the same time for a double knockdown. Crews gets back up and kicks him in the face, setting up a high crossbody for two. An enziguri sets up the standing moonsault for the pin at 10:18.

Rating: C. This was better than I would have guessed, though I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that EC3 has already been banished down here. He has a look, he can talk, and his matches are pretty good. Now he’s already down on Main Event after TWO MATCHES, one of which was a two minute win over a former World Champion? Only in WWE.

From Raw to wrap it up.

With the roster on the stage, the ring is ready for the party and HHH and Stephanie handle the introductions. After HHH recaps the night, Stephanie introduces the special guests: Shawn Michaels, Ricky Stemboat, Kurt Angle and Sting. HHH introduces a video on Flair as we’re running low on time.

Overall Rating: C-. It was all about the big segments here and that’s fine as it’s all Main Event exists to do. They covered a lot of big stuff from both shows here and it really made a difference. Fastlane is being forgotten around here as well and what we got here was entertaining enough from a recap point. For once, this actually worked well for what it was supposed to do.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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

IMG Credit: WWE

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 4, 2019
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young

It’s the go home show for Fastlane and since we only have four matches set for the show, you can expect to have a lot of matches announced for Sunday tonight. That’s not the best way to do things in the world but it’s the only way they can go given how little WWE seems to care about the show. Let’s get to it.

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

Here’s Roman Reigns to open things up to another solid pop. Reigns says last week was the comeback but this week it’s time to take the yard back. There was one person standing in his way and that’s Seth Rollins. This brings out Rollins, who says what an inspiration this is for him. Rollins wants to bring the Universal Title back to Raw but he knows what Reigns is going through. If anyone deserves the shot, it’s Reigns. That sounds nice to Reigns, but he tells Rollins good luck.

They had me believing that they were going to go with Reigns vs. Lesnar again at Wrestlemania so it’s quite the relief that it was just a tease (for now). I know that Reigns is going to be back on top of the card at some point in the future but for now, it needs to be Rollins after what they’ve built up over the last few months.

Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley and Baron Corbin are in the back with Drew talking about breaking the Shield months ago. Lashley promises to win the Intercontinental Title back and Corbin talks about how Angle needs to learn that he just can’t hang with the athletes of today.

Finn Balor/Kurt Angle/Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley/Drew McIntyre/Baron Corbin

The feud that will not die. Corbin and Strowman slug it out to start with Strowman sending him outside twice in a row. That means the running shoulder to send him into the barricade so it’s off to McIntyre vs. Balor. The villains are sent to the floor for a flip dive from Balor, but a second one is broken up by Lio Rush as we take a break.

Back with Balor in trouble and getting thrown to the floor for his efforts. McIntyre muscles him up for a suplex but some right hands get Balor out of trouble and it’s off to Angle. That means the German suplexes and an ankle lock to McIntyre with Lashley making a save as we take another break.

Back again with Angle sending Corbin to the floor and bringing Strowman in for the forearm to the chest. A running powerslam sets up the Coup de Grace to Corbin for two with Rush making the save. Lashley takes Balor out so it’s Strowman tackles Rush through the barricade for a very nasty crash. Back in and the spear finishes Balor at 14:43.

Rating: C-. Totally standard match that we’ve seen from this combination multiple times. That’s not the worst thing in the world but I’m tired of watching these same six people over and over with nothing really coming from the whole thing. The wrestling was fine, though I could go for this going somewhere.

Post match the villains beat up Angle by sending him face first into the raised steps. A Claymore hits Balor and he gets slammed onto the steps.

Earlier today, Ascension talked to the B Team and Curt Hawkins/Zack Ryder about how much they can’t stand Heavy Machinery because they’re taking opportunities. And they’re stupid.

Heavy Machinery says that hurt their feelings and revenge is promised. They still have no idea what to do with these two.

Ruby Riott vs. Natalya

They slug it out to start with Riott taking her down for a very early chinlock. That’s reversed into the Sharpshooter but Riott is getting too close to the ropes so it’s broken up. Riott tries a small package but Natalya reverses into one of her own for the pin at 2:04.

Post match here’s Lacey Evans (now the Sassy Southern Belle) for her regular cameo.

We look back at Batista attacking Ric Flair last week and calling out HHH.

Stephanie McMahon welcomes some members of the Saturday Night Live cast, who will be special correspondents at Wrestlemania. One loves Philadelphia and the other loves New York. Stephanie warns them that wrestlers can be aggressive though the New York one is fine because he wrestled in high school. They leave, with Stephanie offering security.

Via his Instagram, Batista says that he won’t be here tonight because he doesn’t like Philadelphia.

Here’s HHH to talk about Batista and Flair. HHH says he was here last week for Ric Flair, but also for Richard Fliehr, one of the best men he has ever known. They were at each other’s sides for their weddings (well, most of Flair’s weddings as HHH couldn’t make all of them) and HHH was next to him when Fliehr buried his son. Then a year ago he stood by Fliehr’s bed when he was clinging to life and was scared to answer his phone because he thought it was the call saying he was gone.

Last week HHH wanted him out here to be the Nature Boy one more time but Batista wouldn’t let that happen. Batista has been trying to get HHH’s attention for months and when HHH got hurt in November, it seemed to be the end of things. That wasn’t good enough for Batista, who finally didn’t quit for once. So Batista attacked a seventy year old man who was trying to have one more moment?

Now Batista wants to show up on a screen and go Bad Guy 101 with HHH by saying he doesn’t like Philadelphia? HHH doesn’t care where he wants to go and he’ll come to Batista’s house or go to a movie set if he has to. When Batista comes to see him, it’s going to be the man instead of a character and Dave has to look him in the eyes. Good promo here and HHH’s response made sense, though I’m still needing to know why Batista did this in the first place. What exactly does he have to prove?

We look back at Ronda Rousey throwing down the Women’s Title last week.

Stephanie calls what Rousey did last week blasphemy so tonight WWE is going to do what’s best for business and drop all charges against Becky Lynch. The suspension is officially lifted (Now why didn’t they just do this before???) but Becky needs to be here tonight to sign a hold harmless policy for her match on Sunday. That would be against Charlotte for the officially vacant Raw Women’s Title.

Reigns comes up to Ambrose in the back but Dean walks away.

Heavy Machinery vs. Ascension/B Team/Curt Hawkins/Zack Ryder

This is a gauntlet match with Heavy Machinery trying to get revenge on all three teams in one night. The B Team starts with Otis fighting off Axel without much effort. It’s off to Tucker who sends Dallas into Axel, who DDTs his partner by mistake. Otis comes in for the Compactor to get rid of the B Team at 1:37.

The Ascension is next and Konnor takes the running stomachs to the head for one. Konnor is right back up to take over on Tucker but he misses a charge into the post. It’s back to Otis to clean house and a Vader Bomb gets rid of Ascension at 4:33. Ryder is in with a slingshot splash on Otis and a Russian legsweep/STO combination for the same. A pop up World’s Strongest Slam gets Otis out of trouble and the Caterpillar finishes Hawkins at 5:55.

Rating: D. Well at least they finally won something, though I still have no idea what they’re supposed to be. Last week’s weirdness from Otis was one thing but this was a much more standard tag act. I’m not sure what this accomplished other than showing how terrible the lower half of the tag division is, though Heavy Machinery being a middle of the pack team is their best place.

The SNL guys don’t know much about wrestling as the New York one wants to know where Koko B. Ware is. They run into EC3 spraying water on himself before running into Titus O’Neil, who gets a quick picture. No Way Jose and the conga line pop in for some dancing.

Torrie Wilson Hall of Fame video. They even managed to show some of her matches, which features a ridiculous amount of neckbreakers, the one move she could actually do.

Charlotte knows Becky will sign the paper because of her pride. That way on Sunday, Charlotte can be Raw Women’s Champion again in a great moment.

Rollins tries talking to Ambrose about getting the Shield back together but it’s a no. He appreciates the help last week but now he has to do it on his own.

Here’s Elias to sing about how he knows he’s in Philadelphia because of how bad their sports teams are.

Elias vs. Dean Ambrose

Ambrose is holding his back on the way to the ring and the fight is on in a hurry. They head outside with Ambrose sending him back first into the barricade. A clothesline puts Elias right back on the floor and we take a break. Back with Elias hitting Old School but getting sent outside again for a suicide dive. They head back inside with Dean shrugging off a shot to the bad back and hitting a swinging neckbreaker. After stopping to hold his back, Dean’s top rope elbow to the head is blocked with a jumping knee to the face, setting up Drift Away for the pin at 8:06.

Rating: D+. How long has it been since Elias won a major match? And clean on top of that? Ambrose seems to be leaving, though WWE acknowledging it more than once makes things seem a little fishy indeed. Maybe he is leaving though and if that’s the case, at least he’s putting some people over on the way out.

Post break Dean is still in the ring when Reigns and Rollins come out to pitch the reunion one more time. Dean goes through the crowd instead but here are Lashley, Corbin and McIntyre to interrupt and make fun of the Shield being split again. The fight is on until Ambrose runs back to the ring for the save. Rollins and Reigns do the pose and Dean throws his fist in for the big reunion.

We look back at Stephanie’s big announcement.

Shield vs. Corbin/McIntyre/Lashley is set for Fastlane.

Sasha Banks vs. Tamina

Bayley and Nia Jax are at ringside. Tamina sends her into the corner to start and crushes her with a splash. Sasha is right back with the running knees in the corner for two and a running knee to the head gets two more. A Russian legsweep sets up the Bank Statement but Nia Jax pulls Tamina out. Nia throws Bayley down but gets the Meteora from the apron. It’s enough of a distraction for Tamina to hit the superkick for the pin on Sasha at 3:15.

Rating: D+. Just a quick build towards the Tag Team Title match on Sunday and there’s nothing wrong with that. I can’t imagine the titles change hands this soon and there is a lot more potential for Bayley and Sasha to have a big match at Wrestlemania rather than the Samoans. It’s fine for a first title defense and with that out of the way, we can move on to something bigger and better.

The SNL correspondents go their separate ways with one of them saying he’s not afraid of anyone. Braun Strowman pops up and intimidation occurs. Upon being asked if this is real, Strowman lifts him up by the throat.

Post break Strowman is still choking him when the other SNL guy comes in for the save. Strowman says he’ll see them at Wrestlemania.

Ricochet and Black are challenging and before their entrances, they talk about how their actions will prove that they belong. Black goes with the strikes on the champs to start but gets swung into a belly to back suplex. The springboard moonsault gets Black out of trouble as Chad Gable and Bobby Roode head out to watch.

Back with Dawson getting kicked in the face and a double legsweep taking the Revival down so it can be off to Ricochet. A backslide and sunset flip give Ricochet two each and it’s the springboard European uppercut to send Wilder outside. Roode and Gable are done with this and jump Wilder for the DQ at 3:54.

Rating: D+. Another instance of a match being used to advance an angle, which might see a triple threat match on Sunday. Black and Ricochet being thrown together as a team is acceptable enough, though they both seem to have more potential as singles stars. At least the Revival didn’t lose for a change. That’s something right?

Post match the fight is on with Roode and gable being sent outside, leaving Ricochet and Black to backflip into their poses.

Video on Alexa Bliss working with Girl Up for Women’s History Month.

Here’s Stephanie McMahon with the Women’s Title and the agreement for Becky to sign. After we see Rousey laying the title down last week, Stephanie brings out Charlotte and Becky. Stephanie explains the hold harmless agreement but Charlotte mocks her before any signing takes place (and I need to make sure who signs and who doesn’t, because if there’s one thing WWE adheres to, it’s signed contracts). Becky offers to fight her right now on one good leg and there’s the signing.

We cut to the back where Rousey is storming into the arena and come back with her walking to the stage (must be a huge arena). Rousey storms in and demands the title back. Stephanie hands it over and changes Sunday’s match. Now, if Becky wins the on Sunday, she’s in the Wrestlemania title match. Ronda isn’t done yet though and yells at Stephanie about making money for the company. She goes into a rant against the fans about how terrible everything is and how she’s sacrificed so much for this company and then they boo her out of the Staples Center.

Screw the Woo and the beating is on with Charlotte getting kicked to the floor. Rousey puts Becky in the armbreaker and cranks back before hammering away in the corner. The armbreaker goes on again and Charlotte leaves as Ronda poses over Becky. Ronda puts the hold on for the third time as they seem to have wrapped things up very early.

After a replay, we go to Stephanie (because of course) in the back where she says she didn’t do Ronda a favor. Becky made a mistake by signing the document and now she’s upset at Ronda for what she did. She can’t wait to see what’s going to happen at Wrestlemania and there are decisions to be made.

We cut back to the arena where a producer tells Ronda to hold up the title. She does just that to end the show. They did a good job with turning Rousey heel which should eliminate anyone who could steal some of Becky’s cheering, but having Stephanie as the other face in the story just makes my head hurt.

Overall Rating: C-. I’m not sure what to think of this show. The wrestling wasn’t anything to see but they were trying as hard as they could to set up some things for Fastlane while also building towards Wrestlemania at the same time. The stories are getting better (or at least more intense) and I want to see where things go from here. Fastlane feels like more of a complete show, but I still don’t buy for a second that WWE sees it as anything more than content for content’s sake.

Results

Baron Corbin/Bobby Lashley/Drew McIntyre b. Kurt Angle/Finn Balor/Braun Strowman – Spear to Balor

Natalya b. Ruby Riott – Small package

Heavy Machinery won a gauntlet match last eliminating Curt Hawkins/Zack Ryder

Elias b. Dean Ambrose – Drift Away

Tamina b. Sasha Banks – Superkick

Revival b. Ricochet/Aleister Black via DQ when Bobby Roode and Chad Gable interfered

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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