- X-Division four-way match: Mason Andrews (Scorpio Sky) versus Rubix (Jigsaw) versus Lars Only (Johnny Yuma) versus Dakota Darsow. The winner will be entered into the X-Division title tournament. I predict Rubix will go through as he is an excellent wrestler.
- Four X-Division matches not yet announced featuring the winner of the four-way, plus Sonjay Dutt, Rashad Cameron (Jeez from CZW), Kid Kash, Doug Williams, Zema Ion, Kenny King and Flip Casanova (Flip Kendrick). I would like to see Doug Williams win the tournament, but predict Sonjay Dutt to be the winner.
- Samoa Joe versus Kurt Angle in the Bound for Glory series. I expect this to go to a time-limit draw.
- Ultimate X for the vacant X title. As noted above, I believe that Sonjay Dutt will win.
- A.J. Styles versus Christopher Daniels last man standing. I hope that AJ wins, just so they can blow off this Claire Lynch storyline. I predict Daniels will win, however, with interference from Kaz.
- Bobby Roode versus Austin Aries for the TNA title. Bobby Roode will win, no doubt through shenanigans.
Friday 6 July 2012
Monday 11 June 2012
Friday 8 June 2012
TNA Slammiversary X - predictions
Bobby Roode versus Sting for the TNA World Heavyweight championship.
- I predict that Bobby Roode will win this match through shenanigans. Their last few matches were very good, so this will be a great main event.
Christopher Daniels and Kazarian versus A.J. Styles and Kurt Angle for the tag titles.
- I’m not sure who will win this match. You’d expect that this match would be the time for Kazarian and Daniels to get their comeuppance. However, it feels as though the story isn’t at the point of climax yet, so I will go with Daniels and Kaz to win.
Jeff Hardy versus Rob Van Dam versus Mr. Anderson – Winner becomes numbers one contender.
- I feel like I have seen this match, or a version of it, a dozen times. Honestly, I don’t want to see any of these three in the number one contender position. Has the potential to be a train-wreck match. I predict Jeff Hardy will win.
Joseph Park versus Bully Ray
- This may be the most intriguing match on the card. I can’t wait to see how this plays out, especially as Abyss has vowed to return. It would be great if Abyss does in fact have a brother, and that it really is him in the ring with Ray. I can see a strange ‘split personality’ angle coming, which might be horrible. Otherwise, I can Park being taken out on a stretcher after losing the match, for Abyss to run out and take out Ray... It’s very difficult to predict a winner on this one, but I’m going to go with Bully Ray.
Gail Kim versus Miss Tessmacher for the Knockouts title
- With another Brooke on TV, it seems that Tessmacher has been forced to go back to being Miss again. I predict Gail Kim will win.
Austin Aries versus Samoa Joe
- This has the potential to be a hell of a match. It would have made more sense if the X Division title was on the line, but hey. As it’s a non-title match, I can see Joe winning.
Devon and Garrett Bischoff versus Robbie E and Robbie T
- I’m quite convinced that no matter how hard they try, Garrett Bischoff will never get over as a babyface. This match will probably be horrible. Devon is by far the best worker in this match, but he can’t possibly carry three people. I predict Devon and Garrett will win.
Crimson has issued an open challenge to anyone
- This could be interesting, perhaps we will see the return of Joey Ryan, the debut of Chris Masters, or Christian in action (though I doubt the latter). If it is Chris Masters, I can see Crimson getting his first loss, but against anyone else, Crimson will win.
Kid Kash vs. Hernandez
- I’m not really sure what to make of this, but I assume Hernadez will win.
The first inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame
At present, this should only be one of three people: Jeff Jarrett, A.J. Styles or Sting. Judging by the A.J storyline, I doubt very much that it will be him. So Sting or Jarrett. Personally, I’d like to see Jarrett back (ideally with his MMA gimmick!). However, a more likely thing will be that Christian will be the one honoured - a great way to make TNA look like a second-tier company.
- I predict that Bobby Roode will win this match through shenanigans. Their last few matches were very good, so this will be a great main event.
Christopher Daniels and Kazarian versus A.J. Styles and Kurt Angle for the tag titles.
- I’m not sure who will win this match. You’d expect that this match would be the time for Kazarian and Daniels to get their comeuppance. However, it feels as though the story isn’t at the point of climax yet, so I will go with Daniels and Kaz to win.
Jeff Hardy versus Rob Van Dam versus Mr. Anderson – Winner becomes numbers one contender.
- I feel like I have seen this match, or a version of it, a dozen times. Honestly, I don’t want to see any of these three in the number one contender position. Has the potential to be a train-wreck match. I predict Jeff Hardy will win.
Joseph Park versus Bully Ray
- This may be the most intriguing match on the card. I can’t wait to see how this plays out, especially as Abyss has vowed to return. It would be great if Abyss does in fact have a brother, and that it really is him in the ring with Ray. I can see a strange ‘split personality’ angle coming, which might be horrible. Otherwise, I can Park being taken out on a stretcher after losing the match, for Abyss to run out and take out Ray... It’s very difficult to predict a winner on this one, but I’m going to go with Bully Ray.
Gail Kim versus Miss Tessmacher for the Knockouts title
- With another Brooke on TV, it seems that Tessmacher has been forced to go back to being Miss again. I predict Gail Kim will win.
Austin Aries versus Samoa Joe
- This has the potential to be a hell of a match. It would have made more sense if the X Division title was on the line, but hey. As it’s a non-title match, I can see Joe winning.
Devon and Garrett Bischoff versus Robbie E and Robbie T
- I’m quite convinced that no matter how hard they try, Garrett Bischoff will never get over as a babyface. This match will probably be horrible. Devon is by far the best worker in this match, but he can’t possibly carry three people. I predict Devon and Garrett will win.
Crimson has issued an open challenge to anyone
- This could be interesting, perhaps we will see the return of Joey Ryan, the debut of Chris Masters, or Christian in action (though I doubt the latter). If it is Chris Masters, I can see Crimson getting his first loss, but against anyone else, Crimson will win.
Kid Kash vs. Hernandez
- I’m not really sure what to make of this, but I assume Hernadez will win.
The first inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame
At present, this should only be one of three people: Jeff Jarrett, A.J. Styles or Sting. Judging by the A.J storyline, I doubt very much that it will be him. So Sting or Jarrett. Personally, I’d like to see Jarrett back (ideally with his MMA gimmick!). However, a more likely thing will be that Christian will be the one honoured - a great way to make TNA look like a second-tier company.
Sunday 29 April 2012
WWE Extreme Rules: Predictions
It’s time for my WWE Extreme Rules predictions:
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules Match)
I’m not sure what makes an Extreme Rules match any different from a no-DQ match, and as no one on TV has explained what exactly an Extreme Rules match entails, I’m pretty sure that most casual fans will have no idea what this means.
There is only one way that this match can go, and that is with a convincing win for Brock Lesnar. Of course, they could give the win to Cena, but this would be incredibly short-sighted. Based on WWE’s track-record over the last few years however, this is a distinct possibility.
I am working on the theory that Cena is going to be on a losing streak in order for his character to become more serious while still remaining a babyface. Though everything is currently pointing to a double turn by Cena and Brock, I just can’t see this happening. I can see another big match that Cena will lose, perhaps against another outsider like Batista or JBL (though I can’t see the latter returning any time soon).
Brock to win.
World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)
This is a very difficult one to call because I’m sure that the audience’s reaction to Bryan since Mania has damaged the push of Sheamus. Are WWE going to run with it in the way that they did Jeff Hardy, or are they going to be in the mindset of letting the audience know how wrong they are, as they did with Ryder?
I find it amusing that WWE went for the record-breaking win with these two (a move which would have added more to the Cody/Big Show feud), only for it to backfire. I’m sure that the writers thought that it would be the perfect way to elevate Sheamus – it didn’t work and the fans turned. I know that personally I was pretty pissed off. Last year I’d paid for the match, only for it to be demoted to the dark match, only to be screwed again. To say I felt a little ripped off is an understatement.
I’m hoping that we’ll get a long, 4 star plus match out of this one. I hope they don’t do two quick pins with Sheamus retaining. Although I can’t see it happening, Bryan was a great champion and I’d love to see him get another run. Of course, this is WWE in 2012, so Sheamus is clearly going to win.
WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Chicago Street Fight)
The premise of the whole feud has been lame. I’m not interested in the feud at all, even though the match has the potential to be pretty decent.
If I’ve learnt one thing about sports through this feud, if you want to get a shot at a championship, the best thing to do is to lose clean at the biggest show of the year and then pour alcohol on your opponent. Junior Dos Santos should take heed, if someone pours Bourbon on you, that title shot is as good as signed.
Jericho to win.
Randy Orton vs. Kane (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Poor Randy Orton. Has Kane ever been in a decent feud? Think about it... he hasn’t, has he? Match should be okay, Orton should be feuding with Bryan at the moment (not Jinder Mahal as they are hinting).
Orton to win.
Intercontinental Champion Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes
Based on the booking, logic would say that Cody has no chance of winning. This is WWE in 2012, so based on his losing streak, Cody will win.
United States Champion Santino Marella vs. The Miz
Poor Miz. The burial continues. Even if he wins, who gives a shit about the US title?
Miz to win.
Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Beth Phoenix
The match made on Twitter. Nikki will retain.
Final thoughts
This has the potential for three decent matches. I really want to see Danielson regain the title, after a gruelling back-and-forth match that elevates both guys. I wish Kane would just retire.
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules Match)
I’m not sure what makes an Extreme Rules match any different from a no-DQ match, and as no one on TV has explained what exactly an Extreme Rules match entails, I’m pretty sure that most casual fans will have no idea what this means.
There is only one way that this match can go, and that is with a convincing win for Brock Lesnar. Of course, they could give the win to Cena, but this would be incredibly short-sighted. Based on WWE’s track-record over the last few years however, this is a distinct possibility.
I am working on the theory that Cena is going to be on a losing streak in order for his character to become more serious while still remaining a babyface. Though everything is currently pointing to a double turn by Cena and Brock, I just can’t see this happening. I can see another big match that Cena will lose, perhaps against another outsider like Batista or JBL (though I can’t see the latter returning any time soon).
Brock to win.
World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)
This is a very difficult one to call because I’m sure that the audience’s reaction to Bryan since Mania has damaged the push of Sheamus. Are WWE going to run with it in the way that they did Jeff Hardy, or are they going to be in the mindset of letting the audience know how wrong they are, as they did with Ryder?
I find it amusing that WWE went for the record-breaking win with these two (a move which would have added more to the Cody/Big Show feud), only for it to backfire. I’m sure that the writers thought that it would be the perfect way to elevate Sheamus – it didn’t work and the fans turned. I know that personally I was pretty pissed off. Last year I’d paid for the match, only for it to be demoted to the dark match, only to be screwed again. To say I felt a little ripped off is an understatement.
I’m hoping that we’ll get a long, 4 star plus match out of this one. I hope they don’t do two quick pins with Sheamus retaining. Although I can’t see it happening, Bryan was a great champion and I’d love to see him get another run. Of course, this is WWE in 2012, so Sheamus is clearly going to win.
WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Chicago Street Fight)
The premise of the whole feud has been lame. I’m not interested in the feud at all, even though the match has the potential to be pretty decent.
If I’ve learnt one thing about sports through this feud, if you want to get a shot at a championship, the best thing to do is to lose clean at the biggest show of the year and then pour alcohol on your opponent. Junior Dos Santos should take heed, if someone pours Bourbon on you, that title shot is as good as signed.
Jericho to win.
Randy Orton vs. Kane (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Poor Randy Orton. Has Kane ever been in a decent feud? Think about it... he hasn’t, has he? Match should be okay, Orton should be feuding with Bryan at the moment (not Jinder Mahal as they are hinting).
Orton to win.
Intercontinental Champion Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes
Based on the booking, logic would say that Cody has no chance of winning. This is WWE in 2012, so based on his losing streak, Cody will win.
United States Champion Santino Marella vs. The Miz
Poor Miz. The burial continues. Even if he wins, who gives a shit about the US title?
Miz to win.
Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Beth Phoenix
The match made on Twitter. Nikki will retain.
Final thoughts
This has the potential for three decent matches. I really want to see Danielson regain the title, after a gruelling back-and-forth match that elevates both guys. I wish Kane would just retire.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Wrestlemania 28 predictions
With an underwhelming go-home show for this year’s Wrestlemania in the bag, it is time to put my hat into the ring and choose my predictions for this year’s show.
Compared to the last two years, Wrestlemania 28 is by far a much stronger bill up and down the card. I still find it odd that they are billing the show as having FOUR main events, but who cares? I’m past trying to think through WWE’s bizarre logic.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the card (which will probably be tweaked come Sunday):
Randy Orton vs. Kane
This match has had almost zero build. Kane was feuding with Zack Ryder and Cena, getting Cena to embrace the hate, then Kane realised that he’d shook Rany Orton’s hand last summer and so build a match from that. This feud (if you can even call it that) feels more like an after-thought than anything to get excited about. The match should be fine, and Orton will win.
Maria Menounos & Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres
This will be when I get some beers and put on some hotdogs. The token celebrity match (though Menounos is pretty much unheard of outside of the US). I hope it’s short, because it will certainly be a dud by anyone’s standards. Faces to win.
Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show for the Intercontinental Title
Cody Rhodes is very good, so this match has potential to be pretty entertaining. Cody has been humiliating Show for weeks, so the build has been really strong. I predict a win for Cody, with the Big Show probably snapping after the match and destroying Cody. Show will get his revenge, but Cody will keep the title.
Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny
The geek match. It’s really hard to care about the result of this match because Teddy Long is so unlikable and Otunga and Johnny are so entertaining as a double-act (just please don’t put Otunga in the ring). I think it’s obvious that Teddy Long’s team is losing, and there should be some pretty decent spots in the match. I predict that Drew MacIntyre (of all people) will get the pin in order to rebuild his character... but I’m not holding my breath.
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Title
Main Event time! This was the match I paid for last year but never got, so it’s good to see that it is now the main event and not a dark match. This match has the potential to elevate both Sheamus and Danielson to the next level. I just hope they are given a decent amount of time to show what they can do. The only thing which might work against this match is the lack of heat between Danielson and Sheamus. For months Danielson had heat with Henry, Cole, Show, even AJ, but there’s not been much with Sheamus. I think the build has made it quite obvious that Sheamus will win (even though Sheamus, and not the champ was pinned on Raw).
The Undertaker vs. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell Match
Main Event time! This match will be awesome and I can’t wait. I predict that Undertaker will win, probably after kicking out of a Sweet Chin Music at some point. They’ve done a hell of a job building this match up, some of the promos have told really intriguing stories. I think they missed a trick by not having Shawn out on the last Raw doing a promo with ambiguous wording as way to add more intrigue to the match, but hey, we had to see the same Rock/Cena promo again. I predict lots of blood, and a good slow-paced match with lots of drama.
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho for the WWE Title
Main Event time! I’ve really enjoyed the way they’ve built up this match. It’s nice to see that Jericho has got to Punk and that feud has moved beyond a simple “I’m the best”, “No, I’m the best” feud to something with more dimensions. I think they’ll have a hell of match, maybe the best of the night. I can see Jericho winning the title, with Punk winning it back at the next PPV.
John Cena vs. The Rock
WWE can’t win with this match. If Rock wins, Cena’s going to still be around to hold up the company, while Rock’s off doing films. If Cena wins, nothing will be gained and everyone who hates Cena going in will continue to hate Cena. A lot of the interest in the match has gone down for me. I’ve found Rock to be unlikable, relying on catchphrases and very out-of-date cultural references (Mark E Mark hasn’t been around for about 20 years, the Tellytubbies had their day about 15 years ago). Cena’s character came off well for a few weeks, but when he came out to do his Dr of Thugonomics gimmick, you knew that Cena, in any guise, is simply playing a role. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the promos, they’ve been entertaining, but have they built up the match any more than they did a year ago? My feeling is not. Cena looks set to win, but it’s in Rock’s hometown so I can’t really see the 50/50 split that the WWE were hoping for.
Compared to the last two years, Wrestlemania 28 is by far a much stronger bill up and down the card. I still find it odd that they are billing the show as having FOUR main events, but who cares? I’m past trying to think through WWE’s bizarre logic.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the card (which will probably be tweaked come Sunday):
Randy Orton vs. Kane
This match has had almost zero build. Kane was feuding with Zack Ryder and Cena, getting Cena to embrace the hate, then Kane realised that he’d shook Rany Orton’s hand last summer and so build a match from that. This feud (if you can even call it that) feels more like an after-thought than anything to get excited about. The match should be fine, and Orton will win.
Maria Menounos & Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres
This will be when I get some beers and put on some hotdogs. The token celebrity match (though Menounos is pretty much unheard of outside of the US). I hope it’s short, because it will certainly be a dud by anyone’s standards. Faces to win.
Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show for the Intercontinental Title
Cody Rhodes is very good, so this match has potential to be pretty entertaining. Cody has been humiliating Show for weeks, so the build has been really strong. I predict a win for Cody, with the Big Show probably snapping after the match and destroying Cody. Show will get his revenge, but Cody will keep the title.
Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny
The geek match. It’s really hard to care about the result of this match because Teddy Long is so unlikable and Otunga and Johnny are so entertaining as a double-act (just please don’t put Otunga in the ring). I think it’s obvious that Teddy Long’s team is losing, and there should be some pretty decent spots in the match. I predict that Drew MacIntyre (of all people) will get the pin in order to rebuild his character... but I’m not holding my breath.
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Title
Main Event time! This was the match I paid for last year but never got, so it’s good to see that it is now the main event and not a dark match. This match has the potential to elevate both Sheamus and Danielson to the next level. I just hope they are given a decent amount of time to show what they can do. The only thing which might work against this match is the lack of heat between Danielson and Sheamus. For months Danielson had heat with Henry, Cole, Show, even AJ, but there’s not been much with Sheamus. I think the build has made it quite obvious that Sheamus will win (even though Sheamus, and not the champ was pinned on Raw).
The Undertaker vs. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell Match
Main Event time! This match will be awesome and I can’t wait. I predict that Undertaker will win, probably after kicking out of a Sweet Chin Music at some point. They’ve done a hell of a job building this match up, some of the promos have told really intriguing stories. I think they missed a trick by not having Shawn out on the last Raw doing a promo with ambiguous wording as way to add more intrigue to the match, but hey, we had to see the same Rock/Cena promo again. I predict lots of blood, and a good slow-paced match with lots of drama.
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho for the WWE Title
Main Event time! I’ve really enjoyed the way they’ve built up this match. It’s nice to see that Jericho has got to Punk and that feud has moved beyond a simple “I’m the best”, “No, I’m the best” feud to something with more dimensions. I think they’ll have a hell of match, maybe the best of the night. I can see Jericho winning the title, with Punk winning it back at the next PPV.
John Cena vs. The Rock
WWE can’t win with this match. If Rock wins, Cena’s going to still be around to hold up the company, while Rock’s off doing films. If Cena wins, nothing will be gained and everyone who hates Cena going in will continue to hate Cena. A lot of the interest in the match has gone down for me. I’ve found Rock to be unlikable, relying on catchphrases and very out-of-date cultural references (Mark E Mark hasn’t been around for about 20 years, the Tellytubbies had their day about 15 years ago). Cena’s character came off well for a few weeks, but when he came out to do his Dr of Thugonomics gimmick, you knew that Cena, in any guise, is simply playing a role. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the promos, they’ve been entertaining, but have they built up the match any more than they did a year ago? My feeling is not. Cena looks set to win, but it’s in Rock’s hometown so I can’t really see the 50/50 split that the WWE were hoping for.
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Jon and Colin meet Maffew from Botchamania
Jon and Colin interview Maffew of Botchamania in his first ever face-to-face interview!
We talk about wrestling, video games, and Michael Barrymore.
In association with:
http://socksreview.blogspot.com
http://www.artfist.org
http://www.botchamania.com
Approx length: 1h45m, 128kbps mp3
Thursday 16 February 2012
Jon and Colin's Quintessentially English Wrestling Show
ere is Jon and Colin's Quintessentially English Wrestling Show.
It's a wrestling show with some comedy and stupidity from two English pro wrestling fans.
In the show:
Tribute to DPW
$5 Wrestling
TNA Live in UK reviews
TNA Against All Odds
WWE bullshit
Ring Ka King
Wednesday 15 February 2012
TNA Against All Odds - predictions revisted
This was not a good show. Jesse really hurt himself, and from what I can gather is in a pretty bad way: broken neck, can't feel legs. Next day on Raw we had Ryder in a goofy neck-brace, fuck you WWE.
Anyways, let's see how I did:
"TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode
This match feels like bad booking. This should be a three-way at most, TNA should hold off on Storm FFS.
I can see Roode holding on until Lockdown, will probably get a pin on Bully Ray. Some kind of ref bump will stop both Storm and Hardy from winning."
1-0 it was a pin on Hardy after bullshit with Sting.
"TNA Tag Team Title Match
Samoa Joe & Magnus vs. Matt Morgan & Crimson
The tag team division is on fire at the moment. It’s great to see the only teams in the tag division going against each other for about the 5th time in as many weeks. Based on the losses, I’d say Magnus and Joe to win. Probably with Magnus pinning Morgan. Just trying to think like Russo here."
2-0 Boring match, right team won... who's next?
"TNA X Division Title Match
Alex Sheley vs. Austin Aries
This should be a great match, and there’s no obvious choice. I think Shelley should probably get the strap, but using Russo logic, he’s not had enough losses to get the title. I predict Aries will retain here, but then Shelley will get a rematch on TV and win the belt there."
3-0 This was an awesome match, probably best match so far this year. Highlight of the show.
"TNA Knockouts Title Match
Tara vs. Gail Kim
This could be an okay match. I hate the way Tara always sets up for her moves too early, thus making it look staged (I know it is, but it should at least look like it’s fluid).
Kim will retain."
4-0 This match was okay, the ending made no sense (Kim worked on Tara's bad knee for a while and then hit with her finish).
#1 Contender's Match
Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen
The X-Division really is in a shit state these days. I’ll go with Sorensen, he’s decent in the ring, Zema Ion is a bit of spot-monkey.
4-1 I was wrong, but under the circumstances I wish I wasn't. I've watched the replay a few times and I can't see that either guy fucked up, it was just a bad accident.
Garret Bischoff with Hulk Hogan vs. Gunner with Eric Bischoff
Just give up already. Send Garret to OVW for a year and let him learn how to wrestle. I predict a short match with Garret doing a dozen hip tosses and then getting screwed in some way. Gunner is better than this.
5-1 I was right about the hip tosses, there was arm-drags too! The match sucked and went on far too long. But Gunner won clean in the middle of the ring.
Kazarian vs. AJ Styles
Pointless feud, match should be pretty decent. AJ versus Daniels would be better, AJ in the main event would be even better.
Kaz will win with interference from Daniels.
6-1 Kaz won, the match was pretty flat, apart from the ending which was awesome.
On the whole, a mediocre PPV which had a really nasty injury and a terribly booked ending.
Anyways, let's see how I did:
"TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode
This match feels like bad booking. This should be a three-way at most, TNA should hold off on Storm FFS.
I can see Roode holding on until Lockdown, will probably get a pin on Bully Ray. Some kind of ref bump will stop both Storm and Hardy from winning."
1-0 it was a pin on Hardy after bullshit with Sting.
"TNA Tag Team Title Match
Samoa Joe & Magnus vs. Matt Morgan & Crimson
The tag team division is on fire at the moment. It’s great to see the only teams in the tag division going against each other for about the 5th time in as many weeks. Based on the losses, I’d say Magnus and Joe to win. Probably with Magnus pinning Morgan. Just trying to think like Russo here."
2-0 Boring match, right team won... who's next?
"TNA X Division Title Match
Alex Sheley vs. Austin Aries
This should be a great match, and there’s no obvious choice. I think Shelley should probably get the strap, but using Russo logic, he’s not had enough losses to get the title. I predict Aries will retain here, but then Shelley will get a rematch on TV and win the belt there."
3-0 This was an awesome match, probably best match so far this year. Highlight of the show.
"TNA Knockouts Title Match
Tara vs. Gail Kim
This could be an okay match. I hate the way Tara always sets up for her moves too early, thus making it look staged (I know it is, but it should at least look like it’s fluid).
Kim will retain."
4-0 This match was okay, the ending made no sense (Kim worked on Tara's bad knee for a while and then hit with her finish).
#1 Contender's Match
Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen
The X-Division really is in a shit state these days. I’ll go with Sorensen, he’s decent in the ring, Zema Ion is a bit of spot-monkey.
4-1 I was wrong, but under the circumstances I wish I wasn't. I've watched the replay a few times and I can't see that either guy fucked up, it was just a bad accident.
Garret Bischoff with Hulk Hogan vs. Gunner with Eric Bischoff
Just give up already. Send Garret to OVW for a year and let him learn how to wrestle. I predict a short match with Garret doing a dozen hip tosses and then getting screwed in some way. Gunner is better than this.
5-1 I was right about the hip tosses, there was arm-drags too! The match sucked and went on far too long. But Gunner won clean in the middle of the ring.
Kazarian vs. AJ Styles
Pointless feud, match should be pretty decent. AJ versus Daniels would be better, AJ in the main event would be even better.
Kaz will win with interference from Daniels.
6-1 Kaz won, the match was pretty flat, apart from the ending which was awesome.
On the whole, a mediocre PPV which had a really nasty injury and a terribly booked ending.
Saturday 11 February 2012
If we're uploading wrestling pictures...
...I might as well throw my hat into the ring. Besides, Smackdown was so uneventful it's hardly worth a whole post all to itself.
Bear in mind these were taken over the course of five separate wrestling events, I managed to get just five shots I'm actually happy uploading. Taking good shots of wrestling from the crowd is HARD, especially if your kit sucks (like mine did...)
Click for big.
TNA: Against All Odds - predictions
TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode
This match feels like bad booking. This should be a three-way at most, TNA should hold off on Storm FFS.
I can see Roode holding on until Lockdown, will probably get a pin on Bully Ray. Some kind of ref bump will stop both Storm and Hardy from winning.
TNA Tag Team Title Match
Samoa Joe & Magnus vs. Matt Morgan & Crimson
The tag team division is on fire at the moment. It’s great to see the only teams in the tag division going against each other for about the 5th time in as many weeks. Based on the losses, I’d say Magnus and Joe to win. Probably with Magnus pinning Morgan. Just trying to think like Russo here.
TNA X Division Title Match
Alex Sheley vs. Austin Aries
This should be a great match, and there’s no obvious choice. I think Shelley should probably get the strap, but using Russo logic, he’s not had enough losses to get the title. I predict Aries will retain here, but then Shelley will get a rematch on TV and win the belt there.
TNA Knockouts Title Match
Tara vs. Gail Kim
This could be an okay match. I hate the way Tara always sets up for her moves too early, thus making it look staged (I know it is, but it should at least look like it’s fluid).
Kim will retain.
#1 Contender's Match
Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen
The X-Division really is in a shit state these days. I’ll go with Sorensen, he’s decent in the ring, Zema Ion is a bit of spot-monkey.
Garret Bischoff with Hulk Hogan vs. Gunner with Eric Bischoff
Just give up already. Send Garret to OVW for a year and let him learn how to wrestle. I predict a short match with Garret doing a dozen hip tosses and then getting screwed in some way. Gunner is better than this.
Kazarian vs. AJ Styles
Pointless feud, match should be pretty decent. AJ versus Daniels would be better, AJ in the main event would be even better.
Kaz will win with interference from Daniels.
On the whole, not too much to get too excited about. The X Division title match should be good, apart from that, we’ll see.
James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode
This match feels like bad booking. This should be a three-way at most, TNA should hold off on Storm FFS.
I can see Roode holding on until Lockdown, will probably get a pin on Bully Ray. Some kind of ref bump will stop both Storm and Hardy from winning.
TNA Tag Team Title Match
Samoa Joe & Magnus vs. Matt Morgan & Crimson
The tag team division is on fire at the moment. It’s great to see the only teams in the tag division going against each other for about the 5th time in as many weeks. Based on the losses, I’d say Magnus and Joe to win. Probably with Magnus pinning Morgan. Just trying to think like Russo here.
TNA X Division Title Match
Alex Sheley vs. Austin Aries
This should be a great match, and there’s no obvious choice. I think Shelley should probably get the strap, but using Russo logic, he’s not had enough losses to get the title. I predict Aries will retain here, but then Shelley will get a rematch on TV and win the belt there.
TNA Knockouts Title Match
Tara vs. Gail Kim
This could be an okay match. I hate the way Tara always sets up for her moves too early, thus making it look staged (I know it is, but it should at least look like it’s fluid).
Kim will retain.
#1 Contender's Match
Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen
The X-Division really is in a shit state these days. I’ll go with Sorensen, he’s decent in the ring, Zema Ion is a bit of spot-monkey.
Garret Bischoff with Hulk Hogan vs. Gunner with Eric Bischoff
Just give up already. Send Garret to OVW for a year and let him learn how to wrestle. I predict a short match with Garret doing a dozen hip tosses and then getting screwed in some way. Gunner is better than this.
Kazarian vs. AJ Styles
Pointless feud, match should be pretty decent. AJ versus Daniels would be better, AJ in the main event would be even better.
Kaz will win with interference from Daniels.
On the whole, not too much to get too excited about. The X Division title match should be good, apart from that, we’ll see.
Friday 10 February 2012
iMPACT, Feb 9th, 2012
It turns out that the Blogger android app is a piece of shit, so I'm going to be using Twitter for my 'wrestling fan yelling at the TV' stuff, but I will make an effort to recap the shows here.
The show started out pretty well, Daniels and AJ was a pretty good way to start the show. The Kaz situation is a little silly, TNA seems to have a fondness for 'Oh, what is this big mystery all about? Find out in 3 months after we're done drip-feeding you enough information that you don't forget about it, but not enough that you actually care' storylines (Winter/Angelina, Garrett's trainer, etc.) but I don't think the fans really care. I certainly don't, all I know is AJ is being kept away from the title picture by a feud with Daniels again. I don't care what Kaz's deal is. I just want it over so we can see a storyline that actually matters.
Magnus gave a really good promo, better than anything I've seen him do before on TV (he did a great one in Dublin, but live is live and TV is TV), I really hope him and Joe get the belts at the PPV. I'm not sure they will though, TNA have made a rod for their own back with Crimson - they can't give him the belt because nobody gives a shit about him, and he can't be beaten because all he has going for him is his winning streak...so what do you do? Give him a belt that nobody cares about and forget about him, and hope people start to take notice. Problem is, they've lumbered him with Morgan who has also failed to win over the fans even after being with the company for several years. If they'd brought back Amazing Red to team with Crimson it would have been a different story, but it doesn't seem Morgan can get the job done.
Then we had Aries v Shelley v Doug in a great 3-way. It's good to see Doug back, he's one of the best in TNA. I don't really care who wins at the PPV, I'd prefer Aries but the X-Division is a shadow of its former self. It's still good, but it used to be amazing and groundbreaking...I'd love to see it come back to prominence again.
The second half of the show was pretty much what you'd expect from TNA, too much Hogan/Bischoff, too much talking, a screwjob in the main event. Velvet got a clean win over Mickie though, which I didn't see coming...although, since Kharma returned to WWE at the Rumble, the only womens wrestling I really want to see is her actual comeback.
I'd give my predictions for Against All Odds, but I can honestly only remember 2 or 3 matches so there's no point. Too much screen time for Hogan/Bischoff, not enough time building up matches. TNA in a nutshell.
Monday 6 February 2012
ROH TV - 4th February - KEVIN STEEN returns!
Show opened with clips from the TV Title match between Lethal, Generico and Bennett from Final Battle 2011. I didn’t see this one because I’ve had problems with IPPVs before and though better of it.
Kelly and McGuinness introduced the show from Baltimore. Every time I here Baltimore it makes me think of the Wire, which in turn makes me think of the Urban Wrestling Federation (yes, I know it’s based in Philly, but that’s how my mind works). They hype up the TV title match between Bennett and Lethal. Bennett did a promo saying how he was going to be the next champ, and how the audience could be proud to have him as a TV champ. Mike Bennett’s not the best worker in the world, his talents pales in comparison to the likes of Edwards and Lethal, but I think he makes a great heel and he’s got a great gimmick.
The first match saw Lethal beat Bennett by pin-fall with a crucifix to retain the title. This was a good TV match, good pace, commentary told a great story and Lethal looked like a star.
Next up was an interview with Eddie Edwards. I really like Edwards, in-ring this guy is easily one of the best workers outside of Japan. I can imagine that if he was to go to TNA or WWE he’d just bob around the lower-mid card for a few months before getting dropped. I’m just not convinced by him in interviews, and I think if he went to another promotion, this would be bad for his drawing power.
Tonight’s ROH is, however, the TV return of Kevin Steen. Unlike WWE or TNA where a firing angle will be resolved within a month (or not even a week if you’re John Cena), ROH had Steen away from the promotion for a year. In the big picture, it takes a little away from the ‘loser leaves town stip’, but at least they followed it through for a good while and had a build up to Steen’s potential return.
Steen came down to the ring and Kevin Kelly noted that Steen had been re-instated but at what cost. They really put over that Steen was a dangerous guy to be near, this was awesome. Steen responded by asking why ROH would keep down their best wrestler for a year. He said it was because he wouldn’t suck up to Cornette – this was a great promo. They seem to be hinting at doing what could have been the CM Punk holding the WWE title hostage angle, but they’ll probably have the guts to do it right. Cornette came out and laid into him. I love Cornette, not sure about him as a babyface GM, but the heel GM thing has been done to death. Steen ended by saying he was going to kick Richards’ ass, become the new champion and be the bane of Cornette’s life. Great stuff.
Next match was for the tag titles: Haas and Benjamin versus the Young Bucks. They had a decent TV match, but it felt a bit stilted a points. Bucks won via DQ, when Benjamin used a steel chair.
I quite like the way the Bucks have evolved lately. They are still doing their crazy high-spots, but they make sense in the matches now rather than just being some nice acrobatics with no real context.
Kelly and McGuinness introduced the show from Baltimore. Every time I here Baltimore it makes me think of the Wire, which in turn makes me think of the Urban Wrestling Federation (yes, I know it’s based in Philly, but that’s how my mind works). They hype up the TV title match between Bennett and Lethal. Bennett did a promo saying how he was going to be the next champ, and how the audience could be proud to have him as a TV champ. Mike Bennett’s not the best worker in the world, his talents pales in comparison to the likes of Edwards and Lethal, but I think he makes a great heel and he’s got a great gimmick.
The first match saw Lethal beat Bennett by pin-fall with a crucifix to retain the title. This was a good TV match, good pace, commentary told a great story and Lethal looked like a star.
Next up was an interview with Eddie Edwards. I really like Edwards, in-ring this guy is easily one of the best workers outside of Japan. I can imagine that if he was to go to TNA or WWE he’d just bob around the lower-mid card for a few months before getting dropped. I’m just not convinced by him in interviews, and I think if he went to another promotion, this would be bad for his drawing power.
Tonight’s ROH is, however, the TV return of Kevin Steen. Unlike WWE or TNA where a firing angle will be resolved within a month (or not even a week if you’re John Cena), ROH had Steen away from the promotion for a year. In the big picture, it takes a little away from the ‘loser leaves town stip’, but at least they followed it through for a good while and had a build up to Steen’s potential return.
Steen came down to the ring and Kevin Kelly noted that Steen had been re-instated but at what cost. They really put over that Steen was a dangerous guy to be near, this was awesome. Steen responded by asking why ROH would keep down their best wrestler for a year. He said it was because he wouldn’t suck up to Cornette – this was a great promo. They seem to be hinting at doing what could have been the CM Punk holding the WWE title hostage angle, but they’ll probably have the guts to do it right. Cornette came out and laid into him. I love Cornette, not sure about him as a babyface GM, but the heel GM thing has been done to death. Steen ended by saying he was going to kick Richards’ ass, become the new champion and be the bane of Cornette’s life. Great stuff.
Next match was for the tag titles: Haas and Benjamin versus the Young Bucks. They had a decent TV match, but it felt a bit stilted a points. Bucks won via DQ, when Benjamin used a steel chair.
I quite like the way the Bucks have evolved lately. They are still doing their crazy high-spots, but they make sense in the matches now rather than just being some nice acrobatics with no real context.
Friday 3 February 2012
My guilty pleasure that I'm not at all guilty about...
Anyone that knows me knows that I am not generally an enthusiastic person but in life there are a few things that even people like me can enthuse about.
One of the things that can get me lively and acting like an obnoxiously excitable tool is professional wrestling. I did however get a bit of a shock recently when an acquaintance dropped the bomb – he told me that it wasn’t real. This did come as a bit of a shock as I didn’t realise that there are simpletons like him in the world. Of course it’s real, on the 26th of January 2012 for the fourth year in a row I was in attendance for the TNA impact tour, sitting three rows from the front and shouting like a twat it felt pretty real to me.
I’m not stupid, I know that it’s simulated violence but does that make it any less real? No, of course it doesn’t. I don’t know how each match is going to finish and I don’t know what each wrestler is going to do or how they are going to act (act being the operative word).
It really irks me when people tell me that it’s not real on the basis that they are not really fighting as if they’re telling me something that I just can’t grasp. I don’t turn round to people and say that Tom Cruise wasn’t really being shot at in Mission Impossible (unfortunately) or that Paul Newman wasn’t really trying to con someone in The Sting yet to anyone who hasn’t seen these films it comes as a surprise. When I see AJ Stiles Vs. Christopher Daniels squaring up in the four-sided-six-sided-squared circle then anything can happen.
It’s theatre, pure and simple and people need to realise that just because there’s no ground and pound and just because they aren’t recognised actors doesn’t take anything away from the passion and the sense of drama that I get when shout whatever stupid slogan I can think of at the time like a complete and utter twat.
Long may it last.
Monday 30 January 2012
Royal Rumble 2012
I think we all know Sheamus is gonna win this thing. Still, Punk v Dolph should be pretty interesting, someone's getting screwed but no idea who or how.
LET'S DO THIS
Nice, Bryan's up first...he's gonna get battered though
Michael Cole hates conceited people, apparently
Did Booker just say "This is fucking dangerous"
Holy shit, Bryan not only won, but won clean...awesome
And since he's a heel now, there's a good chance Punk might actually pull it off too
Kane v Cena...tempted to fast forward because I really don't give a shit
Cena can lift Big Show but not Kane...what
Pretty dull match...this should have gone first
Oh god, this is painful...the suffocation move looks terrible
I wonder what happened to the guy who won Tough Enough. Haven't heard from him in ages.
It's turned into a backstage brawl...boring as fuck
Kane v Ryder in a wheelchair is actually pretty funny...that should have been the actual match
That got a lot better after the match finished
Drew McIntyre gets a match? Why?. Literally nobody gives a fuck about him
OH SHIT ITS THE FUNKASAURUS
You'd think this'd get old.,,Nope.
Another quick win. I'm curious to see what'll happen when he gets a serious opponent
Punk time...Gonna grab some snacks and a beer, and enjoy the show.
Powebomb from Punk...don't think I've seen that before
FUCKING REF BUMP, NOT NOW WWE, DO THIS SHIT TO CENA OR ORTON OR WHOEVER THE FUCK BUT NOT DURING AN ACTUALLY DECENT MATCH
Very nice GTS reversal by Ziggler
Good match, the ref bump added nothing and it would have worked much better with no shenanigans...but still tied for match of the night with the cage match
RUMBLE TIME MOTHERFUCKER
So, Sheamus is going to win, but I'm hoping for Foley. Or THE MOTHERFUCKING FUNKASAURUS
Miz is number 1. This is good because he won't win, but bad because he's on my screen right now
Miz v Alex Riley...flashbacks to when the WWE was shit
FOLEY FOLEY FOLEY
Ricardo Rodriguez best entrance so far
Cobra v Socko is my favourite moment of the show so far
Foley's gone...it's all up to Brodus now. If he's even in it.
Holy shit, Kofi walking on his hands to avoid elimination...amazing
Dolph's in it...so Brodus might be...LETS GO FUNKASAURUS
Hacksaw Jim Duggan :D
FUCK YEAH KHARMA'S BACK WIN THIS THING KONGGoddamit shes gone
Fuck, Booker said Sheamus is his number one pick, so he cant possibly win...gotta be a heel then...please don't be Miz
No Funkasaurus :(
Ok so down to Sheamus and Y2J...but Booker said Sheamus was gonna win, so it has to be Jericho, right?
Nope, I was right all along...Booker just threw me off
Saturday 21 January 2012
iMPACT, Jan 19th 2012
It's amazing that Robert Roode and Daniel Bryan have the exact same angle, but with Bryan I can't wait to see what'll happen next and with Roode I just want to sleep through it.
Sting < Laurenaitas < Teddy Long
TNA are going to England and I won't be there T_T
Kaz is the worst heel
Magnus comes to the ring
Magnus gets pinned
Crimson is the least convincing monster I think I've ever seen
At least Joe's kicking some arse
Eric Young makes me laugh
Fire Garrett
Oh god, they actually did a Garrett montage so now he's good at wrestling what the fuck TNA that's not how real life works
Knockouts cage match...haven't seen one of these in a while
Actually pretty decent
MCMG music, thought Sabin was back and got all excited but it's just Shelly
He's actually a lot better on the mic than I remember
Eric Young v Angelina...pretty dumb since all the fans know they can't show male on female violence on Spike
As dumb as I thought it'd be, but anthing with Eric is worth watching
Main event...there will definitely be a screwjob, so fastforwarding
Yup, screwjob...surprised it's Bubba not Roode
Back?
So I got a nice new flatscreen, meaning I can watch wrestling from my couch...meaning i can't watch and type at the same time.
Except now I have a smartphone so I can do Socko's Review again.
Expect biased, pro-Funkasaurus posts soon.
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