Survivor Series 2014 Predictions

1. Fandango v. a wrestler to be named later. There's some question of who his opponent will be. The most likely opponent is Adam Rose. I'm picking Fandango to win no matter the opponent, but if it's Rose, it will be because of the Bunny. And this will cause Rose's full heel turn. The Exotic Express will derail, and Leo Kruger (or a Kruger-like Rose) will emerge from the ashes. And about time, I say.
1a. The return of Bad News Barrett has been touted for today, and some are saying he will face Fandango. I don't see that. He isn't ready for in-ring action yet, I don't think, but Barrett can resume his BAD NEWS deliveries!
2. Team Alicia Fox v. Team Paige. In a Total Divas trainwreck, I'm picking team Alicia, just because I can't see the WWE allowing Paige to have any momentum. They're already killing her character by having her on that crap show--so much for the anti-diva. I'd prefer Paige to be the sole survivor, but I don't see it happening.
3. Diva's Champtionship Match: Nikki Bella v. (c) AJ Lee. Somehow the WWE has kept the belt off Total Divas throughout its run. That ends here, unfortunately. Nikki Bella wins with accidental help from her personal servant Brie. The Divas division will resume its free-fall into idiocy.
4. Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way: Miz and Mizdow v. The Usos v. Los Matadores v. (c) The Dusts. I'm picking Miz and Mizdow only because it's time to reward Mizdow for jobbing to everyone for so long.
5. Dean Ambrose v. Bray Wyatt. In the match that's going to steal the show, in a feud that will continue for the next few months, I'm picking Bray today. The match will make both of them look great.
6. Team Cena v. Team Authority. Some are saying Team Cena will win because there's no chance the four superstars will be even storyline-fired. I see Team Authority getting the win, and each superstar getting a chance to win their job back by turning on Cena. But don't be surprised if Team Cena wins because of a returning Randy Orton, who somehow causes the elimination of Seth Rollins.

My track record hasn't been great, but I think my picks would be...best for business.

Hell in a Cell 2014

Sorry for the delay. Life intervenes.

Intercontinental Championship Two-Out-Of-Three-Falls Match: Cesaro v. (c) Dolph Ziggler
This is arguably the most intriguing match on the card, although I'm sure Ambrose v. Rollins will be interesting too. But Cesaro and Ziggler, being treated as mid-carders, have something to prove. This match could steal the show. My pick: Cesaro in three falls, but a win for either would please me.

1. Great back and forth, including alternating pinfall predicaments in the first fall.
2. CESARO SWING! NO! YES!!! "Peroxide hair flying around the ring!" Ziggler kicks out of a pin and counters with his own pin!!! Ziggler wins the first fall!
3. Cesaro didn't grab the ropes when he easily could have broken Ziggler's submission hold. Seemed odd to me.
4. The Superplex was worth the questionable lack of rope-grabbing. Awesome!
5. Cesaro misses the spear in the corner. FAMOUSER! Cesaro kicks out!
6. Huge European Uppercut to counter Ziggler's DDT! Ziggler kicks out! Cesaro ain't happy.
7. Awesome backbreaker! Ziggler kicks out!
8. Superkick! Zig Zag! THREE COUNT! Ziggler wins second fall to retain the IC strap!

Lovely way to start the show. The match was much too interesting to waste with typing. These two made the most of fifteen-plus minutes. I was a little surprised to see Ziggler win it in two falls. Is Cesaro falling out of favor? His treatment is reminding me of how Drew McIntyre went from Vince's "Chosen One" to comic relief with the Three-Man Band. He's not sunk that low yet, but he might. He really needs a rub or something. Team Authority at Survivor Series, perhaps?


Personal Servant Match: Brie Bella v. Nikki Bella
Ugh. Somebody wake me when it's over. My pick: Nikki. Ho hum.

1. Plenty of hair being pulled.
2. Wow. Big knee to Nikki's face. That looked ugly.
3. Torture-rack backbreaker--a "Rack Attack?" Really?--and Brie kicks out.
4. Yes Lock. Nikki reaches the ropes.
5. Forearm shimmy from Nikki. Another Rack Attack and Nikki earns a month of personal service.

No surprises here. The match was okay, but selling the Total Divas show with these two is just cruel. Someone explain to me how the biggest face of the company can be in a romantic relationship with a diva heel, and nothing is made of it.


Tag Team Championship: Usos v. (c) Gold and Stardust
This should be another really good match between these two teams. My pick: the Dusts retain. I'm thinking it's time for someone else to get a chance at the belts. I also think there will be interference...from a returning Ryback with Curtis Axle? Ryback is overdue. I'd rather have him back as a babyface, but we'll see.

1. Nice back-and-forth.
2. Stardust uses the ringpost to try to cripple one of the brothers.
3. Yeah, I agree with the commentators: Goldust moves better now than he did 15 years ago. It's astounding how healthy he looks!
4. Flying Usos!
5. Double Superplexes. Splash! Stardust breaks up the pin.
6. Stardust kicks the Uso in the back of the knee, blocking a Samoan drop. Goldy hits his rolling back drop for the win. The Dusts retain!

Not as energetic a match as we've seen from them previously, but entertaining nonetheless. I don't know who will get the nod against the Dusts next, but these matches will be a hard act to follow.


#1 Contender in Hell in a Cell: Randy Orton v. John Cena
We've seen this before. Should be a good match, though I hope it's not as stale as I worry it might be. My pick: Randy Orton makes more sense against Lesnar.

1. No sizing each other up. The guys are throwing bombs from the start.
2. Orton is the first to use the cage, throwing Cena into it after Cena blocked it a first time.
3. Orton introduces a chair. Cena blocks with a kick. Orton does the same when Cena tries to use it. Chair shots from Orton. Two count.
4. Cena uses the cage, but Randy counters, splitting Cena's downrights with the ringpost. Yikes.
5. Cena goes for a table and sets it up in the ring. Orton knocks it over. Standing drop kick. Cena into the steel chair in the corner. Cena kicks out! 
6. Orton sets the table upright in the corner and hits Cena with a chair shot. Cena slides through a whiplash. Cena goes for a shoulder block and ORTON COUNTERS WITH AN RKO!!! TWO COUNT!!!
7. Orton drives Cena through a table. Two count!
8. Orton brings steps into the ring. Setting up for the RKO! Cena blocks it! Backdrop on the steps! Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Orton slithers out of an AA. LOW BLOW! Cena kicks out!
9. Cena avoids the punt! STF! Orton fights to pull himself out of the ring to break it!
10. Cena throws the steps from the ring, and Orton dodges!
11. Cena's head hits the ringpost!
12. AA! Orton kicks out at 2!
13. Orton reverses the AA with a flying DDT!!! DAYUM!!!
14. AA! Orton kicks out again!
15. Cena brings in another table. He wants the leg drop, but Orton knocks Cena off the rope. Orton goes for a tabled-superplex, but CENA GETS ORTON UP FOR AN AA OFF THE TOP THROUGH THE TABLE!!! Cena with the three! Cena is the #1 Contender to face Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Hmm. I guess I should have seen that coming. Is Orton leaving for some reason soon? Or are they setting him up for a rivalry with Rollins? That was a good match, not bloody like I thought it would be. (Yeah, I know--PG. Still, it's been done.) Good to see them trading shots. I don't care that wrestling is fake. That's gotta hurt!!!


United States Championship Match: The Miz v. (c) Sheamus
I'm picking Sheamus with accidental help from Mizdow. I don't expect great matches from the Miz, but Sheamus and Sandow should help him to look decent.

1. Mizdow is much more entertaining than the Miz. I hope this gig turns into something good for Sandow.
2. Miz takes out Mizdow! HA!
3. Rolling Senton from Sheamus on the floor. Good stuff. Miz kicks out when Sheamus gets him in the ring.
4. Irish Curse! Two count!
5. Miz's backbreaker/neckbreaker combo usually looks anemic, but the shot to the turnbuckle helped.
6. Miz with slaps. Now that's just stupid.
7. "Mizdow's Awesome!" chants!!! Yes, he is!
8. Sheamus blocks the Figure Four. Mizdow with the distraction.
9. Skull-Crushing Finale! Sheamus escapes at 2!
10. Brogue Kick counters an off-the-top-rope jump! Three Count! SHEAMUS RETAINS!!!
11. A little fun with the stunt double after the match! That's the most entertaining the Miz gets! And another Brogue!

Sheamus made the match better than it had any right to be. And it would have been much better if Sandow was the one in the match.


Rusev v. Big Show
His shtick is getting old, but it's probably not time for Rusev's push to end, and Show is there to put over the younger talent. My pick: Rusev by submission. The only question: Will Mark Henry interfere?

1. Pink is not Lana's color. WWE Diva Barbie? Did WWE come to an arrangement with Mattel?
2. Rusev takes out Show's leg. Yikes.
3. I can't imagine why Show can't throw his WMD punch from his back and knock Rusev out that way.
4. Even with help from Show, that suplex from Rusevwas impressive.
5. Show counters the Accolade with his own submission hold! Rusev gets to the rope.
6. Mark Henry comes out. Rusev blocks a chokeslam.
7. Show hits a chokeslam! Two count! Rusev rolls out!
8. Mark Henry wants Rusev, but Show sends him back. Henry is distracting to Show. Rusev kicks Show through the ropes. Rusev superkicks Henry off the apron!
9. Rusev locks in the Accolade. Show taps! Rusev wins.

Not a great match. It's not easy for super-heavyweights to make a great match together, although these two are more agile than most super-heavyweights. Not bad, but not great. Will this set up turn for Show? Or maybe from Henry? I assume the two will feud soon.


Divas Championship: Paige v. (c) AJ Lee
I don't like Alicia Fox with Paige, but I assume, with the addition of these two to Total Divas, that this will have something to do with their appearance on that show. I'm picking Paige, though that doesn't make me as happy as it would have before she was added to the cast. So much for the "Anti-Diva."

1. Someone in the audience yelled at Paige, "See some sunrise for once!" *laugh*
2. It's good to see these two in the ring together. This is the best main-roster Diva rivalry we've seen since Trish/Lita. It's nice to have two Divas who actually know how to perform in the ring.
3. Paige controls much of the match until AJ hits knee lifts from the corner and hits a neckbreaker on Paige.
4. Paige goes for RamPaige, but AJ hits a jaw kick. Tornado DDT from AJ! Paige kicks out at 2!
5. AJ skips around the ring with AJ in her arms. Fallaway slam! AJ rolls out.
6. Paige tries to attack AJ from the top of the barricade, but AJ knocks her off. Alicia rolls Paige back in the ring, and AJ locks in the Black Widow! Paige taps! AJ RETAINS!
7. After the match, Paige attacks Alicia and blames her for the loss.

I'm not unhappy with an AJ win here, even if it means Paige falls out of the title picture for a while. I don't want that title mixed up with that show, although it could happen with whomever becomes the next #1 contender.


Hell in a Cell: Dean Ambrose v. Seth Rollins
I'm glad this is the main event. I expect there will be some interference from the Authority, but I'd like to see Orton make his turn here and attack Rollins. I'm picking Dean Ambrose for that very reason.

1. Ambrose comes out with a Kendo stick and climbs to the top of the cell!
2. Rollins yells at Ambrose and gets in the ring. Against the wishes of Noble and Mercury, Rollins climbs up partway, and then he sends two cruiserweights up to get Ambrose. They make the climb, only to get Kendo stick shots! Rollins climbs up the meantime and they go at it!
3. The cruiserweights hold Ambrose down and Rollins uses the Kendo stick.
4. Rollins tells them to throw Ambrose off, and Ambrose fights them off. Rollins tries to climb down and so does Ambrose. Both fall off and go through announce tables! Not quite as nice as when Foley did it, but they both did it. Calling for EMTs, but with 20 minutes left, the match will continue.
5. Ambrose fights off the gurney and runs to attack Rollins! He throws Rollins into the cell and has the ref lock the door. The match begins to a roar from the crowd.
6. Ambrose throws Rollins into the cell wall. He then dives through the ropes and does it again.
7. Rollins drops Ambrose on his back on chairs. Rollins gets a table balanced on the apron against the cell. He tries to suplex Ambrose onto it. Ambrose counters and then elbow drops Rollins through the table!
8. Ambrose turns the cell into a face grater! And Kane uses a fire extinguisher to blind Ambrose. Rollins puts Ambrose through a table.
9. Curb stomp! AMBROSE KICKS OUT!!! Chair shots from Rollins!
10. Rollins sets Ambrose up for Curb Stomp on the briefcase. Ambrose moves away, goes for Dirty Deeds, Rollins counters, Ambrose with the clothesline!
11. Ambrose brings in cinderblocks! Ambrose gets Rollins on the blocks. The lights go out! We hear Bray's voice mumbling something, and there's a lantern in the ring with a projection in smoke. Ambrose is attacked, and we see Bray in the cell doing his creepy spider walk! He hits a chokeslam on Ambrose.
12. Rollins gingerly goes for the pin. Rollins wins. Rollins flees. Bray hits Ambrose with Sister Abigail. "Follow...the buzzards!"

Good match with a surprise twist at the end! I would have liked an Ambrose victory, but a feud with Bray will be good for both Ambrose and Wyatt.

Overall Impressions
They could have given Cesaro/Ziggler another 15 to 20 minutes (especially if they had taken time away from Nikki/Brie and Rusev/Show), and I would have been happy. That being said, I enjoyed most of the show.

Positives
Cesaro/Ziggler was great. Usos/Dusts was fun. Cena/Orton was better than I thought it would be. Sheamus and Mizdow made the Sheamus/Miz match entertaining. AJ/Paige could have had some more time too, but they put on a lovely Divas match. And of course, Ambrose/Rollins delivered. Match of the Night was Cesaro/Ziggler, though Ambrose/Rollins came close. The dual announce table falling spot was contrived, but they could have had another ten minutes and not have it been wasted.




Negatives
BellaFest was...not awful. Show/Rusev wasn't bad, but it was the worst male match on the show.



Looking into the Crystal Ball

• I can see Cesaro and Ziggler getting at least one more match out of this feud, maybe even one more PPV--two if Cesaro is allowed to take the IC belt.
• The Dusts will retain the Tag straps for at least one more PPV, maybe two. I'm not sure where the next contender will come from, as the Usos are the best choice of contender. Unless they bring up the Ascension from NXT, which is a possibility. They've initiated KENTA/Itami well enough that he can stand on his own.
• Nikki will be #1 contender for the Diva Title, but she'll lose. Her buddy Stephanie will step up to try to bring the Diva's belt to the Authority.
• Cena will lose to Lesnar...whenever he's finally allowed to have his match. The Authority will work him over for a while first, including at Survivor Series. 
• Rusev will face and defeat Sheamus and take the US title, only to lose to...KURT ANGLE!!! (No, that's not going to happen.) How about...DAMIEN SANDOW!!! (Yeah, wishful thinking.)
• The Miz will fade into obscurity where he belongs.

See y'all at Survivor Series!

Hell in a Cell 2014 Predictions

Quick and ugly style...


1. United States Championship--Miz v. (c) Sheamus: Sheamus retains with accidental help from Mizdow
2. Tag Team Championship--Usos v. (c) Gold and Stardust: Dusts retain with interference from AXLEBACK!!!
3. Diva's Championship--Paige v. (c) AJ: Paige wins (Normally I'd like this, but I'm sad to see the "Anti-Diva" joining the Total Divas.)
4. Intercontinental Championship--Cesaro v. (c) Dolph Ziggler: Cesaro wins the gold in three falls 
5. One Month of Personal Service--Brie v. Nikki--Nikki wins
6. Rusev v. Big Show--Rusev by submission
7. #1 Contender Cell--Cena v. Orton: Orton makes more sense going forward with Lesnar
8. Cell--Ambrose v. Rollins: Ambrose wins with interference from Orton who goes tweener

WWE Night of Champions 9/21/14

Ladies and Gentlemen...from Nashville, Tennessee...welcome to Night...of...Champions!!! Every championship will be contested. Don't blink: you might miss a title change!


WWE Tag Team Championship: Goldust and Stardust v. The Usos (c)
This is the most intriguing match on the card, and it's a feud whose time has come. The Usos have had show-stealing matches in their last few PPV appearances against the Wyatt Family, and I think that will be the case again at NOC. Goldy and Cody--er, Stardust--have gained traction in this odd pairing, which says a lot about Cody's acting ability and charisma. Great stuff. I hate to say it, but it's time for the Usos to lose. My pick: The Dusts win the "cosmic key," setting up a great rematch at the next PPV.

1. The teams seem evenly matched early on. The Usos get the first pinfall opportunity, but Cody kicks out.
2. The Dusts take control. Goldust with a powerslam to Jimmy on the outside. Both beat the count.
3. The Dusts use Jimmy as a wishbone. Two count.
4. Spinebuster from Goldust. Two count.
5. Stardust reverses a Samoan Drop into a neckbreaker! Two count. Cheap shot on Jey. Gold and Star trade quick tags.
6. Star tries to splash Jimmy in the corner. Jimmy dodges and Star hits the ring post. Jimmy eventually makes the tag!
7. Jey goes after Star's leg! He uses the ringpost as a weapon. Jey with the splash on Star! Two count!
8. Stardust with a version of CrossRhodes for the TWO COUNT!!! JEY KICKS OUT!!!
9. Stardust locks Jey in the ropes and starts slapping him with his glove. Dust goes off the ropes, and Jimmy gets Jey out and takes a shot for it. Jimmy rolls Star up for a two count! Jimmy over the top rope!
10. Stardust is laying in the ring. Jey goes for the splash and takes knees to the chest! Stardust rolls him up. THREE COUNT!!! THE DUSTS ARE THE NEW CHAMPIONS!!!

Not quite a show-stealer kind of match, but it was a quality match, and the title change was not unexpected. I look forward to a good rematch.


United States Championship: Cesaro v. Sheamus (c)
Sheamus probably deserves better than a US title reign, but Creative just doesn't know what to do with him. Putting the US strap on him didn't do anything for either him or the title's prestige since they haven't done anything with his reign. Cesaro, on the other hand, has been in holding since winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Putting the belt on him would be a step in the right direction. Putting him in a solid feud would be even better. And making him a face again would be best! My pick: Cesaro wins the belt.

1. Sheamus is looking raggedy. I wonder if that's on purpose.
2. AND...the Roku resets. Nice. Hope  don't miss anything exciting.
3. Cesaro is in control as I get coverage again, and he's wearing down Sheamus with a headlock.
4. Cesaro with the Sleeper! Sheamus down to his knees! He's back up and gets separation. He sends Cesaro into the ropes, and Cesaro locks it in again. Cesaro drops Sheamus on his head.
5. Cesaro with a huge clothesline. Two count.
6. Running uppercuts from Cesaro, followed by two Irish Curse backbreakers from Sheamus! Two count!
7. Cesaro to the apron, and the Ten Beats of the...Cesaro counters! He goes to the top rope, but Sheamus stops him. Uppercuts from Sheamus. Sheamus flips Cesaro to the mat from the top rope. TWO COUNT!
8. Sheamus goes for White Noise. Cesaro counters. Missed Brogue kick! Flying Uppercut! TWO COUNT!!!
9. Sheamus lines up for the Brogue! Cesaro ducks it and rolls Sheamus uo for two! Double Underhook Powerbomb! TWO COUNT!!! QUICK ACTION! CESARO with a backdrop! TWO COUNT!!!
10. HUGE kick from Cesaro with the head of Sheamus. Sheamus is Hulking up! BROGUE KICK!!! SHEAMUS RETAINS!

A little disappointed with the result, but this was an awesome brawl! I hope this match happens again soon!


Florida-Georgia Line come out to do commentary? O.....kay?


Intercontinental Championship: The Miz v. Dolph Ziggler (c) with the stunt doubles at ringside

The Miz has been about as entertaining as he can possibly be, but I don't think that's enough to merit another title run right now. In the meantime, Dolph Ziggler deserves to be in the main event scene, but this will do until Creative gets their heads out of their behinds. My pick: Dolph Ziggler retains.

1. Nice to see that the Miz and Damien Mizdow have their dance routine down as they come out. Poor Damien.
2. Zuggler with the Thesz Press. Ten elbows. Well, nine, and then Mix rolls out. Miz hangs Ziggler up in the ropes. Two count. Kick to the head. Two count.
3. Miz is mud-stomping. One count.
4. Big clotheslines from Dolph. Neckbreaker! Famouser is blocked, but Ziggler rolls him up for two. Both go over the top rope. Clothesline to Miz on the outside. Mizdow with a cheap shot. The stunt-doubles go at it. FGL punch Mizdow! Mizdow and Truth Ziggler go to the back. Miz is distracted. Dolph hit a kick to the head. Two count!
5. Dolph misses Famouser. Miz can't hit . Figure-Four locked in. Two count! Still locked in. Dolph reaches the ropes.
6. FAMOUSER! TWO COUNT!
7. Mizdow distracts Dolph. Miz rolls up Dolph and Miz picks up the win for the championship.

Well THAT sucks. And the IC title fades back into obscurity...


Roman Reigns v. Seth Rollins
This match won't happen now that Reigns had to have emergency surgery. I'm guessing Rollins comes out to brag and ask for the forfeit win. Someone else--Kofi maybe, or Big E, or maybe even DEAN AMBROSE for a brawl??? (but please not Bo[ner] Dallas or Adam Rose)--will come out and challenge him to a match, which Rollins will win. Or will they fill the time with Swagger v. Bo Dallas? (Or is that the pre-show match?)

1. Rollins does, indeed, call out Roman Reigns and gives him a ten-count to come out.
2. Bell rings, match starts. No Roman Reigns. Rollins wins by forfeit.
3. He keeps running down Reigns. He issues an open challenge. HERE COMES DEAN AMBROSE!!!
4. Ambrose runs Rollins ragged! They fight up the steps and into the crowd! Backflip on the concrete!
5. The Authority brings out security to separate the two. Ambrose takes out the security guys and goes after Rollins! Back into the crowd. Clothesline over the barricade! Rollins into the ring. Ambrose grabs a chair but gets tackled by security. They use zipties to strap Ambrose and they carry him out.

I thought there was an open challenge...


Mark Henry v. Rusev
Mark Henry is here to look strong and put over the young guys. That's what he'll do here. Rusev will not take a loss, but the win may not be clean. My pick: Rusev.

1. Lillian's version of the National Anthem was okay. A little overdone. But you can tell Henry was an Olympian and loves his country.
2. Mark Henry is in charge early, and Rusev leaves the ring to regroup.
3. Another exchange, and Henry gets him out of the ring again. Henry goes after him, and Rusev drives Henry into the steel steps.
4. Rusev with a corner splash. And another. Henry is down. Kicks and headbutts to the midsection. Rusev locks him up.
5. Henry gets up and splashes Rusev. Can't follow up. Rusev with a spin kick. Kick to the injured spine. Goes for the Accolade. Henry fights out. Kick to the gut. Henry with the World's Strongest Slam, but he's slow to follow up. Rusev rolls out.
6. Superkick from Rusev from the floor. Henry Hulks up a bit. Rusev with a kick to the head. Rusev with another kick to the head. Accolade. Henry taps out. Rusev wins.

No surprise. Cheap nationalistic heat, but it works. JBL is bitching. Maybe he should get in there for a match with Rusev.


Chris Jericho v. Randy Orton
This match makes about as much sense as ME v. Randy Orton. Jericho is another one who should be putting over the young talent, not jobbing to an established veteran. But maybe they want Jericho to leave on a high note as he heads off to his next tour with Fozzy. My pick: Chris Jericho.

1. Orton goes after Jericho's knee early. But Jericho with a beautiful dropkick. Jericho with the baseball slide.
2. Jericho tries going up top, but Orton cuts him down. Superplex from Orton. Two count.
3. Jericho goes for a corner splash on Orton. Orton gets out of the way and throws Jericho out into a nasty spill. Backbreaker off the barricade.
4. Orton throws him out again. Backdrop on the announce table. Orton throws him back in the ring. Cover and a two count.
5. Jericho with shoulder tackles. Two count. Orton with a powerslam. Two count. Orton misses a knee drop.
6. Jericho with the double ax-handle. Orton with his vintage backbreaker. Blocked RKO. Lionsault. Two count!
7. Orton goes for the draped DDT. Jericho slides out and goes for the Walls of Jericho. Orton reverses and throws Jericho into the ring post.
8. Orton lines up the punt. Jericho dodges, rolls up the two count. WALLS OF JERICHO!!! Almost to the ropes, but Jericho pulls him back. Orton pulls back through Jericho's legs and sends Jericho out. Draped DDT.
9. CODEBREAKER out of nowhere! Two count!
10. Jericho goes to the top rope. Leaps off. RKO. THREE COUNT. Orton wins.

Good match, but lousy booking.


Diva's Championship Triple-Threat: Nikki Bella v. AJ Lee v. Paige (c)
Nikki has no business being in this match. AJ and Paige are in the midst of the best main-roster Diva program since Trish/Lita. Naturally, WWE wants Total Divas to do well, and the only participant in this match who appears on the show is Nikki. Sadly, I think that's all that matters right now. My disgusted pick: Nikki Bella. I hope I'm wrong. (This will set up a Nikki v. Brie match for the title at a future PPV.)

1. AJ goes for a quick pinfall on Nikki. Two count.
2. Nikki goes for the pin on Paige. One count.
3. Nikki with the armbar on Paige. Paige rolls her up for a two-count.
4. Paige kicked in the head by AJ. AJ gets a two count.
5. AJ goes up top. Nikki throws her off. Nikki pins AJ, gets a two count.
6. Paige helps AJ up and then drops her. Kick to the midsection. Headbutts from Paige. Two count.
7. Paige with the knee-lifts to AJ. Nikki throws Paige out and gets a two count on AJ.
8. (The moments where it's Paige and AJ are great. Nikki drags the match down.)
9. AJ gets the Black Widow on Nikki. Paige breaks it up and pins Nikki for two and then AJ for two.
10. Paige goes for the Superplex. Nikki doubles the Superplex. All three are down.
11. Nikki with the torture rack back drop on Paige. AJ breaks up the pin. AJ locks in the black widow on Paige. Paige tries to reverse, but AJ locks it in again. Paige submits. AJ is the new Diva's Champion!

The match came down to AJ and Paige as it should have. It should have been that way from the start. Nice to see the feud continue.



WWE World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena v. Brock Lesnar (c)
This rematch makes no sense. Cena should have been out for a couple months after that beating he took last time, and Lesnar should devastate him this time. But that won't happen. Cena at least has to tie Ric Flair, and that happens tonight. My frustrated pick: John Cena regains the strap. Again, I hope I'm wrong. Lesnar should absolutely obliterate Cena and put him on the shelf for a couple months at least.

1. What's the over/under on suplexes (supleces? supli?) tonight?
2. Cena blocks a suplex! AA! ONE COUNT.
3. Kimura lock. Cena reaches the ropes.
4. Lesnar doesnt't even look fazed. Lesnar is clubbing Cena down.
5. (The Count voice) ONE! ONE SUPLEX! Ah-ha-ha!
6. Kimura lock again! Cena gets his foot on the rope.
7. Right hands from Cena TWO! TWO SUPLEX! Ah-ha-ha! Two count.
8. THREE! THREE SUPLEX! Ah-ha-ha! FOUR! FIVE! FIVE SUPLEX! Ah-ha-ha!
9. Lesnar rolls him up. Two count.
10. Cena with right hands. Lesnar drops him with an ugly clothesline.
11. Double-underhook SUPLEX! SIX SUPLEX! Ah-ha-ha!
12. Cena with more right hands. Lesnar backs him ina corner and shoulder-blocks him repeatedly.
13. Right hands and elbows from Cena. Cena goes for the AA. Lesnar reverses into SEVEN! SEVEN SUPLEX! Ah-ha-ha! Lesnar with more shoulder blocks in the corner.
14. Lesnar drives Cena into the turnbuckle. Shoulder blocks. AA! TWO COUNT!!!
15. Lesnar goes for F5. Cena counters into STF. Lesnar fights out and counters into the Kimura lock. Cena picks Lesnar up and drives Lesnar into the corner. AA! STF! Lesnar raches the ropes, but Cena pulls him off and locks the STF back in. AA!!! Rollins breaks the pin with the briefcase!
16. Rollins hits curb stomp. He tries to cash in the briefcase. Cena breaks it up before the bell rings. Lesnar is back up and he F5s Cena. Cena wins by DQ. Lesnar retains.

Disappointing result. I would have liked to have seen the match end cleanly. Oh well. It was a very good match up to the interference. Faith saw the attempted cash-in coming. I didn't, though I probably should have. Had I thought more about Reigns being out of commission, perhaps I'd have seen it coming.


Overall Impressions
I liked the show overall. I had some personal disappointments, but the show was quite entertaining.

Positives
The tag match was excellent, as was the Cesaro/Sheamus match. Jericho/Orton was good but should never have happened in the first place. And Cena/Lesnar was much better than I thought it would be.

Negatives
The Miz regaining the IC strap is a joke. That's all there is to say about that. Nikki didn't belong in that Diva Title Match.

Looking into the Crystal Ball

• We'll see some solid rematches between the Usos and the Dusts, Cena and Lesnar, Cesaro and Sheamus, and AJ and Paige (without Nikki I hope.)
• I see AJ v. Stephanie coming in the next few months.
• After Rollins tried to cash in, I see Lesnar being upset with the Authority and running roughshod over Kane, Orton, and maybe even Hunter.
• Are we building to a return from Kurt Angle? Who will get justice for the USA?
• The Rollins/Ambrose feud resumes.

Night of Champions 2014 Predictions

Sorry for the hiatus, y'all. Life has been crazy. Anyway, here's my predictions for Night of Champions. I pick with my heart and head together...but unlike Richard Cypher, that doesn't always work well for me. Too bad.


1. Intercontinental Championship: The Miz v. Dolph Ziggler (c)
The Miz has been about as entertaining as he can possibly be, but I don't think that's enough to merit another title run right now. In the meantime, Dolph Ziggler deserves to be in the main event scene, but this will do until Creative gets their heads out of their behinds. My pick: Dolph Ziggler retains.

2. United States Championship: Cesaro v. Sheamus (c)
Sheamus is another one who probably deserves better than an IC title reign, but Creative just doesn't know what to do with him. Putting the IC strap on him didn't do anything for either him or the title's prestige since they didn't do anything with his reign. Cesaro, on the other hand, has been in holding since winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Putting the belt on him would be a step in the right direction. Putting him in a solid feud would be even better. My pick: Cesaro wins the belt.

3. Mark Henry v. Rusev
Mark Henry is here to look strong and put over the young guys. That's what he'll do here. Rusev will not take a loss, but the win may not be clean. My pick: Rusev.

4. Diva's Championship: Nikki Bella v. AJ Lee v. Paige (c)
Nikki has no business being in this match. AJ and Paige are in the midst of the best main-roster Diva program since Trish/Lita. Naturally, WWE wants Total Divas to do well, and the only participant in this match who appears on the show is Nikki. Sadly, I think that's all that matters right now. My disgusted pick: Nikki Bella. (This will set up a Nikki v. Brie match for the title at a future PPV.)
 
5. Chris Jericho v. Randy Orton
This match makes about as much sense as ME v. Randy Orton. Jericho is another one who should be putting over the young talent, not jobbing to an established veteran. But maybe they want Jericho to leave on a high note as he heads off to his next tour with Fozzy. My pick: Chris Jericho.

6. WWE Tag Team Championship: Goldust and Stardust v. The Usos (c)
This is the most intriguing match on the card, and it's a feud whose time has come. The Usos have had great matches in their last few PPV appearances, and I think that will be the case again at NOC. Goldy and Cody--er, Stardust--have gained traction in this odd pairing, which says a lot about Cody's acting ability and charisma. Great stuff. I hate to say it, but it's time for the Usos to lose. My pick: The Dusts win, setting up a great rematch at the next PPV.

7. Roman Reigns v. Seth Rollins
This match won't happen now that Reigns had to have emergency surgery. I'm guessing Rollins comes out to brag, and someone else--Kofi maybe, or Big E (but please not Bo[ner] Dallas Adam Rose)--will come out and challenge him to a match, which Rollins will win. Or will they fill the time with Swagger v. Bo Dallas? (Or is that the pre-show match?)

8. WWE World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena v. Brock Lesnar (c)
This rematch makes no sense. Cena should have been out for a couple months after that beating he took last time, and Lesnar should devastate him this time. But that won't happen. Cena at least has to tie Ric Flair, and that happens tonight. My frustrated pick: John Cena regains the strap.


If I find out what the pre-show is or what's gonna happen with Rollins, I'll update this post.

SmackDown 8/22/14

1. Summer Slam redux.
2. Cole and JBL welcome Tom Phillips to commentary on Smackdown. Nice to have someone fresh out there. "Vintage" Cole is getting old. It's like "Cush-lash" from Jerry Maguire.
3. Randy Orton slithers out. He tells Roman Reigns one match won't define either of them. He's focused now, and bad things happen when he's focused. Roman will get what's coming to him. He then tells RVD, tonight's opponent, that he's nothing more than "collateral damage." One of his better promos, especially considering how stale his shtick has been lately.
4. Seth Rollins comes out before Orton is even done posing. They shake hands when they meet on the ramp.
5. Seth Rollins v. Jack Swagger. I'll pick Rollins. These two are going in opposite directions, and Swagger's downward spiral continues tonight.
6. Swagger tries for the Patriot Lock early, but Rollins rolls out of the ring. Rollins takes control.
7. Swagger Bomb! His injured ribs slowed his cover, and Rollins kicks out.
8. Kick to the head from Rollins. He leaps, but Swagger catches him and locks in the Patriot Lock! Rollins counters, and Swagger goes into the turnbuckle. Swagger throws them both outside the ring. Rollins rolls back in quickly and goes for the baseball slide. Swagger catches his foot and gets the Patriot Lock. When Rollins tries to fight out, Swagger dumps him to the floor. Nice flurry.
9. Rollins gets Swagger into the ring post and throws him over the barricade. Rollins rolls into the ring, Swagger beats the count, and Rollins hits Curb Stomp immediately. New count, and Swagger can't make it back in the ring. Rollins wins by count-out. Not a great match, but it was a good one with nice spurts of action here and there.
10. Ugh. Bo Dallas comes out to "pick up the pieces" of Swagger's failure. *snore*
11. Kane and the Miz backstage, and Kane tells him he has a "sequel" match against Roman Reigns.
12. Rusev v. Sin Cara. This should be a quick squash for Rusev. Maybe Mark Henry will come out again and disrupt things.
13. That looked like a Brogue Kick from Rusev. Rusev locks in the Accolade and Sin Cara taps out. Rusev wins by submission. All told, that took just about a minute. Useless match. Might as well have him fight a toddler. Rusev refuses to let Sin Cara go until Lana says this is what happens to people who disrespect Russia and Putin.
14. Mark Henry comes out, and Rusev escapes out the other side of the ring. USA chants. Lana won't let Rusev get in the ring. "YOU GONNA LET A WOMAN HOLD YOU BACK?" Nice.
15. Renee Young interviews RVD, who says Orton needs to chill the hell out. Orton attacks him from behind, and he tells Renee he'll be waiting for RVD in the ring.
16. Randy Orton v. RVD. Isn't RVD going on hiatus soon? This could be the night. Orton wins and knocks RVD out of action. 
17. RVD with an early surge. Unusually vicious for RVD. He hangs Orton over the barricade, but he missed a spin kick when Orton dodges. Orton takes control outside the ring. Orton throws him into two sets of steps. The ref stops the match. Orton with the side suplex onto the announce table. Clothesline. Hanging DDT onto the floor. He rolls RVD into the ring and grabs a chair. He sits over RVD and taunts him. RVD sturggles up and gets hit with an RKO on the steel chair. This kills two birds with one stone. RVD is sent off, and Orton's heel heat is fully re-established, and he looks dominant again.
18. Renee interviews Roman Reigns. He says someone needs to end the legend that is Randy Orton, "and that someone is me."
19. Natalya v. Paige in a non-title match. Natty will win when AJ distracts Paige. Again.
20. Natty looks motivated early. Nice Double-Underhook Suplex. Paige makes a comeback and throws Natty into a steel ring post. This is one of the best main-roster Divas matches in some time.
21. AJ skips out. She grabs the Divas Title belt and skips out. Paige grabs the belt and comes back in, only to tap out to the Sharpshooter. Natty wins. Other than the unnecessary interruption, this was a really good match.
22. Goldust and Stardust v. the Junior Wyatts. I think the Dusts continue their momentum and pick up the victory. Not liking how Rowan and Harper are fading. Rowan especially has all the tools. I find it odd that the Dusts are starting off in the heel corner. This could be one of the weirdest tag matchups of all time!
23. (JBL needs a new joke about the German announce team.)
24. Massive Superkick from Harper on Goldust! (Too busy enjoying the match to post about it.)
25. Goldust rolls up Harper to pick up the pinfall win! And then Harper goes on the attack. Harper hit Stardust with one of the announce chairs! And then the Jr. Wyatts double-team Goldust. A good match, and I like that they let the Wyatts look strong even in defeat.
26. Replay of the new belt and a much-too-chopped version of Heyman's promo from RAW.
27. Roman Reigns v. the Miz. Surely they won't let the Miz win...right? I'm picking Reigns, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Orton cause a DQ or No Contest.
28. Orton comes out almost right away. Reigns takes control early. Mix tries to take advantage of Orton's distraction, but Reigns counters with a Samoan Drop. Orton tries coming in the ring, and Miz attacks Reigns from behind. SPEAR! Reigns gets the pinfall victory in a very quick match. Interesting interplay, but the match was a waste.
29. Orton comes in the ring, and they go at it. Orton hits Reigns with a steel chair in the gut and the back. Reigns gets back in the ring slowly where Orton waits with the chair set up. Reigns with a gut punch and then two chair shots to Orton. Superman Punch! Reigns stands tall as the show goes off the air.

Pretty good show, but the matches were almost all too short.

RAW 8/18/14 (Hulu edition)

I'm going to try something a little different. Instead of commenting on every little thing in a match, I'll give my prediction for each match, make a note of the cool stuff that happens in a match, the result, and then a little commentary after. We'll see how this works out.

1. Daniel Bryan's music...and Steffi comes out with a "STEPH! STEPH! STEPH!" t-shirt. She talks about Lesnar beating Cena and how Lesnar will premier a new WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt tonight. She takes shots at Cena, Jericho, and Ambrose, all of whom lost matches at Summer Slam. And then she takes a shot at Brie. (Oh, and she plugs the $9.99 WWE Network.) Then she brings Nikki out, and Nikki (who had a shoe malfunction...and a microphone malfunction) whines about her sister being selfish and manipulative. Brie comes out, and Nikki slaps the holy hand grenade of Antioch out of her. 
Notes: Remember when I thought that Seth Rollins was going to turn on the Authority? Yeah, not so much. But I do think that Nikki Bella is going to turn on Stephanie at some point, if for no other reason than that Nikki is dating/engaged to the Superface of the WWE. How can a Superface be in a relationship with a heel?

2. Big Show and Mark Henry v. Luke Harper and Eric Rowan. I think there's something building for Show and Henry, and I'm going to pick them to win.
Big Show and Mark Henry pick up the pinfall victory when Big Show hit the WMD on both Harper and Rowan, leaving Rowan to turn around to be hit with the World's Strongest Slam.
Notes: This was an interesting match-up, with Rowan and Harper finally facing foes that are bigger than they are. I thought Harper and Rowan would win the Tag belts, but it seems that's no longer going to happen. The Junior Wyatts vs. Show and Henry was a surprisingly interesting match, especially when you consider that this was four huge athletes. I'd watch these teams go at it again.

3. Renee Young interviews Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose poured ice water over Rollins. "What? It's for charity."
Notes: AWESOME!

4. Dolph Ziggler is backstage with Ric Flair. The Miz is invoking his rematch clause, and he comes in to say the belt will come back to an A-List superstar. Ziggler calls him an A-hole.
Notes: I know Flair was working with the Miz a while back, but Ziggler makes much more sense. If they're going to (finally) push Ziggler again, having Flair with him would be great.

5. Hunter and Steffi unveil the new belt and bring out Lesnar. They pose with the belt, and then Paul Heyman gives a promo. He gives a lot of props to John Cena..."but my client doesn't share my opinions." Brock didn't have to say a word. All he had to do was stand there and look imposing. And he did. "EAT! SLEEP! SUPLEX! REPEAT!"
Notes: Not a fan of the new emblem. The scratches looked good as a doubled-W. The clean doubled-W is ugly. It's probably a nicer symbol for a youngster-friendly WWE, but it's just...dull. Now that that's out of the way, that was another tremendous promo from Heyman. Can I get him to speak for me at church meetings? *wink*

6. Intercontinental Championship Title Match: The Miz v. Dolph Ziggler. I'll pick Ziggler to win, but I wouldn't be surprised to be wrong to continue this feud.
Miz wins with a countout after he did enough damage to Ziggler's leg that he couldn't get back in the ring. Ziggler retains. Miz attacks Ziggler after, but Ziggler hits the Zig Zag.
Notes: Not a great match--which is unsurprising, considering it's the Miz--but Ziggler sells damage convincingly enough to make it believable. I'm hoping that Ziggler will pick up a clean win soon so this feud will end and Ziggler will move on to bigger and better rivalries. I'd love to see him face, oh, Cesaro, for instance, though it seems as if he'll be going after Sheamus first. Or maybe Big E? Kofi? Ryback?

7. Randy Orton and AxleBack v. Sheamus, RVD, and Roman Reigns. I pick the faces to win. The crowd was chanting "Feed me more!" and "Ryback Rules!" Good physical match. RVD pins Axle for the win after they all exchange their finishing moves.
Notes: Wow. The crowd was giving the kind of attention Ryback was getting back when he was in the middle of his huge push. I think the crowd is trying to tell Vince and Hunter something. Although the matchup seemed a bit forced, the match itself was fun to watch. And the Ryback chants were awesome!

8. Ric and Randy backstage, and Randy blows him off. "Back off, or you'll find out why they call me the Legend Killer."
Notes: *eye roll* And people think he's a five-tool superstar? He's barely adequate as a talker.

9. A quick Bray Wyatt promo.  
Notes: Not a lot of meat to it. Not his best work.

10. Rusev and Lana come out. Lana begins a promo, but Mark Henry interrupts. "To see that flag raised in my country. it made me sick to my stomach. I'm gonna give you a personal, guided tour to the Hall of Pain." Rusev backs off and then throws a sucker punch. They go back and forth, and Henry hits the World's Strongest Slam and a Splash.
Notes: Odd to see JBL, the heel commentator, pulling for Mark Henry, even in a patriotic segment. I thought Show and Henry were building for something, but it seems like Henry and Rusev are going to be working something instead. Hmm.

11. Seth Rollins v. Dean Ambrose in a Falls Count Anywhere match. I just read that Ambrose is leaving to do a movie. Had I known that, I would have picked Rollins to win at Summer Slam. As it is, I'll pick Rollins to win tonight and probably knock Ambrose out.
There was never a cover, but Rollins was announces as the winner after Rollins (with Kane's help) put Ambrose's head through a pile of cinder blocks.
Notes: I hope Ambrose isn't away for too long filming this movie. He has built some great momentum with the fans, and he's really fun to watch. As for Rollins, I'm not sure what's next for him--he won't challenge Lesnar with the MitB briefcase--but they need him in the upper-midcard for now. Ziggler might be a good rivalry for him, as he hasn't held a singles title yet.



Not on Hulu
1. Natalya v. Paige. I'd like to see these two in a match that's actually allowed to develop. Since that wasn't the case, I don't mind missing it.
2. Swagger v. Cesaro. No Zeb Colter. It appears this wasn't much of a match from the description I read of it online, so I guess I don't mind missing this one either. But if Swagger lost to Cesaro (who also hasn't won much of anything lately), then maybe I was wrong about Swagger not being buried after not submitting.
3. No Usos v. Goldust and Stardust. This is a match I really would like to have seen, even though the description made it sound like a short one. They've been giving the Dusts a lot of promo time lately, and it seems like, after the Dusts beat the Usos, they're destined for a title shot. And I imagine the Dusts will win the titles. Seems odd to have two face teams squaring off like this, but since they are, I'll be interested to see how it develops.


Overall
Four matches in 90 minutes. I know they gave Heyman a lot of time, and he certainly made the most of it. Still, four matches in a 90 minute version of Raw seems really weak. The four matches were good ones, and Heyman was his usual genius self, but it seemed like the show was...lacking.

Summer Slam 8/17/14

Pre-show Match: RVD v. Cesaro
A victory by RVD makes no sense, but then again, this match doesn't make much sense either. There's been no real feud build, no real rivalry. I'm picking Cesaro, but I wouldn't be surprised to be wrong. It should be a good match if they both bring their best.

1. RVD rolls and jumps on Cesaro in the corner, and then he does a leg-powered throw to get Cesaro halfway across the ring.
2. Rolling Thunder outside the ring. RVD in control.
3. Cesaro gives a thumb to the eye. Cesaro is getting a bit of pop.
4. Cesaro with a gut-wrench suplex. And they go to a Lesnar/Cena commercial mid-match.
5. Cesaro with a prone headlock on RVD as we come back. RVD works to his feet. RVD runs the ropes, but Cesaro catches him mid-air and hits a back-breaker. Two count!
6. Leg-scissors take-down by RVD, gets a two-count. RVD with a Split-leg moonsault. Two count.
7. RVD goes to the top rope, Cesaro hits an uppercut. Another one. Cesaro gets pushed off the turnbuckle, RVD hit with another uppercut. Cesaro thrown down again, another uppercut! Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer. RVD counters!
8. Cesaro with slaps. Rib kick from RVD, shot to the face. Five-Star Frog Splash! Three count. RVD wins.

This booking makes no sense. RVD is there to put over the younger talent, and this loss by Cesaro doesn't do him any good. Cesaro is a star, and lately his character has been going nowhere. Maybe he needs a babyface turn and get the crowd behind him again.


SUMMER SLAM 2014
Hulk Hogan welcomes us to Summer Slam in Hollywood. He shills for the WWE Network (only $9.99). "Whatcha gonna do?"


Intercontinental Championship Match: The Miz v. Dolph Ziggler
I'm picking the Miz, just because I don't see them giving Dolph Ziggler the belt. Maybe they give Ziggler a DQ win or something, but they've been hesitant to give Ziggler any push because of concussion issues. I'd be happy to be wrong. And I'll be ecstatic if the moneymaker gets broken.

1. (A German announce team? Really? Cool!)
2. Early roll-up attempt by Ziggler, but Miz kicks out. And then Ziggler goes for the face, and Miz rolls out of the ring.
3. Miz slingshots Dolph into the turnbuckle hard, and Dolph sells it well. Miz takes control. Pin attempt by Miz, Dolph kicks out.
4. "You can't wrestle!" chant breaks out. This is most certainly true. Miz is much better than he was when he debuted, but that's like saying LA air is cleaner than it was before they installed air quality control standards.
5. Miz blocks the famouser, tries to throw Dolph out. Dolph punches Miz in the face and then superkicks his face! MONEYMAKER SHOTS!!! TWO COUNT!
6. Miz tries to walk off with the belt, but Ziggler hits the baseball slide kick.
7. Figure Four on Dolph and pulls him away from the ropes, but Ziggler eventually reaches the ropes.
8. Famouser! Skull-Crushing Finale! Miz didn't sell the Famouser at all. Miz with the two-count before Ziggler kicks out.
9. Ziggler ducks a kick. ZIG ZAG! THREE COUNT! ZIGGLER IS THE NEW IC CHAMPION!!!

A much better match than I'd expect from the Miz, but Dolph looked as good as always. Quality match with a pleasing result.


Diva's Championship Match: AJ Lee v. Paige
I'm picking AJ, if for no other reason than that Vince hasn't seemed very high on Paige. Again, I'd be happy to be wrong. These are two of the best (if not the two best) Divas on the roster, and I hope they give these two enough time to show what they've got.

1. Paige skips out. Wow, is she pale. If she and Sheamus were to have children, they'd glow in the dark!
2. AJ bites Paige! Hairpull! She ripped a hefty hank of hair out! *laugh* She smacks Paige's head against the announce table and the apron.
3. AJ climbs on Paige's shoulders. OUCH! Paige bounces AJ face-first off the barricade. Headbutts in the ring. Paige takes control.
4. Knees to the ribs on the apron. Paige takes AJ up the turnbuckles, but AJ fights back and pushes Paige off the apron. AJ dives off the corner onto Paige!!!
5. SHINING WIZARD! Paige kicks out at two!
6. Paige with a side-kick for the two count.
7. BLACK WIDOW!!! Paige counters. RAMPAIGE (DDT) FOR THE THREE COUNT! PAIGE IS THE NEW DIVA'S CHAMPION!

Not quite a long as I'd like, but that was a very good match. I'm happy to see Paige win, and I hope this isn't the end of their feud. The smack talk and physicality after the match makes me think there's at least one or two more championship matches left in this feud. Maybe they'll get more chances to show just how good they really are.


Flag Match: Jack Swagger v. Rusev
I'd like to see Swagger win, but I'm picking Rusev. A loss here almost certainly buries Swagger.

1. Rusev attacks Swagger before the bell, and Swagger locks in the Patriot Lock! He's forced to break it, but wow. Lana tries to call off the match, but the bell rings.
2. Swagger works on the ankle. "WE THE PEOPLE" chant. Rusev is selling the ankle damage. Swagger is demonstrating a brutality we haven't seen in some time.
3. Rusev counters a Swagger Bomb with his knees. Swaggers ribs are taped under his singlet, and he's selling the damage.
4. Nice back and forth between the two. Swagger hits a Swagger Bomb, but his ribs cost him the three count.
5. Rusev tries for the kick, but Swagger catches it. Swagger goes for the Patriot Lock, but Rusev escapes. Kick from Swagger. Two count. Rusev kicks to the ribs, kicks Swagger in the face.
6. Rusev has trouble with the ankle, but he finally locks in a modified Accolade. Swagger reverses into the Patriot Lock! Rusev reaches for the ropes, and when Swagger pulls him away Rusev rolls and kicks him in the ribs.
7. More rib kicks, and then the Accolade. Jack won't tap! He can't escape but won't tape. He finally loses consciousness. The ref calls the match. Rusev wins, and then he kicks Zeb Colter who was kneeling over Swagger. The Russian flag flies over the ring as their national anthem plays. (Is anyone else thinking of "The Hunt for Red October" as this plays?

Swagger did not tap. That's badass, though it would have been more badass if it had lasted a little longer. I remember when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin lost to Bret "the Hitman" Hart when he lost consciousness in the Sharpshooter. I'm glad they don't do this too often, but it worked here. Maybe Swagger isn't going to be buried after all. The gimmick sort of sucked and didn't add anything to the match, but the result was interesting. This feud isn't over, and I expect Swagger to get the last laugh after their next PPV match.


Lumberjack Match: Dean Ambrose v. Seth Rollins

I'm picking Dean Ambrose, though this is sort of a coin-flip match. Either way, the winner won't win cleanly, and that will set up another match at the next PPV. You know the Lumberjacks (and Kane if he's not already one of them) will interfere, and the briefcase may come into play. This match may steal the show.

1.It's a brutal match, and I can't type fast enough to keep up with it. But seeing Ambrose suplex Rollins over the top rope into the lumberjacks was impressive. And then he took out the lumberjacks himself. Wow.
2. Here comes Korporate Kane, sending the 'jacks out to get Ambrose and Rollins. That's going to end badly for everyone concerned.
3. Ambrose just took out all the face lumberjacks as they tried to carry Rollins back into the ring! Wow.
4. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Rollins escapes, kicks Ambrose in the head. Rollins does his fake fall-through-the-ropes thing and hits a massive clothesline. Two count
5. AMBROSE HITS ROLLINS' CURB STOMP! Kane breaks up the pin. MASSIVE MELEE ENSUES!
6. Ambrose clears the ring, and Rollins beans him with the MITB briefcase for the win.

AWESOME match, much better than a Lumberjack match has any business being. Plenty of high spots. It stole the show. No question. Looking forward to the aftermath.


Bray Wyatt v. Chris Jericho
I'm picking Bray Wyatt to win the match. Again, I expect one more match out of these two before Jericho goes back to his many other pursuits, but a loss here buries Wyatt needlessly, especially after the clean win at the last PPV.

1. Strange seeing Wyatt in anything but white pants.
2. Jericho goes after Wyatt early.
3. Wyatt knocks Jericho off the top ropes to the floor and takes control. He drives Jericho into the apron and sandwiches him between his knee and the steps. Yikes.
4. The crowd just loves Wyatt. He raises his hands and they start singing his song.
5. Wyatt tosses Jericho into the ring post shoulder-first and then keeps using the post as a weapon. Casual brutality, just what you'd expect from Wyatt.
6. Jericho hits a running Wyatt with a dropkick. Two count. Wyatt answers with a chokeslam and a two count of his own.
7. Jericho counters Sister Abigail with an attempt at the Walls of Jericho. After a bit he locks it in, but Wyatt reaches the ropes.
8. A awkward but deadly-looking sort of DDT on the apron gives Bray a two-count.
9. Jericho flips Wyatt off the top turnbuckle. Two count.
10. Wyatt does the spider walk, and Jericho looks freaked.
11. Codebreaker! Two count before Wyatt touches the rope with his foot to break the count.
12. Jericho misses a baseball slide, and Wyatt hits him hard. Sister Abigal into the barricade!
13. Sister Abigail in the middle of the ring. Three count. Wyatt wins.

Physical match, excellent storytelling. Wyatt was particularly sadistic. Glad I didn't let Molly watch.


Brie Bella v. Stephanie McMahon
I'm picking Stephanie to win, mostly because I think Nikki is going to turn on her sister. (Also, since I expect Cena to get beaten badly by Lesnar, this would be good time for Cena to disappear so Nikki's heel turn doesn't affect him.) This match might be surprisingly good, especially if Steffi has been training as hard as it sounds like she's been training, since Brie was wrestling somewhat better before her storyline departure.

1. Apparently Steffi is dressed for an appointment with Hunter after Summer Slam.
2. Nice back and forth early. It's slow, but not too slow. Other than a few elbow tosses by Brie, not a lot of real wrestling so far.
3. Brie blocks a slap and hits one of her own. She goes for the Yes! Lock, but Steffi escapes.
4. Stephanie clocks Brie as she tries to jump through the ropes. Brie barely beats the 10-count. Steffi hits a DDT. Two count.
5. Steph slingshots over Brie with a neck-snap. The crowd is chanting "You still got it!" to Steph. She's keeping Brie grounded.
6. Brie kicks Steph in the head three times. Steffi runs at her, but Brie hits a Thesz Press and attacks her. Brie takes control. Missile Drop Kick, Steffi kicks out at 2.
7. Hunter runs out, and Nikki follows  Steffi goes for lose behind. Hunter distracts Brie, and Steffi attempts a Pedigree. Brie reverses into a Yes! Lock, and Hunter drags the ref out of the ring. Brie kicks Hunter through the ropes and does the Yes! chant over Hunter.
8. Nikki comes in the ring. She and Brie sandwich Steffi, and then Nikki pushes Steffi out of the way to clock Brie. Steffi hits Brie with the Pedigree while Hunter gets the ref back in the ring. Three count. Stephanie wins.

Surprisingly good match, if predictable. They've done some low thins to sell this match, though, and it will be interesting to see what happens, especially when Daniel Bryan comes back.


Randy Orton v. Roman Reigns
This match has potential, but I don't see it stealing the show. It will probably be slow, albeit physical. I expect Reigns to pick up the win, mostly because Orton has a loss coming to him, and they won't want to break the momentum Reigns has been building.

1. Orton's hands are taped. That's unusual. Will that come into play later?
2. Big right hands from Reigns to open the match, while Orton hits his gut kicks. Reigns looks sharp early.
3. Orton does his around-the-world stomp on Reigns, but he misses a flying knee drop. Reigns goes up top, but Orton gets to him before he can do anything. Superplex from Orton! Two count.
4. Reigns gets Orton in a bastardized sleeper, and Orton falls on him to break it. Reigns goes for it again, and Orton reverses into a side suplex. It's slow and then flashes of action. Strange pace.
5. Samoan Drop! Reigns can't capitalize. Back and forth punches and kicks, headbutts.
6. Reigns hits his flying kick to Orton on the apron and then drives Orton into the barricade. He tries again but Orton reverses, first the barricade and then the ringpost. Two count.
7. Orton drops Reigns on the announce table and then throws him into the steps. Gets him in the ring, but Reigns recovers to drop Orton's neck on the top rope.
8. Reigns tries for a Superplex, but Orton blocks and gets Reigns down. Reigns then punches Orton and climbs back up to the top. Super Samoan Drop from the top! Reigns is slow to go for the pin, and Orton kicks out at 2.
9. Reigns calls the for Superman punch and hits it. Reigns sits back to wait for the Spear. Orton counters with the powerslam. Impressive. Orton hits the hanging DDT.
10. Orton sets up for the RKO. Reigns blocks and runs the ropes, and he leaps for the Superman Punch only to get hit with the RKO! TWO COUNT!
11. Orton takes his time following up while Reigns just lays there. He looks like he's setting up for the Punt as Reigns starts to stir. Reigns avoids it and hits the SPEAR FOR THE THREE COUNT! Reigns wins.

It was, indeed, a slow match, but both Orton and Reigns looked good in this match. A loss here doesn't hurt Orton at all. This was a big test match for Reigns, and he passed with flying colors.


WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Brock Lesnar v. John Cena
No chance that Cena wins this. He won't be DQed, and that's the only way he'd retain the belt. Brock will destroy Cena, and this will lead to Cena taking a little time off.

1. Cena should keep his red shirt on so no one can see the blood.
2. Cena tries to take a brawl to Lesnar, but LESNAR HITS AN F5 TWENTY SECONDS INTO THE MATCH. Two count. Wow. This will get ugly. Excuse me. I meant to say that it already is.
3. German Suplex. Cena looks like someone is walking over his grave.
4. Make that two German Suplexes. Surpleces? Hmm... how about GSs?
5. Cena's trying to hang in there, but he's overwhelmed. Knee lift from Lesnar to the ribs. Three GSs.
6. Cena throws a flurry of punches, and Lesnar might as well be yawning. Lesnar with another knee lift. Headlock. Cena throws elbows, and Lesnar just throws him down. (Maybe Rollins should cause a DQ now and then cash in the MITB briefcase.
7. Cena with another flurry, and Lesnar with another knee lift. Then he stands on Cena's hand. Four GSs. Five. Six. Seven. Lesnar looks like he's suffering from heat stroke. Weak cover by Lesnar, and Cena shrugs out at two.
8. Eight GSs. Lesnar has the ref check on Cena, but Cena doesn't quit. Nine GSs. Cena throws elbows when Lesnar goes for 10. He hits a couple shoulder blocks, but Lesnar catches him and goes for an F5. Cena counters and lifts Lesnar. AA!  Lesnar rolls out at two! Lesnar sits up and starts laughing at Cena. He's on his feet and bouncing while Cena is held up by the ropes in the cover.
9. Cena runs at Lesnar, but Lesnar dumps him, straddles him, and starts bombing him with rights and lefts. Cena still won't let the ref stop the match.
10. Ten! Eleven! Twelve! Thirteen! (Someone check my count. I might have missed or added one while typing.) A break, and then Fourteen! Fifteen! Sixteen! Cena locks in the STF while Lesnar yells at the ref! Lesnars in the middle of the ring! Lesnar rolls out of it and hammers away at Cena. F5! And it's over. BROCK LESNAR IS THE NEW WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

Lesnar looked monstrous. Cena looked powerless, though he absorbed more punishment than we've seen a Superstar take in a long time. At least the Undertaker was able to give some real offense. Cena couldn't even get to three of his Five Moves of Doom. See below for some notes about where I think Lesnar should go from here.




Overall Impressions
Summer Slam is supposed to be the second-biggest event on the WWE calendar, second only to Wrestlemania, of course. Overall it did not disappoint. Definitely worth the price of admission--only (say it with me) $9.99!

Positives
1. As I said, the Miz v. Dolph Ziggler was surprisingly good, and the result was unexpectedly pleasant. Miz is better as an underdog, and Ziggler deserves a push, even if it's only a midcard push for now. He lends extra presence to the IC title.
2. I liked the AJ v. Paige match. Paige is a rising star, and AJ, win or lose, is the top of the ladder. The storytelling has been great, and I'm looking forward to the story continuing for a while.
3. Ambose v. Rollins was the match of the night, hands down. Stole the show.
4. Lesnar did exactly what Heyman said he would do: he absolutely crushed Cena. It wasn't a flashy match. Didn't have to be. Lesnar was devastating. Look out world!
 
Negatives
1. The biggest disappointment was the lack of a WWE Tag Team Championship defense, especially since the Usos have stolen the show the past two PPVs. 
2. The flag match gimmick was unnecessary to the Rusev/Swagger storyline, especially since the flags have been prominent anyway, but that's a minor point. 
3. The pre-show match seemed forced--perhaps that's where a Tag Team Championship match might have been a better choice.

Looking at the Crystal Ball
The big story here is Lesnar. He's a part-time superstar, and while he won't be working a full schedule, rumor has it that he will be around at least as long as Wrestlemania 31. So what does that mean? Will he be WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestlemania 31? That affects who he will face. I've heard that Vince wants Lesnar v. the Rock, but that doesn't have to be--in fact, it should not be--a championship match. Another name that's been mentioned has been Roman Reigns. That would almost certainly have to be for the strap, and Reigns would almost certainly have to win. But what happens in the meantime? Lesnar was made to look like an unstoppable force, and that has to continue. Have him face Orton, who has been demanding a championship match, and let Lesnar destroy him too. Perhaps Lesnar is angering Hunter and Steffi by not being around more, and the Authority sets up Orton being the guy to face him. And then have Lesnar defeat a returning Batista for the same reason. Or, if you need fodder, Kane could face him, but that's the least likely scenario. Notice that I didn't mention Cena. He should never face Lesnar again. He should disappear from the WWE for a few months.

And then, your options split. If you want him to face the Rock at WM31, have him face Roman Reigns for the strap at the Royal Rumble and have him lose it. If you want him to face Reigns at WM31, have him lose the strap to a returning Daniel Bryan, and then have him win it back again before WM31, where Reigns would take it from him. The sad thing is, it will take this long for the WWE to get a top-level babyface ready to face and defeat Lesnar. They could have done it with Cesaro or Ziggler, but they let those two fall too far. Bryan could have done it before his injury, but now we have to wait for his return. And Reigns just isn't ready quite yet. 

Should be interesting times ahead!

SmackDown 8/15/14

1. The Miz opens SmackDown in his pimpin' Santa outfit with Miz TV. As long as we don't need to see him wrestle. His guest is Roman Reigns, who apparently is coming to be mentored. Wake me up when Miz is done talking, eh?
2. Apparently that's the shtick, because Miz keeps interrupting him. Finally Reigns punches him in the face. Best Miz TV ever! Quick promo, and...CUT!
3. Dean Ambrose v. Cesaro. Cesaro is perhaps the biggest afterthought in WWE today. Expect an Ambrose win.
4. Good back and forth before Cesaro takes control.
5. Ambrose launches himself over the top rope to land on Cesaro. He always looks like he has no regard for his own safety.
6. Back from commercial, and Cesaro hits a running european uppercut in the corner. Ambrose knocks Cesaro out of the ring and leaps over the top rope again to land on Cesaro.
7. Ambrose blocks a Superplex. Then he bites his nose. Tornado DDT from Ambrose! Two count!
8. Big clothesline from Cesaro and a two count.
9. Cesaro launches Ambrose and hits a flying european uppercut! Two count. Sick! And then what looks like a face-first AA! Two count.
10. Ambrose bounces off the ropes and hits a clothesline for two. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds out of nowhere! Three count! Ambrose wins a show-stealer!
11. Rollins comes out to interrupt the celebration. Nice heel promo.
12. Nice. Miz is walking in back with ice on his face. Kane pulls him aside and makes Miz v. Reigns for tonight.
13. Next is Dolph Ziggler v. Titus O'Neil (with Heath Slater in his corner--sort of). Ziggler comes out to a big pop. I'm probably wrong, but I'm picking Ziggler.
14. Ziggler shows of early. He hits a beautiful drop kick on Titus. Titus answers with backbreakers and starts barking and cover Dolph for two. Splashes in the corner.
15. Ziggler with a leaping clothesline and another dropkick. O'Neil answers with a kick to the face. Two count.
16. Zig Zag out of nowhere! Three count! Ziggler wins! Good quick match.
17. Mark Henry (with Big Show) v. Luke Harper (with Eric Rowan). Harper and Rowan have seemingly fallen off the map faster than even Cesaro. Henry will probably get the win off a botched Rowan distraction.
18. Henry throws Harper out of the ring. Harper is unfazed.
19. Harper with a running boot to the face to knock Henry over, gets a two count. Big uppercut. Two count.
20. Henry is grounded. Power punches to get free. Henry preps for World's Strongest Slam when Rowan interferes. DQ win for Henry.
21. Tag match: Show/Henry v. Jr Wyatts made by Kane. Show is working over Harper. Harper makes a comeback and blocks a chokeslam. Show splashes Harper and runs him over. Harper ducks out to avoid chokeslam. Rowan runs show over from behind.
22. Harper tags Rowan to work over Show. One-count. Chokes Show in the ropes. Quick tag, Superkick from Harper. Two count.
23. Harper has Show grounded. Side slam! Show makes the hot tag! Henry takes it to Rowan with splashes. Harper tries to interfere as Henry picks Rowan up. Show blocks Harper and then KOs Rowan as Henry hits the World's Strongest Slam! Three count! Show/Henry win!
24. AJ Lee v. Eva Marie. Again. *sigh* Paige will cost AJ the match again. (Anything that makes Eva look even remotely like a winner is a bad thing.)
25. Eva doesn't even look convincing when she goes for slaps! Neckbreaker by AJ. Two count. Wow. AJ just pulled out a big hunk of hair extension!
26. Paige skips out, and AJ attacks Paige immediately. AJ throws Paige into the barricade and beats her head into the barricade over and over. Quickest 10-count ever as AJ can't make it back in the ring in time. Eva gets the count-out win.
27. AJ turns around, and Paige kicks her in the head and hits the Paige Turner.
28. Swagger v. Bo Dallas. Calling it for Swagger. Can Bo...Leave? WE...THE PEOPLE!!!
29. Swagger's ribs are taped. Bo goes after them. Swagger locks in the Patriot Lock quickly. Bo taps! That's about 30 seconds. Plenty of Bo.
30. Rusev and Lana come out, and Lana cuts a promo about the flag match.
31. Main Event: Miz v. Reigns. I'm picking Reigns.
32. Reigns takes control early. Miz hits a face punch, and he runs away again. Reigns catches him and throws him into the barricade twice.
33. Miz goes up top, but Reigns hits a gut punch. Miz works on Reigns' leg to set up the Figure Four. He uses the ring post to damage Reigns.
34. Figure Four! One-count. Reigns powers out. Miz with clubbing head shots. Miz misses Reigns and shoulders the ring post. Samoan drop! Punch to the face! Jumping kick on the apron!
35. Miz runs from Superman, but Ziggler comes out. Miz turns around and takes Superman! Reigns throws him in the ring and hits the Spear! Three count! Reigns wins!

Pretty good matches for the last show before Summer Slam. Bring on the show!

RAW 8/11/14 (Hulu edition)

1. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...MY NAME IS PAUL...HEYMAN! As always, Paul, you get right down to the point and let us know exactly what your client, the BEAST, BROCK...LESNAR...will do at Summer Slam. And I believe he *will* do it. After all, it's what's best for business, and "bad things happen to good people when they step into the ring with Brock Lesnar." Paul Heyman is the greatest manager in the history of the WWE. (Bobby Heenan was until Paul showed up.) Great promo. Heyman promises that Lesnar will lay a smackdown the likes of a Shakespearean tragedy.

2. Oh... "Hint, hint"? Does that mean Hulk Hogan is going to get his tuchus handed to him during tonight's birthday celebration?

3. Oh, and Heyman goes with the rhyme to mock the Doctor of Thuganomics! GREAT STUFF!!!

4. Weird Al with the birthday wishes for Hulk Hogan!!! YES!!!

5. Korporate Kane is back. Apparently he gave Steffi his mask last week because he felt he let the Authority down by not beating Reigns. *sigh* I was hoping he'd oppose the Authority before this was all over. Maybe he still will.

6. Korporate Kane makes a handicap match between Roman Reigns and AxleBack. (Nope, still won't call them RybAxle.) I think Reigns wins a brutal match and then takes a beatdown.

7. Yes, I think it's about time to turn Ryback again. He's a better face than a heel. They ended his face run much too soon, and it would be cool to hear "Feed me more" again without the jeers attached.

8. Reigns kept control until Axle provided a distraction (twice) on the apron. And it's probably getting ugly during the commercial.

9. AxleBack DQed for throwing Reigns into the ringpost after they'd been warned. They try to take him out, but he makes a comeback in the ring. He throws Ryback out of the ring and hits his jump-kick on Axel. Then he throws Ryback into the ringpost and hits his Superman Punch on both. SPEAR on Ryback. SPEAR on Axle. Guess I had it backwards.

10. In the ring, Reigns tells Renee that he's not scared of Orton. Then we go backstage, where Orton takes a shot at Kane for not getting the job done last week. Kane tells Orton he has a match tonight against Sheamus to get him ready for Summer Slam.

11. Steffi brings out Daniel Bryan's supposed physical therapist, "Megan," who says that she and Daniel have been having an affair. Brie comes out and smacks the hell out of Megan and then attacks Steffi, locking in the Yes! Lock until Finley and Jamie Noble break them up. Steffi says this will be finished tonight rather than at Summer Slam.

12. Drew Brees birthday wishes! 

13. Nice back and forth between Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho. Jericho promises to be the first one to leave Bray speechless! I'd love to see that!

14. AJ vs. Eva Marie. AJ should win easily, but will Paige cause issues? Eva doesn't have the tools to beat anyone, but she will probably win this match. But I think she'll pay for it after. 

15. Paige with the distraction, skipping around the ring. Eva rolls her up for the quick non-title victory. 

16. Paige recites a Roses Are Red poem to apologize for pushing AJ off the stage last week. What's with all the rhyming this week? 

17. Eva is still at ringside for some reason, and AJ beats the heck out of her. Now *that* is entertainment! Then she skips away with the Divas belt.

18. John Cena comes out (in a new red hat and shirt--he needs to go classic and wear the 8-bit shirt). When's did he last wrestle? Anyway, Cena promises that he will not lay down for Brock Lesnar. He says he will...not...lose, that Brock doesn't deserve the championship. He pretty much calls Brock a mercenary. He has the crowd run through all their various chants: "You can't wrestle;" "Let's go Cena;" "Cena suck!" He says he won't turn, but he will become a beast to fight the beast. He calls Brock out, but Brock doesn't come out. "This Sunday, I am the one that beats the one." I may not be a huge fan of this match, but the build-up by Heyman and Cena has been n56othing short of brilliant.

19. Brie nearly trips as she stalks down to the ring. Steffi comes out and says the match has to wait until Summer Slam because "Megan" is pressing charges against Brie for assaulting her. Steffi says she'll see Brie at Summer Slam...if Brie makes bail.

20. Main event: Sheamus v. Orton. I assume Orton wins, but there may be some funny business after.

21. The match started disappointingly slow, but we've seen pretty much everything you'd expect from these two. 

22. And Sheamus mocks Orton's fist pound before missing the Brogue. Sheamus then counters the RKO. He goes up top, but Sheamus hits the RKO when Sheamus jumps and pins him for the victory. Looked impressive, thought not as impressive when he hit the RKO on Evan Bourne who was in flight doing his 360 splash.

23. "Mean" Gene Okerlund and "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart are out to introduce Hulk Hogan! All the superstars are on the stage as Hogan comes out. And yes, I did mark out hard when Hogan's music hit. Nice video tribute. Hulk shills for the WWE Network.

24. Time to mark out again! Out comes Ric Flair! (Great to have Mean Gene announcing! Love that voice!) Paul Orndorff! Love the kaiser stache! Wow, does he look old! Rowdy Roddy Piper! 

25. And here's Kevin Nash and Scott Hall for the NWO reunion! YES!!! Wow, do they look ancient! Hulk actually looks a little overwhelmed. HEY YO!!! Scott sounds pretty good...for how bad he's sounded at times lately. Hulk has the Black and White under the Red and Gold! Nash sings the birthday song to Hogan...

26. ...and Lesnar interrupts and comes to the ring. No sign of the other superstars on the stage. Lesnar looks disparagingly on the Geritol Generation as he stands on the apron. Lesnar bumps Piper. Hulk tries to look ready for action. Lesnar calls him "Grampa" and tells him the party's over.

27. Cena runs down to the ring, spoiling for a fight. Lesnar smiles and climbs out of the ring as the show fades to black.

Not a great show, but the build to Summer Slam was good, and the chance to mark out on the classic superstars was worth the price of admission.