WWE Mae Young Classic Episode #6
September 7th, 2017 | Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
The second round concludes here as we trim sixteen to eight in time for the quarterfinals.
Ronda Rousey was shown arriving to check out Shayna Baszler’s match later.
Lacey Evans vs. Toni Storm
Evans beat Taynara Conti in a surprisingly good first round match, while Storm went over Ayesha Raymond to advance. Evans, a WWE project, got a chance to shine, while Storm didn’t have an impress opening round, but is pretty awesome. Storm held serve early, but showed off too much with her hip attacks and got rolled up. Evans busted out a slingshot elbow and remained in control by focusing on the arm. Storm came back with a backstabber and seemingly dropped Evans on her head on a Northern lights suplex. She then slipped free of the Jig and Toni won via WWE approved Strong Zero in 5:05. Solid match. I was again impressed by Evans, though Storm’s two matches felt like it was more about the girls who lost instead of giving her a chance to shine. She meets Piper Niven in the Quarterfinals.[**½]
Mia Yim vs. Shayna Baszler
Yim defeated Sarah Logan, while Baszler dominated Zeda. Baszler walked past Bayley, Charlotte and Becky Lynch in the front row. She brushed them off as they flashed the four fingers at her. The other three MMA Horsewomen were shown at ringside as well. Shayna lit Mia up with kicks and whenever Mia got in offense, there was a sense of urgency behind it. She took Shayna down with a suicide dive that got a big pop. Back inside, they exchanged strikes and holds, with Mia using a tarantula and German suplex. Shayna rolled into the ankle lock, but Mia fought to get free. She got two on a powerbomb and attempted a 450 splash. Shayna got the knees up and applied a rear naked choke to advance in 5:37. Great little sprint here. Their styles matched up well and there was no downtime. Lots of action, helped along by a hot crowd. They’re building that Shayna is an incredibly dangerous competitor who can win at any moment. [***¼]
On her way out, Shayna stopped to celebrate with her fellow Horsewomen. She also stopped to staredown Becky, Bayley and Charlotte, while the crowd went nuts.
Dakota Kai vs. Rhea Ripley
Ripley is just 20 and was impressive in her win over Miranda Salinas, while Kai beat Kavita Devi to advance. We got quick, even exchanges to start, until Kai started in with kicks. They looked and sounded great. Ripley caught one with Dakota on the outside, got Kai on her shoulders and dropped her face first onto the apron in a great spot. Ripley started using her size to her advantage, getting two on a flapjack that Kai bumped well for. Kai began picking the pace back up, but ate a pretty Northern lights suplex for a near fall. They battled up top, where Kai fought off a superplex. Ripley fell into tree of Joey Lawrence position and Kai delivered the double stomp to win in 7:01. One of the most fun matches so far. Both girls are just a joy to watch. Ripley is gonna have a bright future, while Kai is great and should step into the NXT Women’s Title picture once this tournament ends. A good power vs. speed battle, with Kai showcasing some great kicks and fire. I can’t say enough about the potential both women have. Kai meets Kairi Sane in the Quarterfinals. [***½]
Candice LeRae vs. Nicole Savoy
Savoy beat Reina Gonzalez, while Candice LeRae advanced over Renee Michelle. I saw these two meet in SHIMMER a while back (**½). Savoy refused the handshake and the crowd gave us “Candice Wrestling” chants again. Candice played the underdog, which a role she was born for. Savoy was aggressive from the opening bell and looked much better than her opening round outing. Candice’s offense felt like desperation moves, with Savoy battering her at each opening. Nicole couldn’t put Candice away, growing frustrated. They fought up top, where Candice blocked a superplex and hit the Wild Ride to win in 5:53. Solid, but completely unremarkable. Savoy lacked in both performances and while Candice was good, there’s more to her. They told the right story, it just felt kind of flat. I also didn’t like how the finish setup was too similar to the previous match. Candice faces Baszler in the next round. [**¾]
Overall: 7/10. I enjoyed this about as much as the other second round episode. Evans/Storm and LeRae/Savoy were fine matches. Baszler/Yim was very good and I loved the Horsewomen angle. It wasn’t big, but got a great reaction. Ripley/Kai was one of my favorite matches of the tournament so far. After a fine first round, the second round saw improvements across the board and I’m pumped for the quarterfinals.
WWE Mae Young Classic Episode #5
September 5th, 2017 | Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
Round two of the Mae Young Classic begins! With some of the less experienced talent eliminated, it should allow for an uptick in quality, just like we saw during the Cruiserweight Classic last year.
Abbey Laith vs. Rachel Evers
Laith advanced over Jazzy Gabert in a great first round match, while Evers beat Marti Belle in the worst opening round contest. Kassius Ohno was in the crowd as a noted supporter of Evers. Laith used her quickness to combat Evers being so much stronger. They pointed out that the strategy worked against Gabert. The crowd was split, popping for a Laith suicide dive and when Evers delivered a cutter and BIG GIRL SENTON. When Laith looked on the verge of winning, Evers pulled her off the top with a super powerslam for two. The fane ate up that near fall. Laith retaliated with a powerbomb and the Mae Young alligator clutch to win at 4:49. That was a high quality sprint that ended too soon for my liking. Evers erased the memory of her bad opening round match. They worked hard and had a hot crowd, while playing to their strengths. My major issue was the rather anti-climactic finish and short length. [***]
Piper Niven vs. Serena Deeb
Deeb got past Vanessa Borne in a solid outing, while Niven beat Santana Garrett is one of the best first round matches. As expected, Niven overpowered Deeb early and often. Deeb found small openings, like getting her knees up on a BIG GIRL SENTON and kept going back to the headlock. There was a great sense of desperation from Deeb. She’d scramble over for pin attempts and you really felt like she was fighting for her life. Niven dodged the spear and aggressively whipped her into the corner. She followed with the Vader Bomb, but Deeb kicked out to the surprise of many. Niven missed a big splash, but caught Deeb with a Michinoku Driver to advance in 7:10. Good stuff. Like the opener, there was a sense of urgency and they told a great story. Deeb gave her all to overcome her larger opponent and make a last run in her career, but just didn’t have enough. [***¼]
Mercedes Martinez vs. Princesa Sugehit
Sugehit beat Kay Lee Ray, while Martinez went over Xia Li. These are the two most experienced women in the tournament. Kalisto was shown in the audience. Sugehit wore Wonder Woman tribute attire. After some mat work to start, Martinez moved to strikes, where she had an advantage. Sugehit came back with speed and nailed a Codebreaker. They battled up top, where Sugehit won out and delivered a tornado DDT. She applied her armbar, but Martinez fought free. A fisherman buster later and Martinez advanced in 5:13. I was disappointed by this. I know Martinez is capable of better and Sugehit impressed me more in the opening round. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t feel important or like they were fighting for something that meant anything. Things didn’t connect the way I wanted and it was awkward at times. Martinez meets Abbey Laith in the quarterfinals. [**¼]
Bianca Belair vs. Kairi Sane
Belair beat Sage Beckett in a solid match, while Sane went over Tessa Blanchard in a high quality match. Belair is the unproven youngster, who doesn’t have enough experience to fully grasp how much of an underdog she is here. She held her own early, and cockily blew a kiss as Sane. Sane caught it and stomped on it to a great pop. Belair got in trouble and resorted to whipping Sane with her braid. It made some pretty sickening sounds. She remained in control, wearing down Sane and impressing with some power-based offense. Sane rallied and applied a strangle submission, but Belair used her strength to fight out. They traded strikes and Belair won out. She busted out a sweet 450 splash for a great near fall, especially when you consider the outcome to this was obvious. Sane came back with an axe kick, back fist and the incredible elbow drop to win in 9:59. Way better than I expected. Belair showed potential in round one with her charisma and character, but mixed in some impressive looking offense here. She came off looking like a star. Sane was great, as expected. Lots of good action and solid performances from both. [***½]
Overall: 7/10. The second round got off to a good start. Three good matches, including a standout main event. The only thing I wasn’t feeling was Martinez/Sugehit. Everything else clicked and hit as well or better than I thought it would.
PROGRESS: New York City
August 12th, 2017 | Elmcor Center in New York, New York | Attendance: 1,500
Earlier this year, PROGRESS made their debut in the United States during WrestleMania weekend. They added to that in August by debuting in New York City and Boston. I’ve been excited to see this show since it was announced.
Jim Smallman opened the show in the ring and looked genuinely moved at the crowd. They were a small company started by three friends and here they were selling 1500 tickets in New York City. The fans chanted “We love PROGRESS” and “Please come back” before anything even happened.
He introduced PROGRESS Champion Pete Dunne, who can’t compete due to injury. Dunne said if he was healthy, he still wouldn’t compete for these fans and called himself the highest paid sports-entertainer in PROGRESS. In his mind, PROGRESS, the WWE and everything is his. Jack Gallagher’s music played to a pop. They were scheduled to meet for the title. Gallagher did a Vince McMahon walk to the ring. I’m not certain, but I think Gallagher wore some of his old tights for this. He told Dunne to mind his “fucking” language. Jack noted that Dunne can’t own WWE, since he didn’t see him at TV last week. He offered a handshake to do this at a time when Pete was healthy, but Pete responded by slapping his hand away.
Jack Gallagher vs. Zack Gibson
Zack Gibson came out and cut a heat-filled promo running down Jack and New York. Jack told him this wasn’t the WWE or 205 Live and headbutted him to start an impromptu match. He got a near fall with that headbutt and things instantly spilled outside. Gibson attacked the arm early and often, controlling the first portion. They exchanged stiff shots, won out by Gibson, who turned Jack inside out. Gallagher responded with another headbutt for a close call. Gibson delivered a brainbuster on the floor outside in a wild spot. Commentary put over how he did it on the floor, rather than the mats. Somehow, that still wasn’t enough. Zack made a mistake, slipping on a spot in the corner. Jack capitalized with a dropkick and diving headbutt to win in 10:43. Intense and hard hitting in a way I didn’t expect. Gallagher held nothing back in returning to PROGRESS and they delivered a strong opener. You got a sense of hatred between them, which I dig. [***½]
Dahlia Black and Dakota Kai vs. Deonna Purrazzo and Jinny
It’s the PROGRESS debut of one my favorite wrestlers, Dakota Kai! It’s Deonna’s debut, too. Commentary called Black and Kai the “South Pacific Power Kick” and I love it. The PROGRESS vets started things, having some awkward exchanges. Deonna and Dakota performed much better in their short stint. Black and Kai worked well together, until Jinny took Black out with a dragon screw on the leg she injured earlier this year. That got a lot of heat. Jinny and Deonna took turns with vicious assaults on the leg. Black avoided an Acid Rainmaker and made the hot tag. Kai came in firing off kicks, before everyone got involved and the action had all four women down. They paired off, leaving Deonna with Kai. Kai missed a corner boot and Deonna beat her with a neckbreaker in 14:07. That was hella fun. Both teams worked great together and the leg work on Black was brutal and sympathetic. Jinny plays the villain so well, while the likable face team made it work even better. [***¼]
Number One Contender’s Match: Donovan Dijak vs. Timothy Thatcher w/ Stokely Hathaway
The winner gets a shot at the Atlas Championship. Thatcher was booed hard as soon his music hit. There’s an added story that if Thatcher wins and WALTER retains later, Ringkampf stablemates would meet for the Atlas Title. It’s a Thatcher match, so there was a fair amount of grappling in the early stages. Dijak held his own and used his length to get to the ropes with relative ease. Thatcher’s game plan of wearing down and tiring out his bigger opponent was smart. When Dijak made his comeback, the pace picked up and the match got better. Dijak nailed Feast Your Eyes, but Thatcher got his foot on the bottom rope. From seemingly out of nowhere, Thatcher locked in the armbar and made Dijak tap at the 12:45 mark. The work was smart. The problem is that Thatcher is just so dull and lackluster in everything he does. Going after the arm the way he did made sense and Dijak sold it well, it was just not too interesting. [**½]
Hathaway got on the mic to announce Thatcher would cash in his title shot at Chapter 55, which already features Dunne vs. Banks for the PROGRESS Title.
No Disqualifications Match: Jimmy Havoc vs. Joey Janela
Janela made his PROGRESS debut here. They attacked each other at the opening bell and things spilled outside. A chair was brought into play, but for the first few minutes, this wasn’t as crazy as you’d expect. That changed as Havoc was powerbombed onto a flimsy looking table. Joey opened four chairs and climbed to the top. Jimmy fought him off and hit a FLIPPING DDT THROUGH THE CHAIRS! Of course, that wasn’t enough. Janela came back with a DVD through a table and a spinning Package Piledriver that still didn’t end it. Janela brought out cinder blocks, because why not? Havoc fought back with a press slam onto the blocks, before biting Janela’s feet (he removed his boots). Havoc spilled out tacks and then atomic dropped Joey onto to them so he landed feet-first. A German on the cinder blocks and Acid Rainmaker was finally the death blow at 14:58. If you don’t take this too seriously, it’s wild fun. Sure, it was unrealistic, but that’s what it was meant to be. Two guys known for this, having that style of match and taking it over the top. [***]
Austin Theory vs. Keith Lee vs. Mark Andrews vs. Mark Haskins
Another PROGRESS debut, this time for Austin Theory. He was announced as a surprise change to the card due to Dunne’s injury. The crowd didn’t care much. However, when they added Lee, the place erupted. The three smaller guys went after Lee, but he just tossed them all around. Especially little Andrews. The pace to this was nuts, with lots of moving parts, dives and non-stop action. The fans came unglued when Andrews hit Lee with a poison rana. Haskins got his highlight by putting Theory and Andrews in a Boston crab/chinlock combo. Lee broke that up, leading to more offensive trading from everyone. We also got what might’ve been the best tower of doom spot ever, because Lee walked a few steps with everyone on top of him before hitting the powerbomb. He’s scary strong. He also wrecked Haskins’ life with a POUNCE. PERIOD. Lee missed a moonsault and Haskins hit a Destroyer. He eventually blocked a backbreaker from Theory and made him tap to a Sharpshooter in 10:00. It was the second time he made Theory tap on this day, beating him at Evolve 91. This was as wild a ten minute sprint as you’ll find. Some insane action and combinations. Not much else to say here. If you love crazy spotfests, this was for you. [***¾]
PROGRESS Tag Team Championship: British Strong Style [c] w/ Pete Dunne vs. The South Pacific Power Trip
This was the most anticipated match of the weekend for most. SPPT and BSS have been the two best teams of 2017 and with TK Cooper and Black’s recent return, they finally got their next shot at the titles. Add in Banks’ upcoming PROGRESS Title match with Pete Dunne, leader of BSS, and you’ve got all the makings of a classic. BSS stopped to do the Triple H water spit. Banks and Bate opened things, but the match quickly spilled outside. TK Cooper delivered his trademark corkscrew moonsault and there was clear concern from all the fans in the front row. The referee threw up the “X” and the show faded to black. The match was ruled a no contest, because TK severely messed up his ankle. My friend was there live and said it was reminiscent of Sid’s WCW injury. [NR]
The show returned with wrestlers carrying TK out to loud “TK” chants. Jim Smallman thanked the fans for their support. Travis Banks informed him that he wanted to keep fighting.
British Strong Style w/ Pete Dunne vs. Travis Banks
Banks said this went from being about the titles, to being about family. He came out firing, taking out the champs with a suicide dive. His hot start was cooled by the clear advantage a tag team has in this situation. Bate and Seven tagged in and out, keeping a fresh man in. To add to the disadvantage, Dunne got in cheap shots, too. Banks rallied and hit the Kiwi Krusher on Bate, but Dunne pulled the referee out before the count of three. Referee Brandon Tolle ejected Dunne, but Seven used that time to hit a low blow and Pedigree. BANKS KICK OUT AT ONE! He ducked a lariat and hit the Slice of Heaven on Seven. He dumped Bate outside and got the three in 7:27. They did the best they could considering the situation. The match itself was nothing special, which is typical for handicap matches, but the emotion was there to help it out. Good stuff. Get well soon, TK. [**¾]
PROGRESS Atlas Championship: WALTER [c] vs. Matt Riddle
Riddle retained the Atlas Title over WALTER at Chapter 46 (***¾) and lost it to him at Chapter 51 (****¼). They also both competed in a great four-way earlier in the day for Riddle’s WWN Title (****¼). Their early mat exchanges were very even, so WALTER responded with his arsenal of vicious chops. Like in their previous matches, Riddle was not afraid to answer back with his own. After some brutality outside, they moved back to the ring and started throwing one another around. I’ve seen Riddle deadlift WALTER on multiple occasions and it’s always very impressive. Riddle started busting out all the offense he could, using two Bro to Sleeps and a German, yet he couldn’t keep WALTER down. WALTER got his knees up on a senton and applied a rear naked choke, but Riddle made it to the ropes. Riddle fought back and succeeded on the senton for two. He was stunned for a split second, but pounced with the Bromission. He added chops to WALTER’s chest and won back the title in 15:58. Not quite as great as their second match, but better than the first. They took what worked and played off it. Riddle changed up his game plan a bit, knowing that WALTER had him expertly scouted last time. They weren’t major changes, but just enough to win the title back. The sheer viciousness of their strikes always leaves me in awe. I dig Riddle, but I do wish WALTER got a longer reign. [****]
Overall: 7.5/10. When you watch a PROGRESS show, you’re basically guaranteed quality matches from top to bottom. Everything ranged from solid to great as even the worst match (Thatcher/Dijak) was still pretty good. As usual, there’s also something for everyone. Dijak/Thatcher was technically sound, Havoc/Janela was an insane hardcore match, the four-way was a blast of a spot fest, the women’s match was damn good tag wrestling, Gallagher/Gibson was intense and the main event was an awesome battle. The handicap match had a lot of fire and, though it wasn’t great, was a good way to push forward after the injury. I love PROGRESS.
Raw History
Episode #109
May 1st, 1995 | Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska
According to the opening recap, last week’s Raw featured a record number of viewers. Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler are on commentary.
The Allied Powers vs. George Anderson and Ron Hagan
Before the match, we get informed that Jeff Jarrett was stripped of the Intercontinental thanks to a controversial finish to his match with Bob Holly. They’ll have a rematch for the belt on the weekend. The Bulldog and Luger both get in pretty much all of the offense. Their opponents look like the definition of jobber. Anderson nearly gets in some stuff, but it looks awkward and he just ends up losing to the Bulldog’s powerslam.
Winners: The Allied Powers in 2:41
Fine enough squash match.
Now we get footage of the Jarrett/Holly controversy. Both guys won the match in odd ways. Jarrett had his feet on the ropes, then the match was restarted and Holly won but Jarrett’s foot was on the bottom rope.
Bob Holly vs. Butler Stevens
This dude has two last names. His shirt looks like a garbage bag to be honest. Holly obviously does most of the work here and the crowd seems somewhat into him. He hits the BEST DROPKICK IN THE BIZ before a flying cross body gets the win.
Winner: Bob Holly in 2:53
Not the best squash match. I’m supposed to believe Holly is a threat to a title?
Todd Pettengil brings us the In Your House Report! The 1-2-3 Kid is injured again and out of the PPV. Razor Ramon won’t get a new partner and is instead facing Jarrett and the Roadie in a handicap match. That’s the only new information we’re given.
Mantaur w/ Jim Cornette vs. Sonny Rogers
Why is the Mantaur experiment not over yet? He splashes Rogers quickly and then tosses him around. Rogers surprises me when he gets a rollup though it clearly doesn’t do the job. Mantaur ends up winning with a slam.
Winner: Mantaur in 2:23
Blah. I completely dislike Mantaur.
They show us a vignette that sees Man Mountain Rock in the NYPD Blue universe. Yes, it’s odd.
We’re supposed to get the advertised Sycho Sid/Razor Ramon marquee matchup now. As Razor’s in the ring and his pyro goes off, Sid steps through it long before Goldberg did stuff like that, and attacks Razor. Sid plants him with two powerbombs until Diesel runs out to make the save. Sid really doesn’t like the Kliq huh?
Adam Bomb vs. Dave Sigfrid
We didn’t hear about it during the In Your House Report, but Vince seems to say that Adam Bomb will face Mabel at the Pay-Per-View. This one is all Adam Bomb. He takes it home with a flying clothesline.
Winner: Adam Bomb in 3:41
Too many squash matches tonight. This one dragged a bit.
Time for our second Hunter Hearst-Helmsley vignette. He actually speaks this time. He doesn’t say much, but he’s clearly a smug bastard.
Men on a Mission vs. Bill Duke and Kevin Krueger
Who the hell booked tonight’s show? Krueger does a dropkick that stagger Mabel. He tags his Duke and they try a double dropkick but Mabel just swats them down like flies. This goes on for far too long. After some dull stuff, Mabel wins it with a belly to belly.
Winners: Men on a Mission in 4:37
Seriously, who the hell booked this show? Awful stuff.
Jerry Lawler has been talking trash about Bret Hart all night long. He has a contract for a match with Bret at In Your House, but says that Bret ducked the challenge and accepted the match with Hakushi instead. Vince says that Brer is coming but Lawler says he’s too scared. Once Bret’s theme plays, Lawler pretty much pisses his pants. Bret admits to taking the Hakushi match. Lawler interjects but Bret shouts for him to shut up and says that after he beats Hakushi, he’ll wrestle Lawler too.
Overall: 1.5/10. They’re hyping next week’s show as some sort of “Double Header”, but it will need to be more than that to make up for this atrocity. Nothing but boring squash matches, not really any interesting build for the Pay-Per-View and the one potential match doesn’t end up happening.
Raw History
Episode #110
May 8th, 1995 | Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska
The first ever In Your House is just six days away. Let’s see how the go home show goes. Our same commentary team handles things tonight.
WWF Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett w/ The Roadie vs. Doink w/ Dink
I thought their mini-feud was the last I’d see of this pairing. They even flash us back to it before the bell rings. Doink starts hot so the Roadie gets involved, only to get his hand stepped on. Doink stays in control for the most part and continues to do damage to the Roadie too. Jarrett swings the momentum and starts to work his generic offense through a commercial break. Doink hits a DDT and actually sells some of the leg work. He also hits a powerslam but only gets two. Doink is nearing the win until Roadie gets in a cheap shot behind the official’s back. Jarrett locks in the Figure Four, causing Doink to submit right as Vince said he would never do that.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett in 7:24
This was your typical house show match. There was nothing special about this at all. Ho-hum. At least the work was decent, though uninspired. *½
We get our first ever Bodydonnas vignette. Sunny and Skip look into the camera and diss fat people.
Next, Bam Bam Bigelow speaks in a dark room. He talks about his rough start to 1995, but comes across as a babyface, putting over Lawrence Taylor and Diesel in the process.
Vince McMahon is in the ring and brings out Sycho Sid and Ted Dibiase for an interview. Dibiase admits that it was him who suggested to Shawn Michaels that he get Sid as a bodyguard. That’s the only real news he gives us. Other than that he just claims that Sid will end Diesel and his run as WWF Champion. Then Sid speaks and everything becomes amazing. He talks about a lion from Africa, while stumbling over his words. It’s Sid at his finest. The gist of it all is that he’s going to win Sunday.
Next Monday, newly face turned Bigelow takes on IRS.
Hakushi w/ Shinja vs. Gary Scott
Hakushi dominates Gary Scott and his stupid pants. Scott does get in a cross body for pretty much his only offense. Vince informs us that Hart/Hakushi will open the PPV this Sunday. Hakushi nails an impressive springboard splash, remaining undefeated.
Winner: Hakushi in 2:49
Better than your average squash.
In Your House Report! Diesel cuts a serious promo about Sid. He wants him to bring the fight and says that he’s not scared.
Bart Gunn w/ Billy Gunn vs. WWF Tag Team Champion Owen Hart w/ Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji
The Smoking Gunns get their rematch at the Tag Team Titles at the Pay-Per-View. Owen Hart stalls at the start before exchanging some WRESTLING with Bart. Bart gets in a fair amount of the early stuff. Owen speeds thing sup but runs into a sidewalk slam. Bart gets tripped up by Mr. Fuji, so Owen takes over. He rams Bart’s back into the ring post. Billy, being a complete doofus, is distracting the referee during this. Even so, Owen doesn’t stay in the driver’s seat for long. Bart wants a second rope suplex but Cornette grabs his leg and he falls. Billy then crotches Owen on top to even the score. Bart schoolboys Owen and steals it.
Winner: Bart Gunn in 6:30
A rather disappointing match. Owen Hart was great but Bart never seemed to click in singles matches. Plus, he was a charisma vacuum. *¾
Footage from WWF Mania airs. Todd Pettengill and Stephanie Waind check out the house you can win at In Your House. Todd is a dick, sitting and standing on the counter. Why would I want to live there?
Jerry Lawler announces that he will bring his mother to the PPV.
Overall: 3.5/10. Better than last week but not by much. The two actual matches were both pretty bad, though I like the Hakushi squash. Also, Sid’s promo was easily the highlight as it was just so damn insane.
In Your House Results
Bret Hart def. Hakushi
Razor Ramon def. Jeff Jarrett and the Roadie
KOTR Qualifier: Mabel def. Adam Bomb
Yokozuna and Owen Hart def. the Smoking Gunns to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles
Jerry Lawler def. Bret Hart
Diesel def. Sycho Sid via disqualification, retaining the WWF Championship
Raw History
Episode #111
May 15th, 1995 | Broome County Arena in Binghamton, New York
IRS and Bigelow get quick promos to open the show. IRS wants Bigelow to pay his taxes. Shocking right? Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler run things and we are live.
WWF Tag Team Champions Owen Hart and Yokozuna w/ Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji vs. Bill Weaver and Nick Barberry
Yokozuna starts for his team and tosses the scrubs around. Cornette gets in some venomous disses shouting at Vince. Owen Hart comes in and does some actual work. As usual, Owen gives the jobbers something, though it isn’t much. Vince brags about Yokozuna being over 600 pounds like it’s a good thing. He hits the uranage for the victory.
Winners: Owen Hart and Yokozuna in 3:06
Your basic squash from the Tag Team Champions.
Still images are shown of the Lawler/Hart stuff from last night. Lawler is giddy about beating Bret.
An odd “WWF Saves the World” commercial runs, featuring aliens. 1995 was a strange time.
Man Mountain Rock vs. “Iron” Mike Sharpe
I’m actually writing this a day after the unfortunate passing of Mike Sharper. Rest in peace. He does his typical loud selling. It’s so great. Looking it up, this is his last ever match on Raw. It ends quickly with the whammy bar submission.
Winner: Man Mountain Rock in 1:25
Too short to really be anything.
They show the house giveaway from the Pay-Per-View last night. They tell us that the guy who won it is a big Shawn Michaels fan, leading to Vince saying that HBK returns next week against King Kong Bundy.
Now we get still images from the Jarrett and Roadie/Razor match, focusing on the debut of Savio Vega. We then hear from Savio, who cuts his promo in Spanish. He fixes it to English for a bit, saying that Razor is his friend, but then goes back to Spanish.
King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Bob Holly vs. Mantaur w/ Jim Cornette
Oh man, we’re coming up on the absolutely dreadful 1995 King of the Ring. The start of this match is totally one-sided. Mantaur just gets in everything. He hits a suplex but Holly continues to kick out of pretty much everything. Maybe it’s because he didn’t fully cover, instead choosing to just lay his hands on Holly. Holly starts making his rally, coring a few near falls. Finally, he gets the flying cross body and scores the three.
Winner: Bob Holly in 5:29
Why is Mantaur still a thing? How did it last so long? Bob Holly was fine as the babyface underdog but this wasn’t very entertaining. *
Vince McMahon is now in the ring to bring out Bob Backlund to make an announcement. Backlund uses a lot of big words as always. He shouts random historic moments but totally butchers all of the dates. I have no idea if he did that on purpose. This is drawn out far longer than it needs to be, just so he can announce that he’s running for president.
Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Diesel vs. IRS w/ Ted Dibiase
This is the debut of Bigelow’s new entrance gear and pyro. Diesel is brought out to be in Bigelow’s corner and he chases Dibiase away. They do some dull work before a commercial break. Returning, Bigelow misses a headbutt, so IRS comes back with shoulder blocks to take him down. The crowd doesn’t seem very into this. None of the stuff being done is interesting at all. That’s most likely because IRS is in control and he’s incredibly boring. He removes the turnbuckle pad, Bigelow charges and IRS moves, so he hits it. IRS tries a pin with his foot on the ropes but Diesel shoves it off. This turns it around for Bigelow, who wins with the diving headbutt.
Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow in 5:12
Someone needs to stop booking IRS. His run has to be coming to an end soon. This was painfully boring. ½*
A Shawn Michaels video package airs, set to his theme song. It turns ugly at the end when King Kong Bundy appears to say Shawn’s return will be short lived.
Overall: 2/10. What the hell happened? 1995 was going pretty well and then they put out these three Raws in a row. This one featured a shit main event, a lame KOTR qualifying match and an overdrawn Bob Backlund promo. Ugh.
WWE Mae Young Classic Episode #4
September 1st, 2017 | Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
It’s time for the final first round episode of the Mae Young Classic. The opening video package gave a rundown of the eight women competing on this episode.
Candice LeRae vs. Renee Michelle
I don’t know much about Michelle. LeRae is one of the biggest female names on the indies. She’s 31, is married to Johnny Gargano and has been working for over a decade. Speaking of Gargano, he was shown in the front row. “Candice Wrestling” chants. Candice brought fire, picking up several near falls and looking like an underdog, despite being the veteran. Michelle fired off some nice looking kicks, but ate a Code Breaker. I like how some of these girls just use other people’s finishers as regular offense. Michelle missed a moonsault, opening the door for a Candice dropkick. They went up top, where Candice hit a second rope neckbreaker to win in 5:36. Solid at best. Candice looked fine, but Michelle needs a ton of work. She looked slow in a lot of her stuff, especially when it came to running the ropes. Also, the fans loved LeRae, but were surprisingly quiet for the match. [**¼]
Alexa Bliss was shown in the audience.
Lacey Evans vs. Taynara Conti
Evans is signed to the WWE and is a former Marine. I saw her live at an NXT show in March. Conti is a 22 year old Brazilian with a judo background, also signed to WWE and has only had a handful of matches. She looks like a cross between Natalya and Renee Young. Conti bowed instead of giving the handshake. She showed heel tactics early, with Lacey retaliating by using her size. Conti busted out kicks and some impressive judo throws. She also delivered a swinging slam that showed some power of her own. Evans returned with a flurry, capped with Jig and Tonic to win in 4:42. That was better than I expected. I believe they’ve combined to wrestle less than 100 matches, but they worked well together and both showed potential. Conti looks to have a good heel in her, while Evans is quite the natural babyface. I’m intrigued by both. In the next round, Evans faces Toni Storm. [**¾]
Nicole Savoy vs. Reina Gonzalez
Gonzalez is signed to the WWE and has only worked a tiny amount of matches. Savoy is billed as the “Queen of Suplexes” and is a SHIMMER veteran. Reina took the heel route, not giving the handshake. There’s been too much of that. I was disappointed to see this follow a too familiar trope of this tournament. Since Gonzalez had a size advantage, she had to have control and she beat on Savoy. That’s not Savoy’s game. Underdog babyface doesn’t work for her. Reina hit a sidewalk slam and applied Billy Goat’s Curse to continue her dominance. Savoy eventually applied an armbar to win in 4:25. Whoever laid this out had no clue what they were doing. Savoy talked about suplexes in her vignette and then just got her ass kicked. This needed to be similar to the Shayna match to work. Savoy faces LeRae in the next round, which should be better. This was the 2nd worst first round match. [*¼]
Kairi Sane vs. Tessa Blanchard
Tessa is 22 and the daughter of Tully. She’s made a name for herself around the world. Shane was formerly known as Kairi Hojo and is signed to the WWE. She’s 28 and was one of the best performers in STARDOM for a long time. Their early exchanges saw nobody get an advantage until Sane nailed a running blockbuster. Blanchard picked up the intensity and hit a sick looking lung blower in the corner. Sane cut off her momentum with a spear (she’s like, the third person to do that in the tournament). The crowd ate up everything Kairi did, including her taunts. She showed off a flying forearm that rivals AJ Styles’. Tessa slowed the pace and got two on a top rope senton. She got a gear near fall by catching a Sane forearm and pulling her into a pin. Sane came back with the Alabama Slam and pointed to her elbow pad. The fans went NUTS, knowing what was coming. Sane delivered her gorgeous elbow drop to advance at 8:38. Arguably the best match of the first round. They had great chemistry and wasted almost none of the time given. Great back and forth, evenly contested match. The fans were into this and treated Sane like a major star. Sane takes on Bianca Belair in the next round. [***½]
Sane and Blanchard hugged after the match.
Overall: 7/10. This was about on par with episode one for my favorite of the tournament so far. It was cool to see Candice LeRae, even if her match wasn’t great. Conti/Evans was much better than expected and a nice surprise. Savoy’s good, but the match she had gave her no chance to showcase herself and was the only real blemish on the episode. Sane/Blanchard was great and in contention for best match so far. This tournament is a lot like the CWC. The first round mostly separated the potential stars from the lesser known participants and things should improve in the following rounds.
WWE Mae Young Classic Episode #3
August 31st, 2017 | Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
Looking at the cards, episode #3 was my most anticipated one of the first round. It features three of my favorite girls on the independent scene.
The opening video package gave short introductions for the eight women competing tonight, voiced over by Mauro Ranallo.
Ayesha Raymond vs. Toni Storm
I’ve never seen Raymond before. She’s 27 and can apparently deadlift over 450 pounds. Storm has been KILLING it lately and is very popular. She’s just 21 and is the first PROGRESS Women’s Champion. Storm stood out and looked more like a star before even locking up than everyone else so far. Raymond didn’t shake hands, but Storm paid her back with some cockiness of her own. Storm got to bust out the ass attacks, which got a pop. Raymond took over a bit with her power, while Storm rallied behind the “Aussie” chants. The finish was VERY awkward, as Raymond faked out her finish, then missed a splash and got pulled into a lame looking cradle to lose in 4:27. It worked as a decent showcase for Storm. She didn’t show a ton of offense but she oozed charisma. [**½]
Charlotte and Sara Amato were shown in the crowd.
Dakota Kai vs. Kavita Devi
Devi is the first Indian woman in the WWE. Kai is my absolute favorite in the tournament, formerly known as Evie. She’s been great in SHIMMER, Shine and STARDOM in recent years. She’s signed to the WWE. Like Raymond in the previous match, Devi held the clear strength advantage. Her doing a slow motion lucha arm drag was not a good look. It looked bad and she should probably stick to power stuff for now. Kai got in some dropkicks that had no effect and then looked to die on a press slam. Kai quickened the pace and delivered a huge running kick, before scoring with a diving double stomp to win in 3:56. The double stomp looked more impactful than Balor’s, to be honest. Kai did her best to sell and bump for Devi, but Devi didn’t know enough to even work a four minute match. She was very repetitive. Still, kudos to Kai for selling during and after the match. Kai meets Rhea Ripley in round two. [**]
The Rock’s family was shown in the crowd. His mother, his daughter and his ex-wife, sitting with Nia Jax.
Bianca Belair vs. Sage Beckett
Both are signed to WWE. Beckett is 32 and was trained by the Dudley Boyz, while Belair is 28 and has been working for about a year. Again, we had someone with a clear size and strength advantage. Maybe they should’ve put these matches on separate episodes. Belair fired up but the crowd didn’t seem that into it. Beckett got a pop from me for busting out the old Bubba Bomb. She ended up missing the Vader Bomb and Belair whipped her with her braid. She followed with a spear to win in 5:33. Average outing, though the story of a bigger girl having control and making a mistake that costs her is redundant on this episode. With no familiar faces in this one, the crowd was less invested than the first two matches. [**]
Piper Nevin vs. Santana Garrett
It blows my mind that Garrett hasn’t been signed yet. She’s 29, worked with TNA and STARDOM and has won tons of titles. She also has the kind of look that the WWE would typically market. Nevin is signed and formerly known as Viper. She’s 26 and has worked for STARDOM, WCPW and other promotions. The crowd was split for this one. From the start, it was clear that this would be the best “speed vs. size” matchup. Santana used her quickness and athleticism to find ways to negate Piper’s size. Piper powered out of a submission and pulled out a cross body of her own. That led to Piper slowing the pace and wearing down Santana. Santana fought back with a tornado DDT and Eat Defeat (I wouldn’t have her do that, since it’s another girl’s finish). She survived another splash and pulled out the Trish handstand rana for two. The fans came to their feet just before Santana missed her finish. Piper hit a senton and weird looking Michinoku Driver to win in 7:09. Another quality main event. They told a tried and true story very well, but I was kind of burnt out by that tale on this episode. Santana and Piper are both great and it’s a shame one had to go out so early. The dynamic worked and the crowd was way invested. Piper faces Serena Deeb in the next round. [***½]
Overall: 6/10. I wanted to like this episode more. With Toni Storm, Dakota Kai, Santana Garrett and Piper Nevin, it could’ve been great. However, Storm and Kai were paired with women who weren’t anywhere near their level and put in short matches. They both looked good, though. Belair/Beckett was alright. The main event was very good and showed why Nevin and Garrett are so good. I just would’ve put some of these matches on different episodes due to how redundant they were.
