We open with the best theme music on NXT and that belongs to Tyler Breeze. I mean, it won an MTV Euro Award even. He would face everyone's least favorite member of the NXT roster, Mojo Rawley. It's as if the WWE has given up completely on trying to push Mojo because nobody likes him and he just continues to get beaten every week. Tyler busted out a fujiwara armbar and the referee called the match to give Prince Pretty the win. I can't be upset with that opening.
Next, we get a recap of the feud between The Ascension and Hideo Itami, which started back at TakeOver: Fatal Four Way. Last week, we were supposed to get Itami vs. Viktor but the Ascension jumped him instead. Tonight we got the actual match and I was no impressed. Don't get me wrong, I've seen Itami live before he signed with the WWE and the man is outstanding. Something didn't feel right though and he looked sloppy as hell. Konnor appeared on the top of the stage with a beaten down Funaki, who is Itami's friend. Itami still beats Viktor, with a lame dropkick but gets taken out by Konnor. They tie up Itami in the ropes and continue to pulverize Funaki while Itami was helpless. It wasn't a bad segment, however the crowd was dead for it.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass continue their handheld videos from the Performance Center. This time, they get William Regal to look at Carmella, who does some impressive ring work. He agrees to give her a tryout match. She celebrates by jumping into Cass' arms as he responds with a "how ya doin", while Enzo gets pushed. They would then face the Vaudevillians in tag team action. This was a decent match, nothing special, as the Vaudevillians picked up the win to continue their momentum towards a future Tag Team Title match.
Time for the NXT Divas, which is consistently among my favorite time of the week. Two of my favorites went at it as Sasha Banks took on Becky Lynch. My favorite NXT Divas consist of Sasha, Bayley and Becky in that order. Both girls looked great, as specimens and as competitors. Sasha won by hitting the Bank Statement, which is my favorite Divas finisher, even though she didn't hit it flush. Becky tapped out and I can see Sasha or Bayley as the next Women's Champion.
The main event of the evening featured Sami Zayn going one on one with Titus O'Neil. Titus has been upset since the NXT guys took up time on Raw, so he's been getting involved in the NXT Title picture. After Sami took him out last week, this match was set up and it wasn't bad. I was a bit bored during it but it might have just been because I was tired. I do know that Titus surprised the hell out of me by beating Sami Zayn cleanly. Not sure who much I like it, but Sami is the kind of guy who can lose and not lose momentum. Titus goes to continue the attack after the match but Adrian Neville makes the save.
Overall, a good episode of NXT. Despite the main event not being my favorite and the Hideo Itami match being a huge disappointment, the show was fun and earns a 7/10 while continuing to outclass anything that the main roster does. On Superstars, Zack Ryder met Heath Slater, because Ryder is always booked in New York. This was solid and Zack picked up the win. After a bunch of recaps, Naomi beats Cameron to continue the epic saga of the Funkadactyl breakup. Superstars wasn't bad, earning a 5/10.
Armageddon 2002
December 15th, 2002 – Office Depot Center in Sunrise, Florida – Attendance: 9,000
Fresh off of a great Survivor Series 2002 Pay-Per-View, the WWE looked to end 2002 on a high note with Armageddon. If memory serves right, Shawn Michaels would defend his newly won World Heavyweight Championship against Triple H in a Three Stages of Hell match, while Big Show defended the WWE Title against Kurt Angle. Sounds like good stuff to me. Smackdown was the superior show with Paul Heyman at the helm but I totally disagreed with his call to have himself turn on Brock at the previous Pay-Per-View. Anyway, let's get into this.
We get a decent video package to start but it feels too similar to ones I've seen before. “Classy” Freddie Blassie, “The End” song and images of wrestlers inter cut with images of war. It makes sense for a show called Armageddon though so I understand. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler start off on commentary for the Raw stuff.
World Tag Team Championship Fatal Four Way Elimination Match
Chris Jericho and Christian (c) vs. Booker T and Goldust vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. Lance Storm and William Regal
The reunited Dudley Boyz now have their awesome Powerman 5000 theme music. William Regal and Lance Storm have won seven straight matches coming into this. Who says wins and losses don't count? I hated Christian's attire with the tank top and I'd also like to point out that Christian was Tag Team Champion with Storm just four months prior. Bubba Ray and Storm start (ECW! ECW!) and the crowd is hot for the Dudleys. We get some quick tags so everyone can do their thing and my favorite interaction is between Jericho and Goldust. Bubba and Goldust actually hit the Champions with stereo punches and a bionic elbow so they decide to do a little handshake/butt bump after that was pretty funny. WASSSUP headbutt but a huge brawl ensues before D-Von is told to get the tables. Christian gets hit with a 3D but Regal blind tagged in and pinned Bubba Ray in a strange sequence as Bubba and Regal rolled on top of each other. The Dudleys are gone but quickly after, Regal is eliminated by a Goldust powerslam. Two quick eliminations that both seemed strange. Jericho and Booker go at it until Goldust and Booker hit a double team move for two. It's cool that two guys who were in the Elimination Chamber the previous month are competing for the Tag Titles. It didn't lessen Jericho and Booker and made the Tag Titles feel important. From commentary, I gather that Booker and Goldust had a storyline where Goldust was seemingly the weak link. Jericho does his signature dance as he and Christian work over Goldust for a bit. Booker gets the hot tag and cleans house before getting a near fall with a rollup and another with a small package. Jericho dodges the Scissors Kick and ends up putting Booker in the Walls! Goldust makes the save and Booker gets another two count with a kick. Booker hits a missile dropkick for yet another near fall. Jericho misses the Lionsault and gets flapjacked, so Booker does the SPINAROONIE! He hits the Scissors Kick but Jericho gets his shoulder up. Jericho hits Booker with the Tag Title and then connects with a Lionsault but Booker kicks out! Jericho goes for it again but it's countered into the Bookend for the win!
Winners and New World Tag Team Champions: Booker T and Goldust in 16:43
This shouldn't have been a four way. The Dudleys reunited just to be eliminated first, and things didn't get interested until it was down to two teams. That being said, the stuff after the first two eliminations was excellent. Great opener. ***1/4
Jonathan Coachman interviews the new Champions and Booker makes sure to let Goldust know that he is no weak link. They cut to a video from Heat where Josh Matthews interviews Brock Lesnar to ask if he's going to be in Kurt Angle's corner. Brock doesn't answer the question and is as intimidating as you'd expect.
A-Train vs. Edge
This came about because A-Train took out Edge's partner, Rey Mysterio two weeks ago and then he beat up Edge, costing him a shot at the WWE Title. According to Michael Cole, Edge tore his MCL during the attack. I've seen NBA players miss a season with that injury so I doubt it's legit. A “shave your back” chant rings through the arena as A-Train takes control. Edge tries to use his quickness but A-Train is too much. We get more power work from the future Tensai and the crowd isn't really feeling this. Edge breaks a rest hold with a jawbreaker and chops away on A-Train which has to feel gross. He hits a spinning heel kick and a face buster for two. Edge climbs to the second rope and hits a spinning Edge-o-Matic which I've never seen. He also pulls on A-Train's tights and I see way too much of him. Edge leaps off the top but jumps right into a Bicycle Kick for two. A-Train gets mad and gets a steel chair but Edge baseball slides him. Train fights back with the Baldo Bomb for another near fall. Train gets mad and levels Edge in the leg with a steel chair, resulting in the DQ.
Winner via disqualification: Edge in 7:12
Nothing match really. A-Train was the power guy and Edge played the speed guy. Basic stuff. *3/4
Edge ends up taking the chair from A-Train and proceeds to beat the hell out of him with the chair. It was a nice precursor to the “Rated R Superstar” that he would become. A nice step in the character development of Edge. Cutting to the back, Paul Heyman is pleading with the Big Show to not barge into Stephanie McMahon's office.
Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero
Because this is Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero, things open with a wrestling sequence. Benoit counters an armbar type move with a badass power up and slams Eddie. I believe some of the fans chant “boring” which I disagree with because I like a good wrestling sequence. Eddie goes to backdrop Benoit outside, but he gets caught in the ropes and awkwardly falls. Eddie follows with a flying press in a nice spot. Back inside, Eddie targets the leg and the crowd isn't feeling this. Benoit wakes the fans up with a trio of German suplexes but that's not enough. He keeps hold and finishes him off with five straight! He signals for the end as he climbs up for the headbutt but Eddie gets to his feet so Benoit jumps down and hits two more German suplexes. Eddie fights out and feels that German suplexes are successful as he busts out four of his own. Brock Lesnar would love this match. Eddie nails the Frog Splash but Benoit gets his shoulder up! An upset Eddie tackles Benoit to the outside. Eddie gets inside and distracts the referee as Chavo runs down and knocks out Benoit with a Tag Title. Benoit somehow kicks out of the pin and Eddie is very frustrated. He locks in the El Paso Lasso but Benoit reaches the ropes. Benoit fires back with a STIFF powerbomb and climbs to the top. Eddie again pulls the referee to distract him so Chavo can attack. The Wolverine fights him off and knocks him outside, allowing Eddie to climb up too. Benoit shoves him off and connects with the headbutt. Before Benoit can pin, Eddie grabs his leg and gets in the El Paso Lasso! Benoit counters into the Crippler Crossface though! Eddie tries to roll out but it's locked in and Eddie taps out.
Winner: Chris Benoit in 16:47
Really good stuff that started slow. I've seen better from both guys though as they've set a ridiculously high bar. The crowd not being into it hurt it somewhat. ***3/4
Paul Heyman enters Stephanie McMahon's office to complain about Brock Lesnar's suspension being lifted. Heyman's pleas fall on deaf ears as Stephanie McMahon will allow Brock to be in Kurt Angle's corner.
We then cut to a video package of the feud between Dawn Marie and Torrie Wilson, involving the legendary Al Wilson. Dawn Marie revealed that she was attracted to Torrie Wilson and blackmailed her into HLA by promising not to marry Torrie's dad. Dawn decides to marry Al anyway and is now out to the ring to reveal her sex tape with Torrie. We get to see some of the good stuff as Torrie disrobes a bit and makes out with Dawn, seemingly enjoying it. Al makes Dawn stop the video, thus cementing his legacy as one of the biggest heels in wrestling history. Few things get draw more heat than stopping HLA.
Keeping with the sexy theme, we get a quick shot of Shawn Michaels stretching.
Batista w/ Ric Flair vs. Kane
The first Pay-Per-View match for Batista and being accompanied by Ric Flair is pretty cool. This should be a good battle of the bigs as Kane was red hot at this time, pun intended. Batista shoulder blocks Kane to the mat but he sits up and clotheslines him outside, where Flair gives Batista some advice. Kane picks up Batista for a Tombstone but realizes that it's too soon for that and just awkwardly slams him down. Batista hits Kane with the biggest EDDIE GILBERT hot shot that I've ever seen and follows with a Spear for two. Batista connects with a decent looking floatover suplex for another near fall. As Batista sends Kane outside, Kane retaliates with a snapmare so Flair runs at him. Flair tries to Irish whip Kane but it fails so he resorts to chopping him, which has no effect either. Flair hilariously just shouts and Kane chokes him, allowing Batista to get the upper hand. He earns some near falls but Kane rallies so Flair gets involved. Kane beats him up, giving Batista the chance to hit a Batista Bomb, which is impressive on a guy like Kane and it's over.
Winner: Batista in 6:38
For a first Pay-Per-View match, Batista gets a big win and showed a lot of potential. I could've done with less from Ric Flair, but being in Batista's corner was a big deal at the time so it made sense. **
Kurt Angle is shown backstage looking for Brock Lesnar. That's it. Now we get a rapping John Cena who comes to the ring with B2. It's not good. Cena has had some entertaining raps but this wasn't one of them.
WWE Women's Championship
Victoria (c) vs. Jacqueline vs. Trish Stratus
Man, I really loved the Victoria character at this time. I never saw anything in Jacqueline really though. Last note before the match is that I hate how Victoria's “All the Things She Said” theme is dubbed over. Victoria runs to the ring for a brawl but awkwardly stalls when she gets inside. They do brawl and Victoria hits her sweet somersault leg drop on Trish. Jacqueline goes all Karate Kid and sweeps the leg for two. Trish tries Stratusfaction but it's countered into a double back suplex. Jacqueline uses a flying head scissors, which I've never seen her do before Trish and her make a wish on Victoria. Jacqueline is all “DTA” and tosses Trish outside. The challengers get near falls on each other with a cross body before Jacqueline kicks Victoria outside. Trish hits the handstand hurricanrana on Jacqueline and kick Victoria down. She continues her hot streak with a neckbreaker but Victoria stops her momentum. Victoria climbs to the top and is shoved off, so Trish hits Jacqueline with the Chick Kick. Victoria quickly gets in and breaks the count. Trish covers Jacqueline near the apron, so Victoria hits her in the head with the belt and covers Jacqueline in a sloppy finish.
Winner and Still WWE Women's Champion: Victoria in 4:28
Jacqueline subtracted from the great Trish/Victoria feud. After their classic women's match at Survivor Series, this was a big step down. 3/4*
Victoria steals Trish's hat as she exits and we cut to Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar talking backstage. Kurt sells him on being ringside for the WWE Title match. There is some clear tension between them though as Kurt inserts a VHS of Paul Heyman turning on Brock at Survivor Series into Brock's TV.
WWE Championship
Big Show (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Kurt Angle
Big Show looked pretty terrible during this time. He was huge and the tank top/jeans combination was not flattering. Kurt Angle manages to take out Paul Heyman early by landing on top of him outside, but he runs into Show who chops him a few times. Show tosses Angle outside hard and then brings him back in just as rough. Show continues to treat Angle like a rag doll until Kurt uses a jawbreaker to try and turn things around. He stupidly goes for a cross body but caught and nailed with the Final Cut. Show applies a bearhug but doesn't kill time with it as Angle breaks it quickly by biting Show. He gets a choke on Show by jumping on his back and gets him down to one knee. Angle pulls out a tornado DDT and both guys are down for a while. He hits a missile dropkick and a moonsault but barely hits the latter. In an impressive moment, Angle hits an Angle Slam for two. THE STRAPS ARE DOWN! Ankle Lock is applied but Show rolls out and goes for a Chokeslam. Angle somehow counters that into an Ankle Lock. Show powers out and Angle takes out the official. Heyman throws a chair in the ring but Angle uses it on Show. He covers but Show kicks out and the referee is hit again. Ankle Lock is in and Show taps but there's no referee. A-Train runs out and hits Angle with a back breaker before running out through the crowd. Show connects with the Chokeslam but Brock is here. F5 LIKE SHOW IS A CRUISERWEIGHT and Brock goes after Heyman who runs to the back. Angle covers Show to become the new Champion.
Winner and New WWE Champion: Kurt Angle in 12:36
Not bad. Big Show dominated so it was slow and it got overbooked like crazy in the end. Could've been better. **1/4
Kurt Angle celebrates along with the crowd as he wins his third WWE Title. I could have sworn that Paul Heyman turned on Big Show here. We then cut to the World, where Rob Van Dam is to tell us that HBK is going to win the main event, dude.
World Heavyweight Championship Three Stages of Hell
Shawn Michaels (c) vs. Triple H
So the first fall is a Street Fight and the first weapon to show up is a trash can as Triple H and Shawn Michaels brawl on the outside. Shawn tries to hit HHH but ends up hitting the trash can before pulling out a table. THE BIG GUNS ARE COMING OUT EARLY! He goes for a suplex through it but Triple H blocks. Inside, Shawn reverses HHH's suplex attempt as well but eats the high knee. HHH wisely targets the lower back, which he did at SummerSlam as well. HHH attempts a tilt a whirl backbreaker onto an open chair but Shawn counters into one of his own. Interesting to see Shawn now focus on HHH's back. Shawn panders to the crowd before Sweet Chin Music, so HHH obvious blocks it and slams Shawn's knee to the mat. The psychology shifts to working the knee as Triple H slams it onto the trash can now. HHH locks in a Figure Four in a nice nod to having Ric Flair in his ear over the past few months. Shawn gets out of it but has his head scrambled by a trash can lid shot. They fight up to the entrance where HHH pulls out a barbed wire 2x4! He goes to use it but see the flames in the entrance and decides to light it on fire first. ITS ONLY THE FIRST FALL DUDE, CHILL! Shawn kicks him and uses the flaming 2x4 on HHH. Things go back to the ring where HHH hits a drop toe hold into an open chair. I love how something like a drop toe hold gets utilized in street fights. Shawn nips up but HHH chop blocks him, followed by a Pedigree to take the first fall.
As the Steel Cage for the second fall lowers, HHH throws a bunch of weapons into the ring and busts HBK open. Shawn rallies by bouncing HHH off of the cage a few times. They rumble to the top of the cage as Ric Flair comes down to ringside. Flair stacks up four tables, two on top of two while they're up there. They fall back to the ring and Flair enters, only to get beat down. Shawn lays out both guys with a steel chair and of course, Flair is bleeding. Shawn sets up a table and lays HHH on it. He climbs to the top of the Cage and splashes him through the table to even the score.
The third fall, which we all knew was happening, is a Ladder match. Ric Flair is rolled out of the ring and is GUSHING. Shawn gets things kicked off with a bang by suplexing HHH onto the ladder. They continue to use the ladder as a weapon as Shawn whips HHH into one in the corner. Shawn tries a splash off the ladder but misses and lands awkwardly. HHH follows with the Pedigree but can't get the belt as he's knocked outside. Shawn is alone as he starts the slow climb to the top. The camera wisely doesn't catch Triple H get up as he enters and shoves the ladder, sending Shawn crashing through three of the four tables at ringside. HHH climbs and pulls down the belt.
Winner and New World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H in 38:35
These two have fantastic chemistry but something was off about this match. Having the Cage match in the middle was weird and something just didn't click with this like it does other nights. There were a LOT of high spot moments, but I didn't love it. **3/4
Overall: 5.5/10; Decent. I had high hopes for this show but was disappointed. This Shawn Michaels/Triple H match was nowhere near the level of their SummerSlam classic. Edge/A-Train and the Women's Title matches weren't good, while the WWE Title and Batista/Kane were passable. The only matches really worth it were the opener and the Eddie/Benoit bout. Hopefully, 2003 starts with a better show.
First off, I'd like to apologize for there being no Raw Report yesterday. I had an incredibly busy day and was unable to get to it and for that, I'm sorry. I'm back with the Main Event Report however, so let's dive right in. We start with the Intercontinental Title being on the line. I guess a pin and some DQ wins over Mark Henry earn you a shot as Bo Dallas took on Dolph Ziggler. Cesaro is on commentary for this and, even though moving him from the US Title to the Intercontinental Title is lazy booking, his eventual shot at Dolph should produce a good match. Cesaro is great at putting over both guys on commentary and Dolph wins in about nine minutes. The best match of Bo's main roster career so far.
A recap of the Today Show on Raw is show, which nobody cares for. Tyson Kidd asks Kane for a match because he's more than just "Nattie's husband". Not if you ask the NXT crowd. Kane laughs and says that Nattie already asked for a match for him. Nikki Bella came out next with socks that said "Tough Tatas". It would be her, Cameron and SummerLay in a four on one handicap match. I'm still not sure if SummerLay are officially faces or heels. Brie Bella comes out and actually has a decent little match. Nikki uses the numbers advantage to hit the Rack Attack on Brie and win. The feud continues and this was a good way to do so as it plays into Nikki being put into handicap matches while Brie was out.
Tyson Kidd's headphones are back, making their first appearance since NXT TakeOver: Fatal Four Way. I love it. Zeb Colter badmouths Tyson's manhood saying that it's kept neatly in Natalie's small purse. Tyson Kidd vs. Jack Swagger is a match that I don't think we've seen before and I'd love to see them get more time. This only went about three minutes and Tyson won with a rollup. I enjoyed this. We also get some Raw recaps of Breast Cancer stuff and then the Ambrose comedy.
The last match here on Main Event furthered the WWE Tag Team Title angle as Stardust, along with Goldust, took on I believe Jey Uso, with Jimmy. As usual on Main Event, we were treated to a solid little match that did it's job. I would've closed with Dolph/Bo as it was better, but this wasn't bad. Jey wins in about six minutes with a top rope splash. Another fun episode of Main Event that earns this show a 6.5/10.
Halloween Havoc 1994
10/23/1994 – Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan – Attendance: 14,000
Funny that my last Night of Champions review was in the Joe Louis Arena and I randomly select another show to watch and it's from the same arena. WCW in 1994 is something I don't remember well so this should be interesting. I know that Hulk Hogan was there already and that this was about a year before Nitro would officially begin. I have heard mixed reviews on this show so I have mixed feelings going in but that's the fun in this. Seeing something I've never seen before and forming my own opinion on it. According to the WWE Network description, Hulk Hogan faces Ric Flair in a Career match to main event this which is a wise booking decision as they were the two biggest names in wrestling at the time.
I believe that I saw Muhammad Ali in the front row. The commentary booth has Tony “Greatest Night in the History of Our Spot” Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and MEAN BAH GAWD GENE. He plugs the WCW Hotline of course, just dial 1-900-909-9900. We see the National Anthem performed which I thought was a pre-show deal.
WCW World Television Championship
Johnny B. Badd (c) vs. The Honky Tonk Man
Honky Tonk Man is billed from “Honkyland USA”. I can't make this up. Johnny B. Badd has fangs in his mouth because it's near Halloween or something. It took six minutes, but Schiavone calls this the “biggest night in the history of our sport.” When Badd tries early offense, HTM holds the ropes to prevent it. Badd messes up HTM's hair in what has to be considered a vicious move. We cut away mid-match to Sting being interviewed on the WCW hotline. I honestly prefer that. Honky slows things with a rest hold and they do indeed show Muhammad Ali. Badd tries to come back with a sunset flip but gets two, so Honky resorts to another rest hold. Five minutes remain in the ten minute time limit. Badd rallies with a body slam but again gets stopped by missing an elbow. Honky goes back to a THIRD REST HOLD. We get a reminder that there is now four minutes remaining. Do we really need an update every minute? Badd reverses Shake, Rattle and Roll with a back body drop. Honky ends up trying a pin with his feet on the ropes for two. High risk time for Honky as he nails a double axe handle off of the apron. OHMYGOD! With just over two minutes left, Honky applies REST HOLD NUMBER FOUR! Even the announcers are questioning why he's going with slow moves. Badd hits ten punches in the corner as we have one minute left. Oh my god this is going to end in a draw. They brawl as time expires.
The match ends in a time limit draw at 10:00
This was piss poor. It made no sense as the challenger kept going for rest holds to extend the time. Honky came out looking like an idiot and this did nothing for the Champion. Stupid.DUD
Honky tries to attack the Champion after the match but fails and ends up running with his tail between his legs. Tony Schiavone takes us back to a previous WCW show where Hulk Hogan was attacked by a masked man. He was hit in the knee with a tire iron or something and “walked” back from the hospital. The masked man returned and helped Flair take out Hogan. A few weeks later it was revealed that there was more than one masked man. Lastly, an amateur video is shown of Mr. T coming out of a restaurant with Ric Flair. CONTROVERSEY!
WCW World Tag Team Championship
Stars and Stripes (c) vs. Pretty Wonderful
For those who don't know, Pretty Wonderful is Paul Roma and Paul Orndorff while Stars and Stripes consists of Marcus Bagwell and The Patriot. All four men start the match with fist fights which surprises me. According to the infinite wisdom of Schiavone, Stars and Stripes are a good team because they tag frequently. NO KIDDING. Heenan and Schiavone actually get into an argument about what a tag is. Bagwell forces Orndorff to take a breather outside and tries a “USA” chant that doesn't really catch on. Paul Roma comes in and showboats too much, allowing Stars and Stripes to stay in control. That changes quickly as Pretty Wonderful cut the ring in half and beat on Bagwell for a bit. Mr. Wonderful does a weird dancing elbow drop that I never remember him doing. Roma follows with a botched elbow of his own but Bagwell hits a cross body to try and change the tide. Mr. Wonderful is able to stop his comeback attempt though. The Patriot gets tired of waiting for the hot tag and comes in to make this a four man brawl again. I'm not sure if this is the same Patriot from the WWF in 1997 but he is jacked. Bagwell hits a fisherman suplex but the referee is focused on removing the Patriot, so Roma nails Bagwell with a top rope elbow and the titles change hands.
Winners and New WCW World Tag Team Champions: Pretty Wonderful in 13:47
Not a bad match but not really good either. The fans actually popped for the heels winning which isn't a great sign. Decent. **
MEAN BAH GAWD GENE interviews Ric Flair and Sherri in the back. It's the usual Ric Flair greatness. We then get a recap of the build for Kevin Sullivan vs. David Sullivan. Yuck.
Dave Sullivan vs. Kevin Sullivan
I don't know if it was his gimmick but Kevin Sullivan shouts “HEY” as he walks to the ring. Dave is in full Hulkamania gear and his theme is even called “I Wanna Be a Hulkamaniac”. It's terrible. I'm praying that this is short. Dave knocks Kevin out of the ring and reveals that he is in Hogan attire but with red trunks and not yellow. They go through the motions of some boring offense as Kevin is clearly carrying this, though not very far. He makes the mistake of going to the top and Dave is “Hulking” up. He shoves his bandana in his brother's mouth and hits a terrible looking clothesline. He continues to try and hulk up but the crowd doesn't react. Kevin suckers Dave into believing that he's turned to the good side and he falls for it. They fight outside but Kevin doesn't get inside in time so Dave wins via countout.
Winner via countout: Dave Sullivan in 5:17
It was short so that's a plus. Besides that, this was bad. There was nothing else good about this. DUD
They show a recap of the feud for the upcoming match between Dustin Rhodes and Arn Anderson.
Arn Anderson w/ Colonel Robert Parker and Meng vs. Dustin Rhodes
Meng and Robert Parker are an odd combination, especially with Arn Anderson. Dustin Rhodes is so fat here compared to twenty years later. Rhodes hits a big lariat off the top for two. Anderson is playing the role of the wily veteran as he uses some wise underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand. Things spill outside where Dustin dodges a move and Arn hits the post. Back inside, Rhodes focuses on the arm and starts to work it for a bit. Dustin misses a move and his momentum takes him over the top and outside hard. He rolled far from the ring too. Arn now takes full advantage of this and hits the slingshot into the bottom rope but seems to hurt himself. Both guys now fire away with chops and double clothesline. That's such a 90's spot. It's hard to believe in Dustin as “The Natural” here when he's in such bad shape. He gets a near fall with a lariat and manages to block Anderson's DDT. There's a lady, who kind of looks like a guy in drag in the front row and she is very into the show. It's entertaining. Dustin removes the knee pad and misses a knee drop so Anderson gets a rollup. He tries to use the ropes and gets stopped by the official, so Dustin reverses and rolls him up for three.
Winner: Dustin Rhodes in 9:50
Best match of the show so far, but that's not saying much. It was solid but nothing special **3/4
Arn Anderson attacks Dustin Rhodes after the match and his stupid “Natural” theme song hits. Going back with Mean BAH GAWD Gene, who is with Jimmy Hart, Brutus Beefcake and Hulk Hogan. Hogan rambles his way through a promo where he mentions slamming Andre the Giant in Detroit seven years prior. I heard a lot of “WELL YOU KNOW SOMETHING BROTHER”.
We get a recap of the build for Steve Austin vs. Jim Duggan and it's funny to hear Austin talk because he sounded like he was in Stone Cold mode. He even called Ricky Steamboat a melee mouth punk.
WCW United States Championship
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. “Stunning” Steve Austin
This is Steve Austin's rematch after dropping the belt to Jim Duggan at Fall Brawl in mere seconds. Austin starts with a sneak attack but ends up eating some shoulder blocks and a slam from the Champion. Duggan applies a sleeper but Austin wriggles free and starts to work the knee. Tony Schiavone tries to say that grounding Duggan is a great strategy but I don't really see it as “great”. Duggan comes back with the longest stalling atomic drop I've ever seen. Duggan's moveset reads like the “Basics of 1990's Wrestling”. It's all generic face stuff. Austin offers a handshake, which Duggan ignores and Austin forgets about instantly because he just goes to the corner. Austin hits back to back double axe handles, but of course, the third fails as Duggan levels him in the gut. He goes to the corner and grabs the referee, hitting a low blow behind his back. Bobby Heenan, in all his greatness says “there goes that trick knee again.” You have to love him. Austin misses a top rope splash and Duggan is making the babyface comeback. As he tries the Three Point Stance, Austin ducks and back body drops him outside, resulting in the disqualification.
Winner via disqualification: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan in 8:02
This wasn't bad but I hate the finish. The over the top DQ works best for a heel using it to retain his title. It was stupid here. **
Steve Austin tries to attack after the match but gets run out of the ring by the 2x4. That's like, three attempted attacks in five matches. Mean Gene plugs the hotline before introducing Sting and getting extremely excited for him. Sting comes out with no face paint but with shades. He will sit in the front row to see what happens in the main event.
The Guardian Angel vs. Vader w/ Harley Race
In the video recap for this feud, The Guardian Angel, or Big Boss Man for those who don't know, lost to Vader at Bash at the Beach by disqualification and he didn't even get caught cheating. He just had a baton in his hand. Good officiating. Vader stops at ringside to bark at Sting and Muhammad Ali which I got a kick out of. His name is dumb here so I'm going to call him the Boss Man for the remainder of this match. He attacks Harley Race before the match in what should be a heel move but it's okay here. They brawl outside for a bit but once they're inside, Boss Man slams Vader onto a fallen Harley Race. Schiavone exclaims “THE GUARDIAN ANGEL HAS GONE BAD”! He hits a splash in the corner that the crowd doesn't react to and that Sting should've shouted gimmick infringement on. The crowd finally pops when Boss Man suplexes Vader but Vader fires back with some stiff jabs. Vader leaps off the second rope but gets caught with a body slam. Boss Man goes up and hits a second rope headbutt for two. Boss Man actually hits an enziguri before knocking Vader outside. Vader turns things around inside and hits the Vader Bomb for two. He tries again but Boss Man gets the knees up. He hits his finisher but decides to focus on Harley again which allows Vader to splash him and win.
Winner: Vader in 8:17
Basic slug fest style match. Two of the better big men of all time and it was decent. Could've been better though. **1/4
More WCW Hotline plugging from MEAN Gene. He introduces Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. He is a boxer and gets interviewed about nothing really.
Bunkhouse Buck and Terry Funk w/ Colonel Robert Parker and Meng vs. The Nasty Boys
Robert Parker is announced as the best promoter in wrestling. The Nasty Boys, trying to be hip, have Beavis and Butt-Head masks but instead of wearing them, Knobbs just has them on his hands. All out brawl kicks the match off before it breaks down and Saggs sits on Funk and wiggles his rear end. It's like a seated stink face. Funk gets the Pit Stain and reacts hilariously. The teams trade double team beat downs in opposite corners which was funny to me. Funk rolls outside after a beating and starts hitting himself with a chair. What is going on in this match? Saggs gets Funk on the top rope, but not in the corner. Just on the top rope and they kind of stand there doing nothing for a bit until Funk slowly falls outside. I mean slowly. Meng gets on the apron and accidentally knocks Funk out, leading to Saggs hitting Funk with a piledriver onto a pumpkin. Yes, a pumpkin and that ends it.
Winners: The Nasty Boys in 7:56
You know what? I enjoyed that. It wasn't a good match but I found it entertaining and fun. **
Eric Bischoff and Mean BAH GAWD Gene present Muhammad Ali with an award. This was there. Bobby Heenan then passionately promotes Ric Flair and the fact that he's a ten time World Champion. Mr. T will be the special referee and there's speculation about who's side he'll be on as “Hogan sucks” chants can be heard.
WCW World Heavyweight Championship Career vs. Career Steel Cage Match
Hulk Hogan (c) w/ Jimmy Hart and Brother Bruti vs. Ric Flair w/ Sensational Sherri
Brother Bruti is such a stupid name, but so is Brutus Beefcake and the Booty Man. Once the bell rings, Hogan attacks Flair with right hands in the corner and a back body drop. Hogan stays in control until Flair goes for the knee. If the knee didn't come into play here, I would seriously question things. Hogan decides that his knee is okay and he powers up and throws Flair into the cage. He gets into a shoving match with Mr. T as he awkwardly stands in place so he can take a double axe handle from Flair. Flair hits a nice suplex for a near fall before driving short punches into Hogan's head and strutting. Hogan crotches Flair on the top rope and starts to bite Flair. Schiavone exclaims “I'VE NEVER SEEN HOGAN ACT LIKE THIS” which is total BS because he's done heel stuff his whole career. Flair chops away in the corner and Hogan “Hulks Up”. Flair attempts to escape over the top although the only way to win is via pinfall or submission. Hogan catches up to him and lights his chest up with chops. Flair rallies and removes Hogan's knee pad so Mr. T stops and shoves him. Flair applies the Figure Four but it's Hogan, so of course he doesn't quit. He turns it over to break it and Mr. T gets taken out by mistake. Flair notices this and stomps on T as Sherri tries to climb in. Jimmy Hart tries to pull her down and removes her dress. Sherri doesn't stop so Sting brings her down. The masked man comes out from under the ring and wails on Hart and Sting. In one of the most badass moments I've ever seen from a female, Sherri leaps from the cage to double axe handle Hogan barefoot! They beat up Hogan and Flair covers, but T has been handcuffed and takes too long. Flair covers but then decides to get up and stomp on T. Dumb. Flair hits a suplex and Hogan is back up to be Superman. Hogan completes the comeback sequence and hits the Leg Drop to win.
Winner and Still WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Hulk Hogan in 19:25
I heard great things about this but I wasn't a big fan. Too much stupidity and overbooking for no reason. It wasn't bad, just wasn't amazing. Also, the masked man just disappeared.**3/4
Hulk Hogan celebrates as Muhammad Ali exits and Bobby Heenan sounds like his child died or something. The masked man is finally back and goes to take out Hogan with the pipe, but Hogan stops him. When he unmasks him, it turns out to be Brother Bruti! OHMYGOD! THE SURPRISE OF THE CENTURY! Bruti, instead of acting like a serious contender, is suddnely scared to death. Kevin Sullivan runs out along with Earthquake and they all beat up Hogan. Come to think of it, Brother Bruti came out with Hogan but disappeared. Sting runs back down and takes out all three heels before checking on Hogan.
Overall: 4.5/10; Below Average. I expected to hate this show but I didn't. While the opener was dreadful and the Sullivan brothers bout sucked, everything else was at least watchable. The main event was the match of the night and everything on the show, besides the two DUDS got two stars at the minimum. Not a recommended show but not the worst show either. Next on “Random Network Reviews” will be “SuperBrawl Revenge”.
Night of Champions 2013
September 15th, 2013 – Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan – Attendance: 10,500
Coming off the heels of a tremendous SummerSlam in 2013, Night of Champions had a lot to live up to. Daniel Bryan won the WWE Title from John Cena but dropped it within minutes to Randy Orton, who cashed in Money in the Bank. Bryan earned a rematch for this show. Alberto Del Rio reigned as World Heavyweight Champion but was very low on competition and would face the recently returned Rob Van Dam. This was the issue with the WWE at this point. John Cena went down with an injury and Brock Lesnar left again for a while, leaving someone like CM Punk to be in a match that was beneath him. Oh well, let's see what this show has to offer because the Bryan vs. Authority angle was running strong here.
As always, the intro video is pretty cool as it looks at the champions. It focuses mainly on the Daniel Bryan/Randy Orton rivalry as well as CM Punk's with Paul Heyman. So, this is already off to a start that I don't like because Triple H arrives to start the show with a promo. I hate this on Pay-Per-Views. Commentary is Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and John “Bradshaw” Layfield. He says that there will be no interference in the WWE Title match and is interrupted by Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel. He seems very concerned and HHH points out that he looks terrible. Heyman sucks up because he doesn't want to step into the ring with CM Punk. Even though he does a great job of putting over Punk and even Brock Lesnar, this was rather useless. HHH keeps the match and Curtis Axel decides to badmouth Triple H because he beat him on Raw (by countout) earlier in the year. Heyman yells at Axel for being stupid as HHH books Axel in a second match, this one with the Intercontinental Title on the line. The opponent will be the first person Triple H sees in the back.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Curtis Axel (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Kofi Kingston
There's actually a tad bit of back story here as Kofi Kingston had defeated Curtis Axel twice in the past weeks, including one via pinfall. Early on, it's clear that Kofi is in Axel's head as he wins their exchanges. This causes Axel to step outside and catch a breather. Back inside, Axel takes control and sends Kofi outside. It's noted that Paul Heyman isn't doing much coaching at the moment as he's clearly not pleased with his client. Axel follows outside but gets taken down by a leaping Kingston. Axel turns things around inside with some shoulder thrusts and gets a near fall with a back suplex. Kofi's rally attempt is thwarted by a big clothesline from the Champion. Heyman's 5 o'clock shadow beard seems very itchy to him. Axel channels his daddy with the running neck snap before applying a rest hold. Kofi comes back but botches an innovative DDT. He hits a double jump cross body for two and nails the Boom Drop. BOOM BOOM! He claps for Trouble in Paradise but Axel ducks and sends him into the corner. Kofi goes for a springboard move but gets dropkicked in a cool midair moment for two. Kofi misses Trouble in Paradise but counters Axel's finisher into the SOS for two. He had beaten Axel with it before. With desperation in his eyes, Axel hits the EDDIE GILBERT hot shot before wrapping this up with his finisher.
Winner and Still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Curtis Axel in 13:56
I'm surprised these guys got nearly fourteen minutes. They did well with it and probably would've been better if the crowd was more into it. **3/4
We are shown a poll where the fans voted for the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Chris Jericho garners 63%, Mr. Perfect gets 24%, Honky Tonk Man earns 10%, Rick Rude gets 2% and Pat Patterson finishes with a measly 1%.
Rob Van Dam is shown in the back with Ricardo Rodriguez. This was always such an odd pairing and I totally felt that Rodriguez would turn. Anyway, in this segment Ricardo teaches RVD some Spanish. AJ Lee is shown skipping to the ring when she bumps into Alicia Fox, Aksana and Layla. She wants them to go out with her, but none of them want any part of her. Trish Stratus wins the poll for best Women's Champion at 56%, Lita has 29%, Moolah at 8%, Michelle McCool with 6% and Wendi Richter at 1%.
WWE Divas Championship Fatal Four Way Match
AJ Lee (c) vs. Brie Bella vs. Naomi vs. Natalya
AJ Lee's pipe bombshell on the Total Divas cast was shown and it's still fantastic to this day. As soon as the bell rings, all three Total Divas chase AJ, who is regretting her promo at least a little bit. The problem with this angle was that AJ was supposed to be the heel, but the fans sided with her over the reality stars. Brie Bella quickly turns on her fellow E stars and hits a double clothesline, followed by two running knees. Naomi snaps off a hurricanrana on Brie and then they bump into each other. DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER! Where's Monsoon when I need him? Naomi hits the Rear View on Natalya but Brie breaks the count. Natalya gets a near fall and Naomi, as always, overshoots her flying cross body and completely misses Natalya. She eventually goes to springboard into the ring but AJ pulls her to the mat hard. Brie rolls up Natalya for two but the powerful Divas fires back with a slam on both her and Naomi. Brie is on Naomi but the referee doesn't count because he must be blind. Natalya puts Naomi and Brie in a DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER! That's like Canadian squared. AJ applies the Black Widow on Natalya, who is forced to tap out.
Winner and Still WWE Divas Champion: AJ Lee in 5:35
Good Divas match. There was never a dull moment, and they tried hard. The double Sharpshooter was creative and I give them credit. **1/4
We go to the “All-Star Panel” which features Booker T and people who have done nothing of note really. I'll give you Santino Marella, but then it's Josh Matthews and Alex Riley. They give useless “insight”.
World Heavyweight Championship
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Rob Van Dam w/ Ricardo Rodriguez
ITS MEXICOS GREATEST EXPORT MAGGLE! This is Del Rio's third Night of Champions and he's been in a World Title match each time, though he's 0-2. The crowd is firmly behind RVD but Del Rio hits the first nice spot by dropkicking him. He does end up getting knocked outside and RVD follows with a botched moonsault. Maybe he was getting high before this match. RVD hits his corkscrew guillotine leg drop as Cole points out that the show is near RVD's hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan. He showboats which costs him as Del Rio throws him into the barricade. Inside, he hits a sick sounding kick to RVD's head and steals his taunt. He must have had enough finishers stored. I swear Del Rio has the best enziguri since Owen Hart as he levels RVD with one that knocks him outside. He follows with a suicide dive that misses the mark. RVD gets on a flurry in the ring and goes for Rolling Thunder, but Del Rio moves and hits a Backstabber. RVD fights back and goes to the top, where I can clearly see that he's balding, and hits a front flip for two. His rally stops when Del Rio hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio decides to target the left arm before nailing a vicious superkick for two. Del Rio leaps off the top into a heel kick and RVD goes for the Five Star Frog Splash. At this point in his career, it's like three stars. Del Rio gets his knees up to block and applies the Cross Armbreaker. RVD reaches the ropes but Del Rio declines to break the hold, resulting in the disqualification.
Winner via disqualification: Rob Van Dam in 13:24
Solid little back and forth contest that had a finish that left a lot of be desired. It should've been used to make Del Rio look vicious, but he just used it to escape with the belt. ***
Alberto Del Rio attacks Rob Van Dam after the match for a bit. He grabs a chair but Ricardo Rodriguez makes the save, allowing RVD to get the upper hand in the end and lead to their Hardcore Match at the following Pay-Per-View. RVD actually hits the Van Terminator and I'm impressed that he can still do this at like 42 years old.
In the back, Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman are talking and Heyman is scared for his life. Voting for the greatest World Heavyweight Champion ever is Booker T at 38%, Edge at 22%, Undertaker at 21%, Ric Flair at 14% and Batista at 5%. Surprising results for sure. Randy Orton barges into Triple H's office, worried that he'll have no help tonight. See, this was the issue with his character. He wasn't the same Randy Orton, he was a punk.
Fandango w/ Summer Rae vs. The Miz
I seriously question why this match is on Pay-Per-View. Miz won a dance off two night earlier on Smackdown while sporting an afro. Things start with some back and forth stuff as both guys get in some of their usual offense. Miz goes up top but gets knocked down, leading to Fandango posing. Fandango puts on a rest hold in the middle of the ring, but it's not a good idea since the crowd isn't really into this. Fandango gets a near fall after nailing The Miz outside as the fans chant “Randy Savage”. Yup, they're officially in “we don't care about this match” mode. Miz starts to rally and hits a dropkick to Fandango's leg but this has no heat whatsoever. The fans “want tables” for some reason s Miz gets the Skull Crushing Finale blocked. Fandango hits a falcon arrow of sorts for two. Fandango hits an impressive guillotine leg drop for another near fall. Miz applies the Figure Four shortly after and Fandango taps.
Winner: The Miz in 7:49
I never liked the Figure Four finisher for The Miz. This was pretty boring and the crowd was totally dead for it. *1/2
No Disqualification Handicap Elimination Match
CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman
The history of Night of Champions is kind of telling for the WWE career of CM Punk. In 2009, he was World Champion, in 2010 he lost a meaningless match to Big Show, in 2011 he was in the main event against Triple H, in 2012 he was in the midst of his amazing WWE Title run and here, he's in a handicap match against a mid-carder. Too much up and down. Heyman stays outside while Punk and Curtis Axel wield kendo sticks to kick things off. Punk wins out and nails Heyman with a suicide dive! He brings Heyman in but spends too much time pandering to the fans so Axel stops him with a low blow. Axel's now in control and he gets a chair. He sets it up in the corner and gets a near fall with a clothesline. Axel gets a table and also sets it up in the corner. They counter suplexes until Axel hits one that's not through the table for two. They trade shots until Punk sends Axel into the chair in the corner, but it doesn't have the impact they were hoping for. It looked and sounded pretty weak. Punk attempts a suicide dive but Axel blocks it with a steel chair in another spot that didn't look as good as it should've. Axel now wails away on Punk with multiple kendo stick shots. Punk rallies and takes out Axel with a kendo stick and the GTS before applying the Anaconda Vise and Axel taps. Punk turns to Heyman and the facial expressions are priceless. Heyman runs and Punk gives chase through the crowd but they end up in the ring. Punk lulls him into a hug but destroys him with some kendo stick shots. He brings out handcuffs from his boot, which is a great callback to when Heyman and Axel cuffed him earlier in the month. STORYTELLING! Heyman is great here. Before Punk can deliver the finishing blow, Ryback shows up and drives Punk through a table. He places Heyman on Punk and it's over.
Winners: Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman in 15:43
For a PG Hardcore match, they did well. They tried some fun spots, though they didn't come off great. Punk and Axel worked hard and Heyman was his usual great self. ***
We go back to the dumb “Expert” panel to waste time.
WWE United States Championship
Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
Seeing the Shield come out together, even though Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns head to the back instantly, brings a tear to my eye. Some back and forth stuff to start and when Dean Ambrose avoids a move, he wipes his hair at Dolph Ziggler in a taunt steal. Dolph responds with a dropkick and ten elbow drops before taking him outside for a moment. Inside, Dolph chops away on Dean for a bit before Dean comes back with a huge spinebuster. Dean slows things with a rest hold but Dolph fights out and they trade rollups. As they up, Dean hits a double underhook suplex from the second rope for two. I appreciate something like that over the same old basic suplex. Dean goes back up top, so Dolph leaps up and hits a super X-Factor! AY-YO YOU DEALING WITH THE X-FACTOR! It only earns him a near fall though. Stinger Splash from Dolph followed by punches and a clothesline get two again. Dean dodges the Fameasser and gets a rollup for two, but once they're up Dolph hits it! He covers but Ambrose grabs the ropes. Dean hits a slingshot to the corner and as Dolph comes out, nails Dirty Deeds to retain.
Winner and Still WWE United States Champion: Dean Ambrose in 9:46
A good little match that could've been better. Nothing special but good nonetheless. ***
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns arrive in the ring to celebrate with Dean Ambrose. The poll for greatest Untied States Champion is shown. Sting wins with 53%, Ricky Steamboat gets 24%, Sgt. Slaughters earns 12%, Harley Race gets 9% and Bobo Brazil clocks in at 2%.
WWE Tag Team Championship
The Shield (c) vs. The Prime Time Players
Were the Prime Time Players faces here?I guess so. They won a Tag Team Turmoil on the Pre-Show to earn this shot. We open with Titus and Seth. It just dawned on me that this was around the time that Darren Young came out so I see why they got a Pay-Per-View match. Titus tosses Seth hard across the ring and the way the crowd is popping for PTP, they had something with this team. I miss them. Young comes in and does his thing, knocking Roman Reigns outside and hitting Seth with a stiff elbow for two. Seth knows I love it because he turns the tide with the EDDIE GILBERT hot shot! Seth and Roman now work over Young until he snaps off a belly to belly. He makes the hot tag and Titus completely RUNS OVER Seth Rollins. Like turns him inside out and everything. He nails both Champions with hard hitting shots and hits a huge sky high on Seth. YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE! It only gets him two as Reigns and Young battle outside. Reigns enters and hits a huge Spear behind the referee's back to earns Seth the three.
Winners and Still WWE Tag Team Champions: The Shield in 7:26
Again, nothing special or really of note. Decent but that's about it. The outcome was also never in doubt. **1/2
We see the greatest Tag Team Champions poll and DX wins with 47%. They beat the Hart Foundation, Wild Samoans, Legion of Doom and the British Bulldogs. The fans know nothing.
WWE Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs. Daniel Bryan
To those who don't know the story, Daniel Bryan won the WWE Championship at SummerSlam but then ate a Pedigree from Triple H and Randy Orton cashed in Money in the Bank. As Orton comes out, they do the greatest WWE Champion vote. Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, John Cena, CM Punk and Triple H finish in that order. Bryan works the shoulder as he's planning ahead to use the Yes Lock. Orton retaliates with some of his trademark rest holds, including one where he pulls Bryan's beard during a headlock. Creative. They sort of botch a Thez Press so I won't go into JR shouting for Stone Cold mode like I normally do when someone hits that move. Bryan rallies with a big running elbow that Michael Cole calls a clothesline. He hits a dropkick in the corner and reels off kicks to the “Yes” of the crowd before snapping off a top rope hurricanrana. Orton rolls outside but is met with a suicide dive. FLYING GOAT! He goes and hits it once more but fails a third time as Orton blocks it. Orton hits a DDT from the apron to the outside as Scott Armstrong, who I call Finlay ref due to thei resemblance, nearly counts the challenger out. Bryan makes it back in as Orton mocks the “yes” chants. He coils for the RKO but Bryan shoves him away and Finlay ref goes down. Orton goes for his DDT again but Bryan counters into the Yes Lock as a new ref arrives! Orton gets out but gets kicked in the arm a bunch. He dodges a corner dopkick though and sets up Bryan on the top. Bryan wriggles free and gets Orton in the tree of Joey Lawrence (woe). He dropkicks him and hits a second rope suplex but hangs onto the top with his legs in a wise move. He powers up and nails a flying headbutt for two. Finlay ref is up and takes back over. Bryan kicks Orton in the chest a few times but he counters the last one with a T-Bone suplex. Bryan counters an RKO and ends up hitting his Running Knee for the victory!
Winner and New WWE Champion: Daniel Bryan in 17:33
Really good main event that had an abrupt finish. Also, the Scott Armstrong quick count would lead to the title being vacated the next night. ***3/4
Overall: 6.5/10; Above Average. A solid show with nothing outstanding but a few solid bouts. The main event is the best match but the United States Title, World Title and CM Punk matches are all good. Everything else is decent at best. So not a bad show, but not a show that you MUST go out and see. Perfectly acceptable.
