After putting the Cruiserweight Title on The Brian Kendrick at Hell in a Cell, I think that having him drop the title would be a mistake. Add in that Kalisto only just returned from injury and I don't think he would be the guy to move the title over to. However, with all that being said, I expect Kalisto to become champion. The new cruiserweight show 205Live is happening at the same location as Smackdown on a weekly basis, so it would just make the most sense from a travel perspective. The cruiserweights shouldn't have to work Raw and then Smackdown if nobody else does. The cruiserweights have been a flop so far and a title change won't help, but a move to Smackdown might
Winner: Kalisto
This a tough match to predict. On one hand, I don't see why they would put the title on the Miz again just to have him drop it to Sami Zayn a few days later. On the other hand, is there really a point to this match if the title doesn't move to Raw? I feel like the WWE would like the Intercontinental Title on their flagship show. I really like both Miz and Sami and I would love to see Sami as champion, but I don't want the IC Title to switch to Raw. Smackdown can clearly book the IC Title much better than Raw can. Despite that, I see the switch being made in both matches where a title moving brands is possible. Plus, it will open the door for Bryan to trade Miz, even though he will most likely get lost in the shuffle on Raw.
Winner: Sami Zayn
These Raw vs. Smackdown Survivor Series matches sound like they could be fun. I'm a sucker for traditional Survivor Series matches and I especially really like the twenty man tags like this from back in the late 80's. There is a lot of talent in the match (Cesaro, American Alpha, Breeze, New Day, etc.). Enough to outweigh the less interesting members of the match. Due to my predictions on the other Survivor Series matches, I get the sense that Smackdown at least takes this one.
Winners: Team Smackdown
Raw has put Sasha Banks and Charlotte in the main event of Raw and a Pay-Per-View. They beat fans over the heads with "WOMEN MAKING HISTORY, WE'RE TRYING SO HARD, STEPHANIE MCMAHON IS THE SAVIOR, ETC" and yet, for all of that, Smackdown has still handled their division way better. Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch and Carmella vs. Nikki Bella had matches that felt like bigger deals than Charlotte vs. Sasha. The women on Smackdown are way more interesting but there are two clear reasons why I think Raw will win. Nia Jax, who could get eliminated by DQ or countout, but I see her surviving. The other reason is Charlotte. She wins all the time on PPVs (though she tapped at Battleground) and she has joined Roman Reigns and John Cena as people that I've just stopped betting against.
Winners: Team Raw
Going back to all of the old Raw vs. Smackdown tag matches, whether they were on Survivor Series or Bragging Rights, Smackdown won most or all of them. I was 100% ready to predict them to win again this year. Then this past week's Smackdown happened. The Undertaker returned, sounding like it would be on a much more regular basis, and basically threatened Team Smackdown if they lost. Maybe it's just wishful thinking but I almost instantly saw a world where AJ Styles could win this match but his ego gets in his way. That causes Smackdown to lose and the Undertaker comes for AJ. AJ Styles vs. The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble sounds like something that could help sell out 60,000+ in the Alamodome. For that reason alone, I'm picking Raw.
Winners: Team Raw
Boy, this sounds massively uninteresting. I didn't care about this in 2004 and I care far less in 2016. Brock Lesnar has given minimal effort in a lot of his recent matches. I expect Goldberg to give it his all this time around but he hasn't wrestled in over a decade. That, combined with his shoulder injury on Raw, makes me way less confident about a match I already had little to no confidence in. I think Brock will win because wasting all of his dominance on Goldberg would be monumentally stupid.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
2016 Prediction Record: 61-33
2015 Prediction Record: 60-35
The opening video package highlights Superstars from Toronto and Canada (Bret, Edge, Jericho, Owens, Trish, etc.) and big moments that have happened in history in Toronto. Now, it’s NXT’s turn to take over. The card is run down to end the video. 12,649 in attendance.
Bobby Roode vs. Tye Dillinger
There is an actual choir singing Roode’s theme. It is literally a glorious sight. They sing the whole song but you can’t hear them because the crowd is singing louder. Both guys are super over. A stare down and “this is awesome” chants from the opening bell. Bobby does his taunt and Tye levels him. They trade blows and Tye gets shoulder blocked down. He comes back with a back elbow and clotheslines Bobby over and out. Tye sends him in for a clothesline over and out on the opposite side. Chops from Tye around ringside. Roode hits a knee and there are dueling chants. Tye reverses a whip to the rail and then hits a back body drop on the floor. Inside, Roode begs for mercy and realizes that he put up the ten fingers. Tye is all “YOU’RE A TEN?” and stomps on his hands, which causes him to do the “ten” hand sign a bunch. Ten punches in the corner from Tye and the crowd eats it all up. Roode ducks a Tye attack and sends him to the outside. Roode runs around outside and hockey checks Tye. Roode drives his elbow into Tye’s throat on the apron and then smashes him chest first. “This is glorious” chants while Roode clubs away on Tye. Tye eats some chops and a hard whip to the corner followed by a clothesline. GLORIOUS taunt off the second rope and the focus of the attack is again on the back of Ty’e’s neck. Tye counters a neckbreaker into a backslide for two. Chops from Tye while selling the neck. Roode turns it around and scores with the neckbreaker for a near fall. Roode talks trash while slapping and kicking Tye. Roode goes for his own series of corner punches but Tye walksk out with him into an inverted atomic drop. Tye ducks a clothesline and fires up with some forearms. He hits a high knee, clothesline and a stomp. “Ten” corner stomps. The knee pad is down but Bobby rolls outside to avoid the Tyebreaker. He goes to leave but Tye stops him with a chop. Back inside Tye runs into a spinebuster for two. Roode sits Tye up top. They struggle a bit before Roode nails a superplex. It’s another near fall. Roode steals the “ten” taunt and removes his knee pad. He attempts the Tyebreaker but Tye gets free. Bobby blocks a superkick and rolls Tye up with his feet on the ropes. The referee sees it and breaks the pin. Bobby thinks he’s won so Tye rolls him up for two of his own. A superkick by Tye scores another near fall. Both men are down and when they get up, they backtrack into each other. They trade shots and Tye fires up after taking some. COME ON BOBBY. He hits a bunch and goes for the Tyebreaker. Bobby gets free and tries the DDT. Tye slips out and puts Bobby in the sharpshooter to a massive ovation. Roode reaches the ropes. Roode puls him into a small package. Tye reverses into his own for tow. Tye misses a charge and hits the corner. Roode throws him into the opposite one and wins with the implant DDT.
Winner: Bobby Roode in 16:32 (***3/4)
Tye Dillinger gets up after Bobby leaves. He gets a standing ovation of “ten” chants from the crowd. Well deserved.
After a WrestleMania commercial, Asuka was shown warming up.
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals: The Authors of Pain w/ Paul Ellering vs. TM61
Paul Ellering is being hoisted in a crash cage over the ring. The little cage got the legit cage match gimmick with music played for the lowering of it.Akam starts with Miller and backs him into the corner. Miller hits an elbow and lays in some forearms. His whip attempts backfire and Thorne tags in. They both kick Akam and send him outside. A double dropkick and double clothesline send Razar out. Miller takes out Akam with a suicide dive. Razar puts Thorne on his shoulders and climbs the structure that is holding up the cage. Thorne fights him off and then leaps from it with a tope cone hilo! AOP turn it around inside. Ellerinng shouts instructions from the cage while Thorne gets worn down. Akam launches Thorne across the ring for two. Akam misses a clothesline in the corner but tags Razar before Thorne can tag out. Thorne still dropkicks Razar and tags Miller. Miller knocks him down with some forearms and easily body slams Akam. He also hits several suplexes on them like nothing. Miller hits some running forearms and climbs up top. He nails a moonsault on Razar for two. TM61 counter the powerbomb sandwich spot and impressive hit Thunder Valley on Razar. Akam breaks up the count. Miller dives out onto Akam and Thorne follows with a somersault dive. With Razar alone inside and the referee distracted, Ellering drops some sort of chain to him. Razar misses his swing and it goes flying. Thorne rolls him up for two and then runs into a massive spinebuster. Akam enters and they win with the Last Chapter.
Winners: The Authors of Pain in 8:19 (**3/4)
NXT Tag Team Championship Two Out of Three Falls: The Revival (c) vs. #DIY
#DIY have matching gear. Leather jackets and pink and black gear in Canada for the champs. Dawson starts with Gargano to “DIY” chants. They go to the mat and neither man gains an upper hand. Gargano rolls Dawson into a crucifix for a very close near fall. Dawson reacts like he nearly died. They lock up again, go to the corner and Dawson hits some shots. Gargano gets snap mared and then shoulder blocked. He tags in Ciampa and hits an inverted atomic drop. Big forearm from Ciampa and they hit stereo dropkicks for two. Dash distracts the official while Dawson rakes Ciampa’s eyes. Dash gets tagged but Ciampa blocks a corner smash. He goes to whip Dash into the corner but that gets blocked. Tag back to Dawson and they continue to work over Ciampa. Slam from Dawson and then he assists Dash on a leg drop for two. Ciampa gets free and both guys make tags. Gargano comes in hot with a clothesline and a belly to belly. He hits both champions with running chops in the corner, before doing a bulldog to Dash while clotheslining Dawson. A neckrbeaker gets two. Gargano sets Dawson up in the corner and charges, but Dash tags as Dawson sends him onto the apron. Gargano tries his slingshot apron spear but they counter it into a sick Shatter Machine to win the first fall at 5:07. Gargano barely gets to his feet and Dash goes right into it. Gargano rolls him up for two and just gets walloped. Dawson mocks the fans and gets in some shots on Gargano. Dash clotheslines him from the apron back inside and Dawson nails a sweet rebound suplex for two. Gargano tries to fight free but just the champions bring the CLUBBERING in the corner. They keep going for pinfalls on Gargano. Dawson works a body scissors and grinds Johnny’s face while doing so. Dawson goes to a Gory special. Gargano counters but takes a right hand from Dahs. He hops over Dawson and under Dash, but Dawson runs and cuts off the tag. Perfect tag wrestling. Gargano still gets an opening by hitting a tornado DDT on Dash and kicking Dawson in mid air. As he gets close for the tag. Dash goes outside and pulls Ciampa’s leg. Ciampa fights him off, so Dash slides in and distracts the referee so he misses the tag to Ciampa. Classic. They go back to CLUBBERING. Ciampa chases Dawson around the ring and once inside, the official stops Ciampa so the Revival hit Gargano with the Hart Attack. CANADA! That gets two. Dash places Gargano up top but Gargano counters a back suplex into a pin attempt for two. Gargano makes the hot tag and CIampa hits a missile dropkick on Dawson. He nails a corner running knee and some elbows. Dawson ducks a third but runs into a boot. Ciampa hits a huge fameasser like move for two. Dash runs in and gets sent to the apron. Dawson rolls up Ciampa but it doesn’t get a count. Ciampa does a trio of German suplexes and a big running knee but Dawson gets a shoulder up. Ciampa wants Gargano in the ring. He takes a while and Dawson makes him pay. They take Gargano and look for a spike piledriver. Ciampa cuts it off and hits a cross body on Dawson for two. Another high knee for Dash. DIY nail their finisher and tie it at 13:34. They do the short rest period and Dash starts with Ciampa. They trade forearms untli Ciampa goes to knees and slaps. He removes the elbow pad but misses a Dawson tag. Dash ducks the forearm and Dawson tries a dDT. Ciampa counters into the armbar. Dawson counters the armbar into a crucifix pin for two. Gargano does the blind tag now and hits a big kick. Ciampa nals a rope assist flatliner like move and goes after Dash but eats an uppercut. Gargano sueprkicks Dash and hits a slingshot DDT for a close two count. Gargano sells the desperation so well. Dawson is on the apron and Gargano tries to suplex him in. Dash holds him to prevent a Gargano move and tags in. Gargano tries his DDT spot but gets caught with an uppercut/German suplex combo. Ciampa breaks up the pin in the nick of time. Dawson sends Ciampa into the ring post and goes back to his corner. He tags in and talks trash before an uppercut. Gargano fights off but is stuck in the corner between the champions. Gargano firs off several forearms on Dawson but misses one. He counters a backslide into a small package for another very close near fall. Dash grabs a Tag Title from ringside and slides it in. Ciampa clotheslines him over and out. Dawson has the belt and uses it to block Gargano’s rolling kick. Gargano sells the leg on the ground. Dawson applies the inverted figure four that won the match in Brooklyn back in August. The crowd badly wants Gargano to stay alive. He nearly taps but makes it to the ropes. Dash is back on the apron and tags in. They go to steal DIY’s finisher but they miscut and Dash superkicks Dawson. DIY hit Dash with the Shatter Machine but Dawson breaks up the cover! Dawson plays possum and uses it to roll Gargano up with tights. The referee sees it and that he isn’t the legal man so he stops counting. Dash takes out Ciampa outside with the same move that hte used in Brooklyn. Gargano kicks Dawson outside, so Dash runs in with a vicious chop block to the other leg. Gargano counters a submission into a small package. They do several pins from both guys for near falls. Gargano finally turns one into the Gargano Escape. Dawson runs into break it up but Ciampa pulls him into the armbar. The Revival are both in submissions and even holding their partner’s hand. They both have to tap out and we have new champions.
Winners and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: #DIY in 22:16 (*****)
Jim Ross is shown in the audience.
NXT Women’s Championship: Asuka (c) vs. Mickie James
Mickie looks to be in great shape. The front row all wore Asuka’s entrance mask. Mickie avoids a kick and misses a slap. They lock up and go to the mat but neither woman breaks free. They finally both let go and Asuka offers a handshake. Mickie accepts and pulls her in tight. Mickie applies a headlock that Asuak struggles to break. Mickie tries a shoulder block that has no effect. Asuka takes her over into a wristlock. Mickie cartwheels out and sends Asuka over. ASuka misses another kick and Mickie snapmares her followed by a dropkick. Asuka retreats outside for what may have been the first time in her NXT run. “You still got it” chants for Mickie. Mickie holds the ropes open for Asuka. Mickie escapes a hammerlock and kicks up. Asuka kicks her in the ribs, so Mickie responds with one of her own. She hits the ropes, Asuka follows and uses the hip attack, sending Mickie outside. Asuka now holds the ropes open for Mickie and I believe Mickie blows a kiss but the camera misses it. Asuka hits another hip attack to send Mickie outside. She misses a hip attack off the apron and Mickie scores with a rana. They continue to battle outside where Asuka hits Mickie with a German suplex variation. Asuka basks in the count but Mickie makes it back in. Inside, Asuka tosses Mickie and looks to be enjoying herself. She hits a running corner dropkick for two. Asuka works an abdominal stretch liek move in the ropes. She misses another hip attack and sits on the middle rope for a bit. She continues the attack with kicks. Mickie busts out an Indian deathlock submission (I believe that’s what it was, my feed cut out for a bit) but Asuka reaches the ropes. They trade forearms in the center of the ring. Asuka answers with slaps. Mickie ducks a backfist and slaps the shit out of Asuka. Asuka liked it and gives Mickie an interesting look. She goes for another shot but Mickie ducks and connects on a neckbreaker. She lays in some clotheslines and counters everything Asuka has. She nails a flapjack before coming off of the top with what was basically a flying crotch attack. Asuka manages to slap on an armbar after kicking out but Mickie reaches the ropes. Mickie kicks Asuka in the knee and sends her down. They get up at the same time. Mickie ducks a kick and nails the Mick Kick but Asuka gets her foot on the bottom rope. A pin in the middle gets two. Asuka avoids the MickDT and tries the ASuka Lock. Mickie rolls around to avoid it and gets Asuka in a pinning combination for two. Asuka turns over and gets it locked in, causing Mickie to tap.
Winner and Still NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka in 13:03 (***3/4)
Mickie goes for a post-match handshake, but Asuka raises the title instead and walks off.
Pat Patterson is shown in attendance.
NXT Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Samoa Joe
Nakamura has several violinists for his entrance. I won’t go into detail because it needs to be seen. Right at the bell, Nakamura unloads with strikes and kicks. Joe defends himself and comes back with one to the inner thigh. They continue to trade big shots until we get a rope break. Joe does give the clean one but Nakamura ducks him and confidently walks away before hitting a knee. He continues with a knee drop and good vibrations. The fight moves outside where Nakamura sends Joe into the crowd. They fight some more until Nakamura sends Joe back inside. Nakamura hits some corner knees but Joe comes back with an enziguri. Joe looks for the corner facewash but Nakamura is up and greets him with a knee. Nakamura takes him to the mat and delivers more knees. Joe is back on the offensive and runs over Nakamura. An elbow drop gets two. The stream isn’t very good right now. Joe busts out an innovative move that slams Shinsuke’s knees on the mat. Joe apples an ankle lock. Nakamura gets free (I’m not sure how, again my feed skipped) and Joe continues the assault. He twists Shinsuke’s knee at an odd angle. Like he wants to do a half crab but Nakamura won’t turn all the way over. Nakamura slaps his leg to wake it up after getting free. He misses and falls outside, where Joe follows with elbow suicida. Joe looks to use the steel steps and kicks Nakamura in the chest. Inside, Nakamura starts to fire off some kicks, using the injured leg even. Nakamura is making the comeback. He nails an enziguri and runs into the corner with an elbow. He sets Joe on the top and hits the running knee for two. Joe turns things around with the atomic drop, running kick, BIG BOY SENTON combination for a near fall of his own. Joe hits a powerbomb for two and he takes the kickout right into a Boston crab. He transitions that into a crossface. Nakamura counters into a pin and then turns that into an armbar. He runs in but Joe catches him with a powerslam for two. Nakamura gets his boot up on a charging Joe. He goes up top but Joe kicks him down onto the apron. Nakamura stops him with a desperate kick and drapes him over the apron. Nakamura hits a running knee. He goes up top and comes off with a middle rope knee strike. Both men are down and struggle to their feet. Once there, they trade forearms. Nakamura goes with kicks and one massive forearm to take Joe down. Joe blocks an inverted exploder with elbows and tries a suplex. Nakamura slips free and hits a German suplex. Joe rolls into Nakamura’s legs to take him out, which makes sense given the work he has done. Joe looks for the Muscle Buster but Nakamura wriggles free and rolls through. He gets up and nails Kinshasa for two. Joe avoids a second Kinshasa and locks in the Coquina Clutch. Nakamura fades but the fans start humming Nakamura’s theme. He nearly gets free but Joe hits a German suplex. He holds on for a dragon suplex and then a straightjacket suplex for a close near fall. Joe is busted open around his left eye. Nakamura hits Kinshasa to the back of the head but Joe falls outside. Nakamura wants to show no mercy and goes for a third Kinshasa outside. Joe avoids him and hits a low blow behind the official’s back. He then delivers a uranage onto the steel steps and a Muscle Buster inside leads to him winning back the title.
Winner and New NXT Champion: Samoa Joe in 20:06 (***1/2)
Only one match on the show is more exciting or interesting to me than this. I believe that Tye Dillinger should be one of the marquee names in NXT. He's been around for a while, is super over, has a good character and is very good in the ring. I'm glad he's getting a big match, especially in his home town, but I don't see him winning. The big name guys have been going over the homegrown guys for a while in NXT now and it will continue here. I do think Bobby Roode will eventually dethrone Nakamura, so a win here would make the most sense. I'm mostly hoping for a star making performance from Dillinger.
Winner: Bobby Roode
I like TM61. They are really good in the ring and I enjoyed their work as the Mighty Don't Kneel. The Authors of Pain haven't done much for me but I will admit that their two actual matches that haven't been squashes (vs. No Way Jose and Rich Swann and vs. #DIY) have been pretty damn good. This should be along the lines of those last two. Paul Ellering in a shark cage is a real throwback gimmick that I think is pretty cool. I think they'll tease that the Authors need him and TM61 will come close. The Authors will still win out and set up a future Tag Team Title match.
Winners: The Authors of Pain
Screw Goldberg vs. Brock. Screw the big Raw vs. Smackdown Survivor Series matches (though those sound fun). This is easily my most anticipated match of the weekend. These four guys had the best tag team match of 2016 in Brooklyn and they might be able to top themselves with the two out of three falls stipulation, which is one of my favorite stips in all of wrestling. The Revival have been champions twice now and I think it's about that time for #DIY. The Revival can drop the belts and move to the main roster, while #DIY would have more heel challengers lined up. Sanity and Authors of Pain stick out. Expect this to be the best match of the weekend.
Winners: #DIY
Even more than the NXT Title match, this outcome is clear. Asuka debuted last October and has yet to be defeated. Not Emma, not Bayley and not even another girl with a winning streak, Nia Jax, could beat her. It won't be Mickie James either. This is just a novelty match. Mickie is here to give the fans some nostalgia and show that she can still go. Asuka is going to win and I'm not sure what's next for her. The rest of the women's division hasn't really been built up to her level. Maybe something with Peyton Royce and Billie Kay coming up before the big match with Ember Moon.
Winner: Asuka
I'll admit that the brawls between these two leading up to the rematch have been awesome. You get a real sense that they hate each other and are willing to beat the shit out of one another at TakeOver. I fully expect this to be an improvement on their rather disappointing first battle in Brooklyn. The outcome of this is pretty clear to me. Samoa Joe doesn't need the NXT Title and should be going to the main roster soon. At the very least, he could move into a feud with hopefully healthy HIdeo Itami or something towards the end of the year. I honestly feel that the only guy taking the title from Shinsuke Nakamura will be Bobby Roode at some point.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Rev Pro Global Wars UK Night One
November 10th, 2016 | York Hall in Bethnal Green, Greater London
Though I didn’t see it last year, I’m checking out the Rev Pro/NJPW joint “Global Wars UK” events. It is a two night event that sees NJPW guys compete against Rev Pro competitors. Last year, interesting matches like Okada/Ospreay and Styles/Liger went down. This year’s cards look even better.
Marty Scurll def. Jushin Thunder Liger in 13:38
Marty showed up in a villainous version of Liger’s mask. Both guys had some fun in the first minute or so. It was similar to the Liger we saw in the Battle of Los Angeles, which Scurll went on to win this year. We got to see Liger bust out a somersault off of the apron. It’s always great to see the 51 year old show that he can still go. He even nailed a top rope rana. Scurll took control and wore down Liger for a good chunk of the match. Liger rallied and got a near fall with the Liger Bomb. Scurll did his trademark finger snap and made Liger tap to the chicken wing. Perfect choice to open this show. Big names, hot crowd and they didn’t overdo anything. Really solid. Scurll shook Liger’s hand after the match. (***¼)
Tomoaki Honma def. Sha Samuels in 6:56
I haven’t seen much of Sha Samuels. He certainly looks like an interesting fellow. Honma brought fire early and missed Kokeshi. Some things will never change. Neither guy took a clear advantage. Oddly, there was a ref bump where Honma was sent into the official. It led to a run-in from Samuels’ buddy James Castle, which helped Samuels get a near fall. Honma overcame it and went Kokeshi crazy. He picked up the win with the top rope Kokeshi. Like a lot of Honma’s stuff in 2016, it seriously lacked something. It was alright at best. (**)
Yuji Nagata def. Pete Dunne in 11:56
Dunne is the Cruiserweight Champion and goes by the “Bruiserweight”. Nagata replaced the injured Michael Elgin here. They started with some pretty standard mat work, but added some intensity in little ways. There was biting or a vicious tug on the nose that just added something to this. Dunne showed zero intimidation against the legend despite being just 23 years of age. There were a few awkward moments that showed this didn’t connect quite as well as it probably could have. Nagata got the armbar on but Dunne reached the ropes. He still put Dunne down shortly after with the backdrop driver. This was good but I was hoping for more. Hopefully working with Nagata and doing pretty well will get NJPW eyes on Dunne for the future. He could be a nice addition to the juniors division. (***)
Chris Hero def. Tomohiro Ishii in 13:37
The second these cards were announced, this jumped out and made everyone go “OH SHIT.” Not only are they two of the best wrestlers in the world, but their styles complement each other so well. Hero mocked his size advantage, so Ishii started hitting forearms. Hero responded with one simple one that put Ishii on his ass. That was the story for a while. Hero was too big and too much for Ishii, but the “Stone Pitbull” never gave up. Hero got cocky after a big kick in the aisle, going into the ring and taunting. Ishii started a comeback when some of Hero’s strikes had no effect on his hard head. Ishii hit a brainbuster and fired up after a Hero piledriver. Then we got the awesome exchange of strikes and headbutts that I wanted from this match. They just went to war for the final few minutes, bringing the crowd to their feet. Again, Ishii popped up instantly from a piledriver, so Hero delivered another elbow and a Gotch style piledriver to win. This was exactly what I wanted from these two as they worked to their strengths Hero played the great bully, while Ishii got to sell and fight from behind. They beat the shit out of each other, didn’t go too long and had the crowd in the palm of their hands. (****¼)
Hero cut a promo talking about Ishii’s past and how he worked his way from young boy in Michinoku Pro to where he is now. He asked the fans for give Ishii a well-deserved standing ovation, which they did.
RPW British Cruiserweight Champion Will Ospreay def. BUSHI in 11:13
Does it really count as NJPW vs. Rev Pro if both guys are part of NJPW? It’s CHAOS vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon. BUSHI is my favorite New Japan junior not named KUSHIDA. Both men had strong years with Ospreay winning several titles and the Best of the Super Juniors while BUSHI held the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. BUSHI showed typical LIDJ behavior by taunting Ospreay early but Will turned the tables on him and did it back. The action as fast paced as Ospreay flew around the ring, while BUSHI was happy to resort to heel tactics. BUSHI blocked the Oscutter multiple times, including one by using his knees for defense. Ospreay blocked MX but a ref bump allowed BUSHI to spit the mist. Ospreay still kicked out of BUSHI’s offense before eventually winning with the Oscutter. I found this to be a strong match, but I was never wowed by it. It felt like two guys trying to hit all of their key shit, which they did. BUSHI always has good matches, yet doesn’t win too often. (***¼)
Los Ingobernables de Japon (NEVER Openweight Champion EVIL, SANADA and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito) def. David Starr and Mustache Mountain (Trent Seven and Tyler Bate) in 14:50
I’ll keep saying it until it is no longer true; Los Ingobernables are so goddamn cool. Starr didn’t have a real mustache, so he had one drawn on to fit in with his teammates. LIDJ were their usual disrespectful selves, so Starr responded by driving his crotch into SANADA’s face for offense. The teams traded stuff in a fun match with nobody getting a real advantage. One thing to note was that Tetsuya Naito didn’t see much action. It was a smart move, protecting him with Wrestle Kingdom around the corner. He was the only man in the top two WK11 matches on the show with Okada, Omega and Tanahashi nowhere to be found. EVIL and SANADA are awesome though, so it was fine. Mustache Mountain did some goofy spots but it never felt out of place and LIDJ went right along with it. They did a good job of making it seem like Mustache Mountain might actually win at some points. A flurry of offense from LIDJ, punctuated by an STO from EVIL on Starr got them the win. Simply fun. They didn’t take themselves too seriously and just had a good time, giving some variety to the card. (***)
RPW British Heavyweight Championship: Katsuyori Shibata def. Zack Sabre Jr. (c) in 16:41
Like his match with Jeff Cobb, Zack Sabre Jr. got a mixed reaction from the crowd. A lot of fans have turned on him in 2016. For the first two thirds or so this match, it reminded of their first outing a few months back. A lot of standard wrestling stuff, which is Sabre’s wheelhouse. Sabre’s brutal work on the arm caused Shibata to take a rare breather outside. Commentary kept mentioning Sabre’s recent change in attitude and he showed part of his new aggression when he removed Shibata’s shoulder tape. Shibata began to come back with his hard hitting offense. The last few minutes of this is where things really picked up. Just two guys trading their best shots. Shibata slapped on the sleeper and Sabre tried to wrestle free, only to get thrown and then hit with the PK, giving Shibata the title. A surprising result for sure. Like their first match, this was really good but just shy of great. (***¾)
Shibata offered a handshake after the match but Sabre refused, garnering even more boos. Marty Scurll came out and left to the back with him while flipping off the crowd. Once they left, Chris Hero walked out. Hero is scheduled to face Shibata on night two, which would now become a title match.
Overall: 8/10. A great show here. At just under two and a half hours, it is a brisk watch. I completed it in one sitting, which isn’t something I’m able to do often. Obviously, the show stealer on this one is Hero vs. Ishii. If you can only watch one match, make it that one. If not though, everything outside of Honma/Samuels ranges from good to great. It’s a consistently strong show with some fun matchups that we don’t get often, adding to the novelty of the show. The title change was a great surprise to cap the show off.
Raw History
Episode #61
May 2nd, 1994 | Green Mountain State in Burlington, Vermont
Hey, it’s a live episode! Macho Man and Vince McMahon are your hosts.
WWF Tag Team Championship
The Quebecers (c) w/ Johnny Polo vs. The Headshrinkers w/ Afa and Capt. Lou Albano
The Headshrinkers did nothing but add Albano to turn face. They start hot and Fatu nearly picks up the win within a few minutes. The Quebecers have some miscommunications that allow the Headshrinkers to send them packing to regroup. The crowd is on fire. The champions decide to walk out on the match and, in classic Earl Hebner fashion, he makes up a rule on the spot that the titles can change hands on a countout. I hate when Hebner does this. They go to commercial when the Quebecers return but the Headshrinkers continue to stay in control until Jacques gets in a cheap shot. Fatu then flip sells a clothesline from Pierre. They now work a heat segment on Fatu for a bit but even when the hot tag comes to Samu, he ends up in trouble. Jacques hits a piledriver and they call for the Quebec Crash but miss. Polo gets on the apron but is taken care of by Albano and Afa. The champions miscommunicate and Pierre nails Jacques by mistake. The Headshrinkers then hit a double team Stroke on Jacques, followed by a Fatu splash that wins them the straps.
Winners and New WWF Tag Team Champions: The Headshrinkers in 12:54
The Quebecers put on good tag matches for the past few months and this was no different. It actually kind of felt too similar to some of their other matches but the hot crowd and title change added to this. It may have gone a bit too long as well. **¾
Hey, it’s our first King of the Ring Report! Todd Pettengill just hypes the show and runs down the rules of the tournament but doesn’t have much in the way of actual news yet. IRS will be facing Scott Steiner in a qualifying match as well as one between Kwang and Razor Ramon.
Tatanka w/ Chief Jay Strongbow vs. Derrick Domino
Vince McMahon HAMMERS it home that Tatanka is more aggressive than ever after what IRS did to him. Despite being more aggressive, Domino actually gets in a bit of offense. It’s only there so Tatanka can make the babyface comeback.
Winner: Tatanka in 5:19
Far too long to be an enjoyable squash. I was not a fan of this.
We go to the King’s Court, featuring Jerry Lawler throwing verbal jabs at Piper’s Pit and Roddy Piper himself. He brings out the NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION, Diesel! Diesel won the title on Superstars a few days before. They mention that Shawn Michaels isn’t there because he sacrificed himself during the match. Diesel stumbles over his words a bit, saying that he and Shawn are the best duo since Batman and Robin. In a big moment, Diesel is asked what’s next and he says that while the IC Title is nice, he wants the WWF Title.
Various people say they’ve seen the Undertaker. Everyone from a firefighter to a child saying that Undertaker was going down a slide all have supposedly sighted him.
Yokozuna w/ Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji vs. Scott Taylor and Mike Davis
Yup, this is a handicap match. Yokozuna takes his time but dominates. He wins with a Banzai Drop on the two men, who are stacked on top of each other.
Winner: Yokozuna in 4:21
Another ho-hum squash. It lasted too long for the people involved.
Yokozuna continues the assault until Earthquake waddles out to make the save. Great, because this is a program I want to see. Earthquake then challenges Yokozuna to a match.
Overall: 5/10. The big Tag Team Title match was pretty good and that’s usually the sign of a show getting a good score. I also happened to like the Diesel interview, which equals about half of the episode. The other half was rough though as the squash matches took up far too much time and featured unentertaining people.
Raw History
Episode #62
May 9th, 1994 | Green Mountain State in Burlington, Vermont
Vince McMahon and Macho Man hype up the possibility of Earthquake vs. Yokozuna. Yay.
King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Kwang w/ Harvey Wippleman vs. Razor Ramon
Razor Ramon is looking to bounce back after losing the Intercontinental Title last week. They trade some early holds and then Razor busts out chops and a hip toss o take control. Razor stays in control and then Kwang hits a heel kick and spits mist into the air. Doesn’t he realize that mist would be more effective if spit at someone instead of into the air? They go back and forth for a bit and, while the crowd is into Razor, the match has been average at best. Back to poorly timed breaks as we go to commercial in the middle of a damn near fall. Seriously? Razor hits a huge rock bottom for two. He goes for the Razor’s Edge but is too tired to hit it. After Kwang misses a heel kick, the Razor’s Edge hits this time and he qualifies, joining IRS.
Winner: Razor Ramon in 9:44
Decent match here. Nothing about it was special but it served its purpose and was competitive, even if the outcome was never in doubt. **
Todd Pettengill brings us the King of the Ring Report! Next week on Raw, Bigelow faces Thurman Plugg in a qualifying match. He then announces that Roddy Piper will face Jerry Lawler at the King of the Ring. Roddy was rocking a sweet beard in the video they show. He is phenomenal in these promos too.
Crush w/ Mr. Fuji vs. Ray Roy
Ray Roy drew the short straw when it comes to jobber names. He nearly scores an upset on a rollup but then eats a kick. Randy Savage says “talk about martial arts. Kwang and Crush must be hanging together.” I honestly feel like he was trolling the show at times. Now that the false finish is over, Crush dominates and ends it with the heart punch.
Winner: Crush in 3:56
Typical squash match here. Nearly went on too long but it stopped just before it got exhausting.
We get a new Duke Droese vignette.
Footage is shown from Superstars where Doink humiliated Dink with a pie to the face and silly string. Doink was then revealed to actually be Jeff Jarrett dressed up.
Doink w/ Dink vs. Mike Terrace
Doink nearly folds Terrace in half on a leg sweep. Dink gets involved but it is somehow not a disqualification. It’s all annoying. Jeff Jarrett calls in to put down Doink. Doink wins with the Whoopee Cushion.
Winner: Doink in 2:38
The usual 1994 annoying Doink squash.
The King’s Court is back with Yokozuna, which means Jim Cornette is the one talking. They hype the potential of a Yokozuna/Earthquake match. It will happen but only if it’s a sumo wrestling match. Yokozuna is sweating badly and looks blown up despite just standing there.
More false Undertaker sightings and this one is from someone who claims that he saw Undertaker sleeping in the trash. No dude, they asked about Undertaker, not Duke Droese.
Mabel w/ Oscar vs. Mike Bell
During this match, we hear that Earthquake has accepted the sumo wrestling challenge. Mabel plods through his offense, hitting a leg drop to highlight things. He hits a slam for the three.
Winner: Mabel in 2:27
This is about what I want from my Mabel squashes. Keep them short. That made this acceptable.
Jerry Lawler interviews Earthquake who accepts the sumo match and it will happen next week.
Overall: 3/10. Not one of the better episodes. The opening match was fine and the squashes were short, but featured three wrestlers that I just do not enjoy. The King’s Court continues to be pretty bad, though at least Jim Cornette was somewhat entertaining.
Raw History
Episode #63
May 16th, 1994 | Green Mountain State in Burlington, Vermont
A hype video airs for tonight’s SUMO MATCH!
King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Luna Vachon vs. Thurman Plugg
It’s so ridiculous to hear commentary call him “Sparky” all match long. He does an impressive dropkick that sends Bigelow to the outside. Bigelow comes back in and takes charge, getting two on the ghetto blaster. He just continues to pound away on Plugg, who continues to play the plucky babyface. I don’t think he has a televised loss just yet. He avoids a Bigelow corner splash, giving him an opening to hit a bulldog. A Luna distraction allowed Bigelow to qualify following a slingshot splash that looked putrid.
Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow in 6:29
Similar to last week’s qualifying match, this was your average match. Both guys are solid hands and it made for a watchable match that was shorter than expected. **
Our new King of the Ring Report brings us the news that Bret Hart will be defending the WWF Championship against the Intercontinental Champion Diesel. According to the bracket, IRS will face Mabel in the first round and Razor Ramon will take on Bigelow. Soon, Lex Luger faces Jeff Jarrett in a qualifier.
Diesel vs. Mike Moraldo
Randy Savage says that “futuristically speaking, Diesel could be the next WWF Champion.” I mean, it’s true but it’s a strange way to put it. This is all Diesel, as expected. Not only is he a monster in size but he’s also on the road to a title shot, so you know he isn’t going to look bad.
Winner: Diesel in 3:12
Decent enough squash. Diesel wins in short order and looks good while doing so.
Ugh, another King’s Court. He cuts a promo about Roddy Piper that is pretty terrible before a commercial. Returning, Ted Dibiase is in the ring with Nikolai Volkoff. King announces that the broke Volkoff is there because Ted Dibiase has purchased his services. Volkoff admits that he hates Dibiase but has to work for him because he needs to support his family. I mean, if I was Dibiase, I would have purchased someone better in 1994. Ted makes him put on new trunks that say “property of the Million Dollar Man.” I get what they were trying to do here but the crowd didn’t care enough for Volkoff to buy into the sympathy card.
Owen Hart vs. Tony Roy
We had Ray Roy last week. I wonder if they’re related. Owen kills it here, just going through fun offense like a gutwrench suplex and talks so much trash throughout. He wins with the Sharpshooter.
Winner: Owen Hart in 2:19
Why does Owen get two minute squashes but guys like Mabel get five? Anyway, this was fun as Owen continues to be one of the MVP’s of 1994.
Owen Hart beats up Tony Roy after the match.
Next week, Owen hart meets Earthquake in a KOTR Qualifying match.
Sumo Match
Earthquake vs. Yokozuna w/ Mr. Fuji and Jim Cornette
I don’t know exactly how a sumo match is supposed to go but they do a lot of staring at each other and nearly starting, but deciding not to. They talk about how Earthquake was 24-0 in his sumo career. Savage gets in a great line about how both guys are covered in sweat and haven’t touched each other yet. After like five or six minutes of pretty boring stuff, Earthquake knocks Yokozuna outside.
Winner: Earthquake
This was supposed to lead to a big feud through the summer but Earthquake gets hurt soon and it never happens. The match was Akebono/Big Show levels of bad. Nobody really wanted to see this attraction. DUD
Overall: 3/10. The main event was horrible, but the other three matches were decent. The KOTR qualifier was short and to the point, while the two squashes were fine. However, the King’s Court continues to be dire each week.
The first two Aztec Warfare matches have gotten ****1/4 and ****1/2 from me. For those unaware, it is a Royal Rumble style match with pinfall or submission eliminations and anything goes.
This week's episode starts with Dario Cueto walking backstage but he's stopped by Johnny Mundo. Mundo guarantees to win, holding the Lucha Underground and Gift of the Gods Championship. Taya is recording because she's making a documentary on him. Mundo says that in the event he doesn't win tonight, he's cashing in his GOTG Title shot next week. He also reveals that he's entering the match at number twelve. He says that he can beat Matanza so Dario takes the number twelve paper, rips it in half and says that he'll enter at number two, while Matanza is one.
Aztec Warfare III for the Lucha Underground Championship
No surprise but Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto is first. Dario tells Melissa Santos that even though Sexy Star is supposed to be second, it's Johnny Mundo now. RING THE BELL! Mundo finds himself in trouble for the entire interval. Son of Havoc is in at #3 to a big pop. Matanza eats several near falls but is never in real danger. Jeremiah Crane (Sami Callihan) draws #4. Both of Ivelisse's flames are in already. He goes right after Tanzie and all three men kick him to the point where he gets sent outside. They do a pretty cool spot where Havoc pops Mundo up into a spear from Crane. CERO MIEDO! Pentagon Dark is here at #5! He comes in hot, kicking everyone moving. He and Matanza go at it in a reminder of Ultima Lucha Dos. At #6 it's PJ Black. He and Mundo work together obviously. Mariposa draws #7 while Matanza and Pentagon continue to go to war outside. Mariposa poses for too long and gets hit with the Crane Driller. Matanza German suplexes Crane to eliminate him at 7:36. Mariposa tries to flirt with Tanzie but he chokeslams her and she's gone at 8:11. That's the 11th straight elimination for Matanza dating back to Aztec Warfare II. At #8, it's Rey Mysterio Jr., who was the runner-up to Matanza last season. We don't get Rey vs. Matanza though as Rey gets attacked by Worldwide Underground. When Rey escapes them, he goes at it with Pentagon and the crowd eats it up. Drawing #9, it's Dr. Wagner Jr., complete with Famous B and Brenda. Things move quickly and #10 is Marty Martinez!
Marty impresses quickly, including a sweet plancha that takes out Matanza. The champion is quickly up though and sends Marty into the wall. Jack Evans is in at #11 to join Mundo and Black. They all jump SOH and eliminate him at 12:55. Sexy Star is here at #12 and she goes straight for the Worldwide Underground. Ricky Mandel returns at #13 and nobody really cares. Evans is being aggressive with Sexy, while Pentagon and Wagner work over Rey outside. Pentagon greets Mandel with a package piledriver. He then goes to break Rick's arm but four Japanese women show up and attack him. She swing him around the ring and deliver several kicks. One of them is Black Lotus and one of them hits a SICK Canadian Destroyer. Mundo pins Pentagon to get rid of him at 15:41. The crowd is disappointed but their attack came off well despite seeming random. Mandel gets eliminated around 15:48. Mascarita Sagrada is out at #15. Sagrada goes after Matanza in a fun attempt but is quickly gone at 16:25. At #16, it's time for Famous B. That dude is money with everything he does. He hugs Rey and gives him his card. "423..." Rey grabs him and is all like "619". That gets rid of Famous B at 17:43. Marty saves WU but then attacks them. He gets eliminated by Rey at 18:32 just before The Mack shows up at #16. The awesomely sleazy Joey Ryan is out at #17 and handcuffs himself to the rail on the steps. Last year he cuffed himself outside but Matanza ripped him free. Sexy and Mack are going at it with WU. Mil Muertes is out at #18 and Joey instantly regrets his decision. Mil rips the handcuffs off the steel and brings him inside. At 21:27, Mil and Matanza both eliminate Ryan and Wagner and come face to face. They had some wars in season two. They have a hoss battle outside while Kobra Moon enters at #19. She just walks over and sits on the announce table. Matanza gets tossed over chairs. Mack tuns Evans inside to send him packing at 22:43. WI loses another member when Black takes a popup stunner at 23:01. Sexy helped out with the pin. Drago comes in at #20.
HE goes after Kobra Moon, who had an interaction with him backstage recently. Matanza piledrives Mil outside, while Drago uses his dope pinning combination to eliminate Moon at 24:01. Matanza then murders him at 24:28. The final six are Mil, Matanza, Rey, Mack, Sexy and Mundo. Rey and Matanza go at it in the ring. When Matanza seems to have the upper hand, Mundo hits him with a shining wizard and Mil spears him. Sexy is next with a Codebreaker and Mack takes him out with a stunner. Mundo follows with a springboard kick and then Rey hits 619. He goes for a second but Matanza catches him. Rey uses Code Red to eliminate Matanza at 26:53, guaranteeing us a new champion. The crowd is floored by the elimination. Matanza is PISSED and takes out Rey with the Wrath of the Gods. He goes nuts outside and even shoves Dario on his ass. Mundo steals the pin on Rey to eliminate him at 28:38. Black and Evans are back to help Mundo beat up Sexy while Rey does a stretcher job outside. In an awesome moment, ANGELICO IS BACK! He's up on top of Dario's office and does another sick dive off of it to take out the Worldwide Underground. Sexy crawls over and pins Mundo at 31:00. Mil pretty much kills Mack with a Flatliner to eliminate him at 32:15.
We're down to Sexy Star and Mil Muertes. Sexy comes out firing but her offense doesn't have much impact on Sexy. Mil doesn't just try to win, as he brings a chair and table into play. Sexy counters a chokeslam into a DDT on the chair. She then delivers several chair shots to the skull for a near fall. Mil lines her up for a spear through the table but Sexy dodges and he goes through it. She rolls him up for two. Mil rocks her with a right hand and sets up another table. He brings her to the top for a mega chokeslam. She fights free and shoves him off and through it. Sexy comes off the top with a double stomp and gets the three and the title.
Winner and NEW Lucha Underground Champion: Sexy Star in 36:53
For the third straight season, Aztec Warfare delivers. The match moved at a great pace and didn't have any real downtime. There was the continuation of angles (Worldwide Underground, Sexy & Mack pairing, Rey vs. Matanza and Angelico's return), new stories set up (Matanza shoving Dario, Pentagon's new rivels) and the culmination of a long build for Sexy Star. I'd still put the first two Aztec Warfares ahead of it though. ****
Overall: 8/10. Lucha Underground is three for three in Aztec Warfare episodes. While I would rank this behind the first two, it's still a great episode that accomplished a lot. We got a new champion, feuds continued and several new things were set up for the future. Thumbs up.
If you do want to check out Lucha Underground, which you absolutely should, and don't get El Rey Network (like me), you can sign up for the streaming service Fubo.TV. It's a great way to support the company and channel while streaming the show online. You can sign up and get Lucha Underground right here with Fubo.tv!
