For TNA, The "Destination" is...

Speed on the Beat here with some breaking news.

Per WrestleZone, WINC, and more, TNA Wrestling has signed a television deal with Destination America.

 

Now, if you'll pardon the pun in this post's title, I'd like to get into some armchair analysis. On one side of things, you've got those that say that "any deal is a good deal in this economy for a wrestling company." This is admittedly true. Most promotions don't have television deals and their exposure/revenue suffers from it. However, with this new deal, TNA moves to a network that has a reach which is less than Ring of Honor at the moment (due to ROH being owned by the Sinclair Broadcasting Group and their plethora of syndication markets). That's not a knock to ROH, as I love ROH, but for a promotion that's prided itself as the "true" alternative to sports entertainment (read: WWE), this survivalist move probably still hurts their pride. Yes, a little money is better than no money, but is it really when TNA is in the shape that it's in?

Yes. Yes, it is.

I love wrestling, all promotions. So, the fact that TNA is still "alive" is a good thing. Maybe, with a smaller audience and budget, they'll stop trying to emulate everything WWE does. I mean, hell, WWE doesn't even emulate what WWE does well most the time. What made TNA great in its initial incarnation(s) was that it really was an alternative to WWE--and to the hyper-violence seen in promotions such as CZW.

But, I digress. I'd rather have TNA, WWE, ROH, and so on--small markets or not--than just one giant conglomerate of pro wrestling. So, to TNA, I say congratulations. Don't eff this one up.

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Eyes on the Ring 2:07 PM  No comment

ROH Review: 11/15/14

Ring Of Honor Wrestling review – Airdate: 11/15/14

By Nathan Neumann @Headliner 5 on Twitter

Hello wrestling fans I am Nathan here once again with your weekly fix of all things ROH. This week, we saw the return of less matches (it was a two-match show versus a three match show), which works fine with me. Less matches within the hour means each match gets more time and things don’t have to be rushed.  I would really like it if ROH would be extended by an hour, but I doubt that will ever happen. If it doesn’t, I am fine with it. But, it would be nice.

We have a match to start things off, so lets get right to it.

Match 1

Will Ferrera, Caprice Coleman, and Tadarius Thomas vs. Roderick Strong, BJ Whitmer and Adam Page

Result: Caprice Coleman picks up the win after a front face buster on Roderick Strong after Adam Page inadvertently close lined Strong.

Thoughts: Ugh this match was a bit too much to keep up with. I’ll be honest: I didn’t do that good of a job of keeping notes. It was so much (possibly too much) to keep an eye on! The Decade dominated the match early on and well into the first commercial break.  At one point, Page attempted to hand Strong a chair, but Strong refused to take it. I really hope they don’t try and turn Roderick Strong into a face; I don’t think it will work very well. I could be wrong but I am just not a big fan of it happening if I am being honest.  

Nevertheless, the finish came when Adam Page flipped into the ring from the apron and tried to deliver a clotheslines on Caprice...but instead hit Roderick Strong, which allowed Caprice Coleman to hit a front Facebuster to score the win. Not a bad match by any stretch of the imagination. But, multi-man matches have never been my cup of tea because there’s way too much to keep track of (who’s the legal man, who’s possibly on the edge of turning, who’s brawling outside versus inside, etc).

Rating: *3/4

After the match, all of the Decade members argue, followed by a huge brawl from all the members of the stable.  I think it’s safe to say that the Decade are no more but just in case it’s not safe to say that then it’s probably some heavy dissension in the ranks of the Decade. I wouldn’t mind seeing them go away because between The Kingdom and The Decade, you really only need one multi-man stable in a small promotion such as ROH.

Back from commercial and we get a recap of the War Machine Tag Team (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) as well as a recap of what’s been going on with Raymond Rowe since his injury (a legit motorcycle accident that’s keeping him out indefinitely). Following that, Kevin Kelly is in the ring for an interview with Rowe. Rowe comes out and has a brace on his left arm. He doesn’t get to say much as BJ Whitmer and Adam Page come out and BJ called Rowe a bitch. BJ Whitmer went on to say that they (BJ and Page) are cutting the cancer out of The Decade in Roderick Strong (which defeats the purpose of the stable, to be honest) and Whitmer then went on to volunteer Adam Page (not himself) for a match with Roderick Strong at Final Battle which will take place on December 7, 2014 live on pay per view.

After a commercial break we go to the next match of the night, which will be the main event.

Match 2
ACH vs. Jay Lethal{C}
ROH World Television Championship Match

Result: Jay Lethal defeats ACH after hitting the Lethal Injection and following it up with a DDT to retain the title.

Thoughts: This match was really good, I was a bit mad that there was no Seleziya Sparx at ringside (Ed. Note: #FreeSelez). I guess I’ve gotten past it but still! BOO! Anyhow, Jay Lethal comes out and has the ring announcer Bobby Cruise announced him as the greatest first-generation wrestler Jay Lethal.

The match started out pretty slow with ACH making a mistake early on, which caused him to crash to the floor on the outside. This allowed Lethal to get control of the offense, as we would go to another commercial break.  After the commercial, referees came out to ringside to assist ACH to the back. But, he refused to leave the match and continued against the orders of the officials. This showed tremendous heart on his end (a play on his name). Later in the match, ACH would dive onto Lethal while Lethal was on the outside of the ring. This time, it connects. He smartly rolls Lethal back into the ring to pick up a near fall. The finish saw Lethal hit the Lethal Injection followed by modified DDT to pick up the win and retention of his title.  

Rating: **3/4

Valiant effort on the end of ACH but he came up just a bit short. Still, ACH is someone to watch as this young wrestler has all the talent that a wrestler should and needs to have.  Jay Lethal is great as well as he’s the current TV champion so I am not taking anything away from Lethal by putting ACH over but I am just saying ACH is really damn good.

After the match saw Matt Sydal (who was on commentary during Lethal vs. ACH) come into the ring and decline the offer to join Truth Martini’s House of Truth. I’m going to assume that this’ll set up for a future World Television Title match between Sydal and Lethal down the line. Everyone left up the ramp as the show went off of the air for the week.

Closing Thoughts: This was another solid hour of wrestling. I’m glad that they only had two matches on this show. Although ,with the Raymond Rowe angle, they will probably go back to having three matches next week.

Another solid hour of wrestling from Ring of Honor this week. I would highly recommend checking out the TV Title match. The opening six man you can probably skip but if you have a spare hour of time this week then by all means watch the entire hour. An hour isn’t that much time to spare for awesome wrestling.

That will do it for me and this weeks ROH TV review until next time ROH fans. I am Nathan saying so long for now and keep your Eyes On The Ring and stay tuned for all of the content that myself and the entire EOTR team will provide to you in the coming weeks. It’s an exciting time to be a wrestling fan so we will definitely cover as much as we can.  Also be sure to follow us on Twitter (@EyesOnTheRing) and give us a like on Facebook at facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing.

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Eyes on the Ring 10:47 AM  No comment

Down with The Authority?

Could Sunday be the last time we see what's "best for business?"

Survivor Series is on the immediate horizon, with a return of the traditional 5 on 5 elimination tag match. This match pits Team Authority vs Team Cena with a major stipulation. If Team Cena wins, The Authority will be no more. The idea of the end of  HHH and Stephanie McMahon doing what's "best for business" seems to be what the WWE Universe wants, right? While most think The Authority storyline has run been dreadful, there has been a lot of good done in the name of what's best for business.

Start with the rise of Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX. Bryan and the Yes Movement successfully defeated HHH in a match that, quite possible, will be match of the year. Later on, in the same night, Bryan defied The Authority--and the odds--by defeating the rest of Evolution (Randy Orton and Batista) to win the WWE title and cap off a career night. Now, a new fan favorite had been anointed, all thanks to The Authority.

Get well soon, Bryan. WWE needs you.

At the Payback PPV, The Shield defeated Evolution in an epic battle. And the betrayal of Seth Rollins the next night on RAW was highly unexpected and instantly made Rollins the most-hated man in WWE. Adding Rollins to The Authority has lead to him and Ambrose main-eventing Hell in a Cell over Randy Orton vs John Cena. If Roman Reigns and Wade Barrett weren't out of action due to injury, I would suggest they would also be featured high on the card as well.

One of the most-shocking events in WWE this year.

While some have moved high up the card, everything hasn't been great under The Authority's reign. One could call it a selfish reign of terror, as they’re guilty of holding back several performers that the WWE Universe wants to see. For instance, it's been a long road to the IC title for Dolph Ziggler. The Authority has done him zero favors (for instance, putting him in a match against Rollins for the IC title right after being accosted by The Authority). Also, Total Divas is being shoved into our television sets and down our throats (Ed. Note: Remember when Nikki and Brie Bella weren’t featured in the marquee Diva match on a PPV?). Remember when there was a thriving tag division? No? Me neither. The Usos, Golddust and Stardust, and Wyatt Family had a few months of outstanding matches. But, there hasn't been consistency in the division.

So, with that said, for all of The Authority ups and downs what's the alternative? Do we go back to the days of General Managers running the show--only to be shown up by the McMahon-Hemsley Era 2.0? Is the answer People Power and the riveting shows that produce? (Total sarcasm). Maybe the Anonymous GM will return or Mike Adamle (with “Jeff Harvey” and his Adamle Originals)? Bottom line, be careful what you wish for. And remember the old adage: the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I get scared just thinking about it...

-Jon (Twitter: @bigjondalegend)

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Eyes on the Ring 10:04 AM  No comment

Top Five Things to Love About WWE

Well, there are a litany of things going on in World Wrestling Entertainment that I could focus on complaining about. That seems to be the route that most take when watching the product. However, even with the shortcomings of WWE and its creative, there always seems a glimmer of hope and a reason to keep tuning in week in and week out. So, here are the top 5 reasons that I enjoy the WWE product right now.

5. RKO Out of Nowhere!:

Ever since the Randy Orton RKO out of nowhere vines went viral online, WWE has taken every opportunity to take advantage of it. The RKO is RANDY Orton’s signature finishing move, and it is almost always done to perfection.  A few years ago we have seen him hit this move in a various ways. The most spectacular one he hit on Evan Bourne while in midair going for a shooting star press.

4. Bray Wyatt vs Dean Ambrose:

This feud has yet to get physical ever since Hell In A Cell when Wyatt cost Dean the victory, yet its build up to an eventual matchup between the two. Bray Wyatt is quickly becoming the master of mind guys, his cryptic words combined with the timely power outages and great camerawork makes the whole presentation creepy yet awesome. While Dean is embracing his crazy side more and more, no longer is he pulling pranks as a way to exact a measure of revenge.

3. A New Day:

Let me be perfectly clear. Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and Big E have tons of charisma and personality. Don’t believe me? Take the time to check out their hijinks on the WWE app. I don’t know what this new stable gimmick will ultimately be, “The NEW Nation (of Domination)” or something else. I do hope it’s not in any way similar to The Shield gimmick; those three men have an in-ring talent and more personality as a whole than the trio of Woods, Kingston and Big E. Nevertheless, it’ll just be good to see this group on TV and (hopefully) winning matches and titles.

2. Dolph Ziggler:

Seems like ever since he lost the World Heavyweight title, that  Dolph has been in the dog house. Even throughout the losing and bad angles he consistently has been phenomenal in the ring. The fans have stuck by him always cheering and showing their respect for his hard work despite the authorities’ efforts to hold him back. So it’s great that he has the Intercontinental title which historical is the “worker” title.

1. NXT:

NXT is by far the best produced show WWE has right now. What it lacks in glitz and glamour it makes up for it with great wrestling matches, good storylines and a very hungry group of athletes anxious to be the best. The fact that it’s only an one hour show doesn’t allow for some of the nonsense that you typically get with Monday Night Raw (Grumpy Cat, anyone?). Talking segments are limited and the talent gets over using their in-ring skills more so than on a mic. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t anyone with good mic skills on the NXT roster, though. For me, Enzo Amore shines with his pre-match introduction of himself--and his partner Big Cass. The icing on this NXT cake is General Manager William Regal, a highly respect competitor with a no-nonsense demeanor. I am looking forward to the next NXT Takeover event.

So, there it is folks. Five things that you can be thankful for during these wacky days of WWE.

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Eyes on the Ring 9:39 AM  No comment

Return of the King (of the Ring)?

Return of the King? By @Peagle05

So, WWE is seeing fit to get rid of the Elimination Chamber PPV in February, and thinking of moving it to the summer. What replaces that is a generic, boring, poorly titled PPV named Fast Lane or something Over the Limit-ish (Ed. Note: “Fast Lane” is also apparently the name of a John Cena-helmed mobile game. So, while The Rock gave us one of the most iconic names in WWE in “Smackdown,” Cena may have given us...the other end of the spectrum). Why put us to sleep on the second to last stop of the Road to WrestleMania? Why not bring back King of the Ring?

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Eyes on the Ring 9:44 AM  No comment

Nathan's ROH Review - 11/8/14 Show

By Nathan Neumann (@Headliner5 on Twitter)

This is also happening soon. 

Hello once again! Nathan here to bring you your weekly dose of all things Ring Of Honor. This week’s show was really good, but I felt it was booked a bit backwards. I’ll get to this as I go through the review, so lets get to it, shall we?

The show kicks off with a video package explaining how The Kingdom will be rebuilt with the addition of its newest member--former ROH World Television Champion Matt Taven (who is also the longest-reigning TV champion at that).

From there, we go inside of the arena. Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness are on commentary to bring us all of the in-ring action that this week will include. Out comes Tommaso Ciampa, who Nigel makes sure to mention on commentary is walking a thin line as far as what he can and can not do to ROH officials. Out next is Cedric Alexander, and we are set for our first match of the night.

Match 1

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander

Result: Cedric Alexander defeats Tommaso Ciampa via referee reversal after Todd Sinclair reversed his original decision.

Thoughts: I really liked this match, so it’s probably going to go on my list of Best ROH TV matches in 2014. It was that good. Both guys brought their best and, when put together, they had a very special match. They went all-out for a match that WASN’T on pay per view but rather FREE TV--which was absolutely fantastic.

The match started when Ciampa quickly rolled out of the ring after the ringing of the bell.  Cedric responded by jumping to the outside of the ring to take out Ciampa with a splash and even though Cedric was the one to hit the move he probably got the worst of it because he landed badly as we go to a commercial break.  Back from commercial and Ciampa has taken control with multiple stomps to the fallen Alexander who is down in the corner of the ring.

Later on in the match, Cedric went to hit Ciampa with a dropkick but instead of hitting Ciampa, he hit Todd Sinclair (which would play into Ciampa’s character development as of late). Ciampa sees that the referee is down and grabs the tag rope off of the corner of the ring and chokes out Alexander to score what he thought was the win. However, once Sinclair discovered that Ciampa did indeed use the tag rope to pick up the win, he reversed the decision to give Cedric Alexander the disqualification win. I really hope these two have another match because this match was fantastic.

Rating: **3/4

Back from a commercial Truth Martini and Jay Lethal cut a backstage pre-taped promo about Lethal’s upcoming TV Title defense against another Eyes On The Ring favorite in ACH. That match will take place next week. If you remember the last time these two faced, they went to a thirty minute time limit draw. Hopefully, this match will have no time limit, so these two can get it done.

Match 2

Moose and RD Evans vs. Worst Case Scenario (Elijah Evans IV and Ethan Case)

Result: RD Evans picks up the win with a splash off of Moose’s shoulders to extend his winning streak to 173-0 (per Veda Scott's post-match interview)

Thoughts: This match was okay, I’ve said this before but Moose does nothing for me and the team of worst case scenario was definitely the worst case scenario as far as wrestlers are concerned. Both team members look like enhancement talent (maybe that’s what they are), but I couldn’t take them seriously.  

At one point in the match, Moose hit a top rope cross body on both Worst Case Scenario team members (which was actually pretty cool--and the first time I have been impressed by anything Moose has done). The finish came when RD Evans picked up the win with a splash off of Moose’s shoulders to extend the streak This will lead into a match that will also take place this week (at Glory By Honor), in which RD Evans will get a TV title shot against current ROH Television champion Jay Lethal. We will see how that goes. I doubt Jay will lose the title but I doubt they will let RD lose the match cleanly so my gut instinct says that we will see a no contest in that match which will be weird because ROH doesn’t typically do that.

Back from another commercial, and Kevin Kelly is in the ring to interview the former ROH World Heavyweight Champion Michael Elgin. Elgin apparently has a new gimmick which involves him being a dickhead but that’s beside the point. Either way it’s very true to life it would seem. This interview did absolutely nothing and seemed really pointless because I wasn’t sure why the interview took place and after it was over I found myself scratching my head asking “why did that just happen?” Nothing to see here. Move along kids.

Rating: *1/2 (Being generous with this one)

From here--and that very awkward interview--we go to the main event of the evening.

Main Event – Match 3

The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Michael Bennett) vs. The Briscoe Brothers (Mark and Jay)

Result: Jay Briscoe hits Matt Taven with the Jay Driller and Mark Briscoe picks up the win after pinning the fallen Taven.

Thoughts: This match was pretty good being that involved Michael Bennett (who, again, does nothing for me). The match started out with a huge brawl on the outside of the ring with all four participants. Bennett did his part, as did Taven. The finish of the match came when Jay Briscoe hit Matt Taven with the Jay Driller and Mark Briscoe scored the pinfall victory. This match honestly wasn’t that much and I didn’t really have a lot of notes written down while watching it. There wasn’t much to the match, if I am being honest.

Rating: **

After the match is when most of the action took place. Adam Cole rushed the ring after The Briscoes won the match. Mark climbed to the top rope to execute the Froggy Bow, but was pushed off of the rope by Maria. Mark would “CRASH AND BURN,” as he went through a table which was set up at ringside. The way Mark landed didn’t look pretty; I seriously hope he’s okay after that. Michael Bennett would hit the Twist of Fate on Jay Briscoe and with the “Title Of Love” in tow, he and The Kingdom stand tall to end the show for the week.

Additional Thoughts: Regarding Michael Bennett, I’m not a big fan of him. But he’s not helping his case with me, as he is now starting to do Matt Hardy’s moves. First, he was doing CM Punk’s moves (probably due to dating Maria Kanellis, Punk’s former girlfriend). But it’s extremely blatant, and I understand the process of being a heel and that he has to get heat. I get that. But, he needs to stick to his own moves instead of stealing others’.

This show was pretty good, a solid hour of wrestling. My main gripe with the show as a whole was the match order. The first match of the night was the best match of the show.  If Ciampa vs. Alexander was swapped with the main event, it probably would have worked a bit better. Still, it was fine--even with that thought crossing my mind at the end of the hour.

That’ll do it for me and this week’s review of Ring Of Honor wrestling. If you have a spare hour this week, you should definitely check out the opener on this show. The other two matches were okay, but not real must-see stuff. Until next time ROH faithful, I am Nathan. So long for now and keep your Eyes On The Ring and stay tuned for all of the content that myself and the rest of the team provides. Also, please be sure to follow us on twitter @EyesOnTheRing and give us a like on Facebook at Facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing.

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Eyes on the Ring 11:21 AM  No comment