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By @SteveSignore
Bret oh Bret, why have you become so miserable? Granted, Bret Hart has had his share of hardships stemming from the wrestling business. But some of his observations of the current product, especially in recent memory, have come off as nonsensical and almost agenda driven.
Sometimes his comments sound like they've been scripted by Vince Russo, they're so anti-WWE. In fact, recently we've been reminded by what Hart said about Seth Rollins's injury that had sidelined him for an extended period of time. Hart suggested that Rollins could have avoided getting injured. Rollins took offense to Hart's comments, mentioning on Talk Is Jericho that he was disappointed when he heard what Bret said. Jericho had a perfect comeback for the Bret comments by stating he should have avoided getting a career ending concussion at the hands (or foot) a Goldberg superkick.
If this was pre-concussion (for Bret), how hot would this feud become? Bret Hart versus Seth Rollins? It's a dream match that doesn't really fall into that "cliched" category. We always hear about Sting versus the Undertaker, or Punk versus Austin, yada yada yada! This potential grudge match pits two completely different styles against each other. Bret singling out body parts, while Rollins utilizes his athleticism with a ton of high risk moves.
In my dream match, Rollins uses the Curb Stomp and gets the victory, but the journey to the finish has similarities to that of Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart during the Iron Man match. In a way, the dream match or grudge match (whatever you want to call it) is similar to Bret versus Shawn Michaels. Michaels was the arrogant, high flyer much like Rollins. You can almost pull Michaels out of the Iron Man Match training montage and drop Rollins into it. It fits! Bret didn't like Michaels arrogance back then, which has arguably been reborn in Rollins character.
The storyline is simple, Bret Hart hates today's wrestling. He hates the constant high spots and false finishes. Rollins doesn't like the crusty, old school mentality of his counterpart. I'd say Rollins plays the face in this match, something he should be doing on TV as we speak! This is going to be epic! Keep on dreaming!
-Steve
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By @TrueGodImmortal
The MITB match is always the most interesting match of the year, as a number of superstars compete for a briefcase that guarantees them a title shot within a year of winning it. Over the years, we've seen some great matches, but what are the top 5 best? As we prepare for what could be the new no. 1 in about a week, we take a moment to look at the top 5 MITB matches.
5. Money In the Bank 2013 (WHC MITB Match)
-Damien Sandow was something special. He was one of my favorites during his tenure in WWE, and he would walk away from this MITB with the briefcase and a victory instead of Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, and a plethora of other talented guys. It's a shame that Sandow didn't do more. He was destined for greatness.
4. Wrestlemania 24
-The first of two CM Punk MITB wins, this was a really great match. Shelton Benjamin, MVP, Chris Jericho, and others tried their hardest to capture the briefcase but the Straight Edge Superstar would etch his name in history. One of the best moments of the match however? Matt Hardy returning to cost MVP the briefcase.
3. Money In the Bank 2014 (Briefcase Match)
-This match is my personal favorite as it marked the beginning of Dean Ambrose as the most consistently over wrestler and started the era of Seth Rollins. However, what keeps it from no. 1 for me is the small interference, but man that return of Ambrose is epic.
2. Money In the Bank 2011 (Smackdown MITB Match)
-The crowning of Daniel Bryan as the next up. This was it. I had skepticism about this match, but by the end of the match, Bryan was holding the briefcase triumphantly. Lot of fun spots and moments in this match, but the lasting scene of Bryan holding up the briefcase is so special.
1. Wrestlemania 21
-The original. Not the most high profile or most crazy in terms of spots, but this was the most exciting to me as Edge worked his way into a big win and victory. Benoit had some great spots as well and everyone really went off in this match. Edge started a great trend with his win though and is a top 3 MITB winner to me in the best match. The first is still the best. Who would've thought? Maybe the match at this year's can take the top spot.
Disagree with the ranking? Post your list below.
-True
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By @TrueGodImmortal
So, here I am watching NXT Takeover: The End, and I find myself conflicted. Well one, I'm unsure how Tye Dillinger is popular with the crowd after investing in those Ginuwine from the So Anxious video grease rolls hairstyle, and I'm also unsure what this new beginning is supposed to mean.
However, as the NXT Takeover effect wore off and the NXT TV tapings finished, I learned two things: Samoa Joe is the man in NXT, and Nakamura is the future if NXT going forward. Imagine saying this to yourself two years ago that Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura were going to be the top two stars in a WWE ran brand. I'd have never guessed it honestly. With so many big stars from NXT likely going up to the main roster for the draft, and NXT now officially stating they aren't a developmental brand anymore, you have to wonder where do we go from here?
Samoa Joe is currently the NXT Champion and he has no real challenger after the June tapings were set. Common sense would tell you that Nakamura would be the obvious pick next up, and perhaps the NXT brand will push Balor vs Nakamura as a no. 1 contender's match for the NXT Title on a July TV show, which makes the most sense. Balor is ready to move on to the very next level, and one would assume that he will be heading up to the main roster at any moment now. With him being classified as an icon of NXT, who is the next icon for NXT? Nakamura? Aries? No Way Jose? That remains to be seen, but the future is bright for NXT, starting with Takeover Brooklyn in August.
I have no idea what the NXT Takeover carD for Brooklyn will be, but if the tapings are an indication, Aries will be fighting No Way Jose, Tye Dillinger will be trying to avenge losses, and Nakamura will either fight Balor or Samoa Joe. Asuka has no real challenger, but I'm thinking a rematch with Bayley, or a fatal four way versus Bayley, Alexa Bliss, and Carmella would be better. Asuka needs new challengers, as admittedly the NXT women's roster looks a little weak right now.
ROH star Moose was backstage at NXT Takeover: The End and he's expected to join WWE soon, but is that going to really change the course of the company? Or will it be a minor acquisition that doesn't really tip the scales similar to Apollo Crews? One would hope Moose could impact NXT heavily. The thing is, when you have a roster like NXT has had the last three years or so, it's a possibility that you can be a sizable star on the indies, come to NXT, and get sidelined as a squash match winner regularly. I feel like this could be Moose, though I hope he succeeds.
Triple H seems focused on making the NXT brand bigger, but does this mean that the brand will begin to hold on to some of their newer stars instead of sending them up to RAW or Smackdown? Could this be a part of the new beginning? Where after a Nakamura, Aries, and Samoa Joe are called up, the No Way Joses, the Dash and Dawsons, the Asukas, and such don't get called up at all? Or for another year or so? I wonder.
What does the future hold for NXT? I really don't know, but I'm intrigued by this new beginning business, though judging by the spoilers, we may just be getting more of the same. Could this spell the end of the NXT dominance and consistency? Or will NXT continue to outdo the main roster WWE product? With their roster getting thinner due to call ups, we know Triple H needs a few more signings..... the question I've asked recently was who's next? That alone is exciting. So what does the future hold for NXT? I'm not 100% sure, but I believe it will be something special. Stay tuned.
-True
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By @TrueGodImmortal
WWE has found a goldmine in NXT. Initially built as a developmental brand of sorts, it grew to be even better than the actual main roster with solid promoting, new talents consistently, and good in ring performances with the benefit of having well known indie stars in their rankings. Now, as the brand split for the main roster happens once again, you can expect the roster of NXT to be raided soon. With a Samoa Joe, Nakamura, Finn Balor, and Austin Aries likely heading to the main roster soon, it's only right that the WWE and the NXT brand sign these great talents to make 2017 in NXT another epic year.
*Roderick Strong
-The longtime ROH star has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the company. It's time for him to experience a change and perhaps a strong challenge by heading to NXT and getting in the ring with some of the WWE talent and upcoming guys. His contract with ROH is almost up and I'm certain he will end up there.
*Zack Sabre Jr.
-This is almost obvious. He's one of the favorites to win the Cruiserweight Classic and I think he will be in NXT before the year is over. With a great in ring ability, immense talent, and the UK pedigree behind him, this is without a doubt a guy that should be NXT Champion by 2017.
*ACH
-I feel like the wrestling world is sleeping on ACH. The biggest J. Cole fan that I personally know is also one of the best performers in the business today. More than just athleticism and his agility, ACH is due for a big breakout soon. Given the opportunity and challenge, he will rise to the occasion and that's all he needs. The opportunity. The challenge. ACH would make an amazing addition to the NXT roster, especially as more talents come up to the main roster for the brand split. When his ROH contract is up, I'm sure he will find his way to NXT.
*Ricochet
-Why he isn't in NXT yet is simple: he's got other requirements and engagements to finish up, but when it's all said and done, he will end up in NXT. He's too talented to pass up and when he's clear and able to go to NXT, I'm certain he will get a huge push and end up on the main roster within 6-9 months.
*Cedric Alexander
-This is the man who I think is the future of wrestling. Cedric is truly one of a kind and if given the opportunity, he could truly amaze the NXT audience. After the fanfare of his departure from ROH, it seems only a matter of time for him to end up on NXT stealing the show as he usually does. Hands down.
*Tessa Blanchard
-Ricochet and Tessa will both likely end up in WWE soon enough. Tessa still has some growing to do overall, but she's ready for that spotlight and she has improved so much since her start just a few short years ago. She's a future NXT women's champion.
*Candice LeRae
-She's truly talented. I think she's got to come into NXT as herself and not change her name or anything, and she will excel. A roster with Asuka, Bayley (maybe), Carmella, Alexa, Tessa, Mia, and Candice on it will truly take NXT's women division well into 2017 and beyond.
*Mia Yim
-Sure.... she's in TNA, but that can't possibly last too much long right? I mean, TNA is struggling recently and though Mia excels everywhere, adding her to the NXT roster and crowning her women's champion is all that you need. She's more than ready for NXT and the main roster.
*John Skyler
-The Southern Savior is the guy they need to help take NXT to that next level. Having watched him through PWX and various indies, Skyler is certainly ready for that spotlight. He's worked as an enhancement talent for NXT, but without the proper push. Give him a run as a heel and he will shock the world. He's that good.
*Moose
-I'm hesitant about having three black wrestlers on this list. To be perfectly honest with you. Moose will likely get the Titus O Neil and Apollo Crews treatment, but he has the pedigree that the WWE loves, so maybe they will take take a chance on him. I expect him in NXT very soon.
*Trevor Lee
-Another guy I watched during my time in the business in North Carolina, he's improved so much and earned every accolade he's received so far. One of the better performers today and he continues to amaze and excite. If NXT doesn't snatch him up soon, they're crazy.
*Noam Dar
-Sure, he's on the Cruiserweight Classic, but that doesn't guarantee him a spot on the roster. I haven't watched as much of his work as I have these others on the list, but this international sensation is truly talented and should be under contract for NXT coming soon.
There are some names missing, like Adam Cole, the Young Bucks, TJ Perkins, Drew Gulak, among others, but the time doesn't seem right for them. Not yet. However, the talent pool is heavy for NXT, but slow and steady wins the race. These are must have talents for NXT and when the time comes, I'm sure the WWE will sign them all.
-True
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By @TrueGodImmortal
Brock Lesnar made his intention well known to come back to the Octagon a year ago and before signing a new contract with WWE, he seemed to make peace with the idea of leaving it all behind. Somehow, I felt that he was lying to himself, and really wanted to come back to UFC, but wasn't confident enough to do so. As time went by, Brock has become increasingly lazy in the ring, as evidenced by the lackluster and underwhelming performance he gave against Dean Ambrose at Wrestlemania 32 and uninspired momentum he's carried since after Wrestlemania 31. Brock seemed reinvigorated with his Cena and Seth Rollins feuds, spawning his Suplex City movement, but since then, it's been pretty bland to say the least.
With that, I wondered if Brock maybe was bored of the WWE world and clamoring for something more, yet again. Interestingly enough, Brock was announced out of nowhere to be a part of the UFC 200 event on July 9th, going back to the MMA world for an one off opportunity, though it remains to be seen if it's just a one time thing or if Brock has greater intentions beyond one time. This is where things tend to get a bit fuzzy in retrospect. WWE reportedly granted Brock the one opportunity to be a part of UFC 200 while still under contract to them, a move that's earned a lot of criticism and rightfully so. If there's any man that has seemingly gotten over on the company in the last few years, it is none other than Brock for sure.
Brock makes upwards of 5-7 million dollars per year to wrestle maybe 10 times a year and appear maybe 25 times a year on TV. He takes months off at a time and doesn't have to travel as much as the regular crew, yet he gets paid much more than 99% of them. Though in reality this is unfair, the WWE rationalized it by thinking that Brock would provide a bigger upside and that they could make back big money on this investment. Brock only gives WWE about 25-50% of his potential and work ethic, working the Rumble, Mania, Summerslam, and the usual one off PPV during the year. He's booked for Summerslam this year, though this isn't necessarily exciting due to the rumors swirling around about who his opponent is. So, with Brock giving the WWE only 50% of what he could, is this UFC thing a good thing or a bad thing?
I say it's a bad thing completely. There is no real upside to this. Brock went back to WWE after leaving UFC. Brock has been back in WWE now for 4 years part time, which is technically longer than his original tenure of about 3 years full time, and him going back to UFC is risky for the investment that WWE has placed in him. Where would it logically be smart to have Brock go into UFC again and fight? Win or lose, this does absolutely nothing for the company and it seems as if the WWE is just once again conforming as much as possible to make the spoiled and overpaid Lesnar happy. Now, I like Brock. Always have. But let's be honest here: Brock going back to UFC does nothing for the WWE. The only way this would have any impact for WWE is if the UFC made a trade to allow CM Punk to work Wrestlemania 33 coming up and that is next to impossible.
Vince is an idiot so I'm sure he doesn't really know that the concept of a Brock to UFC trade for Ronda Rousey to WWE at Mania 33 isn't smart. After Ronda lost to Holly Holm, that ship sailed completely. That's the issue essentially with bringing in UFC fighters to WWE. If they aren't massively over and likely undefeated, the impact is severely watered down on the product and the fans themselves don't really care. Sure, Ronda at Mania is a quick headline grabber, especially if she's wrestling, but it is not the attraction it would have been about a year or so ago. Thus, this is really not a smart trade for WWE if that's the plan.
Also, Brock fighting Roman Reigns for the WWE Title at Summerslam is the most likely and boring main event possible, and most people don't want to see this again. If Brock wins at UFC 200 only to lose to Reigns clean at Summerslam, this would ruin damn near everything that they built up Brock for. Reigns is still struggling weekly and unfortunately, putting him over Brock doesn't really help things or help the business, it literally minimizes the impact of Brock going forward and only serves to force Reigns yet again, which is not working. So why put Brock vs Reigns as the main event especially if Brock fights at UFC 200? The logical step would be to put Brock against an up and coming star in a semi main event to utilize his draw ability while still pushing a big feud ahead for Reigns that isn't Brock.
This is probably the dumbest move on the part of WWE and will likely backfire on them, especially if Mark Hunt manages to beat Brock. If Mark Hunt beats Brock, then the WWE version of Brock loses all luster and momentum. And though it is doubtful Mark Hunt beats him, the underdog role for Hunt could motivate him and get him to win. If that happens, this whole ordeal becomes a waste. So, what if Brock wins. Then what? You beat a relatively unknown in Mark Hunt then you just go back to WWE? What does that do? Nothing really. There is not a single upside to this deal for WWE and once again, they prove why they aren't in better shape than they need to be. Sorry WWE, but you played yourself. And Brock played you as well. Get that money, right Brock? That's all that matters.
-True
Tagged under:
By @TrueGodImmortal
Well, the time is almost upon us. Money In the Bank 2016 is almost upon us, and with this big event getting closer and a solid card to boot, I wanted to look back at the short history of this PPV and see how the past events measure up. There have only been 6 events over the last 6 years or so, but since the inception of the PPV, Money In the Bank has become something truly special. Let's take a look at the PPVs, where they are ranked and why.
6. Money In the Bank 2010
-This is by far the worst of them all. Very odd how this went to be honest, as the event doesn't have many highlights, but the MITB matches are pretty good at least. The women's matches were underwhelming and the Sheamus vs Cena match was pretty bland aside from the Nexus interference, but all in all, this still some solid action, and the Smackdown MITB was great, though Kane winning and cashing in same night is still a bit mind boggling for me. The Miz winning MITB is really a big deal, as I wouldn't expect him to get that victory. Regardless, it was a halfway decent show all in all, but not enough bright spots to get it ranked higher on this list at least.
5. Money In the Bank 2012
-This had a lot of potential as a PPV aside from the RAW MITB match. I thoroughly enjoyed the PPV when I first watched it, though on repeat viewings, it doesn't hold as well as I thought I did. Still, the highest point of this remains the Smackdown MITB and the WWE Title Match between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. I also enjoyed Sheamus vs Del Rio though I was so bored of them both. The match was good however, and I enjoyed it like I enjoyed the Primo and Epico (how many times have these guys been repackaged, Jesus) against the Prime Time Players match also. The low point of this however was the women's match and the RAW MITB, which headlined the show, and saw Cena win, surprise surprise. Despite that, this isn't a bad show overall, much like the 2010 version, it's a decent show, just far too middle of the road though I really enjoyed the Smackdown MITB and Punk vs Bryan.
4. Money In the Bank 2014
-I liked the event though I really hated the outcome of the main event because it was exactly like the 2012 main event, except Cena wins the title instead of the actual briefcase. There were some great moments, mainly the MITB match for the briefcase, which saw Dean Ambrose confirmed as a big star going forward with the way the crowd reacted to him. Seth Rollins won his ticket to superstardom with the briefcase victory and The Usos vs Wyatt Family match was pretty damn good also. Also, Paige vs Naomi isn't a bad match either, though not great. This PPV is slightly above average and features huge moments which gives it that extra boost here.
3. Money In the Bank 2015
-This event was great where it counted. I don't expect WWE events to be perfect, but I do hope they turn solid and this one did without a doubt. While there is some filler on the card, like the horrible Ryback vs Big Show match and Nikki Bella vs Paige (which wasn't a horrible match per se), the rest of the card is great, including the MITB ladder match which had moments of fun, and the Bray Wyatt return to cost Reigns the briefcase was golden. New Day vs Prime Time Players was a good match, Seth vs Dean was great, and Cena vs Owens was a classic. This could honestly be no. 2 on the list, but for now I'll leave it at no. 3. Solid show all around.
2. Money In the Bank 2013
-I don't dislike any match on this PPV honestly. Each match served a purpose and was either alright to amazing. Cena vs Henry wasn't the best match, but it entertained me, and Henry having such a dope storyline and opportunity was truly something to witness. I even enjoyed the Axel vs Miz match, some of Jericho vs Ryback, Ziggler vs Del Rio, The Shield vs The Usos, AJ vs Kaitlyn and more. However, no shock that the best matches on this card are the two MITB matches. Sandow had so much potential and I wish he would have won his cash in. Orton and his win was smart in retrospect, and the match was extremely fun. This was definitely a great PPV, probably one of the best of 2013 during that really small period of WWE hitting on all cylinders (June 2013- August 2013).
1. Money In the Bank 2011
-Was there any other choice? Aside from the Big Show vs Mark Henry match that began the Hall of Pain, this was a classic PPV with great match and moments all around. Both MITB matches were great, the crowd was hot, Christian and Orton had another really good match, but when we speak on this PPV, we know damn well what is the focus. The Summer of Punk was well underway and this was the culmination of an epic storyline so to speak. In front of his hometown Chicago crowd, Punk and Cena put on a 30 minute classic that saw Punk walk away with the 1-2-3 victory and etched a moment in time.
Will 2016 take the top spot on the list? It certainly has the potential. Money In The Bank has become a big PPV for WWE and it shall continue the legacy. Have any thoughts or disagree with these rankings? Post your comments below.
-True
