Tagged under:
By @TrueGodImmortal
Kevin Owens has been amazing since arriving to WWE. From his start in NXT to his other moments in the company on the main roster, he's probably the most consistent performer in the entire company. So today, we wanted to look at his best matches since arriving in WWE. Yes, I know, he's Kevin Steen and his matches on the indies are all classics. In this case, we're just talking his WWE matches. Let's get right into it.
5. Kevin Owens vs Finn Balor
Beast In The East
-I struggled with this one. He has one on NXT with Finn that's absolutely brilliant as well, but this one had everything around it. The buildup. The excitement. The impending reality that Finn would dethrone him. This match had a huge big fight feel and delivered.
4. Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn
NXT: Rival
-This match may seem like a destruction of Zayn, but it was a solid contest up until the brutal beatdown that saw Owens win after Zayn couldn't continue. What better way to kick off their rivalry than with a contest that ends like this? Zayn still hadn't got his revenge either. He may never.
3. Kevin Owens vs John Cena
Money In The Bank 2015
-I want to say this is his best. It's very close. The only thing that will not let me put it at no. 1 is the fact that Cena won. This was a truly great back and forth contest, with both men pulling put all the stops to garner the win. Cena just happened to get lucky and pull out the win.
2. Kevin Owens vs Neville
NXT- Episode 255
This was a match that confirmed to me that Kevin Owens had arrived. He was killing it and this match was his best NXT match overall and in execution. I think it's not only his best NXT match and top 15 in his entire career. Neville is amazing as well and the two have an instant chemistry every time. Owens wins this one in a well deserved, hard fought battle.
1. Kevin Owens vs John Cena
Elimination Chamber 2015
-This was the one. Owens' arrival. His moment to show he belonged. And he knocked it out of the park. Owens and Cena worked well together and in this contest, we saw Owens push Cena to the limit and pick up his first victory on the main roster.... over one of the biggest stars in the company no less. An amazing feat if I would say so.
What about your favorite Kevin Owens Matches? Post your choices below.
-True
Tagged under:
By @TrueGodImmortal
You remember getting ready for Wrestlemania 32 and one of the matches you were excited for was the Triple Threat match between Sasha, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch? Well, I remember. I was extremely excited to see the match, a rarity when it comes to women's matches honestly for me, but at Wrestlemania 32, I was beyond excited. I saw the possibility of Sasha Banks finally winning the title and the long annoying run of Charlotte finally coming to an end. However, things changed quickly. As the Wrestlemania 32 match arrived, it seemed like the logical thing to do was to get Sasha the victory, but somehow, the WWE stuck with the Flair name and of course the lineage. It was a terrible decision and one that has since backfired.
How has it backfired? Let's look at the division at the moment. What's the issue? Well, right now, Emma is injured, so Dana Brooke is currently aligned with Charlotte and they're locked in a feud with Natalya and Becky Lynch. Meanwhile, Naomi is nowhere to be found, the popular Paige is currently on dates with Del Rio instead of competing for championships, Sasha isn't getting ample TV time, and Bayley hasn't been called up yet, and neither has Asuka. The problem with this is that the more popular women wrestlers are not being shown or promoted, while someone like Dana Brooke is being given an opportunity to stand next to the champion. What bothers me about this is that Dana Brooke isn't a promising star. She's rather boring, is middle of the road in the ring, and her gimmick doesn't seem like it has an upside to it.
Natalya is beyond her prime and while still a viable wrestler, I don't think a feud with her and Charlotte truly excited the fans. It was used as an excuse to get Bret involved and Flair involved, and now that that's over with, what's the purpose? What's next? A triple threat between Natalya, Becky, and Charlotte? Basically the Wrestlemania triple threat without the most exciting element of it? Well, of course. Becky vs Charlotte is possible, but that's a revisit, just like Paige vs Charlotte would be. The dreaded feud that seems to be on the way is within an impending breakup and it would be horrible.
Dana Brooke competing for the WWE Women's Title is just a terrible idea. Against Charlotte too? Yes, horrible idea. I don't want to see that feud, see those promos, or what could come of it. I think it's time for Charlotte to drop the belt and if I had to pick a place for her to do it? I'd choose Summerslam. Why you say? Well it's simple. After Charlotte walks out of Battleground with the Women's Title, she will need a new challenger heading into Brooklyn. While that would be a good time to debut Bayley, I'd say hold off on Bayley debuting until Summerslam weekend itself, AFTER she loses her rematch for the NXT Women's Title against Asuka. So who should be the one to dethrone Charlotte at Summerslam, you ask?
Sasha Banks.
Concussion or not, Sasha is not injury prone. She had a freak accident, but she's been wrestling on the house shows, has been showcasing her ability, and is still the most over woman on the roster. She's got the appeal, the looks, and the talent to carry this division, and I think the first step in this is to have Sasha interrupt Charlotte the night after Battleground and lay down a challenge for Summerslam. One on one. Charlotte vs Sasha. Sasha walks out of Brooklyn with the title and Charlotte gets her rematch at Night of Champions. This is already a step up from what we've been seeing, but it doesn't end there.
If I'm WWE, I'd have a no. 1 contender's match between Bayley and Becky Lynch at Night of Champions also, providing us with two huge feuds for the women going into the fall. Charlotte vs Sasha and Bayley vs Becky. I'd have Becky pull out the victory, and turn heel, leaving Bayley to feud with Charlotte, while Becky and Sasha got at it, then at Survivor Series, I'd have a big fatal four way title match between the ladies, where Sasha would retain. The story arc here should truly lead to a Bayley vs Sasha one on one match at Mania 33, OR, if we really want to take it higher, throwing Asuka onto the main roster and putting her in the match for a triple threat yet again at Mania. Sasha vs Bayley vs Asuka at Mania 33 for the title would be the biggest statement the WWE could make and could be a true classic.
Regardless, the WWE needs a fix for their division, and while it isn't that hard to fix it, one has to wonder if WWE are just too blind to see it. Get the title off Charlotte. Get Bayley called up. Book these feuds stronger. Give Sasha the title. Move Dana Brooke out of the spotlight. Push Naomi. Give Paige some shine and push her to improve. It's crazy that a division with such promise is lacking, but that's what happens with WWE. Wasted potential. Can the WWE turn it around? Sure. Will they? That remains to be seen.
-True
Tagged under:
By @peagle05 and @TrueGodImmortal
Cesaro is one of the best performers in the WWE. As he gears up for a shot at the Money In The Bank briefcase and continues his string of great performances, we wanted to take some time and rank his 5 best matches since coming to WWE. Let's get started.
5. Sami Zayn vs Cesaro
NXT Arrival
- The Arrival match is probably the best storytelling effort in the ring from Cesaro. The beginning of the whole WWE Network/NXT journey and Cesaro was a part of it, putting on an amazing match with Sami. This won't be the only Sami vs Cesaro match on this list to be honest.
4. Daniel Bryan vs Cesaro
RAW- Gauntlet Match
-The gauntlet match was another showcase of Cesaro's ability, especially working with a tired wrestler in Bryan. We know how good Bryan is already, but Cesaro had to do the majority of that work to get him through the match, and man, what a match it was. In a losing effort, Cesaro shined as bright as we had seen him on the main show at this point.
3. Cesaro vs William Regal
NXT
- The Regal match was just straight up pure wrestling. Nothing fancy, nothing crazy just a technical showcase. I think if Cesaro needed someone to push him to the next level, this was the guy for it without a doubt. If you've never seen this match, check it out.
2. Cesaro vs John Cena
RAW
-Cesaro and Cena was probably the best case for Cesaro to show himself as a potential world champion due to him taking over and really showing what he could do in the ring. He didn't win, but even in a losing effort, he stepped up big time.
1. Sami Zayn vs Cesaro
2 Out Of 3 Falls Match
NXT
-The apex of the Cesaro experience in WWE. The culmination of the best story that's been told in his career with WWE and these two were magnificent during this run. This match honestly is one of the best NXT matches of all time STILL. Don't sleep.
What's your favorite Cesaro matches? Post your choices below.
-True
Tagged under:
By @TrueGodImmortal
The 4th biggest PPV of the year is here (sorry Survivor Series). It feels that MITB has become one of the big 4, or the 5th big PPV for WWE every year, with more emphasis on MITB as the years go by. This year is no different, as there is a huge triple main event, with three of the biggest matches of the year on this card. What's going to happen in Las Vegas for MITB? Let's take a look.
Pre-Show Matches
*Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin
-Ziggler and Corbin..... again. Corbin really has no value on the roster right now and Ziggler hasn't had value in a while. I expect Corbin to win and then.... go on... to.... I have no idea. This match is pointless.
*Sheamus vs Apollo Crews
-How far they fall.... Sheamus was the World Champion about 6 months ago. Here he is in a pre-show match, taking on the promising yet underused Apollo Crews. Likely Sheamus will pick up the victory, but to be honest, I'd prefer to see Apollo Crews walk with the win. Unfortunately, I think this will lead to a Sheamus victory.
PPV Card
*US Title Match
Rusev vs Titus O'Neil
-Rusev wins. Simple. I don't even have an opinion on this match. Pointless. Titus is a good performer, but there's no doubt in my mind that he's taking a loss and this must only be a chance to make it up to him for suspending him in the first place. Regardless, Rusev will make Titus tap and then Titus will be forced back down the card and never get a title shot again. It's unfortunate, but with no build and no momentum, this match doesn't end well for Titus. Rusev Crush.
*Charlotte and Dana Brooke vs Becky Lynch and Natalya
-Remember when the women's division seemed to be moving and doing well? Well, give the belt to Charlotte, let Dana Brooke get some TV time, keep Bayley on NXT, and keep Sasha Banks held down, and you can effectively mess up any momentum or concern for the women's division. This tag match makes no sense, as I believe a fatal four way or triple threat for the belt would have been logical. I have Becky and Natalya getting a win, leading to a triple threat at Battleground.
*Fatal Four Way For WWE Tag Team Championship
The New Day vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs Enzo and Cass vs The Vaudevillains
-This match could truly steal the show. I think this is where the New Day drops the tag titles and a Fatal Four Way is the smartest way to do it. I think Gallows and Anderson take it, and then we move into a Enzo and Cass vs Gallows and Anderson title feud for the summer time and fall. Expect Gallows and Anderson to get a pinfall on the Vaudevillains in the event they do win the title, so the Vaudevillains don't actually get another shot and move away from the title picture.
*AJ Styles vs John Cena
-I expect this to be the match of the night. It is a classic in the making and a dream match. I think that it would have been better to save it for Summerslam, but there is no way in hell that this feud ends here. Expect some nonsense to occur and hopefully Styles picks up the victory, as Cena and AJ go 19 minutes in a classic, but the debut of Finn Balor helps AJ walk out with the win. If no Balor, then Cena will likely pick up the win in a classic with a disappointing outcome. Cena doesn't need this win, but AJ does. Realistically, Cena gets the win and AJ comes back to avenge the loss. We'll see how it turns out.
*Money In the Bank Ladder Match
Cesaro vs Dean Ambrose vs Alberto Del Rio vs Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn vs Chris Jericho
-This is another big time match and a true main event that could close out the show, but it won't. This is going to be a tough match to follow, but I'm torn between two people for the victory. I expect Ambrose to win and cash in soon to set up a Shield Triple Threat, BUT I also would love to see Owens walk away with the victory and hold that briefcase before an epic cash in to become champion. There's no way Jericho nor Del Rio should win and if they do, this match is a waste. Cesaro winning would be fine, but I don't think Zayn is ready for that briefcase. We shall see though. If I have to choose, I'd go with Ambrose. Though this is about a year or two too late.
*WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins
-This should be a match that Rollins easily wins. Unfortunately, WWE is stupid and Reigns will walk away with the victory in Seth's first match back. Seth will put in an amazing performance regardless, and this will be a great match, but a spear will seal Rollins fate. If Ambrose wins the briefcase, a possible cash in could be pretty fun in this case. Either way, Reigns wins this match.
What are your feelings on MITB? Excited for the matches? Put your predictions in the comments below.
-True
Tagged under:
By @TrueGodImmortal
The WWE Cruiserweight Classic is shaping up to the best thing that the company has to offer. The WWE Network will allow the company to bring 32 indie and former superstars back into the fold for a chance to win a tournament. What are the ramifications of this tournament? No one knows. However, one would expect the big prize to be a contract for the WWE and a shot at a title, or perhaps the recreation of the Cruiserweight division and championship. With all 32 names now revealed, we wanted to look at the top 5 picks to win it all and why. There are a few dark horse candidates among the fray, and with familiar names like Tajiri and Brian Kendrick, we wanted to also give 3 honorable mentions as well. Let's get into it.
HONORABLE MENTION
*Rich Swann
-I want Rich to do great things. A man who took a stunner from me in a PWX ring (true story) is a man who deserves to win the CWC, but in all honesty Rich is an amazing performer. He doesn't need gimmicks, he doesn't need anything but to go out there and perform to thrill the entire world. He could very well creep up and win big time.
*Johnny Gargano
-He's officially signed to NXT and still working with other indie companies, but my belief is that after the CWC, Gargano will become a wrestler on the main roster and hold the reinstated Cruiserweight championship. I think his journey could start with this tournament and a victory, but if he doesn't win, he's still a made man in NXT and WWE.
*Tony Nese
-What's crazy about Nese being in this is that I've never seen him as a true Cruiserweight. There's some behind the scenes reasons as well that I'm surprised Nese was selected to be in this, but maybe WWE sees potential in him and he could manage to steal it when all the smoke is clear.
5. Kota Ibushi
-The WWE loves Japan. They love Japanese wrestlers. They love this bridging of the gap between the fanbases. This all works in the favor of Kota, who is truly a gifted star and has been well rounded in his career. With experience in DDT and of course NJPW, Kota brings a Japanesd veteran vibe to the tournament, while still being young and able to go for some more years. I think there's a possible Tajiri vs Kota match in this tournament shaping up. If Kota wins, it wouldn't be a bad thing at all. He's definitely deserving.
4. Cedric Alexander
-This is truly my no. 1 pick, but I'll be honest and say he isn't the most likely based on WWE standards. However, there is no one hotter on the indies right now than Cedric Alexander. After his amazing show at EVOLVE recently, the praises of his being sung by Kevin Owens and Michael Elgin, as well as many others labeling him the best wrestler in the world, Cedric is long overdue for his shot and if anyone deserves this win, it's him. After getting an unfair lack of push in ROH, and traveling the world to live his dream, it's safe to say Cedric should be a guy that gets the victory. He's no. 4 on this list due to the WWE standards, but on my personal list, he's the no. 1 pick.
3. Noam Dar
-I think the WWE has given away a lot in the promotion of the advertisements for the classic and Noam is featured heavily. He's a talented in ring performer and I think his international appeal will get him to the final 4 or the final 8 in this tournament.
2. Drew Gulak
-A hell of a performer who seems to be everyone's pick to win it, or at least a final 4 pick. Probably one of the biggest names in this tournament and while I think he might end up getting knocked out in the final 8, something tells me that he might win it, especially considering he is right in the middle of the advertisement. Foreshadowing perhaps.
1. Zack Sabre Jr.
-I think we could see a Finals of Zack Sabre Jr. Vs Ibushi or perhaps Cedric vs Zack, but Zack is the obvious choice to win and I think he will end up getting a big time WWE contract. He's the most talked about indie wrestler today outside of say Cedric and maybe Gargano perhaps, and he's my top pick to win this from a WWE realistic standpoint. There's no doubt in my mind that Zack will either be a Final 4 or in the final match to determine who wins. He's got a bright future ahead of him in WWE I believe.
Who do you think will win? Post below in the comments with your answer.
-True
Tagged under:
By @Headliner5
Hello Ringers, Nathan here once again for another Ring Of Honor review, but this is not a traditional review. I wont be reviewing the TV show per the usual, but rather the house show that took place last night in Hopkins Minnesota that I attended live. This time around we were treated to the Road To Best In The World Tour and it was night 1 of Tag Wars. I wasn't a huge fan of going to this show on paper, but it was a good show overall. Maybe not the best Hopkins show ever, but definitely not the worst, so without any further ado lets get to the show.
Dark Match
Danny Duggan vs. Shaheem Ali
Thoughts: Both of these guys have become regulars in the Hopkins area at these shows, so it was only natural that the two would face off and the match wasn't half bad. People were filing into the building around the time and all I know about the finish is that Danny Duggan won the match, but that's really all you need for this one because at the end of the day, these matches don't matter.
Result: Danny Duggan defeats Shaheem Ali
Match 1
Juice Robinson vs. Dalton Castle
Thoughts: I was surprised to see Juice Robinson on this show, but I wasn't going to complain about it either. This match was solid for an opening contest and did its best to showcase Dalton's abilities while introducing Hopkins to Juice Robinson, for those people that may have been living under a rock for the last year or so.
Result: Dalton Castle defeats Juice Robinson with the Bang A Rang
From there, we went to an impromptu edition of the Fish Tank where Dalton Castle was the guest of Bobby Fish. They talked about attending brunch together where they would use the Boys as human chairs. The segment ended when Dalton said something derogatory towards Fish and Fish cancelled said brunch, which made everyone sad.
Match 2
Chris Sabin vs. Will Ferrara
Thoughts: I'm still not completely sold on Will Ferrara, but this match delivered. Sabin is always a solid hand so I knew that this match would be good and it was. The two had a nice back and forth match before Sabin would pick up the win in a good showing from both men.
Result: Chris Sabin defeats Will Ferrara
Next, we go to the next match where Tag Wars will begin.
Match 3
Beer City Bruiser and Silas Young vs. Moose and Lio Rush vs. War Machine
Tag Wars Round 1 Match Up
Thoughts: This match was great, all of these guys put in the quality of work that you would expect in a match like this and Lio Rush got absolutely demolished in a few key spots in the match up. This match got tag wars off to an impressive start and had me itching for more. The match came to an end when Beer City Bruiser and Silas Young get the win after Beer City Bruiser hits a top rope splash to pick up the pinfall victory.
Result: Beer City Bruiser and Silas Young defeat Moose and Lio Rush and War Machine via pinfall with a top rope splash.
Match 4
ACH vs. Alex Shelley
Thoughts: This is the match that I was most looking forward to this show and it did a damn good job in delivering on my high expectations. These guys broke out every possible offensive maneuver they had and were able to match each other with every move and counter move. A great match that you'll want to see once the DVD is released. The match would come to a thrilling conclusion when ACH ascended to the top rope to hit a midnight star (450 Splash) before securing the pinfall victory.
Result: ACH defeats Alex Shelley via pinfall after the Midnight Star.
From there, Steve Corino made his way out to the ring for an exclusive interview about his match with BJ Whitmer at Best In the World. Steve would give a great interview and cap it off by saying that he is going to kill BJ Whitmer in 13 days.
We went to the next match of the night.
Match 5
Donovan Dijak vs. Cheeseburger
Thoughts: Ever wonder what it's like to witness a live murder? Well this was pretty damn close. At no point in this match did Cheeseburger even have a chance and every time it looked like he was going to mount some sort of offense, Donovan Dijak would catch him out of thin air and throw him into some random part of the building. The match and Cheeseburger's life (okay not really) came to an end when Donovan Dijak caught Cheeseburger and hit him with Feast Your Eyes before scoring the deciding pinfall.
Result: Donovan Dijak defeated Cheeseburger via pinfall after Feast Your Eyes.
Match 6
All Night Express vs. Roppongi Vice vs. The Young Bucks
Tag Wars Round 1 Match Up
Thoughts: This match was damn good, and it was filled with nonstop action as every single member of this match did their best to put on a show and they damn well succeeded. The worst part of this match wasn't the match itself, but it was some dumb ass next to us trying to pick a fight with Kenny King the entire time until King said something to him so that he would shut up. The match came to an end when The All Night Express got the win via pinfall.
Result: All Night Express defeats Roppongi Vice and The Young Bucks
Now, we go to the match that I believe was the match of the night.
Match 7
Kamataichi vs. Michael Elgin
Thoughts: Wow I loved everything about this match. I knew going in that there was absolutely no way that Michael Elgin would lose this one and I was right, but this match delivered on so many levels. I'm starting to come around to Michael Elgin once again, as I've always liked him as a wrestler, but I'm just not a fan of how he's booked, but at the same time I completely understand the logic. Kamataichi being at this show was a pleasant surprise and I'm glad that I got to see him live as he is one of the best wrestlers in the world right now. If this entire card would have been the drizzling shits and this was the only match that was any good, I would of still have gone home happy, but that wasn't the case and this match still delivered big time.
Result: Michael Elgin defeats Kamataichi via pinfall with an Elgin Bomb
Finally, we go to the main event of the evening.
Main Event - Match 8
The Briscoes vs. reDRagon vs. Roderick Strong and Jay Lethal
Tag Wars Round 1 Match Up
Thoughts: Hell of a main event, I would have been fine with any team winning this match to be honest, as I like all of the guys involved. Roderick Strong and Jay Lethal being a team threw me off though. This match had everything a wrestling fan could want in a wrestling match, as all six guys completely brought the house down. While this wasn't my favorite match of the show, it was still very good. The match would come to an end when the Briscoes win the match via pinfall after Jay Briscoe hits Roderick Strong with the Jay Driller.
Result: The Briscoes defeat reDRagon and Roderick Strong and Jay Lethal via pinfall after Jay hits Roderick with the Jay Driller
Good match to cap off a really fun night of action in Hopkins, not quite sure where I would rank this show among the other shows that have taken place in Hopkins, but I would definitely recommend this show just for the Kamaitachi vs. Michael Elgin match alone as it was some really good stuff.
Once again, a return date was not announced so we will have to see when they will come back, but I hope it's sooner rather than later.
That however will do it for me and this special ROH review, overall this was a very good show and I can't wait to rewatch it on VOD and DVD when it becomes available.
In closing, make sure to follow me on twitter @Headliner5 and thank you once again for reading. Post any comments below.
-Nathan
