Monday, January 30, 2012

Royal Rumble Rewind

Overall I was a little disappointed in the PPV as a whole.  Normally the Rumble is my favorite PPV of the year.  The Rumble sets the stage for the biggest show of the year.  The Rumble normally ends some feuds while starting up the biggest feuds of the year.  I don't know if we got that last night.

Daniel Bryan retains the World Heavyweight Championship vs Mark Henry and Big Show
This match was a disappointment to me.  Going into the match I predicted that Bryan would win.  I am fine with him winning as I believe it helps further his heel turn.  However, I feel that the match wasn't given enough time to truly tell a story.  I know the Henry is nursing multiple injuries, which I commend him for still competing, but the match did not have any flow.
I honestly believe that the match was supposed to last longer.  I think that Bryan slipped out of Big Show's hands before the match was supposed to end.  With that being said Bryan escaping from the cage plays perfectly into his current storyline.
Prediction: 1/1
Match Rating: 65/100


Beth Phoenix/The Bellas/Natalya defeat Kelly Kelly/Tamina/Eve/Alicia Fox
I was a little surprised to see this match happen as nothing was advertised.  I don't know why this surprises me because we all know the WWE is prone to adding matches to PPV's at the last minute.  As far as Divas matches go this one was not terrible.  Kelly Kelly had a good spot when she dove from the top rope to the outside onto the dog-pile of Divas.
It was also nice that they actually let the Divas have a match that lasted longer than 2 minutes.  I am actually glad they put the match on the card.
No Prediction
Match Rating: 50/100


Kane vs John Cena - No Contest
This enter match was a clusterf*ck.  The No Contest ending did not work for me.  If they want to prolong the feud then fine, just do it by letting Kane win.  We all know that Cena is going over in the end, which is fine because he needs to have momentum heading into Wrestlemania.  It just made no sense that on one of the biggest PPV's of the year they chose to go the No-Contest route.
It also appears that they are building a Ryder-Kane feud after Kane is done with Cena.  I have no problem with that either, but nothing made sense in the way it was done last night.
Prediction - 1/2
Match Rating - 35/100


Brodus Clay defeats Drew McIntyre
When I first heard Drew's music I was thinking "WTF?".  Then out came the Funkasauras and it made a little more sense.  By putting both of these guys on the PPV it shows up that the WWE has big thins planed for both.
For the first time we saw Brodus take a little bit of damage, granted he shook it off as he "Funked Up".
As happy as I was too see Brodus on the PPV I don't know that I like putting a squash match on the Rumble.  I do know that they wanted to use Brodus and I honestly believe this was a better option than putting him in the Rumble.  This way he still looks strong.  In the Rumble, we know he would not have won, thus he would have been thrown out.  That would have shown some signs of weakness for the big fella.  So in that sense I can understand what they were doing.
No Prediction
Match Rating - 45/100


CM Punk retains the WWE Championship by defeating Dolph Ziggler
I thought this match was very well down.  Punk and Ziggler both got to showcase what they do and the Punk/Laurinaitis feud was kept in place and used brilliantly during the match.  Ziggler showed that he belongs on the big stage.  He is going to be a Main Eventer for the next 10 years.  The guy has got "IT". He is going to be one of the guys that has the company on his shoulders for the foreseeable future.
As for the match, I loved the back and forth between Punk and Laurinaitis.  Their interactions are what helped the match reach that next level.
Also, Ziggler has one of the best counters to the GO TO SLEEP that I have seen.  Impressive.
Early candidate for Match of the Year.
Prediction - 2/3
Match Rating - 81/100


Sheamus wins the Royal Rumble Match
I felt that the RR match itself was a little underwhelming.  There were some good moment and some bad.  There were some surprises that I did not see coming.

Top Five Moments of the Match in order
1. Kofi's handstand - To me this rivals Morrison's spot from last year.
2. The Cobra and Socko standoff - I laughed out loud as this was happening.
3. The return of the Road Dogg - Oh You Didn't Know!
4. Ricardo Rodriguez - everything he did in the Rumble was great.
5. The Return of Kharma - I am glad she is back!

Breakout Star of the Rumble - Kofi Kingston - He was the most exciting man in the Rumble.  I believe this performance may help him stay out of the WWE cellar.

Surprise Entrant - Great Khali - I honestly didn't see that one coming.  All of the others I had heard rumored.  Rumor also has it that he may stick around for a mini-feud which would be fine by me.  I have always been a fan of Khali.  I know he isn't a great wrestler and his charisma is lacking, but there is something I like about him.  Maybe it is the fact that he is HUGE.

Biggest Surpise - Jericho Not Winning - I was surprised he did not win.  I would have bet money on him  being the winner, however I am sure that the WWE knew that most people thought he would win so they switched it up.  I am interested to see how Jericho ties his performance at the Rumble into his "The End of the World" schtick.

Rumble MVP - Cody Rhodes - Cody eliminated the most people in this years match.  Normally that would not be grounds to be the match MVP but they are grooming Cody to be a main event fixture for many years.  I am glad they are taking their time.  Not rushing him may be the best thing that could ever happen to him.  Only time will tell, but I feel that last night was the jump start for The Dashing One.

Overall I would give the show a rating of 65/100.  It could have been much better.  Hopefully the WWE can ramp up their game heading into Wrestlemania.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Royal Rumble Stats

First off I want to say that I did not see Sheamus winning the Rumble.  I was convinced the Jericho was going to win it all.  Apparently just another wrinkle in this Jericho story.

The Great White is Headed to Wrestlemania
Photo Credit to WWE.com
Here are some Stats from the Royal Rumble match.

Entry Order
1. The Miz
2. Alex Riley
3. R-Truth
4. Cody Rhodes
5. Justin Gabriel
6. Primo
7. Mick Foley
8. Ricardo Rodriquez
9. Santino Marella
10. Epico
11. Kofi Kingston
12. Jerry Lawler
13. Ezekiel Jackson
14. Jinder Mahal
15. Great Khali
16. Hunico
17. Booker T
18. Dolph Ziggler
19. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
20. Michael Cole
21. Kharma
22. Sheamus
23. Road Dogg
24. Jey Uso
25. Jack Swagger
26. Wade Barret
27. David Otunga
28. Randy Orton
29. Chris Jericho
30. Big Show

Breakdown by number of eliminations

0 Eliminations: Alex Riley, R-Truth, Justin Gabriel, Primo, Epico, Kofi Kingston, Jerry Lawler, Ezekiel Jackson, Jinder Mahal, Hunico, Booker T, Jim Duggan, Michael Cole, Road Dogg, Jey Uso, Jack Swagger, and David Otunga.

1 Elimination: 
Ricardo Rodriguez (Justin Gabriel)
Santino Marella (Ricardo Rodriguez)
Dolph Ziggler (Kharma)
Wade Barrett (Road Dogg)

2 Eliminations:
Miz (Alex Riley, R-Truth)
Great Khali (Jinder Mahal, Ezekiel Jackson)
Kharma (Michael Cole, Hunico)
Sheamus (Kofi Kingston, Chris Jericho)
Chris Jericho (Randy Orton, David Otunga)

3 Elimnations:
Mick Foley (Justin Gabriel, Primo, Epico)
Randy Orton (Big Show, Wade Barrett, Jey Uso)

4 Eliminations:
Big Show (Miz, Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger)

6 Eliminations:
Cody Rhodes (Mick Foley, Santino, Jerry Lawler, Great Khali, Booker T, Jim Duggan)

Tomorrow I plan on having a full review of the entire PPV up.

Predicting the Rumble

Yesterday I gave all of my Rumble predictions.  Today, I am going to give a list of the 30 guys I believe I will appear in the Royal Rumble match itself.  As awesome as it would be to predict all 30 men in the Rumble, I am going to say that is near impossible.  I will put it on the same level as predicting a perfect bracket during March Madness.
With superstars returning from injury and legends returning, anyone can be an entrant.  Also they have been promoting that any WWE superstar is eligible to be in the match this year, so that throws in another wrinkle.  I look for a few guys who compete earlier in the night to show up in the Rumble match.

Here is my prediction for the 30 entrants. The number beside them is no the number in-which I believe they  will enter, just simply a number so I can keep them in order.
1. The Miz
2. Sheamus
3. R-Truth
4. Randy Orton
5. Wade Barrett
6. Jinder Mahal
7. Santino Marella
8. Cody Rhodes
9. Chris Jericho
10. Mick Foley
11. Justin Gabriel
12. Hornswoggle
13. Mason Ryan
14. Brodus Clay
15. Ezekiel Jackson
16. David Otunga
17. Heath Slater
18. Christian
19. Kane
20. John Cena
21. Dolph Ziggler
22. CM Punk
23. Kofi Kingston
24. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
25. Papa Shango/Godfather
26. Rob Van Dam
27. Batista
28. Rey Mysterio
29. Goldust
30. Jack Swagger

Hopefully I can get at least 25 of them correct.
Batista is the biggest long shot of them all.  RVD has been rumored to come back after his TNA contract expires, and TNA wrote him off of tv with an injury a few weeks ago.  I look for Goldust to be involved so they can get the feud with he and Cody up and running.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

On the Eve of the Rumble

Photo Credit to WWE.com
First off I want to start of by saying that the Royal Rumble is probably my favorite PPV of the year.  Wrestlemania is a very close second, but for me nothing is like the Rumble.  The Rumble sets us off on the Road to Wrestlemania.  The Rumble gets all the major storylines for the year up and running.  It is the place were the next great superstars are born.
This years Rumble is shaping up to be a good one.  We have some great storylines heading into the show.  Not only do we have the great Punk/Laurinaitis/Ziggler drama over the WWE Championship, we also have the Kane/Cena Embrace the Hate semi-mess, and we have a great story in the Bryan/Show/Henry battle over the World Heavyweight Championship.
CM Punk vs Dolph Ziggler has the chance to be the match of the year if they give it enough time.  Both of these guys bring it every night.  They are both at the top of the food chain in the WWE as far as in-ring performers go.  I expect nothing less than a 4* match out of these two guys.
Although Kane vs John Cena is not going to be a technical showcase, I am interested in seeing how this plays out.  Kane has dominated Cena up until this point.  One would think that Cena is going to get the best of Kane sooner or later, but with all of the changes Cena's character is going through it is hard to tell.
The triple threat cage match between Daniel Bryan, Big Show, and Mark Henry is also an interesting one in m book.  One would think that Bryan has no chance competing against those two monsters.  I will interested to see if Mark Henry is going to be able to go as he is coming off of a knee injury on Smackdown.  
And as we all know the Royal Rumble match itself is a hard one to call.  I love the unexpected entrants.  That is what makes it exciting to me.

MY RUMBLE PREDICTIONS
*Kane defeats John Cena - I am going out on a limb here.  I feel that if they let Kane win that he will help further Cena embrace the hate.  Kane's win would make Cena realize that he must make some changes.
*CM Punk over Dolph Zigger - Dolph will be a champ before the year is over, I just don't think right now is the time.  They need to keep developing him a little bit more.  I feel that he needs to drop Vicki as she has done her job already.  I think that Punk deserves to be the champ as Wreslemania.
*Daniel Bryan over Big Show and Mark Henry - I love Bryan's current heel run.  He is doing a great job  in getting the character heat.  There are some great feuds ahead if Bryan hangs on to the title.  I also feel he will hold on to the title at least until Wrestlemania.

The Royal Rumble Match
*We already know The Miz is entrant number 1.  Look for R-Truth to come in a #2.
*Ziggler, Punk, Cena, and Kane will all be in the match after competing earlier in the night.
*Mick Foley will eliminate Dolph Ziggler setting up a future feud.
*Goldust will enter the Rumble and eliminate Cody Rhodes.
*Batista or RVD will return for the Rumble.
*The Final Five superstars in the Rumble will be: Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Randy Oron, CM Punk and Chris Jericho.
*Chris Jericho will win the Royal Rumble Match.

Those are my predictions.  I went out on a limb for a few of them, but we will see what happens. 
Leave me your match predictions.  If a few of you leave them we will have a contest.  Who ever gets the most correct is the winner and I will let the person write a post for the blog after the Rumble.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Friday Night Power Rankings Week 4

RAW
1. CM Punk - Last Week 1
2. Chris Jericho - Last Week 5
3. Kane - Last Week 8
4. Dolph Ziggler - Last Week 4
5. Zack Ryder - Last Week 9
6. John Cena - Last Week 2
7. Jack Swagger - Last Week 7
8. R-Truth - Last Week NR
9. Brodus Clay - Last Week NR
10. Johnny Ace - Last Week 3

SMACKDOWN
1. Randy Orton - Last Week NR
2. Big Show - Last Week NR
3. Cody Rhodes - Last Week 5
4. Daniel Bryan - Last Week 1
5. Sheamus - Last Week 2
6. Mark Henry - Last Week 4
7. Hunico - Last Week 8
8. Drew McIntyre - Last Week 10
9. Justin Gabriel - Last Week 9
10. Tamina - Last Week NR (First Female to enter Power Rankings)

IMPACT
1. Bully Ray - Last Week 2
2. Robert Roode - Last Week 1
3. James Storm - Last Week 3
4. Jeff Hardy - Last Week 4
5. Alex Shelley - Last Week 9
6. Garrett Bischoff - Last Week 8
7. Matt Morgan - Last Week NR
8. Magnus - Last Week NR
9. Samoa Joe - Last Week NR
10. Eric Young - Last Week NR

These are the final weekly rankings for January.  There is a possibility of a monthly ranking coming within the next few days, but do not hold you breathe on it.  I am not guaranteeing anything.  I may keep my focus on the Royal Rumble.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Post Raw Evaluations

*Will Mick Foley retaliate against Johnny Ace for this attack last week?
NOPE.  Foley was only to be found in a brief segment with Zack Ryder and Eve.  I feel that the WWE may have missed out on a change to use Foley.  I know Punk/Johnny Ace is the bigger feud developing, but Foley can get into the mix.  Foley stills gets a good reaction so why not use hime?
*How does Zack Ryder respond after losing his title?
He responded by getting his back broke!!!! Kane destroying Ryder was fine by me, I understand they are developing him back as that monster heel.  Thats cool by me.  However a broken back for Ryder?  I don't understand this.  Now Ryder will be written off of TV for a while, just after being finally put on TV.  Maybe while out he can figure out a few ways to develop his character more.  Ryder was heading in the right direction, I just hope the the powers the be do not bury him.  He deserves better.
*Will we finally see the Divas Champ in 2012?
Apparently only on Superstars this week.  Beth taped a match for the internet show.  This is only helping further bury the divas division.  Maybe they need to take a look at TNA and see how a women's wrestling division in a major promotion is supposed to be.
*Will Kofi be used?
Another NOPE.  I can see him not being used simply because everything last night was geared torwards the Rumble.  Hopefully things get better for Kofi.
*Who will the man from Planet Funk destroy this week?
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!! My odds on favorite Heath Slater was the lucky one last night.  Also interested to see where this thing with Brodus and William Regal is heading.  Could be interesting and a great way to get Clay's career off to a great start.


Overall a solid RAW.  Not nearly as good as last week.  I am looking forward to getting the Rumble over so we can get on the "RTWM" and get into the best story's of the year.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Pre-Raw Thoughts and Questions

*Will Mick Foley retaliate against Johnny Ace for this attack last week?
Mick has played the biggest role yet in this budding McMahon/Austin 2.0 feud.  Mick got Johnny Ace to finally let his feelings known only to get blasted with the mic.  Will Mick show up tonight to get some revenge on Mr. Interim GM?
*How does Zack Ryder respond after losing his title?
They are at a cross roads with Ryder's character.  Last week showed a more serious side of Ryder, which is a good thing.  I believe Ryder chasing the title again will be a positive, I just hope that they do it differently than the last time (when he was chasing Ziggler).
*Will we finally see the Divas Champ in 2012?
Beth Phoenix hasn't been on WWE tv since Alicia Fox botched her somersault kick.  I would think they need at least 1 divas match at the Royal Rumble and it needs to be for the Divas title.  With that said Phoenix needs to be back on tv.
*Will Kofi be used?
First off, Evan Bourne has effectively killed Kofi Kingston.  Kofi finally found a place in the tag team division.  He was getting pushed out of the mid-card level as a singles wrestler, so it was either team up with someone or get demoted to jobber status.  Apparently he teamed up with Mason Ryan at a recent house show.  I wouldn't mind seeing those two form a full-time team.  I am not a Ryan fan, but in tag matches Kofi could do most of the work.  I also would not mind to see him team with Santino.
*Who will the man from Planet Funk destroy this week?
I was wrong last week.  I plan on keeping this a question until I get it correct.  Last week I picked Tyler Reks and Brodus ended up defeating JTG.  This week I am going to put odds on a few guys with hopes I can get it right.
25/1 Mason Ryan
15/1 Michael McGillicutty
10/1 Tyler Reks
2/1 Heath Slater
Sorry Mr. "One Man Southern Rock Band" but I believe you are the next victim of the Funkasauras.

Leave any comments, they are greatly appreciated.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Delayed....Friday Night Power Rankings Week 3

RAW

1. CM PUNK - LW 3
2. JOHN CENA - LW 2.
3. JOHNNY ACE
4. DOLPH ZIGGLER - LW 6
5. CHRIS JERICHO - LW 5
6. MICK FOLEY - LW NR
7. JACK SWAGGER - LW 8
8. KANE - LW 1
9. ZACK RYDER - LW 4
10. EPICO/PRIMO - LW NR

Honorable Mention to Brodus Clay.  He got serious consideration for debuting his new dance move "The T-Rex Arms".  And his dance off with Vicki on Smackdown was great fun.

SMACKDOWN

1. DANIEL BRYAN - LW 1
2. SHEAMUS - LW 4
3. WADE BARRETT - LW 5
4. MARK HENRY - LW 6
5. CODY RHODES - LW 3
6. TED DIBIASE - LW 9
7. JINDER MAHAL - LW NR
8. HUNICO - LW 7
9. JUSTIN GABRIEL - LW 10
10. DREW MCINTYRE - LW 8

IMPACT

1. ROBERT ROODE  - LW 1
2. BULLY RAY - LW 4
3. JAMES STORM - LW 2
4. JEFF HARDY - LW 3
5. AUSTIN ARIES - LW NR
6. GUNNER - LW NR
7. CRIMSON - LW 7
8. GARRETT BISCHOFF - LW NR
9. ALEX SHELLEY - LW NR
10. KAZARIAN - LW NR

Monday, January 16, 2012

Post Raw Evaluations

*Whats next for John Cena and Kane?
I really liked the story development this week.  Cena is starting to embrace the hate.  It was nice to see Cena start to show some more emotion.  Whether or not Cena ultimately turns heel or not doesn't matter to me.  As long as he can change things up I am happy.  We are starting to see some more layers to the Cena character, and that is thanks to Kane.
*What does Chris Jericho have planned next?
First off, Jericho's segment in Johnny Aces office was brilliant.  As far as the main event goes.  After they announced that he would team with Punk and Bryan, I knew that he wouldn't wrestle.  I did not know how he was going to get out of it though.  I assumed that he simply wouldn't take the tag when it came his way.  However, what happened was better yet.  After getting tagged it by CM Punk, Jericho did the same routine that he has done the last two weeks.  Prancing around and getting the crowd all hyped.  But this time after doing it for a short period, he tagged Daniel Bryan in and left.  Simply Brilliant.  
*What will happen with the New Tag Team Champs?
Air Boom got their automatic re-match and were unsuccessful.  I was glad that they let Epico and Primo keep the belts.  I like the tag team.  Hopefully they can continue to develop the division.  The Uso's need more TV time and it would be nice to see Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins get some time to develop into another quality team.
*Will Zack Ryder be able to defend his US Title vs Jack Swagger?
Once again I think WWE dropped the ball.  I hope there is more to this and after watching the few segments following the match I think there may be.  I understand playing up the Ryder is hurt angle, but why are we sacrificing the US title for it.  Ziggler brought some prestige back to the title and Ryder was not hurting the belt.  I am not saying that Swagger will not be a good champion, however Ryder needed to have the title longer.
*Who does the Funkasauras get to destroy next?
Apparently I picked the wrong jobber this week.  I totally forgot about JTG.  In JTG's defense he did last longer than Tyson Kidd.  I see more jobbers ahead for Mr. Clay as he is developing the character even more.

Overall I feel the show was a very good one.  The touches of Foley were great.  The crowd seemed to be eating it up.  They are doing a good job of developing feuds.

Pre-Raw Thoughts and Questions

I am going to try to do a weekly entry with my Pre-Raw thoughts and questions.  Hopefully I can accomplish this.  If I can not do it weekly then I plan to do it as often as possible.

*Whats next for John Cena and Kane?
Will they continue to let Kane beat up on Cena until the Royal Rumble?  Personally I feel like this should happen.  Some may say it will get old, however to continue to build Kane's character back to where it once was, I think this is needed.  Plus we all know that Cena is going to win at the Rumble.  He has to have some momentum heading on the Road to Wrestlemania.

*What does Chris Jericho have planned next?
I believe the silent treatment will continue.  I believe it has to continue because Jericho is trying to get heat and up to this point I don't think it is working exactly like he has planned.  The University is still cheering for Jericho.  Sooner of later the boos have to start coming.....Don't they?

*What will happen with the New Tag Team Champs?
For those of you who may not know, Epico and Primo won the Tag Team titles over the weekend at a house show.  As interesting as this is, it is not something totally new.  The WWE has down it in the past, albeit not any time recently.  I am interested to see how they write this into the show.  I look for Air Boom to get a re-match tonight.

*Will Zack Ryder be able to defend his US Title against Jack Swagger?
I do not think Ryder will be on Raw tonight, simply to play up the attack from Kane last week.  However, I believe that this could be a mistake.  Finally they were bringing some creditability back to the US title and now it gets but on the back burner just because Ryder somehow gets caught up in the Kane/Cena feud.  It would not surprise me if they stripped Ryder because he is unable to defend in his scheduled match.  I hope this does not happen, but it would not surprise me.

*Who does the Funkasauras get to destroy?
Since returning last Monday, the man from Planet Funk destroyed Curt Hawkins on Raw and then Tyson Kidd on Smackdown.  He will definitely be on Raw tonight, but who is his victim?  My bet is Tyler Reks.
         

Friday, January 13, 2012

Friday Night Power Rankings Week 2

Raw
1. Kane - Last Week 3 - The Kane/Cena feud dominated Raw.  Kane not only got the best of John Cena twice, but he also put a big-time choke slam on Zack Ryder.  The monster has returned as Kane has gotten the best of Cena in every exchange so far.
2. John Cena - Last Week 2 - Still the main man on Raw and the WWE, no doubt about that.  With ratings sliding, it appears that the powers that be are putting the ball back in Cena's court.  Will this feud with Kane lead to a Heel turn in time for WrestleMania?  Only time will tell.
3. CM Punk - Last Week 5 Punk broke out of his slump with a win against Jack Swagger.  Things continue to get interesting with he and Johnny Ace.  Hopefully this min-feud with Ziggler doesn't get pushed to the wayside in-favor of the Boss/Employee feud.  Punk v Ziggler at the Royal Rumble has Match of the Year potential.
4. Zack Ryder - Last Week 6 - Even without a match Ryder was a focal point of Raw.  Somehow he has been drug into the Kane/Cena feud.  His budding romance with Eve also continued this past Monday.  It appears the Zack will be out of action at least one week while selling the Kane segment.
5. Chris Jericho - Last Week 1 - Another week without words from Jericho.  However this week he did leave crying.  I do like seeing the layers develop in this version of the Jericho character.  Personally I still think this bit is working, but this week did not have as much impact as last week.
6. Dolph Ziggler - Last Week 3 - Ziggler continues his ascent to main event status.  This week he got to tangle with Cena.  I wish however he would have got back in the ring and at least have picked up a count out win.  WWE sort of dropped the ball on this one as all the focus was on Kane/Cena.
7. Brodus Clay - Last Week NR - Did anyone see that coming?  I can answer that.....HELL NO! Big Brodus made a surprising return on Monday.  Not that him returning was surprising, but just the way he did it.  Not only did he defeated Hawkins on Monday night, the Funkasauras defeated Tyson Kidd on Smackdown in about 25 seconds.
8. Jack Swagger - Last Week 7 - It appears that Swagger is inline for the next shot at the US Title.  This week he lost to CM Punk.  The loss is controversial because I honestly believe the ref botched it.  At first I thought it was part of the story, but re-watch the match on youtube and tell me what you think.  You can hear the referee say that he screwed up.
9. Ricardo Rodriguez - Last Week NR - He made the list simply because his calling out of R-Truth was hilarious.
10. The Miz - Last Week 9 - Not much out of the Miz this week.  He ran around in fear of R-Truth and LIttle Jimmy.  How bad is it when you have to have RR do your dirty work for you?

Smackdown
1. Daniel Bryan - Last Week 1 - Bryan held on to the title once again.  We are also still seeing the development of his character.  I am not completely sold on it yet, but I am willing to give it time.
2. Big Show - Last Week 2 - Show is doing some of the best work of his career IMO.  He may have had a shot at the WHC if he did run into Miss AJ.  At this point everyone knows that Bryan can not beat Show straight up.  The only chance show has to get a clean win is inside of Hell in a Cell.
3. Cody Rhodes - Last Week 3 - Cody said he plans on pulling an "Ultimate Warrior" and holding both belts at the same time.  That very well could be possible.  He has held the IC belt for 5 months and I do not see anyone taking it off of him right now.  There is no one else in the Mid-Card scene on Smackdown capable of it at this point.
4. Sheamus - Last Week 6 - Sheamus is building momentum for the Royal Rumble.  He looks to be one of the favorites heading in, however I do not believe he wins.  Next week he has a big match-up with Wade Barrett.  In the words of JR...That one should be a slobberknocker.
5. Wade Barrett - Last Week 5 - I wish Barrett would have had a match this week to continue his Barrett Barrage.  However he did come out and talk some crap about Sheamus.  This little mini-storyline should lead to some good stuff heading into the Rumble.
6. Mark Henry - Last Week 4 - With no match, Henry still managed to keep himself in the WHC picture with his opening segment with Bryan.  A 3 way dance as RR is on the horizon.
7. Hunico - Last Week 7 - I am glad they are putting him on TV every week.  He can put on some good matches.  Putting him into a program with Dibiase will only help out both of them.
8. Drew McIntyre - Last Week NR - Something is brewing for Drew.  He is finally getting TV time on a weekly basis.  We all know they are not going to be firing him as the storyline portrays.  I am interested to see where this is heading.
9 Ted Dibiase - Last Week NR - Picked up a win vs Drew and has a budding feud with Hunico.
10. Justin Gabriel - Last Week NR - He and Slater actually put on a pretty good match.  Hope he continues to get the TV time.  I honestly would not mind him getting a big push and challenged Cody for the IC title.  Plus he may have the best finished on Smackdown.

IMPACT
1. Robert Roode - Last Week 1 - Slowly becoming one of the best heels in the business.  Roode is becoming the go to man in TNA.
2. James Storm - Last Week 5 - The New #1 contender.  Had a pair of good bouts with Kurt Angle this week.
3. Jeff Hardy - Last Week 4 - The biggest draw that TNA has.  I look for him to somehow be put into the title match with Storm and Roode.  I look for Hardy to be the next TNA Heavyweight Champ.
4. Bully Ray - Last Week 3 - After a brutal loss to Abyss on Sunday.  Bully Ray made his presence known as he helped keep Hardy from winning the strap.
5. Kurt Angle - Last Week 2 - After losing to Storm on Thursday, I look for Angle to take more time off to focus on the Olympics.
6. Matt Morgan - Last Week NR - Morgan and Crimson won a pair of matches this week.  A budding feud with Joe and Magnus is on the horizon.
7. Crimson - Last Week NR - See write up for Matt Morgan.
8. Samoa Joe - Last Week 8 - Making a run for the tag titles.  Put a severe beat down on the champs this past Thursday.
9. Magnus - Last Week 9 - See write up for Samoa Joe.
10. Abyss - Last Week 6 - Picked up a big win vs Bully Ray on Sunday.  However the disappearance and absence from Thursday hurt him in my mind.  I know if is most likely part of the plan, but it did not work for me.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Make way for the Funkasauras

We all knew the debut of Brodus Clay was coming.  We didn't know when, but we knew sooner or later Clay was going to pop up on Raw.  Johnny Ace (in reality just creative failing to find anything for him to do after they stole his idea and put it on Mark Henry) delayed his delay and kept promising us his debut.
Photo Credit to WWE.com
Above is a picture of the Brodus Clay we all expected.  The one who finished 2nd on NXT.  The Brodus Clay who we all saw as Alberto Del Rio's Bodyguard.  The Clay who we recently saw killing people on Superstars.
Photo Credit to WWE.com
This is what we get?  The Funkasauras from Planet Funk?  With Ernest "The Cat" Millers theme music? Backup-Dancers?  The love child of Disco Inferno and King Kong Bundy?  Did anyone see this coming?

As wrong as it all may seem.......I LOVE IT.  It was nice to see something that no-one expected.  It is also nice to see a legit gimmick back in the WWE.  It was nice to see big Brodus enjoying himself.  It may be a goofy gimmick, but what is not to like?

Everyone needs to remember....The wrestler makes the gimmick, the gimmick doesn't make the wrestler.  I think Brodus can make it work.  It appeared that he was having fun on Monday night.  While on his entrance, while in the ring, and post match (even in the WWE.com exclusive) G-Rilla was smiling and having a good time.  Dude was even giving in ring commentary.

Plus do we really need another Monster Heel?  We already have plenty of them and it has been played out.  As much as I like Mark Henry and what he is doing, do we really need Clay to be Mark Henry 2.0?  I think Brodus can make this work.

Lets just say that for once I was excited because something happened that I didn't see coming.  Something completely un-expected.  WWE delivered!

As one final note........Somebody call my momma!!!!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Friday Night Power Rankings

Every Friday night I am going to be giving my power rankings for the week that was.  Everything prior to the previous Friday will be thrown out.  At the end of each month I will give overall rankings that encompass the entire year up to that point.  I will be ranking both WWE Brands and IMPACT.

Week 1-2012
RAW
1.     Chris Jericho - Had the best segment on RAW with his long awaited return.  The most talked            about man in wrestling right now.
2.     John Cena - Still the focus of Raw.  Involved in multiple segments and a very interesting ending of the show as his feud with Kane continues to heat up.
3.     Dolph Ziggler - Although it may have not been a clean win, a win over the champ shows that the WWE believes in Ziggler.  He may not win the title at the Rumble, but big things are ahead.
4.     Kane - Continues in one of the biggest storylines on Raw.  I have no idea where this feud with Cena will lead, but Kane is back to his old ways, which can only be a good thing.
5.     CM Punk - The champ lost in sem-controversial fashion to Ziggler, but the real story is the feud with Johnny Ace.  Seems like the WWE is giving us Austin/McMahon 2.0.
6.     Zack Ryder - The Woo Woo Kid once again main evented Raw.  He was also a key part of the Kane/Cena segment.  Also he got to "pound" Eve on national television.
7.     Jack Swagger - Swagger got to be a part of the main event, which is definitely better than where he was been.  It also appears a feud with Zack Ryder is on the way.
8.     R-Truth - Truth has kept the crazy gimmick while turning Face.  It appears to be working so far.  Only time will tell.  However I doubt that they let him go over Miz in this ongoing feud.
9.     The Miz - Miz's feud with R-Truth is in full swing after Truths hiatus.  Truth has got the best of him so-far.
10.   Santino Marella - After get squashed by Wade Barrett on Monday, Santino revenged that with a big win on Friday.  Although on the RAW Brand, The King of the Cobra is now the Assistant General Manager of Smackdown.  That spot worked out well for Ryder so only time will tell for Santino.

SMACKDOWN
1. Daniel Bryan - The Heavyweight Champ was the only man in the WWE to pick up 2 victories this week.  It appears that the powers that be may believe in the American Dragon.
2. Big Show - Show Main-Evented both shows this week.  It appears he is on route to a heel turn.
3. Cody Rhodes - Rhodes retained his IC title by defeating Booker T in Smackdowns Opener.  Cody continues his long title reign and appears to be on his way to a short feud with brother, Goldust.
4. Mark Henry - Despite being injured, Henry has still been a force.  He continues to mess with the Big Show which leads me to believe a Triple Threat for the World title may be upcoming.
5. Wade Barrett - The Barrett Barrage continued this week as Wade laid waste to Sheamus.  It looks like 2012 could be his year.
6. Sheamus - It took both Barrett and Mahal to take out Great White.  He is currently stuck in a story with Mahal.  Hopefully he can continue his momentum into the Royal Rumble.
7. Hunico - I am becoming a fan of Hunico.  It appears that the WWE Brass may also be a fan.  With the addition of Bodyguard Camacho I expect good things from the former Black Sin Cara.
8. Hornswoggle - Many may not be a fan of the little guy, but I always enjoy seeing him.  I know that we cant expect much more from him, but I am glad he is getting some good TV time.  He is always entertaining to me.
9. Jinder Mahal - Mahal got the best of Sheamus but only after Barrett had already done most of the damage.
10. Goldust - It appears a feud with baby brother is on the horizon.  I wish they could have done it at Wrestlemania but any time will be good.

IMPACT
1. Robert Roode
2. Kurt Angle
3. Brother Ray
4. Jeff Hardy
5. James Storm
6. Abyss
7. Gunner
8. Samoa Joe
9. Magnus
10. Eric Young

Please leave comments and let me know what you think.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Yoshi Tatsu vs Tyson Kidd

If you want to check out a quality match check out the latest WWE Superstars, which aired today.

Superstars

The match is the next to last match on the show.  Other matches were Evan Bourne vs Epico, Mason Ryan vs JTG, and the Main Event was Big Zeke Jackson vs Jinder Mahal.

The Tatsu/Kidd match was an excellent technical match.  It was relatively short, but both guys were excellent.  Both are two of the best pure wrestler currently in the WWE.   I would like to see both guys get a semi-push to at least be on TV a couple times a month.  Even if in a jobber type role they can be used effectively.  They can help other talents put on some good matches.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

5 Things I want from the WWE in 2012

In no particular order

1.  Keep Building the Tag Team Division
They have made strides lately with Air Boom and the team of Epico/Primo.  However the Tag Team division is still lacking.  There is so much young talent in the WWE right now that goes unused.  Tag Teams would be a great way to use them and give them proper TV time.  Tag Teams are a great way to build up young talent before giving them a singles push. 

2. Bring Back the Cruiserweight/Light Heavyweight Championship
This is another way to get some of the younger talent involved in something.  Plus some of the most exciting matches ever have happened with the small guys.  Give these guys a chance to show what they can do.

3. Bring Back the Manager
Vicki Guerrero is the only true manager in the WWE today.  I consider Rosa Mendes as more of a Valet for the tag team of Epico and Primo.  Some guys are great wrestlers but simply can not get it done on the mic.  Give some of these guys a manager and let them do the talking for them.  I am not really a fan of Vicki, but she is good at what she does.  She is a Heel manager and she can get heat faster than just about anyone else.  She is perfect in her current role.  She is the only reason the Jack Swagger is staying somewhat relevant.

4. Improve the Divas Division
I think this would first start with the removal of that God awful looking championship belt that Beth currently has.  The Divas belt is ugly.  I don't care if they go back to the Women's Championship or just redesign the current belt.  Change it.  
Bring in some legit wrestlers.  Some of the current Divas simply suck in the ring.  Some of them are improving but still cant get it done.  We have gone from a once great era or Women's wrestling to a Divas division that is a joke.

5. Legit Title Runs
Based on the numbers it looks like there were 8 or 9 WWE Champions in 2011 and the same number of World Heavyweight Champions.  All the constant title changes are doing is devaluing the titles.  It seems that with Mark Henrys recent run that things are changing.  He would still be holding the belt if he would not have got hurt.
They have stabilized the mid-card titles as well, with Cody Rhodes holding the IC title for a while.  Ziggler held the US title for a while, which helped make him a legit Main Event contender.  
Hopefully they can keep up the current trend and continue that into the new year.

Who is SHE??

Now that we know that Jericho is the mastermind behind the "It Begins" videos, there is still one question burning in my mind.   Who is SHE?

All of the videos referred to a She.  Even the new video that aired directly before Jericho showed up kept talking about a She.   Who is SHE? How long before we find out who SHE is?

This Jericho situation has many more questions to be answered.  I feel that him showing up last night was just the first step.  He revealed nothing last night, other than the fact that he is indeed going to be a heel.  Other than that everything is up in the air.

IMO, this is going to take a little bit of time to play out.  All the internet rumors point to Jericho v Punk at Wrestlemania.  If that is the case, which I hope it is, I don't think Jericho is immediately going to get involved with Punk.  If he was I believe he probably would have done so last night.  Punk has this little mini feud going on with Ziggler until the Rumble.  So I believe that this will play out until then.

Who is SHE?  I believe the she is Stephanie McMahon.  I don't know how they are going to work it, but that is my gut feeling.  If you remember back over the summer when Steph showed up and interacted with CM Punk, she made it seem like things were going to change.  This could be the change.  Maybe Stephanie is brining in Jericho to take the belt off of Punk.  Makes sense in my book.

Some people on the internet believe that SHE could be Lita.  Honestly I do not see that.  It would not make much sense to me.

Hopefully we get some answers in the weeks to come.  This has the possibility of being the most entertaining thing to happen on WWE TV in a long time.

Monday, January 2, 2012

RAW is Jericho....Again!!!

He is here to save us....again!!!!    At least that is what he wanted us all to think!

Chris Jericho made his return to the WWE on tonights episode of Monday Night Raw.  He was the man behind the "It Begins" promos that have been running the last couple of months.

The fact that Jericho made his return tonight is really not a big surprise.  Most people had already figured out that these videos were made for the return of Y2J.  However, many felt that they could also signal the return of the Undertaker!!  Lets just say that I am happy that they were not for the Undertaker.

Many people may not understand what happened tonight on Raw.  At first glance it may appear that either, A, Jericho got caught up in the moment and lost track of time or B, He got caught up and forgot his lines.

IMO neither of these are the case.  Jericho did exactly what he and the WWE had planned.  In one segment Jericho had the fans going nuts for his return to only end up having them boo him by the time he walked off.  That is exactly what he wanted.

Jericho is not coming back to save us.  As the videos said, He is coming back to claim what is his, the title of "Best in the World".  He is coming for one, CM Punk.  And in order to do this properly he must be a heel.  And tonight Jericho returned as a heel.

Jericho did not have to say anything.  He went from being the Savior to being booed within a few minutes without saying a word.  Simply Brilliant.

Welcome Back Y2J...cant wait to see what you have in store for us.