About Liz Savage

Liz Savage is a wrestling booker, former Independent wrestling manager, and occasional wrestler from NY, currently residing in Parts Unknown. Liz is the Digital Content Manager and staff writer for BetWrestling.

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WWE Axxess Report 3/30

As this is my first Wrestlemania trip, we are hitting up some of the events that WWE is doing leading up to the big event.

Yesterday we attended our first ever WWE Axxess event. What Axxess is, is basically a wrestling convention but done WWE style. There were autograph signings, live wrestling, interviews, and all kinds of interactive exhibits.

Some of the exhibits included: A Foam Pit Ring, The Elimination Chamber, A promo video booth, an superstar entrance way, The Undertaker entrance set, with druids, caskets, and all the creepy stuff to go along with it. Also there was the cage from WWE Fastlane, that Jericho was suspended in above the ring, so I locked my boss in it for good measure.

We only got opportunity to see a little bit of the wrestling, as there was a lot to look at, but we did catch Gallagher vs Davari, and it was a nice little match. I am really starting to dig Gallagher, he gets better and better with every match.

Also we got to see an interview with WWE Hall of Fame Alumni Alundra Blayze (Aka Madusa) about the current women’s division. Her insights were right on, and extremely inspiring.

#alundrablayze at #axxess on #womenswrestling #wrestlemania #RoadToWrestlemania #Wrestling

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We also got to see the unveiling of the Ric Flair bronze statue which was made by artist Karen Atta, who has also made statues of other WWEHOF members.

There is also a museum space set up with gear from Hall of Fame inductees past and present… here are a few of the displays that caught my eye.

Teddy Long’s Suit and Ref Gear

Rock N Roll Express Gear #axxess #wrestlemania #wwehalloffame #WWE

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Rock N Roll Express Gear

Ravishing Rick Rude Gear #axxess #wrestlemania #wwehalloffame #WWE

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“Ravishing” Rick Rudes Gear

Georgus Georges ring gear! #legends #wrestlemania #Axxess

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Gorgeous George’s Gear

Georgus Georges ring gear! #legends #wrestlemania #Axxess

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Harley Race and Ric Flair Ring Jackets

We also explored the massive WWE Pop Up Shop at the convention center… I really want some of those lunch boxes, they were probably my favorite thing there.

Again WWE has missed the mark on some of the womens shirts they have available, many of which have this weird beach tourist stand vibe, and at $30+ were ridiculously expensive for mid quality shirts. WWE could make more money from merch if it was more affordable to the masses. Just my opinion here as I know the costs involved in making merch, and at the level they make it, the cost vs what they make off the merch is an extremely large gap, and by lowering prices, they would probably sell double the amount of stuff. Not to mention there are great deals if you buy online this week from WWE Shop!

Also, it would have been nice for the ring to be more centered, so you could see the matches from the lines you were waiting in, and maybe slap hands with the wrestlers entering the ring. To me that would be the centerpiece of the event.

And lastly, getting people to pay for autographs of current talent seems to be a bit much, its understandable to pay for an 8 x 10, but you shouldn’t have to pay twice just to meet someone, especially current talent.

Overall it was fun, and definitely would have been more exciting if I was a casual fan, and not someone who works in the industry. They need to add contests, and I would have loved to see a set up to play WWE2k17 as well as a booth to make your character and upload it to play with.

I am glad I got to experience this first hand, and see the displays in person, because it’s just something you have to do at least once.

For more photos and videos make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @BetWrestling

And don’t forget, you can get WWE Hall Of Fame 2017, and Wrestlemania for FREE as part of your first month of WWE Network!

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My first trip to Wrestlemania

So as I write this I am sitting at the airport, and my plane has been delayed. But I have to say I am super duper stoked for this trip!

Update:
The delay wasn’t so bad, and despite being miffed they ended up making me check my carry on, it all worked out.

We rented a place by a lake for the week, so its incredibly quiet and perfect for work when we aren’t out and about. Since I live in LA, I got used to hearing helicopters, sirens, car alarms, and other nonsense all night, out here its just us and the crickets.

We officially get started tomorrow, and have events lined up all day. First we will be headed to PromoterCon, then we are headed to WrestleMania Axxess which is like WWE’s version of a wrestling convention, and then I hear we may hit the ROH show up, which would would be great first day out. We plan on hitting quite a few of the independent events up that are happening including “Brian Christopher’s Too Sexy Wrestlemania Party” On Friday night.

The WWE events we will be attending this week are Axxess on Thursday, Hall of Fame on Friday, Wrestlemania on Sunday, RAW on Monday, and Smackdown Live on Tuesday.

To follow all the fun, make sure you follow us on social media @BetWrestling on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat! Feel free to hit us up to hang out!

RAW
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Monday Night RAW 3/27/17

Its the last RAW before WRESTLEMANIA! So stoked… I catch my flight on Wednesday and am really looking forward to the trip.

The show kicks off with a promo by Bayley, which is interrupted by Charlotte, who is interrupted by Sasha Banks, then Nia Jaxx comes out to add her two sense. Have I told you all how much I love Nia, cause I do. She needs to take this belt on Sunday!!!
The promo turns into an impromptu fight, which is fine as they are scheduled for a tag match next on RAW.  We come back, Bayley and Sasha are teamed against Charlotte and Nia Jaxx. All I can think while watching this, is if they don’t put the belt on Nia, they are tripping. Bayley takes the pin with her Belly to Bayley on Charlotte. Nia Jaxx beats up Sasha and Bayley after the match, then attacks Charlotte for good measure. Overall this match was meh… I hope they really bring it at Mania.

We come back, and its Austin Aries vs Noam Dar with Alicia Foxx and Neville is on commentary. Gonna watch rather than write… Aries by submission. I love watching him wrestle, hence why I don’t write much when he does. Watch 205Live….

Seth Rollins hobbles out on his crutch, and limps his way to the ring. Yo bro.. you don’t lead with your injured leg up the steps… just saying. Time to sign his liability waiver/hold harmless agreement, which makes me ask, as independent contractors, don’t they always sign these?  HHH comes out and tells him to sit down in the chair, and he cannot attack him, or no Wrestlemania match, and after he signs it, nothing until then. He then goes on and on about whats in the contract… HHH says a one legged man has never won the ass kicking contest ever, which is dead wrong, as he clearly doesn’t remember employing Zack Gowan.  Seth finally gets the mic and keeps it really real. This is a decent promo, considering I hate long promos. Of course HHH attacks Rollins right after the agreement is signed… They fight back and forth, Rollins tosses HHH to the floor, when HHH tries to re-enter the ring, Rollins hit him with the crutch.

The Big Show vs Jinder Mahal in an over the top rope challenge, Mahal is tossed out immediately. Bo Dallas comes out next, and is tossed out, then out comes The Shining Stars, 2 on 1, they are both tossed out by TBS net is Golddust, Curtis Axl ad R Truth, and everyone else jumps back in to try to throw TBS out. TBS comes back and lays out everyone. Then Braun Strowman’s music hits. He says if he wanted to he would go down and Kick TBS’s ass right now, he does what he wants so we have to wait till Wrestlemania.

Neville vs Jack Gallagher another match I rather watch then write about…. I enjoy watching these guys a lot, and Gallagher has just the right amount of comedy shtick for me. That umbrella spot. Neville wins by submission. Really looking forward to the CW championship match at mania. It may be MOTN.

Roman Reigns comes out, gets boo’s hard. (its Philly, and he’s come to talk about beating the Undertaker) He talks for a bit… then there is this voice over on the titantron with a graveyard, but it doesn’t sound like the Undertaker, it sounds like Kermit the Frog. Why does the Undertaker sound like Kermit the frog? And of course the arena goes dark and Taker is suddenly in the ring, and now sounds like Rolph the dog. Is he secretly moonlighting as a muppet? Whats wrong with his voice? Please retire Taker. Please. I don’t want to remember you a sad crippled old man like Rick Flair.

Enzo and Big Cass vs Gallows and Anderson but Cesaro and Sheamus come out and beat Gallows and Anderson with a ladder before they can get to the ring, as payback for a backstage attack earlier. All the men are now in the ring, with the ladder… its a clusterfuck. Gallows and Anderson get control of the ladder and lay everyone out.

Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn in a no DQ match, if Zayn loses to Owens he is out of Wrestlemania and a job from what it sounds like. Zayn holds up well to the abuse Owens puts him through. Both men are down and Samoa Joe comes, out, followed by Chris Jericho. who cracks Joe with a chair. Zayn rolls up Owens while he is distracted by Jericho at ringside, then Owens begins to pound on Zayn again, and Jericho comes in and beats Owens with a chair, then cuts a promo on him.

Paul Heyman comes out with Brock Lesner to hype up the Main Event at Wrestlemania vs Goldberg… Honestly this match is the one I could care the least about. But I do like listening to Heyman talk. After a good 5 minute promo, Goldberg makes his way to the ring, and Lesner goes for him, but Goldberg spears him, and takes him out.

Next Sunday is Wrestlemania, make sure you follow our adventures on social media, @BetWrestling on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat!

And Subscribe to the WWE Network to watch Wrestlemania for FREE!

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WWE Fastlane Results

The last PPV  on the WWE Network before Wrestlemania, and here are the results:

Preshow Match: Swann and Towzowa win, Only caught the end of this match, and sad I missed it.

Sami Zayn vs Samoa Joe – Joe went for Sami as soon as he got into the ring. Joe kicks at Sami over and over, showing he is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Zayn tried a shoulder tackle, but it all goes wrong from there. Surprisingly Zayn is holding in there despite the beating he is taking.  Samoa Joe seems more brutal than ever. Zayn tries hard for a comeback, even gets Joe off his feet. But he stupidly attempts to go to the top rope, though he fights Joe off, but Joe still avoids his tomfoolery and gets a atomic drop to a 2 count. Joe gets another 2 count pinfall and there is some more back and forth in the match. Zayn gaining control again tried a sunset flip off the top, but it didnt work out, and Joe once again gains control and gets Zayn into submission. Samoa Joe by Submission.

Big Cass and Enzo Amore Vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (C) for the Raw Tag Team titles – Enzo comes out and cuts a larger than life promo as usual. I love these guys. Big Cass really took to to Anderson, Too distracted to write about this match, but its a lot of great back and forth. Enzo alost has a pin but it is broken up, and in the ensuing chaos, Gallows and Anderson retain the belts.

Nia Jax Vs Sasha Banks – Nia Jax is absolutely dominating this match as I thought would happen in my predictions. Every time Sasha seems like she may have a chance, she gets torn back down, or stopped in her tracks. Sasha attempts high flying moves, submissions, and everything in her arsenal but nothing seems to work against Nia. When all seemed bleak Sasha Banks managed to roll Nia Jax into a small package for the win. Wow. What a match!!!

Cesaro Vs Jinder Mahal- This match up is pretty evenly matched. I probably won’t write much, as I rather watch it to be honest. IMO both of these guys are under appreciated, dominating forces in the WWE. Its great to see such big guys who move like they do. Cesaro picks up the win, and Jinder Mahal gets beat up at the hands of Rusev.

The Big Show comes to the ring, the bell rings, and we are now watching him tear Rusev apart. Rusev is usually pretty tough but TBS is making easy work of him. Rusev still has a bit of fight in him. Rusev almost gets a submission but TBS gets out, and wrecks him with a huge side slam. Rusev goes to the outside, but TBS drags him back by his hair, Rusev gets over for a second, but it doesnt last long. Rusev takes over by taking the big man down at the knees. Rusev gains the advantage and it looks bad for TBS but TBS comes back, and destroys Rusev, punches him out, and picks up the win.

Gentleman Jack Gallagher Vs Neville (C) for the Crusierweight Championship – Neville is pissed like a minute into the match, as Gallagher is pulling his goofy shit. Again too distracted by the actual match to give a play by play, but this has been extremely fast paced, and entertaining. I really dig watching both these guys work. Neville’s finisher is SIIIIIIIIIICK! He retains his belt. This was MOTN so far in my opinion.

Paul Heyman comes out and promotes Brock Lesner… That’s the sound of no one caring…

Its The New Day! And they have a bicycle powered ice cream cart, with a huge umbrella. New Day Pops! I wonder if they will be for sale at Mania?

Roman Reigns Vs Braun Strowman – Holy hell Strowman is powerful. This match is reminiscent of the women’s match earlier, as Reigns is getting no love, and gaining no traction. I thought these guys may break an announce table, but now I feel like they may just destroy the ring. These guys both move incredibly well for their size. It looks bad for Reigns, Strowman has worn him down. And Strowman goes the Spanish announce table…  but Reigns cuts him off. they are back in the ring, and shocking Reigns is still on his feet and in control. Strowman tried for a choke slam but Reigns cuts him off and gives him a back drop. Reigns goes for the superman punch, is cut off and cut down. Both men back to the outside, and Reigns end up through the table! What do I win? lol Strowman throws Reigns back into the ring, but Reigns gets the spear on him. Strowman kicks out. Reigns gets two Superman punches in but than gets cut off again. Somehow Strowman gets on the top rope but it doesn’t end well for him, and Reigns takes the opportunity to pick up the victory.

Charlotte Flair Vs Bayley(c) for the Raw Women’s Championship- Both women look ready to fight. This match is back and forth with ferocity, but no matter how she tries, Charlotte cannot gain the upper hand, Bayley is fighting her move for move. Watching this match makes me incredibly happy for where we are right now in women’s wrestling. (in fact overall the women’s division has become really fun to watch). Charlotte escapes to the outside, much like her father would, and Bayley takes the bait and follows. She gets cut off and Charlotte tosses her back in the ring to put the boot to her. No matter how Bayley tries to counter, Charlotte has gained control of the match and isn’t giving in easily. Charlotte is straight up punishing Bayley, with submission holds, and the simple fact that she can easily overpower her. Bayley isn’t giving up easily. Charlotte is running her through the ringer. Poor Bayley. She isn’t having a very easy time holding onto her belt. She better dig deep and find that heart that loves wresting so much that she would take this abuse. Bayley gets a second wind, and manages to turn things in her favor. She gets a 2 count on Charlotte. Bayley tries to set Charlotte up in the corner, but Charlotte is still too with it to go down without a fight. Bayley goes to the top, but Charlotte takes her down. Its back and forth, Charlotte climbs to the top, Bayley flips her off the top, but only gets a two count. Charlotte cuts her off again.  Charlotte begins talking to herself in the ring, and almost gets rolled up. She fights Bayley off again, sending Bayley to the outside. Charlotte goes to the top, but Sasha Banks runs out and rips her off the corner, and gives her a few good punches. Bayley gets a few more moves in on Charlotte, and it ends with a suplex, and Bayley retains her championship. With the interference will she get her title stripped like Naomi did? Seriously…

Kevin Owens (c) Vs Goldberg -Does anyone really care? I don’t, but Ill write the result when the match is done…Huge Shock Goldbeg Wins!

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My #WWEFastlane Predictions

Despite what the odds say, we always like to predict for the upcoming PPV’s. WWE Fastlane is tomorrow, here are my thoughts!

Predictions:

Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa vs. The Brian Kendrick & Noam Dar (Kickoff Match)
I am really looking forward to this match up, as I love watching these guys wrestle. These are all well rounded workers, but from recent WWE TV we can see that Kendrick and Dar, don’t seem to care much for rules. So I give it to Swann and Tozawa by DQ.

Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax
Nia Jax is a powerful and intimidating force in the WWE women’s division. Sasha Banks, the former champion, has a lot to overcome in this battle. Can she outwit Jax, as she certainly cannot overpower her. I give this one to Nia Jax

Raw Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass
Have I told you guys how much I hate the gimmick of Gallows and Anderson? I really really hate their appearance. They look like neo nazi’s. Despite my hating on their gimmick, I do like watching them wrestle. I think this match is going to be one of the highlights of the night. Cass and Amore may be able to overcome Gallows and Anderson based on their strong bond as tag team partners, and friends, as long as they are careful that Amore doesn’t get cornered by Gallows and Anderson, as they would quickly undo him. I give this to Big Cass and Enzo Amore, to capture the tag championship!

Cruiserweight Champion Neville vs. Jack Gallagher
This match has interference written all over it. If these two get through the entire match without Dar or Kendrick interfering I would be shocked. That being said, I also wonder if Gallagher’s unorthodox style is enough to overcome Neville who seems to be the most powerful cruiser weight in the division.  I think Neville will retain the Cruiserweight championship.

Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe
I know people love Samoa Joe, and I do not deny he is a good wrestler, but I never got the hype. These guys should work well off each other, I see a lot of back and forth in this match as long as Zayn doesn’t allow himself to be overpowered early on. I think Samoa Joe will win this match up.

Raw Women’s Champion Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair
Charlotte is hungry to regain the Women’s Championship. Will Bayley be able to overcome Charlotte’s well known history of following in her fathers cheating footsteps. Charlotte will try to capture the belt by any means necessary, I see Charlotte taking the win, and potentially facing Nia Jax at Wrestlemania.

Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
These two are going to tear the building down. I have a feeling at least one announce table will be destroyed during this match, and these two will brawl where ever they see fit. It’s hard for me to determine who will win this match up, but I am personally pulling for Reigns.

Universal Champion Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg
I hate to keep complaining, but Goldberg is still hella boring. I really could care less about this match. I choose Owens, because putting the title on Goldberg seems hella stupid. But this being WWE they might just do that.

 To see the latest odds click here and to get WWE Fastlane and more great contact get the WWE Network today! 

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Liz Savage Joins the RCWO

Many times over the years friends have created me as a wrestler in their video games! Here is the latest incarnation!

And the first match the Liz Savage Character competed in, for the division
(Please excuse the streaming issues)

If you would like your content featured, email me at lizsavage@betwrestling.com

Thanks to RussianSnake for the videos!

Find WWE2K17 on WWEShop!

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Wrestling With Depression

I am writing this as not only an editorial, but a personal piece. Let’s be real, we have all either suffered from bouts of depression, or know someone who has. Depression comes in many forms, with many faces. Some are able to hide it, and smile and be active. Some folks hide in their beds. Others just barely are able to do the bare minimum to survive.

Depression can last a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, months or a whole lifetime, depending on what environmental and chemical factors are in play. Some folks do well on medicine, others are sick of being zombies, or guinea pigs  for the pharmaceutical companies. Some turn to “drugs” or alcohol to self medicate. Others are fitness junkies, workaholics, or seem to be addicted to something whether it be gambling, gaming, or sexual behaviors.

This is something we have seen in wrestling, but maybe have not recognized as being related to depression. Not only that but the link between tramatic brain injuries and depression. From TramaticBrainInjury.net:

“…major depressive disorder (MDD) may be the most common and challenging mental health condition that patients encounter following a TBI—53.1% of TBI patients in the study experienced MDD at least once in the first year after their injury. Another study showed that suicidal thoughts and attempts are also common reactions to TBI—23% of the participants had thoughts of suicide, while 17% actually attempted suicide after their injury. These higher rates of suicidal behaviors may also be connected to MDD following TBI.”

How many of us have had TBI?  I know I gave myself a concussion for sure once, I have it on video… Botched sunset flip, I had never done one on a person my height before, and landed right on my head… Warning graphic video!

The night of this injury my head was severely swollen, but the roads were also incredibly icy. Power lines were down, it was late, and going to the hospital in a state I did not live in did not sound fun. So I went home with my friends, and stayed up all night watching cartoons with their cat, with ice on my head, propped up so I wasn’t laying down, as we looked up what to do in case of head injury. By the next day I felt better, but my head hurt, and was swollen and bruised. I took at least two months off from in ring work, and a couple weeks off managing, until the bruising went down.

The thing is, I never felt the same again. I have had issues with short term memory loss since then, something was never an issue for me before this. I also have noticed in the years since this happened, my anxiety issues grew, as did my depression. It became hard to do many of the day to day activities I had done in the past. It has become hard to interact with people, to be cheery, and even to feel that my work had any merit. I started to feel stagnant in my jobs, and went back to working with animals full time, training horses, teaching riding lessons, and other farm related duties. I also found solace in doing office work, and writing. But working with people became problematic, as I had developed even more social anxieties.

It took a while for me to notice how my interactions with other humans were becoming an issue for me. Sometimes I blank out, or can’t focus, sometimes my reactions seem rude, even if I do not perceive them as such. I seem short with people or even angry when I speak. I don’t mean to, but it just happens.
Learning to notice this is happening was not an easy task, and I still struggle with this at times, so I tend to limit my interactions with people when I am feeling stressed out, as no good can come from it.

When i started recognizing these issues, I also started reading more on TBI, and its effects on people in the long term, and there has been some research done on the potential for these issues to become worse over time. This makes me think of Chris Benoit who in 2007, shockingly killed his wife Nancy (Aka Woman) and his young son, before killing himself. This was shocking to not only wrestling fans, but the entire wrestling community. It was so horrendous, that WWE doesn’t list him on any of the WWE Network programming, nor is he mentioned on the website, his wins, championships, and all have been erased from the history books, as if he never existed.

At least 21 known professional wrestlers have committed suicide. This list doesn’t account for lesser known independent wrestlers who may have taken their own lives. Chris Kanyon was 40 when he committed suicide in 2010. He came out as gay in 2004, at first claiming it was a gimmick, then admitting it was true. Another notable suicide was that of “Sweet And Sour” Larry Sweeney in 2011. He suffered from Bi polar depression, and in 2009 had a breakdown, he was quite open about. Larry was not only a great wrestler, but an inspiring personality, and it seemed unreal to wrestling fans that a man who cut such engaging promo’s, was suffering from serious mental health issues.

Whether or not these suicides were the product of head injuries, or other issues can never truly be determined. What we can do is look for signs of depression, check in with each other. Also those of us who put ourselves into the ring, should think about wearing protective head gear during training at the very least, and should take an honest look at the danger we put ourselves in for what generally very little compensation. Even those who make it to the top, won’t be able to undo damage done to their bodies. We all need to look out for ourselves and each other.

A good resource to learn how to support those in crisis can be found through the Icarus Project at:  http://icarus.poivron.org/uploads/2015/02/FMTBM_final_wcovers.pdf

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NXT TakeOver: San Antonio

So the Royal Rumble has me pretty excited about wrestling right now, and I have access to the WWE Network, so I’ve been trying to catch up on what I have been missing out on.

Tonight I watch the NXT TakeOver and give you my thoughts.

Here is the line up from WWE.com

NXT General Manager William Regal has revealed the following match card for this incredible event:

NXT Championship Match
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Bobby Roode (PREVIEW)

NXT Women’s Championship Fatal 4-Way Match
Asuka (c) vs. Billie Kay vs. Peyton Royce vs. Nikki Cross (PREVIEW)

NXT Tag Team Championship Match
#DIY (c) vs. The Authors of Pain w/Paul Ellering (PREVIEW)

Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young (PREVIEW)

Roderick Strong vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas (PREVIEW)

 

 

I will update each match review as they happen! Keep in mind, I haven’t seen anything but bits and pieces of NXT in years…

Tye Dillinger vs Eric Young –

Dillinger goes after him right away, frankly the match is too fast to do a play by play.  Eric young is getting his ass handed to him or so it seems. Dane took Dillinger out and Young did a sweet top rope elbow drop. I guess he’s got his bearings back. This is a great match, sad I been missing this! There is a lot of interference from ringside, and Dillinger takes them out from the top rop to the outside, this match ends with Eric Young pinning Dillinger.
Really gotta catch up on whats going on here, but so far I am digging this show.

Roderick Strong vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas – It”s nice to see Roderick Strong on TV. This match is very back and forth  with a very classic wrestling type feel. The match starts with some grappling back and forth. Almas and Strong are a good matchup. Those kicks to the face Roderick gives are still just as impressive as I remember. Almas is great in his roll, with hair pulling, slapping, chocking with the boots. I like this guy’s style. He gets Strong into a submission hold in the ropes, not to win but to do some damage. Almas gets the first cover and a 2 count. He tries to get a submission on strong but it didn’t work, a lot more back and forth and Strong gets the second pin attempt in the match another two count. This match is definitely engaging to the point its hard to write. Almas goes for a second pin, two count again.  We have both men down, the ref is counting, both get back to their feet, Strong takes control but is counter by Almas. Almas gets Strong in another double arm lock. Strong gets out with a foot on the rope. Crowd chants “This is Awesome” I agree. Strong gives Almas a backbreaker on the turnbuckle, and goes for another pin. 2 count. Almas still down Strong picks him up for his finisher, but is cut off… more back and forth. Strong ends it with a boot to the face to win.

When we come back from break Michael Hayes is at ringside. Then we go into some ridiculously long promo/flashback videos.

Next match up is #DIY (c) vs. The Authors of Pain w/Paul Ellering – The Authors of Pain come out first, and honestly its pretty awesome to see a monster tag team with a diabolical manager. Pro wrestling need that. #DIY come to the ring, Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano both made waves in the independents. It feels like WWE bought ROH one wrestler at a time…
Not even going to try to do a play by play her but will give you the highlights. The Authors of Pain are huge, but I am not sure they can out wrestle #DIY by the looks of them. They both weigh over 300lbs… Rezar is pretty agile for a big man, the commentators said he has a martial arts background. Gargano is taking a beating. Gargano takes both of the AOP out by diving onto them from the ring, on opposite sides of the ring. Gargano gets a busted face, why is he still in? Tag out fool. Paul Ellering is contributing to the mayhem, so Ciampa has yet to have been officially tagged in. AOP is keeping Gargano in their corner now that they have him. I’m really digging AOP but they need new gear. Something meaner.Gargano is still trying for that tag, but nope. Gargano is taking a beating. Gargano finally gets the tag after running one of the AOP into the steel post. Ciampa comes out on fire. He takes on both AOP at once. tried to get a pin but only a 2 count. Ciampa gets cut off and almost pinned by Akam. Ciampa tags gargano for a double spear, but Akam kicks out again, Rezar is down at ringside. Gargano tossed out,. but Ciampa is the legal man, Rezar tagged back in for a huge neckbreaker but Ciampa kicks out. Another pin on Akam, Both teams are in the ring double submission, Rezar picks up Gargano and throw him on the other two. Crowd is chanting “The is awesome again” they like this more than RAW…. The authors of pain put a beating on Ciampa, and give him “The Final Chapter” to pin him for the win. Authors of Pain are your new NXT Tag Champions.

Seth Rollins comes out and says he’s taking this bitch over. Hell yeah. He calls HHH out, and HHH comes out then is surrounded by security. Boo what kinda punk ass shit is this? He sends security after Rollins who takes his shirt off and beats the shit out of all of them, then more security on the way up the ramp. Hes got 6 or 7 guys on him, crowds screaming “let him go.” Refs come out, they push him up the ramp, crowd is shouting “BULLSHIT”. Now they are chanting “We Want Rollins”

Next match is a fatal 4 way match for the NXT Womens Championship. Asuka (c) vs. Billie Kay vs. Peyton Royce vs. Nikki Cross – Nikki Cross comes to the ring first, shes pretty intimidating. She reminds me of a young Amy Lee. Nect are Billie Kay and Peyon Royce. Askuka comes to the ring last, her ring coat is dope. She is the undefeated NXT Women’s Champion. She doesn’t have to be involved in the pinfall to lose the championship in this match. No count outs no DQ’s.
Nikki and Asuka start it off, the other wait to get involved for a moment before attacking. Asuka takes everyone out. Nikki is ranting at Asuka but Billie and Peyton get back into it. They do a dope double german suplex. Nikki and Asuka are going at it one on one again. Asuka gets first pin attempt on Nikki but she kicks out. These two are going at it and the Australian girls are nowhere to be found. Nikki is now in control and is abusing Askula, giving her a knarly neckbreaker off the apron  taking her out, then does a top rope cross body onto Billie and Peyton. The brawl goes outside the ring, to the announce table. Peyton and Billie give Nikki a big suplex to a table near the announce table. Nikki is out, Peyton and Billie go after Asuka, realizing she is still down. They both try to pin Asuka but Asuka gets up, Nikki still hasn’t moved. Peyton almost pins Asuka but she bridges out. Asuka takes both of the Australian girls gown, and retains her belt. Nikki Cross is still down, but eyeing Asuka as she walks up the ramp.

There is an appearance by UK champ Tyler Bate

Next up is NXT Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Bobby Roode – Roode comes to the ring. Nakamura has an super elaborate entrance. Nakamura seems pretty confident in an overtly sarcastic way. God that is one ugly title belt… you sure you guys want that? Nakamura and Roode stare each other down. Roode has sequins from his jacket stuck to him… lol.
The first move is by Roode, but it is back and forth from standing to on the ground. Nakamura seems to be toying with Roode. Roode starts to toy with him by acting like hes going to get out of the ring. Nakamura grabs Roode in a waist lock, but Roode breaks it on the rops and takes over. He gets Nakamura into a submission hold but Nakamura gets out and verses, but still doesn’t get the upper hand. The crowd is clapping trying to get behind the champ. Nakamura comes back, and begins to take over the match. Roode rolls to the outside, Nakamura follows, giving the fans an up close and personal with Roode’s face, before bringing him back to the ring. Roode turns it around and Nakamura takes a nasty fall off the top rope to the floor backwards. Roode stays on him, tossing him into the stairs. Poor Nakamura. Roode pulls him to the ring to try to cover him, but only a 2 count. Crowd is cheering Nakamura on. as Roode continues to assault the champion. Nakamura builds up again, this match is too interesting for play by play. Roode cuts him off again and attempts a pin. gets 2 count. The crowd is super pumped for this match. Roode tries to suplex Roode of the top but Nakamura throws him off and drop kicks him.  Nakamura tried to get in into the corner but Roode gains control again or so Nakamura wants him to think. Nakamura takes back control over the match stomping the shit outta Roode. Nakamura does some crazy shit into an arm bar, but since he cant lock that in he goes for the triangle but hes is outpowered b Roode. Nakamura gives Roode this wicked sliding kick to the face, covers him, but only a 2 count. Nakamura goes to the top, Roode rolls outta the ring, Nakamura jumps to the outside hitting Roode in the heard, but hurting his knee in the process, They get back in the ring, Nakamura gives Roode the “Final Blow” but can’t get to cover Roode because of his knee. Nakamura wants to continue, the trainer doesn’t want to let him, but he does anyway Roode gives Nakamura a DDT but Nakamura kicks out. Roode goes after the hurt knee and works it hard in a submission, but Nakamura fights out of it. Roode gives him another big suplex and gets the 3 count, making Bobby Roode your new NXT Champion.

Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this. I cannot believe I have been missing out on this and will try to stay current with this brand. I’m also digging 205 Live. You can watch all this. The Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania and more on the WWE Network.

 

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Smackdown Live Results 1/24

Somehow I found myself watching Smackdown Live tonight. Honestly I could not tell you the last time I watched Smackdown, but here goes…

We open with The Miz complaining to Daniel Brian about not having a private locker room…. talk about privilege. Maryse looks nice though, I always dig her outfits. She may very well be the best dressed woman in wrestling, ever.
Daniel Brian tells him he gets his shot at Dean Ambrose tonight, Miz asks for a no DQ match, but DB has a much better idea, a LUMBERJACK MATCH! I like this very much.

Backstage with Randy Orton, he;s asked whats up with him and The Wyatt Family, He says “If you can’t beat them join them”. Weird.

Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Randy Orton make their way to the ring. I don’t get Bray Wyatt, I’ve seen him wrestle plenty, his gimmick is lame and so are his terrible fake dreadlocks. Where is Beefcake when we need him? So Randy Orton is going to fight Luke Harper, apparently this has been brewing for months. Wyatt is at ringside in a rocking chair. They lock up and struggle with each other for control. They do this back and forth, Harper takes a shoulder tackle and powders from the ring. Orton follows, and gets cracked in the ribs by Harper… Harper tosses him back in the ring, and takes control but Orton quickly cuts him off.
Harper get tossed over the top, when he gets back in Orton gives him the DDT. Harper rolls from the ring yet again. Orton chases out of him, gives him  nice backdrop on the barricades, then again on the Spanish announce table, but Harper jumps up and kicks Orton in the face and falls back down. Wyatt gets out of his rocking chair and makes his way over the the action. He picks up Orton and rolls him back into the ring. The count is almost over, but Wyatt throws Harper into the ring as well, just in time.  Oh a mid match commercial break… my least favorite thing! (Hey I am actually liking this match ok?)
We return from break and Harper has Orton in a chokehold in the middle of the ring. Orton works out of it, to only get body slammed. Harper attempts to go to the top, Orton follows him, and gives Harper the superplex off the 2nd rope. Cover by Orton but Harper gets out at the 2 count. More back and forth until Orton powerslams Harper, but again he escapes the pin. Harper gets a michnoku driver on Orton, but Orton kicks out. Orton tried RKO but gets cut off, Harper again almost pins Orton. Harper sets up Orton for some finisher but Orton gets out and gives him the RKO for the 3 count. Wyatt sits and rocks in the chair. Wyatt gets in the ring, helps Harper up. then knocks him out. Poor Luke Harper.

We come back from commercial Renee welcomes Mickie James to the ring. Renee asks Mickie a question, but Mickie starts by talking about her winning the Championship from Trish Stratus, and she is a 5 time champion. Mickie talks about how her accomplishments came way before these women today. That her accomplishments were being buried, but Alexa Bliss was the one person to fight the “Women’s Revolution”. Mickie goes on to talk about how Alexa was the only one to know who she was, and if it wasn’t for her she wouldn’t be standing in the ring right now.  Forget about the revolution this is about Mickie James.  Becky Lynch runs out from the locker room and attacks her but Alexa Bliss runs in from the crowd and attacks Lynch as she chases James.  They then bring Lynch to the ring to further abuse Lynch. Poor Becky. Mickie James grabs the mic again to say something about always being one step ahead.

Returning from the break we are in a store with James Ellsworth and Carmella, shes going to try to get him some clothes… Ellsworth is excited to pick out clothes himself. He comes out wearing acid wash jeans, then a weird sweater, then a lumber jack, then the jeans an a women;s shirt.. sigh. Then Ellsworth Presley, then a pimp, then a red turtleneck. This is ridiculous. Carmella tells him no to all his choices.. She then dresses him like Rob Dyrdek in Gold Lame. eww.

After yet another break we are back, 10 man over the top challenge to get an entry into the match. Don’t expect me to know what is going on here…. The Vaudvillians are out first. then Curt Hawkins, then then, some Victor of Ascension,  then Heath Slater, then Rhyno and Connor. Poor Rhyno. Fandango eliminated by his partner, and Mojo Rawley eliminated Tyler Breeze for the win. Except for Rhyno, and Heath Slater, I have no idea who any of these people are.

Cut to earlier today, an interview with Nikki Bella out by the staging trucks, she gets attacked by Natalya. Yay Nattie kick her ass.

AJ Styles comes to the ring to cut a promo about the Rumble, then John Cena comes to the ring, but AJ refuses to let him speak, then shows a clip from the Today show where John Cena is comparing the match to the super bowl, as its Patriots vs Falcons… A guy from Boston vs A guy from Atlanta. AJ Styles is way madder than I ever remember him. I like him much better this way. He tells Cena no one missed him, crowd starts chanting Cena… Styles said he just didn;t take his space, he replaced him. Ouch. Ok this promo is way too long I don’t care anymore, Cena gets the mic, no idea what he is saying as I am fast forwarding through this… No… Just no. Why can’t we just fight people????

Back from break, Kalisto vs Dolph Ziggler.  Ziggler takes over early in the match but Kalisto cuts him off with his fast paced lucha moves sadly it doesn’t save him from a quick finish. Was that even a 3 count ref? Ziggler talking shit to JBL when Apollo Crews comes out and nails him with a chair. Ha!

The announce team say Natalya is fighting next, but honestly they are some nervy assholes alluding to her state of mental health. Mental health isn’t a joke. I hope Nattie fucks the announcers up more than Nikki Bella at this point.

Back from yet another break, Naomi dances her way to the ring, Natties music hits but instead they cut to Nikki Bella attacking Natalya backstage. Naomi says its not going down like that, shes not leaving until someone steps up to fight her. Alexa Bliss’s music hits, She says shes not out here to answer a challenge from nobody, makes fun of Naomi for not being on tv for 3 months, and asks her who she thinks she is. Naomi, says come down here, she will show her exactly who she is, and that she will be the new champion. Alexa gets on the apron then jumps back down and says Naomi isn’t worth her time. Booo. I hope when Naomi gets her hands on her she kicks her ass.

Time for The Miz vs Dean Ambrose (ICC) for the Intercontinental Championship. Its a lumberjack match so all the other guys on the roster are at ringside, to basically fuck em up,  or throw them back in, either way. The match starts with Ambrose taking lead but it switches up quick. The Miz keeps trying to throw Ambrose to the lumberjacks so he doesn’t have to do the work. Ambrose fights him back, and clotheslines him over the top rope, and the lumberjacks jump him hard, they hate the Miz… and another mid match commercial. WTF. We come back and Miz and Ambrose are on the second rope, nothing good comes of it, and Ambrose ends up getting pulled out of the ring y the lumberjacks, but manages a quick roll up when he gets back int he ring. Ambrose is back outside, thrown back in after a short beating. Miz gets a 2 count. Ambrose is taking a beating, but we seen him come back from worse. Ambrose gets another roll up 2 count on the Miz, Ambrose ends up back outside again, and gives Miz the Lunatic Fringe Elbow from the top, but Miz kicks out. When they both get up Ambrose is fired up he throws the Miz out, and then jumps on him and the limberjacks. Maryse grabs the leg of Ambrose as he tries to get on the ring, and miz gets another 2 count on him. Both men ae down, Ambrose is beat up, takes a couple of big drop kicks from Miz, then dodges the third, Miz to the outside, getting beat by lumberjacks, but Ambrose goes for the elbow on the pile and takes everyone out. Ambrose grabs the Miz, throw him back in the ring, quick in roll up back and forth,  then when Ambrose is about to pin the Miz, the lumberjacks take over the ring beat Ambrose, after the ring is cleared mix tries a quick pin, but it doesn’t work, Ambrose reverses, gives him a finisher, and retains the belt.

Overall it wasn’t bad, just too many commercial breaks. Remember this weekend you can catch the Royal Rumble on the WWE Network!

RAW
Features / RAW , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Raw Results 1/23

Show opens with…. A PROMO! Sigh. Apparently Owens and Reigns will have a rematch for the title tonight or something… don’t know, not sure if I care…

Tonight… GOLDBERG is here! I could care less!!!

The RAW Tag Team Champions Ceasaro and his partner Sheamus hit the ring their opponents are Gallows and Anderson again? Oh this match is Cesaro vs Gallows in a singles match… After a bunch of nonsense, Gallows picks up the win. He didn’t deserve it. But Cesaro made him look good.

Backstage Mick Foley is talking to Stephanie McMahon about the title match tonight, Sami Zayn comes in to ask about his spot in the Rumble, but Stephanie tells him he has to earn his way in by beating Seth Rollins tonight. Stephanie asks to be taken off speaker phone. Mick agrees to tell Seth something…

Back from commercial, Interview with Bayley about her match with Charlotte at the Rumble for the women’s title. She speaks about working on the indies, and about Charlotte making fun of her fandom.

Another backstage promo, Mick Foley tells Seth Rollins that if Sami beats him tonight, he is out of the Rumble.

Seth Rollins vs Sami Zayn for a spot in the Royal Rumble this Sunday. This match is action packed as you would expect from these two, enjoying watching this match. Sami lays the Blue Thunder Bomb on Rollins but he kicks out, followed by two more near falls. Rollins may be down but not out. Zayn is truly coming into his own. Rollins manages to gain control, and does an over the top blockbuster, but Zayn kicks out. Rollins gets two more near falls, but Zayn kicks out. I’d watch this on a PPV. Its back and forth a bit more, Rollins ends up out over the top. Rollins makes it back to the ring on time. Rollins goes for a pedigree off the top rope, but Zayn reverses into a top rope sunset flip. Rollins kicks out. Both back to their feet, Zayn is in control, but Rollins cuts him off and Pedigrees him on the apron. Ouch. Rollins is about to pin Zayn, when HHH’s music hits… dumb ass falls for the typical bait and switch and gets rolled up by Zayn. No HHH. Stephanie your rotten.

After commercial we come back to Seth Rollins yelling at Mick Foley demanding to know who did this to him. Mick insists he didn’t do it and blames Stephanie.

Mustafa Ali, TJ Perkins, and  Gentleman Jack Gallagher  and  vs Drew Gulak Tony Nese, and Aryia Daivari, This is a super fast paced match ad I am too tired to properly cover it, ends with Ali pinning Gulak… Watch 205 Live to see more of these guys, they are great.

Back from break with The New Day! The come out to talk about the Rumble, then Enzo and Big Cass come out, this might be too much personality for one promo, don’t waste it all on one segment guys! Enzo and Big Cass announce they will also be entering the Rumble, then… Rusev‘s music hits, Hes also entering the Rumble. Then Titus O’Neil comes out, and The New Day tells him he promised not to interrupt them anymore, New Day offers to take it outside, Titus says its gonna be an 8 man tag… I have no idea who this one guy is in the ring or where he came from, I am so confused, Braun Strowman hits the ring.

So its the New Day with Enzo and Cass Vs Titus O’Neil, Rusev, The guy I don’t know, and Braun Strowman. So who is this guy? He isn’t even on the roster page? Are these promos so boring I can’t pay attention to who people are? IDK. Hopefully one of the announcers knows his name after the commercial. Oh its Jinder Mahal. Why doesn’t he have a roster page? I want to care, but so far this match is meh. I really hate watching Titus O’Neil wrestle, his power moves look painful. I’d rather fight Strowman… I like watching Big Cass wrestle though, Enzo too, even if he just got smashed and pinned by Strowman.

Before the ring is even cleared the big show’s music hits, he comes out, and he is in incredible shape after months of hard workouts outside the ring, The Big Show comes down to face Braun Strowman. The Big Show is still bigger. The just stare each other down. Strowman gets out of the ring, and talks shit on the way to the locker room.

The shark cage is hanging over the ring again, to mock Chris Jericho who has just come to the ring. He is fighting Roman Reigns for the US championship, I am so confused… Why do I put myself through this… anyone else want to write results? lol
Reigns takes control early in the match, and we go to commercial. If you read my reviews you will know how much I *LOVE* commercial breaks… sigh, I fast forward through commercials, go to far, can’t rewind, Jericho is in control now, makes a pin attempt on Reigns. Jericho drop kicks Reigns in the face, two count. Reigns gets up, Jericho goes for the code breaker but its reversed and Reigns power bombs him. Jericho kicks out, Owens apparently was on commentary but left to go to the ring and gets in and attacks Reigns, effectively causing a DQ and saving Jericho’s belt for now. Owens calls for the shark cage to be lowered, it looks like they plan on locking Reigns in it… Jericho gets Reigns up, Owens tries to lock him in, but it backfires, and Reigns locks Owens in it instead. Ha ha.  Jericho grabs the cage, and is picked up from the ring along with the cage, until Reigns knocks him off. Owens is screaming Reigns is laughing… Jericho goes to get up and gets a big spear from Reigns. Owens is still locked in the cage.

We come back from break, they are letting Owens out of the cage. Its announced this Sundays Championship match will be a no DQ match.

Now a pre recorded interview with Charlotte about defending her belt against Bayley at the Rumble. She talks about how its a family tradition. Charlotte talks more shit on Bayley, then says its true she is privileged and her dad did get her in with one phone call but no one cares… eww More blah blah blah… Bayleys interview seemed more genuine, this seems so rehearsed.

Back from break we have Nia Jax coming to the ring. she is fighting Ray Lyn. This poor girl is gonna get killed. Yup over in like 20 seconds. Nia cuts a promo about Sasha Banks, and how she broke her. Sasha’s hits, she comes down to the ring limping slightly on one crutch. She gets to ringside and swats nia in the leg, then gets in the ring and pummels Nia with the crutch. When Nia came at Sasha she held open the rope, Nia fell through to the floor, Sash gave her a couple of knees then left.

After yet another break we come back and Rich Swan the Cruiserweight champion comes to the ring, his opponent is Noam Dar, who is accompanied by Swan’s ex Alicia Fox. Yet another fast paced match, as expected. Enjoying this match a lot but seriously it did not need a commercial break in the middle. Alicia Fox is being mildly distracting at ring side, Swann has mainly been in control of this match, and picks up a fairly easy win. After the match he calls out Neville, telling him they don’t have to wait until Sunday. Nevilles music hits, and he comes to the ring looking pretty fierce. Swann dives to the outside and beats on Neville, who quickly backs down. They are fighting for the belt on Sunday as well.

We come back from yet another break with Noam Dar asking if Rich Swann if they can be ok over the stealing of the Alicia Fox, her part of the promo was super weak… Meh… I care about this story line as much as Rich Swann seemed to care about Alicia.

Goldberg is now making his way from the depths of the venue to the ring. apparently they must keep  him away from all other wrestlers, he is that dangerous… or something. He comes out in a giant pyro, surprised his face isn’t melted. Goldberg is slightly over with the crowd, shockingly. He’s got bloody spots on his head, as he clearly just shaved it with a bic. his head is bleeding like he got busted open… I don’t think he knows he is bleeding. I don’t know if I care what he is talking about, all I see is his bloody head. Paul Heyman comes out to address Goldberg, talks about who we may see Goldberg fight in the battle. He teases Goldberg vs Brock Lesner at the Royal Rumble, Lesnar comes out to the entrance way, staring at Goldberg in the ring… I imagine this match might be popular among children… Who don’t know any better. Heyman says Lesner will eliminate Goldberg, Goldberg asks him if hes gonna come down there like a man or stand there like a dum bass… lulz. Lesner heads to the ring… but he’s still a dumb ass to me. Lesner gets into the ring. The room goes dark, and The Undertakers bell tolls, and he appears in the ring. He looks really good. Lesner looks dumbfounded, Goldberg looks unbothered.

And… its over. They managed 7 matches, at least 8 promos, and too many commercials to count. Looking forward to the Rumble this Sunday though, as its one of my favorite PPV’s. You can catch it live on the WWE Network!

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