WWE Battleground
Coming live on Pay Per View on Sunday 19th July 2015 from the Scottrade Centre, in Saint Louis, Missouri, would WWE's Battleground prove to be as tough as it sounds? Will there be loose ends finalised, tough action with a cause and an end to useless feuds? Would anything be set in motion for one of the company's 'Big 4' PPV's one month away, namely Summerslam?
Let's find out.
Within the last week, WWE were scaled with an upcoming PPV Problem. Ryback. Before being able to defend the Intercontinental Championship in a Triple Threat match no-one truly wanted to see, WWE have now have to think of alternate plans. They have scheduled Randy Orton against Sheamus. Even more thrilling. Will Ryback be stripped of the IC title or will WWE continue the curse of the Intercontinental championship by allowing another injured star to hold such a title. For WWE, it is once again back to square one, which has been seen all too many times with injury and title limbo.
Open Contest
Randy Orton Vs Sheamus
Rushed in after the Intercontinental Championship match was dropped, WWE, naturally, took to Social Media last week to build the bout with a tweet from Sheamus. Really? He called his opponent "Randy Bore-ton" How original. Sheamus was booed on entry as Orton was vividly cheered.
The pair took this to the outside quickly to try and keep it going well to dress with a few battering spots, with Orton coming out on top.
The sheepish "boo-ooooooooohhhhh" chanting guy was there expressing feelings for a Sheamus moment. Cheap heat was sought and received as Orton punched Sheamus while the Irishman always received boo's like a John Cena exchange. Even Orton's skill is against him on this one.
An arm wrench later gave Sheamus a chance to gain the edge on his opponent's strength and the yelled at the crowd "Are you not entertained?!"
No, they weren't. They responded too. Fans were so upset they chanted "R-K-O!" in hopes Randy would end this dire fest battle immediately.
Later in the match a perfect superplex from Randy kept the match wholesome on his part with high respect from the crowd.
The DDT soon dropped. On from this the routine which put Sheamus out of winning contention by Randy Orton was cast with the stunning RKO. Fans were thrilled to end this dross, with a celebrated star at the helm that they fully respect for his in-ring efforts.
Stephanie McMahon touted up the Divas again. WWE officials on-screen need to be careful that they don't ruin a highly perfect concept. The divas call up has been an epic start to changing the division for the better with today's standards. Though WWE run the risk, as always, of overdoing it too much that it tarnishes all the momentum and progress made. The end result would be resentment. It has happened all too often in previous similarities. Less is more.
WWE Tag Team Championship
Darren Young and Titus O'Neil (c) Vs The New Day
The trio began with a very distressing, overdone and awkward shouting promo about winning the titles back. Even trying to win over fans, still doesn't help them. New Day don't rock.
New Day's Big E and Kofi Kingston are taking up the fight for this one in their original rematch pairing. Since their victory, The Prime Time Players, were used as an accessory for WWE at the Gay Pride event for Darren Young with a scheduled appearance, with said title. Titus on the other hand, was nominated for a 'Dad of the year award' which he won, well deserved. Though the WWE tag titles were accessorised for a month. New Day were advertised before their loss at the previous PPV, after Battleground's scheduled event to be Tag Champs. So how will this one go?
Paige's team backstage picked their divas division match representative for the upcoming three way. Paige biasedly praised herself on her lacklustre flunkie attitude, claiming she helped the division months ago. Laugh a minute, it was.
Roman Reigns Vs Bray Wyatt
Bray began with a boring and confusing promo to build this match series between two that WWE have not got recent ideas in how to book.
'Only' "Fools rush in" - Jerry Lawler says.
Yes, only fools rush in, as Wrestling Wonders has constantly mentioned. Doing so to Wyatt would be a mistake, he added. Quite right.
Yes, only fools rush in, as Wrestling Wonders has constantly mentioned. Doing so to Wyatt would be a mistake, he added. Quite right.
Wyatt began leading early. Basic moves and low motion were included.
A Sleeper hold as boring as the show looking like it was thrown together at the last minute followed on later. The match went on too long which ruined these two in trying to be something meaningful once more, in a rather meaningless match where nothing was of interest. Corner spots and looking like background noise continued to mar the process.
A strange, hoodie thug came in and knocked Roman Reigns from behind to give Bray Wyatt another cheeky, tainted and irrelevant win in this lacking series. Who was it? Even the announcers were perplexed with such. Could it be Antonio Cesaro? Maybe another tall dude? An NXT newb? Who? Who? Oh. It was none other than Luke Harper. An obvious choice seeing as the Wyatt Family reunited a month ago, only for Erick Rowan to become injured and leave Harper lacking in WWE direction. Harper is said to have also annoyed people backstage somehow, which explains his Intercontinental run from December to singlesdom wrestling with lacking use perfectly. It is not my place to judge with such lacking details, at this time.
A strange, hoodie thug came in and knocked Roman Reigns from behind to give Bray Wyatt another cheeky, tainted and irrelevant win in this lacking series. Who was it? Even the announcers were perplexed with such. Could it be Antonio Cesaro? Maybe another tall dude? An NXT newb? Who? Who? Oh. It was none other than Luke Harper. An obvious choice seeing as the Wyatt Family reunited a month ago, only for Erick Rowan to become injured and leave Harper lacking in WWE direction. Harper is said to have also annoyed people backstage somehow, which explains his Intercontinental run from December to singlesdom wrestling with lacking use perfectly. It is not my place to judge with such lacking details, at this time.
Beautiful And Dangerous. BAD. Oh lordy. That's the name of this badass, boss team. Naomi was talking fresh and swag in the interview with Renee Young. Sasha contniued to look fierce and fancy. Tamina wouldn't be outdone, either with sheer domineering and looking delightful.
Impromptu
Triple Threat
Charlotte Vs Sasha Banks Vs Brie Bella
Charlotte Vs Sasha Banks Vs Brie Bella
One of al three ladies on each team will choose their representative to battle in a triple threat match up after their call up from a diva "revolution" causing ripples in the WWE divas division since last Monday's Raw. Read this link here to catch up on the call ups - Diva Delight! Sasha Banks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch called to main Raw roster
Sasha and Charlotte are taking the battle with Nikki Bella, it would seem. After mocking with a stare down and title wag, Brie Bella is officially taking the challenge.
Sasha and Charlotte are taking the battle with Nikki Bella, it would seem. After mocking with a stare down and title wag, Brie Bella is officially taking the challenge.
Ultra green diva Charlotte, dressed in such colours, received a "Woooooooooo!" which once again proves how lacking Charlotte is. Her ignorant daddy can't save her from becoming Paige Mark II unless serious repention it would seem. Ric Flair loves to talk. She'll need more than just daddy roots.
Sasha Banks proves her worth taking it to Charlotte as Brie knocks Charlotte to the outside. Brie and Banks take it to one another as the pair attempt to create a decent setting. Sasha underhooks Charlotte from behind to leg push her into Brie in the corner with an effective beat down. She gets a close two. "Like a Boss!" in respect to Banks. Banks "Wooooo"'s mocking Charlotte with a flexible leg wear down. Sasha then styles and profiles, which is Char(h)-lie's only asset. Banks gets a two on her. Charlotte failed to sell a couple of Banks' moves, which looked like a tiny tap, when most effectively conducted. "We want Becky!" the crowd cheer.
Charlotte, with a lot of unwomanly motions, double clotheslined and used a neckbreaker to gain steed on Sasha. Brie breaks up the pinfall. Brie batters down Charlotte and gets Banks for a double running bulldog. Sasha and then Charlotte kick out. Brie uses the failed Daniel Bryan chest kicks to both as some crowdies cheer while others booing. A favourable move on a unfavourable? Hmmm...
Banks reverses Charlotte into the Banks Statement submission. Brie arrives from behind and plows Banks into the corner post to the outside. Brie fails a breaker move as Charlotte locks in the Figure 8, a Figure Four Leg Lock from her daddy to submit Brie Bella and defeat Sasha Banks also in a typical honourable, lukewarm, victory guidance builder. Banks and Brie did all the work in that one. Helps who your daddy is and friends with, huh? They "Wooo!"'ed in celebration. It was weak.
WWE United States Championship
John Cena (c) Vs Kevin Owens
Coming out to some poor and weak music sounding literally like a fart, some burly bloke in a tee-shirt strolls on like an extra soundman on set. This is meant to be the challenger for the most prestigious U.S title in America. Owens was viciously boo'ed. He tried to shout over them to yell at Cena.
John Cena arrived to an even more rapturous negativity, but some cheers were there. They still dislike Cena for his failure to wrestle well over the years, but remain hopeful that he will crush Owens to end their program and remove the ignorant blubber from the show. WWE do not, however, plan on this. Oh dear. Fans still disrespected vividly cannot bode well for a future trying to encapsulate and justify their spending of hard earned dollars on WWE products. The future of America. A portly plum bloke in a tee-shirt.
The Cena indifference chants continued, despite Cena's change in the pitiful program with Owens which Cena has made bearable. Owens instantly put Cena into a standing headlock and stood there. Cena then jumped over Owens who put a tiny tap fist on Cena. Owens continues to use moves on Cena in his unique 'on the spot' wrestling approach.
Will he last longer than five minutes? Cena tried to punch but Owens all of a sudden stopped him and walked to Cena, taking time. He then flung Cena to a corner and stood to the crowd with his arms open, in a boring manner. Cena ran past Owens so he could lift him up from behind. Owens got a two count. He talked to the crowd again. This aint the indies dipsh*t!
Owens did a leg drop on Cena to get a two count and then stood up and walked around. He no-sold Cena's dropkick on comeback. Owens wiggled around the ring. He then ran into an impressive Cena bodyface slam. Cena landed the top turnbuckle drop on Owens, taking a two. Owens crouched in position like he was taking a dump. It was not effective.
Owens got another random move to look good thanks to Cena and Triple H's desperation getting a two. Ownes yelled at Cena and then looked at the crowd while waiting for time. Owens almost injured Cena with a dangerous head DDT drop. Owens jumped from the top to land on his knees and put his back onto Cena's knee counter which no-sold the Moonsault.
Owens' used his power to shoulder barge Cena down with a series of body bashes. He then landed the five knuckle shuffle. Cena got a counter on Owens for his idiotic mockery into the STF. Cena pulled Owens back so he could loosely feet counter to get free.
Cena jumped off the ropes to the back into the arms of Owens so he could do a cheap suplex on him to look powerful. Owens is doing nothing and being literally carried by Cena. Owens then spoke to Michael Cole. Need another distraction moment do we?
Cena landed a very athletically caught flip through, reverse powerbomb pin. Cena then placed himself into a easy jump into hold so Owens could 'catch' Cena and do a powerbomb. Cena nailed the Attitude Adjustment but failed to end the match at only two.
Cena did yet another 'put yourself in hold because Owens is useless' suplex drop, as is constantly plaguing the pair's series and matches. Owens screamed at Michael Cole again. Cena caught Owens but walked himself into a leg kick by Owens and into a very cheap and weaker than Cena AA. Owens then put Cena into his submission, the STF. Cena, instead looked very professional and Owens was a ridiculous goof screaming unnecessarily.
Cena got back into control as the back and forth match so often does in this sad series. Cena ran the ropes as Owens once again stood in the middle of the ring waiting for Cena to walk into him and jump up so Owens could put his arms around Cena and look like he powerbombed him.
Owens went to the top but Cena smacked him in the face with a fist. They traded a few as Cena sat in front of Owens to lift him on his shoulders and flung him over with the AA from the second rope. Owens magically kicked out at two. Cena could not lift Owens, who was so tired to get up that he rolled over. Then Cena picks up after a couple more moments, when Owens is ready, as Owens reverses into a small package. It didn't last long as Cena locked in a fresh STF. Cena pulled him back further to apply excellent pressure on Owens. Kevin Owens had no choice but to tap out to John Cena proving Cena is a great United States Champion based on earning it, rather than being a favourite called up with lacking charisma. Owens even failed to tap properly.
Cesaro or Rusev is the way forward for the U. S title. Owens can get fired for that abysmal entry at what is supposed to be 'wrestling'. It was appalling at any rate and does not glow WWE future under any possibility, then, now or forever.
The Miz came out to whine and drone on about losing his chance to win the Intercontinental Championship. A female in the audience mimed tears for him. It wasn't the Angry Miz Girl.
Big Show came out and decked The Miz with no words, to all the fans' delight.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Seth Rollins (c) Vs Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman
"You've got to wait 'til the bell rings, cos that is cool and calm." JBL said of Lesnar, before the bell rang on 'The Beast's' in-ring focus. If you hadn't already figured it out, Lesnar is the heavyweight version of Max Waltham, which WWE have mimicked and inserted their distorted version of aura into the booking of certain stars. Waltham even coined the beast phrase, to no recognition. WWE think fans are blind. They aren't. Though love for Lesnar as WWE's wrecking ball, from certain influences they can only hope to endorse, gets the fans happy. Imagine what the real thing would do for them.Would their be an Undertaker arrival to scare the wits out of Brock Lesnar for mouthing off about The Streak so uncharismatically?
It went a cat and mouse game of catch as quick as it began, and Lesnar caught his fish. Soon enough, Rollins gained his first class ticket to Suplex City and was tossed all over the ring by the hunky Beast Brock Lesnar.
Trying to hightail it through the arena later, Lesnar jumps over the arena barricade and suplex grabs Rollins back to the in-ring city. Lesnar soon gets smacked in the mouche by one of Seth's long, slender legs. Rollins brings his own kicking power to Suplex kingpin Lesnar. Lesnar then gets bumped out of the ring as Seth launches his sweaty body all over Brock on the outside with two continual motions. It wasn't enough. This was number seven for Seth as Lesnar burst in and flipped Seth over again.
"It's like we back where we started" - Jerry Lawler said.
"This time only Brock's a little more angry." JBL responded.
Rollins continues to have Lesnar's beefy arms clasped around his waist as he gets whirled over from behind. Seth slapped Brock, which gained him a thirteenth fling.
"GONG!"
As the lights dim and return Brock is faced with a chilling stare down return from The Undertaker. He uses a knee to the gut of Lesnar. Chokeslam to Lesnar follows. The fabled Tombstone Piledriver! is then given for good measure. 'Taker then went back for another on Lesnar. Welcome back to Death Valley, b***h! Lesnar's unsavoury bragging on Undie's streak defeat was overused so smarily that The Undertaker has returned to deal with 'The Beast' directly. It was the moment of the night, well received by all.
The PPV the abruptly ends. Seth Rollins and the referee have scarpered. The match has officially ended in a No Contest which is actually a Disqualification win to Brock Lesnar. Well, WWE wanted the return to outdo everything else. So, therefore, they chose to forget the constant planning and just go with whatever, which, while fans are prepared to take it this time, wouldn't normally allow such distortion to occur.
PPV Rating - 4/10
Men/Women of their matches - Randy Orton, Big E, Roman Reigns, Sasha Banks, John Cena, Seth Rollins
Man/Woman of the PPV - The Undertaker
Battleground is one of WWE's new PPV concepts that sounds weak on paper but can deliver the goods. In recent years, Payback has proven this, though Battleground has often slumped in trying to fit the brief of its name with the card action. Sometimes it's good, others, not so much. Tonight's had its chance to change it. Even with the Ryback match, had it still gone on, WWE's direction is clear and somewhat off. Battleground tried to make some great matches but the shows were awkward, tepid and had no basis. There were, in effect, empty matches. There was no attraction to come see.
Undertaker showing up was leaked online, but obvious to envisage to those with the keener eye. It was the only logical solution to Lesnar's mouthing off using 'Taker in an uncharismatic bragging motion outside of legitimate and respectful achievement. The return had interested fans and keeps the Brock/Taker pair able to deliver some real good matches for the coming months of instability. Many were redirecting Sting, which was a false choice than fans 'made up' to try and get him back on the shows in a 'dream match' with 'Taker. WWE should not cave into this silly fandom choice which does nothing to elevate business, brand or superstars. Ignorance is no virtue and Triple H is continuing it on from the pitiful Wrestlemania one-off Sting showed up for. Talk about disrespecting Undertaker and his return to the fullest, too. It has nothing to do with some random face paint wannabe, washed up floater filled with ignorance. Be wise.
For Brock and Seth there are a few minor problems with Brock's title matches as all seem a bit too repetitive now. Look out for that. Sometime's fine, sometimes can mess it up for you. Weigh up the situation as best according.
Both Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar have put on a great spectacle and it was obvious that Rollins needed a distraction to retain against the might behemoth Brock. Rollins is cleared for Summerslam, but will the Triple H match happen? Does anyone truly want that? (The answer is no, Hunty.) Both these stars have proven and been able to move into a new feud, if that is the path WWE go with.
Ryback decided once again to injure himself. WWE did not strip him of the title, which it should do. WWE favour Ryback as well as hoping not to 'do another title stripping' to decrease the title value. Well, not doing so and pronto is a tell tale sign of failing that credibility. It is unfortunate but has to be done. This is the business and must be conducted as such. Fans still have a love for the title, even if it taints all those who wear it. There is a good reason for this, and cannot be gone into detail here at this time. Wait for later, ok? Until then do not rush a certain champion into reforming the title because of steam building. Sometimes, and at this time, probable stars who have a chance at saving WWE and the IC title should be kept far away from it at the moment until a more sturdier approach and explanation is available to you, which it will be. Patience is a virtue. Ryback himself is also a liability, and our advice to let him go, could not be more prominent. He adds nothing. It should also be noted that fans have also responded. for all its mockery to CM Punk leaving WWE, Punk defended and battled valiantly for the company and title and fans when injured similar to Ryback's here. Ryback, while we agree surgery is important to fix a problem as soon as possible if troubling, was not as reliable as WWE had hoped. WWE expect a level of 'working through the ringer' when you can. Hmm.
John Cena has been given his toughest task to date in working with an unmovable object in Kevin Owens. The object, which fails to interest fans outside of his indy luvvlie bubble, is somewhat lost on the main stage and needs to be fired. WWE won't go for that yet, which they should as he is a total embarrassment. Needs to say he should not remain on the main roster if WWE have any brains how to save their product from complete tarnished lunacy. Ignorance is not a value. Cena is constantly doing all the work, and while it has brought out the best change in Cena for over a decade long, John Cena cannot look weak to some random geezer strolling in late from last orders down at the pub. It is not what is best for business. WWE looks entirely inferior and is risking its future on some unstable, lacklustre blurb that Triple H made friends with in WWE recently. Good grief man, be a professional, not a free hand out love in to people who are entirely unskilled. Plus you were advised and warned of these problems gracefully. You chose to dismiss those. You are a fool. Grow up. Stop being personal and be a professional. That's why Vince cannot, rather than will not give you the keys to the Cadillac. You would do well to learn from crucial advice.
The Prime Time Playa's match was okay but exactly that. Nothing stand out but better than the rest of tag matches than before and one of their improved best, which is appreciated. Though many fans believe it is only down to WWE's media look and award grabbing ceremonies. It is hard to argue with that directive.
 |
| Young at recent Pride event with WWE Tag title |
Sasha Banks and Brie Bella did all the work in the match. Charlotte was a talk, lanky stick that did a couple of bits. The fact she managed a highly unconvincing win and tacky connection with 'daddy's leg lock times two' was a pitiful choice to lead off of the momentum created by the divas. Once the winds of change distil from hysteria, fans come back to reality and they come down hard. Then they realise it aint what it seemed. Fans are fickle, yet hungry for real action with results. This was not one of those results and further displays WWE is intent on making its biased favourites, based on the 'lucky sperm club' to guarantee success in the future WWE career. That's a recipe for failure. Talk of a Brie victory was discussed in WWE. We had the same thought at one point, though was probably 'best' to give Charlotte a win early and be done with it. Problem is, her win is pointless and has cemented her in the booking and victory stance that signifies she is only Ric Flair in motion, and a pitiful embodiment at that. WWE continue to create problems for itself when it used to seem like a fine a probable way forward. *sigh* Don't think because it is done, it is better to continue it. The more ignorance is continued to be sought the more of a cesspit your falling into that you cannot get out of. It should not be done for 'funsies' or the sake of going against the grain.
The Ryback replacement match. This was an empty match, as we all know. There was nothing of value, but at least Randy Orton was, ahem, watchable. Though that made no excuse for having to waste twenty minutes of his, our and general time to try and make some lunatic from last year's idea work into a credible formation. Better Seth than him, right? Dump his briefcase to someone else and ditch the idea, please. Fans will never respect it. Plus Sheamus is Triple H's best friend and is therefore, once again, a shoe-in for fan resentment. Triple H,while he doesn't think it (because he can use power to immerse himself in his own bubble of love) is messing it up.
Pre-Show
R-Truth Vs Wade Barrett
Wade 'King' Barrett won. R-Truth pledged to win and would replace Barrett as King in a daft comical match which saw Truth brandish a paper crown and a plunger. Seriously. Pointless.
Wade 'King' Barrett won. R-Truth pledged to win and would replace Barrett as King in a daft comical match which saw Truth brandish a paper crown and a plunger. Seriously. Pointless.
 |
| Had almost epic, match of potential year candidate between Rusev and Cesaro on Raw pre Battleground. |
The show was boring, empty and all over the place. While trying to be interesting, it was all about Undertaker and the divas, which is a good thing. Though it happened at a time when the rest of the card so ill thought out that it affected the overall PPV, which after the comedown of the grand attractions, puts WWE and its company position with fans and experts at a rather awkward one.
© Max Waltham 21st July 2015
All Rights Reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment