Wednesday, 26 August 2015

WWE Summerslam 2015

WWE Summerslam 2015


WWE decided to start its Summer spectacular one hour early and failed to advertise this well. For many, including fans in the UK, they missed one hour of the show, and also felt conned of their cash.

A four hour show, what is this, Wrestlemania?

hosting guest Jon Stewert opened the show.

Randy Orton Vs Sheamus 

This match was boring, uneventful and a waste of everyone's time. As an opener it failed to ignite and therefore should not have even been scheduled. Orton deserved better, despite his immense efforts to get Sheamus over, which still hasn't worked.

Toward the end, the liability that is Sheamus busted open Randy Orton over the eyebrow in a clumsy run through after nailing him into the turnbuckle pad. Orton missed a punt as Sheamus soon gets a close two fall after a lucky White Noise. 

The crowd were fed up early and yelled "You look stupid!" at Sheamus' boring and un-entertaining look. He missed a Brogue Kick, but Orton failed a following RKO. Sheamus uses two Brogue Kicks in a row to silence Randy Orton for a three fall finish in a non-eventful starter. 

Sheamus beat Randy Orton. After all the hype, Orton is dropped first to a loser on one of the Big 4 PPV's. Charming.

Tag Team
Fatal 4 Way, Elimination
The Prime Time Players, Darren Young and Titus O'Neil (c) Vs The New Day, Kofi Kingston and Big E Vs Los Matadores Vs The Lucha Dragons


It was a jumbled and mismanaged match with some aerial theatrics. In the end, the tag title accessories Darren Young and Titus O'Neil lost their gold to the New Day won it back with Kofi Kingston and Big E. It was a warm up match only.

Rusev w/ Summer Rae Vs Dolph Ziggler w/ Lana

For those just tuning in, many thought that Rusev and Ziggler were over running on the pre-show. For those who knew it was Summerslam one hour early, it was still lacking a fuller interest. 

Therefore, again, really no point at all going on the card at short notice when neither can be a main part of the show. Wasteful booking and poor time management.Many are upset with WWE's bad management on this. Not good.

Summer Rae tried to stop Lana who slaps her down instead on the outside to rally support for Ziggler. Normally someone like Rae might have been successful. Ziggler broke free of Rusev’s hold as a result.

Lana yells at Rusev as Rae nabs her from behind as everyone flurry’s outside. Rusev gets superkicked over the announce table in a follow up from Ziggs. 

Dolph Ziggler rolls into the ring as the bell rings. A double count out was the result of Rusev and Dolph Ziggler as fans were noticeably upset with vicious boos. No-one likes to be duped. WWE stitched the fans up again. The match, short-sighted in every way ended abruptly.

The action wasn't fully over though. Summer Rae hit Ziggler as Lana predictably pounced on her and they rolled around with a minor scuffle. Rusev pulled her free and left with Rae. 

What a pitiful ending, with a screwy finish on a short notice match that started on UK time upsetting fans for the lack of an hour early beginning.

Already and Summerslam is a total washout. Not boding well with also a screwy finish from WWE dissing its fans. It isn’t starting too well, is it? 

Tag Team
Neville and Stephen Amell Vs Stardust and Wade Barrett

Stephen Amell wanted to be taken seriously and went up first in a lengthy match up to prove his capabilities. At least that is commendable for no-wrestlers. Though some of his action was simply off or useless. Amell was used as the whopping boy the whole match and had a tiny moment of overcoming with ‘skill’ on his adversaries. Towards the end, Amell ruined it further as he walked into the ring and touched Neville from his corner tag rope in a Schoolboy error afar from the rope corner to ‘tag’ and launch onto the outside at the opponents. Neville came back in to get the win with a predictable flying move for show and nothing more. All players were an afterthought to a wannabee celebrity who can ‘have a go’ at wrestling. The cost is wrestling truly suffers and the show was pathetic as a result. It shouldn't have happened but WWE are infatuated with some random celeb spotting moment. A rookie mistake from the green douche who ruined the match just as much as he fails the ratings as a superhero television show. He isn’t Batman or Superman.

It was pretty weak and proves that WWE and its celebrities on its programming need serious work than a cheap nod and one night walkabout for media attention to be interesting or skilled. It made WWE seem entirely juvenile at producing and running a show let alone company on such lunacy.

WWE were desperate to get media coverage and brag that Summerslam was taking over. It really wasn't and decisions like this will ruin WWE’s future branding if it continues on the overdoing beyond advertising path.  WWE love their own in-house promo videos. Don’t let the odd use of something worthwhile as a cheap tactic to gain favour fool you. WWE don’t seem to have any class in communication at this point.

Intercontinental Championship
Triple Threat
Big Show Vs The Miz Vs Ryback (c)

The match no-one wanted to see and worn out like a ragged, floppy washrag soaked in torrential rain. Every part of this momentum was limp. WWE was so weak it did not have the courage to strip Ryback of the title, protect the gold, its contenders and the scene to keep it fresh. When a problem arises  in the scene you have to act accordingly. WWE decided to be defiant to strip Ryback, because the loser needs to be carried to get over and is constantly failing. WWE can’t get away from the fact he needs sacking as well as to stop cluttering its title up. The IC title, meant to be a prestigious title was resigned to a useless block  doing nothing of value, with opponents no one can fully get behind as a result of Ryback’s protection from eventual failure on-screen.

WWE ruin it for themselves, every time, yet it is the division, the tile and the fans, let alone performers, who suffer. Wrestling principals are greater than some random meathead. Who will be waiting to ruin it all in one fell swoop, through such unable liability.

Ryback won a very short and thankful ending after a pin on The Miz to retain a pointless title with pointless challengers. Waste of time. Thanks be to it over with.

Jon Stewart had a backstage chat with wrestling guru Paul Heyman. Is this HHH’s Wrestlemania? Celebrities on the show and silly in-house ads/promos? It looked really silly from a so called professional wrestling future that is the ‘big player’ of the industry. Maybe there was invisible ink of the subtitles –‘NXDixieCarter’ perhaps?

Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper Vs Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose

The match was the typical start of everyone brawling all over, looking slightly messy than exciting. 

Bray and Ambrose loosely fought, yet again. This has become completely stale. Harper gratefully stripped Ambrose of his tanktop to a few fans delight. It was allright. Not been done too much if at all and was refreshing for Ambrose. If only WWE did more thinking for Ambrose. It might get him where he needs to be. A top pulled off to rely on body image alone shouldn’t be Ambrose’s’ only trait at this stage of his career, albeit fulfilling. 

Fans were fed up with Roman Reigns’ absence. They chanted “Romans sleeping!”Reigns arrives instantly ironically to charge opponents down a second later.

Clumsy corner trades with Harper, visibly missing exposed this rushed and tedious match meant to be more than thrilling with four stars fans want to grow.

Amazing Wyatt kick to Reigns came next with a swift and well conducted powerbomb sit down pin by Harper. This was Harper’s best for a long while. Ultra impressive.


Reigns followed it up with some excruciatingly daft jumping Superman punches to Wyatt which looked ludicrously unbelievable as a corner smash.

Ambrose was double teamed but Harper breaks Dean’s follow up pinfall in a quick and inexplicably confusing match when one minute down, next minute up run through.

Reigns returned with another Superman punch that had no style, place or grace. Double powerbomb slam by Roman leading followed with Ambrose. 

Wyatt awakes on a quick counter from Dean seemingly down for Sister Abigail, only to laughably miss and be hammered with the Dirty Deeds instead. Reigns tagged in to vicious boos. WWE have still failed to boost him up from his six month washout at Wrestlemania. WWE have plodded along in the hope that Reigns would be able to be guided by others. Lazy booking does not make him ready for the big push on next years ‘Mania. That one lies solely with WWE. Spear on Wyatt for a three fall. The pair celebrate in a lacklustre, rushed run through.Boring, disjointed and sloppy.

Title Vs Title, Winner Takes All
WWE World Heavyweight Championship and United States Championship
Seth Rollins (c) Vs John Cena (c)

Up next was WWE doing another title grab bag. This one will see the winner take hold of the competing gold and retain their original stake, therefore crowned champion of both said titles.

Many believe this however made the WWE title become reduced to minor insignificance as a key championship, dumped to the midcard.

These fans in attendance are smart ones. "Jo-hnnn Ce-naaa, suuu-ccckkksss they chime in rhyme with John Cena's theme music.

Cena's greatest test tonight would be to prove if he can maintain his recently new found attitude of workability positively since working wonders with the previous bumbling oaf in a tee shirt who was rightfully dropped from his program. Could Cena put in great work with Rollins or would he revert to standard routine what has earned him such dislike from fans the world over?

Rollins dropped a powerful and connective Curb Stomp on Cena from the turnbuckle downward after a wave mock of Cena. Rollins received a rapturous fan adoration.

It's always brave to wear white, especially with that beautifully brimming clandescence. Rollins was dressed in a smooth and gleaming white version of his attire, looking ever more the perfect superstar. Though company megastar Cena never losses to maintain a strong look. Would Rollins efforts be in vain?

Cena flips over the Attitude Adjustment with a silly bounce of himself on comedic drop down of Rollins to the mat. These silly moments are what ruin everything Cena hopes to achieve in being a respectable name based on wrestling principals.

Terrible punches traded as Cena has reverted back to same old usual routine of uselessness. Why and where does he think it's coming from to go back on former progress achieved? Maybe it's his ‘in the main title’ match position that he thinks requires such a way. It looks foolish for him and all else involved and fails to scream skillset. 

The Eddie Guerrero Frog Splash was mentioned and utilised by Rollins who made it perfectly fitting to the match use. Cena completely missed his notorious leg drop by tapping down on Rollins arm. Sloppy. Numerous counters and roll throughs follow. Rollins nails the AA on Cena, in a move switch up, who naturally kicks out at two.

Corkscrew flip by Rollins misses, as Cena rolled him into a less than tightly applied STF lock with comical routine. Cena constantly phoning in his routine like a pre-made template in every title match. Geez man, mix it up foo.

Figure 4 Leg Lock by Cena trying to adopt ignorant washed up state Ric Flair's move. You can't and why would you want to carry that dirt bag or any of his repertoire? It will not make a new star with an old move attached to a veteran jerk. Don’t be a fool. Be original. You can't be a star by taking some old, ex, crusty's moves to be a star in today's age. No matter how defiant to make it work. Time will be wasted on your part and destination reached will be nowhere. What suffers in between is product, brand and audience respect. 

A tiresome missed punch by John Cena from over the rope. Rollins jumps up to the turnbuckle , roll throughs and smacks a sit down suplex. Two fall by Seth Rollins. John Cena uses his AA on Rollins but knocked out the referee first. “Cena won!"  Michael Cole bleats. Cena looks for the ref then lifts up Rollins. Seth Rollins jabbed John Cena to create distance in his nose, which was broken weeks prior in a leading match on Raw by Rollins. Jon Stewart suddenly arrives as both stars are knocked down, brandishing a steel chair. The decision was obvious from his demeanour that gave the game away as soon as he made it to the ring. Fans were still wondering in the moment though. He eyed Seth Rollins getting up as John Cena took too long to get up. Stewart looked over at Cena and moved toward, but stalled. That was a categorical botch right there. Cena was too late getting up and Stewart quickly eyed Rollins to buy time. Once Cena stood up, Stewart screwed Cena with a now lost moment of knock with steel chair. after the smash to the gut John Cena fell down as Seth Rollins covered his opponent to gain the three fall victory and gain the United States and remain WWE World Heavyweight Champion from a crushing Pedigree. 

Tag Team
Triple Threat, Elimination
Team Bella, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella and Alicia Fox Vs Team PCB Paige, Charlotte and Becky Lynch Vs Team B.A.D Naomi, Tamina and Sasha Banks

Vince McMahon is said to be desperate to break former WWE divas champion AJ's reign with current holder Nikki Bella. AJ shockingly retired after Wrestlemania after WWE's negativity to her, her husband, CM Punk and the overall state of the division. AJ was classed by fans as the best diva for its current diva standards, of the modern generation, working the company to a favourable position. That's how WWE repay her.

Yet Nikki not done much except hold the title. After her injury she hasn't defended it much and only about three times? Her reign will not be respected. It could have been. WWE did not make it a priority.

If anyone needed the win the most, as well as on deserving merit alone, it was Team B.A.D. WWE however didn’t seem to like its own skilled divas. Paige’s team looked empty, dishevelled and vanilla. 

Charlotte entered into the ring by opening her legs to show off her cooch in a disgusting manner looking like a cheap hoe bag. Some revolution for respecting females in wrestling beyond sexual connotations. It was not flattering or female empowerment whatsoever.

Brie and Becky. Brie screams her silly "Team Bella" in Brie Mode! moment. Tamina burst in to smash Becky. Sasha Banks comes in to loud cheers. Naomi enters with a great leg, leaping frog drop on Becky Lynch. Tamina and her team making quick tags well as Naomi deals with Lynch among good leg drops. Becky getting better of Banks. Banks stops her quickly. Tamina clubbing Lynch down for two. Sheer dominance by Tamina making this match meaningful. Tossing Lynch with blows like a rag doll, she then sends Lynch flying outside with revered skill.

Paige comes in to scream "This is my house!" as per usual and then jump onto all divas from the top. Cheap heat.

Brie randomly and cheaply pins Tamina in a cheap and tacky move. Team B.A.D are eliminated. What a clueless booking choice from WWE. Crowd is ultra pissed. Nikki back-breaks Becky. Others save. WWE just can't allow its best team to win anything. Lame. Its like they actually hate it to ever succeed beyond its skill to some tarts in tights on the other side.

Nikki slams Paige outside. Count of 9 calls as Paige charges in, supposed to be hurt. Bella slammed down.  Alicia Fox perfectly flipped over an outstandingly beautiful German Suplex on Paige.

In comes Charlotte, looking for cheap heat in a "Woo!" on every move. Can she do nothing else? It was a clunky mess .Ungraceful Figure 8 Leg Lock came next, making this ever more tedious. Stopped by Nikki instead. Alicia got a double kick with Charlotte as both knocked each other down with their long legs. Both tagged their respective partners afterward as Brie joins with Becky. Brie missed a jump up dropkick on Beck and missed the "Brie Mode" motion. Becky Lynch was all over Brie Bella to get a cheap but valuable win for herself and carry her useless team of Charlotte and Paige too. Could WWE be any more boring and predictable in trying to favour the lucky sperm club and ignorant flunkie of no pure skill? 

That will never get respected, dear. You have to earn your place, not be given it. None of them have earned anything and are not revolutionising anything for females in sport, let alone wrestling. 

Mountain Dew received an overload of praise on the show. WWE only focused on selling products but not THE WWE product. Therein is its problem, then.

Antonio Cesaro Vs Kevin Owens

The pair begin trading punches. Cesaro ran into Owens lots so he can push him away. Owens cheap heat sought with a launch over top rope of his body weight as usual, which is less than original. 

Cesaro turns with sheer skill to turn the tables on an in-ring running corkscrew, over the top rope, flip dive, to the outside. Stunning, dextrous flexibility and poetry in motion from Cesaro. So majestically performer, too. A testament to the unbounded skill Cesaro has in abundance. 

Owens jumped on him a couple of times and said that’s why he's the man. It was sheer laughability. A loose arm hold on Cesaro. Owens simply sitting there doing nothing. Cesaro runs into the turnbuckle to hurt himself. Owens can only conduct a move when they cheaply miss and injure themselves to the move. Owens has yet to do anything ever of interest. Useless waste of space. Back into ground submission hold. Crowd quiet and board with blank faces staring as Owens holds Cesaro in hold to no effect. That picture painted a thousand words. WWE, whether they like it or not, just recognise this useless no-mark destroy its product from within. Owens stood on the spot yet again and yelled at Cesaro then to the crowd. Insanely weak. Then he pushed Cesaro after a minute of simply standing there. Pitiful. It was embarrassing to watch. he did literally nothing. 

Cesaro returned with power moves and a strong backbreaker drop. Cesaro landed a great flip off the turnbuckle. Two fall only. Owens lies there for extra time to recover. Amazing stamina. Kneels on ground in hold to waste time and block Ceasro move then flip him over bleakly. Cesaro ran into Owens who tiredly tapped up a shoulder on the spot in a useless trade of blow that missed completely. 

Owens jumped on the corner post and flew himself onto the ground to miss for extra time again. Cesaro walked into a spear so Owens could have everything done for him again. Superkick. Owens always goal hangs at the corner waiting for someone to walk into him and then just do a cheap move. Pathetic.

Running uppercut from Cesaro to the barricade outside, signals for Cesaro Swing in-ring and lands it on Owens. Then a smooth and controlled sharpshooter by Cesaro locked in to boost momentum. Owens quickly and cheaply makes it to the ropes with a no sell. Shameful after Cesaro sold the entire match for Owens. Selfish worker.

Owens sat on the top of the turnbuckle after a few jabs for more time. It was plain embarrassing for WWE. Owens then got off the top and dropped Cesaro on the ropes. What a cheap move. Then Kevin Owens dropped Cesaro who walked himself into the powerbomb drop to make Owens look good. A wasteful loss if ever there was one. Uneventful win and simply some burly bloke in a tee shirt who can't wrestle or even entertain one iota ruins the only prospect WWE may well have.

WWE were the ones who looked the fool. If this is their future of WWE booking, their future is as bleak as it comes. Fans feel the failure of WWE and Triple H’s pet project failings for an eternity to come. Everyone since has failed to materialise. Triple H dropped Cesaro for his personal chance to look good with Owens. How sad. Ego is truly costing WWE of its future. 

Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman Vs The Undertaker


By the time this match begins, many were simply too tired out or bored or had enough of the dire matches before it.  Greed is not good. WWE naturally used the Wrestlemania Lesnar streak victory as build up. This was technically their rematch.

Undertaker starts early on Lesnar with the upper hand as the pair trade delightful blows, back and forth. He sends Lesnar outside with a clothesline over the rope in a momentous boost. Lesnar returns with a chance Spear on 'Taker and regains control. 

Eventually Lesnar gets his first German Suplex on Undertaker as the fans are divided with chants of "Undertaker" and "Suplex City" calls. 

Lesnar hopes for another but the Phemon breaks free. He nabs a shoulder barge at Lesnar and nails the Snake Eyes, dazing Brock instead. He follows up with a Big boot to Brock for good measure, sending The Beast to the outside. Lesnar is now busted open as Undertaker drives him into the barricade. Taker places Brock into position on the apron to drop a mighty leg drop with fine finesse.

Lesnar counters a clutching Chokeslam grasp, to grab his opponent for another first class ticket to Suplex City. Lesnar lands a Triple series of German Suplexes on Undie. On from this Undertaker makes it outside, grasping the back of his head, looking woozy. 

Lesnar dismantles the announce table and plants a stunning F5, sending undertaker through it. Undertaker makes a count of nine, not to be counted out. 'Taker drop a Tombstone Piledriver soon after to get a tense two count on Lesnar. Both then sit up and laugh at one another, as Lesnar mocks Undertaker's sit up, by his side, on the mat. This was a rare, funny and intriguing side of The Undertaker in his ferocious challenge with The Beast, Brock Lesnar. 

Lesnar locks in a Kimura arm hold though the ref is not counting as 'Taker is at the ropes. Taker breaks free and smashes a crushing Last Ride on Lesnar to powerful effect. It takes a smooth two fall. Once the pair regain their feet, Lesnar instantly drops a swift F5 on The Undertaker for an intense two count. The heat of the match is palpable at this point. 

The Undertaker slams on his Hell's Gate submission when Lesnar's arm was near. Paul Heyman was visible concerned, at ringside for his client, Brock Lesnar. Lesnar breaks out and puts his own Kimura lock back on. Undertaker counters into a pinfall as the bell rings suddenly. The referee was perplexed and explained he did not call for the bell. During this distraction The Undertaker jabs poor Brock in the goolies from behind with a Low Blow. Poor Brockie Lesnar. The referee failed to see this in the bell confusion, as The Undertaker firmly places Brock Lesnar into the Hell's Gate once more. Lesnar, battling through the pain, flips the bird at The Undertaker in tap out defiance. He clutches his own Kimura on The Undertaker at the same time of submission as the pair bend one another with pain stricken maneouverus. The undertaker noticeably tapped out to Brock Lesnar, though the referee could not see as he was checking Brock Lesnar, who was fading. In all fairness, who wouldn’t tap to Brock Lesnar’s meaty thigh? Brock Lesnar passes out as the referee calls the match and awards the victory to The Undertaker. Prepare for the fallout.

With some twenty minutes left, Paul Heyman called for instant replay and spoke to the crowd as Undertaker left. Lesnar and Heyamn, after working the crowd, eventually leave. However in reality The Undertaker collapsed backstage after making it back from the match. 

Many are wondering whether the tap out angle was a signal for Undertaker informing the back of a problem, though many believe it is as planned. Thankfully The Undertaker is safe and well, and was able to get up afterwards. He had just fought a hellish battle which naturally took the wind out of him. His efforted testament knows no bounds. A seasoned pro. 

Though fans were not so keen on a second, and closing PPV screwy finish. 


PPV Rating - 3/10


Men/Women of their matches - Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Neville, Luke Harper, Seth Rollins, Tamina, Antonio Cesaro, The Undertaker


Man/Woman of the PPV - The Undertaker


Orton's talents were wasted on Sheamus. To bow out first, in a minor match, with no direction then, past or future was as senseless as it comes. Fans expect Orton, one of its most workable stars, highly respected for such to play a bigger role on the card, even if it is building a star up. Sheamus was and is a lost cause.

When is Kevin Owens actually going to do anything? Let alone something original and exciting? WWE will keep you waiting. So will Owens, because he has nothing more to give. Haggard, ignorant and dated, Owens offers nothing fresh to WWE and it is in danger of exhausting its future stars to help some ageing bloke who just wants to feel happy by being included at the party, instead of lingering in the corner.  Outside of Cesaro, ignorant floater Kevin Owens, given the number one company worker and tonight the best technical wrestler on the roster right now, Owens exposed himself. He proved there and then to WWE and all its fans, it has no chance of making it. He has no skill, charisma or impact. Trim your losses before it gets out of hand. WWE is a company. One man who is useless to prove Triple H could call up a pal and make it work goes beyond the company's walls of self-destruction? You would risk everything for your ego on some aging burly bloke in a tee shirt who does nothing? Think of the future and put your ego aside. That's what is truly "Best for Business" isn't it?

After a dirty win, Cena can lose the odd one. Seth Rollins needed it. The double champion holding legitimises the hard work Rollins has put in, which Wrestling Wonders could see and put forward a mile off over the last year and a half. Rollins is on course to be WWE's newest and most bankable new, heavyweight superstar, while giving his opponents a place of worth too. 

WWE's so called diva revolution can't survive on the lame booking of PCB being given everything and discarding its other two teams who have everything to redevelop the scene. Team Green, as PCB should be renamed, risks shelving off three months extra of the timescale that this 'revolution' can attain. Paige, Charlotte and now Becky Lynch are given wins on favouritism, not skill or program direction. Fans are not stupid and have realised "WWE don't know how to book women" which puts them back at square one. They are desperately trying to get Charlotte and co over, based on a loose attempt at being born by her daddy, an ignorant washed up jerk only there for cash and bragging rights popularity. This is no revolution. a revolution changes things. WWE is as stale as it began, because it is ruining its best team and its support team for bland favourites based on look once again placing females in WWE back into the 'tarts' directive than skilled women.

With all four of them at a loose end, The Wyatt Family should have inducted Dean Ambrose on a turn, into the Family. Ambrose, with no cause, direction or opportunities (therefore needing it more than Reigns) should have switched. He could easily fit the family brief and 'learn from Bray' who always gets the better of the lacking Ambrose. While WWE plan for Roman Reigns to be its new star for its future, it is stalling and making no new options either. Being their priority, Ambrose is being pushed aside. You can't make both of them, nor together , at the same time. 

Dolph Ziggler and Rusev was nothing. Nothing more to add.

Neville and Amell were non-entities that clogged up space. It was useless and while WWE are gushing over Amell, set to return at another later date, it added nothing more than a toilet break for a minor wannabe whopping boy. It was also boring. The other two guys on the card were forgotten. 

The tag titles foursome was as ignorant as it comes with wasteless Lucha Dragons who offer absolutely nothing to the show or scene and weakling Kalisto should not have place in WWE. This ruins all progress the show can hope to make. Darren Young and Titus O'Neil were as much accessories as the titles over the last month for media attention. It was inevitable they would lose tonight, and although New Day are growing and better as a unit, this would have been the perfect time for Los Matadores to gain the titles. This was totally their time. WWE can easily make them credible players with a gaggle of teams in PTP's and New Day.


Brock and Undertaker's outstanding rematch tore the roof down once again. it was no surprise and was an excellent follow up that did not fail to excite. All involved knew exactly what was required to make it work. The only problem was using a double, screwy finish type screwjob to make both have a level of equal footing with one another as opponents. This ruined their hard work more, but they still carried it well. For the second back to back PPV, since his shock return last month, The Undertaker once again proved to be the man and the stand out pro of WWE. Well deserved, too.

Overall Summerslam was about Triple H proving he could make a Wrestlemania of his own, seeing as Vince controls 'Mania itself. The four hour start and the overdone card did not make this a grand spectacle of the ages and a forgettable show overfilled with drab options and lacking opportunities. It was all about show and how many media outlets and brands WWE could attract. While advertising is important, WWE sold itself to trying to be media included for personal attention. This won't grow WWE as a brand for the future. It even made a laughable invitation to the team of Reddit, who have done nothing in wrestling worlds. Only there to show off to yours truly, who has made an online world of journalism within wrestling relevant and consistent once again. Though WWE don't seem to like what does them favours. For all its ungraciousness, WWE should offer Max Waltham an invite to Wrestlemania with tickets and a reservation in the Sky Box. That will do. Seeing The Undertaker live will be sufficient. Are WWE truly as ungracious as they seem, yet intent on giving away freebies to all and sundry who do nothing for them? Honestly... and you wonder why it has a negative stance in the world of sport, which I have made relevant once more and given you much more as you know. We shall see if WWE can have the kindness it likes to promote itself as having.  

For a PPV, it was not as interesting as it could and should have been. It needed more thought, more outreach and not desperation media to carry its Summer spectacular. The cost was the actual show and its hard working talent, who must feel completely dejected in the lockeroom. That isn't what is truly Best for Business.

© Max Waltham 26th August 2015
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, 20 August 2015

WWE Diva Layla officially retires

Former Diva's Champion
Layla retires 


Last month on July 29th this year, longstanding WWE diva Layla announced she would retire from the business spanning almost ten years since 2006.

Layla began her career with the now less than to be desired Diva Search, among a host of beauties impressing WWE for their looks and dancing credentials.

Though Layla hoped to impress beyond the 'swimsuit catalogue' interpretation and took bold action to learn the ropes and improve her in-ring abilities.

The former diva became its first joint women's champion, becoming one of the lowest points in her career in 'sharing' a title. WWE even ripped up the title and placed half with her and her gal pal Michelle McCool, known as the then impressive Team Laycool. She was a part of the bungled process that was the divas title unification match in which the Women's title reigned supreme, yet WWE resigned it for the Diva's title, because there were no capable females to be classed as Women's champion (a blessing in disguise) at the time, considering its stocked on-screen stars.

While Layla was the weaker wrestler, she attempted to have some good matches and respected for her stance at improving. She was also part of the detsable bullying angle of "Piggy James" which both members of Laycool felt visable upset by, even as the perpetrators of such nasty behaviour donated by WWE's Head Office. 

After being sparsely used on the roster for a good two years now, and with strong and clearly obvious predications, the writing was on the wall for Layla. Lacking demand from WWE and pretty much having done all she can, the sexy diva turned adequate wrestler for diva standards had done enough to cement her near decade long run in the sports entertainment industry.

As Wrestling Wonders noted long ago nearer the time, WWE's policy in women is one like popular television drama E.R. No female on the show in today's age would make it past 40 on the programme. Layla was much the same in a new age of traditional ladies.  At least she tried, which we can respect her for that. 



© Max Waltham 20th August 2015
All Rights Reserved

Thursday, 6 August 2015

'Rowdy' Roddy Piper passes away, age 61

Wrestling Legend 'Rowdy' 
Roddy Piper passes 
away age 61



Wrestling legend 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper passed away at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack on Friday 31st July in his sleep. 

Piper, known as Roderick George Toombs had survived previous battles with cancer. 

The wrestling veteran, named as the best villain in the business, known for his charismatic Scottish portrayal earned the Canadian legions of respect from fans, experts, insiders and staff. Many regard the legend as the best superstar of all time lagging behind The Undertaker, but leading the front as the most entertaining bad guy in wrestling ever.

Piper was infamous for the creation of in-show talk shows, with his most notorious show, Piper's Pit. His most prominent and controversial moments include the coconut bash to 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka, which helped grow the business and sport of professional wrestling to higher levels. 

Piper received a fitting tribute at the opening of Monday night Raw the following week from his passing. He received a deserving 10 bell salute, only one month after the loss of another great in the late Dusty Rhodes. The WWE roster wore T-Shirts as a mark of respect, but was found to be in bad taste later among the program with its levels of oversell than respect for the fallen veteran. 

Piper had notorious feuds with heavyweight champion Hulk Hogan, celebrities including Mr.T and the originator of a new age of wrestling movement, rock chick Cyndi Lauper, with the assistance of Captain Lou Albano often at her side. 

UFC fighter and female favourite Ronda Rousey commented on the passing, where Piper had given her permission to use the 'Rowdy' part of her name, donated by Piper himself as a mark of respect to a growing talent in their field. 

She said of the veteran- "I just want to say that we lost a really close friend, Rowdy Roddy Piper, who gave me permission to use his name as a fighter," she said after her 34-second win in Brazil. "And so I hope him and my dad had a good time watching this today."

Piper and his family, to which Wrestling Wonders sends its full condolences, have called for a worldwide tribute of silence during Piper's funeral. The ceremony will occur on August 11th in Oregon, at 10.30am that time. Everyone is encourageD to partake in a minutes silence, if not more, at that time to honour the great departed Piper. 

WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon led a glowing tribute of Piper too. 

Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.


The shock passing comes after Piper was hounded by a company called Podcast One, who had been harassing Piper over a podcasting series he was most popular for, getting in trouble for a joke about 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. Austin, who did not like Piper and a comedian making a light hearted joke about him, as they did with others, forced Podcast One to cancel Piper's shows. WWE later dropped Piper swiftly from a legends contract to protect Stone Cold, who is fronting the promotion of WWE's new video game. 

As any health professional knows, copious amounts of stress to one person among a time of instability and hounding can lead to greater health problems and has been vividly linked to cardiac arrests and other coronary conditions leading to passing. Podcast One, Steve Austin and WWE all bear a shoulder of blame here, whether they like it or not. While no one else will discuss the issue, WWE, not as mild as the other two fully involved, share a level of responsibility.

Podcast One and Austin, lead contributors, should be highly ashamed of their petty actions only a fortnight before Piper's passing, have contributed to immense levels of instability, stress, anxiety and trouble. Piper was visibly distressed over the issues building to his levels of upset. Piper did nothing wrong. 

For WWE, it should do right for once by Piper and install its level of aftercare more prominently by distancing itself from all problems occurring or growing. That includes the already known ignorant abuser Steve Austin. WWE will need to ask themselves one question. Is monetary greed to sell some random thing soon to be the past really worth it when it destroys the legacy WWE built its house upon? WWE need to distance Austin from its game and cancel the podcast indefinably, for good. Though WWE have installed Austin for bragging rights to sell a video game, WWE do not need Austin to sell it, even if he is the feature. Plus WWE should think about who and how it manages its future products, even in brainstorming sessions. Austin already has a negative reputation and now WWE have agreed to partner with him in what is extremely disgraceful attitudes. Fans can play their part by boycotting the video game and the casts, too. neither of them are actually great anyway, are they? 

For WWE it needs to establish a new age of respect, not bland favourites on its own ego, which is growing at a dangerous rate for the company's self-destruction to a future product. WWE itself is becoming outdated, boring, bland, lacking characters and no skill or respect among its elite boast of superstardom entertainment. It needs to re-assess itself and its attitude, regardless of 'I like them' hires for a random act of desperation to sell a minor thing. A major superstar has fallen and your contributions have played its part. Maturity with respect may well be its future requirement to regain. 

Piper, among all the other greats gone and soon to go, deserve that much. So do the fans, experts, stars and business. Sidestep the ego and think about someone other than yourself for one moment, and you just might, get it right.

May one of the greatest legends of wrestling Rest In Peace.  


© Max Waltham 06th August 2015
All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

WWE Battleground 2015

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. 

"You look stupid" rang almost before their start by the crowd. It's fair to say this still isn't over and WWE has no clue how to find a solution to make Sheamus a serious contender, let alone potential champion. Rey Mysterio, anyone?

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?

Basic, decent. Big E beatdown splash on Young. Prime Time Playa's Darren Young and Titus O'Neil win. Yep. That's it. Action this time round was more controlled, from all, which is promising. Though Xavier Woods' hollering at ringside with language was so obsence, uncontrolled and irrational that WWE and himself need to find a level of guidance and control. He was simply a raving loon with no focus. Fans began disliking him for all the wrong reasons, regardless of being a dishourable foe. 

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.

Wyatt began leading early. Basic moves and low motion were included. 

"Intelligence is what separates him" - JBL cotinued. Quite right. though it can't help the lacklustre show and loss of momentum displayed by Bray, WWE's mysterious and altered version of Max Waltham on WWE television since Brad Maddox and others were losing WWE's interest. Wyatt is WWE's stable on-screen representative to send such messages from and to Waltham, with a distorted WWE stance that reflects their interpretation to try and make it seem worse through dislike. Tut tut. You have no clue what comes next. How could you? You're not me. 

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. 

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

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.

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...

Both new gals stare the other down after moving Brie to the outside. The pair use a body twist over into backbreaker pinfall for Sasha, gaining a two fall. Brie brings it back. The lacklustre "Brie Mode!" arrives in comical fashion alongside screams. Banks stops her in her tracks and dumps Brie to the outside. Nikki and Alicia are stopped by both the other teams outside from cheating. Brie tries to go back inside but comically falls back like a team building exercise and knocks out her gal pals. Banks runs the ropes and dives over Paige's team. Then Charlotte adds to the mix and dumps onto Banks and her pals. 

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 lands a swift Jump Swing DDT on Owens. Owens gets up to use fists. Cena fights back as Owens jumps on the spot a few feet to Cena, knocking both down with a pathetic clothesline. Owens stumbles around the ring, on the ropes, waiting for Cena. Then Cena gets into position to lift himself as Owens drops Cena in a move drop which botched its landing on no actual part intended to wear down.

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. 


Young at recent Pride event
with WWE Tag title
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. 

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. 

Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt are in difficult positions. This pair are a way off from becoming interesting again. While the characters from previous standing might hold hope in fans' minds, the pair are lacking. WWE may be to blame for no creative ideas and to re-work the pair, but both are empty once again. Out of steam and running on empty, while the pair had a passable bout, the match was tepid, slow and boring. 

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.


Had almost epic, match of potential
year candidate between Rusev and Cesaro
on Raw pre Battleground.
WWE had a few lose ends they could have used. Rusev, Cesaro and Ambrose were not on the show. While it showed it could do something without them, and lose something rare also, the show could have used them. It was a solid and perfect choice to go with the Divas, though the rest was a little overshadowed.

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