WWE TLC 2014

TLC 2014: Tables. Ladders, Chairs and Stairs

Tonight WWE presented its new addition to the former TLC Pay Per View, by adding Stairs. Live on PPV from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday 13^th December 2014 would WWE feature it’s absent world title? Could it move forward to the New Year with interest, intrigue and gear new pathways for after Royal Rumble? Or will it stick to a considerable, regular format?

Let’s find out…

Intercontinental Championship

Dolph Ziggler Vs Luke Harper (c)

Spot monkey Dolph Ziggler was battered by grotty geezer Luke Harper. Dolph was busted open while outside with an official as Dolph burst in to the match to stop Harper climbing up. Ziggler tried to stop Harper by pushing the ladder into his feet off the apron, though Harper smashed him back. Dolph then countered by smacking Harper onto the ladder to knock him out for a bit. Ziggs set and climbed a ladder with touching distance on the title. Harper stopped only to receive a smash down again.

Ziggler walked in Harper’s ladder holding but took him down with a kick. He then smashed the ladder into Harper on the apron landing back first on the laid out ladder between the ring and the announce table. Harper made it back in to stop Dolph and tipped over the ladder to save the title being grabbed.

Dolph usedthe ladder from the turnbuckle to tip the ladder over Harper whilst on it trapping between the main ladder to climb up. Harper got back and stopped him. Setting another ladder, Harper was smacked by Harper. Dolph Ziggler then easily walked up the ladder to grab the Intercontinental title as a fluke four time champion over Luke Harper.

WWE Tag Team Championship

Damien Sandow and The Miz (c) Vs The Uso’s

Damien Mizdow received the Slammy of the year for LOL moment. The Miz stole it from him and still hasn’t given him one of the tag titles he won for them. Instead he keeps his mock up titles. The Miz tried to recruit Naomi, who wanted to be Divas champ adding Miz could not help her. Jimmy Uso was mentioned, as the pair have a relationship addressed on tele show Total Divas.

Miz starts the match as Mizdow mimicks outside to huge cheers. Jimmy is tagged in as he chases Miz. “We want Mizdow” was early enforced in Miz’es hometown, the announcers noted that no one even liked Miz.

Miz was double suplexed as Mizdow did an impressive handstand. Naomi was watching backstage as her Uso flew over the top rope at both Mizzers. DDT from Miz for two fall cheap follow up. Miz teased a tag never coming as he almost got rolled up for the titles. Miz placed a rest hold after his tiresome routine. Enziguri from Jey allowed a tag to Jimmy. The Uso teased who to slam into at both opposite corners and smashed Miz as Sandow avoided. Miz then chased a quick move. Miz tried the Skull Crush rope flip but was flipped over himself. Mizdow was flung out to boos when a chance came. Miz was grabbed and contorted into a single leg Boston Crab well done by Jimmy. Superkick to Miz as Uso climbed to fly three quarters over the ring. Weedy Miz rolls out and leaves. Mizdow gets hit by the flying Uso as The Miz clocked him with the Slammy to force a disqualification. The Uso’s won the match but not the tag team championships. Of the sad gimmick on offer, Mizdow is still the star. Miz remains the lackey who gets lucky.

Seth Rollins with Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury had an interview with Byron Saxton. He wanted to thank Steph and Triple H, watching from home.  

Stair

Erick Rowan Vs Big Show

In this match you can now use the Stairs, which are general used in TLC matches anyway as part of the furniture. To rebrand a PPV to include it was plain ridiculous. Rowan made an outside wall stack of Chairs JBL thought was resembling Stonehenge. Bog Show slammed Rowan into them and moved him back inside. Show places a stair onto the announce desk. Rowan comes back and is flung into the side steps instead. “Big Show sucks!” the crowd say. Show swings the stairs into Rowan’s gut sideways. Someone hilariously boo’es like a sheep.

Inside now Show hammers the steps on Rowan. Rowan comes back by knocking Show onto the laid stairs in the ring. Rowan takes it up top. Rowan misses Show on a drop down with the stairs but Show caught the side as Rowan hit himself. Show batter rams Rowan through the earlier built blockade of stairs outside now. Stair bowling the announcers suggest. It’s bowling for Big Show’s!  Rowan kicks the stair as Show picks it up. Show counters grabbing Rowan with a chokeslam into the stairs. Show picks Rowan up and over for a pin but instead uses the stairs over Rowan to trap him kicking out. A new way to cover Erick Rowan allowed the Big Show to grab the three fall victory.

Tables

John Cena Vs Seth Rollins

• If John Cena loses he will forfeit his number one contendership to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Representing his client Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman had a special seat in the house ringside once more to watch the progress of the title opportunity scrap. The stipulation was made by the returning anonymous Raw General Manager, via computer on the previous episode of Raw.  

Seth Rollins arrived with his flanked suitors Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury. They still don’t wear pants. L Okay, entry fine, but later involvement? If so will they, won’t they? Hmmm… WWE say they “don’t carry underwear with them.” :o

Cena instantly lobbed clubbing hands at Rollins. J and J security distracted Cena as Rollins took the lead. “This is my time!” Rollins yells. Cena came back again with a quick one move.  Mercury and Noble pull the table away from Cena as Rollins gets back into it. Rollins tries to bring in a new table as Cena sops him. One fan yells “Cena you suck!” The JJ’s stops another table Cena tries to pull in a once more as he shoves it in them. Rollins is back again. JJ returns to stop Cena full on now inside the ring. Rollins DDT’s Cena down. A new table is entered by Seth.

The Cena chants of indifference began. After a long wait down, Cena charges a a new flurry of moves to get in charge. J and J stop this with a beat down on Cena again. It’s allowed as there are no DQ’s in this match. Cena fought out of a 3 on 1 situation. Cena cleared house and took the ladders at the back of the ramp. Then he picked up the iron grilling instead to smash through the J and J secuiry team. Poor Noble was hurt and in pain as JBL mentioned he’d be calling Nidia hurt. Forget her, call me. I can soothe. Bubble bath or sensual oil massage. You choose.

Mercury was soon flung over the barricade at ringside by Cena upon making their way back. Rollins had enough and flung Cena into the other side.  Rollins makes up a table on the outside placing two together. As Lawler points out the table doesn’t need to be inside the ring. Traditional rules have now been changed.

Cena blocks and flips Rollins over inside the ring by suplex. Cena powerlifts Rollins up bt failsas Rollins counters him down smoothly. Cena throws Rollins over the other side outside by Paul Heyman at ringside near the announcers for extra time. Rollins uses the briefcase whacking Cena. Rollins makes up a new table inside. Cena gets up from the ground as possum and holds the Attitude Adjustemtn and walks Rollins into an official. Cena lands on the table on a counter. Cena flimily hits a punch which clearly misses Rollins completely like a wave swoosh. Cena then horribly slams Rollins into the table. Whenever it could go so well Cena always gets carried away and ruins it all by his own lack of understanding. It’s basic and still misused. It’s shameful.

The Authority security interfered. Cena avoided a powerbomb and AA’ed both Noble and Mercury through the table, still in their suits. :(

Rollins and Cena go at it on the apron by the set tables earlier by Rollins, Michael Cole informs. Oh no! Rollins and Cena both dropped thought the table TOGETHER! Game over. The fans are livid! It’s a double finish!

However, Rollins and Cena went through the table together at the same time perfectly. Camera was clear and the action was meticulously planned. Finally the pair got something right. Even Cena did something right for once. Hallelujah.

The ref’s both lift one another’s arms in the match just like the Cena/Batista Royal Rumble charade years ago.

Announcer Lil’ Garcia said the ref restarted the match as there was no clear winner. Rollins went nuts and pulled the announce desk apart as Cena quickly lifts Rollins and cheaply taps him over the table with an AA. The table failed to snap so Cena messed up the win?

Quick thinking Cena gets a table into the ring after a wait on the mat. Here comes the Big Show! Show is approaching the ring. He jabs Cena down. Chokeslam for Cena? What is that?! The Shield music hits as Roman Reigns is walking through the crowd. He goes at it with Show and knocks the Superman punch before Spearing Show through the Table. Reigns jabs Rollins as John Cena quickly picks up Seth Rollins with the AA and slams him into the table for the dirty win. “John Cena wins! John Cena wins!” Michael Cole screams. Cole informs us that Cena is going to the Royal Rumble to fight Brock Lesnar for the WWE Heavyweight title, absent for three consecutive PPV’s.

Lesnar has had four months to prepare Cole mentions.

The kick-off show with Booker T, Alex Riley and host Renee Young chatted a bit. They spoke on about the “First ever” Stairs match.

WWE made up a new and amazing concept, add in some stairs. Yeah, okay.

WWE Divas title

Nikki Bella (c) w/ Brie Bella Vs AJ

Before the match the pair chatted in an interview about the sisterhood being stronger than ever. Nikki also discussed her assets other than the title that AJ never had.

AJ arrived with her recent Slammy award named on the pre-Monday Raw as Diva of the year.

Nikki pushes passed AJ and limbers up with a push up outside. The action begins inside as AJ whirls her out. Brie gets gut kicked for trying to interfere as AJ pulls Nikki back in. Jump up knee push back from AJ. Nikki smashes AJ for a quick two fall. A placid knee drop by Nikki lacked punch. Lots of corner flinging. Nik twists AJ’s legs and arms behind the post from outside. Two fall. AJ is stretched open by Nikki. AJ twists around to break out but Nikki jabs her in the back instead.  A hard drop slam of AJ looking careless. Another rest hold now. AJ countered with a body grab hold to try and place the Black Widow but was stopped. Roll up reversal from corner for two by AJ. Both take a double clothesline drop down. 

AJ pounces the Lou Thesz press on Nik. Neckbreaker on Nikki for two. Jump Swing DDT for AJ as Cole calls it the Tornado DDT. Jumping Enziguri off the turnbuckle by Nikki for extra leverage scores two. Reverse flip Facebuster by AJ for another close two. AJ charges a running Shining Wizard. Brie grabs Nikki’s leg onto the rope as sexy ref Rod Zapata throws Brie out to the lockeroom. Whilst distracted Nikki smashes something into AJ’s face knocking her down cold. Nikki Bella drops the Crack Rack (or Rib Rack if you prefer) on AJ to cover her for a three fall victory. Nikki retains as AJ is checked over instantly.

The superstar of the year Slammy winner (LOLZ) arrives to have an interview with Tom Phillips. Those acting classes have worked, have they? Reigns stumbled his words, took slow time to speak and said an easy text that didn’t scream amazing. We like him, but it needs more than two months.

Chair

Kane Vs Ryback

This match was built on the part of Kane being jealous Ryback was asked by Stephanie McMahon to join the now defunct Authority group. Ryback began with a shoulder barge. Kane unloaded a chair early on Ryback making silly “Ahhh!” noises. Ryback enters a poor performance bouncing around on Kane. Ryback easily tips a comical splash on Kane from the turnbuckle. Seriously, what is this? Ryback uses the chair. He goes back up top again. Kane gets the knee and chair to stop him. “Goldberg!” chants rang again for the Ryback rip off. Ryback did some stupid face-hulking-surge with the sound of an asthma sufferer. It was weird. Kane threw a chair into his face to huge cheers. SuperRyback, Vince and Triple H’s favourite new guy backstage, apparently, kicked out. Liability Ryback almost messed up the battle again with a clumsy shove of Kane leading to a body drop to win the pathetic match up of no interest. Forgettable.

United States Championship

Rusev (c) w/ Lana Vs Jack Swagger

Eden is still announcing and still bloody awful. Why was she called up? Swagger stopped Lana from talking. She was not happy. Rusev is yet to be pinned or submitted in WWE, Cole mentions. Jack gets a few moments but messes up as supposed to take Ruev down with a kick but flings to corner instead then kicks. Swagger tries the ankle Lock as Rusev reverses with power to hold in The Accolyde. The crushing Camel Clutch was almost broken by lifting Swagger who failed by swirled around the ground to get the Ankle Lock again. Rusev uses his foot to kick Swagger’s and break free. Swagz got smashed outside with a jump smash kick to the face creating some space. Rusev clambered Swagger upon entry to the ring at a nine count from outside. The Accolyde crush (with a y for extra crush) was locked back in as Rusev submitted Jack Swagger to retain the US title.

Tables, Ladders and Chairs

Dean Ambrose Vs Bray Wyatt

“Most movements eventually need to be flushed. That’s what Dean Ambrose intends to do.” –Jerry Lawler. Ambrose begins with his Lunatic Fringe brawling style. This is fine but wants to avoid becoming typecast of it every match. The pair take it through the crowd. Both make it back to the ring after Ambrose’s impressive running jump off the kick off show table. Lawler questioned how the pain was a level of pleasure for Wyatt when being beat up by Ambrose with a grin on a grimace. Wyatt urges Ambrose to use the Kendo Sticks now on him in the ring on knees. Ambrose jabs Wyatt as he tries to grab a chair. Ambrose scales the turnbuckle top with chair in hand to slam down an elbow with the chair. Ambroses’s unpredictability was questioned. Never underestimate the other. Wyatt smacks Ambrose onto the table outside upon a counter from the turnbuckle as Ambrose crashes through it hard. Both sold it tremendously.

Wyatt now smacks the Stick over Ambrose with severe pain. Wyatt innovatively places the stick in the padding by the tip turnbuckle pad as Ambrose is flung into the stick. The ladder is brought in and slammed into Ambrose now. Dean has fallen onto the ladder as Wyatt runs his slash with a back elbow jab too. Wyatt misses a run into his stacked corner ladder for Ambrose to take over. Ambrose drops a running bulldog. Ambrose hammers down from the extra leverage of the stacked ladder no on top of the turnbuckle. Wyatt is held in the ropes as Ambrose jabs a chair and dropkick followed by smooth leg drop on chair. Final moves countered by one another into a Wyatt clothesline. Ambrose returns the favour soon after outside. Ambrose drops an elbow from the ladder outside onto Wyatt on a table outside for an OMG moment. It was a pleasing risk performed well. Ambrose choose another one outside. Second time lucky! Ambrose crashes down again. “One more time!” the crowd bellow. Third time lucky? Don’t push your luck.

Ambrose sends Wyatt back to the ring, the only place you can win the match in. Wyatt grabs Ambrose for Sister Abigail to a swift and close fall of two. Wyatt lunges backward from ropes and goes for another Sis. Missed and countered by Ambrose into the stacked ladder. Dirty Deeds from Ambrose to a shockingly good kick out from Wyatt. “This isn’t about how wins, this is about who survives.” Michael Cole adds.

Ambrose discovers a working monitor television screen, a favourite of a certain McMahon’s under the ring. The unpredictable Ambrose chooses to grab the longest ladder from the titantron with unclear, smirkish intentions. Ambrose stacks the ladder by the announce team between the ring. The Spanish announce table plead not to remove it. Ambrose eventually strips the table down. Wyatt resurges and hams Ambrose with a chair. Wyatt is placed onto the table as Ambrose climbs. Oooh. Ambrose smashes down on Wyatt with an elbow to break his fall. The crowd chant profanities from the dish of the gods. Back in the ring Ambrose points and kisses to Wyatt before grabbing the monitor. Idiotic Ambrose forgets its plugged in on a wire and stumbles. The screen then explodes in Ambrose’s hands knocking him back. Karma’s a b*tch! Sister Abigail plants down on Dean Ambrose as Bray Wyatt covers for a three fall to end the match.

PPV Rating – 7/10

Men/Women of their matches – Luke Harper, Jey Uso, Erick Rowan,  Seth Rollins, AJ, Kane, Bray Wyatt

Man/Woman of the PPV – Bray Wyatt

When Cena is not in the main event, as TLC often condones, the PPV’s become high ranking. WWE need to start pushing the future and while they got their wins tonight in the main event, Ambrose and Wyatt, along with Rollins and others need more growth. Though it is an encouraging start, WWE often get bored after numbers of months. Let’s hope they finally push a new future now than rely on old habits. The world won’t cave in without John Cena.

John Cena was on course to have a good match and once again blew it. Despite Seth Rollins making the very best outline for him, Cena always ruins his own potential. It’s not good, is it?

It was a weak match between the pair, as expected, though Kane did everything to try and help Ryback become meaningful. It wasn’t achieved and never can be. Release Ryback and save the WWE purse strings a wee bit.

The tag titles are still a mess. While Sandow is the mimic gimmick, The Miz is the monkey. Before they break WWE should be giving Sandow his chance to hold a real title. The only time they will do this will be when it is officially time to break up in February. The Miz is reading water. The Uso’s also put in a great level of action, as always and can be commended for their contributions, along with Sandow.

Once again the IC title is a transitional championship which has had too many weak champions adding nothing to WWE’s structure nor the star bearing it. The curse of the IC title struck again. It was okay, but it was not under any circumstance impressive. Man of the minute Ziggler offers nothing new and neither will the equally boring Wade Barrett, on the horizon. Luke Harper lost the title based on the PPV requiring a title change. When used as a spare, Ziggler was the one to front it. Harper kept fair standing and was very impressive in his first ladder battle.

Big Show gave a decent offering with Rowan but must be careful not to slip into old habits of taking it too easy. For the pair, however, it was a considerate battle that worked for both of them.

Rusev had a tame but level encounter. It was okay and filled the time. Swagger was just, kind of, there. He is not believable, even if he is the only patriot available for the midcard. 

Nikki Bella had previously shown good match qualities considering her former capabilities. Tonight Nik was a letdown and gave a poor performance. AJ kept the show together. Nikki was alright but still off. She needs to add a little more care to her interactions, how to carry through her moves and work the match, not try to look good on camera for the crowd. That is when the crowd then respects your input.

Bray Wyatt took the battle like a pro. Dean Ambrose was amazing and the pair really supported one another handsomely. The problem is that Wyatt was still booked too weakly upon a win and Ambrose held most of the match. WWE need to work both rather than one. The one they tend to favour eventually loses resect as a gimmick while the other outdoes them. Both are WWE’s longterm future. They can have matches and be great, even when either loses a scoreboard match up. Focus on the match not the tallying. Both played exceptionally tonight and should be proud of achieving the best match of the night.

Cant’t wait for next year though. Tables, Ladders, Chairs, Stairs and a Cage! Throw in the kitchen sink why don’t you?

© Max Waltham 15^th December 2014

WWE Survivor Series 2014

WWE Survivor Series 2014

Live from the Scottrade Centre in St. Louis Missouri on Pay Per View on Sunday 23rd November, WWE presented one of its Big Four, Survivor Series. Would WWE produce its “epic” show and what surprises would WWE deliver? Would they live up to the hype or be a one moment wear off instantly? Can it survive on the notion of a surprise when a lacking card was thrown together around one match and its hero?  Let’s find out…

Survivor Series opens up with Steph, Triple H and a special guest, Mr.McMahon!

“Thank you for such a warm welcome. I feel the love” Steph embraced the crowd.

Triple H pandered as he so often does for power. “Give it up for Vince McMahon!” he said.

“Woooooooooooooooooooooo!” Steph vividly cheered before an absurd rendition of “VINCE VINCE VINCE!”

Mr.McMahon claimed that this Survivor Series would change WWEs history and be “epic.” Seth Rollins going to win the gold? Brock turns up and costs Cena the win, but Seth cashes in!? Surely? That would be epic, right?

If Team Authority wins we are reminded of the late stipulation that all of John Cena’s teammates will be fired, but not Cena, of course.

Triple H got carried away and told Cena he would be “personably” responsible.

As soon as they’re gone, they will be forgotten. The crowd will drop them in a second. Steph added to Cena about the fickle fans who have no business understanding.

“Even if you can’t see us here, we’ll still be running the show, isn’t that right dad?” Steph barked.

“Not exactly what I had in mind.” Vince replied.

Both will retain their des jobs but have no influence” over the careers of WWE superstars. Yes. Vince layed down the law. The Authority would run its course, if defeated.

Hilariously Steph used her kids to granddad McMahon. Remember that promo against Paul Heyman getting a slap to “never use my kids”? Classic.

Stare down with Triple H. Ooh chemistry.

Vince uptalked SuperCena as the only one who could stop them.

“You’re a McMahon dammit! Don’t let me down!” Vince told his daughter.

Steph was then empowered by her father. “I love this! I’m a McMahon! Adversity only makes me stronger!”

Cena said The Authority had “No Chance in hell.”

There is always a chance but they are very slim when Cena’s in town.

There is a Spanish Announce table. Someone is going through that tonight.

WWE Tag Team Championship

Fatal 4 Way

The Uso’s Vs Stardust and Goldust (c) Vs The Miz and Damien Mizdow Vs Los Matadores

Stardust and Fernando begin the technical jostling. Great roll over pin attempt from Fernando. The Miz tags in from behind to battle the Matadorian. “We want Mizdow!” the crowd cheer. JBL tells us Papa Shango put a curse on Miz years ago. Quite possibly… Mizdow mimicks Miz who was being beaten down, to huge elation. Miz prompts for Mizdow and tells the crowd no. They boo vividly. It’s not Mizdow’s fault he’s lumbered with a loser. Uso’s both tagged in with Jimmy before then Jey replacing. Headlock on Fernando. Jey tipped over the rope by Stardust. Cheap, but no rules against it.

Stardust gets a legal tag and brings in Goldie. Goldust doesn’t lock a convincing hold with huge gaping issues on Uso. Stardust back in. “We want Mizdow!” One fall by Stardust. Stardust cheekily plays a tag for Mizdow and refuses. The crowd are dumb enough to be played. Uso falls into Los Matadores corner for a tag as he battles Miz with great skill. Jimmy saves the pin by Diego. Goldust gets a cheap outside clothesline from apron, allowing Miz to capitalise over Diego. Tag for Mizdow? No, but crowd cheer Mizdow and boo Miz until the tag is made! The crowd erupts! Goldust tagged himself in. Ha! WWE played you again.

Stadust comes back as the crowd gets riotous with Mizdow chants. The action between Star-d and Diego is ignored for Mizdow as Stardust yells you don’t want him but Stardust. Yeah, sure. Goldie returns. Two fall. Louder Mizdow chants no-one could ever deny. WWE don’t like Sandow, yet fans are in love with him. Will WWE finally cave in and admit defeat to turn a positive? Two fall from Goldust after some more action. El Torito rallies the crowd. Miz breaks a three count. Diego gets momentum back as the pair counter piledriver attempts. Both he and Stardust dropped one another down. Jimmy Uso returns. Uso is flung into Miz, on the apron who is now legal but forgotten. Uso smacks into Goldust as Michael Cole announces Jey is legal from tag from Jimmy who isn’t legal man as The  Miz still is. From knockdown tag.

The Uso’s switch tags now and then, which means neither of them are technically legal and doing all the work, but WWE forget this for real and ignore the blind tag on Miz earlier. This is WWE and their rules can be changed when they forget things for a ‘moment’ in the match. It makes them look sloppy.

El Torito then took the stage and launched onto everyone. Goldust stops his top turnbuckle climb. One of the Uso’s splashes heavy on Goldust. The Miz tags in quickly like a rat to grab the win but Mizdow tags in and covers Goldust to win the WWE Tag Team Championship. The Miz is shocked at the pin taken by his stunt double but grabs the titles and celebrates his easy opportunity to brag. Clearly WWE are going for the Kane/Daniel Bryan dysfunction angle again. Miz behaved more like Bryan too doing the jumping belt snatching and pandering for cheers. Mizdow was cheered, Miz was not. Selfish Miz keeps holding both the titles for himself. Not the best way to sell the tag titles.

Adam Rose is backstage selling merchandise with his Bunny and loser extras. Speaking of which, Titus and Slater enter to mock Rose. Rose showed a level of bitterness and possible change. As predictable and lacking is the card, Rose challenged a tag match for later in the evening. A thrown together card is not any chance “epic.”

Traditional Divas 4 on 4 Elimination match

Paige, Cameron, Summer Rae and Layla Vs Natalya w/ Tyson Kidd, Naomi, Emma and Alicia Fox

Summer Rae and Layla have magically turned nasty again after being lovely. Huh?

Paige takes the lead with Natalya guiding her to try and wrestle a non-flunkie match. Natalya uses weak non-connective knees. Baseball slide into Paige outside was ruined by Paige not selling and waiting to move and fall down with no effect. Layla tagged in. Missed kick as Emma comes in. Good roll over and back fling from Emma. Strong counters for both. Emma showing promise. Layla fighting for her place not to be sacked. Paige back in when Emma is beat down. Fluke opportunist uses weak knees on Emma who is convincing and smashes Paige back with a forearm. Paige uses the hair grab and calls her a “stupid cow” as they go to the top. Emma perfectly swings a suplex. Paige tags Cameron who barbs down on Emma. Slaps Emma after placing her on ropes from outside. “We want Mizdow!” Cameron fails to take the pin on Emma at two. Cameron tries but looks unconvincing just holding arms back and sitting there. Bland. Emma gets a little fan support and makes her way to the corner while fighting back technically. Naomi rips down Cameron, but walks into a gut kick. Reverses fling up backdrop. Alicia Fox in as Summer Rae runs in. Emma shoves her out. Natalya swing clotheslines Paige. The show is all messed now as Nat tries to stop Cameron who gets running bulldog. Cameron loses sight and Naomi rolls over Cameron to eliminate her.

Summer Rae screams as Naomi almost face down dropkicks her. The Kelly Kelly clones won’t work at this rate. Don’t copy it. Career will be over, dear. Rae dropped down on the floor and barges down the rest of the divas outside. Rae misses multiple attacks with Fox who drags in Paige. Crazy Fox takes all three divas down with cross body. Fox howls as Layla is sent in. Alicia ferociously deals with Layla. Fine, but it’s all a bit rushed and too frenzied that ruins the feel. Powerful backbreaker flip to knee to eliminate Layla.

Rae gets lifted to shoulders and misses tag to Paige. Paige cowardly moves from a Nattie attempt to attack. Paige uses a leg from outside to get a fluke attack and then enter the match. Misses a sharpshooter from Rae save. Rae is back in. Rae bashed off the apron as Paige looks over her with annoyance and throws her back in. Emma sets the pace on Rae. Locks in a very good Tarantula from nowhere. The Emma sandwich leads to a stunning submission back lock of Summer Rae who is now out of there. WWE should have given her a bit more power though to seem convincing as effect wore off a little. Emma stops Paige leaving, who is outnumbered.

Paige stomps on Emma. Emma fights back with a grasp of her leg very well. Natalya smashed with a kick. Nat flips over a strong suplex of Paige. Naomi misses a Moonsault from Paige’s knees up, both intended and a botch. Could have been bad. Naomi smashes Paige and covers her to get the victory for their team!

Pre Show

The “new and improved Fandango” has been placed with Rosa. Oh dear. He beat Justin Gabriel. Limp shouting loser Wade (Borette) Barrett came back with some “Bad News” doing the same old thing as before. Bore off. Cesaro also battled Jack Swagger in a nothing match as Cesaro is being quietly punished by WWE for speaking up on issues. He gave another powerful match well.

Panel Time!

Renee Young is with Booker T, Alex Riley and Paul Heyman.

Dean Ambrose Vs Bray Wyatt

“Don’t you know who I am? Don’t you know what it is I can do?” “I can fix you.” – Bray Wyatt.

After the opener both threw instant attacks. “Dean Ambrose doesn’t have a plan” Jerry Lawler said.

“Bray Wyatt doesn’t even know what he’s going to do” JBL responded.

Ambrose gets the advantage over Wyatt early on but both remain equals in standing, done well by all. Ambrose charges over the tope rope down smacked by an uppercut from Wyatt outside. Wyatt steps on Dean’s hand on the steps. Swift suplex over by Bray. Bray crafts Ambrose into back arm lock convincingly. Ambrose breaks free by biting. Ambrose then slammed into Wyatt, stopping his tracks. Both are knocked down outside as both run a clothesline. Countout begins as Wyatt breaks at 8 with Ambrose sliding in too. Both go face to face with headbutts and fists. Fast paced action and heavy hitting make for a strong battle. Ambrose mocks Wyatt with the crab upside down lunge from corner at the ropes.

Ambrose rolls up after frenzied interludes. Wyatt is trapped in ropes from outside as Ambrose kisses him and charges him down. Both are atop the turnbuckle as Ambrose fights off Wyatt, drops down, countered and the pair swift change until Wyatt chokeslams down Ambrose in another pressure cooker thrill.

Wyatt sits up top but misses a backdrop splash. Ambrose tries a two count. Ambrose flips to the top and elbows down Bray for two.  “This is awesome!” the crowd praise. Wyatt counters Ambrose for a powerbomb, missed and follows up with a nasty clothesline. Fantastic display. A fierce chokeslam on Dean on the steel steps outside. Wyatt gains two only. Wyatt gets a microphone and yells at Ambrose. “It didn’t have to be like this. You and me, we could have ruled the world. We’re special. I’m sorry man, but you chose your path.” Wyatt them hammers a fist at Ambrose. Wyatt reaches out for a chair from under the ring. Ambrose grabs the chair as Wyatt kneels for Ambrose to use it. Ambrose jabs the chair into Wyatt’s gut as the crowd erupts. “Ambrose made his decision” adds Michael Cole. The Dirty Deeds of Dean Ambrose is dropped as Bray Wyatt is slammed into the chair.

Ambrose gets a month too early and brings out the table. Racked and ready, Ambrose readies Wyatt. Ambrose goes high as Wyatt is on the wood plank. Dean Ambrose hurls down onto Bray Wyatt through the table to cover and win the match after. Ambrose puts another table over Wyatt and slams a chair. The Lunatic Fringe adds more chairs to the ring and throws them on Wyatt. Ambrose brings out the ladder now. Ambrose sets and climbs it. Looking out from the top Ambrose stands atop the ladder feeling victorious in snubbing Wyatt’s hand. Referee’s now enter to stop Ambrose jumping off the ladder and make him leave while tending to Wyatt.

The Authority line up their dressing room with a pre-necessary pep talk from leading guru of popularity choices Triple H. Steph highlights the prospect of earning money with a heartfelt plea for only a victory counts. This is a moment where everything changes for everyone Trips brags on about. Failure to win won’t warrant a fire. HHH will make sure you wish you were instead.

“If you’re not a champion, you never will be” Triple H says to Seth Rollins. Great way to demean your star worker. Triple H spoke way too long as usual. They were rattled though. “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!” they barked at Tripper’s boost.

Impromptu 

Adam Rose and The Bunny Vs Heath Slater and Titus O’Neil

It was quick and filled a hole, but what was the point? Adam Rose and The Bunny won.

Cena is seen giving his guys a pep talk now backstage.

WWE Divas Championship

AJ (c) Vs Nikki Bella w/ Brie Bella

Brie stands behind AJ with the divas title on her shoulders as AJ is shocked. She turns around to stop Brie who kisses AJ in shock as Nikki Bella beats her down and then drops the Rack Attack to cover AJ for a three fall victory and become the new Divas championship. Her time is now. WWE replayed the Daniel Bryan moment over the Wrestlemania 28 AJ kiss loss title change. This made AJ look feeble but was passable. It would have been far better to have a longer match. WWE certainly had the time available. This would also have given both a better standing as a respected worker.

Traditional 5 on 5 Elimination Match

Team Cena Vs Team Authority

Kane, Luke Harper, Rusev w/ Lana, Seth Rolins and Mark Henry Vs John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Erick Rowan and Ryback

Having a front row seat are guests Stephanie and Tripper, The Authority.

Sheamus became injured beforehand; Luke Harper became Intercontinental champion from a shock win on television beforehand from Dolph Ziggler. Randy Orton was given a storyline injury to enhance intrigue.

Saviour of the WWE John Cena entered to huge boos. How can that be right? WWE need to figure strategy than just hope for the best.

Henry and Show start us off. Henry runs into a Knockout punch and Mark Henry is eliminated. Whoops! It is taking a bit of time to remove Henry from the ring by officials but that’s good for the fact he just been KO’ed.

The group convene as Harper distracts while superstar Seth Rollins enters to take the challenge. Strong leadership qualities here. Kane gets the tag in. Cena gets his tag to heavy upset. Cena has trouble clotheslining Kane but follows a dropkick in decent fashion. Erick Rowan squares off with Luke Harper. A swift replacement for Sheamus, Rowan was due to turn regardless, but got sped up. Seth tagged himself in. Rowan takes charge with heavy drills on Rollins.

Ryback rips into Rollins with heavy boos. The crowd is loudly intolerant to Ryback. Harper is now in instead as Ryback dismantles a prospect with a suplex. Kane in now. Ryback calls Kane “stupid” but fails to follow up with a two fall only after a splash. Rusev is now entering. Both smash fists. Rusev nabs a knee into Ryback, who failed to move closer to connect believability. The crowd chant for Ryback only for their hate for Rusev. Everyone clambers in for a beat down. Rollins curb stomps Ryback and Rusev batter rams Ryback and eliminates him from the match. Steph and Lana cheer with the finger pointing “YES!” in joy.

Big Show battles the Bulgarian Brute now. Show claps on a clutch but fails to follow a chokeslam as Harper tags in. Rollins returns to batter down Big Show. Kane comes in. Kane hits a good leg dropkick to the chest in a quick frenzy. Harper puts the Gator Roll on Show to wear down a submission. Show eventually slams down Harper to be free. IC loser Ziggler comes in now. Ziggs knocks Rollins off he apron and walks into a sidewalk slam from Harper for a close two pin. Rollins is back in. Rusev is back in.

Kane deals with Ziggles. Hard back slam swish which Cole says is the side walk slam. Not quite. Big Boot. Two fall. Harper returns. Slapped down Dolph Ziggler. Rusev back. Ziggler tries to fight back with tappy slaps as Rusev holds Ziggler over the top rope and knee jerks him hard. Seth deals now. Ziggler taking a pasting. Rollins smashed Ziggler into the corner post. It should have been three but two fall followed. Rusev applies an arm hold submission around the body well. Dolph jumps over Rusev and lands a DDT. Cena gets the tag and destroys house. Everyone gets a move. Rowan goes for a powerbomb on Rollins Flips him outside on people instead. Rusev high flies a leg kick. Rusev powerbombs Ziggler outside onto everyone.

The Spanish announce table is in play now. Ziggler is put on it as Rusev uses other table for height. Rusev goes high with a body jump splash as Ziggler slips away and Rusev smashes down through the table. Countouts are in play. Dolph makes the count as Rusev gets eliminated despite Jaime Noble and Joey Mercury trying to put him back in. Lana is dismayed. Kane picks up with Ziggs. Cena is tagged. The rapid rush Superman factor comes into play. The Five Knuckle Shuffle is followed with an Attitude Adjustment. Rollins Curb Stomp’s Cena. Cena messed it up again. Rowan and Harper get the tags and battle it out. Rowan on top. Shoves Kane off the outside. Harper gets an amazing roundhouse kick from Rowan. Wowsers! Kane tries but Rollins hits flying down charge and Harper smashes Erick Rowan down to eliminate him next.

The only guy on his feet, Big Show takes the challenge. All three stare him down. Cena gets to his feet as Big Show then smacks John Cena in the face with the KO punch. Seth Rollins clambers over John Cena as Stephanie cheers like nuts. Show shakes the hand of Triple H. Show then walks away. Show should have laid down to be pinned instead of walking out for stronger match effect. It was passable though.  Big Show is counted out.

Dolph Ziggler is the last man left. Steph gloats in Cena’s face. Soon enough Authority stronghold Kane gets eliminated by Dolph. Luke Harper then gets eliminated by Ziggler in quick fashion. Rollins is left.  Cheap roll up and a close two fall on Rollins from chance move by spot monkey Ziggler.

Ziggler climbs up top. Rollins jump misses and is knocked by a Fame Asser by Ziggs. Mercury comes in as Ziggler attacks. Two fall cover as Triple H sneakily pulls the ref out. It was rather stupid to let Rollins look so weak to punitive Ziggler. Noble and Mercury get stopped by Ziggler and knocked into Stephanie on the apron off into HHH outside. The Authority is down. Superkick to Mercury but Dolph misses Rollins. Many interactions as Ziggler gets another pin on Seth. Triple H then punches ref Rod Zapata. You b*tch. Lol. Triple H clotheslines down Ziggler. Hunter smashes down the Pedigree on Ziggs to keep his power. Triple H places Rollins over Ziggler as a ref arrives. Scott Armstrong arrives for The Authority and then WWE bring out… Sting!

WCW’s own has been and failed TNA washed up ignorance arrived. The rip-off Undertaker and modern age Max Waltham black and white paint charade arrived. The self-professed ICW got their boners. Look at bigger picture once the novelty wears off. It was a very lukewarm entrance to arrive, stand, stare down, attack Triple H and leave.

HHH lunges for Sting. Sting then backdrops Triple H. Sting then places Ziggler over Seth Rollins who are still somehow out of it for a good three to five minutes at least. Dolph Ziggler gets the cheap victory over Seth Rollins and survives by the skin of his fluke teeth. John Cena congratulates Ziggler who won thanks to Sting, an ignorant, honourable man helping him cheat.

Stephanie awakes to shock and realisation.

Oh No, No, Nooooooooooooooo! NaNaNaNahhh….

Both realise their power days are over. It’s back to running NXT Tripper.

“NaNaNaNa…” the crowd sing the song as a new theme song for The Authority.

“It’s not over!” Stephanie yells.

“You got fired” the crowd chant.

Stephanie goes ballistic in the ring! As the PPV draws to a close and The Authority’s leading days are seemingly over.

PPV Rating – 6/10

Men/Women of their matches – Damien Sandow, Emma, Bray Wyatt, Heath Slater, AJ, Seth Rollins

Man/Woman of the PPV – Emma

Survivor Series lately has the tradition of causing rifts with fans. For WWE they feel they can’t win and resort afterward to the same formula of the past instead once fans on the internet mindset complain. For fans their point is clear, they are frustrated that the show became so meekly booked to begin with. It wasn’t strong enough to gain sales with only Cena and another man of Triple H’s minute for popularity by using Ziggler either. Fans don’t want shoehorned matches thrown together at the last moment. They want a meaning and logical point to the build of such stakes. Why would they bother to fight The Authority too? Fans require strong names, good scenarios and a level of reason.  Last year’s Orton/Show main event was pants. No-one can remember the card. This year is a one match endeavour. That’s shambolic. Injuries have taken competitors away including Randy Orton, Sheamus and others. Some faked, some real, WWE have no big names other than John Cena. All the more reason to establish future. WWE cannot make a show with just John Cena alone. Even he needs people to pose a challenge, even though Cena will destroy all their momentum and plow through them. WWE decided to combat this, it would give the show away for free and provide surprises that made it “epic” instead. The secret, however was that the Network didn’t offer the show for free. You had to sign up with a payment option to be tricked into a six month signage to aces the ‘free’ show. Genius.

Sting’s arrival in WWE was for a record book and money making exercise only. It wasn’t for the fans. It was an attempt to influence sales of the disastrous Network and enhance merchandise sales. WWE are desperate. So much so that they booked Sting to try and hide that notion. Once the novelty of the ageing old timer wears off, what can Sting honestly bring to WWE as an old has been not even relatable to younger fans and not fully engaged with the modern ones living out a mild fantasy for two minutes? Ignorant, self-0centrerd and only there for the money, sting doesn’t care one bit for the fans, despite his character attempts. Dupe the fans and get the cash. Don’t be so easily played WWE Universe. It’s another John Cena moment with a rip off version to an old and modern ball grasper of the wrestling industry with Undertaker and Waltham.

Absent is the WWE champion as well, for a second running PPV. What show are WWE running here? With champ Brock Lesnar already seeking another jump back to the UFC arena, whilst wearing WWE’s transit championship, WWE needed to book a match or ditch the title from him in a TV/PPV loss. The title, resigned to nothingness, in no man’s land, is detrimental to business, company and performer. The title has lost its lineage and needs to be fixed instantly. As much a supporter of Lesnar we may be, there can be no reasoning to hold up the title. This is supposed to be the company’s flagship focal point. No man is bigger than they company, as once noted by WWE HQ themselves.

The surprise should have been used. WWE had two or three in place. Randy Orton, Sting and the hidden option. WWE should have caused Brock Lesnar to help The Authority and cost John Cena the win. Then Seth Rollins, who would have been eliminated, could have cashed in a won the title after Cena responds by battering Lesnar. The Authority could easily have lost and had this in place too, but I’m not going to tell you everyway all the time.

The tag off free PPV on the WWE Network all this November was no real selling point for an increase in sales. Lack of good content was not enough to produce such flocking surge of sales. Now, with WWE having a lot of performers out for whatever reason and only Cena, the company’s most divisive figure front of house, WWE still, after seven or more years failed to allow anyone through the main event blockade. Rollins is breaking past, but Antonio Cesaro is being blocked. Roman Reigns, Dolph Ziggler and others are not reliable. WWE cannot simply wait for them. Calling up mid card level to main event level in WWE’s mind might be strange but Damien Sandow, Curtis Axel (quietly relegated to Superstars to fill space) and NXT fringes are required. More coming on this at a soon but later date. Charlotte of course is and should come up as noted previously.

Some are capable of the main event floatation; others can replace them by calling up some but not all of NXT stars. It has never been more crucial for WWE to launch the new breed once again and fill up the surplus they take out of NXT. Talented people instead of silly favourites with no real skill for Triple H’s popularity machine need to be prioritised. Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Callihan and Kallisto won’t be the ones we want to envisage despite the “call up Paige” screams for internet ramblers. They are all distant failures. And they will fail. That’s a cast iron guarantee. They won’t be the future of the WWE, nor even NXT and were ‘orgasmic’ impulse hires by Triple ‘ I can prove to Vince I’m good enough’ H. Being good is not hiring what fickle fans bleat on about to feel a part of the WWE Universe. What makes them expert is finding real, relatable talent, not popularity or models. No-one said Seth Rollins was the bread winner of the future except for Max Waltham. Seth Rollins is the only star that we knew had the goods. You cannot deny this is apparent. Rollins is breaking the chain to the top imminently. He is the leader of WWE’s new age, but he cannot do it alone. Cesaro needs the main event boost. Axel should be brought up to the mid-card with Sandow, individually. NXT should import the high flying Briton with sheer skill. The rest, mentioned above, need to be let go. WWE has lost most of its workforce and more likely to come over the WWE Network launch and the new lot from NXT. WWE would have been in a stronger position if it maintained old stock with a few releases than all releases to make way for NXT newbies. Get rid of them all except for Finn Balor. He can wait two years to develop.  He isn’t that mesmeric as often perceived though there are plans for him.

The tag titles were a good multi match of interest. Miz and Mizdow where the only real options, but WWE are intent on making Damien ‘Max Waltham’ Sandow a joke character than a professional star that he is. He is loved by the public for his skill,(shocking) and is capable of his standards available. Lumbered with The Miz is detrimental to him. WWE need to dump Miz from him and push hard on Sandow. Miz needs future endeavours. He has reached his peak and is always given minor titles that no-one can believe is credible. He has nothing new to offer and it is probably better someone leaves on a decent note of their career than an awful one. It would have been better for Los Matadores to hold the tiles. Seriously. 

The traditional divas was a good match. What a shocker. When given enough time, even still rushed and a chance with fairly decent wrestling skills on show the divas can flourish. This was a good battle and everyone benefitted from it, even fluke diva Paige. Emma is clearly a star and worked fluently, technically and was the star of the show, shadowed by over-hype. Her skill is high and needs a boost. She displayed a bright future if WWE give her wrestling chances over comedy routines. She has it.

AJ was clearly going to lose. Rightly so, the title needed to switch to Bella. If she didn’t win it now, she never would. Her momentum is high and the title win seems to have repair the Bellas recent split. Is that lovely? False rumours continue to swirl around AJ including a family beginning for her and former WWE star and husband CM Punk. Whether true or not, AJ had to lose to enhance the division and make both performers meaningful. The problem was making it entirely brief. Both could have showed what they are capable of to earn true respect from fans with levels of excitement as well.

The team battle sold a lot of new talent and used Mark Henry well. It gave them allsoemthing and none really outstayed their welcome. Well, almost all. Dolph Ziggler only stayed so long because Sheamus was originally intended to be in his place. With a real injury Ziggler was the only back up option WWE had. Ever the dependable beau, Ziggler is nothing more than fodder for WWE. That is never a quality for any star to be placed into. His action is weak and desperate. WWE should have re-made the show with more of Cesaro, Axel, Sandow and Lesnar/Cena/Rolllins. Maybe next month, then.

WWE could launch a new group if it bothered, but it doesn't wish too. A supergroup of Cesaro, Orton and Axel would be good, but WWE would have to switch them and figure out new ways forward. Difficult when stuck in the past.

Fire Ryback. For real. He won’t ever grow. Do it now.

Ambrose and Wyatt was an epic challenge making the best of both young and developing stars. Wyatt can’t win all the time to give his opponents a chance, but WWE need to present him stronger as a supernatural being that has higher meaning than average man.

Post Survivor Series is often the ‘Wrestlemania season’ in terms of WWE planning. Holding Lesnar off till a defence in April is far too long for an absent title, no matter how invincible he seems. This direction was not thought through properly and hence this is the shabby result. Plus having a star who is secretly planning to jump, no matter how much we love him, is not acceptable as leading champion. Careful how cards are played Brock and WWE, this is 2004 all over again.

Once again, it was missed opportunities with a cheap plug of Sting to try and sell the Network pulling wool over fan eyes as entertaining. If the fans are willing to allow themselves to be duped then WWE will be laughing all the way to the bank. The only problem is that not only will WWE, the stars and the wrestling business suffer, the fans will not get any entertainment business or value. This is because they placed themselves into the bracket of accepting whatever bone is thrown to them. Now WWE will plan to feed anything it wants and expect you to willingly accept anything on offer.

© Max Waltham 25^th November 2014