Who should win the Intercontinental title?

Who would benefit from the IC title 

victory at WWE Battleground?

After Monday’s revelation the vacant Intercontinental Championship will be defended in a 20 Man over the top rope Battle Royal, at the coming Pay Per View Battleground, who would benefit most from the prestigious title gain? Below, Max Waltham looks at who may be capable enough and whose career is in swift need of a reboot.

The IC title is one that can raise a star back onto the WWE platform and give them back their drive and fan faith to the business in light of company favourites clogging up the heavyweight titles. Many are deserving of the title capture and can have multiple options if the winner is someone who can bind all the competitors together for months than one win momentum.

The candidates for the win would be, in no particular order, Rob Van Dam, Antonio Cesaro, Curtis Axel, Alberto Del Rio, Kofi Kingston, Damien Sandow and Dean Ambrose.

WWE are likely to favour Alberto Del Rio, Van Dam or Cesaro. Whilst we have championed Del Rio for regaining his stride from WWE with a needed lift to be granted none of them should win. Why not? It makes further sense to give the title to someone that will bind competitors together over months of television and gather much needed fan adoration. This can also rebuild their star which for all of the above is dipping. By working together all of those mentioned can become better for themselves and drive entertainment to WWE fans.

The initial thought of Curtis Axel gaining the gold is good, however, we go against this. Fickle or wise? It is simple. Curtis Axel needs to win the title as a challenger to the champion. Therefore someone like Rob Van Dam as a victor will re-invigorate the audience, the performer and the competitor. Opening a new feud between Van Dam and Axel would be a newer way forward of interest. Floating around the scene would be Del Rio and Cesaro, also involved with matches as challengers with Axel to widen the IC scene and boost their repertoires. This will re-create Axel, give him the much needed split from Ryback and be a strong singles player once more. Four way matches or six mans can even commence. It is doubtful Kofi will gain the title after causing an eye injury to Cesaro on Raw last week, but can provide participation for the scenery. With Ambrose also hovering around, the WWE has a mid-level scene fans could respect, as well as its players, which will eventually lead some back to the path of the heavyweight gold as a valid contender in the future. Van Dam as a victor would, again, re-boost the star and the WWE landscape. Since previous doubt, Van Dam has taken constructive criticism and turned into a reborn star who can elevate much needed scenarios for the company.

If WWE get it right, they will have a chance to regain their superstars who have peaked and prove to fans the mid-level title is meaningful. The WWE itself will prove it can cater to fan needs, especially in a time of programming crisis.

© Max Waltham 07^th July 2014

The Shield's options at Wrestlemania

Trio's triple 

trouble solution? 

With The Shield's involvement at Wrestlemania undecided and fast approaching at the start of April, we'll look at what could be done to save the trio from an uneventful and lacklustre booking. Though WWE really should have had this laid down by now.

After a looming break up being teased for Roman Reigns to fly solo the trio could easily battle in a super hot threesome. Though WWE will expect Reigns to come out on top if it heads down this route, WWE can actually protect the group by making Reigns lose. This will safeguard the entire three members regardless of a split.

Should it be for the United States championship? Two options. Yes and No. With the title on the line WWE can retain Ambrose as leader, though the title needs to change hands ideally. In order to retain it into The Shield's supergroup walls, Rollins would be a perfect transition. Ambrose, if he stays, most likely, would appreciate that over time. This will freshen Ambrose and often viewed as a curse to those who can't carry it with well backed up pathways, Reigns, as a new star, would be demoted with the gold. For Rollins, a capable and exceptional worker, this would raise the prestige and promote his role in WWE and the group, also proving himself to leader Ambrose.

Reigns does not need to depart from the group in a loss. He can stay and build up the dissention and contemplate leaving after patchy support in the triple threat and beyond. On a losing streak with the Shielders, Reigns would be further set and with an over convoluted NostalgiaMania WWE need a full PPV to boost the disagreeing partners. One or two months will do it, unless WWE want to build longer. There si also the possibility Reigns could take over The Shield, too.

If the title isn't on the line the same can happen in principal, or Reigns could win. The choice is the 'E's but The Shield must be built strongly than a throwaway battle with no meaning.

Having the Wyatt Family's Luke Harper and Erick Rowan in a tag with Reigns and Rollins may be passable, but overall it would be empty and lacking as a standard tag bout. What can they all feasibly achieve? Nothing much. Why would this be a stepping stone for Reigns to be upset with only Rollins?

With Dean Ambrose being the spare, the unification battle possibly scheduled for Elimination Chamber was postponed. Planning to attempt it here, WWE should avoid. Unifying the United States with the Intercontinental championship is a huge mistake. Already unifying the heavyweight titles at TLC with only three weeks preparation and another John Cena/Randy Orton clash fans are sick off, WWE lost huge and predicted buy rates. Ideas like that, with such monumental meaning behind them cannot be ushered in on a whim. With such a unification, as touched on before, the contenders will have nothing to strive for. When WWE needs huge stars to rise and secondary titles are that platform whilst WWE earmarks its favourites for heavyweight favourtism, rostered stars need something to aspire to. Removing both titles does not increase the prestige of a title. WWE simply get bored or feel there is no one capable backstage. There are tons. Christian, Mysterio, NXT newbie's, Hennig Jr., Young, Sandow, Rio, Fandango and even Heath Slater. When WWE wants to drop its stars, there are many waiting to pick up the prestige, some will only reach the top of the midcard, others will be resting in transit before heavyweight re-launch. Many can value WWE's gold if it re-evaluates their rosters' commitments and direction given.  One title will decrease the options available to strive forward with such unachievable goals. It is counterproductive and offers no sustainability.

With late booking and running out of options, the company need to lock something in fast. Whatever it chooses, it has to protect The Shield overall. Destroying this group for no reason would not deliver what WWE needs to move forward with and this should be sought to protect all major groups when forming such decisions that affect the entire product in what will become a rising achievement for all or a simple outright destruction of two guys for one boost gaining  a five minute interest. Remember, Reigns, among others need opponents to fight with once they become the star. You are only ever as good as your last performance. 

©  Max Waltham 05th March 2014

Did The Miz fail wellness policy test?

Are WWE letting in house 

drug offenders off lightly? 

At the Wrestlemania pre show, The Miz fought for and won the Intercontinental championship from stagnant champion Wade Barrett. The Miz instantly lost this title within 24 hours on the post Wrestlemania Raw. Barrett reclaimed his IC title in a fair but still non description transition.

While fans were frustrated and wondered why he lost so quickly and unimportantly, Wrestling Wonders received an anonymous tip off, unconfirmed that Miz may have failed a wellness test and promptly encouraged the falling instantly shifting title back to previous owner in a seemingly pointless exchange. 

While the tip off is unconfirmed, The Miz has miraculously disappeared from WWE television. With more promoting of films and oversea projects for WWE is this a secret way of covering up the alleged mishap?

Whether Miz smoked substances or not, WWE has had an infamous profile of rewarding drug abusers over the years but even in the last year the most recent drink driving disaster that was Jack Swagger, whom was planned to win the World Championship with his xenophobic anti-immigration America nationalist propaganda. 

Last year we wrote on the site about one other unnamed superstar who had failed a wellness test, known at that time, but not unveiled due to respect, was none other than Ezekiel Jackson. This was at the time when Cody Rhodes was under doubt but legitimately bypassed a suspension with prescription. Read it by clicking link here - Ezekiel Jackson suspension

WWE kept Jackson's unwarranted behaviour from the media and quietly disappeared him from TV for thirty days. Rey Mysterio participated in the Wrestlemania tour including the extravagant WWE celebrity golf event whilst paying for his sins, as it were. Prime Time Junkie Darren Young had also been booked heavily in tag action due to luxurious favouritism despite behaviour deemed unfit.

Did The Miz smoke some Whizz? 

So the question remains, did The Miz fail a wellness policy test by smoking a substance, or possibly injecting? If Miz goes unannounced an off television over a certain a,out of days, WWE will have some severe questions to address in keeping quiet about certain shady details on the horizon.

©  Max Waltham 17th April 2013

All Rights Reserved

Pictorial: Triple Turkey Crowns!

Happy Thanksgiving Day in the USA today, so to celebrate, here's a pictorial celebration to those who won the triple crown titles outright in its true definition, though there have been others, they held with simultaneous titles or by other means. These are the outright few, in order, to snare the WWE heavyweight, Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships. Enjoy!

Pedro Morales

Bret Hart

Diesel

Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Rock

Ric Flair

Rob Van Dam

Jeff Hardy

JBL

© Max Waltham 12^th November 2012

All Rights Reserved

WWE Title Unification's: Needed or Not?

With WWE possibly planning the unification of the United States and Intercontinental championships for sometime, whilst potentially merging the WWE and World titles as one since the supershow collision, should the company unite championships in order to revitalise the product? Would it distinguish rivals on equal standing and further competitive edge?

Brand identity forgotten?

Since the birth of the supershow format since Triple H attained power as the Chief Operating Officer, WWE broadcasts of brands Raw and Smackdown would go on to feature talent from both rosters on the shows. Assuming Raw stars would appear on Smackdown and vice versa, WWE’s plan fell short when it was another devisory method to place stars like John Cena onto Smackdown in order to bump ratings as it could never move him to Smackdown as feeling the Raw brand would suffer as a result. It wouldn’t, but WWE won’t jeopardise any potential earner at the live event.

Since this, when stars should swap horizons for one week, for example, The Miz a Raw star spends one week of TV time on Smackdown, whereas a Smackdown star joins Raw for one week in a switch, thus equalling the balance. Instead, WWE place those selected on Raw AND Smackdown in that one week, where talent who could have their chance on TV are also scrutinised in favour of company favourites in a struggling change-through period.

If booking stars accordingly, which some have an interest in as the ‘lesser men’ the product would gain a significant advantage as well as having the sticking notion of one show a week appearance by all stars either on Smackdown or Raw, not both.

WWE have either forgotten or chosen to ignore its levels of brand separation that harm the title’s lineage and stability. Titles may be defending on opposing shows, but cannot be fought for, nor defended by stars that are not of the original show the title belongs to. The supershow format does not allow titles to be exclusive to all brands, otherwise there would be no need for any of them at all.

Smackdown’s titles are the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight championships. Raw holds the WWE championship along with the United States title. The Unified Tag Team Championships are accessible to both shows. As for the females…

The Unified Women’s championship saga…

Michelle McCool defeated Melina to unify both titles (Women’s and Divas) in a Lumberjill match on September 19^th 2010 at the Night of Champions Pay Per View. Melina held the Divas title as McCool had the Women’s. McCool was exclusive to the Smackdown brand, Melina to Raw. The inter show collision eliminated the Divas title as a result. The Women’s championship became the unified championship to exist in WWE’s walls, as it should have, due to historical feats and the essence to fight for title strongholds.

Upon winning this match, the championship was permitted to both shows, though returned in the guise of the Diva’s championship, negating said heritage. McCool and Layla of Team Laycool, both joint champions, suffered detrimental effect and lowered aspirations of all females everywhere due to the new title faceprint. Psychology suggests women are born as weak, cannot achieve greatness a man can, and burst into tears easily for no reason other than to be unstable when dealing with such minor problems not causing a potential upset.

Casting away the Women’s title, which was unified and was, and still is, the correct title in history’s place no matter how you wish to eradicate it lowers expectation and excellence among the locker room. WWE realised it could not put the glorious Women’s championship onto a bit rate model sized, size zero, Kelly Kelly. No one would accept it. So WWE altered the centreplate to the Divas butterfly belt, in bright pink, to symbolise a female order, which, in hindsight, devalued all the momentum once Bimbo Bimbo wore the belt. That’s what it has become, not a championship, but a belt. VKM understands this notion more than anyone.

‘Fans’ of the WWE Universe did not take to it, though the ‘E had hoped putting it on popular Kelly would erase all thoughts of the title and is lineage, further highlighting WWE’s feeling of women’s wrestling as defunct and demoralised in status. Men are the greater sex, it would seem.

Diva Dissolution

So what now for the unified women’s championship? WWE cannot retain it to place onto Barbie models like Eve and Kelly Kelly, (Eve is the next scheduled champion to win) meaning the title needs to be replaced by the Women’s title and placed onto the Wrestling females. The Barbie’s can either play in challenging matches (which maintain no credibility whatsoever) and participate as WWE feel T and A is necessary. Or, they can place all the models on Smackdown to fight one another, and allow the Women to defend on the natural homefront of Raw. Resurfacing the Divas championship for the models won’t help. It will have the same nullifying effect, being meaningless and inconsistent.

The point is, wrestling women must hold the title at all costs. These range from Natalya, Beth Phoenix and Tamina. No wonder the Divas take over. WWE have no talented females. Therefore it is essential to give them lengthy esteemed reigns as champ besting one another and other challengers in potential matches of particular interest, storyline and stipulations. Women’s wrestling is highly lucrative, giving a different contrast, able to stand strong among a level of male dominance. It adds the contrast against that. For example, sitting through a PPV or TV show of Man v Man for high title twice and secondary title once or twice, and then tag titles with four men and occasional jobbers sandwiched in between, bores audience tenfold. Having model eye candy champs enter a two minute match cannot be credible nor supportive to the era of transition.

Layla and Kaitlyn are support characters that can mildly ‘wrestle’ as well as the bumbling botch job Alicia Fox. They shouldn’t be booked in matches unless the other three need a break in between or gap to level out the feel of contention. They can also support when injuries occur. WWE need to hire more capable females who are job ready, as in, now.

By the way, Layla was the Women’s champion, not McCool, though favoured due to being the better worker of the pair. What a way to ruin Layla’s first title run, demonstrated by even cutting up the title in two halves.

Stripped Bare!

Currently The Miz and Antonio Cesaro hold the opposing brand titles. Miz (Raw) and Cesaro (Smackdown) own the IC (Smackdown) and US (Raw) titles, respectively. This needs to be undone as quickly as possible to restore order and protect them both. The only feasible way to do this is to instigate a draft, which brings with it high interest and ratings, and re-evaluates the levels of power in WWE superstars. Removing the titles from them must be done BEFORE the draft and see them stripped. This will also garner more heat on the heels. Then, WWE can draft the superstars to the opposing brands to recapture their gold’s. Cesaro should recapture on draft night after being drafted and develop new esteem as a powerful force to take the WWE in its newest direction for 2013. The Miz, over on Smackdown can regain at a PPV, which will give further meaning to his recognition. The supershow will still allow them on both shows, which also means superstud John Cena could move to Smackdown if WWE have the balls to do so and give Raw a chance to create new stars for the future. Cena can still be on Raw, but allow a time for others to grow on it, creating the new batch and develop further challengers to the lacking roster of Randy Orton, CM Punk, Cena and Sheamus.

At World’s End

                       

 

Unifying the World and WWE titles would be a cataclysmic disaster. Neither would have any meaning. Though the roster is sparsely thin, brand identity and striving to win the greatest prize is essential and with only John Cena holding the WWE championship, with his superhuman strength, and no one being able to suppress him, as one solid title, would ruin the WWE viewership completely. Even as challenger, Cena would cause the ratings to critically decline with the necessary age groups (over 16s, obviously.)

P.s, Alberto Del Rio may have ‘moved’ to Smackdown, however still remains a Raw superstar as he never had any story to explain his switch. Revealing Del Rio’s contract was ‘examined’ by Booker T and becoming a ‘fluke’ on Smackdown to secure the World title, Rio would be flung back to Raw. He could stay there and gain the breath of fresh air in the wake of Sheamus, or be drafted to Smackdown. Ricardo Rodriguez may be his workforce, however is still contracted to Raw, technically.

The young and the hopeful

Making new challengers on Raw, and with CM Punk at the helm, would be a great accomplishment to endorse. Daniel Bryan and Kane should team, as Big Show and Mark Henry should be shifted out somewhere from all young-uns. Needed are the fresh newbies, not Dolph Ziggler. It is their time to rise. Think Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, The Rock and less Ryback.

New talent needs to surface in WWE, not rehiring the old favourites and keeping the company in its old levels of stalemate. They simply won’t be the future. They may have booking pull; fine, add a few, but not all. Concentrate on the young and the hopeful, or else never materialise a new era and eventually continue to dip in reputation.

© Max Waltham 16th September 2012

Cody Rhodes: Dashing Debonair to honourable heavyweight

Firm favourite poised 

for future success?

Cody Rhodes has made headway in the last two years, rapidly becoming a firm favourite in WWE. The highlight of many gauging eyes, Dashing Cody Rhodes was unleashed onto our screens in a shock and surprising resurge favourably.

After regaining stride once stalled, Rhodes was unveiled as an obnoxious, ignorant, narcissistic, charming individual, who wanted to rid us of all our distasteful ugliness outside and in.

Starting from the outside, the grooming etiquette began on Smackdown June 25^th 2010, where Rhodes, with his expert advice on appearance, took extra tentative care to his own face, adopting a protective, translucent mask as a cross between Christopher Nowinski and action hero Robin, sidekick to Batman.

 

The gimmick fitted Rhodes well, where, with his gleaming legs, effervescent smile, and mockery of disgusting teeth, struck a chord of vanity supporting reality in today’s world. Everyone wants to look good, but when Rhodes wanted that upkept for his dashing self, fans turned against him.

Adding more flames to his unrest, Rhodes was in a stronger position than the previous four years on the roster. He had a role he was comfortably in, irked the audience, and delivered his star skills that created a new standpoint for the company.

In September of 2010, Cody collaborated with Drew McIntyre to form a dire tag team placement, which should not have seen Rhodes join with the lowly McIntyre to preserve an extra dimension of star aura to Rhodes, ever growing in the role and becoming the next biggest rising star. It set him back slightly, and was done so in order to give McIntyre a boost that he could not control, where both won the Tag Team Championships in a Tag Team Turmoil match up.

They would lose in quick succession a month later at Bragging Rights, only as a measure to enhance the Nexus/John Cena feud, and demoralising the two in the team as transitional champions. On October 29^th the pair disbanded.

In January 2011, Rhodes was entangled into a long lasting, and slightly overbearing feud with Rey Mysterio. It went on for far too long. Rey accidentally and legitimately broke Rhodes nose, forcing the dire mask to be removed. Rhodes however had to miss the Royal Rumble as a result. He would not have won anyway.

Rhodes, along with father Dusty, ambushed Rey in later months of missing TV time to remove Mysterio’s mask. Rey was not seen on camera exposed. In Mexico, if a wrestler is demasked, the tradition forces those unmasked to retire their character/gimmick as a result. It is an honourable angle, mostly respected in this region of wrestling.

Rhodes defeated Mysterio on supercard, Wrestlemania XXVII, on April 3^rd 2011. Their match was a fair outing, but clouded as it lasted too long, as a measure to give fair time to both to create something special on the undercards. Rhodes came off well, talent recognised, though lost a portion of the feel due to match length and lack of big spots, saved for later matches.

Mysterio received the win in a rematch at Extreme Rules, in a Falls Count Anywhere bout. After this series passed, the Adonis esq stalwart would hand out paper bags to audience members, informing them to wear them over their heads, as Rhodes could not bear to see their horrid faces in the presence of his beauty. Surprisingly, fans were more than accommodating to the bags and willingly placed them over themselves with joy. Rhodes had caught on immensely.

Following in late May, he rekindled his old partnership with stable buddy Ted DiBiase from the Legacy years. Over this course both took on Daniel Bryan and Sin Cara, before heading into the Money in the Bank Pay Per View, where Rhodes became an outside contender. The shock decision saw Bryan unhook the briefcase on the night.

The August 12^th Smackdown saw the unsuccessful youth hunger for more. Proving he was champion material, Rhodes downed the bland beefcake Ezekiel Jackson for the Intercontinental Championship. This was his first major singles title, which was a welcome delight. DiBiase a week or so later, would lose to former leader Randy Orton, which saw Rhodes extremely disappointed, and severed the relationship, signified with a bag over DiBiase’s head. They were officially over once more after a short stint. This was a wise move to set Rhodes on his own. He could not be afforded to head back to old scenarios that didn’t work out.

Rhodes then fought Orton at Night of Champions in an adequate match for the two. On September 23^rd Rhodes was cut hardway when a ringbell accidentally struck him in the match. Nine staples were sewn into Rhodes dermal demeanour.

At Hell in a Cell on October 2^nd, he would change history. Unearthing the classic white trimmed Intercontinental Championship to mass elation by the WWE Universe, to re-exemplify prestige to the title and its division. This was also the same white trimmed theme Shawn Michaels held in the past.

Setting Rhodes up in an excellent display of meaning, November 14^th’s Smackdown also relinquishing his mask, which was necessary to the new start promisingly, to end the mini feud with Orton, expertly played out, with a superb Smackdown street fight included, saw the youngster survive in a traditional 5 on 5 elimination match at Survivor Series against Orton, alongside Wade Barrett, now shifted in as Orton’s next opponent.

After briefly battling with Booker T, in a competent showing, Rhodes was proceed to the Royal Rumble match, where he lasted over 40 minutes and was rewarded with the most eliminations in the match. He, along with The Miz, lasted from the early stages, until the Big Show cheaply flung both out of the match, tainting all their hard earned efforts to make the match interesting. Both were promising contenders as potential victor.

Big Show gained the IC title from Rhodes after his sterling work to make the title relevant, at Wrestlemania 28. Rhodes regained the strap one month later at Extreme Rules, on a technicality when Show dropped a foot through a table stipulation match, rendering Rhodes weak, to protect the meek Big Show as a character.

Cody has since dropped the title to Christian at Over the Limit in May, which is now necessary to rebuild and protect his stifling moments damaged by Big Show.  As challenger, regaining esteem will support the role further.

Constantly booked as a character who makes progress over a yearly period, is then inadvertently dropped and forced to play catch up. All his sterling work achieved, undone in one fell swoop, Rhodes, always built high then dropped, must be booked highly whether winning or not, and placed among competent opponents, while maintain his overall aura of star able to float around the heavyweight division. Rhodes has proven himself time and time again, and is the one to watch for the heavyweight division, some believe should have seen him as champion instead of Sheamus currently.

© Max Waltham 10th July 2012

WWE Hell In A Cell 2011 Results & Review

WWE Hell In A Cell 2011

Hell In A Cell, began promisingly. Was it about to give its intended Universe what they truly were seeking? Something new, invigorating and rather different with talent. Would anyone triumph?

It wasn’t looking too bad as Christian initiated the PPV. Heading out confident and seemingly strong, it was all about to change, thus casting serious doubt in all minds seeking a triumph. This would overshadow the feel of the PPV entirely.

Tinie Tempah? Does WWE homegrow it's plants?
He got taste anyhow.

After entering, Christian was standing lonesome in the ring; before we saw some unexpected guests arrive with their predicted ringside tickets to sit among the front row. Low and behold, it was indeed Awesome Truth. The Miz and R Truth wouldn’t last long. John Laurinaitis instantly charged into the arena with security to eject the guys from buying tickets to an event. It was then that everyone realised, Christian, whom was forgotten at this point, stood absolutely no chance of winning. He was doomed before he began. What a way to begin a match.

Didn't stand a chance. Get new attire.

Christian V Sheamus

The two ginger warriors of the WWE locked horns, after Sheamus entered, now that Awesome Truth had been ejected. No one was interested, knowing Christian’s fate was pre determined. From headlining the World title series of outstanding matches alongside Randy Orton, both have found themselves in lower positions. It’s a shame. Nethertheless, both put on a good attempt at doing the best they could for the audience. After the usual back and forth exchanges, Christian nailed a spear on the Celtic Warrior on the outside of the ring, (whilst placing his hand on Shea’s chest so tentatively, which looked very homo-erotic for the pair – no complaints here), to then follow up with a second spear, after 21 minutes into the PPV. It was noted by the broadcast team that Christian couldn’t seem to finish Sheamus on one spear alone. Unfortunately neither could he do it with two.

Quickly placing the Killswitch on, Sheamus countered and toppled his counterpart with the Brogue Kick, sending Captain Charisma down for a three fall. Sheamus wraps this one up swiftly.

Giving Christian the spear – a well renowned and powerful manoeuvre to ‘finish’ his opponent, should not have been booked so derogatory. He landed two spears – and neither could defeat? Edge and Batista, even the Big Show, are instant finishers when that move is implemented. It shouldn’t be used disparagingly. When Christian uses it, it’s meant to build the finish, if followed by the Killswitch/Unprettier.

There is one thing Christian can do to transform himself. Lose the pant tights. Seriously. Dropping them for speedos briefs or red hipsters with trim around will give you a new sense of character, look and acceptance. Remaining the same has been the stigmata to your transgression.

Once again, an Interview slot was in place. Again, it was Mark Henry, current World Champion. In this segment, Henry delivered a weak promo in which he mimicked a childish girly voice, whilst addressing his shortcomings in the minds of all wrestling viewers. He told us to “Shut Up!”, that he hadn’t been in a Hell In A Cell match before – (why start now, then?), and would induct Randy Orton into the “Hall Of Pain” to join previous victims, Big Show, Kane and Jerry “The King” Lawler, whom is still selling the angle by having Booker T on commentary in his place alongside Cole & JR.

The next match began.

Sin Cara VS Sin Cara

Here we had the battle of the Cara’s, (explained previously on WW also). Fans were left wondering if both Cara’s would finally expose the mysteries going on. One Cara was Blue, the other, Black. Black and Blue, Eh?

Michael Mc Cole decided to break kayfabe by announcing that this all came about at the Money In The Bank PPV. This statement was incorrect. At MITB, Cara was slammed onto a ladder by Sheamus, thus being removed from the match itself, due to his 30 drug suspension. Cole mentioned it in the context of a rivalry built. This rivalry only came about much recently than that.

Those legs are perfectly sold for this simplistic yet
well worked rollup - even if it is a cheap win.

Breaking further into it, Cole mentioned an armdrag! So, Vince knows what one of those is?

One Positive about the masks, was that we couldn’t hear what instructions either were mouthing to each other, but we could tell from the motions very clearly. Chants of “Boring” rang from the crowd.

Spot came a minute too late

To dispel this chant, Cara Blue, know as Sin Cara Azul, performed a high spot on Sin Cara Black (Noir? Perhaps?) This was not mentioned, and therefore, sloppy, and biased. This high spot came just too late of the chants. Maybe it should have been performed earlier? Cara Azul launched to the Black Cara on the outside from the top turnbuckle.

To snag the win, Cara Azul gained a pinfall, in which, looked very weak, out of nowhere and a rollup. Neither had their masks removed or anything about their personas, which both were on the line in this match formation, exposed in any way shape or form to delivering the truth of the matter at hand.

David Otunga was seen backstage giving some “advice” to CM Punk. Fresh from giving legal advice just last week on Raw, Otunga is far from and IRS esq character and is still rather bland. Though the role is suited to him more so than not. Punk informed his former groupie that he did not need his tips, as he has his own mind to speak.

You know someone similar?

He told Otunga to “Vanish”.

Moving along….

WWE Unified Tag Team Championship

Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston (c) V Dolph Ziggler (US Champion) & Jack Swagger w/ Vickie Guerrero

Team Air Boom entered, to face team ZigSwag separately. Bourne came first, did his intro, then, after walking down the ramp went back up the ramp to stand next to Kingston as he entered. This looked sloppy and as if Ev was lost. It wasn’t a good start projected.

Vick n her boys. lucky gal. Or is she?

Vickie Guerrero, WWE’s greatest heel, boo’ed like mad, entered the arena to introduce her tandem. Both were sporting ‘new’ attire, (newer than the usual, basically) with Swagger in his darker blue singlet and Ziggler in rather shorter, up the crotch leather black tights. These are for sex appeal, however, just aren’t appealing. It’s a start, I suppose, and there is potential, however, it’s an overall package that must be transformed – otherwise known as “repackaging”. Too gain the gay vote and the girls, you will wants some tight tights showcasing your assets, with the brown/black hair and a persona that is going to be fairly interesting.

At this time, Ziggler, whom holds the US Title for no reason in terms of impact, is better off without it. This will refresh his new attitude and development, if he wants to grow, and it is appreciated that Ziggler makes intended efforts. But it isn’t connecting with the masses. WWE should allow the blonde locks to go as Ziggler looked a much better prospect for himself and the company when he debuted a new hair and tights style, before being re ordered to dress down and revert.

Booker T, on commentary, asked, “What can Ziggler do?” well, I’ve just told you. He mentioned this was “Tag Team Personification”. It was another weak win.

Kofi needs to turn.

A double powerbomb was attempted by Vickie’s former World Champions, aiming to slam Evan Bourne from the top turnbuckle from the top right corner, to which Bourne reversed in a split second making it all look rather anticlimactic, which then saw Kofi Kingston trip Ziggler’s foot on the outside (Ziggler pauses a second too long before the trip was initiated), allowing Bourne to tie up the pinfall for a successful defence of the tag titles.

World Heavyweight Championship

Hell In A Cell

Randy Orton V Mark Henry (c)

Mark Henry is one of those floaters that just won’t flush. Asking Randy Orton to job in this manner, at this magnitude, in a Hell In A Cell, a prospect designed to launch a star on the biggest platformed match WWE have, was a disgrace to the industry. WWE’s five star worker (Orton has been the only one to work Sheamus, Christian, Barrett, Punk, the Nexus and certain other newbies into a healthier position on the card, in terms of advancement to a all-round WWE entity) wasn’t allow much, if any, offence at all in this beat down.

A ‘comical’ moment, in which no one is truly laughing, saw the Champion, lie down on his back in the match for a breather period just 1 – 2 minutes in. A champion. Down in 2 mins? Commentary told us that Orton was wise “keeping Henry on his back in the first five minutes” Isn’t this, therefore an oversight if, the Worlds strongest man, a World Champion, is beaten down so easily? Surely a champion shouldn’t be booked this way? Surely he shouldn’t be champion, of course, but that’s another story – the Vince McMahon appreciation fund. (You get a pay off for 15 years of “service” because you are “liked”, yet untalented).

Booker T mentioned some girth! Yes please. It’s all about girth, not length people. We just didn’t want it from Henry. Anyone got a 9 inch viper?

Was asked of more than ever tonight, in the wrong way

This match, however could be argued that it was perfect for Henry. Empty breather spots – to re-catch his breath after being worn out quickly, along with one powerful manoeuvre – mentioned by commentary, was ideal for him.

He had “force and intensity”, after spending most of his time on his back or walking around. Steel steps were thrown. They missed. “Welcome to MY Hell!” Henry reiterated.

You should come to mine…

Orton was “physically dominated” – how disparaging for him. Destroying talent for a nobody is just brainless. Many others on the roster would have benefited, as well as the fact that Orton, should lose to someone who can be made from his ‘downfall’. You just lowered Orton’s public perception, and he’s the only talent bar Punk you have left to create talent for a new generation.

Orton was allowed a kick back. Literally. He jumped onto the cage structure, kicked free of Henry’s grasp, and then went on to prise Henry into a DDT in the ring off the ropes – that was a sight in itself.

All night Booker T refrained from his “Ooooohhhhhhhh!” but he let one go here. Randy Orton was allowed his signature move – the RKO! A devastating move that destroys and usually ends all in his path. He chose to make the ‘mistake’ of going for a punt kick. Henry managed to evade this and countered with the World’s strongest slam, in a very quick grab and slam, to gain the 1-2-3. Henry remains World Champion, to no reaction of interest from the WWE Universe.

WWE's 5 Star worker did the job.

Afterwards Mark planned to break Orton’s ankle with a chair drop whilst wrapped inside part of it. Henry missed his drop from the top turnbuckle, as intended, and Orton began retribution.

In the match, no. Outside of the Cell and after, Orton was allowed to use chair shots on Henry. Henry managed, after these, to kick Rand with a jab, before scrambling away. The Champion retreated. It was shambolic. Even Zack Ryder has more options than this. He has a fan base, can shift merchandise and peaks interest whilst having a chance at making a fresh outlook for the product. Henry must lose shortly, it is pitiful for any viewer to have hurled at them.

And no, I am not a Zack Ryder obsessive, I just realise the guy has markets and potential – something the ‘E seem to be missing.

WooWooWhere?

Josh Mathews now interviews Alberto Del Rio. In this brief chat, Alby tells us he will regaining and become WWE Champion once again. We shall see…

Cody Rhodes makes a shock announcement regarding the Intercontinental Championship. With two henchmen, Rhodes asks one to open his paper bag. Astonishing all the fans, Cody dumps the IC Title into it! Everyone assumed WWE just devalued him, the title and his gimmick. As quick as it dumped, the balance was restored. Cody Rhodes asked for the velvet bag, upon which he revealed the Classic White trimmed IC Championship. The new title belt is officially in play. It’s about time. It’s one thing to produce it, and another to keep it meaningful. Either way WWE plan to enhance ratings and money. But Rhodes is going to need more than the old title to make a new way forward. He needs WWE on board.

Johnny Ace instantly interrupted to which he apologised for. However, he claims HHH had initiated a match. His opponent…

Intercontinental Championship

Cody Rhodes (c) V John Morrison

Ace informed us HHH had sent John Morrison to challenge for Cody’s newly reproduced IC title. The thought of Morrison, whom has no transferable skills for todays over period, could not possibly be able to hold the title with purpose, for which the classic belt was reintroduced.

With the Intercontinental Championships classic lineage on the line, (Rhodes mentioned former greats upholding this including Mach Man Randy Savage & Bret Hart), Triple H may have done a fine job in ruining Rhodes even further. Breaking away from the legacy-DX days, Cody was made to look a fool.

There was a moment of this standard match when Cody, on the outside, hugged the ring post to initiate a count out, thus keeping the championship. This made him seem to be cowardous, weak, and pitiful. Rhodes deserved more than this, to become a dignified and upholding classic IC title wearer. It was the same burial of yesteryear for Rhodes as a standalone superstar. Rhodes won. And retained eventually. It was an empty win, as well as achieving boring status.

Classic IC prestige. Will take more than a new look...

The Be A Star bullying campaign hypocrisy continued on.

After this, we see Triple H on his phone, before Johnny L heads into Tripper’s office to say something, before they rush to the corridor to deal with an apparent outbreak of assault in the lockeroom. Someone is attacking AirBoom! At least we managed to see a snippet of Alex Riley in there, though he should’ve been booked on the card. Even he could have had a shot at Rhodes.

Here it comes…..

WWE Unified Women’s Championship

Beth Phoenix w/ Natalya V Kelly Kelly ( c ) w/ Eve

Bimbo Bimbo began throwing punches at the challenger before launching herself onto her with the Lou Thesz press, another legend decimated. It looked shabby once again. KK did her porn star screams once again, as always, with pounces here and there.

We were told Kelly had an “incredible reign”. So “incredible” that her whole reign hasn’t had one iota of personality, talent, skill, visual punctuation nor any form of tangibility. (As well as dumping all over the whole division and killing it off completely, whilst disgracing the entire roster of then and now – no one can aspire to the title after how she has portrayed it, She hasn’t bothered at all to work in the role).

Beth turned the action around over at the turnbuckle area, before placing defending champion Bimbo Bimbo into a submission hold. With a pin, drop and reverse, a kick to the midsection came from KK. Countered by Phoenix only to have KK counter back with a bulldog was non descript and unhinged in this “match”. Counters to mask KK’s weaknesses diluted its progression.

Barbie Blank says it all...

Then came a smash into the corner from an angry power-housed Phoenix. KK ‘sidestepped’ this with no problem and made Beth look foolish. She could have sold for her the amount of time Beth has worked her backside off for the untalented Kelly. It’s called wrestling ‘Ethics’.

KK followed it into the handspring back elbow. With events changing a turnbuckle drop on the arm, Natalya and Eve got fruity on the outside. Eve again went for Natty, to which Ms. Neidhart sent her into the ringside barricades silencing her from this match. Meanwhile Beth dropped the non entity onto the ropes with an invigorative drop.

Nothing ever fits her, it would seem...

Natalya took a house microphone wanting to hear Kelly’s screams. And we heard them all right. Again and again, all she can do in this role is wail like a banshee. Eventually Natalya had enough and hit her in the head with the microphone. Beth Phoenix then took the cover after the Glamslam, for a 3 fall and became the new WWE (Diva’s) Women’s Champion.

Yes. Vince McMahon allowed Beth a dirty win! Just one more slap in the face to Mr.Waltham is the sole reason McMahon did this. It was pathetic to try and make a ‘point’ to me. It undermines the fact you may just be clueless in how to operate certain parameters of the company for public output. And after all the work Phoenix had done over the last 3 months, she deserved a clean fall.

Finally, 3 months later, Vince quits playing games! (almost)

It is not even about Phoenix. It is about the legacy that has been harmed to the title and its predecessors. I can’t recall anyone being “proud” of how this 2011 farce has played out for the defunct women’s division – which deserves so much more. Either hire Max Waltham to run it, or start using your brain and not your ego. Thank You.

And the sooner Johnny Ace can be fired for looking through Venus swimwear magazines and giving her a role can't come quickly enough.

VP of No Talent Relations

The main event was in place.

WWE Championship

Hell In A Cell

Alberto Del Rio V John Cena (c) V CM Punk

The Title run is over....

Fresh off of a 2 week victory, no one believed John Cena would lose the WWE Championship tonight. Did he? Many wondered if this was a Rock/Cena building exercise. (Cena & The Rock will be on the same team at Survivor Series in the annual team’s matches).

Cena caused himself more embarrassment with a turnbuckle lift up disaster once again. Del Rio gave us a very sweet manoeuvre shortly after. This was a beautiful piece. Cena also at one point ‘jumped’ on Punk for a pinfall. Since when do you jump up to pin someone when Cena was in perfect distance to crawl and place hand over said body?

Punk delivered an elbow, with a kick to Cena’s skull. Cena applied the STF on Alberto. It was at this point the match was gearing its change. Del Rio threw in some chair shots at some point, on both men.

Ricardo Rodriguez came rushing down to open the steel cage door after removing the referee from play. John Cena was first on hand to greet Rodriguez and delivered him an Attitude Adjustment to the outside of the Cell.

Those legs, and silver :)

This was a mistake (intended) for Cena. Del Rio quickly capitalised on the commotion and locked Cena out of the Cell. As mentioned earlier, this Cell has a roof on it, meaning no one could get in. Not even Cena.

Many believe Cena will find a way back in.

Del Rio puts up border controls on Cena

Michael Cole claimed we had a new champion in our midst. Attempting to gain re-entry, Cena couldn’t find a way back in, and Ricardo swiftly slips a steel pipe into the Cell for Del Rio, as Cena, once again, took his eye off the ball.

With thou pipe, I crown thee....

Taunting the defending champ on the outside, Del Rio returned into the ring to deal with the third man. CM Punk fought valiantly, but to no avail, as Alby nailed Punk for a pinfall. The unthinkable occurred.

Alberto Del Rio regained the WWE Championship!

Everyone was astonished. Most thought Del Rio would have a monitor smashed over his head. (See McMahon's meltdown article, coming in a few days).

The amazement didn’t end there. The Awesome Truth returned once again to wreak more havoc. Hijacking the Cell and everyone inside it, they locked themselves in this time.

VP of Talent Relations and the COO, Johnny Ace and Triple H, came charging to the rescue. But they could not open the locked door. The whole WWE brass turned up and delivered scenes quite funny yet disturbing.

All talent were seen to be shaking the Cell to prise it open. It looked lie a massive WWE orgy! Frantic shaking of the steel structure, with HHH blaring commands as Johnny Ace on side trying to deal with this situation added to the humour of this angle, intended to be serious.

It was anarchy!

Bolt cutters were used to break the cell door open – they ain’t exactly PG are they? Upon this The Miz and R Truth willingly surrendered themselves over their actions.

Triple H broke the bullying campaign’s structured design. Walking out, cuffed and harmless, The Miz, walking past HHH, was viciously beat upon by the COO in an unprovoked attack. Triple H, was not one of the grieved men assaulted, and did exactly that to someone who caused him no harm.

Triple H just became corrupt.

He also accidentally hit Mr. Ace. Oops! The Game had to be held back in a closing angle that looked so daft with heavy breathing instances of tension.  For many, it was all about Triple H once again.

Christian’s evaporated status before he began on the card was demoralising. Sheamus gained nothing from his win. Henry looked childish. The Cara’s resolved nothing, making their match pointless. Air Boom was a waste of time – Kofi desperately needs that heel turn on Bourne. Randy Orton was devalued by the company. Cody Rhodes was buried with a victory. The Triple H – Johnny Ace lovefest is dragging. Beth Phoenix almost saved the night, until receiving a slap in the face for her efforts. And Del Rio was a pleasant surprise. Punk became a non entity.  So where are WWE going to lead us onto Vengeance? Only Del Rio and Phoenix stood out. With the rest of the roster looking shaky off the eve of this PPV, you have to wonder if WWE can place serious contenders into spots that will develop the company, its fanbase and the characters themselves. Can any feuds occur of the bat of this for new, fresher talent? It seems the answer would be no, but if WWE found itself pencilling in names outside of the box, they would be the one’s to benefit.

PPV Rating – 6/10

Men/Women of their matches – Christian, Sin Cara (Black), Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Beth Phoenix, Alberto Del Rio

Man/Woman of the PPV – Beth Phoenix

What did YOU think of Night of Champions? Share your views/thoughts by commenting. 


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©  Max Waltham 05th October 2011