Royal Rumble 2014

WWE Royal Rumble 2014

Coming live from the Consol Energy Centre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania live on Pay Per View on Sunday January 26th, would WWE's Royal Rumble create new beginnings on the Road To Wrestlemania? Would it be able to set matches in place for the big one on April 5th this coming year? Will it reward old favourites or younger talent with strong options to develop its future roles? Let's find out...

It's all about the numbers. Tonight's Royal Rumble voiceover was notably different. The sexy voice over lady was not booked this year.

Beginning the show was the opening battle.

Daniel Bryan Vs Bray Wyatt

Bryan's joining of the Wyatt family two weeks earlier was a letdown after turning his back on them into the fans hero for tonight. With a short stint the pair were set to battle one another once again. "Everything that happens from now on is your fault." Bray Wyatt yelled as acknowledged by commentary.

The pair began with a strong lock up. Wyatt began gaining an early lead. The Wyatt Brothers were sent back to avoid any possible interference by the match official. "I don't need you to fight this war for me" Bray adds as Bryan then drops from the turnbuckle to the outside on Bray taking control.  

Outside apron battling, Bray knocks Bryan's arm down. "He just keeps coming. I dont know whats coming next but its going to be bad." Jerry Lawler mentions of Wyatt.

Bryan was back outside. Running jump double leg drop outside was good followed by clean work. Strong catch and slam derailing Bryan from Bray changed pace. The crab was summoned to pound Bryan further. The crowd laughed and found it "creepy" which means it works.

"It's like you never know wants coming" continued the announce desk.

Bryan regained with a toe drop hold into slamming Bray's head into the corner pad. Turnbuckle with hurricanrana on Wyatt took a swift two fall. "This is Awesome" the crowd say. Bryan was quickly nailed by a running back elbow of Wyatt as Bryan charged for an attack. Running charge into Wyatt with tornado spinning DDT on the outside kept Bryan strong after. Back inside, Bryan unleashes the YES! kicks. A two fall was taken. "This Bray Wyatt is unstoppable." - Lawler mentions. 

Another running dropkick then charged hard at Bryan somersaulting him in the air from a running clothesline. Forehead kiss, reverse, roll up two fall for Daniel Bryan in quick succession into the YES! Lock. Wyatt bit Bryan's hand to force a break. "He will do absolutely anything" commentary note as Michael Cole explains "for his cause." 

After some back and forth compact action, the show reached it's climax.

Bray Wyatt later hits the kiss again and floors Daniel Bryan with the named kiss, Sister Abigail, to cover for a three fall victory. After discussing the absence of the Family by his side JBL finished up with "Bray said he didn't need 'em, he didn't. He leads by example. A phenomenal example" addressing Bray's work ethic and mentality to obnoxious behaviour of others he offers to support often disregarded with lack of respect or dignity. 

Big Show Vs Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman

The match replay of 2002 was here. This was different though. There was no advance to Rumble itself for the winner, only a clear fight.

Many fans fianlly got their wish for a short Big Show match, though it wasn't WWE's plan. WWE planned to have a longer match for Show however, the Bigster injured himself the night before the PPV forcing a short battle. 

Brock Lesnar instantly ambushed Show and battered Big Show with multiple chair attacks. The bell, however, had not sounded. This meant Show was pummelled by Lesnar and worn down with chair smashes. Then the bell began, causing beasty Brock to destroy Show with numerous cracks to the spine with the foreign object. Show was allowed a brief comeback hitting Brock in the face with a clubby fist. Michael Cole excitedly jumped up and down adding Brock was Knocked Out. (KO'ed)

Lawler rightfully corrected Cole "I don't know if he was KO'ed but he was whacked!" 

Show was soon caught into the F5. A quick slam and swift three fall followed as Brock Lesnar destroyed Big Show. If he wasn't injured it would have been a thirty minute bore instead. Though with an injury the match was a letdown. WWE could consider making Show's matches shorter were appropriate. This would work in his favour to building repertoire instead. Having not been what WWE had anticipated they did however turn it around to work an angle instead.

This would usually be the John Cena save moment if he wasn't pre-occupied, assaulting Show around the ring with chair slams. After such devoted time Big Show no sold by walking up to the back and rather too easily. Though WWE saw it as protecting Show's character, it ruined him further with a no sell and infeasible storyline. How can someone walk when they have been brutally bashed to the ground with such back pain which also broke the chairs in half? Fans are not as stupid as people would have them believe. 

The Shield gave a backstage promo where all three gave strong detail. Seth Rollins was given the last line which made him continue to be the glue holding an arguing Ambrose and Rollins together. Roman and Dean chose not to reveal each others numbers to one another after asking each other. 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Randy Orton (c) Vs John Cena

John Cena sported the new clothing range, looking like a ninja turtle, with a mild dash of pink in his green tee. Before the start fans chanted for Daniel Bryan. Cena was knocked down quick. The crowd did their best attempt at mimicking the London crowd post Wrestlemania last year doing another 'Fandango night' cheering allsorts to entertain themselves, but kept it going too long that it made the scene diluted. WWE simply wont respect it with enough seriousness. Cena began his backdrops into a five knuckle shuffle to loud boos. Orton scoop slams Cena. There was a notable bird in the arena with a whistle blowing fan. This is vividly entertaining. Toot Toot. 

Cena made an utterly disgraceful error once more. He missed the leg drop on Orton in comical fashion with another botch far away from Orton's head on the comedown. This wasn't as bad as the classic Miz/Cena Wrestlemania two years ago when Cena missed the drop by half way across the ring. These choices are what ruin the audience and cause further incense to Cena for failing to respect or bother to apply himself to the industry.

Orton caught Cena for a DDT outside. "Finish it Randy" a fan yelled. "We love you Randy" another added. Soon after the winner of the 2013 Wrestling Wonders Hotty and Maxilicious awards touched his ear to the crowd who first cheered then booed Randy as a villainous gentleman. 

Cena's no hold STF was then locked on with no connection adding another huge gap in the lock. It is embarrassing. Counter by Orton. Fans began chanting "this is crap." Oh no! A ref bump happened (as they often do in Cena matches) as Cena puts a no pressure STF on again.

Cena was smashed by Orton with a belt as Cena could not let the belt anywhere near him. Fans had enough. "This is awful" they chanted. Cena lands a backbreaker and jumps down to the mat comically. An RKO was dropped into a two fall. "We want Divas" the crowd added as Orton poses. Then he calls a spot to Cena who needs guidance badly to try to keep the match in place. Orton locks in the STF with severe pressure on to teach Cena how to do his own move. He still won't learn, Cena never does. The Attitude Adjustement by Randy was put to Cena for a two count only. As predicted, Cena landed an RKO on Orton. 

Cena sat Orton atop the turnbuckle and then feigned pain lifting Orton horribly. Orton was then locked in another tawdry submission hold maybe tapping soon. The Wyatt family music quickly blared with lights out as the Wyatt's appear on apron. Randy Orton slams the RKO onto John Cena and retains the WWE World Heavyweight title with a three fall victory.

Even in defeat, it was all about Cena once again. Orton, as champion, was resigned to a background character, celebrating victory outside from afar. The Wyatt's appraoch a flat out Cena and gets a boot in the face by Luke Harper. Erick Rowan smashes Cena into the corner. Cena was held by the pair as Wyatt kisses Cena's forehead. "Behold the creators of the new world!" Bray yells as Cena, planted in the mat, heard cheers for the Wyatt's from the crowd. This might be the sixman set up at Wrestlemania laid down.

Having won the Tag Team Champiosnhips from the Rhodes Brothers Goldust and Cody Rhodes on the kick-off show, the new tag champs the New Age Outlaws gave an interview to Renee Young. Looking fine in a leather jacket, Renee was not invited to celebrate the victory with the boys Road Dogg and Mr.Ass. Road Dogg was decent on the mic but became repetative. The win was met with indecision. The fans did not understand why the 'Old' Age Outlaws were crowned champs when neither of them have a real need to be on WWE TV nor gain a title. It is clear. D-Generation X will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for 2014. Mr. Ass told Renee she had "No Chance!" as the New Age Outlaws left to celebrate together. 

Royal Rumble
CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, Kane, Alexander Rusev, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, Jimmy Uso, Goldust, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, R-Truth, Kevin Nash, Roman Reigns, The Great Khali, Sheamus, The Miz, Fandango, El Torito, Antonio Cesaro, Luke Harper, Jey Uso, JBL, Erick Rowan, Ryback, Alberto Del Rio, Batista, Big E. Langston, Rey Mysterio

CM Punk (1) was entered first as revealed on the pre-Rumble Smackdown. Number two was Shield member Seth Rollins (2) Hailed as the architect and aerialist Rollins and Punk were a good start. It was a battle of Wrestling Wonders' Pro 50 of 2013 with Punk, ranked 8 and Rollins at 6 having a strong technical tussle for two minutes. It was a strong beginning. Punk added that notion with kicks followed by Rollins. Time for Damien Sandow (3) to enter, going for an elimination of Punk. Neckbreaker and DDT by Punk on both. Cody Rhodes (4) charged straight for old foe Sandow. Punk eliminates Sandow, with ease as predicted. It was blatantly obvious that Sandow would be the first eliminated.

Kane came in at (5). Punk and Rhodes battle. Roundhouse kick was swung by Punk and eliminates Kane. That was quick. Alexander Rusev (6) joined the Rumble from NXT. He has mhuy thai boxing and MMA style fighting with feet like the Barbarian/Wild Samoan's. If not done correctly this will be another Ryback. Jack Swagger (7) joined the fracas. Sign fail here. Their placard read "Every 90 *blank* another illegal crosses the border." Days? Minutes? Hours? Oops. Rusev and Swagger fought. Kofi Kingston (8) joined. Will this be a fancy footwork feet spot? Kofi goes after Punk. Jimmy Uso (9) came in next. It was a bit boring now. Goldust (10) came. Rusev went out. Kofi was then caught by Rusev halting an elimination. Quick witted Kofi jumped to the barricade from Rusev's arms. Kingston predictably did the spot from outside where he braved a running jump to the ring. Once again, Kofi became a spot monkey open to ridicule. He needs some serious booking to be a strong name kept for the midcard, at least. Rollins was almost eliminated. Dean Ambrose (11) saved his stable mate. 

Dolph Ziggler (12) entered to knock a few people over then became a boring non-entity again. R-Truth (13) took his moment. Ambrose sent R-Truth out. Jimmy Uso out. Kingston then dangled under the ropes with his feet hooked, arms and shoulder touching the floor but feet still hooked by ropes keeping him in. The fans could not take the creativity seriously. Swaggers boot hits him, to which Kofi still held onto. Surprise entry Kevin Nash (14) came in. He went for The Shield. "I don't think anyone will come to your aid" to save Ambrose Lawler says. As this happened, just as the clock counted down for a new entry, giving the game away, Roman Reigns (15) came to save his stablemate. 

Caught by Reigns and tossed over is Kofi. The fun is over. Ziggler tried to mess with Reigns and got tossed out. Crowd boo'ed for man of the minute Ziggles. Nash went out quickly after. Rhodes piles on. The Great Khali (16) enters. Khali was instantly eliminated. This was absolutely pointless. It may have been Christian's spot, ruined by the revelation by the internet causing bookers to sideline Christian's return here. Goldust eliminates Cody as Cody is flung by Reigns, dodging Goldie. Sheamus (17) returned to clear house in an obvious and uneventful return. The Miz (18) came in for a nothing moment. Fandango (19) shimmied in as the crowd Fandango'ed for first time this evening. El Torito (20) charge in and gave some interest to the match. Seth took a move. Torito saw a CM Punk standing in his way and called a charge to Punk. Punk lifted the little bull as Torio was too quick and hurricanrana'ed him instead. Smug strutter Fandango smashed a clothesline on El Torito viciously to loud upset. Almost eliminating Fandango, on resurgence, the dancer holds on. A leg attack from rope next sends him away. Torito gores for bulky Reigns. Reigns was unfazed and lifted Torito up, hurling on Fandango as Torito goes too. 

Antonio Cesaro (21) arrived to put the Cesaro swing on Miz, Punk, then stopped by Rollins to loud boos. The swing on Rollins clocked a record 28 swings. What pro's. Luke Harper (22) joined. Jey Uso (23) came into the Rumble with no impact whatsoever. Next entry was a daft surprise as JBL (24) got up from behind the desk. Not this again. Luckily all announcers did not join. Disrobing, Layfield walks into the match only to be instantly thrown out. It was pointless. All was not bad though. Cole told his broadcast buddy it wasn't as bad as Santino Marella's record 1.9 seconds. 

Erick Rowan (25) went for Miz who survived as then Harper simply clotheslines him off. Thanks for coming. Ryback (26) goes for Cesaro. "Goldberg" chants echoed. Cesaro and Sheamus began a stare down. Sheamus fights Ryback too. Alberto Del Rio (27) was added to the mix. The man of the hour and debut match for returnee Batista (28) heard initial cheers turned into thick and heavy boo's. Erick Rowan was tossed out easy as he squares up with "stupid!" Ryback. Ryback was removed by The Animal. Batista flipped over Del Rio with ease. Big E. Langston (29) came out. He and Sheamus had a little action. The final man entered. Rey Mysterio (30) received a multitude of vicious boo's Mysterio. These were the most severe of the night. Not a good rumble booking. (See summary below)"We want Bryan" chants began. Fans were expect him to join last. Huge boo's were howling constantly as Langston and Sheamus play together. Sheamus takes off Big E. Seth Rollins got a 619 to loud boos. Rollins eliminated Rey to huge cheers. Roman Reigns took out Harper. 

Not full of warm reception

Ambrose shockingly sees an opportunity and goes for Roman Reigns but misses. Rollins and Ambrose tip over Cesaro quickly as Reigns irately flings over both his Shield pals. Batista bomb to Reigns was given as the final four are there. Sheamus, CM Punk, Reigns and Batista were the last left. Kane returns from behind and scuppers Punk's chances pulling him over the ropes for revenge. Kane chokeslammed Punk through the announce table. He flung him around the outside barricade's too. Huge boo's bellowed as Batista begins moving. Batista clearing both opponents down as Sheamus big boots to constant "No" chants. Sheamus drops a backbreaker. "Sheamus is weak" Lawler adds. Sheamus screams "Fella" for a brogue kick as Batista ducks leaving Sheamus to halt his pace. Sheamus almost takes out Reigns who charges a spear sending Sheamus away. Batista tips over Reigns, who quickly gets back in. 

Batista realises he hasn't won yet. Stare down. Batista kicks the gut of Reigns. Hands exchange. Batista shouts "Go" to Reigns into corner Irish whip. Reigns stops and loud spots are heard being called. Batista jumps into a running Reigns with a spear as the crowd boo. Spear by Reigns follows to huge cheers. Batista then quickly hurls Roman Reigns over instantly in order to win the Royal Rumble match. Huge boo's rang out becoming deafening. Batista gave a strong return for himself. He guaranteed a Wrestlemania main event. Fans, however, regard him as going into business for himself and sidelining the newer forces on the cards the chance to gain an opportunity at becoming a big name for WWE's future. This would also further enhance Cena, Batista and other names strong on the card to have people to tangle with in future feuds. The Royal Rumble, to fans, has now become a throwaway event. They regard it as the worst Rumble ever. 

PPV Rating - 5/10

Men/Women of their matches - Daniel Bryan, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins

Man/Woman of the PPV - Batista

Bryan's match with Wyatt was a tidy opener with a good outcome to strengthen all involved. Something fans were not expecting to continue the story on. 

Orton and Cena for the umpteenth time, after years of absence was again not thrilling the fans. Orton, aiming to work Cena to a good match was tirelessly exhausted. Not for his own efforts, but simply Cena never respects his opponent, the setting, action or holds in play. If Cena does something valid we will be sure to praise it, but we cannot lie about Cena's lack of respect for the business and sport itself. This is one of the key issues surround his disinterest. It is also a mass disrespect from Cena to fail to bother after all these years and continue the comedy act instead. 

Lesnar's match was a disaster for the company. With only a day to reschedule they created a feasible line despite a mishap. Though it was rather empty and too long in parts with the chair as a standout figure. Though WWE should keep the Big Show battles short in part to give better options overall. Fans weren't interested in the match anyway.

The fans felt after a loss to Wyatt, and rumours awash over the internet from WWE HQ, Bryan entering as number thirty would be justified. Other rumours among the Royal Rumble hype included a return of Christian, who has recently had a baby. Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho (teasing a return) and soon to be WWE Hall of Famer for 2014, Jake "The Snake" Roberts were also filling the hazy air among the WWE Universe. WWE have been said to have been frustrated with fans and 'news' hacks revealing such details that they pulled Christian's return and simply announced him on the post Rumble Raw for a Smackdown return. It was Jeff-Matt Hardy whodunit down the stairs once again. Fans need to learn to be careful what they post publicly. WWE does not cave in to public demand ruling the roost. In the end, the audience will suffer for it. 

Mysterio, however, though fans assume was boo'ed for not being Bryan was incorrect. Mysterio was boo'ed because fans are bored of him and haven't seen him on television as a character for so long that he did not deserve a place other someone more deserving. The same occurred with The Great Khali. WWE should have left out some for others. It would have been great if WWE had booked Chyna as number thirty. 

Roman Reigns gaining the most eliminations despite a loss was counterproductive. Yes, it protected him in WWE's mind since he wasn't going to win, however, has became a background distiller that does nothing for him. Being the last of two men was also enough, given Reigns recent rise. Someone else could have used the eliminations further. 

Public embarrassment Mick Foley even ridiculed WWE for not putting in Bryan and letting him win. WWE should just part ways with the motormouth floater that just won't flush. It doesn't need him, nor such ignorance, either. 

The Rumble is an event specifically designed for a new up and comer to win and use the platform to rise a new star for WWE. In recent years, WWE, however have decided to use this as a cheap stepping stone to set the main event of Wrestlemania. Returning to indecision, Batista was visibly upset by the WWE Universe. Simply put, Batista did not need a Rumble win to maintain his profile. He's the strong, bulky and headline act from year's prior that fans were on board with. Negotiating a return to the 'Mania match of the year, 'tista was seen by fans as self-serving. They have not respected that choice. So, are we with WWE on this, or are we with the fans, who suggest Daniel Bryan should have been in and potentially won? 

No. We are with neither. Batista doesn't need the win. Neither does Bryan. Bryan has immense fan support and was already on the card and has no need to be in the match. As well as selling the beating, both are household names at this time to WWE. The Rumble should always be prioritised to a new star to make a chance to create an opportunity for a future beginning. Lead candidate would be Antonio Cesaro. It would have been very easy to launch him to the spotlight come April 5th. He's also worked very capably with Orton countless times and has popular opinion across the board. Another option would have been Damien Sandow, but WWE like to create measures to make its own points, which is understood. There are many others waiting for a chance to launch. WWE should have considered this first and foremost, than cementing one match, which could have easily been maintained without the Rumble guarantee. Fans, once again, now regard this Rumble as the worst of its years and see the booking getting worse every year. The concept, becoming a throwaway option, looks bleak for a future attraction that sells the PPV and a new future on offer. 

©  Max Waltham 29th January 2014

WWE Survivor Series 2013

Survivor Series 2013

Live on pay per view on Sunday November 24th from Boston, Massachusetts from the TD Garden would WWE be able to present a card filled with intrigue, passion and excitement? Would Survivor Series begin, end or add dramatic tension to feuds in the company? Or would every question be a rhetorical one?

Triple H and wife Stephanie McMahon opened the show with a brief introduction of two minutes. Starting off is a five on five traditional Survivors match. Was a minor blip introduction that added nothing to the show necessary? Stephanie smiled in true happy chick fashion. Isn't she supposed to be a mischievous witch?

5 on 5 Tag Team Elimination

Rey Mysterio, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Goldust and Cody Rhodes Vs Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro w/ Zeb Colter, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins

With the deafening mash up of atrocious Rhodes Brothers music over, Zeb Colter asked for his team music to stop leading to a vicious rant instead. Slating Boston for its Tea Party politics and the audiences' lack of attention span more interested in twerking and tweeting then saw a shameless Cody Rhodes begin an atrocious rear out twerk as Goldust backtracked away in horror. Stupidities over, The Shield enter to get the match underway.

Rhodes and Ambrose begin the lock up. Ambrose sold tremendously for Rhodes during Cody's sloppy exchanges. Rhodes got a cheap fall up on Dean Ambrose just moments later. Ambrose was in the match for roughly three minutes. Yes, Dean Ambrose is eliminated. Everyone soon gets involved, with The Uso's launching over to the outside taking out everyone. Rhodes heads back in as Rollins takes charge. Goldust gains a tag to battle the second shielder. Cesaro joins the fray. Swagger tags in seconds later. Cesaro rejoins. I wonder who will get swung? Swagger returns. Cesaro gut stomp leapfrogs over Swagger onto Goldust then working a submissive headlock on Goldie. 'Dust reverses control with DDT momentum. Cesaro's strength impresses with a gut wrench inverted flip backbreaker to the front. Swagger countered as Goldie tags in a returning from injury Rey Mysterio. Rey does the usual comeback routine with set up for 619 connected. Uso tagged in with superkick. Jey Uso takes a tag and drops top rope splash for a three fall pin to eliminate Jack Swagger. Cesaro comes back in and delivers huge uppercut prowess. That should have got three but took two. The super Cesaro swing came next. Jimmy charges in and gets caught as Cesaro swings Jimmy round again. The crowd count along for a twenty strong rotation. Rhodes sneaks in to catch a quick roll up and Antonio Cesaro instantly become eliminated. That wasn't daft at all.

After corner debate, Reigns enters the match. Rhodes tags an Uso as Reigns is overworked as the second Uso is in. Reigns hits a hard jaw elbow. Rollins enters and works over the Uso in question. Maybe they can wear their names on the back of their tights or something. They need something distinctive, for sure. Both Shielders could not fight the Uso's who switched one another with tags and dropped down Reigns. It's good to see equal standing, but The Shield have been somewhat lacking in this one. Reigns charges a spear as Jimmy Uso is gone. Ring announcer Justin Roberts announced Jey Uso instead. Michael Cole corrected. Rollins worked over by Rhodes in quick takeover. Reigns then hit a massive spear on Cody Rhodes to send him off to the showers to twerk for Cesaro, presumably. Rollins runs an impressive foot stomp on the head of Uso number two. Jey Uso is out of there. Aerial aces Rey and Seth get the pace going. Mysterio gave a hard kick to Rollins head in a minimal mode of action which highlighted good entry from Mysterio. He looked good for partial entry. Reigns lifted and slide threw Rey out of the bottom rope to outside hard and beautifully.  Mysterio reached the ring at a nine count. Reigns flew into the post missing scampy Rey Rey. Rollins charges in on tag to remove Goldie off apron and lift Rey who got a cheeky rollup and eliminated Seth Rollins. It wasn't believable for comeback kid Mysterio. Livid, Rollins hammered Rey with Reigns.

Rey was caught from a baseball slide under Reigns to smash an enziguri on Roman. Creating distance Rey tags Goldie in. Reigns makes schoolboy error bedding down to catch Goldust on a rope run only to get the Goldie, hand smacked onto Reigns. Followed by ten punch turnbuckle attack. Goldust takes two fall only. The two weigh each other up as running bulldog from Goldust missed as Reigns hits the spear to eliminate Goldust. Rey launches top attack, caught on shoulder, reversing Reigns into the 619 rope position. Rey charges at Reigns who gets up and spears Rey Mysterio down to the mat to eliminate him and win the match. Roman Reigns eliminated four of the opposite team as the announce booth inform us. WWE wanted Reigns to go higher up the list. This one's been earmarked.

After chatting with hubby Tripper and Kane, Randy popped in for a chat with Steph and The Authority. Instantly ignored, Orton wanted to check his demands for the evening would be met. Trips was a little confused and disgruntled with Randall.

Intercontinental Championship

Curtis Axel Vs Big E. Langston (c)

If you missed the pre Survivor Series Raw, Big E. Langston won the IC title from Axel in an aggressively bungled bout, last week.

WWE talked up the significance of the Intercontinental title as Axel and Langston faced one another. The pair lack credibility. After a lot of lock ups and absurd grunts, Big E stands tall from Axel's technical arm working. In a flash, Axel's hard work is redundant. Axel and Big E run the ropes where Bigster uses two leapfrog on the spot jumps with a hard take down after. Big E needs to slow down and conserve frugal momentum. Vanilla fighter Axel runs off the outside rope with a flying clothesline after Big E was stationed outside.

Chants of "You can't wrestle" plagued the arena as Axel worked down Langston. The direction of the chants were unclear to who or if indeed both were applied to.

Muscle man Big E takes control with a few body blows and run splash down onto Axel's almost broke back. Axel hooked a two fall Fisherman's suplex. The pair do more elbowing. Langston catches a walking Axel into a Big Ending as Big E. Langston defeats Curtis Axel to lift the Intercontinental championship again. 

Renee Young has snuck into the ring to interview Big E. Big E said he "didn't want to pander to the audience in Boston" after mentioning Boston for a cheap pop. He compared his win to the Boston Red Sox winning the championships. I would compare that god awful segment to when Ezekiel Jackson was interviewed when he won the IC title. Jackson lost the title soon after in months of no importance.

AJ and Tamina had a chat with the gals Kaitlyn, Alicia Fox, Aksana, Rosa Mendes and Summer Rae backstage. AJ plugged tele show Total Divas which was not interested in these spare divas. "Start your own show by stealing this one tonight" AJ adds before heading off. Yes. Kaitlyn is a wicked diva now. Yet once again gave a friendly 'poor me' performance.

7 on 7 Divas Elimination

Natalya, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Naomi, Cameron, JoJo and Eva Marie Vs AJ, Tamina, Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Aksana, Summer Rae and Kaitlyn

Total Divas

Alicia Fox and Naomi begin the match up. Fans are a little apathetic of sitting through seven divas used so underwhelmingly. Naomi's drop down of Fox from top turnbuckle was dreadful as Alicia Fox waited before being eliminated. Rosa comes in as Cameron double teams with Naomi to shake their bodies with a split leg double team. It got a two fall. Cameron ran into Rosa, missing and clumsily hitting her head on the turnbuckle pad allowing Rosa Mendes to eliminate Cameron as she circles around in joy. Unbeknownst to Rosa Mendes, Brie is behind her and hits her for the elimination. Summer Rae comes in and does her ridiculous dance moves as Brie does the Worm. Summer Rae was eliminated with ease. 

WWE are said to be high on her and Eva Marie. Eva Marie, a lovely lady and fan favourite was instantly booed to hell upon entering and sparked extreme "You Can't Wrestle" chants with such ferocity as Kaitlyn quickly backbreaked and pinned Eva Marie. That was quick. Fans cheered. Naomi came in to show off moves and was dropped by Katy-lyn. Brie charges into Kaitlyn and gets better of her with missile dropkick for a three count elimination. AJ cannot contain hilarity in laughter as Kailtyn was pinned. Aksana hits a powerful back slam on Brie after some AJ knees to the back. Shock horror as WWE favourite Brie Bella is eliminated. Are WWE listening to fans again? Or just 'mixing it up?' Nikki enters to have a go and eliminates Aksana.

Dropping like flies, Tamina gears up. Dominant headbutts and a clothesline taking off Nattie from the apron follow. Tamina impressively works her foot holds on Nikki. JoJo offers a tag as Nikki is sceptical to accept the novice with no in ring talent experience. JoJo squares up to Tamina in the newbie's first in ring debut with Tamina, who tossed her back like a rag doll. Weakling JoJo gets her feet up to cheers from the crowd as Tamina almost gets cheaply pinned. Fans cheer once more for the underdog. Tamina wraps it up with a crushing backbreaker. AJ receives the tag to pin a laid out JoJo. Natalya enters as Tamina heads in. Nikki Bella is nowhere to be seen. 

The pair finally go at it. Tammy smacks her running body into Nat's head butt first to the corner. Great bodyslams from Tamina, climbing to the top rope. Tamina launches an excellent highflying Superfly, missing, as Natalya moved and locks in the devastating Sharpshooter. Tamina tapped out just before AJ ran in and broke the lock up a second too late. Tamina attempts to come back in as Nikki smashes her off the apron allowing Natalya to roll over AJ and lock in the sharpshooter for a submission and victory for Natalya and Nikki Bella. The match was throwaway, however only Tamina kept the dominance and appeal throughout.

Randy runs into referee for the main event match Charles Robinson backstage. He asked Charles to call the match down the middle, ignoring their friendship. Asking if he got what he was saying, company man Robinson told Rand he would do whatever The Authority said.

On the panel show with WWE lovely Josh Mathews was bestselling author Mick Foley, multiple champ Booker T and the ignorant sponge 'only back to collect a paycheck' egotist Bret Hart.

Laugh a minute Ryback interrupted to pick a cheap fight with the "old timers." Simple solution here. Fire Ryback. The meathead offered an open challenge. Good Lord. Usually jobbers do this, don't they? Is that rhetorical?

The challenge was answered.

Open Challenge

Ryback Vs Mark Henry

Mark Henry returned as an honourable man. Wasn't this done before? This is your toilet break guys. Instantly the pair locked up and pushed one another back. It was the standard muscle meathead mash up. Push. Stop. Gather breath. Hit one move. Pause. Walk around. Stop. Lie on ground. Occasional foot stomp. Suplex. "Goldberg!" Ryback runs into the post and whines comically. "Ahhhhhhhhh!" Henry did a headbutt. Then he ran a headbutt on the ground on all fours. How sad. What a quality match, here. As much a classic as Undertaker, Rock or Shawn Michael matches, huh?

Henry did a shoulder block again. Then a clothesline again. Then a backbreaker again. "You can't wrestle!" as Henry stands watching Ryback. Ryback gets a spinebuster and pulls his man boobs out in Neanderthal fashion. He ran into a stationary Henry who picked up and dropped a slam. Mark Henry beat Ryback with a pinfall. It was entirely meaningless. Henry is next in line to get a WWE title shot, again.

Were back with Joshie now. "Be careful what you wish for" Booker T adds standing next to humdrum Bret Hart, who now chips in on an Alberto Del Rio evaluation. Foley follows. Booker T was the only valuable asset here, along with dependable sweetie Josh Mathews. Brock was nowhere in sight tonight.

World Heavyweight Championship

Alberto Del Rio Vs John Cena (c)

Boston's own and the face of the WWE, World Champion, John Cena began hugging Rio, in hold, landing on the apron. In armlock Rio was loudly heard informing Cena of instructions how to work the match. That's right. The World Champion, face of the company and hometown hero, no less, could not have figured out what to do to give a good match. The instructions become even louder every takedown into the arm lock.

Cena blocked an action from being hurled into the steel steps only to be flung into the other corner steps instead. Cena decided to run into them and visibly pushed the steps away. Disgraceful.

Cena ran into a clothesline. Cena jump up dropkicks after Rio sits atop the turnbuckle to drop down on Cena. Cena booed loudly as he backbreaks Rio in centre position. Rio halts the progress with a counter.

Rio beats a seven count. Cena swiftly does the five knuckle shuffle clearly seen hastily missing the knuckle hitting Rio nowhere near connection anywhere, in a shameful process of botchdom. Cena tornado DDT's Rio as he purposely walks into Cena's path to allow him to do so. Cena is insanely weak as a performer but this may just be his worst in many times. Rio whacks an enziguri. Cena's in ring behaviour is simply sloppy and inexcusable. The crowd's frustration would not be ignored any longer. The "Cena Sucks!" chants were twice as loud and aggressive to explain the upset of performance on offer. Some countered with mild Cena bias, as they often do. The point however, can no longer be ignored. It's a serious one WWE need to address. Fans will not take much more.

Cena reversed the cross arm breaker into an STF. Rio, after a long hold on, touched the rope with a finger. That's all it takes to break. Cena didn't lock the arms on at all, once again. Rio hit a kick and two fall. Cena took a quick neckbreaker out of nowhere for a tense two fall.

Cena climbs the turnbuckle again to softly land onto Rio. Locked in an armbreaker Cena comically says "Oh, Oh" until picking up as super strength kicked in on Rio, in hold, once more to hurl him off so tediously. Cena reversed Rio into a quick, unseen Attitude Adjustment to grab a three fall on Alberto Del Rio as John Cena easily raises the World title.

Cena chose to be obnoxious once again and hold the World title in front of centre row disagreement with a sea of signs proclaiming disappointment.

Santino and R-Truth debated who would win Money in the Bank. They chose to play and plug the new merchandise as Los Matadores and Fandango make appearances. In walks blast from the past John Laurinaitis??????? "People Power!"

Tag Team

Daniel Bryan and CM Punk Vs Erick Rowan and Luke Harper w/ Bray Wyatt

The dream team simultaneously disrobe their tees like a pair of teasing backyard strippers. Something for everyone.

Punk gives Rowan good opportunity and standing in match action as Bryan falls to beastly Rowan seeking retribution. A powerful double suplex from Rowan on both was enjoyable. Both sweet middle men Bryan and Punk return a good drop of Rowan. Harper enters to a flattened Punk who retaliates with a gut kick and tag of partner. The YES! kicks happen as Bryan and Punk ready themselves. The crowd mention "Ooohh" chants a little too early. Steady yourselves. Punk and Bryan then follow up a good double teaming until foiled by a hard clothesline of Rowan on Punk.

Later moments, Bryan headed up top, to powerbomb which could not complete as Harper stopped and lifted Bryan to drop him instead. Punk attempts to enter as Rowan hurls Punk out. Rowan running splash grabs a two fall. Bryan yells in pain as Rowan drops hard slams on Danny Boy. Both made a great job. Punk was smashed off with a knee before re-entering. Harper pounds Bryan with hard, short moves, halting momentum. Harper hits an impressive back flip backbreaker on Bryan. Cutesy Punk in his yellow pants and smooth hair gains the tag. Dainty Punk climbs atop the turnbuckle, unfortunately double bagging his tights, to drop down hard on Harper.

Punk later attempted to rally fan support in a rather tedious display. Punk seizes and opportunity to climb the turnbuckle and jump over onto Bray Wyatt at ringside, with Rowan caught with them. Punk returns inside to deal with Harper, dropping a neckbreaker. Punk gets an elbow drop from the top for a two fall. Rowan halts a GTS on Harper as Bryan charges in and knees Rowan down. Punk avoids a clothesline and smashes the GTS on Luke Harper to gain the three fall for CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.  

WWE Championship

Randy Orton (c) Vs Big Show

It was predictably a slow progression as is always the case in Big Show/Mark Henry/Ryback/Sheamus matches. Big Show swung a clothesline and sent Orton to the outside for a mesmerising start to the first action in the WWE title match. Show then works Orton in the corner. Later Randy returns control with a dropkick.  

Ten minutes in and crowd chants "this is boring" and "we want Bryan."

Big Show barges Orton with a shoulder block to outside chase. Flung into them, Cena pushes steps as Orton, lands into them. Take note.

Orton grabs Show for the DDT off the top turnbuckle rope as he pokes his tongue then he flexes. Randilicious! 

Big Show then randomly gets a chokeslam for a two fall.

Flexi Orton.
Every chick wants him.
Every man wants to be him,
and every man wants to be *n him.
(Insert appropriate vowel)

Oh no! Referee Charles Robinson got knocked down in the muddle. Big Show walks to position as Orton attempts a chair whack. Orton flung over barricade as Show chops and collects. Orton jabs back into the game trying for a DDT as Show smacks a KO punch. He could not have done that at the start of the match.

Show hauls Orton by the thighs into the match. Triple H's music hits on the titantron as he and The Authority appear. Orton plants a huge RKO on a distracted Show. Orton kicked the punt into Big Show's skull as Show moved back and botched the authenticity. Randy Orton soon covered for the three fall to retain the title.

Steph and Hunter applaud Randall as Orton cradles the WWE title twenty minutes before the closing of PPV.

As predicted John Cena arrives and raises the World title. Cena sandwiches himself between Steph and HHH before squaring up with Orton in the ring. World Champ faces WWE champ. Hmm... We previously write about what was coming. The plan for Wrestlemania unification possibility may happen with the heavyweight titles. It shouldn't. We shall see how that one goes. Both raised their titles to the air and did nothing as the PPV drew to a close. Anticlimactic.

PPV Rating - 3/10

Men/Women of their matches - Seth Rollins, Curtis Axel, Tamina, Ryback, Alberto Del Rio, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton

Man/Woman of the PPV - Tamina

For one of WWE's Big 4 PPV's, it was another massive miss. The name is never the problem, but WWE's lack of star names, unique booking and tender thought process to making a positive for what stock they have. Fans and critics are starting to believe they simply don't have what it takes for a future of wrestling psychology in running the show any longer. That's not the best position to be in, ever.

Tamina was the only stronghold of the PPV, alongside Roman Reigns, yet Reigns was not very impressive in what should have been much more eventful for his sole survival boost to main event levelling up. Tamina's appearance in a dreadful diva's destruction outshone everyone on the card with her actions, poise and presentation backed up with sheer aggression and precise skill on offer. Less is more. Obviously, fans require much more.

Seth Rollins was the WWE workhorse that continually impresses and is yet viewed as the lowest factor WWE have. The man should be the slow, secret uprising that no one sees coming instead of being left to rot as WWE are eventually planning in a year's time. Slow burner, keep on it. Build the process tenderly.

Mysterio's return was okay but nothing impressive and didn't boost his or Survivor Series as a grand event.

John Cena lied on the ground so long after Rio did all the work and then followed instructions. The man cannot work and though WWE will, obviously book him, it needs to focus on not ruining all the other talent it has to protect one image alone. They should have vulnerability with a little force in parts between. WWE only has Orton and Cena and the impending title/face of the WWE collision seen a mile off by us, first expressed in this previous article - Cena/Orton Heavyweight title Unifications? This is further evidence where WWE need to think of all avenues than just one man controlling the company.   

Randy Orton worked tremendously once again, but failed to capture interest with the lummox Big Show.

JoJo as fan favourite cheered was only due to one factor. She was the underdog who had not been overly hyped and tested conformity. Plain, inexperienced and only famous for sleeping with Randy Orton as soon as his wife divorced him is going to be costly for the nineteen year old if she does not remain professional.

Layla has been absent from action for roughly six months and hasn't been heard off after making a comment that irked WWE. No one except us picked up on it. The writing could be on the wall for Layla. WWE have a ER policy with its females. In TV drama ER, they would release any female before they reach 40. Layla is 36. She's annoyed people up top. Oooh, Err.

Axel and Langston are as bad as one another. WWE want more muscle men, but its failure to have any that are good is a problem. They are all so generic and bland. Fans greet them with indecision. The action is sloppy and ridiculously unbelievable.

Obnoxious globe trotter Bret Hart on the star panel was an oversight. Washed up and only there for a paycheck, Hart disgraced himself and added no flair to the show. When he isn't busy flying around the world for pop up appearances then back to the US Hart should consider being a professional. Ignorance is not beneficial. Why not give a chance to prove us wrong and make it up? Can you repent?  

Ryback, another mass liability that could injure anyone again, should be erased off the pencil to paper card. There is literally nothing he can do. Get out as soon as you can, he doesn't offer the product or fans anything, and he won't be the golden ticket that books Goldberg to WWE.

Punk/Bryan against The Wyatt family is the new feud to behold. However, this has potential to be either huge, or lukewarm in seconds. All did a capable job but longevity needs to be reassured in strategic management of the program on offer. You can only get so many words from Max Waltham before you run out of steam. I can keep going. Can you sell it? Like, realllllllly selllllll itttttt?

Simply put, Survivor Series was yet 'just another PPV' of lost matches and held no interest. It was one of its worst of its time and that's going through a lot. Kofi Kingston even turned into a disobedient man slapping obnoxious The Miz in the face on the pre-show rather than on the main show. Kofi's rise is on the cards if WWE really strive harder for the guy who can make the transition we spoke of a year ago. Give the audience something from the washout that is simply struggling to survive. Go on now go. Walk out the door... You're Welcome!

©  Max Waltham 27th November 2013

WWE hire minor high-flyer

Del Sol signs with 

WWE Developmental

This week WWE have signed a new high flying star from the crumbling independent circuit. Samuray del Sol received the contract on Sunday and was desperate to sign as soon as he could.

WWE selected him because he was Mexican and equally desperate to capture demographics to raise TV figures from the area to increase revenue.

Del Sol recently appeared on May 25^th in an inferior British Wrestling promotion’s contest where he was eliminated in the first round. Sol put in a diabolical match performance. WWE had removed him from Indy bookings across the globe as a term to signing.

Flabby thighs Sol.

Married Del Sol signed on May 26^th.

Struggling independent Del Sol, who hasn’t been very monumental in the wrestling scene and plucked out of thin air due to demographics, high flying and wearing an orange mask (figure that one out) Sol, who is good friends with Sami Zayn, formerly El Generico, who was hired for being able to speak multiple languages, many already feel del sol is a waste of time and talent to WWE added with the fact no-one knows who he is, nor cares about him at all. WWE’s credibility at hiring new talent is further under challenge. With Triple H hiring another infeasible choice, many question his attempts to take over the future of WWE as Vince McMahon’s natural successor which has already dipped. With this signing Triple H has laid his cards on the table and further supported the failure of talent acquisition.

Triple H’s mediocrity further stains the illogical choices, with his pet projects previously failing despite huge television exposure in the form of WWE diva Kharma and Mexican flop Sin Cara. With Rey Mysterio on his way out and WWE lacking flyers it felt the need to hire, however chose a random selection with no real sustainable talent. Skirt wearing del sol is someone who will get you through the odd match a couple of times, and then will be nothing more overall. We all need a toilet break, don’t we?

WWE’s future looks extremely bleak.

Many other stars are undergoing WWE medical tests as a pre-requisite before hiring. WWE plan on and will sign hopeless thug Sami Callihan next. They should u-turn on Sol instantly and release him and drop Callihan if it is to save face and contain credible company outlook for the future. These choices do not fit into a modern day WWE no matter how much training they receive, they just won’t adapt. When you take away the costume, there’s nothing really there.

 

WWE have also given try-outs to Mike Bennett, Adam Cole (who is on the verge of signing) and Shaun Ricker, whoever he is, to name a few. They also plan to offer Davey Richards, who teased retirement, an offer at the end of his June-July contract this year. They should drop that one instantly. Little muffin Richards does not fit the mould of WWE at all and will flop in sixty seconds.

If WWE, of all the people in the world, as a company, cannot hire accurate choices and selects random, unheard of people just to put a WWE stamp on them as ‘ours’ to prove ego that it can find new stars which Max Waltham actual has and nurtures them to have a following in audience appreciation just to prove Triple H and WWE’s ego then it will not have a growing outlook for a chance to remain appealing any further in the future. Desperate to also prove himself to daddy-in law, Hunter has proven he cannot fully drive a prospect home and just hires to attempt to impress Vince’s mind based on looks, muscle, height and, ‘oh yeah, he’ll do’. WWE has no chance of growth at this rate. 

©  Max Waltham 28th May 2013