Wrestling Wonders Pro 25 2021

Wrestling Wonders 

Pro 25 2021

Find out inside, who are the best female 

performers of the wrestling 

business in 2021.

 

Ⓒ Max Waltham 

25th November 2022

All Rights Reserved

WWE No Mercy 2017

WWE No Mercy 2017

WWE No Mercy this year opened on the Raw brand, switched from last year's Smackdown associations. Live on Pay Per View, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, would the Raw brand be able to reinvigorate the fans, the product and the talent in the dwindling locker-room?

Let's find out.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

The Miz (c) w/ Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas Vs Jason Jordan

Random switch up from Smackdown to Raw with no explanation two months back and WWE making up its own rules again, now a random plot with being Kurt Angle's long lost son, Jason Jordan was given his first singles title chancer.

The absurdity surrounding the entire situation, angles and lunacy did not detract from the hype of the poor booking, either.

Neither Miz or Jordan were able to provide a strong drawing pull to fan interest, even if WWE think this is an excellent angle. That says a lot about WWE's messy downturn in every sense.

The only highlight Miz has is beefy babe Curtis Axel at his side.

The Miz easily sailed through Jason Jordan, who had no character, sense or need as an onscreen face, which if elaborated on highly, would have been a clever change over to stabilise a star. WWE are far too obsessed with Triple H's Indy darling handouts than any actual talent that might have a chance of succeeding. With that Jordan remains a non-entity and Miz has no change in tepid title holding for lack of competition and vocal annoyance.

The action was lame, lukewarm fluffer to start a random event that needed a point of strong interest to set the show off. The match was another Miz run through to get everyone settled in. It was not good. Bo Dallas distracted the referee so Miz could once more gain an ever boring win of no value to anyone anymore.

Bray Wyatt Vs Finn Balor

This one hasn't ended and will be unlikely to finish anytime soon. How do I know this? Hmmmm.

Finn Balor, fresh off of last month's random victory of nonsense value that kept zero interest from the pint size Cruiser trying to fit into heavyweight stardom was another laughable transition.

Devoid of any charisma, personality and being, and just a jobber on the lucky Triple H lottery, friendship system of hand me downs, ploughed through Bray Wyatt as second time as Finn Balor won another random win that failed once more to elevate him as anything useful to WWE or fan luvvies.

Bray Wyatt always wins, even in loss, but WWE have distorted its attempts to mimic Max Waltham and put their own hatred on the character of Wyatt that has attracted more scorn and hate from critics and audiences solely based on inability to move forward with the star in his own right.

Simply put, once again, no one can be me and mimic it to success. There is only one. As for Balor, who needs the win more, as he has nothing to offer, still can't get over even with titles, debut fireworks, graphics, previous Indy character usage in a new promotion and bouncy jackrabbit jumps in the ring. Awww. A jobber trying to be on the main stage. Ignorance unbefitting for real interest. The only people left watching are the Indy faithful, which isn't many of them, as most dropped a long time ago. These are the ones who look to the audience like they have nothing else in their life going for them, they have to live out lost youth in some random nobody. 

Even the fleshy ass has become stale.

The action wasn't there and largely held together by Wyatt's mystique, which has dwindled immeasurably since Max Waltham stopped feeding WWE's thievery departments lacking real creativity.

Diddums.

We're all bored. But let's hope Finn doesn't literally sh*t himself in the ring this time.

Next!

WWE Raw Tag Team Championship

Cesaro and Sheamus Vs Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins (c)

After last month's random throw together of The Shield v2/3, as neither have anything going for them anymore and have been exhausted to the point of no return that still hasn't gotten over to the fullest extent, are lingering terribly.

Given the expert star that has never been allowed, in Cesaro, WWE once again have much to thank the Swiss Superman for holding together another, otherwise paltry event.

Cesaro's booty makes yet another
perfect fitting as a pro star in waiting.

In this one, the action was once more, for the fourth running Raw PPV, held by Cesaro's expert action, technique and in ring psychology to hold everything in place for bouncy Rollins, bumbling Sheamus and bum rush random Ambrose.

Done to the point of frustration, emptiness and character filler, three of WWE's most selected elite have a lot of work to retain their fading lights.

That's Christmas sorted.

Ever the lunatic, Dean Ambrose proved this statement more so, when he catapulted Cesaro into the ring post, which actually smacked Cesaro so hard that his two front teeth become dislodged into his upper gum line, and broken them. Cesaro proved to be the beefy workhorse of sheer talent by working through the pain staking injury for a fuller five minutes to complete the match.

Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins retained the titles in an empty rematch to fill the card. Cesaro received a standing ovation from talent backstage, and required surgery.

It does not bode well for Ambrose, who is seen as someone who while loved and cute in part, has nothing to offer for the five years he has been on screen. Once billed as the best of The Shield, is now the weakest of all three and has zero character or skill to offer. WWE are largely to blame, but Ambrose has allowed himself to become weakened by toeing the line into obscurity.

As for Rollins, he's just there at this point, which is troubling as he was and is the best The Shield had to offer, that only Max Waltham saw and acknowledged, which WWE begrudgingly jumped on, to which was a star worthy success.

Sheamus still has nothing to offer, really, but is actually improving in the last couple of months, slowly, which seems that the 'Cesaro Effect' is encouraging him to be the best he can. Maybe that's why Vince and WWE hate him, because people outside of the WWE system can make the talent understand how to boost their core being positively, should they truly listen.

WWE Raw Women's Championship

Fatal 5-Way

Sasha Banks Vs Emma Vs Nia Jax Vs Alexa Bliss (c) Vs Bayley

Originally a four man skirmish, WWE quickly slipped a returning Bayley from injury into the mix. It would have been better if they waited.

Goin' for a dump.

The only real contenders, in Nia Jax, the favourite to unsettle Alexa Bliss and Emma, the talented but mistreated gift to the title, were dropped in glorious WWE fashion. However the pair stood out in their own rights and Jax received audience love at one point in a cheap but pleasing to see drop of two of the favourite WWE females in a double slam, including Sasha Banks, who messed the angle by placing herself on top to be dropped. That's what fans continue to cheer for, the destruction of WWE's failed concepts of fandom favourites like bliss, Bayley and Banks, who have delivered something short of the full mix needed for years. WWE are rather slow on the uptake and reward talent two years behind, after the 'Charlotte Effect' killed the Women's Revolution.

Emma was the only solid option, but WWE seem to hate her all of a sudden. Their favourite, as John Cena's father perfectly put it in a recent tell all interview, "has got the body" but not much else. Sasha Banks remains a boring, four time champion who has never actually seemed to be a champ. Ouch. As for Bayley, she was a random insertion that continued her already distilled boredom from before the last six months.

WWE protected and played safe by keeping Alexa Bliss champion. They even vamped up the impending debut of Asuka, on the Raw brand, to combat Bliss. They are clearly warming the title for her, which tends to have the opposite effect when WWE and Triple H's ego ridden micro managing of a star's worth, cripples them instead.

Another reason as to why WWE can't see why its female empowerment division was just a slogan for them and a piss poor attempt to copy me with actual ways forward in making the Women have a real role in the ring and beyond sports overall. More fool them.

Bliss pinned the returning Bayley.

John Cena Vs Roman Reigns

The battle of WWE's big dawgs. Cena/Reigns. Many thought being saved for Wrestlemania, other people than WWE's lame booking ideas thought otherwise.

John Cena took Roman Reigns well in the ring, as can be expected, but was still ruined by his over animation at every god forsaken opportunity which puts him right back into the fan and critic negativity bracket. 

His opponent was John Cena Mark II, the 'Vince McMahon defiance angle of anyone who says no' to succession. For over a decade or two, Cena has attracted the worst ever fan and critic responses of all time based on pure hate, not character base, for lack of wrestling depth. WWE shoulder some blame alongside this.

At least he tried, but the turnbuckle
blocked a manspreader nomination. 

The saga of Cena will now continue, in 'un'natural successor, Roman 'bulky, 6-foot, McMahon style star' Reigns. With the even poorly written lines by McMahon himself, the needless pushes, and three failed WWE titles on Reigns' back at WWE's own bungled booking, Reigns is the most viciously hated man in the business, more than Cena. 

Becoming Cena number 2 will not be forgotten, forgiven or dismissed. Fans are pissed this is continuing again, and won't accept it. McMahon may have got away with Cena, but Reigns is not going to work twice. Fans are also displeased with WWE's constant repeat system that offers no new entertainment blueprints. The decline is real, babe.

As predicted, one of them used the outside furniture. Reigns speared Cena through the announce tables at ringside. As ever, the run through of action, fall away portions, table crashes and 'hardcore'-ish action was another pathetic attempt to get the two most beloved WWE insider stars over.

Both failed to be entertained by the crowd and the WWE often blame fans for their hate. Another failure to listen has cost live attendances drastically of house shows. Triple H's ego boost of live event call ups with NXT has worked so well. Anyone else would have been fired years back. At least he can claim another trophy outside of latching on to his wife, this time, but, you'll never be me, which you are so desperate to emulate. HaHaHa. The salt is real. 

Initially thought of as a No-Contest, WWE rightfully crowned a victor. Roman Reigns defeated the might John Cena with a Superman Punch and Spear. Cena endorsed Reigns after the match in a 'passing of the torch' moment to signify the new John Cena of the company, that has often cost WWE dearly. 

Throughout the bout, fans were angry, raucous, empty, plain faced, no reaction and headed to the bathroom. That should be very telling to WWE, who don't seem to care one bit. Ratings and attendance have drastically sunk over the last three years. 

You're Welcome.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Neville (c) Vs Enzo Amore

WWE don't like Enzo Amore, who is a grade A clown, which is quite strange since his debut WWE were fully annoying us with his poor diatribe writing speeches that WWE though comedy gold. Fans did not agree. Now WWE, especially Vince McMahon enjoy seeming the muppet of Enzo "ragdolled" through the ring.

It was surprising for many, then, that upon start of the match WWE had Enzo Amore low blow Neville, to quickly nab the most pointless title in WWE to become the new Cruiserweight champion.

Looking ever less the bully, while able to bully Enzo furthermore, WWE, has got a silver lining.

The decision was purely to throw Enzo onto the pathetically lame hole that is the 205 Live show, the midget men acrobatic show. Thank god. Now just dump the title and fire them all. 

Neville will presumably move to the main roster again. 

Amore was brutally crushed and all the Cruiser's jobbed out on the main event closure of Raw, the following evening, which lost heavy amounts of viewers in its third hour, being substantial proof Cruiser's and Tripper's loony tunes ideas don't draw.

No one cares one bit for Triple H's failed trophy system last year with the bouncy man tournament. That's another trophy he can claim. Ha!

The airhead era. Isn't it wonderful?

WWE Universal Championship

Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman Vs Braun Strowman

Vince McMahon knows full well that the ugly, blood stained title, and none of any heavyweight lineage, which scores of failed luvvies before it, has no worth as a trinket installed as distraction to the now currently devalued WWE title on Smackdown. How did WWE manage that? Everything is officially worthless. Well played.

Up to combat the title hogging farmer come beast, Brock Lesnar, the destructive mimicry of this writer, had competition in Braun 'Brow' Strowman. Some guy who is a random call up doing not much and favoured by fans only to beat down an annoying star like Roman Reigns, specifically engineered to trick fans for reactions. They aren't that stupid, but hope to gain something from their pricey ticket costs to delude themselves it was money well spent.

How are the ticket sales, by the way?

Brock Lesnar attempt to go back to his wrestling roots in this one, with the German Suplex flings on Braun Strowman. WWE have built up Strowman to try and be Lesnar's competition, but many realise WWE have stalled so long and had weak interactions in show build ups for months that no-one has what it takes to topple the beasty Brock.

Low and behold, Brock Lesnar retained the title over Strowman with a mighty F-5.

By WWE logic, a man who turns over and crushes an Ambulance with Roman Reigns inside (seen on TV escaping and a crane tipping the vehicle) wasn't enough for the poorly written jobber with a weakened roster to call up.

There was and is no competition for Lesnar. WWE feel his title holding and lack of appearances, while claiming a six - seven figure salary is harming WWE. It's a concern, yes, but the real issue is WWE's failure to elevate and creatively produce the right ticket. This is not uncommon. During the previous "injury phase" where all top talents and successors were injured and out of action, WWE suffered a huge hit in lacking stars. It was retribution for WWE's failed acts to make a plethora of competitors. Now look at it. Not even one Indy luvvie or homegrown WWE star can commit to that notion.

WWE has sunk itself and will never learn from the past.

Look everybody, it's me.
Damn I love me.

There is only one who kept WWE stable in recent years, and everyone knows his name.  He who will not be mentioned is the key to every success, but WWE have immeasurable hate and ego festering problems of jealousy they couldn't be good enough.

Everyone Triple H has hired and his NXT attempts at a brand are the sole work of one person. Me. Though Tripper is desperate to steal, put his own stamp on it and make it his own distortion for jealous ego success. How well has it truly gone? Down the pan. You can't be me. How sad and desperate that he hates himself for trying to be me and prove it isn't the case. Without me, NXT, the talent called and all angles would not be possible. Yet, Triple H's lack of business acumen of actual skills, talent sourcing and nepotistic writers and bookers of former 'talent' in back room garage lock ups haven't put WWE in the best light at all. Lose the ego. Hey, that's your problem now though, isn't it? 

The mighty McMahon's. They can get everyone, except for the only one that truly matters.

You're Welcome.

PPV Rating - 1/10

Man/Women of their matches - The Miz, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Emma, Roman Reigns, Nevlle, Brock Lesnar

Man/Woman of the PPV - Cesaro

After the PPV, John Cena began to hint at retirement. We did tell and touch on the issue months back. What else is there left for Cena to do? WWE do not plan for the future and this was also apparent in the previous year. With Nikki Bella, it seems Cena will be looking to settle down with marraige and kids. He isn't going to waste his entire life in WWE for the sake of nothing. Outside the ring, Cena is a decent guy by many estimations, but inside he has not got the talent, which fans and critics can only, truly comment on. If any wrestler puts themselves in this position, they have to expect what comes with the territory.

Emma continues to be the misused talent that WWE have no brains about. Nia Jax is not ready. Alexa Bliss is the best of a bad bunch. The other two are useless, boring and offer nothing of interest.

Same goes for Cesaro, who continues to uphold the roster and deliver the best action that keeps the PPV and himself scoring highly. Without him it would be even more tragic.

Enzo Amore. Whatever. Just disappear.

Generic boredom.

Finn Balor? What? Is he even anything? He has no star. Is he a demon? Is he a guy? Who gives a f**k?

Brock Lesnar is the only thing some come to see, which is saying much as his matches are 5 minutes or less and a sheer dismantling. This is WWE's fault.

The Miz. Ugh. No more, but, then, who else is there?

Once more WWE coined it in and half-assedly pussy-footed through the main show. Lacking skill, style, depth, reason or logical outcomes to the future, WWE, just like its main stars, have nothing to offer. Why bothered wasting so much time on it? Find something better, because WWE is not going to improve under any standards at all. WWE are too scared to do what is necessary. Firing, hiring, writing depth, creative forces and company structure that moves the company forward. They've had their fill for many years, right in front of them. You haven't got long left. I, however, have much to go.

© Max Waltham 28th September 2017

All Rights Reserved

Obituary: Mae Young

Westling Legend passes at landmark ninety 

years shaping way for female wrestling

In this Obituary, Wrestling Wonders celebrates the career and influence of one of it's most decorated performers. As a tribute, we look back at the glorious times of the sporting delight that will forever be Mae Young, wrestling's most unforgettable wrestling diva.

Mae Young proved to be an influential force for good in the industry of Women's Wrestling. Taking up her position in the wrestling business at the age of sixteen, Young would cast a guiding light on the change in appreciation of female wrestling.

At the age of fifteen, Johnnie Mae Young, the youngest of her family, Young was placed onto her high school wrestling team integrated with the boys. Unafraid to mix it up and prove her strong will for the sport, Young began honing her skills with huge determination.

Coming from a background affected by poverty in the Great Depression, Young's family troubles increased with the absence of her father and siblings in times of strife.

Young appeared at a professional wrestling event challenging standout wrestler Mildred Burke, champion at that time on a trip to Tulsa. She later battled Gladys Gillem proving popular with a victory in mere seconds. It was here she met notorious agent Billy Wolfe who convinced her to become a professional wrestler. Mae then spent two years training forcing her to leave home. 

One of Young's most defining moments came when she would inadvertently become an ambassador for female wrestling. On December 7th 1941 Young entered a match, as this day is now know as Pearl Harbour. During the Japanese attack the United States entered World War II. During the war Young was instrumental in the fight for female acceptance. Young focused her attentions and rose among the adversity to strengthen the bond of the sport and females among male interactions also.

After the war ended Young and Burke, who established a strong relationship to boost female grapplers were the first to tour Japan easing tensions. Shortly after this Young was catapulted through the National Wrestling Alliance with flying colours as its first recognised NWA Florida Women's Champion. She also joined an infamous Battle Royal five years on in 1956 to crown a new NWA World Women's Champion, won by her close friend The Fabulous Moolah.

In 1968 Young became the first NWA's first United States Women's Champion.

It was a long while until Young joined the WWF on the September 9th Smackdown. Jeff Jarrett invited Moolah, seated with Young in the audience to the ring. After accepting, Jarrett smashed his synonymous guitar over her head. Here, Young attempt to intervene only to be locked into a figure four submission hold. Thereafter Young and Moolah were inseparable on WWE television in numerous appearances and skits helping advance the careers of growing future stars. 

Always up for a laugh and good sport Mae often endured some comedy skits which were terrible. However, the majority, even the bad one's were made pleasant by Young's attention to detail and transforming the situations into her own. Young was stripped to her bra and panties by Ivory on Raw and also named Miss. Royal Rumble 2000 winning a bikini contest to the current divas' disapproving. Though many divas intended to embarrass Young on the national stage, Young revelled in her sexuality. Feeling confident, empowered and tenacious, Young refused to be upset by her exposed body. Turning the tables on the calculating females, she would lure them into a false sense of security. Comfortable with her near nudity shocking other ladies, she struck down her foes instead to rise above victorious. 

Young's most infamous skit involved then boyfriend Mark Henry. She also endured a shocking powerbomb in WWE history which is now the most renowned and extraordinary act ever. Young was previously announced as pregnant beforehand, now posing concern for the seventy-seven year old. Giving birth, fans and Henry were shocked when Young's birth was nothing more than a blood stained hand. Fans were meant to believe the powerbomb had torn her child into fragments, remaining inside Young's womb. Naturally the angle received upset debate from certain fans. A tricky subject to address, Young praised enthusiasm for the stunt. At that time in wrestling and able to work with any scenario thrown her way, Young still made the scene compelling today. 

Young appeared on Raw 1000 in the dressing room backstage next to her son. With a young guy in a hand, Young addressed her "son" with adoration. Her son loved her back proud of one another. The divas locker room were somewhat perplexed. Fans found the segment in acceptable taste, given the time passing. 

Young's final appearance with WWE was on the Old School Raw edition. She celebrated her ninetieth birthday. Backstage Young received a gracious gift presented by Triple H and Chairman Vince McMahon with a divas championship replica. The idea was implemented by Stephanie McMahon, to which Young respected. 

On New Year's Eve 2013 Young was drastically rushed to hospital. Disgraced publication The Charleston Post & Courier quickly reported Young had died. Highly inaccurate and shaming themselves sparking outrage and fear for fans, the post attempted to make a cheap cash in on the WWE legend. Despite the tasteless appeal for flocking readers, Young sadly passed away shortly after on January 14th 2014. On the January 17th episode of Smackdown WWE dedicated a fitting tribute to Young. Shamefully Impact Wrestling attempted to 'get in first' for publicity and give a tribute to Young on the 16th. Young had no involvement or wrestling detail with TNA. It was seen as a completely tasteless disregarded move by clueless TNA President Dixie Carter for publicity and mocking the WWE's impending tribute, to which Young was highly notorious with in her later years. TNA invaded and embarrassed themselves with such a shameful move which had no involvement on their part. It was not their place and could have made a mockery of the legend's name if it weren't for such strong following from fans and industry experts.  

Young made such notorious headway in her career that she was inducted into the Professional Hall of Fame in August 2004 and the WWE Hall of Fame in the class of 2008. Wrestling Wonders has also respected Mae's accomplishments over 2013.

Moolah and Young, Women's Wrestling pioneers. 

With her natural bond with close friend The Fabulous Moolah and a pinnacle for female wrestling, Young helped the movement strive forward. In times of unappreciation Mae's accomplishments alongside others will continue on in a positive manner. Delivering exemplary standards and precision in her in ring talent, appearances and publicity where counted Young held prominence. Now, in 2014, Young and others have laid a foundation that has allowed female talent to strive for a real  chance at a future in the business.

Unrivalled with her comedy skill and natural warmth, Young will be one of wrestling history's most respected females making it as a nonagenarian veteran. Wrestler. Woman. Friend. Young has added a huge definition to the label of female wrestler that has been highly valued. May one of wrestling's finest divas truly rest peacefully.

©  Max Waltham 19th February 2014

WWE diva Sable to join WWE Hall of Fame 2013?

Sable leads diva charge for 
Hall of Fame inductees of 2013

Months ago former WWE diva of the past Rena Marlette Lesnar, 45, was highly tipped to become part of the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2013 for her career as Sable. Sable, married to returning superstar Brock Lesnar, who himself is on a limited schedule with WWE appearances, are both expected to play their parts over Wrestlemania weekend, with Lesnar participating in action on the grand stage as former Mrs. Mero takes her honours.

Of course, everything is subject to change, however, many believe the already pre thought decision will go ahead, and it will.

Some fans in the WWE Universe have been slightly miffed that WWE divas Trish Stratus and Lita aren't taking any honours.

Allow Wrestling Wonders to clear this up. Sable was one of the original divas and has more induction place over Stratus and Lita. This doesn’t mean however that they could come after, they could take beforehand, however with Lesnar returning and Sable available it would be daft not to acknowledge one of the original divas of her time akin to the Sunny era also.

Marlette made her own mark on the impact she garnered in her time with the company, as well as discrepancies later on, which only highlights that the two are able to come together in unison with positive negotiations.

As for Stratus and Lita, WWE will clearly aim to place Trish in first of the two; however, Wrestling Wonders would prefer that, at Wrestlemania XXX, both Trish and Lita to enter the ceremony together. Both females created the division tremendously and gave a new perspective that has today been tarnished. The great debate of who is better also circulates and for many Trish is the clear favourite, though Lita was forthcoming in her own right and for WW she tips the scale, only slightly, with a tiny margin as the pair can never truly be separated. Therefore it would be a monumental feat and crowd pleaser added with ticket sales potentially to see the two greatest females of the previous century to receive their tokens of respect.

Female wrestler Sable, the sexpot siren turning heads in her wake was involved in feuds with Luna Vachon and Jacqueline, became WWF Women’s champion upon its reintroduction, returned in the early 2000s to combat Torrie Wilson and became Mr. McMahon’s mistress in his romancing character days. She has also graced the cover of Playboy magazine, before moving into acting roles afterward.

As Sable, married to then star Marc Mero, the diva made her debut escorting Hunter Hearst Helmsley to the ring at Wrestlemania XII.  She also fought a number of men including and defeating Mero himself. 

© Max Waltham 18th January 2013








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