WWE Night of Champions 2014

Night of Champions 2014

WWE chose to present it's next Pay Per View, Night of Champions live on Sunday 21st September 2014 from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

With barely any interesting build up just as Summerslam and before it, could WWE produce a card that encouraged interest and a shake up? Would it set a path for new breeds to become champions and make their future for WWE? Or would it be another coasting show with severe turbulence, relying on old favourites with nothing added to the pot for fans and finance? Remember, every title is on the line. 

Let's find out...

WWE Tag Team Championship
The Uso's (c) Vs Cody Rhodes Stardust and Goldust

It was once again the typical jobbing tag match you'd expect from two teams not cleverly thought out of. The Uso's had made excellent progress in the Tag Division but since the team of Erick Rowan and Luke Harper, WWE decided it was not important to give The Uso's enough buzz later on. After great battles with both, The Uso's were relegated to fighting the comedy sadacts Goldust and Stardust. 

Disgracing themselves with lame activity and pitiful promos, Cody Rhodes Stardust and Goldust won the tag titles with no real interest. The pair only won because one of the Uso's were injured. WWE were clearly desperate. Though it could have given it to a proper team. Instead WWE, clueless and out of ideas, chose two weak stars instead of many in the locker-room waiting for a chance. It could even have put two teams together of random stars if it had too. Stardust took advantage for the win after a Uso Superfly Splash.

WWE United States Championship
Sheamus (c) Vs Antonio Cesaro

Without any direction and a scared policy by WWE on what to do with him, Sheamus has been granted its mid level title by default. Helped with friends backstage with Triple H simply giving his friends a title just like Paige (which sees them become the worst possible bearer) Sheamus has again peaked. Would WWE however finally choose to boost Cesaro once again since planing his top line ascension only to stop his main event success story and keep him hovering instead? Stuck with no direction Cesaro, a fan favourite in a dishonourable context, has been stalled and plodding along. The company have been clueless with either since.

Sheamus held control early, as Cesaro came back, taking it outside. Cesaro landed huge and powerful uppercuts. Shemaus easily lands Irish Curse backbreakers out of nowhere. Cesaro continues to uphold the entire match as Sheamus is carried. Antonio went for the Neutralizer but failed as Sheamus countered it with a sloppy back drop instead. The lunacy began when Cesaro pounded Sheamus with punches. Sheamus stood there and yelled for "more" to become the new SuperCena of unbeatable might. This made the championship and Cesaro look inferior to the point of compete disinterest. Why WWE think this is a selling point is beyond belief. Sheamus simply shoves off Cesaro and lands an easy Brogue Kick from nowhere to receive the pinfall victory and retain hand-me-down gift formerly known as the US title. Cesaro had to feign being dazed to Sheamus's lacking power, which he did well, but was plain stupid. Well, as long as you are gym pals with Triple H, you will be okay. No wrestling required, huh? Perhaps the silver lining will be WWE moving Cesaro to the main event line as a heavy contender. WWE are still clueless how to book Sheamus, so allow him to plod along instead. He was supposed to be a dishourable man many moons ago, but Daniel Bryan got injured, so WWE stalled. Either way, its a bad time for Sheamus. Though he won't get realised or relieved of title,so its not that bad. Hey, hows the Network sales? Down are they? 

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler (c) w/ R-Ziggler Vs The Miz w/ Damien Mizdow

Is this rubbish still going on? Two non eventful players put at the highest of WWE's midcard? Yet the honour of such donation is not helping either jobber attempt to be intereting. Despite Ziggler's typical spot monkey antics and The Miz being a coward trying to run away at every turn, the pair can't create any interest. We warned WWE of this instantly two months ago, but again, they failed to listen. Thinking golden boy and fan desperation for jobber Ziggler who is only favoured for the fact Punk left and previous year dwellers stuck in the past hope for change WWE thought this would increase Network sales. Laughable.

To make it worse, WWE littered it with added extras. R-Truth in Ziggler's corner and Damien sandow in The Miz's was confusing for anyone just tuning in. The Announce team had two country sinnging celebrities on the show. 

Mid way throughout the match Sandow spoke to the guest commentators. Many boo'ed when Sandow was taken down. R-Truth dressed in Ziggler pants chased Sandow out of the arena. Ziggler then took a pin from behind on Miz, who kicked out. Why was baffling. Miz locked on the figure 4 Ric Flair rip off lock. Why WWE continued this pathetic match to drag out time was ridiculous. It was uninteresting to almost everyone. The Ziggler hopefuls gave a slight cheer as Dolph broke the rope and the dropped a Fame Asser. It was another strung out two count. Hurry it up, WWE. Sandow returned to distract Ziggler as The Miz rolled up Dolph Ziggler to pin and win the Intercontinental Championship. 

WWE have lost the plot. A fourth reign for Miz and yet another jobber reign for Ziggler boost neither. This series should never have happened and failed to boost Network sales. WWE have a bundle of mid level talent. They need to start putting them up there pronto. 

Scott Stanford gave WWE fans an announcement. Roman Reigns is injured and cannot return to Night of Champions. The surgeons were shown discussing Reigns recovery. He'll be out for several months though many in the WWE Universe felt due to WWE's illegitimacy with injury angles that this one wasn't genuine. Well, there goes the Wrestlemania main event. WWE's focus on Reigns as the new star which failed to excel in a short space of time was returned tonight. Get someone new in the frame. 

Seth Rollins Vs Roman Reigns

Rollins came to give a promo about his match. Emergency surgery "is no excuse" for not showing up this evening, Seth said. In the interest of "fairness" Rollins offered a ten second chance to join the match, otherwise Seth Rollins would be crowned victor in the match. The bell soon rang. Markish fans chanted for something inaudible meaning the audience and WWE disregard their fanaticism of non-materialising stars. Roman Reigns failed to turn up and Seth Rollins was crowned victor. Rollins added he needed to give fans some joy. He then issued an Open Challenge to anyone in WWE's locker room. 

Impromptu Open Challenge
Seth Rollins Vs Dean Ambrose

In the parking lot a yellow taxi turned up. Dean Ambrose quickly popped out to charge towards Rollins as they scuffle in the ring. He failed to pay the taxi driver. Ambrose then took it to Rollins through the crowd, WWE were mocked for making this entirely predictable by home fans, while the crowd were desperate for any interaction. The Authority turned up to separate the pair. They cost the show as Ambrose was then tired out when jumping off a knee high platform around the titantron. They went back around the arena before the ring. It seemed entirely amateurish instead of interesting. Security forces finally stopped Ambrose. Ego hunter Triple H handed ties to cuff Ambrose's hands. It was an utter mess. Hey, we got to see the sexy grey suited James (Jamie Noble) Gibson though,. Pretty Stephanie was also in a flowery dress. How elegant. Steph overdid the elevation of Rollins with "right here!" as Money in the Bank cashier. There was no winner. Pathetic. 

Ambrose's real life girlfriend Renee Young was introducing the kick off panel with Booker T, Alex Riley and Big Show. It was boring. 

Mark Henry Vs Rusev w/ Lana

WWE brought out Lillian Garcia to sing the American National Anthem as Mark Henry became weepy throughout. Then Russia's national hero Rusev arrived. Henry flung Rusev outside. When back in a hair throw to the outside was seriously messed up. Both took the blame for that. Henry's hurl was sloppy with no enthusiasm. Rusev rolled through unconvincingly. Rusev followed with non touching corner body charges. The big boys quickly took it to the ground. They pretended to hold one another in painful submission holds with no intensity. Granted, Rusev's arms looked more connected than John Cena's. Rusev had difficulty lifting the lumbering Henry into the Rusev crush. Henry simply picked Rusev up when walking to drop a body slam. How weak for the nation's hero. WWE need to ditch the national approach or get clever with spots. It did not make America look great. Fans soon chanted the predictable "USA" games in patriotic support. The accolade of Rusev, the crush was then placed on Henry as he feigned pain well, to his credit. Rusev then submitted  Mark Henry instantly. At least Henry tried to boost Rusev as instructed. 

Chris Jericho Vs Randy Orton

Since screwing Bray Wyatt in their series over the last two months with his money grabbing return only, Chris Jericho was set to leave WWE again. With paycheck in hand, Jericho, who made Bray Wyatt lose and look an entire fool to being a star with the public is now facing Randy Orton. Not even Wyatt was allowed to finish the series with egotistical leech Jericho.

Jericho dominated the show with Orton once again making it all about his own ego. Jericho who worked his 1990's by the book approach took Orton outside into the steps. It looked weak. Orton worked with Jericho well, trying to make him a lovable superstar. The pair played in the corner ropes reversing a lot. 

Randy Orton delivered an expert superplex on Jericho for a two fall. The pair went outside. Orton brought it back in. Then back out. Carefully giving JBL his cowboy hat in a kind gesture, Orton tossed Jericho onto the table back first. Orton stablised the show as Jericho then returned a comeback out of nowhere. Jericho sloppily missed a kick stomp on Orton. Orton slammed a crisp sideslam to pin for two. Dated Jericho continually relied on corner spot moves. Jericho cheaply scored a Lionsault on Orton for two. He pitifully charged a kick into Orton on the ground. Orton flipped Jericho from the Walls lock. 

Orton, in charge, was staring to hear voices in his ear. Lining up for the punt Jericho moved in another cheap spot. Jericho then easily turned in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho, who since returns has never bothered to make the move convincing, sat atop Orton in hold. Orton almost reached a rope break, then pulled away from it. The powerful beast in randy Orton would not tap so easily and fought Jericho with fists upon a twisted reversal. Orton felt the feeling again. This time slamming the mat with resurgence. Jericho again lamely kick countered Orton. It did not, look, good. 

Jericho went to the next turnbuckle for another high flying move. Foolish Jericho then dropped down as Randy Orton countered with a thunderous RKO. He took the pinfall and defeated a wasteful Chris Jericho, who took the money and ran.

Jericho plans to write some more as his new 'hobby' including a second book. He also plans to tour as a wannabe rock star once more. Good luck with that. 

WWE Divas Championship
AJ Vs Nikki Bella Vs Paige (c)

It was obvious of this outcome since the Bella Twins broke up over jealous sisterly love to promote the new season of Total Divas. Would it however allow fluke champion Paige, who cheaply regained her title from AJ last month in a flunkie win yet again akin to her first run to have another lukewarm championship dilution?

Paige claimed Night of Champions would be where she would "excel" stationed int he bathroom break match. 

WWE had the cheek to show former champs Fabulous Moolah, Wendi Richter, Lita and Trish Stratus and said it was now the Divas title instead of Women's. When it was first Unified by Michelle McCool Vs Melina, the Women's title beat the Diva's meaning the Women's title was the one which was defuncted. Hey, this is WWE, they can change history when they see fit. Then again, bringing back the Women's title to a bunch of disgraceful women who can't wrestle wouldn't be any better either. The solution? Don't mention it as now Diva's (platinum) gold. 

Paige bumped with Nikki as the pair pushed. AJ jump up rope held drop-kicked the pair and Paige rolled out of the ring as a coward. Nikki and AJ took the strong action in the ring as chants of "CM Punk" rang for his fiancee, AJ, who lost her title last month as a result. Nikki did a move on Paige returning as AJ rolled outside. Nikki followed through with an armbar. Paige rolled it over unconvincingly to get a pin. AJ slammed Paige into the barricade outside then Bella after. Paige pleaded with pal AJ in the ring now. She wanted AJ to kiss her hand, which AJ rejected. She slammed her down for a two fall. Paige stood in the ring alone while AJ climbed the post. Nikki knocked both down to pin AJ for two as Paige ran outside again. Nikki was tossed over the ropes but Paige messed it up. Still on the rope Bella waited for Paige to kick her off properly. Inexperience Paige clubbed blows on AJ and took rest periods after just watching her. She gave weak knee jabs to AJ as Nikki pushed her off the ropes. 

Nikki viciously slams AJ down with a slam for two. AJ locks on the Black Widow submission. Paige charges in a hits a kick on both and pins both for two falls only one after the other. Paige touches AJ with non interesting clubs then asking "Ready" as they waited a while for Nikki Bella to come from behind as all three did the powerbomb suplex triple fall down spot.  Nikki hoisted Paige up with a rack pack and slam to cover for two, stopped by AJ. Chasing AJ outside with blows, AJ flung her outside. AJ inside swiveled round Paige with the Black Widow submission. Flunkie Paige tapped out to the Black Widow submission to become a thee time Divas champion. 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
John Cena Vs Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman

Cena arrived to heavy boos. Brock Lesnar tore the house down with arrival. Michael Cole explained that Brock only had "three matches this year."  You have to wonder will it be Cena or Lesnar as champ when the next PPV arrives, Cole also mentioned. 

Before they began the Cena Sucks/Let's Go chants arose again. Lesnar took control with blows. He tried to get German Suplexes again as Cena quickly flurries around in swift mayhem to  stun and Attitude Adjustment Brock to a one fall fail. Lesnar placed uncoordinated Cena into a Kimura Lock, reached by rope break. 

The chants viciously rose again. 

Brock launched the first German Suplex on Cena. Sixteen of those decimated Cena at previous PPV Summerslam for Lesnar's title gain.

Another Kimura on Cena where John places his leg on the rope. Cena tries to comically come back with another suplex. Two fall only. Lesnar drags Cena to the centre. A flip suplex with another, unreleased into a triple suplex. Cena failed to put his shoulders down botching the pin attempt. Lesnar halted any attempt Cena made for a comeback.

Cena quicly reached a rope break as Lesnar placed an arm lock. When faced with forces against him "Brock Lesnar shuts them down at every turn." Michael Cole added, before a comical jibe of "a clinic." It's a slobberknocker!

Cena returned in corner with left and right touches which were comically pathetic attempts at a punch. There's more believably in aerobics movements. 

Cena came back with a forearm smash. Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment but felt another crushing German suplex instead. Incompetent Cena caused Lesnar to have a nose bleed. Cena got an opportunistic out of blue AA for a close fall at two only. 

Cena then landed an STF hold, Lesnar rolled it over with a Kimura lock. SuperCena lifted Lesnar up to his feet whilst still in lock, to break the hold. Cena lifted and landed an AA, followed with the no pressure STF. This made the match of decency again laughable, as every Cena match does. Cena then goofily did his open mouth comedy moments. He locked in the hold three times, puling Lesnar back everytime. He then slammed the fourth AA on Cena. Seth Rollins then smashed Cena with a briefcase hit. The disqualification was set. Money in the Bank holder Rollins received cheers for a cash in. He thought about it and stopped as Lesnar resurfaced. Rollins then kept Lesnar down as Seth Rollins cashed in his contract immediately. John Cena then attacked Rollins outside sending him to the back. The bell didn't ring so the cash in 'failed'. Lesnar F5'ed Cena instead. As result of a DQ, John Cena beat Brock Lesnar to set up a third battle. Lesnar, however, remains WWE World Heavyweight Champion as a result. 

PPV Rating - 3/10

Men/Women of their matches - Jimmy Uso, Antonio Cesaro, Damien Sandow, Seth Rollins, Rusev, Randy Orton, AJ, Brock Lesnar

Man/Woman of the PPV - Brock Lesnar

Upon his leaving tonight, Jericho made sure he would get Randy Orton, WWE's best worker, to try and boost his weak profile in hopes of a credible leaving match. Parasite Jericho used WWE yet again, and WWE ever foolishly allowed it. How weak is that? 

Forever is the laughing stock of WWE's tag division. Another failure of Triple H's drives to gain popularity with fans with his ego to try and takeover WWE someday are hilarious. This time he chose two empty vessels to hold the titles. It is officially done for. There is no worthy tag division in WWE. Well done, Triple H. It is renowned to nothingness.  

With a capable roster on its books why WWE neglects its talented staff in Curtis Axel, Damien Sandow, Antonio Cesaro and others is a mystery. Then again, he who is in charge overall thinks these people are 'too small' instead of a bulky physique like the useless Mark Henry's and Big Shows. WWE needs to re-evaluate its worthy mid-tier stock and give them their boost. 

Yet another one of Triple H's fan fave concepts fell flat on its egotistical ass. Kharma, Sin Cara and now Paige. The flunkie champ with no skill, style or connection continues to ruin every part of the divas and women's division (if there is one) and refines the matches to tackyness. Hire some real wrestling women. They are needed. Models and fan sexiness are not. Believe it or not, the audience find a capable wrestling female far more attractive than a glamour babe. To her credit, Nikki Bella also held a decent showing tonight. 

WWE continue to make the cash in that never happened angle look ridiculous. Granted, it was better than previous years, but still rather pathetic. WWE really need to think about these things and push forward with them or not. Making a lunacy of it all does not elevate the title, the competitor nor the briefcase holder. It also makes the company look foolish. 

Brock Lesnar is WWE's man of the hour. He ticks the boxes. Though he is not the only saving grace it has, or should need. To make it a full success, WWE need to place many competitors in his way that aren't going to lose easily and be mainstream competition as a potential loss for Lesnar. While they love it now, fans cannot fully endorse a mid time champ when no competition is around. It can't and shan't always be Cena, either. This will drive people away than encourage interaction with cash. 

At least Mark Henry tried to help in the end, but it was not enough overall. Sloppy and empty, just like Rusev tonight, keep these matches if they occur to a bare minimum, less than five minutes. Big Show is next in line. Make it brief, please. 

Another impromptu match was obvious. It cannot be helped when injury surfaces. Perhaps this with Roman Reigns will prompt WWE to start thinking forwardly. Antonio Cesaro should be given his first name back and pushed to the main event growing spotlight. Cesaro, snubbed for Reigns, is now hovering mildly along. Still making his name worthy, which others would have become jobbers by now thanks to WWE's lack of initiative highlights Cesaro's skill.

However, while returning, Dean Ambrose looked a bit of a stooge. His return was one-way, empty and sad. As a growing and likeable character, this should be considered very carefully than the same old way. 

The cash-in lunacy continues. WWE need to have a firm approach or risk everything. As a credible option for stardom, Seth Rollins could lose all credibility thanks to The Authority and the yes/no cash-in attempts. The comedy behind it saps Rollins of all growth and skill he achieved over the year. He is one of WWE's, if not, best future prospect. Ruining him is beyond stupidity. 

© Max Waltham 22^nd September 2014

Christian's unsure return speculated by injuries

Past injuries cause concern over 

Captain Charisma's returning future

WWE superstar and Heavyweight champion Christian is currently in state of career flux. Cleared to wrestle some time past and seen on television, most noticeable with the Pre-Show's to Pay Per View events, what future is likely for the 40 year old veteran.

After being cleared to return to the ring, WWE are considering weighing up the Captain's Charisma. Feeling he may be too "fragile" to perform with a backlog of previous injuries, the former champ could take a few optional routes.

When those dreaded lines "we have nothing for you" are attached to your name and with vivid budget cuts of recent past and looming future, fails to add an encouraging tone to future employment.

Whilst CEO Vince McMahon has never been a firm favourite of Christian as a star, he does value him in other areas. Will it be enough, however, to retain a place in the company?

Christian has a few options, as we will list below.

He could return to the ring as a wrestler. This, under no illusion, however, is clear. It shall not be a heavyweight run and midcard to training jobber at best. We see Christian is capable, with a strong build up to have a one last run as a heavyweight champion. Though WWE, with its current focus on big boys like Roman Reigns, would not favour this. However these choices could build repertoire for Reigns. Being put with the correct workers like Christian and Randy Orton would boost than hinder a relationship for Reigns. Of course, WWE want a quick solution. Only fools rush in. After a heavyweight run, if considered, over two years back in the saddle, Christian can also be placed as mid level IC or US champ and raise that prestige whilst guiding younger, future stars along.

There was talk months previous that the star could also become one of WWE's trainers. Christian would be an acceptable case for this, though if he is not ready to cast away his boots just yet, there will also be an extra focus nibbling away at him. It is better to fulfill the final emphasis before committing entirely to a new position. WWE could always make it work and with WWE and its future looking rather bleak with no new stars to endorse, this could be a profitable decision. Christian certainly knows how all the wresting 'stuff' works.

He could become a road agent and a scout for WWE on talent initiatives as well. 

He could also take a role as a regular and continual worker on the Pre-Shows and maybe even create spin-off shows for WWE's online presence, possibly.

Whatever choices are laid out for Christian, fans and insiders do not see a swift exit for Christian as a helpful manouever to establish a WWE future. Christian's commitment to the company and the business is paramount. He has a true, sole focus and general love for it and is highly committed to striving for excellence. 

However WWE decide the star's next role, it would be beneficial to keep him with the company he has worked for tirelessly than to expend him when there is still much for others to learn from.

© Max Waltham 15th September 2014

TNA British Bootcamp 2 participants revealed

TNA British Bootcamp 2 

participants revealed

TNA are back with its second series of British Bootcamp this autumn. After its lame first series with only three contestants the show has expanded to a record 12 hopefuls. Wrestling Wonders has the EXCLUSIVE list unveiled below.

TNA, who warned fans not to reveal this season’s stars not only neglected its fan base with disrespect but also assumed they were fame hungry marks desperate for attention. Though TNA assume this because of their own practises, one of the contestants was revealed on a lame backroom UK British television show. The most ignorant guest in the wrestling world revealed that farmer Sha Samuels would be taking part.  

Others on the show will be scrawny Scottish teenager Noam Dar, man of the minute Grado, who plays an insulting downs syndrome type, ignorant non-entity Kris Travis, weighty bruiser Dave Mastiff, weakling Martin Stone, flying spot monkey El Ligero and beefy Rampage Brown.

TNA has also added its extra range of divas. TNA Diva’s include four unknown empties including Scarlett, Nikki Storm, Kay Lee Ray and Miss Louise Jane.  

The first series was won by ‘Rockstar’ Spud who has never won a UK title or interesting match and always used in jobber matches losing nearly every one, every year. Since joining TNA Spud has barely wrestled and chaperoned boss Dixie Carter as her company stooge in a traditional American viewing of British people as upper lip tobacco chompers. Clueless Carter used the show to hire the other contestants in the show, The Blossom Twins afterwards.

Obsessed with gathering media attention alone to raise finances still underachieved, Carter is as clueless as ever on how to run or pick anyone who is right. Fame hungry and financed by daddy Carter decided to avoid listening to fresh warnings on returning the empty show filled with ignorance.

Bulging Samoa Joe, Diva Gail Kim and former WWE superstar Al Snow will be the mentors on the show to the game show wannabee’s. 

Going against the grain to seem in charge will not endorse your product, managerial process nor creative buzz. It will only detract and offer stern neglect from the fans, of whom suffer in the product which is said to be for them but is clearly not.

Fans are unimpressed by TNA who “never listen” and care for their needs.

We know exactly who will win the show, so stay tuned for this as we shall EXCLUSIVELY reveal this soon.

You’re Welcome!

© Max Waltham 02^nd September 2014

TNA secure new TV deal, in Africa!

New deal from Dixie Carter

expands TNA lunacy 

In the next episode of the Lunatic Tales of Dixie Carter the TNA President has managed to secure herself a new global deal.

Carter, who has a) final troubles with hiring and keeping staff, b) no television deal and c) never makes a profit from TNA's entire business operations, staged a coup. 

Carter has secured a TV deal for TNA's Impact Wrestling, in, wait for it, Africa! Yes, Carter decided it was a solid investment to launch TNA wrestling to one, if not the most poverty stricken countries in the world who cannot and will not prioirtise spending cash on watching an already floundering TNA. 

The laughable business decision from Dix see's TNA, without any TV deal as yet expand to the continent of Africa, a place which has no full burning desire for wrestling and again, through no fault of its own, cannot afford to purchase anything TNA related.

The barmy delusion on offer as a mocking point to seem creative and take hold of a 'never done before' motion to secure the one continent no wrestling organisation is currently a full part of is Carter's most clueless to date. There is probably a business reason why, but then, Carter is not a wrestling, nor general business woman.

Carter needs to get with the program. Either hire people who can really develop the product into a profitable company or hand over the share ownership to someone who knows how to run the show (preferably not into the ground) as fans would prefer.

Clueless and idiotic, Carter is pushing the self-destruct button on TNA to the maximum.

© Max Waltham 28th August 2014

WWE Summerslam 2014

WWE Summerslam 2014

Live from the Staples centre in Los Angeles, California on Pay Per View Summerslam opened its doors on Sunday August 17th. After a slow build with minimal matches and a Brock Lesnar extravaganza would fans be pleased from the result of the beatdown? Or would WWE simply attempt to bribe its audience in measures to secure sign ups to the international purchase of the WWE Network? Lets find out...

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Dolph Ziggler Vs The Miz (c)

After years of failure both stars were relied upon as the dependable spares in WWE's strife. As challenger Ziggler was the fan favourite. The Miz gaining the championship last month was a clear mistake and why WWE gave it to a nobody is confusing at best. Curtis Axel, Antonio Cesaro or Rob Van Dam (who was last month unfortunately benched with injury) should be highly considered with strong planning.

In a predictable attempt to bribe the minor numbers of fans chanting for Ziggler at events in the hope their jobber will be something again, WWE rewarded the peroxide blonde with the Intercontinental title. Being short stacked and without likeable staff, WWE saw its chance to encourage a few more sales. He will be dropped at a later stage. As for the action, the pair worked to help each others flaws though was a fairly empty match with spot monkey Ziggler's jump up moments.

WWE Diva's Championship

AJ (c) Vs Paige

After returning and re-gaining her diva's title, AJ was set to defend he title once more. The outcome was a predictable and weak decision on WWE's part. After screams, spot calling and low fluidity through transitions and bungle bits from inexperience flunkie Paige, the title was decided. Paige defeated 'frenenemy' Paige to lift her second, non-existant diva's title. an attempt to cover up her failings as first time fluke champion and the lack of female competition spelled the end of WWE's female division once and for all. If WWE are truly serious about it, it will find new challengers that are interesting to the public and not fan faves that Triple H though would work from rushed NXT call ups. This also made WWE and AJ look insanely weak and non-eventful. It's title holder remains an inexperience fluke that can never materialise, especially on fandom alone. WWE need to hand it over to someone else and establish heavy competition. Paige is WWE's biggest failure to date for 2014.

Flag

Jack Swagger w/ Zeb Colter Vs Rusev w/ Lana

American hero Jack Swagger battled Russian endorser Rusev in a flag match. The winner will have their national flag raised in their honour. Swagger attempted to weaken the ankle of Rusev through the match. Rusev took heavy attack and charging spots throughout. For Jack Swagger it was a tense time. Rusev caught the American into his submission hold and defeated Swagger to become the victor. After tending to Jack, Zeb Colter was then smashed by Rusev. The Russian national anthem was then played for the victorious Rusev.

Lumberjack

Seth Rollins Vs Dean Ambrose

While this battle is still going on, the pair are making it work tremendously. The match was filled with craziness. The pair chaotically charged into the outside arena over the barricades. To establish order the lumberjacks were all then battling the two stars around the ring. This prompted Corporate Kane to return and retain order. Ambrose held control back in the ring as Rollins was pinned. Kane stopped the pinfall before three. all the lumberjacks then charged at Kane into another dysfunctional collusion. The diversion allowed Seth Rollins to reach his Money in the Bank briefcase and batter Dean Ambrose with it to snare the three fall victory.

Chris Jericho Vs Bray Wyatt

With both Wyatt Family members Harper and Rowan banned from ringside, last month's rematch took place here. Jericho, who returned to WWE for financial purposes again ruined all momentum for Wyatt heading into this match from last month's PPV. Wyatt, who was due to win, lost to Jericho last month in a last minute change backstage. Tonight Jericho entered a lame entry with Wyatt, who tried his utmost to succeed the hype. Looking like a complete failure, Wyatt was easily Jericho's up and comer after a year of making his name worthwhile to fans. Jericho is set to leave soon after to do another rock band tour. Only in it for the money, Jericho showed off with a Walls of Jericho and Codebreaker making cheap foolishness of Wyatt. Bray Wyatt then had to use two Sister Abigail's to silence Chris Jericho in a tame rematch foreseeable and wasteful. Once again the match felt empty, devoid of interest and boring.

Stephanie McMahon Vs Brie Bella

After months and a year of the Daniel Bryan saga from The unapproving Authority, Stephanie took to the ring for the first time in over a decade, Would rusty McMahon be good enough to win? Kitted out in smooth clobber and assured, Steph was all teeth and smiles. The action started fair and consistent for diva matches. During the mid match Triple H emerged from backstage. Nikki Bella soon made up the numbers and followed. Triple H then pulled the referee from the match as Brie baseball slide to gaining the advantage as the lead figure. Sister Nikki joined the ring as she was going to stop Stephanie trying to escape. Instead Nikki smashed her sister Brie Bella, shocking the crowd. Stephanie McMahon seized the advantage and nailed a Pedigree on Bella to cover her and take the glory as winner once again. If anyone honestly believed McMahon would lose, they were foolish. As the grand master able to find any way to turn around a situation, Steph has not only developed considerable as a character, but has found a way to push forward situations to slightly develop WWE. That being said, she is no Max Waltham and needs lots more work, but is finding a way forward to help interest fans.    

Randy Orton Vs Roman Reigns

WWE's latest henpicked star for the top is Roman Reigns. For months since supergroup The Shield split, Reigns has been issued a star pass to the top. However, for Reigns it is not all plain sailing. Though being expertly guided by WWE's five-star maker Randy Orton, Reigns is struggling to evolve. After months of heavy help in top spots and star matches, Reigns is weak. His character, skill and depth are next to none. As previously stated we want Reigns to be a star. Though his star rising qualities have been assumptive and disastrous. WWE expected the new hunk with a great momentum from the top trio and beefy body to easily glide into a comfortable position. It is actually this position that has exposed Reigns and halted his expectations. Roman Reigns won this match far too easily by kicking out of an RKO from Randy Orton smashing a spear instead. While Randy Orton may be in the doghouse with management, Reigns looked stupid. Fans cannot get on board with a new star reliant on cheap wins and no demonstration of skill in some capacity. Currently Reigns is a robotic script stooge. Stand, Smile, Roar, Move, Cover, Win, Cheer. WWE have been considering Reigns to win a heavyweight title at Wrestlemania, possible from Brock Lesnar in the future. If this continues, Reigns is on course to be the best option for WWE's new title scene to flounder into mid card jobber instead. It needs careful work. Reigns requires a year or so more. WWE should have prioritised with Antonio Cesaro.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

John Cena (c) Vs Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman

This one was full of implications. Will WWE give Lesnar the win to encourage more buys for the WWE Network on the hope of change? Would Cena keep it a month longer to give viewers a chance to buy again on the Network? Or would that alienate them instead? Decisions, decisions.

John Cena supercharged at Lesnar with strong offence and control. For fans the Cena surge was swiftly de-railed. Lesnar grabbed Cena and pummelled him with an F-5 within thirty seconds. Cena managed to kick out of a cover. Lesnar was mad. The Beast didn't come for a picnic with Cena, he came to obliterate him. Fans wanted it and they got it! Cena had a few miniscule spurts of comeback as Lesnar tore the house down and kept destroying Cena with hard beatdowns. Cena was hurled to the mat over and over. He came back with an Attitude Adjustment with a pinfall attempt. Lesnar kicked out. Beasty Brock sat up and laughed at the feeble attempt to beat him. Lesnar then took a new front. Capturing Cena, Lesnar hoisted Cena around in a record sixteen German Suplexes. The announce team questioned if referee Charles Robinson would end this match as a result. Cena was well and truly slammed.

At some point, as all Cena matches have it, he came back with an STF out of nowhere hold. The intensity of the hold was once again weak and laughable. Making it work to an extent, Broke Lesnar broke free and landed another F-5 on John Cena to cover for a three fall and lift the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the fourth time in his career. Brock Lesnar has officially re-claimed the gold and 'Monday Night Lesnar' as Plan B (or was it C) in WWE? 

PPV Rating - 3/10

Men/Women of their matches - Dolph Ziggler, AJ, Rusev, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Stephanie McMahon, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar

Man/Woman of the PPV - Brock Lesnar

This was the only Summerslam event to see all titles change hands. Apart from Lesnar, however, the card was weak. Used as a mechanism to encourage WWE Network sales with fan favourites that mean nothing whatsoever is a troubling time for WWE. Devoid of challengers and not interesting audiences for quality, the WWE show is becoming well and truly costly. WWE have slid back into its comfort zone. Desperate to validate the Network as a good concept, WWE will sacrifice its stars, titles and audience entrustment for the smell of greener pastures. Is this what is truly 'best for business' or has WWE lost its way again? While it may keep fans quiet with the Dolph Zigger and Paige wins, the pair have no interest overall and fans know they will soon lose those titles after a rough three months of empty thrill.

WWE should figure a way to make Lesnar or his eventual loss, split the titles to separate entities again. Until then, no-one has figured out that Lesnar could host a new single title as the WWE World Heavyweight. Lesnar was the first to launch the undisputed title in his record defining classic with The Rock years ago at the very Summerslam PPV.

WWE need to get and display they are serious about not only the Network but its stars and audience. With the titles all becoming entirely meaningless, lack of competition and severe ego on the line, its an empty time in wrestling. could this be the straw that breaks the camel's back? With a capable roster filled with talent WWE reverts to pushing the clueless and talentless. This alone will not sell any concept to its fullest and proves WWE, while are at the top of the pecking order still, is slowly driving away fan faith. That is the most troubling predicament of all. WWE needs to keep the faithful in a business that wants change and quality.

You can also vote in our poll/s above on the top right corner of the site. Tell us what you think and have you're say. Click vote. (Should it not work due to a glitch, click vote again 2 - 3 more times for it to work.)

© Max Waltham 20th August 2014

Alberto Del Rio released by WWE for smack talk

Heavyweight Mexican champion released 

for "unprofessional conduct" in WWE

Former multi-time WWE Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio was instantly released from his WWE contract after an incident backstage with staff.

The Mexican superstar, 37, was released for “unprofessional conduct” after an incident in which Del Rio was alleged to have slapped WWE’s Social Media Manager.

Further details were revealed when someone in WWE’s catering department had asked the Social Media Manager to “clean his plate.” The Manager responded by talking smack stating “that’s Del Rio’s job.” This news reached Alberto, who confronted the Manager regarding the issue.  The manager was said to refuse to apologise and smirked at the Mexican wrestler leading to a slap.

On the previous Monday’s Raw, Del Rio returned his aura to the ring with an exceptional match against rising star Dean Ambrose. WWE’s Twitter account directly tweeted Rio saying it was entirely his own fault.

The star has a 90 day no compete clause due to the release. TNA have already attempted to spearhead a campaign to acquire Del Rio’s services. They have been asking for his phone details and plan to make him its next World champion. Insiders claim the company are ‘very serious’ to boost Rio as its champion.

While joining TNA may be a place of interest for undervalued Del Rio, it comes with consequence. For Rio, the money and limelight may be adequate for a jump, however his reputation could be tarnished under TNA booking. This will be up to Del Rio to decide. In a time of financial strife, no-one could blame Rio for snapping up the offer. The only problem is that he will be in the not so creative hands of WWE’s minor league ‘rivals’. TNA has a stigma inside and out of its company for hiring WWE 'castoffs.'

Mexico’s AAA promotion are also likely to counter an offer, where Rio is a huge draw in the Mexican wrestling scene. Most liken him to being like the ‘John Cena’ type of Mexican promotions, where others feel he was underutilized in WWE as a main event carder.

Undoubtedly there will be more to follow.

However, on Del Rio’s part this was highly unforgivable. He cannot go around assaulting employees. Though the actions of WWE’s ‘Manager’ is also extremely unprofessional and WWE should certainly investigate or consider a job re-evaluation. Some fans have suggested borderline racism may have been at work under the Manager’s comments. Either way, neither action is professional for WWE. WWE have recently been dogged by the recent revelations to trim down staff in budget cuts linked to the expansion of the ill-fated WWE Network, which is losing money every day.    

For WWE, it was an easy decision to release Rio; however it has cost them to release the star, instead of allowing his deal to simply expire.

Recently WWE have been involved in media storms with the arrest and re-hire of Emma for theft and the Jack Swagger drug protection drama. Swagger, who was busted for a previous DUI, went on to headline a Wrestlemania card likely to win its heavyweight title. He received no repercussions for his violations.

Over the last week Del Rio’s former ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez asked for and received his WWE release.

Rio had contemplated retirement over the last couple of years in the wrestling business since with WWE.

WWE are set to present their annual SummerSlam PPV in one week’s time which could see a dip in purchases over the sketchy details.

© Max Waltham 08^th August 2014

WWE Battleground

WWE Battleground

Live on Pay Per View on Sunday 20^th July at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, WWE presented its second Battleground PPV. With no real special interest and drawing point, would the show be able to build, create and maintain profiles of potential rising stars for the future? More importantly, would it create a strong bridge to the glistening horizon of Summerslam? Here are the results from the card below.

WWE Tag Team Championship

Two out of Three Falls

The Uso’s Vs Luke Harper and Erick Rowan

The action begins as Jey Uso takes on Erick Rowan with Rowan taking the lead. Harper entered a short while later to take a first fall within ten minutes of the action packed thriller.

The Uso’s took the second fall by Jimmy roughly four to five minutes after in another tense run through.

The rushed yet pleasing match lead to a top rope fall of Luke Harper in the quest for the final fall. Jimmy was then tagged in as we had a flying Uso.

The swiftness of the match continued as Rowan dropped a splash which missed. Uso Jey took a two fall on Rowan. The Wyatt’s dropped a double superplex lading to a Rowan 2 fall on Jimmy. After the confusion of which Uso is in the ring with viewers WWE used it on Smackdown previously (as mentioned here first) to cause debate. “Sure it’s Jimmy?” one of the announce team remarked. Tag to Luke Harper was made.  Twirl forearm miss. Superkick. Harper counters to a pin. Stopped by Uso partner. Jimmy Uso kick to face. Tag. Double chin kick. Erick Rowan soon outside. Tag in corner. Jimmy and Jey double climb to the top for a double splash to boos after being cheered throughout. The splash on Luke Harper for second of three falls allowed The Uso’s to retain the gold.

Seth Rollins Vs Dean Ambrose

The inevitable battle is set for tonight. The three month brotherhood is over. Seth begins an interview with potentially cutie pie if he grows more hair, Tom Phillips. Let’s give him a chance. The pair was soon interrupted by Dean Ambrose on an assault of Rollins. Triple H arrives and sends Ambrose out of arena. “You’re not going to screw this up.” Hunter says. The match is clearly cancelled due to Ambrose’s actions. The announce team confirm this.

Divas Championship

Paige Vs AJ (c)

The recap of both Paige and AJ’s victories over three months to create this empty feud is shown. Paige admitted “I’m not ready” from her fluke victory three months ago on the post Wrestlemania Raw title win. Advancing three months on, flunkie Paige has not had any memorability and highly incapable as one of the worst Diva’s champs in WWE’s history. She is also acknoweldefd as the youngest.

“CM Punk!” chants filled the arena as AJ enteredFans sided with Punk’s wife as default support for Punk rather than AJ herself. A knee from Paige starting was weak. AJ spins into a roll up. Counter. Break. Back spin kick by AJ. Paige gives a cheap kick for two fall. Paige then walks over to AJ looking misguided. Paige was then heard talking to AJ in ground hold. AJ rolls Paige through which was again badly sold by Paige. Paige is then pleading with AJ “AJ come on…” in frustration. The pair were then both down in a second after a blink and miss it moment as all diva matches, especially Paige matches over the last three months would have it. Paige screams and lunges at AJ taking both outside as AJ is slammed into the barricade. Both are up the top turnbuckle now. Paige bungles another high risk move dropping AJ with a corner powerbomb as AJ was still on the top rope and could have broken AJ’s neck on the dismount. This has not been the first time Paige has almost injured stars. She injured Tamina on PPV after Wretlemania. She then almost hurt two others in follow up PPV matches on the turnbuckle with severe botches.

AJ gets the knees up in the other corner on a comeback. Spin round by Paige reversed into a Black Widow by AJ. Paige wails like a banshee whilst standing still. Flips AJ over following with a neckbreaker over for a two fall on AJ as Paige becomes frustrated in her flaws to regain the title. She tries a PTO as AJ counters and kicks out. The swift Shining Wizard by AJ nails Paige to the mat as AJ covers to retain the Divas title in a three fall victory. Paige proved to remain a flunkie champion of no in-ring value and a severe liability after bungled botches in recent months. AJ was decent but not spectacular.

Randy Orton finds Kane in the boiler room shadows to discuss the details of the main event.

The kick-off panel are introduced. Joining Renee Young, the new Josh Mathews as fans call it, were Booker T, Alex Riley and Christian.

Rusev w/ Lana Vs Jack Swagger w/ Zeb Colter

After Lana speaks she slaps Zeb to start the match. Rusev is sent over the top rope by Jack Swagger. Now the match officially begins. Phantom turn and American hero Swagger leads. Rusev running charge. Slam. Patriot Lock. Outside Swagger jabs Rusev’s leg and locks in the submission again. The final moment in the meek match was when Jack Swagger was counted out as Rusev quickly gets back in after knocking Jack head on into the ring post to receive the victory.  

Lana wasn’t finished and set Rusev onto Swagger for further embarrassment. Here it comes.  The Rusev Crush!

Backstage comes the idiotic Cody Rhodes as Stardust. It was a pointless segment and WWE should can it. It isn’t working at all. Goldust retained some quality, though nothing hilarious to speak of. Simply put, this was laughable.

Seth Rollins Vs Dean Ambrose

Time for take two of this match. Seth Rollins arrives. He came to accept victory via forfeit. Your winner by forfeit over Dean Ambrose is Seth Rollins.

Dean Ambrose came back from nowhere and attacked Rollins ringside. He hurled Rollins over the Spanish Announce table. Ambrose charged a running jump over the table to Rollins. Triple H marches down the aisle as the golden Money in the Bank ticket briefcase lay sitting in the middle. Ambrose was being carried out by his arms and legs after the scuffle by security. His legs were open but in jeans, so no real joy for those fan lovers. Referees, security and Triple H had all gone made. The pair fought back with one another until Ambrose was finally dragged out by all arms and legs for good. Fans were unimpressed by were respectful the mini brawl would lead to another hot contet later on in WWE land.

Chris Jericho Vs Bray Wyatt

Returning ‘surprise’ from two weeks ago on Raw (of which everyone knew about by then) comes Chris Jericho. His first match back in the saddle was against Bray Wyatt. Choosing to boost his deflated ego, ignorant Jericho attempted to use the ever popular Bray Wyatt to regain his flagging profile after he continually returns for cash to leave shortly after to do his rock band thing. Occassionaly he partakes in ‘writing.’ Yeah, right…

Jerry Lawler starts speaking of Wyatt derogatorily as “He’s nuts.”

Y2J takes early control.

Soon after Michael Cole adds “Bray Wyatt  loves to talk doesn’t he?” as JBL followed with a response.

“Everyone loves to listen” JBL said.

It became a standard match with nothing interest as Jericho leads into an outside attack.

Harper Rowan out. Leg touch of Y2J.

Wyatt knocks Jericho off the apron Jericho. Y2J puts Bray into the corner post. The turnbuckle axe handle was used by Jericho. He was soon caught from behind with slams by Wyatt. Two fall followed. Enziguri by Jericho on Wyatt came after with no real effect.

Wyatt countered as both went down. The ‘Spider’ crab gave Bray his adrenaline rush of resurgence. Wyatt charged for Jericho who moved as Bray hit his head on the bottom turnbuckle.

Jericho attempts the Walls of Jericho as Bray countered it superbly. Chris Jericho then made quick work of Bray Wyatt dropping the Codebreaker on him and covering for the lacklustre three fall victory.

“Jericho may be someone Bray Wyatt has never faced.” Jerry Lawler posed.

Michael Cole added – “Resilience, guts and determination.”

Hmm…

Well, he got the paycheck.

Seth Rollins was careful seen leaving with two security guards at his side. He told them he was okay now. As they left Seth noticed his car was missing. Perplexed for way too long to make the segment boring, Dean Ambrose takes a while before emerging from the boot of the car to assault him again. Okay, now this is getting boring and tedious now. Less is more. WWE should have let Rollins leave instead.  

Intercontinental Championship

Battle Royal

Big E, Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro, R-Truth, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Zack Ryder, Titus O’Neil, Damien Sandow, Heath Slater, Diego, Sin Cara, Xavier Woods, The Great Khali, Kofi Kingston, Bo Dallas, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Sheamus

The now vacant Intercontinental title was up for grabs at Battleground in, wait for it, a Battle Royal. Nothing to do with the names, of course. Bad News Barrett arrives for a handover of the title. Barrett was stripped due to shoulder injury. He was due to lose it anyway. The run was highly uneventful.

Barrett spoke before the battle. “I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news… Initially it will be great. The reality is, delaying the inevitable” in regards to becoming the new IC champ. Great way to value the title and elevate the carrier. At least WWE set a rematch and honourable turn for Barrett. Shame though, as Barrett can’t talk for toffee.

So the battle finally starts as Khali is set upon by all. Khali magically pushed everyone away making all of them weak challengers instantly.

Xavier Woods was first out by Khali. Ryder went too. Sheamus uses the Brogue Kick on Khali all drop Khali. Ziggler holds on. Sin Cara out by Bo Dallas. Ziggler again holds on as The Miz is on the ground outside. Truth and Axel are both out early. Axel was a firm favourite on the Wrestling Wonders poll to win. WWE should have left him towards the end, at least.

Sandow was next to be dumped over the top rope to huge boo’s. Diego is next out. Ryback and Sheamus stare each other down. Both were boo’ed or met silence. Fans are telling WWE clearly. This isn’t going to wash. They view neither in the same way as a star that do WWE. This in itself is a major problem WWE need to fix. They hope someone they are remotely interested in or can get behind as a growing star will gain the crucial platform elevating title.

Ryback was soon out. Miz tries to hurl Sheamus out after coming back in. Miz began hiding outside again. Ziggler came third time lucky, holding on from elimination. Dallas ran a knee to the back of Titus tipping him over. Kofi attempted a powerbomb on Cesaro dangling underneath Cesarso’s legs, careful not to touch the bottom floor. What a wonderous place to be. Cesaro pulls them both back in to avoid elimination. Ziggler top rope drops Del Rio. Rio deserved better treatment than that. Repetitive Ziggler holds on for fourth time. Big E tries to beat over Cesaro. Cesaro dumps Big E who almost messes up and takes Antonio with him. Kofi lands on Big E shoulders on the outside and tried to pull Cesaro off. Though WWE are fascinated with the ‘stupid spot’ with Kofi’s elimination avoidance, this with Kofi and Cesaro, worked very well. Less is more.

Cesaro suplexes Kofi back in to stay in the game. Kofi was then seated on the top rope and almost tips Cesaro over with tense leg scissors. Finally Cesaro suplexes Kofi out with great action by both quickly afterwards. Heath Slater then took the upset of the night by dumping Cesaro off with such ease afterwards. Slater was then out next before he could even celebrate. It was an okay spot and by Slater, but not to someone of Cesaro’s magnitude.

Ziggler then dropkicks Dallas out. Sheamus and Ziggler square off. Both point to the Intercontinental  title as The Miz was unmentioned on the ground next to it, in front of the announce team.

Ziggles was almost flipped over again for the fifth time. Hmm… Ziggler almost drops Sheamus but one foot touched. Ziggler was then caught atop Sheamus. Amid the quick confusion, Sheamus dropkicks Ziggles out. Sheamus’ plans to unify the IC and United States titles is complete. The Miz then charges in and hurls Sheamus over the top rope to steal the win by fluke chance to become the new Intercontinental Champion.

The Miz has a movie out soon.  JBL instantly mentions them. The announcers then instantly plugged the WWE Network. That’s the value off the IC title. Forgettable.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Fatal 4 Way

Randy Orton Vs Kane Vs Roman Reigns Vs John Cena

Randy Orton takes John Cena outside as Kane and Reigns take it to each other inside. Orton returns for Reigns. Orton has comfortably slipped back into wearing his retro blue name tights tonight. Never failing to make a pair of tights look good. Cena comically runs in and stops whilst trotting along the spot to lift Orton up from behind. It did not look good. Kane and Orton start working together. “You can’t wrestle” plagues John Cena. Once again the action is all about Cena as the chants rain with indecision high in favour of “Cena Sucks!” They chant for Reigns in defiance. The five knuckle shuffle is dropped on Randy Orton. Kane sent over the top rope. The pair stare down interrupted by The Authority’s pawns. Cena/Reigns has been saved for another day.

Kane covers for a chance to win as Randy Orton is notably upset with Kane’s actions.

The crowd in attendance cheers “YES!” for the break up. Kane slaps Orton and goes for him with a suplex from the top turnbuckle. All four do a corner move as Cena and Reigns double flip Kane, who drops Orton down. It was well conducted, though failed to boost the audience fully lacking impact. Not enough was done to gauge the audience interest beforehand. Cena and Reigns were both dropped with the double middle rope DDT from Randy Orton with excellent precision. Kane stopped Orton getting a three fall. Reigns returns to fight Orton. Reigns was then flip rolled by Orton into a beautiful half crab submission. It was the freshest part of the match. Orton is really starting to change the outlook and his appearance fantastically. Small changes have the biggest impact.

Cena locks on the STF with no visible pressure as Reigns has a leg lock applied. They tried to make it look believable but the problem here is Cena. His application of the hold is laboured and lazy. No one can take it seriously and it is also affecting the man every time he uses it, not to mention his opponent.

Kane received the Attitude Adjustment next. Cena and Orton fight in-ring with Cena re-applying the the boredom STF lock. Cena rolls Orton back from ropes in another empty lock after trying to reach the rope break.  Orton  was doing his best to carry Cena to combinability. Fans failed to care.  “Boring!” rang from the crowd. Reigns stops Orton grabbing the ropes from outside and hurls him out and over the announce table as Cena stands in the ring and stares in upset, with hands on hips. The pair trade fists. The cheer/boo factor on punches is as predictable as ever on Reigns/Cena respectively. Cena fails to lock in the submission and gets a Samoan Drop instead. Reigns pounds the mat. Roman misses the Superman punch as Cena gears the five knuckle shuffle. Reigns quickly gets up and hits the punch as Cena runs the ropes. Only when they are beefy favour can they avoid it. Reigns hits the spear as Kane breaks the close count. Everyone gets punched to the outside as Reigns stands tall. Spear into the table outside knocks Orton and Reigns. Reigns goes inside to be stopped by the grip of Kane. Roman counters and uses the Spear for a quick cover. Two fall break up by Cena who covers. Reigns stops the count. Reigns tossed outside by Cena. Cena gives the Attitude Adjustment to Kane, saved by Roman Reigns. Reigns covers again quickly as Cena halts momentum.

Cena tries the AA once more to Reigns, stopped by Kane. Chokeslam delivered to Cena then Reigns. Two fall cover on Reigns. Kane tries to adopt the Tombstone Piledriver. Spear by Roman Reigns stops it. Orton saves the game with a strong RKO on Reigns. John Cena then quickly AA’s Randy Orton and covers Kane to raise the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after Randy Orton did the sealing finisher to close the PPV.

Tonight Triple H failed to implement Plan B. The diversion of Plan B in the form of Seth Rollins is enough to through certain fans off the scent. Though with the impending return of Brock Lesnar, it seems ‘Plan C’ is only just around the corner. For fans, this one is set to be a scorcher. They cannot wait to see Cena be pummelled by ‘The Beast.’ One question remains. Is WWE brave enough to drop the title from Cena? All the major foundations were laid for Summerslam. Is it enough or will fans be severely let down with expectations as they had hoped Battleground would give back to them?

PPV Rating – 3/10

Men/ Women of their matches – Jimmy Uso, AJ, Rusev, Bray Wyatt, Antonio Cesaro, Randy Orton

Man/Woman of the PPV – Randy Orton

The fallout between the two former ‘brothers’ was bungled. Neither were fantastic and helped one another in making the show work, which is commendable, however it went on far too long and ended in a foolhardy fashion. Less is more. It should have stopped at two returns of Ambrose to further enhance both in the contest for future cards. Missing a match, personally was fine, but fans were really expecting this and felt cheated. Not even another match was filled which made the PPV short and long in mediocre tedium.

Rusev For the first time tonight we saw something in Rusev. While it was minimal, it was a tad better of Swagger and an improvement, nonetheless.

As ‘frenemies’ AJ and Paige’s feud was something of a weak building block. However, with a short stack of divas WWE don’t have many options left. Splitting up Cameron and Naomi will naturally send them on paths to contention. WWE needs to get new divas, as well as call ups and one’s who can wrestle, fast. Relying on Triple H’s ego to select someone who is ‘favourable’ with the public on NXT does not mean they will be good on mainstream television. WWE need to look at already trained females and natural or progressive ability. Triple H attempted to use Paige as a mechanism for an ego boost with fans. It backfired un-categorically. If serious, WWE should look at Kana and Tsukasa Fujimoto for starters. They can get them on the Japanese circuit as they seem to be expanding their tour over there. I also hear Hailey Hatred is free and looking for mainstream US success. All are capable and could adapt to the WWE way if outlined beforehand a rough expectancy of WWE’s wrestling culture.

Randy Orton was vital to upholding the Fatal 4 Way. Chosen as The Authority’s lead figure places Orton at the centre of raising main stream talent. Tasked with creating Roman Reigns with the added support of Kane, WWE have an expert who never fails to have bad matches. The only problem is Cena is so often relied upon that no-one else can grow. Roman Reigns is WWE’s next protégé to fight Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania for the title win. Better get a move on. Reigns, as much as we like and respect him, is nowhere near ready. All matches have been in dual competition and Reigns has no actual core being. For a strong WWE push with no backstory or reasoning, Reigns is in deep trouble at falling soon.

Chris Jericho has returned to WWE. Again. Here for yet another short spell, Jericho, who has only returned for the paycheck and fan cheers, will soon leave again for another Rock Band tour. Using Bray Wyatt to receive another chance at popularism, Jericho proved to be slow and outdated. Taking a headliner in the making, Jericho defeated any chance of Wyatt gaining real stardom with fans as a concept. The ignorance of people in it for the money, such as Jericho, Cena and Steve Austin actually ruin any chance a new age star has to evolve. It is all about their own ego, not the industry. This shames the business, the grafters and the premise of the sport. Sometimes you must think for yourself about you’re your actions and their consequences. As a match this was wasteful and truly missed a spark.

The tag team match up with the Uso’s and the Wyatt members Erick Rowan and Luke Harper was a pleasant delight. The music with Harper and Rowan has changed to a more empty rock theme and is just as bad as the previous one. If WWE want to get a ‘dark’ theme for them I suggest really thinking about it. Without good music, there is no way WWE will reward them and neither will fans fully take to them. All four men were exceptional tonight given the lack of time and a specialised match which needed to boost their battling but probably would’ve been better as single, Hardcore or Anywhere Falls.

Rob Van Dam was a very late cancellation with barely any explanation on television. Van Dam suffered an injury and this clearly affected the Battle Royal. It could and did survive without Van Dam but his presence gone from it was enough to cause fans discomfort. Knowing it was stacked with ‘WWE favourites’ rather than potential candidates who can elevate a new chapter in WWE, it still sucked. The construction of the battle was far better than previous Battle Royals, but WWE didn’t do anything to help support its stars who need re-elevating. It was a perfect chance for Alberto Del Rio, Curtis Axel, Damien Sandow and Antonio Cesaro to regain a place on the card as strong challengers for the future of the IC title, when sitting out from headline matches.

It was rather humourous after the Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose injury spots on the post Battleground Raw how WWE trolled the fans making them believe Dolph Ziggler had a chance of winning for the dirt sheet marks.

WWE took another backward step with its praise of fluke champions that will never materialise for the company and in turn devalue the title and its opponents. For an envisaged future on the horizon, it looks bleak. Why WWE disrespect its hard workers who really can grow the company and competition is beyond reckless. They need to create a place for all of the talent available that will grow and then figure out what to do with the lumps like Ryback, The Great Khali, Big Show and Mark Henry later. There isn’t long left to go before fans revolt again. With CM Punk truly gone, Daniel Bryan out and John Cena battling short stays with stars who are a part of the past are not enough for a current landscape. Though it kept the suspense in the main event, WWE chose not to plan their pre-Summerslam PPV enough

With Summerslam approaching, and a couple of matches laid out, WWE have nothing else on. Will it be a throw away card like Battleground? Or will it pick up the ball and run with it?

As one of the Big 4 PPV’s, WWE need to use it to make the platform recognise new stars in their respective brackets.

© Max Waltham 24^th July 2014