Pro Wrestling Catch-all

I mostly agree with mudbunny's predictions except for the part where he included Tamina as one of the divas that can wrestle a bad-ass match. Maybe if you move the hyphen to the right a little. Hey-oh!

My guess is that Ziggler v. Sheamus will get rolled into an Intercontinental Match at Elimination Chamber.

In some way I would and wouldn't be shocked if Cena lost. He needs to otherwise it's another burying job like Bray's last year.

As for the main event, The Shield reunites and now Seth Rollins is a legit threat to Brock Lesnar. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease! Sorry, J&J.

mudbunny wrote:
ccesarano wrote:

Tagging because my pal got me interested in wrestling (largely NXT) and I'm catching up very slowly on Hulu.

NXT is some of the best wrestling on TV these days.

Consistently head and shoulders above Raw/Smackdown.

TRUTH! Make sure to watch their ppv on the network on Wednesday. There have been a number of injuries lately that will affect the title scene but hopefully this show will still be awesome, and then they can figure out what to do without some of their top talent.

I'll have to see if I can watch it with my buddy ol' pal as he has the network and I'm not ready to commit yet.

Only episode of Raw I've seen so far was evidently the worst one where Jon Stewart guest starred. Which, yes, he was a great highlight of the episode. Everything else was pretty terrible, though. "Oh, hey, they finally decided to start wrestl-and it's done."

Yeah, the only things I love right now as much as NXT are Lucha Underground and New Japan, all for very different reasons.

I too am holding out hope that the main event of Payback sees the Shield reform as heels and begin a reign of terror.

If i had to guess, I would say that Ambrose swerves to heel to take out Orton and, thus begin a feud with him for a while. That would let Reigns feud with HHH (there have been rumblings and rumors from inside WWE about this)

Also, as for Lucha Underground...I never watched it, until I saw this match.

I never would have believed that my two consistently favorite parts of WWE TV would be segments involving John Cena and the guys from the New Day. They are all so next level right now it isn't even funny. Or is that NXT level?

I'm trying to rationalize Cena burying Rusev (a former NXT guy) 3 ppvs in a row with what he's been doing in his open challenge. Hope Owens powerbombs him into the apron and Cena takes a freaking break for a while.

And what a turnaround for New Day. Wow. Only thing keeping me from being a total fan is Kofi's pig tails.

McChuck wrote:

I'm trying to rationalize Cena burying Rusev (a former NXT guy) 3 ppvs in a row with what he's been doing in his open challenge. Hope Owens powerbombs him into the apron and Cena takes a freaking break for a while.

And what a turnaround for New Day. Wow. Only thing keeping me from being a total fan is Kofi's pig tails.

The pigtails are like 1,000% instant heat magnets though, it's great.

I also enjoy that this role lets Big E be the big goofball he is. "We're too big!" indeed.

Ha ha! Fair point about the pigtails since clearly they're working.

Rowan and Harper teamed up last night yet aren't in the Elimination Chamber? Huh? Swap out Los Matadores or Primetime Players and put them in.

With such a short turnaround, this week was the setup and next week is the going home show for Elimination Chamber. I like that it cuts out several more weeks of them rewriting that same setup show .

Paige is back. Yay? I won't care about Divas until Charlotte comes up and they let her and Paige have an NXT style feud.

Speaking of, Bo vs Neville is probably the first main roster thing I've been excited about for Bo. And I like it that it ties into their history in NXT instead of ignoring it. I feel like that's the best kind of marketing for NXT and the Network. Let them have some great matches on RAW then say if you're interested in their history, well, it's only $9.99.

McChuck wrote:

Speaking of, Bo vs Neville is probably the first main roster thing I've been excited about for Bo. And I like it that it ties into their history in NXT instead of ignoring it. I feel like that's the best kind of marketing for NXT and the Network. Let them have some great matches on RAW then say if you're interested in their history, well, it's only $9.99.

Oh man, you know what they should do? For all of these big NXT stars coming up to the main roster they should create specials about their time in NXT. Some sort of "how did they get here" situation.

A bunch of storyline, promo, and match highlights and maybe their biggest match in its entirety.

Costs very little, creates more content for the network, and gives people who just watch RAW right now an easy way to see what the hell this Neville/Bo/Sami character is all about.

That video package they did for Hideo at the end of the NXT Wrestlemania tournament episode (which aired after Wrestlemania) was amazing. More stuff like that, please.

Also, the announced Steve Austin Podcasts that will have Heyman, Sting, Hogan, and Undertaker.

When that Undertaker episode gets a release date I'm probably going to end up paying $9.99 to watch a podcast.

In the style of "Kill Steen kill" becoming "Fight Owens fight":

Joe's gonna fight you

Watching NXT Takeover: Unstoppable.

Breeze vs Balor
The right person won here. Breeze has been at the top of NXT for a long time, and has pretty much learned all that he has needed to learn. I look forward to seeing him get moved up to the main roster. His character can go up pretty much unchanged, and he will do well. He is good in the ring, good on the stick. Balor, OTOH, is good in the ring, but needs some time on the stick before he moves up. As the #1 contender, Balor will get a chance to be on the mic more.
Winner - Balor

Bayley and Charlotte vs. Dana Brooke and Emma
Once again, the ladies in NXT kick all sorts of ass. Brooke's inexperience really shows here as compared to the other three. All four looked strong. Brooke and Emma losing did nothing to hurt them at all.
Winners - Bayley and Charlotte

Baron Corbin vs. Rhino
This is a chance for Corbin to learn how to work a big match from one of the best agile big men out there. Got to be honest. Rhino is there to serve as a gatekeeper of sorts. A barrier between the midcard and the top. Rhino puts on good power matches, and the ring psychology he has is good as well. Good big man match. Not a whole lot of rest holds in the match, they were pretty busy most of the time. First real match that we have seen Corbin in, and he did really well with the veteran Rhino. He looked right at home in the ring.
Winner - Corbin

Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy vs. Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady
NXT Tag Team Championship
Enzo and Cassady are so over it isn't even funny. Blake and Murphy have some decent ring presence. Blake/Murphy win because of outside interference by Alexa Bliss. Enzo and Cass looked good in the loss, and the program between the two teams looks to be just heating up. Look for a 3-person tag in the future.
Winners - Blake and Murphy

Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch
NXT Women's Championship
Two of the best women wrestlers out there. This was an amazing match. It could easily have been put on as the main event of the PPV. Story-wise, I understand why Owens/Zayn was on last. Match-wise?? This one should have been on last. Becky's new outfit?? Do Not Want. Get rid of the goggles, and she is good to go. Good psychology throughout the match with Sasha continually going after Sasha's arm. Easily a match of the year contender. This match could have gone on any of the main roster PPVs. #GiveDivasAChance

Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
NXT Championship
There was never any question over who was going to win here. Zayn is too good to stay on NXT. He will be moving up to the main roster soon. Possibly even at Elimination Chamber in 2 weeks? This match was good. Brutal, as you would expect. Both guys looked good in the match. Teased Zayn getting hurt a couple of times, and then the apron powerbomb out of nowhere. I like them keeping that move as match-ending and brutal.

Also, Samoa F*CKING Joe!!
Like Kevin Owens, he won't be on the NXT roster for long.

I probably popped most for Regal grabbing Owens.

The ending bugs me in two minor but annoying ways:
1) So was it a DQ? Is the match still going?
2) No clue how Samoa Joe is other than I've heard his name every once in a while. I imagine that's how the RAW crowd felt when Owens showed up on Monday.

Balor's and Breeze's upgraded entrances were amazing.

Going back to comments earlier this week about Kofi's hair being instant heat, I think Blake and Murphy are following his example.

That Women's Championship match, though. So damn good.

Joe was the guy who really put RoH on the map with title run. He had a fantastic series of 60 minute matches with CM Punk that were also a big part of what made Punk a star. Then he ended up in TNA for a long time and after bad booking got very unmotivated. Hopefully he'll be motivated here because a Joe/Owens hossfight could be great.

He also broke into the business at the same time and school as Cena and they've remained friends, so...

McChuck wrote:

I probably popped most for Regal grabbing Owens.

The ending bugs me in two minor but annoying ways:
1) So was it a DQ? Is the match still going?
2) No clue how Samoa Joe is other than I've heard his name every once in a while. I imagine that's how the RAW crowd felt when Owens showed up on Monday.

Balor's and Breeze's upgraded entrances were amazing.

Going back to comments earlier this week about Kofi's hair being instant heat, I think Blake and Murphy are following his example.

That Women's Championship match, though. So damn good.

Owens still hit him with the chair even when Joe's music hit, so I'd say its a DQ, they just never said anything official.

I also love the new LED ramp. Hoping that ends up making it to the main show the way the ones on the side of the ring have.

McChuck wrote:

2) No clue how Samoa Joe is other than I've heard his name every once in a while. I imagine that's how the RAW crowd felt when Owens showed up on Monday.

Samoa Joe is one of the biggest wrestling stars out there that isn't in the WWE right now. He got his start with Ring of Honor back in the 2000s with CM Punk, and did a lot of awesome wrestling there. He put on a lot of 60 minute matches with CM Punk that were MotY candidates. He is also incredibly agile for a man his size.

That Women's Championship match, though. So damn good.

HHH thought so as well.

IMAGE(http://40.media.tumblr.com/634f9e259f55eb75147927e37c992bb7/tumblr_noohyd5H9H1rg89a6o1_500.jpg)

It breaks character a bit but I do enjoy the sincerity of emotions the wrestlers display after some of these big matches. Wasn't sure if Becky was legit crying at the end of the match, but in that photo it looks like she still is backstage. Awww.

On the other hand, I'm glad when Sasha won the title that she stayed The Boss.

Neozilla wrote:

Owens still hit him with the chair even when Joe's music hit, so I'd say its a DQ, they just never said anything official.

I also love the new LED ramp. Hoping that ends up making it to the main show the way the ones on the side of the ring have.

Guess I missed the chairshot. DQ it is, then.

I bet the ramp is there to stay. One of the exciting things about these PPVs is the little upgrades they do to sets, costumes, entrances. In general, that NXT evolves is one of my favorite things it has over RAW.

McChuck wrote:

It breaks character a bit but I do enjoy the sincerity of emotions the wrestlers display after some of these big matches. Wasn't sure if Becky was legit crying at the end of the match, but in that photo it looks like she still is backstage. Awww.

On the other hand, I'm glad when Sasha won the title that she stayed The Boss

But did you notice the respect shown? She let Becky stay in the ring.

True but she stay and hug her. The Boss doesn't hug! She stands on your head during a contract signing! Probably one of my favorite wrestling visuals in a while.

Prediction time!!

Nicki Bella vs Paige vs Naomi
This match, because of Paige and Naomi, should be interesting. They should be able to carry Nicki along into a decent match. Nicki has been champion for (checks) 200+ days, Paige just returned, and Naomi has been undergoing a slow turn from face to heel. This will be a quick match, and I predict Naomi will go over, possibly with outside interference from Tamina.
Winner - Naomi

Neville vs Bo Dallas
Neville is pretty over with the WWE universe. He is sliding nicely into the spot left behind by Bryan, but his offense is more spectacular. The office seems to be more a fan of him than Bryan as well. Bo Dallas is decent, but his gimmick is just now starting to catch on. He is, at best, a mid-card player right now. Neville will win after being beaten down for a while by Dallas.
Winner - Neville

Sheamus vs Ryback, R-Truth, King Barrett, Rusev and Dolph Ziggler
Elimination Chamber
First, Rusev is out of the match with a foot injury, or at least that is what all the rumors are saying. Ryback and R-Truth are there to be decent enhancement talent for the others and to extend out the match. Barrett is too good as King to get the IC belt right now. It would really take away from the gimmick. Ziggler is very popular right now and should get the belt. He is one of the best workers on the roster right now. Unfortunately, the belt will go to Shaemus.
Winner - Shaemus

Lucha Dragons, Kidd/Cesaro, Ascension, New Day, Los Matadores, The Prime Time Players
Elimination Chamber
We can eliminate The Ascension, Los Matadores and the Prime Time players right off the bat. They aren't popular enough to get the win. Lucha Dragons are popular, but not enough IMO to get the win. That leaves Kidd/Cesaro and The New Day to win. The New Day are so incredibly effective as heels that it isn't even funny. The same as Kidd/Cesaro as faces. I like the heels to go over right now, as there are a lot of face tag teams that need someone to chase after.
Winner - The clap New Day clap clap

Cena vs Owens
The front office is so over on Kevin Owens right now. For the next while, he will be working both WWE and NXT shows. Not bad for only 4 or 5 months on the payroll. He is very effective as a heel. Very calm, calculating and in your face. The perfect foil for John Cena right now. At the same time, Cena has been doing some awesome work as the US champion. Cena to win by DQ after Owens beats the holy hell out of him and won't stop at all.
Winner - Cena (by DQ)

Rollins vs Ambrose
Both guys are at the top, but Ambrose has a little farther he can go. They are really doing the slow burn with him, and it is working really, really well. Rollins is also working the heel champion position really, really well. Something interesting to note is that Brock's "suspension" is almost over (I think I have read that he is starting to be booked on house shows and RAWs coming up). there is no way that the rematch between Lesnar and Rollins isn't a championship match. Look for Rollins to go over, but with some interference from J&J Security helping.
Winner - Rollins

Wow! That was a really solid show. Match of the night is easily Owens/Cena but the tag match was a close second. Only real stinker was the Divas match but otherwise I enjoyed all of them, even though the IC match was a little uninteresting at times.

Owens getting a clean win, unlike Rusev's nutshot, was unbelievable. New NXT guys on RAW have been getting solid pushes. Let's hope Cena doesn't bury Owens in the rematch like he's done with Rusev and Wyatt. Now that Owens has the clean win, let him win again, but dirty this time. Well, "dirty." I'd love for him to use Cena's open challenge against him and convince some bruisers to go out there with the sole purpose of wearing Cena down before their rematch.

I realized after the fact that there was no Reigns or Orton match. Nice. I honestly get a little tired of them using all the top (well, Reigns is mid now) guys every single show.

These last two weeks for RAW have been horrible! Last night was just awful (give or take a Neville/Owens match). We watch it time delayed so we can skip the commercials. But were so distracted various other screens we kept forgetting to fast forward.

Yeah, main roster WWE stuff often just wears me out after a while.

Gahh, Why NXT, why did you have to go there with Bull Dempsey??

And then next week, they decide to give us Kevin Owens vs Samoa Joe (non-title match).

This week's NXT was pretty much all squash matches, although there is an appearance by Blue Pants.

The Dempsey thing was funny during the match. It was just so stupid. Reminded me of the gladiator fight in Life Of Brian. Then they decided to do the backstage segment and turn him into Chunk from Goonies. Still, solid delivery by Dempsey on, "I was doing real well there till the end when I lost." That and Ezio's Hunger Games speech both had me chuckling.

Reading all these tweets by wrestlers is breaking my heart.