AEW Collision Review 14.9.2024

Intro

As I sit here on a Sunday evening, I've checked my reader stats, and i'm so proud to say, that i've hit a great milestone. My blog has reached 1.000 readers, this has been one hell of a journey, and to say that exstatic with this, is an understatement, thank you to everyone who likes to read my thoughts, because without you, this wouldn't be possible. So once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Jack Perry vs Christopher Daniels TNT Championship Match

I hated this match, it felt rushed, and didn't last more than 6 minutes. Perry retained, this is a terrible way to use Christopher Daniels. I've been a fan of his work for years, and this doesn't feel right to me.

Wheeler Yuta Segment

Lexi Nair got a few words with Wheeler Yuta, and lets just say, he sounded like the world was about to cave in on him, as he gave us an update on Bryan Danielson health. This poor guy.

Mark Briscoe and Kyle O'reilly and Hologram vs The Beast Mortas and The Premier Athletes

I had a lot of fun watching this. The Conglomeration reps, and. Hologarm, beat. The Beast Mortas, and. The Premier Athletes, in a fun, and solid tv match. Patrick. The Premier Athletes are out, so put away that more to share bag of Malteasers, I'm feeling guilty, but delightfully stuffed at the same time.

Orange Cassidy Segment

Big Bill. Bryan Keith, and. Chris Jericho, decked Orange Cassidy, whilst he was being interviewed by Renee Paquette. Renee was great here as always.

Marieh May Segment

Marieh May wants her Mina, and Yuka Sakazaki, wants her belt. May vs Sakazaki at a later date, oh go on then AEW if you must.

Wheeler Yuta vs Anthony Henry

Wheeler Yuta has a new name, and it's Shin Yuta, because if you mention Danielsons name, he goes all out Super Saiyon, he had fun battering Anthony Henry, and getting the win in the process.

Private Party and Kommander vs Local Jobbers

Private Party, and. Kommander, beat some local Jobbers in a pointless match, that offered absolutely nothing, but, because Private Party are my new best mates, this is an instant 5 star classic, come and fight me Dave Meltzer.

Nigel Mcguinness Segment

Nigel Mcguiness, then shared his history with Bryan Danielson, in the only way he can, yeah we all know where this is heading, Clam Diggers unite everyone. I liked this.

Sareena Deeb vs Yuka Sakazaki

Sareena Deeb, beat. Yuka Sakazaki, in a fun tv match. Sareena Deeb is one of my favourite female wrestlers of the past few years, and I love watching her work, Marieh May, who was commentary, decked Yuka in the aftermath.

The Outrunners

I loved this, and if you haven't seen this, then I won't ruin for you, but you have to check it out.

Action Andretti Was Pissed Off

Action Andretti was pissed off, his team mates in Top Flight, with Lio Rush tried to calm him down, so he called out The House Of Black, nice knowing you Action. Malakai and his family answered this later on.

The Bang Bang Gang vs Cage Of Agony

The Bang Bang Gang, beat. Cage Of Agony, in a flat, and boring tv match, that once again offered absolutely nothing.

Queen Aminata vs Robyn Renegade

Queen Aminata, beat. Robyn Renegade, in another flat tv match, ok this starting to get a bit tedious.

FTR vs The Grizzled Young Veterans

This. Match. Saved me from chucking my chromecast out of the window, it was excellent, the physicality, the teamwork, and the solid fluidity, made this very enjoyable. FTR got the win, and were about go even further on The Vets, that was until. The Outrunners came out, and they teamed with FTR, both sides shook hands, and by the name of all that is faithful. I swore I saw a thunder bolt of lightning, when there hands met together. If only.

Overview Of AEW Collision

I don't have a lot to say, other than this. I have to say, this weeks AEW Collision reminded me of going out on a Saturday morning, when I was a kid, and me and my older brother, would get taken to Princess Risborough, and we would be treated to a big bag of Pick'n Mix. Eat what you like, and leave what you don't.

By AEW Standards This weeks Collision is mid 7/10. 

Smackdown Review 13.9.2024

Dedication

This review of WWE Smackdown, is dedicated to those who's lost their loved ones, and to those who lost their lives on 11.9.2001, a wise man once said, who cares if one more light goes out, in a sky of a million stars, well I do.

HHH

HHH came out to welcome us to the return of Smackdown, to the USA Network, this was a celebration, as this month Smackdown celebrates its 25th birthday. The fans were on red hot form for this, as he introduced the the Steel Cage match, between Cody Rhodes, and. Solo Sikoa. I'm not a big fan of Rah Rah speeches, because the show as a hole should do that, let the action do the talking Paul.

Solo Sikoa vs Cody Rhodes WWE Undisputed Championship Steel Cage Match

This. Was. Brilliant. From the awesome physicality, that allowed the story of the match to breathe. Cody bleeding, he gave Solo a cody cutter, from the middle of the cage. Cody then took a nasty bump after Solo suplexed him trying to escape the cage, the near falls made sense, and were well timed, Cody hit a cross body from the top of the cage, taking out Solo, Cody then put a cross Rhodes on Solo for the win, the rest of The Bloodline, then climbed the cage like a pack of hyenas, and attacked Cody, and then, out came Roman Reigns, who took out his own family. WWE then teased Roman vs Jakub Fatu, Cody helped Roman, to clear the damage. Nick Aldis then told Kathy Kelly, that Solo has requested an offer to Roman and Cody, for a tag match, at Bad Blood. This. Was an episode long through story, that I enjoyed.

Michin vs Piper Niven

Michin, beat. Piper Niven, in a flat, and boring tv match, that offered nothing.

Former Stars

Rob Van Damme. ( yay weed ) Vicki Guerro ( who the hell let her in ) Ron Simmons ( Damn ) Teddy Long. ( holla holla player, can you say tag match with The Undertaker ) Sheamus. ( Ok I can buy that ) Michael Hayes, ( Ok ) William Regal, ( legend ) Booker T and his wife. ( I can dig that sucker ) Imperium, and Damian Priest, were all in attendence. This is the right way to use Legends, even though I have no idea why Vicki Guerro is there at all, with the recent controversy that surrounds her at the minute.

Atown Down Under vs Kevin Owens and his mystery partner

Kevins partner turned out to be a guy called Ricky Gibson, who's looks a lot like Simon Miller, but as Ricky got to the ring, he was told by a production team member, that his partner was here, after KO told us, that due to travel issues, his partner won't be here, so out came Randy Orton. KO stunned poor Ricky, and he and Randy had a solid match, defeating these idiots. This. Was decent, not great, just decent.

Nia Jax Segment

This. Was. A convoluted mess, Nia came out and dropped a generic, boring promo, that fell flat, she said, ever since she came back to WWE, she's become unstoppable, the new womens champion, and every women fears her and if they don't, they should. Bayley came out, and she and Nia had an awkward promo dual, that me feeling bored. Tiffany Stratton failed to save this segment, and her dialogue was by far the worst. Naomi came out to back up her friend Bayley, and as it turned she wanted a championship match, just like Bayley. Nia came up with an idea, next week. Bayley, and Naomi, will have to face Nia, and. Tiffany in a tag team match, if they win, then I think were getting a triple threat at the PLE, and if they lose, they have to leave Smackdown for good. I hated all of this.

Carmelo Hayes vs Andrade

I loved this match. Their series of matches, up to this point have been excellent, but this, was by far their best. Their Physicality, and, chemistry was the selling point, that was on display, and it allowed this match to get out of the motions, that most WWE tv matches suffer from. Andrade won, and he will now face LA Knight ( yeeeeeaaaaah ) next week. Knight came out afterwards, and cut a promo on Andrade, because Andrade was the winner of the hit it and quit sweepstakes. I love this man.

Jade and Bianca Segment

Bianca Belair, and. Jade Cargill were seen backstage doing their best John Cena impersonations, and were then interrupted by Nia, and. Tiffany, because well, their dicks, that's why. This. Was. It was.

Roman Reigns Segment

Roman walks out, and when he gets in the ring, he insists with no words, that he has the mic, taking over from Nick Aldis, he said that doesn't need anything, and with or without the ulafala, he's the Tribal Chief, this is his ring, this is his show, and this is his WWE. Cody then came out, and said this used to be his. Both men staired each other down, both mics drop, and. Solo Sikoa comes out, With Jakub Fatu, both men sign the papers, so at Bad Blood it will be Solo Sikoa, and. Jakub Fatu vs Cody Rhodes, and. Roman Reigns. I like this development.

Overview Of WWE Smackdown

With any new era of a company, comes the same problems, wrapped up with decent to excellent matches, and a new theme tune, which has been divisive, for some reason, personally I think it's ok, and as for Smackdown, I thought this was a good show overall.

This weeks Smackdown is an 8/10.

  

My Top 5 Most Inspirational Wrestlers

Intro

In life, when people face hardtimes, we all have differant ways to face up to things, and when other avenues fail, some turn to drugs, whilst others find a form of higher power, but as for me, I found wrestling. I think it's easy to say, that without wrestling, I think my life would be very differant.

5 The Undertaker

Back in the eighties, the wrestling industry was full of outlandish characters, but as the nineties started to take shape, changes were made, yes big men were still relevent, but under the guise of there gimmicks. The Undertaker was differant, standing at a tall height of 6ft 10in, this man was a towering overarching figure, and so was I. In my pre teen, to teen years. I was embarrassed about my height, It slowed down my learning, as doctors couldn't figure out, why I was growing so quick. And I was bullied as a result. It was from watching this man, that I learnt to embrace what I have, and don't look back.

4 Bret The Hitman Hart

Agh yes. His excellency. This man, is the reason I got into wrestling as a kid. The phrase. The best there is. The best there was, and. The best there ever will be, wasn't just a clever catchphrase you could put on a poster, or a t shirt, it was a way of life. This matches never failed to lift a smile to my face. Bret is an inspiration to me because, in my life I have never been no1 in many people's mind, but I believe, if you think it, you can achieve it. And Bret achieved it, on so many levels, whilst sticking to his morals, in a world were the anti hero was starting to become king.

3 Shawn Michaels

I was a kid who grew up in the time, when Shawn Michaels, and. Bret Hart, had real life animosity, and it was awesome, as a kid growing. I did karate as a hobby, infact I did it for thirteen years, with six years of fight training, watching HBK actually aided this, because I grew up with learning issues, and learning later down the line about Shawns issues, that had dragged down his personal life, and how he has come through everything, to become the person who he is now, this taught me that, you can come through anything, if you want to. You just need to have will, and a load of good heart.  

2 The Rock

As a pre teen, I struggled to standout. Even though I was tall. I struggled when it came to standing up for myself, so I decided to try and make my friends laugh, and as a wrestling fan. The Rock always had me laughing. I used to insult teachers in what I thought was an ingenius way. How dare you sir, just walk into mr O'malley's room, and not have the class to introduce yourself, tell me what is your name, you know my names it's mr marti, it doesn't matter what your name is, as it turns out, this would land me in loads of trouble, who would've thought, but this was the genius behind Dwayne's character, he was captivating to the point, that you bought into every word he said, as a pre teen who was coming into his own, he had a huge impact on me, and still does to this day.

1 Stone Cold Steve Austin

As a teen who got bullied because of who he was friends with. I would have dreams about Stone Cold, driving a monster truck into the school, finding mine, and my friends bullies, and stunning these little bastards out existance, but, these were just what they were. Dreams, but I did learn watching this man was, if you can't physically stand up for yourself, then you can do it verbally, and to always believe in myself, and not to let anyone hold you down.

Another My Top 5 NXT Matches

Intro

After I finished the last NXT list. I dug out may Best of NXT Takeover 2018, and I felt so inspired, to the point, that another one was instantly on the cards, so here we go. Another Top 5 NXT Matches.

5 Adam Cole vs Alistair Black TakeOver Philidelphia

I love this match. It acted as a perfect reminder of the importance of time, both men now work in AEW, now this isn't a dig at Tony Khan, but I do feel there matches in AEW, have ranged from good to excellent, but, on this night, they managed to manipulate something from out of nothing, and it was magic. Black, may have gone over, as the viceral violence unfolded, but the impact of this classic in my eyes, remains one of my favourite NXT Matches.

4 Sami Zayn vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Over the past year, these two have had some fairly tepid matches on Monday Night Raw, but they've had better exchanges, and this is arguably their best, a fantastic technical feast for the eyes, and a match of the year contender, from 2016. This. Was. The highlight of WrestleMania 32 weekend, as NXT delivered something that the main roster failed to do. Deliver a good wrestling show.

3 Johnny Gargano vs Andrade Cien Almas TakeOver Philidelphia

NXT TakeOver Philidelphia was a steller card, that delivered on many levels, from match of the contenders, to steller Pro Wrestling becoming the main theme of the show. I love this match, the physicality stole the show, and as the match unravelled, the story came to light, and the match bacame a classic, as every second was savoured, by me at home, and fans in attendence.

2 Johnny Gargano vs Tomasso Ciampa Chicago Street Fight TakeOver Chicago

This. Is. One of my favourite matches, to ever be given the stipulation of a Street Fight, to me this is up there with. Willow Knightingale vs Kris Statlander, and. HHH vs Cactus Jack. The level of hatred had been building for over a year, and it started from the last time NXT was in Chicago, from the previous year, when Ciampa turned on his partner, NXT tv had teased a turn from both men, and this elevated the drama, when the match finally took place. This. Was. A modern day blood feud, that has shown other companies, just how to inplant their own style, onto this stipulation.

Bayley vs Sasha Banks NXT TakeOver Brooklyn

What can I say about this match, other than. It is used as the blueprint for modern Womens Wrestling, to the point that this match is studied at wrestling schools. I don't think you can much higher praise than that. 

 

AEW Dynamite Review 12.9.2024

Dedication

This Extreme Wrestling review of AEW Dynamite, is dedicated to those that lost their lives, 23 years ago on september 11th. A wiseman once said. It's times like these, that we should all learn to love again. 

Jon Moxley promo and Christian Cage Segments

Jon Moxley, in pre recorded footage, explained his actions for why his group did what they did, last Saturday, to. Bryan Danielson, and I've got to admit it, he actually scares me. This morphed into our first segment of the night, when, that poor man Tony Schiavone, interviewed everyone's favourite stand up guy Christian Cage, he put over what Killswitch has become, under his vision, and the fact that he's also street, because he has an aura. He mentioned that Danielsons days as champion are numbered, because he's coming for his belt, and will be the next AEW World Heavweight Champion. Also, what was Kip Sabian doing at ringside.

Damn It Don Callis Segment

Damn It Don Callis, wanted a favour from Will Osperay, but Osperay was like. Ok, but I have this other thing that I need to do first. Then in stepped Kyle Fletcher, and said please be my tag partner, and. Will couldn't say no. So it was official they were in the Tag Team Championship Gauntlet match, later on.

Jack Perry vs Lio Rush TNT Championship

I wasn't a fan of this. It felt slow, badly paced at points, and failed to get past the opening stages. Perry retained. I wasn't impressed.

Hangman Adam Page Segment

The big question that I had, going into this weeks Dynamite was, what's next for Hangman Adam Page, and the answer is of course, he's going to mug off a stage hand, walk away from his friends in the Dark Order, and pick a fight with Jeff Jarrett, ( mind you he's kind of had that coming ) who took the fight for his wife, after All In. Renee Paquette was excellent here.

Private Party

Private Party, and. kommander, were due to have a match, but, they were decked by Jon Moxley, and his new crew. Pac then cut a promo, saying that the diplomacy has gone from this company. I liked all of this, even though my best mates, were told to hit the bricks.

Ricochet vs Sammy Guevara

I loved all of this. The match, was a perfect blend of perfection, awesome physicality, and great superb speed. Ricochet showed what a star he is, and Sammy was a great foil to get him over. Ricochet performed an awesome looking double running sentomb onto Sammy, he then hit a axe kick, to the back of Sammy's head, and then gave him a vertigo for the win.

Okada Segment

Okada vs Takeshista for the Continental CHampionship. Yes please AEW. Book it Tony.

 Darby Allin And Jon Moxley Segment

Darby Allin called out Jon Moxley. This. Was. The segment of the night. Both men had a fantastic promo dual, that rallied on truth. Fire. Passion, and. Grace. Bullying, and. Reality. I loved this segment, the two will face each other at GrandSlam, in two weeks, and Darby's title shot will be on the line.

Marieh May vs Queen Aminata AEW Championship

Marieh May, retained her AEW Womens Championship, against. Queen Aminata, and said that she's not been able to celebrate her title win, because her favourite lady friend, wasn't around. So she asked for Mina Shirakowa to come back home. Agh isn't that nice.

The Young Bucks Segment

The Young Bucks, aired their grievences with the fans, and their Tag Team Division, and wished them luck for the Casino Gauntlet match later on.

The Learning Tree vs The Iron Savages

The Learning Tree, beat. The Iron Savages in a flat, and boring tv match, but it was what came next, that had me laughing. Chris Jericho gave me vibes from the movie Se7en, when he announced what was in Orange Cassidy's bag. A picture of him with his Best Friends. Chris was teaching Orange a Lesson, because there's no loyalty in wrestling. In earlier in the evening. Chris showed up in nice brand spanking new car. Yeah this isn't going to end well, and I was right, because Orange and his friends. Mark Briscoe, and. Kyle O'reilly, came in on a dumper truck, like the opening to Bob The Builder, and dumped a load coins on his new machine, with a dumper truck. Cassidy gave a bit of money towards paying Chris back. Penny for your thoughts anyone.

Nigel Mcguiness Is Back

Nigel Mcguiness was a in a great mood, and that's because. Tony Khan has booked him to face that Clam Digger Danielson at GrandSlam. Oy yoy savaloy. I hate Oasis.

Casino Gauntlet Tag Team Match

Even though i'm not a big fan of these matches being stabilised for television, but this was a lot of fun. Will Osperay, and. Kyle Fletcher, beat. Ftr. Will. The Rightgeous. Taven and Bennett. The Aclaimed. MXM. Top Flight. The Outrunners, and. The Grizzled Young Veterans, to earn a shot against The Young Bucks Tag Team Championships at GrandSlam. I love me some of The Outrunners.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite

I liked this weeks Dynamite. Yes, there were flat moments, but the moments that were flat, didn't out weigh my enjoyment for most of the show.

This Weeks Dynamite is a solid 8/10.

Music's famililarity with Wrestling

Intro

Over the decades, music has played big in Pro wrestlings zeitgeist, and I think you can easily soundtrack moments in time with the right song, from good times to bad times, music is the soundtrack any moment, as life, and careers move forward.

5 When It Rains It Pours Luke Combs John Cena

In the early 2010's, if you go back in time, WWE was in a bad state, they were failing to create new stars, and the reliance of the old guard. This. Is. A perfect way to describe John Cena, this cereal chomping multicoloured, divided the fans, there was loads, that loved him, and there was loads that hated him, and my god did they hate him. Fans were'nt buying what the company was selling, and this would have a negative effect on WWE's relationship with their fanbase, as it showed their callous form, and not acting when they had the chance. When It Rains It Pours.

4 Now That Were Dead ( Metallica ) The Undertaker

I've been thinking of which Metallica song, perfectly describes The Undertaker, and my thoughts went straight to Now That Were Dead, this track examines a 30 year career. It was the soundtrack to his Boneyard match against AJ Styles, and as he roade off into darkness of the net, this put an end to a career that defined many fans childhood.

3 Linkin Park One More Light ( All who we've lost )

Everytime I hear this song, as a wrestling fan. I think of those performers that we've lost, and this song perfectly catchers these moments, as the late Chester Benningtons pain is put out there for the world to hear, over the past few years, we've lost. Bray wyatt. Scott Hall, and. Jay Briscoe, and it's moments like this, that make you think. Life is two short.

2 Rage Against The Machine Killing In The Machine ( Daniel Bryan )

WWE's build to their show of shows, can divide fans, or they can have fans join in unison, this is a perfect to describe the yes movement, and after months of being ignored, Daniel Bryan has had enough, and on the Monday Night Raw before Mania, fans occupied Raw, and drowned out The Authority, by chanting. Yes. Yes. Yes, essentially saying. F*** you I won't do what you tell me.

1 Metal Music As A Whole ( NXT )

As a lifelong Metalhead. ( same as me ) HHH has morphed both his vision of Pro wrestling, and. Metal Music to soundtack NXT. Hard Rock Music has always been part of the Wrestling zeitgeist, but it was in the 2010's when Bands like. Turnstile. Employed To Serve. Code Orange. Bring Me The Horizon, and. Avenged Sevenfold, started to be used to soundtrack WWE Main Roster PLE's, and NXT Takeovers. The Importance of Hard Rock Music, has always been well balanced, the best example of this is Limp Bizkits My way, being used in the hype video. This. Is. A time capsule, that has never gotten old.

  

My Top 5 NXT Favourite Matches Part 1

Intro

Even this developmental brand, didn't have the best of starts, in the early days, under the guidance of HHH, what we saw wasn't just an uprising, what we saw were fans starting to gravitate towards the underground, causing a mass swelling, that the mainstream wrestling industry, was forced to sit up and take notice. WE ARE NXT, wasn't just a clever catchphrse, that you could easily slap on a t shirt, it was a blueprint, that would forshadow how the industry could look in the years to come.

5 Isiah Swerve Scott vs Johny Gargano NXT TV July 2020

Pandemic wrestling isn't a time that any fan would want to go back to, but if you dig beneath the surface, you can find pots of Gold, and this was one of them, two men showcasing their excellent chemistry, this is one of those matches, were who won, doesn't matter, because this was gold. Gargano is back together with his friend Tomasso Ciampa on main roster, whilst Swerve is in AEW is crying over a burnt down house.

4 Walter vs Ilja Dragunov

You need to watch this, because it's a well timed, painful, eye watering affair, that is gripping, as much as it's gratifying. 

3 Kyle O'reilly vs Finn Balor NXT Halloween Havoc 2020

I love this match, as the pandemic rolled on, WWE's creative had gone from dwindling to, outright dumpster fire, however in my opinion, there Black and Gold brand, was still delivering excellent shows on a regular basis, and their takeovers were good examples of this. Kyle O'reilly, and. Finn Balor had a barn burner at that years Halloween Havoc, the physicality was off the chart, as faces got busted the hard way. This. Is one of personal favourite NXT matches, because the passion from both men, seaped out from every beed of sweet that dripped from their bodies. The craft of Pro wrestling on this night, put a smile on my face, at a time in my life, when smiling was a hard thing to do.

2 Bo Dallas vs Adrian Neville NXT Arrival

before the days of main roster upset, and frustration, their was this ladder match, and it was great. Bo's selling, and. Neville's blunt physicality, made for a modern day reminder, that the art of Storytelling wasn't a thing of the past in WWE, this was the blueprint that got layed out for everyone else to follow.

1 Finn Balor vs Samoa Joe NXT Takeover London

This was NXT's first trip across the pond, and they did it in style. Finn Balor vs Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship, could it get any better than that. This. Was simply sensational.

The Everlasting Shadows Of Wrestling

Intro

In 1997 an incident in Pro wrestling, would shake the foundations of the industry as we know it, the incident in question was called The Montreal screwjob. Loyalty. Greed, and. Good vs Evil, were the themes that came to light in the documentary Wrestling With Shadows, a film made by the Canadian production Company High Road, and directed by Paul Jay, this started out as a normal career profile piece, but what unfolded, was, a morality play, as all the prior themes took centre stage.

Summer Of 1996

Production started in the summer of 1996, and at this time. WCW had started its near 2 year reign at the top of the tv ratings, as the Monday Night Wars was starting to intensify, The WWF at the time was coming off the back of a disasterous 1995, controversies, and contradictions, were married together at this point, and the tv show ratings had gone backwards. Times were changing, and Vince Mcmahon was struggling to keep up, so in order to stay relavent, he had to rely on parts of his old roster, whilst putting the focus on new stars. Bret The Hitman Hart, was a stallwart of The WWF's New Generation, gone were the days of the tired acts of the 1980's, and in their place, wrestlers that were younger and more polished. Bret Hart was the leader of this movement, and as time wore on, Mcmahon would become more reliant on him, and. Shawn Michaels, this would cause friction, and eventually a full blown, non keyfabe, hatetred. That years Wrestlemania, would see Shawn, over go Bret in a 60 minute Iron Man match, the build was centred around their mutual hatred of each other, and how their competitive edge, had spiralled out of control.

1997

They're feud continued into 1997, and the cameras caught this perfectly, from Shawns Sunny Days promo, and a smile. The effects of that would be felt when Bret got home, and he was asked by members of his own family, are you having an affair with Tammy Sych aka Sunny. Bret at this point felt that Shawn had crossed the line.

Legends As Fathers Dont Always Mix

Stu Hart, was a wrestling promoter, who had made his name working in the Canadian market. He at a young age, got into wrestling, when he fell in with a group of shooters. As a child. Stu had been in and out of care, the film examined Brets fears, from his childhood, as Stu would train hopefuls at their house, Owen. Brets younger brother, at one point when he was a child, went down to the famed dungeon, and recorded men, as they were made to cry like little children. Stu wanted all of his sons to go into Wrestling, and he wanted his daughters to marry Wrestlers, this would be something that annoyed his wife, who openly said that she wasn't a fan of the business. Bret wanted to study film at college, but when his dad needed him, he stepped up, and went to work for his dad.

Montreal Or Bust

In the months leading up to the 1997 Survivor Series, Bret had become Champion at that years Summerslam, by defeating The Undertaker, thanks to Shawn Michaels. WCW at this point had already seen WWF Stallwarts. Kevin Nash. Scott Hall. Hulk Hogan, and. Randy Savage amongst others, jump ship, and go to work for the competition in the years prior, the strain was still being put on the WWF's young stars at the time. Shawn was self medicating himself, and his issues with Bret were escalating. Roughly about a month before Survivor Series. Vince Mcmahon told Bret, that he was going to be cancelling their deal. The Cameras caught this, as he broke the news to his then wife Julie, his confliction, and distain for how things came to an end, wasn't nice to watch. He spoke about how he felt that the product, had become more sexually orientated, and its suitability for kids was starting to wain on a global level. Bret refused to keep his mouth shut, about how down the barrel the company had gone. As the end of October had come around, news that Bret was leaving had leaked, and fans were starting to show their opinions. Bret, and. Shawns relationship, was at a all time low. Shawn, was booked to face Bret, at that years Survivor Series, the intensity of their rivalry, was something that had become national news in Canada. Months before this. Bret had been offered a contract by Eric Bischcoff, to go and work for turners organisation, but nothing came from it, at that point. The 5th of November came around, and the film focused on how why this was his last night, because at one point. Bret was told by Vince, that it would financial suicide if he stayed with him. They agreed how the match would play out, and that he could go out anyway he wanted, but he had to drop the belt to Shawn in Montreal, Bret said no, and this would cause a rift between him and Vince, whilst putting handcuffs on Mcmahon, because he feared that if Bret showed up on WCW television with his Championship. It could spell the end for his company. The match, was what it was, and when  the bell rung at the end. The industry had changed forever.

The Match

The Match got underway, you wouldn't be able tell that a double cross was underfoot, the evening before Vince Mcmahon, had a meeting in his hotel room, with HHH. Shawn Michaels, and the creative team, and even though the details are a bit sketchy, but I believe this was when screwjod plan got into action. The physicality that was on display didn't echo any issues, which if you watch with naked eyes, you wouldn't see it coming. The last exchanges of match, felt like a heated exchange, and I was right, Shawn put Bret in his own move the sharpshooter, and at that point you could hear referee Earl hebner shout. Ring the bell. Bret heard everything, and he knew, they screwed him, he was enraged, and the images of him smashing up WWF tv equipment, and Bret gesturing the initials WCW in the air, would put an end to one of  Pro Wrtestlings best Characters, this was echoed in the final moments of the documentary

Career Counteractions

The aftermath of the screwjob saw both men, go down differant paths. Bret joined WCW, and his career suffered as a result, he would be under used, and after his brothers death, he reflected on what he wanted to do with his life, 1999 would be his last year as a professional, as he would have to retire in the year 2000, after he received a superkick from Bill Goldberg, at Starcade in december of 1999, he would suffer a stroke 3 years later, doctors would never clear. Shawn Michaels however, would have to retire in 1998, after he suffered a serious back injury, he would make a comeback 4 years later, and  would go on to serve the WWE fans for another 8 years. He retired in 2010. Both men later on reconciled before this.  

Documentary legacy

Wrestling With Shadows was released in the year 2000, and it unearthed the truth that most fans thought of Vince Mcmahon, whilst others thought that he was protecting his investment, in my opinion, this is vital viewing for new, and old fans, because it lays bare the issues of the industry that goes hand in hand, with any shakespherian novel. Lies. Greed, and. Good vs Evil.

I wasn't able to do a Monday Night Raw review this week, so given the fact that Bret is on the show, i thought i'd pivert, and do something differant.

My Top 5 Takeaways From AEW All Out 2024

Intro

In my opinion, the word cinema is an overblown expression, used to entice fans, and cause tribalism amongst certain fan groups, to become a toxic proximity, when in arguments. This is especially true amongst wrestling fans. A  good wrestling match, just like a scene in a film, has the ability to hit you in the head, and make you think, and in your heart, causing you to feel a cathartic rush of emotions. I recently attended AEW All In at Wembley Stadium, and even though i'm not the most emotional of wrestling fan. I was stunned into crying at the sight of Bryan Danielson beating Swerve Strickland, to become AEW World Heavyweight Champion, the sight of him celebrating with his family, as the confetti rained down, left me feeling stunted. Fast forward, two weeks, and AEW is in Chicago for All Out, and as I get into my views of this show, you will see just how important emotion is in Pro Wrestling.

5 No Chris Jericho

Ok. I have to say it. Chris Jericho, was no wear near this card, and you know what. Good. Over the past year, when alligations about Chris came to light. I soured on him, to the point of no return. I think it was refreshing to not have him clogging up space on this card.

4 The Young Bucks Always Turn Up At All In

I love The Young Bucks, just as much as I love Cm Punk, from their 2021 classic against the Lucha Bros, to their fight with that muffin munching Ice Cream Bar lover, all the way to this year, and their match against Wheeler Yuta, and. Claudio Castagnoli, for the Tag Team Championships, some people have pointed this as a low point on the card, and I don't agree, because when you dig beneath the surface, this sets up what is to come further down the line. Wheeler looked conflicted, whilst Claudio sold his anger perfectly in defeat.

3 Nightingale And Statlander Stole The Show

After I watched this match, I made the rookie mistake of looking to see what the discourse was on X, and I was horrorified. Some fans called it barbaric, whilst others showered it with praise, and in my opinion. This was one of my matches of the year, both ladies worked, and thought out, a brilliant mental game of chess. Tribalism is an ugly thing, like I said earlier.

2 Will Osperay vs Pac AEW International Championship

Even though I thought the womens match was better. This. Is also another match of the year contender. I get the fact that Will loves Collecting match of the year honours, as much he loves 5 star ratings from Dave Meltzer, but this was ridiculous. Pac was a great foil, as his energy helped put Will over, and made himself look like a badass in defeat. I loved this match.

1 Visceral Violence In Pro Wrestling Storytelling

I have my thoughts on both main events, even though one wasn't official. Anyone who knows me, knows that my favourite film is A Clockwork Orange, and there's a scene in the film, in which after Alex has been arrested for murder of the artist, he has a meeting with his phychiatrist, who informs that he's now a murderer, and that he hopes his guilt tourments him to madness, that's exactly what Hangman Adam Page, and. Swerve Strickland did to one anther, but instead of being led on by the tretchery of others, they were both led on, by their own greed, and obsession, and it made for a sick cathartic match, that was just as much gripping, as it was horrific. This. Is. Yet, another match of the year contender. And then we come to Bryan Danielson, and how his Bcc Brethryn turned on him, I felt this was reminiscent of the home invasion scene, Claudio, used the tactic of trust. Yuta was held back, whilst. Jon Moxley morphed into Alex Delarge, and did the unthinkable. AEW have since censored the bag spot, due to the graphic nature of how it all unfolded, personally. I think you've done this to save face, to avoid any copycat incidents, and threats to those involved. Mimicking why Stanley Kubrick masterpiece, was banned in the UK for 29 years, seeing a limited cinema release in the year 2000, followed by a vhs, and, dvd release, art most definately imitates life.

 WWE Smackdown Review 7.9.2024

Intro

This past week has been interesting, Odyssey Jones was let go by WWE, after alligations of Domestic Violence surfaced on X, and one of my favourite bands of all time. Linkin Park, are back, with a new front woman, and a man committed arson on live tv. Yeah, this week has been interesting. One other thing guys, this week their won't be a Monday Night Raw review, this is due to my schedule in my day job, so I've got something special on the way for you guys, about Bret The Hitman Hart. You guys know I hate this. So when this happens. I will do my best to give you guys something differant. Because it's you guys, that keep me driving forwards.

Superstars Seen Showing Up 

Bayley. Cody Rhodes, and that absolute piece Giovanni Vinci, were all seen showing up to the venue.

Cody Rhodes Segment

I love this man. Cody came out, and basked in the admiration of the fans, he put over Kevin Owens, and praised the fact that Michael Cole, is back Smackdown, and then he cut straight to business, and said that he's giving an invitation to The Bloodline. Solo came out, with his gaggle of P*****, and he  and Cody had a great promo dual. Solo asked is Cody done, because Solo would be champion if it wasn't for his cousin Roman, he then told Cody, he wants a rematch. Cody agreed that he deserves a rematch, but he was looking past him, and offered it to Jakub Fatu, but out of loyalty, he took a step backwards, this was Cody's master stroke, because this played with Solo's head. Cody then made the challenge for next week. Solo Sikoa vs Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship. The rest of The Bloodline tried to step in, but they were met by DIY, and. The Street Profits, there opponents in an 8 Man Tag Match later on. Nick Aldis then came out, and told both teams, that if there is any physicality, then they will be fined, he then said he agrees with Cody, that the issue surrounding the numbers game is bothering him as well, so next week on the Debut on the USA Network, it will be. Solo Sikoa vs Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Universal Championship, inside a Steel Cage. I liked all of this. Also Nick Aldis, has got his work cut out for him, I mean he booked Chelsea Green in a match against Michin. That poor man.

Tiffany Stratton Segment

Tiffany Stratton was backstage, being pampered by Pretty Deadly, when Nia Jax walked in, and she looked pissed, and she asked Tiffany, did she try and cash in on her last week, to which Tiffany said, and the person who was spreading this miss information, had to be Chelsea Green. I think we've found a possible new career for Pretty Deadly, if wrestling doesn't work out. Make Up Artists, Tiffany would go on to beat Bayley in a decent tv match.

Atown Down Under Segment

Ok, note to self, never ever insult the Edmonton Oilers, because Kevin Owens doesn't like it, but he hates. Atown Down Under even more, he got them in a triple threat match against him later on, and he beat this pair of morons easily.

Apollo Crews vs Giovanni Vinci

Apollo Crews, beat, that absolute piece Giovanni Vinci by roll up, when he couldn't his gear off quick enough, and at this point, everyone women in the crowd, broke out into sweets.

LA Knight Segment

LA Knight then dropped a great promo, and he was in a vibrant mood, he said that he's hit and quit it on two title defences, in two continents, and now everyone is gunning for his belt, but no one will leave with it, from incells to part timers, they've all had a go, but Knights the champ. Carmelo Hayes came  out, and called out Knight for running his mouth, he said that he has two wins over andrade. Knight saw past and said this, and that he's more concerned about winning, whilst Knight is concerned about who's coming for him, which is why he's the champ. Andrade came out, and reminded Hayes, that he also has two wins on him, whilst reminding Knight, that he also used to be champ, A fight broke out, and Knight hit both men with his BFT finisher. Knight said at one point, that he dosen't understand a word that came out of Andrade's mouth, this could easily bring down the tone, of what was a decent segment.

Chelsea Green vs Michin

Chelsea Green, beat. Michin in a flat tv match, that offered absolutely nothing.

8 Man Tag Match DIY and The Street Profits vs The Bloodline

I liked all of this. The match had a solid flow to it, as the physicality, and energetic bursts from both teams, allowed the story to be told, The Bloodline got the win, and now, next weeks Smackdown is a must watch.

Overview Of Smackdown

In the words of one of my favourite bands ACDC. I was ready for a good time, coming into this weeks Smackdown, and that's what I got, the in ring was solid, and the promos ranged from questionable good, to great.

This weeks Smackdown is a solid 8/10.