My Top 5 Hell In A Cell Matches

Intro

In 1997 the wrestling industry was in a mixed state. WCW was edging out the then WWF at every turn, and drastic plans needed to be implamented, with creative changes, a new era was on the horizon, that would go on to redefine the last years of the nineities, but, before there was attitude, a new structure was born, made out of steel, and wire, would act as home to end feuds, and become a fan favourite stipulation, delivering on great moments, and pure emotion. Hell isn't just a bad place to be. It's a bloodfilled destination for wrestling fans.

5 The Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar No Mercy 2002

If you go back, and take a look at the wrestling business in the year 2002. WWE's attitude era had gone, and in it's place, was the Ruthless Aggression era, this, wasn't the best time for the company. TV viewership was down, and attendences were down, due to there major stars of the day, having to take time off. The Undertaker would be used to full effect during this time, as he became the standard bearer, for helping younger talent. At this point he was involved in a programme with Brock Lesnar, their match from Unforgiven the prior month, was a letdown, because to me it felt underbooked. This, however, was a bloodsoaked trip into the mind of two dangerous minds, and it was a facinating sight to be seen, the violence sold the story, at a time, when storytelling in my opinion, needed a shot in the arm, as fan interest was starting to dwindle. This match, is a perfect reminder, why we need older veterans to advance younger stars. Brock in my mind wasn't a made man until this night, a star was born, in a pain inducing way. Here comes the pain indeed.

4 The Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar Hell In A Cell 2015

Fast Forward to 2015. Hell In A Cell, had become it's own PPV, and it was delivered year in, and year out, with mixed reviews to say the least, but the 2015 edition would have a match of the year contender. Brock, and. Taker stole the show, at a time when WWE needed their stars to step up, the viewership was again down, and the companies creative output, was at an all time low. This might be an oversight of the bigger issue at hand, but the match still stands up as a one of the best Hell In A Cell matches, because both men managed to keep the fans intrigued throughout this war. I still go back to this match even now. It's arguably Brocks best match, and the best he's ever looked. Perfect.

3 Cactus vs HHH No Way Out 2000

I love this match, as a young fan in the early 2000's HHH's rise to prominance, was met with a mixture of praise, and complete distain, his reign of terror would follow a couple of years later, but this would act as a precauser, that gave fans the chance to say goodbye to a legend. Mick Foley's health wasn't great at this time, and he has been open in the past, about how he was starting to suffer with memory loss, as a result of taking multiple blows to the head. He Who Shall Not Be Named, gave Mick the chance to go out the way hew wanted, and just like that, this match was born. It was a match, that delivered with fire ( literally ) and grace, as the blood ran down the games face, the industry was witnessing the start of the uprise of HHH. Jim Ross on commentary, was perfect on this night, because he added more gravitas, to a match that was an emotional, bloodsoaked, gut punch. Foley would come back for Mania 16, after Stone Cold Steve Austin's recovery time was revealed, but Mick has always said that, in his heart, this was his retirement match. Later in the year 2000, Foley would come back as the commissioner, he's by far my favourite on screen authority figure. Oh my, oh my.

2 Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins Hell In A Cell 2022

This. Was. The first WWE match, in over a decade to get the honoured 5 star rating from Dave Meltzer, and I can see why, this is a steller match, from the presentation what came, from an oddly balanced tv build, to Cody's legit pectoral injury becoming the main focus point, only added to drama to an already solid outing. I love this match. Cody would have to get surgery in order fix what he tore, he would come back at the 2023 Royal Rumble, and after a controversial ending to Wrestlemania, he eventually finished his story, one year later at the show of shows 40th aniversary. This, acted as the start of what was to come, and it was great.

1 The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels Bad Blood 1997

I was 10 years old when I first saw this. It was on a dodgy vhs tape that my friend had leant to me, and upon first viewing I was traumatised by the level of violence, but these were the times, and it's clear to me, that at this time wrestling was taking influences from cinema. A couple of years before this match, a film called Natural Born Killers, had created waves over in the UK, and in the US, for how it depicted graphic violence, this was the first outing for Blood, as change within the WWF was around the corner, this was the start of that echoing of the changing of the guard, that would become. The Attitude Era. This match is an act of defience, at a time when the industry was starting to not play safe. Shawn, and. Taker are still the bench, as they laid out the blueprint, for what this stipulation would later become.

My Top 5 Undertaker matches

Intro

Characters like this are a rare breed, the difference between the character, and the real man is a very facinating dynamic. Mark Calloway, for over 30 years, gave life to a being, that shaped many fans childhoods, he lived this character in, and out of the ring, even though stories, have emerged about him over years, that don't hold today. I do feel that his in ring work, has been exceptional, and these are my favourite matches involving The Deadman.

5 The Undertaker vs HHH No Dq Match Wrestlemania 17

It's no secret that Wrestlemania 17, is my favourite Mania ever. The Rock, and. Stone Cold Steve Austin, may have main evented, but to me, this match stole the show. I know that's an unpopular opinion, but if you ask me, this match was the balance, that I continue to love until this very day.

4 The Undertaker vs Mankind In Your House Buried Alive

This is the perfect example of great chemistry. Mark Calloway, and. Mick Foley, had fantastic insyncrosity together, and this match worked on so many levels. 1996, wasn't the most successful year in the company history, but if you dig beneath the surface, there is a lot of good to be found, and this is part of that treasure trove, that gets mainly ignored. It brings me back to a time in my life, when things were a lot easier. Agh, yes, my childhood.

3 The Undertaker vs AJ Styles Boneyard Match Wrestlemania 36

As the world shut down thanks to the covid 19 pandemic, this forced all wrestling Company's to think outside of the box. AEW came up with the Stadium Stampede match, that blended humour, in with great action, but it was his match with AJ, that showed, in grave times, sunshine can seep through, this was a creative stroke of genius, that gave me hope, at a rather bleak time.

2 The Undertaker vs Bret The Hitman Hart Summerslam 1997

These are two of my favourite wrestlers of all time, and the fact that they were in the same ring, at the same time, at the time in 1997, the WWF, was figuring things, as the industry was ever changing. The year beforehand, had seen. He Who Shall Not Be Named's company, lose their position as the industry leaders, because. Ted Turner, and. Eric Bischoff, brought up WCW kicking and screaming into the mainstream, but things were starting to turn around, by the time of the Summer of 97. Bret, and. Taker, worked a great match, filled with fantastic action, and excellent near falls, and. Shawn Michaels screwing Taker over as the guest referee, just added friction, that their incoming programme needed.

1 The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels Hell In A Cell Match Bad Blood In Your House

This match, acted as a midway point in their rivalry, and it was their best. I have already spoken loads about this match, and the impact that it has had on wrestling culture, from mainstream, to all time, this was the start of a company embracing attitude. And it was a sight to be seen.

My Top 5 Takeaways From The Mr McMahon Netflix Docu Series

Warning

The following article contains references to sexual assault, and abuse, reader discretion is advised. 

Intro

Last week, over a space of two nights. I sat down, and watched the Netflix docu Series. Mr McMahon, and, even though the themes, and output of the show covered all the bases, that I already knew about. I came away with a sense of overwhelming unease, as the cameras laid bare, to a narcisistic person, who harboured abusive tendencies, that unfortunately came out, to devastating effect. After watching the first three episodes. I came away with the feeling, that he's at the centre of why this industry gets looked at like as a cesspool, of misoginy, and greed, and if i'm being honest, I was right, this could've been prevented.

5 The Industry Failed Sable

Episode 4 centred around the Attitude Era, as the WWF was facing a new shift, in order to compete with WCW, this would allow wrestlers the chance to grow their talents, as the company's creative would start to push boundaries in ways, that caused the viewer to think what was exceptable, and what was morally questionable. The ladies were seen as eye candy, as the times had changed, from the manager and valet roles, they would've been given, one year earlier. Sable broke the mould, she was athletic, and a steller pin up, being allowed to pose for mens magazines, such as Playboy, but as soon as her star would shine, it would be laid to rest, as she exited the company at the height of her fame, she would go on to sue the then WWF, on the grounds of sexual harrassment. I personally think this is an example of the industry failing someone. She would come back to the company in 2003, and was instantly made fun of on tv. Also Stephanie McMahons attitude to Mike Tysons Conviction, and lack of Knowledge, was astounding, in all the worst ways.

4 Bret Knew Everything

In terms of the talking heads in this series, not many of them come across very well, but. Bret Hart, came across as the best, of the good ones, his honesty, and truthful opinions, were refreshing to see, amongst a load of headache inducing nonsense, that worked to expose lies. Over the years. The Montreal Screwjob has been overexposed, and over talked about, but hearing the input from Wendi Richter, who was treated with the same discontent, twelve years before, added a point of view, that has been ignored, for years. Bret during his Survivor Series 1997 match against Shawn Michaels, had cottoned on to this, and could see what was going to happen.

3 Blazay Attitudes towards women

Large parts of the series, echoe in the attitudes of the past. Victims of the Ring Boy Scandal, and Rita Chatterton, were treated like a mixbag, from voices of wisdom. Bret Hart, and. Dave Meltzer, giving comfort, and honest opinions, when the likes of. Bruce Pritchard, and. Vince McMahon came across horribly, from defending their mates who committed awful crimes. To their attitudes, that were of those, who have no standards, and the way Vince spoke about Rita Chatterton, was disgusting. Sex has to be consentual. Limitations don't count for a sense of pride.

2 I Blame The Parents

As the series went on, and I devoured every episode. I couldn't help but think, that this could've been avoided, the series tells the stories, of Vince suffered abuse at the hands of his Stepfather, and the implied incest, at the hands of his mother, and with his dad not coming back into his life until he was twelve. The patterns between both men, are paralyzing, and uneasy to watch, because the supportive love wasn't there, this to me speaks volumes. If you put in the time, and attention, love will always shine through. All of this acts as a cry for help, at a time when children need it most. The timeline in this case to me is very real.

1 The Talking Heads

This to me, was when the series delved into the world of blind loyalty, and journalism, that paved the way for repultion. Phil Mushnick, a journalist for the New York Post, and. Dave Meltzer, a respectful writer for The Wrestling Observer, both give their own thoughts on the subject matter, giving both honest opinions, in an easy to grab way, whilst the likes of Hulk Hogan. Trish Stratus. John Cena. Bruce Pritchard, and. The Undertaker, all come across, as completely undearable human beings, who were to scared to step a foot out of line, to me, there is a name for these actions. Cowards. The father figure excuse doesn't hold any weight, if you ask me, all of these people have lowered there standards in my opinion.

 If you've been affected by any issues raised in this article.

In the U.S you can call RAINN on 1-800-656-4673.

And in the UK you can call Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222.

Local services across the globe should also be trained to help in cases like this.

AEW Collision Review 29.9.2024

Intro

Before I get started. I just want to say a massive thank you, because I took a look at my all time views. 1188. I'm truly blown away. Thank you. It's my dream to this as a full-time job one day, and the support from you guys across the globe means everything to me, so thank you so very much.

Saraya Rules Match Saraya vs Jamie Hayter

I met Saraya recently over All In weekend, and she was so nice. I'm not pleased with how she has been booked in AEW, and this just proves my point. The match was flat, and highly predictable, the weapon spots were clever, but the table spot, complete with toys, felt lazy. Hayter got the win, I just think that AEW can so much better. I wasn't impressed.

Ricochet vs Will Osperay Interview Snippet

This led to me to say this to myself. Is it wednesday yet. My god wednesday can't come soon enough. Or in my case Thursday morning. Look I like my sleep.

Texas Tornado Match The Conglomeration vs The Learning Tree

This had no right to be as good as it was, the physicality was smoothly performed. Orange Cassidy smacked Chris Jericho with a brick, Chris then stopped Mark from having some chair fun, and later on this would come back to haunt him, Big Bill proved to be the most over man in the match, when a small number of the fans chanted his name. He then got the win for his team, when he chokeslammed Mark through a table, even though I can't stand Chris Jericho these days. This wasn't bad. Oh no. Oh no. Mark Briscoe watch out, because if you don't, you will get sucked into the Jericho midcard vortex. Mark Stay away from Chris.

Brody King vs Action Andretti

Brody King, beat. Action Andretti, in a flat tv match, Top Flight, were then attacked, by. Lance Archer, and. The Rightgeous. I didn't like this, because it was over way to soon.

Postman Perry Open Challenge For His TNT Championship

Ok everyone you know what time it is. It's sing a long with Patrick. Postman Perry. Postman Perry. Postman Perry, and his blacked out van. I hope he doesn't cheat, because we all know Perry is a very messed up man. Oh no, a count out win, that cheating bastard, this was a poor way to use Minoru Suzuki. I hated this.

Claudio Castagnoli Pac and Wheeler Yuta vs Private Party and Kommander AEW Trios Championship

This. Was a moderately paced, storybased piece of work, that went nowhere in my opinion. Yuta acted like me at the age of thirteen, when my mum refused to buy me a copy of WWE Royal Rumble 2000 on video, whilst Pac and Claudio took on the role of proud parents, when he did as he was told. Claudio. Pac, and. Yuta retained. Even though the match wasn't very good. It had my mates Private in it, so it's an instant 5 star classic.

I love The Outrunners

Like the title says. I love The Outrunners, during this vingnette my dog Jane walked in, and she got to bask in the glory of these stallions, and you know what. I don't blame her.

Hologram vs Dralistico vs The Beast Mortas

I had fun watching this, even though it felt it could've done with a couple of minutes taken off, Hologram got the win, and was beaten down by Rush, and his new crew. This. Was alright.

Kris Statlander Segment

Kris Statlander is back, and, this left me wondering, what's next for her. Statlander vs Yuka Sakazaki sounds good, doesn't it.

MXM Collection Segment

Excuse my language, but this was f****** weird, but funny at the same time. MXM Collection were about to reveal Max castors new jacket to the world, complete with a fashion show, and it happened, they revealed his jacket, and it looked, well. If i'm being honest. Interesting. The model they brought in looked familiar, they thought it was their mate Hans, but this man revealed himself, to be none other than Daddyass. The Aclaimed came out, and took care of the models. Wrestling is a funny thing people.

Lumberjack Strap Match Hangman Adam Page vs Jeff Jarrett

I had fun watching this, even though it didn't live up to how I thought it was going to play out in my head. This had everything I needed. Jeff whipping Hangman with a strap. Hangman wanting to punish Karen Jarrett, him clocking Alex Reynolds, and of course. Juice Robinson dressed up as a Lumberjack, was a funny sight. Hangman got the win with a deadeye.

AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Kazuchika Okada vs Sammy Guervara

This match resembled instructions on how to cook a roast dinner, you can't take the meat out of the oven, until it's cooked all the way through. The match was solid, but it felt like both men, were playing their greatest hits. This was underwhelming to me, and it summed up this weeks show perfectly. Okada got the win,

Overview Of AEW Collision GrandSlam

I thought AEW GrandSlam Collision, was a confusing mess, with good  highlights. This show is now just existing, and that's a sad thing.

AEW GrandSlam Collision 2024 is mid 7/10.

My Top 5 HBK Shawn Michaels matches

Intro

Were do I begin with this list. I struggled to write this, because Shawn has had many great matches over his lustrious career, so this is going to be difficult champ, because it's what Mr Perfect called him one time on commentary, way back in 1994, I think.

 5 Shawn Michaels vs Diesel In Your House Best Friends Better Enemies

With Shawns rivalry with Bret Hart, coming to an end, for the time being, at the end of Wrestlemania 12. Bret was indeed of some time off, this meant that WWE were caught in a bind, and needed his next feud to be quickly established, this came to light when his friend, and former bodyguard Diesel turned on him. I remember watching this as an eight year old, who hated Diesel. The match still holds up, until this very day. It acts as a perfect blend, of meshing styles. The big vs small dynamic has never looked this good.

4 Shawn Michaels vs The British Bulldog King Of The Ring 1996

As a kid growing up in the UK, our pinacle of excellence was Davey Boy Smith, better known to fans as The British Bulldog, his match at One Night Only against Shawn, that took place 15 months later, was a cluster of bad decisions, but this one, is a time piece of perfect timing, both men, showed a great clash of styles, as this match is an understatement in determination. I love this match. 1996 really did have some underrated gems, and on the subject of underrated gems.

3 Shawn Michaels vs Sid WWF Championship Match Survivor Series 1996

I have to put this match on this list, as a mark of respect, to the man that was dominant, and who in the year of 1996, drove shawn to his best match that year. Like HBK's previous match against a big man on this list, the balance was perfect, and the dynamic played out, like a violent barn dance. RIP Sid, you will be missed.

2 Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle Wrestlemania 21

In the mid noughties. I had a love affair with this match, it was the perfect blend of passion, and grace. Kurt Angle used his background in Olympic Wrestling, and moulded in with Shawns, fast pace style, that 15 years prior made him a household name. The Build to this Mania match, was etched with comedy, and high detail promos, this helped the match deliver.

1 Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker Wrestlemania 25

The 25th aniversary of. The Showcase Of The Immortals, was in my opinion a slow show, that lacked a lot of substance, but this match, had everything that I love about wrestling, superb physicality, great in ring incrosity, and an incredible balance of near falls, this match had everything, that an old, or new fan, would gravitate towards.

Smackdown Review 28.9.2024

 Intro

With the fallout of the Netflix Documentary Series, centred around Vince McMahon still reverbarating on a global scale, the outcome has fans split, as with any Netflix Documentary, they tend to leave the audience split down the middle, and this was no differant. But in my opinion I thought it was an interesting look, into the world, of hypocrisy, told through the eyes of an awful narscasistic human being, who got off on the satisfaction of others suffering. Yes, this is pivotal viewing, but at what cost. The talking heads, that are involved come off like horrible insufferable hypocrites, that I have lost time for. Father Figure or not. Vince is a man who saw his wrestlers as business decisions, and not human beings. This is the difference between sanity, and an immoral compass. In order to be human, we have to act like humans. It's really not that difficult.

Promotrain

Ok everyone it's time to hop aboard the promotrain choo choo, and oh my god, this was a flat way to set up, the main event. Randy Orton came out first to welcome us to Friday Smackdown. he said that it was nice to be back on Friday Nights, he then called his old friend Cody Rhodes to come out and explain himself, for why he's siding with Roman at Bad Blood. Cody came out, he basked in the universal love, that the fans in Oklahoma gave him, and got straight to business, his answer, came in the form of a question. Did he want to be a coward or a fool? he went down the route of Roman telling him the truth, after he looked him in the eyes last week and told him, that he's got his back, he thought that Randy would understand, because he used to be called The Legend Killer, and the legend of The Bloodline, needs to be killed, Randy said that he had no issue with this, unless it becomes an issue. Kevin Owens then came out, but before he could even speak, Solo Sikoa, and his Bloodline. Solo laced Cody with doudt, because he needs to trust Roman, and not his friends. Solo became rattled as the promo went on, as the fans chanted for Roman, so KO challenged them to a Tag Team match later on. Cody wanted to step up, but. KO said. Nah mate, me and Randy have got this, later on Cody tried to talk to Kevin, but he wasn't interested, and told Cody to not come out tonight, and let him and Randy deal with them. Randy told Cody, look if anything happens, we will need you because of the numbers advantage.

Bayley vs Naomi No1 Contenders For The WWE Womens Championship

I liked all of this. Bayley got the win, in a fun, fast paced match. Naomi was gutted later on, and was wound up by Tiffany Stratton, who's getting controlled by Queen Nia.

Andrade And LA Knight Segment And Carmelo Hayes vs Andrade

Carmelo Hayes blindsided LA Knight, after Andrade called him disrespectful, and then went on to win a banger of a match against, thanks to Knight causing a distraction. I can't lie, these guys don't have bad matches, they have bangers. 6 6, now that's a scoreline.

Michin vs Piper Niven

Michin, beat. Piper Niven, in a match that had no right to be as good as it was, from trash can spots, and. Chelsea Green, making a joke herself, yeah. I think it's safe to that. I had a blast watching this.

Jade And Bianca Are Hosting Bad Blood

Jade Cargill, and. Bianca Belair, were then announced as the hosts for Bad Blood. I like this.

Kevin Owens And Randy Orton vs Solo Sikoa and Jakub Fatu

I liked this. Randy Orton put on a great showing here, as he continues to be in the best form of his career. Jakub Fatu had another great performance. Solo, and Kevin had a minor match within the match. Cody came out, after Tama, and. Tonga, came out, this led to the match finishing in a messy way, as. The Bloodline walked away victorious, because of this. Tension then started to grow between Kevin Owens, and. Cody Rhodes, leaving Randy Orton of all people, to play peacemaker, better than John Cena.

Overview Of Friday Night Smackdown

Overall I enjoyed this weeks edition of weekly tv, the promos were a bit long in the tooth, but the in ring work remained solid.

This Weeks Friday Night Smackdown is solid 7/10.

Top 5 ROH Wrestlers

Intro

The early 2000's were an interesting time, if you were a Pro wrestling fan. WCW had gone out of business, after there remaining stocks were bought by He Who shall Not Be Named. TNA was just a pipe dream, that soon became a reality, and the HHH reign of terror was just around the corner, but as the undercoat looked bleak, there was a company, that submerged from the underground. Ring Of Honour. A Company that has proved to be a facinating starting point, for world talent. The likes of. Ricochet. Damian Priest. Sami Zayn. AJ Styles, and. Kenny Omega, have become household names, of the back of this company, and it just goes to show. When you want glitter, it's best to create Gold.

5 The Young Bucks

I know these guys aren't singles Wrestlers, but as a whole, it was their workrate as a Tag Team that places them on this list, their matches are looked at in the industry, from this time, where, and still are, the blueprints of excellence, showmanship has never looked better.

4 Ricochet

I have waxed lyrical about this man for years, his talent, and in ring work, has always been able to hold my attention. Upon his arrival to WWE's main roster, from there developmental brand NXT, he had already garnered a fanbase, from his work in NJPW, but in my opinion, this all stemmed from his days, working for ROH. The Puppet had become the master, and it was a revelation to see.

3 Cm Punk

This mans run in ROH is something of legend, and needs to be studied at great length, in order to appreciate it.

Kenny Omega

I have been a fan of this man, for at least the past decade, his run in both ROH, and. NJPW, is the stuff of legend, and his body of work, in my opinion is something, that has to be held to a high standard, because this man, is the king of all things work rate, his best run for my money is his ROH run. I love this man, what a talent.

1 Bryan Danielson

I struggled with who to put in the number 1 spot. One part of me, wanted to put Eddie Kingston at the top, the otherside said Adam Cole, and another part said El Genericho, but if i'm honest. I have to give it this man. Bryan Danielson. His run from nowhere, to full-time main eventer is nothing short of inspirational.

Mr McMahon Episodes Review

Episode 4 Attitude

As the credits rolled on episode 3, the dawn of the attitude era was slowly coming to fruition, talent were stepping up their game, whilst the company was switching lanes, in order to target the 18-34 male demo graphic. This. would go on to be called the attitude era. When Vince was a teenager, his idol was. Dr Jerry Graham, a heel wrestler from the nineteen fifties, he copied his swagger, his attitude, and his overall look, as he wanted to emmulate his hero. He even got to be trained by him, and he had a blast to the point, that this was how he was going to live his life. In the fastlane. The Attitude Era gave talent their own arcs in order to grow, as the industry changed around them, because In 1996 WCW was king, and the then WWF was lagging behind. The talking heads throughout this episode, from the likes of. Shawn Michaels. Stone Cold Steve Austin. HHH, and. The Undertaker, do give some good insight into how the business was in these days, but as they talked, a continuous amount of doudt came to my mind, and the question was, is it me, or are they just saving face. Stone Cold talked about the curtain call incident, which led to him winning the King Of The Ring Tournament in 1996, and his promo became a lightning in a bottle moment, for himself and the company, this would in my opinion start a trend with monumental moments happening in each year. 1996 saw this promo. 1997 saw the Montreal Screwjob. 1998 Mick Foley, getting launched off the top of the Hell In A Cell, and 1999, saw. Steve Austin get run over, as all of these moments paved the way for what was to come. In 1998 controversy created cash, when Mike Tyson showed up on Monday Night Raw, and being announced as the guest enforcer, for the main event at that years Wrestlemania. Tyson's reputation at this point, was not in the best of place, as he had been out of prison for four years, serving a sentence for Rape. I just want to let this be known. I grew up a boxing fan, and an admirer of Tysons, however. I do not condone what he was sent to prison for in anyway shape or form. I believe that there's good in everyone, and it's up to that person to want to change their life for better of those around him. This. Was. Seen as a controversial move, and a standing point for Controversy creating cash. I found it quite alarming when they showed footage from back in 2013 surfaced, showing Stephanie McMahons lack of knowledge about his crime, because it showed a clear state of pure arrogance on her part. This time period would go on a see a boom within the company. Austin had won the belt from an injured Shawn Michaels at Mania 14, and that was it, the WWF were off to the races, as there Monday Night War with WCW intensified. The Pro Wrestling industry that is built on emotion, and this was ever more pressent when Vince turned himself into the most hated man on tv. When his Mr McMahon alter ego was born off the back of the Montreal Screwjob. This to me was indication of paracital tendencies being played out on a global scale, as he blurred the lines, between what was real, and what was fake. Eric Bischoff said that. Vince had used the formula that WCW had created, Vince countered this by saying, yes, but I did it better. The situation with Sable was brought up, and if i'm being honest. I think this has brought to light, how the industry has failed women throughout the decades. ESPN then did their own news piece on how the industry had grown, and in my eyes, they talked about the ugly truths, that no one wanted to talk about, this gave McMahon the oppotunity to pull back the curtain on his own hypocrisy. Owen Harts death, and the surrounding legal issues that came alongside this were talked about with miniscule detail, as bret divolged into his own heartache, and how he felt sorry for his brother at the time. Ok my thoughts. I thought that this was a thought provoking episode, that delved into the depths of controversy, and how the show must go on mantra was used to devastating effect. Over The Edge 1999, should never have continued after Owens death, no show, whether it's. Music. Sport, or. Theatre should continue after anything like this. so the fact that Vince thought that he was above this, made me feel sorry for him, because you must be a low person, in order to think this was ok.

Episode 5 Family Business

I thought this episode acted as an interesting look into the McMahon children, and a cry for help, at the same time. From the go with the flow mantra that the attitude era had given birth to, and following storyline that involved Trish Stratus. What unfolded here, was overarching arc of belittling power, as sable's harrassment, and Vince's affairs, were brought into light. His childhood was also brought talked about, as stories of rumoured incest became known, to the treatment of his own kids, who were pushed with varying results. His venture into American Football The XFL, was a complete commercial failure, his interview with Bob costas was a joke, and the downfall of WCW was just plain bad, this would prompt the WWF to change course again. They had won the Monday Night War, and they owned their competion. In hindsight looking back on this. It was a bad move, because the ratings started to suffer, and live attendences were also down, because the fear of competion had been killed, which meant a new era was on the horizon. Ruthless Agression. My thoughts. This episode to me was sad, and was filled with hard truths, that explain everythinh in my opinion. The Abused, has become the abuser. This has been a study into children who suffer abuse, and how some go on to commit awful crimes, this whole Docuseries, needs to examined in schools, because education can guide minds away from taking these bad life lessons.

Episode 6 The Final

As the Ruthless Aggression era, was starting to reach steam, storylines were being given an edge with reality. Case and point, the death of Mr McMahon. This. Was going to be a through storyline, that was going to run throughout the rest of 2007, but real life events sadly caught a grip on the world. What happened would go on to have an everlasting effect on the business as a whole. The Chris Benoit murder and suicide. After Chris murdered his wife Nancy, on the 22nd of june, and then subsuquently afterward, murdered his son Daniel. Vince and his company's wellness policy was brought into question, as steroids were blamed again, but this in my mind was just a crutch, as CTE would have a large part to pay. The Undertaker, and. Stone Cold Steve Austin, gave their thoughts on CTE, whilst Taker offered his own experience of suffering a head injury, Austin slammed what he thought of the condition, claiming the old school mentality trick, which doesn't work for me. Chris Neurinski was a wrestler who had a brief run in the country, that was until he suffered a serious concussion, he went on to become an expert in CTE, he was the man who studied Chris's brain, and the out come was staggering, he had the brain of an eighty three year old altzeimers patient. McMahon completely blazaid this off, as a normal person flipping out. This. Is a cop out, and a way of avoiding giving a proper answer. The Company's wellness policy was tightened. The death of young Wrestlers was then brought into question, and. Vince was taken to task, leading to an awkward encounter on a sports tv talk show. 2015 saw the rise of the womens revolution, but this came to light, the tragic story of Ashley massaro, came up. Ashley was attacked whilst on a tour for the troops in 2006, and when she told the office what had happened to her, she was told, that it's in her best interest to not go public, as it could've affected the company's business with The National Guard. Ashley took her own life in 2019, just days after her 43rd birthday. It hs been long speculated that what happened to her, and the help she didn't receive led to what would eventually happen. Shane McMahon returned to the business in the early part of 2016, and it was seen as a success, but at what cost, he's never really had a true relationship with him, and I think this is the son becoming the father, and the past echoing the future. In 2022. Vince stepped away from WWE, due to allegations of Sexual Assault, and paying out hush money, to cover up his wrong doing, this led to him announcing his retirement, just weeks after he gave a vague rah rah speech on smackdown, that was met with wide condemnation. He would come back into the company in early 2023, because he was still a majority shareholder. To oversee the sale to Endeavor. fast forward one year later, and he was gone again, after he had sold the company to Endeavour, forging both WWE in with the UFC, to form TKO holdings. The Janelle Grant Lawsuit was filed in late January this year, and at the time of writing it's still going on, plus I have said enough on the subject. Love is a form of loyalty, and when it comes his own employees. I got the impression, that when it comes to Vince, he looks at them, as disposable. The Undertaker. John Cena, and. Trish Stratus, all compared to him to a father figure, which led to me think, that loyalty is a blindmans game, because i've lost time for these individuals, for defending this paracital digrace of a man. WWE is a family, this is a statement I have stuggled with over the past decade, and this Docu Series hasn't changed my mind, yes i'm still a fan of the industry, I just feel that conversations need to be had, so that we don't face anything like this again.

My Thoughts On The Series

My thoughts on this series is really simple. In the style of Netflix Documentaries are put together, this is a facinating look into the world complete hypocrisy, and all out narcasism. McMahon hasn't come off looking desperate, and all of the talking heads haven't made great cases for themselves, other than Bret Hart, and. Dave Meltzer, because all this series has proven, is that money and greed, mean more than love and compassion, when you take from others. This series covered what I all ready know, but in a new light given what we now know, about the subject matter.

 

AEW Dynamite GrandSlam 2024 Review

Intro

With the Vince Mcmahon Docu Series dominating the headlines, at the minute, it was time to have a reset, as. AEW made its annual trip to Arthur Ashe Stadium, in. New York. I have enjoyed this show, from its very first outing, and it's great to see AEW, play to a near full house.

Nigel Mcguinness vs Bryan Danielson

I had fun watching this at 6.30am here in the UK, from Danielson playing mindgames, and not answering to his music, and coming out on the second go around. The main story of their match, was steaped in decent physicality, and history, as at points, I felt like I was going back in time, to when ROH, was at it's most prominant, this was a nice reminder, of how one mans fandom, can act as a lifelong passion. Danielson got the win by submission, and at that point I was thinking. Collision is going to be interesting this week. Christian Cage came out and signed his contract in the aftermath, but he had his pen nicked by Kip Sabian.

Hook vs Roderick Strong FTW Championship

Hook, beat. Roderick Strong, to retain his FTW championship. Afterwards. Tony Schiavone interviewed him. Hook spoke with cander, as he thanked the fans, and everyone who's challenged for this belt over the years, but it was time, for the belts reign to come to an end, as he told everyone, that he's retiring the belt, he hugged his dad at ringside, as he gave him the belt. This. Was a nice touch.

The Young Bucks vs Will Osperay and Kyle Fletcher AEW Tag Team Championships

This. Was, arguably. The match of the night. This resembled a fluent fun ride, that didn't let up, at any point. The exchanges were great, the physicality was sharp, and the storytelling was emaculate. The match was an exhausting watch in the best way possible. The Bucks gave Fletcher a TK driver on the apron. Osperay hit a double Os cutter on the the brothers, the near falls were well timed. Osperay, and fletcher performed double Styles clashes on The Bucks, but this led to a reverse TK driver into a coriolis, that was performed perfectly by the challengers. Don Callis gave Kyle fletcher the Screwdriver, but he refused to use it, this allowed the bucks to retain, following a final solid exchange, with using their belts. And a BTE trigger.

The Conglomeration Segment

The gang introduced Rocky Romero to their group, and my god Mark Briscoe is very fired up to kick Chris Jericho arse on collision. Now what should my word of the day be?

Jack Perry Segment

Ok everyone sing it with me now. Postman perry. Postman Perry. Postman Perry in his blacked van, AEW GrandSlam is dawning, as the Brooklyn Bridge is snoring. I think Perry is very a messed up man. It writes itself doesn't it. BBC please sue.

Yuka Sakazaki vs Marieh May AEW Womens Champion

Marieh May beat. Yuka Sakazaki, in a fairly standard tv match. In the aftermath. Marieh tried to attack, Yuka, and this brought out Willow Nightingale, to stand up for her friend, and then out came Mina Shirakowa, and at this point I was started to think. Thank God.

Jon Moxley vs Darby Allin

Ok i'm not going to lie, this was a brutal war. I don't know what to say other than that. Moxley got the win, and he was attacked by. Danielson. Private Party, and Kommander, they were met by Claudio Castagnoli, and. Pac. Danielson then took to the mic, and told Moxley, that at WrestleDream, he's going to Kick his f****** head in. I loved this.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite GrandSlam 2024

As this week has piled on, it has become clear to me, that we as fans needed this as a pallet cleanser. The action was great, whilst the segments were nonexistant.

This Years AEW Dynamite Grandslam is a solid 9/10.

The Mr Mcmahon Docuseries Review Part 1 

Warning

This article contains references to Sexual Assault, and abuse. Reader discretion is advised

Intro

As the years have rolled on, the industry has seen some sizemic changes, but the one thing that has always been same, is its complete lack of honesty, this is something that has unsettled to no end, in recent times. Earlier today the Netflix documentary series Mr Mcmahon was released, and as I sit here on a Wednesday evening. I do this having just watched the first three episodes, and I can't really explain how I'm feeling, so I decided to put this down in words.

Episode 1 Junior

In the build up to the release of this Docu Series, rumblings had emerged that former WWE Vice Chairman, and owner of the company. Vince Mcmahon, wasn't happy with the outcome of the series, this prompted him to try and buy the series from Netflix, and after the denial to sell, to even Ari Emanuel, the owner of WWE under the TKO banner, it came out today. The first installment, was a revisited trip through history, as Vince talked about how when he bought the company from his dad, he took his own vision, and turned into a monumental success, but this didn't happen overnight, he bought out most of the terroritories, taking their biggest stars with him, and making them into celebrities. Vince didn't have an easy childhood, his dad was absent for many years, and didn't re enter the picture, until he was twelve years old. Vince suffered abuse at the hands of his stepfather, and at this point I realised, that the corolation between abused, and abuser, in some cases are true. As we would later find out. This episode also deals with the issue systemetic racism, and why the culture has changed for todays market. Talking heads like Dave Meltzer, gave some great insight into how this period of time, went on to become prominant, as the future of the company, would end up relying on one yearly event. Wrestlemania, the build to that years Mania, had it flaws, like when Hulk Hogan Choked out a talk show host, but overall with the help of the global expansion. MTV, and. Cyndi Lauper. Mania 1 was a hit, and Vince Mcmahon was off to the races. Vinces dad, passed away, at the age of 69, and the day before that, he told his son that he loved him. for the first time. Ok my thoughts. If we go back to the abuse that Vince suffered, at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him, you can see a pattern, that should've been stomped out, with love and attention, sadly this wasn't given untill it was to late.

Episode 2 Heat

As the television boom of the 1980's continued. The WWE would venture into primetime tv, as. Saturday Nights Main Event, became a stallwart show, that tried to pull in some of the Saturday Night Live audience, and as the industry continued to get richer, it was the talent, who were put to the test, having to work over 300 days a year, which when you think about it, that's crazy by todays standards. It was around this time, when Jesse The Body Ventura, wanted to unionise wrestling, because back then, they didn't have healthcare, which meant that their rights were bare minimal, when it came to injuries. Bret Hart touched on this, in his Wrestling With Shadows Documentary. Mania 2, was a live broadcasting disaster, due to technical issues, when the show of shows, came from three differant locations. This caused Vince to think outside the box, and head over to the UK, where Andre The Giant was filming one of the greatest films ever made. The Princess Bride, and made this pitch to Andre, about Mania 3. Him vs Hogan. The taboo that has had a nasty echoe throughout the years, for WWE is attendence records, and how they are known to lie about their own records. The venue that would host Mania 3, was said to hold around 93.000 fans, when actually the attendence, was close to 78.000, this has been argued to death over the years. The high end of controversy, continued into the rest of the decade when real world events, were the backdrop for a controversial heel character. Sg Slaughter. As the late 80's rolled into, the early nineties, this would be a story, that would the WWE hit an emotional core with fans. Good vs Evil. Hogan would leave the company, to focus on a film and tv career, just a couple of years later. It was also around this time when Steroids would become even bigger part of the show, when Dr Zahorian became the WWE's ascociated physian, appointed by the athletic state commission, this is a man who since has served time in prison, for dealing steroids, this brought out the lies of Hulk Hogan, who would go on to testify against Vince in court, when he was indicted on felony charges relating to steroids. Phil Mushnick, a writer for the New York Post, was brought in to write about Pro Wrestling. Vince took what he wrote as a smear campaign, when what was really benneath the surface, was even more degrading. Tony Atlas, was a great talking head throughout this, as he shared some horrible secrets, about how women were treated. The death of Jimmy Snuka's girlfriend was brought up, and how he killed her, to the piedafile ring that was being run from within the company, this scandal would go on to be known as. The Ring Boy Scandal. This. Was something that Vince got taken to task over, as the industry realed over why this had happened, as multiple men came forward, and told their stories. The perpatretors were let go, with one coming back months later. Under a year later. Vince would be indicted on Steroid charges, he one the case, when it appeared that the U.S Goverment, couldn't find a solution, to put Vince away. The trial would go on to have a detrimental effect on business, as the attendences for their live gates, suffered in the United States, as the competion was about to heat up. Earlier on, the Rita Chatterton case, was brought into the light. In the eighties, she accused Mcmahon of serious sexual assault. This. Would have an emotional toll on her, as the industry turned it's back on someone, who really was a pioneer. Ok my thoughts, as this episode rolled on, I could feel the disgust start to form, from the back of my throat, as the sickening details were laid bare for the world to hear. It's always my way, to listen to victims, and when they need it, to listen. The way that the industry treated victims back then, was nothing short of horrific. It's like I always say. Talk. Listen, and. Learn, because in order to become human, we have to act human, it's really not that difficult. To Hear Vince mark this off as casual sex, made me sick.

Episode 3 Screwjob

In the mid 1980's The Screwjob of Wendi Richter, was something that had played out in front of a world audience, to humiliating effect. Vince said that she had become difficult, which has been disputed over the years. Fast forward to 1994. Vince had been cleared of any wrong doing, but business for the WWE, was down, so he thought on his feet, putting time into the new generation, a younger group of stars, who were itching to leave their mark on the business. From. Kevin Nash. Razor Ramon. The Undertaker. Shawn Michaels, and. Bret The Hitman Hart, who lead from the front as the champion, but as some of vince's handpicked favourites left the company, for greener pastures. Bret stayed true, to the cause, as Ted Turners operation WCW was beating WWE in ratings, week in, week out. But the fear of losing Bret, became clear, so Vince signed him to a 20 year old contract, this was seen as a mistake, so Vince decided to cut ties with Bret. I'm not going to go into detail, about the details of the screwjob, because it has been talked about to death. Bret opened up, and said that he was wise to all of this, as the events of Survivor Series 1997 unfolded. My thoughts on this episode. I even though I think that the Montreal Screwjob has been over talked about, from year to year. I still like hearing about the old stories from this time, and hearing about how this had a negative impact on the locker room, was an interesting insight.