WWE Friday Smackdown Review 10.1.2025

No Intro.

Ok guys, there's going to be no intro this week, instead, all i'm going to say is this. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the residents of the state of California. I hope you all are safe, and well. And remember to keep wrestling extreme. The state of California stay strong, and remember, you will find your feet again.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Tiffany Stratton. Shinsuke Nakamura, and. Paul Heyman, were all seen showing up, to the arena.

Paul Heyman Segment.

Paul Heyman came out, and. The Wiseman was in a celebratory mood, this was due to the measure of business, going back to normal after Monday nights Victory, for his Tribal Chief. He got straight down to business, and shared news with us fans, about what Romans next accomplishment will be, so he called out Cody Rhodes, and shared the news, that Roman will be entering the 2025 Royal Rumble. before Paul told Cody this, he plagued him with a plethora of compliments, as he laid respect on Cody thick, he then asked Coby, what did he want to talk about, but he couldn't get a word out, because Kevin Owens came out, and told Cody some home truths. Ko could be seen as forshadowing what could happen to Cody, after shaking hands with a couple of devils. This caused KO, and. Cody to fight in and amongst the fans, this gave breathing space for Jakub Fatu, and. Tama Tonga, to isolate Paul, threatening to attack him, that was until. Jimmy Uso came out and made the save. I loved this development. Security failed to deal with the Temu Bloodline, so LA Knight did.

Michin vs Chelsea Green WWE United States Championship Match.

Chelsea Green, beat. Michin, to retain her United States Championship, in a fun TV Match.

Los Garza vs Pretty Deadly.

I don't blame Nick Aldis, I mean if I had four Tag Teams all complaining. I would book a convoluted series of Matches as well, the first one was this complete misfire, and, well, yeah, this wasn't great. Los Garza got the win.

LA Knight vs Shinsuke Nakamura United States Championship Match.

I liked this, until it was thrown out, thanks to the Temu Bloodline. Cody Rhodes, and. Jimmy Uso came out to make the save. Cody then challenged both. Jakub, and. Tama, to a Tag Match against him and Jimmy, this would act as the main event.

The Motorcity Machine Gunns vs Atown Down Under

This was a fast paced, waste of time, that saw the Machine Gunns get the win.

Tiffy Time.

Our new WWE Womens champion was out next, to be interviewed, by Byron saxton. I wasn't a fan of this. The whole thing turned into a pointless promotrain, that acted as convoluted way to get to a fatal 4 way, between. Bayley. Naomi. Bianca Belair, and. Nia Jax, the scripting from all four ladies was woeful, however, that sweary drop that Nia dropped, was funny. Aldis got bored of all of this, and saved my sanity by booking the Match, for that second. Bayley got the win, in what was a satisfying TV bout.

Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso vs Jakub Fatu And Tama Tonga.

I don't know what to make of this. I thought this Match was all over the place. Distractions, and, post fights, made this a predictable end, to what was a drab edition of weekly TV. The Match was flat from the start in my opinion, and it never recovered.

Overview Of Friday Night Smackdown.

I thought that this broadcast was all over the place. The action was a mid affair, as the promos went from awesome, to poor.

This weeks Smackdown is a solid 5/10.

My Top 5 Wrestling Comebacks Off All Time.

      Intro.

What is the definition of a comeback? This is the question that i've asked myself, as I sit here writing this mini list, so with that question lingering in the air, and coming off the back of The Best Bout Machine, having a steller moment of beautiful clarity in Tokyo, this past Sunday. I decided to take a look at this subject. So here goes nothing then.

5 John Cena Royal Rumble 2008.

When this happened. I couldn't believe my peepers. We were told, that in the September prior to this, that his injury would quite substantial. Peck toral injuries are always known to be bad, so to see him come back this quickly, was a sight to be seen.

4 Sting AEW Winter Is Coming 2020.

I only have this to say about this comeback. IIIIIIIIIItttttttss SSSTTTIIIIINNNNG.

3 Daniel Bryan. 

2018 was an awkward year for the WWE, they came ubder fire, when they took 2 shows over to Saudi Arabia, and their creative got even worse, which started a domino effect, that would last for the next couple of years, but in the March of this year they were offered a lifeline, and it came in the shape of one word. Yes, and one sentence. You are cleared. Enough said.

2 Cm Punk The Last Dance.

I watched this, with tears in my eyes, because I never thought this would ever happen. Cm Punk in an AEW ring was a sight to behold, even though his time with Tony Khans little promotion that can, went off a cliff, and never recovered, his time in AEW in terms off in ring work, was nothing short of excellent.

1 Kenny Omega.

His Match from this weekends NJPW, and. AEW WrestleDynasty, against Gabe Kidd, which is a Match of the decade contender in my opinion, and his return promo from this weeks Dynamite, was nothing more than exceptional.

 

AEW Dynamite Review. The Kenny Omega Return Edition 9.1.2024.

      Intro.

It's the first week of 2025, and well, nothing has happened, umm, if you believe that, then, you'll believe anything. NJPW, and. AEW WrestleDream saw two Match Of the year contenders. Ricochet vs Zac Sabre Jnr, and of course. Kenny Omega, and. Gabe Kidd, having a Match of the year contender, and then on Dynamite, it happened.

Will Osperay vs Buddy Matthews.

I liked this. From the fast paced tempo of the Match resembled a car wreck, in the nicest way possible. Both men had fantastic transitions, and this elevated the violence of the Match, to a romantic level. The near falls were well placed, and superb. Will got the win, with a hidden blade, and in the aftermath, took to the mic, and put over Buddy Murphy, I mean Matthews, in a nice touch of class.

Private Party Segment.

Private Party, had a segment, in which they were in a celebratory mood, that was until. The Hurt Syndicate showed, and urinated on their chips ( metaphorically speaking ) because Bobby wants Tag Team Gold. Ok my thoughts. I hated this, because they're doing my best friends Private Party dirty. This was a poorly conceived idea. Bobby Lashley then wrecked Mark Briscoe in a fun Match, with the hurt lock. I would never be down on Mark Briscoe having some fun at this time off year. Private Party saved Mark from a beat down in the aftermath.

The Mens Casino Gauntlet Match.

I liked this. I'm not the biggest fan of TV Gauntlet Matches, but this was a delight, from Hangman and Jay white delving into their history. Ricochet trolling the fans, and. Jeff Jarrett, and. Wheeler Yuta taking each other out, but it was Powerhouse Hobbs that got the win, and will face Jon Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, next week. I think Hobbs is going to make him his Bitch.

Jeff Jarrett Segment.

Jeff Jarrett's segment, was swiftly interrupted by MJF. This segment was excellent. It managed to hit several high notes with me, from bashing religion, and insults, coming in with a hint of the truth. Max told the fans that Jeff has signed a new deal, but it's only for one more year, because the industry thinks that's all he is worth, and when he wins the big belt, he wants to be 1st in line. Jeff cut him down with kindness, and called him a one hit wonder, whilst hinting at his failed oppotunities, and said that he's going to make the most of 2025, and he wants nothing to do with a self entitled p**** like Max. I loved this.

Rated Superstar Cope Segment.

I liked This. It felt vital, viscerile, and important, as he spoke about how he has come through the worst, and has never stopped fighting, from a broken neck, to a broken leg, to taking things taking a personal turn, when the deathriders went after his friends FTR , he then asked Moxley the question, what's the worst he can do. Mox and his family came out, and were taken out by FTR, Cope, and. Mox then had a minor fight, this allowed Marina Shafir, and Pac, to level the playing field, this gave Mox the chance, to threaten the bag treatment. Hobbs stopped a beatdown. So far this was the best thing on the show.

Harley Cameron and Marieh May Segment.

Marieh May, and. Harley Cameron had a fun segment, that worked to make me laugh.

Willow Nightingale vs Kris Statlander vs Toni Storm.

I liked this. From the solid physicality, Ian Ricobani thinking that he's the real Slim Shady, to Statlander getting kicked in the gooch. Statlander got the win, in what was a great TV Match.

The Return Of Kenny By God Omega.

All of this was incredible, from his presentation, his new entrance, he's back everyone. The Best Bout Machine, is back, and he's even more reinvigorated than ever. He was visibly emotional from the start, as he talked about the news that kept him sidelined for over a year, to the life affirming rollercoaster ride, that has led him to this point, he pushed himself, and asked some difficult questions, and his Dr told him, that he might not be able to lead a normal life, so he took the unsafe route, he questioned his purpose on this earth, and came to one conclusion, this is his purpose, competing at the Tokyo Dome is his purpose, because to quote The 1975. It's not living, if it's not without us, the fans. Don Callis then came out, to welcome Kenny Back from the dead. Kenny chased him away, and got caught by. Brian cage, and. Lance Archer, who then beat Kenny down, and a running out Kyle Fletcher came out to have some fun. Will Osperay made the save, and then faced off with Kenny, as the broadcast came to an end. This is how you create the Pro Wrestling version of the spinning plate trick, and my God it's glorious. 

Overview Of AEW Dynamite.

I had a blast watching this weeks Dynamite, the segments went from poor, to great, to awesome, and the in-ring work, followed the same suite, but I do feel that AEW still has some issues that need ironing out.

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a solid 9/10

My Top 5 Takeaways From WWE's Monday Night Raw Debut On Netflix.

    Intro.

So a couple of days have gone by, since WWE, and. Netflix's ultimate plunge, took shape, and, well, it was a thing, that's all I can really say. So here are my top 5 Takeaways from the show.

5 Don't believe Everything You Think.

The internet is a weird place. The Rocks Return, has sprung fans into a state of confusion, and um, unrest, because he buried Cody, and then turned face by acting like his bestie friend. His promo was electric, but. I feel some fans are taking things too far. When Roman won the Tribal Combat Match, he placed the Ulufala over his cousins neck, which to me is a set up for what is to come. Dwayne might not be at this years Mania, but overall this is a clever way for someone to play their joker Card. The story must continue.

4 No More. I Can't Take It Anymore.

Ok, the guy i'm going to mention, i'm only talking about is due to the fact the segment was awful. Please WWE, don't put Hulk Hogan on TV again, he stumbled through his words, he can hardly walk, and this awful human being was booed out of the building, due to his racist antics over the past ten years, catching up with him. I bet his beer tastes awful. I mean I hope so.

3 Celebrating With A Deadman.

Rhea Ripley celebrated her championship win with The Undertaker. It happened, umm, ok. I guess. Say it with me everyone. Keep rollin rollin rollin.

2 Brother Meets World.

Topanga, from Boy Meets World was seen sitting next to her brother in law, and all this left me thinking, was. Does Cory know about this. I hear this left Macaulay Culkin shocked.

1 The Last Go Around.

I'm just going to say it. Love him, or hate him. I love John Cena, he may not be a master between the ropes, but on the mic, he's an electric soul, that always delivers. His passion, fire, and, grace for the business, to some, make him wrestlings equivalent to a jar of marmite, but to me, he is, what he says he is. A man who isn't just a catchphrase, he's a walking talking sign, for anything is possible. his time is ending, and it starts now.

My Comparative AEW And NJPW Look Back.

No Intro

The Stark Awakening This Industry Needs.

Even though this weekend saw some excellent Matches, this PPV double header wasn't without its issues. The best fans reception towards females competitors, came from America. Willow Nightingale, and. Athena, are good examples of this, the dice got reversed one night beforehand, when Shota Umino got heat from the fans in attendance, this was placed onto his opponent Zac Sabre Jnr, who the fans were also cold towards.

Grass Is Greener On The Following Night.

The second night saw some genuinely awesome action, two Match of the year contenders, in my opinion, two men battering each other, and of course there's Kenny Omega vs Gabe Kidd, this was miles better than night one. I love wrestling for these moments, and events.

Can NJPW Learn From Their Night 1 Misfires?

Well in short, yes. Nothing is out olf the realm of possibility. In life, you only get what you put into things. NJPW had the best of intentions for this weekend, but if you're going to reignite fans interest, then in my opinion. don't hold two shows back to back, because you need to let your audience have a chance to breathe.

 

My Top 5 Insights From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom.

       Intro 

As the decades have gone on, Time hasn't been kind to NJPW, for a plethora of reasons, but if the new year has taught me anything, it's that you can't stay buried in the past, you have to look to the future, and as I sit here writing this, having just watched the 19th rendition of Their flagship show. I'm coming away from it with a solid sense of hope, that the promotion is going to be ok.

      5 My Big Boy Is In NJPW.

Big bad Josh Barnett is back in NJPW, and should NJPW be scared, well what do you think?

4. Four Way Tag Team Ladder Match For The IGWP Belts Was Insane.

I liked this. The Match between Clark Connors, and Drilla Mohoney, vs The Sweet Boys, vs The Intergalactic Jett Setters vs TJP, and Francesco Akira, in the realm of a Ladder Match, was insane, arguably one of the best Ladder Matches i've seen in ages, man this was cold as ice.

3 NJPW Television Championship Was Great.

El Phantasmo vs Ryohei Oiwa vs Jeff Cobb, vs Ren Narita, and all I have to say is this. Hold my beer, because this had me shouting at my Chromecast. Enough said.

2 Hiroshi Tanashi vs Evil Lumberjack Was A Good Time.

Hiroshi Tanashi, the man, the myth, the legend, this Match was a lot of fun. I love wrestling.

1 Shota Umino vs Zac Sabre Jnr.

Even though this Match wasn't a critical darling, due to the poor crowd response. It did offer up some great physicality, and some absolutely incredible exchanges, which added an element of romance, and drama to proceedings. Zac got the win.

 

My Top 5 Takeaways From NJPW And AEW WrestleDynasty.

    Intro.

As this time of year comes around, what used to be the norm, was to look at what NJPW were going to offer us fans, and this year, that feeling has been ignited in me. I could talk about the down turn that the company has seen in recent years, but that's already been well documented, so i'm going to focus on what was in front of me, because this was a beyond solid card.

5 The Womens 4 way Match For The International Cup.

I liked this. In this Match there was some stand out performances, and the Matches within the Match, like Willow Nightingale vs Persephone, and. Mono Wantanabe vs Athena, made for a fascinating insight, however what we got was a reminder that Womens wrestling isn't just vital, it's needed.

4 Ricochet vs Zac Sabre Jnr.

This. Is. A Match of the year contender, as men both gave everything in order, to create a form of magic, that's difficult to muster up, but these two did it effortlessly. I loved this Match.

3 Katsuyouri Shibata vs Hiroshi Tanahashi.

5 Minutes of two men bombastically smacking the taste out of each others bodies. Perfect, just perfect.

2 Shota Umino vs Claudio Castagnoli.

I don't think this Match gets the love it deserves. My god these guys leathered each other.

1 Kenny Omega vs Gabe Kidd.

This. Is. A Match of the decade contender. This. Was a flawless, majestic, contrast in bloodsoaked storytelling. Both men were a study in contrast. This wasn't one man making another man, it was one man taking another man to the next level. Every hit that Kenny dropped, was performed with ease. Kenny hasn't lost his step, and. Gabe was a perfect foil. Both men battered each other, to the point of no return, dodgy table spots, and unprotected chair shots, all added to the romance of the occasion. Omega got the win, after a fantastic series of incredible exchanges. I think this is one of the best Matches I have ever seen. Hiroshi Tanahashi was in tears at the conclusion of this masterpiece. Pure liquid Gold was created in Tokyo last night, because. Kenny by God Omega is back.

 

My Wrestling Hopes And Fears For 2024.

Intro.

With WWE's  live TV move to Netflix just two days away at the time of writing. I feel that it's important to levy out the playing field. The industry is everchanging, and as the years unfold, the shape of Pro Wrestling will change, and it all starts here. 2025 lets go.

AEW Needs To Come Back To Prominance.

It's no secret, that within the last couple of years. AEW has faced it's form of self implosion, that has wreaked havoc, in the terms of the company creative, and the overall feel, towards how the product is viewed. I want to see them put there best foot forward, and give things a red hot go, because there are things to get excited about, when you dig beneath the surface. Darby Allin potentially winning the main prize. Will Osperay putting on even more earth shattering Matches, and the mouthwatering prospect of Kenny Omega, rematching Kazuchika Okada, and. Gabe Kidd, later this, after this weekend. Oh my brothers and sisters testify, because ALL In, and. Forbidden Door, are starting to look appealing.

My Excitement Levels Are Starting To Reach Fever Pitch.

2025 in the realm of Pro Wrestling, is looking to be very exciting. WWE on Netflix, and. AEW, carving out their own path, in all shapes of the game, not to mention TNA Impact, making significant moves, in there own right. This. Is. Going to be a pivotal year.

Fears

My Fears for this year, come in the way of creativity. Last year, both WWE, and. AEW, showed some pretty sketchy plans, when it came to there creativity. 2025, needs to be a restart year, for both companies.

 WWE On Netflix My Top 5 Takeaways.

      Intro.

With the TV Market everchanging, it's important that studios, and distributors stay ahead of the curb, as multiple competitors, try and vye for our attention, like us consumers are the prettiest girl at the dance. Almost one year ago. WWE announced that their flagship show. Monday Night Raw would be heading to Netflix, with the WWE Network closing down in certain markets, including my neck of the woods, the UK. New Years Day, when I got home from my day job, was a lot of fun.

     Old School PPV's.

Be still my old school Fed loving heart. Every Wrestlemania. Every Royal Rumble, including the one from the year 2000. Near enough all PPV's from this time period. I ate a chinese whilst watching the Royal Rumble 2000, so with that said, you could say, that there's more than one way to get well Fed.

    PLE's And Live TV.

Over here, in my country, were getting every TV show live, and every PLE Live, this means one thing. My intake of sweets, and crisps is going to go through the roof.

     Is It Worth The Hype.

Is it worth the hype, well umm, let me think, Oh my God yes it is. I'm going to have ours of fun with this weekend. I'm going to feel bloated.

AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen Review 2.1.2024.

         Intro.

It's 2025, and in this early stage of the year. It's nice to see the wrestling world show its heart, and soul. The area of Ashville in North Carolina, has gone through hell over the past year. From true hardships, to the ever growing show of support. This. Is wrestling in it's purest form.

       New Theme Song.

The Pointer Sisters song. I'm So Excited, is the new theme song for AEW Dynamite, and all I have to say, is that. I'm so excited. I'm so excited. I'm So Excited. I'm so scared. I LOVE YOU JESSIE SPANNO.

Mox Promo.

I loved this. It was visceral. And it was vital. Mox called out Adam Copeland, as he took us on a journey, from the start of AEW, through the pandemic era. to the current day, because as he stands, he wants to takeover the company. Rated FTR, answered this back, right afterwards.

Orange Cassidy vs Hangman Adam Page.

I liked this. The Match was a superb reminder of just how great these guys are. Their physicality was on point, and their chemistry was on another level. The near falls were great, and the final exchange saw. Hangman get the win, and attack Cassidy with two deadeyes. Christopher Daniels tried to intervine, but as a result, he got decked.

Jay White Segment.

Jay White, said that he will beat. Roderick Strong, and. Swerve Strickland, to advance to the Casino Gauntlet Battle Royal. Roderick Strong, and. Swerve answered this back later on, oh and. Happy New Year, to as well Nana.

The Acclaimed vs The Hurt Syndicate.

I didn't like this. The thread of seperation has been done to death, and if i'm honest i'm bored of it. The Match was flat in my opinion, and it never recovered. But at least we were treated to MVP on commentary. Max Castor was choked out by Bobby Lashley. The Hurt Syndicate got the win.

Jamie Hayter vs Julia Hart.

I liked this Match, but. I just feel that there was something. Hart got the win. I know it's a hot take. I just can't get my head around the fact there's something missing from this Match, in my opinion.

Kenny Omega Vingnette.

Kenny Omega is back. Sunday when he faces Gabe Kidd is going to be epic. I can't wait to see It.

Mercedes Mone Segment.

Mercedes Mone, then gas lit the fans, by showing the fans a video, of how great her year was. ( umm ok. She didn't have a great year in the ring ) And on Sunday she's coming for Mina shirakawa's RevPro Championship. I didn't like this segment.

Roderick Strong vs Swerve Strickland vs Jay White.

This. Was electric from the start, all three men managed to weave out a way, to get in their energetic bursts, which allowed the violence of the Match, to become the centrepiece. Ricochet, then became Ricochet Scissor Hands, when he busted open Swerve Strickland, this allowed White to hit Strong with his bladerunner finsher, for the win. Ricchet then continued his attack on Swerve, as the former champion, was left in a bloody mess.

Jeff Jarrett Segment.

This. Was. A stark reminder, that all good things must come to an end. This will be Jeff Jarretts final wrestling contract. He spoke with hope, and passion, as talked about growing up in the business, and how after when WCW folded, he decided to take a chance on himself. And if he's going out, then he wants AEW Gold, the main prize. If this is Jeffs swansong. then so be it. I will miss you mr Slapnuts.

Marieh May Segment.

Marieh May said that she wants the AEW Womens division, to prove themselves to her, if they want a shot at her Championship.

Hook Segment.

Hook called out Christian Cage. Alright i'm bored of this, just get on with it AEW.

Powerhouse Hobbs Match.

Powerhouse Hobbs wrecked a couple of Local Jobbers in a pointless TV Match.

MJF Segment.

In the words of Eminem, will the real MJF please stand up, oh wait he has. I liked this, as he called out Moxley.

Deathriders vs Rated FTR.

I liked this. from the insanity that we got at the end. The superb Matches within the Match, made for a great paradigm shift, as the physicality, and chemistry, from both teams allowed for a story to be told. Rated FTR, got the win after they hit a Shatter Machine, and a spear combo on Wheeler Yuta. Oh and hello Jay White.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen.

With simulcast culture now in full effect, AEW have taken full advantage of how the market is working, and were the industry is heading. This was a decent broadcast, and has deepened my excitement as we head into 2025. Long may this continue.

AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen is a high 8/10.