My top 5 Takeaways From Monday Night Raw

Intro.

I hate having to start pieces off with an apology, but here we are. Ok guys it's another top 5 takeaways list. You guys know that I don't pull these lists out unless I have to, and because of my schedule with my day job, doing a full review of Monday Night Raw was next to impossible. So I hope you enjoy my work.

5. Logan Paul Talks Nonsense.

Is it me, because whenever Logan Paul comes to my TV. I turn into Homer Simpson, and I don't listen to a word of what he says. Mow mow mow mow mow mow mow, mow mow mow mow mow mow mow. Thank god for gunther putting him straight, and Jey Uso smashing him in the face with a super kick. Hi there Coffeezilla how you doin.

4. Penta And AJ Styles vs Finn Balor And JD Mcdonagh.

This was easily the Match of the night, and a lot of fun to watch. Finn and JD got the win thanks to Chad Gable, I mean El Grande Americano. I had fun watching this.

3. Roxanne Perez Is The Future.

I think that Roxanne Perez is the future. She qualified for the Womens MITB Ladder Match, when she beat. Becky Lynch, and. Natalya, oh and hello Lyra Valkyria.

2. Zoey Starks Injury.

This looked nasty. She was taking part in a triple threat Match to advance to the Womens MITB Ladder Match, when her knee buckled after she tried to deliver a dropkick, she was ushered to the back area imidiately, and the match swiftly changed on the fly to be Rhea Ripley vs Iyo Sky. Rhea would get the win, in a Match that had the life sucked out of, due something that happened in a split second.

1. Malets Have Never Looked So Good.

Jey Uso's Match against Bron Bron Breakker was thrown out, when Seth Rollins got involved, he and Bron tried to beat Jey down, but he was saved by Samy Zayn, and. Cm Punk. This wasn't bad. Did it have me hooked, well no, but am I looking forward to Saturday Nights Main Event, well yes. Oh and Logan smacked Jey to send the show off the air.

 

My Top 5 Moments And Fighters in UFC History That Made Me Laugh.

Intro.

Laughter has been called, next to food, the key to the soul, whilst the scripted world of Pro Wrestling delves into the realm of being for everyone, MMA hasn't always had this luck, but when it does, man they can be hilarious, so here's just a look at some moments.

5. UFC 84 Press Conference.

I love Tito Ortiz for these reasons. His interactions with Dana White were simply funny as hell.

4. Connor Mcgregor Being Connor Mcgregor.

This guy may now be persona non grata at the moment due to legal reasons. I still find guy to hilarious, especially when he's in fight build mode. Him calling out Jose Ado and taking his belt at the London Press Conference still has me howling.

3 Michael Bisping.

This man makes it on this list just for being himself. His Yoel Romero impersonation, and his stints as a coach on The Ultimate fighter are always good for a crack.

2.Chael Sonnens Mouth.

Yeah. This says it all. His insults are legendary, and his Youtube is great for patter. I love this man.

1 Dana White.

No one is safe from this guys raff of hilarity. From Oscar Dela Hoya. his own fighters, and even members of the press, this man should be a stand up.

My Top 5 Takeaways From UFC Fight Night 

Intro.

Drink this in Patrick, because is going to be one of the last UFC Apex cards, we've got one more after this, and it's stellar esc cards all the way. I have to say I like these Apex cards, I know there not for everyones tastes, but in terms of creating content, there essential for me, because these shows are the beating heart of the sport, as the upstarts are given the stage to shine, and Veterans prove that last fight, could be just that.

5. Julian Erosa vs Melquizael Costa.

This was a fantastic barn burner of an opening fight. Melquizael got the win by unanamous decision. What a fight.

4. Dustin Stolzfas vs Nursulton Ruziboev.

These shows, like I said earlier are the beating heart of the industry, and this fight is that very reason. This was yet another steller war. Ruziboev got the win by unamamous decision.

   3. Co Main Event Is Cancelled. 

I didn't expect this when I sat down to watch this at the end of a long day at work. The fight was cancelled on medical grounds, at Rodolfo Bellato's end, his Match against Paul Craig is now being rescheduled.

2. Mairon Santos.

I really like this guy. His attitude in the aftermath of his win against Sadiq Yusuf, was nothing short of honest. I think that Michael Bisping was taken by this guy. I think he's got a bright future ahead of him.

1. Michael Morales.

Gilbert Burns got completely owned by Michael Morales, and oh my god this guy scares me. This guy is going to have gold in his future.

 

Friday Night Smackdown Review 17.5.2025.

Intro

I have to say it. WWE has entred it's after Mania slump. As a fan who's been watching the WWE product for over 30 years of his life, I don't always feel the slump especially when i'm writing about the shows on a weekly basis. I think this is because when you love what you love, it can be hard to seperate yourself from the dredge of the product. This stands with AEW as well. You're not going to like everything that a company puts forward, which is why I use the analogy of pick'n mix, because were all different.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax were seen showing up to the arena, ahead of their Main Event later on.

Solo Sikoa Segment.

I liked this. Solo has started to shift gears when you dig beneath the surface. He said that he rose from the ashes of Romans former empire, and in order to solidify that he needs to win the MITB briefcase, and if anyone wants to step to him, then they have to get through JC, and. Jacob Fatu. Jacob takes the mic, and says  he'll deal with everyone. Solo takes the mic, and want Jacob to show him some love, he said that he once loved him with passion, he said he loved him, and then LA Knight came out, and wrecked everyone. JC, they've made Jeff Cobb sound like a member of N Sync.

Chelsea Green vs Alexa Bliss vs Michin MITB Qualifier.

I liked this. The Match was centred the solid flow that all three ladies had. Alexa got the win, and she's now in the MITB Match.

Fraxiom vs DIY.

I liked this. It worked as a good piece of business, and a clear sign that WWE has a bright Tag Team division. Fraxiom got the win, and then had a backstage meeting with The Street profits, they will face them next week for the WWE Tag Team Championship.

R Truth Sitdown Segment With Wade Barrett.

This segment was excellent, as it builded the bridge perfectly, from the press conference after Backlash until now. Truth remained confident that the old John Cena is still inside John, as Wade barrett asked the question, why does Truth back up someone who put him through a table. Wade's selling throughout this, given his real life feelings about Cena was excellent, as the themes of reality and delusion were played out in full.

Damien Priest.

Damien Priest then challenged Drew Mcintyre to a Steel Cage Match at Saturday Nights Main Event, this was later accepted by Drew in a passionate promo. I liked both segments.

Alexa Bliss And Charlotte Segment.

Alexa Bliss was seen backstage meeting up with Charlotte Flair, and I think she gave her a warning of some kind. ( I think ).

Solo Sikoa vs Rey Fenix vs Jimmy Uso MITB Qualifier.

I Liked this. The Match was awesome. The in built storyline of Jimmy vs Solo, and rey fenix's speed made this a solid watch, but Reys speed became his undoing, as Solo gave him a spike for the win. And as by magic LA Knight came out and wrecked everyone ( again ). This was when Nick Aldis came out and said that he will face JC Mateo right now. JC would batter Knight in a fairly standard TV Match. So far I haven't been a fan of the TV presentation of Jeff Cobb. It feels like he's that new kid in school who's made to wear that new guy sticker. 

Legado Delfantasma Segment.

Santos Escobar wants Angel to find Humberto, and bring him pack to the family. He's done guys, just leave it alone.

TIffany Stratton vs Nia Jax WWE Womens Championship

This fell flat, and it never recovered in my opinion. Naomi's consistant stalking played into the finish of the Match, but not even that could get this out of 1st gear. The near falls were woven in well as the Match went on, but this wasn't for me. Tiffany retained, if this were a school report it would read must do better.

Overview Of Friday Night Smackdown.

This show overall was a decent broadcast, but the flatness of the Main Event, and the length of the show has got me down. The in-ring action went from good to poor, and the promos followed the same pattern.

This weeks Friday Night Smackdown is a solid 7/10.

My top 5 Most Heart Breaking Moments In UFC History.

Content Warning

This following article contains references to Drug addiction, and bereavement. Reader discretion is advised.

Intro.

As the world of MMA turns, the echoes of Injury and father time can easily come calling, as life goes on we must take pride in small victories, because these fighters are the living embodiment of that. 

5 Anthony Smith.

This man was one of my favourite fighters to watch, and a couple of weeks ago when he left his gloves in the ring, you could sense that, their was a changing of the guard.

4 Anthony Rumble Johnson.

Rumble Johnson was a man that resembled a fighting heart, even though he had his struggles when it came to making weight, but if you knew his struggles from his childhood, that led to his grandparents raising him, then you get how this man lived, and why he took the route in life that he took. Rumble would pass away in 2023 from sepsis. Once a Lionheart always a Lionheart.

3. Jens Pulver Documentary

Recently I watched this mans driven Documentary, and it's a heart breaking reminder, of how an industry can chew up a fighter, and take away their dreams. This ia pivotal watch that needs to be seen, because it will have you in tears, whilst reminding you that life is too short.

2. Fighter Retirements.

This past weekend at UFC 315 we saw the end of the career of The King Of Rio Jose Aldo, this has a been a long time coming in my opinion, but he isn't the only fighter to have left everything in the cage. Chuck Liddell after his fight against Rich Franklin at UFC 115 comes to mind, because the feelings of all fans must go to the athletes and their all round health.

1. Stephanie Bonnar.

This is a hard one to write about. Stephan passed away from a drug overdose in late 2022 at the age of 45. The UFC did a solid presentation celebrating his life, as the MMA world watched on in morning. Stephan will never be forgotten.

AEW Dynamite Review 15.5.2025.

Will Osperay Ans Hangman Adam Page vs Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander.

I liked this. The Matches within the Match were made to look like an excellent selling point, and the flying action moulded in perfectly with the can they co exist storyline. Hangman and Will got the win, after a fantastic final series of exchanges, that included them getting their wires crossed. That buckshot, and hidden blade combo looked awesome. This was a fantastic opener.

Top Flight Segment.

Top Flight said that they want MJF, and that their going to beat The Hurt Syndicate, this impressed Dustin Rhodes who said that him and Sammy will be watching.

Ricochet vs Zack Gowen.

Zack Gowen is a true inspiration, the way he handles himself is nothing short of class. He's the definition of the phrase you can anything if you put your mind to it. Zack wrestles effortlessly as an amputee, and this makes me smile. I grew up with massive learning issues, and i've had to work hard to over come a lot of my issues, so seeing someone like Zack work hard, makes me think I can do it. Ricochet may have got the win here, but overall this was a win for all of us who's struggled in life.

Top Flight vs The Hurt Syndicate, and everything else.

Top Flight lost to The Hurt Syndicate, in a suprisning competitive Match, and then came the malet. Dustin Rhodes, and. Sammy Guevara came out, and guess what? They want tag team gold, and then out came Crew, and guess what? They also want tag team gold, so MVP said that if you guys face each other on Collision, the winner will get a AEW tag team championship shot at Double Or Nothing. MVP then took on the role of a TV pressenter, and said that they'll give Max his answer after the break. When they returned from the break MVP called Max out, but he was playing a game of hide and seek. Shelton went to hunt him down, and he was found behind Tony Khan. Max came out to the ring, and he was given what he wanted, three thumbs up, so he's in, and he hurts people. Next week their will be a contract signing, and Max wants his lawyer Smart Mark Sterling ( oh boy) to look things over, this left MVP feeling a bit purplexed. I didn't like this. It all felt a bit convoluted, and way to long.

Timeless Toni Storm vs AZM vs Mina Shirakowa vs Skye Blue Womens Championship Title Eliminator.

I liked this. The energetic bursts from all four ladies sold the physicality, which gave way for the Match to have time to breathe. Mina got the win and will face Timeless Toni at Double Or Nothing. Also it's great to see Skye Blue back.

RIP Sabu.

Excalibur, and. Taz then paid tribute to Sabu, who sadly passed away this past Sunday. Taz was nearly in tears, as he said goodbye to his friend, this was well handled.

Nigel Mcguiness Segment.

Nigel Mcguiness then had an in-ring interview with Tony Schiavone. He asked for Daniel Garcia to come out to the ring, and he apologised to Daniel for costing him his Match against Dax Harwood. Danny said that he doesn't care for his apology, because he was just standing for himself. Stokeley Hathaway then came out, and verbally laid into Nigel.  Saying that he wouldn't stand a chance against FTR, because he couldn't beat sepsis. The punishment for him should be a Match against FTR. Dax and Cash then beat down Both Nigel and Daniel, leaving Daddy Magic to make the save. I didn't like this. It just felt a bit all over the place. Collision on Dynamite sorry this wasn't for me.

Jon Moxley vs Samoa Joe Steel Cage

I liked this. From the blood stained carnage that became the epicentre of the story of the Match, the solid physicality. The Deathriders getting kept out of the cage, and decked by Powerhouse Hobbs, and. Willow Nightingale, both men having some great counteractions, to Gabe Kidd making his alliance in a Newcastle United hoodie ( bad choice mate I'm an Arsenal supporter ) to Mox and his crew, by handing Mox the briefcase so he could lay Joe out for the win. This was just the start of the chaos, as The Young Bucks came out. Willow and Hobbs were taken out. Kenny Omega came out, and was instantly attacked by his former friends as Gabe Kidd shouted did you think that I forgot as he laid his boot in Kenny's face. Swerve Strickland then came out, as the chaos came to an end, he took to the mic, and declared this years Anarchy In The Arena. Swerve Strickland. Kenny Omega. Powerhouse Hobbs. Samoa Joe, and. Willow Nightingale vs Jon Moxley. Marina Shafir. The Young Bucks, and. Gabe Kidd, this sounds awfully insane in a good way, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

Overview of this weeks AEW Dynamite.

Even though some moments didn't match up to AEW Standards that they've rebuilt in recent months. I did enjoy this weeks Show, as the in ring work made for up for its down moments.

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a high 7/10.

 

My Top 5 Worst UFC Injuries.

Intro.

No one likes looking at injuries, especially in MMA, as the octagon has played host to several nasty moments in UFC history. This isn't my attempt at making fun of these athletes, if anything i'm trying highlight just how easy it is to have things taken away from you, when it's no ones fault.

5 Chris Weidman UFC 261.

Chris Weidman is a very game competitor, and on this night when he faced Urijah Hall, he placed a leg kick, and when he stepped backwards, his leg gave out on him. This was a sickening sight.

4 Anderson Silva UFC 168.

Just eight years before Chris broke his leg. His opponent of the time Anderson Silva broke his leg, whilst trying to regain his Middleweight crown from the man who took it from him, just six months prior. You could easily say that this could be mirroring what was to come eight years later, but if were all being honest. I don't think that this is the case, the human body is a funny old thing, and anything can happen in a split second.

3. Deiveson Figueiredo.

This one looked ok on the surface, when you see him get helped out from the cage in the aftermath of his fight against Cory Sandhagen last weekend, his injury was seen to be far worse than what it seemed. Cory did the right thing by finishing the fight quickly, because this saves part of his opponents health. Fighters enter the cage to get their hands raised, and not to limit their opponents overall health.

2. Dan Evensen.

At UFC 92. Pat HD Barry, beat. Dan Eversen in what was a professional performance by TKO, however the leg kicks that he used to beat down his opponent left the Norwegian injured. I still look back on this and think, yes this was bad, but it could've been so much worse.

1. Connor Mcgregor vs Dustin Poirer UFC 264.

This entry isn't because of Connors star power, or then fighting attitude, it's because I have never seen a leg break like this. This is the nature of the fight game, and these things do happen, but it's a mark on a career that has been polvarized by the world, for good and bad reasons.

This Monday Night Raw review is dedicated to the memory of Sabu.

Monday Night Raw Review 13.5.2025.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Finn Balor. AJ Styles. Iyo Sky. Giulia and Roxnne Perez were all seen showing up to the arena.

Cm Punk Segment.

I liked this. Punk was given the walk through treatment, and on arrival he looked pissed, he opened up his promo by being angry with himself, for putting his trust in his former friend Paul Heyman, he spoke about their history, as he calls Seth Rollins a temu Punk. Paul Heyman then came to the top of the stage, with his new crew. Seth laid bare what he thought of Punk, as the theme of gaslighting, betrayal, and belief, became the centre fold of this story. Seth was angry after last week, and told Bron Breakker to go and give him a matyrs death. Bron beat down punk, who was then saved by Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso. This would turn out to be a decent episode long storythread.

Penta vs Chad Gable.

I didn't like this, now don't get me wrong the Match was solid, it's just bringing out Pat Mcafe after Saturday night acted like a distraction. Chad looked visibly pissed at one point, and I don't blame. Penta got the win with a sick looking Mexican destroyer, and just like that Chads rampage of hate against Luchadors continues.

The Judgement Day Segment.

I only took a couple of things away from this segment. Carlito is a shovanist, and Dom is a non racist version of Hulk Hogan, because he doesn't understand timezones, whilst his paranoia grew even further.

The War Raiders vs American Made.

This was a flat TV Match, that never got up off the ground. American Made got the win, and The New Day on commentary made no difference. Apart from the finish.

Jey Uso Segment.

I didn't like this segment. I love Jeys energy, to me it gravitates through my TV screen, he gave his thoughts on facing Logan Paul, and then I was pulled back into a predictable midcard Vortex because out came Gunther. He told Jey that the winner of Jey vs Logan at Saturday Nights Main Event, will face him on the Raw after Money In The Bank. Jey was later on decked by Bron Breakker. I hate this type of booking, this tease of taking the belt from Jey so soon after he won he's won it, doesn't sit with me, because it feels like his IC Championship defeat to Bron all over again.

RIP Sabu.

We then got a fantastic tribute to Sabu, who passed away at the of 60, this past Sunday. RIP Sabu you will be missed.

Finn Balor vs AJ Styles. 

This on paper looked good, but what we got was a reminder of a rainy day, because this was flat. AJ got the win after the same old distractions. This left me feeling bored.

Becky Lynch Segment.

I liked this. Denial, denial, denial, was the echo chamber that surrounded this her promo, she basked in her own glory, whilst being layered in defeat. She told fans in the style of the cat in the hat, that everything fans think that she is, she will be. This was a decent promo.

Rusev Vingnette.

Rusev tried to explain why he loved destroying Otis, this left Tazawa feeling upset. Oh and Sheamus popped up.

Roxanne Perez and Giulia vs Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley.

This was a decent Match, with a predictable outcome. Rhea and Iyo got the win by pinning both ladies. I've seen online people calling out this Match, but i've got a different opinion. Rhea and Iyo are now acting as veterans, and are being looked at as this way. WWE has done this type of booking for over 25 years. I do think that this is a good way to in bed new talent, but I do understand the frustrations.

Overview Of Monday Night Raw.

This weeks Monday Night Raw was a real mix-bag, personally I didn't like it, but hey each to their own.

This weeks Monday Night Raw is a mid 5/10.

My Top 5 Takeaways From UFC 315.

     Intro. 

As the year has garnered on, the worlds biggest fight Promotion continues to roll on, by hosting it's first PPV in Montreal since 2013. With various reasons for why the company hasn't come back, and on return the UFC brought with it a stacked card, that in my opinion is one of the best in recent memory. So strap yourself in because were in for one great show.

5. Benoit Saint Denis.

Benoit Saint Denis, owned Kyle Preplopec in dominant fashion, and made him look ameteur. This was a performance of the night candidate, he looked awesome here, and it's great to see him move up in Lightweight Division.

4 Natalya Silva.

Natalya Silva, put forward her best performance since joining the Vegas outlet, when she beat Alexa Grasso, to move up in the womens Flyweight Division. The former champion Grasso didn't look good as Silva got the win by unanamous decision.

3. Vitor Belfort.

The UFC announced that Vitor Belfort will be going into their hall of fame. I don't like this. I have my feelings about Vitor, and his use of TRT that I feel has hampered his legacy. Yes he's done loads for the sport, but his open use of performance enhancing drugs doesn't sit with me. 

2 Valentina Shevchenko.

What can I say about this women, other than she's fearce, she got the win against Manon Fiorot, to retain her title, in what was a fight of the night contender.

1 Belal Muhammed Is Far from Boring.

This man is a class act even in defeat, he lost his championship to Jack Della Maddelena in what was a fight of the year contender. Jack was a gentlemen in victory, as both men put on a show for the fans. Check this fight out when you can.

        RIP Sabu. 

This edition of Extreme wrestling reviews is dedicated to the memory of hardcore legend, who sadly passed away earlier today. RIP Sabu.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Pat Mcafe. Gunther. Lyra Valkyria. Becky Lynch, and. Randy Orton were all seen showing up to the venue.

LA Knight vs Jacob Fatu vs Drew Mcintyre vs Damien Priest WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way.

This was a fantastic opener, that was centred around non standardised energy bursts. Yes this was a fatal 4 way Match, but this felt fresh, and original, and was the definition of the title Backlash. The Drew vs Jacob tease, the superb counteraction sequences, the well timed near falls, and the intertwining storylines, complete with some awesome table spots, and of cause Jeff Cobb debuting, and wrescking  everyone, which built into the finish, as jacob retained, and wondered what the hell is Solo doing.

Becky Lynch vs Lyra Valkyria WWE Womens Intercontinental Championship.

This was by far my Match of the night. All through this in my mind I kept thinking that this Match was soundtracked by the song Shipping Up To Boston by The Dropkick Murphys, because of these ladies showed why the term the fighting Irish is even a phrase. The Match was given time breathe, as it was layered with excellent counteractions, near falls, and fantastic submission attempts, this remimded me of Bret Hart in 1992, and how he was able to manipulate body parts, and make into something special. Lyra Valkyria retained. I loved this.

Dominic Mysterio vs Penta WWE Mens Intercontinental Champion.

I didn't like this. It felt like a TV Match being played out on a PLE, complete with all the usual TV trappings. Dom retained, this did nothing for me.

Pat Mcafe vs Gunther.

On paper this didn't look good, no matter how good the build was, but if i'm honest I had fun watching this. It won't win any Match of the year awards, but this just proved my point. Pat Mcafe showed what f s means, fighting spirit, because he never gave up until the end. Gunther got the win, after Choking out the commentator. Michael Cole was fantastic here, as he had to put his bias to one side, and be there for his friend. I liked this.

John Cena vs Randy Orton WWE Undisputed Championship.

If history has taught me anything, it's that you should never play your hand more than once, WWE has done this many times when it has come to this rivalry. I was excited to see how this played out under a new creative direction, as the last remaining reminants of the old guard had left the building, however this took me back to those days, because I found this to be boring, and predictable. I can understnd why some people liked this, but overall it wasn't for me. This had the usual aspects of what I expected, from tables spots, and a nice cameo from R Truth, but the night belonged to Mr Cena as retained the belt, and scorned the fans as the show went off the air.

Overview of WWE Backlash.

I had fun staying up late like a good boy, to watch this, even though it wasn't a perfect show, it worked to fill the void until next years Mania.

WWE Backlash 2025 is a high 7/10