My Top 5 Times that Wrestling Broke My Expectations.

 Intro.

Have you ever heard of the phrase expect the unexpected? It's one that when I was growing up I would hear all the time on TV shows, this would be a way of telling the audience that you won't what the writers have managed to do. In my eyes Pro Wrestling holds this same mantel, because if you live in the world of faulse pretences, anything can happen.

5. Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels Wrestlemania 21.

I thought this would be good, but I never imagined that it rule the way it did. If you haven't seen this, then I urge you to check this out.

4. HBK Who's Your Daddy Montreal.

HBK, and. Montreal, go together like crisps, and a molatov cocktail, because on this night in august of 2005 The stage was set for pure vitriol, and it was a great thing to see.

3. The 1st Hell In A Cell Match.

On October 5th 1997, the world was witness to a conceptual design that would go on to change the way we look at Pro Wrestling, gone were days of the standard Steel Cage Match to end rivalries, and in its place came the demonic structure known as Hell In A Cell. This would go on to became the major back end for any feuds and how they end, and the first one between HBK, and. The Undertaker established the blueprint for what was possible to do in a confined space, within the realms of a Pro Wrestling Match, if you haven't seen this Match, then you'll find that it still holds up to this day.

2. Cm Punks Pipebomb.

On the 27th of june 2011, the worlds frustrations that centred around WWE's handling of John Cena came to the forefront, as one mans words would go on to have reverbing effect that are still felt to this day, from calls to how the company would get run in the future, to breaking down the 4th wall of reality, this blew me away. This night was when the voice of the voiceless, became the voice of a generation.

1. Remembering Bray Wyatt.

This one is a personal one. ON the weekend of the first AEW All In at Wembley Stadium, just a few days before this, the world lost Windhum Rotunda in a shocking turn of events. The world didn't see this coming, as tributes rolled on, the episode of Smackdown that came just 24 hours later was layered with emotional tributes, from the likes of LA Knight, and Cody Rhodes, all of this was the perfect way to say goodbye to the man, that gave birth to the phrase catching flies. Fast Forward to the following Sunday, and AEW was pressenting it's debut on UK Shores. All In. The show was filled with Tributes from Black armbands being worn by all talent, and in-ring tributes sending the message that love will always be around in this industry that can be so unforgiving, but the moment that got to me was when I was waiting to get into the stadium, all you could hear over the pa system was Bray's recent entrance. This had people around me singing, and at that moment I knew I had made the right decision in my life to pursue writing as a career.

My Top 5 Moments From UFC 317 Toporia Vs Olivera.

Intro.

Now that International Fight Week is now becoming a distant memory, the main focus for the Las Vegas outlet is full steam ahead for the rest of the year. Dustin Poirer's retirement Match, and a yet to be confirmed opponent for Tom Aspinall, all spell good signs going into the back end of this year.

5. Legends Are In The House.

Kamaru Usman. Cain Valesquez, and. Chuck Liddell, were all in attendence. I love Kamaru, but I just think that it's great to see Cain living his best life, given everything that his family has gone through over past few years, it's good to see him smiling. It was also great seeing Chuck looking really healthy.

4. Payton Talbot Has A Bright Future.

Payton Talbot, beat. Philipe Lima in what a solid performance from the Bantamweight contender. He was also grounded when he was interviewed by Joe Rogan in the aftermath.

3. Benell Dariush Is Him.

Benell Dariush, beat. Renatto Moicano in a solid performance in the lightweight Division. And he looked good doing it.

2. Joshua Van Is The No1 Contender in the Flyweight Division.

This was the fight of the night. Van got the win, and then came face to face with Alexandre Pantoja, after he beat Kai Kara France to retain his Flyweight Championship in the co main event, by submission. Now this is going to be one spicy meatdall of a fight, and I can't wait to see it when it happens.

1. Ilia Toporia Is The Lightweight King.

Ilia Toporia, beat. Charles Olivera by knockout, to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion. He then had a fruity confrontation with Paddy The Baddy Pimblett, that came complete with both men shoving each other, and some good old fashioned f-bombs in the aftermath.

My Top 5 Insights From WWE Night Of Champions.

5. Men And Womens king And Queen Of The Ring.

I thought that this pair of Matches were a complete study in contrast. The mens was a solid outing, that had me enthralled, whilst the Womens felt like a clunky mess. Cody got the win for the men, beating Randy Orton, whilst Jade Cargill took it home for the ladies, when she beat Asuka. The Matches were drenched in positivity, which if you're living in the UK, attending a certain festival. I think you could use it. 

4. Rhea Ripley Vs Raquel Rodriguez Street Fight.

I thought this was an over cooked, predictable mess. Yes the spots looked cool, but you could see what was going to happen coming a long way off, which means this Match had backwards psychology. Rhea got the win after she hit a sick looking Avalanche riptide that was placed perfectly on the top rope.

3. Jacob Fatu Vs Solo Sikoa.

This was by far the best thing on the show. The physicality flowed nicely, whilst the overall story of the Match was given time to breathe. The returns of Tama Tonga. Tonga Loa, made for an added sense of drama, and the added Adition Taller Loa, just makes sense. I don't think that it was a good idea to get the belt off of Jacob, because this raises more alarms about HHH's booking methods.

2. What Is A Sami Zayn.

Ok, i'm just going to say it. I'm not happy with how WWE have handled Sami Zayn, and this is my case and point. Look this is nothing against Karrion Kross. I just feel that WWE could be booking him better. Yes he got the win here, but WWE could be doing so much better.

1. Cena vs Punk.

I was bored watching this. It felt slow, lethargic, and predictable as the interferences spots, and failed Cash in from Seth Rollins, just made this cringe inducing snorefest nausiating.

 

WWE Friday Night Smackdown Review.

Intro.

I wasn't going to do an intro, but after I heard the news that next week Smackdown will be moving back to 2 hours, all I have to say is this. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. I get my Saturday Afternoons back. Thanks Papa H.

Superstars Seen Showing up.

Tiffany Stratton. Nia Jax. The Street Profits. Giulia. Jade Cargill, and Asuka were all seen showing up to the venue.

Cody Rhodes And Randy Orton Segment.

This hole segment was plagued with technical issues, that lasted for over half'n hour. I've heard fans complain about this online, and all I have to say is this. It's live TV, and anything can happen. Case and point, does anyone remember when Wayne Rooney swore on live TV when Man Utd played Fulham. The reason why I bring this up is because, these things happen, and it's not perfect, because we don't live in a perfect world. But will give Michael Cole, and Wade Barrett credit were it's due, they handled the situation like old school pros.

Jimmy Uso vs JC Mateo.

Ok, I know were in june, but I still hate Jeff Cobbs name change, it's pointless. But this Match wasn't bad, infact it was good, not great, but good. JC got the win, and then chaos kicked off, as JC then battered Jimmy causing Jacob Fatu to come out and make the save. 

DIY.

DIY are gathering up all of their soldiers, in their efforts against The Wyatt Sic, by gathering all the Smackdown tag teams, who were standing in a row. Thank you Nick Aldis, because this was cringeworthy.

Zelina Vega vs Giulia WWE Womens United States Championship.

I liked this. The Match flowed nicely, and it didn't rely on both ladies filtering their moves through to the audience. Giulia got the win, after a solid last exchange. to become the new WWE United States Champion.

Alexa Bliss And Charlotte Flair Segment.

I don't know why, but when Alexa uttered the words Allies Of Convinience. The words Amy Santiagos sextape came to mind. Was that weird?

Asuka And Jade Cargill Segment.

The Womens Queen Of The Ring Finalists had a minor promo dual, that was awesome. Does anyone remember when WWE did this the last time, well unlike last time, both ladies managed to keep things on track, as they brought up the themes of Confidence. Power. Strength, and. Skills, and you know what not even Naomi gatecrashing the proceedings could ruin this. I liked this.

DIY vs Andrade And Rey Fenix.

This was fantasic, and an easy joy to Watch. DIY got the win in what was an excellent Match.

R Truth Segment.

R Truth tried to hijack the show, because he wants to get to John Cena, but was met by Alistair Black, who gave him a nice Blackmas for his troubles.

The Street Profits vs The Wyatt Sic.

The only thing that I have to say about this, is this. Man this was bad. The Match was thrown out, because all of the Smackdown Tag Teams were stood at ringside like Lumberjacks. Los Gaza got the Match thrown out when they got involved, and Uncle Howdy had a great time, this caused a bit of a malet to end this tiresome waste of time.

Nia Jax vs Tiffany Stratton Last Women Standing Match WWE Womens Championship.

I didn't like this. From both ladies having fun with. Chairs. Tables. Kendo Sticks, and Stage Equipment, all of this just felt like both ladies were playing this stipulations greatest hits. Tiffany retained thanks to Naomi.

Cena And Punk Face To Face.

This was a piece of well detailed art cosplaying as humour, and much better than last week. If you haven't seen this, then I urge you to go and check this out, because this perfection being served up to the masses. And it was glorious. I'm Punklife 4 Life. IU love it when Pro wrestling catches me off guard.

Overview Of Friday Night Smackdown.

This show a perfect show, well no, but did I enjoy it, well yes I did. The segments were strong, whilst the in ring work differed with varying results.

This weeks Friday Night Smackdown is a high 6/10.

My Top 5 Pet Peeves In UFC And WWE.

Intro.

I don't Know where to start with this list, because there's so much to get through, so in the words of Fabrizio Romano Here We Go.

5. Lack of PPV's In Other Territories.

This goes for all Companies. I'm talking AEW. WWE, and. The UFC, audiences around the world are starving for good food, so let them eat. I get that Endeavour are making some moves with WWE, but. AEW, and the UFC could be doing better.

4. B List Shows.

I know i'm not the only person who is getting tired of AEW Collision, and. UFC Apex shows. I cover them because this is my passion, but a lot of fans are getting tired of these standard shows, that don't hold a l.ot of steaks.

3. Excuses From The Top.

Let's go back to January 2024. He Who Shall Not Be Named had been outed from his own company, for being a vile, awful, human being, which outlined a dark cloud over The Royal Rumble. Fast forward to the press conference in the aftermath, and his son in law HHH, who had taken over the creative reigns, was tasked with handling the worlds media, and when he was taken to task about his scumbag father in law, and he played the diversion game. Attendence records, and merch sales all were brought up. Ok HHH. I guess.

2. Dodgy Referee Decisions.

Ok i'm just going to say it. Here's looking at you. Mario Yamasaki, and. Steve Mazzagatti. I can't believe fans still talk about these two.

1. Tribalism.

Ok were do I begin with this one. I'm just going to say it. Just stop it fans online, you can like more than one promotion.

AEW Dynamite Review 26.6.2025.

Toni Storm Gets Wrecked.

The show Kicked off with Mercedes Mone jumping Toni Storm, and attacking her, she dragged her to the stage, and placed her in the crossface. As Refs and Mina Shirakowa tried to make the save. Let the games begin people.

Will Osperay And Swerve Strickland vs Blake Christian and Lee Johnson.

This Match was brought forward by those crafty Young Bucks, who were seen to be abusing their powers, like schoolyard bullies choosing their friends to be on their football team. I wasn't a fan of the Match. Now don't get me wrong. The in ring work was solid, and the promise that came afterwards has me very excited, it's just it felt a bit lofi for my liking. Swerve, and Will got the win, and like I said earlier Swerve took to the mic, and challeneged the EVP's to a tag Match against himself and Mr Osperay at All In, and to ad a good measure of petrol to the fire. Will told them to put their EVP status on the line. I liked this, it was the perfect mix of reality meets Keyfabe when you dig beneath the surface, because it has long been spoken about that Tony Khan is trying to take back more of the creativity within his own company, and this could be a good start. Also Hello Ropongi Vice, Ibushi vs Okada, now that's a spicy meatball.

Kota Ibushi vs Trent Barretta.

I liked this. It worked well as a fantastic clash of styles coming together, to make something that needs to be seen. Ibushi got the win, with some sickening knee strikes. He then had a face off against Kazuchika Okada. I think this is a clear direction for Forbidden Door, you're lucky, if you're going.

Jon Moxley Segment.

This was perfect. No notes other than you need to go and check this out, because I loved this.

AR Fox and Ricochet vs Speedjet. ( And Everything Else. )

The Matches that came along with this bunched up stuff were great, but everything to do with the Hurt Syndicate made this feel over bloated. AR Fox and Ricochet lost to speedjet in what was a solid outing for Kevin Knight, and. Speedball Mike Bailey. Who were then decked by The Hurt Syndicate. Tony Schiavone almost got sent flying which made me laugh. MVP said that he wants a Tag Team to step up to The Hurt Syndicate, this came after Speedjet tried to stake their claims to the Tag Belts, and MJF had a great promo dual with Mark Briscoe, after he played all of his promo hits. This was way too long.

Mens and Womens Casino Gauntlet qualifiers.

Both of these Matches were solid, from their in built storylines, to the Matches within the Matches. Mark Briscoe, beat. Bandido. Roderick Strong, and. Konosuke Takeshista, and. Kris Statlander, beat. Willow Nightingale. Athena, and. Thunder Rosa. I had a great time watching these Matches at 8am in the morning.

Adam Cole Segment.

Adam Cole has challenged any Member of The Damn It Don Callis Family, to an open challenge for his TNT Championship on Collision, And on the subject of Collision. The Collision reviews will be coming back. I had to drop them temporarily, due to timing issues, but they're coming back.

Hangman Adam Page vs The Beast Mortos.

This was another lofi affair, that came with hard hitting blows, and solid chemistry from both men. Hangman got the win with a buck shot larriot, and was then beaten down by Moxley, and his crew. The Opps, and. Will Osperay made the save as the show went off the air. This was decent.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite.

Even though I did like this broadcast. I couldn't help but think that something was missing, and I couldn't put my finger on what it was, I mean the Matches went from average to good, whilst the promos were way too long, and didn't get to the point fast enough.

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a 7/10.

My Top 5 UFC TUF Fighters With Hardest Back Stories.

Intro.

As the way that life goes, we all have our struggles, and those that appear on The Ultimate Fighter are no differant, we see everyting, from their homes, to what's lead to this place in their lives. And it's a fascinating story.

5. Chris Tickle Season 15.

Watching season 15 back recently. Tickle opened up about where he's come from, and to say that he's not had an easy up bringing is an understatement. No one deserves to be called racist names ever.

4. Junior Browning Season 8.

From behaviour stuggles, to trying to navigate growing up with nothing. I now look back on this season 8 competitor with breand new eyes in 2025.

3. Chris Saunders Season 15.

I find it remarkable how this guy navigated his life through MMA, from a bad start in life due to reasons deyond his control, to competing on National TV. I think it's easy to say that life is what you make, you've just got to want to earn it

2. Chris Leben Season 1.

This guy is the reason why reality checks are needed in TV today. Chris nowadays is in a better place. Bullying is no laughing matter.

1. Court Mcgee.

From facing up to his demons, and turning his life around, to battling addiction, this man gave his all on the show, and it was inspiring to see.

  

WWE Monday Night Raw Review.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Jey Uso. Cody Rhodes. Roxanne Perez. Jade Cargill. Becky Lynch, and. Bayley, were seen showing up to the arena.

Seth Rollins Segment.

As Seth and his crew welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins, it looked their was some mixed feelings from the fans, and Seth capitalised on this, as he stated that they don't know what they want, judging by who they chant for. Cm Punk, and Roman Reigns. He also brought to light that he's an industry changer, by becoming the first one to hold the NXT Championship, and World Heavyweight Championship. He spoke of why his crew took out LA Knight. As he ran down competitors who he beems unfit to face him. This was when he warned Penta to stay out of his way. Bron would go on to beat Penta in what was a solid outing from both men. All of this was solid.

Adam Pearce Is Shown No Respect.

AJ Styles. The New Day, and. Grayson Waller, all need to Show Adam Pearce some respect, because at this point he's becoming a Rodney dangerfield meme.

Goldberg/Gunther Segments.

Even though I think this Match screams disaster, I did like both of these segments, they got to the point, and didn't waste my time.

The Judgement Day Segment.

If Pro Wrestling doesn't work out, then i've got the perfect Job for Finn Balor. Motivational speaker. 

Roxanne Perez vs Jade Cargill Ladies Queen Of The Ring.

I liked this. Both these had an exhausting affair in the best way possible. Jade got the win after solid series of near falls, that allowed the Match to have time to breathe. I think that this is the wrong decision. overall when you look through Asuka's history, she's been able to get great matches out of talent that I don't think is on her level, case and point. I'm not a big charlotte Flair fan, but Asuka pulled her to one of her best best Matches at Wrestlemania 34. This should be done for Perez in my opinion. I like Jade Cargill, I just feel that Perez would be a better match up.

Rusev And Sheamus Segment.

After Rusev sherked off The Alpha Academy, he then told Sheamus that he's god. Oh no he's going to start talking about temptation again isn't he.

Sami Zayn Segment.

Sami Zayn Chinned Big Kazza Kross, and now the pair will face each other at Night of Champions. Sing it with me guys. Oh Kazza Kross, you don't know when to stop.

Bayley vs Becky Lynch WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Even the Match was thrown when Lyra Valkyria got involved. The in ring work was excellent, and it showcased a broader story going into Evolution 2 in a couple of weeks.

Chad Gable Segment.

I like Chad Gable, but I also like Penta, but which one is better there's only one way to find out. Fiiiiiiiiiiight.

Raquel Rodriguez Segment.

This was a mess, and a complete waste of time. Raquel called out Rhea Ripley, and the pair had a fight, and Roxanne Perez helped Raquel get the upper hand, when she placed Rhea through a table with a tahuna bomb. This was flat, and predictable.

Jey Uso vs Cody Rhodes King Of The Ring Semi-Final.

I liked this. I heard some fans in the dark corners of the internet say that this was one of the best Raw Main Events in recent memory. I don't agree with this personally. I thought this ran smoothly, and was a well executed piece of respect, being played out to a mass TV Audience. Cody got the win and will now face Randy Orton this Saturday.

Overview Of Monday Night Raw.

Overall Monday Night Raw was a decent show this week, and has set the tone for what could be happening this Saturday. Cease fire pending.

This Weeks Monday Night Raw is a solid 8/10.

My Top 5 TV Characters That Have Similar Characteristics To Pro Wrestlers.

Intro.

TV is the base for a lot of inspiration, from the outlet of how a character can sound, all the way down to the presentation. Pro Wrestling has taken this trope to the next level. As some of the best shows of the past thirty years have influenced what we see on a week to week basis, so this got me thinking, which Pro Wrestlers have characteristics like a TV Character? So let's get into it.

5 Roman Reigns. Clay Morrow.

This one is a fascinating look into how manipulation, can be the overarching force that leads to grooming. Clays attempts to Jax close in Sons Of Anarchy, is very reminiscent to how Roman would groom his own family, into his twisted form of law, and respect. I'm a massive Sons Of Anarchy fan, and over time I feel that WWE have gone to this show, as a way to look at how individuals can be the master of their own downfalls.

4. Cody Rhodes. Captain America.

Ok this one is easy to look at. Cody Rhodes is a modern day version of Steve Rogers. As time has gone by, the world of Marvel animation hasn't really changed, infact you could balance it alongside WWE, and how they've taken influence from the world of Comics. Look no further than Cody Rhodes, and Captain America, both characters are polvarizing amongst fans, to mixing degrees.

3. Buffy Summers. Xena Warrior Princess.

I've decided to put all female Pro Wrestlers into this space, because I couldn't decide who to write about. Back in the mid 90's Female empowerment was nonexistant in the world of Pro Wrestling, it wasn't until 1996 when things started to change. Chyna was a clear invention to balance what was going on in the world, because the ladies weren't just starting to shape the world of. Pro Wrestling in the 1990's, but on the small screen as well. Buffy The Vampire was a show that paved light on what female empowerment could look like in the then modern world. Pro Wrestling was starting to take a look at what female reprosentation could be, to varying results.

2. Neville Pepperman. The Miz.

I know what you're all thinking, what is an adult doing watching a kids TV show. I was babysitting my friends two daughters, and they're both huge Icarly fans, and I had to watch this with them, and oh my, was this show inapropriate for kids, and look no further than Neville Pepperman, he's like a more annoying version of The Miz. I'm not sure which one was worse. I just felt that after watching this show, that I wanted my time back. The Miz is the master of his own humour, whilst Neville portrays Mike's heel persona perfectly for kids.

1 MJF. Ari Gold.

I love the show Entourage, however I can also understand why it would never get made today. This is the perfect way to take a look at the Man that is Maxwell Jacob Freeman, a man that has no morals, just like the character that Jeremy Piven Portrayed for nearly a decade.

 

My Top 5 Insights From UFC Fight Night.

Azerbijan fighters shine, whilst the main event fritters away into the night. 

Intro.

This has been a fascinating year, not just for the UFC, but for TKO as a whole, with new markets being reached, and fan engagement being at a steady level, just reminds me that it's important to expand, because as time changes, new markets open up, which is why the UFC has travelled to Baku, making this the Vegas outlets first trip to Azerbijan.

5.Muhamand Naimov vs Bogdan Grad.

This fight fell a bit flat in my opinion. Naimov got the win by Decision, and if i'm honest. I found myself reaching for my phone during this fight.

4. The Serra Longo Team Have Another Savage On Their Hands.

Nazim Subyko, beat. Nicolas Motta, by TKO, in stunning fashion, the fight resembled a real life version of Rock'em Sock'em Robots, to the point that Michael Bisping called it one of the best fights that he's been on the desk for.

 3.Tofiq Musayev vs Myktekbek Orolban.

Myktekbek Orolban, beat. Tofiq Musayev with a rather slick Armbar submission.

2. Curtis Blaydes Is Back.

I'm going to be honest, this wasn't the best performance that I have ever seen from Curtis, but it's great to see him get a win. Curtis has always divided up both sides of my brain, and i'm pleased to say that I love the fact that he's back in title contention again.

1. Khamil Roundtree.

Khamil Roundtree, beat. Jamal Hill in what was a disapointing performance from both men. Neither man took their chances, and given the fact that both have immense power in their hands, and have great ground skills, this was a disapointment.