Smackdown Review 5.10. 2024

Intro

I'm going to be honest. I haven't been this excited for a b-list PLE, in a longtime. The build has been solid, and with all the arguements that fans have been having online, all I have to say is this. I don't care who main events, because as fans, we all know the show is going to bang. Bad Blood is going to be a showcase of how to masterclass storylines. I can't wait to see how everything unfolds.

Superstars Turn Up

The Bloodline. DIY, and. The Street Profits, were all seen showing up to the arena.

AJ Styles Segment and Impromptu Match

I'm a big fan of Mr Styles, and i'm so pleased to see him back. Country Music artist Hardy welcomed him out, to a great pop, from turning back the years in TNA, he spoke about his time in the Nashvillle promotion, he talked about his regrets, over how he last left things, and that he doesn't expect fans to forgive him, because he wants to rebuild his legacy, and remind everyone, that this is the house that AJ built. Carmelo Hayes came out, and the two had a great promo dual. The man known as Him introduced himself, he told AJ, that he's been holding it down, since AJ left, this ignited fans interest in him getting inducted into the TNA Hall Of Fame, at some point. Carmelo called him a legend, whilst putting himself over as the younger upstart, and tells AJ that he's a quitter. After the phenomanal One, schooled him, on how to deal with LA Knight. The segment then went into overdrive when Knight came out, to put an end to this fun promotrain, in the only way he can, putting people in their place with style, he then put AJ, and Carmelo in an impromptu match. The Match was solid, all until the point that it got thrown out, when AJ came down injured. Knight then took out Hayes with his btf finisher. I liked this. Carmelo wants a shot at LA Knight

Michin vs Chelsea Green Dumpster Match

I had a lot of fun watching this, because it was just so over the top. I cried laughing at the ridiculous spots, and couldn't wait to see the comedy unfold later on, after Michin got the win with a powerbombing Chelsea through a table, and into Dumpster. Pretty Deadly. Angel, and. Humberto, and. Grayson Waller, and. Austin Theory, and even Nick Aldis tried to give her a wide birth, because of the stench, that was attached to her.

Bianca Belair Jade Cargill and Naomi Backstage With Nia Jax Segment

Bianca Belair, and. Jade Cargill, told. Naomi that all three of them will be hosting Bad Blood, and then. In came Bayley, dancing like that awkward person you see at every party, this clears out the room. Bayley said that she's going down to the ring, and is going to have a verbal one on one, with Queen Nia. Bayley came out to the ring, and called out our Queen. Both ladies had a great promo dual, as. Bayley spoke from the heart, and. Nia got through with dominance. Tiffany Stratton then came out, and well the rest is history, for all to see, she completely guffed up her lines, and called Bayley, by her real name. A fight broke out between Bayley, and. Queen Nia, that our saw our Queen, take the worst of it, giving ms Stratton the chance to cash in, as the fans cheered her on, but. Nia turned round in the nick of time. Naomi then beat Tiffany, in a pretty standard tv match. Nia's bullying of Stratton is starting to get boring.

Tama And Tonga Loa vs DIY And The Street Profits WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match

I loved this main event, from The Bloodlines walk through entrance, to this match delivering on every cylinder, the physicalty was through the roof. The ladder spots were well conceived, an awe inspiring to watch unfold, all three teams movesets blended in together like a well fitted glove. The new levels of Aggression that was put on display, was clear for the world to see. The Bloodline got taken out, by. DIY, and. The Street Profits, that echoed the potential return of Paul Heyman. The Bloodline then showed how, they are cats with nine lives, and retained their belts. Jakub, and. Solo then walked out, and stood by their family members, as the show went off the air.

Overview Of WWE Smackdown

I thought this was one of the best episodes of Smackdown this year. I had an absolute blast watching this, as the two hour run time flew by.

This weeks Smackdown is a solid 8/10.

Ps have a great Bad Blood weekend everyone.

My Top 5 TNA PPV's

Intro

Wrestling in the mid noughties, were looked at as a proving ground, for new talent, the industry was changing, the days of Hulk Hogan, and overbuilt army, was becoming a thing of the past, smaller talents were making waves, from the 2002 onwards. WWE may have had bought up the Monopoly, when it came to tv deals in the North American Scene. The message that TNA was sending out in these days, was that. The alternative way of life, is something that should be embraced. And if you dig into their archive, their PPV's were steller, and these are the ones that come recomended by me.

5 Bound For Glory 2008

From a company stand point, a lot was riding on this show. Their deal with Spike tv was getting signed within the days that followed, this played out as a storyline showthread on the night. Sting, and. Samoa, had an insane match, complete with dive from Joe, and when you divolge into the rest of the card, the fans in the Izod Centre in Chicago, lapped up everything.

4 Lockdown 2099

Even though the matches on this card, do waver in quality, there are four matches that make this a must watch. Team 3d vs Beer Money Inc. Matt Morgan vs Abyss, was an bloodsoaked riot. The lethal Lockdown match, was a weapon filled funfest. And. Sting, and. Ms Foley's baby boy turned back the years in the main event.

3 TNA Turning Point 2005

This was a card that delivered from the start, and kept on going, until the ground shaking main event, and if you haven't seen that, then I don't know what to tell you.

2 Final Destination 2011

This. Was. TNA's way of bringing their PPV outings to an end for this year, from RVD vs Christopher Daniels. The return salvation of Arc of Jeff Hardy, beating Jeff Jarrett inside a steel cage, and. AJ Styles, having a fantastic match, with. Bobby Rhoode, for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, was the icing on an exceedingly good cake.

Bound For Glory 2012

I love this PPV. I don't think TNA ever bettered this in my opinion. The matches were steller, and it still holds me until this day. Bobby Rhoode and James Storm had a bloodbath, there was an awesome 3 way for the tag match, for the Tag Team Championships, the leader of aces and eights was revealed, and Jeff Hardy finished his version of Cody Rhodes story, when he beat Austin Aries, for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. This is my favourite TNA PPV ever.

  

Top 5 TNA Wrestlers

Intro

With the mid noughties indie scene boom, in full swing by the year of 2007. TNA was proving to be a minor force to be reconned with, with the right balance, of established names, and phenomanol young talent, they were telling the world, that they were here to stay.

5 Kurt Angle

I don't think I need to say much about this mans run in TNA, his later years did have some controversary, but his matches, with the likes of sting. Samoa Joe, and. AJ Styles, are the benchmark for passion, and excellence, at a time when the industry, was too focused on finding the next gem.

4 Eli Drake

Ok guys. I have to put this guy on the list, because if I don't, then a say it with me guys. I'm a dummy, yeeeeeeeaaaaah.

3 Gail Kim

I loved watching this women work, she was the standard bearer in womens wrestling in the mid noughties, her title matches were always well worked. She was the stallwart for what was to come down the line, as the years would cause the industry to change.

2 Sting

From hero, to icon, to the Insane Icon. I love this man, his passion for the business, has been a real inspiration to me. I have no other words

 1 AJ Styles

The first times I saw this man wrestle. I felt in terms of the match. I had died and gone to heaven. He faced Kurt Angle in the main event, of a TNA house show, at. Wembley Arena, and as a fan who at the time was 23 years old, I got a glimpse into this mans excellence, but what came before this, made me look at him in a differant way. His matches were paved in gold, and everyone who he faced, was better off after squaring off against him.

My Top 5 TNA  Matches Ever

Intro

I have a question for you guys, just what are the best TNA Matches ever? It's a hard one isn't it. I have asked myself this question a lot of late, and as a longtime wrestling fan. I think these are the by far the best in my eyes.

5 Josh Alexander vs Will Osperay

If you haven't seen this match, then I don't know what to say, other than you need this in your life asap.

4 Kurt Angle vs Samoa Joe Turning Point 2006

These too had a great series of matches, and this, was by far their best. I could watch this match, over, and over, and over again, oh wait. I have.

3 Bobby Rhoode vs James Storm Street Fight Bound For Glory 2012

I love matches that scream bloodsoaked carnage, and my god this match is the perfect example of that. The physicality is visceral, and nasty, and it made for compulsive viewing. blood. I love blood.

2 Sting vs AJ Styles Bound TNA World Heavyweight Championship For Glory 2009

Sting, and. AJ Styles, are too of my favourite wrestlers of all time, and this match is the perfect showcase of that. AJ was made into a star of the back of this, and his in ring chemistry with Sting, on this night was perfect. AJ became the champion, and. Stings Legacy, started to enter its twilight years.

1 AJ Styles vs Kurt Angle 30.1.2010

This. Is one of the best matches that I have ever seen in person. No more words are needed, because this was perfect.

AEW Dynamite 5th Aniversary Show Review 3.10.2024

Intro

Were has the time gone. AEW is celebrating it's fifth aniversary of Dynamite, and all I have to say is this, whilst I blow on some streamers. Thank Mr Khan, because I am enjoying your product very much. It's been a mad few years since the start of Dynamite, the political landscape has changed, as a global pandemic, caused chaos for everyone, but at least we had muffins, yes, lots of muffins.

Mox and his gang segment

Ok, did I hear this right. Mox and his gang threatened to murder. Wheeler Yuta, and. Bryan Danielson. Their needs to be laws against this.

Ricochet vs Will Osperay AEW Internaional Championship

This was a fast paced fun ride, that gave way to some excellent physicality, and great move by move counteractions, I don't have a lot of notes, when it came to this part of the match, because it was perfect, however, the ending felt lazy, as both mens shoulders were given the three count, this led to Tony Khan, ordering the match to restart, however, outcame. Konosuke Takeshista, he attacked both. Ricochet, and. Osperay, causing the match to get thrown out. I didn't like this, however this has given birth to a tasty threeway at the PPV.

Mercedes Mone Segment

Mercedes Mone introduced a video package, based on herself, and her moments, on Dynamite. MVP then entered stage right, and gave her his business card. New faction me thinks. hmmm interesting.

TV Time With Chris Jericho

I hate Chris Jericho. I don't know what to say about this segment. He came across like a paricital nutter, as he put himself on a pedistal, claiming that Dynamites success is down to him, whilst taking shots at TV pundits, and podcasters. ( here's looking at you Eric Bischoff ) He spoke about how he has helped the younger talent, by pulling them into his vortex, he then called out Mark Briscoe, and challenged him to a match at WrestleDream. Briscoe came with his conglomeration team mates, and he and Jericho had a decent promo dual, that focused on the importance of family, and the way that The Learning Tree, beat. The Conglomeration last week. I wasn't a fan of this. It felt predictable, and Lazy. Big Bill deserves better than the tripe he was told to say. Do better AEW. Also don't bring up Marks Brother Jay for heat, this came across as a bit insensitive.

Darby Allin Segment

Darby Allin, then gave a segment, that focused on the theme of standing up for himself, when his back was up against the wall, whilst sitting in a Junkyard. He then issued an open challenge for WrestleDream, asking anyone who wats to fight him, to step up. Who will want to face him?

Hangman Adam Page vs Juice Robinson

I liked this. The match in my opinion failed to shift out of first gear, but it did have it's moments, from the beer and popcorn shower that Hangman received. Juice whipping him like a goverment mule, to Hangman getting the win, with a Buckshot Lariot, he was about to Hang poor Juicy boy, when out came a returning Jay White to make the save. 

Postman Perry Segment

Ok, everyone sing it with me now. Postman Perry. Postman Perry. Postman Perry, and his blacked van. He beat the breaks off of Shibata, because we all know that Perry is a very messed up man. The two will meet at WrestleDream for the TNT Championship. Please BBC don't sue.

Britt Baker vs Serena Deeb

Dr Britt Baker, beat Serena Deeb in a fun womens match. I love watching these ladies work. I get why some people don't like Britt Baker, but to me, her and Deeb always work well together. I get why some fans are a bit hesitant towards Baker, but, in my opinion, we don't know everything, that has gone on.

Hook Segment

Hook wants to find the guy that attacked his dad, in the car park, and at that point I thought, am I watching NXT? Christian Cage, then said that he will be a champion. Hook line, and, sinker. When this ended, I felt sad, because this robbed me of my chance, to dress up like Dick Van Dyke, and try and solve the case.

Private Party vs The Iron Savages

Private Party, beat. The Iron Savages, in a flat tv match, and then called out The Young Bucks. The Bucks came out sitting on the stage, they teased a match, and then ripped it away. Jack Perry, then attacked Private Party t from behind. Katsuyouri Shibata then came out, to make the save, leaving Christopher Daniels to come out, and do his best pissed off parent routine, and tell all six men in 6 man, tag match on Rampage, yeah. I know. I don't care either.

MVP Segment

MVP continued this campaign to annoy coffee lovers everywhere, by having a go at Prince Nana, he said if he has any complaints, he could take it up with his new head of relations. Shelton Benjamin. First Mercedes, and now Shelton. I sence a new faction forming.

Bryan Danielson vs Kazuchika Okada Double Belt Match

I loved this match, the through storythread was excellent, and the physicality matched it, because Okada didn't need to beat Danielson, all he needed to do was hang in there, the match lasted for just over 40 minutes, and it was exhilarating to watch, as the twenty minute lapse ended. Okada upped the level of intensity, and this was matched with Danielsons passion. The chair spots were precise, and to the point, as the match went into the final exchanges, the near falls fell into place, but those dastardly menaces, known as The Pacpool Combat came out to play the imtidation game, allowing Okada to lose concentration, and for Danielson to get the win, and retain his belt. The Pacpool Combat Club then attacked Danielson, and. Jon Moxley cut a scathing promo on him, explaining his actions from the past few weeks. Yuta came out to make the save, and next week, he and Danielson will face. Claudio, and. Pac in a tag match. This was a solid way to end the broadcast.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite

With the overarching success, that's AEW's new media rights deal, acting as a solid backdrop, the focus on there flagship show became second fodder, the in ring action was superb, however, bad finishes, have left a bad mark against this show, because the over booking, has ruined this delicous meal.

This Weeks Dynamite is a solid 8/10.

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.