Thursday, 26 December 2024

My Top 5 Favourite Matches Of 2024.

Intro.

This year has been remarkable, from the aspect of moments, and Matches leaving us all, with the feeling of complete amazement. IThis think this year has been a solid one from the aspect of in-ring work, with some Matches making me feel whole. These are my top 5 Matches.

5 Marieh May vs Toni Storm AEW All In.

I'm going to be a bit biased here, because I was In attendance for AEW All In. This Match was one of many highlights on the PPV, and in my opinion. It was the best womens Match this year.

4 Will Osperay vs Bryan Danielson AEW DynRg that it left me with. Just fighting spirit magic.

3 Will Osperay vs Pac AEW All In.

I loved this Match, it was fast paced. it was fluent, and it was a vital master stroke in booking, that we all needed.

2 MJF vs Will Osperay AEW All In.

Like I have said before, i'm going to sound a bit biased, because I attended AEW All In, and this was my Match of the night, next to Danielson vs Swerve. This Match is the reason why I love Pro Wrestling.

1Drew Mcintyre vs Cm Punk Hell In A Cell WWE Bad Blood.

Cody, and. Roman may have headlined the PLE, but it was Drew, and. Punk that stole the show. This is one of the best Hell In A Cell Matches in recent years. From the majestic, bloodsoaked story, that the Match followed, to its execution. This. Was perfect.



 

Wednesday, 25 December 2024

My Top Best Wrestling Moments This Year.

Intro.

Ok, we've done the bad, so I better give you guys a big bag of sweets, so here's the best moments. 

5 Cody Rhodes Finishing His Story.

This had me crying, because it was a life affirming moment, that only sport, and entertainment can create, however due to reasons beyond HHH's control, this brought in the new era not in sports entertainment, but in pro wrestling. So everyone, what do you want me to talk about.

4. The Rise Of Swerve Strickland In AEW.

In terms of building up new talent. AEW has capitised, at a time when WWE is starting to look for it's series of main eventers. Swerve Stricklands rise this year has been awesome to watch unfold. His Matches have been solid, both on TV, and PPV, and to think were only just getting started, because for Swerve it's onwards and upwards.

3 Cm Punk And Drew Mcintyre Had A Match Of The Year Contender.

From the Summerslam Match, being met with a tepid response, their Bash In Berlin Match, having its critics, to this, a bonafide classic, that redifined 5 star classic. This. Is one of my PPV Matches of the year.

2 MJF vs Will Osperay.

This Is another Match Of the yearc contender. I'm going to sound a bit biased because I was in attendance at Wembley Stadium for AEW All In, and this was a highlight. Just pure perfection all round if you ask me.

1 Hangman Adam Page vs Swerve Strickland Rivalry.

This Match in my opinion, is still helping to bring in AEW's Golden age of grotesc, from its levels of high octane violence, and blood, to the end of an era defining storyline. When AEW get it right, they kill it.

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Top 5 Worst Moments In Wrestling This Year.

     Intro

This Year has seen some awesome moments in Pro Wrestling. From the rise of Willow Nightingale, and. Swerve Strickland. Cody Rhodes finishing his story. Hangman Adam Page becoming an arsonist, to my favourite. The retirement of an American Dragon. So with that said, here are the worst moments. So sit back everyone, relax, have a drink, and i'll begin.

5 The Elite Takeover Of AEW.

Yeah, this had a lot of promise, but overall in it's final execution, coming out from April onwards, the creative behind this fell flat, as time war on, but at least, we got to see Tony Khan take the TK driver.

4 Adam Copelands Rah Rah Speech.

I love Adam Copeland, but this was embarrassing. It was unnessicary, and pointless. This came off the back of Cm Punk going on a podcast with Ariel Helwani. It was childish, and no one came off looking good in the aftermath.

3 Showing The Cm Punk Backstage From Wembley Stadium.

Of the back of that infamous Ariel Helwani Podcast came this, and oh my it was a bad idea. I have no other words. Man this was dumb.

2 Justice For Jey Uso.

I loved it when Jey Uso won the Intercontinental Championship, but when he lost in the fashion that he did. I was furious. It's nothing against Bron Breakker. I just wanted better for the man that coined the phrase yeeeeeeeet.

1 The Never Ending Story Of Chris Jericho.

As a wrestler I have really gone off Chris Jericho in 2024, due to reasons I can't talk about. I think its time he leaves TV, for a while.


Monday, 23 December 2024

 5 My Top 5 Wrestling Moments That Made Me Ugly Cry.

 Intro

Crying is a natural form of emotion, and in life we've all done it. What does this say about me. I've cried more times watching wrestling, than I have attending weddings, funerals, and, anniversaries? I know what you're all thinking. This manchild is a robot.

5 Randy And Liz Wrestlemania 8.

Macho Man Randy Savage, and. Ms Elizabeth at Wrestlemania 8, were reunited and it feels so good. I hated Cheri Martel, my 7 year old self, was so relived watching this.

4 Daniel Bryan's retirement.

Concussions are no laughing matter, and watching this was just heartbreaking.

3 Ric Flairs Retirement.

Even though these days, i'm not a big fan of Ric's these days. This retirement speech, from after Wrestlemania 24 still gets to me. Leave the memories alone, and don't change a thing. 

2 Goodbye Cactus Jack.

Febuary 2000, was an interesting time in the wrestling industry. WCW was continuing to fall on its own sword, and we had to say goodbye to an old friend. ( Or so we thought ) Mick Foley, was done wrestling, his health was on a downward spiral, to the point that he was forgetting his own name. No Way Out, would be his swansong, and last appearance for the then WWF. His bloodsoaked masterpiece With HHH, that took place within the confines of the devils favourite structure, this was a fitting way to say goodbye to a man, that literally sacrificed his own body, to entertain us fans. Godspeed Cactus Jack. Godspeed Mick Foley. Jr's commentary on this night was flawless.

1 The Matches of Daniel Bryan And Bryan Danielson.

Wrestlemania 30, and. AEW All In 2024, all have one thing in common. the vice versa perona of this man, got thousands in attendance to beliveve in the art of storytelling, within the confines of a Pro Wrestling Match, when he beat the likes of. Randy Orton. Batista, and. Swerve Strickland, respectively. These matches examplified passion, and conviction. Fireworks and grace, thrown in with Pro wrestling, created memories for the families in attendance, even with one of them looking down from heaven.

Sunday, 22 December 2024

AEW Christmas Collision 22.12.2024.

 Intro

It's Christmas, and after i've written this. I'm going to be sitting back with a beer in my hand, because this has been a great year for me, from me publishing my work for the first time, hanging out with my friend Dave at AEW All In, with his partner Kim, and his brother in Law Rich. And there was the time I got scissored by a man called Daddyass. I think it's been a good year, and with that said, thank you to everyone who's checked out the blog, and here's to a great 2025. Things are going to get interesting. This will be my last review of the year.

Costco Guys Are All Elite.

The Costco Guys kicked off the show, running everything down with Ian Riccabani. Later on in the evening they had a promo dual against Chris Jericho, and his Learning Tree. Shout out to Anthony Bowens, for sticking up for these Chicken Bake/ Double Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookies loving guys. I liked this.

Will Osperay vs Ricochet Continental Classic.

From Ricochet telling Will in a non subtle way, that he stinks, the excellent physicality, and chemistry, that both men showed, to it's lofi pace, that allowed the match to have plenty of time to breathe. The near falls blended perfectly with the in-ring work, as both mens movesets were made to be the centrepiece. Ricochet got the win. I liked this.

Adam Cole And MJF Segment.

I loved this segment, both sides of this were a fascinating watch, from Max's side dealing with the past. Dentistry, and sad truths, to. Cole replying by insulting his fake hair, hiring his girlfriend, and stating that he's nothing like Max. They both took shots at each other, that reverbarated back and forth with great effects, that led to the final exchange, that saw Max say the truth, he never cared about Adam, because all he wanted was his championship, and at worlds end, he's going to bring Adams world to an end. A fight broke out to end the segment.

Kris Statlander Segment And Match Against Penelope Ford.

Kris Statlander called out Mercedes Mone, for another Match for her TBS Championships, she went on to beat Penelope Ford in a flat TV Match, and then Mercedes came out, and accepted her challenge. This. Was. What it was.

Orange cassidy Segment.

Orange Cassidy, told Lexi Nair that he wants help, when it comes to eliminating Jon Moxley from AEW.

Harley Cameron Segment.

Harley Cameron continued her campaign to torture my ears, with AEW's Christmas ad. Please make it stop.

Toni Storm Segment.

Toni Storm, had a fan girl moment, when she met Deonna Purazzo, and. Taya Valkyrie. to the point that she now has a Match against on this weeks Dynamite.

Continental Classic Shelton Benjamin vs Daniel Garcia.

I liked this, from it's quick pace, that caught me off guard, which allowed my mind to expand, because this was energetic barn-burner. Garcia got the win via roll up. The Hurt Syndicate then attacked Danny in the aftermath. Mark Briscoe, and. Swerve Strickland, then came out to make the save. Swerve said to Bobby that he said he was  going to catch him, by the end of the year, and this all happened after the rest of the AEW locker room, came out to make the save.

Mark Briscoe vs The Beast Mortas Continental Classic.

Mark Briscoe, beat. The Beast Mortas, in what was a solid outing, and a decent TV Match.

Julia Hart Segment.

I get the feeling that Julia Hart is looking forward to her Match against Jamie Hayter, on the 1st of January.

Thunder Rosa And Marieh May Fight

Now I like Marieh May, and I like Thunder Rosa, but which one is better, there's only one way to find out. Fiiiiiiiigggggghhhht. Alex Mahvez didn't know what to do with himself.

Claudio Castagnoli vs Darby Allin Continental Classic.

I liked this. From Darby The Daredevil, chucking himself off the top of the stage scaffolding. Claudio giving Darby travel sickness, with that spin, and having some fun with the steel steps. The visceral physicality from start to finish, was great, and it helped shape how the Match would take shape. Claudio, beat. Darby, when Brass knucks were introduced. Osperay came out, and chased off Claudio, as the broadcast came to an end. 

Overview Of AEW Christmas Collision.

I liked this broadcast. The overshadowing arch of the Hammerstein Ballroom, made for a great treat, as the fans fed of the action, that was taking place, and the promos made for a nice side dish.

AEW Christmas Collision is a solid 8/10.

Saturday, 21 December 2024

WWE Friday Night Smackdown Review 21.12.2024

Intro.

The New Year is already starting to look exciting. Monday Night Raw on Netflix. AEW Dynamite simulcast, on both TBS, and. HBO Max in the states, and of course. The return of Kenny Omega. Say it with me everyone. Sometimes it's good to be a wrestling fan.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Bianca Belair. Naomi. The Motorcity Machine Gunns, and Nia Jax, and. Candace Lerae, were all seen showing up to the arena, ahead of their respective Matches.

Temu Bloodline And 6 Man Tag Match.

I liked this. Solo and his not so merry crew came out, and for the first time it looked like Solo, was ignoring the boos, as the chant of OTC rang around the arena in Conneticut. He put over the level of his Match against Roman, on the 6th of January, all whilst he was getting booed out of the building. The main selling point of this Promo was to put over the conflict of Tribal, and that was achieved here, because after January 6th. Solo will still be our Tribal Chief, and. The Head Of The Table. After a failed Acknowledgement from the fans. Drew Mcintyre came out, and asks Solo. Was he happy, after last weeks beatdown on Jimmy? and does Solo ever think about drew, to which he just shook his head. Drew was clearly holding back anger, as he talked about attacking those that wronged him, whilst holding back the urge to not want to kill Solo. Drew said that he's going to continue to go through all of the OG Bloodline members, because it's the best way to handle business. Jimmy came out to attack Drew with a crutch, but Drew scarpered, as. LA Knight. Apollo Crews, and. Andrade came out for their 6 Man Tag Match with The Bloodline. This 6 Man Tag, resembled a small lofi barn burner, that turned into a solid TV Match, that allowed all six men to have energetic bursts, which sold the physicality. Solo got the win for his crew, when he got Crews all alone. Spinning Solo, and a spike, and that was all she wrote.

The Motorcity Machine Gunns Segment.

Alex Shelley, said that he wanted to get his hands on Johnny Gargano. This made Ciampa, and. Gargano wet themselves with laughter.

Chelsea Green Celebration.

Byron Saxton interviewed Chelsea Green, about her United States Championship win. In Pre-recorded footage, from after last weeks. Saturday Nights Main Event. I think this was a great piece of business, and by the sounds of it, so did she, and. Piper Niven.

Kevin Owens Segment.

Kevin Owens then did his best Gene Schnitsky impersonation, and said that what happened to Cody Rhodes, wasn't his fault, and put the blame on the fans, and the company executives.

Grayson Waller Effect With Braun Strowman.

I didn't like this, from Braun Strowman coming out dressed up like Santa Claus, to Waller insulting fans calling them poor, to this badly scripted segment becoming a promotrain, when Carmelo Hayes came out, all of this was unfanny, and boring. And the Match that Carmelo had against Braun, was nothing short of bad,  with a dodgy finish. Carmelo then caught up with Braun later on, after Braun bumped into Legado Delfantasma, and. Pretty Deadly, and attacked him with a steelchair.

Tiffany Stratton Segment.

Candace Lerae, then did her best Wayne Campbell Impersonation, and denied Tiffany Stratton from coming out to ringside. No Ringside access denied.

Alex Shelley

Johnny Gargano, beat. Alex Shelley in tame Match, that failed in its execution. Gargano won by roll up.

Bianca Belair And Naomi vs Nia Jax And Candace Lerae WWE Womens Tag Team Championship Match.

I liked this. It did what it said on the tin. The Match was a fun experience, that came from a lofi start. And turned into a barn burner. Naomi, and Bianca got the win, and Tiffany had another failed Cash in attempt.

Overview Of WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

I enjoyed this weeks Friday Night Smackdown. The in-ring work was solid, however the promos were a sad stalemate, of pre-recorded shows.

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

Friday, 20 December 2024

My Top 5 John Cena Matches.

Intro.

Ok were is he, no guys i'm being serious I can't see him. Agh yes. Mr John Cena. I understand that not everyone likes him, but personally I like him, he's one of the best Promo's in the business, and by all accounts, he's one of the nicest people in the business, so I decided to give you guys, a top 5 list to do with the invisible man.

5 John Cena vs Edge TLC Match WWE Championship Unforgiven 2006.

Toronto, at this point, had Cheered Edge, and in equal measure, booed him out of the building, but on this night, the fans were split down the middle, and it helped amplify, what was an already great Match.

4 John Cena vs Kevin Owens United States Championship Open Challenge.

This. Is. How you make a new star. The story behind this Match, is genuinely heartwarming, and great to see. John made KO on this night. The look on KO's sons face said everything.

3 John Cena vs Edge Summerslam 2006.

I love this Match, and it's build. Edge's heel run, up against John's babyface niceness. This. Was perfect. The Match had a great flow to it, and both men gave everything, in order to create magic. What can I say, parent slapping is funny, if it doesn't effect you.

2 John Cena vs Brock Lesnar Extreme Rules 2012.

This Match, was the perfect example, of how pure dominance, and a fighting attitude, can produce the goods. I understand that Brock nowadays, along with his future is persona nongrata, but I still love this Match, I'm not condoning what Brock, may, or may not have done, in anyway. I just feel these guys brought out the best in each other.

1 John Cena vs Cm Punk Money In The Bank 2011.

This. Is. A bonafide 5 star classic, from the outlaying of the storyline, being played out on TV, to the outcome of the Match, that played out in Chicago. This. Was Perfect.


 

 My Top 5 Insights From UFC Fight Night Shanghai. Intro. With the Summer coming to an end. I have found myself in a reflective moode, when i...