Wednesday, 11 June 2025

My Top 5 Times In UFC History When Training Partners Became Bitter Enemies.

Intro.

The balance of I love, I hate you, hasn't always been balanced very well, especially when it comes to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Professional respect can turn into jealousy, and hard passion, can turn into hatetred, and sometimes it can start from the grass roots of the sport. The training gym.

5. Chuck liddell And Tito Ortiz.

This is a topic that I have covered multiple times before, but it's needed. These guys were managed by Dana white before he was brought in by Zuffa to promote fights as the president of the UFC, infact this is how Zuffa got hold of the company after Dana battled Bob Myerwitz over Tito's Contract. As time was biding on. Chuck and Tito's popularity was growing, They had trained together for some time up until this point, and then in the aftermath of when Chuck Beat Vitor belfort at UFC 29. Tito took to the mic, and said that their next. And after this Tito would go on and dodge Chuck for over 15 months. In the process of this Match Tito would lose his belt to Randy Couture. Oh and, one of the excuses that Tito made was the fact that he was making a movie. The Crow 3. Just stick to fighting Tito.

4. Jon Jones And Rashad Evans.

Most MMA Coaches believe more in the art of the fight, than team members not fighting team members. According to Rashad Evans this wasn't the case with his old trainer Greg Jackson. In some cases in sport, the athlete is used like a part of a conveyor belt, when one is passed up, along comes the next one. This is how the former Light Heavyweight Champion felt when Jon Jones started to elevate higher up the card. And then the unthinkable happened. Jon Jones was hand given a chance to fight for the Light Heavyweight Championship, this would cause a major rift between the pair, to turn into hatred. Jones would win the belt from Mauricio Shogun Hua at UFC 129, whilst rashad was out with a knee injury, and when their was already an issue, all of a sudden their was a tidal wave of mistrust.

3 Michael Bisping And Quinton Rampage Jackson.

I don't know how this started, but given the fact that at the time of when this was going down. Bisping had just left The Wolflair gym in Liverpool, on the back of him cutting ties with his ex manager. Now this is just my belief, and I could be wrong, but I get the feeling that this exploded after this happened. They seem to be cool nowadays.

2. Team Alpha Male.

This is what happens when third Parties get involved. The main echoe behind this when a team help a fighter reach his best, and then he leaves with that third party. Enter stage left Dwayne Bang Ludwig. Dwayne was brought in by Urijah Faber, and this proved to be a mistake. Dwayne become friends with TJ Dillashaw the then UFC Bantamweight Champion. Dwayne would leave Team Alpha Male, and TJ who at this time was splitting his time between Southern california, and. Denver Colarado, decided that he was going to go with Dwayne, this was when the rift became an avalanche of pure distain, that continued to the point when Cody Garbrandt faced against TJ, when they were both coaches on the Ultimate Fighter season 25 Redemption.

1. The Shamrocks.

This story is reminder of how family hurt, can never heel. The case of the Shamrocks is a complicated one, from bad training methods, to family betrayal. This really is a sad tale.




 

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

My Top 5 Takeaways From Monday Night Raw. 

Intro. 

Pro Wrestling has a nasty habit of stoking the fires, whether it's from a stance of hypocrisy, or a stance of loyalty, the industry has a nasty side, that resounds like turf a and surf food, it can chew up talent, and spit them out, as us fans rally to let their voices be heard. Pro Wrestling is always going to do what it thinks is best for business.

5. John Cena Segment.

I loved this segment. From the perfect fan split, to John delivering every hatefilled word with utter distain, that oozed out from every pour of his body. Bringing up the rehiring of Ron Killings, which the man answered back to this later on in this broadcast. He ignited hate within the fans due him shattering their belief system with his words. This was when Cm Punk saved the day. When we ask for Spiderman, we get the next best thing. Phil Brooks. He fired back on behalf of the fans. Punk challenged Cena to put his belt on the line, but John said Not tonight, instead if he wants the shot, then he's going to have to chase to Saudi Arabia. This was sensational, as it played on Punks belief system, but just as the air of hypocrisy started to fade away, out came Seth Rollins and his crew, to ad a sense of unpredictability to end the segment.

4. AJ Styles vs Chad Gable.

AJ Styles, beat. Chad Gable in a solid TV Match, that I could've watched another ten minutes of easily.

3. King And Queen Of The Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Ways.

These Matches were a real study in contrast. The womens Match saw Roxanne Perez, beat. Liv Morgan. Kairi Sane, and. Rhea ripley in what was a clunky at times, but watchable Match, whislt on the other hand. Sami Zayn, beat Bron Breakker. Dominik Mysterio, and. Penta, in a better TV Match, that had more of a solid flow to it.

2. I can Look But I Can't Touch.

I loved seeing Nikki Bella back in the fold. Her interaction with Liv Morgan showcased a lot of promise, and it's great to see her with some glow. Nikki hasn't had the best of times this year, so this was a special sight to see.

1. Jey Uso Was Robbed.

I didn't like this. Gunther, beat Jey Uso, to get back his WWE Heavyweight Championship. The Match was better than their Wrestlemania Match, but it's the fact that I don't think that Jey has been given a fair crack with the belt, and to see it go back onto Gunther so quickly, just doesn't seem fair to me. I'm a fan of both men, and this is just my opinion. I just feel that Jey deserves better. #JusticeforJey



Monday, 9 June 2025

My Top 5 Takeaways From UFC 316.

Intro.

As this year goes into it's mid stage, This is when the worlds leading fight promotion ramps up all of it fast speed tactics as we head into International Fight Week. When this fight card got announced I was excited to see how it would play out, and I wasn't disapointed.

Hounourable Mention.

Some people might see this as sacrilidge, but with so many highlights, there isn't a lot of space to cram everything in, so with that I just want to say a massive congratulations to Kayla Harrison, who beat Juliana Pena to become the new UFC Womens Bantamweight Champion.

5. Joe Rogan Is Back.

I can't remember the last time when Joe Rogan last appeared on a UFC Broadcast, but it's great to see him back were he belongs. If you're a fighter it must feel like a dream, when hearing the words. I'm here with your winner being relayed to you.

4 Kevin Holland Is The Man.

Kevin Holland submitted Vincente Lique with ease, and he looked great at Welterweight.

3. Mark Kerr Gets His Flowers.

I was delighted to see that Mark Kerr will get his flowers this summer, when he gets inducted into the UFC Hall Of Fame. His biopic The Smashing Machine is out later this summer. The man has lead a hard life, filled with difficulty and addiction, and it's going to be fascinating to see how Dwayne The Rock Johnson, who acted as an Executive Producer, manages to navigate the story.

2. Mario Baustista beats Patchy Mix.

This was a disapointing mix from both fighters. Mario got the win, but if i'm both men, then I wouldn't be happy, one fighter didn't do enough, whilst the other had oppotunities to finish the fight, but didn't.

1. Merab Dvalishvili.

This guy needs to have respect put on his name, because he bullied Sean O'malley in a very one sided fight, to retain his UFC Bantamweight Champion. I was disapointed with O'malley's performance. I've been a fan of his for some time, so it was disapointing to see him turn in a performance like this.



 

Sunday, 8 June 2025

WWE Money In The Bank 2025 Review.

Superstars Seen Showing up.

Jey Uso. Cody Rhodes. John Cena. Logan Paul. Becky Lynch. Seth and his crew. Alexa Bliss. Rhea Ripley, and LA Knight were all seen either showing up to the arena, or hanging backstage, oh and hello Topenga from Boy Neets World.

Womens MITB Ladder Match.

This would start off the evening with me thinking about layouts, but as soon as this Match got started, we were treated to a fantastic opener. From the interesting tease of Rhea vs Alexa Bliss. Giulia. Roxanne Perez, and. Stephanie Vaquer giving great accounts for themselves by holding their own against the veterans that they were working with, proving that the future is very bright in WWE's womens division. The psychology as the ladder wasn't used as a seventh challenger helped the Match breathe. The ladder spots ranged from great to awesome, as the guessing game, became a mental game of chess, that allowed the final exchanges to play out as Naomi climbed the ladder, and took the briefcase for the win. I think that this was the right move. Last year HHH was taken to task about how he books African American talent, this doesn't solve the problem, but it's a good start.

Dominik Mysterio vs Octagon Jnr WWE Intercontinental Championship.

This was good, but it would've felt more at home on an episode of Monday Night Raw. Dom retained in what was a decent Match.

Lyra Valkyria vs Becky Lynch WWE Womens Intercontinental Championship.

As the echoes of bad blood faded into the background, from the fiery opening, this proved to be my Match of the night, as the fast paced action became the backdrop for change. This Match had the fans split down the middle, as the sense of believibility ran through the air. The near falls were well placed, and. Becky got the win by cheating, which has given Becky's heel persona a new lease on life, when she made Lyra raise her hand, and belt her up. Lyra didn't like this, and lost her cool, as a humiliated Valkyria attacked her. This was by far my Match of the night.

Look Who's Sat At Ringside.

Look Everyone. Travis Barker is sat at ringside, because when life lets you down, you can always look at All The Small Things, because attending a WWE show is like going to a Rockshow, Man I was Up All Night writing this. I'm a massive Blink 182 fan, and I have loved this band since the age of 13, and i'm 38 in over a week. Man i'm old.

Mens MITB Ladder Match.

This was a well paced piece of moderate drama, that came complete with tribal gang warfare, insane spots, and perfect interwoven storylines. Penta took out everyone in the early going. His Mexican destroyer to Andrade that took place on a perfectly placed ladder, was a sickening sight, and of course we had a good old dose of product placement. The balance of the Match took shape quite quickly, and even though I did prefer the womens Match. I did like this. The inter playing factors from Both Seth and Solo's crew, became the main selling point, to the point that the fact that. Andrade. Penta. Elgrande Americano, and LA Knight, had become back up dancers in my eyes. This is what I like to call perfect psychology, because these two's aura's are so high, everyone else just fades into the background. The added mixture of Paul Heyman playing Stanley Kubrick, and Jacob turning on Solo, this allowed the final moments to play out, as the art of wrestling making flesh, came to light, yes Seth winning was a bit predictable, but I do feel that this could easily elevate his rivalry with Cm Punk, when you fantasy book certain outcomes.

 John Cena And Logan Paul vs Cody Rhodes And Jey Uso.

I thought this was a let down, on the surface this made sense, but the overall execution felt a bit off to me. The first ten minutes fell flat, whilst the last ten minutes took on the part of a rock bands greatest hits. AA's. Cross Rhodes, and Logan Paul being Logan Paul, all made for a decent end as Cody and Jey got the win. John was adout to get the win, by paying shade to Mania night 2, but he was stopped by a hooded figure, that turned out to be a returning R Truth. I have heard several theories on this, and this my point. I think that this was a mixture of a work thrown in with keyfabe. Was this part of the show? Yes, but the way that WWE played it out, has left a bad taste in my mouth, Because this is the company that acts with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, which has made me think, what is this, a work or a shoot, i'm going to let you guys decide.

Overview of WWE Money In The Bank 2025.

I know that this show has had a mixed reaction on line, but I enjoyed it. The Matches were solid, and even the ending to the main event delivered a Truthful shock, but when you big beneath the surface, this was a nasty reminder that fan reception is everything. I love R Truth, and I respect Ron Killings the man. I just don't how WWE treated him, and the fact that this has come at a time, when WWE in over the last 5 years WWE have let go off countless staff members, and performers for the sake of cash, has made me feel uneasey when I watched this.

WWE Money In The Bank 2025 is a solid 8/10.

Saturday, 7 June 2025

Top 5 UFC TUF Coaches That Actually Got Along.

Intro.

If their is one thing that I come away with after watching multiple seasons of the UFC's flagship show, sometimes it's the coaches drama that can be the shows selling point, but what happens when they actually get on, well if i'm being honest something quite refreshing, so lets take a look at the times when TUF coaches that actually got along.

5. Junior Dos Santos And Brock Lesnar Season 13.

This was a bit weird, it was like watching siblings that had time for each other. Do you think that they knew what show they were on.

4. Frank Mir And Minatauro Nogueira Season 8.

This was another season that made me think, these guys are actually getting along, oh well at least we got Junior Browning causing chaos.

3. Forrest Griffin And Quinton Rampage Jackson Season 7.

This is one of my favourite seasons of the show, and the dynamic between the two coaches was great. What made this season so special, was the fact that both coaches were facing each other at UFC 86 for the Light heavyweight Championship in the aftermath. The fight was built on respect, and it showed as both coaches built this throughout the season.

2. BJ Penn And Frankie Edgar Season 21.

This season came at the time when TUF was at the end of its critically acclaimed run. But this was a good season, both of these coaches faced each other in the finale of the show, and. BJ would lose to Frankie in an embarrassing effort, but as the season went on, both coaches focused on their fighters, and not on each other, as they showed each other respect.

1. Chuck Liddell And Randy Couture Season 1.

At the point of the show being filmed. Randy was the Light heavyweight Champion, and Chuck was the contender, and becoming even more popular in the mainstream media. The UFC was entering into the unknown, because if this show failed, then it would've had dyer consequences going into the future. The balance of coaches for the 1st season was vital, and they got it nailed on. Chuck and Randy were set to face each other when the show ended for the belt, and their was no annymosity between the pair, this set the standard when it came to showing the world what MMA fighters are like.



 

Friday, 6 June 2025

My Top Tracks That Counteract With Pro Wrestlers.

Warning.

This list will contain references to Mental Health, and drug addiction, that some readers might find upsetting, reader discretion is now in effect.

Hangman Adam Page. Jake Roberts. I'm Not Okay JellyRoll.

From the early days of AEW existence, the characteristics of Hangman Adam Page was woven into the fadric of the company, as his rivalry with Kenny Omega was played out over a two year period. The Song I'm Not Okay is a song that focuses in on someones darkness, before they fall. Suicide is an issue that if you don't put it on TV, then no one talks about it. We as fans got to see Hangmans fall as he sunk deeper into spell of addiction in real time, as his self doubt took over. He did find his way out of the darkness, and was able to beat Kenny Omega to gain the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, as this brought the issue of Mental Health was brought into wrestlings main frame. Jake Roberts is a performer who has come through the otherside of the industry with scars, but in truth his scars were evident from when he entered the business. Jake struggled with substance abuse issues for years, and found himself at his lowest end. But like the song says It 's all going to be alright. Jake turned his life around, and is now a stallwart for sober living. These men are proof that if you're in the darkness yourself, you can get out of it, just know that everyone has a guiding light.

 Linkin Park Crawling. Shawn Michaels.

Even though the industries that Chester Bennington, and Shawn Michaels used to, and are working in, are seen as a study in contrast, but the throws of drug addiction is something both men have in common. The song Crawling is a devastating reminder of just how harsh this form of addiction can be. It examplified what Chester has gone through, as this illness took over his life, which led to him suffering from mental health issues. Shawns issues came at the epitath of his fame in the early 1990's to the early 2000's, but it was the love of his family, and finding religion that gave him the insight that he needed to get through the itching in his skin.

 Now That We're Dead Metallica. The Undertaker.

As the looming threat of dispair echoes around the arena, a sense of excitement, and dread goes down fans backs. This song is a perfect way to describe how Mark Calloway the man, has portrayed the character for over his 30 year career. This song was the perfect way to say goodbye not just to the character, but the man who gave his life to the fans.

 Numb Linkin Park. John Cena.

This is a song that fans go to when it comes to it's meaning. The term . Never Give Up, wasn't just a clever catchphrase you could put on a t shirt. It was a way of saying never hold back if there's something you want to do in life. Linkin Parks Numb is a song that has been known to save lives, which to me says, If you bet on yourself you will always win.

My Way Limp Bizkit. The Rock And Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The Wrestlemania 17 highlight reel is something that shouldn't just be used as a time piece, but a reminder of how these performers were at the time. Both men were known for wanting to run their careers their own way, because they had a passion to be no1. The Rock went on become a Hollywood megastar, as Austin would face a tough run of form, from fans, and critics. This song is a reminder that you have to want to try and do things your way. 


Thursday, 5 June 2025

My Top 5 Takeaways From AEW Fyter Fest.

Intro.

Due to the fact that this show is an unesciary 4 hours long, this means that I'm having to cut down the review time. This is because I have to make time to get to my day Job. I hate having to do this, and you guys know, that I don't make these decisions lightly, so these are my top 5 takeaways from AEW Fyter Fest 2025.

5. Will Osperay Opening Segment.

This wasn't an opening segment, this was a call to arms, and it was glorious. Will spoke about taking up the fight for AEW, whilst taking shots at Jon Moxley, and calling out Swerve Strickland. He was interrupted by Crew, who cut a pretty bad promo on him, and Lio Rush would face Will later on in this broadcast.

4. Lio Rush vs Will Osperay.

I liked this. The Match was a solid reminder of how these two worked on the UK Independent scene. Will got the win.

3. Timeless Toni Storm And Mina Shirakowa vs Julia Hart And Skye Blue.

I liked this, The Match was given time to breathe, and all four ladies showed that they've got great chemistry. Toni and Mina got the win, whilst Mercedes Mone, was sat at ringside, chomping down on a nice looking steak, the only thing the glorious piece of meat was missing, was some BBQ Sauce. Uuuuuuum Steak.

2. Mark Briscoe vs Jon Moxley.

I have no other words, other than this was a bloodsoaked, physical war, that you need to go out of your way to see. Mox got the win.

1. Kenny Omega vs Mascara Dolorado vs Brody King vs Claudio Castagnoli AEW International Championship.

This Match, was nothing short of sensational, and another contender for TV Match of the year. The fluidity was solid, and it allowed for all four men to have energetic bursts. It also had fantastic moments that sold the importance of how the Match played out. Kenny selling his mid section, and Brody going for a swing, helped allow the near falls to take shape. Kenny retained, and then had a showdown with Kazuchika Okada, So were officially off to the races for All In. All I have to say is this. ( insert Renee Paquette Voice ) Oh my god.



My Thoughts On This Weeks Friday Night Smackdown. Intro. I've had to change things up here at O'malley Towers, this is because I had...