Etched In Blood how WWE saved itself, and came back to prominance

You Can Believe That humble beginings

In October of 2018, it was confirmed that. Roman Reigns battle with leukemia would rear its ugly head, causing him to miss nearly 5 months of TV. This came at a time when. WWE had put a lot of focus on Roman, to be the next John Cena, a good guy babyface, that was always willing to fight the good fight, by the time of his return Match  in the build to Wrestlemania 35, against Drew Mcintyre, after being cleared, and put in remission. Reports started to circulate towards the back end of the year that Roman, wasn't happy with his creative. This. Was also felt by the fans, who were sick of him playing the good guy, and were aking for him to change, and turn heel, however. The hands of change did come about. In unfortunate circumstances.

2020

In the early part of 2020. WWE found itself in a strange place, that would eventually get worse. The Royal Rumble was the only well received. PLE, at that time. Thanks to the return of Edge. And the burial of Bray Wyatt in Saudi Arabia, made the internet burn. But what was around the corner, would have long lasting effects. The Covid 19 pandemic turned the entire sports world on its head, and with. Wrtestlemania just around the corner, and the card near enough fully in place. WWE had to think on their feet, as the situation got worse. Many have said that, wrestling should not have taken place over this time, due to the health risks, and I understand the arguement. but. WWE has always had this mantra of. The show must go on. However, at what cost. Roman chose to stay at home, due to the fact that his wife was pregnant, and his prior battle with leukemia. Which meant his Match against Goldberg was off the cards, In this time it is reported that conversations between WWE, and. Reigns had started, about him coming back, when guidelines were put in place. It was at this time that Vince decided to turn Roman heel, and create his new alter ego. The Head Of The Table.

The right time, and the right place

Back in september 2020. I'm open to admitting that I was not in a happy place. My worklife was a mess, and. I was getting pulled from pillar to post as a result. This would mean that I was happy on the outside, whilst feeling sick, and unwanted on the inside. This did not make for a nice cocktail. But the one thing that worked as an escape, was wrestling. and what a time it was. Monday Night Raw, was recording its worst viewing figures in the company history. NXT was losing in the wednesday night wars to Aew Dynamite. And Romans heel turn on the blue brand, was being seen as a revalation. His days as a cool and calm good, were over, and here stood, a manipulative, controlling, puppeteer, that would use emotional love, to reel in his own family, by the order of acknowledgement. I was a fan from the start.

The Parralells of TV On Wrestling And Wrestling On TV

As the story would develop over the coming months, and years. Circumstances beyond anyones control, would take over. In the middle of 2021. Mcmahons out of touch booking decisions, would seep onto the blue brand. WWE at this time time, was starting to see a trend that started in 2019, continue, when fans were able to return to arenas, live show ticket sales continued to decrease, thanks to dodgy creative, and not even the return of big stars, like. Becky Lynch, and. Brock Lesnar, could help them. while Aew's were holding steady. After bringing in. Adam Cole. Bryan Danielson, and. Cm Punk. who made a tearjerking return to wrestling. Controversy would rear its head, when. Vince was outed of his own company, in disgrace. And HHH would take over the creative duties. Under the final days of Vince's creative. The Bloodline was dwindling at best, because when Vince created a stable. Hunter would turn them into a family, with the aditions of. Solo Sikoa, and. Sami Zayn. It was clear to me, and still is, even now, that. HHH was heavily influenced by TV shows like. Game Of Thrones. The Sopranos, and. Sons Of Anarchy, with the centre core of family, acting as the corner of manipulation. Roman Is Tony Soprano, and. Clay Morrow, two men who never rely on their convictions at the expense of others. Jimmy, and. Jey Uso are both. Juice, a character that has untrustworthy qualities, and a compounded heart, full of confliction. Paul Heyman is sherif unser, a bent police sherif, who would turn a blind eye for cash. Solo Sikoa is a prospect, who just wants to do his best to impress his leader, whilst Sami Zayn is. Jax Teller. A man who wants to bring in change, at the behest of the hand that feeds him. When you put together all of these ingridients. The storylines were given time to breathe, as, grooming, manipulation, and betrayal didn't just become the norm in WWE. It became must watch TV.

The acts

Like any good trilogy, for instance The Godfather, the stories to each film, are told in detailed acts, which explains. Sami being brought into the family, at the end of Survivor Series Wargames 2022, the levels of untrust that put him on trial, to his act of defiance at the Royal Rumble 2023, becoming a turning for what was to come. Sami losing to Roman at Elimination Chamber last year. Jimmy, and. Jey, losing their Undisputed Tag Team Championships, to. Kevin Owens, and. Sami Zayn at Mania. Cody not finishing his story. Roman, and. Solo losing to. Kevin, and. Sami in Saudi Arabia. And. Roman getting pinned by his cousins at Money In The Bank, only for one of them, to come back into the fold, one month later, made for one hell of a ride. If the Vince era of The Bloodline was act 1. Then the HHH era is act 2, and as we all know. Act 2 is superior to act 1.

The Dwayne effect and the rise of The Final Boss

In january 2024, on the same day that TKO signed the deal with Netflix, and two days before Janelle Grants Lawsuit was filed against WWE. Dwayne The Rock Johnson, was placed on the board of directors of TKO. Which makes perfect sense, given the fact that Endeavour has reprosented Dwayne, since the start of his acting career. Dwayne teased The Rock vs Roman Reigns, on the Day 1 edition of WWE's flagship show Monday Night Raw, by shutting up Jinder Mahal. And would later on, put himself in the main event of Wrestlemania, at the behest of the Royal Rumble Winner. Cody Rhodes. This caused major fan backlash. Which I get, but in hindsight, and in my opinion, It was a complete work, because it would be silly for WWE to throw away a years worth of storytelling, and build. Yes it would have brought in a lot of mainstream attention, but at what cost, this caused a major pivert, at a sensational Las Vegas press conference, that paved the way for excellent promos, with stellar deliveries.

Were do we go from here

At the time of writing, the Mania main events haven't happened just yet, because i'm putting the finishing touches to this piece on the afternoon of Night 1. But I think it's safe to say, that the plans for Mania 41 are already being set in motion. And with a Saudi Arabia Match also on the cards potentially. I think It's safe to say that the Blood will always run deep in WWE.

Dan vs Vince. The Downfall of two entertainment Juggernauts

Warning

 I must let you know, that I will be discussing themes of. Sexual assault. Racism, and. Harrassment, so reader discretion is advised from this point on.

My thoughts

This past few months has been revealing, and heartbreaking, in equal measure, as the downfall of Vince Mcmahon, took centre stage in late january, the world watched as his house started to unfold, and eventaually burn down to the ground, after Janelle Grants lawsuit against. Mcmahon, and. John Laurinitis came to light. Back when all this came out. I took it on myself to read the whole 68 page dosier, that was made public. And as I sit here on a sunday evening writing this. I'm sorry to say that I have the same feeling of disgust, slither down my throat. Earlier on this week a 4 part documentary aired in the states called. Quiet On Set The Darkside Of Childrens TV, which looked at Nickelodeon, and their horrific standards and practices under one man, who would go on to make the network millions, with a plethora of shows, that he created. Dan Schneider. Even though the docu series is yet to air here in the UK. I have watched multiple Youtube videos on the subject over this past week, and the one thing that ran through my mind was this. Dan Schneider, and. Vince Mcmahon, in my opinion, are not as differant as you think. here's why.

Show creations, and the stars who were made

Back in the 1980's In the America, the political landscape was changing, and so was the TV landscape. Kids TV Channels were slowly becoming the norm, and. Nickelodeon was at the front of the Pack, and when it came to wrestling it was having a boom period. Vince Mcmahon had gained power from his Father, and turned the. WWF went from a small promotion, into what would later become sports entertainment. Vince created the careers of. The Ultimate Warrior. Hulk Hogan, and. The Macho Man Randy Savage. In that same time  his true colours to some started to come out, Which would meet the first of two heads in 2022, when accusations of rape, and hush money payments would surface. Fast forward to the 1990's, and. Nickelodeon is firing on all cylinders, with shows like. All That. Keanan and Kel, and. The Amanda Show, all becoming ratings powerhouses. These shows would go on to make stars of. Keanan Thompson. Drake Bell, and. Amanda Bynes, this time period saw both men degrade women that worked for them, from financial acts, to sexual harrassment, with some airing for the world to see on Vince's shows. Dan would also degregate females in my opinion in the worst way, by making them feel inferior to their male counterparts. In ways that I can't talk about.

Freedom and Power

With Vince being given a free pass to do what he wants by the USA Network. Schneider would lie to Nickelodeon executives, in order to hide sexual discrepencies. But. What he could not hide was something that was in plain sight, the abuse of one of his stars. Drake Bell. Now I can't say much about what happened to Bell, because it's truly awful. But. It's not the first time that abuse has happened in the entertainment industry, and unfortunately It won't be the last. Child abuse would also have impact on wrestling. In the early part of the decade. The ring boy scandal would act as something that the WWF, would try to bury, whilst the kids that worked on Dan's Shows, would have to suffer through racist, and inapropriate jokes, that would have long lasting effects into adulthood. Even though Dan didn't abuse Bell personally, it was the dialect coach that Nickelodeon employed that did. This. Has left me to ask one thing. Where was the protection for these kids, when all of this awful behavior took place, because. The parents were banned from the set.

The 2000s

With the then WWF's attitude era, slowly dying out, the company would take a more aggressive approach to their TV output, and empthasize even more on sexuality, which looking back on it with 2024 eyes, is not easy. Lita. Tori Wilson, and Trish Stratus, have all gone on record, to say, how degraded they felt after certain segments. In this same time Schneider would go on to create. Drake and Josh. Zoey 101, and. I Carly, all of which would come under scrutiny for sexualised content.

The 2010's and beyond

By the time the early 2010's. Both Dan Schneider, and. Vince Mcmahon, could both be looked at in a parallel space. Ego. Power, and. Greed, gave both men a nine lives complex. But This would become their downfall. In 2018 Nickelodeon parted ways with Dan Schneider, and his production company. Schneiders Bakery, after multiple allegations about Dan started to surface. Video footage of him acting strange with the stars, on the set of his shows would later surface, and with his focus on feet being the centre piece. Vince In 2022, retired from the WWE in disgrace, when those rape allegations surfaced in Time magazine. Vince would later bully his way back onto the board, in january 2023, but just a year later, he was out again, when. Janelle Grants lawsuit came out. Dan Schneiders shows, in no shock continue to get repeated on both sides of the Atlantic. Janette Mccurdy, and. Ronda Rousey. Have both given their thouights on both men respectivly.

Were do we go from here

All I want from both industries is this. I want sensibility, equility, and safeguarding practices to shine through, so that this doesn't happen again. In order to be human, we have to act human. TLL. Talk. Listen, and. Learn, and believe survivors.

 

Aew Dynamite Review 29.3.2024

My apology

I'm not starting this weeks review off with an intro, instead i'm starting with an apology, for the lack of reviews this week. It's due to scheduling in my day job, and the fact that I was inspired to do a differant piece all together, which will be published tomorrow. This will happen from time to time, but not very often.

Will Osperay vs Katsuyori Shibata

This. Was a perfect opening Match, and a great way to start the show. I could sit here and go through the Match, move by move, but that would not do it justice. The contrast in life from over the past 7 years is something to behold, when it comes to these two warriors, from family life, to life threatening injuries, all of that combined to make this, a viscerile, physical, move by move, game of chess, that saw Osperay come away with the win. Bryan Danielson, then had a promo video air after this. Which added a sense of drama, and excitement, to their Match at Dynasty. All of this was excellent.

Renee Paquette Young bucks segment and Match against Private Party

Renee Paquette Interviewed The Young Bucks, from righting wrongs, referencing a certain ice cream bar loving chick magnet, to giving Alex Mahvez the week off, by the looks of it. I love their heel personas, as they continue to make me laugh. Okada then turned in a sweet looking red Ferrari. Their Match against Private Party followed next. And it was a well worked. Quarter final in the. Tag Team Tournament. From paying shade to second edition of Dynamite, Brother Zay taking a nasty looking falcon arrow, from off of a barricade. from Nick Jackson. Zay later on hit a moonsault on Nick Jackson. that looked awesome. The near falls were awesome. The shenanigans with the ring bell were fun. And. The Bucks got the win thanks to this. I had a lot of fun watching this at 8am in the morning. Good stuff all round.

Darby Allin and Tony Hawk segment

Darby Allin and skateboarding icon. Tony Hawk, advertised. Tony's charity, and. Tony did a plate off of Darby's broken foot. Only. Darby Allin could pull this off.

Hook and Jericho segment

Ok. I'm going to level this with you guys. This. Was bad. And it left me with one thing in mind. I hope their not a tag team. Patrick you've now just brought it into existance. See you in nine months Hook, when you've escaped the Jericho midcard vortex.

4 way match womens no1 Contendership for the TBS Championship

Willow Nightingale, beat. Anna Jay. Kris Statlander, and. Skye Blue, to become the no1 contender for Julia Harts TBS Championship. The Match was excellent, had plenty of time to breathe, and allowed all four women, to have multiple energetic bursts, which put over the physicality of the Match. Mercedes Mone was on commentary through out this, and if i'm being honest. I don't think she added much to this. But it didn't ruin my enjoyment. The Match was excellent.

Dustin Rhodes segment

Renee Paquette Interviewed. Dustin Rhodes, that was until The Butcher entered stage left. They had a humerous promo dual. Rhodes said that he was not going to be The Butchers stepping stone. Which left me thinking. Rhodes is a fan of awful ninties pop music, performed badly by a couple of geordies.

Toni Storm segment

Toni storm paid a visit to TCM, and had an awkward back and forth with. Ben Malcowicz. I liked this.

Orange Cassidy and Trent Barretta vs Mike Bennett and Matt Taven

Compared to its counterpart earlier on in the evening. This didn't match up that well. It wasn't bad at all. I just thought that the first Quarter final was better. The physicality was sharp, and the action flowed nicely. Trent, and. Orange came away with the win, thanks to. Chuck Taylor. Also. Isn't it nice to see Kyle O'reilly back on our screens.

Swerve Strickland vs Konosuke Takeshista

This. Was. An excellent main event. With the winner facing Samoa Joe at Dynasty for the Aew world Championship. From respect to mutual distain, the awkward feeling out process. Joe watching backstage, the immense physicality, that sold the violence of the Match. to the excellent exchanges, that led to the superb finish, that saw Swerve get the win. All of this was excellent, and acted as a great way to send the show off the air. Joe cut a promo beforehand, saying that he will see Swerve next, for their contract signing. I f****** loved all of this.

Overview Of Aew Dynamite

Over the past few months, some fans online have been saying, that the feeling, and the power is back in Aew. I don't necessarily agree, yes the shows have been steller, but. Aew have a long way to go, in order to get their own version of the promiseland, however. This. Weeks Dynamite was awesome. from the in ring action, to the promise of what lies ahead. Aew is coming people, and it's great to see.

This weeks Dynamite is a solid 9/10.

Aew Dynamite Review

Intro

With this coming April acting as a hot spot for PLE's. and. PPv's. You could be mistaken when thinking, that major companies are spoiling us, and you'd be right, with. Wrestlemania on the horizon. TNA Rebellion, and. Aew Dynasty just two weeks after that, say it with me, sometimes it's good to be a wrestling fan.

Tony Schiavone interviews Mercedes Mone

The Broadcast started with Tony Schiavone interviewing Mercedes Mone, in the centre of the ring, she spoke about how she missed the fans, and how this could all have been taken away from her. She then played a video, highlighting her own importance, and her success, from needing to be here, major setbacks, to her major return, she is here, not to start a revolution, but to kick start a global revolution, after she said that, the lights go out, and when they come back on. Skye Blue attacked her from behind. Julia Hart, who was on the rampway got involved. Both women got taken out by the C.E.O. Willow Nightingale, and. Kris Statlander, came out to make the save, but, what was interesting from all of this, was the potential heel tease of Willow Nightingale, who stood behind mercedes with a steel chair, ready to take her head off. Later on in the show, when talking about their Street Fight with the boomed pair. Statlander praised Mercedes, for helping Willow last week, but. Willow got snubbed, which led to Stokeley Hathaway putting his foot in his mouth, oh Stokeley, will you ever learn. Plus can I have more of him on my TV please.

Alex Mahvez The Elite Segment Followed by Kingston and Okada Match

Alex Mahvez really needs to respect the hands that feed him. The Elites treatment of him has become one my favourite things in wrestling, from having to wish Matthew a happy birthday last week, and now having to learn Okadas native tongue for next week. The Bucks told Okada, that they would be producing his Match from the back area. Kazuchuika Okada vs Eddie Kingston, for the Continental Crown followed, and it was a solid outing for both men. It started out as a lowfi burner, that turned into a bonfire, with the wood being dependible, and both mens passion starting the fire. This. Was a perfectly booked window, into how a TV Match should be booked, and a marvel to watch from a fans stand point. Okada became the new Continental Crown Champion, after hitting Kingston with a Rainmaker. I loved all of this. Plus those backstage shots of The Bucks, and those. Tony Khan cameos were a nice touch.

Renee Paquette Swerve Strickland and squash Match with The Butcher

Renee Paquette Interviewed. Swerve Strickland. From the embarrassment of Revolution, to his desire to still want to win the Aew Championship. This led to him making an open challenge for later in the evening, in which he beat. The Butcher in a squash Match. What happened next was a minor promotrain. Swerve cut a promo on Samoa Joe. Joe came out and cut promo on Swerve, claiming to give him what he wants, which led to. Damn it Don Callis, coming out and laying out the challenge, for him to face Konosuke Takeshista next week, and after Swerve is done with him, he is coming for Joe. This was way to convoluted.

Hook vs Chris Jericho

I didn't like any this. Hook beat Jericho in a Match that allowed Hook to take most of the offence, this explains Jericho in 2024, his act has become stale, boring, and unoriginal. Some would say, this is how you make new stars, except that. Hook has been on the roster since 2021, this could be damaging for Hook, and now he seems to be getting pulled, even further into the Jericho midcard vortex. Jericho will meet with him next week.

Adam Cole Segmant

Alright children gather round, because, it's storytime with Adam Cole Bay Bay. He spoke of his disapointment from last week, when. Wardlow lost. Adams. I mean. Wardlows title shot. Wardlow is now a marked man.

Will Osperay segment

Tony Schiavone interviewed Will Osperay in the centre of the ring. I loved all of this, from the throw back to the last time he was in Canada, landing Kenny Omega on his head, which led to him appologising for being a naughty boy, but, ne wants something in return, maple syrup. He wasted no time in calling out. Bryan Danielson for his promo last Saturday on Collision. Will excelled here, as he blasted through all of his accomplishments in Japan, to the personal responsibilities he faces at home, the study in contrast between both men, he got over his admiration of Danielsons Match against Shibata, and will now face him next week, This. Was fire in all the right areas.

Toni Storm and Marieh May vs Deonna Purrazzo and Thunder Rosa

Deonna Purrazzo, and. Thunder Rosa, beat. Toni Storm, and. Marieh May in a decent TV Match, that the fans really got into. I have to say. I like having Thunder Rosa back on TV.

Adam Copeland vs Christian Cage I Quit TNT Championship

This. Was f****** awesome. This. Was the battle of the Toronto battle boys, from Christian getting launched into a penalty box, Both men becoming advertisers for the NHL wearing local teams merch. They thought in the stands, the merch area, and, well um, the ladies room, yeah I don't know what about moment. The ladder spots called back to their history perfectly, the table spots were imaginative, and helped turn this Match, into a bloodsoaked war. Christian insulting the fans in Toronto, led to his downfall, Moma Wayne, and the rest of The Patriarchy got involved, from shenanigans revolving around an attempt, of a barbwire steel chair concerto, Killswitch. Nick Wayne. All got hancuffed to the ropes, whilst Moma Wayne ran away like the jezzabelle that she is. Daniel Garcia, and. Daddy Magic helped handcuff Nick, and Christian to the ring. Copeland then took full advantage of this, with help fron his wirey friend spike. Christian took a shot to the nuts, and on the second one, was forced to say I quit. Which means we have a new Aew TNT Champion. Adam Copeland.

Overview Of Aew Dynamite

This. Was a solid episode of weekly TV, the promos flowed nicely, and the in ring work, went from poor, to solid. I had a blast watching this at 7.30am.

This weeks Dynamite is a solid 8/10.

Monday Night Raw Review 19. 3. 2024 

Intro

I have to say. I'm enjoying both Companies TV output at the minute, from Rock concerts igniting a spark in fans, to Mone being made in spades on the otherside. Man at this moment in time, it's exciting to be a wrestling fan.

Jey Uso Segment

I liked all of this. Jey came out and wasted no time in calling out his twin. Jimmy came out with Solo, and the pair had a fantastic stairdown, and promo dual. Jey put over how he misses his brother, and tells him to come back. Jimmy told him that, he has always been their, and took credit for all of Jeys accomplishments. Jey then said that the biggest moment of his career will be, when he beats the yeeeeeeeeet out of his older brother. A fight brpke out between the two. Jey almost took a beatdown, and was saved by Cody Rhodes. Jey, and. Cody had a small segment later on. Jey told Cody if he needs him on Friday, he's there.

6 pack challenge qualifiers

All of the 6 pack challenge Matches on tonights show, were a study in contrast. DIY vs The Crede Brothers was decent. Awesome Truth vs Indu Sheer, was shockingly bad, and. The New Day vs The Alpha Academy, was a thing. The New Day. DIY, and. The Awesome Truth, all advanced to the 6 pack challenge at Mania. 

The Judgement Day segment

The Judgement Day, were backstage giving Andrade style advice. I thought this was hilarious, because. I started singing the lyrics to. The Stone Roses. This is the one, because. Finn Balor looked a teenager from 90s, on his way to Spike Island. Damien Priest played the blame game with Jd Mcdonagh. And later on. The Human Oven was beaten in a Match against Ricochet, later on in the evening.

Kayden Karter and Katana Chance vs Candace Lerae and indi Hartwell

Candace Lerae, and. Indi Hartwell, beat Kayden Karter, and. Katana Chance, in a flat, and pointless Match. This made me question my life decisions.

Cody Rhodes Segment

I loved this segment. Cody's fire is infectious, from start to finish. This. Was. Great. He got over the importance of Mania, in just under 3 weeks. He called Dwayne's Instagram promo out, by saying he isn't a heel, he's an asshole, whilst pulling back the curtain on this industry, calling him a pr merchant,  calling the TKO board a bunch of yes men. And. The Rock, a bad salesman, and a whiny Bitch, and. Roman, is his bit on the side. He talked about Dwayne's mum, and calls her a standout woman, whilst. Codys mum is a gangster. I mean an undercover cop. He claimed that Dwayne is not the final boss, because he has. LDS. ( little dick syndrome ) Paul Heyman came out, apologised for his actions a few weeks ago, when. Cody took out a bunch of security. Cody didn't want an apology. Paul told him, that he has his word, that. The Bloodline, will not be at Smackdown, when. Cody meets Roman, face to face. This means, that. Cody, must come alone. He agreed to this.

Sami Zayn segment and contract signing

Sami Zayn then had a backstage segment with Chad Gable, who did his best Ross from Friends impersonation, because he's fine. This led to the best segment of the night. Sami Zayn and Gunthers contract signing, for the IC Championship at Mania. Gunther started off the proceedings, by attacking sami's dress sense, putting over his own self belief. Sami talked through his history, with fire, and conviction, whilst. Gunther played on Zayns doubt. Sami gave Gunther both barrels to end the segment. WWE's production here was awesome, as the camera followed him to the back, he later found Chad Gable, and. Chad put him straight, saying that he can't beat Gunther. This. Was excellent.

Drew Mcintyre segment

This. Was. Another great segment. Drew tried to make his entrance, but was Interrupted by. Seth Freakin Rollins. This. pissed off the scotsman. Seth welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins. Drew was interested in any of this, and told the visionary, to get on with it. Seth admitted to being a spotlight junkie, the fans chanted junkie, and Drew told Seth, that he is a punchline, he went on to insult Cm Punk, as seth's his addiction to being in this industry intensified, he spoke with passion, and grace, when talking about doing double duties, over both nights of Wrestlemania. Drew pulled on their hardwork, saying that he has earnt his place on the card at Mania, whilst Seth made Drew look like a complainer, after having to drag the company through the warehouse days of the pandemic. Seth flipping the script was excellent. He ended it by saying drew could not hang with him.

Becky Lynch vs Nia Jax last woman standing

I had a blast watching this main event, from the chairs, tables, ladders, and kendo sticks spots. Nia Jax landing awkwardly on the ring apron, and nearly taking me back to the best time in the pandemic. Becky took a nasty samoan drop onto some chairs. Becky gave Nia a Bulldog off a chair, and onto the same chairs. Becky but Nia through a table, with a manhandle slam, and then got the win, when she dropped a leg drop onto Nia, putting her through the announcers table. I had a lot of fun watching. This. Was a great way to end the show, as Mami. Rhea Ripley came to look at the carnage.

Overview Of Monday Night Raw

I had a lot of fun watching this weeks Monday Night Raw, the in ring action went from good, to bad, and the segments were excellent.

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

Smacklillision Weekened Round Up 15. 3. 2024

Intro

With the wrestling worlds media decending on Philadelphia, in over 3 weeks time for Wrestlemania, it's got me thinking about the build. If you take all the Cody. Roman, and. The Rock stuff, and put it to one side, the build has been decent, not great, but good, I have enjoyed most of WWE's tv output this month. The swerve that WWE claimed to have pulled, to me, wasn't a swerve, the plans for some of my mates, entails getting on a flight from the UK, whilst mine will mean staying up until 5.30am, with multiple energy drinks in my system, oh well. I guess that's life.

Smackdown

The Rocks Rock Concert

Ok. I'm going to level it with you. In over 30 years of being a wrestling fan. I have never been lost for words. Until now that is. This segment was everything that I wanted and more. It went from good times fun, hilarious moments, to down right sinister. This. Was perfect. I'm not going to do a standard review for this, because you need to see it for yourself. All I have to say is. You're welcome.

Tag Team Title Match qualifiers

Both of the Tag Team Title Qualifiers, did not come back to back, but in terms of quality, they may as well have done. Angel, and. Humberto vs The Lwo was a flat TV Match, and. The New Catch Republc vs Pretty Deadly, followed the same pattern, later on in the evening. Angel, and. Humberto, and. The New Catch Republic, advanced to the the Match at Mania.

Kayla Braxton and LA Knight

Kayla Braxton tried to interview LA Knight ( yeeeeeeeaaaaaa ) on the ramp. Knight cut a blistering promo on AJ Styles, he said that he wants to humble him, he called him a mark, and challenged him to a Match at Mania. AJ came out and attacked the megastar, and accepted his challenge.

Nick Aldis and Logan Paul segment

Logan Paul went into Nick Aldis's office, and said that he wants an apology from. Randy Orton, ( that ain't happening ) for last week, and to know who he will be facing at Mania. Aldis told him that he would get back to him later.

Grayson Waller vs Randy Orton

Randy Orton, beat. Grayson Waller, in a flat, but fun TV Match, it did feel a bit formulaic for my liking, but. Logan on commentary was funny though, Kevin Owens came out to put a beating on Grayson, and. Nick Aldis told Logan, that he will defend his United States Championship against. Randy Orton, and. Kevin Owens in a triple threat Match at Mania. Now that looks tasty.

Santos Escobar vs Dragon Lee

Santos Escobar, beat. Dragon Lee, in a fun, and fast paced short little Match. Lee was beaten down in the aftermath. Carlito came out, but because of the numbers game, he was taken out, this led to Rey Mysterio coming out, and challenged him to a Match, next week on Smackdown.

Bayley vs Dakota Kai

And then came our main event. And then it went at the same time, the Match was thrown when the rest of Damage Ctrl got involved. Ok. I don't like cursing, when it comes to main events, but this was f****** awful, and a terrible way to send the show off the air.

Aew Collision

Bryan Danielson vs Katsuyori Shibata

This. Was a dream Match, set phasers to holys***, because this was a physical masterclass, filled with intricate details. Danielson got the win by submission, and then cut a brilliant promo later on in the evening, on Will Osperay, which was awesome, and cut to the point perfectly.

Julia Hart vs Trish Adora TBS Championship Match

Julia Hart, beat. Trish Adora, in a standard TV womens Match, to retain her championship. With the Match being held under house rules, Julia won the right to be at ringside in the. Tag Team Tournament wild card Match, later on in the evening.

Zac Knight segment

Zac Knight then answered Angelo Parkers challenge for a match, he refused it. Angelo later on the show answered back, but. Ruby Soho put a stop to that. See guys that's what a good woman can do.

Pac vs Aaron Solo

Pac destroyed Aaron Solo in a squash Match, and then cut a promo on Tony Khan, saying that he is looking for trouble, umm. Pac, mate. Cm Punk works for WWE now.

Claudio Castagnoli vs Lance Archer

This. Was a boring farce of a TV Match, that was thrown into chaos, when. The Rightgeous got involved. Danielson, and. Shibata made the save. I was bored stiff watching this.

Kyle Fletcher vs Brian Keith

Kyle Fletcher, beat. Brian Keith on his return, after a 2 year hiatus due to injury. I'm not going to do a standard review for this Match, because I feel that the emotion of the moment would get lost in the echo. I'm a 36 year old man, who is 6f 11, and as a result of that, I have had several issues with my back, but nothing to the point of needing major surgery. So for someone to come back after 2 years away, is nothing short of incredible.

Buddy Matthews and Brody King vs The Infantry

This Match had no right to be as awesome as it was, but it surpassed my expectations. This. Was an enjoyable watch, filled with good near falls, and solid physicality, and. Mark Briscoe having some fun with a steel chair. The reprosentitives of. The House Of Black move forward into the. Tag Team Eliminator Tournament with the win.

Adam Copeland Segment

I loved this ending segment, it was vital, viscerile, and it and gave an unsatisfactory answer, to last weeks big question, what was in Copelands box, that terrified Christian Cage? The answer was a 2 by 4 of barbwire. The cut a direct down the lens promo, about how he has earned his way back to the TNT Championship, after taking a phonecall from Mrs Foleys baby boy, who reminded him, just who he is, and on wednesday, when everything is over. Christian Cage's title reign will be over, when he says the words. I Quit.

Overview Of The Weekend

I have to say this weekends shows, had their moments, but overall, they were flat, by the standards of up and coming PPV's.

    This weeks Smackdown Is an ok 6/10 .

       And Aew Collision was a decent 7/10.   

Aew Dynamite Big Business Review 14.3.2024

Intro

With Aew's next PPV just five weeks away, at the time of writing, i'm starting to feel that things are starting to come together, for. Tony Khans little promotion that can. With the promise of dream Matches coming back to TV, and. PPV's. I have to say, that I like the way TK is handling things so far, given how poorly received most of 2023 was, because just like the city of Springfield. Aew is a town on the grow.

Renee Paquette segment

Renee Paquette kicked off the show, that was complete with an excellent back drop of Boston, the camera then cut to her, as a Rolls Royce pulled up. You don't see who it is, but It's clear who it is. Mercedes Mone.

Mercedes Mone

The Camera cut to inside the arena, to an already hot crowd, the entrance music of C.E.O echoed throughout the arena from the pa system, as. Mercedes Mone made her Aew debut. I loved all of this, her emotion was written all over her face, she spoke from the heart, and thanked the fans, for being by her side, she put over what the industry means to her, from giving her belief, and hope, to achieving her dreams, she put over her hero Eddie Guerro, and told the fans, that she can't wait to tear up, and start another womens revolution. She said that she has unfinished with. Willow Nightingale, and she will be watching her main event later on in the evening. This. Was brilliant, and a great signing for Aew. This. Is how you help bring a company back to the foreland. Osperay. Okada, and now. Mone. Is the feeling back, well, no, but this is a strong sign, that things are going to be awesome, as we head into the middle of this year.

Samoa Joe vs Wardlow Aew Championship

I liked all of this. It was, two big meaty men, doing big meaty things. This acted as a perfect balance, of styles meshing together. The Promos beforehand, were a cool study in contrast, from powerful, to greed. These two big pieces of heavy machinery went to war. The Match had great physicality, and worked well given both mens history, with each other. Joe retained his belt by submission, putting his former tag partner in the cahuna clutch, for the win. Swerve Strickland then came out, complete with a chain. Joe left the ring laughing his ass off. The security that swerve strickland decked, are useless, they're just as bad as. Tottenham's back four. Yes i'm an Arsenal supporter.

Alex Mahvez and The Elite segmet and Trios Match

I loved this segment. Alex Mahvez interviewed The Eilte. As he started the segment, The Elite turned up behind him on an elevator, which popped me massively. From Mahvez not giving them the respect they deserve. Okada calling out. Pac. Kingston, and. Penta, before their following trios Match. And Mahvez having to sing happy birthday to Matt Jackson, he looked so happy having to do that little Job. Their Trios Match against. Pac. Kingston, and. Penta followed, and It was great. Okada vs Kingston. Pac vs Okada. The Elite turning this into a partial 3 on 1 beat down. Kingston giving Okada, a few slaps, to the Rainmaker punishing Kingston with that move for the win, I'm loving the heel Elite at the moment, it's made their act fresh, and has given Matthew, and. Nicholas, a fresh look at life, in the company they helped build.

Christian Cage and Adam Copeland promo

We then got a promo for next weeks I quit Match, for the. TNT Championship, between. Christian Cage, and. Adam Copeland. I can't wait to see Mother Wayne's face, when. Nicks new daddy loses his belt, and his s***.

Will Osperay segment

This. Was f****** awesome from the viscerile start, to the earth grinding finsish. Will talked to Tony Schiavone in the centre of the ring, the fans were on side from the start chanting bruv, from the start. From the emmulation of Brian Danielsons career, to talking about the aftermath of his Match against Kenny Omega. Which cemented this Match into existance. Because, he hasn't restored the feeling, because he is the feeling. His name is Will Osperay, and he has no plans on dying. I don't think, that I have to say anything else, this was pure majestic brilliance.

Deonna Purazzo segment

Deonna Purrazzo then threatened to shove. Toni Storms shoe up her arse, now that's going to be one smelly shoe.

Jay White vs Darby Allin

The only thoughts that ran through my mind after this were boohoo, the. Bang Bang Scissor Gang are done, and that. Darby has no back, the Match was crazy, from. Darby taking out White, with a moonsault followed by tope superceda, Jay launched Darby over the steel steps, ( kind of ) and then punished his chest afterwards. The Sting throwbacks were nice to see. Darby then took a nasty bump on the ring apron, that led to the finish. White got the win. And then the writing was on the wall for the. Bang Bang Scissor Gang, The Gunns and White tried to put a beating Darby. The Acclaimed came out to make the save. Jay, attacked Daddyass with a chair, whilst. The Gunns took out. The Acclaimed, Which meant that Darby was easy pickings, this was a good way to write Darby off from TV. Mount Everest waits next for that crazy nutter.

Chris Jericho and Hook vs The Gates Of Agony

LionHook, beat. The Gates Of Agony, in a flat and boring TV Match, and were beaten down in the aftermath. Hook and Jericho, will face each other next week, oh boy. If you can't tell, I was being sarcastic.

Kyle O'reilly segment

Kyle O'reilly then a had an Interview with Renee Paquette. He then said that he will face Brian Keith Collision this Saturday. I don't think he needs Roderick Strong. Strong needs him.

 Willow Nightingale vs Riho

A womens Match In the main event slot, no, that can't be, but it is, and it was the right move to make, the Match had fans on side from the start, and both women were given time to showcase their physicality. The final exchange saw Willow get the win, with a Dr Bomb powerbomb, but just a few seconds later, the lights went out, and when they came back on. Julia Hart was stood on the rampway, allowing Skye Blue to attack Nightingale. Mercedes Mone came out to make the save, as the show went off the air. Willow raising Mercedes hand, was a class act to see.

Overview Of Aew Dynamite Big Business

From all of the cards being put in place, to the promise of the future, this was a great show of weekly TV, and an enjoyable watch.

Aew Dynamite Big Business is a big 8/10.