My WWE Raw, March 27th 2012 Recap

Daniel Bryan and Kane defeated Randy Orton and Sheamus in a fair to average tag team contest. For the most part the action was decent enough, there were just a few niggles here and there, such as Sheamus and Kane's time on the ring together which looked a little awkward, and also Kane's feeble chokeslam at the end to Sheamus which was not convincing as a finisher to the bout.

Michael Cole announced that he would be the official commentator for Team Laurinaitis this sunday at WrestleMania, whatever that means. 

Santino Marella defeated David Otunga in a mediocre and forgettable match up that only existed to promote the Team Long versus Team Laurinaitis match this Sunday. It's a shame because they could've actually had an entertaining bout with some of the other members of the teams. Afterwards Long, assisted by Santino, pushed over Laurinaitis. The Miz then raced down and took out Santino, thereby earning himself a place on Team Johnny.  

Kelly Kelly defeated Eve in a rather poor bout. Now, I don't like to be one of those wrestling fans that just likes to bash a performer constantly, but Kelly Kelly really did look like a novice here, I mean even more than usual. What's her excuse after all these years of experience? She just really doesn't deserve a place in the ring, never mind WrestleMania. 

Before CM Punk's match up, Chris Jericho once again appeared on the big screen and reminded him of his sister and father's issues, but this time he also brought up the fact that Punk's parents married after he was born, making him, as Jericho put it, "a bastard." It definitely wasn't as strong a promo as we've had from Jericho in recent weeks.

CM Punk versus Christian ended in a no contest after Punk viciously took out Christian after a series of elbows and slams into the announce desk. The WWE Champion also clamped on an Anaconda Vice on 'Captain Charisma' for an extended period. It was nice to see the more aggressive Punk in action here, definitely a nice set up for his match with Jericho in Miami.    

Brodus Clay defeated Curt Hawkings in one of the 'Funkosaruses' usual routine squash bouts. I'm getting seriously bored of this now. 

Big Show defeated Epico in a squash match filled with Show's signature powerhouse moves. The tag team champs are too talented to be squandered like this. Afterwards Cody Rhodes came out and once again aggravated Show by reminding him of his poor record at 'Mania. I still believe a Rhodes versus Goldust match would've been far, far superior. 

Backstage in an interview CM Punk delivered a superb speech where he set the record straight regarding Jericho's accusations of his family. As far as I'm concerned their feud has been a success all round so far.

Mark Henry defeated The Great Khali in a match that was fortunately kept short. In an attempt to get some revenge John Laurinaitis then threw Teddy Long into the ring and into Henry's mercy. After both teams then made their way out and fought, Booker raced to Long's aid and took out the 'World's Strongest Man' with his trademark Scissors Kick. Teddy then thanked Booker and asked him to join his team, an offer which Booker accepted gladly.

The Rock spoke about the demand of his return after his match at WrestleMania XX back in 2004. He explained that he knew after WrestleMania 27 last year when he Rock Bottomed John Cena that he would step into the ring once again to face him. He went on to admit that Cena had become the "heartbeat" of the WWE, a major star in the business. Cena soon then joined 'The Great One' and spoke about the long list of critics he'd garnered over the years, but also mentioned the emotion he evokes every single time he walks out to the ring, which is very true.    

Cena claimed that people can bash him as much as they want but he will continue to "rise above, and I win," which is an admirable quality of his I'll admit. He added that those same people will witness him beating The Rock this Sunday. He also shared an interesting fact that he'd now been a longer active member of the WWE roster then Rocky, I had no idea. Cena went on to say that after WrestleMania The Rock will go back to the film industry while he'll return to the ring as always, and he (I believe) honestly said that he'd be damed if 'The People's Champ' would come in a visitor "and take my life from me." It was yet another superb and blisteringly honest promo by Cena. I just hope he can keep up this great form after 'Mania.

The Rock told Cena that he had to beat him on Sunday to become the greatest of all time on a professional level, but "on a personal level, I just don't like you." Which again was another statement in this segment that I believe is very true.

This was probably the best promo these two men have had together, and that's saying something. You can believe in the tension and heat between the two and that should only add to what will be a special match up on Sunday. A lot of fans, like Cena and CM Punk plus others in WWE I'm sure , have criticised The Rock on his very temporary 'return' to the company, but he's also going to help build up plenty of business for WWE come this Sunday. And I dare any of those critics who'll be watching to not get excited when Rock's music hits in Miami and him and Cena are finally (pun intended) face to face in the ring together for what will be an electrifying match. I for one cannot wait for April 1st.

I should be putting up my predictions for the huge card this week, but as for what I think will be the best match at 'Mania? I'm going with either CM Punk versus Jericho or Triple H versus The Undertaker. Plus the bout I just mentioned above should be pretty fun too.

My WWE SmackDown, March 16th 2012 Recap

Christian made his welcome return, along with the Peep Show, to SmackDown and explained the stipulation for the Team Laurinaitis versus Team Long match at WrestleMania. He then introduced his guests John Laurinaitis, accompanied by David Otunga, and Teddy Long, accompanied by Aksana. 'Captain Charisma' then gave both team leaders the opportunity to convince him why he should join their team at WrestleMania. Teddy Long simply said that on his watch Christian wouldn't get his "one more match" for the World title, but he'd have to earn it. Laurinaitis claimed that he would give Christian that opportunity at the World title. 

As if there was any doubt, Christian officially announced that he was joining 'Team Johnny' . Long responded by booking Otunga against the newest member to his team, Kofi Kingston.

Kofi Kingston defeated David Otunga in an average bout that had its fair share of ringside distractions, including Christian pulling on Kingston's leg and Long and Laurinaitis arguing. To be fair though Otunga did yet again show more improvement in the ring. 

AJ defeated Nikki Bella in a mediocre match up. Afterwards Bryan still hilariously celebrated in his usual over the top style.

Cody Rhodes defeated The Great Khali in a match that actually surpassed my expectations, thanks to Rhodes' effort, but was still only really average at best.

An extremely tanned Randy Orton came to the ring and queried Kane's choice in attacking him lately, considering unlike John Cena he has no problem embracing hate, then called out the 'Big Red Monster'. Kane answered Orton's call and revealed that after a Street Fight they'd had on SmackDown last Summer, where afterwards Kane shook hands with Orton, he realised he'd become a "wretched human being" and declared that that person had now been replaced by a new monster. Orton had had enough and demanded Kane come to the ring to finish things, but Kane decided that they should do it at WrestleMania instead so he could "demise" Orton on the biggest stage of them all. All Kane's reasons for attacking Orton and wanting to face him at 'Mania just all sounded a bit too phoney and lazy an excuse to me.   

Big Show defeated Drew McIntyre in a forgettable and average bout, I can imagine me saying the same after Show's encounter with Rhodes in Miami too, nothing against Cody.

Mark Henry defeated Yoshi Tatsu in a squash match, which will most likely be undone after he's made to look pathetic against Cena on next weeks Raw.

Chris Jericho claimed that he was right about what he'd said about CM Punk and his alcoholic father on this weeks Raw, and also called him a fraud. He went on to say that his claims of being the best in the World will be proven when he beats Punk at 'Mania, and after he does he'll take a nice long sip of a cocktail. It was another interesting promo from Jericho and the talk of Punk's personal life, much like back in ROH, is definitely adding intrigue to this rivalry.

Chris Jericho defeated Sheamus via count out after Daniel Bryan double kicked him at ringside. The actual bout had been a decent back and fourth contest between the two number one contenders and the ending was a fitting one that made sense. The match definitely stood out above the other mostly average to drab ones on the show. Afterwards an infuriated Sheamus chased off Bryan and Brogue Kicked Jericho.

Overall it was a pretty mediocre broadcast, with only a few moments that were really worth watching, which is strange for the show that normally has the most quality on display each week. 

My WWE SmackDown, March 9th 2012 Recap

SmackDown General Manager for the night John Laurinaitis started off the show by announcing a Steel Cage Match for the United States Championship. Not a bad start 'Mr. Excitement'. 

Santino Marella (c) defeated Jack Swagger in a Steel Cage Match to retain the United States Championship. It was a more entertaining match then I was expecting and quite decent overall, it certainly gave the US Title some much needed exposure. It was also ten times better then Swagger and Marella's awful match on Monday which was hindered by way too much going on outside of the match. For the finish Vickie Guerrero accidentally slammed the door in Swagger's face thinking it was Marella behind her, allowing the champ to crawl out of the cage.  

Backstage Teddy Long pleaded with Laurinaitis not to go through the proposed Kane versus Aksana match. Laurinaitis made a deal that if Long beats him in a match that night then Aksana will have to face Kane. What a git, eh? 

Drew McIntyre announced that although he'd been fired the week before, Laurinaitis was giving him another chance to keep his job if he won against his mystery opponent. This then cued the Great Khali to make his way to the ring, but David Otunga then asked Khali to exit the ring and announced Hornswaggle as McIntyre's real opponent. Booker on commentary claimed correctly that "the ratings are about to plummet right now."    

Drew McIntyre defeated Hornswaggle in a predictably worthless bout that only served to explain Drew getting his job back on the blue brand. Afterwards Khali entered the ring and took out McIntyre, why is the useless Khali still around again?

Mark Henry defeated Ezekiel Jackson in a brief and quite drab match up.

Teddy Long refused to lay down for Laurinaitis in their match up so Laurinaitis called Kane down to the ring to face Aksana, but he didn't make it as Randy Orton attacked him from behind. As a livid Laurinaitis screamed at Orton, Long snuck in a roll up pin and beat Laurinaitis. All the while this segment took place we had to endure the absolutely awful acting skills of Aksana. She brings nothing to the table except her looks for WWE, why they promoted her from NXT I don't know. 

R-Truth and Kofi Kingston defeated Epico and Primo in a decent enough tag team match, although not as entertaining as the match ups involving Air Boom from last year.  I was hoping Kofi may start building up his singles career once again but it looks like he's entering the tag team division once again, which means he's at least adding some more interest to it along with R-Truth.  

Michael Cole introduced World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan and his WrestleMania opponent Sheamus for an exclusive interview. Cole first asked both men how luck had played a part in their careers in WWE. Bryan claimed he hadn't had any luck at all and his success was due to his skill and knowledge in the ring, which was a very honest answer. Sheamus said that he'd made in own luck in working his way back to the top, and felt lucky to just be wrestling in the company. In one of the funniest moments I can remember in WWE, Bryan then took the mic away from AJ's mouth as she was talking to Sheamus and said "AJ, shut up," it was priceless.

Sheamus ended the interview by stating that at WrestleMania Bryan's luck will run out as he's going to win the World Heavyweight Championship. I am quite looking forward to their match more and more, their encounters last year over the US Title were entertaining and now they'll be battling on the big stage over a World Title which should be even better. My only gripe with their feud so far is that it doesn't have much depth to it, there's no real storyline happening with them like you normally get for a World title match at 'Mania, like with CM Punk and Jericho.

Randy Orton, Sheamus and Big Show defeated The Miz, Cody Rhodes and Daniel Bryan in a solid and action packed main event. The crowd were especially into it once 'The Viper' entered the ring and finally scored the winning pin over Miz after applying an RKO. 

Afterwards Kane began attacking Orton as payback. Their brawl travelled through the crowd as SmackDown came to an end.

Update on Del Rio's return

Originally posted by Caylon Knox on the The Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 

“Former two-time WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio has been medically cleared to compete after recovering from his recent groin injury, and there is a possibility that Del Rio will be brought back as a member of Team Laurinaitis in the ongoing battle between John Laurinaitis and SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long.”

It makes sense to get him involved in the storyline, although I would’ve rather seen Del Rio maybe face Orton at WrestleMania myself. 

My WWE SmackDown, March 2nd 2012 Recap

Royal Rumble winner Sheamus started things off by saying how excited he was about main eventing WrestleMania and facing Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Title. 'The Great White' also admitted that Bryan, since winning the World title has reminded him of himself back when he first won the WWE Championship, when he was "wrapped up in my own ego." But Sheamus explained that Bryan just needed someone to "knock his block off" and set him straight, which he was more then happy to do on April 1st in Miami. 

Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler then interrupted the number one contender, with Ziggler claiming that no one was actually interested in Sheamus' story. After some more back and fourth between the three, Teddy Long joined them and announced that Ziggler will be facing Sheamus right there and then. It wasn't a bad segment to start the show.

Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler in a decent contest. It had a bit of a drab start but gained excitement towards the final third of the bout. There was also a nice near fall when Jack Swagger raced in, only to be Brogue Kicked by Sheamus, seizing the chance Ziggler then leg drop bulldogged Sheamus for the close pinfall.

Santino Marella defeated Heath Slater in a short comedy match. I'm still predicting that Santino and David Otunga will be involved in some sort of team match betweenTeddy Long and John Laurinaitis at WrestleMania to determine a new GM for both Raw and SmackDown.   

Backstage Natalya confronted Eve about her treatment of Zach Ryder and how wrong it was. Unfortunately Natalya is also still being reduced to the unflattering farting gimmick, she deserves better.

Eve defeated Natalya in an acceptable Divas match up with a roll up pin. Maybe we'll see a mixed tag team match at WrestleMania with Eve and someone versus Ryder and Natalya? WWE would be daft not to capitalise on the heat Eve is receiving right now.   

Cody Rhodes claimed that he saved Big Show from being embarrassed at WrestleMania when he helped eliminated him from a battle royal on Raw a few weeks ago to see who would face CM Punk on the big stage, due to Show's poor record at 'Mania. Big Show soon interrupted the Intercontinental Champion, scaring him off into the crowd. Show warned Rhodes that if he wouldn't come to him, then he'd have to go to Rhodes. But Teddy Long halted him and official booked Cody Rhodes versus Big Show for WrestleMania with the intercontinental Championship on the line. I'm so relieved that they're putting the title on the line, I was worried they'd diminish it again like they did when they didn't bother having it on the line between Rhodes and Orton during their feud last year. Like it wasn't worth putting on the line.

Big Show defeated Mark Henry in an average and, as usual with these two, slow paced bout. Although there was a nice near fall (another one for the night) after Mark Henry applied the World's Strongest Slam to Show.

Backstage Teddy Long, finally having enough of his loosing streak, warned Drew McIntyre that if he lost his match coming up he would be fired.   

Justin Gabriel defeated Drew McIntyre in a short and quite forgettable match, which I found odd since it was Drew's final chance, they could've certainly added some more drama to it considering the stipulation. Afterwards Teddy Long confirmed that Drew was indeed fired. 

Daniel Bryan won via count out versus Randy Orton in what had been a heated and solid main event match. Both men went back and fourth, with 'The Viper' obtaining most of the offense during it. It's a shame we couldn't have had more time allocated to the match. 

During the match Kane had made his way out and began brawling with Orton after the ten count had been made. 'The Big Red Monster' eventually gained the upper hand and Chokeslammed Orton in the ring. He then grabbed a mic and said "Welcome back Randy, welcome back." Well I guess we know who Orton will face at WrestleMania, although I was personally hoping for Del Rio instead.

Backstage Laurinaitis, impressed with Kane's display, planned a match for next weeks SmackDown between Kane and Teddy Long's mistress (or whatever), Aksana. What a heel, eh? 

My WWE Raw, February 28th 2012 Recap

CM Punk and Chris Jericho started things off. Jericho actually complimented Punk, calling him one of his favourite performers going today, but added that he still wasn't as good as him. Jericho also called himself a "dying breed of performers," which to be fair is true. In WWE today most of their talent come straight form their own developmental system, rather then the rare few like Y2J and Daniel Bryan who have actually travelled to various countries, honing their in-ring craft. And taking what they were given and being grateful for it. It was a good speech form Jericho, whose words were truly believable.    

CM Punk was also again accused by Chris of being a "Chris Jericho wannabe." Punk retorted by saying that he's his own person and that it's not like everything that Jericho says or does is completely original. Jericho answered back with "but I am not just telling you, I am proving to you with all the evidence that's standing right in front of you is the literal, undeserved, undoubtful, best in the World at everything I do."Quite a mouthful, eh?

CM Punk theorised that Jericho's mannerisms suggest that he actually has an inferiority complex, and asked who he was trying to prove to that he's the best in the world. Punk carried on to say that although they both came form the same shadows, he has surpassed Jericho, that he has now become "the man" that he never was. That while Jericho is writing books and participating on game shows, he's still "swimming with the sharks" in the WWE. This was a little reminiscent of Cena's rant towards The Rock last week.

Punk added that they didn't need the bright lights, the pyros, the big stage but simply a wrestling ring on April 1st at WrestleMania to put on what could be the greatest wrestling match in the pay-per-views history. And he simply ended the segment by saying that after he's victorious in the championship match "It won't be the end of theWorld, it'll just be the end of yours." It was an intriguing promo to start the show, and I quite enjoyed it myself. I'm just wondering how long they can keep carrying this 'Best in the World versus Best in the World' slogan before people start getting tired of it.

CM Punk versus Daniel Bryan ended in a no contest after John Laurinaitis' ruling due to Sheamus throwing future opponent Daniel Bryan back into the ring and straight into a GTS from Punk. The match up until the messy finish was a solid and entertaining bout, with crisp back and fourth action between the two. There were unfortunately too many interferences for my liking, which marred it a bit for me. First Laurinaitis distracted Punk on the apron before the bell, then Otunga and Santino Marella also jumped up on the apron to cause distractions. AJ also prevented Punk from performing a diving attack to Bryan on the outside. It was just all a bit much for a match with this talent which could have been even better.

Afterwards Laurinaitis and Punk argued until Teddy Long entered the ring and pushed the Raw Interim GM over. As they continued to argue Chris Jericho attacked Punk form behind and scoop slammed him onto the stage floor, and also applied the Walls of Jericho. CM Punk supposedly had to be helped to the trainers room after the attack.   

Kelly Kelly defeated Nikki Bella in a forgettable and mediocre Divas bout. Not much else to add, except why isn't the Divas Champion (and one of the few standout and capable female wrestlers in the company) Beth Phoenix not in regular action instead? 

Before he faced Cena, The Miz had to get a few grievances off his chest, including the fact that he is tired of the way he's been treated recently, which I totally agree with. Miz worked damn hard to improve his overall abilities in pro wrestling, which should prove an inspiration to the average wrestlers appearing on Superstars and NXT every week who moan about getting underutilised when they can't be asked to even work to improve themselves. Since his title reign he's been treated as a joke, rather then pushed still like he should've been. He carried on "In the past year, no one has worked harder then me!" Which is actually a pretty fair comment when you think about it.

He finished the speech by adding that he would prove his WrestleMania-worthy by defeating the man he beat at last years. It was a well performed promo and one that spoke a lot of truth, The Miz does deserve better treatment then he's received. All the while it was going on Cena just had a goofy grin on his face, treating Miz as a joke. Which only served to diminish the promo.

John Cena defeated The Miz in an average bout, which was actually better then I was expecting. Despite a strong enough start it went downhill a bit after Cena performed his signature finishing routine and forced Miz to tap to the STF. Just too predictable and boring. 

Epico and Primo (c) defeated the team of Kofi Kingston and R-Truth and the team of Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler in a triple threat tag team match to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. It was an action packed and exciting match up, and definitely one of the best tag team title matches I've seen in WWE for a long while. All men gave a good effort in the well-constructed tag bout. Epico grabbed the win after throwing Kingston out of the ring and pinning Swagger.   

After the match Kane came out and took out all the participants, it was only R-Truth who put up a bit of a fight.  This is the Kane that I enjoy, the one who just wreaks havoc on everyone.

Teddy Long stormed into John Laurinatis's office and they began arguing once again, this time though it was revealed that there was a rumour that Laurinaitis wouldn't be in charge of Raw next week by Long. And Laurinatis revealed another rumour that Teddy wouldn't be in charge of the blue brand any longer. Long ended the argument by calling Laurinaitis a "horse's ass."

Eve tried to explain her actions (using Zack Ryder to get noticed in the company and then Cena) by saying how hard it is for a woman to live in a "man's world." She added that she couldn't help that men fall prey to her good looks, and that they should blame themselves for their weaknesses. In this promo she showed more character and gained more reaction from the crowd then she ever has before. This was a smart move turning her heel in this fashion. 

Before the following tag team match, Cody Rhodes once again presented a VT of another embarrassing WrestleMania moment for Big Show. This time from his contest with Floyd Mayweather at WrestleMania XXIV. 

Sheamus and Big Show defeated Mark Henry and Cody Rhodes in a short and simple match which only served to build up the Big Show and Rhodes feud and Royal Rumble winner Sheamus.

Finally The Rock entered the ring to a huge ovation. After a fair share of chanting The Rock admitted that he doesn't appear ever week, and also that without WWE and the fans "The Rock would never exist." He explained that when he said he was never leaving the company he didn't mean that he would literally be on every Raw and actually stick around. Erm, okay. He carried on to explain that what he meant was that the WWE would always be a part of him.

Rocky then said that he no longer sees Cena as a phoney, the guy who graduated from private school and became the 'Doctor of Thuganomics', but the real deal. He went on to say that he now sees him as a "kung pow bitch." Catchy line, and one that I'm sure achieved the desired reaction from the audience.

The Rock also claimed that last week when Cena said that he was fighting for everyone in the locker room in their upcoming match, it resided with 'The Great One'. He said that no one has fought for the biggest wrestlers such as Austin and Triple H, but the wrestlers themselves. He added that he instead was fighting for the people, the same people who are "so sick and tired of having a kung pow bitch shoved down their throats every single night." He went on to take credit for actually making Cena more interesting this year, saying that the only interesting thing he's done on his own is change his 1990's jean shorts to camo shorts.

This was when Mr. Cena joined Rocky. Cena explained that he was also once a fan of The Rock too, until he met Dwayne Johnson, who according to him is egotistical and self centred, he then left. The Rock told Cena that The Rock and Dwayne Johnson are one and the same person, and that at WrestleMania he will kick Cena's ass. 

It was a charismatic, confident and memorable promo, which is pretty much what you expect from 'The People's Champ'. Overall Raw ranged from average to very entertaining. With the highlights being the Tag Team Title match, Bryan versus CM Punk and The Rock's promo.