My WWE Raw, 15th October 2012 Recap

Photo credit: WWE.com

Big Show started off the show by accusing SmackDown GM Booker T and Sheamus of making him look like a fool with the World Championship debate a couple of weeks ago. He also bragged about halting Sheamus' Brogue Kick and beating him in a scientific challenge on last weeks SmackDown. He then challenged Bryan to a match after being continuously mocked about his forty-five second loss to him last year. A reluctant Daniel Bryan backstage was then forced into the bout by GM AJ Lee.

Big Show defeated Daniel Bryan in a fair match up. As with past meetings, both men managed to work well together and provided a decent start to the show. As usual Bryan also managed to get a very healthy response from the fans. Afterwards Show threatened to apply a WMD to Bryan, until his Team Hell No partner Kane came out and warned off the giant.

Paul Heyman introduced his associate the WWE Champion CM Punk, who in response to his altercation with a fan in the crowd (you must have seen it by now, right?) claimed that he will put down anyone at all who disrespects him. He went on to then brag about beating down Vince McMahon last week and compared his two possible opponents for Hell in a Cell, Ryback and John Cena. One who he barely knows, and one he knows all too well. As he was about to reveal who he'd picked to face, he decided to put it off as he felt disrespected by all the fans in attendance.

Vince McMahon then made his way out and told Punk that he "blew it" and that now he himself would instead make the decision of who he faces at HIAC later on at a contract signing.

Alberto Del Rio beat Brodus Clay in a passable bout. It wasn't anything that special or memorable but it was better than I expected as they both put in fair efforts. Del Rio in his trademark style broke down Clay's arm and forced him to tap to the Arm Breaker.

Titus O'Neil and Darren Young bested Zack Ryder and Santino Marella in an average and pretty forgettable tag contest. I'll give Ryder credit for his efforts but that was about the only stand out thing from this. Afterwards Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal took out Santino and announced themselves as the "3MB" (three man band, just in case you weren't sure) complete with new outfits to suit this latest gimmick of theirs. I actually quite like it, I'm not sure why, but I like it.

Dolph Ziggler complained about Ryback being picked ahead of him to have a shot at the WWE title, even though he's been through far more to get where he is. He also added that he wants to go on to defeated Punk at HIAC for the championship and then cash in on the World Heavyweight strap. Well that'd certainly be memorable, and I for one think the two World titles should be combined now. David Otunga then joined him and agreed with what he'd said about Ryback, but claimed that he should be ahead of Ziggler for a title opportunity. AJ Lee decided to settle things by booking a handicap match between Ziggler and Otunga versus Ryback.

Ryback beat David Otunga and Dolph Ziggler in a brief Handicap match. During the bout Ziggler decided he'd had enough and left Ryback to finish off his partner. While it was a pretty nothing match up, at least the crowd were firmly behind Ryback. 

Backstage Matt Stryker asked AJ if he could get an apology for Kane and Daniel Bryan's attack on him on last weeks SmackDown. So she agreed to give him one, but right after he faces Kane in a match.

Antonio Cesaro defeated Justin Gabriel in an enjoyable enough match up. Gabriel put in a display above his usual standard and looked good, Cesaro also gave another solid outing.

As their match begun, Matt Stryker pleaded with Kane to just let their issues go. Kane agreed and gave him a hug, which then turned into a Choke Slam for the one-two-three. Kane went on to briefly interview a KO'd Stryker afterwards.

The Miz hosted his talk show 'Miz TV' where he had special guest Kofi Kingston. Miz questioned what Kofi had done during his time in WWE and what little he'll actually be remembered for, calling him a "B player." Kofi retorted by claiming that once he wins the Intercontinental Championship from Miz on Main Event this week, that'll be a new memorable moment to his career, and then challenged Miz to a match that night which he accepted.

Miz went on to tell his future opponent that while little kids and such cheer for him, no one really cares and that he's just a "novelty act." Kingston responded with a flurry of punches, sending Miz away in a hurry. I actually really liked this segment, both men did a good job on the mic and Miz's trash talk was believable.  

Sheamus won via disqualification versus Wade Barrett in a decent bout. Although I preferred their outing last week this was still a worthy display from both men as they battled back and fourth. The DQ came after Big Show pulled down the top rope, causing 'The Great White' to spill from the ring. As Barrett tried to capitalise by attacking the champ, Sheamus made a comeback like all good faces and took out the Englishmen and then clotheslined Show out of the ring.  

Eve (c) beat Layla to retain the WWE Divas Championship in a largely average and quite drab contest. It was never bad action in-between the ropes but it just never really engaged me at any time. Layla managed to get her foot on the ropes during Eve's winning pin but the referee missed it, does anyone else find it a bit hard to believe when officials fail to see foots on the rope in this day and age? It's a little tired now surely. 

In a strange segment we witnessed 3MB being chucked out of a bar after attempting to get on stage and perform. Like I said earlier, these three have something about them that entertains me.

The Rhodes Scholars bested Epico and Primo in a decent and competitive tag match. This was far superior and entertaining to the earlier tag team bout. All four men looked good, although no one exactly excelled it was still fun to watch. Sandow and Rhodes are looking like a rather solid unit, although I don't see them toppling Team Hell No at HIAC.

Kofi Kingston defeated The Miz in a contest that ranged from quite pedestrian to a worthy effort. Despite their good work earlier I just failed to really get engaged by the match, I think it was maybe a bit foolish to present it just before they face each other for the title. It waters down the anticipation for the title clash.

As Vince McMahon presented the contract signing between CM Punk, John Cena and Ryback, the WWE Champion interrupted him and signed the contract, stating that it doesn't matter which man he faces because he'll "break them." In a twist Cena then endorsed Ryback as the choice to face Punk at HIAC, claiming that Punk will have him on his mind all the way up until the event. After the speech Ryback signed the contract and took out the champ with a Shell Shocked. Call me crazy, but I actually think him and CM Punk could have a very entertaining Hell in a Cell match in two weeks.

Overall Raw was a step down in quality and excitement from last weeks broadcast. There were a few decent match ups but no outstanding ones. I'm still also failing to get interested in the Big Show Sheamus feud, and I don't expect their HIAC match to be that great. Fortunately the CM Punk promo earlier in the show was enjoyable enough and the contract signing was a fairly strong end, plus Miz and Kofi surprised me with a decent 'Miz TV' segment.  

My TNA Bound for Glory 2012 Recap

Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

Rob Van Dam defeated Zema Ion (c) to capture the X Division Championship in a decent enough opener to the show. Ion managed to control most of the match with one of his best showings to date in my opinion. But RVD, unsurprisingly the crowd favourite in Phoenix, managed to make a comeback and hit the Five Star Frog Splash for the one-two-three. While I was hoping Ion would win here as he had a lot more to gain, and it coud've really bolstered the status of the title, he at least managed to look competitive against Van Dam which is something. 

Samoa Joe (c) bested Magnus to retain the TNA Television title in a solid back and fourth bout. I wasn't really expecting anything much from this match to be honest, I thought it'd be okay but nothing special, and I'm certainly glad I was wrong. Magnus pulled out the best performance I've ever seen from him here and proved that he could potentially be one of TNA's top players in the years to come. Of course Joe put in his usual worthy effort and both men provided a title match to be proud of.    

James Storm beat Bobby Roode in a terrific Street Fight. In this dramatic encounter both rivals battled it out as they did not hold back at all, with plenty of weapons used (although not too much to make it overkill) and effective near falls. The fans also voiced their approval throughout. King Mo's involvement was kept very minimal, in fact I didn't really see the point of using him here at all bar the publicity for the event. Even then I don't think it was worth it. 

Joey Ryan defeated Al Snow in an average match up, therefore earning himself a TNA contract. The action was never bad at any point, just quite pedestrian, especially up against the previous bout. Ryan grabbed the winning pin after Matt Morgan made his return and applied a Carbon Footprint to Snow. I was hoping the company were done with the sub par Morgan, ah well.

Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero bested Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, AJ Styles and Kurt Angle to win the TNA Tag Team Championship in an awesome contest. The match started off a little slow (not bad, just slow) and built up to a fast pace and a flurry of insane and exciting moves. I was going to point out Styles as the man of the match, but that wouldn't be fair as all six men put in a display worthy of TNA's biggest show of the year. This is certainly one of my favourite pay-per-view matches of the year so far, thrilling stuff that is definitely worth checking out.

Tara beat Brooke Tessmacher (c) to obtain the TNA Knockouts title. The bout ranged from fair to average, and I have to say that Tessmacher actually impressed me here. She may not still be near the top female talent but she's showed signs of working hard and improving in the ring which I admire, and is something I wish we saw more of from a lot of female pro wrestlers who have managed to coast along for years. Considering all the build up with this feud is seemed to be kept quite brief too.

Afterwards Jesse from Big Brother was revealed to be Tara's secret 'Hollywood' boyfriend. Wow, what a coup for TNA (yes, that was sarcasm don't worry). The crowd amusingly (and fittingly) chanted "Who are you" in response to the reveal.

We were then shown a VT of clips from Sting's TNA Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The scale of it compared to WWE's was pretty clear. While it showed fitting speeches, things like Hulk Hogan wearing a Bound for Glory T-Shirt (yes, really. Way to show some respect by dressing up Hogan) made it feel a little cheap. Or maybe I'm being a bit harsh. 

Before the following tag match, Aces and Eights members dragged in the previously kidnapped Joseph Parks as per the agreement. The reaction from the commentators was mild considering he's been held hostage for weeks.

Aces & Eights beat Bully Ray and Sting in a fair, if quite pedestrian at times No DQ tag match. As per the stipulations Aces & Eights members now have free access in TNA. The match had decent moments, and Bully was on good form, along with Sting he managed to get a healthy reaction from the fans. I was personally hoping with the no disqualification stipulation that it'd be a little more exciting and action packed. For the finish Bully was put through a table for the winning pinfall. 

As the gang celebrated, Hulk Hogan came out and along with his ego ridiculously took out the Aces & Eights members, leaving just one. Hogan and 'The Stinger' revealed it to be none other than the previously fired Devon, much to everyones shock. All three men asked him why as he left. I'm actually quite surprised by the outcome, not so much Devon being a member (although I'll give credit, with his release it was a clever move on the writers part) but the fact that Bully didn't turn on Sting. I personally think Ray would've been the perfect front man for the group, and he's been so effective as a heel. Although I can imagine him being a decent face too, we'll see.

Jeff Hardy defeated Austin Aries (c) to obtain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a superb main event. In the match of the night both men put on a thrilling display as they fought with everything they had. Pulling out plenty of impressive maneuvers and providing red hot near falls, this was a worthy main event and World title contest. It was a good end to a highly enjoyable show.

The majority of the crowd in Phoenix were behind the defending champ, but as the match went on Hardy's fans were heard too. While like a lot of those fans I was also hoping that AA would retain, I'm interested to see how Hardy's run goes. And to give him credit he's seemed to have sorted himself out over the last year and I hope he keeps it up. 

Overall Bound for Glory was yet another very solid card from TNA, with most matches providing some great viewing and memorable showings from the talent. I was fairly confident the show would live up to the billing, and it exceeded it for me, with my personal highlights being the main event and Tag Team Championship bouts. TNA has for a while now used it's talented roster to it's potential, let's hope it stays that way. 

My WWE SmackDown, 12th October 2012 Recap

Booker T hosted a contest between Sheamus and Big Show to determine which was more powerful between the Brogue Kick and the WMD. Their respective finishers were counted on an arcade like machine, being measured in force per square inch. Sheamus stepped up first and got a score of 1322. Big Show was at first reluctant, thinking he'd be made a fool of, but after 'The Great White' once again made fun of his forty-five second World title reign of last year he punched the machine and scored 1809. As Sheamus was left to reflect the score, Tensai attacked him from behind, causing Booker to make a match between them.

Sheamus defeated Tensai in an passable, if a bit drab of a match up. There wasn't really anything that special about it to be honest, like most of Tensai's outings.

Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal all revealed that they'd teamed up to form a band, since their solo careers were "out of tune" (yes, they really used that line) and began performing air guitar in the ring. I was hoping these three were going to take a more serious route together and revive their status a bit, but I guess not.  

Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal beat Zack Ryder and Santino Marella in a pretty pedestrian tag bout. The only really engaging part for myself was when Ryder was on the offense, but that was about it. I've grown tired of Santino's comedy routine to be honest.

Kane won via disqualification versus Dolph Ziggler in a fair outing. The action was decent enough, and it was a worthy effort by both men but it just felt like it was lacking that little excitement. The DQ came after Ziggler struck Kane with his Money in the Bank briefcase. As Kane managed to turn things around and chase off Dolph, his tag partner Daniel Bryan ran out and claimed that he saved him.

The obnoxious Matt Stryker then asked what Bryan thought to claims that he was the weak link in Team Hell No, so Bryan responded by locking on the No Lock on the commentator. Kane soon stopped Bryan, only so he could then Choke Slam Stryker himself. It's always fun seeing the annoying Stryker taken out, and the crowd were once again loving a Team Hell No segment, same here.

Big Show bested Kofi Kingston in a brief and rather pedestrian contest. Kingston managed to have a little bit of offense going, but was no real threat to the giant who landed a WMD for the winning pin. Kofi seemed like a daft pick to loose here considering he's going into a Intercontinental title match next week, speaking of which The Miz himself (who'd provided guest commentary) rubbed in Kingston's loss in the ring and bragged that he will defend his title successfully on WWE Main Event. I'm hoping he does too, Kofi hasn't ever exactly set the World alight as US or IC champion in the past, he has the talent in the ring but is just missing that extra depth to his persona.  

Sin Cara defeated Damien Sandow in a bout that ranged from passable to average. No man really excelled to be honest, it was a run of the mill display from both.

Alberto Del Rio beat Daniel Bryan in an entertaining main event, with a good showing from both participants. As expected both men attempted various submissions, with Del Rio managing to logically weaken down Bryan's shoulder on the outside barricade, ring ropes and ringpost to eventually force him to tap to his signature arm breaker.

Afterwards Del Rio gave one of his mediocre promos where he bragged about taking out Orton two weeks ago and claimed that he didn't have the guts to turn up on the show, because if he did then he'd "give you a piece of your own medicine." Of course Randy Orton then turned up and gave a beating to Del Rio, who eventually managed to escape. But Ricardo Rodriguez was still there, so 'The Viper' decided to make do and RKO'd him through the commentator's table.    

Overall it was a pretty mediocre SmackDown for me, especially after a brilliant Raw, with mostly average matches and no major progression in any storylines that have me really interested for more. Considering Sheamus and Big Show are heading into a Hell in a Cell match together I expected more for their build up. Fortunately the main event managed to save a largely pedestrian show. 

My TNA Impact Wrestling, 11th October 2012 Recap

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Austin Aries defeated James Storm in an exciting back and fourth opener to the show. Disappointedly there were a few hiccups here and there, but overall it was enjoyable and you could forgive those minor errors. For the finish Bobby Roode ran in and threw 'The Cowboy' into the ring post before chucking him back into the ring to be Brainbustered and  successfully pinned by AA. The crowd were into the bout from start to finish, which is hardly surprising considering you had the solid Storm and Aries.  

Hulk Hogan and Sting came out and reminded us of what happened last week when they both agreed that 'The Stinger' would team with Bully Ray at Bound for Glory to take on Aces & Eights. The Tag Champions Christopher Daniels and Kazarian then joined them and tried to convince Hogan and Sting to cancel their Tag Team title defence on Sunday so they could use Kurt Angle instead of the untrustworthy Bully.

Bully Ray himself then joined them and admitted that while Angle was a better wrestler, they needed a brawler not a wrestler heading into battle against Aces & Eights. He also convinced 'The Hulkster' to book a match with him and Sting versus Daniels and Kaz to prove that he could be trusted. All men involved in the segment were on good form on the mic.

Hernandez bested AJ Styles in a fair match up. As expected Styles put in a decent effort, while Hernandez was okay. Hernandez grabbed the win with a big shoulder barge after AJ was distracted by Chavo Guerrero at ringside. For me a shoulder barge (even one from the huge Hernandez) seems like a bit of a feeble finisher, especially to put away a former World Champion like Styles.  

X Division Champ Zema Ion rightfully complained that he had no match for BFG, since there was no competition good enough for him. This cued Rob Van Dam's entrance, who then revealed that Hogan had given him the choice of opponent for this Sunday, and guess what? He'd picked Ion. He also sealed his decision with a swift jumping spinning kick to Zema's head. I'm really hoping the X Division strap holder isn't buried at BFG, a win against RVD (even a fluke one) could really help boost him and the title, which both really need at the moment. 

Christopher Daniels and Kazarian won via disqualification versus Sting and Bully Ray in an enjoyable and solid tag bout. Sting and Bully dominated the first third, but the tag champs soon came back and had Sting reeling until he made the hot tag to Bully. 'The Stinger' in homage to Team 3D then ordered him to "Get the table!" So Bully complied and powerbombed Daniels through it for a satisfying and exciting end to the match. 

Brooke Tessmacher beat Gail Kim in a worthy effort by both women. I wasn't expecting anything great here but it proved to be a far better contest then I predicted as both Knockouts provided a fun back and fourth match up. I'll give most of the credit to Kim and her usual solid performance, but Tessmacher looked decent in the ring (bar her botched finisher to Kim) and is showing improvement. Afterwards Tara attempted to apply a Widows Peak to the champ, but Brooke turned it around and instead hit a Tess-Shocker on her BFG foe. To be honest I can't see the Knockout title match on Sunday topping this.   

Backstage Bobby Roode and James Storm began fighting until King Mo appeared from nowhere to split them up. I can't say Mo's adding anything to their BFG match for me personally.

Jeff Hardy won via DQ versus Bobby Roode after 'The It Factor' low blowed Hardy in front of the referee. The main event itself had been a solid one, with a good display from both wrestlers. I wasn't really expecting much less from these two. 

After Hardy managed to thwart a chair shot from Roode (actually the ref grabbed the chair from Bobby, Hardy then applied a Twist Of Fate) Aries joined him with a page from a supposed TNA script with what he was apparently meant to come out and say, but he didn't want to and threw it away.

Aries went on to admit that since becoming World Champion the TNA management had asked him to embrace the fans and act a certain way, they basically  wanted him to be "who he had to be as the World Heavyweight Champion." But he'd finally had enough, enough of being told what to do and enough of the adulation and special treatment Hardy receives form the fans and management. As Jeff went to then leave the ring, AA took him out with his signature Brainbuster. It should be a great match between them at BFG.

Overall it was another solid Impact, with all the matches being worthy efforts, and the worst being watchable at least. The promo from Aries (with his usual high standard mic work) at the end was also a step in making his feud with Hardy a bit more intriguing and personal, which it needed in my opinion. Roll on Bound for Glory, should be a good 'n I reckon. 

My WWE Raw, 8th October 2012 Recap

Photo credit: WWE.com

The still-injured John Cena kicked off the show by cracking a few jokes about certain members of the roster after sitting back and watching Raw properly last week, including Antonio Cesaro and his unusually large nipples (which is strangely true). He then switched to a more serious tone and ordered CM Punk to be "a man" and accept his challenge at Hell in a Cell. It was a decent enough promo to start the show. 

Ryback defeated Epico and Primo in an average Handicap match. The action just felt a little mediocre and messy at places. Although one plus is the crowd were firmly behind Ryback, especially as he lifted both his opponents and applied his Shell Shocked finisher for the one-two-three.

Before their match up R-Truth warned Brodus Clay that 'Little Jimmy' was going through puberty right now and just wanted to dance with Clay's cheerleaders Naomi and Cameron rather than see him wrestle. Fortunately the dancing was cut short as Vince McMahon appeared on the big screen and asked them to leave as he was about to make his address regarding the state of the WWE.

McMahon soon made his way out and stated that there was enough time in WWE for all kinds of performers, but especially top champions taking on all comers, which cued the WWE Champion himself CM Punk to come out and once again talk about the disrespect that he receives from the Chairman and the fans every week. Punk went on to truthfully tell Vince that he is the best thing the company has right now and that he should be a "CM Punk guy."

The champ also threatened to leave the WWE if he doesn't get the treatment he deserves like he did last year, and see what kind of state that would leave the company. In truth it woud make Raw a far, far less interesting show to watch. Vince retorted by stating that Punk was now where near the talent of some of the all-time greats like Michaels, Andre, Bret, Austin, etc. CM Punk then took a jibe at Vince by claiming that Austin only ever made it to the top by taking on an "inept" and "clueless millionaire." 

After claiming that Vince has been slapping him in the face for years, Punk then actually slapped the Chairman in the face. A flustered McMahon in retaliation challenged Punk to a match that night, which the WWE Champion accepted. It was a terrific segment which I thoroughly enjoyed, I'll be shocked if you see a better promo than both men gave for the rest of this week. Vince and Punk together just equals quality moments. 

Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara bested Darren Young and Titus O'Neil in a passable to sub par tag bout that advanced them to the tag team tournament final. Most of the action was okay, but there were too many average moments and slip ups that marred it.

Sheamus won via disqualification versus Wade Barrett in an enjoyable contest. In Barrett's best performance since returning both men went back and fourth in an intense and highly competitive bout. I was hoping they would save Barrett versus Sheamus for a World title match on PPV but with the finish (Tensai ran in and attacked 'The Great White' after he struck him on last weeks SmackDown) I could still see it happening. 

After Sheamus managed to fight his way back and eliminate Barrett and Tensai from the ring, he attempted to Brogue Kick Big Show who'd been at ringside, but failed as a smug giant caught his leg and threw him out of the ring. The World Champion looked rattled.

Antonio Cesaro beat Tyson Kidd in a solid display from both men. With two talents like this a good match wasn't unexpected, but it was actually better than I predicted. Nice stuff. And I think Cesaro has definitely benefitted from dumping the untalented Aksana, she was unnecessary.

Team Hell No defeated Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio in an entertaining tag bout. As usual Bryan and Kane were tagging themselves in and arguing from time to time, but it still works for them. All four men put in worthy efforts to provide a pleasing match up.

On a special Raw edition of 'Larry King Live', Larry King and his wife brought out The Miz as their first guest, but soon had enough of the bragging Intercontinental Champion and replaced him with Kofi Kingston. Miz soon interrupted the interview and  called both men amateurs compared to him, and demanded that King leave his stage. King's wife had enough and tipped her drink at Miz, then Kofi decided to take out the champ and sent him reeling. It wasn't a bad segment actually, maybe felt a little out of place but Miz was on good form.

The Rhodes Scholars bested Santino Marella and Zack Ryder in a fair tag team contest. It wasn't anything that special or even that memorable, but it wasn't a bad performance from all involved. Afterwards Drew McIntyre, Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal attacked Santino. I hope this group get some more air time soon, I'd like to see a more prominent spot for the trio. 

Eve (c) beat Kaitlyn to retain the WWE Divas Championship. It was a largely pedestrian Divas bout, with Eve logically targeting Kaitlyn's previously injured leg and eventually forcing her to tap for the victory. After the bell rang Eve still held onto the submission hold until Layla (who'd provided guest commentary) ran into help her friend. Eve feigned guilt for what she'd done. I'm not sure why they're still having Eve pretend to be a face, they should've revealed that it was her that attacked Kaitlyn at Night of Champions by now.

In an entertaining backstage segment, Daniel Bryan compared Larry King being told he looks like an owl to him being called 'Goat Face' with King and his wife, calling himself an extremely attractive man. Kane then turned up and as the two bickered King and his missus managed to sneak off. When Kane was told it was Larry King, he was surprised and admitted he thought he was "Skeletor." This is possibly the most entertaining Kane ever.

CM Punk versus Vince McMahon ended in a no contest. Before the match had even begun Punk attacked McMahon from behind and controlled the start of the fight. But Vince soon came back with the help of a kendo stick and held Punk's title hostage in the ring. The champ also found a kendo stick and evened the score as he struck the chairman and low blowed him, but as he set him up for a GTS Ryback ran in and chased him off.

Cena also then appeared and with one arm (which looked quite daft) threw Punk back into the ring to be clotheslined by Ryback. But once again the champ found a way out and raced into the crowd, clutching his title belt close to his chest. McMahon then gave CM Punk the choice of either Cena or Ryback to face at Hell in a Cell, which will be decided next week. It was an electric main event and the fans were really into it, but the big story to come from the night was yet to happen...

As Vince was making his announcement, Punk got into an altercation with a fan in the crowd and clearly struck him on camera. According to early reports (don't take my word for it) there were a couple of fans pushing Punk in the back and then his head, causing him to swing his arm around at them. The fan that was struck has since come out and claimed he did not touch CM Punk and posted pictures of minor bruising and his broken glasses online. He's apparently pressing charges. Not too sure how Punk will be dealt with by WWE if it goes through.

Overall it was a mostly enjoyable Raw, with a few very solid matches, a brilliant McMahon CM Punk segment and an entertaining main event. Certainly a step up from last weeks show and hopefully a sign that the low ratings last week have urged them to mix things up a bit. 

My WWE SmackDown, 5th October 2012 Recap

Big Show started off the show by presenting a VT of highlights of KO punches he's dished out, bragging about the calibre of his victims. World Champion Sheamus then joined his Hell in a Cell opponent and honestly told Show that on Raw he was just joking around and that his match with him will be the biggest fight of his career, and extended his hand in respect. But the giant refused and walked away.

So in response 'The Great White' showed the clip of Show loosing his World title in record time against Daniel Bryan at last year's TLC. This provoked Show in walking back to the ring and extending his hand, but this time it was Sheamus' turn to walk away with a big grin on his face.    

Darren Young and Titus O'Neil defeated Kofi Kingston and R-Truth to advance in the number one contenders Tag Team tournament. It was a pretty lackluster and unmemorable match up, with a few decent moments here and there but nothing outstanding. Kofi's performance is the only one worth noting to be honest.

Ryback bested Primo in a passable outing. The underrated Primo put in a worthy effort, and Ryback looked far more competent here than on Monday night (although that's not exactly hard). 

Layla beat Alicia Fox in an average bout. Both women gave fair displays, but as usual it was a match that just didn't engage me. Afterwards Layla warned Eve that after the way she won the Divas title from her at Night of Champions, it'll make it even sweeter when she wins it back.

Backstage CM Punk confronted Dolph Ziggler after he abandoned him on Raw in a tag match. After some arguing the GM Booker T halted them and decided to settle things by booking a match between them. 

Wade Barrett beat a rookie in a brief squash match. Hopefully Barrett gets himself into a real feud soon, I'm liking the changes in his persona since his return.

The Miz won via disqualification versus Sheamus after Big Show came down and applied a WMD to the Intercontinental Champion. The match itself was decent enough, with both men putting on solid displays. It wasn't the most exciting affair but I liked it. 

David Otunga thanked Del Rio for taking out Randy Orton after SmackDown went off the air last week, calling Orton a menace to the WWE. Alberto Del Rio then came out to Orton's theme song, mocking his slow entrance. Del Rio went on to call himself the new 'Apex Predator' and claimed that Orton wouldn't dare be in the same building as him. Del Rio once again came across as mediocre and rather dull on the mic, it just all sounds like the same old promos with him. Booker T then arrived and booked Otunga and Del Rio against the always entertaining Daniel Bryan and Kane. 

Team Hell No defeated David Otunga and Alberto Del Rio in a fair tag contest. The action kept to a consistent standard, and fortunately Otunga's time was kept brief in the ring. Once again Bryan tagged himself in to grab the winning pin after a diving headbutt.  

Tensai won via DQ versus Big Show after Sheamus repayed the favour from earlier and applied a Brogue Kick to Tensai. The match itself was pretty drab. Both big men went toe to toe with powerful headbutts and blows, with Show eventually hitting the spear and preparing for a WMD which was when 'The Great White' raced in.

CM Punk bested Dolph Ziggler in a solid and very enjoyable main event. Both men went back and fourth in a great match up, with two worthy displays to be proud of. I'm personally guessing that this was a little test to see how Ziggler could potentially do as a face in the future. Afterwards Punk stood tall on the commentary desk and reiterated that he has no intention of facing John Cena at Hell in a Cell. 

Overall it was mostly pedestrian show in terms of quality. The main event helped salvage it from a lot of lackluster match ups, and none of the segments got me particularly interested or excited about any storylines or feuds (Del Rio should be limited to his mic time). Thanks should go to CM Punk and Ziggler for making some of it memorable.  

My Impact Wrestling, 4th October 2012 Recap

Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

Mr. Anderson defeated Gunner in a rather pedestrian match up. Both men put on passable performances, but nothing special. Afterwards Kid Kash (who'd come out with Gunner) attempted to take out Anderson, but instead received a Mic Check. Sting backstage was shown keeping a close eye on the bout as he was looking for recruits for his team facing Aces & Eights at Bound for Glory. 

Tara and Gail Kim bested Brooke Tessmacher and ODB in a fair tag bout. The action in the first half was superior to the second, with solid enough interaction between ODB and her two opponents. Unfortunately Tessmacher looked pretty average, not awful by any means, but average. For the finish Tara shoved her partner Kim into the Knockouts Champion and applied the Widows Peak for the one-two-three.   

Al Snow called out former Gut Check contestant Joey Ryan and apologised to him for putting his hands on him and action unprofessionally. The obnoxious Ryan called Snow "pathetic" and claimed that that night was all about him. Snow then presented a contract that had been agreed on for Ryan to join TNA, which he signed. Snow then happily revealed that the contract was actually only for one night at BFG, and it was for a match against him. Ryan was not pleased.

Samoa Joe (c) beat Rob Van Dam to retain the TNA Television title in an enjoyable outing. Both men put in good displays as they battled back and fourth, and RVD gave an effort above his usual standard in TNA. It was revealed later on that Joe will take on Magnus at BFG for his championship.

Backstage Bully Ray challenged Jeff Hardy to a match to prove his worth to Sting to gain a spot on his team. An insulted Austin Aries (who was also standing there) asked why Bully didn't challenge him instead. So to settle things Hardy set up a Triple Threat between them, which Bully agreed to. The slight hints to an Aries heel turn are making things interesting in his feud with Hardy.

Chavo Guerrero defeated Kurt Angle in a decent match up. Although it maybe wasn't as high a standard as I was hoping, it was still enjoyable for the most part and a worthy performance from both men. Chavo grabbed the winning quick roll up pin after Hernandez at ringside distracted Angle. Afterwards AJ Styles also jumped into the ring as all four men argued over the dubious match ending, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian then appeared and seemed to relish the bickering between their four future tag team opponents.

Zema Ion (c) bested Douglas Williams to retain the X Division Championship. The match itself was entertaining while it lasted, it's just a shame it wasn't allocated a little more time to benefit from. Williams as usual was on solid technical form and helped elevate Ion beyond his usual standard performance, not to take away from Ion who I still think could be a very promising talent. For the finish Ion managed to thrust Williams into the ringpost, causing him to damage his arm which the champ jumped on as he forced his opponent to tap to a nicely applied armbar.  

James Storm came out and stated that he intends to prove at BFG against Roode that "I am the better man" and reminded us (even though it'd already been mentioned a ton of times and had a video package) that MMA fighter King Mo will be the special enforcer in their match up as no ordinary official can handle them. Bobby Roode shortly joined 'The Cowboy' and warned that he shouldn't worry about King Mo, but worry about their encounter. He went on to also claim that they won't be having a match at BFG, but a fight that has been building since their days as Beer Money Inc.

He then added that King Mo doesn't concern him, which naturally cued the Bellator fighter's entrance. As the two men faced off Mo eventually had enough and pushed down 'The It Factor' and then joined Storm in the ring for a beer. 

Bully Ray defeated Jeff Hardy and Austin Aries to win a fair Triple Threat match. The bout itself was quite disappointing for me, I was expecting a worthy main event with great action but it just ranged from run of the mill to decent. Maybe my expectations were too high, if it'd been the main event of BFG it would've been far superior I'm sure.

In a messy ending Bully was clearly waiting for Hardy to run in and accidentally strike Aries, but AA turned too soon or Hardy was late (not too sure) and he had to run around and throw Jeff into the World Champion himself, then Bubba Bomb Hardy for the victory.

Hulk Hogan announced that he and Sting had decided to pick Mr. Anderson to team with 'The Stinger' at BFG to face Aces & Eights. But unfortunately for them we were then shown live footage of Aces & Eights taking out Anderson. So Bully Ray once again urged both men to pick him, and after some convincing from Sting Hogan shook Bully's hand on it. I'm betting on Bully turning on Sting at BFG and being revealed as a member of Aces & Eights all along.

Overall it was a okay show, certainly not the best of recent broadcasts but not bad. Most matches were decent enough and the Bound for Glory bouts are being set up nicely. It's also fair enough that they had a title match here but I just wish they'd been setting Ion up for a bigger X Division title match for their biggest event of the year, the title really needs more attention right now.