My WWE SmackDown, 29th June 2012 Recap

Layla defeated AJ in a fair match up. I wasn't expecting much here but AJ looked very competent in the ring. She's certainly come a long way this year, not just with her unpredictable character but in between the ropes too. During the bout AJ's ex Daniel Bryan amusingly raced around the ring screaming "Yes!" much like AJ has done during his matches as of late, causing her to be distracted and pinned by Layla. After the loss AJ began viciously attacking the Divas Champion.

Daniel Bryan explained to AJ that it was a bit of payback for her distracting him, and also called out guest GM Vickie Guerrero. After shouting "Yes!" at each other throughout the commercial break, Vickie eventually joined them both in the ring. After much kissing up to the GM, Bryan asked her to have AJ banned from his title match with CM Punk at Money in the Bank. Unfortunately for Bryan, Vickie revealed a poll from WWE.com asking what role AJ should play in the said WWE title match, and the fans voted for AJ to be the special guest referee. It was a good start to the show, with AJ and Bryan's characters on top form at the moment.

Damien Sandow defeated Zach Ryder in a Money in the Bank qualifying match. It was a good effort by both men, and a solid overall match. This is a very big step forward for Sandow too, let's hope the momentum keeps on going.

Tyson Kidd defeated Jack Swagger to qualify for the Money in the Bank match. It was an enjoyable enough contest between the two, with Kidd on his usual good form in the ring. Glad to finally see the talented Tyson Kidd also get rewarded with a PPV spot for his hard and consistent work.

Christian and Santino Marella defeated Cody Rhodes and David Otunga to qualify for the Money in the Bank match. It was a passable bout, the best part being the time between the two best performers in the match Christian and Cody.

Ryback defeated two rookies in a Handicap match. What else is there to say here that hasn't already?

Lord Tensai defeated Justin Gabriel to qualify for the Money in the Bank match. Not a shocking result. The bout itself was decent enough, not particularly outstanding but both men put on a solid display. During the match we were also informed that Cody Rhodes will be putting in a formal protest since it was his tag partner Otunga who was pinned not him, I can see Rhodes getting into the MITB match and winning it.

Sheamus (c) defeated Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in an enthralling Triple Threat match. The action rarely let up as all three wrestlers gave a great effort throughout, for me it was a PPV quality match up. I'm not sure who the next challenger for 'The Great White' (and I emphasise the 'Great' there, he has been on terrific form this year) is but I wouldn't object to a rematch of that Triple Threat at MITB. 

My Impact Wrestling, 28th June 2012 Recap

Rob Van Dam defeated Mr. Anderson in a mostly average Bound For Glory Series match up. The bout started off quite unremarkable, with both wrestlers just going for pinfall attempts and rather dull moves. Towards the end it got a bit better as the maneuvers became a bit more interesting, with RVD eventually grabbing the pinfall win with a quick roll up.  

Austin Aries came out and revealed that at Destination X where he will relinquish his title for the chance at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, there will be a tournament to determine a new X Division Champion. World Champ Bobby Roode then shortly interrupted AA and told him that what he held was the "real World Championship" because he's made it that way. After bragging some more Roode also added that the only reason Aries was receiving a title opportunity was because of Hogan, and demanded that AA leave his ring. Aries retorted by asking the World Champion to make him, but Roode simply smirked and backed away. It was a decent enough promo between the two, and it should be a solid title match next week.  

Sonjay Dutt defeated Rubix in a brilliantly entertaining bout to qualify for the X Division Title Tournament. From start to finish it was a blistering contest, and a great throwback to the older X Division matches (not to take anything away from the current talented roster).  

Samoa Joe defeated Bully Ray in an enjoyable contest. It wasn't anything out of this world but it was a fair match that I can't complain about. Samoa Joe latched on a Coquina Clutch for the ten points in the BFG Series after Joseph Parks distracted Bully on the ropes and slapped him. Parks admitted on a mic after that he'd been bullied his entire life and was sick of it, so he decided to settle things once and for all and challenged Ray to a match in two weeks time.

In between matches throughout the night we had to endure segments of an interview with Dixie Carter and Claire regarding this lame storyline of her being a former addict. Dixie should never be allowed in front of a camera, she just cannot act.

Rashad Cameron defeated Mason Andrews in a fair match up to qualify for the X Division Title Tournament. It wasn't quite as good as the Dutt vs Rubix bout but it had it's entertaining moments.

Two of the three Gut Check judges (Taz and Bruce Pritchard) voted in favour of Taeler Hendrix to be offered a TNA contract. She gave a heartfelt and believable promo during the segment and showed how capable she was in the ring last week, I like her and hope she does well. During the judges decisions, rejected Gut Check challenger Joey Ryan came through the crowd and shouted abuse at Taz. I'm really enjoying this storyline with Ryan, it's entertaining and he has a ton of charisma.   

Christopher Daniels and Kazarian defeated AJ Styles and Kurt Angle (c) to win the TNA Tag Team Championship in an entertaining main event. Although it wasn't as exciting as the last time both teams fought over the title it was still a very solid match, which is hardly surprising considering the talent involved.

Kaz looked to turn on his partner Daniels throughout the bout after claiming to not know the whole truth about the blackmailing of AJ and Carter, but he chose his real side as he struck Styles in the back with a chair, helping 'The Fallen Angel' grab the one-two-three and embracing in a celebratory hug. Daniels then revealed afterwards that the father of Claire's unborn child is AJ Styles. When are they going to end this storyline already?

My WWE Raw, 25th June 2012 Recap

AJ opened up the show by talking to Daniel Bryan, Kane and CM Punk, or so we were led to believe. As she described her feelings towards each the camera panned around to reveal that she was talking into a mirror.

Guest GM Vickie Guerrero came out and bragged about her managerial abilities and how on the 1000th Raw she wouldn't be surprised if she was named permanent General Manager. She also announced an Elimination Three Way bout as the first match.

Daniel Bryan defeated CM Punk and Kane in the Elimination Three Way match up. It was a solid enough bout, although not as entertaining as their previous efforts together. Kane was first eliminated after AJ once again skipped around the ring, causing him to have a GTS applied by Punk for a three-count. Straight after Bryan then kicked Punk in the head for the one-two-three. 

Big Show defeated Brodus Clay in a slow and largely average contest. Not much else to say, just a match that was pretty unmemorable really. As Clay was being assisted to the back afterwards Big Show gave him a knockout out punch for good measure.

Backstage Kane explained to AJ that he couldn't afford to have feelings for her as it's a weakness for him and amusingly claimed that even he finds her "mentally unstable." He also asked that they just stay out of each others way from now on.

Santino Marella (c) defeated Jack Swagger to retain the United States Championship in a mediocre title bout. It wasn't bad, just quite flat for a title match. Santino can be entertaining at times but I don't agree with him holding a singles title, he's not really doing anything for it like Christian is with the Intercontinental Championship.

John Cena came out and began comparing the downfall of John Laurinaitis to the Star Wars trilogy. It was his usual silly, childish stuff but it got the crowd going. As he was about to then make a big announcement Chris Jericho made his return and interrupted him. Y2J told Cena to hurry up with his announcement and get out of the ring. So Cena did, and announced that for the first time he would be participating in a Money in the Bank match for the WWE Championship contract.

Jericho mocked Cena's childish attitude and arrogance that he just expects to win the MITB match. He also then announced himself for the MITB match. Vickie Guerrero joined them both and informed that it will only be former WWE Champions that will participate in the MITB match (so no younger up and comers getting into the main event scene there? Great) including Jericho and Cena. She also booked Cena versus Jericho for the main event.   

Heath Slater interrupted a mystery introduction by Lilian Garcia and claimed that he didn't care about being embarrassed by various wrestlers of the past in celebration of the 1000th Raw because (according to him) he's the greatest wrestler on the roster. His opponent was then revealed as Sycho Sid. Sid predictably beat Slater rather easily in a novelty match.

Dolph Ziggler versus Alberto Del Rio in a Contract on a Pole match (or whatever it was called) ended in a draw after neither man had a complete hold of the number one contendership contract. It started off quite well, with both men working nicely together as they went back and fourth. But the ending just felt a little silly and lost the crowds interest a bit as both men scrambled around for the contract. It was just a bit confusing. Up until that point the fans had been really into it, with much more backing for Ziggler than Del Rio. I reckon the bookers were trying to test out the potential of a face turn for Dolph here myself.

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus then came out and informed both men that they will be involved in a Triple Threat for the World title instead on this Fridays SmackDown. Should be a good match.

AJ won the Divas Summertime Battle Royal. It was about as crappy as you're imaging right now, except getting to see Layla in that bikini. AJ was the logical choice as winner, considering her status and receptions at the moment. She last chased off Vickie Guerrero to win the match.

John Cena won via disqualification versus Chris Jericho in a passable, if unexceptional contest. The DQ came after Big Show attacked Cena during the match. Show then went on to latch on a Camel Clutch onto Cena for a while. It was a disappointing end to a match I was quite looking forward to.

It was also announced during the show that it will be Daniel Bryan versus CM Punk for the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank and that Brock Lesnar will return to Raw next week to answer Triple H's challenge of a match at SummerSlam. Both announcements which I'm very much looking forward to.

My WWE SmackDown, 22nd June 2012 Recap

Teddy Long informed everyone once again that John Laurinaitis had been fired and was then interrupted by Big Show, who came to the ring and claimed that he didn't care about Laurinaitis being terminated or the fans. He also called John Cena lucky after beating him in a Cage match at No Way Out. Show then threw his hat into the upcoming Money in the Bank match, stating that no amount of men could beat him, even though he's never won any MITB matches that he's participated in. Brodus Clay then interrupted him and began exacting some revenge until he was attacked from behind by David Otunga. This allowed Show to slowly beat down Clay.

Otunga then mocked 'The Funkasaurus' and his dance moves. It wasn't a bad start to the show, Big Show's promos are definitely a lot more interesting than they have been for years, just a shame his ring work hasn't improved.

Ryback defeated a couple more rookies in a Handicap match. I like him but I am just starting to grow tired of these now.

Alberto Del Rio defeated Christian in a great back and fourth contest. It's no shock that these two solid wrestlers put on a very good match up. Afterwards Cody Rhodes attacked Christian's already damaged arm.

Kane defeated Daniel Bryan in a surprisingly good bout. Don't get me wrong I was expecting an enjoyable match here, it just exceeded my expectations and is probably the best one on one match Kane's been involved in since his return. These two have put on solid bouts whenever they've worked together. Kane Choke Slammed Bryan for the winning pin after guest time keeper AJ rang the bell early, distracting Bryan.  

Guest GM Mick Foley began thanking the fans until he was shortly interrupted by Heath Slater, who warned that he was going to protest after his embarrassment on Monday's Raw. Foley then introduced his opponent for the night, Zach Ryder.

Zach Ryder defeated Heath Slater in a fair but short match up. Like I've said Slater has grown on me over the last couple of months, I just can't see him ever rising above his current position on the roster. But you never know.

Titus O'Neil and Darren Young defeated The Usos in an enjoyable tag team bout. It's great to see the tag team division get this brief revival, let's just hope Vince doesn't get bored with it like he normally tends to. Afterwards backstage Epico and Primo attacked the winning tag team.

United States Champion Santino Marella came out and thanked all the fans who had made and brought their own signs, asking the cameraman to highlight them. He then asked one female fan (obviously fake) holding a 'I heart Santino' sign to join him in the ring, she did, then snogged his face off. It was an odd segment, if a little amusing.  

Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler in a solid main event. I'm almost tiring of writing compliments for these two now ha ha, but they have just been putting in tremendous efforts over the last year with consistent performances. People have been asking and begging for a Ziggler push and even though he's been loosing to 'The Great White' he's getting into that main event scene and getting that deserved push. And with Vickie Guerrero as guest GM next week you can bet on Ziggler getting a World title match on Raw or SmackDown. I can't see him winning it just yet, but keep patient.

Overall it was a very good SmackDown in-ring wise with some great bouts, a big step up from last week. Outside the matches it wasn't so interesting, as a big fan of Foley's I was quite disappointed with his contributions and Big Show just repeated himself again really. Still, probably the best wrestling show of the week for me.

My Impact Wrestling, 22nd June 2012 Recap

Hulk Hogan claimed that he will find out who the three attackers of Sting were last week and make things right for him. Hogan then babbled on a bit about the change coming in the company and called out Austin Aries for his decision on whether or not he'll take the World title match but have to give up the X Division Championship or turn it down. Or as Hogan put it "go for greatness, or go for broke," what a spit on the X Division title that was.

Austin Aries joined 'The Hulkster' and rightfully told him that the strap he held was worth too much to just give up and it deserved better treatment than that. So he gave the GM an "option C" which was that he would give up the title belt, but in the future any wrestler that held the X Division title would also be able to give it up for a World title shot. Hogan agreed to his terms and shook on it. An irate Bobby Roode then joined them both and warned AA that he will definitively beat him at Destination X in their World title match. Aries had already had enough of Roode and they began to then brawl on the ramp until security and such separated them both.

Mr. Anderson came out for his signature entrance and informed both men that it doesn't matter who'll win between them because he's going to win the Bound For Glory Series and defeat them. He also called out Christopher Daniels to face as part of the Open Fight Night (where any wrestler can challenge any other wrestler and they must accept).

Mr. Anderson defeated Christopher Daniels in a fair BFG Series match up. It was kept to a sensible length of time too, keeping the crowds interest and not going too long. 

We were shown a backstage segment with Brooke Hogan discussing who should be the next number one contender to the Knockouts title with ODB, Madison Rayne, Mickie James and Velvet Sky. It's hard to take anything at all Brooke says about pro wrestling seriously. She eliminated Rayne from the equation first.   

Robbie E issued a challenge to anyone else from the BFG Series to a one on one match. Unfortunately for him Kurt Angle stepped up.

Kurt Angle defeated Robbie E in a brief squash match via submission, whoch earns him extra points in the BFG Series.

Magnus defeated AJ Styles in an enjoyable bout after calling him out, which also earned him seven points. I quite like the fact that all these matches are really meaning something. It wasn't that long but it was solid while it lasted, Magnus has come a long way since his debut in TNA.

Gut Check Contestant Taeler Hendrix lost to veteran Tara in a passable contest. Hendrix looked a little nervous here and there but on the whole I liked her, and she showed me more than the likes of Tessmacher, Sky and Rayne already. I'd like to see her stay on.

Samoa Joe challenged James Storm after 'The Cowboy' beat him to win the Battle Royal last week. it was some nice mic work by Joe.

James Storm defeated Samoa Joe in a decent, if quite disappointing BFG Series match. It wasn't bad, just considering the talent involved I expected more. 

In another backstage segment with the three Knockouts and Brooke Hogan, ODB was eliminated from title contention after some discussion. It was based on the flimsy excuse that she's been busy with her wedding and honeymoon, which have now passed. Huh? 

D'Angelo Dinero defeated Bully Ray to earn himself seven points in an average contest. Abyss appeared through the crowd during it, chasing Bully into the ring and straight into Dinero who applied his finisher for the one-two-three.

Brooke Hogan gave some cheesy rubbish about how proud she was of Mickie James and Velvet Sky and announced James as the one getting the title opportunity. At least they picked the better wrestler here.

Brooke Tessmacher (c) defeated Mickie James to retain the Knockouts Championship in a pretty drab bout for the most part. It wasn't bad, just not particularly memorable or remarkable, a bit like the current Knockouts Champ herself. The crowd weren't really sure who to root for either, although there were a few boos for Tessmacher when she was on the offense. James also had a heelish manner about her here much like last week, expect her to turn on Tessmacher soon I reckon.

Jeff Hardy defeated Rob Van Dam in a fun BFG Series match up. The action in the first half just felt like RVD's usual TNA routine of phoning it in a bit but the second half stepped up in quality and had an exciting finish. 

Dixie Carter came out with AJ Styles and attempted to explain their situation, but struggled and was convinced by Styles to just leave. As they were about to go, a mystery woman came down and announced herself as Claire Lynch. She revealed that she was a close friend of Dixie and AJ's and that they'd been helping her recover from her addiction issues, not having an affair. Her acting was awful and this is such an anticlimactic conclusion to this storyline. I just hope that this will all be over soon, I don't think I could handle anymore of Claire and Dixie's attempts at acting any longer. Christopher Daniels and Kazarian then came down to the ring but were both taken out by Styles. 

My WWE Raw, 18th June 2012 Recap

Mick Foley started things off by announcing that he will be hosting both Raw and SmackDown this week after John Laurinaitis' firing. He also introduced the former GM to say his farewells. Laurinaitis called the fans in Long Island rude after a frosty reception, and booked John Cena in a Handicap match as his final move as a General Manager.   

Sheamus and CM Punk defeated Daniel Bryan and Kane in a decent tag team match. It wasn't a match that was going to set the World alight but it had good efforts from all four men involved. During the bout AJ came skipping around the ring in a fairly close replica of Kane's attire, complete with the mask. As Kane was distracted by this Punk and Sheamus grabbed the win over a solo Daniel Bryan. I'm quite enjoying the strange activities of AJ as of late, she's definitely become more interesting.

Backstage Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler argued with each other over who was better and who deserved the management of Vickie Guerrero, who then informed both wrestlers that they'll be facing each other to determine who deserves her services.  

Dolph Ziggler defeated Jack Swagger in a fair, if a bit drab at times contest. It was slow paced bout where Swagger was allowed to dominate the majority, working on Ziggler's leg that he'd injured and forcing the Ankle Lock on him. Ziggler managed to grab the winning pin after escaping the submission hold and quickly applying a Zig Zag.  Him and Vickie shared a prolonged kiss afterwards.

Paul Heyman came out as Brock Lesnar's representative and informed Triple H that both him and Lesnar will not drop their lawsuits and that Lesnar will not face 'The Game' at SummerSlam. Triple H himself then joined Heyman and told him that he will only accept an answer from Lesnar in person and then presented a prototype for a SummerSlam poster featuring Lesnar, telling Heyman that he'll give the 'War Machine' what he wants in the form of the face of the big event. Heyman simply told the COO to go back to his "ivory tower" where everyone caters to him and stop pretending to be the ass-kicker he used to be.

Heyman also warned Triple H that he's always one step ahead of him and that the 'Cerebral Assassin' has met his match, so 'The Game' retorted with a punch to Heyman's face. It was a great segment between the two and the best part of the show, Heyman has certainly not lost his touch and is still one of the best on the mic.     

Layla introduced Cyndi Lauper and Wendi Richter as part of the 1000th episode of Raw celebration. The fans in attendance were about as into it as I was as they began chanting for Zach Ryder. Heath Slater then interrupted proceedings and asked the three ladies to leave the ring and began to sing. There were yet more chants for Ryder. 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper then came out to a great reception and asked Slater to leave the ring. An slightly emotional 'Hot Rod' also presented Lauper with framed copy of a gold record. Slater amusingly told them all to get over it and then had the record smashed over his head by Lauper herself. I was just watching this segment waiting for it to end really. 

Primo and Epico defeated Darren Young and Titus O'Neil via count out in a passable tag team match. The crowd once again lost interest.

John Laurinaitis complained about what happened at No Way Out, resulting in him loosing his job. He also called the fans losers since they won't get to see him anymore. Big Show and David Otunga joined their former boss and Show also complained about the events from the previous night. Big Show went on to then tell both his partners that they were on their own against Cena as he didn't have to answer to anyone now.   

John Cena defeated John Laurinaitis and David Otunga in a Handicap match. It was predictably mediocre, but was successful in its own right of giving the fans and Cena their last bit of retribution against the former GM. As Big Johnny tagged in he revealed that his crutch and neck brace were all part of a ruse as he wasn't actually injured at all. This rubbed his partner Otunga the wrong way as he refused to then tag back in and help his former boss, much to the crowds delight. Cena went on to AA Laurinaitis a few times before he pinned him.

My No Way Out 2012 Recap

Sheamus (c) defeated Dolph Ziggler to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in a solid enough opener to the show. As predicted both men who have been mostly consistent with the good quality of their matches over the last year provided yet another compelling bout from start to finish. There were a few slightly sloppy moments I'll admit but on the whole this was a good opener and certainly entertained me and the fans who were on their feet in the arena. Most of whom were cheering on Ziggler despite what the dopey Jerry Lawler claimed (he stated that the chants were all for Sheamus). 

Santino Marella defeated Ricardo Rodriguez in a Tuxedo match. It was just a lame comedy match up, even the crowd grew tired of it and began chanting "Boring." Which I concur. We should've had a real wrestling match here.

Christian (c) defeated Cody Rhodes to retain the Intercontinental title in a crisp and very enjoyable contest. Both Christian (in my opinion the most underrated performer in WWE) and Rhodes put in great efforts and were practically flawless with the action they provided here and they went back and fourth. The crowd maybe didn't quite get into as much as the opener but that's understandable I guess, the final few minutes had them going though.

Darren Young and Titus O'Neil defeated Primo and Epico, Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel and The Usos in a Fatal Four Way tag team bout to become number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championship. It was a fast paced and for the most part entertaining tag match, with Epico and Kidd giving the best performances for me. The best moment was clearly a hurricanrana that Kidd applied to Epico from the top rope to the outside on top of most of the participants, causing chants of "Holy Shit!" Manager AW also swerved on Primo and Epico as he helped O'Neil and Young get the win over them. Washington managing them does make more sense I think, better suited characters. It's also a big relief to see the tag team division represented on pay-per-view again, this should be a regular occurrence.   

Triple H came to the ring and challenged Brock Lesnar to a match at SummerSlam (not directly SummerSlam, but he hinted at it). It wasn't his greatest ever promo but the message was clear, he wanted to put aside all the law suits and just fight man to man in the ring. 

Layla (c) defeated Beth Phoenix to retain the WWE Divas Championship in an average bout. There were a few good moments here and there from both women, the match just didn't feel particularly remarkable on the whole though. Layla showed a bit more character, dancing around and teasing Phoenix with her tiara. Although you maybe felt that she was trying a bit too hard, still an improvement though.

Backstage throughout the night AJ had been wishing all three men involved in the WWE Championship match good luck. But when it came to Kane and she gave him a peck on the cheek, he held her arm and they then kissed properly once again. This provoked a decent reaction from the crowd too.

Sin Cara defeated Hunico in a fair, if unmemorable match up. Unfortunately for the two wrestlers the crowd soon lost interest and began chanting for Zach Ryder. Is it too late for Sin Cara to ever win over the fans now?

CM Punk (c) defeated Kane and Daniel Bryan to retain the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat match. It was a solid World title bout and exceeded my expectations. I mean I was expecting a decent match but it was more exciting and fast paced than I was predicting. The crowd were superb during it too. For the finish CM Punk accidentally threw Kane into AJ on the apron, chucking her off of the apron. As Kane went to check on her Punk applied a GTS for the one-two-three. So AJ's allegiances are still unknown, although you have to guess that it's Kane she'll end up with.

Ryback once again took out a couple of nobodies in a squash match. He claimed that he wanted three men instead next time during the match itself. I don't mind Ryback but I'd rather have seen the charismatic Damien Sandow here instead. 

John Cena defeated Big Show in the predictably mediocre Cage match. Up until the final five minutes or so the match just dragged, the action was slow and drab really. Who'd expect that from a Big Show match, right? Towards the end a few wrestlers who'd been on the end of a Big Show attack recently came down to halt the giant's chances of escaping the cage, Zach Ryder received the biggest pop for appearing here. Brodus Clay then grabbed John Laurinaitis as Cena managed to climb over the cage and escape before Show did. As per the stipulation Vince McMahon then uttered those trademark two words of his to Laurinaitis "You're fired!"

It wasn't a great bout and it should certainly not have been the main event, but the result was definitely the more interesting one. I mean, the firing stipulation has never effected Cena anyway so we knew even if Show won he wouldn't have been terminated anyway. This also begs the question of who takes over as GM now? Hopefully someone more capable on the mic and with more charisma, though that shouldn't be hard to find.