This week in pro wrestling, had Crown Royal build up and the AEW’s Tag Team Tournament finals set. Along with a crazy NXT triple threat match for the North American title. Let’s dive in!
Raw:
The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse helped Raw blast off this week from Cleveland, OH on 10/21/19 and did immediately take flight out of the gate!
A Chosen One chosen for Team Flair
Drew McIntyre was announced as the final member of Team Flair for Crown Jewel and he and Ricochet tore the house down in the opening bout. If you give fans a solid twenty to thirty minute bout between rising stars, they’re gonna react. There were near falls a plenty and it was McIntyre who seized the victory after hitting his devastating Claymore Kick. He assaulted Ricochet after the bout, but both men shined as they head to Crown Jewel in a little over a week’s time.
The OC hyped up their match later with the Street Profits and a mystery partner with some good old fashioned trash talk.
Picking A Fight
Aleister Black then decimated Jason Reynolds, a local talent, with the Black Mass. There was no submission this week, but it wasn’t needed as Black’s stock continues to rise with a fresh start on Raw.
“The King’s Court” saw Jerry Lawler interview Rusev, who was interrupted by Lana and Bobby Lashley. It led to Rusev staking them up at the restaurant they ate at later in the night and rights and lefts were traded as this feud escalates and puts all three talents on a collision course. It’s a classic foil as it relates to the story, but two talents such as Lashley and Rusev have made chicken salad out of the usual, well, you know, but it’s working.
El Idolo overcomes the Faceless
Andrade defeated Sin Cara with a Hammerlock DDT and again, a shocking turn of events for the former enhancement talent as Sin Cara was made to look very relevant here, Zelina Vega hit a cheap shot, which allowed Andrade the victory, but this is how you elevate talent, even in a losing battle. Sin Cara gave an honest account of himself and this was great to watch.
Elevated Talent
Humberto Carrillo had an interview backstage which later led to a match with Seth Rollins in a non-title bout. Rollins pulled out all the stomps against the young star and he came away with the victory after a Blackout Stomp. Carrillo was made to look like a million bucks and even got a handshake from the Universal Champion after the match.
The raid continues
The Viking Raiders defeated Hawkins and Ryder with the Viking Experience on Hawkins. The new champs continue to look as impressive as ever and they didn’t steam roll the former champs, but victory was theirs nevertheless.
Family ties
Rey Mysterio cut another great interview about his situation with Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez. Shelton Benjamin cam out and slapped Rey around, defending his friend Brock Lesnar, talking about their history. This brought out Velasquez, who handled Benjamin and choked him out before he managed to escape. Good stuff here.
A stunning revelation leads to a profitable debut
The Street Profits had a very successful Raw debut, besting Gallows and Anderson in an epic main event. The OC used under handed tactics and AJ Styles was finally tossed from ringside after being caught by the ref. This led to Kevin Owens making his Raw debut post draft, coming out and issuing a stunner to Styles free of charge. The distraction allowed Dawkins to hit a spinebuster and Ford got the three count after his frog splash.
What a very enjoyable Raw this week. Give us all more of this as the Heyman era continues. -Joel M
AEW Dynamite:
The latest outing for AEW’s Dynamite continues the Tag Team Tournament. A sanctioned bout between Kenny Omega and Joey Janela. A home town favorite clashes with a debut. Inner Circle clashes with the Rhodes Bros and crew. Lastly, a bout between madman Jon Moxely and gifted Pac. This is Dynamite!
AEW Tag Team finals set.
Lucha Bros vs Private Party. Lucha Bros win via Spiked Package Power Driver pin fall.
The show starts with a cold open with both teams in the ring. No pyro, no entrances, no smack talk, just insane, ungodly action. This match was.. was.. just super insane. This was also a match that can divide fans. Some, like myself loves a fantastic action packed match. Others will complain that it is nothing but a spot fest or stunt show. I agree, it was.. however the crowd ate it up. Even Jim Ross had concerns about being a “one big move after another”.
Yes, Good Ol’ JR.. it was. The shear creativity from these four men was something I haven’t seen in awhile. In fact, there was many moves that I have never seen before! Like When Lucha Bros but Marc Quen on is partner Isiah shoulder, drop kicked Quen, making him Poison Rana him! Another was when Lucha Bros literately popped up Quen ten feet in the air and he counters with a double drop kick. Yes, we’ve seen that move, but not at that height. This match was full of such action.
Eventually, the veterans got the win. With Fenix RUNNING across the rope rope and punting Quen’s head. This awesome display of agility lead to Pentagon Jr loading up the Spiked Package Power Driver for the win and advancing to the finals.
SCU vs Dark Order. SCU wins via Gory Special to knee strike pin fall.
This was more of traditional wrestling fans pace. The SCU without Christopher Daniel take on the Dark Order, who had a first round bye. These men put on a classic wrestling clinic with Dark Order’s big man, Evil Uno using his size. Beating down the smaller Scorpio Sky and Frankie Kazarian, yet the ever lovable heels (yes they are still heels) took up the challenge. Using their quick in and out striking methods. SCU even locks in a Double German Sleepers on Dark Order!
What was a shame was that The Inner Circle made their way through the crowd during the match. Completely turning away the attention the two teams deserve. It took several minutes away from the match & when the eyes were back on them, the match was almost over. When the crowd was back in the match. We see SCU hit the Gori Special to Knee Strike for the in fall and punch their ticket into the finals.
The Bad Boy get technical. All out brawl! Best Friends Vs Young Bucks!
Kenny Omega vs Joey Janela. Omega wins via One Winged Angel pin fall.
Who said The Bad Boy Joey Janela can not wrestle a technical match?! Ok, I might be in that camp afyer seeing so many crazy Janela matches. However, after these two men crazy AEW Dark match, the duo now have a “sanctioned match”. Meaning it’s a non hardcore match & Joey proves he is more than a one act worker. Kenny is a great worker that can put over ANYBODY, but it wasn’t need as much for Janela. As The Bad Boy proves that he can work a match without the hardcoe elements. This was refreshing for fans Joey, as his climb to fame was being hardcore and just insane for taking those bumps.
Joey displayed his technical side vs Omega, including strikes. However, it was the Bad Boy’s showboating to be his downfall and seriously, if you were Janela, you will be showboating too. The Cleaner hits a couple of V-Triggers, in which Janela sold better than most workers. The Bad Boy attempts a Senton, only to miss and get caught by Omega’s One Winged Angel for the pin fall. Great match!
AEW’s first arena brawl.
This had me screaming like a little child, watching their favorite superheroes fight. Cody Rhodes comes out for an interview with Tony Schiavone. The two attempt the interview, until Jericho from his press box interrupts and calls Cody a “Millennial B*&#h!”. Then the Pain maker tells Cody that he is out numbered. Cody’s ever present brother, Dustin aka Gold Dust arrives, so does MJF, and DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE! IT.. IS..ON!
What follows after the Inner Circle’s air horn interruptions, was Cody making his way up to the Inner Circle’s press box and PUNCHES through the glass window of the door. This leads to an all out brawl that spills out into the arena’s concession area. The crowd loved it, the TV audience (aka me) loved it, and it was a great way to progress this feud.
Young Bucks vs Best Friends. Young Bucks win via More Bang For Your Buck pin fall.
Orange Cassidy got the crowd going with his non nonchalant Super Kick to the Young Buck, that lead to Cassidy getting Super Kicked. The match was great with Young Buck picking up the win and making Best Friends look like contenders. A match that seem to be a hybrid of the first two tag matches impressed the crowd. Cassidy continues to gain a following, if you never seen this guy, he is like a stoner that doesn’t care until you “Hulk” him up. I am absolutely enamored by this character and he is gaining a cut following.
After Orange Cassidy does a hands in pockets dive on Matt. the Young Buck lands a Super Kick Party, leading to the More Bang For your Buck pinfall. This really gave Best Friends and Orange Cassidy a TV moment, with keeping Young Bucks in top contention,
Home town hero gains momentum. Insane main event!
Dr Britt Baker vs Jamie Hayter. Baker wins via Lockjaw submission.
After a rare promo in which portrayed Britt Baker as the ultimate baby face, the Dr faces off against debutante Jamie Hayter. I would be a liar if I told you that I’m a follower of Jamie, because I am not. However, Hayter displayed good ring work and so did Baker. Yet this seemed nothing but fan service for Baker in her home town. Britt locks in the Lockjaw for the win. After the match, Hayter is interviewed. Brandi Rhodes blindsides Jamie.. confusing the crowd in whether Brandi is a face or heel.
Jon Moxley Vs Pac. Time Limit Draw.
WOW.. where do I begin? This match was a damn fine match. From Pac showing everyone that he might have anti-gravity boots on. To Moxley showing the crowd that he may be insane. This main event had it all. The in ring storytelling was fantastic between the duo. From the ultra heel tactics from Pac to the Devil may care attitude from Moxley. After many memorable spots, the duo desperately attempted to pin each other. Alas, the match ended in a draw. Yup, you don’t see that in western pro wrestling often. The crowd was so into this match, but waned when they saw the ending coming. Was it a good ending? I believe so, it kept both men strong and teased another and maybe final match. However the crowd thought different.
How is AEW going so far?
I would be a liar to say that I wasn’t thoroughly enjoying AEW after a month’s time. However, some of my fellow writers make a great point. AEW needs promos. No not the long drawn out WWE promos that waste an hour of program. But something to introduce these indie darlings to mainstream audiences. Then, not only the smarks will have a good time, but the casuals too. AEW has been firing on almost all cylinders so far. A little promos could take them over the top. -David G
NXT:
After changing things up a bit last week by giving us a rapid fire series of shorter matches, NXT was back to a more normal pace this week with longer match lengths and a lot of story development. The women continued to make the argument that they are the best collection of female talent ever assembled, Roderick Strong defended his North American Championship, and the final moment of the night left everyone in shock.
A stacked female roster
There’s a viable debate among wrestling fans currently regarding the best collection of women to pass through NXT. Was it the Four Horsewomen era, or is it the current abundance of talent. One thing’s for sure, if the current ladies continue to shine week after week they will put that debate to rest. They have all of the potential to do so.
Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair met in the opening match of the night. These are easily the 2 strongest women, pound for pound, on the current roster, and both had that strength on full display here. Belair nearly won thanks to outside interference from Io Shirai, but once Candice LaRae eliminated her rival from the equation Ripley hit the Riptide for the victory. Ripley is riding high on a wave of momentum that will eventually see her getting another shot at the title. She may even be the woman who finally dethrones Shayna Baszler. However her journey through all of the other worthy challengers should be just as fun as the destination.
Later in the show the depth of the women’s roster was on display when Baszler’s friends Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke took on Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai in a #1 Contender match for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles. Duke and Shafir still look greener than I would have expected them to this far into their transitions from MMA to WWE, but really they were just stepping stones for the recently returned tandem of Nox and Kai. Kai played “face in peril” for a while until Nox got the hot tag and made it known she’s a star to watch. After scoring the victory with her “shiniest wizard,” the Kabuki Warriors appeared on screen to taunt their new challengers.
British Strong Style is in the house
Cathy Kelly spoke to Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate as they arrived at Full Sail. Unfortunately sound issues caused Dunne’s words to get lost, but it seemed the Bruiserweight is unfazed by the threat of Killian Dain. Later in the night Dain got his chance to speak. He was outside standing over a barrel of fire, wrapping his injured fingers in tape, and he made it known that he plans on breaking Pete Dunne.
Meanwhile Bate was ringside exchanging fistbumps with Matt Riddle. The Original Bro took on Cameron Grimes in a fun mix of styles. There was great catch wrestling, hard strikes and “educated feet.” Both men pulled off some impressive and creative reversals. Riddle got the win when he hit Bro Derrick, but Grimes clearly has a bright future. His immediate future appears to be a date with Tyler Bate. Still ringside, Grimes took out his frustration at losing by shoving Bate. Bate responded with a Bop and Bang punch that left Cameron flat on his back at ringside. These two will be a lot of fun in the ring, and could potentially have a feud that goes longer than a single match if we’re lucky.
Future title challengers?
Unlike the ultra deep women’s roster, NXT’s tag team depth seems a little shallow currently. With former champions the Street Profits now appearing exclusively on Raw, the two teams that seem to have the most traction (outside of the current champs Undisputed Era) are Breezango and the Forgotten Sons. Fandango and Breeze were supposed to team with their friend Kushida to take on all three members of the Forgotten Sons. However, with Kushida injured, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott stepped in as a more than worthy replacement. There were bodies flying everywhere during this one, but in the end it was Swerve who picked up the win for his team. He’s clearly another rising star with unlimited potential.
The Cruiserweight division also finds itself in a bit of a transition after so many former 205 Live competitors were picked up by Raw and Smackdown during the draft. New champion Lio Rush was on commentary for a match between Angel Garza and Gentleman Jack Gallagher. This battle of the mustaches was quite hard hitting for a cruiserweight match. It’s a shame to see the brilliant Gallagher being used as enhancement like this, but Garza is another of the stars that’s quickly rising through the ranks currently. After picking up the victory he and Rush teased a coming clash over the title.
Undisputed Main Event
The top match of the night saw Roderick Strong defending the North American Title against both Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic in a triple threat. Lee and Dijokovic once again showed off what makes all of their matches great, but this time there was the added fun of the smaller Strong flying around to mix things up. There was an incredible spot at one point which saw Lee power bomb Dijakovic who was simultaneously suplexing Strong.
Late in the match the big men joined forces to take out the champ before going back inside the ring to settle things between themselves. After going at it a bit more, Lee delivered a super power bomb that seemed like it might be enough for the pin, but a recovered Strong came out of nowhere with one of his knee strikes to retain his title.
After the match the other three members of Undisputed Era came out for a celebratory beating of Lee. They were interrupted first by Ciampa, then Gargano, and finally Finn Balor. It seemed perhaps they were beginning to lay the ground work for next month’s Wargames. Just as the two squads were about to engage one another, Balor instead delivered a Pele kick to Gargano! It was one of the most shocking and unexpected heel turns I’ve seen in quite some time, and brilliantly left us with plenty of questions for next week and beyond. -Jason M.
Next week:
- Tyler Bate vs Cameron Grimes
- Io Shirai vs Candice LeRae
- Women’s Tag Title Match: Kubuki Warriors vs Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai
NXT UK
Imperium kicked things off this week trying to assert themselves as the dominant faction of the brand due to their possession of the UK Title. Not so fast says Gallus. They hold the Tag Titles and have been asserting their dominance since way before Imperium arrived on the scene. My favorite moment of this exchange was when Mark Coffey referred to Walter as “Jolly Wally” which the UK crowd eagerly turned into a chant.
Odd booking choices
It’s difficult to know what to make of Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter. Both men were given fairly bold introductions when they first arrived at NXT UK only to then be used primarily as enhancement talent. This week they teamed up together against the former tag team champions Grizzled Young Veterans. The Veterans rightly got the victory when all was said and done, but considering their relative positions on the roster their opponents got far too much offense in on the former champs.
The intended story seemed to be that the new pairing of Smith and Carter are much stronger together than they ever were individually. That would be fine if they started against lower teams and built up some momentum before surprising a top team such as GYV. Instead this presentation hurt the former champs far more than it helped the new team.
Next up Ligero took on Travis Banks with the announcers making it known that both men really needed a victory following recent bad luck. They started fast with both men trying to end the match quickly. Then they settled into a slower affair that seemed to have the crowd confused. Both men are fan favorites trying to rebuild momentum, so the audience didn’t know who to cheer. Instead, they were mostly silent. Things only got worse when the match ended in a draw thanks to a double pin situation. The crowd made their feelings known by booing this outcome, and I was left scratching my head at two unusual matches in a row.
Main Event
The main event saw the long simmering backstage feud between Noam Dar and Trent Seven FINALLY make its way into the ring. Dar went on the attack before Seven had even finished his entrance. Seven sold this attack throughout the match as he told the story of overcoming the disadvantage. It was a solid match with great storytelling a far cry better than the other two battles we saw this week. The resilient elder statesman of British Strong Style eventually fought his way to victory over the arrogant Scotsman.-Jason M
Next week: due to the Crown Jewel event next Thursday NXT UK will have a special one week start time of 11am EST
Friday Night Smackdown:
On FSD, the Beast unleashes. Team Flair vs Team Hogan before Crown Royal. Six man tag match. Nikki Cross spreads her wings. New Firefly Fun House. Let’s dive into Friday Night SmackDown from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Miz TV starts the show. New Day vs Dolph Ziggler/Bobby Roode. Lacey Evans sqaush match.
Miz TV opens the show.
Miz TV starts off FSD with Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair talking trash to each other. Jimmy Hart is presence as well. What really went on was that each member insulted their opponents and the insulted party just took it and smiled. This was a waste of a promo and a tv time.
Dolph Ziggler/Bobby Roode vs New Day’s Big E/Kofi Kingston. Ziggler wins via roll up pin fall.
This was actually a good match, I am not surprised since all four men know how to work. Xavier Woods is missing due to his Achilles Heel injury in Australia. It was a standard match with nice back and forth. However, the most dangerous move was landed by Ziggler, a roll up pin fall on Kofi. YOu know, the once WWE World Heavyweight Champion a few weeks back. Yes, again WWE is pinning it’s wheel and is trying to make you forget Kofi’s reign as champion.
Lacey squashes. Evans hits the Women’s Right for pin fall.
Lacey decided not wanting to fight in a town full of nasties. Evans walked out the ring, the ref started to count her out. Just as Lacey was about to be counted out, Evans rolled back in and hit the Women’s Right on local competitor Cameron Conners. What a waste of tv time again. Lacey does not need squash matches, she needs matches that put her over in the ring. The Southern Belle is excellent on the mic, let her prove herself in the ring as well.
Firefly Fun House. Two great workers regulated to Monster fodder. Daniel Bryan’s fresh start.
Just believe.
Bray Wyatt hosted a funeral for Ramblin Rabbit and gave a final kiss to the poor rabbit. All of the sudden Ramblin comes back to life. Wyatt states that if you believe, that everything can come back to the world. Umm, huh? What was the point of Seth Rollins burning down the Funehouse, if it is just going to come back like nothing ever happened? WWE keep them wheels spinning… keep them spinning.
Kalisto vs Drew Gulak. Kalisto wins via Salinda Del Sol pin fall.
Sigh, two great workers are now just fodder for Braun Strowman. How you say? Well during a could’ve good match, Strowman distracts Gulak allowing Kalisto to win. Then hits a Running Power Slam on Drew. Gulak was having a heck of a year on 205 Live. Now ever since being on FSD, he has nothing but Strowman fodder.
Daniel Bryan questions things.
Michael Cole interviews Daniel Bryan and asks if the Yes Movement has returned. Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura interrupts. They both give the utmost respect to Bryan and offer a a chance to in them in saving the world. Byran walks by them without an answer. This was brilliant, Sami and Shin made great cases for Daniel to join them. However, the Planet’s Champion decision to mull it over left the audience in suspense. A++.
Nikki Cross flying solo. The Beast unleashed. Six Man tag team action.
Nikki Cross vs Mandy Rose. Nikki wins via The Purge pin fall.
This was an average match. But what stood apart for me was this was the first time in while that Nikki got her win without relying on the Goddess Alexa Bliss. Having Bayley and Sasha Banks on commentary helped along with Nikki’s build up as well. This was a strong showing for Cross, as she will most likely be pushed to main event status soon.
Brock Lesnar goes Beast mode.
Forget that Rey Mysterio is a RAW worker.. this is BRROOOCCCK LEESSNAR!! Ok, Rey calls out Brock. The Beast beats up Rey’s son Dominc. Cain Velasquez and Rey run backstage to rescue Dom. Rey and Cain look on to a beaten Dom in the locker room. BRROOOCCKKK LEEESSSNAR attacks! Slamming Rey into a wall like he was a wet noodle. Then hits a F-5 on Cain.. onto Dominic, who is laying on a stretcher. This had a crazy 80’s action movie feel to it. However, not letting Cain cut a promo is making him look bad. Cain can talk some stuff, let him do it WWE.
Roman Reigns/Ali/Shorty G vs King Corbin/Cesaro/Shinsuke Nakamura. Ali wins via 450 Splash pin fall.
This was actually a fine main event for a rag tag group thrown together. Why do they have to have Cesaro thrown in for no reason is beyond me. Hey WWE, Sami Zayn can wrestle, please stop subbing him in for Cesaro. Even if Cesaro is a beast. Back and forth as usual with Cesaro countering Roamn’s Spear. However the Big Dog gets his Spear and Ali hits the 450 for the win.
Stuck in neutral.
Honestly, FSD had a no feel of progressing anything. It seemed to be “Hey! let’s throw this here and there and let’s see what happens!” type show. I know Eric Bischoff became the fall guy for FSD ratings. However, it seems like the same show with Bruce Pritchard now leading. What will be WWE’s excuse this time if they fail to progress? I guess we will have to wait and see.
205 Live:
Yup, 205 Live is still going. For whatever reason. I am not complaining, since the show has hit it’s stride within the past 9 months. However, the writing is still on the wall for me. You can’t have a promotion when you took it’s biggest belt and named it for another brand. Alas here we are in the latest 205 Live episode.
Lio Rush vs Oney Lorcan. Rush wins via Final Hour Frog Splash pin fall.
What a banger of a match to start off 205 Live. These two worked every angle to almost perfection. Lorcan dominated the initial part of the opening. However, the newly crowned champ Lio fought back fiercely, countering a mutli Power Bomb into a big DDT. Lio then lands the Final Hour Frog Splash for the win. I’m not sure about 205 Live’s future, but I’m sure the future for theese two will be bright.
Raul Mendoza vs Tony Neese. Mendoza wins via Flash Cradle pin fall.
Again, talents that can be utilized if given a proper platform. Raul and Tony had a great match, each working to their strengths. Neese being the cocky one and Raul being the lightening quick baby face. After a nice Tornillo Dive from Raul, Tony ducks out the ring. Neese then returns and locks in a chin lock for awhile. after an impressive exchange between the duo, Neese almost had the win with a Fosbury Flop. Yet Tony decided to smack talk with Lio Rush, allowing Raul to whip up the Flash Cradle for the win. Great match fellas.
Isaiah Swerve Scott vs Ariya Daivari. Swerve wins via Basement Kick(Killshot) pin fall.
Yet again Swerve impresses, am I surprised? Nope, I actually had a chance to catch his work on Lucha Underground as Killshot. This man, if given a chance in WWE can shine. The duo did well in making a competitive match between the two. As they traded blows for the upper hand, Daivari goes for the Hammerlock Lariat, only for Swerve to counter with the Killshot (I am dubbing the move for now on, until it gets an official name) and win over Daivari.
Another action packed show, yet I feel sadden that we might be at the end of 205 Live. I hope if it is the end, it will go out with a bang.
