MPX’s Back to School is in the books. (See what I did there?) Thanks to the characteristic awful traffic, epically torrential weather and WTF side-road configuration, I ended up getting there late and halfway into the dark match. So sorry to Tad Wylde & Kros/City for missing it.
It took me a while to sit down and get my bearings. I sat down just in time to see the intros. Kate looked gorgeous and leggy as usual. We were treated to the title match being first.
First match: Frankie Fisher (c) vs. Matt Palmer
The match started, Matt did his finisher on Frankie and pinned him in Sheamus/Daniel Bryan time.
Winner, and new champion: Matt Palmer
Then Frankie started complaining and they restarted the match. I yelled out, “Dusty Finish” (and I usually try not to get involved). However, they did the exact same thing and Palmer walked out as champion. If you read my writing, you know I’m a huge Matt Palmer fan. Having him as champ adds a certain credibility outside the company. If you do not know the name Matt Palmer, please learn it.
I’m a little mixed on the next segment. There was a trivia contest between the two members of Tad Wylde and the Asian Nation. The build-up was a little different than Guy A beats up Guy B. So it was refreshing that the creative team is trying out new things. However, as I go into cranky old white man mode, I do not go to pro wrestling to watch trivia contests. But they had a little girl come in and clinch the trivia contest. It was about the kids and that’s what mattered.
Second match: James Hawke vs. BC
Hawke is beginning to get a bigger crowd reaction. And BC is great. He understands the crowd and has so much charisma. He has no character; he is just himself. I liked the decision of putting BC here in this match, because as a heel, all you have to be is contrary to him. The work looked a little clunky in places. But BC’s role was to make Hawke look good, and that went well.
Winner: Hawke
They showed a video of Haiden attacking Barrett Brown. Best I can figure out, somebody needs to call the police.
Third match: Kanoa vs. Steven Kirby in a Lumberjill Match
This match was joined by special guests: The North Texas Derby Revolution, whom can be found here. Between the Europa Expo and MPX, they are on an all-out publicity blitz. The match was Kanoa fighting Kirby with the ladies of the derby skating around the ring. Steven Kirby, formerly known as WASP, is going through a transition to being himself. His “self” is apparently very Irish-American. Kanoa showed a little bit of his comedic range. My only thing is was this out of character for him? But the match was pretty decent. When Kanoa got knocked out of the ring, the derby girls would make sure to hit him as they skated by. My major complaint was that this match did not fit the intensity their current feud. It was a showcase for the girls and might have better fit Tad Wylde facing a tag team. I’m not sure who else I would have put in the match with the roller girls. It’s like watching an episode of Mad Men and then one episode of Mad Men is the Harlem Globetrotters playing the Washington Generals. There were some stiff chops and some good work. Mike Foxx interfered followed by Scott Murdoch to force it into a “No contest.”
Winner: No Contest
Everybody wanted it to be a tag team match. I’m glad that it didn’t. They are willing to wait and let the story play out naturally.
Fourth match: $Payday$ (c) vs. Kenny Steele for the Prospects Championship in a Last Man Standing Match
This was a big blow-off to their feud. The guys really brought it in their intensity. They beat the living s*** out of each other. $Payday$ got his first ever “That was awesome” chant with his moonsault off the ring apron onto Kenny. They brawled and ended up at the tires for the crossfit training. Kenny put $Payday$ in the tire and rolled him back to the ring. One thing I liked is that $Payday$ was able to have a different type of match, yet he still found a way to include his athleticism in it. There was a sunset flip onto the ladder that drew $Payday$’s 2nd “That was awesome” chant of the night. At another point there was a spinebuster onto a ladder. For the finish, Kenny did a powerbomb onto the crossfit tire. That drew a first for me: a heel getting a “That was awesome” chant.
Winner, and new Prospects champion: Kenny Steele
For both guys fighting their first Last Man Standing Match, it was a pretty good brawl. I would have liked to seen more drama and focus on winning the match. But end to a very nice feud.
Fifth match: Scott Murdoch vs. Mike Foxx
I love that Mike Foxx is being used as a gatekeeper to build the next generation. I loved Murdoch’s intensity and focus. It was almost Lesnar-like. Foxx had his patented scowl. The first time these two met together, it somewhat lacked in the intangibles. This match did not. Both were firing on all cylinders. There were some chops where I was pretty sure somebody was going to get decapitated. It ended when Kanoa came back in followed by Kirby.
Winner: No contest
Really loving the feud going on with these four. As part of the main event, Zero the Antihero came out and asked to be on the main event team. Now if Mike Dolenz did not have a team ready, should have really been deserving of staying GM? Haiden walked out and beat up Zero, incapacitating him. Since Headbanger and Saint came out to Zero’s rescue, they were asked to be part of his team.
Main event: Gregory James, Danny Saint, Claudia & Frankie Fisher vs. Kristopher Haiden, Matt “The Choice” Andrews, Regrub & Carrion Arcane in an elimination match for control of the company for 90 days:
I was surprised by the choice of Claudia, but it made sense. Frankie didn’t. He had just lost the title. Why was he out there seemed to be a little off to me. This was perhaps one of the top matches of the night for me. There were lots of complex stories going on here. Claudia held her own and even pinned Choice. She also did a moonsault on Regrub earning a “That was awesome” chant. Frankie looked good in the match and even got some chants. I liked how even though he was on the face team, he still wrestled like a heel. It ended up with the last two being Greg & Arcane. Haiden, who had just been eliminated, attacked Mike Dolenz with a chair. It distracted Greg enough to where Arcane was able to get the pin.
Winner: Arcane
Being that he won control of the company, Kyle Valo took the mic and announced the changes that would be happening.
All in all… I’m liking Valo taking over as lead of the company. He’s better on the mic and entertains the heck out of me. I liked the $Payday$-Steele match. I loved the crossover of the derby girls (my kind of eye candy), even if it didn’t make sense in the bigger picture. And of course Matt Palmer being champion means nothing but good things. Not everything clicked, but they are focused and concentrating on letting the stories play out naturally rather than giving us too much too early. I am very intrigued to see where they go from here.
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Hockey Night in Canada! Playoffs round 2!! Just paused and started recording the Vancouver Canucks versus the Nashville Predators to “watch” iMPACT. Had to catch Coach’s Corner first.
Don Cherry is kind of like the the Ric Flair of professional. He’s been around forever, and when you hand him a microphone, he can shoot out promos like no other.
I worked a bunch over the last while and am tired. Also, some scathing things about TNA’s handling of their talent’s health and wellness has bounced around the interweb dirtsheets that have me pissed off at the company. At this point, I don’t think I could convince any other contributor to our site to fill in.
So you are getting Angry Man G, Disinterested Man G (NHL playoffs!), and Tired Man G… which combined as a mathematical addition problem, equals “FFW Through Everything G…. with a slight chance of Barkley Man G.”
Fight to Survive is in the books. In the end, I thought it was very solid. The theme there is that a lot of workers are giving everything and experimenting in new ways in the ring (and some of them, outside it). It was PACKED. Every time I go, it seems to get more crowded. This is great news. It opened with a well-done recap. And then Kate introduced $Payday$. I don’t think $Payday$ has done a lot of promos, so what he said was fine. But how he said it lacked. Speaking to a crowd is not easy, and I probably couldn’t do too much better. But I would suggest giving him a mouthpiece or creating an essence to his character to where he doesn’t need to speak. (“A man of few words”, “He’s not there to speak, just to get his payday.”) $Payday$ wanted Carrion Arcane. Mike Dolenz told him that Arcane was already booked. But $Payday$ could have his match. Only it was going to be against Wally Darkmon. For me, this didn’t have the same drama. Wally and $Payday$ are both good guys. While I like getting to see both guys in the ring, it just was not the match I wanted to see (because as a fan, I want both guys to win).
First match: Ironheart vs. Carrion Arcane w/”The Angel of Mercy” Claudia
This was my first time to see Ironheart. Arcane was talking about “she was coming” and apparently, that Claudia. It’s nice that MPX has a valet, as women never hurt (but please don’t get “divas”). Her look is very gothic/Suicide Girl-ish. It is a great fit for Arcane. The match was solid. Claudia is a good throw-back to the old Woman/Nancy Benoit-type valet. And after Claudia attacked Ironheart with red mist, Arcane scored the pin.
Winner: Arcane
Second match: Kenny Steele vs. Ben Wylde w/Kyle Davis
This match was a lot better than I thought it would be. Steele is improving both in the ring and in his persona. Steele has great facials, and he’s learned other things than telling crowds he has abs. I saw something out of Steele tonight. He is an amazing athlete and has a heel charisma that you can’t teach. I can see him going places. I’m also loving the Kyle Davis aspect. Ben made him wear this green hat that was worth a million laughs in and of itself. I’m thinking this is probably my favorite storyline in MPX. The two wrestled a nice story of Steele not being able to bodyslam Wylde because he was injured. It was also a good way of Steele losing without making him look weak.
Winner: Wylde
Third match: Cash & Carry vs. Lucha Lucha & some masked guy
When Cash & Carry, came out with a grocery cart full of fun, I knew it was going to be a fun match. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve been spoiled with seeing Necro Butcher through the years. The hardcore match was probably the un-stiffest hardcore match I’ve ever seen. I’m ok with it. I understand most of these guys are green. And I’d rather see them again, so I have to say it was fun. There was some nice plunder in this match: a baseball bat, lots of chairs (Lucha found a chair that had the Corona logo. Nice touch.), a bowling ball, a vuvuzela/”Grenade whistle” (of all things), stop sign, garbage can, grocery cart. The match was full of several OMG moments. Zach the Muscle at one point either got his bell ring or is the best seller ever. Also, there was a moment in the match where Zach attacked the masked man and he smiled a really saddistic smile. They can go a lot of places with this. I saw a little bit of of that Cactus Jack in him. I would like to see his character evolve a little bit more in that direction. He has the size to where I can see him going places. At one point, Cash & Carry found Kris Haiden out in the crowd and asked him if he wanted to hit Lucha or masked guy. He said no and this laid the groundwork for his face turn that night. This may not have been IWA-Mid South King of the Deathmatch Tournament-worthy, but IWA-MS isn’t running anymore, and a lot of those fighters aren’t fighting anymore. Not bad for a first hardcore match.
Winner: Lucha & Masked Man (I will call them Team Enmascarado)
During the intermission, the wrestlers continued their mingling with the crowd. This is one of their strongest aspects. It’s good for the kids. After the intermission came the 6-Man Elimination match.
Fourth match: James Hawke vs. Zero the Antihero vs. WASP w/Kyle Valo vs. Regrub vs. Headbanger Gregory James vs. Carlos Esquivel (with Ryan Gauge as the special ref)
This was a very multi-layered match with a lot of storylines. This is difficult to weave together and I thought the booking was nicely-done. So forgive me for missing some of the highlights. Carlos and Zero have a good dynamic and chemistry. It reminded me of that moment in “The Wrestler” when Randy “The Ram” asks the Ayatollah how they’re going to do their match. Ayatollah says “I’m the heel. You’re the face. Any questions?”
James Hawke cut a nice promo where he apologized for his attack on Frankie Fisher. I waiting for “It will neeeeever eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeever happen again” but no Jericho heel turn for now. We do Streamers for Zero. I love the Japanese/ROH tribute. Also, WASP was a very engaging heel, getting the crowd going and making fun of Regrub for breaking up pins when it was an elimination match. Ryan Gauge who had been previously in a sling, took off his cast and revealed his arm was just fine. Then he attacked WASP and made sure he was pinned. It is difficult to comment on all the dynamics as it was complex. The match ended when James Hawke made Regrub tap out. This meant something and made Hawke look very strong to make the monster Regrub tap out.
Winner: Hawke
After the match, WASP and Valo came out of the back informed Headbanger he was going to be fighting in a handicap match. Kate whispered something to Headbanger and then announced that it would be an inter-gender match: WASP & Valo vs. Headbanger & Kate. I will give MPX the benefit of the doubt, but I HATE inter-gender matches. The only one I’ve ever seen done right is Beulah-Bill Alphonso in ECW.
Fifth match: $Payday$ vs. Wally Darkmon
There were two kids behind me last night that were really into the whole show. $Payday$ saw them on his way to the ring and danced with them. This is awesome. A wrestling promotion always needs wrestlers to dance with the kids. There was a watershed moment in Mark Henry’s life when Andre the Giant brought him to the ring and danced with him. It’s hard to remember sometimes that they are what it’s all about.
The match between the two wrestlers was really good. I think this is $Payday$’s best match yet in MPX. Wally is such a pro that it was a fun match, even though it was face vs. face. As a fan, I was a little torn, because I don’t want to watch either lose. There were hand shakes for everybody. Wally gives 100%, and it is evident from his matches. The match was declared a no contest when Carrion Arcane attacked both. (I’m ok with no contests and dq’s and all that. It’s when a wrestling company does the same finish over and over again that it becomes boring, aka TNA.)
Winner: No contest
Sixth match: Matt Andrews (c) vs. Barrett Brown
This was my first time to see Barrett Brown live. He looks all of 13 years old, but he has a great focus and ring presence. His intensity reminded me a lot of Chris Benoit’s. The Matt Andrews title reign continues. He is quickly becoming a lot like Gollum with his belt. That is as it should be. He makes the belt seem important. This was a really good match. Brown was very impressive in the ring, and I hope to get to see him again. Andrews submitted Brown for the victory.
Winner: Matt Andrews
After the match, Mike Dolenz announced that Andrews would be defending his belt at the next show. After attacking him, Kris Haiden came to his rescue. He then cut a really great promo about one thing he learned from his time there is that the boys in the MPX were some of the toughest SOB’s he’d ever seen. This was a GREAT face turn. I can’t think of the last time I saw a face turn this good in wrestling. In a show of support, the MPX roster unanimously supported Haiden’s reinstatement and receiving a title shot. It was an emotional moment.
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We had some movement amongst the regular top dogs this week, and some drop out… as per usual. Unlike most weeks, TNA gets a little love from the smarks involved in this IWC project. Let’s get to it, shall we? (more…)
Are you ready for some TNA insanity? Lord knows I’m not, but I never am. Recently we saw a long built storyline around reviving the Main Event Mafia shattered by the WWE resigning both Booker T and Kevin Nash… as a result the second coming of “they” was swerved to be Fortune, plus Scott Steiner, Crimson and Kurt Angle. It’s a good thing they employ Vince Russo, eh? Alright, onto the suffering folks! (more…)
Oh how things can change in one weeks time! Once again I return to bring you this week’s power poll. Sadly, I am a little strapped for time and this will not be an animated gif version of the article. However, it will still be a nice look at the IWC’s perception of the top stars amongst the contributing websites. (more…)
We open with an empty arena. Matt Striker is demonstrating the obstacle course the rookies will have to navigate. Which is much less annoying than season 1’s. The winner will have immunity from next week’s elimination. (more…)
Legend Killer: This is the one they call ‘Legend Killer’ alongside Drowgoddess for the Extreme Rules Post-PPV recap
Drowgoddess: This is the one they call Drowgoddess alongside the notorious Legend Killer. Let’s recap this thing!
Legend Killer: First of all, we had the United States Championship match, where Kofi Kingston retained the title against William Regal, Matt Hardy and MVP
Now, to be honest, I didnt see much of this match, due to technical reasons
Drowgoddess: Kofi Kingston was certainly a popular choice with the fans, and for the first t ime in a long time, there doesn’t seem to be any grudge between the previous and current champs.
The focus was just on two guys who want to be the champ.
Sometimes, that’s all you really need.
Legend Killer: Did you really see the need for William Regal and Matt Hardy to be involved in the match?
Personally, I believe that they were there just to make up numbers, as they seemed to be as involved in this match as they were in the build-up to the Vickie/Santina Hog Pen match.
Drowgoddess: Agreed. Since Kofi just won the title off of MVP, perhaps a rematch that quickly might not have seemed enough. Regal and MVP have certainly had their differences, as have HArdy and MVP.
The history between all the guys was there.
Legend Killer: Was Kofi the deserved winner?
Drowgoddess: I think so. MVP is definitely the guy who is at the breakout point. He could very possibly get in the main event picture soon. HE’s the complete package, and he has huge fan support.
That being said, Kofi is the guy to step up to the place where MVP was at.
Kofi has tremendous athleticism, more charisma than half the roster, and a connection with the fans.
He’s exactly the kind of guy who should be wearing that belt now.
Legend Killer: He reminds me a bit of Shelton Benjamin
but I’ve never heard Kofi on the mic
Drowgoddess: He’s more conversational and comfortable in the little bit of backstage talking that I’ve heard from him, but he hasn’t had much mic time. Maybe now he will, and we can see what he’s like.
Legend Killer: As long as he doesnt put people to sleep, or make their ears bleed, he should be fine.
Drowgoddess: I think he’ll be ok, then.
Legend Killer: Next on the card was the Intercontinental Championship, where Chris Jericho not onlt captured the title for a record ninth time, but he also claimed the mask of Mysterio
Drowgoddess: Jericho has captured luchedor masks in the past, like Juventud Guerrera’s.
I wasn’t crazy about this outcome, though I’m taking a “wait and see” attitude because Jericho is so amazing.
Legend Killer: How long will it be before Rey Mysterio wrestles without a mask on WWE TV?
I’m looking at it, to be as early as SummerSlam
Drowgoddess: I hope he doesn’t. Part of his massive appeal to kids and to the Hispanic market is that mask. He’s a superhero. Seeing his face will kill that, even though it has been done before in WCW.
I know that’s no realistic, considering that Jericho took the mask, but Rey has a different mask almost every night. It’s not like his only one was stolen.
Legend Killer: maybe he comes out on Smackdown! with a paper bag on his head
Drowgoddess: Followed by The BEautiful People?
Legend Killer: quite possibly, that would surely be a swerve nobody saw coming
Drowgoddess: It’s a license to print money!
I know that the IC title is supposed to be the #2 guy in the company, but Jericho winning it is almost a step back. A 9-time champ is great, and he should have a belt, but he’s been at th etop before. This almost seems like something he doesn’t really need.
Legend Killer: Or it shows that the WWE has nothing for Jericho at this present time
Drowgoddess: That’s my thought.
Unless he goes after Punk now.
Legend Killer: They know he should hold a Championship belt, but they dont want him to hold the World Championship, as it wouldnt fit in with their plans
Drowgoddess: Which would be the greatest thing in the history of things.
Legend Killer: A Punk/Jericho feud would be something worth watching
Drowgoddess: If both guys were allowed to go all-out on the promos.
It would be GOLD, I say!
You don’t script those two.
Legend Killer: there’s no need to
Drowgoddess: You and I know that. Does WWE know that?
Legend Killer: for those who havent seen Punk’s promos in ROH, should check them out
Drowgoddess: Absolutely! The man caused near-riots. He went from being the most beloved guy in the building to the most reviled in the space of five minutes once.
Legend Killer: They probably do, but because of the G rating they’re trying to get, it wont happen
Drowgoddess: A true thing of beauty.
Legend Killer: The interesting thing here is what they do with Jericho and Mysterio from here on
Drowgoddess: I have no idea. If they mean to unmask Rey for good, it could backfire completely.
Jericho can’t go after Punk while tormenting Rey. He CAN, but it won’t work as well.
Legend Killer: unless Rey goes after Punk as well
Drowgoddess: Although I believe that at one point, Jericho was feuding with most of the roster.
Rey and Punk have no history, not really.
Legend Killer: It will be somewhat interesting seeing what happens
CM Punk defeated Umaga in a Samoan Strap match
I can see that this match was there, to make people think that Punk wasnt going to cash in MiTB later on in the night.
Drowgoddess: I was surprised at that. Punk actually got Umaga on “Smackdown,” so I thought Umaga would destroy him at the ppv.
Being the huge, huge Punk fan thatI am, I wanted him to win, but I really didn’t see it happening.
The real question is what does Umaga do now.
Legend Killer: Probably what he’s been doing before this match. Nothing.
Now, match four … ah yes, the ECW Championship
Tommy Dreamer’s last night on his contrac, and he becomes the new ECW Champion
What does this mean for ECW?
Drowgoddess: Hopefully, a return to its roots, however slight. Tommy Dreamer is the last of the ECW originals. Yes, I understand very well that the only two things the current and original ECW have in common are him and those three letters.
However, Tommy’s been heelish lately, and a heel Tommy as the ECW champ could be fantastic.
Imagine him taking the rest of the roster to task for not “getting” what ECW is really about, and re-enacting some of his worst momenbts upon them.
Imagine him losing the title and becoming GM of ECW.
Legend Killer: I would like to see Jack Swagger get caned in the middle of the ring, like Dreamer was back in the day.
Drowgoddess: I think it could only be good, even if nothing really changes in terms of the current product.
Legend Killer: Would they need more ECW originals besides Dreamer, in order for that to work?
Drowgoddess: His face turn writes itself. Tommy schools him for months, gets him in the ring for the caning, and Swagger takes it with, “Thank you sir, may I have another?”
Not really. Most of them are dead, crippled, retired, or in other companies.
There aren’t many to choose from. Tommy was, and always has, been the heart and soul of ECW, so he’s really all you need.
If you wanted to bring in others, like RVD, for example, it would certainly help, but it isn’t critical.
Legend Killer: How about say, one-off appearances?
Drowgoddess: I’d personally love it if Evan Bourne’s recent comments about the new ECW blowing the old ECW out of the water in all ways were to set up a Dreamer/Bourne conflict.
One-off appearances would be great.
Particularly if they were handled in true randomness fashion.
Legend Killer: But, as you mentioned, the majority are either too old, or in different companies like TNA
Besides RVD, is there anyone else they could bring in
Drowgoddess: Yes, but some on the indies, who are free to make appearances anywhere, could do it.
For example, the way that Balls Mahoney and Spike Dudley turned up on TNA for a one-shot was perfect.
If WWE would be willing to use guys like that who may have appeared on TNA but don’t work for them, there could be several people left.
Too bad someone treated Jim Mitchell like trash, he’d be a good one.
Balls, Spike, Mitchell, RVD, and possibly Mikey Whipwreck might be good choices.
Mikey retired, but he could make an appearance or two.
Legend Killer: What about guys like Storm and Credible?
Sandman and Sabu?
Drowgoddess: Storm might do it, but I’m not sure he’d be interested. I don’t think they’d ask Credible.
Legend Killer: possibly even a guy like Steve Corino
Drowgoddess: I don’t think that Corino, Sandman, and Sabu are on the WWE call list.
I’d love to see as many of the ECW originals turn up as possible, but considering how the WWE looks at people like that, I don’t think full reunions are likely.
It’s a shame really
Legend Killer: Imagine Paul Heyman returning to ECW, with Dreamer as Champion
We both agree that Tommy Dreamer being Champion is nothing but good for ECW
Drowgoddess: Yes.
Legend Killer: I think we’ve talked enough about this match. Santina Marella pinned Vickie Guerrero in the Hog Pen match to reclaim the Miss Wrestlemania crown
Drowgoddess: The less said about this mess the better.
If the only purpose of it was to divorce Vickie and Edge, then so be it.
Legend Killer: Couldnt agree more.
Batista defeated Randy Orton to become the new WWE Champion
Good move of bad move?
Drowgoddess: Bad. Very, very bad.
Legend Killer: How so?
Legend Killer: The only logic I can see why this is good, is to have Batista feud with Triple H
Drowgoddess: Some say that he was a main eventer coming back from an injury, and where else could he go but a main event push?
While there is truth to that, Batista didn’t have to WIN tonight.
I personally don’t care for the guy. He doesn’t entertain me. That’s irrelevent. The thing is that Orton has been so hot lately, and having anyone take the belt off him right now just feels like a very bad idea.
The match itself just didn’t seem good enough to be a main event world title match where the title changed hands. The whole match was a letdown.
Legend Killer: Batista isnt my cup of tea. I refer to him as ‘PenisHead’ in my columns, and him winning the title has destroyed any momemtum Randy Orton has made since winning the title at Backlash
This match wasnt worthy of a WWE Championship match. Batista cant climb the cage, and the match went way too quick for my liking
Drowgoddess: Agreed on all points.
Orton shouldn’t have lost the title to anyone yet, certainly not to Batista.
Legend Killer: The next match, saw John Cena beat the Big Show in a Submission match
the only thing I need to say is, did anyone not see Cena winning this match?
Drowgoddess: Stevie Wonder and the ghost of Helen Keller saw Cena winning this match.
Note to WWE: If you must have a submissions match, put guys in it who have actual knowledge of and ability in submission wrestling.
Awful. Just awful. Knowing the outcome didn’t help.
Legend Killer: The only move I knew either of these two could do, was Cena’s STFU. That right there, showed me that this match shouldnt of been a Submission match.
Is there any type of match that could have worked? I think an I Quit match could’ve been good.
Drowgoddess: COnsidering the negative attitude that WWE, and Vince in particular, has shown in the past towards submission wrestling, it’s not surprising that they didn’t think this through.
An “I Quit” match might have worked, or a “Last Man Standing” match, as was brought up in the thread.
Legend Killer: Those matches at least, would’ve made things less predictable
Drowgoddess: And less dull.
Legend Killer: A match involving John Cena being less dull?
Drowgoddess: I know.
I speak of madness, sir.
Legend Killer: Speaking of madness. That could be the word describe the results of the Ladder match between Jeff Hardy and Edge
Drowgoddess: In a positive way!
Legend Killer: Jeff Hardy won the World Title, only for CM Punk, to cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase, and end the night as new World Champion.
First off, let’s talk about the Ladder match itself. Was it a Main Event quality match>
Drowgoddess: It had main event quality spots. Overall, it wasn’t quite there. It was a very, very good match. I’m not insulting it or the guys involved in any way. The main event of any ppv, particularly when there is a stipulation like a ladder match, should be a Match of the Year candidate on basic principle.
While it blew away almost everything else on the show, it wasn’t quite that.
When you add ppv, main event, world title on theline, and ladder match, it should be epic.
However, I have to stress that nothing about thismatch was a letdown or in any way disappointing.
Legend Killer: This match definately had its high points. For example, Jeff Hardy’s Mid-Air Twist Of Fate, and both men destroying the Ladder on the otuside were great moments.
However, it all pales in comparison somewhat, to CM Punk.
Drowgoddess: I had heard nothing, absolutely nothing, about him possibly cashing the MITB shot tonight, so hearing his music play was a total shock.
Legend Killer: It made the, disappointment you could say, of Jeff Hardy winning the title, a lot brighter, seeing CM Punk cash in.
Drowgoddess: Jeff HArdy is extraordinarily popular. Most of the fans in attendance were thrilled that he won it. That he and Punk are both faces made me wonder, briefly, if Punk might be turning heel.
It opens up possibilities of an Edge/Punk feud, as Edge lost the title to Hardy, and Punk won it from HArdy, so Edge never lost the title to Punk.
Legend Killer: but it also opens up a new challenger
Drowgoddess: I truly did not think that they’d do the same thing twice. I thought for sure that Punk lose after cashing in his title shot. I was stunned in a good way when he won.
Legend Killer: Perhaps Punk will say he used Edge as inspiration
Drowgoddess: I could see that.
Legend Killer: Seeing as thats how Edge won the title using Money In The Bank
Drowgoddess: True, and Edge is constantly referred to as the”Ultimate Opportunist.”
Legend Killer: Could that work though, seeing as Punk didnt beat Edge for the title
Drowgoddess: He really didn’t have to. He could use Edge’s past actions as inspiration.
Legend Killer: Who do we see challenging Punk for the title?
and what does the happenings of this PPV, mean for Jeff Hardy’s much-documented Contract negotiations?
Drowgoddess: Edge will demand a rematch, for sure. Hardy may or may not stay with the company. Jericho could certainly go after him. Even Umaga could give it a shot.
Jeff Hardy’s contract negotiations are like Edge’s old entrance music. We know what they allow us to know. I personally think that nothing has been decided yet, and WWE got the best of both worlds.
If Hardy leaves, they don’t lose a champ and he goes out on his back.
If Hardy stays, he’s in a program for the top title after being taken advantage of in losing it.
They’ve covered themselves either way. I don’t think it tells us anything about Hardy’s current status, apart from the fact that nothing has been decided.
Legend Killer: Could the WWE be sending a message to Hardy, stating possibly that, ‘You would be World Champion if you re-sign’?
Drowgoddess: Definitely. The situation not only covers the WWE either way, it could be a very clear bribe, as it were.
If that’s what they are doing, I have no problem with it.
Legend Killer: When if Jeff Hardy’s contract up by the way?
Drowgoddess: I’m not sure. I thought that it was some time this month, but I could be wrong.
Legend Killer: It looks like being a very interesting next few months for SmackDown!
Drowgoddess: Indeed! It was already far and away the best show on WWE. I’m certainly going to be watching without fail.
Legend Killer: Arguments could be made that ECW is the better program
Drowgoddess: ECW is a very close second. It’s a smaller show, and talent seems to be less restricted or controlled, which is good. Some of the talent on ECW is awesome, and from an in-ring perspective, ECW may be the best program. In terms of an overall show, “Smackdown” takes the top spot.
Legend Killer: I agree, although with Dreamer as Champion, ECW could very well take the the spot
Drowgoddess: That it could. Over the next several months, both “Smackdown” and ECW could give wrestling fans something to feel proud about.
Legend Killer: What do you say for RAW’s future?
Drowgoddess: I have trouble watching RAW. Compared to the other two shows, it has felt boring, plodding, utterly ridiculous, or repetitive. With Batista as champ, I don’t know what that spells for Orton and the Legacy.
Having Orton chase the belt doesn’t work as well as him holding it.
Trips will turn up soon, and if he wants to be a heel, he can go after Batista again.
I don’t know what to say about RAW’s future, but it can only go up.
Legend Killer: Finally, what was your opinion on Extreme Rules as a whole?
Drowgoddess: Low. It was a weak show that did not live up to the name or the expectations. Kofi Kingston winning a title was great, but how “extreme” was that match, really?
The ladder match at the end and the aftermatch saved the show.
In general, they need to do better next time or scrap the idea altogether.
Legend Killer: I saw it as not worth my money. Sure, Punk coming out at the end was a surprise, and the Mysterio/Jericho and Edge/Hardy matches were good. But nothing else, really made me sit up and go Wow!
Drowgoddess: No, not at all. Lots of people are going to feel ripped off as far as this show is concerned.
As well they should.
Legend Killer: Although, those who are Batista/Cena/Punk fans will feel quite happy
Drowgoddess: This is what happens when you shove too many ppvs in a year out there.
True. I revel with the Punk fans.
Legend Killer: The next PPV is just three weeks away, the Bash. Will you be watching?
Drowgoddess: It’s too early to tell. Those of us not billionaires have to pick and choose our shows. I’ll be watching TNA’s “Slammiversary” for sure, and “The Bash” is the following Sunday. I’ll wait and see what the card is before committing to another ppv.
Legend Killer: Whereas I wont be watching any of them. Pay-Pre-Views just arent as good as they used to be.
Drowgoddess: Generally speaking, I have to agree with you, but there are good reasons for watching “Slammiversary” this year.
Again, if there weren’t so many ppvs, the quality would almost HAVE to go up.
Legend Killer: You would think so
Drowgoddess: A ppv should never feel like an episode of tv that you shelled out $30 or $40 to watch.
Legend Killer: exactly
and especially, when you can watch the high points of the PPV matches, on the next week’s weekly shows
Drowgoddess: Over and over and over again.
That really doesn’t make the paying customer feel very smart.
Legend Killer: No it doesnt, it’s a shame the WWE got rid of these streams
Drowgoddess: Indeed.
Legend Killer: Well, I’d say that about call it a night.
Drowgoddess: Agreed.
Legend Killer: Thank you for joining me for the BWF post-PPV recap
Drowgoddess: My pleasure, anytime.
Legend Killer: My thanks to ThinkSoJoe and Drowgoddess for helping with BoredWrestlingFan.com’s coverage of WWE Extreme Rules, this has been the one they call ‘Legend Killer’, reminding you to tune in this Wednesday for my column, plus for all thr weekly wrestling coverage as well. So long from Extreme Rules!
Your Empress of “Impact” has chosen to follow in the footsteps of the greatness that is JT (in honor of his and ThinkSoJoe’s birthdays tonight), and do a thoughts piece as opposed to a detailed review. Tonight’s episode of “Impact” provoked the following:
