Shall we begin? A few random tidbits…
- My new favourite Superstar Alberto Del Rio continues to shine on Smackdown, with a great showing last week both in his promo/attack on Kane (THAT enziguri is so good), and in the ring in a superb triple threat against Edge and Rey Mysterio. Didn’t really see the logic in having him pinned in that match if they were building him up, but otherwise no complaints on a match that is very hard to get on the money as these guys did. Kudos. I am, however, NOT excited by a luke warm at best Edge challenging Kane at Survivor Series. Edge really doesn’t work as a face, but with a lack of top line faces on the blue brand, needs must.
- How good is Daniel Bryan? I mean, seriously, how good is this guy? His series of 3 matches with Dolph Ziggler might just be my favourite of the year so far. Both guys were on point throughout all of them, but Bryan oozes class. I’m sure Ted Dibiase Jr will be grateful to young Daniel for giving him his best match in God knows how long. Obviously Bryan’s skills have been widely appreciated before his big break in WWE, but hopefully there is someone in the office taking notice of his astonishing recent work. Having said that, this is WWE we are talking about..
- Gutted to see CM Punk is out for 3-5 months with his hip injury. His commentary during the aforementioned Bryan/Ziggler bout last week was a refreshing change of pace from the usual ‘THIS IS NOT WRESTLING’ spiel you get from Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler (who really has to go. Beyond awful now). More disappointing is that it was clear a Punk/Bryan feud was on the horizon, which would have been AWESOME. Get well soon Punk.
- Undertaker’s injuries continue to rack up, and now even his treasured Wrestlemania spot is under threat after ‘The Deadman’ was ruled out for up to 5 months (Wrestlemania season) with a torn rotator cuff. I fully expect him to continue the streak next year in Atlanta, because if there is one thing we know about Taker, he is one tough bastard. Will Brock Lesnar be involved? I doubt it, would pretty much be admitting that UFC is a bigger deal than WWE if their biggest star comes in for one night and then returns to the octagon.
- Raw this week was one of those rare occurrences – funny. From Santino begging off from Sheamus to Vince waking from his ‘coma’, I actually laughed a good few times. Keep it up!
- I was perplexed to see Lita in without any build up and for only a few seconds. Hopefully this means we will see her at the ‘Old School’ 3 hour show (is she Old School?) as I don’t believe they would have her in just for that. Good to see her, and a reminder of what is missing from the Divas division currently (bar the wonderful Lay-Cool, obviously).
- I can only see Survivor Series going one way in the main event – Barrett wins, Cena FUs Barrett, Miz Cash in for MITB (yes I know I floated the idea of Miz cashing in on Taker, and I was wrong, so I am trying to make amends). As much as we would all love a Cena heel turn, WWE will not kill the Golden Goose yet. Cena vs Barrett at Royal Rumble anyone? Looks like bright things are set for my favourite Prestonian though, as Wade is being lined up for Taker at Wrestlemania. A quick rise from the original NXT winner. Speaking of which – How will anyone take Kaval’s title match seriously when he does request it (yes, he does have one) after he has been jobbed out for so long?
- Have you been watching this season of NXT? Anyone? You at the back? No? Oh well….
- The Wrestlemania 26 special which aired on Sky Sports in the UK this past week was an absolute treat. I have no doubt in my mind that Undertaker vs Michaels 2 was far superior to the original at WM25, which was (CONTROVERSIAL ALERT) not as good as most people make it out to be. If you get the chance to see the special, do so as it gives a whole new perspective on the titanic battle between two true legends.
- Speaking of Royal Rumble, I recently acquired ‘The Complete Anthology’ on DVD, so when the time for Royal Rumble anticipation comes around, look out for some flashbacks to Rumbles past.
- DON’T be expecting the end of PG friendly WWE now that Linda’s Senate campaign has died it’s expected death (unsurprisingly). PG= Sponsors. Sponsors = more $$$. And with PPV revenues way down, WWE will not be risking any of these valuable assets.
- Interesting to see TNA do a concussion angle on Impact, featuring Ken Anderson (victim) and Matt Morgan (valiant warrior). A fresh angle straight out of 2010 (as opposed to their usual 2000-era WCW angles) with something relevant to the wrestling industry, TNA had a chance to show people that they can do something creative and exciting……..but decided to job Matt Morgan out to Jeff Jarrett instead.
As always, thoughts and comments appreciated – if there is anything you want me to discuss, please comment. I always look forward to a good wrasslin chat.
Until next time, I’ll leave you with this:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVsbjOY1U30&feature=grec_index[/youtube]
