Salutations fellow fans of sports entertainment. On this day, we glance at Smackdown. How does the blue brand turn out? It has been getting better with action and storytelling. This is going to be another quick review...
Kane comes out and tells us about monday then shows us a four minute clip. Waste of time. Turns out that Daniel Bryan is hurt, but not injured.
Fandango vs Fernando: Fernando wins thus keeping Fandango in the low card. Remember he beat Y2J at Wrestlemania. Dolph Ziggler vs Damien Sandow: With Ziggler getting a push, he wins over Sandow. Sandow has been in a slump and you really feel sympathic for him. The announcers really are playing Sandow into a certain storyline or just another lost cause. Either way it was a good match. Ziggler hit the steel steps, and I want to say it wasn't meant to happen or it could be Ziggler selling. It was truly a highlight. Wyatt makes a promo: it did its job with the riddles and the cryptic storytelling. Even Harper got some use on the mic. Harper is starting to make a name for himself. Dean Ambrose/Seth Rollins vs Rybaxel vs 3MB vs Real Americans in a four way tag match: This whole segment was a real treat. Shield members were the highlight; Rybaxel showed off their moves; Real Americans looked better than ever; 3MB even were a little better.After a while, we saw Kane attack Roman Reigns on the outside. This led to all the teams attacking Shield members. Kane and the NAO formed up to annihilate Reigns then turned onto Ambrose and Rollins. This was great to show that Kane still has tricks up his sleeves. MizTV talked to Big Show about the Rumble at WM30. Miz used Show's Wrestlemania losing record against the big man. However to Show's dismay, Miz brought out some contestants on the Rumble's match. Miz told everybody that it would be easier if you got rid of the Big Show first. Show and Sheamus cleared the ring then Show took out Sheamus and Miz. In the end, it highlights the Big Show as the favorite. Big E vs Alberto Del Rio: In a short match, Del Rio wins. I hope Del Rio gets a title shot at Wrestlemania. Santino Marella and Emma in romance: Skip it! Total Divas squared off in a tag match and I was more interested in AJ talking and my little girl telling me about how Justin Bieber looks like a girl. AJ really needs a comeback into the mic. She and Tamina are the only Divas that aren't on the show, which is funny that they are the more entertaining ones. Kanein the back with various teams: it looks like NAO is helping Kane to further their storyline. Rybaxel and Real Americans get a title shot. Unknown when it is. 3MB gets to be in the Wrestlemania rumble. Rusev and Lana does their promo. Luke Harper vs John Cena: this match stole the show. Cena and Harper were both impressive. I really get more and more impressed with Harper each week. He has a body of Undertaker and Kane, but both wouldn't do the moves Harper does. He is like a Mike Awesome from WCW: able to pull off power moves and cruiserweight moves. Also, I have to give credit to Johnny C for selling. After Cena wins, he ducks out of the ring as Rowan and Wyatt enter it. Wyatt is left laughing at Cena.
Overview: the show was awesome. Cut out the divas and Santino Marella, and you got a perfect Smackdown.
Wrestlemania 30
With Punk, Kingston and Del Rio on the poster
Hey everybody. Today is a special on current rivalries and possible matches that need to make a total of four hours of Wrestlemania filled. Some are crap and others are hopeful wonders that need to amaze the audience. Some are needed to happen. I am going to list the ones that are made from low card to main event style. Also, I'm going to show some confusing angles with one or two that need to happen. With Wrestlemania 30 being a big thing and since Wrestlemania is turning 30, I would think that the Show of the Immortals will be awesome right?!
Low-Card Rivalries
AJ Lee vs Somebody for the Divas Championship
WWE has been teasing us with a Championship match with four different Divas all having different issues with AJ Lee. Natalya and Nikki Bella has gotten a pin on AJ. Naomi is coming back from an eye injury, and Tamina, grown tired of AJ's shit, is turning her back on AJ. Miss Lee has had the belt for 280 days. She is now the longest reigning Divas Champion, however most of that we don't really care about. She has brought us something to love. She also made the Championship relevant during her rivalry with Kaitlyn and her great promo on the cast of Total Divas. It was the booker that fucked things up. AJ Lee has not won many of her battles, and the audience is tired of Total Divas getting all the attention. If AJ were to actually be booked against the cast with a mic that promoted the storyline, it would allow the audience to care. Anyway, AJ's reign needs to come to an end, but I would really like to see her be defeated by Tamina.
Sheamus vs Christian
How I feel if this match was made.
This rivalry is absolutely horrid. It plagues us with dull matches and dull storylines. I am not a fan of Christian, but he needs to win more to be relevant. Then again, Sheamus is booked like the Irish John Cena. I like Sheamus' work in and out of the ring, but he can afford a loss or two against Christian. While a match hasn't been made, look to see one probably going to be made at WM30.
Big E vs Somebody for the Intercontinental Championship
The Intercontinental Championship has been needing a rise since the main event titles have merged. The US title is obviously the European Championship now. It doesn't hold the same class as the IC Belt. Now with that is out of the way, Big E (Langston) is really not doing much for the belt. He doesn't talk, and he barely has to defend it. What we need are some legitimate matches and contenders. Sheamus, Del Rio, Ziggler and Sandow are all greatly needed for the mid-card belt. It is needed to have a match with a storyline for a match at WM.
Dolph Ziggler vs Alberto Del Rio
Ziggler sells better than anyone else
There isn't much to say about this. These two have been teasing a rivalry. A lot of people might say that Ziggler/Del Rio has been done, but these two are some of the greats in the current WWE as wrestlers. Everytime these two square off something great happens. The storyline is practically this: Dolph Ziggler is getting a push, meanwhile Alberto Del Rio is being dropped from the roster and is taking it out on Ziggler. Can Ziggler overcome the jealousy of Del Rio? Can Del Rio prove he is still a top level contender? We shall see at Wrestlemania 30.
Mid-Card Rivalries
The Shield vs Corporate Kane and New Age Outlaws
The Shield is back together
Corporate Kane on the rampage lately has hit a roadblock. The Shield has turned on The Authority with their face-turn. For weeks, we have been teased a breakup in the Hounds of Justice. Now it looks like they are sticking together. Friday, we saw the NAO join Kane on the attack towards The Shield. WWE is looking less-predictable lately. I'm looking forward to this storyline. I hope we see a grand spectacle like we saw in Elimination Chamber.
The Usos vs The Real Americans
Finally winning the belts
This one is quite confusing. The storyline is with the Usos is running in a different storyline as Coulter's team. Zeb is trying to keep Swagger and Cesaro from breaking up. The Usos have winning the Tag Team Championships is long overdue. With a new energetic attitude and moves that match, The Usos are finally on top of the Tag Team mountain. Then both teams have a match...and Zeb's team won. Are The Real Americans going to break up? Is Zeb Coulter going to resemble Yosemite Sam?
I had to do it.
John Cena vs Bray Wyatt
Try not to stare into his eyes
This match has been underplayed as a main event match. Two backgrounds collide into a storyline. John Cena is usually his boyscout, comedic self, but in this case he is really playing into Wyatt's character. Cena is afraid of what Bray can do to him and the company. Cena's legacy is in-play and loosely to be destroyed. Bray Wyatt is the best talker on WWE as a full time wrestler. The match at Wrestlemania stands at this: Cena is apparently the door to the rising stars of the future. Will Wyatt kick the door in and win the match? Will Cena win, but allow Bray through the door? Either way the match is surely going to be a great one.
Main-Event Card
Andre The Giant 30-man Battle Royale
We are going to get a second Royal Rumble YAY!!!
Look for this to take up around an hour to finish. However, it is going to be quite a masterpiece. Look for several things to happen: Kofi Kingston doing something amazing to get back into the ring, a monster clearing out the ring...same stuff as the Royal Rumble. We do have some mini-feuds that can be settled in this match, however some of the matches later could be made with this match. Now who is going to win it. Ziggler, Sandow, Mark Henry and Big E are looking for the win. but only one should win. With a trophy going to be so prestigious, it makes since to have someone much like Andre The Giant win. The Big Show needs this. He doesn't have much left. This 6-time world champion is done with belts of gold and jewels. It is time the Big Show gets his last prize and heads into the sunset.
The Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar
Not what I wanted but I digress
This hasn't much to say. The Rivalry isn't really there for me. Lesnar and Undertaker are quite gifted to show each other how great they are, but we need more interaction between them. Don't get me wrong, I like Paul Heyman, but Lesnar needs to make a promo. Both Taker and Lesnar are great at making a statement without the use of words. Their facial expressions and body language says it all. The match is looking to be the greatest threat to The Undertaker, but I'm going to go ahead and say it: Undertaker wins! Lesnar is a part-timer that doesn't need this. If let's say Bray Wyatt or Roman Reigns were in his spot, then I can see this going down the other way. After all, Mark Calaway said that he wanted the streak to end with a young star.
Randy Orton vs Batista vs ???
A whining gifted wrestler and a wannabe
Hollywood actor
Dave Bautista came back at the wrong time. It's quite funny how things have played for him. Being booed out of the matches with the Rumble and Del Rio. All because of the YES! Movement. Randy Orton, on the other side is just boring. However, both of them are just overshadowed with Triple H and Daniel Bryan. It's pretty sad of them both, and almost makes me feel sorry for them...almost. These two need to really pick up on their rivalry or we will see Daniel Bryan get everything. What I mean by anything is the audience. If Bryan is in the match, watch for the audience overblowing for Bryan. If Bryan is not in the match, look for this match to be booed uncontrollably. Triple H, on the off-chance he wins against Bryan, is going to not be WWE World Heavyweight Champion. If Bryan is in the match, look for him to win.
Triple H vs Daniel Bryan
The match accidentally get better without CM Punk
This is the one we all are looking forward to. It has been coming back from Summerslam.CM Punk was supposed to make the match with Triple H, but I find it much better than the original plans. The hype is damn near exceeding HHH vs The Undertaker the first time at Wrestlemania. Excellent promos, great heels and a filled ring full of the YES! Movement has made the hype. After the match was announced, you could already sense the feel of Bryan winning everything. That was until last monday where HHH made claim to the triple threat main event happening. The Game made a stipulation: whomever wins gets the spot in the main event. That has made it unpredictable because of Triple H's history with Orton and Batista. One last thing, if Triple H does win, I hope the match is right before the main event. The crowd can get pretty ugly. They can really make the match boring and entertaining at the same time.
Other Things to consider
Legends will be around
Look for Hulk Hogan to ham it out
CM Punk unlikely might come back
Alexander Rusev will make his mark either by a match or to screw someone over
Welcome back everybody. This is part two of my editorial on: Divas' Division. Last time, we looked at the history of Women's Wrestling. Now, we shall take a short look at the current history of the Divas' Division, and determine if it is salvageable.
Let's get to it.
Diva's Search (2004-2008)
The Beginning of the End of Women's Wrestling
Last time, we left off of Trish and Lita leaving, but behind the scenes we had a Diva Search. It was a means to bring in models as wrestlers. Although it brought in wrestlers like Layla and Eve Torres, it brought in a ton of untrained models. Around the time Trish and Lita left, we had Victoria, Mickie James, Michelle McCool and Gail Kim that had to fill their shoes. All of the real wrestlers went on to become TNA stars besides McCool. So with the slew of models the wrestling suffered as we went along. The Division were starting to have horrible storylines mostly around who is going to pose for Playboy. The wrestlers had to train each one. Most of them didn't make it past 2008. Each match started to look like a bathroom break.
Birth of the Divas' Belt (2008-2010)
Michelle McCool with the Purple Butterfly
With a huge roster of women on both brands of RAW and Smackdown, WWE decided that Smackdown needed another Women's Championship. However, they wanted to cater to the idea of the "Divas" name, and the Purple Butterfly Belt was born as the Divas Championship. As time went on, we had stories of heel factions like LayCool and Bella Twins. Other than that, the storylines were non-existent.
The Divas Search was over, and the flood of Divas were being trained. The inclusion of Melina, Alicia Fox, Tamina, Natalya and Beth Phoenix were emerging. They gave us some great matches, but their model opponents were nothing to watch. WWE continued down the PG role and again limited the Divas to an even more non-existent storylines. Think about it...if we as an audience has seen everything and want something different from the male wrestlers, how much worse was it for the female wrestlers, especially ones that are not trained well as wrestlers?
By 2010, the flood of the Divas were drying out, and the talented ones were going to TNA. We were left again with only five wrestlers that only two made anything out of nothing, and the rest were bathroom break models. With everyone leaving, WWE decided that the Women's Championship and the Divas Championship would be merged into one. After 56 years, the Women's Championship is retired.
The Divas Division continues to falter as the TNA Knockouts emerged.
TNA Knockouts (Overall and not limited to era)
TNA Knockouts
Now while I talk all about the Divas Division, I want to give a lot of credit to the Knockouts of TNA. A lot of the Knockouts are former Divas. However, does the Knockouts of TNA deliver better? YES! But only after 2006, did people catch onto the Knockouts. With the collection of former talents in WWE, they didn't need much training. Which means their skills in-ring and on mic were far superior than the Divas. The matches were much more appealing to the eyes. The storylines were pretty good, but we have seen them before. However, the two best things about the Knockouts was that they looked like models, but were the older type of wrestlers. They weren't hindered with a limited move list. The second was they weren't limited on types of matches. Knockouts had a multitude of matches like: cage, tournaments, battle royales, ladder and fatal four ways.
The only problem was TNA tried to compete with WWE. They made themselves to believe they are just as big as WWE. TNA found themselves financially unstable, and in a result, they had to sign off some of their Knockouts. Many women have left the company. TNA is dwindling in profits and can barely afford new talent.
NXT/Total Divas (2010-Present)
With the Divas Championship now in play, models officially took over. All of the new talent were models. Natalya, Tamina, Beth Phoenix, Melina and Alicia Fox were the only wrestlers left. However, Melina and Beth Phoenix rose up and conquered the Divas Division. Even when Melina left in 2011 Beth Phoenix continued on with Natalya. Behind the scenes, WWE made NXT in 2012. Along with some male wrestlers, females have been working to bring up the Divas' Division on their wrestling and microphone skills. Of course, they are still limited on moves and types of matches.
In 2013, Total Divas arrived. They brought real life to the WWE. I'm going to be honest. I watched this show, and I liked it. I won't watch it again, but it isn't for Wrestling fans. It's more for the women of wrestling fans. The part about the show I liked was the behind-the-scenes drama about couples in WWE and the drama in the Diva department. Now Total Divas does have its problems. For one, it leaves out other Divas in WWE. I'd like to see more about AJ and Tamina. Two: it doesn't have enough drama. It obviously wants to be like "Jersey Shore" or "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." The last problem I'll get to later.
As time went on, Beth Phoenix left us another void. The Bellas unfortunately was pushed down our throats. Same with Total Divas cast. Eva Marie and JoJo absolutely are terrible in the ring. They never went through NXT. My current favorite Diva (Kaitlyn) left. Now we are stuck with no-talent, match type and move list limited, untrained models. Even Natalya is helping much. She lost her reputation with her farting gag. We need a rise of Divas that remember the good days of real wrestling.
Paige
Emma
Summer Rae
Each of these women are trained through NXT, and are great in the ring. I do see a hope.
Is the Divas Division Salvageable?
Before I answer, I want to analyze all the problems first.
Dropped the Women's Championship- WWE took a prestigious title that had a great history from misogynists, banning Women's Wrestling, mainstream attention and some of the great matches in wrestling history. Now we have a title fit for models.
Untrained Models- Models can't wrestle period. Vince McMahon has allowed these Divas to takeover the division. They can't act or use the microphone either. In the Pro-Wrestling career, you need both.
No microphone usage- No one in the Divas Division uses the mic. It is the main tool to create great storylines. The only reason they use it is to promote a product.
Sloppy wrestling- Botches are made constantly. This advertises itself to show the disdain of wrestling matches. Hell even something simple of a strike is horrifying to see.
Hot-Potatoing the Title- The Divas Championship is given to everybody. Except the ones who really deserve it. Natalya and Alicia Fox never get a chance at this title. However, in the past three years I can only think of two people that held the title for a lengthy reign (AJ Lee and Beth Phoenix).
Opening up a Real-Life drama- Total Divas number one problem is that it is linked with RAW and Smackdown. I don't want to watch Total Divas to figure out the storyline to last week's RAW. If they can promote it without including what is happening in the show, that is fine. They bring the problems to RAW and we only get half the story.
No specialized matches- The Divas seem to have only three types of matches: One on One, Tag Team(2vs2,3vs3,ect...), and an once-a-year Battle Royale. It is quite boring and we need to see something else. Ladders, submissions, elimination and cage matches can work if the models can overcome their fear of a little pain.
So now finally I will answer the question...
Yes, the Divas Division is salvageable. However, it will be a long process. There are many ways to improve and boost attention to the Division. Most are just a reversal of the problems above, but here are some other ways to improve the Division.
Diva Title Tournaments- Much like the King of the Ring. WWE should have a Queen of the Ring tournament for the Divas Title.
Keep Models on Non-Wrestling- Interviewers, Valets, Singers and such should be used for models. Same as Total Divas.
More Heel turns- The Divas Division is riddled with Babyfaces. AJ Lee is practically the only heel. Aksana and Alicia Fox are nowhere believable to be heels. At the same time, make the heels win more.
More moves- Face it...Lita was the last aerial high-risk taker. Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins could show these Divas a thing or two. We even need more power moves.
Monster Divas- Big women have come and gone, nor can I remember one that made an impact in recent years. Beth Phoenix and Kharma were the last. We need more women that can bring fear into these skinny Divas. Hell, WWE should bring in ODB from TNA. Besides if Edge can like bigger women, so can we.
Take risks and stipulations- Stipulations are non-existent in the division. We need more. We also need more aerial risks and the use of some weapons. A ladder match would work.
Stephanie McMahon- Stephanie McMahon would do very nicely to oversee the Divas Division. Even as an onscreen authority figure towards these women would be a welcoming mix.
Well that is everything I can do. Hopefully, WWE will see this and change things around. There is a light at the end of the tunnel with the NXT rookies, so don't give up yet.
I don't care what Vince thinks. ODB is sexy as hell to me.
"You hit like a girl!" Daniel Bryan shouts to Stephanie McMahon
Hey everybody! Welcome back to The Wrestling Nerd's Channel. I know that I have some make up to do, so I should probably get some things out of the way.
My new upload schedule has obviously changed. RAW is on Tuesday. I want to watch RAW, then re-watch it for the review. My editorials and top tens are on Wednesday-Friday. The bigger they are the more time I need. Smackdown is going to be done Saturday-Sunday. PPV Predictions are going to be on Friday. PPV reviews will be on Monday.
I will be making a Facebook, so you can reach me better. After all, you all are growing my fanbase and I appreciate that.
There will be times when I can't make Smackdown. Last week was one of them.
So now onto RAW. As we get closer to Wrestlemania, RAW and Smackdown is going to get better. However, does it answer any questions? Does it make Wrestlemania much more special? Does it oversell the WWE products? Lets grab some Rolling Rock and find out.
Triple H is going super-saiyan
We start out with Triple H in the ring. Unlike Cena and all his speeches, Triple H was and still is one of the best on the microphone. He talks about beating Bryan and his YES! movement. However, both Orton and Batista come to the ring. Each claims that Triple H doesn't have his head on straight and a possible chance that Bryan will beat him at Wrestlemania. They bitch and moan, but damn was it good. Orton tells Batista that nobody cares that he is back. Batista tells Orton that he is a paper champion that has been handed victories by Triple H. Their bickering is generating a fun energy. It's great to finally see them at each others throats. After all, Daniel Bryan is making them an afterthought. Then Triple H goes fucking nuts.
He tells both of them exactly what he wants. Then he has a revelation. He wants in the match for the WWE World Heavyweight title. As long as he beats Bryan, he can headline Wrestlemania. This a genius way of keeping Wrestlemania unpredictable. After Triple H heads back Batista is met with an RKO.
Swagger and Cesaro The Real American Heroes
The Real Americans vs The Usos
Apparently, they had a run in with The Usos on Smackdown and now they have a match. Now the end of the match was good. Cesaro hit the uppercut to counter Jey Uso's dive. Then the neutralizer followed by the pinfall gave Zeb Coulter's company a shot at the Titles. Of course, I don't see the Usos losing them at the moment. It is way too early. However, what I don't understand is Cesaro and Swagger working together without problems?!
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Sheamus w/Hornswoggle vs Titus O'Neil
Hornswoggle is giving out Lucky Charms. You know I wanted a picture on Google Images that has Hornswoggle on it, but no luck. If John Cena can be on Fruity Pebbles, why can't Hornswoggle be on Lucky Charms. Fuck It! Anyways Bad News Barrett arrives to tell us the horrors of drinking. Speaking of Guinness
Sheamus drinking Guinness
, Sheamus comes out to fight. I thought he would go after Barrett, but Barrett goes back to obscurity. Then Titus O'Neil arrives with a green top hat and an orange goatee. Sheamus wins, but nothing really happens except Christian attacks Sheamus and both claim a spot in the Andre the Giant Rumble.
John Cena is scared...dafuq!
John Cena comes out and gives a much better speech. He made Bray Wyatt look awesome. Scared Cena is afraid that the audience is believing his words. Cena hypes the match and does little child's play. However, Bray Wyatt comes on with his usual riddles, but one thing...he is wearing Cena products. Wyatt acts like happy little kids until he lets on about his childhood. The World gave Bray Wyatt scars as a child...dafuq!
Bray Wyatt vs Kofi Kingston
Not much to say but that Kingston made Wyatt look great in the ring.
Midcard and Paul Heyman
Heyman promotes a video of how the Undertaker is getting too old for wrestling, and that Brock Lesnar is a conquerer. Repeat!
Fandango w/ Summer Rae vs Goldust w/ Cody Rhodes
Goldust made this pointless match fun. For one, he mocked Fandango with dancing (with Cody and Fandango), and he did a breathing scare to Summer Rae while she was on the apron. She fell into Cody's arms, and Fandango got mad that Summer Rae liked it. At the end, Fandango botched a Frankensteiner that hurt Goldust's eye and a botched suplex. Lets just say, Dustin Rhodes not Goldust took out Fandango. After the match, you can see the pain and blood on Goldust where Fandango botched the Frankensteiner.
Funkadactyls vs AJ Lee/Tamina
Eyepatch Naomi got the win. After the match, AJ and Tamina got into it. Tamina heard enough and pushed AJ then they stared off.
8-man tag match: Big E/Big Show/Mark Henry/Dolph Ziggler vs Damien Sandow/Rybaxel/Alberto Del Rio
This match was to promote the 30-man Rumble at Wrestlemania. It looks like the Big Show is the Favorite.
Big Show wins.
Justice turns face
The Shield and Kane talk in the back about being an asset to the Authority. The Shield snickers and complies half-heartedly.
Kane comes out to talk about happened last week on RAW with Daniel Bryan and his occupy RAW debacle. He blame Jerry Lawler for it since it was Memphis. Kane gets the Shield to coerce King into the ring. Kane says he is going to punish King for last week. The Shield slowly back King up into the corner. Rollins says that Daniel Bryan is not going to come out and save him When the tension is high enough, The Shield turns on Kane. Kane tries to fight out of it, but he gets blasted by Rollins and speared by Reigns. Then for the icing on the cake Kane gets a triple powerbomb. I love this as The Shield has been teeming with a face turn. Now we have an open story that sets The Shield against the Authority. How will this play out as we head to Wrestlemania?
I know I am barreling through this, but I have had a really bad week. Death in family.
Main Event
Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan No DQ
The best match of the night. During the match, Bryan and Orton beat each other with the ring, chairs, kendo sticks and the Announcers' Table. Bryan gets a rare headshot from a kendo stick that looks like it really did hurt. Orton dropped Bryan on the table while all the laptops and computers still on it. This was 50 times better than the Memphis street fight last week. In the end, Batista interferes and spears Orton. Bryan takes out Batista then gets the pinfall. Afterward, Orton gets a Batista Bomb.
Later backstage Stephanie McMahon and Triple H argue about the turnabouts of late. Triple H says that he has this, while Stephanie says that he doesn't. Tensions rise as Stephanie says that Triple H better make certain that he takes care of it.
Triple H comes out to have a man to man with Daniel Bryan. In a calm manner, Hunter tells Bryan all about how he tried to stop Daniel in his path from being a WWE World Heavyweight Champion. HHH even took a shot at CM Punk about the COO he dumped the world on Bryan and while others would he just took the ball and went home... Triple H stuck out his hand for a handshake, and Bryan refused. After HHH said that he respected Bryan, Stephanie came out disgusted at her husband. She placed charges on Bryan, and fake cops came down. They used nightsticks and punches as they handcuffed him. HHH and Stephanie argues until it was done. Triple H clears the ring and it looks like things were going to go well for Bryan. Fate had other plans. Bryan is stomped by The Game as this was all a ruse. Bryan tried to fight back, but Triple H countered and kept beating Bryan. A shower of "You Suck" chants erupted. Stephanie talked her smack to Bryan and even got a few slaps in. After HHH put Bryan back in the ring, Triple H Pedigreed Bryan, and it ended with Stephanie and HHH sharing a victory among the YES! movement.
Overview
The show was another great one. I'm really rushing this, but I'll place a rivalry list among what is going on later. I know this wasn't my greatest write and for that I'm sorry, so if yall want give me an idea on what you want for next week's editorial in the comments. Thanks for your patience.
Welcome back to another edition of WWE Wrestling Nerd's editorial. Women's Wrestling was at one time great. Until the unholy purple butterfly belt came in power. Now we have models instead of wrestlers known as the Divas. With the Divas search and Totally Divas airing, we aren't getting much of a wrestling match anymore. Inexperienced models are what we get. And if somehow we get a competent female wrestler, they are made to be heel and thrown into the lower ranks. So...is the Diva's division an udder mess? YES! Would Mae Young, Fabulous Moolah, and Rockin' Robin be pissed off at the treatment of Women's Wrestling? YES! However, is Women's Wrestling salvageable? Ehhh...TNA knockouts?! Maybe. Let's take a look at Women's Wrestling history and how it turned into models, and see if we can salvage it.
Birth of Women's Wrestling (1890-1940)
When people think of the birth of Women's Wrestling, they think of Mae Young and The Fabulous Moolah of the 50's and 60's. No, I'm going to the origin of 1890's of Josie Wahlford as the first Women's Champion. The title went onto the 1930's with Barbara Ware, Clara Mortenson and famously Mildred Burke.
Mildred Burke, Champion for Women's Right to
Wrestle
Mildred Burke became an idol to women's Wrestling. She and many other women wrestlers were denied by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Independently, she became Women's Champion beating Clara Mortenson. Burke wrestled for Billy Wolfe, who was known as a "womanizer." She refused to wrestle for him after their relationship ended, and many women followed her. NWA banned Mildred Burke until the early 50's when her ex-husband, Billy Wolfe let her in. She wrestled against Wolfe's daughter-in-law, June Byers. Under the thumb of her ex-husband, Burke had a rivalry with Byers, however animosity ensues between the two women. During a 2 out of 3 falls match, Mildred Burke and June Byers began a shoot fight(unscripted fight). June won the first fight, and Mildred kept Byers at a stalemate. Burke left the fight and Byers was considered the winner.
The Hard Life of Women's Wrestling (1940-1960)
Mae Young was a great talent. Being trained with Stu Hart, she wrestled in Canada and United States.
Miss Mae Young 1940's
According to Young, she started to wrestle in 1939, but records don't show until 1941. She wrestled throughout the world. She wrestled in Memphis, Tennessee on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor. With many men going to war, Mildred Burke and Mae Young pushed the door open for women to come to the sport. Young wrestled overseas internationally. In 1951, she went to wrestle for Mildred Burke at the World Women's Wrestling Assocation. Throughout the years, Mae Young held championships, but never the World-Class titles. While on the road, she trained various wrestlers such as June Byers, The Fabulous Moolah and Ric "The Equalizer" Drasin.
June Byers was the Edge for women's wrestling. After a losing stretch, Byers became a strong champion. She rose through the ranks slowly. She picked up belts from tag teams and territorial wrestling. Finally in 1952 she was granted the World Women's Championship. Her father-in-law, Billy Wolfe, had a divorce with Mildred Burke the same year June Byers had the infamous 2 out of 3 falls match with the same. In the age of tough women coming from the Great Depression, June Byers became the Face of women's wrestling. For the next few years, she became so popular, even with broken noses and black eyes from wrestling. Her career was taken away in 1964 when someone threw a glass coke bottle at her causing double vision as she drove. The car accident did too much damage to her leg to compete anymore.
In 1949, The Fabulous Moolah debuted. She fought June Byers at the Boston Arena. Afterwards, she
The Fabulous Moolah(above)
didn't get much ring time. Billy Wolfe, her promoter, advised Moolah to have a sexual relationship with him or one of his competing wrestlers. She refused to go that route, however she did fall in love for wrestler Johnny Long. Long helped her leave Wolfe and work for Jack Pfeffer's promotion in the early 50's. There she worked as a valet for different male wrestlers. "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers was her first valet. She served as eye-candy and distracted other male wrestlers. After Rogers, her new valet was named Elephant Boy, a colored wrestler. He was a very dark-skinned, whom had an entrance with Moolah kissing him on the cheek. A man tried to stab Moolah, because she kissed a colored man. After her valet career, she went to wrestle with Vince McMahon Sr. Promotion in the mid-50's. In 1956, Moolah won the Women's Championship(NWA). Over the years, she held that Championship against Judy Grable, June Byers and Donna Christanello.
In the background, Penny Banner was collecting championships from 1956-1961 in the American Wrestling
Penny Banner in 1960's
Association. In August 1961, she became the first World Women's Champion in the AWA. She gave women's wrestling a little showing off, however she took on some injuries like her nose being ripped open and a dislocation in her elbow. Until 1977 when she retired, Penny was only defeated twice by The Fabulous Moolah and Belle Start.
These women brought wrestling to more mainstream attention over the years and showed that they can be just as exciting as the men. They accomplished so much with such a tough audience of men. They gave us something to watch while men were overseas in war.
The Fabulous Moolah Era (1960-1970)
Moolah practically dominated the Women's Division. She did lose the championship to Bette Boucher in 1966, Yukiko Tomoe while in Japan in 1968, Sue Green in 1976 and Evelyn Stevens in 1978.
Some other highlights that helped Women's Wrestling was: in 1964, Fabulous Moolah merged two women's championships to make one Undisputed NWA World Women's Championship; in 1972, Moolah helped women that wrestle get the ban of Women's Wrestling off of Madison Square Garden. In July 1st 1972, she became the first woman to wrestle in Madison Square Garden.
When the late 70's came, Moolah bought the World Women's Championship.
Mainstream Attention to the Ladies of Wrestling (1980-1990)
In 1983, The Fabulous Moolah brought the Women's Championship to WWF. She sold the rights to the title
Wendi Richter winning the Women's
Championship with Cyndi Lauper
to Vince McMahon Jr. Now known as the WWF Women's Championship, it was granted to The Fabulous Moolah. The WWF mixed with the music industry made the wrestling of the 80's mainstream. Now known as the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection," Cyndi Lauper showed up on WWF in a heated argument with Captain Lou Albano on Piper's Pit. Lauper challenged Albano to a match, which allowed each one to pick a woman to fight in their place. Captain Albano picked the Women's Champion: The Fabulous Moolah, whereas Lauper picked Wendi Richter. In 1984, with the help of Lauper, Wendi Richter took away the Women's Title.
Richter was screwed by Vince McMahon, after fight with the masked-Moolah(The Spider Lady). Richter kicked out of Moolah's pin at the one-count, but Moolah was awarded the winner. In the backstage, Moolah was told she was going to win, whereas Richter was tolded she too would
Sherri Martel
win. After the match, Richter left the WWF. Other women coming up in wrestling were Velvet McIntyre, Rockin' Robin, Leilani Kai, Judy Martin, Dawn Marie, The Jumping Bomb Angels and Sherri Martel. Throughout mid to late 80's Sherri Martel claimed the belt on many occasions. She even led her team in Survivor Series in 1987. She continued on with a feud with Rockin' Robin, however WWF was losing interest in the Women's division. Apparently, Vince McMahon wanted models than women wrestlers. Women started to be used for other roles. Martel became a manager for Randy Savage and Honky Tonk Man. The Women's Tag Team Championship was contested between The Glamour Girls and The Jumping Bomb Angels until the Titles were vacated and defunct in 1989. Rockin' Robin continued on fighting as the Women's Champion, but sang "America the Beautiful" in the opening segments in PPVs. In 1990, Rockin' Robin vacated the Women's Championship. It became defunct until 1993.
The Fall and Rise of Women's Wrestling (1990-2000)
While the rise to prominence for Women's Wrestling was in the 80's, the 90's was the depression of the Women's Division. Until 1993, the women in WWF rarely fought. The Women's Championship was defunct. Each of the ladies in the WWF went to WCW. In WCW during the 90-93, many of the women wrestled in their prominence, but there was a non-recognized championship. In 1993, WWF revamped the Women's Title. It was placed into several tournaments. Alundra Blayze came on to become the WWF Women's Champion. She fought with Bertha Faye and a couple other women. In 1995, Blayze left WWF for WCW. WCW made their own Women's Championship, while WWF Women's Championship remained defunct and vacate.
Women who stayed with WWF were made comical and more about modelling even further. WWF changed women's wrestling to make it not look like male wrestling and continued down that path.
In WCW, Madusa(Blayze) took on many women. In the WCW Power Plant, she trained many upcoming women like Torrie Wilson and Molly Holly. She stopped wrestling after WCW was taken over by WWE in 2001.
In 1998, Jacqueline and Sable competed for the revamped WWF Women's Championship. Jacqueline won, but they continued their rivalry. Many more women came into WWF: Luna Vachon, Tori, Ivory and Chyna.
Jacqueline with the WWF
Women's championship
Models were introduced into the WWF like: Debra, Terri Runnels and The Kat. These models were untrained and hard to use within the ring. WWF women had to find new ways of entertaining the audience. Since it was the Attitude Era, they used there bodies. Many shown their sex appeal with gowns, bikinis and dresses. At the same time, WWF used "Slop Matches" to boost the ratings in Women's Wrestling. WWF brought in The Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young to add to the roster. Both Young and Moolah were well past the ability to wrestle, and many critics found these matches pointless and hard to watch. The real women of wrestling were dying out. Their moves in the ring were greatly reduced, but they found new moves and ways to capture the audience. In 1999, two women made themselves known as Lita and Trish Stratus. They both started out aligned with male tag-teams.
The Peak of Women's Wrestling (2000-2006)
With the introduction of untrained models added to the roster, WWF made a lot of storylines which made the untrained fight the trained. Jacqueline and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fought for the Championship.
Chyna in 2000
Stephanie was awarded the Women's Championship. Lita and Stephanie made a rivalry and eventually Lita took the title. Over time, the belt was played as a game of "Hot Potato" until Chyna took it over. Her and Lita consistently held matches over the title until 2001 when Chyna left the company over a backstage argument with Stephanie McMahon. Chyna left the title as vacate. Trish Stratus became more and more wrestling savvy and started taking on other women. Throughout the Invasion angle in 2001, we saw many women come into the WWF like Jazz, Torrie Wilson, Stacy Keibler, Gail Kim and Molly Holly. Each one was a model and a wrestler as a hybrid. Stratus and Lita kept fighting each other off and on until 2006. Some of their matches were show stoppers. Although both did
have some great storylines, we did get some bad ones. The one with Lita as the wife of Kane. She was pregnant when Snitsky made her lose the baby. He went on doing the whole "It wasn't my fault!" lines. Ugh...At Unforgiven 2006, Lita and Trish Stratus amazed audiences one last time. That night was Trish Stratus' last night. Lita made the same retirement at Survivor Series against Mickie James.
Conclusion to Part 1
Now that you have witnessed the past and how prominent the Women's Division was, check in for part 2 and we will check out today's Women's Wrestling in TNA and WWE. Also, we shall see if it is salvageable.
Thank you!
What up wrestling fans. Wrestling Nerd welcomes you back to the Wrestling Nerd Channel. Today, we look at RAW 3/10/14. We are getting closer to Wrestlemania 30. We have a couple of matches made on the card. WWE has 4 more RAW and Smackdowns left. There are so many questions left unanswered. Are the Wyatts facing John Cena or The Shield? Is The Shield going to break up? Will the Divas suck again? Today we have Hogan and The Undertaker showing up. So lets sit back, grab some Capri-Sun and watch the show...
Hogan's Heroes
Andre The Giant's 30-man Battle Royale
The Hulkster starts the show. He gets some cheap pops and quickly promotes the WWE Network. However, instead of laying out all about the products, Hogan gave an epic event to the Wrestlemania 30 card. A 30-man over the top Battle Royale for a trophy. Not just any trophy, but a trophy featuring the Legendary Andre The Giant. Then at the height of anticipation and giddiness over the event. My heart sank as it did with most of you all when you heard the John Cena music. Cena arrives with boos. He poses and gets in the ring. Cena gushes over sharing the same ring as Hogan. Kinda like how I would if Celeste Bonin(Kaitlyn) would share the ring with me... Cena does horrible impressions and poses with Hogan that want to make you puke your guts out. The Wyatts come out to steal the spotlight. Bray Wyatt does his great mic work. Then Cena takes a page out of the Rock's book and sings. With no charisma at all, crowd cheered for Hogan. Wyatts have a staredown and cut to break.
Erick Rowan w/ Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper vs John Cena w/ Hulk Hogan
This match sucked ass. Rowan dominated Cena. Then Cena gets the rollup pin. That Rollup Pin is dangerous. In the end, Hogan and Cena pose more. It had homoerotic overtones to it. Just sayin'
Midcard Matches...
Rybaxel vs The Usos
Other than the New Age Outlaws on commentary, this match was the same as Smackdown. The NAO was just making excuses and easy heat on commentary is the only reason to watch.
The Most Dangerous move!!!!!!
Big E vs Jack Swagger w/ Zeb Coulter and Cesaro
This match was short with Swagger and Cesaro having a miss-communication. Apparently, Cesaro was supposed to help Swagger by cheap shoting Big E. However, Swagger says he got this in the beginning. Big E gets the most dangerous move "The Rollup." After the match, Zeb Coulter has the Real Muricans shake hands. They shake, but Cesaro is putting a lot of pressure on Swagger's hand. I wouldn't be surprised if Swagger taps out to it. He has lost all of his credibility as a main eventer long ago. So I have one question...what the hell does all this do for the Intercontinental Title? Nothing. Swagger and Big E shouldn't be near it. Cesaro is the only one who should be having it. The other two are low card players.
AJ Lee/Tamina vs The Bella Twins
With Natalya on commentary, this match was well business as usual. I watched the Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection Trailer during this. I want this. SNAAAAKKKKKEEEE!!!!!
Oh yeah, just take a guess who won. Come on it is as easy to guess than the type of match WWE Universe will vote on later on.
Christian vs Sheamus- Memphis Street Fight
WWE Universe please make your obvious vote on the WWE App. I mean it does the name of the city we are in. Why even have a vote when the choice is obvious? It's just like ones that say, "do you want A) The Great Khali B) Santino Marella or C) Stone Cold Steve Austin to fight in the next match?" So...how was the match? It was...ummm ok?! When you grew up with ECW, Hardcore Matches from both WWF and WCW, and chair shots to the head, you really tend to see the hardcore-like style dumbed down quite a bit.
Ahh...yes! Random objects, head shots with weapons, blood perfect! Back to the match, Christian and Sheamus somewhat uses the weapons on the outside; hell they don't really do much with the drums. It is kind of a let down, after all the drums are the fun part. No guitar head shots also! How did the match end? It was fun with the Brogue Kick through the base drum, but did Sheamus really need to win? The rivalry is all one-sided. I really had hopes for this, but they fucked it up.
The Undertaker appears...
The Undertaker is not amused by how many
followers The Rock and John Cena has
The Undertaker comes out as his usual self. At this point, Lawler and Cole both talk about The Undertaker and Twitter. I'm sorry, but I can't see The Undertaker aka Deadman aka American Badass sitting at a computer talking to fans on the internet. He would probably break his computer. At the same time, have you ever heard Undertaker promote anything? No! He could careless about the WWE App nor will he promote the WWE Network. He doesn't play with that bullshit. That is why he is my favorite wrestler. Before he can talk, Paul Heyman comes out. Paully does what he is good at...mic work. He promotes Wrestlemania and the match with Brock Lesnar. At the same time, Heyman paints both Undertaker and Lesnar as great warriors going to war. Undertaker states one sentence and Heyman is scared out of the ramp. "The fear of death is far greater than the death itself. But the fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all."—The Undertaker
A Valuable Asset
Roman Reigns/Seth Rollins w/ Dean Ambrose vs The Rhodes Brothers
In the back, Kane and The Shield discuss the problems between Shield members. Kane feels that The Authority is losing an asset in The Shield with their losses. They turn it around on Kane losing to Daniel Bryan. The Shield hopes to gain their dignity back with their first roadblock, "The Rhodes Brothers." This match was good, but not great. It seems as though the brothers has lost some of their charm. However, The Shield has really picked up. Reigns is building his followers, and Seth Rollins is starting to really show off some amazing stunts. Whether they stick together or go their separate ways, I look forward to seeing them more and more. Seth Rollins won with a Curb Stomp.
One of the best things I have seen in a while...
Stephanie McMahon is damn well about as good of a heel as her old man. I love her evil intentions and that spoiled little brat we all grew up with.
She told us that instead of firing Daniel Bryan, she apologizes and wants one back. I couldn't see how Punk turned this down. He would of been just as gifted as if it was Jericho doing the talking. Slowly, we are getting a better mic work from Bryan.
Either way later on, Daniel Bryan shows off some great mic work and leads the YES! movement into the ring. Whether they were fans or actors, they did a good job. Occupy RAW was operational. Stephanie and Triple H came out to restore order, but they couldn't. They tried yelling, sending security and setting up the next match. Damien Sandow came out to have his match.
When Sandow couldn't get through, he turned around. Bryan encouraged Sandow to join him.Scared to be future endeavored, Sandow went to leave, but Stephanie yelled at him. Then he disappeared...bye Sandow. Finally, Triple H gave into their match at WM30, but Bryan wasn't done there. He added a stipulation that if he wins, he gets added to the main event. So, we will be seeing Daniel Bryan in the main event of Wrestlemania if he wins.
Big Show/Daniel Bryan vs Batista/Randy Orton
The match was good. There really is no complaints. The buildup for Wrestlemania 30 is great. Batista spearing Orton is something that will be addressed. Hopefully, they will start to rival against each other now. Now out of all of them, I feeling that Orton is being downplayed. Orton has been getting little notice, while Bryan and Batista fight it out. So the match was won by Daniel Bryan with the flying knee.
Overview
Another good show and I don't see them stopping until after Wrestlemania 30. The buildup and hype is strong. I'm loving it on the Wrestlemania card; we have:
Triple H vs Daniel Bryan
John Cena vs Bray Wyatt
Randy Orton vs Batista with a possible chance of Daniel Bryan added in
30-man Battle Royale for the Andre The Giant Trophy
Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker
This year Wrestlemania is going to be 4 hours. This is now looking like a must-buy. I know that it will have the Tag Titles up for grabs and the Divas' Title there too. Until I know the actually match I won't place it.
If I were to take a guess at some other matches:
Dean Ambrose vs Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins for the US title
Naomi(if she's cleared) vs AJ Lee vs Nikki Bella vs Natalya for the Divas title
Cesaro vs Jack Swagger vs Big E(possible) for the Intercontinental title
The Usos vs The New Age Outlaws for the Tag Team titles
That's it for the show. Any questions or comments let me know. I do have a question for you...What would you like to see on the Wrestlemania 30 card?
Hey yall. Welcome back! I need to play catch up, so this will be a short review of Smackdown. Lets get started.
Smackdown: Where the men are?!
Batista came out to add to his exceptional heel turn. At the same time, he promoted Dolph Ziggler by destroying his ability. Batista does a great job on the mic. Daniel Bryan comes out to counter Batista's mic work. Batista and Daniel Bryan does a great job working against each other. They engage in small fight when Kane and Batista beat Bryan. Big Show interferes on Bryan's behalf. I smell a tag team happening.
Christian vs Dolph Ziggler
Alberto Del Rio is on the outside. The match was ok. Del Rio interferes and costs Ziggler the match. Christian has a small interview with a heel pop, when the Irish are coming. Sheamus heads down. A small scuffle and Christian retreats.
The Usos vs Rybaxel
Standard match. Usos fly, Ryback power moves and Wannabe Curt Hennig sucking. Usos won.
Natalya/Eva Marie vs AJ Lee/Tamina
Natalya wins off the Sharpshooter. Something needs to happen quick in the Divas division; The Divas in TNA are 10x better than WWE.
Shield meeting
Ambrose and Reigns are in the ring. Ambrose gave a good speech and called out Rollins. Rollins made a few good points. Ambrose and Rollins got into a small scuffle and Reigns played peacekeeper. Ambrose shoved Rollins, Reigns shoved Ambrose, Rollins slapped Ambrose and vice versa. After that, the Shield came together. I'm impressed by this, but what's going on. Is it going to be Shield/Wyatts at Wrestlemania, or is it Ambrose vs Reigns vs Rollins? The answer revolves around John Cena and his injury.
Sheamus vs Alberto Del Rio
Same ol' shit! Solid match. Sheamus wins like always with the Brogue Kick. Del Rio is like a forgotten upper class wrestler. Maybe he should go after the Intercontinental Championship. He would raise the value.
And the Winning Oscar goes to...
Bray Wyatt delivers a damn good performance talking about Cena and Wrestlemania. Love how everything is a riddle. Lots of emotion. These promos that Bray gives are up there with CM Punk and Paul Heyman. Actually besides Paul Heyman and Triple H, Bray Wyatt gives the best speeches and promos in the business.
Big Show/Daniel Bryan vs Kane/Batista
In a solid match, it was Big Show that steals the show. Double suplex and the KO punch on Kane to give Bryan the rollup for the win.
Overview
This was a good show; kinda like a mini-RAW. The storylines in Wyatts and Shield are furthered. The action was good, and seeing Bryan and Big Show steal the show was great. It's one to watch.
