WWE MAIN ROSTER MANIA - THE ROYAL RUMBLE - 2018 EDITION

I wrote in my Final Thoughts of Main Roster Mania Week 4 that I didn’t think the WWE did a good job of promoting the event. Especially the women’s Royal Rumble. I stand by that statement, but promotion of an event doesn’t affect the quality of the event.

For the first time in a long time the Royal Rumble lived up to its name.

This was truly a Royal Event.

THE KICKOFF SHOW

First, I want to ask, does anyone actually watch the Kickoff Show as a preview to the event? I’m serious. I don’t. I usually wait until about 45 or 30 before minutes before the actual event, fast forward through most of the show and just watch the matches.

I did the same here.

MATCH #1
Kalisto, Gran Metallik and Lince Dorado versus TJP, Jack Gallagher and Drew Gulak

Wow, to be honest I wasn’t even sure if Kalisto, Gran Metallik, Lince Dorado and TJP were still with the WWE. I guess this was the replacement for Enzo versus Cedric. A standard cruiserweight match that saw Kalisto go over TJP for the win.

MATCH #2
The Revival versus The Good Brothers

A short, but good, but hard hitting match that saw the Revival gain a measure of revenge following that loss at RAW 25.

MATCH #3
US Open Challenge: Bobby Roode versus Mojo Rawley

Why? Why Mojo? All this week people have speculated this would be Ziggler’s return. I held out hope for a debut – James Storm! Instead Mojo stunk the place up to lead into the Rumble. If he had his best match against Roode in the US Tournament, this match was a step back. Roode Schooled Him.

THE MAIN SHOW

We kick off the show HOT! With the WWE Championship!

MATCH #1
AJ STYLES (Champion) defends against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens

Kami, aka Kevin and Sami Show, aka Yep Movement are reminding me of LayCool. Remember them? When Michelle McCool and Layla were co-women’s champion the idea failed then. Kevin and Sami are far more talented in-ring then Michelle and Layla, but the idea still wouldn’t work.

Fortunately it didn’t happen.

This was a fun, damn good match that erased the taste of the Mojo failure. Kevin and Sami did all their comedy spots and pulled out all the shenanigans that make them fun, while still showing just how good they are with one-on-one time with AJ.

AJ continued the story of his WWE Career, proving he is Phenomenal in any playing field: even or handicapped.

AJ Styles is still the World Champ!

After the match Kevin and Sami again complained to Shane that they were screwed. Shane just smiled and said ‘Yep!’

Next up Smackdown Tag Team Championship!

MATCH #2
THE USOS (Champions) defend against Gable and Shelton in a 2 out of 3 falls match.

I truly thought this was the night Gable and Shelton would win the titles. Especially with one of the USOs getting a DUI leading into the Rumble. The WWE usually frowns upon that. Instead, the USOs locked down this excellent and highly athletic match up and put down the challengers in two straight falls.

Let me repeat that, the USOs put down Gable and Shelton in two straight falls.

It’s Rumble Time!

MATCH #3

THE ROYAL RUMBLE

(MEN’S MATCH)

The first thing I have to say is this, Holy Crap what a Rusev Day Response for Rusev at #1, almost as loud as Finn Balor at #2.

Rusev and Balor started out what ended up being one of my favorite Rumble match and what I believe is the best Rumble match in a decade at least. There were no big debuts (ex: Styles), but there were two surprise NXT Entrants (Andrade Almas, Adam Cole) and two brief returns with The Hurricane and Rey Mysterio!

What made this match better than many previous match was the pacing and continuing action. Unlike other Rumbles (such as with Goldberg/Brock or Hogan/Warrior) there wasn’t a huge angle to get over, and there was little in the way of down time slowing the pacing and making it boring.

They made this Rumble feel like something special and truly made it “One against All,” nowhere more showcased than Reigns eliminating Rollins. Furthermore we had 8 guys go over twenty minutes, 5 of those over twenty-five minutes, 3 of them over thirty, with Fin Balor clocking in at 57 minutes and eventual winner SINSHUKE NAKAMURA outlasting everyone and going strong at 44 minutes.

I loved this Rumble match. Nakamura was favored to win going in, so that was no surprise. I believe it was the right call.

Why?

WRESTLEMANIA: AJ Styles versus Nakamura! Hell Yeah!


MATCH #4

RAW TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Seth Rolling & Jason Jordan (Champions) defend against The Bar

Finally! An end to the Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins debacle of a title run. Well, not Seth Rollins, because Tyler Black would never tag himself out of a match like punk ass Jason Jordan did. Due to Jason Jordan being Jason Jordan, this was basically a handicap match with Rollins taking on The Bar by himself.

In truth, Rollins in a handicap match against Sheamus and Cesaro is better than it would have been had Jordan had any real ring time.


MATCH #5

RAW UNIVERSAL TITLE MATCH
Brock Lesnar (Champion) defends against Braun Strowman and Kane in a Triple Threat Match

Is anyone else as tired of this Brock Lesnar multi-person matches gimmick as I am? All it really does is put Brock over and bury everyone else. I know Heyman has mentioned this a few times, but they should really play up the idea of the WWE wanting to do anything to get the title off of Brock, especially with his history with Angle.

I LOVE Kane. Big fan of Braun. Take or leave Brock. All guys are capable of good matches. At first, I was down on this one, but then watched it again. For the time it received it delivered what it should have: A slobber knocker, pier-six-brawl of power moves that left destruction in its wake.

When the dust settled, Lesnar conquered the Monsters.

Stephanie McMahon on commentary? Alexa Bliss and Charlotte ringside? That can only mean one thing!

THE WOMEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE IS THE MAIN EVENT!

YES!

Maybe it’s the fact that this was the first Women’s Rumble. Maybe it’s the fact that I have wanted to see this my entire life. But this match was

WOMAMAZING!!!

I loved every moment of this match except for Vicki Guerrero, she had no place in this match at all. Other than Vickie, I think every women in this match – no matter how long they were in – gave it their all, from current stars to legends from the past, no one phoned this in.

This IS a special moment, and everyone knew it.


I love seeing ladies who paved the way (Molly Holly, Jacqueline, Beth Phoenix, Lita, Trish, Torrie) get their chance to shine in this match, even though we all knew they wouldn’t win.

As expected Asuka won, last eliminating Nikki Bella to win the match – while the WWE teased pissing us all off by having Nikki win.










I have to single out some special performances here:
1. Lita – How Awesome was Lita during her time in this match? Serious, this was Team Extreme Lita.

2. Michelle McCool – She looked like she hasn’t missed a step. For the 8 minutes she was in, she was dominate, eliminating a now record 5 women.

3. Nia Jax – Awesome. That’s it. Awesome. She has come a long way and this proved it. I would not have been disappointed had she won.

4. Becky Lynch – Had the second longest time in this match at entrant #2.

5. Trish startus – Entrant #30 and she looked awesome. I was never a fan but she was great here, and for a moment I though the WWE might just pull the trigger.

6.  Sasha Banks – Most know I am not a big Sasha fan, she’s good, I just don’t think she’s at the level many people put her at. She lasted almost the entire match, nearly an hour and it took both Bella’s to oust her. No matter what – even over her title reigns and matches with Charlotte and Bayley – her performance here cements a Sasha Banks legacy.

The Match was Awesome. Then came the most polarizing moment of the night!!

Rhonda Rousey pointing at the WrestleMania sign! Yep, she’s here. I know a lot of people had a problem with this (including Nia and Sasha (legit??)), but I didn’t. Brining her out here after the match was the right move, and a surprise.

Most people thought she would be in the Rumble – even win it! Now that would have been terrible, as it would have turned the event into a joke and would have just been used to intro Rousey to the WWE at the expense of all the ladies.

This way, just fine.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Can we do this again? Damn fine show all around and the best EVENT since last year’s WrestleMania.

The weakest match in the card was the Universal Triple Threat Title Match, and even that was good.

RATING: 8

WWE MAIN ROSTER MANIA WEEK FOUR – RAW 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND ROYAL RUMBLE GO HOME SHOWS

25TH ANNIVERSARY AND ROYAL RUMBLE GO HOME SHOW

JANUARY 22ND

First off, yes I know the Enzo Amore story broke Monday afternoon before the show started. Yes, I have read reports about the accusations. Yes, I have also read the reports about what segments were reportedly changed when he was pulled from the show. Yes, I am sure the issue put many – especially Vince – into a very bad mood.

I’ll discuss Enzo in another piece after I’m caught up.

No, I don’t blame the Enzo news for how bad the RAW 25TH ANNIVERSARY was.

I was really look forward to this. This was the first RAW I have looked forward to in a long time. Like many fans around my age, I have seen every Monday Night RAW. I have never missed a show and watched all when they aired. So, this was special.

Then it wasn’t. Disappointing, disastrous, dud, underwhelming, utterly anemic are just a few words used to described RAW’s 25TH ANNIVERSARY. Were there matches? Sure, if you want to call them that. And how were the legends used?

I can answer that this way: Why were they there? None of them did anything. Brawler, Brother Love, Teddy and a few showed up in Angel’s office, not to be seen again until the end of the show. Jeff Hardy, Ted DiBase and others played poker with the APA. The Godfather introduced his wife to Sexual Chocolate. Jericho put Elias on the list (Pre-Taped?). The Ex-General Managers came out and stood on the ramp. The ladies came out and waved.

At least Christian got on the mic and did a Peep Show introduction.

Of course, DX was given a good amount of time, with Razor, and gave The Balor (Bullet) Club a rub.
Other than that, nothing.

Was the Rumble mentioned? The Woman’s Rumble? If they were, I barely remember.

The Universal Title match was only given the overrun and that was it.

Of course, Vince got his time in, in another waste of an overlong segment.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Complete DUD not worth watching. A RAW 25TH ANNIVERSARY as produced by IMPACT WRESTLING.

RATING: Not Worthy

###

ROYAL RUMBLE GO SHOW HOME

JANUARY 23RD

At least Smackdown had its eye on the ball and did some build to the Rumble.

The focus was still on Kami (aka Yep Movement), they started and ended the show, building up to the 2-on-1 World title handicap match by having the main event being AJ Styles facing Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn back to back.

In fact Smackdown did a lot to build up to the Rumble. The women brawled after Liv Morgan beat Naomi, finishing with Beck Lynch throwing people out of the ring. Orton interfered in a match between Nakamura and Corbin by RKOing both of them.

And we had an excellent match between Jay Uso and Chad Gabriel setting up the tag team Championship match at the Rumble.

Plus, the tension between Daniel and Shane continued to build.

Smackdown did what RAW failed to do, put on a wrestling show and build toward the Rumble.

Not a great Go Home show, but decent.

RATING: 6.5

FINAL THOUGHTS HEADING INTO THE RUMBLE:

It really seemed that the WWE was heading upward in their quality of shows heading into the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania Season. RAW was getting better, Smackdown was staying the course.
It seemed that way, until the RAW 25TH Anniversary Show – perhaps the worst Go Home show in history.

At least the Smackdown Go Home Show didn’t drop the ball.

Or did it?

Unfortunately the WWE has dropped the ball Big Time on properly promoting the Royal Rumble.

RAW has spent more time building the Universal Title Match and Smackdown the World Title Match.

The Men’s Rumble feels like an afterthought. We’ve had both Go Home Shows and we still don’t know half the field (officially, announced on TV).

And what about the Woman’s Royal Rumble? Massive Fail. This should be pushed to the stars on a rocket. It should be everything. Yet, they are building it like nothing special and business as usual. This should have the biggest build of any event/match this century.

 - Ace Masters

WWE MAIN ROSTER MANIA WEEK THREE

JANUARY 15TH

So, what did RAW bring us this week?

Braun Strowman being fired for burying Kane and Lesnar under the scaffolding! On live TV! After firing Braun, Kurt got the Hell out of the ring and left the poor local smucks to deal with Braun.

Of course, Braun is a professional. He took the firing and losing his Rumble title shot in stride and left without incident.

Um, no.

Well almost, until one member of ‘security’ put his hand on Braun’s shoulder.

Braun being fired = Security destroyed, Curt Hawkins nearly crippled, Chocolate Cake devoured, Semi Truck overturned, Kurt Angle more concerned with the Production Trucks then peoples lives, Michael Cole manhandled, Braun rehired by order of Stephanie, Cole tossed off the stage into security and worse of all Todd Phillips on commentary on RAW (Damn you, Strowman!)!

Even though rehiring him so quickly was kind of stupid, his rampage was kinda entertaining.

Jason Jordan struck again, this time distracting The Bar and costing them a second match against Titus World Wide. The Bar was not the only people upset about this, so was Seth Rollins – still upset with Jordan not being a ‘team mate.’

This night was mostly the ‘Strowman Rampage Show’ but included some good matches – Roman versus Axel and Dallas really wasn’t one of them, because it was more of an angel than a match. Cedric Alexander versus Tony Neese was good.

Asuka versus Nia Jax was the standout match and highlight of the night. They put on a really good match where one wondered if Asuka might finally lose. This was far better than their NXT matches. For one major reason: Nia Jax is much better than her NXT days.

Jax is better than she was just over the summer.

Asuka looked good in a match where she had to overcome the odds and take a beating. Even though she lost due to stoppage, Nia Jax came out the real winner. This match showcased how much she has improved and proved that she is a major threat to anyone.

On this night Nia Jax ARRIVED.

The Revival returned, squashed some jobbers and cut a promo with Charly Carsuo. They are wrestlers, not Sport Entertainers. I love the Revival, but did their bad run of luck with back to back injuries stall their careers?

The shocking moment of the night came by way of Sonya Devillie pinning Sasha Banks! Sasha was upset by Devillie, then cried.

Our main event saw Seth Rollins gain some measure of payback in a victory over Finn Balor, in a match that Jason Jordan’s big mouth got him into. It was a decent match until the waning minutes when it seem awkward and rushed as Finn appeared to have hurt his neck. After the loss, he didn’t get up as fast as normal.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall we had two good RAWS back to back. An amazing feat in this era.

RATING: 7

###

JANUARY 16th 

We open the show hot going straight into the United States Title Tournament. Xavier Woods, with The New Day in tow, barreled his way into his semi-final match against Jinder Mahal. Sadly, nothing Xavier did could get him on track and he fell to the Maharaja. This was basically set up to show Jinder as being dominate going into his finals match.

After a series of Selfie-Videos from the ladies, each proclaiming themselves the winner of the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble, and a Renee Young AJ Styles Interview where he promises to do everything he can to cancel the Kami Show (Yep Movement), we go straight into the next United States Title Tournament semi-final match:
Bobby Roode Versus Mojo Rawley

I have to admit Mojo Rawley actual showed up for this match and hung in there with Bobby Roode. Mojo’s new attitude, leading to a new style, is working for him. More aggression then hype, in this match he showed some moves and in-ring work he never showed before. He might actually be improving, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the veteran Ring General Bobby Roode, who won the right to move onto the finals next week . . .

But first gets beat down by the Sign Brothers this week, then has to listen to Mahal saying he will put an end to the Gloriousness!

Roode’s response? A challenge to have the finals tonight! Mahal’s answer: NO.

Daniel Bryan’s Answer: YES, YES, YES!

Next up the Riott Squad won a six-woman tag match over Naomi, Lynch and Flair. Liv Morgan picks up the upset pin over Naomi after a ‘Code-Breaker’ type knee to the jaw. A very good match that saw all the ladies get time, and gave Morgan a much needed good showing.

A backstage interview with the Usos is cut short by an attack from Gable and Benjamin as this rivalry heats up.

It’s United States Title Tournament Finals Time. It’s Main Event Time. Bobby Roode has been one of my favorites for over a Decades. I’ve always been a Jinder fan, and he has stepped it up big time since Vince dumped SD LIVE on his shoulders (though I disagree with the booking).

What followed was an extremely good, hard fought and tough match as both guys wanted to stake their claim as the new US Champion, but in the end only Bobby Roode would see his name immortalized as United State Heavyweight Champion!

RATING: GLORIOUS

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall two shows that I liked this week. Has the Road to WrestleMentary really begun? Technically yes. In reality – only Maybe.

On another thought: Am I the only person who noticed that the two finalist fighting for the United States Title are both Canadian?

I don’t know why they made to call to move the finals up a week, but I think it was a good idea. Let the Go Home Show focus on the Royal Rumble.

Oh, wait, maybe because of RAW’s 25th Anniversary!

(Oh Boy).

WWE MAIN ROSTER MANIA WEEK TWO

As I wrote yesterday (WrestleMentary, The State of GETTING CAUGHT UP for 2018), I am now in catch up mode – both in watching and writing about the WWE Main Roster shows.

For MAIN ROSTER MANIA (MRM) WEEK ONE I broke my commentary down by matches and angels/promos for both shows. I’m going to try a different format this week going forward and just write my straight forward thought on the shows, especially since I am in catch up mode.

As we go deeper into the year, I will see what format works and feels the best. It will probably always be an evolving beast.

Ok, here we go: MAIN ROSTER MANIA WEEK TWO

MONDAY NIGHT RAW – JANUARY 8TH

What’s up with Jason Jordan and his push? I don’t get it. The idiot seems to think he’s a member of the Shield and constantly acts like he’s the guy (Hey, Roman!), and keeps screwing things up. He’s that friend in real life you don’t want around. You know, the one that keeps speaking for you? That’s Jason Jordon. It’s not entertaining. It’s annoying and anytime he is out there is become borderline Fast Forward Worthy.

This time, to open RAW with another overlong boring promo, Jordan’s mouth gets him, Roman and Seth into a main event match with Balor Club. A Main Event that would see the Balor Club victorious.

The Balor Club was given a good build up. Cedric received a nice rub from Goldust and a count out win over Enzo in a title match that was supposed to lead into a Cruiserweight Title Match at the Rumble (before Enzo’s issues).

The Bray Wyatt and Woken Matt Hardy feud was furthered with the weirdest in-ring confrontation I can remember and . . .

THE MIZ RETURNED . . . This alone makes it the best broadcast since The Miz left.

There were three big moments on the show that overshadowed even the Miz’s return:

Titus World Wide defeating The Bar!
This was a damn good match with an upset no one saw coming! I think most people felt like I did, The Bar would destroy Titus and Apollo. Nope, didn’t happen. Maybe they will start using these two right.

Brock Lesnar arrived to RAW to respond to the events of last week only to have Strowman drop a scaffolding on him and Kane in the back. Yes, Braun pulled a scaffolding down on top of Brock and Kane. Brock was carted off on an ambulance. Kane walked off gingerly into the abyss.

The Final moment was The Miz and Mizterouge laying out Roman Reigns to end the show! Yes, in the end, only The Miz can top The Miz.

However, my favorite part of the night was Alexa Bliss spending the evening trying to convince Nia to do her dirty work against Asuka.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall I liked this RAW – there were some good matches, nice promos and everything seemed to have a point with the show laid out nicely. If RAW put out more broadcasts like this, there wouldn’t be so many legit complaints.

Better than the first RAW of the year. Best RAW of January over all leading into the Rumble.

RATING: 7

###

SMACKDOWN LIVE – JANUARY 9TH

The show opened with a Phenomenal Segment, Rene Young Interviewing AJ Styles, where he admits that he is also Phenomenal at putting foot in mouth with sarcastic comments and questioned where Daniel Bryan stands.

Cue the Kevin and Sami Show, cue Shane-o-Mac and we have our main event set for the night: A preview of the Royal Rumble Handicap match, only this time it is AJ Styles, Nakamura and Randy Orton versus The Kevin and Sami Show.

Becky Lynch, with Charlotte and Naomi as back up, would gain a measure of vengeance by making Ruby Riott tap out! This was a really good match, it put Ruby over as a threat, but still shows Lynch as one to beat.

Can the Ascension go away please? They’ve sucked and been buried ever since their poorly thought out discretion of Road Warrior Hawk. This week they were destroyed by Harper and Rowan (thank you), with no Breezango in sight for the save. Good.

The US title Tournament Continued. Mojo Rawley finally showed up for a match and did something as he walked through Zack Ryder on his way to face Bobby Roode in the next round.

Xavier Woods, with The New Day in tow, barreled his way into his semi-final match against Jinder Mahal. Sadly, nothing Xavier did could get him on track and he fell to the Maharaja. This was basically set up to show Jinder as being dominate going into his finals match.

In ring Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin did a very awkward and hard to watch segment with Daniel Bryan. The problem is that this segment was way over produced, went on too long, and was to rehearsed and scripted.

Bryan seemed comfortable, but Shelton (never a great talker) and Chad seemed like actors trying desperately to remember and deliver their lines. And I like these guys.

They get what they want though: another title match against The Usos at the Rumble, 2 out of 3 falls.

The What Just Happened moment of the night occurred when Breezango beat Rusev Day! Very good match, nice surprise of an ending. Rusev went nuts after being pinned, while Aiden tried to calm him down. Classic.

In Our Main Event we finally see Shane get over on Kevin and Sami, twice coming out to make rulings. Once he prevented Kevin and Sami from leaving ringside and made it a No DQ match. Later, his appearance lead to AJ Styles chasing Kevin Owens into the back, leaving Sami alone to get destroyed by Nakamura and Orton.

Who won? Styles, Nakamura and Orton? Or Shane McMahon?

Good Broadcast furthering all the feuds heading into the Rumble.

RATING: 7

###

At this point, in MRM WEEK ONE I broke down the shows and did comparison of Match of the Night, Wrestlers and so on. For now, until caught up, I will be skipping that for time sake.

 - Ace Masters

THE BEST WRESTLERS YOU (MAY) NEVER HAVE HEARD OF . . . ALEXANDER HAMMERSTONE

Glowing, flowing, blonde locks? CHECK

Muscles Galore? DOUBLE CHECK

Hammer? TRIPLE CHECK

Chris Hemsworth may play Thor in the movies, but he has nothing on Alexander Hammerstone. Hammerstone may just be the closest thing in the real world to a living, breathing version of THOR.

There are three words to describe Alexander Hammerstone:

DETERMINED, INTENSE, WARRIOR

I have followed the career of Hammerstone for nearly four years now. He was on the first AWF card I attended in 2014 – and has been on many since. I’ve also been ring side for many of his matches at RockStar Wrestling Alliance, PHX Wrestling and others.

He also wrestled prominently for Paragon Wrestling and one can find many of his matches on the Fite APP.

How good is he? Well, the WWE has called him in twice for try outs. (Hey, Sheamus was called in three times).

I have literally seen dozens of Hammerstone matches from ring side and have witness the evolution of the Thunder God.

When I first saw him in 2014 I was struck by his look, build, long blonde hair and even then doing a Viking gimmick, hailing from “Valhalla.”

That Hammerstone was raw, green and not the smoothest operator in the ring. Hard hitting, powerful and fast were his major attributes, with a John Cena like drop kick to the abdomen. He was more intense than he was good.

By Odin was he popular though! There were a few hundred people in the event center and all were on their feet for this bezerker.


Over the next four years, Hammerstone evolved. He became a member of two tag teams: Murder by Muscle (with Alexander Chamberlain) and Gods of War (with Joe Graves), and played up the Thor angle carrying a giant hammer to the ring.

As his gimmick evolved, he bounced between Face and Heel – with this greatest strides in this part of his game seen as an intense and downright scary Heel. He feels like a Viking horde ready to pillage everything in sight, all rolled into one person.

His skills have seen the greatest evolution – gone is the raw and green Hammerstone, replaced by a warrior whose skillset has increased greatly. He now has a sweet drop kick that can smack some poor opponent right in the chin.

His wrestling game has improved greatly, his strength unmatched and he knows how to go and tell a story in the ring.

Hammerstone is the all-around package.

Hey Vince, don’t call this guy for another try-out – just call him up. NOW.











 - Ace Masters

Oh, and if you don't know HAMMERSTONE . . . 

WHY THE HELL NOT!?!?

WrestleMentary, The State of GETTING CAUGHT UP for 2018

WrestleMentary, The State of GETTING CAUGHT UP for 2018

Well, my big plans for WrestleMentary this year started off very well . . . then derailed quickly.

But this time for good reasons – for me – almost. 

What did I get done? Well, I posted one Main Roster Mania, one Impact Stress Test, and my first two ‘Best Wrestlers You (MAY) Never Have Heard Of (to great success I add).

Then January got away from me (and this year to start with). I haven’t posted any WWE Main Roster Mania Commentary past week one, and I am a month behind on RAW, SD LIVE and the PPVs.

As I wrote above – the reasons are good (mostly) – and have to do with my writing career. Leading to the first time in my life I have voluntary skipped RAW and Smackdown. (And other Wrestling shows.)

So, what are the reasons? Let’s get the not-so-good out of the way first: I was fairly sick for about ten days or so. I really wasn’t feel good, and with not feeling good I really didn’t do anything. With being sick, I didn’t feel like doing much.

Fortunately I didn’t have this bad strain of the Flu going around, just a cold. But, sometimes I wimp out when I’m sick.

Now, the good reason (s): Requested Re-Writes for short stories!

Yes, over the last year or so I have had great success is getting shorts picked up for publication (some not to see print for up to three years). Over the last few weeks I have had 6 requests for re-writes. I decided to focus on these re-writes and get them done ASAP, rather than wait on the deadlines (one didn’t need to be done until June or July). It looks better to get them done immediately, rather than last-moment.

This didn’t just put me behind on WrestleMentary, but all projects. It was the right move.

Now though, I am back to WrestleMentary and it is time to get caught up. Between today (Wednesday 3/14) and WrestleMania 34 (Sunday 4/8), I will get WrestleMentary’s WWE Commentary completely caught up with Commentary an ALL RAW’S, SD LIVE’S, ROYAL RUMBLE, ELMINATION CHAMBER and FASTLANE.

For now I am going to focus on WWE only through WrestleMania. After that I will get caught up on Impact, CWA, and AWF, while keeping current with the WWE.

Getting caught up starts today, as I will post the first missed BEST WRESTLERS YOU (MAY) NEVER HAVE HEARD OFF . . . tonight.

That’s it for now. Now it is time for me to speed down the Road to getting Caught Up in time for WrestleMania.

ACE MASTERS

MAIN ROSTER MANIA WEEK ONE

So, how did the WWE do in their first Broadcast of the New Year?

Did RAW Fail . . . again?

Did SD LIVE Thrive . . . again?

Let’s find out, right now . . . in the first ever edition of:

MAIN ROSTER MANIA!

MONDAY NIGHT RAW

January 1st, 2018 – New Year’s Day.

I’ll give it up for, to start of the New Year, they did go all out. They even delivered a near ‘guy cry’ moment, a moment we can only hope wasn’t a one off.

THE ANGLES:

ANGLE #1
Once again, we started RAW off with an overlong filler promo that seems designed to just waste time. Once again, Angle is out to say something, gets interrupted and ONCE AGAIN Jason Jordan sticks his nose where he doesn’t belong and beats his chest.

This time it is The Bar interrupting Angle demanding a rematch for their titles, out comes Jason acting like he is ready to take both Cesaro and Sheamus on. Cue, Seth Rollins, not out to back up his new tag team champion partner, but to scold Jason for not being a team player.

All this resulted in a sudden match that saw Cesaro job out to Jordan.

Really? I’m sick of this Jason Jordan angle. I’m sick of him saying he is the only guy who can beat someone when he rarely wins. I was hoping it would end soon, but with Jordan replacing the injured Ambrose that doesn’t seem likely.

We all know how this story will eventually end: either Angle and Jordan turn heel, or Jordan turns heel and reveals Angle isn’t his father – leading to a match.

Right now, Jordan is taking up to much time on RAW and it isn’t adding to the show. RAW is become the Jason Jordan Show. Which, any time he is on the air, is becoming a great moment to get a snack.

It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if Jordan wasn’t a CRY BABY.

ANGLE #2
Alexa Bliss is scheduled for a Non-Title match against Asuka – much to her chagrin. She doesn’t want in. She spends her time on RAW leading up to the match first trying to get Angel to cancel it, then unsuccessfully trying to get Nia Jax to be ring side. Sorry Alexa. Good luck.

ANGLE #3
Leading into Roman Reigns’ match with Samoa Joe, he and Seth talk about Joe. Cue Jason Jordan again butting it. Yikes.

ANGLE #4
In the back, Kane approaches Strowman with an idea: They team up at the Rumble to take out Brock. Good Idea. Problem: Strowman says NO.

ANGLE #5
The Show closed out with Brock in ring and Heyman mouthing off as usually – with the claim that Brock is the devil’s favorite, not Kane. Kane didn’t like this, and made Brock pay with a chokeslam. Brock would sit up, and clothesline Kane of the ring.

Then the locker room emptied to separate the two. Credits rolled with Kane being forced to the back, and Brock bouncing around ring side.

A nice segment to end the show and set up the match. Braun Strowman NOT involved made it even better, selling that he doesn’t care about either one.

It was a little odd though, as it seemed to me the boys from the back came out a little too early.

THE MATCHES

MATCH #1
Cesaro versus Jason Jordan

This come out of the opening Promo Segment. It was an average match at best, both guys showcased what they can do. Cesaro showed his ring savvy and experience far outmatched anything Jordan could do physically. In the end though, Jordan gain the upset victory.

MATCH #2
Bray Wyatt versus Apollo Crews

Why? Why? Apollo Crews is far better than what they are doing with him. In this throw away match, Bray dominated and beat Crews rather easily, even with Titus World Wide at Ring Side.
Then Hardy appeared on the Titan Tron, seemingly freaking out Bray. (Can I wake up now?)

MATCH #3
Alexa Bliss versus Asuka (Non-Title)

For the majority of this match, Bliss stayed in avoidance mode, or was getting completely dominated. When Bliss tried to fight, we saw glimpses of what could be a good match. In the end though, Bliss wasn’t just ‘Not Ready For Asuka’ she didn’t want any part of Asuka.

Asuka wins via tap out.

MATCH #5
Strowman versus Rhyno, then Slater

Wow. In Rhyno’s attempt to toughing up Slater all he achieved was both of them getting squashed by Strowman. And a bloodthirsty crowd calling for Strowman to do it ‘on more time.’

MATCH #6
Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns versus Samoa Joe

I have only two things to say about this match: Match of the Night; Wrestlers of the Night.

If you want, you can skip the rest of the show and just watch this match. I am not even a Roman fan, and I will admit he was great here. He might finally be getting better.

MATCH #7
Drew Gulak and Divari versus Cedric Alexander and . . .

Drew Gulak started out by read a statement from Enzo – who can’t defend the title due to the flu. Best part of this, Drew correcting Enzo bad grammar.

Instead we get a tag match. Cedric’s partner: GOLDUST!!!

Cedric and Goldust go on to win a short but entertaining match.

Elias, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel in a six-man tag match against . . . The (Bullet) CLUB. Yes, you read that right.

Elias, Dallas, Axel versus Fin Balor, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Forget about the squash match, it was awesome seeming these three together.

Cole even mention their time in Japan together, but not by name.

The Highlights:

• Goldust
• Intercontinental Championship Match
• The Club! This is the near Guy Cry moment. Please WWE let this guy stay a group, give us something to really go for.

Final Thoughts:
I’ve written for almost two years now: RW BAD, SD LIVE GOOD. Maybe not tonight.

Tonight I felt RAW delivered an above average show which I enjoyed. I loved seeing The Club together, Alexa being the cowardly heel was nice, Enzo not on the show was great and the IC Title match Rocked.

Lowlight of the Night: No Cruiserweight title match

Highlight of the Night: The ‘Club’ Reunion

Match of the Night: Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns defends against Samoa Joe

Wrestlers of the Night: Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe.

Rating: 6.5

SMACKDOWN LIVE

January 2ND, 2018

THE ANGELS:

ANGEL #1
I wish I could say we started out hot, instead PROMO Time.

Styles hits the ring, talking about Owens, Zayn and the thought that Bryan is showing them favoritism. Styles calls Bryan out to let him know if Owens will be ringside for the Styles/Zayn main event.

Bryan makes his way down to YES, YES, YES chants, followed directly by Shane McMahon. Shane steals the segment, never lets Bryan talk and again accuses him of favoritism to Owens/Zayn. He announces that if Owens will be ring side, so will he.

Bryan then speaks, saying that if Owens will be ring side, Shane will be ring side, then he will be ring side. This sets up a stacked Main Event: Styles and Zayn in ring, McMahon, Bryan and Owens ring side.

In truth the Shane versus Owens/Zayn angle has run thin, adding Bryan and Styles (and by default the World Title to the mix) spices things up. Still, this is going into overkill fast.

Why it hasn’t reached overkill just yet and still works is for two reasons: The building tension between Bryan and Shane – where is this going to go?; The great dynamic and personalities of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.

ANGEL #2
In the back The New Day is celebrating the New Year in a way odd even for them. Then comes RUSEV DAY to save everything – complete with Aiden singing, and Rusev calling them children. This is all a promo leading up to the English versus Woods US Title Tournament Match.

I love everyone involved. Nice bit.

THE MATCHES:

MATCH #1
Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos versus Gable and Benjamin

This was a fantastic tag team match that saw NEW Tag Team Champions for about the length of a commercial break. Jimmy complains that he was legal, but Jay was pinned by Gable. Another ref hit the ring and it turns out: Jay was illegal, Gable was illegal – Match Restarted!

Usos win and retain. Fantastic match and a great twist and call. The right call.

I wish moment like this would happen more often. Instant Replay please!!

MATCH #2
Breezango versus the Bludgeon Brothers

Uh, why? Maybe it’s because I love seeing Breezango get tortured like this – and I am a big fan.

There is something I have to write – which I never thought I ever would, or would want to: Let The Bludgeoning Begin. Which, yeah, is what this match was. Double time. The Ascension hit the ring early this time, or for a Bludgeoning themselves.

MATCH #3
US Title Tournament Match: Aiden English versus Xavier Woods

We start the match with Rusev signing! Please put Aiden back on the mic. NOW!

The match between Aiden and Xavier was really good. Aiden showed his mat skills and ‘manly’ style, while Woods’ agility always amazes. This was a good, hard fought match that Woods eventually won and moved on in the Tournament.

Woods will next face Jinder Mahal.

MATCH #4
The Welcoming Committee is back! Natalya, Carmella and Tamina versus the Riott Squad.

This was a decent woman’s match more designed to promote the Royal Rumble, then be a match. Sara Logan was the star here.

Afterwards, Ruby cut a promo renaming the Royal Rumble the Royal Riott, until she was interrupted by Charlotte and Naomi . . . and a PISSED BECKY LYNCH. Yes, the Lass Kicker is back!

MATCH #5
Main Event Time!

AJ Styles versus Sami Zayn – with Kevin Owens, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan Ring Side.

This match was a Match, an Angle and a lead in to the Royal Rumble all in one. All the main players in SD Live’s top angel where here, and it further this story.

It showcased AJ’s frustration with the Kevin and Sami Show. It pushed Shane vendetta against the Kevin and Sami Show.

However, the biggest moment in all this was Daniel Bryan throwing Shane McMahon out of the arena, after McMahon had Owens thrown out. That was followed by Bryan announcing that AJ Style ill defend the World Title against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match at the Rumble!

Is this favoritism from Daniel Bryan?

Lost in all this was a damn good match that saw Zayn pin the champ.

The Highlights:

• The Kevin and Sami Show
• Rusev calling The New Day Children
• The Tag Team Title Match.

Final Thoughts:
Smackdown didn’t try to go all out like RAW did. They did what they seem to focus on – putting on the best show they can. And they did just that, with good promos and solid matches around. Over all a good, entertaining show. Even if the main angel is starting to wear thin.

Lowlight of the Night: N/A
Highlight of the Night: Rusev calling The New Day Children
Match of the Night: Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos versus Gable and Benjamin
Wrestler of the Night: Xavier Woods
Rating: 7

COMPARISION

MONDAY NIGHT RAW VERSUS SMACKDOWN LIVE

THE ANGELS:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Top Angel: The Jason Jordan show.
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Top Angel: The Kevin and Sami Show.

Both Angels are start to wear thin and drag on, but Kevin and Sami have such great dynamic they make it work. Sami seems to be having a lot of fun.

ADVANTAGE: SMACKDOWN LIVE

THE HIGHLIGHTS:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Top Highlight: The Club Reunion.
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Top Angel: Rusev calling the New Day children.

There is no comparison: The Club.

ADVANTAGE: MONDAY NIGHT RAW.

THE MATCHES OF THE NIGHT:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns versus Samoa Joe
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos versus Gable and Benjamin

ADVANTAGE: TIE

THE WRESTLER OF THE NIGHT:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Xavier Woods

Woods and Aiden put on a good show, but the IC Title match saw Roman up his game big time.

ADVANATGE: MONDAY NIGHT RAW

FINAL THOUGHTS:
When it comes to comparing my big points: Angel, Highlight, Match and Wrestler, RAW barely comes out ahead. However I rated RAW 6.5 overall, with SD Live gaining a 7.

What pushes SD Live to a 7 l is three good matches and the Kevin and Sami Show.

So even though I give RAW the advantage in Match, Highlight and Wrestler, SD Live still comes out ahead, but just barely this time.

WINNER: SMACKDOWN LIVE!

Glitter & Slam: Chained Heat

In this edition of Glitter and Slam we'll talk about the first women's Elimination Chamber and the aftermath.

Overall, the match was solid, even though it was sold on a lack of buildup or tension between the combatants beyond wanting the Raw women's title. Everyone stuck to what they did best and the veterans, mostly, carried the lion's share of the action.

(Mandy Rose got a chance to showcase some of her power before wisely booked out as the first elimination. Source: WWE.com)

Mandy Rose was utilized correctly, making the most of her willingness to take tough bumps and abilities as a striker. With the exception of a flapjack on Sasha Banks, her story was kept simple en route to her first elimination. I still question Rose getting in this match over the more technically reliable Alicia Fox, but Paige's career-ending injury necessitated someone getting in the cage who wasn't ready.

(A newly toughened Bayley gets some hang time on Sonya Deville. Source: WWE.com)

Deville fared better, although violent settings like the chamber don't give one a chance to show her grappling skills. Not surprisingly, she was eliminated next by Mickie James, whose time was far too short in the cage. James leaped from a pod getting some outstanding hang time and a big pop.

 I was surprised James made such a rapid exit after giving fans the most memorable high spots of the match. The best WWE creative could do with her was a flimsy ad hoc alliance with the champion, which was irrelevant as Bliss never entered the chamber until her seeming cohort was gone.

(James had the most memorable spots of the match before her elimination. Source: WWE.com)

In the end Sasha Banks and Bayley, working together in the short term, carried the load to the end with Bliss finally emerging from her pod, only to try to lock herself in it. The champ was every bit the sneaky, cowardly, but ultimately conniving opportunist.  In the end Bliss's major highlight was the best promo of her career once the match ended. Before the final bell, she was able to hang back and watch the ad hoc partnership between Bayley and the Boss abruptly end with a nasty little smile as Banks kicked Bayley in the face, knocking her off the pod as they followed Bliss upward onto the structure.

(Mere minutes before stabbing her bff in the back, Banks and Bayley close in on the champ. Source: WWE.com)

En route to a hit-or-miss style conclusion, in which Bliss made Banks pay for her high-risk style with a snap DDT off the top turnbuckle, this match served as some character rehab for Bayley. 

(With friends like this... Source: WWE Network)

(Source: WWE Network)

Hugger #1 carried herself as far tougher than the woman who couldn't even pick up a kendo stick en route to a character burial last summer. She took what she gave in the chains and steel, bowing out to Bliss in a surprise rollup after getting some payback on Banks with an avalanche Bayley-to-Belly off the top rope. This is one of the best matches of Bayley's turbulent main roster career.

(Bliss seizes the opportunity with a snap DDT off the top rope. Source: WWE Network)

Banks showed she's come a long way since the exciting but uneven Hell In A Cell match she had with Charlotte Flair in 2016. She was crisp, did her best to make the new jacks Rose and Deville look good before their eliminations.  Her abilities as a sports entertainer in this match were even more important. With the lame buildup to this spectacle, the audience needed hooked in at the opening bell and she proved again that with a smile or a tear, a kick to the face is so much more than a kick to the face. 

(What price glory? Source: WWE Network)

It's worth noting that the camera trained on her several times during Bliss' post-match promo, as if Alexa's smarmy admonishment of the crowd was indirectly aimed at Banks. The Boss hung her head, again bitterly wrestling with defeat after a compelling match. It sold Bliss's best mic spot of her career and brought great heat for Five Feet of Fury and opens up story possibilities for the title feud going into WrestleMania.

(Bliss comes under critical fire at times for being pushed as a 100% homegrown Performance Center talent, but her value is undeniable. Source: WWE.com)

So far WWE creative seems content with letting this play out on Twitter and relegating the women to huge ensemble tag matches. While tweens and some millennials readily embrace Twitter and Facebook as part of their WWE entertainment, the women will not continue to evolve if we're left with vague one-liners and one-off tag snubs. After this solidly entertaining match, that was not what any of the Team Red women needed on the post-chamber Raw.

(Bayley about to blow off the Boss. Source: WWE.com)

Fans hate to love Alexa Bliss as one of the top heels in WWE and we have great potential for a secondary feud to explode between Banks and best friend Bayley, but no real groundwork is laid, and even the most social media savvy aren't going to feel like they're getting the entertainment they want--in or out of the ring-- on Twitter.

(Be despised for fun and profit! Source: WWE.com)

This is certainly better than 2010, but WWE is leaving money and another potential surge of growth for women at the top level on the table. As of this writing the trending video at WWE.com about the whole Bayley/Banks thing asks "is trouble brewing?"  This should have degraded into a brawl and burned bridges to light the way to WrestleMania, but we're going to pretend there is a mystery. That's akin to saying The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a who-dun-it.

(Her victory was clear, but Asuka's direction for WrestleMania is not. Source: WWE.com)

In light of reigniting a slow burn for Raw's besties from last year, Asuka's story remains unclear. There is no clear contender beyond Fastlane for a Mania bout for the Smackdown championship, and Asuka vs. Charlotte has that match of the year feel. In light of Carmella's perpetual holding of the Money In The Bank case and the potential of Asuka vs. Rousey in the future, this is one decision that could be a real surprise either way. Beyond the story in the ring, however, WWE has lost their way in getting more good storylines for their main roster women, and that is not the position they should be in this close to the Show of Shows.

In the next Glitter and Slam, I will analyze the Mixed Match Challenge as indicated in my last column. There was simply too much going on with the Elimination Chamber and the post-ppv Raw to get it in this time.

Follow me on Twitter: @weskozalla #glitterandslam

Follow Ace and Wrestlementary: @WrestlementaryT