The depth of any WWE roster can be judged accurately based on any given Royal Rumble.The highest-quality Rumble bouts are those that tout the most star power, the most compelling stories and the greatest booking. Those further down the list suffer from a lack of quality participants, as seen in 1993, 1995, 1996 and numerous other times in the lengthy history of the popular gimmick bout.
Rumble history is dotted with some of the most curious and underwhelming stars ever. Whether they are African tribal warriors, men of the future, legendary competitors well past their prime or even commentators, the contest's format has opened it up for some truly peculiar performers.
Now, as you gear up for the 2015 edition of the beloved bout, relive the most underwhelming and spectacularly bad entrants in Royal Rumble history!
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2332140-wwe-royal-rumble-2015-most-underwhelming-superstars-in-history-of-battle-royal
Showing posts with label WWE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WWE. Show all posts
Saturday, 17 January 2015
WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from January 15
Every week on Bleacher Report, I take an in-depth look at WWE SmackDown to recap the action, offer analysis and grade the matches, segments and anything else that takes place on the show. I also provide some predictions on the direction of storylines.
After several weeks of watching various WWE Superstars taking Rorschach tests on a psychiatrist's couch, SmackDown finally moved back to its original Thursday night timeslot.
WWE definitely wanted this to seem like an important night, which is probably why they held off on Daniel Bryan's return to the ring until now.
Once the show got going, the main focus became pushing the Royal Rumble. Renee Young interviewed several Superstars throughout the night, while others shared their thoughts on the pay-per-view in promos and video packages.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331737-wwe-smackdown-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-january-15
After several weeks of watching various WWE Superstars taking Rorschach tests on a psychiatrist's couch, SmackDown finally moved back to its original Thursday night timeslot.
WWE definitely wanted this to seem like an important night, which is probably why they held off on Daniel Bryan's return to the ring until now.
Once the show got going, the main focus became pushing the Royal Rumble. Renee Young interviewed several Superstars throughout the night, while others shared their thoughts on the pay-per-view in promos and video packages.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331737-wwe-smackdown-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-january-15
Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens Can Become the Best Feud in NXT
One of the most popular wrestlers in WWE’s NXT program is their champion Sami Zayn. He won the championship in dramatic fashion over Adrian Neville in December’s NXT R Evolution.
What’s next for the champion? Try fighting his best friend, Kevin Owens.NXT R Evolution opened with the debut of Kevin Owens, who defeated CJ Parker in an impressive performance. Owens later came out to congratulate Zayn on his championship victory. The entire roster followed, and they hoisted Zayn on their shoulders.Zayn needs that nemesis again, and Owens can fill the role perfectly. Owens can become Zayn’s "Bane," a villain that cannot easily be defeated. He could inspire doubt among fans that Zayn can overcome a monster like him. Owens has the skill set and brutality to start an ongoing war with Zayn.
The WWE sees this. Various sites (including The Inquisitr) are reporting WWE officials want Zayn and Owens to have a lengthy feud. That could mean swapping the title over the course of 2015. It also could mean Zayn becoming Owens’ kryptonite. He can defeat Owens on numerous occasions before Owens takes the title from him.
Endless possibilities surround this potential story. Frankly, it’s better to start this sooner rather than later.
Zayn and Owens can become the best feud in NXT history. The NXT developmental system has the opportunity to create a feud on par with the WWE’s best battles. They have two dynamic wrestlers in Zayn and Owens. They have the intriguing story. Why delay their inevitable bout any further?
It’s time for NXT to bring Zayn and Owens together in the wrestling ring for the NXT Championship.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2330547-sami-zayn-kevin-owens-can-become-the-best-feud-in-nxt
What’s next for the champion? Try fighting his best friend, Kevin Owens.NXT R Evolution opened with the debut of Kevin Owens, who defeated CJ Parker in an impressive performance. Owens later came out to congratulate Zayn on his championship victory. The entire roster followed, and they hoisted Zayn on their shoulders.Zayn needs that nemesis again, and Owens can fill the role perfectly. Owens can become Zayn’s "Bane," a villain that cannot easily be defeated. He could inspire doubt among fans that Zayn can overcome a monster like him. Owens has the skill set and brutality to start an ongoing war with Zayn.
The WWE sees this. Various sites (including The Inquisitr) are reporting WWE officials want Zayn and Owens to have a lengthy feud. That could mean swapping the title over the course of 2015. It also could mean Zayn becoming Owens’ kryptonite. He can defeat Owens on numerous occasions before Owens takes the title from him.
Endless possibilities surround this potential story. Frankly, it’s better to start this sooner rather than later.
Zayn and Owens can become the best feud in NXT history. The NXT developmental system has the opportunity to create a feud on par with the WWE’s best battles. They have two dynamic wrestlers in Zayn and Owens. They have the intriguing story. Why delay their inevitable bout any further?
It’s time for NXT to bring Zayn and Owens together in the wrestling ring for the NXT Championship.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2330547-sami-zayn-kevin-owens-can-become-the-best-feud-in-nxt
Breaking Down the Best and Worst of the WWE for Week of January 12
It was a week of celebrations for WWE fans thanks to Randy Savage's upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame, Daniel Bryan's return to action and Seth Rollins' rise.
The past, present and future converged. WWE saluted the past while Bryan made it easier to get excited about the state of the company today. Rollins, brass ring in hand, announced himself as a future centerpiece with both words and actions.
Elsewhere, WWE's missteps centered around poor decisions.Why it continues to feed Roman Reigns garbage lines and hurt The Ascension's chances is hard to understand. The same goes for the company's habit of having Bray Wyatt follow big wins with silence.
To ease the sting of those misguided moves, NXT once again acted as a salve. WWE developmental, especially Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn, continue to produce highlights to cap off each week.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2332048-breaking-down-the-best-and-worst-of-the-wwe-for-week-of-january-12
The past, present and future converged. WWE saluted the past while Bryan made it easier to get excited about the state of the company today. Rollins, brass ring in hand, announced himself as a future centerpiece with both words and actions.
Elsewhere, WWE's missteps centered around poor decisions.Why it continues to feed Roman Reigns garbage lines and hurt The Ascension's chances is hard to understand. The same goes for the company's habit of having Bray Wyatt follow big wins with silence.
To ease the sting of those misguided moves, NXT once again acted as a salve. WWE developmental, especially Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn, continue to produce highlights to cap off each week.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2332048-breaking-down-the-best-and-worst-of-the-wwe-for-week-of-january-12
WWE Programming's Best Match for Week of January 17
As we count down to the 2015 Royal Rumble, there's no better time for talent to stand out. Of course, WrestleMania isn't far off—but as far as the Rumble goes, the prominence of certain Superstars in the all-important battle royal may very well depend on their performance at present.
There are certain members of the roster who just need a microphone to stand out; but others are better at showing off their prowess between the ropes. The best of the best demonstrate what they can do each and every week—and a few of those familiar faces stood out over the past seven days.It seems quite clear that Zayn is set for a lengthy program with Kevin Owens in the coming months, but it's less obvious where Neville is headed. He could certainly make an impact on the main roster, but there's tantalizing feuds left for him in NXT—Neville vs. Balor in particular.
However, this match would seem to end the issue between Zayn and Neville quite neatly. You have to imagine if this match was on Raw, it would have taken much longer to come around and lacked a decisive finish; but the blistering pace of NXT television means that wasn't the case.
These two top talents added yet another great match to their series this week. If you're not already on the NXT bandwagon, it's really time to rectify that—2014 was a huge year for the stars of tomorrow, but 2015 is already shaping up to exceed it.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331506-wwe-programmings-best-match-for-week-of-january-17
There are certain members of the roster who just need a microphone to stand out; but others are better at showing off their prowess between the ropes. The best of the best demonstrate what they can do each and every week—and a few of those familiar faces stood out over the past seven days.It seems quite clear that Zayn is set for a lengthy program with Kevin Owens in the coming months, but it's less obvious where Neville is headed. He could certainly make an impact on the main roster, but there's tantalizing feuds left for him in NXT—Neville vs. Balor in particular.
However, this match would seem to end the issue between Zayn and Neville quite neatly. You have to imagine if this match was on Raw, it would have taken much longer to come around and lacked a decisive finish; but the blistering pace of NXT television means that wasn't the case.
These two top talents added yet another great match to their series this week. If you're not already on the NXT bandwagon, it's really time to rectify that—2014 was a huge year for the stars of tomorrow, but 2015 is already shaping up to exceed it.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331506-wwe-programmings-best-match-for-week-of-january-17
Thursday, 15 January 2015
Sting Should Appear at Royal Rumble to Set Up Match with Triple H
Sting made his WWE debut at Survivor Series, and with another Big Four pay-per-view coming up, expect him to return at WWE Royal Rumble.
With The Authority back in power, Sting has the perfect reason—and stage—for a high-profile return.
Watch Big Nasty break down why Sting should make his return to WWE programming at Royal Rumble in his latest Team Stream Now video!
Some photos used and modified credit: WWE.com
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331608-sting-should-appear-at-royal-rumble-to-set-up-match-with-triple-h
With The Authority back in power, Sting has the perfect reason—and stage—for a high-profile return.
Watch Big Nasty break down why Sting should make his return to WWE programming at Royal Rumble in his latest Team Stream Now video!
Some photos used and modified credit: WWE.com
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331608-sting-should-appear-at-royal-rumble-to-set-up-match-with-triple-h
Examining How WWE Can Improve the Roman Reigns-Big Show Feud
It’s time for WWE bookers to face a bleak truth: The current Roman Reigns-Big Show feud is rather abysmal.
However, that shouldn’t suggest that the angle is entirely beyond saving. In fact, if WWE plays its cards right, it can still get something out of this storyline and aid the careers of both guys.
It’s not hard to tell what has gone wrong with the angle so far. Reigns is being horrendously booked as a babyface. His promos—particularly his Jack and the Beanstalk-themed one on Monday’s Raw—have been absolutely dreadful. The bookers have him out there telling jokes that make even John Cena’s insufferable, childish ones look like smart, highbrow humor. It’s cringe-worthy.
It’s hard to believe this is the same company that managed to make "Stone Cold" Steve Austin a massive success in the ‘90s. It’s like Vince McMahon has forgotten how to make a good, popular babyface.
Things with Big Show aren’t much better. The giant has turned so many times over the years, few wrestling fans care about his current character direction. After 15 years in the company, he may have done everything he can possibly do.
Fans aren’t too keen on the angle either, unsurprisingly, judging by social media:Crucially, WWE also has to keep this program short. It really should be nothing except time-filler until the Royal Rumble—where presumably this feud will culminate in a Big Show-Reigns confrontation in the 30-man Battle Royal, with Reigns tossing out his enemy.
This rivalry simply isn’t suited for a long-term angle—it’s just not that interesting. There isn’t terribly much chemistry between the pair, nor have their in-ring exchanges been that great. The WWE writers' acceptance of this and decision to keep the program mercifully short are the first steps toward salvaging it.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331345-examining-how-wwe-can-improve-the-roman-reigns-big-show-feud
WWE Tough Enough Return Announced: Latest Details and Reaction
The third time is the charm. WWE certainly hopes that is true, as the wresting promotion is bringing back its reality show Tough Enough on USA Network. McCumber cited the recent multi-year agreement that Universal Television Networks reached to continue broadcasting Raw and SmackDown as a reason to bring back Tough Enough as a way to "capitalize on the enormous audience appeal of sports-entertainment."
WWE had a season of Tough Enough in development last year that was slated to air on the WWE Network, but Dave Meltzer of WrestlingObserver.com, via WrestlingInc.com, reported that filming got pushed back due to budget cuts.
Despite McCumber talking about the audience for the show, Tough Enough has never produced a top-notch WWE star. There have been a few key players over the years like John Morrison, but no one who has been elevated to a main event level.
Finding the right balance between talent in the ring and charisma on the microphone is not easy. WWE has the ability to make stars under the right circumstances, but it needs help. Hopefully, this new season of Tough Enough provides the kind of talent necessary to become a true WWE superstar.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331304-wwe-tough-enough-return-announced-latest-details-and-reaction
WWE had a season of Tough Enough in development last year that was slated to air on the WWE Network, but Dave Meltzer of WrestlingObserver.com, via WrestlingInc.com, reported that filming got pushed back due to budget cuts.
Despite McCumber talking about the audience for the show, Tough Enough has never produced a top-notch WWE star. There have been a few key players over the years like John Morrison, but no one who has been elevated to a main event level.
Finding the right balance between talent in the ring and charisma on the microphone is not easy. WWE has the ability to make stars under the right circumstances, but it needs help. Hopefully, this new season of Tough Enough provides the kind of talent necessary to become a true WWE superstar.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331304-wwe-tough-enough-return-announced-latest-details-and-reaction
Best Possible Scenarios for Sting's Return to WWE Programming
When wrestling legend Sting made his first-ever appearance in WWE at the 2014 edition of Survivor Series, fans from all generations were treated to one of the biggest moments in the history of the sport.
Now that Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and The Authority are back in power, though, it’s almost time for The Icon to make his return to WWE programming.
Sting’s debut took place during the main event of Survivor Series, and he was heavily responsible in removing The Authority from power. John Cena made the moment slightly less impactful just a few weeks later when he brought back The Authority in lackluster fashion.With the WWE Universe as against The Authority as it has ever been, the 2015 Royal Rumble will be Sting’s chance to return and set the stage for a match at WrestleMania 31 against Triple H.
The first possible scenario will be a reactionary appearance to retaliate against Triple H for something he does surrounding the Royal Rumble match itself. There is no doubt The Authority will have a vested interest in the eventual winner of the Battle Royal, and it’s conceivable that the heel stable will do what it can to manipulate the outcome.
In the midst of trying to get top face contenders like Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns eliminated, Sting could enter the arena through the crowd—or from the rafters—and take out The Authority, leaving Triple H and Sting in a one-on-one faceoff. This visual could be used as part of the build to the eventual WrestleMania match between the two men as well.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331061-best-possible-scenarios-for-stings-return-to-wwe-programming
Now that Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and The Authority are back in power, though, it’s almost time for The Icon to make his return to WWE programming.
Sting’s debut took place during the main event of Survivor Series, and he was heavily responsible in removing The Authority from power. John Cena made the moment slightly less impactful just a few weeks later when he brought back The Authority in lackluster fashion.With the WWE Universe as against The Authority as it has ever been, the 2015 Royal Rumble will be Sting’s chance to return and set the stage for a match at WrestleMania 31 against Triple H.
The first possible scenario will be a reactionary appearance to retaliate against Triple H for something he does surrounding the Royal Rumble match itself. There is no doubt The Authority will have a vested interest in the eventual winner of the Battle Royal, and it’s conceivable that the heel stable will do what it can to manipulate the outcome.
In the midst of trying to get top face contenders like Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns eliminated, Sting could enter the arena through the crowd—or from the rafters—and take out The Authority, leaving Triple H and Sting in a one-on-one faceoff. This visual could be used as part of the build to the eventual WrestleMania match between the two men as well.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331061-best-possible-scenarios-for-stings-return-to-wwe-programming
The Miz, Damien Mizdow vs. Usos Announced for WWE Royal Rumble 2015
A little less than a month after they lost the titles, The Miz and Damien Mizdow will have a chance to regain the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Thursday night, WWE revealed that the former champs will face The Usos at the Royal Rumble for the tag titles:The Usos, meanwhile, would remain the team to beat in WWE, with other potential tag teams vying for a shot at the belt. The tag team division is still pretty barren, but neither Uso brother looks to be in position for a strong singles push.
The tag title match won't be the most heavily anticipated match at the Royal Rumble, but depending on the outcome, it could set in motion a hot angle between Mizdow and The Miz. And you can bet that the crowd in Philadelphia will be behind Mizdow the whole way.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331768-the-miz-and-damien-mizdow-to-face-usos-for-tag-team-titles-at-2015-royal-rumble
Thursday night, WWE revealed that the former champs will face The Usos at the Royal Rumble for the tag titles:The Usos, meanwhile, would remain the team to beat in WWE, with other potential tag teams vying for a shot at the belt. The tag team division is still pretty barren, but neither Uso brother looks to be in position for a strong singles push.
The tag title match won't be the most heavily anticipated match at the Royal Rumble, but depending on the outcome, it could set in motion a hot angle between Mizdow and The Miz. And you can bet that the crowd in Philadelphia will be behind Mizdow the whole way.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2331768-the-miz-and-damien-mizdow-to-face-usos-for-tag-team-titles-at-2015-royal-rumble
Charlotte, Bayley and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News
Charlotte and Bayley, two of WWE NXT's top Divas, are both getting press this week.A respected wrestling magazine gave the NXT women's champ a major award. As for Bayley, she's getting the reward of doing a good deed. She announced that she's leading the charge at a charity event in February.
In other WWE developmental news, NXT will take its show northward for one night, Corey Graves gets extra work and Sasha Banks punched her time card far from Full Sail University.
We begin a Diva-heavy batch of reports with the current queen of that division—Charlotte.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329577-charlotte-bayley-and-latest-wwe-nxt-developmental-newsed-outside-of-the-ppv
In other WWE developmental news, NXT will take its show northward for one night, Corey Graves gets extra work and Sasha Banks punched her time card far from Full Sail University.
We begin a Diva-heavy batch of reports with the current queen of that division—Charlotte.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329577-charlotte-bayley-and-latest-wwe-nxt-developmental-newsed-outside-of-the-ppv
Remembering the Royal Rumble Matches That Occurred Outside of the PPV
The wild, massive Royal Rumble match has existed outside of the pay-per-view that goes by the same name.
WWE, like the wrestling industry as a whole, writes its own history. The history that WWE so often recounts says that the 2015 event will be the 28th time the Rumble bout will take place and that Jim Duggan won the first edition of the match back in 1988.
In reality, St. Louis hosted the first Rumble, a match that wasn't even televised.Other lesser-known versions of the clash happened at house shows and in the Far East, crowning the only woman to win a Rumble and giving Undertaker his second win. Some of them felt like Rumble-lites, while others shared the same scale of the real deal but with the victor celebrating in the darkness of obscurity
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329578-remembering-the-royal-rumble-matches-that-occurred-outside-of-the-ppv
WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from January 14, 2015
WWE NXT wasted little time demonstrating why it is the best wrestling show on television, regardless of whether it is on Wednesday or Thursday night, with a phenomenal broadcast headlined by Sami Zayn defending his NXT Championship against Adrian Neville.
The two delivered a classic at Takeover: R Evolution, and expectations were reasonably high for the rematch.
Zayn and Neville did not disappoint.Elsewhere on the program, Finn Balor battled Tyson Kidd in singles competition to kick off the evening's festivities. One look at the talent involved would seem to indicate an extraordinary contest.
They, too, would not disappoint.After weeks of dominating the opposition, Bull Dempsey and Baron Corbin faced off in singles match. Rounding out the card was Divas tag action pitting Charlotte and Natalya against Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch.
The most electric brand in WWE delivered another can't-miss show.For all that went down, including grades and analysis for each match, click the little "next" button to the right
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2330443-wwe-nxt-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-january-14-2015
The two delivered a classic at Takeover: R Evolution, and expectations were reasonably high for the rematch.
Zayn and Neville did not disappoint.Elsewhere on the program, Finn Balor battled Tyson Kidd in singles competition to kick off the evening's festivities. One look at the talent involved would seem to indicate an extraordinary contest.
They, too, would not disappoint.After weeks of dominating the opposition, Bull Dempsey and Baron Corbin faced off in singles match. Rounding out the card was Divas tag action pitting Charlotte and Natalya against Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch.
The most electric brand in WWE delivered another can't-miss show.For all that went down, including grades and analysis for each match, click the little "next" button to the right
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2330443-wwe-nxt-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-january-14-2015
Daniel Bryan Exclusive: On His Injury, Style Change and Return to WWE SmackDown
Undersized, outmuscled and lacking the seemingly requisite tan, Daniel Bryan, though obviously talented, didn't appear to have the skill set needed to survive in wrestling's major leagues. While his gift for constructing incredible matches in the ring guaranteed him a spot on the roster, he was relegated to the middle of the card. An immense talent—but one too flawed to make the perilous climb to the top.
But a funny thing happened on his path to being just another guy. Along the way, Bryan managed to connect with fans in a way few have in the modern history of the industry. Routinely, night after night, Bryan received the most consistently positive response, bigger, louder and more robust even than wrestlers presented as much bigger deals on television.
In time, WWE took note. At WrestleMania 30, Bryan triumphed against all odds, in both storyline and real life, to become WWE champion.
In May of 2014, however, just as his story was getting started, Bryan was forced out of action with a lingering neck injury. A surgery that was supposed to keep him on the shelf for eight weeks kept him at home for eight long months instead.
On Thursday, he makes his much anticipated return to Syfy, main eventing WWE SmackDown as the popular cable show moves to a new night. Bleacher Report caught up with him for an exclusive interview about what exactly happened and what is to come.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329192-daniel-bryan-exclusive-on-his-injury-style-change-and-return-to-wwe-smackdown
But a funny thing happened on his path to being just another guy. Along the way, Bryan managed to connect with fans in a way few have in the modern history of the industry. Routinely, night after night, Bryan received the most consistently positive response, bigger, louder and more robust even than wrestlers presented as much bigger deals on television.
In time, WWE took note. At WrestleMania 30, Bryan triumphed against all odds, in both storyline and real life, to become WWE champion.
In May of 2014, however, just as his story was getting started, Bryan was forced out of action with a lingering neck injury. A surgery that was supposed to keep him on the shelf for eight weeks kept him at home for eight long months instead.
On Thursday, he makes his much anticipated return to Syfy, main eventing WWE SmackDown as the popular cable show moves to a new night. Bleacher Report caught up with him for an exclusive interview about what exactly happened and what is to come.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329192-daniel-bryan-exclusive-on-his-injury-style-change-and-return-to-wwe-smackdown
Ryan Dilbert's 10-Count: WWE Is Failing the Ascension
Someone please remind WWE and John "Bradshaw" Layfield what a squash match is meant to do.Newcomers rolling over no-name enhancement talent as a means to introduce them is a time-honored tradition. This kind of match portrays the rookie as a dangerous force. It gives him a tomato can to crush before moving on to bigger challenges.
For some reason, The Ascension's dominance is instead being treated with indignation.JBL, in particular, is dismissing Viktor and Konnor's accomplishments. He scoffs at the lack of competition in front of them rather than tell us how wowed he is by their dominance.
On Tuesday's Main Event, The Ascension took on another pair of jobbers and won easily. JBL shrugged it off, saying "It's easy to beat up a punching bag."
When Tom Phillips tried to blame The Authority for not giving The Ascension tougher opponents, JBL implied it was Viktor and Konnor who were choosing inferior foes.
That's the exact opposite of selling the former NXT tag champs to the crowd. Why make them look like cowards when you can portray them as overpowering beasts? Why discount the damage they are doing in the ring?
Compare how the announcers have treated The Ascension with how WWE handled Razor Ramon's jobber-crushing. In his WWE debut, he faced the same kind of little-known grappler that The Ascension has faced so far.
Mr. Perfect and Vince McMahon spent much of the match blown away.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329580-ryan-dilberts-10-count-wwe-is-failing-the-ascension
For some reason, The Ascension's dominance is instead being treated with indignation.JBL, in particular, is dismissing Viktor and Konnor's accomplishments. He scoffs at the lack of competition in front of them rather than tell us how wowed he is by their dominance.
On Tuesday's Main Event, The Ascension took on another pair of jobbers and won easily. JBL shrugged it off, saying "It's easy to beat up a punching bag."
When Tom Phillips tried to blame The Authority for not giving The Ascension tougher opponents, JBL implied it was Viktor and Konnor who were choosing inferior foes.
That's the exact opposite of selling the former NXT tag champs to the crowd. Why make them look like cowards when you can portray them as overpowering beasts? Why discount the damage they are doing in the ring?
Compare how the announcers have treated The Ascension with how WWE handled Razor Ramon's jobber-crushing. In his WWE debut, he faced the same kind of little-known grappler that The Ascension has faced so far.
Mr. Perfect and Vince McMahon spent much of the match blown away.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329580-ryan-dilberts-10-count-wwe-is-failing-the-ascension
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
WWE SmackDown Spoilers: Complete Results and Analysis for January 16, 2015
WWE SmackDown's long-awaited return to Thursday nights just happens to coincide with the return to in-ring action of former WWE World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan, who has been sidelined since last May with a neck injury that very much threatened his career.
His first opponent? The very same man that tried to cripple him for good, The Authority's Director of Operations, Kane.
With Triple H and Stephanie McMahon still hellbent on holding down the bearded Superstar, what would they have in store for Bryan when he battled their big red corporate demon?
On the heels of Monday's stunning show-closing segment, which saw Seth Rollins deliver a Curb Stomp to Brock Lesnar, what would Paul Heyman have to say as he addressed Mr. Money in the Bank Thursday night?
What roles would Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose play as they continue to oppose The Authority?Fans in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, got their answers Tuesday night, as WWE rolled into town for its weekly SmackDown tapings.
Can't wait until Thursday to see all of the action?Take a look at what went down, thanks to our friend at WrestlingInc.com.The return of Daniel Bryan is an important occurrence within the WWE Universe, a moment that probably should have been saved for an episode of Monday Night Raw. Instead, it was squeezed onto the first Thursday episode of SmackDown in years.
Whether it worked or not remains to be seen but one glance at the rest of this week's show reveals a card that looks eerily similar to many of the best SmackDown broadcasts, with the main event stars getting the majority of the attention while the midcard performers wage war in matches that matter very little in the grand scheme of things.
Bad News Barrett and Sin Cara wrestled what is sure to be a fun match, the result of the latter's huge upset of the WWE Intercontinental champion on last week's show. Other than that, there is nothing that takes place that fans could not have witnessed elsewhere on the WWE family of television shows.
With that said, the return of Bryan to the ring is worth tuning in for. The former WWE champion has not competed since last May and has managed to remain one of the most popular stars on the roster. The energy he brings to each of his performances should help but the opener against Kane, as well as the Six-Man Tag Team main event, distance themselves from similar SmackDown main events in recent history.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329113-wwe-smackdown-spoilers-complete-results-and-analysis-for-january-16-2015
His first opponent? The very same man that tried to cripple him for good, The Authority's Director of Operations, Kane.
With Triple H and Stephanie McMahon still hellbent on holding down the bearded Superstar, what would they have in store for Bryan when he battled their big red corporate demon?
On the heels of Monday's stunning show-closing segment, which saw Seth Rollins deliver a Curb Stomp to Brock Lesnar, what would Paul Heyman have to say as he addressed Mr. Money in the Bank Thursday night?
What roles would Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose play as they continue to oppose The Authority?Fans in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, got their answers Tuesday night, as WWE rolled into town for its weekly SmackDown tapings.
Can't wait until Thursday to see all of the action?Take a look at what went down, thanks to our friend at WrestlingInc.com.The return of Daniel Bryan is an important occurrence within the WWE Universe, a moment that probably should have been saved for an episode of Monday Night Raw. Instead, it was squeezed onto the first Thursday episode of SmackDown in years.
Whether it worked or not remains to be seen but one glance at the rest of this week's show reveals a card that looks eerily similar to many of the best SmackDown broadcasts, with the main event stars getting the majority of the attention while the midcard performers wage war in matches that matter very little in the grand scheme of things.
Bad News Barrett and Sin Cara wrestled what is sure to be a fun match, the result of the latter's huge upset of the WWE Intercontinental champion on last week's show. Other than that, there is nothing that takes place that fans could not have witnessed elsewhere on the WWE family of television shows.
With that said, the return of Bryan to the ring is worth tuning in for. The former WWE champion has not competed since last May and has managed to remain one of the most popular stars on the roster. The energy he brings to each of his performances should help but the opener against Kane, as well as the Six-Man Tag Team main event, distance themselves from similar SmackDown main events in recent history.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329113-wwe-smackdown-spoilers-complete-results-and-analysis-for-january-16-2015
WWE NXT: Full Preview, Rumors and More for January 14
Welcome to Bleacher Report's preview for the Jan. 13 episode of NXT on the WWE Network. Spoilers are already out there, but if you want to know what will happen without having the matches spoiled for you, you're in the right place.
There was a little confusion last week with how the dates lined up from the spoiler report due to WWE pushing the Christmas show back a week, but we are back on track.
NXT has moved to a new night so as not to compete with SmackDown, which will air on Thursdays for the foreseeable future.
This Wednesday's show will feature a light card with only four matches, but that means each bout should be given a little more time to breath and tell the story it needs to tell.
Judging from the lineup, we should be in store for some great action. Not only will we see two Superstars meet for the first time, but we will get a huge rematch from the last TakeOver event.All four of these women have shown real skill in the ring, and given enough time, they should be able to produce a top-quality match.
Banks and Charlotte are the two everyone will be focused on, which gives Lynch and Natalya the chance to surprise everyone and steal the spotlight.
Seeing as this is a tag match, the outcome really won't affect anyone in the long run. Charlotte will still be champion, and Banks will still be trying to get another shot at the title.
The interesting part of this foursome is Natalya. They easily could have stuck any number of developmental Divas in Charlotte's corner, but they chose Nattie.
She has been in and out of NXT for the past couple of years, and it almost seems like she produces better matches against the women in the developmental system. We'll have to see if the trend continues this week.It will be interesting to see if Owens plays any part in the outcome of this match. He is clearly setting his eyes on the championship immediately, so it makes sense that he would be watching this one closely.
Seeing as Zayn spent such a long time trying to win the belt, it would seem illogical to take it off of him so soon. Whether he beats Neville or someone causes a DQ, Zayn will almost certainly walk away with his reign intact.
If this match is even half as good as the one they put on at TakeOver, it will still be better than anything we saw on Raw this past Monday.
It looks like the pattern of NXT putting on great shows will continue for at least one more week. What are you looking forward to seeing on Wednesday's episode?
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329201-wwe-nxt-full-preview-rumors-and-more-for-january-14
There was a little confusion last week with how the dates lined up from the spoiler report due to WWE pushing the Christmas show back a week, but we are back on track.
NXT has moved to a new night so as not to compete with SmackDown, which will air on Thursdays for the foreseeable future.
This Wednesday's show will feature a light card with only four matches, but that means each bout should be given a little more time to breath and tell the story it needs to tell.
Judging from the lineup, we should be in store for some great action. Not only will we see two Superstars meet for the first time, but we will get a huge rematch from the last TakeOver event.All four of these women have shown real skill in the ring, and given enough time, they should be able to produce a top-quality match.
Banks and Charlotte are the two everyone will be focused on, which gives Lynch and Natalya the chance to surprise everyone and steal the spotlight.
Seeing as this is a tag match, the outcome really won't affect anyone in the long run. Charlotte will still be champion, and Banks will still be trying to get another shot at the title.
The interesting part of this foursome is Natalya. They easily could have stuck any number of developmental Divas in Charlotte's corner, but they chose Nattie.
She has been in and out of NXT for the past couple of years, and it almost seems like she produces better matches against the women in the developmental system. We'll have to see if the trend continues this week.It will be interesting to see if Owens plays any part in the outcome of this match. He is clearly setting his eyes on the championship immediately, so it makes sense that he would be watching this one closely.
Seeing as Zayn spent such a long time trying to win the belt, it would seem illogical to take it off of him so soon. Whether he beats Neville or someone causes a DQ, Zayn will almost certainly walk away with his reign intact.
If this match is even half as good as the one they put on at TakeOver, it will still be better than anything we saw on Raw this past Monday.
It looks like the pattern of NXT putting on great shows will continue for at least one more week. What are you looking forward to seeing on Wednesday's episode?
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329201-wwe-nxt-full-preview-rumors-and-more-for-january-14
Daniel Bryan Exclusive: On His Injury, Style Change and Return to WWE SmackDown
Undersized, outmuscled and lacking the seemingly requisite tan, Daniel Bryan, though obviously talented, didn't appear to have the skill set needed to survive in wrestling's major leagues. While his gift for constructing incredible matches in the ring guaranteed him a spot on the roster, he was relegated to the middle of the card. An immense talent—but one too flawed to make the perilous climb to the top.
But a funny thing happened on his path to being just another guy. Along the way, Bryan managed to connect with fans in a way few have in the modern history of the industry. Routinely, night after night, Bryan received the most consistently positive response, bigger, louder and more robust even than wrestlers presented as much bigger deals on television.
In time, WWE took note. At WrestleMania 30, Bryan triumphed against all odds, in both storyline and real life, to become WWE champion.
In May of 2014, however, just as his story was getting started, Bryan was forced out of action with a lingering neck injury. A surgery that was supposed to keep him on the shelf for eight weeks kept him at home for eight long months instead.
On Thursday, he makes his much anticipated return to Syfy, main eventing WWE SmackDown as the popular cable show moves to a new night. Bleacher Report caught up with him for an exclusive interview about what exactly happened and what is to come.
Bleacher Report: Wrestling fans rarely agree about anything. But I think, to a fan, everyone believes it's pretty great to have you back. Are you as excited as we are?
Daniel Bryan: I'm so excited (laughs). You know, I don't remember being this excited in a very, very long time. There's nothing I love more than getting in the ring and wrestling. And it's been a long, long eight months being out. I can't wait to come back.
B/R: I remember hearing you were going to be out for a couple of months. And then all of the sudden, a couple of months turned into eight months and even rumors you'd never return at all. It sounds like quite a journey. Can you walk me through how we ended up where we are today, with you returning to SmackDown this Thursday?
Bryan: It actually happened in the summer of 2013. I was in a match with Randy Orton and did a suicide dive out of the ring and missed. My head hit the guardrail, and I felt a shooting pain go down my arm.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329304-big-show-has-much-more-value-to-wwe-in-a-speaking-role
But a funny thing happened on his path to being just another guy. Along the way, Bryan managed to connect with fans in a way few have in the modern history of the industry. Routinely, night after night, Bryan received the most consistently positive response, bigger, louder and more robust even than wrestlers presented as much bigger deals on television.
In time, WWE took note. At WrestleMania 30, Bryan triumphed against all odds, in both storyline and real life, to become WWE champion.
In May of 2014, however, just as his story was getting started, Bryan was forced out of action with a lingering neck injury. A surgery that was supposed to keep him on the shelf for eight weeks kept him at home for eight long months instead.
On Thursday, he makes his much anticipated return to Syfy, main eventing WWE SmackDown as the popular cable show moves to a new night. Bleacher Report caught up with him for an exclusive interview about what exactly happened and what is to come.
Bleacher Report: Wrestling fans rarely agree about anything. But I think, to a fan, everyone believes it's pretty great to have you back. Are you as excited as we are?
Daniel Bryan: I'm so excited (laughs). You know, I don't remember being this excited in a very, very long time. There's nothing I love more than getting in the ring and wrestling. And it's been a long, long eight months being out. I can't wait to come back.
B/R: I remember hearing you were going to be out for a couple of months. And then all of the sudden, a couple of months turned into eight months and even rumors you'd never return at all. It sounds like quite a journey. Can you walk me through how we ended up where we are today, with you returning to SmackDown this Thursday?
Bryan: It actually happened in the summer of 2013. I was in a match with Randy Orton and did a suicide dive out of the ring and missed. My head hit the guardrail, and I felt a shooting pain go down my arm.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329304-big-show-has-much-more-value-to-wwe-in-a-speaking-role
Big Show Has Much More Value to WWE in a Speaking Role
Roman Reigns' latest awkward promo came in stark juxtaposition to a smooth monologue from The Big Show.
Antagonizing a hot New Orleans crowd, Show was a maestro. He delivered an otherwise standard heel message in a convincing, charismatic fashion. He maintained dominance and poise over a hostile crowd, even countering the vaunted "boring" chants early.
It was certainly a tirade far superior to Reigns' Jack and the Giant Beanstalk story that followed.Show connected with fans by mentioning how the working class is threatened by competition. Competition that a man of his size and stature dismisses. It was just another notch on the large belt of performances fit for a giant.
During the December 29 episode of Raw, Show sat on commentary during a match between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. While it's not difficult to upstage WWE's present-day announce team, Big Show did just that.
Show's persistent praise of Rollins gave the young star elusive credibility from a WWE luminary. Show effortlessly got storylines across as his feud with Reigns was also a point of emphasis. He demonstrated a level of comfort and wit uncommon among monster heels.
Big Show is the first and most notable giant to compete in a modern era who does not accommodate special attractions. Today, pro wrestling is saturated with televised programming and live events. As a result, Show's exposure cannot be protected as Andre the Giant and Haystacks Calhoun before him.But as his career winds down, Show's value in a limited role becomes more apparent. Show managed to withstand almost 20 years of pro wrestling's merciless schedule yet still has more to contribute. Sooner than later, he will need to make the transition from monster heel to monster mouthpiece.
Show spent much of his career vacillating from babyface to heel, especially over the past five years. WWE is at a crossroads with its resident giant. The promotion continues to creatively flip-flop with the motivations of the world's largest athlete.
But at 42 years old, Show will find stability and added success as his speaking role grows while his in-ring career winds down.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329304-big-show-has-much-more-value-to-wwe-in-a-speaking-role
Antagonizing a hot New Orleans crowd, Show was a maestro. He delivered an otherwise standard heel message in a convincing, charismatic fashion. He maintained dominance and poise over a hostile crowd, even countering the vaunted "boring" chants early.
It was certainly a tirade far superior to Reigns' Jack and the Giant Beanstalk story that followed.Show connected with fans by mentioning how the working class is threatened by competition. Competition that a man of his size and stature dismisses. It was just another notch on the large belt of performances fit for a giant.
During the December 29 episode of Raw, Show sat on commentary during a match between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. While it's not difficult to upstage WWE's present-day announce team, Big Show did just that.
Show's persistent praise of Rollins gave the young star elusive credibility from a WWE luminary. Show effortlessly got storylines across as his feud with Reigns was also a point of emphasis. He demonstrated a level of comfort and wit uncommon among monster heels.
Big Show is the first and most notable giant to compete in a modern era who does not accommodate special attractions. Today, pro wrestling is saturated with televised programming and live events. As a result, Show's exposure cannot be protected as Andre the Giant and Haystacks Calhoun before him.But as his career winds down, Show's value in a limited role becomes more apparent. Show managed to withstand almost 20 years of pro wrestling's merciless schedule yet still has more to contribute. Sooner than later, he will need to make the transition from monster heel to monster mouthpiece.
Show spent much of his career vacillating from babyface to heel, especially over the past five years. WWE is at a crossroads with its resident giant. The promotion continues to creatively flip-flop with the motivations of the world's largest athlete.
But at 42 years old, Show will find stability and added success as his speaking role grows while his in-ring career winds down.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329304-big-show-has-much-more-value-to-wwe-in-a-speaking-role
Full Career Retrospective and Greatest Moments for Jacqueline
GThe history of WWE's Diva division is full of accomplished female performers (such as Trish Stratus and Lita), but few enjoyed the longevity that Jacqueline did. From 1998 until 2004, she was the one consistent in the division and a key factor in the reintroduction of the women's championship to the company.
But she somehow goes overshadowed and underappreciated in the grand scheme of things.
Despite having success in both WCW and WWE, not to mention TNA Wrestling, she is underrated by the many who have forgotten just how tough she was and how long she stuck around.
A woman as likely to punch a Superstar as she was a Diva, Jacqueline was a hard-hitting, take-no-crap worker who helped acclimate every young woman she worked with to the world of sports-entertainment.
Whether it was the aforementioned Trish and Lita or future champions such as Victoria and Molly Holly, she was a major force in their development.
Sit back and relax as we take this look back at the career of Jacqueline, using some of her greatest moments and matches to tell her story.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2329482-full-career-retrospective-and-greatest-moments-for-jacqueline
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