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TNA No Surrender Preview

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:00:04 +0100

This Sunday TNA presents No Surrender. There are some good matches on this card an it has been build up well. TNA has actually been doing a decent job of building up it's Pay-Per-Views the last few times. Let's get to the card...

- Mickie James vs Winter. For the Knockout's title.: I'm not too excited about this match, but the story has been built up. I didn't really like Winter losing the title so soon after she won it, but her win on Impact did give her back some credibility. I'm not sure where the story is really going, so I can't really predict a winner on this one.

- Bully Ray vs James Storm. BFG Series semi-final.: The BFG series has gone over pretty well in my opinion. It has created some buzz and interest in TNA. I like both guys in this match and I feel like Bully Ray may be doing the best work of his career right now. I'm not positive who is going to win. I think Ray has what it takes to be a top guy, but I could also see TNA setting up a match in the finals between the members of Beer Money which ends up splitting them.

- Bobby Roode vs Gunner. BFG Series semi-final.: This should be another decent match. Gunner has something but I still think it's way too early for him to be in the position he is in. I'm actually surprised he is already such a big name in TNA, while his former partner is nowhere to be found. I think Bobby Roode should take this match, but Gunner has had some surprising victories in this BFG Series.

- Mexican America vs Devon and the Pope. For the Tag Team titles.: I think this is by far the worst match on the card. I'm usually not a huge fan of matches made during the show right before the Pay-Per-View. There is little buildup and no real reason to get excited. In addition, I find Mexican America to be two of the most annoying guys in wrestling right now, especially Anarquia. Also, wasn't Devon injured by Samoa Joe only a few weeks ago? For an injury that eliminated him from the BFG series, he returned pretty quickly and he seemingly has no beef with Samoa Joe. I think British Invasion was the way to go with this match. Unfortunately, I think Mexican America will hold onto the titles.

- Matt Morgan vs Samoa Joe.: This should be a decent match. I like both guys and the story has had some nice buildup. TNA did a good job of keeping Matt Morgan relevant throughout his injury. Based on Joe's current losing streak and Morgan's return, I wouldn't be surprised if Morgan wins this.

- Brian Kendrick vs Austin Aries. For the X Division title.: This should be a really exciting match. TNA is finally starting to give more attention to the X Division and I think it should get even more attention. I truly feel the X Division brought TNA to the point where they could draw in some big names, and it makes TNA stand out. Both of these guys are good in the ring, and I love that they are pretty much polar opposites in terms of personality. Aries dresses nice and is all about money, while Kendrick doesn't wear shoes and is all about energy. I can see Aries stealing the title in this one, which would help the story develop more.

- Kurt Angle vs Sting vs Mr. Anderson. For the World title.: All three guys are legit main eventers, so this match has major star power. Each guy can also really bring it in the ring, so the match probably won't be crap. The ending will likely be screwy, which will probably leave a bad taste in people's mouths however. I'm guessing Immortal either gets a new member, or Jeff hardy screws Angle out of the title.

Overall, this should be a good show, mainly because I think most of the outcomes are hard to predict. One thing that confuses me is the BFG Series finals. Are they happening as well on Sunday, or at a later date? I was kind of unclear on that. Also, what is in store for Jeff Hardy on Sunday. Watch TNA's No Surrender to find out. Until next time...

Random WWE Thoughts 8/18/11

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:28:16 +0100

It's time for another installment of Random Thoughts. Today we are looking at the WWE, and if you ask me, WWE couldn't be any hotter than it has been recently. Let's get right to it...

- CM Punk Storyline.: This is probably the hottest story in all of wrestling right now and I feel like we are just starting to really get into it. It seems as though the story is just now starting to really unfold. The addition of Kevin Nash into the mix adds a ton to the story, and refreshes it so much. I have no clue where this is going, but I can see Punk and Triple H becoming cautious allies against Stephanie, Nash, Johnny Ace and whoever else gets involved. I just wish they had made more out of Cena having his leg on the rope. I thought Cena and Del Rio would be involved in this story, but it seems as though they will be going off in their own direction.

- Cena and Del Rio.: It was a pretty smart move that they had Del Rio cash in when he did. It puts him over and an opportunist, who takes advantage whenever he sees his moment. I get that Cena is going after him since he has a gripe about losing the title. I can see this feud lasting a while so they can create a star in Del Rio like they did with the Miz.

- RAW's upper mid-card.: I think the upper mid-card scene on RAW is in a pretty good place right now. Guys like Miz, Ziggler, Bourne, Riley, Kofi, Swagger, R-Truth, and John Morrison are doing a good job of carrying the load on RAW right now. They are putting on some pretty good matches and they are pretty over with the crowd. I think that these guys are really keeping RAW entertaining on a weekly basis.

- World title scene.: I think the Randy Orton vs Christian feud may finally be over. They feud was good and they put on some great matches, but WWE has really driven home the point that Christian can't beat Orton, so I don't really see what could refresh this story. I think following his big win on Sunday, Wade Barrett will start coming after Orton and challenge for the title. I think WWE could do something entertaining, with Christian trying to get Daniel Bryan's Money in the Bank somehow, so that he can have another shot at the title.

- Cody Rhodes.: So they finally put the Intercontinental title on Cody Rhodes, and I couldn't be happier. Around Wrestlemania time I figured he'd be challenging for the World title at this point, but I can't argue with the slow buildup. The slowed down approach usually makes for a long lasting star in the future. I think Ted Dibiase will make this story really interesting once Cody is done with Ezekiel Jackson. I think Cody will continue to insult Dibiase until Ted eventually turns face and feuds with Cody. This could be the story that saves Dibiase's career, as well as help elevate Cody's.

- Zack Ryder, Teddy Long, and Aksana.: This is your typical goofy type of stuff that goes on with Teddy Long. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying it's what we are used to with Teddy Long. Zack Ryder is finally getting major TV time as Teddy Long's assistant, and the crowd seems to be eating it up. I'm not sure where they are going with the whole Aksana thing is going, but I don't mind seeing her on TV.

- Beth and Natalya.: I really like the story with Beth and Natalya. I feel like it is really promoting good wrestling with the Divas division and forcing the other divas to step their games up. As we have already seen, Kelly Kelly has stepped it up and put on a good match with Beth. I can't remember the last time I actually cared about the divas story but I actually like this one.

There is plenty going on in WWE, and I really can't wait to see where a lot of these stories go in the coming weeks. Until next time...

WWE Summerslam Preview

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 04:23:16 +0100

This Sunday is WWE Summerslam, and there are some good matches on the card. I think Summerslam is going to be a key show for a number of different stories. Let's break down the card...

- Kelly Kelly vs Beth Phoenix. For the Divas title.: This match probably won't be great, but the storyline is pretty decent. I like what Beth and Natalya are doing as heels, and it brings a lot of credibility do the Divas. I think Beth is going to win this one to put over her dominance and ability.

- Daniel Bryan vs Wade Barrett.: The buildup to this match has been decent, but nothing all that special. They have kind of been fighting over the past few weeks but the reasoning isn't really there. They have history with the Nexus and the Money in the Bank Match. Plus, they are two young rising stars on Smackdown. So the match does make sense, but I'm just not sure how hot the crowd will be. Both of these guys are pretty good wrestlers and they should put on an entertaining match. It's funny to think about how both of these guys were in the main event at last year's Summerslam on opposing teams. I think Daniel Bryan will win this one to gain some momentum as the Money in the Bank winner.

- Sheamus vs Mark Henry.: This should be a pretty entertaining match since the Mark Henry story has picked up some steam, and the Sheamus face turn has gone really well. Also, Sheamus is very talented and Mark Henry is a season veteran who knows how to work with what he has. I'm not really sure who will win. If Sheamus wins, it could hurt Mark Henry's momentum, but if Mark Henry wins, it could hurt Sheamus' momentum. I don't think this match will have a clean finish, and this story will likely continue.

- Christian vs Randy Orton. No Holds Barred match for the World title.: This should be yet another great match between Orton and Christian. The no holds barred stipulation already makes this match better and I'm dying to know what Christian was teasing at the end of Smackdown. I feel like Orton is going to get the win in this match, but I'm not completely sure.

- John Cena vs CM Punk. Triple H is the special referee for the WWE title.: This story is still red hot and I'm sure a lot of people are going to watch just for this match. Based on the way the rest of this story has gone and how hot it is, I really don't know what to predict. That is what makes this match so good. There's no telling what could happen. Also, if the in ring work is half as good as their last match, this will be a good match.

Overall, I think this will be a good show. This is Summerslam, so I'm expecting a little something special. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Ezekiel Jackson vs Cody Rhodes ends up being an unadvertised match. Until next time...

TNA Hardcore Justice Preview

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:44:18 +0100

This Sunday is Hardcore Justice and the card actually looks pretty good. For the first time in a long time all the matches seem to have some kind of reasoning behind them. That is a big plus for this show, since it should either progress or resolve ongoing stories. Let's break down the card...

- Tara and Ms. Tessmacher vs Mexican America. For the Knockout's Tag Titles.: I'll be honest and say that I don't care much for this match, but I can see why it's on the card. Mexican America recently lost their titles and are getting their rematch. This match is totally logical and the women involved all look great. I think Tara and Tessmacher will hold onto the titles in this match since they just won them.

- Mr. Anderson vs Bully Ray.: This match is kind of a late addition to the card but it has been built up pretty well. The two have had some tension in the past few weeks leading to this match, so it really makes sense. I also like the dynamic of them both being members of Immortal since the rest of the group is unsure about what to do. I'm not really sure who will win this one, since the story is really just starting.

- Devon vs The Pope. BFG Series Match.: If this match didn't have the BFG series it would be a dud. They have been trying really hard to make the fans care about the story between these two but no one seems to care. However, this match is part of the BFG series so it has some meaning. There is also the possibility that the outcome of this match will make people care about the story. I can really see either guy winning, but I don't see a clean finish.

- Crimson vs Rob Van Dam. BFG Series Match.: This is another match that is kind of saved by the BFG series. Without it, no one would really care about this match. RVD is loved by the fans and he can definitely bring it, but I don't think the fans are buying into Crimson like TNA had hoped. Every time I see him, I forget that he is undefeated. I do think he is talented, but he strikes me as forgettable. What makes this match interesting is that these guys are the top two in the BFG series right now. I can see Crimson winning this match to keep his streak alive, but I don't see him winning the BFG series.

- Fortune vs Immortal.: This match makes plenty of sense, since this war is the backbone of TNA right now. I do this this will be the end of the story. I can see something happening between Styles and Daniels, causing Fortune to lose the match and break up. This would lead to a feud between Styles and Daniels.

- Brian Kendrick vs Alex Shelley vs Austin Aries. For the X Division title.: I really like this match. I think it has the potential to steal the show. All three are really talented and exciting to watch. Aries has a lot of momentum going into the match, which is good because he's the only heel. I'm not really sure who will win but I'd put my money on Aries.

- Mickie James vs Winter. For the Knockout's title.: This match should be pretty decent. There is a good story there and both women can wrestle. Mickie has gotten the upper hand a lot but I am not sure who will win. If this story will continue, Winter needs to win. If they are ending the story Mickie can win.

- Beer Money vs Mexican America. For the Tag Team titles.: While I like Beer Money, I don't like this match so much. That is mainly because I can't stand Mexican America. I think they are annoying and really sloppy in the ring. I also think they are really boring to watch since they are so one dimensional as characters. Unfortunately, I think they will win this match, leading to the break up Beer Money. I think that is what the story has been building up to.

- Sting vs Kurt Angle. For the the World title.: This is the other match that can steal the show. Both are two of the greatest wrestlers ever and they can really bring it. There is also a lot of depth to the story. They both respect each other but need the title. Sting needs it so he can get the company back to Dixie carter, and Angle needs the title because he is a competitor and being the champion is what drives him. I'm not totally sure who will win the match. My only hope is that Angle doesn't join up with Immortal by the end of the show.

Overall, this looks like a pretty good show. Check it out this Sunday to find out if it can deliver. Until next time...

WWE Money in the Bank Preview

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:47:41 +0100

Sunday is WWE's Money in the Bank, which may be on of the hottest Pay-Per-Views in a number of months. Everyone is talking about CM Punk and John Cena, but that isn't the only good match on the card. Let's get right to the card...

- Kelly Kelly vs Brie Bella. For the Divas title.: I'm not really too excited about this match but the Divas need to be represented, so I don't have any problems with this match. It should be pretty short and shouldn't be too bad. I expect Kelly Kelly to win this match and move on to a new feud.

- Big Show vs Mark Henry.: The build up for this match has been pretty good. WWE has done a good job of making Mark Henry seem important again. This match should be what you would expect from two big, powerful guys. It will probably be pretty slow paced and feature a lot of power moves. I don't think that is a bad thing. I feel like we will be impressed a few times in this match by the power on display. I'm not sure who is going to win this match because I feel like this feud is far from over.

- Kane vs Sin Cara vs Daniel Bryan vs Wade Barrett vs Cody Rhodes vs Heath Slater vs Justin Gabriel vs Sheamus. Money in the Bank match.: This should be a really fun match. Gabriel and Sin Cara should do something really spectacular in this match and the others will bring some solid storytelling. This match has a great mix of styles that should make it really entertaining. I do wish they hadn't broken up the tag team of Gabriel and Slater, because it could have been more interesting to have a tag team working together and against each other at the same time. I'm not really sure who is going to win, but my top picks would be Sheamus or Wade Barrett. Sheamus is a former champion and Barrett is ready for the main event scene again.

- Alberto Del Rio vs The Miz vs Alex Riley vs R-Truth vs Rey Mysterio vs Kofi Kingston vs Evan Bourne vs Jack Swagger. Money in the Bank Match.: This match has more established stars than the Smackdown match and I think the experience will show. This match will probably be the longer of the two and maybe even the better match. I think this is a good match for Riley to be in. It allows for Riley to be in a high profile match, while not being overexposed. Even though Miz and Swagger have Money in the Bank wins under their belts, I fully expect Del Rio to win. The Money in the Bank fits Del Rio perfectly, and gives him a great chance to have the title around his waist.

- Randy Orton vs Christian. For the World title.: This match has a ton of stipulations which could either help or hurt the match. It could hurt because it could limit what they do in the ring. On the other hand, it could be a good thing if Christian really plays it up during the match and starts kind of hanging the stipulations over Orton's head. I'm not sure who is going to win but I am pulling for Christian. I think this feud will continue a while longer and another loss will really make me lose a lot of interest.

- John Cena vs CM Punk. For the WWE title.: This is the match everyone is talking about. Everyone wants to see what happens to CM Punk and if he actually leaves with the WWE title. I bet this match alone has brought in more people than any other match on the card. I really don't know what the CM Punk situation really is, so I don't know how to predict this one. However, being that this feud has only gone on about a month, it would be kind of anti-climactic if Cena wins.

I really can't wait for this show. It should be pretty exciting. Also, next week I will be going to my first WWE live event in over a year. I'll be writing a blog about the show afterward for watch out for that. Until next time...

Random WWE Thoughts 6/28/11

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:48:46 +0100

Well it's been a while since I've done Random WWE Thoughts, but there is a lot going on right now that is worth talking about. Let's get right to it...

- CM Punk.: I might as well start off with the hottest story in WWE right now, CM Punk. By now, everyone is talking about CM Punk and whether or not he is really leaving. I do believe he is leaving, I'm just not 100% sure if he is leaving after Money in the Bank. This could be Punk's one last big story before leaving. His promo on RAW last night was absolutely amazing. WWE is going to be a different place without Punk, but I'm enjoying him while he's still around.

- R-Truth.: With all that is going on with CM Punk, R-Truth seems to have lost a lot of momentum. I hope once Punk leaves he can pick up again, or at least do something important. He is a pretty good heel, and I feel like his rise slammed into a wall.

- Randy Orton and Christian.: So Christian is getting yet another shot at Orton's title. I think at this point, it's do or die for Christian. In their last match, WWE left the chance for Christian to still have a legitimate gripe, but I don't think they can play that card again. I think in their next match, Christian has to win the title from Orton for this feud to continue. I think it would work even better if Christian cheats to win, leaving Randy with a gripe. The two have fantastic matches, but at some point the story gets boring, if it keeps repeating itself.

- Mark Henry.: It's good to see Mark Henry back on track. When he moved to Smackdown and turned heel, this is what I was expecting. However, at first he didn't seem to be really doing much. Now he has bounced back and became a major player again. I really like this side of Mark Henry, as it showcases the better parts of his ability. This isn't a big deal but it might help some more if he didn't slip on something on the floor every time he beats someone up. I see big things coming for Mark Henry.

- Money in the Bank.: I always like these matches because it gives more guys a shot that usually wouldn't be on the card. Plus, ladder matches are usually pretty exciting. I'm really not sure who is going to win the RAW version, but I'm picking Del Rio. I don't know who is in the Smackdown version yet and that should be interesting. Someone is going to have to make a leap, considering how their isn't much Main Event presence on Smackdown.

- HBK on RAW.: I think Shawn Michaels showed the world how badly people want him back. He showed up for really no purpose last night and people still loved it. He pretty much served to help CM Punk's promo in the beginning. I hope the super kick to Drew McIntyre does something for Drew's career. I can see a story developing from that and Drew's remarks for Booker T and DDP.

There is some more stuff going on right now, but I think I hit all the major stuff. WWE has me glued right now to see what is going on with CM Punk. Until next time...

WWE Capitol Punishment Preview

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 05:13:33 +0100

WWE's Capitol Punishment is so close and I am looking forward to this show. There are three high profile matches on the card, and there are others that should still be entertaining even though there hasn't been great buildup for them. Let's get right to the card...

- Kofi Kingston vs Dolph Ziggler. For the US title.: The buildup for this match hasn't been all that great. I think it's due to Pay-Per-Views being too close together. I'm assuming this is really still the beginning of the rivalry. While the buildup has been kind of week, these two usually deliver when they are in the ring together. These guys are the future of the company and they really work hard in the ring. I'm a big fan of both men and I think they have pretty good chemistry.

- CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio.: This is another match where I find the buildup to be a bit lacking, but their past matches give me faith that this will be good. I find myself kind of forgetting about this match, but I'm glad it's happening. Both are big names and great talents. I'm really not sure who is going to win, because I have no idea where this is going, if anywhere.

- Big Show vs Alberto Del Rio.: This match has had a lot of buildup. Big Show seems to be working on a new style or a new gimmick. He is changing something, and it should be interesting as long as he doesn't just squash Del Rio. I think the segment on Smackdown really did a lot for this match. The segment gave Big Show kind of a King Kong feel. I'm not really expecting a great match, but it should be decent.

- Wade Barrett vs Ezekiel Jackson. For the IC title.: This has had some long buildup, but I don't find this match all that interesting. I like both guys, but I don't think they have enough chemistry to do much different from what they have been doing. I feel like we are going to get the same match we have already seen. What does make this interesting is that the Corre is gone now, so Wade has no backup. I think Zeke could take the title, but if he does, expect this feud to go on just a bit longer. Wade losing the title would also free him up to work with guys like Christian and Orton. Smackdown seems to be lacking a little in that area right now. After Mark Henry and Sheamus were brutalized on Smackdown, it seems like Christian is the last big time heel right now.

- Randy Orton vs Christian. For the World title.: These two have already put in two fantastic matches, and I'm expecting one more. Orton is a big time babyface, and people have really supported Christian's heel turn. I kind of feel like Christian should steal a victory in this one. If he loses cleanly, he would be 0 for 3 against Orton, and the heat this feud has will quickly cool down. They have to do something to add a new twist, so this feud can continue without getting boring.

- The Miz vs Alex Riley.: At first, I didn't think much of this match. I figured Miz would squash Riley and they would go their separate ways. However, the crowds have really gotten behind Riley and he is surprisingly really over as a babyface. The buildup has been really good and long. I now don't think the outcome is all that obvious anymore.

- John Cena vs R-Truth. For the WWE title.: I can't believe I'm actually saying this but R-Truth may be the hottest thing going in WWE right now. His heel turn has done wonders for him. He has a ton of heat on his side and I think people really want Cena to beat him. The match itself should be pretty decent, but I think the emotion will make this match a lot more exciting.

Overall, I think this show should be exciting. It is mainly because I can't really predict the outcomes of these matches. Also, there is a lot of good talent on the card. Check out Capitol Punishment. Until next time...

Random TNA Thoughts 6/17/11

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:31:25 +0100

It's been a little while but I finally have something interesting to say about the TNA product. In the past few weeks it has slightly improved, even though problems still exist. This week, for example, I actually enjoyed a lot of the show, but the ending kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Let's get to it...

- Bound for Glory Series.: I think the Bound for Glory Series is pretty interesting and different. TNA has experimented with this type of thing before with that top 10 ranking system. I like how the point system is structured, and I think they pretty much picked the right guys for this. I think it could fall apart though, because there already seems to be some confusion. On Impact, Eric Young offered Matt Morgan a match, and Morgan refused. It would seem to me that Morgan should have taken the match and tried to accumulate some points. It doesn't make sense to me that he would refuse a chance to get points and move ahead in the series. TNA's track record tells me that we can expect more of these head scratchers to come.

- X-Division.: I'm glad to see TNA put focus back on the X-DIvision. I like the idea of bringing back three former stars this week, and bringing in three new guys next week. It shows some actual effort being put into the X-Division. I have also head that Destination X will feature only the X-Divison, and the six sided ring is rumored to come back for that show. TNA should really put a lot into the X-Division, because they are talented guys and it was something that really made TNA stand out and get some attention years ago. I know that I first gave TNA a chance just to see the X-Division.

- TNA or Impact Wrestling?: For me, there seems to be some confusion with the name change and re-branding. I know Impact Wrestling isn't the legal name of the company, but I thought it was the name of the company for TV purposes. However, the title still says TNA on it, and I saw the Slammiversary banner said TNA on it. They really have to make it clear if they want people to recognize the company or the show as Impact Wrestling. If they don't, the re-branding will be a total failure.

- Gunner.: I kind of like what TNA is doing with Gunner, but again they are sending out mixed signals. Gunner is a heel and still part of Immortal, yet they have him performing as a babyface. It seems like they are going to have to take Gunner out of Immortal at some point. Also, how did he get hurt so bad from having beer thrown in he face? Did Anderson hit him with the cup? If so, how do you mess up that spot like that?

- Angle and Jarrett.: I'm so glad this feud is finally over. As you know, I have compared this feud to the person who stays too long at the party. While I'm glad it's over, I hate that they had to do one more fight with them on Impact. That totally screwed over the people who ordered the Pay-Per-View and saw the match under the impression that it was the end. Also, the end fight with them really killed any momentum the show had built up. The entire segment was sloppy, and poorly done, and it ended vaguely. I'm not sure if Jarrett actually quit. It was like they were just fighting and then they just stopped and Angle left. I really worry they are going to try to continue this feud through some loophole.

I see TNA taking a few steps in the right direction, but unfortunately, they take a few more steps back. Until next time...

TNA Slammiversary Preview

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:25:00 +0100

Sunday is TNA's Slammiversary. I think they have actually done a decent job on building up the matches. There is nothing on the card that caught me by surprise, which is a good thing. Lets break down the card...

- Matt Morgan vs Scott Steiner.: I don't find this feud particularly interesting, but I am a Matt Morgan fan, and Steiner seems to have a little left in the tank. It should be an acceptable match, but I'm not expecting anything special.

- Samoa Joe vs Crimson.: This is another feud I'm not interested in, but TNA is giving it a lot of attention. They had that bar room brawl to hype the match this week. However, I thought it wasn't executed all that well. I don't think Joe really gained anything from it, and it made Crimson look week. Crimson seems to be a decent wrestler but I feel like TNA is trying to hard to force him down our throats. I think he will end up taking this match.

- Bull Ray vs AJ Style. Falls Count Anywhere.: This should be a great match. Both guys are great entertainers and the stipulation adds another layer to the match. I'm not exactly sure who will win. I think it depends on whether or not the feud will continue. If it continues, Ray will probably win. If this is the blowoff match, AJ would win. Either way it should be highly entertaining.

- Kurt Angle vs Jeff Jarrett. Winner is number 1 contender.: Thank God this feud is finally over. The story has really run it's course, even though they had a good segment on Impact this week. The match itself will probably be good, but mostly the same as what he have been getting. I would think Kurt would win, but Jarrett always has a chance. What is working against Kurt is that Sting is the Champion and is a babyface. Also, with this stuff about Kurt trying out for the Olympics he may be away a little. Even with those factors, I still think the odds are in Kurt's favor with this being the end of the feud.

- Mickie James vs Angelina Love. For the Knockout's title.: This match has some nice buildup but it's still not interesting. Honestly, I don't get what people like about Angelina Love. I just don't see it. Also, I think it is kind of obvious Mickie will win. With Winter in control of Angelina, it doesn't really make sense for Angelina to win the title ahead of her.

- James Storm and Alex Shelly vs British Invasion. For the Tag Team title.: This match has good and bad buildup, which is really odd. TNA has done a great job on the champions side. You have two members from TNA's two best tag teams on the same side. A lot of history there, and that in itself is exciting. In addition, TNA has led us to doubt whether or not they can work together. Now comes the British Invasion, where TNA has failed miserably. First of all, when did these guys turn heel? I remember them reuniting to help take out Immortal. Now, out of no where, they are heels. As if that wasn't bad enough, Taz absolutely buried them on Impact this week. How many times did he really have to bring up that British Invasion didn't deserve a title shot?

- Sting vs Mr. Anderson. For the World title.: This match should be pretty cool. I'm glad Anderson ditched the retro Sting look before the match. It was fun, but now it is time to be serious. I think TNA kind of shot itself in the foot on this week's Impact. When Sting cut his promo in the opening segment, he pretty much guaranteed that he is retaining his title.

This show could actually be decent, which is saying a lot for TNA these days. Until next time...

Tough Enough Finale Review

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:09:31 +0100

Last night was the Season Finale of Tough Enough and boy was it good. WWE did a fantastic job of making it really seem important. I absolutely loved the live cut-ins with the music and Cole hyping the announcement. Making the announcement live on RAW was a really cool touch, especially with Vince making an appearance. I just wonder if Andy knew ahead of time that he was going to win, because he had to do the spot with Vince and Austin. Maybe they went over the spot with both guys, but I'm not sure.

My only real complaint about the episode was that we just got to see highlights of the exhibition matches. I guess I understand it though. WWE probably didn't want us to see the boring parts or any botches. Plus, it kept us from hearing Booker's commentary, so that's good. By the way, I really liked Bill wearing the old school tights. The only thing that only seeing highlights hurt was that we couldn't tell who should have won. Both guys looked equal, so when the trainers were all picking Andy I wasn't sure why.

Let's break down the show a little...

Ricky Steamboat.: I loved watching him training both guys. You could really see how much he was paying attention and really keeping both guys on point. It was cool how he watched them for a little and figured out exactly what they needed to do. I thought it was strange that they didn't go over the matches with Bill ahead of time. I think it's a good idea though, as it forces the guys to be able to call their matches on the fly.

Andy.: Andy was definitely the feel good story of the episode. I was surprised he won, but I do think he deserved it. He performed well throughout the show and peaked late. His win reminded me of the old saying "slow and steady wins the race." During his training segments, we got to see how dedicated he was and how hard he was working. Also, I liked seeing that he was doing a lot of normal sized guy workouts, rather than just beefing up. That is why Andy is pretty agile for his size. I do think Andy needs some new gear though. What I saw him wearing was total jobber gear. I think he needs both kneepads, and he needs to lose the singlet.

Luke.: Luke kind of turned me off a little when his segment started with him partying. He did eventually kick it into gear though and his training was pretty intense. Luke did say that he was "race ready" and I kind of agree with that. I think he is ready for the WWE. He certainly has a marketable look and charisma. I think the loss may be a good thing for Luke, as it gives him a chip on his shoulder that could make a heel character work well. I don't think it will be long before we see Luke again. It would have been kind of cool to see him get eliminated with a Stunner though.

Rest of the cast.: I liked having all the losers back. It was good to see them all again. I wonder why Rima wasn't there though. Out of all the girls, I was looking forward to seeing her the most. I kind of felt bad for Martin having to stand there and watch the finalists, knowing that he probably should have been one of them. It's good to see that he seems to be all healed now, so hopefully we will see him soon. I'm not sure if anyone else caught it but there was a funny moment with Ryan and Mikael. When the losers were going into the ring, Ryan got in and held the rope for Areyanne. Then, Mikael started to get in and Ryan let the rope go and I think I noticed Mikael get mad. It was also funny seeing Erik react to getting booed.

Overall, I really enjoyed the whole show. I can't wait for another season, and I hope they keep all the same trainers. They did a fantastic job this season. Until next time...