My last review (Fastlane) was quite positive. Ortons return, Reigns winning cleanly, the promos of Triple H and Sting, Rusev and Cenas match, all reasons to get hype (or stay hype if you're Mojo Rawley lolz) for WrestleMania 31. Since that time WWE has shit the proverbial bed. Ortons booking since being back has been nothing short of bewildering. Reigns booking has even been more of a head scratcher, so much so that after last week I think I left a scar. The Intercontinental title picture (while in a positive light, it will be defended at WrestleMania) is so muddled with superstars who are losers!
Randy Orton returned at Fastlane to one of the biggest pops of the night. The Viper ran to the ring and went right after The Authority but mainly trying to sink his venomous fangs into that wascally wabbit (as I imagine Roman Reigns would say) Seth Rollins. The next night on Raw Orton was persuaded back into The Authority. WHY?! The WWE has four weeks, no one is buying this "secret" baby face angle. Orton should be systematically taking out each member of The Authority every week, not helping his Mania opponent (just guessing) win matches! Awful.
Remember how I said Reigns booking has been better since the Rumble? You can throw that sentiment in the trash can. Roman Reigns is either booed or gets no reaction from the crowd. The crowd seems indifferent. Romans interaction with Paul Heyman seemed underwhelming (you're getting the push of your life time, where's the passion?). Last weeks Raw Reigns lost to Rollins via a leg trip and a five second roll up. This is the greenest talent to main event a WrestleMania and 3 weeks away you have him lose clean? Are you kidding me?! How is the viewer, the mark, the smark, even the casual viewer supposed to believe this guy can beat a beast who in his last match took an elbow through a table, two curb stomps and three or four attitude adjustments and still came out the winner? I certainly don't believe in "The Big Dog" going into WrestleMania.
The Intercontinental title scenario makes no sense and the match at Mania will most likely be a 25 minute spot fest where the competitors hit signature moves only to crown the biggest loser. Seriously, the should call Jillian Michaels (you know how much Vince has a hard on for outside entertainers)to be at ringside to raise the winners arm! Ambrose hasn't won a pay per view match as a singles competitor, Barrets run has been a joke, speaking of jokes, R-Truth is a comedy act, Luke Harper (whom I rather enjoy watching) hasn't been relevant for a month and Ziggler/ Brayn shouldn't even be involved. Ziggler and Bryan should either be going against each other or The Authority. Its a sloppily put together match for the sake of getting names onto the marquee card.
The road to WrestleMania has taken a turn for the worst. If anyone is enthusiastic about the show for any reason aside from the Sting/ Triple H and/or the Taker/Wyatt match....GOD BLESS YOU!
Saturday, March 7, 2015
WWE Fastlane 2015 Review
WWE Fastlane! The first of its kind and the ppv that eliminated the Elimination Chamber event. As hokey as the title first suggested I liked the whole "fastlane to Wrestlemania" gimmick. I also liked that the WWE brass decided to throw out one of the gimmick pay per views. Gimmick matches should be special, they should be reserved to add heat or interest to hot story lines. Good decision in my book. Before I get into the bulk of the review I must say that the Memphis crowd was either lame or not miced up right. Their presence was very minuscule and actually took away from what I felt was a solid B graded event.
The Fast lane ppv kicked off with a six man tag match that pitted the authority against those whom the authority has harassed for the better part of the last year. I felt this match was quite entertaining for what it was. I think, like the rest of the WWE universe, I'm ready to be a Ryback fan.
His big, heart wrenching promo, his gear (cmon guys, its cool!), his power moves, all of this is really drawing me in right now. Unlike a lot of people I like how Erik Rowans character is going. He reminds me of Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, tough but sensitive, gigantic but relatable. The end of this match had a pretty cool spot wth Big Show hitting Ziggler with a knockout punch from the outside as Ziggler was mounted on Kane in the corner. The punch looked devastating (especially in the slow motion replay)!
Next up was Goldust vs. Stardust but it felt more like Dustin Runnells vs. Stardust. The promo between father and son before the match...I don't know. Goldust needs to be Goldust if he's going to feud with Stardust. If stardust is crazy then Goldust should show off his less than sane side as well. I liked how the crowd and Stardust interacted. The match seemed to bore the crowd and the finish seemed botched. The saving grace for this program came after the match though, with Stardust/Cody Rhodes showcasing his ever growing promo abilities. I swear, if Cody doesn't get a world title singles push in the next 2 to 3 years he should peace out and go to NJPW or ROH. The guy can be a good top midcard, occasional main eventer!
I was really looking forward to the tag title match and it did deliver. Great match, great spots, especially the one legged swing into the half crab and Tysons spring board leg drop.Tysons dry humor and prick like attitude toward Nattie is hilarious. I think the rematch at Mania is an intergender 6 man tag. Maybe Natalya costs Kidd and Cesaro the belts, maybe they retain and Natalya turns full heel. Either way, I like it. The Usos, while a bit over pushed, are so amazing when it comes to chemistry. Chemistry not just with each other but with every tag team they perform with!
The Triple H/Sting promo was pretty good. I like how Stings character is reminiscent of his most popular time in WCW, being a silent, strong, mysterious character. Triple H delivered on the mic. Only two complaints: why was Stings entrance so....normal? For the WWE to get Sting and make a big deal, having him come out of gorilla position doesn't scream big deal. Second complaint, why are they making this angle WWE s WCW? WCW has been dead, it wont be resurrected (at least I hope not), and half your audience hasn't even watched WCW before. Its old and in the past!
Womens title match: Look, The Bellas have really improved and Paige is electric as a character and in the ring. If you don't give them time to work though, no one will care. How do you have 4 star female matches on NXT and then give your main roster divas 5 minute segments? Makes no sense.
The oh so prestigious Intercontinental title was to be fought for next. What we got was a disqualification, Barret (the bad ass ex bare knuckle boxer) running from Ambrose and Ambrose stealing the belt. I didn't mind the match for the most part, but just like most midcard booking and especially the IC Title booking, it made little to no sense. If Zigglers run brought any meaning to the I.C. title, Barrets run has erased it. Ambroses promo after the match on WWE.com was cool though, he came off legit and poked fun at the whole "lunatic" gimmick.
I'm not going to lie, I marked out when the druids appeared. I thought "Oh shit, Takers back to accept Wyatts invitation". When the coffin opened and a laughing Bray Wyatt emerged I wasn't let down, it was brilliant! Brays promos are gold and this was no exception. If he doesn't beat Taker at mania I at least would like Taker to shake his hand or something to put him over. Although, if its a coffin match I don't think the loss could hurt either competitor. If Taker loses I still don't think it hurts him all that much. That way people will see Sting (the WCW guy) take on Undertaker (The Real WWE Guy) next year, Taker wins and wipes away the shame of his last two losses.
Rusev vs. Cena was what I expected, AWESOME! Rusev and Lana are compelling heels. I was happy with the result because Rusev should remain unbeaten until Mania or even next years mania. Heres a little scenario: Cena loses the rematch at mania, whether clean or dirty. The Rock comes back to antagonize Rusev again. Have this reignite Cena and Rock with Rusev in the middle. Have Rusev win a triple threat match, setting up the third match between Rock and Cena. If the WWE want to build their future stars, pull the trigger. Have Reigns or someone of the like defeat Rusev when the time comes. This is no knock on Cena by any means. Since 2011 Cena has really won me over. His recent body of work is one of consistency and of putting over new talent. Cenas feuds with Punk, Bryan, Lesnar and Rollins show that he is a true leader, a man with little ego and somewhat of a successor to that respect hat so many give the Undertaker. Cena is past the point that if he loses, clean or dirty, that his character and legacy will take a dent. Also, if he loses clean t could help bring fire and change to his persona. No, I'm not lobbying for a Cena heel turn. Honestly, as a fan and a critic I don't want him to turn heel. Hogan turned heel, Rock was heel, Stone Cold turned heel. Let Cena be the top guy that doesnt change. Hes not the best in ring performer (Michaels), hes not the best on the mic (SCSA/The Rock), His championship legacy can be remembered by the one guy who never turned.
The main event was solid throughout. I loved both competitors aggression. Daniel Bryans in ring psychology is second to none. Reigns blows looked absolutely incredible! I liked the last 20 minutes or so the most. The reversals, signature moves, etc. At one point Reigns had Bryans leg ad Bryan slapped him across the face a few times, can you say BAD ASS?! The finish was cool, especially a heated Bryan shaking Reigns hand and telling him to beat Lesnars ass.
The Fast lane ppv kicked off with a six man tag match that pitted the authority against those whom the authority has harassed for the better part of the last year. I felt this match was quite entertaining for what it was. I think, like the rest of the WWE universe, I'm ready to be a Ryback fan.
His big, heart wrenching promo, his gear (cmon guys, its cool!), his power moves, all of this is really drawing me in right now. Unlike a lot of people I like how Erik Rowans character is going. He reminds me of Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, tough but sensitive, gigantic but relatable. The end of this match had a pretty cool spot wth Big Show hitting Ziggler with a knockout punch from the outside as Ziggler was mounted on Kane in the corner. The punch looked devastating (especially in the slow motion replay)!
Next up was Goldust vs. Stardust but it felt more like Dustin Runnells vs. Stardust. The promo between father and son before the match...I don't know. Goldust needs to be Goldust if he's going to feud with Stardust. If stardust is crazy then Goldust should show off his less than sane side as well. I liked how the crowd and Stardust interacted. The match seemed to bore the crowd and the finish seemed botched. The saving grace for this program came after the match though, with Stardust/Cody Rhodes showcasing his ever growing promo abilities. I swear, if Cody doesn't get a world title singles push in the next 2 to 3 years he should peace out and go to NJPW or ROH. The guy can be a good top midcard, occasional main eventer!
I was really looking forward to the tag title match and it did deliver. Great match, great spots, especially the one legged swing into the half crab and Tysons spring board leg drop.Tysons dry humor and prick like attitude toward Nattie is hilarious. I think the rematch at Mania is an intergender 6 man tag. Maybe Natalya costs Kidd and Cesaro the belts, maybe they retain and Natalya turns full heel. Either way, I like it. The Usos, while a bit over pushed, are so amazing when it comes to chemistry. Chemistry not just with each other but with every tag team they perform with!
The Triple H/Sting promo was pretty good. I like how Stings character is reminiscent of his most popular time in WCW, being a silent, strong, mysterious character. Triple H delivered on the mic. Only two complaints: why was Stings entrance so....normal? For the WWE to get Sting and make a big deal, having him come out of gorilla position doesn't scream big deal. Second complaint, why are they making this angle WWE s WCW? WCW has been dead, it wont be resurrected (at least I hope not), and half your audience hasn't even watched WCW before. Its old and in the past!
Womens title match: Look, The Bellas have really improved and Paige is electric as a character and in the ring. If you don't give them time to work though, no one will care. How do you have 4 star female matches on NXT and then give your main roster divas 5 minute segments? Makes no sense.
The oh so prestigious Intercontinental title was to be fought for next. What we got was a disqualification, Barret (the bad ass ex bare knuckle boxer) running from Ambrose and Ambrose stealing the belt. I didn't mind the match for the most part, but just like most midcard booking and especially the IC Title booking, it made little to no sense. If Zigglers run brought any meaning to the I.C. title, Barrets run has erased it. Ambroses promo after the match on WWE.com was cool though, he came off legit and poked fun at the whole "lunatic" gimmick.
I'm not going to lie, I marked out when the druids appeared. I thought "Oh shit, Takers back to accept Wyatts invitation". When the coffin opened and a laughing Bray Wyatt emerged I wasn't let down, it was brilliant! Brays promos are gold and this was no exception. If he doesn't beat Taker at mania I at least would like Taker to shake his hand or something to put him over. Although, if its a coffin match I don't think the loss could hurt either competitor. If Taker loses I still don't think it hurts him all that much. That way people will see Sting (the WCW guy) take on Undertaker (The Real WWE Guy) next year, Taker wins and wipes away the shame of his last two losses.
Rusev vs. Cena was what I expected, AWESOME! Rusev and Lana are compelling heels. I was happy with the result because Rusev should remain unbeaten until Mania or even next years mania. Heres a little scenario: Cena loses the rematch at mania, whether clean or dirty. The Rock comes back to antagonize Rusev again. Have this reignite Cena and Rock with Rusev in the middle. Have Rusev win a triple threat match, setting up the third match between Rock and Cena. If the WWE want to build their future stars, pull the trigger. Have Reigns or someone of the like defeat Rusev when the time comes. This is no knock on Cena by any means. Since 2011 Cena has really won me over. His recent body of work is one of consistency and of putting over new talent. Cenas feuds with Punk, Bryan, Lesnar and Rollins show that he is a true leader, a man with little ego and somewhat of a successor to that respect hat so many give the Undertaker. Cena is past the point that if he loses, clean or dirty, that his character and legacy will take a dent. Also, if he loses clean t could help bring fire and change to his persona. No, I'm not lobbying for a Cena heel turn. Honestly, as a fan and a critic I don't want him to turn heel. Hogan turned heel, Rock was heel, Stone Cold turned heel. Let Cena be the top guy that doesnt change. Hes not the best in ring performer (Michaels), hes not the best on the mic (SCSA/The Rock), His championship legacy can be remembered by the one guy who never turned.
The main event was solid throughout. I loved both competitors aggression. Daniel Bryans in ring psychology is second to none. Reigns blows looked absolutely incredible! I liked the last 20 minutes or so the most. The reversals, signature moves, etc. At one point Reigns had Bryans leg ad Bryan slapped him across the face a few times, can you say BAD ASS?! The finish was cool, especially a heated Bryan shaking Reigns hand and telling him to beat Lesnars ass.
Reigns winning cleanly makes sense. His aggressiveness in strikes and his overall presence lately has been crucial for this main event push. I can buy Reigns challenging Lesnar, with Lesnars last two years of booking I cant see Bryan being a viable threat ( even though Paul Heyman could sell pork to a Jew). Once Reigns dethrones Lesnar, or anyone does for that matter, Bryan can then try to retain the title he never legitimately lost.
At WrestleMania I'm predicting a cash in and a feud between Rollins and Reigns for 2 to 4 months.
Where does Bryan fit in? Right now there are two wrestlers being talked about. Sheamus, his longtime Wrestlemania rival and Dolph Ziggler. A match with Dolph Ziggler writes itself: two fan favorites, arguably the two best "wrestlers" on the roster, it wouldn't need much of a build. Id pay the sixty bones to watch them go at it again, their match at Bragging Rights is still a go to for me (which can be viewed on the WWE Network for a low price of $9.99 a month, MAGGLE!). Sheamus vs. Bryan would be acceptable, especially if built correctly. The 2 out of 3 falls match at Extreme Rules is also a modern favorite of mine. Lets be honest, Bryan can wrestle a broomstick and make it exciting.
The road to WrestleMania `is starting to become a clear path for some, while others are speeding up and finding their places on the highway to Santa Clara, California.
Overall, the inaugural Fastlane event helped with the solidification and the foreshadowing of the feuds/ story lines for this years "granddaddy of them all"!
Friday, March 6, 2015
Wrestler of the Year 2014
2014 has been a big year for many fresh faces in the WWE. The super athlete invaded american arenas and made and undefeated streak meaningful again. A lunatic made a lot of noise and brought edginess back to a product that hasn't had a jolt regularly in a long time. A family of psychopaths left the swamp and ran rough shot through an entire universe. A consistent show stealer made the biggest impact and strides in his career in 2014. An explosive Samoan with a presence unlike many others punched and speared his way into the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. A beast incarnate conquered a legend and squashed a superman. An american dragon, a B+ player, defeated the COO of the WWE and two of the most established superstars in one night to achieve his childhood dream.
All of these performers had a fantastic year, but, they pale in comparison to one man. A man most thought would fall into the shadows of mid card obscurity. A man who kicked, dove and flipped all over as part of the best faction in modern times. The man who has had the best year in professional wrestling/ sports entertainment: Seth Rollins.
Early in 2014 Seth stood along side two other men. One of those men was regarded as a future main eventer, a man who could possibly fill John Cenas shoes once the doctor of thuganomics decides to bow out. The other man was regarded as a strong promo guy who could delver in the ring, a guy who would always have a spot on the card.
Seth Rollins was the X factor, for good and for bad. His promos within the shield got better and better, but were still overshadowed by Ambrose. His presence in the ring, his athleticism, while more consistent than Roman Reigns was not as exclaimed and as explosive than Reigns. He and his shield bre herein dominated all, and 2014 was no different. The shield had great, compelling matches with the Wyatts and Evolution. His spots in those matches still stick out in fans minds as the year closes. Where does the shield go when there's nothing left? WWE made a great decision to end the shield as they peaked. At this time everyone wondered, who's gong to turn? Ambrose? He has the promo abilities, maybe if he turns it will shoot him right up the card. maybe it would be Reigns, the obvious choice to urn. He has the look, the presence, and the lineage to be the breakout member. It was neither. The WWE put the breakup on the shoulders of the architect, Seth Rollins. Since that fateful night where Rollins broke the shield with a steel chair, he has delivered incredible matches (with ziggler, cena, ambrose,etc.), fantastic promos and has continued to evolve as a superstar. He won the MITB (an accolade he hasn't forgotten t mention). His feud with ambrose made the WWE must watch again. Fan's were entertained and most of the program was filled with surprises, twists and turns, and just in general pure entertainment. His alignment with the authority, major players who were more physically imposing and his little group of lackeys only added even more heat to a guy who, every night has had the entire crowd chant " YOU SOLD OUT" for an entire year! Yes, Bray Wyatt wrestled Cena at Mania, yes, Brock Lesnar wrestled cena at Summer slam, but Rollins has wrestled cena close to forty times this year. He was the last member of the authority to be in the ring at Survivor Series. His finisher is devastating, his work as a heel is unparalleled within the ranks of full time performers. Rollins look is unique and his athleticism and risk taking plants seeds similar to Shawn Michaels and Jeff Hardy into the minds of every member of the WWE universe.
For a guy who could have easily ended up like Justin Gabriel, Seth Rollins has proved his worth. He plays coward, he plays smart, he plays ruthless, everything that is fundamental to a heel in the business, Seth Rollins has exemplified. His work as a heel makes people really hate him, even I want to see him get beat and I like him!
I dont know about you, but in 2014 I definitely bought in and I implore you to do as well, because 2015 will be another big year in the career of the standard bearer of the WWE!
All of these performers had a fantastic year, but, they pale in comparison to one man. A man most thought would fall into the shadows of mid card obscurity. A man who kicked, dove and flipped all over as part of the best faction in modern times. The man who has had the best year in professional wrestling/ sports entertainment: Seth Rollins.
Early in 2014 Seth stood along side two other men. One of those men was regarded as a future main eventer, a man who could possibly fill John Cenas shoes once the doctor of thuganomics decides to bow out. The other man was regarded as a strong promo guy who could delver in the ring, a guy who would always have a spot on the card.
Seth Rollins was the X factor, for good and for bad. His promos within the shield got better and better, but were still overshadowed by Ambrose. His presence in the ring, his athleticism, while more consistent than Roman Reigns was not as exclaimed and as explosive than Reigns. He and his shield bre herein dominated all, and 2014 was no different. The shield had great, compelling matches with the Wyatts and Evolution. His spots in those matches still stick out in fans minds as the year closes. Where does the shield go when there's nothing left? WWE made a great decision to end the shield as they peaked. At this time everyone wondered, who's gong to turn? Ambrose? He has the promo abilities, maybe if he turns it will shoot him right up the card. maybe it would be Reigns, the obvious choice to urn. He has the look, the presence, and the lineage to be the breakout member. It was neither. The WWE put the breakup on the shoulders of the architect, Seth Rollins. Since that fateful night where Rollins broke the shield with a steel chair, he has delivered incredible matches (with ziggler, cena, ambrose,etc.), fantastic promos and has continued to evolve as a superstar. He won the MITB (an accolade he hasn't forgotten t mention). His feud with ambrose made the WWE must watch again. Fan's were entertained and most of the program was filled with surprises, twists and turns, and just in general pure entertainment. His alignment with the authority, major players who were more physically imposing and his little group of lackeys only added even more heat to a guy who, every night has had the entire crowd chant " YOU SOLD OUT" for an entire year! Yes, Bray Wyatt wrestled Cena at Mania, yes, Brock Lesnar wrestled cena at Summer slam, but Rollins has wrestled cena close to forty times this year. He was the last member of the authority to be in the ring at Survivor Series. His finisher is devastating, his work as a heel is unparalleled within the ranks of full time performers. Rollins look is unique and his athleticism and risk taking plants seeds similar to Shawn Michaels and Jeff Hardy into the minds of every member of the WWE universe.
For a guy who could have easily ended up like Justin Gabriel, Seth Rollins has proved his worth. He plays coward, he plays smart, he plays ruthless, everything that is fundamental to a heel in the business, Seth Rollins has exemplified. His work as a heel makes people really hate him, even I want to see him get beat and I like him!
I dont know about you, but in 2014 I definitely bought in and I implore you to do as well, because 2015 will be another big year in the career of the standard bearer of the WWE!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Wrestlemania 29
WOOOOOOOOOOOO! Wrestlemania 29 brother! Where legends are made and so are some green dollar bills ya'll. The night started off right with every ones favorite stable, that's right, my boys The Shield. Their six man tag match was exciting. I cant help but to be ecstatic when Dean Ambrose comes on the screen. He comes on the screen. He comes off as a maniac, all the time! His facial expressions, movements and wrestling gives you the feelings of Brian Pillman and recent Hall of Famer Mick Foley. The end of the match was great, showcasing the Shields synergy vs. the WWE wrestlers ego.
Fandango beating Jericho was expected. Don't kid yourselves. Jericho is a wrestling fan and a wrestler. He's a made man. Very accomplished. He only comes back when he wants and he always puts guys over. A win with a small package was a great heel move and didn't make The Ayatollah of Rock n' Rolla look weak.
The Henry/ Ryback match also had a great ending. Henry won but the young talent laid him out after the bell. I don't know about you but I think Henry is a bad ass and it was a great idea to have him in a program with the beast Ryback.
The tag title match was fantastic, I always love seeing Ziggler wrestle Bryan (as they are the best technicians). I also looked forward to the in ring debut of Big E. Langston. One thought though regarding Big E: Do they realize he has bigger tits and ass than any diva? Do they notice his family jewels in that ridiculous attire? Big E was impressive but his finisher is lame! The big finish looks like his opponent reversed an inverted back breaker and is going to pin the one man Nation of Domination.
Undertaker vs. CM Punk was match of the night. Punk built the match well, proved hes a natural heel and carried the Deadman into what I believe will be a contender for mach of the year. The reversal of the old school was awesome. I loved when Taker did the first tombstone. He didn't set it up, just flowed right into it. The match flowed so well it makes you wonder what could have happened in '09 if Punk would've worn that suit.
Triple H and Brock started slow. Loved Lesnar suplexing H all over the outside. Brutal ending with pedigree onto the steps. The only part that was ridiculous was all the armbars. If it were a real fight, the first arm wrench would have been the end. Some things pro wrestling shouldn't touch. Its fake but at times like that you just wanna laugh. To follow the Punk/ Taker match, Brock and H delivered a worthy performance.
Alas, we get to the main event. Thank God I ordered some cheesecake or I would've definitely fell asleep. I really didn't care since their last match at Wrestlemania 28. The reversals of the finishers seemed dull and uninteresting since the two matches prior added that element. I mean how can you expect someone to watch the same formula of match, with the same moves, that many times? The Rock is out of shape, his cardio is whacked and it shows. The match just goes to show that CM Punk should have been in there besides The Brahma Bull. Every time Punk and Cena get in the ring together they create a feeling of Superman vs. Lex Luthor. Its pure magic! I would have liked to have seen the two of them wrestle for the 5th or 6th time instead of the over hyped, out of shape opponent The Rock. Everyone got what they wanted. What was expected happened. Not saying Mania wasn't good, it just wasn't astonishing. I look forward to this upcoming season, I'd really like to see Dean Ambrose settle into a big heel role against the new WWE champion. Ziggler and Bryan need to have a high profile feud for the World Heavy Weight title. The other Shield members should get the tag straps and ANTONIO CESARO (WHO WAS'NT EVEN ON WRESTLEMANIA!) needs to be Mr. Money In The Bank.
Fandango beating Jericho was expected. Don't kid yourselves. Jericho is a wrestling fan and a wrestler. He's a made man. Very accomplished. He only comes back when he wants and he always puts guys over. A win with a small package was a great heel move and didn't make The Ayatollah of Rock n' Rolla look weak.
The Henry/ Ryback match also had a great ending. Henry won but the young talent laid him out after the bell. I don't know about you but I think Henry is a bad ass and it was a great idea to have him in a program with the beast Ryback.
The tag title match was fantastic, I always love seeing Ziggler wrestle Bryan (as they are the best technicians). I also looked forward to the in ring debut of Big E. Langston. One thought though regarding Big E: Do they realize he has bigger tits and ass than any diva? Do they notice his family jewels in that ridiculous attire? Big E was impressive but his finisher is lame! The big finish looks like his opponent reversed an inverted back breaker and is going to pin the one man Nation of Domination.
Undertaker vs. CM Punk was match of the night. Punk built the match well, proved hes a natural heel and carried the Deadman into what I believe will be a contender for mach of the year. The reversal of the old school was awesome. I loved when Taker did the first tombstone. He didn't set it up, just flowed right into it. The match flowed so well it makes you wonder what could have happened in '09 if Punk would've worn that suit.
Triple H and Brock started slow. Loved Lesnar suplexing H all over the outside. Brutal ending with pedigree onto the steps. The only part that was ridiculous was all the armbars. If it were a real fight, the first arm wrench would have been the end. Some things pro wrestling shouldn't touch. Its fake but at times like that you just wanna laugh. To follow the Punk/ Taker match, Brock and H delivered a worthy performance.
Alas, we get to the main event. Thank God I ordered some cheesecake or I would've definitely fell asleep. I really didn't care since their last match at Wrestlemania 28. The reversals of the finishers seemed dull and uninteresting since the two matches prior added that element. I mean how can you expect someone to watch the same formula of match, with the same moves, that many times? The Rock is out of shape, his cardio is whacked and it shows. The match just goes to show that CM Punk should have been in there besides The Brahma Bull. Every time Punk and Cena get in the ring together they create a feeling of Superman vs. Lex Luthor. Its pure magic! I would have liked to have seen the two of them wrestle for the 5th or 6th time instead of the over hyped, out of shape opponent The Rock. Everyone got what they wanted. What was expected happened. Not saying Mania wasn't good, it just wasn't astonishing. I look forward to this upcoming season, I'd really like to see Dean Ambrose settle into a big heel role against the new WWE champion. Ziggler and Bryan need to have a high profile feud for the World Heavy Weight title. The other Shield members should get the tag straps and ANTONIO CESARO (WHO WAS'NT EVEN ON WRESTLEMANIA!) needs to be Mr. Money In The Bank.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Converge- All We Love We Leave Behind
I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Converge record ever since news came out last year the hardcore heroes had been working on All We Love We Leave Behind. Converge have been playing music for 22 years, and they never seem to stop pushing the envelope and raising the bar. All We Love We Leave Behind is no exception. Upon first listen of the first single (and album opener), Aimless Arrow, I was a bit bewildered. The vocals weren't the usual sharp screams I had come to expect. Jacob Bannon does more of a screamo sing yell to a backdrop of crazy technical fast riffs from Kurt Ballou. Not gonna lie, from hearing this song I was quite thrown off from my expectations. The next song, Trespass, gave me more assurance that this album was going to really be worth my time. HEAVY AS FUCK! The bulk of the album is one big block of their signature focused, blistering metalcore (yeah, real metal core, not that asking alexandria hot topic garbage). At certain points though they add different elements. One addition that sticks out is the southern rock/bluesy guitar in songs such as Sadness Comes Home and Glacial Pace. As a listener it was quite refreshing to hear the tapping and the wailing because the God City overlord mixed it in very well. Another highlight of the album is the way Converge mix an occasional slow song, and yes, even when this hardcore speed vehicle pumps its brakes the result is still the same: a feeling of every dark emotion juxtaposed into a sonic assault. Coral Blue and the title track are already being acclaimed as some of the best songs on the album.
On this record Converge has, in my eyes, had a return to form. I'm not saying their past two albums are bad, because they arent, but this album is up there with Jane Doe and You Fail Me. PICK THIS UP!
Key Tracks: A Glacial Pace, Trespass.
On this record Converge has, in my eyes, had a return to form. I'm not saying their past two albums are bad, because they arent, but this album is up there with Jane Doe and You Fail Me. PICK THIS UP!
Key Tracks: A Glacial Pace, Trespass.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Welcome!
THIS my friends, is a begining of an era. Finally, the ultimate lurker has become the lurkee! In the times to come I will be posting what I feel you should see, hear, know, think, basically turning all of you internet dwellers into my own personal minions. No, but I hope to entertain, inspire or atleast waste your time.
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