Wrestlemania 31

Before we get started, I wanted to give a shout out to my friend Kev and his blog over at kevstaaaprowrestling.blogspot.com. Where I do the more varied reviews, he sticks to stuff that is on the WWE Network, and really helped inspire this blog itself. Solid writer, solid dude reviewing some (mostly) awful shows. Give it a look.

So the build to this show has been absolutely dreadful. The only matches that had a decent build to them were Triple H vs Sting and John Cena vs Rusev. Bray Wyatt was forced to hype his match with Undertaker all alone, and Reigns/Lesnar never had any interaction until their awful tug of war on the go-home edition of Raw. With that said, I went into this show with dirt level expectations. Would the show fail to meet my incredibly low expectations, or will it surprise me and be a fantastic show? Let's have a look at WWE Wrestlemania 31 

WWE Presents: Wrestlemania 31
March 28th, 2015
Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, California

So, like I mentioned before, this show had terrible build up. I will admit, however, when Brock Lesnar went onto ESPN to announce his new contract with WWE, it got me interested in the main event. Would Roman Reigns grab the brass ring and dethrone the beast, or would Brock Lesnar's incredible title reign of dominance continue? Going into the show, I was pulling for Lesnar, because I really really want to see Brock Lesnar defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Rusev at Summerslam. At this point, though, I'm hoping for a good show

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Ladder Match
Bad News Barrett(c) vs Daniel Bryan vs Dean Ambrose vs Luke Harper vs R-Truth vs Stardust vs Dolph Ziggler

This match had some terrible build with everyone in the match stealing the belt from one another. It's still a match I've been looking forward to, because I love pretty much all of these guys and ladder matches can be a lot of fun. The match starts hot as everyone starts brawling and falling out of the ring. A string of suicide dives starts with Ambrose, then R-Truth, then Stardust, then Ziggler is tossed over by Luke Harper onto everybody, then Harper himself dives through the ropes taking everybody out. This is also followed by Ambrose climbing a huge ladder and elbow dropping everybody with a nice spot. Everybody is down except for Truth, who sets up the first ladder in the ring, but it's clearly not big enough. He tries to climb anyway, but Barrett comes in to stop him with some strikes and a ladder shot to the gut.

Ambrose gets on the apron, but Barrett knocks him off with the ladder before Bryan jumps off the top and hits a dropkick into the ladder and Barrett! Bryan backs Barrett into the corner and leans the ladder into him. He stacks Stardust against Barrett and the Ladder and hits two dropkicks, but going for a third is thwarted by a huge ladder shot by Harper. Harper climbs the ladder, but is stopped by Bryan. Harper, hanging from one foot in the ladder, is kicked repeatedly by Bryan. Bryan starts climbing the ladder now, but Ziggler pulls him down and hits a big superkick as he starts to climb now. Ambrose and Ziggler pull each other off a bunch before they both climb. Barrett tries to knock the ladder over, but is unsuccessful as they get him out of the ring before Stardust dropkicks the ladder now.
Stardust pulls out his own ladder, and...well, it's covered in glitter, because why not? Barrett breaks a rung off the ladder and beats the living crap out of Stardust and Bryan with it. Ambrose and Harper brawl a bit before Harper disposes of him, and then Ziggler meets the same fate. Ambrose fights back now until he takes a lawn dart right into a ladder in the corner. I like the way Ambrose sold that. Harper puts his head between the rungs and swings the ladder around his neck. He takes out a few guys until Truth hits a drop toe hold and an axe kick to bring Harper down. Stardust is climbing now as Barrett meets him at the top.

Barrett hits a giant superplex that nearly sends Stardust out of the ring. They could be dead. Bryan and Ziggler are climbing now as Ambrose is in as well. Ambrose is knocked from the ladder, but does his rebound lariat thing to push the ladder over. I don't hate the rebound lariat, but that was a bit unnecessary.

CZW would be proud.

Ambrose is climbing now, but Harper stops him with a powerbomb outside the ring through a ladder! Holy shit! Jesus. I'd be surprised if Ambrose isn't hurt from that. He flat out neck bumped that. Back inside, Ziggler locks on a sleeper hold on Harper, but Harper is climbing anyway with Ziggler on him! Harper starts to fade as Ziggler hits a huge Zig Zag! This match has not been short of awesome spots. Ziggler is alone in the ring and is climbing the ladder, but here comes Barrett who pulls him off into a massive Bullhammer! Stardust comes off the ropes and into another Bullhammer! R-Truth is on top of the ladder, but Barrett climbs up and hits another one!

You get a bullhammer! You all get a bullhammer!

Barrett starts climbing the ladder now and in comes Bryan to stop him! Bryan knocks him down and in comes Ziggler! Barrett pulls them both down and Barrett pushes the ladder over, but Bryan hits the Busaiku Knee to take Barrett out! Bryan climbs again and here comes Ziggler! They battle at the top exchanging brutal headbutts back and forth until Ziggler falls and Bryan grabs the belt to retain!

The one true GOAT

Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan in 13:47
This was a fantastic way to start the show. I loved the match when I first watched it live, and I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around. The spots were perfect, some were brutal, some were just insane, and others were at least very enjoyable. I have almost no complaints about this match. I would've rather Ambrose finally win a PPV match, but if Bryan can bring some prestige back to the belt, I'm all for it. ****1/4

Singles Match
Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins (w/ Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury)
I'm one of the few people I know who actually really enjoys Randy Orton. Obviously, I'm also a big Seth Rollins fan. I'm expecting a solid match here, though I'm not sure their styles really mesh for much more than a fancy RKO.

We start with a lock up and some slow chaining, neither man gets clear control until Rollins hits a dropkick and goes for an RKO, but Rollins backs out of it and rolls out of the ring. Orton chases him around the ring for a bit before Seth rolls into the ring. As Orton is rolling in, Seth hops over the rope onto the apron to hit a guillotine on Orton. Nice little sequence there to show Rollins as the evil genius heel he portrays. Rollins starts beating on Orton in the corner, until Orton fights back with some uppercuts that send Rollins into the opposite corner. Orton tries the 10 corner punch, but is reversed into a powerbomb into the opposite turnbuckle, which Orton no sells with a big lariat to Rollins. Orton signals for the RKO, but Mercury gets on the apron.
Orton takes out both Mercury and Noble with a double hangman's ddt on the floor!
Orton, who is now distracted, is immediately hit with a big suicide dive by Rollins! Rollins is the first to his feet outside the ring and rolls Orton back in and covers for a quick two count. Rollins stays on Orton and keeps pounding away with stomps in the corner, followed by a choke using his boot. Like a jerk. Suplex by Rollins gets another two count. Rollins locks in one of Orton's signature chin locks. I can only assume Orton is furious that his rest holds are being stolen. He breaks out of it with a headbutt, and charges at Rollins in the corner, but is hit with a reverse STO sending him face first into the turnbuckle! Love that move. Rollins hits a splash before choking and taunting Orton some more "WHOSE THE MAN?! THIS IS MY TIME!" He tries another splash, but Orton tosses him onto the apron. Seth springboards, but misses the knee.

I'm a sucker for catch moves

A few strike exchanges and reversals ends with an awesome spot where Rollins goes for the curbstomp, but Orton catches him with a powerslam out of midair for two. More uppercuts in the corner by Orton until the ref pulls him away. Rollins tries the reverse STO again, but reverses it into an awesome capture suplex. Another move I'm a real sucker for. Orton tries a hangman's ddt, but Rollins reverses it and knocks Orton off the apron with an enziguri followed by an awesome Asai Moonsault. Rollins went backfirst into the announcer's table hard on that one. That must have hurt a bit. Beautiful moonsault though. Rollins rolls Orton inside and goes to the top rope, but Orton crotches him and climbs himself. The crowd chants for an RKO, but instead he tries a superplex. Rollins counters it, but instead is backdropped off the ropes. Orton turns around and goes old school with a big crossbody, but Rollins rolls through for a two count. A sequence of reversals ends with a quick and brutal looking hangman's DDT by Orton.

When done right, this move is fantastic.

Orton signals for the RKO, but Rollins rolls him up for two and hits a superkick to a kneeling Orton. Seth goes for a Sethwalker, but Orton tosses him back onto his feet and hits the RKO for a two count! Orton thinks about another RKO, but decides to try the punt instead. Unfortunately, Noble and Mercury come in and they both take RKOs. This allows Rollins to take advantage and hit a curbstomp, but Orton kicks out at two!

Outta nowhere!

Rollins can't believe it, neither can the announcers. Seth goes up top and attempts a Phoenix Splash, but Orton rolls out of the way, and Rollins lands on his feet and rolls into another RKO attempt. Rollins spin kicks Orton in the stomach and goes for the Curbstomp, but as he steps on the back of Orton, Randy pops up and hits the greatest RKO I've ever seen for the three count. You know Super Mario Bros 2? Playing as Luigi gave you the ability to double jump? Rollins fucking double jumped into that RKO.

Sorry, DDP. Orton is king of the cutter.

 Winner: Randy Orton in 13:15Watching this live, I thought it was a good, but not great match. Watching it back now, this was amazing. It told the perfect story of revenge for Orton, J&J tied into the match incredibly well and both guys looked fantastic. That RKO is easily the best RKO I've seen him do, and that says a lot when you factor in the Evan Bourne Shooting Star into the RKO. This was awesome. ****

We're shown UFC Champion Ronda Rousey in the crowd and the announcers bring up her making someone tap out tonight, jokingly, but possibly foreshadowing? Hmm...

Singles Match
No Disqualification
Sting vs Triple H
I never really cared for Sting growing up in the mid-nineties. I thought he was okay, but never thought he was this great wrestler everyone else did. Even today, looking back, I don't think he was anything special, so I wasn't all that excited when he showed up in WWE. Is it cool? Yeah, absolutely. Is it something I really want to see in 2015? Not at all.

Sting comes out to a traditional Japanese theme song, performed live, and I'm not sure why. Sting wasn't a Japanese star, he's never wrestled much in Japan. This is the worst entrance I've ever seen from a kayfabe standpoint. This isn't intimidating, it's just confusing. At least, I thought this was the worst. Triple H topped it. His entrance is used to promote Arnold Schwarzanegger's new Terminator movie. He enters with some awful and cheesy looking Terminator gear with some robots surrounding him, and then he's holding two bags of fake skulls. These two entrances were easily two of the worst I have ever seen at a Wrestlemania. This is not off to a good start.

This is fucking stupid.

Anyway, I'll go into this match with an open mind, and hope that it's better than the entrances. We start with a stare down as the crowd starts chanting "this is awesome." I don't see how, but all right. This stare down goes on for over a full minute before they lock up. Headlock and shoulder block by Sting as he roars in the face of Triple H. Katy Perry would be proud. Another long stare down and another lock up. This time they chain a bit more and Triple H hits a headlock takedown. Triple H hits the shoulder block this time with a crotch chop. Sting hits a hip toss and a drop kick that sends HHH retreating into the corner. About three and a half minutes since the bell rang, and nothing has happened. This makes sense for a Hogan vs Rock, or a Rock vs Cena, but HHH was never "the guy" for WWE, and Sting was never "the guy" for WCW, so the atmosphere doesn't even approach those matches. Triple H takes control now and pounds away on Sting, laying him out with some punches rather easily. Facebuster by Triple H, but Sting no sells it and roars again, before Sting takes Triple H down and goes for a Scorpion Death Lock, but Triple H rolls out of the ring to avoid it. HHH just walks around the ring before he slowly gets in and we get another stare down and lock up. Few corner whip reversals ends with HHH being tossed over the top rope to the outside. Sting follows and goes for a Stinger Splash into the barricade, but Triple H moves and both men are down.

Seven minutes into this match. Triple H tosses Sting into the steps and enters the ring as the ref begins the count. H brings Sting onto the apron before he kicks him off. Okay. He goes to suplex sting from the apron into the ring and does so, completing our first actual move of the match after nine minutes. Knee drop gets a two count. It was a nice stalling suplex though, so I'll give them that. Whip into the corner by Triple H has Sting reeling and collapsing in the middle of the ring. HHH tries again and they do the same exact spot before HHH does a crotch chop and another knee drop for a two followed by a chin lock. Sting finally gets some offense, but then just takes a spinebuster for another near fall. Followed by yet another rest hold. Sting reverses it eventually and starts pounding on HHH. 

Whip into the corner and eats a big boot. HHH goes for a double axe handle, but Sting catches him in a Scorpion Death Lock before the music for Degeneration X hits and I'm excited because something is actually happening. Sting clears house immediately, but this allows Triple H to try a Pedigree, but Sting dumps him over the top rope! Sting goes up top and hits a big splash onto all of D-X! I'll gif that, but the Network pixelated the impact a bit. This match took twelve minutes to get interesting. Sting rolls HHH back in the ring, but Billy Gunn distracts Sting allowing Triple H to hit a Pedigree for a two count. HHH can't believe it! He seems pissed, and he actually has a massive bruise on his right leg. He goes under the ring and pulls out a sledgehammer, but the music for the NWO hits and out comes Hogan, Nash and Hall! It may have taken nearly twenty years, but the D-X/NWO feud is finally happening! And...meh.

Kayfabe wise, this doesn't make sense in 2015. Everybody knows that all of these guys are friends, and that Nash is basically best friends with Triple H. This is completely idiotic and the only purpose it serves is delivering nostalgia. From that aspect, I'm fine with it, but it should not be happening nearly fifteen minutes into this match. HHH can't believe it, neither can D-X. NWO always had a big problem with Sting, so they attack Triple H. Cool. D-X and NWO start brawling on the outside, and Sting hits a big Scorpion Death Drop for a two count and he can't believe it. Hogan actually looks the best of the bunch. He looks like he could still go.
Scorpion Death Lock is locked in now and Triple H is crawling for his sledgehammer, but Hogan pulls it out of the ring before he's tackled by X-Pac. Pac is then Clotheslined by Nash, who's taken out by Gunn. Hall takes a back drop by Road Dogg on the outside. Props to Hall for bumping. This sharpshooter is really ugly, but HHH gets the ropes. Sting pulls HHH away from the ropes and locks in another Scorpion Death Lock, but just as he turns, in comes Shawn Michaels with a Sweet Chin Music to Sting! Okay, that was cool. HBK just stares at Sting while standing over him. Both Sting and HHH are down and HBK does the crotch chop to Sting. Slow cover by HHH gets a near fall and I groan. The crowd is chanting "This Is Awesome" and I can't believe it. Gunn hands the sledgehammer to Triple H, as Scott Hall hands Sting his bat. The only good thing about this is that it has to be close to the finish at this point. Triple H goes to attack Sting, but takes a bat shot to the stomach. Triple H tries to shield the strike with his sledgehammer, but the bat breaks the hammer handle in half, because apparently Sting has an aluminum bat. Sting hits a Stinger Splash, and goes for another, but HHH hits him with the head of the sledgehammer and covers for the three.
Winner: Triple H in 18:36
This is one of the worst Wrestlemania matches of all time. This was beyond dreadful. It went about 10 minutes too long, and the only redeeming thing about it was the nostalgia value from the NWO/DX guys. After two 4 star matches, they followed it with a match that just BARELY avoids a complete dud. Triple H had no reason to win here. If Sting had won, it might have gotten an extra half star or even full star, but the god awful match mixed in with the god awful booking decision gives this match a 1/4*

After the match, Triple H and Sting shake hands...WHY?! Sting's entire comeback has been about taking HHH down, not seeing who is the better man, and HHH used a freaking sledgehammer to beat him. Sting's entire return was ruined with that one handshake. I need a good match or segment, because this was so awful and so long, that it is actually infuriating.

We also get an advertisement about some new WWE Network Original Series. I'll give them a shot. None of them sound awful, but you never know with this company. Also, Maria Menunos is backstage interviewing Daniel Bryan. She's hot. Bryan is approached by Pat Patterson, Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Roddy Piper and Bret Hart congratulating him on his win. They seem to be serious about bringing meaning back to the belt, so I'm all for Bryan winning the ladder match. I wish we could've seen Daniel Bryan vs Bret Hart in his prime. Ron Simmons comes in and yells "DAMN!" For...no reason...but okay. Fun segment.

We now get Skylar Grey and Kid Ink performing. Skipping this. No place for this crap on this show. Cut this out, give the divas some actual time to work a freaking match.


Tag Team Match
The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie) vs A.J. Lee & Paige
Thankfully, we get the Divas to follow up that abomination of a match between HHH and Sting. I say thankfully, because I know all four of these women can go in the ring, but I also know the WWE does not give a shit about their Divas division. I'd bet if you put these four in a fatal four way on NXT, they'd put on the match of the night. Here? I'd be shocked if they get five minutes. Paige is fantastic, AJ has been disappointing ever since Wrestlemania 30. She seems to be going through the motion these days and couldn't care less about wrestling. It really shows in her performances, and she's become one of my least favorites to watch, but when she wants to do well, she can. Nikki Bella has become a damn solid worker in the past year or so, and she's been having great matches with Paige, so I'm hoping this isn't too bad.

Nikki and Paige star the match, and Paige starts quick by taking down Nikki and hitting some headbutts before trying to tag in AJ. Nikki stops her and then knocks AJ off the apron before hitting an Alabama Slam for two. Nikki does that move really well, it should be her finisher. Nikki keeps pounding Paige's head into the canvas before driving her into the corner and tagging in Brie. Brie comes in with a missile dropkick and goes to work, taunting Paige before she locks in a bridging chin lock.
They show AJ still down outside, which is weird, because she wasn't hit that hard. Brie calls for Brie Mode and hits a big knee on AJ knocking her off the apron yet again, before hitting it on Paige for two. Nikki tags back in now and they hit a double slingshot suplex for two. Not a bad double team move for them. Looked nice. Nikki whips Paige, but it's reversed. Nikki ducks a clothesline and dropkicks AJ off the apron yet again. Nikki hits a spinebuster on Paige and goes for the Rack Attack and hits it, but Paige kicks out. Paige knocks Brie off the apron and kicks Nikki in the face before tossing Nikki outside the ring. AJ is still down outside, but Paige says screw it and hits a front flip off the apron onto both of the Bellas.

Paige crawls into the ring and to her corner and finally tags in AJ who is not selling any of the bumps. She starts pounding away on Nikki and hits a crossbody off the top, but Nikki rolls through only for Paige to dropkick her. Brie comes in and her and Paige roll to the outside. AJ goes for a shining wizard, but Nikki picks her up on her shoulders. AJ reverses into a terrible looking DDT for two. AJ goes to lock on the black widow, but Brie breaks it up. Paige kicks Brie in the face, Nikki hits a forearm but AJ kicks out and locks on the Black Widow for the win.

Winners: A.J. Lee & Paige in 6:42
This match was actually pretty solid...until AJ got in the ring. She didn't give any effort in this match, she didn't sell anything at all, and everything she did looked extremely sloppy. Nikki and Paige doing most of the work was a great booking decision as they did really well. There were a couple of cool spots, but having AJ get the win was an awful decision. **

We get a "Tale of the Tape" for Reigns and Lesnar. Not sure why, seeing as that's not the match that's up next. None of the announcers have had any of their Mountain Dew. Wouldn't it be better advertising if the bottle emptied little by little? Can't even fake it and pour some out? We also get the Hall of Fame recap. Rikishi and the Bushwackers are in it, there is no Hall of Fame. I skipped the Connor speech recap, because I don't want to cry.

United States Championship
Singles Match
Rusev(c) vs John Cena
I love Rusev. He's been fantastic since he came up a year ago. He's really become one of the best workers in the WWE, and his selling his top notch. He's a great heel, even if I don't like the evil foreigner gimmick too much. Cena is one of the best workers of all time. He knows how to step up his game when the spotlight is on, and these two tore the roof off the arena at Fast Lane one month ago. I'm excited for this match.

Rusev comes out on a fucking Tank. 'Nuff said. This is how you do a special entrance.

How did they get this into the arena?!

Unlike the last match with special entrances, this one has me pumped up instead of just shaking my head at how stupid it is. Lana is back, and she's looking hot as always. These two have good chemistry together, which makes sense seeing as they're a couple in real life. Cena's entrance is just a bunch of people praising America. It's an incredibly long and stupid video, and I don't care, just start the damn match.

We start with Cena hitting a clothesline on Rusev and immediately pinning him. Dumb. Rusev takes down Cena and goes for a pin. Dumb. I don't like people going for pins 10 seconds into the match when it's not a roll up. Rusev hits this awesome spot that starts with a cradle and ends with his gutwrench suplex type move. Rusev, for a guy his size, is really freaking athletic.

RUSEV SMASH!

Cena kicks out at two and Rusev stays on the offensive. Cena starts taking over a bit with some strikes before Rusev splashes him in the corner. Rusev then goes for a front roll into a seated Cena in the corner, it technically hits, but Cena moved out of the way so it barely connected. Trust your freaking opponent, John. Lana gives Rusev the Russian flag as he waves it over the down and out Cena. You would think you would try to...I don't know...pin him? Cena takes control of course and hits his five moves of doom, but Rusev breaks the Attitude Adjustment and hits a backdrop for two. Rusev is getting pissed. Rusev tries his superkick, but Cena reverses it into the STF, which Rusev reverses and hits Cena with the swinging sidewalk slam for two. Rusev drags Cena to the top rope and tries a superplex, but Cena knocks him off and hits the diving leg drop to the back of the head for two. Cena never ever does that move well. Ever. 

The fans start chanting for Lana, because they don't care about the match. Cena goes for the AA again, but Rusev reverses into his superkick. Rusev kicks him in the face again for another two count. Cena hits a leaping tornado ddt for two. That would be another new move for Cena. Much better than his diving leg drop. Do that one more, John. Both men are down Rusev hits a knee followed by an Alabama Slam that wasn't as good as Nikki Bella's. Rusev tries for another Accolade, but Cena locks in the worst STF in history. I'm fairly certain a four year old can lock on a better STF than John Cena. Cena takes a fallaway slam and realizes he does not know how to back bump, as he, yet again, poorly bumps the move.  Rusev goes up top and dives across the entire ring for a nice looking headbutt but only gets a two. Rusev is selling the frustration very well, while Cena is selling nothing. Rusev is clearly the better worker of the two in this match, and continue to show why he's a top five worker in WWE today. He goes for the Accolade, but Cena reverses it and hits a springboard stunner for two. That's weird. Cena cannot pull that off. There's about 400 indy guys who do that move a million times better. The only good part about that spot, was how Rusev took it.

And the worst John Cena move in history goes to....

Rusev goes for another swinging sidewalk slam, but Cena rolls him up for two. Wheelbarrow facebuster allows Rusev enough time to lock in The Accolade. The announcers play up that nobody has broken out of it, which means Cena will, and he does. He's fucking Superman, of course he does. Cena locks in the STF again, and I swear Cena is in more pain than Rusev is. Lana gets on the apron, and Cena walks over to get her off. Rusev goes to attack but hits Lana instead, knocking her off the apron. The distraction is enough for Cena to hit the Attitude Adjustment for the win.

Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion: John Cena in 14:31
Not anywhere close to their Fast Lane match, and it had the worst possible booking decision as well. There's no reason for Rusev to lose his streak to Superman. Awful. Rusev continues to prove why he's one of the best wrestlers in the industry, while John Cena continues to prove his haters right. He was awful in this match, no two ways about it. The match itself wasn't terrible, but went on way too long and frankly had me losing interest about half way through. *1/2

We get about a half hour long segment with The Authority and The Rock. Stephanie slaps Rock and says "what are you gonna do, hit a woman?" which leads to Rock pulling UFC Champion Ronda Rousey from the crowd, which is a cool little segment. Rousey Judo tosses Triple H and locks Stephanie's arm behind her back until she left the ring. This is literally all that happens. It went almost a half hour. No.

This is pretty cool though.

Singles Match
The Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt
I'm not sure why this match is happening. I guess Taker didn't want to end his Wrestlemania legacy on a loss like last year? They tried to make these two have special entrances, but it's still broad daylight and sunny, so it doesn't really work. In fact, it makes Wyatt's lamp entrance seem kind of stupid. It's kind of ironic though, every other match has some pretty shitty build, but had an awesome video package before their match, but Wyatt/Taker is the opposite. Bray did a great job hyping this match on his own, but there was no video package here at all. This is the second session of my review now, and I decided to take a shot of Jack Daniels for every one minute of Undertaker's entrance. I took five shots.

We start with Undertaker immediately big booting Wyatt in the face and beating the shit out of him in the corner. Taker hits a few shoulder blocks that floor Wyatt. Undertaker goes for Old School early and manages to hit it. At this point I'm thinking squash, but then I remember Taker used "Just For Men" for this show. Taker hits the ropes and eats a clothesline from Bray who starts smiley like a sadistic son of a bitch before clotheslining Taker over the ropes. Taker lands on his feet though and pulls Wyatt outside the ring before driving him into the apron. Big boot and the patented apron leg drop follow by Undertaker. Wyatt folds over to the outside. How weird is it that this dude was Husky Harris? Inside, Taker hits a splash in the corner, and hits the snake eyes before going for a Big Boot but Bray Wyatt cut him off with a cross chop.

I like this move, but I can't tell you why.

Both men are down, but Wyatt is still smiling as Taker crawls into the corner. Wyatt takes control now with some strikes in the corner followed by some taunting and some more strikes and chops. They start brawling more and Taker's strikes clearly have more effect until Bray says fuck it and starts kneeing Taker in the body and hitting a big corner splash of his own. Cover for barely a two count. Bray locks in a Tazmission, which seems to be the submission of choice for shorter fat guys. Wyatt starts driving some forearms into the back of a grounded Taker now as he crawls on all for and sits in at the bottom rope. Don't judge, he's winded, he's fat, he likes food, it happens. Taker crawls over to Bray, who pulls him towards the ropes and starts hitting more strikes, he does this weird flipping strike that I guess was supposed to smash Taker against the post, but really just looked like Wyatt hiptossed himself. Wyatt keeps Taker grounded, because Taker is old, but Taker locks in Hell's Gate! Wyatt fights out with some strikes though. 

Both guys get up slow, and Wyatt levels him with a big slam and a senton for a near fall. Bray is first to his feet as he goes into the corner and bends backwards to stare at Taker before going for Sister Abigail, but Undertaker reverses into a huge chokeslam! Taker doesn't cover, and instead calls for the Tombstone Piledriver! He lifts Wyatt and hits the Tombstone! But Bray kicks out! Both guys are down and Taker kicks Wyatt onto his back as he rolls towards the ropes. Taker signals for another Tombstone, but Bray reverses it into a Sister Abigail, but now Taker kicks out! Bray goes into his spiderwalk but Taker sits up and stares at him! This was an awesome moment.

They stare at each other some more as they both rise to their feet, both men are slow to get up and are clearly hurt. They start exchanging strikes before Wyatt starts to take control, and now Bray does Undertaker's cut-throat taunt and goes for another Sister Abigail, but Undertaker reverses it into another tombstone for the three!
Winner: The Undertaker in 15:12
This was awesome. It wasn't a technical classic by any means, but it told a great story, and had some awesome back and forth action. 15 minutes flew by. ***1/4

We get a promo package recapping the Lesnar/Reigns feud aka A Paul Heyman Promo montage. I'll take it.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Singles Match
Brock Lesnar(c) vs Roman Reigns
There is a ton of controversy going into this match. About 75% of the fanbase either dislikes Roman Reigns, or doesn't think he belongs in the main event. That's a lot of fucking pressure to put on a guy. This is an incredible test for Reigns to see how he does with the spotlight on him. He did great against Bryan at Fast Lane, but Lesnar is a different beast entirely, so I'm definitely intrigued by this match. The build was complete shit, but Lesnar's appearance on SportsNation definitely got my hyped.

The bell rings and there's no messing around with Reigns charging Lesnar, but Lesnar manhandling him. Amazingly, Lesnar gets a shiner in the early going before hitting his first german suplex on Roman. Lesnar hits an F-5 about 30 seconds into the match, but doesn't go for the cover. He notices he's bleeding and decides to inflict some more damage. Brock hits some knees and drives Roman to the corner with some strikes, followed by a fisherman's suplex. Lesnar goes for another german suplex, but Reigns reverses it with a few clotheslines, but Lesnar ducks the last one and hits another huge German suplex! Roman is actually smiling and laughing at Lesnar. That's awesome, give Roman some badass tendencies like that. Another back suplex by Lesnar. Lesnar gets up and yells out "Suplex city, bitch!" and the internet exploded in laughter.

Suplex City, bitch.

Lesnar waits for Roman to get up, and Reigns attacks with some punches before Lesnar hits suplex number five on Roman. Roman is still smiling and laughing at Lesnar. Reigns may not be over, but he's looking like a bad ass in this match despite getting his ass kicked. Suplex number six by Lesnar. More knees by Lesnar before a suplex that drops Roman onto the top rope, followed by some vicious knees by Lesnar, and a forearm that sends Roman into the barricade on the outside. Roman is taking an ass beating in this match. Roman beats the count out, but Lesnar is caught by a Reigns knee and Roman attacks with a kick to the face, but Lesnar reverses with a huge lariat that just kills Roman Reigns.

He dead.

That was brutal. Stan Hansen, Lord of the Lariat, would be proud of that one. Lesnar joins Reigns on the floor and hits some knees before going back in the ring. Reigns takes suplex number seven and rolls outside, but Lesnar pulls him onto the apron and hits a sick belly to belly over the ropes and into the ring.

I'll give Reigns credit for getting his ass beat and still smiling and laughing at Lesnar. Lesnar hits another F-5, but somehow, Reigns kicks out! Lesnar is smiling now. Brock takes off his gloves now and picks up Reigns, smacking the crap out of him. Reigns is still talking smack, which is amazing he's even breathing at this point. Slap after slap, he continues to talk smack. Reigns is bleeding in the mouth and is still laughing before Lesnar hits suplexes nine and ten, before F-5 number three! Reigns kicks out again! Brock is showing some frustration now as Reigns looks like a legit bad ass. Brock tosses Roman out of the ring and follows him out again, but Reigns throws Lesnar right into the ring post! Lesnar is bleeding pretty badly at this point, which if you follow WWE regularly, is a big deal these days. Lesnar rolls into the ring and right into a Superman punch! But he's still standing! Reigns hits a second one, and Lesnar won't go down! It takes the third Superman punch to drop Lesnar! Reigns signals for the spear and connects! But Lesnar is up! Reigns hits another spear and covers but Lesnar kicks out!

Reigns can't believe it and neither can the crowd at Levi Stadium! Reigns goes for another spear, but he jumps right into another F-5 by Lesnar! All of the sudden...

 Seth Rollins' music hits and he's cashing in money in the bank! Lillian Garcia informs us this is now a Triple Threat match! Rollins kicks Reigns out of the ring and hits a curbstomp on Lesnar! He goes for a second one, but is caught! Lesnar goes to F-5 Rollins, but Reigns comes in and spears Lesnar! Rollins landed on his feet, however, and hits a curbstomp on Reigns for the win!

It's beautiful

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Seth Rollins in 16:43
This was incredible. The story telling in this match was perfect. Reigns was booked to perfection here. He kept taking Brock's punishment, kept kicking out and even laughing at it at times. Rollins cashing in mid-match instead of after is a brilliant move and really shows Seth to be the evil genius he claimed to be. Reigns gets screwed but looks strong, Lesnar doesn't get pinned, and Orton beating Seth earlier in the night gives us three instant challengers for Seth's title. One of my favorite main events in recent memory. ****1/2

Rollins runs up the ramp, and we get a glimpse with him as champion to end the show.

Overall: 8/10 Great. When I first watched this show live, I thought it was a top five Wrestlemania. Watching it back, I think it's up there, and maybe my top 7 or 8, but definitely not top five. I think if you took out Sting vs Triple H, it might get there, but the abomination that was that match alone takes it out of contention for a top spot for me. However, the booking of the main event definitely gives it bonus points. That was a perfect main event, absolutely perfect. Other than the one or two bad matches, everything else was really good or at least really entertaining. I definitely recommend this show.

AAW: Pro Wrestling Redefined: The Art of War

All American Wrestling (aka AAW: Pro Wrestling Refined) is one of those indy promotions I've heard a lot about, but have never seen. I'm going to go ahead and change that tonight and see if they're as good as I've heard. Looking at the card, they share a lot of the same workers as AIW, who I've grown to be a big fan of, so my hopes and expectations for this show are high. Without further ado, I bring the review and recap of AAW: The Art of War 

Honestly, this poster is pretty awesome.

AAW: Pro Wrestling Redefined presents: The Art of War

February 28th, 2015

Berwyn Eagles Club, Berwyn, Illinois

We open with the owners of AAW going over some of the matches for tonight. Eddie Kingston vs Davey Richards main event should be awesome. There's also a TLC match tonight. That should be interesting.

AIW Tag Team Titles

The Wet Bandits (Dan Lawrence & Markus Crane)(c) vs OI4K (Dave & Jake Crist)

The former Irish Airborne team of Ohio Is 4 Killers get a big "welcome back" chant before going to quick work on The Wet Bandits. They split up and Jake Crist goes after Crane, before Dave comes over and they start chopping the crap out of him. Crane takes a big backdrop onto the apron, and then Lawrence takes a superkick that leaves him down against the corner of the guard rail. Jake rolls Lawrence in the ring, and they go for a spike tombstone on Lawrence, but Crane shoves Dave off the ropes and breaks his partner out of the tombstone. Cran gets the advantage on Jake and starts chopping him before tagging in Lawrence. Lawrence hits a really really weak splash for a two count and then goes for a low blow submission. Wishbone legsplit by Wet Bandits after Crane tags back in before Jake Crist takes control again with some big chops.

 Double slingshot suplex by Wet Bandits gets them a near fall as Lawrence is the new legal man. Lawrence charges at Jake in the corner, but takes a big superkick instead. Jakes gets to Dave and gets the tag. Dave takes out Crane with a back kick and then hits a nice looking suplex cutter on Lawrence. OI4K are in complete control right now. Dave goes for a splash on Crane, but he moves and hits a big crossbody onto a doubled over Dave Crist. Lawrence goes for a springboard, but botches the spot and face plants. Roll up by Crane gets a faceplant. OI4K hits a nice double team move before Jake is dumped over the top rope by Lawrence. 

Crane comes out and hits a big sunset flip that sends Dave Crist into the turnbuckle before they hit a double team move the announcer calls the Passion of the Crane. I'm really not sure what the double team move is, so it's kind of hard to describe here. I'll put a gif of it here. That move seems like a good idea in theory, but the execution, at least on this attempt, is severely lacking. The move only gets a two count on Dave Crist. Both guys go up top now, and do literally nothing with it before Lawrence takes a death valley driver and Crane takes an awesome springboard ace crusher. Lawrence breaks up a spike tombstone, but Lawrence takes it instead onto Crane for the three.

Winners and NEW AAW Tag Team Champions: Ohio Is 4 Killers in 7:30

I was not a fan of this match. I love the Irish Airborne/OI4K, but The Wet Bandits just did not look like they belong in a ring. The show is not off to a great start. 1/2*

We get a promo by Matt Cage on Silas Young. I've never seen either of these guys work, and this promo doesn't really get me too pumped to see it. Cage cuts a decent promo here though. Cage's promo does go about two minutes too long. It got worse the longer it got. 

Singles Match

Navaeh vs Allysin Kay

I'm a fan of Allysin Kay, but I've never seen Neveah wrestle. This could go either way. Kay has an awesome peacock headpiece which is really neat, but the male peacock is the one that has all the awesome colors, so that's your interesting fact of the day. Lock up starts, but we don't get a bell to start the match, so I'm going to assume this match will never technically starts until we have a winner. Chaining commences and some dumb ass in the crowd is chanting for Super Dragon. Navaeh and Kay start trading forearms that look pretty stiff. Big STO by Navaeh gets a two count, diving clothesline gets less than one. Weak whip into the corner by Kay is followed by a splash and a sloppy northern lights suplex for two. 

Swing and a miss.

They exchange grounded strikes before an eye rake by Kay. Kay hits a big boot that doesn't even come close to connecting for a two count. Kay is usually not as sloppy as she is here, Navaeh looks like the veteran so far. Kay goes outside to trash talk a fan and Navaeh follows with a nice whip into the guard rail. Navaeh rolls Kay into the ring and gets a two count. Kay starts fighting back and immediately goes for a choke. She's trying to get the crowd to clap, but they're not buying it. I don't blame them. Navaeh beats Kay into the corner and starts going crazy with stomps. Kay comes out of the corner with a big bicycle kick for two. Navaeh is selling the effects of the match, but Kay is not selling anything. She BADLY misses a punch and neither of them know what to do from there. 

They exchange some weak looking kicks before Navaeh ducks one, but Kay hits a back kick for a two count. Navaeh hits a beautiful German suplex for a two count. Easily the best spot in this match so far. If these girls would stop throwing so many strikes, they might have a better match. Navaeh stalks Kay, but Kay comes at her with a big discus clothesline for the three count.

Winner: Allysin Kay in 6:39

This was terrible. The only two positive notes were the guard rail whip and that German suplex. The rest of it was just horrendous. 1/4* 

I don't have a stopwatch with me, so the announcers announcing the match times after each win is really helpful. I'm enjoying that portion.

We get a promo with Ethan Page and Jimmy Jacobs. Jimmy steals the show with the promo. He's just so good. I hope he gets a real voice in WWE creative, he can really turn the show around. Jimmy has a great line when he says "You think you're great, but everything you do, everything you are, has been done before." Very true, but a very good line. Jimmy calls him a flavor of the month before walking out, Ethan's comeback? "You should try us, we're delicious"  Just...no, bad line. Ethan talks about beating Jacobs tonight and then taking the AAW Heavyweight Championship. 

Singles Match

"The Money" Matt Cage vs Silas Young

The Money? He's THE money? I hope so. He looks kind of like a Maven Huffman's brother. Hopefully he has as good of a drop kick, but a bit more technically sound. Young comes out to "Don't Stop Believing" and now that will be in my head all god damned night. This match will get a quarter-star boost based on Journey alone. This is how you get good ratings. Journey. 

We start and the bell actually rings for this one. Another stupid Super Dragon chant starts. I get them in PWG, where he owns the promotion, but outside of PWG it's just dumb. They start with a lockup, and the announcers emphasis Young's brace on his left knee. Young pushes Cage into the corner and this match has a 15 minute time limit. I like that, so this can't drag on too long. Young taunts the crowd and they go to lock up again, but Cage takes control with some strikes and stomps Young in the corner.  There's a weird camera angle that doesn't show anything that's going on in the ring, weird choice of a cut. Young goes for a death valley driver, but Young reverses it into a roll up and sends Young outside where he hits a baseball slide. 

Cage is sent into the guard rail and he sells it like he just got shot. Young presses Cage's head against the guard rail with his foot, and then whips him into another guard rail. Back inside, Young goes for a suplex, but it's blocked by Cage. Whip attempt into the corner has Cage slapping Young before missing a spinning uppercut from the second rope. Young covers after the miss for a two count. Young has Cage against the ropes and hits a couple of LOUD chops. My chest suddenly hurts. Cage fights back and hits a ZigZag out of nowhere to get control. He taunts Young instead of staying on him, but it doesn't matter as he keeps stomping him in the corner to a big "asshole" chant. Big boot to a seated Young in the corner followed by a beautiful leg lariat for a two count. Rest hold time! Young starts fighting back, but Cage rips him back by his hair for two. Huge slap by Cage in the corner has him shaking his own hand.

 These guys are hitting each other hard, I'll give them credit for taking that beating. Cage says "you ain't shit" as we get a tilted camera angle that would make Battlefield Earth jealous. Atomic drop by Young is followed by a kick, but Cage catches it and throws it down to floor Young. I've always like that spot for some reason. Cage follows it with a basement dropkick for two. Young rolls onto the apron and gets Cage with a guillotine and a really bad one-armed sunset flip for two. Young hits a weak "springboar" lariat for two. Young hits a big full nelson but bomb into a grounded full nelson lock. Nice spot. One thing this match is doing well that the other two haven't, is tell the story between these two. Admittedly, looking back, the promo by Cage before the match did help enhance the match in that aspect. Cage is having a hard time trying to escape but is able to roll over for a two. He follows it up with a big spinning bitch slap. Cage follows it up with a modified spinning elbow for two. Cage is stalking Young now as he locks him in a Cobra Clutch and locks in a body scissors! Young is able to get to his feet and roll out of it before taking an elbow from Cage. Cage lifts Young up and hits the Money Clip, which honestly. 

Go To..Slap?

I don't understand what the move is supposed to be. Think of CM Punk or KENTA's "Go to Sleep" but instead of a knee to the face, replace that with a ...slap...I'm not kidding. Cage is surprised when it only gets a two count, but honestly, that may be the worst finishing move I've ever seen. I really hope that's not his finish. Cage charges but takes a big backbreaker and a nice lariat by Young for two. Young picks up Cage, but Cage reverses and kicks out Young's knee and Young falls face first onto the mat. Cage goes to the second rope and hits a big diving spinning uppercut. Cage goes for a running knee, but Young catches him and hits a big steam roller followed by a sitting springboard moonsault for the win. Now that moonsault was pretty cool.

Winner: Silas Young in 13:38

This wasn't a bad match. It was a bit long for my taste, but it didn't feel like a 13 minute match. It had some cool moves in it and like I said, it told a decent story. As promised, plus one-quarter star for Journey. **1/2

After the match, Young is asked about how it feels to be back in AAW. He seems like a decent enough guy, but honestly, I can't see him and Eddie Kingston having a great match. That match actually took place the same night I'm writing this review. I'm looking forward to possibly picking up that DVD when it goes on sale, depending on how the rest of this show goes. Young actually turns heel here and shits all over the fans. I guess Kingston is the face in this fed, and the fans are looking forward to seeing Kingston beat the crap out of Young.

We also get a promo in a graveyard with Devin and Mason cutter, the Hooligans, talking about how they're going to kill Zero Gravity in the TLC match later tonight. I love TLC matches, so I'm excited for it, even if I've never seen either team. 

AAW Heritage Championship 

Six-Way Elimination Match

Christian Faith(c) vs Davey Vega vs Marion Fontaine vs Benjamin Boone vs Tony Kozina vs Mat Fichett

I've been a big Christian Faith/Rickey Shane Page fan for years. I've grown to really enjoy Vega and Fontaine. Boone, Kozina and Fichett I haven't seen a whole lot of, though I have seen Kozina work in the past, I could not tell you what any of those matches were. I've got my stop watch out on this one, and the elimination times will be in total match time. This should be fun. 

Awww. He can't get over the wittle wopes.

The rules are explained before the match, it's under tag rules, not scramble, so wrestlers tag in and out. This could get chaotic fast though. Tony Kozina looks like the guy who owns the Italian restaurant that spits in your mashed potatoes when the steak is undercooked. He also botches his entrance, but he sells it at least. I love Fontaine. I'm a big fan of his gimmick in AIW as the 1920's boxer type. It doesn't seem he brings that with him to AAW though. Christian Faith comes out with Gregory Iron who looks like the guy you'd beat up in High School for eating his own boogers. This is apparently a five way match as it was announced, but Iron gets on the mic and cuts another bad promo. He bitches about Christian Faith having to defend the match in a scramble, as he calls it basically a handicap match. Benjamin Boone is added to this match to make a six-man elimination match. He starts flexing and I swear I'm coming close to turning off the entire show because of this guy. I really wish he was on less shows I watch. 

Starting the match is Boone and Fontaine. They lockup and Boone pushes Fontaine against the ropes and goes for a clothesline. Fontaine ducks and takes a boot instead. He tries to armdrag Boone, but Boone botches it and tags in Vega. This show has had a lot of botches so far. Vega circles with Fontaine and immediately tags in Boone again for a pointless spot. Boone clotheslines Fontaine and Kozina tags himself in, as Fichett enters the match as well. Arm drag by Kozina results in a stare down for some reason. Some chaining now sees Kozina reverse a cravate with a cartwheel. Fichett tries to drop to his stomach on a whip, but Kozina trips over him and falls outside the ring. I really really hope Kozina's new gimmick is being clumsy, otherwise he is doing absolutely horrendous tonight. If he is doing a clumsy gimmick, it's also absolutely horrendous as it's not adding anything, but taking away from what should be a great match. I really want him to be eliminated quickly so I can take this match seriously. 

Fichett and Fontaine are in and they exchange roll ups, and that double cover spot I saw Spud and Fontaine do is done here. Faith enters the ring and clears house of both guys. He goes outside and fights with them a bit as Kozina confirms he's working a gimmick as he does a plancha that misses everybody by a wide margin. This is so fucking stupid, he's legitimately ruining this match. Faith goes back to attacking Fontaine and Fichett, until Boone goes for a plancha and then HE ALSO BOTCHES IT. This is getting ridiculous. Fontaine and Fichett both move, so his stable partner Faith is the only one to get hit. Fontaine goes back to work on Fichett and goes into the ring as he and Vega go back to work. He hits a leg lariat on Vega and then hits a big elbow drop plancha onto everybody on the outside. Fontaine gets back in the ring and calls for it again, but Vega stops him and tries to superplex Fontaine to the outside. Fontaine slips off, which this botch is understandable. 

He climbs back up and they attempt the spot again and this time Vega hits a HUGE Hurricanrana that sends Fontaine onto everybody! That was a sick spot when they hit it. Boone and Fontaine are in the ring and Fontaine gets hit with a big Amityville Horror before rolling out of the ring. Kozina comes in and takes a big cradle DDT. Fichett comes in and hits an awesome headscissors inverted piledriver on Boone for the three count! Mat Fichett eliminated Benjamin Boone at 6:48. Fichett goes after Kozina now, and hits Kozina with the same move! Mat Fichett eliminates Tony Kozina at 7:10. 

Christian Faith floors Fichett and attacks Davey Vega as well. Fontaine is in now with Faith, and Faith goes for a chokeslam, and Fontaine hits a big roll up for a two count. Everyone broke up the pinfall for some reason. It's elimination, guys. Vega and Fichett team up briefly, but Vega ends that and tosses Fichett out. Fontaine hits a big boot and an Unprettier on Vega. Pin attempts keep being broken up and I don't get it. Vega hits Fontaine hits a suplex neckbreaker on Fontaine to eliminate him. Davey Vega eliminates Marion Fontaine at 9:10. Immediately after that elimination, Fichett hits Vega with the headscissors piledriver for another elimination! Mat Fichett eliminates Davey Vega at 9:32. 

 Faith and Fichett are left now, and Faith reverses the headscissors attempt with a giant big boot. Faith covers for a two count. There's a big You Can't Wrestle chat, followed by an amazing spot. Faith hits a snapmare into a chin lock and flips off the fans. I'm cracking up. Faith is actually incredibly underrated in the ring. He keeps the sleeper locked in, but Fichett breaks out. They exchange strikes a bit until Faith hits a huge chokebreaker for two. Faith sits him on the top rope, but Fichett fights him off and hits a big sunset flip off the top rope for a near fall. He goes for another pin, but "Moondog" pulls him off. Fichett hits that headscissors piledriver but Faith kicks out! Fichett goes to hit the ropes, but Faith absolutely murders him with a rolling elbow for the three!

Winner and still AAW Heritage Champion: Christian Faith in 12:58

I enjoyed that for the most part. Tony Kozina's presence in this match is literally knocking this down a full star. He made me despise this match for over half of it. Other than him, there were a lot of cool spots, and I really though Fichett had Faith there! Fichett and Vega impressed the hell out of me, and I'm giving this match a solid **1/2

Tag Team TLC Match

#1 Contendership for the AAW Tag Team Titles

Zero Gravity (Brett Gakiya & CJ Esparza) vs The Hooligans (Devon & Mason Cutter) (w/ Buck Nasty)

I've had no exposure to any of these guys in the past, aside from maybe one match with The Hooligans, so I'm going into this with an open mind. I love TLC matches, but the way this show has gone thus far, I'm going to keep my expectations tempered a bit. 

The match starts quick with a brawl between all the guys. Zero Gravity hit stereo dropkicks onto the Hooligans to gain quick control. Zero Gravity quickly hit a nice looking hangman's DDT/Moonsault combo on Mason. On the other side of the ring, Devon hits a shoulder block on Esparza that drops him on all fours but Gakiya follows up with an awesome step up dropkick that sends Devon back onto the stage. 

Zero Gravity do a fun "Get the tables" bit from the Dudleyz. They bring the first table of the match into the ring. This match might be exceed my expectations afterall. They set up the table against the ropes and are attacked by The Hooligans' manager, Buck Nasty. He gets lawn darted into the table. It looks a lot more brutal than that spot had any right to be. Devon goes face first into the table and then Esparza is dropkicked by Mason into the table, none of which breaks it. Esparza actually does a suicide dive to the table that knocks it into Mason's head for a nice creative spot. Stereo suicide dives by Zero Gravity.

Vader still king of fat guy moonsaults

 Brawling on the outside ensues and Hooligans take advantage. Devon grabs the guard rail and starts hitting Zero Gravity with it. Oh boy, they set up the guard rail side ways against the other guard rails. They do a double hiptoss to Esparza that actually dents the guard rail. Yikes. Hooligans take out chairs from under the apron and starts tossing them into the ring. Some more brawling as they bring out another table. Devon suplexes a table onto Gakiya. Hooligans now pull a ladder out from under the ring and toss it in the ring as well.

 On the stage now, Mason is working on Zero Gravity, as Mason tries a foot assisted moonsault, he hits Esparza, but why is a guy his size doing that move? Hooligans have Esparza alone in the ring now and sandwich his lower half in the ladder, and basically kill him. That looked beautiful in the most painful way. Amazingly, Esparza was able to kick out at two. Gakiya is in now and hits a drop toe hold on a chair to Devon. Esparza has a chair now and Devon recovers and...well, just watch this.

This is what we call murder, kids. 

This match has been insane so far with the brutality. Devon picks Esparza up, but Gakiya dropkicks the chair into his face!

Huge chair shots ensue now from Zero Gravity as they set up a couple of open chairs and sit Devon across them. This match will set my record of gifs for a match. They hit a double team move that lifts Gakiya into a big 450! Esparza brings the table into the ring and onto the stage. Esparza stands the ladder up now as they set the table up on the stage. They lay Mason on the table and climb the ladder! Buck Nasty distracts Zero Gravity and allows Mason Cutter to get off the table, but Buck Nasty is left alone on the ladder! Not for long though as Zero Gravity shoves the ladder over and Nasty takes a big bump through the table on the stage! Props to Buck Nasty, that stage can't be too forgiving. Devon takes control of Zero Gravity in the ring. Gakiya goes up top, but is crotched by Mason. He goes for a superplex, but Gakiya blocks it and tries a sunset flip off, but Mason Cutter backflips out of it! What!? That was pretty cool to see from a guy his size. They take out Gakiya with a corner boot, lariat and flip strike and go to work on Esparza. Devon picks up Esparza over some chairs and sets him up for a Rikishi Driver/Greetings from Asbury Park and Mason hops off the ladder with a double stomp before dropping Esparza head first onto the chairs!

This man should not be able to do these things.

That was an insane spot. Amazingly, it only got a two count, as Gakiya broke up the pin. Hooligans go outside to get more weapons, as Mason brings in another ladder and Devon brings another table. The table is set up between the two standing ladders, and the Hooligans lay Zero Gravity both on the table, with a chair on their face as they climb the ladders, but Zero Gravity gets up and knocks Mason off the ladder with a chair shot, before taking out Devon and laying him on the table. Each Gravity member climbs a ladder, and hit a leg drop/splash combo through the table for the win!

Can we get professional cameramen?

Winners: Zero Gravity in 15:13 

This was awesome. Honestly, it might be one of my favorite TLC matches, and I'd put it up there with the best of them. Awesome spots, good story to it and everything just flowed really well. 15 minutes felt like 7 or 8. ****

Well, the first half of the show was really really bad, but the second half of the elimination match, and the TLC match were awesome. Hopefully the show pulls a complete 180.

We get a promo with Dick Justice showing us what his life would be like if he were blind. I don't care for Dick Justice at all. I assume he's a comedy character, but I don't find him all that funny or interesting. I guess this segment was supposed to be humorous, but all it did was make me want to put on another indy show I've got lined up to review. This is literally a three minute segment that could've been done in less than 30 seconds, and would have been much better if it were.

Singles Match
"#AllEgo" Ethan Page vs Jimmy Jacobs
Big fan of Jimmy, and Ethan impressed me a bit on the AIW shows, so this could be a fun encounter. During Jimmy's entrance he just stares down Ethan from the top rope. It'd be intimidating if he was taller than a Cabbage Patch Kid. Jacobs from the start takes control of Page until he rolls to the outside, but Jacobs follows and pounces on Page until Ethan can get some strikes in and take control. They brawl a bit more with some rail whips and apron head shots, but nothing spectacular.

Spin move of DOOM!

Page rolls Jacobs inside, but that's a bad idea, as Jacobs runs back and hits a suicide dive into the back of Page. They're on the stage now and Jacobs chokes Page with his jacket and tosses him back in the ring. He goes for a dive through the middle rope, but Page catches him with a weird spin move I'm not sure what to call. I'm pretty sure they botched a spot and made the most of it. Page keeps control on Jacobs and stomps away at him before choking him against the ropes. Jacobs is no selling the shots to the back now and Page goes for a whip, but ends up taking a lariat instead. Page is slow to his feet but hits a big DDT on Jacobs for two.
More grounded shots by Page now. Page drags Jacobs into the corner by his choker now and stomps away yelling "I'm the fricking man!" Page charges, but Jacobs turns it into a tornado snap suplex. That was a nifty spot. Jacobs charges at Page against the ropes, but it tossed onto the stage and hit with an enziguri.
Jacobs comes back though with a spear through the middle rope for two. A nice sequence of reversals ends with Page hitting a huge lifting reverse DDT for another near fall. They crawl onto the stage, and Page picks up Jacobs and tries a piledriver, but Jacobs reverses it and hits a nice headscissors DDT on the stage. Back on their feet, Page hits a back body drop that sends Jacobs back into the ring.
Page waits for Jacobs to get up and hopes through the middle rope with a cutter, but Jacobs gets a sudden second wind and hits a big spear for another near fall. Jacobs goes for his Contra Code, but misses, he dodges a clothesline attempt and hops off the second rope with a nice cutter. Page is up almost immediately as Jacobs rolls back into a nice headscissors, followed by the Contra Code for yet another big near fall. I love that move. I still think I prefer Brian Kendrick's version of it though. Jacobs throws a fit as he can't believe that Page kicked out of his finisher. Page is slow to get up in the corner. Jacobs charges, but Page pulls the ref in the way. Jacobs stops in his tracks, but Page tosses the ref aside and kicks Jimmy down low for the three count.

Winner: "#AllEgo" Ethan Page in 10:11

This was a really good match, and it told the story very well. I didn't like the anti-climatic finish, but it made sense to set up their match at the next AAW show, which I've heard was fantastic. Nothing to really complain about here, just a solid overall contest. ***

We get an Eddie Kingston promo. This is where I love Kingston. He cuts a promo that makes you believe he wants to beat the crap out of his opponent. He talks about respecting Davey Richards. My favorite line is "You know the difference between you and me? I'm not afraid to die for what I believe in." Kingston is damn fun to watch on the mic. He makes me want to see him wrestle, even if I'm not his biggest in-ring fan. After he finishes with Davey, he talks about Silas Young. Young cut a short promo on Eddie early in the show, which makes me think Kingston is going over tonight. He said he hopes he can make Silas face a thousand deaths.

I will say, AAW has some of the best production values I've seen from an indy fed. Their stage is great, their lighting is perfect. The cameramen, while the angles they get are different, leave a lot to be desired.

Singles Match
Justice Jones (w/ Angelus Layne & Knight Wagner) vs Paco Gonzalez
I have no idea who either of these guys are, but I'll keep an open mind. Paco has an awesome theme song, but his name rhyming with Taco just makes me want a taco, honestly. He looks kind of like a smaller Low-Ki, but with a smaller head.

The match starts immediately with a suicide dive from Paco to Justice. They brawl a bit on the outside with some guard rail spots, but Justice goes for a powerbomb onto the guard rail, but Paco reverses with a hurricanrana into the ring post. He goes up top and misses a move, and runs right into a big boot for two. Justice has a good look to him. If Bill DeMott wasn't a fat slob, and then mated with Jack Swagger, it'd look like him. Rolling elbow by Jones is a bit stiff, but what happened to not using the finishing moves of guys on the show? Pretty sure Christian Faith killed a man with that tonight. Paco takes some stomps on the ground as Jones keeps control.

Big body slam by Jones as he goes to the second rope. He says "I'M GONNA KILL YOU RIGHT NOW!" Before attempting a senton, so of course, he misses. I don't think anybody ever hits that spot come to think of it. Paco is against the ropes, but hits an enziguri on Jones. Jones charges back, but Paco ducks it and hits a suicide dive onto both Wagner and Layne. Nice spot there, but pretty unoriginal action so far. Paco gets some quick strikes in and looks like he's about to cry for some reason. He yells and superkicks Jones and goes up top, hitting a big splash for a two count. Tornado DDT attempt by Paco is reversed into a big lariat. Jones picks him up and hits a torture rack-neckbreaker for the three to finish the short match.

Winner: Justice Jones in 4:49
This wasn't bad for a squash match. It had a couple of nice moments, but the result was never really in doubt. *

The second half of the show has been much better than the first. The squash match was incredibly unnecessary, and I'm of the belief that there should never be a squash match on an indy show. There's just no need for it. Give them a dark match and let them really showcase what they can do. These last two matches should be awesome, though.

Singles Match
Ricochet vs Josh Alexander
Huge huge huge Ricochet fan, and Alexander has been growing on me in AIW, so I have high hopes for this match. We start with a cat and mouse game as Ricochet toys with Alexander. I don't like the face character not taking the heel seriously. Also, the cameraman keeps tilting the camera, stop tilting the fucking camera. They start with a test of strength that ends with Ricochet spinning out and chaining begins. Ricochet is still not taking Alexander seriously, and it's actually kind of annoying. Ricochet does the Carlton dance, because this is not a wrestling match anymore.

Finally, some wrestling actually happens with another headlock. Ricochet does a bunch of flips that ends with a headscissors and kick to the head. Alexander rolls out and Ricochet goes for a dive, but Alexander rolls in, so Ricochet slides under the bottom rope, but is caught with a powerslam. Alexander mocks him now with his own dance and stomps on Ricochet in the corner. They start exchanging strikes as Ricochet hits the ropes and Alexander hits a nice spinebuster, before trying a People's Elbow, which misses. They trade Rock Bottom and Stone Cold Stunner attempts before Alexander hits a T-Bone suplex for two. Scoop slam and a knee drop follow for another two.
Surfboard stretch by Alexander does not work as well as he hopes, as Ricochet escapes. Alexander hits the ropes, but catches a cutter from Ricochet. Couple of clotheslines from Ricochet followed by an enziguri to the back of Alexander's head. Ricochet backflips out of a German suplex attempt and hits a zig-zag followed by a standing shooting star press for two. Nice spot there by Ricochet.
Alexander reverses a suplex attempt and rolls over with a northern lights suplex into a strike exchange. Ricochet does the same, but Alexander reverses it into a pumphandle death valley driver. Pretty sweet setup there. It gets a two count for Alexander. Alexander argues with the ref for a second as the announcers start focusing on the smell in the arena. Priorities, folks. Alexander goes for an Alabama Slam, but Ricochet reverses it into a rolling elbow. They exchange some strikes until Ricochet hits a huge Blue Thunder Bomb and both men are down. More strike exchanging ends with Ricochet reversing a whip into a Rock Bottom and a People's Moonsault. I don't like that spot at all, but Ricochet does a nice 360 moonsault for a two count. He tries a shooting star press but misses, and settles for dropping Alexander on his neck with a capture suplex. A series of reversals ends with another strike exchange before Alexander reverses a Ricochet moonsault into a tombstone for the win. Ricochet apparently can't sell a tombstone, as he looked like a fish out of water-literally.

Winner: Josh Alexander
I just didn't like this match at all. A couple of the spots were cool, but the flow was bad, the beginning of the match was horrendous and it just did not live up to my expectations, or even come close. *1/2

This show has been such a let down outside of that TLC match and Jacobs/Page. Hopefully the main event can deliver.

AAW Heavyweight Championship
Singles Match
Davey Richards vs Eddie Kingston(c)
I'm a big fan of both guys here, but the way this show has been, I'm really really keeping my expectations low. Davey extends his hand and Kingston accepts it as the match gets underway with a lockup. Couple of stalemates and Davey avoids the big Backfist to the Future as they both take opposite corners. They go into a test of strength that has Kingston take advantage until Davey kicks him in the gut and locks on a headlock. Davey hits the ropes and gets chopped by Kingston a couple of times before Kingston hits him with a big shoulder block and Richards rolls out of the ring. Another lockup gets a headlock for Kingston. Richards tries to break it, but is unable to.
He finally does with an irish whip that ends with Richards hitting a dropkick on Kingston that sends him outside. He goes for a suicide dive, but Kingston connects with a right hand that sends Richards stumbling onto the adjacent apron. Kingston follows him and hits a few chops on the apron and goes for the Backfist to the Future, but Richards ducks and Kingston chops the ring post! Ouch. Kingston rolls back into the ring, but Davey stomps on his hand on the apron. Richards goes to work on the now injured hand of Kingston, with some stomps and knee drops. Kingston is selling it well, as it seems like he legitimately broke his hand.
Richards taunts Kingston on the ground, and puts him in a wrist lock with emphasis on the hand and fingers of Kingston. Great psychology being shown by Davey. Some more work by Richards as Kingston tries to fight with his left hand. Richards locks in a variation of a key lock that works the arm as well as the neck. Beautifully done by Richards. Kingston rolls it into a pinfall for barely a one. Richards puts Kingston in a hammerlock and sweeps his legs for a nice spot. Psychology in this match has been fantastic. Richards starts kicking Kingston in the back, but Eddie keeps shouting "come on, bitch!" This goes until Richards hits a kick to the chest that floors Kingston. They start exchanging strikes until Kingston reverses a charging Richards with a kick and then a knee to the back of the head. Eddie starts chopping Davey, shaking his hand out after each one.
Awesome attention to detail. Headbutts by Kingston, followed by a belly to belly suplex for two. Richards reverses a back suplex into a roll up, but instead of a pin, Richards drills a standing double stomp for two. Both men are slow to get up, but Richards is first to his feet. He picks up Kingston, and hits a body slam before heading up top. Eddie moves from a double stomp, and Richards rolls through and takes a boot in the corner. A roundhouse kick to the chest doesn't phase Kingston, as they exchange chops and kicks. Richards backs him up into the corner, but doesn't last long as Kingston tosses him into the corner with some chops. They keep this exchange going on until Richards kicks Kingston in the head and hits two german suplexes. Kingston no sells and hits a backdrop driver of his own which Richards no sells and comes back with a huge lariat! Both men are down. Awesome sequence there.

They both reach their feet about the same time, but then drop to their knees and start exchanging strikes there. Back on their feet, Kingston hits some big forearms, but then Richards hits some of his own, but suddenly Kingston busts out a couple of ugly Enziguris. Kingston hits the ropes, but Davey connects with a big pop up kick to the ribs, but Kingston hits a huge Backfist to the Future that knocks Davey out cold! But both men are down! Kingston gets a slow cover on Richards, and Davey kicks out! The ref has to check on Richards because that basically killed him. Kingston sets Davey on the top rope and goes for a superplex, but Richards reverses it and starts biting the injured hand of Eddie Kingston! Kingston rolls onto the apron and Richards connects with a huge double stomp! He goes up top for another one and hits it in the ring! 1-2-2.9! Kingston kicks out! He hits a spinning roundhouse kick for another near fall! Richards is pissed off now. He lifts Kingston up, but Eddie explodes with another backdrop driver!  Davey gets up and hits one of his own! They trade backdrop drivers, two a piece, as Kingston they try to clothesline each other with no success. Twice now. Davey starts slapping Kingston until Eddie hits another backdrop driver followed by another backfist for two! Another backdrop driver and spinning backfist finish this one!

Winner and still AAW Heavyweight Champion: Eddie Kingston in 19:08
Aside from the anti-climatic ending, this was a great match. These two just beat the crap out of each other for nearly 20 minutes, and it was a damn good watch. I loved the psychology in this and the story it told. MOTN behind only the TLC. ***1/4

After the match, immediately after actually, Silas Young attacks Kingston and puts him in an armbar. Half the roster comes to tear him off Kingston, but he rolls out and goes right after it again. If this is their main event for the next show, I'm not all that excited for it.

Overall: 3/10 Bad. This show was not good at all. It had a couple of good matches with Jacobs/Page and Kingston/Richards, with an awesome TLC match, but it was not enough to excuse the crap on the show. The six man match was completely ruined by Tony Kozina and didn't start being worth watching until after he and Boone were eliminated. The opener is one of the worst matches I've ever seen and this is the only indy show where I've seen a squash match that has no place on the independents. I can't recommend this show at all besides the TLC match. I can't say I won't review another AAW show, as I think they have potential, and I'm just hoping this was one bad show.