WWE Great American Bash 2008 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series with worse comebacks than The Ultimate Warrior in WCW! The Great American Bash of 2008, the beginning of the PG Era that every fan wines about and claims killed off their interests in wrestling. But all the big stars are here, could it really be as bad as they say from the get-go? Of course not, bad booking and management decisions contributed to the decline of popularity of wrestling not a TV rating, a discussion for another time. We have had a few brand changes, Edge finds himself with a new adversary in The Game Triple H, the two have not fought since the days of Rated RKO vs DX while new World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk who cashed in on Edge finds himself across the ring from The Animal Batista who simply cannot bring home the gold in recent times. However, the most personal match comes in the form of student turning on mentor as Chris Jericho, the man who idolized Shawn Michaels comes to end his career inside of the ring. It’s a stacked card and I am invested 100%, let’ see what The Great American Bash has to offer!

Opening Promo

Edge’s wonderful wedding ruined by Triple H, Edge had an affair with Alicia Fox. With Vicky hating on Edge, the leverage that Edge possessed is well and truly gone. Cena and JBL will meet in a New York City brawl while CM Punk looks to rise to the challenge of The Animal. The Great American Bash set looks very different from the usual American-themed set that they use, keep this in mind as WWE goes HD and the sets begin to look just a little similar.

(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) John Morrison & The Miz © vs Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder vs Jesse & Festus vs Finlay & Hornswoggle

Ok, it was cute the first time Hornswoggle and Finlay attempted to win the championships but a second attempt? They are legitimate contenders for the championships? Come on, the bell rings and Festus is in the ring with Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle dives onto the champions, Miz squares off with Festus. Massive leg drop for two, headbutt from Festus. Toss to the corner, rights and lefts from Festus. Corner splash and tag to Jesse, monkey flip out of the corner. Arm-wringer and Paige-turner for two. Big right hand from Festus, Finlay blind tags into the match. Festus boots Finlay, Miz tags Morrison. Morrison mounts Finlay and takes control, front chancery and uppercut from Morrison.

Double beatdown from champion, elbows and reverse chinlock from Miz. Russian legsweep for two from Miz, tag to Morrison. Forearm and splash onto the knees of Miz, two for the champions. Knees and neckbreaker from Morrison, tag to Miz. Finlay takes down Miz, knee from Miz. Miz tags Morrison, Finlay takes down Morrison. Headbutt from Finlay, Ryder tags in off Morrison. Ryder barely gets a one count, neck crank from Ryder. Tag to Hawkins, Finlay fights out of the corner. More takedowns and right hands before Hawkins ains control. Finlay meets the knee of Ryder, Irish whip by Ryder. Ryder misses a corner splash, rolling firemen’s carry for two.

Shillelagh shot from Finlay, the champions save Ryder. Hawkins gains control on Finlay, reverse chinlock. Irish whip by Hawkins, Hornswoggle tags in off Finlay. Headscissors takedown, Jesse tags in off Hornswoggle. Facebuster and Lou Thesz Press, snap fisherman suplex for two. Jawbreaker from Hawkins, Hawkins decks Hornswoggle. In comes Festus, flapjack on Hawkins. Pump kick on Ryder, shoulder block to Hawkins. Flying splash, Festus hurls Morrison into Miz. Ryder drags Festus out of the ring, Hawkins yanks Jesse off the top rope neck first, we have new tag team champions.

Certainly a hot opening match, the crowd responding big time to Finlay and Hornswoggle, is it me who is wrong? Possibly, for Finlay works the majority of this match against the two heel teams before brief flurries from Hornswoggle attain the loudest cheers from the audience. Sadly, it was over before it began as an abrupt finish leaves me wanting more from this match, Hawkins and Ryder are also not Edgeheads as far as I can tell, they have less heat than when the did and the time to put the championships on them was when Edge was running on all cylinders, not now. However, that is just my thoughts and while it was fun to see Finlay and Hornswoggle be the stars of this match, can we get some real teams into the mix for the championships?

Winners: Hawkins & Ryder Over Everyone Else!

(WWE United States Championship Match) Matt Hardy © vs Shelton Benjamin

While the feud between Matt Hardy and MVP was fun, let’s see what can be done with the championship moving forward, Benjamin has a non-title victory over Hardy. We begin and Benjamin out-wrestles Hardy, side headlock from Benjamin. Hardy nails a hiptoss, arm-drag from Hardy. Push back to the corner, early Pay-Dirt attempt from Benjamin, Benjamin counters a Twist of Fate. Elbows by Hardy, Hardy is sent over the top rope. Hardy wants to skin the cat but Benjamin dropkicks Hardy to the floor. Hardy is drilled into the ringpost from the apron, back suplex from Benjamin for two. Benjamin is wrenching the face and neck of Hardy, Hardy escapes but Benjamin stomps away at Hardy.

Back-breaker from Benjamin, seated-abdominal stretch from Benjamin. Hardy reverses with a Samoan drop like manoeuvre, Hardy counters with a suplex with a crossbody. Two for Hardy, mean right hand from Hardy. In the corner, Benjamin boots Hardy and Benjamin counters a Side Effect for an STO. Another back-breaker with a stretch hold, Dragon Whip from Benjamin. Hardy avoids another kick, clotheslines and bulldog for good measure. Two for Hardy, scoop slam and middle rope leg drop for two. Hardy goes high again, Benjamin counters a hurricanrana for a buckle bomb of epic proportions. The two men trade roll-ups, Side Effect from Hardy for two. Twist of Fate is avoided, forearm to the back from Benjamin.

Benjamin places Hardy on the top rope, super back suplex in mind for the challenger. Hardy battles out of the hold, moonsault is on the menu but Hardy misses the moonsault as Benjamin sticks up his knees. Hardy clutches his head, Benjamin measures the champion. Pay-Dirt and we have a new United States Champion, Shelton Benjamin is back where he belongs, with gold around his waist.

This was a tasty United States Championship match, the two had a great back and forth match with Hardy being solid as always inside of the ring when called upon, Benjamin has his mojo back, the promos might not be there but in terms of natural talent, Benjamin is a freak of nature. Wish the back work played into the finish, maybe Hardy did just overshoot the moonsault and was supposed to hold his ribs or something, maybe but that’s not important now. What is important is that these two had a kick-ass match and I would love to see them given a lot more time.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin over Matt Hardy Via Pay-Dirt!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Mark Henry © vs Tommy Dreamer

The champion comes out first, what is this madness? Dreamer comes to the ring with Colin Delaney while Henry has Tony Atlas in his corner. Loud ECW chants, Henry punks out Dreamer to begin the match. Lock-up, Henry shoves down Dreamer with ease, Dreamer tries to tackle Henry but to no avail. Dreamer ducks Henry’s clothesline before a massive clubbing blow takes down Dreamer. Kicks to the ribs from Henry, Henry steps all over Dreamer. Henry chokes and rakes at Dreamer’s face, headbutt from Henry. Neck crank from Henry, Dreamer attempts to fight out but Henry continues to wear down Dreamer. Arm-wringer from Henry, Dreamer battles before a massive axe handle takes down Dreamer.

Dreamer fights back again but Henry brings down Dreamer. Dreamer avoids a splash though, low dropkick from Dreamer. Rights and lefts, Irish whip by Henry. Dreamer elbows Henry, clothesline does not take down Henry. Henry shoves Dreamer to the corner, splash is avoided. Neckbreaker by Dreamer for two, Dreamer DDT. Atlas is on the apron, Delaney chases off Atlas. Dreamer is on the middle rope, Delaney hangs up Dreamer on the top rope, World’s Strongest Slam and Dreamer has been defeated.

I liked this match an awful lot, Dreamer wastes no time in showing Henry is as strong as they come, Dreamer knows he is up against it, Dreamer knows that Henry can kill him in one go and Dreamer’s plan is about surviving the onslaught in the hopes of one shot at Henry. Henry dominates, looks good doing so and Henry’s trash talk is tremendous too with Henry saying “The fans can’t save you”. Brilliant from Henry, Dreamer shows that Henry is the man and you have a feud readymade for Dreamer vs Colin Delaney.

Winner: Mark Henry over Tommy Dreamer Via World’s Strongest Slam!

Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho

Jericho wants to end the career of Michaels, Michaels cost Jericho his championship while Jericho may have cost HBK his career due to his eye injury, Jericho threw Michaels into The Jeritron 3000. Michaels’ words ring out through the arena, “No matter what you accomplish, you will never be me” Chills ladies and gentlemen, Jericho has been rocked to his core with these words, the defiant heel shaken to his foundations, can Jericho cement his legacy?

The two stare one another down, Michaels is unfazed by Jericho but Jericho looks a little tense and a little nervous. Lock-up, right hands and forearms by both men. Shots to the eye, knees to the ribs. Chop from HBK, Irish whip to the corner. Forearms to the side of the head, HBK is holding his ribs constantly. Jericho sends HBK to the corner, boot by Michaels. Chop block, takedown and an attempt and a successful one with a figure four. Stomp in the corner, all directed at the leg. Forearms in the corner from HBK, Jericho is begging for a break, using the referee as a shield. Irish whip to the opposite corner, HBK is reversed and flips over to the apron. Triangle dropkick from Jericho, Michaels crashes to the floor while Jericho sells the leg.

Axe handle from the steps by Y2J, HBK is tossed back in the ring. Big kick to the ribs, Jericho steps on the head of Michaels. Back suplex, slaps from Jericho. Shoulder thrusts in the corner, snapmare into a stretch, focusing on the back of Michaels. Michaels breaks free, elbows from both men. Enzuigiri from Jericho stops HBK’s offence, two for Jericho. Scoop slam by Jericho, Jericho measures Michaels. Middle rope axe handle fails Jericho, inverted atomic drop by Michaels. Flying forearm, kip-up but Michaels holds his ribs. Jericho rolls through on Michaels, Walls of Jericho. Michaels crawls and makes the ropes, Jericho has to break the hold. Massive forearm from Jericho, Jericho whips HBK to the opposite corner. Looking for a bulldog, Michaels counters with a massive clothesline for two.

Michaels climbs to the top rope, Michaels is too slow. Jericho crotches Michaels, Jericho meets Michaels on the top rope. Superplex is blocked, Michaels shoves off Jericho. Massive Elbow Drop from Michaels, Michaels is all fired up looking to end this match. Lance Cade is here, distracting Michaels. Jericho attempts The Codebreaker but Michaels blocks and jacknife covers Jericho for two, roll-up from Jericho for two. They trade forearms once more, HBK hiptosses Jericho onto Cade at ringside. Cade and Jericho stagger to their feet, The Show-Stopper is on the top rope. Top rope moonsault from HBK, Michaels, Jericho elbows Michaels as Michaels re-enters the ring. HBK’s injured eye has been opened up, Michaels blades fantastically as always.

Jericho kicks HBK to stop a back body drop, Jericho’s face says it all. The eye is the target, straight right hands to the eye of Michaels. Closed fists over and over, Michaels is bleeding everywhere, the crimson mask has been donned. Jericho is ruthless in his assault on the eye, Michaels sells the beating like death. Cade gets a boot in too for good measure, Michaels acts like a wounded animal, trying to cover up from the damage. Jericho adds to the punishment with headbutts to the eye, great little touch. Out of nowhere, crossface from Michaels. Jericho sends HBK into the middle rope, the eye is the target once more. Again, a sickening boot to the eye. Michaels tries to pull himself up, forearms to the face from Jericho, Jericho ties up Michaels in a crucifix-like hold with repeated shots to the eye. The referee calls off the match, Jericho is your winner as Michaels can no longer continue.

That was a tremendous angle with a match that lived up to the hype that the story-line commanded, a lot of little things to like about this match. Little selling details, facial expressions such as Jericho realizing the target on Michaels, the crucifix and headbutts were a nice addition and the blade job Michaels did was so accurate for being hit with a stray elbow, Michaels scratching and clawing throughout the beaten was great, Michaels is going to be sorely missed when he retires for I enjoy every match he has given me since his return at Summerslam 02, I cannot think of a bad Shawn Michaels match. Thought the assault may have gone on too long at the end, could have been shortened for more dramatic affect but it does not take away of how good this was and infamously, this is the match that got blood banned in PG-WWE.

Winner: Chris Jericho over Shawn Michaels Via TKO!

(WWE Divas Championship Match) Michelle McCool vs Natalya

This match will crown the inaugural Divas champion, too good female wrestlers competing for a new championship, I welcome the addition of a second championship as the brand-split allows two rosters so why not? Mccool takes down Natalya, waist-lock counter from Natalya but McCool dropkicks Natalya. Two, arm-wringer and uppercuts. Irish whip, McCool flips over Natalya and nails a big boot. McCool attempts a Mysterio-style bulldog but Natalya counters and sends McCool into the ropes. Natalya slams McCool into the mat, Natalya looks for a Romero special. Beautifully executed, McCool counters and applies a heel-hook with Natalya reaching the ropes. From the apron, Natalya nails a forearm and stretches McCool across the ringpost.

Natalya stomps the leg and gets two, forearms to the face. McCool battles back from her knees, Natalya trips McCool, looking for The Sharpshooter, Natalya locks the hold in the middle of the ring. McCool reaches the ropes, Natalya is shocked and lays into McCool with right hands. Second sharpshooter attempt is countered for a heel-hook in the middle of the ring. Natalya cannot reach the ropes, Natalya kicks and claws but is forced to tap.

This was good, I enjoyed the match despite the lack of time given to the two wrestlers, McCool and Natalya could have a good match given the time. Natalya is technically sound in the ring, loved how she worked the legs and back of McCool, like McCool’s finish too. Looking forward to seeing what they do with McCool as the babyface of the division. My hopes are dashed within seconds for a legitimate Divas division as McCool is our inaugural champion who does not get a proper celebration as Jericho cuts a promo on HBK which tells you all you need to know.

Winner: Michelle McCool over Natalya Via Heel-Hook!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) CM Punk © vs Batista

So, Batista and Punk have been jerked around for months, Punk won Money In The Bank which meant losing his ECW Championship clean to Chavo Guerrero and suffering losses on pay per view and Raw until cashing in on Edge. Due to stale booking in the WWE, Batista had been in and out of the world championship picture suffering loss after loss to Edge. Here we go again with Batista looking to win the world championship but a new and younger foe is staring back at Batista, that being CM Punk.

Punk comes out first, that’s a pet peeve of mine hit right away. Punk is viewed as an underdog heading into this match, can Punk topple The Animal? Lock-up, obvious power advantage for Batista, Batista smiles at Punk. Lock-up again, Batista is in control. Hammerlock from Punk, massive elbow from Batista. Batista is laughing at Punk so far, Punk kicks the legs of The Animal. Quickness from Punk, forearms from the champion. Off the ropes, no powerslam for Batista. O Connor roll does not pay off for Punk, elbow from Batista for two. Batista misses a corner clothesline, no schoolboy for Punk. Massive enzugiri drives Batista to the floor, baseball slide from Punk.

Suicide dive from Punk, two for Punk. Stiff kick to the back, more kicks from Punk. Irish whip but Batista reverses Punk, hard Irish whip from the challenger. Punk hits the turnbuckle hard again, suplex for two. Camel clutch from The Animal, Punk escapes and Batista pummels Punk in the spine. Over and over, Punk’s back is targeted with massive forearms. Punk fires back with a leaping calf-kick, Batista is on the apron. Kicks from Punk, whip to the corner from Batista. Punk elbows Batista, high-flying crossbody from Punk for two. Kick into the corner, Punk’s high knee is blocked for a powerbomb attempt. Punk escapes but does not dodge the running powerslam. Batista Bomb is blocked as Punk holds onto the ropes, Punk kicks Batista from the apron. High knee in the corner, no bulldog but a massive right roundhouse for two.

GTS is countered, more spine shots. Corner clothesline from Batista, make it two. Batista gets caught in a triangle choke using the ropes, springboard forearm from Punk for two. Anaconda Vice attempt from Punk, Batista rolls over for two. More kicks to the shoulder, Batista blocks the kick. Slaps and backfists from Punk, lariat from Batista. Spinebuster into the corner, shoulder thrusts. Batista misses a corner spear, hitting the ring-post hard. Punk attempts a crossbody from the apron, spinebuster onto the concrete from The Animal. Punk is lifeless, here is Kane! Why? Not sure but here’s Kane, we have a DQ!

So, that came off as interesting in the beginning, two babyfaces with Batista healing it up against his younger adversary. Punk earns the respect of Batista through heart and determination, causing Batista to get serious against Punk. Some nice spots mixed in but that finish leaves it all very flat, what need for Kane was there? Why would Punk celebrate like he’s the better man considering it was a DQ that ended the match? Also, the chemistry between Lawler and Cole simply is not there just yet, it feels awkward and lifeless at times, it annoyed me during Michaels vs Jericho but it really got to me in this match. Batista comes off as a sore loser again, coming up short like an amazing choke artist while Punk is destroyed and left laying, not very champion like.

Winner: Double DQ!

(New York City Parking Lot Brawl) John Cena vs JBL

JBL has been fantastic since his return to the WWE, very few would play the bully character better than JBL. I guess a case of art imitating life but JBL is completely unlikeable in his role and believable which is tremendous. This feud goes back to Wrestlemania 21, the two have had first blood and brawls which have kicked a whole lot of ass, looking forward to the end of the feud in this match. JBL also tried to kill Cena with his Limo, very nice! Not really, it is ridiculous.

They talk about Cena’s mental state to begin which is baffling considering the one with the deranged mental state is obviously I don’t know maybe the guy who nearly killed him? JBL enters the circle of cars first with a crowbar, JBL is understandably nervous. A clanging of bars freaks JBL out, where could Cena be? Cena was hiding in another car, Cena tried to run over JBL. Cena exits the car and batters JBL with jumper cables. JBL is slammed off the hood of a car, the hood is closed on JBL’s head. JBL has his balls electrocuted because why not Cena picks up a keg. JBL just dodges the keg, trying to escape in a car. JBL has his head rammed into the steering wheel, fist fight with JBL winning that war.

JBL whips Cena into a car door which flies off the car, JBL pummels Cena with boots to the head. Cena is slammed off a car roof, clubbing blows from JBL. Hangman’s neckbreaker on the hood of the car, two for JBL. JBL continues to dish out punishment to Cena with a devastating DDT on the roof of a car. JBL misses a crowbar shot but floors Cena with a massive knee to the ribs, Cena is coughing pretty bad. JBL sends Cena through a car window head-first, JBL tosses Cena into the back of said vehicle. JBL walks over to his limo, revealing JBL’s plan. JBL has a petrol tank and plans to light Cena on fire, but Cena’s mental state should be questioned. JBL attempts murder, walking away like a man who knows that victory is assured, that and a possible death sentence.

Cena survives, battering JBL off another car. JBL is tossed inside of a car, Cena enters a forklift and spears the shit out of JBL who is in the car. Cena proceeds to lift the car with the forklift, bringing the action to the stage in front of the fans. Cena has JBL down on the ramp, right hands from both men. Series of rights from JBL before Cena hits his spinning back suplex, a Five Knuckle Shuffle on the ramp? Wham, it connects for Cena who hurts himself in the process. Cena measures, FU but wait, Cena wants to do it on the car. JBL was playing possum though, Cena is thrown and hurled through the windshield of the car. JBL steals the win!

Happy to see JBL get a win in the series, JBL had been dominated so to walk away with a win was nice, the match itself was nice in parts. Very physical, hatred coming out of both men throughout, noticeably silly in parts. JBL and Cena both tried to murder one another like it was nothing, absolutely ridiculous. However, the action itself was solid and Cena’s lust for vengeance is what cost him the match and ultimately, that told a good story in a solid match from two good workers.

Winner: JBL over John Cena Via Windshield Horror!

(WWE Championship Match) Triple H © vs Edge

Edge had vanquished The Undertaker and Batista but a cash-in from CM Punk robbed Edge of his cultivated top-spot in the company. Edge finds himself across the ring from WWE Champion Triple H who just so happened to ruin the one thing that Edge thought could never go wrong and that was Edge’s relationship with Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Triple H uncovered footage of Edge cheating with his wedding planner, burning that bridge to the ground between Edge and Vickie.

Edge jumps on Triple H, Edge is all fired up. Edge nails right hands, Irish whip reversal with Edge being sent to the floor. The Game whips Edge into a barricade at ringside, elbows across the throat from Triple H. Slingshot across the top rope from Triple H, Triple H does it again with the neck being the target this time. Knee drops across the neck from the champion, right hand from The Game. Irish whip to the corner and clothesline to the back of the neck, Triple H dominating this match. Edge gains the upper-hand when Triple H makes a costly mistake, the ribs are the intended target. Corner Spear from Edge, Triple H battles back but Edge nails knees to the ribs and clubbing blows to the back.

 Hard Irish whip, The Game is sent into the steel steps hard. Edge gloats in the ring, Edge spears Triple H into the apron and flapjacks the champion onto the announce table. Two for Edge, body-scissors from The Rated R Superstar. Triple H escapes and boots Edge, right hands from The Game. Irish whip, boot to dodge the back body drop from Edge but Triple H nails a huge clothesline. Irish whip with Edge reversing, knee face-buster from The Game. Edge spills to the floor, Edge hits the ring-post hard. Edge kicks away Triple H who was trying to re-enter the ring. Baseball slide misses for Edge but Edge nails The Impaler on the floor.

Two for Edge in the ring, Edge climbs to the middle rope. Dropkick does not work, catapult into the corner by the champion. Massive DDT from Triple H, two for the champion. Pedigree is countered for an Edge O Matic, two for Edge. Edge misses the spear, hitting the turnbuckle hard. Roll-up for two, Edge boots The Game in the face. Triple H nails a spinebuster to stop the spear, Pedigree is blocked again. Edge backs Triple H into the corner, Edge sets up The Game for a superplex. Edge headbutts Triple H, superplex with both men laying flat in the middle of the ring.

Here comes Edge’s wedding planner, Alicia Fox. Alicia has the championship, Alicia slides the championship to Edge. Vickie comes out and takes the championship, Vickie is in the ring. She pie-faces the referee, we have a catfight in the middle of the ring. The referee is all caught up, Edge Spears Vickie. Edge looks on like Fuck, Triple H is up. Pedigree and Triple H retains the championship.

Not overly impressive, I liked where the match was going with the rib work but it is all over before we can get a satisfying climax. Interference in the second world championship match of the night, third if you think of the ECW match so that’s frustrating. Loved Edge’s initial rage with The Game taking advantage but it just never kicked into that second gear, I much preferred Randy Orton as champion, so sad his reign was cut short but onwards and upwards, let’s see what The Game gives us on Smackdown.

Winner: Triple H over Edge Via Pedigree!

That was WWE’s Great American Bash 2008, a solid show from the WWE. I would not praise the card too highly for the championship matches were disappointing for reasons I will list below and a good angle could have been so much more. To kick off, the tag team championship match was fun although it was on the short side, I an only predict putting the championships on Ryder & Hawkins must be due to Morrison and Miz splitting up because they were money together and do not deserve to be wasted. Benjamin capturing the gold was good too, a solid match with Matt Hardy and the chance to bring out his natural talent in championship matches is something I look forward to. The ECW Championship match went five minutes, at least it can build to a feud for Dreamer and Delaney but that’s all there is about that match.

Michaels and Jericho had a great build and the selling of Michaels carries this match into the awesome territory but that awesomeness comes crashing down as the end was far too long. It was dramatic but the match should have been stopped before, it brought down what was a touching and emotional moment. Facials and selling were great, story-telling was great but just too long in the end. CM Punk’s questionable booking continues with a DQ finish to his first world championship defence on pay per view and being destroyed by both Kane and Batista once the match had ended, I thought the booking would improve but I am not sure how determined WWE is to make Punk a top guy during this time, lord knows they need more top people in the company. Triple H and Edge begins in a fun manner before never reaching that next level needed for a main event, solid but nothing to write home about. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Extreme Rules 2016 Review

Welcome one and all to my Extreme Rules review, the one night of the year that WWE goes extreme. The matches are set, the night is young so let us review WWE's night of extreme.

Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler(No Disqualification Match)

The feud continues for Corbin and Ziggler as their feud culminates in the rubber match. Match starts off with trash talk from Corbin who shoves Dolph. Dolph answers back with headbutts and right hands before flooring Corbin with a dropkick. Dolph splashes Corbin and goes to knock Corbin out but Ziggler is sent fling over the top rope. Both men brawl before Ziggler is sent head first into the ringpost. Corbin goes after Ziggler's arm one hard irish whip later and Ziggler is eating right hands from The Lone Wolf. Corbin locks in a submission before Ziggler reverses with a jawbreaker, Dolph hits his comeback which consists of Clotheslines, splashes and a neckbreaker. Corbin bails to the outside and nails a stungun on Ziggler, Dolph fires back with a dropkick. The showoff attempts a fameasser but Corbins counters for a powerbomb but it is reversed by Ziggler into a sunset flip for two. Deep Six by Corbin who annihilates Ziggler with the move. Dolph finds enough strenght to battle back with a ddt and a fameasser but it only gets two. Headbutts and elbos follow for Corbin and Ziggler sets up for the superkick. Ziggler meets his demise however as Corbin takes advantage of the no disqualification rule and low blows Ziggler. One end of days later and the match is over. A hard hitting match between these two which took clever advantage of their stipulation. So many others would use weapons that night so it was nice to see a different use of the no disqualifications rule. The right man won and hopefully, the future is looking bright for Corbin.

The Usos vs The Club(Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) 

The first match of the night is the Texas Tornado Tag Match between the two rival tag teams. In recent weeks, we have seen these two lock up over several times so I am hoping that this feud is well and truly over. They waste no time in brawling as The Club are attacked by The Usos in the aisle way, Usos take advantage with splashes and clotheslines. Lots of dives from The Usos but Jimmy is taken out with a Boot of Doom from the apron. Karl nails the fallen Uso with a knee to the face while Gallows hits a big boot. A second attempt at the boot of doom is foiled as Karl is pulled out of the ring, superkick by The Usos on Gallows. A whisper in the wind misses and Gallows nails The Gallows Pole(Nice finishing move name). Match breaks down as there is a flurry of samoan drops and spinebusters. Jey Uso hits a running hip attack on the outside as Karl lays against a barricade. Gallows clotheslines Jey and throws him over the barricade and into the crowd. Gallows grabs a ring bell but eats a superkick from Jimmy. Jimmy takes to the sky and goes for his splash but Gallows dodges and Jimmy lands ribs first on the bell. Magic Killer by Anderson and Gallows for the win. Good match very chaotic and a bit all over the place but The Club move forward.

(United States Championship Match) Rusev W/ Lana vs Kalisto (c)

The story of this match is that Kalisto has been injured by The Accolade by Rusev who bent him in ways that would make anybody wince in pain. Kalisto would have to use his speed to stay away from the larger Rusev and Kalisto starts off by kicking the legs of The Bulgarian Brute. Kalisto tries for a springboard corkscrew elbow but gets taken out by a polish hammer by Rusev. Hard Irish whips by Rusev and a nasty sidekick to the head. More stomps by Rusev and he locks in a bearhug wearing down Kalisto while also softening up Kalisto's ribs. Nasty knee to the spine by Rusev and a torture rack. Kalisto fires back with kicks and a sleeper hold. Rusev begins to fade before he drops all his weight on Kalisto who gets crushed, good psychology there as Rusev continues hurting Kalisto's ribs. Kalisto shows a glimmer of hope with a tornado ddt and a hurricanrana which sends Rusev into the steel steps. Kalisto nails a springboard frog splash for a two count as he attempts the Salida del Sol but its countered by Rusev but Kalisto still nails a moonsault in desperation. Kalisto ascends to the top rope but Rusev throws him to the apron and Kalisto lands hard. The doctor checks on Kalisto and the referee pulls Rusev away as Kalisto is in tremendous pain, the announcers play up that Kalisto's back must be severely injured by this point. Rusev ignores the referee and locks in The Accolade, Kalisto has no choice and must tap. I thought that the announcers could have played up one a plucky underdog Kalisto was for fighting with the injury to his back and put over his resiliency and his determination but no they just blew over the whole thing. Kalisto's run with the championship was bad so it is good to see the title on Rusev, I do not know about Kalisto and what is next for him, I hope he can turn it around and get some momentum going but that remains to be seen. As for Rusev, I love everything he is doing at the moment. From his ring work to his interviews, he is simply very entertaining.

(Tag Team Championship Match) The New Day (c) vs The Vaudevillains

 First thing about this match was that Xavier was in the match instead of managing as Kofi was at ringside so that was nice to see for him. Xavier starts off hot as he clotheslines English and there is a hurricanrana and a hadouken to knock English off his feet. Xavier gets caught and Gotch comes in and messes up Xavier with knees and uppercuts. Knee drops from English and Gotch before Gotch puts Xavier to sleep. Xavier hits a kick to the head and makes the tag to Big E. Belly to belly suplexes for The Vaudevillains but Big E is caught with a knee to the face by English. English nails a ddt on Big E but in the chaos, Big E reverses English and is setting up for The Big Ending but Xavier is dragged out and The Vaudevillains assault Big E and Kofi leaving Xavier isolated in the ring. Whirling dervish on Xavier and he kicks out at two which the commentators claim that nobody has ever kicked out.(It is a nice touch but the move has not really been built up to be super credible as it has only beat 2 or 3 people). English holds Xavier in the air on the apron looking to hit a suplex to the outside. Xavier fights out and Big E nails his crazy spear through the ropes(looks so nasty I hope he stops doing that move before he is injured). Gotch tries a clothesline in the counter on Xavier but misses as Kofi appears on the apron and kicks Gotch in the head with Xavier hitting a shining wizard type move on Gotch for the win. The right team won the match as The New Day really have nobody to feud with as nobody is on their level. Hopefully, with Enzo's recovery we could have a great feud between the two with New Day reverting to being heels again as I think they are better as comedy heels. The Vaudevillains are in trouble as it is on the main roster but maybe just maybe they can find something that works for both men.

(Intercontinental Championship Match)  The Miz (c) vs Sami Zayn vs Cesaro vs Kevin Owens

Just to get it out of the way, the best match of the night. Without a doubt, this stole the show and was fantastic. The match starts with Zayn kicking Owens head off with a helluva kick and Cesaro uppercuts Miz so both heels are down as Zayn and Cesaro starts wrestling and it takes me back to their series on NXT. Zayn and Cesaro trade control with calf kicks and backbreakers. Miz comes in and gets sent to the outside with Zayn diving to the outside on Cesaro and Miz. Miz begs for mercy from Zayn and lures the NXT favorite in and nails him with his signature clothesline. Before Zayn can attack Miz and gain a measure of revenge, Owens comes in and a stiff clothesline is on the menu for Zayn. Stiff kicks and a senton splash for a two count. Miz and Zayn take turns at trying to superplex Owens before Cesaro lends a helping hand and powerbombs everyone into oblivion before getting a two count on everyone. Cesaro tries a suplex on Zayn but Zayn hits a blue thunder bomb before Miz kicks Zayn int he head and tries to steal the win but he only gets two. Miz has Zayn in a capture suplex hold before Cesaro grabs Miz with a german suplex which sends all three men flying. Uppercuts for every man by Cesaro and he nails everyone before Owens hits cannonballs on every man. Owens gets caught by a half nelson suplex from Zayn while Cesaro uppercuts Zayn into space and Miz sneaks in with Skull Crushing Finale on Cesaro but he only gets two! Miz gets cocky and starts slapping around Cesaro, big mistake and moments later Miz is eating a springboard uppercut from Cesaro. Cesaro nails the swing on Miz and locks in the sharpshooter, Maryse is on the apron and Miz taps out so Cesaro had the match won but the referee was distracted. Miz gets frogsplashed by Owens as Cesaro tries a sharpshooter again. Cesaro hits the neutralizer on Owens, Zayn breaks it up and goes for a rolling yoshi tonic. Two and a half for Zayn, Cesaro comes back with an uppercut and Zayn catches the Swiss Superman with exploder suplex in the corner. Helluva kick is coming but no superkick by Owens and pop up powerbomb on Cesaro, Miz drags out Owens and hits A Skull Crushing Finale on Owens on the outside. Helluva kick by Sami Zayn on Cesaro, Zayn has it won but Owens pulls Zayn out and Zayn loses his mind and goes into a rage on Owens and Miz sneaks in and pins Cesaro to retain the title. This is a great match, and there are so many reasons for this. I like that every contender had a visible win on the table in this match. Cesaro made Miz tap, Owens had Cesaro beat with powerbomb and Zayn had Cesaro beat with the helluva kick, I like the fact that every man had the visual win becsaue it is good booking, it made everyone look good. I like the fact that Miz retains, his character is great at the moment, not one person wanted that man to win the match and so many were disappointed when the Miz walked away with the win but that is great! Miz is doing his job he is making you hate him and when he loses the title to whoever it may be, it will be a big deal because we will have waited so long to see him get destroyed.

(Asylum Match) Dean Ambrose vs Chris Jericho

In my predictions, I stated that this match could potentially steal the show, I was very very very very very very wrong. This match was not bad, just very very wrong and it was clear that the crowd was sitting on their hands for a lot of it this match. The first battle occurs when Ambrose grabs a mop out of all the weapons available, Ambrose grabs a mop. He messes with Jericho and I don't know ho to feel about this already as they are turning this match which is meant to be extreme into a comedy match. Jericho fights back with a boot to the face and a dropkick to the face takes Ambrose off his feet. Jericho tries to escape from the cage from Ambrose but both men take a huge bump as it is a back suplex from the top rope. Ambrose grabs nunchucks and Jericho grabs a 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire. Jericho insults Ambrose but pays for it as he is beaten with nunchucks by The Lunatic Fringe. Jericho gets crotched by Ambrose as Ambrose grabs a fire extinguisher and Jericho reaches for the straight jacket. Jericho throws the jacket on Ambrose's head and Jericho lands an enzuigiri. Jericho tosses Ambrose into the cage and Jericho goes vintage with a dropkick to Ambrose. Jericho tries to strap Ambrose in the jacket but Ambrose powers out. Ambrose hits right hands and forearms and his clothesline for two. Jericho catches Ambrose with a backbreaker but Ambrose blocks the lionsault and nails a bulldog on Jericho. Ambrose climbs to the top of the cage and lands an elbow from the top but it only gets a two count. Ambrose grabs a mop bucket and reveals that there are thumbtacks inside. Jericho's facial are priceless as he tries to escape the cage. They tease both men falling into the tacks but both men counter with Jericho locking in the Walls on Ambrose. Ambrose goes for an elbow from the top but Jericho uses the fire extinguisher and hits a Codebreaker. Just two for Jericho's finisher as he takes the barbwire bat, beating  Ambrose all around the ring. Jericho goes for the Codebreaker one too many times as he lands back first into the thumbtacks and Ambrose nails The Dirty Deeds for the win. Match was long but Ambrose has won back to back pay per view matches for the first time in a long time I believe, good to see Ambrose beating a future hall of famer in Jericho.

(WWE Women's Championship Match) Charlotte (c) vs Natalya

Just going to talk through the finish of this match, many felt(myself included) that Charlotte would get the job done by herself and the feud would be ended there in a definitive finish. We did not get that as Dana Brooke came to ringside and distracted Natalya as Natalya was cheated out of the title once more and makes her look like a complete fool in the process.I understand that Emma was injured an they brought up Dana so they could not just send her right back down but to choose to do this, makes Charlotte look weak as she could still not get the job done in the ring on her own and Natalya had been made to look so foolish in this feud, I just feel the whole situation was handled very badly and I do not know what the plan is going forward if Sasha is apparently injured.

(WWE Championship Match) Roman Reigns (c) vs Aj Styles

Reigns walks to the ring and moody arrogant Roman Reigns is really winning me over, I would love a full heel turn by The Guy but regardless, I just really like his whole attitude and his demeanor. Lockup by the two main eventers before Roman hits an elbow on Styles. Styles Kicks Roman but Roman powers out and hits a clothesline. Styles battles back with forearms but eats a knee from the champion. Styles grabs a chair from ringside but Roman blocks it and picks up the chair and swings for Styles' head. Styles is sent into the barricade at ringside before both men go into the crowd and brawl up to the kickoff panel area where Styles is planted on the table before being kicked in the head by Styles and a forearm is on the menu for Mr. Reigns. Styles brings Reigns back to ringside before Styles rips up the ring mat, Styles has evil intentions on his mind and is planning to go for Styles Clash. It is blocked as Reigns goes for a powerbomb on the announce table but it is countered by Styles. The two men fight one another before Styles is backdropped through the announce table by Reigns. Sitout powerbomb by Reigns in the ring for two while the fans are really laying into Reigns with the boos and the you suck chants. Reigns attempts the superman punch but Styles tackles Reigns knee and takes him out. Styles targets the knee of Reigns as they fight to the outside, Styles hits a knee to the face and goes for a hurricanrana but Reigns blocks and smashes Styles into the barricade and ringpost. Powerbomb through the announce table by Reigns as Styles is almost unable to continue before Reigns misses a spear and is knocked out. Reigns regains control with a superman punch on Styles and a spear. Here come The Club as they knock out Reigns before The Usos make the save. Double superkick and splash to Styles for a two count as Reigns knocks out Gallows and Anderson with superman punches before eating A Styles Clash.1...2.. kickout by Reigns! Second Styles Clash onto a steel chair, Reigns kicks out at two and a half, they really are making Reigns look like a beast some people may not like it but kicking out of multiple finishes at this stage is so common we should not be surprised. Styles destroys The Usos and Reigns with a steel chair. Styles takes off his elbow pad and signals for the phenomenal forearm but Reigns spears him mid air for the win. What a match between these two, yes there was a lot of interference and yes it was very overbooked with all the weapons and false finishes but it was one hell of a main event. Reigns is looking very good in the ring with Styles while being booked strongly and Styles is doing himself no harm by putting on quality match after quality match when given the opportunity. All is looking well for both men coming out of this pay per view. Reigns cannot celebrate for long as Seth Rollins make his triumphant return to the ring and everybody collectively wet their pants as The Man returned to win back his championship.

Overall, another really good show from WWE, the constant references to the "New Era" are annoying and the women's division is not looking too good after this pay per view but there were a lot of positives. The Club look to be moving on to bigger things, Styles has solidified himself as a main event player, the intercontinental title picture is looking amazing and we have Seth freaking Rollins returning. It will be every interesting moving forward but WWE has been great so far in 2016 and I hope this streak continues with Money In The Bank.

WWE Extreme Rules 2016 Predictions

Welcome weekend lovers to my predictions for WWE Extreme Rules, the one night of the year where WWE goes to the extreme, the build ofr this pay per view has been good for the most part with a lot intrigue placed on the WWE Championship as AJ Styles gets another chance at toppling The Roman Empire. So let's go through the match card for tonight's event and predict who shall rise to the occasion and who shall meet their demise on this night of extreme!

Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler (No Disqualification Match)

It seems that the Lone Wolf is exclusive property of Ziggler as these two clash once again and hopefully, The Lone Wolf conquers Ziggler and moves on to bigger and better things. It was certainly a surprise to see Corbin lose his offical pay per view debut match(not counting the Wrestlemania Battle Royal) to Ziggler, it made sense as Corbin was the arrogant over confident heel and it led to his downfall but many assumed he would destroy Ziggler. Tonight, I have to go with Corbin decimating Ziggler as it is just the right move going forward, sorry Ziggler but maybe it is time to move to greener pastures?

Winner: Baron Corbin

The Usos vs The Club(Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)

A match that we might have seen way too often over the past month, The Club should be the ones who get the win over The Usos, they are the hot new act and hopefully they can get some momentum going on their own instead of just being Aj's friends who keep getting killed. Expect a fun match from these two with The Club standing tall when the match is over.

Winners: The Club

(United States Championship Match) Rusev W/ Lana vs Kalisto (c)

Kalisto's reign with the United States Championship has been underwhelming to say the least, and it is not looking good as he steps into the ring with the Bulgarian Brute Rusev. Don't expect the little guy to overcome the bigger tougher bully this time around so I see Rusev reclaiming the championship he held so dear before losing it to Cena.

Winner: Rusev Crush!

(Asylum Match) Dean Ambrose vs Chris Jericho

A feud which was centered around 15,000 dollar jackets, potted plants called Mitch and the replacing of a talkshow but by God, they made it work and a lot of that has to go these two performers. Jericho as an arrogant snob is always the best Jericho, he is a great face but he is an even better heel and Ambrose is hanging in there on the microphone and in the ring with Y2J. My money is on Ambrose to beat the future hall of famer to add another impressive accomplishment to his resume. Should be a fun match including a lot of weapons and fun spots., could be the show stealer.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

(Women's Championship Match) Natalya vs Charlotte (c)

The odds are stacked against the champion as Ric Flair is banished from ringside so she has to get the job done on her own and the story here is will Charlotte be able to prove herself and is she capable of winning by herself? There is also the stipulation that this is a submission match which makes the match more fun as there will be a lot of emphasis on attacks to the legs as both women will be looking to apply the figure eight and the sharpshooter respectively. Natalya has been screwed out of the championship previously and this will be her final opportunity at the championship for the time being so there is the thought that Natalya could pull this off and become a transitional champion, probably dropping the title to Sasha Banks but it makes sense for Charlotte to prove that shes does deserve the championship and that she is the rightful champion. Hopefully, this match is more like the Roadblock match rather than the Payback match.

Winner: Charlotte

(Intercontinental Championship Match) Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens vs Cesaro vs The Miz (c)

While the United States championship made be failing in credibility, the intercontinental title picture seems very much alive and full of interest as we have a fatal four way between four worthy champions and this match is going to be good, chaotic fun. As for choosing a winner, I expect Miz to weasel his way out of the match somehow, maybe Zayn will have Owens beat and Miz will throw Zayn out of the ring and make the cover and steal a victory. I do not have a problem with that, Miz has been very entertaining as of late and when he eventually does get destroyed and loses the championship, it will make a lot of people happy.

Winner: The Miz

(Tag Team Championship Match) The New Day (c) vs The Vaudevillains 

As fans of NXT, the one fear we have is that certain acts we love will fail to connect on the main roster when they are eventually called up, the Vaudevillains are looking very likely victims of this as the weeks continue, they just have not connected with the audience but as Enzo & Cass are obviously not teaming due to Enzo's injury, there might be an extended run for The Vaudevillains against the New Day and hopefully, they get the opportunity to show what they are really made of and their worth. It would a shock if The New Day lost the titles tonight and I do not expect it to happen.

Winners: The New Day

(WWE Championship Match) Aj Styles vs Roman Reigns (c)

A great little feud between these two, I have really enjoyed the little twists from these two over the past number of weeks, from the steel chairs to the brawl, this has been an entertaining feud. Aj Styles had looked like a star throughout and tonight, he will put over Roman Reigns in what I am sure will be a really good match. Despite your opinions on Reigns which are largely very negative, he is growing as a performer in the ring and he is capable of putting a good match on when he is in there with another good performer. Not sure where Styles goes from here as Orton and Cena will be back and Ambrose could be on to bigger things after Jericho so Styles could find himself a bit lower down the card but take nothing away from Styles, he has been phenomenal so far and I cannot see him out of the title picture for too long. Expect plenty interference from The Club and The Usos in this match but Roman will conquer all as he continues his reign as champion.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Extreme Rules has a lot of match I am looking forward, the outcomes seem straight forward tonight and I think I might get all match predictions right but you never know, Vince might see things as too predictable. Jericho could get his win back, Natalya could win the women's title and Styles could topple the Roman Empire. It is unlikely, highly unlikely but stranger things have happened. Wherever you are, I hope you have fun watching tonight and hope you will join me for my Extreme Rules Review. Until next time see you later space cowboy