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WWE (2022) A New Era


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WWE Survivor Series 2022 Preview

As we head into Survivor Series the WWE has faced even more uncertainty within its management structure. The search for Bret Hart's replacement as Smackdown General Manager has been complicated by Cody Rhodes' decision to quit as RAW General Manager. Edge has staked his claim to be Smackdown General Manager, but it seems to have been ignored. 

The WWE has expanded into Japan witht he launch of NXT: Japan, as well as additions to NXT with promotions from NXT: UK and the indie scene. Alongside this the WWE Network has had major investment, improving the WWE's coverage across the globe.

For All the Gold: Asuka (WWE Smackdown Women's Champion) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Undisputed Champion, WWE RAW Women's Champion)

History could be made at Survivor Series as Asuka and Becky Lynch go head-to-head with all major WWE Titles on the line. Lynch won the WWE and WWE Universal titles from Roman Reigns after cashing in her MITB briefcase at Clash of Champions. Her first port of call was to Smackdown to challenge Asuka for the WWE Smackdown Women's title, however Asuka wouldn't except unless Lynch put all her titles on the line. Both women keen to make history accepted.

As Becky Lynch offered rematches to Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley, Asuka interferred to ensure her title match with Becky Lynch would remain secure. The self-proclaimed Empress of the WWE said she would do everything and anything until Survivor Series for all the gold, maybe even to the point of becoming slightly tainted or corrupted by the prospect. 

Who will emerge victorious at Survivor Series?
Will history by made? 


Falls Count Anywhere: Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar

There's been a small amount of mutual respect growing between Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar over the last few months. Both men are keen to knock each other out and simply swing for the fences, yet neither one wants to backdown. At WWE Bragging Rights a wild brawl ended in a double count after the fight spilled out of the ring and into the crowd. 

At Survivor Series Lesnar and Strowman will go Round 2 in a Falls Count Anywhere match to allow the action to go where the two behemoths take it. 

Can the arena contain the two beasts?


Best of 3 Falls for the WWE IC Title: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Mansoor

Competition for the WWE Intercontinental Title is not weak with several wrestlers fighting to become number 1 contender on Smackdown. So, it was something of a surprise when Shinsuke Nakamura handpicked Mansoor to be added to the mix, having become impressed with the young highflyer in training matches. When Mansoor won the #1 contenders match on Smackdown to face Nakamura at WWE Bragging Rights, the surprise on many people's faces was clear to see.

Nobody would have thought that Mansoor would go on to beat Nakamura at Bragging Rights, but that's exactly what he did. Stealing a win with a surprise roll up to become the new WWE IC Champion. Mansoor and Nakamura would have a rematch on Smackdown, with Mansoor retaining due to a time limit draw just as Nakamura had a pin and the ref's hand was coming down for the 3 count. 

At Survivor Series the pair go at it again, this time in a Best of 3 Falls match. 

Can Nakamura regain his title?
Has Mansoor been lucky or have the WWE Roster under estimated him?


Survivor Series Classic: Team Belair vs. Team Toxic Attraction

Since Toxic Attraction made their debut on RAW they have made one thing clear... they are appauled at the standards of some of the women wrestlers on the roster. Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if you were to ask Mandy Rose, Gigi and Jacy they'd tell you it was them who decided who was beautiful or not. 

Bianca Belair has taken exception to the remarks, calling Toxic Attraction bullies. Both teams have gathered friends and allies as they face off in a classic Survivor Series match. 

Team Belair has called upon Bayley, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan and Maki Itoh. Alexa, Liv and Maki Itoh have all come under scrutiny from Toxic Attraction over the last month and will be keen to confront the bullies. 

Team Toxic Attraction resent being called bullies and feel as though people getting upset by their opinions have made them upset. Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne have added Carmella to their team who is keen to continue to her rivalry with Bayley. The late surprise inclusion of Nikkita Lyons will be interesting to watch after recent videos of Lyons have played on RAW as she announces the Return of Diva. 


WWE Tag Team Titles: The Street Profits vs. Fortunate Ones vs. Ultimate Punishment vs. #DIY (c)

#DIY defeated the Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Titles at WWE Bragging Rights and in the process earned WWE contracts. The Street Profits are looking to regain their titles, but at the same time the newly arrived Fortunate Ones are looking to establish themselves in the WWE. Ultimate Punishment are out to claim their first tag team titles together under the guidiance of their new found friend Logan Paul. 


Paige vs. Nikki Cross

Paige returned to the WWE as part of The Forgotten, where she mainly managed Braun Strowman. Then, as part of Edge's deal with the WWE Board of Directors, Paige was placed into a 4-Way match against Asuka for the WWE Smackdown Women's title. Upon accepting the match Paige was given a WWE contract and placed back on the active roster. 

No longer part of The Forgotten, and out on her own, Paige is looking to make up for lost time. 

Nikki Cross has been floundering lately. Cross had a brief feud with Duodrop, who unlocked the beast within Cross again, but since then has been on something of a losing streak. Perhaps the nicely-nicely approach doesn't fit Nikki Cross too well, or perhaps she just needs a win to her name. 


Lucha Libre Trios: Ultimo Dragon, Rey Mysterio & Mystery Partner vs. Legado del Fantasma

Legado del Fantasma arrived on Smackdown in September where they teamed with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's crusade against the hypcricy of America. The Mexico natives and students of Lucha Libre have taken exception to the so-called 'false luchadors' cashing in on their Lucha Heritage, namely Rey Mysterio and Ultimo Dragon. 

Legado del Fantasma have cost Ultimo Dragon and Rey Mysterio several matches over the last few months, most noticably the WWE Cruiserweight title to help crown Angel Garza the champion. 

Rey Mysterio and Ultimo Dragon are respected around the world for their achievements and promotion of lucha libre, and are keen to continue to showcase it (despite Legado del Fantasma's claims). On Smackdown Rey Mysterio challenged Legado fel Fantasma to a Lucha Libre Trio's match, a staple of Mexican Wrestling, at Survivor Series. When questioned on who their third partner would be, Mysterio and Dragon simply said it would be a surprise.

Who will Rey Mysterio and Ultimo Dragon's partner be?
Are Legado del Fantasma right to be aggrieved by non-Mexicans cashing in on Lucha Tradition?


Survivor Series Classic: Team Imperium vs. Team Steiner

Since Rex Steiner made the move to RAW he has been in constant conflict with Imperium, a group of European wrestlers who believe themselves to be the superior wrestlers. Steiner has taken exception to this claim, eager to prove that American wrestlers are just as good, if not better, than Europeans. 

The back and forth between Steiner and Imperium has never led to a direct match between Steiner and Gunther, however if Steiner's team can win at Survivor Series that could all change. Gunther has promised to face Steiner one-on-one. If Imperium win than Steiner must announce to the world that European wrestling is superior. 

Steiner's team has been something of a mystery, but Rex has promised it will showcase some of the best young technical talent the WWE has, as well as some of the unsung heroes of American Wrestling. 

Imperium already have a strong core of 3 wrestlers with Gunther, Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser. Yet, they've promised two more strong European wrestlers will join their ranks at Survivor Series. 

Which is better - European or American wrestling?
Who will be on Team Steiner?
Who will be on Team Imperium?

 

TUNE IN TO SURVIVOR SERIES LIVE ON THE WWE NETWORK THIS SATURDAY!

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WWE Survivor Series 2022
31,000 @ Mid-South
Saturday, Week 4

Commentary Team: Mauro Ranallo, Michael Cole & Pat McAfee

WELCOME TO SURVIVOR SERIES!
- Stephanie McMahon's music plays
- She welcomes everyone to Survivor Series and explains in past years it was a time for RAW v Smackdown and brand supremacy
- However this year due to the on-going search for new General Managers things are a little different
- She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

(rating: 65)

Introducing TEAM STEINER
- Rex Steiner's music plays as he makes his way to the ring
- He begins to introduce his team
- Steiner shouts YOU THINK EUROPE IS THE BEST AT WRESTLING WELL I'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU FRITZ
- Fresh from NXT DIAMOND MINE... Roderick Strong, Brutus and Julius Creed, three of the most technically gifted wrestlers in North America today
- And finally... RICOCHET! 
- Steiner shouts WE'RE NOT JUST ABOUT MAT WRESTLING WE INVENTED HIGH FLYERS TOO!

(rating: 47)

Imperium
- The Imperium's music plays as they stand at the entrance way
- Ludwig introduces the two newest members
- The Russian Torpedo Ilja Dragunov and the German Bonecracker Teoman

(rating: 44)

Team Steiner (Rex Steiner, Brutus Creed, Julius Creed, Roderick Strong & Ricochet) vs Team Imperium (Gunther, Giovanni Vinci, Ludwig Kaiser, Ilja Dragunov & Teoman)
In a decent match, Rex Steiner, Brutus Creed, Julius Creed, Roderick Strong and Ricochet defeated Gunther, Giovanni Vinci, Ludwig Kaiser, Ilja Dragunov and Teoman in an Elimination match in 15:14; Teoman was eliminated first, then Brutus Creed, then Julius Creed, then Ilja Dragunov, then Giovanni Vinci, then Ludwig Kaiser, and finally Gunther.

In terms of in-ring work, Gunther was head and shoulders above everyone else.

(rating: 62)

The Mysterio Partner
- Legado del Fantasma are already in the ring ready for their Lucha Libre Trios match
- Rey Mysterio and Ultimo Dragon are at the entrance way
- Rey says its time to introduce their Mystery Partner
- He's someone who has travelled the world and can wrestle many styles
- But has been out of the limelight for many years
- Angel Garza is screaming to know who it is
- El Hijo del Fantasma is shouting at the crowd to shut up as they chant various names

(rating: 55)

The Final Countdown
- Synth swells begin
- The unmistakable opening synth riff of Europe's The Final Countdown begins to play
- 5.... 4... 3... 2... 1...
- Pyros erupt as a mask wrestler appears
- The American Dragon! 
- Some of the crowd know, some don't
- The commentary team act as if they don't
- Who is this masked man?!

(rating: 75)

Ultimo Dragon, Rey Mysterio & American Dragon vs. Legado del Fantasma (Angel Garza, El Hijo del Fantasma & Ultimo Ninja)
In a decent match, Legado del Fantasma (Angel Garza, El Hijo del Fantasma and Ultimo Ninja) defeated Ultimo Dragon, Rey Mysterio and American Dragon in 15:13 by two straight falls, with the final fall happening when Angel Garza pinned Ultimo Dragon with a Wing Clipper.

In terms of in-ring work, American Dragon was head and shoulders above everyone else.

- American Dragon came out of the match looking good
- Commentary team played up the unknowning very well
- They dropped hints when familiar spots happened
- Most of the crowd seemed to have caught on by the end too

(rating: 64)

Who is American Dragon?!
- After the match the winners remain in the ring and demand to know who American Dragon is
- ARE YOU EVEN MEXICAN?!
- American Dragon says 'Si!' and gives a familair double arm finger jab into the air
- El Hijo del Fantasma is furious and is screaming at being mocked
- ANOTHER THIEF OF LUCHA TRADITION!

- The performance of American Dragon was fantastic

(rating: 72)

Team Belair (Bianca Belair, Bayley, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan & Maki Itoh) vs. Team Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolan, Jacy Jayne & Nikkita Lyons)
In a decent match, Bayley, Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan and Maki Itoh defeated Carmella, Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, Jacy Jayne and Nikkita Lyons in an Elimination match in 15:14; Nikkita Lyons was eliminated first, then Jacy Jayne, then Gigi Dolin, then Mandy Rose, and finally Carmella.

Nikkita Lyons was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 61)

Backstage Attack
- Backstage The Fortunate Ones have been left lying injured
- The camera reveals The Samoan Hit Squad walking away towards the entrance way

(rating: 40)

WWE Tag Team Titles: The Street Profits vs. Samoan Hit Squad vs. Ultimate Punishment vs. #DIY
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Samoan Hit Squad defeated The Street Profits, Ultimate Punishment and #DIY in 15:28 when Jacob Fatu pinned Tommaso Ciampa with a Samoan Drop. Samoan Hit Squad win the WWE World Tag Team titles. 

In terms of in-ring work, Riddle was head and shoulders above everyone else. Solo Sikoa was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 65)

IF YA...
- THE ROCK IS HERE
- The Rock's music cuts short the Samoan Hit Squad's celebration
- He paces back and forth across the entrance area
- The Rock is furious with The Bloodline for what they did to Rikishi on RAW
- The Rock says he's let Roman have his fun walking around calling himself the Tribal Chief and Head of the Table, as it didn't bother The Rock... but then he had to go and make it personal
- Not just attacking Rikishi but bringing The Rock's... DAUGHTER into it all
- The Rock says that Ava is an adult, she can make her own decisions, but if Roman thinks for one moment The Rock is going to sit back and let Roman influence her into making bad decisions... he's got an...

(rating: 59)

FROM BEHIND
- Jey Uso and Ava Raine attack The Rock from behind
- Roman Reigns walks smuggly past The Rock as Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu run up from the ring to join in the attack
- Roman laughs and calls The Rock pathetic
- Its time he and everyone else in the family recognised the Head of the Table, the new blood coming through
- The Rock just has to take a sniff... can't he smell it... this is reality now

(rating: 63)

WWE IC Title (Best of 3 Falls): Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Mansoor (c)
In a decent match, Mansoor defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in 30:03 by two straight falls, with the final fall happening by pinfall. Mansoor makes defence number two of the WWE Intercontinental title.

(rating: 65)

Backstage with Asuka
- Asuka is talking about her match with Becky Lynch
- She says this well prove to the whole world that Asuka is the Empress of Wrestling
- There is nothing an Empress won't do to secure her titles and gold

(rating: 78)

Paige vs. Nikki Cross
In a decent match, Paige defeated Nikki Cross in 9:33 by pinfall with a RamPaige.

- A break in the action match

(rating: 55)

Lesnar v Braun Video Package

(rating: 73)

Falls Count Anyway: Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Braun Strowman drew with Brock Lesnar in 9:50 with a double pin!

(rating: 60)

Backstage with Becky Lynch
- Becky talks about Asuka's change in personality since the title match came around
- She wondwers if Asuka is aware of how many enemies she's made to secure this title shot

(rating: 78)

For All The Gold: Asuka (WWE Smackdown Women's Champion) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Undisputed Champion and WWE Raw Women's Champion)
In an exceptional match, Asuka defeated Becky Lynch in 17:36 by pinfall after using black mist. Asuka wins the WWE Undisputed. Asuka makes defence number three of the WWE SmackDown Women's title. Asuka wins the WWE Raw Women's title.

(rating: 74)

The Empress
- Asuka stands in the middle of the ring with her titles
- Emergency crews attend to the stricken Becky Lynch who seems in agony from the Black Mist covering her face

(rating: 80)

Overall Rating: 73
 

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WWE RAW
Week 1,December 2022
4,356@ Ralston Arena, Mid-South

Commentary: Michael Cole, Mauro Ranallo and Pat McAfee

The Empress has arrived
- A grand stage has been created
- Golden sparks shower down from above as Asuka makes her entrance as the new Undisputed Champion of the WWE
- She is... THE EMPRESS
- She makes a slow walk towards the ring, her make up now black like the black mist she sprayed into Becky Lynch's face at WWE Survivor Series

(Rating: 85)

The Empress Speaks
- Asuka proclaims this the era of The Empress
- She calls out Stephanie McMahon
- Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring
- Asuka tells Stephanie McMahon that she has conqured her WWE, captured the WWE Undisputed Title, WWE RAW Women's Title and the WWE Smackdown Women's Title
- As conquerer she has every right to divide the spoils as she fits
- Asuka says she no longer recognises RAW and Smackdown as two seperate entities, both belong to her
- Asuka throws the WWE Raw Women's Title and the WWE Smackdown Women's Title at the feet of Stephanie McMahon
- From his day on there is only one Undisputed Champion, one Women's Champion, One Empress
- Asuka pulls the WWE Women's Title from a suede sachet a servant had been carrying
- The WWE Women's Title hasn't been seen in the WWE since 2010 when it was retired and turned into the Diva's title
- The reign of The Empress has begun
- Asuka says she is a fair ruler and tonight some of the top women wrestlers in the WWE will prove their worth in a #1 Contender's Match

(rating: 77)

Sheamus vs. AJ Styles
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Sheamus defeated AJ Styles in 22:33 by pinfall with a Brogue Kick.

(rating: 68)

Goldberg
- Goldberg's music plays as he marches down to the ring
- He doesn't care which one it is, he wants Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens!

(rating: 67)

Bill Goldberg vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Bill Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a Handicap match in 5:50 when Kevin Owens was disqualified while fighting Bill Goldberg.

- Kevin Owens was disqualified after hitting Goldberg with a steal chair

(rating: 69)

I Will End You
- Sami Zayn keeps Goldberg trapped with a steal chair around Goldberg's ankle
- Kevin Owens is shouting abuse at Goldberg
- Owens promises to end Goldberg

(rating: 69)

Fortunate Ones
- Rinku and Saurav are backstage
- They're talking about the Samoan Hit Squad attacking them before the Survivor Series match for the Tag Team Titles!
- They challenge the Samoan Hit Squad... RIGHT NOW!

(rating: 36)

WWE World Tag Team Titles: Fortunate Ones vs Samoan Hit Squad
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Samoan Hit Squad defeated Fortunate Ones in 13:24 when Jacob Fatu pinned Rinku Singh with a Samoan Drop. Samoan Hit Squad make defence number one of the WWE World Tag Team titles. 

Jacob Fatu carried the match in terms of in-ring performance. Saurav Gurjar was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 50)

The Golden Raj
- After the match the Golden Raj (Jinder Mahal, Sunil Singh, Samir Singh and Shanky) appear at the entrance way with mock applause
- Jinder says the only disgrace to India are the ones standing in the ring
- Take a look at this and remind yourself what it achieved
- Perhaps you need a reminder next week...

(rating: 29)

The Bloodline
- Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and Ava Raine welcome back the victorious Samoan Hit Squad
- Roman says this is the beginning of The Bloodlines reclaim
- Asuka talks about an Empire, but the truth is The Bloodline is a legacy and one of the most powerful forces in the WWE
- It won't be long until all the titles are back around the table

(rating: 63)

Tell Me, Mr. Truth... What's Up?
- Joe Gacy, the resident counsellor within the WWE, is sitting in a room backstage with R-Truth
- Gacy is asking "Mr. Truth" about Little Jimmy
- Truth tells Gacy that Little Jimmy was real, he saw him, the WWE Universe saw him, everyone saw him
- Gacy looks sad and shakes his head, no Mr. Truth, Little Jimmy was just in your mind, a playful addition to your pysche to help overcome the uncertainty within you
- YOU CLOWNIN' ME?!
- No, Mr. Truth I'm trying to help you WIN again. 

(rating: 51)

Apex
- MVP is in the ring with Odyssey Jones and Damon Kemp
- MVP reminds everyone that while this is just the start of APEX's journey to the top they already a huge talented team
- and they're going to prove it next

(rating: 48)

Damon Kemp & Odyssey Jones vs. Viking Raiders
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, Damon Kemp and Odyssey Jones defeated Viking Raiders in 7:49 when Odyssey Jones pinned Ivar with a Falling Powerslam.

(rating: 46)

Bray Wyatt Speaks
- Man Who Sold The World by David Bowie plays as Bray Wyatt makes his way to the ring
- He wants to talk about Randy Orton and the past few weeks
- He's watched what happened over and over again and can't make sense of it all
- Bray can see and hear The Fiend whenever he's in danger, but isn't sure if that means Randy Orton is a threat
- Bray tells Randy Orton that if there was bad blood between them, Randy Orton would know, he'd taste his blood and smell the searing of his flesh
- Bray laughs, but that's not me anymore, I'm just happy to be back in the WWE back with my family
- The Fiend's music plays as he appears on the screen
- The Fiend asks Bray what is Family? Who is Family?
- Bray shakes his head and says The Fiend isn't family, but a defense mechanism, he knows this
- The Fiend laughs and says he's more family than anyone has ever been to Bray Wyatt
- When everyone else has left you, I was the last thing that remained
- Even now Alexa Bliss, your sweet Lily, stands besides you, but she betrayed you when it mattered
- Bray says he forgave Alexa
- LIESSS! I know your thoughts, I know your mind, I know how much it still hurts you
- I know how much you want to seek vengence on them all... even your sweet Lily
- Bray looks at Alexa
- the lights go out
- When they come back on Alexa Bliss is left in the ring alone

(rating: 72)

Steiner Time
- Rex Steiner is happy he'll finally get to face off against Gunter
- This has been months in the making and now its time to prove that American Wrestling is the best!

(rating: 37 - Miss click on the booking sheet caused me to select guru Raaj ffs)

Gunther vs. Rex Steiner
In a decent match, Gunther defeated Rex Steiner in 14:02 by pinfall with a surprise cradle.

(rating: 62)

Update on Becky Lynch
- A video package plays showing Becky Lynch being carried out of the ring last night after the Black Mist attack from Asuka
- We learn that Becky Lynch has suffered from a form of paralysis and its currently unclear when she'll return to the ring

(rating: 69)

The Bros
- Backstage The Bros (Logan Paul, Riddle, Theory and Damian Priest) are chilling and partying on
- Logan Paul laughs about Becky Lynch and claims he'll be the one to topple Asuka and really give the WWE the exposure its been craven since they asked him to join

(rating: 63)

WHO IS AMERICAN DRAGON!?
- A tongue-in-cheek video package plays asking the question Who is American Dragon?
- It highlights his height, moves, physique and wonders could American Dragon be... Ricky Steamboat?

(rating: 71)

Bayley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Paige vs. Shayna Baszler
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Bianca Belair defeated Bayley, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, Paige and Shayna Baszler in a Scramble match in 25:00 after scoring the most falls.

(rating: 54)

Overall Rating: 67

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WWE Smackdown
5,891 @ Kellogg Arena

Commentary: Nigel McGuinness, Steve Austin and Mauro Ranallo

American Dragon vs. Sami Zayn
- During the match Steve Austin explains he came to apply for a General Manager role but discovered Auska has declared herself the Empress of the WWE
- Austin has decided to see what the hell is going on, so invited himself onto the commentary team instead of Booker T
- This match was a barnstormer
- Sami Zayn and American Dragon (whoever that is) have great chemistry

(rating: 78)

REMOVE YOUR MASK!
- After the match the music for El Hijo del Fantasma plays
- Fantasma, Ultimo Ninja and the WWE Cruiserweight champion Angel Garza are standing at the entrance way
- Fantasma demands the American Dragon remove their mask, he's not believing for one moment its Ricky Steamboat
- Angel Garza calls him a fraud
- American Dragon shakes his finger and disappears through the crowd to live another day
- Fantasma shouts after him he will unmask this American imposter stealing Lucha Tradition

(rating: 51)

IF YA SMELL...
- The Rock's music plays as The Rock and Rikishi make their way to the ring
- The Rock says he doesn't care which two it is, but Roman Reigns better decide which ones are in for a bit of education on respect
- Rikishi can't say just how disappointed he is in Jey and Solo
- The Rock says at WWE Starrcade The Rock and Rikishi vs. The Bloodline

(rating: 53)

Natayla & Tamina vs. Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez defeated Natalya & Tamina in 9:36 when Roxanne Perez pinned Natalya with a Code Rok.

Natalya carried the match in terms of in-ring performance.

(rating: 49)

Congratulations
- Backstage Bayley is congratuling Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez, the two up and coming wrestlers in the tag division
- Bayley seems to have spent a little more time chatting with Roxanne Perez
- Cora Jade doesn't seem too pleased with that

(rating: 47)

J-Pop Entrance
- Maki Itoh makes her trademark J-Pop entrance, singing her own entrance theme
- Cutesy emoji's appear on the screen

(rating: 61)

Maki Itoh vs. Xia Li
In a poor match, Maki Itoh defeated Xia Li in 7:53 by pinfall with a Flying Big Head.

(rating: 52)

The Bros
- Backstage The Bros (Logan Paul, Theory and Riddle) approach Mansoor
- Riddle says Mansoor has a nice a title, brah
- Logan Paul thinks it would look better on a more commercially friendly face, the face of the future and the internet
- Mansoor beings to talk, but his shushed by Riddle's finger on his lips
- Theory says he was next in line for a title shot before Mansoor and Nakamura's little love-in
- Logan thinks Mansoor should be a bro and face Theory tonight with the title on the line... think of the views it'll get, brah

(rating: 74)

WWE Intercontinental Title: Theory vs. Mansoor (c)
In a decent match, Theory defeated Mansoor in 15:13 by pinfall with a Standing Moonsault. Theory wins the WWE Intercontinental title.

(rating: 66)

You want to joke?!
- Seth Rollin's music plays as Theory and the Bros are in the ring, he has a steel chair!
- He's pissed at their comments and laughter about Becky Lynch's injury
- YOU WANT TO JOKE ABOUT MY WIFE?!
- Rollins heads of the ring with steel chair in hand
- The Bros scatter

(rating: 66)

Belair's Title Shot
- Asuka's music plays as she makes her now slow, prideful way to the ring
- Again her makeup is black like the black mist she used on Becky Lynch
- Asuka stands in the middle of the ring with her arms outstretch, a title hanging on each arm
- Asuka congratulates Bianca Belair on winning the #1 Contender's Match on RAW
- Bianca has proven she is worthy to be considered a contender for The Empress, but to prove it she must first pass one of her Generals
- Bianca's music plays
- Bianca has no idea what Auska is talking about
- Auska tells Bianca that it isn't that easy to walk up to a living Empress and challenge their reign, someone came to her after RAW and gave their oath to protect The Empress
- Auska smiles and points behind Bianca Belair

(rating: 86)

The Empire
- Hate Crew (Shayna Baszler & Sonya Deville) emerge to stand behind Bianca
- Asuka tells Bianca that the WWE World Women Tag Team champions have joined her new Empire
- So too has Aja Kong, a legend in Japan that has been treat with nothing but disrespect since she came to the WWE
- Someone else that has disrespected The Empress is Io Shirai, for claiming to rule the skies
- EVERYTHING IN THE WWE, THE RING, THE FANS, THE GROUND, THE SKY BELONGS TO EMPRESS AUSKA I AM THE ALL
- Aja will show Io just what it means to anger The Empress
- Auska says Bianca better not anger Auska or it'll be more than one of her Generals she'll face

(rating: 55)

Aja Kong vs. Io Shirai
In a poor match, Aja Kong defeated Io Shirai in 5:36 by pinfall with an Uraken.

- Io Shirai carried this match

(rating: 61)

The Next Big Thing
- Mace is backstage hyping up Omos again
- Mace says that there is nothing that can stop him
- Mace calls Omos the almighty giant!

(rating: 66)

... oh really
- Bobby Lashley walks into frame
- The almighty? 
- Lashley looks at Omos and pokes him in the chest
- Prove it

(rating: 68)

Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Omos defeated Bobby Lashley in 10:13 by pinfall with a Claw.

- There was a distinct lack of selling in this one

(rating: 58)

Overall Rating: 70

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The top 10 Merchandise movers for the WWE in November were

  1. The Rock
  2. Becky Lynch
  3. Randy Orton
  4. Brock Lesnar
  5. Roman Reigns
  6. Seth Rollins
  7. Bobby Lashley
  8. Logan Paul
  9. Rey Mysterio
  10. Bill Goldberg


- It would seem the WWE have dropped the draft for now, at least storyline wise
- It's unclear if this is a long term move or not
- Steve Austin has indeed moved to a more active role on the WWE roster
- It's believed Paul Heyman's contract will be allowed to run out this month
- Those thinking Daniel Bryan is American Dragon will be confused to have seen Bryan Danielson wrestler Cezar Bononi on AEW Dynamite on Wednesday after WWE Survivor Series and before WWE Smackdown on Friday
- There's been a shake up in Road Agents/Producers and announcing teams
- As seen this week Mauro Ranallo is on both RAW and Smackdown; sharing RAW with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee; while hosting Smackdown alongside Steve Austin and Nigel McGuinness
- Booker T has been announcing Main Event and Superstars with Rick Boggs (who continues to recover from injury) and Wade Barrett
- Steve Austin has also came in as a producer
- Main Roster producers now include: American Dragon, Beth Phoenix, Booker T, Chris Hero, D-Von Dudley, Jamie Noble, Jeremy Borash, Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, Lita, Mick Foley, Mike Rotunda, Molly Holly, MVP, Steve Austin, The Great Khali, The Undertaker, Triple H and Trish Stratus

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WWE RAW
Week 2, December 2022

Commentry Team: Michael Cole, Mauro Ranallo and Pat McAfee

Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Kevin Owens defeated Randy Orton in 18:29 by pinfall, by DQ after Bill Goldberg intereferred during the match

(rating: 77)

Post-Match Brawl!
- Goldberg and Kevin Owens continue to brawl outside of the ring as Randy Orton watches on
- Sami Zayn then joins the melee
- Bray Wyatt slips into the ring behind Randy Orton
- Orton spins around and sees him!
- Officials break up Goldberg, Sami and KO

(rating: 80)

Trying to attack me too?
- Randy Orton nods as he stares at Bray Wyatt
- Bray holds out his arms as if trying to defuse the situation
- I saw you, Bray, you thought you could get a sneak attack in, huh?
- Bray Wyatt pleads his innocence
- No, Randy, I... I came out to protect you, I want to make amends I need to close the doors that are open in my...
- ENOUGH! Enough with the bullshit already... either attack me or leave me alone
- I'm sorry, Randy, but I can't do that...
- Bray walks backwards without breaking eye contact with Randy Orton
- Orton quickly looks behind him as if expecting The Fiend or someone else to attack, but there's no one there
- Bray Wyatt leaves the ring and walks back up the ramp smiling at Randy Orton
- I WLL PROTECT YOU, RANDY! I WILL PROTECT YOU FROM MY DEMONS!

(rating: 90)

The Giant wants your title!
- MACE and Omos are backstage
- MACE says that Omos is ready for a title challenge and Gable Steveson he's coming for yours!

(rating: 68)

The Big Men's Little Men Argue
- Apollo Crews comes into picture with Gable Steveson behind him
- Apollo laughs, you really think Omos can defeat Gable? You're not too smart are you
- MACE smiles and says he's smart enough to have had the matched sanctioned by the WWE Board of Directors! 
- Gable doesn't seem to happy

(rating: 72)

WWE United States Title: Omos vs. Gable Steveson (c)
In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Omos defeated Gable Steveson in 12:47 by pinfall with a roll up. Omos wins the WWE United States title.

- Despite the somewhat decent spontaneous build up, the match stunk
- It was too long for Omos and fell apart in the middle very quickly and very easily

(rating: 38)

I was a Ninja... A NINJA
- We're somewhere backstage now, in a peaceful room
- Joe Gacy, counsellor to professional wrestlers, is sitting down talking to Akira Tozawa
- They made me a Ninja... you know why? Because I... am... Japanese!
- If you please
- What?
- Nothing to worry about, Akira, that's why I'm here. Joe Gacy is here to listen to you, to help you come to terms with the pain of the bad gimmicks placed upon you by old white men who didn't know any better
- Now I am a joke, people think I am a Ninja and will...
- That's all we have time for now, Mr. Akira. Thank you. 
- R-Truth walks into the room as Joe Gacy ushers Akira out
- Welcome Mr. Truth
- Truth looks at Akira... Ninja please, you clownin' me?!
- Mr. Truth, Akira is our friend. He too has suffered at the hands of the white man with the book
- Truth sits down
- Mr. Truth, tell me the last time you felt like a winner
- Well, I won the 24/7 Title a bunch of tim...
- No. Mr. Truth FELT like a winner, not when you were a winner. When did you last feel like you could achieve anything and everything
- ... I'm not sure
- Think Mr. Truth... think
- Joe Gacy closes the door

(rating: 46)

Otunga Enterprises
- Boa and Babatunde are furious with David Otunga
- They're throwing chairs and flipping benches in the locker room
- You said you'd get us more time on the main roster, Otunga!
- Otunga is pleading with them for more time

(rating: 28)

Nikki Cross vs. Rhea Ripley
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Rhea Ripley defeated Nikki Cross in 8:10 by pinfall with a Riptide.

(rating: 70)

How about you try that with me?
- As Rhea Ripley stands over the prone Nikki Cross in a dominate fashion, Raquel Rodriquez' music plays
- She stands at the entrance way and challenges Rhea Ripley
- Do you think you can be that dominant with someone like me, Rhea? 
- Rhea Ripley smiles

(rating: 69)

The Bloodline
- Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Ava Raine, Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa make their way to the ring
- Roman Reigns says he knows exactly who The Rock and Rikishi can face at WWE Vengence
- It won't be the Tag Team champions... but Ava Raines and Jey Uso! 
- Ava smiles and nods, looking very pleased at the idea of facing her father
- Jey Uso side eyes Roman, he doesn't seem happy with the idea at all

(rating: 55)

Samoan Hit Squad too busy
- Roman Reigns is smiling, very pleased with himself
- He says the Samoan Hit Squad are too busy being champions to face off against to old Dads trying to backseat parent
- Roman says The Rock doesn't get it... these members of the family chose Roman, chose HIM to be head of the table
- The Rock and Rikishi should fall in line and pay their homage too, for the good of the family

(rating: 67)

WWE World Tag Team Titles: Ricochet & Mustafa Ali vs. Samoan Hit Squad
In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Samoan Hit Squad defeated Ricochet and Mustafa Ali in 19:34 when Jacob Fatu pinned Mustafa Ali with a Samoan Drop. Samoan Hit Squad make defence number two of the WWE World Tag Team titles. 

Solo Sikoa was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 64)

The Bros
- Backstage in their VIP Suite The Bros (Logan Paul, Theory and Riddle) are lounging and partying as they watch RAW
- It looks like they've been celebeating Theory's WWE Intercontinental Title win
- We should totally get the World Tag Team titles next
- Logan mocks Seth Rollins, don't make fun of my wife blah blah blah
- Yo, brah, he acted like a total bitch
- Imagine not being able to take a joke, bro
- Logan says it must be difficult living life as a joke, so can't blame Seth Rollins too much for not being able to laugh

(rating: 75)

Gatecrash
- Suddenly the door is kicked open and Seth Rollins bursts into the room with a steel chair in hand!
- He's swinging at everyone and everything
- Chairshot!
- CHARISHOT!
- MONITORS ARE SMASHED!
- GLASS TABLES BROKEN!
- Rollins is pissed!!
- The Bros scatter and finally WWE Officials managed to corner Rollins and calm him down

(rating: 63)

A Handful of Tights
- Rex Steiner time!
- Steiner is in the ring, he wants Gunther again
- Last week Gunther beat Steiner with a quick roll up and a handful of tights
- Steiner thought Gunther was all about in-ring perfection not cheap tactics
- BACK IT UP OR SHUT IT UP, BOY!
- Gunther comes out alone
- He says he will happily "back it up" tonight, but in a classic European style match... if Steiner isn't too afraid

(rating: 74)

Gunther vs. Rex Steiner
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Rex Steiner defeated Gunther in 14:37 by two straight falls, with the final fall happening by submission with a Steiner Recliner.

(rating: 63)

Choose Your Champion
- Auska makes her grand enterance to the ring, accompanied by Aja Kong and The Hate Team
- She stands in the middle of the ring and raises both her arms to hold the WWE Undisupted Title and the WWE Women's World Title in the air
- Auska asks Bianca Belair if she has chosen which of Auska's champion's she will face
- If Bianca can defeat the champion she will get a title shot against Auska
- Bianca makes her appearance and says... Sonya Deville on Smackdown
- Auska smiles and applaudes, well done Bianca you have shown you are a worthy challenger to The Empress
- You are brave... and foolish... you had your chance to turn away and decline the challenge, to walk away without being harmed
- Now you have chosen to walk into my palace, challenge one of my champions... this is not something I can forget
- YOU ARE NOW AN ENEMY OF THE EMPIRE!
- Bianca says she'll soon by the vanquisher of The Empire too... see on you Smackdown

(rating: 63)

I Don't Care
- Seth Rollins is in the ring. Waiting.
- Seth says he doesn't care which one it is, but he wants one of the three sonofabitches talking about his wife in the ring. NOW!

(rating: 60)

In that case...
- Logan Paul, Riddle and Theory all make their apperance at the entrance way
- ... how about all three of us, Bro?

(rating: 67)

Seth Rollins vs. The Bro-Movement (Logan Paul, Riddle and Theory)
In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, The Bro-Movement (Logan Paul, Riddle and Theory) defeated Seth Rollins in a Handicap match in 15:27 when Logan Paul pinned Seth Rollins, illegally using the ropes for leverage.

- The Bros walk away laughing
- Logan Paul is pointing at Seth Rollins saying "I LEARNED THAT FROM YOU!" 

(rating: 64)

Overall Rating: 75
 

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WWE Smackdown
5,000 @ WWE Wrestling Center, CT
Week 2, December 2022

Commentary: Nigel McGuinness, Steve Austin & Mauro Ranallo

Otis vs. Drew McIntyre
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Drew McIntyre defeated Otis in 13:06 by pinfall with a Claymore Kick.

- Smackdown opens with a banger between Otis and McIntyre
- Both wrestlers come out swinging and smacking

(rating: 64)

WWE Starrcade
- Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring
- She's talking about the changes made to WWE Starrcade and WWE Vengence
- Originally Starrcade was going to be a Smackdown Event and Vengence was going to be a RAW event
- As both brands are without a General Manager and Asuka and denounced the RAW and Smackdown Women's titles the WWE Board of Directors have decided to make some changes
- WWE Starrcade will become the first major Women's Event in WWE History
- WWE Vengence will come a joint event between RAW and Smackdown

(rating: 70)

No Fear
- Bianca Belair is in the ring
- She says she has no fear going up against Sonya Deville of the Hate Team tonight
- Bianca says she will defeat Sonya and move on to Asuka for the WWE Women's World Title
- Sonya might be bigger and have a background in MMA or whatever, but Bianca is mentally tough and one of the strongest women in the WWE

(rating: 65)

How about...
- Backstage Brock Lesnar is stretching, his wounds from WWE Survivor Series have healed although still heavily bruised
- Braun Strowman approaches him
- The two staredown again... Braun extends his hand
- Lesnar clasps it
- Braun says Lesnar is still one tough sonofabitch
- Lesnar agrees and says Braun isn't too bad himself
- Braun says that he needs to know if he can beat Lesnar
- Rings haven't contained them and the double pinfall at Survivor Series couldn't decide
- Braun suggests at WWE Vengence... first blood
- Lesnar grins... its on

(rating: 81)

American Dragon vs. Akira Tozawa
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, American Dragon defeated Akira Tozawa in 13:19 by pinfall with a Running Knee.

(rating: 79)

HAHA We have you now
- As soon as the match ends El Hijo del Fantasma, Angel Garza and Ultimo Ninja have the ring surrounded
- Fantasma demands that American Dragon remove his mask and reveal to the world the imposter that he is
- Fantasma KNOWS it isn't Ricky Steamboat as it can only be one man underneath that mask...
- That beard is unmistakable
- REVEAL YOURSELF SAMI ZAYN!
- American Dragon laughs as he leans against the ropes
- I'm not Sami Zayn, I'm American Dragon
- I've never heard of you!
- I toured the world when I was younger but retired when my friend retired to look after orphans
- LIES!
- I came back to the WWE to see if I could win that
- American Dragon points the WWE Cruiserweight title around Angel Garza's waist
- Garza shouts no way
- Fantasma says there is no way American Dragon will ever get a title shot
- It is time to remove your mask, to remove the stain you have placed upon Lucha Tradition

(rating: 61)

Look behind you
- American Dragon smiles and points behind El Hijo del Fantasma
- Rey Mysterio and Ultimo Dragon are coming down the ramp to help!
- Legenda del Fantasma regroup as a trio and walk around the ring until they can exit up the ramp freely
- Rey Mysterio, American Dragon and Ultimo Dragon stand in the ring raising each other's hands

(rating: 58)

I hope you're not upset
- Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade are backstage
- Roxanne hopes Cora isn't too upset about last week
- Cora says she had already forgotten about Bayley celebrating like Roxanne had won the match alone
- Roxanne looks upset
- Cora smiles and gives Roxanne a weak hug
- Its fine
- We're good?
- We're good...

(rating: 50)

I got you a match
- David Otunga is backstage with Babatunde and Boa
- Otunga has arranged a match for Babatunde TONIGHT... against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Boa asks what about him
- What about you? 

(rating: 41)

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Babatunde
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Babatunde in 15:01 by pinfall with a Kinshasa.

- A slow burn of a match
- A story of the wiley veteran against the bigger, stronger, younger wrestler

(rating: 56)

WWE Cruiserweight Title Lucha Libre Rules: Mustafa Ali vs. Angel Garza (c)
In a decent match, Angel Garza defeated Mustafa Ali in 15:17 by two straight falls, with the final fall happening by pinfall with a roll up. Angel Garza makes defence number two of the WWE Cruiserweight title.

- A very enjoyable high flying affair
- Both wrestlers showcased their style ability

(rating: 61)

WWE Undisputed Title
- The Empress Asuka makes her slow entrance to the ring
- The black mist face paint is still there
- The lighting seems darker too
- She's here to talk about the WWE Undisputed Title
- Asuka already has a challenger foolish enough to try and claim the WWE Women's World Title
- But no one has been equally as foolish to try and claim the WWE Undisputed Title
- Asuka can only guess that the men of the WWE recognise an Empress when they see one and must congratulate them on their respect
- Asuka will be sitting at ringside tonight watching Bianca Belair fight her Champion Sonya 

(rating: 77)

Bianca Belair vs. Sonya Deville
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Bianca Belair defeated Sonya Deville in 15:28 by pinfall with a Kiss of Death.

- A little sluggish at times in the middle
- Bianca Belair surprisingly carrying most of the match performance wise

(rating: 64)

Round 1 Complete
- As soon as the bell rings Shayna Baszler slides into the ring and attacks Bianca Belair
- Asuka makes a slow walk down towards the ring as Baszler holds Bianca in an angel wings hold
- Asuka congratulates Bianca with a slow clap
- Bianca has managed to defeat the first champion
- Next week Bianca will face Shayna Baszler
- Asuka laughs as Hate Team attack Bianca Belair in front of her

(rating: 75)

Overall Rating: 71

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WWE Starrcade
6,700 @ Von Braun Center

Commentary: Michael Cole, Maruo Ranallo & Pat McAfee

Bayley vs. Carmella
In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Bayley defeated Carmella in 10:06 by pinfall with a Bayley-to-Belly Suplex.

- No fuss, no talking, just straight up good wrestling to open WWE Starrcade
- Commentators put over that tonight is all about Women's Wrestling
- This match got the crowd buzzing

(rating: 61)

Handshake?
- After the match Bayley offers a hand to Carmella
- Carmella accepts
- Bayley helps Carmella to her feet and raises Carmella's arm too
- Respect shown from both wrestlers for a great opening match

(rating: 71)

Big Swole & Dana vs. Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez vs. Natalya & Tamina
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez defeated Big Swole & Dana and Natalya & Tamina in 9:43 when Roxanne Perez pinned Natalya with a Code Rok.

Natalya carried the match in terms of in-ring performance.

- The in-ring story here was the dynamic between Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez
- Whenever Roxanne Perez was doing well, Cora Jade would tag herself in
- By the end of the match Cora Jade was furious with Roxanne for not tagging her in so she could get the pinfall victory
- Big Swole & Dana Brook showed excellent chemistry teaming together

(rating: 51)

Friendship
- Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez have their arms raised in victory
- BAM! Cora Jade with a lariet on Roxanne Perez!!
- This friendship is over
- A successful heel turn

(rating: 39)

Jessy vs. Mystique vs. Reyna Obscura vs. Zatara vs. Queen Zelina
In a bout that had terrible wrestling and non-existent crowd heat, Queen Zelina defeated Mystique, Reyna Obscura, Zatara and Jessy in an Elimination match in 7:49; the order of elimination was Reyna Obscura first, then Zatara, then Mystique, and finally Jessy.

Reyna Obscura was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

- A match showcasing the various women luchador wrestlers in the WWE
- Crowd were not interested at all, perhaps due to the low name value of most of the wrestlers involved

(rating: 39)

Backstage
- Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriquez are face-to-face
- It's a powerful stare down before their match later tonight

(rating: 70)

Paige 
- Paige is in the ring
- She wonders if she is still Forgotten after all
- Since returning from injury she has only had 1 match
- Paige demands a match tonight!
- Familiar music plays as... LITA!!
- Lita makes her way to the ring
- The crowd got hotter

(rating: 58)

Paige vs. Lita
In a decent match, Paige defeated Lita in 12:59 by pinfall with a RamPaige.

- You've still got it chants during the match for LITA
- Paige claimed them for herself

(rating: 52)

Hate Crew Send a Warning
- Hate Crew are standing ready for their match
- Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler have a warning for Bianca Belair
- They consider themselves the champions of Asuka will destroy anyone who threatens her or the reign on the titles
- Shayna Baszler was very underwhelming compared to Sonya Deville

(rating: 63)

Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez in 15:06 by pinfall with a Riptide.

- Two behemoths of women's wrestling pound it out
- Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were on point with their commentary highlighting how powerful each wrestler is

(rating: 70)

Backstage
- Alexa Bliss is backstage playing with her doll
- Lacey Evans approaches and doesn't look impressed
- Evans says Bliss is a stain on womenhood, parading around as some grown up child
- Bliss snaps and attacks Lacey Evans!

(rating: 68)

WWE Women's World Tag Team Titles: Team Kick vs. Hate Crew (c)
In a decent match, Hate Crew defeated Team Kick in 14:51 when Shayna Baszler pinned Nixon Newell with a Knockout Punch. Hate Crew make defence number one of the WWE Women's Tag Team titles.

(rating: 59)

Alexa Bliss vs. Lacey Evans
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Alexa Bliss defeated Lacey Evans in 8:30 by pinfall with a Twisted Bliss.

(rating: 57)

Mystery Partner Time
- Bianca Belair makes her way to the ring and says her partner tonight is one of the best Japanese Women Wrestlers of this generation
- HIKARU SHIDA! 
- Hikaru Shida makes her way to the ring and joins Bianca Belair
- Asuka makes her grand entrance and laughs
- Asuka says her partner is well known to all and approached The Empress to be involved tonight
- Asuka's partner is The Assassin Shotzi

(rating: 66)

Bianca Belair & Hikaru Shida vs. Asuka & Shotzi
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Asuka and Shotzi defeated Bianca Belair and Hikaru Shida in 14:38 when Asuka submitted Bianca Belair with an Asuka Lock after interference from Aja Kong.

In terms of in-ring work, Asuka was head and shoulders above everyone else. Shotzi was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

- Trish Stratus' music played before the bell was rang
- She joined the commentary team for the main event

(rating: 73)

Overall Rating: 75

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- WWE Starrcade was a sold out event and easily one of the best shows WWE have produced over the last 6 months
- It was the 8th highest attended show and had 532,619 viewers on the WWE Network
- Any initial fears the WWE might have had about an all women event should be put to bed now
- I wouldn't be surprised if this became an annual event going forward
- WWE invited all women wrestlers from across the main roster, NXT, NXT: UK and NXT: Japan to attend the show
- There was a brief talk about a Champions showcase involving Asuka (WWE Women's World Champion), Wendy Choo (NXT Women's Champion), Maki Itoh (Mae Young Classic 2022 Winner), Little Miss Roxxy (NXT: UK Women's Champion) and Yuka Sakazaki (NXT: Japan Queen of the Ring)
- In terms of increasing exposure I'd say everyone involved has gained in popularity in someway
- Trish Stratus has been working as a producer with the women over the last few weeks
- Last night's appearance on commentary was a try-out of kinds
- Lita's appearance last night isn't thought to be a regular thing
- Lita is 47 now and is part of the producers working with the women
- WWE are slowly easing Paige back into an active schedule
- Paige has wrestled 8 times since returning from retirement in October
- 4 of those apperances have been across WWE Main Event and WWE Superstars, as well as WWE Bragging Rights, Survivor Series and Starrcade last night
- Most believe she did well and could add some good color commentary in the future
- Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez came away as big winners of the night as the young pair continue to establish themselves on the main roster
- If we're talking about biggest winners though, a mention has to go to Rhea Ripley who continues her strong push towards main event level
- Rhea has had 25 matches since July and even though she sits at an even 50% split (12 wins, 1 draw, 12 losses) she remains one of the strongest looking wrestlers on the roster and achieved a huge gain in popularity

- If we're going to talk about the top women wrestlers in the WWE right now, it would probably look like this:
1. Becky Lynch
2. Asuka
3. Bianca Belair
4. Bayley
5. Rhea Ripley
- You also have to remember that both Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey quit the WWE
- Flair over her feud with Rhea Ripley
- Since leaving the WWE Charlotte Flair (now wrestling as Ashley Flair) has wrestled once at an indie show against Sasha Banks (Flair lost)
- Ronda Rousey only lost twice (once to Asuka via DQ and once in a tag match against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair where Bianca Belair was pinned)
- It's fair to say that the WWE hasn't missed their presence within the women's divison

- Aja Kong made an appearance on the pre-show, the Japanese legend is 52 and its thought that Triple H wants to give Kong one last run before she retires
- Aja Kong previously appeared in the WWE during the 90s
- Sadly the American fanbase wasn't ready for Joshi wrestling and some even credit it as the moment the women's division died within WWE
- If you look across the WWE as a whole right now there is a strong Joshi presence across all levels
- Jaguar Yokota, Sumi Sakai and Yumo Ohka are in NXT
- The 61 year old Jaguar Yokota works as a producer in NXT although in November appeared at an indie show in Sapporo!
- Sumi a former ROH Women's World champion wrestles and works with the women of NXT
- Yumi works with Oz Academy and NXT as a wrestler

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WWE RAW
6,000 @ Sam's Town, Las Vegas

Commentary: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee & Mauro Ranallo

Let's Get This Over With
- The show kicks of Bianca Belair's music
- She's wasting now time and is heading for the ring
- Belair wants Shayna Beszler right now as she wants to know if she's facing Asuka or not
- While Bianca Belair looked good out there, she struggled at times on the mic
- This got the crowd hotter and the show off to a strong start

(rating: 67)

Bianca Belair vs. Shayna Baszler w/Sonya Deville
In a good match, Bianca Belair defeated Shayna Baszler in 14:41 by pinfall with a Kiss of Death.

- Bianca had to deal with Sonya Deville at ring side, as well as Shayna in the ring
- Both wrestlers put on a good performance

(rating: 60)

Bianca is ready!
- Bianca slips out of the ring as Sonya Deville tries to get her
- Bianca is screaming she's ready for Asuka as she backs up back towards the entrance way
- Asuka's music plays
- Bianca turns to face The Laughing Empress
- Asuka congratulates Bianca on proving just how foolish she is
- Bianca will face Asuka at Vegeance... but is she really ready?
- Asuka was amazing out there
- The crowd loved this

(rating: 77)

The Empire Attacks
- Asuka laughs as Aja Kong stands besides her
- Bianca is sandwich between Asuka and Aja Kong at the top of the ramp and Hate Crew at the bottom of the ramp
- She knows what's coming
- Aja Kong, Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler attack Bianca!
- Asuka laughs as they attack
- Not ready enough..!

(rating: 63)

Backstage
- Omos, the new WWE US Champion, is with MACE
- Omos looks a sad
- MACE asks what's up
- Omos says he's tired of people thinking he's some big angry giant, he's really a nice guy
- MACE seems to understand
- Omos really wants to show people that he's nice
- MACE says then let's show 'em

(rating: 58)

American Dragon vs. Frankie Kazarian
In a good match, American Dragon defeated Frankie Kazarian in 22:39 by pinfall with a Running Knee.

- American Dragon continues his impressive streak
- This is the first time Frankie Kazarian has appeared in the WWE since 2004!
- Easily one of the best matches in the WWE over the last 6 months, even if it was entirely carried by American Dragon
- WHO IS AMERICAN DRAGON?!

(rating: 82)

Backstage
- There's angry voices coming from one of the corridors
- Babatunde and Boa are confronting David Otunga
- It seems as though its going to be another week without Otunga's clients having a match on RAW
- They're furious

(rating: 38)

Otunga Enterprises Dissolves
- They've had enough
- Babatunde and Boa attack Otunga
- Otunga is screaming for help
- MACE and Omos appear and fight Babatunde and Boa off Otunga!
- Once Babatunde and Boa have left, MACE and Omos return to help Otunga up
- Omos says that felt good
- MACE pats the big man on the back and smiles as he agrees
- A double face-turn of success!

(rating: 41)

Otunga says thanks
- David Otunga thanks Omos and MACE 
- He asks why they helped
- Simple... it was 2v1, that ain't right man
- MACE and Omos walk off down the corridor

(rating: 56)

The Street Profits vs. Beauty and the Beast
In a decent match, The Street Profits defeated Beauty and the Beast in 14:42 when Montez Ford pinned Robert Roode with a Frog Splash.

Montez Ford carried the match in terms of in-ring performance.

(rating: 60)

Bountyberg
- Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are in the ring
- Owens is carrying a briefcase
- Owens says he's borrowing a page out of Triple H's book
- In this briefcase is $100,000 for any wrestler who puts Goldberg out of action... ends his career!
- A good old fashioned bounty, boys!

(rating: 80)

Let Me Guide You, Mr. Truth
- R-Truth is in a room backstage with Joe Gacy
- Gacy says he saw R-Truth lost again
- Truth sighs and says maybe it's time he retired
- Gacy asks Truth if he feels like retiring, is it the body or the mind telling you this
- Truth says his mind
- Gacy smiles
- Then let me guide you, Mr. Truth, let me by the pilot of your ambitions
- I will be at your side in your next match... let's talk about it
- Gacy stands up and closes the door on the camera
- There's a sinister sort of smile on his face

(rating: 52)

Allie vs. Lacey Evans
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Allie defeated Lacey Evans in 7:52 by pinfall with a Sitout Facebuster.

- Allie aka The Bunny makes her WWE debut
- Commentary team do a good job of highlight Allie's career on the indie scene as Cherry Bomb
- They put over Allie as your typical nice women wrestler

(rating: 50)

Backstage
- Randy Orton is face-to-face with Bray Wyatt
- Orton looks at Wyatt and simply says Just Don't
- Orton cannot be bothered with any of Wyatt's antics tonight
- Bray pleads his innocence, he's not the bad guy, he's not the monster Randy Orton and everyone else wants him to be
- Orton couldn't care less
- I just want a friend, Randy, to help me heal
- Orton doesn't care

(rating: 92)

Alester Black vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. 
In a decent match, Aleister Black defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr. in 9:31 by pinfall with a Black Mass.

(rating: 59)

Red Light
- After the match the ring is bathed in a red light
- Aleister Black remains in the ring, standing over Davey Boy Smith Jr.
- The rest of The Cardinal have emerged and are surrounding the ring
- They seem to be praying
- Aleister Black says that the sins of the father weigh heavily upon this on
- Although it is not the fault of Davey Boy Smith Jr. 
- No longer a child he still carries the burdens placed upon him by his father
- WE HAVE CLEANSED YOU DAVEY BOY SMITH JR
- WE HAVE CLEANSED YOU
- The Cardinal will save all of your rotting souls

(rating: 46)

IF YA SMELL...
- The Rock's music blasts out after returning from the break
- The Rock says Roman Reigns must be the HIGH Tribal Chief if he thinks The Rock is going to fight his own daughter
- The Rock says he warned Roman Reigns not to lead Ava down the wrong path
- Roman Reigns' music plays
- Roman says this was Ava's decision, she's a grown up now, and knows who the Head of the Table is
- Just like Solo, Jey, Jacob they all recognise Roman Reigns as Tribal Chief of the entire bloodline
- Those that don't like Jimmy Uso and Rikishi have been dealt with
- Roman gives The Rock a chance to recognise Roman as Head of the Table so they can move on
- The Rock says NAH-HUH
- The Rock knows all about respect and how to earn it, The Rock also knows how to shove a boot so far up your ass R.E.S.P.E.C.T will be coming out of your mouth
- Roman smiles 
- This was your choice, Rock
- Ava Raine and Jey Uso will be at Vegeance ready to face you, to show their loyalty to The Tribal Chief
- If you fail to show up the whole world will know you recognise Roman Reigns as Head of the Table

(rating: 69)

Randy Orton vs. Finn Balor
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Finn Bálor defeated Randy Orton in 23:06 by submission with a Fujiwara Armbar after a distraction from The Fiend.

(Rating: 67)

That's it..!
- Randy Orton flips his lid
- Orton doesn't care what kind of match it is at Vegeance it's Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt in the ring to sort this bullshit out
- Bray Wyatt appears at the entrance way and pleads with Randy Orton to reconsider
- Bray has no control over The Fiend, he swears
- The Fiend kneels down in the ring with his arms outstretched
- Randy Orton says he isn't a fool and this is going to end one way or another at Vegeance
- Bray seems to be weeping
- Tears that slowly turns to a laugh
- Bray says The Fiend said this would happen
- Bray says all he wanted was a friend, someone to help him understand the feelings he's regained
- He thought that could be Randy Orton, but The Fiend said it wouldn't work
- Bray says he's tried to keep The Fiend away, tried to distance himself from the way that monster works
- Yet here we are, resorting to violance the one part of him that doesn't seem to have crumbled away
- The Fiend told me that this part of me is your fault, Randy, but I didn't want to believe it
- He said you tried to burn me alive, the flesh from my bones, the devil dog's command
- Maybe The Fiend knows me better than I know myself
- Randy Orton pulls the mask off The Fiend -- It's Bo Rotunda!
- Bray says that family are important after all
- That's my brother, Bo Wyatt, he's always been there even if I didn't see it
- Bo Wyatt slides out of the ring, leaving The Fiend mask in Randy Orton's hands
- Bray tells Randy to look at that mask, at the melted face Randy Orton created
- Those scars are burned into my very mind
- Maybe its time to repay in kind
- The show ends with Bray laughing as he embraces Bo Wyatt

(rating: 95)

Overall Rating: 78

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WWE SMACKDOWN
Week3, December 2022

Commentatry: Nigel McGuinness, Steve Austin and Mauro Ranallo

Mansoor vs. Theory
In a decent match, Mansoor defeated Theory in 14:52 when Theory was counted out fighting Seth Rollins at ringside.

(rating: 55)

Rollins wants Logan Paul
- As the fight is broken up Rollins can be heard shouting he wants Paul at Vengeance
- Theory is laughing
- Rollins is pissed that Theory, Riddle and Logan Paul have been laughing at Becky Lynch's defeat and injury

(rating: 60)

Backstage
- Booker T is with Roxanne Perez
- Booker is consouling Perez after Cora Jade's recent betrayal
- Cora Jade can be seen at the door listening
- Perez isn't sure why Cora has become so jealous lately
- They had made a pact to break into the scene together as a team

(rating: 48)

Hikura Shida vs. Lacey Evans
In a decent match, Hikaru Shida defeated Lacey Evans in 8:11 by pinfall with a Tamashii no Three Count.

(rating: 57)

Lucha Greatness
- Angel Garza Jr, the WWE Crusierweight champion, is in the ring
- He wants American Dragon to be watching the next match as that's the closest he's ever going to get to Lucha Greatness

(rating: 52)

WWE Crusierweight Title: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Angel Garza Jr. (c)
In a decent match, Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Angel Garza in 13:01 by count out.

- Pillman came close to winning, so Garza slide out of the ring, grabbed his title and walked back up the ramp
- The match could easily end up stealing the show

(rating: 62)

Red Light
- The Cardinal's music plays as Brian Pillman remains in the ring frustrated at coming close to winning
- The Cardinal have emerged from the fans and are surrounding the ring
- Aleistar Black is standing at the top of the entrance way
- Another lost soul trading on the name of their father's sins
- Embrace us, Brian and change your fate before it consumes you like it will Davey Boy Smith
- There are no heroes left in this world, I have seen that
- For so long now these... people... have cheered Demons, Monsters and Undertakers... even now they cheer for a man who is torn internally
- Your time is coming to an end and the sand hasn't even begun to drop yet

(rating: 51)

Backstage
- Brock Lesnar is backstage working out
- Bruan Strowman walks up to him
- Braun says he's really grown to respect Lesnar over the last couple of months
- Lesnar nods
- Braun nods and turns to lea
- CHAIRSHOT!
- Braun has grabbed a chair and brutally laid Brock Lesnar out!
- LESNAR IS BLEEDING!
- Braun Strowman looks very pleased with himself

(rating: 73)

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Damian Priest
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Damian Priest in 19:17 by pinfall with a Kinshasa.

- Nakamura and Priest don't seem to click and it made for an awkward bout

(rating: 51)

Wyatts
- Randy Orton is in the ring
- He wants Bo or Bray or whoever it is at Vengeance
- Orton is fed up with the events of the last few weeks
- Orton has The Fiend's burned mask in his hands
- He doesn't care which one of the Wyatt's is wearing this, they're both sick
- Orton says he can't be blamed for what he did to Bray
- But he'd do it again... and again... and again...
- He lifts The Fiend's mask up and... sets it alight!

(rating: 64)

AJ Styles vs. Sheamus
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Sheamus defeated AJ Styles in 19:51 by pinfall with a Brogue Kick.

(rating: 72)

The Empress
- Asuka, the WWE Undisputed and WWE Women's World Champion, makes he slow grand entrance to the ring
- She's flanked by Hate Crew and Aja Kong
- Asuka says at Vengeance the ursurper to her titles will be defeated and as punishment for Bianca's insult will be banished from the WWE!

(rating: 53)

Overall Rating: 69

Edited by Chriswok
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  • 5 weeks later...

WWE Vengeance

WWE Women's World Title: Bianca Belair vs. Asuka
The challenger Bianca Belair has had to make her way through The Empress' generals from the Hate Crew, Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler, in order to face Asuka. Asuka was crowned the WWE Undisputed and WWE Women's World Champion in an 'All Titles' match against Becky Lynch at Survivor Series, becoming the first person in WWE History to hold all the top male and female titles at once. 

Asuka's victory was mared by her usage of the highly dangerous black mist, which has since caused temporary paralysis to Becky Lynch. 

Firefly Fun House: Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
Since Bray Wyatt's return to the WWE he has presented a confused figure, unsure of who he is and in a state of rebuilding after the countless times he has been slain by the Devil Dogs. It hasn't always been clear who or what Bray has been talking about until recently. A part of him, The Fiend, has been stalking Randy Orton.

The Fiend would cause Orton to lose against Riddle at WWE Bragging Rights and continue to torment Orton thruoghout November and December. Fed up Orton called Bray out to face-to-face. Bray claimed he wasn't The Fiend, but The Fiend was a part of him that spoke the loudest and tried to protect him. When The Fiend AND Bray Wyatt appeared in the ring together to face Orton, Orton was furious with Bray's mind games. The Fiend would attack Orton and reveal himself to be Bo Wyatt, Bray Wyatt's brother. Bray had been listening to his brother's advice and realised that Orton was part of the problem, part of the reason Bray no longer knew who he was. The burned, melted mask of The Fiend remained a reminder of past events. 

Orton said enough was enough and challenged Bray to a match at WWE Vengeance. 

Will Bray find the redemption he seeks?
Will Orton defeat Bray once again?

WWE Women's World Tag Team Titles: Hikaru Shida & Maki Itoh vs. Hate Crew (c)
Hikaru Shida made her debut at WWE Starrcade as the tag team partner of Bianca Belair to face Asuka and and Shoti. Despite losing, she put on a strong display. Now teamed with popular up and coming Maki Itoh, can the pair claim the WWE Women's World Tag Team titles from Asuka's Hate Crew?

Hate Crew have been dominating since their won the vacant WWE Women's World Tag Team Titles, and have been declared Asuka's Generals. 

First Blood Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman
Lesnar and Strowman have been hammering away at each other for months now. At first it looked like a respect had grown between the pair as the rivalry grew, until Strowman attacked Lesnar with a steel chair busting him open. 

Now the pair face of in a first blood match with Lesnar already cracked open, but will Strowman regret angering Lesnar?

Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
Seth Rollins and Logan Paul have been at each other since September. Their dislike for each other isn't easy to spot, however things have been renewed after Logan Paul and his Bros laughed about Becky Lynch getting covered in the Black Mist. Logan is pissed and now has Logan Paul 1v1 in a Steel Cage where Austin Theory and Riddle can't interfere.

Edited by Chriswok
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WWE Vegeneance
34,165 @ Carrier Dome

Commentary Team: Mauro Ranallo, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee

Pre-Show
WWE Cruiserweight Title: Ikemen Jiro vs. Angel Garza (c)
In a pre-show bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Angel Garza defeated Ikemen Jiro in 10:30 by pinfall with a Wing Clipper. Angel Garza makes defence number four of the WWE Cruiserweight title.

(rating: 53)

WWE World Tag Team Titles: The Street Profits vs. Samoan Hit Squad (c)
In a decent pre-show match, Samoan Hit Squad defeated The Street Profits in 14:54 when Jacob Fatu pinned Angelo Dawkins with a Samoan Drop. Samoan Hit Squad make defence number three of the WWE World Tag Team titles. 

Solo Sikoa was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 66)

Babatunde vs. Omos 
In a pre-show bout that had good heat but sub-par wrestling, Omos defeated Babatunde in 9:53 by pinfall with a Claw.

(rating: 46)

Main Card
Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Seth Rollins defeated Logan Paul in a Cage match in 20:20 by pinfall with a Curb Stomp.

- A great start to the show
- Although this is 4th time Rollins vs. Paul has happened and the crowd seemed a little bored of it

(rating: 52)

Rollins' Fury
- Seth Rollins has the prone Logan Paul in his arms
- He takes Logan Paul over to the cage and props his head against it
- It looks like Seth Rollins is going to do a running curb stomp onto Logan Paul into the cage!
- ROLLINS IS RUNNING!
- ... and stops
- Rollins shrugs off the prone Logan Paul -- he's not worth it
- Rollins leaves through the cage door

(rating: 67)

Submission Match: Rex Steiner vs. Gunther
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Gunther defeated Rex Steiner in a Submission match in 20:06 by submission with a Rear Naked Choke.

- The bout went back and forth with some close calls
- Steiner outlasted the submission holds several times
- Eventually Steiner passed out to the rear naked choke

(rating: 53)

Backstage
- The camera pans over to a door
- It's Goldberg's private changing room
- Akira walks up and knocks on the door
- Goldberg answers
- Akira kicks him! "YOU'RE NEXT!" 
- Akira runs to the ring

(rating: 67)

Goldberg's Entrance
- Goldberg is making his way to the ring... pissed

(rating: 69)

Akira Tozawa vs. Bill Goldberg
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Bill Goldberg defeated Akira Tozawa in 6:24 by pinfall with a Spear.

- A well executed squash

(rating: 65)

Belair is confident
- Backstage with Bianca Belair
- She's confident of beating The Empress Auska tonight
- No matter what challenges have been put in front of her, she's over come them
- No way can she fail at the final challenge

(rating: 76)

WWE Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Theory (c)
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Theory defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in 20:06 by pinfall with The Unproven Cutter. Theory makes defence number two of the WWE Intercontinental title.

- A slow build up match which suited Nakamura more than Theory
- Theory managed to worm his way to a win with a snap unproven cutter
- Theory left the ring laughing

(rating: 54)

Video Recap
- A highlight video recaps the events that have led up to The Rock and Rikishi vs. Jey Uso and Ava Raine
- It shows Jimmy Uso getting kicked out of The Bloodline
- The Rock stopping Roman Reigns attacking Becky Lynch during her title match
- Roman and The Rock confronting each other over who the real Tribal Chief is
- Rikishi getting attacked by The Bloodline
- Roman Reigns saying that the Rock and Rikishi will have to face their own children, this is proof that Jey and Ava see Roman as the Tribal Chief

(rating: 50)

The Rock & Rikishi vs. Jey Uso & Ava Raine
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, The Rock and Rikishi defeated Jey Uso and Ava Raine in 9:49 when The Rock pinned Ava Raine with The People's Elbow.

- A storytelling match which focused on parents vs. children
- The Rock was reluctant to enter the ring when Ava was in
- Rikishi seemed eager to fight Jey Uso
- Eventually The Rock and Ava came face-to-face
- The Rock wouldn't fight at first, but Ava slapped him
- The Rock's acting was good and really put over the emotionally impact of the match as he put Ava Raine into The Rock bottom and People's Elbow for the win

(rating: 56)

After Match
- The Rock helps Ava up after the match
- He wants forgiveness, he says he had to do it, he's blaming Roman Reigns
- Ava goes to embrace for a hug... LOW BLOW!
- Ava leaves the ring, looking very pleased
- She's shouting there's only one Tribal Chief

(rating: 61)

Video Package
- Recap of Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman's conflicts leading to the First Blood match
- It shows the gradual respect building between the two behemoths
- Until Braun hits Brock with a chair and cuts him open

(rating: 67)

First Blood Match: Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Braun Strowman defeated Brock Lesnar in a First Blood match in 9:58 when Brock Lesnar was busted open.

- Brock Lesnar seemed off his game
- Lesnar's wound was easily reopened

(rating: 68)

BUT THE MATCH ISN'T OVER
- The pair continue to brawl and fight
- Lesnar is busted open and blood is everywhere
- Officials can't seperate them
- They're fought all the way back to the parking lot now
- LESNAR F5 ONTO A CAR BONNET!!!!!!

(rating: 77)

WWE Women's World Tag Titles: Hikaru Shida & Maki Itoh vs. Hate Crew (c)
In a decent match, Hikaru Shida and Maki Itoh defeated Hate Crew in 15:26 when Shayna Baszler was disqualified while fighting Hikaru Shida.

Hikaru Shida carried the match in terms of in-ring performance.

- Shayna Baszler blatantly hit Shida with the tag title
- A slower paced match aimed to bring the crowd back down

(rating: 53)

Video Package
- A History of Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt

(rating: 60)

Firefly Fun House: Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Bray Wyatt defeated Randy Orton in a Firefly Fun House match in 14:56 by pinfall with a Standing Senton Splash. During the match we also had Bo Wyatt run in and attack Orton.

- Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt have great chemistry and it showed in their performance
- This match got the crowd buzzing

(rating: 71)

Burn, Randy, Burn!
- Bo Wyatt places The Fiend mask on Randy Orton's head
- Bray Wyatt walks over and... SETS IT ON FIRE!

(rating: 65)

Video Package
- A recap of how Bianca Belair and Asuka ended up facing each other in the main event

(rating: 71)

WWE Women's Title: Bianca Belair vs. Asuka (c)
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Asuka defeated Bianca Belair in 20:29 by pinfall with a Spin Kick. Asuka makes defence number one of the WWE Women's title.

(rating: 77)

Overall Rating: 74

- A great show from the WWE
- Braun Strowman suffered a back injury during the car bonnet spot (out for 2 months)

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WWE RAW
Week 4, December 2022

5,000 @ WWE Wrestling Center, CT

Commentary Team: Michael Cole, Mauro Ranallo & Pat McAfee

AJ Styles vs. Apollo Crews
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, AJ Styles defeated Apollo Crews in 9:52 by pinfall with a Phenomenal Forearm.

- Strong opening to RAW
- Crowd buzzing

(Rating: 66)

The Bros Watch
- Logan Paul and Theory were watching the AJ Styles vs. Apollo Crews match
- Paul says when AJ Styles was their age he was wasting away in other promotions
- Look at us, in our prime with 20 years ahead of us in the WWE HAHA
- He's washed up, bro. A wasted career

(rating: 71)

Mr. Truth
- R-Truth and Joe Gacy are backstage
- Gacy is hyping Truth up for his match
- Remember, Mr. Truth, I will be there for you

(rating: 57)

R-Truth vs. Robert Roode
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, R-Truth defeated Robert Roode in 7:33 by pinfall with a Corkscrew Scissors Kick after Joe Gacy interfered.

(rating: 43)

R-Truth Celebrates!
- Truth and Gacy are in the ring celebrating the victory
- Roode looks like he's going to attack but stops when Gacy looks at him

(rating: 47)

He's Using You
- Scarlet Bordeaux and Zelina approach Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan as they get ready for their match
- They say that Bray Wyatt is just using Alexa and Liv
- He doesn't care about them at all
- Where has been? He never phones. He never writes. He is a leech. A parasite. 

(rating: 70)

Alexa Bliss & Liv Morgan vs. Carmella & Lacey Evans
In a decent match, Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan defeated Carmella and Lacey Evans in 13:23 when Liv Morgan pinned Lacey Evans.

In terms of in-ring work, Alexa Bliss was head and shoulders above everyone else. Lacey Evans was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 61)

Lights Out
- The lights go out after the match with Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan still in the ring
- When the lights come back with a red spot light on Aleister Black, Zelina, Scarlett Bordeaux, Dexter Lumis, Karrion Kross and Dominik Dijakovic are surrounding the ring
- There's no where for Alexa Bliss or Liv Morgan to escape! 
- Black shouts WHERE IS HE?! WHERE IS YOUR WYATT NOW?!
- The Cardinal turn and face the entrance way... and then leave

(rating: 54)

Friendly Giant
- US Champion Omos is backstage with MACE
- Omos is spotting MACE as he works out
- Omos is talking about how a weight has been lifted off his chest in recent weeks now he can finally be his own man
- MACE is struggling with a bench press as Cedric Alexander has pushed the bar onto his chest
- Omos lifts it up
- Alexander says Omos is one big dumb fool if he thinks people are suddenly going to like him
- He'll always been seen as a giant freak

(rating: 68)

WWE US Title: Cedric Alexander vs. Omos (c)
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Omos defeated Cedric Alexander in 7:49 by pinfall with a Claw. Omos makes defence number one of the WWE United States title.

(rating: 57)

... IF YA SMELL!
- The Rock is here!
- The Rock wants to talk directly to Ava Raine... The Rock's Daughter
- Ava Raine makes her way to the ring
- The Rock says he doesn't blame her for her actions at Vengeance
- The Rock knows that Roman Reigns told Ava to give The Rock a low blow... The Rock forgives Ava
- Ava laughs 
- Roman didn't tell Ava to do it, she made the decision herself
- ... and Ava doesn't forgive The Rock... what kind of parent would fight their own child
- Roman Reigns' music play as he comes to the ring alone
- Roman says Ava did the right thing and is pleased
- The Rock and Roman stare down
- Roman says The Rock will never be acknowledged as The Tribal Chief
- The Rock challenges Roman
- Roman laughs
- Nah that's not how this works, you think you can just challenged and become The Tribal Chief? You have to earn the title through your Bloodline
- I've got a challenge for you... next week... maybe that will earn you some acknowledgement... old dog
- Roman and Ava walk away
- The Rock restrains himself from attacking them

(rating: 82)

Bobby Lashley vs. Damian Priest
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Bobby Lashley defeated Damian Priest in 14:54 by pinfall with a Spear.

(rating: 64)

'Member When...
- Drew McIntyre is getting ready for his match
- Sheamus slaps him on the back
- Sheamus asks if McIntyre remembers the old days when they used to team up and kick arse
- Drew laughs. He remembers.
- Maybe we do that again sometime, aye?

(rating: 86)

Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Cobain
In a bout that had fantastic heat and decent wrestling, Drew McIntyre defeated Happy Corbin in 7:36 by pinfall with a Claymore Kick.

- Match was slow and brought the fans back down a little
- McIntyre was really off his game

(rating: 57)

Applauds
- Sheamus appears at the entrance way applauding Drew McIntyre
- One hell of a kick, fella!

(rating: 74)

The Goldberg Bounty
- Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are chatting backstage
- Edge approaches them
- Edge says he's going after Goldberg
- Owens says The Bounty is still there
- Edge says this isn't about The Bounty, its about being the last Superstar of the Attitude Era.
- Edge walks away
- Sami and Owens look at each other
- Do we tell him about The Rock? 
- Owens shakes his head. Nah.

(rating: 70)

The Empire
- WWE Undisputed and WWE Women's World Champion Asuka, Aja Kong, Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville... THE EMPIRE make their way to the ring

(rating: 62)

Banished
- Asuka is sitting in the middle of the ring, flanked by members of The Empire
- She says Bianca Belair has been banished from her realm
- Belair challenged the reign of The Empress and failed
- Failures will not be tolerated
- Anyone else still want to challenge The Empress?

(rating: 78)

Rhea Ripley
- Rhea Ripley's music plays
- Asuka looks beside herself and hides behind her guard

(rating: 71)

Bayley's Music
- Bayley walks down too
- Asuka is furious

(rating: 73)

Raquel Rodrigeuz
- Another joins Bayley and Rhea Ripley
- Asuka is hot
- THREE CHALLENGERS?!


(rating: 62)

Three Challengers
- Asuka says only the best can face her
- FIGHT EACH OTHER... NOW!

(rating: 62)

Bayley vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Rhea Ripley defeated Bayley and Raquel Rodriguez in 17:48 when Rhea Ripley pinned Bayley with a Riptide following interference from Asuka.

(rating: 62)

The Empire
- Rhea Ripley continues to attack Bayley and Raquel Rodriguez
- Aja Kong, Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler get into the ring
- There's a stand off
- They join Rhea Ripley attacking Bayley and Raquel Rodriguez
- Asuka is laughing
- Asuka walks over to Rhea Ripley and jumps into her arms
- Rhea Ripley has joined The Empire!

(rating: 64)

Overall Rating: 73

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WWE SmackDown!
Friday Week 4 December 2022

5,000 @ WWE Wrestling Center

Commentary Team: Nigel McGuinness, Steve Austin & Mauro Ranallo

American Dragon vs. Johnny Gargano
In an exceptional match, American Dragon defeated Johnny Gargano in 10:19 by pinfall with a Running Knee.

- Steve Austin's commentary was pretty weak
- This match got the show off to a strong start
- This match got the crowd buzzing

(rating: 77)

I DEMAND..!
- El Hijo del Fantasma's music plays
- He is alone at the top of the entrance way
- American Dragon looks around cautiously for the sneak attack
- I DEMAND YOU REMOVE THAT MASK! REMOVE IT!
- American Dragon is smiling... Make me
- El Hijo del Fantasma is pissed. REMOVE THAT MASK! IT IS A STAIN ON LUCHA TRADITION!
- American Dragon opens the ring ropes and invites El Hijo del Fantasma in
- If you want it... come and get it
- NO! YOU WILL REMOVE IT AND SHOW THE WHOLE WORLD RIGHT NOW THAT YOU... BROCK LESNAR... ARE THE NO GOOD CULTURAL THIEF!
- American Dragon laughs
- The crowd are chanting 'No' 

(rating: 74)

FROM BEHIND!
- Johnny Gargano grabs American Dragon and puts him into a submission hold!
- El Hijo del Fantasma runs down into the ring
- YES! BREAK HIS NECK! SNAP HIS HEAD OFF AND REMOVE THAT MASK! REMOVE IT!
- American Dragon manages to break the hold and starts to fight back
- El Hijo del Fantasma leaves the ring quickly

(rating: 66)

Diva?
- New WWE Wrestler Allie is backstage
- Paige approaches her
- Paige is disgusted by Allie
- Look at you, pampering up like every DIVA in the last 20 years. People like you make me sick
- Allie is about to talk when Paige slaps her
- I hate the Diva era. I hate people like you who feel the need to tart up for the crowd. I'm the only real women's wrestler around. Always have been, always will be. THIS IS MY YARD
- Allie is holding her face as Paige walks away. A smile starts to grow on her face... and continues to grow as she glares at Paige
- Prove it! 
- Paige stops and looks over her shoulder

(rating: 64)

Allie vs. Paige
In a decent match, Paige defeated Allie in 9:35 by pinfall with a handful of tights.

- Paige did her best to try and wipe the makeup off of Allie's face
- As the match continued Allie appeared to be enjoying it, seemingly becoming slightly more... manic?

(rating: 56)

European Wrestling
- Gunther appear alone as The Imperium's music plays
- He strides down to the ring and stands in the middle of it with confidence
- I have defeated what America threw at me, choked him out within an inch of his life
- I have proven to all of you that EUROPEAN WRESTLING IS SUPERIOR WRESTLING!
- Gunther stands soaking in the boos

(rating: 64)

Open Challenge
- Unless of course there's anyone out there who believes otherwise?
- Gunther stands in the ring waiting
- ... SCreeeeeeeee (STRONG STYLE)
- Shinsuke Nakamura's music plays!
- Gunther flinches slightly

(rating: 68)

STRONG STYLE
- Shinsuke Nakamura is moving around the ring with his usual theatrics
- Gunther is standing motionless in the middle
- Nakamura is looking at Gunther
- You think European Wrestling... the best
- How about you try... STRONG STYLE
- Gunther remains motionless, not looking at Nakamura
- Eventually Gunther nods and moves over to a turnbuckle
- THEY'RE GOING TO FIGHT RIGHT NOW!

(rating: 68)

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Gunther
In a good match, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Gunther in 17:53 by pinfall with a Kinshasa.

- A technical masterclass of a match that deserved a storyline
- The slow burner building up to the big finish worked well
- Before Nakamura eventually managed to grab the pinfall win
- Gunther looked angry kicking the ropes afterwards as he had tried to grab them for the robe break to stop the count... and failed

(rating: 63)

Women's Tag Titles
- Stephanie McMahon's music plays, she's carrying the WWE Women's World Tag Team Titles
- Both members of Hate Crew (Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville) were injured at a house show and are no longer able to defend their titles
- So starting tonight a tournament to crown new champi...
- Hate Crew's music plays... but Shayna Baszler emerges with Aja Kong?!
- Baszler says that she will continue to defend the titles with Aja Kong, bruised kidneys or not, until Deville returns from her herniated disk
- Stephanie McMahon hands the titles over reluctantly
- Instead we'll have a number one contender tournament! 

(rating: 47)

Team Kick vs. Natalya & Tamina
In a decent match, Team Kick defeated Natalya & Tamina in 11:44 when Dakota Kai pinned Natalya with a Top Rope Splash.

In terms of in-ring work, Natalya was head and shoulders above everyone else. Tamina was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 

This match was part of the 'WWE Women's World Tag Titles' tournament.

(rating: 64)

Goldberg
- Goldberg makes his way to the ring
- He wants to talk about Edge
- He says if Edge thinks he can beat 'em then he knows where to find him
- RAW Monday Night.

(rating: 81)

Lights Out
- Bray Wyatt is making his way to the ring
- He's being followed by Bo Wyatt who is carrying a lamp
- I want to talk today about Randy Orton
- Randy Orton who has kicked me down so many times before
- Randy Orton who first slay the gentle soul known as Husky
- Randy Orton who then set fire to the protective guardian and my best friend The Fiend
- WELL RANDY ORTON WHO DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE ONE BURNED NOW
- How does it feel to be the the one who is wondering how they'll look, if they'll be the same person, if they'll have to rebuild themselves and their career again when they return... if they return
- There are many demons out there that followed the song of the devil dog
- Many demons who took a life, my life, my soul, my blood, my bones, my trust in the name of someone else
- So you won't be alone for much longer, Randy
- Soon I will send some more down the roads to you

(rating: 72)

WWE World Tag Team Titles: AJ Styles & Rey Mysterio vs. Samoan Hit Squad
In a good match, Samoan Hit Squad defeated AJ Styles and Rey Mysterio in 18:53 when Solo Sikoa pinned Rey Mysterio after using a foreign object. Samoan Hit Squad make defence number four of the WWE World Tag Team titles. 

Solo Sikoa was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 69)

Overall Rating: 73

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2022 End of Year Update

Wrestler of the Year: Bryan Danielson (AEW)
Company of the Year: AEW
Team of the Year: Moxley & Danielson (AEW)
Match of the Year: Moxley & Danielson vs. Darby Allin & Swerve Strickland at AEW Dynamite (September)
Show of the Year: STARDOM Cinderella Summer
Young Wrestler of the Year: Hook (AEW)
Veteran Wrestler of the Year: Christian Cage (AEW)
Female Wrestler of the Year: Mayu Iwatani
Indie Wrestler of the Year: Mayu Iwatani
Manager of the Year: Paul Heyman (WWE)
Announcer of the Year: Mauro Ranallo (WWE)
Colour Commentator of the Year: Pat McAfee (WWE)
Referee of the Year: Aubrey Edwards (AEW)

TOP 25 Wrestlers of 2022
01. Bryan Danielson
02. Jon Moxley
03. Adam Page
04. Darby Allin
05. Miro
06. PAC
07. Rey Fenix
08. Penta El Zero M
09. Andrade
10. Keith Lee
11. Ortiz
12. Santana
13. Chuck Taylor
14. Trent
15. Will Osprey
16. Orange Cassidy
17. Mayu Iwatani
18. Shane Strickland
19. Shingo Takagi
20. Konosuke Takeshita
21. KENTA
22. Eddie Kingston
23. El Hijo del Vikingo
24. Christian Cage
25. Chessman

The highest WWE Wrestler was Randy Orton at #79
The most popular male wrestler in the world is The Rock. Followed by John Cena, Brock Lesnar, CM Punk and Bill Goldberg.
The most popular female wrestler in the world is Becky Lynch. Followed by Kana (Asuka), Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair and Bayley
The most popular wrestler in the US is The Rock. Followed by John Cena, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch
The most popular wrestler in Canada is The Rock. Followed by John Cena, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar

WWE's best even of 2022 was an October edition of WWE RAW (79)
WWE's best special event was WWE Clash of Champions 2022 (77)
WWE's best match is shared by American Dragon vs Frankie Kazarian (WWE RAW, December 22) (82) and Bobby Lashley vs. Sheamus (WWE RAW, November 22) (82)

 

---

 

If anyone wants to know the details or updates on specific people let me know. 

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WWE RAW
6,000 @ Seattle
Monday, Week 1 January 2023

Commentary Team: Michael Cole, Mauro Ranallo & Pat McAfee

Michael Cole: Hello and welcome to the first RAW of 2023!
Pat McAfee: Is it too soon to say "WE'RE ON THE ROAD TO WRESTL..."

The Empire
- The first RAW of 2023 opens up with a grand entrance from The Empire
- WWE Undisputed Champion and the WWE Women's World Champion Askua is escorted to the ring by Aja Kong, Shayna Baszler and Rhea Ripley
- Blue, Green and Black glitter descends from above
- The Empire are standing in the ring, The Empress Asuka looks very pleased
- Last week... Rhea Ripley showed ALL OF YOU who The Empress of Professional Wrestling is
- Let me remind you... ASUKA, ME, THE EMPRESS! I RULE ALL OF YOU!
- There is nobody left to stop me, not Becky Lynch, not Bianca Belair...
- There's an expected pause
- Broken by Asuka...
- HAHAHA IDIOTS! You think Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair going to come down to attack ME?! 
- I TOLD YOU! They are banished. Defeated. 
- Bayley and Raque...
- Raquel Rodriquez' music plays as she stands at the top of the entrance way. She's patched up after he beating last week
- Rodriquez says she's still standing and has unfinished business with Rhea Ripley
- Asuka looks amused
- Really. Unfinished business with Rhea Ripley? You must like spending time in hopsital..!
- But OK, I am fair Empress... You can finish your business. Entertain me. 

- This angle got the show off to a strong start
- This angle got the crowd hotter
- Asuka came out of this looking excellent

(rating: 72)

Backstage
- AJ Styles has caught up with Theory
- AJ says he's heard a rumour going around that Theory thinks AJ Styles is past it
- Theory denies it and says AJ Styles was his idol growing up, he had posters of him on his wall when he was a kid

(rating: 70)

The Bros
- Logan Paul and Riddle come into shot
- Theory's demeanor and attitude changes
- Yo Theory, this old man slowing you down?
- Nah bro, he can't go anymore...
- AJ tells Theory to get into the ring and he'll see if Theory can keep up
- Logan Paul and Riddle egg Theory on
- OK OK, but this isn't for the IC TITLE..!

- This angle got the crowd hotter
- The performance of AJ Styles was good
- Logan Paul came across well

(rating: 80)

AJ Styles vs. Theory
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, AJ Styles defeated Theory in 10:09 by pinfall with a Phenomenal Forearm.

- Both wrestlers went all out, clearly trying to steal the show
- AJ Styles showed he's still got it
- The match got the crowd buzzing
- Theory left the match clutching the IC title to his chest

(rating: 75)

Bangers
- Drew McIntyre approaches Sheamus backstage
- Drew wonders what last week was all about
- Sheamus says he's just remembering when they'd team up and kick arse together, having banger after banger
- Bobby Lashley walks past and stops
- Lashley says if they're having some sort of competition to see who the best at banging is, he's going to show them a thing or two tonight

- Lashley came across well
- Michael Cole was pretty weak at the announcing desk
- This segment deserved better colour commentary

(rating: 88)

Raquel Rodriquez vs. Rhea Ripley
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez in 10:04 by pinfall with a Riptide following interference from Aja Kong.

- The Empress Asuka was at ringside with her titles watching the match
- Eventually she gave a thumbs down which prompted Aja Kong to interfere and lamp Rodriquez while the ref was distracted

(rating: 69)

The Empress Speaks
- The Empire are all in the ring now
- Raquel Rodriquez is being assited by the trainers and medical team
- Asuka reminds everyone that she is the one in control
- Asuka wanted to be entertained, she will show her Empire later tonight what entertainment looks like
- but first...
- She wants to talk to Stephanie McMahon
- Stephanie McMahon, member of the WWE Board of Directors, comes out
- Asuka says that Stephanie forgot her place on SmackDown by trying to strip the WWE Women's World Tag Team Titles from The Empress' Hate Crew
- Stephanie says that she believed that both Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville were injured and would not be able to defend their titles
- Asuka smiles, as she smiles blue liquid drips from her mouth
- Stephanie backs away afraid but is stopped by Aja Kong
- ASUKA BLOWS A MIST... past Stephanie McMahon... hitting no one
- Asuka is laughing
- You thought... WRONG. I am The Empress. I make the decision around here.
- Aja Kong drops Stephanie McMahon and The Empire walk away

- The performance of Asuka was fantastic
- Aja Kong did not come out of this looking good

(rating: 62)

Money for Truth
- Joe Gacy, the WWE's Psychologist, is backstage talking to Robert Roode
- Last week Robert Roode faced R-Truth and lost
- Gacy is patting Roode on the shoulder as he hands over some money
- R-Truth comes into the picture and asks what that was all about
- Gacy says not to worry about that, its time to focus on your next match!

(rating: 49)

R-Truth w/Joe Gacy vs. Ezekiel
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, R-Truth defeated Ezekiel in 7:47 by pinfall with a What's Up? after Joe Gacy interfered.

- A slower storytelling match that played up the crowd more than anything else
- Truth couldn't seem to get the edge on Ezekiel and few times resorted to some cheap shots
- At one point he frustratingly ripped the cover off the turnbuckle
- Joe Gacy stepped up onto the ring apron and seemed to whisper something into Ezekiel's ear while Truth was recovering on the mat
- This seemed to confuse Ezekiel as he seemed walk right into R-Truth's finisher
- Truth had no idea what happened
- Joe Gacy did some good work at ringside
- The announcing quality lifted the match
- The colour commentary gave the match a boost

(rating: 50)

Backstage
- Shelton Benjamin approaches MACE and Omos as they're sharing a fanzone moment
- Shelton wants to know why they punked Cedric like that last week
- MACE and Omos look at each other confused
- Omos says he didn't punk anyone, that's not what he's about anymore
- MACE says Cedric called Omos out so got a match

(rating: 57)

Confrontation
- Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan are backstage, they're sat around an old oil lamp reading books or something
- Scarlett Bordeaux and Queen Zelina's faces appear behind the lamp as they blow out the flame
- They say that Bray Wyatt never tried to save Alexa and Liv last week
- That's proof that he doesn't care for them and is abusing them
- That he is a false prophet
- Alexa doesn't need saving
- Liv Morgan says the only people who will need saving are Scarlett and Zelina

(rating: 66)

Red Light
- Just as it looks like a brawl between Scarlett, Zelina and Alexa and Liv is about to break out a red light shines on them
- The rest of The Cardinal (Aleister Black, Karrion Kross, Dexter Lumis and Dominik Dijakovic) encircle Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan
- Aleister Black says not to fight, but to think, to purge the dishonesty from their hearts to find the truth
- Do they really trust Bray Wyatt to save them?
- Do they really know who Bray Wyatt is, after all he doesn't really know himself
- The Cardinal are here to cure the WWE of all the sceptic poison that has been allowed to fester
- The madness of Bray Wyatt, the Nepotism of generational wrestlers, the blindness of loyalty
- Finally The Cardinal walk away out of the red spotlight

(rating: 60)

Hikaru Shida vs. Naomi vs. Lacey Evans vs. Piper Niven
In a decent match, Hikaru Shida defeated Naomi, Lacey Evans and Piper Niven in 9:44 when Hikaru Shida pinned Lacey Evans with a Tamashii no Three Count.

Hikaru Shida carried the match in terms of in-ring performance.

- The announcing quality lifted the match
- The colour commentary gave the match a boost
- This seemed to be a planned match to bring the fans back down a little

(rating: 57)

The Goldberg Situation
- Edge's music plays
- He says Goldberg doesn't get to call that shots like that
- Edge is the one that's calling Goldberg out, Edge is the one that's going to collect the bounty
- Goldberg is the target
- Goldberg is nex..

- This angle got the crowd hotter
(rating: 71)

GOLDBERG
- Goldberg's music plays

(rating: 74)

Payment
- Goldberg is standing in the ring with Edge
- Edge is pacing around
- Edge says he's not fighting Goldberg here tonight
- Edge says that if people want to see him fight then they'll pay big money, as he's the last superstar of the attitude era
- Goldberg laughs and simply says "fight me"
- Edge says no
- FIGHT ME
- the crowd are chanting FIGHT HIM now
- FIGHT ME
- Edge isn't having any of it

- Goldberg invented a new catchphrase
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 79)

Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Seth Rollins defeated Finn Bálor in 25:05 by pinfall with a Curb Stomp.

(rating: 64)

Backstage
- Bobby Lashley bursts into the lockerroom
- He points at the first person he sees and demands they meet him in the ring and leaves
- Everyone looks at each other wondering who Lashey meant
- They all eventually stop and look at Otis
- He was pointing at you

(rating: 68)

Otis vs. Bobby Lashley
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Bobby Lashley defeated Otis in 12:58 by pinfall with a Spear.

- Just before the match started Drew McIntyre and Sheamus ran down and joined the commentary team
- IT WAS A BANGER

(rating: 73)

The Bloodline
- Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso and Ava Raine make their way to the ring. They are the Bloodline. 
- Roman Reigns says that he wants to talk about The Rock situation
- He wants everyone to know that The Rock should just stop now before he hurts anyone else
- He should just go home and make more movies acting like the pretend tough guy he is
- IF YA SMELLLLLLL. The Rock is here. 
- Roman Reigns doesn't look impressed. 
- The Rock makes his way into the ring and eyeballs Roman Reigns
- The Bloodline close in to protect, but Roman holds them off
- The Rock says this isn't over, there's too much pride and heritage at stake to walk away
- Roman Reigns agrees there is too much pride and heritage, and he doesn't want anyone else's pride to be hurt
- He gently pats The Rock on the shoulder
- The Rock isn't scared of Roman and The Bloodline, he'll fight his way through them all to prove he's the real Tribal Chief
- Roman says that's the problem you can't just fight your way to becoming the Tribal Chief
- Wait... Roman has an idea

(rating: 66)

Roman is cooking something
- Roman says the only way he'll agree to step 1 on 1 in the ring with The Rock is if...
- ... The Rock can beat John Cena at Royal Rumble...
- The Rock looks confused
- Roman says he's the Tribal Chief and this is his family
- He's the man that ended John Cena's career in the WWE
- Roman turns to the rest of The Bloodline
- You'll all agree that if The Rock can beat John Cena that'll earn your respect, right?
- The Bloodline nod their heads yeah, of course, yeah yeah
- The Rock says if he beats John Cena, he'll get to kick Roman Reigns' candy ass
- Roman tells The Rock to think about it
- The Bloodline leave

- The Rock came out of this looking excellent
- Roman Reigns was a real star

(rating: 65)

Asuka vs. Lita
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Asuka defeated Lita in 14:58 when Lita was injured and could not continue.

- Asuka made her way to the ring first
- Lita was dragged to the ring by Aja Kong and Shanya Baszler
- Asuka seemed to be toying with Lita
- When Lita started to gain some momentum back Asuka hit her with the blue mist!
- Lita was unable to continue and the ref called it
- Asuka stayed in the ring laugh, rubbing the blue mist over her own face

(rating: 73)

Overall Rating: 78

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WWE SmackDown
Friday, Week 1 January 2023

5,492 @ Angel of the Winds Arena

Commentary Team: Nigel McGuinness, Steve Austin and Mauro Ranallo

The Bloodline
- Show opens with The Bloodline backstage in their own private suite
- Roman Reigns wants Jey Uso to out there and show HIM he's can still compete without Jimmy around
- Reigns says he has things to prepare for RAW
- Camera shows his phone is going to call John Cena... fade to black

- Roman Reigns was a real star
- This angle got the crowd hotter
- This angle got the show off to a strong start

(rating: 65)

Mustafa Ali vs. Apollo Crews vs. Jey Uso vs. Ricochet
In a good match, Jey Uso defeated Mustafa Ali, Apollo Crews and Ricochet in 11:58 when Jey Uso pinned Ricochet with a Superkick.

- Unsurprisingly this match had plenty of high spots
- Everyone looked to be going all out to put the best match on possible

(rating: 62)

Strong Style...
- Gunther's music plays as he makes his way to the ring
- He stand proudly in the ring as he begins to talk about...
- Strong Style... Purosou... a trademark of Japanese wrestlers
- Perhaps I underestimated it last week, but I will train, I will learn to beat it... I will discover ways to break you, Shinsuke Nakamura.

- Gunther came across well
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 69)

Strong Style!
- As Gunther is walking back up the entrance ramp
- ... SCREEEEEEEEE
- Shinsuke Nakamura's music plays as he stands pointing at Gunther
- Gunther continues to walk back up the ramp unphased
- Shinsuke and Gunther are toe-to-toe... its a stare down
- Gunther shakes his head and points the ring

(rating: 67)

Drew Gulak vs. Rex Steiner
In a decent match, Rex Steiner defeated Drew Gulak in 8:44 by pinfall with a Gorilla Press Powerslam.

- Drew Gulak and Rex Steiner have pretty good chemistry and it lifted the match

(rating: 63)

Neopotism?!
- The slightly unfamiliar music of Brian Pillman Jr. and Davey Boy Smith Jr.'s music plays
- They're not happy with The Cardinal (Aleister Black, Dexter Lumis, Karrion Kross and Dominik Dijakovic) saying they've benefitted from their parents' legacy
- If anything have their Dad's reputation hanging above them has increased expectations
- But they're not talkers, they're fighters... so why not step into the ring next week

(rating: 48)

Training
- Backstage Booker T is with his protege Roxanne Perez
- He's showing her a few trade secrets he's learned over the years
- Booker wants Perez to try some of them in her match tonight

(rating: 61)

Style & Substance vs. Big Swole & Dana Brooke
In a bout that didn't have much heat and terrible wrestling, Style And Substance defeated Big Swole & Dana in 9:59 when Gigi Dolin pinned Big Swole.

Gigi Dolin carried the match in terms of in-ring performance. 

This match was part of the 'WWE Women's World Tag Titles' tournament.

- Dana Brooke was realy off her game
- Dana Brooke and Big Swole showed excellent chemistry teaming together

(rating: 48)

Allie
- Allie makes her way to the ring, she's dressed as a playboy bunner
- She's talking about Paige
- Who are you to decide who is and isn't a DIva
- Who are you to decide what I can dress and look like
- You think you're an anti-diva... you think you're some kind of special break the mold case
- You're wrong about so many things Paige
- I can dress how I like and I can look how I like
- I do this to please myself, not you
- The only thing that pleases me more is wrestling and kicking the ass of people like you
- Allie takes some lipstick and smears it across her face making her smile look a little deranged

- Allie was killer on the mic

(rating: 62)

Roxanne Perez vs. Lacey Evans
In a bout that didn't have much heat and terrible wrestling, Roxanne Perez defeated Lacey Evans in 7:58 by pinfall with a Code Rok.

- The story of this match was Roxanne Perez attempting to try what Booker T had shown her earlier
- Booker T did some good work at ringside

(rating: 42)

CORATTACK
- Jade Cora gets into the ring from the crowd
- She's attacking Perez with a steel chair!
- Booker T finally stops her
- Cora runs off back into the crowd

(rating: 37)

MASK
- El Hijo del Fantasma makes his way to the ring with Angel Garza and Ultimo Ninja
- He is demanding that American Dragon removes his mask tonight or face the consequences
- The Final Countdown plays as American Dragon makes his entrance
- American Dragon is in the ring and looking very happy
- He knows all about the history and tradition of lucha libre and respects it greatly

- American Dragon came out of this looking excellent

(rating: 68)

For the Title!
- American Dragon says he'll remove his mask tonight, but only if he gets a shot at the WWE Cruiserweight title
- Angel Garza doesn't look too keen but Fantasma agrees
- Right here, right now a Lucha Libre rules match for the WWE Cruiserweight title!

- The performance of American Dragon was fantastic

(rating: 73)

WWE Cruiserweight Title: American Dragon vs. Angel Garza
In a superb match, American Dragon defeated Angel Garza in 25:21 by two straight falls, with the final fall happening by submission with a Cattle Mutilation. American Dragon wins the WWE Cruiserweight title.

- At the announcing desk, Steve Austin was pretty weak

(rating: 69)

Celebration Time
- American Dragon celebrates in the ring with the WWE Cruiserweight Title
- He's laughing as the crowd do YES! chants
- Show ends as he gives a wink at the camera

(rating: 71)

Overal Rating: 68

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- Last night was easily one of best RAWs since WWE's soft reboot in July last year
- There is shimmering tension between Corey Graves and Bram, after Corey Graves listed Bram in his "10 Things That Suck In Wrestling" post on twitter
- Reports suggest Ricochett was highlighted as a soft drug user during a WWE Wellness test
- Internet rumours say that Steph De Lander (formally known as Perisa Pirotta) and Grayson Waller are together, it was believed Steph De Lander was dating Rat Daddy before this
- Paul Heyman's contract has ended with WWE
- It's thought that HHH wants to increase the in-ring performances within the WWE
- Possibly related to how highly regarded AEW has become for their matches over the last 12 months

WWE RAW
Monday Week 2, January 2023

6,000 @ Sam's Town, Las Vegas

Commentary Team: Michael Cole, Mauro Ranallo & Pat McAfee

RAW 30th
- Show opens with Stephanie McMahon in the ring
- She's excited for next week's special edition of RAW
- It will be the 30th Anniversary of RAW's debut on TV
- And to celebrat...
- Askua's music plays interrupting Stephanie McMahon
- The Empire (Asuka, Rhea Ripley, Aja Kong & Shayna Baszler) are in the ring surrounding Stephanie McMahon
- Asuka takes the microphone from Stephanie McMahon
- Don't you kneel for your Empress?
- Aja Kong forces Stephanie to kneel
- I think you have all forgotten who is in charge
- I AM THE EMPRESS, I AM THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE
- I hold all the gold
- Asuka holds the WWE Undisupted title and WWE Women's World title up
- There will be no celebration of RAW next week
- Only a celebration of Asuka

- Aja Kong did not come out of this looking good
- Asuka was very poor when trying to improvise dialogue
- Asuka looked like a star
- This angle got the crowd hotter
- This angle got the show off to a strong start

(rating: 63)

WWE World Tag Team: Drew Gulak & Ricochet vs. The Street Profits vs. Otis & Roode vs. Samoan Hit Squad (c)
In a decent match, Samoan Hit Squad defeated The Street Profits, Beauty and the Beast and Drew Gulak and Ricochet in 19:03 when Solo Sikoa pinned Drew Gulak with a Savate Kick. Samoan Hit Squad make defence number five of the WWE World Tag Team titles.

(rating: 57)

Challenge
- Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander are backstage
- They're challenging Omos and MACE to a tag match tonight!

(rating: 53)

Back From Break
- The cameras are focused on MACE who is on the floor unconscious
- Benjamin and Alexander are walking away high fiving each other

(rating: 52)

Omos vs. Cedric and Shelton
In a decent match, Cedric & Shelton defeated Omos in a Handicap match in 10:16 when Cedric Alexander pinned Omos with a handful of tights.

- The story of the match was Omos trying his best to deal with the 2v1 handicap
- He came close to winning a few times but eventually lost
- After the match Cedric and Shelton put a steal chair around Omos' ankle and stamped on it!

(rating: 64)

Old J Styles
- AJ Styles is backstage
- He's cutting on a promo on Theory
- AJ says after beating Theory last week maybe he's proven he should be the IC Champion

(rating: 71)

The Bros
- The Bros are watching the challenge from one of the monitors
- Yo, bro, he's calling you out
- Theory says he can't wrestle tonight... he has bad cramp... 
- Theory says Riddle should fight AJ instead
- Logan Paul agrees, yeah bro, show that old fool that we're the future

(rating: 77)

AJ Styles vs. Riddle
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Riddle defeated AJ Styles in 18:11 by submission with a Bromission after interference from Theory.

(rating: 70)

Celebration
- Theory and Riddle celebrate outsmarting AJ Styles
- AJ is standing in the ring watching on, nodding at their victory
- Alright... 

(rating: 68)

I Need This!
- Backstage Corbin approaches Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- He says he needs this bounty and win over Goldberg more than Edge
- Owens and Sami say the bounty is still up, all Corbin has to do is beat Goldberg
- Corbin says that this victory will relaunch his career

(rating: 70)

He's Not What He Seems!
- Ezekiel runs past Corbin, Owens and Sami
- He's shouting about someone not being who they seem
- Two people are chasing him

(rating: 38)

Joe Gacy
- Eventually he's seen running down the entrance way to the ring
- He's grabbed the mic from the ring announcer
- Dr. Gacy is not what he seems, he's...
- Joe Gacy's music plays interrupting Ezekiel
- Now, now, Ezekiel, don't worry, we're here to help you
- Gacy orders to orderlies to go and get Ezekiel
- Ezekiel, please listen to us... you're very ill, very confused...
- Or perhaps I could speak to... Elias?
- Ezekiel/Elias seems to react strangely to the name being side
- The Orderlies manage to restain him and drag him away

(rating 40)

Kaitlyn & Naomi vs. Scarlett and Queen Zelina 
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, Scarlett Bordeaux and Queen Zelina defeated Kaitlyn and Naomi in 10:29 when Queen Zelina pinned Kaitlyn with a Cutter.

Kaitlyn was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

(rating: 47)

Attack!
- Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan are running towards the ring where Scarlett and Zelina are still celebrating

(rating: 64)

Protection
- The lights flash out and are replaced by the familiar red spotlight of The Cardinal
- Aleister Black, Karrion Kross, Dominik Dijakovic are standing between the ring and entrance way, blocking Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan
- Black says The Cardinal protect each other in this world of false heroes and broken families
- He questions why Bray Wyatt... The Fiend... whatever he's calling himself isn't with Alexa and Liv right now
- The Cardinal begin to step towards Alexa and Liv
- Black is counting each step
- 1... 2... coming for you
- 3... 4... knocking at your door...
- The lights go out and when they come back on The Cardinal have left Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan standing alone

(rating: 57)

Banger Banter
- Sheamus, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre are talking about Lashley's match last week
- McIntyre says its his turn to show them what a real banger looks like

(rating: 74)

Banging Time
- Drew McIntyre pulls the camera in closer
- Babatunde, you big bastard... let's BANG!

(rating: 69)

Drew McIntyre vs. Babatunde
In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Drew McIntyre defeated Babatunde in 13:25 by pinfall with a Claymore Kick.

- A decent attempt at a wild brawl between McIntyre and Babatunde
- Although the match was heavily carried by McIntyre

(rating: 65)

John Cena
- Roman Reigns is backstage and tells the rest of The Bloodline its time
- They make their way to the ring
- Roman says that The Rock must beat John Cena at Royal Rumble if he's to ever earn a chance to face Roman Reigns 1-on-1
- Roman invites John Cena down to the ring
- CENA IS HERE
- Roman stops Cena from posing on the ringposts
- Roman says that's disrespectful, don't you remember who the Tribal Chief is
- Don't you remember who ended your career? 
- Cena reluctantly nods and apologises
- Roman asks Cena if he misses all this, the fans, the ring, the reaction
- Cena is about to speak but Roman pulls the mic away from him
- No, son, that's not how this works
- Cena is trying to fight back his anger
- Roman tells the fans that John Cena isn't back, the only person that can decide John Cena's career is him -- the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns
- I was the one who ended John Cena's career, I hold his contract, but I'm a gracious man and I'm going to give Cena a chance to regain his own destiny again
- If John Cena can beat The Rock at Royal Rumble, he can do what he likes with his career again
- But if The Rock wins... that's it. It's over... no more chances to return, you're finished
- Roman asks John Cena if he accepts
- Yes
- Yes what?
- Yes... Tribal Chief

(rating: 62)

Goldberg vs. Corbin
In an extremely short match, Bill Goldberg defeated Happy Corbin in 4:52 by pinfall with a Jackhammer. During the match we also had Edge run in and attack Goldberg.

- Edge attacked during the match after the ref took a bump
- Edge is furious

(rating: 48)

The Empress Rumble
- Asuka is back out
- She has a special announcement and a reminder for everyone just who is in control of the WWE
- This year's Royal Rumble will be known as THE EMPRESS RUMBLE
- One giant rumble with both men and women together
- After all.. 
- Asuka holds up both tiles
- SETH ROLLINS' MUSIC PLAYS
- He says he wants to be the first person to enter the rumble, as there's nobody in the WWE who wants to get revenge on Asuka more than him...
- ... well except maybe one person

(rating: 68)

SLAP SLAP SLAP POUND UP DOWN SNAP!
- Becky Lynch is back!
- Becky comes out and stands next to Seth Rollins
- Part of her hair seems to have turned black from Askua's black liquid attack at Night of Champions
- Asuka stands motionless
- Becky points at Asuka then at the Wrestlemania sign as RAW goes off the air

(rating: 69)

Overall Rating: 64

Edited by Chriswok
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WWE SmackDown
Friday, Week 2 January 2023

6,000 @ Sam's Town, Las Vegas

Commentary Team: Nigel McGuinness, Steve Austin & Mauro Ranallo

Unmasking
- The WWE Cruiserweight champion American Dragon is in the ring
- He has something he needs to get off his chest... or rather his head
- He removes his mask
- ... It's Daniel Bryan! 
- He's laughing, this was perhaps the worst kept secret in professional wrestling, yeah?
- I meant no disrespect to Angel Garza and El Hijo del Fantasma, but this old thing is how I started my career
- Daniel Bryan is holding up the mask
- I thought I'd bring it out again as I restart my career in the WWE
- You see.. I just want to wrestle, every hour of every day, it's all I've ever thought about
- I want people to see me wrestle as many different people and matches as possible, I want you ALL to see and be entertained
- I want to be known as the best in the world at what I do...

- Daniel Bryan came out of this looking excellent
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 53)

The Empire
- The Empire's music plays, interrupting Daniel Bryan's speech
- Asuka, Rhea Ripley, Aja Kong & Shayna Baszler make their way to the ring
- They're in the ring, surrounding Daniel Bryan
- Asuka is looking at him with disdain and intrigue

(rating: 70)

Best in the World?
- Asuka smiles a sick smile at Daniel Bryan
- Did I hear right... best in the world?
- Daniel Bryan smiles back and nods, yes... best in the world
- Asuka holds up the WWE Undisputed Title and the WWE Women's World Title
- These say I am already the best in the world
- Bryan says with all due respect, Empress (bows), I disagree
- Aja Kong, Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler look to grab Daniel Bryan, but Asuka raises a hand
- Asuka lets out a laugh, so brave, so foolish, no man or woman can beat The Empress
- Daniel Bryan asks Asuka to prove it
- Asuka stops laughing and looks Daniel Bryan in the eyes
- You challenge The Empress? All who fail are banished... such a shame to have your return end before it has even begun
- Daniel Bryan unlatches the WWE Crusierweight title and lays it on the floor
- As far as I can tell, you're missing a title, this says I'm the best cruiserweight in the world
- Asuka clicks his fingers, Rhea Ripley, Aja Kong and Shayna Baszler grab Daniel Bryan and shove his face into the WWE Cruiserweight title
- Asuka tells Bryan to take a good luck at it, because that will be the last time he ever gets close to the WWE Cruiserweight title again
- You want to entertain? Then tonight you will entertain against me. So confident of my victory I'll even defend the WWE Undisputed title... little boy
- The Empire leave Daniel Bryan in the ring with his WWE Cruiserweight title
- Daniel Bryan is nodding his head

- Asuka was a real star
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 71)

Johnny Gargano vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
In a good match, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Johnny Gargano in 18:39 by pinfall with a Kinshasa.

- In a slow burner of a match Gargano and Nakamura put on a real good show
- At ringside was Gunther who seemed to be watching Nakamura and taking notes

(rating: 73)

Staredown
- After the match Shinsuke Nakamura leans over the ropes and looks at Gunther
- Gunther stares back
- Neither man breaking their lock on the other
- Eventually, Shinsuke claps... 1... 2... 3... before leaving

(rating: 69)

Banger after Banger
- Sheamus, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre are backstage
- They're talking about who can put on the best banger of a match between the three
- McIntyre is convinced its him
- Sheamus is about to speak when Rex Steiner walks into frame
- Steiner says he's heard rumours that there's some sort of competition going on
- He challeneges Sheamus tonight
- Nobody bangs finer then Steiner

(rating: 79)

The Bloodline
- Roman Reigns is with Ava Raine in The Bloodline's suite
- Roman says that its Ava's turn to show everyone what the Bloodline is about tonight, just like Jey Uso did last week

(rating: 61)

Ava Raine vs. Nikki Cross
In a bout that didn't have much heat and terrible wrestling, Ava Raine defeated Nikki Cross in 9:52 by pinfall.

(rating: 46)

Goldberg
- Rex Steiner is preparing for his match against Sheamus
- As Steiner is walking backstage towards the entrance way a voice shouts out to him
- Its Goldberg
- Hey kid, put on a good show out there, I see a lot of your Dad and Uncle in ya

(rating: 69)

Alexa Bliss & Liv Morgan vs. Carmella & Lacey Evans
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan defeated Carmella and Lacey Evans in 10:16 when Alexa Bliss pinned Lacey Evans, after interference from Scarlett

Lacey Evans was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 

This match was part of the 'WWE Women's World Tag Titles' tournament.

- Alexa Bliss was really off her game

(rating: 56)

Post-Match Braw
- Queen Zelina and Scarlett Bordeaux jump Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan after the match
- They're brawling in the ring!
- Zelina and Scarlett leave Alexa and Liv down in the ring

(rating: 54)

?
- As Zelina and Scarlett are walking away they can be heard asking WHERE WAS HE?!
- Alexa and Liv are in the ring recovering
- They look at each other as if wondering where Bray Wyatt was

(rating: 66)

Rex Steiner vs. Sheamus
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Sheamus defeated Rex Steiner in 14:51 by pinfall with a Brogue Kick.

- A decent match but it felt as if Rex Steiner was holding back

(rating: 62)

Daniel Bryan Interview
- Daniel Bryan is backstage with JoJo Offerman
- Offerman asks Bryan if he's worried about his match against Asuka?
- Bryan says he's never worried about wrestling, this is what he lives for, if tonight is a chance to prove that he's the best in the world he's going to take it
- Titles come and go, but lasting in the memory of all the fans as one of the best to ever enter the ring? Priceless

(rating: 73)

WWE Cruiserweight Title v WWE Undisputed: Daniel Bryan vs. Asuka
In an exceptional match, Asuka defeated Daniel Bryan in 19:44 by pinfall with a Spin Kick after Aja Kong interfered. Asuka makes defence number one of the WWE Undisputed. Asuka wins the WWE Cruiserweight title.

- This match got the crowd buzzing
- But it deserved more build up and a storyline attached it

(rating: 63)

Overall Rating: 68

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WWE RAW 30th Anniversary Special Asuka Appreciation Night
Monday, Week 3 January 2023

LIVE FROM HAWAII

Commentary Team: Michael Cole, Mauro Ranallo & Pat McAfee

RAW 30th
- Show opens with a montage of different RAW openings with modern and classic graphics spliced together
- Stephanie McMahon is in the ring
- She looks very pleased
- WELCOME TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONDAY NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW
- For 30 years the WWE fans have tuned in and attended to watch WW...
- Asuka's music plays

(rating: 74)

The Empire
- Asuka, Rhea Ripley, Shayna Baszler and Aja Kong make their way to the ring

(rating: 65)

Asuka Appreciation Night
- Asuka is holding the WWE Undisputed, WWE Women's World and the WWE Cruiserweight titles
- The Empire surrounding Stephanie McMahon
- Asuka holds out her hand waiting for Stephanie McMahon to put the microphone in it
- Shayna Baszler nudges McMahon
- Asuka says Stephanie McMahon must have bad memory
- Tonight isn't a celebration for 30 years of RAW... Tonight is a celebration of THE EMPRESS! 
- Another intro plays, this time its a splice of Auska's greatest moments in the WWE from her time in NXT right up to defeating Becky Lynch for All the Gold at Night of Champions
- Asuka lauds in the reaction from the crowd
- Asuka says that is better, a true wrestling Empress deserves to have monuments to her greatness to last across history
- Stephanie McMahon begins to protest but is stopped by Rhea Ripley who puts a finger to McMahon's lips
- Asuka shouts at Stephanie McMahon, NEVER INTERRUPT... or I will...
- Asuka smiles as black liquid oozes from her mouth
- Stephanie shouts that that was banned and Asuka will be fined and stripped of the titles if she ever uses it again
- Asuka tells Stephanie to relax
- The WWE Cruiserweight title has been removed from Asuka, as she places in the middle of the ring
- I am a kind Empress, tonight I will give five wrestlers a chance at winning some gold of their own... as we have a WWE Cruiserweight Scramble match...

- Asuka was a real star
- Aja Kong looked dreadful
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 66)

Becky and Seth!
- Asuka is distracted by the music of Becky Lynch as Lynch and Seth Rollins make their entrance
- Asuka is furious
- The Empire are all standing on the ropes pointing at Becky and Seth
- Stephanie McMahon makes an exit while they're not looking

(rating: 67)

Empress Rumble
- Oh, we interrupting something... ya Empress?
- Ya see, we thought we'd make it clear... we want in on the Rumble
- Asuka laughs, you think I'll let you into the Empress Rumble? 
- Becky is walking back and forth across the entrance stage
- Asuka, I really thought you'd take up the challenge
- Chalenge? The only way you'll get into the Empress Rumble is if you start Number 1..
- DEAL! 
- ... and Seth Rollins as number 2
- Asuka laughs, that way you'll have to eliminate one another to get to me
- Asuka looks very pleased with herself
- By the way, Becky, I like what you've done to your hair
- Becky Lynch's hair has a black streak from the black mist attack at Night of Champions
- Becky points to her hair, oh this little thing? Just a reminder of the months I had to work to regain my coordination after you tried to paralyse me with that black mist of yours
- But y'know, Asuka, I can't wait for the Rumble... how about tonight me and a few of the girls you've 'banished' lately team up against you and you're tinpot Empire over there...
- Asuka smiles, black liquid drooling from her mouth
- OK, Becky Lynch... we can do that, but if you lose... everybody better be ready to say "Bye Bye Becky", no Empress Rumble... only banished!

- Asuka looked good
- Becky Lynch was a real star
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 97)

Bad Time?
- Music the WWE hasn't heard for a few months plays... It's former RAW General Manager Cody Rhodes
- I'm sorry is this a bad time?
- I heard talk of recovery and places in this Empress Royal Rumble were being handed out
- I couldn't help myself, I just had to say 'Hi, my name is Cody Rhodes, my pec has healed'
- Cody stops and looks at Seth Rollins
- No hard feelings by the way Seth
- Cody offers out a hand
- There's a pause... and Seth shakes it
- Asuka looks amused
- How cute, everyone big old family. Time for a group hug? 
- Cody says family is important to him, but now isn't the time to talk about that. Now is the time to talk about regaining his momentum as they approach the RHODE to Wrestlemania
- So how about it, Asuka... Cody Rhodes in your Empress Rumble?
- Asuka says Cody comes asking for favour, yet offer nothing in return
- Cody says Asuka keeps asking to be entertained, so how about he entertains her tonight with a match
- Asuka smiles, I think I like you
- Becky looks at Cody, Don't you go thinking for a second you're going to get in ma'way
- I'm going to win the Rumble, I'm going to face Asuka at Wrestlemania
- Camera focuses on Asuka as it fades out to break

- Asuak was a real star
- The performance of Becky Lynch was fantastic
- Seth Rollins was very poor when trying to improvise

(rating: 84)

Ring Announcer: The following match is a WWE Cruiserweight Scramble Match, as hosted by our Benevolant Empress, Asuka, who has so kindly vacated the WWE Cruiserweight title for our entertainment. The first wrestler to claim the WWE Cruiserweight title suspended above the ring will be THE NEW WWE Cruiserweight Champion.

WWE Cruiserweight Scramble: Angel Garza vs. Mustafa Ali vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano
In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Ricochet defeated Mustafa Ali, Rey Mysterio, Angel Garza and Johnny Gargano in a Ladder match in 19:58 when Ricochet retrieved the item. Ricochet wins the WWE Cruiserweight title.

- All five wrestlers went out to try and steal the show
- There wasn't much between them in terms of performance, but Ricochet and Mustafa Ali slightly out shined Gargano, Mysterio and Garza
- Michael Cole and Pat McAfee worked extremely well together at the announcer's table
- This match got the crowd buzzing

(rating: 69)

Stroll Back
- Cody Rhodes is backstage when Finn Balor stops him
- You think you can just stroll back in here and try to get a title shot
- You think I've forgotten about your time as General Manager? You think other wrestlers have forgot? No chance
- Cody smiles, look I'll be the first to admit I wasn't the best General Manager... I'm twice the wrestler... always have been and always will be
- Balor laughs, you know Cody you have some nerve... you act like you're part of some royal wrestling family, but the truth is you're a bandit
- You reused my ideas, my brillance to inflat your own reputation while you were away from the WWE
- Cody looks Balor dead in the eyes, oh is that true
- Bullet Club, The Elite... big bold face paint... oh wait, that thing on your neck 
- Cody pushes away, ok ok, I get the idea, how about we sort this out tonight in the ring

(rating: 81)

Video Update
- The Viking Experience, Erik and Ivar haven't been seen for a while
- The reason is they've been on an epic quest to regain their vigor
- HELLO WWE PATRONS, WE HAVE HAD RAVENS TELL US OF THE DARK TIDES THAT ARE SWIRLING IN THE MISTS
- A TIME WHERE LOTS OF DARK, SPOOKY PEOPLE SEEM TO BE CREEPY
- SO WE HAVE TAKEN IT AS OUR QUEST TO FIND A HERO TO BRING BACK LIGHT TO THE WWE! 
- WE SHALL NOT RETURN UNTIL WE HAVE FOUND SOMEONE WHO CAN EMBODY THE SPIRIT OF THOR AND BRING THE TIME OF HEROES TO THE WWE!

(rating: 36)

The Bounty
- Edge approaches Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- Hey, I thought I said I would claim the bounty on Goldberg?
- Sure, Edge, you can, its still there
- Edge asks why did they let Corbin try to claim it?
- Edge... its first come, first serve, friend. First person to end Goldberg's career is going to get the bounty
- Edge looks frustrated, then its time I stepped up my game
- All three of them say "As I'm the last superstar of the attitude era"
- Edge gives Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn a dead look
- They hold up their hands

- The performance of Kevin Owens was good

(rating: 76)

Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Aleistar Black & Dominik Dijakovic
In a decent match, Aleister Black and Dominik Dijakovic defeated Hart Foundation in 15:08 when Aleister Black pinned Davey Boy Smith Jr. with a Black Mass.

- Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. showed excellent chemistry teaming together
- Aleistar Black and Dominik Dijakovic had great chemistry when teaming together
- The announcing quality lifted the match
- Ranallo, Cole and McAfee talked about the heritage of Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. and why it might have caused the ire of The Cardinal
- A slow paced match, with lots of ad-lib crowd interactions playing up The Cardinal's desire to end the Neopotism of Davey Boy and Brian Pillman
- As planned, this match brought the fans back down a little

(rating: 60)

Sick Man
- We're backstage in Joe Gacy's Psychology Office
- R-Truth is wondering what that was all about last week with Ezekiel
- Gacy says Ezekiel is a very sick man, confused and deeply disturbed to the point he believes he's his own brother... and often dresses up as his entire family
- It's a tragic tale of trauma warping the mind into coping with loss
- Nothing to worry about
- R-Truth stares blankly at Gacy
- ... You clownin me?! That fool needs slapped upside the head
- Gacy lets out a sly smile at Truth's somewhat aggressive response
- Gacy tells Truth just focus on his next match, as next week is a big part of Truth's treatment into regaining his focus and himself

(rating: 44)

Injured
- MACE is wheeling WWE US Champion Omos through the backstage area
- Omos' leg is in a cast from last week's attack at the hands of Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander
- The WWE US title is in Omos' lap
- Will be able to defend it?

(rating: 62)

Mentor
- Rex Steiner is sitting backstage watching RAW with the rest of the locker room
- Goldberg sits next to him
- They claps hands in a hi-five
- Goldberg says, Hey kid you did well against Sheamus on Smackdown
- Steiner nods thanks man, appreciate it
- I can help you get better, so next time you can beat him
- Hell yeah, getting trained by Goldberg? I'm in

- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 78)

Jinder Mahal vs. R-Truth
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but terrible wrestling, R-Truth defeated Jinder Mahal in 8:17 by pinfall after Joe Gacy interfered.

- R-Truth was struggling to beat Jinder Mahal until Joe Gacy stepped up onto the apron and whispered something into Truth's ear
- Suddenly Truth seemed slightly more aggressive and even hit a low blow when the ref wasn't looking
- The announcing quality lifted the match
- Explaining how R-Truth had been on a downward spiral since losing the 24/7 title and Joe Gacy had been employed to help R-Truth regain his confidence
- They highlighted how the past few weeks Gacy seems to have had a serious impact on Truth's matches, but also on his opponents

(rating: 41)

Give It Up!
- Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander are backstage
- They're mocking Omos' broken leg
- Cedric is laughig at how big and dumb Omos is
- Falling for the old bait and trap of MACE to leave him 2v1 against him and Shelton
- Shelton says its time to give up the US title
- There's no way Omos will recover within 30 days
- Vacate it now
- Better yet, just give it to one of us, since we were the last contenders
- That seems fair, I'm OK with that

(rating: 57)

Finn Balor vs. Cody Rhodes
In a bout that had fantastic heat and good wrestling, Cody Rhodes defeated Finn Bálor in 25:17 by pinfall with a Cross Rhodes.

- During the match the cameras focused on Bray Wyatt who seemed to be watching from the rafters
- It was unclear who or why he was watching
- Finn Balor debuted a spectacular new high spot that showcased his aerial ability

(rating: 67)

The Champ is Here!
- The Empire are celebrating The Empress Asuka as they walk backstage, throwing confetti and tape infront of her
- The camera focuses on some landing at the feet of someone wearing pumps
- The camera pands up to reveal... John Cena
- Asuka and Cena are looking at each other face to face

(rating: 74)

Entertain Me
- So, you're John Cena
- John Cena says despite the way she's doing things, she respects what Asuka's accomplished
- Asuka laughs, you respect means nothing to me. John. Cena. 
- You are a toy for The Empress. ENTERTAIN ME!
- The Empire are laughing
- Cena looks pissed
- Roman Reigns steps into frame, that's not his decision to make, Asuka
- Oh that's right, John Cena is Roman Reigns dog
- Roman smiles and nods
- Asuka laughs and walks on

- Roman Reigns came across well

(rating: 84)

Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and Raquel Rodriguez vs. The Empire (Asuka, Aja Kong, Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler)
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and Raquel Rodriguez defeated The Empire (Aja Kong, Asuka, Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler) in 21:35 when Becky Lynch submitted Aja Kong with a Dis-arm-her.

Aja Kong was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

- Becky Lynch looked good out there

(rating: 65)

Overall Rating: 74

Edited by Chriswok
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WWE SmackDown
Friday, Week 3 January 2023
Live from US Cellular Center! (5,840)

Commentary Team: Mauro Ranallo, Stone Cold Steve Austin & Nigel McGuinness

Final Countdown
- Final Countdown by Europe plays as Daniel Bryan makes his way to the ring
- No longer masked or the WWE Cruiserweight champion
- He holds up his hands
- Look, I know I'm supposed to be banished and all that... but I had something to say...
- Asuka, I think you're one of the best wrestlers out there - man or woman, I really do
- But that's just it... you're one of the best, not THE best. Sure you beat me last week, but it took the help of your empire--
- Asuka's music plays
- Daniel, I beat you, now you dishonour me by appearing in my ring
- You do not think I am best in the world?
- Asuka holds up her titles
- And these titles say Asuka is the best
- Your return to the WWE is short lived
- But... maybe I can think of a challenge for you to redeem yourself 
- Asuka leaves
- Daniel Bryan remains in the ring looking at the crowd, wondering what the challenge could be

- This angle got the crowd hotter
- This angle got the show off to a strong start

(rating: 86)

IC Title: Mustafa Ali vs. Theory (c)
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Theory defeated Mustafa Ali in 14:36 by pinfall with a Standing Moonsault. Theory makes defence number three of the WWE Intercontinental title.

- AJ Styles was on commentry
- AJ talked about how Theory had an excited future ahead of him, but lacked direction and respect
- AJ was asked about Logan Paul, Riddle and Theory's comments that AJ was 'past it' 
- Styles said he'd out perform any of those three in a 1v1
- Styles went on to say the Intercontinental title is one of the few titles he's never won

- The announcing quality lifted the match
- Highlighting the speed and chained moves of both Mustafa Ali and Theory
- This match got the crowd buzzing
- Both wrestlers tried their best to steal the show

(rating: 70)

Wasted Career
- After the match IC Champion Theory remained in the ring and tauned AJ Styles
- He patted the IC championship and took his pulse, I can still go, Styles! 
- Logan Paul and Riddle appeared at the entrance
- Logan Paul said AJ Styles had the best seats in the house to witness one of the future backbones of the WWE
- Logan Paul turned his attention to the crowd
- All of you sitting on your asses know its true, you're jealous of the reality
- We're naturally gifted, we're at a level most of you can't even dream of, and here we are without even trying
- I was a youtuber - completed it. Boxing? Completed it. WWE... Completing it

- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 72)

Raquel Rodriguez vs. Paige
In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Raquel Rodriguez defeated Paige in 9:44 by pinfall with a Tequila Shot after a distraction from Allie.

- Allie emerged from the crowd, dressed as a playboy bunny with distorted make up

(rating: 56)

Empress Rumble
- Becky Lynch is in the ring
- She wants to talk about The Empress Rumble
- You really think putting me in at Number 1 will stop me, Asuka? 
- I think you're forgetting who you're dealing with... I'm the man
- Man or woman I'll throw them all out, to get my hands on you
- A month of rehab, because of that black mist
- A month of brewing over losing all the gold, because you couldn't beat me without paralyzing me first

(rating: 90)

The Empire
- Aja Kong, Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler (The Empire) make their way to the ring
- Asuka's eyes are locked on Becky Lynch
- Lynch doesn't move from the ring
- BECKY LYNCH IS BRAWLING THEM ALL!
- The Empire can't find a way into the ring as Becky Lynch keeps them back
- Eventually The Empire storm the ring at the same time and outnumber Becky Lynch
- Bayley! Bayley! Bayley runs down to join Becky Lynch!

(rating: 68)

Outnumbered
- Becky and Bayley do their best to fight off The Empire
- But they're outnuymbered 2v3
- Eventually The Empire wear Bayley and Becky down
- Asuka makes her entrance as Rhea Ripley and Aja Kong restrain Bayley and Becky

(rating: 81)

Asuka
- Rhea Ripley holds Becky Lynch up
- Aja Kong holds Bayley up
- Asuka is walking and glaring back and forth between Bayley and Becky
- Asuka smiles and black liquid drools from her mouth
- BLACK MIST ATTACK!
- Becky ducks her head just in time
- The black mist hits Rhea Ripley straight in the face!!
- Asuka scrambles to wipe it from Rhea Ripley's face
- The rest of The Empire are calling for the medic team and the trainer
- Becky Lynch and Bayley make their exit
- Rhea Ripley is escorted backstage by the medic team
- It appears as though her legs are getting weaker the further she walks

(rating: 70)

What is your problem?
- Paige is doing an interview backstage
- She wants to know what Allie's problem is

(rating: 67)

Hikaru Shida & Maki Itoh vs. Natalya & Tamina
In a decent match, Hikaru Shida and Maki Itoh defeated Natalya & Tamina in 13:24 when Hikaru Shida pinned Tamina with a Tamashii no Three Count.

Tamina was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

Retribution
- Asuka marches into the ring, Maki Itoh and Hikaru Shida cut their celebrations short and quickly exit
- Asuka is furious
- Bayley you will pay the price for Becky Lynch's mistake
- I need blood, I need retribution for what happened to Rhea Ripley
- Becky Lynch and Bayley make a joint enterance
- Becky wonders if Asuka is too scared to challenge her
- Bayley says what happened to Rhea Ripley was Asuka's own doing
- Becky tells Asuka that title or no title, she will face Asuka soon enough

(rating: 90)

Bait
- Asuka challenges Bayley again
- Why should I fight you now? I have nothing to gain
- Asuka takes off the WWE Women's World Title and places it on the floor in the middle of the ring
- Asuka says does this not entice you a little? Or is my fury too much for you?

(rating: 85)

WWE Women's World Title: Bayley vs. Asuka (c)
In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Asuka defeated Bayley in 23:28 by pinfall with a Spin Kick. Asuka makes defence number two of the WWE Women's title.

- Becky Lynch joined the commentry team
- Becky Lynch was pretty weak at the announcing desk
- Bayley seemed off her game

(rating: 81)

Off The Air
- As Smackdown goes off the air Asuka holds her titles high, while looking at Becky Lynch

(rating: 73)

Overall Rating: 82

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WWE RAW
Monday, Week 4 January 2023

LIVE FROM STORMONT VAIL EVENTS CENTER (7,259)

Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, Michael Cole & Pat McAfee

A Firing
- The show opens with Stephanie McMahon in the ring
- The WWE Board of Directors have made a difficult a decision
- She would like to invite Asuka to the ring
- Asuka's music plays as she makes her way to the ring, showcasing the WWE Women's World Title and the WWE Undisputed Title
- Asuka circles around Stephanie McMahon
- Asuka, after your actions on WWE Smackdown last week, the WWE Board of Directors have been left with the no choice but to strip you of the WWE Women's World Title and the WWE Undisputed Title... and terminate your contract
- Asuka stops dead in her tracks, face-to-face with Stephanie McMahon
- Asuka, you left us with no choice, we warned you if you used that black mist again and endangered the long-term health of one of our WWE Superstars, we would have to fire you...

- Stephanie McMahon did a masterful job of improvising
- This angle got the crowd hotter
- This angle got the show off to a strong start

(rating: 85)

Fire an Empress?
- Asuka remains face-to-face with Stephanie McMahon and raises her titles high
- You think you can 'terminate' an Empress?
- Asuka laughs
- Stephanie McMahon tells Asuka there was no other option and requests she hand over the WWE titles
- Asuka lowers the titles and holds them out towards Stephanie McMahon
- Stephanie McMahon attempts to take them but Asuka's grip is iron like and can't be broken
- Asuka smiles, tilting her head to one side as black ooze comes from her mouth
- Stephanie McMahon scrambles backwards in fear

- The performance of Asuka was good
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 75)

A Request
- Slap, Slap, Slap Pound Up Down Snap
- Becky Lynch makes her way to the ring
- Asuka spins as if to confront her
- Becky slides in and helps Stephanie McMahon to her feet
- Steph, Steph, am begging ya, please, don't fire Asuka... I need to fight her
- Asuka remains smiling, her eyes locked on Stephanie McMahon and Becky Lynch
- Stephanie McMahon tells Becky that the decision has already been made
- Becky says all she thought about during her recovery, the one thing that motivated her more than anything else, was the feeling of getting back in the ring to kick Asuka's arse
- Asuka couldn't beat me, Asuka CANNOT beat me, without that bloody black mist
- Asuka laughs
- Laugh all you want sunshine, but you know it and I know it, you had to damn well paralyze me to pin me at Clash of Champions
- Can you do it without the black mist?
- Stephanie McMahon is speaking, OK, I'll speak to the WWE Board of Directors and see if we can reach a compromise
- Stephanie McMahon is stand in the middle of Asuka and Becky Lynch

(rating: 88)

WWE Cruiserweight Title: Angel Garza vs. Ultimo Ninja vs. Ultimo Dragon vs. Ricochet (c)
In a decent match, Ricochet defeated Ultimo Ninja, Ultimo Dragon and Angel Garza in 9:46 when Ricochet pinned Ultimo Ninja with a 630° Splash. Ricochet makes defence number one of the WWE Cruiserweight title. 

Ultimo Dragon was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

- Ricochet and Angel Garza seemed to take it personally to 'steal the show' in this one
- Angel Garza and Ultimo Ninja worked together for most of the 4-Way
- Ultimo Dragon was really off his game
- Ricochet benefitted from having a hot new move
- This match got the crowd buzzing

(rating: 67)

Banger after Banger
- Sheamus, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley are sitting backstage drinking together, having watched the Cruiserweight match on a big screen
- Sheamus: Y'know, I wish I could fly around the ring like that
- Drew: You daft, big lad, you starting flying around the ring like that and people are going to think there's a big old ginger UFO invading
- Lashley: People like us aren't meant to fly, we're meant to brawl and slap... which I've shown already to be the best at
- Sheamus and Drew spit their beer out
- WHAT?!
- Drew: Early days there, Bobby, man, don't go out and by yourself a wee cup just yet
- Lashley: I need to show you again?
- Lashley stands up and knocks over Drew and Sheamus' beers as he walks away
- Drew and Sheamus watch him leave
- Drew: He knocked your beer over
- Sheamus: and yours
- Drew and Sheamus look at each other

- Bobby Lashley looked good
- Sheamus used subtle mannerisms to hint at a future face turn

(rating: 86)

Wheeling
- The camera follows Bobby Lashley walking backstage, but stops to focus on Mace pushing Omos through the corridor in a wheelchair
- Omos' leg is still in a cast from Shelton Benjamin and Cedric's attack two weks ago

(rating: 58)

Believe me, Truth
- The camera is back on Bobby Lashley again then stops as it catches R-Truth and Eliza in a discussion
- Truth doesn't look happy
- You clownin' me? Joe Gacy is the best thing to ever happen to me, I'm winning again
- He can't be trusted, Truth. Gacy isn't what he seems, he's corrupting people
- Truth slaps Eliza around the face
- For the first time in over a decade Truth looks very pissed off and angry as he walks away from a stunned Eliza

(rating: 57)

Open Challenge
- Bobby Lashley is in the ring
- He throws out an open challenge to any big man in the WWE who thinks they can last 10 minutes in the ring
- Damian Priest's music plays
- It's banging time

(rating: 72)

Bobby Lashley vs. Damian Priest
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Bobby Lashley defeated Damian Priest in 10:26 by submission with The Hurt Lock.

- A wild brawl of a match
- Bobby Lashley the better performer

(rating: 64)

Back from Break
- Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander are in the ring
- They're calling out WWE US Champion, Omos
- Shelton says there's no way Omos can defend his title with a broken leg
- Just like last week they said last week, they want Omos to come out here and hand over to the title
- Cedric says the message musn't have reached Omos' big dumb head yet
- Cedric mocks Omos giant frame
- Omos' music plays as MACE pushes the wheelchair down towards the ring
- Omos struggles to leave the chair and get into the ring with his broken leg

(rating: 57)

Handing over of the WWE US Title
- Shelton mockingly applauds Omos 
- It's time for a new WWE US champion, one that isn't a big old dumb giant
- Omos looks sad
- You know, Shelton, I really don't like it when people call me dumb
- People have always treat me differently because I'm tall, they think I'm slow
- "THEY. THINK. I. AM. SLOW!" Cedric mocks Omos and walks like a robot
- Shelton and Cedric are laughing... and don't notice...
- Omos splits his cast in two... was it fake all along?!
- Omos says, But I was smart enough to fool you two
- Shelton and Cedric turn to face Omos

(rating: 52)

Omos Rises
- Omos and MACE attack Cedric who was too slow to get out of the ring
- Shelton Benjamin leaves in a hurry
- Omos hits Cedric with a spinning lariat
- Shelton looks scared
- Omos points to the the US title, you want this? Fight me at Royal Rumble!

(rating: 53)

Back from Break
- Cody Rhodes' music plays
- He's so pleased to be back IN the ring again
- He says he's keen to make up for lost time and work out the ring rust
- He felt like his career might not recover from his injury
- The Empress Rumble is the perfect chance to slingshot him back to the top

(rating: 69)

Otis vs. Cody Rhodes
In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Cody Rhodes defeated Otis in 17:47 when Otis was disqualified when Bray Wyatt ran in and attacked Cody Rhodes.

- A storytelling match highlight on Cody Rhodes regain his ring speed against the stronger, more physical Otis
- The longer the match went on the quicker and more confident Cody became
- As the match neared the end the lights went out and a single lantern could be seen at the entrance way held by Bo Wyatt
- Bray Wyatt used the distraction to attack Cody Rhodes from behind

(rating: 67)

Husky Harris can't forget
- Cody Rhodes remains prone inside the ring as Bray and Bo Wyatt stand over him
- The lights are still off and the ring is lit with a single spotlight
- Bray says, a long time ago in another life and body there was a young hopefully man
- One full of dreams floating on Stardust to continue his family legacy, to make his father proud, to make his brother proud, to make his sisters proud
- His name was Husky Harris
- Husky was an innocent soul just looking to be accepted, he knew he wasn't the quickest, or the fittest, or the most attractive man in NXT
- But he was the most willing, the most open, the most eager to learn and to please
- He would do anything his mentor would say
- But his mentor was a cruel man, a man bitter and jealous, not of Husky Harris exactly, but of himself and his own family
- How could this young man mentor someone when he lacked the self-confidence in himself to be who he wanted to be
- He was the son and brother of a WWE legacy
- So he took that pain out on poor Husky and poor Husky took that abuse, even though he could feel his soul turn to ash
- The army tank with a ferrari engine...
- You see, Cody Rhodes, while many may have forgotten poor Husky Harris, Husky Harris has not forgotten
- His pain, his embarrasment, his torment still lives on deep within me
- THE ELIMINATION FROM NXT, THE BODY SHAMING -- YOU CREATED THIS, YOU CREATED THIS
- Your failure opened up a small box that I never knew existed
- Thank you, for your failures

- Bray Wyatt was a real star in this segment
- Bray Wyatt is getting better at his gimmick

(rating: 72)

Backstage
- Logan Paul, Riddle and WWE IC Champion Theory are laughing backstage about something
- They stop as they see Jacob Fatu leave The Bloodlines private suite
- Yo, Fatu my guy, did you hear what AJ said about your family
- Riddle and Theory look at each other as Logan Paul speaks before catching on
- Oh yeah, brah, AJ was like... those Samoans...
- Theory nods
- Am just saying my man, if someone said that about my fa...
- Jacob Fatu raises his hand and walks off
- The camera catches Fatu superkicking some random backstage tech person in anger
- Logan Paul, Theory and Riddle laugh and hi-five each other in between their 'brahs'

- The performance of Logan Paul was fantastic
- Theory performaned poorly in this segment

(rating: 81)

Edge's Challenge
- At the Royal Rumble this Sunday I'm going to end Bill Goldberg's career
- His time is over and I will be the true last hero of the Attitude Era
- You can all boo me, you think I care? 
- You used to cheer me because I fell through tables and jumped off ladders
- But then I grew wise to you all, all you sadists 
- I don't care who it is tonight, I want someone out here so you call witness just what's going to happen to Goldberg
- Edge dumps the mic and leaves

(rating: 68)

J-Pop Time
- Maki Itoh's music begins to play as she does a live performance of her own entrance song
- Its very J-Pop and sickeningly cute
- Hikaru Shida shrugs as she walks down to the ring as her partner

(rating: 50)

Kaitlyn & Naomi vs. Hikaru Shida & Maki Itoh
In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Hikaru Shida and Maki Itoh defeated Kaitlyn and Naomi in 12:45 when Maki Itoh pinned Kaitlyn with a Flying Big Head.

Kaitlyn was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 

This match was part of the 'WWE Women's World Tag Titles' tournament.

- As planned, this match brought the fans back down a little

(rating: 57)

Backstage
- Alex Bliss and Liv Morgan have something to say
- They know that Bray Wyatt is still there for them that they're still part of his family
- They can feel his love... even if he hasn't shown to save them from The Cardinal
- ...even if he is focused on other things
- ... even if he didn't ask them to join him to attack Cody Rhodes...

- The performance of Alexa Bliss was fantastic
- This angle got the crowd hotter

(rating: 57)

Fatu
- Jacob Fatu is in the ring
- AJ STYLES... you run your mouth about The Bloodline? 
- You want to run your ass to this ring, right now, so I can run my foot up it

(rating: 71)

The Bros
- Logan Paul, Theory and Riddle make their way down to the ring before AJ
- ... and takeover at the announcing table?!

(rating: 61)

Jacob Fatu vs. AJ Styles
In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, Jacob Fatu drew with AJ Styles in 20:06 following a double disqualification.

- Having nobody with announcing experience made the match come off badly
- The focus was taken away from the match as the Logan Paul, Riddle and Theory joked and blundered their way through commentry
- Ruining a surprisingly good match

(rating: 46)

Old Man AJ
- Logan Paul, Theory and Riddle continue their attack on AJ Styles

(rating: 71)

Edge vs. Mansoor
In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Edge defeated Mansoor in 12:59 by pinfall with a Spear.

(rating: 53)

You're Next
- Edge tells Goldberg HE'S NEXT

(rating: 74)

Overall Rating: 71

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