offical wwe thread

[Hot Chocolate]

Hahaha, and maybe they’ll make Chuckie T PWG champ

Well he’d be a two time champ as I believe he took it off Ricochet before he left

 

[JoeAwesome]

Well he’d be a two time champ as I believe he took it off Ricochet before he left

 

[famicommander]

And what happens at the first AEW ROH show?

The Briscoes, Rhett Titus, and Josh Woods lose their belts to AEW/NJPW guys. Because of course.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

And what happens at the first AEW ROH show?

The Briscoes, Rhett Titus, and Josh Woods lose their belts to AEW/NJPW guys. Because of course.

With the way Tony is talking during the post presser he basically bought ROH for the library and doesn’t have any plans for it or to run any ROH shows. He’s expecting ROH fans to tune into Dynamite because he believes ROH and AEW fans are one and the same. Which is why Lethal went heel and attacked Gresham to end the show and why FTR vs the Bucks is for both the Triple A & ROH tag titles.

As a ROH fan first I really don’t have any interest in following Gresham as the last champ to Dynamite, I also find it really dumb that with a lot of AEW signed and per appearance AEW wrestlers barely get tv time on Dynamite as is but now all of them plus a few ROH guys can get tv time….in a hour and 40 minute show..

The Supercard show itself was great until bland guy #5 Brian Cage showed up with Tully and two other guys trying to be a replacement for STP minus the charisma and melanin. It wasn’t until the Bucks showed up did things start to go off the rails and commentary began to mention AEW more, the next match of Rhett vs Suzuki pretty much confirmed that yeah those who Tony ain’t signing or doesn’t care for ain’t winning. Much like WWECW ROH has basically met the same fate but with out even a chance.

Joe mentioning that he tried to get WWE to buy ROH and that Tony used that as the main reason to get him to sign says a lot.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

Besides Supercard I am making my way through the last Stardom show, finished night 1 and it was great. Kairi is basically better than she’s ever been and the Japanese crowd almost broke the no vocal cheering rule.

Took a break to watch GCW: For The Culture 3, seeing Rev Pro’s Michael Oku is always nice as was STP vs HitMakerz fka Hit Row. Also haven’t watched a death match in a very long time but the main event featuring Hoodfoot made me kind of a fan.

Now to see if I can find a bootleg of the Impact ppv

 

[famicommander]

FTR isn't that good.

Briscoes vs Kingdom from Final Battle >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Briscoes vs FTR

 

[herb]

Besides Supercard I am making my way through the last Stardom show, finished night 1 and it was great. Kairi is basically better than she’s ever been and the Japanese crowd almost broke the no vocal cheering rule.

Took a break to watch GCW: For The Culture 3, seeing Rev Pro’s Michael Oku is always nice as was STP vs HitMakerz fka Hit Row. Also haven’t watched a death match in a very long time but the main event featuring Hoodfoot made me kind of a fan.

Now to see if I can find a bootleg of the Impact ppv

Hoodfoot is the shit. Fast rising guy r n. Also check out gcw bloodsport

 

[Hot Chocolate]

FTR isn't that good.

Briscoes vs Kingdom from Final Battle >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Briscoes vs FTR

i look forward to Briscoes vs OGKD again in Impact since Tony for some reason won’t sign the Kingdom and basically anyone that signed to ROH when Tony stopped watching aka when the “elite” left and Warner said no to the Briscoes despite them making amends a decade ago while Tony pushes some wrestlers who continue to be problematic.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

Hoodfoot is the shit. Fast rising guy r n. Also check out gcw bloodsport

I watch the matches that get put on NJPW World, have they improved the camera work cause it gets hard to see sometimes

 

[herb]

I watch the matches that get put on NJPW World, have they improved the camera work cause it gets hard to see sometimes

GCW is on NJPW world?

 

[famicommander]

i look forward to Briscoes vs OGKD again in Impact since Tony for some reason won’t sign the Kingdom and basically anyone that signed to ROH when Tony stopped watching aka when the “elite” left and Warner said no to the Briscoes despite them making amends a decade ago while Tony pushes some wrestlers who continue to be problematic.

Impact is just as bad as AEW, though. Maybe worse. Same philosophy, less money.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

GCW is on NJPW world?

Only matches that involve NJPW wrestlers, this is how segments from Impact and AEW gets on there

 

[Hot Chocolate]

Impact is just as bad as AEW, though. Maybe worse. Same philosophy, less money.

I disagree, the wrestlers worth watching for me at least get to be on Impact week to week without disappearing, at AEW they’re regulated to jobbing on Dark, Rampage or not seen for months and I don’t even watch Impact that much.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

Stand & Deliver was fun but it being so early makes it feel like it got lost in a crowded three day wrestling weekend

 

[famicommander]

I disagree, the wrestlers worth watching for me at least get to be on Impact week to week without disappearing, at AEW they’re regulated to jobbing on Dark, Rampage or not seen for months and I don’t even watch Impact that much.

They still book Big Cass, Steve Maclin, Mahabali Shera, Rich Swann, PCO (of all the ROH dudes to bring, him?), Matt Cardona, Cody Deaner, Madman Fulton, the joke the Good Brothers have become... That's a lot of people that can't work (or just don't want to anymore, like Karl Anderson).

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-2-22 (Night 1)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's real time report).

(1) JIMMY & JEY USO vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA & RICK BOOGS – Smackdown Tag Team Titles match

Boogs played electric guitar on the stage. McAfee danced on the announce desk and gushed about how excited he was. Cole and McAfee wondered how it’d affect Roman Reigns if WrestleMania began with a Bloodline loss. McAfee said Boogs might look like a big meathead, but he’s a smart man. Boogs dropped to a knee while vertical suplexing Uso, then stood and pressed him up before dropping back. Boogs sold a knee injury a minute later when Jimmy leaped onto Jey as Boogs was lifting him. Nakamura took over and set up a Kinshasa,m but charged into a Jey superkick. Jey tagged in Jimmy who landed a top rope splash for a near fall. The followed with the One and Done for the win. They showed medics treating Boogs at ringside and helping him up.

WINNERS: The Usos in 7:00 to retain the Smackdown Tag Team Titles. (**)

(Solid opening. It served its purpose. I’m a fan of easing fans into the event instead of going for a bonkers crazy wild top shelf all-action, emotionally charged opener. But both approaches work fine. I’m not sure if Boogs is legit injured. They did a good job selling it as real if it wasn’t. Everyone, including the Usos afterward, looked concerned for him.)

UPDATE: Cole and McAfee updated the condition of Rick Boogs. They said he suffered a torn quadriceps and a patella injury.

(2) DREW MCINTYRE vs. HAPPY CORBIN (w/Madcap Moss)

Drew went after Corbin aggressively at the bell and clotheslined him to the floor. Corbin took over at ringside and sent Drew into the ringpost. He controlled the action back in the ring. Drew made a comeback. He kipped up and set up a Future Shock DDT, but Corbin blocked it and hit a Deep Six for a two count. A minute later, when Drew signaled for the Claymore, Boss yanked Corbin to the floor. Drew charged at them and flipped over the top rope onto both of them. He gave Madcap Moss an released overhead suplex. He threw Corbin into the ring and then climbed to the top rope. Corbin countered Drew with an End of Days. Cole exclaimed, “This is over!” Drew, though, kicked out. Cole said that’s the first time anyone has kicked out of End of Days. Corbin threw a big fit. Drew came right back with a Future Shock DDT and a Claymore against a distraught Corbin for the win.

WINNER: McIntyre in 8:00. (**1/4)

-After the match, McIntyre grabbed his sword and threatened Moss with it as Moss tried to sneak up on him during his post-match celebration. Moss begged off rather than just jump down from the ring apron. Drew swung the sword down and sliced through the top and middle ropes. That’s it, WrestleMania Saturday is canceled tonight. See everyone tomorrow.

(Basic match, well executed, but it didn’t seem to aspire to be more than a short basic WWE style match.)

(3) MIZ & LOGAN PAUL vs. REY & DOMINIK MYSTERIO

The Raw announce team took over for this match.The Mysterios came out first. Then Logan and Miz came out. Logan wore the most expensive Pokemon card around his neck, as noted by Jimmy Smith. Miz opened against Rey. Logan interfered and helped Miz take early control. Miz tagged Logan in a minute into teh match. He punched Rey in the belly a few times. Logan leapfrogged Rey twice and did the splits. Rey kicked him in the head. Logan tagged out to Miz. Rey tagged in Dominik and they double-teamed Miz. Dominik shot himself over the ropes with a corkscrew dive onto Miz. Logan hit Dominik from behind. Miz took over with stomps. Logan tagged back in and powerslammed Dominik for a two count. It was a nice looking running powerslam. Miz and Logan threw a series of Yes Kicks at Dominik’s chest. Graves began talking about how Logan and Miz have so many more followers than the Mysterios.

Dominik eventually hot-tagged in Rey which got a nice crowd pop. He rallied against Miz and scored a two count after a kick to the jaw. Rey scored a near fall with a small package. He followed with a 619 attempt, but Miz countered with a tornado DDT for a two count. Logan tagged in and suplexed Rey three times. He got a ton of heel heat as he climbed to the top rope and gyrated like Eddie Guerrero before landing a frog splash for a near fall. Dominik made the save, then dove through the ropes at Miz at ringside. Dominik chased Logan into the ring. Rey head scissored him into a 619 position. Rey and Dominik landed the double 619 on Logan. Dominik his a frog splash. Rey hit a frog splash. Mi slammed Dominik onto Rey who had Logan covered. Miz then gave Rey the Skull Crushing Finale for the sudden win.

WINNERS: Miz & Logan in 11:00. (**1/2)

(Good tag match. Logan showed off some good athleticism and didn’t try to do too much. What he did do looked really good. The finishing sequence was clever, making it seem like a feel-good win was imminent.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-2-22 (Night 1)

(4) BECKY LYNCH vs. BIANCA BELAIR – Raw Women’s Title match

Becky made her entrance first with her new haircut and a cool black outfit. Then the Texas Southern University marching band took to the stage to play for Belair as she made her entrance. Belair danced onto the stage in a bright red outfit. Becky glared at her from the ring. Lots of cheers and boos for Becky during ring introductions. Belair smiled and offered a handshake. Becky punched her instead. Belair countered with a KOD attempt. Becky slipped out and chokeslammed Belair for a dramatic near fall. Becky went for a disarm her, but Belair was in the ropes. She instead went for a couple covers and scored a couple two counts. He landed a snap legdrop for another two count. Graves characterized it as an offensive blitz.

Belair came back with some suplexes, but Becky countered with her own and then scored another two count. Belair avoided a top rope moonsault and then applied a Disarm Her on Becky. At ringside, Becky shoved Belair into the ringside steps. Belair fought back and tried to slingshot toward Becky, but Becky kicked her out of mid-air. She then legdropped the back of her head off the ropes for another two count. She applied an armbar mid-ring. Belair flailed and fought it off and leveraged Becky’s shoulders down for a two count. Becky held on. Belair stood. Belair and Becky tumbled over the top rope to the floor.

Smith said Belair wasn’t able to get sustained momentum yet and Becky was tactically superior. Belair suplexed Becky at ringside. Back in the ring, Belair caught Becky’s boot and gave her a gut-buster for a two count. Belair had a swagger as she approached Becky. She landspringed and then went for a powerbomb, but Becky countered into a victory roll. Belair lifted Becky chicken-wing style and slammed her face first. Then she hit a moonsault for a near fall. Becky met Belair on the top rope. They battled for the advantage. Belair lifted Becky onto her shoulders and then leaped off, dropping Becky across the top rope as she fell.

Belair leaped off the second rope with a 450 splash for a near fall. The camerawork here was in tight on Belair which totally undercut the move watching live. The replay showed it from a wider side angle which was much better. Becky snapped Belair’s neck over the top rope as they battle near the apron. Becky kicked Belair and climbed to the top rope. She then somersault kicked Belair in the nose which looked stiff on slo-mo replay, good for a two count. Belair landed a spinebuster a minute later, but Becky lifted her knees to block a moonsault. They continued to counter each other and traded two counts.

Becky gave Belair a Manhandle Slam on the base of the ringside stairs. Belair barely beat the ten count. Becky immediately rolled up Belair for a two count. Belair countered Becky and hit a KOD for the clean win.

WINNER: Belair to capture the Raw Title. (****1/4)

(Excellent match. Becky dominated so much of the action that it felt like it was giving away ultimately a Belair win. The creative counter moves throughout were really well executed. The facial expressions and body language in between moves took the match to another level. It felt like real redemption for Belair, even if Becky came across as being a notch better than her throughout most of the match.) [c]

(5) SETH ROLLINS vs. CODY RHODES

Seth made his ring entrance with a stage full of people singing his song. He stood in the ring for a long pause. He yelled, “Don’t make me wait. Time is money, let’s go!” He yanked off his robe and threw it. Pyro blasted from the ringposts and on the stage. Then the lights went dark. Then the words blasted: “Wrestling has more than one royal family.” Then Cody’s familiar theme song played. They showed fans reacting with shock. To Seth’s credit, he didn’t act surprised, but just intense. WWE is leaning in on his Cody’s neck tattoo with a logo on the video screen that’s based on the tattoo. Cody then rose from the stage. He still has blonde hair. He looked around at the crowd and then smiled. The big screen said, “American Nightmare.” Not a surprise, but no Brandi Rhodes. “This is surreal!” exclaimed Graves. Saxton said he had chills. “From undesirable to undeniable, the prodigal son has returned.” Smith said he was away from WWE for six years and now he is back. A fan held up a sign that said, “All Rhodes lead to Seth.” A loud “Cody!” chant rang out when his music stopped. They circled each other.

They did a leapfrog, duck under, armdrag sequence. Cody then did a cartwheel and waved his arms. Saxton said it was showboating. Graves said it wasn’t showboating, it was shedding skin and “shrugging off the past and signalling a fresh start.” Cody got the better of Seth on another exchange. Fans at ringside chanted “Cody!” briefly. Seth got up and told Cody it was good to see him. He went for a cheapshot. Cody countered and set up a Crossroads. Seth blocked it and went for a Stomp, but Cody moved. Cody and Seth struggled to suplex each other, and then ended up both tumbling over the top rope to the floor.

Cody settled into some matwork. As Seth hung onto the top rope, Cody kicked him between the legs from behind. Seth came back with an enzuigiri. Seth managed a comeback shortly thereafter. Cody clotheslined Seth over the top rope, then dove through the ropes and speared Seth into the announce desk. Seth flipped over it as the three announcers moved. Back in the ring, Rhodes leaped off the top rope with a turning bodypress for a near fall. The move felt a little off.

Seth rolled to the floor. Cody went after him with a leg scissors, but Seth caught him and landed a running bomb into the barricade. Back in the ring Seth landed a superkick and a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Seth signaled for a Stomp, but Cody moved. They went into a series of counters leading to a Cody hitting Crossroads for a dramatic near fall. Cody climbed to the top rope, but Seth knocked him off balance. Seth then executed a top rope inverted suplex into a Dragon Sleeper side slam for a believable near fall. Seth climbed to the top rope and went for a Phoenix Splash, but Cody moved. Cody set up a Pedigree. Seth blocked it and leveraged Cody’s shoulders down. They were going to bridge up but couldn’t. Cody then powerbombed Seth while clutching his ribs. He waited for Seth to stand, then landed a leaping Cody Cutter off the second rope for a dramatic near fall. Seth came back with a Pedigree for another dramatic near fall.

They both eventually stood and exchanged strikes. Seth kicked Cody’s injured ribs. Seth yelled it’s his industry, then front kicked Cody’s face rapid-fire. Then he hit him with a forearm to the back of his head. Cody surprised Seth with another Crossroads. Cody held on and lifted Seth and hit a second one in a row. He held on and lifted Seth for a third, but then let go and went into Dusty’s signature sequence with backfists and a Bionic Elbow. He then hit the final Crossroads for the win.

WINNER: Cody in 22:00. (****1/4)

(Excellent match Cody’s got to be mostly happy with that, even if there might have a spot or two where there was a little sign of rust. I loved him channeling his dad for the winning finishing sequence. The crowd seemed to treat him like a star. It wasn’t clear if it was a mega-star reaction, though. There might be some work to do in that regard.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-2-22 (Night 1)

(6) CHARLOTTE FLAIR vs. RONDA ROUSEY – Smackdown Title match

Rousey came out first. Then Charlotte. Both ring entrances were close to typical. No big costume changes or extra stuff during their ring entrances. Rousey armdragged Charlotte hard. They battle on the ring apron where Rousey kneed Charlotte. Cole said Charlotte has been a step ahead of all of Rousey’s signature moves so far. Rousey and Charlotte battled on the ring apron where Charlotte drove Rousey into the ring apron and then dropped an elbow on her chest. Cole said Charotte’s confidence was starting to grow. Rousey grabbed Charlotte’s leg, but Charlotte leg-whipped Rousey through the ropes to the floor. Charlotte locked on an inverted chinlock. Rousey escaped and hit a kneelift to the forehead that looked great on replay. Rousey landed a tornado faceplant off the second rope for a two count.

Rousey stood and showed some fire, but Charlotte surprised her with a sudden spear for a near fall. Charlotte gave Rousey a back suplex for a two count. Both were down and slow to get up. Charlotte kipped up. She walked over Rousey’s chest and then gathered herself in the corner before climbing to the top rope. She did her usual thing where she does a moonsault, the opponent moves, and she lands on her feet, but then does a standing moonsault. It’s so predictable now, she should drop that spot entirely. This didn’t end well, as her standing moonsault was clunky and she sort of headbutted Rousey. She still leveraged Rousey’s shoulders down for a two count. The announcers covered well. Rousey and Charlotte exchanged chops. Rousey countered a Charlotte bodyslam with a her own pump handle suplex for a two count.

Charlotte hung Rousey upside down in the corner. She then lifted Rousey by her legs as she sat on the top rope. Rousey sat up and stared at a disbelieving Charlotte. Rousey then elbowed Charlotte and arm dragged her to the mat for a two count. Rousey’s chest was full of red marks from the chops. Rousey lifted Charlotte onto her shoulders and hit the Piper’s Pit. SHe set up her signature armbar, but as she looked to the crowd, Charlotte pulled away. Flair kicked Rousey, then leaned back against the bottom rope and smiled as she recharged. She went for a figure-four, but Rousey blocked it and then snap slammed Charlotte for a two count. Rousey lifted Charlotte onto her shoulders again, but Rousey rolled out of it and into an anklelock. Charlotte crawled over toward the bottom rope. Instead she rolled into her own anklelock. Rousey leveraged Charlotte with her legs hard face-first into the bottom turnbuckle.

As the ref checked on Charlotte, Rousey got psyched up. Charlotte countered a Rousey armbar with a slam for another two count. Rousey grabbed Charlotte’s arm. Charlotte fought her off, so Rousey shifted into an ankleock. Charlotte yelled out in pain. She teased tapping for a few seconds, but then kicked Rousey to break free. Rousey yanked Charlotte off the ring apron to the mat at ringside. Charlotte caught a charging Rousey and overhead suplexed her into the barricade. Both were slow to get up.

Rousey landed a Piper’s Pit near the corner. The ref counted to three, but Charlotte’s foot was on the bottom rope so he called off the pin. Rousey complained and said he can’t do that. McAfee congratulated the ref for that. Charlotte caught Rousey with a Natural Selection for a near fall. Charlotte looked emotionally spent as she sat up above Rousey, who was out on her back. Charlotte went for a figure-four, but Rousey kicked her off and shoved Charlotte into the ref Charles Robinson. Rousey got Charlotte to tapout, but the ref was down. Rousey let go and tried desperately to revive the ref. Charlotte gave Rousey a running boot from behind to retain the title.

WINNER: Charlotte in 19:00 to retain the Smackdown Title. (****)

(This wasn’t smooth a lot of the time, but in a way that was oddly compelling because Rousey’s style is so different. Still, it all added up to a dramatic, effective back and forth. The finish was meant to give Charlotte bragging rights for a win, but Rousey two other unofficial wins – a three count in the ropes and the tapout while the ref was down. Overall, a really good performance by both. I wouldn’t say the crowd reacted to Rousey like they were rooting for her passionately. I do think they were intrigued by the match and considered it exciting and were intrigued by who would ultimately win.)

 

[Arcademan]

77,899 fans in attendance tonight...a far cry from the 100,000+ AT&T Stadium can hold.

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-2-22 (Night 1)

-THE KO SHOW: Owens came out first. He pretended he was going to apologize for being mean to Texas, but then made it worse and said Texas is worse than he thought. He said he’s going to bring out his guest when he decides to. He said he’s not done telling them how much he despises him. He said he’s the worst role model in WWE history. He said he’s going to bring him and out tell him to his face how much he sucks. He said Austin won’t do a damn thing about it. The glas broke and Steve Austin walked out wearing his simple black t-shirt with “Austin 316” in white lettering. Austin saluted the crowd from the stage, but then turned and left. Graves wondered what was going on. Owens gloated from a chair in the ring. Saxton said he wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Austin drove out in his ATV. He drove a few laps around the ring. Then he entered the ring and saluted the fans. Austin threw the KO Show signage out of the ring. KO said it isn’t Austin’s show, it’s his show. He told the fans not to encourage him. A loud chant of “Austin! Austin!” broke out. KO told Austin, “Take a seat.” He pointed at the chair. Austin stared toward the hard cam like he couldn’t believe what KO was saying. He then turned to KO and stared a hole in him. KO told Austin to calm down. “I’m not here for a fight, so let’s have a nice chat,” he said. They both sat down. KO welcomed him to The KO Show. Austin didn’t look thrilled.

Austin said, “You wanted to bring me out here for a conversation?” He said he has a stupid haircut, has stupid beady eyes, and looks like a jackass. He said he then ran down the state of Texas and called him “a stupid son of a bitch.” KO said he doesn’t know what’s so great about Texas. He said in the summertime, it’s hotter than hell. The land is flat and uninspiring, unlike Canada. He said the people wear these stupid hats and dumbass boots and stupid belt buckles. He said you can look out and tell everyone who is from Texas based on how dumb they look. KO said they can make it better by taking off the hat and boots and move somewhere else. Owens said he would’ve moved to Mexico.

Austin said he’s about to have 75,000 people calling him an asshole. Owens said, “Don’t be like that. Don’t be the stereotypical rude, crass, impolite Texas.” He said he should be more like him, a distinguished, sophisticated French-Canadian. He said he’s going to move past the insults and be a bigger man. He said he invited him onto the KO Show to have another talk, but that’s a lie. He said he had a good reason. He said he tricked him because he doesn’t want to talk. He said even though he has a bad back right now, he’s looking for a fight. Fans cheered. He challenged him to a match. Austin didn’t break his stare. KO said it’s been 19 years since his last match. He said his knees, back, and neck were shot back then, and they’re worse than that now. He said he has no reason not to accept his challenge. He challenged him to a No Holds Barred match “right here, right now.” Fans cheered and chanted, “Yes!”

KO said it appeared Austin couldn’t even talk. He said he can see in his eyes that he’s telling himself he can’t beat him. He told him to get back on his “golf cart” and go back to his stupid little ranch. Austin continued to look at KO like he was shooting lasers at him. He looked to the crowd. They stood and cheered. Austin said, “I had my first match right here in Dallas, Texas. I could have my last match right here in Dallas, Texas.” Fans cheered. He asked the fans if they want him to compete in a match tonight “against this sack of shit, give me a hell yeah.” The crowd complied. He called for a ref. KO threw the mic aside. A ref ran out. KO stood and threw his chair out of the ring. Austin did the same.

(7) “STONE COLD” STEVE AUSTIN vs. KEVIN OWENS – No Holds Barred

Austin turned his back to Owens in the corner, then turned around. The bell rang. Austin approached KO and jawed at him mid-ring. Austin punched KO. KO fired back. They exchanged punches. Austin pummeled KO in the corner. He stomped him over and over as the crowd counted along. He whipped KO into the corner. KO took a flip bump. Austin called for a can of beer. He caught it and drank from it, then tossed it aside. He stomped away at KO more. He threw KO over the top rope to the floor. He drank another beer. Owens reverse-whipped Austin into the ringside barricade, but Austin fired back with a clothesline. Austin dropped KO over the ringside barricade. He raked his eyes. Fans chanted, “You still got it!”

Owens whipped Austin into the ringpost. Then he used a tripod from the KO Show as a weapon. KO celebrated by imitating Austin’s celebration after a successful move. KO pulled a table out from under the ring and leaned it against the ringside barricade. Austin reverse-whipped KO into the table. Austin threw KO over the barricade and into the crowd. They brawled into the corner. KO suplexed Austin on the floor. Austin came back by tossed KO off the barricade onto the announce desk. Austin stood on the announce desk with two beers in hand. He looked around, then swigged two beers. He mounted KO and punched away at him. He had another beer tossed to him. Graves said he was at risk of getting inebriated. KO snapped Austin’s neck over the top rope, then got on the ATV and tried to figure out how to start it. Austin attacked him from behind. Austin started it and drove up the ramp with KO. He beat him up on the stage. KO tried to fight back. Austin gave him a suplex. Austin poked KO in the eye then suplexed him again.

KO swung a chair at Austin, but Austin ducked and the chair bounced into his own face. Austin then gave KO a Stunner and scored the three count.

WINNER: Austin in 13:00.

-Austin celebrated with more beers in the ring as his music played. KO got back to his feet, but was staggered around. Austin gave him another Stunner. He then kicked him out of the ring where two police officers with cowboy hats dragged him up the ramp. Austin said it was good to back in Dallas, Texas “and that’s the bottom line because Stone Cold said so.” Saxton entered the ring and asked for a beer. Austin gave him one. They toasted. Austin then gave him a Stunner. The music recued up and Austin let out a smile. It was good to see him smile at the end there. Austin’s brother joined him in the ring and they drank one more beer together, then hugged.

Now you can see why they didn’t want to end the show with anything but that segment. Imagine coming out to follow Austin celebrating his unadvertised return match. The match wasn’t pretty, and Austin didn’t look like he was in his physical prime by any means when he was stomping KO in the corner, but he didn’t embarrass himself either. He worked within the parameters of what KO could bump for. I don’t sense this was a set-up for a return match or anything more than this.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-3-22 (Night 2)

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com

(1) RK-BRO (Riddle & Randy Orton) vs. THE STREET PROFITS (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) vs. THE ALPHA ACADEMY (Chad Gable & Otis)

As RK-Bro came out, they went to the announcers at ringside. Smith said RK-Bro was “the team that wasn’t supposed to last.” When Gable “shoosh’d” everyone, Ford slapped him. A brawl broke out. Otis cleared the ring. Ford did a leaping flip dive onto a crowd at ringside, and then landed on his feet. Gable climbed to the top rope next and landed a moonsault onto a crowd at ringside. Otis took control against Riddle in the ring. Ford re-entered the ring eventually. Dawkins tagged in. Riddle knocked Otis out of the ring, then gave a GTS to Dawkins. Riddle crawled and hot-tagged in Orton for a big pop. He landed a powerslam on Ford and then played to the crowd. Ford yanked Orton to ringside and tried to ram him into the announce desk, but Orton blocked it and slammed him on the desk. He did the same to Gable. Orton rolled back into the ring. Orton and Riddle gave stereo draping DDTs to Dawkins and Ford. They signaled for RKOs, but Otis and Gable yanked them out of the ring.

Otis lifted Ford onto his shoulders. Gable then leaped off the top rope with a bulldog for a near fall. Ford landed on his feet after an Otis catapult. The Profits then gave a top rope blockbuster combo to Gable for a near fall. Chaos broke out. Ford climbed to the top rope, but Riddle gave him an RKO off the top rope. “You have got to be kidding me!” exclaimed Graves. Gable leaped off the top rope, but Orton caught him mid-air with an RKO for the win. Orton was bleeding from above his right eye.

WINNERS: RK-Bro in 12:00. (**3/4)

(An energetic crowd-pleasing opening tag match. Essentially a spotfest, but they managed to give every big spot a chance to breathe. How many predicted a break-up between Orton and Riddle before this night or on this night, but it doesn’t feel like a tag team partnership that should end anytime soon.)

-Riddle and Orton hugged during their celebration. The Profits entered with red Solo cups for themselves and Orton and Riddle. They called Gable Stevenson into the ring. He stood on the ring apron to a polite reaction. They gave him a red Solo cup, also. Gable entered and slapped the cup away. Steveson yanked off his shirt and stared down Gable. As Chad began to talk, Steveson yanked the mic away from him. Chad yanked it back. He told Steveson he’s new and has a lot to learn. He told him to shoosh when he’s in his presence. Steveson gave Chad a bearhug into an overhead suplex. Steveson eyed the hard camera afterward as the announcers gushed about him. He then joined the Profits and RK-Bro at ringside for the red Solo cup toast the Chad interrupted.

(2) OMOS vs. BOBBY LASHLEY

Omos came out first. Then a video recap aired of the set-up for this match. Lashley then made his entrance. He was without MVP and he played to the crowd. Lashley went for a kick right after the bell, but Omos swatted him away. He got in a few blows on Lashley. Lashley’s comeback attempt was thwarted right away. He clawed Lashley’s face with two hands. Lashley powered the arms off of his face. “Oh my god!” exclaimed Graves. Omos then knocked Lashley down with a forearm to his chest. Lashley got up and slapped him. Omos fired back with Diesel-style elbows in the corner. Lashley avoided a charging Omos and then hit him with a forearm. Lashley rolled to the floor and was nearly counted out. Lashley got up and clotheslined Omos on the ring apron. He leaped off the second rope, but Omos caught him and lifted him onto his shoulders. He lifted and dropped him to the mat.

Omos lifted Lashley into a bearhug and then rammed Lashley in the corner turnbuckles. Lashley faded, but eventually broke free. He landed a running forearm and then managed to suplex Omos. He stood and played to the crowd, pumping his arms. He then speared Omos from behind and then another spear from the front for the clean win.

WINNER: Lashley in 7:00. (*1/4)

(Omos is very limited, but they got the most out of what he can do with a pretty dramatic battle between two powerful opponents. It wasn’t obvious to me who they’d give the win to, and this is a big endorsement of Lashley and indicates plans for him in main events for the rest of the year. I’m curious what this portends for Omos going forward.)

(3) SAMI ZAYN vs. JOHNNY KNOXVILLE

Sami came out first. Knoxville came out second, wearing a white cape and full red and white body suit with a cape. Sami charged and nailed him at the bell in the face with a Helluva kick. Sami threw Knoxville around ringside and then taunted his Jackass buddies in the front row. He shoved one of them. Knoxville sprayed Sami with a fire extinguisher. He then pulled a garbage can with crutches in it out from under the ring. Sami recovered and kicked Knoxville and threw him into the ring. Sami limped around on the crutch, then bashed Knoxville with it. Cole cited Fred Sanford “for those of you from the ’70s.” McAfee said, “Nobody’s from the ’70s watching this.” (That’s like 60 percent of WWE’s current demographic!) Sami reached under the ring, but pulled his hand out and acted like he was hurt. He pulled up the ring apron and there was a table covered in mouse traps. He told Knoxville he was crazy for putting that under the ring. He set up the table at ringside, the re-entered the ring. Knoxville bashed Sami on his ears with two trash can lids, using them like cymbals.

Knoxville propped a table in the corner and then tried to suplex Sami. Sami blocked it and gave Knoxville an exploder through the table. When Sami charged Knoxville, Knoxville held up an air horn and stopped him. One of Knoxville’s crew, “Party Boy,”
entered the ring and shoved Sami while dancing around. He stripped off his shirt and pants. Knoxville said he’s seen most of that guys bodyparts than any other man, and he has been in a lot of locker rooms. Sami threw him out of the ring. Knoxville rolled up Sami from behind for a near fall. Sami took Johnny down with a forearm, then stomped away at “Naked Boy” (“Party Boy”) at ringside. Another Knoxville crew guy, “We Man,” attacked Sami. He’s a little person. He bodyslammed Sami. “Are you kidding me?!” exclaimed an excited Cole. Knoxville gave Sami a tornado DDT for a two count. “We Man” pulled a metal stand with an attached lower leg prosthetic. Sami fought off Knoxville, then gave We Man a kick to the head. Fans booed.

Sami climbed to the top rope, but Knoxville set off pyro from the ringpost. Sami fell down in the corner. Knoxville then bowled a bowling ball into Sami’s spread legs. “That was a ballsy move by Knoxville!” said Cole. Knoxville then used that contraption to kick Sami between his legs. At ringside, Sami tried to run, but then he walked into a gigantic hand that Knoxville swung into his face. Back in the ring, Sami suplexed Knoxville. Cole said Sami might be done playing games. Sami climbed to the top rope. Knoxville zapped him in the balls area. Cole said he won’t be able to have kids after tonight. Knoxville then slammed Sami onto the table full of mouse traps at ringside. The Jackass crew pulled a gigantic human-sized mouse trap out from under the ring and then slid it into the ring. Knoxville zapped Sami again. Sami landed on his back on the mouse trap. Knoxville set off the trap. It didn’t work at first when he pulled a string and the string broke, but Knoxville set off the trap manually and it snapped onto Sami’s chest. He then scored a three count.

WINNER: Knoxville in 15:00.

(That was rather excruciating, but that was the point. I can’t believe the mouse trap prop broke when Knoxville tried to trigger it. Of all things to go wrong. The crowd seemed to eat it up, I think. If you haven’t watched the “Jackass” movies, this likely felt like unwelcome sideshow of slapstick zaniness. But Knoxville played his part well and Sami was a delightful foil and spot on with his tone and mannerisms throughout. One might call it stupid fun.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-3-22 (Night 2)

(4) CARMELLA & QUEEN ZELINA vs. NAOMI & SASHA BANKS vs. LIV MORGAN & RHEA RIPLEY – Women’s Tag Team Title match

This played out as you’d expect with everyone taking turns in the ring for brief flurries and hig spots. Sasha did a moonsault press off the second rope not Ripley at ringside. The landing was pretty rough. Sasha then tagged in officially. They set up dual tower of doom spots out of each corner. Everyone was down and slow to get up. Natalya went for a Hart Attack finisher on Naoi,m but Zelina at ringside yanked Natalya by her legs to stop her mid-stride. Carmella then superkicked Naomi for a near fall. They cut to Graves reacting with dismay. Sasha landed a frog splash on Carmella a minute later for a convincing near fall. She applied a Bank Statement. Zelina yanked Carmella to safety at ringside. Sasha landed a Meteora on Zelina at ringside. Back in the ring, Naomi tagged in and kicked Carmella in the head. Naomi and Sasha executed a double-team finisher for the win.

WINNERS: Sasha & Naomi in 11:00 to capture the Women’s Tag Team Titles. (*3/4) [c]

(5) A.J. STYLES vs. EDGE

Styles came out bleeding from his right cheek. What the heck? Graves said they’re try to get more information on what happened to his face before the match. Was it caused by the pyro? A few minutes in, Styles ran the ring apron and nailed Edge on the chin with his knee. He then rammed Edge into the ringside steps. When Styles went for a springboard 450 splash, Edge lifted his knees. Edge controlled the action for a few minutes of methodical action. Graves called them two of the greatest era-defining Superstars ever. Styles slid at Edge in the corner, but Edge moved and Styles crashed into the corner. Edge went for a suplex, but Styles blocked it and suplexed Edge into the turnbuckles. Both were slow to get up. Edge gave Styles a shoulder-breaker. Styles went for a Pelé, but Edge moved. Styles set up a Styles Clash, but Edge blocked it and then applied an STF. Styles put his boot over the bottom rope to force a break. Styles caught Edge with a DDT a minute later, but both were down and slow to get up. Styles scored a near fall on a torture rack into a released powerbomb.

They eventually stood and exchanged strikes. Styles landed a Pelé kick into a Calf Crusher. Edge countered with a LeBell Lock. Edge dropped Styles across the top rope and then turned and powerbombed him to the mat for a near fall. Edge climbed to the top rope, but Styles knocked him off balance. Styles suplexed Edge off the top rope onto the ring apron. Both tumbled all the way to the floor. The ref began counting. Styles landed a 450 splash onto the back of Edge a minute later and scored a two count. Styles signaled for a Phenomenal Forearm, then went for it, but Edge ducked. Edge went for a spear, but Styles leapfrogged him. Styles then gave Edge a Styles Clash for a near fall. Styles signaled for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Damien Priest suddenly was standing at ringside. Styles was briefly DISTRACTED. Then when he springboarded at Edge, Edge speared him out of mid-air and got the three count.

WINNER: Edge in 24:00. (***1/4)

( I think some are going to think I’m underrating this by a lot, but it just never really felt like it left second gear. It came across as needlessly long at 24 minutes, an attempt to have an epic match without the juice to justify it. For long stretches it was methodical and laborious and just not that exciting.)

(6) SHEAMUS & RIDGE HOLLAND (w/Butch) vs. NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)

They brawled before the bell. Kofi hit a Trouble in Paradise at the bell and made the cover on Holland. Sheamus yanked Kofi out of the ring. Xavier swing kicked Sheamus and Butch. Kofi officially tagged Woods in. Woods dropped his straps and flexed, then charged at Holland with a sitting DDT. Kofi leaped off the ringside steps at Sheamus, but Sheamus kicked him out of mid-air. Xavier kicked Holland in the ring, but as the Butch distracted the ref, Sheamus snuck in and gave Xavier a Brogue Kick. Holland then gave Xavier his Northern Grit finisher for the win.

WINNERS: Holland & Sheamus in 2:00.

(There wasn’t a lot to that, and that certainly seemed like something they could have wedged into last night’s show.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-3-22 (Night 2)

(7) AUSTIN THEORY vs. PAT MCAFEE

Vince McMahon’s music played and he swaggered to the ring. He introduced Theory. Cole said he’s the man who “created sports entertainment.” Theory’s ring entrance includes augmented reality images of the selfies he has taken floating above the entrance ramp. Theory took a selfie of himself with Vince in the ring. Vince was into it. Then McAfee made his entrance, accompanied by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. He came out to “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. Cole said McAfee was pumped and living his dream. McAfee punted a football deep into the crowd.

McAfee got in a few spirited punches at the start, but Theory took over shortly thereafter. He whipped McAFee across the ring, but McAfee avoided a charging Theory and then landed a flying elbow. He played to the crowd and then took Theory down with a huracanrana for a two count. They cut to McMahon reactions at ringside. Cole was cheerleading McAfee. Theory recovered and gave McAfee a backbreaker. He mounted him and punched away at him. He looked down at McMahon before suplexing McAfee. He jogged around the ring and flexed. McMahon smiled and nodded. Cole said McAfee is beginning to understand this is reality and it’s difficult. McAfee reversed a Theory suplex attempt. Theory rolled to the ring apron and sold the suplex more than any suplex has been sold in years. McAfee knocked Theory off the ring apron into the announce desk near McMahon. McAfee put on his headset and began calling his own match. He mentioned his parents and said they’re watching him beat up a douche bag. He slammed Theory’s head into the desk a few times, then threw him back into the ring. They showed McMahon looking displeased.

McAfee climbed to the top rope. Cole said he’s one of his best friends in the world, but he’s off his knocker. McAfee leaped off the top rope with a Swanton attmept. Theory moved. McMahon smiled. Theory gave McAfee a released back suplex for a two count. McAfee knocked Theory off the top rope and set up a superplex. Theory blocked it and shoved McAfee. McAfee landed on his feet after flipping over. McAfee then leaped to the top rope and superplexed Theory. That was impressive. The crowd popped; some were on their feet, jumping up and down. Theory draped his arm over Theory’s chest for a two count. Saxton said he thought McAfee was going to win.

McAfee stood and let out a big yell as he waited for Theory to stand. He went for a punt kick, but Theory avoided it and then swept McAfee to the mat. He looked down at McMahon and nodded encouragement. Theory trash-talked McAfee, but McAfee slapped him. Theory punched him and then set up the ATL, but McAfee slipped free and rolled up Theory for the three count. A breathless Cole said he couldn’t believe it. The crowd went bonkers.

WINNER: McAfee in 10:00.

-As McAfee celebrated, McMahon walked over to Theory and expressed disappointment to him. He scolded him. McAfee taunted McMahon. Cole told him to be careful. McMahon teased taking off his jacket, but then smiled and began to walk away. McMahon then did take off his jacket and removed his tie. He unbuttoned his sleeves. McAfee waved him into the ring. Then he yanked off his shirt and he had a black sleeveless shirt underneath. He crowd popped. He entered the ring. Cole asked, “Why in the hell is there an official in the ring?” McMahon stared down McAfee. Theory then attacked McAfee from behind. McMahon strutted. The ref called for a bell.

(8) VINCE MCMAHON vs. PAT MCAFEE

McMahon clotheslined McAfee as he charged at him. McAfee took a hard bump. McMahon threw McAfee into the corner turnbuckle. Cole said McMahon was jacked. He told Saxton he looked better than him. Saxton didn’t disagree. McMahon threw another clothesline. They were awful looking. Fans chanted, “You still got it!” McMahon threw McAfee into the turnbuckle again. Then he wiped his hands. Theory was smiling at ringside. McAfee stood and turned to look at McMahon and pointed at him. McMahon gulped. Theory tripped McAfee from behind and yanked his legs so he crotched the ringpost. McMahon smiled and strutted some more. McMahon taunted McAfee with soft Orange Cassidy-style kicks. McAfee brought a football to McMahon. McMahon pretended he was going to punt the football, but stopped. That could’ve been hilarious. He then kicked the football into the ribs of McAfee and covered him. The ref counted to three.

WINNER: McMahon in 4:00.

(Well, then. Was McMahon inspired by Steve Austin’s performance last night? McAfee did what he could to make that passable action, but nobody was holding McMahon to usual standards, of course. McMahon hammed it up.)

-McMahon encouraged Theory to celebrate. Theory went to each of the corners and stood on the second rope and saluted the booing fans. Theory asked for a hug. McMahon extended his arms and hugged him. Cole said it was one of the most despicable things he’s ever witnessed. McMahon then raised Theory’s arms. Suddenly the glass broke and out came “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The crowd went absolutely bonkers. Cole could barely speak. Saxton said it’s 1999 all over again. Austin entered and got in McMahon’s face. McMahon looked around and then had a few words for Austin. Theory went after Austin, but Austin gave him a Stunner. Theory took a six foot high bump off the stunner. Austin then eyed McMahon. “Come on, Mr. McMahon! Flex your muscles now,” said Cole.

McMahon looked nervous and tried to talk Austin out of doing anything to him. He called for a beer. Austin caught two cans. He handed McMahon one. Cole wondered if they’d let bygones be bygones after all these years. McMahon opened his can and took a sip. He smiled. Austin smiled and laughed. McMahon asked for a toast. They toasted and swigged beer. Austin went for a Stunner, but McMahon bumped early and dropped to his knees too soon. Then he staggered backwards and into the ropes. Austin then grabbed him again and hit the Stunner as McMahon fell backwards. That was hilariously awful, but totally on brand for McMahon. Austin celebrated and reacted to how awful Vince’s bump was, then stomped McMahon a few times until McMahon fell out of the ring. Austin invited McAfee into the ring. They drank beers together as Austin’s music played again. Cole said McAfee has wanted to drink beers with McAfee his whole life. Austin then gave McAfee a stunner. Austin laughed and seemed to be having the time of his life as he saluted the crowd from the corners. They cut to McAfee on his back and he poured beer into his mouth to try to revive himself. Austin made his way to the stage, saluted the fans again, and then returned to the back.

(That whole thing was a ton of fun. I’m not sure how prudent it was for McMahon to be doing anything physical. He is so athletically inept, it makes his character more charming overall. Austin appeared to be having the time of his life. I just glad Austin’s finisher isn’t the Styles Clash. Yikes.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE WrestleMania 38 PPV Results: 4-3-22 (Night 2)

(9) ROMAN REIGNS (w/Paul Heyman) vs. BROCK LESNAR

Reigns made his entrance first with Heyman. Then Lesnar came out. The ring announcer Mike Rome introduced it as the biggest WrestleMania main event of all time. Heyman took the mic from him and introduced Reigns. Lesnar smiled and laughed. As Rome began introducing Lesnar, Lesnar yanked the mic away and introduced himself with vigor. Cole said, “This is the biggest fight feel!” Graves joined Cole on the call of this Raw vs. Smackdown match. The bell rang 32 minutes into the fourth hour. Lesnar laughed. Reigns looked stern and serious. Lesnar removed his gloves and threw them out of the ring. “Bare knuckle time,” said Cole. Cole said Brock looked looser than Reigns. Lesnar took early control. He lifted Reigns and drove him hard into the corner. Lesnar clotheslined Reigns over the top rope to the floor. Lesnar then walked over toward Heyman. Heyman yelled, “Oh my God! Wait a second! Wait a second! I love you! I love you! Please take me back. It was all Roman’s idea. It was never my idea. I love you!” Reigns then speared Lesnar through the ringside barricade. Reigns returned to the ring, favoring his left arm. Lesnar was gasping for breath and struggling to stand as the ref reached a count of five. Lesnar made it back at nine.

When Lesnar stood, Reigns speared him for a near fall. Reigns waited for Lesnar to stand, then connected with a Superman Punch. Reigns hit a second Superman Punch, then verbally boasted about being the greatest of all time. Lesnar stood, but was actually smiling. He grabbed a charging Reigns and gave him a German suplex. And another. Reigns gasped and tried to leave the ring, but Lesnar gave him a third and fourth and fifth German suplex at 6:00. Cole said Lesnar seems to be getting stronger. Graves said he’s just getting warmed up. Reigns slipped out of an F5 attempt and shoved Lesnar into the turnbuckles. Then he dropped Lesnar with another Superman Punch. Reigns set up for a Spear. He let out the yell. As he charged, Lesnar picked up him and delivered an F5. Graves said, “That’s gotta do it!” Reigns kicked out. They cut to a reaction shot of the crowd.

Lesnar lifted Reigns for another F5, but Reigns raked his eyes. Reigns then speared Lesnar into the ref in the corner, the hit a low-blow. Heyman handed Reigns the Universal Title belt. He hit Lesnar in the skull with it for a near fall. Reigns yelled to the crowd that he’s the best and number one. He then looked over at Lesnar who was still on the mat, suffering from the low blow and belt shot. Reigns leaped onto Brock’s back and tried to drive him into the mat. It looked weird. Graves said it might’ve been an attempted spear to the back like Lashley did earlier. Reigns then speared Lesnar, but Lesnar countered immediately with Kimura lock. Reigns yelled in agony and reached for the bottom rope. He eventually grabbed the rope. Lesnar released the hold. Heyman gave Reigns his best pep talk. “My Tribal Chief, this is your moment,” he said with a tone of desperation. Reigns said his arm was out of socket. Reigns caught Lesnar with another sudden spear for the three count. Cole said he was in absolute shock over the sudden way Reigns just beat Lesnar. Lesnar remained on his back as Reigns celebrated.

They replayed Reigns reaching the bottom rope to break the Kimura lock, and they noted that Heyman pushed the rope toward Reigns’s hand. Cole said he didn’t see that the first time. As Heyman presented Reigns with both belts, Lesnar sat up and looked at Reigns as he raised both belts above his head. Fans booed as the event ended.

WINNER: Reigns in 13:00 to retain the Universal Title and win the WWE Title. (****)

(That finish did seem to come out nowhere. It was a dramatic match that had an epic feel. It didn’t amount to an all-time classic, but the story it told was done really effectively and felt like a really big deal every minute of the way. Heyman was tremendous in his role, too. Will the story be Lesnar was just too happy-to-lucky and it made him a little soft.)

 

[famicommander]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1510817216354205700

Tony Khan will have a still-active Sting and Chris Jericho do an "homage" to this in 15 years