Wednesday 31 August 2016

Raw August 29th 2016

Raw

Holy shit. This has got to have one of the best endings to an episode of Raw for a long time. Let's start though, from the beginning. 

Fatal 4 Way Panel 

At the start of the show, all four members of the Fatal 4 Way main event were sitting in the ring with Corey Graves who was asking them questions. Whilst answering Seth Rollins revealed to those who didn't see on Snapchat that the main event would be under elimination rules. After some roasting, and a great speech from Kevin Owens, a brawl ensued with the four superstars in the ring. The brawl left Roman Reigns standing and hopefully that doesn't foreshadow the ending of the main event. 

Chris Jericho defeated Neville

After Neville lost his spot in the main event to Kevin Owens because of an interference from Chris Jericho, Neville wanted revenge. It didn't go to plan though as Neville attempted a Frankenstiener, but Jericho caught him and reversed it in to the Walls Of Jericho, forcing Neville to tap out. I'm a bigger fan of Jericho and I was honestly expecting him to lose this so it was a pleasant surprise, however I think he's too old for him to get any major push. I think this win was a one time thing. 

Nia Jax defeated Local Talent

Another squash match for Nia, I think I've talked about how old these are getting so I'll leave with that. 

Sami Zayn defeated Jinder Mahal

He beat him with the Heluva Kick but like...ugh. When Jinder Mahal came back I was hoping he;d actually do something and not be like last time, but unfortunately he's had like two legit matches and been a jobber in both of them. I'm very disappointed with this. 

The New Day and Bayley defeated Gallows and Anderson and Dana Brooke

After hitting Dana Brooke with the Bayley to Belly Suplex, Bayley pinned Dana collecting the win for herself and The New Day.In my mind this was really the only logical finish, especially since Gallows and Anderson need to look strong against the New Day still, but Dana Brooke really doesn't anything like that at the moment.

Sheamus defeated Cesaro

I just don't get why Cesaro is already down 2-0. He's in my opinion the better performer and the favourite. Not saying Sheamus is at all bad but Cesaro has lost clean twice in the row to the Celtic Warrior, which isn't good for him. His most recent loss came from tapping out to the Clover Leaf and it was later reported that Cesaro had sustained a back injury during the match, no confirmation on if he'll be out for long or not. 

Braun Strowman defeated Americo

This is a rare time that I remember the name if the victim of the squash match, just because it was that stupid of a name. Same story for Braun Strowmans squash matches as Nia Jax's. They...must...stop. 

Darren Young defeated Titus O'Neil

This ever exciting rivalry continued in this match when Darren Young rolled up Titus to win the match. However after said match, Titus not only attacked Darren Young but Bob Backlund as well, giving Backlund a Big Boot and Darren a Clash Of The Titus. As I've said before I used to think this had potential but honestly I'm not a fan of either of these characters so this feud is boring to me, 

Kevin Owens defeated Seth Rollins, Big Cass, and Roman Reigns to become the new WWE Universal Champion

So this is where shit started to get interesting. The Fatal 4 Way match to crown the second ever Universal Champion. The first elimination came when Big Cass kicked out of a Superkick from Seth Rollins, but directly after took a Frog Splash from Kevin Owens, who pinned Cass and eliminated him. The match then went on with Owens, Rollins, and Reigns. It began to come to a climax when both Seth and Kevin were outside and on either side of the ring, and Roman kept running back and forth Superman Punching them. 

Roman then speared Seth Rollins on his way back from Superman Punching Owens, Just as he was picking him up to throw him in the ring...oh my goddddd it was Triple H. I literally went nuts, Triple H was back and he turned Reigns around and gave him a Pedigree. He then threw Reigns in the ring and Rollins right after. Rollins pinned and eliminated Roman Reigns leaving just him and Kevin Owens, and it seemed like Triple H was handing Rollins the win. Triple H threw Owens in to the ring and was picking him up, but at the last second turned around and kicked Rollins in the gut! He gave Rollins a Pedigree and just like Owens, I was shocked. It was madness how crazy the crowd was going and me. Owens hopped over and pinned Rollins, eliminating him and making himself the new Universal Champion.

Triple H walked over to a clearly upset Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon and ripped the belt from them. He went back to the ring and handed Owens the belt, then raised his hand in victory. This has to be the most shocking ending to Raw is a very long time, this had me legitimately excited and I can't wait for them to hopefully make a feud out of Triple H vs Seth Rollins. 

I'm still excited about it and it's a day later I can't get over it. Either way
Until next time,
Devon Wizard




Thursday 25 August 2016

Smackdown August 23rd 2016

Smackdown

The first Smackdown since Summerslam, and we were set to see the debut of two new titles. 


Backstage

The show opened with a couple superstars talking in the back, and Dolph Ziggler sitting on a chair looking pretty glum. The rest of the superstars were talking when AJ Styles barges in and tells them all that since he beat John Cena at Summerslam he is the new face that runs the place. AJ then looked at Dolph and whispered in his ear "here's a word of advice, I don't like losers." Dolph then attacked AJ yelling at him to stay the hell away and referees had to separate the two. The vignette then played and we were sent to the ring. 

New Smackdown Womens and Tag Team Championships. 

After the vignette we were met in the ring by all the women and tag teams on Smackdown plus Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. On top of that there were 2 tables with a set of tag titles on one and a Womens Title on the other. Daniel and Shane told us that the first Womens Champion would be decided in the first ever Womens Six Pack Challenge at Backlash with Naomi, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Nikki Bella, Natalya, and Alexa Bliss. 

They then explained that the Inaugural Smackdown Tag Champs would be decided in a tag team tournament culminating at Backlash. They just finished explaining when Heath Slater interrupted on the mic, and walked in through the crowd. Heath said he should be able to win some gold, specifically the tag team titles since Shane told Heath he "isn't equipped" to win the Womens Championship. Shane also notes that Heath doesn't have a tag partner either, Heath responded saying he could go to the back anytime and find a partner. Daniel told him if he found a partner by the end of the night they'd be entered in the tournament, and if they won he'd get his Smackdown Live contract. 

I hope Heath wins, and finds a decent partner, although I'm not sure if they'd let him beat American Alpha. Anyways Heath was on his way up the ramp and AJ Styles came out, wanting to talk about the new face that runs the place, but before he could say anything else Dolph Ziggler attacked him from behind. Refs and the superstars in the ring were needed to separate them again and I hope this lil feud is a one night thing because no offense to Dolph, AJ just beat John Cena. He should be challenging for the World Title. 












Becky Lynch defeated Alexa Bliss

This was a rematch from a couple weeks ago when Alexa Bliss beat Becky Lynch because of a distraction from the now suspended Eva Marie, except this time Becky Lynch came out on top, reversing an arm drag in to the Disarmer to make Alexa tap out. The Women matches I have a feeling aren't going to mean much as we approach Backlash, since at the moment they're all on even ground there's no top girl. 

After the match backstage, Heath asked The Miz if he wanted to be his partner. Heath was ecstatic after he thought The Miz agreed, but left after he realized Miz was just talking in to an ear piece. Better luck next time Heath. 

The Usos defeated The Ascension 

Not going to lie this is a super boring match to kick off the tag team tournament. Like in all seriousness I'm not sure anyone cares about either of these teams. So it didn't really matter but The Usos won after hitting a splash on Viktor of the Ascension and pinning him. 

AJ Styles

The Phenomenal One graced us with his presence and said that since he beat John Cena at Summerslam he deserves to be the number one contender for the WWE World Championship. As he was talking Dolph Ziggler came out but refs stopped him before he could make it to AJ. Daniel Bryan came out and told them to calm down. he said they both deserve to be number one contender and at Backlash Dean Ambrose would defend the title against AJ Styles, but since it seems like Dolph and AJ want to fight they will. Daniel made the main event of Smackdown Dolph Ziggler vs AJ Styles and if Dolph wins he would be added to the match at Backlash. It would kill AJ's momentum so much if Dolph won and on top of that he lost at Summerslam! Why should he get any chance at all?

Carmella vs Nikki Bella

Before the match Renee Young wanted to ask Nikki Bella some questions in the ring, but before she could give any real answer, Carmella attacked her from behind. She even hit Nikki with her sisters old finisher; The Bella Buster. Is this Carmella turning heel? Nikki is definitely a face but what I didn't expect was Carmella turning heel. 

Randy Orton 

Randy began to talk about how Shane thought he was doing the right thing, but he didn't talk for long before Bray Wyatt's music hit. Bray Wyatt sits on his rocking chair on the outside of the ring and told Randy that he's just a man, he himself is a god. And you can't kill a god, "but don't worry, you'll learn that soon enough." The lights go out and when they come back the chair is rocking but Bray is gone.

Backstage Heath finds his tag team partner to be...Rhyno. Really? Ugh. I'm not a fan of Rhyno at all, but hopefully he'll go with Heath Slater to the end. 

American Alpha defeated Breezango 

In the second match of the tag team tourney, I expected for American Alpha to win. They did, but in a better match than I expected. I thought Breezango had a shot for a second and despite my love for Breezango, the unfortunately lost after getting hit with Red Amplitude. 

AJ Styles defeated Dolph Ziggler

In a smart outcome, AJ side stepped a Superkick then hit Ziggler with the Styles Clash to win the match and secure a one on one match at Backlash between him and Dean Ambrose. 

That's all for today, thanks for reading and
Until next time,
Devon Wizard


Wednesday 24 August 2016

Raw August 22nd 2016

Raw

With the Dudley Boyz scheduled to retire and the new Universal Champion injured, there was a lot to happen tonight!

The Universal Championship 

It was announced that Finn Balor had torn his labrum during his match with Seth Rollins, and would be injured for at least six months. Due to this Finn Balor was forced to vacate the Universal Championship, and after he gave it to Mick Foley and was walking up the ramp, Seth Rollins' music hit. He said that everyone needs to stop living in the past and look in to the future, and have a celebration for your real winner at Summerslam, Seth Rollins!

Then Sami Zayn comes out, then Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Enzo and Cass, and Roman Reigns. Mick Foley says everyone in the ring is deserving of the Universal Championship, and you all will compete in matches tonight culminating to a Fatal 4 Way next week to determine the new Universal Champion and the first match would pit Seth Rollins against Sami Zayn. 

Seth Rollins defeated Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn injured his ankle earlier on in the match and it bugged him the rest of the match. It especially effected him when he attempted a Suplex on Rollins, but his ankle couldn't carry him and when Rollins came out he hit Zayn with the Pedigree for the win. So far Rollins is in the Fatal 4 Way and I couldn't be happier about the first entrant. Seth is the man. 

Kevin Owens defeated Neville

In the next match to determine the second contender in the Fatal Four Way, Jericho had Owens' back. Jericho distracted Neville making sure he wouldn't hit the Red Arrow, then allowed Owens to hit the Pop Up Powerbomb and take the victory, which is awesome! Two guys I really like are already in the Fatal 4 Way match so so far so good. 

The New Day Celebrate 

The New Day begin to celebrate their one year reign as the tag team champions and they are just about to start hitting a Pinata when Gallows and Anderson came out. The two reminded the New Day that they lost last night, and as soon as they get a chance they're going to take the titles from The New Day. 

Big E defeated Karl Anderson  

Big E easily took care of Karl Anderson and hit him with the Big Ending, but I was pretty annoyed about the outcome of the Summerslam match. I like The New Day but I feel like Gallows and Anderson really deserved to take those titles. Jon Stewart just fucked with everything. 

Titus O'Neil Turns Heel

Titus came out and cut a heel promo, basically saying that in the Prime Time Players Darren Young was dead weight and that he would be the Universal Champion if it wasn't for Darren Young. He then calls out Darren Young, and tell him to come face to face with him. Bob Backlund came out thought, and Titus attacked him. Darren came out to tend to Bob, but as he was checking on him Titus gave him Clash Of The Titus. I was initially kind of in to this feud but now I'm so sure to be honest. Its kind of good I think but why did Titus just lash out now? That part didn't really make sense to me. 

Big Cass defeated Rusev

In the third Fatal 4 Way qualifying match, Rusev entered favouring his taped up ribs as they were obviously injured in kayfabe. After Cass threw him in to the stairs outside the ring, Rusev decided it wasn't worth it and left the match, counting himself out and giving Cass the third spot. I would've rather Rusev had won and I know Big Cass isn't going to win the Fatal 4 Way but still Rusev would have been a better contender, even if I knew he wouldn't have won either. 

Charlotte

Charlotte came out and basically explained how she beat Sasha all by herself. She told Charlotte, who she assumed was watching, to do everyone a favour and never come back from her back injury because the "Queen has taken her throne". As Charlotte looks to be leaving, Mick Foley's music hits. Mick confirms that when Sasha Banks returns she will get her title rematch, then Charlotte says there's no one worthy of fighting her, so she asks Mick for the night off. Mick tells her not so fast because he did sign someone who was worthy of fighitng, then Bayley came out!!!

She got a huge pop from the crowd and it was an awesome moment. Bayley said this is the moment she had been waiting for her whole life. She also told Charlotte that she respects her, but she's still going to beat her for the Womens Championship. Charlotte tells Bayley to prove her worth she would fight Dana Brooke tonight. 

Bayley defeated Dana Brooke

In her Monday Night Raw debut match, Bayley defeated Dana Brooke with the Bayley to Belly Suplex, and stared right at Charlotte during her celebration. I think Bayley's debut was really cool and I'm super excited for her to challenge Charlotte for the title. 

Braun Strowman defeated a jobber

These squash matches, as I've said before, are really getting old. Like okay we get he's a huge bod but let's see him prove it against a formidable opponent. 

The Dudley Boyz Retirement 

The Dudley Boyz come out for their retirement which was genuinely sad looking back at the last two decades of their career and the work they put in to their careers. They were about to be done when The Shining Stars came out. They insulted the Dudleyz and gave them two tickets to Puerto Rico. Then the Dudleyz attacked them, giving one of them 3D outside the ring and WAZZUP to the other on the inside. Bubba then told D-Von to "1 2 3 D VON...GET THE TABLES" for the last time ever. 

They were about to give one of them 3D through the table when Gallows and Anderson attacked them. They gave Bubba Ray Magic Killer through the table, establishing them as the tag team of the future. Although I didn't like that they interrupted their last 3D through a table, I do like Gallows and Anderson and this does bring them a lot of legit heat so it was a good booking decision. 

Roman Reigns defeated Chris Jericho 

Classic Roman Reigns beating Chris Jericho even with Kevin Owens at his side. To start, Reigns kicked out of the Code Breaker, and then of course overcame Owens to hit Jericho with the Spear to win. You know Reigns is okay, I don't want him to win and would rather have Jericho in the match but still that's alright.

Star Of The Night: Bayley's Debut

Bayley finally debuted!! This is awesome! Finally all of the Four Horsewomen are on the main roster and hopefully Bayley will challenge fellow Horsewoman Charlotte for the title! 

This was an action packed episode of Raw and let's see if Smackdown will top it. 
Until next time,
Devon Wizard




Monday 22 August 2016

Summerslam 2016 Review

Summerslam Review

This was a very confusing pay per view, it was good but odd for some reason. The crowd really didn't seem too in to it and I think that kind of lowered the excitement in general. Let's break it down match by match. 



Kickoff Show

American Alpha, The Hype Bros, and The Usos defeated Breezango, The Ascension, and The Vaudevillains

So as expected the faces won again, but this time some ripples were made. After American Alpha hit Red Amplitude on Simon Gotch, one of the Usos hit a top rope splash and pinned Simon to win, causing a bit of a stir. I didn't really care much about this match to be honest but I thought it was cool that Breezango actually got a pretty good pop. 

Neville and Sami Zayn defeated The Dudley Boyz

Another expected outcome with Neville pinning Bubba I think after hitting the Red Arrow. It's a shame they couldn't have had a better match for Neville or Sami Zayn considering how talented they are in the ring. 

Sheamus defeated Cesaro

My first wrong prediction came in this match, but it wouldn't be my last. I understand why they let Sheamus win, I just think it would've been better to have Cesaro win. Doesn't matter what I think though because Sheamus went over clean after hitting the Brogue Kick on Cesaro. It was an okay match...can't wait for them to finish this best of 7 series. If you couldn't tell that was sarcasm. 

Main Show

Jeri-KO defeated Enzo and Big Cass

I'm pretty excited that Jeri-KO won because they're now established as a dominant threat, defeating a top tag team and I'd be very happy to see them square off for the tag team titles if they get a chance. Also really liked their tag finisher, even if they botched it in their match. It was like a pop up Code Breaker. It was really cool and I'm happy with Jericho and Owens winning. 

Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks(c) to become the new Womens Champion

Well...that was really unexpected, and to be honest bullshit. What the hell was that finish? Sasha had Charlotte in the Bank Statement and Charlotte just pinned her while in he submission for the win. It wasn't even a proper roll up. I was very disappointed with how this ended, I really don't think Sasha should have lost it. 

The Miz(c) defeated Apollo Crews to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Yeah this one was just meh I must say.I'm not surprised though, I didn't expect this to be a great match. The build up was poor and in my opinion the contender had next to zero personality. Miz ended up retaining with a Skull Crushing Finale but this match wasn't great. 

AJ Styles defeated John Cena

Holy...did that just happen? Did AJ Styles seriously just beat the face that runs the place, John Cena...clean? That's right boys and girls Christmas has come early because AJ Styles is a legend. No shame to Cena either, these two put on what was easily the match of the night, and the best part was that AJ Styles won clean!!! He first kicked out of an Attitude Adjustment from the top rope and then hit John with a Styles Clash and a Phenomenal Forearm. This really solidifies AJ a top Smackdown star and I couldn't be more excited for his future. 

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defeated The New Day(c) by Disqualification 

So Jon Stewart was out to help The New Day who consisted of just Xavier and Kofi, and I was kind of rattled when Jon Stewart interfered. So were Gallows and Anderson as they tried to give him Ringpostitis, but Big E returned to save Jon, disqualifying The New Day. I hope Gallows and Anderson get their rematch without Jon Stewart there, like seriously he's so cringy did you see him dancing after the match?! Oh my god. 

Dean Ambrose(c) defeated Dolph Ziggler to retain the WWE World Championship

Dolph had a good build, he really did, he cut some awesome promos and he did look like a threat but in the end everyone knew he wasn't going to pick up the title. One Dirty Deeds later and Ziggler is down for the count. It's too bad because I really do like Ziggler, but I think he needs to turn heel if he wants to stay in the main event picture. Apart from that critique the match was okay, it kind of makes it mean less when the crowd doesn't do anything. 

Nikki Bella, Natalya, and Alexa Bliss defeated Naomi, Becky Lynch, and Carmella

So as I said in my prediction post, Eva Marie was suspended. So the returning from injury Nikki Bella replaced her and got a good pop. I knew that when Nikki returned their team would win, and they did after Nikki Bella hit the Rack Attack on Carmella. It's awesome that Nikki Bella is back because she's a main event superstar and definitely will be a top contender for Smackdown's Womens Title when they debut it. 

Finn Balor defeated Seth Rollins to become the first ever WWE Universal Champion

This match was pretty good, but I don't know I just feel like it could've been so much better if the crowd was actually in to it. It really didn't feel like the crowd cared all that much and I'm sorry but the crowd really sucked the whole night. They especially disappointed in this one which ended when Finn hit the Coup De Grace on Seth. Honestly it felt too short and left me with wondering thoughts. 

Rusev(c) vs Roman Reigns for the United States Championship...never actually happened 

So before the match even started Rusev attacked Roman Reigns and see, Roman didn't like that too much so he attacked back and actually beat Rusev so bad he was "unable" to compete. What the fuck is that? I thought this kind of shit only happened on Raw. This made me angry because I was actually looking forward to this match and they threw it out the window for whatever dumbass reason. Jeez I'm getting worked up. 

Brock Lesnar defeated Randy Orton by TKO

This was bad. Not bad as in like bad wrestling no, this was bad like someone getting sick. After Randy Orton kicked out of an F-5 from the Beast Incarnate, Lesnar seemed a bit upset. So as a normal human being would do once he or she is upset is he took off his padded gloves and literally just started hitting Randy in the head as hard as he could, so hard in fact that he busted Orton open...like really bad. They had to stop the match due to this but Lesnar kept on going. Shane came out to make sure Orton was okay but took an F-5 from Lesnar, but this whole situation was just unlucky. This could've been good but it's just too bad it had to end this way. Hopefully Orton gets well soon.

Star Of The Night: AJ Styles

This win is amazing for AJ Styles, it puts him in a great spot and this one win will elevate his career so much. I'm extremely happy AJ got the clean win over Cena that he deserved and I can't wait for Smackdown to see what's next fro the Phenomenal One.

Overall I thought this pay per view was kind of a bust, from the under hype crowd, to the weird finishes in the last couple matches, it just all felt weird and I wasn't a fan. 
Until next time,
Devon Wizard

Sunday 21 August 2016

NXT Takeover: Brooklyn II Review

NXT Takeover: Brooklyn II

Here are the results and what I thought of a fantastic NXT Takeover: Brooklyn II last night. 






Austin Aries defeated No Way Jose

In the match to start the show, these performers kicked it off with a bang. The whole crowd was with Aries which was odd since Jose was the face but it's okay because it was still great. Austin Aries went over clean by making Jose tap out the the Last Chancery, and even though it wasn't the match of the night it was still pretty good. After the match though Aries locked in the Last Chancery on Jose again only to be greeted by Hideo Itami. Hideo went to the ring where Austin attacked him, but Hideo got the upper hand and gave Aries the Go To Sleep. I have an awesome feeling that these two are going to go one on one soon. 

Ember Moon defeated Billie Kay

It was the debut of Ember Moon and she looked nothing like I thought she would but she was really impressive. She was excellent in the ring and had this creepy aura to her during the match, especially with the red eye contacts. Then the corkscrew stunner kind of thing off the top rope to end it was awesome! The only downside to this was that Billie Kay's momentum I think could be kind of halted, we'll have to see how she rebounds from this loss. 

Bobby Roode defeated Andrade "Cien" Almas

If you thought the first match was bad for the crowd cheering on the heel, this one was insane. The crowd was so behind Bobby Roode that I think there were boos for when Andrade came out. However it was a good all around match and I was happy with Bobby winning since I was also rooting for him. The only thing is the finish was a bit anti climactic when Bobby pinned Almas after hitting him with a simple Pump Handle Slam which he called the Glorious Bomb. Either way, good match. 

The Revival(c) defeated Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa to retain the NXT Tag Team Championships 

YES!!! The Revival retain and in classic Revival fashion. This in my opinion was the match of the night I was so tense the whole time wondering when it was going to end, when was the time going to come when they didn't kick out? These tag teams put on a show and it was amazing. Gargano tapped out to a reverse figure four from Scott Dawson and for a second after the match I though Ciampa was going to turn heel on Gargano, but he didn't. However I think it's just a delay and it definitely will happen eventually. Congratulations to The Revival though.

Asuka(c) defeated Bayley to retain the NXT Womens Championship

This was one of those matches that started slow and was kind of boring at the beginning, but by the end you're pacing back and forth like "wow that match was actually crazy holy shit." That's what I did at least. Not only did Bayley escape the Asuka Lock twice, but Asuka kicked out of the Bayley to Belly as well! It all ended though when Asuka gave Bayley a straight up kick to the head and finished her off. It was an emotional moment when Bayley went around to hug her family and friends as the crowd chanted "Thank You Bayley" because there isn't much more for her to do in NXT. If she doesn't go to the main roster then I don't know what she'll be up to.

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Samoa Joe(c) to become the new NXT Champion 

I was rooting for Nakamura so this is awesome! However I think when Nakamura gave Joe the first Kinshasa of 3, he broke Joe's jaw...which isn't good. But nonetheless it was a great match, Shinsuke's entrance was awesome where he had a guy play the violin live. The feeling when Shinsuke won was amazing and I'm so glad he's the NXT Champion. 

Overall this was an awesome show, with not a bad match on the card. Stay tuned for my Summerslam review and
Until next time,
Devon Wizard

Friday 19 August 2016

Summerslam 2016 Predictions

Summerslam Predictions

We're just days away from the hottest event of the summer and the second biggest WWE event of the year. Let's see the predictions. 


Kickoff Show


American Alpha, The Hype Bros, and The Usos vs Breezango, The Ascension, and The Vaudevillains

Prediction: American Alpha, The Hype Bros, and The Usos

Very simple, not looking forward to this, dissapointed that American Alpha are on the kick off show but they'll win because they already had this match on Smackdown like why. 

Sami Zayn and Neville vs The Dudley Boyz

Prediction: Sami Zayn and Neville

I'll be upset if they lose because if they're beat by The Dudleys oh my god. The Dudleys are so irrelevant that if they win I honestly think Zayn and Neville should just end their careers. 

Main Show

Carmella, Becky Lynch, and Naomi vs Eva Marie, Natalya, and Alexa Bliss

Prediction: Carmella, Becky Lynch, and Naomi

As of me writing this Eva Marie has been suspended for 30 days for breaching the wellness policy. There's some speculation that it's just a work but if it's not, I'm not sure if they'll have someone replace her or they'll cancel the match or what but since they were pushing Eva Marie as the top heel and she won't be fighting as of right now, I think Carmella, Becky Lynch, and Naomi will win. 

Cesaro vs Sheamus

Prediction: Cesaro

This is the first match in a series of 7 between both Cesaro and Sheamus and I think it would be a shame if Cesaro were to lose at Summerslam. It might be better storyline wise for Sheamus to win the first so Cesaro is chasing the win, but it'd be a better moment in my opinion if Cesaro were to win so I'm going with Cesaro. 

The Miz(c) vs Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship

Prediction: The Miz

Unless I'm very surprised or wrong, I can say with 99% certainty that somehow, someway The Miz will retain the Intercontinental Championship. I just don't think Apollo Crews is ready for the title yet as his character doesn't seem fully developed. When you think of Apollo Crews there's not much to think about, if you haven't seen him on NXT there's even less. It's for these reasons that I'm picking The Miz. 

Enzo and Big Cass vs JeriKO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens)

Prediction: JeriKO 

This is one that I'm very much unsure of. I can see both teams winning but I decided to go with JeriKO not only because I think it's the greatest team and the greatest thing to happen to Earth ever, but because I feel like they want to keep this team together for a while and I would like to keep them together for a while, and if they suffer a loss in their first match that's a huge momentum stopper. At the same time we don't want to halt Enzo and Cass' momentum so I'd give it to JeriKO but they'd have to cheat or something. Some sort of shenanigans. 

The New Day(c) vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson for the Tag Team Championships

Prediction: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson 

It will nearly be a year to the day come Summerslam that The New Day will have held the titles for one straight year. It's quite impressive actually that they've gone this long and stayed as relevant as they have been for that year. However it feels like the year is coming to a climax and it's kind of sad looking back at The New Day and what a fantastic year they had. Despite this I feel like they're slowly losing their popularity and interest value and because of this, and Big E being kayfabe injured, I think The New Day will lose their Tag Team Championships on Sunday. 

Rusev(c) vs Roman Reigns for the United States Championship

Prediction: Roman Reigns

This one is pretty obvious as to why I'm going with Reigns. Yes Rusev is a heel but he isn't the type to cheat to win, and Roman beat him clean on Raw. Not only that but it's Roman Reigns guys. Remember? Roman doesn't lose. My pick is Roman Reigns for that obvious reason. 

Sasha Banks(c) vs Charlotte for the Womens Championship (Dana Brooke banned from ringside)

Prediction: Sasha Banks

I think it's way too early in Sasha's reign as Womens Champion to lose the title. She has a lot of time to make some memorable moments she can't make if she doesn't have the championship. Another thing is Sasha has beaten Charlotte clean before with Dana Brooke not there to help Charlotte, and at Summerslam Dana will be banned from ringside so unless some crazy shit happens Charlotte will have no excuses and Sasha will retain the title. 

John Cena vs AJ Styles

Prediction: AJ Styles

I know this is a bold prediction considering he's going against big match John who's like Roman Reigns' dad since he never loses, but I have a good feeling. AJ Styles I think is going to win this one, and I'm praying if he does end up winning that he wins clean. It would push him that little more that he needs to get over the edge and launch him so far. This one match could do a ton for his career and Cena really doesn't need it...like at all. 

Brock Lesnar vs Randy Orton

Prediction: Brock Lesnar

I really like Randy Orton and if it was up to me I would have him win. But WWE really likes Brock Lesnar despite him only being in the WWE like 3 times a year. He's one of their top stars and for gods sake he beat the Undertaker's Wrestlemania Streak. He's the 1 in 23-1. There's no way they're letting Orton beat who WWE perceives as the most dominant force in their company. 

Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship

Prediction: Finn Balor

I think Finn Balor should and will win, this is why. Raw doesn't really have a top face other than Finn Balor and for new fans Finn doesn't really give them any reason to believe he's a worthy competitor so if you shut him down in his pay per view debut he'll never be believable to the audience that's never seen him. On the other hand he might turn heel having Gallows and Anderson help him, which would also simultaneously turn Rollins face. There are a lot of interesting options and this is definitely a highly anticipated match for me that I think Balor will win. 

Dean Ambrose(c) vs Dolph Ziggler for the WWE World Championship

Prediction: Dean Ambrose

I think that Dean Ambrose will win this. Dolph is being portrayed as the underdog but unlike some people *cough cough* Roman Reigns *cough cough* he actually is the underdog. They're not just trying to make him seem that way. I don't see WWE just breaking him in to the main event out of nowhere and taking the title. Personally I think he could have the title, just not yet. I think Dean Ambrose will beat him. 

And those are my predictions! Check out my predictions for NXT Takeover Brooklyn II here! and follow me on Twitter here for live Summerslam updates.
Until next time,
Devon Wizard




Thursday 18 August 2016

NXT Takeover Brooklyn 2016 Predictions

NXT Takeover: Brooklyn II Predictions

Honestly there were like two barely relevant matches and an okay interview on NXT this week so I decided I'd just go in to the predictions since I'm a bit behind, so let's get in to it. 

Ember Moon vs Billie Kay

Prediction: Ember Moon

So this was one of the things that came out of this weeks NXT and I'm thinking like it seems as though the last couple weeks they've been wanting to push Billie Kay, but generally when there's this much hype behind a debut the debuter is surely to win so I didn't know who to pick. However in the end I went with Ember Moon because she needs a boost to start herself off and give her some credibility right off the bat.

Andrade "Cien" Almas vs Bobby Roode

Prediction: Bobby Roode

To me it doesn't seem like Almas is doing much right now so he can afford the loss, plus it's Bobby Roode's in ring TV debut and it would be bad if he were to lose that. Not only that but he seems like a star, he's been a star in other places and he should be pushed like a star and I think they recognize that, so I'm going for Bobby Roode. 

No Way Jose vs Austin Aries

Prediction: Austin Aries

If I'm being honest here originally I had no reason for picking Austin Aries I just had a feeling he would win, but I have a reason now. Austin Aries just went through a character change when he turned heel against No Way Jose. Now No Way Jose is super over with the crowd and that's not going to change if he suffers one loss but if they want to build Austin Aries as a threat with his new character then he really needs this win. 

The Revival(c) vs Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Tag Team Championships 

Prediction: The Revival 

So my prediction for this one may be a bit bias because I am a huge fan of The Revival, Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder are so entertaining and so good as heels and I'd much rather see them win over Gargano and Ciampa. Not to say they're not good, Gargano and Ciampa are amazing wrestlers and although I'm not completely certain on this I'm making a bias prediction and going with The Revival. 

Asuka(c) vs Bayley for the NXT Womens Championship

Prediction: Bayley

I think they'll have Bayley win and then have one more match between Bayley and Asuka but right now I think they're going to get Bayley to win because she had said in an interview after Battleground that she wasn't moving up to the main roster anytime soon and if she loses this match she'll lose all her momentum because she'll have nothing to do in NXT. So I think Bayley will win it from Asuka and then Asuka will take it back in a rubber match between the two. 

Samoa Joe(c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the NXT Championship

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura 

In my opinion Shinsuke Nakamura is the hottest thing going in NXT right now. He's super over with the crowd, and not in the way Jose is where he can afford a loss, in the way where I think fans will be genuinely upset and/or angry if he loses on Saturday. Not only that but he's more than deserving. He's been in multiple match of the year candidates already and will definitely have more to come. He works hard and knows how to work the crowd, he deserves this title and he needs it. 

There you have it, those were my predictions for NXT Takeover: Brooklyn II. The event will take place this Saturday and unfortunately I won't be able to watch it live so no live twitter reactions/updates, but I'll likely be watching Summerslam live so follow me on Twitter @devon_wizard for live updates on Sunday! Click here for my Summerslam predictions and
Until next time,
Devon Wizard