Post by Senior Admin on Jan 30, 2017 21:38:28 GMT -5
The Inaugural edition of WXW Raw started with the crowd a buzz as Fin Balor took the stage. Finn Balor talked about the WXW Extreme Championship and issued a challenge to Kevin Owens, current WXW Xtreme Champion. Kevin Owens didn’t respond but the crowd got behind Finn Balor as he went to the back.
ANALYSIS: Good start to the opening show to get the crowd engaged. It was a pertinent promo and he was able to charge the crowd and get them ready for the first match. 3.5 stars out of 5.
The first match was a Triple Threat match between Kane, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. A nod to the Attitude Era of the WWF, the WXW top 3 was ready to give an all-out match. It began with Kane taking it to the outside with The Rock as Stone Cold watched from the ring. Using the stairs, Kane dropped The Rock unconscious and then grabbed The Rock and threw him back into the ring. Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kane took turns attempting to pin The Rock but the 3rd man kept interrupting the pin. This led to Kane and Stone Cold trying to best each other with punches. Kane got the better of Stone Cold and chokeslammed the Texas Rattlesnake. Kane tried for the pin but The Rock managed to break the pin. The Rock dropped Kane with a Rock Bottom and the connected with a People’s Elbow. This allowed Stone Cold to recover and connect with a Stunner, getting the win.
ANALYSIS: Great first match with many early pin falls. A high spot with the stairs as The Rock truly looked hurt, but played it off nicely. Stone Cold played his injury as well, allowing Kane and The Rock to carry the match. The cameras accidentally was on Stone Cold as he issued some veteran advice to Kane, but this just shows his professionalism and why the company is ready to give him title shot after title shot. 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Remember, 5 stars are only given to one on one and title matches).
Second match was an elimination tag team match between Enzo and Cass and the made up tag team of the WXW Heavyweight Champion Triple H and Sting. Those two have had history in the WWE, but are being forced to work with each other. Match rules state that only one person from each team in the ring at any one time, but when a pin occurs, the match becomes a handicapped match. After a series of tags between both teams, finally some action occurred between Sting and Big Cass. Sting was in control, but after a botched splash in the corner by Sting, Big Cass took an elbow to the face, cutting him open. The match continued but Big Cass was pinned almost immediately, leaving Enzo Amore against the two superstars. Enzo was quickly overpowered, and after a short comeback by Enzo was hit with a running knee by Triple H and a Pedigree for the pin.
ANALYSIS: A very good match that was supposed to go longer than it did, because of the botched move by Sting. Very uncommon of Steve Borden to botch a move, especially in a throwaway match like this. Enzo carried the second half of the match with two veteran superstars showing their years and age. Overall, Enzo and Big Cass made for a much better tag team. 3 stars out of 5.
After the match, Triple H backstabbed Sting, dropping Sting to the ground with a clothesline and then a Pedigree before walking away and to the back. The ref looked after Sting as Sting was visibly stunned.
ANALYSIS: A short program for Sting and Triple H in the works? Or perhaps a set up for a match next week? We’ll see.
Next, a segment by Brock Lesnar. Unaccompanied by Paul Heyman, Brock came out and much like Finn Balor, made his intentions clear to become the next WXW Heavyweight Champion. Putting Triple H on notice, he was very clear that he would be the next Champion.
ANALYSIS: Brock Lesnar is the muscle, not the talker. He needs a Paul Heyman to talk for him. He repeated WXW Heavyweight Champion more than 4 times, and at one time forgot that Triple H was the champion. Or maybe this was purposeful, doesn’t matter. It looked weak, and with the caliber of wrestlers on the roster, he needs to step it up or get Paul Heyman back. If Brock is going to get a title shot, it’s going to be because of Paul Heyman. 2 stars out of 5.
Next match was Dolph Ziggler against Kurt Angle. Angle started early with a series of punches to Ziggler. Ziggler fought back with a flying clothesline and a textbook dropkick, but time was on Angle’s side. Angle slipped outside on multiple occasions and hit some critical attacks on Ziggler. An attempted Angle Slam took Ziggler to the outside. Kurt followed and the fight was almost a draw as both wrestlers managed to get back into the ring before the 10 count. The match ended with Kurt Angle hitting two Angle Slams on Ziggler.
ANALYSIS: A very technical match with stuntman Dolph Ziggler taking some sick bumps. In one instance, Kurt Angle lifted Dolph up for a Angle Slam, but Dolph grabbed the top rope. He then got off of Kurt’s back and tried to land on the ring apron but missed and dropped to the mat below. Three refs at three different times checked on Ziggler to see if he was ok. Both men looked strong in this match. 4 out of 5 stars.
The next match was Kevin Owens versus John Cena. Cena took an early lead as he proved his strength superiority over Owens. After a german suplex and a modified gut wrench suplex, Owens rolled out of the ring. Cena followed and was met with a foot to the face. After getting a chair and throwing it I nthe ring, Owens grabbed a second chair from the announce area. The ref dropped to the floor and took it away from Owens and threw it on the ground, ordering Owens back into the ring. Owens ran into the ring first, followed by Cena. As the ref was busy with the second chair, Owens grabbed the first one in the ring and threw it at Cena. Cena caught it and Owens dropped to the mat, feigning a hit from Cena. The ref looked back into the ring and saw Owens lying on the ground with Cena holding a chair. The ref called for the bell and declared Kevin Owens the winner by DQ.
ANALYSIS: What a smart match here, with Kevin Owens getting a DQ win. Cena always puts on a great match, but the storytelling was really well done. I wasn’t sure where they were going with this match until I saw what happened after the match, where I think this might be the beginning of a true Cena turn. Maybe, we’ll see. 4 out of 5 stars.
Post match, Cena was at the announcer’s table, explaining to the ref what happened, the ref defending his actions by saying he was calling what he saw. Cena as visibly upset and at one point shoved the ref, dropping the ref to the ground. He helped the ref back up and apologized to him but was still clearly upset.
ANALYSIS: The show advertised The Undertaker tonight, but I don’t think we’re going to see him. Change of storylines, maybe? Programming change? The fans didn’t look fazed, although during the Lesnar promo, there were some Taker chants. Maybe Undertaker was supposed to come out and save Lesnar from a failing promo. Guess we’ll never know.
And now, the main event has Finn Balor against Santino Mirella. A slow start to this match, with some reversals and change of control. At one point, Santino took control and connected with an uncharacteristic dropkick. A nice forearm and knee combo by Santino finally got the crowd active. Finn Balor took the attack like a pro, with Santino playing the crowd. Santino then climbed the ropes and attempted a flying elbow, but missed, opening the door for Balor. Connecting with the Bloody Sunday and the Prince’s Throne set him up for the Coup de Gras, and the pin. The show closed with Finn celebrating on the turnbuckles.
ANALYSIS: Slow start to the match is right. Watching the match on TV, I still saw people leaving the arena before the show ended. It was only as Santino missed the flying elbow where the remaining fans took interest. I think Santino has lost himself and is searching for a new character. Stick with what you know, Santino, don’t reinvent the wheel. All in all, an average match. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
SHOW RECAP: As the Inaugural Episode, it was very good. They need work on the main event but all in all, there was a lot of good there. The Attitude Era Triple Threat match was a great match to start the night and Kurt Angle/Dolph Ziggler is a great pairing as these two are great with anyone but together match up nicely. No appearance by some big names on the roster including The Undertaker, The New Day or Daniel Bryan so I hope we get to see them in the near future.
Top Three Stars:
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin
2. Dolph Ziggler
3. Kevin Owens
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I give the show 3.5 out of 5 stars. To explain, I take all the stars and add them up. The I divide that number by the number of segments. That makes this show just above average. This being the first episode it makes sense. They’re showing us what they have to offer while giving us space to grow and get better. Paul Heyman is smart that way and I have no doubt, the card is just shaping up to be amazing. Next week should be no exception as they’re advertising Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect and Stardust vs. The Miz. See you next week.
ANALYSIS: Good start to the opening show to get the crowd engaged. It was a pertinent promo and he was able to charge the crowd and get them ready for the first match. 3.5 stars out of 5.
The first match was a Triple Threat match between Kane, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. A nod to the Attitude Era of the WWF, the WXW top 3 was ready to give an all-out match. It began with Kane taking it to the outside with The Rock as Stone Cold watched from the ring. Using the stairs, Kane dropped The Rock unconscious and then grabbed The Rock and threw him back into the ring. Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kane took turns attempting to pin The Rock but the 3rd man kept interrupting the pin. This led to Kane and Stone Cold trying to best each other with punches. Kane got the better of Stone Cold and chokeslammed the Texas Rattlesnake. Kane tried for the pin but The Rock managed to break the pin. The Rock dropped Kane with a Rock Bottom and the connected with a People’s Elbow. This allowed Stone Cold to recover and connect with a Stunner, getting the win.
ANALYSIS: Great first match with many early pin falls. A high spot with the stairs as The Rock truly looked hurt, but played it off nicely. Stone Cold played his injury as well, allowing Kane and The Rock to carry the match. The cameras accidentally was on Stone Cold as he issued some veteran advice to Kane, but this just shows his professionalism and why the company is ready to give him title shot after title shot. 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Remember, 5 stars are only given to one on one and title matches).
Second match was an elimination tag team match between Enzo and Cass and the made up tag team of the WXW Heavyweight Champion Triple H and Sting. Those two have had history in the WWE, but are being forced to work with each other. Match rules state that only one person from each team in the ring at any one time, but when a pin occurs, the match becomes a handicapped match. After a series of tags between both teams, finally some action occurred between Sting and Big Cass. Sting was in control, but after a botched splash in the corner by Sting, Big Cass took an elbow to the face, cutting him open. The match continued but Big Cass was pinned almost immediately, leaving Enzo Amore against the two superstars. Enzo was quickly overpowered, and after a short comeback by Enzo was hit with a running knee by Triple H and a Pedigree for the pin.
ANALYSIS: A very good match that was supposed to go longer than it did, because of the botched move by Sting. Very uncommon of Steve Borden to botch a move, especially in a throwaway match like this. Enzo carried the second half of the match with two veteran superstars showing their years and age. Overall, Enzo and Big Cass made for a much better tag team. 3 stars out of 5.
After the match, Triple H backstabbed Sting, dropping Sting to the ground with a clothesline and then a Pedigree before walking away and to the back. The ref looked after Sting as Sting was visibly stunned.
ANALYSIS: A short program for Sting and Triple H in the works? Or perhaps a set up for a match next week? We’ll see.
Next, a segment by Brock Lesnar. Unaccompanied by Paul Heyman, Brock came out and much like Finn Balor, made his intentions clear to become the next WXW Heavyweight Champion. Putting Triple H on notice, he was very clear that he would be the next Champion.
ANALYSIS: Brock Lesnar is the muscle, not the talker. He needs a Paul Heyman to talk for him. He repeated WXW Heavyweight Champion more than 4 times, and at one time forgot that Triple H was the champion. Or maybe this was purposeful, doesn’t matter. It looked weak, and with the caliber of wrestlers on the roster, he needs to step it up or get Paul Heyman back. If Brock is going to get a title shot, it’s going to be because of Paul Heyman. 2 stars out of 5.
Next match was Dolph Ziggler against Kurt Angle. Angle started early with a series of punches to Ziggler. Ziggler fought back with a flying clothesline and a textbook dropkick, but time was on Angle’s side. Angle slipped outside on multiple occasions and hit some critical attacks on Ziggler. An attempted Angle Slam took Ziggler to the outside. Kurt followed and the fight was almost a draw as both wrestlers managed to get back into the ring before the 10 count. The match ended with Kurt Angle hitting two Angle Slams on Ziggler.
ANALYSIS: A very technical match with stuntman Dolph Ziggler taking some sick bumps. In one instance, Kurt Angle lifted Dolph up for a Angle Slam, but Dolph grabbed the top rope. He then got off of Kurt’s back and tried to land on the ring apron but missed and dropped to the mat below. Three refs at three different times checked on Ziggler to see if he was ok. Both men looked strong in this match. 4 out of 5 stars.
The next match was Kevin Owens versus John Cena. Cena took an early lead as he proved his strength superiority over Owens. After a german suplex and a modified gut wrench suplex, Owens rolled out of the ring. Cena followed and was met with a foot to the face. After getting a chair and throwing it I nthe ring, Owens grabbed a second chair from the announce area. The ref dropped to the floor and took it away from Owens and threw it on the ground, ordering Owens back into the ring. Owens ran into the ring first, followed by Cena. As the ref was busy with the second chair, Owens grabbed the first one in the ring and threw it at Cena. Cena caught it and Owens dropped to the mat, feigning a hit from Cena. The ref looked back into the ring and saw Owens lying on the ground with Cena holding a chair. The ref called for the bell and declared Kevin Owens the winner by DQ.
ANALYSIS: What a smart match here, with Kevin Owens getting a DQ win. Cena always puts on a great match, but the storytelling was really well done. I wasn’t sure where they were going with this match until I saw what happened after the match, where I think this might be the beginning of a true Cena turn. Maybe, we’ll see. 4 out of 5 stars.
Post match, Cena was at the announcer’s table, explaining to the ref what happened, the ref defending his actions by saying he was calling what he saw. Cena as visibly upset and at one point shoved the ref, dropping the ref to the ground. He helped the ref back up and apologized to him but was still clearly upset.
ANALYSIS: The show advertised The Undertaker tonight, but I don’t think we’re going to see him. Change of storylines, maybe? Programming change? The fans didn’t look fazed, although during the Lesnar promo, there were some Taker chants. Maybe Undertaker was supposed to come out and save Lesnar from a failing promo. Guess we’ll never know.
And now, the main event has Finn Balor against Santino Mirella. A slow start to this match, with some reversals and change of control. At one point, Santino took control and connected with an uncharacteristic dropkick. A nice forearm and knee combo by Santino finally got the crowd active. Finn Balor took the attack like a pro, with Santino playing the crowd. Santino then climbed the ropes and attempted a flying elbow, but missed, opening the door for Balor. Connecting with the Bloody Sunday and the Prince’s Throne set him up for the Coup de Gras, and the pin. The show closed with Finn celebrating on the turnbuckles.
ANALYSIS: Slow start to the match is right. Watching the match on TV, I still saw people leaving the arena before the show ended. It was only as Santino missed the flying elbow where the remaining fans took interest. I think Santino has lost himself and is searching for a new character. Stick with what you know, Santino, don’t reinvent the wheel. All in all, an average match. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
SHOW RECAP: As the Inaugural Episode, it was very good. They need work on the main event but all in all, there was a lot of good there. The Attitude Era Triple Threat match was a great match to start the night and Kurt Angle/Dolph Ziggler is a great pairing as these two are great with anyone but together match up nicely. No appearance by some big names on the roster including The Undertaker, The New Day or Daniel Bryan so I hope we get to see them in the near future.
Top Three Stars:
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin
2. Dolph Ziggler
3. Kevin Owens
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I give the show 3.5 out of 5 stars. To explain, I take all the stars and add them up. The I divide that number by the number of segments. That makes this show just above average. This being the first episode it makes sense. They’re showing us what they have to offer while giving us space to grow and get better. Paul Heyman is smart that way and I have no doubt, the card is just shaping up to be amazing. Next week should be no exception as they’re advertising Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect and Stardust vs. The Miz. See you next week.