Tuesday 14 February 2012

Cena Embraces Hate (RAW Ep978 reviewed)

WWE RAW began with Kane announcing that Cena will embrace the hate and that someone will take a ride in the ambulance.

RAW would then have an Elimination Chamber debate. CM Punk would begin by mouthing off to Lauranaitis. He finished off by stating he was the best in the world. Dolph would have the floor going on about how great he is. Truth then popped in saying some insane gumbo. Miz then had the floor, he started by going on about his Wrestlemania success. He then went on to insult all his opponents. Kofi then spoke saying he was overlooked and will become more well known and will walk out as achampion. Lastly Jericho would begin talking. He would insult the crowd and bragged about his success with the elimination chamber. Jericho then would size up to Punk, before being hit with the trouble in paradise.

Jericho would compete against Kingston, still a bit weary from the blow he had suffered. Kofi exploded with offense getting the upper-hand over Jericho.  Jericho changed the game with a powerbomb to Kofi who was hitting the famous 10 strikes in a row. Kofi tried to build up some momentum but was countered by Jericho, who put Kofi in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho argued with the ref, which let Kofi hit the trouble in paradise. this resulted in a two count. Jericho would hit a thumb to the eye, after the ref pulled Kofi off Jericho and finished with the code-breaker for the win.

I did enjoy this match, highflying Kofi who seemed more pumped than ever, but nice to see a Jericho win. I also enjoyed the return of Jericho's catch phrase; "Do You Understand What I Am Saying To You Right Now?" Jericho FTW. 


Dolph vs R-Truth would begin with Dolph sriking at Truth and slowing down his momentum by tossing him into the ring post. He would then show off with sit ups. R-Truth would grab Ziggler and grabbed a roll up for the win.

Compared to the Jericho match, I was a bit disappointed to the quality and the way it ended. Ziggler can wrestle and shouldn't lose that quick with showcasing some in ring ability.

This match began with some technical wrestling between the two, which I would expect from Miz and Punk. Miz would gain control by grounding Punk. Punk would deliver a devastating kick knocking Miz down, Punk then picked up the pace with what was becoming his signature comeback. Miz countered a GTS and hit his own signature comeback. Punk countered with a snap powerslam. Punk countered a superplex by Miz and completed the comeback with his elbow. Miz countered the GTS, but was then reversed by Punk into the anaconda vice for the win.

This is what I like to see. Great in ring match between the two, lots of technical counters and offense, Best match of the night.

Backstage Cena and Zack were talking, Zack wanted to give Eve a bunch of flowers. Cena said to Zack to remain in the locker room, and Cena would get Eve to come to him, as Kane was on the loose.

Later John would have an interview but before he could say a word, he ran off to save Eve who had be put into an ambulance by Kane. Kane got in to the drivers seat and began driving off. Eve jumped out and passionately kissed Cena. The two then noticed Zack Ryder, who was appalled by their actions.

Finally that night Cena came down apologizing to Zack, but stating that he has not embraced the hate but rises above it. Zack made his way to the ring pushing Cena and slapping him. Cena blocked a punch and held a fist ready, he met a great boo from the crowd for this. Zack left to get back into his wheelchair, on the stage, Kane appeared on the titantron, saying that he sunk to depths that Kane could only dream off, and that Cena has embraced the hate. He said that he will not be seen after Chamber until Mania. Kane then ran to the stage and pushed Ryder, in the wheel chair off the stage.

I was amazed at how the wheel chair closed perfectly, Ryder does play the injured, helpless victim well doesn't he? I was glad that Cena has embraced hate, now all that needs to happen is Rock to whoop his ass at mania and that will be great.

Tamina would take on brie bella, where Brie would gain the advantage with attacks. Tamina would counter a reverse neck breaker into a Samaon drop. She then hit the superfly for the win.

I'll just say this was incredibly short, but hot with the bellas outfit.

Elsewhere, Otunga congratulated Lauranaitis on his return, but mentioned the fact he was interim, not permanent. He also proposed the fact that he could be GM of RAW and Smackdown.

Well well, could T-Lo be in trouble?

Smackdown would come to RAW with the rivalry of Orton and Big Show following last week on Smackdown (READ THE REVIEW IF YOU MISSED IT). D-Bry would sit ring side for the match. Big Show would dominate Orton from the beginning , Orton would return with strikes, but be countered with a side slam. Orton would counter Show's assault with a sleeper hold. Show would break this and build momentum. Big Show would be stopped in his tracks with a dropkick. Show would then be hit with a spike DDT from the top rope.Orton would then hit an RKO on Show, D-Bry would then bash Orton from behind with the title and then Show.

I enjoy this rivalry, Not with Orton in it, he has Wade Barrett, WWE are trying to build him up by putting him into a big rivalry Smackdown has, I believe this will ruin it, Need something to do with Orton, turn him heel. The match was good, but I felt again it was to promote Orton, I am sick of his promotion, I'd prefer him as heel, and wouldn't mind it, but not as a face.


HBK, Shawn Michaels would return to RAW to confont the Game about accepting the challenge with Undertaker. Triple H was reluctant but told Shawn he refused because The Undertaker was a brand and ending his streak would be bad for business. Shawn then demanded that Triple H look him in the eye and tell him that Triple H did not want to end the streak. Triple H hesitated but did so. Undertaker would then play the same promo like last week, except cutting his hair.


I got a feeling from this that the Game could be turning heel. He is becoming a corporate suit, like McMahon. But a part from that, I enjoyed the return of HBK, but it is obvious that the Game will challenge Taker, win and Taker will then retire, well be made immortal according to his promo, BTW why has he cut his hair?


Overall I would rate RAW: 5/10
1) Bella match
2) Jericho vs Kofi
3) Ambulance match promo
4) Cena embraced hate
5) First ever Elimination Chamber Debate

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Jericho stole the Show (RAW Reviewed ep 977)

RAW began with the Game Triple H coming down to the ring. He announced that he was out to fire Mr Lauranaitis, however he appealed his case with the board, so that they could fully review his performance, and that they would make a decision as early as tomorrow morning. The Game then addressed the return of Taker. He announced that last week he didn't feel about taker the same, he felt sorry for Taker. The Game wanted to remember The Taker who dominated his opponent and struck fear into all. He did not want to remember Taker as a shell of his former self. Triple H then announced that he refused his challenge at Wrestlemania 28. the lights would then go out and Taker would have a little movie play during the titantron, featuring him and Triple H at Wrestlemania 27, and numerous voice overs of "He was unable to walk out under his own power" by Triple H and Taker's voice saying "This is not over" and "My victory over you (Triple H) means nothing".

My opinion of this is great storyline developing, but I guarantee The Game is going to compete at Mania against Undertaker, he will then win, so Taker can "remain at peace". I was amazed at how long the match went with Taker, but compared to his other mania matches, he was getting on. The Game will win at Mania, thus giving him a major accomplishment, ending the streak, as The Game is getting on as well, I believe that the games career is also coming to an end as a wrestler, what is there for him to do after the streak?

The first match of the night would be D-Bry vs Big Show, D-Bry would be accompanied by AJ who was still wearing her neck brace. Big Show would begin pummeling Bryan with clubs, headbutts and body slams. D-Bry would counter and gain the advantage with a running dropkick to Big Show's knee. D-Bry would focus his offense on this knee until Big Show made a big comeback with a big spear. Show  would try to chokeslam D-Bry but would counter into a submission and climb the rope. D-Bry would climb down from the top rope, Show would knock Bryan off the apron, he then was stopped by AJ, who would protect Bryan, Show would turn back to the ring, D-Bry would take advantage by hitting a chop block. Big Show would try to clothesline Bryan, but stopped before hitting AJ, Show would get back into the ring while D-Bry would bring AJ to the stage, losing him the match.

Post match D-Bry would say that the time he ran into AJ, was on purpose, because he stopped in the match. D-Bry then announced that at Elimination Chamber, he would still be champion.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this match, despite being a promo. This reminded me of the match these to had on Smackdown, which ended in DQ. It was getting good, but they pull in a storyline. I am enjoying this story between Show and D-Bry, writers have done a nice job, as usually these stories get stale, but this one seems interesting. I am expecting Bryan to win Chamber, then defend against Sheamus, Although I would love for Show to finally win it. I do also think Wade Barrett may win the title, as he and Sheamus have had a rivalry before, but Sheamus could challenge for the WWE championship. Great job in this match. What title do you think that Sheamus will challenge for?


Next would be David Otunga expressing his thoughts on Lauranaitis, and hoped that he would return to RAW. Justin Roberts announced that Triple H had made a match between Otunga and the Great White Sheamus. Sheamus would grab Otunga and attempt to hit the high cross, but Otunga would slip out of his jumper to escape. A game of cat and mouse ensued around the ring, however Sheamus would grab Otunga and hit the Irish Hand grenades. Otunga would make a shortt comeback with a DDT, however this would be ended with a Brogue kick.

An obvious and humorous jobber match to promote Sheamus for Mania. I do hope Lauranaitis does return, but not as a GM, he needs some training on the mic and how to react to moves, he did a terrible job of a GTS reaction, he just lay there, unlike others who struggle to try and get out. Will he return?


Chris Jericho would come down to the ring to explain what he meant by the end of the world as we knew it. He would say that it would be the end of the era of liars and frauds. He stated that all the WWE superstars and universe were Jericho wannabes. He also stated that he made all of the WWE superstars obsolete with his return, and didn't say a word. As He had done moves in the ring that no one had seen, which Kofi Kingston copied with his new moves. Dolph copied him by entering with Vickie, while he entered with Stephanie McMahon. He stated that the Miz copied him by wearing suits and talking slow, which he did on his return before this one. He stated that he said "Shut the hell up" before R-Truth began saying what's up. He stated that he had called himself the best in the world at what he does before CM Punk began saying he was the best in the world. CM Punk would come down to the ring and instead of saying anything, held the title high and turned around to show his "the best in the world" Punk would then exit the ring which angered Jericho who demanded Punk to talk to him.

Jericho mentioned Stephanie McMahon's name, as he is heel, I would love for her to return and create a faction with Jericho. Also if the Game does defeat Taker, there is an opportunity for him to turn heel, as he got a bad reaction from the crowd at the end of his segment. This would be epic. I agree with Jericho he has done all those things and more, Punk is very similar to Jericho, but has slight differences that make him unique. I personally want Jericho to win, because this could set up a major heel faction, who do you want to win, not think will win, want to win and state why?


Randy Orton would tag team up with Elimination Chamber opponent The Great Khali against Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett. Randy would quickly gain the advantage over Rhodes and tagged forcefully to Khali. Khali would get in, while Rhodes tagged Barrett. Khali still gained control over Barrett, He then almost knocked Orton of the apron with a forceful tag. Orton would stare down Khali, which enabled Wade to gain and opening. He and Cody would tag out and gain control of the match up, isolating Orton. Orton would battle back setting up a hot tag, however instead hit his signature comeback. Khali would tag himself in, Cody attempted to hit a disaster kick however met a chop which earned Khali the win. Orton would express his discontent, Khali would grab Orton by the throat but met an RKO.

Orton is being incredibly promoted and Khali is having some promotion on him as well. Smackdown's chamber will feature two story-lines involving D-Bry and Show, and Barrett and Orton. The match between the two promotes every man himself for the Chamber Match. I laughed so hard when Orton got a massive blind tag from Khali, nice one Khali. I so wish Orton would return to heel, he was epic as heel.


The next match would be Eve, Kelly Kelly, Tamina & Alicia Fox vs The Bella Twins, Natalya & Beth Phoenix. Eve and Beth would start off, with Beth quickly gaining control with her strength. She tagged in a Bella twin forcefully. Nikki would mouth off to Beth which allowed Eve to tag in Tamina, Tamina climbed the top rope, while Kelly and Alicia pulled Briecof the apron, Tamina would finish the match with a Superfly splash.

I was disappointed that Kane did not appear during this match, but great Divas competition


Later that that Lauranaitis would go into Triple H's office announcing that he would accept the boards decision. He also announced that HBK, Shawn Michaels would return. Lauranaitis would also announce a match for Chamber that was approved by the board, Cena vs Kane in an ambulance match. Lauranaitis would then be interviewed by Josh Mathews, he said that the board will look past his mistakes. He also announced that the board won't want a coward running Monday Night Raw, as The Game refused Taker's Challenge.

If anyone saw Shane vs Kane Survivor Series 2003, then you will be looking forward to this, now Kane never electrocuted John or Tombstoned his mum on the stage, like he did with Shane, but Kane makes this match so good. I am really excited about Chamber now that this match is on.


The main event would be a six pack challenge, after Justin Roberts botched up the rules, The match began with all members, except punk ganging up on Jericho, from his comments before, The match broke down to heels vs Face Punk vs Miz, Truth vs Kofi vs Ziggler. Jericho would try to get back in but be kicked out by Miz, The ring would be cleared after Truth hit a senton, landing on his coxes rather than hitting Miz, Kofi followed with a outside dive, Ziggler would be showing off in the ring until Punk took control. Truth would be helped out the ring due to missing the Miz, Dolph and Miz wouls focus on Punk, Punk would be able to handle the two men, hitting anaconda vices on both men, Kofi would break up the second hold on Ziggler but would be thrown out shortly after, this left Punk and Jericho in the ring, The two exchanged words until Miz and Ziggler attacked the two. Punl would assualt Ziggler and set up a superplex, this was hit with Jericho and Miz who hit a powerbomb on Punk as well. Jericho and Miz both got a cover at the same time, this ended in a two count, Punk and Ziggler rolled out while Miz attempted a Skull Crushing Finale, Kofi would hit Miz with the trouble in paridise, knocking Miz out the ring. This lead to Jericho fighting Kofi in the ring. Momentum switched between the two, Jericho would lock in the walls of Jericho, Punk quickly broke this up, Jericho would be knocked out the ring, Punk hit the GTS on Ziggler, Jericho would pull Punk out the ring and throw Punk over the announce table, and get the win on Ziggler. This meant that Jericho enters the Chamber last.

Lastly Kane intimidated Eve backstage, he said that he wants Cena wo embrace the hate, he was afraid of himself as to what he would do to anyone who would get in his way


The match was a change from 6 man tag matches. I assumed Jericho would win this match, especially since he spent most of the match outside. It was clearly obvious at the end of the match that that was how he would win. Truth did suffer an injury from a badly placed dive, I hope that he will be at Elimination Chamber. Finally for the first time Cena was not on RAW, a nice change.


Overall I would rate this week: 8/10
1) D-Bry vs Show
2)Kane promo
3)Ambulance match announced
4)Taker's promo
5)Triple H humorous quotes
6)Jericho promo and win
7)Diva match
8)No Cena on RAW!