Weekly Rundown: 23rd – 27th February 2009
Raw 23/02/2009
ECW 24/02/2009
Smackdown 27/02/2009
The Raw Review - 23/02/2009
Opening Segment
Friend or Family?
A video plays outlining the McMahons Vs. Orton feud that built last week culminating in Stephanie being hit with the RKO. The show then kicked off with Smackdown G.M Vikki Guerrero who after her usual shrill cries of ‘EXCUSE ME’ began to explain that the WWE Board of Directors had named her as the temporary G.M of Raw.
Before too long John Cena interrupted and said that even Mike Adamle would have made a better choice, because at least it was funny when he used to screw up on live TV.
He also had a few digs at Michael Cole, before leading off into more talk of his re-match clause which he announced he plans to cash in tonight.
Edge and The Big Show then showed up. Edge then wittered on about Cena wanting to be the beacon of light for every loser kid and working Joe, and he should prolong his rematch as long as he possibly could if he wanted to continue being their idol.
Cena then said Edge seemed to have a lot of courage today just because he’s standing in the ring with a beastly, barbaric, 400lb monster…and the Big Show. Vikki took exception to this and said Cena would either face her friend (The Big Show) or her family (Edge). Cena said it looked like he would either be slaying a giant or winning the Championship.
Looks to me like this whole friend or family thing could be a not -so-elaborate cover for Chavo to face Cena tonight, while misleading the fans into thinking he might get a title shot.
Before the break Legacy are seen arriving at the arena in a somewhat sheepish manner.
Match 1
The Miz Vs. C.M Punk Vs. John Morrison in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
This match seemed to go on forever in comparison to the short, punchy matches that have been filling out cards as of late, but this was no bad thing as the three guys put on a great match.
It was as Jerry Lawler pointed out at one point, pretty much a handicap match with C.M Punk constantly trying to incapacitate one half of the World tag team champions long enough to craft a winning opportunity over the other one.
When this tactic didn’t seem to be working Punk began taking out both guys at once, which almost got him a pinfall over John Morrison. The end of the match came when The Miz and Morrison eventually turned on each other, giving Punk a chance to sneak in and take advantage, hitting the GTS on Morrison while The Miz was on the outside, and becoming the first man in this year’s Money In The Bank Match.
C.M Punk wins by Pinfall and qualifies for Money in the Bank.
Segment 2
The Triple H interview…again.
The clip of JR interviewing Triple H played again. I won’t re-type what was said, but if you don’t already know you can check it out in last week’s Weekly Rundown, The Smackdown Summary, Segment 3.
After the video Todd Grisham spoke to Priceless about the situation. Cody Rhodes explained Randy didn’t want to face Shane last week, but the way it has all been portrayed is making Orton out to be the bad guy. DiBiase then said Orton would not be a prisoner on his own show, he would be in the ring later to explain his actions and he if Triple H wanted to act they would be ready for him.
Finally in this segment, Santino, Beth Phoenix and Rosa Mendes met Dolph Ziggler before their mixed tag match against Cryme Tyme and Melina. Santino seemed overly protective of Beth and Rosa, and it didn’t seem like Santino and Dolph are going to get along too well.
Match 2
Cryme Tyme & Melina Vs. Santino Marella, Beth Phoenix & Dolph Ziggler (w/Rosa Mendes)
The divas began this match which is probably for the best as no one else in this match really has a history. Both of them looked fired up and put on a fast paced opening before Beth reached back to tag Santino, only for Dolph to snatch the tag and jump into the match against JTG.
I’d like to say something complementary about Ziggler’s wrestling style, but pretty much all he did was get his ass handed to him by Cryme Tyme in this one. He eventually managed to tag out, only for Santino to get hit with a big STO from Shad who then picked up the 3.
Cryme Tyme and Melina win by Pinfall.
Match 3
JBL Vs. Shawn Michaels
The last time these two men met it was nothing spectacular, although it had added depth because of what was on the line. I don’t expect it will be too long before Kozlov interjects himself into this match.
To be honest it wasn’t as bad as I expected. At one point on the outside of the ring Shawn slammed JBL into the ring post but accidentally smashed his face into the back of his head as it snapped back off the post, leaving them both laying on the outside.
A little later JBL knocked Shawn from the top rope, all the way to the outside with an impressive Big Boot to the temple. It looked to be over moments later when a Clothesline from Hell connected but HBK managed to kick out at the last second.
Shawn regained momentum and after his trademark nip-up (or kip-up?) he hit two atomic drops, the big top rope elbow and began tuning up the band. He didn’t land the kick straight away, and it wasn’t until JBL went for a second Clothesline from Hell that he delivered Sweet Chin Music and grabbed the win.
Kozlov made good on his promise and came to the ring after the match to stare down his opponent for next week on Raw. Shawn threw the first punch but it was the Moscow Mauler who ended the impromptu fight quickly with a big slam.
One of these two men will face Taker at WMXXV and I’m praying to god it isn’t Kozlov.
Match 4
Jamie Noble Vs. Mike Knox
Before the match Noble says he knows he only lasted 15 seconds against Kane last week, but if he can last longer tonight he’s sure that ‘Jamie Noble Boy’ is going to Wrestlemania.
A clock appeared on the screen and showed that Noble managed to last 29 seconds with Mike Knox. I’m not sure where they are going with this gimmick, but they have used it to push Kane and Mike Knox so far so I’m all for it.
Mike Knox wins by Pinfall.
Segment 3
Hall of Fame announcement. Jericho attacks another Legend.
It was then announced that Ricky ‘the Dragon’ Steamboat will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and a short video outlined his greatest moments including beating Flair for the NWA world title.
Hall of Fame article’s can all be found on the Road to Wrestlemania page.
After the video Steamboat came out and thanked the WWE and the fans before being interrupted by Chis Jericho. Jericho said he also wanted to thank someone, the academy of arts and motion picture sciences for proving him right and not awarding Micky Rourke an Oscar.
He then said that Steamboat was great when he was in the NWA, an organisation that the WWE fails to even acknowledge exists, but when he sold out he became ‘The Dragon’, pandering to the crowd and becoming a glorified Karate Kid, headband selling freak show. He then said he was a life-long sell out and after years of begging the dog has finally got his bone in the form of a Hall of Fame spot, finally calling him a hypocrite before turning to leave.
Steamboat then asked him if he knew the definition of a hypocrite, as years ago he signed an autograph for him, and in his autobiography he says Steamboat is his idol. He then went on to talk about how Jericho has spent years embracing the fans, then shunning them which is the true definition of a hypocrite.
Finally he says he never changed who he was, every time he stepped through the curtain he was himself and did it all for the fans. Jericho then attacked him and slammed him into the set, making him the latest in the line of legends to fall victim to Y2J’s jealousy and rage.
Great promo, absolutely fantastic from both guys.
Main Event Match
John Cena Vs. ???
Vikki once again made her screechy presence felt and said Cena would not get his World Heavyweight Championship rematch tonight. Cena said he never expected he would have, and he respects her decision but until he gets his rematch he is going to follow her everywhere, starting with Smackdown next week.
As I predicted Cena’s opponent is then announced as Chavo Guerrero.
Cena dispatched with Chavo in a matter of minutes, bit of a let down all in all.
John Cena wins by Pinfall.
Segment 4
Priceless and Triple H
Before the break Orton and Priceless are seen leaving their dressing room, Orton holding a sledgehammer, the trademark weapon of Triple H.
Orton said he’s been waiting for Triple H all night, so he may as well wait in the ring. He went on to outline what he has done to the McMahons in the past, and kept re-iterating that he has Intermittent Explosive Disorder and said if Triple H does show up then he truly is a McMahon; arrogant, out of touch and just plain stupid.
Orton says the fans judge him but they have no idea what it’s like to be at the very top of their profession, being a celebrity, being constantly under observation and the pressure it brings with it, but the McMahons do and should have known better.
As Orton continues to talk Triple H is shown on the titan-tron arriving at the arena, also toting a sledgehammer. Moments later he appears at the top of the ramp before slowly and methodically making his way to the ring to where all three members of Legacy wait for him.
Orton attempts to reason with him, saying with sledgehammers someone is going to get hurt, so how about the both drop them and settle it like men. Both men drop their hammers outside the ring and Triple H removes his jacket ready to fight. Just when it looks like a 3 on 1 attack is on the cards The Game pulls out another Sledgehammer and drills Rhodes with it.
Orton and DiBiase run backstage and barricade themselves in a dressing room but Triple H knocks down the door and corners them, hitting DiBiase in the back of the head. Orton pleads with Triple H who ignores it and swings but misses, allowing both of them time to meet up with Rhodes and flee the arena in a car.
Another great segment, quite reminiscant of the late 90′s in the way it was done and has left me personally wanting to see more! All in all a great episode of Raw.
The ECW Digest – 24/02/2009
Opening Match
D.J Gabriel (w/Alicia Fox) Vs. Mark Henry (w/Tony Atlas)
Kicking off this week’s ECW broadcast from Detroit is a match that I’m fairly excited about, as I’ve never actually seen D.J Gabriel aka Steven Lewington wrestle before, although I have heard good things (it doesn’t hurt that he’s British either). Not sure about the dancing gimmick, but we’ll see how good he is in-ring.
Didn’t really get to see much of Gabriel at all in this one, I think the extent of his offence was a drop-kick and a European uppercut. Pretty much a squash match for Henry who looks to be heading for yet another undeserved push. He won the match with a World’s Strongest Slam, if anyone cares.
Mark Henry wins by Pinfall.
Match 2
Tyson Kidd (w/Natalya) Vs. Matt Boyce
This looks like it could be the second squash match of the evening, with Kidd facing yet another unknown ‘local talent’.
A little background on Boyce for you; he impressed Simon Dean at one of the WWE’s developmental camps and went on from there, he played a security guard on Raw a few years back and is apparently a thoroughly nice guy and very respectful.
As predicted Kidd destroyed Boyce, who landed 2 fewer moves than D.J Gabriel in the prior match. Kidd finished the match with his trademark springboard elbow, which I hope they give a name to soon.
Tyson Kidd wins by Pinfall.
Match 3
Tommy Dreamer Vs. Paul Birchill (w/Katie-Lee)
A very match-heavy show tonight, but that’s not really a bad thing. The whole ‘new talent initiative’ (which is the purpose of ECW) doesn’t lend itself especially well to heavy storylines, but rather matches which give the up and comers a chance to get noticed.
Towards the conclusion of this match Katie-Lee saved her brother from sure defeat, only to get dragged partially under the ring by The Boogeyman. This distraction allowed Dreamer to pick up a well over-due win and looks like it will set up a re-match between Burchill and Boogeyman.
Tommy Dreamer wins by Pinfall.
Main Event Match
Christian Vs. Jack Swagger (c) for the ECW Championship
LOTS of time left on the show for this one so it looks like we might get a very decent title match to wrap up this week’s ECW. Just as a point of interest, Swagger managed to make it all the way to the ring without dropping the title belt this week, something he failed to achieve on last week’s show.
A very quick start to the match with Swagger using his amateur style to get the better of Christian, before things began to break down resulting in Christian diving from the top rope onto Swagger who was on the outside.
During the break Swagger regained the momentum and shortly after looked to injure the left arm of his opponent, leaving him to work on it for the next five minutes or so.
Again during the break the tables seemed to have turned with Christian in control, but it didn’t take long for Swagger to regain a position of dominance. Every time Christian did get the upper hand he seemed to grasp his injured arm, with the Slammy award winning commentary team speculating that it could be dislocated or torn.
Christian seemed to have it won on two seperate occasions, firstly with a diving headbutt from the top rope, and then a jump-swinging DDT, but both times the injured arm prevented him from keeping the champion down for the three.
Swagger eventually picked up the win against the run of play when he hit a Gut-wrench Powerbomb out of nowhere to retain his title.
Not a bad match, slightly hampered by the supposed injury to Christian. Not sure at this point if it was legitimate or for the benefit of the match, but hopefully it won’t be anything serious and these two will have a re-match in the near future.
Swagger wins by Pinfall to retain the ECW Championship.
The Smackdown Summary - 27/02/2009
Coming off the back of a great episode of Raw I was actually kind of excited for Smackdown this week, although the main feud holding my attention at the minute is Orton Vs. Triple H. I doubt that will progress much as it seems to be limited to Raw despite The Game being one of the biggest superstars on Smackdown.
Before the show began this week John Cena thanked everyone helping with the bushfires in Australia and offered words of support to those it has had a terrible impact on. Obviously everyone here at WWEBlog.co.uk echo these sentiments.
Opening Segment
More Cena, oh joy.
Cena kicks off Smackdown this week as he promised he would do on Raw. The Smackdown crowd seemed particularly pleased to see him, but that could be because he spent quite a bit of time kissing their asses and making fun of J.R.
To cut a long promo short he called out Edge and said he wanted a title shot tonight. Edge came out and initially accepted the challenge but then predictably as ever Vikki joined him atop the ramp and said the champion would not compete tonight.
Cena then threatened to ‘get his hands on Edge’ despite there not being a match made, Vikki responded by putting him in a match with the Big Show to see if he was worthy of facing the champion.
Match 1
Carlito & Primo Vs. The Miz & Morrison for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The ‘highlights’ (and I use that term loosely) of Miz and Morrisons date with the Bella twins were shown before the match. If M&M win this one they become the undisputed Tag Team Champs, which I pretty much expect one of these two teams to become, if not tonight then in the very near future.
Primo and Carlito seemed to have the upper hand in this one and put on a great athletic display in the early parts of the match despite the slight distraction of the Bella twins appearing at ringside.
The Miz and Morrison looked as vulnerable as I ever remember seeing them in this one and despite coming close, eventually lost the match to a Backstabber. Carlito and Primo left with the Bella’s, I expect the next meeting between these two will be for M&M’s World Tag Team titles.
Carlito & Primo win by Pinfall to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Match 2
Vladimir Kozlov Vs. The Undertaker
This match should tell you all you need to know about The Undertaker’s opponent at Wrestlemania. IF they planned for Kozlov to face Taker 1 on 1 at Wrestlemania, would they really put exactly the same match on Smackdown a few weeks beforehand? I doubt it highly and although I’ve been wrong many many times in the past I don’t think I am on this one, and after seeing the match I hope I’m not.
The Undertaker made it watchable but really it barely held my attention. I once had a discussion with someone about the theory that you can tell a lot about a wrestler by their ring attire, this seems to be true in Kozlov’s case; bland, plain and un-interesting.
Kozlov remains ‘undefeated’ after stealing a win by reversing the Old School into a powerslam, this has actually given him a very slim chance of facing Taker at Mania, by making it look like he has a chance of ending the streak.
Kozlov wins by Pinfall.
Segment 2
Hardy’s match doesn’t happen.
Matt comes to the ring ready for a match against his brother, however Jeff walks to the ring in street clothes and says he hopes Matt can snap out of the phase he is in and that he won’t fight his brother.
Matt shows Jeff how a promo should be delivered, explaining that not everything has to be about Jeff and for once this is about Matt and his needs. He then went on to explain that it makes him physically sick when the crowd cheer for Jeff, how his career has been mediocre despite him being the more talented Hardy and how he blames Jeff and everyone who believes his hype.
He then tried to goad Jeff into a fight with a couple of slaps, but got no reaction. Jeff didn’t go with any of his bizarre face paint this week, but does seem to have had a hideous tattoo on his neck which looks like it might spread right down onto his shoulder.
Match 3
Shelton Benjamin Vs. Chavo Guererro
M.V.P joined the commentary team for this one and as I expected did a good job of building the rivalry between him and the two men in the ring. Speaking of the men in the ring they also did a great job, putting on possibly the match of the week in terms of pure wrestling and athletic ability.
At one point the match spilled to the outside and Shelton powerbombed Chavo into M.V.P across the announce table. Moments later Chavo grabbed a three count with an inventive roll-up and M.V.P gained a small measure of revenge by delivering the Drive-By on a shell-shocked Shelton Benjamin.
Main Event Match
John Cena Vs. The Big Show
This week’s Smackdown seems to have flown by; sadly not because of its quality but because of the large amount of filler thrown in to pad it out. There must have been at least 15 minutes of clips showing what happened on Raw, who got into the Hall of Fame and the history of Wrestlemania. This, in a show that didn’t even make it to the 1h 30m mark with ads removed, is a lot of wasted space in my opinion.
As for the Cena/Show match, it wasn’t terrible. Show dominated the match for practically the whole match and looked like he might have the match tied up with the little-used ‘Alley-Oop’, but Cena reversed the Chokeslam and hit the Attitude Adjustment (or F-U as you might know it) and looked like winning the match himself.
Just as Cena looked to go for the cover Edge sprinted down the ramp, slid into the ring and then right back out again, distracting Cena and allowing Show to take advantage and win the match with a knockout punch and a Showstopper Chokeslam.
Smackdown ended with Edge standing over Cena and shouting incessantly that Smackdown is his show and Cena should stop his persuit of the World Heavyweight Championship.
The Big Show wins by Pinfall.
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