NXT 9-28-21

            The theme of tonight's show is Ladies Night. Hit Row is in the ring hyping up the crowd in the newly revamped NXT 2.0. B-Fab's opponent, Elektra Lopez, interrupts it all. The first match of the evening between these two women is a no disqualification match. A decent match with Lopez picking up the victory. 

            Toxic Attraction is up next and they square up against tag champs Io Shirai and Zoey Stark. Before I get to the match, I just need to say that Toxic Attraction reminds me of an updated version of the Riot Squad. Ok, now that I got that out of the way, let's get back to the match. There was a notable amount of high flying by the defending champs. The other notable thing came from the commentator's table. Beth Phoenix made the observation that people are watching Jayne and Dolin because of Mandy rose. Glad someone stated the obvious. And tonight, I watched Io and Zoey retain their gold.

            The third match of the evening is between two male athletes. Rodderick Strong is set to face Grayson Waller in a championship match for the cruiserweight title. This was an excellent match. Both men took risks and gave everything. While I could have seen either athlete winning, it would be Rodderick's hand being held high in the end.  

            A fourth and final match of the evening is between Raquel Gonzalez and Franky Monet. I am not a fan of the champ. I have said before that Raquel comes across to me as more of a brute than a wrestler. Monet, on the other hand, reminds me of a thicker, glammed up version of Luna Vachon. Am I wrong?

Anyway, Gonzalez retains her title with one bra strap still in tact. After the match, Toxic Attraction makes an appearance. They not only go after Franky, but they also decimate the champ in the ring. 

            By the end of the evening, I felt that this particular episode of NXT 2.0 was more about championships and less about the ladies. Yes, I know that three of the four matches featured female athletes. But 75% of the matches had titles on the line. My other thought focused on NXT 2.0 itself. Since the re-branding two weeks ago, the show is definitely brighter. However, it is still what I have always said it was - an updated version of WWE's Tough Enough. Now with the removal of the colors black and gold, it is a more vivid experience.

#BringBackBraun  

Monday Night RAW after Extreme Rules

            A BIG beginning to kick off RAW. Big E defends his title against an irate Bobby Lashley. An intense bull verses bull match up, however, a winner would not be declared. During the match, Benjamin Shelton and Cedric Alexander made their presence known. Chaos would erupt when Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods run down the ramp to even the odds. Referee had no choice but to call for the bell. According to Adam Pearce, the match would continue later on in the show in a steel cage match for the gold. 

            From one champ to another, Damien Priest is up next for a bout against the former United States champion, Sheamus. Both superstars took full advantage of the no holds barred rules. Priest introduced a table and with White Noise from the Celtic Warrior, both men obliterate the table with their bodies. After the commercial break, both athletes are taking turns slamming each other into the barricade. Back in the ring, Sheamus slams Damien's face into a steel chair. With his ring awareness regained, Priest retains his title. 

            Matt Riddle is up next in a singles match against AJ Styles. Randy Orton is apparently missing again. As good as he is, I am just not a fan of Riddle. Praise God, Styles won.

            The queen Charlotte Flair is set to square up against Piper Niven. Yep, I'm still not using the "D" word. This is a championship match. As much as I would like to see Piper become champ, I don't think it will happen until a pay-per-view event. And just like that, with the interference of Eva Marie, Charlotte picks up the win and her title all the way back to the locker room. Eva then gets on the mic to brag only to have Shayna Baszler come down the ramp to shut her up. 

            Monday Night RAW continues with a message from Bill Goldberg to Bobby Lashley. I must admit that I am a little surprised that he is still present in WWE. It is well known that his contract requires him to compete in 2 matches a year. Goldberg has completed the terms of his 2021 contract. He went against Drew McIntyre in the ThunderDome and against Lashley at a PPV. The Dude of Devastation is vowing to hurt the former RAW champion. I'm semi interested in seeing where this goes. 

             Now, we end the show the way that it began. Bobby Lashley will be going up against the champ, Big E, for the gold. Bobby didn't even wait for Ettore to get into the cage when he starts attacking him. What a cheap way to try to get an advantage. But as the old adage goes, cheaters never win. With a big ending off the top rope, Ettore retains his title. But wait, it's not over. Drew McIntyre's music hits. McIntyre has his intentions set on removing the belt from around the waist of Big E. I am so happy that Ettore is the champ. Now I anxiously wait for the day that Roman is dethroned. 

#BringBackBraun

Extreme Rules Recap and Results

            The kick off match was between Liv Morgan and Carmella. I have said many times that you can often tell who is going to win a WWE pay-per-view by what a superstar wears to the ring. Carmella wore wedding night gear while Liv came to the ring dressed as Marvel's newest super hero. In an earlier post, I predicted Liv winning and win she did. That was expected. What was not expected was Peacock running both English and Spanish commentary at the same time. Oh, wait, it's Peacock. I guess sub par streaming was expected. PEACOCK SUCKS!!!

              The audio issues continued when English and French commentary played simultaneously at the beginning of the 6 man match between the New Day v. AJ Styles, Omos and Bobby Lashley. It was a decent contest with the New Day going after Lashley, as well as, Omos dominating his opponents. It is also important to note Jimmy Smith and Corey Graves speculating whether or not Omos and AJ will be separated as a result of the upcoming draft. I think that would be a good idea. Omos is now well established and AJ doesn't need an insurance policy. Back in the ring, Big E pins Bobby Lashley to pick up the win for his team.

            The Street Profits squared up against the Usos. I predicted the Usos retaining because the Bloodline story hasn't reached its apex. Anyway, the match starts with a very visible bullseye on Montez Ford. His ribs are heavily taped because of the actions of Roman Reign and the Usos this past Friday night. Sure enough, that's exactly what happened. Smelling blood in the water, the Usos hit Ford with multiple forms of aggression to the ribs and pick up the win to retain their titles. With the draft looming on the horizon, I am interested in seeing if the Street Profits will be split up. Montez would be a great singles competitor. I don't know about Dawkins future. I wonder if the Street Profits will go the way of Heavy Machinery. 

            Playtime is next as Alexa Bliss takes on Charlotte Flair for the title. The evil pixie could not overcome all the veteran moves of Flair to become the new Raw Women's Champion. The queen retains her gold. Charlotte decided to celebrate her win by destroying both Alexa and her doll "Lilly". I think this feud is over and a new one is starting. Alexa seems to come mentally undone at the site of her ripped apart doll. It could have been a good sell if we all didn't see the Alka-Seltzer tablet on her tongue causing her to foam at the mouth.

            From evil to enigma, Jeff Hardy finds himself in a triple threat match against Damien Priest and Sheamus. As much as I love Hardy, he is only in this match as a momentary x-factor here and there within the true feud between Sheamus and Priest. It was while executing an Alabama Slam on Hardy that Sheamus lost his protective face mask. This allowed Damien to target the still healing broken nose of the Celtic Warrior. Marry that with Sheamus' showboating and the Archery of Infamy retains his title.

            Back to the women as Becky Lynch defends her title against Bianca Belair. Bianca was dressed ready to win while Becky looked washed out in all white gear. A literal and physical tug of war match with Bianca's long pony tail being used as a hazardous rope of sorts. Many times, each athlete had a hold of the champ's braided packs of hair. I am still praying for Belair to rock a new hairstyle come 2022. Until then,  it will be Becky Lynch retaining her gold thanks to the interference of Sasha Banks. Thank you Sasha and I love your new gear. 

            Now it is time for the main event of the evening. Finn Balor squares up against the Tribal Chief, and defending champion, Roman Reigns. I have to be honest, the first thought that came to mind when I saw Finn Balor dressed as his alter ego, The Demon, was Peacock's decision to omit the WrestleMania VI match between Roddy Piper and Bad News Brown. Peacock defended the decision to remove the match because they felt Roddy was in "blackface". However, no suit over at Peacock seemed to have a problem with Finn's look tonight. Peacock, you are consistently inconsistent. WWE, you need to take back your house and put back accurate wrestling history, warts and all, before the bird brains "white wash" away all the facts. Puns heavily intended. Readers, what do you think?

            Back to the match. It was insane and intense from bell to bell. We saw kendo sticks, chairs and bodies going through tables. We even saw Roman put on a mask while fighting amongst the WWE Universe but take it off when he was back in the ring. That was a little surprising. What was not surprising was the Usos getting involved in the match. But wait, another shocker is on tap. After Roman savagely spears Finn through the barricade, the lights go red and we hear the "heartbeat" of the Demon. The air was full of New Jack flavor as Finn's music plays during the closing moments of the match. While perched on the top rope for the Coup-de-Grace, the rope snaps, house lights go back to normal and Reigns defeats Balor. 

            A decent pay-per-view with no title changes. My prediction tally was 6-1. Over on Draft Kings, I got 6 out of 10 right regarding the Roman v Finn match. Now, I get to look forward to Crown Jewel on Oct 21, 2021.  

#BringBackBraun

SmackDown before Extreme Rules and Predictions

            "Big Time" Becky opened this past Friday's SmackDown before Extreme Rules. She would soon be joined in the ring by the EST of WWE, Bianca Belair. A great verbal build-up to tonight. I am predicting the Becky will retain the gold.

        

            King Nakamura is next in a championship match against Apollo Crews. An obvious outcome with Nakamura winning the contest. Equally obvious was the drama on the outside between Commander Azeez and Rick Boogz. 

            Next is a match that I could care less about. Zelina "Red Rooster" Vega squares up against Liv Morgan. I am still dumbfounded that WWE released Alisteir Black and brought back his wife, Vega. Black is the better athlete and the bigger draw and headliner. An absolute headscratcher. The head scratching continues with Zelina picking up a win over Morgan. 

            Now it is time for something that I am completely invested in. It is the debut of Happy Corbin on the premiere episode of Happy Talk. True to character, his first guest is himself. However, Kevin Owens would have none of it. As Owens is making his way down the ramp, he is attacked by Riddick Moss. The happy host joins in on the chaos. And there you have it folks. Within 10 minutes, Happy Talk is now a segment and Moss has returned.

            It is back to women's action with the contest between Nikki Cross and Natayla. And in less than 5 minutes, Nikki wins. But wait, there's more. Shotzi Blackheart and Teagan Nox make their presence felt. How long before we see a championship title match between Shotzi and Nox verses Rhea and Nikki?

            I am torn about the storyline of the next superstar. Naomi got in the face of Sonya DeVille last week. Will that interaction lead to Sonya getting back in the ring? Or will Naomi join her husband and brother-in-law within the Bloodline? According to Naomi's speech in the ring, she wants a one on one with Deville who is at the top of the ramp exercising her duties as Naomi's boss. She refuses Naomi's challenge and has two security guards escort her out of the arena. 

            Moving on in the evening, it is Montez Ford in a bout against Roman Reigns. In my opinion, this was a filler match with the predictable ending of Roman winning. The Tribal Chief goes into tonight's pay-per-view as champ for the past 391 days. I predict Reigns will retain tonight against Balor. At the same time, I am wondering how long it will be before we see Lesner v. Reigns.  

            Here are all my predictions for tonight's Extreme Rules.

• Roman Reigns (C) v. Finn Balor - Roman retains
• Becky Lynch (C) v. Bianca Belair - Becky retains
• Charlotte Flair (C) v. Alexa Bliss - Alexa wins the title
• Damien Priest (C) v. Sheamus v. Jeff Hardy - Damien retains
• Usos (C) v. Street Profits - Usos retain
• Liv Morgan v. Carmella - Liv wins
• Usos (C) v. Street Profits - Usos retain

#BringBackBraun

Raw before Extreme Rules and Predictions

            It is the last Raw before Extreme Rules and the show opens with Big E celebrating with his New Day brothers after winning the championship last week over Bobby Lashley. After much thanks and appreciation, E sets his sights on SmackDown's Bloodline - Roman Reigns and the Usos. As a result, the first match of the evening will be a six man tag match between the Bloodline and the New Day. It was a vicious match because of the familiarity that exists between all 6 competitors. However, the height of the match happened when Big E and Roman Reigns went at it. A second highlight came when Bobby Lashley ran down the ramp and attacked both teams. Lashley's presence would allow Roman Reigns to execute the spear and pin Xavier Woods for the win. One last thing to note before moving on in the evening. MVP is noticeably absent. He suffered a broken rib last week as a result of a RKO and will be out indefinitely.  

            The second match of the evening has Randy Orton squaring up against AJ Styles. Each competitor has their respective tag partners at ringside. Awesome match which saw Omos get ejected from the area for interfering. After the commercial break, these two veteran competitors gave a expertly engaging performance. In the end, the viper Orton would pick up the win thanks to his signature move. 

            Women are up next with Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax meeting in the squared circle. This was a short chapter to the dissolution storyline between the former tag partners. Shayna quickly picks up the victory. However the destruction would continue after the bell with Baszler taking out the left arm of Jax with the assistance of the steel steps.

            Brutality continues with Rhea Ripley as she teams with Nikki Cross. They go against the tag champs, Nattie and Tamina for the gold. The champs control the first half of the match until Rhea hits the Riptide on Tamina on the outside. This was enough of a distraction to allow Nikki to pick up the win over Nattie. And just like that, we have new tag champs in the odd coupling of Rhea and Nikki. 

            The estrogen parade keeps going as Alexa Bliss and "Lilly" are hosting The Playground in the center of the ring. Their guest is none other that the queen herself - Charlotte Flair. There is such a mean girls flavor to this storyline. After a minute or two of verbal aggression, Charlotte takes off her heels, attacks Alexa and rips off the head of the doll "Charly". I predict Bliss taking the gold from the queen tonight at Extreme Rules.  

            Next we have a triple threat match between Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley and Big E. Ettore demonstrates dominance to start the match. Each competitor took turns controlling the narrative but in the end,  the visiting Tribal Chief picks up the win. Is this a harbinger to come for tonight when Roman faces Finn Balor? I think so. As much as I would like to see Reigns finally stripped of his Universal title, my gut is telling me that the Bloodline story hasn't reached its peak. I predict Roman to retain his title at Extreme Rules. 

#BringBackBraun

NXT TakeOver 36 Recap and Results

            NXT TakeOver 36 was billed as a night of when the theory of chaos meets the laws of physics.

            The first match was for the Million Dollar Championship belt. I was rooting for Cameron Grimes all the way TO THE MOON. Finally, I get to see one of my favorite wrestlers back in the ring with some upgraded gear. He is accompanied by his fairy godfather - Ted DiBiase. Grimes will fight to take the belt away from current champ, LA Knight. It was great to see the belt go home with Grimes, as well as, seeing DiBiase get in on the action. I have my first prediction correct.

            The second match of the evening is another championship match. Dakota Kai will give her all in an effort to take the gold away from current champ, Raquel Gonzalez. I am not interested in this storyline. I just want to see Raquel lose to someone. I have said before, she seems like more of a brute than a wrestler. There were a couple of bad sells during the bout. Certain moves didn't connect but the athletes acted like they did. In a loose and ill fitting top, Gonzalez retains. During the champ's celebration, former NXT UK Women's Champion, Kay Lee Ray, makes her presence known. A former champ taking gold away from the current champ - I'm in.

            Before I get to the next feud, I have a question. Is it me or is NXT highlighting more NXT stars that usual? Piper Niven on Monday Night Raw, Kay Lee Ray making eye contact with  Raquel Gonzalez and now Walter v. Ilja Dragunov for the NXT UK Championship belt. I am placing my bet on Ijla based on what I saw last Tuesday between him and Roderick Strong.  

            Both athletes are intense and focused. One would think that just by looking at these two men, Walter would win by size alone. And let's not forget his thunderous slaps. However, Ilja is confident of his skills which puts to sleep any doubts. Both men are visibly blistered from this very brutal bout. In the end, Dragunov would win the gold. That's two predictions correct.

            There are two main events in this pay-per-view. First up, it the undisputed rivalry between Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reily. The first fall in this three fall match, is a straight forward pin or submission contest. Both men get right into the action from the bell. No feeling out to start. Just strong offenses and submission attempts. Kyle O'Reily pins Cole and has the psychology advantage.

            Round two is a street fight. What these superstars do to their bodies for our entertainment is insane. The chair shots, the slaps from kendo sticks, heads in garbage cans, etc. I don't know who's crazier - the fans or the participants. This street fight would conclude in Adam's favor. The score is now tied at one win a piece. I said last week that this was going 3 falls.

            A steel cage will be the final decider in this feud. While handcuffed to the top, Kyle O'Reily taps out Adam Cole in the shortest of all three falls. That is three predictions correct. 

            The final main event of the evening will have Samoa Joe squaring up against NXT Champion Karrion Kross for the gold. Before any action takes place, I was surprised to hear the crowd chant "We want Scarlett!" Kross does not need his real life girlfriend as a part of his character. They can each move up to the main roster separately. I would like to see Scarlett in action. 

            The other thing that I noticed that he was not wearing his gladiator gear. I have theorized in the past that you can almost predict who is going to win by what they wear at a pay-per-view event. And sure enough, my theory was once again correct. Samoa is the new NXT champ for the third time. I cannot wait to see how WWE creative introduces Kross on the main roster. 

            So I correctly guessed 7 out of 9 matches for SummerSlam and 4 out of 5 matches for NXT TakeOver 26. I think that I will welcome SLTD Wrestling's invitation to join their predictions league. Until then, Hey WWE.........................

#BringBackBraun  

SummerSlam Recap and Results

            WWE recently declared an announcer's contest on Tik Tok. Raine Cruz, the winner, introduced the participants for the kick off match. Big E will meet in the center of the ring against Baron Corbin. Last week on SmackDown, Corbin stole E's Money in the Bank contract. Ettore is intense from the bell. Then, he goes for a splash on the apron and misses. This turned things in Corbin's favor. He even tries to escape with the briefcase, but Big E stops him. Mr. Money in the Bank hits the Big Ending and is, once again, in possession of the briefcase. The downward spiral of Corbin continues.   

        

            The first match of the evening is a Raw tag team championship match. AJ Styles and Omos will defend their gold against the recently re-united RK-Bro. With 51,326 members of the WWE Universe watching, the odd couple teaming of Riddle and Orton frustrate the champs. After Omos does some damage to Riddle, he tags Styles in to take control. The Original Bro catches a glimpse of daylight and tags in the viper. Just when he is about to execute the RKO, Omos saves his partner. After some chaos, the action moves back in to the ring and Randy hits the RKO on Styles to become one half of the tag team champs.

        

            Up next is a match I really don't care about. Alexa Bliss squares off against Eva Marie. Eva physically has Piper Niven in her corner while Alexa has her doll Lilly in her corner. I have missed a lot of this storyline because it hasn't replayed on Hulu. One of the few times I am grateful that I am a streamer without live tv. Bliss snaps when Eva repeatedly slaps her doll. Within 10 minutes, Alexa picks up the win over Eva. So happy that this match was over quickly. The highlight was what happened afterwards. Piper gets on the mic and announces the loser of the match. She then puts on Eva Marie's robe and struts out of the stadium. 

            Another Raw championship match is up next and I'm totally invested in this one. I love both Sheamus and Damien Priest, but I am rooting for Priest all the way. The fella's had a great run and has done the belt proud but it is time for someone new to wear the gold. Nothing spectacular to start the match. Then, Priest flies over the top rope to take out the champ. It looked as if he also hurt himself in the lower back/hip area. Because of Damien's history of back problems, I'm convinced that he is trying to hide the pain. Back in the ring, Sheamus smartly focuses on the lower back of his opponent. This puts Priest into survival mode. He would have enough left in the tank to win this physically brutal contest and become the new United States Champion. 

 

            A second tag team championship is set and it's between the Mysterios and the Usos. Rey and Dom start the match looking to end things quickly. However, Jey would get control over Dominik and keep the young superstar separated from his dad and tag partner. A tag is eventually made by both teams and now it is Jimmy and Rey in action. Rey hits his signature 619 and then goes for a frog splash but comes into contact with Jimmy's knees. A tag to his twin and Jey flies off the top rope, pins Rey and retains the SmackDown tag championship belts along with his brother.

    

            Rick Boogs is in the ring and he is obnoxiously entertaining, although Pat McAfee is giving him a run for his money. Pat is once again jamming out to the entrance of King Nakamura. I was a little confused because the Shinsuke wasn't scheduled on the card tonight. Apparently, it was a filler moment while we prepare for a WrestleMania 37 rematch between the SmackDown champ Bianca Belair and the former title holder, Sasha Banks. 

        

            Back to her traditional high ponytail, Bianca makes her way to the ring looking like she is dressed in WWE pajamas. I was all set to see her go against Sasha, but then the ring announcer makes it known that Banks is unable to compete. Therefore, Belair will be defending her title against Carmella. WTF??? This is not even a contest. The Women's SmackDown champ gets on the mic and declares that she will take out her frustration out on Carmella. Then it happens and I swear I got goosebumps. BECKY LYNCH IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The roof not only came off of Allegiant Stadium but also off the homes of fans worldwide.

            Becky immediately disposes of Carmella. She then challenges Bianca to a championship match. Challenge is accepted and in 26 seconds flat, Lynch is wearing gold again. That is how you make a return after 16 months. Welcome back champ!!! 

            From one great match to another, it is now time for Jinder Mahal to face Drew McIntyre. Drew wastes no time. He takes it to Jinder with full force. With a kick to the temple, Mahal turns things around. Back and forth it goes until the Scottish Warrior plants a Claymore to the jaw of the modern day maharaja and wins the match.

            I didn't pick a winner for the Women's Raw Championship match. I can see many plausible outcomes in this triple threat competition. In the end, the queen's winning streak would continue as she taps out Nikki Cross to become the new title holder.

            Seven years in the making, Seth Rollins will try to pick up a W over the Rated R Superstar, Edge. I have said in the past that you can sometimes predict who will win a pay-per-view match by the gear they wear to the ring. Seth looks like he is the leader of the local marching band. Edge, on the other hand, went back in time and brought back the flavor of the Brood with his entrance which he then punctuated with his traditional entrance music. 

            When the match begins, Rollins keeps his promise and repeatedly goes after the surgically repaired neck of the hall of famer. Edge gets in a couple of good shots including Edge a neck breaker off the top rope. Edge is rolling and Seth is reeling. Shortly after becoming a victim of the Edge-ecution,  Rollins goes for the stomp but Edge counters with the move made famous by his wife - the Glam Slam. Soon after, Edge sends the face of Seth into the LED apron causing it to black out. Did I just see a harbinger? Yep. With a cross face sleeper, Edge picks up the win.

            We go from quite a high to quite the low. The Miz and John Morrison are in the ring saying "moist" one too many times. They attempt to introduce the Drip Stick 2000. However, it would be a slick haired Xavier Woods debuting a 5 gallon water back pack equipped with a powerful nerf gun. It was a rewarding scene to see Mike and John get "moistly" assaulted.

            One of the main event bouts is up next. The hall of famer Bill Goldberg will be squaring up against the men's Raw champion Bobby Lashley for the title. I love Goldberg but I know that he is not an iron man so I am expecting a quick decision. Both men are pacing like lions in the squared circle. The bell rings and a 54 year old Goldberg is in control. A younger Lashley fights back and unleashes fury on the veteran. MVP interferes and assaults Goldberg with a cane shot to the back of the knee. The Almighty creates multiple painful thuds when he slams Bill into the ring post. Back in the ring, Goldberg is unable to stand which forces the ref to call the match in favor of Lashley. The champ continues the assault with a steel chair. A 15 year old Gage Goldberg comes to the aid of his father. This results in the teenager finding himself, momentarily, in the the Hurt Lock and a protective daddy Goldberg vowing to seek revenge. 

            The final event of the evening is for the SmackDown Universal Championship. Roman Reigns has been champ since August 30, 2020 when he defeated both The Fiend and Braun Strowman at Payback. I am fully expecting him to retain. For the first time in over 500 days, Cena is back in the ring. He tries multiple times to steal a win but the Head of the Table showcases just why he is the title holder. With dominance personified, and a spear, Roman retains. But that is not how the night would end.

            BROCK IS BACK!!! Poor Paul Heyman is cowering in the corner of the ring like he's just seen a ghost. Reigns better cherish his final days with his belt because it will be going bye-bye real soon. The Beast is Back!

            Thank you WWE for over 5 hours of action and jaw dropping surprises. Now, you have just one more thing to get right........

#BringBackBraun