Money in the Bank Predictions

Here are my predictions for the fourth annual  Money in the Bank Pay Per View

This Week in WWE 8-14 July 2013

Hey guys, here's this weeks roundup, a few hours before we hit Money in the Bank

Spotlight on: Money in the Bank

Hey guys! Apologies for no posts since last week, I've been away and had no internet (fancy that, a place with no WIFI).

Onwards to this weeks spotlight. This Sunday sees the 4th Annual Money in the Bank Pay Per View after the match was plucked from its Wrestlemania spot and given a show of its own.  It's actually my favourite show of the year because of it's unpredictability. There have been twelve Money in The  Bank matches since Chris Jericho invented the match in 2005.

Spotlight On : Dressing Up

Welcome to a new feature here at WrestlingByTinks. Every week I'll be taking a look at different aspects of the world of wrestling or of the people we love to watch. If you've a suggestion of something you'd like to see under the spotlight pop it in the comment box and I'll add it to my list :)

My first focus came about after last week's episodes of Raw and Smackdown and it's all about dressing up and imitation

This Week in WWE 24-30 June

Wrestlingbytinks towers has been subjected to illness this week (Yeuch!) so it's been a tad quiet; that said, here's the roundup of this weeks highlights.

What's new this week 24 June 2013

Hey Guys! So I figured that every Monday I'd give you guys a round up of the new products coming out from WWEShop and from WWE DVD here in the UK. Click on the photos to go directly to the products.

Copyright WWE

Bleacher Creatures are 10" collectible beanies of your favourite superstars. Currently available are CM Punk, John Cena, Ryback, Sheamus and Team Hell No. The six are available for $99.99 or are $19.99 each. There are also two twin packs of Team Hell No or Cena and Ryback priced at $35.99

Copyright WWE

This Commemorative plaque limited to 500 pieces is available for pre-order for $129.99. The plaque features photographs from Wrestlemania 29 and a piece of the ring mat and will be released on July 8th

Copyright WWE

 Signed by both CM Punk and the artist behind the Second City Saint art Jill Thompson, this can be pre ordered for release on June 26th at a price of $69.99. There are only 500 pieces available.

Copyright WWE

This signed plaque depicts Dolph's Money in the Bank cash in on the Raw after Wrestlemania. Priced at $129.99, there are just (you guessed it) 500 available for pre order for release on 27th June

UK Fans will know there's a new home of dvd - WWEDVD.co.uk. This week's release is:

The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History. Available on Bluray (£22.99) and Dvd (£19.99) also available at Asda and HMV (prices may vary)

This Week in WWE 17-23 June 2013

Hey Guys! I figure that since I don't usually get to see Raw or Smackdown live that instead of doing a write up of both shows I'll do a week round up with the main headlines coming out of both shows. Here's this weeks! Since these round up could technically constitute spoilers, you'll find this weeks news after the jump.

Results Round Up - Payback's a hit

Hey Guys, here's the round up of Payback's results.

Sheamus defeated Damien Sandow - A solid match, perhaps should have appeared on the main show. I think by having these two on the pre show is to build watch figures. The best thing about the pre show is the panel; hosted by Josh Matthews The Big Show, Cody Rhodes and R-Truth gave their insight into specific matches. A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the show in general. 

Sad sad news

I will have a post about Payback and Raw going up later this evening.

If you follow me on Twitter you may have already caught wind of the awful news I am about to share.

Being an AJ fan I've been following the lovely gang over at april-jeanette.org. One of the site's staff members, Shirlz, has suffered a terrible tragedy which resulted in the loss of her mother and sister in a house fire. While I did not know Hayleigh, I have heard wonderful things about her and her devotion to WWE and wrestling and it is always sad to lose a member of our community.

Caleb and Dana have set up a fund to try and raise some money to help Shirlz. The appeal has already raised over £1000. If you'd like to donate you can do so by going here. Your generosity is appreciated.

How can WWE save the Divas Division?

Seeing Stephanie McMahon on Raw over the last few weeks left me reminiscing about the days when she, Trish Stratus, Lita and the many other female wrestlers were involved in some way in Raw each and every week.

It led me to ponder about today's product. With so many talented females like Natalya, AJ and Tamina Snuka why has the division fallen flat on its face?

I don't think that the shift to a more family friendly product can be blamed. Rumor has it that Triple H isn't a fan of the division but I don't know if there is any truth in that, especially if you think that Hunter was responsible for bringing Chyna into the wrestling business.

 

When AJ Lee became Daniel Bryan's girlfriend and later the Raw GM I thought there would have been a resurgence in visible female characters. With her match against Kaitlyn taking place on Payback I still hold out for this reality, and with good things coming out about Paige in NXT it seems a shift towards wrestling ability over just a lady's looks is happening. This can only be a step forward.

One of the 'Did You Know' cards has trumpeted the female audience of WWE Programming at a 36% share of the total viewing numbers. While it's great that a company with a high youth audience is taking part in campaigns like Be A Star isn't it about time that WWE took steps to show positive female role models to the young girs in the audience? In a time where childhood obesity makes daily news headlines and young women suffering with self esteem issues WWE could use their strong, beautiful and intelligent women in an engaging manner to help inspire youngsters to be happy and healthy. 

In my 13 plus years as a wrestling fan my interest in female wrestling has waned and I think that is mainly because I have no interest in watching 'models'* pretend to know how to wrestle. It's turned the divas matches into 'Piss breaks' for many fans.

Scrap the Barbie belt and bring back the Women's Championship and give those ladies a chance to show the audience that they really are talented. The show with E!, Total Divas, isn't what I want to see from them though

*I know that they aren't from model backgrounds but in recent times it has certainly been a sense of style of substance in the recruitment of women wrestlers.

Payback Predictions

Welcome everybody to my Payback predictions post! 

This is a new PPV this year and replaces No Way Out

There are 8 matches for us to think about and you can find out what I think after the jump

Copyright WWE

Has WWE Missed the Boat with Paul Heyman Guys?

When CM Punk dropped his now infamous 'Pipe bomb' almost 2 years ago he called himself a 'Paul Heyman guy'. The phrase has come to represent the associations between the genius and his clients and seems, for the most part, to be a positive step in a wrestler's career. While Punk didn't necessarily need Heyman, it certainly gave a freshness to his character.

After a tease of a 'new' client Heyman himself addressed the audience on May 20th edition of Raw and announced to the world the newest 'Paul Heyman Guy' : Curtis Axel, formerly Michael McGillicutty. While the son of Mr Perfect is an accomplished wrestler I felt it came as an underwhelming surprise. 

From WWE's Instagram

WWE seem to be keen on him, since he already had a prominent role as part of CM Punk's New Nexus. And in that statement lies my personal problem. I don't remember him having particularly strong chemistry with Punk and while Heyman's current guys have yet to work together there is always the possibility that it could happen in the future. I don't see how Axel fits in with Brock and Punk but I suppose there is always the opening for Axel to be Punk's replacement, it is something we will have to keep an eye on. That being said of course, having the storytelling genius Heyman in his corner is no bad thing and it could have the potential to skyrocket his career. Perhaps Axel now needs to pick up decisive wins over the 'big' stars.

If it were my pick, I'd have chosen Antonio Cesaro. Sadly it seems that Cesaro's star is plummeting since losing the US Title which is a shame since he is a great in ring talent. 

Why WWE Fans should Believe in The Shield

Sunday May 19th saw another step towards domination for The Shield with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns becoming Tag Team champions and Dean Ambrose becoming the United States Champion at Extreme Rules

From WWE's Instagram

Personally I was absolutely ecstatic that the trio picked up gold. Since they first appeared on our screens at Survivor Series the trio has been part of some of the better match ups on pay per view and Raw or Smackdown. I was lucky enough to see them at Raw live from London in April, and the place went mad for them.

I should point out here that I have never followed the American Independent Wrestling Scene, it is rarely shown here in the UK so I was unaware of the three before they attacked Ryback. In the weeks that followed in each man, but especially Ambrose, I saw that 'something'; that one little spark that makes your eyes widen and hang on every word that tumbles from the mouth and when the show is over you can't wait to see what they'll do next week.

And I wasn't wrong. Thankfully I'm not the only one who has seen it with the company clearly backing Ambrose Rollins and Reigns. Their interactions with Team Hell No make compulsive viewing. For the fans this can only mean good things. WWE seems to be building and investing in the Superstars of the future. NXT is full of flourishing stars who are, like Bray Wyatt, getting ready to make that step up to the main roster; while it's always enjoyable to have Triple H and Brock Lesnar around it is refreshing to see new faces getting their time in the spotlight.

The presence of the Shield means more than just three new talents; it means a fresh and exciting future that I for one am excited to see.

Re-introductions!

It's been a long time.

I have still been around, still watching but I began to find it a little difficult to find time to write as well as fitting in my university work but now uni is over and I am bursting with excitement at the summer ahead for WWE fans.

Stay tuned for some articles on The Shield, Paul Heyman and all the weekly news from Raw and Smackdown.

I have no intention for this blog to become a 'dirt sheet'. I won't be posting 'gossip', just my honest opinions and thoughts.

What's new this week 1st July 2013

Hey Guys! Here's the pick of what's new this week, Clicking on the pictures will take you directly to their pages.

Over at WWE Shop they've got a promo code - be quick it's only on until Thursday!

Using the code perhaps you'll choose Mark Henry's new shirt -

Or the recently revamped Best in the World shirt - now in Black

Or you could chose to Believe in the Shield

Tomorrow's big release here in the UK from WWEDVD is WCW War Games.

While I wasn't a WCW fan growing up I hear a lot of good things about the concept of the War Games match and would be interested in seeing this set. Its available on Blu ray and DVD.

All images copyright WWE. All views expressed are my own. I am in no way affiliated (unfortunately) to WWE  or WWEDVD.co.uk

John Cena's Ten Years Strong

John Cena put out a tout video to let the WWE Universe know about his new gear.

10 Years Strong is Navy Blue and features another cartoon of Cena. The merchandise is now available from wweshop.com

Cardiff House Show November 9th 2012

I had the best birthday ever because I got to spend it at the Raw house show. You can read all about it after the jump.

John Cena goes Pink for breast cancer awareness

Source 

John Cena will debut a new shirt tonight - in support of the Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer foundation. 

Cena is well known for his work outside the ring for his charitable work and raising funds for a cancer cure is something close to the Superstar. His youngest brother Sean has an inoperable brain tumor. 

Source

The WWE are giving 100% of the profits of sales of the Special Edition Rise above Cancer shirt, hat and sweatbands to the Komen foundation. The products are available from WWE Shop now (if you click on the Sort By drop down box and choose New Arrivals it shows all products not just the packages)

Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease and too many families (including mine) continue to lose loved ones to it. I'll be getting the shirt and I really hope that many of you do too.

Night of Champions Predictions

First and foremost I'd like to take a moment to send love and get well wished to Jerry 'The King' Lawler. Jerry was taken ill at the commentary desk on Monday and it was later announced that he had suffered a heart attack. Thankfully the doctor and emergency staff at the arena were quick to act. Latest news is that Jerry is recovering well and may be allowed home from hospital in the next few days. Take all the time you need King, the WWE Universe will be waiting when you're well enough to return. 

On to the predictions for Night of Champions 

Youtube Preshow: Superstar Battle Royal Winner will become the #1 Contender for the United States Championship 

No participants have been announced for this. My pick is Zack Ryder although it wouldn't be far off betting on Brodus Clay either. 

Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship

Originally there's only one way I saw this going - Sheamus by submission since the Brogue Kick was outright banned. Then Booker T announcing that if it was used Sheamus would be stripped of the title. I really would like this feud to finish cleanly here, but I have a feeling that Del Rio could get a win because Sheamus used the Brogue. If this happens I definitely see Dolph Ziggler cashing in, leading to a triple threat match (possibly a 4 way with Orton) at Hell in A Cell next month.

CM Punk (c) vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship.

By the time Cena and Punk had their segment Monday night I was already emotional. Then Cena spoke and I was almost in tears. I have no shame in saying that I am emotionally invested in these men and women. I hope to see Cena win by pinfall to get this feud a fresh angle to continue the remainder of the year but don't be surprised by some form of Paul Heyman appearance. 

Layla (c) vs. Kaitlyn for the Divas Championship

I wish the Diva's division had some meaning. I urge Vince and Hunter to seriously look at the situation and give the Diva's a kick up the arse and get it moving again. For the reason that I don't think enough people are aware of who Kaitlyn is, Layla will pick up a clean pinfall win.

Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler

Randy Orton by pinfall for me, this could be a show stealer. I've earned a lot of respect for Dolph recently and even if he doesn't cash in tonight a period of work with Orton can only strengthen his character.

Antonio Cesaro (c) vs. Pre-show Battle Royal winner for the United States Championship

Cesaro has only had the belt a month. He has to retain, cleanly, by pinfall to make the belt relevant again. Here's an idea - make Cesaro change the belt to the old European Championship. He can brag for a few months how much better the Europeans are and then bring Jack Swagger, The All American American, back to face him. Jack wins and brings back the US title. 

R-Truth and Kofi Kingston (c) vs Kane and Daniel Bryan for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Team friendship, Anger management, whatever you want to call them, there is no doubt that the conflicting Kane and Bryan are the most entertaining tag team at the moment. I see Kane & Bryan winning by pinfall, but don't expect them to be happy about it!

The Miz (c) vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Sin Cara Fatal-4-Way for the Intercontinental Championship

Miz  gets the pinfall on Cody to set up a decent feud that brings both men back to their recent best.

So there we have it. Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments below!

Summerslam

I've decided not to review Summerslam in the way that I normally do.

The show itself was ok, enjoyable for the most part. The only things I didn't enjoy were the lazy finish to the Heavyweight title match (exactly the same as last years WWE championship match finish!!) and Brock vs Triple H. 

I'm so heartbroken that Chris Jericho is off again :( Every time I get tickets he seems to leave just before we due to see a show haha. I'm hoping by November he'll be back, it'd be very cool to see him on our birthday 

( yes I share my birthday with my favourite wrestler!!)

I'm hoping Night of Champions is a good show, because I fell like I need some shocks and surprises now.