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. 

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. 

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.

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 predictions

Hey everybody, here are my predictions for Summerslam. 

Pre-show Santino Marella (c) vs. Antonio Cesaro for the WWE United States Championship

Santino by pinfall

Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman)

Triple H by pinfall. I just don't see Brock winning, mainly because of his limited appearance contract - If he were to win surely he'd have to be around over the next few weeks

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

CM punk pins Big Show. I'd love it to be John, but I think that will happen at Night of Champions

Kane vs. Daniel Bryan

I don't even get this match. Kane by pinfall to send Bryan more insane

Dolph Ziggler vs. Chris Jericho 

Y2J Y2J Y2J! Jericho is going to make Ziggy tap to the walls

I absolutely love the work that Chris and Dolph are doing with this feud. 

I know Chris is touring with Fozzy but I think he has some Monday's free so think he'll be sticking around a little longer (Hopefully until the UK tour!)

The Miz (c) vs. Rey Mysterio for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Miz to retain by pinfall. Totally a throw away match.

R-Truth and Kofi Kingston (c) vs. The Primetime Players (Titus O'Neil and Darren Young) for the WWE Tag Team Championship

I think the PTP have to win, by pinfall. My main reasoning is after AW's dismissal because he couldn't do as he was told the PTP have to keep the momentum they've already built. It'll be interesting to see if AW is mentioned at all.

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

Ugh, get this feud over already! Sheamus to retain by pinfall. I have disliked how this match has been built up, the off then on again situation is a bit daft. I just feel the Del Rio is lacking in charisma, I'd like to see his mic skills improve because that might change my opinion of him.

So there we have it. I've got a few part written blogs that I'm hoping to get up over the next few weeks so stick around for that. I'll also have my review of Summerslam.

Money in the Bank 2012 Review

If you DO NOT wish to know the results of the Pay Per View or to read any spoilers PLEASE DO NOT continue reading this post.

Money in the Bank predictions

Hey guys welcome to my predictions for Money in the Bank. Aside from Wrestlemania this happens to be my favourite pay per view.


YOUTUBE PRE-SHOW Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. Hunico and Camacho

Kingston and Truth via pinfall

2 points to consider here - WHY is this NOT the Tag team champions vs the number 1 contenders?? (Unless I've missed something??) and why is this the preshow? It's almost a god damn guarantee that there'll be some form of Ryback squash on the main show. I understand that they want to draw people in to watch the youtube show but I feel that this is a wasted spot.

Big Show vs. Kane vs. Chris Jericho vs. John Cena Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a WWE Championship Contract

Although I will be wearing my Raw is Jericho Tshirt my pick for WWE championship MITB is John Cena.

I am so torn for this match. I want Jericho to win and I want Cena to win. I see Cena as the most obvious choice. I don't understand why there are only four participants, although I wouldn't be surprised if we see either The Miz or Rey Mysterio return.

CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan Singles match for the WWE Championship with AJ as special guest referee

Since this is not a No DQ match I expect this to end in a no contest, since AJ won't allow either man to win

Is it wrong that my continued interest in this feud is more to do with AJ than it is Punk and Bryan? I feel Punk has lost his edge, I don't know whether this is because of working with Bryan but I miss the pipebombs. I see this going to an explosive conclusion at Summerslam, maybe an Ironman match.

Damien Sandow vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Christian vs. Santino Marella vs. Tensai vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Sin Cara Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a World Heavyweight Championship Contract

I LOVE the variety of participants in this match. My pick is Dolph Ziggler

I was initially surprised at the participants here. While I am encouraged by the use of new talents I am hugely annoyed that both the US Champion and the Intercontinental Champion are involved in this match. We are deprived of two matches here. I literally only see Ziggler winning since he has been in a programme with Sheamus. I would love Sandow or Kidd to be in the running but I doubt it.

Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio


Sheamus to retain via pinfall

Not much to say here. This match should have taken place at last month ppv. Alberto has been attacking Sheamus at every viable opportunity which makes me think Sheamus has to have the upper hand. My thoughts on Alberto are well documented.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments section below

No Way Out Predictions

So here are my thoughts and predictions on No Way Out which is on Sky Box Office tomorrow night.

YOUTUBE PRE SHOW Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga
Brodus by pinfall

John Cena vs. Big Show Steel cage match.
If Big Show loses, John Laurinaitis will be fired. If John Cena loses, he will be fired
... Gah this is such a fucking stupid stipulation. Cena to win by escape

Sheamus (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler for the World Heavyweight Championship
Sheamus by DQ

CM Punk (c) vs. Kane vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship
CM Punk to retain BUT I think AJ will be involved on Daniel Bryan's behalf. Punk pins Kane

Christian (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Championship
Christian by pin fall

Layla (c) vs. Beth Phoenix for the Divas Championship
Layla by pinfall

Santino Marella vs. Ricardo Rodriguez Tuxedo match
Santino

This show has the chance to be amazing. Dolph (as I predicted earlier this week) has the opportunity to show how good he can be. I DON'T see him chasing the main event in to Summerslam, mostly because Alberto will be back. What I DO see happening is Vickie and Swagger getting involved, thus turning Ziggler face and setting up a feud between Dolph and Swagger for the summer. There is Money in the Bank to consider, maybe Dolph will be in the frame for winning? Although if Wade is back there's him to consider.

As for John Cena getting fired....AGAIN?? This stipulation gets thrown around so much. I hate it. I can't see them firing Cena. Even though I pick him to win I don't realistically see them firing Big Johnny either. Gah. I don't know. Will Big Show throw Cena through the cage? Does Vinnie Mac get involved somehow? Last month I would happily have allowed Cena to be off TV for a little while, because as a fan of his and of wrestling I understand that wrestlers burn out. Now I don't want him off TV because there will be NO ONE to watch. OK Punk and Bryan with AJ are great to watch but they alone can not sustain a 3 hour broadcast. The roster has to be strengthend somehow.

Talking of AJ. She is wonderful BUT why isn't she taking part in any Diva's matches? She's going to be a wonderful talent but they need to be using her better as an individual not as a crazy "groupie". Her involvement is likely to be a swerve...I think her and Bryan will be aligned but it ill cost him the win not Punk.

As for the rest... Christian and Cody should build in to something really good if they get given a decent amount of time. Beth and Layla.. I'd almost forgotten the Diva's even existed. We need Kharma.  Santino.....well it'll be funny at least.

So there we have it. No Way out is back and it could be brilliant or it could be the worst ppv this year. What do you think?