wrestling / Columns
Wrestling’s 4Rs: The Right, Wrong and Ridiculous of WWE Smackdown & TNA Impact
How the 4Rs of wRestling Work!
Here is a quick explanation of the 4R’s. The column will run TWO times a week. We will group our feelings on the shows in various categories: The Right, the wRong and the Ridiculous. The Right is stuff that worked very well: a great promo, a great match and so on. PuRgatoRy is a section between the right and wrong. It shows equal traits from both sides that cannot be ignored and needs discussed. It is not a bad place per say, as things can get remedied or go the wrong way the very next week. The wRong is what it sounds like: bad matches, bad or boring promos and so on. The Ridiculous is stuff that had no right on TV: Stupid angles and so on. And there is always a possibility of a 5th R, which is as bad as they come. This column is supposed to be analytical, and at the right time very critical of the shows, it was the whole reason it was created. This is not a “mark” column, nor a “smark” column, our goal is to analyze the show from many different fronts, reward the good and call out the bad. We will not apologize for our opinions, they are as they are, whether positive or negative.
By Pyro Mitchell
Impact 6.10.15
THE Right:
Kurt Angle vs. Rockstar Spud: Before the match began EC3 came down, irate as ever, complaining about not being included in either of the two world title matches that were going to take place. He said he didn’t understand the logic behind that, considering he is the #1 ranked contender. He declares Destination X cancelled before he begins an in ring strike. Kurt Angle would come down to the ring to tell Carter that he wasn’t canceling anything, saying that the fans came to see wrestling and not some whiny bitch. This set Carter right off, as he issued some hollow threats, before leaving the ring in a huff. Then Rockstar Spud would make his way to the ring, and the match would begin. Kurt Angle controlled most of the action in this one, with Spud having brief flashes of high-risk offense. The finishing stretch would prove to be very exciting, with both wrestlers exchanging finishing move attempts, before Spud actually hit The Underdog! Kurt Angle would kick out, however, and lock in an Ankle Lock shortly thereafter. Spud would try his hardest to escape the hold but, after Angle sat down on his leg, he eventually had to tap. This was a fantastic match and, even though Spud didn’t get to live out the underdog dream, he still managed to show why he belongs in the world title picture. Good stuff all the way around, and an awesome way to kick off the Destination X edition of Impact.
DJZ vs. Tigre Uno vs. Mandrews: This was another qualifying bout for the upcoming match to determine the X-Division champion. The match was really good, very fast paced, and had the right person picking up the win. All three wrestlers got a chance to shine, producing memorable moments such as DJZ delivering a spear to Mandrews off the 2nd rope and Tigre Uno barely hitting a corkscrew 450 splash on Mandrews. Tigre Uno almost missed entirely, but actually ended up kneeing Mandrews right in the face. That would lead to a Tigre Uno victory, and he now has a future title shot coming. Jessie Godderz would then come to the ring to attack DJZ, the same way that he did Robbie E a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed this match, and it’s awesome to see Tigre Uno win! Hopefully this will lead to a title for him, as I think he would make for a great champ. He’s very reminiscent of X-Division stars of old, and the more he’s in the ring the better he’ll get. I definitely think he could be the guy to revitalize the X-Division, especially if he defends the title frequently. Like I said before, they have lightning in a bottle with Uno. Is now the time they finally realize it? I certainly hope so. Also Jessie Godderz adding to his feud with the other BroMans was good. Godderz is a potential main eventer, so its nice to see him being portrayed as a roided out monster. Hopefully he doesn’t come out on the losing end of this BroMans feud.
The Dollhouse Antics: This segment with the Dollhouse was enjoyable, and produced a potential contender to the belt. Taryn Terrell said earlier on in the night that Awesome Kong would have to dress in lingerie, and wrestle her in a lingerie pillow fight. If she refused then Kong’s title shot would be off the table. Taryn came down to the ring in her robe and requested Kong come out in her provided lingerie. Naturally, Kong said no way and then proceeded to beat the snot out of the Dollhouse. She would fight Jade and Marti Belle all the way to the back, leaving Taryn alone in the ring. But, before she could leave, Brooke would make an appearance. She came down and said that she would fight Taryn in any match any time, but Taryn wasn’t having it. Brooke would jump Taryn and land ground and pound, before stripping Terrell of her robe. This was a good segment, very much in the style of the old Attitude Era days. Brooke getting involved in the title picture is good, and I’m glad to see that her win last week wasn’t for nothing. Brooke vs. Taryn could be really good, as long as the other Dollhouse members don’t get involved too much.
Austin Aries vs. Kurt Angle: This was an awesome match, and a great way to end the show. Both guys had the opportunity to shine, with finishers being executed and reversed by both Angle and Aries. The finishing stretch was fantastic, with signature moves and holds being thrown around at will. The ending came when Aries put Angle in an Ankle Lock, only to be reversed and put in the hold himself. Angle would sit down on the leg and force Aries to tap, defending his world title successfully yet again. But Angle would not be able to celebrate for long, however, as EC3 would show up. He would land a clubbing blow to Angle, and stand in the ring holding the world title over his head, to close the show. This was an awesome way to end the night, and the eventual match between Angle and EC3 should be great.
puRgatoRy:
Low Ki vs. Manik vs. Crazzy Steve: This match was the first of three qualifying matches for a spot in a future match to determine the X-Division champion. It was an alright affair, with plenty of back and forth action (between Low Ki and Manik) and ample time for each wrestler to be in control (all except Crazzy Steve). In the end it was Low Ki that would pick up the win, by hitting The Warrior’s Way on Manik. Overall this was not a bad match, and Low Ki getting the win was a good way to go, but Crazzy Steve needs to be allowed to up his game a bit. I realize he’s there mainly for comedy, but even Santino Marella, in his glory days as the biggest joke in all of WWE, could still pull off a nice judo throw. He even had a finishing move, albeit a silly one, that he could pull out once in a while. Does Steve even have a signature move besides biting people on the head? Maybe its just me, but seeing this guy get his ass kicked week in and week out isn’t all that funny, even if he does do it with a smile on his face.
Bram vs. Crimson: Bram came to the ring, looking to challenge any past TNA star to a match, and that star would end up being Crimson. The match was dominated Crimson, which was ok, but why did Bram have to act so afraid? I get taking a breather once in a while, but he ran away for most of the match. Bram is usually sold as a monster, but tonight he took a huge step backwards. But it was good to see Crimson, and at least Bram got the win in the end.
THE wRong:
Kenny King vs. Cruz vs. Grado: This was the final qualifier for the X-Division title match, and Grado won. Kenny King was the star of this match, with Cruz having brief moments of offense, and Grado was there too. Grado winning is an absolute joke, but at least he didn’t pin Kenny King. Grado moves on to an X-Division title match, and all I can say is ‘go Tigre Uno!’
THE Ridiculous:
NOTHING
This was an excellent edition of Impact, with great action in awesome matches. Rockstar Spud, in the match of his life, against Kurt Angle was a wonderful way to kick off the night. The two had a nice lengthy match, plenty of finisher attempts/reversals, and a dynamite finishing stretch. Even though Spud lost, he showed why he belongs in the world title picture and hopefully they don’t send him back down the card. The three qualifying matches for the upcoming X-Division title match were alright, but one match really outdid the other two. And hopefully Grado doesn’t win the title, because he could potentially be the final nail in the coffin for TNA. They need to realize the star they have in Tigre Uno, and yes he botched his move earlier but that happens with ring rust. If he’s champ, he most likely won’t have that problem, and we could have one of the most exciting X-Division champs in recent history. The Dollhouse continued their feud with Awesome Kong this week by trying to make her dress in lingerie for their fight. Naturally she would refuse, but was still able to lay a beating on all the Dollhouse members not named Taryn Terrell. But they also got a new foe in Brooke, which hopefully leads to her finally getting her much deserved time in the spotlight. I enjoyed Bram’s open challenge to any past TNA talent, and I would rather see him continue this for a few weeks, over feuding with Crimson. But he shouldn’t act so scared in the future, just go back to being the crazy brute that we all know and love. The final match between Kurt Angle and Austin Aries was another A+ performance from both guys, with the both of them getting time to control and hit big moves. And of course the picture of EC3 holding the world title, at the end of the show, was a great moment. The match between Angle and Carter could be match of the year, and I will be counting the days until then.
Overall great show, that really felt like PPV quality. It was a nice rebound from last week, and hopefully they keep the ball rolling next week.
Show Rating: 7.8
As a reminder, I will be going by the 411 scale…
0 – 0.9: Torture
1 – 1.9: Extremely Horrendous
2 – 2.9: Very Bad
3 – 3.9: Bad
4 – 4.9: Poor
5 – 5.9: Not So Good
6 – 6.9: Average
7 – 7.9: Good
8 – 8.9:Very Good
9 – 9.9: Amazing
10: Virtually Perfect
Pyro Mitchell
Smackdown 6.11.15
THE Right:
Dean Ambrose/Seth Rollins Opening Segment: This was an alright way to open show, much better than the normal Authority opening. Ambrose came out to the ring, and showed some photos of him doing various things in New Orleans, along with the world title. He went on to talk about how he is the true champion, and that he will beat Seth Rollins come Sunday. Rollins would then come down, demanding Ambrose give back the title, which he actually does. But Ambrose would go on to admit that the belt he had was a replica, and then says that he left it somewhere in New Orleans. He leaves to go find it as Kane’s music hits. Kane says that Rollins had the chance to hand pick his opponent on RAW, in order to prove that he could win on his own, and he failed. He reminds Rollins that he will truly be on his own come Sunday, and he will also be on his own tonight. Kane makes a match pitting Rollins against Dolph Ziggler for later tonight, and leaves with a smile. This was a fun way to open the show, and it really showed Rollins’ peril as he longer has The Authority to protect him. It still seems unlikely, but WWE is really making it look like Ambrose has a shot of walking out with the title at Money in the Bank. I’ll be rooting for Ambrose, but won’t be expecting him to win.
The Miz vs. Ryback: This was a good match that featured control time from both men, and actually had a clean finish! Ryback started out strong, but somewhat sloppy, and had momentum for a short while. Miz would manage to turn the tide once he rolled out of the ring, baiting Ryback to follow. Right when Ryback made it outside Miz would drive his face into the announce table, via a drop toehold. Miz would keep control throughout a commercial break, and for a short time on TV, before Ryback could get back in the match. From there both guys would exchange momentum between each other, before a rather exciting finishing sequence. Miz would actually hit The Skull Crushing Finale, which Ryback kicked out of, before attempting a Meat Hook Clothesline. Ryback would hit his first, however, which led to a big Shell Shocked from The Big Guy for the pin. Big Show came out after the match, to remind Ryback that come Sunday they have a match. Show acknowledges that he was hit with Shell Shocked on Raw, but says at Money in the Bank it’ll be a different story. Ryback would dare Show to come down to the ring, before leading the crowd in a ‘Feed Me More’ chant. Big Show teased coming down, only to back off and instead wait for Sunday. This was a good match, that had an equally good ending. Even though Miz takes another loss here, it doesn’t really hurt him. Its not like he went out there and got dominated, instead he actually had Ryback on the ropes at times. And then Big Show coming out after the match to talk to Ryback was good as well, as Show’s mic work was pretty decent. He added a little extra attention to a match that has somewhat flown under the radar, in the short build to MITB.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins: This was a lengthy match that was very mat wrestling heavy. Rollins controlled most of the action throughout, with Ziggler having flashes of offense here and there. The finishing stretch was rather good, with both guys hitting signature moves and going for quick covers. The end came when Ziggler attempted a cross body that Rollins would roll through, right into a pin for the victory. Nice match, albeit somewhat slow, that gave Rollins the win he needed before Sunday, without affecting Ziggler too much ahead of his upcoming MITB match. And yet another clean finish, how awesome is that!
Roman Reigns, Neville, & Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston, Kane, & Sheamus: This was a fun match that exceeded my expectations. It started out rather slow, but got better and better as the match went on. A hot tag to Roman Reigns, later in the match, really got things moving. It was then that the whole match broke down, with all the members of both teams getting in the ring to hit signature moves. The rest of The New Day would end causing a DQ, but this time its totally acceptable. Not only was it after an entire night of clean finishes, it also managed to generate plenty of hype for the MITB match. I loved seeing Neville get the added time to shine, with him being the star of both the match and the brawl that ensued. Him standing atop the ladder, with the MITB briefcase, was a great moment for The Man That Gravity Forgot. The MITB match should be great, and I’ll be hoping for a Neville victory. Who you got??
puRgatoRy:
King Barrett vs. Jack Swagger: WHAT?!?! Did King Barrett just win a match?? Holy crap! So it took having to fight someone we haven’t seen in months, AND HE STILL ALMOST LOST! Barrett started the match strong but, after R-Truth (who was on commentary) began to try on Barrett’s king attire, he lost control rather quickly. Jack Swagger hit the Swagger Bomb and got a close near fall, before looking to lock up an Ankle Lock. Barrett would counter out of it, however, and hit Swagger with a Bull Hammer Elbow for the victory. It was nice to see another clean finish, but overall just a filler match that didn’t mean much.
Alicia Fox vs. Paige: This was an alright little match (that was made because Fox was upset about Paige speaking for the Divas division on RAW), with Paige picking up the win she needed going into her title opportunity this Sunday. Paige started out strong, controlling for a short while, with various strikes and wrestling holds. But, after a few quick kicks to head, Alicia Fox got the momentum. That began a few minutes of back and forth wrestling, before Paige would end the match with The PTO. Didn’t really get the beef Alicia had with Paige, (Seeing as how Paige didn’t even mention Alicia on RAW) but decent wrestling and another clean finish saves this from the wrong.
THE wRong:
NOTHING
THE Ridiculous:
NOTHING
Overall tonight was actually really good, filled with very enjoyable wrestling and not too much talking. Ambrose and Rollins are always pure money together, and tonight was no different. Ryback and The Miz put on a good match, and hopefully The Big Guy’s match with Big Show this Sunday doesn’t kill his momentum. Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins put on a good match, and both guys look pretty good going into their respective matches Sunday. ‘Running Joke’ Barrett finally got a win, but it came over someone that hasn’t been on TV in forever. Alicia Fox and Paige had a decent little squabble, although Alicia’s beef with Paige didn’t seem to make much sense. And the show closing 6-man tag match, that turned into an all out war between the MITB participants, was very good. Neville getting to stand tall at the end of it was an added bonus, and he looks to be on top of the world heading into Sunday. And it was the night of the clean finish, with all but the final match actually reaching an end, which was awesome! Good stuff this week, and a nice lead in to Money in the Bank. Let’s keep it rolling next week!
Show Rating: 7.9
As a reminder, I will be going by the 411 scale…
0 – 0.9: Torture
1 – 1.9: Extremely Horrendous
2 – 2.9: Very Bad
3 – 3.9: Bad
4 – 4.9: Poor
5 – 5.9: Not So Good
6 – 6.9: Average
7 – 7.9: Good
8 – 8.9:Very Good
9 – 9.9: Amazing
10: Virtually Perfect
