I have to talk shows this week, because I have strong opinions I want to share. Right now it appears as if both Spike TV and USA have made the right decision, not to mention the wrestling companies involved. I know that can change at any moment, but I tend to think that things can only get better for both the WWE and TNA.
It is old news now, but Raw’s Homecoming was just what the doctor ordered. I taped the show and just recently had the opportunity to watch it, and I really enjoyed it. This show offered up a complete package. We had some super matches. There were some entertaining speaking segments. Many of the wrestling greats were there, and I love it when these superstars are acknowledged. Homecoming was just a good way to kick off WWE’s return to USA.
This week, while I didn’t think that it would be possible to equal Homecoming, I was still disappointed in the overall product that we saw. There were too many segments of L-O-N-G talking that could have been much shorter and accomplished the same thing. Triple H is back, and that means that we see him continuously throughout the show. Someone would get fired this night – repercussions from last Monday night, and of course we had to wait until the end of the show to see who (no surprise) and how. It has been all over the internet that JR would be the one to go, and I was sorry to see that was the case. One time why doesn’t the WWE let those rumors fly and then do just the opposite at show time? It would be more entertaining to be surprised on occasion.
On a positive note, I was glad to see Mickie James, AKA Alexis Laree, finally join the show. This is a talented young woman who should be able to add a lot to the mix. That is of course, if she can participate in a physical way instead of just prancing around. They have enough of those, what they need are women wrestlers.
Moving on to SmackDown! now, and I am excited with the new talent that they have brought in. With the likes of Bobby Lashley, Ken Kennedy – KENNEDY and Paul Churchill the future looks bright. That is of course, if we get to see the programs. Pre-empted once again, SD aired in my area late Saturday night. Oh well, things have to get back to normal soon, don’t they?
For some unknown reason I did order No Mercy, and while I’m sure I’m in the minority here, it was a better show than I had expected. I love Heidenreich lately, and he, partner Animal and Christy Hemme’s match against MNM did nothing to alter that opinion. Lashley faced Simon Dean, who he thankfully beat. There was a pretty big mistake when Bobby pulled Dean off the ropes and ended up dropping him, making it necessary to re-do that move. I couldn’t tell whose fault it was, if there was blame at all, and at least no one got hurt.
The four-way dance for the United States Championship saw Chris Benoit retain the belt in a good match. He faced Orlando Jordan, Christian, and Booker T. I do think it’s stupid when Sharmell gets on Booker’s case. Like he’d just stand there looking dejected – yeah, right.
I loved the match between Kennedy and Hardcore Holly. A great job was done by both men. The same went for JBL facing Rey Mysterio, and the Handicap Casket Match between the team of Randy and Bob Orton against Undertaker. The last two maybe were not five star matches, but they held up in their own right.
We have a new Cruiserweight Champion in Juventud Guerrera, as he defeated Nunzio for the honor. Juvy is a very talented wrestler, and I’m glad that we are now getting to see that. His Mexicool partners are good as well, and maybe Psicosis and Super Crazy will soon get to strut their stuff also.
Eddie Guerrero was unable to gain possession of the World Heavyweight Championship away from Batista, but the match was worth watching anyway. Afterwards, it was announced that it was Eddie’s birthday, and a cake was brought out. Apparently everyone had fun with this, and I like this gesture on occasion.
Alright, finishing up today with Spike TV’s newest acquisition, TNA Their second show on the new network was a hit, at least for me. I will stand behind my conviction that this is a really great company that deserves all of the chances in the world. They proved that on Saturday when they gave up some good matches. Team Canada (Bobby Roode, Eric Young and A-1 Ralphz) went against the 3 Live Kru (Konnan, BG James and Ron Killings). It’s good to see BG looking so healthy – I like that. 3LK were the eventual winners.
Christopher Daniels went up against Matt Bentley, who used to wrestle as Michael Shane, and Austin Aires. These three men are so talented, and really fun to watch. Daniels came away on top this time. The Fallen Angel is one of my favorites, and I thought this was a good match.
Abyss faced Sonny Siaki, to an eventual win. I like the way this big man works, as Abyss is able to dominate without making his opponents look completely weak. I’m sure that is not as easy to do as it seems, so kudos to him for pulling it off.
UFC’s former Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz was introduced as the special guest referee for the main event at Bound For Glory. That match will see Jeff Jarrett going against Kevin Nash. We had some normal stuff here, as both men had to come down and try to intimidate Ortiz. I don’t think so! More about B for G in a minute.
The final match of the night had America’s Most Wanted (James Storm and Chris Harris) matching wits with none other than Team 3-D. Yeah! I love the Dudleys, and am so happy that I can watch Bubba Ray and D-Von do their thing. Team 3-D won by disqualification, as there was interference by Gail Kim and Jarrett. This was Kim’s first time with TNA and I feel confident that she will be used wisely.
Bound For Glory is still almost two weeks away, but I would recommend that you plan to watch it. This is expected to be TNA’s version of Wrestlemania, and I’m sure that they will pull out all the stops for the show. I’m already looking forward to it.
I just want to thank all of you who sent me little notes regarding my father. I’m happy to say that he is now home and on the road to recovery. Thanks again.
Be safe and God Bless,
Barb.
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