NXT Takeover: In Your House

NXT Takeover: In Your House

Orlando, FL - June 2020

CHAMPIONSHIP RUNDOWN: Coming into tonight's show, NXT's first "pay-per-view" of the quarantine, Adam Cole is the NXT Champion, the NXT North American Champion is Keith Lee, the NXT Women's Champion is Charlotte Flair, and the NXT Tag Team Champions are the Undisputed Era.

NXT Takeover: In Your House kicked off with a fun opening from Todd Pettengill that harkened back to the In Your Houses of the mid-90s in graphics and delivery. Unfortunately, any good will that the opening video package got from me was then ruined by the awful metalcore song that went on for what seemed like 10 years. 

Starting things off, we got a six-woman tag - Shotzi Blackheart, Tegan Nox, and Mia Yim vs. Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, and Raquel Gonzalez. For some reason, the "fans" in attendance started a "This is Awesome" chant before the match even started. No, it isn't, boys. A series of high-flying moves to the outside led to an "NXT" chant in the early going, but there was nothing too special on display. I was far more impressed by Shotzi Blackheart's shoulder submission moments later. This match had some good moments but quite a few noticeable hiccups too - telegraphed topes, mistimed pin breaks, nothing remarkable in terms of storytelling or showcasing a particular talent. (2.5/5)

Another "throwback" moment as we got a commercial for WWE Ice Cream Sandwiches done with Lord Alfred Hayes-style voiceover. I liked it.

Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor followed. Is there a more irrelevant wrestler in the WWE than Finn Balor? Remembering a time when Balor was actually considered a could-be WWE main eventer, a potential "top guy" feels like remembering a fever dream - like you can recall glimmers of it, weird memories, but it doesn't quite feel like it ever truly happened. I had not seen any of Damien Priest's work before the last Takeover and generally liked what I saw from the guy, though he still strikes me as a work-in-progress, a solid worker with a good look but not a discernible character. Balor, meanwhile, suffered from a heel turn that was essentially cooled not because Balor's work deteriorated, but because it didn't go anywhere or propel him to any new heights. A "This Is Awesome" broke out and again it just felt forced and unearned, actually highlighting just how unremarkable this match was. Now, that's not to say there weren't good moments or that either guy was half-assing anything - they were obviously working hard - but this was just back-and-forth, you're turn-my turn wrestling. The best moment was the ridiculous Damien Priest back bump onto the stairs, an absolutely nasty spot that should've ended the match but inexplicably didn't (instead, Balor got the clean win following a pair of Coup De Gras double-stomps). (2.5/5)

Keith Lee defended his NXT North American Championship against Johnny Gargano next. I'm a big Lee fan, but am considerably cooler on Gargano's heel work. Lee and Gargano had great chemistry, though, and Gargano played the rag doll well. I also liked that, unlike the preceding match, there was an actual story here as Gargano had to rely on dirty tactics to overcome the size and power advantage of Lee, going after Lee's right eye and fingers. The best spot of the match was Lee pouncing Gargano through one of the social distancing plexi-glass walls, though it was quite as GIF worthy as when he did it to Cole some months back. As Lee carried Gargano back into the ring, Candice LeRae showed up, only to get taken out by Lee's real-wife girlfriend, Mia Yim (who was also sporting a cool BLM shirt). As the ref dealt with the warring women, Gargano pulled a key out of his tights and jammed it into Lee's eye, but he still couldn't get a 3 count! Johnny maintained control for a minute, but Lee hit his Spirit Bomb and then a Big Bang Catastrophe to finish him off. This was a smartly worked match marred only by some of the annoying chants coming from the phony crowd and a run time that felt just a tad too long. The best match of the night so far and maybe Gargano's best heel performance (that I've seen), but still not a must-watch. (3/5)

I wasn't expecting it, but the next match was the Backlot Brawl for the NXT Championship - Adam Cole defending the strap against Velveteen Dream. This was shot in "cinematic" fashion like the Boneyard Match, but the setting was more traditional - a black wrestling ring set up in a parking lot surrounded by a bunch of cars and hollering "fans." Dream and Cole came dressed for a brawl, neither guy wearing their traditional wrestling tights (thank god). This match was a confused mess from the start, kicking off with Dream just trying to get a quick pin (despite this being the culmination of a blood feud) and then transitioning to "action movie" intensity (Cole hiding in a sports car that Dream then smashed up with a baseball bat) before a brief moment of levity (an Uber joke) all within the first 10 minutes. Again, the crowd noise was more distracting than anything, especially the unspirited chant of "Velveteen" by some deep-voiced dude. Velveteen's usually-entertaining theatrics made no sense in this context, nor did either guy's decision to attempt double axehandles from the ring to the ground (which were countered, both times, by the other guy hitting a superkick in what I imagine was supposed to be clever "mirror" work). As Dream set up a ladder and looked to elbow drop Cole on the hood of a car, the rest of Undisputed Era showed up - only to see Cole call from the ladder through the front windshield of the car. Strong, Fish, and O'Reilly jumped Dream and then got to work filling the ring with chairs. Surprise, surprise, though - Dexter Loomis was under the ring for some reason! Loomis managed to take out Strong and Fish, shoving them into the back of a car and driving off with them. Meanwhile, Cole continued to sell the damage to his arm. With Dream in the ring, Cole attempted a Panama Sunrise onto the bed of chairs, but Dream countered it into a Dream Valley Driver for 2. While Dream looked like he may have been nearing victory, Cole ended up surviving a bit longer and hitting the Panama Sunrise on the bed of chairs to get the win. While this was not as bad as the Edge/Orton match, it was still a disappointment and neither guy came out of this match looing like a star - especially not Dream, who was beaten straight-up and is now, like so many others in NXT/WWE, "just another guy" after being a "can't miss prospect" a couple years ago. There was fear that going to the main roster would "ruin" Velveteen Dream, but staying in NXT certainly hasn't helped either. (1.5/5)

Karrion Kross (and his manager Scarlet Bourdeaux) make his Takeover debut next - taking on former NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa. The first time I saw Kross's entrance I thought it was cool, but by the second go-through, I didn't find it to be all that amazing or "different" than what we see from Bray Wyatt or Aleister Black or what we once got with the Brood. The "Fall and Pray" chant might be cool in the future, but in this setting, hearing and seeing a half-dozen dudes doing it felt ultra nerdy (and not in a hip way). Kross no-sold Ciampa's early offense, but eventually Ciampa was able to get some real shots in and stop Kross in his tracks. On the outside of the ring, though, Kross eventually sent Ciampa into the apron with a double-choke toss and then followed it up with a big suplex. Kross followed it with another one and then delivered some knees to Ciampa's face in the corner. All the while, Mauro Ranallo brought up the Japanese wrestling influence, but I didn't see anything I haven't seen anyone else do. Ciampa rallied, though, even hitting his Willow's Bell for 2. Ciampa attempted his Fairy Tale Ending, but Kross countered it into a fireman's carry release slam (not too dissimilar to the F-5) and then locked in the Kross Jacket to force Ciampa to tap. I liked that this match didn't go too long and Kross came out of it looking like a big threat, but anyone heaping any sort of praise on this is just drinking too much of Kross Kool-Aid. (3/5)

Main event time - Charlotte Flair defending the NXT Women's Championship against Rhea Rhipley and Io Shirai. After the bell rang, Flair ducked out of the ring to allow the challengers to square off, only inserting herself into the fray once she saw a clear advantage. As has become something of a trope, Flair provided her own running commentary during the match, trash talking her way through the action. Shirai looked very small compared to Flair and Rhipley, essentially becoming the underdog based on that fact alone (and because her aerial skills are hard to root against). There were some good sequences in this match, but nothing too overly choreographed, which I appreciated. Still, when the "crowd" began chanting "This Is Awesome" it felt apropos of nothing, obligatory and unearned. What exactly had happened that was awesome? Flair almost got the win with a Natural Selection on Shirai, but Io managed to get the shoulder up. Flair applied the Figure 8, but Rhipley broke it up by pulling Flair out of the ring by her hair. As they battled on the outside, Shirai recovered and hit an awesome crossbody on the floor to Rhipley. Finally we got to see someone go through part of the In Your House set as Flair tossed Shirai through the glassless "window." Rhipley and Flair brawled by the plexi-glass, but it was Shirai who got the spotlight as she climbed atop the set and came down on both women with another crossbody! It wasn't the craziest move I've ever seen, but it was a cool visual. Back in the ring, Shirai looked to finish Flair off with a moonsault but Rhipley denied her. Rhipley attempted a superplex, but Shirai escaped and attempted a Frankensteiner, only to get stopped by Charlotte. Flair hit some huge chops on Rhipley in the corner, but as she attempted a superplex, Rhipley countered it with a pseudo-Riptide off the top rope. Shirai stopped the count, but ended up in the Prism Trap. Flair grabbed a kendo stick and started unloading on both women, which would typically be a DQ - but because this was a No DQ/No Countout match, it was perfectly legal. Flair applied the Figure 8, but Shirai came out and clocked Rhipley with a moonsault  that connected straight on her face! Shirai made the cover while Flair was trying to maneuver out of the Figure 8 and we've got a new NXT Women's Champion! Another okay match, but nothing great. (3/5)


With a Kwang Score of 2.58-out-of-5, this is the first Takeover show I've reviewed that didn't offer a single match I'd consider a WWE Match of the Year Candidate. While one could argue that this could've been partially caused by the setting, I wouldn't agree - this was just a "ho-hum" show with questionable booking and, in the case of the NXT Championship match, at least one abject flop. The opener was good, but felt like a "TV match," as did the Karrion Kross/Ciampa match. The main event was good-not-great and Priest/Balor was forgettable save for a single ridiculous spot. Coming out of this show, I'm not excited about any current NXT storyline or character aside from Keith Lee, who really should be at the top of the card. Inessential viewing.

FINAL RATING - High Risk Maneuver

WWE Extreme Rules 2012

WWE Extreme Rules 2012

Chicago, IL - April 2012

CHAMPIONSHIP RUNDOWN: Coming into this show, the WWE Champion was CM Punk, the World Heavyweight Champion was Sheamus, the Intercontinental Champion was The Big Show, and the United States Champion was Santino Marella. The WWE Tag Team Champions were The Colons (Epico and Primo, who I was amazed to see were still under contract up until the April mass firing) and the Divas Champion was Nikki Bella.

Extreme Rules 2012 begins with a bit of a shocker - a sizable pop for Kane upon his arrival to take on Randy Orton in a Falls Count Anywhere match. I'm not sure how this feud/storyline started but we get a video package highlighting the way these two went after eachother's fathers ("Cowboy" Bob Orton and Paul Bearer). Orton was the babyface so he gets an even bigger pop. It doesn't take long for these two to bring the fight out of the ring and into the crowd, brawling through the stands. At one point, Orton sits Kane against a barricade and runs into him with his knee and its brutal in its simplicity. To his credit, Kane retaliates with a low dropkick on the floor that also looks great. I'm not a huge fan of either guy but they work hard in this match, maybe motivated by the fact that they were put in the opener? When they make their way backstage, the lack of crowd response is a bit jarring. Zack Ryder shows up out of nowhere and attempts to take Kane out but gets no-sold. Ryder gets tossed aside like a clown as Orton and Kane continue to fight. Back in front of the crowd, Orton regains control and tosses Kane back into the ring. Orton hits his trademark bodyslam and then grabs a chair, walloping Kane's back with it. Orton clears off the announce table and hits Kane with a hangman DDT off of it. Minutes later, Orton hits Kane with a superplex but only gets 2. Orton goes for an RKO but Kane pushes him away and then hits him with a Chokeslam for 2, the Chicago crowd biting hard on it. Kane calls for the Tombstone, attempting to drive him into the chair, but Orton escapes and then hits him with an RKO for the clean win. While the commentators talked about how back-and-forth it was, to my eyes it was a fairly dominant Orton performance as he hit nearly every one of his signature moves with relative ease. Seeing Kane take so much punishment, even from a main eventer like Orton, is odd considering how much they've protected Kane over the years. (3/5)

Backstage, John Laurenaitis, the General Manager of both RAW and SmackDown, and his executive assistant Eve Torres embarrass Teddy Long. 

Brodus Clay, along with the Funkadactyls (Cameron and Naomi) and Hornswoggle, make their way down the aisle next. Clay's entrance is spoiled by the arrival of Vickie Guerrero, who introduces her client and Clay's opponent - Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler is accompanied to the ring by Jack Swagger, a partnership I totally forgot about. Despite being the heel, Ziggler has the Chicago crowd behind him. Clay isn't awful, but he's nothing special. He had a tremendous look, no doubt, but his offense was unremarkable. This was filler, but at least it didn't eat up much time. (2/5)

The Intercontinental Champion, The Big Show, defends the title against Cody Rhodes in a Tables Match next. These two had surprisingly good chemistry, which I'm guessing has something to do with how far these two go back; Rhodes being a self-proclaimed "WCW Guy" and Big Show being such a huge figure in mid-90s WCW. Show dominates (as he should), but accidentally steps through a table after a Cody Rhodes dropkick, losing the match by technicality. I'm not sure what I think of the finish - on one hand, it was maybe too "out of nowhere" for me and wasn't built up, but at the same time, the fact that it was unpredictable and sudden was kinda the whole point. I like Big Show's post-match attack too, especially Big Show press slamming Rhodes out of the ring and through a table. This was different and different is good. (3/5)

Backstage, Daniel Bryan cuts a heel promo about Sheamus. Bryan is over with the Chicago crowd but cuts them down too. As he walks toward the ring, we can see Bryan's spurned ex-girlfriend, AJ Lee, is watching from the shadows, 

After a video package recapping their feud, it is time for Sheamus vs. Bryan in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match for Sheamus' World Heavyweight Championship. The crowd is a bit split - some fans chanting "Daniel Bryan" and booing Sheamus and some fans clearly rooting for the World Heavyweight Champ. Sheamus shows off some good technique early on, hitting his rolling fireman's carry and then applying a cloverleaf. Bryan uses his speed to gain control, though, connecting with a dropkick that sends Sheamus to the arena floor. Another "Daniel Bryan" chant starts up, but the other half of the crowd shows their support for Sheamus too. Bryan does some strong heel work, attempting to break Sheamus' fingers and pull his shoulder out of its socket. Bryan's cut-offs through this initial "heat" segment are uniformly sharp - nothing super fancy or showy, but all efficient. Sheamus eventually puts together a string of power moves, including a fallaway slam that gets him a nearfall. Sheamus attempts a tackle in the corner but Bryan moves away and hits Sheamus with a nasty kick to the face. Bryan attempts a hurricanrana from the top, but instead Sheamus hits him with a battering ram from the top for 2. Sheamus attempts a vertical suplex, but Bryan escapes and Sheamus ends up on the arena floor. Bryan attempts a dive, but Sheamus meets him with a forearm to the head. Sheamus attempts one of his trademark powerbombs, but Bryan escapes again and gets a 2 count with a roll-up. Bryan tries to apply the Yes Lock, but he just can't lock it in. Bryan goes to the corner and Sheamus follows, but Bryan dodges and the big man goes right into the post. Bryan follows it up by ramming him shoulder-first into the post on the outside. Its not the most original twist, but I like Bryan continuing to target the shoulder afterwards, not just using it as a transitional move. Back in the ring, Bryan lays in a series of stiff kicks to Sheamus' shoulder, not stopping until the referee pulls him away and rewards the first fall to Sheamus by DQ. Bryan quickly ties things up, though, hitting Sheamus with a running kick in the corner and then applying the Yes Lock. Sheamus never actually taps, but its clear that Bryan has him defeated, the referee making another judgment call. Bryan leads the crowd in a "Yes" chant, but there are also a fair number of fans chanting "No!" back at him. A doctor comes into the ring to check on Sheamus, the babyface not looking too heroic. Sheamus decides to continue and Bryan attempts another running kick in the coner, but Sheamus stuns him with a Brogue Kick! He can't make the cover quick enough, though, so Bryan kicks out at 2 (much to the delight of at least half the crowd). Bryan pulls himself up with the help of the ropes and lays in more kicks, eventually knocking Sheamus square in the head with one. Bryan gets a 2 count and then goes to the top rope. Sheamus cuts him off, though, hitting him with a barrage of forearms. Sheamus attempts a superplex but Bryan headbutts him to the mat. Bryan goes for a diving headbutt but Sheamus rolls away. Bryan attempts another running dropkick in the corner but Sheamus dodges and hits a couple axehandles on the challenger. Sheamus hits the Irish Curse backbreaker and then hits Bryan with a Brogue Kick to finish him. I was expecting a "bigger" finishing sequence, but you can't be disappointed with a clean finish to an all-out war like that match. A really good match, but I'll admit to not being quite as "high" on it as others. (4/5)

Two jobbers, Aaron Relic and Jay Hutton, stand in the ring and cut a promo about their opponent tonight - Ryback. The fans chant "Goldberg" at Ryback as he destroys his opponents without breaking a sweat. Ryback's "Feed Me More" chant had not yet taken off, but a year from this he'd actually be pretty over. This was "filler" but it was fun enough and we got to see Ryback hit an awesome clothesline. (2.5/5)

After a quick promo backstage, it is time for our WWE Championship Match - CM Punk defending the title against Chris Jericho in a Chicago Street Fight. Punk gets a huge ovation from his hometown crowd. He's dressed for a streetfight, sporting a "Drug Free" t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Punk controls early, grabbing a kendo stick and tossing two chairs into the ring. An "ECW" chant starts up for no apparent reason. Jericho is great as a cowardly-but-crafty heel early, hiding behind Mike Chioda and poking Punk in the eye to cut off the Champ's momentum. Jericho follows it up with a springboard dropkick that sends Punk to the floor. Jericho controls for a few minutes but doesn't do much more than toss Punk into the barricade and hit him with some random weapons. Things pick up a little when he peels back the top of the barricade and beats down the champ right in front of his sister/close friend Chaleen. Punk goes wild and tears the tops off of both tables, slamming Jericho through one. Punk attempts a piledriver on the floor but Jericho counters it into a back body drop. Jericho then hits him with a monitor and then breaks the announce table cover over his back. Booker T talks about how this is "what a Chicago Street Fight is all about," but back in the ring, Jericho applies a chinlock - maybe the most non-street fight move possible. Punk counters with a back suplex and then attempts a springboard clothesline but slips off and Jericho levels him with a kendo stick shot. Jericho goes to the outside and grabs a beer from under the ring. He tries to pour it on Punk, but it only serves to energize him, Punk taking over the match as the crowd goes wild. The energy of the Chicago fans are definitely carrying this match more than the action - which is fine, but not nearly as "hardcore" as we know these two were capable of. Punk delivers a big elbow drop and the crowd erupts into a "Randy Savage" chant but he's unable to hit the GTS and Jericho ends up back in control after a bulldog. Jericho attempts the Lionsault but Punk catches him in an Electric Chair and then attempts another Go To Sleep. Jericho escapes and sends him face-first into a chair in the corner for 2. Punk and Jericho sell exhaustion but Jericho manages to apply the Walls of Jericho. Punk makes it to the ropes but there's no rope break in a streetfight! Punk grabs a fire extinguisher from under the ring and blows it into Jericho's face to break the hold! A "CM Punk" chant emerges in appreciation as Jericho tries to wipe his eyes in the ref's shirt. Punk rams the extinguisher into Jericho's stomach twice and then hits him with a big kick that sends him onto the announce table. Punk then launches himself from the top rope onto Jericho through the table! Again, not the most innovative spot but still a crowd-pleaser and an impressive bit of violence. Punk rolls Jericho back into the ring but only gets 2. Punk applies the Anaconda Vice, but Jericho grabs the kendo stick and bashes Punk over the head with it to escape. A "This is Awesome" chant starts and while I wouldn't say the whole match was awesome, the past few minutes have been very good. Jericho hits a chair-assisted Codebreaker but only gets 2! Jericho hits him with a kendo stick but is clearly at a loss for what to do to put away the Champ. Jericho attempts a Go To Sleep, but Punk counters it and catapults Jericho into the corner. Punk hits the Go To Sleep and gets the win. There were good moments sprinkled through this match and the audience's energy can not be ignored, but CM Punk didn't come across nearly unhinged enough for me and there was little to no innovation. Not a bad match, but not as great as it could've and should've been. (3/5)

Backstage, the Bellas get into it with Eve Torres. Nikki Bella had only recently won the Divas Champion from Beth Pheonix, but her opponent tonight was Layla. Bella would gain a reputation as being a better-than-decent worker in her last couple of years, but she was still putting everything together at this point. Unsurprisingly, we get some "Twin Magic," but it backfires as Layla pins Brie Bella to become the Divas Champion. Not a great match - not even a good match - and I'm not necessarily why they opted to put the title on Layla (who wasn't exactly known for her in-ring abilities either), but it didn't overstay its welcome and it served as a "palate cleanser" after the WWE Championship match just fine. (1.5/5)

Main event time - John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. This was Lesnar's first match back in the WWE after a lengthy and controversial sabbatical that saw him gain even more credibility and star power by winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Cena, meanwhile, came into this match after the biggest loss of his career (up to this point) - to The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII. Its a bit weird to see Lesnar walk out without Paul Heyman by his side, but Heyman wouldn't return to the WWE for another year or two if I recall correctly. Lesnar takes out Cena early, grinding his forearm into Cena and cutting him open within the first minute. It is brutal to watch, but Cena fights back and this match comes off as "realer" than anything I've seen in years. A medic comes into the ring to try to stop Cena's bleeding, but he is losing a ton of blood from the top of his head all thanks to Lesnar's elbows. Cena dives again at Lesnar, but Brock has no trouble laying on him and pummeling with his punches to the head. Lesnar hits him with some knees to the stomach and Cena rolls to the outside, completely overwhelmed. As Cena crawls back into the ring, the blood continues to flow and there's another ref stoppage (which draws boos from the heartless Chicago fans). Lesnar tries running into him, but Cena catches him with a back elbow. Lesnar rebounds, though, and hits Cena with two german suplexes - shades of what would happen when they met again at SummerSlam 2013. The match slows down a bit, Lesnar allowing Cena to get to his feet just so he can punish him some more. Lesnar applies a Kimura Lock and sends him into the turnbuckle. Lesnar reapplies it on the outside and sends Cena into the barricade before grabbing Cena's chain from the post. Lesnar wraps it around his fist, but opts not to use it. Lesnar drives another knee into Lesnar's ribs and then wraps the chain around Cena's feet. Cena barely manages to stand up and Lesnar brings him right back down to the mat with a nasty clothesline. Lesnar hangs Cena on the post and brutalizes him even more, smashing his arm against the ring apron. This is the Lesnar that I wish we still got today - not just vicious and powerful, but innovative. Lesnar goes to find a ref but it allows Cena to get in a flurry of offense. Lesnar cuts him off and sends him into the steps before tossing Charles Robinson back into the ring. Cena crawls back in, the chain in his hand. Lesnar tosses it aside and takes Cena out with a huge F-5, accidentally taking Robinson out in the process. Lesnar covers and gets the visual pin, but nobody is there to make a count! Another ref comes in, but Cena kicks out at 2! Lesnar takes the ref out in anger and two more show up. Lesnar throws the steel steps into the center of the ring and stands atop it, basking in the spotlight. Lesnar applies the Kimura Lock again, Cena screaming in pain. A huge "Let's Go Cena/Cena Sucks" chant starts up as Cena, somehow, miraculously, counters the Kimura Lock by lifting Lesnar and dropping him on the steel steps. Cena goes to the top and attempts a leg drop, but Lesnar rolled out of the way and Cena hits the mat before rolling out of the ring. Lesnar gets up and after being confused as to where Cena went, spots him and begs for him to come back into the ring. As Cena stands on the apron, Lesnar bounces off the ropes and hits him with a flying forearm! Lesnar's momentum carries him over the top rope and he nearly concusses himself. Lesnar laughs off the botch, though, and attempts it again - only for Cena to meet him with a chain shot to the skull! Lesnar is busted open and dazed, barely able to pull himself up to his feet. Cena hits him with a huge Attitude Adjustment on the steps to get the win! Wow. That match was ultra-violent and amazing, but the ending was a head-scratcher to me. After dominating so much of the match, it just seemed a little too unrealistic for Cena to get the win, even if the offense he delivered to get there was essentially two established "killshots" (a chain to the skull and an AA on steel steps). At the time, much was written about Cena's post-match antics but watching it years later, Cena's comments seem like the words of someone who believed - in the moment - that his left arm had been severely injured. I've seen some people call this a perfect match, but I won't go that far. It is a definite must-see and fascinating watch, a very different type of bout than anything we'd seen from Cena (or anyone else in the WWE) in years. (4.5/5)



With a Kwang Score of 2.94-out-of-5, Extreme Rules 2012 may not seem like one of the better pay-per-views of the modern era but it absolutely is. The main event is a must-see massacre with one of the more shocking finishes of the decade, Sheamus/Daniel Bryan is a hair short of being a classic (but certainly a "must watch" for any D-Bry fan), and while I was disappointed with Jericho/Punk, my opinion is never the authoritative view. The Cody Rhodes/Big Show match is good fun and I even liked the Kane/Orton opener. Even the Ryback opener is inoffensive. While there's some fat to be trimmed, it is incredibly rare for a WWE show not to be weighed down by at least 3-4 lame matches or segments. This show only features two.

FINAL RATING - Watch It...With Remote in Hand

WWE Royal Rumble 88'

WWE Royal Rumble 88'

Hamilton, Ontario, CA - January 1988

CHAMPIONSHIP RUNDOWN: Coming into this show, Hulk Hogan was the WWE (WWF) World Champion, the Intercontinental Championship was held by the Honky Tonk Man, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions were the Glamour Girls, the WWE Women's Champion was "Sensational" Sherri Martel (the second last champion of her era, she would keep the title until July when she dropped it to Rockin' Robin, who would see her title essentially retired in 1990). The WWE Tag Team Champions were The Strike Force, Tito Santana and Rick Martel.

The first ever Royal Rumble, which was not a pay-per-view but actually a TV special, kicks off with Vince McMahon running down the card, introducing his co-host Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and then sending things to the ring for our opening contest - "Ravishing" Rick Rude vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. These two had an absolutely awesome Ironman Match years later in WCW, so I went into this with high expectations. Lots of good character work early from both guys - these two are in no rush as they have the crowd in the palm of their hands and they know it. Rude's selling and facial expressions are outstanding and because Steamboat is so over they are able to get big reactions for something as simple as an extended wristlock/armbar sequence. Rude gains control for a stretch but Steamboat regains control with some speedy slides, a hiptoss, and then a return to the armbar. This is the kind of laser-focused wrestling that we just don't see often enough today as wrestling matches have become all about trading "signature offense." After sending Steamboat to the outside, Rude brings him back into the ring with an impressive suplex for a 2 count. Rude applies a rear-chinlock but Steamboat won't quit. Rude draws some heat by taking a break to pose for the crowd and then reapplies the hold, but again Steamboat works his way to his knees, eventually lifting up Rude in the electric chair and dropping him back-first onto the mat! Rude manages to hit an atomic drop, though, and then goes back to the chinlock. As Ventura notes, this is sound strategy. Steamboat escapes and bashes Rude head-first into the buckle. There's a series of great pinfall attempts that follow, Rude and Steamboat both getting to show off their stamina and quickness. Steamboat goes to the top and goes for a crossbody, but Rude pulls the referee into his path and then hoists Rude up in a backbreaker submission. We never see Steamboat submit, but Hebner calls for the bell. Rude celebrates like he's won the match, but the official announcement is that Steamboat has won by DQ! This wasn't a must-see match, but it was above-average due to the smart pacing, both guys' performances, and an interesting finish that allowed both guys to leave the match strong. (3/5)

The next segment sees Dino Bravo, backed by his manager Frenchie Martin and with Jesse Ventura spotting him, attempt to surpass the 705-pound World Record for the bench press. This could've been a good segment, but it goes on far too long, with Bravo starting at 450 pounds and then having to work his way up to a gimmicked 715 pounds. And that's really the problem - if it was all gimmicked to begin with, why not start at 500? Why not start at 600? Why do we have to see him do 3 or 4 bench presses as the crowd's boredom grows when this segment could've been cut down by a good 5-10 minutes? I'm all about Wrestlecrap and "Network Nuggets of Awesomeness," forgotten angles and gimmicks that are silly or strange, but this isn't any of those - its just repetitive and doesn't even end with Bravo lifting the weight (its clear how much Ventura is helping). 

After a commercial break, we're back in the ring for Jimmy Hart's Glamour Girls (who were the Women's Tag Team Champions at the time) vs. The Jumping Bomb Angels from Japan in a 2-out-of-3 falls match. The match starts out with some problematic commentary from Jesse and Vince as Ventura asks if McMahon even knows the names of the Bomb Angels - which he does not. He decides to just call them Pink and Red (based on their ring attire) and even asks aloud, "Well, what else are you going to do?" I'd like to think that even in 1988, learning people's names was a thing. At least he knows the names of the Glamour Girls (Judy Martin and Leilani Kai)? This match has a reputation for being ahead of times and while that's true, it doesn't necessarily make it a 5-star classic. The good outweighs the bad, certainly, but there are some noticeably not-so-great moments (a moment in the first fall when the Glamour Girls' struggle to make a tag is made to look way, way harder than it actually is, the imperfect sunset flip leading to the second fall). But there are also some undeniably awesome moments - a kickass reverse powerbomb leading to the first fall, some nifty submissions, a great bridge from one of the Angels. The finish gets a massive ovation from the crowd, which just goes to show that the audiences in 1988 were absolutely "ready" for competitive women's wrestling that wasn't based on sexist depictions of female athletes but Vince just didn't see it as worth developing, promoting, or marketing. I'd call this just a hair short of being "must see." (3.5/5)

A video package follows, recapping the Hulk Hogan/Ted DiBiase & Andre the Giant feud. This leads to the arrival of Andre and Dibiase, who head to the ring for the official contract signing of the biggest rematch in WWE history - up to that point: Andre vs. Hulk for Hogan's WWE Championship on February 5th as part of the Saturday Night's Main Event spin-off special The Main Event. Like the Dino Bravo segment earlier, the performers really milk every single second - but at least we're talking about actual stars here so its not nearly as dull. DiBiase taunts Hogan as he considers signing the contract and I love that he notes how Andre actually pinned Hogan at WrestleMania III - an incredibly misleading reference to the fact that, very early in their WrestleMania match, Andre did get a nearfall that looked a lot like a 3 count after Hogan made his first attempt to slam the Giant. Andre reads through the contract and even Vince seems fed up with how long this process is taking. After Andre signs, both men rise to their feet and DiBiase goads him to attack the Hulkster, which he does (after Hogan lunges at the Million Dollar Man). Andre slams Hulk's head on the table and then dumped the table on him and leaves. That was anti-climactic.

Main event time - the first ever Royal Rumble match. Unlike future versions, this one only featured 20 entrants. Bret Hart and TIto Santana start things off, which means we get quite a few racist zingers out of Ventura on commentary. "The Natural" Butch Reed comes in at #3. Through my deep dives into old WCW/NWA pay-per-views, I've finally seen Reed's value after only knowing him from being a part of Doom. Jim Neidhart comes in at #4 and all three heels beat down on Tito, which gets good heat. The timer has obviously been gimmicked as there is no way 2 minutes pass before #5 - Jake "The Snake" Roberts - comes to the ring and dumps Reed. The Snake is super over and shows a ton of fire, helping his babyface friend. For someone considered a master of psychology it doesn't really make sense that he would help Tito Santana when he was on the precipice of being eliminated but whatever. King Harley Race comes in at #7. Jim Brunzell comes in next, the Killer Bee nearly eliminating Bret Hart at one point. Another NWA vet, Sam Houston, comes in at #9. I'd have to admit to having no idea he ever wrestled in the WWE (and even more shocked to learn that he stuck around till 91'). "Dangerous" Danny Davis shows up next in his ridiculous striped pants. Meanwhile, Race and Roberts have some fun off to the side with Race springing back-and-forth on the middle rope as Jake decks him. Race does not look good at all and wouldn't last too much longer as a regular in-ring competitor. Boris Zhukov comes in next, one of the WWE's resident stereotypical Russian villains. On commentary, Ventura gives a ton of credit to Bret Hart, who is still hanging in there. For some reason, both Nikolai Volkoff and the original "Rock" Don Muraco come down the aisle at the same time. Volkoff is denied entry but Muraco comes in. Zhukov gets eliminated during the confusion. Volkoff eventually comes in and Race gets dumped, but the numbers haven't really thinned too much. Race tries to get back in, but the refs prevent him. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan comes down the aisle next to a massive pop, easily the most over babyface to show up yet. Duggan and Muraco work on Neidhart but can't get him over. "The Outlaw" Ron Bass is next in, McMahon noting that this match is right up his alley. Volkoff back-body drops Brunzell out of the match and, a half minute later, his partner, B. Brian Blair, enters the match. The crowd chants for the DDT on Danny Davis, who was absolutely despised at this time. Hillbilly Jim comes in next and dumps Neidhart to a big pop. Dino Bravo comes in next with Frenchie Martin in tow. Sam Houston takes a nasty fall to the outside off the shoulders of Bass and we're onto #18 (according to Jesse) - The Ultimate Warrior. What's interesting here is that the Warrior, while certainly popular, was not the huge sensation he would be a month later. Bret Hart is finally eliminated and the One Man Gang shows up, the largest entrant yet. The Gang dumps Blair and then Jake the Snake. The last man is in the Junkyard Dog, who gets some loud cheers. Duggan back-drops Nikolai Volkoff next and then teams up with the Warrior to work on Davis. Meanwhile, Gang dumps Hillbilly Jim and, just like that, I believe he set the record for most eliminations at 3. Duggan takes out "Dangerous" Danny Davis and I believe Duggan may have shattered Gang's record. The Warrior is unceremoniously eliminated, which is kinda weird to see considering that, of everyone in the ring, he'd be the next guy to be elevated to the main event scene (though it would take more than a year). The final four are Bravo, Gang, Duggan, and Muraco, the numbers thinning out quite a bit in just the last 2-3 minutes. Muraco gets some moments to shine, even dropkicking Frenchie Martin. Gang eliminates him with a clothesline and Duggan is now outnumbered by the heels. Duggan takes on both guys, but ends up getting beaten down for a bit. The Gang tries to clothesline Duggan out of the match, but Hacksaw dodges it and Dino gets brought over the top rope instead. Gang beats down on Duggan for a bit and then rears up to charge him out of the ring, but Hacksaw pulls the top rope down and Gang goes over. Not the best finish ever - but, oddly, not the worst either. This isn't a "Must Watch" match, but the crowd clearly enjoyed it and, based on crowd reaction, I'd say that the right man won too. Funner to watch than your average match, but nothing I'd go out of the way to see if you've never seen it before. (3/5)

Hulk Hogan, the WWE Championship around his waist, cuts a promo next. Its not Shakespeare, but its vintage Hogan. 

Main event time? The Islanders (Haku and Tama) vs. The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers) in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match. At the time, The Islanders were feuding with the British Bulldogs, going after their mascot, Matilda. It is not very often that Haku is the biggest star in a tag team match, but his career went much further in the 90s than anyone else in the ring. Powers and Roma are both ripped, but its the Islanders' speed and tag team prowess that is more impressive. The Islanders get the first fall by countout after Haku pulled the top rope down and Roma spilled to the floor. I'm not sure why this match was even being fought under 2-out-of-3 falls rules, but whatever. They cut to a commercial break and we don't even come back to the match...

Instead, Ted DiBiase, Virgil, and Andre the Giant stand at the podium for an interview. DiBiase explains his plan for the fiftieth time and then we hear from Andre, who claims to still be undefeated despite losing to Hulk at WrestleMania III. Andre's promo desperately needs subtitles as it goes on and the Giant gets louder and more undecipherable.  

After another commercial break, we're back in the ring for the resolution of the tag team match. Paul Roma's knee is now taped up. Haku immediately attacks Roma's leg, but the future Horseman tags in Jim Powers. Meanwhile, on commentary, Ventura goes after organized religion - noting that Jim and Tammy Faye Baker are probably Hulkamaniacs, while "Giant-a-maniacs" would include Abbie Hoffman. Tama comes in and hits Powers with a shapr leaping back elbow - simple but effective - for 2. Haku comes back in as the crowd tries to revive Powers, but he cools them down by applying an abdominal stretch. Haku attempts a front-flip splash, which I'm not sure I've ever seen him do, but Powers rolls away. Haku maintains control, though, leveling Powers with a chop and then nearly decapitating him with a dropkick off the ropes. Powers is able to dodge the bulk of the dropkick and makes the tag to Roma, who then loses the match rather quickly as Tama comes off the top rope with a splash directly onto his leg and then Haku applies a half-crab. I really liked that finish as it felt like the legitimate, correct way that a match like this should end. Today, I feel like they would've milked things for far too long with the "injured" worker somehow persevering multiple strikes and submissions to their damaged limb. This match, as a whole, was nothing special, but that ending was fantastic. (2/5)

To close out the show, Vince and Jesse talk about the show as the fans leave. I was surprised to read that, at least from what I found on Wikipedia, there were no dark matches on this show. 



Royal Rumble 88' is a TV special and not a PPV, which means that one should expect something along the lines of a Clash of the Champions rather than a WrestleMania if you're seeing it for the first time. Even with that expectation, though, I found the card to be a bit lacking. Sure, not getting a Hogan match is understandable and Andre the Giant was, by this point, winding down his career (he still wrestled a remarkable 30+ matches in 88' and 89' combined, but many were in tags), but where was Macho? Where was the Honky Tonk Man? Was the best possible main event really The Islanders vs. The Young Stallions? Why not keep Tito Santana out of the Rumble and have Strike Force (his team with Rick Martel) defend the Tag Team Titles instead? If you're looking for a breezy watch or interested in what the WWE was like 30 years ago, this show might scratch the itch - though I'd sooner recommend WrestleMania IV or SummerSlam 88', which not only feature all the big stars of the era, but some of the most memorable matches and angle of that year. With a Kwang Score of 2.88-out-of-5, but nothing exceptional (aside from arguably the Women's Tag Team Championship match)...

FINAL RATING - High Risk Maneuver

WWE Money in the Bank 2020

WWE Money in the Bank 2020

Orlando, FL - May 2020

CHAMPIONSHIP RUNDOWN: Coming into tonight's show, the WWE Champion was Drew McIntyre, the Universal Champion was Braun Strowman, the United States Champion was Andrade, the Intercontinental Champion was Sami Zayn, the RAW Women's Champion was Becky Lynch, the SmackDown Women's Champion was Bayley, the RAW Tag Team Champions were The Street Profits, The New Day were the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, and the Women's Tag Team Champions were Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Oh, and the 24/7 Champion was the NFL's Rob Gronkowski (though he did not appear on the show).

The first thing I noticed when I booted up my WWE Network and turned on Money in the Bank 2020 was the runtime: a scant 2.5 hours. I immediately felt a sense of relief knowing that I was going to have to devote multiple days to sit through a needlessly lengthy show overloaded with irrelevant matches and advertisements. For the past few years, show times have run well beyond 3 hours without even counting the hourlong pre-show and it has made viewing these shows seem like a chore. Here's hoping that when the WWE does return to "normal," they continue to try to edit their shows and cut down on the unnecessary filler.

The show began with The New Day, now 8-time World Tag Team Champions (they now hold the SmackDown version of the titles), defending their titles in a 4-way tag team matcha against John Morrison and The Miz, Lucha House Party, and The Forgotten Sons. Gran Metallik was the buoy for the early part of the match, getting to show some of his athleticism in exchanges with Kofi, Blake, and JoMo. Cutler and Blake had some decent double-team moves, but it was Dorado's hot tag that really shined, showing off a dizzying array of high-flying maneuvers. Kofi came back in and took out Miz and Morrison and, a few minutes later, with the aid of Big E, got a nearfall on Cutler. We got a huge multi-man sequence culminating in a Starship Morrison on Big E for 2 after Dorado and Metallik broke up the pin. The pace was just insane at this point with all sorts of quick tags, signature moves, and pinfall break-ups. In front of an audience, this would've been a super hot opener. After getting involved one too many times, the referee banished Ryker from ringside - which, as Cole noted, wasn't necessarily fair because Fatal 4-Way matches are automatically No DQ. Big E hit the Big Ending on Metallik to wrap this one up very soon after. The ending felt a bit too rushed for me, especially so soon after Ryker was sent to the back. Had this match ended with another huge multi-man sequence, it would've really been something special. As it was, it was a good-not-great match. (3/5)

After a commercial for the upcoming Undertaker doc and some words from Lacey Evans and Drew McIntyre, it was time for our next contest - R-Truth (whose entrance was just bizarre in an empty arena) vs. MVP. I have not watched the weekly shows so I had no idea why these two were feuding. Their pre-match spat didn't really help out. Bobby Lashley ended up coming out to give MVP the night off and dominate Truth, basically destroying him in under 3 minutes. I guess they're now on Manager #3 for Lashley if he continues to serve as MVP's muscle as Lana was nowhere to be found nor was she referenced on commentary. I spoke too soon when I said that a 2.5 hour runtime would limit the amount of filler on this show. (1/5)

Bayley and Sasha spoke backstage, with Bayley playing the clear heel and Sasha playing the lackey. I didn't love Bayley's heel turn initially, but I'll give credit where its due - over the past few months, they have clearly established a new dynamic between Bayley and Sasha and Bayley has gotten even more confident as a villain. Her opponent tonight was Tamina Snuka. I liked Bayley's trash talk early and how vocal Sasha was on the outside too, the best friends clearly trying to fill up the dead air that makes empty arena shows so hard to watch at times. The action was decent, but definitely not at the same level we've seen out of the better, more athletic women in the division. I liked seeing Bayley show off some of her new heel offense and tactics - including a fun moment when she doused Tamina with a bottle of water - only to end up firing up the challenger. Tamina's offense was imperfect but effective. The worst part of the match was the awkward finish as Tamina and Bayley clumsily collapsed into a crucifix pinfall. Not nearly as bad as some will likely say it was, but still below par for the 2020 women's division. (2/5)

After a commercial for Total Bellas and a very brief message from Titus O'Neill, Seth Rollins cut a promo backstage. It wasn't a bad promo, it wasn't a good promo, it was just a promo. I like Rollins in "serious" mode more than I liked him trying to do comedy, but the issue remains that Rollins doesn't have much of a character, or at least not a unique one. 

Before their match, we got a nice video package recapping the history between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, who would face off tonight for Strowman's Universal Championship. At WrestleMania, we got the super creative "Firefly Funhouse" match between Wyatt/Cena, but this was not promoted as another visit to that mystical land. Instead, we got a straight-up match - or at least as "straight up" a match could be with Bray Wyatt in his Mr. Rogers gimmick. Some of the action was quite good here, but there were also some puzzling moments. Having Bray Wyatt's Sister Abigail finish get kicked out of makes little sense to me when, for awhile at least, it was pretty well-protected. That's the kind of spot you just don't need to have. Minutes later, Braun Strowman got booted in the face and we got a bizarre finish sequencing that saw Braun pretend to submit to Wyatt only to end up powerslamming him. Again, it just made Wyatt look foolish and naive. If this is building to a Fiend/Strowman confrontation, I'm not at all interested as neither "Friendly" Bray Wyatt nor "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt have proven to be all that powerful. Clock it, folks, it took 9 months to get Bray Wyatt exactly where he was before, just a regular ol' upper midcard heel who can't get the job done and makes empty threats. It's a shame too because his match with Cena at WrestleMania did seem like a re-invigoration of what the Wyatt character could be. (1.5/5)

The WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, defended his title against Seth Rollins next. I'm usually not much of a Rollins fan, but I had to eat my words a bit as I did enjoy his match against Owens at WrestleMania. McIntyre's match with Lesnar that night? Not nearly as much. The early minutes of this one suffered from a few things - a "too serious" tone from the commentators, a lack of quality trash talk, and a weak "shoulder-into-the-post" spot - but Rollins' bumping was spot-on and I liked the Monday Night Messiah going after McIntyre's knee to try to slow him down. McIntyre and Rollins seemed to determined to put on a championship match identical to one that they would've put on in front of a live audience and while setting that goal and bringing that intensity is admirable, it seemed like a self-imposed handicap that needlessly ignored what had made the better WrestleMania matches work (including Rollins' own considerably more violent match against Owens). At one point, Rollins delivered a trio of knees to McIntyre's head, which would've seemed deadly had it not been that I can't recall a single time that a knee strike from Rollins was anything more than a transition move. In fact, after overselling them, McIntyre ended up catching Rollins on a failed dive and overhead suplexing him over the announce table. Back in the ring they went where McIntyre regained control with 2 more over-the-head suplexes before connecting with a big boot. Drew hit an axehandle from the top and then kipped-up but was unable to hit the Claymore as Rollins escaped out of the ring. Seth attempted a springboard knee but got spinebustered for 2. Rollins hit a superkick to a seated McIntyre but only got 1. Rollins then hit a frog splash, but again McIntyre kicked out at 1. I guess kicking at 1 is part of McIntyre's gimmick now? I'd have to double-check but I feel like that was part of the story against Lesnar at Mania and I didn't like it then either. Rollins grabbed a chair as the match hit the 11-12 minute mark. Was this No DQ all along? Anyway, he didn't have a chance to use it as McIntyre briefly rallied. Rollins attempted a superplex from the corner, but McIntyre head-butted him to the mat. Rollins sprung back up, though, and hit him with the Falcon Arrow - an impressive feat of strength, but still a move that screams "fake" to me as it requires just too much cooperation from the opponent. Rollins attempted a stomp but McIntyre caught him and delivered the Future Shock DDT. Is that named after that Starrcade from the early 90s? There was a pretty cool moment a minute or so later that saw Rollins work on McIntyre's knee in the corner only for McIntyre to use his incredible strength to toss him halfway across the ring. McIntyre attempted a Claymore, but Rollins caught him with a superkick and then delivered a Curb Stomp for 2. That was a good sequence, no doubt. Rollins went for another Stomp, but McIntyre caught him with a headbutt. Rollins came back with a superkick, but McIntyre bounced off the ropes with a Claymore to get the clean win. That final sequence would've been better if McIntyre's head-butt had just dazed Rollins, allowing McIntyre to hit the Claymore. Instead, by inserting that needless extra superkick, it just re-affirms that Rollins' superkicks are weak. Rather than figuring out what "looks cool," I wish the agents and wrestlers would give more thought to what weakens or strengthens the credibility of the action. The post-match ending didn't make a ton of sense of me, but that's actually a good thing as it almost came off as McIntyre forcing Rollins to shake his hand and Rollins being too dazed to really know that he was doing it (and, when he realizes that he did, will hopefully delve further into the heel persona and become even angrier and more disrespectful towards Drew). As with any Rollins match, there were plenty of things I didn't like but he is such a skilled worker that even if the psychology isn't always there, the athleticism, pace, and execution is hard to critique. (3/5)

Main event time - The 2020 Money In The Bank Match. This was rumored to be a "cinematic" match along the lines of Taker/Styles and the Firefly Funhouse Match, but it did not start well, with maybe the most awkward entrance segment I think I've ever seen. Music played, but from where? Some wrestlers did versions of their entrances for no reason.Guys and gals waited to fight until an invisible bell was rung. Guys wore their wrestling attire for no reason. Like, why would Aleister Black want to be 80% naked for this? Why would Daniel Bryan? Baron Corbin paused for dramatic effect at one point. In a ridiculously stupid moment, AJ Styles got stuck under some dumbbells...I guess not realizing that he could roll it over his legs? We got a Brother Love sighting in the bathroom for no apparent reason too. As much as some of this was ridiculously stupid, I won't deny that I had a smile on my face as it went on, the ridiculousness winning me over as the wrestlers did battle up each level of the building. After Daniel Bryan beatdown Otis and Corbin, we got a pseudo-Doink sighting. I guess maybe the person who did Doink's make-up was unavailable and they also couldn't find the correct wig? Stephanie McMahon did a dubbed-in/filmed-at-home cameo soon after, the difference in audio/video quality and the fact that she didn't actually share the screen at any point very apparent. Styles was shown (though it was unclear how he got out of the workout area) searching for Mysterio and, in a great callback, got freaked out as he walked past a huge poster of the Undertaker. Styles opened up a door and saw a casket sitting in a smoke-filled, purple room. Black kicked him into the door and locked it and then nodded to the heavens as Styles screamed in terror. We then cut to Paul heyman feasting in the back leading to a massive food fight. At one point, Baszler put Mysterio to sleep and Nia and Otis bumped chests. The scene ended with Jax powerbombing Carmella through a table and then staring down Otis, who had paused to eat some ham. Otis then made his way into the building's deli where he slammed a pie in the face of John Laurenaitis for some reason. We then went to yet another dining area where Asuka sought the help of a guy mopping the floor. Again, it didn't make much sense why someone would be mopping the floor in an empty office building, but whatever. The match continued with AJ and Bryan eventually brawling their way into Vince McMahon's office in a nice bit of comedy ending with Vince turning his back to the audience and making a note on a legal pad - maybe a nod to his actual creative process? Out of the office AJ and D-Bry went where they were assaulted by Baron Corbin. At this point, the match finally found its way to the top of Titan Tower where a ring was set up and a number of ladders stood. Lacey, Asuka, and Nia Jax got there first, with Nia immediately dominating her smaller opponents. As Nia set up a ladder, though, Lacey and Asuka attacked her and prevented her from grabbing the briefcase. At this point, one might wonder - where was Corbin? Or the other 3 women's competitors? Surely it wouldn't take that long to get from one floor to the roof? But, whatever, this match was not about logic. As Asuka looked to unlock one of the briefcases, Corbin did eventually make his way and...try to stop her? Did he have an alliance with someone? Commentary might've helped explain that but no one had said a word until Asuka unclapsed the briefcase. With Asuka winning the Women's briefcase, the match continued to determine which male superstar would be leaving with their guaranteed title shot. Corbin and Otis did battle in the ring for awhile, Otis even finding time to hit Corbin with the Caterpillar before Aleister Black and Mysterio showed up. Eventually AJ showed up too and dumped Rey and Black to the outside where Corbin proceeded to toss them OFF THE ROOF OF THE TOWER!?!? What in god's name was that about? It didn't show them squashed on the ground, dead, but what other explanation would there be for where they ended up? Daniel Bryan showed up and we were now down to 4. AJ hit a Phenomenal Forearm on Otis and attempted to secure the briefcase only for Corbin to climb atop and get his hands on the briefcase too. Before Corbin could take it from him, though, Elias smashed a guitar on Corbin's back (who in the hell asked for that feud to continue?), which then caused AJ to fumble the briefcase and drop it into the waiting hands of...Otis. All I could do was *sigh*. I'm an Otis fan, but he's got to take the cake for the silliest person to ever end up with the briefcase (and that list includes Damien Sandow and Carmella winning twice). Regardless of my opinion on the finish, this was a fun match - though it wasn't nearly as good as either of the "cinematic" matches from WrestleMania, with some jokes falling super flat and two "nothing special" finishes. A month ago, I rated those matches incredibly high because they felt "must see." This felt like something nobody needed to go out of their way to see, nothing to write home about, entertaining in bursts but ultimately frivolous. (3/5)


Unlike WrestleMania XXXVI, a bloated, unwieldy 2-day spectacle by design that was hard to review as a whole, the Money in the Bank 2020 was a relatively concise presentation. Unfortunately, it still suffered from some of the same drawbacks that made much of WrestleMania XXXVI a disappointment. With so much of the major and best talent either stuffed into the main event or still stuck at home in quarantine, the rest of the card offers little of merit. The opening match felt rushed and its hard not to think would've been better if it were just a straight-up tag match that gave some spotlight to the underrated Lucha House Party. Bayley/Snuka was below average, Strowman/Wyatt was well below average, and while Rollins/McIntyre wasn't bad, it was forgettable and didn't bode well for either guy coming into the summer as particularly "hot attractions." As I wrote above, the main event had some fun moments, but was hardly as "must see" as the two cinematic matches from Mania. With a Kwang Score of 2.25-out-of-5, this one sits firmly in the category of...

FINAL RATING - High Risk Maneuver

WrestleMania XXXVI

WWE WrestleMania XXXVI

Orlando, FL - April 2020

CHAMPIONSHIP RUNDOWN: Coming into this historic WrestleMania, the WWE Universal Champion was Bill Goldberg, the WWE Champion was Brock Lesnar, the Intercontinental Champion was Sami Zayn, and the United States Champion was Andrade. The RAW Tag Team Champions were The Street Profits, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions were The Miz and John Morrison, and the Women's Tag Team Champions were The Kabuki Warriors. Finally, Becky Lynch held the RAW Women's Championship, Bayley held the SmackDown Women's Championship, and Rhea Rhipley was the NXT Women's Champion (the only NXT title defended on the show). Oh, R-Truth was the 24/7 Champion too. Phew.

WrestleMania XXXVI began with a video message from Stephanie McMahon and then a mix of all the different performances of "America The Beautiful" over the years. This was followed by a lengthy, lengthy Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired hype video. I didn't mind the former, but the latter was just way too long.

Rob Gronkowski began the show with the most cliche-ridden hype speech ever. I saw no "star power" in Gronk at all. 

Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss then made their way down the aisle in the empty Perfomance Center to challenge Asuka and Kairi Sane, The Kabuki Warriors, for the Women's Tag Team Championship. As big a fan I am of all four of these wrestlers, it baffles me why the WWE was so driven to put on two 4+ hour shows in such an awkward setting. Anyway, this match had the benefit of featuring Asuka and Cross, two larger-than-life performers whose maniacal screams are so ingrained in their gimmicks that it didn't seem weird to hear them doing it in an empty gym. On the negative side, whenever they weren't screaming, the dead air was jarring and a stark reminder of the unfortunate times. In terms of the action, there were some great spots, unsurprising considering the talent level, experience, and chemistry between the teams, but in this context, having a "tight" match that delivered all those awesome moments in 9-10 minutes rather than stretching things would've made for a more enjoyable match. The finish felt a bit flat after Asuka and Sane's Doomsday Device on Cross, which felt like it should've been how things wrapped up. (3/5)

Sami Zayn cut a promo backstage with Nakamura and Cesaro. The WWE made quite a few statements about how important the safety of their roster was but, between Gronk and Mojo Rawley hosting the show together and Zayn having Nak and Cesaro at his hip, it didn't seem like they were taking any of the social distancing protocol seriously. 

Baron Corbin made his way to the ring next. Why in God's name is he even on this show? Corbin played to the invisible audience, which was stupid and further exposes how much Corbin comes off as a guy "playing" wrestler rather than a real three-dimensional wrestler/character. Before Elias arrived, Corbin cued up the laughably poorly-edited video of Corbin sending Elias off a balcony onto a concrete floor. (Elias wouldn't sell any damage from this whatsoever, mind you.) Corbin, expecting a countout victory, was shocked to see Elias arrive, guitar in hand. Elias bashed the guitar over Corbin's back before the bell began. Once they got in the ring, the bell rang and we got a match that, even with a stadium full of onlookers, would've felt needless and like filler. Elias got the win with a hand full of Corbin's tights. Like the opener but moreso, this one should've been shaved down in post. (1/5)

Becky Lynch defended the RAW Women's Championship against Shayna Baszler next. The build to this match featured Baszler biting the neck of Lynch like a vampire, but that level of graphic ultra-violence was not revisited at all in what was actually a fairly straight-forward, competitive championship match. That's not to say it wasn't physical or special; Lynch and Baszler obviously wanted this to feel like a title fight and there were some sharp sequences built around submissions and clever counters and jaw-rattling knees. Things just didn't really get too hardcore - aside from Baszler swinging Becky's head into the announce table at one point (that Lynch almost immediately no-sold once they got back in the ring leading to an underwhelming flash pin finish). If this ending, which seemed to come for Lynch too easy, was the design of the match from the start, one has to wonder why Baszler was built so strongly in the build. On what grounds could she even demand a rematch? These two had good chemistry and I loved the intensity they brought to every sequence, but this all just seemed disconnected. The build-up was over-the-top and bloody, the "meat" of the match was no-frills competitive wrestling, and the finish was an out-of-nowhere, anti-climactic pin -  three pieces that don't feel like they came from the same cloth to me. A disappointment partially because I was expected (and felt like they nearly accomplished) something better with a finish that would give us more intriguing storyline implications. (3/5)

Daniel Bryan vs. Sami Zayn for Zayn's Intercontinental Championship was next. Bryan was accompanied by Drew Gulak and Zayn had his Artist Collective with him. At first, their presence was a huge plus as it made this match seem a bit like a sparring match that might happen at the end of wrestling practice, when most everyone has left for home except two rivals and their buddies. Unfortunately, for some reason, they had Gulak jump Nakamura and Cesaro, "taking them out" in an unbelievable way. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this. Zayn's pleading for mercy early on was great and Bryan didn't hold anything back with his offense. It really is incredible how little he has toned down his style since returning from retirement. As Cesaro and Nakamura continued to play dead off-camera, Bryan leveled Zayn with a series of forearms and then some huge slaps to the face. This is how you run an empty arena match - you make it like the scene from They Live and break up spirited, tight action with meaningful dialogue and character-appropriate schtick. After Zayn laid some chest chops of his own into Bryan, Bryan rallied, connecting with some devastating Yes Kicks and then some nasty head stomps. As Gulak started a Yes chant (for no one), Nakamura and Cesaro jumped him only to get taken out again. As Bryan came back into the ring, Zayn caught him with the Helluva Kick for a bit of an upset victory. I wish they wouldn't have had Nak and Cesaro play dead for so long as they could've done this exact same finish without having them "taken out" at the start of the match. This would've allowed them to provide even more "commentary" from the outside, which would've given this match even more flavor. That criticism aside, this was really, really good and almost a "must see." (3.5/5)

Next up: Kofi Kingston vs. John Morrison vs. Jimmy Uso in a triangle ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Yes, a "singles" match for the tag team championship due to The Miz getting sick (though this was never explained by the commentators). Yes, a dangerous ladder match for absolutely no one with wrestlers trying to "pop" an invisible crowd watching from home and risking injury during a global pandemic. Kingston, Morrison, and Uso went big throughout the match, showing off their athleticism and even if I came into this match with a sour taste in my mouth, I'd be lying if I said wasn't entertained. Morrison hit a Starship Pain on Uso on a ladder from scaringly close range at one point. Minutes later, Kofi hit a springboard flying headscissors on Morrison as he attempted to grab the belts. We also got Uso eating a ton of ladders at a high velocity. In front of a live crowd, this match might've been one of the better 3-way ladder matches ever as the pace was just right with just enough innovation. However, a glaringly poor edit substantially hurt it. Towards the end of the bout, Morrison dumped Uso off a ladder onto the arena floor where, I'm guessing, a crash pad was waiting for him (as Uso actually hitting the concrete wasn't shown). What should've been a match-ender for him was then basically no sold as he had to make it back into the ring for the "finish" (which saw all three men struggling to grab the titles). With the titles unhooked, Uso and Kofi hit Morrison with a headbutt, knocking him back-first onto a ladder (a devastating bump), while still holding both titles in his hands! It was a remarkable closing image, but why did Uso take that phony mega-bump if it wasn't going to be sold? Parts of this were really good, but the last few minutes prevented it from being great. (3/5)

"The Monday Night Messiah" Seth Rollins did battle with Kevin Owens next. I think I was actually looking forward to Corbin/Elias more than this. I must admit, I totally dug Seth Rollins coming out looking like a Yogi, really leaning into the messianic aspect of his new character. I also must admit that I enjoyed this match more than I thought I would - Owens and Rollins really laid into eachother and Rollins' offense on the ring apron sounded and looked absolutely vicious. Even Rollins repeated dives, a sequence I usually loathe, worked better in a context where it didn't come off as an attempt to pop the crowd and was broken up by Rollins' trash-talking. The match still felt like a dress rehearsal at times, but there's no denying the effort these two put in to not only deliver every signature move in their respective arsenal but make them count, including the would-be final strike - a bell straight to the skull from Rollins to KO. Rollins' decision to take the DQ loss was surprising, but I would've accepted it after what they had done (plus, its kinda nice to see Rollins actually acting like a chickenshit heel). Instead, though, Owens begged him to come back in the ring and restart the match under No DQ rules. The referee took this as perfectly acceptable because why not and Rollins immediately took over the match, nailing Owens with a knee to the face and then, later, walloping him with a chair. Owens taking such a beating for absolutely no one was wince-inducing, but he at least got some revenge by grabbing the ring bell and bashing Seth in the head with it. Owens then went to the top of the WrestleMania sign and hit Rollins with an insane elbow drop from it! Wow. Credit to them too because that looked great and, unless it was digitally removed, unaided by any sort of crash pad. Rollins and Owens' groaning and moaning also felt real as they beat the crap out of each other from beginning to end. (3.5/5)

I was browsing the WWE Shop so I missed R-Truth dropping the 24/7 Championship to Mojo Rawley. Not gonna bother rating it as a match because it wasn't one. This was followed by Paul Heyman cutting a promo backstage.

Goldberg defended the WWE Universal Championship against Braun Strowman in the next match. This was supposed to be Roman Reigns' big WrestleMania moment but, due to Reigns' medical vulnerability, he was pulled from the match and not mentioned a single time on commentary. Goldberg and Strowman's pre-match roars got a chuckle out of me. Goldberg hit 3 huge - and surprisingly decent - spears, but only got a 2 count. He followed it with a 4th one and then attempted a Jackhammer, but Strowman turned it into a powerslam and then hit him with 3 more before getting the pin. In front of a live crowd this might've worked as a slow-moving "sprint," but in an empty gym, it was absolute shit and exposed the "fakeness" of pro-wrestling to an appalling level. I'm going to give it a point just for Goldberg's spears, which actually looked good. (1/5)

The main event of Night 1 was AJ Styles vs. The Undertaker in an on-location Boneyard Match. Styles came out in a casket, a great entrance. Undertaker then showed up on his motorcycle to an overdubbed soundtrack byy Metallica. From here, this match was just incredible - shot like a bad movie and featuring the dialogue of one too. Undertaker's trash talking was ridiculous, as was his Leather Daddy look. After getting beat down for awhile, Styles eventually got the upper hand thanks to a low blow and tried to put Taker into a grave as the Deadman made weird faces to sell that he was "dazed." Styles ended up in the hole, but before the Undertaker could actually bury him, the rest of the OC showed up to the sound a blues guitar. And the OC wasn't alone either as they had seemingly hired the Undertaker's own druids right out from under him! The Undertaker then said, "If you wanna do this, let's do this" and proceeded to beat down each druid with one punch before Anderson and Gallows double-teamed him. The druids then disappeared. Even the former RAW Tag Team Championships were no match for Leathertaker. As Undertaker looked to finish off Gallows with a stick, Styles came out of nowhere and shattered some sort of ceramic thing (a headstone?) across Undertaker's upper back. It was awesome (as was AJ Styles shouting, "You made me break my finger!" after punching the Undertaker too hard). Styles pleaded for the Undertaker to give up and retire before charging him through a fence. The Undertaker's groans after were amazing. After calling him a bitch, Styles grabbed a shovel and broke it across the Undertaker's back before sending him into the grave. At this point, Styles looked like he had the match won and tried to use a tractor to cover Taker's body. Of course, the Undertaker appeared right behind him in a huge beam of light and kicked his ass. It was insane. Styles tried to get away by climbing up onto a nearby roof, but the Undertaker followed him up. As Styles tried to get away, Undertaker raised his arms and huge flames shot up behind him! Holy shit! Gallows and Anderson climbed up too but got dealt with too, Anderson even eating a Tombstone on the roof. Styles tried to punch his way out, but Undertaker no sold him and then sent him off the roof with a chokeslam! At this point, logic would dictate the match was over...but the Undertaker had different plans, trash-talking and choking AJ as the Phenomenal One groveled and apologized. The Undertaker then made like he wasn't going to bury him but did anyway, the match "ending" with the visual of the Undertaker using a tractor (?) to unload dirt on AJ Styles' lifeless body. It was then also revealed that the grave of AJ Styles was already marked with his name! And he still had a hand up coming out of the dirt because why the fuck not! The Undertaker left on his motorcycle but not before causing more explosions, making the Undertaker logo appear, and Metallica playing him out! That was as good as anything I've seen in years. (5/5)

Rob Gronkowski welcomed back the audience for night 2, setting up the audience for Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Rhipley for Rhipley's NXT Women's Championship. Rhipley usually sports black and red but for whatever reason was rocking white and blue for this. Flair is one of the more vocal wrestlers on the roster, so it wasn't surprising to hear her talking trash within the first minute. Rhipley hit a Riptide early, but only got 2, forcing Flair to retreat. Rhipley then talked some trash of her own, calling Flair "princess" and begging her to get back in the ring. Like the Lynch/Baszler match, this one was highly physical and ultra competitive, though maybe not quite as stiff. Though the strikes didn't land as hard, it was nice to see someone actually work a limb, Flair targetting Rhipley's knee to set her up for the Figure 8. Rhipley sold the knee damage after her hope spots, shrieking in agony after each sequence. The match turned once Flair attempted to go the top rope, giving Rhipley enough time sneak back in the ring and hit her with an Electric Chair for 2. Flair tried to regain control and re-focus on Rhipley's knee but the NXT challenger had her scouted and nearly got the victory with a big dropkick from the top rope. Flair hit a nasty chopblock minutes later, putting her back in the driving seat. Flair attempted to apply a leg submission, but Rhipley managed to turn it into a Standing Cloverleaf. Flair escaped, though, ad the match continued, both women now fully out of breath and energy. This is also the point when the work became a bit sloppy and, at times, telegraphed, every counter just looking a touch too "cooperative." To the top rope they went, Rhipley attempting a superplex but ending up getting sent to the mat instead. Flair tried a moonsault but Rhipley dodged - only to get speared to the mat moments later for 2. Rhipley attempted an inside cradle but, again, only got 2. Flair then locked in the Figure 4, her signatute finisher, and, despite Rhipley's best effort, it was just too much for her, the Queen of the WWE winning the NXT Championship for, I believe, the 3rd time. This one went a touch too long for me and started much stronger than it finished, but it was still solid. (3/5)

Aleister Black took on Bobby Lashley next. Like Corbin/Elias, I'm not sure this match was needed on the show, but unlike Corbin/Elias, it was actually decent. Black still has some aura left from his NXT run and he has proven to be one of the more consistent good (if not great) workers on the roster, a guy that has surprisingly natural chemistry with just about everyone. While there are dozens of guys on the roster who like to dish out speedy MMA and Muay Thai-inspired strikes, Black's size, intensity, and Black Metal-inspired look make him stand out. Lashley eventually ate the pin after deciding to take Lana's poor advice to try to use the spear to take out Black. Not terrible, but far from essential viewing. The Lana/Lashley pairing makes little sense without Rusev involved. (2.5/5)

Backstage, Bayley, with Sasha Banks at her side, discussed the 5-way elimination match for the SmackDown Women's Championship. The big question was whether or not Banks would actually target her best friend to get the title. 

After a video package recapping their feud, it was time for Dolph Ziggler vs. Otis of the tag team Heavy Machinery. Ziggler was accompanied by Sonya Deville, the evil wench that worked with Ziggler to keep Otis and Mandy Rose from being together. Ziggler controlled early, dishing out some superkicks and dropkicks. Based on the crowd response to Otis at Elimination Chamber, this match would've likely gotten a huge reaction in front of a live crowd, especially as this match was wisely built with a structure that allowed Otis to really rev up and get his revenge after spending the first several minutes fighting from underneath. Otis eventually hit a version of the Compactor and then attempted his Caterpillar (which I hate), but got distracted by Deville and struck square in the nards by Ziggler. As Dolph went for the cover, Mandy Rose's music hit and she made her way down the aisle to slap the taste out of Deville's mouth and uppercut Ziggler in the groin. Without the live audience and a longer ramp, Mandy and Otis' post-match celebration and kiss just didn't feel like a "moment." A match like this is why I understand Dave Meltzer's decision not to rate any of this show as it does seem a bit unfair to "rate" a match like this one - which was practically guaranteed to get a huge live reaction - on only what happened between the bells. (2.5/5)

One of the most highly anticipated matches of the weekend was next - Edge vs. Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing Match. The match began suddenly with Orton sneak-attacking Edge and hitting him with an RKO after dressing like a camera man. Edge got to his feet and the ref rang the bell, Orton maintaining control early by hitting Edge with a second RKO! Edge's selling was over dramatic but it worked for me, the Rated R Superstar clearly out of practice and forced to simply try to survive after eating two RKOs. To the back they went, where Orton continued his assault, eventually tying Edge up in some sort of weird workout equipment harness I've never seen at the Y. As Orton went searching for a huge weight to use on Edge, Edge took the opportunity to kick it into Orton's chest, getting his first bit of offense in. Oddly, despite the novel setting, Edge didn't really find any interesting ways to hurt the man that nearly crippled him and RKO'd his wife and the mother of his children. Instead of using weapons, Edge simply lept or swung himself off of stuff and into Orton, maybe the weakest possible way to utilize gym equipment to kick someone's ass. It was also odd that, considering how many other matches on the show relied heavily on trash talk, this was relatively quiet, with Orton and Edge only making a few comments here or there despite this also being the match that one would've expected to have the most dialogue. Edge and Orton eventually made their way back towards the ring area but only passed through to get to the main office area - the match essentially becoming a tour of the whole facility. Again, what struck me most was just how uncreative this was despite the fact that there was all sorts of interesting would-be weapons they could've used - from multiple rolling chairs to TV screens to copy machines and fire extinguishers. Hell, there were ladders in practically every room and they were barely touched until they got to what could only be described as the "ladder storage area" and they couldn't not touch ladders. Unfortunately, for a match sold on being the weekend's most violence and personal clash, this paled in comparison to the levels that Edge and Orton once reached and, honestly, was not even as gruesome as the Triple H/Batista spectacle from last year or the Orton/Hardy Hell in a Cell match from a couple years back. Unlike those matches, with their stomach-turning body mutilation sequences, this one was happy to stay, at least for the most part, in the realm of PG - no punts, no Pillmanizings or much blood (Orton did end up cut on his back but it could've used someone wearing a crimson mask). The match ramped up when Edge and Orton made their way to the top of a massive truck. Edge hit Orton with a Spear, but it didn't look good at all (and I'm usually not one to nitpick Edge's spears). When he attempted another one, Orton hit him with an RKO. Orton retreated back down and grabbed a pair of chairs, bringing them back up with him. At this point, Orton set Edge up for a Con-Chair-To, but before he could deliver it, Edge caught him with an MMA-inspired choke and brought him down. With Orton seemingly unconscious and lying prone (with his head on a chair), it was now Edge's turn to deliver a Con-Chair-To, though he did not do so enthusiastically, really selling the moment as an unfortunate, regrettable choice he needed to make. I get that Edge is a changed man and everything, but it just felt overdramatic. At close to 40 minutes, I do not see myself ever watching this again, nor did I think it lived up to what it should've. An uncreative slog of a match. (0.5/5)

The next match...I just feel awful about it. The Street Profits defended the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships against the duo of Angel Garza and Austin Theory, who, based on Cagematch data, had never teamed together as a pair. Yup, that sounds like a team worthy of a title shot. So, considering that the Profits are barely over, Angel Garza and Theory shouldn't be challenging for the titles, and there is zero crowd, this match was dead before the bell rang, a completely meaningless filler match that was initially designed to "bring the crowd down" or serve as a bathroom break but, in the age of the WWE Network, doesn't even meet that need. Montez Ford and Zelina Vega tried to add some energy with their trash talk and shenanigans, but it didn't matter. At one point, Montez Ford yellowed out "This is WrestleMania!" as if saying it would somehow make this show feel like a WrestleMania. Even in a packed stadium this match wouldn't have felt Mania-worthy. The best thing that could be said about this match was that they kept it relatively short and that Bianca Belair showed up to beat down Vega. (0.5/5)

The SmackDown Women's Championship was on the line the next match - Bayley defending the gold against Sasha Banks, Tamina, Lacey Evans, and Naomi in a No DQ Elimination match. This match had its ups-and-downs, as could be expected when you throw in so many workers with such varying skill levels in one match. There was a brief Team B.A.D reunion that was played like a big deal on commentary but didn't "pop" me because that whole stables feud was so forgettable (in fact, I wouldn't have even known why these three had stopped fighting without Michael Cole playing history teacher). Tamina got eliminated first after taking splashes from everyone. Bayley then went to work on Naomi, at one point stomping her in the corner after calling a her a "little dance machine." Sasha joined in but her trash talk was even lamer. Naomi rallied, taking out both of the former Women's Tag Champs and nearly submitting Sasha. Bayley made the save, though, and Banks locked in the Banks Statement to force her to tap. Banks and Bayley taunted Lacey by bringing up the fact that she's a mom and then double-teamed her the second she climbed into the ring. They hit her with a double powerbomb but only got 2. Banks locked her up in the corner and Bayley attempted a running knee, but Evans moved and Bayley knocked Banks head-first into the post instead! Bayley (now bleeding from her nose) and Lacey went back-and-forth until Sasha came back in and we got the absolute worst acting/drama in recent memory. As they were "arguing," Lacey looked to attack Sasha from behind but Bayley moved out of the way and Lacey ended up rocking Banks with a Women's Right. As bad as Bayley and Sasha's melodrama was, the execution of the finish was spot-on. Bayley took control for a little while but Lacey Evans rallied and hit a series of big offensive maneuvers. Bayley put some distance between the two and was able to turn the tides by running Lacey shoulder-first into the post for 2. Bayley continued working on Evans' shoulder, eventually dragging her into the corner and tying her right arm to the top turnbuckle using the tag rope. I'm not sure I've seen that before. Despite having Evans locked up, Bayley could not capitalize - instead she walked right into a Big Boot that allowed Evans to untie herself. Evans stayed on offense, rocking Bayley with some offense in the corner and then eventually hitting her springboard moonsault off the top rope for 2! Evans' offense looked clunky at times here, but when it hit, it really hit. Banks came in, hit Evans with a Backstabber, and Bayley retained. This match wasn't great, but it had some interesting twists in it that kept me engaged. (3/5)

Here we go, the second of two "on-location" matches - John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Funhouse match. What can be said about this "match"? It was a bizarre John Cena acid trip through wrestling history that was so weird and strange that it was unlike anything ever presented in the history of pro-wrestling. It was as incredible as the Boneyard Match from Night 1, but completely different. Another masterpiece that, in a way, was even more impressive because of how bizarre and non-linear it was. (5/5)

Main event time - Drew McIntyre challenging Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship in a, "no frills," straight-up wrestling match. I'm not sure why the WWE decided to put a wrestling match in an empty gym following the insanity of Cena/Wyatt, but well, they did. McIntyre hit a Claymore early, but Lesnar kicked out. McIntyre went for another but Lesnar dodged and turned it into a german suplex. Lesnar followed it up with another one. Lesnar hit a third, impressively taking his taller (maybe even heavier) opponent off his feet. Lesnar then delivered an F-5 but only got a 1! Well, they've had other people kick out of F-5, but I'm not sure I've seen anyone kickout at 1. Lesnar hit a second F-5 but McIntyre kicked out again. McIntyre then got hit by a 3rd F-5 only to kick out again! I'm getting flashbacks to the awful WrestleMania XXXIV match between Reigns and Lesnar where Lesnar hit Reigns with so many bombs that the fact he was kicking out became incredibly stupid. McIntyre managed to rally, hitting Lesnar with a series of Claymore Kicks to win the title in under 5 minutes. Of the three shittiest matches on the show, this one took the shit cake. Goldberg/Strowman was awful, but Goldberg's spears looked okay and I understand the bind they were in (though it does make me wonder if Reigns was set to win the title the same way). Orton/Edge was a huge disappointment, but the first 3-4 minutes were better than the entirety of this. This match featured no moment or component that was interesting or special. Orton/Edge was uncreative, but I wouldn't call it "lazy." Goldberg/Strowman was lazy and uncreative, but considering the talent level, it was about as shitty as I expected. This match had potential to be great but they just didn't bother. In that sense, it seems like a bigger insult to the audience. Utterly without merit. (0/5)



WrestleMania XXXVI will always be remembered as (hopefully) the only WrestleMania held in an empty gym, but it wasn't really all that different from some of the more recent Manias. It had some good (even two absolute "must see" matches that will undoubtedly make my Year-End Top 10), some bad (the two title matches and Edge/Orton match will be hard to beat for Worst Match of the Year honors), and some completely unnecessary filler (the RAW Tag Team Championship match and Elias/Corbin). On previous shows, this could be explained as a way to "cool" the crowd, stretch the show to ensure fans have plenty of time to buy merch and concessions, and make WrestleMania more of a spectacle (at least in the eyes of Vince McMahon). This year, instead of outright trimming the fat, they spread the superlative segments and matches across two nights - a move that I wouldn't be surprised they repeat in the future (as Triple H himself noted in interviews after the event). With the show running well over 5 hours, the best rating it could ever get - Kwang Score (it earned a right-down-the-middle 2.5-out-of-5) be damned - is...

FINAL RATING - Watch It...With Remote in Hand