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Thursday, July 4, 2013
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
More Details on Triple H Being Out Until WrestleMania 29
We noted before that the new working idea was for Triple H to remain out of action untilWrestleMania 29 next year. It wasn’t known if that would be the date for the Brock Lesnarrematch or if WWE had scrapped the rematch altogether. Sources now report that the working plan is indeed for Lesnar-HHH II to take place at WrestleMania.
Obviously this would nix any plans for Lesnar vs. The Undertaker or Lesnar vs. The Rock. It’s important to note that WrestleMania plans are always being worked on but the match they are going with is Lesnar vs. Triple H. While plans do change, it’s said that because of Triple H’s power, this match probably won’t change as many times as the others will.
I reported on Monday that this week’s Triple H retirement speech was not planned atSummerSlam when he loss to Lesnar but WWE wasn’t happy with the original crowd reaction to his apparent retirement. One person in WWE noted that no matter what anyone claims, the entire reason they shot the retirement segment on Monday night was because they needed to get footage of the “right” crowd reaction meaning fans chanting “thank you Hunter” and other things like that.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
WWE RAW Results – 8/27/2012
- Tonight’s WWE RAW opens with a look back at CM Punk and John Cena from last week where Cena issued the challenge for Night of Champions. We see Punk’s attack on Jerry Lawler.
- After the RAW intro video, we’re live from the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Michael Cole welcomes us to RAW and he’s joined by Jerry Lawler. Cole talks about CM Punk attacking Lawler. Lawler takes off his headset and enters the ring.
Lawler talks about what he said at the end of RAW 1000 about Punk. Lawler says he misspoke. Lawler says he apologized to Punk last week but this week, he’s the one who wants the apology. Lawler waits as the crowd chants for Punk. The music finally hits and out comes the WWE Champion.
Punk can’t believe that Lawler wants the WWE Champion to apologize for doing his job. Punk says he didn’t turn his back on anybody and beat the crap out of The Rock because he deserved it. Punk says Lawler turned his back on WWE when he slandered the champion. Punk says he kicked Lawler in his stupid head last week because of his lack of respect. Punk says that’s what he does. He will put down anyone who disrespects him. Punk says he is sorry. He’s sorry that all it takes to get into the WWE Hall of Fame is to beat a bunch of nobodies from Memphis and get in a slapstick with a Hollywood comedian. Punk rips into Lawler some more. Punk says Lawler is jealous because he’s never been WWE Champion. Punk says Lawler finally got his WrestleMania moment and couldn’t beat Michael Cole. Punk goes on and says he’s sorry about the man Lawler has become.
Punk taunts Lawler now and asks him if he wants to fight. Punk says Lawler is just a commentator while he’s the best in the world. Punk says he would embarrass Lawler. Lawler says he came out here for an apology, not a fight. Punk taunts him some more. Punk promises one thing – Lawler will leave embarrassed tonight, either because Punk does it or because he backed down from a fight. Punk tells Lawler to think about it and leaves the ring talking about respect. Lawler says he will think about it and heads back to the announce table. We go to commercial.
Ryback vs. Jack Swagger
Back from the break and Jack Swagger waits in the ring. Out next comes his opponent Ryback.
The bell rings and they go at it. Ryback with a big boot and down goes Swagger. Ryback slams his head on the mat a few times and then slams him on his face. Swagger drop toe holds Ryback and takes him down with a shoulder. Swagger slams Ryback and yells at him. Ryback blocks the Swagger Bomb in the corner and the ankle lock. Ryback takes Swagger to the corner and unloads on him. Ryback drops Swagger on top of his head and works him over on the mat.
Ryback starts the “Feed Me More” chants and hits a big clothesline. Ryback scoops Swagger for Shellshocked and the win.
Winner: Ryback
- Cole speculates on Triple H, who will speak later tonight. Also tonight, John Cena vs. The Miz in singles action. Lawler says he’s still thinking about facing Punk as we go back to commercial.
Natalya vs. Layla
Back from the break and Natalya waits in the ring as WWE Divas Champion Layla makes her way out for a non-title match.
We get a look back at last week where Kaitlyn became the new #1 contender. Before the match can begin, Vickie Guerrero comes out. She says the match needs to be over quickly because she has an important announcement. The bell rings and here we go as Vickie screams some more. They lock up and go to the mat while Vickie watches from the steel steps.
More back and forth action. 2 count for Layla. Layla with a crossbody from the corner for another pin attempt. Layla slams Natalya on the back of her head and hits her with the butt bump. Natalya goes to the floor and catches Layla’s dropkick with the apron. Layla gets tangled in the apron and Natalya works her over. They come back in and she knocks Layla with a shot from behind. Natalya goes for the Sharpshooter but it’s blocked. Natalya comes back in and they go at it. Layla with another roll up. Layla with the kick to the back of the head for the win.
Winner: Layla
- After the match, Vickie comes in the ring and tells Layla to be gone. Layla stares her down before exiting the ring. Vickie talks about AJ Lee making the Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler match at last week’s RAW where Jericho had his contract terminated. Vickie isn’t happy about the stipulation of Ziggler’s contract being on the line. Vickie calls it an abuse of power and says it’s unfair. She says nobody on the roster has the guts to speak up to the General Manager except her. Vickie tells the Board of Directors that it’s time to put RAW back in the hands of an adult, someone like her. Not some mentally deranged child like AJ, she says. AJ’s music hits and out she comes.
AJ is all smiles until she smacks Vickie out of nowhere. AJ tackles Vickie and they go at it. Vickie escapes and runs away while AJ looks on and goes back to smiling.
- Cole and Lawler go back to talking about Triple H. We get a video package of Triple H’s days with DX.
- Back from the break and we see footage from last week where Daniel Bryan is in an anger management class. Bryan raises his hand and says he doesn’t have issues like the rest of the losers here. A little kid comes in wearing a goat mask and Bryan gets upset. Bryan says he is handsome and wonders who set this up. Bryan calls the kid a brat and yells at him to take the mask off. It turns out the kid is the teachers kid and is playing a goat in his school play.
- Cole looks at some tweets from actor Dominic Monaghan, tonight’s Social Media Ambassador and star of WWE Studios’ The Day. Cole also shows a tweet from CM Punk where he says he will let Lawler have the first punch if he agrees to fight him. Cole asks Lawler what his decision is. Lawler stands on top of the announcers table and gets a small chant from the crowd. Lawler says the nobodies he beat in Memphis include names like Jesse Ventura, Superstar Billy Graham, Dutch Mantell, Harley Race and others. Lawler goes on and brings up Andy Kaufman. Lawler says he knows he’s not the best in the world but he doesn’t think Punk is either. Lawler says he’s never backed down and he’s not going to start tonight. Lawler says damn right he will fight Punk tonight and the crowd pops. Lawler heads to the back to get ready as we go back to commercial.
John Cena vs. The Miz
Back from the break and out comes John Cena to the ring. Out next comes WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz.
Cole is by himself on this one as Lawler is backstage getting ready. The bell rings and they lock up. Miz takes Cena to the mat with a headlock. Cena turns it around and takes Miz to the mat now. More back and forth action as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Miz is in control of Cena. Josh Mathews is now on commentary. Miz avoids an Attitude Adjustment and comes back in to miss a clothesline. Cena runs the ropes and hits the bulldog for a 2 count. Miz makes a quick comeback for another pin attempt. Miz hits the clothesline in the corner and goes to the top for an ax handle shot for 2. Miz with another headlock on the mat.
Cena takes back control but Miz comes back with the neckbreaker for a 2 count. Miz kicks Cena in the face and covers for another pin attempt. Miz with another kick to the face and another 2 count. Miz runs the ropes and Cena catches him in the STF. Miz crawls to the bottom rope and breaks the hold. Miz comes back with another kick and a big DDT for 2. Cena blocks the Skull Crushing Finale but Miz blocks the AA and slams Cena for another 2 count. Cena ducks a clothesline and comes back with shoulder blocks and the big slam. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle and then the Attitude Adjustment for the win.
Winner: John Cena
- Cole reveals that AJ Lee is letting fans pick the kind of match for Punk vs. Lawler tonight. The Twitter hashtags are #WWETables for Tables Match, #WWECage for Cage Match or WWENoDQ for No DQ Match. We go back to another Triple H video.
- Back from the break. Randy Orton and Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio is announced for later tonight.
- More anger management class with Daniel Bryan. A man shares a story about his boss and Bryan is asked to react. He rants about AJ Lee. The teacher gets a text and the last patient is here. In walks Kane, wearing both of his masks. Kane sits down and that’s about it.
Heath Slater vs. Santino Marella
We go back to the arena and out comes Heath Slater. We see Slater’s Tout talking about how he beat Sin Cara on SmackDown and has a winning streak going now. Out comes his opponent Santino Marella.
Santino does some comedy to start the match. They tangle on the mat and trade air guitar moves. Slater knocks Santino down and takes control of the match. 2 count for Slater. Slater with elbows and knees to the back. More offense and pin attempt from Slater. Slater goes to the second rope but Santino keeps moving. Slater comes over and Santino rolls him up for 2. Santino makes a comeback and drops a headbutt. Santino pulls out the Cobra but Aksana’s music hits and out she comes, distracting the Cobra. Slater tries to sneak up but gets hit by the Cobra for the win.
Winner: Santino Marella
- More hype for Triple H as we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and they plug WWE’s new app and the Twitter poll for Cole vs. Lawler.
Brodus Clay and Sin Cara vs. Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes.
We go to the ring and out comes Brodus Clay with Naomi and Cameron. His partner Sin Cara is out next. Damien Sandow is the next man out. Sandow says he has finally found someone he can partner with and out comes Cody Rhodes. Cody comes out and insults Clay and Cara. We go to commercial.
Back form the break and Rhodes is in control of Cara, going for his mask. Sandow comes in for a bit of double teaming and drops a big elbow for a 2 count. Sandow works Cara over and tags Cody back in. Cara and Cody both go down at the same time. Clay comes in and runs over Cody. Clay with a splash in the corner. Clay with a running powerslam for a 2 count as Sandow breaks the pin. Sandow goes after Clay’s knee. Cara dumps Sandow to the floor. Cara leaps onto the rope and takes Sandow down on the floor. Clay knocks Cody out of the air with a headbutt and splashes him for the win.
Winners: Sin Cara and Brodus Clay
- After the match, Clay dances with Cara, Cameron, Naomi and a bunch of kids in the ring.
- More anger management classes with Daniel Bryan and now Kane. He removes the bigger mask after the teacher asks him to. Kane says he’s the devil’s favorite demon. Bryan says this is a bad idea. Kane tells the story about how he and Undertaker grew up. He talks about some of the infamous stuff he’s done in WWE. The teacher says they should call it a day and for next week, he wants them to make an anger collage. Bryan asks if this is therapy or arts and crafts. Everyone leaves but Kane and one man. He thanks Kane for sharing and tries to hug him. Kane grabs him by his shirt and tells him no problem.
- Bryan is shown walking backstage for a match against R-Truth.
- More hype for Triple H as we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and we get another career highlight video for Triple H.
R-Truth vs. Daniel Bryan
We go to the ring and out comes WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. Out next comes Daniel Bryan.
The bell rings and Bryan is trying to play nice and keep his temper in check. They lock up and go to the mat before getting back up. Kofi is on commentary. They lock up again and Bryan takes it to the corner and beats Truth down. Bryan runs into a boot and a clothesline. Truth with a kick to the face and right hands. Truth with a pin attempt now. Truth dumps Bryan out to the floor and comes out after him. Truth grabs the mic and talks to Lil’ Jimmy. Bryan ends up getting into a shouting match with a fan at ringside and counted out.
Winner by Count Out: R-Truth
- After the match, Bryan loses it at ringside and kicks the ring steps. He goes in the ring and throws a fit.
- We go right to a look back at Brock Lesnar defeating Triple H at SummerSlam. Back to commercial.
- Back from the break and they plug the Twitter poll for Punk vs. Lawler some more.
- Justin Roberts is in the ring and he introduces Triple H. The Game comes out in a suit with his arm in a cast.
There are some chants in the crowd and a few minutes before Triple H speaks. He says everyone wants to know if he’s going to retire. The crowd chants no. Triple H says the one thing he has learned in WWE is to never say never. He says when he started his career he wanted to do two tings – do stuff people wouldn’t forget and to retire before all of this before all of this retired him. He chokes up for a second and says everyone comes to a crossroad in their career. He says you ask yourself if it’s time. He says he never wanted to be the guy who was just hanging out, the guy who hung on too long waiting for the nostalgia pop. He didn’t want to be the guy who was too beat up or crippled inside to hold his own kids. He says Lesnar has made him ask the question, is he done? Triple H says the answer is he doesn’t know. He’s beat up and more tired than he’s ever been.
Triple H gets hype and says he wants to say that he’s coming back to kick Brock Lesnar’s ass because that’s what he does. That’s what he wants to do but he can’t. He says the truth is he doesn’t know if he can. Triple H wonders if he’s answered his own question. The crowd chants “you can do it.” Triple H says one thing he can do is thank the fans. Triple H talks about how all the Superstars are here working hard for our entertainment. Triple H goes on and says the fans have got him through everything. He thanks them from the bottom of his heart. Triple H tears up and thanks the fans for letting him play the game. Triple H says he will never forget any of us and gives thanks again before dropping the mic. The crowd stands and applauds him. There’s a “Thank you Hunter” chant that breaks out. Triple H does one last pose, with one arm raised, before walking off. He stops at the top of the ramp and the crowd pops. We go to commercial.
Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton and Sheamus
Back from the break and we see Dolph Ziggler beating Chris Jericho last week. We go to the arena now and Jericho’s music hits as the light go out. Dolph Ziggler appears instead and mocks Jericho. Ziggler says we will never, ever see Jericho again thanks to him. Ricardo Rodriguez does the introduction for Alberto Del Rio next as he comes in driving a 1963 Mercedes. Randy Orton is out first for his team followed by World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus.
Orton and Ziggler start things out locking up. Orton drops Ziggler with a shoulder and then clotheslines him. Orton with a slingshot suplex. Del Rio comes in but Orton tosses him to the floor. Sheamus leaps from the apron and takes Del Rio down with a shoulder. Orton connects with a powerslam on Ziggler. Ziggler rolls out to the floor as Sheamus and Orton stand tall in the ring. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Ziggler is in control of Orton. Orton fights back but Ziggler drops him with a knee to the gut for another pin attempt. Del Rio tags in for a bit of double teaming and another pin attempt. Del Rio charges in the corner and Orton moves. Orton with a 2 count roll up. Orton back drops Del Rio over the top and to the floor. Ricardo helps Del Rio back in the ring and he tags in Ziggler as Sheamus comes in. Sheamus unloads on Ziggler and hits a big knee to the face. Sheamus knocks Del Rio off the apron. Ziggler kicks Sheamus in the face and knocks Orton off the apron. Sheamus goes for White Noise but Ziggler rolls him up. Sheamus hits Irish Curse but Ziggler kicks out at 2 as Del Rio breaks the pin. Ziggler goes to use his briefcase after Ricardo slides it in but Orton catches him in the backbreaker. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick on Ziggler for the win.
Winners: Randy Orton and Sheamus
- Lawler is backstage talking with John Cena about his match against CM Punk. Lawler doesn’t want Cena’s help because Punk will throw it in his face. Lawler says he is facing Punk for himself. Cena wishes him good luck and walks off. We go to commercial.
- Back from the break and we see Kane attacking Josh Mathews backstage at SummerSlam.
Zack Ryder vs. David Otunga
Kane comes to ringside and Mathews gets up from commentary and runs off. Apparently Kane is doing commentary with Cole here. Zack Ryder comes out first followed by David Otunga.
The bell rings and Otunga strikes first. Otunga takes Ryder from corner to corner and beats him around. Otunga with a big clothesline and a running shoulder for a 2 count. Kane still hasn’t said anything on commentary. Ryder starts to make a comeback but Otunga pulls him from the second rope. Ryder hits the Ruff Ryder for the win.
Winner: Zack Ryder
- After the match, Kane goes into the ring and grabs Ryder for a chokeslam. Kane hesitates and lets Ryder go. He then grabs Otunga and lays him out with a chokeslam.
- Punk is shown backstage getting ready for tonight’s main event. Another plug for the Twitter poll before we go back to commercial.
- Back from the break and Orton vs. Ziggler is announced for SmackDown.
- Josh Mathews is in the ring to announce the stipulation for Punk vs. Lawler. The fans have chosen a steel cage match. AJ Lee comes out and says regardless of tonight’s outcome, Punk will defend the WWE Title at Night of Champions against her choice – John Cena. The steel cage is lowered over the ring. We see Lawler backstage walking as we go back to commercial.
Steel Cage Match: Jerry Lawler vs. CM Punk
Back from the break and Jerry Lawler makes his way out to the cage. WWE Champion CM Punk is out next.
Punk starts the match and wants to give Lawler the first punch. Lawler knocks Punk to the mat with a big right hand and shocks him. Punk takes control and hits a neckbreaker before taking Lawler to the mat. Punk continues to beat Lawler up. Punk goes to climb the cage and takes his time. Punk comes down from the top and splashes Lawler in the corner. Punk with a dropkick and more offense on Lawler.
Punk climbs back to the top but Lawler knocks him off. Lawler tries to escape out of the cage door but Punk pulls him back in and drops a series of elbows. Lawler blocks a neckbreaker and shoves Punk into the cage. Lawler makes a comeback and unloads on Punk. Lawler goes to the second rope and pulls his strap down. Lawler connects with the big right hand but Punk kicks out at 2. Lawler goes to escape but Punk stops him. Punk hits the knee in the corner and they both go down. Punk gets up and calls for GTS. Punk instead slams Lawler and applies the Anaconda Vice for the win.
Winner: CM Punk
- Punk is busted open and bleeding. It takes him a few second to break the hold on Lawler. Punk grabs a mic and then a toolbox from under the ring. Punk empties it out and brings a chain in the ring. He chains the cage door shut with he and Lawler inside of it. Punk grabs Lawler and wants him to say that Punk is the best in the world. Lawler says hell no and Punk hits him with a bunch of elbows. Punk declares he is the best wrestler in the world and wants Lawler to say it. Punk mounts him with right hands when John Cena runs out. Cena tries to get in the cage and tells the crew to raise the cage up. Cena yells at Punk that he’s crossed the line and Lawler has had enough. Punk drops knees on Lawler as Cena looks on. The cage starts to raise and Punk rolls out with the WWE Title as Cena checks on Lawler. The crowd boos Punk as he heads up the ramp with his hand in the air. Punk walks to the back and RAW goes off the air with trainers checking on Lawler in the ring.
Friday, August 24, 2012
WWE Rumors: Shawn Michaels to Face Triple H at Wrestlemania 29
If you were hoping something dramatic would happen following the main event of Summerslam, you were sorely disappointed. After Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman walked back through the curtain, millions of fans were left to watch Triple H limp out of the ring, telling everyone he was sorry.
I kept waiting for someone to come out, or something to happen, but no. The “cliff hanger” was a Triple H retirement angle. Now I’m a HHH fan, but come on. That’s how the second biggest show of the year is going to end?
Regardless, fans shouldn’t be surprised. After all, Triple H has a lot of creative control, and a reputation of putting himself in the spotlight.
With any angle that I don’t necessarily agree with, I try to give WWE the benefit of the doubt. What are they building to? Because like it or not, they can’t use all their fire power in one night. They have to spread it out over weeks and months.
So what is the Triple H retirement angle building to?
The most logical answer is a match with Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 29.
This match has been one of many WWE Rumors for WM 29 as far back as April. Of course Michaels shot down the rumors, and people kind of forgot about it..until now.
If HBK were to come out of retirement, there’s only one possible opponent, HHH. Michaels wouldn’t do it for anyone else.
During his interview Monday, Michaels said that he didn’t think Triple H had it in him to beat Lesnar, which is an antagonistic comment. Plus you have the tension between the two back in March while leading up to the HHH/Undertaker match at Mania. Some thought Michaels would cost his best friend the match, and that ultimately they would settle it in the ring.
There’s no other reason for tension between the two, unless they’re building to something greater. It just feels as if they are planting seeds for a match. Now as much as I’d like to see this match, I hope it doesn’t happen. I don’t want to see HBK go back on his word, I don’t want to see these guys try to get back in the spotlight one last time together.
This is coming from a guy who considers HBK to be his favorite of all time, so who knows what people the opposite of me would think about such a match. Would it be a great match? Hell yes. Will I be that upset if it does go down? Not really. I just think it’s time to move on. No more KLIQ taking the spotlight.
If Triple H wants to keep wrestling a couple times a year great, but he needs to put young talent over, and do it the right way. Shawn needs to stay retired, and not be that guy. Currently he’s the guy who hasn’t gone back on his word, I hope it stays that way
Storyline Update on Triple H’s Injury, Five Things Lesnar Hasn’t Conquered
- WWE has also posted an article looking at five things that Brock Lesnar could still conquer in the WWE. Amongst the items listed include rematching the Rock, beating John Cena and ending The Undertaker’s streak.
- WWE is featuring a storyline article about Triple H’s future after his loss to Brock Lesnar last Sunday at SummerSlam.
“Our whole wrestling careers I’ve known Triple H,” Road Dogg said in the article. “His arm was literally broken in the same place that it was months ago. I don’t know if you come back from an injury like that at his age. ‘The Perfect Storm’ may have just done it. I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to him yet.”
Monday, August 20, 2012
WWE SummerSlam 2012 Results
- The 2012 WWE SummerSlam pre-show kicks off with Matt Striker and Scott Stanford at ringside. They plug tonight’s pre-show match as fans continue to pile into the Staples Center in Los Angeles. More hype for tonight’s matches. We go to a video for the WWE Title match.
- Josh Mathews is backstage with Big Show. Show cuts him off and says tonight isn’t a Triple Threat. The only threat in the match is him. Show says he’s a living, breathing, angry giant – not some made up Hollywood super hero. Show says he’s a threat to any living man today. Show says he will crush John Cena and obliterate CM Punk, then become the new WWE Champion.
WWE United States Title Match: Antonio Cesaro vs. Santino Marella
We go to the ring and out first comes Antonio Cesaro with Aksana. Aksana takes the mic and cuts a promo before the match. She has Antonio say “great” in five different languages. Cesaro says he personifies greatness and they kiss. Out next comes the WWE United States Champion Santino Marella.
The match starts off winth some back and forth. Cesaro takes Santino to the corner and beats him down. Santino dodges a splash in the corner and pulls out the Cobra early. Cesaro hits him from behind and stop the Cobra from coming out. Cesaro goes back to work on Santino and beats him with headbutts. 2 count for Cesaro.
More offense by Cesaro and another 2 count. Cesaro keeps a headlock applied. The Cobra was down on the floor but a crew member has put it on the apron. Santino crawls for it but Cesaro pulls him back. Santino kicks off him and tries for it again but Cesaro hits a big gutwrench slam. Cesaro grabs the Cobra and rips it to shreds. Santino flips out and unloads on Cesaro. Santino misses the headbutt. Cesaro goes for his finisher but it’s countered. Santino pulls out a back-up Cobra. Aksana tries to distract him and it works. Cesaro with the front piledriver for the win and the title.
Winner and New WWE United States Champion: Antonio Cesaro
- Triple H is backstage getting ready. Referee Scott Armstrong is in there with him. Triple H says this is the biggest match he will ever referee. Triple H says this is bigger than him, it’s about WWE – Scott’s family and everything. Triple H says referee’s discretion means they can bend the rules, hell even break them. Triple H says this match won’t end in a count out or DQ. He says someone wins by making the other tap out or getting the pin. Armstrong nods that he understands. Triple H promises him this is going to be a fight to the finish. Triple H tells Scott to let them fight.
- The announcers hype Lesnar vs. Triple H some more as fans continue to enter the arena. Striker and Stanford hype the other matches for SummerSlam.
- The 2012 WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view kicks off with a look back at 25 years of SummerSlam. We get a look at the Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H match.
- We’re live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles as the pyro goes off. Michael Cole welcomes us to SummerSlam. He’s joined by Jerry Lawler on commentary.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Chris Jericho
We go to the ring for tonight’s opening match. Vickie Guerrero comes out first and introduces Dolph Ziggler. We get a look back at Ziggler winning his Money in the Bank briefcase. The lights go out and Chris Jericho makes his way down next.
Jericho has his ribs taped up. Ziggler tries to stall to start the match but Jericho chases him around the ring and back in. Jericho with offense now. Jericho works Ziggler over and plays to the crowd. Jericho takes him to the corner and comes out with a right hand. Ziggler plays leap frog and goes down with a big chop. Jericho keeps control until Ziggler blocks a suplex and drops Jericho’s ribs over his knees. Ziggler with a pin attempt and more offense in the corner as the crowd chants for Jericho.
Jericho fights back and sends Ziggler over the top rope. Jericho goes for a crossbody from the corner but misses it on Ziggler on the apron and lands out on the floor. Ziggler throws Jericho into the apron and brings him back in the ring for a 2 count. Ziggler with a splash in the corner and another 2 count as Vickie yells at the referee. Ziggler shows off some more and drops Jericho with a neckbreaker after talking trash in his face. Ziggler poses and pins Jericho for a 2 count. Jericho fights with chops and now they trade shots. Jericho rolls Ziggler up for 2. Ziggler comes right back and clotheslines him.
More back and forth. Jericho with an enziguri kick. Ziggler goes for the sleeper hold and locks it in now. Ziggler ends up on top and Jericho chops him some more. Jericho with a bunch of right hands on top followed by a big hurricanrana. Jericho crawls over and covers Ziggler for 2. Ziggler drops Jericho now and covers him. They trade shots and get back to their feet. Jericho with a running bulldog. Jericho goes for the Lionsault but Ziggler gets his knees up. Ziggler hits Zig Zag but Jericho kicks out at 2.
Jericho gets up and hits the Codebreaker but it causes Ziggler to roll to the floor. The referee begins counting as Jericho brings Ziggler back in. Vickie grabs Jericho’s leg as he re-enters the ring. Ziggler takes advantage and rolls Jericho up for a 2 count as Vickie screams at ringside. Jericho throws Ziggler shoulder first into the corner. Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho now. Ziggler taps to end it.
Winner: Chris Jericho
- More hype for Lesnar vs. Triple H. Matt Striker is backstage with Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar. Heyman talks about Triple H talking to Scott Armstrong earlier about tonight’s match. Heyman says Lesnar will finish Triple H tonight and break WWE’s spirit. Lesnar grabs the mic and says this is a fight Triple H can’t win. If you’re not down with that, Heyman has two words for you: tap out.
Kane vs. Daniel Bryan
We go to the ring and out comes Daniel Bryan first. Out next is Kane.
Kane goes after Bryan and gets kicked a few times. Kane catches the third kick and throws him to the mat. They trade shots now but Kane catches him in a big scoop slam. Kane with a dropkick to the face and a 2 count. Kane works Bryan over in the corner now. Bryan tries to counter but gets dropped with a big boot for a 2 count. Bryan fights back with kicks and takes Kane to the corner. It’s not enough as Kane grabs Bryan and tosses him out of the ring.
They fight out on the floor now and Kane makes it back in first. Bryan climbs to the top and dropkicks Kane for a 1 count. Bryan with more kicks. He misses one and Kane runs him over with a big clothesline. Kane with a big splash in the corner and a sideslam for 2. Kane goes to the top now and takes Bryan down with a big right hand. Kane goes for the chokeslam but Bryan slides out and goes to the apron. He drops Kane over the top and comes back in only to get dropped by a Kane right hand. Bryan hits a big shot to Kane’s face and it upsets him. Kane beats Bryan down in the corner as the referee threatens him with a disqualification. Kane has snapped. Bryan trips him into the turnbuckle and kicks him in the face. Bryan goes for the No Lock but Kane struggles. Bryan can’t get it locked but kicks Kane in the face.
Bryan leaps from the top with a headbutt but Kane catches him with a big chokeslam. Kane goes for the Tombstone Piledriver but Bryan counters and rolls him up for the win.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
- After the match, Kane is shown backstage going on a rampage. Josh Mathews approaches him fr comment. Kane grabs him and asks where is “he.” Matthews says “he” already left and gets thrown away. Kane continues tearing stuff up as he walks through backstage.
WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz
We go to the ring and out comes Rey Mysterio to a big pop. Rey is wearing Batman inspired gear tonight. Out next comes WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz.
The bell rings and they lock up. Miz drops Mysterio first. Rey takes control for a minute and we get an early pin attempt. Miz regroups on the floor before coming back in and stomps away. Rey with a head scissors takedown but he runs right into an elbow from Miz. Rey ducks a clothesline but gets kicked in the gut. Miz tosses Rey under the bottom rope but he lands out on his feet on the floor. Miz comes out but Rey runs in. Miz tries to come in but Rey dropkicks him back to the floor.
Miz counters on the floor and drops Rey on the barrier. Miz brings it back in the ring and covers for 1. Miz with a knee to the back and rake to the face. More back and forth action. Miz gets Rey on his shoulders for a big backbreaker and a 2 count. Miz continues with the offense and talks some trash. Miz mounts Rey with right hands and then kicks him in the face for another pin attempt. Miz with a headlock now. Rey tries to fight back but Miz drops him for another 2 count. Miz poses for the crowd and most of them boo him. Miz charges in the corner and nails the clothesline but plays to the crowd some more. Miz climbs to the top but Rey knocks him off.
Rey begins to make a comeback but gets caught in a nice powerbomb by The Miz. Another pin attempt on Rey. Rey ducks a kick to the face and rolls Miz up for 2. Rey with a big superkick to the face for 2 now. More back and forth. Rey counters a move and drops Miz with a big DDT. Rey climbs to the top but Miz cuts him off. Miz climbs up but Rey knocks him to the mat. Rey comes off the top with a head scissors takedown. Rey nails 619 and climbs back to the top. Rey misses the headbutt. Miz goes for Skull Crushing Finale but Rey counters and drops him for another pin attempt. Miz drops Rey face first on the turnbuckle and then hits him with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winner: The Miz
- Eve Torres and Teddy Long are shown walking out of AJ Lee’s office. Teddy says he and the RAW stars love how AJ is doing her job. Eve agrees but you can tell she doesn’t mean it. They walk off and CM Punk appears. He hesitates before walking in. He says she is doing all this to him because he denied her marriage proposal and humiliated her. AJ just listens and won’t answer him. Punk says she has disrespected him like the fans. Punk says he will once again prove he is the best in the world tonight. Punk says on RAW tomorrow night, she and everyone else will be forced to show him some respect. AJ is still staring straight and not acknowledging him. Punk walks off.
- We get a promo video for tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match.
World Heavyweight Title Match: Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus
We go to the ring and out comes Alberto Del Rio as Ricardo Rodriguez does the introduction. World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus is out next to a pop from the crowd.
The bell rings and they lock up. Del Rio takes it to the corner but Sheamus comes out. Sheamus with a headlock and Del Rio takes it back to the corner but is forced to break. They tangle again and tumble over the top to the floor. They brawl and Del Rio slams Sheamus’ face into the announcers table. Sheamus brings it back in the ring but Del Rio kicks him in the head. Del Rio works Sheamus over in the corner now. Sheamus hits a big boot and a swinging neckbreaker for a 2 count. Sheamus works Del Rio over in the corner now.
More back and forth. Sheamus with a senton and a 2 count. Del Rio tries to hang on in the corner and the turnbuckle cover gets removed. Del Rio goes for a cross armbreaker but Sheamus blocks it. Sheamus misses a Brogue Kick and Del Rio kicks him out to the floor. Sheamus fights back but Del Rio goes for the leg. Del Rio brings it back in the ring and comes crashing down off the top for a 2 count. Del Rio with a headlock now. Sheamus fights out and has another neckbreaker blocked. Del Rio goes back to the leg and kicks Sheamus in the face for another 2 count. Del Rio continues the attack on Sheamus and chokes him with the ropes.
Sheamus finally starts to make a comeback but gets caught up in the corner again. Sheamus fights his way in from the apron with headbutts. Sheamus goes to the top but Del Rio stops him. Del Rio climbs up and hits an armbreaker from the top rope for a 2 count. Del Rio with an armbreaker now. Sheamus powers out and powerbombs him. Sheamus hits White Noise but Del Rio kicks out at 2. Sheamus calls for the Brogue Kick but stops and spears Del Rio in the corner after he side steps. Sheamus with a series of forearm shots to the chest on the ropes now. Sheamus with a series of right hands in the corner now. Del Rio counters and drops Sheamus in the corner. Del Rio with an enziguri in the corner for another close 2 count.
Ricardo is yelling from the apron now. Del Rio flips for some reason and pulls Ricardo in the ring and humiliates him. The referee forces Ricardo out of the ring but tosses his shoe to Del Rio. Sheamus grabs that shoe and decks Del Rio with it. Sheamus hits the Irish Curse for the pin but Del Rio’s foot was on the bottom rope.
Winner: Sheamus
- After the match, Ricardo is trying to show the referee that Del Rio had his foot on the bottom rope. Michael Cole is outraged also. It looks like Sheamus realizes what happened too but he leaves the ring. Del Rio and Ricardo argue with the referee now. The referee doesn’t want to hear it and heads to the back while Del Rio throws a fit in the ring. Sheamus stops on the stage and smiles with the World Heavyweight Title as we go to replays, which clearly show Del Rio had his foot on the bottom rope. Sheamus’ music finally stops and Del Rio heads to the back.
- Cole and Lawler plug Night of Champions.
- More hype for Triple H vs. Lesnar. We see footage from the pre-show where Triple H told referee Scott Armstrong to let them fight tonight. Cole talks about Shawn Michaels not being here tonight.
WWE Tag Team Title Match: Titus O’Neil and Darren Young vs. Kofi Kingston and R-Truth
We go to the ring and out first comes the challengers Titus O’Neil and Darren Young. Out next come the WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth.
Truth starts the match off with Young and unloads on him. Truth drops Young with a shoulder and continues the offense. Truth does a split and drops the big leg drop on Young for a 2 count. Young turns it around and backs Truth in the corner to tag in Titus. They double team Truth and Titus covers for 2. Titus keeps in control until Truth catches him with a big kick to the jaw. Kofi tags in and comes off the top at Titus. Kofi with chops and a dropkick. Kofi ducks a clothesline and leaps onto Titus. Kofi with the Boom Drop.
Kofi calls for Trouble in Paradise but Young distracts him, allowing Titus to roll to the floor. Kofi gets double teamed on the floor now. Titus brings Kofi back in the ring for a 2 count. Titus with knees to the gut and a big front slam for a 2 count. Young comes back and keeps his team in control. Kofi fights out but Young slams him for another pin attempt. Titus tags back in as Kofi tries to fight back but can’t. Titus with an abdominal stretch now. Titus catches Kofi again with a big slam but Kofi kicks him in mid-air and both go down. Truth and Young tag in now. Truth with the offense this time. Truth suplexes Young on his face and covers for 2 as Titus breaks the hold. Kofi comes in but Titus tosses him out of the ring. Kofi hangs on and comes back in to dump Titus to the floor. Kofi leaps from the top to the floor and takes Titus out with a crossbody. Young rolls Truth up from behind for 2. They tangle and Truth drops Young on his face with his finisher for the win.
Winners: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth
- We get footage from the SummerSlam festivities in Los Angeles over the weekend.
- Cole and Lawler hype the WWE Title match and lead us into a video package.
WWE Title Match: Big Show vs. John Cena vs. Big Show
We go to the ring and out first comes John Cena to a mixed reaction from the crowd. Big Show is out next followed by the WWE Champion CM Punk.
The bell rings and Show drops Cena and then Punk. Show hits Cena with a headbutt and fights Punk’s attack off. Show decks Cena again and goes back to Punk. Punk leaps onto Show but Show shoves him to the mat. Show goes back to work on Cena and hits him with a big chop. Punk also gets a big chop against the ropes. Another chop for Cena. Punk chops Show but gets headbutted and then another big chop to the chest. Cena and Punk both fight Show at the same time now. They try for a double suplex but Show reverses it and double suplexes them.
Show whips Cena to the corner and hits him with a big back splash. Cena rolls out to the floor. Punk and Show go at it now. Punk dropkicks his leg out. Punk with kicks to the head and chest now. Show still gets to his feet. Punk calls for and goes for GTS but can’t get Show up. Show knocks him to the mat. Cena comes in for an Attitude Adjustment but Punk kicks them both over to the mat. Punk covers Cena for 2 but Show breaks the pin. Show takes Punk to the corner and works him over now. Show stands on Punk’s back. Show whips Punk hard into the corner and he hits front side first. Show with a big body blow and another big chop in the corner. Show knocks Cena from the apron and he goes back down on the floor. Show misses a splash on Punk. Punk comes off the top but Show catches him in mid-air and lands on him. Show calls for the knockout punch but Cena comes in and unloads on him. Cena runs the ropes but Show spears him for a 2 count.
Show drags Cena and Punk both to the corner. Show goes for the Vader bomb but only hits Cena as Punk rolls out of the way. Punk tries to come back but Show tosses him over the top rope. Show goes to the floor and throws Punk into the ropes, causing him to bounce back and hit the floor. Show comes back in and is met by Cena. Show stops him and catches him with a big sideslam. Show has controlled the whole match just about. Show brings Punk to the apron but Punk drops him over the rope. Cena comes from behind with a side suplex on Show. Cena calls for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Punk cuts him off and Cena ends up back on the floor. Punk mocks Cena and climbs to the top. Punk goes for the big elbow drop and nails it for a 2 count. Punk with kicks as Show is on his knees. Punk with a submission now. Show powers out and decks Punk. Punk rolls back to the floor as Cena comes in. Cena with a shoulder and then the STF on Show.
Show powers to his feet and rams Cena back into the corner. Cena comes off the second rope but Show catches him and slams him. Punk leaps in the ring and takes Show off his feet. Punk hits the high knee in the corner and then backs up for another. Punk goes for a third high knee and nails it. Show blocks the bulldog. Cena goes to the top now and hits the leg drop on Show. Punk goes for the Anaconda Vice again and locks it. Cena locks in the STF at the same time and Show taps out. Punk and Cena argue with the referee about who’s the winner. AJ Lee comes out to a pop from the crowd. She skips down to the ring and asks for a mic. She has the match restarted. Punk and Cena turn around to a double chokeslam from Show but Cena kicks out at 2. Show covers Punk but he kicks out.
Show goes for the knockout punch on Cena but he hits the Attitude Adjustment. Punk runs over, tosses Cena out of the ring and covers Show for the win.
Winner: CM Punk
- After the match, Cena walks off disappointed as Punk celebrates in the ring and poses with the WWE Title. Punk goes to ringside to celebrate with the fans.
- We see Vince McMahon’s star on the Walk of Fame and see some celebrities in the crowd. Fred Durst flips the camera off. Former WCW Champion David Arquette has a title belt in the crowd. Maria Menounos is wearing a t-shirt with Bob Backlund and Pat Patterson.
- They plug WWE Studios’ The Day and we see the cast in the crowd.
- Highlights from the pre-show with Antonio Cesaro winning the United States Title from Santino Marella are shown.
- Kevin Rudolf is on the stage to perform the SummerSlam theme.
- We get a video package for tonight’s main event.
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
We go to the ring and out first comes Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman. Out next comes Triple H. They exchange stares as Triple H does his entrance.
Justin Roberts foes formal ring introductions. The bell rings and a brawl begins. Lesnar thrusts Triple H back into the corner and works him over. Lesnar goes for a kimura lock in the corner but HHH breaks it. Lesnar with more thrusts and brawling. Lesnar goes for the kimura again and has it locked while Triple H is on the ropes but the hold isn’t broken by the referee. More brawling in the corner until Lesnar gets sent out to the floor. Heyman tries to calm Lesnar down at ringside. Lesnar comes in and takes his gloves off. They knuckle up but Lesnar takes Triple H down and hits him with a big right hand in the back of the head. Triple H rolls to the floor and Lesnar follows him. They trade kicks on the floor and Triple H fights back. Lesnar with knees to the gut. Lesnar slams HHH into the announcers table, slamming him down on his arm. Lesnar comes back in the ring. Scott Armstrong doesn’t count Triple H because of their talk earlier.
HHH comes back in but Lesnar slams him on the arm again. Lesnar goes for the kimura lock again but takes HHH to the corner and pulls the arm against the top rope. Lesnar stomps on HHH now. HHH tries to fight back but gets his arm locked up again by Lesnar. Lesnar tosses HHH shoulder first into the corner and he goes back down. Lesnar scoops HHH for the F5 but HHH counters it. Lesnar counters that with a German suplex throw. We see that Lesnar is bleeding a bit from his nose now. Lesnar stands on HHH’s arm and stomps it. HHH comes back in the ring and they trade kicks. HHH with a DDT. Lesnar comes right back and works on the arm. Lesnar with another slam on top of the arm.
They go back to the floor and Lesnar throws HHH into the steel steps. Lesnar rams HHH back into the Spanish announcers table. Lesnar climbs on top of the tipped over table and leaps off onto HHH with a big right hand. They come back in the ring and Lesnar continues the attack. HHH tries to fight back but Lesnar rolls him up for a 2 count. Lesnar runs into HHH with a big clothesline. HHH blocks a suplex and hits one of his own. Lesnar charges in the corner but HHH ducks the clothesline. HHH goes for a Pedigree but can’t. Lesnar sends HHH flying over the top rope.
HHH sends Lesnar into the announcers table now gut first. Lesnar comes back over and HHH hits him in the gut. Lesnar comes down and yells out about his stomach. Cole points out that Lesnar has a history of stomach problems. Lesnar rolls in the ring but is clutching his stomach in pain. HHH comes in now but Lesnar goes for the arm lock. HHH fights back with knees to the gut. HHH drops Lesnar with a running knee to the midsection. Another big shot from HHH. HHH with more knees to the gut now. HHH catches Lesnar with the big spinebuster now. HHH goes for a Pedigree again but Lesnar counters. Lesnar goes for the F5 but HHH counters with a Pedigree and Lesnar kicks out at 2.
HHH goes down after a blatant low blow from Lesnar. The referee just shakes his head and checks on HHH, asking him if he can continue. Heyman screams that HHH wanted a fight and got one. Lesnar goes for the F5 and this time nails it. HHH kicks out at 2. Lesnar goes back for the kimura lock but HHH fights him off. Lesnar drops HHH and has the kimura locked in this time. HHH puts his foot on the bottom rope for no reason. HHH finally breaks the hold. HHH grabs Lesnar and lays him down with a Pedigree. Lesnar still applies the kimura lock again. HHH won’t tape until Lesnar tightens it. HHH finally taps out to end it.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
- After the match, Lesnar goes to ringside with Heyman as trainers come in to check on Triple H. The announcers fear that HHH’s arm may be broke again as we go to replays. Lesnar leaves and his music stops. Triple H is shown in the ring trying to recover. The crowd chants his name as he pushes a trainer off. He tells the man to get out of the ring. The crowd breaks out in a brief “you tapped out” chant. HHH finally stands up and is met with a mixed reaction, mostly applause from the crowd. Now a Triple H chant breaks out. Triple H hangs around the ring for a few more minutes before exiting. HHH greets some fans at ringside as he makes his way up the ramp, slowly. It looks like he’s getting emotional as he backs up the ramp and the crowd cheers. HHH heads to the back as Lawler speculates that he just said goodbye. SummerSlam goes off the air.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Diablo 3 review
Once upon a time, the Diablo series defined the hack-and-slash action role-playing game, setting the standard by which all games in the genre were measured. Now, Diablo III feels more familiar than genre-defining, relying on refining the same hooks that have always made this series so compelling. But what a refinement it is. The controls are responsive and pleasurable; the diversity of character classes and skill customization options is impressive; and the constant stream of gold and treasure you earn is irresistible. Blizzard has the recipe for crafting a habit-forming loot-driven action RPG down to a science, and in Diablo III, the results of that recipe are more exciting and more addictive than they've ever been.
You begin your quest just after what appears to be a flaming star falls from the heavens and crashes into the cathedral in Tristram, the doomed town where the events of Diablo took place. This cosmic occurrence has the unfortunate side effect of reanimating the dead, and the people of New Tristram find themselves besieged by corpses long ago put to rest. Diablo III's story is unremarkable, but it weaves in plenty of references to and appearances by characters from earlier games and enriches the established lore of the series. Fans of Diablo and Diablo II will immediately feel drawn into this world.
You certainly don't need any familiarity with the series to jump right into Diablo III, however. If you've played earlier games, you'll likely get even more out of Diablo III--the music that plays in the New Tristram area may send nostalgic shivers down your spine--but the gameplay is welcoming and easy to grasp for vets and newcomers alike. You choose one of five character classes, and though they become quite distinct at later levels, they all start with nothing but basic offensive skills that are performed with clicks of the mouse.
That may sound dull, but in fact the rate at which you acquire new skills is part of what makes Diablo III so hard to pull yourself away from. You very quickly open up slots for new types of abilities; if you're playing as a demon hunter, for instance, you begin with a basic archery attack, but you can soon supplement this with resource-draining skills like a rapid fire ability, enemy-slowing caltrops, acrobatic somersaults that can get you away from enemies, and other techniques.
These skills are divided into distinct categories--primary, secondary, defensive, and so on--and by default, you can have only one skill from each category equipped at a time. This is a sensible restriction if you're a novice player, because it helps ensure that your character is well rounded, with a complementary assortment of abilities. However, if you prefer a greater level of character customization, you can turn on what's called elective mode. With this on, you can opt to equip whichever skills you want in your available slots, rather than being limited to choosing one from each category. But if you do this, be mindful of your character's resource pool. If you select two monk skills that cost spirit (the monk's resource) and no skills that generate spirit, you're going to have some trouble slaughtering the legions of hell spawn you encounter.
Choosing one skill always means not choosing another, since your number of available key bindings is always equal to the number of active skill categories you've unlocked. (Once you've unlocked all six skill categories for your class, for instance, you have just six bindings to which you can link skills.) But you can change your selected skills at any time, giving you free rein to tinker with your abilities until you find a combination you're happy with.
You never sink points into skills to make them more effective, so you never have to worry that you're not making the best choices. Rather, as you level up, you unlock both new skills and new runes you can apply to existing skills. From level 13 on, for instance, witch doctors can apply the numbing dart rune to their poison dart attack, which adds a slowing effect to this offensive ability. You can eventually unlock a total of six runes for each active ability, though you can have only one rune at a time activated on any ability. This system prevents you from squandering your character's growth by sinking points into skills that leave you ill-equipped for challenges to come, and lets you customize your abilities on the fly to better tackle the challenges you're currently facing.
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