A sneak peek at the new-look AEW aired yesterday during Rampage, a look which is being completely revamped starting with the January 4 episode of Dynamite.
Both Dynamite and Rampage are getting new sets and new looks, with a brand new graphics, marking the first time that AEW is freshening up its look since its debut in October 2019.
“We set out to create a new brand identity for #AEWDynamite with a comprehensive set of package elements,” Kevin Sullivan, the Vice President of Post Production for AEW, said in a tweet. “The team is thrilled to finally share our new, bold vision, that will help create a new spirit for the show. This is what 9 months of work looks like in :15. To be continued!”
Sullivan also put over the relationship AEW has with Warner Bros. Discovery, calling it incredible, and the respect he has for the AEW internal graphics team on what they’re always able to accomplish. “It also goes without saying that @TonyKhan vision is boundless,” Sullivan continued.
Sullivan worked for WWE for five years as a Senior Producer between 1998 and 2003 and was the VP or Production for TNA for 14 years between 2005 and 2019. He joined AEW from launch day in 2019.
You can see a preview of what the new AEW looks like below.
We set out to create a new brand identity for #AEWDynamite with a comprehensive set of package elements. The team is thrilled to finally share our new, bold vision, that will help create a new spirit for the show. This is what 9 months of work looks like in :15. To be continued! pic.twitter.com/72Pm3jB9WD
Roman Reigns and the Bloodline are out to the ring first. Paul Heyman promotes tonight’s tag team title match and next week’s matches. Roman says he is gonna whoop Owens next week because that is what he does. Sami says he should be on top of the world because after all these years he finally found somewhere to belong…a family…but he can’t get rid of Kevin Owens.
The Usos VS. Hit Row for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship
The Usos hit One D on Top Dollar to retain.
Winners and Still WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions: The Usos
Kayla interviews Kaiser and Vinci from Imperium
Gauntlet Match
The winner of this match becomes the number one contender for Ronda Rousey’s Smackdown Women’s title. It starts with Emma VS. Xia Li and Li advances after pinning Emma. The returning Tegan Nox is out next and Li takes her out too. Li’s momentum is stopped when Raquel Rodriguez comes out next and pins her. Former Smackdown Women’s champion Liv Morgan is out next and Raquel takes her out too. Sonya Deville tries her luck but comes up short as the last person in the match, Shayna Baszler comes out. Raquel rolls Shayna up for the win.
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez
Recap of the LA Knight/Bray Wyatt/Uncle Howdy issues are shown.
Bray Wyatt is in the ring next. Bray explains that he is trying to be the realest as he can be and LA Knight owes him an apology. As Bray starts to talk about Uncle Howdy, he says he lost his train of thought and goes down to one knee and then he attacks a camera man.
Rey Mysterio VS. Angel Garza
Scarlett and Karrion Kross are looking on this match. Garza goes for 619 but Mysterio countered and hit 619 on Garza then a springboard DDT for the win.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci VS. Braun Strowman & Ricochet in a Miracle on 34th street fight
The New Day, dressed as toy soldiers show up, and kick Kaiser and Vinci in the gut and Strowman does his train run around the ring. He then finds Ricochet lying on the ground and goes and finds mistletoe and has the ring announcer Samantha (Ricochet’s real-life girlfriend) give Ricochet a kiss and revives him and as Strowman puts Vinci through a table. At ringside, Ricochet hits a recoil on Kaiser in the ring and Strowman comes in and gives him a power slam and helps Ricochet up to his shoulders and Ricochet splashes Kaiser off Braun and pins him.
Last Week’s Rating: 464,000 overall; 0.15 in 18-49 demo
Happy Christmas Eve Eve or Christmas Eve depending on when you’re reading this.
It’s Friday Night, and you know what that means… it’s time for our Rampage Review!
…..
JR introduced himself, Excalibur, Schiavone and the ‘amaaazing Chris Jericho’. Who just burnt a kid’s face off.
Three Kings Casino Trios Battle Royal for $300,000
Teams: Top Flight & AR Fox; BCC; Rush, Dralistico & Preston Vance; Kip Sabian, Butcher & Blade; Best Friends & Orange Cassidy; Dark Order; Spanish Announce Project; Ari Daivari, Tony Nese & Josh Woods
Boy what a murderers’ row this is. Obviously the selling point is whether/when/how Hangman will strike against Moxley.
Spanish Announce Project are a new trio who’ve caused some controversy this week, largely due to the – honestly pretty fair claim – from the SATs (Spanish Announce Team, of TNA fame) that it’s a complete rip-off. The SAP are comprised of Serpentico, Luther & Angelico.
A mass of men, a bunch of brawling as the announcers ran down the card. JR again tried to convince us Rampage was a big deal. Some teams entered as the match progressed, including the Dark Order who got a nice reaction and went straight after Vance, triple teaming him until Moxley targeted them. The DO nearly eliminated Mox.
Still just a bunch of brawling as the ads arrived.
Cassidy eliminated Blade, Butcher – Cassidy, Kip’s gone too – he and Cassidy brawled to the back just as the SAP made their entrance, straight from the legit Spanish announce desk.
Angelico was immediately removed by Trent. Silver got rid of Dralistico then was eliminated by Rush. The BCC were the only complete trio left. Uno couldn’t get over the ropes but was eventually eliminated by Mox, then Luther by Claudio as Mark Sterling called all the locals’ wives cows, making his entrance with Daivari, Nese & Woods.
Reynolds eliminated. It wasn’t silent but nor were the crowd exactly thrilled about the match so far.
Rush got rid of Yuta, Vance removed Serpentico as the final trio of Fox & Flight made their way down. Daivari went bye-bye via Castagnoli. Vance via Mox.
Schiavone kept bringing up that Claudio was the ROH world champion because it annoyed Jericho and he’s good at his job. (On the subject, shouldn’t Jericho be suspended or something?)
Dante eliminated Woods, Darius – Nese, Beretta got rid of Butcher, Trent via Rush.
Top Flight, Fox, Rush, Claudio, Mox left. Rush and Castagnoli went at it hard in the middle, fists and chops, both nearly eliminated the other as they battled on the apron until a huge flurry from Claudio and a final uppercut got rid of Rush.
Fox gone; Top Flight, Mox and Claudio left. Huge pop as Hangman came in after Mox, getting a few licks, security intervened, allowing the Martin bro’s to eliminate Moxley as security separated he and Page again. Mox then jumped off the top onto the pile of security and Page.
Uppercut from Claudio on Dante – crowd into it now – the ROH champ nearly slammed both at the same time, nearly eliminated both, the bro’s on the apron but reversing things: Claudio nearly out as the crowd chanted his name. Fighting them off, he hit a big boot to Dante.
Darius responded with a swinging ddt off his bro’s chest, double clothesline, Claudio just hung on, eventually a double team hurracanrana/shove sent Castagnoli over the top. Seemed like it might’ve been supposed to finish with a straight hurracanrana.
Nearly twenty-five minutes. Last few minutes were very good but boy did this drag.
WINNER: Top Flight & AR Fox
Eddie Kingston and Ortiz came out to challenge the House of Black. Since the group hadn’t returned the contract they’d sent them for a match. Malakai appeared on the screen – introduced by Julia – and agreed to face them when the HOB were ready. In the meantime implying – incredibly laboriously – that Eddie couldn’t trust Ortiz. The two began to argue.
(This at least makes some sense of the weird angle at the end of the show a few weeks back when Malakai ordered the other two to leave Ortiz alone. Would still say it wasn’t worth confusing viewers, with the HOB so recently returned to tv.)
…..
Renee with Sammy & Danny. Garcia doesn’t like anything about Guevara but he’s willing to do this because it’s what Jericho wants. Sammy told Garcia he was ‘tight’ and needed a hug, wrapping him in one. After Sammy left, Renee asked if Garcia was okay. This is so stupid, Garcia’s going to beat Big Show’s record with this many turns.
Jade Cargill vs Vertvixen, TBS Title Eliminator
Backstory: None
Jericho brought up burning Andretti and getting rid of him from AEW, the announcers said nothing.
Ads.
Cargill choked Vertvixen with a boot in the corner, hit a thrust kick, axe kick, pump kick, pin.
Is this going anywhere? The point of a streak is to build intrigue in when it will end. There is none.
WINNER: Jade Cargill
Ruby Soho complained about Anna interfering last week so has brought Willow Nightingale in. Thankfully, Willow is very entertaining.
…..
Wardlow promo: said it was funny that Joe keeps talking about how dangerous he is while attacking Wardlow from behind. Wasn’t much to this.
…..
Promo for a ‘new’ Dynamite starting next year. Tony Khan’s already confirmed the show will have a new look.
…..
Powerhouse Hobbs attacked someone outside the building (we saw about three seconds of it).
Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal vs Billy Gunn & Anthony Bowens
Backstory: Jarrett & co have been targeting the Acclaimed, taking out Caster Wednesday via a shot from JJ’s trusty gee-tar
Is it a mid-00s TNA match? A mid-card tag from September ’98? Nope, it’s the 2022 main event of the second-biggest wrestling company in the world.
(Btw, Billy Gunn and Jeff Jarrett were legitimately feuding in September 1998. Twenty-four years ago. After Jarrett and Southern Justice crushed Road Dogg’s larynx.)
Fully admit my bias but the crowd audibly groaned when they heard Jarrett’s music, which is now mashed with Lethal’s. The Acclaimed were incredibly over as Caster vowed to send the opposition ‘back to the Impact zone’ and called Singh a ‘not so great Khali’. Very entertaining rap.
Lethal & Bowens started, Bowens hit his over the back Famasser then got the very popular tag to Billy as Lethal got the very silent tag to Jarrett. Jarrett did the strut, Gunn ran him over with a clothesline; hit a Jackhammer for two.
Lethal in, off the top with a double sledge, Billy caught him in the breadbasket, Bowens in to scissor before a double elbow drop. Jarrett caught Bowens with a cheap shot outside as the ads arrived.
Back body drop to Bowens by Jarrett as the crowd finished chanting ‘f*** TNA’. Lethal stomped the arm, snap suplex, two count.
Schiavone finally said what Jericho did to Andretti was bad, JR joked that ‘Eddie Farhat wants a commission’. He used to be the best commentator in the business folks.
Bowens got two with a rollup, Jay responded with a Lethal Combination for two of his own. Jarrett came in to a ‘Jarrett sucks’ chant and mistook it – as he has his whole career – for heel heat. Bowens caught him with a superkick, making the crawl to tag Gunn as the crowd roared the babyfaces.
Hot tag and a bunch of clotheslines to both heels as the crowd chanted ‘Daddy Ass’. Singh came into the ring, Billy clotheslined him back out, Jarrett broke up a pin at 2, Dutt on the apron, Jarrett hit the Stroke to Bowens, Dutt again interfered with a low blow to Billy then Lethal hit Lethal Injection for the win.
I hate this company.
Cannot believe they had one of the most popular acts in the company lose to this team. I don’t know if they have sway because Dutt has creative input or whether Tony Khan just really loves these guys, but it’s baffling. The entire act sucks but more importantly is taking away precious tv time from younger, promising talents.
WINNER: Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal
…..
Next Dynamite:
Willow Nightingale & Ruby Soho vs Anna Jay & Tay Melo
Top Flight vs Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley
Ethan Page vs Bryan Danielson
Death Triangle vs the Elite, Match 6 of 7
Wardlow vs Samoa Joe, TNT Title
…..
Overall impressions
Where words will not suffice we call on the trusty metaphor. Perhaps a tidal wave of s*** which for the first fifteen minutes looks as if it might calm before reaching land but then flares up, engulfing everything in faeces for the next forty-five.
Check Out
Whether your nails need cutting, the walls need touching up or perhaps look into any correlation between the signing of Jarrett and an uptick in hallucinogenic drugs around the AEW offices.
I’ll say it again in case you missed it the other day: thank you so much for reading this year, have a great weekend, a great Christmas, a great holiday – ‘whatever your vice is’ – as Jay-Z once said.
Tonight’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown on FOX will not be live as it was taped last week at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
Four matches plus an in-ring segment with Bray Wyatt were recorded for the broadcast. Matches include The Usos vs Hit Row for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles, Rey Mysterio vs Angel of Los Lotharios, a gauntlet match featuring Raquel Rodriguez vs Sonya Deville vs Liv Morgan vs Xia Li, vs Tegan Nox vs Emma to become the #1 contender for the Smackdown Women’s title, and Braun Strowman and Ricochet team up to take on Imperium in a Miracle on 34th street fight.
Smackdown returns live next week in Tampa, Florida with the return of the one and only John Cena.
Last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling pulled in 86,000 viewers, down 21,000 viewers from the prior week. The show did a 0.01 rating in the 18-49 demo and did not chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that the planned show in India on January 18 has been called off by Sony Six, WWE’s TV partner in the country.
WWE were going to hold a live event in Hyderabad, the first one in India since 2017, but Sony Six pulled the plug on it due to their upcoming merger with Zee, a major media company. Sony Six was going to fund the show so they had the final say on the event.
Meltzer said that the merger is expected to go through sometime in April and the show will eventually get the green light following the completion of the merger.
Are you looking to place bets on some of the biggest WWE events in 2022? If so, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best odds and most reliable betting websites.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the top WWE betting websites for 2022. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to know before you place your bets, such as the best odds, promotions, and customer service. We’ll also discuss the different types of bets available and the various markets that are offered. So, if you’re ready to start betting on WWE matches, read on to find out the best websites for 2022!
Top WWE betting Sites in 2022
888 sport
Unquestionably one of the most well-known names in the online gaming industry, 888’s sports betting does not disappoint. With an outstanding selection of betting markets and bonuses, a user-friendly mobile betting app, and free live streaming of events, 888sport is a force to be reckoned with. Given all of this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this website is among the finest for those who like to gamble on wrestling games.
You can get £30 in free bet credits and a £10 casino bonus when you open a new account at 888sport and place a £10 qualifying wager. Your initial wager can be placed on any sports market, but it must have odds greater than 1/2. No matter the outcome of your initial wager, the website urges you to claim your welcome bonuses. Three £10 free bets are given to you, one of which is only good for mobile sports betting and has a seven-day expiration.
Betway
Betway is an online sports betting platform that offers a range of betting options for various sports, including wrestling. It is possible to place bets on wrestling events, such as matches and tournaments, through the Betway website or app. Betway offers a variety of betting options for wrestling, including bets on the outcome of a match or the winner of a tournament, as well as live in-play betting during ongoing events.
BetVictor
BetVictor arguably is king of sportsbooks. The British based company was founded back in 1946, and since going online in the 1990s, it has always been a leader. Michael Talbor purchased it in 2014, and it is still providing services to customers in more than 150 nations, including the United States. Since BetVictor is one of the largest sportsbooks available, you can bet on all of the most popular events and sports on the site.
22bet
22Bet is an online betting company that offers a variety of betting options on sports events and other types of games. Since their founding, they have grown all around the world and in Europe. In addition to offering sports betting, 22Bet also offers a complete online casino with slots, table games, and a live casino.
Conclusion
Different platforms may have different features and offerings that may appeal to different users. It is important for individuals to do their own research and consider factors such as the platform’s reputation, licensing, security, user experience, and the types of bets and games available when choosing a betting platform. It is also important to remember that betting carries inherent risks and it is important to bet responsibly and within one’s means.
For the first time since being dropped from WWE television due to drug issues, former Raw Tag Team title holder Riddle broke his silence on social media.
Riddle, who was written off WWE TV following an attack by Solo Sikoa, wrote, “I’ve been working a lot on myself lately and have been saying no and setting boundaries for the first time ever and certain people aren’t happy about it, but I couldn’t be healthier or happier. Thank you for all the support.”
The former MMA star still have work to do to sort out his personal life. He recently went through a divorce, started going out with two different adult movie stars, Jordan Maxx and Misha Montana, and now former girlfriend Daniella Petrow has publicly said that Riddle sexually assaulted her and wants WWE to fire him.
Riddle was already accused by another former girlfriend of sexual abuse and after he was sued, the two sides came to an out-of-court agreement.
The Holiday Bash themed episode of Dynamite drew 957,000 viewers, up 7,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast and the best number since the October 26 episode. The show drew a 0.30 in the 18-49 demo, down 0.03 from the prior week and placed #3 in the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
If you had any doubts over the star power of John Cena in WWE, the ticket situation for the December 30 Smackdown should explain it all.
Up until two weeks ago when the December 30 Smackdown was still just a regular Smackdown episode, WWE had around 8,000 seats sold at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, which is considered to be already very good.
When the news came out that John Cena was going to be appearing and then last week it was revealed that Cena was wrestling, teaming with Kevin Owens to take on Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn, tickets moved fast. Really fast.
According to ticket tracking service @WrestleTix, WWE sold another 4,600+ tickets since the Cena announcement came and there are now 12,089 tickets out, with less than 500 for the current setup to sell out. More seats are likely to be added if WWE continues to sell tickets to this show at a fast rate.
This will be John Cena’s first match of 2022, keeping his 20-year record of wrestling every year.
It seems like that Rick Ross didn’t get the memo that you cannot drop the F-bomb on AEW television anymore.
During his in-ring segment with Keith Lee, the American rapper was addressing the former AEW World Tag Team champion and told him straight up: “You a big motherf*cker!”
The crowd went “ooooh” while Lee laughed, turned to the camera and made the hand throat cut signal. Excalibur jumped in commentary saying that Ross was there to mediate a face-to-face meeting between the two former tag team champions.
The word wasn’t beeped on the TBS broadcast so everyone got the full effect of the statement!
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, former Impact World champion Rich Swann revealed that he signed a new two-year deal with Impact Wrestling.
Swann said that Impact has done nothing but treat him with the utmost respect and it has been a place where he has been able to grow and those around him grow as well.
“And I’ve been able to watch the company grow into a spot to where you know, it should be, you know what I’m saying,” Swann said.
The 31-year-old, who joined Impact in 2018, said that wrestling is thriving right now with AEW doing great, WWE turning it around, and Impact is prospering.
“After all the years of people saying, Oh, Impact’s gonna die? Oh, TNA is dead. To be a part of that, you know what I’m saying? Helping it come back up to where it’s at today. That right there makes me feel good. And like I said, it lets me know that I’m doing something right in this industry,” Swann continued.
This week’s episode of NXT drew 705,000 viewers, up 39,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. This was the most-watched NXT since October 25. The show did a 0.14 in the 18-49 demo, down 0.03 from last week and was #21 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
The alliance between Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland came to a halt last night on Dynamite as Strickland dumped Lee and formed the Mogul Affiliates faction.
The two were supposed to be part of a face-to-face segment, mediated by Rick Ross, but Swerve didn’t want any of it and warned Lee that he should watch his back.
Parker Boudreaux, who has been with AEW for the past few months now, then attacked Lee and was later joined by newcomer and former MLB player Granden Goetzman. Boudreaux, Goetzman, and Strickland then placed Lee on the ring steps and put a cinder block on his chest which was shattered when Swerve hit a double foot stomp from the top rope, smashing it on his chest.
Ross eventually left the arena with the new faction, saying, “We’re coming to take over the whole game. All you know me for is one thing, and that’s winning, gettin’ big money. Ain’t no more friends, so let big fat funky know ain’t no making up.”
Last Week’s Rating: 950,000 overall; 0.33 in 18-49 demo
So this’ll be my last post. My FanTime’s really blowing up and Colin laid down the law.
It’s Wednesday night, it’s Dynamite. Let’s go.
…..
We opened with footage of MJF cheating to hold onto his title last week. Then being chased by Bryan Danielson (including replaying the part where Danielson had to pretend he couldn’t catch him). Bringing Ricky Starks to the ring to speak his mind.
Chants of ‘Ricky’ as Starks composed himself. Losing last week is on him because ‘I shoulda known better. Max won like a coward.’ Starks still has his dignity. And there will be a next time. This is just the start for him, if he has to start all over again, he will. At some point, he’ll be the man around here.
Cue the crowd singing the heel to the ring as Jericho interrupted, along with Sammy and Danny. They cut to footage of Jericho losing last week to Action Andretti. The heels politely waited so the crowd could finish singing before they began.
‘I’ve been watchin’ you for a long time Ricky Starks’. Jericho did admit that Starks came close to winning the title last week. And he’s no knock-off, he’s a million-dollar version of himself. He’s just not ready quite yet. The three of them feel he can be a big star, he just needs ‘a little Chris Jericho’. A ‘Sammy sucks’ chant kicked up.
The Ocho invited Starks to join the JAS. Starks reciprocated the respect, saying that Jericho constantly reinvents himself and he likes that. For example, a few months ago he looked like an air fryer. And now he dresses like a single father on his fifth divorce. Ouch.
Starks said ‘HELL NO’ to joining ‘your little boy band.’ Because Jericho’s stock has kinda dropped, the ‘J in JAS stands for Jobbers’. He called Sammy and Danny ‘JASholes’. 1 and 2. Before asking what Jericho had done for either of them. Starks then offered them a chance to blow him. Before challenging Jericho for January 4th.
‘Was that ever the wrong answer.’
Hager struck from behind and the four began the beatdown. Well, three, Jericho just observed, preparing Floyd, bringing Action Andretti out to clear the ring – springboard and a big clothesline to Sammy. Then hit a split leg to Jericho to add the exclamation point.
Whatever I feel about the singing/heels etc. This was excellent follow-up to two of last weeks big stories. More importantly, it highlighted two young, emerging talents.
…..
The Elite vs Death Triangle, Match 5 of 7 (No DQ), Trios Titles
Backstory: It’s win or go home for the Elite – Death Triangle lead 3-1 after again using the hammer, causing Omega to challenge them to no-DQ
The usual mixed reaction for the Elite: boos to start then singing (though as we just saw, singing your song certainly doesn’t necessarily make you a good guy). Definitely more boos than usual for the Death Triangle boys as they came out.
Announcers highlighted the hole Elite were in, referencing the Cavs’ comeback in 2016.
Death Triangle struck quickly with stereo dives to the outside, then brought Nick back in to work over the injured member of the Elite. Nakazawa and Cutler got involve since its no-dq (Cutler, in an elf costume, did a bunch of BS comedy – is this a do-or-die, down 3-1 match, or a goofy Christmas outing?).
After a brief Omega flurry, Penta landed a trash can shot then the other two held Omega, Penta came off the top, dropkicking the can into Omega’s genitals. DT well on top, only Nick left standing as the crowd chanted for tables. Nick did his comeback – springboard-facebuster, moonsault off the apron etc. – until being hit with a Penta slingblade on the outside, bringing the break.
The usual fast start with the underdogs in trouble.
A Christmas tree had made its way in as we returned, Matt Jackson being hurled into it in the corner. Nick came off the top with a cross body to all three, step up knee strike in the corner, Fenix was hit, kipped up but superkicked back down. Pac then caught Nick’s injured ankle with a chair, preparing to ‘Pillman-ise’ it.
A desperate Omega flung a trash can at Pac to prevent it. Matt hit a moonsault to the outside, leaving Kenny and Pac alone. You Can’t Escape was next, the second part while holding the trash can. Crowd liked that one.
Omega then grabbed a barbed wire broom from under the ring. Didn’t get near the reaction you might have expected despite a brief, quiet ‘cleaner’ chant. He whacked Rey a couple times then drove his face into it. Matt sent Penta outside, he and Pac were placed on tables in the aisle. The Bucks climbed the buckles, Matt hit an elbow, Nick a senton. Omega Tiger Driver 98 onto the barbed wire broom to Fenix. Kickout at 2.
This is awesome chant as the six caught their breath. Rey being readied for the BTE Trigger until Abrahantes interrupted. Omega avoided a cutter from Fenix, hit a V Trigger, OWA setup, Fenix turned it into a hurracanrana for 2.999999. Hell of a spot.
Then blasted Kenny with the hammer, right in the head, Omega kicked out. Pac immediately locked in the Brutalizer. Nick was trapped in a leg scissor trying to break it. Matt finally broke free of Penta to loosen both holds. But the Elite were still in trouble, Penta and Pac both preparing hammer shots. Each Buck grabbed the legs and dragged them outside, Kenny hit a nasty Snapdragon to Rey, Meltzer Driver setup, onto a chair. 3-2.
They won, but they didn’t look the victors, DT beat them down immediately after the bell had rung, leaving Nick bloody.
Death Triangle now very clearly supposed to be the heels.
I realize I recommend these every week, but this was my second favorite of the series (can’t remember if it was 2 or 3 I liked best).
WINNER: the Elite
Footage of MJF after last week, cutting a promo on Danielson for taking away his moment. Called him gutless and a nobody. Everybody wants to ride his wave, eat off his plate. ‘When it comes to the reign of the terror, you will eat less than you desire and more than you deserve.’
As MJF promos go, this was a dud. Nothing to do with the delivery; just don’t get what he was all that angry about. And am already very over the Reign of Terror bullcrap.
…..
Schiavone backstage with Action Andretti. The youngster put across what a big deal it was to win last week, his life hasn’t been the same since. But he’s not stupid, he knew the JAS would be looking to take their embarrassment out on someone, so he was there to have Ricky’s back.
Shouty and Switchblade interrupted, allowing Jericho to throw a fireball at Andretti. Was really liking this ‘til then. Jericho spent most of the year making a joke out of ‘I’ll set you on fire’ and calling himself a wizard. The youngster’s possible blindness was such a big deal that we immediately left to join Renee in the ring, the announcers didn’t blink.
…..
Renee welcomed Bryan Danielson, putting across MJF’s brutal attack on Regal. Where does this leave the BCC?
Danielson admitted that Regal had done bad things and he didn’t expect the BCC to forgive that. The Dragon talked about his first ever match being in San Antonio, trained by Rudy Gonzales and Shawn – sparking an HBK chant. But the man who made him the wrestler and person he is today is William Regal.
(Nice tying together of the story with the locale.)
Danielson implied that he thought Regal might die after the attack and it made him cry. He loved having Regal in AEW – polite applause, nothing more – and what Regal really taught him was that there are consequences to your actions.
He then looked right in the camera – he’d heard everything Max said. Repeating that there’d be consequences as he fired up– ‘MJF get your ass out here RIGHT NOW’.
Ethan Page and Stokely came out instead. Essentially, he complained about Danielson skipping the queue. As the crowd chanted STFU – more of a request than a heel reaction.
Danielson interrupted to say that the glare off Hathaway’s head was putting him off. Page cut him off by threatening to turn him into a vegetable. Danielson asked why didn’t he try to do that right here, right now.
Page ducked the fight, postponing it for next week. MJF was shown watching backstage, laughing. How ‘over’ Ethan Page is aside, this was a very good segment. Danielson was great here, really getting the crowd behind him.
…..
Footage aired of Hangman and Moxley trying to get to each other last Friday. Cut to Moxley who said he’d be in the battle royal (yes, another) on Friday, so Page knew where he’d be.
Moxley wondered when they’d fight but then wondered why they should. He’d left Page laying, what’d he think Moxley was trying to do with that clothesline? It’s not his fault Page has a glass jaw. Challenged Hangman not to become one of ‘those’ wrestlers.
He also faces Darius Martin later. Mox basically called him injury prone and had no sympathy for this. He’s a teacher and he’d teach him a lesson.
It’s hard to tell since Moxley always skirts the line but this seemed like the early days of a heel turn. He even flat-out said ‘I’m not the bad guy’ in reference to what happened to Page.
…..
Samoa Joe, suited and booted, hair combed, cut a very insincere promo as the ‘King of Television’. Though he wishes Wardlow well in the spirit of the season, Wardlow won’t be getting what he wants come December 28th. Because then, ‘all the holiday cheer ends’.
Joe’s phenomenal. Going with a preppy look as the king of television is a refreshing twist on his character. The guy can do it all, at a very high level too.
More continuity of stories and characters. Nice.
Hook vs Exodus Prime
Backstory: None
Taz was asked if he knew why Hook helped Jungle Boy last week. The answer: ‘I felt like it’.
Judo throw, lean-in lariat nearly decapitating Prime, crossface shots from above, straight into the Redrum.
Cut to backstage where Big Bill and Lee Moriarty were beating up JB, finally depositing him in a trashcan.
WINNER: Hook
Jon Moxley vs Darius Martin
Backstory: None
Hook hadn’t even exited as Moxley’s music struck heading into the break. Darius did get his full entrance, they waited through the break for it. Another big improvement. No music = nobody.
Mox had Claudio with him; Darius brought his bro.
Aggressive lockup, right to the corner, Mox baited the youngster then hit a snapmare and spinal shot in the middle. Reset, side headlock, Darius switched it, tried to shoulder block Mox twice, no dice. Standing switches in the middle, Mox hit the ropes and ate a dropkick to the face, afterwards taking a break on the outside.
More aggressive as he returned, he flung the youngster outside then flung him into the guardrail, then dragged him into the crowd before treating him to a snap suplex. Darius threw hands, Mox shook it off and hurled him back inside after several times jawing with Dante, allowing Darius to strike through the ropes via tope.
Darius went up top, Mox cut him off and sent him crashing back outside. Returning to the ring, Mox began manipulating joints, targeting the arm, then took him to the corner to fire stiff chops. Before depositing him atop the buckle for a back rake and a superplex.
Mox has absolutely dominated so far.
Hammer and anvils as Dante urged his brother on. Darius slipped out of a suplex and threw forearms and uppercuts, doing some damage but not enough as Mox targeted the knee – the formerly injured knee – with a kick.
A Pele/flip kick out of the corner surprised Moxley, a leaping clothesline and splash in the corner continued the attack. A leaping flatliner from the apron through the ropes bought two. Take a drink at home – Moxley’s bleeding.
Darius leapt off the top, Moxley rolled through, brutalizing the youngster with stomps and h&a elbows. Darius briefly tried to mount a comeback but ate a Deathrider and a pinfall.
A very good match not appreciated by the crowd. Mox is definitely going heel. Which was the plan before he went into rehab last year. He’s having belter after belter at the moment.
Darius didn’t get much offense but he did keep fighting back despite the beating he took.
WINNER: Jon Moxley
Shida/Hayter video package. Looking forward to this.
…..
Will Hobbs talked about being beaten, stabbed, shot as a child. What sort of people do that to a child? Monsters. And they made a monster out of him.
FTR vs the Gunns
Backstory: the Ass Boys have been irritating FTR for seemingly months and attacked them at the ROH ppv
Dax, still beaten up from the ppv, quickly tagged in Cash who ran through the Gunns, squashing both against each other in the corner, culminating with FTR stereo clotheslining the Ass Boys over the ropes to crash down at ringside.
Ads.
Cash was in trouble as we returned, desperate for a tag; Colten cut him off but was dropped against the buckle, finally allowing the tag to Dax who came in hot. Chops and strikes; turned Colten inside out with a lariat, Manhattan Drop, Sharpshooter readied until Dax was dragged outside by the other Assboy. Cash came flying with a tope into an elbow strike to break up a piledriver on the outside.
Back in the ring, Austin feigned Sweet Chin Music, did the crotchchop/suck it then locked in a sharpshooter of his own. Cash broke it up. Dax setup a piledriver/powerbomb but couldn’t execute due to his back. An O’Connor role was reversed as Austin bagged the win by holding his brother’s hands for leverage.
I was worried about this. The crowd were clearly surprised though it was more of a ‘seriously?’ than a ‘woah’. Very short match so Dax clearly still isn’t right as the commentators talked about the bad run FTR were on. Hope this doesn’t mean they’re leaving.
WINNER: the Gunns
Sonjay Dutt and co. did a spoof music video. Sonjay makes me want to turn the tv off even more than Jarrett. Sucked. They challenged the Acclaimed for Friday.
Keith Lee & Swerve Face-to-Face
Bawse. Rick Ross will mediate though was very clearly partial to Swerve during his last appearance.
Schiavone in the ring with Ross. First introduced Lee. Ross asked the crowd to make noise for the ‘big homie’ Lee. Then introduced the ‘young legend’ Strickland, stopping to call Lee a ‘big mother******’. Eeep.
Strickland took his time to emerge. He wasn’t aware they were doing everything Keith Lee’s way. He’d really tried with Lee, they should’ve had the whole world but he can’t handle the accusations – ‘false accusations’, Ross repeated.
‘You need to keep your eyes in the back of your head from now on,’ warned Swerve. Despite the warning, Lee didn’t turn around and a good thirty seconds later Parker Boudreaux struck from behind, to absolute silence from an admittedly fairly quiet crowd. Thankfully, Lee easily dispatched the youngster despite being blindsided.
Heading after Swerve, some other dude attacked. I don’t know who he was; the announcers didn’t tell us. Boudreaux then struck from behind with a chair. All the while Ross kept calling Strickland a legend.
The two then held Lee over the ringsteps while Strickland came off the top with a Stomp to break a cinderblock on Lee’s chest. No doubt he’ll be back next week.
The one thing they couldn’t do here was make Lee look stupid. And yet they did. Between what Swerve did to him, what he did to Swerve, how clearly partisan Ross was last time, he should have been more than wary of an attack but got dropped anyway. Don’t have much sympathy.
The crowd were painfully quiet for all of this except for a brief holy S chant after the cinderblock break.
Awful.
…..
Hikaru Shida vs Jamie Hayter, AEW Women’s Title
Backstory: Hayter challenged the winner of last Friday’s women’s match, which Shida won
Big reaction for Jamie, whose music used to seem really obnoxious but sets a nice energy and kind of suits her. Britt and Rebel accompanied her, Schiavone referred to them as ‘Trouble. Trouble for Shida’.
Starting fast, straight to fists, Shida was dropped with a shoulder but blasted Hayter with a forearm. Hard strikes with the other against the ropes, they kept switching who was on top until a Shida knee to the gut dropped the champ. Proceeding to choke Hayter in the corner, Shida landed a hard bodyslam then fired shots to the face from the mount.
A ‘holy Shida’ chant broke out before the former champ deposited Hayter into the corner with a snap suplex. Then perched her half-hanging off the apron to launch a lifting knee strike, well on top to bring the break.
Great start. Crisp and hard-hitting.
Things had changed during the break. Hayter in command with Shida down. The two slugged it out again in the middle, Shida being rocked but coming back with a flurry until being sent back into the corner. A twisting suplex into a powerslam bagged two for the champ.
Both thinking lariat, the two collided in the middle and hit the deck.
Back to their feet, they exchanged more forearm shots, Shida blocked a final one, sent Hayter into the ropes, hit a dropkick, the champ reeling back into the corner where she was hit with ten punches.
On the outside, Britt was shown panicking.
A missile dropkick completed the assault as Hayter tried to bail but was caught on the apron where Shida tried to drag her back in via suplex. Instead, Hayter dropped her back-first off the top onto the apron. Then thought German suplex. Shida hit a knee strike then a suplex to the floor. Looked like it hurt both just as much.
Final break.
Hayter perched atop the ropes, she missed with a moonsault and was blasted with a shining wizard from which she barely kicked out. Katana ready, Hayter feigned being out cold, allowing her to drop Shida, hit a sliding lariat then bag a two count.
A backbreaker out of a chokeslam got another close count as the champ looked desperate. Shida hit a flurry of kicks but missed the Katana, though did manage to slip behind for a German. Bringing Baker in after Rebel took the ref.
Shida blasted Britt with the crutch, threw herself at Hayter in the corner, who countered and had a powerbomb setup, the two rolled through a series of counters before finally Hayter landed the powerbomb. Shida kicked out at 2 (Crowd went wild). Hayter followed up with a big lariat. Another kickout; another big pop. Finally, Hayter went to the Hayterade to bag the win.
A fantastic, brutal slugfest which by the end woke a crowd who’d been silent for most of the second hour. Post match, the trio set to beating up Shida until Toni Storm returned. Though her flurry was brief, the heels targeting Storm’s broken nose, bringing Saraya out to whack Britt with a stiff kick and clear the ring as the good girls stood strong. Seems we might have a six-woman? Also two possible partners for the former Paige.
WINNER: Jamie Hayter
…..
Next Rampage:
$300,000 Three Kings Christmas Casino Trios Royal – Moxley, Best Friends, Dark Order (they asked Hangman not to get involved, he said he wouldn’t but then said he had a flight to book)
Wardlow speaks
Acclaimed vs Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal (Wonder if it’s too late to ask Santa for something else?)
There was more but it was right in the thick of the main event which I didn’t want to miss
Next Dynamite:
Ethan Page vs Bryan Danielson
Death Triangle vs the Elite, Match 6 of 7
Wardlow vs Samoa Joe, TNT Title
…..
Overall impressions
Throughout 2022, following-up may have been the company’s biggest weakness. Something’d happen and then three weeks later they might remember and do something on tv. Wardlow, Bandido, there are countless examples.
But tonight, if there was a prior storyline we were made aware of it and the two biggest events of last week were capitalized upon. I may not have liked the fireball angle but they followed up what happened last week, made it seem important and used Jericho to give some rub to Ricky Starks in the process.
On the subject, he too had follow-up. Which made Ricky Starks seem important which makes us, the fans, care about Ricky Starks with the belief that this is all going somewhere, that there’s a plan.
Throw in a night full of excellent in-ring action and – the Swerve segment aside – you’ve got yourself one hell of a show.
I know they’ve hired a new tv guy who’s well thought of – not sure if he’s wholly responsible but in addition to the above, everything seemed cleaner, smoother.
Check Out
Death Triangle vs the Elite
Moxley vs Darius
Shida vs Hayter
For those of you not joining us for Rampage, have a fantastic Christmas or whatever it is you choose to celebrate. Really appreciate you reading my ramblings over the past year.
Tonight’s episode of Dynamite on TBS is the Christmas-themed Holiday Bash live from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.
Three matches have been announced for the show, including match five in the best of seven series featuring Death Triangle vs The Elite in a no disqualification match. If Death Triangle wins, they will close the series and retain the AEW Trios titles while if The Elite wins they go to match six.
AEW Women’s champion Jamie Hayter will have her first title defense against former champion herself Hikaru Shida and FTR battle The Gunn Club.
Bryan Danielson and Ricky Starks will also be on the show while Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee will have a face-to-face with Rick Ross keeping things in order.
Speaking to TVInsider to promote tonight’s Holiday Bash episode of Dynamite, AEW President Tony Khan said that beginning with the January 4 episode of Dynamite, the show will have a brand new look, marking a full year of Dynamite on TBS.
“We’ll definitely have a new look, to say the least. I’m excited about it. I think it’s a nice thing to present to the fans,” Khan said, adding that he doesn’t want to talk about it much as he doesn’t want to create expectations that are impossible.
“I will say the set will be beautiful though. The look of Rampage will also be different. This will affect the way people view AEW on Wednesdays and Fridays in terms of presentation with the set and the show with the same great action,” he continued.
Asked about the recent hire of former WWE VP of Global TV Production Michael Mansury, Khan said that Mansury is a huge acquisition for the company due to his vast knowledge in TV production.
“To have him join us as a co-executive producer and senior production executive is really great for us. It’s so important to have someone with his experience. Right now he is evaluating things in terms of presentation. I’m excited about what he will add to AEW,” Khan concluded.
NXT star Edris Enfoe was the talk of Twitter yesterday after he uploaded a video getting a massive WWE logo tattoo on his chest.
“NEW CHEST TAT!! One thing about me is, I’m dedicated to this brand,” Enfoe wrote.
Some fans online suggested that it’s a fake video as the tattoo artist wasn’t even wearing gloves, but Enfoe confirmed that it was real while talking to USA Insider.
“Honestly, it was spur of the moment,” he told USA Insider. “I will eventually be the face of this brand and I felt this was the best way to represent it. WWE has changed my life, and this is my way of saying thank you — by becoming an ambassador for the rest of my life.”
Many comments online suggest that fans weren’t much impressed with his choice.
“Imagine going to another company and not being able to be on TV do to the trademark logo on his chest,” commented one user. “Someone save this video for the next 6ish months for his post WM Future Endeavors post,” added another.
Enfoe, who signed with WWE in 2021, said that there’s nothing wrong with getting branded tattoos.
“I get a @WWE tattoo and y’all wanna clown me..Others get a Pepsi tattoo and y’all don’t say nothing.. okay,” he said, obviously referring to CM Punk.
He posted a “reveal” video, where he stopped short of showing the whole tattoo, but his choice of background was also questionable with several condoms hanging behind him. Oops!
The essay is rarely found among student assignments, but, as they say, rarely and aptly. What is the main difficulty? I need help understanding what exactly this format is. If there is a straightforward task, it can be solved, and when you need something like this, with your opinion and position, the main thing is to do just what is necessary.
This article will describe the primary and essential things about essays and the main types. If you wait too long, you will need fast essay writing skills to pull up your deadlines. If you need help determining where your writing level is, follow our tips.
Essay – what is it?
Looking in the dictionary, we will see a description of a work in prose and free composition of a small volume, which conveys individual impressions and thoughts related to the topic. This genre can be described as philosophical, critical, and journalistic.
The main thing you need to know: essays are not works and not essays. They are something in between. It is an excellent opportunity to show your creative abilities and personal judgments and not to be criticized for nothing. In general, essays should be taken with a bang, and you should be confident in such tasks.
The approximate volume of the essay is 8-10 printed pages, which is 15-18 thousand characters.
What are the essays?
Essays can be very different, for example:
In the style of essay narrative. Such works can be called mini-stories, accompanied by their vivid emotional assessment. This is how different cases, short biographies, and other “interesting things” are told.
The argumentative method is essay argumentation, which combines evidence and reasoning. That is, it is not just essential to describe something but also to explain why.
In the style of description – essay-description. In such works, the author can reflect his perception of the subject or phenomenon, characterize the features and criteria, and at the same time not delve into the evaluation.
The method of classification is essay classification. Certain types, criteria, and types are distinguished when writing such a task. For example, it can be all of us known and popular ratings of any subject.
In the style of comparison – essay-comparison. They compare subjects and evaluate them for similarities and differences. In this case, personal assessment and own opinion are essential.
The way of illustrations – essay-illustrations. This format implies that argumentation is used, but logical arguments and words are replaced by visual examples, for example, real-life situations and well-known facts.
In the causal analysis style, a logical chain will be built from the author’s reasoning and justifications for why the reason is such.
In the essay, no one is obliged to express only positive beliefs. The content may include a harmful component. However, it is essential to use justification and not just say – I don’t like
Although the structure of this type of work is arbitrary, as a rule, the essay includes three main elements: introduction, central part, and conclusion.
Any essay should begin with an introduction, highlighting the issue’s general context, existing approaches to its solution, and the critical thesis. The opening is essential both to interest the reader and to inform them about what will be covered in the essay.
The first sentence of the introduction should arouse the reader’s interest. In this regard, it is sometimes called the “hook.” It can be a question, a quote, an interesting statistic, or a bold statement emphasizing the topic’s relevance.
Once you have hooked the reader, it is essential to provide context to help them understand the arguments. This may include providing background information, reviewing research papers or opinions on the issue, and explaining complex terms.
Then you should identify the critical thesis of the essay. It focuses on reflection and demonstrates your position on a particular issue. Usually, it is one or two sentences. In terms of volume, the introduction is usually 10 to 20% of the entire essay text.
The central part of the essay is aimed at convincing the reader. To confirm his thesis, the essay’s author should use strong arguments supported by the analysis of scientific facts, research, and information sources. Using quotes from famous scientists, politicians, and public figures is also appropriate. At the same time, the essay’s author should not describe everything he knows in the scope of the given topic but provide only a creative answer to the question, which is confirmed by relevant arguments. On average, the volume of the central part of the essay is from 60 to 80% of the total text of the work.
The essay should have logical completeness, provided by its last part – the conclusions, the volume of which is no more than 10-20% of the entire text. The findings show the connection between the arguments set out in the central part and the overall result of the work, which confirms the critical thesis. At the same time, the result can be an assertion of something and an open question or incomplete reflection. Qualitative conclusions can end with a catchy or memorable sentence that emphasizes the importance of your work and leaves a solid overall impression on the reader.
If in your work you cite quotations, refer to information sources and scientific works, you should put the appropriate references in the text and make a list of references. If you feel lost with your writing, find services like writance that will help you.
Such a logically constructed essay will demonstrate a high level of preparation and the ability to express your thoughts concisely. After writing the article, it should be checked for grammatical and lexical errors and whether you achieved your goal and answered the essay’s central question.
Monday Night Raw recovered a little bit in the ratings this week, drawing 1,705,000 viewers, up 233,000 viewers from the prior week and the most-watched broadcast since October 17, when NFL restarted on ESPN.
Hour one started with 1,781,000 viewers, followed by 1,767,000 viewers in the second hour, and then 1,568,000 viewers in the third and final hour. NFL on ESPN won the night with a combined audience of nearly 15 million viewers.
Raw was #6, #7, and #9 in the top 50 cable chart for the night with 0.44, 0.44, and 0.42 ratings respectively for an average of 0.42, up 0.05 from the prior week. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
