Saturday, August 19, 2017

Kentucky Elite Pro Wrestling


Of course here on PowerBomb Nation we like to bring the spotlight to some of the best up and coming promotions from around the United States, in the past we have featured such places as Limitless Wrestling, Monster Factory the Lincoln Fight Factory to name a few.

Today I want to talk about my hometown; Frankfort Kentucky. That's right the home of PowerBomb Nation. I grew up in this city, it is one of the smallest capitols in the United States holding up the 4th smallest capitol city and roughly a population of 25,527.

I love this city, I am happy to raise my children here, and I really enjoy living in the country where you can still enjoy listening to the rain on the tin roof of our back porch. Life is slower here in Frankfort, but we are not without our faults, the past few years has sent this great city into a downward spiral and at times with the heroin and drug epidemic, the tragic shape of our economy and the unfortunate feeling that our politicians lack any sense of what is going on in this state; nor do they give a rats ass about the people.

So it brings joy to my heart to report about some people in Frankfort that are bringing smiles to peoples faces and warmth to peoples heart and giving back to this great community. It is my hope that this will spread across our city and bring great things to Frankfort. I am of course speaking of Bobby Doss and Kentucky Elite Pro Wrestling.

Several nights ago as I sit in my recliner holding my precious one year old daughter, whom by the way is a massive wrestling fan already as she loves AJ Styles and is very fond of the New Day as well. So I am scrolling through the wonderful cable we get with the Frankfort Plant Board (Yes, there is much sarcasm here as our cable company / internet provider has a lot to be desired) and I get to the cable 10 or the community television for Frankfort. I noticed that KEPW was on, i turned to it and began to watch, however a couple matches in, so I recorded the next showing so I could get the full experience of the show. However as I watch some things start to stand out to me and I was very pleased visually with the stage set, especially something out of Frankfort now days really did take me back, so i sat back with my daughter and smiled.

The setting is at the American Legion on Versailles Road in Frankfort, KEPW runs a show every other Sunday night there! The walls are a bright white, a black curtain system sits to the right of the screen with a flashing light perched above it for some effects. The PA system not visible I imagined set behind the curtain leading to the "locker room". The hard camera sits in one spot and the ring sits squarely in the center with a stage sitting directly behind holds a table draped in a blue KEPW skirt. There is seating and what appeared to be microphones with about four or five seats. Two belts graced the table, one the new (I think) United States Championship and the KEPW Heavyweight Championship. A large American Flag covered half the stage and was used much like a curtain to hide the stage if the American Legion needed to I assume. Beautiful setting is my point. The crowd was packed in and they were very rowdy; lots of families with children filled the chairs which is how it should be at local wrestling shows in my professional opinion.

So the show begins, their ring announcer is wearing a cowboy hat and a suit, very nice touch the guy has a good voice and does a good job through out the night as the only real voice you can understand to try and keep you filled in on the who's what's where's. We get introductions of the C.E.O Dossman and the GM Scott Diamond, that's the roles as best as I could make out anyways. They welcome the Frankfort crowd Scott Diamond takes the mic and encourage them to get real rowdy and there will be alot of fun and beat down entertainment in the arena tonight. He then introduces his new body guard Big Stacey may have been the dudes name, but however the man is a monster with a bald head fierce beard and is absolutely the most intimidating figure on my TV for the show the entire night.

Dossman grabs a mic and stops Diamond saying he would not need a body guard if he would run a clean show as per the deal when Diamond was hired; just like he asked!

At this time Iron man Cody Matthews comes out cuts a little promo on Wildman Fiji and how his manager / vallet needs to keep herself out of the match, so he has been able to get her handcuffed to Diamond tonight so she can not interfere since he wants to run a clean show, he then announces the reason he has this bull rope tonight is because him and Wildman Fiji will compete in a bull rope match! The crowd fires up and screams!

Match 1: Matty B vs Sean Bane

Matty B comes out to "All I do is Win" wearing a pokemon themed Matty B shirt which on the back said "Gotta Kick Em All". I loved this shirt, I would buy and wear this matter of fact if Matty B wants to give me one I will proudly put him over each time I wear it! He is wearing blue camo style singlet and has a big red beard.

"Back in Black hits the PA system and out comes Sean Bane in an outfit that reminds me of Hurricane Helms without the mask and hair.

The match stars and the two square off, Sean Bane gets the upper hand early and often, however a series of rope breaks and Matty B jumping out of the ring working the crowd, this was a brilliant match. As Matty runs around the side of the hard cam Sean meets him with a cross body dive off the top turnbuckle, the crowd flips out. The match makes its way back into the ring where Sean continues to keep the upper hand. Matty finds himself in the lower corner turnbuckle and Bane running off the ropes hits him with a sweet running corner clothsline. Matty eventually slides to the middle of the ropes and waits for Bane to mistep, as soon as he does he finds his neck on the 2nd rope. Matty B from one side to the other and back again with a leg dropped chocking Bane out on the ropes. With Matty B on offense he goes for a pin, 1 ... 2 .... kick out at 2. Matty B places Bane in an arm hold as the crowd starts to chant for Sean Bane. Matty releases the arm and goes on offense leading to another with pin attempt that makes it to 2.5. Sean Bane starts to hulk up with the support of the crowd as Matty B complains to the ref, he nails Matty B with a series of punches worthy of the late Dusty Rhodes. Bane has Matty B on his heals reeling after those punches, he backs up to the corner and with a full head of steam he drops Matty with a running knee. 1 .... 2.... 3....... Its over Sean Bane defeats Matty B in an excellent match up!

After the match Sean Bane is attacked after the match by a good size heafty team that seem to be named Controlled Chaos (from what I gather). They laid a good old fashion beat down, like that a government mule would see. Once they left the ring Bane claimed he was going to get his cell phone and make a call and Controlled Chaos will see what happens when the Sons of Chaos get together! Which I assume he is getting his tag team partner involved.

Match 2: Lumber Jack vs J-Ice

So I have thought that the Lumber Jack song would make a great theme for someone, especially named Lumbar Jack. So low and behold here comes the Lumber Jack to the ring red flannel, beard and all with the chain saw booming over the PA system.

Out comes J-Ice, makes his way around the ring and inside where he wastes no time demolishing the Lumber Jack with a spine buster and a spear. J-Ice focuses on the Heavyweight Championship belt and one man, the Big Dossman! The two yell and scream as the officials keeps them apart. Dossman finally gets away and fights back. After the scuffle ends Scott Diamond announces tonight's Main Event will be Dossman vs J-Ice in a Lumber Jack match!

Match 3: Johnny "Dark" Suede vs Jimmy "The Snake" Roberts

SO let me start by saying I have seen Suede wrestle before, and I am a fan! I have never seen him as Dark Suede though. This was interesting he came out all in black with a black towel over his head and grey/black face paint on. He was flanked by a rotund manager with a baseball bat; I assume named Gacy as it was written on his pants. He drew plenty of heat as he took the mic from the ring announcer and ran his mouth a bit.

Obvious Suede has a past with Scott Diamond as they jaw at each other for a few moment before the music hits and the announcer introduces.......

From Stone Mountain Georgia, Jimmy "The Snake" Roberts!

Yes, he came came out with a bag that of which would make Jake proud!

Suede plays the crowd wonderfully, slapping the refs cheeks and working the crowd. Jimmy teases the snake which makes Suede jump out of the ring each time he does. Back and forth match that finally ends when Suede and his manager find them selves on the wrong side of DDT's from Diamond and Roberts. Roberts covers Suede for the win. After the match Suede runs his mouth at Diamond for getting involved. Diamond slams Suede and hits him with a barrage of fists which lead into Diamond slapping on the figure 4. Jimmy "The Snake" grabs the snake bag and throws fake snakes to the crowd before dumping the large python onto Suede while he was helpless on the mat! (This Python was huge! Also appeared to be purple black and made of cotton and won at the Bluegrass fair a few weeks ago.) The crowd really enjoyed this match and was cool with the whole homage to Jake Roberts deal!

Match 4: Stan Sierra vs Brandon Keith

Stan Sierra and Scott Diamond talk, Diamond tells Stan that he has to keep it clean and he is asking him to do this for him. The crowd seems wise to the fact that these two are not going to keep it clean as they booed and laughed each time they opened their mouth.

Out comes Brandon Keith, what a monster of a man this dude is! He moves around real well too kinda reminds me of the One Man Gang / Akeem in size and speed. This is a BIG BATTLE as these two monsters lock horns and fight. The ref gets knocked out early and out comes the Dossman who takes out Sierra for a moment and then hits Brandon Keith allowing for Stan Sierra to get the win. Brandon Keith gets up and Dossman tries to tell him that Diamond used the knuckles to take him out, Diamond of course says it was Dossman. Brandon gets heated and one punch sends Dossman to the corner and Brandon Keith walks out.

Match 5: Wildman Fiji vs Iron Man Cody Matthews

Wildman Fiji comes to the ring with his valet, next out comes the Iron Man Cody Matthews. A real crowd favorite he runs around the ring slapping hands with all the kids! The two square up in the ring, out comes Scott Diamond whom is gets handcuffed to Fiji's valet. Fiji and Iron Man get their hands in the bull rope. The match is a hard hitter going back and forth, several attempts by each to touch the four corners and win, to no avail on either side. Somehow Fiji's valet gets free ruckus ensues and next thing you know Fiji has his hands free and begins to beat the sh*t out of the Iron Man! The match ends in a no contest to my knowledge but the real action is still in the ring. Slamming Cody into the steel post and wrapping the bull rope around his neck he literately throws him over the ropes and begins to hang him outside of the ring. As Cody is hanging there Wildman Fiji lives up to his name and demolishes Cody in a savage and brutal beating. This came across great on TV as the whole bull rope was right in front of the hard camera!

Match 6: The Big Dossman vs J-Ice in a Lumber Jack match.

J-Ice comes out and makes his way into the ring, then out comes the Big Dossman working the crowd as he circles the ring.

The match starts with some heavy clubbing as you would expect out of these two large and in charge dudes! Now I knew what to expect out of Dossman as I have seen him work before, all I knew of J-Ice is what I have seen earlier in the night. These two trade heavy blows and the match goes back and fourth not favoring one over the other. Each time they find their way out of the ring the Lumber Jacks make sure they find their way right back in!

One of the greatest spots of the night comes in this match, the lumber jacks are bundled up in one spot on the outside again and J-Ice finds his way to the top where he is punched by Dossman which launches him with a giant cross body into the slew of Lumber Jacks! This heavy hitting match continues and finally it is just too much to handle. The match ends with all the superstars brawling and Dossman and J-Ice being held back from each other. Other wrestlers battle each other on the outside as some are in the ring keeping these two from ripping each others heads off. They finally cool off enough when Brandon Keith gets in the ring and it gives Scott Diamond enough time to announce that in two weeks it will be Dossman vs J-Ice in a steel cage right here in the American Legion of Frankfort, KY!

With that the show goes off the air!

So here are a few of my thoughts from Kentucky Elite Pro Wrestling, it was a good show, it came across on camera very well and had a very nice production value to it. Of course they are a young promotion so lighting and such I am sure will develop more over time. The wrestlers were all pretty good, some obviously more polished than the others, but all gave their hearts to the fans and with they way the fans seemed to get into the show who could not leave it all out there.

My only suggestions to them would be commentary and the security!

Lets start with the placement of the guy in the white shirt, I understand he is there to protect the crowd and such but he was right in front of the camera all the time, and he is a big guy so it was a bit destracting from the action in the ring.

I found that just watching for the action was great, but there seemed to be lots of history between some of these guys and new viewers would be lost! So I think they should consider at least having a broadcast team dub over the show before it airs but may be best to have them calling the action live as their may be some in the arena who are interested in story as well, but your TV viewer is definitely wanting to know the story, I know I wanted to know! I think this could really help get them to the next level!

Match of the night: Big Dossman vs J-Ice.

There was lots of tension in this match and very hard hitting. This match just edged out Matty B and Sean Bane and Fiji vs Iron Man which were both excellent showings by all men and women involved!

Worker of the night: Matty B

This man knew how to get the night started right by working the crowd and keeping them engaged. He was great in ring and sold every move with great facial expressions which is something I do not think enough guys and gals in the business understand. If i was to guess Matty B has watched some William Regal matches and took notes. (By the way, I still want that shirt!)

Over all it was time well spent watching, if you can catch them every other Sunday in Frankfort.

 American Legion
164 Versailles Rd
Frankfort, KY 40601

Watching this show gave me something that I can get behind in Frankfort. It looks to be a bright light shinning in a city that desperately needs something to believe in!

I stand and applaud Bobby Doss for making this happen and I hope that I will be there to watch it grow and that it becomes something Frankfort is known for.

Please like their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KEPWrestling/

Remember great wrestling is out your back door, go check it out and #SupportIndyWrestling

Please subscribe and like the PowerBomb Nation Blog / podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PowerBombNation
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Thanks for reading,

~"D.C" Dwight Couch


Monday, August 14, 2017

ROH star officially signs with WWE and is headed to NXT



Reports are that Adam Cole will report to Orlando this week as he has now officially signed his WWE contract!

Reports are that he will head to Orlando to join the NXT roster this week. If you ask me this is just in time for Take Over Brooklyn 3 which most regard as the weekest card for a Take Over yet and has had a somewhat lackluster build. The potential debut of Adam Cole in NXT could be the talk of SummerSlam Weekend if it was to transpire.

~DC

photo courtesy of ROHWrestling.com

El Patron Stripped of World Heavyweight Championship




Things continue to go down hill for El Patron. After the airport altercation with WWE Superstar Paige; that he was cleared of Global Force Wrestling has now decided to strip the champ of his title!

Here is the official statement from Global Force Wrestling:

GFW has concluded its internal consideration of the events surrounding the suspension of Alberto El Patron. While it is apparent that initial reports unfairly characterized El Patron’s involvement in the incident in the Orlando airport, we are nonetheless disappointed with the manor (sic) in which he dealt with this situation; we expect more decorum from all on the GFW roster, especially the World Champion.

We have communicated with El Patron our decision to strip him of his championship title. No decision has been taken as to the date on which he will be reinstated to the roster, the conditions of which are a private matter between the company and El Patron.

One has to wonder where this will lead the former World Champion. If GFW and El Patron part ways his in ring work is sure to land him a job, but it is of my opinion that his mouth will continue to get him in trouble; he seems to have trouble with filtering words before he speaks.

Lets be honest, how many promoters will pay him and let him have a live mic? Lets talk about it below!

~DC

Nature Boy Ric Flair Update


UPDATE as of 10:27 am 8-15-2017 - It is being reported that Flair has went through surgery and is recovering. The surgery was said to be successful and it appears to have been colon surgery and UN related to his heart. This is all wonderful news, however early reports are he is on kidney dialysis. Stay tuned for more information.

UPDATE as of 2:49 pm on 8/14/2017 - Flair is in a medically induced coma and is being prepped for surgery. Stay tuned for updates as they come available.

We come to you this morning with some somber news.

Ric Flair's condition has taken a turn for the worse. I am hearing reports now that he is in a medically induced coma, it was reported yesterday 8/13/2017 that he was hospitalized for a heart condition and his representatives at Legacy Talent Agency told us there was "No reason to panic" and would just need some "routine monitoring".

Those reports have now changed; it is our understanding he is now in intensive care and his representatives at Legacy Talent Agency are asking for fans or anyone whom has had their life touched, or even screams "WOOOOOOOO" when you hear the name to please pray for the Nature Boy and his family!

Flair is now 68 years of age, from all of us at PowerBomb Nation we offer up our prayers to flair and his family as it is never easy when things of this nature happen. I ask that each of you out there stop and say a little prayer this morning form someone who has touched each of our lives at one point, maybe throw in a little WOOOOOOOO after the Amen, i'm sure it would bring a smile to Ric's face today!

~ DC

Photo Courtesy of WWE.com

Friday, March 31, 2017

Jim Ross to return this Sunday at Wrestlemania!


Word is that this Sunday Jim Ross will be at Wrestlemania to call one match! Lets hope this is the case, as its being reported he will call the Universal Championship match between Goldberg and Lesnar!

THE SHOWCASE OF THE IMMORTALS, THE SHOW OF SHOWS, THE GRANDEST STAGE OF THEM ALL WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA. 

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It is that time again, my favorite week of the year is in full swing as we inch ever so close to Sunday night. We have closed out the go home shows for Raw and Smackdown Liveso before we get to Wrestlemania we are going to breakdown each show and their match ups right here for you on PowerBomb Nation.
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Lets start with grading the go home shows and my thoughts on which brand will get the win and have a more outstanding Wrestlemania Moment(s).

RAW – 3.8 STARS

The entire 3 hours was packed with great story telling, exciting events leading into Wrestlemania. It was all wonderful until the last segment where we get a less than stellar interaction between Lesnar and Goldberg to close the show.

SMACKDOWN LIVE – 5.0 STARS

The 2 hour powerhouse has steam rolled with the most exciting build up to Wrestlemania of the two shows. The storylines and action has matched well. The ending segment with Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt was simply amazing, and a viper strike was the perfect way for SmackDown to leave before this Sunday
My pick on who will have the best entrance? AJ Styles, HHH and Undertaker
My biggest potential surprises? The Hardy’s, Sister Abigail
Hosts: The New Day
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This should be great they are no in the company of the Rock and Hulk Hogan as hosts of Wrestlemania, I am sure they will have something very amazing for us to witness….casuse……..NEW DAY ROCKS
Lets look at the card (In order I think they will be on the show) and get a more in depth breakdown per match shall we.

WRESTLEMANIA KICKOFF SHOW:

SMACKDOWN LIVE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP (SIX PACK CHALLENGE) 

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Alexa Bliss vs Naomi vs Mickie James vs Carmella vs Natalya vs Beck Lynch
It seems that the plans were for Naomi to be the reigning Champion going into Wrestlemania; After all Orlando is her home town. Plans changed after she suffered an injury when she beat Alexa Bliss to capture her first Women’s Championship. So the title fell back around the waist of Alex Bliss. Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon then decided to put all the available SmackDown women competitors in the match. Presumably this was done to see if Naomi would be healthy enough to compete. Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch and Miki James seemed to stay focused around the title Carmella has been doing her thing with Ellsworth and then on the last SmackDown Natalya through her name into the match. After the battle ensues Naomi’s music hit and she rushes the ring with one of the most exciting run ins I can remember from a female superstar and lays waste to the other five and celebrates by getting her glow on! After much speculation on whom would be competitors in this match, it is now being labeled a Six Pack Challenge.
So this was the match I was really hoping was the ladder match for the event, that is not the case. However this should get the crowd fired up and allow for the six women to showcase their abilities in the ring.

WINNER: NAOMI (NEW SMACKDOWN LIVE WOMEN’S CHAMPION)

WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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Neville vs Austin Aries
WWE made the right move by putting Austin Aries on the announce table for all cruiser weight matches while he healed from his orbital socket fracture. It allowed for the fans whom may not have been familiar with Aries to get a chance to embrace him and showcase what he does best; talk! I think the Universe as a whole has accepted Aries, however judging by the crowd reaction on the last Raw I do not think that his role as a face will allow him much success on Raw, Aries will need a heel turn to stay relevant past this Sunday!
Neville on the other hand has been a dominate force as the self proclaimed King of the Cruiserweights. I must say I for one was very skeptical when they brought him back as a heel, I have never been a fan of Neville as I thought he was a one trick pony and had nothing more to offer than some incredible high flying offense. His promo work as a face was really awful, and the Mighty Mouse Gimmick was not tolerable for me anyways, I am sure that kids around the world loved it. So upon his return as a heel I have been quite surprised at his effectiveness to be such an asshole, and I am digging every minute of it! This is the Neville that the WWE needs to continue to push forward. This is a potential 5 star match, just depends on how memorable it is after we finish the show somewhere around 11:00 Sunday!

WINNER: NEVILLE (RETAINS WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP)

THE ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL

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This has been one of the matches I look forward to on the Mania card for the last three years, it has elevated the career of Cesaro, and Baron Corbin. It allowed for a nostalgic feather to be placed in the BigShow’s cap and has given us incredible images of Superstars posing by the trophy which immortalizes Andre!
This years field includes: Mojo Rowley, Apollo Crews, BigShow, Curt Hawkins, Goldust, R-Truth, Shinning Stars, Curtis Axel, Hard Body Jinder Mahaul, Bo Dallas, Braun Strowman, Fandango, Tyler Breeze, Dolph Ziggler, Ryno, Slater, American Alpha, the Uso’s, Mark Henry, Sin Cara, Kalisto, Titus Oneil, The Ascension, the Vaude Villians, and of course Sami Zayn.
This year it seemed there was no focus on this match as very few competitors were announced until the last week. However things quickly fired up as Raw hosted an over the top challenge featuring the Big Show and several of the Raw competitors. Show laid waste to them all looking to be the early favorite of the red brand heading into this weekend, that is until …………BRRAAAAUUUUUN ! Strowman walks onto the stage cutting a good promo in his big country accent telling Big Show he could come down there right now and throw Show out of that ring, but he will wait until this Sunday at Wrestlemania, and walks off.
This immediately charged this to a much see match, that is why I think this closes out the Kickoff show. Strowman added a much needed shot in the arm to this match, and it should give him a notch in his belt after the stellar year he has had and give him an huge amount of momentum going forward.
Here are the top guys whom I see that have a shot at the win:
Raw: Strowman or Sami Zayn
SmackDown: Mojo Rowley
Largely this is filled with place holders to give us a few spots and make Braun look as dominate as possible!

WINNER: BRAUN STROWMAN

So now hit the fireworks and start the video packages as officially start the Showcase of the Immortals!

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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Dean Ambrose vs Baron Corbin
This match has been a solid story, and should provide an very entertaining match this Sunday. This to me has been in the mold of matches from the 90’s Monday night sagas! This should be a physical altercation that gets away from the referee and spills out of the ring with some great hardcore spots along with a strong possibility of some major blood! The real purpose of this match is to elevate Corbin, he has the tag of one of the next big things so look for him to capture the IC title and continue his destructive ways on SmackDown Live.

WINNER: BARON CORBIN (NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION)

NON SANCTIONED MATCH

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HHH vs Seth Rollins
First I hate the idea of a non sanctioned match, LAME! However this has show stealer written all over it! This has been a match years in the making which has caused the build up to be really good. Week after week Rollins has been searching to play the Game with all attempts unsuccessful, and that looked to remain as Samoa Joe put Rollins on the shelf with a leg injury. This match has been in limbo for most the road to Wrestlemania as no one was usre of Rollins status. The past two weeks reassured that he would be ready to go as HHH held the story in tact with some scathing promo’s showing us just why he is that damn good. Rollins passion for the business and getting his hands on HHH was well portrayed! HHH should do his part and put Seth over giving the Architect a huge win!

WINNER SETH FREAKING ROLLINS

GRUDGE MATCH

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AJ Styles vs Shane McMahon
When this match first was rumored most people complained. I know, who could imagine the WWE Universe complain. However AJ has done a phenomenal job beating the hell out of Shane to make us really care about it. The head through the car window and the killer tri color black eye has really advanced the story and gotten many on board. I think the most telling part of the story came this past Tuesday on the go home edition when AJ addressed Shane, telling him this is not Hell in a Cell, this is not a street fight, you stay out of the ring for 10 seconds, you loose. Basically what are you going to do when you get in the ring and  you have to face one of the best ever? This added a new wrinkle I had not really considered this, we all know Shane can hit some amazing spots, but he in AJ’s world now, a straight forward wrestling match.

WINNER AJ STYLES

MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH

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John Cena & Nikki Bella vs The Miz & Maryse
What a great story this has been, easily has become one of the most talked about matches on the card! I have been shocked at the amount of people whom this is now the match they are looking forward to. Give it to the Miz for the real life he has managed to bring to wrestling over the past few months. These seemingly close to home shots at Cena and Nikki have really made this story amazing.
As the late great Dusty Rhodes once said, To get the crowd into your promo, make them uncomfortable.
That being said this feud has had all sorts of real tension and really has had you squirming in the seats, which has made it an excellent story going into Wrestlemania.
The real story of this is what will happen after the match, it has been rumored that this will be Nikki’s last match, she is still however listed for shows after Mania, so that remains to be seen. The bigger story could very well be will John Cena propose to Nikki after their Wrestlmania match? We all are very aware each and every week they are foreshadowing it, so I guess only time will tell.

WINNERS JOHN CENA & NIKKI BELLA

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

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Chris Jericho vs Kevin Owens
You could not ask for a better designed feud than what these two have given us over the past few months. Their friendship made us smile, laugh and cry. I feel Owens received a longer title run because of what him and Jericho have accomplished together. Not saying there was anything wrong with his championship run, but Jericho or at least the pairing of the two could have very well been the reason it was so successful and went until FastLane.
Jericho has been on arguably his best run in WWE history, the man has gotten paper, a clip board and clicking a pen OVER! The list has become one of the most exciting things on Monday night to mark out over, and on the go home edition of Raw we got to finally see Kevin Owens added to the list!
Being a huge Jerichoholic and a massive K.O fan this has been very exciting to me, but during the festival of friendship is when this match really got me. I littereally have not wore my K.O shirt since that time. I was a little boy all over again watching as Shawn Michaels super kicked Janetty through the Barber Shop Window.
I am sure we will find out that Owens is working under the orders of HHH, and this alliance with Samoa Joe could cause Jericho to be written off TV at Wrestlemania!

WINNER KEVIN OWENS (NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION)

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP

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Bray Wyatt vs Randy Orton
Another classic slow build has seen the eater of worlds transform into the Lord of Lords and has set a path of destruction towards Randy Orton at Wrestlemania. This has been the ultimate game of chess as each week since right after Summer Slam we saw Orton chasing after the Wyatt Family, getting so close but always coming up slightly short. Orton joins the Wyatss in a stunning move that had Luke Harper Leary, but Bray embraced his new brother and the Wyatts went on to capture the SmackDown Live Tag team Championship.
Orton won the Royal Rumble, claimed to not fight Bray as long as he is the master, and he waited. Luring Wyatt into a false sense of security, even Luke Harper left the family as he felt Bray was blinded by Randy and that he could see the snake in the grass that Bray could not. Once he had him there the Viper struck. Letting Wyatt know that at Wrestlemania he will be coming for the WWE Championship, and he will be coming for Bray Wyatt then setting the Wyatt temple (old cabin in the woods) on fire, burning the remnants of the departed Sister Abigail. This enraged Wyatt, and then made him stronger. He bathed in the ashes and became more powerful embodying the power of Sister Abigail.
This past Tuesday Randy had his own cryptic message for Bray, claiming to have destroyed him and everything he lives for and that this Sunday he will reclaim the title that is his. A viper strike hits the screen as SmackDown Live ends.
**Speculation** We may see the Family reunite with Bray this Sunday, maybe Bray is playing a better chess game? Luke Harper sure did see something in Brays eyes Tuesday. Also prior to Smackdown Live going on the air the night Randy burned Abigail an old tweet resurfaces with digging sounds like a shovel, then Eric Rowan carrying a body away from the compound. Could the body have already been moved? Is Wyatt toying with Orton? Will we see Sister Abigail this Sunday at Wrestlemania?
Easily one of the best build ups for Wrestlemania 33

WINNER BRAY WYATT (AND STILL WWE CHAMPION)

RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

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Anderson & Gallows vs Sheamus & Cesaro vs Enzo & Big Cass
This has been a long chase for Enzo & Cass, this has been a great run for the Club and this has really made Sheamus and Cesaro a legit team. With the introduction of the ladder which caused a huge gash upon the forehead of Sheamus on the go home Raw this is now the ladder match for Mania. This should be a smash mouth, brutal and physical match with a great chance of blood and pain!
With the Club being booked so strong right now, and the fact that they are so entertaining I can not imagine a scenario in which they loose, except one……. ***SPECULATION***** This would in any other case be a lower card match, however there is a chance that brilliance will happen! We all are aware it seems the Hardy’s are on their way back in, the night after Raw just doesn’t do it for me, what if during the match VanGaurd 1 appears the Broken Hardy’s show up at Wrestlemania during the match, take the titles from atop the ladder and become the NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS solidifying there expedition for gold!

WINNERS THE CLUB UNLESS THE HARDY’S SHOW UP!

UNDERTAKER VS ROMAN REIGNS

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So here we go, the part where everyone will start cussing me.
There is only one outcome for this match, I do not like it, but I have accepted it and I suggest you should as well. Roman has easily been one of the best performers on the roster in the last three years. His matches with AJ Styles, John Cena, Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman have been really really great and it is not all due to his opponent! He is good, hell he is a great performer and with the build up we have seen over the past few months since the Royal Rumble we can expect the Big Dog to mark his territory and dispense of the DeadMan. I hope that Undertaker can keep up in a match with Roman, we may have some interference by one Braun Strowman to help give this match some legs. Roman has the largest crowd reaction out of anyone, LETS GO ROMAN……..ROMAN SUCKS…….LETS GO ROMAN……ROMAN SUCKS……sound familiar? Get use to it, he is the top dog and will be the top dog for years to come, I do not see roman leaving for Hollywood anytime soon!

WINNER ROMAN REIGNS

RAW WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

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Bayley vs Charlotte Flair vs Nia Jax vs Sasha Banks
The women’s revolution is live and well and is getting its exciting climax at Wrestlemania 33! This should be a high quality match up as it is an elimination match. These women have constantly put on some of the best programming on Monday nights and really are the must see segments! I think this will be a straight forward match that will be very enjoyable. I expect that they will all gang up on Nia Jax and eliminate her, then they will focus on each other. It is very interesting that WWE chose to have Charlotte and Sasha chasing the title as we go into Mania. However this is allowing Bayley to get a huge Wrestlemania moment and enter as champion. I look for Charlotte to have her moment at the end of the match.

WINNER CHARLOTTE FLAIR (NEW RAW WOMENS CHAMPION)

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar
Lets start here, it is ok to put this belt on Goldberg then Lesnar, it is ok if Lesnar holds this belt for a year and only defends it once a month and either him or Paul Heyman appear on Raw each week. It will add value to the WWE Universal Championship, in 20 years we will look back and the fact that the names Lesnar and Goldberg will be associated with this title will mean the world so stop bitching that they should not be using the title in this match, it is for the good of the title.
Over the last six months we have seen Goldberg get the better of Lesnar and each time it has been in quick fashion. I expect this to be the same here! Look for Goldberg to get distracted and or Lesnar to block a spear and then take Goldberg to SUPLEX CITY. Not just any trip to Suplex City, a trip to Suplex City that will take the Goldberg out of the WWE and reinforce that Brock Lesnar is the most dominate individual in the WWE, hopefully this leads to a year long title reign that will allow his successor to receive a giant rub when Brock is defeated.

WINNER BROCK LESNAR (NEW WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP)

SO wow! What a show? On paper this could be tremendous, if it goes off like it very weel could this may be one of the best Wrestlemania’s we have witnessed as each of these matches could really steal the show! I am very excited for this years Showcase of the Immortals and I hope that you are too, if you were not before reading this I hope you are now! Lets look at a could other things that we all look forward to at Mania!
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~Dwight Couch

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