Brand exclusive PPV events are back, and while a lot of fans aren't split on the idea, it's the only way to officially make these brands feel separate, to create their own sense of identity and allow the wrestlers on the show a chance to grow. Sure, it means I now have to do TWO of these reviews a month, but as I like reviewing WWE events, I don't mind.
The SmackDown brand had been on top of RAW most weeks since the Second Brand Extension took place, offering up clean and fun wrestling with an overlying intensity that up until Kevin Owens' unexpected Universal title win, the red brand was sorely lacking. While RAW may have gotten the upper hand since, the Blue Brand was still able to put PPV-calibur matches together for this card that enticed me, as well as the prospect of seeing two brand new champions crowned, adding more fuel to the fire. It was an event that may have looked light on paper, but knowing the quality of the wrestling talent WWE has, it would be of no surprise to me, considering WWE's consistent good quality of a PPV product this year, that they will deliver. Lets hope it did, as this review will now try to justify.
The SmackDown brand had been on top of RAW most weeks since the Second Brand Extension took place, offering up clean and fun wrestling with an overlying intensity that up until Kevin Owens' unexpected Universal title win, the red brand was sorely lacking. While RAW may have gotten the upper hand since, the Blue Brand was still able to put PPV-calibur matches together for this card that enticed me, as well as the prospect of seeing two brand new champions crowned, adding more fuel to the fire. It was an event that may have looked light on paper, but knowing the quality of the wrestling talent WWE has, it would be of no surprise to me, considering WWE's consistent good quality of a PPV product this year, that they will deliver. Lets hope it did, as this review will now try to justify.
SPOILER WARNING - IF YOU DON'T WANT THE RESULTS RUINED, DO NOT READ ON.
If you've never seen The CC Network's video reviews of WWE events before, my review system that I use for those as well as these blogs will be new to you. Matches are given star ratings in accordance with an average, accumulated score of five rating factors: Psychology (in-ring story), Move Variety, Crowd Reaction, Match Length and Pacing, as well as my overall enjoyment as a result of those factors.
THERE WILL BE NO ACCOMPANYING VIDEO DUE TO MY CURRENT HIATUS FROM UPLOADING TO THE CHANNEL.
Now time to get into the show. As I don't review the Pre-Show Match as part of the whole televised package, here's the result of that match:
Baron Corbin def Apollo Crews (10:01)
Baron Corbin def Apollo Crews (10:01)
-----------------
BECKY LYNCH LAST ELIMINATED CARMELLA TO BECOME THE FIRST EVER SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPION (14:10)
PSYCHOLOGY: 2.5
MOVE VARIETY: 2.5
CROWD REACTION: 3
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3
MY ENJOYMENT: 3
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: **3/4
The build to this inaugural Women's Championship match left a lot to be desired. Outside of Carmella's heel turn on Nikki Bella, there wasn't a lot to make this match seem interesting8. We know these women can wrestle, but outside of the prospect of a new champion, no on really cared. However, once the PPV lights shone on them, we remembered why we have interest in them in the first place: that they can wrestle well. The match, of an multi-person elimination variety, proved this through and through.
For a match that lasted 14 minutes, you would've thought it actually lasted longer with the eliminations not coming until we passed the 10 minute mark, making the ending feel quite rushed in the process. Despite this negative feeling, all the women gave their all with Alexa Bliss in particular showcasing herself off in her intense, angry and ferocious glory, all while in a Harley Quinn Suicide Squad ensemble to highlight that even more, she'll get more love, especially if she keeps hitting those second turnbuckle springboard sunset flips with precision, dear god. Nikki and Naomi outlined their ability by summoning some big moves to swing a match whose momentum was always swinging, Carmella made herself useful by becoming the antagonist everyone wanted to beat up and coming back with immense bite as she eliminated Nikki after they brawled for the majority of the match. While Natalya & Becky were mostly absent from the match they added occasional flair, especially in regards to that Tower Of Doom in Natalya's case and a massive crowd response from Becky whenever she did anything, bringing this match to life.
This match went the right amount of time, had the crowd invested, highlighted all six women individually and gave Carmella & Alexa Bliss the chance to finally impress the WWE Universe, something which they took in their stride. Becky got the win, which was expected and did it outwrestling the inexperienced Carmella in the process. It was an exciting match to watch with unusual tension as it went on without eliminations for three quarters of its time, with momentum shining all over the place and great moves adds story building elements coming out of nowhere. While the match did have lacks in body psychology, subtlety and a slowdown in its pace at times, it was a fun and frantic match to watch, which made it a great start to the show, with a happy ending that made everyone feel like it was worth it. Lets hope the women continue to impress, as this is a good start for them on the blue brand.
For a match that lasted 14 minutes, you would've thought it actually lasted longer with the eliminations not coming until we passed the 10 minute mark, making the ending feel quite rushed in the process. Despite this negative feeling, all the women gave their all with Alexa Bliss in particular showcasing herself off in her intense, angry and ferocious glory, all while in a Harley Quinn Suicide Squad ensemble to highlight that even more, she'll get more love, especially if she keeps hitting those second turnbuckle springboard sunset flips with precision, dear god. Nikki and Naomi outlined their ability by summoning some big moves to swing a match whose momentum was always swinging, Carmella made herself useful by becoming the antagonist everyone wanted to beat up and coming back with immense bite as she eliminated Nikki after they brawled for the majority of the match. While Natalya & Becky were mostly absent from the match they added occasional flair, especially in regards to that Tower Of Doom in Natalya's case and a massive crowd response from Becky whenever she did anything, bringing this match to life.
This match went the right amount of time, had the crowd invested, highlighted all six women individually and gave Carmella & Alexa Bliss the chance to finally impress the WWE Universe, something which they took in their stride. Becky got the win, which was expected and did it outwrestling the inexperienced Carmella in the process. It was an exciting match to watch with unusual tension as it went on without eliminations for three quarters of its time, with momentum shining all over the place and great moves adds story building elements coming out of nowhere. While the match did have lacks in body psychology, subtlety and a slowdown in its pace at times, it was a fun and frantic match to watch, which made it a great start to the show, with a happy ending that made everyone feel like it was worth it. Lets hope the women continue to impress, as this is a good start for them on the blue brand.
THE USO's def THE HYPE BROS. TO ADVANCE TO THE SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH (10:30)
PSYCHOLOGY: 2
MOVE VARIETY: 1.5
CROWD REACTION: 1.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2
MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: *1/4
The Uso's long awaited heel turn on SmackDown this past Tuesday was welcomed with praise by many, including myself, as a chance to give these two under appreciated tag team wrestlers a new lease of life. However, the idea that they should be rewarded with another chance at the Tag Team Titles for assaulting and injuring Chad Gable is arguably one of the most questionable booking decisions I've ever seen. Sure, you need it for Heath Slater's eventual win to come against a hated team, but in terms of reality, it makes no sense. Nonetheless, this match was a chance for the brothers Uso to showcase not only a new look, but a more intense, grounded moveset, focusing on pain and physical dissection.
While The Hype Bros. came out of the gate aggressively, with Mojo Rawley's inhuman double shoulder barge on the outside being the highlight, this match was focused on The Uso's, with their moves being as intense and likely to maim as they'd ever been. Gone was their crowd pleasing, high-flying moveset and in came rest hold and physical, hard hitting grapples that seemed to break Zach Ryder down the more he remained in the ring. The crowd seemed indifferent to the match overall, however the fans did offer up a great "Lets Go Uso's/Uso's Suck" chant, that offers up the split opinion of how great this turn is for them, as some want to cheer them for the change of heart and style. Ryder & Rawley did manage to slip momentum at times, giving them a chance to shine with some nice counters and the occasional high risk manoeuvre (such as a Top rope Frankensteiner) coming through to make the match have more bite and benefit for the neutral, but nothing they did could stop the rampaging Samoans, who just like Gable beforehand hit that devastating tope rope knee buster and single leg crab combo to help them advance.
The match lasted longer than expected, but thanks to the Uso's ground game slowing down proceedings, it made it feel tired at times, making it feel unessecary that The Uso's NEEDED to prove their destructive power having done it in mere minutes against American Alpha. However thanks to Mojo Rawley's hot tag, the match was given a nice bountiful injection before the conclusion came, making the Uso's eventual win come naturally at a time where the crowd were somewhat interested. The match may have been nothing special, but it was somewhat enjoyable and Uso's looked dominant, which was key. It did its job, despite it not being the most thrilling of contests, with a tepid Virginia crowd likely causing that to be the case.
THE MIZ (c)/DOLPH ZIGGLER def THE MIZ (c)/DOLPH ZIGGLER TO RETAIN/WIN THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP (18:19)
PSYCHOLOGY: 4
MOVE VARIETY: 2
CROWD REACTION: 3
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 3.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: ***1/4
The Miz & Dolph Ziggler have faced many times, hell, JBL even noted that Miz had won a few of his five Intercontinental Championships against the Show-Off. In the past, their matches had been passable, but nothing more. On this warm late summers' night in Richmond, Virginia however, the negative perception of Miz & Ziggler's lifeless prior meetings got thrown out the window as they put on one of the matches of the night, all while not breaking too much of a sweat in the process.
The build, focusing on Miz 'not being a coward' was put to great test as we saw an aggressive side to his offence not seen for some time, looking actively to maim Ziggler and prove himself. Ziggler went straight for Miz with a spine buster off the bell and didn't look back as he showed his athletic prowess, crazy endurance and great on the eye but hard hitting offence to give this match a big fight feel and one that felt like it meant something to both competitors. At nearly nineteen minutes, this bout went way longer than expected. However, it worked to its favour as both men swung momentum over the course of the match, keeping pace steady and allowing them to showcase their sides of this story and keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. When you factor in the body psychology of Miz working Ziggler's shoulder, leg and back making it look like he had a point to prove and would go to any length to prove it was great to see, as the near falls and submission attempts brought the crowd rallying behind it. The pace started out aggressive and finished in the same vein with the slower wearing down of Ziggler making the crowd fall a little flat, but they recovered enough to make the match feel like it had enough substance. To put over Miz one more time, his rope sitout power bomb, Bryan-mocking Surfboard Stretch and the Bow And Arrow hold showed his versatility and ability more than many matches I've seen him in.
Overall, this match took its time to build but was an intense and fun romp that put Miz over in a way unseen before. He looked great and outside of the questionable finish didn't look the coward Ziggler claimed him to be, he brought the fight to him and almost came out on top. Ziggler's occasional lack of selling and the already mentioned crowd noise meant this match wasn't all it could be, but they kept it grounded and evenly spread to ensure that while Ziggler looked good, Miz as a champion looked great. While the finish as a nice way to ensure that was kept, I agree with the Ranallo and JBL, as this match was ruined by it.
The build, focusing on Miz 'not being a coward' was put to great test as we saw an aggressive side to his offence not seen for some time, looking actively to maim Ziggler and prove himself. Ziggler went straight for Miz with a spine buster off the bell and didn't look back as he showed his athletic prowess, crazy endurance and great on the eye but hard hitting offence to give this match a big fight feel and one that felt like it meant something to both competitors. At nearly nineteen minutes, this bout went way longer than expected. However, it worked to its favour as both men swung momentum over the course of the match, keeping pace steady and allowing them to showcase their sides of this story and keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. When you factor in the body psychology of Miz working Ziggler's shoulder, leg and back making it look like he had a point to prove and would go to any length to prove it was great to see, as the near falls and submission attempts brought the crowd rallying behind it. The pace started out aggressive and finished in the same vein with the slower wearing down of Ziggler making the crowd fall a little flat, but they recovered enough to make the match feel like it had enough substance. To put over Miz one more time, his rope sitout power bomb, Bryan-mocking Surfboard Stretch and the Bow And Arrow hold showed his versatility and ability more than many matches I've seen him in.
Overall, this match took its time to build but was an intense and fun romp that put Miz over in a way unseen before. He looked great and outside of the questionable finish didn't look the coward Ziggler claimed him to be, he brought the fight to him and almost came out on top. Ziggler's occasional lack of selling and the already mentioned crowd noise meant this match wasn't all it could be, but they kept it grounded and evenly spread to ensure that while Ziggler looked good, Miz as a champion looked great. While the finish as a nice way to ensure that was kept, I agree with the Ranallo and JBL, as this match was ruined by it.
BRAY WYATT def RANDY ORTON BY FORFEIT, KANE def BRAY WYATT IN A NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH (10:51)
PSYCHOLOGY: 1.5
MOVE VARIETY: 2
CROWD REACTION: 2
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2
MY ENJOYMENT: 2
CORRECT PREDICTION: NO
FINAL RATING: **
The internet sure loves a shit storm, something that never becomes more apparent than when Bray Wyatt loses a match. While I will agree that the booking of Wyatt since his rise to the main roster in 2013 hasn't been the best, I will always place my side on that which believes that in the end, a storyline swerve will enable him to avenge any loss he has and come out looking stronger. Most of the time however, this hasn't been the case, but all that may be about to change. With Orton unofficially declared unable to compete just hours before the show, the internet was freaking out with WWE batting no eyelids at it by continuing to advertise the match. The internet got its 'conformation' when Wyatt took out Orton's leg, after the Women's Championship Match, leading for Wyatt to come out later and be declared winner by forfeit, only for a new match to be made, a No Holds Barred Match against Kane. While many groaned at the prospect, what we got was actually much better than many expected. While the many concentrated on how the defeat thanks to an Orton RKO made Wyatt look, it will all be for Wyatt's benefit come No Mercy in October.
As already stated, for a match announced on the fly, this was surprisingly better than it ever had right to be, with Wyatt showcasing intense aggressive through all his offence, citing his desire to showcase himself as the ruthless SOB he is, while Kane wanted to even the score against his long time rival. The matches' intensity was forced, but it played to its favour as Kane and Wyatt teased announced table spots throughout, allowing the crowd noise to be louder in anticipation, with Wyatt's Senton Splash through the table, something I've never seen before, proving to be worth the wait as the match built up to it. Kane surprisingly got offence, strong offence and showed that even at his age and status he could still go at it, which made this much more of a challenge for Wyatt than anticipated, and making the match more even and better than if Wyatt had been fed the same type of jobbers that Kane has been given on SmackDown the past few weeks, as that would have trivialised and ruined the contest. Wyatt showed his cockiness by using both Kane and Orton's respective signature taunts, and Orton's RKO while causing the ire of many, advances the storyline with intrigue, making many want Wyatt to exact his revenge. The match went longer than expected, joining the majority of matches above the ten-minute mark and having peaks and troughs of shifting momentum, enhancing the 'even' nature of the match previously alluded to, the crowd while initially skeptical got right into proceedings, although feeling flat by the finish despite what the table spot had helped build.
As already stated, for a match announced on the fly, this was surprisingly better than it ever had right to be, with Wyatt showcasing intense aggressive through all his offence, citing his desire to showcase himself as the ruthless SOB he is, while Kane wanted to even the score against his long time rival. The matches' intensity was forced, but it played to its favour as Kane and Wyatt teased announced table spots throughout, allowing the crowd noise to be louder in anticipation, with Wyatt's Senton Splash through the table, something I've never seen before, proving to be worth the wait as the match built up to it. Kane surprisingly got offence, strong offence and showed that even at his age and status he could still go at it, which made this much more of a challenge for Wyatt than anticipated, and making the match more even and better than if Wyatt had been fed the same type of jobbers that Kane has been given on SmackDown the past few weeks, as that would have trivialised and ruined the contest. Wyatt showed his cockiness by using both Kane and Orton's respective signature taunts, and Orton's RKO while causing the ire of many, advances the storyline with intrigue, making many want Wyatt to exact his revenge. The match went longer than expected, joining the majority of matches above the ten-minute mark and having peaks and troughs of shifting momentum, enhancing the 'even' nature of the match previously alluded to, the crowd while initially skeptical got right into proceedings, although feeling flat by the finish despite what the table spot had helped build.
This was a match that shouldn't have been as good as it was, and serves as a good reminder that if done right, a piece of last minute booking can have its benefits. Wyatt & Orton's feud got enhanced with minimal effort and Kane got a rub that honestly, on the look of how he's portrayed on SmackDown, he needed to remain relevant. At least he's needed more than Big Show or Mark Henry are on RAW, that's for sure.
HEATH SLATER & RHYNO def THE USO's TO BECOME THE FIRST EVER SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS (9:56)
PSYCHOLOGY: 2
MOVE VARIETY: 1.5
CROWD REACTION: 1.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 2
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: *1/4
It was the only way for this entire story to come to a head, Heath Slater & Rhyno were going to win this match come hell or high water. Not even an Uso's heel turn could've stopped that, no matter how good it is to have happened. Just like the other matches in the tournament, Slater got beaten down for Rhyno to finish proceedings with his intense energy. It built slight tension for a match that ended up as predictable as the quality of a child's nursery drawing, but it made for a happy ending to a story that against all odds got Slater over. However, the match wasn't the best display to watch, much like the Second Chance Challenge that proceeded it.
Heath started out fired up in his desire to win, but it soon gave way to The Uso's physical offence, which we already saw earlier on, but ramped up a gear with The One Man Brand being the proverbial whipping boy we've come to expect. The Uso's amped up their hard-hitting offence by targeting the back and chest of Slater, making him so beaten down and spaced out that he went to the wrong corner at the hot tag, making you question whether they could do it. All hell then broke loose with Slater nearly picking up the win only for an Uso to stop it, and if not for an illegal Gore from Rhyno, the happy ending wouldn't have been achieved. The Uso's still looked strong despite defeat, but after wrestling one match prior in the evening, their defeat was inevitable. A lack of a run-in from Jason Jordan, which I expected did neuter proceedings and meant that extra spice the end of the match needed to send it into overdrive was absent, but it didn't kill the moment where Slater finally got the fall, which the crowd, who had waned until the hot tag, had a chance to let out massive roars of delight. The match was actually the shortest of the evening, which is surprising and the one sided nature of the contest meant it felt flatter than expected, as the Uso's took their time to get into the match and swing momentum as it built. It was a match that did its job and the bare minimum in-ring to be enjoyable, however that wasn't important as the moment makes this match worth something in spite of its quite large faults.
While some may claim these new championships have been devalued due to the rushed nature of the new champions' formation as a team, may I remind you that at No Mercy 2002, two hastily arranged teams in Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit and Edge & Rey Mysterio fought over newly created tag belts. It was done solely to further the antagonism between Angle & Benoit, just like this match has been done to ensure an over Slater has a brand to call home, culminating the story built up since the Draft back in July. While the match will not match up to its counterpart of fourteen years ago, it sure had a better moment to savour, that was built superbly well over the last two months to make even me, a long-time hater of Slater be happy with it. I would not have traded that moment of Slater's sweet victory for any amount of in-ring prowess to make this better, which says something considering my track record with matches. The match did what it needed to do, and I can be happy with that.
Heath started out fired up in his desire to win, but it soon gave way to The Uso's physical offence, which we already saw earlier on, but ramped up a gear with The One Man Brand being the proverbial whipping boy we've come to expect. The Uso's amped up their hard-hitting offence by targeting the back and chest of Slater, making him so beaten down and spaced out that he went to the wrong corner at the hot tag, making you question whether they could do it. All hell then broke loose with Slater nearly picking up the win only for an Uso to stop it, and if not for an illegal Gore from Rhyno, the happy ending wouldn't have been achieved. The Uso's still looked strong despite defeat, but after wrestling one match prior in the evening, their defeat was inevitable. A lack of a run-in from Jason Jordan, which I expected did neuter proceedings and meant that extra spice the end of the match needed to send it into overdrive was absent, but it didn't kill the moment where Slater finally got the fall, which the crowd, who had waned until the hot tag, had a chance to let out massive roars of delight. The match was actually the shortest of the evening, which is surprising and the one sided nature of the contest meant it felt flatter than expected, as the Uso's took their time to get into the match and swing momentum as it built. It was a match that did its job and the bare minimum in-ring to be enjoyable, however that wasn't important as the moment makes this match worth something in spite of its quite large faults.
While some may claim these new championships have been devalued due to the rushed nature of the new champions' formation as a team, may I remind you that at No Mercy 2002, two hastily arranged teams in Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit and Edge & Rey Mysterio fought over newly created tag belts. It was done solely to further the antagonism between Angle & Benoit, just like this match has been done to ensure an over Slater has a brand to call home, culminating the story built up since the Draft back in July. While the match will not match up to its counterpart of fourteen years ago, it sure had a better moment to savour, that was built superbly well over the last two months to make even me, a long-time hater of Slater be happy with it. I would not have traded that moment of Slater's sweet victory for any amount of in-ring prowess to make this better, which says something considering my track record with matches. The match did what it needed to do, and I can be happy with that.
AJ STYLES def DEAN AMBROSE (c) TO WIN THE WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (24:56)
PSYCHOLOGY: 4
MOVE VARIETY: 2
CROWD REACTION: 4
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 4
MY ENJOYMENT: 4
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: ****
AJ Styles is the WWE World Champion. Didn't think I'd ever be typing that statement out. The former TNA, NWA & IWGP Champion has now added the most important heavyweight championship in the land to his burgeoning collection. The best wrestler bar NONE in WWE this year, after debuting in January has hit the big time in nine months, two quicker than a young Kurt Angle managed at the turn of the millennium. While Kurt won all the gold to highlight his prominence, he'd not turned into the wrestling machine we'd know him for in years that followed. As for Styles, we know his quality of work, which helped bolster his reputation on a WWE platform more than a championship reign ever would, so when he did win something, it was a formality. This match while albeit not as good as his prior bouts with Reigns or Cena, proved that even against an unorthodox opponent like Dean Ambrose, the quality of Styles shone through.
While that statement may sound derogatory for Ambrose, I assure you it isn't, because for what Styles brought to this match in intense and flashy wrestling ability, the Lunatic Fringe brought his usual bag of guts, determination and an unwillingness to stay down that even after fighting Cena, provided Styles with a tough as nails opponent that no matter what he threw at him, wouldn't stay down. That was apparent as even after having his neck, head and legs, as well as his pride targeted all match, the champion kicked out pretty much every time, selling his way beautifully through the pain as the cocky and assured Styles looked on in disbelief at the quality of the champion who stood before him. Ambrose at times got the upper hand on Styles, nearly knocking him out on the ring post but it just wasn't enough. The story was a rollercoaster ride of contrasting emotions and intense physical competition, and even if the result was predictable they took us on a great ride to get us there.
While that statement may sound derogatory for Ambrose, I assure you it isn't, because for what Styles brought to this match in intense and flashy wrestling ability, the Lunatic Fringe brought his usual bag of guts, determination and an unwillingness to stay down that even after fighting Cena, provided Styles with a tough as nails opponent that no matter what he threw at him, wouldn't stay down. That was apparent as even after having his neck, head and legs, as well as his pride targeted all match, the champion kicked out pretty much every time, selling his way beautifully through the pain as the cocky and assured Styles looked on in disbelief at the quality of the champion who stood before him. Ambrose at times got the upper hand on Styles, nearly knocking him out on the ring post but it just wasn't enough. The story was a rollercoaster ride of contrasting emotions and intense physical competition, and even if the result was predictable they took us on a great ride to get us there.
At just under twenty five minutes, these two gave put on a war of attrition that you could barely believe was going to go this distance, with momentum shifting periodically, but always, even subtly remaining in Styles court has he controlled proceedings right from the first headlock. While this did rob the match of an even contest, it allowed Ambrose too show that when he got offence, it mattered. The story was about how good Styles was and played itself greatly, especially in knowing that Ambrose had to do a lot to get back into it, and did all he could to ensure he looked to have a chance. The moves were kept simple minus a few, with a top rope belly to back suplex, the aforementioned apron catapult into the post and the double axe handle off the table into the crowd proving how intense and anarchic the match had become. The crowd were very pro Styles, to a point where they were booing Ambrose, which was disappointing. They were waiting for the inevitable, however as the near falls came in, they got brought back into it and made the matches last ten minutes feel absolutely incredible.
This match was the perfect showcase of SMackDown's top two talents. While it wasn't the best match either man have had this year, it showed how good both are at their corresponding roles, working together with great chemistry to create a fantastic main event that is worthy of main eventing any show, let alone a September PPV. Considering that both of these men have been in eight out of the ten best PPV matches of the year thus far, I shouldn't have expected much less from this one. It may not have reached the absolute zenith, but it got in the ladder, and I couldn't have asked for much else.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Questions were raised about whether a smaller roster and few matches could produce the same quality of PPV we've come to expect from the WWE this year. I can say that in comparison with the ratings we've had from WWE's 2016 PPV offerings, this event has matched up, but hasn't exceeded the threshold and gone to bigger heights.
With only six matches on the main card, there is a fine line in terms of rating matches for it to reach a good area, and while three of the matches delivered above average, even great marks, the tag team matches and the impromptu No Holds Barred Match marked it down, even if the latter did more than expected. The lack of quick matches meant the night lacked flow and a change in pace to make it feel more comprehensive, despite the card order working in its favour to build as the night went on. The crowd in Richmond were receptive, but unassuming in that they knew what they came for and made themselves apparent upon the end of the evening. It was an event that had just enough to shine, but was missing depth in order to make it feel bigger, for it to match the hype of being the first brand-exclusive event of the New Era.
Did it match up to SmackDown's original first brand exclusive event (Vengeance 2003)? No. Was it better than SummerSlam? Yes, but only marginally. While the event was easier to sit through, SummerSlam felt like it had more at stake and with more matches, it had a lot more to give, despite how overrun it was and lacking in good card structure. This event, as a starting point for Brand Exclusive shows in this new period wasn't a bad one, and went above average in the process, I feel SmackDown needs to beef its roster out a bit and ensure the matches feel bigger to ensure the good quality that's already been shown here is GREAT. While that shouldn't take long to implement, I worry that No Mercy won't be able to keep up. Nonetheless, I should be quite happy that this show achieved what it did, it gave me a fun and action packed show, albeit missing its teeth in some areas to make its bite not be as intense as it could be. Hopefully by No Mercy, this will be built on and we can improve from there. This isn't a bad start, but it could be a little bit better, as this event just barely missed out joining a plethora of 2016 events on six out of ten. Life and my ratings are cruel, aren't they?
With only six matches on the main card, there is a fine line in terms of rating matches for it to reach a good area, and while three of the matches delivered above average, even great marks, the tag team matches and the impromptu No Holds Barred Match marked it down, even if the latter did more than expected. The lack of quick matches meant the night lacked flow and a change in pace to make it feel more comprehensive, despite the card order working in its favour to build as the night went on. The crowd in Richmond were receptive, but unassuming in that they knew what they came for and made themselves apparent upon the end of the evening. It was an event that had just enough to shine, but was missing depth in order to make it feel bigger, for it to match the hype of being the first brand-exclusive event of the New Era.
Did it match up to SmackDown's original first brand exclusive event (Vengeance 2003)? No. Was it better than SummerSlam? Yes, but only marginally. While the event was easier to sit through, SummerSlam felt like it had more at stake and with more matches, it had a lot more to give, despite how overrun it was and lacking in good card structure. This event, as a starting point for Brand Exclusive shows in this new period wasn't a bad one, and went above average in the process, I feel SmackDown needs to beef its roster out a bit and ensure the matches feel bigger to ensure the good quality that's already been shown here is GREAT. While that shouldn't take long to implement, I worry that No Mercy won't be able to keep up. Nonetheless, I should be quite happy that this show achieved what it did, it gave me a fun and action packed show, albeit missing its teeth in some areas to make its bite not be as intense as it could be. Hopefully by No Mercy, this will be built on and we can improve from there. This isn't a bad start, but it could be a little bit better, as this event just barely missed out joining a plethora of 2016 events on six out of ten. Life and my ratings are cruel, aren't they?
BACKLASH 2016 GETS A 5.75 OUT OF 10
In relation to other 2016 events, it lines up as follows:
Payback: 7.75/10
Royal Rumble: 6/10
Battleground: 6/10
WrestleMania 32: 6/10
Backlash: 5.75/10
SummerSlam: 5.5/10
Extreme Rules: 4.75/10
Money In The Bank: 4.5/10
Fastlane: 4.25/10
In relation to other 2016 events, it lines up as follows:
Payback: 7.75/10
Royal Rumble: 6/10
Battleground: 6/10
WrestleMania 32: 6/10
Backlash: 5.75/10
SummerSlam: 5.5/10
Extreme Rules: 4.75/10
Money In The Bank: 4.5/10
Fastlane: 4.25/10
----------
I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been the Battleground 2016 Review for The CC Network Blog and I'll see you all next time.
No comments:
Post a Comment