NotoriousWWE
Pre-Show Stalwart
It seems to me that WWE currently has one of the most biggest storylines in the works with this big walkout angle. So I thought it would be interesting to review different aspects of WWE today.
Commentary
Currently the announce team on RAW consists of Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole whilst on SmackDown there's Cole, Booker T and Josh Matthews. Of course we all know JR was kayfabe fired this past RAW but I'm sure he'll be back.
Comparing Raw's announce team with SmackDown's is very interesting as we have two completely different styles except from Cole's overdone heel commentary (I was a big fan until WWE went overboard with it). Anyway I for one love Booker T's poor commentary. Its one of 3 reasons I decide to tune in to SmackDown each Friday Night despite reading Spoilers. His constant sayings such as "Right here", "Tonight!", "That's my boy" and everybody's favourite "Shucky Ducky Quack Quack!" Just so funny to listen to and I love his excuse of having to go to the toilet as his reason for being part of the walkout. Matthews as the guys from CSR have mentioned at times is too quiet when something serious goes down and seems like he's whispering and his tone is very unusual. He feels timid and then there's Cole who just uses his selfish asshole persona to put himself at the top of everything. Lawler however is still loyal on that Raw table each week taking the profession seriously and NEVER changing his views and opinions something I like.
Booker T: 8/10
Josh Matthews: 6/10
Michael Cole: 5/10
Jerry Lawler: 8/10
Storylines
Rhodes/Orton
I like this. This shows that WWE arn't just going to use Orton as SmackDown's answer to John Cena. They want him to help put guys over and for Rhodes to go over Orton would be a massive stepping stone in his career almost definitely putting him in the main event picture. Its a storyline that stems from Jealousy and its almost what WWE wanted to do at Mania 26 but with DiBiase as the guy Orton puts over. Rhodes is looking amazing in this and I can't wait for a probable match at Vengeance which will really be something different than what we usually see Orton doing.
Storyline rating: 7.5/10
Ryder/Ziggler
This is predicting that WWE go for Ryder and not Mason Ryan as Ziggler's next challenger. I love the way you can tell Ziggler is legitimately all for Ryder to challenge for his title even taking to Ryder's YouTube video's to hype a match between the two. Ryder really does deserve it but I still think he has a lot to learn. Maybe he loses at Vengeance but then defeats Ziggler on a Raw episode or at Survivor Series. Ziggler meanwhile should be in the main event scene, he's a former 5 minute World Champion. He has the mic skills and its time for him to be elevated to the next level.
Storyline Rating: 7/10
Sheamus/Christian
I don't know why WWE still think this feud is still interesting. I love both competitors but I see no way how or why this rivalry is taking place. What did Christian do cost Sheamus the IC title? For me that's a good thing as Sheamus is a main eventer. I just don't see why this feud is taking place but they are capable of putting on great matches as seen at Hell in a Cell. Sheamus to go over at Vengeance and to challenge Henry at Survivor Series and win the World Title.
Storyline Rating: 5/10
Sin Cara vs Sin Cara (negro)
I had great expectations for this when it first begun but now they have turned it into a kids cartoon show. I hate the annoying noises added to Negro Sin Cara's theme. Its just all a little too cheesy for my liking and I would have preferred an actual manager for a Cara that needed more charisma and mic skills. For those wondering or people debating, the Original Sin Cara is so much more talented. We'll see where this goes by Vengeance maybe its paving the way for the finally heel Rey Mysterio I've been waiting to see.
Storyline Rating: 3/10
Beth Phoenix/Kelly Kelly
For the last time Vince, Eve is so much more talented than Kelly Kelly. I don't care if Kelly Kelly ranked in Maxim 100. I do not care I want an actual Divas Match I care about. I dislike this apparent more aggressive Kelly Kelly because in the back of my head I just picture her grinding on a pole doing her Extreme Expose stuff. Phoenix and Natalya apparently want to save the Divas division, is it worth it?
Storyline Rating: 4/10
AirBoom/Ziggler and Swagger
So basically WWE have it that Ziggler is in two feuds? I don't know but I do think this storyline has a lot of intrigue in it. AirBoom's in-ring ability is amazing but their mic skills and charisma are a little poor. On the other hand you have two blonde vain young men managed by a Cougar which actually sounds like a legitimate Tag Team.... Which it is. I love this pairing although I know its likely to implode and one of the duo will turn on the other. Vickie doesn't even need to speak that's how much heat she gets. Swagger is looking good paired with Ziggler because he's really stealing the show as of late. This story is losing pace though due to the heel duo being involved in the Walkout angle/storyline.
Storyline Rating: 7/10
Henry/Big Show
I was hoping that the guy who'd return and be the first vengeful Hall of Pain member would be Kane. Kane can actually put on good matches against larger guys whilst Big Show is larger than Henry so work that out. I get its story and it actually is great because it makes sense, just not looking forward to seeing the two against each other. I feel that at Vengeance a Heel Kane will return and attack his former tag team partner for turning him into a 'joke'. I'd take masked Kane any-day but hope that another masked Kane wouldn't turn up so we don't get another Cara/Cara. But this storyline actually really makes sense and is interesting because Big Show actually has good acting talent.
Storyline Rating: 8/10
Cena/Del Rio
The WWE Championship rivalry always involving Cena. So what was the point in Del Rio winning the title at Summerslam, losing it at Night of Champions and then winning it back at Hell in a Cell? Is it just so that Cena nears Flair's title record and Chavo no longer watches WWE? I don't know but this story doesn't make sense. One, if anyone wants vengeance against Del Rio its Punk because Del Rio cashed in on Punk. 2, Cena should be going after HHH for making him lose the WWE Title mistakenly. Cena and Del Rio have had hardly any build-up or exchange of words since Hell in a Cell so this is extremely hard to follow but i'm positive the outcome will be Del Rio retaining but then again its Cena who's challenging so im likely wrong. No build whatsoever really doesnt help.
Storyline Rating: 4/10
AwesomeTruth/HHH and Punk
Now here's a storyline that makes sense for all the WRONG reasons. HHH should be hating Punk right now but no they are apparent buddies but it all makes sense. Punk stood up for HHH and was against the walkout. Both have reasons to be against AwesomeTruth and to tag up against the duo who have ran with the story tremendously well. Miz seems more like the leader of the tag team whilst R-Truth is the backup. Its good though because we know its just part of something bigger. And this stemmed from Miz and Truth pushing referee's. Good build-up aswell except I hope Johnny Ace begins to manage and side with AwesomeTruth alot as we go towards Vengeance.
Storyline Rating: 8.5/10 (Im a little bit of a Miz and Punk mark)
The Walkout
This has shocked not just the WWE but in my opinion Professional Wrestling as a whole. The list of events is long but I'll try and summarize it quickly.
- Punk threats to leave WWE with the WWE Title due to his contract expiring and does so but re-signs after Cena wins another WWE Title
-HHH replaces McMahon as C.O.O of the company
- Punk beats Cena but is then attacked by Kevin Nash after HHH refs a match between the two at Summerslam
- Del Rio cashes in on a downed Punk
- HHH announces Raw Supershow where every Smackdown and raw superstar is eligible to appear on Raw every week
- Things spiral out of control when Nash attacks once again after being fired by HHH for constantly attacking Punk. Miz and Truth are fired too for attacking refs and competitors
- Johnny Ace suggests to HHH to have a Vote of Confidence which ends in chaos as every superstar apart from Cena,Punk,Orton,Big Show and Sheamus who don't turn out, walkout with no confidence
- Vince McMahon returns to announce that Johnny Ace will replace HHH as the Interim GM of Raw
-Johnny Ace fires JR
What's the next big event to take place? Vengeance. Where is this story going? I have no clue and that is why it is so interesting and great. The two biggest parts of the story are HHH taking over and the walkout. Another big part is yet to come and I believe we will soon see something bigger than all this take place. I won't make predictions because I look silly saying things that seem impossible. I think the storyline though is connected to the fact Punk is not wanted as WWE Champion. I think he's the main superstar in this with outside forces such as Vince and Johnny Ace not wanting him as Champion. I hope it leads to the match everyone wants to see at mania, Punk vs Stone Cold. Doubt it though, I would take Jericho/Punk though.
Storyline Rating: 9/10
Top 10 Superstars right now and who's running with their gimmick
1. CM Punk - I am sorry but you cannot deny that this guy is the best thing going in WWE right now and he's not even WWE Champion. Taking over from Cena as the main guy I am loving every minute of it and the fact marks and normal fans are joining together in support of Punk is extraordinary. Anything he does is entertaining.
Punk's gimmick: 9.5/10
2. Dolph Ziggler - For me he is doing an amazing job and feels like a main eventer with a mid-card title. He has the looks, the style, the ability and the theme. He also has Vickie Guerrero which gives him an incredible amount of heat and help. He's gold on mic now and is actually helping Swagger from what I see. Can't wait for him to be challenging for the WWE Title. Love his change in theme aswell.
Ziggler's gimmick: 8/10
3. Mark Henry - I have a hard time forgetting his times as the happy Henry who got Mae Young pregnant and was teaming with one of my personal favorites MVP. However, Henry is doing a brilliant job with his dominant persona and is great on mic now. I feel like he should have had this gimmick all along but we know his career is coming to an end so its sad he wasn't given more time.
Henry's gimmick: 8/10
4. AwesomeTruth - Both are so different and it works. Miz is your cocky and arrogant jerk from Cleveland whilst Truth is that old school rapper heel and when combined its a match made in heaven. Miz is a former WWE Champion, US Champion and Tag Team Champion but yet he doesn't have near as much as experience as Truth. Truth's tentures in TNA and NWA brang him a ton of titles and he's even a former US Champion after being.... You named it, The Miz. Both are working so well and seem like the perfect duo for their current storyline.
Miz's gimmick: 8/10
R-Truth's gimmick: 7.5/10
5. Triple H - Still has it. Is great on mic whether being serious or funny. I love how he always fits the term 'Skinny Fat ass' into his promo's and he always has this evil look on his face. I tune in late and think he's sometimes turned heel the way he looks and is almost playing a King of kings that's simply had enough of the bullshit that he has to handle in his job. I have my money on him turning heel before the end of the year but wouldn't mind if not.
HHH's gimmick: 7/10
6. Cody Rhodes - He can pull off any gimmick given to him, and I have no clue how. Started off as Hardcore Holly's student then turned into an image of his father then turned into a vain overconfident stud and into what is for me today's best gimmick due to its uniqueness, the dark Rhodes. The fact that somehow he is able to make us forget that we all know his injury is not legit and wouldn't even be a problem anymore is beyond me. He's truly the future of the company and I think he deserves everything he's given. Mic skills blow me away.
Rhodes gimmick: 9/10
7. Alberto Del Rio - Was the rising star last year but for me turned into a little bit of a joke nearing the Summer. I got tired of him after Money in the Bank and when he won the title I was happy but not over the moon. There's something about him that he had last year and doesn't have now. When he won the Rumble I really thought he was the next big thing. For some he is, for me he isn't. His gimmick though, is very good and refreshing.
Del Rio's gimmick: 8/10
8. John Cena - As said before whether you love him or hate him he entertains you. Whether you hate him and you just can't stand his promo's that's entertaining because he's making you hate him with his cheesy dancing and comparisons. Needs a change in character for me but is still a good talent.
Cena's gimmick: 6/10
9. Daniel Bryan - As you can tell I am rating superstars that entertain me and then rating their gimmick, when Daniel Bryan is in a match, Im watching without a doubt. So talented in the ring and yes we all know he's not the greatest on the mic but when he's in that ring tearing it up, I am entertained. Wanted him to be part of this conspiracy storyline but it didn't turn out. Current Mr Mitb is on a losing streak which I hope turns him into a heel. What's with the Jewish beard though? Very random.
Bryan's gimmick: 5/10
10. Christian - So hard because I also rank Sheamus and Ryder but Christian is so interesting and such a badass. A veteran is an understatement he's truly a great and I love watching him in action or on mic. He seems to be the leader of the Conspiracy faction so that's good, he has something. His feud with Sheamus is random but he just is so adjustable he can fit into any rivalry. Want a different theme though!
Christian's gimmick: 8/10
Thanks for reading i'll be doing my Vengeance predictions next Friday after SmackDown.
Commentary
Currently the announce team on RAW consists of Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole whilst on SmackDown there's Cole, Booker T and Josh Matthews. Of course we all know JR was kayfabe fired this past RAW but I'm sure he'll be back.
Comparing Raw's announce team with SmackDown's is very interesting as we have two completely different styles except from Cole's overdone heel commentary (I was a big fan until WWE went overboard with it). Anyway I for one love Booker T's poor commentary. Its one of 3 reasons I decide to tune in to SmackDown each Friday Night despite reading Spoilers. His constant sayings such as "Right here", "Tonight!", "That's my boy" and everybody's favourite "Shucky Ducky Quack Quack!" Just so funny to listen to and I love his excuse of having to go to the toilet as his reason for being part of the walkout. Matthews as the guys from CSR have mentioned at times is too quiet when something serious goes down and seems like he's whispering and his tone is very unusual. He feels timid and then there's Cole who just uses his selfish asshole persona to put himself at the top of everything. Lawler however is still loyal on that Raw table each week taking the profession seriously and NEVER changing his views and opinions something I like.
Booker T: 8/10
Josh Matthews: 6/10
Michael Cole: 5/10
Jerry Lawler: 8/10
Storylines
Rhodes/Orton
I like this. This shows that WWE arn't just going to use Orton as SmackDown's answer to John Cena. They want him to help put guys over and for Rhodes to go over Orton would be a massive stepping stone in his career almost definitely putting him in the main event picture. Its a storyline that stems from Jealousy and its almost what WWE wanted to do at Mania 26 but with DiBiase as the guy Orton puts over. Rhodes is looking amazing in this and I can't wait for a probable match at Vengeance which will really be something different than what we usually see Orton doing.
Storyline rating: 7.5/10
Ryder/Ziggler
This is predicting that WWE go for Ryder and not Mason Ryan as Ziggler's next challenger. I love the way you can tell Ziggler is legitimately all for Ryder to challenge for his title even taking to Ryder's YouTube video's to hype a match between the two. Ryder really does deserve it but I still think he has a lot to learn. Maybe he loses at Vengeance but then defeats Ziggler on a Raw episode or at Survivor Series. Ziggler meanwhile should be in the main event scene, he's a former 5 minute World Champion. He has the mic skills and its time for him to be elevated to the next level.
Storyline Rating: 7/10
Sheamus/Christian
I don't know why WWE still think this feud is still interesting. I love both competitors but I see no way how or why this rivalry is taking place. What did Christian do cost Sheamus the IC title? For me that's a good thing as Sheamus is a main eventer. I just don't see why this feud is taking place but they are capable of putting on great matches as seen at Hell in a Cell. Sheamus to go over at Vengeance and to challenge Henry at Survivor Series and win the World Title.
Storyline Rating: 5/10
Sin Cara vs Sin Cara (negro)
I had great expectations for this when it first begun but now they have turned it into a kids cartoon show. I hate the annoying noises added to Negro Sin Cara's theme. Its just all a little too cheesy for my liking and I would have preferred an actual manager for a Cara that needed more charisma and mic skills. For those wondering or people debating, the Original Sin Cara is so much more talented. We'll see where this goes by Vengeance maybe its paving the way for the finally heel Rey Mysterio I've been waiting to see.
Storyline Rating: 3/10
Beth Phoenix/Kelly Kelly
For the last time Vince, Eve is so much more talented than Kelly Kelly. I don't care if Kelly Kelly ranked in Maxim 100. I do not care I want an actual Divas Match I care about. I dislike this apparent more aggressive Kelly Kelly because in the back of my head I just picture her grinding on a pole doing her Extreme Expose stuff. Phoenix and Natalya apparently want to save the Divas division, is it worth it?
Storyline Rating: 4/10
AirBoom/Ziggler and Swagger
So basically WWE have it that Ziggler is in two feuds? I don't know but I do think this storyline has a lot of intrigue in it. AirBoom's in-ring ability is amazing but their mic skills and charisma are a little poor. On the other hand you have two blonde vain young men managed by a Cougar which actually sounds like a legitimate Tag Team.... Which it is. I love this pairing although I know its likely to implode and one of the duo will turn on the other. Vickie doesn't even need to speak that's how much heat she gets. Swagger is looking good paired with Ziggler because he's really stealing the show as of late. This story is losing pace though due to the heel duo being involved in the Walkout angle/storyline.
Storyline Rating: 7/10
Henry/Big Show
I was hoping that the guy who'd return and be the first vengeful Hall of Pain member would be Kane. Kane can actually put on good matches against larger guys whilst Big Show is larger than Henry so work that out. I get its story and it actually is great because it makes sense, just not looking forward to seeing the two against each other. I feel that at Vengeance a Heel Kane will return and attack his former tag team partner for turning him into a 'joke'. I'd take masked Kane any-day but hope that another masked Kane wouldn't turn up so we don't get another Cara/Cara. But this storyline actually really makes sense and is interesting because Big Show actually has good acting talent.
Storyline Rating: 8/10
Cena/Del Rio
The WWE Championship rivalry always involving Cena. So what was the point in Del Rio winning the title at Summerslam, losing it at Night of Champions and then winning it back at Hell in a Cell? Is it just so that Cena nears Flair's title record and Chavo no longer watches WWE? I don't know but this story doesn't make sense. One, if anyone wants vengeance against Del Rio its Punk because Del Rio cashed in on Punk. 2, Cena should be going after HHH for making him lose the WWE Title mistakenly. Cena and Del Rio have had hardly any build-up or exchange of words since Hell in a Cell so this is extremely hard to follow but i'm positive the outcome will be Del Rio retaining but then again its Cena who's challenging so im likely wrong. No build whatsoever really doesnt help.
Storyline Rating: 4/10
AwesomeTruth/HHH and Punk
Now here's a storyline that makes sense for all the WRONG reasons. HHH should be hating Punk right now but no they are apparent buddies but it all makes sense. Punk stood up for HHH and was against the walkout. Both have reasons to be against AwesomeTruth and to tag up against the duo who have ran with the story tremendously well. Miz seems more like the leader of the tag team whilst R-Truth is the backup. Its good though because we know its just part of something bigger. And this stemmed from Miz and Truth pushing referee's. Good build-up aswell except I hope Johnny Ace begins to manage and side with AwesomeTruth alot as we go towards Vengeance.
Storyline Rating: 8.5/10 (Im a little bit of a Miz and Punk mark)
The Walkout
This has shocked not just the WWE but in my opinion Professional Wrestling as a whole. The list of events is long but I'll try and summarize it quickly.
- Punk threats to leave WWE with the WWE Title due to his contract expiring and does so but re-signs after Cena wins another WWE Title
-HHH replaces McMahon as C.O.O of the company
- Punk beats Cena but is then attacked by Kevin Nash after HHH refs a match between the two at Summerslam
- Del Rio cashes in on a downed Punk
- HHH announces Raw Supershow where every Smackdown and raw superstar is eligible to appear on Raw every week
- Things spiral out of control when Nash attacks once again after being fired by HHH for constantly attacking Punk. Miz and Truth are fired too for attacking refs and competitors
- Johnny Ace suggests to HHH to have a Vote of Confidence which ends in chaos as every superstar apart from Cena,Punk,Orton,Big Show and Sheamus who don't turn out, walkout with no confidence
- Vince McMahon returns to announce that Johnny Ace will replace HHH as the Interim GM of Raw
-Johnny Ace fires JR
What's the next big event to take place? Vengeance. Where is this story going? I have no clue and that is why it is so interesting and great. The two biggest parts of the story are HHH taking over and the walkout. Another big part is yet to come and I believe we will soon see something bigger than all this take place. I won't make predictions because I look silly saying things that seem impossible. I think the storyline though is connected to the fact Punk is not wanted as WWE Champion. I think he's the main superstar in this with outside forces such as Vince and Johnny Ace not wanting him as Champion. I hope it leads to the match everyone wants to see at mania, Punk vs Stone Cold. Doubt it though, I would take Jericho/Punk though.
Storyline Rating: 9/10
Top 10 Superstars right now and who's running with their gimmick
1. CM Punk - I am sorry but you cannot deny that this guy is the best thing going in WWE right now and he's not even WWE Champion. Taking over from Cena as the main guy I am loving every minute of it and the fact marks and normal fans are joining together in support of Punk is extraordinary. Anything he does is entertaining.
Punk's gimmick: 9.5/10
2. Dolph Ziggler - For me he is doing an amazing job and feels like a main eventer with a mid-card title. He has the looks, the style, the ability and the theme. He also has Vickie Guerrero which gives him an incredible amount of heat and help. He's gold on mic now and is actually helping Swagger from what I see. Can't wait for him to be challenging for the WWE Title. Love his change in theme aswell.
Ziggler's gimmick: 8/10
3. Mark Henry - I have a hard time forgetting his times as the happy Henry who got Mae Young pregnant and was teaming with one of my personal favorites MVP. However, Henry is doing a brilliant job with his dominant persona and is great on mic now. I feel like he should have had this gimmick all along but we know his career is coming to an end so its sad he wasn't given more time.
Henry's gimmick: 8/10
4. AwesomeTruth - Both are so different and it works. Miz is your cocky and arrogant jerk from Cleveland whilst Truth is that old school rapper heel and when combined its a match made in heaven. Miz is a former WWE Champion, US Champion and Tag Team Champion but yet he doesn't have near as much as experience as Truth. Truth's tentures in TNA and NWA brang him a ton of titles and he's even a former US Champion after being.... You named it, The Miz. Both are working so well and seem like the perfect duo for their current storyline.
Miz's gimmick: 8/10
R-Truth's gimmick: 7.5/10
5. Triple H - Still has it. Is great on mic whether being serious or funny. I love how he always fits the term 'Skinny Fat ass' into his promo's and he always has this evil look on his face. I tune in late and think he's sometimes turned heel the way he looks and is almost playing a King of kings that's simply had enough of the bullshit that he has to handle in his job. I have my money on him turning heel before the end of the year but wouldn't mind if not.
HHH's gimmick: 7/10
6. Cody Rhodes - He can pull off any gimmick given to him, and I have no clue how. Started off as Hardcore Holly's student then turned into an image of his father then turned into a vain overconfident stud and into what is for me today's best gimmick due to its uniqueness, the dark Rhodes. The fact that somehow he is able to make us forget that we all know his injury is not legit and wouldn't even be a problem anymore is beyond me. He's truly the future of the company and I think he deserves everything he's given. Mic skills blow me away.
Rhodes gimmick: 9/10
7. Alberto Del Rio - Was the rising star last year but for me turned into a little bit of a joke nearing the Summer. I got tired of him after Money in the Bank and when he won the title I was happy but not over the moon. There's something about him that he had last year and doesn't have now. When he won the Rumble I really thought he was the next big thing. For some he is, for me he isn't. His gimmick though, is very good and refreshing.
Del Rio's gimmick: 8/10
8. John Cena - As said before whether you love him or hate him he entertains you. Whether you hate him and you just can't stand his promo's that's entertaining because he's making you hate him with his cheesy dancing and comparisons. Needs a change in character for me but is still a good talent.
Cena's gimmick: 6/10
9. Daniel Bryan - As you can tell I am rating superstars that entertain me and then rating their gimmick, when Daniel Bryan is in a match, Im watching without a doubt. So talented in the ring and yes we all know he's not the greatest on the mic but when he's in that ring tearing it up, I am entertained. Wanted him to be part of this conspiracy storyline but it didn't turn out. Current Mr Mitb is on a losing streak which I hope turns him into a heel. What's with the Jewish beard though? Very random.
Bryan's gimmick: 5/10
10. Christian - So hard because I also rank Sheamus and Ryder but Christian is so interesting and such a badass. A veteran is an understatement he's truly a great and I love watching him in action or on mic. He seems to be the leader of the Conspiracy faction so that's good, he has something. His feud with Sheamus is random but he just is so adjustable he can fit into any rivalry. Want a different theme though!
Christian's gimmick: 8/10
Thanks for reading i'll be doing my Vengeance predictions next Friday after SmackDown.