What's new
The Front Row Forums

Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

WWE 2012: Life After Vince

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
DISCLAIMER: The below press release was written by me. Vince McMahon is perfectly fine!

topbanner.jpg


November 27th, 2012: Vince McMahon in intensive care

The pro-wrestling world has gone into shock today following the news that Vince McMahon has suffered a series of heart attacks. While there is no word yet on the severity of the situation, it can be confirmed that the 67 year old chairman & CEO of the WWE has been rushed to Johns Hopkins Hospital where he has been placed into a medically induced coma.

A source close to the McMahon family has said they were "shocked, but cautiously optimistic".

"Vince McMahon is a fighter, always has been," said one family friend, "He can beat this".

While the wrestling community is obviously stunned by the news and sends their combined hopes and prayers to Vince and the entire McMahon family at this time, the internet is also abuzz with discussion as to the ramifications of this latest development.

McMahon, a man notoriously hard to wrest power from, is said to have left the company in a worrying state of disarray. His habit of keeping booking plans close to his chest and exercising sometimes excessive levels of creative control are notorious, and in his absence it is said that the writing team is scrambling to come up with plans for tomorrow night's Raw as well as upcoming PPVs.

"There's no word yet on how long he'll be out of action," stated one anonymous writer, "So it's chaos here as we all try to ensure that the show goes on. It's what Vince would have wanted".

It is believed that Paul Levesque (better known as Triple H) will take over the role of head of creative. His wife, McMahon's daughter Stephanie, is said to be reluctant to return to a full time creative role due to her commitment to her young family. Shane McMahon, the other McMahon child, left the company several years ago and has been unreachable for comment.

The wrestling world has been turned on its head by the news; but one thing is certain: the show will go on and there are interesting times ahead.

---------------------

topbanner.jpg


November 29th, 2012

While Vince McMahon remains in a medically induced coma at Johns Hopkins Hospital in New York, PW Insider can exclusively report that Triple H and the WWE team have not been idle in his absence.

Far from it, some have gone so far as to criticize Levesque's recent actions as a 'power grab', as the former multiple time WWE champion has been very active in scouting and signing talent from around the globe.

"While the cat's away, the mice will play," joked one WWE insider, "Paul (Levesque) has his own vision for this place and he is making good on his opportunity".

Some of the more recognizable names on Triple H's much discussed 'shopping list' include:

- Former WWE stars Paul Burchill, Monty Brown (Marcus cor Van), Amazing Kong, and John Morrison.
- Notable WWE alumni being called in for upcoming editions of Raw include Kevin Nash, Roddy Piper, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Adam 'Edge' Copeland, and Mick Foley.
- TNA talents Nick Aldis (better known as Magnus), Chris Parks (better known as Abyss), Shiima Ion (better known as Zema Ion), ODB, and Samoa Joe have allegedly been approached by representatives from the WWE.
- Independent stars such as Jimmy Jacobs, Adam Cole, Colt Cabana, Davey Richards, El Generico, Genki Horiguchi, Johnny Gargano, Kevin Steen, and Matt & Nick Cross allegedly lead a lengthy list of development talents being scouted.
- Former TNA talents Lacey von Erich, Velvet Sky, and Angelina Love have been approached by Dave 'Fit' Finlay as part of a revamped Diva's Division.

"Triple H is very much an old school booker," stated our anonymous source, "He has been strongly behind the revamped tag division and it's said he would like to see women's wrestling and cruiserweight wrestling being looked at as other revenue earners".

Some insiders have reported that Saturday Morning Slam may be reimagined as a cruiserweight/lucha style show with masked characters, comedy characters, and other kid friendly stars. The likes of Santino Marella, Hornswoggle, and Zack Ryder have been touted as potentially stars.

It can also be confirmed that the WWE have discussed a return to the brand split concept, as well as discussing a potential change away from 'gimmick specific pay-per-views.

"Paul is keen to resurrect the King of the Ring tournament," one excited writer confirmed, "And we've discussed a move away from the excessively PG material into something of a middle ground between child friendly and the over the top sexism of the Attitude Era".

More to come...
 
Last edited:

Eelementary

Post Whore
Messages
57,214
I hope Vince will be ok.

I really like what Paul Levesque is trying to do - his ambitions outlined above are a good step forward IMO.
 
Messages
2,839
This looks decent, as always hope you can keep it up...I always have trouble staying on top of diary writing, but I always love the Triple H takes over scenarios.
 

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
My biggest challenge isn't the writing as much as the not booking so far ahead that I am more excited to write that stuff than the stuff I need to write :lol:
 

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
RAW-wwe-raw-29521761-410-305.jpg


We're welcome to Raw with a quick update from JR, Michael Cole, and Jerry 'The King' Lawler as to the condition of WWE CEO & Chairman Vince McMahon, but there's scarcely time to dwell on the bad news before the music of Antonio Cesaro and our very European US Champion struts out to the ring for the first bout of the evening.

Match 1 - Antonio Cesaro & Wade Barrett vs. Kofi Kingston & R-Truth

In a bout featuring both the US & IC champions and their respective challengers, fans are treated to a late candidate for MOTY as four of the best young stars in the WWE universe pull out all the stops to put on a fantastic match.

A number of near falls and innovative counters feature - as well as the unorthodox Kingston offense against the many uppercut variants in Cesaro's arsenal. The 1-2-3 comes after Wade Barrett is able to connect with the Souvenir Elbow on Kofi Kingston. Cesaro keeps R-Truth out of the ring and the match ends at 14:17.

WINNER: Wade Barrett & Antonio Cesaro by pinfall after 14:17 (Barrett on Kingston)
RATING: 92%

A European Alliance?

As R-Truth helps a dazed Kofi Kingston to the back, Cesaro gets on the mike to insult the US and talk about European superiority. This angle seems to please the former Nexus leader, who nods in agreement and raises the US Champion's hand as they let the boos and USA chants wash over them.
RATING: 80%

Ziggler, You Dog

We cut backstage where some shaky handicam footage is being viewed. In the bottom corner of the image is the watermark 'Maddoxed', although we cannot see who is operating the camera.

A documentary style angle of Dolph Ziggler, towel thrown around his shoulders; hitting on Layla and Alicia Fox. The two girls definitely seem intrigued by his advances, but their grins turn to looks of embarrassment when Vickie Guerrero enters the frame. She begins to berate Ziggler and the camera switches off.
RATING: 64%

COMMERCIAL

Consequences and Repercussions

We return from break with a very irate Vickie Guerrero in the ring. With her is an apologetic Dolph Ziggler, who is still trying to plead his case as Vickie begins to speak.

"Excuse me! Excuse me!"

The fans don't oblige, but Vickie continues on. She berates Ziggler, talks about how any man would be lucky to have her, and then dumps him on national television.

Ziggler's pleas immediately switch to the offence, as he tells Vickie she had probably outlived her use to him by now anyway. The crowd loves it, but Vickie isn't done there.

"You think you're funny? You think you can treat me like this and get away with it? You messed with the wrong woman!"

She goes on to inform Ziggler that he will have a match with Sheamus tonight, and if he loses - he's fired.

This brings out John Cena who is on hand to offer his commiserations to both of them. Vickie informs John that she is not looking for a rebound, and that he should go back to taking advantage of dizzy schoolgirls.

This brings AJ to the party, and she looks entirely pleased (and entirely hot) as she laughs at Vickie's misfortune. It's perhaps not the best idea ever though, as Vickie informs her that she will be teaming up with John Cena tonight against... Alberto del Rio and The Big Show!

That suitably chastens AJ, but Cena only looks frustrated.

OVERALL: 83%

Match 2 - Ryback vs. 3MB (Drew McIntyre & Heath Slater

The two man rock band got the jobbers' entrance and that's exactly what they did in this match. While the numbers advantage did give them a brief advantage and Jinder Mahal interfered on one occasion - it was all Ryback.

McIntyre eats a Meathook over the top rope and Heath Slater gets Shellshocked for the 1-2-3 after 5:31.
WINNER: Ryback by pinfall on Heath Slater after 6:17.
RATING: 65%

Punk'd

After the pinfall, Mahal hits the ring and attempts to attack Ryback from behind. The big man fights off his Indian assailant easily, but McIntyre and Slater re-enter the fray and begin to wear Ryback down.

This brings out CM Punk, who slides a table into the ring and directs traffic as he looks to gain the upper hand heading into TLC.

3MB have Ryback positioned on the top turnbuckle for a superplex through the table, but he reverses their attempt and puts Mahal and McIntyre through the table instead. The frenzied charge of Slater is met with a Meathook and CM Punk is forced to bail. That back-fired!
RATING: 89%

COMMERCIAL

Back from the break with more action as Eve Torres defends her Diva's Championship against Kaitlyn.

Match 3: Eve Torres (c) vs. Kaitlyn for the WWE Diva's Title
The fans couldn't care less about this one - a scrappy affair that's indicative of what the women's division has become.

The re-debut of Kharma is met with slightly less indifference as the big woman hits the ring and lays out both competitors to cause a no contest.
WINNER: No contest after 4:09 (Kharma interference).
RATING: 52%

Post match, Kharma treats the Diva's Champion to a brutal looking Implant Buster to announce her return to the WWE.

Heyman has a plan

We find a somewhat panicked CM Punk backstage where Paul Heyman is doing his best to calm him down.

Punk is worried about beating Ryback again at TLC, but Heyman advises him he has a plan and to leave it to him.
RATING: 85%

Match 4: The Prime Time Playas vs. International Assault vs. The Usos

The announcing team advise us that this match is for a future tag title shot against Daniel Bryan & Kane, and the match is suitably fast paced to highlight the importance of the renewed division.

All three teams give a good showing of themselves in a remarkably competitive match, but it's the much maligned Prime Tima Playas who get the 1-2-3 after O'Neill hits the Clash of the Titans on Jimmy Uso to get the 1-2-3 and a title shot at TLC.
WINNERS: Prime Time Playas by pinfall after 11:43 (O'Neill on Jimmy Uso)
RATING: 74%

COMMERCIAL

A Tribute to Vince McMahon
We're back from break and the crowd goes bananas as Triple H's music hits and the former WWE Champion makes his way out to the ring looking somber.

"As you all know, Vince McMahon is currently in hospital and in critical condition following a series of massive heart-attacks last week," The Game begins with a tell-tale choke in his voice.

The commentary team discuss the developments and Triple H's own relationship with McMahon.

"Vince has always been about putting the business first and I know he'd have wanted the show to go on. The WWE Universe is just as much a part of the McMahon family as I am, and I know he'll be so moved when he sees this edition of Raw and reads all of your messages of support and encouragement".

A 'Thank You Vince" chant starts and Triple H pauses to let it run its course.

"I'm not out here to be sad or to slow things down, but I wanted to take a moment to tha-"

The microphone cuts out and Triple H looks first confused and then furious as the Titantron displays Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns - the men who have dubbed themselves 'Shield'.

Ambrose and Rollins begin a sarcastic, slow clap.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Ambrose says with obvious amusement, "I couldn't sit back here and listen to this crap anymore. You're out here eulogizing Vince McMahon like he's a saint when he's the absolute worst thing for the WWE Universe. For decades his ego, his penchant for big, stupid cattle like Ryback, and his colossal sense of self importance have held this business back. It's him who wanted to call it 'Sports Entertainment' rather than wrestling. It's him who forces the likes of John Cena and Hornswoggle and... well, you down our throats. Far be it from me to speak ill of the soon to be dead".

Seth Rollins quickly raps on the table to indicate he is touching wood.

"...but maybe Vince being in a coma is the best thing that could happen to this business. We trade down from his massive ego to your not inconsiderable ego and -"

"Cut the feed," a furious Triple H shouts, "Cut the God damn feed".

The feed cuts and Triple H stamps around the ring in almost childish frustration as we go to commercial.
RATING: 67%

COMMERCIAL

The shock-waves from the Shield's disrespectful display are still being discussed as Santino Marella maks his way out to the ring for his match. His smile soon fades when his opponent is revealed.

Match 5 - Santino Marella vs Randy Orton

Marella extends his hand for a hand-shake pre match but Orton doesn't look at all interested. He works over the lovable Italian superstar in short, brutal fashion and finishes it up with an RKO. The fans can't decide whether to cheer or boo.
WINNER: Randy Orton by pinfall after 3:05
RATING: 67%

AJ & Cena Interview

Matt Striker is backstage where he interviews AJ and John Cena about their upcoming match against the current World Heavyweight Champion and a former WWE Champion. AJ seems to have withdrawn into her shell, but Cena does his best to instill some courage in her.

He talks about long odds and having been in tight spots before, and is confident that he and AJ can overcome the odds tonight.
RATING: 85%

COMMERCIAL

MATCH 6 - Team Hell No (c) vs. The Rhodes Scholars

Cody Rhodes makes his return from injury to team up with his former partner, and the two cocky young superstars give a great account of themselves in this competitive and entertaining match. Kane & Bryan play up the tension between them but are able to get the win when Kane reluctantly breaks up a 2 on 1 situation and Bryan is able to lock in the No Lock on Rhodes to get a submission victory after 11:11.
WINNERS: Team Hell No by submission (Bryan on Rhodes) after 11:11
RATING: 84%

COMMERCIAL

It's time for our main event as AJ and John Cena face near impossible odds against The Big Show and Alberto del Rio.

MATCH 7 - Big Show & Alberto del Rio vs. John Cena & AJ

This match tells a great story and Cena tells it well, the too brave face doing his very best to ensure AJ never has to tag in as he tries to battle both del Rio and Show at the same time.

The action looks ominous for AJ when Cena is low-bridged out of the ring by del Rio, who promptly falls upon him with punches and kicks. Big Show goes to the ropes and opens them to allow AJ in and the poor girl reluctantly accepts.

She enters the ring and Big Show puts his hands behind his back and offers her a free swing. Outside the ring, del Rio has been back-body dropped on the floor and Cena re-enters the ring unbeknownst to Show! He smacks Big Show in the mouth and the giant staggers backwards in surprise.

Cena gains control of things with the super Cena act, but it all falls apart when he is shoved back into his corner and bumps into AJ. The referee signals a tag and before Cena can dispute it, he's dragged to the outside by Big Show.

Alberto del Rio, the legal man, invites AJ into the ring but shows a remarkable amount of chivalry by refusing to strike her. He instead wrestles her over his knee and is preparing to administer a spanking when AJ retaliates with a hard slap. del Rio staggers back to his corner and Big Show tags himself in. He signals for the chokeslam and Cena is too late to stop it - as the ref tries to keep him out of the ring. Big Show gets the 1-2-3.
WINNERS: Big Show & Alberto del Rio by pinfall (Show on AJ) after 15:09
RATING: 71%

Gloating and Downfall

A clearly ecstatic Vickie Guerrero makes her way down the ramp applauding the display and gloating as Cena checks on the unconscious AJ. Big Show and del Rio make their way to the back.

Shield hit the ring and surround Cena, who stands over AJ protectively. Rollins makes a dart for Cena and eats a mouthful of fist and Ambrose is treated to more of the same. A spear from Roman Reigns puts Cena on his back and then all three pile on. Vickie Guerrero is powerless, but Triple H is on his way to the ring.
RATING: 54%

The interim chairman is all business and Shield are quick to clear the ring as the Game looks for a measure of revenge. Shield beat a retreat through the crowd and Triple H turns his anger towards somebody else.

"Vickie," he shouts, "This is all your fault. Your schoolgirl behavior, your corruption, and your petulance have put an innocent woman in this position. She's been hurt. John Cena has been hurt. Your credibility has been hurt".

Guerrero tries to argue her case but he's hearing none of it.

"Appointing you as general manager was a mistake," he concedes, "You're fired".

The last image of the show is a teary-eyed Vickie Guerrero and a still frustrated Triple H.
RATING: 86%

---------------
OVERALL: 78%

Notes

Vickie Guerrero will be off TV for the next 2-3 months as she takes some time to spend with her family.

Kharma has joined the company on a 13 month deal.
 

Big Pete

Referee
Messages
29,116
Good opening show Mis.

It read like an authentic show and I appreciated that you didn't go overboard with angles. The angles were quite good and the straight out matches complimented the show nicely.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the road to TLC.
 

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
Quick Superstars, Saturday Morning Slam, and Main Event Results

WWE SUPERSTARS

3MB (Heath Slater & Jinder Mahal) def. Brodus Clay & Zack Ryder: 69%
Drew McIntyre figured in the finish, tripping up Clay and allowing Slater to roll the funkasaurus up.

Michael McGuillicuddy def. Hiro Nagata: 20%
Nagata is a trialist and promising young gun from IWGP, but was fed to McGuillicuddy in a pretty short match. He managed to look good in short bursts, but seemed off the WWE pace.

Kharma def. Alicia Fox: 55%
Kharma followed up her Raw debut with a short squash win over Alicia Fox.

Damien Sandow def. Sin Cara: 81%
Sandow won a good back and forth match in the main event after running down the crowd for supporting a masked man and questioning what Cara has to hide. Clean win following the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

WWE MAIN EVENT

Damien Sandow def. Ted DiBiase: 75%
Similar to his Superstars match, Sandow ran down the crowd to bring out DiBiase and his DiBiase Posse. Short match with Sandow treating the crowd to his victory cartwheel post match.

Cody Rhodes & Eve def. Brodus Clay & Layla: 75%
Rhodes picked up the 1-2-3 on a clearly out of favour Brodus Clay following the Cross Rhodes. During the match, Eve left Rhodes on his own after Kharma's music hit and she fled through the crowd.

Ryback def. Jinder Mahal
Very short match with Ryback hitting Shellshock inside of two minutes for the win. He then fought off both Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater before hitting Mahal with a second Shellshock to give the crowd another reason to cheer.

Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara, and The Usos def. 3MB (Heath Slater & Drew McIntyre) and the Prime Time Playas: 76%
Fun main event match which saw Mysterio and Sin Cara hitting Titus O'Neill with stereo 619s for the 1-2-3. Everybody looked good out there, with Slater and McIntyre still selling the effects of their run in with Ryback earlier in the show.

SATURDAY MORNING SLAM

Team Hell No (c) def. 3MB (Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal): 91%
Kane put McIntyre down for the 1-2-3 following a Choke Slam to retain the tag titles. The match also featured run-ins from Hornswoggle and Great Khali, who helped to run off Heath Slater.

Alberto del Rio def. Justin Gabriel: 76%
Gabriel interrupted del Rio's complaints about having to work on a Saturday, but wasn't able to beat him in a match. del Rio forced him to tap out to the cross armbreaker after crotching him on the top rope.
 

Bulldog Force

Referee
Messages
20,619
WWE is getting greedy with Saturday Morning Slam and WWE main event. Seriously, who wants to watch 4 wrestling shows a week? And heck, Saturday morning people have other necessities that need to be done. I hardly think they'll want (or have time) to wake up to wrestling. Raw and Smackdown are more than enough. They don't need those 2 extra shows.
 

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
Not to mention the fact Saturday Morning Slam is only 30 minutes long and catered solely towards children, meaning it can't even be used to further storylines.
 

Big Pete

Referee
Messages
29,116
I actually like Main Event, it generally does a good job of promoting the superstars and why the particular match is important and the match-ups tend to live up to the bill. I thought Ziggler/Miz was a very good match, one that is actually worth going out of your way to see.

Shows like Morning Slam and NXT don't bother me. They're non-cannon and serve their own purposes.

But yeah, the WWE should cut back on weekly television by getting rid of Superstars and cutting Raw back to two hours.
 

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
1257498.jpg

Smackdown Spoilers

We open Smackdown with a bang as Wade Barrett makes his way down to the ring for the night's opening contest, but it's the main event that Michael Cole and JR are discussing – with Sheamus set to face The Big Show inside a steel cage with the world title on the line.

MATCH ONE: R-Truth v Wade Barrett
The battle of the midcard title contenders produces a solid if unspectacular opener, with the two not really meshing. R-Truth looks to be building momentum towards a win, but Antonio Cesaro's music distracts him long enough for Barrett to hit the Souvenir Elbow for the 1-2-3 after 8:51.
WINNER: Wade Barrett by pinfall
RATING: 67%

After the match, the two Europeans begin to work over R-Truth, but this brings out The Miz and Kofi Kingston who help R-Truth fight off the heels.
RATING: 83%

As the trio of babyfaces stand tall, Booker T comes out to announce that later tonight we'll see The Miz and Antonio Cesaro squaring off with the gold one the line.
RATING: 78%

We get a video package highlighting Shield's recent activity including their assaults on WWE wrestlers and their disrespectful display regarding Vince McMahon's medical condition.
RATING: 74%

COMMERCIAL

The fans give their typical mixed reaction to John Cena as the Doctor of Thuganomics makes his way down to the ring after the break. Far from being all smiles, Cena is looking pissed off as we see highlights from the match against Big Show and Alberto del Rio on Raw, complete with the brutal WMD to AJ that sealed the match.

Cena isn't out here to spout catch phrases or make funny references to Big Show's weight. He's out here because he wants to kick Big Show's ass. A real man doesn't hit a woman and if Big Show is half the man he claims to be, he'll come out here and accept the beating that is coming to him.

Big Show declines to comment.
RATING: 89%

It isn't The Big Show who comes out, but The Game himself. The interim WWE CEO makes his way out to rapturous applause, but Cena isn't sure what to expect from his sometime enemy. Triple H gets into the ring and the two shake hands.

Hunter talks about the state of the WWE and how things have been a mess under Vickie Guerrero's guidance. He'd never have let a match like that go ahead under his watch and he wants John to know that both parties involved will be punished. Alberto del Rio will face Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match tonight and Big Show's cage match with Sheamus is his punishment.

Cena argues that, with all respect to Sheamus, he couldn't possibly punish Big Show the way Cena wants to. Triple H apologises, but says his word is final. Cena gets in Triple H's face and says that he doesn't need Triple H's permission to take care of business. Triple H agrees, so he has security escort Cena out of the building.

RATING: 89%

COMMERCIAL

MATCH 2: Randy Orton vs Alberto del Rio – Last Man Standing
This match is of the typically high standard these two have displayed in the past. The pair play off their extensive experience with one another from past feuds and the house show circuit, crafting a remarkably enjoyable match that nears pay-per-view quality.

The story is that of a clearly frustrated Orton battling a wily opponent who mercilessly assaults Orton's right arm in an attempt to weaken it for the cross arm-breaker.

The finish sees Del Rio attempting a plancha to the outside where he is caught with a spectacular (and brutal looking) RKO on the floor. The count is academic and Orton stands tall having punished Del Rio for his part in AJ's assault.
WINNER: Randy Orton by ten count in 14:42
RATING; 89%

Backstage Matt Striker is with CM Punk and Paul Heyman to discuss the recent friction with Ryback as well as the upcoming TLC match at TLC. Heyman again assures fans and the WWE that he has nothing to do with Shield, but appreciates that they see the gross bias that has seen CM Punk unfairly treated time and time again.

Punk claims that Tyson Kidd is beneath him, but will be a channel for the anger that the continued injustices he has faced into beating the plucky Canadian.
RATING: 75%

MATCH 3: CM Punk vs Tyson Kidd
This one is a short but entertaining affair, with the always popular Hart Dungeon graduate offering up some spirited (if short lived) resistance before being caught with the G2S after attempting to come off the top rope.
WINNER: CM Punk by pinfall in 8:21
RATING: 85%

Despite having picked up the win, Punk is quick to lock in the Anaconda Vice as he continues to vent his frustrations. This, of course, brings out Ryback who attempts to get at Punk. The champion is quick to bale into the crowd, leaving Ryback to lead the crowd in a FEED ME MORE chant.
RATING: 86%

COMMERCIAL

MATCH 4: Kharma vs Natalya
This is Kharma's first match on one of the big two shows and she gives a good account of herself against one of the WWE's more talented female workers. Natalya never really looks like causing the upset against the much bigger woman and eats the Implant Buster for the 1-2-3 after 4:29.
WINNER: Kharma by pinfall in 4:29
RATING: 67%

After the match, we see footage on the Maddox Cam of Diva's Champion Eve Torres watching the match backstage. The camera pans out to show Ron Simmons... DAMN!

We cut backstage to where Mick Foley is seen in Sheamus' dressing room. The two are having a good-natured chat about beer and women when Foley turns serious. He reminds Sheamus of the injury the Irishman had mentioned earlier, and says it's not a good idea to step into the steel cage with a man like Big Show if he isn't at 100%.

Sheamus assures the hardcore legend that he is fit enough to compete, but Foley speaks of his own extensive experience in tough matches and inside the cage, and things it is too risky. He says Sheamus will have other opportunities, but the Celtic Warrior won't hear it. He pats Foley on the back and leaves.
RATING: 86%

MATCH 5: Antonio Cesaro © vs. The Miz for the United States Title
This match is another good one and highlights the growing depth in the WWE midcard. The Miz still draws mixed responses from the fans following his recent turn, but Cesaro's anti-American line soon has them chanting U-S-A with Miz as the defacto benificiary.

Cesaro's superior size and strength shows throughout, but the former WWE Champion proves tougher opposition than Cesaro is used to and he is frustrated in his attempts to secure the win. He's crossed the line when he catches Miz with a blatant low blow, but this brings out Kofi Kingston who explodes into the ring with that 'controlled frenzy' and draws the DQ.
WINNER: Antonio Cesaro by DQ after 9:09
RATING: 79%

COMMERCIAL

Backstage after the break and we see Dolph alone in the dressing room when he is approached by Hornswoggle. The little green man mocks Dolph for being 'with all his friends' and the Money in the Bank winner doesn't find it amusing. Before it can get out of hand, Justin Gabriel rekindles his former big brother relationship by intervening and challenges Dolph to 'pick on someone his own size'.
RATING: 84%

MATCH 6: Justin Gabriel vs. Dolph ziggler
Much like Punk's match from earlier in the evening, this one is a tale of the plucky undercarder providing some short lived offense before the inevitable pinfall. Ziggler shows more intensity than usual in light of his recent woes, picking up the win after 8:56 with the zig-zag.
WINNER: Dolph ziggler by pinfall in 8:56
RATING: 86%

COMMERCIAL

We're back from the break and it's time for our main event, where The Big Show will put his World Heavyweight Title on the line against Sheamus in a brutal steel cage match.

MATCH 7: The Big Show © v Sheamus in a Steel Cage match
This one is an epic surpassing their Hell in a Cell match, with the big men making more use of the cage's offensive capabilities than they did in their previous pay per view encounter. The excellent chemistry the men have built up is again displayed – with Sheamus looking like the over-matched smaller man against The Big Show's raw size and force.

Despite the size difference, it is Sheamus who battles hardest earlier on as his speed allows him to run Big Show ragged. A Brogue Kick in the ninth minute puts Show down for two.

The mystery injury that Mick Foley mentioned earlier in the broadcast comes into play as the match goes on, with Sheamus' attempt to hit White Noise on the big man thwarted when it appears as if his back has been tweaked. The match continues, but now Sheamus has become the mouse to Big Show's cat as he shows a clear lack of mobility.

Lawler and Cole inform the fans at home that Sheamus had received clearance to wrestle from his own private doctor, but that a WWE physician had expressed doubts over his fitness following a fall during training.

The injury – real or no – definitely comes into play as Sheamus attempts to climb out of the cage after a brutal 15 minute affair. Nearing the top he seems to seize up, allowing Big Show to drag him down and hit him with the chokeslam. This alone isn't enough to take Sheamus out, but a WMD puts him out cold and Show picks up the 1-2-3 to retain his title.
WINNER: Big Show by pinfall after 17:55
RATING: 85%

Big Show celebrates his way up the ramp but the cameras soon pan back to the ring where the three members of Shield have leapt the barricade and entered the cage. While Seth Rollins hastily pad-locks the cage closed from the inside, Reigns and Ambrose go after the still downed Sheamus.

Reigns drags Sheamus to his feet where he holds him there for Ambrose to hit with a series of jabs followed by a rather sick head-butt to the face. Reigns than lays the big man out with an assisted triple power bomb.

WWE security personal are at ringside trying to get through the door, with Triple H among them and looking furious. While referees struggle with a pair of bolt-cutters, the action in the ring continues to devolve as Ambrose and Reigns stomp on the unconscious Irishman. Rollins punctuates their brutal assault with a diving elbow from the top rope and this seems to be enough to push Triple H over the edge.

The WWE CEO shoves the referees aside and uses his trademark sledgehammer to bash the lock open. The three members of Shield hastily scuttle up the cage and over it, leaving a fuming Triple H standing over the battered and bloody Celtic Warrior.

In an eerie tribute to CM Punk's actions at Money in the Bank in 2011, Ambrose pauses halfway over the barricade to blow Triple H a kiss.
RATING: 80%

Triple H doesn't let them have the last word, however. The CEO gets on the mike and says that he won't force one of his employees to do something that he won't do himself. If Shield want to declare war on the WWE, then they'll get a war. He's throwing out an open challenge to any member of Shield to face him at TLC, and that's what we end the night on.

Rollins, Ambrose, and Reigns – already in the stands – pause to consider the offer. Ambrose produces a mike (from God knows where) and replies that there isn't anything in it for Shield. They aren't in this for themselves, but they have a manifesto and they intend to see it played out.

Triple H asks to know what it is they claim to be shielding the WWE Universe from, and Ambrose reiterates their stance that they fight against injustice and the status quo that has come to exist in pro wrestling.

Rollins takes the mike and says that if Triple H wants any of them in a match, he'll need to give them a reason to accept. As it stands, they hold all the power and can continue taking out his favourites at their leisure.

Triple H again asks what they want. Shield want what the WWE Universe wants – they want the McMahons, and HHH by association, as far away from pro wrestling as they can be. They are a blight on wrestling and one of many things that Shield hope to protect the world from.

Triple H thinks this over and Ambrose asks what Triple H is waiting for. Does he want to ask something of them?

Triple H says all he wants is to kick their asses and if putting his job on the line is what it takes, he'll do it. He'll face any one of them at TLC and will step away from the business if he loses. But he isn't going to lose to some 'jumped up indy darling' and he sure as hell isn't going to let this match end by pinfall. Whoever is fool enough to step into his ring is going to leave it on a stretcher.
RATING: 81%
 
Messages
2,839
Really enjoying where this is going. Ofcourse the Shield will pick up the W at TLC...but the slowburning long term payoff is going to be interesting. War Games, it has to be War Games! Is Shane coming back? or is it The Cliq (the guys that ushered in the last change) vs the Shield? Ooooh the possibilities.
 

Misanthrope

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
47,627
Argh. Save game corrupted, so I've had to restart from January 2013. I'll just consider all of this a wash and start afresh.

Le sigh.
 
Messages
2,839
Thats a shame dude, I've booked up to my first PPV on the ROH shit, gonna get into it tonight and tomorrow as the weather's shit here at the mo and I prob wont be heading out on the drink. I have some interesting shit lined up...I envisage it being like the ECW on TNN show, with a lot less carnage and a lot more athleticism. Been watching some WCCW and the like recently, trying to get a feel for how the promos led to the matches in an era where chairshots weren't exactly an everyday occurence.
 
Top