Daniel Bryan is the World Heavyweight Champion!

That’s right last night at the conclusion of Big Show vs. Mark Henry, Bryan cashed in his Money in the Bank and stole the world title away, not from Mark but from Big Show.

Show had finally won the world title for the first time in about 9 years to be knocked out by Mark and then have his gold snatched away by Daniel Bryan.

The event itself was good but it did seem to miss some chaos that we are used to on this sort of PPV.

The event kicked off with Zack Ryder taking on US Champion Dolph Ziggler in what was a great opening contest.

The Long Island Ice Z finally got his shot and finally walked away with the US Title his first singles championship in WWE. Zack’s future is looking bright but let’s hope he doesn’t burn out like John Cena did.

After that match we cut back stage to Booker talking to Alicia Fox and getting attacked by Cody.

Cody obviously trying to avoid the match later in the night or just making sure Booker is not at 100%.

Next was a Tag Team match for the WWE Tag Titles finally seeing AirBoom back in action after Evan’s suspension.

On screen it looks like it would be any normal match but a lot may have been hanging in the balance other than the titles.

As Evan had been recently suspended for failing the drug test WWE may not have wanted to keep him with a title and push him down the cards, this could of lead to the removal of AirBoom and also Kofi suffering as well. If AirBoom were to lose at TLC all of that could have happened. Luckily AirBoom did win and retain the Tag Titles.

With their new T-Shirts and other merchandise the future of AirBoom may be bright.

Their opponents, Primo and Epico also looked to have a future in the Tag division performing well and showing classic style and personality. Rosa Mendez is also a welcome addition to the team. Looks like Hunico or Sin Cara Negro has been dropped from this story and pushed down the cards to Superstars as his main rival is out on injury.

Next was a pretty good Tables match between Wade Barrett and The Viper Randy Orton.

It was a good back and forth contest but it was Randy who took the win with a surprise RKO as Wade jumped from the turnbuckle to slam Randy through a table below him. Randy’s Snake like reflexes came into play as he sprang from the table catching Barrett and coming down in an RKO causing Barrett’s legs to go through table.

Not the most brilliant of endings but acceptable.

Beth Phoenix emerged next to take on former Divas Champ Kelly Kelly.

A much better Divas contest again seeing another longer than usual match up and both Kelly and Beth shone through out.

The ending was a bit messy but Beth came out the victor.

Booker T made his way to the ring next to once again in be jumped by Cody and be taken to the back by trainers. The match looked like it would never happen.

With that match once again on hold we move into the Sledgehammer Ladder match between Triple H and Kevin Nash which was a match that really did show its age.

Kevin Nash being in his early 50s and Triple H being early 40s neither are in their prime, this showed more on Kevin than it did Triple H. If this match was being fought just a few years prior the limits could have been pushed further and I would have found it more entertaining, but it just lacked that buzz that the two men used to bring back in the day.

Triple H was the man to grab the Sledge and use it on Kevin, after a pedigree and another hit from the hammer Triple H took the win.

Earlier in the night Jack and Sheamus had a promo resulting in the next match. It was nothing special but was entertaining, a good way of showcasing both men and put a push on Sheamus further up the ranks as he won with a boot to Jacks face.

Mark Henry went head to head with Big Show next which would be there third encounter.

Big Show “hurt” his hand early on being played out well by the big man and became Marks focus of the match.

The match was short and lacked buzz but Big Show took the win after still being able to knock Mark out with the injured hand.

During celebration Mark attacks Big Show and DDT’s show onto a pile of Chairs. The crowd saw it coming as chants for Daniel Bryan came from the front row. Daniel was down the ramp quick as lighting and cashed in on the downed Big Show, no work needed just a quick pin and Big Show’s title reign came to an end before it even began.

Big Show stayed in the ring stunned but didn’t seem angry, but Bryan may have just put himself between a rock and a hard place a Triple Threat for the World Title maybe in the foreseeable future maybe even a Fatal 4 Way depending on what happens with Kane.

Booker T was then shown backstage saying he will still go ahead with his match. So next up is the young vs. old, Cody vs. Booker T.

Even with the two attacks Bookers character didn’t show much of the effects and Bookers performance was just as good as it has ever been.

Booker did lose to the second generation star but let’s hope he stays in the ring and off the announcers table.

Lastly was an interesting Triple Threat TLC match for the WWE Title. In my opinion it did lack that buzz again but it was a good match that saw some rather unique moments.

During the match Ricardo tried to climb a ladder and retrieve the title on behalf of Alberto Del Rio. He was cut short by CM Punk, after being stopped though Ricardo handcuffed Punk to the Ladder, Alberto then attempted to climb the ladder and CM Punk was forced to break the ladder in a way of escape and stopped Del Rio in the process.

Now free from the ladder Punk spent the rest of the match wearing the handcuff which became a handy weapon.

Later Punk found himself handcuffed to the second turnbuckle of the ring by the Miz, while stuck in his predicament Alberto and Miz attempt to retrieve the Belt. CM Punk’s only way of freeing himself was to remove the turnbuckle altogether, which he did.

As Del Rio and Miz fought atop two ladders Punk undid the turnbuckle as quickly as possible, as soon as it was undone the second rope flopped to the mat and Punk made a dash up the ladders.

He stopped Miz and Alberto sending them back to the mat and then climbed down and gave Miz a GTS.

Quickly back up the ladder and the Title stays with CM Punk.

A great end to this PPV.

Overall I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars, although it was a solid PPV it still lacked a buzz and chaos that we are used to for this style of PPV.

2012

Now 2012 is just round the corner and the date looms for the return of a Superstar, or someone else.

I have been doing some looking around seeing what people’s theories and predictions are and 3 in particular stand out.

The most obvious one is Chris Jericho, relating to the wording and his original entrance to the WWE as Y2J as 2000 was meant to be the end and everyone was on about Y2K. The (Y)ear 2012 (2)nd of (J)anuary in the video is claimed to be the end of the world as we know it, and he will come back and claim what is his. Other videos mention best in the world which is what he claimed to be. So maybe he will come to claim that name from CM Punk who is the current best in the world as well as the WWE title?

Theory number 2 is Batista. One of the passages read in the one of the clips is from what is called the Leviathan which was one of Batista’s early ring names.

The last theory, and most unlikely is Shane McMahon and the end of the PG era. The little girl that is in the latest video is meant to tell us when this person will arrive, who could that little girl be representing? Signs could point to Stephanie and there for the person being bought back maybe Shane. Claiming what is his could be in regards to him being the true heir to WWE and taking it back from Triple H and/or John Laurinaitis. Bringing the end to the world as we know it may refer to the end to the PG Era.

All of the above is theory and are rumours from across the web and nothing is of course confirmed.

That being said in my opinion I think it will be Chris Jericho as he is the most obvious even though he has said that he is in Hawaii on the date.

Questions for you.

So what did you think of TLC?

What are your theories on the 2012 return?

Well this will be my last blog of the year so I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New (Y)ear, we wait to see what (2)012 will bring and I will see you in (J)anuary.

Matty.D signing off for 2011!

Masked Kane Returns!

 

You read that title right, Masked Kane is back! Last night on the special 3 hour addition of Raw for the Slammy’s came to a close with Kane’s return, or should I say resurrection. Kane returned during the final match of the night of Mark Henry vs. John Cena. During the match Fire boomed on the stage and the lights went out, Kane’s video played and his music blared as Kane appeared at the top of the ramp wearing new wrestling gear and strange black mask. He came to the ring and Mark was quick to leave. Cena still groggy receives a Choke Slam. Kane then blasts his Fire from the ring posts, the lights turn red and the music plays again as Kane lifts the black mask to reveal another mask underneath similar to his last before he was unmasked way back when. Not only was Kane re-masked but he has also grown his hair out to old style and length.

The night also saw the reappearance of Road Dogg, Lita, Mick Foley and Tony Atlas to present different awards throughout the night.

The night started with Booker T and the now speaking Hornswoggle presenting the award for the “Tell Me I Did NOT Just See That” Moment of the year.

The winner was Good Ol’ J.R for his dancing skills against Michael Cole. This lead into a shockingly bad “Rap Battle” Between J.R and Cole, even worst so because J.R forgot his rap which he tweeted later.

Next Mick Foley and “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase Sr. presented the award for Holy S#@! Moment of the year.

The winner was Mark Henry and Big Show for the ring collapse at Vengeance. Big Show accepted the award before he went to head to head with Wade Barrett.

The match ended on a DQ as Wade brings a chair to the ring to have it punched back into his face.

Pipe Bomb of the year was next presented by former DX member Road Dogg, not someone I expected to see on WWE TV again yet there he was but I don’t think we will see much of him again.

The winner of the award was the creator of the phrase “Pipe Bomb” CM Punk.

He accepted the award accompanied by a manikin dressed like John Laurinaitis back in his wrestling days. CM Punk proceeded to embarrass the Interim GM by showing a very cheesy tribute video featuring clips from John’s wrestling days as well as time as head of talent relations.

Next up was the great looking Lita, a Diva from the past that was actually able to perform. If you don’t know who Lita is or what she can do look her up. This woman has fought in Steel Cages, gone through tables, flipped from the top rope on numerous occasions as well as almost breaking her neck jumping out of the ring and hitting the barricade. Lita is what current Divas should aim to be like.

Lita presented the award for Most Divalicous Moment of the year. Kelly Kelly won for a roll up pin to win her first Title but in my opinion it is an honor that should have gone to one of the Divas of Doom. Natalya was in the nominations for performing a Sharp Shooter on Eve and Alicia Fox at the same time and Beth was nominated for her top rope Glam Slam from Survivor Series.

The Divas champ and former Diva of the year Beth accompanied by Natalya came out to mock Kelly but Beth got a Slap for her troubles.

Santino Marella and the Bella twins presented the award for OMG moment of the year. The winner being Undertaker for kicking out of the Tombstone at Wrestlemania which was delivered by Triple H.

The Undertaker obviously wasn’t there but Triple H was. After being absent for the last 7 weeks on injury the King of Kings made his return and cut a great promo for his match against Kevin Nash this Sunday.

Next was the award for Trending star of the year presented by Tony Atlas and David Otunga. This was more unique award. The winner of the award would be the superstar that Trends first on Twitter during their Fatal 4 Way match.

The participants were, Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes and Daniel Bryan. The match was brilliant and was the best match of the night by far.

The winner of the match was Dolph Ziggler but winner of the Slammy was Zack Ryder.

Zack’s celebration was short lived though as Dolph attacked Zack taking the Slammy for himself.

The injured Christian was next to present the award for Game Changer of the Year. The winner was The Rock for accepting John Cena’s challenge for Wrestlemania next year. The Rock was obviously not present so John Cena accepted the award on his behalf and took the chance to put more heat on their match to happen next year.

The Miz and Alberto Del Rio tagged up to take on their TLC opponent and WWE Champion CM Punk who was teamed with the Viper Randy Orton.

Miz and Alberto picked up the win after Wade Barrett pulled Randy off the apron.

After the match Randy went after Barrett leaving Punk in the hands of Alberto and Miz. Punk soon found himself with his arm locked in a ladder as Alberto applies an Arm Bar.

Goldust and Vicki Guerrero presented the award for WWE A-Lister of the Year. The winner was Snookie from Jersey Shore for her appearance and match at Wrestlemania.

Snookie accepted the award via a Satellite message.

Sheamus was meant to have a match next against Jinder Mahal, but Jinder was running his mouth as he came to the ring and as he stepped through the ropes Sheamus booted him in the face and  left.

Rey Mysterio presented the biggest award of the night, Superstar of the Year. The reason it’s the biggest isn’t because it’s Superstar of the Year but because us the fans actually got to vote for this one.

CM Punk won as he is the Best in the World, better than all other superstars of this generation.

After Punk’s recent beating he was unable to accept the award so John Laurinaitis came and accepted on Punk’s behalf.

TLC

Well this weekend will see WWE’s last PPV of the Year TLC. Here is a quick list of the matches.

Intercontinental Championship

Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T

That’s right Booker T is making his way from the announcers table and to the Ring. Booker has annoyed us all for months with his drivel as a commentator but it will be great to see him back where he should be, in the ring.

Let’s hope he keeps wrestling and stops commentating altogether.

US Championship

Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder

After a lot of fighting Zack Ryder finally gets his shot at the US Title, but to get it John Cena had to give up his place in the WWE Championship match.

John Cena doesn’t have a match at all at this PPV, something that doesn’t happen very often while he is an active superstar. Expect a promo from him and some backstage appearances throughout Sundays show.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett

This feud has been getting hotter over the past few weeks and I think we are in for a great match. Randy is meant to pick the stipulation for the match but still has not announced anything. Signs point to a Table match. If Wade wins expect him to set his sights on the World Title.

Triple H vs. Kevin Nash

Sledgehammer Ladder Match

This is a more unique match, instead of a championship or briefcase hanging above the ring a Sledgehammer will be in its place.

You don’t win though by retrieving the Hammer like you would in your standard Ladder match; the person who retrieves it is legally allowed to use it. The winner will come when one man pins or submits the other.

It’s an interesting concept but I feel it may ruin the aspect of a Ladder match. The enjoyment of a Ladder match comes from the fight and struggle to retrieve the item above the ring, as retrieving the Sledge doesn’t win the match I feel we may lose some of that suspense.

Either way it will be great to see these two classic stars step back into the ring.

World Heavyweight Championship

Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Chairs Match

I am hoping that the chairs will make this match better than there last encounter but I don’t have high hopes for this match. That being said with the return of Kane we may see him get involved and possibly cost Mark the World Title.

WWE Championship

CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio

Triple Threat TLC

What should be a great match is the first ever Triple Threat TLC, even though we are in a PG era this should still shine.

Like I said before John Cena was meant to be in this match but he gave up his place to give Zack another chance to get a match for the US Title. It is good to actually have him out of the spot light for once and shine the light on other members of the WWE, it won’t be long though and he will be back in top position.

2/1/2012

For my American readers that is a British date, for you it is 1/2/2012. The reason I bring this date up is because it marks the return of another superstar. The teasers that have been on YouTube as well as during shows suggest Undertaker but to be sure we will have to wait till the 2^nd of Jan 2012.

Questions For you.

How do you feel about Kane’s return and his new look?

Do you agree with the Slammy results?

Who you think will be returning in 2012?

That’s all for now Matty.D signing off.