Fox Den Sports

Fallout from the Rumble and other Stuff

**Reports coming out this morning that CM Punk is injured/needing surgery. He will be addressing the universe on RAW this morning

(Just a reminder some of what you read is my own opinion about this week)

CM Punk is out to chat with the Universe wearing a sling on his right arm. Punk has a right tricep tear. OMG Drew is out and just when you thought he would be nice, he gets nasty. (IMO — No need for Drew to be out here) Here comes Sami Zayn.

Sami faces Drew in the main event. It’s been a good match so far. Sami is holding his own. Drew with the trash talk and pure nastiness. It took a low blow to help Drew win.

Rhea chatting about if Bayley chooses her at Wrestlemania. (I would rather see Becky than Bayley against Rhea) Time for this belt to change hands. It’s getting stale

DIY facing Judgement Day for the Tag Belts. (I wish they would split the tag belts, each show needs its own tag belts, revive the tag division)

Cody is on his way to the ring, this should be interesting. Love hearing Sam announce. As Cody said to make Wrestlemania 40 official, Seth has come out. The argument is a valued one.

Kofi against Gunther for the Intercontentional Title. Love seeing the General being pushed to his limits.

Bayley got special permission to appear on RAW tonight. Bayley was talking about her decision when Rhea walked out, she was left in the ring by Nia who is targeting Rhea. Bayley will make his decision on Friday at Smackdown.

*NXT — Carmelo Hayes/Trick Williams in the semi-final match for the Dusty Rhodes Classic facing the LWO (Wilde/Del Toro) Hayes/Williams pulled out the win. (Trick has double duty on Sunday trying to win the Dusty Classic along with his match against Ilja for the NXT Men’s title

Tatem Paxley is playing a good part right now, she is obsessed but a person who would do anything for Lyra. Making sure she can keep the Women NXT title.

Chase U closed — change in storyline. Thanks to Jacey things are still going

Heritage Cup — Noam Dar facing Von Wagner

Added to Vengeance Day — No disqualification match between Joe Gacy facing Dijak

Trick and Ilja chatted in the ring about their match on Sunday. Braun Brekker/Baron Corbin jumped Trick, and Carmelo out to help. I’m not sure what is going on with Ilja.

**Smackdown — Corey Graves is now the main host of Smackdown along with Wade Barrett

Logan Paul (I can’t stand the guy, it needs to be knocked off his perch) came out to discuss his match with Kevin Owens. He has the balls to use brass knuckles and has a plate in his hand but threatens to sue Kevin for a cast on his hand. (Paul is all mouth) I love the fact that Kevin beat Austin Theory with brass knuckles thanks to Logan Paul

Naomi and Tiffany Straton both signed with Smackdown. (I can’t wait for Charlotte to return, and have a match with Tiffy)

Fatal – 4 ways for the right to earn a Tag Team Title show. Pretty Deadly/Pete Dunn & Tyler Bate/LWO/Angel/Berto. It was a fast-paced match as you would expect. Pete Dunn/Tyler Bate win the match facing the winners of the RAW Fatal-4 way for the right to head to the Elimination Chamber for the Tag Belts.

Bayley makes her call for who she will face at Wrestlemania 40. (There have been rumours for months of a switch for Bayley from Heel to Babyface). Tonight was the change. I had lost stock in Bayley when she became a heel and I felt she had slid down the card some, needed some respect back and I think she will get it back now.

**With Bayley’s choice, it will be The Elimination Chamber to help decide who is facing Rhea at Wrestlemania.

Roman is in the ring to trash-talk everyone whom Roman thinks is beneath him. (have you noticed that no bloodline shirts are being worn by Roman, Jimmy and Solo. Roman has a go at Seth cause he says that Seth is just an afterthought. Cody is on Smackdown to give his answer. ( I have my own thoughts on his answer and will share once Smackdown is over) The look on Roman’s face was beyond priceless. (Cody says, I’m coming for that title but not at Wrestlemania) Love the fact that once Cody departed the ring, no words were spoken, the crowd reaction was all that was needed along with The Rocks theme in the background. I have never seen The Rock with so much intensity before. You can see that Roman has no clue what to think but he is holding his own.

**My thoughts

Everyone is upset with Cody stepping aside for The Rock. For the match with Roman, they need to take the belt off him. There is still an Elimination Chamber to take place at the end of February in Perth. Roman was originally not scheduled from what I read but with the injury to CM Punk, everything has changed. (from what I have been able to find out, Punk has had surgery, looking at a possible return sometime in July or August but that all depends on how his body recovers from surgery and how rehab goes)

For the match to be in my book a ligament match they need to take the belt off Roman. That could happen at Chamber with Randy Orton getting the belt. With the belt gone the match between Rock and Roman would be for the head of the table and could go either way. Putting the World title on Cody makes sense with the injuries that Seth is carrying. It would get Seth off so he could work on injuries and get healed. Also with Cody taking on Seth, Cody eliminates the threat of Solo/Jimmy interfering in the match for Roman to keep the belt.

Royal Rumble Part 3

I decided during the preshow to break this PPV into 3 parts. Part 2 has the Women’s Rumble, the Fatal-4 Way and the United States Championship match. Part 1 is my pre-match thoughts before the show started.

Wrestlers in ( ) were eliminated.

Mens Royal Rumble

Jey Uso — Jey gets the oh crap look on his face as Jimmy’s music starts. (set up for their Wrestlemania match)
Jimmy Uso
Greyson Waller — I know he is an Aussie but so annoying.
Andrade
Carmello Hayes from NXT. (I look for his call up soon)(Greyson Waller)
Shinsuke Nakamura
Santos Escobar
Karrion Kross (Bobby Lashley)
Dominik Mystero (Brun Brekker)
Carlito (Santos Escobar)
Bobby Lashley (Carlito, Karrion Kross)
Ludwig Kaiser
Austin Theory
Finn Balor (have read that his contract expires after Wrestlemania)(Carmello Hayes)
Cody Rhodes (Austin Theory, Shinsuke, Gunther, C.M. Punk)
Bronson Reed (Andrade)
Kofi Kingston (Ludwig, Kaiser)
Gunther (Kofi, Jey Uso, The Miz)
Ivar
Bron Brekker (Jimmy Uso, Ivar, Omos)
Omos (Bronson Reed)
Pat Macaffe (Eliminated himself — Had one look at Brekker and Omos going, Im out)
J.D Mcdonagh
R-Truth
The Miz
Damien Priest (R-Truth)
C.M Punk (Dirty Dom,Drew McIntyre)
Ricochet
Drew McIntyre (Ricochet, Sami Zayn)
Sami Zayn (Damien Priest)

For the first time in 26 years (Stone Cold last went back to back) that a wrestler has done what only 4 other Wrestlers have done, winning back to back Rumbles.

Before Cody even leaves the ring he calls out to Roman that he will see him at Wrestlemania.

It was an interesting show. Some of the surprises were good, like Naomi and Jade (her Mom passed away which is what I think slowed down her debut)

The Fatal 4-way was not really any surprise but it was good to see them set up Roman/Cody for Wrestlemania 40.

See you this week for the fall out from the show

Royal Rumble 2024 — Part 2

Main show — Michael Cole announcing along with Corey Graves. Pat Macffee has returned to join Cole and Corey. (Cole knew about this)

70 days until Wrestlemania

*Women’s Rumble (the wrestler in ( ) is who was eliminated

Natalya
Naomi (Alba Fire)(Becky)
Bayley (Indi Hartwell)(Candace)(Tegan Kox)(Maxxine Dupree, Bianca,Tiffany)(Liv)
Candace LaRae
TNA Knock out Champion Jordynne Grace (beat Naomi for the Title)
Indi Hartwell
Asuka (Candace)
Ivy Nile
Katana Chance (Asuka,Kiari)
Bianca Belair (Jordynne Grace)
Kairi Sane (Candace)
Tegan Kox (Natalya)
Kayden Carter (Kari,Asuka)
Chelsea Green
Piper Niven (Kayden Carter)
Xia Lee
Zelina Vega
Maxxine Dupree
Nia Jax (Xia Lee, Ivy Nile, Piper Niven, Katiana Chance, Valhalla, Shayna, Michin, Shotzi)
Shotzi
Becky Lynch (Chelsea Green)
Alba Fire
Shayna Baszler
Valhalla
Michin
Zoey Stark (Zelina)
Roxanne Perez from NXT
Jade Cargill (Nia Jax – Jade picked up Nia like it was nothing)(Naomi)(I can see a feud with Bianca Belair in the future)
Tiffany Stratton (Roxanne Perez)
Liv Morgan (Zoey Stark)(Jade)(LIv had gotten herself in a little bit of trouble and I was not sure if Liv would return or not)

**No clue WHY Bayley but Oh Well. Bayley has needed to raise her stock, (IMO Damage Control has knocked her stock down a bit. She is much better as a single and I think her being a heel has gotten old) I have been reading that there is a turn to babyface coming for Bayley, I can’t see her going against Rhea but Iyo is a better choice in my book. I was a fan, but with the heel turn, I was not impressed. Waiting to see what happens)

**Match 2 — Fatal 4-way with Roman/A.J./L.A./Randy — This will be another interesting match to see how it ends. (I can only hope but who knows) With this being a basic no rules match it’s on for young and old. Solo tried to interfere but that got stopped, thanks to trying to take out A.J. but running into the barricade took care of him. Well, thanks to a little help from Solo, Roman still has the belt. (set up for Roman/Cody at Wrestlemania 40)

**Match 3 — Untied States Title — Pitts Logan Paul against Kevin Owens. Kevin needs to knock Paul off his self-centred perch. I can’t stand Logan Paul (neither can Hubby Phil) Brass knuckles played a part once again but I can’t see this feud being over anytime soon. Paul with the win for now.

***PART 3 will have the Mens Royal Rumble and my post-match thoughts

Royal Rumble 2024 — Part 1

The show is in St. Petersburg, Florida

I told hubby Phil, this show is the one where you expect nothing until it actually happens. This is the start of the road to Wrestlemania.

Listening to the pre-show is interesting, to say the least. I have read a lot in the weeks leading up to tonight’s show. Some things I have read make me happy but I also know that it can change in a breath. This is the one show that you can’t expect anything to go the way you might think it does. They were talking about the Fatal-4 way with Roman/Randy/L.A/A.J. — I read early on what might take place but I know I would love to see anyone beat Roman, Bloodline story needs to end and the sooner the better. It’s gone on for way too long. Hoping it ends at Wrestlemania for good. In my opinion, Roman has gotten stale, and boring. The only reason he still has the belt is that Solo and Jimmy come to his rescue. Roman is not a true fighting champion, only doing it on his terms, he’s a part-time wrestler. The belt needs someone full-time. (per Seth Rollins, look how often he defends his title)

Another person I can’t stand is Logan Paul. He has not paid his dues at all. He is so arrogant and thinks he is so special but he’s not. Paul does everything to be the heel, stealing wins at all costs. Kevin Owens has a cast but Logan has a plate in his arm, so what’s the difference. Sure there is talent there but what else, that is all you will get from me as far as he is concerned. Again, the title needs to be defended regularly and I hope that tonight, creative has enough sense to put the belt where it needs to be, back on Kevin.

This is a rumour, I have read that Finn Balor’s contract is up at Wrestlemania, and at this point, there is no talk about renewing his contract.

I am hoping that Becky Lynch can win the Women’s Rumble, I would love to see her and Rhea have a good feud with it ending at Wrestlemania. It’s just so hard to pick a winner. The field is so stacked this year. The same with the Men’s Rumble, I want Cody to win again so he can finish the story, no matter who it’s with. There have been rumours but I am just waiting til after the show today to see what happens.

Thanks for letting me have a bit of a ramble here, see you for the main show

Royal Rumble Weekend

These shows are the set-up for what is coming over the weekend. As I was explaining to Phil the Rumble is usually the storyline set up for the Road to Wrestlemania. This is one of those shows to expect anything.

**RAW — Seth opened the show to share how his knee is doing. He has torn his Meniscus partial tear and a grade two tear in his MCL. Doctors with surgery are telling Seth he could be off 3 to 4 months. Seth told Gunther that he may be banged up but he would be at Wrestlemania to face him with the World Title on the line.

Nia Jax was in the ring but Becky showed up. (those two are not finished by a long shot) Bayley also showed up to run her mouth, about how she would be winning the Women’s Royal Rumble.

Cody Rhodes and C.M. Punk meet first time face-to-face in over a decade.

With a little help from R-Truth Drew McIntyre gets a much-needed confidence boost with a win over Damien Priest.

**NXT — is getting ready for Vengeance Day.

The Semi-Finals of the Dusty Rhodes Classic with Braun Brekker/Barron Corbin facing Axion/Nathan Frazier. Brekker/Corbin heading to the finals.

William Regal just congratulated Ava on becoming the newest General manager of NXT. Ava is the youngest manager.

**Smackdown — This will be interesting. (In Miami)

Kevin Patrick has been let go by the WWE, Michael Cole is filling in for now until a replacement is decided on.

Randy opening the show. Chatting about The Bloodline. (I have read rumours about the Fatal 4-way match tomorrow and I am hoping they are true. It’s time for the Bloodline story to end) Of course, A.J. has to stick his nose in the mix and let’s not forget L.A. Knight.

Carter/Chance defending the Women’s Tag Belts against Asuka/Kari Sane. (Crap, why move the tag belts, this will be a crap storyline)

Carmello Hayes visiting SmackDown for a match against Austin Theory.

L.A. Knight in the main event facing Solo Sokia. Paul Heyman instructed Solo to get rid of him. To show NO mercy. A.J. Styles has stuck his nose in, taking L.A. Knight out. Jimmy sticking his nose in. Here comes Randy. (the usual crap, take out the opponents right before the match so Roman has it easy tomorrow at the Rumble) (Fingers crossed this is a sign for tomorrow at the Rumble)

Thanks for joining me this week and I will see you at the Rumble tomorrow.

WWE Notes Week of January 13

In RAW and Smackdown, you can see that stories are starting to head towards the next PPV which is Survivor Series. The is also talk of things starting to set up for the Elimination Chamber taking place in Perth in February.

**AEW — nothing earth-shattering at the moment, (hehe) still rumours flying that MJF has left but people are forgetting that he has a bag load of injuries, needing time to just go away and heal. Decide on surgery for his shoulder injury. I am not sure if the hip is needing surgery or not. Adam Copeland is on the warpath for Christian Cage. Waiting to see who will be the first opponent for Samoa Joe.

*RAW — This is my opinion on this week’s show. It felt kind of flat. The match between Kofi Kingston and Ludwig Kaiser was ok but it turned nasty, to say the least. Ludwig was so angry because Giovanni Vinci was knocked out of last week’s tag match by Kofi. The Ref stopped the match giving Kofi/Jey Uso the win. Ludwig lost the plot making sure to take out Kofi putting him on the shelf for a few weeks as payback. Gunther will return next week, (time off because of his new baby) it will be interesting to see what happens. Is this the beginning of the end for Imperium?

Cody faced Shinsuke in a Street Fight match. Thank Goodness Cody won. I’m not sure I would schedule that kind of match, this close to Survivor Series. Phil (hubby) made the comment that Cody needed to be careful with the mist but it was the poor timekeeper who was just doing his job that got nailed.

*NXT — Another kind of flat show, the Cody Rodes Tag Team classic opened up with matches. Lyra Valkyria announced that there will be a battle royal next week with a twist. The final 4 in the Royal, will turn into a fatal 4-way to decide who meets Lyra at Vengeance Day.

*Smackdown — Greyson Waller facing Cameron Grimes is opening the show from Lincoln Nebraska. The Bloodline has shown up, and Nick Aldis is out at ringside. Paul is screaming that Nick is the bad guy in all of this. Nick put The Bloodline in a match with A.J. Styles, L. A. Knight and Randy Orton. Roman is not there so if Jimmy and Solo can’t find a 3rd partner it will be a 3 on 2 handicapped match. (who would want to team with them anyway)

Bianca Belair is in a match with Bayley but she is not alone. This won’t be a fair match. (IMO — Bayley has fallen down the card, she is becoming more of a middle-card performer. Bayley used to have that grit ao but her but since Damage Control she has lost that.)

Randy was on his way to the ring for the main event, getting jumped by Solo/Jimmy. hoping to make it a tag match not a 3 on 2 handicapped match. Just when Solo/Jimmy thought they had it in the bag, Randy shows up. I am in awe of Randy’s snap powerbomb. Jimmy thought he had Randy but a surprise RKO took him out. For a few minutes Randy/A.J/L. They actually worked together leaving Bloodline in a pile on a broken announcer’s desk.

WWE Notes Week of January 6

Happy New Year from Fox Den Sports to your house. I hope you had an amazing holiday.

*AEW — I didn’t expect much from this PPV. It turned out that Adam Cole was the Devil. Still playing the heel. The battle between Christian Cage and Adam Copeland is much alive and well. Samoa Joe won the match with MJF. (No surprise as injured as MJF is, I expect him to be gone for a while.)

*RAW — It’s back to work for the show today. Nia and Becky Lynch opened the show but I have a feeling that Becky has another broken nose. (Do I need to tell you who won?)

Returning to RAW — Not who I thought it was. Jinder Mahal has returned. Jinder went off on a rant, all of a sudden The Rock’s music started and out he walked. Rocky is verbally wiping the ring with Jinder. Rock took out Jinder with the People Elbow. It was what he said at the end that got everyone talking. He asked the crowd where he should sit when he was having dinner? He asks if he should sit at a booth or the bar or at the head of the table? (OMG you should have heard the Universe go crazy. Got me wondering if that is setting up something towards Roman?)

Seth Rollins defending the World Heavyweight title against Drew McIntyre. I knew this match would be tough and anything would be possible. I knew it could get nasty as Drew would try anything possible to finally win the title. When Drew thought he had Seth ripe for the picking, Damien Priest came out with Dom. Priest hit Seth with the case and then headed to cash in but Drew hit Damien with a claymore. The way drew pinned Seth he inadvertently put his foot on the rope stopping the count. (if you look at the replay it was Drew’s own mistake how he pinned Seth. (this was a wild match. I had a feeling the belt would not change hands. hoping they are waiting for a major PPV or Wrestlemania to pull the trigger if needed.)

*NXT — New Year Evil — opening with the Women’s Title match with Lyra Valkyria facing Blair Davenport. Lyra has stepped up her game, you can see that but she is going to have to go to that dark place. Blair tried to use her knee to hit Lyra in the head at the announcer’s table and left a hole in the table.

Just announced that the Men’s NXT Title match will NOT take place tonight as Ilja Dragunov who was supposed to face Trick Williams is not medically cleared. The report is that Ilja is still feeling the lingering effects of his injury from his match with Ridge Holland.

**NXT Vengeance Day is on February 4th in Clarksville Tennessee.

Ava announced the return of the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Tags teams are starting to form.

There was not much to the Trick Williams/Greyson Waller match. (I know that Greyson is an Aussie but I still don’t like him, he plays a jerk really well.) You could see that Trick was the stronger wrestler. I must admit that the best part of the match was Kevin Owens showing up, and punching Greyson in the face. It was the assist in Trick’s win. I don’t think he needed it but it was still good.

*Smackdown — I was not quite sure what to expect from today’s show, but I was hoping for some surprises. There is a big rumor but I will address that at the end of this summary. What happened on the show plays a part in things.

As soon as Roman showed up, I knew the triple threat match for the end of the show would not end well. Randy Orton, L.A. Knight, and A.J Styles facing off for the right to face Roman for the title at Survivor Series.

It was beautiful when Kevin Owens decked Logan Paul. It was nice to see Logan being laid out for a change.

A.P.O has returned joining forces with Kerrian Kross/Scarlett

***July 5th (Friday) Smackdown will be in Toronto, on Saturday the 6th of July is Money in the Bank, and on Sunday, July 7 NXT Heatwave

Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick are at the announcer’s desk. Michael Cole is now just on RAW

Pretty Deadly had a tag team match against Butch and an unknown partner. That partner turned out to be Tyler Bate (who has made the move to Smackdown from NXT)

For those of you who didn’t see RAW on Monday, Rock as the Universe when he goes out to get some food, should he sit at a table, or the bar, or the Head of the Table.

I knew with Roman showing up that the triple threat match would not end as it should but I found out later why. Here comes the rumor. The fatal 4-way in the Survivor series will see Roman lose the belt to Randy Orton. With no belt on Roman, he can face The Rock with no clue of how that match will end. Set up a feud with Randy facing Cody because of their history with Cody winning the belt.

Only time will tell with Survivor Series just a couple of weeks away

WWE Notes Weekending December 30

I am not sure how much activity will take place this week. Triple H has looked after the wrestlers by making sure they get home to celebrate the holidays.

*RAW — this week is the Best of 2023.

*NXT — I know a couple of shows over the holidays are pre-taped. It’s awards night on NXT. It’s an all-or-nothing tag match for Chase U. (If Chase U wins, debt is paid in full)

*Tag Team of the Year — Creed Brothers. Female Star — Tiffany Stratton, Male Star — Ilja Dragunov, Match of the Year — Carmello Hayes/Ilja Dragunov, Moment of the Year — The Undertaker arrives,

Ava has moved away from Ring Action and is working with Shaun Michaels in Management.

Nathan Frazier facing off against Braun Brekker. I have no clue about this one. Just not a fan of Braun as a heel. Hope if he gets drafted he flips to a baby face.

*Smackdown — this week is the Best in 2023

WWE Notes ending December 23

Triple H has made sure that everyone has some time off for the holidays.

Charlotte, Rey and Dom Mysterio have all signed new contracts it has been reported.

*RAW — I felt it was a flat show of sorts. The match between Gunther/The Miz was good. I was hoping for a title change but with the loss for The Miz, he can no longer challenge for the title as long as Gunther holds the Intercontentional Title.

The title I was hoping would change was the Tag Team Titles. Judgement Day has held them for too long, it is time they implode the group. It was funny though that R-Truth had a match with JD McDonagh a loser who leaves Judgement Day. Well, R-Truth won.

The Tag Title match with the Creed Brothers and Judgement Day. I was hoping that the title would change hands but of course, I could not be that lucky. The Universe was not that happy either.

The only title that changed hands was the Women’s Tag Team title. Chelsea Green/Piper Niven. They faced Katana Chance/Kayden Carter. It was the match of the night for me. Katana/Kaden finally got the reward they have been working for, for so long.

Matches for Day One include: Nia Jax faces Becky Lynch, Tegan Nox/Natalya will face Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark for the #1 contender for the Women’s Tag Titles, Rhea will out her title on the line against Ivy Niles, Seth putting the Heavyweight Title on the line against Drew McIntyre.

*NXT — Tiffany Stratton in the opening match with Fallon Henley. There is no love loss here. Tiffany thinks she runs the Women’s division because she has been the NXT Ladies Champion and is privileged. Fallon is the no-nonsense girl next door. Fallon has gone to that place of finding some feistiness. Fallon with the win but Tiffany is pissed.

Carmello still thinks that IIja is the one who attacked him and Trick. No proof.

Rich Holland is interrupting IIja as he is chatting to the Universe.

North American Title defense by Dragon Lee who had to compete in a triple-threat match. Lee won but was attacked by Drew Gulak along with his crew.

*SMACKDOWN — A. J Styles has done a heel turn. Styles is demanding that he wants Roman at the Royal Rumble. At New Year’s Revolution, it’s a triple-threat match between Randy and L. A and A.J. for the right to face Roman at Royal Rumble. Butch and a partner of his choice to face Pretty Deadly at New Year’s Revolution. Also at NY Revolution, it will be Michin to face Iyo Sky for the Smackdown Women’s title.

Kevin Owens facing Carmello Hayes. It’s going to be interesting.

Binca Belair, Shotzi, Michin and Zelina Vega to face Damage Control in an 8 Women tag team match.

Dragon Lee defending the North American title on Smackdown against Butch. That was a hell of a match. Taking nothing away from Butch.

(Triple H now has total control of the Hall of Fame so it will be interesting to see how things change)

Nick Aldis having a chat with Roman, telling Roman that Nick is the one that Roman answers to not the other way around.

Santos Escobar stole the win from Bobby Lashley. Santos will face Kevin Owens for the right to face Logan Paul for the United States Title.

A.J. facing Solo Sokia — You can tell that AJ has got that nasty streak going again. Roman out to work AJ to try and take him out. Solo back now but here comes Randy.

WWE Notes Weekending December 16

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. The return of Randy Orton was brilliant. He looks better now than when he got hurt. I am just still not sure about CM Punk. I think he can do a lot for the WWE. (leave the meltdowns out of it)

Been watching AEW, and got interested in a few storylines there. Been watching the Adam Copeland/Christian Cage storyline. This one will get interesting. I knew that Adam would not win the belt this time out but I am hoping it can happen at some point. Hubby has become a fan of Jon Moxley. Mox is pretty good and doesn’t take anything from anyone. It’s been good to see those who have left WWE and making names for themselves in other places.

**RAW — This week’s show was from Cleveland. Jey Uso opened the show. I was hoping to see Jey use sign language, as have seen others do. Jey thought it was important to bring to the WWE and have been learning. Drew McIntyre has turned full heel and will stop at nothing to try and destroy Jey and anyone else who gets in his way.

CM Punk is now on RAW. It will be interesting to see how they build the feud between CM and Seth Rollins. If it’s done right it can become explosive at just the right time.

The match between Maxine Dupree/Rhea was, OK I guess. Max did her best to hold her own but Rhea is still that bully. Just waiting for her to lose the belt, sooner the better but most likely won’t happen til Wrestlemania.

***WRESTLEMANIA Weekend — Friday, April 5 will be Smackdown and the Hall of Fame. On Saturday, April 6 will be NXT Stand and Deliver. Also on April 6 will be night one of Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania Night 2 will be on Sunday, April 7. RAW post-Wrestlemania will be on Monday, April 8

Bronson Reed/Ivar — they both blow me away with how agile they are in the ring. Normally guys of this size should not be able to move the way they do. Michael Cole said they move like Cruiserweights at times. I agree.

Been reading that Triple H is finally giving the Women’s Tag division it deserves. I love Kayden Carter/Katana Chance together. They have really worked hard, and are a good fit. They held the NXT Tag titles for a while, I wish they would finally get their hands on the Tag Titles in WWE. Also paired is Indy Hartwell with Candace LaRae (they will get better in time with more matches under their belt.

They have started the feud with Becky Lynch/Nia Jax. Starting back when Nia broke Becky’s nose. It’s good but I am not sure about it. I want to see where this one heads. Will this end at Royal Rumble or carry on to Wrestlemania? (Remember, Nia got fired for injuring too many of the ladies in the lockerroom)

Cody Rhodes/Shinsuke — I don’t understand this one. Lost all respect for Shinsuke as a character. I know Shinsuke is a heel but it’s always the mist, on the verge of losing and spitting the mist. I don’t even get the feud with Cody, can someone explain this one to me?

**NXT — Cora Jade has returned. Cora has made it known that she is coming after Lyra for the Women’s NXT Title. Blair Davenport sticking her nose in the mix as she will face Lyra at New Year’s Evil. Blair has another problem called Nakkita Lyons (whom Blair put out for almost a year)

Trey Bearhill was taken out by Lexis King in the breakout men’s tournament.

Tyler Bate facing Dragon Lee for the North American Title. It was a good match, they were left to see what they had. I wish Tyler would get called to the main roster. Dragon Lee kept the title.

**NXT Vengeance Day Sunday, February 4th from Clarksville, Tennessee

Trick Williams facing IIja Dragunov about their title match at New Year’s Evil. Carmello Hayes showed up trying to accuse IIja of being the one who attacked, Trick and Carmello himself. Carmello tried to take the NXT title away from IIja and, in the process hit Trick with it.

**SMACKDOWN — Roman has returned. It shall be interesting to see what happens today. (Rumour has it that Roman’s last match will be at Wrestlemania 40. Also Roman is not interested in a new contract.) With Randy back it will be interesting to see how things play out for now. Randy goes 1 on 1 with Jimmy Uso tonight. Roman just named Solo Sokia as the next tribal chief. Jimmy didn’t look happy. Randy just walked out. You should have heard the cheers.

This should be interesting with Greyson Waller facing Carmello Hayes. Carmello has the arsenal to beat Waller. I am not a fan of Carmello but I am glad he got the win.

**Charlotte will be out for the next 9 months as she has to have knee surgery. She tore her ACL, MCL and Meniscus. Wish her a speedy recovery.

Kevin Owens facing Austin Theory in a qualifying match for the right to advance in the United States Title tournament. Austin would target the broken hand but it was Owens with the win, knocking out Theory.

Randy faced Jimmy Uso, with Randy getting the win. Solo showed up but L.A. Knight came out to help but the return of A.J. Styles returned to help also but he took out L.A. at the end. (no clue why). Looks like A.J. is coming back as a heel.