Kevin Owens brutally attacks Mr. McMahon - Smackdown (September 12th, 2017)

Tonight on Smackdown, we witnessed arguably the best in-ring segment of WWE this year as Mr. McMahon returned to the blue brand. McMahon made this special appearance to confront Kevin Owens who is threatening to sue WWE after being in a physical altercation with former general manager Shane McMahon.

Vince began his speech by berating Owens and would continue to throughout the segment. This is honestly fair game given the attitude Big Kev has so boisterously been throwing around and it was extremely entertaining to watch unfold. The aggression that built in Owens as all his attempts to thwart the McMahons were thrown out the window was fantastic. To top it all off, McMahon announces that Owens will face Shane in a Hell In A Cell match in a few short weeks at the event named after the match stipulation itself.

Owens responds to this by asking McMahon permission to not get fired for beating a McMahon senseless. Vince agrees, Owens shakes his hand, and bang bang, Owens strikes with a headbutt and it was fucking on.

The onslaught raged on as Owens threw a right hand and a kick to the gut after Vince got to his feet following the initial blow. Referees and officials came down, but nothing could stop Owens from delivering a nasty frog splash to the bloodied chairman of the board. This was a statement and made this building feud all the more personal.

As many of you know, I've been a fan of Kevin for YEARS and his work in WWE has indeed pretty great from right out of the gate to now, but this HAS to be the best thing he's done or atleast the best angle since the John Cena stuff when he first debuted on the main roster. This is the Kevin Owens that got me into independent wrestling. This is the Kevin Owens that won me over into being a complete fan of himself. And this is the Kevin Owens that delivers five star matches filled with emotion.

I expect the Hell In A Cell match with Shane to be a roller coaster ride that hopefully propels Owens to new dimensions in his tenure with WWE. This could truly be the angle that solidifies Owens as not just a good heel spot monkey that all the cool, trendy fans like. This angle could propel Owens into superstardom in the likes of Stone Cold, The Rock, CM Punk & John Cena. To me, this felt almost as significant as Punk's first interactions with Vince. Albeit not quite as impactful because Owens has already been WWE Champion and treated quite well, however that was all based off his reputation prior to WWE. This is the first time I feel like he's really been given that superstar treatment and something grit his teeth into at the same time.

This isn't just a series of awesome matches with the face of the company. This is not wins and losses. This is the emergence of a character and that's what separates a star from a superstar in a modern day WWE and I think Kevin Owens is about to have the best run of his entire career.

WWE Great Balls of Fire 2017 Predictions Panel

Well, guys, it's been a minute but I'm back and going to try to stay much more consistent this go round as I'm bringing some new members to the team to help with the re-launch. In the process, we are going to be getting a new logo and introduction some features I've been wanting to implement for a while now.

Today, myself and our newest columnist Donnie Phipps will be taking a look at the Great Balls of Fire PPV card and giving our predictions. Donnie is a tattoo artist and die hard wrestling fan that I met through the hardcore music scene and I'm stoked to have them on board. They will be helping in finally launching a Pro Wrestling Truth sponsored podcast and keeping the blog current with content. So give them a follow on Instagram (@donnietattoer) and get familiar!

1) Neville (c) vs. Akira Tozawa - Cruiserweight Championship Match

Ethan's pick:
For Dragon Gate & PWG fans, this is a dream match of epic proportions. I doubt this will be a classic, but I really hope these guys go all out and pull off the crazy spotfest I know they can to set the show off right. I don't know the exact storyline heading into this one because I've been slacking big time, but I know this will serve its purpose super well with Tozawa being such a lovable baby-face and Neville being the best douchebag around as of late. I'd say Neville sneaks out the win when all is said as all signs point toward him continuing to run roughshod over the division.

Donnie's pick:
I haven't been keeping up with 205 Live in the past few weeks, but this is big matchup. Neville has soared to the top of 205 Live and has become the biggest heel they've seen yet. He's the Cruiserweight Champion but he's about to face an opponent very familiar to any fan of PWG, Akira Tozawa. At very least this one will be exciting to watch. A battle full of high flying and quick striking. Unfortunately I don't think Tozawa will take the title away from Neville, but I do believe this mini feud will at least include a rematch. I'm thinking Neville leaves GBOF still the Cruiserweight Champion.

2) The Miz (c) vs. Dean Ambrose - Intercontinental Championship Match

Ethan's pick:
This series is stale and I hope this is the last time we see these two go at it for a while. I used to be big on Ambrose, but he's now one of the more less interesting people on the roster whereas Miz continues to build his legacy as one of the most underrated talents of this generation. Miz over Ambrose.

Donnie's pick:
So, as badly as I'd like to see the Miz get crushed by Ambrose and drop the title, I'm thinking that won't happen. I foresee a solid matchup (that we have all already seen like twelve times) that ultimately ends in Maryse getting involved allowing the Miz to pick up the victory to retain the Intercontinental Championship. (God I hope I'm wrong)

3) Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Sasha Banks - Women's Championship Match

Ethan's pick:
This should be pretty solid, but not expecting anything out of this world. This is another feud I am not that familiar with due to my absence in action, so to speak, but I do know both women are perfect polar opposites which makes for a great match up. I see Bliss retaining, but then again just as I say that, I realize I've picked three heels to retain so far which seems kinda unrealistic, but fuck it!

Donnie's pick:
Based on recent events I get a strong vibe this one will be over pretty quick. As much as everyone wants Sasha to take the title, Alexa Bliss has been killing it lately and is quickly become the best female heel (aside from heel Charlotte) the WWE has seen in a lonnggg time. Sasha is a great wrestler, but in a way her always being involved with or around title is getting a little tired. I don't think Little Miss Bliss will be dropping the title any time soon. Tonight's winner and still Raw Women's Champion, Alexa Bliss.

4) Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman - Ambulance Match

Ethan's pick:
Let me just take a moment to talk about how much I love Braun Strowman and the superstar he's become this year. I admit I doubted him at first, but 2017 has been his year in WWE. This match is more than likely going to showcase why as he & Reigns have had a hell of a rivalry. The sad thing is, just like Donnie is going to touch on later, I think we already know where this is going. Strowman dominates then Reigns comes back for the win BECAUSE THATS WHAT EVERYONE WANTS TO SEE RIGHT?!

Donnie's pick:
When it comes to Roman Reigns there is absolutely one thing for certain. He's been pushed down the throat of every single fan over the past few years and I can't stand it, but I'm sure as another attempt to get him over as a face character he'll pick up the win against Strowman in this ambulance match. The likelihood of Braun pulling off the W in this one seems slim especially with how Raw concluded this past Monday night. I'm imagining it will be a lot of Braun on the offensive for most of the match with a come from behind victory for Reigns. As much as I don't want to see it happen, I predict a win for the Roman Empire tonight.

5) Enzo Amore vs. Big Cass

Ethan's pick:
It honestly broke my heart to see these two split when they did. But so it goes, it's made for a damn good story and these two are talented enough to pull it off perfectly. As much as I love Enzo, this is just the first match in the feud and I see Cass taking the win and Enzo continuing to chase victory against his former dickhead of a partner.

Donnie's pick:
Big story coming into this one and aside from the Joe vs Brock title match, it's what I'm most excited to see this evening. The perfect tag team split up story of betrayal. I was worried about Cass cutting promos on his own at first, but for this feud it's worked in his favor because like usual Enzo has done all of the talking. It's really great to see a serious side of Enzo come out and it's given an interesting dynamic to this feud. I would love an underdog Amore to pull through this one and get some retribution, but I'm thinking Big Cass is going to walk all over him. Final prediction, Cass takes it and walks back up the ramp in a sea of booooooooo.

6) Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt

Ethan's pick:
MEHHHH. Bray Wyatt is just meh and there's not really anything else I can say about this, I just want this feud to end and both to move onto something better. Rollins for the win after playing the baby-face in peril for most of the match.

Donnie's pick:
I wish this feud would die off. It's been poorly promoted, booked kind of sloppy, and ultimately isn't going anywhere special anytime soon. However, there is SOME potential this could be match of the night. It's low on the radar and no one I've seen has very high expectations of it. Let's not forget though that these are two of the most explosive superstars on Raw's roster! Rollins and Wyatt have been on the back burner as of late so this might be the match that sparks a flame. I could also be wrong and it could be the segment where I fall asleep (jk that's the tag team iron man match). As far as my prediction goes, I'm thinking Seth Rollins pulls out the win and hopefully gets wrapped up in a more interesting rivalry following GBOF.

7) Sheamus & Cesaro (c) vs. The Hardy's - 30 Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Ethan's pick:
This is an interesting concept and with the four men involved, I think it can definitely be executed in the manner it needs to be. I'm one of the few that loved their Steel Cage Match a few months back so I will probably be in the minority in this too considering most people are mentally done with this feud and don't care anymore. I think the boys should take that into account and wrestle this match accordingly. If so, this will be a hit. If not, it will be a huge miss and possibly one of the worst matches of the year. Either way, I think The Hardy's will regain the straps here.

Donnie's pick:
Four fantastic wrestlers with multiple titles under each of them and impressive tag team wins. Definite big match compatibility... if this god damn feud wasn't as stale as 1,000 year old Ruffles. I'm over it, most wrestling fans are over it, I'm pretty sure the competitors themselves are over it. So why in the hell is this match booked? A 30 minute iron man match for the titles? I don't really enjoy their 10 minute tag matches so I can only assume that a 30 minute iron man match will be roughly 3x less enjoyable. My prediction? The Hardy Boyz take it. Or I take a 30 minute iron man nap.

8) Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Samoa Joe

Ethan's pick:
If you follow any writing I've done over the past few years, you know this a dream match I've had for YEARS and seeing it finally come to fruition has made me nut and it's everything I could've hoped for. Joe hasn't been sleeping and Brock has been on his A game. Just an amazing, intense dynamic between these two with an amazing build, this is going to be an epic clash for the ages no doubt. And although it's unlikely, I'm gonna pick my boy Joe to grab the win and the Universal Championship! I love Brock, but JOEEEEE IS GONNA KILL YOU.

Donnie's pick:
Ohhhhhhhh mannnnnnnn. This feud has been building up in a beautiful fashion. Ever sense winning the fatal five way match and becoming number one contender for the Universal title, Joe has been on fire. A great ball of fire if you will (kill me). I'm more excited for this match than anything that's happened in recent months. Both Joe and Brock have been firing on all cylinders and have really added an intense special element to their promos since the feud began. Joe has also shown dominance throughout the majority of their encounters thus far, especially the physical ones. This rivalry has the potential to have multiple rematches with titles changing hands WITHOUT getting stale. Two gorilla humans ripping each other apart for the Universal Championship? What more could you want? As far as Great Balls of Fire goes, at the end of the night I think we'll have ourselves a NEW Universal Champion. As much as I love Lesnar, it's title time for the all mighty (and always present) Samoa Joe.

Thanks for reading and be sure to follow @ThePWTruth on Twitter and "like" our new Facebook page to keep up with everything we have in the works!

WWE: Monday Night Raw Review - April 10th, 2017

WWE Monday Night Raw Review - April 10th, 2017

I haven't reviewed anything in forever, but we're back baby. And just in time for the Superstar Shakeup draft thingy.

John Cena's music hits to open the show and I honestly popped bc big match John is our lord and savior, but instead ITS THE MIZ. This shit was so lit. Miz is dressed as Cena and Maryse is dressed as Nikki Bella. They're interrupted mid-promo by Dean Ambrose. I guess this means both Ambrose & Miz are on Raw? This was confusing, but great at the same time. Ambrose plays dumb then drops Miz with a Dirty Deeds.

Kurt Angle & Sami Zayn are backstage when they're interrupted by The Miz who is complaining about being attacked by Ambrose. Angle puts the two in a match later on and says Zayn's status on Raw is up in the air.

1) The Revival vs. The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods)
This was a really good action packed tag. No filler whatsoever. Big E brings a Kofi Kingston blow up doll to the ring with him and Dawson & Wilder wear "We broke Kofi's ankle shirts" which were both genius things that added to this despite being minimal factors. The Revival picks up the win after fighting out of New Day's finisher and catching Xavier in mid air and damn near killing him.

Match rating - ***1/4

God tier backstage promo between Neville, Austin Aries, & TJ Perkins. Aries walks up with a banana to challenge Neville's argument that he & TJP can get along. They tease a TJP heel turn which leads to our next match.

2) Austin Aries vs. TJ Perkins
TJP is on the verge of a heel turn and Aries is on fire as a face so this was all around quality stuff. Neville on commentary is a nice touch as well. Aries poses with the crowd which leads to a near confrontation between Neville & Aries, but Aries makes it back in the ring before he gets counted out. Good closing sequence which leads to Aries picking up the win. Post-match, TJP flips a switch and lays out Aries. The Cruserweight Title is the best it's been since the inception of 205 Live and I'm pretty stoked.

Match rating - **3/4

Seth Rollins comes out to address the fact that he refuses to go to Smackdown because he still has scores to settle with people like Samoa Joe and says Stephanie will have to drag him out if he gets put on Smackdown. Kurt Angle interrupts and basically confirms that Seth will be staying thanks to his stellar Mania performance. As Angle is leaving, SAMOA JOE ACTS ROLLINS FROM BEHIND. This shit was hype. Angle tries to calm Joe down, but he won't stop. Rollins battles back with a double leg takedown and Joe bails. God, the eventual match between these two is gonna be so good.

3) Nia Jax vs. Charlotte
Aside from a few botches, this was solid stuff. Divas matches in the last year or two have grown to have a good bit of consistency so they're always fun. Jax almost kills Charlotte by dropping her on her head at one point. Charlotte hits a moonsault to the floor from the top turnbuckle that floors Jax. When all is said and done, Jax puts Charlotte away in what looks to be Charlotte's last match on Raw before heading to Smackdown. She barely made it out alive.

Match rating - **3/4

4) Finn Balor vs. Jinder Mahal
DUDE what the fuck was Jinder Mahal on in this match? This was Balor's big first actual match since returning last week and it was meant to make him look strong and although it did because he took a BEATING and still somehow won, I lef this wanting more aggressive Jinder Mahal singles action. Mahal delivered one of the most stiff elbow shots I've seen in years to Balor and left him with bruises/marks all over his face. MAHAL/OHNO PLS. Balor fires back, though, and hits his finisher for the win. Everyone is being vicious as fuck tonight.

Match rating - **3/4

5) Sami Zayn vs. The Miz
I was excited for this because I know what these two are capable of. They only got a few minutes to work here so they didn't reach their full potential, but it was still a fun little back & forth contest. Zayn hits the blue thunder for a false finish before eventually catching Miz off guard with a pinning combination for a quick three count.

Match rating - **1/4

Roman Reigns has this sit down interview in the back with Michael Cole. That is until Braun Strowman crashes the damn party and proceeds to deliver the BEST attack/backstage brawl in years. Strowman literally slings Roman over a bunch of equipment and like 6 feet through a table, pushes him off a ledge when they put him on a stretcher, then to top it all off, he struggles but flips over the ambulance they put him in. Unreal showing that felt so real. If Braun wasn't legitamized, he is now. Strowman is ready to plow through Reigns and go straight for Lesnar, book it.

6) The Hardy Boys, Cesaro, & Sheamus vs. Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Primo & Epico
Weird combinations here, but they all do their jobs well and this is a super enjoyable 8 man tag team showcase. The Hardys are still on fire from their return. Anderson & Gallows are the perfect bad guys and The Shining Stars even hold their own. Some flippy shit, some heat spots, good stuff. The face team of the Matt, Jeff, Cesaro & Sheamus win. They face off at Payback for the tag team championships. I smell a heel turn from Cesaro & Sheamus.

Match rating - ***

Sasha Banks & Bayley have a heated confrontation in the ring before Alexa Bliss interrupts in her Raw debut. I think Alexa is gonna be a nice fit for the Raw division and help switch things up a bit. I haven't watched much of her SD work since I've been out of the loop, but apparently she's a two time champ, over there? Mickie James comes out next making her main roster return and things are really getting interesting in the Raw women's division!

7) Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose - Champion vs Champion Match
KO and Mox have chemistry together and have delivered MOTY quality stuff before so it's no surprise that this ruled. It's not anything out of this world however it's the best match of the night and the perfect little way to cap off this Superstar Shakeup edition of Raw. Lots of action and a breathtaking moment or two. Ambrose picks up the win when all is said and done. After the match, Chris Jericho returns to a nice reaction and lambasts Kevin Owens. I thought I'd be tired of that feud by now but they are seriously keeping me invested so yay. I'm just confused as to whether or not KO will be staying on Raw and how that will affect the plans for their rivalry. But anyway.

Match rating - ***1/2