GCW: Welcome to Heartbreak Review - February 25th, 2022

GCW Welcome to Heartbreak

February 25th, 2022

Los Angeles, California

1) The Briscoes vs. Jacob Fatu & Juicy Finau 

This was such a badass opener. The Briscoes truly don’t miss a beat from their prime and hell, you could argue that they are still in their prime. Opening sprints like this are vintage Briscoes and they are always a blast. They use some chairs and a door. There’s plenty of dives, sick spots, & fighting in the crowd. Fatu & Finau even go after Starboy Charlie’s mom for some extra heat and the injured Charlie beats them with his crutches and hits a little dive. A fun time! Briscoes get the victory and grab the mic immediately after the bell. 

Match rating - ***

There’s some mic issues, but basically The Briscoes want their GCW Tag Title rematch against Nick Gage & Matt Tremont. Commentary teases it being at The Collective, I was hoping it would happen in Atlanta, but I’ll be at both so I guess either way works! 

2) Blake Christian vs. Nick Wayne 

AEW: Rampage Review - February 18th, 2022

AEW Rampage : SLAM DUNK 

February 18th, 2022

Nashville, Tennessee 

AEW World Champion: Hangman Adam Page (since 11/13/21)

AEW World Tag Team Champions: Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (since 1/5/22)

AEW Women’s World Champion: Britt Baker (since 5/30/21)

AEW TBS Champion: Jade Cargill (since 1/5/22)

AEW TNT Champion: Sammy Guevara (since 1/26/22)

Commentators - Excalibur, Taz, Chris Jericho & Ricky Starks 

DAMN I WISH RAMPAGE WAS ON AT 7PM INSTEAD OF 10PM EVERY WEEK 

1) Adam Cole vs. 10

Adam Cole has become almost a guarantee for opening Rampage every week. I enjoyed this match more than a lot of his recent Rampage singles matches. Maybe because the dynamic is different for once. Not that Evil Uno or Silver are bad, but they all fall in the same vein as Cole as far as wrestling style go. I still don’t know all that much about 10, but he’s a big guy.. powerhouse if you will. So, in my head and eyes, it creates a more interesting match because of the dynamic. Although, 10 didn’t really do himself any favors with the awkward tossing of the security on Dynamite on Wednesday. None the less, this was solid and I enjoyed it. 10 gets some power spots in and Cole does what he usually does. A completely suffice outing that had some story behind it bridging from Dynamite which made you wanna see it unfold. Cole wins a good opener.

Match rating - **3/4 

Punk/MJF video package airs. 

2) Dante Martin vs. Powerhouse Hobbs 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - May 29th, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

May 29th, 2003

Pensacola, Florida

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri (since 5/18/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Matt Hardy (since 2/23/03)

Commentators: Michael Cole & Tazz

It’s weird, but Raw has been so much better than Smackdown recently that I’m already a month ahead on Raw’s as I’m watching this. Obviously still releasing the reviews in order, but man. Going back to Smackdown after the last month of Raw is painful. Which is weird as fuck, like I said before considering Smackdown is largely the better product at this time. I think just having Vince and this Mr. America / Hogan / Piper shit is weighing Smackdown down. Anyways, onto the show!

TONIGHT: Brock Lesnar & The Undertaker vs. FBI

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - May 26th, 2003

WWE Monday Night Raw

Mobile, Alabama 

May 26th, 2003

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

Commentators: Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler 

MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY NIGHT RAAAAAW

They replay last week’s stuff between Triple H and Ric Flair before the opening video package.

PYRO AND SHIT ~~~~ — jk there isn’t any? Instead, Shawn Michaels hits the ring to start the show off. HBK immediately introduces Ric Flair. Flair comes out and Shawn says he’s waited 18 years to tell him this. Shawn says he’s everything great and wonderful about this business. Shawn sings Ric’s praises and explains how he’s the reason he wanted to become a wrestler. Shawn says he wants to face Flair one on one tonight so he can know if he’s really on that same level. Flair says Shawn has already taken wrestling to a new level and he passed the torch to him a long time ago. However, Flair still accepts and wants to tear it down with Shawn tonight. And of course, TRIPLE H comes out and is tired of the mutual admiration bullshit. He goes the fuck off on Ric Flair saying that he’s the one who made him The Nature Boy again and “picked him up off his wrinkled ass” god damn. In the midst of all this, Eric Bischoff shows up. He says he’s here to throw his weight around like Steve Austin did last week. Bischoff says Mobile doesn’t deserve Flair vs. Shawn, but he will give them Flair & Shawn vs. Triple H in a handicap match. Flair & Shawn shake hands while H is livid. 

TONIGHT: Goldberg on the Highlight Reel plus Stone Cold’s Memorial Day celebration! 

AEW: Dynamite Review - February 9th, 2021

AEW Dynamite 

February 9th, 2022

Atlantic City, New Jersey 

AEW World Champion: Hangman Adam Page (since 11/13/21)

AEW World Tag Team Champions: Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (since 1/5/22)

AEW Women’s World Champion: Britt Baker (since 5/30/21)

AEW TBS Champion: Jade Cargill (since 1/5/22)

AEW TNT Champion: Sammy Guevara (since 1/26/22)

Commentators: Excalibur, Jim Ross, & Tony Schiavone

The show begins with Wardlow coming to the ring. He has cardboard cutouts of MJF and CM Punk. He hands Justin Roberts a note with a disgruntled look on his face. The note is a script for how MJF, FTR (w/ Tully Blanchard), and Shawn Spears are introduced to the ring. It’s pretty great stuff and the heat is immense. Everyone got their own entrance, but Wardlow. MJF is carried out on a chair / throne thing with people holding him up. He makes out with one of the women for like 30 seconds. He jumps in the ring and celebrates with The Pinnacle as Wardlow watches on. MJF says he’s the best wrestler in the world and after last week, he’s better than the best in the world. Lots of bragging and shitty comments like usual and it’s great. CM Punk walks onto the stage and says he learned his lesson and he’s not coming out here alone anymore. Darby Allin and Sting walk out to join him. All three of them have bats and Punk says MJF can give him a rematch or he can come beat it out of him right now. MJF makes excuses as to why he can’t and Punk tries to coax Wardlow into turning on the Pinnacle because he’s the only reason any of them win any matches. Dax Harwood speaks up and says Punk, Darby & Sting should be asking for a rematch against them from last December. OK LETS GO. Punk says they’re down for it, but MJF speaks up because of course he doesn’t wanna be involved so MJF pitches the wager —- Punk can get his rematch, but only if he & a partner of his choosing that isn’t Darby or Sting can defeat FTR TONIGHT. OH MY GOD. AEW doesn’t run these type of angles often and with the rumors swirling about tonight, I AM SO FUCKING STOKed to see who Punk picks. I hope it’s Samoa Joe. AHHHHH !!!

Backstage, Andrade El Idolo runs into Darby Allin & Sting. Andrade says he’s happy to have finally found Darby’s boss. Darby says his focus isn’t on him, it’s on the TNT title. Andrade says that’s funny because he wants to be TNT Champion, too..

1) Wardlow (w/ Shawn Spears) vs. The Blade

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - May 8th, 2003

WWE Smackdown

May 8th, 2003

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

I POSTED THIS OUT OF ORDER AND I AM PISSED. 

Commentators: Michael Cole & Tazz

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 2/6/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Matt Hardy (since 2/23/03)

“These people here in Nova Scotia are a little freaky, in my opinion.” -Tazz

Vince McMahon opens the show. He says tonight he will present to Nova Scotia… HULK HOGAN… via satellite. Vince says the stunt Hogan tried to pull last week was stupid. He wants to know why Stephanie would sign him to an ironclad contract. 

“That’s about enough of that.” -Vince 

God damn I loved that line. Steph starts walking out and Vince says “that’s about enough of that, cut the music, I’m not gonna watch you prance down here..” LMAO. Vince wants to know how she got him into this mess. Steph says she was looking out for the fans of Smackdown and what they want. Steph says the only way they have out of this is if Vince can prove Mr. America is Hulk Hogan. They go ahead and bring Hogan up on the screen via satellite. Hogan denies that he’s Mr. America and that he’d like to .. meet him.. one day. Jesus. Vince says why doesn’t he come meet him here tonight or better yet, points out that Mr America won’t be here tonight bc Mr America is Hogan and Hogan is in Florida. Hogan says Mr. America just might show up tonight. Vince says he will rip the red, white, & blue off of him.

TONIGHT: Brock Lesnar & Chris Benoit vs. A-Train & Big Show

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - May 22nd, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

May 22nd, 2003

Greensboro, NC

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri (since 5/18/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Matt Hardy (since 2/23/03)

Commentators: Michael Cole & Tazz

Vince comes out and cuts a promo about Zach Gowen and god damn dude, I’m sick of seeing his ass in this show. Smackdown was so good and he’s been dragging it down in recent weeks. Here, he says he’s taking over Smackdown and I can’t think of anything worse.. 

1) Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri (c) vs. Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas) - Smackdown Tag Team Title Match 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - May 19th, 2003

WWE Raw

May 19th, 2003

Greenville, South Carolina 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

Commentators: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross

Stone Cold Steve Austin opens the show. Judgement Day was last night, but we are looking ahead toward Bad Blood presented by Stone Cold and Stone Cold says that since it’s presented by him that means… 

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED  

Austin is full of great quotes tonight. He says he’s gonna get to the bottom of the Goldberg deal because “if anyone knows anything about getting hit by an automobile, it’s Stone Cold Steve Austin” holy fuck.

Austin introduces the World Heavyweight Champion Triple H accompanied by Ric Flair. He stops H made entrance and says he doesn’t have time to watch him spit his stupid water, he’s here to talk business. He says H got his ass whipped last night and doesn’t deserve to be holding that title. Austin says H will wrestle tonight and he will let him pick his own opponent as long as they’re a former world champion. H is pissed at first then smirks and says he will face the greatest world champion of all time… Ric Flair. Flair looks confused and Austin is clearly annoyed. H & Flair leave as Austin stares on. 

1) The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von) vs. 3 Minute Warning (Jamal & Rosey) (w/ Rico) 

“Here come them damn Dudleys.” -Jim Ross

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Judgement Day 2003 Review - May 18th, 2003

WWE Judgement Day 

May 18th, 2003

Charlotte, North Carolina

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 2/6/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Matt Hardy (since 2/23/03)

Commentators: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross and Michael Cole & Tazz  

Before we get going, just want to plug the Up & Over Podcast episode that covers this show! If you prefer audio or just want a more in depth conversation with a couple of others on this event, you can check that out here on our YouTube page and there you can also find links to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc! NOW, let’s dive into this event….

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin hits the ring to start the show. He’s our new co general manager and god almighty that glass shattering never gets old. You can never go starting the show this way. Austin says he isn’t here to talk a lot, but he wanted to let everyone know he has his own personal skybox that he calls “redneck heaven” and he will be up there watching the show just like everyone else in Charlotte. Austin walks up from ringside through the crowd after roasting a drink with Tazz at the commentary table. 

1) John Cena, Chuck Palumbo, & Johnny Stamboli vs. Chris Benoit, Brian “Spanky” Kendrick, & Rhyno 

AEW: Rampage Review - February 4th, 2022

AEW Rampage

February 4th, 2022

Chicago, Illinois 

AEW World Champion: Hangman Adam Page (since 11/13/21)

AEW World Tag Team Champions: Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (since 1/5/22)

AEW Women’s World Champion: Britt Baker (since 5/30/21)

AEW TBS Champion: Jade Cargill (since 1/5/22)

AEW TNT Champion: Sammy Guevara (since 1/26/22)

Commentators: Excalibur, Chris Jericho, Taz, & Ricky Starks 

1) Adam Cole vs. Evil Uno 

Uno gets the jobber entrance :/ aka no entrance. But WHATEVER. We know he’s a king. This doesn’t go long at all, though and he doesn’t look so good as a result. That sucks. This was basically just Cole hitting all his stuff on Uno and winning in less than 2-3 minutes. 

Match rating - *3/4

AEW: Dynamite Review - February 2nd, 2022

AEW Dynamite

February 2nd, 2022

Chicago, IL - Wintrust Arena

AEW World Champion: Hangman Adam Page (since 11/13/21)

AEW World Tag Team Champions: Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (since 1/5/22)

AEW Women’s World Champion: Britt Baker (since 5/30/21)

AEW TBS Champion: Jade Cargill (since 1/5/22)

AEW TNT Champion: Sammy Guevara (since 1/26/22)

Commentators: Excalibur, Jim Ross, & Tony Schiavone

1) Jon Moxley vs. Wheeler Yuta

Yuta is replacing Brian Kendrick. Kendrick was supposed to make his AEW debut tonight, just 24 hours after receiving his requested WWE release. Then, everyone discovered that he’s a Holocaust denying nut job so TK pulled him from this show and rightfully so. Fuck that shit. This is built off of Mox squashing Yuta last fall. Here, Yuta charges Mox with a drop kick at the bell and misses, but avoids a lot of offense from Mox early. Yuta gets a good bit in here and looks awesome before Moxley puts him away with some elbows (a message to Bryan Danielson) followed by the paradigm shift DDT.

Match rating - **1/2

After the match, Bryan Danielson shows up. We all thought Danielson wanted to fight Moxley, BUUUUT Danielson says he actually wants to team with Mox. Bryan says there’s no reason a millennial cowboy should be world champion. No reason a dinosaur should be tag team champion. And no reason a vlogger should be TNT Champion. Danielson says they could run this place together and maybe even bring up a group of guys like Yuta, Daniel Garcia, and Lee Moriarty and train them to be the future of pro wrestling. Bryan offers Mox a handshake, but Mox is torn and just stand there. Bryan says he will give him time to think about it then leaves. Wild Thing plays as Mox stands there. I’m not particularly interested in a Mox/Danielson team actually being a thing, but I like the spin they are putting on this program and I hope 

AEW: Dynamite Review - January 26th, 2022 (BEACH BREAK)

AEW Beach Break 2022

January 26th, 2022

Cleveland, Ohio

AEW World Champion: Hangman Adam Page (since 11/13/21)

AEW World Tag Team Champions: Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (since 1/5/22)

AEW Women’s World Champion: Britt Baker (since 5/30/21)

AEW TBS Champion: Jade Cargill (since 1/5/22)

AEW TNT Champion: Cody Rhodes (since 12/25/21)

Commentators: Excalibur, Jim Ross, & Tony Schiavone

1) Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Sammy Guevara (c) - Ladder Match for the TNT Championship 

This is to “unify” the interim TNT title and the real one that Cody holds. After a month or two of being insignificant, both of these guys proceeded to absolutely show the fuck out here. The first truly great match on Dynamite this year since Hangman/Danielson and after a rewatch, I feel ashamed not giving this a flat 4 stars and going with ***3/4 on the Up & Over Live Review we did after the show. So now, here I stand, a few days later rectifying my tragic quarter star mistake. This rocked. Sammy’s springboard flying cutter thing off the ladder.. you know what I’m talking about, fucking blew my mind and will be replayed for years and years to come.. honestly as long as AEW exists. Good job, guys, you saved what was a terrible feud and title reign for the both of you. Now, Sammy just needs to keep this energy so this second reign is better than his first which was arguably the worst of any TNT title reign so far. So yeah, this was a great, great match. Sammy wins aaaaaaand yea!

Match rating - **** 

2) Wardlow vs. Elijah Dean & James Alexander