Wasted: Asuka vs. Champ Bianca Belair; Singles Match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship at Night of Champions 2023 by AverageMansReviews - Spoilers Alarm!

Wasted: Asuka vs. Champ Bianca Belair; Singles Match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship at Night of Champions 2023 by AverageMansReviews - Spoilers Alarm!

Disclaimer: I wanted to be known that anything I say as it relates to elements of this content being perceived as racial, on the contrary it is based on facts as they currently are in this part of the world.

I am not particularly happy that things went down the way they did here: so on the positive we have a new champion here. But however that is where the positivity ends and let's be honest it's not like we haven't been here before Wasted: Asuka vs. Champ Bianca Belair [with The Divas of Compton;] Singles Match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship Link https://averagemansreviews2017.blogspot.com/2023/04/wasted-asuka-vs-champ-bianca-belair.html you know when they should have really done the championship drop to maximise everything, including giving Asuka this once-in-a-lifetime moment on the biggest stage of the more in wrestling, you know respecting her for the excellent wrestler that she is and being a team player when she has been asked to be one. But no she gets beaten at WWE WrestleMania 39/2023: Night 2 and yes I have given both of these matches 6/10, because that is what they are. But this is where some people might find what I am about to say very uncomfortable reading like the WWE did with Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes and Asuka is; they have one thing in common and that would be the ideal times to perform this perfectly championship switches [McIntyre at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022 and Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 39/2023: Night 2 vs. the Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns on these two separate occasions.] I have made reference to at some point or points if they don't offer something big back in return, people are going to be looking at these points essentially going we gave up these occasions; for this? And even though as it relates to on the men's side of things it hasn't happened yet, but as it relates to Belair it has happened now and we gave up this WrestleMania golden opportunity to have this really in-depth yet different repackaging to a certain extent of Asuka to lose at this grandaddy of an event in all of wrestling for her to then win this championship at this essentially glorified house show, in the part of the world where women are seen as it is generally speaking second-rate citizens. I mean you could have even waited until WWE Money In The Bank, where Asuka wins the briefcase and cashes in live in the UK to give her another big opportunity and a big stage for her to win this championship or you could have waited until WWE SummerSlam 2023. I mean it isn't like you haven't protected Belair anyway from what happened at this event on Saturday, so why not protect Belair from losing her championship with a cash in anyway?

But let's be really honest and this is just my opinion; it's not like this kingdom in the middle east pays you lots and lots of money in the first place WWE is it? Oh they do silly me I forgot. So I can't wait until you visit the United Kingdom; Saturday 01/07/2023 for WWE Money In The Bank, maybe this time you could have one of your wrestlers from this part of the world and yes I am including our neighbouring countries actually pick up a win in front of their region of the world instead of all three of them losing. I have just had a terrible, terrible idea Belair wins the Women's Money In The Bank briefcase, please no for the love of god please no and then catches it in to become the whatever Women's Champion [I am referring to the latest WWE Draft and as most of you will know; it makes no sense whatsoever, so if the hierarchy don't care about making coherent sense why should I care about the championship names.]

 

WCW Monday Nitro Season 1, Episode 7: Find Out What It Means To Me 16/10/1995 by AverageMansReviews

WCW Monday Nitro Season 1, Episode 7: Find Out What It Means To Me 16/10/1995 by AverageMansReviews

Warning/Disclaimer: flashing effects/colourful effects/fire/simulation of neck breaking/shooting. Disclaimer: anything I say about this individual is purely based on wrestling and nothing else

Commentary Award goes to: Eric Bischoff for being generally informative and basically being the maestro of the show, handing things off and go back to him, moving on and that kind of thing.

Wrestling Award goes to: Eddie Guerrero vs. "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit; Singles Match full disclosure I know there are a couple of botches in this match from  Guerrero, but if you have been around wrestling long enough you would know that for a wrestling perspective these two can go and that's what they show here.

Debut Award goes to: "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit; this was his debut in WCW and it made him and Guerrero look both as real deals

Promo Award goes to: abbreviated videos package of  "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair asking the WCW US Heavyweight Sting to be his tag team partner with "Mean"Gene Okerlund last Saturday at WCW Pro,"Mean"Gene Okerlund promoting the WCW Hotline for all your wrestling news; brings up the WWF/E in that news and to finish off we have the same trio from Saturday in the ring as Flair is looking for a response from Sting; based on what Sting has just seen tonight he accepts; so at WCW Halloween Havoc 1995 we have "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson & Flyin' Brian vs. the WCW US Heavyweight Champion Sting & "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair: Tag Team Match

This episode receives: 7/10, this episode is good; again full disclosure; we get another video package or/and Promo of; the WCW World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan [with "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart;] building up this feud more with The Dungeon Of Doom's The Giant [with The Taskmaster Kevin Sullivan;] for their matches at WCW Halloween Havoc 1995 for his championship. Yes absolutely I have given promo awards up to this point as it relates to these promos, but the problem is we have heard something similar from the champ and Hart for a long time now. So at this point I am like meh, it does what it is designed to do, but I can also say on reflection this is the weakest one so far, if I had to pick one [it could be because I have heard similar promo over the past many weeks so it could always be an element of becoming stale creeping in or this one just comes off a Little bit more of a ramble,] but as I have just said it does what it is designed to do. But don't get me wrong regardless if it does what it is designed to do, if the quality drops lower I will happily award these promos potentially Thumbs Down Award

 

Recommendation of: NXT Battlegrounds 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Recommendation of: NXT Battlegrounds 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Warning/Disclaimer: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/blood warning/torture warning, I have never been or are likely to be a professional wrestler.

Just a heads up: I partly watched this event and then carried on watching it on another day, just because I was burnt out and whilst I'm here full disclosure I only know about two result, I wanted to know about the results of AEW Double or Nothing 2023 which happened on the same night as this event, but I accidentally came across one result. Yes in hindsight I should have used a different way around to get to the results but never mind.

Tyler Bate vs. Schism's Joe Gacy [with Ava] vs. Champ Wes Lee; Triple Threat Match for the NXT North American Championship: this match was an excellent way to begin this event with a enthusiastic atmosphere and match outlay and we have to ask that achieving question; did everyone look better for having this match? Yes, so you can't ask for more than that. This match/match slot receives: 9/10.

Dragon Lee [with Nathan Frazier] vs. Title Noam Dar; British Rounds Rules Match for the NXT Heritage Cup Championship: well if the previous match/match slot was enthusiastic amongst other things, this match/match slot was anything but, it put me to sleep and if this is what they have planned for this title/championship they may as well abandon it right now. As I have already indicated this just sucked out the momentum of this event and on top of that there is much for me to report that I am allowed to in this format other than Dragon attempted a hurricanrana [Lee is running up the turnbuckle with Dar on the outside of the ring apron ready to receive Lee] but Lee doesn't connect properly consequently both wrestlers take a fall and a bump of varying degrees Lee's is the more uncomfortable want to watch as it is best described as he crashes and burns.

 Blood warning and torture is in this video package before this upcoming match.

Ilja Dragunov vs. Dijak; Last Man Standing Match: yes if you were wondering if this match was hard-hitting it is including blood warning. Vic Joseph on commentary or the person feeding him this line; told us a massive lie; he makes reference to Dragunov is medically cleared to continue this match from the doctor. The lie is there was no doctor, I have replayed this section and yes to cover my back it could have been done without us seeing anything. But as far as I'm aware there is no doctor here, but however there is a referee [unknown name, yes I have looked for his name but instead of getting it wrong and potentially putting myself in hot water, I have decided to go with unknown name so I can't get into any trouble] that possibly more than likely choked on the situation, but I mean no disrespect as again as far as I am aware he is no doctor. This match/match slot receives: 9/10.

The Creed Brothers: Brutus & Julius Creed [with Ivy Nile] vs. Champs Gallus: Mark Coffey & Wolfgang [with Joe Coffey;] Tag Team Match for the NXT Tag Team Championship: straight off the bat in Gallus' entrance Joseph calls Joe Coffey, Joe Gacy instead of Joe Coffey in fact Booker T. corrects him. This is another hard-hitting and explosive match slot. This match/match slot receives: 8/10.

Lyra Valkyria vs. Tiffany Stratton; Tournament Final for the vacant NXT Women's Championship: this first bit is genuinely true I had to stop this match after Joseph said this on commentary or in Joseph's defence it could have been once again someone feeding him this line; I am paraphrasing here he makes reference to Indy Hartwell having to relinquish this title because she had got called up to the main roster on Monday Night Raw and not for she was injured. So if you have been around this situation you know where I am going here; going off what Joseph has just indicated why oh why are the NXT Women's Tag Team Champions been drafted to WWE SmackDown and are still allowed to hold the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships then? I should quickly point out I have nothing against these two wrestlers be it individually or together so I am not going after them personally. I am just wanting the WWE hierarchy to actually make sense of the 2023 draft and just start changing the narrative whenever it is necessary for them to do so, for it to fit in with the narrative at that time. But then again the WWE have been doing this for years, strangely enough I thought it was going to be a thing of the past when this dark shadow was no longer in this company, but we all know it didn't last for too long. I the recent past where there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the WWE was looking forward to continuous bright days ahead, okay fair enough there may be one or two clouds in the sky from time to time, but we all know it wasn't perfect but man it just looks so bright for not only is promotion but the wrestling industry as a whole.  Stratton performs this version of an elbow drop, which looks a bit sloppy, from our angle but the main reason I am taking the mark off here is because of the 2023 draft reference, it annoys me greatly when this hierarchy clearly doesn't care about things making sense, but here is a funny thing; they actually set the rules to begin with would think them look I will put this really nicely really silly. This match/match slot receives: 7/10.

Bron Breakker vs. Champ Carmelo Hayes [with Trick Williams;] for the NXT Championship: there is one sticky moment in this match where Hayes runs and then goes over the ropes on the entrance side of the ring and it is one of those occasions where just at the last moment you think he has undercut this not by much, but just enough for us to pick up on this isn't going to end well if Breakker doesn't catch him at some point very shortly. But luckily he catches Hayes and then between them everything goes as it looks like it should go. This match/match slot receives: 8/10.

The average mark of this pay-per-view is: 8/10, once again NXT delivers an event of its average incredibly high standards. Now let's talk about the massive elephant in the room, this would be twice now back to back when it is appropriate that NXT has crushed its main roster equivalent even in one case where the main roster has two nights, I mean that is such a mic drop moment that I am just going to leave things on that note.

WCW Monday Nitro Season 1, Episode 6: Sting’s Solution 09/10/1995 by AverageMansReviews

WCW Monday Nitro Season 1, Episode 6: Sting’s Solution 09/10/1995 by AverageMansReviews

Warning: flashing effects/colourful effects/fire/simulation of neck breaking

Commentary Award goes to: Bobby "The Brain"/"Weasel" Heenan a situation update as it relates to The WCW World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan and The Dungeon of Doom's The Giant and the surrounding characters from each side. Likewise Eric Bischoff breaking the news from two police officers [we see them on screen, I know they are more than likely just characters] as he is told an update of this escalating situation between these wrestlers which I have just stated

Wrestling Award goes to: The Enforcer" Arn Anderson vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair; Steel Cage Match [it is the version using a silver grade without a roof on] with the wrestling match having being best describe wrestling on x2 on your fast-forward button on your remote, meaning I am speculating here but backing it up with a viewing experience of they may have been told you have this certain amount of time worked to it; still very good wrestling though, well what do you expect with who is involved and with the stipulation in play here.

Promo Award goes to: the US Heavyweight Champion Sting comes onto the screen behind the commentary table and in a nutshell delivers a promo where in short he says he is going to fix the problem between The Macho Man" Randy Savage and " The Total Package" Lex Luther.

Later on

Mean"Gene Okerlund interviews Sting, Luther and Savage [if I was to be more precise it is squabbling between the trio of wrestlers and Okerlund trying to keep a lid on and keep up with this situation.] Where Sting suggests in my words mini tournament Singles matched for Halloween Havoc, where if this Savage beats The Dungeon of Doom's Zodiac and likewise Lugar beats Meng on the same night we will have Savage vs. Lugar

Mean"Gene Okerlund interviews  the WCW Heavyweight Champion [with "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart] Hogan makes reference to André the Giant and The Giant being in kayfabe father and son again. Then Hogan must have thought backstage or someone must have thought in for a penny, in for a pound. As Hogan makes reference to Mr McMahon and the WWF. But he doesn't reference them directly he puts it in a story outlay [ongoing situation here.]

Bischoff gets a warning over his headset that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair comes up to the commentary; from behind Bischoff sees him coming [puts over that Flair is far from happy] and rips Bischoff's headset off his head [so much so Bischoff's headset breaks] to challenge Anderson and "Flyin" Brian next week on Nitro: it is one of those furious yet passionate promo's from Flair

This episode receives: 8/10, this episode is excellent; what with the video package of last week's events capturing our attention even before the opening credits sequence, yes this episode is basically information/promo heavy with some okay to very good wrestling on it, but it has been given the style of unscripted [we know it is scripted] chaos.

 

 

 

Recommendation of: WWE Night of Champions 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Recommendation of: WWE Night of Champions 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Warning/Disclaimer: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/blood warning/I have never been or are likely to be a professional wrestler.

Just a heads up: I didn't want it live and on top of that I really did struggle with this event, to the point where just to cover my back I don't think there is one match I didn't at some point drift off to sleep for a minimum a moment or longer. I am not using this as an excuse, but on reflection three of these matches/match slot go on for at least double figures as it relates to their time length and full disclosure the only result I was aware of before watching this event was the main event in a little capacity based on a came across someone's thumbnail, I knew I should've stayed off YouTube.

Warning there is blood in the opening video package to this event.

Seth Rollins vs. The OC's AJ Styles; Tournament Final for the Inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Championship Singles Match: straight away we have this really dumb production thing of having Styles waiting in the ring, then we have this video package and then Rollins comes down to the ring. Why didn't they do this video package before both competitors come down to the ring? Cory Graves had one of those match slots that I don't know if it was him or someone backstage giving him these lines, but he was slightly irritating from; I am paraphrasing here in these; having a little back and forths with Michael Cole making reference to the possibility that Roman Reigns could hold 4 Championships by the end of tonight, Styles could win the WWE Heavyweight Championship and then go over to Raw, because it is a exclusive championship, in a nutshell the WWE hierarchy are making up the rules as they go along and then Graves makes a comical reference to he pays for a blue mark could be called a journalist [I believe this is a reference to twitter.] For the match; of what I saw about it; it was okay I lost interest in it: this match/match slot receives: 6/10.

Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus; Singles Match: this match/match slot wasn't either the most smoothest match or it had botches in it, this is one of those occasions where it is either one or the other depending on your perspective that is why I have put both in here; Stratus performs a tornado DDT from the top turnbuckle which does not look the most smoothest and the same can be said for her version of the Lou Thesz Press and when she performed a neck breaker, she grabbed Lynch's hair, but between them and commentary they put it over as a neck breaker. I should point out again there is some form of blood in this match/match slot; I don't know if this was generally a blotch or it was done deliberately in kayfabe from the perspective of if you have been keeping an eye over this feud you know this incident involving a nose was referenced, so it could have been done safely a little bit to add fuel to this feud. This match/match slot receives: 6/10.

Mustafa Ali vs. Champ Imperium's Walter [Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci;] Singles Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: this match slot is everything you expect it to be really, I know two excellent wrestlers having an excellent wrestling match, I know it is a strange concept for the WWE hierarchy to understand. This match/match slot receives: 8/10.

Asuka vs. Champ Bianca Belair; Singles Match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship: this match/match slot is solidly good, but if you want me to be brutally honest this match/match slot and the next one are just jokes really well. This match/match slot receives: 6/10.

Natalya vs. Champ The Judgement Day's Rhea Ripley [with Dominik Mysterio;] Singles Match for the WWE SmackDown Championship: as I have just made reference to this match/match slot was and is a complete and utter joke: 1/10.

Blood warning there is a video package of basically why we are having the next upcoming match.

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar; Singles Match: this is another match/match slot which is what it is meant to be and yes I have to put some kind of blood warning here as well, there is a little mark on Lesnar's forehead and it looks like it is coming from somewhere from someone or/and it could just be a mixture of sweat, it is difficult to tell so it is better to be safe than sorry. This match/match slot receives: 7/10.

The Bloodline's the WWE Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa [with Paul Heyman] vs. Champs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn; Tag Team Match for the WWE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: let's be positive for a minute the crowd participation was likely and here for the main event so based on them I will award this match/match slot another mark. But this is another match/match slot that just needed to be what it needed to be as it relates to storyline. This match/match slot receives: 7/10.

The average mark of this pay-per-view is: 6/10, I mean after taking everything into consideration, I would find it difficult to justify anything else once again full disclosure I did consider giving this event a 5/10, but using the numbers that are in front of me this would be hard to justify, so 6/10 is right, but even though I have been unbiased with these numbers I can now I like that again I really found this event to the hard work to watch. Let's just hope NXT Battleground 2023 is better tonight.

 

In-depth Predictions/Other elements for AEW Double or Nothing 2023 by AverageMansReviews

In-depth Predictions/Other elements for AEW Double or Nothing 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Just a heads up: yes I have never been or are likely to be a professional wrestler, but even with my years of experience of feeling wrestling, even for me there is just too many high risk stipulations on this card. I mean this is not the first time I have pointed this out, I basically indicated as much as when it was AEW Revolution 2023, but this card is much worse. Now obviously I don't want or I know they never go in with the idea of hurting one another or putting themselves in danger. But as you'll see from this card I do feel that they are tempting fate here, obviously I hope that no one picks up an injury any capacity, but if something should happen at some points at this pay-per-view where they pick up some injuries. I do feel that they are just not only messing with fate but also lining themselves up for more criticism and as we go throughout this pay-per-view I will happily point out which matches I am concerned about and just before I begin yes there will be many.

The Acclaimed: Max Caster & Anthony Bowens & "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn vs. The House of Black: Malakai Black, Brody King, & Buddy Matthews [Julia Hart;] Six-Man Tag Team Match/Open House Rules Match for the AEW World Trios Championship: my pick is The House of Black: Malakai Black, Brody King, & Buddy Matthews [Julia Hart.]  Well not to be arrogant, but even though I like both of these acts the champions here, are just not losing. Because even though both acts are over the champions here does feel like they A. Are just getting started, there is lots more to come from them and B. They are on some of the advertising pictures for AEW Collision, granted without their Championships and yes they could always be changed, but probably more than likely this would indicate for the meantime anyway that this feud is just beginning or/and at minimum these Championships aren't going anywhere.

The Jericho Appreciation Society's Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole; Unsanctioned Match with Sabu will serve as the Special Guest Enforcer: my pick is Adam Cole. I am concerned about this match, okay I like Jericho vs. Cole, but everything no disrespect to Sabu, but I would have preferred this match just being singles match. I know, I know that sounds boring. But I would prefer boring/something stable and more reliable for Cole's pay-per-view in-ring return, there is no way in hell I would have put Cole potentially and I do stress potentially back into this situation where they could go south very quickly where I expect Roderick Strong, the rest of or at least some of the members of the JAS and the crazy antics of Sabu to get involved at some point for me personally this is just too many variables for somebody which has come off a long spell off the sidelines due to concussion.

Ethan Page & The Gunns: Austin & Colten Gunn vs. the FTW Champion The Hardys: Jeff & Matt Hardy; Six-Man Tags Team Match, If the Hardys win, Matt Hardy will own Ethan Page's contract: my pick is the FTW Champion The Hardys: Jeff & Matt Hardy. To give Jeff a W on his pay-per-view will return, I expect this match to be on first just to get the crowd bouncing and finally I expect other wrestlers to get involved in some capacity as well.

Taya Valkyrie vs. Champ Jade Cargill [with Baddie Leila Grey & Mark Sterling;] Singles Match for the AEW TBS Championship: my pick is Jade Cargill. With heel tactics being involved with and this is speculation on my part perhaps a returning Kris Statlander to even things up, but more importantly Statlander to eventually be thrown the inaugural TBS Champion.

Blackpool Combat Club: Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, the ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta vs. The Elite: Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks: Matt & Nick Jackson & "Hangman" Adam Page; Anarchy in the Arena Match: my pick is The Elite: Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks: Matt & Nick Jackson & "Hangman" Adam Page. Just to continue this feud and give it a feud progression and I should point out, yes I am concerned about this match also, because it isn't like some of these wrestlers haven't experienced head trauma in some capacity before, now just to cover my back I am also aware that it could be used in kayfabe as well, but either way we all know in 2023 the risks of head trauma.

The Outcast's Toni Storm [with Saraya & Ruby Soho] vs. Champ Jamie Hayter [with Britt Baker DMD & Rebel;] Singles Match for the AEW Women's Championship: my pick is The Outcast's Toni Storm [with Saraya & Ruby Soho.] Yes I fully expect Hikaru Shida to show up to try and stop this heel goings-on with The Outcasts but she and the babyfaces fail. If The Outcasts get their hands on this championship, it would be good for them on a whole as it would give them some real substance to work with and to make them a genuine dominating trio.

Blackjack Battle Royal; 21-Man Battle Royal for the AEW International Championship: my pick is Ricky Starks. Now Starks is a top guy, so why not then to feud with its longest reigning champion up to this point in history if you include its previous incarnation of the AEW All-Atlantic Championship of a combined reign of roughly 220+ days, so perhaps on this ballpark figure it is due for a championship drop anyway. But Orange Cassidy has most definitely put some credibility into this championship that is for sure of what I have seen. Yes in fairness and balance I have to be concerned about this match as well, I am not deliberately and actively destroying this pay-per-view, but using common sense and logic.

Christian Cage [with Luchasaurus] vs. Champ Wardlow [with Arn Anderson;] Ladder Match for the AEW TNT Championship: my pick is Christian Cage [with Luchasaurus.] I know why this stipulation has been chosen on one hand Cage is one of the legends as it relates to this stipulation. But on the other hand the more probable reason why this stipulation was chosen and this is just my opinion/speculation is so that Wardlow can lose his championship here without being pinned so in essence it protects him and progresses the feud, where Luchasaurus obviously makes a big impact and is solely with the responsible so for this new champion here; likewise I have my concerns about this match also based on fairness and balance.

The Lethal Connection's: Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal [with Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt & Satnam Singh] vs. Champs FTR's Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler; Tag Team Match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship; Mark Briscoe will serve as the Special Guest Referee: my pick is The Lethal Connection's: Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal [with Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt & Satnam Singh.] This is a simple yet effective approach of possibly Briscoe making a mistake or in confusion or possibly a heel turn [but this seems unlikely,] so I'm going to go with in confusion he in a nutshell makes me champions here.

The Jericho Appreciation Society's Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin vs. "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry vs. Champ MJF; Four-Way Match for the AEW World Championship: my pick is MJF. Basically to keep everyone looking strong this is what I would do; in the closing stages of this match someone could hit CM Punk entrance music and in the confusion MJF could roll up Allin to retain. Now I want to make this perfectly clear I don't see Punk showing up I just said his entrance music, because we all know when Punk is more than likely to return at AEW Collision, because it is in his back yard. But as it relates to this pay-per-view MJF in kayfabe pay's somebody backstage to play Mr Punk's entrance music or pairing him with someone. The only reason I have chosen Allin to take the pin fall is I don't know when, but at some point he wants to climb Mount Everest, so the loss wouldn't really harm him if he is going to be off for a while. Or another option is Guevara take the pin, so there is friction between him, MJF, Jericho and Punk when he returns, it's not like there isn't substance here already in some capacity; MJF has history with everybody in this foursome, Jericho is the leader of the JAS, has a history with MJF, Jericho has called Punk a cancer [ yes I know that some point they have had meetings and possibly working together; but just to cover my back that was yes only a little while ago, but then again things often change in wrestling.] I mean if they really want to push out the boat yes Jericho and Guevara absolutely fine and on the same page, but they could introduce the young lion and old lion, dynamic to their relationship so it could be a case of Jericho trying to teach or sometimes getting fed up with Guevara. I didn't forget about Perry, he could get taken out by a mystery individual/new feud so for a while he is out of the main picture and as you can see it is already quite full and yes I am also concerned about this match.

I hope I am wrong and everyone comes out of this event healthy just perhaps a little bit banged up, but I just don't like playing with them probability of these potentially high-risk matches. Before I have someone cocky pointing out every match is a high-risk, yes this I know. So my point being why would you want to increase the percentage of continuous injury? I am very much aware and I have already pointed this out in other content that they prefer the harder/some may say alternative wrestling styles, but this from time to time comes with a very high price. My final point would be; I know I have chosen quite a few new champions if it goes the way I think it will, I think Tony Kahn may want to press the hard reset based on AEW Collision having fresh champions, with maybe new feuds or just a different dynamic the contender and champion may just switched roles, with maybe one or two debuts or/and returns.

 

In-depth Predictions/Other elements for NXT Battlegrounds 2023 by AverageMansReviews

In-depth Predictions/Other elements for NXT Battlegrounds 2023 by AverageMansReviews

The Creed Brothers: Brutus & Julius Creed vs. Champs Gallus: Mark Coffey & Wolfgang [with Joe Coffey;] Tag Team Match for the NXT Tag Team Championship: my pick is Gallus: Mark Coffey & Wolfgang [with Joe Coffey.] Because this trio have recently got back to full strength I can only see a win here and it is good to see them all back together again.

Ilja Dragunov vs. Dijak; Last Man Standing Match: my pick is Ilja Dragunov. I really do hope that they put this match in a later slot, because this match will be hard-hitting yes I haven't seen much from Dijak. But however I do know a fair amount about Dragunov from his NXT UK days, so it wouldn't be too surprising if A. This match is incredibly hard-hitting and B. There will be some kind of blood, so I would deliberately place this match before the main event for the NXT Championship and also taking into consideration anything else following this match would/will find it difficult to follow minus the NXT Championship Match.

Tyler Bate vs. Schism's Joe Gacy vs. Champ Wes Lee; Triple Threat Match for the NXT North American Championship: my pick is Wes Lee. I haven't seen any of the build up but I am speculating/guessing they may go with the match outlay of Bate almost winning for Lee to hit Bates off the pin then hit Gracy with a move then pick up the W potentially setting up Bate vs. Lee at the next event for this championship where Bate is victorious, but all I know they are now is Gracy is more than likely taking the pin here when I say more than likely I mean 90%. Yes I haven't watched any content as it relates to this event, but however I can read who is probably taking the pin in some situations and that would be Gracy here.

Dragon Lee vs. Title Noam Dar; British Rounds Rules Match for the NXT Heritage Cup: my pick is Dragon Lee. Because it would start to give him some credibility and Dar's reign is roughly around the 270 to 280 mark so it is well overdue for a title change.

Lyra Valkyria vs. Tiffany Stratton; Tournament Final for the vacant NXT Women's Championship: my pick is Tiffany Stratton. Simply based on they may want to go for a heel here.

Bron Breakker vs. Champ Carmelo Hayes [with Trick Williams;] for the NXT Championship: my pick is Carmelo Hayes [with Trick Williams.] I should imagine the outlay of this match should be something to the back of Breakker tries to use heel tactics but gets outsmarted by Williams or something from that ballpark.

 

In-depth Predictions/Other elements for WWE Night of Champions 2023 by AverageMansReviews

In-depth Predictions/Other elements for WWE Night of Champions 2023 by AverageMansReviews

To be honest: on paper this card looks okay but, once you begin to look closer it is pretty basic really. I mean I did hear that this event was more of a holding card like the previous event. But I am not happy how the main roster is going or are heading, well we get all reminisce about that brief time that Mr. McMahon had nothing to do with the WWE until the day he is no longer on this planet.

Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus; Singles Match: my pick is Trish Stratus. Basically this match should be good, but it is obviously a feud builder as in it needs more substance.

Natalya vs. Champ The Judgement Day's Rhea Ripley; Singles Match for the WWE SmackDown Championship: my pick is The Judgement Day's Rhea Ripley. Well what do you want me to say here, don't get me wrong I could understand at WWE Backlash 2023 putting Zelina Vega in this position, because she is from this part of the world. But this match here is just a stopgap feud or to be brutally honest I hope it is. Because Ripley is hot right now and she has been for some time, but to have her in one stopgap feud is fine, two is just garbage booking and if the WWE hierarchy are not careful they are going to slowly chip at Ripley's momentum and credibility.

Asuka vs. Champ Bianca Belair; Singles Match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship: my pick is Bianca Belair. Speaking of somebody that has no momentum and credibility swiftly brings me onto Belair she has successfully bored me; I really don't care what they do with her now. They have done a terrible job with her to the point where the only thing that is left on the table is to repackage her somehow. But then again the last time that they tried to repackage one of their best female wrestlers it hasn't turned out that well, as it Asuka? I mean if somehow she wins here? It would do no one in this match any favours they have both got zero momentum and Asuka only has credibility because everyone minus the WWE hierarchy knows that she is pound for pound one of the best female wrestlers not only in the WWE but around the world. Let's not forget if Asuka can't win it at WWE WrestleMania 39/2023: Night 2, when they should have done is championship drop, why would they do it on a garbage glorified house show event? Just to wind me up I just want to go on the record I bet they do it just to irritate me and I should suspect possibly other people as well, but either way Asuka deserves much better.

Mustafa Ali vs. Champ Imperium's Walter [Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci;] Singles Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: my pick is Imperium's Walter. For me this is the match of this event, there is one thing that I have just thought about for two seconds, what really annoys me is; unless I missed something with looking online at other people's content they haven't made Ali look particularly anything, before I receive backlash or comments. Yes I have been around wrestling for a long time so with that being said I know, I know this championship isn't going anywhere any time soon which I am absolutely fine with Walter deserves to potentially go down in the record books as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time he just has to go past 454 currently held by The Honky Tonk Man. But we could give Ali rub to be galvanised his career, stop me if you have heard me say something to that effect already; this is another case of everyone else knowing that Ali could be one of the main event guys, but once again the hierarchy of the WWE don't seem to know or care about that, all they are concerned about in this situation; is building up Walter's next genuine threat which if you don't know is Matt Riddle, I mean why not throw Ali into the mix as well they are individually highly skilled wrestlers in their own field so why not have them feud?

The Bloodline's the WWE Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa [with Paul Heyman] vs. Champs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn; Tag Team Match for the WWE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: my pick is Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn. I really don't care about this whole situation now, I am so bored of it, basically what is going on here is the other members of The Bloodline The Usos: Jey & Jimmy Uso are going to try and assist but it backfires consequently these championships stay where they are and sew more friction into this faction.

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar; Singles Match: my pick is Brock Lesnar. This is just a case of 50-50 booking, so as Rhodes won the previous match in a quick and sudden fashion I expect this match to be a relatively similar timeline but Lesnar locking in the Camorra submission, of what I have seen they have already done the ground work with to Rhodes to protect him from the loss at this event, to then set up this is speculation on my part mixed with opinion a stipulation that doesn't require anyone to be pinned for Rhodes to go over and if you think I have forgotten Money In The Bank 2023 I expect some to be in the Men's Money In Bank Ladder Match, but they will cost one another in some way.

Seth Rollins vs. The OC's AJ Styles; Tournament Final for the Inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Championship Singles Match: my pick is Seth Rollins. It should be him, but as I have recently referenced in other content and this may not be the case because of his Hollywood commitments. But now update that this could mean in the future and separately or/and together this goes for his wife as well Becky Lynch. To be brutally honest even though this championship is not in circulation yet likewise as I have referenced in the same content previously, but basically for here it has been a complete shambles; what with in a nutshell the hierarchy telling us potentially Reigns isn't losing his championship any time soon, so here is a secondary main brand championship, including having SmackDown wrestling for a Raw exclusive championship and now we have Styles [before I continue I should point out I am not criticising him for this but he is pointing out what we already know and partially yet in his defence fairly burying this championship.] I am not putting words into his mouth, but here's basically said Reigns has the two main brand championships. So between the triangle of the WWE universe [their fan base,] Styles and we don't know Rollins opinion, but to be fair to both of them they will make this championship work even if that two out of the three of this triangle thinks the same way, but to finish this bit off, it would be hilarious if Styles won this championship it would be a fantastic cherry on top of this manure cake. I should point out when I say fantastic I mean I would still be angry, but at this point even though this championship isn't in circulation yet it is already heavily tarnished so why not finish off the job with Styles winning it and this is nothing against Styles as I have already indicated he would make the best of it and make it into something, but this absolutely destroys what this championship was designed to do.

 

 

Fast X 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Fast X 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/shooting/stabbing/drugs/breaking/burning/kamikaze/decomposing/medical

10 years earlier in Fast Five 2011 our story gets set in stone: in a nutshell and without giving too much away; we have Dante Reyes [Jason Momoa:] the Sun of Herman Reyes [Joaquim de Almeida] seeking revenge for his father against those that have wronged him including anyone connected to them, but this is where I should really point out Dante is a psychopath. So Dominic "Dom" Toretto [Vin Diesel:] ex-criminal leader turned Black-Ops Crew leader of his family/unit of highly skilled individuals alongside Letty Ortiz [Michelle Rodriguez:] his lifelong best friend and wife, in her own right she is most definitely someone you don't want to screw with, but these are just two names on Dante's hit list.

The framework and pacing of this 141 minutes film is quite frankly it looks and feels too long, yes there may be lots happening but for the first half or maybe more it never really gets going yes I will say this once more even though there is lots happening on the screen, it fails to capture your attention and I said to the person that I watch some of these projects with at the time something to the effect of this is boring and it is. I mean don't get the wrong later on in this film everything begins to wake up and actually feel and look like what this film should be high octaned yet natural feeling action.

Which with absolutely no surprise because of this including this incredibly lengthy time generally speaking it leaves these character developments and performances hanging high and dry. To the point where deep, deep down if you have been alive long enough around films or if not at the very least around this franchise you get this feeling of; man this franchise is really starting to run on fumes as it doesn't have much more to give.

Dante [Jason Momoa] his character is a positive and a negative, we can understand his motivation, he takes the mantle of this big time criminal seeking revenge and being unhinged with appropriate comedy now and again. But that is somewhat tarnished by pushing his unhinged personality traits to too far including comedy as well. So what you actually end up with is something like Jack Napier a.k.a. The Joker which as everyone should know if that is what they were going for; if it is not done correctly to a very high standard consistently you get something like this in this film and in a nutshell as the person said that I watch this film with I am paraphrasing here they make him into a joke; she was not impressed, for me I get what this person was saying. But for me generally speaking it was okay, but I am not too keen on it if I had to pick between a positive or a negative I would have to agree with this person I went with to see this film, we were expecting a much more serious character, but I really want to point this out we both like Momoa so this isn't anything against him, in fact he does good it is just these character developments.

But on the other hand we have Jakob Toretto [John Cena:] a highly skilled thief and assassin also the brother of Dom and Mia [Jordana Brewster,] which he has taken his nephew/father Dom Little Brian/"Little B" [Leo Abelo Perry"] from his sister Mia to keep him safe and take him on a journey. This journey is good fun throughout whenever whenever we check in on them; be it this old car nostalgic bits and pieces from Jakob younger years including dancing style, including later on some advice and then dropping out of this plane inside this compact plane that runs alcohol; these scenes/sequences in this film feel they have assimilated the adventure/from A to B richer for the experience storyline outlay and yes if I had to guess we see Cena performing his wrestling finisher or one of them known as the Attitude Adjustment, the reason why I have said I guess is because it happens quickly so I could be wrong it is roughly in his sister’s house on this agency member of this unit I think it was upstairs through this hole I think, but apologies if I am wrong.

The other character developments/performances; the character developments including most of their comedy elements there may be a few comedy moments that may get a laugh such as when Letty realises where she is in the world, a little while after this good one-on-one sequence with Cipher [Charlize Theron:] a criminal/computer mastermind that has a history with Dom and his family/crew. The performances; as you may have guessed by now this cast has to do lots of the heavy lifting to make this film work, so until this film speeds up or gets motivated as I have already referenced later on it does feel like they are really having to work some magic to keep things together.

Art: yes this film looks pleasant and eye-catching from time to time but what really captured my interest was the art in the first section of closing credits there was lots happening here be it Dante's eyes slowly burning Polaroid pictures or/and elements of this film.

This film receives: 5/10, this film is mixed; yes this instalment may have some good things about it, but having said that it is hardly the strongest instalment from this franchise and one final thing there is one extra scene after the first section of ending credits.

 

 

 

 

Knock at the Cabin 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Knock at the Cabin 2023 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/environmental/suicide/cult/ritual/shooting/stabbing/cutting/chopping/drowning/torture/mental abuse/animal cruelty/medical

Knock,  Knock who's there? A, A who? A film not worth watching: briefly because I don't want to spend too long on this content to be honest; this family unit has came to this cabin for some relaxing, but unknown to them they will get given this life changing decision to make by these strangers that come out of nowhere to save the world or if they don't make a decision the consequences are deadly. A prominent figure head to the strangers goes by the name of Leonard Brocht [Dave Batista:] a second grade school teacher who runs outer-school program and a part-time bartender, am I forgetting anything. Oh yes and a member of this group of strangers but believes if this family don't make a decision by a certain time the Apocalypse is coming. We also have one of the writers/director for this film M. Night Shyamalan as an infomercial host; full disclosure I didn't notice this watching this film, I however picked this up from the cast listing so as you can see sometimes I pay attention.

The framework and pacing of this 100 minutes film is smooth, you know it knows what it is doing and it sticks to plan without any great problems with the added bonus of it moves with some get up and go to it.

Art/Action: the landscapes in nature scenery is good and in the first section of closing credits there are some white outline drawing these are very eye-catching and sometimes move, for the action they do follow the hostage situation outlay. The only action sequence that I can really highlight is where we have Redmond [Rupert Grant:] a member of these strangers and ex-criminal taking a few hits from a member of this family unit, but how is body/head is moving from taking these punches is something like a boxing film, I mean we aren't standing directly behind Redmond, but behind to one side and he is really taking these punches in an acting sense.

Comedy/Character developments and performances: I should point out I am clutching at straws here; basically Brocht pointing out to Redmond how he puts things I am paraphrasing here makes him sound a bit weird and consequently they aren't going to trust us. Well they follow their character type outlay and the performances reflect that, so by definition they would be good.

This film receives: 2/10, this film is poor; once again full disclosure on reflection I had to award this film another mark based on regardless if I didn't like it or not. It has enough about it to get given another mark as I have outlined in this content in one way or another so I had to be somewhat unbiased and awarded it another mark. So let me try and finish this content on a positive; don't get me wrong if you like horror films specifically of a cult fashion/Apocalypse or M. Night Shyamalan content or Dave Batista or Rupert Grant take a look at this film but just your expectations appropriately would be my advice and yes there is a ending sound effect right at the end of the credits when the title comes up as well roughly around here.