Chair Shots and Miscarriages of Justice: WWE Clash of Champions 2016

CHAIR SHOTS AND MISCARRIAGES OF JUSTICE

WWE CLASH OF CHAMPIONS 2016

BY: DOUBLE M

Seeing as the American public won’t get the debate format they’d prefer [ie Trump and Clinton beating the crap out of each other in the squared circle], RAW makes due with its first brand exclusive throwback of the WCW ppv ‘Clash of Champions’.  My kind of event as ALL championships on RAW are up for grabs.

BEST MATCH:  Roman Reigns vs. Rusev.  I know, I know what?  Yes the US championship match with the two brutes having a good ole’ slobber-knocker.  While it wasn’t the most engaging fight we’ll see but the crowd was in it and there were some heavy shots.  This was the first ppv in a bit where I noticed more of a split crowd for/ against Roman Reigns.  The clearly divided Universe works best for his character as he’s really settled into working both sides with that ‘screw you all’ attitude Cena can’t have.  Very happy to see the match not called after Lana pulled the referee out of the ring.  She must have been taking notes last hockey season tell the ref she has no idea how he was pulled out.  The feud still has plenty of energy and was a good follow up from Summerslam.  Now we see the Bulgarian Brute back in pursuit mode.  I’m not sure what his pre-match routine is, but I’m a bit curious because he looks like he needs to fart or poop.  Maybe it’s his body type that makes him look constipated all the time, which would certainly explain why he’s angry all the time, but it’s hard not to see him yelling “I need to fart!!” “I need to poop!!” at the referee.

WORST MATCH:  Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens.  This match had a solid backstory that for whatever reason just fell flat.  The match felt choppy with both trying to go the heel route, even though a faster pace favors Rollins, it reminded me of when Chris Jericho took on Dean Ambrose.  Botched move of the night goes to KO’s back-breaker on Rollins [cough karma cough] that caught all rib and clearly affected Rollins’ performance.  Outside interference worked for Reigns/ Rusev and the New Day/ The Club, however Silent Owen’s hetero-life mate Chris Jericho’s involvement, albeit inevitable, was about as awkward as Jon Stewart’s involvement at Summerslam.  The ending just as bumbling with the new referee looking confused as to whether he was supposed to go into the ring or revive the original ref, end result Owen’s taking advantage for the W.  I’m sure there’s another round between these two but they both could use a re-do on this one.

MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENT:  I’m going to sound like a broken record but WWE needs to manage the health of their superstars better.  Look no further than current state of the NFL and how the lack of star power can hinder viewership.  Sasha Banks’ back/ rib injury brought down the women’s triple threat, Cesaro’s back and other rumored injuries [while it made for a heroic effort] and the no contest ending with a presumed concussion to Sheamus and further shoulder injury to Cesaro, the aforementioned Owens botch.  It’s a dangerous game these folks play for our entertainment, I understand the risk, but it’s bringing everything down.

BEST MOMENT:  As much as I enjoyed assuming Rusev was pissed about being constipated, Kevin Owens is a phenomenal trash talker. Mocking fans in the crowd, his opponent, commentators, and now egging on the referee to disqualify him eventually tell him to suck it. Cannonball doesn’t care and is unplugged.   

PARTING SHOTS:

-Kudos to Roman Reigns for finally getting gold.  His character seems to be in a good place that he’d match up well almost with anyone.

-Shout out to the international broadcast team, the true voice of the fans

-Loved The Club getting back to just beating the crap out of people.  Imagine the shock had they beaten New Day under 1 minute.  That’s how you kick off a show and shock the fuck out of everybody.

-It’s ok to have a match just go without build up Creative team.   

-You think Rollins and Owens are trying to cockblock each other to get to Stephanie?

-Cesaro the most versatile superstar in the biz and showing why with that 619.

-Nice addition with the cruiserweights but did TJP have to raid Enzo’s closet?

-Don’t know who Sami Zayn pissed off but brother can’t get a big win to save his life.

Angry Rating Scale:  6.  Better than Backlash but this show fell off in a hurry after the ‘no contest’ ending to Cesaro/ Sheamus.  Bayley looked out of place [perhaps trying too hard with Sasha Banks being hurt], as I mentioned before Owens and Rollins just didn’t click, not crazy about New Day continuing the title run, and the injuries/ superstars going when they probably shouldn’t.

~Double M