Daniel Bryan
The Wyatt Family
The Shield
Showing posts with label Daniel Bryan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daniel Bryan. Show all posts
WWE 2K15 - Alternative Covers
After my rant from the last post, I thought to myself "Hey, why not creating some covers for the new WWE game that I would like!" Thus, I used the three proposals I have mentioned in said post and designed my own versions of the new WWE 2K15 cover!
WWE 2K15 - The man on the cover
Sometimes, I wonder which criteria the WWE design and promotional staff apply to choose who will represent the whole company on their products. With this being said: no, I am not a happy camper with the choice they made for the new WWE 2K15 game!
I could rant now, how Cena is always used as some sort of safe choice, but I don't even care that the WWE (ab)uses him as their reference material numero uno any more. I am ranting that other people are much more deserving of this in my eyes.
No, I am not denying that John Cena does a lot for the company given his dedication and the number of merch he sells, but wrestling wise, there are others that deserve this spot on the cover a lot more.
- Daniel Bryan, who had been on the fans choice cover of WWE 2K14, for example. The so-called Submission Specialist always gives 150% in the ring, and only misfortune is to blame for him not being the champion and face of the WWE right now!
- Another safe and deserving choice should be Bray Wyatt, who brought the macabre back into the ring and manages to get everyone off their seat with his strange yet rousing promos. A darker variation of the cover with the leader of the Wyatt Family on top would have been appreciated by many!
- Last but not least: The Shield. Together, separate, I don't care - The Shield was one of the most (if not the) dominant forces of the WWE over the past year, and even after their split, the former members of the "squat" keep fascinating the audience and standing their ground.
And don't get me started on the new WWE Logo for the game - it looks so child-friendly and plain...
Wrestlemania XXX - Personal Forecast
Hall Of Fame
The Hall Of Fame should be there for people that did something for wrestling as a sport and as an industry! By now, you can be sure that almost everyone will end up in the HOF sooner or later, whether they did great or not. If you didn't fuck up after leaving the WWE, you are as good as in.You don't even have to be a Wrestler! Actors, boxer, whoever showed their face for a short time gets inducted. For me, this completely destroys the meaning behind a Hall Of Fame in general. It's a joke and a way to make more money, and that is all. It's not prestigious, not anymore!
WWE Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way Match
The Usos vs. Rybaxel vs. The Real Americans vs. Los MatadoresFirst of all, putting this match in the Pre-Show is a real waste. If there will be no filler matches, I can understand since one match has to go into the Pre-Show, and it would be either this one or the Diva's match for they haven't been announced as much as the others, but if there is a filler match, why wasting a title match for the Pre-Show, something you can see even without purchasing the PPV?
Secondly, the participants. The Usos deserved a victory, even if think it was too early for them to get the titles from the New Age Outlaws. There was no real story involved, they simply got a match and won. This surely didn't do much to either team's credibility (Usos and Outlaws), and it gave the Tag Titles even less meaning. But still, they are the champions and even though they lack the proper build up, they are doing a mighty fine job up to now. The Real Americans have been in for a title shot for a long long time now, and with the big pop Cesaro and his Swing get every time they're on the screen, it was no question that they should be in this match. It's the other two teams that strike a nerve with me.
Rybaxel had been caught in a downward spiral even before they turned their back on Paul Heyman, but after losing him as their manager (or separating ways with him), it went worse and worse. Ryback is no force to be reckon with anymore. He is a joke. Losing match after match didn't do any of them any favor, and now it seems like it drags down the rest of the contestants in this Fatal 4-Way as well. And yet, involving the latest matches, it at least made sense to put them in this match...
... Which is not the case with Los Matadores. The WWE lacks tag teams at the moments, or so it seems. Since Cody Rhodes and Goldust are in the Battle Royal, Los Matadores seemed to be the last face Tag Team around. And thus, they get a title chance. It's a joke, really, because from what they did so far, they don't deserve this spot in the slightest. Their story lines are basically non-existent, and all they are used for is being a laughing stock. Do I have to remind you which part of this team had been in the Royal Rumble?
I hardly think that The Usos will lose their titles so soon, and I would be completely fine with that. Rapidly changing titles only take the worth from them. But if they lose them in the end, I hope and pray that they won't lose them to Los Matadores or Rybaxel!!!
Vickie Guerrero's Divas Championship Invitational
Usually, the way to bring out all the Diva's on Wrestlemania is by letting them dance and jump around with one of the live acts. Embarrassing and as far from wrestling as it could get. This year, they are all thrown into one and the same match. If this really is going to be some strange Fatal 14-Way, I wonder how this is supposed to work. Not that I expect much of a diva's match anyway, but still. 14 Diva's in one ring and one has to get the pin over another - that doesn't only look stupid on the paper.I don't really care for this match, yet I think it is highly predictable that AJ will lose her title to one of the Total Diva's cast (minus Summer Rae). My favoured pick is Natalya, yet I guess Naomi and Nikki have great chances as well - if deserved, I won't comment on that. I only know that, if Eva Marie wins, I quit!!!
The Shield vs. Kane & The New Age Outlaws
I am no particular fan of The Shield (Seth Rollins being my one big exception, but I prefer him as a singles wrestler any day), and I am more than indifferent about Kane, having even a slight repulsion against The New Age Outlaws. And thus, my only hope for this match is that The Shield wins only for the sake of stopping this ridiculous story line, and for Rollins to have a lot screen time with being able to show of his exceptional talent!The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
After my last post about the Battle Royal, new contestants have been confirmed. Some I wished and predicted to be involved already "made it", like Darren Young, Justin Gabriel, and Zack Ryder. On the other hand, Santino Marella and The Great Khali, two I have been dreading to see in the match, are in as well. Brodus Clay, Rey R-Truth, Sin Cara, and Raw GM Brad Maddox are merely some more jobbers added to the game, while I am not sure why Rey Mysterio would have his small return (after being absent for quite a while now) in the Battle Royal. Three spots are still open. Maybe for one of the unsuccessful tag teams from the Pre-Show match?This is definitely one of the matches I'm looking forward to, especially since I am a sucker for Royal Rumbles and Battle Royals. With the new faces added, I still see no difference in chance of winning though. Up to now, Sheamus and Big Show seem to be the most possible picks.
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
After finishing off The Shield, Bray Wyatt and his clan were on to higher grounds, and of all people, John Cena was their chosen victim. Sure, x-times WWE champion, top guy of the company, all that jazz, but is Bray Wyatt ready for this? His rise was fast, and lined with a lot more downgrading than uplifting matches in the beginning. No question, Wyatt and his Redneck sect have charisma, potential, and just that special something, but are they good enough to succeed over the Chaingang Commander yet? I don't think so.Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H
Aka the story line designed for CM Punk. Good for Daniel Bryan that he got booked in there instead, given that he gets a big push out of it and the whole Yes Movement, but why Triple H? Why can't he just sit back in a chair, like Vince, and make the decisions, like Vince, and leave the wrestling ring to others, like Vince? Triple H makes a shitload of money, let's face it, and with scheduling himself in for a Wrestlemania match, he takes the spot of someone who could make some money instead.At one point in time, wrestlers should realize that they shouldn't get in the ring anymore. Triple H sadly missed it... I, like million other people, have my fingers crossed for a victory of the beard, yet, the match and the whole feud lost me as a watcher some weeks ago.
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar
22:0, this is my prediction. Brock Lesnar, who obligatorily destroys his own image by taking the microphone and producing sounds only dogs can hear, is taking on the Deadman, and he actually thinks he can break The Streak. Next!Let's just hope he doesn't break anything else on Taker, seriously! The man isn't the youngest anymore, and the Beast Incarnate is not particularly known to be extra careful with his opponents in the ring. Bob "Hardcore" Holly might disagree with me here, but a lot has changed since a young Lesnar broke Holly's arm back when he was still new to the industry!
Batista vs. Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan/Triple H
Worst case scenario? Triple H wins both his match against Bryan and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This would be my cue to plug out my computer and never watch WWE ever again. Hopefully - knock on wood - it won't happen. The only ending for this match that would be "Best for Business" would be if Daniel Bryan actually succeeds over both Batista and the current champion Orton. The odds for this to happen? Not very good. After predictably winning his match against the COO, Bryan will hardly stand a chance against two fully refreshed athletes (more or less). Besides, Triple H could still interfere and make sure that anyone gets the title but Bryan. Another match that has lost me right from the beginning actually, but still: Go Goatface!!!Merchandise Madness
Browsing the new NXT merchandise page in the WWE Shop, I realized that I still do not have everything to satisfy my WWE needs!
For example these amazing shirts! Sadly, the Cesaro one is only available for males, which is way too big for me. But the one from Sandow is actually available for women, and the Ascension shirt is available in a Youth version that fits me as well.
And, of course, my action figure collection should always grow bigger and bigger. With the new Series' from Ringside Collectibles - and some figures I have to catch up with - that should be no problem.
Cesaro - Elite 23
Zeb Colter - Series 37
Seth Rollins - Elite 25
Royal Rumble 2014 - The positive side
And yet, why make ourselves feel even shittier about a PPV that forecasts a very bad shadow not only on the Road to Wrestlemania, but the whole year (wrestling-wise)? Thus, I dedicate this post the positive side of the Royal Rumble, the good and astonishing things that happened. They are few, limited, not by far making up for the feeling of betrayal 95% of the WWE Universe feels right now, but it is a start!
Bray Wyatt def. Daniel Bryan
This match - even though the outcome wasn't pleasing everyone - was definitely the match of the evening!Especially after Luke Harper and Erick Rowan got sent out, the match gained intensity and had - hopefully - everyone on the edge of their seat! Bray talking to his "sheep", encouraging them to let him fight his battle alone, was a great addition to the whole feeling of the match. The maniac against the one who sought redemption.
And yet, Daniel Bryan was inferior to Wyatt. Many may argue that he lost clean, something they would have never wished upon Bryan, and yet the constant blows to the head, him clutching the sides of his head after a severe fall even, and the constant reminder of the commentators that Bryan suffered a concussion in his Steel Cage Match against Bryan, make the relatively clean victory of Wyatt plausible.
Crowd reactions during the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Goosebumps! Not because of the bazillionth match between John Cena and Randy Orton, no, but because millions of fans - in the arena and behind the TV screens - were on the same page during this match: Not again!Putting two "Top Stars" in he ring together, the two "faces of the company" going against each other, backfired majorly for the WWE. While the crowd reactions during Daniel Bryan's entry and throughout the whole match were amazing, encouraging, hopefully fueling the two man in the ring to give their best and nothing but their best, it was a throughout negative atmosphere the Pittsburgh crowd created here. And it was necessary! It was a statement! Shouting Bryan's and The Undertaker's names during the match, alongside with "Boring" and "This is awful" chants should send a clear message out to the WWE creatives and authorities! If a whole arena tunes in on a "We want Divas" chant because they were just so damn done with this whole set up, they can't close their eyes from it. Right?
No wonder the Wyatt family got such a strong reception once they interfered with the match and - finally - put it to an end! How much clearer can we all show what we think of this all. Now, dear WWE, please open your eyes and ears!
The Royal Rumble match
As demotivating and shameful the match actually was, it had a few bright moments - at least in my eyes.Punk eliminating Kane:
I know, I know, this foreshadowed a very unpleasant event towards the end of the match, but still. For the vast majority of the match, CM Punk had had his revenge on the Director Of Operations.
Alexander Rusev debuts:
Sadly, many won't know him and see just another characterless Power House in him - especially since he came out without manipulating Lana at his side. Lets hope, he will be allowed to show more than his submission finishing move now that he made his way to the grans stage! I want to see his Frog Splash and Spinning Heel Kick on a weekly basis, please.
I hope, his debut will go a much better way than Bo Dallas' who debuted last year at the Royal Rumble.
Kofi Kingston:
There should be a petition to give Kofi Kingston the nickname "Mr. Royal Rumble"! As I said in advance, I was anticipating his shenanigans a lot since they always posed a highlight in the Royal Rumble match! This time, he added jumping from the barricades back on the apron - after carrying out the feud with Rusev from NXT - and hanging on the ropes with nothing but his toes to his impressively growing Royal Rumble CV.
I can even oversee him eliminating one half of the Real Americans on his behalf. I just wished he would have had some more screen time for entertaining us so greatly!
Antonio Cesaro:
Being one of the last to come in, he surely had an advantage over many of the other participants, and still I am glad that he lasted this long! Several Cesaro swings, a near elimination by Punk, and clashes with not only The Shield but Punk and Sheamus showed that he might still be one of the go-to Power Houses of the heel fraction. Fingers crossed.
Roman Reigns finished second to last:
I am no fan of Roman Reigns. In my eyes, Rollins is the most talented one of the Shield guys - even if he may lack charisma and mic skills for some - and the whole "push the big guys" isn't helping, but there is something more than valuable gain out of his impressive very first Royal Rumble participation!
While WWE seemed to be a big fan of recycling older superstars for their Road to Wrestlemania, shoving down our throats the same people again and again, it was a nice change to see a "Newbie" last that long! You can like or dislike Reigns all you want, but even I - belonging to the latter - ave to acknowledge the hope his figure puts into some of us fans that, maybe, one day - pwetty pwease - the newer talents get a chance at the big shots as well!
My 50 cents on the MITB matches
The whole WWE Universe is all about the next PPV that will take place on Sunday July 14th:
Money in the Bank
On the net you can stumble upon the "My Money is on ..." pictures, and the speculations about the potential winners cashing in their contract/briefcase successfully and when and how are already spreading like wild fire. Of course I don't want to miss out on that trend, so...
Here are my picks and opinions about the MITB matches for 2013:
WWE Championship contract
CM Punk | Randy Orton | Daniel Bryan | Kane | Christian | Sheamus | RVD
Who I would want to win this match would either be Daniel Bryan or CM Punk. In my eyes the most likely winners are Christian and Randy Orton though.
CM Punk won a MITB contract twice already, getting shots at the big titles even without it. He doesn't need the briefcase for his career anymore. Daniel Bryan, on the other hand, won as one of the "odd ones out", now being a way more established superstar who wouldn't exactly need the briefcase either to get a decent feud, some main event spots, and eventually a title shot.
Sheamus and Kane, on the other hand, are kind of out of the picture for me. The Great White got somewhat of a downstep lately with his feud against Sandow, and Kane is simply one of the oldest still active stars in today's WWE. He had his moments, his time, and now it is time to step aside for younger talents.
One possible candidate I wouldn't be happy with is Randy Orton. As he had stated himself, it has been some time since he held a title, and since he is one of the most popular stars, I guess the WWE won't leave him without any gold for that much longer. And probably the best chances, in my eyes, are for Christian to win. He is not only the experienced of them all when it comes to ladder matches in the WWE, but also never held the title before, clearly deserving it after being in the company for so long and constantly bringing us good matches and entertaining segments.
And now, some words to the big elephant in the room: RVD. He is gloriously returning to the WWE, and in the past I loved to see his matches. But does that qualify him for a title shot already? WWE might think so, giving him the same thing they gave The Rock as he won the title from CM Punk. I honestly hope they won't do such a mistake again, choosing a champion that most probably will hardly be seen in ring during the normal shows.
Résumé: My heart wants Bryan, but my head says Christian.
World Heavyweight Championship Contract
Damien Sandow | Cody Rhodes | Jack Swagger | Antonio Cesaro | Fandango | Wade Barrett | Dean Ambrose
Here, my heart's pick is easy. As a big Cesaro fan I of course want him to win the match. The most likely winner, on the other hand, is Barrett.
Who's pretty much out of the picture for me are Rhodes, Swagger, and Ambrose. The latter already holds a title, and somehow I get the feeling that he was just inserted in the match because they couldn't give him another one at the PPV (with Christian being in a MITB match as well). Rhodes is someone who gets a lot losses as of late, always kind of standing behind Sandow, not getting a prominent feud while the other battles against Sheamus. Swagger, another "odd one out" candidate, had one MITB in the past, and nobody thought this would be possible back then. Another victory like this is highly unlikely, especially while looking at his opponents.
The rest could actually all be potential candidates. The question is, whether the WWE deems them to be ready. Winning the contract and successfully cashing in would mean the very first titles for both Fandango and Sandow. Of course it would mean a big push for both of them if their first title would be the World Heavyweight Championship, but on the other hand, exactly this makes a win more unlikely. Unless they are the ones, after Cena, that would cash in and fail to get the title.
Cesaro and Barrett both held titles in the past, even though Barrett has the advantage of being a part of the WWE for a longer time than the Swiss Sensation. This and the fact that he is part of a quite young stable speak for Barrett being the better choice. After having won the Intercontinental Championship three times, a bigger title would be a logical step for him.
Résumé: My heart wants Cesaro, but my head says Barrett
Money in the Bank
On the net you can stumble upon the "My Money is on ..." pictures, and the speculations about the potential winners cashing in their contract/briefcase successfully and when and how are already spreading like wild fire. Of course I don't want to miss out on that trend, so...
Here are my picks and opinions about the MITB matches for 2013:
WWE Championship contract
CM Punk | Randy Orton | Daniel Bryan | Kane | Christian | Sheamus | RVD
Who I would want to win this match would either be Daniel Bryan or CM Punk. In my eyes the most likely winners are Christian and Randy Orton though.
CM Punk won a MITB contract twice already, getting shots at the big titles even without it. He doesn't need the briefcase for his career anymore. Daniel Bryan, on the other hand, won as one of the "odd ones out", now being a way more established superstar who wouldn't exactly need the briefcase either to get a decent feud, some main event spots, and eventually a title shot.
Sheamus and Kane, on the other hand, are kind of out of the picture for me. The Great White got somewhat of a downstep lately with his feud against Sandow, and Kane is simply one of the oldest still active stars in today's WWE. He had his moments, his time, and now it is time to step aside for younger talents.
One possible candidate I wouldn't be happy with is Randy Orton. As he had stated himself, it has been some time since he held a title, and since he is one of the most popular stars, I guess the WWE won't leave him without any gold for that much longer. And probably the best chances, in my eyes, are for Christian to win. He is not only the experienced of them all when it comes to ladder matches in the WWE, but also never held the title before, clearly deserving it after being in the company for so long and constantly bringing us good matches and entertaining segments.
And now, some words to the big elephant in the room: RVD. He is gloriously returning to the WWE, and in the past I loved to see his matches. But does that qualify him for a title shot already? WWE might think so, giving him the same thing they gave The Rock as he won the title from CM Punk. I honestly hope they won't do such a mistake again, choosing a champion that most probably will hardly be seen in ring during the normal shows.
Résumé: My heart wants Bryan, but my head says Christian.
World Heavyweight Championship Contract
Damien Sandow | Cody Rhodes | Jack Swagger | Antonio Cesaro | Fandango | Wade Barrett | Dean Ambrose
Here, my heart's pick is easy. As a big Cesaro fan I of course want him to win the match. The most likely winner, on the other hand, is Barrett.
Who's pretty much out of the picture for me are Rhodes, Swagger, and Ambrose. The latter already holds a title, and somehow I get the feeling that he was just inserted in the match because they couldn't give him another one at the PPV (with Christian being in a MITB match as well). Rhodes is someone who gets a lot losses as of late, always kind of standing behind Sandow, not getting a prominent feud while the other battles against Sheamus. Swagger, another "odd one out" candidate, had one MITB in the past, and nobody thought this would be possible back then. Another victory like this is highly unlikely, especially while looking at his opponents.
The rest could actually all be potential candidates. The question is, whether the WWE deems them to be ready. Winning the contract and successfully cashing in would mean the very first titles for both Fandango and Sandow. Of course it would mean a big push for both of them if their first title would be the World Heavyweight Championship, but on the other hand, exactly this makes a win more unlikely. Unless they are the ones, after Cena, that would cash in and fail to get the title.
Cesaro and Barrett both held titles in the past, even though Barrett has the advantage of being a part of the WWE for a longer time than the Swiss Sensation. This and the fact that he is part of a quite young stable speak for Barrett being the better choice. After having won the Intercontinental Championship three times, a bigger title would be a logical step for him.
Résumé: My heart wants Cesaro, but my head says Barrett
What are your picks? And why?
Leave a comment or hook me up on twitter to let me know! :D
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