The Wrestling Thread: WWE WrestleMania 31 [NSFW]

[KK]

I know. Having to listen to his inane commentary every week...

"Bobby The Stain...Bobby The Stain"

[PCCD]

Schiavone, Rhodes & Heenan had some good patter together (best part of what I've seen of Starrcade 95 so far), wonder why they didn't keep that three together.

[KK]

Rhodes' is brought back on the PPVs in 1996 & 97. In 98 they replace him with Mike Tenay.

Wait until you get to the Mark Madden years though. In my view the all time worst commentator in the history of wrestling. Urgh, he drove me nuts back then let alone listening to him now.

[PCCD]

Is there anything worth watching storywise between Starrcade and Scott Hall turning up on Nitro? Tempted to skip ahead to that.

[Cosmo]

Ric Flair really is something else when it comes to promos. Savage too. You really don't get that kind of intensity nowadays.

EDIT: And DDP's ex-wife was hot.

[Cosmo]

http://www.wwe.com/inside/polls/more-de ... estlemania

Oof

[Codename 47]

http://www.wwe.com/inside/polls/more-deserving-of-wwe-world-heavyweight-title-match-wrestlemania

Oof

I thought people always insisted all WWE.com polls were fixed Regardless that's one hell of a landslide though. It'd be interesting to know whether they genuinely are going back and forth over who to have in the main event out of the two of them or whether they're trying to come up with a plan that sees Reigns booed the least amount as possible. He gets huge pops at house shows but unfortunately for him we know the fanbase at 'Mania will be similar to the RR crowd.

If Bryan does get put in the main event, I have a feeling they'll have Rollins cash in on him after the match.

[Cosmo]

Nah, Reigns'll beat him, and then beat Brock at Mania. I don't dislike Reigns, I just find him boring. And the Superman punch thing is gooseberry fool.

[KK]

The lighting on these new IMPACT WRESTLING shows is horrendous! The cage match currently on is like the Thunder video game - no crowd!

And where has Jeremy Borash's hair gone?!

[KK]

No seriously, this is terrible.

[captain red dog]

Surely the best option is a Reigns/Brock/Bryan 3 way. Bryan can carry the match, then have Reigns go over if they really want to do it that way. The problem they have is that the crowd never take to people that they feel are forced on them.

I just don't get the hype on Reigns. He is average in ring and poor on the mic.

[JChalmers]

But he's ripped as anything so that's making Vinnie Mac cream his pants because obviously muscles over ring ability instantly makes you a main event star in the WWE.

[SerialCeler]

And where has Jeremy Borash's hair gone?!

EC3 shaved it off on the first Impact of the year to humiliate Spud (they are aparently good friends, although this was only mentioned for the first time as the segment took place).

[KK]

I had a lot of problems watching the WWE Network (PS4) on Saturday. Picture kept freezing & needing to buffer. I basically got halfway through Halloween Havoc and gave up. Could just have been my internet connection though, but you'd think on a 38mbps connection there would be enough leeway even if it dropped by, say, 75%.

Surely the best option is a Reigns/Brock/Bryan 3 way. Bryan can carry the match, then have Reigns go over if they really want to do it that way. The problem they have is that the crowd never take to people that they feel are forced on them.

I just don't get the hype on Reigns. He is average in ring and poor on the mic.

Apparently Vince has changed his mind and it's now going to be a Triple Threat match between the 3 - which would indicate some sort of shenanigans at Fast Lane.

[Moz]

another week of raw. another week of the big show and kane being involved in everything.
they really ruin the show for me, they certainly are not what they were 10 years ago

[KK]

Nothing like a double helping of stale main eventers and 2 disqualifications in a row to kick off the opening hour. If RAW doesn't improve Sky Sports is definitely getting dumped in May.

[KK]

Commentators: Michael Cole, Booker T, and John "Bradshaw" Layfield

Hour 1

With 2 weeks until Fast Lane, WWE rolls through Columbus, Ohio as Monday Night RAW comes to us Live! from the Schottenstein Center. Roman Reigns made his way through the crowd. Crowd booed right out of the gate. Reigns' said that this time last week he stood as the winner of the Royal Rumble match, with a guaranteed spot in the main event of WrestleMania. The Authority made it clear however that he's not the guy they want in the spot, therefore he will prove himself when he "breats" Bryan at Fast Lane, and he doesn't care who gets in his way. This brought out Daniel Bryan to the ring, chants of "YES!" ringing out from the masses. Bryan sarcastically told Reigns' "Easy there big dog". Bryan said that he came out to thank Reigns' for the Spear he gave the Big Show last week, which was amazing, and without that Spear Seth Rollins might have beaten him. But now Roman has an opportunity of his own at Fast Lane. Bryan told Reigns that he gets it: Reigns is bigger, stronger - though when it comes to looks they're both about even - but the reality is when it comes to wrestling he is the better wrestler than Reigns. Some in the crowd booed this. This then brought out The Authority (Triple H, Stephanie, Kane and Big Show) to the stage. Stephanie began by plugging the WWE Network. Triple H then plugged going face-to-face with Sting. He then demanded an answer from Sting by the end of the night, unless he is the coward that he thinks it is. Stephanie told Bryan that what he did to Kane by chucking him in that casket on SmackDown was horrible. Bryan retorted that considering what Triple H has done in caskets, he thought Hunter would appreciate it. She announced that Kane and Big Show will face Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns...NEXT!

Match 1: Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns vs. Big Show and Kane ended in a poxy Disqualification at 12:00 when Big Show pulled Daniel Bryan, who had Kane in the Yes! Lock, out of the ring. With all 4 men brawling on the outside, Big Show then went to work on Reigns with a steel chair. Back in the ring, Reigns mounted a comeback and then nailed the Showster with repeated chair shots of his own, the final blow sending Show over the top rope to the floor. As Kane was about to plant Roman with a Chokeslam, he reversed. Kane managed to sidestep an oncoming Bryan however, & instead Reigns was floored with a Running Knee in the corner. Crowd chanted "YES!" once more. Upon coming to his feet, Roman Reigns shoved Daniel Bryan on his arse. Triple H grabbed the microphone & quipped 'you seem to be getting on great!'. Therefore they're both going to have another shot at teaming tonight...as Bryan and Reigns' will face Kane, Big Show, J&J security and Seth Rollins in the main event. Oh good. Reigns and Bryan continued to argue in the ring as RAW crashed to break.

Match 2: Ryback and Seth Rollins ended in another Disqualification when Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury ran in and attacked Ryback at 3:00. Ryback was then levelled with a Superkick and Curb Stomp from Rollins.

Rusev pays tribute to John Cena later tonight.

We got a short package on a returning Sheamus.

Match 3: Paige pinned Brie Bella (w/Divas' champion Nikki) off the Rampage in 3:00 after Brie crashed into her sister on the apron. Prior to the match they aired the concluding moments from last week's match that we in the UK and Canada missed.

Tonight Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman will address the Fast Lane situation.

Rusev and Lana were shown backstage heading towards the ring.

WWE and We Give Books WrestleMania Reading Challenge promo.

Rusev, accompanied by Lana, made their way out. Crowd chanted "USA!". Lana said that regardless what the ignorant masses think, they are proud to face John Cena at Fast Lane, just as Cena should be honoured to face the super athlete. Cena has accomplished great things, and his never give up attitude has made him one of the greatest champions in WWE history. We then got a package on how amazing John Cena is...which then quickly pixelated into John Cena getting destroyed by various opponents. Back in the arena Lana said that "13 years is a long time". You're telling me. Lana continued that Cena is at his limits awaiting annihilation. Rusev said Cena is no longer the man he once was.

Hour 2

Crowd gave him the "What" treatment. Cena is no longer the young tough man full of "ruthless aggression". Rather he is just weak and nothing. "WHAT?". John Cena turned up, sporting a black eye. He said that Lana and Rusev are both full of themselves, and both full of crap. Every single time he gets knocked down he gets back up, and Rusev in turn needs a lesson in respect. "At Fast Lane this old man is going to whip your ass". Rusev grabbed the mic and said Cena can't see him with his one eye. Cena retorted that Rusev has got the jokes, it's just a shame Lana is the one with the balls. Rusev, not standing for it, then left the ring & both men got into it in the aisle way and up the ramp. Rusev poked Cena in the eye and then ran him into the LED lights. Before he could apply the Camel Clutch numerous referees ran out to warn Rusev off.

Match 4: In a rematch from last Monday, Bray Wyatt once again defeated Dolph Ziggler with Sister Abigail in 12:00. After the match, Bray lifted up the ring mats to expose the concrete. Referees ran down to stop it leading to anything.

In celebration of Black History Month in the United States and Canada, we got a video package on Junkyard Dog.

WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, accompanied by his advocate Paul Heyman, marched on down to the ring. What a bizarre placement on the show this is. Heyman said this society no longer places value on credible information. Brian Williams from NBC is not the number 1 liar in the land, rather that honour is held jointly by Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan. If Daniel or Roman say they have a chance against Brock Lesnar, then they are lying to their families, each other, each and every one of us, and to themselves. Roman is the most dangerous man from the most famous tribe in Samoa, yet the yellow stream running down his leg when he stood face-to-face with Brock Lesnar wasn't pineapple juice. Daniel Bryan meanwhile has lied to himself in believing he actually has a chance at beating Brock Lesnar. It doesn't matter who wins at Fast Lane, as whoever is victorious they may as well jump into a helicopter with Brian Williams and face enemy fire because it will be an F5 that takes it down.

Match 5: The enthusiastically hopeless gimmick of New Day (w/Xavier Woods) defeated Gold and Stardust when Stardust immediately walked out on the match. A number of fans in the crowd chanted "Cody". Kofi Kingston then rolled up Goldust in 1:30.

Renee Young interviewed Daniel Bryan backstage. Bryan said what happened in the ring was an accident and he doesn't blame Roman Reigns for his reaction, and they will coexist later. Reigns himself turned up and replied that damn right they can. That will leave room for them to handle their business at Fast Lane. After watching the energetic, free-flowing promos & interviews from WCW on the Network (not to mention the fantastic interplay with Mean Gene) boy do WWE ones absolutely suck in comparison. I mean it's actually ridiculous.

Backstage, Goldust approached his brother and asked what he was up to. Stardust then shoved Goldust onto the floor and screamed "Cody is dead" before storming off.

Back in the arena, Triple H was in the ring. He said that for 20 years he has lived WWE. His life work, all of it almost taken away because of Sting: the face of WCW. WCW, the company that Hunter helped destroy. 14 years later Sting finally mustered the courage to enter the WWE. For 14 years he stayed away because he knew if he came to WWE he would be personally exposed. If Sting agrees to never show his face again then he will allow Sting to leave Fast Lane with his dignity intact.

Hour 3

Triple H then demanded Sting give him an answer right now. With the exception of the ring, the lights in the building suddenly went off. Every time the crow sounded Sting would appear in various parts of the crowd. On the Tron parts of Hunter's WWE.com interviews with Michael Cole played with Sting's face paint superimposed on Triple H's face. Suddenly all the lights went off and upon coming back up a fake Sting was in the ring. Triple H turned around and fell to the floor in surprise. The lights went back out and on the Tron the words "I accept" appeared.

The announcers told us John Cena has suffered more eye damage at the hands of Rusev's attack. However he has vowed to be at Fast Lane.

We got a recap of The Uso/Tyson Kidd double date disaster from SmackDown.

Match 6: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (w/Natalya) defeated Tag Team Champions The Uso brothers (w/Naomi) in a non-title outing after Cesaro pushed Jimmy off the top rope and Kidd got the pin.

Rikishi was revealed as the 3rd inductee into the Hall of Fame class of 2015. The Usos were shown celebrating in the ring.

The Miz with his personal assistant Mizdow were shown backstage heading towards the ring.

NXT Take-Over is exclusively Live this Wednesday at 1am on the WWE Network.

Match 7: Sin Cara defeated Damien Mizdow (w/The Miz) when The Miz took offence to Mizdow going for the Figure Four - the move Miz made famous - and was then pinned with an inside cradle off the distraction.

Bray Wyatt cut a promo on the TitanTron. Mankind has struggled to answer one simple question: where do we go when we die. "This world is our hell." Bray said his eyes are wide open and now he doesn't fear this individual any more. It's time for this person to go home.... "Find me" Now wouldn't it be funny if he's actually talking about Kane...

Dean Ambrose was shown heading towards the ring, as they once again re-aired the Sheamus video from earlier.

Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan will once again go face-to-face on SmackDown.

Curtis Axel in the ring, pointing at the WrestleMania sign, said this is his spotlight, & not even Kanye West is going to take it. Axel told us to all keep doing our thing & continue with the #AxelMania movement.

Match 8: Dean Ambrose pinned Curtis Axel in 2:30 with the Dirty Deeds DDT.

After the match Wade Barrett turned up on the Titan Tron with BNT TV (think a spin on the TMZ logo). He said that just as Kim Kardashian wearing a golden robe at the Grammys doesn't make her as prestigious as Ric Flair, saying you deserve a title match does not mean that you are getting one.

Main Event: Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns defeated Big Show, Kane, Seth Rollins, Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury in a 5 on 2 Handicap match at 8:00. With Bryan and Reigns looking down & out, Dolph Ziggler, Ryback, and Eric Rowan came out to make the save. As they brawled with Kane and Rollins on and around the stage, Daniel Bryan was about to hit the Running Knee on Joey Mercury in the ring. Instead Reigns' tagged himself in & hit the Spear for the pin.

Over-run

Bryan and Reigns argued in the ring, much to the delight of Stephanie and Hunter watching on backstage. Bryan shouted that he had done all the work throughout the match while Roman was down on the outside. Bryan then lost it and shoved Reigns...who then bounced off the ropes and Speared Bryan.

[Mafro]

Can't wait till Bryan Alvarez is back from his bi-monthly Hawaii holiday. The Wrestling Observer audio shows over the past week have been pretty crap.

[KK]

In a story that reminds everyone in the public eye to be extremely careful of their private material, WWE star Seth Rollins' Instagram and Twitter accounts posted a topless photo of current WWE developmental talent Zahara Schreiber just as Monday Night Raw was about to go on the air.



NSFW

The photo was deleted within minutes but obviously, given the nature of the Internet, continued to spread.

How and why the photo was posted is unknown as of this writing, although there are some who have theorized to us the fallout points to the personal responsible.

That fallout: Several minutes after the post on Rollins' accounts went public, Rollins' fiancee Leighla Schultz, on her Twitter account, posted Zahara's name, followed by question marks. That post was followed by several nude photos of Rollins.



While one could theorize all the social media accounts were hacked, that theory would be shot down by the fact that Schultz's personal Facebook account posted several "quoted statements" mocking Rollins, insinuating they were statements he made, possibly via text, to Zahara. It may indeed be a case of "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

Eventually, all the nude material was pulled from all the respective Twitter accounts, but again, given the nature of the Internet, they are likely out there for good.

Initially, PWInsider.com decreed that while the photos were publicly disseminated, it was a private matter which we were not going to report on as our stance is that unless it has a ripple effect on the wrestling business, it's out of bounds.

However, 25 minutes ago, Rollins issued a statement via Twitter, which meant it was now officially a wrestling-related as he was apologizing to fans and WWE. The statement reads:

twitter.com/WWERollins/status/565013320806445057

Again, the timeline the photos ended up online is yet to be explained (and likely never will be) but whatever the reason, it's pretty obvious the situation was embarrassing and unfortunate for all involved.

http://pwinsider.com/article/91478/top- ... k.html?p=1
And for the women...kind of: (NSFW): https://twitter.com/chaseziggle/stat...66489141161984

Due to the way aspects of WWE.com works directly linking back to social media, the photos briefly ended up plastered on their own website.

Can't wait for the inside jokes to begin on RAW...

[Psychic]

Blame Vince.