#3 - Money in The Bank [Review]

In a night which promised so much, WWE finally delivered. From the moment the show started, to the moment Punk walked out of Chicago, the new WWE Champion, the show delivered. Minus the Diva's match of course, which I'd like to go on record to say that was the worst match I have ever witnessed in my life, and that's all I'll say about that.

Smackdown MITB Match

The second annual 'Money In The Bank' got off to a bang, with the Smackdown Ladder match opening the show. This match involved many high-flying spots, which was to be expected with superstars like Sin Cara, Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater involved, with all three providing over-the-top action. Daniel Bryan, or 'D-Bry' as referred to by Booker T, took some great bumps, and was really influential in the match, and actually ended up coming out on top. Sheamus and Kane were the power-houses of the match, and Sheamus really did throw his weight around, with my 'Spot-of-the-night', when he power-bombed Sin Cara through a ladder, with Cara then stretchered out, as a way to write him off TV for 30 days, as he is currently suspended (report coming soon. As previously stated, Daniel Bryan, former star of the Independant Wrestling scene, pick up the breifcase, thus earning him a match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

This really was a great moment for a number of reasons. Daniel Bryan, after 10 years of blood, sweat and tears, finally making it in the WWE, and seemingly on course to become World Champion. Also, it was a moment literally no-one predicted. Daniel Bryan was one of my last choices to win the SmackDown ladder match, so for him to win, did provide a mark-out moment. Finally, the crowd made this a great moment. As they were for the whole show, the fans in Chicago were going crazy for Bryan, as he un-hooked the case, and all in all, I think WWE have made a safe choice, and I hope they can spend the next 3-4 months building up Bryan, with some character development and then when ready, they should pull the trigger, and there you have it, a new main event star, which, is hopefully a face. Far too often, WWE has pushed Heels to the moon very quickly, leaving only Cena and Orton as main event faces, but hopefully this is the start of a new era, something which I will elude to later on in the post.

All in all, a great match, and I actually preferred it to the RAW ladder match, and it was a great opener.

AiQ Rating - 4.7/5

Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Mark Henry vs. Big Show was, as expected, a very slow paced match. We saw Henry working on the leg that was 'run-over' by Del Rio, and the match ended with a World Strongest Slam. After the match we saw Henry deliver a splash to Show's leg with a chair attached. It seems Show will be taking some time off, which in my opinion is a good thing, as he has become very stale, and perhaps a bit of character development will do him good. All in all, a pretty poor match, and I hope there is no rematch.

AiQ Rating - 1.7/5

RAW MITB Ladder Match

Next came another Ladder match, this time the Raw MITB match, and again, it delivered. There were many good spots, and although the match took a while to 'pick up', once it did, it was amazing. We saw some high-flying moves from R-Truth, Alex Riley and Rey Mysterio, to leave all participants outside the ring, before Evan Bourne went to the top of the ladder and delivered a shooting-star-press cross-body, which looked absoulutly amazing. The Miz sold a knee injury to perfection, and was taken out of the ring, only to come running back out, to what was a huge pop from the crowd, and attempt to win the match for the second year running. He was unsuccessful however, as Alberto Del Rio unmasked Rey Mysterio, before shoving him off a ladder, to pick up the MITB. Overall, this was another good ladder match, but it was just overshadowed by the Smackdown equivalent.

AiQ Rating - 4.3/5

Randy Orton vs. Christian

Now onto the first of the two World Title matches, which saw Christian go up against Randy Orton, for the third time on PPV. Again, the match flowed well, and it's obvious these two have great chemistry in the ring, and I was very suprised to see that Christian picked up the win through DQ, which meant that he won the title, due to the special contract signed on Smackdown just a few weeks earlier. The match, as I mentioned, was a good paced match, which perhaps was a bit short, and we didn't get too many false finishes, minus a Killswitch from Christian, but for me anyway, there was no way Randy would be losing clean, so I didn't see it as that big of a 'kick-out'. After the match, we saw Orton give Christian two RKO's, yet both times fail to break the table. Christian was carried out, and is now a two-time, World Heavyweight Champion. Amazing.

AiQ Rating - 3.7/5 - A good match, but it was too short to get into the 4's, but nevertheless, hardly any botches, and the match flowed well.

John Cena vs. CM Punk

Onto the main event, and what a main event. CM Punk entered his hometown to a huge pop, and wearing a new T-Shirt, labelled 'Best in The World' (possible RoH link?) and the reaction was sustained cheers. Then Cena came out to the loudest sustained 'boo' I have ever seen. I thought the crowd would be about 70/30 in the favour of Punk, but it seemed to be 95/5, and the atmosphere is what made this match. Both competitors pulled out all the stops, as they went back and fourth, in an instant-classic. Yes, there was little mis-haps, but these only added to the unpredictably and everything just felt 'right'. This is what pro-wrestling is about. Cena looked to be on top, when he locked Punk in a STF, only for Johnny Ace to accompany McMahon down to the ring, ordering for the bell in a 'screwjob' finish. Cena met Ace with a huge punch, before telling McMahon that the match would end fairly. As Cena walked back into the ring, he was greeted with a G-T-S, and the ref counted the three, and the roof exploded, and CM Punk was crowned the new WWE Champion. Vince's face was perfect, and he immediately called for Del Rio to come out (as I predicted), but in a great swerve, Punk gave Del Rio a swift kick to the head and proceeded to run out of the arena, ending a truly great pay-per-view.

AiQ rating - 5/5 - A simply perfect match, 35+ minutes, a match that will define Punk's career, and something we will look back on, for years and years to come. Amazing.

Overall Thoughts: WWE suprised us, and it means that RAW's rating's tonight will be huge. They've thrown a curveball, and it really seems the creative team are 'pushing the boat out', and if we get more of the same, we can look back to last night, as being the start of a new-era. Optimistic? probably, but WWE has really delivered with a top, top PPV. There's a really huge buzz around Pro-Wrestling at the moment, and it seems WWE are going to capitalise on that.

AiQ Rating for 'Money in The Bank' - 4.9/5 - Minus the Mark Henry-Show match and the awful Diva's match, this was a simply perfect show. But because of the two matches mentioned, MITB has to settle for a 4.9 'And I Quote Rating, which is still a truly amazing rating, and tops any Pay-per-view of the last 4 years, at least.

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#2 – Why CM Punk would be a huge loss to the WWE.

As we know, CM Punk has been at the epicentre in one of the WWE’s biggest storylines in years. Punk’s quest to leave the company with the title will culminate this Sunday at the Money in The Bank pay-per-view, and for a full review check the previous post. The fact of the matter is, kayfabe or not, not many people are sure if CM Punk has actually signed a new deal with the WWE, outside of the on-screen storyline.

My gut instinct is that he has indeed signed a new deal, as if he was leaving, I couldn’t see Vince letting him main-event a pay-per-view when he’s off to sign for another company. Having said that, all the doubt and hype surrounding CM Punk at the moment has brought Wrestling back to the mainstream audience, and I see a new star emerging, whom goes by the name of Phil Brooks, or as more commonly know, CM Punk.

If CM Punk hasn’t in fact agreed a deal, and all the contract discussions are untrue and there is no progression to the story, then Punk will leave a gaping hole in the WWE, and follow the recent trend of huge ‘players’ to leave the company in the last 2 years. People like Batista, MVP, Chris Jericho and it seems Punk could be joining them. WWE really need to treat their talent better and start pushing other stars than Cena or Orton as I see no reason why other superstars won’t leave. Of course Punk could have already signed a new contract, but the fact it’s been left this late is a sign that WWE need to wake up.

Onto the man himself CM Punk, a man whom I describe as the most talented wrestler on the roster, and probably in the world. He’s above average in the ring, great diverse move set, amazing music, decent, recognisable attire, and most importantly, he’s great on the stick. He is simply put, one of the greatest mic workers ever. Period. Added to that, his character is just so simple, yet you can see Brooks has manipulated it perfectly, and it seems he is just being himself, with the volume turned up. Fact is, CM Punk should have main-evented Wrestlemania 27, instead of the Miz, and WWE are just starting to realise the vast talent Punk has, and I hope, for the sake of the business, that its not too late and that CM Punk has resigned. If he is to leave, I hope its only a temporary break, but if it’s a move to another promotion, like RoH for example, I will definitely be tuning into their programming.

Of course, this is all speculation. CM Punk , the new anti-hero, is currently the most ‘over’ person on the roster, and this is because WWE have finally pulled their finger out. I know i’ll be tuning in Sunday to find out the aftermath of the CM Punk storyline, as it could be the start of something special, and if he is to leave, without the gold, I believe WWE will have lost a potential mega-star.

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#1 Article – How could ‘Money in The Bank’ play out? (preview)

#1 Article – How could ‘Money in The Bank’ play out? (preview)

In what is one of the most eagerly anticipated Pay-Per-View shows that the WWE have put on in some time (minus the ‘big-four’), we see CM Punk, in what is billed as his final match, against face of the company, John Cena. Many people will be tuning just to see what happens in the aftermath of this match, and coupling this with two guaranteed exciting ladder matches, suggests that the second annual ‘Money in The Bank’, should be ‘one to remember’.

It seems that the WWE creative are more open to try new things in summer months, and ‘push the boat out’ as it were, as in the last two years we have seen not only the current CM Punk storyline but the summer of 2010 was the unforgettable debut of the group of renegades known as the ‘Nexus’. However, I’m hoping this summer’s storyline will not fall flat on it’s face so dramatically; like its 2010 counterpart.

Everything is geared towards a great show. CM Punk is in his home-town of Chicago which ensures the atmosphere will be electric, which always adds to the experience, even if watching in the comfort of your own home. John Cena has been on great form recently with his delivery and passion, and all the segments involving Vince Mcmahon have been done to near perfection, and the main event on Sunday is one of the most anticipated matches in WWE history, but I will talk about the main event in greater detail later, but for now, here are my thoughts and predictions on the rest of the card.

Christian vs Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Championship)

These two always put on really good PPV matches, and I expect the same again. I do have some moaning to do however, as I feel this storyline has become very stale. I’m pretty fed up with Christian moaning about things, and whilst it was refreshing at first, it’s become very, very stagnated. Both competitors will go all out however, and I’m not doubting this will be a very good match, and here’s to hoping that this will be the end to the fued, and I can see Randy Orton picking up the win here, as I cannot ever see Captain Charisma ever picking up the belt again. I’m hoping for a triple threat of Orton vs. Christian vs. Sheamus at SummerSlam.

My Winner: Randy Orton

Mark Henry vs Big Show

If you would have told me, two months ago, that these two men would be having a PPV match against one another, I would have cried. But, surprisingly, this has quite good build to it, and the match will undoubtedly not be a classic, it should have a few good spots to keep my attention for the short duration that it should be given. Can see Mark Henry picking up the win here, as WWE continue the slow push for the man billed as the ‘World Strongest Man’. I am surprised by how his heel run has turned out, and I believe that he has a chance, albeit slim, to become World Champion sometime this year, but that remains to be seen. Show on the other hand, is really starting to bore me, and I have no time for him, even with the slight change in direction for the character he portrays.

My Winner: Mark Henry

Raw and Smackdown ‘Money In The Bank‘ Ladder Match

Since the inception of the MITB ladder match in 2005, the iconic match has created superstars, taking mid-carders into the ‘upper-echelon’ that is the Main-Event scene. Such superstars as Edge, The Miz, Rob Van Dam, and even CM Punk have cashed in MITB to become World Champion. It’s a match which can define careers, and on Sunday, we will undoubtedly see another two great matches.

Firstly, the Smackdown ladder match, has the greater variation of styles, people like Sin Cara and Daniel Bryan will add some flair in the first ever Ladder Match, whereas the 2010 winner Kane and Wade Barrett will offer more calculated offense, and much needed power.

Who to come out on top then? My gut instinct is that they will be giving this to the Englishman, Wade Barrett, but with the WWE so high on Cody Rhodes, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they gave it to him and built him up for a few months, to make him ready for the cash-in, a la Miz. If WWE wants to play safe, they will go with the Celtic Warrior, and despite him being a great competitor, he doesn’t need the MITB to become a believable world champion. Nevertheless, I’ll say Barrett to come out on top here.

The RAW match on the other hand, is very unpredictable. I could make a case for everyone in the match, bar Mysterio and Bourne, to win the match. If I had to pick a favourite though, it would have to be Mexican Aristocrat, Alberto Del Rio. Perhaps, if CM Punk wins on Sunday, we could see Del Rio cash in on the same night, in an attempt to get him over. It seems nothing has worked so far, and this could be another failed attempt of getting the audience to care about him. Another man whom I can see winning is A-Ry, Alex Riley, whom has been on a role lately, and it seems as if WWE are finally going to push a Face to the top, other than Orton or Cena. It would be a welcome win, as Riley has great main event presence, and has ‘the look’ of a champion. Others like The Miz, and Jack Swagger, will be out to win the briefcase for the second time. However, ill take the positive outlook, and hope WWE pull the trigger on Riley, with the big man picking up the win, and hopefully becoming the WWE Champion after more build, perhaps around November time.

Smackdown Winner: Wade Barrett

Raw Winner: Alex Riley

(I will not be previewing the Diva’s title match, as it’s a waste of my time, and will take longer than the match to write.)

CM Punk vs John Cena (WWE Championship)

Now onto what I earlier described as one of the most anticipated matches in WWE history. Well, for me it is anyway. The man whom was being underutilised since his fued with Jeff Hardy, CM Punk, is up against John Cena, in which Punk is going to attempt to take the prestigious WWE Championship out of the company, on his final night, no matter what the outcome of the match is.

John Cena on the other hand, in what should be a partisan crowd, will attempt to fight for the WWE and keep the brand alive and keep the title in the company. The more I think of outcomes in which Punk can win and start a whole ‘power-struggle’ and leave a gaping hole in WWE, causing uproar and a absoulute huge storyline, the more I worry that WWE will just have Cena go over, clean. If this happens, WWE will have wasted something which could have been huge. This could be ‘the’ storyline to take WWE back to the mainstream audience. In CM Punk, I almost see a ‘new-Austin’ in him. The anti-hero. A role defined by the rattlesnake, is one CM Punk is currently thriving in.

Whatever the result, this match should be a instant-classic. Don’t expect the best tecniqual ‘rasslin with Cena involved, but for pure emotion and storyline, this should be a nailed on Match of the year. It’s impossible to call. Weighing everything up, I’ll have to predict Punk to win, with the MITB winner cashing in, saving Cena from being ‘fired’, and also allows Punk to leave (if he hasn’t infact signed a new contract).

My Winner: CM Punk

I can officially say I am more pumped for this PPV than Wrestlemania, and I find myself counting down the days until Sunday. I will hope to get a review up on Monday, hopefully before RAW, time depending.

Thanks for reading,

Frankie Hobbs,

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