The Thread Killer

Speaking of Contra and Jim Cornette, Corny claimed on his podcast this week that there is a 6 Man Tag coming up on a future edition of Fusion (June 22 I think?) which features Tom Lawlor and the Von Erich brothers against Contra, and he claims it is very good and very "old school." So far, even though he works for MLW Cornette hasn't been one to shill for them too much on his podcasts. He has spoken very highly of MJF on more than one occasion, but other than that he hasn't really talked about MLW too much - aside from bitching about his road schedule and giving reviews of the burger joints he eats at on the road. So if he is giving this 6 Man Tag good reviews, it may be worth checking out if you like the old school Crockett era type stuff.

Tony Schiavone has a full time job calling baseball during the summer, and that job is his true love above and beyond anything related to Pro Wrestling. He is the play-by-play man for the Atlanta Braves Triple A team, and that is what is most important to him. He mentioned this during an interview he did on JR's podcast a few years back, and I have heard Conrad Thompson mention it as well. I guess people have asked repeatedly for "What Happened When" Live Shows and Conrad has said on more than one occasion that those shows are very difficult to book because Tony won't do anything that interferes with his baseball job. I assume after baseball season is done Tony will be back to MLW, but I'd bet it will end up being a three man booth with Tony, Cornette and Rich Bocchini...that way when Tony leaves again Cornette and Rich can continue on. I don't think Cornette is going anywhere at this point because he is working as a producer backstage and attending production meetings, etc. I don't think he is involved in the "creative" but they consult with him about it, plus he is working as a Promo Coach as well.

Thanks very much for the kind words and thoughts, guys. I really appreciate it. On an unrelated note, I had a thought when considering this show... I assumed that when they book these Saudi shows, they don't want to give away the so-called "marquee" matches, which they probably want to save for their standard PPV's. I (erroneously) thought that the reason they booked weak championship matches like Rollins vs. Corbin and Kofi vs. Ziggler because they didn't want to throw away the big money matches on the Saudi show, which they have to know a lot of people aren't going to watch. That whole theory kind of got tossed out the window when they announced that Stomping Grounds is going to feature rematches of both the title matches from this show. That can only mean one of two things: 1) They think doing two major shows on the Network within a couple of weeks of each other will give them less time for the buildup on their TV, so they don't want to put something new on the Stomping Grounds PPV without a proper buildup or... 2) They actually think people want to see Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin for the Universal Championship and Kofi Kingston vs. Dolp Ziggler for the WWE Championship. Again. I really don't understand the logic at all. On top of that, I can only assume they are going to continue to drag out this whole "when will Brock cash in" story until Summerslam now, which makes anything Rollins is going to do until then pointless. After Stomping Grounds, they have Extreme Rules. I can't see them doing Brock vs. Rollins at Extreme Rules, which leads me to the terrifying conclusion that they may actually drag this Corbin angle out through Extreme Rules and do a gimmick match against Rollins at that show. It's either that, or come up with a new challenger for Extreme Rules, which I don't see them doing. Maybe they have something more creative planned, but I don't know. I think they really do see Rollins/Corbin as a good program to keep going with, which is kind of messed up. At least Kofi stands a chance of getting clear after Stomping Grounds, and finally having a decent challenger...something he really hasn't had since he won that belt, in my opinion.

Thanks brother. I've had a wonky heart arrhythmia since December which makes me short of breath and dizzy all the time because my body is no longer getting the blood and oxygen I need. They've tried a ton of different medications (all of which have gawd awful side effects) and have tried three times to restore my heart to a normal rhythm by shocking me, but none of that has worked. It's starting to do permanent structural damage to my heart, so the time has come to operate. If they don't, there's a serious chance I could have a heart attack or stroke any day now. They're probably going to go into my heart, find the valve or chamber which is causing the problem, and then cauterize it. Then, they'll put in a pacemaker to ensure that my heart rate remains steady from this point onward. It's apparently a risky procedure but we've run out of other options and I'm so over this shit I just want to get it done. If you'd have asked me beforehand, I would have said I'd love to sit on my ass for six months and watch television, but between feeling like shit and being bored out of my skull, it's driving me so insane. Things are so bad, I actually resorted to watching WWE Super Showdown.

If you were to go by crowd reactions, Triple H. vs. Orton and Taker vs. Goldberg were by far the most popular matches. Both had the same problem, they went too long. In the case of the Triple H match, there was no way in hell that match needed to be 25 minutes long. They could have easily shaved 10 minutes or more off that match, and it probably would have actually been decent. I don't know if it's because Trips loves being in long WWE style "epic" matches or because they were running short on time, but that match clearly went way too long. The Main Event really wasn't that long, but it seemed to be because both guys gassed out so damn quick. Goldberg was never known for long matches in his prime, and those days are long gone. Maybe WWE thought they had to go longer to avoid cheating the fans, but I'd have rather seen a quick squash or a sprint like some of Brock's matches have been over that sluggish botch fest. You really can't overstate this point, either. After Mansoor won the Battle Royal and gave his inspirational speech, Rene Young made a joke about hiding the fact that his speech had made her cry. Corey Graves responded that he couldn't cry if he wanted to, because he had no water left in his body at that point. Between a couple of matches, they did a video package interviewing the fans, and several of them said they were excited to be going to a WWE show despite how hot it was going to be. When people who live there and are used to the heat mention that it's so damn hot, that's probably all the proof you need to tell you it's probably not a good idea to have an outdoor show in the summer time in the middle east. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for those guys having to try and work under lights, in 100 degree temperatures in the damn desert.

Yeah when it comes to the whole issue of being gassed and unable to properly execute moves, there is more than enough blame to go around for both guys in that match. I don't think one was worse than the other.

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." - Colonel Sanders

The Main Event actually started off fairly well. The fans were crazy into it. The problem is, both guys gassed out pretty much right away. Goldberg bled. They started trading finishers but screwing them up, badly. Goldberg couldn't get Taker over into the Jackhammer, and dumped Taker on his head. Taker looked pissed. Of the two of them, Taker looked better, but that's not saying much. There were a couple of times Goldberg ended up leaning over the ropes, sucking wind. There were a few botches, Taker gets the win with a terrible chokeslam.They say it was 100 degrees in that ring, and if you add that to a couple of 50 + retired guys, you get...that match. End of show. That was pretty much what I expected. What I didn't expect is that they'd think it was a good idea to do those two title matches again at Stomping Grounds, because...ugh.

So the Main Event is Goldberg vs. Taker, a match I would have been somewhat interested in seeing 20 years ago. Goldberg is probably rusty as hell and can't go long, and we're still unsure if Taker can go at all anymore, so this could be scary bad. If they keep it short with lots of gaga, it could be okay...I guess. Like the match Goldy had with Brock at Wrestlemania. If they do something like that, it could conceivably work. It's taking Goldberg so long to get to the ring, it's like that famous scene in Spinal Tap. Good lord, these entrances are as long as Triple H/Orton. Just kidding, nothing is that long.

Great news everybody! If you skipped this show, at Stomping Grounds you get to see Rollins vs. Corbin and Kofi vs. Ziggler AGAIN!

50 Man Battle Royal. So many guys in there, it's practically impossible to keep track of what's going on. This is the first time I've seen AoP or Sin Cara in ages. There are some guys in there and I have no idea who they are. Best part so far was the song from Elias and Titus running down the ramp and all the guys in the ring already holding their arms up, telling him to slow down. Uh, the guy who won...I assume he's from Saudi Arabia but I literally have no idea who he is. Mansoor? The fans have gone mental for this guy. Some kids were actually crying. So yeah, based on his post-match promo this guy is from Saudi Arabia and he's the big home town hero.

Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship is up now. They fought and Kofi won. That's 10 minutes of my life I will never get back. If you've ever seen these two fight before, you've seen this match.

Now it's time for Lashley vs. Strowman. I guess now we find out how far into the doghouse Strowman really is. These guys are massive and yet they're moving faster than Triple H and Orton did. This is your typical "two big guys slugging it out" match, lots of trading slams and clotheslines and clubbing forearms and shoulder-tackles, that kind of thing. Kind of plodding. Crowd is dead again, after being up for the previous match. A very weak "Get These Hands" chant breaks out, but then dies. Strowman wins with a powerslam. They tried hard, but it really wasn't much of a match and nobody seemed to care.

I think the oppressive heat helped make what was already going to be a slow-paced match even slower.

Thanks brother. I am so tired of this whole ordeal, I just want to get the damn surgery and get it over with. I've been sick and off work since the first week of December, it's really wearing me down.

It's funny, he was certainly giving Heyman the stink eye on the way up the ramp, I assume blaming him for tripping and dropping the case. It's possible. Then again, after he beat Heyman over the head with the contract a couple of weeks ago, I thought they were going somewhere with that, and they did not. Those two have an odd dynamic. Heyman constantly gushes all over Lesnar, who acts like he doesn't care that Heyman is even there. It kind of reminds me of that old Warner Brother's cartoon with the big bulldog who is always marching around looking mean, while the little dog runs in circles around him telling him how great he is.

Wait, up next is Triple H vs. Randy Orton. I was led to believe this was the Main Event, I feel cheated. They're actually show a video package outlining the history of this rivalry, which Cole tells us is one of the greatest in WWE history. Based on the (very long) video package, I am unsure who is supposed to be the babyface or heel in this match. Based on the reaction of some of the wrestlers, it must be very hot in that ring. Orton was mopping the sweat off his face with his ring jacket before the match started. Triple H comes down riding his three wheel motor cycle. Very...slowly. I fear this match is going to be all kinds of awful. Triple H's beard has become truly epic. Lots of deliberately paced old school wrestling to start this match and so help me gawd, the fans are clapping and cheering. They are chanting "this is awesome" I shit you not. Orton sucker punches Trips, and Cole declares it's "vintage Orton." Later, Orton hits a DDT, which Cole also declares is "vintage Orton." Later still, Randy Orton slaps on a rear chinlock in the middle of the ring, which truly IS vintage Orton. The Thread Killer takes a break in the middle of the match because his Mommy came to visit and brought him takeout Chinese Food. Match continues, Cole proclaims that this match is a classic. Triple H goes for the pedigree, which Orton counters into an RKO. Triple H kicks out. Fans chant: "one more time." Orton gets a constipated look on his face, and sets up for the punt kick. Triple H blocks, counters into a pedigree, which Orton kicks out of. Fans once again chant: "this is awesome." Well, say you want about these guys and this match, but the fans are eating it up, while they sat on their hands during Balor vs. Andrade, for the most part. Triple H slams Orton on the announce table four times. I assume the table is supposed to break, but it has not. Triple H takes a breather and rolls Orton back in. RKO by Orton and he gets the pin on Triple H.

Now Lars Sullivan vs. all three members of Lucha House Party. I resent the fact that a talent like Gran Metalik is being wasted in crap like this. How is anybody ever supposed to take you seriously after you've been in a match where you have to team up with two other guys to fight one dude? Cole tells us that not only is Sullivan brutal, but he's also cerebral. Um, okay. Fans don't give a damn about this match, one little bit. This is basically the lucha guys being scrappy and Sullivan no-selling everything, so far. Crowd is pretty much silent. Sullivan has a busted lip, which I don't know how that even happened. Sullivan is shoving these guys around with one arm. Lucha House Party tries to get the crowd to chant "Lucha!" The fans do not comply. This mess is going on far too long. To quote Shakespeare: "If it were done when 'tis done, then it is well it were done quickly." All three Lucha guys now attacking Sullivan at the same time, and they get disqualified? WTF? They head up the ramp, but Sullivan goes after them and attacks. Cole says this is like a horror show. Truer words have never been spoken.

Thanks brother. Look like I am due for heart surgery next month, assuming this show doesn't kill me first.

Now up is Shane with Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns. Shane comes to the ring and is already soaked in sweat and looks like he is about to have a coronary, seriously. Reigns is facing Drew again at Stomping Grounds...they're doing that after the match those two had at Wrestlemania? Which explains why Drew is out here, or is Shane his manager now? Man, has McIntyre ever cooled off since coming up from NXT. I thought he was poised to have a really big run but that shows what pairing up with Dolph will do to cool you off. Hey, the fans in Saudi Arabia really love Reigns, maybe that's why Vince insists on coming here. Lots of pyro, I guess they can afford it. I know it's been said time and again, but Shane's strikes are SO BAD. Oh my gawd, Michael Cole actually said "That's vintage Shane!" Shane is gassed early and has to slap on a rear chinlock. Cole explains this is strategy because Shane knows he has to keep Roman grounded. Presumably due to Roman's high-flying style. When Roman throws the Superman punch and misses, it looks like he's doing some kind of modern interpretive dance. Cole actually exclaims: "What a match!" Damn does Roman ever over-use that Superman punch. He's tried to throw it about five times already. Fans start chanting CM PUNK! Drew interferes, hits Roman with the Claymore Kick, and Shane gets the win. Yep.

Next match is Andrade (with no Zelina Vega surprisingly ) vs. The Demon. Balor gets the Demon entrance, surrounded by guys in full body black leotards, waving their arms in the air. That was something. Surprisingly, Balor was not wearing his pro-LGBTQ gear for some reason. Crowd was pretty dead for this match at the start, but it was a solid match and they actually started to come alive toward the end. Andrade is really damn good. Michael Cole is kind enough to explain to us that Andrade incorporates styles from all over the world, like Lucha Libre and Japanese style. Because Cole is an expert on such things. Balor wins. Fairly good match. Lots of hype for the 50 Man Battle Royal happening later.

I'm watching this show because I've been confined to my bed for the past six months by illness and I'm bored out of my skull. This show passes my very strict criteria for watching something in that...it's on TV. Plus, the Main Event is Triple H vs. Randy Orton and how often do you get to see a match like that? I know nobody else is watching this because OUTRAGE but I stopped caring about stuff in my mid-thirties, unfortunately. Opener is Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin for the Universal Championship. Rollins is very popular with this crowd, lots of chants for him. Match was structured somewhat differently because it was based around Corbin trying to work the supposedly injured and wrapped ribs of Rollins. Corbin ostensibly executing manoeuvres which worked the midsection (and some of them almost hit the intended area) which Rollins sold kind of a bit. Corbin has a really weird habit of sliding out of the ring, running around the ringpost and then sliding back in. Not sure what that is supposed to accomplish. Corbin is arguing with the referee constantly, getting in his face shouting loudly. He does it one too many times and Rollins rolls him up from behind for the win. After the match, here comes Brock with a steel chair and Heyman with a referee and the MITB case. Corbin attacks Rollins to soften him up, but as Heyman enters the ring he trips and drops the MITB case. This distracts Brock, and Rollins hits him with a low blow. Rollins steals the chair and beats the living hell out of Lesnar with the chair. Announcers point out that the bell never rang and Lesnar gave the case to the ref, so this does not count as a cash-in. Rollins caps things off with a curb stomp on Lesnar on top of the MITB case. Full credit to Lesnar, he is selling the hell out of this beating. Match was what you would expect from Rollins vs. Corbin. Post match angle was done pretty well. They show a close up of Lesnar as he heads up the ramp, and dude is covered in serious red welts.

It is, but during a recent conference call when he was asked about this, Trips was quick to point out that this was something that had been in the pipeline for a long time and they had booked the date and venue before AEW announced All Out. In this case, I honestly don't think they booked an NXT UK Takeover as counter-programming to AEW. If anything, I would bet they are upset about it. WWE has outright admitted that NXT appeals to the hardcore fans in their base, and they have to know after the success of All In and Double or Nothing, most of the hardcore fans will not be watching an NXT UK show. Although technically, due to the time zone differences, I think you could probably watch both. The first NXT UK streamed live as it happened in the UK, and then later it re-ran in the "prime time" slot. I've seen some fans online doing the whole "LOL WWE is trying to use NXT UK to compete with AEW" thing, but in this particular case I really don't think that's true. I think this is just a simple case of bad timing all around. If/when WWE does decide to counter-program AEW I am guessing they will come out firing with something a bit more appealing than NXT UK. Having said all that, I liked the first NXT UK Takeover, and I'll be watching this one. But I know I'm in the minority.

They might be tied with The Young Bucks. They're pretty infamous for vanity searching on Twitter and whining when people say mean stuff about them, preemptively blocking people, etc. I don't think they've ever dragged anybody backstage and tried to intimidate them, but then again...who would be intimidated by The Young Bucks?

I gotta be honest with you, I was one of the biggest Impact boosters on this board, trumpeting how great they've been since Callis & D'Amore took over and urging people to give them a chance...but a lot of that went out the window when Brian Cage won the title and Elgin showed up. I've always thought Cage was overrated, plus his goofy steroid monster meets futuristic gladiator look is SO DUMB. And I've never liked Michael Elgin one little bit. The thought of the two of them working any type of program made me cringe - never mind having it in the Main Event for the World Championship of all things. I haven't bothered watching any of their TV since the last PPV, I only checked out the angle with Moose & The North against Dreamer, RVD and Sabu on YouTube. Based on what you are saying I may check them out again, but Michael Elgin as a Main Event guy? Damn, that's a hard sell.