The PPV Discussion Thread

[Bottega Don]

For quite a few years now Undertaker's matches have been more about the spectacle than the actual wrestling match. Of course he's not going to be as quick moving and as good as he once was but the spectacle is what makes his matches special. You could say that The Rock vs Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania X8 wasn't a good match from a pure wrestling standpoint but from an entertainment standpoint (which WWE is meant to be), the match is one of the best of all time.

 

[Christian Slater]

I think it's pretty unfair to say that there wrestlers aren't...

Lesnar has had one bad match since he's been back, and yeah ok, that was against The Undertaker. The majority of his matches though have ranged from good to match of the year candidates.

And Taker... yes, his match with Lesnar sucked, and his match with Wyatt was simply "ok", but it wasn't that long ago he was having great matches with CM Punk and Triple H. Age has sure slowed him down, but the man can still put on a show.

Three years since the Punk match which couldn't have been too bad physically as Punk is a striking wrestler and not one to deliver big impact moves. Four years since HHH. That's a bloody long time when you're not doing it often and you're that big and old. The last time he faced Lesnar he ended up in hospital, I fear for him a little.

I'll also add an unpopular opinion: The Undertaker gimmick has never been that interesting, his longevity is the key to his popularity. Biker 'Taker was far more interesting.

 

[silvergull]

Cena staying Champion isn't as bad as some people are making out. His open challenge is the best thing that has happened to his character in a long time, he is putting on some wrestling clinics lately.

Where does it go from here? The kayfabe concept of the open challenge is Cena wanting a youngster to step up into the Spotlight, and beat him for a title. NXTs brightest stepped up, beat him clean in the ring, was told he wasn't a man then lost twice.

beating Cena for the title would have made Owens and refreshed the division. There's only so many mid carders left for Cena to face. My guess is fatal 4 way with owens pinning Cesaro.

On the bright side, the Cena formula of losing an unimportant match then beating his opponent for eternity remains. Bray Wyatt and Rusev still haven't recovered. Rusev should be huge - a fued between him and Cesaro would be gold

 

[Christian Slater]

Where does it go from here? The kayfabe concept of the open challenge is Cena wanting a youngster to step up into the Spotlight, and beat him for a title. NXTs brightest stepped up, beat him clean in the ring, was told he wasn't a man then lost twice.

beating Cena for the title would have made Owens and refreshed the division. There's only so many mid carders left for Cena to face. My guess is fatal 4 way with owens pinning Cesaro.

On the bright side, the Cena formula of losing an unimportant match then beating his opponent for eternity remains. Bray Wyatt and Rusev still haven't recovered. Rusev should be huge - a fued between him and Cesaro would be gold

It has to be Zayn doing what Owens couldn't. Having Cena lose it without being pinned would ruin everything IMO.

 

[Stevencc]

Biker Taker was shit! Ministry Taker was his best era for me.

I do think Taker is stale now though, but it'll be interesting enough if he does go fully heel.

 

[Christian Slater]

Biker Taker was shit! Ministry Taker was his best era for me.

I do think Taker is stale now though, but it'll be interesting enough if he does go fully heel.

 

[Libertine]

Hmm. Yeh, weird.

Not really amped for the rematch but interested to see a heel Taker so hope this is the case. Did look that way. Seems odd to turn Brock face then put him against Taker right after if not.

 

[Leewilson]

Three years since the Punk match which couldn't have been too bad physically as Punk is a striking wrestler and not one to deliver big impact moves. Four years since HHH. That's a bloody long time when you're not doing it often and you're that big and old. The last time he faced Lesnar he ended up in hospital, I fear for him a little.

I'll also add an unpopular opinion: The Undertaker gimmick has never been that interesting, his longevity is the key to his popularity. Biker 'Taker was far more interesting.

Ahhh well yeah, if you're not interested in the gimmick then I can see why you're not particularly hyped for this. As someone who has always loved the Undertaker (his return at Judgement Day when he first became biker Taker was my favourite moment in wrestling ever), I'm happy he looks in such good shape. It's also realistic to suggest he won't be around for much longer so I'm just relishing every appearance now. I'm not fussed about match quality, like somebody said before. It's the spectacle of his matches now. It's the freaking Undertaker.

 

[sl1k]

Just finished watchin it a couple of hours ago and oh my was that Taker moment epic! Haven't been keeping up with the news and rumours i.e. Taker maybe showing, so it made me it all the more ... Once the novelty of the moment wore off though, I couldn't help but feel disappointed with how the match ended - so soon into it too. Taker is in decent shape and all but it's gonna be real tough to physically sell his maneuvers I feel, Lesnar is an explosive and freakishly agile guy while Taker is 50 years old who's age is quite difficult to ignore when you look at his actual in ring work. I totally get that it's the spectacle and story that'll be what sells the match, just hoping the wrestling isn't as bad (and slow) as I'm expecting it to be.

Cena and Owens was a good match, loads of high impact moves and I'm actually starting to like Cena's performances again since he moved away from all that 5 moves of death shit.

Wyatt actually won a PPV match.

 

[Oaf]

Wyatt actually won a PPV match.

Oh yeah, that brings up a good point.

BRAY WYATT WON A PPV MATCH.

ROMAN REIGNS LOST A PPV MATCH.

AND THEY BOTH HAPPENED IN THE SAME. FUCKING. MATCH.

Amazing. Superb decision by WWE, best for everybody including Reigns.

 

[Bottega Don]

Oh yeah, that brings up a good point.

BRAY WYATT WON A PPV MATCH.

ROMAN REIGNS LOST A PPV MATCH.

AND THEY BOTH HAPPENED IN THE SAME. FUCKING. MATCH.

Amazing. Superb decision by WWE, best for everybody including Reigns.

The last PPV match Reigns won was Fastlane which was 5 months ago and Bray Wyatt won his last PPV match before this at Payback.

 

[sl1k]

Bray Wyatt won his last PPV match before this at Payback.

I had completely forgot about that match with Ryback, it just feels like he always comes out the loser in any fued that concludes at a PPV. Was expecting it to continue too against Reigns, but his heat has died off a fair bit since the Wrestlemania push. A good thing though, don't feel Reigns is being shoved down our throats anymore and he'll will be better off for it.

 

[Oaf]

The last PPV match Reigns won was Fastlane which was 5 months ago and Bray Wyatt won his last PPV match before this at Payback.

True (in fact, Reigns hasn't won a match via pinfall or submission for over a month now) but I still fully expected that to change at Battleground. To be fair, it seems that WWE are fully aware that they were shoving Reigns down everybodies throat so are actually going out of their way to help win him over with the sorts of people who hate that sort of thing.

 

[Eamonn]

My idea for Summerslam is for a desperate Undertaker, its not a no DQ match but HHH tells the referee to let a few things go as this is the main event. Starts off pretty even but Lesnar starts to take control, few suplexes, starts taunting Taker, he gets the odd comeback but Lesnar cames remaining in control as Taker is struggling to his feet with Lesnar awaiting to finish him off, the referee is checking if he is okay to continue and Taker knocks out the ref with a right hand. Lesnar then F5's Undertaker. It would be over but no ref, Lesnar goes outside and brings in a steel chair and sits on it while Undertaker is laid out counting out loud establishing his dominance as Heyman shouts for another ref.

Another ref races out and Lesnar goes to pick up Taker who in desperation low blows Lesnar not once not twice but three times in a row followed by a tombstone but Lesnar kicks out! Taker is astounded and cant believe it. He then looks at the chair. Taker grabs the chair, the ref tris to stop him but the lookTaker gives him means the ref backs off. He smashes it 5-6 times into Lesnars back, Lesnar still manages to get to his feet, he then smashes it over his head busting Lesnar open. Taker proceeds to lift up a bloody and battered Lesnar and tombstones him one more time this time on to the steel chair and Taker wins. The commentators put over how Taker had to resort to such desperate measures that they have never seen him like this before.

As we know Taker may be staying beyond Summerslam, certainly for the tour, we will see sporadic appearances where Taker will randomly interfere and take people out in a desperate attempt to get back his fear while commentators put over how these unprovoked attacks are so out of character and is a throwback to his days when he used to bully for respect not command it. This leads to Taker vs Sting at Survivor Series who calls Taker out to prove he is still the phenom, to have the dream match millions have wanted, Taker accepts and again desperately wins through using Stings own bat against him.

Taker disappears until night after Royal Rumble, he is called out by John Cena who states he has lost tons of respect for The Undertaker that he idolised him, he helped him in his early career and always saw him as the benchmark in WWE, that the streak was unbelievable never to be matched but when the streak was lost so was his soul, that this desperate anything to win Undertaker is a shadow, is an embarrassment to his legacy, he wants the old Undertaker back and challenges him to a match at Wrestlemania. We then begin to see signs of the old Taker returning after a few weeks of quite heelish promos by Taker where he challenges Cena on his comments that Cena is the man to beat and the man that runs the place, Taker stating that in fact he runs the place and always has. We then either get a Cena win and Taker retires after a hell of a battle and Cena greatest of all time yada yada or Undertaker retires having defeated John Cena cleanly proving one last time at Wrestlemania he is still the top dog.

 

[Christian Slater]

Not a chance they'll have The Undertaker look like a cowardly bitch at this stage of his career. He might use some dirty tactics in the Lesnar match, but that'll be easily explained away and exextued like a badass.

They should just have Sting fuck the match up somehow when 'Taker has Lesnar beat, the fuck up leads to Lesnar winning. Lesnar then moves back into the title picture and you have Sting vs 'Taker at Survivor Series. You do Lesnar vs Taker 3 at 'Mania and give Undertaker his redemption in his retirement match.

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

Taker v Cena at Mania 32. This will happen.

 

[Christian Slater]

The allure of that match went when the streak ended. I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen though.

How much longer can they afford to keep putting the same people on at 'Mania? Mainly guys that aren't there. There's going to come a point where Cena gets really hurt and they're going to suffer really bad.

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

I think 99% of wrestling fans agree with you and can also see the same scenario. Someone like Dolph Ziggler has been in the WWE for 6 years, appeared at 5 or 6 Wrestlemania's but has never had a 1 on 1 match. And he's a former world champion. Look down the current roster and list the guys who have had 1 on 1 matches at Wrestlemania, specifically the up-and-coming guys. There isn't that many.

 

[Oaf]

With 1FF taking a nap yesterday, I finally got around to rewatching Wrestlemania 31

I have to say, I still consider it to be one of the very best WM's there has been. Ok, yes, I'm probably biased as fuck, but it's great start to finish. It's one of those WM's that's great all the way through and topped off by a main event that is probably in my top five WM main events already.

The Ladder Match is great, even if it wasn't quite as good as we'd hoped it'd be with the people involved. Orton/Rollins is also very good, with obviously a brilliant end, and I still love Sting vs Triple H. An absolute cluster fuck, but in the best way. I know that my initial reaction after watching the show live was that it was my personal favorite match of the night, and admittedly it wasn't quite as fun this time around but it's still good to watch. One thing that really stuck out to me this time though was The Taker vs Wyatt match. I remember not being all that impressed watching it live, but after last night, I think I probably now consider it to be the second best match of the show. Well performed by both of them and really, if Bray's foot/ankle was hurting, I don't really think it took much away from the match.
And of course, that main event. Already it's become iconic in my head. In ways, it reminded me of my favourite match of all time, Rock vs Austin at WM17... brilliant story being told by two people playing their parts to perfection (criticize Reigns all you want, but he absolutely delivered in his role in this match) with a shock ending that just makes it all even better.

When I think of my top two WM's of all time, I think my own list is clearly biased. I still consider 17 to be the best (though it was my first) and I'd probably put 31 in second place (though it was the first I went to). But my own biases aside, those two seem to be very highly regarded, so there's probably more to it than just my own personal feelings and memories toward them.

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

With 1FF taking a nap yesterday, I finally got around to rewatching Wrestlemania 31

I have to say, I still consider it to be one of the very best WM's there has been. Ok, yes, I'm probably biased as fuck, but it's great start to finish. It's one of those WM's that's great all the way through and topped off by a main event that is probably in my top five WM main events already.

The Ladder Match is great, even if it wasn't quite as good as we'd hoped it'd be with the people involved. Orton/Rollins is also very good, with obviously a brilliant end, and I still love Sting vs Triple H. An absolute cluster fuck, but in the best way. I know that my initial reaction after watching the show live was that it was my personal favorite match of the night, and admittedly it wasn't quite as fun this time around but it's still good to watch. One thing that really stuck out to me this time though was The Taker vs Wyatt match. I remember not being all that impressed watching it live, but after last night, I think I probably now consider it to be the second best match of the show. Well performed by both of them and really, if Bray's foot/ankle was hurting, I don't really think it took much away from the match.
And of course, that main event. Already it's become iconic in my head. In ways, it reminded me of my favourite match of all time, Rock vs Austin at WM17... brilliant story being told by two people playing their parts to perfection (criticize Reigns all you want, but he absolutely delivered in his role in this match) with a shock ending that just makes it all even better.

When I think of my top two WM's of all time, I think my own list is clearly biased. I still consider 17 to be the best (though it was my first) and I'd probably put 31 in second place (though it was the first I went to). But my own biases aside, those two seem to be very highly regarded, so there's probably more to it than just my own personal feelings and memories toward them.

See I'm in the same boat as you as far as going to the show, but watching it back I didn't really get the massive feel for it that you got. Don't get me wrong, there are bits to it that I love, but due to there not being 1 epic 4 1/2 -5 Star match, I don't see it being 2nd in the list. Top 5 maybe? Absolutely top 10, probably somewhere between 4 and 7 for me. Watching it back, I found the flow of the event was hurt by the Taker / Wyatt match. I understand they needed it on 2nd to last due to being a bit darker, but you went from a white hot Stephanie / HHH / Rock / Ronda segment to a Taker / Wyatt match which kind of was a bit sluggish. I'd have probably done the Authority segment right before the main event, because people would have made noise for a Lesnar match no matter what.

 

[Luke]

God its quiet here lately, thoughts on Summerslam this sunday folks?

I Imagine Sheamus/Orton will get added.

Think it should be an okay PPV, here is the card so far with my thoughts:

Winner Take All Match:
-WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. WWE United States Champion John Cena

This should be a decent match, not sure which way this one is going to go in fairness, would like to see both keep their respective titles so a DQ outcome may come. Hope its not something like Kane returning in a mask and beating both up that causes the DQ.

Triple Threat for the WWE Intercontinental Title:
-The Miz vs. Big Show vs. Ryback

Ryback surely to win this one? Don't hold much hope for this match.

Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Tag Team Titles:
-The New Day vs. The Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores vs. The Prime Time Players

Could be a good match if given time and let Lucha have time to shine. I hope New Day win this one, they are brilliant.

-Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker

Mhmmm I hope its an improvement on the WM match, don't quite feel the big build that WWE are trying to do with it, again not sure which way this one will go.

-Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper

This has potentional to be a good match, lots of rumours Ambrose will turn on Reigns and be a heel, not sure it will happen here though but I think it is coming the heel turn.

9 Diva Tag Team Elimination Match:
-Team Bella vs PCB vs Team BAD

If Team Bella win its an outrage, Sasha is very good, Naomi is okay and not really sure about Tamina where as PCB are all solid wrestlers, I would like to think PCB win this one.

Tag Team Match:
-Neville and Stephen Amell vs. Stardust and King Barrett

I honestly have no interest in this match and have never heard of Stephen Amell or Arrow to be quite honest. No doubt King Barrett will be made to be a loser as usual lately which is such a shame.

 

[Christian Slater]

Most underwhelming Summerslam of the past few years. I couldn't give a shit about any match. The only reason to watch is to see if a big angle begins.

 

[Leewilson]

I think the two main events are very good. Undertaker vs Lesnar is an excellent story driven match. Rollins/Cena for both titles will be very entertaining I imagine.

I'm hoping Ambrose turns on Reigns and maybe even joining the Wyatt family. That would give them some new momentum.

 

[Christian Slater]

I think the two main events are very good. Undertaker vs Lesnar is an excellent story driven match. Rollins/Cena for both titles will be very entertaining I imagine.

I'm hoping Ambrose turns on Reigns and maybe even joining the Wyatt family. That would give them some new momentum.

The Lesnar match does no favours for anyone. John Cena competing for the title is just another reminder they have failed to make new stars. In 2015 we shouldn't be seeing The Undertaker winning and John Cena winning another title, even potentially.

I'd rather see a new member of the Wyatt Family, not Dean Ambrose turn. I think Ambrose turning is one of the worst things they could do, especially concerning Reigns.

 

[Eamonn]

I would love to see Ambrose turn heel, hes floating directionless at the minute effectively as Reigns lackey. Could have a few months feud with Ambrose and Reigns, exchange victories over each other, Reigns probably go over ultimately but keep him competitive. Probably then get the inevitable Orton and Wyatt feud . Not sure where else to go unless Reigns or Ambrose feuds with Kevin Owens but Ambrose as a heel opens up so much potential of against Reigns, Orton, Cena, Cesaro and perhaps the odd Ambrose/Rollins in the same team as heels but still as reluctant partners or even better if Rollins turns face soon and reverse the roles.

 

[Christian Slater]

How would turning Ambrose and having him feud with Reigns help Reigns? It'd hurt both in my opinion.

 

[Libertine]

Agreed. Roman is much more likeable and better when around Ambrose.

Think Taker will probably win the ME.

 

[iesty wfc]

Summerslams on the 23rd, not this weekend....

 

[Libertine]

Looking forward to NXT Takeover the night before. A Brooklyn NXT crowd that size should be great. Will be staying up for that one.

 

[Eamonn]

How would turning Ambrose and having him feud with Reigns help Reigns? It'd hurt both in my opinion.

If anything I think it would help Ambrose more as he can shine more in a heel role and hopefully position himself more as a future champion but Reigns I think would thrive off a feud with him as clearly they should work well together, it would be fresh and Reigns having had Rollins and Ambrose turn on him could become more aggressive and more of the badass he should be, I think both would bring the best in each other, beat each other perhaps twice each, Reigns then goes over. I'd be excited for it. Otherwise we are likely going to get, what? Continued with Wyatt or feuds with Rusev or Owens really unless Reigns goes back into the title picture, this would keep both in a hot feud with each other and away from the title program.