PPV Reports
CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES REPORT 11/23: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of John Cena vs. Chris Jericho (w/PICS on-site) Nov 23, 2008 - 9:45:49 PM
WWE Survivor Series PPV Report
November 23, 2008
Boston, Mass.
By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist
Sean Radican checked in with the dark match of Brian Kendrick beating Kung Fu Naki with a roll-up. Funaki attacked Kendrick after the match, but Ezekiel made the save with a chokeslam.
Also, before the PPV started, Radican says Lillian got on the house mic and said that "according to ABC and TMZ," Jeff Hardy probably won't be on the PPV.
After the usual WWE intro, the PPV started with a look back at old school Survivor Series PPVs. Tonight, the tradition continues. Cue up a video package on John Cena standing in front of the TD Banknorth Garden Arena before transitioning into footage of Cena's severe neck injury at Summerslam. Tonight, he's back. They played footage of Chris Jericho playing the counter to Cena with the vow to hold the World Title over his head by the end of the night.
Ringside: They showed Jim Ross and Tazz to start the show. Tazz was sans sunglasses to make this look serious. Ross said various news sources including ABC, CNN, and TMZ have reported on Jeff Hardy's situation. He said Jeff Hardy was hospitalized earlier this morning, but he has been released. Ross said it's questionable whether Hardy will compete here tonight at the Survivor Series.
In-ring: Shawn Michaels came out first representing Team Michaels for the first traditional Survivor Series match. When was the last time Michaels opened a PPV? Crack research team assemble. Cryme Tyme came out, then Great Khali with Singh, followed by Rey Mysterio. Here we are nine minutes into the show with JBL coming out first for the heel team. He stepped out of the limo and an abrasive fan had the nerve to touch him on the shoulder. MVP, then Miz and Morrison, then Kane came out. All of the announcers got some airtime here to comment on the wrestlers from their brand.
1 -- TEAM MICHAELS - SHAWN MICHAELS & CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG) & REY MYSTERIO & GREAT KHALI (w/Singh) vs. TEAM JBL - JBL & THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON & KANE & MVP
MVP was dominated forever, then he suddenly nailed JTG with the Chono boot to the head. MVP made the cover and JTG was done. Apparently MVP collects the bonus and we move on from the storyline? MVP celebrated a little early, then he turned around and took a big chop to the head from Khali. Khali with the boot on MVP's chest for the easy pin. Kane then stepped in and the two big men went after it. Kane accepted a chop to the head, then Rey tagged in, climbed Khali's shoulders, and Rey hit a splash on Kane for the not-believable three count on Kane three minutes into this deal.
Announcers have been relatively orderly so far - other than dated 1980s references - compared to previous six-man booths. Michael Cole proceeded to sound annoying while Miz & Morrison battled Shad, who eventually cleaned house until giving Miz a running powerslam for a nearfall. Miz then came right back with the Reality Check on Shad to score a pin for another elimination. So it's three-on-three now. Shawn Michaels decided to enter, setting up a Michaels vs. Miz battle. Michaels eventually found himself isolated from his corner, then Morrison nailed a flying forearm on Michaels before kipping up.
At 10:00, Morrison wanted a top rope elbow on Michaels, but Michaels moved in time. Rey then took a hot tag and cleaned house on Miz, who also tagged in. Rey snapped off a twisting huracanrana, then he dropkicked Miz clear across the ring to set up the 619. Rey went up top and nailed the leaping splash on Miz for the pin to grab another elimination. JBL then blind-tagged himself into the ring after Rey set up Morrison for the 619, and JBL knocked down Rey to begin working him over. Suddenly, there was a "You can't wrestle" chant. Not sure who it was directed at. JBL? Khali? Maybe it was like Kurt Angle playing babyface and the fans still chanting "You Suck" during his ring entrance.
We're at 15:00 now with JBL & Morrison vs. Rey & Khali & HBK. Michaels finally took a hot tag from Rey and he went after JBL after kipping up and giving Morrison a crotch chop gesture. Michaels then went up top for the top rope elbow, but JBL smartly rolled out of the way and went to the floor. Michaels simply readjusted and walked to the other side of the ring for a plancha onto JBL. Michaels and JBL started brawling, then Michaels teased Sweet Chin Music. JBL ran away, then Michaels ran back into the ring to beat the ten count back into the ring. JBL eliminated.
Morrison snuck into the ring and Michaels gave JBL a few crotch chops before turning around to duck a superkick from Morrison. Michaels then smashed Morrison with Sweet Chin Music and he covered Morrison for the pin to win for Team Michaels. Afterward, Khali, Rey, and Michaels had an awkward celebration with Singh leading the party. Oh Khali.
WINNERS: Team Michaels in 18:00. Basic opening match to get the babyfaces off on the right foot tonight. Not a whole lot going on here. (**1/4)
Announcers: Ross provided another recap of Jeff Hardy. Backstage, Eve brought in Triple H for his reaction to the Jeff Hardy situation. Hunter said everyone has their own opinion on this situation, so he doesn't need to touch on that. He said Jeff Hardy has scratched and clawed his way to get where he is, so even if he's not here tonight, Hardy will find a way to get back in the mix. So, even if Hardy isn't here tonight, they're back to what should have been the match of him vs. Vladimir Koslov. Hunter said Koslov has the nerves going on in his stomach right now. Tonight is a big night for Koslov and one that he won't soon forget. Hunter said there are a lot of firsts for Koslov tonight, including his first defeat.
In-ring: Time for the divas match. Smackdown came out first, represented by Divas champion Michelle McCool, Maryse, Maria, Victoria, and Natalya. Cole then excitedly introduced Beth Phoenix first to represent the Raw divas. Beth had Santino with her. Mickie James, Jillian Hall, Candice Michelle, and Kelly Kelly then rounded out the rest of the field.
2 -- SMACKDOWN DIVAS - Divas champion MICHELLE MCCOOL & MARYSE & VICTORIA & NATALYA & MARIA vs. RAW DIVAS - Women's champion BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino Marella) & MICKIE JAMES & CANDICE MICHELLE & JILLIAN HALL & KELLY KELLY
Here we go with Jerry Lawler back in form with his diva humor, followed by Michael Cole asking him about his own Survivor Series experience with Sleazy and Wheezy. A little 1994 Series reference against Doink's team. Smackdown divas had a little trouble communicating early on here. Not quite on the same page. Kelly Kelly then grappled Victoria and gave her a huracanrana for a three count to earn the first elimination. Maryse then entered the ring and gave Kelly a kinda spinning backbreaker for a "chest press" pin. Rough going here.
Crowd was quiet as Michelle and Mickie tried to pick up the pace in the ring. Mickie then finished off Michelle with a swinging DDT, eliminating Smackdown's captain. Suddenly, Mickie and Beth entered into a discussion and Maryse took advantage with a roll-up on Mickie for an elimination. Natalya and Candice battled, then Natalya busted out the Sharpshooter to get a reaction out of the crowd. Candice wanted the ropes, but Jillian ended up breaking up the hold. Natalya complained, then Candice speared Natalya and pinned her with a bridge.
At 7:00, Jillian gave Maria a fallaway slam, which fortunately only resulted in a two count. Otherwise, that would have just been far too many illogical pins in one match. Maria then came back on Jillian with a victory roll for a pin. Suddenly, Candice grappled Maria and scored a Northern Lights Suplex for the pin. So, it's Maryse left for Smackdown. She then applied a modified figure four, but Candice escaped. Tazz: "It was like a figure four leglock...but different."
Maryse then busted out a back heel kick on Beth, but it was good for a two count only. Maryse went for a top rope splash, but Beth caught her in mid-air. Maryse slipped out, but Beth grappled her for the chicken wing Glam Slam for the pin and the win. Naturally, Santino slipped into the ring to celebrate with Beth. He did the giant trumpet celebration, which led to commentary on probably what Jim Ross did after OU's victory over Tech last night.
WINNER: Team Beth in 10:00. That was pretty rough. Like an old school throwaway WWE cruiserweight battle royale of doom match with 18 pins in eight minutes. Just unrealistic pinfalls coupled with not-well-choreographed sequences. Beth was clearly the top diva in the ring tonight. (1/2*)
Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in ECW champion Matt Hardy to discuss Jeff's situation. Matt said he was with Jeff at the hospital all night. Not a lot of sleep. He said Jeff was hit in the back of the head with a blunt object, and his status is unknown for tonight. Matt said he wishes he could explain more, but he just doesn't know.
Video package: They aired a video on the Big Show vs. Undertaker build-up to their casket match. Ross then referenced Taker's WWE debut right here at the Survivor Series way back in 1990. Roddy Piper: "Holy caaaw! Check out the size of that!"
In-ring: Big Show came out first for the casket match. Cue up Undertaker's entrance just before the end of the first hour. It's been a long hour.
3 -- THE UNDERTAKER vs. BIG SHOW -- Casket match
Bell sounded and Taker nearly dumped Show into the casket like 20 seconds into this. Show managed to avoid the casket, then he tried to "run" away from Taker on the floor. Show managed to reverse a whip into the guardrail and Taker ate the padded wall. Show then cleared the ECW announce table to inflict some heavy damage, but Taker came back with a monitor shot to the head. He then placed Show on the ECW table and delivered a big momma leg drop that took Show through the table. Back in the ring, Show regained control to the point of putting Taker inside the casket. Taker was KO'ed, but the refs refused to close the casket. Show demanded they close it, but he was denied. Show then tried to slam the casket, but Taker stuck his leg out to block.
Back in the ring, Taker landed a leaping clothesline before warming up the train on the tracks for a big running clothesline in the corner. Taker then chokeslammed Show off the middle rope before calling for the casket to be opened. Taker then booted Show into the casket, but he wasn't in position to shut the lid. He then tried to close it, but Show blocked and pushed his way out of the casket. Show KO'ed Taker in the ring, then he walked over to the casket and tipped it over. He wanted nothing to do with it anymore, then Taker sat up in the ring and went down the entrance ramp.
Suddenly, pyro exploded on the entrance stage. Show went back to fighting Taker, then he started to leave again, but the druids music hit. The druids walked out on stage and dropped another casket down on the entrance stage. Apparently the back-up casket is legal. Who knows. Taker and Show battled on stage, then Taker whipped Show into the casket. Show fell down with the casket and the lid closed upon falling on the floor. Taker wins. Ross called it a "unique" casket match.
WINNER: Taker in 13:00. My goodness, that was rough. But, as always in life, remember to have a back-up casket just in case. (3/4*)
Video package: Triple H as Conan the Barbarian to promote the Armageddon PPV. This has been the least-exciting three-match start to a WWE PPV I can remember in some time.
Backstage: Bella Twins were getting dressed, then Carlito and Primo walked in. Carlito didn't know which one was which, then he approached Nikki. Oh no. Gobbledygooker back on the scene. Carlito and Primo assumed it was Charlie Haas. Suddenly, the real Charlie Haas stepped in. If he's there, then who's behind the gooker mask? The Boogeyman's music hit, then Boogeyman took off the gooker head to reveal a new facepaint look, but the same worms.
Backstage: Team Orton stood with Regal, Shelton, Cody, and Mark Henry for a pep talk. He's their captain. Oh captain. They have strengths (Henry) and weaknesses (Cody), and they are not losing to Batista's team. Just follow his lead. Cody then chimed in that if Orton is eliminated first, then it's addition by subtraction. Orton snapped on Cody and said if he loses this match, it will be the least of his worries.
In-ring: Batista came out first for Team Batista. R-Truth then rapped his way into the ring before giving a shout-out to Boston. Batista opted to do some stretching to play it cool. C.M. Punk, Kofi Kingston, and Matt Hardy then rounded out the field. The heels then came out, led by Randy Orton. We can end the speculation on Layla's job security since she accompanied Regal to the ring tonight.
4 -- TEAM BATISTA - BATISTA & K-TRUTH & ECW champion MATT HARDY & World tag team champions KOFI KINGSTON & C.M. PUNK vs. TEAM ORTON - RANDY ORTON & CODY RHODES (w/Manu) & MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) & U.S. champion SHELTON BENJAMIN & IC champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla)
Um... Punk grabbed Regal when the bell sounded and gave him the G2S for a pin. Punk barely connected with the G2S, but we'll ignore that. Layla didn't like that, so she chucked her shoe at Punk and nearly took his eye out. With Regal out of the picture, they settled into an exchange of offensive control between the two teams. R-Truth and Shelton battled, then Shelton nailed the Paydirt at 8:00 for a pin. Kofi tried to follow by getting high...with a top rope kick...but Shelton kicked out of a pin attempt. Kofi then came back with a boom-boom leg drop, but Shelton kicked out again.
Randy Orton made his entrance tonight, then he meticulously took apart Kofi before nailing the horizontal DDT off the middle rope for a pin on Kofi. Punk tagged in to work on Orton, but Cody tagged in. Punk tried to attack him from the top rope, but Manu provided a distraction allowing Cody to toss Punk off the top rope before nailing a DDT. Cody with the pin on Punk for an elimination. Hardy then tried to work on Henry, but Henry caught Hardy in mid-air for the World's Strongest Slam. Henry pinned Hardy at 15:00, leaving Batista by himself.
Batista stormed the ring and speared Henry for a pin. Shelton then accepted a spinebuster before taking a Batistabomb for the pin. So, it's Orton and Cody vs. Batista. Cody ran right into a big boot, then took a clothesline to the throat. Batista followed with a powerslam before talking trash to Orton. Cody tried a DDT, but then he took a Batistatbomb. Orton blind-tagged Cody, though, then Orton snuck into the ring from behind and stalked Batista. Orton waited and waited, then Batista turned around and took the RKO. Crowd popped for the first time all match. Orton then pinned Batista for the win.
WINNERS: Team Orton in 17:00. Another hit-or-miss match before getting down to business at the end. Orton has a certain quality to him right now where fans are gravitating toward him. His character is fresh after being away from the ring for a while and fans are seeing something new to invest in. Good finish. (**1/2)
Backstage: Eve brought in Vladimir Koslov for some words on Jeff Hardy not in the ring tonight. Koslov began speaking in his language before saying I love Double Double W. Okay, he didn't say that. Koslov said it makes no difference. He will be WWE champion.
Announcers: Ross and Tazz were shown to talk about Hardy some more. Ross said that they found out Hardy will not be able to compete tonight, making it Hunter vs. Koslov one-on-one match tonight. Ross then rolled footage of the WWE Title video package after prefacing it that the video focuses mainly on Hardy.
In-ring: Koslov came out first for the WWE Title match. Ross did a fine job setting the stage of what's at stake for Koslov in his PPV debut in a title match no less. After a lengthy pause, Triple H's music hit and out walked the WWE champion. Ross was just short of labeling this undefeated, yet inexperienced Texas Tech going up against the experienced Oklahoma.
5 -- WWE champion TRIPLE H vs. VLADIMIR KOSLOV -- WWE Title match
Justin Roberts handled the formal ring intros, then Koslov pointed at the belt and said it's coming home. Nice pre-match build to this. The bell sounded and they went into a slow progression with mat-based wrestling. Fans, meanwhile, chanted for Jeff Hardy. Fans were not in the mood for a slow-developing match, but Hunter kept trying to establish a deliberate pace in the early going. Hunter then landed a DDT at 4:00 before teeing off with straight right hand blows. Hunter wanted to end it with the Pedigree, but Koslov escaped and hit the battering ram headbutt.
Koslov then went on the offensive attack with a mat-based attack that generated a second or third round of "boring" chants from the crowd. Koslov snapped off a few backbreakers before landing a powerslam for a two count. Koslov's pin attempts look so light with no aggression involved. At 11:00, the fans tried to muster a chance for Hardy, but they were too far taken out of the match. Tazz then "went on record" that Koslov will win the title tonight. Kiss of death there. Hunter finally escaped Koslov's grip and hit the Pedigree at 12:00, but he was too worn out to make a cover.
Suddenly, the fans came to life as Vickie Guerrero walked out on stage. She said this will be a triple threat match. "Triple threat!" She said he's here. He's here! Fans popped huge, thinking it was Hardy, but then Edge came out. He was all bearded out looking like Bruiser Brody. I love the new Edge look. Of course, this whole thing is low IQ booking because the match could have ended anytime in the last 12 minutes. Then again, anything to save this. Edge stormed the ring, then he waited and waited before dropping Hunter with a spear. Suddenly, Jeff Hardy stormed the ring in street clothes and the crowd went nuts. Hardy assaulted Edge, then he grabbed a chair to crack Edge, but Edge ducked and Hunter ate the chair. Koslov ate the chair, then Edge speared Hardy. Edge found the scraps and covered Hunter for the pin and the win to re-capture the WWE Title. Edge then stood on stage with Vickie after the match while medics tended to Hardy and Hunter in the ring.
WINNER: Edge in 14:00 to capture the WWE Title. Crowd popped huge for Edge's title victory because they just wanted to see anything but what was happening in the ring. Crazy finish featuring low IQ mid-match stipulation changes, but the advertised Jeff Hardy appearance and an unexpected bombshell appearance from Edge. Wash it out. Edge, with a great new look, is new champ. Hunter back on the chase. (**)
Video package: They re-aired the summary video on the build-up to Cena vs. Jericho to be played out tonight. ... In-ring: Chris Jericho came out first for his World Title defense in the PPV main event. After a pause, John Cena came out to a huge reaction sporting his new AWA-looking merchandise with HLT - Hustle, Loyalty Respect. Cena was introduced first to about 90 percent cheers. Jericho was booed heavily in the formal intros. Radican confirms: "Wow, 90 percent face reaction for Cena." Here we go.
6 -- World Hvt. champion CHRIS JERICHO vs. JOHN CENA -- World Title match
After a quick feeling-out process, Cena teased the FU, but Jericho slipped out. Cena then took his first bump on the back of his head, then he dropped out of the ring selling a touch of panic after taking a blow on the neck. Cena regrouped then went back into the ring where he teased an STFU. Jericho easily slipped out, then Cena smiled in Jericho's direction. The action moved to the floor where Jericho KO'ed Cena on the floor. Ref Kiota checked on Cena, who sold a neck injury without moving. Cena was still out cold at seven. Not even moving. Eight, he was up. Nine, he was at his knees. Just before ten, he jumped into the ring.
Jericho then quickly dumped Cena to the floor again to inflict more damage. Back in the ring, Jericho worked and worked on Cena's surgically-repaired neck with a mat-based attack focused on the upper neck. Cena tried to come back at 12:00, but Jericho countered with a bulldog. Jericho then teased the Lionsault, but Cena came back with a sit-out slam. He then did his customary stare into the audience before calling for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Jericho blocked, however, and slapped on the Walls of Jericho with his knee bent right into Cena's neck. Such a smart move. Cena escaped.
At 15:00, Jericho went back to the Walls of Jericho, this time sitting down in Boston Crab fashion. Lawler started to play up doubt that maybe Cena came back to the ring too fast, but then Cena reached out and grabbed the ropes for a break. Jericho then chatted with ref allowing Cena to suddenly bust out the FU in center ring. He was too out of it to capitalize, though, so both men recovered on the mat. Cena finally made a cover, but it was only good for a two count. He then nailed a guillotine leg drop from the second rope before pumping up the crowd.
Cena wanted the FU, but Jericho slipped out. He then smashed Cena with the codebreaker. Jericho crawled over for a pin, but Cena kicked out just in time. Big crowd reaction for that. Jericho then taunted and prodded Cena to do something. Lawler drew attention to the surgical scarring on Cena's neck where Jericho was targeting with clotheslines. Jericho wanted another clothesline, but Cena suddenly side-stepped him and slapped on the STFU. Jericho scratched and crawled to the bottom rope, but Cena pulled him back to center ring. Jericho kicked him in the face, though, to break the hold. Jericho almost got a roll-up, but Cena did a great deadlift from a squatting position to hoist Jericho on his shoulders. Jericho tried to slip out, but Cena nailed the FU in center ring. He made the cover and cored the three count for the win. "Oh man, bedlam here," Radican said.
After Cena soaked in the moment, they showed Cena, Sr. on the front row. Cena then jumped out of the ring and walked over to the front row to hug it up with his dad and family/friends. With time to kill, they replayed the highlights of the match. Cena then returned to the ring to celebrate and pose one more time. Cena was shown leaving the ringside area and walking up on the entrance ramp to pose with the World Title belt one more time.
WINNER: Cena in 21:00 to capture the WWE Title. When ratings are dipping below 3.0, you pull the trigger on doing something new with Cena running the Raw brand. We'll see if they can bolster ratings over the long-haul, more than just tomorrow night to pop a quick rating with people tuning in to see how Survivor Series played out. Cena back on TV to set up a re-match with Jericho could deliver the quality TV that WWE needs on a weekly basis Monday nights. Match itself was good, but not great. Memorable, but for the title change, not necessarily the match. (***1/2)
Pics credit: Sean Radican, PWTorch.com
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If this Jeff story is fake then WWE should be ashamed and issue a public
apology. There is no reason for them to play with fans feelings or the
media.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 15:29
Get over it. It's WWE. These are the people who made us think that Brian
Pillman shot Steve Austin and ran a recurring storyline about Tim White's
failed attempts at suicide. You really can't expect morality from WWE. Jeff
Hardy is my absolute favorite wrestler and I identify with him on a deep
level due to our shared interests in the alternative subcultures and
poetry. That said, I am really not that offended. There are much worse
things going on in this world than a tasteless WWE storyline.
Kevin
23 Nov 2008, 15:31
No kidding. WWE is so desperate to make this story stick, and yet all the
listed "sources" have NOTHING about Jeff Hardy. And yes, I really checked
just to expose it.
Mike
23 Nov 2008, 15:31
Relax.
It's spors ENTERTAINMENT. They didn't say Jeff was dead. They said
unconcious. How many times do they cut to an unconcious wrestler backstage.
Maybe everyone should think about internet rumours before assuming they're
all true.
db
23 Nov 2008, 15:31
9 minutes in and only half the introductions for the first match have
happened. This is why I will never buy another WWE PPV. I still don't
understand who does buy these PPVs at $40. You know they will show
rematches on RAW tomorrow night!
Miss Lindsie
23 Nov 2008, 16:05
WWE should be ashamed to themselves. I went on to tmz.com, abcnews.go.com,
and cnn.com, and there is nothing on Jeff Hardy. The only news about Hardy
unconscious is coming from wwe.com. I rather watch Kurt Angle vs. Jeff
Jarrett on TNA pay-per-view show then this.
I found only on tmz.com on Hardy was what happened to him so far, this
year. CNN.com has nothing about Hardy, just some things that happened last
year.
Snow Devil
23 Nov 2008, 16:30
Simply put, I chose Lesnar-Couture over this, and now I feel vindicated.
Wrestling fans are losers for sticking with this garbage. L.O.S.E.R.S.
Eric
23 Nov 2008, 16:34
Snow Devil, some of us don't have a choice. No PPV, no cable, and no MMA on
local channels since Elite XC went out of business makes for few choices.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 17:10
I do have a choice and I CHOOSE WWE. MMA is a sport, WWE is
sports-ENTERTAINMENT. They are not the same genre of programming. If
wrestling fans are losers, why the hell are you on a WRESTLING site? Jesus,
I get sick of people going online just to rip on wrestling. I'm not saying
you can't criticize the product, but I have to wonder if half of the people
online even really like wrestling, or if they just like feeling smarter
than Vince McMahon.
Kryptik
23 Nov 2008, 17:16
Good lord.
I don't mind Edge getting the title, but the way they went about it was the
most convoluted and idiotic display of booking ever.
And what's WWE's sudden hard-on with kicking wrestlers out of title matches
for kayfabe injuries so they can put a total non-sequitur wrestler in to
score the title?
creg
23 Nov 2008, 17:18
This sounds like an awful ppv so far, except for the whole edge fiasco of
course. Glad I didn't order this one.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 17:36
I'm not watching this, but the ppv sounds pretty lackluster. I must say,
the Edge/Hardy/Hunter situation is intriguing.
Anthony
23 Nov 2008, 17:40
Entertainment is not an excuse. It doesn't make the company not culpable,
it doesn't alleviate their burden.
Anytime an angle has been done with real-life tragic tie-ins, it's ended
with disaster. The Jake Roberts-drinking angle, Scott Hall's chemical
dependency, and now this. I can't wait for Vince to be propped up like a
marionette when he passes, and skulk around the ring.
After all, it's entertainment.
jabso
23 Nov 2008, 17:44
TNA-esque over booking with the HHH/Hardy/Koslov/Edge thing.
Arcalian
23 Nov 2008, 17:45
An open letter to Jeff Hardy:
Dear Jeff,
Vince McMahon and Paul Levesque (and sadly, Adam Copeland) are screwing you
six ways from sunday. Quit WWE. Sit at home until you're free to compete
elsewhere then go to TNA, or ROH, or NWA. I don't care which. Just GET
OUT OF THERE.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 17:45
I'm not saying the storyline isn't classless, I'm just saying that we
shouldn't expect any better from WWE. I think we all watch it for the
athleticism of the performers and the art of in-ring storytelling. I love
it. I just feel like sometimes we lose sight of these things in favor of
attacking Vince. I agree, I could totally see Vince doing that. That same
show could have a four-star wrestling match.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 17:50
Yeah, blame Edge (you're so smart knowing all those real names). Edge is a
great performer and deserves everything he's got. TNA? Are you freaking
kidding me? What does Jeff Hardy have to gain by going back to that joke of
a promotion. Hey, let's destroy the credibility of our best workers (AJ,
Joe, Sabin) and make a bunch of people more overexposed and washed up than
even Triple H (Sting, Nash, Booker) look cool. Hey, let's even rip of the
nWo angle... twelve years later! TNA. Gimme a break. They're a complete
farce.
Seafort
23 Nov 2008, 17:55
Did the New Breed go back in time, abduct Michael Hayes from World Class,
and bring him in as "Edge" for tonight?
Arcalian
23 Nov 2008, 17:59
Stephen, if you were paying attention at all today, you'd be "so smart"
enough to know that WWE wouldn't know credibility if someone drew them a
diagram. Edge IS a great performer. He was also a 5 time champion BEFORE
this, and would be again without tonight's BS. This should have been
Jeff's time.
What does Jeff stand to gain? Not being screwed. WWE is a MUCH bigger
farce than TNA. Also you notice I listed NWA and ROH as options for him.
Derek
23 Nov 2008, 18:00
OK, this PPV kind of sucked. WWE is going downhill because it doesnt make
logical sense -- even for a wrestling promotion. We all knew something was
fishy going in concerning Hardy ... but he was clearly OK enough to
wrestle, considering how he ran in and attacked everybody. Plus, since
when were Edge/Vicki on good terms? Why does Cena get a title shot after
losing match-after-match for months -- because he was injured? Would that
fly in boxing or MMA? These simple questions make it hard to even suspend
disbelief and enjoy a wrestling show as sports, let alone entertainment.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 18:04
I agree that Jeff is getting screwed. Sorry I got carried away with my anti
-TNA rant, but they really annoy me with their '97-WCW booking. Jeff Hardy
(along with his brother and HBK) is my favoriite wrestler, and I guess I
just hold out hope that WWE is going to give him a Benoit-like win at
'Mania. NWA would be okay, if they get a TV deal. ROH fans might not accept
Hardy, given what happened the last time he appeared on one of their shows.
Edge is exponentially better as champ to me than Triple H at this point,
even if I would prefer Hardy to both of them.
Arcalian
23 Nov 2008, 18:08
You know what's sad? That my main reaction to this is relief that it's not
turning into another internet flame war. Heh.
Yeah, I can see them stringing this out till mania. But really, they've
pushed him too long, too hard, too far.
Edge IS a good champion. And if Jeff hadn't been in the title picture at
this point, if Edge had just wormed his way into Hunter vs Kozlov, I woulda
been dancing in the streets.
Ya gotta wonder what Matt must think of Jeff being screwed out of a
potential title reign, even for temporary storyline purposes for Edge's
sake feels like though. Not to mention what Jeff feels. He's been a good
soldier. TOO good of a soldier. Which was the reason for MY rant.
TheGuy
23 Nov 2008, 18:10
*sigh*
Cena wins again. The WWE sure knows what the fans want. *sarcasm*
Seriously though, this is what is wrong with WWE today. They shove Cena
down our throats for a month, and then give the title to him when he hasn't
even earned a title shot in the first place! And for what? Just so their
ratings can jump for about two weeks? The only hope that can come out of
this is that Cena turns heel, but I doubt that would ever happen.
Seafort
23 Nov 2008, 18:11
Feel bad for Jeff, agreed, but I still can't believe that they had Michael
Hayes pin HHH.
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 18:12
Heh. Arcalian, I think you and I agree more than we disagree on this one
(except the TNA issue). I love that wrestling inspires this type of passion
from its diehard fans. The real issue here is, THE GREAT KHALI shared a
victory moment with Rey Mysterio and Shawn Michaels. There is no justice.
rex
23 Nov 2008, 18:13
i am so sick of the bait and switch by WWE. they did it with having Punk
taken out before they took the title off of him and tonight the bring back
Edge with no hype what so ever and crown him champ. then the bring back
Cena (with hype) and slap the strap on him. come this is getting out of
hand. what happened to these guys " being rusty" and needing to earn there
way back to the top?
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 18:17
Cena doesn't get rusty. He's a maverick.
TheGuy
23 Nov 2008, 18:22
I guess I seem to be the only one not in a big huff about Hardy. Don't get
me wrong, I like Hardy and I would have loved to see him win the belt
tonight. But throwing Edge in the mix gave me an idea that they're going to
give Hardy the Benoit treatment and have him defeat Edge at Wrestlemania
for the title, which would come off a lot better than winning it in a
mediocre Triple Threat Match.
To me, the real travesty of tonight was Cena winning the belt after doing
nothing to earn a title shot. If anyone should have been thrown in that
title match, it's Orton. Randy Orton is probably the best thing going in
WWE right now other than Jericho and Hardy. I think I see an Orton/Cena
feud coming up with the fans turning on Cena and beginning to cheer Orton.
Orton got a huge pop after pinning Batista and I think it was bigger than
Cena winning the belt in his hometown. I'm really hoping that this is what
happens.
Str8punkd
23 Nov 2008, 18:32
Yea. Picture the fans actually turning on Cena....Big opporunities and
fueds persue. I think Vince may blur our ideas of whos a heel and whos a
babyface here soon.
rex
23 Nov 2008, 18:33
the 2 wrestlers i can stand the most got wins tonight Edge and Randy
Orton. these are two guys WWE can fire tomorrow and i would not miss one
bit.
and i cant see why they wont give the title to Jeff Hardy.i mean even TNA
gave him the title for a bit.
The Western New Yorker
23 Nov 2008, 18:58
This is my first comment here, but I have been a reader since 2004.
As for the PPV tonight, Survivor Series was easily the most boring PPV I
have seen in a long time. It is a shame that it seems as if the WWE doesn't
want Hardy to carry a major belt, as we'll all be treated to Edge and Cena
leading the two top brands yet again.
I am seriously hoping the Rhodes-Orton series of confrontations eventually
winds up with one turning face on the other, as that could be one
entertaining program post-WrestleMania.
Also, I hope that Jericho isn't quickly "buried" by Cena, as his heel
persona will only seem to work when he has the title. Sadly, methinks
Jericho will be reviving the Y2J persona somewhere down the line...
Stephen
23 Nov 2008, 18:58
Jeff Hardy NEVER held a single title in TNA.
McNasty
23 Nov 2008, 19:03
WWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
You guys got some s*** to say! What the fudge? All this ranting and
complaining will get you nowhere. The WWE/TNA Do what they want, The fans
don't matter. Get over it.
There are other things to watch. Quit running petitions doing "Strikes" to
get what you want. You're Embarrassing yourselves.
And what's all this "Morals " Talk? It's ENTERTAINMENT! You should know
what to beleive and what not to. I bet you guys thought Vince's "Deaths"
were legit. Looking at all news sources. "Say it ain't so, Say it ain't
so"!
Don't get your panties in a bunch, You have remotes, USE 'EM!
Minoru Suzuki Is Your God
23 Nov 2008, 19:25
^What McNasty said.
There are so many other options for wrestling, and *gasp* the wrestling is
GOOD!
Heck, I'd take simming matches in Fire Pro Wrestling Returns than WWE on
it's best day.
Then again, simming matches on FPWR is always awesome period.
THATS RIGHT IM A SHILL. AND WHAT.
dj alanone
23 Nov 2008, 20:29
Geez, so you hate it when it feels like HHH is being crammed down your
throats. So, he drops the belt to who many of you feel is the top heel in
the industry, and you still complain? Perhaps it's not them not putting on
a good product, maybe you've just outgrown pro wrestling. You complain
because Edge wins the title unadvertised? Up until a couple of hours ago,
you didn't even know he was in Boston. You got more than you paid for
tonight. Two big returns in one night.
Besides, all I've been hearing for the last couple of weeks were people
complaining that Smackdown isn't the same without Edge. So now he's back,
and you're still whining. I don't know what WWE can do at this point to
turn you ungrateful people around. Jeff Hardy is not getting that belt
until Mania, point blank. At least when the eventually do put the strap on
him, it will mean more. Don't you people understand storytelling?
WWE doesn't understand storytelling. Neither does Jeff Hardy for that
matter.
They should never give the belt to Jeff Hardy. His utter lack of workrate
aside, he'll probably blow this push and get himself fired.
Which means he'll get the belt, because in WWE your spot on the roster is
inversely proportionate to how much you deserve it.
Steven
24 Nov 2008, 01:54
Hmm. This is probably the reason I watch ROH mostly. I'm not really
surprised or mad about this whole thing. Hell, I don't even care. If the
in-ring product is good I'll watch it. But the storylines that WWE does
these days are just plain stupid and uninteresting to me. ROH does a much
better job keeping me interested with their storylines and their wrestling
matches.
bill torres
24 Nov 2008, 05:18
this is so sad.it was the start of jeff hardy as a sting like character
winning at wm.edge hhh triple threat at wm.well done vince.tna sucks now
always has n always will.they had a chance to seperate themselves with joe
n styles n angle.but what happens?booker t rhyno scott steiner sting
really?nash???tna is as bad as sun. night heat.batista will turn help orton
d. cena.but whos facing austin?2009 gr8 year 4 wrestling.
Nontas
24 Nov 2008, 05:30
This was the worst Big 4 PPV in years.
The crowd didnt care and neither did I.
From a so-so casket match to 3 lousy survivor series matches.
Cena vs Y2J was passable, and Koslov vs HHH was boring as hell. 10 or so
minutes of bear hugs. It would be interesting if we knew there was a
possiblility of HHH tapping, but we now that's not the case.
The only redemable moment was Edge's victory!!! Go Edge.......Go pass the
title to Jeff at the next PPV
Asheesh
24 Nov 2008, 05:42
As far as I can see, they are going for a Edge-Hardy Title program, along
with HHH-Kozlov program, with both out of Title scene.
Its sad the way Hardy was again given the shorter end of the stick, but if
they push a Hardy-Edge angle, with the heel opportunistic champion against
a Almost-there-super-babyface challenger, then I think they can get better
PPVs in future.
I am just sayin' (yeah I know lot of you hate this phrase by now..hehe)
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