Money In The Bank is behind us - how did this new pay-per-view shape up? The team takes a look at Money In The Bank and its surprisng outcomes.

We also discuss the Nexus - how is the angle coming along? And we delve into the state of things locally in the New Zealand Scene.

Glad you could join us for this week's edition of Gimme Five.

1) Money in the Bank is in the bank; what did you think of the show? Match of the night? Dud? MVP? And has this latest themed pay-per-view got legs?

Kirsty:
A very solid ppv indeed. I thought the SmackDown Money In The Bank match was incredible - fabulous psychology and story-telling - I was on the edge of my seat. And even though I would never have picked Kane to win - let alone successfully cash it in the same night! - I'm glad he did. I've been wondering if he was ever going to get one last push, and now it seems he will. I do hope he's not just a caretaker champion.

Although I enjoyed the ppv, I would prefer not to see it turn into an annual ppv - I'd much rather it kept as a special WrestleMania match. I think it's got a lot more oomph that way, and it means only one briefcase. Having two detracts from the significance of both.

Luke:
I thought it was a great show. The match of the night was definitely the SmackDown Money In The Bank. When Big Show brought out that massive ladder, it looked almost like a stairway to heaven. However, I thought that Sheamus and John Cena also did very well in their cage match. I think the ppv was a successful one though I still think that the Money in the Bank should be left for WrestleMania. The dud of the night definitely had to be Kelly Kelly vs. Layla. As for the MVP of the night, you cannot go past Kane. I never ever suspected that he would win the ladder match nor did I think he was going to walk out of the show the World Heavyweight Champion.

Dion:
Solid event as always. I liked the unique ending to the Cage match. Very cool. I worry that these "themed" pay-per-views will dilute the appeal of those gimmick matches. Time will tell, I guess. It was a little odd that the event ended with a Cage match - shouldn't the Money In The Bank matches be the showcase and the "top gimmick"?

Matt:
A few surprises. Doesn’t necessarily mean the winners are gonna take the titles, but sparks interest nonetheless. We’ll wait until WrestleMania to see if they roll out a single version of the match (without the ppv assist) before judging the longevity of the concept, but personally I think it was a little bit of overkill kept best for one big match per year.

David:
The RAW Money in the Bank ladder match gets my vote for match of the night. It amazes me that these guys are still able to come up with new spots despite there being seven previous Money in the Bank matches. Kelly vs. Layla was the obvious dud, but they’re so pretty that I’ll forgive them for it. Another solid ppv from WWE, I’d expect to see it return next year.

Scott:
It was a hoot!  WWE just keeps on delivering pay-per-views that entertain; and this was no exception. Matches of the night had to be both Money in the Bank matches.  Given half an hour or so to play with they felt more like actual matches with actual ebbs and flows rather than just the spot-fests of recent WrestleManias, while still containing many "oh my god, I've never seen that before moments."  I loved, in particular, when everyone turned on Big Show during the SmackDown match and dumped every spare ladder on top of him.  One of those genuine laugh-out-loud moments that just made sense. Loved it.   
 
Dud has to be The Harts versus The Usos, no heat, no momentum, and even with Matt Striker trying his best to make the audience care there was no reason for the match to be on the card, especially as The Usos didn't win. And at the end of the night I felt the MVP was John Cena; he just works so hard.  So much blood and sweat put into making his match against Sheamus be an enthralling encounter, and making Sheamus look a million bucks once again.
 
I think the pay-per-view concept has legs, because it gives more time for the titular ladder matches to develop.  I'm now convinced that I want WWE to dump the Money in the Bank match from WrestleMania, find something new and exciting to replace it with and continue with the ladder matches being showcased at their own pay-per-view.

Simon:
Dud Alert Warning: my answers will be lame. Okay, so why don't I always add a Dud Alert Warning? Well, this time I've got the excuse of a) not seeing the ppv in question and b) not having a working TV and then c) being sent a blank disc with the ppv therefore not on it instead of a non-blank disc WITH the ppv on it. Sounds like an okay ppv - I'll catch it on DVD even though by answering these (good bastard that I am) I am now totally spoiled on it. I am not sure the ppv will have legs though - I still think there are too many and this match, for all the car-crashes and so on, has become a great early part of a WrestleMania card.

2) Kane won SmackDown’s Money in the Bank match and cashed in the briefcase less than an hour later on an injured Rey Mysterio to earn his first major title in over twelve years. Are you happy for The Big Red Monster? And what do you think the World Heavyweight Championship will mean for the future one of WWE’s journeymen performers?

Kirsty:
As I said in Q1, I'm happy for Kane. He's been working his arse off in the mid-card for years, doing everything that's expected of him and it's about time he got the big belt. He's only ever held it once before (and that was the WWE Championship) and then only for 24 hours, so I would very much like to see him have a decent run with it this time. If my suspicions are correct - and he's actually the culprit behind the Undertaker's "vegetative state" - then I would love to see another Kane vs. 'Taker feud, for the strap.

Luke:
I am very happy for Kane to win the World Heavyweight Championship. If WWE give him the ball and push him correctly, his reign as champion could be a great one. Though the execution of how he cashed it in seemed predictable and the booking of Kane coming out, fighting Swagger to the back, then coming out again was a bit messy, I was happy to see The Big Red Machine win a championship. 14 years overdue for one of WWE's most famous gimmicks.

Dion:
I'm stoked that Kane won the World Heavyweight Championship! Like our hopes for Rey, though, I hope he gets a memorable run with the title. It was a shame that he only had a 24 hour run 12 years ago, and let's be honest, "the big one" isn't so big anymore. But great to see that such a hard worker and popular wrestler has another World Title run under his belt.

Matt:
The wheels are most definitely turning for Kane to reveal himself as the attacker of The Undertaker, and build towards facing 'Taker at WrestleMania. Good on him! Should have happened sooner for the most under-utilised talent in WWE of the past ten years!

David:
Kind of a shame that Kane’s win had to come at Mysterio’s expense, but it’s always nice to see those company-men finally get rewarded with a title. He’s already held it longer than his last reign, so I’m hoping Kane gets at least a couple of months with the World Heavyweight Championship.

Scott:
Watching Kane win the SmackDown briefcase and then cash it in left me with a huge grin over my face.  I guess I never thought I'd see Kane win a major title again, and wasn't really looking forward to the concept anyway.  But when it happened I marked out, and I hope he has a good healthy run in the title scene again, perhaps leading up to a match against Undertaker next year at WrestleMania.  Kane could legitimately end The Deadman's streak, or Undertaker could end his career - either outcome would be fitting indeed.

Simon:
Didn't see it - but sounds good. Kane could have what must nearly be a final push. And as Kirsty said, I'm with that theory, he sidelined the Undertaker - so this could all blow up and even continue on to a final WrestleMania showdown between them perhaps? At any rate, let him have a few weeks with the belt, minimum. Or will HHH just walk back in soon and dump Kane down and take his belt? Also lame.

3) RAW’s Money in the Bank briefcase was grabbed by The Miz, who couched his victory as one for the future Superstars of WWE. Do you think this victory is a breath of fresh air, or is something foul on the wind (as Jerry Lawler put it)?

Kirsty:
I like the Miz. I like him alot, but I wouldn't put the big belt on him yet (and the briefcase winner always goes on to win the big belt). He reminds me of a young Shawn Michaels, whom Vince was smart enough not to elevate to the main event until he had learnt a bit more about how things really work in the business. I don't think Miz is quite there yet. Of course, the same can be said of Sheamus and Jack Swagger too, but in the case of the Miz I would prefer to see him unsuccessfully chase the strap. If he can pull that off, then further down the line I think he could make a great champion.

As for holding the briefcase, it will only work if they leave it on him for a decent stretch, as they did with Edge. It could really make him - as it did Edge.

Luke:
It took a lot of time but The Miz has finally won me over as a fan of his. He has the "It" factor to be one of the next future greats in the main event scene. I think that giving him the Money in the Bank is exactly what he needed in order to get over that lip, much like Edge did back in 2005 when he was stuck in that upper mid card hell. As Kirsty said, I don't believe Miz is on the par like John Cena and Randy Orton are, but if pushed correctly, he will succeed.

Dion:
The Miz is really growing on me - in that "he's a great baddie" kinda way. He's almost certain to hold a World Title at some stage and I wasn't disappointed to see him take the Money In The Bank. The question is, will he continue the 100% record, or become the first man to unsuccessfully cash in the briefcase?

Matt:
Miz annoys me! Maybe that’s his job as a heel. But I don’t think he is championship material. Then again… the 'E has made a habit of pushing annoying for annoying’s sake of late (case in point… Edge, Ziggler and Ryder!).

David:
I always thought Morrison would go further than The Miz, but it’s obvious I was wrong. I guess since he traded in his shorts for trunks, Miz has really stepped up his game, and I’m happy to see him with RAW’s Money in the Bank briefcase. I hope he holds onto it for a while, biding his time, but when he does choose to cash it in I think I’d like to see The Miz holding the WWE Championship.

Scott:
Yeah, it is a breath of fresh air.  Miz has to be one of the best heels currently working in WWE at the moment, and has come a huge way since he was written off both by fans and, apparently, WWE stalwarts when he came over from Tough Enough.  He has a huge future ahead of him, and winning Money in the Bank is a good way to solidify him in the main event scene.
 
And how great was it to see such a genuine reaction from The Miz when he won the briefcase?  I've heard it said that Miz isn't really a character, it's just how Mike Mizanin is for the most part.  And I think that tearful, relieved, almost disbelieving expression on Miz's face when he held that briefcase demonstrated that.  No acting, no front there, just a genuine human response from someone whose dreams are really coming true.  An inspiring moment, and then it flowed into that wonderfully heart-felt and cocky promo.  The guy has it, he really does.

Simon:
I don't see Miz as a champ. Not for real. So I hope he holds the case and has some fun with it for a while.

4) The Nexus. How do you think this angle is going, and where might it go from here?

Kirsty:
Loving the Nexus. There hasn't been a stable of this calibre in the business since for ages - they remind me a bit of Evolution, who were great in 2004/2005. Wade Barrett's doing a great job of leading them, his skill on the mic improving with each week. Here's hoping they stay around for a while, and allow other members their time in the spotlight. There are endless possibilities creatively and it's my hope that they're explored to the fullest.

Luke:
I am starting to get tired of them running in and out of matches all the time. I would actually love to see them in more singles matches as the locker room divides to take them on. I am a huge fan of Wade Barrett, I am sold now that he is definately going to be a big force in WWE as time progresses. I still think its the best thing thats happened in a long time and it does show its impact when you watch RAW and SmackDown back to back to draw comparisons in entertainment value.

Dion:
I think it's losing momentum, but it's still interesting. If those two things can co-exist. I am interested in finding out about "the bigger picture". It still has tones of the nWo, albeit with virtual unknowns. I do wonder how many of the crew will still be around when the Nexus runs out of puff. Wade Barrett certainly has a big future - but I'm not sold on the others just yet.

Matt:
I really like it. I think giving the rookies an express elevator to the top has done them (and WWE) a world of good. I hope it puts a sky rocket up the ho-hum members of the WWE elite.

David:
It’s still entertaining, surprisingly. I know that the Nexus are going to show up and ruin the main event of whatever show I’m watching, but I still get a little bit shocked when they do. I’m hoping for an alliance with Sheamus, until Wade Barrett decides to use that guaranteed title shot of his…

Scott:
It's a mess. It's directionless.  Either it's become too complicated for even me, who watches all the WWE shows, to make sense of or the writers really have no idea where it's going either.  It needs shape and direction quickly, or else it'll just peter out into an embarrassment as all previous 'invasion' angles have tended to do.

Simon:
Well I've missed most of this - but it sounds entertaining. Kinda.

5) It has been nearly a decade since professional wrestling began to re-emerge in New Zealand. What are your thoughts on the local scene in 2010; is it in a good place? Can further growth occur, or is this as good as it will ever get? What, if anything, would you change?

Kirsty:
I think the last few years have seen some great advancements for the NZ scene. There has been a lot more mainstream exposure, with many of the Auckland and Welly lads getting their names and faces out there. There's little doubt that there's a wealth of talent in all three promotions, and what I've been particularly pleased to see is the growth of each promotion's female roster. It's in this area that I'd like to see the most expansion, with enough talented girls joining up so that a Women's Championship would be viable on each of the three. My advice to each of the promotions would be to seriously market the female angle, as it can only create more interest and more fans.

In terms of what I'd change... it's wishful thinking but I would very much like to see KPW's management doing more to work with NZWPW and IPW. I think it can only benefit all NZ talent if there were more opportunities to work together.

Luke:
I think that the local scene in 2010 is the best in years. There are now four wrestling organizations in the country, each littered with great talents. Dal Knox being mentioned on the PWI 500 list last year was an amazing accomplishment and a win for the entire country as a hole. Max Damage travelling to work with WWE earlier this year is another landmark accomplishment, proving that New Zealand talent CAN make it to the biggest stage of them all. I think that the NZ scene is still in a young stage and that it can grow into something huge if it had the right funding, advertising and television spots. We have the talent and experience though we lack the glitz and glamour that sucks in the WWE audiences. I think that right now, the New Zealand scene is heating up very nicely and that it is becoming an exciting time to follow the product. If I could change anything it would be what Kirsty mentioned.

Dion:
Further growth can and will occur. I'm excited to be along for the ride.

Matt:
I’m an outsider looking in… but like Rodney King said: “Can’t we all just get along?”

The sooner the regional politics goes and the true talent shines the sooner a united product can emerge and start to make progress.

Why are so many Kiwis travelling to Australia to gain experience? Maybe because it’s somewhere where they can measure their talent beyond the gaze of local politics and reputations, and be judged on their true merits without the bias of politically influenced bookers?

I often think where I would be if I had stayed in New Zealand and plied the trade? I think I would yearn for national exposure, especially in a country that fits 19 times into Australia, yet has only four feds compared to the more than 20 in The Land of Oz.

David:
New Zealand wrestling is as strong as it’s ever been in 2010. Personally, I might have been more excited in 2006, when we had all sorts of growth going on - Capital Punishment, KPW, the NZPWI Invitational - but the scene we have at the moment is the product of all that, and it can only get stronger.

Scott:
In recent weeks I've both seen how strong the feelings of camaraderie are between performers from the various New Zealand promotions, but also how some people can be real douchebags when it comes to any sense of a bigger picture.   It can get better, without a doubt - the wrestling I've seen recently from both KPW and IPW is at an incredible level.  But how? 
 
Money.  It needs money.  New Zealand wrestling needs a Bob Jones, a rich local fan who can unite people by spending money with the promise of making some back.  To take it to the mainstream.  I do believe it can be done. But will it?

Simon:
I don't watch NZ wrestling. It doesn't mean a thing to me. No disrepect to the ladies and lads giving it a nudge but it's unlikely I'll ever watch it. Or care about it. But - I know from reading this site and from appreciating the NZPWI Invitational that people are doing well and its profile is on the increase. I just don't really dig it. Just sayin'.