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Extreme Rules is behind us. How did the show stack up? And just what did John Cena mean with his closing promo?
Rey Mysterio has been suspended - again - even though he's not active on the roster. We discuss what this might mean for WWE's favourite luchadore.
TNA debuted Open Fight Night on Impact last week. We bring you our thoughts on this latest innovation.
All this and more in this week's edition of Gimme Five.
1. Extreme Rules is done and dusted for another year. How did you like the show? Match of the night? Dud of the night? MVP?
Scott: Oh man, how good was that show? Hot on the heels of an excellent WrestleMania, WWE now pull out certainly the best PPV since last year’s Money in the Bank, possibly the best show in years full stop.
So many good matches: Kane and Orton once again exceeded expectations, Jericho and Punk met them, and given a good length of time and an encouraging stipulation Sheamus and Bryan showed that they’re two of the best wrestlers out there. Sheamus, in particular, really stepped up to Bryan’s mark to justify his place on the card.
For me the main event was the match of the night. Now, there’s lots of interweb grumbling about “SUPERCENA BURRIES BROCK OMG”, but that’s rubbish. Lesnar looked like an utter monster, Cena gamely allowed himself to be battered silly to sell Lesnar’s fearsomeness (earning my respect and my MVP award for the show), but by losing Lesnar’s been kept in the game. If he could so easily demolish and defeat Cena then who else on the roster would stand a chance? Might as well just formally change the name to The Monday Night’s Brock Lesnar Show. But Cena’s victory means Lesnar looks like a monster, but one who could be possibly beaten by the likes of Orton or Punk, and it will set up an eventual rematch with Cena if it turns out that Cena’s the only big name Lesnar doesn’t defeat over the next year. Sounds like a good fit for a huge match at WrestleMania XXIX...
Blake: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH! OK, so guess who didn't get to see Extreme Rules. Ya, university, why do I bother studying? What a waste. Anyway, I digress; after reading the live results I have only 4 qualms. First, Brock Lesnar should've won, booking morons. Second, why is Santino still US Champ? He's awesome, but Miz is now nothing. Third, why wasn't the Layla or Brodus Clay match advertised? Layla's not a big enough name for a surprise and we all know Clay is gonna be squashing people unnecessarily. Finally, how did Steph know Big Show's leg would be his downfall? I smell a Jericho conspiracy...
Kirsty: Fantastic ppv. Absolutely loved it. Right from the first match it was all go - and Orton and Kane definitely had one of their best matches, which is saying something since they've had a couple of pearlers since WrestleMania. Sheamus and Daniel Bryan put on a hell of a show - you could just TELL they were trying to make up for WrestleMania, and Sheamus in particular really worked hard to keep up with Daniel Bryan.
Absolutely loved the Jericho vs. Punk match, and was very surprised to see Cena defeat Brock Lesnar. But very happy too! Their match was captivating, and I agree with Scott's analysis of Cena's win so I won't rehash it here. MVP for me ties between Cena and Sheamus, but almost everyone else on the card deserves the title as well. Fabulous show. More please, WWE!
Luke: Another solid PPV from WWE! I felt the show turned up the heat in many ways, abandoning the "PG" feel that we have been accustomed to over the years. The product definately was edgier and captivating compared to the lacklustre PPVs of 2011. Dud of the night was the Divas match... that was just plain terrible. Match of the night definitely went to Sheamus and Daniel Bryan's spectacular 2/3 falls. I don't understand what possessed WWE to rob the fans of this at WrestleMania, but both Sheamus and Bryan pulled out the heavy guns to prove they had what it takes to go toe-to-toe on the biggest card. Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena was something insane. I don't think I have ever seen anybody dominate John Cena like that ever. MVP... Daniel Bryan. That guy is money.
Dion: That was an amazing event from top to bottom. There is definitely a change in the air in WWE and it's exciting! Jericho and Punk had another epic encounter, along with Sheamus and Daniel Bryan. I even enjoyed the return of Layla!
But Cena and Lesnar was what pro-wrestling is all about for me. That was a fantastic match. I'm surprised Cena walked away with the win, but I love the way it went down.
David: What a great show indeed - Chicago has been very fortunate within the past year when it comes to pay-per-views. I thought it was well worth $24.95 to see that, especially match of the night Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena. I don't know what it is exactly, but John Cena makes me genuinely take a side when it comes to his wrestling at the moment. I was legitimately annoyed when he lost at WrestleMania, and I would have been so wound up if he went down again. Edge of my seat stuff, watching Lesnar just be a beast at the opening bell, but then when Cena busted him open with that chain... so good! John Cena's the MVP for taking the beating of a lifetime. Dud of the night is Ryback's match. He's doing the Brock Lesnar gimmick, but against unknown jobbers. At least Brodus Clay and Lord Tensai wrestle WWE Superstars. Challenge yourself, Ryback!
Daniel: Pretty good stuff! Exceeded my expectations. As for a dud, I'll agree with Dunn and say Ryback. That dude is dud every match he does. Really hate that "squash a jobber" gimmick. MVP goes to Sheamus and Daniel Bryan. Yes!
Stevie: I was at the show and there were no duds as far as we were concerned. The whole event was awesome, from top to bottom. I'll go in-depth as to my experience in my upcoming column, but suffice to say - WWE turned out a corker with this one. Brock/Cena, Bryan/Sheamus and Punk/Jericho were all so amazing. Especially that Chicago Street Fight because everybody in the arena was on the edge of their seat.
2. John Cena seemed to tell the WWE Universe that he would be taking some time off after Extreme Rules. Will you be sad to see Cena step aside? Can WWE survive without John Cena?
Scott: I was having a think about it, and I don’t remember Cena having had any real time off since coming back from his injury in 2008. The guy’s well overdue a good long period of rehab, but I don’t think he’s going away quite yet. Something else is in store, probably involving Lesnar and John Laurinaitis first. But I do think we’ll see Cena off our screens at some stage this year, nonetheless.
And can WWE survive without John Cena? Of course. Kids will still buy his merch even if he’s off screen, and with WWE’s slightly more adult-orientated approach at the moment there’s a lot of stars who’ll carry the company along nicely.
Blake: This is why Brock should've won, urgh. Now they have to try and build Lesnar from scratch while Cena disappears. So why did Cena overcome? I don't understand. Why don't they hire me to make their logical decisions? After all, I am the greatest mind in professional wrestling! Wait, that's what Clay's calling Hornswoggle now? Tell me, I didn't just hear that...
Kirsty: If anyone deserves some time off, it's John Cena. If he's got nagging injuries to rehab, then now's a good time, after his huge angle with the Rock and then his epic victory over Lesnar. WWE will not risk running Cena into the ground - if they take time to look after him now, the longer he'll be around to draw. Plus he just plain deserves it - he works so damn hard for that company and for the fans.
As for WWE, Cena's absence will mean that someone else is pushed which is precisely what needs to happen. Whenever Cena's been away in the past someone else has thrived, so to my way of thinking it's a good thing all round if Cena takes a bit of time now. I'll miss him, yes, but it's no secret that I'm firmly on the "Let's go Cena!" side of the chant.
Luke: I will not be sad to see John Cena step aside though it will hurt WWE if he does take a vacation. Although, angles like this regarding John Cena usually last a week, so I wouldn't worry too much.
Dion: I think it's a great move. The guy is the single hardest working professional wrestler on the planet, whether you love him or hate him, you can't deny that fact. He needs to take time off to rest his mind and body. I'm looking forward to hearing the pop on his return, should he leave.
And yes, the 'E will be just fine without Cena.
David: WWE can obviously survive without Cena, but it will take a little time to adjust. CM Punk isn't the industry leader he was after Money in the Bank last year, so we could need a month or so for Punk to step up as the face of the company once more if Cena's off for a while. Rebuilding stages are always exciting though, so my interest levels won't wane one bit.
Daniel: WWE can definitely survive without him, especially on a week-to-week level where it seems he pretty much gets used just to promote his next pay-per-view appearance. But he is a big draw card and WWE would feel his absence in three main ways I think - at pay-per-views where is a consistent headliner, in merch sales and with the kids. If Cena is out for any length of time, I think they really need to find someone to be the kids' champion. Sounds corny, but even from a business perspective there is no denying how important kid fans are to WWE and Cena is their guy.
Stevie: They'll be fine. Although, as noted earlier, storylines like this with Cena seem to end after a week. But I've long been an advocate for lots of top guys taking time off to heal up and rest their character. Plus the return pop is always good to behold.
3. Rey Mysterio was given a 60-day suspension from WWE after his second wellness policy violation. Had you missed having Rey on your television? Is there still a place for Mysterio on the WWE roster?
Scott: I haven’t missed Rey at all, and I personally don’t care if he never returns. I guess the big question is he still selling enough merchandise to the children (see also John Cena) to carry on being on contract despite his constant injuries and related drug issues? I think the tipping point may be coming soon for little Rey Rey. However, Mysterio would probably be a good fit for TNA, so that may be a key reason why WWE won’t let him go unless they have to.
Blake: Mysterio is the heart and soul of SmackDown. I don't really care whether he's on TV or not, but he needs to be on SmackDown if he eventually comes back. That's not an idea, that's intelligence.
Kirsty: I haven't really missed Rey, to be honest. I think he appeals to a younger demographic. He's an exciting performer in the ring but sometimes his matches can get a bit same-y. That said, there's definitely still a place for him with WWE, for the reason I just said - the kids love him.
As for his recent suspension, word around the campfire is that it's because of amphetamines. It's no secret that Mysterio's always been a steroid monkey, but if he's on speed too then it does not bode well.
Luke: I have not missed Rey Mysterio's presence on WWE television. The last few years I have seen him put over most of the roster when it is a transitional era and a veteran like Mysterio should be looking to help create new stars. It is a shame that he has hit a 60-day suspension, though.
Dion: I've definitely missed Rey - I've been a big fan of his for 15 years and he's still a big draw. Although it does sound like that suspension was a bit of a mix up... I'm looking forward to seeing him return.
David: I hadn't forgotten about Rey, but, like Edge, I guess, I'd sort of just accepted that his time was probably up, whether he wanted it to be or not. I honestly don't know where Rey fits in on the roster at the moment, but I guess we don't have to worry about that for another two months anyway.
Daniel: Man, I really want to see Rey back, especially with no Sin Cara. I'm a sucker for Lucha Libre.
Stevie: I haven't enjoyed Rey's work in a decade and I'd forgotten he was even around. My first reaction to this story was amusement that he got suspended while off injured. Oops.
4. Layla returned at Extreme Rules to win the Divas Championship. The Bella Twins are rumoured to be leaving WWE. Kharma could be back any day now. What do you think of the WWE Divas division at the moment?
Scott: Beth Phoenix, the most physically dominant Women’s Champion (no, I’m not going to use that D word anymore) in years didn’t wrestle on RAW for months, before turning up and losing to one or other of an identikit pair of stick figure wrestling incompetents? Natalya, who is a genuinely talented wrestler, being given a flatulence gimmick before being relegated to offside status on NXT? Kelly Kelly still having a job without having shown any sign of having learned to wrestle in, what, five years? The WWE’s woman’s division is a joke. And it shouldn’t need to be, there’s some incredibly talented women there, buried down on NXT or Superstars or sitting around the indies.
Blake: Could be on the rise, could end in a flop. Phoenix, Layla, Natalya, Tamina, Kharma, Torres; these are the women the Divas division needs to build around. All these ladies are skilled, charismatic, intelligent wrestlers. And 5 out of 6 are incredibly beautiful; gold star to who guesses the other one.
Kirsty: Well, I won't miss the Bellas. They brought very little to the table once the twin thing had gotten stale (which took all of 2 seconds). Kharma is still hovering and until she's brought back for real, the WWE Divas Division is in it's usual deplorable state. When the women do have matches, it's less than a minute. And the women who are having matches are not the ones who can actually wrestle. It's a travesty that Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Tamina and Eve have all been sidelined. Layla's a good wee performer, and it'll be interesting to see how she does now that she's back and doesn't have Michelle McCool, but until WWE starts utilising it's genuine female talent in a proper way, the division will continue down its path of irrelevancy.
Luke: I think the WWE Divas division is appalling. The Divas role in WWE is primarily for PR outside of the ring but the in-ring product is dreadful. One thing I definitely can give credit to Impact Wrestling is the way they present their Knockouts.
Dion: I'm afraid when the Divas come on, I hit fast forward at the moment. I'm much more interested in TNA's Knockouts Division at the moment. Hopefully Kharma can mix things up and make things interesting. Some actual wrestling matches would be nice, though Layla's return was a nice breath of fresh air.
David: Unpopular opinion: I like it. Not pleased to see Brie and Nikki go, but if we're trading them for Layla I can live with it. You've got some good women's matches going on on NXT, you've got Kelly Kelly floating around ready to step up and become Divas Champion again once Layla and (I presume) Beth finish up with their feud. Kharma can come back if she wants, but seeing as she's never even wrestled a match in WWE before its not like her absence is leaving a hole in the division, so all in all things are in quite the nice place. Just re-sign Maria and all will be right with the world.
Daniel: It's blah covered in candy floss. The Bella Twins were pretty much the only drawcard for me in the Divas division, although Tamina and Natalya are growing on me. I wish WWE would just put some clothes on these ladies and bring in some wrestlers. I vote for Misty!
Stevie: Eh, to WWE the division isn't a big deal and so it comes across that way to viewers. I still enjoy it but it's barely a division when there isn't multiple stories happening.
5. TNA debuted a new concept for Impact Wrestling last week, Open Fight Night. Anyone on the roster can challenge anyone else, and they must accept, and one hopeful TNA talent has the opportunity to wrestle a tryout match. What are your thoughts on the somewhat unique monthly show?
Scott: Well, there’s all sorts of way of creating matches in professional wrestling, this is no better or worse than any other I guess. But, really, perhaps TNA should just try on creating coherent characters who don’t switch between face and heel every other week.
Blake: This is good. TNA had trouble getting their talent on television when they weren't in major storylines. This is a way to show off the incredible athletes of TNA while keeping storylines relevant.
Kirsty: I think it's too soon to tell. I think it could create some excitement and possibly spark new feuds and storylines, but at the end of the day people need to be built properly and have thought put into their creative development.
Luke: Let's face it, it's still a booked show. I don't think the format will work on a national level though could work as a replacement for Xplosion. TNA needs to create superstars from the roster they have and give them more exposure, not bring in unknowns for 15 minutes of fame.
Dion: It's an interesting concept. Something different for them to try, though I think monthly may be a bit much. I don't think it's going to see any massive boost in ratings, though. Hogan has recently said TNA are working on a groundbreaking, more fan interactive idea. THAT will be interesting.
David: Well, on the one hand, it makes things exciting. I remember being blown away by Austin Aries and Roderick strong trying to score TNA contracts in 2005, so the tryout match thing has some legs. But on the other hand, it's a bit too free-form. You've got no continuity, necessarily, for that week, and anything can happen. That used to work well in the Attitude era, but I think TNA still wants to be establishing its wrestlers and storylines and all that, without having one week where a bunch of titles change hands and new guys pop up on the roster and everything has to start over for another three-week arc before it all gets scrambled again.
Daniel: Open Fight Night is excellent! I cannot wait for the next Fight Night. Seriously, gold star for TNA Creative.
Stevie: I'm still catching up on shows I missed while overseas, considering I got back yesterday, but I like the concept for a show and am looking forward to watching.
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