Monday, April 4, 2011

Wrestlemania 27 Review

I can't help but feel a little bit underwelmed with the entire show this year. It started when I found out that the U.S. Title match between Sheamus, and Daniel Bryan had been dropped to a dark match. I had high hopes for that match, and was exited to see Bryan's 'mania debut. I still found the card to be entertaining, but I felt pretty much every match left me wanting more. Maybe my hopes were too high, but this is not one that I would call a classic Wrestlemania!
Match #1: Edge vs Alberto Del Rio - World Heavyweight Title
- First off, isn't the deal when you win the Royal Rumble, you get to HEADLINE Wrestlemania? When did they change it to opening the show? I realize the Cena vs Miz match was more of a headlining match, but I think they could have done a better job showcasing this Title match aswell. I thought these 2 put on a very strong performance, but I was very let down after it was finished! The fact that Christian was at ring side led to nothing, and it seems as though company officials have lost faith in Del Rio as a main event player. I would have thought Del Rio going over was one of the safest bets of the night. Big C starts 0-1!
Match #2: Rey Mysterio vs Cody Rhodes
- This is one match where I wasn't disappointed. I thought this is probably the best match on the card. I'm not totally surprized, because I enjoy both of their in-ring work. I enjoy the build up in this angle, and was happy to see a rising star like Rhodes go over on the big stage. I was correct in my prediction that Rhodes would go over in this one. That brings me back even at 1-1. Boo-ya!
Match #3: Big Show/Kane/Santino/Kofi vs The Corre
- First off, if you're confused why Kofi is in this one, they ran an injury angle with Kozlov this weekend, allowing Kofi to take his place. This match lasted all of about 2 min, with Team Big Show picking up the win. I was glad to see this one didn't last long, but I was wrong on my prediction, which set me back to 1-2. Bummer!
Match # 4: Randy Orton vs CM Punk
- This really was a decent match. It was certainly was nothing spectacular, which is why I was still a little disappointed. I was just hoping for something better for CM Punk! This whole feud has been a snoozefest from the start, and had low expectations heading into the match. It wasn't any worse than I thought it would be, but was still disappointing that that's all I was going to get from Punk this year.  I was right on my prediction here, so that brings me back to the 500 mark at 2-2. Things are looking up for Big C!
Match # 5: Michael Cole w/Jack Swagger vs Jerry "The King" Lawler - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin Guest Ref
- What a train wreck! I enjoyed much of the build up for this match, but it was still horrible. Cole clearly has no business in the ring, and they let this go WAY too long! The only saving grace was Booker T doing a spinerooni, and then getting stunnered at the conclusion of the match. I was correct in my prediction though, so that brings me up to 3-2.
Match # 6: Undertaker vs HHH - No Holds Barred
- I feared this bout would have trouble living up to the last few Undertaker matches, and my fears were correct! I think this was a solid contest, and it showed the Undertaker's vulnerability moving forward, but I think it fell short of matching up with the 2 HBK matches, and the match he had with Edge at 'mania 24. Both men really put their bodies on the line, and should be commended for it, but I was still left a little disappointed. My prediction here was correct(total no-brainer here), so I'm up to 4-2. Shit ya!
Match #7 John Morrison/Trish Stratus/Snooki vs Dolph Ziggler/Laycool w/Vicki Guerrero
-This match actually had 2, or 3 good spots in it, so I guess it's better than I thought it would be! Snooki's involement was limited, and she actually pulled off an impresive athletic move, so that was a pleasent surprize. It was kept short, which is definitely for the best! I predicted this one correct aswell, so I'm rolling with a 5-2 record!
Match # 8: The Miz(c) vs John Cena - World Title Match
- I was very disappointed with this match. It seems this Wrestlemania main event was all just to set up a match down the road between John Cena, and The Rock. I'm all for a match between the 2, but why waste the main event at 'mania? I was glad The Rock was involved this year, but I think this whole storyline was booked poorly, and resulted in a rotten finish to a lack luster match. I was wrong in my prediction too, which gives me a final record of 5-3. Atleast I finsihed above 500!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Big C's Wrestlemania 27 Preview

Well folks, it's that time of year again. Wrestlemania is upon us once again! As always, I'm very exited for the biggest wrestling show of the year. This year's show should be a good one. There are parts of the show that I'm less than enthused about, but for the most part I'm thrilled with the card! This year's card has been amplified big time by the return of...........THE ROCK!
Yes ladies and gentlemen, in case you havn't been watching, The Rock has returned as the Special Guest Host for Wrestlemania. His presence on the show has made the event seem that much bigger. People are already talking about what the level of his involvement will be. There is a fare bit of anticipation that he will get involved in the main event, which I will touch on later.
Match # 1: Sheamus(C) vs Daniel Bryan - U.S. Championship Match
This match is a potential show stealer in my opinion. If they are given the proper amount of time, I believe these 2 could tear the house down. This is Bryan's 1st 'mania appearance, and I expect him to want impress. I don't expect Steamboat vs Savage, but it should be a solid contest for the U.S. Title.
Prediction: I think Sheamus will win the match, but Bryan will be the winner in the long run. I predict a good push for him after a solid 'mania performance.

Match # 2: Jerry "The King" Lawler vs Michael Cole w/Jack Swagger - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as Guest Ref.
Now on paper, a match between 2 announcers sounds awful, but the build up for this match has been done so well, I'm actually looking forward to this one! I'm certainly not expecting a 5-star classic, but it should be fairly entertaining anyway. The involvement of Stone Cold definitley helps. Expect more than a few stunners in this one!
Prediction: The King will definitely go over in this one. Likely with the help of Stone Cold, and J.R.

Match # 3: Rey Mysterio vs "Dashing" Cody Rhodes

Again, I thought the build up for this match was incredible! The involvement from the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes definitely added to build, and the face injury angle has been well sold by Cody. Mysterio apparently hand picked Rhodes to work with this year, so they should be able to pull off a great match!
Prediction: I'm going to pick Cody Rhodes to go over. He was hand picked by Mysterio, and I think Rey's career might be winding down. Either way, I'm really looking forward to this contest.

Match #4: Big Show/Kane/Santino/Kozlov vs The Corre

So this will be when I take my first bathroom break! I have 0 intrest in this match. This is just a way to get Big Show and Kane on the card. It is disapointing that they took the Money In The Bank Match off the card this year, and have a brutal match like this on the card.
Prediction: I bet the Corre will steal a victory somehow, but really, we're all gonna be losers for having to sit through it!

Match # 5: John Morrison/Trish Stratus/Snooki vs Dolph Ziggler/Laycool w/Vicki Guerrero

I'm pretty disappointed to see Morrison and Ziggler involved in this nonsense! I realize celebrity involvement is a big part of Wrestlemania's history, but c'mon! Snooki?  This is a train wreck waiting to happen! Again, it's a real shame that there is no MITB match this year where guys like Morrison, and Ziggler could shine.
Prediction: Team Snooki wins, and Vicki gets embarrassed! Next!

Match #6: Randy Orton vs CM Punk

As a CM Punk fan, I'm happy he has a farely high profile match at 'mania, but I think this was just a thrown together feud to get both of these guys on the card. The whole feud has been a total snoozefest! betwean Randy Orton's boaring promos, and poor acting, and the whole "New Nexus" stable being a total bust, they have killed any anticipation I might have had for this match. All that said, the match itself could still be alright. Punk is one of the finest workers they have, and Orton is still capable of a decent match.
Prediction: Unfortunately I have to go with Orton here. I don't see him wanting to put Punk over at 'mania, so it's going to be him getting his arm raised in the middle of the ring.

Match # 7: Edge(C) w/Christian vs Alberto Del Rio w/Brodus Clay - World Heavyweight Title Match

I'm very much looking forward to this one! It's nice to see a new star in a major 'mania match. I enjoy Del Rio, and think he's a great heel! I'm happy they decided not to make this a triple threat match with Christian involved(Sorry Sal). I'm a big Christian fan, but as the Royal Rumble winner, Del Rio deserves a one on one contest for the Title. This should be a good bout for the World Title.
Prediction: I predict Del Rio wins his forst World Title. I have a fealing that Christian is going to cost Edge the title, leading to one last feud betwean the 2.

Match # 8: Undertaker vs HHH - No Holds Barred

On an average show, I wouldn't be exited for this match at all, but on the grand stage of Wrestlemania I'm very exited! I think both of these guys are gonna bring everything they got for this one, knowing they can have as much time off after as they want. HHH is likely the only one brave enough to try and follow 2 classic bouts against Shawn Michaels. I doubt this will compare to those matches, but I expect this to be a great match anyway.
Prediction: No way the Undertaker's streak ends! Undertaker will go over, but i wouldn't be surprized if both men needed  to be helped out of the arena.

Match #9: The Miz(C) vs John Cena - WWE Title Match

I have really enjoyed The Miz's run as WWE Champion so far. I think he has truely established himself as the top heal in the business. I think he has truely proved he belong in this angle involving himself, John Cena, and The Rock. I would've been easy for him to be over shadowed by the 2 iconic figures, but he hasn't been. I really think this is a Wrestlemania worthy main event!
Prediction: I predict Cena goes over with the help of The Rock. I think this years 'mania moment will be Rock, and Cena closing the show with a toast. It'll be a passing of the torch moment. It might even involve Steve Austin aswell. Even with a loss, I think the Miz will stay the top heel in the company.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Big C on Kyle And Gary's Super Awesome Podcast Again!

I dropped in to preview Wrestlemania 27 with my good pals on Kyle and Gary's podcast. Check it out. It's a good listen as usual.


http://kyleandgary.podbean.com/2011/03/30/episode-22-the-dino-ciccarelli-show/

Top 10 All Time Favorite Wrestlemania matches

Honourable Mention:
Hulk Hogan vs "Macho Man" Randy Savag - Wrestlemania 5
-The colision of the Mega Powers! This was the culmination of one of the major angles from my childhood. 
Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle - Wrestlemania 21
-A dream matchup between 2 of the finest in ring competators of all time. It's no surprize they stole the show!

Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho - Wrestlemania 19
- 2 guys known for stealing the show, and they didn't disapoint.

10. Mick Foley vs Edge - Wrestlemania 22
- Edge proved his toughness in a brutally violent hardcore match that both men took a vicious beating. This was a diamond in the rough on a week 'mania card this year.

9. Bret Hart vs Owen Hart - Wrestlemania 10
- The first of 2 matches on the card for Bret. Big night for Bret. He got to put his brother over clean, and win the World Title.

8. Undertaker vs Ric Flair - Wrestlemania 18
-Flair's return bout was a physically intense battle with the Deadman. This had a great build, and a great run in from Arn Anderson. This match often gets overlooked by other matches on this stacked card.

7. Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle - Wrestlemania 20
-A clash of 2 of my all time favorites. Pretty much the pinacle of Guerrero's career. Wrestlemania 20 was the last great Wrestlemania in my opinion, capped off with a Benoit/Guerrero celebration in the middle of the ring.

6, Hollywood Hogan vs The Rock - Wrestlemania 18
- A dream matchup between 2 of the biggest stars wrestling has ever seen.  Watching this match still gives me goosebumps! The crowd reaction is out of this world! They were going bannanas in a way that hasn't been seen in many years.

5. Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon - Wrestlemania 10
-WWE's first ladder match. A complete spotfest between 2 of the top athletes of the time. Considered very inovative for its time. This match set the standered  for all ladder matches that followed. It also could be considered the start of Shawn Michaels great stretch of Wrestlemania performances.
  
4. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs "Macho Man" Randy Savage - Wrestlemania 3
- Widely considered the greatest match in 'mania history, it's hard to disagree. It definitely set the bar for those looking to steal the show for many years to come.

3. Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart - Wrestlemania 12
- The only 60 min ironman match in 'mania history. I doubt we will ever see 2 guys be able to put together a match like this to headline wrestlemania. This was the hight of both of these guys popularity, and ability. As a Bret Hart fan I was disapointed with the out come, but even as a kid I was thrilled with this match.

2. Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels - Wrestlemania 25
- 2 old pros proved they can still steal the show! Perhaps the best match of either of their careers. This is a shining light on a sub-par card. It was the saving grace on the 25 year anniversary show.


 1. Bret Hart vs "Stone Cold" Steve Austin - Wrestlemania 13
-In my opinion, the finest wrestling match of all time! A rising, hungry Steve Austin vs Bret Hart, who was feeling under appreciated was a recipe for a great match. Throughout the course of the match they were able to turn Austin face, and stat him on track to becoming the biggest star the industry has ever seen. At the same time they turned Hart heel, and started the hotest angle the company had seen in years.