Wednesday, 14 December 2011

TNA Final Resolution 2011 Review

Roode’s new year resolution is to keep the gold.


TNA Final Resolution PPV Review

By Phil Allely

TNA world Heavyweight Champion Robert Roode took former triple-crown titlist AJ Styles to a well-paced and exciting 3-3 draw in the main event Iron Man rules match of the company’s last PPV event of 2011 Final Resolution. This match-up certainly proved the doubters wrong as new champ Roode held his own against fellow TNA original Styles in an all-out war that gripped the crowd from start to finish.

Fortunately for all concerned this bout and its two predecessors helped elevate the event’s standing to an above average status in the grand scheme of things

Backtracking we kicked off well with RVD and Daniels again showcasing their collective talents. Van Dam and the ever impressive Fallen Angel meshing well before the obligatory ‘five star frog splash’ ended things in its owners favour.

Robbie E’s successful TV title defence next was a reasonable outing too, E cohort Rob Terry helping keep challenger Eric Young’s hands off the gold for a while longer.

The dull Pope/Devon storyline continued next as the pair took on Tag Team Champions Crimson and Matt Morgan. Morgan and Crimson’s big man act went through the motions and dominated their opponents when needed, the finish coming after a hard-hitting double choke slam on Devon allowed them to walk away victorious.

Thankfully the X Division put things back on track as Kid Kash and Austin Aries put forth a veritable highlight reel of a scrap. The final flurry saw near falls galore and stiff brainbuster move keep the belt firmly around Aries waist.

Knockouts Mickie James and Gail Kim were also on fine form for their title match. James seemed to be relishing the chance to tangle with TNA returnee Kim here. Madison Rayne however put a dampener on things by interfering on her associate’s behalf to ensure Mickie left without the gold.

The pace continued to build as James Storm (fresh off a legitimate concussion) took the fight to Kurt Angle in a well-crafted brawl. Both men went all out here, each attempting to out do the other. Storm pulling off the shock win by nailing a good looking ‘last call’ finisher to gain the nod and some well-deserved respect.

With a winner gets a title shot/loser leaves TNA stipulation the battle of the Jeff’s (Jarrett and Hardy) was a thrilling encounter. Utilising the cage to its best advantage the duo and the handcuffed to each other Sting and Karen Jarrett all worked well to make this a match where anything could happen. Karen Jarrett’s interference backfired as Hardy overcame the odds to grab a world title shot and ensure one of the Jarrett’s would be leaving TNA.

The Styles/Roode encounter then finished things off on a high.

Final Resolution did try its best to make the grade, it’s a pity the old interference heavy finishes and dodgy booking of old still hung heavy over this event. The second half matches did bring things back on track and kept the momentum moving along. Final Resolution didn’t set the world on fire, but it did progress storylines, it also showed Robert Roode as a force to be reckoned with as Champion. It will be interesting to see how he fares against the comeback kid Jeff hardy in January and if he tours the UK as company figurehead in January.

2011 WWE Slammy Awards

Slam Dunk 2011 Slammy’s hit home.


By Phil Allely

WWE’s 2011 Slammy Awards special on Raw this past week saw some old and familiar faces return to the company, and a reasonable proportion of the active roster receive recognition for the sacrifices they make to please their loyal fans each and every week of the year.

Highlights amongst the awards presented on the night were ones for the Mark Henry/Big Show’s ring collapse, Triple H tomb stoning The Undertaker, Kelly Kelly winning the Diva’s title and The Rock’s triumphant return to the WWE.

Also on the show Lita, (new road agent) Road Dogg, Rey Mysterio, Tony Atlas, Christian and a masked Kane all made their returns to the company.

Perhaps nowhere near the level of popularity they achieved in their prime The Slammy Awards are a fun addition to WWE programming for many fans.

Sun Sport hear the return of Kane under a mask will all become clear WrestleMania time when a indoor mask wearing Guinness World record attempt may take place.

AJ Lee Pics



Thursday, 8 December 2011

Gillberg Interview Highlights

Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) and Jimmy Korderas (@jimmykorderas) of #AftermathRadio on thescore.com and iTunes chat with former WWE superstar Duane Gill, who is best known as "Gillberg" . Highlights:




If Bill Goldberg ever tried to get in contact with him while he was doing the "Gillberg" gimmick in WWE. Also speaking about when he did the segment with The Rock and Goldberg on an episode of Raw in 2003 on the segment "Rock Concert II": "Goldberg hates my guts. He wanted to kill me. I remember the night I did meet him, the night we did The Rock Concert were I was dancing all the ring and all. They just wanted me to just stand there and tap my foot. So I had to explain to Mr. McMahon about what I wanted to do and he started laughing his ass off and he goes, "lets do it (laughs)."



On his wrestling school "Gillberg's Pro Wrestling Academy." What makes his wrestling school so successful that it will branch to multiple locations. What made his decision for him to branch out the wrestling school: "We have yet to advertise and were packed. We're loaded with students. I would imagine the article on WWE.com "Where are they now" had a lot to do with helping me there. I just want to take it to the next level. I just wanna teach the way we teach. I teach old school ways. It's taught proper and it's really good."



How long did he feel that the "Gillberg" character in WWE would last the first time he did when he wrestled Luna Vachon on an episode of Raw on the debut of the character; explains how much of a response he got from the WWE crew backstage: "It was actually supposed to be a one night deal. When I came back through the curtian, I got the highest honor I ever received in pro wrestling. When I came through that curtain, every McMahon, every writer, producer, boys, everybody in the back that was working was standing there clapping, and had tears in there eyes cause they were laughing so hard. That was the highest honor I ever got."



His thoughts on working for WWE without being under contract with WWE for almost 10 years. Did he feel that if he never got anything from WWE, would he have thought about pursuing other interest in his life: "I'm a mark. I love professional wrestling, and to be honest with you, I love the WWE. Let me put it to you this way, I didn't give a crap what I was doing, there were times where I wrestled four or five times a night. I didn't care man. I was there. I was in the locker room with Hulk Hogan, Brutus Beefcake, Jake The Snake, Macho Man. I went to the bar, I sat down to have drinks with them, and I got to rub shoulders with the best of the best. To me it was everything."

Velvet Sky new pics TNA