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ROH Final Battle predictions

12/17/2015

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Some may look at a show like this and automatically make comparisons to WrestleMania. Obviously they can never compete with the WWE, at least in terms of production value, but ROH has always stood out for its in-ring quality, which I think is why the WWE has gone after so many of Ring of Honor's stars in the last couple of years. It's for that very reason that I can't help but include at least one ROH show in my 'Best of' picks for the year-end awards, and this is usually the one that stands out above the rest. 

For those of you who have been reading my posts in the lasts couple of years, you may have noticed that I typically don't use the same format for my ROH and TNA predictions as I do for my WWE ones, which are more detailed. This is mostly due to the fact that I don't follow ROH or TNA as closely as WWE, at least not recently, but also because the ROH and TNA shows focus more on matches and less on story lines. What I mean is that they play to their strengths, and there is no room for backstage segments or interviews. 

So instead of predicting everything from start to finish, I will simply just list the matches, and provide my thoughts and predictions for each of them. 

Here ya go...

The Young Bucks vs. The All Night Express vs. The Briscoes in a triple threat match to determine number one contenders for the ROH Tag Team Championships

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This is going to be a show-stealer for sure. I haven't really watched ROH since ANX made their return at the last pay per view, but any one of these teams could potentially win this one, and I think we're getting a lot of super kicks at some point, which is one prediction that I think we can definitely agree on. The Bucks have been putting on match of the year quality performances in almost every match they've been in this year, and I think the one that stood out the most was that great one with ReDragon at the ROH anniversary show. The Briscoes have kind of cooled off since teaming up again, and honestly, I think they would both be better off as singles wrestlers at this point, so with that said, I believe you can count them out. I see a Briscoes mistake near the end of the match, which teases their break-up and leads to a Young Bucks victory. I don't see them doing the title match right away, as I can see a potential feud with The Bucks against ANX, where ANX loses this match, but is not involved in the decision, and they claim that they are the uncrowned number one contenders, which leads to maybe a best of seven, where with the winner of that series finally gets the title shot. 

"Unbreakable" Michael Elgin vs. Moose
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This is such a terrible match for Elgin. Moose has got to be one of the worst wrestlers in the business, in my opinion. His promos are terrible and he's very limited in the ring, but he does seem to have the fans behind him, which is why I just can't pick him for worst wrestler. All that said, I think Elgin is probably the right opponent for Moose, as it'll definitely bring out the best in him, and this will probably be the best match Moose will have. I really hope they don't have Moose win this match, but stranger things have happened. Despite my wishful thinking, I think Moose will get the nod here, with help from Hathaway. 

Alex Shelley, ACH and "#Reborn" Matt Sydal vs. The Addiction and Chris Sabin
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This should be a very hot opener and another potential show-stealer. I really like The Addiction and despite the fact that this should be an awesome match, I don't think this is the best use of them, as I think they should be much higher up the card. In fact, I think they should have had the title match with The Kingdom. It'll be interesting to see Sabin and Shelley back in the ring together, and on opposing sides. And then there's ACH and Sydal, who have torn the house down as opponents, and are now teammates. It's going to be hard to pick a standout in this one, but ultimately I think the fact team will pick up the win here, with Shelley pinning his former teammate Sabin, and hopefully leading to a feud between the two. 

Dalton Castle vs. Silas Young
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It's kind of hard to get behind a guy like Castle, who has a gimmick that is naturally suited for a heel, but now we're supposed to feel sorry for him that he's lost his lackeys. I wasn't impressed with the match these two had at the last pay per view, but I think they'll continue feuding, which means Dalton's boys will turn on him, leading to Young's victory. 

Adam Cole vs. Kyle O'Reilly
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I'm a big fan of both of these guys, and I think this is the perfect feud, as they not only have a history as former partners and opponents, but they also have tremendous chemistry in the ring. I really liked the match they had in 2012, where Cole got his teeth knocked out, and I'm sure they'll have their working boots on for this one as well. I can't see the feud ending here, and because of that, I'm going to say Cole gets the win here through underhanded tactics, and then O'Reilly gets his revenge in a stip match at the next pay per view. 

Bobby Fish vs. Roderick Strong for the ROH Television Championship
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This match kind of makes sense, as Fish came so close to winning the title from Jay Lethal at the last show, but I am kind of surprised that Fish seems to be higher on the card than his ReDragon teammate Kyle O'Reilly. I was never very high on Roderick Strong though. I think Strong is a great wrestler, but his look is kind of generic, and I never really bought him as a top star. Given the fact that he just recently won the title, I think Strong will hold onto it here, and then maybe a feud with BJ Whitmer? Matt Sydal? ACH? Anybody but Moose. 

War Machine vs. The Kingdom for the ROH Tag Team Championships
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I'll admit that War Machine has a unique look for an ROH tag team, but that's about all. They're not terrible in the ring, but they're all that impressive either. But in that case, I guess The Kingdom is the right team to be in the ring with them, as they can just bump like crazy for the bigger guys. I think Maria will end up involving herself in this one by flaunting her goods to distract the evolutionary dead ends, which leads to Bennett or Taven rolling up their bigger adversary for the win.

Jay Lethal vs. AJ Styles for the ROH World Heavyweight Championship
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This should be another fantastic match. I still remember the great match these two had in TNA when Lethal was only 20, and that one was only about five minutes. Imagine what they can do here, when they both have 9 years more experience and plenty of more time. Both guys are booked on the Wrestle Kingdom 10 shows, but I really hope that card really is subject to change, because if not, it's pretty easy to predict a Jay Lethal victory here. I don't see that happening though, and I think Lethal has had a long enough run with the title that he no longer needs it, so I'm going to go with AJ getting the big win and bringing more gold to The Bullet Club. 

So there you have it.

​What do you think?
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WWE TLC predictions

12/13/2015

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I hate having to be the one to say this, but this really is such a terrible way to end the year, so I hope they have big things planned for 2016. The WWE pay per views this year have generally been pretty good, so I'll give them credit for at least trying to scramble a few things together within a three-week period.

And with all the unfortunate injuries and potential retirements that have been discussed recently, it would not come as a shock to me if they were to pull out some major surprises here.

Here are my thoughts and predictions from start to finish...

The New Day vs. The Lucha Dragons vs. The Usos in a triple threat ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championships
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I'm a fan of all three of these teams, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of creative spots are delivered in this match. This definitely has show-stealer written all over it. I like that The Usos have been paired with Roman Reigns in recent weeks, so they avoid being just a random team in this match like The Dragons are. It'll be interesting to see if they use Big E. in this match. Personally, I don't see why not, since he's shown tremendous improvements in his in-ring ability in the last few months. The only thing is that this is not his style of match, so I can totally see Xavier being the pinch hitter in this one. Assuming that they are going to use Big E. though, I see the finish being like a race to the top between all three teams. Both belts are unhooked and there's like a tug of war at the top, but the belts eventually both fall in the ring, which allows Xavier to rush in and grab them, so The New Day retains.

[Up next, they air a promo for the NXT: London show]

[The Usos are shown in the trainers room, trying to recover from the ladder match, as Stephanie McMahon walks in]

Stephanie: Wow, tough break, guys. But you know what, it happens. In fact it could happen to your cousin Roman Reigns as well. See the thing about a ladder match is that anything can happen. Now I know the two of you are gonna want to be in your cousin's corner tonight, and I get that. Family comes first. But as a wise man once said: In the interest of fairness, I think it's only right that after you finish getting bandaged up here, you can take the rest of the night off. And by that, I mean you can leave the building. Now you two have yourselves a happy and a healthy.

[Stephanie leaves and The Usos both shake their heads]

[The announcers then show the footage from Raw of Ric Flair and Charlotte on Miz TV]

[Jojo is backstage with Ric Flair]

Jojo: Mr. Flair, after everything that's been going on between Paige and your daughter Charlotte in the last few months, what kind of role will you be playing in Charlotte's corner, tonight?

Flair: Woooooo! By God! What kind of role? Young lady, I'm Ric Flair! I can play whatever role I want out there. Everybody knows that Charlotte doesn't need my help to beat Paige. Just like she didn't need my help to beat the little redhead girl a few weeks ago...oh, speaking of whom...

[Becky Lynch steps in]

Flair: Now just a second little girl. You know you only get one shot at the title baby, and then you go to the back of the line. But that's Charlotte's rule. I'll give you a shot at the title anytime you want. I might even take you up to Space Mountain. Woooo!

Becky: Oh, you'd do that just for me? I think I'll pass, thanks. Maybe you didn't have anything to do with Charlotte beating me a couple weeks ago, or Charlotte's recent change in attitude. And I know you won't have anything to do with the outcome of tonight's match, right? Because I'll be out there too. Woooo!

[Becky walks away, and Flair looks at Jojo]

Flair: Did she just...you gotta be kidding me...

Charlotte vs. Paige for the Divas Championship

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I really can't see this match being placed in a much better spot than it was at the last pay per view. What a major letdown this feud has been. In fact, what a major letdown the divas revolution has been. I just hope Bayley stays on NXT, because it seems like being called up to the main roster is a career killer for a diva. Having said that, this should be a fine match. The finish that I predicted at Survivor Series didn't happen, so I'm going to predict the same outcome here. Flair tries to pass Charlotte some brass knuckles near the end, which confuses Charlotte, as she doesn't know what to do, and eventually turns down the help. This leads to Flair taking matters into his own hands. He trips Paige, unbeknownst to Charlotte. But the ref sees it and ejects Flair, which causes him to throw his jacket around. Paige then takes the advantage and tries to use the ropes in a pinning combination, but Becky gets involved and pushes Paige foot off the ropes. The distraction allows Charlotte to attempt the figure-8, but as she spins around, Paige kicks Charlotte into Becky, who gets up on the apron. Charlotte and Becky bump heads, and Paige rolls Charlotte up to win the title.

* It'll be interesting to see if Flair is even used on this show, after the comments he made in an interview this week, where he apparently teased some WrestleMania plans.

[The pay per view panel give their thoughts on the show thus far. Paul Heyman is a surprise guest on the panel, but just as he is about to say something, he is almost immediately cut off by Kevin Owens' music, as we go into the next match]

Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship
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I really liked the match that these two had at Survivor Series last month. I think they'll probably get a lot of time here as well. It's just a shame that they didn't have a little more time to build a feud here, because it's one that I think most people have been looking forward to, and they've barely had any promo time in the last couple of weeks, which is where they both shine. The worst part is that I can't even see this feud continuing, because after this show, they're probably going to start focusing on 'Mania; if anything, it'll just be a meaningless TV feud. They tease the exact same finish as last month, where Ambrose counters the pop-up powerbomb into a hurricanrana, and then goes for Dirty Deeds. But Owens counters Dirty Deeds and eventually gets the pop-up powerbomb, but Ambrose kicks out. Owens then gets frustrated and goes for a second one, but Ambrose jumps over Owens' back and utilizes a backslide. Owens rolls through it, but as they get up, Ambrose beats Owens to his feet and hits Dirty Deeds to win the title.

[Up next is a promo for The Royal Rumble]

[Dean Ambrose is being congratulated by a bunch of Superstars backstage, as he's approached by Triple H]

Triple H: Big win, Dean! I'm impressed. How do you feel?

Ambrose: I think the better question is how do you feel, Hunter? You know, now that I am YOUR Intercontinental Champion; has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. 

Triple H: You know I have to admit, it actually does. But it's funny that you should ask how I'm feeling, because I'm feeling very confident that the WWE World Championship match later on will have no interference. And you know, so do these security guards I have, standing behind me. You see Dean, they're here to escort you and your shiny new title from the building. And from the comfort of your own hotel room, you can watch your buddy Roman Reigns do what he does best, and lose another big one. 

[Triple H laughs and then leaves]

Ambrose: You're not gonna walk me out yourself, Hunter? It's alright, man. I'll see ya at Roman's victory party later. 
​  
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger in a Chairs match for the United States Championship
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What a complete waste of Del Rio. I never thought Swagger was really utilized the right way, and I think he's a talented guy, but he was MIA for like six months until this feud started, and we're now expected to take him seriously as a contender? This has to be the easiest match to predict. Well maybe it's easy to predict a winner, but I suppose they could be a little creative with how the victory takes place. I never understood the pairing of Zeb and Del Rio, and it makes even less sense now with this new heel faction. I thought the backstage segment with the two of them on Raw was great though, and it brought out Del Rio's mean streak, which I think makes him the standout in the League of Nations thus far. Despite their problems, Zeb accompanies Del Rio to ringside. Del Rio orders Zeb to bring him a chair at one point, but Zeb hesitates. Del Rio then walks outside and slaps Zeb in the face, which causes Swagger to just lose it. He beats the hell out of Del Rio, and then checks on Zeb. Later in the match, Del Rio hits Swagger with a low blow on the outside, and tries using the chair, but Zeb surprisingly gets off his cart and grabs the chair away from Del Rio. Swagger then goes on the attack again, and both guys end up on the ground, with one chair in the ring. Swagger looks like he's gonna make it to the chair first, but Zeb pulls the chair away, and then slides it to Del Rio, who lets Swagger have it. Del Rio then places Swagger's arm through the hold of the chair and then applies the cross armbreaker, leaving Swagger with no alternative but to tap out. So the whole thing with Del Rio and Zeb from Raw was apparently a swerve, which again is not something that I necessarily want to see happen, but something that I think is going to happen.

[Up next is a promo for the next episode of Breaking Ground]

[Del Rio and Zeb are being congratulated by the other League of Nations members in the back]

Sheamus: Can you believe they still doubt us, fella? That's just another example of how powerful we truly are. I mean I've done some dastardly deeds, but I've never come between a boy and his 'father.' 

[Sheamus slaps Rusev on the chest]

Sheamus: Big man, you're up next. You go show that Ryback who the real big guy is!

[Rusev says something in Bulgarian and leaves, as the others cheer him on]

Rusev vs. Ryback 

This match hasn't officially been added to the card, but with only six advertised matches, I can see one or two fillers being placed on the show. Not that I'm necessarily hoping for this happen under these circumstances, but I just want to know how many people have to get injured before Dolph Ziggler finally gets a decent push. Anyway, the fight spills to the floor, and both guys get counted out again like they did on Raw. Lillian then announces that per the orders of The Authority, this match will now continue as a Falls Count Anywhere match. Ryback dominates most of the match from that point on, but as he goes for a meat hook clothesline on the floor, Rusev moves, and Ryback collides with the ring post. Rusev works over Ryback's arm for the remainder of the match. The end comes where Ryback delivers Shellshocked from one announce table through the next. But this ends up hurting Ryback's shoulder even more. Rusev beats Ryback to his feet and plants a stiff kick to Ryback's jaw. Rusev then applies The Accolade, and the ref calls for the bell, as Ryback passes out.

[Jojo is in the back with the ECW crew]

Jojo: Gentlemen, your war with The Wyatt Family has led us to tonight. Any last thoughts?

Bubba Ray: Nights like this were made for guys like us. The Wyatts want to take a walk on the wild side? They ain't seen nothin' yet. This is the land of the extreme. And boys, they don't make 'em any more extreme than the four men you see in front of you. And with that, I'm gonna say this one more time: Devon! Get the tables!

Devon: Oh my brother! Testify!

The Wyatt Family vs. The Dudley Boys, Rhino and Tommy Dreamer in an 8-man elimination table match
  
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This is another feud that has been kind of a letdown; in fact, most of Bray Wyatt's feuds have been letdowns lately. I think this is going to be a decent match. The question is whether or not they've given up on Braun Stroman. I see Harper and Rowan both getting eliminated early, leaving a four-on-two advantage for the ECW team. Stroman then comes in and basically cleans house, eliminating Devon, Dreamer and Rhino by himself, but allowing Bray to get the final elimination over Bubba, so Bray and Stroman survive. 

[The pay per view panel give their thoughts and predictions for the main event, and Heyman promotes Brock Lesnar's appearance at the next Network special, while also taking a subtle cheap shot at Kevin Owens, as payback for Owens interrupting him earlier. Heyman also announces that Brock Lesnar will officially be entering next month''s Royal Rumble match]

Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns in a TLC match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

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I am not as down on Sheamus as champion as most people seem to be. I don't think he's been terrible, but he's definitely not setting the world on fire. I can totally see them putting the title back on Reigns here, but I think that would be too predictable, and I really don't think that's a great idea, because as much as the fans hate Sheamus, I think they'd hate Reigns more if he won it, so why not keep it on a heel, if fans are going to hate the winner of this match anyway? Besides, if they finally clear Daniel Bryan to wrestle by 'Mania, then a match with Sheamus would actually make sense. The League of Nations has got to be one of the worst names for a faction in history, and they don't even look like a stable, as the only thing they have in common is that they're all foreigners. They could have at least added someone to the group who could have benefited from it. These guys are probably going to pull out all stops to have a great match, and I actually don't doubt that they will, as they are both really strong workers. The League of Nations try to get involved, but Reigns fights them off. The end comes where they're both at the top of the ladder, and struggling for the belt. Reigns looks like he's about to get it, but then Sheamus spits in Reigns' face, which distracts him long enough for Sheamus to grab the belt and strike Reigns with it, causing Reigns to crash through a table below. So Sheamus retains.

So there you have it.

Here are my match predictions for The Royal Rumble:

The Rumble match, with the following favourites:

Brock Lesnar
Roman Reigns
Dean Ambrose
Kevin Owens
Alberto Del Rio
Chris Jericho
Bray Wyatt
The Undertaker (they don't have a lot of star power at the moment, so I can totally see them bringing him back for this)
Daniel Bryan (this is a big 'maybe')

Sheamus vs. John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

The New Day vs. The Usos for the WWE Tag Team Championships

Paige vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charotte in a triple threat match for the Divas Championship


Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe - NXT Championship is not on the line, but the winner qualifies for the rumble match.
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Preview: UFC 194 - Aldo vs. McGregor

12/11/2015

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It's been a long time coming, but it looks as though the fight that the entire MMA world wants to see is finally going to happen. And what a showdown it'll be between Yoel Romero and "Jacare" Souza!

In all seriousness, there are no more injuries, no more substitutions, no more interim titles, no more trash talk and no more waiting. For Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo, it is all about who is the best featherweight fighter in the world. 

So in the words of The Looney Tunes: On with the show, this is it...

Max "Blessed" Holloway (14-3-0) vs. Jeremy "Lil' Heathen" Stephens (24-11-0)

Speaking of featherweights, what a war this is going to be. Since the first time I saw Holloway compete in the Octagon, I just knew he was going to be someone to look out for. I believe they said at the time that he was the youngest fighter in the promotion at only 20 years old, but if you fast forward the clock by four years, he's just about one or two wins away from a title shot. However, the same can certainly be said of his opponent, Jeremy Stephens, who is coming off an impressive knockout victory over Dennis Bermudez, one of only three men to defeat Holloway. Could that play a factor? Who knows? But if that's the case, then it should also be noted that Holloway recently submitted Cub Swanson, who was one of the last two men to defeat Stephens. I'm sure the only win or loss that will matter to these two guys will be in this very fight, because the winner will undoubtedly be considered for a title opportunity, while the loser will have to scratch and claw his way back to the top of the mountain. I like both of these guys, and I think Stephens may be the favourite, since he has more experience and also previously competed at lightweight. But I'm still going with Holloway to get the submission victory via guillotine choke, which he's been known for in recent fights. 

Demian Maia (21-6-0) vs. Gunnar "Gunni" Nelson (14-1-1)

This is going to be an interesting fight, because both of these guys are submission specialists, so I think it's safe to say that this one will end up on the ground at some point. I had high hopes for Maia when he first dropped down to welterweight in 2012, and he was doing quite well, until a couple of minor setbacks. But even after those losses to Jake Shields and Rory MacDonald, which are nothing to be ashamed of, he has been able to get back to his winning ways in recent fights. Nelson has a pretty impressive record himself, with his only loss coming by way of split decision. Not taking anything away from any of Nelson's past opponents though, I don't believe he's ever faced anyone the caliber of Demian Maia; I mean we're talking about a guy who went five rounds with Anderson Silva, which is no easy task. I think Nelson's luck is about to run out, and I'm picking Maia to get the Unanimous Decision.

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (22-3-0) vs. Yoel "Soldier of God" Romero (10-1-0)

I joked about it earlier, but this is actually a fight that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. And this fight will be no joke. Souza has looked unstoppable since coming to the UFC. He submitted Gegard Mousasi, submitted Chris Camozzi TWICE, and knocked out Yushin Okami. And then there's Romero, who's coming off two knockout victories of Lyoto Machida and Tim Kennedy. This fight is going to be explosive right from the opening buzzer, and I don't expect it to last very long. It's one of those fights where it's hard to pick a winner, but since I kind of have to, I'll go with Souza by armbar!

Chris "All-American" Weidman (13-0-0) vs. Luke Rockhold (14-2-0) for the UFC Middleweight Championship

It's amazing to think that this fight has almost been forgotten, because of all the hype surrounding the main event. But I think this one will be the more competitive fight, and I'm actually more looking forward to this than Aldo vs. McGregor. Following his only loss in the UFC to Vitor Belfort, Rockhold has been on a hot streak. That inverted triangle that he used to defeat Tim Boetsch will be forever etched in my mind as one of the greatest submission victories in MMA history. It's simply just amazing to see this guy in action; he is truly one of a kind. He even submitted Lyoto Machida in his last fight, which even Chris Weidman couldn't do. But then again, Weidman knocked out Vitor Belfort, which Rockhold has yet to accomplish. It's definitely going to be an interesting fight, but only one question remains: How do you go against a guy who knocked out Anderson Silva twice? You don't. I'm picking Weidman to retain by Unanimous Decision.

Jose "Scarface" Aldo (25-1-0) vs. Conor "Notorious" McGregor (18-2-0) for the UFC Featherweight Championship

So this is what it all comes down to. It's been nearly two years in the making, and all the trash talk has led us to this. I don't think there's a person on the face of the Earth that Jose Aldo despises more than McGregor, and I don't think anybody has gotten in Aldo's head like McGregor has, which could play into the outcome, since Aldo has never really dealt with an opponent like this. But then again, McGregor has probably never faced an opponent that kicks nearly as hard as Jose Aldo. I don't expect this one to last very long, and I honestly wasn't all that impressed with McGregor's performance in the fight with Chad Mendes. Yes Conor won, but prior to the actual knockout, Mendes was pretty much having his way with him. And I think this is where McGregor's luck runs out. I'm picking Aldo to win by TKO.

So there you have it.

​Who are you picking? 

​ 
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