WWE/TNA/ROH: My Top 15 Moments of the Week (Sept. 3-7)

Another week of professional wrestling has come to an end and I thought it was an overall good week.

WWE Monday Night Raw delivered its typical three hours of ups and downs. I felt that the good outweighed the bad, though.

WWE NXT once again had a good show. Featuring some solid wrestling, NXT continues to show that they have the future of the WWE between their ropes.

WWE Superstars was good as usual while Ring of Honor’s Sept. 1 episode of ROH Wrestling was below par.

TNA Impact Wrestling delivered another good show that was highlighted by the four matches that were featured.

The week was capped off by WWE SmackDown, which was another enjoyable show.

Who was the “Show of the Week?” Click here to cast your vote on who you thought was the best!

Here are my top 15 moments of this week!

Worst Moment of the Week

The worst moment of the week makes its return this week. What did I think was so bad that it would come back? Well, I felt that the hype for TNA’s No Surrender pay-per-view was just horrid.

The main focus of the show is the finals of the Bound for Glory Series and the final four, James Storm, Samoa Joe, Bully Ray and Jeff Hardy, were all hyped up very well. It’s the rest of the card that makes me put this on the list as the worst moment.

While I’m sure each match will be solid and will deliver, the hype behind the undercard is almost nonexistent.

Two matches have zero hype as Rob Van Dam vs. Magnus was just thrown on there and Zema Ion vs. Sonjay Dutt for the X-Division Championship is the first time in weeks the division has even been mentioned.

The Knockouts Championship match between Miss Tessmacher and Tara has a “Teacher vs. Student” kind of thing going for it, but it wasn’t built up in any way. Tara did beat Tessmacher on Open Fight Night two weeks ago, but it was never brought up again until this past Thursday.

The only other match with any kind of hype is the Tag Team Championship match between the champions Christopher Daniels and Kazarian and their challengers AJ Styles and Kurt Angle. That has the Styles/Daniels/Kazarian feud behind it as well as the rematch Styles and Angle never received when they lost the titles.

The PPV as a whole seems thrown together, though. Like I said, the matches will most likely be very good, especially the tag title match, but there’s barely any hype to get fans to want to spend their hard-earned money on it.

No. 15: John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio

When this match was announced, I let out a huge groan. I really didn’t want to see these two wrestle, as I already saw the match enough times last year.

The addition of the Falls Count Anywhere stipulation raised my hopes and I am so glad it was added. John Cena and Alberto Del Rio ended up having a good match here that featured some good table spots and even went backstage.

Too many times has a Falls Count Anywhere match in WWE ended in the ring or on the stage. I remember when they used to venture outside and throw each other in the ocean, so going backstage was a treat as far as I’m concerned.

The ending was great as well. CM Punk costing Cena the match adds more meat to their storyline while a victory for Del Rio keeps him looking strong going into Night of Champions against Sheamus.

I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing two new world champions at the PPV.

No. 14: ROH Wrestling, Sept. 1

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The September 1 episode of ROH Wrestling opened with a tag team title tournament match as the Bravado Brothers took on Steve Corino and Jimmy Jacobs. Corino and Jacobs would advance here in a good match.

The Bravado’s are an exciting team, but with the stipulation of Corino and Jacobs leaving Ring of Honor if they lose, it was obvious who was going to win.

Kevin Steen’s lackeys are a decent team, but they’re good singles wrestlers. Corino has still got it and I’m glad to see him still wrestling.

Post-match, the Guardians of Truth attacked them until Steen made the save. He would be Gored by Rhino, though. That Gore was huge and for the first time since winning the ROH World Heavyweight Championship, Steen may have the disadvantage when the match against Rhino occurs.

Matt Taven then took on Jay Lethal in a two-second match. Lethal kicked Taven down below and got disqualified. Before the match, Lethal talked of Jim Cornette telling him that he didn’t have a “killer instinct” to defeat Steen for the title. To show that he did, he did that to Taven and hit the Lethal Combination on the referee.

I was looking forward to a good match, but I was fine with what happened. Lethal is extremely talented and deserves a chance at the world title. If he has to present a few heel-like tactics to get the shot, then so be it.

Another tournament match ended the show as the Guardians of Truth took on Charlie Haas and Rhett Titus. Haas and Titus would advance here in a boring match.

It saw Titus get dismantled by the Guardians until Haas knocked one of them off the top rope and Titus rolled up the other one for the win. I was highly disappointed in that match.

Overall, I thought this was a below-average episode of ROH Wrestling. This is the first time since I began watching ROH on a regular basis that I’m downright disappointed.

No. 13: The Usos vs. Prime Time Players vs. Primo and Epico

This match ended up being a lot shorter than I expected, but it was an exciting match. The Usos, Titus O’Neal and Darren Young and Primo and Epico delivered nonstop action in the time they were given.

Big moves were hit, wrestlers were flying and overall insanity ensued. Both the Usos and the Colon cousins are two of the best teams in the WWE. When it comes to tag team wrestling, all four of them are downright talented.

The Prime Time Players have improved so much since their debut and they’re proving to me that they don’t need AW in their corner shouting instructions at them.

This match surprised me with one aspect. Usually in a triple threat tag match, only two guys are in the ring at a time. This match saw one member of each team in the ring. That’s why I think the match ended up being as exciting as it was.

I can’t remember WWE ever doing something like this, but I hope they continue to do it for future multi-team matches.

I have to ask a question, though, where were Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd?

No. 12: WWE Superstars

WWE Superstars opened with WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro battling Justin Gabriel in a winning effort. These two superstars had a good overall match here.

Cesaro dominated most of it, but he looked great in doing so and Gabriel sold for him beautifully. When Gabriel was in control, the pace of the match immediately quickened. That man is just so incredibly talented in the ring.

Divas action was up next as Layla took on Natalya in a winning effort. They had a good match and I don’t understand why WWE doesn’t let them do this on the main shows. Women like Layla and Natalya are very talented, so I’m glad Superstars exists to give them the chance to shine.

Damien Sandow then defeated Alex Riley next in what was a decent match. Sandow dominated most of the match while A-Ry had one flurry of offense.

It was basically the same formula as the opening match, but I’ve come to expect that kind of match from Sandow, so that’s why I thought it was decent at best. Both superstars are good in the ring, but it would have been nice to see a more back-and-forth match.

The main event saw Kofi Kingston and R-Truth defeat Primo and Epico in a very good tag team match. With exciting action throughout, both teams showed that WWE’s once-dead tag team division is now very much alive. It’s about time some life was breathed into it!

Overall, WWE Superstars delivered another good show. This show is truly the one to watch if you want to actually see wrestling in WWE.

No. 11: Gail Kim vs. Tara

Despite the match being slower than I would have liked, Gail Kim and Tara still had a good match. The Knockouts roster may be getting unfortunately smaller, but the women they still do have are very good in the ring.

Gail and Tara have worked together on multiple occasions and it shows in their matches. They know each other very well and that translates great inside the ring. Both women are solid wrestlers and can pull out a good match with no matter who they’re facing off against.

I’m happy to see Gail out of the title picture as it’s time for her to step aside for a bit and I’m even happier that Tara is back in it. She hasn’t had a title shot since January and she’s finally getting her chance at No Surrender.

I don’t think she’ll win, but it could potentially lead to a heel turn. The student beating the teacher could be a good way to turn her. I’ve always like Tara better as a heel anyway.

No. 10: Wade Barrett Returns

It has been six long months since the Barrett Barrage has been on television, but this past Friday on SmackDown, Wade Barrett finally made his return to the WWE.

He appeared, destroyed Yoshi Tatsu and then cut a short, but good, promo. While I would have liked to see him return to a real match, squashing Tatsu is what led to his promo.

Getting into how squash matches didn’t interest him, he declared that he was open for business as he felt that he should be thrust right into the world title picture.

I don’t know what “open for business” means, but I’m excited to see the Barrett Barrage mow over the competition until he does get back into the title picture. The former Intercontinental champion is going to be a welcomed fresh face when he does becomes a title contender again.

I think that by the end of the year or early next year, Barrett will be challenging for the World
Heavyweight Championship, which would mean Sheamus or Randy Orton will be champion. My money’s on Orton, though, as they were feuding at the time of his injury.

I like his new finisher as well. That vicious elbow to the head is so much better than Wasteland.

It’s great to see Wade Barrett back in the WWE and I can’t wait to see where he brings the Barrett Barrage!

No. 9: Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy

While the match was slow to start, Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy had a good match here. With some overall nice back-and-forth action, both wrestlers delivered for the fans.

The ending was a bit of a shock, though. The finish saw Hardy lock in a submission hold until the Samoan Submission Machine tapped out. Samoa Joe tapped out to a wrestler who never uses submission holds!

With Joe’s arm injury caused by Magnus, fans saw the Charismatic Enigma target it. It shows that Hardy meant business and will even go outside of his comfort zone to prove that.

Hardy’s 10-point victory ultimately put him in fourth place in the Bound for Glory Series and into the final four. He will be facing second-place wrestler Samoa Joe at No Surrender with the winner making it to the finals.

Since their next match is on PPV, they should have an even better match as they’ll have more time to perform.

No. 8: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara vs. The Miz and Cody Rhodes

The opening match on SmackDown was this tag team match and I thought it was quite the good one. With constant back-and-forth action, these four superstars delivered a fast-paced and enjoyable match for the fans.

Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara make an exciting team. Their styles obviously mesh very well together and they pull off great maneuvers. If given the time, they could develop into a cohesive unit that would be a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division.

Cody Rhodes and the Miz also worked well together, too, but the finish of the match points to a short-lived unit. Rhodes accidentally kicked Miz in the head, which caused the masked superstars to get the victory.

That kick leads me to believe that the Intercontinental Championship match at Night of Champions may be a fatal four-way match. The Miz is already feuding with Mysterio, and Rhodes’ kick to the head could put him into the mix, especially since he’s also feuding with Mysterio due to the mask. Since Sin Cara is feuding with Rhodes as well, that would place him into the match, too.

Is the title match going to be a fatal four-way? I have no idea, but it would be an exciting match if it does occur.

No. 7: Randy Orton vs. Damien Sandow

This would be the second week in a row that Damien Sandow has faced a main-event superstar on SmackDown and it marks the second week in a row that he has delivered with one.

His match with Randy Orton was an overall good one with back-and-forth action, but it also featured the same strategy as Sandow’s match with Sheamus last week.

The savior to the masses would roll out of the ring during points of the match and even ran out completely when Orton was measuring up for the RKO. Sandow was once again counted out, but his character stays intact.

He wasn’t ready to fight WWE’s Apex Predator and running away is telling fans that he feels that he’s too good for a match against Orton. It would be good to see him stay until the finish, but what he’s doing right now is great.

His cowardly ways are getting him over more as a heel while he explains that he is no coward, but someone that feels he’s too good to be facing the people that fans want to see beat him up.

No. 6: Anger Management

After last week’s very entertaining Anger Management segments, I was hoping that they’d continue them the following week. I questioned whether WWE could top themselves, but I feel that they did.

Whether it was Kane setting fire to a trash can, both he and Daniel Bryan not catching Harold or the Anger Management therapist freaking out over them arguing, WWE put together another great set of segments.

I think my favorite part was when the therapist said that Kane would catch Bryan and the Big Red Monster responded with “I Will?” I just laughed so hard when he said that.

The therapist losing his cool was a nice touch and what happened later was hysterical. While the time could have been used better, the fans did vote for it.

Seeing Kane and Bryan try to “hug it out” was funny and the ensuing fight keeps the storyline going strong.

No. 5: WWE NXT

WWE NXT opened with Richie Steamboat taking on Kassius Ohno in a winning effort after Ohno was disqualified when he poked Steamboat in the eye twice. They were having a good back-and-forth match until the lame ending.

I understand wanting to get Ohno over as a heel, but there are better ways to do so. Then again, they improved on it directly after the finish when he just dismantled Steamboat. Both superstars are good wrestlers, so I hope to see them have a lengthy match soon that doesn’t end in an eye rake.

Divas action was up next as Audrey Marie took on Paige in a losing effort. They had a good match, well, good in terms of the typical Divas match seen on Raw or SmackDown.

I like Paige a lot. She’s good in the ring and has quite a bit of intensity, which is something not many Divas have today. She’s also over with the crowd, so that could also help her make it to the main roster since she has the ability to get the fans behind her.

Audrey looked good as well, but Paige was the star here.

Backstage, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat confronted Ohno about what he did to his son. It’s good to see a legend interact with a younger superstar and Ohno’s cockiness really made the segment itself great.

Percy Watson went up against Leo Kruger next and lost. While Watson hit a few big moves, and looked good doing so, this match belonged to Kruger.

I like Kruger’s intensity and overall style. If given the chance, he could be a huge star one day. It’s a shame Watson didn’t get much offense in, but he sold for Kruger like a champ.

Brodus Clay then appeared to eat Brian Collins, but there’s not much to say about that.

The main event saw the Ascension defeat the Usos. Both teams delivered a very good match here.

The Ascension are a very intense and physical team. I love their gimmick and I think they could be a major force on the main roster. I was disappointed to see the Usos lose again, but they’re one of the best teams in WWE and know how to make others look strong.

The show ended with Jim Ross interviewing NXT champion Seth Rollins. Talking about being champion, Rollins cut a solid promo here. The man has such a bright future!

Overall I thought this was a good episode of WWE NXT. I can’t wait until next week.

No. 4: Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler

In a rematch from last Friday’s SmackDown, Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler once again delivered a good match. With nice back-and-forth action throughout, these two superstars showed the WWE Universe that they are two of the best in the company.

I enjoyed this match a little more than the one from SmackDown and I think that’s because Ziggler won the contest.

Orton has nothing left to prove. He’s been at the top of the mountain and fans know that he can get back up there any time he wants to. Ziggler, on the other hand, has never been “the guy” and has everything to prove, especially now that he has a guaranteed World Heavyweight Championship match.

A win over Orton helps prove his legitimacy as a main-event star to his doubters.

With Ziggler’s win comes the potential for a rubber match between them, which no doubt will be another good match. I can see it going down at Night of Champions and if it does, it’ll be a great addition to the card.

No. 3: Bully Ray vs. Rob Van Dam

Bully Ray and Rob Van Dam continued a trend on Impact Wrestling and that was a trend of good matches. Both ECW alumni delivered a good back-and-forth match with a lot of nice action.

You can tell that these two wrestlers have worked together for years as they know how to work with each other’s respective styles.

The finish was just awesome as Bully Ray caught Van Dam midair during the Five-Star Frog Splash and hit the Bubba Cutter. Sure, Randy Orton has done that in WWE a few times, but seeing someone of Bully Ray’s size pull it off was just cool to see.

Seeing Van Dam’s frog splash reversed like that doesn’t happen very often, either.

With Bully Ray’s win, he has placed third in the Bound for Glory Series and Van Dam was knocked out. At No Surrender, fans will see a BFGS rematch from last year’s semi-finals as the bully will face James Storm.

I think the finals this year are very exciting and the winner could be any of the four at this point.

No. 2: Christopher Daniels and Kazarian vs. Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez

I wasn’t really sure how this match would go, but it ended up being an exciting match. With great action throughout, both teams delivered a very good Tag Team Championship match.

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez really impressed me here. They did quick tags and delivered some great moves. Fans saw Hernandez hold Kazarian up high for a suplex while Guerrero hit the Three Amigos on Daniels, Guerrero delivered a huracanrana on Hernandez onto Kazarian and it’s always great to see SuperMex fly.

I’m not taking anything away from the champions, though, as Daniels and Kazarian are a great team. Their double team moves are simpler, but they’re very effective, and Daniels and Kaz just work so well together.

TNA made a great choice in making this the main event and Guerrero and Hernandez proved to be a great choice in the challenger position.

It’s happening slowly, but the tag team division in TNA is on its way back from the dead, and I couldn’t be more excited as a result!

No. 1: CM Punk and Paul Heyman Together at Last

Ever since Paul Heyman made his return to the WWE, I’ve been hoping for him to do something with CM Punk. This past Monday on Raw, I got my wish.

After Punk dropped John Cena on the hood of a car, he drove off with Heyman as the driver. The former head of ECW didn’t say a word; he just looked down at Cena as he drove by.

With something so simple, WWE raised a whole lot of questions.

What was Heyman doing there? What is their relationship? Is Heyman looking to avenge Brock Lesnar’s Extreme Rules loss to Cena somehow? Did Punk hire him as a representative? The list could go on and on.

All I truly know is this: when you put Punk and Heyman in the ring, pure gold is going to be produced as both of them are masters of the mic.

I hope to see them both all over my television next week on Raw!

Poll Results/Cast Your Vote

Here are the poll results from last week, August 27-31:

• WWE Raw: 42.9%
• TNA Impact Wrestling: 37.5%
• WWE SmackDown: 12.5%
• WWE NXT: 6.2%
• ROH Wrestling: 0.9%
• WWE Superstars: 0.0%

After TNA Impact Wrestling topped the list last week, WWE Monday Night Raw claimed the top spot this week. Was Raw good enough to do it again?

Don’t forget to vote for what you thought was the best show this week. Thanks for reading!