BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
Extreme Rules came and went. I was looking forward to the show a lot until Dolph Ziggler got taken off the card. After the ladder match was changed to a stupid I-Quit match it almost completely shut me out. Before then I was excited about the ladder match and the rest of the card was stacked and I was convinced this show was going to rock. Then I lost interest and almost didn’t even watch this show.
Cena and Ryback’s “Last Man Standing” match literally put me to sleep. I just drank four strong cups of coffee and was well rested. I think I have John Cena Brand Narcolepsy. I honestly don’t “hate him” or “like him”. I just find his persona boring and his wrestling work uneventful. His ring psychology and storytelling is the same every time and is never all that suspenseful and interesting. Ryback was falling into the same boat, but his newer “edgy” thing is at least something new so I’ll be more open to it before passing judgment. They had some cool spots, but it just felt like it went on forever. The big destructive finish was a nice touch and saved face for everyone. Heaven forbid John Cena loses a match clean or show any vulnerability.
The show opened with Jericho and Fandango had a decent match. Fandango is in a crazy position right now. He’s in a really bizarre character that’ll either hit or miss every time. He’s not bad in the ring, but you can tell he’s “green”. I think he’s coming along nicely and he’ll find his footing and presence, but only if people like Jericho show him the ropes. Fandango needs to feud with someone like a returning Christian and continue to go up the card.
The “I Quit” Match was boring. Jack Swagger ruins the concept of entertainment. Sheamus and Mark Henry put on a really sad Strap Match. Henry is always awesome and Sheamus can put on good matches in the right light. The problem here is the match sucked. I was excited because we’ve not seen a match like this in a long time. There was a lot of little things they could have and should have done. It just felt rushed and not as good as it should have been.
It was annoying that the Cage Match was the main event. Why? There is no title on the line and judging by the crowd’s subdued reaction, it’s not a “supply and demand” match. It’s easy to cheer when they beat the hell out of each other, but the problem is there is so little real substance to this storyline that it’s painful. The promos are tired, the feud is crap, and it’s limiting so many potential cool things it’s just sad. I can only hope Triple H goes away for a while and Brock moves on to fight over people. Then when Triple H comes back and is in the main event again; and you know he will because you know he’s the biggest legend ever; let’s just hope he helps create stars instead of trying to put more feather’s in his “King of Kings” headdress.
I’m not completely jaded. I enjoyed a few matches for sure. Orton/Show was fun. I never expect myself to enjoy Big Show matches, but for the past year or so he has been one of the most consistent performers in recent memory. It wasn’t the best match, but I enjoyed the energy. Randy Orton is so unfairly criticized. He should be the WWE Championship picture. Why isn’t he kicking Cena in the head? RKO’s Ryback? Attacking Brock? Mentioning The Rock? Or anything of relevance? He’s been stuck on the B-list of Main Eventers. He’s better than that. Like any IWC nerd, I loved seeing The Shield win belts. I liked both matches and can’t wait to see more from these guys. I don’t need to go on and on about it. Everyone else is doing that for me.
To be honest, I’m not sure if it were worth investing three hours of life watching. There were a few cool spots, decent matches, and nice moments but nothing really all that magical. While I did enjoy Kofi/Ambrose, the Tornado Tag, and Orton/Show, there isn’t a match on this show that I’d be super excited to watch again. It really says something when a card full of normally exciting and fun stipulation matches is lackluster. They’re going to need a big shake up or something genuinely interesting to happen soon or I don’t know how long I’ll keep up with this.
It might be time to take a few months away from the WWE product.
|
