Pads & Panels

Title: WWE Extreme Rules 2011

Format: DVD

Studio: WWE Home Video

Review by: Bill Jones

Extreme Rules was introduced to WWE as the ECW pay-per-view of the year, but since going PG, it has become more about gimmick matches – cages, ladders, last man standing – than anything truly “extreme.” And while 2011’s iteration still finds itself stuck in that rut, it has a few gems. While it never tops the bill, Christian and Alberto del Rio put on a solid (not classic) ladder match, with the great story of Christian’s first championship win behind it. CM Punk and Randy Orton also have a knock-down drag-out last man standing bout. The triple threat main event cage match between The Miz, John Cena and John Morrison also has its moments, but feels awkward all around, and the end of The Miz’s reign is a disappointment. (more…)

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Title: WWE Capitol Punishment

Format: DVD

Studio: WWE Home Videos

Review by: Bill Jones

WWE Capitol Punishment. If nothing else, it was one of the more entertainingly named pay per views in awhile, and the Barack Obama skits had potential, if ultimately put together seemingly lazily. R Truth’s turn toward craziness was also an entertaining build to the show, and his match with John Cena wasn’t half bad. Alex Riley and The Miz also put on a good show, as do Rey Mysterio and CM Punk. Randy Orton and Christian have another solid World Heavyweight Championship bout. None of it is particularly groundbreaking, and it still has the feel of a second-tier PPV for WWE, but it’s a solid show from start to finish. (more…)

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No matter what happens at MITB, Punk rant was brilliant

How WWE is playing a hometown, the internet and more

By Bill Jones

No matter what happens at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in Chicago this Sunday, there’s no denying that the already infamous June 27 Monday Night Raw rant was an absolutely brilliant move. And its impact is already readily apparent. More people are buzzing about the world of professional wrestling than they have in years; WWE is likely to get great buyrates for a PPV that otherwise might have been considered second-rate and gone largely under the radar; people were chanting CM Punk’s name on Raw tonight; and there is the setup for some great shock value in Punk’s hometown.

For those coming to this story unfamiliar with the situation, CM Punk came out at the end of Monday Night Raw June 27, cost John Cena a tables match against R Truth, and proceeded to sit at the top of the ramp and cut a promo that had many wondering whether it was scripted or whether CM Punk had really just gone off the hinges. (more…)

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Title: RAW: The Best of 2010

Format: Three-Disc DVD Set

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

The first third of 2010 for Monday Night Raw, or what is covered on the first-disc of the new three-disc Best of 2010 DVD from WWE Home Video, proves that 2010 was an extremely front-loaded year for WWE. In the opening months, we see Bret “The Hit Man” Hart make his return to the squared circle, some great DX tag team bouts, and Shawn Michaels bidding the WWE Universe farewell after his Mania loss to The Undertaker. The rest of the set highlights The Nexus invasion and feud with John Cena, the “rise” of Randy Orton, The Miz launching his championship reign, and more than 20 matches. The best moments though may be CM Punk’s look back at 900 episodes of Raw, and Santino’s tea party with Sheamus. (more…)

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Title: Smackdown: The Best of 2009-2010

Format: DVD

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

Smackdown: The Best of 2009-2010 provides just that, 20 of the best matches (as well as moments) from the 2009-2010 television season of Smackdown, which coincidentally celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2009. It starts with the “return” of the Rock (via satellite/pre-recorded message), who offers a disappointing tease that never came to fruition of a Raw hosting gig. And there’s no doubt the season was full of other big moments, such as Jack Swagger’s championship reign, Kane’s assault on the Undertaker and some solid matches, as well as the fantastic debut of Alberto del Rio. But what is left out is even more disappointing, such as Swagger’s diatribes after winning the title and Alberto del Rio’s promotional videos. Both of these would have made for fantastic special features, especially considering the space that could use filling in the supposed 9-hour running time of the three discs. (more…)

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