Fan Feedback: WWE Clash of Champions
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Worst Match: Alicia Fox vs. Nia Jax —
Thought it was fine for what it was. Was surprised with the heat that Jax got – even considering it was on first. Was sceptical the squashes were getting her anywhere.
New Day vs. Anderson & Gallows —
Unique layout for a WWE match, filled with urgency & fast-paced – relatively speaking. Thought it was good. They’ve really made a lot of mistakes with Anderson & Gallows – they quickly went from presenting them as a dominate force to Styles’ lackeys, beat them too often too early, were never put in a position to build decent momentum, the whole doctors gimmick did nothing for them……really a great series of errors. With that said, with how hot New Day have been, given the little success Anderson & Gallows have had, they probably weren’t the right team to end New Day’s lengthy title reign. Enzo & Cass seem better suited.
Perkins Vs. Kendrick —
Thought it was a decent match, but was greatly disappointed with the layout.
They were clearly somewhat restricted & they very much had to conform structurally. My feelings were despite how they were presented….to an extent, I was confident the division would get over solely on unique moves & work-rate, but if they’re going to tone them down to this degree – regularly, I’m inclined to change my mind. On top of all of this – there were some messy moments towards the end & I think it’s a bit early to be laying-out the babyface champion, regardless of it likely leading to another victory in the rematch.
Best Match: Sheamus vs. Cesaro —
Superb match. Tremendous stuff. Finishes, sminishes. With that said – after seeing seven, I’m not sure we need to see an eighth. And it’s going to be tough to top that.
Zayn vs. Jericho —
Since Summerslam I think Jericho’s really found his groove, in-ring, as largely during this run he’s been a little off – IMO. But here I felt he regressed. Also the match lacked a bit of spark & Cesaro-Sheamus was a tough act to follow. Saying that – I thought it was a good match. If Jericho is moving onto a program higher up the card, or this is the first in a series, I’m cool with the finish. If not I’m not.
Bayley vs. Sasha vs. Charlotte —
Thought it was a good match. Did lots of nice stuff, good fluidity & crispness – for the most part, although I did feel they were guilty of rushing on occasion. They’re beating Bayley far too much. With her character you can beat her & she shouldn’t reach the top of the mountain fairly immediately, but it’s too much too soon. Women’s a goldmine & they’re blowing it……….again.
Rusev vs. Reigns —
Was a little disappointed for the most part – there were occasions where they weren’t on the same wave-length, didn’t flow that well, thought the layout could’ve been better, some of the false-finishes were weak, would’ve liked a double-down & fire-up coming off the Samoan Drop rather than going for the cover, a few missed opportunities for the punch-for-punch spot which always works etc. – but they got there in the end, last few minutes were good. Think a US title run is a good spot for Reigns if you’re going to keep him face.
Rollins vs. Owens —
Ever since they made the match a week after Triple H’s return, I was certain he going to pop-up here again getting involved in the finish, & largely I think the crowd did too. Shocked. As for the match – I thought it was good, although perhaps a quicker pace at times, which the crowd seemed to agree with, although they did go long. Also I would’ve liked Owens to give Rollins greater space to sell during the heat, & was disappointed with Rollins’ babyface presence/showmanship here. And on top of that – so far, I have to say I’m not seeing top babyface charisma from Rollins.
As for the booking going forwards – although being naïve is a far from ideal way to turn someone babyface, who will be occupying a top babyface role, they did give Rollins momentum coming off the turn, coming out on top in all his physical altercations & not beating him on the way to this match. Here I expected him be screwed by H again & then move onto a program with him. Now my suspicion is a second match with Owens, inside the cell, with H screwing him there & then moving onto the program.
Although I was content with Rollins losing this match, I do feel it’s important for him to win a program early into his babyface run, & after a second loss to Owens it maybe too late – to an extent. With that said – who’s to say Triple H would even do the honours for him, & I may be way off on the timeline for the program, presuming that is the eventual direction.
– Tom (Brock Leslie)
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– Best Match: Jericho v Zayn
– Worst Match: Fox v Jax
Wasnt the greatest show and some very odd decisions and outcomes – the no contest best of 7, New Day still retaining (would have to imagine they would still be over without the belts need to make some other teams), the almost Nitro ish feel to the main event with distractions and interference, etc. but still entertaining.
Perkins and Kendrick may have had match of the night but there were some slight timing issues with moves. Didnt take me out of it totally but enough to knock it a peg. Main event may have as well but the wackiness did take me out of it. The non “smart” arena in Indiana still hated Reigns just so tough to watch. Maybe now sidetracked with US title crowds give him a break(?). Womens match was great cant believe the height Charlotte gets on the moonsaults. Though still a good show, getting grief from the wife that the frequency seems to be on the rise. They bettee not drop in quality or Im going to have to do whats “best for business” and start watching some on demand!
Michael OBrien
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– Best Match: Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
– Worst Match: Nia Jax vs. Alicia Foxx
Overall Clash of Champions was a solid show, although certainly some of the results didn’t go as I expected.
Kickoff show featured Nia Jax vs. Alicia Foxx. I gave that worst match by default. It basically was what it needed to be. In fact I think Nia should have squashed her even quicker than she did.
Show kicks off with Tag Team Titles. Pretty solid match, but still a little surprised that the titles didn’t change hands. Who else do they have to challenge New Day? I guess New Day will be the longest reigning champs in history at this rate.
TJ Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick was next. Match was slower paced than I expected and not as good as I figured it would be. I was hoping for something a little more like what we got in the tournament or even on Monday. Just as a way to say here we are. Not a bad match at all, but not what I was hoping for. Perkins winning was the only choice. I guess they will meet again.
Sheamus vs. Cesaro was a physical battle and very good. Wasn’t expecting them to have a non finish, but it actually turned out okay here for the storyline. Cesaro took a sick landing on that dive. Hope he doesn’t have any lasting problems from that. So I assume a street fight or something for their final encounter at Hell in a Cell unless they rush to do it on Raw.
Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn was a very good match as well. Was again surprised by the outcome though. Thought Zayn needed it more than Jericho, but looks Jericho will be mixed up with the main event program. Zayn deserves a shot near the top.
Women’s Triple Threat was next. Good match with these three. Charlotte retaining is actually what I thought and it happened. Unless Paige is back soon, I expect Charlotte vs. either Sasha or Bayley in a singles is next. Or unless Brooke is turning, but do we really want to see that one-on-one match?
Rusev vs. Reigns was good. We got our only title change of the night here as Reigns wins it with the spear. So probably a return match for these guys then who is next in line for Reigns?
Main event was a solid match with Owens and Rollins. A lot of shenanigans at the end with Jericho and the ref bump. Steph finally sent another ref down. Looks like a subtle move to make it seem like she is really helping Owens which she could be, but we aren’t supposed to know for sure. Rollins still doesn’t seem like a full on babyface with how he acts, but eventually he will be I’m sure.
Feels like we are watching a ppv every two weeks. Oh wait we are. At least it doesn’t cost any extra. Not like the old days of having to pay $45 every couple of weeks.
– Robb Block
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– Best Match: Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins
– Worst Match: New Day vs Gallows/Anderson
So much for keeping Rollins and Reigns out of the title picture. One got a brand new title and the other got screwed in the main event.
I figure the longtime storyline to WrestleMania is Bayley finally getting a one-on-one shot at the Womens title, but does that mean they have to start jobbing her out immediately? That’s one side effect of splitting the women onto two shows – they’re not enough “main event” talent to fill the title slots and secondary matches.
Anderson/Gallows seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time – they have yet to have a blow-away match and have been surpassed by both Enzo and Cass and the New Day as the top teams on the RAW branch.
Sorry for a somewhat incomplete report but the WWE Network app was cutting out on my SmartTV and I had to uninstall and reinstall. Then I wound up DMing WWENetwork tech support on Twitter for a bit, but they really offer no help. It’s a guy at a desk with a notebook of responses to give,
– Jeff Cohen | Flushing, NY
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– Best Match: Cesaro vs Sheamus
– Worst Match: Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens
What a pitiful excuse for a pay per view event. And the main event was pathetic. I have no idea what the story is. I have no idea who the hero and villain is. It’s just a couple of guys doing moves while waiting for another guy to run in.
Highlight of the show was the Cesaro/Sheamus match. Major props to those two for going out there and killing it, especially knowing what the finish was. Seems inexplicable to do a best of 7 series and end it in a draw. But these are the same people who just did a tag tournament and at the end, decided to just change it up anyway.
Sigh.
– Charles Humphreys
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– Best Match: Cesaro vs Sheamus
– Worst Match: Nia Jax vs Alicia Fox
This was a great show. You can tell when comparing this show to the first Smackdown PPV that they are really lacking the depth on the roster. No need for these shows to go 3 plus hours, they can save that for the big 4.
– Eric Poon