The Amazing Spiderman Review

Several years ago, Spiderman released in theaters to a public desperate for a great screen adaption of a iconic superhero. The Batman movies prior to Batman Begins were pure rubbish, X-Men fell flat, and Superman Return wasn't even conceived yet (but ended up being a total travesty). Spiderman ended up reviving the comic book movie genre and set the tone for all the amazing hero film that have come out since. Now history show that it is the franchise that hit big and went out with a whimper. Spiderman 3 was probably one of the worst movie, let alone comic book film I have ever seen. With all the hype that came with Venom finally being fleshed out on screen, he got three minutes of screen time and just like that Spiderman's greatest enemy (next to Green Goblin) was vanquished along with our our attention spans.

A few years after that tragedy we get "The Amazing Spiderman". This film seemed to try and take a cue from Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and made it a more down to earth and darker take on the wall-crawler. Gone were the webbing that came directly from the wrist, and the dry lame humor that Spidey spewed. The snarky, quick witted Spiderman was back, and so are his webshooters. The problem I had with this film is that what took 20 mins to explain in the previous origin story took over two hours to tell in this film. We already know how Spiderman came to be, more attention could have been placed on other aspects of the film. Granted the action was great as well as the on screen chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, but mid way through the movie I was thinking to myself "Geez its taking them this long to get this movie started?".  I thought that The Lizard was done great. The CGI work as well as the battle scenes were fantastic. But did we really need ANOTHER villain that has a split personality that he talks to? That was already done with the Green Goblin, it felt unoriginal and played out. All in all I felt connected to the characters and the story. I actually cared about what happened to everyone and that kept me engaged. The characters were fleshed out well, it was the overall storytelling that I have issue with. They could have gotten the same effect in less time.

This films is obviously going to go for a sequel and if you close your eyes and pretend that this wasn't done before, it becomes a great film. But I feel like the next Spidey film of this franchise will be it's own Dark Knight. Or maybe The Avengers really did spoil every other comic book movie from hrere on out. Time will tell.

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Retrofix: Shaun of the Dead

Few films do a genre crossover well, and even fewer manage to do each genre well. Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead, however, is one of those few films. Successfully combining comedy and horror to make a hilarious and gruesome zombie film/chick flick (or as some call it, a rom-zom-com), Wright’s film is a melting pot of visual style, fast-paced editing, and dark humor and wit.
Starring the always awesome Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, Shaun of the Dead starts off with a bang. A lot of films make the mistake of having the setup last far too long, often introducing too many characters or showing too much back story for said characters. Wright skips as much of the back story as possible and chooses to show only what is necessary to the film. You understand from the start that Shaun and Ed are best friends, neither of which are going anywhere in life, and it is obvious that Shaun and Liz are having issues. You understand this because it’s all Wright shows you. It’s perfect and allows the film to move in a fast pace that flows so well with the comedy and horror. He skips out on the boring part because he knows we don’t care about it. The film was clearly made with the audience in mind, which is one of the reasons that it’s so likeable.
The editing is, without a doubt, one of the greatest elements of the film. Quick cuts piece the film together and allow it to flow so perfectly and smoothly without causing the audience to miss a beat. The fast-paced cutting allows us to see Wright’s visual style and it becomes obvious that he is a director unlike any other. He and his editors (gotta give credit where credit’s due) utilize the smash cut to cause an amazing and constant flow of scenes to fly by without the audience noticing. It’s said that good editing isn’t noticed, which makes Shaun’s editing perfect.

The film is also quite a breath of fresh air. As stated before, genre crossovers usually aren’t all too great, but Shaun is amazing. Easily one of the best comedies to come out in the last decade, the film is filled with actors with impeccable timing and fantastic performances. Pegg and Frost have the most believable on screen bromance in recent memory. In fact, theirs is so perfect that it has become the standard of comparison for me. I’ll see a movie and think to myself, “Well, they’re not Shaun and Ed but I guess they’re alright.” When I watch the film now I barely care about Liz and would honestly be perfectly content with watching a 90-minute film about Shaun and Ed just broing it up for a bit because their chemistry is just that good.
The gore factor in the film is also a great element. Wright kept in mind that he was making a horror film and reminds us whenever someone gets killed or shot. There’s not just a little blood here and there, there’s blood spraying out, arms and legs getting ripped off, and insides getting pulled out. What’s great about this is that it walks that line between too much and just enough so well that you stop caring. Watching David get ripped apart is still one of my favorite deaths in film history. He was an annoying little turd so it was well deserved, and Wright kept that in mind. He made sure that David got a proper death that the audience would appreciate. Even when a likeable character is killed it’s pretty gruesome, which is great. I don’t mean to sound twisted and sadistic, but I appreciate that Wright didn’t compromise his film to make it more of one genre than another. He kept it so well balanced and made sure that elements of all genres were accounted for. That’s brilliant filmmaking.
Wright has a clear talent for filmmaking, as all three of his major releases are incredible. Shaun of the Dead kick started his glorious career and it is obvious why. Seamlessly blending elements of multiple genres to make an incredibly funny and gory horror flick isn’t easy, but Shaun of the Dead proves that it is possible.


-Nick Yovino

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Project M Character Analysis: Wolf

Last week was a brief review of Lucario; this week we have a look at another canine competitor, Star Fox's Wolf.  Much like Lucario, Wolf is a character that benefits from an aggressive play style.  Compared to Brawl, he has a marked improvement in his ability to string together combos and that's compounded by his great aerial game.  His Reflector (Shine) now functions a bit more like Falco's (Melee/Project M Falco, that is) and this makes his rush down game all the more satisfying.

Akin to Fox and Falco, Wolf's Shine is his best friend.  As always, it's a great defensive tool, but who uses it for that?!  Offensive purpose is where the Shine...well, shines.  The trajectory that your opponent pops up at when hit with a Shine will tend to be up and away.  The beauty of this is that with a healthy combination of jumping and ingenuity, you can extend combos well beyond the initial Shine strike.  As with his fellow space animals, Wolf can jump out of his shine, which will afford you the opportunity to chase up effectively.  This is where the ingenuity comes in to play - Depending on the opponent and their current damage level, you'll have to assess whether a hop or a full jump is more appropriate to get to the opponent, and then determine the attack to hit them with.  To keep combos going, you'll want to aim to use your UpAir and ForwardAir to juggle.  Keep in mind that the end of the swing of your ForwardAir is far more powerful than the rest of it, so if you land with this, you'll be doing a lot more chasing and they might recover in the air, ending the combo. 

Keep them in the air, and keep them guessing!

UpAir and ForwardAir will keep the fight aerial, but people tend to catch on to these things.  That's why you'll want to mix it up with some NeutralAir attacks as well.  Your NeutralAir, while also an effective approach, can help you "stick" to your opponent, dragging them back down to the ground with you.  When you do, L-cancel that landing, pop them back up with another Shine and do it again.  Platforms can be your friend here - Stages like Battlefield and Project M's new Rumble Falls can let you combo from the ground way up into the air while keeping your double jump available for maneuvering or even more aggressive chasing.  Get them up high and land that strong ForwardAir strike to kill them off the top!

As mentioned above, NeutralAir serves as a good approach, not only for having multiple hitboxes during the rotations, but for absolutely chewing through shields.  A couple of well placed NeutralAir hits can bring a shield near the breaking point, which will always force your opponent to reconsider how they handle your approach.  L-cancelled NeutralAirs will afford Shine opportunities, which is what you always want to be aiming for.  Your approach should always be varied, so always be willing to pivot and rush in with a BackAir; this kick is all-purpose and will be one of your best friends with Wolf, both for damage and kills.  DownAir is deceptively fast, and when punishing a whiffed smash is one of your best bets, as it will pop your opponent straight up for some more Wolf-brand fun in the sky.

A spinning Wolf is a dangerous Wolf.

I would be remiss to mention approach options and not bring up Wolf's new Blaster.  Your NeutralB laser may move slower than you're used to, but this just changes the way you need to use it.  Keep shots high and low to create an obstacle course for your opponent or force them to turtle up in their shield, then follow with a NeutralAir to break it apart.  Most importantly, keep in mind that you can now act out of your Blaster earlier than it may look; try short hopping and wavelanding it!  Wavelanded lasers can be an incredible grab tool - Waveland a laser, and if they shield it, you've got a shield stunned opponent ripe for the grabbing.  Toss them up and get back to what Wolf does best.

Keep right up with your lasers and stay ahead of your opponents.

While we're on the subject of special attacks, let's look at Wolf's UpB and SideB.  UpB has a wind property that will push the opponent in the direction of the attack, if you connect.  This isn't a hit stun, so it's a bit different to deal with.  If you see the opportunity mid combo or juggle to tag them with UpB, go for it - If it's well placed, you may push them out farther than they can reach with their recovery.  SideB requires a bit of finesse to use effectively:  You'll have to connect with the very end of the attack to do any damage and knockback, and if you don't you'll be wide open for a quick smash due to the landing time.  SideB couples very well with Shine and its related options.  If you think you'll connect, go for it.  Just be careful not to end up over a pit.

Finally, let's look at those same moves from the recovery side.  This is where the clouds roll in; Wolf's recovery is less than stellar.  Like Fox and Falco, it's very predictable, as you're either going to come in a straight line via UpB or a slight angle via SideB.  One thing you should get used to as you approach the ledge is the use of Shine to mess with your opponent's perception of your momentum.  When you Shine in midair, you'll essentially hang there, almost still for a moment.  Use this opportunity to dodge an attack meant to push you farther away and then zip to the ledge or find yourself at just the right angle to tag your opponent with SideB to give yourself space to reset.  Continue to keep in mind that SideB has a lot of wind down time compared to other moves, so once you land, you'll be vulnerable if you haven't created that space.

The effects of a well placed Side B

As with every character, there are always opportunities, given the situation - Don't be shy about jumping out to spike with your DownAir for a satisfying kill.  What I said for Lucario holds true here as well:  Wolf is another character whose limit lies in your understanding of where your attack will put your opponent and following it up effectively.  Don't give them room to breathe.  Reaction time and creativity can help put your character over the top.  Big opponents don't hurt either, since there's so much more of them to Shine and juggle.  Speaking of big opponents, next on the list is the newly liberated, trainer-less Charizard.

If you've got a combo video or a particular combo you like to pull off with Wolf, let us know in the comments.  Disagree with what I said or have something to add?  Be sure to tell us!  And don't forget to tag any tweets you make about Project M with #projectmelee; I'll once in a while make mention of something concerning it as well @sbfantom.

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First Look: Final Fantasy Theatrhythm

When I heard there would be a 3DS Final Fantasy title, I was stoked. On July 3rd, my dreams were that much closer, and I headed out to get this new game.

Unfortunately, my dreams of a 3D Final Fantasy RPG were crushed. No, Theatrhythm is not "that" game.

Theatrhythm is TapTapRevolution for you Final Fantasy die-hards. Extreme fans of nostalgia, Nobuo Uematsu, and NES pixels are going to want this game. It's not easy though, after hours of play I'll definitely say it's a challenge of sorts.

First off, you get a bonus. In each case of Theatrhythm is an extended grip stylus. At the end of the stylus is a small circle, to which you can apply a sticker of your favorite Final Fantasy sticker. There's a character from each of the 13 games, as well as a Moogle, a Chocobo, Cosmos and Chaos. If you're not familiar with Chaos and Cosmos, you haven't played the PSP game, Dissidia. Don't worry, they're in this game as well.

There is basically no plot to this game, so there's no sappy love story or long drawn out chain of events. Between Chaos and Cosmos is Rhythm, location of the Music Crystal that fills the world with Harmony. As Chaos grows, harmony is disrupted and the crystal dims. To restore the crystal, Rhythmia is needed, and that is where our heroes step in...Well, at least that's the "point" of the game.

Anyway, anybody who picks up this game has one thing in mind- musically playing through their favorite Final Fantasy tracks in a tapping fashion. There's three types of stages, but they all basically play the same, with some minor differences. The first is Field Music Stage, which is your selected character(s) walking through a field reminiscent of a field from a Final Fantasy. The second is a Battle Music Stage, which is your character(s) fighting a series of monsters to the beat of the music. The last is the Event Music Stage, which is just a montage of scenes from the given Final Fantasy playing in the background as you do your musical tapping business. For later games, the montage is entirely CG scenes, while in earlier games scenes from a Japanese version of the game play-through are shown.

Next, there are different kinds of tapping, limited to three though. First is the basic tap, shown by a Red circle. You just need to tap the lower screen as the red circle hits your black circle. Second is the yellow directional tap, shown above, in which you swipe the lower screen in the direction shown as it hits the black circle. The last kind are hold taps, which are green, and when it hits your black circle you hold the stylus to the screen until the end of the green bar, at which point you let go. Sometimes you need to end it with a swipe, shown by a directional tap instead. These are the basics, of course. On Field Music stages, you'll need to trace the hold on the bottom screen to correspond with the path on the top screen.

Each level also has a feature zone, and if you hit all or most of the notes, that will give you access to a special part of the stage. For Field Music stages, you ride a Chocobo; for Event Music stages, you get a longer song; and for Battle Music stages, you summon a powerful summon, such as Ifrit, Shiva, or Odin.

Lastly, there's three types of play. The first is Series play, in which you select a Final Fantasy game and play a series of stages relative to the game. The second is Challenge play, which you get to select individual songs you beat in the Series play to play. Lastly is the Chaos shrine, which you unlock 2 randomly selected songs to play. This feature is accompanied by Streetpass, which you can pass your pairs of songs on, and play the pairs with local friends.

After each level, you get experience, and like every other game the characters level up and improve in their stats. Additionally, each character can gain abilities or items to help in your levels. You can also receive shards, which when enough are collected unlock new characters, collectible in-game cards, or unlock new movies and songs for your entertainment pleasures. You can also purchase select tracks from Nintendo's eStore within the game to expand your collection.

Unfortunately, there's not much more to this game outside of nostalgia and music. Some of the scenes look neat in 3D, and for me I found a use for the 3DS stand I got back when I bought Kid Icarus. If you can, pick it up when it drops in price, it's not worth the $40 price-tag, maybe $25 or so would suffice. Since it's a 3DS only title, it's a little bit of a let-down. If you do get it, at least you can enjoy the character sprites of the game, which make even Safer Sephiroth seem as harmless as a fluffy bunny...

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WWE Raw Wrapup - 7/2/2012

Tonight we're graced with the presence of Teddy Long as the interim general manager.  We'll also hear an answer from Brock Lesnar concerning HHH's Summerslam challenge.  We open with a replay of the end of last week, with Big Show chokeslamming John Cena and placing him in the Colossal Clutch until he went conscious.  Rhetoric from the commentators on how unstoppable Big Show is anchors the video package and we head into the show proper.  Tonight is episode 997!

Interim GM Teddy Long has set up CM Punk and Cena against Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho as the main event.  Tag matches are kind of Teddy's signature thing, but Bryan and Jericho on a team?  I'm fine with that.  John Cena's music hits and we will be bookending the show with Cena, it seems.  Cena grabs himself a mic and gets a chorus of boos and cheers.  Cena thanks Jericho and Big Show for beating him up last week; he needed preparation for his first Money in the Bank match.  Cena says he'll be prepared - At Money in the Bank, Big Show goes home empty handed and John Cena will get the briefcase and become WWE Champion.  Daniel Bryan YES's his way down to the ring, sans music, and comes face to face with John Cena.  Bryan says he didn't even know Cena was in the ring, because Cena is not relevant.  He is, however, because Bryan vows to defeat CM Punk and become the next WWE Champion.  Bryan says that if Cena cashes Money in the Bank in on him, he will become the first person to fail to capitalize on the contract.  Cena says he can think of someone who disagrees, but CM Punk interrupts the interruption.  Punk says he disagrees with Bryan and goes into a YES tirade, driving Bryan nuts.  Bryan begs for someone to have an original thought and not steal his catchphrase.  Punk obliges, telling Bryan that AJ will count his shoulders to the mat at Money in the Bank.  Punk turns his attention to Cena and says if he gets the briefcase, it will come down to Punk and Cena once more.  Chris Jericho makes his entrance, to tell Punk that he is a wannabe.  Jericho jaws at Punk and the WWE Champion calls him Bon Jovi.  Jericho suggests Bryan comes up with new catchphrases, and Jericho tells him to "Shut...the helllll...up" and welcomes the crowd to "Raw is Jericho".  After tonight, nobody in the ring will ever...eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeever be the same again.

Jericho turns his attention to Cena and says that since he invented the match, he'll win it.  Jericho dares anyone to tell him otherwise and right on cue, Kane's music hits.  Kane comes out and literally tells Jericho "otherwise", then Big Show makes his entrance to round out the crowd.  Cena wants Show to bring it on and Bryan attacks from behind, leading to a brawl.  Big Show stands tall alone and exits.  Odds of Kane and Big Show being inserted into tonight's main event?  Pretty good.

Interesting open to the show.  A lot of star power right up front to fill the first quarter hour, effectively showcasing most of the major talent on Raw.  Jericho rapid firing his old catch phrases is fun and Big Show still remains dominant heading into Money in the Bank.

Match 1:  Prime Time Players, David Otunga and Cody Rhodes vs Kofi Kingston and R-Truth (Tag Team Champions), Santino Marella (United States Champion) and Christian (Intercontinental Champion), 8-man tag
Winners:  Santino Marella, Christian, Kofi Kingston and R-Truth

Christian and Young open, with Christian taking early control with rights, kicks and a second rope missile dropkick for two.  R-Truth tags in and lays right hands in, tagging out to his partner, Kingston, who springboards in with a forearm for two.  Kingston hits a standing jumping clothesline and wants the Boomdrop, but Titus pulls Young to safety.  Kofi hits a suicide dive on Titus, giving Young the opening to clothesline Kofi on the floor.  This reset leads to a commercial break. 

Back from break, Rhodes has Kingston in a bow and arrow stretch, then delivers a knee to the midsection and tags in O'Neil.  AW is microphoned up, for all to hear.  Titus slams Kofi for two.  Kofi hits a dropkick and needs a tag.  O'Neil tags Otunga and Santino is in on the other side.  Santino strikes, hits a saito suplex and a split stunner.  The pin is broken up by Young and O'Neil, which the Tag Champs take exception to.  AW grabs his team and the head up the ramp.  Santino splits under an Otunga attack and hits a hip toss, but whiffs the headbutt.  Rhodes waves off Otunga, not accepting a tag, leaving Otunga on his own.  To further complicate things, Brodus Clay enters, complete with music.  Otunga is avoiding the Cobra, but Clay blocks his escape.  Otunga gets rolled back in and takes a Cobra strike for the pin.

Otunga gets up and takes a Killswitch for good measure and Brodus hits the ropes and delivers a big time Funkasaurus splash.  Clay's music hits and it's a Monday Night Raw dance party in the ring.  Eight guys, some of whom are up and comers, and this is what we get.  Fair enough, as AW is shown to be a smart manager, keeping his number one contenders out of harm's way and Rhodes continues on the action from Smackdown where Otunga cost him a spot in Money in the Bank.  Rhodes has filed an official complaint with the Board of Directors, which I expect some pay off for on Smackdown, live tonight for the Great American Bash. 

Teddy Long is in the back and Alberto del Rio enters, asking for his one on one World Heavyweight Title match he earned three months ago.  ADR asks for what he deserves and Long says he doesn't deserve anything, but as per the Board of Directors, Alberto is the number one contender and gets his one on one shot at the World Title at Money in the Bank.  Tonight, however, Long sends del Rio out to the ring for a surprise opponent.

Raw 1000 Moment with Stephanie McMahon:  Shane McMahon trains Vince McMahon for his match with Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Match 2:  Alberto del Rio vs Sin Cara
Winner:  No contest

That's Teddy Long's threat to ADR - somebody half his size.  Oh Teddy, if it's not a tag match you can never quite get it right.  Del Rio delivers a knee to the head of Sin Cara as he slides into the ring and begins to assault Cara, locking the Cross Armbreaker in on on the floor.  Alberto del Rio sends a message to Sheamus:  I will gladly beat up guys smaller than me.

AJ is in the back, sporting CM Punk gloves and Bryan approaches her with a rose.  He says he has always cared about her and was frustrated with himself throughout all of this.  AJ asks if this has something to do with her being named special referee for his title match against Punk.  AJ backs him to the wall and says he never cared about her.  AJ wants to win her match tonight and run into the arms of the man the WWE Universe sees as her soul mate.  Then she bites the rose off the stem and spits it out.  Gotta dig those crazy chicks?!

Paul Heyman is being miked up to respond to HHH's Summerslam challenge on behalf of Brock Lesnar.  We get a replay from No Way Out of HHH posing said challenge.  Heyman is live via satellite and says that Lesnar has made a decision about Summerslam.  Lesnar will deliver it live at the 1000th episode of Raw, face to face.  Heyman says that the reason for HHH wanting to face Lesnar at Summerslam is HHH's own escape plan - If Lesnar faces HHH, he will have to retire to never take a beating like it again.  He can then go down in a blaze of glory; go out courageously.  If Lesnar accepts the challenge, it won't be a match; it'll be a mercy killing.

Turns out I was wrong earlier:  Kane will face Big Show tonight with no DQ instead of being inserted in the main event tag match.  Next, AJ and Sheamus take on Dolph Ziggler and Vickie in a mixed tag.

Match 3:  AJ and Sheamus (World Heavyweight Champion) vs Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero, mixed tag match
Winners:  AJ and Sheamus via pinfall

Vickie gives herself a grandiose entrance speech, dubbing herself "queen diva", then introduces Ziggler, with quite a bit less fanfare.  AJ skips on down and waits on her tag partner.  AJ is all smiles in the middle of the ring, and Vickie shoves her.  AJ goes after Vickie, but Sheamus stops her and sets her on the apron, telling her to calm down.  The men start off, with Sheamus trying to take control with the power game, but Ziggler hits a strong dropkick and takes over.  Sheamus fights out of an arm lock and elevates Ziggler high, letting him crash to the mat then delivers an axe handle for two.  Ziggler kicks the knee out from Sheamus, who lands across the middle rope, allowing Ziggler to dropkick him on the apron.  Ziggler follows with a jumping DDT for two and settles into a chinlock.  Sheamus fights up again and puts Ziggler down with a forearm to the face.  Sheamus continues the assault with White Noise, going to his corner and calling for the Brough Kick.  Ziggler quickly pivots and tags Vickie Guerrero, which forces AJ into the match.  Sheamus Brough Kicks Ziggler off the apron, leaving Vickie all alone.  AJ kicks her in the gut and lands a Shining Wizard (Shining Apprentice, but who's counting?) for the win.  AJ quickly rolls out to the floor and grabs a mic, YESing and skipping her way to the back.

AJ lays a shot into Vickie Guerrero

AJ finds Punk in the back, on the phone and demands to know who he's talking to.  Punk says it was personal (it was his sister).  AJ wants to know what Punk thought of her match, but he missed it because of the phone call.  AJ is upset that Punk didn't pay attention to her and pouts off.  And there's your conflict to avoid an "AJ is obviously on Punk's side" situation at Money in the Bank.

Back from a commercial, Heath Slater is in the ring and a recap of Slater's last couple weeks, with Lauper, Piper and Vader is shown.  Not to mention Sycho Sid.  Slater is none too happy about the recap.  Slater says it's not funny.  Slater says he's not a clown.  Only to be interrupted by Doink.  Rumors had abounded for Diamond Dallas Page to be here tonight.  What a kick in the fan nuts.

Match 4:  Heath Slater vs Doink
Winner:  Heath Slater via pinfall

Doink grabs a quick hammerlock and a slap, but Slater kicks Doink to the mat and lays boots to him.  Slater with a knee lift off the ropes and Doink fights back with a stomp to the foot and a chop.  Slater hits a neckbreaker out of the corner and pins Doink.  Only to be followed by "BANG" and DDP entering.  The crowd is plenty happy to see him.  Slater throws up the DDP symbol and DDP shakes his hand, then pulls him in for a Diamond Cutter.  It's just one of those moves that you know is coming and you still smile when it happens.  Consider my fan nuts un-kicked.  Nobody drops a cutter as smoothly as DDP.  Nobody.

We should get one of these every week - Courtesy of http://numbr87.tumblr.com/

Match 5:  Kane vs Big Show, No DQ
Winner:  Big Show via pinfall

Show opens up with strong strikes, but Kane fights back.  Off the ropes, Big Show shoulders Kane down to the mat.  Kane drops Show across the top rope neck first, but Big Show answers by tackling Kane off the apron into the barricade.  Big Show follows to the floor and tries to boot Kane, but he dodges, allowing Kane to begin fighting back.  Kane tries to whip Show into the steel stairs, but he reverses, sending Kane leg first into them.  Big Show grabs Kane by the neck and demands the commentators move.  Kane isn't having it and grabs Show by the neck, but Kane ends up getting tossed head first into the commentator table.  Show then boots Kane in the chin and rolls him into the ring.  Big Show retrieves a chair from ring side and gets back in the ring, but Kane throws strikes to the throat and lands a running DDT for two.  Kane tries the diving lariat, but Show ducks.  Kane lands near the chair and picks it up, but Big Show spears the chair into the face of Kane, then delivers a chokeslam onto it, which is good for the win.

Smart call keeping that one short - We'll see plenty of them at Money in the Bank and extending the length here wouldn't have helped anyone involved.  Show continues to be a dominant force, which is what he needs to be at the moment.

Teddy Long finds Eve in the back and welcomes her back with a giant name tag, the laughs his way off.  Even tears up the nametag and finds AJ, crying in the hallway.  Eve draws a comparison between herself and AJ, but insults her, saying that the little girl should go in a corner and cry.  AJ comes right back with the psychological warfare, saying that Eve will do anything for attention but has run out of people to brown nose.  AJ says she'll show Eve how to get attention and heads off.

Raw 1000 Moment with Alberto del Rio:  DX invades WCW.  ADR says that this is the time that they started watching WWE in Mexico.  I feel like somebody from such a strong wrestling lineage should have something better...

Match 6:  Tyson Kidd vs Tensai
Winner:  Tyson Kidd via pinfall

Tensai powers Kidd right into the corner and lays in with headbutts.  Tensai rushes Kidd in the corner, but he dodges and pins Tensai with a schoolboy.  Tensai takes his frustration out on Sakamoto in the middle of the ring, then discards him out to the floor.  Tensai gives chase and rips at the face of Sakamoto.

Good way to reinforce Kidd as a threat at Money in the Bank, even though we all know what role he'll ultimately play.  It doesn't help that Cole hammers home that Kidd hasn't won a match on Raw in "what, two years?!".  This is the usual pre-Money in the Bank "little guy" push, and I sincerely hope the push stays around after the PPV.  Kidd would be a good choice moving forward to move the US title to.

Bryan greets Jericho in the back and they fight over who has a stupider entrance jacket.  Jericho refocuses the conversation into talking about their opponents and they end up dueling chants, which is fine.  Punk and Cena are in the back and Punk says that he feels he's grown as a leader and wants to take control tonight.  Cena seems to agree and walks off.

The Great American Bash live Smackdown will feature a twenty man battle royal, and the winner will be next week's interim GM.  That makes things a bit more interesting.

In the back, Tyson Kidd is interviewed by Josh Matthews, but Tensai hits the scene and brutalizes Kidd.  Tensai is to be viewed as a threat in the ladder match as well.

Match 7:  Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan vs CM Punk (WWE Champion) and John Cena
Winners:  No contest

So even in a tag match, Cena gets top billing over the WWE Title, as he makes his entrance last.  Punk and his challenger at Money in the Bank open the match.  Bryan with a quick arm drag and a YES.  Bryan now with a headlock, but he ends up off the ropes and takes a pair of arm drags and a chop from the WWE Champion.  Punk continues with a snap suplex for two and a tag to Cena.  Cena whips Bryan to the corner and hits a facebuster for two.  Bryan tags Jericho and they tie up.  Off the ropes, Jericho shoulders Cena down, surprisingly.  Jericho jaws at Cena and they go back to the tie up and Cena goes off the ropes, this time shoulder blocking Jericho down.  Cena wants the Attitude Adjustment early and Jericho slides to the apron, where Cena shoulder blocks him again, now to the floor.  This leads to the last commercial of the night.

Returning to finish the show, Jericho has Cena pinned in the enemy corner, where Cena tries to fight out but runs into a clothesline.  Jericho with a low dropkick and a classic nonchalant, flexing cover.  Now with a chinlock, Jericho keeps control  Cena fights out but runs into a back elbow, leading to Jericho trying the Lionsault, but Cena dodges.  Punk wants the tag from Cena, but Jericho makes it to his corner first, allowing Bryan to come in and lay kicks into Cena in the corner.  Bryan makes some room and delivers a running dropkick for two.  Bryan delivers a headbutt and then tags Jericho back in.  Cena blocks a right hand and tries a fisherman suplex, but the spot goes to hell, so Cena tries to power Jericho down with a spinebuster, but Jericho settles into a front facelock to allow a moment to collect and reset.

Cena tries an Attitude Adjustment out of the front headlock, but Jericho counters into a DDT for a close two.  Jericho pressures Cena in the corner and delivers chops.  Cena counters an attempt from Jericho as a facebuster and throws  him into the corner, leaving both men on the mat.  Tags on both sides allows Punk to springboard in on Bryan and hit a leg lariat and swinging neckbreaker, followed by a running kneed in the corner and a snap powerslam, then Punk floats over into the Anaconda Vice.  Jericho slides in to break it up and Cena disposes of him to the outside, leading to the two of them fighting toward the back.  Bryan backflips over Punk then delivers a hurricanrana pin which Punk reverses.  Bryan throws a standing kick to the head of Punk, then one more as Punk is on his knees, for a very close two.  Bryan heads to the top rope, but Punk gets to his feet and intercepts, leading to a superplex from the top rope, with Punk floating over for another near fall.  AJ's music hits and she skips down to the ring, but neither man pays her any attention, which visibly frustrates her.  She hops up on the apron as Bryan delivers kicks to Punk, then she gets down.  Both men try a crossbody, leading to both men being down on the mat.  AJ begins to search under the ring, then pulls out a table and sets it up on the floor.  She climbs the steel steps and eyes the table, then begins to climb to the top rope.  Bryan rolls out and tells her not to jump, then Punk grabs her by the arm and meets her at the top.  AJ plants a kiss on Punk, then shoves him down, leading to him and Bryan both falling through the table, while she stays on the top rope.  AJ begins YESing as the show ends.

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A very AJ-centric episode.  Now in most cases, such a focus on a Diva would be a detriment.  Tonight, it has furthered the WWE Title situation and made the impending Title match all the more interesting to look forward to.  Tyson Kidd is further cemented as a "threat" in Money in the Bank; again, I sincerely hope that this once-a-year "small guy" push sticks around for him.  We got to see Diamond Dallas Page deliver a Diamond Cutter, which is always a delight.  Slater continues his short-term gimmick, which is still entertaining.  In true Teddy Long fashion, we got a cavalcade of tag matches, but no complaints there.  They helped storylines and made sense.  All in all, a good Raw.  Be glad to see more like it moving forward.

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WWE Smackdown Lowdown - 6/30/2012

Tonight will see a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Title.  Triple threat title matches?  We haven't seen that in...oh wait, they open with a replay of the Kane/Punk/Bryan triple threat from Monday.  Okay, technically that wasn't for the title, but we've seen the match enough times by now that it barely matters.  Remember, this match ends with Bryan kicking Punk's head off and stealing the win, granting him a WWE Title match at Money in the Bank.

Match 1:  AJ vs Layla (Diva's Champion), non-title
Winner:  Layla via pinfall

AJ skips down to the ring, all smiles and gets a warm welcome from the crowd.  Layla enters to a new song.  AJ offers a hand shake and Layla accepts - Code of Honor in WWE?  Layla with a headlock takeover and AJ with a headscissors.  Back on their feet, AJ takes her turn with the headlock takeover and Layla rolls out to a front facelock for a quick pin attempt.  Layla knocks AJ down with a shoulder and then armdrags into a roll up for one.  AJ fights out of a wrist lock with elbows and a drop toe hold, then a front dropkick.  AJ with a running body attack into the corner on the champ and gets a one count.  Layla fights out with a spin kick, a cross body and a running face buster for two on AJ.  AJ counters a running Layla with a spinning kick to the jaw and Daniel Bryan's music hits, leading the Yesman of the WWE down to ringside.  Mic in hand, he shuffles clear around the ring shouting YES and in the distraction, Layla rolls AJ up for the win.

AJ immediately goes after Layla and lays into her.  The referee separates them and AJ turns to Bryan, who is standing on the apron.  Bryan tells AJ to calm down and says it's not fun to be distracted, is it?  Bryan isn't out because he craves attention; he's out to discuss something important.  Bryan says he will not leave until Vickie Guerrero (still the interim GM) gives him what he wants.  As Bryan kills time, AJ mocks his YES arm motion.  Vickie has not come out yet and Bryan says he's left with one choice - Which is apparently to chant YES.  AJ joins in, as does the crowd and Bryan is none too happy about it.  Back from a commercial, AJ and Bryan are having a dueling YES chant and Vickie finally comes out to break it up.  Vickie says the crowd is tired of Bryan repeating his catchphrase, then screams "Excuse me".  Cute.  Bryan says he will soon be the new WWE Champion, but needs to show everyone that both Raw and Smackdown will soon revolve around him.  Bryan wants to applaud Vickie for her quick action in giving him his title match so quickly.  Bryan says he will need to work together with Vickie if she becomes the permanent GM and offers an idea to bring to the Board of Directors - The WWE Title match should have AJ banned from ringside.  Vickie agrees and goes off on AJ, but Bryan breaks up the verbal assault.  Apparently a poll on wwe.com ran this week for what role AJ would play in the match, and the Board of Directors agrees with what the fans said:  AJ will be the guest referee when Bryan faces CM Punk for the WWE Title.  AJ laughs at Bryan, YES's at Vickie and leaves the ring.  Bryan goes into a fit of "NO"'s and heads to the back.  Vickie brown noses the Board of Directors.

This is a good way to open the show with a short match.  The chat afterwards was productive, explained WHY there will be a special referee and allowed AJ to show some more personality.  Good job all around, and a competent match out of the girls.  AJ won a battle royal and got pinned after a distraction by the champion - We know she'll be the special referee at Money in the Bank, but perhaps soon before or after, we'll see AJ get her shot at the Diva's Title.

Vickie goes on to explain that Smackdown's Money in the Bank will be decided by qualifier matches over the next two weeks, starting with Zack Ryder vs Damien Sandow

Match 2:  Zack Ryder vs Damien Sandow, Money in the Bank qualifier
Winner:  Damien Sandow via pinfall

Sandow says he will help his opponent tonight - The WWE's ambassador of mediocrity and stupidity.  Sandow says that's no different than the members of the crowd.  Sandow will be the champion to shepherd the WWE universe forward.  Booker T drops a Lanny Poffo reference for Sandow and Ryder opens up with a forearm and flapjack; more offense than we've seen anyone get on Sandow.  Sandow comes back, throwing him into a turnbuckle and stomping away.  Sandow lands a russian leg sweep and a big elbow, then puts Ryder in a full nelson and bashes his head into the turnbuckle.  Ryder counters a whip with a facebuster and hits Sandow with a back elbow, then double knees in the corner.  Ryder continues the attack with a middle rope missile dropkick for two.  Ryder hits the Broski Boot and readies for the Rough Ryder, but Sandow tosses him over, then wraps him up for the Cross Arm Neckbreaker and the win.

Still a quick match, but we see Sandow can handle getting it as well as giving it.  I'm glad to see a bit of a change to Sandow' routine; this is what has to happen to get people to care about his matches.  Good effort from Ryder, but Sandow is the first man to qualify for Smackdown's Money in the Bank ladder match.

Bryan is in the back and bangs on the Diva's door, then gently knocks, with a softer call for AJ.  Kaitlyn comes out and says AJ isn't inside.  Kaitlyn says Bryan should get on AJ's good side, because she's a "little mentally unstable".  Bryan wants more help to find her, likely to suck up, since she'll be deciding his fate at Money in the Bank. 

Match 3:  Tyson Kidd vs Jack Swagger, Money in the Bank qualifier
Winner:  Tyson Kidd via pinfall

Kidd is in the ring as they come back from another recap of Cena's 300th Make a Wish wish.  That doesn't bode well for the most underutilized talent in the WWE.  Kidd tries a quick go behind, but the much larger Swagger reverses, only to be rolled up by Kidd.  From the apron, Kidd checks Swagger in the gut and leapfrogs over for another roll up and another quick count.  Swagger rolls to the outside for space, but Kidd follows with a baseball slide.  Kidd flips over Swagger, but stumbles, catching himself with a shoulder roll and tries a lucha-style move, but Swagger catches him with a wheelbarrow suplex for two.  Great save from Kidd on that stumble - These are the little things that separate the mediocre from the very good.

Swagger takes the attack to Kidd's arm and lands a leg drop to it as well, getting a near fall.  Swagger bars the arm of Kidd and Kidd fights up to his feet, then rolls up Swagger off the ropes.  Swagger throws a body attack in the corner and biels Kidd half way across the ring.  Swagger lands his version of the Vader Bomb and gets another two.  Swagger stays on the arm on the mat, but Kidd fights up again and kicks Swagger, then lands a huge DDT.  Kidd is slow to capitalize and ducks a clothesline, then lays into Swagger with kicks and a low dropkick to the head for two.  Kidd elbows out of the corner, climbs on Swagger's shoulders and takes a fall from the electric chair, ending up in the Ankle Lock.  Kidd climbs the ropes with his hands to escape, lands a kick to Swagger from the apron and hits a top rope Blockbuster and a roll up for the win.

I'm happy to see Kidd win this kind of match on TV, but it's bittersweet - He'll be playing the role of Evan Bourne/Justin Gabriel in this Money in the Bank.  He'll be there for one or two huge spots to pop the crowd, and Kidd will no doubt deliver, but what's more important is if WWE keeps some confidence in him after the PPV.  If they were smart, they would - even when he stumbles mid match, he looks smoother than half the roster.  But this is WWE and Kidd is 5'10" - We have to hope WWE hasn't had their fill of guys that "don't fit the mold" with Punk and Bryan.  Kidd deserves some spotlight.

Raw 1000 Moment with Jerry Lawler - Austin and McMahon with the bedpan attack in the hopsital.  We've seen this one; why not just get more people to record these?

A recap is shown of the contract on a pole match from Monday night, setting up tonight's triple threat World Heavyweight Title match.

Ziggler is in the back with Vickie and Dolph says she needs to take more advantage of the position she's in right now.  Ziggler wants Vickie to ban the Brough Kick and the Cross Armbreaker.  Dolph goes off, saying that Vickie only thinks of herself and Vickie slaps him.  Dolph says he still wants Vickie to introduce him tonight and raise his hand when he wins.  We've got the AJ deal for lovey dovey drama - Do we really need this too?

Match 4 - Santino Marella (United States Champion) and Christian (Intercontinental Champion) vs David Otunga and Cody Rhodes, Money in the Bank qualifier
Winners:  Santino Marella and Christian via pinfall

So both midcard champs vs two other guys for spots in an every man for himself match at a PPV.  It's like WWE took over for TNA on the dumbass ideas rota.  A spotlight hits Otunga in the ring and he gets different music to pose.  Otunga, of anyone on this roster, doesn't at all deserve this time wasted on him.  Santino and Rhodes start out and Rhodes goes into a hammerlock, which Santino reverses and quickly tags in Christian.  Christian wrings Rhodes' arm and then slaps the taste out of his mouth.  Rhodes puts a knee into the gut of Christian off the ropes then delivers a front suplex.  Otunga tags in delivers a scoop slam and a low shoulder block.  Rhodes comes back in and settles into a chinlock.  Christian fights up and whips Rhodes to the corner, but he kicks out and climbs to the middle rope.  Rhodes jumps into a right hand from Christian and tags on both sides lead to Santino running wild on Otunga.  Santino pulls out the Cobra and tags Otunga, but Rhodes drags him out so that he can't be pinned.  Rhodes rolls him back in and tags himself in, then strikes at Santino.  Rhodes tries a jackknife pin but only gets two, then throws the Cobra out of the ring.  Rhodes stands on the face of Santino, using the ropes for leverage.  Otunga tags back in, apparently having shaken off the effects of the Cobra.  Otunga drops a Scott Steiner-style elbow onto Santino and slaps on a chinlock, which Santino fights out of with a saito suplex.  Tags on both sides again and Christian lays into Rhodes, who fights back but takes a flapjack.  Christian hops to the middle rope and hits the diving European uppercut.  Rhodes avoids the Killswitch, but Christian drops him back first across the top rope and wants the Killswitch.  Rhodes avoids but takes a diving reverse DDT.  Christian wants a spear, but Otunga distracts, allowing a tag.  Otunga punches Rhodes by mistake and Santino knocks him out.  Otunga disposes of Santino, but turns around into a Spear and Christian and Santino win.

I refuse to believe Rhodes won't be involved in Money in the Bank in some fashion.  Rhodes goes ballistic in the ring screaming that HE didn't lose, Otunga did.  My guess?  Rhodes gets next week's GM to give him one more shot in a one on one match.

Sheamus is in the back and says that he isn't worried about tonight.  Sheamus says he doesn't worry about what if's - If he retains tonight and at the PPV, he'll have to deal with the looming shadow of the Money in the Bank briefcase owner.  But he's okay with that:  Sheamus doesn't worry, he just kicks arse.

AJ is in the back, contemplating being the special guest referee and Bryan finally finds her.  Bryan says he's concerned about AJ's well being - Attacking Layla isn't like her.  Bryan says AJ should seek professional help, because he cares for her.  He wants to help her.  AJ just smiles at him, and when Bryan asks if she wants a doctor's number, she says yes.  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  Then she skips off.  Bryan is left flustered.

Match 5:  Dan Barone and Brendan Burke vs Ryback
Winner:  Ryback via pinfall

The goofs rap.  I've never wanted to see Ryback destroy two guys more than right at this moment.  Ryback's tights now say "Finish It" on the shoulders and "Feed me more" on the back.  Goof 1 takes a crazy high spinebuster and Goof 2 bails and tries to run - Ryback cuts him off with the boot to the neck, pining him to the floor.  Goof 2 gets thrown back in the ring and tries to kick Ryback.  He pays for it.  Goof 1 locks in a hold and climbs Ryback's back - Ryback answers with a backpack chinbreaker.  Goof 2 takes the biggest powerbomb I've ever seen and 1 gets the big Ryback lariat.  Time to finish it and Ryback readies for the stacked Fisherman Samoan Buster Drop, then lands it.

Courtesy of http://ilovewrestlinggifs.tumblr.com/

 

Another fun Ryback squash.  Biggest powerbomb ever, Ryback calling a guy climbing on his back "stupid" then chin-checking him for his efforts.  This squash being so fun is why guys like Sandow should have "real" five-eight minute matches; to keep these special and unique.

Antonio Cesaro and Aksana are in the back and Teddy Long interrupts.  He says he doesn't harbor bad feelings, and that he'll be the GM for Raw and Smackdown next week.  Tuesday night, on the live Great American Bash Smackdown, Cesaro and Aksana will team against Layla and Khali.  Almost, Teddy - You almost made a good match.

Match 6:  Justin Gabriel vs Tensai, Money in the Bank qualifier
Winner:  Tensai via pinfall

Sakamoto still leads Tensai to the ring, despite the beating Tensai handed him a few weeks back.  Tensai gets in Sakamoto's face as he enters.  Weird pair.  Gabriel strikes early, but Tensai isn't having any of it.  Tensai drives Gabriel to the floor by his head, but fights back in, diving into a big right fist from Tensai.  Tensai follows with elbows and strikes to the back of his head.  Announced while this goes on:  Cody Rhodes filing an official complaint about what happened tonight - There's how he'll get his second chance.

Tensai lands the stalling butterfly suplex, grinds his forearm into Gabrien's face and then locks in a bear hug.  Gabriel fights and ties a sunset flip, but Tensai stops it.  Gabirel lays in with kicks and Tensai blocks some, but takes an enzuigiri and Gabriel lands a missile dropkick and the springboards off the top rope for a moonsault.  Gabriel dives into a double handed diving chokeslam and Tensai lands a senton for good measure, then pins him.

Tensai in a Money in the Bank is a weird choice, but they usually elect one "big" guy to take ladder sandwich hits and toss guys like Kidd around.  Tensai gets a bum rap, but he has his good points and worked incredibly well in Japan - He just hasn't quite gotten out of the gate in his most recent run in WWE.  That said, Gabriel not being included is a shame.  He's fun as hell to watch and MITB is where he has the opportunity to shine.

Raw 1000 Moment with HHH:  His return to Raw after a brutal quadriceps injury.  Again, we've seen this one.  There's a whole roster of guys, talk to all of them.

Match 7:  Alberto del Rio vs Dolph Ziggler vs Sheamus (c), World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat Match
Winner:  Sheamus via pinfall

ADR says that despite being forced into a Triple Threat, he will leave tonight as the new World Heavyweight Champion.  Vickie Guerrero interrupts Alberto to a chorus of boos and says that Dolph Ziggler will be leaving tonight as the champ.  Sheamus comes right out of the gate, attacking both opponents, and clotheslines Ziggler over the top rope to the floor, leaving del Rio to take control with kicks to the champion.  Sheamus hits the rolling fireman's carry early again and takes a forearm to the back from Ziggler, then turns around and Ziggler bolts out of the ring.  Back in, Sheamus knocks down del Rio and pancakes Ziggler.  Alberto takes exception and starts to weaken the arm of Sheamus for his Cross Armbreaker.  Sheamus stands up and punches his way out of the hold, but Ziggler pulls down the top rope, leading to Sheamus tumbling out.  Ziggler slides back in and rushes ADR, who tries a tilt a whirl backbreaker, but Ziggler lands on his feet and dropkicks him.  They end up on the floor fighting and Ziggler rolls ADR in after bouncing his head off the steel steps, then baseball slides Sheamus to keep him out of the fold.  Ziggler keeps the pressure on Alberto in the corner and sits him on the top rope, aiming for a superplex, but del Rio tries to counter.  Ziggler punches him in the head and he spills to the outside, then Sheamus gets Ziggler up on his shoulders and Ziggler takes a trip to the mat via the electric chair and all three men are down.

Back from break, del Rio dropkicks Sheamus in the back of the head and then boots him to the floor.  On the floor, del Rio kicks Sheamus in the head and Ziggler lays boots to him, soon joined by ADR.  Sheamus tries to fight up, but both challengers keep him grounded.  Now behind the commentary table, they continue the assault.  Sheamus head to the ring to escape and after a snapmare from del Rio, he calls for Ziggler to climb to the top to attack Sheamus, then del Rio quickly tries to cover Sheamus.  Ziggler gets mad and they start throwing right hands.  In the confusion, Sheamus has climbed to the top and hits both men with a diving shoulder.  Sheamus starts up with the axe handles and knee lifts, followed by a powerslam on del Rio, but Ziggler breaks up the pin.  For his efforts, Ziggler gets the ten forearms to the chest.  Sheamus dodges ADR's attempt at a double knee arm breaker and gives him the Irish Curse, but Ziggler breaks the pin up again.  Ziggler tries the Fameasser, but Sheamus dodges and delivers White Noise.  Sheamus calls for the Brough Kick, but Alberto drops his arm across the top rope and lands the double knee armbreaker while Sheamus was pounding his chest.  Sheamus stops the Cross Armbreaker, but dives shoulder first into the ring post.  Ziggler dropkicks his shoulder while he is pinned to the ringpost, but ADR delivers a big enzuigiri to Ziggler as he tries to get back in and locks the Cross Armbreaker in on Sheamus.  Ziggler breaks it up and lands the Fameasser on del Rio for a very close two, then runs ADR into Ricardo who is on the apron and ties him up with an okana roll, but Sheamus hits the ring quick and lands a Brough Kick on Ziggler who is wide open for it.  Sheamus disposes of ADR over the top rope and pins Ziggler to retain.

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Fun triple threat - Everyone looked good and the Brough Kick while Ziggler had del Rio tied up was more interesting than the usual wind up or "outta nowhere".  Curious to see what we get for the World Title at Money in the Bank - I suspect a build to Alberto del Rio's one on one shot he still hasn't gotten.  If Ziggler doesn't have a title shot, he should be one of the last participants in Money in the Bank.  Next week it's safe to expect something comes of Rhodes' official complaint; likely a one on one shot to be in the big ladder match. 

This is the type of Smackdown that keeps the faith.  Matches had meaning and logical conclusions, the action was good and the non-wrestling parts with Bryan and AJ were productive and entertaining.  Now, just keep doing that every week, WWE.  And for the love of god, please just give this 'extra' hour of Raw to the young up and comers who need a spotlight - Two hour Raws dragged out into three hours are just going to drive away the fans.

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