WWE PAYBACK MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS MATCH

The Vaudevillains V Enzo & Cass

Prediction: The Vaudevillains win.

-I am huge on Enzo & Cass, as are many others, so they are too obvious as well as being an over face team, which is an issue with The New Day being over as well. I can see The Vaudevillains possibly getting stale (unless the gimmick evolves over time), but would be a good opposition to The New Day given the difference in gimmicks. And, I see the Dudley Boyz getting involved and beginning a war with Enzo & Cass. Possibly taking the new team to yet another level.

Kevin Owens V Sami Zayn

Prediction: Sami Zayn with the win.

-Sami has been on the receiving end too many time for this not to culminate with a victory over his long time friend and antagonist, Kevin Owens. Regardless to who wins this or the main event, good chance the next Number 1 contender comes from this bout. Why? Both are over, and this is going to possibly be Savage/Steamboat at Mania 3 good.

Chris Jericho V Dean Ambrose

Prediction: Dean Ambrose defeats Y2J

-No offense to Jericho, who is a future first ballot Hall Of Famer, but after the beating Dean took at Wrestlemania 32 at the hands of Brock Lesner he deserves a win here. Jericho can make him look even better in the process like he does. Why not pass the torch of "talk shows" while they're at it too, Dean's Ambrose Asylum has been pretty decent in its infancy.

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

 The Vaudevillains V The New Day (C)

Prediction: The Vaudevillains are new Tag Team Champions.

-Hard to pick given the height The New Day has reached in terms of being over, and The Vaudevillains are rookies with no real exposure on the main roster beyond their matches. So the shock value plays in here, and also shows a start of the supposed change happening.

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Miz (C) V Cesaro

Prediction: Cesaro as new IC Champion.

-The title doesn't make the superstar, the star makes the title. Time to see the Swiss Superman begin his ascension into the main event picture, starting by having a good run with the Intercontinental Championship. Plus, I am already bored with Maryse's return. I hate them mostly, but time for a battle with another couple. I am pretty sure the Cesaro Section agrees.

WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Charlotte (C) w/Ric Flair V Natalya w/Bret Hart

Prediction: Natalya takes the title.

-Slightly bias being Canadian, but also although we're not looking for a direct Ric Flair clone, it would be interesting to see how Charlotte handles a loss. Naitch is a sixteen time World Champ, but that means he lost it that many times as well. Plus, Flair Country is on Hart Land haha

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

AJ Styles V Roman Reigns (C)

Prediction: Roman retains.

-Even though I want AJ Styles to win, I don't see the Roman Empire's reign ending so quickly. Again. I have this gut feeling Anderson and Gallows are going to screw over AJ, add rumors of Finn Balor making his debut soon adds to that. The actions on RAW in London simply added to that feeling. Or maybe they try to help and the Usos get involved and start a war...adding Balor and Samoa Joe (not "Dynasty" but Samoan regardless, and respect has got to be there).

It is really hard to call as of late, and like DDP of old would say, that's a good thing. With Wrestlemania 32 I went perfect on the pre-show, and then got only the one I wanted to be wrong on correct. The new additions and proposed "change" has things highly unpredictable right now. It feels much better making guesses based more on likes and dislikes, instead of predictability in recent years.

WRESTLING WHAT IF's VOL. II

Another installment of "Wrestling What If's..." (you can find Volume I...HERE ). Another chance to think of what could or might have been. In early installments we will be trying to avoid direct  focus on either the "Attitude Era"/"Monday Night Wars" or deaths. Some things will lead into those, but in the beginning it is other stuff that could have reshaped the industry.

What If...Bret "Hitman" Hart Hadn't Been Kicked By Goldberg?
Yes, it is a bit weird to wonder that, but watching him on WWE Network makes it hard to not wonder. It was the concussion from the kick that initially ended Bret's career, the stroke made it concrete. Sure, he had the match with Vince, and has done some spots of physicality, but not the Hitman he'd be if not for that kick. Question are aplenty, would he have been able to "save" WCW? Not likely. Would he have ever been open to returning to WWE? Would something have still triggered Bret wanting to make peace in his life? If not, would we have seen a true Sharpshooter in TNA Wrestling? If so, how much better would his match against Vince would have been. And lets not forget a match between Bret and Shawn Michaels. At Wrestlemania. Ya. Ooooh or even Bret being a part of the former Streak held by Undertaker?


What If...Andre The Giant Was Never "Discovered"?
Another slightly weird one, but Andre's existence in professional wrestling/sports entertainment was more crucial than it appears. Wrestlemania III is a massive part of WWE's history and success. Big John Studd, One Man Gang, and other big men would have loved to fill Andre's spot, but as great as they may be, they would've failed. Andre was massive during his "undefeated" good guy days, both in size as well as in fans hearts during the 70's and very early 80's. His heel turn and sheer girth was even bigger leading up to the showdown with Hogan. Take away Andre, you take away that pivotal moment when Hogan body slammed him. All the others it would not have been as impressive and nor as big of impact. It sent Hogan's star power through the roof. So, no Andre where would the WWE and Hulk Hogan be? As successful? Less? And lets not forget about Big Show. The questions with him are would he have been a much bigger attraction, or would he have never even gotten into wrestling?


What If...Triple H Hadn't Torn His Quad In 2001?
A few things come to mind. First, how would he have played into the "Invasion" storyline? It is hard to say which side he would have chosen, given both his involvement with The Two-Man Power Trip with Stone Cold and his real life relationship with Stephanie McMahon. Would he have joined his wife while Austin stayed with WWE? Austin "wanted" to be a heel at that time (despite fans not allowing it. "What?" began at that time) so would he have turned on WWE and Triple H before jumping ship, or would Triple H have made the turn and Austin stayed with WWE. What would've happened with Angle? And even flashing forward to when he made his return there are questions. Would he have been built up to win the Rumble and then the WWE Undisputed Championship at Mania X-8? Would he have been in the mix when the first Undisputed Champion was crowned? Orrrr would he have some how been involved with the n.W.o. sooner than later (right before it "dissolved" after ironically Kevin Nash tearing his quad) as either a member or an opponent?


What If...The Steroid Scandal Never Happened?
Initially you are probably thinking, "Wouldn't What If Vince Lost? Be Better?". You would be both right and wrong at the same time. Initially I think Vince would just have paid a large sum and carried on, or if incarcerated it would have been Linda running things while Vince planned things out in jail while having meetings every week. But, what if it hadn't happened at all? Roid Rage is debatable, but the damage that steroids can cause when abused is pretty solid (injury recovery uses smaller doses, for shorter periods). If this trial hadn't happened there is a chance that there would not only be a lot more of the traditional "Vince Guys" (jacked up), but there's a chance there would be a lot more deaths. That list is already way too long. Would Hulk Hogan still be alive today if he hadn't stopped juicing back then (lost a lot of mass quickly, hoping the bulk now is natural), or others who have already passed have died much earlier? Yes, there may be some guys on the roster who are on the juice, but they are at least forced to try and hide it now. Not saying 'roids is what has killed so many wrestlers, but hard to say if it wasn't a factor in some.

That's it for now, again you can find previous installment(s)...HERE . Keep your eyes peeled for future installments of "Wrestling What If's...".


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NGN's FAVORITE SUBMISSION FINISHING MOVES

Unless it is a part of the bigger picture, nobody really likes a DQ, Count Out, or No Contest finish to a wrestling match. Unless there are added stipulations, there is typically two ways to get a win. A pin-fall and a submission. As the title states, for this one we are going to focus on the finishers that make opponents tap or pass out.

While many are starstruck by the high flyers and power moves of big men, the submission wrestlers typically keep things to how pro wrestling began, as wrestling. More of a mat based product was used to initially draw in the crowds. And although not everyone can make the transition, when an amateur does, it is usually a work of art when they are in the ring. Anyone of any size or styles can of course apply a submission, but it is typically a weapon of the medium sized mat geniuses.

So, of all of the submission finishers in wrestling, here are Non-Geeky Nerd's favorite, and a couple of least favorites...

Sharpshooter

I'm Canadian so naturally this is on the list, sorry to Sting fans, but this move will always be Bret's finisher (Sting also has the Scorpion Death Drop, a signature move he's better known for). It is also a move that only make this list when applied properly. Not like The Rock used to slap this move onto people, but how Bret Hart and Chris Benoit used to perfectly apply it.

Walls Of Jericho

Another move that only makes the list when applied properly. It isn't a Boston Crab, it is a variation of that move. It mainly falls on whom it is applied to by Chris Jericho, but when he is "allowed" to apply the move right, it looks amazing.

 

Black Widow

Likely have seen a luchador or high flyer apply this before, but the Black Widow makes the cut via recent retiree AJ Lee. It looks painful, and as AJ Lee has shown before, you can make your opponent "tap out" for them.

 

Kimura

It "works" better when Brock Lesner applies this given his run in MMA (UFC Heavyweight Champion. No biggie....). And at times, you may find yourself thinking, "Brock could snap that arm like a twig if he wanted".

Texas Cloverleaf

 It is similar to the Sharpshooter, but different at the same time.  It is almost a crossbreed of the Sharpshooter and the Boston Crab. Regardless, it can look great when the aggressor isn't too gassed.

The Million Dollar Dream

 Out of all of the Sleeper moves, this is the one I still apply to those willing (very lightly, of course). And seeing Ted DiBiase Jr evolve the move into a straight finisher from a submission attempt was quite beautiful to see.

Anaconda Vice

The obvious joke would be "hopefully CM Punk doesn't try to apply this in the UFC", but in all seriousness, it looked like a painful hold. Although not sure if it was working the throat or arm.

Hells Gate

It was Undertaker's variation of a MMA move (Triangle Choke), which if you had never seen in its natural form, looked legit. Until WWE opted to have blood ooze from the victims mouths while in the move. A slight case of "over selling", but makes the list regardless.

Least Favorite:

Tarantula

When Tajiri would apply the move, it would receive a huge pop from the crowd. It looked great. But the problem was, other than a no holds barred style match, it only lasted that standard 5 count.

Brock Lock

It looked like it would hurt, but it just looked ugly. And almost screamed WWE trying to take Brock in the seemingly traditional route of previous amateur wrestlers must have a submission finisher.

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THE DOWNSIDE OF WWE TAG TEAM INSURGECE

Tag-team wrestling has been a staple of sorts within wrestling for decades. For most of us, the 80's and early 90's saw a massive number of teams of all different styles. And then although they continued on in the rest of the 90's and 2000's, it wasn't quite the same. In the earlier era's mentioned, tag-teams were mainly put together and seemed to stay together until an injury, contract stuff, or legitimate beef tore them apart. Teams like Legion Of Doom/Road Warriors, Bushwhackers, and very few others teams were really able to maintain being a duo.

And then we came to see what is safe to call either "Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels Syndrome" begin. This is where mega stars in the singles division were made from successful tag-teams "splitting-up". After that, to this day, there have been an endless stream of tag-teams seemingly thrown together in-order to find the next "HBK". There have been slight exceptions, like The Dudley Boys/Team 3-D, but even they eventually "split". Today the only tag-team that doesn't make one  sit and wait for the swerve or turn is the Usos. Although being twins doesn't make them safe from the split, as we saw with the Bellas.

This is the downside of the tag-team division growing, it usually means it is a temporary thing. And soon most of these teams will split up. With one star getting a push (of variable sizes), and the other likely fading to lower card status, or even from the roster. Looking at the teams right now within WWE, and there are some that stand out as temporary. Cesaro And Kidd for starters, as WWE was clearly looking to make a star out of Cesaro and Kidd was returning from injury to basically appearing on "Total Divas". Already WWE Tag Team Champions, but how long will this team last before WWE splits them apart and attempts to push, or re-push one of them? The Lucha Dragons is a team  that could go both ways. The tag-team is getting over with the audience, and likely with the kids similar to (if not better than) Los Matadors. However, what stands out is the previous investments WWE has put into the character Sin Cara. We're on wrestler #2 under the mask, and hasn't quite "replaced" Rey Mysterio as they had likely hoped. So, this team could either stay together for a long time, or we see Sin Cara go "dark" and make the turn.

Again, the Usos are really the only team not likely, or better put "less likely" (given Bella situation) to split up. There is also the new tag-team  via NXT in The Ascension, but it doesn't appear they are getting "over" like the previously had before making the main roster. Will they stick together, or even around? As is the case any more with many tag-team within WWE.


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OH CANADA! WHO IS CANADA'S NEXT TOP WWE STAR?

Some of the greatest wrestlers of all time have come from Canada. Legends like Killer Kowalski, Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge, the list goes on. Even some of the American greats have been trained by Canadians. The aforementioned Kowalski trained stars like Triple H. Stu Hart had trained his sons of course, but also legends like Superstar Bill Graham. Canucks have always been an intricate part of things in wrestling, both as stars and for being generally known as the workhorses of the profession. Guys like Chris Benoit who as wrestlers epitomized this.Technically speaking, Canada was first to hijack shows. Coming to be known as Bizzaro Land as Canadian fans cheered and booed against the grain when they saw fit. Canada is also known for being one of the more supportive fan bases, as well as for having elephant like memories and holding grudges ("You screwed Bret!" has finally died out for the most part within last few years).

Most may not have noticed this, but this past Wrestlemania XXX (30), signaled the first ten year mark Mania in which a Canadian did not win the WWE's top title. Bret "Hitman" Hart won the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania X (10), and Chris Benoit won the WWE World Championship at Wrestlemania XX (20). Which leads to the question; Who is the next Canadian to be a star in the WWE? Sure there is Captain Charisma, Christian. However he seems to be possibly on his way out, after years of sacrificing his body, the injuries are piling up. He was a dark horse to be the Canadian to carry on the Wrestlemania tradition. There is Tyson Kidd, but what have they done with him? True, he was out for awhile due to injury, but the company hasn't really done much with him since the Hart Dynasty spot with wife Natalya Neidhart and D.H. Smith. With the WWE finally allowing "smaller" more athletic wrestlers into the main event spotlight with guy like CM Punk and now Daniel Bryan. Smaller as in, not the usual body builder or super tall types.

With Christian nearing the end of his career and under utilizes Tyson Kidd, who else is there? Chris Jericho has endeavors outside the ring with his band Fozzy and other areas of entertainment, and is likely not going to be a full-timer again. TNA Wrestling has Bobby Roode and current TNA Champion Eric Young representing Canada, but when asked, Triple H had said that although great workers, he already has a bunch of great workers. He knew who they were though, so he is keeping his eye on the competition (even if they are failing, TNA is the competition). Roode is basically ready to make the jump, after showing that he can work in the main event. And although his run seems to be simply as "do as the WWE does", Eric Young's reign as TNA Champion is over-due and well deserved. Possibly, could show him in a light that catches the WWE's eye. Nothing against Natalya Neidhart, but other than carrying on the Hart Family legacy, not much can be expected from her. It would be nice to see a nice, solid Divas division for her to be a big part of. Other than that, can't see her being more than a part of Tyson Kidd's push to the next level.

So for now it all seems to fall on the shoulders of Tyson Kidd to carry the weight of the country. Unless the WWE finds the next big Canuck, or starts giving TNA guys like Eric Young and Bobby Roode a chance. Of course for the time being (although it may be short), there is Christian and the whole "One More Match!".

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IT'S IN THE GENES

It may not always be genetics, but there is definitely a perk to being apart of a wrestling family. Since the end of the territory days, with the exception of Kerry Von Erich maybe, there hadn't really been a known to be next generation wrestler until The Rock in the late 90's being the WWE's first 3rd Generation Wrestler. Most but not were aware of the 2nd Generation stars like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Bret "The Hitman" Hart amongst others.

The WWE currently has roughly 10+ next generation wrestlers working both the current main rosters as well as NXT. Some are part of their characters or announced every show like Cody Rhodes and Goldust being the 2nd Generation stars following in their legendary father, Dusty Rhodes footsteps. There is Curtis Axel (Joe Henning) who is currently following in The Rock's initial steps, using a combo of both his father (Rocky Johnson) and Grandfather (High Chief Peter Maivia) with Rocky Maivia. Then there is Roman Reigns of The Shield, who is in fact a third generation superstar in his own right being son of Afa (and is also brother of former WWE star Rosie, Super Hero In Training). Plus others, some of whom will be mentioned below.

Here are a list of some of the wrestling families, while I'll be sticking with the better known members, in most cases some of these bloodlines seem to produce nothing but wrestlers, who simply never made it to WWE, WCW or even TNA Wrestlings rosters over the years.

The Anoa'i/Maivia Family

Possibly the largest wrestling family there is, and a knack for giving us top performers over these years. Greats like High Chief Peter Maivia, Wild Samoans Afa and Sika, Yokozuna (yes non-hardcore fans he was actually Samoan), Rikishi (who's used many monikers), The Rock, Umaga, Rosie, and a bunch of others who've both made the top companies and haven't, yet wrestled elsewhere. Current stars from this family include Jimmy and Jey Uso (Rikishi's sons) and Leati Joseph Anoa'i better known as Roman Reigns.

The Hart Family

Canada's top or better known wrestling dynasties. With the Hart's every one of wrestler/promoter/trainer Stu Hart's sons wrestled and his each of his daughters married a wrestler. Best known would be Bret "The Hitman" Hart and his brother Owen Hart and their brother in-laws Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith (who is cousins with Dynamite Kid, who's ex-wife is Bret's ex-wifes sister). Of course there is a third generation with D.H. Smith (Harry Smith, son of Davey Boy Smith and Diana Hart), Teddy Hart (son of wrestler B.J. Annis and Georgia Hart, and Natalya Neidhart (Jim Neidhart and Ellie Hart) who recently married WWE star Tyson Kidd (TJ Wilson).

The Guerrero Family

They are Mexico's Dynasty to at least the mainstream media. Similar to the Hart Family, every one of Gory Guerrero's sons was a wrestler, even his wife, Herlinda Llanes came from a wrestling family. Best known is the late Eddie Guerrero and his wife current EXCUSE ME! star Vickie Guerrero. Also there's Hector Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero Sr (better known to current generation as Chavo Classic perhaps) and since I don't want to leave him out finally Mondo. Third generation star is Chavo Guerrero Jr who's been in WWE, WCW and TNA. Also there is Eddie and Vickie's daughter, Shaul Guerrero, working under the name Raquel Diaz on NXT. Guerrero Siempre!

The Windham-Rotunda Family

I was surprised by this at first, but then everything made sense. In this family it seems to be a case of genetics and upbringing. Wrestling legend Black Jack Mulligan (Robert Jack Mulligan) is the father of wrestling greats Barry Windham and Kendall Windham, but is also the step-father of another great, Mike Rotunda or I.R.S., Irwin R. Schyster. Rotunda is father of current WWE and NXT superstars, Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt (he was known as Husky Harris during the "Nexus" days) and Bo Dallas (Taylor Rotunda).

The Poffo Family

Even though there isn't going to be a next generation star from this bloodline by the looks of it, they deserve mention, not just for level of greatness, but for the shock that I am sure I wasn't alone in feeling when I heard this bloodline. Angelo Poffo, Randy Poffo and Lanny Poffo. The late Angelo Poffo is the wrestling legend and father of the late and legendary "Macho Man" Randy Savage and his brother "The Genius". And of course we all know that Randy was once married (in real life) to the late Miss Elizabeth (Elizabeth Hulette). If never going to be an induction into WWE's Hall Of Fame, we would love to know the reason.

The Rhodes Family

"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels Jr.) is a legendary WWE Hall Of Famer, and is father of two future HOF inductees, Goldust/Dustin Rhodes (Dustin Runnels) and Cody Rhodes (Cody Runnels). Dustin really came into his own once he became Goldust, and is leading a small "Attitude Era" resurgence within the the WWE. And was of course once married to Marlena (Terri Runnels). Cody is so good he successfully "gimmicked" a protective mask and then a mustache. That takes skill. Also, Dusty Rhodes is the brother in-law of Nasty Boys member Jerry Sags (Jerome Saganovich) and Tugboat/Typhoon/Shockmaster (Fred Ottoman). Both of whom are also Cody's Uncle. Cody's Godfather is also wrestling great Magnum T.A. (Terry Allen).

The Flair Family

Perhaps Ric Flair was "too great" for his sons to succeed in wrestling. With David Flair, it could have been from being in WCW during the wrong era and/or not being in the WWE instead. With Naitch's other son, Reid Flair, it was a tragic case of a drug over-dose that is likely the cause for not getting to the level he was capable of reaching if not for his demons. There is a ray of light within the Flair Family (which is Fliehr in real life) with The Nature Boy's daughter Ashley Flair is on NXT using the name Charlotte (likely homage to Flair country Charlotte, NC) WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The Von Erich Family

Possibly the most tragic stories of all the wrestling families and in a business loaded with it. Wrestling great Fritz Von Erich (Jack Adkisson) had 6 sons; Jack Jr, Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike and Chris. Jack Jr passed at the age of 6, but the other Von Erich sons all followed their father into the business of pro wrestling. Tragically, only Kevin Von Erich is still alive, with his brothers all meeting untimely deaths at young ages. Kerry Von Erich was best known to WWE fans as the Texas Tornado back in the 90's, where he actually wrestled on a prosthetic leg, but took his own life at the age of  . There is a ray of hope in the Von Erich clan, while Kerry's daughter Lacey Von Erich was at one time wrestling in TNA, and Kevin has two sons currently breaking out in the business. Perhaps one day we will see The Claw return to the main stage at the hand of a Von Erich..

The Henning Family

The wrestling great, Larry "The Axe" Henning is father to the late, legendary "Mr. Perfect" Curt Henning. And of course put the names together and you get current WWE third generation superstar, Curtis Axel (Joe Henning). Curt's daughter Amy is also a wrestler apparently. An almost "perfect" wrestling family. Pun obvious. Pun intended.

The DiBiase Family

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Sr., was the son of Helen Nevins a female wrestler and her husband, his adoptive father, "Iron" Mike DiBiase. Tragically, Mike died from a heart attack during a match with "Mountain Man" Mike in July 1969. There is a thrid generation of DiBiase's in the wrestling business, with Ted DiBiase Jr having formerly been in WWE, and his two brothers Mike DiBiase II and Brett DiBiase although currently retired were also professional wrestlers.

The McMahon Family

We may not always like the product that they give us, or the desicions that they make at times, but we should all be thankful that this family has existed in professional wrestling. Beginning with boxing and wrestling promoter, Roderick McMahon. Followed by his son also a wrestling promoter, Vincent J. McMahon who gave us Vinnie Mac, Vince K. McMahon. Hard to put one label on Vince promoter, entrepreneur, wrestler list goes on. Even that applies to Vince and Linda's children, Shane McMahon who worked for the family company on all levels from office to ref to even wrestling as well, and same can be said for Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, who is married to WWE great Triple H (Paul Levesque) who is now doing what the McMahon's do behind the scenes also after a stellar and now part-time wrestling career.


The list of wrestling families is pretty extensive, with mine being the tip of a massive ice berg. Remember the little baby Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat brought with him during Wrestlmania IV? For those unaware, that was his son and even he's in the business right now

A few others from the endless list of other 2nd and 3rd generation stars are;

• Jake "The Snake" Roberts
• Wes Brisco
• Tamina Snuka
• Deuce (Jimmy Snuka Jr.)
•  "The Mountie" Jacques Rougeau
• Ray Rougeau
• "Road Dogg" Jesse James and referee brother Scott Armstrong