I write wrestling columns and appear on video for CineSport every week courtesy of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
My reaction to WWE Battleground can be found both in a 3 minute video conversation with CineSport anchor Brian Clark and in my Monday column. The following is the CineSport video:
Here’s an excerpt of my column reacting to the event:
After “WWE Battleground,” all fans should want the WWE Network. That way, you only have to feel bad about spending $10, rather than higher traditional pay-per-view prices.
There were a lot of quality stories leading up to this event, and those will culminate at “SummerSlam” in August.
WWE had to address these stories Sunday night because they needed content and nothing was a must-see event. It was an inconvenient time on its schedule to have “Battleground.” There was good in-ring action, but you’ve either already seen it or will see it again.
The Bray Wyatt versus Chris Jericho match had high expectations, with two wrestlers who are extremely captivating for two different reasons. The duo shares a mysterious but exciting backstory.
The Usos fought Luke Harper and Erick Rowan — again. The Usos retained the titles — again. Wise decision by WWE to keep the titles with a babyface team, considering all of the other tag teams who could challenge for the belt are heels.
At the start of the Intercontinental battle royal, I tweeted how I feared Dolph Ziggler would appear and steal the win. But The Miz came out of nowhere to eliminate Ziggler and win the match. I hated being right.
I didn’t hate being right about Rusev versus Jack Swagger. My prediction — and my hope — was for an ending that was somewhat inconclusive. The match needed to maintain momentum for Rusev, but it couldn’t kill the quick babyface interest and credibility for Swagger.
I had hoped for a double-count out or a double disqualification. Instead, Rusev and Swagger fought hard on the outside, and Rusev just barely slipped back into the ring on the final second of the referee’s count. The Super Athlete won by count out.
CLICK HERE for thoughts on the main event and not having Rollins vs Ambrose!
