Breaking Point thoughts
A submission-themed pay-per-view taking place in Montreal could only mean one thing: Someone is getting screwed.
This time it was The Undertaker. At WWE’s Breaking Point pay-per-view Sunday night, there was yet another recreation of the infamous Montreal Screwjob from the 1997 Survivor Series. The Undertaker played the Bret Hart role, CM Punk was Shawn Michaels, referee Scott Armstrong was Earl Hebner, and Smackdown general manager Theodore Long was Vince McMahon.
After Punk tapped out to the Hell’s Gate submission hold and The Undertaker was announced as the new world heavyweight champion, Long appeared on the stage and ordered the match to continue. He reminded everyone that Hell’s Gate had been banned by former GM Vickie Guerrero some time ago, and he said the ban was still in effect.
Punk locked on The Anaconda Vise after the restart, and within about a second of the hold being applied, Armstrong called for the bell even though The Undertaker clearly did not submit. Armstrong handed the belt to Punk and the two quickly sprinted up the aisle, while a stunned Undertaker stared down Long, who was still standing on the stage.
Takeoffs on the Montreal Screwjob have been done to death, but I think it worked very well in this instance. Punk has too much heel heat to take the belt off of him, so WWE needed a finish in which Punk would retain the title but Undertaker wouldn’t tap out. With the show being held in Montreal, the finish basically wrote itself.
Despite the controversial finish of the Punk-Undertaker match, the most dramatic match on the show was the I Quit contest that saw John Cena win the WWE title from Randy Orton. In the biggest upset of the night, Legacy defeated DX in a Submissions Count Anywhere Match.
Overall, Breaking Point was good show, but not a great one.
Here is a match-by-match look at the show:
World heavyweight champion CM Punk defeated The Undertaker in a Submission Match: For a pay-per-view main event, this match was disappointing, as it didn’t even go 10 minutes. Perhaps there is something to the Internet reports that The Undertaker, who underwent hip surgery last May, was moving slowly on recent house shows. The finish came out of nowhere at about the 8-minute mark when The Undertaker caught Punk in Hell’s Gate and the champ quickly tapped out. I was surprised that Punk lost in the first place because I thought it was a bad business decision, but I was stunned that he would drop the title in such unspectacular fashion. I was relieved when Long’s music hit because I knew it wasn’t going to be that simple. Long was absolutely right about the move being banned, but the problem is that The Undertaker has used it since Guerrero outlawed it, including at Cyber Sunday last October to defeat The Big Show. As for how the screwjob finish will be explained on this week’s Smackdown, I would guess that Long – who presumably is a heel now – will say that he orchestrated the whole thing to impress Vince McMahon, who had put Long on probation and was becoming more and more overbearing. I see a Tombstone in Long’s future. I wonder if Scott Armstrong – or as he is known on TV, “the referee” – will be hearing chants of “You screwed Undertaker” wherever he goes for the next 12 years.
John Cena defeated WWE champion Randy Orton in an I Quit Match to win the title: I give the creative team and anyone who had a hand in laying out this match a lot of credit. They managed to take a stale match-up with a result that most people knew going in – based on how things have played out on TV and the stipulation – and make it interesting. Cena and Orton were excellent in their roles, as well. The match was built entirely around a prop – a set of handcuffs that were introduced into the match by Orton, who placed the keys on a chain that he wore around his neck. Cena was defenseless as Orton handcuffed him in various positions. At one point, Orton sat Cena on the steps outside the ring, cuffed both of Cena’s hands and placed them over the ring post. Orton then proceeded to brutalize Cena with wicked Singapore Cane shots that left huge welts on his midsection. Orton also assaulted Cena with chair shots and punches to the head and body. Cena endured a heck of a beating, but he continually refused to quit. I felt like I was watching Jack Bauer being tortured on “24.” Later, when Cena was cuffed to the rope and had one hand free, he was able to grab the key and free himself. He then handcuffed himself to Orton, whose facial expression was awesome when he realized his predicament. Cena eventually got Orton in the STF, wrapping the handcuffs around Orton’s throat in the process. Orton was inches away from the key, but he couldn’t reach them and said “I quit, I quit” at about the 20-minute mark.
Legacy defeated DX in a Submissions Count Anywhere Match: This match marked a turning point in the careers of Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes, as they stood toe-to-toe with Triple H and Shawn Michaels and scored a relatively clean victory. The two teams battled all over the building – including on the concourse level – in the longest match on the show (approximately 22 minutes). There was a nice innovative spot in which Rhodes was stretched out on a chair while Triple H had him in a Sharpshooter and Michaels had him in a Camel Clutch simultaneously. After taking out Triple H backstage, Rhodes and DiBiase double-teamed Michaels in the ring. Rhodes secured a figure-four leglock around the post on Michaels, while DiBiase slapped on The Million Dollar Dream at the same time. Michaels fought it for a bit but ultimately tapped out before a weakened Triple H could make it down the ramp in time for the save. With DX booked to lose the match, why am I not surprised it was Michaels and not Triple H who did the honors? By the way, when Triple H was doing the DX shtick on the mic before the match, the crowd was chanting “You screwed Bret!” Triple H remarked that there was an incident that happened there quite a few years ago but some people still can’t let it go. Then he pointed at Michaels and said sarcastically, “It was all his fault. It wasn’t me.” Now that was funny.
Unified WWE tag team champions Chris Jericho and The Big Show defeated MVP and Mark Henry: All signs point to Jericho and Big Show having a lengthy reign, so the result here was no surprise, but I thought it was a decent match. MVP looked especially good when he was in with Jericho. The match was hurt somewhat by a lack of heat, as the crowd wasn’t that into the babyfaces, especially Henry.
ECW champion Christian defeated William Regal: From a work standpoint, this was the best match on the show. They were given about 10 minutes, which was enough time for Regal to show just how good he really is when matched up against the right opponent. Before the start of the match, Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson were banned from ringside. Regal dominated the action with his stiff offense, including hitting a Regal-plex that looked as if it could have broken Christian’s neck. How can a move that brutal not be a finisher? The finishing sequence was well-done, as Regal blocked a Killswitch attempt by shoving Christian into the ropes. Regal then missed the Knee Trembler, and Christian landed the Killswitch for the win.
U.S. champion Kofi Kingston defeated The Miz: Miz grabbed the mic before the match and did his “I’m The Miz and I’m awesome” deal, except he did it in French. Perhaps he has been getting French lessons from Maryse. I don’t know what is more disturbing, the fact that Miz has dated Maryse, or that Miz had a match on the pay-per-view but former tag partner John Morrison did not. Miz controlled the match and continually beat Kingston to the punch, but Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise out of nowhere and got the hard-fought victory. This was a nice win for Kingston and a good showing for Miz.
Kane defeated The Great Khali in a Singapore Cane Match: There’s not much I can say about this match other than the fact that it was bad and no one cared about it.
Dolph Ziggler-Pat Patterson promo: Patterson came to the ring and talked to the crowd about making his wrestling debut in Montreal in 1958 and being the first Intercontinental champion. He was just about to introduce someone, when Dolph Ziggler interrupted. Ziggler made some bad jokes at Patterson’s expense, which prompted the crowd to get an anti-Ziggler chant going. I can’t write on a family Web site what they were chanting, but let’s just say it wasn’t “Mr. Ziggles.” Don’t the Montreal fans know that WWE is PG now? Anyway, the segment ended with Ziggler kicking Patterson in the stomach and John Morrison making the save. The bad news is that we didn’t get a Ziggler-Morrison match at Breaking Point. The good news (at least for them) is that they will get a check for appearing on the show. I guess we are left hanging as to who Patterson was going to bring out, although I read on wrestlingobserver.com that former WWE talent Sylvan Grenier was backstage at the show and expected to get a contract offer.
Comments
I read an interesting theory on the Punk/Taker finish. WWE's infamous "Board of Directors" want CM Punk to remain champ because the straight-edge lifestyle reflects well on the company's image. I like it and think it would be a good spin on the typical "evil boss" storyline. Instead of trying to find ways to screw over the face, management will do whatever they can to protect the heel.
Funny thing about that double submission in the steel chair, I don't think that would've worked on anyone in the company except Cody Rhodes, since he looks like he weighs about 150 pounds, soaking wet with a brick in his pocket. Good match though, and as you said, a definite turning point for Legacy.
Posted by: Razor | September 14, 2009 1:47 PM
Forgive me for asking, but who is Sylvan Grenier and what exactly would he have to do with IC title? I tend to agree with your thoughts on the PPV. Great job Kevin.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Grenier doesn't have anything to do with the IC title. He's a Frenh-Canadian who was in WWE a few years ago in the tag team La Resistance and he also worked as a single for a little while.
Posted by: Gwen | September 14, 2009 2:01 PM
Long Time No speak Kev...
a couple of things before Breaking Point..
1) Why am I not suprised at Jeff Hardy? More importantly..Thank God for CM Punk, for removing the Charismatic Enabler, before my 11 year old is swayed by "Living in the Moment". Perhaps now Hardy will be "Living in a Jail Cell".
2) Please...Please...If anything good is to come out of Canada, other than the Montreal Screw Job, I implore the Canadian Authorities to straighten out this Angelina Love situation as quickly as possible. I don't know what I would do without that ring entrance.
Good breakdown on the ppv. I am suprised at the results of both Cena-Orton as well as DX-Legacy. Hats off to creative to move these storylines along and get hopefuly get something new going on RAW. It's just almost unbearable.
I am excited for a HIAC match with Undertaker and Punk. I mean it only made sense, and I predict Punk will retain at that PPV. He is on fire right now and not from The Undertakers "Magical Powers" either.
Take Care.
Posted by: Prime Time Bobby Lee | September 14, 2009 2:01 PM
"I guess we are left hanging as to who Patterson was going to bring out, although I read on wrestlingobserver.com that former WWE talent Sylvan Grenier was backstage at the show and expected to get a contract offer." Hrmm...with Patterson involved, you can bet that Sylvan expected to get a lot more than that!...
Posted by: Joey Mabile | September 14, 2009 2:09 PM
Aren't refs brand exclusive? Scott Armstrong was just cheating for Legacy on RAW like a month ago wasn't he.
Posted by: Mr. Bronson | September 14, 2009 2:12 PM
Funniest couple of spots of the night? Jericho poking Mark Henry's belly as he walked past and Lawler b---- slapping Michael Cole for correcting him.
Punk Taker match was a major disappointment, don't understand why they didnt let the match play for another ten minutes or so before doing a screw-job ending, just to make it worthwhile.
Cena-Orton was good, but how in the hell can the WWE expect people to swallow Cena getting that kind of beating and then almost instantly making Orton quit? The way he acted at the end looked like he was thinking, 'I dont care what happens, the creative team are going to book me strong, look at what I just took'. Makes Orton look weak despite him being the superior performer.
Legacy beating DX was the right call but I knew HHH wasnt going to tap.
Kev - Do you think that this goes to HIAC where DX can win, just so they dont put anyone over too much, we all know how they hate that.
Kane/Khali was one of the worst matches I have ever seen. Ever.
Regal should have done Christian, ECW would be much better with a dominant stable around the ECW Champ.
Nice work as always Eck.
Posted by: theorangechimp | September 14, 2009 2:19 PM
01 . Cena defeat Orton
Good Thing : Cena FINALLY prevails
Bad Thing : The never ending saga continues............SIGH......................
02 . Legacy defeat DX
Good Thing : Legacy finally worth of something, DX finally elevate those young talents
Bad Thing : The war is not over, yet. DX will finally get the last laugh......
03 . Taker vs Punk
Good Thing : Punk keeps the title
Bad Thing : Montreal Screwjob Part 2
04 . Kane Vs Khali
Good Thing : None
Bad Thing : None
05 . Regal vs Christian
Good Thing : This match is longer than the 10 second squash at SummerSlam.
Bad Thing : Regal Roundtable is banned from ringside
06 . The Miz vs Kofi
Good Thing : Kofi won
Bad Thing : No IC title match, and MIZ
07 . Jerishow defeat Henry and MVP
Good Thing : Jerishow keeps the straps
Bad Thing : MVP is at the bottom of the bell again.
Posted by: AIRA | September 14, 2009 2:20 PM
Thort breaking point was just ok. Hated the screwy finish-sick of screwjobs! Thort the triple h bit blaming michaels for the screwjob quite funny specially the "I weren't even there" bit. Michales facial expressions were classic too. He must be used to that chant by now tho. Is it just me or is cena looking fed up when he comes out at recent ppvs and he's getting booe? I also thort orton tapped quite easily considering he's beaten the crap out of cena for a lot the match. Love jericho-everything he does is gold.
Posted by: serena | September 14, 2009 2:28 PM
Montreal seems to be the hot spot for WWE screw jobs.
I was shocked like many were to see Legacy beating DX.
Raw needed a change as Cena beat Orton. To bad it had to be Cena though, wish it was someone else.
A few surprises to say the least otherwise everything else was expected.
Kinda dissapointed not seeing John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler for the I-C belt. I hear they are waiting for Hell In A Cell for that match to take place.
Posted by: Dave | September 14, 2009 2:40 PM
It's been awhile since Teddy Long was a heel. He had a brief heel run when he managed Rodney Mack, Mark Henry and D'Lo Brown amongst others. Before that he was a referee. I bet he's thanking his lucky stars he's not a ref now.
In fact, I first remember Teddy Long when he played the corrupt referee in WCW a la Danny Davis in the WWF in the mid-80s. Unless the WWE give referees real names I guess that's one angle they can recycle.
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | September 14, 2009 3:01 PM
Whoever laid out the match sequence for this PPV should be fired. I was fired up after the submissions count anywhere match and then almost fell asleep before the main events. Kane and Khali better be finished. All in all I thought it was a decent PPV.
Kev, what do you think about the themed PPVs that WWE seems to be testing out? I enjoy having gimmick matches because it adds a little something extra to the story, but I am just worried about these guys bodies holding up. Breaking Point, Hell in a Cell, TLC - these are all pretty brutal matches. Seems like the life of a WWE superstar is getting tougher rather than easier.
Posted by: Mark K | September 14, 2009 3:02 PM
Shawn didn't pretend to #%&* the Canadian flag this time? Good.
Posted by: Christopher | September 14, 2009 3:29 PM
IF THIS WILL LEAD TO A DX BREAK AND IF ITS LEADS TO A HHH/HBK FEUD FOR THE BELT SO HE CAN GET ONE MORE TITLE RUN, THEN THIS WAS A GREAT BOOKING
Posted by: MIKE A | September 14, 2009 4:03 PM
I didnt know WWE had an indestructable human like machine on it's roster. Oh no wait, it's just john cena. I mean you wouldn't know the difference after cena received one of the most brutal beatdowns i've ever seen, yet still manage to win. I've never seen someone recover from the rko in about 15 seconds before, no wait I have, john cena did a few weeks back. I think WWE needs to stop making cena seem invincible otherwise when he does win a massive match, it won't matter as much. Ortom should have held the title longer, titles are swapped too much these days and I thought orton was going to bring some stability to the gold. Just my opinion.
Posted by: Legacy.1 | September 14, 2009 5:07 PM
First of all I would like to say that u guys have got to be crazy if u think that the Kane/Kahli matched was the worst one on the card if anything that stupid Regal Christian match was the worst. I don't even see why they waste time booking ECW maches nobody even watches that crap show and doubt they care who there Champion is. As far as the rest of the show goes I think it was great. Im really happy legacey finally got a the boost they've needed to get out of ortons shadow. The taker punk match ended the way I expected I just didn't know how they would pull it off I thought they would have punk pass out to the hellsgate Submission then on smsckdown take the belt off taker claiming that punk never actually tappedbut I guess I should have saw a Montreol Screw job 2 coming since we where in Montreol and in a Submission match.
Posted by: M6000 | September 14, 2009 5:10 PM
taker neverhas any luck with the gm's...
Posted by: mo | September 14, 2009 5:30 PM
I would love to see HHH be a bit hostile now to Shawn because he was the one that tapped; then at Hell In A Cell Shawn could lose the match again (and push Legacy) then HHH could turn on Shawn, go heel (like he prefers) and they could have a feud....would also allow for new WWE Champoin contenders...and much needed Legacy push...would be my ideal storyline now...
Posted by: Stan | September 14, 2009 6:15 PM
I think HBK was the one to tap, because that move that was used at the end can't be used on HHH due to his multiple quad injuries. Without that move, Legacy wouldn't have come across as powerful as they did. Besides, incapacitating HHH, who usually takes a beating quite well, looks good for Legacy as well. That match was booked the way it should have been booked.
Posted by: Scott | September 14, 2009 6:34 PM
Leave it to you to say that an old, over-used, played-out, uncreative angle worked...of course because it was the WWE did it.
Posted by: Ted | September 14, 2009 7:12 PM
I'm glad someone else sees the light in the whole controversial ending to the PPV.
I did think the Take Punk match should have been longer, too-- but you may be right about the 'taker's condition.
Also, I'm glad they kept the title on Punk-- this ending gives him more heat than he already has, and gives him a longer reign.
Also, the 'Taker-Punk feud had nothing special until now. Well, now it does =]
This feud leads to the HIAC, 'Taker's specialty. Its gonna be awesome, and I think the victory is gonna be Taker's, but who knows.... the SD people have been so sensible valuing their assets, perhaps... Punk might get put over?
The PPV was good, IMO, though it had its share of misses.
Most of the matches were really good. Exceptions are the Khali match (ofcourse), an the Dolph-JoMo-Patterson segment was just uncomfortable to watch; it had nothing going for it, and the crowd was dead.
I'm glad the Legacy won. Raw is doing atleast one thing right.
Posted by: Maha | September 14, 2009 7:27 PM
YEs,I also thought WwE mgmt backing Punk for his straight edge lifestyle at the expense of the babyfaces is a great angle that WWE can really milk for a while.
Punk is giving Edge a run for his money in his absence.
Personally, I find Punks character to be the most compelling I have seen in pro wrestling in quite a while and I have been watching wrestling about as long as you have, Kevin.
Posted by: AMC | September 14, 2009 7:52 PM
Was anybody else surprised that punk went there mentioning indirectly the events of the weekend??
Posted by: serena | September 14, 2009 7:52 PM
Breaking Point was absolute "I can’t write on a family Web site what I want to say, but let's just say it's not "Mr. Ziggles."
I regret not telling my father I rather have the 40 bucks as my birthday gift instead of him wasting his money on this World Wrestling Boredom pay-per-view. I should have known better. He offered and "I just couldn't say no." I was excited about the blasted ppv because of Taker vs. Punk and that was the worst match in the line-up; wholly rotten to the core. Where do I start?
1.) As was stated, the lenghth of the match. 8 Minutes is unacceptable.
2.) In what was a submission match, neither one applied anymore than one blasted submission hold and that was at the very end. No softening each other up with grappling holds whatsoever. Given The Undertaker is reportedly slower, this was the perfect opportunity for him because it's a submission match and no runing around or high impact moves were needed. All that was needed was submission maneuvers. It could have been a nice technical wrestling match for both superstars and we could have seen who is the better technical athlete. Absolutely NO technical wrestling from either whatsoever.
3.) In fact, they didn't even do any high impact moves or much of anything other than striking. Neither one of them impressed me in terms of their in-ring performance.
4.) Why are people happy they kept the belt on Punk?! Punk has officially jumped the shark as he was made to look like a total weakling submitting after 8 minutes. We have a wimp heel as champ. I'm not doing cartwheels.
5.) The screwjob ending was NOT against The Undertaker. The screwjob ending was done against all the fans who had to sit through the conclusion of the disaster after doling out 40 bucks.
OTHER THOUGHTS:
Kev, I thought Randy Orton and John Cena's match was so BLAH. Cena hanging up from a post for ten minutes while Randy Orton takes a shot at him with five minute gaps inbetween each shot. It seemed like he took hour long gaps inbetween each move to try to look mean and scary. Orton is in serious need of adding more moves to his repertoire. He's stale in the ring. Yes! He has the look, he has the presence, but he's BLAH in the ring. Cena as Champ is boring.
The best match for me by far was HHH/HBK vs. Kody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase. I loved HBK going right out into that senselessly bitter audience of Canadians. Just brawling right out there with his beloved Canadian audience. That tage team match was so unpredictable and just loved all the in-crowd action. Even though I think that Montreal audience was full of pinheads for still nagging HBK about something from 1997, I think in a lot of ways it added to the entertainment of that match. Unique double-teaming submission holds applied by both DX and Legacy. I hope they stretch this feud out longer now. As was stated, no surprise HHH couldn't be the one to lose but he made up for it with that joke you mentioned.
Kofi Kingston vs. Miz was only iight. Because the Miz dominated the match, Kingston didn't get to show off much fancy offense so I didn't care for this match. Miz is still on probation with me after that wack promo he did at the beginning too.
Jerishow is just ALL about the Big Show. He was of course the reason they won the tag match. The Montreal audience was acting soooo bizarrely in that match; cheering one face, booing one face, cheering one heel, booing the other; I was dizzy! I didn't like the audience response or the match. Haven't I said Canada always has some bizarre reaction in the past?
What was with showing the wrestler's celebrating after their match for like 10 mins? In that amount of time, they could have had Morrison/Ziggler.
Anyways, will I be buying another WWB pay-per-view? No way jose! Most definitely am not looking forward for the continuation of this Taker/Punk feud either.
Posted by: Tonetare | September 14, 2009 8:00 PM
I wonder if this was a case of Shawn "doing the honors", or if it was his comeuppance for all the Hart stuff (in the eyes of the fans). Or perhaps they didn't want absolute anarchy to break loose...after all, if the guy who screwed the national hero were to win another match by submission in their town...yikes.
I think WWE needs to give this entire storyline a rest, or put it to bed altogether. Every time they go to Montreal, the fans know what to expect. Furthermore, it just tarnishes Bret, and any hopes of a decent relationship he may ever have with the McMahons.
Posted by: FLOW | September 14, 2009 8:41 PM
I'm no hbk mark, but the way he sold just how HARD it was to keep legacy at bay during the two on one the end took a huge amount of talent.
Posted by: Amos | September 14, 2009 8:41 PM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Susan
Posted by: Susan | September 15, 2009 1:05 AM
Triple H remarked that there was an incident that happened there quite a few years ago but some people still can’t let it go.
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Did he meant Vince???He's probably the only one in wrestling business who can't get over it. Everybody else has. Its high time he moves on. I am sure some journalist will once AGAIN ask Bret for his reaction . Now how do you want the him to react??? Don't expect "I am very happy and thankful to WWE for playing it out once again."
Posted by: Kunal | September 15, 2009 8:39 AM
I wonder if Scott Armstrong – or as he is known on TV, “the referee” – will be hearing chants of “You screwed Undertaker” wherever he goes for the next 12 years.
I grew up an Armstrong fan and I'm glad to see Scott's still in the business. A pity ref's no longer get to play a real role in storylines, however.
Posted by: e. nonee moose | September 15, 2009 9:43 AM
Everyone seems to be forgetting that the original Montreal Screwjob was real and Bret Hart was not in on it. Quick "screwjob" finished can be redone over and over, but Survivor Series 97 was very real for Bret Hart.
Posted by: adam | September 15, 2009 2:45 PM
TAKER GOT SCREWED be wwe just like Brett vince must be insane to treat taker like a nobody.....
Posted by: bill | September 15, 2009 6:48 PM
FLOW, I think your answer is in the fact that Shawn Michaels tapped out to the Sharpshooter in Canada at Backlash 2004.
To respond to your comment more bluntly: if it was supposed to help the fans get past the Montreal Screwjob, then it won't make a difference!
PS - Thank you Adam for that added comment, I agree that WWE is trying to make if feel as though the Montreal Screwjob was as planned as these subsequent re-enactments. I hold the Montreal Screwjob in very high regard for a variety of reasons. I hope the next generation of fans are able to understand its significance.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | September 16, 2009 11:56 AM
That Regal/Christian match was a real highlight for me.
Like Striker, I am a superfan of Master Regal, an all-time great heel. (Although Punk is proving himself quite promising!)
Did anyone else mark out for Matt Striker's increasingly silly Morrissey & Smiths song-title references throughout the match? Loved it!
Not a bad PPV overall. I so intensely enjoyed watching Orton brutalize Cena that I think something might be wrong with me.
Posted by: Jules B. | September 16, 2009 3:11 PM
I loved while reading this article becasue it has lot of stuff for wrestling fan like me. John cena is the best.
Posted by: BJJ Singapore | September 18, 2009 6:47 AM