TLC thoughts
In my preview for Sunday night’s TLC pay-per-view, I wrote that it “would be insane” for WWE to book Sheamus to win the WWE title from John Cena.
I guess the whole word has gone mad – well, at least the WWE Universe has – because Sheamus is your new WWE champion. I can’t believe I actually typed that last sentence.
The old saying about being careful what you wish for must be true. Like a lot of fans, I wanted to see some fresh faces in the main event picture, but Sheamus certainly wasn’t at the top of my list. In fact, he wasn’t even on my list.
I don’t know how valid the stories are about Sheamus getting his mega-push because he is Triple H’s workout buddy, but the “Celtic Warrior” shooting past at least a half-dozen more deserving guys (in my opinion) and defeating the company’s top star for the title certainly won’t do anything to quell those rumors.
The result of the Sheamus-Cena match slightly dampened my enthusiasm for the rest of the show, but TLC was decent overall. There were no bad matches, but no extraordinary ones, either. As far as the other booking decisions, I didn’t care for the finish to The Undertaker-Batista match, and I think the wrong person went over in the women’s match.
In addition to Sheamus’ championship victory, fellow upstart Drew McIntyre won the Intercontinental title, and DX captured their first tag team title.
Here is a match-by-match look at the show:
DX defeated WWE unified tag team champions Chris Jericho and The Big Show in a tables match to win the title: This was a good match and there some nice spots, but no one will be talking abut it in the same breath as the Edge and Christian/Hardys/Dudleys classic TLC matches. One of the cool spots saw Shawn Michaels and Triple H double-suplex a ladder onto a prone Jericho. In another, Triple H had his leg trapped in the rungs of a ladder and was hanging upside down in the corner when Michaels was tossed upside down into him. That was followed by a splash by The Big Show onto Triple H. It’s always a challenge to do something new in this type of match, but they managed to do so. After Big Show destroyed one of the last remaining ladders (the ladder was broken into two parts), Jericho steadied himself on his partner’s shoulders and tried to retrieve the belts that were suspended above the ring. Michaels, however, hit Sweet Chin Music on Big Show and Jericho went flying over the top rope. He was supposed to go through a tabled that had been set up outside the ring, but he was off the mark and sold that he slammed his head into it. Triple H then grabbed one half of the ladder and held it steady for Michaels to climb up and grab the belts for the win at the 22-minute mark. DX’s victory was not unexpected, and the result became more obvious by the fact that it went on last and only two babyfaces had gone over by that point. I expect DX’s reign to be short one, because Michaels reportedly has no desire to work Smackdown tapings in addition to Raw.
World heavyweight champion The Undertaker defeated Batista in a chairs match: These two have had some really good matches in the past, but this one was just OK. Chairs were used sparingly, which I didn’t see as a negative. At the 13-minute mark, Batista gave The Undertaker a low blow behind the referee’s back and then nailed him with a chair shot to the head (Undertaker did get a hand up to protect himself). The referee made the three count and Batista was announced as the new champion. As Batista was walking back up the ramp, Smackdown general manager Teddy Long appeared on the stage and ordered the match to be restarted because of the low blow. Immediately after the restart, Undertaker hit Batista in the back with a chair and delivered a Tombstone piledriver to retain his title. I have always hated when decisions are randomly overturned because a heel broke the rules to win. Shouldn’t just about every match won by a heel be restarted then? It was suggested in commentary that Long was trying to do right by The Undertaker after double-crossing him a few months ago, which at least makes sense. The finish also necessitates the need for a rematch and plays into the story line of Batista’s frustration boiling over due to the title eluding him time and again. Look for Batista to win the championship in the rematch, which could take place on Smackdown or at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view next month.
Sheamus defeated WWE champion John Cena in a tables match to win the title: The anti-Cena fans made their presence known and there was even a tepid “Let’s go Sheamus” chant early. The match built to a spot in which Cena was attempting to superplex Sheamus through a table that he had set up in the ring. Cena appeared to have trouble keeping his balance, and Sheamus pushed him off the ropes and through the table for the win at the 16-minute mark. The crowd was stunned, and Michael Cole said that he was in shock. Jerry Lawler said it best, however, when he said that Cena “has to be embarrassed.” I suppose the “out” here is that it was a tables match, so Cena was beaten for the title without being pinned or forced to submit. I still think it’s absurd that a guy who has defeated the likes of Randy Orton, Triple H, Michaels, Edge, The Big Show, etc., loses the belt to Sheamus, who immediately takes his place alongside Stan “The Man” Stasiak and The Iron Sheik as the most undeserving WWE champions of all time.
Randy Orton defeated Kofi Kingston: If the goal here was to show that Kingston belonged in a pay-per-view match with a top guy, then it was a success. In the best spot of the 13-minute match, Kingston attempted to hit Orton with a flying bodypress off the top rope onto the floor, but Orton caught him in the mid-section with a perfectly timed dropkick as Kingston was on the way down. Kingston sold his ribs after that and was moving a lot slower than usual. When Orton attempted a punt to the head, Kingston got his arm up at the last moment and sold that his arm was hurting badly. Kingston went for the Trouble in Paradise out of nowhere, but Orton ducked and hit the RKO for the victory. Orton going over is the right call. He needed the win after coming out on the short end of his feud with Cena and having Kingston mostly get the better of him in the build for this match. Plus, losing a competitive match to Orton doesn’t hurt Kingston at all.
ECW champion Christian defeated Shelton Benjamin in a ladder match: These two set the bar high by proclaiming on TV that they would steal the show. The 18-minute match, which went on first, was the best of the night, but it was not an instant classic or anything. That’s not meant as a knock on either man’s performance, as they both worked hard and took some high-impact bumps. Approximately four minutes into the match, Christian was busted open hardway after Benjamin tripped him and a ladder landed on top of him as he fell backward. The action abruptly came to a halt as medical personnel tended to Christian and closed up his wound. The fans booed and chanted “We want blood!” I don’t blame them. After all the bloodbaths we have seen in WWE over the years, it looks ridiculous to have medics running in at the first sign of blood. Here’s a thought: If you’re going to have a no-blood policy, don’t have matches in which ladders can be used as weapons. One of the highlights of the match saw Benjamin standing on a ladder, purposefully tipping himself over and then hitting a flying clothesline off of it. In the spot that set up the finish, Christian hit a splash off the top onto Benjamin, who was on his back across a ladder that was bridged between the ring and the announce table. That ladder snapped in two upon impact. From there, Christian got back in the ring, scaled a ladder and retrieved the belt that was been suspended above the ring. Benjamin had the advantage for the majority of the match, but the resilient champion overcame yet another fierce challenge. It’s kind of funny (or sad) that the ECW champion is a much bigger star than the WWE champion.
Drew McIntyre defeated Intercontinental champion John Morrison to win the title: I’m slightly surprised that McIntyre won the title on his first attempt, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea. To me, McIntyre has more of “it” than Sheamus. McIntyre picked up the win after he poked Morrison in the eye and then hit his double-underhook DDT finisher.
WWE women’s champion Michelle McCool defeated Mickie James: Unless this program is being extended and James is eventually getting the title, I’m perplexed by this result. After all that “Piggy James” stuff that James was subjected to on television, you mean to tell me the heels (McCool and Layla) are actually going to get the last laugh over the most popular woman on the roster? The match was good. McCool and James both showed a lot of intensity and it really came across as a grudge match. The crowd was into it, too, and it seemed like McCool had real heat rather than go-away heat. I think the “Piggy James” skit had something to do with it. McCool got the pin after she kicked James hard in the face following a distraction from Layla.
Comments
Maybe just maybe sheamus is far respcetful backstage than the likes of Swagger and MVP et al...
To call Sheamus a undeserving champion even before his first night on raw as a champion is ludicrious...Give the guy a chance he may just prove you wrong kind of like how The Miz has changed your opinion.
RESPONSE FROM KE: He is undeserving at this point in his career.
Posted by: Shammers | December 14, 2009 1:16 PM
Terrible pay-per-view in my opinion, but all of these "themed" pay-per-views seem thrown together anyway.
Do you think Sheamus winning the belt is a slap in the face to all the internet fans "begging" for fresh faces in the main event scene? Wouldn't put it past Vinny Mac to do something like that to try and shut the smarks up.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 14, 2009 1:25 PM
Kevin, what exactly makes one wrestler "more deserving" of being champ over another?
Anyone else the WWE could have thrown out there (that we haven't seen a million times before) has spent the last couple of months jobbing out to midcarders.
There is no real upper midcard in the WWE anymore. The fact that Sheamus got the fast track to the top doesn't mean he was any less deserving than anyone else. Personally, I think it's cool that he's got the belt. Why? Because I honestly have NO IDEA what's going to happen now - or how good of a champ he's going to be.
For months the WWE has been stale - and worse than stale, it's been predictable.
Can't say that anymore.
Posted by: Jason | December 14, 2009 1:25 PM
I am shocked and glad Sheamus won the title. I would have been thrilled if Jimmy Wang Yang won the strap the title. It was necessary that somebody not named Cena, Orton, or HHH win the title whether they deserve the title or not.
This Sheamus win feels like March Madness in basketball win the little school defeats a huge powerhouse. The Celtic Warrior might not be champ for very long but I will enjoy this moment.
Posted by: Rob | December 14, 2009 1:37 PM
Makes me wonder if on January 4, 2010 they will have a re-match and Cena will win the title back.
Posted by: Patrick Johnson | December 14, 2009 1:37 PM
I can't believe you wrote that sentence either. I am very Anti-Cena, but even I couldn't find myself cheering for the "Celtic Warrior". I know WWE want's to shock us, but why couldn't this have happened later down the road and with a different person. Sometimes I wonder if Vince just wants to stick it to the IWC. I can just see him saying,"Well you want something new? Well I'll give you something new!" Having Sheamus win is pretty much a slap in the face to guys like Swagger, MVP, Miz, Morrison, Ziggler, Bourne, Chavo, hell it's a slap in the face to the whole locker room. Well anyways I brought a point up on your last post on RAW about the problems that would arise from WWE's "no blood" policy, and that came to fruition during the ECW Championship match and I guess my question was answered. Yes they are perfectly willing to stop down a match to fix up a bleeding guy, that does not make any sense to me.
Posted by: Kevin | December 14, 2009 1:42 PM
Oh my, what a misunderstanding between the WWE and the WWE Universe. Yes we want some new blood in the RAW main events but no we don´t want Sheamus in there. And you know as a huge Cena hater normally I root for his opponent no matter who but in this case, well I root for nobody.
I don´t believe Sheamus will hold the title longer than ´til the Rumble (if it lasts that long). How about the rematch taking place at the first RAW of 2010 when they go head to head with TNA? And as soon as he lost the title I see him going back straight to the midcard. So in the end I think the victory now will more hurt than help him.
But what happened to the good old fashioned way of pushing a wrestler to the top? Build him up slowly, let him win the IC or the US title and then when it actually means something give him the WWE championship. I just remembered the Hardy victory last December at Armaggedon. Well that was a victory that actually meant something.
As far as the women´s match is concerned: I couldn´t agree more with you, McCool going over is definitely the wrong call.
Posted by: XDreamItchy | December 14, 2009 1:42 PM
Maybe Sheamus is the 21st century Ron Garvin?
Posted by: Chris Jericho's Midlife Crisis | December 14, 2009 1:48 PM
Putting Sheamus over like this is just perplexing.
I'm not anti-Sheamus because I think with some time and effort put into it they could make him a character worth paying more attention to, but that's just it: they haven't done any of that at all.
Right now all he is is a big, pale, weird-hairstyle Scottish brute who, over the course of a few months, has gone from winning and losing to Goldust on ECW to squashing nobodies on RAW to getting into a gimmick title match and winning it.
Yes, it is probably important to note he got this title by countering a move and putting John Cena through a table. No pin, no submission.
That's not a buildup. That's a phantom push the likes of which haven't been seen in ages. Whether any of it comes from being Triple H's workout buddy or not, that's going to be talked about anyway.
Like you said, of all the newer people they could have pushed, they pick Sheamus? It's just too soon, way too soon. As much as I don't mind someone other than Cena holding the title, it's not like Sheamus even moved up the ranks by holding the ECW belt or the Intercontinental title first, like Drew McIntyre is now with the IC strap.
I would expect this title reign to be very short-lived. If WWE wants to promote an "anyone can do it" angle that's one thing, but at this point the whole rise to the title is a fabrication and a fluke.
At least, as far as you can call it when stuff like this is scripted from the start.
Posted by: James | December 14, 2009 1:53 PM
"Sheamus defeated WWE champion John Cena in a ladder match to win the title"
I think it was a tables match. Ladders would have been more interesting.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Thanks for the head's up. Fixed it.
Posted by: Will D | December 14, 2009 1:57 PM
"I still think it’s absurd that a guy who has defeated the likes of Randy Orton, Triple H, Michaels, Edge, The Big Show, etc., loses the belt to Sheamus, who immediately takes his place alongside Stan “The Man” Stasiak and The Iron Sheik as the most undeserving WWE champions of all time."
Hey, Eck, doesn't this comment naturally lead to a future post on the Top 10 undeserving world champions of all time?
Posted by: ZT in NC | December 14, 2009 2:18 PM
I agree that there are many who deserved the push more than Shamu, who right now is thinking "17 - 1!" But two years from now, he, McIntyre, and Hornswoggle will all be skipping down the ramp to an Irish reel as the latest Unified Tag Champs.
Posted by: Paul Lessing | December 14, 2009 2:25 PM
Maybe Shemus winning the title will be like that Dallas episode where Bobby died or something, Vince will wake up and it will all be a dream, just a dream.
Posted by: akaskip | December 14, 2009 2:28 PM
SHEAMUS IS HERE TO STAY !! ATERALL HE WAS THE TRENDING TOPIC ON TWITTER :)
Posted by: razzaq | December 14, 2009 2:30 PM
I'm not sure that title change is going to stand. The fact that John Cena fell through the table without any doing of Sheamus (and that it was brought up) sounds like it was laying the groundwork for the title to be held-up, where they can further the angle of the midcard resentment towards John Cena, which I thought had a lot of unique possibilities.
Likewise, if you're building a monster heel, putting him over with a fluke defies logic. If Sheamus had manhandled John Cena and tossed him through a table, Cena still would not have been pinned or submitted, so I think this is for more than protecting Cena.
I found it fitting that JR compared the match to Austin/Kane, because that was the first comparison I made as well.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 14, 2009 2:30 PM
I think Sheamus is about as good as McIntyre. I also wonder if he got the push because he played a bodyguard for DX on the show a few years back (I.e. One of the "security" personnel they wheel out, like the ones who surrounded Teddy Long during the Undertaker being double-crossed story). So he has history with the company. I wonder if Mickie was booked to lose because of her weight? It was rumoured that he backstage lot didn't like her putting on some pounds. Ridiculous if true, she still the most attractive diva.
Posted by: John Wilding | December 14, 2009 2:33 PM
Sheamus winning the WWE title comes as no surprise to me at all. As I wrote after the November 23rd edition of RAW, "But if they've pushed Sheamus this far then why not push him all the way?"
It is interesting that you have likened Sheamus to the late Stan Stasiak and to The Iron Sheik as an undeserving champion. Maybe. Maybe not. But if his reign is anything like Stasiak or the Iron Sheik then it will be shortlived. That should be of some comfort to you.
But I see potential with Sheamus as champion. The most obvious thing would be an opportunity for Randy Orton to undergo a face turn. Think about it. In the over the top battle royale who was the one wrestler who got the better of Sheamus? Orton. If Orton doesn't think Cena deserves to be champion I'm sure his character thinks Sheamus deserves it even less. Throw Kofi Kingston into the mix and I see a solid gold triple threat match.
If Orton does become a face and feuds with Sheamus then Triple H could make his long awaited heel turn and be Sheamus' benefactor both on stage and behind the curtain. That'll get heat on both men.
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | December 14, 2009 2:34 PM
Stasiak at least had the cool finisher (the heart punch) and could talk.
Posted by: Adam Annapolis | December 14, 2009 2:39 PM
I am glad I didn't spend money to watch Goldberg, er uh Sheamus win the heavyweight gold.
Posted by: Pat H | December 14, 2009 2:47 PM
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES! On this very date last year, we saw the ascension of Jeff Hardy to the WWE championship belt after a number of setbacks & advances and hirings & firings; this year we saw the ascension of Sheamus to the WWE championship before we even learn his last name.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 14, 2009 3:26 PM
"McCool and James both showed a lot of intensity and it really came across as a grudge match. The crowd was into it, too, and it seemed like McCool had real heat rather than go-away heat."
Mickie was over, McCool was not. The only crowd reactions came from Mickie's offense. When Michelle was on offense, they were dead.
Also, re-watching the show, I noticed that so many people had left their seats as that match came on that they had to turn down the arena lights to hide it.
Posted by: chris | December 14, 2009 3:44 PM
This PPV was simply more of the below par programming that WWE has been offering for many months. The DX overkill, the boring guests on Raw, the ridiculous amount of time wasted on Hornswaggle and Chavo, all it has done is left the door wide open for TNA to take a large chunk of their audience. If TNA would improve their tv production and could add a couple more exciting wrestlers to their mix, they just might be up to the challenge. And that might be what it takes to wake Vince up to the fact that the WWE has become boooooring!
Posted by: LarryB | December 14, 2009 3:53 PM
Sheamus is from IRELAND
Drew McIntyre is from SCOTLAND
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES!!!
The article failed to mention that Long stopped Batista from beating Undertaker via a low blow, yet Long failed to overturn McIntyres victory after an eye poke.
Vince is definitely involved with this, and I can see it leading to McIntyre vs Undertaker at Mania, where "the chosen one" pins Taker clean for the World title.
Is it true Sheamus is the worst European-born World Champion ever?
Posted by: SteRDLK | December 14, 2009 4:12 PM
To everyone suggesting that the Sheamus win sets up rematch for the January 4 Raw where WWE goes head-to-head against TNA, Cena is going to be the Grand Marshal at the Fiesta Bowl and will not appear on Raw that night.
Posted by: Michael in Virginia | December 14, 2009 4:21 PM
Did anybody else notice that Sheamus landed on the ground near a table as Cena went through the one in the ring? I am almost certain it was supposed to be a "double go-through-tables so nobody wins" thing. If it was and got screwed up because Sheamus didn't go through his table (kind of like Jericho later in the show), then Kudos to everyone involved for adjusting so quickly.
I'm just surprised nobody on this site or any other mentioned this. Maybe I saw things wrong...
Posted by: Dustin | December 14, 2009 4:27 PM
Yay! Way to go Sheamus!
I'll take anything different over status quo. IS there such a thing as a deserving heel? Thats what makes them heels. Its a good storyline which is what wrestling always needs. Forget protocol, deservedness and all that garbage. Unexpected things happen in real sports and that is often what makes it interesting. Wrestling is scripted entertainment, they should be able to make interesting and unexpected things happen all the time by design yet it is predictable and boring much of the time still!
Viva la Sheamus!
Posted by: ShameOnMeus | December 14, 2009 4:34 PM
Iron Sheik, Stan Stasiak, and Sheamus #1! Kevin Eck, Hock Putth!
Posted by: Michael Scanlon | December 14, 2009 4:46 PM
Personally, I like the way alot of the titles changed hands. I know as far as myself goes I really am sick, tired and bored of the same core four - five guys always winning the title. Triple H, Cena, HBK, Orton....etc...etc...enough. Who cares that Sheamus didnt "climb the mountain" to get a title shot. The point is he got one and he won. Same goes for McIntyre. Fresh faces and new blood is the way to go. Sheamus may not have a long run....give him like 2 - 3 PPVs to win then you can take the belt off him...but at least its DIFFERENT. I would love to see the core 4 or 5 wrestlers not have titles for a stretch.
and whats up with my boy CM Punk in the TLC dark match....this is whats come of him from main eventing PPVs? Did he piss someone off backstage? lol
RESPONSE FROM KE: Michaels hasn't held the title since 2002.
Posted by: Dave | December 14, 2009 4:48 PM
If there were a controversy to get the title held up after last night's table match, then I would like to see the WWE Championship awarded to the winner of the Royal Rumble for the first time since 1992. It would add a fresh twist and the whole "winner gets a title shot at WrestleMania" prize is wearing thin, so giving it a rest for one year is a wise move in my opinion. I really think WWE missed the mark in 2006 by not having the World Heavyweight championship as the prize of that year's Royal Rumble.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 14, 2009 5:04 PM
autin/kane is similar
these events will be used for the character of sheamus later - he will now boast that he was the youngest, fasted rising supestar to get the title etc. (except maybe brock lesnar?)
but im pretty sure Cena will win it back in a rematch very soon
i dont have a problem with this at all - it has shocked and anoyed many - and im sure now EVERYONE will want to watch this weeks raw to see what happens.
honestly if cena won - who would bother watching raw?
Posted by: Mike L | December 14, 2009 5:10 PM
I'm as anti-cena as anyone and I think that was ridiculous. Sheamus has been around since June and was put over by the company's biggest star and given the belt before he's even been around a year.
Yeah Miz has come a long way, but thats the point. He put in his time and worked hard. Sheamus showed up, wrestled a bunch of squash matches, came to RAW and puffed his chest and talked and gets the belt while MVP, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, and oh god like dozens of other guys are fighting with a leprechaun for TV time.
Posted by: MechanicalBull | December 14, 2009 5:15 PM
I feel like we owe it to WWE to give the new champ a shot. I know everyone wants to bury him and proclaim him the Celtic Suckmaster, but can the poor guy get one "Raw" before we proclaim him a failure?
With DX winning the belts, I can only hope that Bret Hart is guest host soon and screws DX to get the belts on THD, who I think could really make a breakout run.
Posted by: Paul in Allentown | December 14, 2009 5:26 PM
seamus is irish not scottish james! iv watched seamus wrestle for over 10 years in our local promotion here in dublin and iv met him a few times and all he ever wanted to do was bring emotion to a crowd. if by winning the wwe championship over the top guy on the roster, gets this done then i wish him every success, he is a credit to pro wrestling :) love the blog.
RESPONSE FROM KE: I just wanted to make one thing clear in case anyone misunderstands. I have nothing against Sheamus personally. I know people who know him and they have nothing but good things to say about him. My problem is with his character and his mega-push.
Posted by: Daniel M | December 14, 2009 5:37 PM
Kevin,as an Irish man can i just say how amazing it is to have an Irish person as WWE Champion...One reason Sheamus might have being given the belt is because the European market is very lucrative for the WWE and having a European champion will get more people following it,hence more money for the WWE?????
Posted by: conan curley | December 14, 2009 5:44 PM
Goldust for World Champ!!!!!!
The bizarre one is the only man who can defeat the ghost who walks.
Posted by: PJ | December 14, 2009 5:52 PM
With Sheamus and McIntyrre both coming up with upset title victories on the same PPV, obviously the McMahons have gone Gaelic on us.
Posted by: Ruzious | December 14, 2009 5:52 PM
Look for Sheamus to enter #1 in the Royal Rumble and eliminate all other 29 opponents, beat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania, break Goldberg's undefeated streak, hold the belt longer that Bruno Sammartino, go to TNA and win their world title, and then travel in time to WrestleMania III and slam Andre the Giant.
Posted by: Matthew | December 14, 2009 6:01 PM
I think the Sheamus win perhaps accomplishes two things-
With Hogan's return to TNA and all the inevitable "here we go again" chatter surrounding his presence/gimmick, Vince is trying to show that his company is taking the "unpredictable" route. And, as so many others have mentioned, this is something new in the WWE title scene because "the fans asked for it".
Secondly, if we want to inject life into the Cena character (lordy, lordy, a heel turn someday?), this may be the beginning of the way to do so. After all the DX/Cena "hijinks", this will not sit well with Cena, and perhaps serve to darken his character a little. Even the commentators suggesting he should be embarassed implies that we will see, hopefully, a different Cena. I'm just hoping it's not the over-the-top, intense, screaming Cena that we are used to.
Can you imagine Orton as face, Cena as heel??
I hope McIntyre's win will both elevate him, but also subsequently launch Morrison into world title contention.
I think in an age when titles change hands all the time, the IWC's demand for fresh faces is a double-edged sword: we want new people, but we also don't want to wait for it...but we furthermore get peeved when someone shoots to the top too fast. We have no concept of "wrestling time" anymore.
Posted by: FLOW | December 14, 2009 6:01 PM
I have been calling Sheamus, Shame-us for a reason. A lot of us have complained about the lack of new stars, and the same old same old. We asked (begged and complained etc.) and what we received was some guy no one knew unless they watched ECW for the minute and a half he was on it. Some guy no one cared about because we didn’t know him, and he had not done anything to make us want to either. Until he won that shot at the title, I had absolutely no one who the guy was. So Shame-us seemed appropriate, shame us for complaining because in the end all it got us was some random muscled redhead guy with an Irish accent. Shame on us for thinking the WWE would finally elevate some deserving guy that has been there for x amount of years trying his hardest promos, matches etc and never making it. The entire thing just screams disaster. I don’t really care for Cena, never have but I would have preferred him winning.
Posted by: Kitty | December 14, 2009 6:14 PM
sheamus as champion is good but without being close to HHH and SM and vince he be just be another 2nd tier wrestler......as morrison losing the title I see him regaining it back before the new year.........DX is boring at least have mvp;/henry champions would been better
Posted by: Bill | December 14, 2009 6:29 PM
I came very close to ordering this PPV. If I had, it would have been the first since Wrestlemania. Kind of sad because I used to be a huge WWE fan. However, I'm glad I didn't.
Why? Because even though it seemed as if they were attempting to bring back some of the old fans who used to watch when WWE was actually decent, they weren't. It was a tease; a ploy to make people think that they would actually see some old school brutality, but alas, it was merely another attempt to milk people of their money by repackaging the same 'ol watered down and weak WWE product under a different name.
TLC matches used to mean you were going to see something special. Guys putting their bodies on the line in order to show us that they meant business and were willing to put themselves through hell in order to gain respect and adulation from the fans.
It's obvious at this point that there is nothing left in WWE of the days when guys like Mick Foley, RVD, Sabu, and other nuts like that were willing to give the fans their money's worth at their own expense. My suspicions were confirmed that those over-the-top matches are gone forever after reading that they stopped the match to make Christian stop bleeding.
Seriously?
I mean, I’m not trying to come across as a sadist, and I understand that there is all this talk in the news about the dangers of excessive head trauma leading to neurological problems later in life, but come on. What’s next? It’s going to get to the point where Michael Cole is going to have to address the fans saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re sorry, but the match has to be stopped because Randy Orton has suffered a devastating hangnail.” Give me a break.
On the other hand, though, there is TNA…
Posted by: Sean | December 14, 2009 6:34 PM
I think the biggest surprise of the night was the Randy Orton actually won a clean match....
Christian and Benjamin prove again why they deserve better
(just dont let Shelton talk though)
Posted by: eee | December 14, 2009 6:52 PM
This must be how Randy Couture's fans felt watching Brock Lesnar get a mega-push to the top of UFC after three professional fights!
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 14, 2009 6:53 PM
My bad on mixing Ireland/Scotland up for Sheamus. I knew he's from Ireland but I was typing ahead of myself while thinking about Drew McIntyre as well.
Posted by: James | December 14, 2009 7:02 PM
McIntyre won the Intercontinental Title on his first try? And he had beaten the champion in a non-title match, no less? It sucks to be Dolph Ziggler.
Posted by: Christopher | December 14, 2009 7:42 PM
Eck
I think Shiek Baby got the strap because Backland(SP) didn't want to put Hulk over. I may be wrong.
When did Staisk get the strap?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Sheik was a transitional champ because Vince didn't like babyface vs. babyface title matches at that point. Plus, he wanted Hogan to beat a hated heel to kick off Hulkamania. Stasiak held the belt for nine days in December 1973. He was the transitional champ between Pedro Morales and Bruno Sammartino (second reign).
Posted by: John | December 14, 2009 8:30 PM
Sheamus as champ was certainly shocking, but at least it's different and makes things interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one plays out. On the other hand, it is still a slap in the face to midcarders like Swagger, Benjamin, Carlito and even MVP.
Decisions, decisions.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 14, 2009 8:35 PM
Mr. Sarcasm, Sheamus wrestled in Florida Championship Wrestling as Sheamus O'Shaunessy.
His real last name is Farrelly though.
Posted by: Bob Buscaglia | December 14, 2009 8:39 PM
Kev I don't agree with you often but "Sheamus?", please Vince give us a break, this freak lamo is NO WHERE CLOSE TO READY, does Vince REALLY think he will sell tickets. Last I checked Ireland is still a very small country, so where is your market Vince?Not only is this guy a clod who couldn't talk his way out of a Dublin pub (God help him in a NY deli) but his early 1700's look is going no where.Look I am NO Cena fan but at least I can see the hard work the man puts in, the progress he has made etc., look if anyone was to go over it should have been Kingston, no Randy didn't necessarily have been the man to job, but the matches were made and Kingston is by far the most advanced in the ring and on the mike, as for Morrissey he took it in the rear also, hopefully he is being set up for a move but Sheamus,Sheamus, say it 2 times fast and I swear you will hear Iverson saying (practice,practice!) and Mora saying (playoffs,playoffs),geez give us a break, has Vince bought a stake in TNA with Hulk so he can revive the Monday night wars, pub some real competition so he can defeat them and cantonize himself King again? Kev this is truly a WTF segment in wrestling and life, what are "your thoughts".
RESPONSE FROM KE: My thoughts? Well, you make some good points, but I'm still wondering why you rarely agree with me.
Posted by: MickFowl | December 14, 2009 8:46 PM
As a fellow Irishman and with the same name as the Celtic warrior although spelt differently, I am delighed that Sheamus won the WWE title. WWE needed a new Champion and with the WWE being now a world wide product it was a logical step to have a non North American Champion.
Posted by: Seamus | December 14, 2009 9:00 PM
I think that was way lame to put over a so called monster - it looked more like "oops I've fallen and I can't get up" off the top rope rather than an actual win by Sheamus - and the new champ looked like he can't take the bumps, as he was wailing in pain bout his back..his bud HHH better set him straight on how to sell a match
Posted by: Jammy | December 14, 2009 9:07 PM
Hey Kev, you need to send in your ref tapes ASAP. If you get hired by February, you can be reffing Michaels vs Undertaker II @ in the Wrestlemania main event in the new ridiculous fast track program.
Also, while we're tossing out conspiracy theories:
Maybe Vince is tanking the flagship to make Jan 4 more competitive because he knows competition is big business?
Posted by: James C | December 15, 2009 12:42 AM
Thanks Mr. Buscaglia, I guess I should make it more clear when I'm being facetious... but then again, I already post under Mr. Sarcasm, so I'm not exactly sure how I'd make that more clear.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 15, 2009 1:03 AM
if there is anything to the rumor that sheamus got his mega push coz of triple h......then yes kevin you are right.........triple h has very good track record with rko and batista.......But the biggest difference is these guys EARNED their positions as wwe's top dogs. Lets talk about cena.....the guy had one wrestlemania victory (where he beat the big show for the us title) under his belt before he defeated jbl (the guy who had the longest title reign )....Batista ....hell he won the royal rumble......before he won the belt at wrestlemania.....
rko........first in evolution......then beat benoit for his first title.......his push was gradual..........
What i wanna say basically.....that sheamus winning is a joke.........he may be a household name in europe.....but its takes time to be a household name in the entire world....
Posted by: pratik | December 15, 2009 2:58 AM
"I am almost certain it was supposed to be a "double go-through-tables so nobody wins" thing."
Has anybody checked on this? Sorry I have no replay. I´ve read something similar on a german fansite but it sounds to strange to be true.
Posted by: XDreamItchy | December 15, 2009 5:15 AM
"Approximately four minutes into the match, Christian was busted open hardway after Benjamin tripped him and a ladder landed on top of him as he fell backward. The action abruptly came to a halt as medical personnel tended to Christian and closed up his wound. The fans booed and chanted “We want blood!” I don’t blame them. After all the bloodbaths we have seen in WWE over the years, it looks ridiculous to have medics running in at the first sign of blood. Here’s a thought: If you’re going to have a no-blood policy, don’t have matches in which ladders can be used as weapons."
I'm just curious how you can say that this was the best match of the night after saying something like this? Seems to me that would be reason enough to think alot less of this matchup.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Well, the other 16 minutes of the match made up for it. Plus, I can't blame Christian or Benjamin for WWE's policy, and they worked their butts off.
Posted by: Steve | December 15, 2009 11:40 AM
It Looks to me to, Vince just wants to hit the international audience. Having Mcintyre and Sheamus win titles when they are undeserving just to make the U.K buy more pay per views. I'm English and I couldn't care less if, for example, an Englishman was Champion. I'd much prefer an American who has 'It'
Posted by: Lee | December 15, 2009 12:39 PM
OMG i was so mad that kofi kingston lost the match between him and randy orton i think kofi kingston could have been strongest man he didnt win a slammy either even though he deserved one i love kofi and john cena even though he lost john cena should have won omg why cena who is better than randy orton cena who is better than legacy altogether who are the 2 people that rock wwe JOHN CENA AND KOFI KINGSTON
Posted by: rachel | December 15, 2009 1:01 PM
I think Vince knows exactly what he's doing. Kayfabe has been dead for years. We all know this. Traditional booking, however, has remained constant. The only way to rejuvenate wrestling or "sports entertainment" as it is called today(God, I hate that), is to introduce a little chaos theory. Wrestling is the most successful when it resembles sport, and hopefully thats what we're returning to. An athletic contest where upset is possible. Afterall, the proof is in the pudding. With Sheamus having won the strap, can you remember such a public outcry?
RESPONSE FROM KE: I agree with what you're saying in principle. CM Punk becoming world champion was a good surprise. Jack Swagger would have been a nice surprise. I just think WWE picked the wrong guy for the upset.
Posted by: Brian | December 15, 2009 1:08 PM
As a guy that has been waiting for MVP to get his chance, I now realize that it's not about who deserves it.
It's all about politics and business.
If you have friends in high places that can vouch for you, then you have a good shot. If McMahon thinks that you can make him money, then you have a good shot.
I know Sheamus is good on the political side of things, but I wonder how much business McMahon sees in him.
Posted by: Jack Windham | December 15, 2009 3:47 PM
I love the way captain charisma retained his title.
And yes, I agree it's sad that a great wrestler like Christian holds a title less important than the title that Sheamus holds. I like ECW and I like Christian being a main eventer on ECW as the champion but I would love to see him, a true talented wrestler, holding the wwe championship, come on he deserves it more than Sheamus, Cena or Orton (the last champions) what is he supposed to do so he can make Vine realize that???
Captain Charisma for wwe champion!!! :P
Posted by: Lizzie | December 15, 2009 4:09 PM
For your consideration for comment of the week:
Iron Sheik, Stan Stasiak, and Sheamus #1! Kevin Eck, Hock Putth!
Posted by: Michael Scanlon | December 14, 2009 4:46 PM
Posted by: Marko50 | December 16, 2009 10:37 AM
o i am shock to see that seamus win john cena .john c have to win this champian belt again onces more........... plz
Posted by: nitesh | December 18, 2009 7:16 AM