New Day
I’m going to be honest here, this was a completely textbook opening segment. The New Day threw in some pop culture shots and then Dolph Ziggler showed up to interrupt them. The segment did what it was supposed to do. I wanted to hear more about Big E’s “freaky hour” though. It probably involves Becky Lynch’s mom. Also, I love how quickly Kofi Kingston can switch from jokes to seriousness.
Grade: B
Xavier Woods vs Dolph Ziggler
They really need to give Xavier Woods more time to shine on his own because he’s really good. I think having Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up and take out the other two members of New Day was the right call because it emphasized the fact that Woods was on his own in this match. I have to give Dolph Ziggler credit too because he came across as a credible threat in his match. And his superkicks are a thing of beauty.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Grade: B
Backstage Stuff
We saw Seth Rollins’ chair rampage from Raw and a bunch of people were lined up to meet with Baron Corbin in order to be his special guest referee. I mean, just give it to me. I’d be an entertaining referee.
Not Graded
Moment of Bliss
Bayley went off in this segment, with the fatal blow being calling Alexa Bliss “entitled”. This actually came off a bit as a shoot interview; both women were quite mean. Nikki Cross is still acting like a trained dog, but hopefully that leads to a feud with Bliss down the road. Overall, this segment was pretty good and added some excitement for the match at Stomping Grounds.
Grade: B+
Backstage hallways are dangerous
Crews got jumped by Adrade after talking to Zelina Vega about getting a match against El Idolo. Also Chad Gable was taking notes again. Does he have time to look at his notepad while he’s on 205 Live?
Not Graded
Heavy Machinery vs B-Team
The match was quite short, but it was a good decisive victory for the team seeing as they were just kind of thrown into a tag team title match with Daniel and Rowan. I hope they get a chance to actually shine in that upcoming match and it’s not just a squash. Oh and afterwards, Seth came out with his chair and whooped the B-Team with it. Snapped Seth is best Seth.
Winner: Heavy Machinery
Grade: C+
Backstage Stuff 2: Electric Boogalou
I know a lot of people don’t like the cowardly heel trope, but I’m a fan of it when it’s done well like with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. I cackled at them calling Seth Rollins a bad person. Also there’s no way they aren’t setting up for an Aleister Black and Bray Wyatt feud. I can feel it.
Grade: B+
Here comes the money…and the boos
This started out as another “I’m going to kick my opponent’s ass at the upcoming pay-per-view” in-ring promo but The Miz saved it. I chuckled at his jabs about Shane McMahon’s sweating but then he went in on what he believes caused McMahon’s power trip and actually made some valid points. I was hoping for Roman Reigns to come out and kick McMahon and Drew McIntyre’s asses again but we got Awesome Truth instead so I’m happy.
Grade: B+
The Kabuki Warriors are going to be…IIconic!
Hey look, they remembered we have women’s tag titles! This match against the IIconics will determine whether the Kabuki Warriors get a title shot. At least it’ll be in Japan, that’s dope!
Not Graded
Drew McIntyre and Elias vs The Miz and R-Truth: Tag Team Elimination Match
Considering the short time available and the feud(s) going on, the match was actually pretty good. We got some 24/7 title nonsense in there to muddy it up a little. Drew McIntyre won, which to me was the right decision, but I guess we’re going to continue this feud between Miz and Shane. This is kind of getting confusing because there’s like 5 people involved in this one feud.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Grade: B-
Backstage Stuff Part III
Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville continued to bully Ember Moon and got attacked for it. Drake Maverick, dressed as Carmella, rolled up R-Truth for the 24/7 Title and then stole the referee’s car. Classic.
Not Graded
Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn: 2 out of 3 Falls Match
I liked this match and thought everyone involved did very well with the short amount of time they were given. Kingston and Rollins came out looking great for their upcoming title defenses at Stomping Grounds. On the flip side, though Owens and Zayn fared well in the match, they have been beaten again and again. They’re still great, but they definitely need to get the wind back in their sails soon.
Winer: Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins
Grade: B+
Final Thoughts
So that was the go-home show for Stomping Grounds. Though it’s really a bunch of rematches, the card actually does look solid. Not everything has to be Big 4 level. I’ll be reviewing Stomping Grounds this Sunday so be sure to check back here!
Overall Grade: B
