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WWE Money in the Bank 2023: Roman Reigns is Pinned for First Time in 3 1/2 Years; Damian Priest & Iyo Sky MITB Winners

July 2, 2023

Photo: WWE

In a red-hot premium live event on Peacock, WWE’s 2023 edition of Money in the Bank from London, England was a wild ride with a series of show-stopping moments and storylines that will keep interest in pro wrestling at an all-time high.

Let’s break this down by saying, Shemar Moore’s (ex-Malcolm, Y&R) line announcing to Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, AMC) that she finally won the Daytime Emmy for Lead Actress, ‘the streak is over’, can apply to a huge moment at MITB.  WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns was actually pinned and lost a match for the first-time in over three and a half years! That streak for the dastardly Reigns is now over.

THE USOS vs. ROMAN REIGNS AND SOLO SIKOA 

While Reigns was not defending his championship, he was given the three count, when his cousin Jey Uso secured the win in the Bloodline Civil War tag-team match main event.

“Main Event” Jey Uso came of the top rope with a frog splash and pinned his cousin for the first time since December of 2019.  This was an absolute epic match with stellar storytelling, all of it would not go over as much as it does without the performances of Reigns, who plays every beat of the story through his looks and motivations and words in and out of the ring, as much as the wrestling action.  The loud and boisterous crowd from London’s O2 Arena, chanted “Stand up if you hate Roman Reigns” throughout the match, and like clockwork, the whole place was standing up amplifying the heel heat on Reigns.

In addition, the match left you with questions. Where does the Usos younger brother, Solo Sikoa’s allegiance really lie? Throughout the match, Sikoa’s face, at times, appeared very conflicted as he continued to let Reigns decimate his older brothers.  Those that were waiting for a complete turn by Sikoa, hoping he would join forces with his brothers, will have to wait another day.  But from the looks of it, that day is coming.

Now, with his entire ‘Bloodline’ on the brink of collapse, his cousin Jey Uso a threat once again to his Universal Championship, and the WWE creatives allowing Reigns to be pinned, it looks to set up a title match between Jey and Roman this August at SummerSlam. Will WWE book that match? Stay tuned. The ‘Bloodline’s’ story has continually paid huge dividends for the WWE with record-high attendance and high television ratings, and there’s more to the story to come.

MEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH

In a brilliant move to start the show with the highly competitive men’s Money in the Bank ladder match the field included: Butch, Ricochet, Shisuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Damian Priest and L.A. Knight.

Photo: WWE

Social media superstar and influencer, Logan Paul, who has proven he belongs in the WWE, was not the favorite with the crowd and he played up that fact. However, the one that everyone in London was rooting for, and many at home, was L.A. Knight. This is the guy who has it all, but has never been given the proper push by the WWE.  It seemed like this would be his moment to elevate him to where he should be.  However, it was not meant to be Knight’s night.

In the post event press conference, Triple H said on L.A. Knight’s loss at Money in the Bank, “I know LA Knight was a massive favorite coming in tonight, continuing that ascent. But great things come to those who wait, right? I think that that rise is just getting started.”

Another very deserving star, Damian Priest, ultimately climbed to the top of the ladder and secured the briefcase which means he now has a shot to win a WWE championship at any time.  The moment Priest secured the briefcase, and with his Judgment Day teammate Finn Balor facing Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship later in the night, all eyes were going to be on Priest, if he showed up at ringside to cash in. (More on that below).

There were outstanding bumps and spots throughout the ladder match. One moment occurred when Ricochet summersaulted from the ring slamming Paul off the apron into two tables. The replay seemedto indicate Paul hurt his head, but he actually wound up slicing his shoulder.

WOMEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH

As the WWE Universe would say, “This was awesome!” The women’s Money in the Bank ladder match was so creative and featured high-flying spots and double-crosses, that you really did not know which way it was going to go – although the smart money was on Iyo Sky.  Competing for the briefcase were: Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus, Bayley, Sky, Zoey Stark and Zelina Vega.

Photo: WWE

During the match, Stark, working alongside “Thank You” Trish Stratus, tried to handcuff Becky Lynch to the ring post, but she only got the cuffs around on one of her wrists. As the decorated Lynch (who has never won Money in the Bank) tries to climb her ladder to victory, Bayley was on the opposite side of her with a ladder trying to beat her to the top.  Then, came Iyo Sky’s brilliant thinking! She handcuffed her Damage CTRL mentor, Bayley, and Lynch to each other so they could not use their arms to further climb their ladders, enabling Sky to get to the top and grab the briefcase and become the winner.

The match definitely took its toll on WWE legend, Trish Stratus, 47, as it appears she broke her nose.  Vega and Sky provided the jaw-dropping spots throughout the match including powerbombs off the top of the ladder and Sky, taking to the sky, to land on all her opponents outside the ring.

After Sky’s recent performances, including at WWE Backlash in Puerto Rico against Bianca Belair, it was only a matter of time before she got her big push. Now the question becomes, which WWE women’s champ will she cash in on?

LIV MORGAN AND RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ VS. RHONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER

In the “WTF” moment of the entire show, Shayna Baszler out of nowhere turned on her tag team partner Rhonda Rousey during their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.  If you went away from your screens or blinked, you may have missed this turn of events. After going ballistic on her partner, Baszler walked out on the match, leaving a vulnerable Rousey to easily get pinned by Rodriguez.

Photo: WWE

Morgan and Rodriguez regain the tag championships they lost.  Where does this go from here? Most likely, Rousey vs. Baslzer at SummerSlam, but we just are on sure of what are the motivations for Shayna to beat down Rhonda.

JOHN CENA MAKES A SURPRISE APPEARANCE

In a shocker, and a major moment of the night, 16-time WWE champion, John Cena came out to the ring to the adoring crowd and propped up London as a potential home for WrestleMania, much to the delight of the over 19,000 in attendance.

Cena shared, “I want the world to know that you are under-appreciated. I’m here to try to bring WrestleMania to London.”  While the pop was deafening, this has to be something in the works for the superstar to say that.  The first open WrestleMania would be 2025, since WrestleMania is booked for Philadelphia in 2024.  With AEW about to sellout Wembley Stadium this August with their first massive stadium show, it’s clear that WWE went on the offense to bring an even bigger moment to London town.

Photo: WWE

To give Cena a foe during his segment, Grayson Waller came out to talk trash to Cena and to say that WrestleMania should come to Australia not London. Eventually, Waller attacked Cena, but Cena got the upper hand with his ‘attitude adjustment’ before his time in the ring ended.

Just having Cena show up was massive for fans young and old at O2 Arena. Reports indicated that John was already in London filming a movie so it was easy to get him to come across time and give some love to the London WWE Universe.

SETH ‘FREAKIN’ ROLLINS VS. FINN BALOR

In this WWE World Championship match, Balor had an ax to grind against Rollins.  Ultimately, this match was really about furthering another storyline rather than this match itself.

Damian Priest, fresh off winning the Money in the Bank ladder match, came out to the ring ten minutes into the match-up.  As many had hoped, would this be the moment that Priest would cash in on Rollins if he was weakened by Balor, or would he swerve his Judgement Day buddy, Finn Balor, if Balor got the victory?  What did happen was Priest brought the intimation factor to ringside with his MITB briefcase in hand.

Photo: WWE

Ultimately, Damian did not cash in. Instead, he faked like he would as Balor went to the top rope for his finisher the coup de grace, but he was distracted by Priest and fumbled the move. Rollins was then able to knock Balor off the top rope and hit him with his patented curb stomp and secure the win.

There will be more dissension between Priest and Balor in the weeks to come. Will Priest leave the Judgement Day? Will one or the other cost each other a title opportunity? More to come.

In other key moments ….

GUNTHER VS. MATT RIDDLE

While it looked once again that Gunther was dominant in his win vs. Matt Riddle to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship, the real threat to his title arrived on the scene when Drew McIntrye returned to action after months away and his contract negotiations still underway.  In the ring, McIntrye challenged Gunther and landed a Claymore to Gunther’s face for good measure. It was at WrestleMania 39 that Gunther, McIntrye and Sheamus were involved in that triple-threat match for the title, that many believed was one of the best of WrestleMania weekend in Los Angeles.

CODY RHODES VS. DOMINIK MYSTERIO

Rhodes secured an easy win here over Mysterio, and now he is on to continue to ‘finish the story’.  We would assume, next up, the third match-up with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, before returning to his quest for the WWE Universal Championship currently held by Roman Reigns.

This card had everything and we have to give it a solid “A”.  Following Money in the Bank, Michael Fairman and pro wrestling reporter, Luis Ruiz went on to You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for another edition of their What’s Up? Wrestling series to give their thoughts and reactions immediately following the premium live event on Peacock.  You can catch that below.

So, what did you think of WWE’s Money in the Bank 2023? What were your favorite moments? Let us know in the comment section.

 

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Days Of Our Lives

Dick Van Dyke as Days of our Lives’ Timothy Robicheaux Meets John Black’s Family

September 14, 2023

Dick Van Dyke’s guest star turn on Days of our Lives has been a huge win for the long-running soap opera. During his entire run, Van Dyke has brought so much heart to his scenes, even though the story may be often far-fetched. It’s a testament to this television icon, that even at 97-years-old, he still has the acting chops and that endearing quality that audiences have loved for decades.

Now on Days of our Lives, Van Dyke is playing Timothy Robicheaux and as it was revealed last week, Van Dyke wasn’t playing just any amnesiac war veteran mystery man, he is tied to a major Salem character!

As predicted, Van Dyke turned out to be playing the real biological father of John Black (Drake Hogestyn), and the man John has been searching for all his life.  Previously, John thought the evil Yo Ling was his bio-dad.

On Thursday’s episode, Timothy was going to meet members of his new family. So, John and Marlena (Deidre Hall) bring him home from the hospital, where “Tim” meets his granddaughter, Belle (Martha Madison) and grandson, Brady (Eric Martsolf).  Later, Paul (Christopher Sean) shows up, and so too does Paul’s boyfriend, Andrew (Colton Little).

Photo: JPI

It is Andrew who suggests that they take a family photo, which he is happy to snap.  Throughout it all, it was heartwarming to see Van Dyke’s portrayal of a man who has lived most of his life all alone finally being reconnected to the family he lost.  There was even a moment where Timothy becomes overwhelmed with tears, and still a moment that followed between John and Timothy, where John asks him if it’s OK that he calls him “Dad!” Cue the hankies!

Photo: JPI

If next year, Van Dyke submits himself for a Daytime Emmy in the Guest Star category, he has to be a lock!

So, what did you think of the scenes where Timothy meets Belle, Brady, Paul and Andrew, and gets to know his son, John Black just a little bit better? Has Dick Van Dyke’s performance been bringing you to tears? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Victor Kiriakis is Laid To Rest in Tribute to John Aniston: What Did You Think of the Memorial Service?

September 9, 2023

This week, on Thursday’s episode of Days of our Lives, the long-running soap opera laid the character of Victor Kiriakis to rest, ten months after his portrayer, TV icon, John Aniston passed away.

In the final send-off, Victor’s loved ones gather for an informal funeral service just outside the Kiriakis mausoleum. Justin (Wally Kurth) reveals that Victor will be interned next to his beloved daughter, Isabella.

Several returns for this emotional occasion made this extra touching for DAYS viewers. In fact, a few of the actors that did return to the show, asked to be a part of the memorial, because of their love and respect for their time sharing scenes with Aniston. Those included: Rachel Melvin (Chelsea) and Jen Lilley (Theresa). In addition, John-Paul Lavoisier reprised his role as Victor’s son, Phillip Kiriakis, and Zach Tinker was back as Sonny Kiriakis.

Courtesy/Peacock

We have to say, it was Tinker, Melvin, and Lavoisier’s portrayed remembrances during the service that truly tugged at the heartstrings. Each of their characters shared a bit of Victor’s history and his familial ties, ultimately revealing the devastating heartbreak they felt with his loss.

Then, there was Suzanne Rogers (Maggie). Currently celebrating her 50th anniversary with the show, Rogers effectively depicted the pain of a grieving widow who lost her other half.  When Sonny addressed Maggie at the funeral, and the love his uncle Victor had for ‘sweet’ Maggie, it made many a longtime viewer reach for the hankies.

Courtesy/Peacock

Other characters who spoke or attended the memorial service included: Kate (Lauren Koslow), Alex (Robert Scott Wilson), Xander (Paul Telfer), Brady (Eric Martsolf), Rex (Kyle Lowder), Sarah (Linsey Godfrey), Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), Brandon Beemer (Shawn), Martha Madison (Belle) and others. In fact, it was Justin, who captured a bit of the essence of his uncle Victor, when he shared to the guests, “I will miss that meddling.”

Courtesy/Peacock

Following the service, there had to be one unwanted arrival, right? After the Kiriakis family returns to Victor’s mansion who should saunter in? That’s right! Vivian Alamain, played by the deliciously wicked, Louise Sorel.

So, what did you think about Days of our Lives’ memorial service for Victor Kiriakis, that concluded with a montage of memorable moments in the life of Victor as played by John Aniston with his co-stars? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.  In case you missed it, check out You Tube’s Michael Fairman recent interview with Suzanne Rogers, where she discussed: losing her on-screen partner, John Aniston, Victor’s death, and what may come next for Maggie, and more.

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Days Of Our Lives

Dick Van Dyke and Drake Hogestyn Deliver Heart-Tugging Scenes as Days of our Lives’ Father and Son are Reunited

September 8, 2023

On Friday’s episode of Days of our Lives, Dick Van Dyke reminded us all why he is a national treasure. At 97-years-old, he can still pull off great performances, and now he can add his role on Days of our Lives to that list.

Van Dyke had never appeared on a soap opera, previously, but due to his friendship with Drake Hogestyn (John), this once and a lifetime guest-star turn has turned into quite the memorable one.

For DAYS fans who guessed that Van Dyke’s ‘mystery man’ would turn out to be John Black’s biological father, you were correct!  In story, it now turns out the real Timothy Robicheaux is Van Dyke’s amnesiac war veteran, who formerly was being called, “Joseph Bell.”

Courtesy/Peacock

With so many twists and turns in the life of John Black, and so many confusing stories through the years, it is revealed through a series of flashbacks that during the Korean war and while in combat, Joseph Bell’s dog tags were switched by a soldier who left him there to die.  This key piece of intel is told by Bell while sitting with Marlena in her office, along with John.  Later, John reveals a pair of dog tags around his neck, and that Bell’s real name is Timothy Robicheaux. John says “All this time, you’ve been searching for your son. Sir, your search is over.”

Marlena (Deidre Hall) tells Timothy he was lost in the VA system after he was severely wounded in the war. John didn’t know much about his upbringing, except he was born on a rural farm, and Timothy came from a farm.

As his memory is further triggered, Timothy remembers his wife’s name was Maude and she had their baby after he was lost in the war.  Timothy feels sorry for the hard life John has had to live. John informs his father that Maude died a few years ago.

Courtesy/Peacock

With all the sorrow and the pain, they have endured in their lifetimes, John and Timothy are just so happy they have found each other, at long last. In an emotional moment, John shares all the versions of himself and identities he has had along the way, but credits Marlena and Timothy for him being the man he is today.  This is followed, by yet, another touching moment when Timothy and John hug for the first time as father and son. Timothy vows that they will never lose each other again.

Through these scenes, Van Dyke played the beats of the story so convincingly, and made us feel for this man who finally finds the son he has longed for over years.  While this brought yet another change to John Black’s history and back-story, it is a welcome one. Finally, John gets a decent man for a dad, not the evil Yo Ling, when all is said and done.

So, what did you think of the scenes between Dick Van Dyke and Drake Hogestyn as father and son, who find each other after decades of being apart? Let us know in the comment section, but first check out next week’s promo for DAYS where Timothy meets the rest of his family including his grandson, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean).

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