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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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Recaps

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Jack and Nikki Hit Rock Bottom with Riveting Performances by Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott

May 3, 2024

If you caught the Thursday, May 2nd episode of The Young and the Restless, you witnessed an extraordinary episode filled with two unforgettable performances, that without a doubt will be remembered for 2024’s year-end accolades and next year’s Daytime Emmys.

In what at times reminded us that we were watching a two-person stage play or Y&R’s version of the classic motion picture, Days of Wine and Roses, two addicts hit rock bottom.

The episode only featured Melody Thomas Scott and Peter Bergman. The set-up, Nikki has gone on a massive bender alone in a GCAC suite, with booze bottles everywhere, slurring her words, sweating, the works. Jack, who is Nikki’s sponsor, ex-husband and friend, finds her and tries valiantly to get her to stop drinking and to sober up. He wants to get them to an AA meeting, he wants to get her to rehab. Throughout, while she is self-loathing on herself, Jack is reciting to her all the things she has to live for including Victor, her children, her charity work, etc.

Photo: JPI

All of this is falling on deaf ears because all Nikki wants is for Jack to leave, so she can continue drinking and be left alone with her vodka bottles.

At one point, she shoves Jack and says, “You have to want to get sober, but I don’t.”  Nikki throws an empty vodka bottle in disgust and tells him to stop with his damn positivity. She wants him to leave and smugly says,“You really think you can fix me?” She finds another bottle and opens it, but it’s empty. She smashes the bottle on the floor and runs into the bathroom.

Jack continues to plead with her that she is not to blame about Jordan and for Harrison being kidnapped. Trying to distract her, he talks to her about happy times with her family, orders food and coffee and water to help sober her up, but nothing is getting through to Nikki.

Next, Nikki says all his talking is making things worse, as he tries to grab the vodka bottle from her hands, but she won’t let it go. “I’m sorry I picked you as my sponsor,” Nikki angrily says to Jack. That moment stings Jack.  She tells him he ‘failed’. He couldn’t help her and now Victor can say, “I told you so.”

Slowly, Jack is losing his grip, with all the frustration and hurt Nikki has thrown at him. Nikki tells Jack to join the party or get out. Jack says, “Fine. I will.” He grabs a bottle and pours a drink. “Wow, that’s smooth. I see you sprung for the triple-distilled.” Nikki sneers, “Do you really think you can get me to stop by drinking half of my supply?” Jack suggests they order some vermouth. “Let’s see if Ol’ Smilin’ Jack can have fun again.”

Next, in a harrowing moment, Jack dials his former drug dealer, Kieran, to make a delivery to the suite. Jack tells Nikki she’s right. “I’ve been wound too tight for too long. It’s time to get loose!” Nikki is shocked at what she is seeing.

Photo: JPI

Now, Nikki is trying to to get the vodka bottle out of Jack’s hands but he won’t let her take it. Jack pours another drink and says he’s been a failure as her sponsor so to hell with it. “Don’t you try your reverse psychology on me,” Nikki spouts. After doing a toast to their marriage, friendship and Jordan, Jack tells Nikki, everything is not all about her.

He goes into the hell he has been through with Harrison, Ashley, Diane and Kyle and Nikki.  He wants some relief! Nikki reminds him alcohol was never his problem. Jack says he needs something stronger. Just then, a knock comes at the door. Jack pushes Nikki away and a delivery comes from Jack with a bag of pills. Jack says ,”Now, this is what hits the spot.”

Nikki is freaking out, but Jack says he has to remember what it feels like. When he holds the pills in his hand, that gives him comfort. Jack is grateful for their bond. “I would do anything for you.” He says he will go to rock bottom with Nikki, so they can climb out together. Jack remembers Diane was worried that helping Nikki might tempt him back to the pills. He told her there was no chance. He says, “It would help everyone else if they didn’t have to deal with Mr. Uptight.”

Even after all that, Nikki wants Jack out of the room. “Too bad, you’re stuck with me,” Jack says. He pours another drink and takes a pill out of the plastic baggie. Jack puts the pill in his mouth as Nikki shouts, “No!” Jack wonders how it feels to know you’re unable to help someone you care about. With that, he takes a drink to swig down the pill.

Nikki thinks he faked taking the pill, so Jack takes another one “There’s something liberating about just giving up.” Jack sadly says he let her down as a friend, and as a sponsor. Jack now blames himself for her massive bender. As he continues to down the pills, Nikki says she’ll get sober and will have something to eat.

However, Jack says this feels too good to eat. He takes yet another pill. Nikki tells him to give her the pills, because he can’t mix them with alcohol. Nikki’s phone makes a noise, so Jack grabs it and pretends it’s Victor on the other end, and then does his impression of Victor raising his eyebrow. Jack wants to continue his party, as he gets higher on the pills. Nikki says she does need a meeting. Jack pulls her close and says, “Dance with me.” As Nikki, pulls away, Jack passes out on the sofa. Nikki screams and we fade to black.

All we can say is, what towering performances by Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott, and a great script for them to play these scenes in. It was gut-wrenching and raw, and one of the best episodes on the soaps in a long time.

So, what did you think about Jack and Nikki hitting rock bottom? What did you think of Peter and Melody’s performances? Do you think Jack will now be back with a drug habit, while Nikki will finally sober up? Comment below.

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Recaps

Christopher Cousins Makes His Y&R Debut: What Were Your First Impressions of Alan Laurent?

May 1, 2024

Soap veteran, Christopher Cousins (ex-Cain, OLTL et al), made his first appearance on The Young and the Restless on the Tuesday, April 30th episode of the CBS daytime drama.

As previously reported, Cousins is taking on the role of Ashley’s friend/psychiatrist from Paris, Alan Laurent. In story, the Abbotts flew Alan in from Paris to see Ashley (Eileen Davidson) first-class ticket to Genoa City, no less.

Alan recalls to Traci (Beth Maitland) how Ashley was upset after revisiting the cafe where she had the fight with Tucker (Trevor St. John), and had two different versions in her mind of what actually happened. Traci enlightens Alan that Ashley has been having personality shifts from being assertive, to child-like, to taking tequila shots and having a good ole’ time. In addition, that Ashley is having blackouts with chunks of time gone from her memory.  Traci goes on to say that Billy (Jason Thompson) said he once experienced something like this himself with a personality splinter.

Photo: JPI

Traci is hoping Alan can talk to Ashley and insist she undergo treatment. Alan firmly explains that he can’t treat her himself, but he will see what he can do.

When Ashley, now as her alter Belle, comes to the Abbott home after chatting with Diane (Susan Walters) at Crimson Lights, she is thrilled to see her old friend, Alan. Eventually, the two head to Society where a concerned Abby (Melissa Ordway) pours them some champagne.

Photo: JPI

The two talk about Paris as Belle flirts with Alan. She then wonders if he is in town to probe her innermost thoughts. She tells Alan that her family has decided there’s something wrong with her. Alan assures Ashley that he cannot treat her as a patient in the U.S. as he is retired and does not have a license to practice in the states. Alan said he is concerned for her, but would never treat a friend.

Photo: JPI

Belle tells Alan, “The rumors about my mental breakdown are highly exaggerated.” Belle speaks to the other alters, and thinks Alan is the perfect solution for Ashley. She says, “Time for some joie de vivre.”

What did you think of Christopher Cousins in his new role as Alan Laurent? Will Ashley’s alters get Alan in bed with her? Will she set him up for something more devious? Will Alan figure out what is going on with Ashley and pretend to just be her friend, while somehow treating her multiple personality disorder? Let us know in the comment section below.

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American Idol

AMERICAN IDOL: Katy Perry Makes a Heartbreaking Decision as Top 7 are Revealed

April 30, 2024

It was dramatic American Idol on Monday night. The episode marked the return of the “Judges Song Contest”, where Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie each serve up a song choice for the contestant to sing, and they must choose one and then figure out who recommended that song choice.

As in the past, when it got down to the bottom two from the at-home voting, the judge who scored the most picks of their song choices by the contestants, was in the drivers seat and could ultimately save one of the two performers to sing another day.

After a night of sterling musical performances by Jack Blocker performing Willie Nelson’s Always On My Mind, Abi Carter doing her rendition of Evanescence’s Bring Me to Life, and Emmy Russell performing her grandmother Loretta Lynn’s classic, Coal Miner’s Daughter, the following were safe after the nationwide vote.

Photo: ABC

The aforementioned, Blocker, Russell and Carter, plus Will Moseley, Triston Harper, and Julia Gagnon. However, that left McKenna Faith Breinholt and Kaibrienne in the bottom two. At that point, Katy Perry conferred with her co-judges and announced with tears in her eyes, in an almost impossible choice for her, to save Breinholt, thus Kaibrienne’s run on ‘Idol’ came to an end.

Photo: ABC

The episode also welcomed back former Idol contestants Danny Gokey, Melinda Doolittle and Colton Dixon for a performance of “Shackles,” in honor of former Idol contestant, Gospel artist, and Grammy-winner, Mandisa who passed away earlier this month at 47.

Photo: ABC

So, did America get the Top 7 right? Did Katy do right by keeping McKenna for the Top 7 and sending Kabrienne home given her choices? Are there too many country artist contestants left in the mix? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first watch what happens when the final 7 are whittled down and Katy’s anguised decision.

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