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WWE SummerSlam 2023: Roman Reigns Retains, Jimmy Uso Betrays His Brother, Iyo Sky Cashes In, Cody Rhodes Earns Respect from Brock Lesnar

August 6, 2023

Photos: WWE

WWE SummerSlam, the second-biggest premium live event show of the year, was held Saturday night at Ford Field in Detroit. The 36th edition featured four main events and an absolutely stacked card. With almost 60,000 in attendance, the crowd was red hot, and so was this staple summer pro wrestling event.

Let’s run down the highlights and the results of the, “this is awesome”card!

Logan Paul vs. Ricochet

This match kicked off the show, and was destined to be one high-flying spot after the other.  The athleticism shown by these guys was off the charts, where clearly Paul, the You Tube influencer and frankly, one of the best natural wrestlers ever to enter the WWE, was the heel.

For a nice ‘heel’ touch, Paul would taunt Ricochet’s real-life fiancé, WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin, who was seen filled with emotion throughout the bout. After several spots and exchanges back and forth, Paul hit a springboard frog splash for a near-pin, However, Ricochet built up some momentum and went for a 630. However, Paul had his number, and moved out of the way and landed near the corner of the ring face down. That is when one of Paul’s cronies handed Logan some brass knuckles. Next, with the referee distracted, Paul would hit Ricochet with the ‘knucks’ and score the pin. This was a great opening match, but we absolutely hated the ending, that now has Paul resorting to those tactics. We wish he would have had a clean pin. GRADE B

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

This was the rubber match, the third and final one in this epic feud that has built for months, that never was explained as to why Brock turned on Cody in the first place! That said, here we are. The Lesnar formula was on full display early on in the match dominating Rhodes and taking him to Suplex City.

Eventually, Lesnar forced Rhodes outside the ring, over and over again, hoping that Cody would stay down and lose the bout to a 10 count. Lesnar eventually put Cody through the announce table with a second F5, but he beat the 10 count, and was back in the ring again.  Rhodes would hit a pair of Cody Cutters, but Lesnar kicked out.  Later, Cody used an exposed turnbuckle by shoving Brock right into it to gain back an advantage in the match. The American Nightmare was able to grab Lesnar and hit three Cross Rhodes in a row for the pin and the win.

Following the match, Lesnar shook Cody’s hand and they shared a hug, before Brock raised Cody’s hand in a show of respect.  GRADE B+

RESPECT.@BrockLesnar and @CodyRhodes shake hands following an incredible third encounter at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/7stf0mjyEC

Slim Jim SummerSlam Battle Royal

Most of the entrances for this Battle Royal apparently took place during the commercial break on Peacock.  Actually, we heard most of the participants all walked to the ring together. However, LA Knight’s was saved until everyone could see it.  He is so over with the crowd, it’s seismic.

As one by one wrestlers were eliminated after being thrown over the top rope, Karrion Kross (who was already eliminated) cost A.J. Styles his shot at winning the Battle Royal.  And then there were two … LA Knight and Sheamus.  Knight eliminated Sheamus. The crowd went nuts …YEAH! GRADE B

Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey

For some reason, this match just never caught on with the crowd or the viewers at home. It was tinged with MMA moves and punches, and submission holds. Baszler eventually locked in the Kirifuda Clutch and Rousey passed out, resulting in a TKO win for Shayna. Grade: C-

Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre

These two giants of the ring have never faced each other one-on-one for the Intercontinental belt. Would Gunther continue his almost historic reign as the Intercontinental Champion, or would McIntrye win back some gold?  This was an aggressive fight from start to finish.  In the end, Gunther kicked out of the Claymore and once he recovered, he hit McIntyre with a few moves and followed it up with powerbomb to get the three count and retain the title.  One of the best moves of all of SummerSlam was within this match when Gunther executed a rare top-rope splash onto McIntrye. GRADE B+

Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins

The match for the WWE World Heavyweight championship featured callbacks to seven years ago when Bálor was injured in his championship match against Rollins. The story in the ring, this time out, was told more like a marathon than a sprint, with using drama from the past to enhance the intensity of the battle in the ring.

Eventually, “Señor Money in the Bank” showed up! (That’s right! Judgment Day member Damian Priest with his MITB briefcase) and of course, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio also tried to interfere. The question on everyone’s mind was, is Priest going to cash in for his chance at the belt? No! He used it as a cheap shot on Rollins to help Finn while the referee’s back was turned. Later, Priest placed the briefcase in the ring and got the referee’s attention, but as Bálor went to grab for it, Rollins used the timing mishap to execute his patented stomp to win the match and retain the World Heavyweight Championship.  More trouble ahead between Judgment Day’s Finn and Damian is all but guaranteed. GRADE A

Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair

This match had the twist that sets up a future heel turn for Belair and now gives way to a first time time Women’s champion.

In the three-way bout, Flair put Belair in the Figure Eight, but Asuka spat mist in her face. That forced the Queen to break the hold. Then Bianca, rolled up Asuka up for the pin. However, it was short-lived and the EST found herself short-changed again when Iyo Sky and Bayley ran down to the ring and attacked everyone. Problem was for Belair, she severely injured her knee in the match and Sky took full advantage of it. Iyo cashed in her Money in the Bank contract and hit a moonsault to get the pin on the EST.

Dakota Kai, who had been out with an injury, ran into the ring to celebrate with Damage CTRL, for it was one year ago at SummerSlam that the group had its debut and also messed with Belair.  At this point, this title change serves two purposes.  Giving Iyo a huge push, and serving as the final impetus for Belair to be so fed up with all the underhanded victories against her, that she will play dirty.  GRADE B+

Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso

The ‘Tribal Combat Rules’ match brought out the tables, kendo sticks, steel chairs and assorted weapons as Universal Champion Roman Reigns went up against his cousin, Jey Uso for who would be not only the WWE champ, but the “Tribal Chief.”  Currently, Reigns holds these distinctions. The bout featured masterful storytelling at its best, from Reigns and Uso’s reactions to the in-ring build of the story, which started off slow and methodical till its riveting cliffhanger.

Eventually, Solo Sikoa showed up as Jey had the upper hand on Roman as they fought through the crowd.  Sikoa took out Jey. An intense exchange went down between Reigns and Sikoa over a botched move. This allowed Uso to spear Reigns through the barricade.  As Uso and Sikoa went at it, Uso landed a splash and sent Solo through a table.  When the action got back into the ring, Uso landing a spear and splash on Reigns.  As Jey was setting him for a pin, a masked figure came out and broke up the pin. It was revealed to be Jimmy Uso, Jey’s twin brother!  Jimmy superkicked Jey and rolled him back in the ring for Reigns to finish him off!  Grade: A

So, what were your favorite matches of SummerSlam 2023?  How would you grade the premium live event on Peacock? Let us know in the comment section and make sure to check out tonight’s “What’s Up? Wrestling” SummerSlam Recap show live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel beginning at 8:30PM ET/5:30 PM PT Sunday night, August 9th.

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Great write up, Michael! I agree with many of your comments. I thought it was a good show from top to bottom. WWE hasn’t had a bad PPV (I can’t bring myself to say PLE, lol) in quite a while. Ronda and Shayna was the only match that unfortunately didn’t really click, everything else was good to great, in my opinion.

I definitely didn’t see Jimmy Uso turning on his brother Jey. That was a very soap opera-ish twist. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. I’m glad Cody got a clean win over Lesnar. He needed it. And Brock shaking his hand and endorsing him after the match, who saw that coming? Brock never does that. Rollins and Balor had a great match. I’m happy for Iyo Sky, hope she has a long title reign. Glad they’re finally starting to listen to the fans when it comes to LA Knight, and gave him a win on a big stage. When a guy gets over like he has, you have to strike while the iron is hot.

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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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