AEW Dynasty Review. 13.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

Last night before I went to bed, I decided to take a look at X and get the vibe from wrestletix, at how All In london Ticket sales are doing. The current standing is that AEW have shifted over 22'600 tickets, given the fact that we are just for months out from the show. I feel that's important that AEW puts its best foot forward. Their creative over the past two years has been getting progressively better, as the overall feeling surrounding the promotion has managed to get back on an even keel. As the months continue to tick down AEW needs to keep this momentum going. Wembley is now a ever looming pressence, and it might not be a positive. Time always says, let this play out.

Young Bucks vs Konosuke Takeshita And Kazuchika Okada.

With a potential Match at Double Or Nothing on the line, this Match was mighty tasty, and a good way to kick off the main show. I have to say that I thought the storyline beats that this Match told were sensational, as this allowed the physicality to shine as the star of the Match. Matt Jackson took a cutter to the outside, as the Matches within the Match flowed like water. The final moments saw Konosuke leave his partner behind, as Okada took the pin. Young Bucks got the win, as the theme of can they coexist failed. I liked this. The dynamic between both teams was great. Now lets get onto the negatives.

Chris Jericho vs Ricochet.

I didn't like this. It's no secret that i'm not a big fan of Chris Jericho, and I have my own thoughts about him returning to AEW. If you go back to early January from this year. WWE where going all out in leaving Jericho sized Easter Eggs, however this got put to bed last week when the 57 year old returned to TV on Dynamite. I think WWE know something that we don't, and I think it goes back to the issues that I can't talk about on line. The Match to me felt tiring to watch, as it showed that Jerichos style hasn't evolved, and that Ricochet had to work hard to get a Match out of him. This explained why GOA caused so many distractions. Ricochet got the win, and if i'm being honest. I thought this Match was lifeless.

Darby Allin vs Andrade El Idolo.

This felt like a step back in the right direction. The Match told a simple story. Darby becoming obsessed with getting to the top. This Match was awesome. From the moments when Andrade was drop kicked down the arena stairs in the seats. Darby reversing a spanish fly into a crossface, to Darby taking a nasty looking suplex to the outside. The near falls were fantastic, and performed at a solid rate. This allowed Darby to get the win by Roll Up, and will now face the winner of the main event this Wednesday on Dynamite.

Cage And Cope vs FTR AEW Tag Team Championship Match.

This was a hard hitting bloodsoaked affair, that didn't let up from the start, until it's finish. The fans were on another level when their fellow countrymen came out, as this got even more hyped as both teams in ring work continued to get better. Adam got busted open with a belt shot from both Dax, and. Cash, and his final efforts of Champion spirit backfired, as his spheres left him in a vunreble situation. Christian was on the outside after FTR played the isolation game, tying him up in cables on the outside of the ring. This allowed FTR to hit him with a shatter machine for the win. I liked this. As the early stages played out I realised one thing. I've never heard a Metalingus pop in person. I can't wait until August 30th.

Casino Gauntlet Match For The AEW TNT Championship.

I'm not the biggest fan of this type stipulation when it normally happens on TV, because you can tell that the timing isn't always right. However when they take place on PPV, this is when AEW iron out all of the creases. I liked this. As Kevin Knight beat. Tomasso Ciampa. Rush. Bandido. Speedball Mike Bailey. El Clon. Daniel Garcia. Anthony Bowens, and. Wheeler Yuta to become the new AEW TNT Championship. This was a sublime reminder that when AEW book these type of Matches, they can get them right. This was caused after Kyle Fletcher was forced to vacate the belt due to injury.

Thekla vs Jamie Hayter AEW Womens Championship.

The fans sounded exhausted during this Match, and as a whole, this caused the show to slow slightly, and it's not the fault of the ladies. The build got lost in the shuffle on the road to this PPV, and the positioning on the card was a bit strange. However the in ring work was great, and both ladies tried their hasrdest to get the fans on side. Before the start of this card, I wasn't the biggest fan of Thekla, but after watching this, and her recent work on Collision, i'm starting to come around on her. She's slowly becoming one of my favourite females to watch. Thekla is like a female HBK, because her kicks were on point, and. Jamie Hayter is like a young female Kurt Angle, because if you add these things together, you get Gold. It's just a shame that the fans weren't into this. Thekla retained by cheating. Am I the only person who thinks that this could be an audition piece for Wembley.

AEW Continental Championship Will Osperay vs Jon Moxley.

From the start of the Match, I could tell that we were in for something special. The eye for detail that was on display was great. On entrance you could tell that something was unsettling Will, because he staired daggers through Renee Paquette, as she did her best April Jones impersonation. Will wasted no time in giving Jon a hidden blade within seconds of the Match starting, this ment that we were seeing what a vengeful Osperay looks like. Revenge was the theme of the Match, and it played this way. This nearly became my Match of the night, the speed of how the story blended in with the physicality, was pure magic. The timing of how both Will and. Jon counteracted each others moves was also excellent, as the time limit was drawing to a close, the near falls were incredible. This was sublime storytelling being served up to the masses. Jon got the win, and i've heard some fans speculate what this means for Wembley, and. Wills possible directions. I don't think that this will damage Wills momentum. When you take a look at how the booking is taking shape for Double Or Nothing, it's clear that AEW are gearing up for a Stadium Stampede Match, between The Deathriders, and. NJPW's United Empire, and normally when these Match stipulations playout, in the aftermath they spin off in several differant directions. So I think Will might just be alright.

The Conglomeration vs The Dogs.

I wasn't a fan of this. It just felt a bit rushed, and you know what I was right. Does anyone remember the awful sitcom that they came from SMTV Live Chums here in the UK, when The Conglomeration entered I got those vibes, oh and welcome back Kyle O'reilly. This Match felt a bit flat, and I couldn't get past that. The energy between all six men felt all over the place. The end was brought on quickly due to a real injury to Gabe Kidd. It was then confirmed by Tony Khan that Kidd will be out indefinately going forward. The Conglomeration got the win, and instantly i knew that something was wrong. It was nice to see Kyle back, after he lost his dad.

Kenny Omega vs MJF AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

I had questions going into this Match. Was this MJF vs Kenny Omega? Was this MJF vs The Cleaner? MJF vs The Best Bout Machine, or was this MJF vs The God Of Pro Wrestling? No, this was a complete over delivery of complete excellence, that was served up to fans. This was sensational. Both men on entrance looked like a study in contrast. Kenny's clear blue sky looking like crashing  water, giving way to the cold pits of hell, as MJF came from under the stage, on what looked like a throne of thornes. This was a forty minute ironman stretch, that proved that imitation is the best form of flattery. Both men threw everything at each other, and this was becoming one of my Matches of the year. From both men kicking out of V triggers. Package Piledrivers, and. Tombstone Piledrivers. This was awesome, and the fans loved it. MJF got the win, and retained his belt, after he hit Kenny with his Heatseaker finisher, after trying to cheat with his Dynamite Gold ring. This was an awesome story, that captilised on its delivery. I loved this.

Overview Of AEW Dynasty 2026.

This was a great AEW PPV, with minor moments that didn't leave me with any inspiration. I loved the main event, and most of the card, and i'm feeling excited about AEW going into the Summer months. Bring on Wembley.

AEW Dynasty 2026 is a strong 8/10.

  Top 5 WrestleMania Moments That Will Make You Cry.

Written By Patrick O'malley

Intro.

Tears are a known form of showing emotion when our brains tell us that we're feeling sad, and this is something that you can feel while watching big moments on TV, and as this years WrestleMania approaches on our viewing horizon I thought that this would be a good time to take a look at those moments, that make our pupils fill up with water.

5. Mick Foley Gets eliminated From The Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match.

WrestleMania 16 doesn't get much praise from fans these days, and I get why, because it had botches, and the Matches felt like they were dragging on, even though it had one of the best builds in my opinion. It did come with its very own caviat. Mick Foley saying goodbye to the fans. Foley over the 2000's was in and out of retirement, but to me this felt like his in ring goodbye. It has been stated over the years that at this point Mick's health wasn't to good, due to the amount of concussions that he had suffered over his time working with the WWF. As a fan watching this in the year 2000, I didn't understand just how serious Micks health was, it was only after reading his book Have A Nice Day, that I learnt that in 1999 he was struggling to remember his own name, this prompted He Who Shall Not Be Named to urge him to retire. I always thought Mick should've gone out his way, and even though some fans think that his Hell In A Cell Match from No Way Out 2000 was his goodbye, his Mania outing was fitting in my opinion because this felt final. He was given this oppotunity for all the work that he had done over his time as an in ring competitor.

4. The Ultimate Warrior Beats Hulkamania.

If you go by the todays standards, WrestleMania 6 is another example of how hindsight needs to taken in when watching this show. It's not great, and in my opinion it's the Worst Mania. The Main event needs to looked at and studied. The build was heavily layered on respect and intensity, however the physicality of the Match doesn't Match todays standards. Why did this moment mean so much to me as a kid? I was a Warrior fan over being a Hogan fan. I can't stand neither man these days due to there awful behavior, and attitudes, but when you ask me as an adult, this repressented a clear changing of the guard that would run through most of 1990. This left some kids ( me included ) in floods of tears.

3. HBK Carried The WWF.

The build to wrestleMania 14 is considered by some fans to be one of the best in company history, but if you ask me, it was the most interesting. on one hand you had Shawn Michaels, a man who always brought the energy, whilst facing his own demons. In January of 1998 Shawn injured his back in his Casket Match for the WWF Championship  against The Undertaker. Shawn woke up the morning after, and could feel an unusual amount of pain, that had him temporarily parylized. This meant that he had to drop the belt to his next opponent. Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Match played out to critical acclaim. Shawns issues with drugs had got worse during the build up leading to him leaving the fan interactions after a fan abused him. The passing of the torch was a bitter pill for HBK to swallow, as this happened. He was seen storming out of the post Mania press conference, and as a fan watching this footage as a kid I thought that this was part of the show, it was only as I got older that I realised he was going through some real issues, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

2. Connor Malik.

On paper the name Connor Malik doesn't sound like much, but when you know all the facts, he's made an everlasting legacy, that came from the worst circumstances. Connor was just 5 years old when he lost his battle with Cancer. He was a massive WWE fan, he and his younger brother at one point went up to Daniel Bryan, and said that he and his brother are the real Tag Team Champions. This would start off a friendship that would last until his final moments. Connor was sat at ringside for when Daniel won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Mania 30. After Daniel got the win, he was seen holding Connor as the pyro went off into the New Orleans night. This wasn't just a WrestleMania moment, this was a snapshot in time, that needs to be savoured, and held close to your heart, and act as a reminder to hold your loved ones close.

1. The Undertakers Final Salute.

As time has gone on, and when you think back to 2020, you could make the argument that hindsight is something that needs to be treasured. This can be said about the legacy of The Deadman. The build to his final Mania Match against AJ Styles was met with solid praise, however this came at the cost of uncertainty, as the world was plunged into the Covid 19 pandemic, and it had no sign of slowing down. As the world started to shut down, the WWE took the controversial decision to keep business going as usual, this came from a number of benefactors to do with TV contracts, this also meant that all shows had to be filmed, and placed behind closed doors. This gave birth to the element of the Cinematic Match. The Boneyard concept was simple, direct, and to the point. Was it sad to see a legends career go out like this? Yes, but when you take a look at the circumstances, it had to be this way. As I watched this filmed Match take place on the broadcast. I was reminded that when the world goes through its hardest of times, it's great to be able to have entertaining things to take your mind away from the outside world, this fact was driven home as Mark Calloway rhode off into the night, as he left his 30 year career in the ring on a high, and not on a wimper. This wasn't just a look at how the WWE had looked after a legacy, but a look at how they managed to put there minds together to help fans in the moments when some were losing there loved ones. For two nights the real world took a back seat, whilst one mans legacy was celebrated on a global scale. The location was perfect, and the way it was shot, and soundtracked by one of my favourite bands Metallica, you could say that this was the perfect way to say goodbye to an old friend.

 Top 5 Times Hard Rock And Metal Music Was Used Right In Pro Wrestling.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

Dating back to the 1980's, Pop Culture has always played a part in Pro Wrestling from Vicace, and. Mohammed Ali being at the very early WrestleMania's, to Major films stars like Adam Sandler, and. Ben Stiller being sat at ringside during the Attitude Era, but one of the biggest things in Pop Culture that holds a place with everyone is music, and given the link between Metal, and. Hard Rock Music have always gone hand in hand with Pro Wrestling. I think this is a great time to go back and take a look at the moments when these genres have soundtracked the moments that we love.

5. Corey Taylor Slaps Baron Corbin Download Festival UK 2015.

When you go back to the year 2015, this would act as a great time for both Slipknot, and fans of WWE's developmental brand. Slipknot 9 months beforehand had released there fifth Album The Grey Chapter Volume 5, an album that was dedicated to the memory of there late Bass player Paul Grey, whilst NXT under the leadership of Paul HHH Levesque, started to continue it's rise from the underground. This year would be the first time that NXT would be added to the festival, and this coincided with the third time that Slipknot headlined the festival, step forward the moment when Corey Taylor slapped Baron Corbin. This moment went viral, and fans loved it. Slipknots relationship with WWE would continue when All Out Life would be used as the main theme to NXT when it went from the WWE Network, and was placed on the USA Network, in a move that was set up to capitilise, and ruin the early momentum of the upstarting AEW.

4. Ozzy Osbourne.

From the second WrestleMania, him and sharon hosting Monday Night Raw in his home of Birmingham here in the UK, soundtracking the PLE Hell In A Cell 2020 with his song Straight To Hell, to even being placed in the WWE Hall Of Fame. Ozzy has had a very prominent role in how WWE looks at soundtracksing PLE's, and this has been a thing since the late nineties as the Attitude Era played out. Think of it this way. If Ozzy hadn't sat at ringside at WrestleMania 2, would we have gotten ACDC's Highway To Hell becoming the theme to Summerslam 1998? Or Metallica being used during to promote The Undertaker, and see him off during his last ever WWE Match against AJ Styles? In My Opinion No. God Bless Ozzy Osbourne indeed.

3. Metallica In WWE.

If you think back to the year 2003, and you're a Metallica fan like me, then you will remember hearing some good reviews about their latest album St Anger, and then listening to it, and coming to the realisation that it was nothing other than a sticky pile of cheese. It was also around this time when even more fans wearing Metallica T shirts would appear in the crowd. Metallica had never been used on WWE TV at this point, but it was a point that started to show that the tides were starting to turn, as metal stadium tours were coming back into existance. Fast forward 17 years, and Metallica were being used to soundtrack The Undertakers Final Match at WrestleMania 36. The Boneyard Match against AJ Styles, and then two years later, his hype video to put him into the WWE Hall was Sad But True, my favourite song from The Black Album. These instances just remind me, that i'm getting old, whilst also saying that it's still ok to not act my age, because Metallica rule.

2.Bring Me The Horizon. Thrones And Obey. NXT Takeover Events.

The Sheffield Mob Bring Me The Horizon are now a world conquering Stadium act, that are starting to realise what the peak of their powers look like, but before this, one of the things that helped them break their name in the US was allowing their music to be used in TV shows. WWE used this and got the rights to use their music on two occassions. the first one was back in October 2015, when they used Thrones to soundtrack NXT Takeover Respect, whilst in Febuary 2021 Obey was used to promote it's Vengence Day PLE. It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of Bring Me, so hearing their music on National TV is something to be seen, and heard, because it's very cool.

1. Limp Bizkit Mania 17.

When you hold WrestleMania 17 in isolation it was steaped in Metal Music, from Stone Cold Steve Austins entrance theme by Disturbed crushing the Stadium PA System. Motorhead performing HHH down to the ring, and then we have My Way By Limp Bizkit, acting as the main Soundtrack to The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin. 14 Year Old me was very happy seeing this. Even though i'm not a big fan of Limp Bizkit these days. I still love going back, and rewatching this hype video on Youtube, because it brings back so many memories from a period of time that wasn't very problematic. This song was the soundtrack to my Summer of that year alongside Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park, as my family took our annual trip to Haylin Island in the south of England.

Honourable Mentions.

Turnstile AEW Revolution 2026.

Using this new age Punk band in this time after they won a grammy just showed that Punk isn't dead.

Smashing Pumpkins TNA Lockdown 2009.

Because despite all of your rage, you're still just a rat trapped inside a six sides of steel cage. Don't ever change Mr Corgan.

Overview Of This Piece.

If you don't like music, then I don't know what to really say. Music is one of the biggest flavours that we have in life, and at any point we should celebrate it. Pro Wrestling is no differant. The right song can trigger of memories that can last long after our life spans, so when you hear something that you like, then hold it close, and never let it go.

 AEW Dynamite Top 5 Insights And Moments.

Intro.

Ok guys I'm starting things off with yet another apology, this is because due to not feeling 100% This isn't going to be a full review, so instead of giving you guys nothing, and the fact that this weeks AEW Dynamite was a 150 minte broadcast. This forced to take a bit more care of myself, and do a top 5 list instead. You guys know that I drive myself to give you guys the best work in written form, so things like this don't normally sit with me, but when it comes to my health, then I have to put that first.

5. Opening Segment And Main Event.

From the very word go, us fans were thrown into a world of violence, chaos, and all round utter madness. Will Osperay had a backstage brawl, that included the deathriders, and Wills mates in the sense of NJPW, enter stage left. Wills real life fiance Alex Windsor, and his mates in The United Empire. Callum Newman. Francesco Akira, and. Henare. This got spicy very quickly. Both factions brawled through to the arena, and into the fans, this led to Will taking to the mic, and stating that the Main Event would be stated as Chaos In Canada. The Match lived up to that standard, because it felt like it ran at a 100 miles an hour, and you could see that as it unfolded. The weapon spots, and all round chaos made sense. From Jon giving Will some extreme accupuncture, to United Empire getting the win as Wills crew hit a hidden blade on Mox for the win. Will vs Mox for the Continental Championship just screams Match of the year.

4. Kyle Fletcher Is Out Injured.

Kyle Fletcher is out injured. Don Callis gave us this news, and then proceeded to tell us that the Protokada Match against The Young Bucks that was due to be added to the Dynasty card is now off. This is a huge blow. Kyle was recently in London Promoting AEW's return to Wembley later this year, and by all accounts he was excited for the show. I just hope that we got to see Kyle back in action when he's ready.

3. Darby Allin. Bandido And Jungleboy Jack Perry vs Andrade El Idolo Konosuke Takeshita, and. Mark Davis.

This was excellent, and it did what it was meant to do. This was an great piece of TV booking, and a good bit of business. From Darby taking what looked like a sickening series of backwards suplexes, to the Matches within the Match being allowed to have the right amount of time to breathe. Okada vs Takeshita at Double Or Nothing, yes please. Also The Young Bucks made the save, and will now face Okada and. Konosuke at Dynasty. It's been reported that this Match was put together as a result of Kyle's injury, and the absence of brody King.

2. Tommasso Ciampa vs Mascara Dorada.

This Match was a bit flat, and it never really took off. This had a lot going for it, when I saw the card. But this left me feeling a bit let down. Tommasso got the win. Ok I guess.

1. Canadian Connections.

As the show came from Edmonton. So giving them a steak in this show, was beyond clever. The segments we got last night were gold for differant reasons. On one hand the Cope and cage segment showcased what hardwork and passion looks like, through the eyes of a 50 year old banging your mum, and then getting beaten down by Ropongi Vice, and. FTR, and then we got Kenny Omega's segment. This was excellent. Keeny talked about his issues, whilst bringing up his history working on the Canadian Indy scene, and taking shots at Cm Punk, all whilst Max just talks nonsense. Max then came out, and both men had a fantastic promo dual, and proved to be one of the best segments of the year. When you really take a look at development it's not just having conitations for the short run, but for the overall picture as we head on the road to Wembley. I'm bang up for this Match, and the PPV as a whole.

Overview Of This Piece.

Sunday is starting to look good, and I can't wait to review this show on Monday morning.

 Top 5 TNA Matches That Shouldn't Be Slepped On.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

As a longtime fan of the sport of Pro Wrestling, there has been multiple Matches that don't get the fair attention they deserve from fans, this mainly comes from the type of tribalism that you read about on X, and other platforms of social media. This is the reason that most people sleep on the goings on in TNA. I get that it's not everyones favourite promotion, but they've had some of the best Matches to take place on North American shores from over the past 20 years, so this is my look at those Matches, so sit back, get yourself a drink of something cold, and i'll begin. Please bare in mind that this is just my opinion, and if you agree then great, and if you don't, then that also awesome.

5. Eric Young vs Leon Slater X Division Championship Match TNA Sacrifice 2026.

I'm starting this off with a fresh one from their last PPV. I've had the pleasure of watching Bradfords own the last time WWE rolled through London when Friday Night Smackdown came live from Wembley OVO Arena this past January, he faced Carmelo hayes on that broadcast, and both men stole the show, and is what happened on the 27th of last month. Leon is a face for the future, and pairing him with Eric Young was a clever piece of booking. This Match is up there as a recent favourite of mine, and really needs a lot eyes on it, that haven't seen it. In my eyes it's an easy 5 stars.

4. Jeff Hardy vs Kurt Angle Steelcage Match TNA Sacrifice 2012.

This is one Match that doesn't get spoken about, and it's a real shame, because it's excellent. 2012, wasn't the best year for TNA when it came attendences, and this would be an issue for the promotion going forwards. This meant that the talent took it upon themselves to over deliver in the ring. This Match is the perfect case and point. Jeff Hardy was continuing his comeback arc, whilst Kurt Angle was adding to his growing legacy. This Match needs to be taught in Pro Wrestling schools, because it wasn't just great storytelling, and solid physicality being played out to an enthusiastic fan base, it was the definition of heart, and passion, being allowed to breathe. This is a must watch if you love pure unadulterated good old fashioned Pro Wrestling. I love this Match.

3. Bobby Rhode vs James Storm Street Fight TNA Bound For Glory 2012.

This Match was the Combination of a 12 month story coming to a bloodsoaked end. With the added edition of King Mo from Bellator MMA being used as a guest enforcer, this added nothing to the proceedings, however this was a cathartic release of a Match. Both men were a study in contrast in the latter stages of 2011 as the year went on. Storm would go on a minor downward spiral, after losing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to his former Beer Money Inc Tag Team Partner Bobby Rhode, whilst Rhode would go on to hold the belt for 10 months losing it to Austin Aries at that years Hardcore Justice. This Match was the highest point on the card, and the TNA Match of the year in my opinion, and it was rated 4/5 stars from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer. This rivalry was one of the best things that TNA had going for it back in 2012.

2. Josh Alexander vs Will Osperay Impact Wrestling 16th of November 2023.

After watching this 5 star classic, that no one talks about, you might need to pick your jaw up from off the floor, because this is incredible. Josh Alexander has an incredibly accute skill set when it comes to working inbetween the ropes. This made him the perfect component for Will Osperay. This was England vs Canada, and it was highly fascinating as both men went back and forth. As the Match into it's final stages, you could get the feeling that something special was happening before your eyes, and your right. I've been a fan of Both men for quite sometime, and this Match tells me one thing, they're never going to look this fresh ever again. It's the kind of Match that reminds me of the fact that it doesn't matter who wins, because the Match has made you feel alive on the planet. That's Pro Wrestling people, and we love it.

1. Kurt Angle vs AJ Styles TNA House Show London England TNA World heavyweight Championship 30.1.10.

This one is a personal favourite of mine, and if i'm being honest i'm also being a bit biased, because I was at this show. Both men worked a fantastic house show main event, that I sat ringside for, and I loved every second of it. I've been to major shows since this, and I still come back to this Match as one of my all time favourites. Their Physicality gas tanks worked overtime, as their exchanges managed to hype up the 8.500 fans that were in attendence. This Match was simply phenomanal, and a sight to be seen. After this Match. Kurt took to the mic, and thanked then TNA President Dixie Carter, for giving him, and everyone in the back a job, and a purpose. Also another cool fact. I shook hands with Dixie after this, and she thanked me for coming out to the show. Oh the memories.

Overview Of This Piece.

I have a deep love for Pro Wrestling, and you know what it doesn't matter what promotion is your jam, whether it's WWE. AEW. TNA, or even. NJPW. AAA, or CMLL, the fact that you're a fan should speak volumes. In life you're always going to find idiots that will slam for the things that you're into, and when those moments accure, just take my advice, and ignore them, because in this world we are all differant, and it's our differences that make us all special. And given the way that the world is going these days. I think this message is very important to remember. I like TNA, and I don't care who knows it.

WWE Monday Night Raw Review. 7.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Superstars Seen Turning Up.

Oba Femi. Rhiyo. Penta. Dragon Lee, and. Jevon Evans, and Cm Punk were all seen showing up to work. Punk was given the walk through treatment, and from this point on, prepare yourself, because no one is safe. He started off sitting in the ring, talking about the good old days listening to old timers in the industry, to heading out to the announcers desk, and he went all out promo God. He speaked about Roman, claiming that he's a fake champion, with plastic tools, who at one point ate dog food for a weird old man who treated Punk like garbage, so after he made his bags, he left. Pat Mcafe then came up, alongside his agent who shoe horned him into one of Manias biggest programmes, he begged directly to the camera asking said agent to lower the ticket prices, because Punk wants families to watch him beat Roman reigns. His name is Cm Punk, and he approved this message. This was awesome, because Punk didn't come across like a Pro Wrestler who's pissed off with his positioning in the company, he's a fan the same as all of us. He spoke for all fans, and by all reports this is a good thing.

Austin Theory vs LA Knight.

I've got to say this. I had fun watching this. The Match wasn't exactly for me, but it was the shenigans that made me laugh. Austin got the win after Logan shoved Ishowspeed into LA Knight. The Usos also came out for a short cameo. This caused LA Kinght to bring out Adam Pearce who announced that there will be a six man Match at Mania. The Usos and LA Knight vs The Vision and Ishowspeed. I think this could be fun.

JD Mcdonagh vs Finn Balor.

This got thrown out after Dirty Dom attacked Finn. I get why this Match ended like this, but it does show a lack of care.

Michael Cole Sits Down With AJ Lee.

I liked this. After Becky told Michael to leave, both ladies were a study in contrast. AJ acted like a truth teller, whilst the contender took on the role of a four year old. This was a well executed piece of booking.

Bayley vs Lash Legend.

I didn't like this. This felt all round over crowded, and a cluster mess from start to finish, thanks to its booking, and overall outlay. Bayley got the win, oh and hello Team Blair.

 Danhausen Is An Award Winner.

Danhausen is a slammy award winner, now this is very nice, and very well deserved, love that Danhausen. He also had a speech. Jack Nicholson and Gwyneth Paltrow eat your heart out.

Seth Rollins Segment.

I liked this. Seth came out as the fans revelled in his own song, whilst looking like he had come to a Matrix Fanfest event, because he looked a bit like Neo. His segment hit all the spots that it needed, his Match against Gunther at Mania is being centred around the best facing the best, and this is what it should be. He spoke briefly about The Vision, as they continue to anger Romans family. Gunther then attacked Seth, but this backfired when seth tried to give him a stomp. Gunther walked backstage and had words with Paul Heyman. This is the start of Brock vs Gunther, and an underlined start for there potential Summerslam Match.

Liv Morgan And Stephanie Vaquer Vingnettes.

Stephanie Vaquer, and. Liv Morgan had minor promo vingnettes, and they were decent, but Stephanie then attacked Liv later on, after she had been talking to her Judgement Day family. It was reported that Roxanne Perez got caught in the crossfires, and got legitimately injured. Accidents like this do happen.

Penta Dragon Lee And Jevon Evans vs Los Americanos.

This Match, was an excellent piece of TV booking, and it worked. So far since Penta, and. Jevon have been called up to the main roster. I think they've had some solid runs, and this Match just proved my point, plus i'm liking the fact that Dragon Lee is coming into his own is a nice sight to be seen. Jevon got the win for his team with an insane looking OG cutter to Elgrande Americano. Rey Mysterio came out, and spoke to the fans, whilst heaping praise on Lee. Penta, and. Jevon, he then said that he's now in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at Mania. Rey has been medically cleared to compete, this mains that the potential Gunther Match is now on the back burner.

Rhiyo vs Bfab and Michin.

This Match was better than what it had any right to be. The in ring work felt a bit more fluid, and it had solid pacing, and was structured the right way. Rhiyo got the win, and Iyo was beaten down by Jade cargill. I liked this.

Contract Signing.

All of this was an uneasy mess. Let me explain. HHH comes out first with Adam Pearce, and from that moment this segment just felt off, because it has been reported that HHH might be fired after WrestleMania. HHH looked nervous as he postered to the fans. This wasn't just a man selling for fans, he looked like a man who might get micro managed. Paul Heyman then walked on the stage before Adam Pearce could even get a word out, Paul Heyman speweded  his normal verbs, and brought out his client Brock lesnar out. Brock looked comfortable, then out walked Oba, and as soon as he got to the ring, it was on, because they had a security pull apart brawl. I hated this. If you are not aware, more has come out reguarding the Janelle Grant Lawsuit, and how it effects Brock Lesnar, and it doesn't make for easy listening, and the worst thing about this, is the fact that one of the reasons why he's back in WWE was in the ring with him. This didn't land with me, and my feelings will never change in reguards to Brock. He shouldn't be part of Mania in anyway. 

Overview Of WWE Monday Night Raw.

This was a solid broadcast, even if the Main Event didn't land. I did like this weeks Raw, as the in ring work was solid, and the promos went from sensational to excellent.

This weeks WWE Monday Night Raw is a high 7/10

 Top 5 Times Pro Wrestling Took Inspiration From Real Life And Caused Controvery.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

In life we all take influence from the things that go on around us. In  Company's like WWE. AEW, and. TNA they are no differant. This is how the world works, and it's how it's going to continue to work. Influence is a vital ingridient in life, sometimes it can go down well, and in others it can turn out to be catastrophic.

5. Jake Roberts Alcoholism.

The world was a very differant place as the then WWF entered the Summer of 1996. WCW was starting to batter them in the weekly TV ratings, and there need for sensationalism, was proving to be a bit problematic. As the WWF was heading towards that years Summerslam Jakes drinking issues were becoming even more previlent. Instead of writing him off from TV, they had Jerry The King Lawler ghode, and bully him. I heard in an interview with He Who Shall Not Be Named that was conducted for Jakes 2006 DVD Pick Your Poison. That this story was set to highlight the issue of children growing up with an alcoholic parent, basically stating the fact that if you don't put these issues on TV then no one talks about them. In this case Jake should never have been put in this situation, and care should've been taken when it came to talking about these issues.

4. Pillman 316.

I remember watching this as a nine year old kid, and being traumatised, because I thought that this was real. As a matter of fact I wasn't the only one who thought this. It garnered massive attention in the States, and over here in the UK complaints went to the ITC, the now Ofcom. The inspiration came from how the company managed to blur the lines 3 three ways between fiction and reality, composing violence, and shock tactics. This segment aired on the November 4th edition of Raw Is War, and also played into the fact that home invasions were a pivotal concern stateside.

3. TNA Claire Lynch Saga.

I know what you're all thinking, how was this storyline controversial, well, let me tell, this told the story of an illegitimate child being born. From the aspect of date rape, and addiction themes, this in an instant red flag. The storyline in my view, that aired throughout October of 2012, just reminded us that Trash TV influences from the 1990's from the likes of Maury Povich, and. Jerry Springer were still running how some parts of the mainstream media treated topics like this. Thankfully these days society knows how to show forms of compassion. I just don't get how this storyline got out from the writers room.

2. Chris Jericho vs Cm Punk 2012 Rivalry.

As the Spring of 2012 was coming around the corner. The WWE was heading into it's biggest WrestleMania to date at that time. You had The Undertaker vs HHH in a Hell In a Cell Match, and. The Rock vs Cena heading towards the end of its year long course, and then on the underrated hand we had Chris Jericho vs Cm Punk. This storyline was highly controversial, as it laid bare Punks family issues that stemmed from Drug and Alcohol addiction. This would bring in a form of harmful storytelling that WWE use to this very day. Issue based story's are a form of entertainment that need to be held with cotton gloves, because if you get this right they can save someones life, whilst on the other they could cause immense backlash. I know friends who've had issues with substances, and it's not an easy thing to overcome, and having things like this air on TV don't always help. Back then fans treated this as a fictional rivalry, nowadays I would like to think that in 2026, we could look at these issues with a bit more compassion.

1. Paige vs Charlotte Flair.

when you take a look at the 2015 build to that years Survivor Series, you might remember the rivalry between Paige, and. Charlotte Flair. If you take your mind back to April of 2013, you will remember the headlines when Reid Flair Charlotte's younger brother died from a drug overdose in a hotel room in Charlotte North Carolina. Like we all knew this would have ripples in both her and her dads life. Ric had his own issues at the time that led to Jim Ross getting released from the WWE in the summer of 2013. Fast forward to the November 16th edition of Monday Night Raw 2015, and the contract signing between Charlotte Flair, and. Paige, and we were treated to the moment when Paige brought up Reids name, and alluded to how he died. This generated a lot of attention in the Pro Wrestling Media, and wider outlets. This is my opinion. I thought that this was unessciary, and offensive to those who've lost loved ones from this form of god awful addiction. This segment was panned by fans on social media.

Overview Of This Piece.

The one thing that I want fans to take away from this list, is to show compassion for those who are less fortunate, and try to understand there struggles. I've been in some difficult places in my life, and i've managed to get them by understanding that my issues are small in consideration to those, that face worse struggles. Just show some compassion people, it's not that difficult.

 Easter Sunday Friday Night Smackdown Review. 5.4.2026.

Intro.

I having to start with another apology, this is due to the fact this review is coming out late. My plan was to have this out on Saturday,  but due to the fact that my day job needed me. I had no other option but to delay this piece. I had plans to cover the UFC fight Night Apex card as well, and that unfortunately will now be out tomorrow. You guys know that I hate having to do this, but if i'm needed elsewhere, then whether it's family, friends, or my day job, that has to come first.

Superstars Seen Showing Up To Work.

Rhea Ripley. Michin. Bfab. Jade Cargill, and. Team Blair were all seen showing up to work.

Randy Orton Segment.

Randy Orton kicked off the broadcast, and he went straight to business by imitating Cody, he said that the reason that he's going after title number 15 is the same reason that Cody is holding onto his belt, at this point he pointed to his family who were sat at ringside. He said that Cody doesn't have that killer instinct, because Cody isn't a killer. This brought out The American Nightmare, and just like that it happened, before Cody could lay a hand on Randy. Pat Mcafe came out and kicked Cody in the family jewels. Pat took to the mic, and proceeded to waffle on insulting the fans intelligence, complaining about the product, whilst highlighting how bad WWE is at the moment. This was who Randy Orton was on the phone too. All of this was completely tone def, and painfully excruciating to watch. This was beyond bad, it was a slap in the face to fans who've watched for decades, and spent their hard earnt money on this company. It was reported by Cassidy Haynes over at Bodyslam.net, that this call came from the head of TKO Ari Emmanuel, so this wasn't a Nick Khan, or HHH call. This was later confirmed by Sean Ross Sapp at Fightful Select. I get why WWE would do this, but in this form of a segment Celebrity endorsement doesn't work, and this fell into that heavily. It was also later reported by Cassidy Haynes, that Cody was legit pissed off with this. I don't blame him. He answered this back later on.

Rhea Ripley vs Michin.

I felt sorry for these ladies, because they had to follow the garbage that became beforehand. This Match was highly predictable, the overall feel of this Match was off, and it all came from the prior segment. The fans sounded like they weren't into this, and it's not the fault of the ladies. Both Rhea, and, Michin were working hard to get fans on side, and not even having Bfab, and. Jade Cargill at ringside could save this. Rhea got the win. You could get the sense that fans had been taken aback from the opening segment. Iyo Sky made the save. I sense an Iyo Sky heel turn. I can just sense it.

Alestair Black Segment.

Is anyone up for Alestair Black vs Matt Cardona. No one I hear. Oh well were in for a treat later on.

Tama Tonga vs Uncle Howdy.

Thank God the battle of the Lantern is now over. Tama beat Howdy, and then pissed off Solo by giving Howdy back the lantern. Solo wasn't happy, and neither was I, because my god this was awful.

R Truth Segment.

God bless this man, and his utter cluelessness. He accidentally booked him and Priest in a Tag Team Championship Match, against Kit wilson, and. The Miz. Kit Danhausen is not Toxic, you are. Also R Truth was robbing Nick Aldis blind.

I Love Jacob Fatu.

I've got to admit it. The Mania Match i'm looking to seeing most Is the Drew and Jacob Unsanctioned Match. These had solid vingnettes last Friday.

Sami Zayn Segment.

This was way too long, and didn't get to the point quick enough. From Trick Williams hanging out with his mate Lil Yachty, him taking Sami's pyro, and him ghoading Sami into giving Carmelo Hayes a rematch for the United States Championship. The Promotrain between Sami. Trick. Yachty, and. Carmelo was exhausting, and it felt it had zero pacing. Sami agreed to give Carmelo another shot at the WWE United States Championship.

Alestair Black vs Matt Cardona.

Alestair Black, beat. Matt Cardona in what was a fairly flat, and boring TV Match. So far this Broadcast has stunk.

R Truth Segment.

Truth is now getting confused With Asuka, and. Danhausen, and Priest isn't happy with being put in a suprise Tag Team Championship Match. Don't ever change Truth.

Team Blair vs Bayley And Lyra Valkyria.

This arguably the best Match on the card, but given the show has been very below par. The bar wasn't exactly high. I liked the chemistry that was on display from both teams, and the physicality played into the near falls with pure ease. Team Blair got the win, and were then beaten bown by The Irresistable Forces.

Team Damien Truth vs Kit Wilson and The Miz. WWE Tag Team Championship Match.

Was this Match any good, if i'm being honest, no, but I did have fun watching it, because it was just so silly. I mean a ref getting cursed by Danhausen, and just like that the Match was done. Team Damien Truth got the win.

Cody Rhodes Segment.

I've said all that I want to say about the hole Randy Orton/ Pat Mcafe story, so i'm just going to say this. Ugh sigh.

Sami Zayn vs Carmelo Hayes WWE United States Championship.

On a broadcast that was beyond poor, this Match wasn't bad, however it felt incredibly forced, and rushed overall. Don't get me wrong I like both competitors, and I don't blame them for how this Match was booked, but lets just look at it this way. If you were in a fast food restaurant and your order came out to quick, what would you think. I would this was made to quickly. This was the problem with this match. sami got the win, and is going into Mania as The WWE United States Champion.

Overview Of This Weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

This broadcast. I mean those are the only words that are coming out of my mouth at this point, because my head hurts. This weeks WWE Friday Smackdown wasn't all round bad, it was more like a brain fart on the rd to WrestleMania.

This weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown is a low by WWE Standards 3/10.

 What Are The Best Pro Wrestling Segments Of All Time.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

The art of the noble Pro Wrestling Segment is a known staple of any weekly TV show, as the decades have gone on, these moments have gone down in infamy, from Austin getting arrested, and escorted from the arena. Shane Mcmahon out smarting his old man, and buying WCW, and we can't forget about Steiner Math, however i've decided to check out the best ones from over the decades. So sit back, get yourself a drink of something cold, and i'll get into it.

5. MJF vs Wardlow.

Taking place in the build up to AEW Double Or Nothing 2022, This segment would deal with the consequences of Wardlows actions from Revolution the prior March. Max was at his verbal best as he laid insults into his former bodyguard, this led to Wardlow getting ten lashes from his former boss. This has been hailed by some fans as one of the best segments that AEW has been commited to producing, and i'm going to be honest, this one, has to be one of my favourites.

4. Cm Punk vs MJF.

Taking place not soon after Full Gear 2021, and if i'm being honest, I didn't have this on my bingo card that year, mind you no one had Cm Punk returning to the industry that spat him out just seven years before this. Both men took fiery shots at one and other, and you could tell that this wasn't just the standard promo, because what we got treated to was pure and utter virile hate, spewing out from both mens lips, this was the perfect blend of backstage politics starting to play out, as real distain became evident. This would start off one of AEW's best ever told storylines.

3. This Is Your Life.

In the year of 1999, the heat that surrounded the WWF was palpable in a positive way. Business was up, Live attendences were breaking arena records, and the TV viewership was breathing life into TV schedules across the globe, thanks to its colourful stars. Step Forward The Rock, and. Mankind. On one late September Rar Is War Who Shall Not Be Named gave them the stage, and they didn't just deliver, they smashed it. This was sexual toilet humour, being served to the young audience, and fans ate it up. This is the segment from this period that I always come back tp, and it never fails to make me smile. Who's up for a slice of, um, pie. Because i'm hungry.

2. Le Dinner Debonair.

This aired on the 21st of October edition of AEW Dynamite. You know that this was a gold standard segment when Jim Cornette slates it. This segment was the perfect blend of comedy, and musical theatre being placed on a weekly TV show, as it folded in multiple differant storylines. I don't have many nice feelings about Chris Jericho these days, but this took place in a time when he still had a bit of minor of credibility. He and MJF bounced off of each other with pure comedic effect, and it worked with ease. It's been said before that apparently Chris Jericho, and. Tony Khan sat in an editing room together for hours, and it made it to air, just minutes before the broadcast went live. I still watch this now, and it never fails to make me laugh. I heard a story that Cm Punk loved it, because of the line. Hey Young Bucks screw you. Did you see what I did there, a bit of humour can go a long way. I mean just ask my shadow.

1. The Trial Of Sami Zayn.

This is arguably the best segment that WWE have ever committed to a weekly TV Show. Take yourself back to January 23rd 2023 edition of Monday Night Raw, this wasn't just a segment, it was a celebration of drama being played on the 30th anniversary of WWE's weekly flagship show. Romans Grooming of Sami Zayn is some of the most captivating TV that WWE has ever produced, and having this 16 minute long segment play out the way that it did just days before the 2023 Royal Rumble was a smart piece of booking, and business. Monday Night Raw has seen it's fair share of gravity shifting segments and moments, from Stone Cold Steve Austin attacking He Who Shall Not Be Named in a hospital. The Festival Of Friendship, John Cena putting a verbal beating on a sucker'n suckertash loving Roman Reigns. Mick Foley turning back the years, and becoming Cactus Jack, and Chris Jericho debuting on the mic against The Rock, but this one out did all of them. The dramatised potioning was on point, as the tension between The Bloodline members escolated as the segment went on. This is flawless TV at its very best. This is a must watch.

Overview of this Piece.

You guys know that i've been watching Pro Wrestling for nearly over three decades, and i've seen loads of things that I love, whilst watching tons of what i've hated, the basis behind this piece was real simple, I decided to focus on the things that I loved, instead of focusing on the things that I hate, because when you take a look outside your window, there's enough hate in the world, and if i'm being honest, there's no need for it. So take my advice, embrace the love, and never ever let hate win.

 AEW Dynamite Review 2.4.2026.

AEW World Heavyweight Champaionship Contract Signing ( Or So I Thought ).

This had me howling laughter, until the point that it wasn't funny. Tony Schiavone stood in the ring trying his best as a broadcaster to maintain his composure, as the Pyro went off he tried to talk, he looked visibly confused, and then Chris Jericho returned, he stated that He's home in AEW. It was reported by Daze Meltzer that Jericho was supposed to return after he had trade marked the phrase Cornerstone had come through. I didn't like any of this. All of this looked, and felt like a mess, and very out of time. It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Jericho. I'm not going to try and tell people how to feel about the man, because I can only talk from my own perspective. I'm not a fan of Jericho for reasons that I can't talk about online for legal reasons.

Osperay And Mox Fight.

Will Osperay, and. Jon Moxley then had a fight complete with a couple of f bombs. ( More on Will later on )

We Finally Got The AEW World Heavyweight Championship Contract Signing. The Demand vs Kenny Omega. Jungleboy Jack Perry And Brody King.

This was excellent. The struggles of power, and passion were played out here with ease. Both men hit the high marks, from Kenny's many names, his stomach issues being used as Max's best form of rhetoric, to Max being his usual offensive self. Speedball Mike Bailey then tried to calm things, whilst hitting Max with some home truths. Kenny is a living legend, who's the reason for why Max has a job in the first place, whilst Max rents out space in his own mind, because that's were he's a legend. Speedball then challenged Max to a Match in the main event. Max accepted, and the Match was set. Kenny was then in action teaming up with Jungleboy Jack Perry, and. Brody King, to face The Demand. This was ace, and after its lofi start, it managed to develop itself into one hell of a Party Match. The Matches within the Match were solid, and that triple suplex was chefs kiss. The physicality is a solid staple of any AEW Party Match, and as the Match went on the near falls were given time to breathe. Kenny and his mates got the win with a v trigger, and one winged angel combo.

Cage And Cope Are In The Building.

I'm just going to say it, whether it's real or keyfabe, Violence against women should never be used for laughter. Cage threatened to clean out Renee Paquette with a steelchair. I get that this was a part of the show, but when you look at the statistics to do with Domestic Violence during sport shows in America, and in the UK, its astonishing, so please take note of this AEW. Ropongi Vice then got battered because Cage And Cope got there Dates wrong. FTR are on Collision lads.

Pac vs Will Osperay.

When this Match got announced last week. I felt excitement run through my body, because I was reminded of their All Out 2024 banger that was awarded 5 stars by the Wrestling Observer. Did this match up to that, well, no, what we got was another staple of fantastic storytelling, and immense in ring work. Wills selling was on point, as the near falls were cleverly woven into the story, as the final exchanges saw Will get the win. Jon Moxley and the rest of The Deathriders then came out and put a beating on Will, and then Jon cut a scaving promo on, whilst reminding him of the numbers game, whilst also stating to never get personal with him again. All of this was excellent. Having Will face Pac, is an advertisement for Wembley, and a clear way to shift tickets. Currently the ticket toll stands at 22.000 tickets sold, with the venue being set up to hold 37.000, this means having Matches like this on weekly TV isn't just needed, it's a must. So you in August if you're interested.

The Brawling Birds And Mina Shirakowa vs The Triangle Of Madness.

( Insert Brawling Birds theme here ) We are The Brawling Birds hooroo, we are The Brawling Birds, there going race up them apples and pairs, because we are The Brawling Birds. This Match was decent, and it managed to showcase both teams chemistry, as the Match went into it's final run. The Birds got the win when Jamie Hayter hit Julia Hart with her Hayter aid finisher.

Darby Allin Segment.

Darby Allin came out, and went straight into business and called out MJF, after he cut a solid promo on his thoughts about who wins between MJF and Kenny Omega, and he said that he wants Max. He was then met by TDCWO, and Don Callis told him that if he wants a shot at Max, then he has to go through one of his deciples, and he chose Andrade El Idolo. The Pair will face each other at Dynasty. The family wanted in on the action, and just like that we got a feeding frenzy, leading darby to be saved by Kenny Omega, and. Jungleboy Jack Perry. I'm not sure what to make of this.

MJF vs Speedball Mike Bailey.

This was nearly my Match of the night, and if it had a few more minutes added to it, then we would talking a bit differantly. This was a TV Main Event worthy of that title. It was a heavily layered physical run through that hit every stop that you could think of. It was a pure momentum filled affair, that delivered as both mens manouvers became high octane, as they went on the offense. MJF got the win, and then laid in some digs on Mike, as Kenny was left helping his friend as the show went off the air. This was an excellent way to end the show.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite.

Putting the opening, and. Darby Allin segments to one side, this was a good episode of weekly TV, and with Wembley coming up on the horizon it's important that AEW gets on track with it's momentum, and on the strength of this weeks show. I think they're on track to do just that.

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a solid 8/10.