AEW Dynamite Review 14.5.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

MJF Walk Through Opening Shot.

Renee Paquette tried to catch up with Maxwell Jacob Freeman in footage that was recorded earlier in the day, and he completely ignored her. Instead what we got was Max having a walk through shot, and looking at bald people that Included Tommaso Ciampa. John Silver who got a great pop, and of course Ricochet, who had a great laugh at the thought of Maxwell becoming a shaved head beast like myself. Max embrace the bald my friend, you'll look great. More on this later. I cried laughing watching this.

Tommaso Ciampa. The Dogs, and FTR vs The Young Bucks. Orange Cassidy, and Cope And Cage.

If you're going to kick off the show with a party Match, then this is how you do it. from fighting in the fans. The good Matches within the Match, all men involved having solid incyncricity, and. Clark Connors getting three superkicks to the face. This allowed the final exchange to take shape, and for Cope to get the win by pinning Connors for the win with a sphere. The Dogs then joined Ricochets team for Stadium Stampede at Double Or Nothing, and I'm pretty sure that Jungleboy Jack Perry, doesn't like Mark Davis. I wonder why?

The Deathriders Segment.

The Deathriders took Will Osperay on a special field trip to the top of what looked a Multistory Tesco car park for this weeks edition of Karate Kid 3 training.

Speedball Mike Bailey vs Westbrook.

Speedball Mike Bailey, beat a guy called Westbrook, and then this bled into the Next Match. Kevin Knight vs Brian Cage in a TNT Championship. The first Match was a run of the mill flat talent enhancing Match, whilst the second was a stonewall banger.This was a solid piece of great tv booking, that worked well to get over both mens in ring style. Knight retained, and he and Speedball then had a fantastic promo dual, in which they said they want more gold. This was excellent.

The Owen Hart Tournaments Bracketts Are Announced.

The Owen Hart Tournament Bracketts have been announced, and oh my both the men and ladies bracketts are looking mighty awesome. Will Osperay vs Samoa Joe anyone.

Will Osperay vs Ace Austin.

As I sat down to watch this Match before I went to my day job. I got the feeling that I was watching an indy scene Match playing out on national tv. Was this the best Will Osperay Match ever, well no, but it served to do the right job, and set up was to come next. Will got the win by submission, and then outcame Samoa Joe, who then cut a promo on Will. This was excellent. Joe went straight to business as he stated that Will has chosen greed over help, and this was captivating, as he sent The Opps in to destroy Will, but he had back up in the form of The Deathriders. I liked this, but it has left the All In booking looking a bit merky in my opinion.

Mark Briscoe Is Back.

Ok everyone the word of the day is Overjoyed, because Mark Briscoe is back, and i'm conglomerating as a result.

The Triangle Of Madness vs Hikaru Shida, and. The Brawling Birds.

I'm not sure what to make of this, because on paper it looked good. And then the Match happened. It felt fast paced, but something was differant, and I couldn't put my finger on why, and then it hit me. It was underbooked, and had a bad finish. Thekla got the Match thrown after she attacked Jamie Hayter with the AEW Womens Championship belt.

Darby Allin vs Konosuke Takeshita AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

I loved this. I went back and watched their first encounter from January 2024, as a bit of a refresher before watching this show, and until this day it's one of my favourite AEW dynamite Main Events from the shows history. This was a total elevation affair, that worked to put over there prior efforts. The action was fast paced, as this played into their first Match. After Darby gave Konosuke two Coffin drops to the outside, this gave way for the final exchanges to breathe, as Darby retained his belt. He then called out MJF in the aftermath. Max out came to sign the contract, for there AEW World Heavyweight Championship Match at Double Or Nothing, and just like the fire was allowed to take shape. Both men delivered their words with fire, passion, and grace, as they signed on the dotted line. Max then beat Darby down in the aftermath, and tried to give him a piledriver from the top rope, this was when Kevin Knight then made the save. This was a great way to send the show off the air. I don't know about you guys, but I think that Max would great bald.

Overview Of This Weeks AEW Dynamite.

Now that i'm feeling a lot better, and fully recovered from the flu that I had last week. I'm back at my humerous best, and AEW is also back on form. This was a great edition of weekly tv, as it offered up a very promising look at how AEW is going to book its Summer heading into its biggest show of the year.

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a solid 8/10.

 Top 5 Times Pro Wrestling Promoters Were Tone Def.

Intro.

I first remember hearing this term when I was a kid, after my brother and dad would tell me to listen to what they were saying. My mum would say. Patrick why won't you just listen to what there telling you. This is the same thing that I think of when Pro Wrestling Promoters do incredibly dumb things. So this is my list of top 5 times when Pro Wrestling Promoters acted completely tone def. Sit back and get yourself a drink guys, because things are going to get very interesting from this point on. Sometimes I question my life choices.

5. Blame Baron Corbin.

How many longterm WWE fans like to go back to the year 2018, if you are one of these people, then I don't know what to tell other than. Ok I guess. This wasn't a good time for the Greenwich Conneticut company from a creative standpoint, we had Roman Reigns being shoved down our throats, the reliance on Brock Lesnar, and He Who Shall Not Be Named's ability to not want to listen to what the audience is telling him. This led to the Monday Night Raw on the 10th of december 2018. All the Mcmahons stood in the ring and acknowledged how bad the product had become. And then they flipped the script, and blamed Baron Corbin. Fans have been asking for a change for sometime, and for the heads of the company to pull this was a highly tone def thing to do. Monday Night Raw, and. Smackdown were slowly becoming a stale rhetoric of their former selves. Gone were the days of the year 2000, and in it's place was this tripe.

4. We Want Brock.

In the controversial aftermath of last years Summerslam. WWE took the brave option to bring back Brock Lesnar, in the wake of him still being mentioned in the Janelle Grant/ WWE sex trafficking lawsuit. This came about, due the fact that both parties couldn't decide whether or not to head to abortration. Then came the post show. WWE at this point had a history of doing press events after big shows, in which members of the media would have to follow strict guidlines when it came to what questions they asked. This time WWE cancelled this aftershow normality, due to the overwhelming backlash that was coming from social media, so HHH took to the Post show, as fans behind him were chanting for Karrion Kross. All he could say was. Oh you want Brock. I get that a promoter has to save face, but this was ridiculous.

3. WCW In The Year 2000.

Were do I begin when talking about WCW in the year 2000. It's a difficult one, because the company by the Summer of that year was in a bad financial state, some would argue that it was a ted turner issue, whilst others place the blame at the doors of Eric Bischoff, and. Vince Russo. In my opinion it was due to the fact that no one listened to what the audience was saying when it came down to a creative stand point. The consistant changes didn't help matters, as the attendences went further into the abyss, and as for the PPV market. WCW were starting to hemerage money. The creative woes were at this point detrimental to the brand, as one of them led to a serious legal issue between Turners company and Hulk Hogan, whilst the health issues of Bret Hart would force him into retirement, whilst underutilised talent on screen looked ignored, and by all accounts some felt like that. Who ever was running the shows, were completely tone def Because it costs nothing to listen to your audience.

2. Ric Flair Is All Elite.

I think Tony Khan has a lot of great qualities, from bringing back nuanced, and lapped fans back into this industry. However at times I've felt that he needs to have his phone priviledges taken away from him. This came from October 2023, when Ric Flair was brought into AEW. Khan was taken to task after he had a online spat with a fan. and then pulled this controversial move out from his sleeves. Ric was due to come into AEW in September of 2021, but this got shelved after alligations of sexual assault came out in an episode of Darkside Of The Ring, which focused on WWE's plain ride from hell. This was something that in our year of 2023, that no one wanted. Many called this a slap in the face to genuine victims of assault, so this decision was met with utter contempt.

1. The Yes Movement.

If you were a fan of the WWE in the time space between 2007, and 2014, then you could remember that the company was failing to create new stars. Daniel Bryan comes to mind with the yes movement. The reason that this has made it to this list is because WWE don't have the best reputation when it comes to listening to the fans. This is a perfect case and point. In 2013. Daniel had a solid amount of momentum following him after he got robbed of the WWE Championship thanks to Randy Orton screwing him over, and cashing in his MITB Briefcase. As the following months would go on, fans became more vocal with who there favourite was. It's at times like these when Pro Wrestling Promoters need to take notice, because when somethings hot, it's hot. This is how the Yes Movement came to fruition. Daniel was treated like the background piece of scenary whilst Randy Orton stunk out the main event scene, and fans wanted an Adsent Cm Punk to come back. This was a space in time, that if you were into Daniel as a character, then you knew that the pay off was around the corner as the build to WrestleMania intensified, and the occupation of Monday Night Raw had just aired. Daniel would go on to become the WWE Universal Champion, after going through HHH, and then beating Randy Orton and Batista in the main event of the show of shows. The reason this ended up on this list is because Promoters need to listen when fans are talking. This is the true definition of  being completely tone def.

Overview Of Piece.

In hindsight, if history has taught us anything. Pro Wrestling Promoters have got things right at the behest of fans, but the big question is this? Should they have gotten things wrong in the first place. My take is this. Sometimes in life we all get things wrong, and it's how you comeback from mistakes that matter the most, Because were all human.

WWE Monday Night Raw Review 12.5.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Superstars Arrivals.

Paige and Brie. Oba Femi. Iyo Sky. The Street Profits, and Joe Hendry were all seen showing up to work.

Roman Reigns shows up.

As the show was starting to wake up, a hummer was seen entering the arena back entrance, and it was dropping off My Tribal Chief. And he was missing his belt, and at that point Adam Pearce came across like a high maintenance diva. CAN SOMEONE GET ROMAN HIS BELT. This would kick off an excellent episode long storythread.

The Vision Segment And Impromptu Match.

I'm going to say it. This was a mixed bag. From Paul Heyman welcoming us to Monday Night Raw from an inbread town like Knoxsville Tennesse. He went straight to business and said that after Saturday night, his crew are done with Seth Freakin Rollins. And then just like that, this segment went off the rails. Austin Theory took to the mic, and started to insult Bianca Belair, this brought out The Street Profits. Montez Ford then stood up for his wife, and said that he's having to step in because she's at home pregnant with there first kid. Joe Hendry then seranaded the fans, so everyone singalong. Paul. Paul. Can we fire Logan Paul, this led to an impromptu Match, between The Vision and. Street Profits And Joe Hendry. I liked the Match, because the Matches within the Match got straight to the point. The Street Profits and  Joe Hendry got the win, thanks to Seth Rollins. I liked the Match, however the promotrain that came beforehand was woeful.

Adam Pearce Segment.

As the weeks go on, i'm convinced that Adam Pearce is Pro Wrestling answer to Rodney Dangerfield, because he just gets no respect. First the OG Elgrande Americano, and his band of merrymen, and then Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan. This man can't catch a break.

Penta Segment.

This Segment, oh my, were do I begin. Because this promotrain between Penta. Ethan Page. Rusev, and. Jevon Evans was beyond bad. However it did lead to a great impromtu Match between Rusev, and. Jevon Evans. I liked this, because it was the perfect balance between both mens movesets. Jevon got the win, and Penta will face Rusev at SNME next Saturday.

Asuka Passes The Torch To Iyo Sky.

WWE Failed to explain what is going on with Asuka, so i'm going to do my best to do what they should've done. Asuka has moved into semi retirement, and it's unclear what her future looks like. I think she's still under a WWE Contract so I can't see her signing for AEW. So I hope that clears things. I think this is a another TKO move.

Brie And Paige Segment.

I liked this. They went straight to business, and called out Roxanne Perez, and Raquel Rodriguez, and this when the segment shifted gears. From Brie putting over her disapointment when it came to the advice that she gave Roxanne, all those years ago, to Raquel giving us some unwanted memories when it came to Paige's first WWE run. This led to an all out fight, as Liv Morgan attacked Paige. This is clear direction for the summer. Paige vs Liv Morgan could headline Monday Night Raw when it heads to The 02 in late June.

Iyo Sky vs Sol Ruca.

It's no secret that i'm a big fan of Sol Ruca, and this Match has proved my point. I Think Sol Ruca is going to be a breakout star on the Main Roster. The chemistry that both ladies showed last night was excellent. This was a clever piece of  tv booking. Iyo got the win after she moved away from Roca's Soul Snatcher finisher. Sol looked awesome in defeat.

Oba Femi Open Challenge.

Adam Pearce tried to stop this, because apparently no one wants any of Oba's smoke. So Oba went on a wrecking mission, and he destroyed Los Gaza. RIP Lads.

Dirty Dominik Mysterio vs Elgrande Americano AAA Championship.

This was nonstop chaotic fun. From interference spots. Jd Mcdonagh getting decked by Fin Balor, and a hole load of shenanigans, this was a lot of fun. Dom retained. Mask vs Mask in a couple of weeks. I can't wait.

Roman Reigns Segment.

This was well crafted, and superbly put together. From the split film image that ocustomed Jacob, and Roman, at one point, to The Uso's Jacod, and Roman putting over the urgentcy of the occassion, which led to Jacob walking through his cousins with ease to get to Roman. This led to both men having a fight, complete with the Tongan deathgrips, and Roman getting put through the announcers table, and then getting bulldozed through the barricade with his family by Jacob. This was a sensational way to end the show.

Overview Of WWE Monday Night Raw.

This weeks Monday Night Raw was all over the place. The in ring work went from good to great, whilst the promos went from poor to great. Make what you will of this broadcast, because I liked this in moments.

This weeks WWE Monday Night Raw is a solid 7/10. 

 

 WWE Backlash 2026 Review ( Delayed Edition ) 11.5.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Superstar Arrivals.

Sami Zayn. Trick Williams. Asuka. Iyo Sky. Jacob Fatu, and. Roman Reigns were all seen showing to work.

Seth Rollins vs Bron Breakker.

Upon both mens arrival, you could tell that there was a difference, on one hand Seth came out looking like a batman version of Neo from The Matrix, whilst Bron is starting to look even more like his uncle, from back in the day. Even though this Match had standout moments, like Seth giving Bron a bucklebomb, Bron giving Seth a clothesline that went over the announcers table from the ring apron, and Seth taking out The Vision. Both men did manage to carve out a good story, however this wasn't for me. The Match felt very stoic from the start, and as a result it failed to live up to the build. Bron got the win with a sphere. This needed more time.

Trick Williams vs Sami Zayn WWE United States Championship.

I've been seriously thinking, how has Sami Zayn not been arrested for murder after he ripped apart the man who has Gumbdrop buttons. This Match was better than there WrestleMania outing. This time both men had enough time, this meant that they could easily let the story of the Match breathe. From Lil Yachty having fun with a candy cane inspired kendo stick, to both men having great looking near falls. Trick got the win, and retained his belt, after a Trickshot. This was good.

Kit Wilson And The Miz vs Danhausen And A Mystery Opponent.

If you don't like fun, then this isn't for you. What do you get if you add a cloning machine being used irresponsibly, The Miz getting cursed, and then spraying a fire extinguisher in his face, and a Minihausen helping his cloner, to get the win with loads of other little clones. If you're answer was one of the funnest WWE Matches of the year, then you would be correct. I thought this was a creative masterstroke of pure genius. Danhausen picked up the win with Minihausen. I laughed by ass off watching this. I'm still crying with laughter, just thinking about this on a Monday Morning.

Iyo Sky vs Asuka.

From the very outset, you could tell that this was going to be special. Iyo looked visibly shaken, and at that moment both ladies shifted into gear. It was also later reported by the likes of Sean Ross Sapp. Bryan Alvarez, and. Dave Meltzer, that Asuka has moved into semi retirement. This was rumoured all day on Sunday, as the internet ran rampant with false stories. This was by far the best Match of the night, and a clear favourite for one of WWE's best PLE Matches of the year. Iyo got the win after both ladies put forward one hell of an effort, having managed to carve out a great storyline. Asuka and Iyo then stood in the ring together, in a moment of poigantcy, and respect, this felt final, and if this is one of the Last times we see Kanako Urai in the ring, then so be it, because she's earnt the right to bow out anyway that she wants. I loved this. My speculation on Asuka's situation. This smells a bit like a TKO move. Cast your minds back to last weekend, and you would remember hearing the news about The New Day being released, after both Kofi Kingston And Xavier Woods refused to sign a restructured deal, which means they would have to take a 50% pay cut. I think Asuka was one of the people who was asked to take a loot at her deal. This is just another reason why corporate greed is a unnesciary evil that the world could do without. Please bare in mind that this is just my opinion.

  John Cena Segment.

In the build up to this PLE a lot was said about what Big Time Johns announcement was going to be, was it going to be the announcement of further WrestleMania Locations? Well no it wasn't, was it about Club WWE, Well no it wasn't. John came out and told us that he's getting his own. PLE ( I think ) The John Cena Classic will be a new yearly concept centred around giving the future a chance, but there's when it gets confusing, and a bit joyous in equal measure. On one hand fans can vote for who they want to win the belt, even if they lose, which is good, and on the other hand, we get to take a look at fresh new talent, but then again on the other hand. John never put anyone over when he was a full-time competitor, which rendered all of this utterly pointless. Plus I don't trust WWE not to toy with the results to help there own narrative.

Jacob Fatu vs Roman Reigns WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

With the first 9 minutes consisting of entrances, you could easily mistake this Match as an audition piece for Jacob. I loved the fact that Jacob paid shade to those who came before him, by using there characteristics, and reviving the tongan deathgrip. He put Roman through the announcers table, and from that point onwards, both men hit each other with Superman punches, and moonsaults. This was a fantastic creative roll of the dice, as both men blasted through there arsenal. The near falls were superb, and as the final exchanges played out, you could tell that Roman was coming away with the win, and that's what happened after Roman connected with a sphere. Jacob in the aftermath snapped, and gave Roman tongan tooth treatment. This is a perfect way to set up a re-match in Italy at the end of the month.

Overview Of WWE Backlash 2026.

If Pro Wrestling did pubs, then they would be the most territorial places in the world, but I think we can all agree that WWE Backlash 2026 was a stomping show that came with it's highlights. The potential goodbye of one of the best female wrestlers to ever grace the company. Danhausen proving once again that comedy wrestling is needed, and. Jacob and Roman proving that blood isn't thicker than water. I had a great time watching this on a Sunday evening.

WWE Backlash 2026 is a high 8/10.

AEW Dynamite Review 7.5.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro. 

I'm starting off with a massive apology. This is due to my absence over the past week. I was due to work on tthe Smackdown review last Saturday, but unfortunately this had to be cancelled, because I fell ill over the weekend. This sadly continued into the week as I was sent home from my day job, for having a raging tempreture. I'm ok now, and i'm feeling a lot better, this means that I've also had to cancel my plans for the Monday Night Raw Review, and my piece on last weekends UFC Fight Night Perth Card. You guys know that I don't make these decisions lightly, but I had to listen to my body, and take some time off.

RIP Ted Turner.

yesterday evening at around 7pm uk time, we got the news that WCW founder, and media mogul Ted Turner had passed away at the age of 87. AEW paid tribute to him, by kicking off the show with Tony Schiavone, and. Sting paying respects to the man. RIP Ted, and thanks for the memories. This was very well done.

Jon Moxley vs Juice Robinson. 

In the way of how Continental Championship Eliminators go by, this Match was a letdown. I felt that the in ring work fell a bit short of the mark, and it never fully recovered. Mox got the win. This did nothing for me.

Will Osperay Training With The Deathriders.

Am I the only person who's getting the vibe of the third Karate Kid movie when watching Will Osperay train with the Deathriders?

Dax Harwood vs Orange Cassidy.

Don't get me wrong, I did like this Match, but it had one major flaw. It was too overbooked. From having multiple back up partners come out to ringside, to the overall execution of the Match. This didn't feel right to me. Yes the physicality was good, and I could've done with another 10 minutes of this, but when you hold this Match up against ones they've had before, this doesn't hold up. Cassidy got the win by Roll up, and then chaos kicked off in the aftermath. Cage and Cope went for RPG Vice. And Tommaso Ciampa wanted a fight with anyone. This was a mixed bag.

Chris Jericho Segment.

Now don't get me wrong I'm still not the biggest fan of Chris Jericho, but I didn't hate this segment. He left Renee Paquettte and went straight to the ring, and he called out Ricochet. This rivalry hasn't been for me, but the promo dual was great, they delved into the past, whilst taking a look at the future. Ricochet challenged Chris to a Match that he made famous. A Stadium Stampede Match at Double Or Nothing. I liked this. It's just a shame that i'm not a Jericho fan these days, for reasons that I can't talk about online. Both men now need to find some friends.

Kazuchika Okada vs Bryan Keith AEW International Championship. 

Kazuchika Okada, beat Bryan Keith, it what like a formulaic slog to get through. I don't know whether it's me trying to get over a nasty cold and flu, but i'm not enjoying this weeks Dynamite.

The Opps Segment.

Samoa Joe said that he wants to be will Osperays savior, and if Will doesn't then things are going to get nasty.

Harley Cameron and Mina Shirakowa vs Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander.

This was another Match that did nothing for me. Shida and Statlander got the win. Look i'm sorry if i'm coming across like a sour puss, it's largely due to the fact that i'm getting over a cold and flu.

Swerve Strickland Segment.

Swerve Strickland wants power and food, because he's a very hungry man. Bandido wants a piece of him, now this needs to happen.

Darby Allin vs Kevin Knight AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

Now this is more like it. I loved this Match, their chemistry was on point, and it played into how this played out. The main focus of the Match was both mens styles being the biggest selling points. From Kevin hitting Darby with a springboard clothesline coast to coast to the announcers desk. Kevin then giving him another coast to coast, this time in the ring. Darby then gave Kevin a coffin drop, only for Kevin to gets his knees, this is how we also got the finish. Darby after a solid final exchange Darby hit Kevin with a coffin drop for the win, and retain his belt.

Overview Of This Weeks AEW Dynamite.

This weeks show wasn't fully for me, and this was largely due to the fact that i'm getting over a cold, so if i've sounded a bit down, this is why. This show didn't have me feeling excited, but it wasn't all bad, the main event was steller, it's just the rest felt a miss and match.

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a mid 5/10.

 

My Top 5 Gigs That Made Me Feel like I Was Watching Pro Wrestling.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

If you guys have been reading my work for quite some time, then you'll know that i'm a massive Alternative music fan. This has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and has got me through some difficult times over the years, so this is a look at the bands, and gigs that have made me feel like i'm watching Pro Wrestling. I have a love for both, and as time has gone on fans have felt the same.

5. Reading Festival 2010.

As a metal fan growing up in the 1990's, and 2000's I dreamed about going to this festival, and i've managed to do this for a number of years, but 2010 hit differant. The bands that were on the line up featured Weezer. Paramore. Cypress Hill, and was headlined by Blink 182, but then there's Limp Bizkit. Ok I'm not the biggest fan of Fred Durst these days, but back then I was going down the route of Nostalgia, and this got me talking to my friends, and reminiscing about WrestleMania 17. Limp Bizkit soundtracked the event with the song My Way. I remember watching them, whilst fearing for my life, because my God they've got a lot of fans. This was one of those moments when I had to take a look at myself, because in that moment I felt bullet proof, just like Stone Cold Steve Austin

4. Parkway Drive 4.10.2025.

This was one of the best gigs that I've ever been to at Wembley Arena. I love Metal Music, and it's for this reason. You never know what you're going to get. On this night the band played what sounded like a greatest riffs set, whilst giving all the pagentry of a Pro Wrestling show. The one show that this took me back to was the first time I saw AEW live at Wembley Stadium. From the opening of Wishing Wells sounding like a solumn reminder of what this band is capable of, to Prey sounding like a call to arms, whilst Bottom Feeder felt like a slug to the canvas, as the 1 2 3 comes in. I love this band of Aussies.

3. GreenDay Wembley Stadium 29.6.2024.

This was a late birthday pressent to myself. ( well kind of ) GreenDay are one of those bands that you need to see live, so they can be believed, because there energy is so infectious. If you attend any Pro Wrestling show, then you can feel the energy from any participant. This was the experience that I got when I attended this show. This was the first time that they would be playing Dookie, and. American Idiot in full back to back. Hearing them rip through songs like When I Come Around, and She was an experience, whilst  hearing the empowering roar of American Idiot is always a treat. This is one of the best gigs that i've ever been to, and as the emotional climax of Good Riddance Time Of Your Life you could feel the sense of occassion becoming overpowering. This band has played a large part in my life, and there music has helped me become the person that I am today.

2. The Prodigy 24.4.2026.

Last Friday I went to see The Prodigy at Wembley Arena, and oh my they were awesome. When these tickets came and Carl Cox was announced as the support act. I wasn't sold on this, but I've never been so happy to be wrong. From the first opening bodyslam of Omen feeling like a gut punch, to the menacing closer of Commanche, you could tell that they were at the peak of there powers. This was like the time when I saw Sting on a TNA taping at Wembley Arena, yes the band are getting older, but they've still got it, and last week they proved just that. Sting did the same when I saw him back in 2012. The chants of you still got it are a real thing.

1. Metallica Reading Festival 2008.

This is one of those times in life, that you've got to be there to be seen. 2008 was seen as a good time for the Bay Area thrashers, as they were on the comeback trail, after releasing one of their worst Albums St Anger in 2003. Comeback trails are all part of the Pro Wrestling game, and if you follow them all the way through to the end, then you can find the reward waiting for you. This was what we got when Metallica released Death Magnetic in the September of that year. Just weeks before the release the band returned to the Reading Festival, and this was unto this very day, the best time that i've ever seen them. They were back, and they've never looked so happy to on the stage. I've been a massive Metallica fan since I was 14 years old, and from listening to there music I've learnt a lot about myself.

Overview Of This Piece.

Some people say that music is the soundtrack to life, and to those people I say this. You're right. Music can see us through the happy times, and the sad times. This piece was a great writing experience, because I got to go back in time, and think about these times. This is how you can describe Pro Wrestling, because it's a form of fighting, it's in our DNA, and as fans, we love it.

 

 AEW Dynamite Review. 30.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Kevin Knight vs MJF AEW TNT Championship.

This was a fantastic lofi way to get the show started. This is a clear way of telling the audience that AEW has complete faith in Kevin Knight. Both men showed great chemistry, that was slick from the word go. Kevin sold his knee to the point that it became the backstory of the Match. Max utilised this perfectly, but like with most things in life kids. It's never ok to cheat. Max tried to go to his dirty bag, and bring out his Dynamite Gold ring, but he got low blowed in the nuts by Kevin, who then rolled him up for the win. Max then acted like a petchulant child, and made up excuses, whilst Darby came down from the ceiling, and saved Kevin Knight. Max said that he wanted his belt back, only for Darby to just say no. And told him to wait, because if he beats Brody King in the Main Event later on, then Knight would be next in line. Brody King wasn't best pleased with this, because he said that it would be King that he faces next week. I loved this as an opener.

Cope And Cage Segment.

I Quit New York Street Fight at Double Or Nothing against FTR for the belts. In the words of Bart Simpson ooooh baby.

The Brawling Birds vs Local Enhancement Talents.

( Insert Brawling Birds theme here )  The Brawling walked them up those apples and Pairs, and beat these locals, and then went and drank there points in there local. Now that's what I call an easy win.

Kazuchika Okada vs Ace Austin AEW International Championship.

I'm going to have to admit it, this was great. On paper it didn't look very good, but i've never been so happy to be wrong. Okada retained, and then had a face off against Konosuke Takeshita. I can't wait for this Match at Double Or Nothing. Am I the only person who thinks this has Match Of The Year written all over it.

Swerve Strickland Is Now A Hunter.

Swerve Strickland is on the hunt for Bandido. This Match is going to bang when it happens.

Will Osperay Segment.

Am I the only person who's getting real Karate Kid 3 vibes from Wills current creative direction? I mean think about it.

Cope And Cage vs RPG Vice.

From good physicality, to Stokeley Hathaway being made to eat floor popcorn, as The Conglomeration tried to take out FTR. On paper this didn't look very exciting, but it did what it said on the tin, and worked to build up what will be coming next month. Cope And Cage got the win, and then Cope put Trent Barretta in a crossface complete with steel pipe. Cage then said that he has never said I Quit on any occassions. DID YOU HEAR THAT GUYS HE's NEVER SAID I QUIT.

Chris Jericho Segment.

I don't know about you guys, but i'm getting a bit sick of This Jericho, and Ricochet rivalry. It's just not funny.

Divine Dominion vs Kris Statlander And Hikaru Shida AEW Womens Tag Team Championships.

This was suprisingly very good. The chemistry was given plenty of time to breathe, as both teams managed to carve out a solid outing. Kross got the pin on shida, so that the Divine ones could retain there belts.

Rush vs Steven Fuerte.

This was a quick one and done. Rush got the win, and the only thought that ran through my mind, was the fact that this would've been better placed on Collision.

The Opps Are Back in Business.

Just like one of my favourite bands A Day To Remember. The Opps are Right back at it again, and Samoa Joe is going to work to get Will Osperay away from The Deathriders. So this could be direction going into Double Or Nothing?

Darby Allin vs Brody King AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

This was awesome, and a fantastic TV Main Event, that never let up from the word go. From Darby taking a sick looking sentomb to his stomach whilst his knees were bent backwards. Brody sending Darby back first through the top of the announcers table. Brody getting a code red on top of the announcers table, to him trying to give Darby some barricade treatment, only for him to end up going into the fans. Both men ended up eating concrete, as this played into the final stages of the Match. Darby hit three coffin  drops on Brody to get the win. I'm starting to really enjoy Darby's title run, and even though I fully expect Max to win back the belt at Double Or Nothing, So far what i'm seeing has been great. 

Overview Of AEW Dynamite.

This was another solid showing from the shop of Khan, and as the starts to warm up, it's important for them to keep there momentum going, as the big PPV's keep on coming. 

This weeks AEW Dynamite is a solid 8/10.

 UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal Review ( Delayed Edition ) 29.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

I can understand why most fans don't like these UFC Fight Night Apex cards, because the words scraping the bottom of the barrel comes to mind, but if you ask me, that term should never be used when it comes to talking about Combat sports, because the sheer athleticism is something that should be marvelled at. You guys know of my love for Pro Wrestling, which is a very differant discipline, however my love for MMA is just as vass, which says to me that the men and women who take part in MMA are just as passionate, and nuts. And these cards can sometimes prove my point.

Marcus Buchecha vs Ryan Spann. Heavyweight.

This is the one fight on the card that had me very excited, because they're both ATT Alumni's, so you knew that they were going to have solid footwork, and excellent Jiu Jitsu skills. The first round was a bit cagey for my liking. The first round was based around both men finding their feet, this meant that Buchecha couldn't utilise his groundwork, this meant that Spann could keep things standing, this was how he was able to get the win by knockout in the late stages of the second round. I thought this was a great way to start the main card, as it showed that you shouldn't sleep on those Heavyweights

Montel Jackson vs Raoni Marcelo. Bantamweight.

This fight was a slog to sit through. The first round was a cagey standing affair, that saw Raoni stun Montel in the early going, with his crisp boxing, Jackson tried to take things to the ground, but he failed to gain any momentum. The second round saw Raoni continue to be given time by Jackson to find even more range especially as the round went into the final minute. The third round was very hard to score, so if I was a judge sitting at cageside I wouldn't know how to call it. Montel Jackson did nothing in this round to show that he wanted the win, this was evidently clear when Raoni took his back with less than a minute to go. Raoni got the win by unanomous decsion. This fight did nothing for me.

Davey Grant vs Adrian Martinetti. Bantamweight.

This had to be the fight of the night in my opinion. Both men wanted this from the start, and you could get there urgentcy. The first round was an all standing affair with the Brit Grant getting the better of the early exchanges. The second round made me love Daniel Cormier even more when he said that he's an Arsenal supporter, this came after Martinetti started to find a bit of range on his feet, but Grant was able to counteract anything that he could throw at him. The third round I felt like I was watching a highlight reel from the first two rounds, and you know what. I could've done with a few more rounds of this, because this fight was magic. Davey Grant got the win.

Rafa Garcia vs Alexander Hernandez. Lightweight.

This fight was a letdown. The first round showed that Garcia had a solid groundgame, whilst Hernandez got the better of the exchanges, but with these positives, neither fighter could do anything with the momentum that they had gained. This is how the second and third rounds would also play out. Rafa Garcia got the win. If this fight was a school report, it would say must do better.

Joselyne Edwards vs Norma Dumont. Bantamweight.

This was a lifeless stoic fight, that failed to ignite into action. Both ladies worked there Jiu Jitsu when the fight went to the ground in the early stages of the first round, but neither lady got anything from this. As the second started and came into focus. I got the feeling that Edwards was trying to play it safe, and you could tell as she used her Jiu Jitsu groundwork far too much, this came as Dumont failed to land any of her shots whilst trying to keep the fight standing. This was how the third round played out. I didn't like this. The fight felt tepid, and given the fact that both ladies have title aspirations. I was expecting a lot more. Edwards got the win.

Aljamin Sterling vs Youssef Zalal. Featherweight.

This was another fight that failed to ignite my interest, and it's a shame because i'm a big fan of Aljamain Sterling. This wasn't his finest hour. Yes he counteracted anything that Zalal threw at him, but it came at a caviat, he kept going back to the groundgame well, and as a result the fight became boring. Sterling would use his groundgame a bit too much, because I felt that this became a Wrestling clinic, now there's nothing wrong with that, but if both men want to push on in the division, they both need to do better. The firsst round both men tried to keep things standing, that was until Aljamain took Youssef to the ground. The second round saw Sterling trying to keep things standing, as Youssef took Sterling to the ground, but failed to captilise. The third round was the Zalal show, as you could tell that he knew that he was behind on the score cards. He tried to play Sterlings game, but it didn't pay off. Aljamain Sterling came back in the fourth and fifth rounds. This was enough for him to get the win by decision.

Overview Of UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal.

This card wasn't the UFC's finest hour, with only two fights coming up trump on the night. Overall this was a mixed bag of a card, with the fights that I liked, not managing to over shadow the wins that I didn't like.

UFC Fight Night Sterling vs Zalal is by UFC standards a sorry 4/10.

 Monday Night Raw Review ( Delayed Edition ) 28.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley

Bloodline Cinema.

When you pair this with what came in our main event segment, this was nothing short of perfect. I loved this.

Seth Rollins Segment.

I liked this. Seth came out in his Neo from The Matrix costume. From the start you could tell that he wasn't in a good mood. He went straight to business, and called out the route of all his problems Bron Breakker. This was a fantastic promo dual, that dealt with the themes of Mockery, and imitation. Seth played the blame game, and stated that Bron has all the tools including Steiner math. Seth stated that he's not even no2 in his own family. This begged the question is Bron Ready? The pair will meet at Backlash.

Superstar Arrivals.

Bayley And Lyra. Joe Hendry. Becky Lynch, and. Stephanie Vaquer who was decked by The Judgement Day, were all seen showing up to the arena.

Penta vs Rusev.

This was decent, and a good way to kick off the show. I've got to say it, on paper this felt like a standard TV Match, but when you dig beneath the surface, this was actually really good. I loved there chemistry, and it bled into the physicality. Ethan Page sat at ringside. As the in ring work started to turn up a gear. Penta got the win, and Jevon Evans made the save in the aftermath when Page got involved.

Elgrande Americano Vingnette.

Elgrande Americano made a challenge to the legend Rey Mysterio, this would happen later on.

Becky Lynch Segment.

I've said this time, and time again, but I love Becky Lynch's heel work. I feel that she's one of the best in the business working today. This segment just proved my point. She came across as decent to the fans, and she pulled the rug from under there feet by insulting the them, as she said that she will be a fighting champion, as she opened up an open challenge. Iyo Sky came out, and Becky laid into her, stating that she's Rhea's Tag Partner. This led to Iyo slapping the taste out of Becky's mouth. Adam Pearce then made the Match official. The Match itself was great, but then again what would you expect from these two. There counteractions were great, and the overall feel of the Match worked. Asuka interfered, this led to Becky getting the win. Iyo will face Asuka at Backlash. This is going to be good.

LA Knight Segment.

I'm just going to say it. I love LA Knight. I mean someone needs to remind The Usos who they are.

Joe Hendry In Concert.

Just letting you guys know that i've checked all over my house including my fridge, and shower, and I can honestly say that Joe Hendry is nowhere in sight. I loved his song insulting Logan Paul. I know this segment didn't get a lot of love online, but I thought this was quite funny.

Rey Mysterio vs Elgrande Americano.

This was a lot of fun. Rey Mysterio, beat Elgrande Americano, thanks to the OG Americano stopping the standard Americano from cheating.

Oba Femi vs Grayson Waller.

It was nice knowing you Grayson. Oba Femi wrecked Grayson Waller with ease. I love Oba, and i'm excited to see who's dumb enough to step up to the ruler.

Lyra And Bayley vs Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez.

I liked this. This Match had a good energy to it, and when you see a TV Match take place, this is something that is needed. The Matches within the Match were solid, as they opened up the gate of unpredictability. Roxanne got the win for her team, in her home state with her poprocks finisher. She got a great response from the fans, as the emotion was written all over her face. You love to see it.

Roman Reigns Segment.

As time was slowly running down on the broadcast, out came Roman. I loved this. The whole segment didn't feel like the standard Roman Reigns segment, and from the bat you could get that sense. After he got the fans to acknowledge him, out came Jacob Fatu. The pair had a great promo dual, and minor scrap, that has made me excited there Match at Backlash. I loved this.

Overview Of WWE Monday Night Raw.

This was a good edition of weekly TV, from it's outlay to it's execution. I had a blast watching this weeks Monday Night Raw.

This weeks WWE Monday Night Raw is a high 8/10.

Top 5 WWE Monday Night Raw After WrestleMania Moments.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

As the decades have gone on, the Monday Night Raw After WrestleMania has become the landmark for starting over in WWE. It's been said that WrestleMania acts like a season finale in a time when the Pro Wrestling industry never stops. This show hasn't just given life to new, and up and coming storylines, it has acted like a time to say goodbye. So sit back, get yourself a drink and I will begin.

5. Edge Retires.

WrestleMania 27 was seen as a failure from a fan perspective, so there was a lot riding on the Monday Night Raw after Mania. The build leading up to the show of shows in 2011 was one that was met with uncertainty, and concern. The Rock was back in the company after spending nearly seven years away from the business, however we come to Edge. In the build up to his Match for the World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio, he took some moves from Brodus Clay, and his arms went limp. The WWE asked him to go and get his neck checked out, and what the tests showed were heartbreaking. He had to retire. He won the belt, and then on the Monday Night Raw after Mania he told the fans that he had been in a lot of pain going into Mania, and that after careful consideration with doctors, he had to retire. This came from completely out of leftfield, because no one saw this coming, and it remains one of the most shocking moments that WWE have ever committed to putting on a live broadcast.

4. Bill Goldberg Debuts On Raw.

I've got to say it Mania 19 is one of my favourites, and these day it goes completely unnoticed. You could easily tag that with it's build, that came complete with racist undertones, that makes me feel uncomfortable to this day. After the show was done. Hulk Hogan had shaken off He Who Shall Not Be Named, and Brock Lesnar was ok after taking that awful bump, and The Rock had beaten Stone Cold Steve Austin in what would one of the Rattlesnakes last ever Matches. However on the Monday Raw After Mania The Great One, would come face to face with another one of the Monday Night Wars alumni Bill Goldberg. This had quite a few fans excited, and it acted as a reminder that WCW is dead and buried, as this time template came a close. This move happened after the Time Warner, and AOL merger had been completed in the early part of 2001, but some of the major stars of the promotion had guaranteed contracts to stay at home, due to the fact they were due to run out in the coming few  years. Goldberg was the last one to come over, after the likes of Flair. Hogan. Nash. Hall, and. Steiner had all made the move From Atlanta to Greenwich.

3. It's My Yard Now.

2017 was an uneasy time for the WWE. WrestleMania 33 was seen as one of the worst in company history from a fan standpoint. This brought into question with there compliance to not listen to the fans. The tides would change for Roman reigns, but at this time, we were a long way from that at this point. His main event against The Undertaker didn't symbal the changing of the guard, as it ushered in what we knew was coming around the corner. The retirement of a fan favourite. Taker left his gloves in the ring at the end of Mania 33, and the following night on the Monday Night Raw after Mania. Roman stood in the centre of the ring, as the fans booed him out of the building. Roman just stood there looking completely perplexed as he looked speechless, as he struggled to talk. This is the perfect way of fans telling the machine what they didn't want, and at this point, the fans didn't want Roman. This was now Romans yard, whether the fans liked it or not.

2. Leave The Memories Alone.

Over the years Ric Flair has had a complex history with the WWE, that has lasted to this very day, he was briefly removed from the opening vingnette of. Then, Now. Forever. Together, after an episode of Darkside Of The Ring accused him of Sexual misconduct, and given his behaviour towards Tiffany Strattons boyfriend Ludvig Kaiser. I don't think that were going to be seeing Ric anytime soon in WWE. The Monday Night Raw After WrestleMania saw his retirement, after he lost final stipulation Match at WrestleMania 24, against HBK Shawn Michaels. This speech was highly emotional, and a perfect way to go out. HHH led an all star tribute to the man that has nearly killed himself for his art, and on this night, his art gave back to him. As the tears flowed down his face, this also made the audience watching at home cry. Pro Wrestling retirements are things that should be kept at arms length, and need to be seen to be believed, however, what happened on this night was pure perfection.

1. The Rock Challenges John Cena.

Some fans say that the build to Mania 28 was a bit of a mix bag, especially when you take into consideration the build time that was given to The Rock vs Cena, with a year long to go before the show of shows, this build needed to deliver. The term Dream Match was something that hadn't been spoken about too much, but this went out of the window by the time 2009 and HBK vs The Undertaker happened at Mania 25. 2011 saw The return of The Rock, and instantly fans got talking about what if he faced John Cena. This night had already seen someone retire, so to bring fans back around. WWE pulled this out of their sleeves. This was given a one year build, so starting it the night after one of the worst received Mania's in company history, was a move of genius. I have my thoughts about the Match, but as a lifelong fan at this point, my excitement level as the build started to grow, just made this very exciting.