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.

Top 5 UFC Fighters Who Went Into Business For Themselves.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Intro.

In the way of how businesses works, it's important for a mulitude of reasons that fairness is key, from the front office, all the way down to the talent, it's no secret that some fighters take sponsorship deals, that get ok'd, by agents and managers, but what happens when fighters go against the hand that feeds them, in this list we're going to be running through the fighters who opened up businesses, and those who thought against the industry that made them household names.

5. Randy Couture.

In 1998 the UFC was starting to lose money, this would lead to its eventual sale in January of 2001 to Zuffa, that was owned by the Fertitta brothers. One of its most popular fighters at this time was Randy Couture, and near enough straight from this point, the pair were at odds with one another, this would be an everchanging theme throughout Captain Americas time with the Las Vegas Promotion, that would lead to Randy taking the company to court over unfair payments in 2007. This would last for over a year with both sides claiming that they were right. Randy claimed that when he thought Chuck Liddell for the second time in 2005, and third time later that year, he wasn't on the same pay level, even though during the build to the second time he was a coach on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, and was the Company's Light Heavyweight Champion. My thoughts on the situation are simple, the money at the time, was what it was, but it doesn't mean that both sides couldn't come to the table, and work out these issues. Some have said in press interviews that Randy went into business for himself, and I get why some would think that, especially after he left the UFC, and then went to work for Bellator MMA, but if you ask me, this was a man betting on himself.

 4. Tito Ortiz Punishment Athletics.

It's a known fact that some fighters run businesses, from restaurants, to food, however when fighters concentrate on becoming their own brand, this can lead to problems. Take Tito Ortiz, and his company Punishment Athletics. Tito started off the company and in the early 2000's, and this led to contention with his relationship to UFC Prtesident Dana White. It's been known that when Tito thought he was being clever, he was actually hurting himself and the industry. This would become an evergrowing grudge between the Hunting Beach Bad Boy, and his former employer. White and Ortiz have had a tempestuous relationship over the years, and things like this don't always help. As of April 2026. Punishment Athletics clothing brand has either gone out of business, or is inactive. I get that fighters want to make what they're worth, but it shouldn't come at the cost of the hands that feed them, this is what causes relationships to turn sour, and go south in the process.

3. Rich Franklin Juice Bar.

In the mid 2000's before the days of Anderson Silva running the Middleweight Division, there was Rich Franklin, a man who was the Champion before UFC 77, he would lose to Anderson on this night, and then go on to have varied success in both the Middleweight, and. Light Heavyweight Divisions, this would lead him to take a look at what life would be like after fighting. He would go on to open his own Juice bar called Ze/lin Organic Juice Fusion Cafe in 2013. Rich stepped away from in cage competition, so he could oversee the venture. This wasn't his first trip into business. In 2002 he created with his business partner. Jeff Adler called American Fighter, a clothing apparel brand. In later years he would close down the physical Cafe and step back into the world of MMA, by becoming the President of the ONE Promotion. This just goes to show that there's life after fighting, when the light starts to fade.

2. Connor Mcgregor.

In 2017 you couldn't move in the world of MMA without hearing the name Conor Mcgregor. He had come from nowhere to take on the industry in 2013, and by the time 2015 was done, he had captured the promotions featherweight prize from Jose Aldo, and was keeping his eye on the lightweight crown. It was around this time that he wanted to use his trade mark for his clothing brand. He's tried several times over the years to get this started, and everytime it has back as a fail, this is due to legal issues in europe surrounding trade marking your name for a brand focussing on clothing, footwear, and, hats. This type of case is unusual, but not unheard of. Conor isn't the only athlete to face this issue.

1. Dustin Poirer Lousiana Style Hot Sauce.

The Louisiana native left his gloves in the Octagon last year, after he lost to Max Holloway in his fairwell fight, that ended their trilogy. In the years before Dustin decided to hang up his gloves and boots, he went into the Hot Sauce business. in december of 2020, he launched his own hot sauce, with several variants ranging from original creole which is the mildest, to the KO edition which is the hottest. I've got to admit. I'm not the biggest hot sauce guy, because bbq sauce is my jam, but from what i've heard, his brand of hot sauce is really good, and it regulary gets good reviews on Amazon.

Overview Of This Piece.

If you take anything away after reading this piece, then it should be this. In life we all have to move on from things, whether it's work or relationship related, sometimes you've got to put what is right for you first. Business can be tough, but when you get to the point that you know you've got to walk away, then maybe it's time to say goodbye. This is what is like when you've got to make big decisions.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown Review. 25.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

 WWE Superstars Released.

Last night was an interesting time for me, because as I got home from seeing The Prodigy at Wembley Arena, I checked out X, and I was met with the news that WWE had released up to 20 Wrestlers this incluuded the likes of Alba Fyre. Zoey Stark. Zelina Vega. Alestair Black. Andre Chase. The entire Wyatt sic, Apollo Crews, and Kairi Sane, who was being heavily used on weekly TV. A close friend of mine asked me at one point, what do I think of these times, and the first thing that came to my mind was this. I hate this, because know one deserves to lose their jobs due to these circumstances, but this is the world that we live in, and it's cruel, and unfortunately this is the darkside of the industry. I would like to use this time to wish those who've been affected by this, the best of luck in the future, because this is the right thing to do. Sean Ross Sapp confirmed this right before Friday Night Smackdown went live. This left a dark cloud over the broadcast.

Superstars Arrivals.

Cody Rhodes. Rhea Ripley. Lil Yachty, and. Trick Williams, were all seen showing up to work, with the Gingerbread Man, who was looking a bit too happy if you ask me.

Jacob Fatu Segment.

This whole segment ran like a fifteen minute Promotrain. First outcame Jacob Fatu. I love this man, because the winning thing that he put over was the message that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. This is a message that I also back, because I heard the phrase you won't amount to anything so many times during my life, to the point that it nearly had me in tears. Jimmy. and. Jey Uso then came out, and asked their cousin to side with them. This then brought out The MFT's, and Solo reminded Jacob just who brought him into WWE. After Tama said some home truths. Jacob Kicked Tama in the face, and then challenged Solo to the main event later on.

Tiffany Stratton vs Giulia WWE Womens United States Championship.

I liked this. I thought it was criminal that Tiffany missed out on a Match at WrestleMania. This Match acted like a statement from both ladies, because they worked hard with what they were given from a creative standout. Tiffany got the win, and is our new WWE Womens United States Champion. Tiffany put over her joy later on when talking to Kathy Kelley.

Danhausen And The Miz Segments.

Ok if you didn't like these segments, then I don't know what to tell you, because this was ridiculous. From Pool gags, Maryse getting covered in coco, Golf clubs, and Danhausen riding off on a kids bike. I laughed my ass off watching this.

Brie Bella And Paige Segment.

I liked this. I think it's great that Paige is back in WWE, and she's healthier than ever. I met Saraya aka Paige over AEW All  a couple of ears ago, and she deserves all of the success in the world. Her team up with Brie Bella, may have come out of leftfield, but this worked. Paige spoke about how she came back to WWE, and I have to call bs on this, because it was Bunny XO JellyRolls wife that was the captilyst behind her coming back, and not Brie. This segment acted as a way of celebrating what they've got. Team Blair then came out and said that they want another shot at the belts, this led to an impromptu Match getting wrecked by the debuting NXT call ups for Fatal Influence, who got the Match thrown out. This was too long, and felt a bit directionless.

I love Royce Keys.

This man has lived, and in my opinion deserves all of the success in the world. His Journey is truly inspiring.

Cody Rhodes Segment.

After this man basked in the fan appreciation, he went straight into business, talking about how randy Orton tried to beat him, and how Sami Zayn is sniffing around him, and that he's going to be fighting champion, as he told anyone from Monday Night Raw. Friday Night Smackdown, and. NXT to step up. I liked this, because this is how you build up multiple challengers.

Priest And Truth vs MFT's WWE Tag Team Championship Match.

Priest and Truth retained their belts, after beating The MFT's in what was a flat TV Match.

Trick Williams And Lil Yachty Segment.

I liked this. Trick, and. Yachty were at their heel bests, as they likened themselves to sporting, and musical icons, whilst that Ginger breadman was having a lovely time in the background. Oh wait that Ginger Breadman is actually a pissed off Sami Zayn, who then attacked the pair.

The Miz vs Danhausen.

From a wrecked Slammy award. Faulse pyro, and Danhausens little Mobile. This was comedy gold, and I never I would say this in our year of 2026. A Match featuring The Miz was my highlight of the show. Danhausen got the win. I'm still laughing.

Rhea Ripley Segment.

This Didn't hit with me. Rhea said that she's going to be a fighting champion, and this was when Fatal Influence came out, and they were booed heavily. The back and forth between Jacy Jayne, and Rhea felt a bit forced. Nick Aldis then put her in her place, and put her in an impromptu Match. Which was then thrown out after the rest of Fatal Influence got involved. I didn't like this.

Solo Sikoa vs Jacob Fatu.

I didn't like this. The felt like the segment from the start of the show. The story of Jacob Fatu the man, got lost in the shuffle as this Match played like an overbloated run through of a promotrain, in Match form. Jacob got the win, and then decked The MFT's, as his cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso watched on.

Overview Of WWE Friday Night Smackdown

This was a sombre broadcast, when you hear what went down before the show started. The in ring work was decent, however the promos were a mixed bag. Make this broadcast what you will, because i'm in two minds.

This Weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown is a mid 6/10.

 

 AEW Dynamite Review. 23.4.2026.

Update On Blog.

I've come to a big decision, as of the 1st of june. I will be leaving blogger, and moving over all my content to it's new home Wordpress hosted by Bluehost. I'm not going to be putting my work behind a pay wall, but I'm not making any money from It. Blogger has been good to me when it has come to me working on my confidence, but when you look at the big picture, I've been needing to do this for some time. I've decided to make the jump, and give this a go because I want to grow my audience. The site is in the working, and I can't wait to get started on my next step of this journey. I've been able to grow my confidence beyond all measures, because my main is to still give you guys the best content in written form. The journey must continue, and I would like to thank everyone who's taken the time to read my work from day one of me doing this. I get that not everyone is going like this, but in order to succeed, this is what I need to do. The person, and the content won't be changing. It's just going to a new home, you know a bit like when a TV show moves networks. This is my dream, and I hope you guys can get behind me.

MJF Segment.

This was a fiery way to kick off the show, as Maxwell Jacob Freeman, acted like a big baby, that wanted his bottle, and dumper track back. He went to town calling out Darby Allin, because he thinks that he was treated unfairly. Instead of getting Darby, he got Kevin Knight instead. Both men had a great Promo dual, and we we're treated to a tease out, when Knight challenged Max to a Match after reminding him that he lost to him not that long ago. Max agreed as long as Kevin Knight puts his new TNT Championship on the line. Max asked for a ref to come out, and Imidiately I sat up on my bed, because Max wanted it there and then, but he said, nah see yah next week. The Match was then made official by Tony Khan later on. This was  excellent, and a good way to kick start the show.

Chris Jericho Segment.

Chris on Collision, will face The Demand, but he needs some friends, or in this case business ascociates, so step forward The Hurt Business. I wasn't a fan of any of these segments, because bald jokes aren't funny.

Brodie King vs Lio Rush. 

I've got to say it. At first I wasn't a fan of Lio's new character, but now I'm starting to see the entertaining side of his portrayal. This Match however was what it was, a bit of filler. I mean it wasn't bad, it just didn't grab me. Brodie got the win, and called the potential winner of the main event, telling either Darby or Tommaso, that he wants to be next in line. ( more on this later. )

Adam Copeland Segment.

Adam Copeland then layed out a challenge to FTR for Double Or Nothing. He and Christian Cage want another Match for the AEW Tag Team Championship in a New York Street Fight, and if they lose, then Cage and Cope would have to dispand as a team. I loved this.

Mina Shirakowa vs Hikaru Shida.

I liked this. These ladies had great chemistry, and that was the main selling point of this Match. Shida is one of my favourite women Wrestlers to watch in the pressent day. The physicality was heavily layered, as both ladies worked hard to get the movesets in. Shida got the win, thanks to a distraction from Kris Statlander.

Will Osperay vs Mark Davis.

This was fantastic, and a flawless effort from both men. I got reminded of the times when these two worked together on the UK Indy scene. These men had fantastic chemistry, and as time went on, the physicality sold the story, of how could Will survive became the backbone for this outing. The near falls were cleverly placed in with the drama, but it was Wills selling that was the highlight. as it came from his neck, both men thought on the ramp, and Will took two Piledrivers, one to the outside of the ring. It was this one that caused the referee to get Dr Sampson to check on him, and this was when the the ref was told him, that Will can't go anymore. So the Match got called off. Mark then took Will, and placed him back in the ring, and tried to put a beatdown on him, that was until Marina Shafir showed up, along with the rest of The Deathriders who then surrounded Will, and then kidnapped him. I think that Will might end up missing on the side of an American Milk Carten. I loved all of this. Have you seen this brit.

Alex Windsor Segment.

Alex WINDSOR, then picked a fight with The Sisters Of Sin, instep Persephone. The pair will face Thekla, and Skye Blue on Collision.

Samoa Joe Is Back.

Samoa Joe returned to AEW, and battered a man called Cody Chunn. Hook absolutely loved what he was seeing.

Darby Allin vs Tommaso Ciampa AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

This is one of the best Main Events that AEW has ever committed to putting on weekly TV. From Darby's heartwarming promo getting interrupted by MJF asking for his belt back, this led Darby to say that he will face anyone, because he's going to be a fighting champion. Tommaso would walk past Max, and at this point I could tell that this is a possible direction for us to go in. The Match was a pandomonium bloodsoaked run through, that saw Darby put Tommaso through a table, by launching himself from the top rope to the time keepers table, that was placed at ringside. Darby taking a gnarly bump from an Psycho driller to the outside, and Tommaso getting busted open the hardway from getting smacked into the announcers table. This added several elements of drama, as the near falls came thick and fast. Darby got the win, and retained his belt. He was then met by his friend Brodie King, who asked him for a shot at his belt, after Tony Khan gave him the word go. I can't put over this main event more than what I already have. This is one of the best TV main events that AEW have committed to a live Broadcast. Simply sensational.

Overview Of This Weeks AEW Dynamite.

This was a brilliant edition of weekly TV, that put the focus on solid in ring work, as the main source of Storytelling, as the promos became the second nature. Now this is what I call Pro Wrestling.

This Weeks AEW Dynamite is a high 9/10.