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Live Reactions of Judgement Day 2009PPV is from Chicago, so I'm excited for this crowd alone.
CM Punk vs. Umaga
How fitting to put on the CM Punk match first in Chicago. Punk won his second MitB match that year, and maga cost him from cashing in.
Eww... Umaga's second theme... not as good as his first. RIP to the man, but why did they ever decide to change his theme? Its strange watching this, knowing he died a little under 7 months later.
Umaga's moves looked so vicious. Umaga has the advantage so far, all Punk's gotten in is a few kicks. Todd Grisham and JR doing commentary together doesn't seem right. Not used to hearing JR and not hearing King with him. Without looking at the results beforehand, by the way Punk is being beaten so far, I'm predicting he's gonna win. Typical WWE booking. Punk trying to lift Umaga, but gets crushed anyway. Just watching this, I don't see why Umaga was ever released. He always looked like a legit monster. Punk finally getting offense in, over the top onto Umaga. He's mounting a comeback, but Umaga isn't down. Bulldog rom the second rope finally brings Umaga down. Punk looks like he wants the GTS, but can't get Umaga up. Samoan Drop and Punk kicks out right before 3. Umaga looks for the Samoan Spike, but Punk ducks. A few kicks to the head, and Punk lifts Umaga for a second. Samoan Spike, and the match is over.
Shoulda seen this coming, WWE rarely lets the hometown hero win. Thinking about it, the Samoan Spike would be less effective than The Cobra. Basically the same move, but a thumb compared to the entire hand. It just looks more menacing because of who's doing it.
Cut backstage to Vickie, and Chavo tells Vickie that Cena can compete. Big Show is in the office, and he says Cena's gonna get injured. Typical heel stuff from the two. Edge walks in, and says he wants to talk to his wife. Not sure on the placement of this event with the storyline. Pretty sure its after he figured out she was cheating.
To the commentary table, ECW, with Matt Striker and Josh Matthews. A replay from Christian vs. Swagger, and Christian wins the ECW Championship. Christian's run in ECW was the best he was booked in his entire career in the WWE. Too bad it was WWE's ECW.
ECW Championship
Christian (c) vs. Jack Swagger
Swagger's "All American American" gimmick in its roots. When it was 90% Kurt Angle.
Christian comes out with the belt. Very early in his return and he was made the face of ECW. Vince probably didn't give enough of a fuck about ECW to care who was champion.
Rookie vs. Veteran storyline here. Swagger's gonna make a lot of rookie mistakes, and Christian's gonna be overconfident. WWE changed the name of Christian's finisher from the Unprettier upon his return. Honestly, I do see it as a better name, but don't see why they felt they needed to change it. Swagger throws Christian into the post, ribs first. The way he threw him looked brutal. Swagger grabs the rope for leverage in a submission, but gets out of it. Christian starts a comeback but its halted. Counter to the Swagger Bomb. 2 Pendulum kicks from Christian, and now he's p top. Misses a headbutt, and an Oklahoma Roll Up. Swagger going for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Christian gets out of it. Funny moment there, Swagger chases Christian across the ring and ends up in the corner. Double clothesline spot, and both up at the same time. This match is surprisingly good, being an early Swagger match. Tornado DDT, kick out. Swagger rolls Christian up and grabs the tights. Ref somehow sees from the other side of both men. Christian counters the Gutwrench and pulls Swagger's straps down, locking his arms. Christian wins on a rollup, and he grabbed Swagger's tights. Ref didn't see that one from the same position.
Good match here, with a flawed end made to further the feud.
Backstage again, Chavo trying to hear the conversation between Edge and Vickie. Getting insight on their marriage. Edge bringing up the Santina storyline thats going on... that was terrible. Horrible storyline, don't understand why it was ever thought of.
Oh, look! The Chicago Bears! With new QB Jay Cutler! Look how that turned out for them...
Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison
Shelton Benjamin coming to the ring with Charlie Haas. This storyline is over who's the best athlete the WWE has. (It was Benjamin at this point)
John Morrison's entrance, slo-mo and all. So far, its been SmackDown, ECW, SmackDown. Really shows the pecking order, the Raw matches are higher up the card.
We're told John Morrison had faced Chris Jericho on Superstars. You know, during the starting month when it had relevant stars. Morrison slightly screwing up parkour, but hits a huge springboard splash, including a front flip, to the outside. It was essentially a 450 splash to a standing Benjamin. Charlie Haas throws Morrison into the ring to a waiting Benjamin. From the get-go, I expected this to be a damn good match with some pretty big spots. JR says winning at Judgement Day is big for anyone. At the last Judgement Day... Benjamin has a submission on Morrison. After a scuffle, Benjamin gets Morrison in a sort of Camel Clutch. Sleeper hold now on Morrison, and I'm starting to wonder why a Benjamon/Morrison match has so many low spots and rest periods. Morrison gets a sleeper hold on Benjamin, but he gets out and they collide. The past few minutes have been one big rest period which doesn't seem like its needed. Dropkick from Morrison, and he stars his comeback. Big move, Morrison, side Russian legsweep, following something I can't even describe fully. Morrison was really impressive, its too bad they tried to make him a face. He couldn't pull it off. Morrison gets a few moves in, looking like he's about to win. Morrison goes for a springboard seated senton, but Benjamin catches him and powerbombs him into the corner. A cover, but Morrison kicks out. Despite the rest holds, this match has been very solid. Drop toe hold into the corner by Morrison, and he goes for a monkey flip. Flying Chuck, Starship Pain, 3 count.
Good match here, but it was expected from a Morrison/Benjamin match.
An ad for "Greatest Stars of the 90's."
Back after the ad, and we get Miz and his old theme. "The Chick Magnet" shirt was funny. And Lawler and Cole finally get to talk! They're copying the storyline here from Jericho/Goldberg. Miz keeps calling out Cena and getting no response, as he's injured. Miz calls Morrison Marty Jannety. Miz says Cena won't answer his challenge tonight, as he's 3-0 and has a match tonight. Miz challenges "a substitute" for Cena. Calling Cena overrated and disappointing, he cals out the Cubs at this point. He then points out Alfonso Soriano as his Cena substitute. Decent promo from Miz here, but it goes as far as expected with a Miz promo. Miz calls out the Cubs again for not winning the World Series since 1908. Miz challenges Soriano as his substitute Cena for the night. Miz gets a call from his people, and Miz calls out Soriano for his "yearly injuries." Miz then says Soriano forfeits, and says he's now 4-0 against Cena. Out comes Santino Marella, unibrow and all. This'll be a funny confrontation now. Santino says he won't let Miz talk to Alfonso like that, because of his Italian name. Santino says WWE Superstars are starting to look like animals. He says Vickie Guerrero is a pig, Vladimir Kozlov is Sam the American Eagle. Miz asks what animal he looks like, and Santino says he's a Jackass. Honestly, not as funny as I thought it'd be, but still chuckle worthy. Santino tells Miz he brought guns, and isn't scared to use them. Miz cheap shots Santino, but Santino gets on top of him, and they roll around in fisticuffs. Miz hits Santino with a DDT, and leaves. Chavo hits the ring and yells at the downed Santino for his remarks toward Vickie. He goes to the top rope, in dress pants and shirt, and hits Santino with a frog splash.
Josh Matthews is now backstage, interviewing Chris Jericho. He asks Jericho about the "conspiracy" against him, and he doesn't bring up the WCW storyline. Apparently, this is a different conspiracy. Jericho criticizes Rey Mysterio. And Jericho says he'll be the Intercontinental Champion.
Intercontinental Championship
Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Chris Jericho
For some reason, the champion is coming out first here. Because that makes sense. Rey makes his traditional entrance, and we've still yet to have a Raw match. JR points out this is the arena he won his World Title in at WrestleMania. Rey is 3-0 at Judgement Day. Chris Jericho will probably snap this Streak.
Jericho makes his entrance. Its nice to see a Rey/Jericho feud for the IC Title. Made it seem relevant during the feud.
Jericho rams Rey's head into the corner a cople of times. Jericho throws Rey under the bottom rope, and Rey ends up on his feet. Looking back and forth tonight, but it seems like every match so far has ended up outside the ring at some point. Jericho hanging on the ropes, and Rey hits him with a leg drop. Rest hold here, despite some decent rest time for both men. Enziguri from Rey, and he goes for a 619. Jericho counters, and Rey ends up outside the ring. Very interesting move from Jericho, a form of a backbreaker. 2 count off the backbreaker. Jericho not letting Rey to his feet, but then he places Rey on the top rope. Jericho looks to rip Rey's mask off, but Rey keeps it on. Seated senton from rey, then a springboard crossbody. Not surprised Jericho wants Rey's mask. That seems like half the storylines Rey has been involved in since debuting in the WWE. Rey counters the Electric Chair, then counters the Walls of Jericho. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, and Rey kicks out. Jericho and Rey have great chemistry, its always fun to watch one of their matches. Rey looks for the 619 again, but Jericho moves. Rey counters the Walls of Jericho again, and again looks for the 619. Jericho catches Rey and locks in the Walls. Nice sequence there. Rey counters into a roll up, but Jericho kicks out at 2. Jericho kicking at Rey, and headbutts him. A few slaps, but Rey hits a drop toe hold into the corner, and Rey hits the 619. Crossbody, and 1, 2, 3.
4-0 for Rey at Judgement Day. Theres a streak that will never be broken. For more than 1 reason. Great match here. Match of the Night contender, and definitely is so far.
We get a video package for the WWE Championship match between Orton and Batista. This PPV is really seeming like WWE recently. Orton vs. Batista, Show working with Authority figures. Not today WWE, but the past year or so. World Title match is Edge vs. Jeff Hardy though. That's the main event. Oh yeah, the video package. It's pretty decent. More so an average promo rather than a good one. It is the title feud seen as less important for the PPV. And it is Judgement Day.
WWE Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs. Batista
Again, the champion comes out first. Apparently, WWE doesn't like tradition. The Legacy storyline was going strong at this point. Only full Raw match on the card too. Show vs. Cena is more Raw vs. SD, then the main event is all SD. Cole and Lawler only showed up for a segment and a match. Maybe two if Raw and SD announce teams call Cena/Show. However, I may be mistaken. Show may be Raw. Just one PPV doesn't give enough on time and storyline placement.
Batista gets big cheers in Chicago. That didn't happen recently. Not expecting a lot out of this match. Probably gonna be an average WWE Title match. Not worth remembering.
Bell rings, and Orton instantly leaves the ring. Match stars like an average match. General spots, nothing too exciting. Batista with a few power moves on Orton. Match goes outside, like all the others. Offense from Orton, then a rest hold. Very slow moving PPV match-wise. Not much for excitement. Batista on the apron with a few shoulder thrusts. Orton counters and hits the Hangman DDT. Cover, 2 count. Orton stalking Batista for the RKO. This one won't quite be outta nowehere. Batista not standing though, and Orton backs up for the Punt. Batista stands and hits a Spear, and they're both down. They trade punches, and Batista hits a string. Batista forces Orton into the corner and hits some shoulder thrusts. Powerslam, 2 count. Not a very exciting match, like I predicted. Average, at best, so far. Orton calling for a count out now, but Batista leaves the ring and goes after Orton. Orton runs from Batista, then hugs the ring post. Batista gets Orton back in the ring. Orton goes for a chair now, but Batista punches him before getting hit. He crashes Orton's head into the announce table, then sends him in and climbs to the top. Diving shoulder block, and Orton kicks out at 2. Not expecting Batista to go to the top rope, very interesting. Batista goes for the Batista Bomb, but Orton gets out of the ring. He grabs his title and starts walking up the ramp. Batista goes after him, and sends Orton back in again. Orton goes to hit Batista with the title, but Batista hits a spinebuster. Batista lifts Orton for the Batista Bomb, Ortong gets out and goes for an RKO. Batista sends him down, and Batista goes for Orton in the corner. His shoulder hits the corner, and Orton stalks again. Going for anothe RKO, and Orton gets pushed into the ref. Orton slaps the ref, and gets DQ'd. Legacy comes down and attacks Batista. Ric Flair's music hits, and he runs down and takes out Rhodes. Flair gets the better of Orton, and Batista hits Orton with a Batista Bomb. Legacy goes back after Batista, but Flair takes out Rhodes again, while Batista takes out DiBiase.
The only memorable part of this was the aftermath. But I'll still end up forgetting that. Average title match, as I expected. Orton using heelish tactics to keep the title, and the feud goes another month.
"Don't Try This at Home" package. Woo. Its like they think I DO try it at home. Because I don't. Anymore.
Video package for Cena vs. Show. At Backlash, Cena AA'd or FU'd, not sure if the name is different yet, Edge into the crowd. Literally, into people. Show chokeslams Cena into a spotlight, and Edge wins the Last Man Standing match. Again, average video package. Nothing too special at all.
Big Show vs. John Cena
My bet is Big Show turned face a few months after this. Show makes his entrance, lumbering to the ring.
Cena's entrance. Cena getting cheered in Chicago. Probably the last time that happened. Cena doesn't run down to the ring, selling his "injuries" from the spotlight spot. He was just medically cleared anyway.
Cole and Lawler calling this. Turns out Show is Raw. So Raw gets 2 matches, ECW gets 1, and SD gets like 4. Match starts slow, Show stalking Cena, and Cena getting away from Show. Show finally gets Cena in a vulnerable position, and Show gets a big shot to his ribs. Its a Show/Cena match. Not expecting much. Probably less than Batista/Orton. Cena gets some offense in, but can't get Big Show down. He goes for a shoulder block, but Cena bounces off of Show. Show stands on Cena's ribs, then Show hits a scoop slam. Cena tries to stand as Show stands over him, and Show picks him up. Cena gets a few blows in, but Show hits a side slam. Another slow match. Really hoping Edge/Jeff Hardy is better. Show throws Cena out of the ring, and follows him out. If Edge/Hardy goes outside, every single match will have left the ring at some point. Show drives Cena into post. Much the same way that Swagger did to Christian earlier. Back in the ring, Show stands over Cena, then goes for the Colossal Clutch. Cena gets away, but Show puts him back down. Slap to the chest. Match being dominated by Show, with mainly strikes. Show charges Cena in the corner, but Cena kicks him away. Cena tries to jump on Show, but Show catches him and locks in a bear hug. Cena starts to fade, and tries to get out. He pushes Shows arms away, but Show pushes Cena into the corner. Match is very slow and boring, and still has a decent amount of time left. Show charges Cena in the corner again, and Cena moves. Show hits the corner, and Cena tackles his leg. Overhead bulldog from Cena, and he sets up the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He hits Show, but Show grabs Cena with a Chokeslam. Cena counters into a DDT, then goes for the STF. He can't reach across Show for it, and Show hits a huge clothesline from. Corner splash from Show, and Cena kicks out still. Show steps across Cena, and climbs to the second rope, going for another splash. Cena moves, and goes for another STF. Still can't reach. Cena tumbles out of the ring at Show's hand, but Cena gets a kick to Show's head. Cena hits a legdrop from the top rope, and Cena goes for another STF. Still can't reach, and Show elbows Cena away. Kick to the gut, and Show goes for a powerbomb. Show sends Cena back, face first into the mat. Show looks for the KO Punch, but Cena ducks and lifts Show, hitting the AA, and getting the 3.
Super Cena! Beaten for most of the match, still wins with a few moves. Not a great match, as expected between these two, with an injured Cena storyline. Cena poses with Alfonso Soriano. Jericho/Rey is still match of the night so fat. However, its best competition is up next.
Promoting Extreme Rules next month out of NOLA.
Video package for Edge/Hardy. Showing the history between the two. This PPV has no divas matches either. Couldn't go to Twitter, get something trending, and suddenly get time then. Another average package. WWE didn't wanna put in the work for a PPV like this.
World Heavyweight Championship
Edge (c) vs. Jeff Hardy
Again, the champion coming out first. WWE really doesn't like tradition tonight.
Jeff Hardy coming out to cheers. With his "No More Words" theme. That was a good theme. This was the time where Jeff was my favorite. So it'll be great to see a match from that time.
General start to the match, chain wrestling. All the normal spots. Match goes outside the ring. 7/7 on leaving the ring tonight. Edge spears Jeff to the floor. Edge gets Jeff back in the ring and goes for the back. This is starting to seem like it'll be another slow match. Edge targetting Jeff's lower back. Jeff's feud with Matt Hardy is brought up. Jef getting momentum, and he goes up top. Going for a crossbody, but Edge moves, and Jeff slams into the mat. Edge covers, 2 count. Jeff getting momentum again, and end sup on top again. Hits the crossbody this time. Jeff locks in a Sharpshooter on Edge, but Edge grabs the bottom rope. Twist of Fate from Jeff, and Edge kicks out at 2. Edge counters the Mule Kick, catching Jeff into Powerbomb, but Jeff gets a sunset flip and covers for 2. Lot of downtime again, but lot of good sequences. Jeff and Edge up top, and Jeff hits a Sunset Flip again, and Edge kicks out at 2 again. Jeff goes for the Mule Kick again, but Edge rolls onto the apron. Jeff still kicks Edge to the floor, and follows him out. Jeff starts clearing the announce table, as well as padding from the barricade. Jeff slams Edge into the barricade, then lays him on the table. Jeff climbs onto the barricade, but Edge spears him down to the floor. Edge is back in the ring, and the ref starts counting Jeff out. Starts getting up at 5, and is in the ring at 9. Twist of Fate in the ropes, and a legdrop. Jeff covers, but Edge gets his foot on te rope at two. Whisper in the Wind from Jeff, and he gets another 2 count. Edge rolls out of the ring, but Jeff quickly follows. Edge is against the barricade, and Jeff uses the steel steps to hit Poetry in Motion. They both go over the barricade, and Jeff throws him back over. Matt Hardy comes from the crowd and hits Jeff with his cast, without the ref seeing. Edge rolls Jeff into the ring, and gets 2. Edge sets up the Spear but Jeff drops down, and Edge goes face first into the turnbuckle. Jeff climbs to the top rope, but slips, and Edge attacks. He hits Jeff with an Edgecution from the top. Edge covers and gets 3.
I'd say that match was the 3rd best of the night. #2 being Morrison/Benjamin, and Match of the Night goes to Jericho/Rey. No matter what, good match that again ends poorly. The match could've done without the attack from Matt, or at least pull that earlier. Attacks near the end of the match ruin it. The show closes with Edge holding up the World Title.
I'd give this PPV a 7/10. The matches went slowly and the main event ended with an attack. However, there were quality matches there, and within the storylines, the events of the matches do make sense. Good booking here. Jericho/Rey saved the PPV as a whole. I'd recommend that match.
