Welcome to the Mastermind Analysis review of WWE Roadblock: End of the Line 2016. The thoughts and opinions expressed below are those of The Mastermind only, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the entire F4R team. Let us know what you think in the comments, or by getting involved on Facebook! But for now, on with the show...
Pre-PPV Thoughts
So, Roadblock again eh? Second time this year! It’s felt like a really long year for the WWE, so much has happened – but that is all covered in our 3-part podcast available on iTunes, Stitcher, Podomatic (cheap plug!). It could be easy to feel jaded with so many PPVs over the past quarter of the year, but there’s a handful of interesting things taking place which have managed to pique my interest, which has resulted in me holding out a bit of hope that the year may end with a bang…
Pre-Show
Big Cass vs Rusev
Prediction: Again, there’s lots of murmours and rumours online that the powers-that-be at the WWE are very hot on Big Cass and again, he could be getting a big singles push. If so, this match confirms the rumour as it’s a perfect opportunity for Cass to put in a good performance in the safer confines of the pre-show. Despite my feelings towards Rusev (that he should be pushed as the biggest mid-card monster heel of all time), I think it would make sense for Big Cass to get a Big Win in this one. I’m just intrigued to see if Enzo accompanies him to the ring, of if they experiment with Cass flying fully solo.
Match Analysis: Well that never really got going...! The feud so far has been really confusing, and that match adds to the confusion. Why try and build up a terrible feud, for the match to be terrible. It barely got out of the blocks, ended super short, ended up being yet another meaningless and forgettable encounter.
[*3/4]
Main Show
The New Day © vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Prediction: A massive congratulations to the New Day on breaking the Demolition record. The WWE troll in me thinks they might finally move the belts off them now, in the same vein of Nikki Bella breaking the AJ Lee streak and then immediately losing the title. BUT, I am hoping WWE aren’t being predictable here… Let New Day have a few more weeks or months as the champs and have them drop the titles when nobody is expecting it. Doing so now feels a bit predictable, and essentials lazy booking. New Day to win this one…
Match Analysis: Ugh, well that's lazy booking! I hate it when they do things like this. The match itself was really fun though, some really believable near falls... but more importantly for me, some really innovative spots. The ending with the fake tag was something i've never seen before, and that's saying something. Spots like that really help me appreciate the work in a match because it proves that they're trying to do something new that we haven't seen before. Shame about the title change so quick after the new record, but at least they made the boring booking decision worth watching while it played out in the ring.
[***3/4]
Braun Strowman vs Sami Zayn
Prediction: I won’t lie… this is the match I am looking forward to the most in this PPV. Sami Zayn has struggled to find his feet on the main roster since he was moved away from Kevin Owens, but it feels like he is starting to pick up some pace with the assistance of Mick Foley. I saw their little chat on Raw, and it’s definitely got me intrigued. The 10-minute time limit is a very interesting stipulation too. Firstly, it makes Strowman look like an absolute fucking monster – the fact that Foley doesn’t want anyone in the ring with him for more than 10 minutes just puts over the sheer danger factor of Strowman. But the stipulation is also one I can’t remember seeing for a very long time (barring the Beat the Clock crap that used to take place). I’m seeing this going one of two ways. Option A, Sami Zayn has the living crap kicked out of him for 10 minutes, he gets in zero-to-little offence and somehow manages to kick out of everything for 10 minutes, winning the respect of the casual viewers. Option B… Sami Zayn flies out of the blocks at the bell, a few Helluva kicks and BAM, he beats Strowman in Goldberg-like fashion. Ok, Option B may be my far-fetched dream booking… but just imagine. I’ll predict Strowman destroys Zayn, but not enough to end it within 10 minutes. Time Limit Draw, if that’s the rule? Or Zayn to survive 10 minutes and win via proxy??
Match Analysis: That was all going fine until Mick Foley came out to eat up a few minutes of time when it really wasn't necessary. I love that Zayn "won" by surviving the 10 minutes, Strowman wasn't pinned or submitted, but Zayn was able to walk away victorious. I would have preferred to see Sami not get any offence in, and no Foley... and it was a bit silly having the ref spend a few minutes with both men on the outside without counting them out while Foley had all the towel nonesense... only to start counting Strowman out a few minutes later. Still, Zayn gets a mini-push, Strowman is still an absolute beast... I'd liked to have seen a little more drama but the outcome was the right one.
[**3/4]
Seth Rollins vs Chris Jericho
Prediction: Rollins is facing Triple H at Wrestlemania next year, surely? That’s what they’re building up to, so I’m hoping we get an appearance from The Game tonight. And if not, maybe have just his music hit to distract Rollins for the loss. It’s crazy to think that at the start of the year, I couldn’t stand Jericho. His feud with AJ highlighted that he wasn’t quite up to speed with younger guys; and the Ambrose matches were just got awful. But since he joined KO, he’s managed to get more over than he’s been in a long long time. I actually hope Jericho gets the win, albeit with some interference from Owens or maybe Triple H. But Rollins needs to start looking sympathetic going into Mania season, and a loss here would be a good way to start that story.
Match Analysis: I've mentioned on recent podcasts, how Chris Jericho's first half of 2016 was largely uninspiring. His matches with AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose were far from exciting to watch, and it proved he is a few steps behind the younger talent. I can't help but feel that things took a step back here, and made me forget about all the good things Y2J has done since siding with Kevin Owens. THe pace was slower, the feel of the match was a bit old-school. Jericho played generic heel wrestler... in a contrast to the New Day match, there was zero innovation, no new spots... and the worst part is... it lacked excitement so much, that I actually fell asleep in the middle of it all...! Sorry, not sorry.
[**1/2]
Rich Swann © vs Brian Kendrick vs TJ Perkins
Prediction: I’m currently watching the Network PPVs around late 2000/early 2001, and in doing some research it’s a common feeling that Kurt Angle’s WWF Championship run was often overshadowed by the larger-than-life Attitude Era stars like Stone Cold, Triple H and The Rock. The same could be said, in some ways, for Rich Swann here. He is the champ, but the Kendrick/TJP feud has had waaaay more creative attention and Swann almost feels like an accessory which has been tacked onto the side of the feud. I’ve been a fan of Rich Swann ever since I first saw him at Southside’s 4th Anniversary show, so him now being in the WWE is something I’m really happy with, so I’m hoping that Swann retains, breaks away for a feud elsewhere, and we can have Kendrick and TJP feuding away from the title.
Match Analysis: Another match that felt like it never really got going. It's such a shame because all 3 men involved have so much to offer, but creative just don't seem to know how to get people behind them. It's bizarre because there's no reason they shouldn't know what to do with them but just putting them out there as an attraction is clearly not working. The post-match attack from Neville was amazing though. I'm shocked in how believable the guy is as a heel! His facial expressions were great, and the speed of the heel turn was spot on. Rich Swann was all smiles and happy to see the guy, and then BAM!! That's exactly how it should have happened. The match was fine but unfortunately the only thing memorable about it was Neville.
[**3/4]
Sasha Banks © vs Charlotte (30 minute Iron Woman Match)
Prediction: I am so, so glad that this has been put down as the very last match in the feud, with no rematch clauses. It feels like we can have something to look forward to in 2017 with the womens title picture. The thing that makes me laugh with this, is that Sasha is all confident going in, despite the fact that the only other Iron Woman match in recent history was a match that Sasha LOST to Bayley. Still, I’ve got high hopes that they will go out in style with this one. Hell in a Cell was so close to being a classic, but a few hiccups stopped it from reaching that final gear and propelling it into match-of-the-year territory. I hope and pray that this match is void of any clunky spots or botches, and gives the feud the excellent ending that it deserves.
Match Analysis: It's a Christmas Miracle!!! There were a few things that made me chuckle during the match, but as a whole this match stole the show so far. I often think that the best wrestling matches are ones that exhaust you as a viewer. If a match ends and you need to catch your breath, have a cup of tea and a lie down to recover, then you know you've been taken on a roller coaster of physicality and emotion. That was certainly what happened for me during this match. Now, the things that made me laugh out loud... Firstly, the announce team couldn't avoid mentioning the iron man match from NXT - but what made me laugh is how the skirted around the fact that Sasha LOST that match. The mentioned that she was in the match, and that Sasha felt her experience from that match will give her the edge. Amazing. THEN, late into overtime, Sasha suffers a nasty cut to somewhere (?) on her face... Blood is streaming down her face, all over her gear and the canvas... and the commentary team literally don't mention it and pretend like it's not happening... HAHA!! I can't help but feel that was a HUGE missed opportunity to put over the physicality of the match. I'm a little bit annoyed that the match was tied so close to the final buzzer. You'd have to have thought that if Sasha could hold on without tapping for 2 minutes, she could have waited a further 3 freakin' seconds before tapping out! I'd have rather seen a more decisive pinfall going right up to the buzzer, and having Sasha pretty much unconscious as the buzzer went. Still, I wouldn't be suprised if this match makes it onto my shortlist for match of the year! I thought it was spectacular. So much so, that I haven't bitched about the hot potatoe title in this entire spiel!!
[****1/4]
Kevin Owens © vs Roman Reigns
Prediction: It seems there was a point in 2016 where WWE realised that pushing Reigns like they did was the wrong move. Granted the kids may have loved him, but when your arenas are full of adult males, who’s collective voices outweigh those of the kids, you need to make a change. I much prefer Reigns in the US title role than the main event title role. He’s hasn’t been as over-exposed as he was at the start of the year, and that is a good thing. I am hoping and praying that this isn’t some sick joke and they are undoing all of the good work they have put in with Reigns. Having him beat Owens here will just piss off the audience again, and would certainly not be best for business. Let’s have Owens end the year on the highest of highs, and if you insist on putting the Universal title back on Reigns, tell a decent story with the guy first… Give him some actual character development, some obvious motivations, and make us have a chance of liking the guy. He is not ready for it yet though, so I’m sticking with an Owens win. Maybe have Reigns hit a spear post-match to send the crowd home happy and end the year with a babyface moment if you absolutely must.
Match Analysis: Oh wow how close was I!!! I didn't see the Jericho attack, but I absolutely loved it!!! At first you think... OMG HE'S TURNED ON KEVIN!! And then he throws a second spanner into the works, and gives him a hug! Brilliant!! It sows so many seeds of doubt as far as Jericho's stand point. Giving KO the Codebreaker can be seen as both a sign of solidarity, AND a sign of breakdown. Did Y2J attack him to relieve some tension? Did he hug him to play mind games?? All potential questions which keep the fans guessing. And guessing in a good way - not the way of "where does Brock go from here" after losing to Goldberg in 87 seconds. The match itself was fine, a few big spots, but nothing we haven't seen a million times in a main event involving Roman Reigns. I was spot on with the post-match attack though... That was pretty cool to see them do something logical as far as booking goes. My prediction is that either at the Rumble, or in the weeks leading up, Rollins and Reigns will have a tag team match against JeriKO, which will lead to further cracks between the BFFs, culminating in a match at Wrestlemania. If they play their cards right, it will be awesome.
[***3/4]
Overall Show
Overall, the show was fine. I felt a bit let down by the Sami Zayn match because it had such a big section of stalling. Strowman just stood there letting the time tick down, which killed the momentum. Elsewhere, the New Day title change and the Iron Woman match provided the main highlights for me - anything new and innovative is fine in my books. I wanna see things I haven't seen a million times before, so the table bumps in the main event just felt like the easy go-to spot to make it seem like a big match. I doubt I'd relive much of this again, past the Tag and Womens title matches.
So, Roadblock again eh? Second time this year! It’s felt like a really long year for the WWE, so much has happened – but that is all covered in our 3-part podcast available on iTunes, Stitcher, Podomatic (cheap plug!). It could be easy to feel jaded with so many PPVs over the past quarter of the year, but there’s a handful of interesting things taking place which have managed to pique my interest, which has resulted in me holding out a bit of hope that the year may end with a bang…
Pre-Show
Big Cass vs Rusev
Prediction: Again, there’s lots of murmours and rumours online that the powers-that-be at the WWE are very hot on Big Cass and again, he could be getting a big singles push. If so, this match confirms the rumour as it’s a perfect opportunity for Cass to put in a good performance in the safer confines of the pre-show. Despite my feelings towards Rusev (that he should be pushed as the biggest mid-card monster heel of all time), I think it would make sense for Big Cass to get a Big Win in this one. I’m just intrigued to see if Enzo accompanies him to the ring, of if they experiment with Cass flying fully solo.
Match Analysis: Well that never really got going...! The feud so far has been really confusing, and that match adds to the confusion. Why try and build up a terrible feud, for the match to be terrible. It barely got out of the blocks, ended super short, ended up being yet another meaningless and forgettable encounter.
[*3/4]
Main Show
The New Day © vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Prediction: A massive congratulations to the New Day on breaking the Demolition record. The WWE troll in me thinks they might finally move the belts off them now, in the same vein of Nikki Bella breaking the AJ Lee streak and then immediately losing the title. BUT, I am hoping WWE aren’t being predictable here… Let New Day have a few more weeks or months as the champs and have them drop the titles when nobody is expecting it. Doing so now feels a bit predictable, and essentials lazy booking. New Day to win this one…
Match Analysis: Ugh, well that's lazy booking! I hate it when they do things like this. The match itself was really fun though, some really believable near falls... but more importantly for me, some really innovative spots. The ending with the fake tag was something i've never seen before, and that's saying something. Spots like that really help me appreciate the work in a match because it proves that they're trying to do something new that we haven't seen before. Shame about the title change so quick after the new record, but at least they made the boring booking decision worth watching while it played out in the ring.
[***3/4]
Braun Strowman vs Sami Zayn
Prediction: I won’t lie… this is the match I am looking forward to the most in this PPV. Sami Zayn has struggled to find his feet on the main roster since he was moved away from Kevin Owens, but it feels like he is starting to pick up some pace with the assistance of Mick Foley. I saw their little chat on Raw, and it’s definitely got me intrigued. The 10-minute time limit is a very interesting stipulation too. Firstly, it makes Strowman look like an absolute fucking monster – the fact that Foley doesn’t want anyone in the ring with him for more than 10 minutes just puts over the sheer danger factor of Strowman. But the stipulation is also one I can’t remember seeing for a very long time (barring the Beat the Clock crap that used to take place). I’m seeing this going one of two ways. Option A, Sami Zayn has the living crap kicked out of him for 10 minutes, he gets in zero-to-little offence and somehow manages to kick out of everything for 10 minutes, winning the respect of the casual viewers. Option B… Sami Zayn flies out of the blocks at the bell, a few Helluva kicks and BAM, he beats Strowman in Goldberg-like fashion. Ok, Option B may be my far-fetched dream booking… but just imagine. I’ll predict Strowman destroys Zayn, but not enough to end it within 10 minutes. Time Limit Draw, if that’s the rule? Or Zayn to survive 10 minutes and win via proxy??
Match Analysis: That was all going fine until Mick Foley came out to eat up a few minutes of time when it really wasn't necessary. I love that Zayn "won" by surviving the 10 minutes, Strowman wasn't pinned or submitted, but Zayn was able to walk away victorious. I would have preferred to see Sami not get any offence in, and no Foley... and it was a bit silly having the ref spend a few minutes with both men on the outside without counting them out while Foley had all the towel nonesense... only to start counting Strowman out a few minutes later. Still, Zayn gets a mini-push, Strowman is still an absolute beast... I'd liked to have seen a little more drama but the outcome was the right one.
[**3/4]
Seth Rollins vs Chris Jericho
Prediction: Rollins is facing Triple H at Wrestlemania next year, surely? That’s what they’re building up to, so I’m hoping we get an appearance from The Game tonight. And if not, maybe have just his music hit to distract Rollins for the loss. It’s crazy to think that at the start of the year, I couldn’t stand Jericho. His feud with AJ highlighted that he wasn’t quite up to speed with younger guys; and the Ambrose matches were just got awful. But since he joined KO, he’s managed to get more over than he’s been in a long long time. I actually hope Jericho gets the win, albeit with some interference from Owens or maybe Triple H. But Rollins needs to start looking sympathetic going into Mania season, and a loss here would be a good way to start that story.
Match Analysis: I've mentioned on recent podcasts, how Chris Jericho's first half of 2016 was largely uninspiring. His matches with AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose were far from exciting to watch, and it proved he is a few steps behind the younger talent. I can't help but feel that things took a step back here, and made me forget about all the good things Y2J has done since siding with Kevin Owens. THe pace was slower, the feel of the match was a bit old-school. Jericho played generic heel wrestler... in a contrast to the New Day match, there was zero innovation, no new spots... and the worst part is... it lacked excitement so much, that I actually fell asleep in the middle of it all...! Sorry, not sorry.
[**1/2]
Rich Swann © vs Brian Kendrick vs TJ Perkins
Prediction: I’m currently watching the Network PPVs around late 2000/early 2001, and in doing some research it’s a common feeling that Kurt Angle’s WWF Championship run was often overshadowed by the larger-than-life Attitude Era stars like Stone Cold, Triple H and The Rock. The same could be said, in some ways, for Rich Swann here. He is the champ, but the Kendrick/TJP feud has had waaaay more creative attention and Swann almost feels like an accessory which has been tacked onto the side of the feud. I’ve been a fan of Rich Swann ever since I first saw him at Southside’s 4th Anniversary show, so him now being in the WWE is something I’m really happy with, so I’m hoping that Swann retains, breaks away for a feud elsewhere, and we can have Kendrick and TJP feuding away from the title.
Match Analysis: Another match that felt like it never really got going. It's such a shame because all 3 men involved have so much to offer, but creative just don't seem to know how to get people behind them. It's bizarre because there's no reason they shouldn't know what to do with them but just putting them out there as an attraction is clearly not working. The post-match attack from Neville was amazing though. I'm shocked in how believable the guy is as a heel! His facial expressions were great, and the speed of the heel turn was spot on. Rich Swann was all smiles and happy to see the guy, and then BAM!! That's exactly how it should have happened. The match was fine but unfortunately the only thing memorable about it was Neville.
[**3/4]
Sasha Banks © vs Charlotte (30 minute Iron Woman Match)
Prediction: I am so, so glad that this has been put down as the very last match in the feud, with no rematch clauses. It feels like we can have something to look forward to in 2017 with the womens title picture. The thing that makes me laugh with this, is that Sasha is all confident going in, despite the fact that the only other Iron Woman match in recent history was a match that Sasha LOST to Bayley. Still, I’ve got high hopes that they will go out in style with this one. Hell in a Cell was so close to being a classic, but a few hiccups stopped it from reaching that final gear and propelling it into match-of-the-year territory. I hope and pray that this match is void of any clunky spots or botches, and gives the feud the excellent ending that it deserves.
Match Analysis: It's a Christmas Miracle!!! There were a few things that made me chuckle during the match, but as a whole this match stole the show so far. I often think that the best wrestling matches are ones that exhaust you as a viewer. If a match ends and you need to catch your breath, have a cup of tea and a lie down to recover, then you know you've been taken on a roller coaster of physicality and emotion. That was certainly what happened for me during this match. Now, the things that made me laugh out loud... Firstly, the announce team couldn't avoid mentioning the iron man match from NXT - but what made me laugh is how the skirted around the fact that Sasha LOST that match. The mentioned that she was in the match, and that Sasha felt her experience from that match will give her the edge. Amazing. THEN, late into overtime, Sasha suffers a nasty cut to somewhere (?) on her face... Blood is streaming down her face, all over her gear and the canvas... and the commentary team literally don't mention it and pretend like it's not happening... HAHA!! I can't help but feel that was a HUGE missed opportunity to put over the physicality of the match. I'm a little bit annoyed that the match was tied so close to the final buzzer. You'd have to have thought that if Sasha could hold on without tapping for 2 minutes, she could have waited a further 3 freakin' seconds before tapping out! I'd have rather seen a more decisive pinfall going right up to the buzzer, and having Sasha pretty much unconscious as the buzzer went. Still, I wouldn't be suprised if this match makes it onto my shortlist for match of the year! I thought it was spectacular. So much so, that I haven't bitched about the hot potatoe title in this entire spiel!!
[****1/4]
Kevin Owens © vs Roman Reigns
Prediction: It seems there was a point in 2016 where WWE realised that pushing Reigns like they did was the wrong move. Granted the kids may have loved him, but when your arenas are full of adult males, who’s collective voices outweigh those of the kids, you need to make a change. I much prefer Reigns in the US title role than the main event title role. He’s hasn’t been as over-exposed as he was at the start of the year, and that is a good thing. I am hoping and praying that this isn’t some sick joke and they are undoing all of the good work they have put in with Reigns. Having him beat Owens here will just piss off the audience again, and would certainly not be best for business. Let’s have Owens end the year on the highest of highs, and if you insist on putting the Universal title back on Reigns, tell a decent story with the guy first… Give him some actual character development, some obvious motivations, and make us have a chance of liking the guy. He is not ready for it yet though, so I’m sticking with an Owens win. Maybe have Reigns hit a spear post-match to send the crowd home happy and end the year with a babyface moment if you absolutely must.
Match Analysis: Oh wow how close was I!!! I didn't see the Jericho attack, but I absolutely loved it!!! At first you think... OMG HE'S TURNED ON KEVIN!! And then he throws a second spanner into the works, and gives him a hug! Brilliant!! It sows so many seeds of doubt as far as Jericho's stand point. Giving KO the Codebreaker can be seen as both a sign of solidarity, AND a sign of breakdown. Did Y2J attack him to relieve some tension? Did he hug him to play mind games?? All potential questions which keep the fans guessing. And guessing in a good way - not the way of "where does Brock go from here" after losing to Goldberg in 87 seconds. The match itself was fine, a few big spots, but nothing we haven't seen a million times in a main event involving Roman Reigns. I was spot on with the post-match attack though... That was pretty cool to see them do something logical as far as booking goes. My prediction is that either at the Rumble, or in the weeks leading up, Rollins and Reigns will have a tag team match against JeriKO, which will lead to further cracks between the BFFs, culminating in a match at Wrestlemania. If they play their cards right, it will be awesome.
[***3/4]
Overall Show
Overall, the show was fine. I felt a bit let down by the Sami Zayn match because it had such a big section of stalling. Strowman just stood there letting the time tick down, which killed the momentum. Elsewhere, the New Day title change and the Iron Woman match provided the main highlights for me - anything new and innovative is fine in my books. I wanna see things I haven't seen a million times before, so the table bumps in the main event just felt like the easy go-to spot to make it seem like a big match. I doubt I'd relive much of this again, past the Tag and Womens title matches.