Welcome to the Mastermind Analysis review of WWE No Mercy 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
In keeping with the trip down memory lane, the last No Mercy event took place in 2008. Both Hardy brothers appeared in singles matches, and Chris Jericho beat Shawn Michaels in the main event! Fast Forward 8 years, and Smackdown has won the opening round of the brand PPV war with Raw. In my opinion, Clash of Champions was a very average PPV, whereas Backlash really made a statement that SmackDown should be taken very seriously as a contender for the title of Flagship show. I find myself really looking forward to this card, whereas Hell in a Cell… not so much. I’m hoping for some enjoyable rematches, and hopefully some interesting developments.
Pre-Show
American Alpha & The Hype Bros vs The Vaudevillains & The Asencion
Prediction: So, I sit down with my breakfast to watch the Kick-Off show before work as I always do, fully expecting to see Corbin and Swagger go toe to toe... But in a theme I think I'll be touching on a few times over this blog post, the match has apparently changed. For the record, the first thing I shouted to my fiance this morning was: "Alpha to pin a Vaudevillain. No brainer!"...
Match Analysis: I got exactly what I expected. The match had a similar feel to the dark match at NXT: London (which Alpha won also). It wasn't a bad match by any stretch of the imagination, but nothing memorable either.
[***]
Main Show
AJ Styles © vs John Cena vs Dean Ambrose
Prediction: Believe it or not, this is the first main event that John Cena has been in since Survivor Series 2014!! That’s 26 PPVs, almost 2 years worth of main events!! With that in mind, I fully expect Big Match John bring his A game here. I am much happier with Ambrose being the underdog contender here as well – he just never clicked as a champ for me. When he doesn’t have anything to chase he’s just left kicking his heels. Lastly, we have AJ Styles… I can’t say enough about this guy. I am pleasantly surprised he’s been treated the way he has since signing with WWE. In hindsight, maybe WWE suspected they would be able to purchase TNA’s tape library (allegedly), so they wanted to keep TNA’s biggest star as an attraction so fans will tune in for old TNA shows? Either way, I am calling for AJ to retain, despite there only being 33 and a third percentage chance of him winning. Check with Scott Steiner for the actual odds, of course!
Match Analysis: I'm going to be keeping my predictions spiel the same for the entirety of this blog post for comedic effect... SO in the second match of the night, we have the second change from my initial prediction draft. I'm not sure whether to blame Shane McMahon or Wikipedia... ANYWAY, the match itself was rather entertaining with some innovative triple-man spots. The calf killer/STF double tap was a confusing moment though. As with putting the "main event" on first, there's a reason why some things in wrestling happen the way they do. While I admire them trying different things, this match going on first made no sense; and the fact that AJ tapped out but didn't lose the match made zero sense. I understand the ref calling the match to continue, but in a world where singles titles have been shared, it makes a mockery of titles being split in the past - why does the ref all of a sudden have the power to have the match continue?
[***1/2]
Natalya (Carmella) vs Nikki Bella
Prediction: As someone who doesn’t watch SmackDown, the last article I read put Nikki Bella in a feud with Carmella, so I’m not sure why Natalya is in this match. Unless there’s an injury I’m unaware of, I’m looking for Carmella to get involved in this match at some point, potentially costing Nikki the win – or giving Nikki the win via DQ… Either way, Natalya is walking out of the match; Nikki will end it beaten down.
Match Analysis: I'm pretty sure this match change is down to Wikipedia. It 100% said Natalya when I wrote the predictions blog, so not sure how that happened. It's a bizarre night... Anyway, the match was fine, I'm digging Carmella's heel run, and the Code of Silence is a really cool move. My prediction was immediately out of the window, but the result never felt in doubt.
[**1/2]
Heath Slater & Rhyno © vs The Usos
Prediction: I was pleasantly surprised when Slater & Rhyno won the belts at Backlash. With the Uso’s heel turn I felt it was a given that they would win, but at least this way Slater has his contract. I’m thinking that No Mercy is the time to pull the trigger on the Uso’s and their heel turn, otherwise they will never be taken seriously as a threat. Usos to win!
Match Analysis: First off, I am thrilled that Usos got new heel music. That's one thing that really annoys me - when people turn but keep the same music. Another thing that annoys me is when a major babyface turns heel, and then goes on to lose constantly...! The last time the Usos had a major win was against the Hype Bros at Backlash. But they have now lost to Slater & Rhyno on back-to-back PPVs. Someone explain why they should be treated like a real threat? Don't get me wrong, I love Slater and Rhyno, but I don't get why the Usos are being fed to them when it feels they should be made to look like bad asses.
[**1/2]
Jack Swagger vs Baron Corbin
Prediction: Having seen nothing of Jack Swagger in a long time, and desperately missing my weekly fix of Corbin on NXT, I am firmly behind the Baron on this one. I’m not going to pretend to know anything about the feud, other than it’s a slot filler on the card. Baron Corbin for the win.
Match Analysis: Really good fire and passion shown by Corbin tonight, I was really pleased to see him not coasting through his opponents. The guy is one of the best natural heels the WWE have developed in a long, long time. While the result was never in doubt, I'm really glad Corbin came out looking strong.
[***]
The Miz © vs Dolph Ziggler
Prediction: On paper, this is a really boring rematch of a pairing we’ve seen far too much of. But then you add in the stipulation of title vs career, and all of a sudden my ears are pricked up in curiosity. I may be forgetting something, but I almost can’t remember the last time a career was on the line in a major way. And at the moment, in the WWE – a company who are apparently signing up as many performers as physically possible and sucking the life out of indy scenes worldwide – having them publically risk losing someone on a PPV is a big deal for me. Much as I think it’s a perfect opportunity for Ziggler to turn Heel in order to secure his job… I actually believe that the Miz will win this and Ziggler will be no more… for a few weeks anyway. Maybe he’ll pop up on Raw…?
Match Analysis: Ugh. All I wanted was a bit of drama. Instead we got an overbooked ending with the wrong man winning. The match was absolutely phenomenal, great intensity and action. But the ending just felt flat and predictable after Dolph kicked out of everything. This felt like a chance to do something truly memorable, instead the Miz - who has been doing the best work of his life - loses his championship in a result that won't be remembered in the history books.
[****1/4]
Becky Lynch © (Naomi) vs Alexa Bliss
Prediction: While I’m a big fan of Alexa Bliss from a pure viewing standpoint, I don’t feel she’s anywhere near ready to hold a major championship. Becky Lynch on the other hand… actually it’s almost exactly the same – except she is 100% the woman for the SmackDown brand right now. She perfectly represents the underdog who never gives up despite the overbearing competition. Alexa just feels like an easy first opponent for Becky to get through to establish herself as the champ. Becky for the win.
Match Analysis: So we have ourselves another match change. I don't know why Becky gets to keep her belt, when so many other champs have been stripped due to injury. But enough talk of stripping Becky Lynch... I have no idea why Naomi went over here?! Luckily we had enough shots of Alexa's bum for me to be too pissed off with the decision.
[**3/4]
Curt Hawkins vs TBD
Prediction: At one point, Wikipedia had it as Hawkins vs Apollo Crews… it’s since changed to TBD so I have no idea what’s going on here… Regardless, I’m going for a Hawkins victory.
Match Analysis: Wait... This match isn't happening now?! WTF?! Can someone tell Wikipedia to sort their shit out please...!!!
[]
Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt
Prediction: Once I’d slept on the BackLash decision, I can understand why Bray Wyatt lost to Kane. Still, I wasn’t happy about it. I am a shameless mark for Bray, so I want him to win everything in wrestling. On the other side of the ring, we have Randy Orton – who I am thoroughly bored by. To say he was a massive part of Evolution, he’s really struggled to evolve, and as a result just feels like a stale character going through the motions. Maybe he should take a page out of Matt Hardys book… Anyway, I’m probably wrong again, because WWE hates giving Wyatt victories, but I’m going for a Wyatt victory. Maybe with help from a returning Luke Harper?
Match Analysis: Well I never!! They gave Bray Wyatt a win!! And I called the return of Harper!! After a night of bizarre decisions, they finally made a good one!! Orton bores me, Wyatt (and the family) are an act I just want to see more of. I honestly believe Bray Wyatt has what it takes to transcend Superstar status and become a true legend of wrestling history. But he needs to start building a championship portfolio, so hopefully he can be given a chance to run with a belt, as it's the one part of his charachter that has been lacking up until now.
[***3/4]
Overall Show
Overall, the show was a bit bizarre. From the changes to the matches (granted Wikipedia isn't the direct source), to the "main event" going on first... Call me old fashioned, but the main event is the last match of the night, regardless of what anyone says. I don't think the show was as strong as Backlash, maybe that's down to the changes and bizarre decisions, but it wasn't a waste of my evening.
In keeping with the trip down memory lane, the last No Mercy event took place in 2008. Both Hardy brothers appeared in singles matches, and Chris Jericho beat Shawn Michaels in the main event! Fast Forward 8 years, and Smackdown has won the opening round of the brand PPV war with Raw. In my opinion, Clash of Champions was a very average PPV, whereas Backlash really made a statement that SmackDown should be taken very seriously as a contender for the title of Flagship show. I find myself really looking forward to this card, whereas Hell in a Cell… not so much. I’m hoping for some enjoyable rematches, and hopefully some interesting developments.
Pre-Show
American Alpha & The Hype Bros vs The Vaudevillains & The Asencion
Prediction: So, I sit down with my breakfast to watch the Kick-Off show before work as I always do, fully expecting to see Corbin and Swagger go toe to toe... But in a theme I think I'll be touching on a few times over this blog post, the match has apparently changed. For the record, the first thing I shouted to my fiance this morning was: "Alpha to pin a Vaudevillain. No brainer!"...
Match Analysis: I got exactly what I expected. The match had a similar feel to the dark match at NXT: London (which Alpha won also). It wasn't a bad match by any stretch of the imagination, but nothing memorable either.
[***]
Main Show
AJ Styles © vs John Cena vs Dean Ambrose
Prediction: Believe it or not, this is the first main event that John Cena has been in since Survivor Series 2014!! That’s 26 PPVs, almost 2 years worth of main events!! With that in mind, I fully expect Big Match John bring his A game here. I am much happier with Ambrose being the underdog contender here as well – he just never clicked as a champ for me. When he doesn’t have anything to chase he’s just left kicking his heels. Lastly, we have AJ Styles… I can’t say enough about this guy. I am pleasantly surprised he’s been treated the way he has since signing with WWE. In hindsight, maybe WWE suspected they would be able to purchase TNA’s tape library (allegedly), so they wanted to keep TNA’s biggest star as an attraction so fans will tune in for old TNA shows? Either way, I am calling for AJ to retain, despite there only being 33 and a third percentage chance of him winning. Check with Scott Steiner for the actual odds, of course!
Match Analysis: I'm going to be keeping my predictions spiel the same for the entirety of this blog post for comedic effect... SO in the second match of the night, we have the second change from my initial prediction draft. I'm not sure whether to blame Shane McMahon or Wikipedia... ANYWAY, the match itself was rather entertaining with some innovative triple-man spots. The calf killer/STF double tap was a confusing moment though. As with putting the "main event" on first, there's a reason why some things in wrestling happen the way they do. While I admire them trying different things, this match going on first made no sense; and the fact that AJ tapped out but didn't lose the match made zero sense. I understand the ref calling the match to continue, but in a world where singles titles have been shared, it makes a mockery of titles being split in the past - why does the ref all of a sudden have the power to have the match continue?
[***1/2]
Natalya (Carmella) vs Nikki Bella
Prediction: As someone who doesn’t watch SmackDown, the last article I read put Nikki Bella in a feud with Carmella, so I’m not sure why Natalya is in this match. Unless there’s an injury I’m unaware of, I’m looking for Carmella to get involved in this match at some point, potentially costing Nikki the win – or giving Nikki the win via DQ… Either way, Natalya is walking out of the match; Nikki will end it beaten down.
Match Analysis: I'm pretty sure this match change is down to Wikipedia. It 100% said Natalya when I wrote the predictions blog, so not sure how that happened. It's a bizarre night... Anyway, the match was fine, I'm digging Carmella's heel run, and the Code of Silence is a really cool move. My prediction was immediately out of the window, but the result never felt in doubt.
[**1/2]
Heath Slater & Rhyno © vs The Usos
Prediction: I was pleasantly surprised when Slater & Rhyno won the belts at Backlash. With the Uso’s heel turn I felt it was a given that they would win, but at least this way Slater has his contract. I’m thinking that No Mercy is the time to pull the trigger on the Uso’s and their heel turn, otherwise they will never be taken seriously as a threat. Usos to win!
Match Analysis: First off, I am thrilled that Usos got new heel music. That's one thing that really annoys me - when people turn but keep the same music. Another thing that annoys me is when a major babyface turns heel, and then goes on to lose constantly...! The last time the Usos had a major win was against the Hype Bros at Backlash. But they have now lost to Slater & Rhyno on back-to-back PPVs. Someone explain why they should be treated like a real threat? Don't get me wrong, I love Slater and Rhyno, but I don't get why the Usos are being fed to them when it feels they should be made to look like bad asses.
[**1/2]
Jack Swagger vs Baron Corbin
Prediction: Having seen nothing of Jack Swagger in a long time, and desperately missing my weekly fix of Corbin on NXT, I am firmly behind the Baron on this one. I’m not going to pretend to know anything about the feud, other than it’s a slot filler on the card. Baron Corbin for the win.
Match Analysis: Really good fire and passion shown by Corbin tonight, I was really pleased to see him not coasting through his opponents. The guy is one of the best natural heels the WWE have developed in a long, long time. While the result was never in doubt, I'm really glad Corbin came out looking strong.
[***]
The Miz © vs Dolph Ziggler
Prediction: On paper, this is a really boring rematch of a pairing we’ve seen far too much of. But then you add in the stipulation of title vs career, and all of a sudden my ears are pricked up in curiosity. I may be forgetting something, but I almost can’t remember the last time a career was on the line in a major way. And at the moment, in the WWE – a company who are apparently signing up as many performers as physically possible and sucking the life out of indy scenes worldwide – having them publically risk losing someone on a PPV is a big deal for me. Much as I think it’s a perfect opportunity for Ziggler to turn Heel in order to secure his job… I actually believe that the Miz will win this and Ziggler will be no more… for a few weeks anyway. Maybe he’ll pop up on Raw…?
Match Analysis: Ugh. All I wanted was a bit of drama. Instead we got an overbooked ending with the wrong man winning. The match was absolutely phenomenal, great intensity and action. But the ending just felt flat and predictable after Dolph kicked out of everything. This felt like a chance to do something truly memorable, instead the Miz - who has been doing the best work of his life - loses his championship in a result that won't be remembered in the history books.
[****1/4]
Becky Lynch © (Naomi) vs Alexa Bliss
Prediction: While I’m a big fan of Alexa Bliss from a pure viewing standpoint, I don’t feel she’s anywhere near ready to hold a major championship. Becky Lynch on the other hand… actually it’s almost exactly the same – except she is 100% the woman for the SmackDown brand right now. She perfectly represents the underdog who never gives up despite the overbearing competition. Alexa just feels like an easy first opponent for Becky to get through to establish herself as the champ. Becky for the win.
Match Analysis: So we have ourselves another match change. I don't know why Becky gets to keep her belt, when so many other champs have been stripped due to injury. But enough talk of stripping Becky Lynch... I have no idea why Naomi went over here?! Luckily we had enough shots of Alexa's bum for me to be too pissed off with the decision.
[**3/4]
Curt Hawkins vs TBD
Prediction: At one point, Wikipedia had it as Hawkins vs Apollo Crews… it’s since changed to TBD so I have no idea what’s going on here… Regardless, I’m going for a Hawkins victory.
Match Analysis: Wait... This match isn't happening now?! WTF?! Can someone tell Wikipedia to sort their shit out please...!!!
[]
Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt
Prediction: Once I’d slept on the BackLash decision, I can understand why Bray Wyatt lost to Kane. Still, I wasn’t happy about it. I am a shameless mark for Bray, so I want him to win everything in wrestling. On the other side of the ring, we have Randy Orton – who I am thoroughly bored by. To say he was a massive part of Evolution, he’s really struggled to evolve, and as a result just feels like a stale character going through the motions. Maybe he should take a page out of Matt Hardys book… Anyway, I’m probably wrong again, because WWE hates giving Wyatt victories, but I’m going for a Wyatt victory. Maybe with help from a returning Luke Harper?
Match Analysis: Well I never!! They gave Bray Wyatt a win!! And I called the return of Harper!! After a night of bizarre decisions, they finally made a good one!! Orton bores me, Wyatt (and the family) are an act I just want to see more of. I honestly believe Bray Wyatt has what it takes to transcend Superstar status and become a true legend of wrestling history. But he needs to start building a championship portfolio, so hopefully he can be given a chance to run with a belt, as it's the one part of his charachter that has been lacking up until now.
[***3/4]
Overall Show
Overall, the show was a bit bizarre. From the changes to the matches (granted Wikipedia isn't the direct source), to the "main event" going on first... Call me old fashioned, but the main event is the last match of the night, regardless of what anyone says. I don't think the show was as strong as Backlash, maybe that's down to the changes and bizarre decisions, but it wasn't a waste of my evening.