Apr 24, 2014 - Six Man Clash

This week in WWE, Daniel Bryan returned from his off-the-grid honeymoon, just in time for two devastating blows. The first was the death of his father (R.I.P.), the second was the return of Demon Kane, who destroyed him despite the falsely-sincere protests of Stephanie McMahon. The Intercontinental Championship and Divas Championship are now starting to get something resembling booking, as a tournament started to crown a #1 contender for Big E's IC title, and as Paige took on all comers as Tamina looms as a new challenger. Meanwhile, Evolution and The Shield looked to square off, but Evolution hid behind a screen of midcarders while warning The Shield they had to 'adapt or perish.'

And gloriously, the WWE Universe voted for the Almighty Cena to face the entire Wyatt Family in a 3-on-1 handicap, leading to a big beatdown, and the lingering shot of Wyatt cradling Cena's head while singing "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands."

Down in NXT Land, the NXT Women's Championship is now vacant, awaiting a new champion following a tournament, while the BFFs' Charlotte & Sasha Banks tangle with Emma and her mystery partner, Tyson Kidd looks to re-establish himself as a premier talent in NXT, Tyler Breeze has entered the building, and in the main event, tag team champions collide as The Ascension and the Usos team up with Corey Graves and Sami Zayn for a six-man tag team spectacle.

Apr. 17, 2014 - Gravitational Pull

This week in WWE, while Daniel Bryan enjoys his honeymoon as both champion and new husband (congrats to he and Brie Bella!), The Authority was looking to eliminate threats to their power.  While Stephanie McMahon motivated Corporate Kane into redonning his mask and becoming the monster again, Triple H convinced Randy Orton and Batista that they needed to work together as a unit to take out the 'Hounds of Justice' in The Shield...

...and that's just what they did, booking the trio in a handicap match against 11 midcard heels, a numbers game that even The Shield couldn't overcome for long, and in the end, they were beat down and left vulnerable for Orton, Batista, and Triple H, who laid them out and told them, "Believe in Evolution."

Down in NXT Land, BIG CASS restarted his rivalry with the Artiste, Oliver Grey returned to action against Camacho, the Great Khali left a big carbon footprint on CJ Parker's face, the tag team scene heated up a little more with a new team's arrival, and Brodus Clay threw his considerable weight around on Adrian Neville.

Apr. 10, 2014 - Post Mania Rush

This week in WWE, it marked the end of an era, as Wrestlemania and the Post-Mania Raw both changed the landscape in WWE.  The remnants of the Attitude Era fell to the advent of the Reality Era, as Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, and The Rock effectively passed the torch to the current generation over some beers, while The Shield defeated Corporate Kane & the New Age Outlaws, as Cesaro won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and while Daniel Bryan overcame every obstacle The Authority could put in his way and became the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

But that almost paled in comparison to the unthinkable happening-- The Undertaker's vaunted Streak came to a shocking end as BRRROOOOCK LLLESSSNAAAR broke him and marched out, a triumphant conqueror.

Also, just days after burying the hatchet with Vince McMahon and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, the Ultimate Warrior passed away of a sudden, but not unexpected, heart attack, shocking many wrestling fans.  All I'll say on that subject is, for all that I disagree with his worldviews, I was sad to hear of his passing.  Rest in peace, Warrior.

Other major happenings from this week will be discussed below the break.

Down in NXT Land, the Adam Rose Experience continued, as did the BFFs' losing streak. Brodus Clay continued to make his case for a title shot, while the entire NXT Universe literally turned its back on Bo Dallas when he tried to do the same.

Apr. 3, 2014 - Will Sami Stay Down?

This week in WWE, everyone's on the Road to Wrestlemania, as The Shield gets set to face off with Corporate Kane and the Corporate Outlaws, as AJ Lee takes on the world to defend her Divas Championship, as the Undertaker defends The Streak against BRRROCK LLLESNAR, and as Daniel Bryan's #YesMovement tries to overcome The Authority's Triple H en route to the Triple Threat WWE World Heavyweight Championship match with Batista and the champion Randy Orton.

And everyone else is either fighting for the Tag Titles or is in the Andre the Giant Memorial 30-Man Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal (Brother).

Down in NXT Land, the Emmalution returns to Full Sail University, while more of These Guys from the NXT Tag Division fall to the juggernauts that are The Ascension. Brodus Clay puts the NXT Champion on notice, while Tyler Breeze "uggo-fies" Yoshi Tatsu. And in the main event, Corey Graves looks to make Sami Zayn "stay down."

Mar. 27, 2014 - Vengeance Week

This week in WWE, Triple H officially labelled the current WWE era the "Reality Era," in a not-too-subtle way to acknowledge the blurring of the lines between what's "real" and what's "staged."  The Authority continued to flex its muscle as Daniel Bryan was kept off TV, while Corporate Kane and the New Age Corporate Outlaws made life difficult for the Shield.  Oh, and Vickie Guerrero got back at AJ Lee's disparaging remarks by forcing her to face the entire Divas roster at Wrestlemania.

Meanwhile, the Wyatt Family has gotten into John Cena's head as they care less about wins and losses and more about just breaking him physically and mentally.

Down in NXT Land, it's Vengeance Week with several issues stemming from "NXT Arrival" and the month since come to a head, as CJ Parker looks to avenge his loss to Mojo Rawley, Xavier Woods looks for retribution against Tyler Breeze, Yoshi Tatsu looks for revenge against Corey Graves, Natalya looks to shut up Charlotte, and Bo Dallas cashes in his rematch clause against NXT Champion Adrian Neville.

Mar. 20, 2014 - Sheamus Steals the Spotlight

This week in WWE, John Cena pulled a one-eighty in the face of Bray Wyatt's mind games, expressing fear of Wyatt's warped message and the swamp cult leader's quest to destroy Cena's legacy.  Meanwhile, The Authority felt the pressure of mounting rebellion.  The Shield openly defied Corporate Kane and took him down, rather than attack Jerry 'The King' Lawler.  WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and Royal Rumble winner Batista both expressed their displeasure with the potential of a third man in their Wrestlemania main event, and questioned Triple H's decision-making abilities... which prompted the furious COO to declare that if when he beats Daniel Bryan, he'll be inserted into the main event triple threat.

And then he compounded it by duping Bryan with fake cops, got him handcuffed, and then delivered an absolutely sick beatdown to the leader of the Yes Movement.

Down in NXT Land, the 'Hype Man' stays hyped, but CJ Parker is getting ready to release some eco-justice on him, Corey Graves tried to make sure Sami Zayn 'stays down,' the Adam Rose Experience continues, Bayley showed some new personality against Sasha Banks, and Sheamus came down to NXT to steal the spotlight from 'The Artiste.'

Mar. 13, 2014 - It's Bo Time

This week in WWE, Daniel Bryan finally had enough of The Authority's meddling.  After kicking Triple H in the head last week and getting beat down for it, Daniel Bryan was given a "sincere" (not really) apology from Mr. & Mrs. Stephanie McMahon for their losing their cool, and demanded an apology in return. Instead, the "sawed-off little goat-faced troll" and his Yes Movement hijacked the show, and #OccupyRaw took control of the ring.  In exchange for returning the show to The Authority, Daniel Bryan demanded a match against Triple H at Wrestlemania 30-- with the stipulation that if he beats The Game, Bryan is added to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship main event against Batista and Randy Orton.

And all The Authority could do was say "Yes."

Down in NXT Land, the BFFs continue to make life unpleasant for anyone else, the Ascension continued their path of total maximum carnage, Xavier Woods looked for retribution against Alexander Rusev, and Bo Dallas went up against BIG CASS.

Mar. 6, 2014 - The Filth Parade Returns

This week in WWE, the fans hijacked Raw!  Well, not really.  They wanted to, but apart from just chanting "CM Punk" for hours on end, it came to nothing.  Brock Lesnar injured people, while Batista got out of breath insulting the Yes Movement. Bray Wyatt promised to destroy everything around John Cena, who for once seemed to have no smart-assed remark or one-liner to fall back on. The Usos finally captured Tag Team Championship gold by defeating the Old Age Outlaws.

And Triple H continued to duck Daniel Bryan's demands for a match at Wrestlemania... but he wasn't quick enough to duck a kick in the head.

Down in NXT Land, Adrian Neville was put on notice by ex-champion Bo Dallas, Charlotte proved she's the "Dirtiest Diva in the Game," the Adam Rose Experience arrived on NXT, and Corey Graves picked a fight with Sami Zayn

Feb. 27, 2014 - The Network Arrival

This week in WWE, Owen Hart Daniel Bryan decided enough was enough, and it was time for a change, and challenged Triple H to a match at Wrestlemania. John Cena was injured at the hands of the Wyatt Family, while The Shield showed signs of internal strife. BRRROCK LLLESNAR returned and laid out an open challenge for Wrestlemania... and was answered by The Undertaker.  In spite of the WWE Universe's rejection of both men in the match, WWE moved forward with Randy Orton defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Bootista Batista at Wrestlemania as well.

Oh, and something called the WWE Network made its debut. I think they want it to be a big deal, fairly quick.

Down in NXT Land, my favorite piece of WWE programming made its own big Network debut with a two-hour live special, "NXT Arrival."

Feb. 19, 2014 - Impending Arrival

This week in WWE, it was made emphatically clear that Daniel Bryan is meant to be the "underdog" in the Elimination Chamber (having to wrestle multiple matches in a row twice in one week will do that), while Antonio Cesaro is the "dark horse," owing to his defeat of Randy Orton and hard-fought match against the Almighty Cena.  The Shield/Wyatt Family rivalry finally exploded into an epic staredown/brawl, and the Usos seem poised to take the Tag Titles off the Old New Age Outlaws.

Oh, and the Network is coming next week!

Down in NXT Land, preparations for NXT's "Arrival" on the Network were in full swing. Emma kept her momentum strong going into her match with Paige. Sami Zayn and Cesaro have a tense sit-down interview. And Tyler Breeze looked to try to rearrange Adrian Neville's face.

Feb. 12, 2014 - Rivalries on Arrival

This week in WWE, The Authority continued to make Randy Orton "run the gauntlet" of his challengers at the Elimination Chamber, losing to both Antonio Cesaro and perennial rival John Cena, in a match that Cena implied was the end of their rivalry.  Meanwhile, Daniel Bryan continues to have issues with The Authority and in particular Corporate Kane, while The Shield and the Wyatt Family heated up their own feud as we speed toward the next PPV.

Oh, and no matter what WWE might want you to think, C.M. Punk still exists, and no amount of ignoring the chants will change that.

Down in NXT Land, the BFFs proved their true colors in a six-Divas tag match against Emma, Natalya, and Bayley, BIG CASS clashed with the Artiste, CJ Parker has a smaller carbon footprint than you, and things got creepy as the Wyatt Family made a return.

Feb. 5, 2014 - Speed Bumps on the Road

This week in WWE, the Yes Movement continued to pick up momentum as Daniel Bryan picked up a key victory over Randy Orton, although it appears that Corporate Kane is going to be a thorn in D-Bry's side for the near future.  The Shield and the Wyatt Family continue their war of words, with neither side showing any fear of the other, although an issue continues to simmer between Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

And WWE is now pretending that CM Punk doesn't exist, as they have not mentioned him on air since last week.

Oh, and this week on Raw, the Emmalution was televised as Emma herself made her 'debut' in a dance-off with Summer Rae! But more on that below the break.

Down in NXT Land, while things steam toward NXT Arrival on February 27, the Rusev Legacy continues to slowly build momentum, while France battles Wales, English battles Canada, and as a heated rivalry erupts again as Corey Graves looks to avenge his concussion on the man who gave it to him, Adrian Neville.

Jan. 29, 2014 - Don't Take Your Eye Off the Ball

This week, the WWE Universe, as one, declared they were sick to death of Cena-vs-Orton Part LVIII.  They declared that they would rather watch the Divas wrestle than the Superman or the 'Face' of the WWE.  They stated that they did not want to see Dave Batista headline Wrestlemania. They demanded one man in their main event, and that man's name was Daniel Bryan.

Down in NXT Land, The Ascension continued their utter domination of the remnants of NXT's tag division, Corey Graves re-started the filth parade, Bayley kept fighting her way through the BFFs, Big Cass looked to rearrange Tyler Breeze's face, The Miz fought CJ Parker in a match no one really cared about, and Bo Dallas and Adrian Neville got on the train toward NXT Arrival...

Be warned, readers, I go off on a bit of a rant below the break.

Jan 22, 2013 - Can Neville Beat The Clock?

This week in WWE, Randy Orton was shunned, shunned, for his actions the week before. Brock Lesnar threw a hissy fit when Big Show proved capable of once again picking him up like a small child. CM Punk accepted Kane's apology for last week's chokeslam in the most assholish way possible. BIG DAVE (aka Batista) returned and put Orton officially On Notice.  And Daniel Bryan returned from death by concussion to continue his issue with the Wyatt Family.

Oh, and we're just days away from THE ROYAL F***ING RUMBLE!!

Down in NXT Land, Adrian Neville got back on the path toward an NXT Championship shot, the BFFs continued their issue with Natalya & Bayley, Xavier Woods looked for revenge on Alexander Rusev, and Antonio Cesaro had a face-to-face with Sami Zayn.

Jan. 15, 2014 - Getting Back to Basics

This week in WWE, CM Punk got screwed over by the WWE Legends (and known HHH Friends) the New Age Outlaws, leading to yet another Shield beat-down for the Best in the World. Big Show laid down a challenge to Brock Lesnar for the Royal Rumble, much to Paul Heyman's amusement.  Randy Orton snapped after an upset loss to Kofi Kingston and took out his frustrations at the first person he saw, who happened to be John Cena's father.

And Daniel Bryan got Bray Wyatt alone in a steel cage, where he promptly got his retribution by kicking his damn head in.  And the WWE Universe screamed "YES!!!"

Down in NXT Land, things got back to basics with a wrestling-heavy episode, as we are on track to NXT's first live broadcast from Full Sail University.

Jan. 8, 2014 - The Ascension Goes Tornado

This week in WWE, we went Old School! Notables such as Rowdy Roddy Piper, 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair, and Diamond Dallas Page dropped by, with appearances by less notables such as 'Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase, I.R.S., Nikolai Volkoff, Too Cool & Rikishi, and others. Plus, the Shield's Dean Ambrose got to go eye-to-eye with his spiritual father as none other than Jake 'The Snake' Roberts made a surprise appearance and shoved a snake in his face.

Also, Daniel Bryan Wyatt made his re-debut and appears to have assimilated fairly well into the hillbilly cult. Which is just terrifying.

But more importantly than that, this week, we got confirmation that the WWE Network is A Thing That Is Actually Happening, and it looks freaking awesome.

Down in NXT Land, Bayley continued to seek retribution on the BFFs, The Authority hasn't forgotten about Xavier Woods, The Artiste continued to press his issue with BIG CASS, and in the main event, The Ascension went to war with Hunico & Camacho in a Tornado Tag Match.

Jan. 1, 2014 - Sami Still Will Not Go Away

This week in WWE, storylines actually developed!  Perhaps it was the absence of John Cena or Randy Orton from the show, but we saw storylines developing more than just a week or two before a pay-per-view.  Cena was officially declared #1 contender to Orton's WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but then none other than BRRROCK LLLESNAR showed up to declare he's got next, and dared anyone to say otherwise.  When Mark Henry so dared, Brockle Snar smashed the hell out of him.

Meanwhile, CM Punk sowed the seeds of discontent within The Shield by asking them which of the three was the best, saying it's not Dean Ambrose ("'cuz I've beaten you before") and implying it was Roman Reigns, until Seth Rollins stepped up and said he'd fight Punk instead.  And at the end of the show, Daniel Bryan fought his way through the Wyatt Family, before his resolve crumpled, and he agreed to join them instead...

Down in NXT Land, the Bulgarian Brute continued his path of silent fury, Sylvester LeFort started looking for a new client, a #1 contender to the NXT Women's Championship was determined, there was a surprisingly good sing-off between the Artiste and BIG CASS, and in our main event, Sami Zayn went toe-to-toe with Leo Kruger in a Best-of-3 falls match.