Before I started watching the pay-per-view, I had no expectations whatsoever. Let’s face it; the card was not exactly the most exciting. Raw has been trumping SmackDown for the past couple of weeks, and unfortunately, the pay-per-view seems to solidify that once again. As I expected, Clash of Champions did not contain any earth-shocking occurrences. Instead, it was an average pay-per-view with a plodding pace. Here’s my review of each match.
Zack Ryder vs. Mojo Rawley
Despite the fact that I did not look forward to this match, it was not that bad. However, I must admit that Mojo Rawley’s new entrance music is atrocious. I did like his original new way of entering the ring as a solo competitor.
Sadly for Zack Ryder, the match was almost a squash match. Even though Ryder got a few offensive moves in, Rawley pretty much ruled the match. Also though the match is meant to put Rawley over, they could have done a little more with it.
My overall rating: 5/10
Breezango vs. the Bludgeon Brothers
God, where do I start with this monstrosity? Honestly, you would think the WWE would protect Breezango, considering the fact they have one of the biggest comedy hits of the year. Instead, they become jobbers for the Bludgeon Brothers in this horrendous match.
Yes, the match is meant to put the Bludgeon Brothers over with the crowd, but what is the point in burying Breezango once again? The match was nothing more than a big squash, hence why I give this match such a lousy rating. The only reason why I don’t give it a zero? The skill of all the wrestlers involved.
My overall rating: 3/10
Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn (Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon as guest referees)
I looked forward to this match, mainly because of the fact it included Daniel Bryan in the ring. However, the overall match was quite slow paced and underwhelming, which is surprising when you consider the big names this match had.
The primary focus throughout the match lay on Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan, and how they would act as referees. While entertaining, I did get a little bored throughout the match. The ending was quite good though, as you saw Shane dive when Daniel Bryan did a quick count.
Despite some amusing points and the fact they had six big names in the ring, the match failed to deliver in my eyes. However, I would like to commend Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Daniel Bryan for keeping my attention throughout a match that could have been a lot worse.
My overall rating: 6.5/10
The Usos vs. The New Day vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin vs. Rusev and Aiden English
One of the only matches that delivered in my honest opinion, but how could it not when you have the New Day, the Usos, Rusev, and Aiden English in the same ring. I have to admit, even Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable did some impressive stuff.
I was surprised at the outcome of this match, although the Usos certainly deserve a lengthy title reign. However, I would love to see Rusev and Aiden English with the Tag Team Championship Titles at this point, since they have quite a bit of momentum with the whole Rusev Day gimmick. If the WWE does not translate this gimmick into a title soon, a good gimmick could be buried once again.
Despite some of my issues, the match was terrific. Every single competitor put down an A+ match, so my rating for the match is more than deserved. Good job guys!
My overall rating: 9/10
Natalya vs. Charlotte
Lumberjack matches have a reputation for being terrible, and unfortunately, that did not change during the Clash of Champions pay-per-view. There was little action inside the ring, but plenty of Charlotte beat downs outside the squared circle.
The only surprise during this match was Natalya’s short speech at the end. The statement has left many people speculating about Natalya’s future in the company, and if she is considering retirement.
My Overall Rating: 4/10
Baron Corbin vs. Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler
I have to confess, I fell asleep during this match. I fell asleep right during Corbin’s entrance (no offence Corbin, it was a long day), so I had to re-watch the match on the WWE network.
My expectations for this match were below zero, mainly because it involved Corbin and Ziggler. However, Ziggler and Roode delivered during this match, making it an exciting watch (even though I fell asleep last night). There was also a big surprise at the end since Ziggler took the win.
My Overall Rating: 7/10
AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal
To be honest, AJ Styles never disappoints. However, my other half stated that there was “too much Jinder” during this match, and I would have to agree. However, I would like to commend Jinder Mahal for the progress he has made in the ring.
Despite his progress, it did seem like the WWE is trying to make Jinder look a lot stronger, possibly for another title reign in the future. However, if the WWE handles this right and makes Jinder put on matches like this, I won’t be offended by a future title reign. One thing though, Jinder seriously needs to work on selling his opponent’s moves.
My Overall Rating: 7/10
My Total Rating for the Clash of Champions Pay-Per-View
Right, time to count all my scores and provide you with the overall rating for this pay-per-view.
My Total Rating for Clash of Champions 2017: 5.9/10
Not the worst pay-per-view of the year, but probably not the best either. I did notice some superstars increasing in skill, while others continue to fall back. My opinion? SmackDown needs to build their stars and leave behind those that cannot keep up.
What did you think about Clash of Champions? Put your unsalted opinion in the comment section below; I look forward to reading it!