Wrestlemania 33 Booking

It's the time of year again that people start planning their own fantasy Wrestlemania cards, or try and tell WWE what they should be doing (Which is what im doing here). What I've learned from doing this for the last few years is that it is incredibly hard to fit everyone onto a Wrestlemania card, whilst finding them a role that fits their respective level.

This year has proven extremely difficult on that front because;

• Charlotte has been the MVP of womens wrestling, so if she isn't in a title match then what?
• The Miz has been the best heel in the company, and is on the form of his life so he needs a match to fit his stature (also, is it me or could WWE be priming him for a 'Rumble win?
• We have potential NXT call-up's to add into the mix

We also have to remember that being on the Wrestlemania pre-show is not like being on the pre-show of say, Over The Limit. Most of the stadium will be filled, and it is still a huge, huge stage. A full list of the card and order are at the bottom or anyone curious for the list quickly. 

Pre-Show

Breezeango vs The Hype Bros vs The Vaudevillains vs The Ascension

A standard, "get people onto the card, and send out a lukewarm match to the start of the pre-show" match. These can be a very fun match, and the pace can be high due to the constantly tag-in-out pahses. A good opening to the pre-show, similar to past 'Mania. 

Cruiserweight Title - Cruiserweight Open

Simialr to Wretlemania XX, an open match featuring most of the division; including Neville, Aries, Kendrick, TJP, Noam Dar, Cedric Alexander and the rest. Unfortunately we all know WWE will not have them on the main card this year, but that doesn't mean they can't shine on the pre-show.

Nia Jax vs Emma(lina)

Have Emma defeat Nia, even with a bit of a dusty finish (to protect Nia), to help kick-start her push to a title match. Not that she will necessarily win the title but it would provide RAW with a needed fresh face in the title picture, and gives Nia more time to improve.

Smackdown Tag Titles:

American Alpha vs The Usos

The final match before the main card is a great spot; a full stadium, and a ramped crowd. American Alpha are loved by all, amazing in the ring and super over. So pair them with the Uso's (since it looks like The Revival might debut after 'Mania), who can also put on a show. Heck, even have The Revival debut after the match and destroy 'Alpha. 

Main Show

Intercontinental Title, Ladder Match: 

Dean Ambrose (c) vs Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler vs Kalisto vs Apollo Crews vs Tye Dillinger vs The Miz vs Sami Zayn

It seems we are destined to gettting thesse matches every year, which isn't necesarilly a bad thing. They are generally excellent, and tend to get people who should be on the card, onto the card. Have Tye Dillinger debut at number 10 in the 'Rumble, as a much needed addition to the Smackdown midcard scene. Also Sami Zayn by this point is sick of RAW and has been drafted to Smackdown. Dean Ambrose needs a lengthy title reign, rather than losing it before Wrestlemania, meaning he could drop it to anyone in this match pretty much if the WWE wanted, without it devaluing Ambrose. As a side note, The Miz doesn't win which leads to him snapping on Daniel Bryan physcially. This will bring Shinsuke Nakamura to Smackdown at some point after Wrestlemania - around May or June, as Bryan's handpicked punishment opponent for The Miz.

Winner: Sami Zayn for an Ambrose vs Zayn amazing IC Title feud

WWE.com

Smackdown Womens Championship:

Alexa Bliss (c) vs Becky Lynch vs Nikki Bella 

The biggest names of the Smackdown womens division fighting it out over the title. It's as simple as that really, and whilst Alexa Bliss has been utterly incredbily since the draft, this would perhaps be a little too soon for her to win. Hoding the title so long would make her a true womens main event star, and losing would not damage her, she wouldn't even need to take the pin.

Winner: Nikki or Becky

WWE.com

United States Championship:

Roman Reigns (c) vs Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe is pretty much a lock, we think, to have his main roster debut before Wrestlemania. Debut Joe on RAW, and have him go on an unstoppable run, culminating in a match between the two badass Samoans at Wrestlemania, which also keeps Roman busy as the rest of the card is pretty full. This match would be hard hitting, and insanely good to boot. Have Joe beat Reigns, so Roman can move back up the card a little, whilst Joe gets a long run with the title bringing a lot of prestige back to it with the match quality.

Winner: Samoa Joe 

Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX5mUUS23W4 , 

RAW Tag Team Title Match:

Sheamus & Cesaro vs The New Day vs Enzo & Cass

A simple title match. This will not go long at all, 10 minutes top end. Have New day lose, and then plant the seeds for their break-up before it drags on too long (and its already getting there). Sheamus and Cesaro deserve a lengthy reign, and could lose the title post-mania to Enzo & Cass

Winner: Sheamus & Cesaro 

WWE.com

Seth Rollins vs Triple H

The match we have all been waiting for, all damn year. Finally HHH and Rollins will clash in a match that surely will be great? The master vs the apprentice. Card placement is important here, so people are ramped and not worn out, but still late enough on the card that it gets the billing it deserves. We could have Rollins about to win the 'Rumble (either the final 2 or 4) only for HHH to cost him either through the crowd or (hopefully not) as a late entrant again. 

Winner: Seth Rollins 

http://www.inquisitr.com/2559629/wwe-rumor-seth-rollins-set-to-wrestle-triple-h-upon-return-possibly-at-summerslam/

Interpromotional Match:

The Wyatt Family (Bray, Harper, Rowan) vs The Club (Finn Balor, Gallows & Anderson)

During the brand split era, there have been plenty of Interpromotional matches at Wrestlemania. Whilst you could set up Wyatt vs Balor via some good old fuckery at the Royal Rumble, im not sure that's the way to go. With the push balor received immediately, and some fans online being vocal about him being a little overpushed and stale, we dont want him to go a similar way as Roman Reigns. The solution is right there, have him return in the 'Rumble as a face, but lose after being eliminated near the end by Bray Wyatt. On RAW Finn reunites with his Japan buddies from the Bullet Club, and they go on a destructive heel run (saving Finn from the overpushed face role), where they do not care who gets in their way. Finn wants his title back, but Bray cost him the 'Rumble, so he sends Gallows and Anderson to cost him his match vs Randy Orton at the Smackdown PPV before 'Mania (we will get to that!). The Wyatts (including a returned Rowan) then invade Fast Lane and cost Finn a match. Have the two factions collide in a match similar to Wyatts-Shield at Elimination Chamber 2013, in a brutally hyped and fast paced Club-Wyatts war. Have The Club win, to set them up as a force on RAW (mega-over as well), whilst this sets up Bray breaking away from the family as has been rumoured for a while. This would push Bray on to a singles run, and build to his first singles title win.

Winners: The Club 

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Placed here to give the fans a much needed rest, this years Battle Royal will mean something. Rusev will win, last eliminating Braun Strowman and look great in the process. This gives Rusev a good relevant win, whilst still appearing on a stacked card. The big man face off should also be quite cool.

Winner: Rusev

WWE.com

Bill Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar

Pretty simple - big hype, big brawl, short match. Not much else to say except im not sure who I would have win. Brock will probably still appear over the years, but Goldberg will be done. He either puts Brock over, or Goldberg says goodbye in a big, big way.

Winner: Undecided

WWE.com 

Universal Title:

Kevin Owens (c) vs Chris Jericho

The shortness of the previous match will allow another big match to follow, as the fans wont be tired out. Enter the Owens-Jericho title match. Build the break-up all the way to Wrestlemania by having Jericho winning the match that has so far eluded him; the Rumble. Few would grumble about this due to the year the great man has had, and it gives him the 'Rumble which is pretty much the only thing missing from his CV. You could also make this title vs career if Jericho is planning on leaving after Wrestlemania OR give him one last title run (doubtful).

Winner: 80% Owens

WWE.com

Shaq vs Big Show

Sadly this looks likely. But, why not turn it into a positive? Have it be a buffer match to let the crowd rest late on in the night. It wont go over 5 minutes. 

Winner: Big Show? Maybe?

WWE Championship:

AJ Styles vs Randy Orton

One of the Styles dream matches we have been waiting for, is the best title match Smackdown can produce this year. It is also very easy to set up; Orton elimiates Wyatt from the 'Rumble 4th from the end, and then Randy gets destroyed by the Wyatts right after. Orton-Wyatt face off at the Smackdown PPV, and The Club destroys Wyatt allowing Orton to win and go on to challenge AJ. This match will be insanely good, and you could have either win - AJ because he has been superstar of the year without a doubt (and lost last 'Mania), or Orton who would then lose the belt to a now-single Wyatt in a month or two thus completing a circle and Wyatt gains a win back on Orton 

Winner: Good reasons for both

WWE.com

In Ring: Steph and Charlotte

A promo recognising Charlotte as amazing, her amazing year, yet she isnt in the title match etc. This brings out The Rock (because he needs to be here again) and Ronda Rousey (rumoured to appear this year). Her and Charlotte end up getting into a brawl which Charlotte loses, of course. This gives Charlotte something meaningful to do, it does not devalue her, and it means Rousey has an actual purpose on the card not just to be involved in a promo solely. This fittingly leads into the promo for the RAW Womens Title match

RAW Womens Championship:

Bayley vs Sasha Banks

2016 was an amazing year for womens wrestling. They may not be at a level where they can close Wrestlemania fully, but they could go on 2nd last very easily, esepcially given the other matches. It may be "the same old faces" but they provide the biggest match for Wrestleamnia. Besides, Emma will be in the title picture after 'Mania providing a fresh feud, and this can close the chapter on the 'Horsewomen perhaps "hogging" a little bit of spotlight. This is the biggest match they can do, and Bayley should win to end her chase at Wrestlemania as a pure babyface moment.

Winner: Bayley

WWE.com

John Cena vs The Undertaker

The biggest match they can give us this year, surely now is the time? Please let the heavy rumours be true... it would be so easy to set up. 'Taker costs Cena his match with AJ at the 'Rumble because Cena wasn't there to defend Smackdown and be on the team at Survivor Series. Hell, you could turn Cena heel in the match and retire Taker, however unlikely that sounds. There are so many ways you could with this, and surely it will be this year we see this match. 

Winner: The Undertaker (unless they miraculously turn Cena heel) 

http://www.imgrum.net/tag/sd900

Match Card & Order:

1. Intercontinental Title Ladder Match

2. Smackdown Womens Title Triple Threat

3. Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe

4. RAW Tag Title Triple Threat

5. Seth Rollins vs HHH

6. The Wyatt Family vs The Club

7. Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

8. Bill Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar

9. Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho

10. Shaq vs Big Show

11. AJ Styles vs Randy Orton

12. Bayley vs Sasha Banks

13. John Cena vs The Undertaker

NXT Call Up Pre-Mania:

Tye Dillinger - Smackdown

Samoa Joe - RAW

After / Due to Events at Wrestlemania:

Shinsuke Nakamura - Smackdown

The Revival - Smackdown

By Jamie Mitchell

My Favourite Pokemon

As 2017 begins, one thing that has stood out is just how much of a resurgence Pokemon has had this year. Not that there was ever a decline, Pokemon Go brought the phenomenom back truly into the mainstream fold, before Pokemon Sun and Moon were released to high praise. It is well known just how much I love Pokemon, so I tohught it would be time to provide a definitive list of my favourite Pokemon, all for fun of course; and since its New Years Day and we all are a little hungover, it will be in picture form only, just to amke it much less hassle!

8. Umbreon

7. Typhlosion

6. Swampert

5. Ampharos

4. Gengar

3. Luxray

2. Dragonite

1. Lucario

Top Tens: Modern Male Tennis Players

The premise of this top 10 is simple; the greatest players since the end of the last great era with Sampras fading out, and Agassi beginning a downward slide. Therefore this list is from around 2001 onward, and will no doubt spark some serious discussion. 

10. Tomas Berdych

(Grand Slam x1 Runner Up, Davis Cup x2 Winner)

Its unfortunate for Berdych that he plays in this era, as in any other he would be a lot more successful. He has however had an incredible career - reaching the semi finals or better at all four slams (incredible) and winning the Davis Cup twice. He was also runner up at Wimbledon.

9. David Ferrer

(Grand Slams: 1x Runner Up, Davis Cup Wins: 3, WTF: Final 2007)

Ferrer holds the amazing distinction of having the most ATP tour wins, without having won a Grand Slam. That all but sums his career up; a consistent members of the top 10 in the world, Ferrer was always around to pick up the pieces when the so called "big 4" faltered. He has won tournaments at every level barring GS level, and has the 7th highest career prize money of all time.
Ferrer

8. Andy Roddick

(Grand Slam: US Open 2003 & RUx3 Wimbledon + US Open 2006, World Number 1)

The big serving, forehand smashing American Roddick has left his markl on the game in the time he played. It's a case of what might have been for Roddick, losing to Roger Federer in 4 Grand Slam finals, including a heartbreaking Wimbledon 2009. Roddick retired early for players of his era in 2012, with injury concerns. However he will be fondly rembered by fans for a long time to come.

7. Juan Martin Del Potro

(Grand Slam: US Open 2009, 1x Olympic Silver, WTF Runner up 2009)

Everyones favourite injured plagued Argentine power-house. Del Potro is a truly sad case of injury, as he would have undoubtedly won at least 2-3 more 'Slams had he not suffered long term injuries. His 2016 comeback has been nothing short of amazing, and he is still relatively young... so if he keeps fit he still may fulfill his potential.

6. Stan Wawrinka

(Grand Slam: 1x Australian Open & 1x French Open *pending final of US Open vs Djokovic this Sunday, Olympic Doubles Gold Medal, Davis Cup: 2014)

The man with the greatest backhand of all time, Wawrinka under Magnus Norman has been a late-bloomer, but boy did he bloom. His matches with Novak Djokovic as the Australian Open now the stuff of legend, Wawrinka has the chance to add a 3rd 'slam to his collection this Sunday.

5. Andy Murray

(Grand Slam: Wimbledon x2 & 1x US Open + x8 Runner Up, 2x Olympic Singles Gold, 2015 Davis Cup)

The 4th member of the "big four" Murray has constantly come up short on most occasions in his career. Despite this, he is an incredible 11 time grand slam runner up, and is the only man to defend olympic gold. His next target will be to become world number one, having lead Britain to a famous Davis Cup win in 2015.

4. Lleyton Hewitt

(Grabd Slam: 1x US Open & 1x Wimbledon + 1x US Open Doubles / 2x Singles Runner Up, 2 Years World Number One, Youngest World Number One, WTF: 2001 & 2002 Winner, Davis Cup x2)

The great Australian with his legendary cry of "come on" and sheer passion is one of the greats of modern tennis. He has won and achieved pretty much everything there is to achieve in the game. Hewitt is extraordinary because his only real weapon is himself and his incredible attitude. His send off at the 2016 Australian Open shows the mark he left on tennis. Roger Federer even attributs Hewitt with making him a better player, and changing tennis to the baseline game it currently is.

3. Novak Djokovic

(Grand Slam x12, World Number One, Davis Cup x1, WTF x5)

The best player of the last few years, Djokovic is super-human with some of the things he can do on court. Whuilst he may not get the love of the next two players, he is truly incredible like him or hate him. Djokovic has taken tennis to new levels.

2. Rafa Nadal

(Grand Slam x14, World Number One, WTF Runner Up x2, Olympic Doubles Gold, Davis Cup x4)

The King of Clay, Nadals achievements above speak for tehmselves. He is incredible, and took the fight to Roger Federer better than anyone. Sadly imjuries have blighted Nadal in recent years, but never count out the great Spaniard.

1. Roger Federer

(Grand Slam x 17, Record World Number One, Davis Cup 2014, WTF x 6, Olympic Doubles Gold)

Without a doubt the greatest player of all time, Federer is a joy to watch and has one of the most elegant games of all time. He took tennis to another level and at 34 can still battle with Djokovic and the rest of the tour. His dominance in the first years of his success is like nothing tennis has even seen, and he has won all 4 grand slams.

WWE Booking #1 - Balor's Return & Brock Lesnar up to Summerslam 2017 (inc. Owens, Rollins, HHH, Nakamura, and more).

Every fan of professional wrestling has a moment where you try to be a booker from your own couch. This does not stop us dreaming about such an idea, and even agonising when wrestling promotions fail to lead their current story lines in the directions we want.

I have been discussing with friends how Brock and Finn should be booked going forward, and have came up with an amazing idea for both, leading to Summerslam next year.

People requested that I post this, and make it available for discussion over Twitter (link in the header of this site). Feedback is appreciated, as we as an online fan community always have a lot to say.

Finn Balor & Brock Lesnar:

At the earliest point, Balor could return at the Royal Rumble. Currently, we have Kevin Owens as champion on RAW, with Seth Rollins challenging him before diving into a storyline with HHH. The main part of this booking leading into the Royal Rumble is Kevin Owens retaining and alligning more and more with HHH (w/without the authority in full). At the Rumble, Steph brings back Brock Lesnar from suspension to challenge Owens, because she really didn't know HHH was going to screw Rollins on the RAW where Owens won the title. In the meantime, Rollins has been working his way up from the bottom of the card thanks to HHH. 

At the Rumble Owens & Lesnar have a great match, fairly dominated by Brock. Toward the end of the match, the ref takes a bump and goes down, and Brock takes an RKO from Randy Orton thanks to a distraction from Shane McMahon. After the match Finn Balor comes through the crowd to a huge pop, and goes face to face with Owens before doing the Bullet Club esque point and shooting the gun, as Gallows and Anderson attack Owens leaving him laying.

Brock and Orton have a rematch program for the pre-'Mania PPV. Meanwhile Balor declares he is obsessed with regaining his title, and he will do anything to do it. The Club and Owens go to war with Owens, with The Club generally getting the upper hand at first, but as the weeks go by, Finn becomes more and more erratic. At the PPV, Finn ends Owens long title reign by summoning the Demon King, but taking his lengths to win more than usual by using a chair after a ref bump and with help from his lub members, turning fully agressive and paranoid Demon heel. Also at the PPV Brock beat Orton, again, and Shane McMahon is still trying to get back at Brock for his attack. Rollins meanwhile has earned his match against HHH in a now heated and personal feud. 

Balor proclaims his destiny has been fulfilled on RAW, and has fully gone over the edge. Owens gets his rematch on RAW... but Balor loses it and completely destroy Owens with a chair, despite Gallows and Anderson telling him it was too much.The next week, Owens confronts Balor whilst still feeling the effects of the beatdown, but is attacked by Jericho, now jealous of Owens continuous spotlight hogging and forgetting of their friendship. Meanwhile on Smackdown, Shane McMahon is trying tio find someone to take out Brock. The Rock comes back to save the honour of his brand, Smckdown, and create the big marquee match for 'Mania. Meanwhile Roman Reigns becomes the number one contender for Balor as WWE are still trying to push him as an edgy face.

At Wrestlemania the main matches are; Brock-Rock, HHH-Rollins, Balor-Reigns. Brock beats Rock in one of his most competitve matches as the Beast. Rollins beats HHH, and Balor beats Roman, showing even more disturbing and desperate tendencies. The next night on RAW, Gallows & Anderson leave Finn, citing that this is not what The Club is about. They reveal they have asked to be traded to Smackdown, where they join with AJ Styles the next night. Shinsuke Nakamura debuts on the Smackdown after Wretlemania as the unbeaten NXT Champion, and with insane hype (as is niormal with him) and goes on to beat most of the roster including Cena, and Orton while being unbeaten still. 

Brock continues to appear now and then to destroy people on RAW and Smackdown because he doesn't care, the biggest of his matches being against Cesaro in an unfortunate squash match, and vs The Club via order from Shane at Battleground. Meanwhile Balor defends his title against various opponents in the PPVs leading up to Battleground (MITB, Extreme Rules etc) including Sami Zayn & Seth Rollins. At Money in the Bank, Balor loses his title to Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn wins MITB match. In the weeks leading to Battleground, Balor is showing even more signs of paranoia and falling more and more into disturibng obsessive territory. Gallows and Anderson confront Balor backstage at Battleground, trying to talk sense into Finn, saying his obsession has consumed him. They thought losing the title would help but Finn snaps at them for leaving him, and promises to win his title back later vs Rollins. Gallows and Anderson tell Finn that they want to help him, even if it means making a deal with the devil, before wishing Finn luck and leaving.

Later in the PPV Brock lesnar confronts Shane McMahon in ring, and threats violence against, before Shane says he has an opponent that will defeat Brock. Brock laughs before the music hits and Nakamura comes out to face off with a serious looking Brock, to hyped fans. The match is built as two great warriros with strong styles, who are legends in Japan. Brock and even Heyman acknowledge the challenge Nakamura poses. 

In the battleground main event, Balor and Rollins face off. during the match the ref goes down and Balor gets a chair ready to destroy an already beat down Rollins. The lights go out and the graphic flashes, as Bray Wyatt appears and hits Sister Abigail on Finn. Rollins retains. Over the next few weeks Wyatt talks about how lost Balor has become, he talks about slaying the Demon, how Wyatt is the devil, and the usual Wyatt amazing creepy and supernatural stuff. Finn's rage has built thanks to Wyatt costing him his title, and the two face off many times, Balor even destrying the face of fear before Summerslam. Steph allows the crossover due to Brock running rampant lately, this one time.

Summerslam - Balor vs Wyatt, Lesnar vs Nakamura, Rollins vs Zayn. Zayn beats Rollins for his emotionl and long awaited first title (cashing in as he won MITB, even announcing his intention to have a full match like RVD and Cena, in true Zayn good-guy style). Nakamura beats Brock, taking the streak/monster rub from Brock, cementing him as a mystic and incredible force. Bray Wyatt beats Finn Balor and defeats the Demon in Finn, saving Finn from himself. 

Top Tens: Wrestling Matches

This is perhaps the strangest top ten I've ever done. Not because of the subject matter, but because I know im missing matches that are some of my favourite from TNA and WWE that I cant remember. This list is basically "these are matches that are amazing and I love, and most would be in a top ten im just missing maybe 1 or 2". Catchy name right?

The main point of this ten is still there, and these are mostly accurate which is why I am still doing this list due to high demand. Lets get into it;

First some honourary mentions to HBK vs Shelton Benjamin, Styles vs Cena, HBK vs Undertaker, and some of Eddie Guerrero's matches.

THE 10

10. CM Punk vs Samoa Joe II

(ROH)

My first, and one of my only tastes of ROH so far, this match is incredible, its a pure wrestling clinic by two great wrestlers. If this is the kind of product ROH puts on then I need to watch it more. 

9. Jeff Jarrett vs Kurt Angle

(Bound For Glory IV)

Whilst this isnt as much of a classic as the rest of the matches on this list... this match was still amazing in its own right, and a very well recevied and exciting one too. A very personal feud, as a Jeff Jarrett it's one of my favourites. Everyone needs to watch this at least once, just to see how good it was. 

8. The Shield vs The Wyatt Family 

(Elimination Chamber 2014)

A dream match that we all got much quicker than expected, the hype for his was off the charts even when teasing it mionths before in the U.K. The sheer electricity in the air from the crowd even pre-mach showed just how much we were all invested. The match itself was an increible war. It also included this Seth Rollins moment of awesomeness...

7. Chris Jericho vs Shawn Michaels

(Wrestlemania XIX)

The first meeting of two icons who would go on to have a better program in 2008, this match was off the scale good. Wrestlemania XIX had a stacked card and this more than held its own. It was also the first match to get me more into the wrestlign side of the business from a "smark" viewpoint. It also contains my favourite Sweet Chin Music ever, out of nowhere as seen below.

6. CM Punk vs Brock Lesnar

(Summerslam 2013)

In 2013 this match was truly amazing. The build alone was of legendary proportions, with the crowd reactions at underdog Punk trying to overcome the beast, throwing his body across announce tables during all out brawls and verbally sparring with Paul Heyman. It also gave us Lesnars best WWE match, and one of Summerslams greatest. It was an all out fun brawl, and an example of how to book Lesnar like a beast whilst still keeping it competitive and exciting. 

5. Bray Wyatt vs Daniel Bryan

(Royal rumble 2014)

A feud that gave us some truly amazing moments as Bray tried to turn Bryan into a Wyatt (including the now legendary stereo YES chants whilst in a cage), it culminated in an incredible match at the 2014 Royal Rumble. Wyatt can put on truly amazing matches with smaler and faster opponents, and this is his best match and in my opinion one of Bryans top 5. Wyatt actually won as well!

4. Motor City Machine Guns vs Beer Money Inc.

(Victory Road 2010)

If you want to watch tag team wrestling at its finest, look up some MMMG vs Beer Money matches. These two had a hell of a run together in 2010, one of the final tiems I fully watched TNA before it slumped. The chemistry of these 4 great stars was off the charts, and one day i hope we see a rematch... perhaps in NXT. 

3. AJ Styles vs Samoa Joe vs Christopher Daniels, 2

(Turning Point 2009)

The sequel to an already incredible match, this triple threat was a big part of why i loved 2009 TNA. 2 of my all time favourites in AJ & Joe, as well as an incredible Daniels put on what I consider to be the best triple threat match of all time. 

2. Dolph Ziggler vs Daniel Bryan

(Bragging Rights 2010)

A match that for me, will be remebered in years to come as an abolsute clinic, this match kickstarted my already huge love for Ziggler. Both Bragging Rights PPVs may not have been up to much, or be remebered overly well, but this match stands out above the rest like a ray of light in WWE. In fact... I'd say this may even be Ziggler's best match with the company, and is definitely up there for Bryan. 

1. Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels

(Wrestlemania 21)

Without a doubt, by a long way, my favourite match of all time. Also the greatest ever Wrestlemania match EVER in my opnion. These two legends put an an absolute classic. This match had everything, and Angle rising from the dead to catch HBK in an ankle lock by surpsiign and the crowd popping like hell still gives me goosebumps. 

An Open Letter In Tribute To Felipe Massa: The Ultimate Underdog

Today the announcement came that Felipe Massa would retire after his 250th Grand Prox. A mainstay of Formula One in recent years, Massa has rose through the sport from Sauber, to Ferrari where he had his greatest successes, and finally on to the Williams team becoming one of the most popular drivers on the grid along the way.

Whilst the news may not come as a shock to many, the little Brazilian will leave a large hole when he vacates his seat at the end of the season. As a fan of the Brazilian since I was a young boy, I can say he will be sorely missed, not just for his race craft but for the magnetic and innately lovable personality he brings to the paddock. Massa can be be a great example for any young driver on the grid today - Massa started his career in F1 with Sauber, where it was very obvious he had electric pace in a generally lacklustre car. However his occasional erratic style lead to him not being signed for Sauber in 2003, instesd he went on to test for Ferrari before eventfully being re-signed by Sauber where his performances gained him a drive with the Ferrari team as number 2 driver behind the great Michael Schumacher. Massa gained undoubtedly his biggest success with the Italian stalwarts finishing runner up in the 2008 Chanpionship being pipped at the final corner by eventual champion Lewis Hamilton. Given Massa was not even favourite in his own team for a title challenge that year, Massa showed us all his copious amount of talent.

However his career would soon be effected by a life threatening injury after his helmet was struck at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This near tragic accident would not stop Massa however, it would only fuel him more to get back into the car once again, which he did after a far shorter recovery period than expected. Many expected Massa to be less competitive, however he showed the world why he was so determined to overcome this immense challenge, providing many good drives for both Ferrari and Williams after this time.

Proving himself more than capable of matching some of the greats of the sport, Massa will go down as a great of a sport loved the world over, which is fitting; because Massa himself is loved the world over.

Top Tens: Muse Songs

It's no secret that Muse are by a long way, my favourite band. No other music comes close for me, and a sheer amount of their music that I own on my iPod is staggering when compared to other artists. What I'm attempting to do here is a near impossible task - trying to narrow down these songs to a top 10 was hard, and even then my opinion will probably change about a lot. This is, however, the most accurate to a top ten as I could get. 

Some songs may surpirse people, others may find things that they expect to feature on this list are missing - such as Origin of Symmetry's fan favourite Citizen Erased, Muscle Museum (which was my number 8 until the last minute) and while I like certain parts of some songs (the outro to Space Dementia) I'm trying to get these songs on the list on a whole rather than just one small part, unless it is a particularly special part. This however is my top ten, and my opinion. All songs were considered except Feeling Good.

The List!

Firstly there needs to be a special honourary mention to Psycho & Reapers, who I wanted to put on the list but just could not find the room. 

10. Hyper Music

(Album: Oirign of Symmetry)

The first entry on the list - Hyper Music is from Muse' sophomore album Origin of Symmetry and is an all out metal-influenced thrash of joy. Hyper Music just made the top 10 at the cost of fellow Origin' song Micro Cuts, Uprising, and Psycho from their latest album Drones. Having consigned myself to never being able to see this song live, I thankfully have had 2 chances to see it in all its glory at Leeds Festival in 2011, and on the Psycho Tour in 2015. 

9. United States of Eurasia

(Album: The Resistance) 

At number 9 we have what may come as a surprise to some people reading this. The Resistance has hits and misses, and is not regarded as anything special from Muse. Whilst Uprising is the song that started the obsession for me, 'Eurasia is without a doubt worthy of a place in my top 10 because I just freakin' love this song. A powerful live piano track, it is a politcially charged song that also happens to have the most amazing Arabian-esque piano that has made it what it is to me - one of my favourite songs. I finally got to see this gem of a song live at the Etihad stadium in 2013, and I hope I get to again. 

8. New Born

(Album: Oirigin of Symmetry)

A huge track and one of Muse' most famous, New Born starts out with a creepy piano before erupting into a riff driven rollocking ride. New Born rivals Stockhom Syndrome for sheer balls to the wall fun, and has been criminally overlooked on the Drones Tour. 

7. MK Ultra

(Album: The Resistance)

The Resistance may be remebered by fans with mixed views as discussed before, but something most will agree is is that MK Ultra is either the highest of its high points, or is very close to it. Muse sound on this track went even more towards electronic rock, including two awesome riffage moments at the middle and end of the song. The song also takes it's name from, and is about, the illegal CIA mind control progam - which is pretty fucking cool. 

6. Assassin

(Album: Black Holes & Revelations)

Pure heavy bass, drum, guitar awesomness manifested into probably Muse' most heavy track. Assassin is 3 and a half minutes of unrelenting power encapsulated in a way only Muse can. Criminally underplayed live, Assassin bombastically smashes its way out of 2006's Black Holes & Revelations as if its being hunted by Aliens - and knowing Muse this may just be true. 

5. Take a Bow

(Album: Black Holes & Revelations)

The politically amped and conspiracy theory driven Take a Bow, is the opener to Black Holes' - it is also a spinge-tinglingly good song, with a chilling guitar kicking in halfway through the song with synth backing and hauting Matt Bellamy lyrics and vocals. Conspiracy theories were Muse' forte back in the day, and none come better than this politician shaming bombastically sexual and sensual track. 

4. Map of the Problematique

(Album: Black Holes & Revelations)

The O.G Muse electronic rock song, Map' is loved by hardcore fans (because its awesome) as well as casual fans (it was a big hit for the band back in the day). Catchy lyrics and some awesome heavy sections in the same vein as MK Ultra, Map was a marked change of pace for Muse (as arguably was Black Holes' in general). A live song that stands up to the might of other songs to come on this list, Map' is a song that is a must-listen to any Muse fans that want to check some Muse out. 

3. Butterflies & Hurricanes

(Album: Absolution)

The centerpiece of Muse' 3rd album, Absolution, Butterflies' is in my opinion Muse' finest song. It shows of their complete range of skills, and is also lyrically fantastic. Screaming "best, youve got to be the best" at the top of your lungs is amazing, coupled with the stunning piano section in the middle of the song, and the stadium-ready sound of the song - its easy to see why this was such a big hit whilst being hard to see why it rarely gets played live. 

2. Bliss

(Album: Origin of Symmetry)

Not many songs gets the heart racing like Bliss. Possibly the favourite Muse song amongst fans, and a favourite of Matt's himself, Bliss is a truly incredible siong that is even better live when extended. Lyrically Bliss stands out in their discography, whilst live the energy involved in the crunching guitar whilst bouncing around and freaking out to the added falsetto toward the end makes Bliss without a doubt one of Muse' best. 

1. Time is Running Out 

(Album: Absolution)

Perhaps a surprise; a hardcore fan picking their 2nd highest charting song as his favourite. I love Time is Running Out - from the groovy Michael Jackson inspired bass and beat, the catchy funky lyrics, and the ability to bounce during this mopre than any other Muse song. The glastonbury 2010 version of this song is what made me fall in love with it, ifm you haven't seen it then you should go watch it - probably the greatest festival crowd reaction ever. It was also extra fun and funky, almost impossible not to move to, and the crowd sang every lyric back at the band. Having seen this at every Muse gig I've been to, it always gets an amazing response, and since it is my favourite, as the lyrics tell us, you coulld say I'm "addicted" to the song.