Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 09/29

#1 Randy Orton [--] (51-20-6)
The cliché of slightly pointless multi-man tag matches has reached a level even Teddy Long would have to blush at. I didn't imagine the 11-on-3 handicap match would be revisited, let alone followed through upon, but I suppose it's the penance The Shield must pay. While Bryan Danielson occupies himself with this long running, soft hitting feud -- Randy Orton remains at arms length. The Miz' occupation as Orton's B-feud chills me to the bone for being at such close proximity to the WWE Championship, but I'm comforted by the fact he's here to be destroyed, and will hopefully never again sully the record of the once prestigious belt.

#2 [--] Bryan Danielson (46-24-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (45-15-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns (28-11-3) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [--] Seth Rollins (28-15-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [+1] Dean Ambrose (27-19-2) [United States Champion]
#8 [-1] Kane (27-21-0)
#9 [--] The Miz (26-12-2)
#10 [--] Ryback (25-16-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (27-10-2) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (21-9-1)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (21-9-1)
#4 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (20-13-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-11-1)
#8 [+1] Naomi & Cameron (7-3-0)
#9 [-1] Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (7-17-0)
#10 [--] Luke Harper & Erick Rowan (6-0-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#12 Dolph Ziggler (23-33-2)
These days it's a given that when there's a glimmer of hope in WWE, there's an equally dark shadow cast elsewhere on the card. None is more engulfed by obscuring darkness than former World Heavyweight Champion: Dolph Ziggler.

It's almost unfathomable to think Ziggler was a World Champion as recently as June. Alberto Del Rio may not be setting the world on fire with his time killing nostalgia feuds [Christian, Rob Van Dam] -- but I'll gladly recognize his weight as a legitimate contender. Ziggler -- now competing for the United States Championship -- seems to have lost any of that top tier lustre he briefly had on the back of a babyface concussion and face turn.

Ziggler seems at home competing for the US title. I don't for a second believe he's there to win the belt, but the second tier title feels awfully like the position he really belongs in. A pet favourite for a certain type of fan -- I don't think he's ever been completely convincing a "future of the industry" that will ever eventuate. His workrate is genuine, but his presence in-ring is fundamentally lacking something more than his unwillingness to engage in hardcore chain wrestling. Something is missing and I'm not sure it's something Ziggler can acquire -- even if that's more about the product around him than his own willingness to develop. I suppose time will tell.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 09/22

#1 Randy Orton [--] (50-19-5)
The Miz interjects himself into Randy Orton's path as what's best for business becomes a question the shows aren't able to demonstrate. Anything resembling The Miz' return to WWE Championship stakes for sends a shiver up my spine, but if Orton's favoured status is all about relegating him, it'll be worth it. It's an unenviable task as Bryan Danielson resumes his on again/off again battles with The Shield: defeating Roman Reigns in solo action (RAW; 8/16) and the trio on Smackdown (8/20).

#2 [--] Bryan Danielson (45-24-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (43-15-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns (27-10-3) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [--] Seth Rollins (27-14-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [--] Kane (27-21-0)
#8 [--] Dean Ambrose (26-18-1) [United States Champion]
#9 [--] The Miz (25-11-2)
#10 [--] Ryback (25-16-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (26-9-2) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (20-8-1)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (20-8-1)
#4 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (19-13-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-11-1)
#8 [--] Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (7-15-0)
#9 [--] Naomi & Cameron (6-3-0)
#10 [new] Luke Harper & Erick Rowan (5-0-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#17 Big Show (18-17-1)
Well, we've been here before... During odd months he's the "world's largest athlete" and wielder of the right hand of doom. On Monday nights in September 2013: The Big Show is the gentle giant with a heart of gold, a fist of steel, and eyes filled with tears.

Big Show has been a passive participant in the reign of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and their "best for business" model. He's decked friends and legends -- all in the name of keeping the job he so desperately needs. There are complimentary shades of his original arrival in WWF in 1999. Back then, the long haired Giant was acting as enforcer for Vince McMahon -- his ultimate recruit into the composite Corporate stable. At Wrestlemania XV, it all boiled over, ending with Big Show arrested for knocking the owner of the WWF out in the middle of his ring. A bold high that started Big Show's inconsistent run through the next decade-plus.

In keeping with the notion that Triple H is assembling a new version of The Corporation [8/25/2013]; I like the idea that Big Show would provide the muscle he [or Kane] supplied in 1999. The more a new Corporation can reference the original -- the better, in my eyes. I like the way The Shield echo the flak jacketed Big Bossman and I'd love to see more. I just wish we could get there without having to sit through rote segments of Big Show crying. Something that feels all too familiar to the past few years. More distant instances may be forgotten, but the crying Big Show who steamrolled AJ Lee while feuding with World Heavyweight Champion Bryan Danielson is still fresh in mind.

Most theories anticipate another turn for Big Show. A devastating right hand delivered to Triple H, The Shield, or Randy Orton. All of that makes sense and could be satisfying. What ever the conclusion, I just want to see the tears stop. Storylines and characters are something WWE has lacked in recent memory, but these constantly come at the cost of character credibility, competitive drive, and entertaining television. This cannot continue. Lets go.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 09/15

#1 Randy Orton [--] (50-19-4)
All signs pointed toward a hard earned chase for fan-favourite contender Bryan Danielson, but Night of Champions will go down in history as the night the underdog made good in less than one month: Or will it?...

Having missed much of the show, I'm forced to rely on testimony that says the celebratory finish will lend itself to a reversed decision come this Monday's RAW. It makes perfect sense that corporate champion Randy Orton would stay one step ahead of Danielson this early in their conflict, but I can't say I'm a fan of this particular brand of underhanded tactic. To my mind, it is too encompassing a circumvention of the rules that are the foundation of the contest. The best heels are those that work somewhat within the rules -- to subvert, bend, or deceive them. If a master villain is free to simply undo every hero's triumph, it threatens to diminish the credibility of any future contest.

Returning to the unique heel legacy of Triple H and how it colours his role as C.O.O. [08/25/2013]; the reversed decision does have interesting, special significance. In his guest appearance, Edge recalled some of the much publicized talent biases that earned Triple H the ire of fans in his former life. If he does steal the win from Danielson, it will inevitably conjure images of similar outcomes waged against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit in their ill fated campaigns against a domineering Champion Triple H [circa 2000]. I don't expect WWE has the wherewithal to make a meal of these kinds of details, but they add something to the tapestry, in any event.

A World Heavyweight Championship DQ keeps Alberto Del Rio from stealing Danielson's moment in the Countdown. With Sheamus still out of action, they're unlikely to have a lot of competition for the Top 3 ranks. It'll be interesting to see if Orton keeps his busy schedule. He's the first wrestler to hit fifty wins for the year -- maintaining a huge gap.

#2 [--] Bryan Danielson (43-24-1) [WWE Champion]
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (42-15-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#5 [+1] Roman Reigns (27-8-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+1] Seth Rollins (27-13-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-2] Kane (27-21-0)
#8 [--] Dean Ambrose (26-16-0) [United States Champion]
#9 [+1] The Miz (25-11-1)
#10 [-1] Ryback (24-16-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (26-8-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (20-7-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (20-7-0)
#4 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (17-13-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-10-1)
#8 [--] Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (7-15-0)
#9 [--] Naomi & Cameron (5-3-0)
#10 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)

Superstar Spotlight:
#71 Goldust (0-2-0)
Of all the ways to keep Cody Rhodes relevant during his last minute hiatus [for a legit honeymoon] -- the return of elder brother Dustin (RAW; 9/9) was not one I expected to see!

Goldust was treated to a respectable encounter with WWE Champion Randy Orton in a surprisingly substantial upgrade from his customary Royal Rumble cameos. It wasn't quite a catch as catch can clinic, or a study in ring psychology, but it got the job done. What really stood out was the lithe mobility of Rhodes: who has become one of the many aging talents clearly benefitting from DDP Yoga. It was the kind of performance that inspired a glint of hope for one more triumphant return to competition at the top level.

Obscured by the gold paint of the character he was drafted to play: the wresting pedigree inherent in the Rhodes DNA has rarely been tapped to any convincing ends by WWE. In hyping his return: they showed they are capable of making more of the Rhodes dynasty on those rare occasions they really want to. The double-edge of Dustin's career will forever be that "Goldust" made him one of the most memorable and unique characters to come from the McMahon stable, but also too specific to easily obtain any lasting measure of main event success in front of a live crowd.

As much as I believe in Bryan Danielson as the top babyface of the moment, there's a part of me that wants to see an Orton/Rhodes feud continue. The more obvious conclusion would be a Cody Rhodes return, but I'll never shake the feeling that Dustin deserved a little bit more. It's tough to picture Goldust as WWE Champion, but I like to think there's something still in store for the long serving "bizarre one" -- whatever that is. As a distraction to allow Danielson time to earn a credible second bite (should he be stripped on Monday), Goldust could be a pleasant stand-in challenger for the upcoming Battleground PPV.

Truth be told, it's much easier to see Goldust with the World Heavyweight Championship.
It wouldn't be the first time the title was used to give a charitable reign to a deserving champion not quite regarded on the WWE title level. The thought occurs that Damien Sandow's Money in the Bank contract and the existing animosity between he and former partner Cody could somehow be parlayed into the much discussed Cody/Goldust Wrestlemania feud, as well.

Again; it probably makes more sense for Cody to be the one to interfere in Sandow's World title plans, but there's always a way to get to the desired result in the end. A well constructed Cody v Goldust feud could give the Wrestlemania XXX undercard a terrific feature match that puts one of their young stars over, in the end. I wouldn't expect it to involve the World title by that stage, but you never know. We've got a long way to go before 2014 and Goldust has only had one match. Lets not get too carried away, lest we end with shattered dreams.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 09/08

#1 Randy Orton [--] (49-18-4)
[WWE Champion]
It is by no means a new observation, but it needs to be said that I'm more than a little sick of seeing the same things in WWE booking again and again and again. The only thing worse than endless repetition is the constant presence of non-title matches, frequently featuring losing champions. It demeans the entire objective around which the concept of professional wrestling is run and it's fundamentally stupid. Beating the champion to get a shot at the champion is awful. Beating the champion to achieve nothing is a waste of everybody's time.

Alberto Del Rio has been in steady competition in 2013, reigning as World Heavyweight Champion for most it. With very few title defences coming in that time, it goes without saying that he has been one of the most frequently featured wrestlers in galling non-title bouts. A fact that only goes to diminish his tenuously relevant matches with the likes of Christian and Rob Van Dam, who in theory represent seasoned pros as contenders, but really just look like filler on disappointing cards.

Thanks to the hands-off nature of their rivalry and the construct of the authority figure with infinite resources; Bryan Danielson and MITB WWE Champion Randy Orton have managed to stay relatively far apart. They certainly haven't wrestled ad nauseum, favouring instead other obstacles for Danielson to overcome, and other pointless adversaries (like Christian) for Orton to not defend his title against.

#2 [+1] Bryan Danielson (41-24-1)
#3 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (40-14-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#5 [--] Kane (27-21-0)
#6 [--] Roman Reigns (25-8-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [--] Seth Rollins (25-13-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Dean Ambrose (24-14-0) [United States Champion]
#9 [RE] Ryback (24-15-1)
#10 [-1] The Miz (23-10-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (24-8-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (19-7-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (19-7-0)
#4 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (17-11-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-10-1)
#8 [+2] Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (6-14-0)
#9 [-1] Naomi & Cameron (5-3-0)
#10 [-1] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)

Superstar Spotlight:
#20 Cody Rhodes (16-38-1)
Well, that's certainly one way to deal with it.
It seems someone forgot Cody Rhodes had a honeymoon coming up. As a consequence, the young Rhodes has been fairly abruptly written off TV via firing after a couple of run-ins with the one-man C.O.O power trip: Triple H. It's a means to an end -- one that, in theory, affords Rhodes an immediate point of interest upon return, but a clumsy finish to what has been a disappointing year as a whole.

I still can't help but feel Team Rhodes Scholars were better off together [06/02/2013]. By all rights, they probably should've been the team to beat Kane & Bryan Danielson a mite sooner than they eventually were. It would've been good for their careers, good for the tag team division, and good for anyone enjoying their unique brand of disdain filled arrogance. I got a kick out of Damien Sandow's leaping into the ocean, but with nothing concrete going on for either man, both have been left lambs to the slaughter. I don't buy Rhodes as a legitimate top tier contender (not with those chicken legs), which begs the question: What exactly is Cody's future in WWE? I suppose we shall see when he returns from his break! (In time to upset Sandow's MITB contract, perhaps?)

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 09/01

#1 Randy Orton [--] (47-18-4)
[WWE Champion]
It is by no means a new observation, but it needs to be said that I'm more than a little sick of seeing the same things in WWE booking again and again and again. The only thing worse than endless repetition is the constant presence of non-title matches, frequently featuring losing champions. It demeans the entire objective around which the concept of professional wrestling is run and it's fundamentally stupid. Beating the champion to get a shot at the champion is awful. Beating the champion to achieve nothing is a waste of everybody's time.

Alberto Del Rio has been in steady competition in 2013, reigning as World Heavyweight Champion for most it. With very few title defences coming in that time, it goes without saying that he has been one of the most frequently featured wrestlers in galling non-title bouts. A fact that only goes to diminish his tenuously relevant matches with the likes of Christian and Rob Van Dam, who in theory represent seasoned pros as contenders, but really just look like filler on disappointing cards.

Thanks to the hands-off nature of their rivalry and the construct of the authority figure with infinite resources; Bryan Danielson and MITB WWE Champion Randy Orton have managed to stay relatively far apart. They certainly haven't wrestled ad nauseum, favouring instead other obstacles for Danielson to overcome, and other pointless adversaries (like Christian) for Orton to not defend his title against.

#2 [--] Alberto Del Rio (40-14-5) [World Champion]
#3 [--] Bryan Danielson (39-24-1)
#4 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#5 [--] Kane (27-21-0)
#6 [--] Roman Reigns (25-8-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [--] Seth Rollins (25-12-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Dean Ambrose (24-14-0) [United States Champion]
#9 [RE] The Miz (22-10-2)
#10 [-1] Mark Henry (22-10-0)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (24-8-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (19-7-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (19-7-0)
#4 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (17-10-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-10-1)
#8 [--] Naomi & Cameron (5-3-0)
#9 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#10 [new] Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (5-13-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#39 Brie Bella (6-6-0)
Of all the things I might've expected Total Divas to do for the WWE product -- elevating women's wrestling probably wasn't one of them!

It stands to reason that in order to cross-promote wrestling through a divas reality show, you would indeed need to reinstate some amount of divas wrestling to the card. WWE worked hard over a long stretch of time to set the bar for women's wrestling so low, it was finally (and fairly) excluded from competition all together. They've been given another chance to earn their place and I think I'm pleased to say they're doing it.

Given her pedigree, it might've been more obvious to praise the overdue use of Natalya Neidhart. She's done some brilliant work in the past, only to be overlooked in favour of the barbie doll brand of diva. Anecdotal accounts of the Total Divas narrative suggests that's been the crux of her story on the show, and I'm glad it could be reversed. I must say, however, during her recent feature at Summerslam [08/18/2013], it wasn't Natalya who stood out!

Brie Bella won't be confused for Kurt Angle any time soon, but I was surprised to find her more than proficient during the Summerslam singles bout. The more talented (and pretty) of the two Bellas dominated her match with Neidhart, succumbing in the end to Natalya's lone offensive manoeuvre: the sharpshooter. Otherwise - it was all Brie! Impressive in and of itself, that she could sustain a match on her own. That anything specific could be quoted is downright spectacular: and it was her leg drop that struck me as particularly crisp.

I like pretty girls as much as the next guy, and I do indeed find Brie Bella quite palatable. When it comes to women in pro wrestling, however, I like to see a modicum of grappling talent. Brie Bella seems to have taken up that challenge and I applaud it! The divas are back on the card and better still: they aren't stinking the joint up. Sure, it helps that the matches are kept short, but that can now be a genuine compliment to the booking. Short, but sweet. Onwards and upwards, Total Divas!

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 08/25

#1 Randy Orton [--] (45-18-4)
[WWE Champion]
It seems like cooler heads prevailed, but for a while there - before he was shunted to the less watched Smackdown brand - a certain segment of fandom was convinced Randy Orton was equitable to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. It's probably come as a shock, to those people, that "The Viper" is now walking a path much more like The Rock's early heel work! Worlds apart from the one-man anti-authority rebellion that was the Texas Rattlesnake!

Of course, for anyone with a memory, it's tough to ignore the deep, bitter, unresolved personal animosity that was the foundation of several Triple H/Orton rivalries. If you can juggle planes of reality to focus on the history that favourably associates Orton with Triple H, you'll get a lot more out of his appointment as "face of the company". Lord knows they've already ignored that no-turning-back bastardry a dozen times over, in the years that followed.

The comparison with Rock is by no means 1:1. As chosen 'corporate champion', Orton plays it much less overtly. He lacks the volume of persona to match Rock's glitzy arrogance. He is, however, a bigger piece in a puzzle that's unfolding around him. It was disappointing to see Bryan Danielson denied his moment in the sun at Summerslam -- but like Mankind, or Stone Cold before him, here's hoping Danielson has his day in good time. He's #3 on the countdown, with Sheamus out of action and Orton just as likely to avoid stacking up the wins now that he has nothing to prove as WWE Champion.

#2 [--] Alberto Del Rio (40-13-5) [World Champion]
#3 [+1] Bryan Danielson (37-24-1)
#4 [-1] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#5 [--] Kane (27-21-0)
#6 [+1] Roman Reigns (24-7-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [+1] Seth Rollins (24-11-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [RE] Dean Ambrose (23-13-0) [United States Champion]
#9 [--] Mark Henry (22-10-0)
#10 [-4] Ryback (22-14-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (23-7-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (18-6-0)
#3 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (18-6-0)
#2 [-2] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (17-10-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-9-1)
#8 [RE] Naomi & Cameron (5-3-0)
#9 [-1] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#10 [-1] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#61 Triple H (1-3-0)
Sometimes it's hard to tell where the character of Triple H ends and the man "Paul Levesque" begins. At times I think there's a mad genius to what Triple H does - other times I'm not so sure.

His years of dominance as a wrestler earned him a special kind of ire from fans who weren't buying his particular brand of heel (or is that fans who were buying it?). Speculation about how he maintained that dominance - and whether or not it was responsible for diminishing other talent in a "real life" capacity -- took the outrage to a new level. It was a self-perpetuating kind of loathing, built with just enough truth to connect disparate dots to a mutual source. It's difficult to think there weren't times when the man petitioned to put himself above others. It's just as difficult to figure out how often that was out of self interest, and how often it was well meant intentions that fit within the constructs of this cultural phenomenon, this fictionalized sport, this entertainment medium we call pro wrestling.

Triple H has parlayed his reputation for domineering into a new role. As a capable, but aging talent, he's step aside (for the most part) to allow the next generation to flourish. As with many before him, this side-step means donning a suit and tie and becoming a different type of character. The lines of reality and fiction blur as he reflects what is widely reported to be a real-life grooming for a vital position within the inner workings of the promotion - a role once held in a vice grip by Vince McMahon (Jr).

Taking cues from Vince; Triple H appears to be establishing his own version of The Corporation stable that propelled The Rock to main event stardom in the late nineties. Because of his reputation and the realization of this through the suppression of up-and-coming fan-favourite Bryan Danielson - this creation hasn't been met with immediate grace. I do, however, find myself interested in seeing just how literally the concept will come to fruition.

The Shield have finally found relevance in their association with Triple H as enforcers. The black flak jackets finally get bonus points for recalling the likes of the late Big Bossman, conjuring meta-textual images of the former McMahon/Corporate enforcer realized as a three-man assault squad. Reminiscent of moments with the original Corporation -- Big Show is the reluctant muscle. He's spending much more time crying, but the belittling by his boss is there. I'd like to see him finally turn on his oppressors, but the thought that he might embrace them in a sinister turn is tasty, too. I do quite like the thought of this Corporation [COOperation?] growing -- even if it isn't in direct comparison to the original. If they can make it work, everyone will be better for it. Of course, an idea working in WWE in 2013 is easier imagined than received.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 08/18

#1 Randy Orton [--] (45-18-4)
[WWE Champion]
Although the WWE brand split was officially ended some time ago, remnants of it remain, particularly for the Smackdown side. The blue brand, for various reasons, is the less watched show. As a stalwart of Smackdown through the final year of the split, Randy Orton has been allowed to be obscured by these discrepancies in ratings, at least to a certain degree. His program has rarely been as featured as any RAW talents, which may or may not have helped make a surprise of his Money in the Bank WWE Championship cash-in.

Bryan Danielson can count himself among the prestigious college of WWE Championship holders -- but he also joins those who've had the smallest of reigns. The curse of minute-long reigns installed by the Hardcore 24/7 styled philosophy of MITB continues. At least Alberto Del Rio finally registered the necessary wins to surpass an out of action Sheamus at the top of a growing Kayfabe Countdown disparity.

#2 [+1] Alberto Del Rio (38-13-5) [World Champion]
#3 [-1] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#4 [--] Bryan Danielson (36-24-1)
#5 [--] Kane (27-21-0)
#6 [--] Ryback (22-14-1)
#7 [--] Roman Reigns (21-6-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Seth Rollins (21-10-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [--] Mark Henry (21-10-0)
#10 [RE] The Miz (20-9-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (20-6-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+2] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (16-9-1)
#3 [-1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (15-5-0)
#4 [-1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (15-5-0)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-9-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#9 [--] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0)
#10 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
Summerslam (2013)
I've never been the biggest believer in Summerslam, as an event. It purports to be one of the original "big four" [fondly regarded as the big five, while I lament the loss of King of the Ring], but it lacks the almost infallible appeal of the Royal Rumble, the hit and miss intrigue of Survivor Series, or the sheer spectacle of Wrestlemania. The inclusion of a star like Brock Lesnar alludes to a desire to elevate this summer feature to Wrestlemania-type stature, but the end result undermines it beyond repair.

It's fair to say no WWE Pay Per View is particularly up to par. The presentation is more slick than ever before, but the wrestling showcases all that's missing in today's product. The storylines are meandering, the pay-offs confused and inconsequential, the ring style dependent heavily on the individual and their willingness to create a narrative, or feature the sport. The latter is rare. The former is just not taught enough.

It's disappointing that everything built to Bryan Danielson being screwed.
There's truth to the theory that the thrill is in the chase, but Bryan Danielson's entire career has been the chase. He lacks almost all the qualities associated with a traditional WWE star. He's small, a little on the unusual looking side, and prone to doing more than three or four moves. In keeping with the mood of the summer blockbuster, I think this should have been a celebration. The fulfilment of the underdog and the realization of a wrestling talent as WWE Champion. We don't really need to see Bryan Danielson get screwed. It's what we expect. The thrill is in his success, and for that, it appears we'll have to wait.

The return of the Inferno Match -- or at least something resembling it -- was a thrill in concept, but turned out to be a bit of a dud. Bray Wyatt's debut came with the obligatory win over Kane in a fire-type match, but the bulk of the story was the bumbling attempts of his lackeys. The controlled fire bars are always a little too small to fully live up to the visual concept, but it's never worse than when the purpose is to keep someone in or out of the ring. Kane's off to film a movie, so he follows John Cena onto the omissions list. Here's hoping they make the most of it. Guys like Ryback, Mark Henry, and other absentees from the Summerslam card will hopefully get a chance to shine. We'll see.

Recent returns Christian and Rob Van Dam further appear to be here as jobbers to the stars. It's a big ask to expect them to come back to the fore while other names are developing (Danielson, Del Rio), but it's frustrating to see them be bit players in one unconvincing contest after another. RVD in particular had all the hype in the world behind his return. Watching him bounce around the way he has is depressing. CM Punk can't catch much more of a break, but it'll be worse then Lesnar's limited dates mean there's no follow-up. Here's hoping the last couple of Lesnar wins mean there's a chance he'll face Undertaker at the coming year's Wrestlemania. I'd still like to see that.

All in all, Summerslam felt like another dud. Which is a shame, because at the behest of friends and acquaintances, I have managed to find enjoyment from more Summerslams  than I realised. I'm willing to believe the slam of the Summer can be a big four blockbuster. They just need to back it up. Until then, I'll be pining over the Summerslam '96/'97 DVD pack and wishing I had more disposable cash.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 08/11

#1 Randy Orton [--] (43-18-4)
[Money in the Bank Contract]
With Sheamus MIA, the silver medal is ripe for the taking! Alberto Del Rio's complete inability to convert a win since turning heel denies him the opportunity, while Bryan Danielson is a bearded freight train on a collision course with the WWE title! It's nice to see Wade Barrett get a moment in the sun, even if its rays were only briefly reflected off the indomitable Danielson! Shame for Barrett to lose the grittiness of his facial hair, but if he ever learns to throw a punch (RE: Bare Knuckle Brawler), he'll be on his way.

#2 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (35-13-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Bryan Danielson (34-22-1)
#5 [--] Kane (26-20-0)
#6 [--] Ryback (22-13-1)
#7 [--] Roman Reigns (21-5-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Seth Rollins (21-9-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [--] Mark Henry (21-9-0)
#10 [new] Dean Ambrose (20-11-0) [United States Champion]

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (20-5-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (15-4-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (15-4-0)
#4 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (14-9-1)
#5 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-9-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#9 [new] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0)
#10 [-1] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR Bray Wyatt (0-0-0)
Don't call him Husky! He's Bray Wyatt and he's the destroyer of worlds, the bringer of truths, the spiritual guide of The Wyatt Clan. This character was a staple of NXT programming for quite some time, and like a lot of interested but lazy fans, I'd heard the stories and wondered what it was like. In my mind, I think I'd imagined a smidgen more waltzing Leatherface, but any pre-conceived notions have melted away with the immediate impact of this intriguing new character.

Characters with gimmicks have been in dwindling supply over the past decade. This guy (and his backwater minions) might not be my sweet spot, but it's nice to see most corners of the WWE evolving beyond the blokes in black trunks who dominated just a year or two ago! He's certainly several steps ahead of Curtis Axel [05/26/2013], even if Wyatt's fast tracked significance occupies a less glamorous spot on the card.

The presentation of the three-man clan raises a lot of questions, particularly for The Shield, whose purpose has been evaporating ever since they were revealed to be hired goons for Paul Heyman [last year]. Rumors have it The Shield have been on the outs since injuring The Undertaker on his way out [04/28/2013] and while they continue to storm the ring for attacks, their reason for doing so is all but gone. If they don't find a hook soon, The Wyatt Clan may be the heirs apparent to the three-man group. If only Harper/Rowan could figure out a way to wrestle in the masks!

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 08/04

#1 Randy Orton [--] (41-18-4)
[Money in the Bank Contract]
Like Native Americans listening to the dirt to track stampeding buffalo; the WWE Universe is watching every move Randy Orton makes in the hopes of determining just how true his intentions are for the Money in the Bank contract. The Hardcore 24/7 title shot gives him license to take his shot any place, any time, which makes it the perfect device for false starts and false hopes. Only one man has failed to win his title of choice with the MITB: reigning WWE Champion John Cena. Will he be the one to add Randy Orton to that list? Or is it just a matter of time before The Viper strikes -- taking his title?

As support grows for Bryan Danielson, it's difficult to conceive of an undermining of his rise -- especially if Cena is to take a forced side step mere months after winning the title. With Orton jobbing out to Christian in a World Heavyweight Championship contender match (also involving Rob Van Dam - Smackdown; 8/2), the signs are unclear. The thought does occur that if Orton cashed in before Summerslam, it would do wonders to re-pair Orton and Danielson against one another -- continuing the mini-feud they've enjoyed over the past few weeks.

#2 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (35-11-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Bryan Danielson (32-22-1)
#5 [--] Kane (26-20-0)
#6 [--] Ryback (22-12-1)
#7 [--] Roman Reigns (20-4-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [+1] Seth Rollins (20-8-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [-1] Mark Henry (20-8-0)
#10 [--] The Miz (19-9-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (19-4-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (14-3-0)
#3 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (14-3-0)
#4 [+1] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (14-7-1)
#5 [-3] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-8-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#9 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#4 Bryan Danielson (32-22-1)
As a long time fan of WWE, I question a good many of their choices for the modern product. When it comes to the naming of "Daniel Bryan" -- a man who wrestled extensively under his real name: Bryan Danielson -- it's a level of stupid I just can't abide by. So, if you've come upon The Kayfabe Countdown and been given pause to wonder -- now you know!

His partnership with Kane in Team Hell No started something few could've predicted. Their comedic love/hate relationship did things for the Tag Team Championships, both good and bad. It was a run approaching equivalency to that of CM Punk's 434 day WWE title boost, but grew to proportions that were arguably detrimental to the focus on the other teams necessary to make a serious go of rebuilding tag team wrestling.

While it might not have done much for the duos around them -- Team Hell No kept Bryan Danielson (and Kane) firmly in the spotlight and on a path to greatness. We finally got the long awaited match between the former partners on this week's RAW (7/29). A charitably minded affair that did take care of the construction of a new contender -- Danielson himself. He's on a roll, taking on all comers with a tenacity that eliminates any notion that he's a weak link. Can he beat John Cena? I'm conditioned to doubt, but I want to believe. A Summerslam contest in the spirit of great competitive match-ups is just what I want to see. If it includes the claiming of the WWE Championship -- so be it!

So, why couldn't Damien Sandow effortlessly retrieve the brief case once it was thrown into the ocean? Because he can't swim. He dived into the water any way, but he couldn't swim. Hilarious.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 07/28

#1 Randy Orton [--] (41-17-4)
[Money in the Bank Contract]
With a guaranteed title shot under his arm, it stands to reason Randy Orton might lighten his fighting load. He appeared in one bout, this week, competing against fellow MITB winner, Damien Sandow. He's beaten Sandow several times this year and the 7/26 Smackdown match was no exception. Meanwhile, over on RAW; official #1 contender Bryan Danielson was proving his worth in three back-to-back matches that included victories over Jack Swagger, Antonio Cesaro & Ryback! It sucks to be Ryback, but Danielson continues to prove his worth, and in doing so, carves a line toward the top of the Kayfabe Countdown!

#2 [--] Sheamus (36-14-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (35-10-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Bryan Danielson (31-22-1)
#5 [--] Kane (26-19-0)
#6 [--] Ryback (22-11-1)
#7 [--] Roman Reigns (19-4-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [RE] Mark Henry (19-7-0)
#9 [-1] Seth Rollins (19-8-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#10 [-1] The Miz (19-9-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (18-4-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (13-3-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (13-3-0)
#5 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (13-6-1)
#6 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-8-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#9 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#26 Damien Sandow (10-30-1)
[Money in the Bank Contract]
It was the image of Damien Sandow strolling with a brief case that led me to believe he might actually have a shot at claiming the World Heavyweight Championship MITB contract. Of the heel competitors in the bout, he wasn't the most compelling contender (none of them were great), he was just the most likely to make a meal of that simple accessory. I was glad he won it. I was glad he pulled his partner Cody Rhodes off a ladder to win it. I was glad it all went so wrong between the Rhodes Scholars partners.

The vision of Damien Sandow screaming for help before diving into the ocean will go down in history. He was chasing the MITB case Cody Rhodes had spitefully hurled into the sea. It was a scene reminiscent of The Rock & Steve Austin's tryst with hurling title belts off bridges with one vital exception -- in this segment from Smackdown (7/26), the two wrestlers were at waterside.

So, why couldn't Damien Sandow effortlessly retrieve the brief case once it was thrown into the ocean? Because he can't swim. He dived into the water any way, but he couldn't swim. Hilarious.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 07/21

#1 Randy Orton [--] (40-17-4)
[Money in the Bank Contract]
There's something distasteful about a WWE Champion choosing his next contender from a roster lined up like boys and girls waiting to be picked for a dance. I don't disagree with John Cena's choice -- the white hot man of the moment: Bryan Danielson. I just don't like that he's gone from wanting to prove himself as more than a mere weak link -- to not competing in a good old fashioned contenders match! It makes it all the more unpalatable when there are Money in the Bank contracts looming, as well. Randy Orton could very well spoil Bryan Danielson's party, even if he manages to shock the world with a title win over John Cena. I hope not, but he could.

#2 [--] Sheamus (35-13-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (33-10-5) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Bryan Danielson (28-22-1)
#5 [--] Kane (26-19-0)
#6 [--] Ryback (22-10-1)
#7 [--] Roman Reigns (19-4-2) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Seth Rollins (19-8-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [+1] The Miz (19-9-1)
#10 [-1] Jack Swagger (19-11-2)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (18-4-1) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (13-3-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (13-3-0)
#5 [+1] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (12-6-1)
#6 [-1] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-7-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#9 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#50 Rob Van Dam (2-1-0)
He's "one of a kind" and I think I probably never expected to see him competing in WWE again. Rob Van Dam made his return at Money in the Bank, where Randy Orton got the better of everyone to claim the WWE Championship contract. It's a shame. It might've been nice to see RVD face-off with Cena in a scene reminiscent of his 2006 cash-in, playing up his success, which resulted in the resurrection of the ECW Championship. There aren't many obstacles Cena hasn't overcome, and Rob Van Dam could've very easily been pitched as another demon coming back to haunt him in the same way The Rock did at Wrestlemania [04/07/2013].

In the absence of immediate title aspirations, RVD got back down to business as usual. I'm not really sure I expected him to slide back into things so quickly, but he did, earning solid wins over Chris Jericho (RAW; 7/15) and Alberto Del Rio (Smackdown; 7/19). It'll be interesting to see if he can keep the momentum going, or if it's all for naught, as is so often the  case.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 07/14

#1 Randy Orton [--] (38-17-4)
[Money in the Bank Contract]
On the one hand, it comes as somewhat of a shock that Randy Orton leaps into the WWE Championship picture with his win at Money in the Bank. On the other hand, if you consider his 10 weeks as the #1 wrestler in the Kayfabe Countdown, maybe it isn't such a surprise, after all. Sure, win/loss doesn't mean the world, but success en masse does reflect a certain amount of support for a talent -- and he's been at the top throughout 2013!

Orton's tenure on Smackdown was a hot talking point when it first came about as a result of the WWE Draft. Now that the brand split is effectively ended and Orton's served his penance, it seems more than reasonable to think a return to the title picture is on the cards. The only question is -- will it come at the cost of another rising star in Bryan Danielson?

#2 [--] Sheamus (35-13-2)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (32-9-5) [World Champion]
#4 [+1] Bryan Danielson (27-22-1)
#5 [-1] Kane (26-19-0)
#6 [--] Ryback (22-10-1)
#7 [+2] Roman Reigns (19-4-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [new] Seth Rollins (19-8-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [-1] Jack Swagger (19-9-2)
#10 [-3] The Miz (19-9-1)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (18-4-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (13-3-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (13-3-0)
#5 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#6 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (11-6-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (9-7-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-11-1)
#9 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#25 CM Punk (9-6-1)
For a staggering 434 days, CM Punk reigned as WWE Champion. It was a feat that took him through the entirety of 2012, and backed up his claim to being "The Best in the World". It's the kind of success that stands out in any age, let alone the fast and loose times of the "Entertainment Era". As Money in the Bank hands two any place, any time title shots to new challengers, it's a fitting time to acknowledge a Champion who restored a certain amount of prestige to the true top title.

Losing the belt to The Rock at the Royal Rumble cost CM Punk more than gold. In an unwinnable situation, with John Cena waiting to face Rock in the conclusion of a three-part Wrestlemania saga, Punk went from centre of the WWE Universe, to seat warming inconvenience. He was the perfect job guy to keep The Rock busy at the February PPV before 'Mania, with all the credibility so many "rematch clause" bouts lack. Even so, the demands of his success and the interruption of pre-existing, once in a life time plans cost CM Punk his direction.

With the weight of a top tier champion and no way to factor in to a WWE title match, Punk needed a big time Wrestlemania opponent. No better alternative could exist than The Undertaker's coveted undefeated streak. It was a step down from a four year run of excellence for The Undertaker, but it was still a worthy big time match at the biggest show of them all. It was, however, another unwinnable situation for the once undefeatable Champion.

A hometown crowd in Chicago brought Punk back from hiatus much sooner than anyone expected. He was booked without ever appearing. Paired with Chris Jericho; it was a throwback to their last feud in 2012. After starting slow, Jericho's credibility had been bolstered by a series of solid victories. It would be an a slightly awkward contest for two men who had fought to claim Best in the World status before -- but it would begin CM Punk's path to purpose anew.

The match was the brainchild of manager Paul Heyman. He spoke for Punk while he rested - on hiatus after losing to The Undertaker. It was an occasion CM Punk could rise to, even if it wasn't his first choice. The once nurturing Heyman would begin to show his old colours as the duplicitous businessman, harbouring interests other than Punk. Tensions would build between the stable of clients. Then the unthinkable. Heyman costs CM Punk his Money in the Bank opportunity and spills his blood after pushing a ladder into his head.

Just like that, CM Punk's purpose is restored. He has something better than a Championship match, for now. He has an enemy. Punk will hunt Heyman and his preferred clients: Curtis Axel and Brock Lesnar. With any luck he'll find his way back to the WWE Championship in due time. He does hold the distinction of having beaten Randy Orton on this week's RAW (7/1). For now, he has better things to do.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 07/07

#1 Randy Orton [--] (37-16-3)
Ah, now there's the Christian we know to expect!
A slightly baffling run of success for the recently returned nineties star [06/30/2013] was truncated by Randy Orton on Smackdown (7/5). The Viper's keeping pace ahead of Countdown rival Sheamus, who scored a similar victory in his lone match against Fandango (RAW; 7/1). Meanwhile, Money in the Bank All-Star Bryan Danielson slipped a spot as a result of inactivity, overtaken by Kane!

#2 [--] Sheamus (35-11-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (31-9-3) [World Champion]
#4 [+1] Kane (25-19-0)
#5 [-1] Bryan Danielson (25-21-1)
#6 [--] Ryback (20-10-1)
#7 [+1] The Miz (19-7-1)
#8 [+1] Jack Swagger (19-8-2)
#9 [+1] Roman Reigns (18-4-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#10 [-3] Mark Henry (18-6-0)

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (17-4-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (13-3-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (13-3-0)
#5 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#6 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (11-6-0)
#7 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (8-6-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-10-1)
#9 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#6 Ryback (20-10-1)
Tainted would be one word to describe Ryback in the middle of 2013. A surprise rise to stardom excelled a more traditional path to success, thrusting Ryback into the main event picture when other options had dried up. This early rise meant early defeat -- premature in his arrival against CM Punk in his epic 2012 WWE Championship reign. Ice skating up hill might be one way to describe his PPV appearances ever since.

What's really damned Ryback are the little choices along the way. As we've seen on The Kayfabe Countdown, the win/loss record that made him famous hasn't been quite as battered as impressions may assume. We can lament a smarter, more gradual rise (in the mould of Bill Goldberg) till the cows come home, but Ryback's real issues come from the floundering of mish-mash ideas like the switch from food themed Feeding, to the recent Ryback Rules catch cry.

Capping all of this off was a loss to The Miz on Monday (RAW; 7/1) -- arguably the greatest embarrassment he's been forced to endure at any point. Losing to The Miz goes beyond the rock and hard place nature of his Championship losses. It's a completely unnecessary besmirching of a character who lived and died by his successes. Win/loss records don't matter much in professional wrestling, but winning and losing does. Winning took Ryback to the heights of the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship. Losing may have taken him back down.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 06/30

#1 Randy Orton [--] (36-15-3)
Randy Orton may be firmly on top of The Kayfabe Countdown, but it's Bryan Danielson who's building electricity like a goat rubbed across carpet! The dissolving of Team Hell No and the need for Danielson to prove himself as more than a tag team weak link has propelled him back into the solo spotlight in ways I couldn't have imagined. Sure, I still pine for the notion of a solid mid-card feud with Kane, but WWE runs on 2 or 3 match cards. Thems the breaks. One of those matches might as well feature Danielson in an elevated spot. I mean, who needs to bother with boring stuff like development and building? Pffsh.

#2 [--] Sheamus (34-11-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (31-8-2) [World Champion]
#4 [+1] Bryan Danielson (25-21-1)
#5 [-1] Kane (24-19-0)
#6 [+3] Ryback (20-9-1)
#7 [-1] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#8 [-1] The Miz (18-7-1)
#9 [-1] Jack Swagger (18-8-2)
#10 [--] Roman Reigns (17-4-1) [Tag Team Champion]

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (16-4-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (12-3-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (12-3-0)
#5 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#6 [+1] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (10-5-0)
#7 [-1] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (8-6-1)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-9-1)
#9 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#35 Christian (5-0-0)
I've been of two minds about Christian for quite some time now. On the one hand, I couldn't quite understand why he wasn't being made use of given wide reports of his recovery from injury. On the other hand, when it finally happened, I couldn't help but feel it was the intrusion of old baggage on a period of development.

With the Money in the Bank PPV on the immediate horizon, I have to believe Christian has been brought back for the expressed purpose of falling off a ladder. It's fair enough, in concept, but diminished with the already announced return of Rob Van Dam (revealed at Payback). Two nostalgia bombs vying for a spot they struggled to secure even at their absolute peak? I'm just not sure.

Against all odds; Christian has just claimed wins over Dean Ambrose (Main Event; 6/26) and The Shield trio (Smackdown; 6/28). Maybe that speaks to the waning lustre of the three-man Shield, or maybe there's really something to this Christian return after all. He's running on a perfect record of 5-0. He's still a gaunt, pale and skinny shadow of his former self [pictured right in 2008]. I've got to believe there aren't too many more returns for Christian in the future. Could this be the last great hurrah? Could The Blue Spot be ready to take one last crown? I'm not convinced, but I'll be watching with interest.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 06/23

#1 Randy Orton [--] (35-14-2)
He may have established a great tag team record in 2013, but I've said all along, nothing about those matches made Randy Orton out to be a tag team competitor. Having finally had a Tag title shot alongside Bryan Danielson, it looks as if The Viper is ready to strike out definitively as his own man! The pair exchanged wins on RAW (Orton; 6/17) and Smackdown (Danielson; 6/21). It's not quite the post-Team Hell No feud I was expecting, but I'm glad it's here, just the same. Danielson (and Kane) were noted absences from solo competition at various points throughout their Tag Team title reign. With Danielson free to compete again, I say thee, Yay!

#2 [--] Sheamus (32-11-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (31-7-2) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Kane (24-18-0)
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (24-21-0)
#6 [--] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#7 [--] The Miz (18-7-1)
#8 [--] Jack Swagger (18-8-2)
#9 [--] Ryback (18-9-2)
#10 [--] Roman Reigns (17-3-1) [Tag Team Champion]

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (16-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (12-2-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (12-2-0)
#5 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (8-4-1)
#7 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (8-5-0)
#8 [+2] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (5-8-1)
#9 [-1] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#10 [-1] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#6 Mark Henry (18-6-0)
The thought that Mark Henry might actually be calling it quits had me more than a little bummed. It's no secret he's had his fair share of injuries -- as you'd expect of a man that size. I didn't want to believe it. I didn't have to.

With a snappy pink suit and the verbal agility of a rare kind of monster - The World's Strongest Man made puppets of us all. He toyed with our emotions and then he slammed us on the mat. And it was glorious.

Mark Henry's had a long career and paid plenty of dues along that path. He was a surprise power house earlier in the year, a surprise winner at Wrestlemania [04/07/2013], and an even bigger surprise absentee in the WWE Championship picture over the past few months. I couldn't be more pleased to think he's going to get the shot after all. Not only that -- but he goes into the match having bodyslammed the champ! Ahahaha! How can you not laugh insanely at that?!

Much as I'd like to believe Mark Henry has a WWE Championship reign in him before he leaves -- something he described as needing to be earned. I believe he has earned that right. The only thing stopping him now is timing.

John Cena took part in a rare thing in April, concluding a Three Act epic defined by his three Wrestlemania encounters with The Rock. The story that took place was ultimately one of redemption as Cena was beaten by the best and forced to rise again. I don't like John Cena. I am of the belief he was fast tracked there under false pretences. I believe much of what's followed has left him with feet of clay as he cashed in on credibility he never fully earned. I do believe everything about the Mania story and its conclusion was right, though. And I don't think you undermine that with a brief title reign. It's a great story -- the constantly denied veteran [Henry] against the illegitimate golden child. It just isn't the right time. [Not that I couldn't be persuaded... *cackle*]

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 06/16

#1 Randy Orton [--] (34-13-2)
So, you're telling me after fourteen tag matches with The Celtic Warrior: Randy Orton finally gets a Tag Team Championship match -- and it's with Bryan Danielson?! Oh, alright. Truth be told, this is the kind of circumstantial PPV match I get a kick out of. At least until I have to piece it all together in a few years from now. In any event; the real take away from this one is the long awaited split of Team Hell No and the fresh air that lets in!

Not a lot of changes to the top ranks after a jam packed week of competition. The Miz makes a detestable move up the list, while Alberto Del Rio turns heel whilst reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship at Payback!

#2 [--] Sheamus (31-10-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (30-6-2) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Kane (23-18-0)
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (23-20-0)
#6 [--] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#7 [+2] The Miz (18-7-1)
#8 [-1] Jack Swagger (18-8-2)
#9 [-1] Ryback (18-9-2)
#10 [--] Roman Reigns (16-3-1) [Tag Team Champion]

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (15-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (14-9-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (11-2-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (11-2-0)
#5 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (8-4-1)
#7 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (8-4-0)
#8 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#9 [--] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)
#10 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (4-8-1) 

Superstar Spotlight:
Payback (Pay-Per-View)
Will he or won't he? The answer is: Yes! CM Punk did indeed make his return as scheduled by manager Paul Heyman! It seemed all together too soon to expect the Straight-Edge Superstar back from hiatus -- let alone for another match with Chris Jericho -- but it all went according to plan. Two-fold if you're a believer in Curtis Axel: schmuck faced third generation star who claimed the Intercontinental Championship from Wade Barrett. I'm not going to try to understand it -- that's tempting the abyss. I'll just say: I wish "Bare Knuckle" Barrett would bloody well learn to throw a punch. If you're going to lose (so often), you might as well try to lose with style.

Positioned in a manner that makes losing with style an impossibility: Ryback! The once hot new contender continues to fizzle with diminishing returns, out of his depth in a three stages of time wasting match, which probably should've just stuck with being the originally scheduled Ambulance Match. The top of the ambulance was used as a weapon, which is worth a mention. Otherwise, it's diminishing turns all around from Ryback. John Cena is right where he should be, enjoying a post-Wrestlemania run with the belt. He should be stacking up monsters and knocking them down, one after the other. It's just such a damn shame Ryback had to be one of them. We've talked ad nauseum about the Goldberg plan that was the key to his original success [05/19/2013]. We've talked about where it all went wrong. We can but watch in horror as WWE do what they've become so good at: Creating new wasted opportunities.

Shame about Sheamus and Damien Sandow being bumped to the pre-show. These guys have been doing great work on Smackdown and deserved the PPV platform. I really think they could've squeezed one more match onto the seven match card - even with the three stages of hell. Still, at least they were given ample time in the Kick-Off slot.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 06/09

#1 Randy Orton [--] (33-12-1)
The Viper's reign as a prolific tag team competitor [who isn't actually a tag team competitor] continued this week! With what seems to be the long awaited split of Team Hell No -- Randy Orton opted in as a substitute partner for Bryan Danielson (Smackdown; 6/7), resulting in a successful non-title defeat of Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (The Shield)! This left Sheamus to pursue other projects -- such as beating Damien Sandow's feats of intellectual pursuit! I'm not going to lie -- I've used lesser moves than a brogue kick to win board games. Woooo!

#2 [--] Sheamus (30-10-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (28-6-2)
#4 [--] Kane (21-17-0)
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (21-19-0)
#6 [+1] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#7 [+1] Jack Swagger (18-8-2)
#8 [-2] Ryback (18-8-1)
#9 [--] The Miz (16-7-1)
#10 [new] Roman Reigns (15-2-0) [Tag Team Champion]

#1 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (14-2-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (13-9-0)
#3 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (11-1-0)
#4 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (11-1-0)
#5 [-2] Sheamus & Randy Orton (11-3-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Sweet Tea Tensai (8-3-1)
#7 [--] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (7-4-0)
#8 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (4-3-0)
#9 [new] Naomi & Cameron (4-3-0)
#10 [-1] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (4-8-1) 

Superstar Spotlight:
#22 Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (2-10-0)
Not to be confused with Cryme Time - The Prime Time Players are yet another tag team in much need of some serious love. They might not be the million dollar pair they claim to be, but their presence has been a steady reminder that there are options for WWE, should they decide to take tag team wrestling seriously again.

Overtures toward a reinvigoration date back to last year -- a tag team contender tournament a notable moment when things appeared to be heading in the right direction. Alas; team after team gets relegated to the scrap heap, Wednesday Main Event, or nothing at all, while one or two tow the line (between singles matches). Kane & Bryan Danielson (Team Hell No) were fun, worthwhile Tag Team Champions, but rather than enhance the flagging division, their reign became a spectacle that distracted from the rebuilding of a once proud tradition.

I don't know how far I truly believe The Prime Time Players (Titus O'Neil & Darren Young) should go -- but before a few untimely hiccups, it seemed as if the titles might be a reality. I'd like to think a title shot definitely is, but satellite contention is a must! An occasional win - also important!

Like last week's spotlight, Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (Team Rhodes Scholars) [06/02/2013]; O'Neil and Young have individually been saddled with a phenomenal number of defeats! Dwelling with the likes of Heath Slater and Zack Ryder, O'Neil has a 2013 record of 2-17-0. Young fairs slightly better having only 14 losses to his name. Win/loss records don't matter in wrestling -- but winning and losing does! It's high time these guys got a few W's on the board.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records. Tallied results only include matches broadcast during WWE 2013 programming. At present, this includes RAW (Mondays), Main Event (Wednesdays), Smackdown (Friday), and monthly Pay-Per-View events.