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.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 06/02

#1 Randy Orton [--] (32-11-1)
WWE's Apex Predator continues to rule the Kayfabe Countdown, doing so in tandem with The Celtic Warrior as his partner! The team that wasn't a team spurs Sheamus back to #2 spot, this week, as Randy Orton reigns by a four win lead! Will they be the duo to challenge for the Tag Team Championships next? I cannot believe it -- and yet, their combination persists time and again!

#2 [+1] Sheamus (28-10-1)
#3 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (27-6-1)
#4 [--] Kane (20-16-0)
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (19-18-0)
#6 [+2] Ryback (18-6-1)
#7 [-1] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#8 [-1] Jack Swagger (18-8-2)
#9 [--] The Miz (15-7-1)
#10 [--] Big Show (15-15-1)

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

Superstar Spotlight:
#24 Cody Rhodes (8-23-1)
#34 Damien Sandow (5-22-1)
With only WWE featured in this year's Kayfabe Countdown, there are certain inevitable patterns that set in, week to week. When you make a point of tracking the TV stats, you're given clear access to the hierarchy of superstars, up-and-comers and jobbers. Over the past few months, I've been sad to note that Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow are firmly entrenched in the latter.

You wouldn't necessarily think of them as jobbers. Maybe it's not even fair to equate them to that. They've played the role of "enhancement talent", to be sure, but their fleshed out characters and staying power makes them more than any mere Brooklyn Brawler. Staying power that even defied a brief break-up -- a decision that was utterly stupid, if you'd really like to know.

As someone who loathes the demeaning of Championships through short reigns, it can seem contradictory that I wish Team Rhodes Scholars could've gone all the way for the tag belts. I don't object to The Shield's need for tag team gold -- which leaves only a couple of months free, if you bridge the gap between the time Kane & Bryan Danielson probably should've called it quits, and Extreme Rules. In truth, I can be quite forgiving of short reigns when there's a good enough reason. While it might have made headaches for a face/heel preferential -- at least this truly worthy team would've had their time in the sun. Heck, maybe you even dare to consider delaying The Shield's rise via the titles. I don't know.

Damien Sandow makes me laugh out loud just about every time I see him. He's the kind of heel you can delight at. Pompous and arrogant to such an absurd degree, it's hysterical. The Elbow of Disdain rubs not only my unjustified love of a straight, conventional elbow drop as a signature move, but also the gleeful absurdity of Sandow's heel pomposity. That stands in contrast to Cody Rhodes -- a guy I've never had much belief in. A skinny quirt with no calves, a schmuck face and limited in-ring talent. Yet! Even he is elevated when, having grown a moustache, he finds a dastardly partner with a mutual distaste for the masses. You don't mess with a combination like that!

I'm enjoying their run-ins with Randy Orton & Sheamus. I'm enjoying their second chance at a Tag Team career. I just wish they could pick up a few more wins along the way, solo, or duo. Rhodes has had a few. How about Sandow? You're welcome!

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 - 05/26

#1 Randy Orton [--] (30-11-1)
Another week, another pair of Randy Orton & Sheamus tag appearances! I really am starting to think there's something to this team, after all. Even though I never once find myself believing they have any intention of doing anything more than beating a common foe. If stats are anything to go by, there'll be no difficulty picking a captain -- but if you asked any WWE fan to pick the two most successful wrestlers in the game today, I'm not sure either would be up for the top spot. Easy come, easy go.

#2 [--] Alberto Del Rio (27-5-1)
#3 [--] Sheamus (26-10-1)
#4 [--] Kane (19-15-0)
#5 [+2] Bryan Danielson (19-16-0)
#6 [--] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#7 [-2] Jack Swagger (18-8-2)
#8 [--] Ryback (17-6-1)
#9 [+1] The Miz (15-7-1)
#10 [-1] Big Show (15-15-1)

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

Superstar Spotlight:
#44 Curtis Axel (2-0-0)
The difficulties of Brock Lesnar's limited schedule and CM Punk taking a post-Wrestlemania hiatus force an unusual turn of events. Paul Heyman opts to unveil a brand new client. The Next Big Thing in WWE? Not bloody likely!

Curtis Axel is better known to the kids watching at home as Michael McGillicutty. Former NXT booster and man who seems doomed to never fully capitalize on his heritage as the son of late Intercontinental Champion: "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig.

Far from perfect: Axel made for a sorry substitute in a segment that put over the lasting effects of Triple H's Extreme Rules loss to Brock. A Smackdown encounter with Sin Cara (5/24) did little to depict this guy as a future star of any description. Only time will tell if there's a hidden gem to exploit here, but the slave name sets him off to a bad start -- and he isn't exactly oozing advantages to begin with.

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 - 05/19

#1 Randy Orton [--] (29-10-1)
As if to confirm their status as the top 3; Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio & Sheamus teamed up on the final Smackdown before Extreme Rules. Needless to say, their shared victory kept the ranks much the same. Orton's TV run ins with Antonio Cesaro continued on RAW (5/15), inconsequential in The Viper's ultimate revenge against Wrestlemania partner-turned-nemesis: Big Show.

#2 [--] Alberto Del Rio (26-4-1)
#3 [--] Sheamus (25-9-1)
#4 [+2] Kane (19-14-0)
#5 [--] Jack Swagger (18-6-2)
#6 [-2] Mark Henry (18-6-0)
#7 [--] Bryan Danielson (18-15-0)
#8 [--] Ryback (17-6-1)
#9 [--] Big Show (15-14-1)
#10 [RE] The Miz (13-7-1)

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

Superstar Spotlight:
Extreme Rules (2013)
The superstar spotlight arguably belongs to The Shield alone, but the Extreme Rules tossed up a few points for consideration that couldn't be missed.

The week of the event should be recorded as the first 3-man loss for The Shield (RAW; 5/15)..That might've been regarded as a crushing blow to the group, had they not claimed a championship belt each over the weekend. Dean Ambrose will be the solo star, it seems, taking the US Championship from uninspiring holder, Kofi Kingston. One might deduce that the bizarre switch from Antonio Cesaro to Kingston [04/21/2013] was orchestrated for the sole purpose of giving Ambrose a face to crush. Whatever the reason, here's hoping it suggests a reinvigoration of the US belt, as opposed to a relegation (by way of the team's pack tactics).

Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins shot up the Tag Team ranks; breaking from their fellow to more firmly establish themselves as the great tag team hope. They ended the almost year-long reign of Kane & Bryan Danielson (Team Hell No) -- not a minute too soon! One wouldn't anticipate Hell No reclaiming the belts any time soon, leaving the door wide open for a proper reinvigoration of the tag division, by way of a Shield domination of queuing contenders. Considering The Usos' role in establishing them as a duo (Smackdown; 5/17), it seems reasonable to expect them to be the first babyface challengers. I'd love to toss up Sheamus & Randy Orton, but that just doesn't seem likely, win/loss record be damned!

It's nice to see Chris Jericho get a win on PPV. He took it back from Fandango, who would've otherwise been expected to lose at Wrestlemania to the more seasoned veteran, rather than in the follow up. Whatever the logic, I don't think this loss hurts Fandango, as much as his association with lesser comedy skit in previous appearances. Like The Undertaker's win over Ambrose [04/28/2013], Jericho is still a good rub for the newer star.

Less positive an association was that of John Cena and Ryback.
How Ryback even emerged as the top contender (after his loss to Mark Henry at Wrestlemania) is beyond me -- but worse still was the fact that it was another dud finish. Ryback started as a simple enough project. The Bill Goldberg formula for an impossible win streak was something I was very excited to see done in WWE, in 2013. It started so well, with local no-names jobbing before the Ryback cracked WWE bottom run talent. The gradient should have continued just like that. Instead, Ryback has been on a dry spell on PPV since October 2012. I don't for a minute think Ryback should've won the WWE Championship here. Love or hate him -- logical demands Cena have a credible run after defeating his demons at Wrestlemania (against The Rock). The problem is putting Ryback in this situation to begin with. Easily avoided with a little common sense. As the result suggests, no man was left standing after that result.

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 - 05/12

#1 Randy Orton [--] (26-10-1)
The Viper keeps ahead of the pack: pulling double duty with wins over Damien Sandow (RAW; 05/06) and Antonio Cesaro (Main Event; 05/08), this week! Sheamus was back in action and keeps his foot in the door, while Alberto Del Rio does much the same with a non-title win over World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler. It's worth remember Ziggler took the title from ADR via his long held Money in the Bank contract. We asked questions about the legitimacy of the win, moving forward, in a previous Countdown [04/14/2013]. At this point, it's getting fair to say Ziggler and the World title are far from a convincing match.

#2 [--] Alberto Del Rio (24-4-1)
#3 [--] Sheamus (23-9-1)
#4 [--] Mark Henry (18-4-0)
#5 [--] Jack Swagger (17-4-2)
#6 [--] Kane (17-13-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [--] Bryan Danielson (17-14-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Ryback (16-6-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (15-12-1)
#10 [--] Wade Barrett (13-15-1) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (12-5-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (9-2-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (8-0-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (8-0-0)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (8-0-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (5-2-1)
#7 [RE] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (4-3-0)
#8 [-1] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (4-6-1)
#9 [-1] Sheamus & Big Show (3-1-0)
#10 [-1] Randy Orton & Big Show (3-1-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#19 Antonio Cesaro (8-23-1)
I put Antonio Cesaro under the spotlight less than two months ago [03/31/2013]. At that time, he was the US Champion. Shortly after Wrestlemania, he lost the belt to Kofi Kingston in one of the biggest WTF booking decisions of 2013 [04/21/2013]. I wouldn't say things have gone from bad to worse for Cesaro, but WWE's capacity to create missed opportunities is a source of great dismay and disappointment.

As they always say, win/loss scores don't matter much in pro wrestling. Cesaro may have only won a single match since that last spotlight, but he's been competing to a high standard week after week, enjoying a Main Event match with Randy Orton on Wednesday, shortly after the aforementioned win on RAW [against Zack Ryder]. There's hope to be found, however fleeting it may turn out to be.

I think his no nonsense, classic wrestler style is refreshing and he carries it off well. The problem is his surroundings. For that style to work you need to plug it into interesting match-ups, rivalries and storylines. The US title was an initial strong endorsement, but it went nowhere. Somewhere after holding the belt for a while he should've found himself an arch-rival, been involved in a decent feud or two, and had a good reason to drop the title.

Even if the situation had been something like Ryback destroying him for the belt - it would've connected him to something of significance. He would've been a passive participant in it, but a loss with a purpose rubs off well. It could've been parlayed into a new push for Cesaro as a pure competitor, fighting his way back to the title (making the title significant, building his character, filling a few months with easy matches, building to another big title bout).

Maybe they'll build something out of the Kofi situation, but personally, I'm not feeling it. Dropping the belt to a guy who's been off the radar that long just further diminishes Cesaro - particularly after relegating him off PPV and even out of pre-show matches. He needs someone to grapple with and a situation of significance. His surprising strength is great, his no nonsense catch as catch can is a really refreshing change of pace. He just needs equal competitors to build a legacy. Situations that mean something - to Cesaro, or others.

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 - 05/05

#1 Randy Orton [+1] (24-10-1)
For the first time in 2013: Randy Orton goes outright #1!
He held equal top billing with Sheamus for two weeks of The Kayfabe Countdown earlier in the year [Jan. 27, Feb. 3]. The Celtic Warrior doesn't just concede his top ranking status, but slides all the way down to third, giving way to former #1: Alberto Del Rio!

Even with the shuffle, it remains a three-man race, but the likes of Mark Henry and Jack Swagger are closing in! Kane & Bryan Danielson couldn't be counted out, but it seems the wheels are shaking loose on the long reigning Tag Team Champions. Of course, it seemed like they were heading for a split a few months ago, so weakness is only worth as much as the next match.

#2 [+1] Alberto Del Rio (23-4-1)
#3 [-2] Sheamus (22-9-1)
#4 [--] Mark Henry (18-4-0)
#5 [+2] Jack Swagger (17-4-1)
#6 [-1] Kane (17-12-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-1] Bryan Danielson (17-13-1) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Ryback (15-5-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (14-12-1)
#10 [--] Wade Barrett (13-14-1) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (12-5-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (9-2-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (7-0-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (7-0-0)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (7-0-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (5-2-1)
#7 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (4-6-1)
#8 [--] Sheamus & Big Show (3-1-0)
#9 [--] Randy Orton & Big Show (3-1-0)
#10 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (3-1-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#21 Fandango (6-1-1)
Wrestlemania crowds propelled the Fandango entrance theme to the top of UK iTunes charts, but is it really a good thing to have your song be that over? Initially, I would've said it was a great start for a guy making his in-ring debut on the grandest stage of them all. A month later, I'm not so sure.

Fandango might be the kind of gimmick that gets under the skin of your average American pro wrestling crowd. He's pretentious, effete, fey, a dancer. He's also the kind of instantly identifiable gimmick WWE have lacked for many years and I think that makes him a valuable asset. He won't remain that way for long, however, if he's thrust from a Wrestlemania debut against Chris Jericho, into dancing comedy feuds with The Great Khali.

I like the Dancing with the Stars pop cultural reference. The song really is damn catchy, and the entire presentation of the entrance is sublime. The only thing that's missing is the competitive wrestling that should be the backbone of so many more storylines and characters. The guy can move and is easily a chance for an Intercontinental Championship run somewhere down the line. I just want to see that character entangle him with better rivals, to in turn showcase more than just dancing.

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 - 04/28

#1 Sheamus [--] (22-9-1)
It was another week of recycling on WWE programming, this time on Main Event! Mark Henry took three wins from four matches in a big man spotlight similar to a Big Show feature, Feb. 20. Show didn't need it, this week, getting the better of Sheamus in The United Kingdom. The Undertaker was a surprise mainstay for the UK tour, duking it out with The Shield in varied iterations that ultimately put the three-man group over strong.

#2 [--] Randy Orton (22-10-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (21-4-1)
#4 [+3] Mark Henry (18-4-0)
#5 [-1] Kane (17-10-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [-1] Bryan Danielson (17-11-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-1] Jack Swagger (16-3-1)
#8 [--] Ryback (14-5-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (14-12-1)
#10 [--] Wade Barrett (13-14-1) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (12-4-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (9-2-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (6-0-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (6-0-0)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (6-0-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (5-2-1)
#7 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (4-6-1)
#8 [--] Sheamus & Big Show (3-1-0)
#9 [--] Randy Orton & Big Show (3-1-0)
#10 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (3-1-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#18 Dean Ambrose (6-1-0)
While the team record for The Shield remains unblemished, Dean Ambrose has the distinction of taking his first loss for 2013. The honor of facing The Undertaker was bestowed upon The Shield's leader on this week's Smackdown, where he was pretty much out classed by a superior opponent. That might not sound like a great endorsement for Ambrose, but to my mind, it is the best result possible.

Regardless of The Undertaker's physical condition, he remains a character of awesome wrestling talent, skill and tradition. Nothing is so obviously wrong with Undertaker that he could have lost to Ambrose without it ringing completely false.  Dubious victories don't do talent any favours. Being in the match was special enough. There was a tone of mismatched styles and physiques that I kinda liked. It reminds me a little of Undertaker/Ken Shamrock -- another style clash that seems wrong on paper, but was intriguing. Having The Shield take "The Phenom" out in a post-match 3-on-1 assault: the most appropriate course of action.

I maintain that Dean Ambrose is too unskilled in the ring, and too unintentionally comical on the mic' to justify the heaps of praise he's received. I'm sceptical about his long term value because of that. You've got to give them credit for going all the way with it, though. I fully expected the experiment that is The Shield to end at Wrestlemania. Instead, the undefeated streak continues, and with Undertaker taking a devastating beating from The Shield, questions about streaks start to arise. I'm unconvinced The Shield can be strung out for another full year, but you never know! If nothing else, a compelling case for a Tag Team Championship match begins to emerge -- and that's a good thing for everyone.

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 - 04/21

#1 Sheamus [--] (22-8-1)
The unlikely alliance of Sheamus & Randy Orton rolls along, keeping both at the top with no convincing signs of that much rumoured Orton heel turn. In one of the stranger twists for 2013, it appears as if Smackdown was booked by reusing a call sheet from January, with a few minor adjustments. This time Orton & Sheamus were on the losing end of a Big Show tag team, which included Mark Henry instead of the almost irrelevant Antonio Cesaro [who teamed with show during the week of 01/06/2013].

There were plenty of other similarities, but I'll let you look those up for yourself, to enjoy the same shock I had. Instead, lets just ponder the disappointment of a world where the second most storied tag team of the year doesn't appear to be in line for a Tag Team Championship. Their chemistry has never struck me as anything more than a card filler, even though some so-called experts have pegged Sheamus & Orton's claim to a title shot without the aid of the stats. With the benefit of stats, I have to say I wish there was more to it. It just doesn't seem right that an opportunity like this should be overlooked. That's World Wrestling Entertainment, folks.

#2 [--] Randy Orton (22-9-1)
#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (21-3-1)
#4 [--] Kane (17-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (17-10-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [--] Jack Swagger (15-3-1)
#7 [+1] Mark Henry (14-3-0)
#8 [-1] Ryback (14-5-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (13-12-1)
#10 [RE] Wade Barrett (12-14-1) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (12-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (9-2-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (5-0-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (5-0-0)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (5-0-0)
#6 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (5-2-1)
#7 [RE] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (4-6-1)
#8 [-1] Sheamus & Big Show (3-1-0)
#9 [-1] Randy Orton & Big Show (3-1-0)
#10 [-1] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (3-1-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#29 Kofi Kingston (4-14-0)
[United States Champion]
Say what?!? The utter deconstruction of Antonio Cesaro continues as the United States Championship changes hands in one of the worst possible ways conceivable. I'll grant that time was lending itself to a title change, but for Kofi Kingston to come out of nowhere on the back of a dozen jobber squashes and a one match build? You've really got to wonder what the hell these clowns are thinking, sometimes.

For my money, the guy to take the strap was Ryback. The once rising star has been completely obliterated by what I would call mismanagement. He was tracking wonderfully on the Goldberg plan for making a superstar, making in roads by progressing from no-name local jobbers, to bottom tier WWE talent. That gradual curve should've continued and the US Championship was the logical first port of call. Instead, he was prematurely pushed into a program of rock-and-hard-place against a CM Punk sitting neatly in a WWE Championship run. It was all downhill from there.

A US title win would've been the perfect way for Ryback to get back on track -- doing away with a competitive Cesaro, before stomping his way past other second tier challengers. It would've been good for the strap, good for Cesaro, and best for Ryback. Instead, we're booked into what has the potential to be yet another forgettable title reign, meandering its way through irrelevance. God bless Kofi Kingston, whose work is dependable, and quality of character is worthy of rewards. Rewards much better and more legitimate than this. A bitter pill in a month that's given us equally sickening results for the IC Championship (including a pointless 24 hour Wrestlemania reign by The Miz, of all people), and the ever-despicable hardcore 24/7 diminishment of the MITB World Championship contract. A sorry state of affairs for championship credibility. Here's hoping something good comes of it.

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 - 04/14

#1 Sheamus [--] (21-7-1)
A wacky week took us out of Wrestlemania and into the real meat of the coming year. So far, 2013 is turning into a three-horse race in terms of wins as Sheamus, Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio trade places in the Kayfabe Countdown Top 3! Not only have these three managed to break away from the pack on the Road to Wrestlemania, but also seem to have plenty of momentum moving forward, while other storylines and superstars meander to a halt.

With the Money in the Bank cash-in earning Del Rio his third loss for the year. he's back in the chase stakes. Meanwhile, the question looms -- now that he's World Heavyweight Champion, will Dolph Ziggler actually start winning matches? If he doesn't get shuffled sideways for the likes of Jack Swagger (whose position remains unclear after a DUI), maybe this is actually a dent in the Del Rio win count. It isn't all doom and gloom for the Countdown's #3. There's still the long teased break-up of Kane & Bryan Danielson to put some space between the unwashed masses and the elites. Maybe...

#2 [+1] Randy Orton (21-8-1)
#3 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (20-3-1)
#4 [+1] Kane (16-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [-1] Bryan Danielson (16-10-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+1] Jack Swagger (14-2-1)
#7 [-1] Ryback (14-5-0)
#8 [--] Mark Henry (13-3-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (12-11-1)
#10 [--] The Miz (11-7-1)

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

Superstar Spotlight:
#12 Dolph Ziggler (10-16-0)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
For a while there, the guy couldn't buy a win, but after months of speculation, the Money in the Bank contract was finally cashed in on a beleaguered Alberto Del Rio. To my mind, it's a pathetic way to crown a champion. Made only worse by multiple instances of title reigns measured in minutes by way of a post-win cash-in. At least Dolph Ziggler gets away without being responsible that indignity, as well. He does, however, still have a lot to prove.

I'm assured Ziggler has been a darling of the so-called "Internet Wrestling Community" for quite some time. I want to support the notion of a new guy coming through, but I can't escape the obvious sense of something missing in young Ziggler, even after all these years. For all intents and purposes it feels like the beginning of a genuine push, but he needs to develop something mighty quick to make it stick. A great place to start might be his work style, which is sorely lacking offensive manoeuvres. He's got a lot of energy and natural talent, but like so much of the modern WWE product, there's a level of competitiveness and grounding that's lacking in the psychology.

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 - 04/07

#1 Sheamus [--] (20-6-1)
I had Sheamus, Randy Orton & Big Show finally ending the three-man reign of terror that is The Shield. Shows what I know! The Wrestlemania opener kicked things off in ways that can only deliver down the road. Everybody's talking heel turn for Randy Orton, so you've got to think that's on the table. With Jack Swagger on the out (after a drug charge), it's no surprise Alberto Del Rio is making motions toward the top of the Countdown again. I'm not sure I ever expected Swagger to be the man to take the World Heavyweight Championship -- certainly not at Wrestlemania -- but it's his future that's really in doubt now.

#2 [+1] Alberto Del Rio (19-2-1) [World Champion]
#3 [-1] Randy Orton (19-8-1)
#4 [--] Bryan Danielson (15-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [--] Kane (15-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [--] Ryback (14-5-0)
#7 [--] Jack Swagger (13-1-1)
#8 [--] Mark Henry (13-2-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (12-10-1)
#10 [--] The Miz (11-6-1) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (10-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (7-1-0)
#3 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (4-0-0)
#4 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (4-0-0)
#5 [+1] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (4-0-0)
#6 [-3] Brodus Clay & Tensai (4-1-1)
#7 [+2] Sheamus & Big Show (3-1-0)
#8 [+2] Randy Orton & Big Show (3-1-0)
#9 [-2] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (3-2-0)
#10 [-2] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (3-5-1)

Superstar Spotlight:
Wrestlemania XXIX
Another year, another dubious Wrestlemania.
It had to be one of the all-time worst builds to the biggest show of the year, with many matches only coming together at the last moment. I find it galling that the event was dominated by first timers, let alone wrestlers who were making their in-ring debut!

Fandango and Big E Langston made their competitive debuts in matches that felt like a last minute waste of talent. I wasn't down on Fandango/Jericho entirely, not as a mid-card bout, but I can't help but acknowledge the potential for so much better for Chris Jericho. Likewise, the tag team situation stumbles its way through all kinds of clumsy missteps. Langston had absolutely no business debuting at Wrestlemania, let alone at the expense of various tag teams that have been putting in the hard yards. Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow -- absent from the card -- stand out immediately as a duo who should've not only been there, but arguably picking up the straps. Kane & Bryan Danielson would've been far better off following through on those January teases for a singles mid-card match with some story behind it. A more disappointing story than the bumped 8-Person tag, which, truth be told, was probably a better decision for the shape of the entire card.

Despite complaints and a flimsy build, the event still carried a certain atmosphere. It is Wrestlemania and with a set that inspired delusions of grand, King Kong-style city brawls, it was hard not to be in awe of the spectacle, if not the wrestling. Brock Lesnar/Triple H was the no brainer for match of the night, in my eyes. The pair put on a brutal battle that lived up to expectations. Undertaker's defense of the streak was solid, but lacked the technical excellence of the past four years, and the spectacle the storyline deserved. With all the back and forth over urns and ill speeches toward the dead, I really wanted to see CM Punk carted out in a druid-manned casket. It's tough to penalize them for something they didn't do, but that felt like a real hole in the finish.

The main event capped off a Wrestlemania with few surprises, but I maintain that there's no shame in that. I think back to the last Wrestlemania's that really blew me away, like Wrestlemania XX, where Chris Benoit's World Championship victory was widely seen as a foregone conclusion. There comes a time when sometimes you just need to deliver the good result. John Cena is far from my favourite wrestler, but it made sense to finish the Three Act story. He's the WWE Champion and now the only question is -- what comes next? With Ryback suffering a shock loss to Mark Henry, expectations in that area have at least been subverted for the following Monday. It might be a nail too many for Ryback, whose time in the spotlight came far too soon, but I'm more than happy to take Mark Henry for the contender he deserves to be.

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 - 03/31

#1 Sheamus [--] (19-5-1)
A second loss for 2013 docks Alberto Del Rio another rank, but the team-up between Sheamus & Randy Orton (& Big Show) means there's no jostling at the top. The unlikely duo first teamed at the beginning of the year [01/06/2013], meaning their was history to build upon for their placement in the Tag Team Rankings, as well!

#2 [+1] Randy Orton (18-7-1)
#3 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (17-2-1) [World Champion]
#4 [+2] Bryan Danielson (14-8-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [+2] Kane (14-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [-1] Ryback (13-4-0)
#7 [-3] Jack Swagger (12-0-1)
#8 [--] Mark Henry (11-2-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (11-9-1)
#10 [--] The Miz (10-6-1)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (9-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (6-0-0)
#3 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (4-1-1)
#4 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (3-0-0)
#5 [+1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (3-0-0)
#6 [+1] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (3-0-0)
#7 [-3] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (3-2-0)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (3-5-1)
#9 [new] Sheamus & Big Show (2-0-0)
#10 [new] Randy Orton & Big Show (2-0-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#16 Antonio Cesaro (7-16-1)
[United States Champion]
He may have claimed World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio's second loss on RAW, but the reigning US Champion is far from on top of the competition. Antonio Cesaro (aka; Claudio Castagnoli) has been on a rapid descent, taking losses on all three weekly shows in the build to Wrestlemania.

If there's anything I like less than non-title matches, it's repeating non-title matches where the champion constantly loses!

As is becoming tradition, you'd have to expect the once prestigious United States title to be relegated to little more than pre-show pap. Disappointing, given the unique intrigue Cesaro otherwise lends to the belt. His dead lift, no nonsense approach may strike some of the Entertainment era fans as bland, but I'm hungry to see him take on challengers in hardcore, no nonsense, catch-as-catch-can wrestling competitions! No, he won't be the next coming of Kurt Angle, but at a time when Brock Lesnar is grabbing headlines as the former UFC Heavyweight Champion turned WWE prodigal son, I think it's time to build credibility in the sport again.

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 - 03/24

#1 Sheamus [+1] (18-5-1)
After a month at #2, Sheamus returns to the top of the winners list thanks to his team-up with Randy Orton, and their campaign against the triple threat of The Shield!

The strange bed fellows got even stranger as Ryback departed from their arrangement of convenience, replaced by Big Show! This impromptu turn of fortune should do good things for The Giant, who remained in the Top 10 after a six-man tag win on Smackdown against the consummate jobbers: 3 Man Band.

#2 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (17-1-1) [World Champion]
#3 [--] Randy Orton (17-7-1)
#4 [--] Jack Swagger (12-0-0)
#5 [--] Ryback (12-4-0)
#6 [--] Bryan Danielson (12-8-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [--] Kane (12-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Mark Henry (10-2-0)
#9 [--] Big Show (10-9-1)
#10 [--] The Miz (9-6-1)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (8-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+1] Sheamus & Randy Orton (5-0-0)
#3 [-1] Brodus Clay & Tensai (4-0-1)
#4 [+3] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (3-1-0)
#5 [-1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (2-0-0)
#6 [-1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#7 [-1] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#8 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-4-1)
#9 [--] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#10 [--] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#11 Wade Barrett (8-10-1)
[Intercontinental Champion]
At this point, the Intercontinental Championship is pretty used to being subjugated to token gestures. Over the past half a decade it's been difficult to keep a firm grasp on who has the belt at any given time. IC Champs have a knack for fading into the scenery.

Wade Barrett, with his gritty beard and taped fists, at least has the character to avoid being ignored all together. Having played jobber to the likes of Alberto Del Rio for weeks on end, he's finally been put to work in a capacity that comes close to reflecting his status as Intercontinental Champion. His KC rank just outside the Top 10 doesn't do justice to just how little impression Wade Barrett has been able to leave on the once coveted secondary strap. It looks like it'll be a nauseating Wrestlemania meet-up between he and The Miz -- who had the honor of besmirching a second tier champion even worse off than Barrett, on Smackdown: US title holder Antonio Cesaro.

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 - 03/17

#1 Alberto Del Rio [--] (16-1-1)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
This week is notable for two key reason: Alberto Del Rio suffers his first loss for 2013! Even more amazing: It's to The Big Show! Who knew the big man could beat anybody of note? Probably not a huge number of people, given that the result came on Wednesday's Main Event. Del Rio fared much better on RAW, taking out a win in his umpteenth Champion vs Champion bout, this time with United States belt holder, Antonio Cesaro -- another guy who can't seem to buy a win any more.

#2 [--] Sheamus (16-5-1)
#3 [--] Randy Orton (15-7-1)
#4 [+2] Jack Swagger (11-0-0)
#5 [+2] Ryback (11-4-0)
#6 [-2] Bryan Danielson (11-8-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-2] Kane (11-9-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [--] Mark Henry (9-2-0)
#9 [+1] Big Show (9-9-1)
#10 [-1] The Miz (8-5-1)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (7-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (4-0-0)
#3 [+4] Sheamus & Randy Orton (3-0-0)
#4 [-1] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (2-0-0)
#5 [-1] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#6 [-1] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#7 [RE] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (2-1-0)
#8 [-2] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-4-0)
#9 [-1] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#10 [-1] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#46 Chris Jericho (1-8-0)
He's the first guy who'll tell you win/loss records don't matter in this game. Maybe the man called Chris Jericho really believes that, or maybe it's just conditioning. Either way, for a fan, it's truly galling to see someone of this stature make a surprise return, only to spin his wheels is yet another aimless string of losses.

Had Chris Jericho been privy to more convincing reigns at the top, it might have been easier to accept him as the torch baring jobber to the next wave. It still smarts that he was overlooked as winner in the 2012 Royal Rumble -- a result too perfect to overlook, particularly in favour of what eventuated. Time and again he's cut short his dues. Even more so than The New Age Outlaws [3/10/2013], here's a guy who can still go. A legitimate contender ready to contest the title. In the nineties, we were conditioned to rush people out the door in anticipation of the next great thing. A decade and a half later, we should be realizing the turnover of the millennium has ended. The acceleration of greatness is over. Cherish what we've got.

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 - 03/10

#1 Alberto Del Rio [--] (15-0-1)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
Alberto Del Rio d. Wade Barrett (RAW; 3/4)
Alberto Del Rio d. Dolph Ziggler (Smackdown; 3/8)

#2 [--] Sheamus (14-5-1)
#3 [--] Randy Orton (13-7-1)
#4 [+1] Bryan Danielson (11-7-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [+1] Kane (10-8-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [-2] Jack Swagger (9-0-0)
#7 [--] Ryback (9-4-0)
#8 [new] Mark Henry (8-1-0)
#9 [-1] The Miz (8-5-0)
#10 [-1] Big Show (7-9-1)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (7-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (4-0-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (2-0-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#6 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#7 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#8 [--] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#9 [--] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#10 [--] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)

Superstar Spotlight:
#20 Road Dogg & Billy Gunn (1-0-0)
With mainstream tag team wrestling in tatters after years of abuse and neglect from WWE: one of their great tag triumphs was truly a sight for sore eyes!

The Road Dogg Jesse James and Bad Ass Billy Gunn were the Attitude Era sensation collectively known as The New Age Outlaws. Though glorified jobbers at the start: the pair made good with the perfect late nineties blend of charisma, promo skills and legitimate wrestling talent. For the latter, I obviously lean toward Billy Gunn, whose missed opportunities I've lamented many times before [11/21/2010]. For sheer spectacle, there's no denying the legitimate interest that accompanied any New Age Outlaws tag match on a late nineties WWF card!

With Wrestlemania [literally] looming over every WWE event -- you can't help but think these are the perfect guys to accommodate a jump start to the tag division! Granted, you're probably not going to build the promotion around these guys in PG 2013, but the excitement and history their presence rings is more than enough to carry a nostalgia run into a special event. Dropping the belts on TV leaves more than enough time to finally confirm the split feud between current champions: Kane and Bryan Danielson. It's also a great way to put a new team over on the grandest stage of them all -- someone like Titus O'Neil & Darren Young (The Prime Time Players), or Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (Rhodes Scholars), who are too good to break-up without getting the title reign they earned!

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 - 03/03

#1 Alberto Del Rio [--] (13-0-1)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
Posted Retroactively Without Commentary

#2 [--] Sheamus (13-4-1)
#3 [--] Randy Orton (12-6-1)
#4 [--] Jack Swagger (9-0-0)
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (9-7-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+2] Kane (9-7-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [+3] Ryback (7-4-0)
#8 [-2] The Miz (7-5-0)
#9 [-2] Big Show (7-7-1)
#10 [-1] Kaitlyn (6-0-1) [Divas Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (5-3-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (3-0-0)
#3 [--] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (2-0-0)
#4 [--] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#5 [--] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#6 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#7 [-3] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#8 [-] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#9 [--] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#10 [--] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)

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 - 02/24

#1 Alberto Del Rio [+1] (12-0-1)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
Wins over Dolph Ziggler and Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett at either end of the working week put Alberto Del Rio on top! The reigning World Heavyweight Champion ends a six week run of Sheamus as the most successful superstar in 2013!

#2 [-1] Sheamus (12-4-1)
#3 [--] Randy Orton (10-6-1)
#4 [+2] Jack Swagger (8-0-0)
#5 [-1] Bryan Danielson (8-6-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+4] The Miz (7-3-0)
#7 [new] Big Show (7-6-1)
#8 [-3] Kane (7-7-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [-1] Kaitlyn (6-0-1) [Divas Champion]
#10 [-3] Ryback (6-4-0)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Brodus Clay & Tensai (3-0-0)
#3 [new] Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns (2-0-0)
#4 [new] Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#5 [new] Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (2-0-0)
#6 [-3] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#7 [-3] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#8 [-3] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#9 [-3] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#10 [-3] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)

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 - 02/17

#1 Sheamus [--] (11-3-1)
Posted Retroactively Without Commentary

#2 [+2] Alberto Del Rio (10-0-1) [World Champion]
#3 [-1] Randy Orton (9-5-1)
#4 [-1] Bryan Danielson (8-5-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [-1] Kane (7-6-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [new] Jack Swagger (6-0-0)
#7 [-1] Ryback (6-3-0)
#8 [-1] Kaitlyn (5-0-1) [Divas Champion]
#9 [-1] John Cena (5-1-0) [Royal Rumble Winner]
#10 [RE] The Miz (5-3-0)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [new] Brodus Clay & Tensai (2-0-0)
#3 [-1] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#4 [-1] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#5 [-1] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#6 [-1] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#7 [-1] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)
#8 [-1] Randy Orton & Kane (1-0-0)
#9 [-1] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (1-0-0)
#10 [-1] Alberto Del Rio & Sheamus (1-0-0)

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 - 02/10

#1 Sheamus [--] (10-2-1)
Posted Retroactively Without Commentary

#2 [--] Randy Orton (9-3-1)
#3 [+2] Bryan Danielson (8-3-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#4 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (7-0-1) [World Champion]
#5 [-1] Kane (6-5-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+2] Ryback (5-2-0)
#7 [-1] Kaitlyn (4-0-1) [Divas Champion]
#8 [-1] John Cena (4-0-0) [Royal Rumble Winner]
#9 [new] The Great Khali (4-4-0)
#10 [-1] Wade Barrett (4-7-1) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#3 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#4 [--] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#5 [--] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#6 [--] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)
#7 [--] Randy Orton & Kane (1-0-0)
#8 [--] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (1-0-0)
#9 [--] Alberto Del Rio & Sheamus (1-0-0)
#10 [--] Alberto Del Rio & Kane (1-0-0)

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 - 02/03

#1 Sheamus [--] (8-2-1)
#2 Randy Orton [--] (8-2-1)
Posted Retroactively Without Commentary

#3 [--] Alberto Del Rio (6-0-1) [World Champion]
#4 [--] Kane (6-3-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [--] Bryan Danielson (6-3-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [--] Kaitlyn (4-0-1) [Divas Champion]
#7 [+1] John Cena (4-0-0] Royal Rumble Winner]
#8 [new] Ryback (4-2-0)
#9 [-2] Wade Barrett (4-6-1) [Intercontinental Champion]
#10 [-1] The Miz (3-2-0)

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (4-2-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#3 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#4 [--] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#5 [--] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#6 [--] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)
#7 [--] Randy Orton & Kane (1-0-0)
#8 [--] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (1-0-0)
#9 [--] Alberto Del Rio & Sheamus (1-0-0)
#10 [--] Alberto Del Rio & Kane (1-0-0)

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 - 01/27

#1 Sheamus [--] (6-2-1)
#2 Randy Orton [--] (6-2-1)
Posted Retroactively Without Commentary

#3 [+5] Alberto Del Rio (5-0-0) [World Champion]
#4 [+1] Kane (5-2-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [+1] Bryan Danielson (5-2-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [-2] Kaitlyn (4-0-0) [Divas Champion]
#7 [-4] Wade Barrett (4-4-1) [Intercontinental Champion]
#8 [+2] John Cena (3-0-0) [Royal Rumble Winner]
#9 [RE] The Miz (3-2-0)
#10 [-3] Antonio Cesaro (3-5-1) [United States Champion]

#1 [--] Kane & Bryan Danielson (3-1-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+8] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (2-2-0)
#3 [-1] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#4 [-1] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#5 [-1] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#6 [-1] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)
#7 [--] Randy Orton & Kane (1-0-0)
#8 [--] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (1-0-0)
#9 [--] Alberto Del Rio & Sheamus (1-0-0)
#10 [new] Alberto Del Rio & Kane (1-0-0)

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 - 01/20

#1 Sheamus [--] (5-1-0) 
Posted Retroactively Without Commentary

#2 [--] Randy Orton (4-1-1)
#3 [--] Wade Barrett (4-2-0) [Intercontinental Champion]
#4 [new] Kaitlyn (3-0-0) [Divas Champion]
#5 [new] Kane (3-1-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [new] Bryan Danielson (3-1-0) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-3] Antonio Cesaro (3-2-1) [United States Champion]
#8 [new] Alberto Del Rio (2-0-0) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#9 [new] CM Punk (2-0-0) [WWE Champion]
#10 [new] John Cena (2-0-0)

#1 [+5] Kane & Bryan Danielson (2-1-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [-1] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#3 [-1] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#4 [-1] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#5 [--] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)
#6 [new] Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso (1-0-0)
#7 [new] Randy Orton & Kane (1-0-0)
#8 [new] Randy Orton & Bryan Danielson (1-0-0)
#9 [new] Alberto Del Rio & Sheamus (1-0-0)
#10 [-6] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (1-1-0)

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 - 01/13

#1 Sheamus [+7] (4-0-0) 
For the

#2 [+7] Randy Orton (3-0-0)
#3 [new] Wade Barrett (3-1-0)
#4 [+6] Antonio Cesaro (2-2-0)
#5 [-4] Justin Gabriel (1-0-0)
#6 [-4] JTG (1-0-0)
#7 [-4] Yoshi Tatsu (1-0-0)
#8 [-4] The Miz (1-0-0)
#9 [-4] Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#10 [-3] Tamina Snuka (1-0-0)

#1 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#2 [--] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#3 [+1] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#4 [new] Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow (1-0-0)
#5 [new] Dolph Ziggler & AJ Lee (1-0-0)
#6 [new] Kane & Bryan Danielson (1-1-0) [Tag Team Champions]
#7 [-4] The Great Khali & Natalya Neidhart (1-1-0)
#8 [-3] Big Show & Antonio Cesaro (0-1-0)
#9 [-3] Primo & Epico (0-1-0)
#10 [-3] Primo & Rosa Mendes (0-1-0)

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 - 01/06

#1 [--] Justin Gabriel (1-0-0)
#2 [--] JTG (1-0-0)
#3 [--] Yoshi Tatsu (1-0-0)
#4 [--] The Miz (1-0-0)
#5 [--] Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#6 [--] Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#7 [--] Tamina Snuka (1-0-0)
#8 [--] Sheamus (1-0-0)
#9 [--] Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#10 [--] Antonio Cesaro (1-1-0) [United States Champion]

#1 [--] Sheamus & Randy Orton (1-0-0)
#2 [--] The Great Khali & Hornswoggle (1-0-0)
#3 [--] The Great Khali & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#4 [--] Hornswoggle & Natalya Neidhart (1-0-0)
#5 [--] Big Show & Antonio Cesaro (0-1-0)
#6 [--] Primo & Epico (0-1-0)
#7 [--] Primo & Rosa Mendes (0-1-0)
#8 [--] Epico & Rosa Mendes (0-1-0)

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.

iChart 100: Year 6 - Q1

#1 [1155] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana (--)
#2 [1121] William Ørbit - In A Landscape (--)
#3 [1108] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (--)
#4 [1062] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (+1)
#5 [1054] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (-1)
#6 [1035] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (--)
#7 [1033] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (--)
#8 [1030] William Ørbit - Xerxes (--)
#9 [1019] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (--)
#10 [973] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (--)
#11 [945] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (--)
#12 [689] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (--)
#13 [641] Way Out West - Pulse of Life (--)
#14 [632] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors (--)
#15 [595] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion (--)
#16 [549] Thom Yorke - Analyse (--)
#17 [530] Björk - Mouths Cradle (--)
#18 [523] Vangelis - Love Theme from Bladerunner (+1)
#19 [514] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (-1)
#20 [509] Moby - My Weakness (--)
#21 [481] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (+1)
#22 [480] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+2)
#23 [480] Björk - Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right) (-2)
#24 [468] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (-1)
#25 [454] PNAU - Journey Agent (--)
#26 [437] Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Radio Edit) (+1)
#27 [434] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit) (-1)
#28 [430] Björk - Submarine (--)
#29 [426] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (--)
#30 [424] The Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (--)
#31 [419] Pendulum - Coma (+1)
#32 [414] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-1)
#33 [409] 808 State - Pacific (808:98) (+5)
#34 [408] Madonna - Frozen (+2)
#35 [405] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (+2)
#36 [402] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (+3)
#37 [399] Intermix - Mantra (-4)
#38 [396] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (-4)
#39 [394] Gustav - Genua (-4)
#40 [391] Faithless - We Come 1 (+3)
#41 [377] Hot Chip - Over and Over (+3)
#42 [375] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (--)
#43 [375] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (-3)
#44 [374] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death Version by Rob Dougan) (-3)
#45 [371] Gerling - Enter, Space Capsule (Radio Disko Edit) (+12)
#46 [367] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (-1)
#47 [364] Björk - Desired Constellation (+1)
#48 [363] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (+2)
#49 [362] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (+7)
#50 [362] Moby - Memory Gospel (-4)
#51 [361] Cassius - Toop Toop (-4)
#52 [359] Radiohead - Videotape (-3)
#53 [355] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (-2)
#54 [347] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (+14)
#55 [347] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (-1)
#56 [347] Björk - Vokuro (-4)
#57 [347] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (-4)
#58 [344] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda-Rósu (-3)
#59 [342] Björk - Joga (+13)
#60 [342] Joe Jackson - Steppin Out (-2)
#61 [339] Joy Division - Atmosphere (+13)
#62 [338] Björk - Oceania (+18)
#63 [338] Console - 14 Zero Zero (-4)
#64 [338] Orbital - Halcyon (7" Version) (+3)
#65 [332] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+8)
#66 [332] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (-6)
#67 [330] Rui Da Silva feat. Cassandra - Touch Me (Radio Edit) (+15)
#68 [328] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (+11)
#69 [327] Underworld - Born Slippy (Nuxx) (-7)
#70 [326] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (-7)
#71 [326] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-10)
#72 [324] Daft Punk - Veridis Quo (+9)
#73 [321] Orbital - Petrol (-8)
#74 [319] Moby - Flying Foxes (-8)
#75 [318] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (-11)
#76 [317] The Wolfpak - Gangsta Bounce (new)
#77 [317] Faithless - Drifting Away [Paradiso Mix] (-5)
#78 [317] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (-8)
#79 [317] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks (-10)
#80 [313] Pet Shop Boys - I Don't Know What You Want but I Can't Give it Anymore (-5)
#81 [312] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (-4)
#82 [310] Enya - Boadicea (new)
#83 [309] Sash! feat. Tina Cousins - Mysterious Times (+4)
#84 [307] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (-8)
#85 [306] The KLF - 3AM Eternal (+8)
#86 [306] Moby - ARP (-8)
#87 [305] The KLF - Last Train to Trancentral (+7)
#88 [305] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (-5)
#89 [302] Hot Chip - Grubbs (--)
#90 [301] Moby - Natural Blues (-6)
#91 [300] CoLD SToRAGE - Messij Received (-6)
#92 [298] The Prodigy - Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix) (-4)
#93 [295] Groove Armada - Inside My Mind (Blue Skies) (+7)
#94 [295] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-8)
#95 [286] Faithless - I Want More (RE)
#96 [286] Joanna Newsom - Sprout and the Bean (-6)
#97 [285] The KLF - What Time is Love? (+2)
#98 [283] Sash! - La Primavera (new)
#99 [280] Rob Dougan - Nothing At All (-7)
#100 [280] Chicane feat. Bryan Adams - Don't Give Up (-9)