December 1, 2015
Episode 166
(taped December 1, 2015)
City: Hershey, PA
Venue: Giant Center
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton
Ring Announcer: Eden Stiles
Intro Video
“On My Own” by CFO$
Match 1
Dolph Ziggler vs The Miz
(Tyler Breeze & Summer Rae at ringside; referee: Mike Chioda)
The Miz takes his time removing his sunglasses, and Ziggler nearly lands a superkick. Miz drives Ziggler into a corner, then puts him down with a shoulder block. Ziggler responds with a dropkick. Miz goes low, kicking Ziggler in the knee. Then he drives Ziggler into the ring post, sending him to the floor.
-commercial-
Miz is in control in the ring after the break. Miz performs a single-arm DDT and drives Ziggler into the corner. Miz hits a running clothesline and tries to follow up with a diving axe handle, but Ziggler hits a dropkick. Both men are slow to get up.
Dolph hits some strikes and a neckbrecker, followed by a jumping elbow drop. He calls for the superkick, but Miz avoids it. Miz looks for Skull Crushing Finale, but Ziggler hits a jumping DDT for a 2 count. He follows with a couple of near falls, but Miz responds with a kneeling DDT for a 2 count of his own.
Ziggler hits a Famouser but only gets a 2 count. Miz rolls out to the floor. Ziggler follows and rolls Miz into the ring, but Breeze distracts Ziggler on his way back in. Miz kicks the middle rope as Ziggler is straddling it, then lands a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Result: The Miz wins via pinfall after a Skull Crushing Finale
Time: 7:14 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. There were some good sequences where moves were avoided or countered, and both guys looked good. A little bit of drama, and the ending made perfect sense.
Match 2
Sasha Banks w/ Tamina, Naomi vs Alicia Fox w/ Brie Bella
(referee: Charles Robinson)
Alicia backs Sasha into the ropes. Sasha grabs the ropes but Alicia pulls her off of them, slamming her onto the mat. Alicia goes for Alicia, but with Naomi distracting the ref, Tamina strikes Alicia.
Sasha is in control and arrogantly plays with Alicia, rubbing her face into the mat. Alica delivers a back elbow and gets a sunset flip out of the corner. A pair of dropkicks and a backbreaker get Alicia a 2 count. Naomi tries to distract Alicia, but she hits a version of a rocker dropper and boots Tamina off of the apron.
Alicia picks up Sasha, but Sasha counters with a back stabber and the Bank Statement for the win.
Result: Sasha Banks wins via submission with the Bank Statement
Time: 2:55
Match Thoughts
Another good match. Alicia was fighting angry and Sasha was arrogant and confident. They both brought good personality and drama to the match. They worked well together. It was short, but it was good.
Match 3
Ryback vs Bo Dallas
(referee: Darrick Moore)
Bo starts with some forearms and a DDT. He gets a 2 count, but Ryback kicks out with power, sending Dallas out of the ring. Dallas takes a victory lap.
Back in the ring, Ryback hits a dropkick from the second rope. Ryback performs a stalling suplex, then looks for the Meat Hook. Dallas rolls to the apron, hangs Ryback up on the ropes, and drops him with a clothesline. Dallas hits an elbow for a 2 count. Ryback tries to fight back, but Dallas hits a neckbreaker.
Dallas takes too much time talking to the crowd and Ryback catches him and delivers Shell Shock for the win.
Result: Ryback wins via pinfall after Shell Shock
Time: 4:11
Match Thoughts
It’s strange how Ryback fights from behind so often, especially with guys that he clearly overpowers. I guess that’s what babyfaces usually do, it just seems odd sometimes. Even so, this match was okay. Dallas was true to character and that came through in how the match progressed and ended.
Video
RAW Rebound featuring Sheamus’ title celebration.
Match 4
Titus O’Neil vs Stardust
(referee: Jason Ayers)
Titus puts Stardust on the apron and pushes him to the floor. Stardust runs back into the ring but Titus easily fights him off. He lands a couple of hard chops to Stardust in the corner. Stardust hits a back elbow and a pair of boots to put Titus down. Stardust exits the ring and pulls Titus against the ring post ribs first.
Stardust gets back into the ring and stomps Titus. Titus tries to fight back, but Stardust lands a knee to the ribs and one to the head. Stardust retains control and works on Titus with a methodical pace. Eventually, Titus grabs Stardust’s arm and throws him across the ring. Titus builds momentum and downs Stardust with a big boot. Titus plays to the crowd then hits Clash of the Titus for the win.
Result: Titus O’Neil wins via pinfall with Clash of the Titus
Time: 5:40
Match Thoughts
A good match and a nice follow up to the non-match that the two of them had the previous week. Stardust looked good, moving around the ring and keeping Titus at a distance when he needed to.
Show Impressions
This week’s matches were better than the previous week. This show definitely had some stuff worth watching.
Match of the Night
Dolph Ziggler vs The Miz
The main event was good, but I think the exchanges between The Miz and Ziggler were a little better. I’d watch that match again before any of the other matches on the show.