Gorilla Position – Episode 44
Hosts: James Delow and Rob Leigh
Airdate: November 5, 2015
DIRECT LINK TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD
Recap By Tania Leong
Main Topics Covered
- WWE U.K. Tour
- Raw Recap
- Other wrestling chatter
Top News Items
– U.K. Tour Preview: James said that he was excited for the UK Tour and he would be following them around the U.K. He said although he liked the travel, he wouldn’t want to have the schedule of the WWE Superstars and Divas. James and Rob thought it was interesting that The Undertaker will be on Smackdown next Tuesday.
– Raw Recap: Overall, both enjoyed Raw especially the main event but were confused with the Wyatt Family segment. The main event made the competitors look strong especially the three former Shield members and setup up future matches and feuds, such as Ambrose and Owens, New Day, and the Usos.
– Breaking Ground Review: Both had mixed reviews for Breaking Ground, with James enjoying it but Rob saying that he is disinterested and is only watching the show because ‘it is his job’ to do so.
Topics Discussed (with time stamps)
Introduction by James Delow – 0.00
James will be following the tour across the UK, starting at London then to Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Manchester, and will be interviewing WWE Superstars and Divas. – 00.45
James said that he was to have another interview with Rey Mysterio this week but he ‘was let down’ and it didn’t happen. Therefore, no interview this week. – 02.30
The competition this week is to win a pair of tickets to Raw and Smackdown in Manchester next week. – 03.25
WWE U.K. Tour Preview – 03.40
James and Rob went through the WWE U.K. Tour, which started in Dublin, Ireland. They will be shooting videos for MTV and interviews for the podcast, and will be attending Raw and Smackdown in Manchester. Rob noted that Undertaker would be on Smackdown for the first time in many years, and James said that he had put in an interview request but doesn’t think this will happen.
They discussed Undertaker’s current status and why he is appearing on Smackdown – whether it is to booster the crowd or to further a storyline. Rob thinks that it is the latter because the video package shown on Raw was focused on the Brothers of Destruction rather than Undertaker alone.
They discussed Disney and ESPN’s interest in the WWE and if a relationship will be formed soon.
Raw Recap – 13.00
James said that Roman Reigns is not as over as he should be and that he still sounds very scripted on the mic.
James had a ‘big problem’ with the Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens match, especially with the scripted and ‘overly rehearsed’ entrance of Tyler Breeze in the middle of the match and it took away from the element of surprise. However, Rob was pleased with the way in which Breeze is being presented and ‘pushed’. Nevertheless, Owens was not needed in this match if the plan was to setup for Breeze’s entrance and involvement.
James complemented the Miz for taking the 25 revolutions from Cesaro. Rob thought it was a ‘good TV match’ and liked the focus on Cesaro and the Cesaro Section. Both anticipate a program between him and Stardust.
Both enjoyed the flashback Survivor Series video packages throughout the night. However, they found it weird that last year’s Survivor Series was shown and it was ‘very telling’ that Sting was omitted.
They discussed Randy Orton’s injury and that he will be out of action for four to six months, therefore he will be missing WrestleMania in as many years.
James didn’t understand or like the Wyatt Family segment. He thought that as good as the video package was, it didn’t fit in with whole segment and the pyro used was very old fashioned. Rob said that the video package made him excited for seeing the Brothers of Destruction returning. James said that Bray did something similar in the lead up to this year’s Wrestlemania. Rob questioned whether there would be a program with the Undertaker and Kane somewhere down the track, possibly at a special event.
Both were pleased that Lucha Dragons won the tag team match against Sheamus and Wade Barrett. It seems to that they may be challenging for the Tag Team Championship soon.
Neither could see where the storyline between Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger is heading. They questioned whether the ‘double stomp’ was an appropriate finisher as it is quite similar to that of Finn Balor and Sasha Banks.
Rob really enjoyed the backstage segment with the New Day and Seth Rollins.
Both think that Paige is a ‘very complete performer’ and has grown in confidence. The backstage promo with Renee Young, Becky Lynch and Brie Bella was a great prelude for the fatal four-way match. During the match, Becky was made to look very strong whereas Brie’s weak ring psychology was obvious. Rob didn’t like the ‘Tower of Doom [with] four very slight’ wrestlers but it was a crowd pleaser.
James thought the backstage interview with Charlotte added anticipation for the Survivor’s Series match.
Both thought that the main event match was very good. It made Reigns, Rollins and Dean Ambrose look strong, and suspected that it was to setup for the eventual Triple Threat match. Rob thinks that Reigns doesn’t need the use The Shield entrance anymore because it doesn’t suit his current character.
James didn’t particularly like the ending of the match, but Rob thought that he liked that ‘they didn’t give [Reigns and Rollins’s match] away’.
Breaking Ground Recap – 58.50
Rob said that he is enjoying the show, but ‘doesn’t have much to say about it.’ They said it was good to see Robbie Brookside. Rob’s reservations with the show is that it is catered for certain wrestling fans whereas he would like to see more about the stories of Apollo Crews and Asuka, and he was not interested in about those who ‘failed promo classes’. He also thought that too many ‘Tough Enough’ contestants were featured on the show. He asked why should he care if some of those featured ‘can’t be bothered’ to learn in the classes.
Other wrestling news and chatter – 67.00
Rob noted that Jerry Lawler was involved in a car crash and his girlfriend was injured.
Ronda Rousey said that she is ready to get into a WWE ring, so it is only a matter of time when she wrestles in the WWE. Rob thinks that Charlotte is Rousey’s most credible opponent. James said that WWE is very lucky to have someone like Rousey as a fan.
Competition – 71.10
This week’s competition is a chance to win a pair of tickets to Raw and Smackdown in Manchester on Monday, 9 November and Tuesday, 10 November. It should be noted that the winners will get two tickets to either Raw or Smackdown. The winner should be able to travel to Manchester on short notice.
To win, retweet the special Raw or Smackdown tweet on James’s Twitter account (depending on which show you want to attend). Entrants must be over 18 years old and live in the U.K. The winner will be notified on Sunday, 7 November 2015.
Score & Review
7.5 out 10: Overall, I found this episode to be quite enjoyable and easy to listen to. Their review of Raw was quick and their discussions revolved around the more important points of the matches and storylines.
James and Rob’s analysis on why The Undertaker was added to Smackdown was interesting, and I think the reason is to both booster the ratings and tickets, as well as to further the storyline.
I agree that this week’s Raw was good especially the main event and gave a good taste of a traditional Survivor Series match. Although there were ten superstars involved in this match, each looked strong in some way and setup a few new feuds such as Ambrose and Owens, and the New Day and the Usos. I agree with Rob, that the ending of the match was appropriate because Reigns and Rollins should be pinning one another until Survivor Series.
I agree that Brie’s lesser wrestling skills was clear especially with Becky, Paige, and Sasha in the match as well, but this match was a big step forward for the Divas division, as it showcased some of the younger talent and the wrestling was at a higher standard.
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