|Date: October 9, 2016
|Venue: Golden 1 Center |City: Sacramento, California
|Attendance: 14,324
|Brand: Smackdown
|tweet me: @BastionBlogger
A video package kicks us off which covers the WWE Championship match, Intercontinental Championship, Smackdown women’s championship match and Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt.
There’s some pyro and ballyhoo and Mauro Ranallo welcomes us to Sacramento.
AJ Styles (c) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. John Cena – Triple threat match for the WWE Championship
Background: AJ Styles beat John Cena at Summerslam and then beat Dean Ambrose at Backlash to win the WWE Championship. John Cena would ask for a match against AJ Styles the night after Backlash and got it but Dean Ambrose would get involved and cost Cena the match by disqualification. Shane McMahon would then make a triple threat match between these three men at No Mercy. Ambrose has since called Cena lazy and a part timer, everything Cena used to call The Rock. Ambrose wants the WWE Championship back, whilst John Cena wants to match Ric Flair’s all time record for holding the World Championships the most amount of times (16).
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time triple threat match between these three men.
No Mercy Record: John Cena is 1-1 at No Mercy, AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The show is starting off with the WWE Championship match due to the show going head to head against the United States Presidential debate. Dean Ambrose starts well and takes shots at both opponents and all three men then try to hit their finishers but all get countered. The fight goes to the outside where Styles hits a big Phenomenal Forearm to Cena. There’s a double German suplex spot which was pretty cool. Cena looks for an attitude adjustment on Styles who lands on his feet and hits a Pele kick. AJ Styles is so good. Cena starts to fire up against Dean Ambrose but AJ Styles stops him from hitting the five knuckle shuffle. Cena then looks for the move on Styles but Ambrose stops him with his vertical elbow drop. Styles counters Dirty Deeds. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle at both opponents at the same time before hitting Styles with the attitude adjustment but Styles rolls out of the ring. Cena then hits Ambrose with it but Dean kicks out.
John Cena locks Dean Ambrose up in the STF but AJ Styles breaks it up. AJ then hits a suplex on Cena on the apron. Styles hits Ambrose with a springboard 450 for a near fall. Styles rakes the eyes of Ambrose and then hits the Styles Clash but Cena attacks AJ from behind and locks on the STF! The crowd don’t seem keen to see Cena win this match. Ambrose holds AJ’s arm up to stop him from tapping! He then breaks up the submission hold. Cena looks for a double attitude adjustment on both men but they both hop off. AJ manages to lock the calf crusher on Cena but Ambrose breaks it up and manages to lock a calf crusher on AJ! Cena then locks on the STF on Styles at the same time! AJ Styles taps out! The bell rings but both Cena and Ambrose had a submission hold on Styles. Mike Chioda then waves it off and continues the match! Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Cena and hooks the leg but styles pulls the referee out of the ring! Cena hits an attitude adjustment on Ambrose off the middle rope but Styles then gets in the ring and hits Cena with a chair a couple of times before pinning him for the three!
Result: AJ Styles win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a great match. It feels weird to see this match open the show because now the rest of the show has to follow that. I like a triple threat match and this one didn’t disappoint. AJ Styles retains though and we’ll have to wait to see if John Cena ever wins a 16th world championship.
Rating: 7.5/10
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
There’s an ad for Hell In a Cell, the next PPV which is Raw branded.
Next up is a video package for Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
Background: Carmella attacked Nikki Bella prior to a match between the two on Smackdown. Carmella brutally beat down Nikki and has claimed that Nikki upstaged her in Carmella’s hometown. Carmella has gone as far as to target Nikki Bella’s neck, an injury that kept her on the shelf for months.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and Nikki Bella goes right after Carmella. Carmella takes the advantage by throwing Nikki into the barricade and then the LED panel on the ring. A lot of Carmella’ offence is aimed at Nikki’s neck. Nikki is much improved in the ring compared to her early days. She fires up and hits a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Carmella wriggles out of the rack attack but Nikki hits a Bella Buster for a near fall. Carmella locks on the code of silence but Nikki gets out of it and hits a big forearm. Carmella manages to lock on the code of silence again but Nikki gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Nikki hits the rack attack 2.0 and covers Carmella for the three!
Result: Nikki Bella wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a half decent match. It wasn’t a five star but it was decent enough, especially for someone as inexperienced as Carmella. Nikki looked solid, it’s good to have her back. This will probably be the end of this feud.
Rating: 5.25/10
The Miz and Shane McMahon are backstage, happy with their show so far. The Miz and Maryse shows up and tells them that they will regret putting Dolph Ziggler in a match tonight with his career on the line. Miz would like to negotiate his contract when he wins tonight.
Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
Background: Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Usos to win the vacant Smackdown Tag Team Championships at Backlash. The Usos would beat American Alpha to become number one contenders to the titles and get a rematch against Rhyno and Slater at No Mercy.
Previous PPV matches: These two teams have wrestled once before, at Backlash and it was Heath Slater and Rhyno that won that match to become the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
No Mercy Record: All four men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Rhyno and Jimmy Uso start the match, Rhyno using his power to gain the early advantage. Heath Slater tags in to a decent pop but The Usos soon take the advantage and use kicks tags to keep it. Slater makes a hot tag to Rhyno who motions for a gore but gets distracted by Jey Uso on the apron. I love The Usos new look, they look great. Heath Slater gets a hot tag and lays into both Usos. The crowd seem to be behind him too. Slater gets a near fall of Jey following a hangmans neckbreaker. Slater hits a big powerslam from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Jimmy hits Slater with a big superkick and Jey then hits the big stomp to the back of the left leg before locking on the tequila sunrise. Rhyno hits Jimmy with a gore and then clotheslines Jey to break up the submission. Rhyno officially tags in and hits Jey with a gore for the three!
Result: Heath Slater and Rhyno win by pinfall.
Review: Well this was a fun match. Again, nothing amazing but it was a decent match and the crowd were into it. I’m glad Heath Slater and Rhyno are getting a decent run as champion but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last. The Usos are brilliant at the moment and I think it’s a matter of time until they are champions.
Rating: 5.75/10
Bray Wyatt is backstage talking in Latin. No idea what he said but he finished with “the whole world in his hands”.
We’re shown some footage from Smackdown last week with Jack Swagger “beating” Baron Corbin by submission. Looked like the referee took Corbin reaching for the ropes as a tap out.
Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin
Background: Jack Swagger has recently moved from Raw to Smackdown. He instantly had a run-in with Baron Corbin and “beat him” by tap out on Smackdown. Corbin says that he wasn’t tapping out and I for one believe him. Tonight is the rematch.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The bell rings and the two men get right into it. Swagger out-powers Corbin in the early going and sends him sprawling out of the ring. Swagger beats Corbins head off the announce desk. Corbin kicks the ring steps into Swaggers hand to take the advantage. Corbin works on Swaggers hand to keep the advantage. Swagger fires back with splashes in the corner and a side suplex before hitting a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Jack struggles to lock on the Patriot Lock because of his bad hand. Corbin hits deep six for a near fall. Swagger finally manages to lock on the Patriot Lock but Corbin gets to the apron, pulling it into the ring. The referee sorts out the ring apron and behind his back Swagger pokes Corbin in the eye and then hits End Of Days for the three!
Result: Baron Corbin wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was ok. It felt like a “go and learn off Jack Swagger” match for Corbin. The result was obvious, maybe they see something in Corbin for the future. Jack Swagger won’t be disappointed to be on PPV though.
Rating: 4/10
Dolph Ziggler is shown walking backstage, could this be his last ever match?
There’s a video package next for Miz and Dolph Ziggler. It’s a really good package.
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Championship match with Dolph Ziggler’s career on the line
Background: The Miz beat Dolph Ziggler at Backlash and Miz would beat Ziggler again, both times by questionable tactics. Ziggler has demanded one more match and has put his career on the line.
Previous PPV matches: These two men have wrestled three singles matches before, The Miz has won 2 and Dolph 1.
No Mercy Record: Both men make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The match starts quickly with Dolph Ziggler trying to get the match sewn up early. The Miz soon takes the advantage and slows down the pace. Miz hits his trademark backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for a near fall. Dolph sells it like a salmon. The Miz hits some running dropkicks ala Daniel Bryan. The Miz keeps the advantage for much of the match, Dolph is great at selling, if a little over the top at times. Miz hits his trademark corner clothesline and then heads to the top but Ziggler crotches him up there. There’s a bit of a sloppy spot that results in Miz locking on the figure four but Dolph gets to the bottom rope. Maryse distracts the referee and Miz takes off a top turnbuckle. Miz shoves Ziggler into the exposed turnbuckle and then hits a powerbomb but Ziggler kicks out. Miz hits the yes kicks out of the Daniel Bryan playbook but Dolph hits the zigzag out of nowhere. The crowd were really into that pinfall but Miz kicks out.
Dolph gets another near fall and then locks on a sleeper but Miz gets to the bottom rope. Maryse then sprays hair spray in Dolph’s eyes behind the referee’s back! Miz hits the skull-crushing finale but Dolph gets his foot on the bottom rope! Miz pulls off Dolph’s boot but then walks into a superkick. Maryse then calls for someone from the back! Out run Kenny and Mikey from The Spirit Squad! Dolph disposes of them but then walks into a skull-crushing finale! Miz hooks the leg but Dolph kicks out! The referee sends Maryse and The Spirit Squad to the back! Dolph hits a superkick and with his best Shawn Michaels cover, he gets the win!
Result: Dolph Ziggler wins by pinfall.
Review: This was a great match. Loads of drama, some good action and a match where you genuinely believed that Dolph could lose in parts. I love how the Spirit Squad are back. Dolph wins though, he keeps his career and becomes a 5 time Intercontinental Champion. The crowd were really into it too.
Rating: 7.25/10
There’s an ad for the WWE Network.
Randy Orton is shown backstage looking into a mirror and his face warps. Weird.
Over to the kick off panel made up of Renee Young, Jerry Lawler, Lita and Booker T. They show us some footage form the kick off panel with Curt Hawkins making his return. And then an 8 man tag team match with American Alpha and Hype Bros beating The Ascension and The Vaudevillians.
Alexa bliss is out next. Becky Lynch is injured and unable to defend her championship tonight but we’re told that Alexa Bliss will be in action tonight. But who will she face? My bets are on Naomi. It is.
Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Background: Becky Lynch is injured but Alexa Bliss is in action anyway and her opponent is Naomi. Another member of a competitive Smackdown women’s division.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two girls.
No Mercy Record: Both girls make their No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: Alexa bliss gets the first knockdown in and takes the early advantage. Alexa is one of the smaller girls on the roster, if not the smallest. Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault. Alexa hits a painful sounding forearm but it’s back and forth. A “we want Becky” chant breaks out. Naomi hits a facebuster and the rear view for a near fall. Alexa locks on an armbar but Naomi rolls her up for the three.
Result: Naomi wins by pinfall.
Review: This match wasn’t very good. I like both of these women but something didn’t click in this match. It was slow and the crowd weren’t into it.
Rating: 3/10
There’s an ad for Hell In A Cell. Matches advertised are Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Background: Bray Wyatt has used mind games to get inside Randy Orton’s head. He then put Randy Orton on the shelf. Randy returned but he came back to play some mind games of his own, getting inside Bray Wyatt’s head which is a place he probably didn’t want to be.
Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.
No Mercy Record: Randy Orton is 2-1 at No Mercy, Bray Wyatt makes his No Mercy debut tonight.
Match: The two start with a collar and elbow tie up which is weird for a feud like this. Orton then attempts an RKO but Wyatt pushes him away. It’s a back and forth start to the match with neither man getting the advantage for too long. Wyatt sets up some steps on the outside but doesn’t get chance to use them as Randy lays him out. Bray takes the advantage not long after and it’s a slow, methodical advantage. Orton counters Sister Abigail with a roll-up. Wyatt then looks for a running senton on the steps but Orton moves and Bray hits the steel. Orton then hits a backbreaker on the barricade before hitting a hangmans DDT. Randy motions for an RKO but the lights go out! They come back on and Luke Harper is in the ring! He stares at Orton who is distracted long enough for Wyatt to hit Orton with Sister Abigail for the win!
Result: Bray Wyatt wins by pinfall.
Review: This match was a little slow for me. I liked the finish and the crowd seemed to like Luke Harper showing up too. Bray Wyatt wins but it feels like this feud is far from over. A big win for Bray Wyatt in the main event tonight.
Rating: 4.75/10
And that was No Mercy 2016. It didn’t feel like the strongest pay per view but it certainly started off with a bang. It’s been a long time since a PPV kicked off with a world title match, I think the last time was No Mercy 2007. The WWE Championship match was a good one, featuring three of the biggest stars on the roster. I’m a big fan of AJ Styles and a big fan of him as WWE Champion so I’m happy that he retained. From there the show was lacking. The only other good match on the card was the Intercontinental Championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Everything else was bad to average. I would quite like to see The Usos as Smackdown Tag Team Champions sooner rather than later. The Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt storyline feels like it’s just getting started, they could go really deep with that one.
Overall Rating: 53.57/100 (ranked joint 258th out of 334)
Match Of The Night: AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Worst Match Of The Night: Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss
Surprise Of The Night: The WWE Championship match kicks things off
Worst Booking Of The Night: Naomi beats Alexa Bliss
Superstar Of The Night: AJ Styles
No Mercy 2016 Will Be Remembered For: AJ Styles beating Dean Ambrose and John Cena in the opener
bastionblogger 
Meanwhile, Mickie James was on her way back to WWE to challenge Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver: Toronto 2016: