Fiddling while Australia Burns

I have just finished watching Insiders on ABC and I am incredibly angry. Far from holding the people who run this country to account, Fran Kelly decided to let Tony Abbott off the hook and focus on the recent shooting down of the Malaysian Airlines jet in the Ukraine. I know this sounds horribly crass but the media needs to take ownership of the situation and not let one incident cloud its job of holding the government accountable.

Firstly, it is very sad that over 30 Australians lost their lives in the plane crash. My thoughts are with their families and all the people affected by the incident. However, this event happend on Friday and important events occurred during the week in parliament and since then that also warrant out attention. In due time those responsible will be made accountatble but like it or not life moves on for the rest of us.

Secondly, Tony Abbott proved what a coward he was by only coming on the show when this tradegy occurred. Afraid to face quetions from Fran Kelly over his budget measures, which he still has largely failed to introduce to the senate, changes to FOFA, allowing banks and financial planners to knowlingly make decisions which benefit them and not the client, and the fact that we are illegally holding refugees on a customs ship in the middle of the ocean, which we seem to have conveniently forgotten that we have been internationally criticised for, Tony is happy to take questions on the death of Australians overseas. Moreover, he can't help but wax lyrical that their lives have been "snuffed out". I'm not a political speech writer but this seems a bit informal and an insensitive way to refer to the recently dead.

Lastly, Fran Kelly dismisses the week in politics as silly in light of the plane crash. I'm sorry Fran but I take the illegeal rendition and refoulment of refugees seriously as well as the idea that the Commonwealth Bank can continue to rip off investors for their own multimiliion dollar profit. Rather than make the leader of this country answer for his illegal treatment of refugees, blatant climate change denial and retrograde policies, you sympathised with him and let him easily express regret and anger over a plane crash. Did you forget that you are a journalist not a cheerleader? Usually I admire your skill and tenacity even if I don't agree with your politics but you had a complete fail.

In conclusion, let us appropriately mourn the death of those Australians who died in the crash. Moreover, let us mourn the over 200 other people from foreign countries who died in the crash - which seems to be obviously missing from the coverage. Lets also mourn the many people, surely over the number killed in the plane crash, that die every day in the Sudan and war town countries such as Palestine, which is being invaded by Israel while the world focuses on Russia. Its time to get a reality check people before Tony runs us into the ground.

Karma strikes back!

Bling Ring is yet another meditative film by Sophia Coppola on the American dream – and the reflection is not flattering. Based on the true story of the robberies of the rich and famous, Coppola holds up a mirror to America (and possibly Western society more generally) about the price of chasing fame and the degradation of youth.

The film is set in Los Angeles, California, and follows a group of teenagers, led by Marc (Israel Broussard) and Rebecca (Katie Chang), as they break into the houses of A-list celebrities while they are out partying. After initially restricting themselves to just Paris Hilton’s house, the group get more ambitious and their lack of care eventually sees them caught and jailed. However, the story is really about Marc’s attempt to be recognised and valued by Rebecca along with Nicki (Emma Watson) and Sam (Taissa Farmiga) searching for their big break in Hollywood.

As with Somewhere, Marie Antoinette and Lost in Translation, Coppola again focuses on the nature of celebrity and the boredom of the rich. Just as Somewhere devoted 10 or more minutes to pole dancing, Bling Ring is not afraid to spend long takes on seemingly repetitious ransacking of celebrity closets and night club drinking/dancing sessions. However, unlike Somewhere, these seem more purposeful with a stronger and more pertinent message about youth culture. In particular, this is like a sanitised version of Spring Breakers, where the ‘selfie’ infested culture of Facebook and binge drinking are glorified. As Marc says at the end of the film, he checked his Facebook page and had 800 new friend requests. Of course he accepted them without checking but he did wonder whether this was a good way to achieve fame.

This youth culture is typified by the soundtrack that contains a who’s who of modern club(?) music (at least to this non-clubbing reviewer). This helps connect the scenes of robbery with the group’s relaxation at their favourite night club while also keeping the film moving at a good pace. The performances are good but not spectacular – exactly how it should be. This is a film about rich kids gone crazy and their blasé approach to crime, drugs and alcohol match the script neatly. Moreover, Coppola is able to capture the contradiction inherent in this generation: selfish yet humanitarian as is shown when Nicki states in interviews during the film that she wants to be leader one day and this is just a huge learning experience. While the audience laughed at this line, this is the confounding truth of youth culture today – selfish yet optimistically selfless.

This film is another good performance by Sofia Coppola and complements her other works well in terms of theme, production and even font used in the opening titles. The performances by the cast and camera work are solid with an interesting soundtrack. That being said, those who found Somewhere boring may find the repeated scenes of robberies a little repetitive but I think this misses the point she is trying to make. So if you want to get a glimpse of youth culture go and see this film because if you don’t like what you see then there is still time to change it.

Summer, divorce and being a 3 out of 10

Sam Rockwell (middle) and Liam James (right) are superb 

The Way Way Back, directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, is a fun film about divorce, summer and being a 3 out of 10. Throw in a killer soundtrack and a great ensemble cast and you have a perfect coming of age film.

The film is about Duncan, a teenager forced to go on summer holidays with his mum’s new boyfriend and queen-bee daughter. Initially despondent at the prospect of long summer days with the narcissistic and critical Trent (Steve Carell), he soon starts up a friendship with Owen (Sam Rockwell), who is the laid back, juvenile, joking manager of the local water park. The story that unfolds is not surprising: Duncan comes out of his shell, develops a love interest, has a conflict with Trent and comes to value himself. Australian actor Toni Collete plays Duncan’s mum Pam with supporting rolls by Allison Janney as the alcoholic neighbour and Rob Corddry and Amanda Peet as the too close for comfort friends.

The best parts of this film were the soundtrack and supporting cast. Containing music from Edie Brickell, UFO and Ben Kweller, it provides the perfect back drop to the unfolding drama without dominating the scenes. It seems like the perfect CD mix tape for a summer vacation and leaves you feeling relaxed and happy. Similarly, the performances by the supporting cast are wonderful. Sam Rockwell once again shines with his portrayal of the man child Owen. The polar opposite of Duncan, his initial perplexity at how to connect with the confused teenager blossoms into a friendship that allows both to grow. Rockwell brings his trademark cool to the movie, I did find myself wishing to be him even if just for one summer, with his talent for being able to turn on his serious side when required. Allison Janney is also great as the brash, alcoholic neighbour who seems more interested in the next party and wonders why her children are so disconnected. The main cast are also solid with protagonist Duncan, played by Liam James, pulling off the awkward teenager with aplomb – his romantic scene is the highlight.

The one slight downside to this film was the performance of Steve Carell as Trent. Unlike his previous role in Little Miss Sunshine, by the same producers, his character seemed too much like a two dimensional douche bag. While he carried of the role well, it was probably a lack of screen time that really prevented his character from developing depth and thus his conflict with Duncan became obviously one sided. Similarly, Toni Collete as Pam seemed too weak and I found it hard to sympathise with her. It wasn’t until the end of the film that she really shone and once again this could be due to the lack of screen time.

All up this was a sentimental, fun, coming of age, summer vacation film. Faxon and Rash manage to balance the sentimental, conflicting and fun aspects of the film expertly and thus leave the viewer with a relaxed sense of joy. The soundtrack is one of the best in films I have seen this year with stellar performances by Sam Rockwell and Liam James. This is a must see for those who enjoyed Little Miss Sunshine and is well worth the price of admission.

Death and Dignity

The power of art is in its ability to express the most fundamental of emotions in poignant and powerful ways. Moreover, great art is able to remind us of the power of these emotions or give us a new perspective on them. Two of the contenders for this year’s Academy Awards show the power of cinema in this way, a third shows how emotions can lead even the best of us astray.

He may not win a nomination but DiCaprio is brilliant in Django Unchained

Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino has been notably snubbed by the Academy this year. Despite being nominated for best film, supporting actor (Christoph Waltz), cinematography (Robert Richardson), sound editing (Wylie Stateman) and original screenplay (Quentin Tarantino), once again Tarantino will not win best director and Leonardo DiCaprio will be overlooked for his performance. This glaring omission aside, this is perhaps one of the best films in recent times. Tarantino showcases his ability to imitate his favourite genres and films while giving us his own unique take on Hollywood. The extreme violence that the film contains, leading to the delay in its release, is trademark Tarantino and he remains one of the best at mixing violence, comedy and seriously gripping dialogue. The furore over DiCaprio not being nominated misses the point that once again Christoph Waltz is a strong contender for best supporting actor. After his win for Inglorious Basterds, it is not surprising that Tarantino used him in such a prominent way in this latest film. Instead, I think that there should be uproar that Waltz is not nominated for best actor and the fact that Jamie Foxx is seen as the main actor. On screen time alone Waltz is as prominent as Foxx, not to mention the subtlety and nuance he brings to his character. This is not to disparage Foxx’s performance, he is typically unassuming in his performance, but to highlight how it is not the big name stars that make this film a success. Similarly in films such as Pulp Fiction, it is the lesser lights such as Samuel L. Jackson that really make Tarantino’s films stand out. Moreover, Waltz is the moral compass of this film and it is his actions that lead to the redemption of Django. Thus Tarantino is able to take a simple tale of revenge and make it into a gripping, moral tale about friendship and loyalty.

The lead role of Maya proves that anyone can enjoy torture and swearing profusely 

Zero Dark Thirty by Kathryn Bigelow is another Oscar contender this year and has been seen as a box office success. Following her success with The Hurt Locker, this documentary-esque film about the hunt and eventual killing of Osama Bin Laden has greeted positively in America. Not having read any reviews of the film, I expected the Bigelow trademark suspense and tension that made The Hurt Locker such a gripping story. However, instead I was treated to over 2 hours of boring dialogue, annoying characters and the least interesting final scene in recent movie history. Not only is the main character of Maya frustrating and annoying, her stupid and unnecessary use of expletives makes her toughness seem superficial and demeans her apparent intelligence, but the movie feels slow to the point of painful. I am surprised that Bigelow did not edit this film more closely because by the time we got to the pay off, where Osama is shot in his home in front of his children, I truly did not care (in fact I felt more sorry for his wife than any of the Americans in the film). Moreover, it seems Bigelow was more intent on proving how stupid the CIA and various American intelligence services were rather than provide a watchable film. It reminded me a lot of David Fincher’s film Zodiac in its narrow appeal to an obsessive American fan base. Unfortunately, I think this film will go on to nab more awards for Bigelow and maybe even win best picture/director. If so, it will prove that the Academy values patriotic garbage over quality, thoughtful cinema. This is a horrible piece of film making and its success can only be attributed to the American people’s desire for revenge for 9/11 but as the film unintentionally proves: that revenge came at the cost of many lives, was largely self inflicted and arrived much too late.

The demise of this couple is simultaneously heartbreaking, uplifting and painful to watch

The final Oscar contender to be examined is Michael Haneke’s Amour. This is a gripping, powerful tale of love (as the title implies) that takes us intimately into the lives of an old couple in their final months. Haneke’s trademark use of long, slow takes and interesting uses of sound make this film have a depth that cannot be conveyed by a plot synopsis. The amazing thing about this film is the simplicity. Set mostly in a single French apartment and starring only a handful of actors, Haneke once again makes his audience feel like voyeurs into the private lives of his characters. One of the opening shots of an audience at a piano recital is uncomfortably long but superbly sets the scene for what is to follow. He is able to mix moments of tenderness with the harsh reality of a slow, painful death without ever becoming clichéd or predictable. Moreover, he never lets the viewer off the hook (as evidenced by at least 2 people leaving the screening I was in) by shying away at the most painful or confronting moments. It is precisely his intention to confront his audience with the horrible reality of death that makes this one of his best works to date. I do hope he wins the best director or film for this marvellous work as he proves that even the simplest emotion, fear of death, in the simplest settings make for gripping cinema.

Hell In A Cell 2012

The Goldberg Phenomenon is eerily similar to the rise of Ryback

This PPV has been thrown into disarray because of the injury to Cena’s elbow. This has meant that Ryback has been shoved into the spotlight before I think WWE was ready. It also throws a spanner in the works for their plans for Rock/Cena/Punk at the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania. All that aside, I just hope that CM Punk loses. I know I say this every PPV but the time is now to take the title off Punk. The attempt to make him into a heal isn't working because he still gets more cheers than Cena despite the use of Paul Heyman. Unfortunately, I only see this ending with interference by someone (I don’t know... may be another former Heyman associate like Lesnar) that ends up costing Ryback the title. The other main event of Show and Sheamus will be plodding and not very entertaining because these two big guys aren't really a good match for each other. That being said, it is better than having another bloody title shot by Del Rio. The fact that WWE programming has been so boring of late that I am barely aware of the other matches on the card is testament to the poor state of WWE but Orton/Del Rio could be okay.

Opening video package hinting at the rumor that only Punk/Ryback will be in the cell with Sheamus/Show being a regular match and this is confirmed by Cole’s comments to start the broadcast. It seems the Viper and ADR will start the show.

Randy Orton vs Alberto Del Rio

Rodriguez has an extra long dellllllllllllllll Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooooooooo for the fans. Brief rundown of the feud between the two men including the nice looking RKO on the announce table. Orton looks contemplative as he makes his way down to the ring, maybe still smarting from being off the card at the last PPV. JR talks about Orton being naked which is creepy

Orton starts off aggressively and takes it to the outside. He bounces ADR off the announce table and the ring post. Orton gets caught on the way back into the ring and ADR goes to work on the injured arm. ADR uses various holds to punish the arm, including a new one where he hangs off the ropes. ADR attempts to RKO Orton but is blocked. ADR then escapes from an RKO of his own off a back breaker. ADR then fails with a top rope move which looked quite botched. Orton refuses to tap to a cross arm breaker and catches ADR with an RKO off an attempted inziguri.

Winner: Randy Orton

This was a good match that had an expected ending. Orton needed a good win on PPV to kick start his return from injury/suspension and ADR is used to losing the matches that count. A few botches it seems but the ending was well done. I can see them going at it again and it being just as entertaining.

Michael Cole says something about John Cena, Vickie, Dolph, AJ Lee and Twitter.

WWE Tag Team Championship: Team Hell No vs The Rhode Scholars

The match starts with solid tag team action as the challengers initially working over Kane’s knee in their corner. Rhodes and Sandow look slick with some good quick tags. DBry tags in and rests back control. He lands a great suicide dive on Rhodes and Sandow on the outside but a distraction allows Sandow to regain control. They work over the shoulder but DBry gets the hot tag to Kane. A back body drop and a top line choke slam later and it should be all over. However, DBry tags himself back in and lands the Benoit head butt and once again it should be all over. Kane breaks up his own pin and the two fight in the ring. The Rhodes Scholar interfere and get thrown out of the ring for their pleasure. DBry accidentally hits Kane with his knees and Cody uses the distraction to hit the cross Rhodes. Kane breaks up the pin and then gets disqualified after not letting loose on both the Rhodes Scholars.

Winner by DQ: The Rhode Scholars

Kane choke slams Sandow as DBry looks on in disbelief.

The rejuvenation of the tag title division is in good hands with matches like this. The champions found a way to win and the Rhode Scholars looked strong despite losing. A few more teams like this will help lift this division back to its former glory.

Miz cuts a stupid sounding promo about doomsday and Kofi holding the intercontinental title.

Intercontinental Championship: Kofi Kingston vs The Miz

Miz starts off strongly and takes control on the outside of the ring. Then Miz uses the hair to retain control inside the ring. I love it when they start talking about how a rivalry has awoken the anger and intensity in Kofi because I hear it every year: against Orton, Dolph, the Miz, Jericho etc. The only problem is they never follow through on the momentum he builds and he just slides back down the mid card. They did the same thing with Shelton Benjamin and after enough years they just got rid of him. Kofi counters another running knee and is able to land a couple of top rope moves. Miz reverses the SOS into a neck breaker and Kofi reverses it into an SOS for a 2 count. Miz lands a nasty looking knee breaker on the top rope and he continues to attack the knee as he exposes the injured knee. Kofi lands some shots from the corner but gets toppled off the top rope for his trouble. Miz puts on a half Boston crab in the middle of the ring but Kofi rolls it into an inside cradle. Big DDT on Kofi gets a close 2. Skull crushing finale reversed into a roll up. Kofi misses the trouble in paradise and Miz attempts another skull crushing finale. Miz is kicked to the outside and Kofi catches him with the trouble in the paradise on the way back in.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

This was an entertaining and fast paced match. The Miz looked good despite being on the wrong end of the result. Now Kofi is talking about his wild cat as he thanks the Miz – apparently a shout out to HBK. Miz seems to be back in form and hopefully they have a nice program that leads to bigger things for Kofi.

Vegan candy and Halloween jokes between the tag team champions. I am the tag team champions!

The United States Championship: Antonio Cesaro vs Justin Gabriel

Cesaro minus Oksana takes control early with some great chain wrestling. Cole talks about Gabriel going surfing as he is knocked off the top rope by Cesaro. Cesaro continues to ground and pound Gabriel with gut wrenches and submission holds. Gabriel is unable to launch any offence and the little offence he hits is quickly subdued. JBL and Cole argue about how educated the WWE universe is. Top rope springboard moonsault gets a 2 count for Gabriel. We want Ryder chants break out as the crowd snooze through this match. Gabriel hits a nice looking DDT and also gets a 2 count. Gabriel rolls through an attempted 450 splash and lands another DDT for a 2 count. Cesaro lands a European upper cut as Gabriel attempts  a cross body on the outside. Neutralizer on Gabriel for the win.

Winner: Antonio Cesaro

Cesaro looked good during this match but the crowd were just not into it. This doesn't look good for Cesaro as he clearly can wrestle but without the crowd he isn't very marketable.

Ryback promo video: he’s hungry for Punk. Paul Heyman thanks Vickie for cancelling hell in a cell but he is mistaken apparently and is told where to go.

Random Tag Match: 619 Cara vs The Prime Time Players

Back and forth match: Titus and Darren overpowering the lucha libres with the occasional fast paced counter. Interesting interaction between Cole and JBL: JBL exasperated at Cole’s parroting of his lines. Meanwhile, JR talks about the coaching Mysterio provides to Sin Cara including how he makes him feel more comfortable in America. Maybe he can talk about how this makes HHH feel more comfortable: proving that Sin Cara is not a complete waste of time and money in WWE. Young is slow in following up a double team but uses his bulk to regain control. Delayed suplex by Titus as Rey looks on helpless. Fun fact: 619 Cara have each other’s masks on the back of their own masks. JR waxing lyrical on the merits of the abdominal stretch as a submission move. Titus trash talks a football team and Sin Cara misses a shoulder charge but prevents the tag. DDT to Titus and a hot tag to Mysterio before he unloads on Young with a DDT for a 2 count. Mysterio low bridges Titus out for Sin Cara to land a cross body. Darren is set up for the 619 and Rey wins it for 619 Cara.

Winners: 619 Cara

Sin Cara looks injured on the outside as JBL spruces the WWE medical staff. It looked like a nasty crunch on his head and neck so I wouldn't be surprised if he was out of action this week. A fun match with a good Face victory after being beaten down for most of the match. Another good example of the growing tag team division.

World Heavyweight Championship: Sheamus vs Big Show

Promo video: Brogue Kick vs the WMD. No cell at this point so it must just be a regular match. Cole calls Sheamus an all time great, a bit much for this early in his career. Sheamus is out first. Show is out next in his back hoodie. Main event introductions.

Show overpowers Sheamus early. Heavy body shots in the corners as JBL and JR basically say Sheamus has little chance of winning. Sheamus targets the knee so Show rolls to the outside. Shot of Ziggler waiting in the locker room: remember, he promised to cash in MITB after the match tonight. Sheamus is thrown to the outside after a sustained attack on Show in the corner. Show throws Sheamus into the barricade as he dominates on the outside. Show trash talks Sheamus as he keeps pounding away on him. Sheamus launched across the announce table into JR. Show drags Sheamus back to the ring and only gets a 2 count. Sheamus lands a few punches but is thrown to the outside with ease. Super Sheamus lands a few more shots but is caught in bear hug submission. JBL keeps talking about how unprepared Sheamus is to fight Show. Vader bomb on Sheamus as Show calls for the choke slam but it is reversed into a DDT. Strong kick out by Show as Sheamus is dragged head first into the ring. Sheamus takes advantages but is eventually caught with a choke slam: 2 count! Knees lead to an attempted clover leaf by Sheamus but Show takes the fight to the outside. Sheamus rams Show into the steel post and lands a double axe handle in the ring. White noise by Sheamus on Show but it only gets a 2 count. Show catches the Brogue kick and gets a WMD but Sheamus kicks out at 2! Another attempted WMD results in a brogue kick but this time Show kicks out! Sheamus attempts another brogue kick but Show side steps it into a WMD and the win!

Winner: Big Show (new world heavyweight champion)

Entertaining enough for 2 big men but the pace was too slow. Sheamus sold being beaten up well and his white noise on Show was incredible. Both men kicked out of each other’s finishers, which was good theater, and Sheamus can hold his head up high. JBL talks up the warrior Sheamus as he leaves the ring.

Booker T seems distraught at Sheamus’ condition. Teddy Long gets in Eve’s face as Ryder shows off his Halloween costume (wicked witch from Wizard of Oz). Teddy basically calls Eve a b$%#h as Santino impersonates Lady Gaga. Ron Simmons finishes off the skit with a Damn! Punk asks Vince to call off his match: no dice again.

WWE Divas Championship: Eve vs Kaitlyn vs Layla

Initially Kaitlyn and Layla team up on Eve. Eve works over an ankle submission on Kaitlyn before all 3 are in the ring. JBL pretty much buries the entire Divas division as Cole and JR go missing on commentary. He can’t even remember their names! Eve steals the pin after Kaitlyn lands her finished on Layla.

Winner: Eve

Interview with Big Show: 9 years of embarrassment is over and he dares anyone to come at him for the title. Sheamus in the medical room looking very injured.

WWE Championship: CM Punk vs Ryback (Hell in a Cell)

Promo video: the Punk championship reign meets a hungry Ryback. The cell lowers as feed me chants break out in the arena. Punk is out first with Heyman but both look reluctant. JR fun fact: Stone Cold never won a HIC match! JBL analysis: Punk’s monumental loss to Undertaker makes him prepared for this match. JBL fun fact: Tim White never refereed again after his HIC match! Goldberg chant. JR fun fact: first time winners in HIC include HBK and Batista! Main event introductions for both men.

Mixed reaction to Ryback but the feed me more chant is popular. Goldberg chant continues. Punk stalks around the outside of the ring and does his best to avoid Ryback. Ryback unleashed on Punk in the ring before tossing him to the outside. Punk tries to escape the cell but Ryback introduces him to the steel mesh (NB: very similar to Punk’s first HIC match, which he lost to Undertaker). Punk uses the fire extinguisher on Ryback thanks to a Heyman distraction and goes on the attack. Attempted chair shot meets Ryback’s boot as he tosses Punk back in the ring. Gorilla press on Punk as Ryback asks for more but misses a shot in the corner. Punk lands a top rope flying forearm and a double axe handle but is caught on his third time up. Suicide dive by Punk onto Ryback on the outside leads to a chair shot and neck breaker on Ryback. Punk takes control by avoiding Ryback as Ryback runs into the steel steps. Attempted submission by Punk is broken by brute strength as Ryback misses another shoulder charge. High running knee and clothesline by Punk followed up by the Macho Man elbow. Punk gets a kendo stick and taunts Ryback. Shots to Ryback only seem to make him stronger as Ryback regains control. Meat hook clothesline and he is about to land the shell shock when the referee low blows Ryback. Punk then rolls up Ryback and a quick count sees Punk retain the title.

Winner (by corrupt referee): CM Punk

Ryback destroys the referee and Punk in the cage. Heyman drags Punk out of the cell but Ryback isn’t finished. Punk climbs up the cage and Ryback follows him all the way up. Shell shock on top of the cage. Ryback standing upon the prone body of Punk to end the PPV.

Overall

Only 1 cell match but it was worth it. The only way for WWE out of their bind was to screw Ryback and the dodgy referee ensured that. The loss didn't make Ryback look bad and Punk’s attempts to squirm out of the match seemed justified. This means Ryback should get a rematch which might get tricky. Sheamus and Big Show wasn't awful and the end was entertaining. The tag matches were solid and help rebuild that particular vision. Overall a solid PPV but once again Punk is the champion. Honestly, I am thankful this is my last PPV for a while as the whole WWE creative unit is performing poorly at the moment. I don’t care for the titles because they have managed to make both champions seem lame.

Night of Champions 2012

The actual longest reigning WWE champion Bruno Sammartino (WWE champion from 1963-1971)

Nice intro video highlighting the Punk/Cena confrontation focusing on respect. Punk should be happy: he actually might be the main event for once in his WWE championship reign! Michael Cole begins with an empty seat and gives us the run down of the 15 minutes of Jerry Lawler nearly dying. JBL makes his way out to replace him as colour commentator looking fit and as smug as ever. A good choice by WWE and should be entertaining.

Intercontinental Championship: The Miz vs Sin Cara vs Rey Mysterio vs Cody Rhodes (Fatal 4 Way)

Really? Really? Really? Miz takes the opportunity to have a whinge about his fatal 4 way match and give notice of his official complaint. Mysterio doesn’t think the Miz is awesome so he interrupts with his own entrance sporting a pink Lawler tribute shirt. JBL is staring on heel commentary already defending the unfair situation facing the Miz. No ablo espano, thank you Spanish commentary team.

The match starts off more like a tag match with the Americans taking on the Mexicans. Sin Cara makes some sloppy looking moves during an attempted double team by Miz/Rhodes. Cara and Mysterio face off with some slow looking luche libre style moves. The Americans take turns at beating up on the Mexicans before taking on each other. Mysterio and Cara get near falls with roll ups while JBL talks up Miz’s main event credentials. Rhodes pounces after Mysterio is taken out on the top rope by Cara. Then the Miz powerbombs Rhodes as he superplexes Rhodes off the top rope. Miz takes control until Mysterio slides out of the ring. Rhodes is beaten up on the ring furniture by Mysterio as Cara gets a 2 count after a corkscrew  elbow on the Miz. Rhodes breaks up a Mysterio pin and then beats up on Mysterio and Cara. Rhodes and Miz set up for a double 619 but only the Miz is hit. Mysterio is pulled off a certain 3 count by Rhodes who then is kicked off by Cara on the still unmoving Miz. Cara tries to put a mask on Rhodes and allows Miz to regain control. Sin Cara puts the mask on the Miz while Rhodes attacks Sin Cara. A blinded Miz then lands the skull crushing on Rhodes (unseen?) to pick up the win.

Winner: The Miz

A good match to help rebuild the Miz. JBL did a good job of building the Miz during the match and he eventually got the win. The issue with Rhodes/Miz trying to take the mask off the Mexicans is so tired it need not be repeated. However, the ending to the match was ok and should lead to a good Rhodes/Miz feud. It also builds up to the mask match at Wrestlemania.

The Prime Time players whinging about a lack of tag action and try to prove their point by doing a whistle dance. Kaitlyn has been attacked from behind! The Divas title match is off or is it?

Tag Team Championship: Kofi Kingston/R-Truth vs Daniel Bryan/Kane

Daniel Bryan practices anger management as the crowd welcomes him out with his Yes! chant. Kane is out next with his freaky mask as he and Bryan resolve some issues in the ring. Next out is the tag champions to Kofi Kingston’s music. JBL claims R-Truth is the one that needs treatment not Bryan. Kane and Kofi start off and take control but Kane eventually over powers Truth. Cole recounts some of the form tag champs including the Basham Brothers (minus mentions of the whip). Friendlier tags between Bryan and Kane as Bryan kicks the life out of Truth. Double team allows Kane to lock a chin lock on Truth. Bryan misses an attempted double team by Kane and the two start fighting. Crowd start chanting hug it out but slaps seem the order of the day. Bryan is now willing to hug it out: he seems very keen and Kane seems willing. They hug it out just as Truth gets back into the ring. Hot tag to Kingston as he unloads on Bryan. Boom drop as he sets Bryan up for trouble in paradise but Kane drags him out of the ring. The two start fighting again and Bryan puts on the no lock in the ring after a missed dive by Kofi. Kane tags himself back in and Kane nearly gets hit by a hurricanrana but Bryan blocks it. Bryan pushes Kane onto the prone Kingston and they get the 3.

Winner: KBry (new tag champions)

The two argue about who are the actual champions in the middle of the ring as Kane’s pyro goes off. Bryan celebrates in the ring after an entertaining match. Great to see them hug it out during the middle of the match and it was a nice nod to their RAW match previously.

Kaitlyn can’t wrestle tonight... oh dear! Eve is angling for a match I think. Booker T points out that she has been doing a great job and has a singles win over Kaitlyn. Eve puts herself out and takes one for the company by competing. Teddy looks concerned.

US Championship: Antonio Cesaro vs Zack Ryder

Cesaro is out first also complaining about his match (it seems to be a theme tonight). Oksana introduces the multilingual champion and he says unfair 5 times! Ryder is out next minus headband. It seems Tensai can’t even win a battle royal as they show Ryder’s win in the pre-show. Cesaro takes Ryder down early but Ryder hits back with a drop kick. JBL likes everything about Cesaro including Oksana. Cesaro is putting on a wrestling clinic with his throws, suplexes and submissions. Mid air uppercut only gets a 2 count as he continues to beat up on Ryder. Oksana is lounging on the ring apron luxuriously. Ryder mounts some quick offense and scores a 2 count with a missile drop kick and then again with a neck breaker. Let’s go Ryder chant. Hurricanrana on Cesaro from the top rope but Oksana blocks the Brosky boot. The distraction allows Cesaro to hit the neutraliser on Ryder to retain the title.

Winner: Antonio Cesaro

Nice match for Ryder to show why he deserves to be on PPV while also promoting Cesaro. Oksana is working well as a manager and is much better without Santino.

Ricardo is getting a grilling for taking off his neck brace. Otunga reminds him of the so called law suit. Does WWE really believe we couldn’t see through this rouse to start off with? Why not just let ADR and Sheamus fight without the stupid premise.

Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler is out first with Miss Excuse Me. I hear voices in my head too Randy but I don’t sing about it or use them as an excuse to hurt people. Orton is looking smug/unconcerned as he comes out which is odd. I wonder if he really wants to be here tonight? JBL talks up Orton’s heritage. Collar and elbow tie up around the ring. Randy starts stomping on Ziggler and follows with some upper cuts. Drop kick by Ziggler for a 2 count. Neck breaker on Orton as JBL calls Cole sexist for saying Vicky is “vocal”. Orton reverses a suplex into a springboard suplex for a 2 count. Vintage Orton neck breaker, shots and a running power slam. Dolph slips out of the DDT and turns it into a 2 count roll up. Orton counters with a powerbomb for a 2 count. Dolph knocks Orton off the top rope attempting a superplex. Missile drop kick for a 2 count on Orton. Vicky is going nuts on the outside claiming it was a 3. The two exchange bombs before Ziggler hands Orton up on the top rope and gets a 2 count. Ziggler elbows to the prone Orton and gets another 2 count. Ziggler uses his headstand rear neck and choke and bridges it to add extra pressure. Cole has become a face commentator over night defending the Ortons of this world. Orton uses a back suplex to create separation. Clothesline by Ziggler for another 2. JBL is commenting on Dolph’s relaxed cover while head butts and a drop kick by Orton on Ziggler. Ziggler hits a DDT from nowhere for another near fall. Orton crotches Ziggler on the top rope before finally hitting his superplex but he only gets a 2 count. The 2 exchange bombs and Dolph shows his toughness by matching Orton shot for shot. Ziggler hits the zigzag but only a 2 count. Vicky is livid! Orton launches Ziggler into the barricades at short range after another attempted second rope DDT. Orton sets Dolph up for the DDT from the barricade. Ziggler gets a foot on the bottom rope after being rolled back into the ring. The viper is coiled but Ziggler turns it into a roll up. Ziggler locks in the sleeper but Orton launches him in the air and hits the RKO mid air for the win.

Winner:  Randy Orton

A great match by both men! Orton gets a solid win over Ziggler and establishes himself as a heavyweight champion threat. Another loss for Ziggler at a PPV so his roll into a championship is further weakened. It sets him up well for changing manager from Vicky but once again he looks good jobbing to a main eventer.

Dredd 3D preview.

Divas Championship: Layla vs Eve

Eve wins after dominating Layla with choke holds and a clinical finish.

Bryan still walking around claiming he is the tag team champions. Dr Shelby is here as Kane and Bryan confront each other. AJ Lee makes a crazy intervention in short shorts and an odd tie/jacket combination. Bryan congratulates Kane. Kane claims he is going to Disneyland. AJ Lee is even more crazy after Kane’s celebration.

World Heavyweight Championship: Sheamus vs Alberto del Rio

ADR is out first. Sheamus is out next. Nice black (ADR) and white (Sheamus) contrast in the trunks. Ricardo makes the main event announcement for ADR. JBL makes the Cole-esque admiration of a personal ring announcer. Booker T is out after Sheamus’ main event announcement. The investigation into the Brogue kick is over and the result is: it’s legal! What was the point in banning it in the first place? Otunga gets a newly instated Brogue kick for his troubles. Sheamus launches ADR into the turnbuckle. Both men fight on the outside of the ring. ADR injures Sheamus’ arm/ribs on the Spanish announce table. ADR softens up the shoulder and attacks the neck of Sheamus. Shoulder first into the ring post then further punishing it on the outside. ADR lands an axe handle from the top rope before continuing with the shoulder submissions. A standing 10 count after an axe handle by Sheamus. Sheamus on offense with some knees and his chest strikes. ADR hits the backstabber for a 2 count on Sheamus. Cross arm breaker set up countered into white noise. Sheamus misses the Brogue kick and hits an inziguri for only a 2 count. ADR is frustrated and goes on kicking Sheamus. Brogue kick reversed into the arm breaker that is nearly turned into the Irish clover leaf. Sheamus’ arm is caught in the rope and ADR takes advantage to land more kicks. A one handed white noise is reversed into the cross arm breaker but Sheamus refuses to tap. He lifts ADR up for a powerbomb. Another standing 10 count as Sheamus gets up first. Once again the Brogue kick is reversed into the cross arm breaker. Sheamus imitates he is going to tap but his foot reaches the bottom rope. ADR is even more frustrated than before. Misses the inziguri and walks into a Brogue kick for Sheamus to retain.

Winner: Sheamus

ADR looked good for the win here on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, this loss reinforces why ADR has not been a main event talent: bad booking. Sheamus isn’t made to look better by this win as he is just an Irish Cena. ADR looks like he can’t win the big one and thus why he will never be a strong champion.

WWE Championship: CM Punk vs John Cena

Paul Heyman appears after the same intro video shown at the start of the show. 302 days with Punk as champion and Heyman is here to show his respect. Punk is out first: no shirt, just the belt. Punk shakes hands because he is a Paul Heyman guy and doesn’t seem to care about the fans anymore. The crowd booing is better from a WWE creative position but Cena still gets more of a negative reaction despite being the good guy. Cena is fighting cancer in his pink gear tonight. Main event introductions for Punk and Cena. Punk is a little obsessed just holding up the title as he soaks up the negative crowd reaction.

Two men exchange take downs to start the match. Punk dominates early with head locks and drop toe holds. Punk with a bridged submission looking hold (STF meets neck ringer). Suicide dive into Cena as Punk gets in Cena’s father’s face. Cena strikes with a baseball slide, throws Punk over the barricade and suplexes him back into the arena. Punk lands a head kick after being rolled back into the ring. Cena powers out of the chin lock but is beaten down with elbows. Punk teeing off on Cena with chin shots for a 2 count. Axe handle from the top rope and Punk goes for the GTS. Cena reverses into a shoulder block but receives a swinging neck breaker for his trouble. Clothesline by Cena for a 2 count. 5 knuckle shuffle gets a boot in the face and JBL suggests it is the Paul Heyman factor. Cena catches Punk and rolls through and tries to lift him up for the AA. Punk escapes but Cena hits a suicide dive on the outside. Back suplex but once again the 5 knuckle shuffle is reversed into the anaconda vice. Cena turns it back into the STF locked in the middle of the ring. Punk reverses into the cross face crippler (RIP Benoit). Cena powers out and dumps Punk with a back suplex. Cena chant from the crowd. Punk chant from the crowd. The two men exchange bombs but Punk wins out with a heel kick to the haw. High running knee in the corner, Punk goes to the top rope and hits the Macho Man elbow. Punk calls for the GTS but Cena counters mid move into the STF. Punk eventually reaches the bottom rope and breaks the hold. Punk finally hits the GTS but only gets a 2 count. Punk looking at Heyman for advice but Cena is stirring. Punk’s educated feet go to work on Cena and he hits a clothesline for a 2. Slap to the face and a GTS is blocked before Cena eventually hits the AA for a... 2 count. Cena goes out after Punk on the outside before heading to the top rope. Cena misses the leg drop and gets a round house kick... 2 count again! More slaps, knee to the temple and another 2. Punk goes to the top rope and misses a moonsault leading to a standing 10 count. AA reversed into another GTS for another 2 count. Punk lands a rock bottom and still can’t get the 3 count. Another AA fails to get the 3 count. CM Punk chant starts up. Cena lifts Punk onto the top rope. This is awesome chant. Cena hits a back suplex from the top rope and bridges into the 3 count.

Winner: John Cena (new champion)

Referee declares the match a draw. Punk is still the champion!

Winner: No one

Punk attacks Cena with the belt and knocks him out. Punk stands over the unconscious Cena.

Another PPV and another Punk win. This is getting too bad for words. I get they want us to hate the guy but not like this. For the first time in years I actually wanted Cena to win the match. Instead we get the most uncharismatic and non-eventful WWE championship reign continuing. WWE creative better have a good pay off for this storyline or I might just stop watching full stop.

Championship Mindset

Thurston: Looking for someone else to blame

Two teams went out of their respective finals competitions last night, the North Queensland Cowboys (NRL) and the Fremantle Dockers (AFL), and their exits demonstrate why one will be competitive next year and why the other will remain a perennial failure.

To start off, these games were both coin toss affairs. The home teams, who won, would go in favourites on location alone but both challengers had form to make a seasoned tipster wary. This is the nature of finals football: you play well in the regular season to earn a home ground advantage and you hope that it pays off in the finals.

The Cowboys had a strong finish to the season and were almost favourites against the Manly Sea eagles. Thurston (JT) and Bowen were the magic pairing that could destroy the Manly defence and make it through to next week. Similarly, Fremantle was the hot team of the AFL with Pavlich kicking goals and the genius of master coach Ross Lyon. Both teams lost but only one showed that they might eventually win the big one.

That team wasn’t the Cowboys. In a nutshell: rather than acknowledge their own failings they would rather dwell on the wrongs done to them. This quote says it all:

''It's sour grapes from our point of view, but I just think the remaining teams in the competition would be a little bit nervous. I'd imagine the coaches would be going, 'It's a bit of a lottery'. Yeah, we could have tackled him into touch, yeah we lacked a bit of composure at times, but both those decisions rattled us.'”

Rather than admit that they could have stopped the try or could have been better at times they would rather criticise the referees for a couple of bad decisions. Were these bad decisions? No doubt and the refereeing in the NRL has been an issue all year. But everyone knew this was the case and the best teams simply take the referee out of the equation. Having been a long time Sydney Swans supporter, I come prepared for pro-Melbourne team umpiring and enjoy watching the Swans make their own luck and not allow the umpires to decide the game for my team. Moreover, their “sour grapes” indicates that they would rather dwell on the past rather than plan how to improve next year. A quick bit of advice for JT and the Cowboys: finish in the top four so you can have a home final. It’s a simple equation: play well all year (not just at the end because you decide to turn up for finals) and reap the rewards later on. This is a much better approach to winning a premiership.

Another key point is that Manly was the better side regardless. Their defence ensured that JT could not even score the points needed to win. This was partly due to JT’s poor decision making in the last 20 minutes when the game could have been won. Rather than be patient and pin Manly in their own half, JT put up a pointless chip kick, lost the ball on a poor tackle 5 option and lacked the composure it takes to win. Compare that to the way win which Cherry-Evans and his team just kept tackling and made meters in their own sets and one can see why one team had won premierships in the past 5 years and the other remains perennial underachievers. The Cowboys may have thought it was their year but someone should tell JT that premierships aren’t given to teams on a silver platter because they think they deserve it.

All this is in stark contrast to the attitude of the Fremantle Dockers’ coach Ross Lyon. Unlike JT or Neil Henry, he chose to make no excuses for his team’s performance. He didn’t blame the travel or schedule. In response to questions about these he said:

"It's irrelevant, it's all garbage to be frank... We're not into excuses ... we wouldn't be talking about scheduling if we had of been a bit more organised and a bit more polished."

Rather than do a JT and blame everyone else, he instead put the blame where it belonged: the team itself. This isn’t negative either because he chooses to focus the energy and improvement on the one thing he knows he can control. He can’t control the schedule or decisions by the AFL but he can control what his own team does. He knows that only by being better will they win their first premiership.

This is the message we should be sending our aspiring sport stars and children in general. Rather than a world of whinging JTs bemoaning the failings of others, that on a balanced look at the game did not cause his team’s failure, we should instead be showing them images of Ross Lyon focusing on a future with better performances. In the end, the only thing we can control is our own actions and performance. In a world of slow motion replays and a multitude of TV experts it is easy to find fault elsewhere but ultimately, if we take our chances and are well prepared we will achieve success.