The Streak is Over
The streak is over. The WWE Tag Team Championships are now around the waist of Sheamus and Cesaro. While I cannot say that I am extremely shocked, I am a bit surprised. Over the past few months, WWE has reminded us time and time again that The New Day was going to break the record. They built it up so much that I did not think this tag team match (made on Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops) would be the match where they dropped the titles. I thought it was going to happen at Royal Rumble in January, but I cannot argue the decision.
Sheamus and Cesaro put on one hell of a match and this was one of my favorite tag team matches in months. Time and time again, it seemed like The New Day would walk out as champions. Even Xavier Woods would try to interfere 2-3 times, but to no avail. Many reversals on finishing attempts and even more submission holds than normal, Cesaro kept the pace at 100% from beginning to end. The smart decision to not tag in Sheamus, get hit by Kofi and then Sheamus getting the pin was great.
After this match, you saw a great ring psychology from both teams and finally The New Day having to overcome an obstacle. I expect a nice rematch in time and think this is critical to see how these three brash men respond. If anything, never count them out. The match was one of the best ten minute tag team matches I have seen. I felt like they got everything that was needed in and more.
Cruiserweight Action
Rich Swann defeated Brian Kendrick and TJ Perkins in a pretty quick bout. Swann was able to hit a superkick on both men, knocking both of them out and retaining the championship. After the match, I thought to myself “that is it?” The Cruiserweight Division has guys that are still very new to the casual fan and giving them 6-8 minutes of ring time will not help them. That was not the end of the segment.
Neville came out and returned. He hit the ring and attacked everyone, laying waste to a division that immediately became his. We have never seen a Neville like this, one with attitude and intensity. I have been begging for him to be in this division since its creation and finally he comes back. Did I expect a heel turn? Absolutely not. Did I know I wanted a heel Neville? Nope.
I could not be more pleased with how WWE brought him back. A man of few words, Neville needs to remain like this and continue to target everyone in the division until he gets a championship. Once that happens, do not be afraid to see Austin Aries come into the mix. With Aries and Neville, this lacking division will ultimately become one where all fans want to see.
