UFC 207: Amanda Nunes vs Ronda Rousey Review

RESULT: Amanda Nunes beat Ronda Rousey via first-round technical knockout and retained the Women's Bantamweight Championship.

Nunes' record is now 14-4, whilst Rousey suffered her second career loss with her record now being 12-2.


Ronda Rousey's return to the Octagon was short-lived as she was mulled by Amanda Nunes. The pioneer of Women's UFC suffered her second career loss at the hands of the 'Lioness' as she looked to match her in striking.

Obviously this didn't work well, as Nunes rocked the inaugural Women's Bantamweight Champion with 47 punches (landing half of them) in those 48 seconds.

After the fight, Nunes said "Before I walk out, I knew, this moment is my moment, she had her time and she did her thing for the sport," "Thank you Ronda Rousey, but this is my time now. I am Amanda Nunes, I am the lion." 

She also added "Now she’s going to retire and go to movies and make a lot of money now,” Nunes said. “You have lots of talent in this division. Forget about Ronda Rousey."

Rousey, who didn't do any media during Fight Week, left the Octagon before commentator Joe Rogan could get a word with her about the loss and what the future holds for her. It was left up to UFC President Dana White to fill in that gap. 

Speaking on Fox Sports 1's post-fight show, White said “I’ve been with her the whole time,” White said on FS1’s post-fight show. “Obviously, she’s so competitive. She’s devastated. She’s a competitor.”

Rousey's future in MMA will be surrounded in even more mystery following this dramatic loss and despite having various avenues to go down, such as WWE, Hollywood etc, it seems it will be a while before Rousey resurfaces and makes her choice clear.  

Ultimately, heading away from the last UFC event of 2016, it's clear that Dana White and co may have lost one star in Rousey but what they certainly gained one in Nunes.

Amanda Nunes celebrates as the official decision is read, confirming her 48 second first-round technical knockout win over Ronda Rousey.

UFC 207: Amanda Nunes vs Ronda Rousey Preview

On 30th December, at UFC 207 in Las Vegas, Ronda Rousey will return to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 193 (where she lost her Bantamweight championship to Holly Holm in a devastating second-round high kick knockout) to fight Bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes in the main event.

This bout is not only highly anticipated because of Rousey's return since her first career loss but is also due to the fact that the California native has stated that this fight will be one of her last.

With champion Nunes stating that she's been preparing for a fight against Rousey since 2013, let's preview what could be Rousey's last-ever MMA fight.


Nunes not there to lie down

The result of the fight could massively influence Rousey's decision to carry on in the UFC and a factor that will pressure Rousey in her preparation is her opponent's determination.

Winning the Bantamweight championship at UFC 200 via first-round rear-naked choke against Miesha Tate, Nunes (13-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) broke through into the upper-tier of the Women's division and established herself as the woman to try and stop Rousey (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) having a successful return.

The Brazilian is confident heading into her first title defense against the first-ever woman to be signed by the UFC and said to TMZ that she was 200 percent sure she would beat Rousey, also commenting that she knows Rousey is a tough opponent but that she's the best in the World.


Rousey's Mental and Physical Strength must be on Point

To say that Rousey's loss to Holly Holm damaged the former StrikeForce fighter mentally and physically is an understatement.

She said in a recent interview with Ellen "Honestly, my thought in the medical room, I was sitting in the corner and was like, 'What am I anymore if I'm not this?'"

"Literally sitting there thinking about killing myself. In that exact second, I'm like, 'I'm nothing. What do I do anymore? No one gives a shit about me anymore without this.'" 

It's worrying yet inspiring that Rousey has come out and said this. Aside from explaining why she took over a year out, this should be a catalyst for other fighters to talk about their mental health after a big loss. In relation to this fight, Rousey must be 100% in avenging the most devastating moment of her career. 

In terms of physical strength, Rousey said that she's trained twice a day since the start of August. Whether they'll be any rust and nerves that will affect her performance is up in the air, especially when looking at the ludicrous amount of submission victories she has via armbar. 

It's very interesting to see the UFC's second biggest money draw be in a position were there are a lot of question surrounding her and I'm sure to be one of my tuning in to see how she bounces back. 


What's Next?

So say Rousey loses in convincing fashion, i.e. by KO and submission, and Nunes solidifies herself as a dominate Women's Bantamweight Champion. What's next for Rousey?

Retirement is a real possibility, as she has stated herself, but the two ventures that Rousey could do if she loses in Las Vegas on December 30th are making films and wrestling in the WWE. 

Rousey has already been in a good number of films, including a chance to choreograph her fighting skills in Fast and Furious 7, and with appearances in Mile 22 and Road House coming up, Rousey's path to Hollywood is there for her to have a huge career. 

In terms of going to the WWE, which Stephanie McMahon has said would be a fantastic accomplishment for WWE, Rousey could even just make several appearances before a handful of matches (and a massive payday). 

She's already experienced being in the squared circle at WrestleMania 31, in a segment with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon so again the opportunity is there.

On the flip-side, if Rousey wins, I think she'll continue to fight until she either loses the belt or retires following a big defence. 

Whatever happens, it's sure to be an awesome main event Women's Bantamweight Championship fight. 


PREDICTION: Amanda Nunes wins via second-round TKO (technical knockout). Rousey announces retirement in post-fight interview.

Amanda Nunes and Ronda Rousey face-off at the end of the UFC 205 weigh-in in November.

  

10 Bad Matches From Good WrestleManias

Sometimes even when everything seems to be going well, there's often one blip on what would have been perfection. Not even WrestleMania is immune to this.

Recently, I did a post detailing the best matches from bad WrestleManias. It seems only fair that I should switch it around to give the top 10 worst matches from good WrestleManias.



10, Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt (WrestleMania 31)

Although WrestleMania 31 could be seen as one of the best WrestleManias of the last decade, this match did let it down slightly. A mix of Taker and Bray working at a slow pace (due to Wyatt suffering an ankle injury) and the Undertaker's infamous WrestleMania streak being ended last year by Brock Lesnar resulted in an underwhelming 15 minute match.


9, Tazz and the APA vs The GodFather, Val Venis and Bull Buchanan (WrestleMania X-Seven)

WrestleMania X-Seven is widely considered not only the best WrestleMania of all-time, but the best PPV of all-time. However, this tag match went under four minutes and was clearly set up to kill time and warm the crowd into the latter matches of the card.


8, Red Rooster vs Bobby Hennan (WrestleMania V)

Rooster Irish-whipped Hennan, but had it reversed. Hennan missed a charge in the corner and Rooster pinned him. 31 seconds in total. Moving on.


7, Chris Jericho vs Triple H (For the Undisputed WWF Championship) (WrestleMania X8)

Now this is more of a mistake in terms of card replacement rather than an actual bad match. In Toronto at WrestleMania X8, Chris Jericho and Triple H had a very muted main event battle for Y2J's Undisputed Championship after the crowd was exhausted from a genuine dream match between The Rock and Hulk Hogan.

The build-up to the main event didn't have a hype package, was focused more around Triple H vs Stephanie McMahon (Jericho's manager at the time) and ultimately was slow and underwhelming, as often happens in a Triple H WrestleMania main event, and robbed The Rock and Hogan of a deserved main event slot.


6, Torrie Wilson and Sable vs Stacey Keibler and Miss Jackie (PlayBoy Evening Gown Match) (WrestleMania XX)

Looking at WWE's past treatment of Women's wrestling, it's amazing to see how far the company has come in legitimatising the athletic ability of Women rather than solely focusing on their physical appearances. However it's still slightly cringey to look back at this absolute mess from WrestleMania XX. I'm not even going to say go and watch it because it's a joke of a WrestleMania match.  



5, Earthquake vs Adam Bomb (WrestleMania X)

35 seconds. Earthquake performed one move on Adam Bomb (the Powerbomb). Moving on (again!).


4, Akebono vs Big Show (Sumo Match) (WrestleMania 21)

The Big Show has had to do some real crappy things during his time in WWE but the fact that he had to compete in a sumo match (yes a SUMO match) on the biggest night in the history of Professional Wrestling has got to be one of the worst. The former WCW man had this 'match' for 62 seconds and ended with him being thrown out of the ring.


3, Butterbean vs Bart Gunn (Brawl For All Match) (WrestleMania XV)

The Brawl for All tournament of 1998 was a very, very dumb idea that saw Wrestlers fight for real (I know, what a ludicrous idea) and it resulted in a 35 second 'shoot', i.e. real, match were Bart Gunn was legit knocked out, as well as an appearance by the San Diego Chicken.


2, Kane vs Chavo Guerrero (ECW Championship) (WrestleMania XXIV)

From 2006 to 2010, WWE really did devalue the return of the ECW Championship, a belt that had been held by hardcore leaders such as Tommy Dreamer, Shane Douglas, The Sandman and Sabu.

An example of this devalue and neglect was at WrestleMania XXIV when Kane, who had earlier in the night won a battle royal to become Number 1 contender for the ECW title, beat one of the most underrated Wrestlers of all-time, Chavo Guerrero Jr, in 11 seconds. 11 SECONDS.

This was done by Kane coming behind Chavo and hitting him with a chokeslam. The reason this match ranks so highly is that Chavo deserved to wrestle a decent match as he was in the mists of a good heel champion run (something which many thought he wouldn't get in WWE). But no, they had to give it to Kane in 'dominating' fashion.


1, Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania XX)

The hype for Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden, New York, was spectacular. When Goldberg debuted the day after WrestleMania XIX, fans knew that a clash between the WCW legend and WWE's newest star was inevitable.

It was set up for WrestleMania XX, with Lesnar effectively costing Goldberg his chance of winning the Royal Rumble and Goldberg costing Lesnar the WWE Championship against Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out.

Oh but then... but then.

It was leaked that both men would be leaving the company after WrestleMania, with Goldberg not renewing his contract (due to backstage politics killing his World Heavyweight title run) and Lesnar wanting to move to the NFL. The crowd rejected the match, chanting "You Sold Out!."

Whether through sheer laziness or pure nervousness, the duo didn't lock up for moments and generally worked a sloppy match.

Goldberg beat Lesnar but no-one cared and the only pop from the crowd was when special referee Stone Cold Steve Austin stunned both men before they both parted ways with Vince and co.

Goldberg spears Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XX.

UFC 205 Preview

A historic day is to come for the UFC, and the MMA community as a whole, as on November 12th 2016, as the first-ever UFC event will take place in New York at Madison Square Garden. UFC President Dana White has stated that the event has already broken the gate record for Madison Square Garden, set by Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield in 1999 which made a gate number of $13.5 million from a sell-out crowd of 21,284.

There was until recently a ban on Professional Mixed Martial Arts events in New York (UFC 7 being the only event that has taken place in the state, in September 1993 in Buffalo).

However, heading into this event, it's clear that one man has overshadowed the majority of the intinal build-up: Conor McGregor. In his quest to make UFC history by coming the first man to hold two titles in two different weight divisions simultaneously, 'The Notorious' has been as vocal and charismatic as he's ever been but in this article, my focus is to look at UFC 205 fight-by-fight and give my thoughts on how this historic night will go down.



DISCLAIMER: This article is for the Main Card ONLY. (C) indicates current Champion.



Miesha Tate vs Raquel Pennington (Women's Bantamweight)

Coming off the back of her first-round UFC 200 loss to Amanda Nunes, in which she lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship, Miesha Tate (18-6) will be looking to bounce back against Raquel Pennington in the first fight of the PPV.

Tate will need to win this fight in order to re-establish herself among the top Women in the UFC as the return of Ronda Rousey at UFC 207 against Amanda Nunes will take the spotlight off Tate's potential return as the standout contender for the belt she lost.

As for Pennington (8-5), she will similarly be looking to boost her chances of a tile shot after a three fight win streak, including a decision win at UFC 202 over Elizabeth Phillips.

With a convincing win over Tate, Pennington could shock the division and put the pressure on Dana White to make sure the challenger for the aftermath of Rousey vs Nunes.


PREDICTION: Tate wins via Majority Decision.



Kelvin Gastelum vs Donald Cerrone (Welterweight)

Gastelum (12-2) comes into this fight against Donald Cerrone (31-7) as a replacement for Robbie Lawler. Lawler was originally announced for the welterweight bout against Cerrone but pulled out due to wanting to take more time off after losing the Welterweight belt to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201.

This could been as a battle to become number one contender to the Welterweight belt but with Lawler surely waiting in the wings after UFC 205 is done, Both fighters will have to treat it like just another step up the rankings.


PREDICTION: Cerrone wins by TKO in the Third Round.



Chris Weidman vs Yoel Romero (Middleweight)

Going into this fight, this could very well be seen as the battle for the #1 Contendership to Michael Bisping's Middleweight title. Weidman (13-1) will have the crowd firmly behind him, being a New York native from Baldwin, and will look to defeat Romero (12-1), with the Cuban holding a solid 12-1 MMA record but last fought at UFC 194 (where McGregor KO'd Jose Aldo in 13 seconds).

At that same event, Weidman lost the Middleweight title to recent champ Luke Rockhold and was supposed to get his rematch against Rockhold at UFC 199 but pulled out on May 17 with a cervical disc herniation. Both need to win this fight in order to gain the opportunity to not only call out Bisping, but to show the UFC brass that they deserve to be the second challenger to the Briton's title.


PREDICTION: Weidman wins by unanimous Decision.



Joanna Jedrzejczyk (C) vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz (For the Women's Straw-weight Championship)

The first of the trio of title fights at UFC 205 and it looks to be a blockbuster. Two Polish ladies, both undefeated (Joanna, 12-0) (Karolina 10-0) and both wanting to top the Women's Straw-weight division.

They have fought at amateur level in 2012, at Amatorska Liga MMA Tournament Final, where Joanna submitted Karolina.

Joanna seems to have captured the headlines heading into the fight with her impressive kickboxing record and collective nature as champion.

Karolina has quite admittedly been in the shadow of Joanna and will certainly be looking to establish herself in the division after requesting this fight on many post-fight Joe Rogan interviews.


PREDICTION: Joanna wins by TKO in the Fourth Round.



Tyron Woodley (C) vs Stephen Thompson (For the Welterweight Championship)

The co main event of the evening will see newly crowned Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (16-3) make his first title defence against five-time kickboxing champion Stephen Thompson (13-1).

Woodley won the title at UFC 201 where he surprised many by knocking out who he called 'the fighter of the year', Robbie Lawler. 'Wonder Boy' Thompson earned the title shot after an impressive seven fight win streak, since he loss at UFC 145 to Matt Brown, including a first-round TKO of Jack Ellenberger due to a stunning spinning hook kick.

It's very much a clash of styles as Woodley has a wrestling background and Thompson has a unique Karate style that he has credited to his success so far in MMA. The biggest factor in this fight for me is how Woodley will set up against Thompson's slow but effective karate style.

Woodley commented on the different areas that the pair will fight in, saying "He's not going to beat me in a Muay Thai fight, he's not going to beat me in a Boxing fight and he's defenitely not going to beat me in a Wrestling match in his life ever." Thompson said on the Media Conference call that he was going to 'Muhammad Ali' Woodley when they meet at the Garden.

Regardless of which area of MMA they chose to display in the Octagon, this is sure to be a belter of a Welterweight title fight.


PREDICTION: Woodley wins by TKO in the Second Round.




Eddie Alvarez (C) vs Conor McGregor (For the Lightweight Championship)

The main event and of course it features the biggest money draw in UFC history, Conor McGregor (20-3). The UFC Featherweight champion is seeking the Lightweight championship for the second time in his UFC career, after being originally scheduled to face ex-champion Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 196 before the Brazilian pulled out with a broken foot.

Fast forward past two Nate Diaz fights and the Notorious is on the brink of history were if he wins in the most famous Sports arena in the World, he will become the first man to hold two belts in different weight divisions simultaneously.

Then there's Eddie Alvarez (28-4). Fresh off winning the Lightweight title against Dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night on July 7th 2016, Alvarez has verbally matched his opponent in the build-up to UFC 205 and here are some of my favourite quotes from Alvarez and McGregor:


"Belt-less, you'll be belt-less November 12th. You're gonna have to give up the little boy belt and you ain't getting the big boy belt." - Alvarez.

"$4.2 Billion. $4.2 Billion that's how much I'm worth to this company." - McGregor.

"This guy's easy. Easy money." - Alvarez.

"I run New York I run this whole s*** and Mystic Mac predicts I'm going to KO you inside one round." - McGregor.

"You ain't got a shot. Your coach knows you ain't got a shot and anyone who knows anything knows you got a f****** shot!" - Alvarez.

It's healthy to see someone match McGregor in the build-up to a fight and whilst the former Bellator Lightweight champion has admitted himself that he's not the greatest promoter, it's clear that Alvarez has provoked McGregor in holding his own.

In terms of the two being in the Octagon, it's strange how many haven't broken down the clash between the two division champions. Although this is the biggest MMA event of all-time it seems a shame to a degree that the build has drawn away from the action to come.

Ultimately, it comes down to Alvarez's strong Wrestling style vs McGregor's rapid striking game that has seen him earn many Performance of the Night bonuses. The majority will say that McGregor will win, in order to see history fulfilled in the Garden, but Alavarez didn't get to this point by 'getting lucky.'

Whatever happens, the UFC's first-ever event in New York City is sure to be nothing short of entertaining.  


PREDICTION: McGregor wins by Majority Decision.

UFC 205, headlined by Alavrez vs McGregor.

9 Good Matches From Bad WrestleManias

9 Good Matches From Bad WrestleManias

WrestleMania is the highlight of WWE's year. It's when Vince and co sit down to enjoy their firework, short and intense storyline filled spectacle. However, sometimes WrestleMania has been rather disappointing but often there have been a few good matches that have been featured at what are, without being too expressive, bad WrestleManias and lucky for you I've found nine of them.

9, The Ultimate Warrior vs "Macho Man" Randy Savage (Retirement Match) (WrestleMania VII)

Maybe not the masterclass of in-ring action from the off but this match was reasonably good, given it's 20 minute run-time, but Savage is on the Golden Generation's greatest Wrestlers and lead to great ring psychology with the Ultimate Warrior. Add the reuning of Miss Elizabeth with her real-life husband Savage after he lost to the Warrior, this match is firmly the best match of WrestleMania VII when you see that The Mountie beat Tito Santana in 90 seconds, the Intercontineal match ended in DQ when it featured the awesome Mr Perfect and that Hulk Hogan yet again won the WWF title in the WrestleMania main event again... *yawns uncontrollably*.

8, The Ultimate Warrior vs Hulk Hogan (For the WWE and Intercontinental Championships) (WrestleMania VI)

So WrestleMania VI was poor. A double countout between Roddy Piper and Bad News Brown, The Hart Foundation won in 19 seconds and Big Boss Man basically squashed Akeem. However, the main event between Hogan and Warrior lead to critics claiming that it was a good show. Well not really, as listed above, but the intensity shown between Warrior and Hogan captured the 1990's crowd like they had absolutely no shame whats so ever. Through the context of a Sporting event, it's fairly poor but the entertainment and novelty factor, which is quite noticeable when Warrior surprisingly pins Hogan clean, leads it onto this list at number eight.

7, The Undertaker vs Triple H (No Holds Barred Match) (WrestleMania XXVII)

WrestleMania XXVII is by far the worst WrestleMania that I've seen. There was a six-person mixed tag team match that lasted just under four minutes, Michael Cole faced Jerry Lawler (for God sake...) and finally, the Miz main evented the show with John Cena and won via interference by The Rock after a double countout. Anyway, to every cloud there is a sliver lining and from WrestleMania XXVII that match is The Undertaker vs Triple H in a savage No Holds Barred match. Despite hitting three Pedigrees, several chairshots and a tombstone piledriver, Trips couldn't beat Taker in a match that put the Deadman's undefeated WrestleMania streak even more over with the fans.

6, Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz (Triangle TLC Match for the WWF Tag Team Championships) (WrestleMania 2000)

No way near the classic that is TLC II from WrestleMania the following year but a spot-filled match never-the-less. Tables did get introduced though, as expected when the Dudley Boyz are in a no DQ match, and ultimately through a few major spots, such as Matt Hardy getting pushed from the top of a ladder into a set of tables, Edge and Christian won their first tag team championship. What makes this match higher than Taker vs Triple H at WM27 on this list is that WrestleMania 2000 featured only one singles match (between The Kat and Terri), a tag team between Rikishi and Kane versus D-Generation X and a fatal-four way elimation match for the WWF Championship... that had a McMahon in every corner... and they wonder why everyone was happy when Austin returned at Backlash.

5, Zack Ryder vs Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens vs StarDust vs The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler vs Sin Cara (Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship) (WrestleMania 32)

A match from the most recent WrestleMania that was largely disappointing, especially with Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight title in the main event. However, this match is a huge contender for the best WrestleMania opener ever with ridiculous ladder spots from the various high-fliers such as Zayn, Sin Cara and StarDust (a.k.a Cody Rhodes). The biggest moment from this match was Zack Ryder winning the championship in the opening match of WrestleMania. I mean Zack Ryder is the definition of a joke in WWE yet they decided to have him win the second biggest singles title at that point, April 2016, which still baffles me beyond belief.

4, CM Punk vs The Undertaker (WrestleMania 29)

Punk's last WrestleMania match, potentially ever, and it was arguably his best. Being shoved out of the main event for the Rock v Cena rematch from the previous year, Punk went on a mission to prove to everyone behind the corner that he deserves the WrestleMania main event slot. From Punk stealing Taker's Old-School move, Heyman getting involved with the urn and Punk mocking the Undertaker throughout, it was by far the best match from WM29, especially when you compare it to the rest of the card, such as Fandango facing Chris Jerchio, Triple H in a slow no Holds Barred match against Brock Lesnar and the Rock vs Cena being an exact replica of their WM28 match, except it was painfully obvious that Cena was going to win.

3, The Rock vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania X8)

Many think that this match can convert non-Wrestling fans into Wrestling fans and if I had to pick one, this would be highly considered. Despite Hogan being the heel as part of the nWo, the crowd in Toronto got lost in nostalgia as they cheered on the former WrestleMania headliner against the People's Champion. The Rock won in a genuine dream match and subsequently overshadowing the main event of the evening, which was the first undisputed champion Chris Jericho against Triple H, and well as the rest of the WrestleMania X8 card, especially Stone Cold vs Scott Hall.

2, The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25)

Look, I rant and rave about this classic match between Taker and Shawn Michaels and many Wrestling fans consider it one of the very best matches of all-time. Contrasted with the rest of WrestleMania 25, such as Santina Marella winning the "Miss WrestleMania" battle-royal, JBL losing in 21 seconds to Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental title and the unification of the WWE and World Tag Team championships was scheduled as a dark match (a match that doesn't air on television), it's an genuine masterclass at the event that was marketed as the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania.

1, Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (Submission Match) (WrestleMania 13)

With WrestleMania 13 being widely-regarded as the worst WrestleMania of all-time, this match is not only the sliver lining of WM13 but also the match that solidified Steve Austin as the most popular Wrestler of all-time. Austin and Hart battle in a bloody submission match, were the no DQ stipulation was heavily played on, and infamously the roles were switched with Hart leaving a heel and Austin as a face after he refused to tap out to the Sharpshooter. WM13 had Triple H vs Goldust and Sycho Sid, as champion for God sake, against the Undertaker as the main event and this match was a five-star classic, that Dave Meltzer quite rightly awarded, and also voted 1997 Match of the Year in Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter and is the best match from a bad WrestleMania.

Stone Cold refuses to tap out to the Sharpshooter against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13.

  

My Best Ever Everton XI

My Best Ever Everton XI

DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion as I am going off my very own personal experience watching Everton and the stories and opinions told to me by fellow Everton fans.

When Football fans think of Everton, they think of the 1980's under the greatest ever Everton manager, Howard Kendall. Everton haven't had a grand history of silverware compared to the biggest and most famous European clubs but they have had some fantastic players grace Goodison Park and other stadiums, whilst wearing the famous Blue and White shirt. In this post, I will explain my personal selections for what I think is Everton's Best XI.  


Honourable mentions: Alan Ball, Duncan Ferguson, Paul Gascoigne, Dave Hickson, David Unsworth, Gary Speed, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin. 

Neville Southall (Goalkeeper)

Age: 57.

Years at Everton: 1981 - 1998.

Now this is a choice taken from my Dad and Grandad as they watched him grace Goodison. Bought for £150k, Southall made 578 appearances for the Blues and won two First Division titles, two FA Cups, four FA Charity Shield, one European Cup Winners' Cup and various runner-up medals. One highlight from his Everton career was his save against ex-Tottenham player Mark Falco in a 2-1 at White Hart Lane, with many saying that it was the best save since Gordon Banks' from Pele. He was also known for his famous half-time 'sulking' stance when 3-0 down to Leeds at half-time. There aren't any Everton keepers that can get near to Southall in terms of sustained quality between the sticks and he is rightfully the best keeper in Everton history.

Seamus Coleman (Right-Back)

Age: 27.


Years at Everton: 2009 - Present.  

Many around Goodison will think that Coleman is the best right-back in Everton history and I agree, obviously from the header, but his play-style has changed slightly in the past year. Being signed for £60k, if you haven't heard from the song, Coleman received a man-of-the-match award on his debut when he came into a game against Tottenham (for the injured Joseph Yobo). After a loan spell at Blackpool, Coleman broke into the first-team. He burst forward down the right wing and added additional firepower to the developing attacking threat Everton. However, ever since the arrival of Roberto Martinez as manager, Coleman has often stayed back when he can and only goes forward on certain attacks, when Everton look evident to score. Many this is because of the various ankle/hamstring injuries taking their toll on Coleman or he has been instructed to stay back in the right-back position more often in order to follow Martinez's very possession based game plan. Anyway, he may have dipped in form in recent months but he is still Everton's best-ever right back.  

Martin Keown (Centre-Back)

Age 45.

Years at Everton: 1989 - 1993.

Although he wasn't at Everton for a long time, Keown is definitely one of the best centre-backs to play in the Premier League with nonsense tackling and a down-to-Earth attitude that really reflected his play. He is more known now for his appearances on Match of the Day but Keown really developed his game at Everton before moving at Arsenal for £2 million and eventually becoming part of the Invincibles.  

Phil Jagielka (Centre-Back)

Age: 34.


Years at Everton: 2007 - Present.

Many would disagree with this entry but again, this is from my own personal years watching Everton. Jagielka has been the backbone of Everton's defence for what feels like ever, (I know it's actually been nine years, please calm down), and with the inclusion of ex-Swansea defender Ashley Williams as a replacement for John Stones, he can only get better than he already has been. Like my Dad often tells me, the type of centre-back I would prefer to have at the back is the one that will blast it into row Z and throw their body at every shot the opposition takes. Jageilka is just that. He may not be the most glamorous defender of all-time, as I imagine Pep Gurodila shakes his head at Jags' limited passing ability from the back, but every team needs a solid no-nonsense centre-back to keep order at the back, through the good, bad and ugly.




Leighton Baines (Left-Back)

Age: 31.


Years at Everton: 2007 - Present.

Baines is currently the longest serving Everton player from the current squad of players and to be honest, he has always been fairly consistent in his play (although maybe in recent years his defending has gone slightly down hill). In 2010-11, Baines played every single minute of Everton's Premier League games and gained the club's Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Goal of the Season awards. His performances in 2012 gained him a place in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year in 2012, the first Everton player to do so for 22 years since Neville Southall in 1989–90. There was a multiple amount of bids for Baines in the 2013 Summer transfer window from Manchester United but were all rejected from Everton due to Baines' vital part in Everton's attacking threat. Ultimately, Baines has become a very valuable player to the current Everton and although his current standing in Martinez's team is quite questionable, he's for sure Everton's best left-back of all-time.  

William Ralph 'Dixie' Dean (Right- Midfielder)

Age: 73 (Died at Goodison Park on 1st March 1980).


Years at Everton: 1925 - 1937.

The Greatest ever Everton player. If you want proof of that, stand outside Goodison Park on a matchday and see the countless people that stand near and take pictures at the Dixie Dean statue. William Ralph Dean signed for Everton for £3,000 in 1925 and scored an amazing 60 league goals in the 1927-28 season. Playing for Everton was a childhood dream for Dixie, as it would be for any fan that watches from the stands as a kid. This loyalty and passion was proven in the highest regard when he stayed with the Blues when they were relegated to the Second Division. Sadly, Dixie died when he went to watch Everton play local rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park but further cemented his status as an Everton Legend.  

Tim Cahill (Centre-Midfielder)

Age: 33.


Years at Everton: 2004 - 2012.

Cahill signed from Millwall for £1.5 million and quickly built a reputation of a goalscorer with his fnaatstic heading abilities. This became apparent in the 2008-09 season when he was moved to various positions across the attacking roles due to injuries suffered by Mikel Arteta, Victor Anichebe and Yakubu. Cahill continued to score a good amount of goals but started to slowly fade from the starting XI as he suffered a big goal-drought as he didn't score for the whole of 2011. He left in the summer of 2012 for New York Red Bulls but he has been placed on this list as he proved that he can carry Everton's attacking threat when needed and his unquestionable passion for playing for the badge (which is what you want from every Football player). On leaving Everton, Cahill said "I want to thank everyone at Everton, from the club to tremendous supporters. it has been a privilege to be an Everton player for the past eight years and it was a very difficult decision to leave. i will always support Everton and I wish the club the best of luck in the future."

Mikel Arteta (Centre-Midfielder)

Age:  33.

Years at Everton: 2005 (on loan from Real Sociedad), 2005 - 2011.

Initially, Arteta was signed on loan from Real Sociedad by David Moyes and helped Everton's finish in the Champions League fourth spot. He was then signed permanently for £2 million. Arteta then became Everton's set-piece specialist after a few months and also had surgery in early 2008 for a serve stomach injury. However, the 2010/11 season showed signs of frustration for both player and club. Upon departing Everton, Arteta said "I am 29 years old so I haven’t got much time left to take a chance like this one. I have done my best for Everton". And I agree with that now, even though I didn't at the time.

Steven Pienaar (Left-Midfielder)

Age: 34.

Years at Everton: 2007 - 2008 (on loan from Ajax), 2008 - 2011, 2012 (on loan from Tottenham), 2012- 2016.

After a few impressive seasons at Dortmund, Piennar signed for Everton for £2 million, after joining intinally on loan. He then moved to Tottenham in 2011 but joined Everton on loan in 2012 and then joined Everton again for £4.5 million in January 2012. He scored Everton's 100th Premier League goal against former club Tottenham on 9th December. However, his connection down the left flank of the pitch with left-back Leighton Baines is what he is remembered for at Goodison Park as he produced some fanatstaic link-up play with the former England left-back, endless runs at goal and sheer desire to win the ball, to cement himself as one of the club's greatest-ever let wingers,



Gary Lineker (Striker)

Age: 55.

Years at Everton: 1985 - 1986.

Although Lineker was only at Everton for one season, he is still one of the very best strikers to grace Goodison Park. Joining Everton from Leicester for £800,000, Lineker scored 30 goals in the First Division (including three hat-tricks) to help Everton finish second and on the way to being runners-up to Liverpool in the FA Cup final. "I was only on Merseyside a short time, nine or 10 months in total really, but it was still a happy time personally, while professionally it was one of the most successful periods of my career," Lineker said on his time at Everton. "I still have an affinity towards Everton." 

Wayne Rooney (Striker)

Age: 30.


Years at Everton: 2002 - 2004.

The most famous Everton player in recent years, Rooney made his debut as the second youngest Everton player behind Joe Royle. He announced himself when he scored a famous last-winner goal against Arsenal and also made Rooney the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, a record that has since been surpassed twice, by James Milner and James Vaughan. In January 2003, Rooney signed his first professional contract, which made him one of world football's highest-paid teenagers. Rooney showed the World why he would become a Premier League legend at Everton and although his very public departure splits Everton fans' opinions, there is no doubt that he is one of the best strikers in the club's history.

UFC 203: CM Punk vs Mickey Gall Preview

UFC 203: CM Punk vs Mickey Gall Preview

It's taken just under two years but CM Punk will finally make his UFC debut at UFC 203 against Mickey Gall. In that time, everyone associated with both professional Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts have had their say on Punk signing for the UFC. Now, I won't go into an in-depth analysis of Punk's decision to switch to the UFC from WWE but I will say that I very excited to see Punk fight (ironically, Punk will make his MMA debut in the building where he walked out of the WWE - Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio). I will say that the positioning on the card is slightly questionable, being the third to last fight on the main card, but I guess with the expectation/excitement around Punk's debut that Dana and co can justify it. 

I think that Mickey Gall has definitely been left in the background in the lead-up to this fight but I think that this was going to happen to Punk's opponent, no matter who it was. Gall will be extremely confident due to Punk's limited training time and notable age gap and predicted on MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani that he would knockout Punk in the first round. I hope that doesn't happen, not just because I'm a CM Punk fan, but it will be slightly underwhelming after nearly two years of build to Punk's debut. 

One battle that is clear Punk has won is the mental battle. With 'The Evolution of Punk' being shown every Monday night in the U.S, and a little later on UFC's official YouTube channel, Punk's journey to the Octagon is well documented in a four-part series and what you notice from viewing this transition is that Punk is mentally focused on this huge career switch which he is doing only to prove to himself that he can do it. 

I think anyone with a dream can respect Punk for quitting WWE to pursue his dream of competing in MMA, as he ultimately made himself happy. 

Tale of the Tape

Name: Phillip Jack Brooks (A.K.A CM Punk)

Age: 37 (Born on 26th October 1978 in Chicago, U.S.A)

Height: 6 Foot 2 Inches

Weight: 185 Pounds

Reach:

Mixed Martial Arts Record:

0 Fights


Name: Mickey Gall

Age: 24 (From New York, U.S.A)

Height: 6 Foot 2 Inches

Weight:

Reach:

Mixed Martial Arts Record:

2 Fights

2 Wins


My Prediction

My Prediction is that Mickey Gall will win by technical knockout in the second round of the fight. My Heart wants to say that CM Punk will win but I think that Gall's superior technique and years training will topple Punk. Punk must put in a good performance regardless of whether he wins or not in order to show that his near two years training has been highly seriously and that he can continue his UFC career without questions being asked about his abilities.

CM Punk makes his UFC debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in Cleveland, Ohio (which will also be the first UFC event in Cleveland).



My Top 10 Most Iconic Wrestling Moments

My Top 10 Most Iconic Wrestling Moments

Although Wrestling is pre-determined, obviously, the entertainment side, both in and out the ring, of Wrestling can often provide moments that will make them cry, laugh and/or be overcome with shock. In this post, I will be giving the 10 most iconic Wrestling moments, in my opinion, that fans and those in the industry will remember forever.

A few honourable mentions that didn't make the list:

- Eddie Guerrero dies (13th November 2005).

- Vince McMahon signs Hulk Hogan (27th December 1983).

- First-ever episode of Monday Night RAW (11th July 1993).

- WWE Buys WCW (23rd March 2001).

- WWE is deemed PG (22nd July 2008). 

10, The first-ever Money In The Bank Ladder Match (Wrestlemania 21 - 3rd April 2005)

The first-ever Money in the Bank ladder match took place at Wrestlemania 21 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and featured Chris Jericho (who actually created the concept to get onto the main card of the show), Chris Benoit, Edge, Kane, Christian and Shelton Benjamin. Now a massive part of WWE's identity, the concept even has it's own PPV which started in 2010. What makes this match iconic is that it launched a series of remarkable ladder matches that pushed a mid-carder to the main event scene on their respective brand. Edge did this as he won this match and produced the first-ever cash-in ten months later at New Year's Revolution 2006 against John Cena and subsequently won his first WWE Championship. 

9, Owen Hart dies (Over-The-Edge - 23rd May 1999)

Owen Hart sadly died when he fell from the rafters of the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. Before his Intercontinental Championship match against The Godfather, Hart fell approximately 78 feet. After many attempts, he later died of internal bleeding and blunt force trauma. This was the first time that a WWE Wrestler had died within the ring and a special episode of RAW was put together in Owen's memory, in which the final shot was of Steve Austin leaving a beer in the ring in tribute to the late great Wrestler.  

8, Scott Hall appears on WCW (WCW Monday Nitro - 27th May 1996)

Scott Hall and Kevin Nash left WWE for WCW in 1996 as they wanted more money and more creative control. Hall appeared on WCW's episode of Nitro in which he says he's an 'outsider' and that WWE wants a war (in terms of ratings). This would be another step to the infamous Monday Night Wars between WWF and WCW and this is also iconic due it being the first example of kayfabe being broken in order to boost the ratings.



7, Hulk Hogan emerges as the third man in the nWo (WCW Bash at The Beach - 7th July 1996)

Following on from the previous point, the infamous nWo was created by 'outsiders' Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in May 1996. They talked about a third man being apart of the nWo and at WCW Bash at The Beach 1996, Hulk Hogan emerged to join the nWo and turn heel on the fans that had once embraced him in the 80's Wrestling boom.



6, CM Punk drops the 'Pipebomb' Promo (RAW - 27th June 2011)

I've talked about this event before but for those who don't know, CM Punk cut one of the most amazing promos in recent WWE History when took to the mic in Las Vegas on the 27th June 2011 edition of RAW to run down his anger at everyone from the fans to Vince McMahon. I really recommend that you watch it to fully understand it but this is iconic due to it's ability to blur the lines between fiction and reality and work or shoot. Even some of my favourite lines portray how ground breaking this was ("And I'd like to think that maybe this company will be better after Vince McMahon's is dead") ("But the fact that Dwayne is in the main event of Wrestlemania next year and I'm not makes me sick") ("I'm leaving with the WWE Championship and hell who knows maybe I'll go defend it in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Maybe I'll go back to Ring of Honor").



5, Chris Benoit's double-murder and suicide (22nd- 24th June 2007)

Chris Benoit was one of the most hardworking and most impressive technical Wrestlers of all-time. Sadly, his legacy was seriously damaged when he killed his Wife and Son in a fit of rage that ended in him hanging himself. Benoit was scheduled to win the vacant ECW Championship at Vengeance 2007, beating CM Punk, but this never aspired, obviously. It's extremely sad that not only Benoit committed such awful acts against his family but that he also that his legacy was tainted and he will unfortunately be remembered for this, rather than his fantastic matches and his desire and love for the Wrestling business.



4, The Montreal Screwjob (Survivor Series 1997 - 9th November 1997)

The most infamous Survivor Series moment ever. Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon, Triple H and others screwed Bret Hart out of the WWF Championship, due to Hart refusing to drop the belt in Canada before he left to go to WCW. Now, there are a ridiculous amount of articles explaining the specific details of the Montreal Screwjob (only one Google search away!) but what makes this so iconic is that it was one of the first-ever incidents that showed that Vince felt pressure from one of his top stars jumping ship to WCW.



3, Hulk Hogan bodyslams Andre the Giant (Wrestlemania 3 - 29th March 1987)

It's the original WWE moment. A big blonde man slamming a much bigger man down to the mat before winning the WWF Championship at one of WWE's favourite-ever Wrestlemanias. Looking back now as a Wrestling fan, it can seem quite tame compared to the moves that are performed on a weekly basis around the World but back in 1987 this was an amazing moment as no-one had body-slammed Andre the Giant on WWF Television before and seeing Hogan do this only solidified Hulkamania.


2, Launch of the WWE Network (24th February 2014)

The WWE launched it's own subscription service that allows for subscribers to view pretty much everything to WWE (except RAW and SMACKDOWN Live latest episodes). As of April 2016, WWE announced that they had around 1.82 million subscribers, with approximately 434,000 from outside the United States. Whilst this is something that happened outside of the ring, obviously, it makes the number 2 slot because it's clear longtime business strategy from WWE with the huge increase in online streaming. An example of the huge potential success from this is that the WWE have around 12 million subscribers on Youtube and they reported significant revenue from this, as reported by well-respected Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer.


1, Brock Lesnar ends the Undertaker's Streak (Wrestlemania 30 - 6th April 2014)

The most shocking pinfall victory in Professional Wrestling History. The Undertaker's Wrestlemania undefeated streak was absolutely adored by fans and the majority thought that it would never end and would forever stay immortal long after the Undertaker retired from the squared circle. Well, WWE had other ideas and had former UFC Heavyweight Champion and general freak of nature Brock Lesnar conquer the Undertaker's streak. The moment after the bell rang, everyone live at Wrestlemania 30 and watching around the World went very silent in shock. That shock would lead to anger or sheer disbelief. If WWE should have ended the streak is a whole different discussion, which I'll leave out for the sake of staying sane, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is the most iconic moment in Wrestling History.

Paul Heyman congratulates Brock Lesnar on ending the Undertaker's Wrestlemania undefeated streak at 21-1. 

UFC 202: Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 2 Preview

UFC 202: Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 2 Preview

At the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the most anticpated rematch in UFC History will take place between UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. At UFC 196, Nate Diaz made McGregor submit in the second round of the contest to give the Irishman his first UFC loss. McGregor had originally supposed to fight Rafael dos Anjos for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 196 but when Anjos pulled out on 23rd February after breaking his foot, Diaz stepped in for a welterweight battle with the sliver-tongued Featherweight champ and ultimately shocked the World. Conor had been riding high on an impressive win streak that gained global attention when he knocked out then UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo in 13 seconds and no-one expected Diaz to halt Conor's momentum like he did.

The rematch should been at UFC 200 but cancelled when McGregor had arguments with Dana White and refused to do several media obligations. McGregor then falsely announced his retirement on Twitter before then calming down to agree a Welterweight rematch at UFC 202. The hype around this fight is huge and it seems that the pressure is all on McGregor. Back-to-back losses could seriously damage his ambitions of climbing up the Welterweight division. However, a win would boost his repetition as a multi-weight fighter. It's quite the oppoiste for Diaz, as no-one expected him to win at UFC 196 so he won't be too affected by a loss. If he wins again, he may just knock McGregor off his preach.

Well, for one night at least.

McGregor has actually said that he lost the first fight because he didn't respect Diaz's experience and durability as a fighter but when talking about the fight, he said "If I was to make a prediction, which I will right now, I believe I will repay the favour and KO him inside the second round." He also added "The fans are in for a treat, but make no mistake, my hand will be raised." Many in the MMA World agree with him, definitely wanting to see a third fight to conclude the saga.  

Whatever fans think the result will, it will be one hell of a fight.




Tale of the Tape

Name: Conor Anthony McGregor

Age: 28 (Born on 14th July 1988 in Dublin, Ireland)

Height: 5 Foot 9 Inches

Weight: 170 Pounds

Reach: 74 inches

Mixed Martial Arts Record:

22 Fights

19 Wins (17 By Knockout, 1 By Submission and 1 By Decision)

3 Losses (All By Submission)

Name: Nathan Donald Diaz

Age: 31 (Born on 16th April 1985 in California, U.S.A)

Height: 6 foot

Weight: 169 Pounds

Reach: 76 inches

Mixed Martial Arts Record:

30 Fights

20 Wins (4 By Knockout, 13 By Submission, 3 By Decision)

10 Losses (1 By Knockout, 1 By Submission, 8 By Submission)



My Prediction

I predict that Conor McGregor will knock Diaz out in the second round as I think that McGregor will adapt his bursts of lethal strikes and avoid Nate's takedown attempts. I think that it will be a tough fight in which all aspects of both fighters' abilities will come on show. If I'm right, a 'rubber match' will be set up to conclude the saga. Who wins that? At the moment, who knows but let's hope this fight is everything that MMA fans want to see.

Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor are separated by UFC President Dana White at a UFC 202 Press Conference. 





Euro 2016 Review: 6 Things We've Learnt

Euro 2016 Review: 6 Things We've Learnt

As Portugal win the 2016 Euros by beating hosts France 1-0 after extra-time, and gained the global headlines, it's the lessons that don't appear as obvious that I like to look at and in this post I will be detailing the things that have been apparent thanks to 2016 Euros.

6, England are a Joke

I have covered this in my reviews of England's games during the 2016 Euros but it was a massive realisation that despite all the great players that were in the England team, we lost to Iceland 2-1. Many would have thought that England were already a joke under Roy Hodgson but the humiliation of losing to the smallest nation at the Euros in the first knockout round is unbelievable on so many levels and thus England fans have officially (hopefully) given up with England for the foreseeable future.

5, Smaller nations provided passion and dire

In contrast to the failing expectations of England's tournament, two small nations have captured the fans' respect across the continent. Those nations are of course Iceland and Wales. Iceland may have gone out to France in the quarter-finals, losing 5-2, but the connection to their fans is unreal, that Viking clap is awesome, and reminds Premier League fans of the underdog mentality that lead Leicester City to the Premier League title. Wales went even further and were 90 minutes away from the final but lost 2-0 to Portugal in the semi-final. I mean to get to the semi-final of their first tournament in 58 years is an achievement that speaks volumes about the unity within the Welsh national side that England fans can only dream of.      

4, It's all about getting through

It's the name of the game in tournament football and there has been one team that has remind everyone that you don't need to play great to get through. That team is of course Portugal. Having drew all three group games, but still managing to knock-out Croatia, Poland and Wales, Portugal have been the nation that neutrals have willed to go out but have won the tournament and subsequently remained fans that it's not all about winning in 90 minutes by a decent goal margin, it's about getting through to the next round.

3, Some nations heavily unperformed

Whilst nations such as Italy, Portugal and Wales have had great tournaments, in regards to their expectations prior to the start of the tournament on 10th June, there have been several nations that have heavily unperformed. The three nations that spring to mind are Germany, Belgium and Spain. Although Germany reached the semi-finals, and lost to France, their performances this tournament haven't been as dominating as they were in the 2014 World Cup (just ask any Brazilian for confirmation of that). They were unlucky to have Mario Gomez be ruled out for the rest of the tournament after their quarter-final game against Italy but they really should have had a back-up striker to take the heat off the 'cursed' Thomas Muller.

Belgium went out to Wales in the quarter-finals and has thus continued their reputation as the World's most underperforming country. They have fantastic individual players, such as Lukaku and Hazard, but they can never link together to fulfil their potential. Spain, the ex-European Champions, were knocked out by dark-horses Italy in the last 16 and it is the second tournament in a row that the former World Champions have been sent home from earlier then they expected. It is yet again a lack of tactical advancement by a nation that you would expect to get to at least the semi-finals and concludes the theme of certain nations heavily underperforming at this Euros.

2, A Contrast of Reviews

In the aftermath of Euro 2016, there will be a lot of posts that will review the tournament as a whole and how it has left European Football before the new season starts again in August. What makes me write this point in my own review of Euro 2016 is BBC commentator John Motson's thoughts on the tournament. He has details that he thinks Wales were the stars of the show and that France are now Europe's best team but he said that the standard of Football was lacking in certain group games and have only been forgotten thanks to the late, late goals that seen fans in scenes of joy or sorrow. Now, I can understand what Motty is saying, and God only knows he has the experience to be able to draw this conclusion from the tournament, but it is clear that there are a contrast of reviews to be written and published, whether they be written to promote a certain nation's performance, undermine the desire and passion of another or to call for the number of teams to be reduced.  

1, Antoine Griezmann is the Real Deal 

The build-up to the tournament for France saw one of their prolific striker, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, ruled out from selection from the national team due to a court case involving the striker using an alleged sex-tape as leverage over Lyon's Mathieu Valbuena. Ultimately, it seemed that Antoine Griezmann would have to step up to finish off the chances provided by Dimitri Payet and co.

And he bloody did.

The Atletico Madrid striker scored six goals and provided two assists as France finished runner-ups and became my favourite player from the 2016 Euros. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few clubs looking to sign Griezmann after his performances in France this summer. Will he go if he's approached? Who knows but he will have earned the move as he is the second highest goalscorer in European Championship History with his six goals, second only to Michel Platini's nine goals from 1984 in France.   

Top Goalscorer: Antoine Griezmann (France) (6 goals).

My Team of the Tournament: 4-3-3 Formation.

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) (Goalkeeper).

Jermone Boateng (Germany). (Centre-Back).

Ashley Williams (Wales). (Right-Back).

Darjio Srna (Croatia). (Left-Back).

Giorgio Chiellini (Italy). (Centre-Back).

Mesut Ozil (Germany). (Midfielder).

Paul Pogba (France). (Midfielder).

Dimitri Payet (France). (Midfielder).

Gareth Bale (Wales). (Right-Wing).

Antoine Griezmann (France). (Striker).

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal). (Left-Wing).

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo lifts Portugal's first-ever major trophy. 



My 10 Favourite WWE Matches

My 10 Favourite WWE Matches

In recent weeks, WhatCulture's Wrestling YouTube channel, WhatCulture Wrestling, have been publishing videos in which some of their staff have detailed their 10 favourite WWE matches. Now, I know I'm jumping on a bandwagon here but I'm just going to get into this list anyway and here are my 10 favourite WWE matches.   

 

DISCLAIMER: There aren't any Women's matches on this list as WWE haven't got a great track record when it comes to Women's Wrestling since I've been watching WWE, except from Lita and Trish Stratus' feud. 

10, Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Edge vs Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship (Backlash 2007)

This match isn't brilliant, I accept that, but what I love the tension that Edge and Randy Orton display, with them both splitting up just a few weeks before the PPV, as they ultimately made John Cena look fairly decent. Obviously taking nothing away from Shawn Michaels, who was hands down the best performer. The finish is slightly annoying, with Michaels super-kicking Cena onto Orton and Cena subsequently retaining the Championship, but the performances of Edge, Orton and HBK make this my favourite fatal-four way and number 10 on this list.

Full Match: https://youtu.be/S6IIsATfkl0

9, Undertaker, John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Triple H vs Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase Jr, CM Punk and Randy Orton (10th Anniversary of SMACKDOWN- 2nd October 2009)

 

This match on SMACKDOWN was two days before the Hell In A Cell 2009 PPV and I admit that although it was quite unbalanced in terms of ring-time within developing the storylines at the time. CM Punk looked weak in contrast to the Undertaker, especially when he tags himself out when he see the Undertaker coming in, and it wasn't a surprise that he lost the title to Taker two days later. Legacy were very good, Cody Rhodes in particular displaying a good heel offensive style, but the team of Undertaker, Cena, Shawn Michaels and Triple H being together is something eleven year-old me dreamed about. The final moment of the match came when Orton was surrounded by Taker, Cena and DX, ending with a Tombstone from the Deadman, is a fantastic spot and perfectly rounded off the 10th Anniversary episode of SMACKDOWN.   

 

 

 

Full Match: https://youtu.be/z3HdtZ5DMvY 

8, Randy Orton vs Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship(Wrestlemania 22)

Watching this match, I can't help but feel that Rey Mysterio wouldn't have been in this Wrestlemania match if Eddie Guerrero's death were still fresh in the minds of WWE and their fans. Anyway, this triple threat match is great as all three men really kept the fans on the edge of their seats with many false finishes and Mysterio selling the underdog babyface gimmick that WWE were riding in order to gain the most money from their audience (they are a business after all!). However, it is a fantastic finish to the match as Rey wins the gold and thus completing a fitting tribute to the late Eddie Guerrero.



Ending of the Match: https://youtu.be/SmalWq894dk



7, Undertaker vs Triple H, with Shawn Michaels as Special Guest Referee (Hell In A Cell - Wrestlemania 28)

 

This match was a heck of a lot of nostalgia for myself as these three men had practically defined my Wrestling childhood and I really didn't know what I wanted to come out of this match. There were some awesome moments, such as the three men watching the cell lowering down to the ring, DX trying to screw the Undertaker out of his undefeated streak and fittingly all three men walking to the ramp after Undertaker pinned Hunter to continue his streak to 20-0. It really was the 'end of an era' in terms of a certain growing up, maybe not me, as wrestlers such as Triple H were going to be giving young wrestlers more of a chance, at least in theory that this. But this was genuinely a fantastic match in which the nostalgia factor certainly pushed it up this list.



Full Match: https://youtu.be/2PFSn2iMzbg



6, John Cena vs Rob Van Dam for the WWE Championship (ECW One Night Stand 2006)

With John Cena as the designated heel for this match at the Hammersmith Arena in Pittsburgh, Rob Van Dam and ECW had the opportunity to upset the predictions of Wrestling fans. The match had several Referee run-ins, due to the brand split between RAW and SMACKDOWN, causing Cena to 'heel' it up for this match. However, with Edge's help, Rob van Dam became the first and only man in history to hold both the WWE and ECW Championships at the same time and give ECW their greatest-ever moment.


Ending of the Match: https://youtu.be/02WUftADD28



5, Eddie Guerrero vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship (No Way Out 2004)

When you talk about underdogs in Professional Wrestling, Eddie Guerrero is the absolute pinnacle. Coming back from losing his family due to massive drug and drink addiction, caused by his endless travelling across the World, Eddie came back against all odds to climb to the Wrestling mountaintop and win the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar and become the champion heading into Wrestlemania 20. This match wasn't a huge in-ring classic that you would expect from Eddie but it was more the emotional significance that pushes it up this list to the number five spot.


Ending of the Match: https://youtu.be/dkx-p_JpYyk



4, The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship (Wrestlemania X-Seven)

This match saw two of the biggest Wrestlers of the late 90's and early 00's main event the best Wrestlemania in history and it also saw the end of the WWF's Attitude Era. The match had some of the best theatrics that WWF had to offer, such as The Rock flipping around like a octopus on crack when taking a stunner from Austin. The near-falls were great but the shocking alliance between Austin and arch-enemy Vince McMahon for Austin to win the WWF Championship was an iconic moment that truly capped off the best Wrestlemania ever produced.




Full Match: https://youtu.be/hOQwtzGIaGc



3, Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker (Wrestlemania 25)

Now this is often regards as the best Wrestlemania match of all-time. 30 minutes, two legends, countless false-finishes, Undertaker flying into a cameraman, it's bloody awesome. It's a shame that this wasn't the main event of Wrestlemania 25, which it really should have been when you watch the slow and boring WWE title match between Triple H vs Randy Orton. Anyway, this match reminds of why Wrestling can so great when two of favourite Wrestlers come together for a legendary match.



Full Match: https://youtu.be/7MRz4yrPjTM



2, Edge vs Eddie Guerrero (No Disqualification - SMACKDOWN - 26th September 2002) 

You might be surprised by this entry but this match is one of my favourites because it has excellent in-ring psychology between the recently returned Eddie Guerrero and the recently-new singles competitor Edge. The spot when Eddie sunset flips Edge from the top of the ladder is fantastic but ultimately Edge winning with the Edgecution from the side of the ladder was the right booking decision to cap off a very fresh feud on the newly-branded SMACKDOWN. As Eddie says in his book, 'He left me laying in the ring, and when I picked myself up the fans gave me a standing O.' Much deserved, Eddie, much deserved.



Full Match: https://youtu.be/gPasZ90HRog

1, John Cena vs CM Punk for the WWE Championship (Money in the Bank 2011)

My favourite ever WWE match and it involves one of, if not my favourite Wrestler, CM Punk. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer gave it five stars in his review of the match (so you know it's a reasonable choice). This match has everything (as you'd expect in anyone's favourite Wrestling match). The atmosphere is electric from Punk's home crowd in Chicago, Cena and Punk put on an fantastic match and the moment when Punk leaves the arena with the WWE title after blowing a kiss to Vince McMahon. This moment broke the barrier between storyline and reality in a way that will never be replicated again, which is proven even more when Punk turned up to ComicCon in Chicago a few days later with the belt, as well as an independent Wrestling show in his hometown. Even though Punk never got the Wrestlemania main event that he deserved, this surely is something that he could consider the greatest moment of his career and is certainly my favourite WWE match of all-time.


Full Match: https://youtu.be/ojd1DIn0kgE

 

 

CM Punk during his entrance at Money In The Bank 2011.