This week's Mixed Match Challenge saw the Quarter Finals begin, as two RAW teams collided for a spot in the final four, as Intercontinental Champion The Miz & Asuka took on Finn Balor & Sasha Banks. But how did it all go down in Los Angeles? Lets take a look!
Mixed Match Challenge Quarter Final // The Miz & Asuka def. Finn Balor & Sasha Banks // Pinfall
The Miz & Asuka advanced to the semi-finals, as Miz pinned Finn Balor after a very fun start to the Quarter Finals. This was another character driven contest, mostly focusing on the relationship between Asuka and Miz, with the two disagreeing on a number of occasions as the Empress of Tomorrow seemed terrified that the Intercontinental Champion would end up costing her her streak anytime he was in the ring. This was handled well early doors with Balor getting a lot of quick pin attempts way on Miz, whilst Asuka freaked out on the apron, providing the match with not just a solid story, but also a sense of urgency. Both male and female opponents would work good sequences together with Banks slapping Asuka hard in the face to drive that section that was full of big strikes done, whilst Balor and Miz's second stint in there was pacy and crisp after a hot tag. After the women had broken up nearfalls off the Skull-Crushing Finale and Coup de Grace, before a lovely submission sequence where Banks and Balor caught Asuka and Miz in a Banks Statement and a Crossface simulatenously. Sasha having her move reversed into a Crossface Chickenwing causing the distraction that lead to Miz being able to roll-up Balor for the win was a clever moment, that was smoothly performed and will also allow Miz to boast about helping to keep Asuka's streak alive in the future.
The Miz & Asuka will be back in three week's time to face the winner of next week's match between Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman and Naomi & Jimmy Uso in the semi-final.
Also This Week
- Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman and Naomi & Jimmy Uso cut fun handheld promos, ahead of their match next week.
ATPW Scale Rating // 6 out of 10
Written by James Marston // @IAmNotAlanDale
No comments:
Post a Comment