WWE Mixed Match Challenge Review // 20th March 2018

It was time for the semi-finals to begin on this week's Mixed Match Challenge, as Asuka & The Miz teamed up against Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss for a spot in the final in two weeks. But was it any good? Here's our review! 

Mixed Match Challenge Semi-Final // Asuka & Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Braun Strowman & RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss 

Before the match - Asuka reminded The Miz that her streak was on the line tonight, with Miz insistent that it was "their" streak - Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss promised to go all the way...in the Mixed Match Challenge. 

Considering Asuka's streak was supposedly on the line, it was to the surprise of very few that Asuka & Miz advanced to final of the Mixed Match Challenge over Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss, with The Empress of Tomorrow tapping out the RAW Women's Champion with the Asuka Lock at the end of another typical MMC bout. The match was strongest at it's opening and conclusion, with the bout getting a little lost during it's middle third, relying on the idea that there was a romance between Strowman and Bliss and doing very little else. The random tease of a kiss mid-match worked in order to set up Strowman going nuts at Miz for breaking it up, but beyond being a plot device, it made very little sense to have it happen when it did. Having both Miz and Bliss tag out repeatedly in order to not face their more imposing opponents was a much better idea, played well by all four, before Miz got clattered with Braun's wicked front dropkick (No Corey, I shall not call it the Tyrannosaurus dropkick). This would only be bettered by a wicked series of action at the conclusion, with Asuka and Bliss working much better together than they did on RAW the previous night, building to a double knockout spot before Strowman lost his head and shoulder barged the fuck out of Miz, sending both through the barricade. The streak gimmick was used effectively with the crowd buying into a series of pinfall variation near falls from Bliss, including one very long two count, with Michael Cole playing a strong supporting role on commentary, before Asuka swiftly reversed Bliss's DDT into the Asuka lock to pick up the win. It would seem we're heading to an Asuka & Miz vs. Charlotte Flair & Bobby Roode final, which just days before Flair and Asuka clash at WrestleMania could prove an exciting possibility in two weeks time.

Also on the show 

- Daniel Bryan was stretchered to the back following the assault from Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on SmackDown Live. 

- We found out that Sasha Banks & Finn Balor had won the second chance fan vote and would face Charlotte Flair & Bobby Roode in next week's semi-final. 

Written by James Marston // 

@IAmNotAlanDale 

WWE Mixed Match Challenge Review // 27th February 2018

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