Post by James Phoenix on Jun 6, 2011 20:36:39 GMT -5
WWE Tough Enough
Season Finale – Monday, June 6th, 2011
The show opened with Austin recapping the entire season, showing the highlights and focusing on the journey of the two finalists, Andy and Luke.
We cut to Andy at home in between the end of competition and the final match to determine the winner. We see his wife and daughter, enjoying family time both at home and at the beach, as Andy talks about his family being his inspiration and how much he wants to win for them.
We then see footage of Luke and his friends, as well as a large number of women in bikini’s on a boat. He show’s us his rock star lifestyle and talks about how he knows how to have fun, and how he will win and come back to see his friends. We then see Luke’s workout which features running through the woods, and sparring with his brother and a friend who has a makeshift ring. He says he feels like the Big Bad Wolf and Andy and everyone else are little rabbits. His friends give him some words of inspiration, and Luke shows his confidence in his skills and ability to win.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #1]
We return with the guys entering the FCW arena in Tampa. Florida and greeting Bill DeMott and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. The guys react to Steamboat, and Austin does a voice over discussing Steamboat’s accolades. DeMott explains that they will train with Steamboat and his team all week, and then each have an exhibition match at the end of the week. Bill reveals that their opponent…is him. He reminds them that at the beginning of the competition he told them that anyone who wants to get into the WWE has to go through him, and he is a man of his word. He says that after these matches, on the following live episode of Raw, they will announce who the winner is based on their in ring performance.
Steamboat works with the guys and determines the strengths of each of the guys, being Luke’s quickness as the smaller guy, and Luke’s power as the bigger guy. The two men talk trash about each other in their “commentary” and build the rivalry into the matches. Steamboat watches them work and gives them tips on how to improve in the ring, such as how Luke has to push harder to take down a bigger guy like Luke or Bill.
Prior to the commercial, we cut live to the arena where Cole hypes the impending crowning of the WWE Tough Enough Champion at what is effectively the start of Raw, in the ring by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Personally, I’m pulling for big Andy.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #2]
The two men give a few last words to the camera before the matches, and we see both the families of the men and the fans in attendance. We see Luke and Andy getting ready in the locker room, as Luke again talks about himself being the Big Bad Wolf, while Andy talks about feeling the Silent Rage ready to break free. We then see the introduction of Booker T and Bill DeMott as they come to the ring, Bill ready for the matches.
We cut back to the arena where a Superstars match is in progress, while Cole and Lawler discuss the decision that awaits Stone Cold after these matches and again talk up the crowning of the winner on Raw after Tough Enough.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #3]
We return with the two men again talking themselves up while stretching and getting ready. Luke and Andy are introduced and then make their way to the ring. We see footage of the two matches spliced together as the Tough Enough theme song plays making for an epic presentation. Andy and Luke are both incredibly impressive in the ring, pulling off good moves such as Luke with a dropkick and Luke with a big boot, and at the end Bill and Ricky shake both men’s hands.
Bill and Booker meet the two men in the locker room and Booker asks them how they felt, and if they thought they could have done better. Luke says he thinks he could have done better but Booker says they both did great. Bill and Booker shake their hands and tell that the WWE executives who watched the match will evaluate them, and that live on Raw Stone Cold will announce the winner of Tough Enough. Bill say’s he’s proud of both of them and wishes them luck.
We cut to the arena where Cole says that next Stone Cold will announce the winner. Lawler talks up the two men mention Like being the party animal though WWE is no party, and Andy’s family at home and his confidence. Up next, the winner will be revealed….
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #4]
When we return, Justin Roberts introduces the Tough Enough trainers who come out to Booker T’s music. Cole and Lawler continue to talk up the importance of this decision. Booker is in a full suit, while Bill is in standard T-shirt and shorts, which is an interesting contrast. Bill gets a microphone and talks up the decision and that someone will win, but before this Bill introduces and beings out the eliminated contestants. Cole and Lawler talk about how hard this must be for them. Cole clearly doesn’t know their names while Lawler does. Jeremiah gets a huge pop while Bill calling Ryan Skid marks gets a bigger pop.
Trish takes the mic and introduces the two finalists, first Silent Rage Andy. He wears a suit over a t-shirt that reads “Silent Rage”. She then introduces Luke who has a personalized jacket and looks like The Miz. Booker then introduces Stone Cole Steve Austin, who gets a massive pop from the crowd. The fans chant for Austin, and give him a big pop as he mentioned Richmond, VA. He talks up everyone in the ring, and asks the fans to give them a round of applause and a Hell Yeah! Austin thanks crazy bastard Bill DeMott, the lovely Trish Stratus, and his Texas buddy Booker T for kicking ass all season.
Austin describes the process by which he normally eliminates someone. He goes over to the trainers and asks for their opinions, starting with Bill.
Bill: He says they both made it through a lot of obstacles (YOU’RE WELCOME) and a lot of challenges. He says if he had to pick one right now, he’s picking Andy.
Trish: She says each week she watched them grow as performers, athletes, and individuals as well as overcome hardship. She says that at times she wanted to slap them, Luke, but if she had to choose one she picked Andy.
Booker: He calls Luke a pretty boy, says he has a body, and that he has a future in this business. He says tonight he looks at Andy and only has two things to say: “It Factor” and Andy has it.
Austin talks about his process rising up the ladder, and how he has a PhD inside this 20 foot by 20 foot ring. He talks about Luke and his popped collar and being a pretty boy, and asks what he thinks of Andy. He says that he has been trying to be a superstar this whole time and is confident he can be. Austin asks big dumb sunbitch Andy what he thinks, and he says that Luke is a joke, isn’t a real athlete, and that he has no business being in this ring.
As Austin continues talking, a stretch limo pulls up and Mr. McMahon steps out. He heads through the hallway and presumably to the ring as Austin tells him that since his arrival already interrupted his choosing a winner, he may as well come to the ring. He calls Vince a pompous son of a bitch as we go to commercial….
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #5]
When we return, Mr. McMahon makes his way to the ring. Justin Roberts introduces him as he comes to the ring. He gets a microphone, and says that he wants a hug from Austin for old time’s sake, and Austin offers a stunner instead. The eliminated contestants are gone and Mr. McMahon asks the two men what makes them worthy of being in the ring where many former legends performed and captivated.
Andy says that he guaren-damn-tees that he is the better man. Luke makes a quick speech about being ready to entertain and be a superstar. The fans chant for Andy as Mr. McMahon says he’s going to make a decision about who the winner is. Austin interrupts him and reminds him that Tough Enough is his show and that he will make the decision.
Andy works the fans up as Mr. McMahon suggests a drumroll, and Austin cues one. He then announces Andy as the winner. Luke shakes Austin and Vince’s hands, as confetti falls and the Tough Enough theme song plays. Austin asks Mr. McMahon if he has any words of congratulations for Andy. Instead, Vince pushes him to the ground. Austin helps him up, introduces him to the crowd, and welcomes him to the WWE with a Stone Cold Stunner, then drinks beers with Mr. McMahon as we transition straight into Raw.
Click HERE for Marcus' RAW Recap to pick up where this review leaves off!
James Take:
I have to say, I loved all of Tough Enough from the premiere to this episode, and I hope they renew it for a second season. It's one of the most entertaining things WWE has done in quite a while and it really helped bring something new to the product.
I have my doubts as to whether or not everything the show was unscripted, and whether they didnt already know who was going to win simply based on the way the show was filmed.
This premiere was a good episode, but was very drawn out. I had hoped they might show us the actual matches against Bill, but the compilation they put together was great. However I do have to say that the episode as a whole felt drawn out which I didn't enjoy.
Overall it was a great season and I was rooting for Andy from the begining so it was great to see him win. I'll likley write a column on the show as a whole at some point to really reflect on the series as a whole.
Until Next Time!
- JP
Season Finale – Monday, June 6th, 2011
The show opened with Austin recapping the entire season, showing the highlights and focusing on the journey of the two finalists, Andy and Luke.
We cut to Andy at home in between the end of competition and the final match to determine the winner. We see his wife and daughter, enjoying family time both at home and at the beach, as Andy talks about his family being his inspiration and how much he wants to win for them.
We then see footage of Luke and his friends, as well as a large number of women in bikini’s on a boat. He show’s us his rock star lifestyle and talks about how he knows how to have fun, and how he will win and come back to see his friends. We then see Luke’s workout which features running through the woods, and sparring with his brother and a friend who has a makeshift ring. He says he feels like the Big Bad Wolf and Andy and everyone else are little rabbits. His friends give him some words of inspiration, and Luke shows his confidence in his skills and ability to win.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #1]
We return with the guys entering the FCW arena in Tampa. Florida and greeting Bill DeMott and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. The guys react to Steamboat, and Austin does a voice over discussing Steamboat’s accolades. DeMott explains that they will train with Steamboat and his team all week, and then each have an exhibition match at the end of the week. Bill reveals that their opponent…is him. He reminds them that at the beginning of the competition he told them that anyone who wants to get into the WWE has to go through him, and he is a man of his word. He says that after these matches, on the following live episode of Raw, they will announce who the winner is based on their in ring performance.
Steamboat works with the guys and determines the strengths of each of the guys, being Luke’s quickness as the smaller guy, and Luke’s power as the bigger guy. The two men talk trash about each other in their “commentary” and build the rivalry into the matches. Steamboat watches them work and gives them tips on how to improve in the ring, such as how Luke has to push harder to take down a bigger guy like Luke or Bill.
Prior to the commercial, we cut live to the arena where Cole hypes the impending crowning of the WWE Tough Enough Champion at what is effectively the start of Raw, in the ring by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Personally, I’m pulling for big Andy.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #2]
The two men give a few last words to the camera before the matches, and we see both the families of the men and the fans in attendance. We see Luke and Andy getting ready in the locker room, as Luke again talks about himself being the Big Bad Wolf, while Andy talks about feeling the Silent Rage ready to break free. We then see the introduction of Booker T and Bill DeMott as they come to the ring, Bill ready for the matches.
We cut back to the arena where a Superstars match is in progress, while Cole and Lawler discuss the decision that awaits Stone Cold after these matches and again talk up the crowning of the winner on Raw after Tough Enough.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #3]
We return with the two men again talking themselves up while stretching and getting ready. Luke and Andy are introduced and then make their way to the ring. We see footage of the two matches spliced together as the Tough Enough theme song plays making for an epic presentation. Andy and Luke are both incredibly impressive in the ring, pulling off good moves such as Luke with a dropkick and Luke with a big boot, and at the end Bill and Ricky shake both men’s hands.
Bill and Booker meet the two men in the locker room and Booker asks them how they felt, and if they thought they could have done better. Luke says he thinks he could have done better but Booker says they both did great. Bill and Booker shake their hands and tell that the WWE executives who watched the match will evaluate them, and that live on Raw Stone Cold will announce the winner of Tough Enough. Bill say’s he’s proud of both of them and wishes them luck.
We cut to the arena where Cole says that next Stone Cold will announce the winner. Lawler talks up the two men mention Like being the party animal though WWE is no party, and Andy’s family at home and his confidence. Up next, the winner will be revealed….
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #4]
When we return, Justin Roberts introduces the Tough Enough trainers who come out to Booker T’s music. Cole and Lawler continue to talk up the importance of this decision. Booker is in a full suit, while Bill is in standard T-shirt and shorts, which is an interesting contrast. Bill gets a microphone and talks up the decision and that someone will win, but before this Bill introduces and beings out the eliminated contestants. Cole and Lawler talk about how hard this must be for them. Cole clearly doesn’t know their names while Lawler does. Jeremiah gets a huge pop while Bill calling Ryan Skid marks gets a bigger pop.
Trish takes the mic and introduces the two finalists, first Silent Rage Andy. He wears a suit over a t-shirt that reads “Silent Rage”. She then introduces Luke who has a personalized jacket and looks like The Miz. Booker then introduces Stone Cole Steve Austin, who gets a massive pop from the crowd. The fans chant for Austin, and give him a big pop as he mentioned Richmond, VA. He talks up everyone in the ring, and asks the fans to give them a round of applause and a Hell Yeah! Austin thanks crazy bastard Bill DeMott, the lovely Trish Stratus, and his Texas buddy Booker T for kicking ass all season.
Austin describes the process by which he normally eliminates someone. He goes over to the trainers and asks for their opinions, starting with Bill.
Bill: He says they both made it through a lot of obstacles (YOU’RE WELCOME) and a lot of challenges. He says if he had to pick one right now, he’s picking Andy.
Trish: She says each week she watched them grow as performers, athletes, and individuals as well as overcome hardship. She says that at times she wanted to slap them, Luke, but if she had to choose one she picked Andy.
Booker: He calls Luke a pretty boy, says he has a body, and that he has a future in this business. He says tonight he looks at Andy and only has two things to say: “It Factor” and Andy has it.
Austin talks about his process rising up the ladder, and how he has a PhD inside this 20 foot by 20 foot ring. He talks about Luke and his popped collar and being a pretty boy, and asks what he thinks of Andy. He says that he has been trying to be a superstar this whole time and is confident he can be. Austin asks big dumb sunbitch Andy what he thinks, and he says that Luke is a joke, isn’t a real athlete, and that he has no business being in this ring.
As Austin continues talking, a stretch limo pulls up and Mr. McMahon steps out. He heads through the hallway and presumably to the ring as Austin tells him that since his arrival already interrupted his choosing a winner, he may as well come to the ring. He calls Vince a pompous son of a bitch as we go to commercial….
[COMMERCIAL BREAK #5]
When we return, Mr. McMahon makes his way to the ring. Justin Roberts introduces him as he comes to the ring. He gets a microphone, and says that he wants a hug from Austin for old time’s sake, and Austin offers a stunner instead. The eliminated contestants are gone and Mr. McMahon asks the two men what makes them worthy of being in the ring where many former legends performed and captivated.
Andy says that he guaren-damn-tees that he is the better man. Luke makes a quick speech about being ready to entertain and be a superstar. The fans chant for Andy as Mr. McMahon says he’s going to make a decision about who the winner is. Austin interrupts him and reminds him that Tough Enough is his show and that he will make the decision.
Andy works the fans up as Mr. McMahon suggests a drumroll, and Austin cues one. He then announces Andy as the winner. Luke shakes Austin and Vince’s hands, as confetti falls and the Tough Enough theme song plays. Austin asks Mr. McMahon if he has any words of congratulations for Andy. Instead, Vince pushes him to the ground. Austin helps him up, introduces him to the crowd, and welcomes him to the WWE with a Stone Cold Stunner, then drinks beers with Mr. McMahon as we transition straight into Raw.
Click HERE for Marcus' RAW Recap to pick up where this review leaves off!
James Take:
I have to say, I loved all of Tough Enough from the premiere to this episode, and I hope they renew it for a second season. It's one of the most entertaining things WWE has done in quite a while and it really helped bring something new to the product.
I have my doubts as to whether or not everything the show was unscripted, and whether they didnt already know who was going to win simply based on the way the show was filmed.
This premiere was a good episode, but was very drawn out. I had hoped they might show us the actual matches against Bill, but the compilation they put together was great. However I do have to say that the episode as a whole felt drawn out which I didn't enjoy.
Overall it was a great season and I was rooting for Andy from the begining so it was great to see him win. I'll likley write a column on the show as a whole at some point to really reflect on the series as a whole.
Until Next Time!
- JP