WWE LFG “FACTION FRENZY” – TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

The first season of WWE/A&E’s “LFG (Legends & Future Greats”) is starting to pick up steam. 16 new wrestlers compete for the opportunity of a WWE NXT contract. Certain contestants are slowly breaking away from the pack. Coaches (Mickie James, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley and The Undertaker) are taking notice.

With everyone trying to win for themselves, how does teamwork go? That becomes the focus of episode 4 entitled “Faction Frenzy”. Can these hopefully really gel as a team? We’re about to find out.

The episode starts with Shiloh Hill talking with his coach, The Undertaker. Hill is recovering from an in-ring injury and confidence is in question. Taker gives a check-in and everything seems to be on point. Hill is going to be needed if team Taker is going to win the show.

WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels addresses the group. Michaels mentions about how factions are a part of pro wrestling. Throughout the history of the business, they are staples of any federation. This episode featured two people which impacted the way we look at factions in the modern era. They are Eric Bischoff and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman.

READ LAST EPISODE’S REVIEW!

Bischoff was the architect of the NWO (New World Order) for World Championship Wrestling. During his run in the 90’s, WCW defeated WWE raw in the ratings for 83 weeks. Waltman was a member of both the NWO and WWE’s “D-Generation-X”. Bischoff asks the groups who knows the group. The reaction is virtually crickets! As a lifelong wrestling fan, that should have gotten a louder reaction. It’s troubling from those trying to break into the business to be THAT quiet imo . Bischoff responds with breaking down a quick history of the group. Waltman explains his role in the factions.

After the knowledge is bestowed, it’s time to work. The teams are booked into Factions and scheduled to compete. Match-ups are Team Bubba vs. Team Booker and Team Taker vs Team Mickie.

Bubba’s team is Zena Sterling, Drake Morreaux, Tatyanna Dumas and Cutler James. James replaced Brandon “BJ” Ray due to injury. Their group ties into the past while paying homage to their coach. They play off being the next generation of the Dudleyz. The ECW born group catapulted Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley into tag team greatness.

Booker’s group is Anthony Luke, Penina Tuilaepa, Jasper Troy and Leigh Laurel. The group goes for a more “Futuristic” approach. They go for a more “Matrix” type vibe. Their team name is “The Next Era” or TNE.

Team Mickie is Dani Sekelsky, Chris Island, Troy Yearwood, and Sirena Linton. James hypes up being Elite Athletes. The result is “Pinnacle of Performance” or P.O.P.

The Undertaker’s team is comprised of Tyra Mae Steele, Shiloh Hill, Bayley Humphrey and Elijah Holyfield. After working with his wife, Michele McCool, the concept is formed. The group is known as “Slayers Of Souls” or S.O.S.

When planning out the matches, there is some friction of direction between Bubba and Booker T. Both have different ideas of the direction of the match. It is interesting to see how this all goes. There is a lot of “That ain’t gonna work for me, brutha” going on. In the end, Booker’s direction wins out.

Video packages and presentations star off. Booker’s team comes out in their Matrix homage. The reaction is mixed. It is blown away by Team Dudley. Tying in the history of the group gets a pop out of Bischoff. The match itself was solid. Sterling has the breakout moment here. She demonstrated the most character growth to the crowd. James has another breakout performance. He seems to be the perfect fit for the team. It is noteworthy as it seems to swing things in favor of the win for the Dudleyz.

Meanwhile, Ray continues to inject himself into the show. During the match, Ray approaches Bischoff to talk shop. This is considered disrespectful by Buba and he literally shoves him away. Pending on what goes on with Ray’s possible arm surgery, I’m not doubting a match between these two in the end.

After cooler heads prevail, it’s back to the ring. P.O.P. comes out and it doesn’t seem like a faction imo. Their entrance looks off timed and not cohesive. In comparison, “S.O.S.” does a very cool Horror style video package. Bischoff comments how it made him want to see more. They nailed what they needed to do as group. The match starts a bit slow but gets better as time goes one. In the end, P.O.P. takes the victory.

After the judges converse, tonight’s points are awared by the guests. Bischoff awards points to Team Taker for their presentation. The horror video won him and most everyone else over big. Waltman gives the in-ring work point to Team Booker. It is deflating for Team Bubba. The issues with planning the match seem to be resurfacing. How this plays out long term is anyone’s guess.

There will be little time to rest as next week’s guest is CM PUNK!

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

Seeing how each team came together was a solid change of pace. This was the first match for Bayley Humphrey and Elijah Holyfield. Both did fine as they settled in. The Dudleyz package jumped out. It was very cool seeing the throwback seem organic. P.O.P just didn’t seem to hit in comparison.

Other than adding more drama, why is BJ still on this show? It’s becoming more of a nuisance than help to the program. There had better be a match between Bubba and him at the end of all this. That OR him vs James with Bubba as ref. Otherwise, what is the point of his screen time?

Team Booker is ROLLING! Luke and Laurel have become the early odds on favorites to win this whole thing. Plus, Booker’s power play during the tag match set-up hasn’t gone unnoticed. The way he’s going about preparing his team is jumping out. i wouldn’t doubt a surge from Team Dudley by the end.

Next week, they had better bring their A-Game on the mic. Nuff said!

Let me know your thoughts on “WWE LFG” airing Sunday Nights 8pm EST on A&E Networks in the comments below. Thanks for reading! CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN