The OsGrrrs: Celebrating The Best, and Worst of the WWE in 2015

Despite grumbles regarding the direction of the company, creative quality, and the fact that they are now considered by some to now be second to their very own developmental division; the last twelve months will still go down as a huge success for the WWE, both inside and outside the squared circle. With the year drawing to a close, The OsGrrrs looks back at the very best, and worst of 2015 in the WWE.

Bold Predictions for 2016

2015 saw shocking twists and unforgettable moments delivered in spades for both the WWE and the UFC, but this next year has the potential to be even bigger for the two industry leaders. With so many headline-grabbing happenings guaranteed to occur over the course of the next 365 days this post looks at six bold predictions for 2016. Will any of these calls happen? Only time will tell...

The OsGrrrs: Celebrating The Best, and Worst of the UFC in 2015

Subtract all the controversy surrounding sensational drug test failures, late injury withdrawals, dodgy uniform deals and misbehaving fighters and what you’re left with is undeniably the UFC’s greatest year yet. A milestone year which saw the rise (and fall in some cases) of some of the sport’s biggest transcendent superstars, and a seemingly endless slew of memorable in-cage moments. With the year drawing to a close, The OsGrrrs looks back at the very best, and worst of 2015 for MMA’s leading promotion.

NXT TakeOver: London Recap & Review

First Brooklyn, now London, next the world? The NXT brand is showing no signs of slowing down and has been a must-see for fans craving something other than commercialised superheros and jewellery peddling. Headlined by an extremely personal title showdown between NXT champion Finn Balor and Samoa Joe, how did the acclaimed developmental division fare as it took over London’s Wembley arena for its latest TakeOver special?

Predicting NXT TakeOver: London

The critically-acclaimed NXT just won’t stop expanding. Growing beyond its original home at the Orlando-based Full Sail University, the WWE’s ultra popular developmental brand will now air from the United Kingdom with another tantalising night of unpredictable bouts. Will the NXT champion Finn Balor successfully retain his belt against former friend Samoa Joe? Will Bayley overcome the considerable challenge of Nia Jax? What else can we expect from NXT TakeOver: London?

WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs Recap & Review

Having spent much of 2015 coming agonisingly close to championship glory, could Roman Reigns finally reach the summit of the WWE by overcoming its newest World Heavyweight champion, Sheamus; the very man who ruined his moment of triumph with an audacious smash-and-grab cash-in at last month’s Survivor Series? Also, what else went down, or up in some cases, at the WWE’s final main roster event of the year?

UFC 194 Recap & Results

At last. After almost a year spent battling each other mentally, Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor finally settled their business inside the Octagon as they waged war to determine the undisputed featherweight champion of the world. Hyped to the max, could the leader of the fighting Irish McGregor hand the long reigning champion his first loss in over a decade? Also, could Chris Weidman remain perfect as he defended his middleweight belt against the dangerous challenge of Luke Rockhold?

Predicting WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs

Cashing in his Money in the Bank contract at Survivor Series to end Roman Reigns’ title reign at just over five minutes, Sheamus may be loving life back at the top of the WWE, but it could all end as suddenly as it began has he rematches with the former champion in a tables ladders and chairs match. Will the Irish leader of the League of Nations keep his reign alive, or will ‘The Big Dog’ end a difficult 2015 on the ultimate high? Also, what else can we expect from the WWE’s final pay-per-view event of the year?

Predicting UFC 194

UFC 189 will take some beating as the greatest MMA card of all time, but UFC 194 might give it a serious run for its money. A mouthwatering collection of razor-close fights headlined by one of the sport’s most tantalising grudge matches, supported by an additional four bouts easily capable of headlining on their own. Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor might be hogging the spotlight as they battle for featherweight supremacy, but what else can we expect to happen at the UFC’s stacked final pay per view event of 2015?

UFC 9 Days of Fury: 5 Other Key Fights to Watch

Starting with Thursday’s Fight Night card from The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan, the UFC will embark on an epic 9 day run which will feature at least 44 fights spread over 4 stacked cards. Many of these won’t just be filler fights either; champions will be crowded, new contenders will be decided, and potential new superstars could be discovered. Most of you will already be anticipating the crown jewel in this collection of scraps, but what about the fights you may have forgotten were taking place?

WWE Survivor Series Recap & Review

Granted a shot at greatness thanks to an unfortunate injury suffered by the former champion, who claimed the WWE World Heavyweight title as the 16-man tournament to crown a new champion reached its conclusion? Also, could The Undertaker, celebrating an unprecedented 25 years with the WWE, along with his half-brother Kane overcome the threat of Bray Wyatt and his dangerous brotherhood?

Predicting WWE Survivor Series

With Seth Rollins’ shocking injury a golden opportunity has arisen for four of the WWE’s top superstars. For Alberto Del Rio, Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, Survivor Series will now be their chance to ascend to the top of the company as its new WWE World Heavyweight champion. Who will capture the title? Also, will The Undertaker’s 25th anniversary celebration be a happy one, and what else can we expect from this year’s event?

25 Years of The Deadman: The Undertaker's 10 Greatest Moments

This Sunday The Undertaker will celebrate a historic 25th anniversary with the WWE. Two and a half decades of destruction. ‘The Deadman’ is as revered as they come and, since 1990, has played an integral part in some of the greatest, most famous moments in the long and illustrious history of the business. This post celebrates this incredible milestone by looking at this legendary superstar’s ten greatest moments.

UFC 193 Recap & Results

Defending her bantamweight title for the second consecutive time outside the United States, Ronda Rousey aimed to stay perfect as a professional mixed martial artist. 12 times she had been challenged, each a challenger deemed her toughest yet, and 12 times she had prevailed. Could her latest ‘toughest test to date’, former three-division boxing champion Holly Holm finally provide a test worthy of such a dominant champion?

Predicting UFC 193

Heading Down Under for what will surely be the UFC’s biggest show to date, female champions Ronda Rousey and Joanna Jędrzejczyk will aim to stay perfect as they defend their respective titles once again. Will the dominant duo leave Melbourne still holding their gold or will their underdog challengers shock the world? What else can we expect from UFC 193?

Ranking Ronda Rousey's UFC Performances So Far

In just three short years Ronda Rousey has risen from talented WMMA upstart to become one of the sport's biggest stars. Undefeated and seemingly peerless, Rousey’s reign of dominance has seen her transcend the sport, becoming not only a globally recognised megastar, but also a figure of inspiration for a generation of aspiring female athletes.

Rousey has been perfect in all her six UFC bouts so far, but what has been her finest performance so far?

Golden Oldies: Best UFC Veteran Performances

Mixed martial arts, like most other professional sports, is usually, and unfairly, considered something better left to the young. While it’s generally considered fact that fighters usually peak towards the end of their twenties and early thirties, a small number of veterans have bucked this trend, and have continued to excel beyond the life expectancy of an average fighter. This post looks at five of the best performances put in from fighters who many previously felt were way past their ‘sell-by date’.

Survivor Series: 5 Potential New WWE World Heavyweight Champions

Seth Rollins is no longer WWE World Heavyweight champion. A torn MCL, ACL and meniscus suffered during a house show match with Kane ended the former champion’s reign as suddenly as he had won it. The show must go on however, and the WWE must now choose a new champion to carry the company through the remainder of 2015, and possibly up until next April’s mega WrestleMania. Who will the next champion be? This post looks at 5 of the best candidates.

CM Punk and the Other Crossover Superstars

Two years ago the very idea of CM Punk competing in the UFC instead of the WWE would have seemed ludicrous, but alas that’s just what happened following his high-profile split from his former employers. Now 37 years of age, Punk has an exceptionally limited amount of time to make an impact in his new sport, but he won’t be the first to make the leap from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts or vice-versa. This post looks at five other superstars who have tried their hand in both sports.

WWE Hell in a Cell Recap & Review

Battling each other for the final time, The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar once again found themselves trapped ‘in hell’. Was ‘The Deadman’ successful in fully avenging the loss of his precious WrestleMania undefeated streak, or did ‘The Beast Incarnate’ continue his reign of terror with another victory over his longtime nemesis?

Predicting WWE Hell in a Cell

Billed as their final encounter, The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar will settle the score once and for all as they collide in one of the most anticipated Hell in a Cell matches in recent memory. Will ‘The Deadman’ succeed in scoring a decisive victory over his longtime nemesis, or will Lesnar complete his ‘Go to Hell Tour’ with another triumph over one of the industry’s greatest superstars? Also, what else can we expect to happen at this year’s event?

Top 10: Greatest Hell in a Cell Matches

Viewed for over a decade as the ultimate score settler, the rivalry ender and even the career crippler, the infamous Hell in a Cell match may no longer be quite what it was back in its heyday, but its always managed to provide us with some unforgettable moments nevertheless. Not for the squeamish or faint of heart, this list looks at ten of the best, most grisliest matches to ever take place within the dreaded structure.

The Irish Invasion: A Look at 5 of the UFC's Other Irish Fighters

Conor McGregor was just the beginning, the mere tip of the iceberg that is Irish fighting. Long stereotyped for their grit and toughness stemming from generations of success in combat sports, Ireland’s top competitors are finally making their way to the UFC thanks in part to their famous countryman’s surge in popularity. With the UFC returning to Dublin next weekend this post looks at some of the top Irish talent fighting on the card. Do they really have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of their ‘Notorious’ compatriot?

How To Fix The WWE's 'Divas Revolution'

With Ronda Rousey armbaring her way to becoming the biggest female sporting superstar on the planet, and the women of NXT producing work that’s been putting the company’s top male performers to shame, 2015 has indeed been all about girl power.

Like the UFC, the WWE have seen dollar signs in improving the promotion of their female talent, but attempts to push these women on a larger platform have fallen flat. The ‘Divas Revolution’ as the WWE is calling it has failed to capitalise on the momentum generated by the same performers who regularly stole the show down in developmental. How can the WWE fix what should have been one of 2015’s biggest, and most lucrative initiatives?

UFC 192 Recap & Results

The king of a division dearly missing its predecessor, Daniel Cormier will one day have to fight Jon Jones again, but for now he’ll have to contend with a harem of challengers all hungry for a shot at the new champion. The first to try their luck against ‘DC’ is Alexander Gustafsson; the man who many felt beat Jones when they fought back in 2013. Did Cormier hold onto his newly acquired gold, or could ‘The Mauler’ emulate his opponent, and take full advantage of his second title shot?

UFC 192: Predicting Cormier vs. Gustafsson

Overcoming the heartbreaking failure of his first title shot, Daniel Cormier wouldn’t be denied again as he seized the light heavyweight crown back at UFC 187. The shadow of Jon Jones may loom large over Cormier’s reign, but another man poses a far more immediate threat than the former champion, and just like the current reigning belt holder, he is desperate to take advantage of his second chance...

WWE Classic: John Cena vs. CM Punk

As the world’s biggest professional wrestling promotion, the WWE has produced some of the finest matches in the history of the industry. This series looks back at some of those matches. Kicking it off is a look back at one of the greatest modern battles of all time: CM Punk’s Chicago homecoming against reigning WWE Champion John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011.

WWE Night of Champions Recap & Review

Now in possession of two of WWE’s top titles after capturing the United States championship last month, the bullseye on Seth Rollins’ chest has only increased along with the added weight on his shoulders. Facing challenges on both fronts from two of the industry’s greatest superstars, John Cena and the elusive, iconic Sting, could the self-proclaimed ‘Future of the WWE’ hold onto his gold?

Predicting WWE Night of Champions

Now holder of two of the WWE’s five championship belts, WWE World Heavyweight and United States champion Seth Rollins will be forced to pull a rare double duty at Night of Champions. His respective challengers, John Cena and the returning Sting, are two of the industry’s most successful and respected superstars ever. How will the ‘Future of the WWE’ fare, and what else can we expect from this year’s championship showcase event?

Top 10: Greatest Fights in UFC History

As the top organisation for one of the world’s fastest growing sports, the UFC has been responsible for many of the biggest fights in mixed martial arts history. We've seen some incredible battles over the last two decades, and while opinion will inevitably vary from person to person, this list looks at ten undisputed classics that are almost guaranteed to rank highly in the minds of every fan.

Mouthpiece: Social Media Skeletons, Sting, Going Big, SummerSlam

Controversial comments or actions. Twitter squabbles. Stunning twists and incredible moments. There are always a multitude of talking point in the ever-changing landscapes of both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. What are this month’s five most noteworthy topics?

UFC 191 Recap & Results

Already part of an elite group of long-reigning UFC champions, flyweight belt holder Demetrious Johnson looked to defend his title for a seventh time, but his latest challenge came in the shape of John Dodson; a familiar foe who some felt won their initial battle three years ago. Could ‘Mighty Mouse’ keep his reign alive, or did ‘The Magician’ succeed in becoming only the second champion in the division’s history?

UFC 191: Predicting Johnson vs. Dodson 2

Held almost in the same regard as the likes of Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva and Jon Jones as one of the sport’s true pound-for-pound greats, the UFC’s first, and so far only, flyweight champion Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson seeks to defend his belt for the seventh time. Hoping to dethrone the seemingly unbeatable champion is John Dodson; a powerful 125 pounder who knows the champion all too well.

WWE SummerSlam Review

Emanating from somewhere other than Los Angeles for the first time in six years, SummerSlam's new Brooklyn setting wasn’t the only major change to the long-running show’s format. Now expanded to a WrestleMania-esque running time of 4 hours, could this year’s ten bout instalment of the WWE’s summer classic match the grandeur of its fellow ‘big show’ counterpart?

NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn Recap & Review

Taking over Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre the night before SummerSlam, the NXT’s talented group of superstars found themselves thrust into a whole new environment. Performing before a division-record audience of just over 15,000 fans, were the participants of this latest special TakeOver event able to replicate the same high level of quality seen with previous instalments?

Predicting WWE SummerSlam

To say that this latest instalment of the WWE’s traditional summer event is stacked would be a gross understatement. Expanding to an epic running time of four hours to accommodate a large number of hotly anticipated matches, this year’s SummerSlam looks set to challenge the excellent WrestleMania for supershow of the year. With so much unpredictability surrounding the majority of the battles, what might happen when it all goes down this Sunday?

Predicting NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn

In front of a ‘sold out’ Barclays Centre crowd of 13,000 fans, NXT will look to continue its recent hot streak with TakeOver: Brooklyn. Keeping with the tradition of TakeOver events, the card has once again been staked with a number of mouthwatering matches, but what can we expect to see on the upstart sub-promotion’s biggest night so far?

UFC Classic: 'Shogun' vs. Henderson

Since its humble beginnings 22 years ago, the UFC has treated fight fans to some of the most spectacular and memorable fights in combat sports history. UFC Classic is a new series that will relieve some of these extraordinary bouts. The first? The now-iconic dream fight between Maurício ‘Shogun’ Rua and Dan Henderson from UFC 139.

Top 10: Greatest SummerSlam Matches

Second only to WrestleMania as the year’s most celebrated pro-wrestling production, SummerSlam has had a hand in producing some of the greatest matches in history over the course of its 28-year run. With this year’s traditional summer extravaganza fast approaching, lets look at ten of the most revered matches in the long and storied history of the event.

Mouthpiece: Rousey's Dominance, Best UFC Card Ever, "Fake" Wrestling

Controversial comments or actions. Twitter squabbles. Stunning twists and incredible moments. There are always a multitude of talking point in the ever-changing landscapes of both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. What are this month’s five most noteworthy topics?

UFC 190 Recap & Results

Almost without question the UFC’s biggest star currently, Ronda Rousey’s reign of destruction has seen her obliterate all-comers since bringing women’s MMA to the Octagon in early 2013. Her latest challenger, Bethe Correia, boasts ferocity and serious striking power as her main assets, but instead played the trash talk card. Enraged by her Brazilian rival’s pre-fight comments, did the world’s most dominant female fighter exact revenge, or did Correia succeed in pulling off one of the greatest upsets in history?

UFC 190: Predicting Rousey vs. Correia

Looking to defend her women’s bantamweight title for the sixth time, transcendent superstar Ronda Rousey travels to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro to face her latest challenger, Bethe Correia. With the total combined time of her last three title defenses clocking at a staggering 96 seconds, will Rousey continue her reign of dominance, or will her underdog rival produce one of the biggest upsets in sports history?

UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barão 2 Recap & Results

Finally defending his bantamweight title against the former champion, T.J. Dillashaw knew that a second victory over Renan Barão would cement his position as the division’s legitimate kingpin. No longer a considerable underdog, was Team Alpha Male’s first UFC champion successful in the long-awaited rematch, or did Barão recapture the belt he so shockingly lost?

UFC on Fox: Predicting Dillashaw vs. Barão 2

Finally rematching following their shocking encounter thirteen months ago, T.J. Dillashaw will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against the very fighter he defeated to win the title, Renan Barão. Will Dillashaw silence his remaining detractors with another triumph, or will his Brazilian rival succeed in reclaiming his prize?

WWE Battleground Recap & Review

Featuring a number of tantalising matches that wouldn’t look out of place on one of the ‘Big Four’ cards, Battleground looked set to finally shake off its undesirable ‘B’ show label. Boasting another instalment of the already acclaimed Cena/Owens feud, a near-impossible to predict main event title match, and the promise of a ‘Divas Revolution’, did Battleground live up to both hope and expectation?

UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites Recap & Results

Returning to the British Isles for the first time since 2009, England’s Michael Bisping sought to prove that he still has what it takes to make a run for the middleweight title. Never contending for the gold despite coming close on multiple occasions, Bisping’s latest obstacle on his hunt for an elusive title shot came in the form of expert Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Thales Leites.

Predicting WWE Battleground

With previous Battleground events leaving, let’s say, a lot to be desired, WWE have really gone out of their way to shatter our preconceived notions with this year’s offering. A taste of the blockbusters we can hope to expect at SummerSlam, Battleground currently features 5 tantalising main card matches, but how might they pan out come this Sunday?

UFC Fight Night: Predicting Bisping vs. Leites

For the first time the UFC brings its trademark Octagon to Glasgow, Scotland. With the country boasting a rich history of fierce warriors, will British veteran middleweight Michael Bisping find inspiration from his Celtic surroundings as he battles dangerous Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Thales Leites?

UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee Recap & Results

One of the greatest heavyweights in modern UFC history, Frank Mir’s career has been in freefall in recent years. Walking into his main event encounter with aggressive slugger Todd Duffee with an undesirable 1-4 record in his last five outings, was the former 2-time champion and Octagon legend able to string back-to-back victories for the first time in nearly four years?

UFC Fight Night: Predicting Mir vs. Duffee

A clash of the past and potential future of the heavyweight division headlines tonight’s stacked San Diego-based Fight Night, as former 2-time champion Frank Mir will attempt to halt the surge of Todd Duffee. Can Mir build on his recent return to winning ways, or will the similarly reinvigorated Duffee move a step closer to the division’s elite?