tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50990482472710107072024-03-16T10:09:36.103-07:00Retro Pro Wrestling ReviewsClassic WWE reviews from Wrestlemania 1 - 30, plus WCW, ECW, and other wrestling reviews.CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.comBlogger435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-53152836970249025432024-03-07T16:54:00.000-08:002024-03-08T09:09:38.385-08:00UWF Fury Hour - Episode 2 Review - 10/8/90<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjwHsAbnOo4iIXdxAMi5D3u5YKnsQIKWYDr-vEedzoz-4JPb7p2kLMFyb-rnhNMGSxuII0ceyZqPHKzwrRL9_gN9yIpl4MZR_RLE0ITHiLZvrD1tDOkr4ZHvT5ey_uTp5j98LPMGqaE6E0gq_aKkBYKmHZNSRjrJhEtVsW7ZUht3fEFk1H8nHjg2Z8KnJ/s824/UWF%20Fury%20%20Hour%20Episode%202%20review%20-%2010-08-90.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 2 Review - 10/8/90" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="824" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjwHsAbnOo4iIXdxAMi5D3u5YKnsQIKWYDr-vEedzoz-4JPb7p2kLMFyb-rnhNMGSxuII0ceyZqPHKzwrRL9_gN9yIpl4MZR_RLE0ITHiLZvrD1tDOkr4ZHvT5ey_uTp5j98LPMGqaE6E0gq_aKkBYKmHZNSRjrJhEtVsW7ZUht3fEFk1H8nHjg2Z8KnJ/w400-h354/UWF%20Fury%20%20Hour%20Episode%202%20review%20-%2010-08-90.png" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 2 Review - 10/8/90" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><b>Aired October 8, 1990</b></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><b>Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California</b></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-size: medium;">Recorded at the Universal Wrestling Federation's first set of TV tapings on September 24, 1990, UWF Fury Hour aired a few weeks later as part of SportsChannel's <i>Feet, Fists, and Fury</i> programming. </div><div style="font-size: medium;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This week, Herb Abrams continued his cheap jab at Dave Meltzer, B. Brian Blair continued to sell T-shirts like his life depended on it, and Cactus Jack continued to be the best thing on the show. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Elsewhere, we'd see Col. DeBeers taking the show down an unnecessarily racist path in his main event clash with Billy Jack Haynes. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Speaking of Haynes, I mentioned last week that I wrote these first few UWF reviews long before he was <a href="https://ew.com/former-wwe-wrestler-billy-jack-haynes-charged-murder-wife-8602576" target="_blank">charged for second-degree murder</a>. I also said I wasn't going to edit my original comments about Haynes. That's more relevant for this episode than it was last week's. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You'll see what I mean once we get into it. </span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Fury Hour is On the Air!</h3><p>The second episode of UWF Fury Hour began just like the first: </p><div>A growling welcome over the UWF logo, shots of the LA faithful, and a rundown of the card by one of the worst announcing duos in the history of pro wrestling, <b>Bruno Sammartino</b> & <b>Herb Abrams</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU_hY8-c4vP98OTZzsltRMA4PaiQB0wLMyvv50RbhLwVxmL4vj_6Qzz2Rd5VdmVLkFxRpTQOHT60NZflXIAHk-fceJ5ROMFAhnWN6YLdEyhFS1dy6xE6znLDpTTJVg8tn9scfifU7gFOvpEMsIyYWT_zhVL1AiLqU-ki_4liaxsGrZAJQ0bgfi4whq51I/s624/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-announcers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour Review - Bruno Sammartino & Herb Abrams" border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="624" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU_hY8-c4vP98OTZzsltRMA4PaiQB0wLMyvv50RbhLwVxmL4vj_6Qzz2Rd5VdmVLkFxRpTQOHT60NZflXIAHk-fceJ5ROMFAhnWN6YLdEyhFS1dy6xE6znLDpTTJVg8tn9scfifU7gFOvpEMsIyYWT_zhVL1AiLqU-ki_4liaxsGrZAJQ0bgfi4whq51I/w400-h303/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-announcers.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour Review - Bruno Sammartino & Herb Abrams" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Look, I hate to speak ill of a legend like Sammartino, but the commentary was clearly not his forte. </div><div><br /></div><div>On last week’s episode, he spoke in an almost entirely monotone voice all the way through, only changing his inflection at all when his son David was mentioned.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Abrams' habit of exclaiming ‘<i>WOW!</i>’ whenever something mildly interesting even looked like it might happen had gotten old fast last week, but no doubt we were in for more of the same tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe that’s why he was voted Worst Wrestling Announcer two years running by the Wrestling Observer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or perhaps this was the reason:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cactus Jack vs. Davey Meltzer </h3><div>Yep, Abram’s bizarre jab at dirt sheet writer <b>David Meltzer</b> continued, with his namesake jobber getting the same treatment from <b>Cactus Jack</b> as he had from <b>Dr. Death Steve Williams</b> the week earlier.</div><div><br /></div><div>In other words, Cactus destroyed him instantly, could’ve beaten him inside a minute, but toyed with him for four or five before giving us the first Cactus Jack Elbow off the Apron on UWF TV.</div><div><br /></div><div>After rolling Meltzer back in the ring and covering him, Cactus was victorious.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Cactus Jack </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After a commercial break, it was back to the action.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Scott Cole vs. Dangerous Dan Spivey</h3><div>Spivey made light work of <b>Scott Cole</b>, a man about whom nothing seems to exist on the Internet outside of mentions of this match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, was this it for Cole? His one and only wrestling match?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you’re out there Scott, get in touch and let me know what happened to you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Cole lost as expected. The match was fine.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Dan Spivey </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, Mr. Wonderful</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Black Knight vs. Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff </h3><div>Sammartino claimed that he didn’t know much about <b>The Black Knight</b>, which, as we learned last week, was code for “<i>this dude’s a jobber and thus not worth knowing about.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnPjeju1aaclSVZIbHIUQLRZRqAnZoJmqVSAdsMz2RZnxTfKC-_5hSw1m8ErcuXaYThe76QEfxWY9jxXxoChW0IA4ylSf980iO_EHVXCJWg8FGcJBv9L5DczobvbfdR0o_0f9_E176rbBqACW93uXGv8PnjrSUwe3BQ84UgSB9Gj5KemUD1tTlKRrxdrm/s623/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-black-knight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - The Black Knight" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="623" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnPjeju1aaclSVZIbHIUQLRZRqAnZoJmqVSAdsMz2RZnxTfKC-_5hSw1m8ErcuXaYThe76QEfxWY9jxXxoChW0IA4ylSf980iO_EHVXCJWg8FGcJBv9L5DczobvbfdR0o_0f9_E176rbBqACW93uXGv8PnjrSUwe3BQ84UgSB9Gj5KemUD1tTlKRrxdrm/w400-h320/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-black-knight.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - The Black Knight" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If only the Internet had been around back then. Bruno could have done his research and found out that The Black Knight was <a href="https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=6352" target="_blank">Big Bill Anderson</a>, who appeared multiple times for the WWF as an enhancement talent and had his longest run as Mercenario II in FMW back in the early 1990s. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Knight was just there as a warm body for Mr. Wonderful to throw around until he was ready to piledrive his way to victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul looked great here, which I suppose means the squash match achieved its purpose.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Paul Orndorff</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Side note: Shouldn't a wrestler called The Black Knight be wearing a black mask rather than a red one?</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Promo Party 1 </h3><div>Next, <b>B. Brian Blair</b> wanted us to buy some UWF t-shirts and caps before <b>Captain Lou Albano</b> told us to watch UWF wrestling, which is precisely what we were doing anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM4u8JDr0IHRv9lZObgJrAPZYBaM7J0gGvvfi1b1aulwtCb59fEzfAt9CRuwuVJN2si01kUuzJiYOZ4RlAom186vMwX754WMqt0hRZ49VcUYARuIlYUsjRBiKKQ5A_V7vmVwokRGkq8ctPf7b3WeGe06X-OaJqjWRoYTxZRJvJoAA9Xx-cXi35dyU-COD/s569/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-merch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - B. Brian Blair" border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="569" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM4u8JDr0IHRv9lZObgJrAPZYBaM7J0gGvvfi1b1aulwtCb59fEzfAt9CRuwuVJN2si01kUuzJiYOZ4RlAom186vMwX754WMqt0hRZ49VcUYARuIlYUsjRBiKKQ5A_V7vmVwokRGkq8ctPf7b3WeGe06X-OaJqjWRoYTxZRJvJoAA9Xx-cXi35dyU-COD/w400-h318/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-merch.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - B. Brian Blair" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The show then ran the exact same <b>Billy Jack Haynes</b> promo as the previous week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haynes boasted about being in the best shape of his life and coming to the UWF after wrestling all over the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then he said something I’ve listened to six times now and still don’t understand:</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>“I still love ya little kid, but Billy Jack Haynes came here to win."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you’re thinking that it only doesn’t make sense because it’s out of context, so here’s the promo transcribed in full:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“You know, I’m in the best shape of my life right now, and I’ve gotta be.</i></div><div><i>“I’ve wrestled all over the world, all over the globe, and now I’ve come</i></div><div><i>To the UWF, the Universal Wrestling Federation.</i></div><div><i>“I still love ya little kid, but Billy Jack Haynes goes in that ring to win. And I know the toughest completion is here, in the UWF, so no matter what goes down, the full Nelson is ready and I come in that ring to do one thing, to fight, and to win.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m still bothered by the inexplicably random “I still love ya little kid,” line.</div><div><br /></div><div>What little kid?</div><div><br /></div><div>Who are you talking to? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, if you haven’t bought a UWF baseball cap yet, B. Brian Blair was going to wear you down until you did because here he was again with the same merch commercial we’d just seen a minute or two back. </div><div><br /></div><div>Blimey.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Dr. Death Steve Williams vs. Larry Ludden</h3><div>Up next, Steve Williams gleefully murdered enhancement talent <b>Larry Ludden</b> in another squash. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far, we’re a little under halfway through a show that has no storyline progression or character work or anything, just multiple squashes interspersed with another message from B. Brian Blair: Cap Salesman of the Year.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Steve Williams</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After a break and a quick post-break boast that the Universal Wrestling Federation was the “<i>ultimate in sports entertainment,</i>” <b>Colonel. DeBeers</b> wanted to talk to us about respect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jDYCEoQ3stI4urmt1RsxYjs-OBTd6EGVmPbLYCNqaxF_i0IemXKzBiYQ6dueI_tsN_pKOuYCuzGxTUBm1H8n6HwR3wg6qGevDzJhNrO8XPOvwkLjWqDNUQM_ha9PxY0ZuKV3zQ5GWnlJNrme_O3IljHXdVW9BzaEIeY-ueYzIYphhzpDNLvoLewDPIoJ/s640/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-col-debeers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Col. DeBeers" border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="640" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jDYCEoQ3stI4urmt1RsxYjs-OBTd6EGVmPbLYCNqaxF_i0IemXKzBiYQ6dueI_tsN_pKOuYCuzGxTUBm1H8n6HwR3wg6qGevDzJhNrO8XPOvwkLjWqDNUQM_ha9PxY0ZuKV3zQ5GWnlJNrme_O3IljHXdVW9BzaEIeY-ueYzIYphhzpDNLvoLewDPIoJ/w400-h310/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-col-debeers.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Col. DeBeers" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Respect for whom?</div><div><br /></div><div>Himself, of course, and South Africa. </div><div><br /></div><div>In a promo that I doubt would fly today, DeBeers called future Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela a terrorist, ranted about Americans being terrible, and promised to beat Billy ‘Jerk’ Haynes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debeers then signed off by saying something about Haynes being the commander of the little people, so maybe that’s what Billy was talking about earlier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before we could see that match, however, Bruno’s boy was back in action.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">David Sammartino vs. Houdini </h3><div>David Sammartino looked reasonably impressive here as he quickly disposed of his opponent, taking him down in a short but well-performed display of technical wrestling before locking in a figure four that Houdini ironically couldn’t escape from.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: David Sammartino </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Next, we went to Captain Lou’s corner for an interview with <b>Dan Spivey</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQiHgOip7xH6Iw703GoBVJuO-8qubPxD2MBWJFf63w9asatZr4KiYNazJQXh7N3s9aTYvaOaqqxZ15mBGdv__sy2Hyu3-Z713tkqBer7n0I-dV4v1YS0B4jvupjaXwdQmpH3dX0VHuEX7L926kkPgr5KDwxBAy6W-Ojf_6L-ae7FEnMkdSXra6Rk-j2XQ/s575/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-spivey-lou.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Captain Lou Albano and Dan Spivey" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="575" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQiHgOip7xH6Iw703GoBVJuO-8qubPxD2MBWJFf63w9asatZr4KiYNazJQXh7N3s9aTYvaOaqqxZ15mBGdv__sy2Hyu3-Z713tkqBer7n0I-dV4v1YS0B4jvupjaXwdQmpH3dX0VHuEX7L926kkPgr5KDwxBAy6W-Ojf_6L-ae7FEnMkdSXra6Rk-j2XQ/w400-h303/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-spivey-lou.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Captain Lou Albano and Dan Spivey" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After a lot of talk about seemingly nothing, Spivey was asked why he attacked Brian Blair at a press conference ages ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>His answer?</div><div><br /></div><div>Because Blair ran his mouth too much.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or because Spivey felt like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or both.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t know, this promo wasn’t very clear.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, Big Dan would have a chance to redeem himself as, after yet another merch commercial, he was back for a second promo, albeit without Captain Lou.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time, Spivey told us to watch him compete in the UWF on the SportsChannel; which, as I said earlier, is exactly what we were doing in the first place.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Chief Jay Strongbow is Here</h3><div>For the first time on this week’s show, we met a star we hadn’t already seen the previous week, <b>Chief Jay Strongbow</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5AvAGhvHnQFPjFhKQw03QsreI_x8DrlfV0Y7No8XMkj3kY1b5Rs3aP7O8MAHK_gOdGACj7aXiCD2Fmop6_ayRdaUV3uTrDbTkvFjnoAyc7p0FE76ltr6QhmbiCwK5ql4e5PYXBGgnyFcMI8bfhcAoYu3u-0TPx-7TTT8RHypnTJ3eGo0baQrLEiqQFmD/s549/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-cheif-jay-stronbow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Chief Jay Strongbow" border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="549" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5AvAGhvHnQFPjFhKQw03QsreI_x8DrlfV0Y7No8XMkj3kY1b5Rs3aP7O8MAHK_gOdGACj7aXiCD2Fmop6_ayRdaUV3uTrDbTkvFjnoAyc7p0FE76ltr6QhmbiCwK5ql4e5PYXBGgnyFcMI8bfhcAoYu3u-0TPx-7TTT8RHypnTJ3eGo0baQrLEiqQFmD/w400-h344/uwf-fury-hour-ep2-cheif-jay-stronbow.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Chief Jay Strongbow" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Strongbow was glad to be “<i>back in the territory</i>” even though this was a new company that he hadn’t wrestled for before.</div><div><br /></div><div>He also wanted us all to do the war dance all over the country and ended with the line<i> “I’m ready, please come out and support me.’</i></div><div><br /></div><div>That may be the sweetest ending to a promo I've ever heard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guess what we saw next?</div><div><br /></div><div>Another B. Brian Blair merchandise commercial. I wouldn’t mind if they did different commercials, but it was the same “<i>CHECK OUT THESE HATS!</i>” one over and over again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even Abrams joked about it.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Here comes B. Brian Blair,”</i> he said. <i>“He just sold two hundred t-shirts and now he’s on his way to the ring.”</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I laughed way too much at that.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">B. Brian Blair vs. Spitball Patterson</h3><div>Blair didn’t get too far into his match before Dan Spivey sauntered to the ring, where the announcers took a good few minutes to even acknowledge him.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowds certainly acknowledged him, breaking out in a chant of “<i>Spivey! Spivey!</i>” </div><div><br /></div><div>Since Dan was supposed to be a heel here, the announcers dismissed the chant as the fans' attempt to annoy him.</div><div><br /></div><div>If that’s what it was, it didn’t work and only went to prove that Dan was very similar to his Skyscrapers partner, Sid Vicious, in that no matter how much or a heel he was supposed to be, people still loved him.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, Blair rammed Spitball Patterson’s face into the mat and finished him off with a scorpion death lock that Abrams mistook for a Boston crab.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: B. Brian Blair</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Spivey predictability beat up Blair and then stormed off while Sammartino begged the referee to do more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it was time for our main event;</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Col. Debeers vs. Billy Jack Haynes </h3><div>Before the match could get underway, Debeers, whose whole gimmick was based on the race relation problems in South Africa, insisted that he had a problem with <b>Larry Sampson</b>, the young black man assigned as the official.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzxY1kBq5gAj87C3GJt7gINXAPu5UDujiCkfbKjcxzdRuybu_eYkb1JcY0ef4_QlQNwjRoMLnUDDCOHlUgoBqxuBdQfdSMFXXEiOle5naczstUYZMORHOiZ2q54hUEu1KraozfZ7GPDwtOYSB7N_ye3F0scppvzZTsqgUXVvQxKL6KpDz7Cr641YOwOxj/s558/uwf-fury-hour-col-debeers2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Col. DeBeers don't want no racism" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="558" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzxY1kBq5gAj87C3GJt7gINXAPu5UDujiCkfbKjcxzdRuybu_eYkb1JcY0ef4_QlQNwjRoMLnUDDCOHlUgoBqxuBdQfdSMFXXEiOle5naczstUYZMORHOiZ2q54hUEu1KraozfZ7GPDwtOYSB7N_ye3F0scppvzZTsqgUXVvQxKL6KpDz7Cr641YOwOxj/w400-h321/uwf-fury-hour-col-debeers2.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - 10/8/90 Review - Col. DeBeers don't want no racism" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was nothing subtle about this either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debeers grabbed the microphone from the ring announcer and proclaimed:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“That’s a black man! I will not have my matches refereed by a black man!”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Ouch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basing your gimmick on political events is one thing, and I get that Debeers was going for heel heat here, but there are ways to do that without blatant racism.</div><div><br /></div><div>The referee was replaced by <b>Jesse Hernandez</b> while Abrams told us how unacceptable this whole thing was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, it really was.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, Billy Jack Haynes made his way to the ring, grabbed a microphone, and petitioned for Larry to be reinstated. The crowd were fully behind him with their own chant of “<i>We want Larry!</i>,” but it was no use, DeBeers attacked and the match was on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that it was anything to write home about.</div><div><br /></div><div>A basic, by-the-numbers heel-versus-face match, this one ended with the exact same “<i>these guys hate each other so much that they’re going to brawl to the outside and get counted out</i>” finish that we’d seen in last week’s main event.</div><div><b><i>Double Countout</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After our final commercial break, Dr. Death Steve Williams cut a lively promo against his rival Paul Orndorff.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the show came to a close, Abrams promised that we’d see the two compete in next week’s main event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don’t be too surprised if that ends in a count out too! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47Y38CF" target="_blank"><img align="center" alt="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmq6vXEB314hU61kf4webf_RCPcogWra34qtiWRBGJzAr724OATghJAWTA0L81Cgv5-99_HL76mR9_vM9N7sxorUM9GfXL5DSTIthTW7w_3qoIWOrGFclK-_xxwooRghlIeU0xTcVCbBQiHACHKQH_MlNqzO-VO44u6FgpgJk7NIgTykA_aT-bVrtcI-7/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20The%20Complete%20History%20of%20Wrestlemania.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><i>The previous week’s episode hadn’t been amazing, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt due to the whole thing being new and storylines needing to be set up.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>This week, however, the cracks were already starting to show.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>UWF Fury Hour Episode 2 was a boring 60 minutes of television with an unnecessary racism angle and the same main event finish as the previous week, showing that Abrams was already running out of ideas before this thing even got off the ground.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As with the previous week, Cactus Jack was the most entertaining wrestler on the card, managing the impressive task of wrestling a jobber and making the whole thing a blast to watch.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Join me next time for more Fury Hour!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>Other UWF Fury Hour Reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2024/02/uwf-fury-hour-episode-1-review-10190.html" target="_blank">UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - 10/1/90</a></li></ul></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><div><i><b>Other 1990 pro wrestling reviews: </b></i></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-x.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shoot Out</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-1990.html" target="_blank">WCW Wrestlewar 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/11/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-6.html">WWF Wrestlemania XI</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wcw-capital-combat-1990.html">WCW Capital Combat 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XI - Costal Crush</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1990.html" target="_blank">WCW The Great American Bash 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XII - Fall Brawl '90: Mountain Madness</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIII - Thanksgiving Thunder</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1990-collision.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1990</a></li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-17830232418113468942024-03-01T08:53:00.000-08:002024-03-01T08:56:47.595-08:00WCW/NJPW Supershow II Review (1992)<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1iIpqiAXaQbt6-I03XN_55dZ_pnxjAfE-llHb73xSVO_2XxDobNkm5Y49zV1YBN4tRZ1iyt_JswknUor9gAtF05iOgDQougoypuljfk0-HnZxQQ7qSm8-cwhaXU6nbOOdUjeG_J3bBnLg6FPdVTd0_O0sikY-KoD1jlPMaiEHZufVueOizs9MRjFlwm_/s1001/wcw-njpw-supershow2-titlegraphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/NJPW Supershow II Review" border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1001" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1iIpqiAXaQbt6-I03XN_55dZ_pnxjAfE-llHb73xSVO_2XxDobNkm5Y49zV1YBN4tRZ1iyt_JswknUor9gAtF05iOgDQougoypuljfk0-HnZxQQ7qSm8-cwhaXU6nbOOdUjeG_J3bBnLg6FPdVTd0_O0sikY-KoD1jlPMaiEHZufVueOizs9MRjFlwm_/w400-h283/wcw-njpw-supershow2-titlegraphic.jpg" title="WCW/NJPW Supershow II Review" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /></div><div><b>January 4, 1992</b></div><div><b>Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fresh from their first well-received outing to Japan the year prior, World Championship Wrestling returned to the country in January '92 for WCW/NJPW Supershow 2. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The show didn't air in the United States until March of that year, and, when it did, it omitted several matches. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The following bouts were all left out of the PPV show, and thus, out of this review: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Black Cat vs. Hiroyoshi Yamamoto</li><li>Osamu Kido & Kuniaki Kobayashi vs. Kengo Kimura & Kantaro Hoshino</li><li>Tony Halme vs. Scott Norton</li><li>Shinya Hashimoto vs. Bill Kazmaier</li><li>Antonio Inoki vs. Hiroshi Hase.</li></ul></div></div><div>That leaves us with seven matches to review, all from a VHS copy of this show which, quite frankly, is in terrible condition. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, let's head to the Tokyo Dome and get on with it, shall we?</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to the Second Annual WCW / NJPW Supershow</h3><div>We began tonight's broadcast with a lengthy opening credit sequence showing us most of the stars who would be appearing on tonight's show. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-2pz04Twu4ZIhuRVR1boEtveJzNcT5rY3DwwAgnfUDJHk7l4Ap7xNhNhd4ip_BySztbEDByrKFzymRXpcH9JfhiywpPHnU87BcrBKvmvQlJQtfrBkTWPj7jV36RQL9fjnusDap75T-tKyLXfKuMa3rV1tIMgcygnLP7xpTpGorkJkWM5EZhS-Q878s3B/s954/wcw-njpw-supershow2-bischoff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/NJPW Supershow 1992 Review - Eric Bischoff" border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="954" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-2pz04Twu4ZIhuRVR1boEtveJzNcT5rY3DwwAgnfUDJHk7l4Ap7xNhNhd4ip_BySztbEDByrKFzymRXpcH9JfhiywpPHnU87BcrBKvmvQlJQtfrBkTWPj7jV36RQL9fjnusDap75T-tKyLXfKuMa3rV1tIMgcygnLP7xpTpGorkJkWM5EZhS-Q878s3B/w400-h301/wcw-njpw-supershow2-bischoff.jpg" title="WCW/NJPW Supershow 1992 Review - Eric Bischoff" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>
This faded into shots of the fans piling into the arena before taking things up to the WCW Control Center, where <b>Eric Bischoff</b> welcomed us to the show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bischoff ran down tonight's card and then sent it straight to our announce team of <b>Jim Ross</b> and <b>Tony Schiavone</b>, who were standing by with our opening contest. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Six-Man Tag Team Match<br />Masashi Aoyagi, Jushin 'Thunder' Liger, and Akira Nogami vs. Hiro Saito, Super Strong Machine and Norio Honaga</h3><div>Things kicked off with all six men charging at each other before <b>Hiro Saito</b> and <b>Masashi Aoyagi</b> squared off to represent their respective teams. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5TJxbesjkeQzjkrawupQT4cICGWIVoFU7wLqSAnT66pSQhUM2NDGGPfJJU8r0evCILidiqdi3cS22rZx_c4K6PbTQsDbRP_g0O9i7RlbX9iRtl4kZpdOzrBTIPVUZWUY3rep4A0W46E8qnPXz_qipmOhKgXbQESPIZgQCXOY4y1A3hGVlVs94mEcjSqz/s972/wcw-njpw-supershow2-nogami.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Masashi Aoyagi, Jushin 'Thunder' Liger, and Akira Nogami vs. Hiro Saito, Super Strong Machine and Norio Honaga" border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="972" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5TJxbesjkeQzjkrawupQT4cICGWIVoFU7wLqSAnT66pSQhUM2NDGGPfJJU8r0evCILidiqdi3cS22rZx_c4K6PbTQsDbRP_g0O9i7RlbX9iRtl4kZpdOzrBTIPVUZWUY3rep4A0W46E8qnPXz_qipmOhKgXbQESPIZgQCXOY4y1A3hGVlVs94mEcjSqz/w400-h304/wcw-njpw-supershow2-nogami.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Masashi Aoyagi, Jushin 'Thunder' Liger, and Akira Nogami vs. Hiro Saito, Super Strong Machine and Norio Honaga" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>From there, the match settled into a steady pace, giving Ross and Schiavone ample opportunity to explain the subtle differences between Japanese and American pro wrestling to US viewers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The action was relatively decent yet void of excitement until the finish. At that point, things broke down into a mass brawl, during which Akira Nogami took out Hiro Saito with a dragon suplex for the win.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Masashi Aoyagi, Jushin 'Thunder' Liger, and Akira Nogami </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Following a quick word from Schiavone and Ross, it was straight into our next match.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Enforcers (Arn Anderson & Larry Zybysko) vs. Michiyoshi Ohara & Shiro Koshinaka</h3><div>Paul E. was absent from this one, but that didn't stop Dangerous Alliance members <b>Arn Anderson</b> & <b>Larry Zybysko</b> from doing what they do best.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WyMsgeizccKxPw5w91xxG0luD4AikYiSfoJ4jv-OkLt4UaAgMOHno8xgYYHGpKWjCkwim4O4K4Hvb2mglgbO40BMtxWOP9fmEJfjVjE0RkTs49UjWYdPvLsAYlC3a_3cb6XvHgVQWMIupBTfUaTT61SDFb3AiCZuquGmlsPEKPhehT_FSvBD5lxigvm8/s962/wcw-njpw-supershow2-larry-arn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - The Enforcers" border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="962" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WyMsgeizccKxPw5w91xxG0luD4AikYiSfoJ4jv-OkLt4UaAgMOHno8xgYYHGpKWjCkwim4O4K4Hvb2mglgbO40BMtxWOP9fmEJfjVjE0RkTs49UjWYdPvLsAYlC3a_3cb6XvHgVQWMIupBTfUaTT61SDFb3AiCZuquGmlsPEKPhehT_FSvBD5lxigvm8/w400-h286/wcw-njpw-supershow2-larry-arn.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - The Enforcers" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The two heeled it up in a solid yet instantly forgettable tag match with <b>Michiyoshi Ohara</b> & <b>Shiro Koshinaka</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Clocking in a little under 15 minutes, both teams went back and forth multiple times with neither gaining a clear advantage for very long. </div><div><br /></div><div>That all changed when Anderson blasted Ohara with a powerful spinebuster to capture the victory.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: The Enforcers</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Following more 'tween-match banter from Schiavone and Ross, it was onto our next contest.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Dustin & Dusty Rhodes vs. Masa Saito & Kim Duck</h3><div>I don't know if it was a lack of experience, nerves, or communication problems, but the usually smooth and competent Dustin Rhodes had a few problems in the early going, botching both a basic head scissor takedown and a simple leapfrog.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM9mNvjFHNXKmeudLKNTqYbNIu_GLwGiSAExuIwzXJJie8dJUmc96Lij2qSF8GWPcZDzKXW-Ocss3dEJWJJvHNU1y5YbJgpMulyTmZOIrxwV1E175yAVQbX2oNOQDe1raGn1LwiTmSopQ3fWbNpNtGvcc2_Q1LPBAz0J3DbRVD6sj0u6tUXBPnNDjS0jJ/s978/wcw-njpw-supershow2-rhodes-saito.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Masa Saito hurts Dusty Rhodes" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="978" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM9mNvjFHNXKmeudLKNTqYbNIu_GLwGiSAExuIwzXJJie8dJUmc96Lij2qSF8GWPcZDzKXW-Ocss3dEJWJJvHNU1y5YbJgpMulyTmZOIrxwV1E175yAVQbX2oNOQDe1raGn1LwiTmSopQ3fWbNpNtGvcc2_Q1LPBAz0J3DbRVD6sj0u6tUXBPnNDjS0jJ/w400-h300/wcw-njpw-supershow2-rhodes-saito.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Masa Saito hurts Dusty Rhodes" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, he succumbed to the offense of <b>Kim Duk</b>. The Japanese star grappled Rhodes to the mat, but every time he time tried to tag out, <b>Masa Saito</b> refused, waving Duk away as if to say "<i>no, you go on, you got this.</i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, Dusty got the tag and urged his old rival, Saito, to enter the fray. </div><div><br /></div><div>He did so, and from that moment on, the match took a major nosedive into full-blown snoozefest territory. </div><div><br /></div><div>I get that Japanese wrestling is very different from the US style, but surely the Japanese fans could not have found this one entertaining?</div><div><br /></div><div>The bout was 90% arm holds and nerve holds, then it just ended with a bulldog by Dustin Rhodes to Kim Duk. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was monumentally tedious. </div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Dustin and Dusty Rhodes</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I should note that Dusty came out of retirement for that match. What a waste.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Big Van Vader vs. El Gigante</h3><div>Working without his famous mask, <b>Big Van Vader</b> was clearly the crowd favorite here. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRg8G-wO-dKrszSIbQxdchF8Wv4ATTREz28ow0QedLPMmHIm3_HlFGIQDwKW3OO07jxeX0JTPH1PgPCFAuxo6RAJYIn2OXS7pO4QDaYkIHygCQXw5z9una05HxU1H5Ukbxz-BuPGy5JM1DxPM_eWxl4S3JkZA6__EUrj75cATuQuHCOMhtW9kZN77wB1u/s916/wcw-njpw-supershow2-vader.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Big Van Vader" border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="916" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRg8G-wO-dKrszSIbQxdchF8Wv4ATTREz28ow0QedLPMmHIm3_HlFGIQDwKW3OO07jxeX0JTPH1PgPCFAuxo6RAJYIn2OXS7pO4QDaYkIHygCQXw5z9una05HxU1H5Ukbxz-BuPGy5JM1DxPM_eWxl4S3JkZA6__EUrj75cATuQuHCOMhtW9kZN77wB1u/w400-h293/wcw-njpw-supershow2-vader.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Big Van Vader" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Of course, he worked as a heel in World Championship Wrestling, so Jim Ross tried to convince us that the fans rooting for Vader wasn't because they actually liked him, but simply because they respected him. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you can believe it, this match was actually one of the most exciting bouts in the first hour of this show. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's not to say it was necessarily good or anything. The two basically just clobbered one another then spilled to the outside for a double count-out finish. Still, it was better than a bunch of arm bars and was surprisingly fun to watch.</div><div><b><i>Double Countout. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The two continued brawling after the bell, with Vader gaining the upper hand. The future WCW champion then grabbed that super-cool headpiece he used to wear, set Gigante on top of it, and used it to blow smoke in the giant's face.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that over, we went back to Eric Bischoff. </div><div><br /></div><div>Easy E plugged the upcoming <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-92.html" target="_blank">Wrestlewar 92</a> Pay Per View before sending us back to the arena for part 2 of WCW/NJPW Supershow 1992. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">World Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship <br />WCW Word Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger vs. Masahiro Chono </h3><div>And so, we kicked off the second hour of this show in fine fashion with a gripping match for the WCW title. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9T_M6ApaIvWWrV0zyaJBatTr54g-p_YEsS9PMrC8xPyp2Dzt5RNGxr0Rcgkm3wlumH0pbjoD7dyDIJFTXL5uVkjzYypRhWOmLC57XEUuK1lDyHcdho_AOLEq_hfOucVqKKKI93ScOQnVkLos4ooHaLtz83IH_OiI2PQL6PjSMSYxzUWpEcjpq8yhFrk6/s908/wcw-njpw-supershow2-lex-luger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Lex Luger" border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="908" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9T_M6ApaIvWWrV0zyaJBatTr54g-p_YEsS9PMrC8xPyp2Dzt5RNGxr0Rcgkm3wlumH0pbjoD7dyDIJFTXL5uVkjzYypRhWOmLC57XEUuK1lDyHcdho_AOLEq_hfOucVqKKKI93ScOQnVkLos4ooHaLtz83IH_OiI2PQL6PjSMSYxzUWpEcjpq8yhFrk6/w400-h333/wcw-njpw-supershow2-lex-luger.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 - Lex Luger" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Masahiro Chono</b> was as excellent as he always was, while <b>Lex Luger</b> proved that he always did his best work as a heel. </div><div><br /></div><div>Together, the two gave us an enjoyable back-and-forth match that this fan would have been happy to see more of. </div><div><br /></div><div>Toward the finish, the match toppled to the outside where Luger applied his torture rack. Of course, he wasn't going to win on the outside but, as Ross explained, he could certainly use the move to hurt his opponent. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, once the bout got back between the ropes, Chono decided to no-sell the offense. </div><div><br /></div><div>That made the move look completely ineffective, so Luger simply kicked his opponent in the bollocks and pinned him. </div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still WCW Champion: Lex Luger </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After a quick word from Ross and Schiavone, it was straight on to our next contest. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">IWGP Heavyweight Championship and Greatest 18 Championship <br />IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Greatest 18 Championship Riki Choshu</h3><div>I'm the first to admit that there's a huge gap in my pro wrestling knowledge when it comes to Japan, so I had to do a little research on the Greatest 18 Championship. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryKWWxvExX2coO6ZSVV-vT8HheWLhQO0qL9eDCQ3cOqTESIM53sbYqQ1mRsW-LzOLHhPLjkkn8_7OJfn9b3pXe0NPt5TT7NNxRbxPPkTXqTClbU3_nm9RqFhnNZuIjX6-zDJuGl17aeusdbPQ_ZauSztf1Bif-Rge7YLPUvUxVUQzpZWRv2K-feisdmzK/s560/wcw-njpw-supershow2-choshu-fujinami.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 Review - Riki Choshu vs Tatsumi Fujinami" border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="560" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryKWWxvExX2coO6ZSVV-vT8HheWLhQO0qL9eDCQ3cOqTESIM53sbYqQ1mRsW-LzOLHhPLjkkn8_7OJfn9b3pXe0NPt5TT7NNxRbxPPkTXqTClbU3_nm9RqFhnNZuIjX6-zDJuGl17aeusdbPQ_ZauSztf1Bif-Rge7YLPUvUxVUQzpZWRv2K-feisdmzK/w400-h297/wcw-njpw-supershow2-choshu-fujinami.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 Review - Riki Choshu vs Tatsumi Fujinami" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>To commemorate <b>Antonio Inoki</b>'s 30th year in the business, New Japan Pro Wrestling created the "<a href="https://puroresusystem.fandom.com/wiki/The_Greatest_18_Club_Championship" target="_blank">Greatest 18 Club</a>," essentially a Hall of Fame including 18 individuals who had made a significant impact on the world of pro wrestling.</div><div><br /></div><div>The company also launched the Greatest 18 Club Championship, a short-lived title that was originally represented by the beautiful WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship belt.</div><div><br /></div><div>The title was awarded to <b>Riki Choshu</b> in much the same way that, years later, Triple H would be awarded the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. In other words, he was simply given the belt and declared the champ. </div><div><br /></div><div>Choshu would only make three defenses of this belt before losing it to The Great Muta, who immediately retired the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight was his second defense against <b>Tatsumi Fujinami</b>, with Fujinami's IWGP Heavyweight Championship also on the line. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jim Ross described this one as a "no-frills," wrestling match. That's a fair assessment, though it doesn't by any stretch mean that the match wasn't good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look:</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a big fan of matches that look like genuine athletic contests.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't give me spots where guys stand outside the ring idly waiting to catch a guy doing a springboard. </div><div><br /></div><div>Give me spots like Choshu and Fujinami grappling around on the mat looking like they're legitimately trying to hurt one another.</div><div><br /></div><div>Give me massive suplexes that look realistic and a sense that this is an actual fight between two guys who want to be the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a slow start, this match gave me both of those things in spades, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The end came when Choshu hit three of those huge suplexes to put his opponent away and claim another title.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner, Still Greatest 18 Champion and NEW IWGP Champion: Riki Choshu</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div> Finally, it was time for our main event.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Steiner Brothers (Rick & Scott Steiner) vs. Sting & The Great Muta</h3><div><b>The Steiner Brothers</b> were the best tag team in the world in the early 1990s, while <b>Sting</b> and <b>The Great Muta</b> were up there among the most popular wrestlers of all time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc8S4YVDee-6av4wxuhPccEhyrW6RHHYHu2UhrR-hc2avTjfF6qASwess2w6pTKiUcw-uxtI4SOJgtETFJSDl9JgEtR3OxhA_LmsQ7Hn0bm8kX4xkXOwa0BOxaTJeA3qqTjXWJNCEk4goRiD1z46BpMbahtZJoYMsH_CPOBIFJUYZEElIqWqxlC5Gdi50/s919/wcw-njpw-supershow2-sting-muta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 Review - Sting & The Great Muta vs. The Steiner Brothers" border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="919" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc8S4YVDee-6av4wxuhPccEhyrW6RHHYHu2UhrR-hc2avTjfF6qASwess2w6pTKiUcw-uxtI4SOJgtETFJSDl9JgEtR3OxhA_LmsQ7Hn0bm8kX4xkXOwa0BOxaTJeA3qqTjXWJNCEk4goRiD1z46BpMbahtZJoYMsH_CPOBIFJUYZEElIqWqxlC5Gdi50/w400-h308/wcw-njpw-supershow2-sting-muta.jpg" title="WCW/New Japan Supershow 2 Review - Sting & The Great Muta vs. The Steiner Brothers" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Put the four of them together, and what you got here was a match that failed to live up to its potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, compared to a large portion of this card, it looked like a five-star gem. Compared to an actual five-star gem, however, it certainly fell short. </div><div><br /></div><div>After making separate entrances (Muta's including a random acrobatic show), Sting and Muta took the fight to their opponents in the early going. Rick and Scott Steiner then took charge, isolating Muta for a solid beatdown. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following the tried-and-tested tag team formula, Sting and Muta made a strong comeback, taking down Scott Steiner with a big-time double bulldog that caused the usually reserved Japanese audience to whoop and cheer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following an explosive closing sequence, Sting covered Scott Steiner while, at the same time, Rick Steiner covered Muta. </div><div><br /></div><div>Referee <b>Bill Alfonso</b> made the cover and -after much confusion- awarded the match to Sting and Muta, because of course he did.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Sting & The Great Muta</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And that was pretty much that. </div><div><br /></div><div>The two teams shook hands and the show was over save for a lengthy recap of the show which showed that it had been Rick Steiner who was the legal man for his team and, thus, The Steiners should have won.</div><div><br /></div><div>They should have, but they didn't. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you ask me, that's pretty much the best way to sum up WCW/NJPW Supershow 1992: </div><div><br /></div><div>They should have delivered, but they didn't.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RYwdb7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of WCW Starrcade on Amazon" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyn5YGnPYJwDgha5wh5XJsW1U287SuXPYoSfgZdJTTzj1cSew0Faftbai2v5ZdpQOLPOof9aHllzWguBMnj1BqauLL1Llyc2rVAK-055HYjWjLw7GN9RiyLTsuYfPHYAQNYomhZ0IsxNNMc5TSHO83LO7foFqnaziSoCMi_-3qgWBUYHFmo8OX-eIuQ1r2=w400-h400" title="Buy The Complete History of WCW Starrcade on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><i>When El Gigante is involved in one of the most entertaining things on your card, you know you're in trouble. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Rhodes' match was boring, the opening two matches were decent but hugely unremarkable, and if it weren't for the last two matches, I'd be slating this as one of the most tedious wrestling shows of all time. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Even then, the Steiners vs. Sting/Muta match had the potential to be so much more than it was.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>That, of course, begs a very important question: </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If these are the matches World Championship Wrestling chose to leave on their PPV broadcast, how bad were the ones they left out?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Join me next time as we start our journey through WCW's 1993 shows. Until then, here's some other stuff you might enjoy.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b><i>Other 1992 pro wrestling event reviews</i></b></div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/01/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-ii-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Superbrawl II</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wwf-uk-rampage-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF UK Rampage 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-92.html" target="_blank">Wrestlewar 92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xix.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wcw-beach-blast-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Beach Blast '92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xx.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Halloween Havoc 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series '92</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xxi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XXI</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/03/retro-pro-wrestling-show-episode-1-wwf.html" target="_blank">WWF 1992 - The Year in Review</a></li></ul><div><br /><div><b><i>Other WCW/NJPW SuperShow Reviews: </i></b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/04/ppv-review-wcwnjpw-supershow-1-1991.html" target="_blank">WCW/NJPW SuperShow I - 1991</a></li></ul></div><div><br /><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-5514559078265623612024-02-22T09:09:00.000-08:002024-02-22T09:28:47.793-08:00UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - 10/1/90<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbsJHJrX-Me3cd_sJF6DOVBjUyEXT_mjm_AVtYJSoXUN2fV0wc5NTrEON1NunIH3wx7-W1llUnVSxcIgFwgHRbMuCDexYW9JE_a-c5qTy1A1U3Rx0Z7lJFdTAwoaKR6kQjkpyip-XO2CcaUy3QVg92u1vFzmUZdVVWV51g43MwxcGB83OK7wP-Vp4eeOO/s597/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-uwf-logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - 10/1/90" border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="597" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbsJHJrX-Me3cd_sJF6DOVBjUyEXT_mjm_AVtYJSoXUN2fV0wc5NTrEON1NunIH3wx7-W1llUnVSxcIgFwgHRbMuCDexYW9JE_a-c5qTy1A1U3Rx0Z7lJFdTAwoaKR6kQjkpyip-XO2CcaUy3QVg92u1vFzmUZdVVWV51g43MwxcGB83OK7wP-Vp4eeOO/w400-h297/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-uwf-logo.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - 10/1/90" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>Aired October 1, 1990</b></div><div><b>Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The <i>Darkside of the Ring</i> episode on Herb Abrams sent me down a major rabbit hole. For reasons I can't explain, I felt compelled to learn as much as I could about his ill-fated Universal Wrestling Federation, starting with its flagship TV show, <i>UWF Fury Hour</i>. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Today, we'll begin with the show's premiere episode, taped on September 24, 1990, and airing one week later on October 1, 1990. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Featuring a<b> - </b><i>ahem -</i> star-studded main event between B. Brian Blair and Dangerous Dan Spivey, David Sammartino interrupting his own match with Cactus Jack to put the company over, and an unfunny dig at Wrestling Observer writer, Dave Meltzer, there's a lot to get through in this show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before we begin, however, there's something important I need to address:</div><div><br /></div><div>I originally wrote this review in late 2023, months before former UWF performer Billy Jack Haynes was <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-pro-wrestler-william-billy-jack-haynes-custody-death-wife-portland" target="_blank">arrested for murdering his wife</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haynes performed on this show, and I'll keep my original commentary intact with the same mindset that I have to use when I <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/dealing-with-chris-benoit-issue-as-pro.html" target="_blank">review a Chris Benoit match</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Without further ado then, let's get on with it.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yH70P90UJnE?si=18Cuu_R5Jyo5bA1M" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Fury Hour! </h3><div>And so we began with a dramatic growling voice welcoming us to UWF Fury Hour, after which our cameras ran past a highly enthusiastic LA crowd towards our hosts for this inaugural show, <b>Herb Abrams</b> himself and none other than all-time legend, <b>Bruno Sammartino</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5SIYGVU2AQ6EXrWB_fsCq1H9_63DLvScbZYKdnh1P0dU962YrxOMP-2d4oxB1P8wA55xPcr38OycmWFoxGaL6YIEq7UbjsalLnO8Uu2DCviRDCgt3p-QBmp2VE18PAzqj6Ro7QkqKrFICSyI8yFJPe64WodqD7HUmE52W3UTR7jfLrojyf_gNyZO6PlC/s647/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-herb-abrams.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour Review - Herb Abrams & Bruno Sammartino on commentary" border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="647" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5SIYGVU2AQ6EXrWB_fsCq1H9_63DLvScbZYKdnh1P0dU962YrxOMP-2d4oxB1P8wA55xPcr38OycmWFoxGaL6YIEq7UbjsalLnO8Uu2DCviRDCgt3p-QBmp2VE18PAzqj6Ro7QkqKrFICSyI8yFJPe64WodqD7HUmE52W3UTR7jfLrojyf_gNyZO6PlC/w400-h284/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-herb-abrams.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour Review - Herb Abrams & Bruno Sammartino on commentary" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For all the legendary (should that be <i>cautionary?</i>) tales of what a raving lunatic Abrams was, he came across as relatively subdued here as he welcomed us to this premier edition of UWF Fury Hour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Abrams noted the “<i>excitement in the air</i>” despite sounding like he'd rather be anywhere else than at the launch of his own show.</div><div><br /></div><div>For his part, Sammartino put over what a tremendous company the Universal Wrestling Federation was before praising he stacked roster, segueing neatly into a pre-taped run down of tonight’s card.</div><div><br /></div><div>That preview faded, giving way to the arrival of <b>Dr. Death Steve Williams</b> who made history as the first active wrestler to appear on this show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Death’s arrival was announced by Abrams himself on commentary, after which Sammartino talked for roughly two whole minutes about how awesome Williams was without pausing for breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>All Bruno’s talking meant we didn’t get to hear Steve’s opponent being announced. </div><div><br /></div><div>The poor chap’s name wasn't even presented on the screen as has been customary in pro wrestling since the year dot.</div><div><br /></div><div>That wouldn’t usually be such an issue for a jobber (such as Dr. Death’s opponent was), but when you see what the guy was called, you’d imagine that announcing his name was crucial for Herb's terrible joke to land. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Dr. Death Steve Williams vs. Davey Meltzer</h3><div>I mean, aren’t your sides just splitting with laughter?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHckUg2SWO8nFhC4BKVk8u33GPVm5tA6A38eXaREYH49ErGyac77yOeav0jCibQYsxdk_cHLyZNh5tSvHB4xmkq-cAxjcYw9xKMreIQ07LR4zQ0bSiPp1_hMOyGpKuH3pEWrlkFk7psmEPwZheKUWYFlu37xT5U9prqTYw0aTkJUQs-_hw0bDqTkhppOV/s572/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-davey-meltizer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour Review - Davey Meltzer offers a handshake to Steve Williams" border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="572" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHckUg2SWO8nFhC4BKVk8u33GPVm5tA6A38eXaREYH49ErGyac77yOeav0jCibQYsxdk_cHLyZNh5tSvHB4xmkq-cAxjcYw9xKMreIQ07LR4zQ0bSiPp1_hMOyGpKuH3pEWrlkFk7psmEPwZheKUWYFlu37xT5U9prqTYw0aTkJUQs-_hw0bDqTkhppOV/w400-h331/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-davey-meltizer.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour Review - Davey Meltzer offers a handshake to Steve Williams" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I thought not.</div><div><br /></div><div>To give this one context, Herb was annoyed that the <a href="https://www.f4wonline.com/" target="_blank">Wrestling Observer guy</a> had openly criticized him and his new promotion, and decided to get back at him by naming a jobber after him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thus, the first-ever UWF match saw a preliminary talent named Davey 'The Observer' Meltzer get his ass solidly handed to him by Dr. Death. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take that, dirt sheets!</div><div><br /></div><div>As you might expect, poor old <b>Davey Meltzer</b> got in precisely zero offense. Not even an attempt at a punch or anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, Williams simply battered him from corner to corner in a typical early 90s squash match that went on for about five minutes but stopped being interesting after about 90 seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Big Steve continued to destroy his opponent, Abrams asked Sammartino what he thought of Mr. Meltzer.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Well, I don’t know much about Meltzer,”</i> admitted Bruno, “<i>But I wouldn’t say he’s a veteran and probably doesn’t have much experience.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, Williams hit a power slam to put Meltzer, and the TV-viewing audience, out of their misery.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Steve Williams </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Dr. Death scribbled something on a piece of paper and shoved it in Meltzer’s mouth.</div><div><br /></div><div>I imagine the paper was supposed to be a copy of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (get it? Abrams -via Williams- was making Meltzer <i>eat his words</i>).</div><div><br /></div><div>However, the announcers acted like they didn’t know what was on the paper and the camera didn’t get in close enough for us to see, so again, the joke failed to land.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, just to cap the whole thing off perfectly, Abrams declared:</div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>Steve is sending a message to Dr. Death.</i>’</div><div><br /></div><div>Because that’s what I do when I need to make a note to myself, beat a guy up, write it on a piece of paper, and shove it in the poor bastard’s mouth.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the record, I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find anything about the wrestler behind the 'Davey Meltzer' character. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found precisely nothing. Not even on the usually excellent <a href="https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=13154&page=3" target="_blank">CageMatch</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, a lengthy infomercial for Nordic Track, then, this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cactus Jack vs. David Sammartino</h3><div>Billed as <b>‘The Unpredictable’ Cactus Jack,</b> the future WWF Champion came out sporting hair braids and was, according to Herb, coming to us not from Truth or Consequences, but The Twilight Zone.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3SNY-uj0TJ2aBJAwfB9JpK6KZ5cQSO25o8o2DShH0ykI012UwCaN2gVxoREozuyprMjnjduo2zpoIxpXrBxFM7SSSLMrKeMebsrLRPUzpKsAxBHJ0dfVAOUEaILRZzT-QxnRUuQuLTvHujO7qtqp56RoTmbzbYvxPp_cQfJHMjOd9NLEYK2PZ6iMkrUK/s587/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-cactus-jack-david-sammartino.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 - Cactus Jack vs. David Sammartino" border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="587" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3SNY-uj0TJ2aBJAwfB9JpK6KZ5cQSO25o8o2DShH0ykI012UwCaN2gVxoREozuyprMjnjduo2zpoIxpXrBxFM7SSSLMrKeMebsrLRPUzpKsAxBHJ0dfVAOUEaILRZzT-QxnRUuQuLTvHujO7qtqp56RoTmbzbYvxPp_cQfJHMjOd9NLEYK2PZ6iMkrUK/w400-h335/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-cactus-jack-david-sammartino.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 - Cactus Jack vs. David Sammartino" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The <i>Twilight Zone</i>, ladies and gentlemen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And you thought Damien Demento hailing from 'The Outer Reaches of Your Mind' was silly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jack's opponent this evening, <b>David Sammartino</b>, was, of course, Bruno’s son. </div><div><br /></div><div>You could tell Bruno was proud of his son because this was the first match in which the legendary grappler displayed any real emotion on the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Early on, the focus shifted from the action towards a couple of inset promos from our combatants.</div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>This is Cactus Jack, and I would rather hurt a man than love a woman,</i>” said Cactus. “<i>but tonight, David Sammartino, I guess I’ll have to settle for hurting you</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Ouch. Excuse me while I go dig out that old Ashton Kutcher BURN meme.</div><div><br /></div><div>Offering a retort, David told his opponent that he needed to worry more about surviving than hurting him. He then went off on some unintelligible ramble about the match not being a walk in the park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the ring, this was a competently performed TV bout with a lively crowd and some brief moments of genuinely enjoyable wrestling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sammartino constantly got the better of his opponent. However, before he could get up too much momentum, that crazy madman Cactus would lash out and fight back, only to find himself on the defensive once more.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a good six minutes of this, we inexplicably got a second David Sammartino promo while the match was in progress.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WTF is Going On?</h3><div>This wasn't an inset promo. </div><div><br /></div><div>The show literally stopped showing David Sammartino wrestling so that we could watch him cut a promo explaining why the UWF was the only promotion worth wrestling for because it was the only promotion not <i>“making a mockery of professional wrestling.”</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSDKqExTDTBSRFMsW6cvShBMmdxO2RXapHcq35hXlC7XLTjEmrB2r8hivThGpdDQVtCzqATYdzw9NvG0NyDruiivgRxVciuQ4t9xEzA49c2pTdo29hiL4cglmW6e80nwaK7cXJBl6brTbcSsvExjtfIDdNPl2J070fq3yK87JGnmqPp1HKl7_FXQisFxK/s647/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-david-sammartino.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 - David Sammartino cuts a promo" border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="647" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSDKqExTDTBSRFMsW6cvShBMmdxO2RXapHcq35hXlC7XLTjEmrB2r8hivThGpdDQVtCzqATYdzw9NvG0NyDruiivgRxVciuQ4t9xEzA49c2pTdo29hiL4cglmW6e80nwaK7cXJBl6brTbcSsvExjtfIDdNPl2J070fq3yK87JGnmqPp1HKl7_FXQisFxK/w400-h308/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-david-sammartino.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 - David Sammartino cuts a promo" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You can make your own jokes about that one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before we could get back to the match, we had a brilliant UWF merchandise commercial starring <b>B. Brian Blair</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“LOOK AT THESE CAPS!” </i>He exclaimed, flipping the lid of a UWF-branded baseball cap atop the head of a nervously giggling teenager.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“LOOK AT THESE T-SHIRTS!”</i> He cried, pointing at t-shirts featuring the likes of himself and Paul Orndorf.</div><div><br /></div><div>I won’t lie, I’m so far into this UWF obsession now that I would pay good money for an original t-shirt.</div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone has one for sale, get in touch! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you were eager to know the fate of Cactus and David, you’d have to maintain your suspense for a little longer while Steve Williams cut a raving and lively promo putting himself and the company over.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Back to the Action</h3><div>After that frustrating delay, we returned to the match with Cactus in full control, supleximg Sammartino into the ring and wearing him down with a chinlock.</div><div><br /></div><div>This part of the match was all Cactus as he began to dominate his opponent but failed to put him away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually getting frustrated, Jack resorted to headbutting the referee and walking off.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner via DQ: David Sammartino </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The stupid promo party in the middle of the match and the disappointing finish aside, this was otherwise an enjoyable contest if you set your expectations accordingly.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Billy Jack Haynes vs. Spitball Patterson</h3><div>Both announcers claimed not to know much about the wonderfully-named <b>Spitball Patterson</b> which, if the Meltzer debacle was anything to go by, meant that Spitters was an ‘enhancement talent.’</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, that wasn’t the only way to tell he was a jobber. </div><div><br /></div><div>He also got his ass handed to him by Billy Jack Haynes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another inoffensive TV squash match, this one ended with a win for <b>Billy Jack Haynes</b> courtesy of his trusted full Nelson.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Billy Jack Haynes</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, we got a look back to August 26th, 1990 when the formation of the Universal Wrestling Federation was announced at a press conference during a fan festival in New York:</div><div><br /></div><div>At that event, Brian Blair dissed <b>Dan Spivey</b> for being unsuccessful without his Skyscraper partner Sid Vicious.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spivey responded by saying that lives were gonna be in his hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m kidding.</div><div><br /></div><div>He criticized Killer B for working a desk job at a gym, rammed his head into the press conference table, slammed him into a wall, and walked off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Angle done, match set, Blair and Spivey would face off in tonight’s main event.</div><div><br /></div><div>But first, Captain Lou!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Captain Lou’s Corner </h3><div><b>Captain Lou Albano</b>’s first guest on what would become a recurring weekly segment was none other than Brian Blair himself.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCTUF76GQui0N2mWqQgkVpb87Gpzw5trpAq0BbnfGj5PkB0TteIm47nITi4gCKgnYt64Go_1oMH_nQsGGSPoo34wTfywBRG0aYStOQufI1lnyJkLdPfSNjHNUSqGcUmrBszjkLAJh25Fp0Mi0tgpx0KhRoPHpDNP4TtaeCosM31nm1eKXckdIgZtryNZz/s599/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-captain-lous-corner2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - Captain Lou's Corner" border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="599" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCTUF76GQui0N2mWqQgkVpb87Gpzw5trpAq0BbnfGj5PkB0TteIm47nITi4gCKgnYt64Go_1oMH_nQsGGSPoo34wTfywBRG0aYStOQufI1lnyJkLdPfSNjHNUSqGcUmrBszjkLAJh25Fp0Mi0tgpx0KhRoPHpDNP4TtaeCosM31nm1eKXckdIgZtryNZz/w400-h294/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-captain-lous-corner2.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - Captain Lou's Corner" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Cutting a decent early-90s style promo, Blair shouted through the camera at Dan Spivey and promised to make the former Skyscraper break out in hives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I get it, Blair was a Killer Bee and bees live in hives and Spivey kinda sounds like ‘Hivey’ I guess, but seriously?</div><div><br /></div><div>Not <i>“F-k you, I’m gonna kick your ass!’</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Not ‘F-k you, I’m gonna end your career!’</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>But ‘<i>F-k you, imma give you HIVES, boy!</i>’</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s something different I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div>After that, Billy Jack Haynes was the next star to introduce himself to the TV audience and talk about how great his employer was.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Col. Debeers</b> did the same, kind of. </div><div><br /></div><div>He actually spent most of his promo criticizing America and calling its citizens blind.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Col. Debeers vs. Mike Allen</h3><div>It was <b>Mike Allen</b> (who apparently once wrestled as 'The Mighty Sputnik') who now had the responsibility of playing jobber next as he put Debeers over in another squash.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn69IRxReIj_C7AqiBmJvqwqpaBrkABag2TQtbpouwT7XIApOVcaHBlRhD3EOS1QruJgsxg4vPPVxjVokb-zL5TmZ0HfP40S0DmG66AHu45pC7wO7_JXtYbEOqfmjohZPiDDYhLgrvQ4Oh4vfgJPu5KjPoEL_evpN4D4nqWDAvce_-XQKscYUSo5NH2tC/s593/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-col-debeers-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - Col. Debeers" border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="593" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn69IRxReIj_C7AqiBmJvqwqpaBrkABag2TQtbpouwT7XIApOVcaHBlRhD3EOS1QruJgsxg4vPPVxjVokb-zL5TmZ0HfP40S0DmG66AHu45pC7wO7_JXtYbEOqfmjohZPiDDYhLgrvQ4Oh4vfgJPu5KjPoEL_evpN4D4nqWDAvce_-XQKscYUSo5NH2tC/w400-h331/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-col-debeers-2.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - Col. Debeers" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>To be fair to Allen, he did get in more offense than any of his fellow job squad members, even catching Debeers with a head scissors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, it was obviously never going to be young Allen’s night, and he soon succumbed to the Colnel’s DDT.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Col. Debeers</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>From that, to this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff vs. Ricky Ataki</h3><div>Sammartino didn’t know anything about Ataki, so you know what that means.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, he got obliterated by <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/02/event-review-wwf-wrestlemania-i.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 1</a> star Paul Orndorff.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love how Sammartino was there to put over the show and spent so much time just saying <i>'nope, never heard of this guy!'</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Ataki was quickly piledriven into obscurity, never to resurface until the late Blade Braxton <a href="https://www.wrestlecrap.com/jobbers/ricky-ataki/" target="_blank">covered him on Wrestlecrap</a>.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Paul Orndorff </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Dr. Death returned to the ring and got in Orndorff's face.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two circle each other, ready to fight, but Williams bailed, much to the disdain of the vocal UWF fans.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Dangerous Dan Spivey vs. Brian B. Blair </h3><div>Spivey came out cosplaying as Dream Team era Brutus Beefcake, complete with yellow and black attire that was ripped to show his muscles.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVNsxyuA3B7zhuWrmdge5iu24JhBy2oApDBu9smA73quDefdkhK2UfBtiv1Y7ZBz4N72r97R8gWnTkhIwsP-XDicPEpIqkszJnjTJgUt6bBZ7FrE0KOLCTlkLE7lK9uIIQ-jnTUDJtnbA2GDzhpTVw6vQgEnm8sM2IRba6kcM9XuvIKAmu3cA4dY3AZ7g/s572/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-dan-spivey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - 'Dangerous' Dan Spivey" border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="572" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVNsxyuA3B7zhuWrmdge5iu24JhBy2oApDBu9smA73quDefdkhK2UfBtiv1Y7ZBz4N72r97R8gWnTkhIwsP-XDicPEpIqkszJnjTJgUt6bBZ7FrE0KOLCTlkLE7lK9uIIQ-jnTUDJtnbA2GDzhpTVw6vQgEnm8sM2IRba6kcM9XuvIKAmu3cA4dY3AZ7g/w400-h346/uwf-fury-hour-ep1-dan-spivey.jpg" title="UWF Fury Hour - Episode 1 Review - 'Dangerous' Dan Spivey" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Abrams reminded us that Brian B. Blair was a baby face.</div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>He’s a fan favorite. He’s a favorite of the fans,</i>” he said, in case we didn’t know what a fan favorite was.</div><div><br /></div><div>The match was just what you might expect from Dan Spivey and Brian Blair.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether that means it was good or not all depends on your opinion of the two.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd certainly enjoyed it, and would probably get it again sometime as Spivey and Blair brawled to the outside, ignoring the referee’s ten count.</div><div><b><i>Double Countout </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The duo continued their battle until the locker room eventually ran out to break it apart. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the while, Abrams demanded that the two be given a rematch.</div><div><br /></div><div>If only he knew someone who could make it happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>After one last look at Brian Blair selling us some caps, Herb and Bruno wrapped up the show and promised us Col. Debeers vs. Billy Jack Haynes for next week's main event.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, the first ever episode of UWF Furry Hour was in the record books.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can’t wait! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42hAIC6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade Volume 1 on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStVVRlhiPVSCmJ83-iE6kACtYJcGDaZMjd0g-ZeGCGuCCE-JQlS6CGGC2h43M4GLrm6DObBIT22tnailv_ChRYNc8VI03WhbGPXHP1uTzLIxIGTL_2SFfCU0JxrTAjF_ZbqeHgt311YQ7z43x0C3laT1hRcrhKeEPRU-gie5N7ONC620r7tle05GTBPET/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade Volume 1 on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>All in all, that wasn't the worst start for the Universal Wrestling Federation.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Cactus Jack vs. David Sammartino was a genuinely enjoyable match, though it is mind boggling that they chose to break away from it for some promos when they could have just done that after the bell.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The squash matches and multiple promos were necessary for the first show to introduce the UWF's stars, and we had a couple of feuds brewing in Spivey/Blair, Orndorff/Williams, and Haynes/Debeers.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Let’s see how this plays out.</i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><i><b>Other 1990 pro wrestling reviews: </b></i></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-x.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shoot Out</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-1990.html" target="_blank">WCW Wrestlewar 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/11/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-6.html">WWF Wrestlemania XI</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wcw-capital-combat-1990.html">WCW Capital Combat 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XI - Costal Crush</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1990.html" target="_blank">WCW The Great American Bash 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XII - Fall Brawl '90: Mountain Madness</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIII - Thanksgiving Thunder</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1990-collision.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1990</a></li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-56938707530992863132024-02-14T09:30:00.000-08:002024-03-07T16:29:41.074-08:00WWE Summerslam 2004 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrs9bQbIfewVIN5Qtg6doN8PlmiOUKAw5HhYeOTvF2A_fHjjcXdLCGLqyRczLj7gwDy94c3an2vsrX_fLFBvNpcmP-u0c30_KlTzr5IPpKu_kdVuubjwnpQbeVyci21dJa2VZ5DtHPTLgCFnewxtdKQx1l6kROnD9P8wpGuakwiruw1khf2MJKqkGU3lK/s361/wwe-summerslam-2004-event-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="276" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrs9bQbIfewVIN5Qtg6doN8PlmiOUKAw5HhYeOTvF2A_fHjjcXdLCGLqyRczLj7gwDy94c3an2vsrX_fLFBvNpcmP-u0c30_KlTzr5IPpKu_kdVuubjwnpQbeVyci21dJa2VZ5DtHPTLgCFnewxtdKQx1l6kROnD9P8wpGuakwiruw1khf2MJKqkGU3lK/w306-h400/wwe-summerslam-2004-event-poster.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - Event poster" width="306" /></a></div><span><br /><div><b><i>August 15, 2004,</i></b></div><div><b><i>Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b>By the time Summerslam 2004 rolled into Canada, it seemed like WWE had completely stopped caring about their fans. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>After all, it had been three years since the company had bought out its competition and, despite attempts by the likes of TNA and the <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/search/label/WWA" target="_blank">World Wrestling Allstars</a> to fill the WCW-sized gap in the pro wrestling market, World Wrestling Entertainment was pretty much the only game in town. </div><div><br /></div><div>Watching these 20044 shows back, it seems clear that since there was no need to try and please their hardcore audience, WWE simply didn't bother. </div><div><br /></div><div>The result was a lackluster run of stagnant shows that were nowhere near as good as the talent involved were capable of. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, 17,640 fans packed into the Air Canada Centre for Summerslam 2004, so surely things couldn't be that bad, could they?</div><div><br /></div><div>As you're about to find out in this review, the answer is <i>yes, yes they could:</i></div><div><br /></div></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Summerslam 2004 - WWE’s Summer Games</span></h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you recall, 2004 was the year that the <a href="https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/athens-2004" target="_blank">Summer Olympic Games</a> emanated from Athens, Greece.<br />It was a big deal, partly because the Olympics always are, but mainly because Greece was the birthplace of the games themselves.</span><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />What does that have to do with WWE?</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Simple:</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />That year, the company capitalized on the Olympic Games hype by making it the theme for Summerslam 2004.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />As such, our opening video tonight began with a sports-themed montage featuring </span><span><b>Eddie Guerrero</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> on the running track, </span><span><b>Triple H</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> punching out an umpire, and, naturally, </span><span><b>Torrie Wilson</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> bouncing up and down in a bikini.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HDrIFVjBTjUM3db5Gtz13qr3y-rbg70BuzLitGskMg9MWivmauaHGmjz1QR_kjl6nxo4A2kTtPd1GcVCsozkJ4dqt8-T6P-s1VsAk7XLxl6WZTZKZrSDSQ-llegjHX0SFd7Ki2E1tOsKwnrRSNV1CGU8VpIedFX8a8JMvd6Lbfl1ZzPyoesBtfgq-ZM_/s815/wwe-summerslam-2004-ross-lawler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 2004 review - Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="815" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HDrIFVjBTjUM3db5Gtz13qr3y-rbg70BuzLitGskMg9MWivmauaHGmjz1QR_kjl6nxo4A2kTtPd1GcVCsozkJ4dqt8-T6P-s1VsAk7XLxl6WZTZKZrSDSQ-llegjHX0SFd7Ki2E1tOsKwnrRSNV1CGU8VpIedFX8a8JMvd6Lbfl1ZzPyoesBtfgq-ZM_/w400-h295/wwe-summerslam-2004-ross-lawler.jpg" title="Summerslam 2004 review - Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This led us into a rundown of tonight’s card before we went live to the arena for pyro, ballyhoo, and an official welcome to “<i>WWE’s Summer Games”</i> courtesy of Jim Ross.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44zNm9glu7fQH39Ifs1dtQ2JpZ7i5YLTX2uAQgVle8vXFx4qbBZp4qRS2-jLWAmBoBebkB8PQVnMLOJqnbecsrN0UeUwSp6kV8YVn6zkc97EcBGVPCQ_xhDvJsezL9iwlW696K7h9OSyxClTk6XrktEhYqAtKoPm2cwP1Pq_m8lX6I0mFSDjeSY3l_UXn/s756/wwe-summerslam-2004-cole-tazz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 2004 review - Tazz & Michael Cole" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="756" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44zNm9glu7fQH39Ifs1dtQ2JpZ7i5YLTX2uAQgVle8vXFx4qbBZp4qRS2-jLWAmBoBebkB8PQVnMLOJqnbecsrN0UeUwSp6kV8YVn6zkc97EcBGVPCQ_xhDvJsezL9iwlW696K7h9OSyxClTk6XrktEhYqAtKoPm2cwP1Pq_m8lX6I0mFSDjeSY3l_UXn/w400-h318/wwe-summerslam-2004-cole-tazz.jpg" title="Summerslam 2004 review - Tazz & Michael Cole" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Ross and Jerry Lawler were as pumped for this show as their Smackdown counterparts Michael Cole and Tazz who were set and ready to call our opening match.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Six-Man Tag <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Dudleyz (WWE Cruiserweight Championship Spike Dudley, D’Von Dudley, and Bubba Ray Dudley) vs. Rey Mysterio and WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Billy Kidman</span></h3></div><div><span><b>Spike Dudley</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> had recently turned heel by kicking </span><span><b>Rey Mysterio</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> in the goolies and establishing himself as “The Boss” of The Dudley clan.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0YoIYCpInzW3Yb-k0gyzcczx7rbZPy3RdgogvM58d2_Q39JD-nXg2Pj_PwIe7mR5BMxXIvhauoLX7OPmA9Yo-NBD8_P3FJVLgetobU72XFbOqsZtVzOVtwXdMBLnggNMCLYyijE8vI_iNWMEIJgfWcDOAhaG0JspZfEFvX7nXQfHB1wQRZtH4I79Shk5/s814/wwe-summerslam-2004-spike-dudley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam '04 - Spike Dudley" border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="814" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0YoIYCpInzW3Yb-k0gyzcczx7rbZPy3RdgogvM58d2_Q39JD-nXg2Pj_PwIe7mR5BMxXIvhauoLX7OPmA9Yo-NBD8_P3FJVLgetobU72XFbOqsZtVzOVtwXdMBLnggNMCLYyijE8vI_iNWMEIJgfWcDOAhaG0JspZfEFvX7nXQfHB1wQRZtH4I79Shk5/w400-h303/wwe-summerslam-2004-spike-dudley.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam '04 - Spike Dudley" width="400" /></a></div><span><br />That was enough to set up this six-man tag, with Mysterio recruiting tag team champions </span><span><b>Billy Kidman</b></span><span> and </span><span><b>Paul London</b></span><span> to help combat the brute force of Bubba Ray and D’Von.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Making his WWE PPV debut, London looked impressive in the early going as he flipped, flopped, and flew around the ring in complete control.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />It wasn’t long, however, before a rogue hair tug from Bubba Ray slowed him down and allowed The Dudleyz to gain the advantage.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjE3WKP61mNtigC3PAN2o4iGqzwJIeXqG5nXi6uC4SX_jzrEKin0IWhDWk4BZbUqlq5UJuv7XxiuXIWiAeB-RzoC-TYprdhozzrRJ6C-7FMZ4iy_ZMfSfB4devxv7tN_g6qohFkxRPhbF2Vshum5-O9t72BOYA0jhhP46zLS0GilrUi6vUW4OzxkxqUYa/s777/wwe-summerslam-2004-dudley-london.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam '04 - D'von Dudley works over Paul London" border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="777" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjE3WKP61mNtigC3PAN2o4iGqzwJIeXqG5nXi6uC4SX_jzrEKin0IWhDWk4BZbUqlq5UJuv7XxiuXIWiAeB-RzoC-TYprdhozzrRJ6C-7FMZ4iy_ZMfSfB4devxv7tN_g6qohFkxRPhbF2Vshum5-O9t72BOYA0jhhP46zLS0GilrUi6vUW4OzxkxqUYa/w400-h295/wwe-summerslam-2004-dudley-london.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam '04 - D'von Dudley works over Paul London" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Cue a typical face-in-peril spot which eventually resulted in Mysterio getting the hot tag before all hell inevitably broke loose.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />There was a moment when it genuinely looked as if the babyfaces would steal this one. Mysterio hit Spike with a 619 after which Kidman splattered the cruiserweight champion with a 450 splash.<br />Alas, it wasn’t to be. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />D’Von broke up the pin attempt and, moments later, it was London who ate the 3D before Spike covered him for the match-winning fall.</span></div><div><span><br />This wasn’t the greatest opening match in history, but it was a perfectly serviceable contest which got Summerslam off to a good start.<br /><b><i>Your Winners: The Dudleyz</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Ross and Lawler next took us back to Raw, where </span><span><b>Lita</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> revealed she was having </span><span><b>Kane</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s baby.<br />Understandably, that made her boyfriend, </span><span><b>Matt Hardy</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, a little upset.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1nozmHE1GBYpt4PXdjLrHQajl8BCGLgv_7XA385OVrDWXjHCeCsqqApWWut36dXAKUBeHSwD1dgsnvQ6OwaVe9D35adnYFHRVSDWLCiyMpq3K2jImTntzabfPIKVgmyHQt-uypGx87W7ZzSxMXX-BUKviPOZul7s7b1AduUniiEZAhR1Eh58Y8mBaNTm/s838/wwe-summerslam-2004-kane-hardy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Kane vs. Matt Hardy - Til Death Do Us Part match graphic" border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="838" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1nozmHE1GBYpt4PXdjLrHQajl8BCGLgv_7XA385OVrDWXjHCeCsqqApWWut36dXAKUBeHSwD1dgsnvQ6OwaVe9D35adnYFHRVSDWLCiyMpq3K2jImTntzabfPIKVgmyHQt-uypGx87W7ZzSxMXX-BUKviPOZul7s7b1AduUniiEZAhR1Eh58Y8mBaNTm/w400-h295/wwe-summerslam-2004-kane-hardy.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Kane vs. Matt Hardy - Til Death Do Us Part match graphic" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Tonight, we’d settle this thing in a “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” match between Kane and Hardy, with Lita agreeing to marry whoever the winner was.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">‘Til Death Do Us Part Match<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Matt Hardy vs. Kane </span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Two guys scrapping over the love of a woman is a story as old as time itself. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLT6tP0xTpK-wVj-tD6cNiDDjkVaGFcvz53HH-X-KqTgBgfE-BMh81hmVoQz84lifXclirg8FShD0TzS3uwmRqx-f1MszGqt9Z7Omok-XdVxUymoU-bvv6slDbkYf6Cqs4P00_vtjqMOHlMQZM4PC4ozls8CFfNoH64NDBgotx4ApGHEL9vnkA97mrv0Q/s715/wwe-summerslam-2004-lita.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Lita" border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="715" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLT6tP0xTpK-wVj-tD6cNiDDjkVaGFcvz53HH-X-KqTgBgfE-BMh81hmVoQz84lifXclirg8FShD0TzS3uwmRqx-f1MszGqt9Z7Omok-XdVxUymoU-bvv6slDbkYf6Cqs4P00_vtjqMOHlMQZM4PC4ozls8CFfNoH64NDBgotx4ApGHEL9vnkA97mrv0Q/w400-h300/wwe-summerslam-2004-lita.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Lita" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">So it’s hard to fault WWE for returning to that particular well every now and again, even though the resulting match wasn’t something that initially filled this writer with any excitement.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the talent of both Matt Hardy and Kane, but I doubt this was a bout what many folks were clamoring for.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Much to my surprise then, this one actually turned out pretty well.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />The contest’s short length and use of big spots (such as Lita giving Hardy the ring bell to knock out her baby daddy) helped steer this one away from mediocrity and towards something passably entertaining.<br />The highlight of the bout came right at the end.</span></div><div><span><br />Kane countered a top rope attack and destroyed Hardy with a huge top rope chokeslam to win the match.<br /><i><b>Your Winner: Kane </b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />After the bell, a clearly disturbed Lita stood dumbfounded in the entranceway, finally fleeing as the maniacal Kane came after her for a hug.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">John Cena Interupts Randy Orton</span></h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">Out in the back, </span><span><b>Randy Orton</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> spoke to Todd Grisham about his upcoming title fight against Chris Benoit. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgPovhhel5tpln5M_8ZaOms8GSTlTe_zjeYyKUkxqmZj42-IiQ7Q3A-xKtKxXOhPbwm6lUsAYV6nSKnPNr1tH1Mss9qfl6GJpUakm5XPYYBXO_inCtN5LtKayUPBsD9otUEFzbS2MiupWhpYEbLR40ToK3T4zaT50UP-MvISNXfxOhu_OujbAC4MpA3O_/s731/wwe-summerslam-2004-cena-ortonb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - John Cena interrupts Randy Orton" border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgPovhhel5tpln5M_8ZaOms8GSTlTe_zjeYyKUkxqmZj42-IiQ7Q3A-xKtKxXOhPbwm6lUsAYV6nSKnPNr1tH1Mss9qfl6GJpUakm5XPYYBXO_inCtN5LtKayUPBsD9otUEFzbS2MiupWhpYEbLR40ToK3T4zaT50UP-MvISNXfxOhu_OujbAC4MpA3O_/w400-h300/wwe-summerslam-2004-cena-ortonb.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - John Cena interrupts Randy Orton" width="400" /></a></div><span><div><span><br /></span></div>Brushing off a brief and amusing interruption from </span><span><b>John Cena</b></span><span>, the headstrong challenger vowed to emerge victorious and become the youngest-ever world champion in WWE history.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />We’d get to that later.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />First, there was this:</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Best of 5 Series: Match 1<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">WWE United States Champion Booker T vs. John Cena</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">When you consider the caliber of </span><span><b>Booker T</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, and you consider what John Cena would go on to become, it’s hard not to watch this match and be anything other than majorly disappointed.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4t0-kSTE52ynQ1O2TZ_m0-erURglwN-_IIhFHMz8WVCn0uZVfBgozXEnnc02IVYvAI1nFYT6v04x9eCdyVwGuYlzNREXTReJxzYawrPtF8y-oSDYBh0Hm4rYbee3Y6dkphGMQ_AMmPyYxzhLIIIP9KY9uulQR52zqqTkh8sanvMIJ05sHd4buF6AKJew/s784/wwe-summerslam-2004-booker-cena.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - Booker T vs. John Cena" border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="784" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4t0-kSTE52ynQ1O2TZ_m0-erURglwN-_IIhFHMz8WVCn0uZVfBgozXEnnc02IVYvAI1nFYT6v04x9eCdyVwGuYlzNREXTReJxzYawrPtF8y-oSDYBh0Hm4rYbee3Y6dkphGMQ_AMmPyYxzhLIIIP9KY9uulQR52zqqTkh8sanvMIJ05sHd4buF6AKJew/w400-h309/wwe-summerslam-2004-booker-cena.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Booker dominated the bout, taking his less-experienced foe to the proverbial woodshed with clobbering blows and grinding him down with a series of holds.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Then, from nowhere, Cena pulled out an FU and that was that.</span></div><div><span><br />I’m more than sure that Booker T and John Cena were capable of having a great match, but this certainly wasn’t it.<br /><i><b>Your Winner: John Cena</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Cena only needed two more wins in their best-of-five series to reclaim his US title. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Let’s hope those matches proved better than the first one.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Eric Bischoff Confronts Teddy Long </span></h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">Backstage, cameras found new Smackdown General Manager, </span><span><b>Teddy Long</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, quietly expressing his joy at our last match.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3vB6Bptn-M_LjJoKbddhB42jwg0JeM03YKDC06Lv2h0pUcQz7yQJlifw4a3mcG4hV4y72urAbHDY8cFIu7f_fv-5T-V7G8B3RW5AM-ON3YsdCn1McoeLjMLCDAh73pRTube4oocepgyUjDmebqp8NEA0TQMxgofxcEaU9Fvu8JI06KNGgEQdwdYl4dS5/s843/wwe-summerslam-2004-bischoff-long.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 2004 - Eric Bischoff confronts Teddy Long" border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="843" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3vB6Bptn-M_LjJoKbddhB42jwg0JeM03YKDC06Lv2h0pUcQz7yQJlifw4a3mcG4hV4y72urAbHDY8cFIu7f_fv-5T-V7G8B3RW5AM-ON3YsdCn1McoeLjMLCDAh73pRTube4oocepgyUjDmebqp8NEA0TQMxgofxcEaU9Fvu8JI06KNGgEQdwdYl4dS5/w400-h284/wwe-summerslam-2004-bischoff-long.jpg" title="Summerslam 2004 - Eric Bischoff confronts Teddy Long" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Hey, at least someone enjoyed it.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Before long, he was interrupted by Eric Bischoff. The Raw GM stopped by to gloat about outlasting three other Smackdown General Managers and warned Teddy not to cross him.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Long soon wiped the smirk off Sleazy E’s face by promising to sign his nephew, Eugene, to a Smackdown contract and make him “the biggest star ever.”</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Oof. That’ll show him.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Triple Threat Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">WWE Intercontinental Champion Edge vs. Batista vs. Chris Jericho</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">From one disappointment to another, this one certainly had its moments but was mostly a letdown.<br />Half the problem was that, despite being advertised as a triple threat, we rarely got to see all three men in the ring at the same time.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU806Ve-TpI-wy-iTzD5Lc4ISGXuogBRdAcgD5Og1NpkgI3AeUTcNEBovgmGnlyYVYvOmvaIUwGD5RD2aAOhBTAKss9-1mewA5A-p4KYRdfAZInM2vUq2Vw9UcdtCJbpH9D6Ti8sJJtAUr2KnB2B9W2Yy1QmyN49s_9M2pU9jM8vjUwTweUdfG6Q1V6f0r/s833/wwe-summerslam-2004-jericho-edge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 2004 - Chris Jericho puts Edge in the Walls of Jericho" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="833" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU806Ve-TpI-wy-iTzD5Lc4ISGXuogBRdAcgD5Og1NpkgI3AeUTcNEBovgmGnlyYVYvOmvaIUwGD5RD2aAOhBTAKss9-1mewA5A-p4KYRdfAZInM2vUq2Vw9UcdtCJbpH9D6Ti8sJJtAUr2KnB2B9W2Yy1QmyN49s_9M2pU9jM8vjUwTweUdfG6Q1V6f0r/w400-h265/wwe-summerslam-2004-jericho-edge.jpg" title="Summerslam 2004 - Chris Jericho puts Edge in the Walls of Jericho" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sure, WWE’s standard triple threat formula meant that most bouts of this nature had two guys fighting in the ring and one on the outside, but here that formula was relied on so heavily that it had a detrimental impact on the quality of the match.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Even the crowd was unhappy, turning on their own hometown hero, </span><span><b>Edge</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, and booing him mercifully throughout the match. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />I couldn't tell you whether this was because they were so fed up with the show so far and used babyface Edge as a scapegoat to voice their displeasure, because they genuinely liked </span><span><b>Chris Jericho </b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span><span><b>Batista</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> more, or, as Jerry Lawler explained, it was simply because they were in “<i>bizarro world</i>."</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />What I can tell you is that they hated Edge, even though his exchanges with Batista and Jericho were the highlights of the bout.</span></div><div><span><br />In the end, the reigning champion took out Jericho with a spear to keep his championship reign intact.<br /><b><i>Your Winner and Still Intercontinental Champion: Edge </i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Up next, we got a video package for the highly-anticipated Wrestlemania 20 rematch between </span><span><b>Kurt Angle</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span><b>Eddie Guerrero</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi41AD2DBDH6e6y4p8dT2G8WEddKaYyXpjsV3MrnoEeqoOl_43qv-EsvpOZWmB79jWnEKgosUjugC60N9ZGdKcKVUielptxS2bH1SuS_q8_cNd_ezcMqVT3kb5Fi0CctDoNOR3CBYcv6OZ2C1LnGT_SB9sIv5gFKv1iQ-0hjgkCj3qczsbKr-fNCxWRDeg/s827/wwe-summerslam-2004-guerrero-angle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 04 review - Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero match graphic" border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="827" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi41AD2DBDH6e6y4p8dT2G8WEddKaYyXpjsV3MrnoEeqoOl_43qv-EsvpOZWmB79jWnEKgosUjugC60N9ZGdKcKVUielptxS2bH1SuS_q8_cNd_ezcMqVT3kb5Fi0CctDoNOR3CBYcv6OZ2C1LnGT_SB9sIv5gFKv1iQ-0hjgkCj3qczsbKr-fNCxWRDeg/w400-h299/wwe-summerslam-2004-guerrero-angle.jpg" title="Summerslam 04 review - Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero match graphic" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">There’s no way this could suck, right? </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kurt Angle (w/ Luther Reigns) vs. Eddie Guerrero</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Of course not. This was Angle vs. Guerrero, two of the greatest of all time. So something pretty drastic would have needed to occur for this to be anything less than a solid bout.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplveDSsDHsWudXFm_M4mFBN__r5sKjBntbyXQG_evjKDKDgC7PeSOkI5Oi44sWVrDgmTPaRA08vGmEMRRqeAjPFft-_3tKKAKTBT1PfyWXIctfjFTDt0bpn4hK-izTsPfKclXcCUplopV6ZdijxZBMJDmvaLeNKnOwNf9U80vR9eGYdFiTITEstVyrI2i/s827/wwe-summerslam-2004-angle-vs-guerrero.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 04 review - Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero" border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="827" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplveDSsDHsWudXFm_M4mFBN__r5sKjBntbyXQG_evjKDKDgC7PeSOkI5Oi44sWVrDgmTPaRA08vGmEMRRqeAjPFft-_3tKKAKTBT1PfyWXIctfjFTDt0bpn4hK-izTsPfKclXcCUplopV6ZdijxZBMJDmvaLeNKnOwNf9U80vR9eGYdFiTITEstVyrI2i/w400-h279/wwe-summerslam-2004-angle-vs-guerrero.jpg" title="Summerslam 04 review - Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">It was certainly that. However, it failed to live up to the magic of their ‘Mania bout.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />This was at least in part due to the crowd. Or, rather, due to what the crowd has been presented with so far.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />After a lackluster first half of the card, it wasn’t surprising that Kurt and Eddie’s predominantly mat-based performance struggled to inject enough excitement into the audience.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Still, despite its shortcomings, this was a gripping bout that was thus far the best thing on the whole show by a wide margin.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />If you recall their Wrestlemania 20 battle, Eddie had slipped out of his boot to escape the ankle lock and ultimately go on to claim the company’s top prize.</span></div><div><span><br />This time around, Kurt played his rival at his own game, unlacing Guerrero’s boot so that it came off, leaving Eddie’s ankle exposed, unsupported, and prime for a match-winning ankle lock from which there was no escape.<br /><b><i>Your Winner: Kurt Angle</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Up next, we got a quick look at the ongoing conflict between Triple H and Eugene.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />To sum up, The Game had taken advantage of his status as Eugene’s favorite wrestler by recruiting him as an “honor member” of Evolution, all part of a master plot to get Eugene to help him regain the World Heavyweight Championship from Chris Benoit.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />When that plan backfired, Hunter responded by beating the crap out of both Eugene and William Regal, leading us to this: </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Triple H vs. Eugene </span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This being “Bizaro World,” Eugene was roundly booed by the contrarian Canadian crowd. The occasional tribute to the likes of The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin won him a few moments of approval here and there, but needless to say, he was not well-liked here.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XjzTAFJ85YdGZRx6cyyfVmsyGYloTrWTZGlo9fFUbb3Y742GZTxLnpIMWPKD2ERw2z4IZBL8vVLi_A0XIMzSTiWiGMr7QqI2DYQRaiI3B88XwfD6QHLkB33hvUHzO8cmaHXEL5wNezCRbSdGmNOIkQUOXvxnN682itnt5NESxpADqgV2osiG0o2CxRTM/s735/wwe-summerslam-2004-hhh-eugene.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="735" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XjzTAFJ85YdGZRx6cyyfVmsyGYloTrWTZGlo9fFUbb3Y742GZTxLnpIMWPKD2ERw2z4IZBL8vVLi_A0XIMzSTiWiGMr7QqI2DYQRaiI3B88XwfD6QHLkB33hvUHzO8cmaHXEL5wNezCRbSdGmNOIkQUOXvxnN682itnt5NESxpADqgV2osiG0o2CxRTM/w400-h291/wwe-summerslam-2004-hhh-eugene.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />That’s a shame, really, because Euegene was a solid wrestler stuck with a gimmick that had a limited shelf life. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">In another world at another time, his match here with Triple H could have been something tremendous.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">In this world and at this time, however, the crowd was most likely sick of Eugene. He had been featured so heavily in the last few months that it was hard not to be sick of him. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Heck, the entire <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2024/02/wwe-vengeance-2004-review.html" target="_blank">Vengeance 2004 PPV </a> was practically built around him, and the payoff was not good. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Back to tonight, and what we got here was 15 minutes of Hunter beating up on his opponent with brief but entertaining spots from Eugene.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />It wasn’t bad by any stretch, but it certainly wasn’t a match anyone -this fan included- really wanted to see.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />In the end, Eugene looked like he could steal an upset from The Game, only to have Ric Flair intervene, turning the tables in favor of his Evolution teammate.</span></div><div><span><br />While HHH sealed the deal inside the ring, William Regal came out and took Flair down with a pair of brass Knucks.<br /><b><i>Your Winner: Triple H</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />I would love to have seen this be the end of Eugene’s “<i>idiot savant</i>” gimmick. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wouldn’t it be great if he came out the next night on Raw and declared he was tired of playing games and was going to be a more serious wrestler from now on?</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />No? </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Ok then. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Divas Dodgeball<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Team Diva Search (Amy Weber, Christy Hemme, Joy Giovanni, Maria Kanellis, Michelle McCool, and Tracie Wright) vs. Team Diva (Gail Kim, Jazz, Molly Holly, Nidia, Stacy Keibler, and Victoria w/ Team Captain Trish Stratus)</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Next, we interrupted our professional wrestling Pay Per View to watch scantily-clad women playing dodgeball in an empty gymnasium.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V9Ru0Q8doGXHNj_ZMEPSeVyYVoa-ZameFgRUe0KghBvRUU4fd6M7J2hNhMSvnahWnioabg9ftl02bDmHRrwjmpdR07KEXzpMX_SBsasz5yJsmo7QJ5X3hkkilJn6wwfxSz9nIKLV8xq20_kcYzH8IaiC8Ajzyo4C1UuiUZ7V6nhL2rfqefakTf7nBnCW/s719/wwe-summerslam-2004-dodgeball-divas-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Diva Dodgeball game" border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="719" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V9Ru0Q8doGXHNj_ZMEPSeVyYVoa-ZameFgRUe0KghBvRUU4fd6M7J2hNhMSvnahWnioabg9ftl02bDmHRrwjmpdR07KEXzpMX_SBsasz5yJsmo7QJ5X3hkkilJn6wwfxSz9nIKLV8xq20_kcYzH8IaiC8Ajzyo4C1UuiUZ7V6nhL2rfqefakTf7nBnCW/w400-h269/wwe-summerslam-2004-dodgeball-divas-2.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Diva Dodgeball game" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Remember, people paid money for this show. For their money, they got a five-minute dodgeball game which the Diva Search girls won when </span><span><b>Michelle McCool</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> eliminated </span><span><b>Nidia</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />I really don’t know what else I can tell you about it.</span></div><div><span><br />Afterward, Team Captain Trish Stratus blamed Victoria for the loss, and the two briefly got into it.<br /><b><i>Your Winners: Team Diva Search</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Returning to the arena, Jerry Lawler couldn’t believe the fans had booed the dodgeball interlude.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />“<i>These people don’t even like women!</i>” He exclaimed as if the fans were at fault for being unhappy with being made to sit through a random dodgeball game when they’d paid money to see wrestling.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Sure enough, we got more wrestling next, even if it did involve <b>JBL</b></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">WWE Championship <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield (w/ Orlando Jordan) vs. The Undertaker </span></h3></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">By now, Summerslam 2004 had been dragging on for the better part of two hours and getting harder and harder to watch with every passing minute.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBn-pKMNjhlzDguMHLkqQMzMgVgY41bVXxBkCfWZgUvlldGBGkSjPGT82tSwl1Z8ENDLn8vor5dR5Rbr0eEuc8pWKzx3KY0risMPVhU6WBPXL7Jl5vaz9V3QI4QBhQF6VtkCOqOK0pMw1zfaXI5db5n1PQ2E-3Bcl58p3ReT_FbFFO0uIBhqzljMfs7O4/s818/wwe-summerslam-2004-taker-bradshaw-tale-of-the-tape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Undertaker vs. JBL - Tale of the Tape" border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="818" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBn-pKMNjhlzDguMHLkqQMzMgVgY41bVXxBkCfWZgUvlldGBGkSjPGT82tSwl1Z8ENDLn8vor5dR5Rbr0eEuc8pWKzx3KY0risMPVhU6WBPXL7Jl5vaz9V3QI4QBhQF6VtkCOqOK0pMw1zfaXI5db5n1PQ2E-3Bcl58p3ReT_FbFFO0uIBhqzljMfs7O4/w400-h293/wwe-summerslam-2004-taker-bradshaw-tale-of-the-tape.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 - Undertaker vs. JBL - Tale of the Tape" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">So it shouldn’t have come as any surprise when the audience totally lost interest in this match and began entertaining themselves with a Mexican wave.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />It shouldn’t have, but of course, it did to Tazz.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><i>“This really is Bizarro World!”</i> He declared. <i>“These fans booed Eugene, they booed the girls playing dodgeball, and now they’re doing a Mexican wave!”</i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />What a great way to remind the audience at home how </span>much this show had sucked so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taz might as well have blurted out "<i>Look at the crowd! They don't give a sh*t about this match at all!"</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">To be fair, </span><span><b>Undertaker</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and JBL didn’t give up on an audience that had clearly given up on them.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL_Rx6IAcml6tFcPQTAtky3K8qGwG_OWkLsErhfg8NO4GXdz6CELuJpWG1HvFLgEtkO9A-_PdbEQB8d59JrIzq-0om8fhoOTnf6NxecWALDmx-RkYY6efdVA0OLl1S1B-GYBrqDVHrYO_NpWt5L43ZtDfIQ7yh548wuE72hgo7i3Y2HV9Iu9UQ-9hoRFZ/s658/wwe-summerslam-2004-taker-jbl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - The Undertaker vs. JBL" border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="658" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL_Rx6IAcml6tFcPQTAtky3K8qGwG_OWkLsErhfg8NO4GXdz6CELuJpWG1HvFLgEtkO9A-_PdbEQB8d59JrIzq-0om8fhoOTnf6NxecWALDmx-RkYY6efdVA0OLl1S1B-GYBrqDVHrYO_NpWt5L43ZtDfIQ7yh548wuE72hgo7i3Y2HV9Iu9UQ-9hoRFZ/w400-h308/wwe-summerslam-2004-taker-jbl.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 Review - The Undertaker vs. JBL" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Despite the match going on far too long, the two finally managed to capture the crowd’s attention in a heated finish that saw the referee take a tumble.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />At that point, Bradshaw’s right-hand man, </span><span><b>Orlando Jordan</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> got involved, bringing the title belt with him.<br />‘Taker seized control of the international object and clocked the champion with it.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Unfortunately, he did so right as the official came to and saw the whole thing.</span></div><div><span><b><i>Your Winner Via DQ and Still WWE Champion: JBL </i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Afterward, an irate Undertaker chokeslammed Layfield through the roof of his own limousine. <br />Said roof tore so easily you’d be forgiven for thinking it was made of toilet paper.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0z3KBlXNE5gzJgr-Rzv-vkSQa3CEAeKoGyHsmzBHfLiVBZblOeNWfwtWoq4oippyEoNH2Qoh6YinypWZgW81LMl85Z-j6tB9CaPEhnCcLp-DfE_7Vc33ewn_dnAPSFrnU-TFB5FpNr_Z_hlrrHNYwEqwYdHfv1ltEaJ2FX3sU9hyTHIyB-wjDFdpaqaE/s741/wwe-summerslam-2004-taker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam '04 Review - The Undertaker" border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="741" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0z3KBlXNE5gzJgr-Rzv-vkSQa3CEAeKoGyHsmzBHfLiVBZblOeNWfwtWoq4oippyEoNH2Qoh6YinypWZgW81LMl85Z-j6tB9CaPEhnCcLp-DfE_7Vc33ewn_dnAPSFrnU-TFB5FpNr_Z_hlrrHNYwEqwYdHfv1ltEaJ2FX3sU9hyTHIyB-wjDFdpaqaE/w400-h319/wwe-summerslam-2004-taker.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam '04 Review - The Undertaker" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />As your bored writer began wondering how a limo with such flimsy construction ever passed quality control, The Phenom wiped himself in JBL’s blood, stuck his tongue out, and left. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Once The Dead Man departed, a bloody and lifeless JBL was hauled off on a stretcher, clutching his title belt as the ever-sympathetic audience sang Bananarama at him.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnYWmgSZdlM?si=mbwHYYKkrBDH9TtF" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">That makes this the second WWE PPV in a row where the fans had chanted that song even though neither of the two men they directed it at were actually leaving the company.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">WWE World Heavyweight Championship <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit vs. Randy Orton</span></h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">Our main event began with the Canadian audience rattling Earl Hebner, showering the official with deafening “<i>You screwed Bret!</i>” chants.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FBR4ZcgdBLp9enDAY2sC4HSw4ffopdUMyLcJ3gD7Sc68bxVHRbP-JCxrcC0HlHqwxQfY5G3uupFd7mmYSaTXsWnd8kb0P1RfILXyE-UWLQYlu58-pjprSGY2hZzeF6d_SAy77213S_n7G10g9pEO0pDhIiE0xkOc-Ys7TZFnD-UV2aJ_1Fw0GPFYqJyi/s709/wwe-summerslam-2004-orton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summerslam 2004 - Randy Orton locked in a submission move" border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="709" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FBR4ZcgdBLp9enDAY2sC4HSw4ffopdUMyLcJ3gD7Sc68bxVHRbP-JCxrcC0HlHqwxQfY5G3uupFd7mmYSaTXsWnd8kb0P1RfILXyE-UWLQYlu58-pjprSGY2hZzeF6d_SAy77213S_n7G10g9pEO0pDhIiE0xkOc-Ys7TZFnD-UV2aJ_1Fw0GPFYqJyi/w400-h305/wwe-summerslam-2004-orton.jpg" title="Summerslam 2004 - Randy Orton locked in a submission move" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Unfazed, World Champion </span><span><b>Chris Benoit</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and challenger Randy Orton greeted one another with an ice cold stare before launching into a very solid match.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Much like Angle and Guerrero had done earlier, Benoit and Orton spent much of their time on the mat, but the intense and exciting moments that occurred in between the ground-based offense elevated this to something good.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Though it certainly wasn’t a “must-see match,” and though both men would each have better matches, it’s hard to say anything bad about it.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />The real highlight came at the finish.</span></div><div><span><br />Orton countered a Crossface attempt with an RKO, made the cover, got the count, and became the youngest World Champion in WWE History.<br /><b><i>Your Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Randy Orton</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Benoit interrupted the post-match celebration, returning to the ring and urging Orton to shake his hand and “<i>be a man</i>.”</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdEgd_ufBhQ3y8Gq8ZyMvXKR_K8HEUmdLJ2Q97FSQ9YseI35bhbv-SzzUjuipGleilGItgCU0TzL03_MHCfM_gmsXfow31SCkjw3_qTNKnFdF6n-QKqRKikqCSzKi18MUdKIG3rOdkOnHtknKxRM3RG6AHN567ZlnPbqWsDnP7DAV10S2gLuYFVfVcmLj/s751/wwe-summerslam-2004-orton-champ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Summerslam 2004 - New World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton" border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="751" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdEgd_ufBhQ3y8Gq8ZyMvXKR_K8HEUmdLJ2Q97FSQ9YseI35bhbv-SzzUjuipGleilGItgCU0TzL03_MHCfM_gmsXfow31SCkjw3_qTNKnFdF6n-QKqRKikqCSzKi18MUdKIG3rOdkOnHtknKxRM3RG6AHN567ZlnPbqWsDnP7DAV10S2gLuYFVfVcmLj/w400-h305/wwe-summerslam-2004-orton-champ.jpg" title="WWE Summerslam 2004 - New World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">After some deliberation, Orton accepted the handshake. The crowd went wild, and a new babyface was born.<br /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://amzn.to/47Y38CF" target="_blank"><img align="center" alt="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmq6vXEB314hU61kf4webf_RCPcogWra34qtiWRBGJzAr724OATghJAWTA0L81Cgv5-99_HL76mR9_vM9N7sxorUM9GfXL5DSTIthTW7w_3qoIWOrGFclK-_xxwooRghlIeU0xTcVCbBQiHACHKQH_MlNqzO-VO44u6FgpgJk7NIgTykA_aT-bVrtcI-7/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20The%20Complete%20History%20of%20Wrestlemania.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<i>Summerslam 2004 was a chore to watch. Though the opening match was fun and both Angle/Guerrero and Benoit/Orton delivered to an extent, nothing stood out as worthy of a rewatch.<br />In fact, had it not been for Randy Orton’s history-making championship victory, the whole show would have been long forgotten about by now.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br />The most frustrating thing was how much potential Summerslam had. Many of the talents were better than what they brought to the ring here. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that some bizarre edict had been issued demanding everyone dial it back 20%.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br />Why would anybody do that?</i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br />Your guess is as good as mine.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br />Until next time, thanks for reading.</i></span></div><div><span><br /><i><b>More 2004 Pro Wrestling Reviews: </b></i></span><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wwe-royal-rumble-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Royal Rumble 2004</a> </span></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/ppv-review-wwe-no-way-out-2004.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE No Way Out 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wwe-wrestlemania-xx.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE Wrestlemania 20</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/wwe-backlash-2004-review.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE Backlash 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2004.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/wwe-bad-blood-2004-review.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE Bad Blood 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2024/01/wwe-great-american-bash-2004-review.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE Great American Bash 2004</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2024/02/wwe-vengeance-2004-review.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WWE Vengeance 2004</a></li></ul><div><b><i>More Summerslam reviews:</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/06/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1988</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/07/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1989.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1989</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1990</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1991</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1992</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/05/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1993.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1993</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1994</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1995.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1995</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/04/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1996.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1996</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/04/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1997.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1997</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/08/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/04/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-2000.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 2000</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-2001.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 2001</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-summerslam-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Summerslam 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/07/ppv-review-wwe-summerslam-2003.html" target="_blank">WWE Summerslam 2003</a></li></ul></div><p></p><span><br /><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</i></span></span> </b><br /></span></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-66790550052883395982024-02-09T10:56:00.000-08:002024-02-09T10:56:47.615-08:00NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvwxhJf8khjJOFMQ4Q0QSorEMmmxvxJ4YFJ9kK1Qd5ZdDpeIwzdOb1ffXOi3pwDEf6VqRz95dKBc3iAjigAO3zETKDRMgqf5SWhnoG5WBxm7j61a3s3X16cOcds8kbMGtJKVcWxOmQqF6ttLlR4Du2EGdlfb9KDzqZ6oGEy6e6eSDZAgW-cyNB53NkeRf/s1712/wcw-clash-champions-3-vhs-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="1712" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvwxhJf8khjJOFMQ4Q0QSorEMmmxvxJ4YFJ9kK1Qd5ZdDpeIwzdOb1ffXOi3pwDEf6VqRz95dKBc3iAjigAO3zETKDRMgqf5SWhnoG5WBxm7j61a3s3X16cOcds8kbMGtJKVcWxOmQqF6ttLlR4Du2EGdlfb9KDzqZ6oGEy6e6eSDZAgW-cyNB53NkeRf/w374-h640/wcw-clash-champions-3-vhs-cover.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl review - Event poster" width="374" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i>September 7, 1988</i></b></div><div><b><i>Albany Civic Center, Albany, Georgia</i></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>Drawing a crowd of 3,700, NWA Clash of the Champions III was the first show to introduce fans of the National Wrestling Alliance (and, later, World Championship Wrestling) to the name Fall Brawl. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The company would use the name for its September Clash show all the way up to 1991, with Clash of the Champions XVI: Fall Brawl proving to be the last Clash of the Champions to have a subtitle.</div><div><br /></div><div>After skipping a year, WCW clearly decided they liked the Fall Brawl name so much that they made it a stand-alone PPV in 1993. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't have any other interesting tidbits to share with you on this one, so let's get right down to the action:</div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Desire!</h3><div>Clash of the Champions III began with a movie-trailer-style voice-over repeating the word <i>Desire</i> as we were told the story of <b>Sting</b>’s desire to hold NWA gold.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, that desire has gone unfulfilled.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Stinger had battled world champion Ric Flair to a draw at the first Clash show. He'd then gone on to team with <b>Dusty Rhodes</b> in an effort to capture the tag team titles at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-nwa-clash-of-champions-ii.html" target="_blank">Clash of the Champions II</a>. </div><div><br />The duo had technically won that match, but since it was a DQ, their opponents, <b>Arn Anderson</b> & <b>Tully Blanchard</b> had retained the titles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Would the third time be a charm for Sting tonight as he challenged <b>Barry Windham</b> for the US title?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj480RQJUdOE_QZc4ELLdnI4tXWdF0E2M1gbC7Ln0gT7gZYTmbAlo8UaeEjzQV6I1QGgsaAw5UIZ9Cjc17o5ruP0yAXwDeH9XPJ0lT0dUB8SjSXb9jnNo04ijsZEh5TFL_mQx-0-19Y77YZ5l7X4QaipNOKIz1Jzu2re6MNnlfbyQ2ck8xsLkuUTxknW2oG/s806/wcw-clash-champions-3-ric-flair-tony-schiavone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Ric Flair & Tony Schiavone" border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="806" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj480RQJUdOE_QZc4ELLdnI4tXWdF0E2M1gbC7Ln0gT7gZYTmbAlo8UaeEjzQV6I1QGgsaAw5UIZ9Cjc17o5ruP0yAXwDeH9XPJ0lT0dUB8SjSXb9jnNo04ijsZEh5TFL_mQx-0-19Y77YZ5l7X4QaipNOKIz1Jzu2re6MNnlfbyQ2ck8xsLkuUTxknW2oG/w400-h294/wcw-clash-champions-3-ric-flair-tony-schiavone.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Ric Flair & Tony Schiavone" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We’d find out later, but first, we went live to our hosts, <b>Tony Schiavone</b> and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nature Boy <b>Ric Flair.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The two ran down tonight’s card and touches briefly on Flair’s upcoming title defense against <b>Lex Luger</b> before sending it down to our play-by-play team, <b>Jim Ross</b> and <b>Bob Caudle</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY5qEdFvAztOF6p2so9oEBrQ-15ZKVeBkpSwJ6FDx8EtvLAO6WtUEoGuPiEPtb_ZsQCjXQl2tro_dVVnXKDTCXjyU9lhhHQIJjtysaeiFy6XuqBRDXOKny5dvslQiGW9fsGd4Ap_GknPkEpWe3RFp5U_ROVgPla0DF5U18VJmsc7T2DSu3fyJb7Bhvxoo/s797/wcw-clash-champions-3-jim-ross-bob-caudle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Jim Ross & Bob Caudle" border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="797" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY5qEdFvAztOF6p2so9oEBrQ-15ZKVeBkpSwJ6FDx8EtvLAO6WtUEoGuPiEPtb_ZsQCjXQl2tro_dVVnXKDTCXjyU9lhhHQIJjtysaeiFy6XuqBRDXOKny5dvslQiGW9fsGd4Ap_GknPkEpWe3RFp5U_ROVgPla0DF5U18VJmsc7T2DSu3fyJb7Bhvxoo/w400-h303/wcw-clash-champions-3-jim-ross-bob-caudle.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Jim Ross & Bob Caudle" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Ross and Caudle assured us that as electric as the atmosphere was out on the arena floor, things were even more intense backstage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that we’d get to go there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we went right to the ring for our opening contest.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance World Television Championship <br />NWA World TV Champion Mike Rotunda (w/ Kevin Sullivan) vs. Brad Armstrong </h3><div>Was there ever a more underrated talent than <b>Brad Armstrong</b>?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8sYfxD9jQ7pgeC1g6zteMC6uFWqSCkxumKgyPjxPLhcwJ7HcXQ1jVJscTB7CPIaAgE8HC2EinhrfAp16I5i6qY4g4WzG7r6gn9sAuleGrSti6IWreI7xxoc-UQRq_jtKk8LqWREGW7d1H3FCpVAcBAcud-G9XfrwYQotAsRQ1xT170cV4n4tywTiEL5q/s793/wcw-clash-champions-3-brad-armstrong.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 Review - Brad Armstrong" border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="793" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8sYfxD9jQ7pgeC1g6zteMC6uFWqSCkxumKgyPjxPLhcwJ7HcXQ1jVJscTB7CPIaAgE8HC2EinhrfAp16I5i6qY4g4WzG7r6gn9sAuleGrSti6IWreI7xxoc-UQRq_jtKk8LqWREGW7d1H3FCpVAcBAcud-G9XfrwYQotAsRQ1xT170cV4n4tywTiEL5q/w400-h293/wcw-clash-champions-3-brad-armstrong.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 Review - Brad Armstrong" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Not only was he a tremendous wrestler, but here at Fall Brawl, he was incredibly popular.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the moment he scored an early near fall to the second the time limit expired, he and <b>Mike Rotunda</b> had the audience eating out of the palms of their hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>In between those moments, it was Rotunda who remained mostly in control. The champion attempted to wear down his opponent with one headlock after the next.</div><div><br /></div><div>If that sounds boring, believe me, it wasn’t.</div><div><br /></div><div>Combining Rotunda’s intensity with Armstrong’s exceptional ability to get the crowd behind him, what we got here was a captivating opening match that kicked off Clash 3 in fine fashion.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT5moLcH63ScX8228Ty9VuXZq-EEFjfvI7GCEiFLtn7nYJTxJDZuEX8DuJ013nP8JhXW9TUFYUedpzly_mk48aA6p4PQpenuJ8Xhz53AgMju0EOdx6caOSYCf6sdcNv43z0N5NwdNpoxMaNS-qMdq0ePGKf5XljVjUh3pxzIonUm-nZORPchzSyoA8Cwh/s825/wcw-clash-champions-3-armstrong-vs-rotunda-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III Review - Brad Armstrong vs. Mike Rotunda" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="825" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT5moLcH63ScX8228Ty9VuXZq-EEFjfvI7GCEiFLtn7nYJTxJDZuEX8DuJ013nP8JhXW9TUFYUedpzly_mk48aA6p4PQpenuJ8Xhz53AgMju0EOdx6caOSYCf6sdcNv43z0N5NwdNpoxMaNS-qMdq0ePGKf5XljVjUh3pxzIonUm-nZORPchzSyoA8Cwh/w400-h291/wcw-clash-champions-3-armstrong-vs-rotunda-2.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III Review - Brad Armstrong vs. Mike Rotunda" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As the time ran down, a desperate Rotunda tried over and over again to put his adversary away, his every attempt thwarted by an equally desperate kick out from Armstrong that whooped the crowd into a frenzy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, the bell rang and the whole thing was over, but man would I have liked to see more of that. </div><div><b><i>Time-Limit Draw (Mike Rotunda retains)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Armstrong was helped to his feet by <b>Dr. Death Steve Williams</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Williams had appeared halfway through the match to deter <b>Kevin Sullivan</b> from interfering on Rotunda’s behalf. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ric Flair is Ready for Lex Luger</h3><div>Back in the upper part of the arena, Tony Schiavone and Ric Flair discussed the previous match before turning their attention to the scheduled Flair/Luger title fight. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Nature Boy heaped praise on his challenger, going so far as to claim that The Total Package had the second best skill set in the NWA.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flair, of course, had the first best, and he made sure to remind Luger of that fact as their hotly anticipated match drew ever closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, Ross and Caudle took us back to a September '88 TV taping where Kevin Sullivan had attacked <b>Gorgeous Jimmy Garvin</b> outside the ring and injured him by slamming blocks on him.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SiI7kfV4mMU?si=G7UM3d8KW0nIzkkh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><div>Fighting outside the ring was a big no-no in the NWA back in those days, so this was serious stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not serious enough, apparently, to have any kind of immediate follow-up tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we went straight from that recap to this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nikita Koloff & Dr. Death Steve Williams vs. The Sheepherders (Luke Williams & Butch Miller w/ Rip Morgan)</h3><div>There was nothing classy or flashy about this one, just four tough dudes having a good ol’ scrap.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESMvhJqWiKMd4LZn5utyw8M9wAuiThzlkJ8pqsVUV8YVM0JNgf_hJGPIeJaQRsqTjJxq8FIWWeMxo0HPa9Cl3wVR_zTrFDJGGPraNuY4SYOYrykwaBs_dzPNtEf-qc0xdfJLIOZT9I0nlP0xEwdlmeGZtT8vuJt951z6MfsV-qSmYfmlOvRooE1_WqyCv/s842/wcw-clash-champions-3-furnass-kroffat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - The Sheepherders" border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="842" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESMvhJqWiKMd4LZn5utyw8M9wAuiThzlkJ8pqsVUV8YVM0JNgf_hJGPIeJaQRsqTjJxq8FIWWeMxo0HPa9Cl3wVR_zTrFDJGGPraNuY4SYOYrykwaBs_dzPNtEf-qc0xdfJLIOZT9I0nlP0xEwdlmeGZtT8vuJt951z6MfsV-qSmYfmlOvRooE1_WqyCv/w400-h274/wcw-clash-champions-3-furnass-kroffat.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - The Sheepherders" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The lively crowd and the animated play-by-play from the announcers made this otherwise inconsequential match seem bigger and better than it actually was, but that’s not to say it wasn’t good in its own right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turning out to be far more entertaining than you might imagine, this wild tag team match ended with a win for the good guys thanks to <b>Nikita Koloff</b>’s Russian Sickle.</div><div><i><b>Your Winners: Nikita Koloff & Steve Williams </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Up next, this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Grudge Match<br />Dusty Rhodes vs. The Games Master Kevin Sullivan (w/ Gary Hart)</h3><div>I’ve seen very few matches that have made me say “Wait, what?” more than this one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFYD2bj9ZBJR5HnBk8rsLvPIgfpXmXs3y4vr5j6gDIcb-y-OmtRKckh5pHxFF0DrNKq4QkZs1JqYZ-Gf4lYLM3pJtf5kvh9sfNyJyjPBaPyAmPbZDikOf6_KGWczTagvVqRpxc9XT5L8oS-1gb9r4QUOmMWWBuoLsH-dg3LXYa30a1K-u8LT02eUA-xdc/s784/wcw-clash-champions-3-sullivan-rhodes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - Kevin Sullivan vs. Dusty Rhodes" border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="784" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFYD2bj9ZBJR5HnBk8rsLvPIgfpXmXs3y4vr5j6gDIcb-y-OmtRKckh5pHxFF0DrNKq4QkZs1JqYZ-Gf4lYLM3pJtf5kvh9sfNyJyjPBaPyAmPbZDikOf6_KGWczTagvVqRpxc9XT5L8oS-1gb9r4QUOmMWWBuoLsH-dg3LXYa30a1K-u8LT02eUA-xdc/w400-h319/wcw-clash-champions-3-sullivan-rhodes.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - Kevin Sullivan vs. Dusty Rhodes" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>First:</div><div><br /><i>“Wait, what? Sullivan was Rotunda’s manager, but he himself was managed by Gary Hart?”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Second, after some enjoyable brawling, Hart got a spike into the ring, only for <b>Dusty Rhodes</b> to get hold of it and clock Sullivan with it right in front of the official.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Wait, what? This match is No DQ? Shouldn’t that have been made clear to the audience?”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>If it wasn’t No DQ, that must mean that referee Johnny Young was clearly out of Fs to give as he stood there and watched <b>Al Perez</b> attack Rhodes with a chain.</div><div><br /></div><div>He continued to stand there as Perez and Sullivan attacked Dusty inside the ring, so it had to be No DQ, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Either that or everyone was just making the rules up on the fly because the next thing you knew, Dusty Rhodes was rolling up Gary Hart for the three count.</div><div><br /></div><div>No, that’s not a typo. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dusty Rhodes beat Kevin Sullivan in a singles match by pinning Sullivan’s manager Gary Hart.</div><div><br /></div><div>That would have been a strong match if it wasn’t so laden with rampant WTFerry.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Dusty Rhodes</i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtIOpzZS1YSju_HYHK2TovQVcReGRCpMO4rI-jerUVV3MpJsVVMBjuykMErO6yJGNVnPaXMJxslqQoc9-fjlNkFJHB_QWUYdvXNu50LLDTmyi24Paqaw6fzXM5I8Ym159dZh7PwTC7V5keWOWQSMTmKzt4cclo-HPnEfriN9zcwvHjoJfIJR2fXMInyU9/s845/wcw-clash-champions-3-rhodes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 Review - Dusty Rhodes sits in the crowd" border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="845" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtIOpzZS1YSju_HYHK2TovQVcReGRCpMO4rI-jerUVV3MpJsVVMBjuykMErO6yJGNVnPaXMJxslqQoc9-fjlNkFJHB_QWUYdvXNu50LLDTmyi24Paqaw6fzXM5I8Ym159dZh7PwTC7V5keWOWQSMTmKzt4cclo-HPnEfriN9zcwvHjoJfIJR2fXMInyU9/w400-h294/wcw-clash-champions-3-rhodes.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 Review - Dusty Rhodes sits in the crowd" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Post-match, Dusty took a seat among the fans, who were so delighted that their hero had won that they didn’t even bother to turn to him and ask:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Wait, what?”</i></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">John Ayers: Special Guest Official</h3><div>From The Taskmaster to The Tache Masters, we returned from a commercial break to find Tony Schiavone and Ric Flair with former NFL player <a href="https://www.kidsinc.org/johnayers" target="_blank">John Ayers</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9gMYrHjc1NmBu4XJBjfPN32EtcYA1tKVtKgcrH9MJcXicPuCWou3v46F2YQyIYlYLCjdIDpijRyjN-afPTMhHqvbkSZdew6XPuOBjfcaFji-TrbaFzycvUDGFh-2d7WtzHLvKdUaTxr4yf2URDQ0FlzSEsHmemcST103jxOhPNIkIL7LX1bKAgcu050g/s797/wcw-clash-champions-3-john-ayers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 Review - Tony Schiavone & Ric Flair interview John Ayers" border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="797" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9gMYrHjc1NmBu4XJBjfPN32EtcYA1tKVtKgcrH9MJcXicPuCWou3v46F2YQyIYlYLCjdIDpijRyjN-afPTMhHqvbkSZdew6XPuOBjfcaFji-TrbaFzycvUDGFh-2d7WtzHLvKdUaTxr4yf2URDQ0FlzSEsHmemcST103jxOhPNIkIL7LX1bKAgcu050g/w400-h286/wcw-clash-champions-3-john-ayers.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 Review - Tony Schiavone & Ric Flair interview John Ayers" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Ayers had been given the role of special guest referee for the upcoming Luger/Flair match and was here to talk about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The football star appeared to know nothing about wrestling or, apparently, how to give an interview.</div><div><br /></div><div>At one point, Ayers gave up altogether on trying to make any sense and just started spouting off as many wrestling words as he could remember in a completely random order.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was hilariously bad. </div><div><br /></div><div>I mean so hilariously bad that I watched it three times. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, Flair was there to save the day, cutting off Big John to ask a very good question:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“What qualifies you to referee a world title wrestling match?”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Ayers replied that he knew <i>“something”</i> about wrestling and was going to be impartial. That’s all he had to say.</div><div><br /></div><div>My goodness, this was car wreck levels of horrible. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Russian Chain Match<br />Ivan Koloff (w/ Paul Jones and The Russian Assasin) vs. Ricky Morton</h3><div>The ring announcer declared this to be a “Russian Chainsaw” match. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelYEzq968ZobQxdtswkKXveB4168z_28kyjPU3MOh45zhzz_4iNXQXqktNZqr88uRGI44gWZ4OCaaULnzGsrMbFVDlIiOzlcxoILhSdjTj9z8437ZV7Mef5Oq7ZlErlYwvTP5mPYBHGTRS0BLRqTKjFfPxF5DRA-nNDkFEuh0Xj_zX4lgK8Uq1Sol32id/s716/wcw-clash-champions-3-kollof-assasin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl review - Ivan Koloff & The Russian Assasin" border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="716" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelYEzq968ZobQxdtswkKXveB4168z_28kyjPU3MOh45zhzz_4iNXQXqktNZqr88uRGI44gWZ4OCaaULnzGsrMbFVDlIiOzlcxoILhSdjTj9z8437ZV7Mef5Oq7ZlErlYwvTP5mPYBHGTRS0BLRqTKjFfPxF5DRA-nNDkFEuh0Xj_zX4lgK8Uq1Sol32id/w400-h325/wcw-clash-champions-3-kollof-assasin.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl review - Ivan Koloff & The Russian Assasin" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Fortunately, no power tools were involved here, just a super popular babyface (<b>Ricky Morton</b>) and an intensely reviled heel (<b>Ivan Koloff</b>) dragging one another around the ring to touch all four corners.</div><div><br /></div><div>The result was a match void of much actual wrestling. Instead of trading holds and counterholds, the two took turns to whack, choke, and generally batter one another with the chain.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd, of course, lapped it all up with glee. Whether he was in charge or on the defensive, Morton’s every step was greeted by a shrieking chorus of schoolgirl screams as if he alone were the second coming of The Beatles.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was especially true at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Morton had hit the first three corners and just needed a fourth to win. Koloff held on for dear life, his manager Paul Jones trying to save his man by having him grab Jones’ riding crop so that Jones could basically anchor his man in place.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguxnVlkM0RMcif4ojRLoeFexwNo0wFEGUxdfkiXY_8zWtSpH57yyFPv0yQdakDWZSkzDD7A600H2RvSWJQWhzIuDItVOPYKtJEC-k44pc0s78m6AP83TsdN303lMaLhbpStIjdhvnV7QwccxlCAmrDQIh1YN4MgWgV0oRxlhcppGdJ-j7mhMMv6auFzgu/s823/wcw-clash-champions-3-morton-choke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - Ricky Morton vs. Ivan Koloff" border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="823" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguxnVlkM0RMcif4ojRLoeFexwNo0wFEGUxdfkiXY_8zWtSpH57yyFPv0yQdakDWZSkzDD7A600H2RvSWJQWhzIuDItVOPYKtJEC-k44pc0s78m6AP83TsdN303lMaLhbpStIjdhvnV7QwccxlCAmrDQIh1YN4MgWgV0oRxlhcppGdJ-j7mhMMv6auFzgu/w400-h313/wcw-clash-champions-3-morton-choke.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - Ricky Morton vs. Ivan Koloff" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>At first, it seemed the strategy was going to pay off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, Koloff let go, and momentum sent Morton crashing into the fourth corner to win the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was far from the best match on the card, but as with everything we’d seen so far tonight, the unbridled energy from the audience really made it feel that much more special.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Ricky Morton</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The post-match shenanigans saw Koloff and Jones get into an argument. Koloff was then attacked by Jones, <b>The Russian Assassin</b>, and a second <b>Russian Assassin</b>, making this the first time we’d seen two Assassins together.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">More from John Ayers</h3><div>Prior to the main event, it was deemed necessary to give John Ayers more mic time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6wNcK9x6OcE71vFnFjm6ZjtFcbU59Diu7unzl2OZ4-kK-oq96atelYUKr1M-N-_Ep8VdirgUynpF-D1BlodCdGjiD12JFkAXIEDgEy9xGrtBmD1lZlOBApPENoiwUj3nfR646avZ6xDAgkgBX-QPlYYAjpfywPm-DE-c0kmOS7k8WvfrHcMaGhb4o49L/s834/wcw-clash-champions-3-ross-ayers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - Jim Ross interviews John Ayers" border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="834" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6wNcK9x6OcE71vFnFjm6ZjtFcbU59Diu7unzl2OZ4-kK-oq96atelYUKr1M-N-_Ep8VdirgUynpF-D1BlodCdGjiD12JFkAXIEDgEy9xGrtBmD1lZlOBApPENoiwUj3nfR646avZ6xDAgkgBX-QPlYYAjpfywPm-DE-c0kmOS7k8WvfrHcMaGhb4o49L/w400-h283/wcw-clash-champions-3-ross-ayers.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions III - Fall Brawl - Jim Ross interviews John Ayers" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Interviewed by Jim Ross, Ayers bombed even harder than he had earlier.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance United States Heavyweight Championship <br />NWA US Heavyweight Champion Barry Windham (w/ James J Dillon) vs. Sting</h3><div>Unsurprisingly, this was a heated main event with solid action from start to finish.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoSCi_VRNnbQ38ULnBPLfugHSghs5yFHRqK7kTCaoZTzhUqjmFXNUU_VCzY5SVmfG_lkt9u6gQxnoaQ9TyI9wMx71Y_qY2CgfCjvu9hRg07cVu7Z7LvyNwH9zMSSR7QUsbxL29YSNOSFbfx27ehSCzRkDSrBcmlPDr2homgKdxb0BZOOMLptx9IjjEJpp/s783/wcw-clash-champions-3-sting-windham.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 - Sting vs. Barry Windham" border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="783" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoSCi_VRNnbQ38ULnBPLfugHSghs5yFHRqK7kTCaoZTzhUqjmFXNUU_VCzY5SVmfG_lkt9u6gQxnoaQ9TyI9wMx71Y_qY2CgfCjvu9hRg07cVu7Z7LvyNwH9zMSSR7QUsbxL29YSNOSFbfx27ehSCzRkDSrBcmlPDr2homgKdxb0BZOOMLptx9IjjEJpp/w400-h299/wcw-clash-champions-3-sting-windham.jpg" title="NWA Clash of the Champions 3 - Sting vs. Barry Windham" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The two traded holds on the mat, brawled outside the ring, and generally did everything they could to secure victory, yet no matter what they tried, it seemed Sting and Windham were too evenly matched for either man to gain a clear advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>The referee took a bump towards the end of the match, giving. JJ Dillon a chance to sneak into the ring with a chair in hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>His dastardly plan was thwarted by Sting…</div><div><br /></div><div>Or was it?</div><div><br /></div><div>With his manager distracting Sting, Windham grabbed the chair and clocked his opponent with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>A groggy referee made the count, yet before he could seal Sting’s fate, John Ayers got involved.</div><div><br /></div><div>The San Francisco 49ers star broke up the cover and informed the official of the chair shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>The referee called for the bell, and that was that.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner Via DQ: Sting (Barry Windham retains)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Sting and Ayers celebrated in the ring while Jim Ross and Bob Caudle signed off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Clash of the Champions III ended with a compelling Flair promo in which Nature Boy issued a stark warning to John Ayers and Lex Luger ahead of the upcoming title fight.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RYwdb7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade - Vol 1 on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcDhHrtwgEcgHQ398SdcR1fpQZ2l0uvR0V8a21w5SDFViNG-1AQRWWDppHwizbcs3zdge1CfJevYkuDX-Sc4oMpBp37qUkaLvFo2AVHNGBBidUkdwZnuKwh2PQnXnEBCBKez380ZuB0tk78zSUNqC1PHb4CRTFdtNCVzUhkqepmd54B4Qu3Nnq8rUqHEt/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade - Vol 1 on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>The third NWA Clash of the Champions show was a great watch from start to finish.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Though there may not have been many matches that stood out as all-time greats, almost every bout delivered in its own right. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Only Dusty’s overbooking in his match with Kevin Sullivan dragging things down a notch or two, but I’m willing to overlook that nonsense to declare this one of the best Clash shows in the event’s nine-plus-year history. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks for reading. Until next time, here's some more stuff you might like:</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>Other 1988 Reviews:</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/04/event-review-nwa-clash-of-champions-1.html" target="_blank">NWA Clash of the Champions 1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/event-review-wwf-wwe-royal-rumble-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/01/ppv-review-nwa-bunkhouse-stampede-1988.html" target="_blank">NWA Bunkhouse Stampede 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/02/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-4.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 4</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/01/ppv-review-nwa-great-american-bash-1988.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/04/event-review-nwa-great-american-bash.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1988 - Greensboro</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/06/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/04/ppv-review-wcw-nwa-starrcade-1988-true.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade '88 - True Gritt</a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>Other Clash of the Champions reviews</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/04/event-review-nwa-clash-of-champions-1.html" target="_blank">NWA Clash of the Champions I</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-nwa-clash-of-champions-ii.html" target="_blank">NWA Clash of the Champions II: Miami Mayhem</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-x.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XI - Costal Crush</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XII - Fall Brawl '90: Mountain Madness</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIII - Thanksgiving Thunder</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/02/event-review-clash-of-champions-xiv.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIV - Dixie Dynamite</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/05/event-review-clash-of-champions-xv.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XV - Knocksville, USA!</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xvi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVI - Fall Brawl '91</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/10/event-review-clash-of-champions-xvii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xix.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xx.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xxi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XXI</a></li></ul></div></div><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div><div><br /></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-8682256019559599652024-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:002024-02-09T09:08:25.777-08:00NWA - TNA Weekly PPV #5 Review (07/17/2002)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtZdhc4-OUoBsObAE9fe-qiBAkPyofNL-kUqpwjXIsIDpVHyEkYfCJCZJJHiSEtDy3ctSkG6cDDDSUTRFARpliRyJfCS_N3Oswxuh-kmE-ZqnmrBQrUBugfWZXq_NdFURmJwLSGzDNq1Q6Fgq02yZBJK06XCPSIwkGrU-M7xEoiYIuGP6Ybzz9ZGPNgcc/s824/NWA%20TNA%20WEEKLY%20PPV%20EPISODE%205-%20July%2017%202002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA - TNA Weekly PPV #5 Review (07/17/2002)" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="824" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtZdhc4-OUoBsObAE9fe-qiBAkPyofNL-kUqpwjXIsIDpVHyEkYfCJCZJJHiSEtDy3ctSkG6cDDDSUTRFARpliRyJfCS_N3Oswxuh-kmE-ZqnmrBQrUBugfWZXq_NdFURmJwLSGzDNq1Q6Fgq02yZBJK06XCPSIwkGrU-M7xEoiYIuGP6Ybzz9ZGPNgcc/w400-h354/NWA%20TNA%20WEEKLY%20PPV%20EPISODE%205-%20July%2017%202002.png" title="NWA - TNA Weekly PPV #5 Review (07/17/2002)" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i>July 17, 2002</i></b></div><div><b><i>Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee</i></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>By the time Episode 5 of NWA-TNA's weekly Pay Per View shows rolled around, it was clear that this unique business model wasn't generating the kind of income the company was hoping for. </b></div><div><br />As a result, this would be the last weekly PPV to emanate live from Nashville's Municipal Auditorium. The following week, the company would move to the smaller -and cheaper- Nashville Fairgrounds, officially kicking off the Asylum Years. </div><div><br /></div><div>22 years later, this will also be the last TNA weekly PPV review I write for a while. Not because I don't enjoy the shows, but because only the first five episodes are free on YouTube and you guys don't buy enough of <a href="https://amzn.to/3UqWPEi" target="_blank">my pro wrestling books</a> to help me pay for a subscription to TNA's streaming service. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I'm not bitter about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>How could I be where there's AJ Styles versus Low Ki, an appearance from an ECW legend, and a PO'd Ken Shamrock to look forward to?</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to do this? </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ToDY5XU8neI?si=C2Cl2rnOdM5nSiRy" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's get to it.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ken Shamrock is Angry</h3><div>We started this week’s show with a recap of <b>Jeff Jarrett</b> going loco and destroying everything and everyone -including world champion <b>Ken Shamrock</b>- with a steel chair.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7HdANS-FfJjPdklgpoe2UOl7Pc_dFlzncG_G7LrLtFb7AG3c8XgeWJtliYmilEsmJ62XP3P6lQ7awkK9wIxEI43BgwsK3dOQTAMyfGi26Z_lshmVyFmoXPowyzq3HyxzqePQvrsB-LhHy_vaXY_eBfRGsqynI5wmpROtE-vaq4FQyLIakgPMxUdNQcJ4/s1136/tna-weekly-ppv-episode-5-shamrock-goldylocks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - Ken Shamrock gets angry with Goldylocks" border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1136" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7HdANS-FfJjPdklgpoe2UOl7Pc_dFlzncG_G7LrLtFb7AG3c8XgeWJtliYmilEsmJ62XP3P6lQ7awkK9wIxEI43BgwsK3dOQTAMyfGi26Z_lshmVyFmoXPowyzq3HyxzqePQvrsB-LhHy_vaXY_eBfRGsqynI5wmpROtE-vaq4FQyLIakgPMxUdNQcJ4/w400-h228/tna-weekly-ppv-episode-5-shamrock-goldylocks.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - Ken Shamrock gets angry with Goldylocks" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you recall, Jarrett was throwing a tantrum because he’d been denied a title shot on the quite reasonable grounds that he hadn’t done anything to earn one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cut to a rainy day out in some kind of park where Goldylocks chased down Shamrock for an interview.</div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>BACK OFF, BITCH!</i>” He snapped when she finally caught up with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unless Shamrock was enthusiastically telling her about his favorite Guns ‘n’ Roses song, that was just unnecessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Getting so close into Goldylock’s face that she could no doubt smell what he had for lunch, the champion admitted to being annoyed about getting whacked by Jarrett and stormed off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Goldylocks shrugged, and that was that.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to TNA Weekly PPV #5! </h3><div>From there, we went into our standard intro with pyro, crowd shots, and a greeeting from the venerable <b>Mike Tenay</b>, who was joined as usual by <b>Ed Ferrera</b> and <b>Don West</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHvYZ9Ul-btZlLfUPhKQIbRLapdw95kM_KGfz4c6Y-EhXEnyKQhVLr3QSNEmA90dDdUEXjm9sbkbzdZI127FNJHtkl9jy1Y2_8e-Umz06QgKu1tmcsYVz9NUMZW5hpnIpxx9tQ3XtWlCYQuZu504jqhYVnVWCJpTIUwaC-4DA2djp5dIFFFBXUN7bR3Ht/s858/tna-weekly-ppv-5-announcers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - Don West, Mike Tenay, and Ed Ferrera" border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="858" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHvYZ9Ul-btZlLfUPhKQIbRLapdw95kM_KGfz4c6Y-EhXEnyKQhVLr3QSNEmA90dDdUEXjm9sbkbzdZI127FNJHtkl9jy1Y2_8e-Umz06QgKu1tmcsYVz9NUMZW5hpnIpxx9tQ3XtWlCYQuZu504jqhYVnVWCJpTIUwaC-4DA2djp5dIFFFBXUN7bR3Ht/w400-h206/tna-weekly-ppv-5-announcers.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - Don West, Mike Tenay, and Ed Ferrera" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Before we could see any of those guys on screen, however, Tenay informed us of a ruckus going on in the back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, there was Jarrett and his other arch-enemy, <b>Scott Hall</b>, brawling away.</div><div><br /></div><div>A gaggle of security guards (including one of the Harris Brothers) eventually broke up the scrap and dragged Jarrett outside the building.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was unfortunate for The Chosen One, especially as he was supposed to face Malice in a number one contender’s match that had been set to open the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the commotion over, we went back to the ringside announcer table, where Mike Tenay referred to Don West as “<i>The Zoot Suit Daddy</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div>That was weird.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Malice is Still Ready for a Fight</h3><div>Tenay, West, and Ferrara had barely finished telling us that Jarrett had forfeited his match with Malice when the big man himself arrived, accompanied, as ever, by <b>Father James Mitchell</b> and <b>The Disciples of the New Church</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmPuWrdtjiBsDwQ3nylOK89xjZSXOe5iapgsm4g3ppP0B6tQdaX1wEcOiEobBP9oX0UIowh-d5vOevd09JF9XHkCK46CtecnnCHI2nGvtZRwN8r2KA6guMQHqv9EOdgwGK1LGYdfHcpMEkME-ThCBybIZBjk_Vbgt_okYC2T3HekIyrGWGsPSbV6LHxcb/s870/tna-weekly-ppv-5-james-mitchell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #5 - July 17, 2022 - Father James Mitchell" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="870" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmPuWrdtjiBsDwQ3nylOK89xjZSXOe5iapgsm4g3ppP0B6tQdaX1wEcOiEobBP9oX0UIowh-d5vOevd09JF9XHkCK46CtecnnCHI2nGvtZRwN8r2KA6guMQHqv9EOdgwGK1LGYdfHcpMEkME-ThCBybIZBjk_Vbgt_okYC2T3HekIyrGWGsPSbV6LHxcb/w400-h217/tna-weekly-ppv-5-james-mitchell.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #5 - July 17, 2022 - Father James Mitchell" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Taking to the microphone, Mitchell declared that <b>Malice</b> was still ready to “<i>wash his hands in the crimson life essence of another victim,</i>” which was an over-dramatic way of saying he still wanted to compete.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mitchell was just about to declare that nobody would be brave enough to step into the ring when the whole arena went dark.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the lights came back on, there was none other than the homicidal, genocidal, suicidal maniac himself, <b>Sabu</b>.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ladder Match <br />Malice vs. Sabu </h3><div><b>The winner earns a shot at the world title</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As the announcers practically creamed themselves over his arrival, the former ECW launched straight into Malice, kicking off a match that exceeded all expectations.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApfY8qlC5hXw74vaEOaeIBF_iGF_Z1mxnxsN56CO6r_VxjIHBoiIQnsPgSPOUzhOiE4cnBy4KZCIUXOsD2a0TVEw6_9L15t80in5CKQcNtBNsBmYupXcqY-OJwKSVfBXblcsphBqIANBwIIEV_ZZZv7XNiNsEPMB1Pj0HLTsl1V2e-QTr_kHyzR2JzfWF/s862/tna-weekly-ppv-5-sabu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #5 - July 17, 2022 - Sabu vs. Malice" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="862" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApfY8qlC5hXw74vaEOaeIBF_iGF_Z1mxnxsN56CO6r_VxjIHBoiIQnsPgSPOUzhOiE4cnBy4KZCIUXOsD2a0TVEw6_9L15t80in5CKQcNtBNsBmYupXcqY-OJwKSVfBXblcsphBqIANBwIIEV_ZZZv7XNiNsEPMB1Pj0HLTsl1V2e-QTr_kHyzR2JzfWF/w400-h220/tna-weekly-ppv-5-sabu.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #5 - July 17, 2022 - Sabu vs. Malice" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>While this may not have been the most memorable ladder match of all time, it was certainly damn fun to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sabu threw out all of his greatest hits while Malice relied on his size and strength in what must surely have been the best match of his sadly short career.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsIDcqPMwQwKTeZ3LXwXQLMqMZSf03O0u6U6PHn7EmbT_WHhpKKngzmmO8SEvka9vntIQBxS__SYL4dD8unAldwMj8CgeICB4EwsQ4rI87jqCWpughEeOVyRCVXxRYlx1QonaTydzQF3_FQUvE-PvwzWfPY4Lk9LznjgWylwoPGmsGCESDMU25Isyn28-/s855/tna-weekly-ppv-5-malice-sabu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 - 07/17/22 - Malice drops Sabu on a ladder" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="855" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsIDcqPMwQwKTeZ3LXwXQLMqMZSf03O0u6U6PHn7EmbT_WHhpKKngzmmO8SEvka9vntIQBxS__SYL4dD8unAldwMj8CgeICB4EwsQ4rI87jqCWpughEeOVyRCVXxRYlx1QonaTydzQF3_FQUvE-PvwzWfPY4Lk9LznjgWylwoPGmsGCESDMU25Isyn28-/w400-h223/tna-weekly-ppv-5-malice-sabu.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 - 07/17/22 - Malice drops Sabu on a ladder" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The longer it went on, the more engrossing this match became until Sabu pushed his opponent off the top of the ladder, sending the giant Malice crashing over the ropes and through a table on the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the Disciples of the New Church went into panic mode on the outside, Sabu climbed the ladder, retrieved the contract, and earned himself a shot at Ken Shamrock’s world title on next week’s show.</div><div><i><b>Your Winner: Sabu</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Man, I enjoyed the heck out of that match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sabu, however, probably didn’t.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLS3R2Mz5pTr5JPZuPiM0f2EfVBhflJShXdEFyN1G4dqb1wkls0H207MzfaF2groPYrx-RDwnymAZUJ7Vv6WDV8e0Vzr1TsU_99yXVdh_z3H9Mw_hZYVMn316lGWMKB_xxi2HLkjw4C4nSHAr1Jd1zKyk6ElQKrboxCVtv6Qvclh4NDqtu28ARNy2SG5h/s873/tna-weekly-ppv-5-disciples-of-the-new-church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 - 07/17/22 - The Disciples of The New Church surround Sabu" border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="873" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLS3R2Mz5pTr5JPZuPiM0f2EfVBhflJShXdEFyN1G4dqb1wkls0H207MzfaF2groPYrx-RDwnymAZUJ7Vv6WDV8e0Vzr1TsU_99yXVdh_z3H9Mw_hZYVMn316lGWMKB_xxi2HLkjw4C4nSHAr1Jd1zKyk6ElQKrboxCVtv6Qvclh4NDqtu28ARNy2SG5h/w400-h221/tna-weekly-ppv-5-disciples-of-the-new-church.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 - 07/17/22 - The Disciples of The New Church surround Sabu" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>No sooner had he disembarked from the ladder than <b>Tempest</b> and <b>Slash</b> attacked him, setting him up for a brutal finale in which Malice chokeslammed the ECW legend off the apron through a table.</div><div><br /></div><div>True to Father Mitchell’s word, this whole thing ended with Malice washing his hands in Sabu’s blood.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, outside the arena, rain poured down on Jeff Jarrett as the angry grappler was physically ejected from the arena by <b>Bill Brehens</b> and his security team.</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s funny, really, because the last time we saw Brehens he was hog-tied and beaten up in the back, but there was to be no mention of that tonight. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jerry Lynn Confronts AJ Styles</h3><div>As Sabu struggled to get to his feet, X division and tag team champion <b>AJ Styles</b> stormed to ringside to call out his tag team partner, <b>Jerry Lynn.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDJVEVKEHMHYECAOMCdaztSJJ759uo4HH9M8tad9zU4NpAJU9jHS4We-nohjmwySEuleU8VCQHKUkJViPqfWauezmbepTxd5ojLxk25OjqhwlkNxwYOp8GAnAE123G-A4DkhQSf7vp2g993O_P7fjHicxdRFSgHHCpXKSogVu9nEaz46AupSHk1ieSjJs/s822/tna-weekly-ppv-5-aj-styles-jerry-lynn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View Episode 5 - Jerry Lynn confronts AJ Styles" border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="822" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDJVEVKEHMHYECAOMCdaztSJJ759uo4HH9M8tad9zU4NpAJU9jHS4We-nohjmwySEuleU8VCQHKUkJViPqfWauezmbepTxd5ojLxk25OjqhwlkNxwYOp8GAnAE123G-A4DkhQSf7vp2g993O_P7fjHicxdRFSgHHCpXKSogVu9nEaz46AupSHk1ieSjJs/w400-h240/tna-weekly-ppv-5-aj-styles-jerry-lynn.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View Episode 5 - Jerry Lynn confronts AJ Styles" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Lynn had attacked AJ on last week’s show after the younger star had proven himself to be a bit of a glory hog in their first title defense together, and now Styles wanted answers.</div><div><br /></div><div>And my goodness, did he get them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lynn arrived on the scene moments later, reminding his partner that while he (Lynn) was an established 14-year veteran, Styles was still, by all accounts, something of a rookie. </div><div><br /></div><div>The more senior member of their team went on to tell his partner that he deserved the beating he got last week as he essentially stole the match-winning fall from Lynn in a blatant show of disrespect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jerry had thus far been positioned as the heel in this story, even though he made valid points.</div><div><br /></div><div>AJ Styles really had been a glory hound and probably deserved a talking-to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the X champion didn’t see it that way. He promptly attacked his own partner and took him out with a Styles Clash in a moment Mike Tenay described as “<i>uncharacteristic</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div>The plot thickens.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Francine Attacks</h3><div>Out in the back, <b>Goldilocks </b>reminded us that former porn star <b>Jasmine St. Claire</b> had shown up on last week’s show to give <b>Jeremy Borash</b> a strip tease.</div><div><br /></div><div>It hadn’t been a great segment, but it did give us the tremendous moment when Ed Ferrara spear-tackled Bill Brehens to stop him from putting an end to things.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said in my last review, it was probably the best thing Ferrera ever did in pro wrestling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this week, Goldilocks (who for some reason I keep wanting to call “Lauren”) attempted to interview St. Claire, but the adult actress was immediately attacked and thrown into the shower by Francine.</div><div><br /></div><div>There’d be more from these two ladies later, but first, this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">K-Krush is a Star</h3><div><b>K-Krush </b>hit the ring and grabbed a microphone to vent his frustrations in a killer promo delivered with conviction and believability.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRk3CI7X0PJ8zcAjnYRri5bpDxNYPXOl3Bb6Ik877R0tl65Dh-UhG6XWJj9kSeS3hGBVCz3fEq14vQiE6HMhUQOYCXngKJBS0Isas98NLvJX7n8Q5dHBUIesd9JraXqQyMJqu7vfWCtfdPJvqwqx5Du9mtQL1o_zxopCmudGXE_kNK603ytKFX3C8m1d6/s818/tna-weekly-ppv-5-krush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View Episode 5 - K-Krush is Angry" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="818" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRk3CI7X0PJ8zcAjnYRri5bpDxNYPXOl3Bb6Ik877R0tl65Dh-UhG6XWJj9kSeS3hGBVCz3fEq14vQiE6HMhUQOYCXngKJBS0Isas98NLvJX7n8Q5dHBUIesd9JraXqQyMJqu7vfWCtfdPJvqwqx5Du9mtQL1o_zxopCmudGXE_kNK603ytKFX3C8m1d6/w400-h228/tna-weekly-ppv-5-krush.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View Episode 5 - K-Krush is Angry" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The man now regarded today as something of a national treasure was pissed at being dropped by WWE and then coming to TNA, only to find himself stuck in a feud with a NASCAR driver.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, he knew why that was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everybody was afraid of him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone was afraid of his natural-born star appeal and knew that if they didn’t hold him down, they’d have to acknowledge how great he was and promote him.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that, according to Krush, stopped now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Referring to himself as “The Truth,” the irate grappler insisted he was done playing.</div><div><br /></div><div>He was done being treated like a second-class citizen.</div><div><br /></div><div>He was done being held back.</div><div><br /></div><div>His star would not be denied, and he would prove himself worthy of more.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">K-Krush vs. Norman Smiley </h3><div>It seems a shame that Krush cut such a stellar promo about asserting his dominance in TNA only to be saddled with a match against an opponent you knew had no chance of winning the moment he arrived.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggveXzmwDOgDxYWkTdn9zalestQtQ3f2ub48fnc8Up_DNCEyaSX1MfDdauuOdLqubLSbFR2iK95bcnC3ojgEIz_wycPzlGvnMEfLNfrxo4mpMI9iXGpEnK-Q2_xMKUJlnWuqWtALDHvCIf-GT1qarxjZF4d5poxtIslcf-9w4PHSEsPmqOOc-AP8jTN69R/s861/tna-weekly-ppv-5-krush-norman-smiley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View - June 17 2002 - K-Krush vs. Norman Smiley" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="861" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggveXzmwDOgDxYWkTdn9zalestQtQ3f2ub48fnc8Up_DNCEyaSX1MfDdauuOdLqubLSbFR2iK95bcnC3ojgEIz_wycPzlGvnMEfLNfrxo4mpMI9iXGpEnK-Q2_xMKUJlnWuqWtALDHvCIf-GT1qarxjZF4d5poxtIslcf-9w4PHSEsPmqOOc-AP8jTN69R/w400-h215/tna-weekly-ppv-5-krush-norman-smiley.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View - June 17 2002 - K-Krush vs. Norman Smiley" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Don’t get me wrong, I take nothing away from <b>Norman Smiley</b>’s undeniable talent. He was always a joy to watch, and that was certainly the case here, but he posed no credible threat to K-Krush.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an enjoyable undercard match for sure, and Krush certainly looked more dominant and determined than he had in the last four weeks. Still, his inevitable victory wasn’t exactly indicative of main-event stardom.</div><div><br /></div><div>Great, so you beat Norman Smiley. </div><div><br /></div><div>No offense, but who hasn’t done that?</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: K-Krush </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Krush took off his belt, whooped Smiley with it, and then turned it into a noose that he used to hang the former WCW hardcore champion over the top rope.</div><div><br /></div><div>No wrestlers came to Smiley’s defense. Nor, at first, did any security guards.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB6jZz6wsHPExZfaMJR0smwRjAwt_V2kHL1QUvJ8KVN6q-057l38nGVEVUtIF8yokrkpUu2LV2ai2XswJxRbBfhIb7PUKZBJCkZp0x62x07-dlpm3ZECl-msuBpJHZlb9V6_BCVMn-EGvUQWbFCruQAWbspaB6D9pzbDOpgTvPb7-MCuh-JqciOd6iEtF/s856/tna-weekly-ppv-5-norman-smiley-wife.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View - June 17 2002 - K-Krush, Norman Smiley, and Norman Smiley's Wife" border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="856" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB6jZz6wsHPExZfaMJR0smwRjAwt_V2kHL1QUvJ8KVN6q-057l38nGVEVUtIF8yokrkpUu2LV2ai2XswJxRbBfhIb7PUKZBJCkZp0x62x07-dlpm3ZECl-msuBpJHZlb9V6_BCVMn-EGvUQWbFCruQAWbspaB6D9pzbDOpgTvPb7-MCuh-JqciOd6iEtF/w400-h223/tna-weekly-ppv-5-norman-smiley-wife.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View - June 17 2002 - K-Krush, Norman Smiley, and Norman Smiley's Wife" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Fortunately, Norman did have one person watching his back:</div><div><br /></div><div>His wife.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mrs. Smiley barged her way to ringside, saving the day until Krush turned his attention to her.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was enough to finally bring out security, ending this segment with a fierce-looking K-Krush staring coldly and viciously down the camera lens.</div><div><br /></div><div>That whole post-match segment did more to establish Krush as a viable threat than the match itself and hey, bonus, we now know what Norman Smiley's missus looks like.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Puppet Has P.M.S</h3><div>Out in the back, Goldilocks found Puppet The Psycho Dwarf hiding in a bin.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8gMG1q8gP5cIry-s1zloefUj9akxB70TiMVW2kqly3LA-TWNYCNoCRsvdg_nowoSXUPKC-1gK3hELxQqlA_wxiN7i-5nLlMSdDWLSc-APm2F0oU1L-S1Gu3KcEageYxKXCjS9WOg7v91lkJcGkLz-xVpwmuAYDkE12rJ_xCrRv4Nb27cUOId_vIZbJWD/s836/tna-weekly-ppv-5-norman-puppet-in-a-bin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View - June 17 2002 - Goldylocks interviews Puppet The Psycho Dwarf in a bin" border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="836" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8gMG1q8gP5cIry-s1zloefUj9akxB70TiMVW2kqly3LA-TWNYCNoCRsvdg_nowoSXUPKC-1gK3hELxQqlA_wxiN7i-5nLlMSdDWLSc-APm2F0oU1L-S1Gu3KcEageYxKXCjS9WOg7v91lkJcGkLz-xVpwmuAYDkE12rJ_xCrRv4Nb27cUOId_vIZbJWD/w400-h231/tna-weekly-ppv-5-norman-puppet-in-a-bin.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View - June 17 2002 - Goldylocks interviews Puppet The Psycho Dwarf in a bin" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>That might just be the single most ridiculous sentence I’ve ever written, which is why I love pro wrestling so much.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only in this world could I write a basic statement of fact and have it sound so utterly absurd.</div><div><br /></div><div>What was Puppet doing in that bin?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, he certainly wasn’t masturbating, that’s for sure. </div><div><br /></div><div>He made it very clear to Goldylocks that there was no monkey spanking going on, only a spot of meditation to help with his P.M.S., or <i>Pissed-off Midget Syndrome</i> if you prefer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The diminutive grappler also had some words of warning for his upcoming opponent, Meatball, that was apparently enough to make Goldylocks seriously consider quitting her job there on the spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>It didn’t help matters that she then ran into The Dupps, one of whom played with a lighter while the other humped his cousin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah. I’d probably quit after that too.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Flying Elvises (Siaki & Estrada) vs. ‘Prime Time’ Elix Skipper & ‘The Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels </h3><div>For the most part, this was a quality match that delivered the kind of high-flying excitement that set the X-Division apart from just about anything else in pro wrestling.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQi7ieJIZdKV5LVBGtmoV-kTzuEqEE-LGW6YvKfQiEkUSqF8Pbo8vGFmILpItfY_qSFT8LhSMuNjkShGdwE_SbXUnimR8GhK3L1whyphenhyphen7murfquzkabw8OhPQ71dmXhfMi-5HzgAzv0bw08EgB4H0uW4_7mH36oUa3BHiEjqUutn3cKDMxi_pU1TjrgXuKc/s844/tna-weekly-ppv-5-siaki-skipper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 Review - Sonny Siaki prepares to powerbomb Elix Skipper" border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="844" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQi7ieJIZdKV5LVBGtmoV-kTzuEqEE-LGW6YvKfQiEkUSqF8Pbo8vGFmILpItfY_qSFT8LhSMuNjkShGdwE_SbXUnimR8GhK3L1whyphenhyphen7murfquzkabw8OhPQ71dmXhfMi-5HzgAzv0bw08EgB4H0uW4_7mH36oUa3BHiEjqUutn3cKDMxi_pU1TjrgXuKc/w400-h229/tna-weekly-ppv-5-siaki-skipper.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 Review - Sonny Siaki prepares to powerbomb Elix Skipper" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Not that it was always easy to pay attention to.</div><div><br /></div><div>At various points, <b>Sonny Siaki</b> left his partner in the ring to join the commentary table where he dismissed <b>Jorge Estrada</b> as a “knucklehead,” and declared that he was the one carrying the team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Putting his money where his mouth was, Siaki scored the pin for his team by taking out <b>Elix Skipper</b> with a swinging neckbreaker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything leading up to that moment had been solid, even if Siaki’s excursions to the announce table were incredibly distracting.</div><div><br /></div><div>The funny part is that his antics weren’t even the weirdest part about this whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The weirdest part was Mike Tenay trying to sell us on how amazing it was that we could watch the same match as the announce team at the same time as if this was some radical new TNA concept.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: The Flying Elvises</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, The Dupps came down and began wailing on Estrada with a wooden plank.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, Siaki ditched his “knucklehead” partner and left him to fend for himself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, out by the stage, pint-sized grappler Teo was shown getting down with one of the cage dancers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQynm2wdMR3hHBLw9-mMvQMrPj8TJ1EPt4QKdIOYWdLgZhWJc0J9bPqX-n7Vc2Slfb5QQo3fcrkf_xavmefRuKWw4einzbPWceoRCoLAneCVzBEqE7aOcfJQOr1JpiARB8C2N6RlRnWHD8SlLFSLsOdLqdLoF8w9iH_RzM-jbsHMjUBwOmxknUiByZdJv/s873/tna-weekly-ppv-5-teo-dancer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 Review - Teo in a cage" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="873" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQynm2wdMR3hHBLw9-mMvQMrPj8TJ1EPt4QKdIOYWdLgZhWJc0J9bPqX-n7Vc2Slfb5QQo3fcrkf_xavmefRuKWw4einzbPWceoRCoLAneCVzBEqE7aOcfJQOr1JpiARB8C2N6RlRnWHD8SlLFSLsOdLqdLoF8w9iH_RzM-jbsHMjUBwOmxknUiByZdJv/w400-h198/tna-weekly-ppv-5-teo-dancer.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 Review - Teo in a cage" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Of course, my dear wife -who had been busy elsewhere for the past hour- chose this particular moment to walk into the room.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“What are you watching?” </i>She asked at the sight of the diminutive wrestler shaking it with the foxy brunette in the cage.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“It’s just wrestling,” </i>I answered honestly.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Mmhmm, sure it is.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I still don’t think she quite believed me.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Scott Hall Attacks K-Krush</h3><div>Out in the back, Goldylocks attempted an interview with K-Krush. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy42n-5tLAGOzFN1uRV4CT4TFbxx35cukoff_0kr7tOS7HU_6x65_vmlSYUTwwct0fqdCjgvTQmA6ROM5pRzLQTgOF0Rp92fr2m9l1rh24V7NrXHZCSSmEl9hyphenhyphenFFr_fqvhH6en8PkMkp3LJQz4f2143VZkwjOjSFHuccHUd5tUa2hutth34UhJ9JjlwIs/s845/tna-weekly-ppv-5-goldylocks-k-krush.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 Review - Goldylocks interviews K-Krush" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="845" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy42n-5tLAGOzFN1uRV4CT4TFbxx35cukoff_0kr7tOS7HU_6x65_vmlSYUTwwct0fqdCjgvTQmA6ROM5pRzLQTgOF0Rp92fr2m9l1rh24V7NrXHZCSSmEl9hyphenhyphenFFr_fqvhH6en8PkMkp3LJQz4f2143VZkwjOjSFHuccHUd5tUa2hutth34UhJ9JjlwIs/w400-h233/tna-weekly-ppv-5-goldylocks-k-krush.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 Review - Goldylocks interviews K-Krush" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Krush had barely finished calling her a bitch when Scott Hall attacked him, finally getting revenge on Krush for the beatdown he suffered a few weeks ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you’re keeping score, that was the second time Goldilocks had been called a bitch within the space of an hour.</div><div><br /></div><div>No wonder she wanted to quit her job.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hardcore Match<br />Meatball vs. Puppet The Psycho Dwarf</h3><div>Meatball was billed as The World’s Largest Midget on account of having a big ol’ booty and plenty of girth.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFsoktt6CxUP3FEELTBXcb3OGo0ln0vqPJMR2QOAmRxFKdVo1twsUwthcf6wsN7O-jTQdeabQh7HtMZExhzJ68M02YASNpmGMiMzSPTkbUnq3CJd8LJBO8eqmdYUWOghRTv3qTygP9oExGL0JAxA_3yRAA1lni00EtnuilMl-a8kPobn5yjnOZfgh9fVQ/s838/tna-weekly-ppv-5-meatball.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) - Meatball forages for food" border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="838" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFsoktt6CxUP3FEELTBXcb3OGo0ln0vqPJMR2QOAmRxFKdVo1twsUwthcf6wsN7O-jTQdeabQh7HtMZExhzJ68M02YASNpmGMiMzSPTkbUnq3CJd8LJBO8eqmdYUWOghRTv3qTygP9oExGL0JAxA_3yRAA1lni00EtnuilMl-a8kPobn5yjnOZfgh9fVQ/w400-h235/tna-weekly-ppv-5-meatball.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) - Meatball forages for food" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Naturally, then, he couldn’t even make it all the way down to the ring without stopping by a conveniently placed shopping cart to grab a bag of Cheetos.</div><div><br /></div><div>Get it? Because fat people can’t stop eating.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hilarious. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://giphy.com/embed/14smAwp2uHM3Di" width="480"></iframe><div><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/wwe-eye-roll-the-rock-14smAwp2uHM3Di" target="_blank">via GIPHY</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>If you’re wondering why the shopping cart was there in the first place, it’s because the only thing funnier than pudgy people is pudgy little people throwing food at each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently.</div><div><br /></div><div>That’s precisely what this one was all about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Part hardcore match, part midget food fight, the two battled up to the shopping cart and began pelting each other with cream pies, a bag of flour, and a watermelon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9pvUIjtsMsMLoLvruSdZy7rgH-EL3RQo39Sg_f9iASAufFt40jcxhZxGxcTQzD0He-6uyNmG6VVgyiQGyGc9BxZ7QX_CgrSsGqisx9yBNdsT_ApfynmgefEaoox9uHiXNPMD1n5LoBQ11gZ94pfpL4G2ZhwGeGHx7Jrbm22tEbPyIu9DVEDy-4FXlW6Y/s835/tna-weekly-ppv-5-meatball-puppet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) - Meatball vs. Puppet" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="835" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9pvUIjtsMsMLoLvruSdZy7rgH-EL3RQo39Sg_f9iASAufFt40jcxhZxGxcTQzD0He-6uyNmG6VVgyiQGyGc9BxZ7QX_CgrSsGqisx9yBNdsT_ApfynmgefEaoox9uHiXNPMD1n5LoBQ11gZ94pfpL4G2ZhwGeGHx7Jrbm22tEbPyIu9DVEDy-4FXlW6Y/w400-h226/tna-weekly-ppv-5-meatball-puppet.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) - Meatball vs. Puppet" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To be fair, the watermelon exploded beautifully, resulting in one of the match’s two highlights.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other, in case you’re wondering, was Meatball dropping a cartwheel elbow on his opponent in the middle of the entranceway.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that doesn’t sound all that great. I'm probably making this whole thing sound terrible, but it genuinely wasn’t that bad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the questionable silliness, Meatball and Puppet did at least scrap their hearts out to make the best of the hand dealt to them and some moments were genuinely entertaining.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unsurprisingly, Puppet kept up his TNA winning streak thanks to a chair-assisted Vader Bomb.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Puppet The Psycho Dwarf</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We followed Puppet as he made his exit, passing Teo and the dancer en route, and flashing a dirty look to the former.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unperturbed, the two continued dancing in the cage until Teo lost all sense of self-control and attacked the dancer, ripping off her shirt and leaving her in a bra.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ed Ferrera and Don West found that blatant sexual assault quite hilarious.</div><div><br /></div><div>Man, what a different time we used to live in.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jasmine St. Claire vs. Francine</h3><div>I don’t know what to say about this one except that it was a catch-as-catch classic for the ages, an epic saga full of captivating technical wizardry and nuanced storytelling.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW6p0OCp8jSsYC27sk44p3nGzVSW1uQSqgbUP_JWr8fhE42FIBstmegEl65uBRfEmFuNJzOtdbXi7fahmKzeTx3gaeev4Gco_YUorYGP3PUMJ5NkgXAaABdmL3RlVdbL-YmDusRU-x_cepqwbYfgw54VGe0DPKo57T1C__dAwcMVARUK_V6QME_TE7ilq/s835/tna-weekly-ppv-5-jasmine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) Review - Jasmine St. Claire" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="835" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW6p0OCp8jSsYC27sk44p3nGzVSW1uQSqgbUP_JWr8fhE42FIBstmegEl65uBRfEmFuNJzOtdbXi7fahmKzeTx3gaeev4Gco_YUorYGP3PUMJ5NkgXAaABdmL3RlVdbL-YmDusRU-x_cepqwbYfgw54VGe0DPKo57T1C__dAwcMVARUK_V6QME_TE7ilq/w400-h224/tna-weekly-ppv-5-jasmine.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) Review - Jasmine St. Claire" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m kidding, of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was two hot women ripping each other's clothes off in a catfight while the announcers whooped and hollered like they’d never seen a woman in a thong before.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mvLve45pzt0RzXL3SOiK5TF7i2aQJEOZCbajFlZNohNLpZwhf26tfsUEGFf7Kq1plu57NeyW4drvOMcxtU3IHJU9V274Nc4RB5hwnhsjKvJxG-FFVNG1rfzNncbFzSxFr-ipjtWyZOUrzwc3uv_evbTJ4JYZuNsSlwAEfPmk0ejMpMc-XKIuK1I289iC/s851/tna-weekly-ppv-5-blue-meanie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) Review - The Blue Meanie" border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="851" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mvLve45pzt0RzXL3SOiK5TF7i2aQJEOZCbajFlZNohNLpZwhf26tfsUEGFf7Kq1plu57NeyW4drvOMcxtU3IHJU9V274Nc4RB5hwnhsjKvJxG-FFVNG1rfzNncbFzSxFr-ipjtWyZOUrzwc3uv_evbTJ4JYZuNsSlwAEfPmk0ejMpMc-XKIuK1I289iC/w400-h226/tna-weekly-ppv-5-blue-meanie.jpg" title="NWA-TNA Weekly Pay Per View #5 (07/17/02) Review - The Blue Meanie" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then The Blue Meanie came down to protect his real-life girlfriend Jasmine by DDTing Francine.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner Via DQ: Francine </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m only assuming St. Claire was disqualified in that match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Between Ed Ferrara jumping in the ring to check on Francine and some EMTs wheeling her out on a stretcher, the actual match result wasn’t communicated very clearly.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">NWA-TNA X-Division Championship <br />NWA-TNA X-Division Champion AJ Styles vs. Low Ki</h3><div>It had only taken five weeks for the “X” championship to officially become the “X-Division.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4HATyevV-wC5z4Zavg_ko6kgEtJz46WAvx9ZdnvyUJQqQulSjnB4QY78YwKMxbjufv-3CcDDt8csTGJt-IB4dPFrB7jH5Y6-qes7vb-nPUXrVIcta9m9LbkiJxjzOSlghbSJZDea3dDfrEjx-_MqRuF1Xfyx3YYpifpiPff1HB8Tpeo_qiK_B1LuwPig/s816/tna-weekly-ppv-5-aj-styles-low-ki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - AJ Styles vs. Low Ki" border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="816" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4HATyevV-wC5z4Zavg_ko6kgEtJz46WAvx9ZdnvyUJQqQulSjnB4QY78YwKMxbjufv-3CcDDt8csTGJt-IB4dPFrB7jH5Y6-qes7vb-nPUXrVIcta9m9LbkiJxjzOSlghbSJZDea3dDfrEjx-_MqRuF1Xfyx3YYpifpiPff1HB8Tpeo_qiK_B1LuwPig/w400-h216/tna-weekly-ppv-5-aj-styles-low-ki.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - AJ Styles vs. Low Ki" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Whatever it was called, these bouts had been a consistent highlight of TNA’s weekly Pay Per Views. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here, Styles and <b>Low Ki</b> did their best to make sure that was also the case this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo started off on the mat as a rather subdued Ed Ferrera gave us a solemn update on Francine’s condition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, things soon picked up with some innovative, fast-paced back and forth, inspiring Mike Tenay to tell us this was going to be an unpredictable match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, he called it “<i>unpredickable.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>That was great news for me, because I really hate when wrestling matches have been pre-dicked.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a less immature note, Tenay also told us that the winner of this bout would defend the title in Philadelphia for a new, upstart independent promotion called Ring of Honor.</div><div><br /></div><div>The action itself was as solid as expected and certainly proved itself a highlight of TNA 5.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet somehow, it didn’t quite generate the same kind of excitement as previous X-Division matches.</div><div><br /></div><div>That may have been because AJ’s earlier confrontation with his tag team partner set up the potential for a Jerry Lynn run-in which never materialized despite the crowd seeming to be waiting for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever the reason, this was a case of a match being technically very good but still failing to hit the mark.</div><div><br /></div><div>If that’s not proof that wrestling is about more than just the moves, I don’t know what is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of moves, AJ eventually hit the Styles Clash and it was all over.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still X-Division Champion: AJ Styles </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Jerry Lynn run-in finally came after the bell as the veteran attacked his tag partner at the top of the entrance then threw him in the ring and beat him up with a ladder.</div><div><br /></div><div>All the while, the crowd chanted “<i>Jerry! Jerry!</i>,” and you know what? I don’t blame them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Styles had been acting like a d-bag and deserved to be taught a lesson.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the X-Division champion was helped to the back, Mike Tenay informed us that next week’s world title match between Sabu and Ken Shamrock would be decided in a ladder match were submissions were also an acceptable form of victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>That way, each man would be able to play to their strengths.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was still a week away. First, there was tonight’s main event to get to.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Brian Lawler vs. Scott Hall</h3><div>Last week, Brian Lawler had declared that he no longer wished to live in his father’s shadow, so was changing his surname to the same as his dad’s.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8g2DIloPgFcM0_TpfwEtRd3_pAEtC1zdPF2n3ShmWnjy5VbY_E0TN8xVPec2qLDQs3MbMJPceyQ0LffLlIIwINmq5HfdOkmrp6Mg85Y3X55DXMIK9vVYcXFfjwQ6LHVL0h0C0j3KSLvxlULey6sOhViXuJV_GdKGlTN16GlaO6iJ-EyhyqM-M7nOFY3j/s768/tna-weekly-ppv-5-brian-christopher-scott-hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - Scott Hall sneaks up on Brian Lawler" border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="768" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8g2DIloPgFcM0_TpfwEtRd3_pAEtC1zdPF2n3ShmWnjy5VbY_E0TN8xVPec2qLDQs3MbMJPceyQ0LffLlIIwINmq5HfdOkmrp6Mg85Y3X55DXMIK9vVYcXFfjwQ6LHVL0h0C0j3KSLvxlULey6sOhViXuJV_GdKGlTN16GlaO6iJ-EyhyqM-M7nOFY3j/w400-h251/tna-weekly-ppv-5-brian-christopher-scott-hall.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Episode 5 Review - Scott Hall sneaks up on Brian Lawler" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, he continued heeling it up by implying that Jerry Lawler was a pedophile. </div><div><br /></div><div>He also promised to reveal a juicy secret involving The King, Jim Ross, and Vince McMahon but was interrupted by Scott Hall’s music.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the nWo founder failed to materialize, Lawler began gloating to the crowd until, in a classic pantomime fashion, he discovered his rival had standing begging him the whole time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hall went on the attack, clobbering Lawler around the ring and out to the floor until the former Too Cool member turned the tide by whacking his foe with a lady’s purse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stopping only to tell the crowd to kiss his ass, Lawler kept up the momentum, getting Hall back between the ropes and systematically wearing him down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, Hall made a comeback and even set up his opponent for The Edge.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, K-Krush ran in to repay Hall for his earlier assault but was so ineffective that he needn’t have bothered.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Scott Hall lifted Brian Lawler over his head, drove him to the mat, and pinned him.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Scott Hall</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Krush returned to the ring so that he and Lawler could team up on Hall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Security eventually came to the rescue but then, just when you thought all was calm, Jeff Jarrett returned looking like a 50-year-old middle manager ready for his company’s mandatory golf trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Swinging a chair with wild abandon, Jarrett began taking people out left and right until the cameras began to fade and Tenay declared that we were all out of time.</div><div><br /></div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://amzn.to/47Y38CF" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmq6vXEB314hU61kf4webf_RCPcogWra34qtiWRBGJzAr724OATghJAWTA0L81Cgv5-99_HL76mR9_vM9N7sxorUM9GfXL5DSTIthTW7w_3qoIWOrGFclK-_xxwooRghlIeU0xTcVCbBQiHACHKQH_MlNqzO-VO44u6FgpgJk7NIgTykA_aT-bVrtcI-7/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20The%20Complete%20History%20of%20Wrestlemania.png" style="font-family: courier; text-align: center;" title="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><i><div><i><br /></i></div>TNA’s fifth weekly Pay Per View highlighted a problem that would plague the company for some years to come.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>That problem was that TNA was somehow capable of delivering the absolute best and the absolute worst of pro wrestling all on one show.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It’s hard to believe that someone on the booking team said </i>“hey, why don’t we just take two talented young wrestlers and let them go at it in a match,”<i> and then someone else said </i>“hey! Yeah! Great idea!”<i> Then, moments later, that same person said </i>“hey, why don’t we book some dry-humping incest cousins and a midget sex attack”<i> and the person they were talking with said </i>“hey! That’s a great idea too!”</div><div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Yet that’s what must’ve happened, leaving you feeling that this new company was struggling to define its identity.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>They’d have a long, long way to go before they nailed it.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I'd love to finish off these weekly PPVs, but since I'm getting through them at such a slow rate, I just can't justify spending money on yet another subscription service right now. Give me a chance to free up some time, and we'll get back to this. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Until then, thanks for reading. Here’s some other stuff you might enjoy:</i></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><b><i>Other TNA Weekly PPV Reviews</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-1.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #1 - 06/19/2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/nwatna-weekly-ppv-episode-2-06262002.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #2 - 06/26/2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/nwatna-weekly-ppv-episode-3-07032002.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #3 - 07/03/2022</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/12/nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-4-review-07102002.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #4 - (07/10/2002)</a></li></ul><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Other TNA PPV reviews:</i></b><br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/03/ppv-review-tna-slammiversary-2005.html" target="_blank">TNA Slammiversary 1 2005</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/12/ppv-review-tna-turning-point-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Turning Point 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-tna-bound-for-glory-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Bound for Glory 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-tna-no-surrender-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA No Surrender 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/10/ppv-review-tna-hard-justice-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Hard Justice 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/10/ppv-review-tna-slammiversary-7-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Slammiversary 7 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-tna-destination-x-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Destination-X 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-tna-genesis-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Genesis 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-tna-final-resolution-2008.html" target="_blank">TNA Final Resolution 2008</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-tna-turning-point-2008.html" target="_blank">TNA Turning Point 2008</a></li></ul></div><div><b><i>Other 2002 pro wrestling reviews</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/05/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 2002 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/05/ppv-review-wwf-no-way-out-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF No Way Out 2002</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/ppv-review-wwa-revolution-2002.html" target="_blank">WWA - The Revolution</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-x8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania X8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-backlash-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Backlash 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-insurrexion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Insurrexion 2002</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-1.html" target="_blank">NWA-TNA: Weekly PPV #1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/ppv-review-wwe-king-of-ring-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE King of the Ring 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-vengeance-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Vengeance 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wwe-global-warning-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Global Warning 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-summerslam-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Summerslam 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/10/ppv-review-wwe-unforgiven-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Unforgiven 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-no-mercy-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE No Mercy 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/11/ppv-review-wwe-rebellion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Rebellion 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2002</a></li></ul><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></div></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-23405753169637644632024-02-04T11:03:00.000-08:002024-02-04T11:34:51.983-08:00WWE Vengeance 2004 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Kt7iS2CTpW2_xMCQgmYgZF7S58_MYSxR6J-XYmYqPozweWawhoxt_u9NF8Go5AjRjZLJL0l_ev_fKgJLGkJweXjOwiH7rzskVjJUeiuvSTrB9DX8_IQ6wP2fVD3vwmaWTV9zZQW5M3B1qGnwnf6IbR8-oj5_MsyyTc0yCGOqS9YdhPbXIHBqs5xvh2We/s358/wwe-vengeance-2004-event-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="279" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Kt7iS2CTpW2_xMCQgmYgZF7S58_MYSxR6J-XYmYqPozweWawhoxt_u9NF8Go5AjRjZLJL0l_ev_fKgJLGkJweXjOwiH7rzskVjJUeiuvSTrB9DX8_IQ6wP2fVD3vwmaWTV9zZQW5M3B1qGnwnf6IbR8-oj5_MsyyTc0yCGOqS9YdhPbXIHBqs5xvh2We/w311-h400/wwe-vengeance-2004-event-poster.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Event poster" width="311" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b><i>July 11, 2004, </i></b></div><div><b><i>Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut</i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Summer was hotting up and Eugene-Mania was running wild as WWE Vengeance 2004 came live from the company's backyard in Hartford, Connecticut. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As they proved many times before and since, the worst thing that could happen to a WWE performer was for something to get over organically. </div><div><br />When it did, Vince McMahon and his creative team would either kill it dead or milk it for all it was worth until it lost all of its appeal. </div><div><br /></div><div>On tonight's show, the company did both at the same time by having the Eugene character appear in some form in almost everything on the card, from backstage segments to match setups to the matches themselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, let's be honest: </div><div><br /></div><div>Eugene was majorly over because he was entertaining, so how bad could this Raw-brand Pay Per View really be?</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's head to Connecticut and find out, shall we?</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Vengeance 2004</h3><div>Our show tonight began with an excellent opening video recapping <b>Chris Benoit</b>’s road to Wrestlemania and his subsequent rivalry with <b>Triple H.</b></div><br /><div>As the dramatic montage played, The Game warned Benoit that he was a mere placeholder, keeping the belt warm while he (Hunter), tended to some “unfinished business” in his feud with <b>Shawn Michaels</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Offering a retort, The Crippler insisted that HHH’s “foolish rants” only made him more motivated, and vowed to end his nemesis once and for all.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X0r3abVRBHnG-wLSgZAbwWsz7VWFaVTE-wDXWaaouaX9HHKRFAlruJ8m9pLd7e2sHpaLgOGH98Q9lfykNaCL4s6VNcmCANF2-OzFZLAsp2Z9pVFJY-141r6DGfbhGBTGGviuFQJNVAvO96m_elhoeiOzF3lQwFqg-uSiOXxBZjarBsO1_AO2FZAA_U9y/s817/wwe_vengeance_2004_jimross_jerrylawler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 - Jim ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler" border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="817" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X0r3abVRBHnG-wLSgZAbwWsz7VWFaVTE-wDXWaaouaX9HHKRFAlruJ8m9pLd7e2sHpaLgOGH98Q9lfykNaCL4s6VNcmCANF2-OzFZLAsp2Z9pVFJY-141r6DGfbhGBTGGviuFQJNVAvO96m_elhoeiOzF3lQwFqg-uSiOXxBZjarBsO1_AO2FZAA_U9y/w400-h305/wwe_vengeance_2004_jimross_jerrylawler.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 - Jim ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>From there, we got the usual pyro and ballyhoo, along with a greeting from our announce team, <b>Jim Ross</b> & <b>Jerry Lawler</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, it was down to ringside for our opening contest.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jonathan Coachman & Garrison Cade vs.Tajiri & Rhyno</h3><div>This all started with a new low for WWE, with guest general manager <b>Eugene</b> booking a game of musical chairs on the go-home Raw for this Vengeance PPV.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblKngca461xgMTOO_OIBkIQxMbFjnsrMPEyF925TKRO7cY6VbbZqv6pEK5CwUolilbs1lU1CfCBJCX7A1ve_0CSvLPJzrv2Yvdz7i0oO25xf4T2atOtem9vzLlQQDifFCyOx5V9NY3LJfsbSFoM404iD_KNOI8fkGZcuC8r9koIEzEXW0oQLdCHyJElVi/s764/wwe_vengeance_2004_coach-tajiri.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance '04 - Coach puts a hurt on Tajiri" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="764" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblKngca461xgMTOO_OIBkIQxMbFjnsrMPEyF925TKRO7cY6VbbZqv6pEK5CwUolilbs1lU1CfCBJCX7A1ve_0CSvLPJzrv2Yvdz7i0oO25xf4T2atOtem9vzLlQQDifFCyOx5V9NY3LJfsbSFoM404iD_KNOI8fkGZcuC8r9koIEzEXW0oQLdCHyJElVi/w400-h335/wwe_vengeance_2004_coach-tajiri.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance '04 - Coach puts a hurt on Tajiri" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Jonathan Coachman</b> and <b>Tajiri </b>had both been part of that game and had fallen out when Coach claimed a seat Tajiri had already gone for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to the Vengeance pre-show edition of Sunday Night Heat and a match was set up pitting Coach and <b>Garrison Cade</b> against Tajiri and a mystery partner.</div><div><br /></div><div>That partner was, of course, <b>Rhyno</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The two former ECW stars took the fight to their opponents in a match that was about as good as it could have been given that they were facing one non-wrestler and a guy nobody cared about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don’t get me wrong, as he’d proven back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/wwe-bad-blood-2004-review.html" target="_blank">Bad Blood</a>, Coach was surprisingly competent between the ropes and Garrison Cade was at least a solid performer, but it was hard to get too excited about this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>The end came when Tajiri blew green mist at Coach, who ducked so that Cade took the full brunt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rhyno then tackles Cade to the outside, allowing Tajiri to finish off Coach with a big ol’ boot to the noggin.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Tajiri & Rhyno </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the Evolution dressing room, <b>Ric Flair</b> complained to <b>Batista</b> and <b>Randy Orton</b> about Triple H’s new “friendship” with Eugene.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFZYISFmY7gkiNEBth7vYjiprz9l5VTxHPpdLP5DWW-FJXZ3LJfoPTbubo491axwxBxEPds0IMEnV9ECWu6CUSOk87CvjXx1flQ8zG_3ptd05syVWEALuHNa22Pui6_3u5lIa2TXGh5Plt0JGas5T_dRyi2OzYK5_9iuMy9fXN__UwKBtydEOEdEltaak/s842/wwe_vengeance_2004_evolution.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Evolution are confused about Triple H's friendship with Eugene" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="842" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFZYISFmY7gkiNEBth7vYjiprz9l5VTxHPpdLP5DWW-FJXZ3LJfoPTbubo491axwxBxEPds0IMEnV9ECWu6CUSOk87CvjXx1flQ8zG_3ptd05syVWEALuHNa22Pui6_3u5lIa2TXGh5Plt0JGas5T_dRyi2OzYK5_9iuMy9fXN__UwKBtydEOEdEltaak/w400-h291/wwe_vengeance_2004_evolution.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Evolution are confused about Triple H's friendship with Eugene" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Hunter arrived and was about to reveal his master plan when he suddenly realized that Eugene was nowhere in sight and went to look for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>It didn’t take long.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Game hid behind a door as he listened in on Chris Benoit telling Eugene that Hunter was using him, lying to him, and manipulating him.</div><div><br /></div><div>We’d see more of those three later. First, it was time for this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Chris Jericho vs. Batista</h3><div><b>Chris Jericho</b> started off a firm favorite in this compelling David & Goliath battle. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7HbXsnXUdpXsWrZkrnpZAym-WG7aaph4wYj_TzCcUtQAwyQRR_UELJcZ1BQKMDUi7_Ug1EbgSyS02b0UPI6SCj9sCAJUhNogQCxITowpHDN4oRypFMfWlssqXnk28kGxXttWRoHQitfGFm6mpQ6xfbu0IUfsgKmr3ulfz1Lzf3OvIa5HSZYf6B4FQMP6/s808/wwe-vengeance-2004-batista-jericho.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Chris Jericho vs. Batista" border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="808" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7HbXsnXUdpXsWrZkrnpZAym-WG7aaph4wYj_TzCcUtQAwyQRR_UELJcZ1BQKMDUi7_Ug1EbgSyS02b0UPI6SCj9sCAJUhNogQCxITowpHDN4oRypFMfWlssqXnk28kGxXttWRoHQitfGFm6mpQ6xfbu0IUfsgKmr3ulfz1Lzf3OvIa5HSZYf6B4FQMP6/w400-h309/wwe-vengeance-2004-batista-jericho.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Chris Jericho vs. Batista" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Yet the more The Animal dominated his smaller foe, the more the “<i>Y2J</i>” chants faded and the louder the “<i>BA-TIST-A!</i>” chants grew.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though it wasn’t a star-making performance like the one his fellow Evolution member, Randy Orton had enjoyed with Mick Foley back at Wrestlemania, Batista certainly looked impressive here.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was thanks, in part, to Jericho’s tremendous sell job, his speed and agility no match for his larger opponent’s brute strength and unbridled aggression.</div><div><br /></div><div>Batista won, though given the finish, this didn’t seem like the end of their story.</div><div><br /></div><div>After being plowed into the mat, Jericho got his foot on the ropes to break up Earl Hebner’s three count. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately for the current AEW star, Hebner never saw it and simply awarded the contest to Batista.</div><div><i><b>Your Winner: Batista </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Backstage, Triple H convinced Eugene that it was Benoit who was the real liar and manipulator.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCQq304kMZJD0h3_kS6dpnjGc3uzuCthz4XW97W5nPcoDmgplrYansbOUEPRjryj-a54xKOxgxUj6DMh5NdHJesgRAiPV54JvPQKkZorv52T-Z_Y8vNkuHaqOBc5Spq15JDasLe7oBeDxyDDjebUUy_F_rgCdE_Qz1scciRLALrxOqVmGeurlcatCNd4r/s851/wwe-vengeance-2004-hhh-eugene-flair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Eugene tries on a Ric Flair robe in front of Ric Flair and Triple H" border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="851" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCQq304kMZJD0h3_kS6dpnjGc3uzuCthz4XW97W5nPcoDmgplrYansbOUEPRjryj-a54xKOxgxUj6DMh5NdHJesgRAiPV54JvPQKkZorv52T-Z_Y8vNkuHaqOBc5Spq15JDasLe7oBeDxyDDjebUUy_F_rgCdE_Qz1scciRLALrxOqVmGeurlcatCNd4r/w400-h293/wwe-vengeance-2004-hhh-eugene-flair.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Eugene tries on a Ric Flair robe in front of Ric Flair and Triple H" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Game even went so far as to gift Eric Bischoff’s nephew with a Ric Flair robe, much to the Nature Boy’s chagrin.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE World Tag Team Championship <br />La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvia’s Grenier) vs. Ric Flair & Eugene </h3><div>This may not have been a technical masterpiece, but it sure was a lot of fun.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCP_ZDHr-RMV7GZ7kmGlVRm6pZL_ePnoEhYROtsuD24PXJp9kM62uHd5tD_xLHgn81Tnj5nnKMLgv5MVjAPacqDH1HoGofnIxFFrkQ8nmVFh6W6viDVw_45e7wdwtifC5ojS9NSBcbtJSAFHS39kH9P02AoPiXuwn539Yw2clWPLtubrmlekkyHH_8EyB/s677/wwe-vengeance-2004-hhh-eugene.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 - Eugene styles and profiles" border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="677" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCP_ZDHr-RMV7GZ7kmGlVRm6pZL_ePnoEhYROtsuD24PXJp9kM62uHd5tD_xLHgn81Tnj5nnKMLgv5MVjAPacqDH1HoGofnIxFFrkQ8nmVFh6W6viDVw_45e7wdwtifC5ojS9NSBcbtJSAFHS39kH9P02AoPiXuwn539Yw2clWPLtubrmlekkyHH_8EyB/w400-h335/wwe-vengeance-2004-hhh-eugene.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 - Eugene styles and profiles" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Tag team champions La Resistance were given a moment to sing their national anthem before the bell rang, which was the only time they were given to shine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the bout got underway, Robert Conway and Sylvian Grenier were merely two warm bodies for the stars of the show, Flair and Eugene, to interact with as they told their story.</div><div><br /></div><div>That story began with Eugene doing his best Ric Flair impression as he ran through Nature Boy’s greatest hits.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first, Flair seemed to find Eugene’s stylin’ and profilin’ funny, yet the more Eugene strutted, chopped, and went through his partner’s signature mannerisms, the more Naitch became shocked and annoyed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flair finally made it into the ring where he played face-in-peril for a while until Euegene could get take no more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wrestling’s <i>idiot savant</i> pounced into the ring, grabbing <b>Sylvian Grenier</b> by the trunks and hurling him to the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>His face awash with single-minded focus, Eugene threw Stone Cold Stunners and People’s Elbows around with gusto before battering <b>Robert Conway</b> into the corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the referee made an earnest attempt to break things up, Eugene pushed him down to the mat and got his team disqualified.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was perhaps the best finish they could have chosen for this match. It allowed the Eugene/Evolution storyline to continue without ringfencing the tag team titles within that story.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners Via DQ and Still World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler took us to a vignette recapping the feud between <b>Matt Hardy</b> and <b>Kane</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>To sum up, <b>Lita</b> had agreed to shag Kane to stop him from destroying her boyfriend, Hardy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-pEFcimOG8V38qTWYqjuvwY-5IvaUqhCNuAgFZne1NFZZ31Kp5aqDqvh5z51RMe0EL-rFcGrOZN-DQRpUhDzNU378JGWVVgaSUTzXIUnay9RdrMjH36kZGdXPgl0-4dGB6l6ST620LTGpaYRB8L5sXaQ86SpbQaUBa-quWOnSJJIjRONCtfItHPwI_5v/s854/wwe-vengeance-2004-kane-vs-matt-hardy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 - Kane vs. Matt Hardy (No DQ match)" border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="854" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-pEFcimOG8V38qTWYqjuvwY-5IvaUqhCNuAgFZne1NFZZ31Kp5aqDqvh5z51RMe0EL-rFcGrOZN-DQRpUhDzNU378JGWVVgaSUTzXIUnay9RdrMjH36kZGdXPgl0-4dGB6l6ST620LTGpaYRB8L5sXaQ86SpbQaUBa-quWOnSJJIjRONCtfItHPwI_5v/w400-h288/wwe-vengeance-2004-kane-vs-matt-hardy.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 - Kane vs. Matt Hardy (No DQ match)" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lita got pregnant. Kane claimed it was his. Now, the two would meet in our next contest.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">No Disqualification Match<br />Kane vs. Matt Hardy </h3><div>I know wrestling is often likened to a soap opera, but this whole storyline felt a little too contrived for this fan’s tastes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsdt4PYE702fch-xbSF_6aSjZpsR8P3pbf2UmoqV557qVs_ZWn4FFlsG5FwM95xh8oyaWN1UiDCGRS1PBR9dUEi6TmSS0ZkdQ6gedAdPeHfRK_yFztRz2MJ-zNuFokqW1zQpfdTh6VfGjijM6lRqOCKbvbZVhWyOq3WSGrmtN4Klk4C_VM7OrMvD_m0sY/s781/wwe-vengeance-2004-kane-vs-matt-hardy-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Kane vs. Matt Hardy" border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="781" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsdt4PYE702fch-xbSF_6aSjZpsR8P3pbf2UmoqV557qVs_ZWn4FFlsG5FwM95xh8oyaWN1UiDCGRS1PBR9dUEi6TmSS0ZkdQ6gedAdPeHfRK_yFztRz2MJ-zNuFokqW1zQpfdTh6VfGjijM6lRqOCKbvbZVhWyOq3WSGrmtN4Klk4C_VM7OrMvD_m0sY/w400-h301/wwe-vengeance-2004-kane-vs-matt-hardy-2.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Kane vs. Matt Hardy" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Still, it did at least give us a reasonably decent no-holds-barred match between Kane and Hardy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Battling in the ring, around the outside, and even into the crowd, both men fought with a determined intensity that elevated the contest beyond mediocrity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, even when the match was at its best, it only served to kill time before the inevitable run-in from Lita.</div><div><br /></div><div>When she did arrive, the former Divas Champion begged Kane not to destroy her boyfriend with the ring steps.</div><div><br /></div><div>As evil as ever, The Big Red Machine backed Lita into a corner and then turned to finish his violent plan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lita’s distraction, however, had allowed Hardy to recover just enough that he was able to thwart Kane’s stairs attack with a steel chair.</div><div><br /></div><div>One Twist of Fate and a three count later, this one was done.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Kane</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Backstage, Lita pursued Hardy, who advised her to stay away from him until he’d had time to process this baby daddy drama.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE Intercontinental Championship <br />WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton vs. Edge </h3><div>Following a video recap of the feud between <b>Edge</b> and <b>Randy Orton</b>, the latter stepped into the arena as the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of the past seven years.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGdsvZ0xOE2i26D9tFSR4RxeU8WpGuIc9cIRpJXZpdPK5cwKXI6LSIvdvRO50ZWb3cg3cb_HJ_B8Q4l43EuCsRbtElNQxK_vuXGffThQWuUBkQjphL6ivRDKz-0H1KwjGhMbWoce2hYOwSmXXe5R6Ld1poTeIFkCAdW07BzhMR9c5nDkWOuroApl9lPl4/s483/wwe-vengeance-2004-orton-edge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Randy Orton vs. Edge" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="483" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGdsvZ0xOE2i26D9tFSR4RxeU8WpGuIc9cIRpJXZpdPK5cwKXI6LSIvdvRO50ZWb3cg3cb_HJ_B8Q4l43EuCsRbtElNQxK_vuXGffThQWuUBkQjphL6ivRDKz-0H1KwjGhMbWoce2hYOwSmXXe5R6Ld1poTeIFkCAdW07BzhMR9c5nDkWOuroApl9lPl4/w400-h304/wwe-vengeance-2004-orton-edge.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance '04 Review - Randy Orton vs. Edge" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you’re curious, the last person to hold the title longer than Orton was The Rock, who captured the gold on a December 1997 episode of Raw and held it for 265 days. </div><div><br /></div><div>He eventually lost it to Triple H at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1998.html" target="_blank">Summerslam 1998</a> in a ladder match that remains one of my all-time favorites.</div><div><br /></div><div>In many ways, this match reminded me of that Summerslam .</div><div><br /></div><div>Not so much in the actual wrestling itself, but in the fact that it featured two young and popular stars who were climbing the ranks en route to a memorable Hall of Fame-worthy run at the top of the card</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, Orton at first looked to be the more popular of the two as the audience cheered him on with chants of “<i>Let’s go Orton!</i>” chants.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a brilliant move, The Legend Killer admonished the crowd for rooting for him, insisting he didn’t need their help.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a smart gesture that worked.</div><div><br /></div><div>As he continued his lengthy beat down of Edge, the chants quickly turned to “<i>Orton Sucks!</i>” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8AolNteixnOyUWaLZWsHV8BSz9FCv8n-cD0xfx_ww7aDK_RlEevlQeQ5GDfC77A-Q4CVy7kdLsjYggBTt59ugAbL_WxBZgeYvP34qxymT1SgpM6QsP0GrI9VGqL8lBb7ycCZs-AbjwcoAYt033AHFweHb9Pn4GuyEyHW-SmFHSdLWi7gIDfyn5f4GWhn/s807/wwe-vengeance-2004-orton-edge-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Randy Orton puts a hurt on Edge" border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="807" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8AolNteixnOyUWaLZWsHV8BSz9FCv8n-cD0xfx_ww7aDK_RlEevlQeQ5GDfC77A-Q4CVy7kdLsjYggBTt59ugAbL_WxBZgeYvP34qxymT1SgpM6QsP0GrI9VGqL8lBb7ycCZs-AbjwcoAYt033AHFweHb9Pn4GuyEyHW-SmFHSdLWi7gIDfyn5f4GWhn/w400-h310/wwe-vengeance-2004-orton-edge-2.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Randy Orton puts a hurt on Edge" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>They then changed again to “<i>Boring! Boring!</i>” as the match grew ever more stagnant with every second that the champion wore down his opponent with a really long chinlock.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking the hint, the pair returned to their feet and picked up the pace, delivering a thrilling third act with missed finishers and dramatic near falls aplenty.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was Edge who managed to land his finisher first, taking down the champ with a powerful spear and pinning him to capture his fifth Intercontinental Championship.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and New Intercontinental Champion: Edge</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The post-match saw a dumbfounded Orton slowly making his way backstage as the crowd serenaded him with that old Steam classic:</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_PxanXM48gI?si=2970D8_YfSSgiUtr" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE Women’s Championship Number One Contender’s Match<br />Victoria vs. Molly Holly</h3><div>These two had last met at Wrestlemania 20, where <b>Molly Holly</b> had her head shaved after losing to <b>Victoria</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy2JpRMxIEA6VKQoYbWVGanXVo9bPK93XwAX4cBwDbXuLzwYjZeLH5Z_9hPLlekGH50z6BTdwC0lB-rXWIOg6pE6Ws5VNdX8s74VN4tDf5XlF-dLCjY-knV5UsORH7PRj_0nc4oXShqMQsWOcyzmx1pXHbYPkMQt9ZDJoHg1SIBYrIKqnpAZblxIM0Xno/s657/wwe-vengeance-2004-victoria-molly-holly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance '04 - Victoria vs. Molly Holly" border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="657" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy2JpRMxIEA6VKQoYbWVGanXVo9bPK93XwAX4cBwDbXuLzwYjZeLH5Z_9hPLlekGH50z6BTdwC0lB-rXWIOg6pE6Ws5VNdX8s74VN4tDf5XlF-dLCjY-knV5UsORH7PRj_0nc4oXShqMQsWOcyzmx1pXHbYPkMQt9ZDJoHg1SIBYrIKqnpAZblxIM0Xno/w400-h376/wwe-vengeance-2004-victoria-molly-holly.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance '04 - Victoria vs. Molly Holly" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Still riding that gimmick, Holly marched to the ring with a very obvious blonde wig strapped around her head.</div><div><br /></div><div>She and Victoria were undoubtedly two of the top three or four women wrestlers in WWE at the time. So it was no surprise that this match turned out to be relatively good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Though it didn’t last long, it was a solid effort that ended when Victoria battered her rival to the ground and pinned her.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Victoria (earns a shot at the women’s title)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, we got a lengthy video package for our main event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Proving that WWE had overdone it with the Eugene character, the video focused entirely on his relationship with Chris Benoit and Triple H.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know the guy was popular, but wouldn’t it have made more sense to show us some real animosity between the champion and challenger?</div><div><br /></div><div>I certainly think so. It would have achieved much more than this video, which only made you sit back and wait for Eugene’s inevitable run-in rather than engage in the match itself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that it was obvious we’d see Eugene, it was also obvious that nobody would win the match until he got involved, so why care?</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ll tell you why, because I’ve got a review to finish and this is the kind of annoying stuff</div><div>I have to sit through to do that.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wouldn’t be so bad if there weren’t 37+ minutes left on the clock as The Game made his entrance.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE World Heavyweight Championship <br />WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit vs. Triple H</h3><div>Sure enough, as good as Benoit and Helmsley were in their respective roles, this match was in serious danger of outstaying its welcome as it dragged on for minutes at a time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhyH_dDNv0S0TlV_MXB4dTC-YvoVWaJMqTF3MlhjGBKtIn3n-ZU8HEIWMO57CMQchtf9Ff9c3MqhasPUdRwOCiw7duJ10BVeqc8Pn_R6fj3J6Q8KWpAr1CyifksjWa_JDWFzYw-vuF8la3M1ThCuVFHX6FidwYkn7FVMu1aqmWCeC35QSDCtlnaeVQ4oG/s751/wwe-vengeance-2004-victoria-benoit-hhh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Triple H vs. Chris Benoit" border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="751" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhyH_dDNv0S0TlV_MXB4dTC-YvoVWaJMqTF3MlhjGBKtIn3n-ZU8HEIWMO57CMQchtf9Ff9c3MqhasPUdRwOCiw7duJ10BVeqc8Pn_R6fj3J6Q8KWpAr1CyifksjWa_JDWFzYw-vuF8la3M1ThCuVFHX6FidwYkn7FVMu1aqmWCeC35QSDCtlnaeVQ4oG/w400-h323/wwe-vengeance-2004-victoria-benoit-hhh.jpg" title="WWE Vengeance 2004 Review - Triple H vs. Chris Benoit" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Eventually, Benoit dove through the ropes, planting his opponent with a flying headbutt and earning a “<i>Holy sh*t!</i>” chant from the audience.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two played dead on the outside for a while before returning to the ring where The Game accidentally bumped the official.</div><div><br /></div><div>Covering The Crippler, Hunter yelled out for Eugene, who finally made his inevitable appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was at this point that the match finally became genuinely exciting as poor Eugene couldn’t decide who to help out and ended up pissing off both of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, he and Benoit fought for control of a chair. Benoit let go and Eugene smacked Triple H in the face with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The referee regained just enough consciousness to count the fall, and that was that.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Benoit </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Talk about over-exposure WWE Vengeance 2004. For all intents and purposes might as well have been called “The Eugene Show.”</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>From the bottom of the card to the top, Nick Dinsmore’s character was all over this one. Only the Batista/Jericho, Kane/Hardy, and women's matches didn't involve him in some fashion. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>He was so omnipresent here that, by the final bell of the evening rang, I found myself absolutely sick of him.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I have a tendency to be a WWE apologist at times, but even I have to admit that this was proof that the company had a terrible habit of taking a good thing and running it into the ground.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42qmuPu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmq6vXEB314hU61kf4webf_RCPcogWra34qtiWRBGJzAr724OATghJAWTA0L81Cgv5-99_HL76mR9_vM9N7sxorUM9GfXL5DSTIthTW7w_3qoIWOrGFclK-_xxwooRghlIeU0xTcVCbBQiHACHKQH_MlNqzO-VO44u6FgpgJk7NIgTykA_aT-bVrtcI-7/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20The%20Complete%20History%20of%20Wrestlemania.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Wrestlemania on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>More 2004 Pro Wrestling Reviews: </i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wwe-royal-rumble-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Royal Rumble 2004</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/ppv-review-wwe-no-way-out-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE No Way Out 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wwe-wrestlemania-xx.html" target="_blank">WWE Wrestlemania 20</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/wwe-backlash-2004-review.html" target="_blank">WWE Backlash 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/wwe-bad-blood-2004-review.html" target="_blank">WWE Bad Blood 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2024/01/wwe-great-american-bash-2004-review.html" target="_blank">WWE Great American Bash 2004</a></li></ul><div><div><b><i>Other WWE Vengeance reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/04/ppv-review-wwf-vengeance-2001.html" target="_blank">WWF Vengeance 2001</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-vengeance-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Vengeance 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/09/ppv-review-wwe-vengeance-2003.html" target="_blank">WWE Vengeance 2003</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-68557649351590039692024-02-01T07:16:00.000-08:002024-02-01T07:16:06.488-08:00WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJf653RIzaZGiul1_NW0y_DfLei-estwhk1YckA5AkHbBfeVavhpy3kZogm2_Hb3r6aqiQySLSEqiIVpgwyIqzXGNLb5x7wBCikAa7Z2tMZ_qh4ybwfvy52MX2iRq5CxAnr4J-ud1yV6W/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanecover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Magazine cover ft. Kane" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJf653RIzaZGiul1_NW0y_DfLei-estwhk1YckA5AkHbBfeVavhpy3kZogm2_Hb3r6aqiQySLSEqiIVpgwyIqzXGNLb5x7wBCikAa7Z2tMZ_qh4ybwfvy52MX2iRq5CxAnr4J-ud1yV6W/w480-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanecover.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Magazine cover ft. Kane" width="480" /></a></div>
<b><div><b><br /></b></div>Three months on from the 1998 Royal Rumble, the World Wrestling Federation's publication schedule had them still ranting about Kane setting fire to the Undertaker, the short-lived NWA revival, and the violent history of Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie.</b><br />
<b><br /></b> Yes, I'm back to doing this again. <div><br /></div><div>Every now and again, as part of a long, drawn-out clear-out, I head up into the loft, pull out an old wrestling magazine, and flick through its battered and crumpled pages for your entertainment. </div><div><br />
This time out, we're going through my super-battered, super-crumpled copy of WWF Raw Magazine from April 1998.<br />
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Ready? Let's do this.<br />
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<h3>
<b>Vic Venom: F**k The New York Post</b></h3>
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Just this once, let's skip over the contents page and several ads trying to get us to subscribe to both this and the more PG-friendly<i> WWF Magazine</i>, and head straight to the content. </div>
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First up, <b>Vince Russo's</b> scathing alter-ego Vic Venom launches a full-blown attack on <i>The New York Post</i> for daring to criticize <b>Mike Tyson</b> and his involvement in Wrestlemania 15. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp5Mqc_mFYXzntxAQb-Z19N-72-yMI6vrxhv5iJeLiPpB09O1dVh-sYnjm3e3_-mhQsBEkzZcB2z40jcd3bGScKmBpn6ftCkapiyqXzHF094ra_uGjwygM1457aol12quCr9Hv5wNRVq-/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_vicvenom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Vic Venom" border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp5Mqc_mFYXzntxAQb-Z19N-72-yMI6vrxhv5iJeLiPpB09O1dVh-sYnjm3e3_-mhQsBEkzZcB2z40jcd3bGScKmBpn6ftCkapiyqXzHF094ra_uGjwygM1457aol12quCr9Hv5wNRVq-/w640-h466/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_vicvenom.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Vic Venom" width="640" /></a></div>
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This isn't just any rant, of course. It's Vince Russo in the FREAKIN' !@#$% ATTITUDE ERA<i>, </i>so it's full of CAPITAL LETTERS FOR EMPHASIS and occasioanlly stuff like @#!%$ to indicate that he's swearing.</div>
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Get through all that, and what we've got here is Russo giving us the low-down on ethics in journalism and why New York scribes lack the stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's pretty highbrow stuff for a grap' mag. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, the accompanying picture of a <i>New York Post</i> stuffed down the toilet brought things back to a level more suitable for Attitude Era wrestling fans. </div>
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<h3>
The Informer </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9m8WbtXVTDD2R_HYpqB9uvBXwZROWb5chjBnvJ4fH9Zh2ZPOQ1jKJDFWTF0L8xYYTxMEzEOfXrxH4pihedIcyBMRDGr6eAGrdPcoMCNEYQ2KC19aRJYI3XntEbBcNigJpxkouhTX8CMs/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_theinformer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Shawn Michaels bare ass" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9m8WbtXVTDD2R_HYpqB9uvBXwZROWb5chjBnvJ4fH9Zh2ZPOQ1jKJDFWTF0L8xYYTxMEzEOfXrxH4pihedIcyBMRDGr6eAGrdPcoMCNEYQ2KC19aRJYI3XntEbBcNigJpxkouhTX8CMs/w480-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_theinformer.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Shawn Michaels bare ass" width="480" /></a></div>
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If there was one thing pro wrestling fans needed more of back in the late 90s, it was<b> Shawn Michaels</b>' bare ass. </div>
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Here, The Heartbreak Kid's naked booty was the lead picture for a two-pager by The Informer, another Russo character who got his kicks dishing out real insider dirt on all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans in the World Wrestling Federation. </div>
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Rather than the random tidbits usually found in <i>WWF Magazine</i>, we instead got a more biting <i>OMG-YOU'RE-NOT-GONNA-!@$%#-BELIEVE THIS</i> piece suggesting that the 'old guard' wasn't happy about the company's move to the Attitude Era. </div>
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No <i>!$#%</i>, Sherlock. </div><div><br /></div><div><strike>Russo </strike>The Informer does at least erm, <i>inform</i> us, that both sides were trying to work together for the common good. </div><div><br /></div><div>After all, they were all in it for the love of wrestling, right?</div>
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<h3>
Letters to the Editor </h3>
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Having worked as a magazine journalist in a previous life, I'm well aware that staffers are sometimes tasked with making up these supposed <i>Reader's Letters.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading through the pages of <i>Raw Magazine,</i> however, I find myself praying to the stars above that at least some of these gems are real. </div><div><br /></div>
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Take the note from Ms. Patricia Doherty of Providence, Rhode Island, for example. </div><div><br /></div><div>Patty from Providence strongly suggests that <b>Vince McMahon</b> should do more to 'evaluate the superstars he lets into his organization' lest some of them, you know, put the Undertaker in a casket or set fire to it or something. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qg66hplEzmD36nv4BjPsjjSJ3lP7kAsSkPaW87SXRp5FgLOlj9OLI73uNdc5WJk5WEvMcaYC6Y2S92ao_LFsq498e6kxVSDarxtXI8C3HCdvGIYNXEi0q_SoP7Xxm4Oaip5asXUplXyv/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_letterstotheeditor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Letters to the Editor" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qg66hplEzmD36nv4BjPsjjSJ3lP7kAsSkPaW87SXRp5FgLOlj9OLI73uNdc5WJk5WEvMcaYC6Y2S92ao_LFsq498e6kxVSDarxtXI8C3HCdvGIYNXEi0q_SoP7Xxm4Oaip5asXUplXyv/w640-h426/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_letterstotheeditor.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Letters to the Editor" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wherever you are Ms. Doherty, please tell me you genuinely wrote this letter. </div>
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Elsewhere, Leanne Winter of Denver, Colorado was thrilled that the mag had previously acknowledged <b>Kama Mustafa</b> and <b>Papa Shango</b> as being one and the same. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keith Morgan was disappointed that the heel <b>Jim Cornette</b> had done heelish things, and Connecticut's own Gary Cooper was full of praise for a recent American Online Chat by Vincent Kennedy McMahon himself. </div>
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Speaking of America Online, it's interesting to note that the company's email address back then ended in @AOL.COM. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if they still check that account?</div>
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<h3>
Ragin' Ross: Everybody's Got Potential, Apparently </h3>
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Up next, Good Ol' JR brings us his regular column.</div><div><br />This was supposed to be a snapshot of the random thoughts that fluttered through his brain, but really, it was just Ross telling us how half the roster could be the next big thing. </div>
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According to Jim, <b>Vader </b>and <b>Ken Shamrock</b> were both ready to take it to the next level, <b>Flash Funk</b> was underrated and deserved more, <b>The Jackyl</b> had the potential to be huge (at least in star power, if not physical stature), as did <b>Kurgan</b>, <b>Brawshaw</b>, <b>Pierre of the Quebecers</b> and <b>D'Lo Brown</b>. </div>
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<div>I bet there was a joke backstage in the late 90s:</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"This guy sucks so bad even Jim ross wouldn't even put him over in a magazine"</i></div>
<h3>
Jim Cornette on the NWA Title </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOP0yLEjxjRCBTIOPJ-aoIrancYOOxNQDUf2d9KPnTKrCpZEyFkOHOiX-kertYpGHDGs4HfrbEWj4fIWq6tMkkjPsFPTXt-WCYjKQI4hkWKnkGunZNV_11mgcQlBXe-A0CrGmJnm-MgPi/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_cornettenwa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Jim Cornette charts the history of the NWA title" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOP0yLEjxjRCBTIOPJ-aoIrancYOOxNQDUf2d9KPnTKrCpZEyFkOHOiX-kertYpGHDGs4HfrbEWj4fIWq6tMkkjPsFPTXt-WCYjKQI4hkWKnkGunZNV_11mgcQlBXe-A0CrGmJnm-MgPi/w640-h404/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_cornettenwa.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Jim Cornette charts the history of the NWA title" width="640" /></a></div>
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Flipping over the page, we find James E. Cornette in fine, old-school form as he continues to chart the history of the NWA title. </div>
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In this second installment of his two-part feature, Cornette chronicles the belt's linage from 1984 up to the present day, noting, with some glee, that the WCW's title was not the same one that began life way back in 1905, a result, of course, of <b>Nature Boy Ric Flair</b>'s jump to the World Wrestling Federation in the early 1990s. </div>
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<h3>
It Didn't Start With Tyson: How Athletes From Other Sports HaveFared in the Squared Circle </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bRZjItr0Z1HktzqRwu1n8rju53KHgQSu7r465retZo4H8iLRs6T-5ONJfJOJ_uqjxPQXH-SBX-ON4mwAkeruC3Ao8p961PvG72UnAuGTA2uBS17e8C_HxVYhdjZfn9981PDygJJ_uHVi/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_tysonaustin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Austin and Tyson" border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bRZjItr0Z1HktzqRwu1n8rju53KHgQSu7r465retZo4H8iLRs6T-5ONJfJOJ_uqjxPQXH-SBX-ON4mwAkeruC3Ao8p961PvG72UnAuGTA2uBS17e8C_HxVYhdjZfn9981PDygJJ_uHVi/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_tysonaustin.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Austin and Tyson" width="640" /></a></div>
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You remember the story, don't you? </div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the early days of the Attitude Era, boxing star Mike Tyson had a brief run with the WWF in which he was pitted as the special enforcer for a <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-14.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 14</a> match between Shawn Michaels and <b>Stone Cold Steve Austin.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b>In the build-up to the big event, Tyson aligned himself with Michaels and his DX camp, only to turn face at the big event and reveal himself to be an Austin guy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygZf51W6rEViKgyZmILsopM6ZpSNsKpLRkTJx8UJe429vXXzjtz_rd40xCrvVpmLcrd9ee_fNE-fj7GKgV4jgOvbNUuICdu2VCStUQArGso29HgFLnjrEl83bX1UAAYT_sky3YiOiYq3q/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_alimrt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Muhammad Ali" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygZf51W6rEViKgyZmILsopM6ZpSNsKpLRkTJx8UJe429vXXzjtz_rd40xCrvVpmLcrd9ee_fNE-fj7GKgV4jgOvbNUuICdu2VCStUQArGso29HgFLnjrEl83bX1UAAYT_sky3YiOiYq3q/w480-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_alimrt.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Muhammad Ali" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yet Iron Mike wasn't the only sporting star to grace the WWF ring, and in this multi-page article, <b>Keith Elliot Greenberg</b> analyses the success -or lack thereof- of other stars who made their way into pro wrestling from another sport entirely. </div>
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Ken Shamrock<b>, Mark Henry, Dan Severn</b>, and <b>Farooq</b> are all accounted for here, as are the likes of <a href="http://allprowrestlingreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-xi.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 11</a> headliner, <b>Lawrence Taylor, Muhammad Ali</b>, <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/02/event-review-wwf-wrestlemania-i.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 1</a> attraction <b>Mr. T</b>, <b>William 'The Refrigerator' Perry, Butterbean,</b> and <b>Ken Patera.</b></div>
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Need more names who made the transition?</div><div><br /></div><div>How about <b>Bronko Nagurski</b>, the former NWA champion who defeated Lou Thesz for the title back in 1939?</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Or what about <b>Ernie 'The Big Cat' Ladd</b>, and a whole host of others, including <b>Blackjack Mulligan, and Wahoo McDaniel, </b>all of whom were stars of the football field at one time or another. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5N767HM8azcsO4zUYUcKsXQnUP7EJFh45UbvX14nn_WCxB-u_N71piBXZcCgZCGIAwItZazoAiAMtDqUICvkqaSux5Bz8AXbnMViyUNfB9Kjv3IgFJLQtSlL3D-kCCXvmNk2LRYwsPYG/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_bigjohnfridgeperry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Butterbean and Marc Mero" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5N767HM8azcsO4zUYUcKsXQnUP7EJFh45UbvX14nn_WCxB-u_N71piBXZcCgZCGIAwItZazoAiAMtDqUICvkqaSux5Bz8AXbnMViyUNfB9Kjv3IgFJLQtSlL3D-kCCXvmNk2LRYwsPYG/w294-h400/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_bigjohnfridgeperry.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Butterbean and Marc Mero" width="294" /></a></div>
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Switching to boxing, Greenberg goes into some detail about any number of Boxing vs. Wrestling matches, including the now-infamous bout between Muhammad Ali and <b>Antonio Inoki</b>. </div>
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Here, Greenberg notes that while Ali and Inoki were boring everybody to tears a much more exciting match was going on across the ocean between <b>Andre the Giant </b>and '<b>Bayonne Bleeder' Chuck Wepner </b>at New York's Shea Stadium.</div>
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Before that, we get lots of praise for a man who was once regarded as something akin to the best non-wrestler ever to step foot inside a professional wrestling ring, LT. </div>
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Make no mistake about it, Taylor's performance at Wrestlemania 11 was far better than it should have been.</div>
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OK, so we're not talking Daniel Bryan or Shawn Michaels here, but Taylor did at least manage to hold his own and not look completely out of his element, something those pro footballers who would later go on to compete in WCW rings couldn't exactly say themselves. </div>
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Here, Greenberg notes that <i>"Wrestlers later said that Taylor was a gifted and determined as any athlete to ever step into wrestling from another sport." </i></div>
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While I wouldn't necessarily go as far as to call him 'gifted,' I'll agree that it was praise well due for a man I'm sure holds the distinction of making his professional wrestling debut (and I suppose retirement match) in the main event of Wrestlemania. </div>
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<h3>
It's an NWA Revival: And Vince McMahon is The Target</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q5dV6XA3mXhKPKQ4Hb9kPDO_urXu_FjwBCAJan2PsKo3hNyC9fYBETdbJJzw2bBhsLcz8Bt6BcoZ8mou57KMboCcsAs7ZtRlJ26i-H8slBUcUBLuiwpjVAcjiYVc1o-bVgSfbIAUYy2E/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_nwa1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Jim Cornette leads an NWA revival" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q5dV6XA3mXhKPKQ4Hb9kPDO_urXu_FjwBCAJan2PsKo3hNyC9fYBETdbJJzw2bBhsLcz8Bt6BcoZ8mou57KMboCcsAs7ZtRlJ26i-H8slBUcUBLuiwpjVAcjiYVc1o-bVgSfbIAUYy2E/w640-h400/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_nwa1.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Jim Cornette leads an NWA revival" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the next several pages, the one and only<b> Kevin Kelly</b> reminds us of the short-lived National Wrestling Alliance stable featuring Jim Cornette, <b>Jeff Jarrett,</b> <b>Blackjack Winham </b>and <b>The Rock 'n' Roll Express.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The group had bandied together in an attempt to do <i>something</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not necessarily <i>take-over</i> the World Wrestling Federation like a poor, old man's version of the New World Order, but..</div><div><br /></div><div>...well</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Something.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>To this day your writer still isn't entirely sure what was going on there, nor does Mr. Kelly make it all that clear. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xIg9rajOCAX2cva27WJcGrwQK82PMKkuMFK5MWOGS5dq26JfSgkB49mxESlPnj0Q5I4Wr8XZBiMJg4Cfb_DDT50ZI1VsUkiOIQwRrWa4sFKDWo1-rHa8PvUEJVG0QxApKrPizabD0GiZ/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_nwa2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Feature on the 98 NWA revival in WWF" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xIg9rajOCAX2cva27WJcGrwQK82PMKkuMFK5MWOGS5dq26JfSgkB49mxESlPnj0Q5I4Wr8XZBiMJg4Cfb_DDT50ZI1VsUkiOIQwRrWa4sFKDWo1-rHa8PvUEJVG0QxApKrPizabD0GiZ/w480-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_nwa2.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Feature on the 98 NWA revival in WWF" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Sure, he gives us a motive. </div><div><br /></div><div>Reminding us of those admittedly entertaining shoot promos Cornette was doing on Raw for a while, Kelly informs us that <i>"Cornette called for the return to pure wrestling like the NWA used to provide, and said talent like Jeff Jarrett had gone unappreciated for too long.</i></div>
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<i>"Claiming the</i> Raw is War<i> program was long on emotion but short on substance, Cornette put the Federation in a bad spot. It appeared as if no one took him seriously when he threatened to take action the following week, but what Cornette did was unprecedented."</i></div>
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What he did, was essentially have Jarrett win an NWA title nobody cared about, and turn Windham against his former New Blackacks partner, JBL.<br />
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As far as I recall, the angle bombed and was never really spoken about again.<br />
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<h3>
Split personality: </h3><h3>Is it Basic Instinct for Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie to Brutalize Each Other?</h3>
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If there's one thing this fan remembers fondly from the early part of 1998, it's <b>Terry Funk</b> sticking a pair of stockings over his head, inexplicably changing his name to <b>Chainsaw Charlie</b>, and teaming up with <b>Cactus Jack</b> to raise all kinds of slapstick-hardcore chaos. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2hrWletJFfUOmouYuT6q8YfiGvk_HVj0axcg6sUUVgc88ft5cSctHM2IoIuM4aMYoPX-ctLyakwopa9ZIiW_Zz8VhtbpAM7iOFnIgAvjYDRdReyyZlV-wCd_2ZQxKxv-OMkIWOWahH0x/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_cactuschainsaw.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2hrWletJFfUOmouYuT6q8YfiGvk_HVj0axcg6sUUVgc88ft5cSctHM2IoIuM4aMYoPX-ctLyakwopa9ZIiW_Zz8VhtbpAM7iOFnIgAvjYDRdReyyZlV-wCd_2ZQxKxv-OMkIWOWahH0x/w640-h464/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_cactuschainsaw.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie" width="640" /></a></div>
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When they weren't feuding with the newly-formed <b>New Age Outlaws,</b> Cactus, and Chainsaw seemed to spend most of their time beating each other with chairshots for no obvious reason.</div>
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<div>Throughout the next few pages, Bill Banks gives us the history of these two hardcore icons and suggests that their storied rivalry was far from over. </div>
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<h3>
Blazing Soul: An Undertaker/Kane Pictorial</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwBzkbidCupCyxVpKPd1SLFc-EGHFqNpcNoL0ZYy-wuf4nh4LCIoeCbOBuQQUr-wmxJUYlGolFsgnRul06IFlTuFu-VM7M2Bsd1Dmu7i06QkB8wx54sCtgXtFSkRcx2AJhyphenhyphenmayWM6YYFu/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Undertaker vs. Kane picture essay" border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwBzkbidCupCyxVpKPd1SLFc-EGHFqNpcNoL0ZYy-wuf4nh4LCIoeCbOBuQQUr-wmxJUYlGolFsgnRul06IFlTuFu-VM7M2Bsd1Dmu7i06QkB8wx54sCtgXtFSkRcx2AJhyphenhyphenmayWM6YYFu/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker1.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Undertaker vs. Kane picture essay" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and in this pictorial essay of the feud between <b>The Undertaker</b>, <b>Paul Bearer</b> and <b>Kane</b>, that was especially true. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3zEahR3nodQ_GSr3Qk9qRai2T78sr_712mWNnZWr7GgSBdXN2QLQJCygU5FLSP2Jo3H3089NrCqs4uweygYpXFMeiNkXgDRSmu1msrWZ-AiB5UAv4oCOs5HGR-rizNj22dk_UNN17hNI/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane vs. The Undertaker" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3zEahR3nodQ_GSr3Qk9qRai2T78sr_712mWNnZWr7GgSBdXN2QLQJCygU5FLSP2Jo3H3089NrCqs4uweygYpXFMeiNkXgDRSmu1msrWZ-AiB5UAv4oCOs5HGR-rizNj22dk_UNN17hNI/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker2.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane vs. The Undertaker" width="640" /></a></div>
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The two had been at loggerheads since the Bad Blood Pay Per view of October 1997, recounted in detail in the <a href="http://allprowrestlingreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/from-loft-wwf-magazine-january-1998.html" target="_blank">January 1998 edition of WWF Magazine</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>As The Undertaker continued to refuse to fight his long-lost brother, Kane, and Bearer continued to torment and torture The Phenom,. </div><div><br /></div><div>Proving that he didn't take rejection very well, Kane then got involved in his brother's Royal Rumble championship match against Shawn Michaels. There, he locked 'Taker in a casket and set it ablaze.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6njSE0TzyqrEIV8tyhZuSCKZEbEkJUwb-LRTwYiopZ4NQ3g9Td4c8ElDsKeOOdWnldqPeOJNyStGzHelZd5zI19bCNzNn8BL78E8Y7-344Xny67QgjjraHZ3RC3tKETFudwhHS7DF_usw/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane tombstones The Undertaker" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6njSE0TzyqrEIV8tyhZuSCKZEbEkJUwb-LRTwYiopZ4NQ3g9Td4c8ElDsKeOOdWnldqPeOJNyStGzHelZd5zI19bCNzNn8BL78E8Y7-344Xny67QgjjraHZ3RC3tKETFudwhHS7DF_usw/w446-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker3.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane tombstones The Undertaker" width="446" /></a></div><div>
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Finally, The Undertaker would relent and agree to face his brother at Wrestlemania 14, taking no less than three Tombstone piledrivers to put the Big Red Machine away for the three count. </div>
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Not entirely unlike Cactus and Funk, the two would then spend the best part of a decade, if not more, occasionally fighting each other, occasionally joining forces as <i>The Brothers of Destruction</i>, and occasionally charting entirely different courses throughout the WWE without ever really acknowledging one another. </div>
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But before all that, it started here, with nine simple lines of copy that were perhaps the best thing Russo ever committed to publication. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFTF8CEe2jGbrl6hlZumDll5egy21eLKnK3_Kgp_QdE7N0CmHX8Ytu7KiaXUCSdX8SoVRRsggx9hTFwEBcLopQyJdh89aCtV-tmYNKD5bw_lxgRb3-zTCpqzSddGDES_F6PaBdyKOFgW1/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane strikes The Undertaker" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFTF8CEe2jGbrl6hlZumDll5egy21eLKnK3_Kgp_QdE7N0CmHX8Ytu7KiaXUCSdX8SoVRRsggx9hTFwEBcLopQyJdh89aCtV-tmYNKD5bw_lxgRb3-zTCpqzSddGDES_F6PaBdyKOFgW1/w458-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker4.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane strikes The Undertaker" width="458" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"It began with a secret. For years locked away in a vault. Until the crypt keeper set Pandora free. The fire in the eyes of the young child was insatiable. The pain. Intense. The innocent child had but one thing on his mind. Revenge. So in anger he stalked.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"The inferno had raged beyond his control. Fueled by the crypt keeper. The unthinkable. The revenge. The end. The beginning."</i></blockquote>
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Simple, but solid. Congrats, Mr. Russo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dcfi-fZHdiLFXdMuTVmQEFmQDhHrn-bCT7bvfIqXYmCCrhdAg5GRimBo6lm0vCziNUYkhB9zKq2qx5smiqWLulcn5aSUIe7FM2YmoyCOfzcfqPjKyOtmbhioZ2R1p9sqKJaGnjNSzqDb/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane chokeslams The Undertaker" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dcfi-fZHdiLFXdMuTVmQEFmQDhHrn-bCT7bvfIqXYmCCrhdAg5GRimBo6lm0vCziNUYkhB9zKq2qx5smiqWLulcn5aSUIe7FM2YmoyCOfzcfqPjKyOtmbhioZ2R1p9sqKJaGnjNSzqDb/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_kanetaker5.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Kane chokeslams The Undertaker" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This pictorial also featured huge centerfold picturing Kane standing among a blaze of flames as his brother supposedly burned to a crisp in the background. that centerfold hung on my wall for some time as a teenager, but alas, I no longer seem to have it.<br />
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Oh well, moving on then.<br />
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<h3>Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight: Why We Should Take The Godwins Seriously</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZgu_dLSsdLyL1-YYDS0aFdKWCdAeWB_ppuVUgjo0voBvmGenAU-um7cyJibfuT34KUwZSR-6nPktaLqDba3LDhLk76BQSm9F4zvHp4EFEPYT4cD3tc6TejPCQa7sYRnsdAUR2Irutf_f/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_godwins1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Feature on The Godwins" border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZgu_dLSsdLyL1-YYDS0aFdKWCdAeWB_ppuVUgjo0voBvmGenAU-um7cyJibfuT34KUwZSR-6nPktaLqDba3LDhLk76BQSm9F4zvHp4EFEPYT4cD3tc6TejPCQa7sYRnsdAUR2Irutf_f/w640-h446/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_godwins1.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Feature on The Godwins" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight</i>, begin this Vic Venom-penned rant, <i>'Two names that mean absolutely nothing to fans of the World Wrestling Federation. However,...two names that should. Let me try again. <b>Henry O. Godwin and Phineas I. Godwin. HOG & PIG. "Titan Suits" ride again!!</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTiJVekO4nhudU8U9rRf6Ug6Iu0mYp_io0m7LKatuQ9A25O1W65wEe3iLppLblr0-PVSnuS30S3DvQyTbyorzl5xf0Di_2-30ZlpZ-F-Fj7sdOmMWaAehvczDzC41RdzkO6yqtOw3tKlW/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_godwins2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Henry Godwin blasts Vince McMahon" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTiJVekO4nhudU8U9rRf6Ug6Iu0mYp_io0m7LKatuQ9A25O1W65wEe3iLppLblr0-PVSnuS30S3DvQyTbyorzl5xf0Di_2-30ZlpZ-F-Fj7sdOmMWaAehvczDzC41RdzkO6yqtOw3tKlW/w480-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_godwins2.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Henry Godwin blasts Vince McMahon" width="480" /></a></div>
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Russo loved raging against his employers, always referring to them as the 'Titan Suits.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this piece, he was in the usual form, lambasting the creative department for saddling two burly ass-kickers like Canterbury and Knight with the ridiculous gimmick of happy-go-lucky pig farmers. </div>
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Just let them get down to kicking ass and taking names, argued 'Venom' and the World Wrestling Federation would've been a brighter place for it. </div>
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<div>
If memory serves me correctly (and in this instance, I'm not sure it does), isn't that exactly what happened? </div><div><br /></div><div>Didn't the two get serious in keeping with the shift towards reality-based gimmicks at the time? </div><div><br /></div><div>Didn't they eventually become Southern Justice and fade from obscurity until Phineas started running around wearing nothing but a fanny-pack and calling himself <b>Naked Mideon?</b></div>
<h3>
<b><br /></b><b>World Wrestling Federation Superstar line </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80STdroKZzbAhYRdA477AlBOlWOXT7zsCRwj5mTVj3xVcypO-b2Z46qHOiDt6yh9UsJLOrq1SLZJmWloWKMH9TJlJatKx7KmQKOpa7emcKhSAjIUIM5RuUPV6xbl-fJgJlP_iAcJENsPT/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_superstarline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - WWF Superstar Line ad featuring Jim Ross" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80STdroKZzbAhYRdA477AlBOlWOXT7zsCRwj5mTVj3xVcypO-b2Z46qHOiDt6yh9UsJLOrq1SLZJmWloWKMH9TJlJatKx7KmQKOpa7emcKhSAjIUIM5RuUPV6xbl-fJgJlP_iAcJENsPT/w296-h400/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_superstarline.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - WWF Superstar Line ad featuring Jim Ross" width="296" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>
Look, I know the WWF was moving towards a more adult-orientated product at the time, but am I the only one disturbed by the fact that, in 1998, they advertised a premium rate phone line with the phrase <i>'Do somethin' with yourself!'?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Where they suggesting I do what they think they were suggesting while listening to Jim Ross bringing you '<i>all the news and behind-the-scenes info on Federation</i> happenings?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For only $1.49 US, $1.99 in Canada, and a bargain 50p in the United Kingdom, you could do just that, as well as play <i>'Trivia, Challenge and Adventures games </i><u>f</u>or the chance to win fantastic prizes? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've said this before when reviewing WWF magazines, but Cornette was !@#$ EVERYWHERE back in the late 1990s, at least he was if the magazines are to be believed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, I remember him being on TV, but I don't remember him being quite the prominent figure he is in print. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, on every other page, there's at least one mention of ol' James E.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Comparing The Rock to Muhammad Ali </h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizE_rqkGJO-Mg3xfAXEyG7FNVaJeICRqNOZPCFp-_1Z5kU78vxjXY1NWV6gSuay7tIvwtmgmCL9D3lOnubRH3vUHRPLiKEf4cu9JB8CNJCa-15XTCtuu-tRQUDd4dxsOQiKdBD64IGau1d/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_rockali.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Comparing The Rock to Muhammad Ali" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizE_rqkGJO-Mg3xfAXEyG7FNVaJeICRqNOZPCFp-_1Z5kU78vxjXY1NWV6gSuay7tIvwtmgmCL9D3lOnubRH3vUHRPLiKEf4cu9JB8CNJCa-15XTCtuu-tRQUDd4dxsOQiKdBD64IGau1d/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_rockali.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Comparing The Rock to Muhammad Ali" width="640" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Both were wildly-charismatic trash-talkers with a seemingly God-given knack for kicking ass and rising to the top of their chosen fields. </div><div><br /></div><div>Both were, at one time or another, universally rivaled, and yes, both were of a darker skin tone than some of their peers, so it was only a matter of time before somebody drew parallels between boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, and future movie star, The Rock. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In one of Raw Magazine's more entertaining pieces, that's exactly what Kevin Kelly does, not just comparing the two, but suggesting that both men were hated out of jealousy and racism rather than any shared love of talking smack. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Get Banged on a Saturday night </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX94mSS4HTV0vija2rtHFfKwA_Q968-8K1DPpFLVKWmDLa9Gr0rVqVbT5NLjT8McKrDM_X4uOH61GM-9CgCrgSFm6QN-OfcthHQmdG59x8nT8jTrai2016hLRn7wTzJMGZVZ9T0MK4E2eU/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_shotgunad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Shotgun Saturday Night ad featuring The Headbangers" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX94mSS4HTV0vija2rtHFfKwA_Q968-8K1DPpFLVKWmDLa9Gr0rVqVbT5NLjT8McKrDM_X4uOH61GM-9CgCrgSFm6QN-OfcthHQmdG59x8nT8jTrai2016hLRn7wTzJMGZVZ9T0MK4E2eU/w480-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_shotgunad.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Shotgun Saturday Night ad featuring The Headbangers" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>
You remember Shotgun Saturday Night, right? Before it became just another B-level show, this was WWF's attempt to replicate the intimate, adult-orientated atmosphere by holding raunchy shows in several nightclubs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other than <b>Marlena</b> flashing her breasticles to a surprised <b>Bob Backlund,</b> one of the main things I remember from this show was Glen Ruth and Charles Warrington dressed up as a tag team called <b>The Flying Nuns. </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
So it's probably fitting then that the two should appear here under their most famous guise as <b>The Headbangers</b> in an ad for that very same show. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've got to be honest though, I'm not sure I understand the connotations of "<i>Television with 'REAL' meaning," </i>especially when it comes as the tagline for a scripted pro wrestling show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I'd certainly prefer to get banged on a Saturday night than spend time 'doing something to myself' while listening to Jim Ross on the phone.</div>
<h3>
<b>Remembering The Samoans </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAGKNQfGOFtmwBKU6rsingXUzg19xJ3nZDZkORqvINal0TjULrpPeu-jdf7IBMxXgIGQDqVJBIl0YtRKyQl5oVqynZ7twvDQrdVft-XKXoceuHZSr79LDPREjXbeJIQVIqUnZmom398ut/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_samoans.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Remembering The Samoans" border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAGKNQfGOFtmwBKU6rsingXUzg19xJ3nZDZkORqvINal0TjULrpPeu-jdf7IBMxXgIGQDqVJBIl0YtRKyQl5oVqynZ7twvDQrdVft-XKXoceuHZSr79LDPREjXbeJIQVIqUnZmom398ut/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_samoans.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Remembering The Samoans" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Hey, do you remember The Samoans? </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, you do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before we had <b>The Headshrinkers,</b> before we had <b>The Usos, </b>we had <b>Afa & Sika</b>, led by the one and only Captain Lou Albano. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here, <b>Lou Gianfriddo</b> introduces new fans to the duo and their greatest in-ring accomplishments. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>The Night the Belt Changed Hands: Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty </b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfjQZrQvzFo_Y4Z5na6dttEP-CyhffTrrP1_Yx4XBRfs8iV6IpIQUFux81wpZVdJ3wXGWznZqHdh3en1zMgUKI1fkqg12U06mRy6o9FB1HYwcpVEe0Umkbvi_GCp_vQXJeS8wdsmdKs04/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_shawnmarty1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - The Night the Belt Changed Hands - Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty" border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfjQZrQvzFo_Y4Z5na6dttEP-CyhffTrrP1_Yx4XBRfs8iV6IpIQUFux81wpZVdJ3wXGWznZqHdh3en1zMgUKI1fkqg12U06mRy6o9FB1HYwcpVEe0Umkbvi_GCp_vQXJeS8wdsmdKs04/w640-h394/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_shawnmarty1.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - The Night the Belt Changed Hands - Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Jannetty" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I've mentioned many times in the past that my first introduction to the world of professional wrestling was witnessing <b>Shawn Michaels</b> hurling <b>Marty Jannetty</b> through the barbershop window whilst flicking through the TV channels one Sunday afternoon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9xdJnyu_Zp6u0wl_oIdTZMca9GLEbdjsShfqZZts6PBJGPNixcu2bB-Kpyu5xq_wS6VChVnoR7GpYApMRA2hlXJSbTuX5wL7j190yHMWDx48OGqJArXjYvjJy_3OKitXqtdP9ZSTpYqV/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_shawnmarty2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Marty Jannetty dominates Shawn Michaels" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9xdJnyu_Zp6u0wl_oIdTZMca9GLEbdjsShfqZZts6PBJGPNixcu2bB-Kpyu5xq_wS6VChVnoR7GpYApMRA2hlXJSbTuX5wL7j190yHMWDx48OGqJArXjYvjJy_3OKitXqtdP9ZSTpYqV/w452-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_shawnmarty2.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Marty Jannetty dominates Shawn Michaels" width="452" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>
What I never really mentioned was that a year later, at the ripe young age of nine, I considered Jannetty to be my all-time favorite wrestler. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tatanka</b> was a close second.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So you can probably imagine how happy I was back then to discover that my favorite Superstar had finally got the better of that no-good Shawn Michaels and taken his Intercontinental Championship, even if it wasn't to last. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The event itself took place on June 6th, 1993 from Albany, New York. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Michaels had just unveiled his new bodyguard in the form of shell-suit-wearing, flat-topped giant, <b>Kevin 'Diesel' Nash</b>, but it wasn't enough on that fateful night to stop Jannetty from capturing the gold and holding on to it for just a number of days.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here, <b>Lucas Swineford</b> gives us the full history of the former Rockers team mates, and recounts that famous night in New York in all its glory. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Fantasy Warfare: Bob Backlund vs. Owen Hart </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mhot7Z8AmiPUenOv2LogD3WtFxXwNuUtNGPAJgzE2D3H16av_p4oAqYwVMq4DizUHFEoz_3ZyRPFwwzlPnQCgrQCGbh-X27VTbNMEkavbGrwAQfqXmA72FKnurnvN9A4tcPm684V5DNR/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_owenbacklund.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Owen Hart vs. Bob Backlund fantasy warfare" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mhot7Z8AmiPUenOv2LogD3WtFxXwNuUtNGPAJgzE2D3H16av_p4oAqYwVMq4DizUHFEoz_3ZyRPFwwzlPnQCgrQCGbh-X27VTbNMEkavbGrwAQfqXmA72FKnurnvN9A4tcPm684V5DNR/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_owenbacklund.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Owen Hart vs. Bob Backlund fantasy warfare" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
There was a time in the mid nineties when <b>Owen Hart</b> and <b>Bob Backlund</b> were, if not exactly bossom-buddies, then at least solid allies in their battle to overthrow a common enemy in the form of Owen's older brother, Bret. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here though, Bill Banks casts the two not as evil heels working on the same page, but as two opponents doing battle in what could have been a great match. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As with all of these Raw Magazine fantasy warfare efforts, we never got Banks' opinion on who would have prevailed in such a clash, but instead get a simple analysis of their key wins, losses, strengths and weaknesses. </div>
<h3>Undertaker Chokeslams Chyna </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAeI6waSZDFc6BOGWyVpp9pZVPEwuhxcM8bxOl0l-ffMjEZTdc4ARXL35NcYwTlhTyA5XF5hVlzbsfNmIPcinmXKYOzN3hduK7NZks4Ee9pHHLP6p1yRiLcHqKxS1YAOuYhhLdY1IQWK9/s1600/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_takerchyna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Undertaker Chokeslams Chyna" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAeI6waSZDFc6BOGWyVpp9pZVPEwuhxcM8bxOl0l-ffMjEZTdc4ARXL35NcYwTlhTyA5XF5hVlzbsfNmIPcinmXKYOzN3hduK7NZks4Ee9pHHLP6p1yRiLcHqKxS1YAOuYhhLdY1IQWK9/w470-h640/wwf_rawmagazine_april98_takerchyna.jpg" title="WWE - WWF Raw Magazine - April 1998 - Undertaker Chokeslams Chyna" width="470" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>
And finally, we end with this 'Raw Exclusive Photo' of The Undertaker lifting up Chyna by the throat and preparing to drive her down into the canvas. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Oq5FOS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of the Royal Rumble on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm96ASHNYRhYyGs0bl37PuDPvl1wCLNnhgiipP_grYG3_BpwTDywJGvZtr89_sF-Lo-ycnJJncOA1ORdaNeYyeF4y23gbxTqchiVPTR_E5chHnCh1t_YXyonkcvIK1rdQ_2Rn2hb_OERZKvRNWfFrLpKviyw4UQuDaJxYtfuV_HAk-RClEbHlU7E3X7S9/w400-h400/The%20Complete%20History%20of%20the%20Royal%20Rumble.png" title="Buy The Complete History of the Royal Rumble on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></div>
</div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-58471402098896315792024-01-30T08:55:00.000-08:002024-01-30T09:01:15.706-08:00ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review <div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb9XHTw4YUdWAEFBCuEJAhaGR1yodeuruod4ybIbIqMOaenSP8wT2BJ50VWUSY7wQi8nPpEcMiCJze1z23h6_V8mnCxRnmJumdyjmtu2BndaBugJXjfP8UTN7KHfhOaVEw5ej79FcZl6Ej45Uuh2O4oeIJixaNublC8EnGt8rVllsKSCjTLMppUVwpjwu/s768/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 review" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb9XHTw4YUdWAEFBCuEJAhaGR1yodeuruod4ybIbIqMOaenSP8wT2BJ50VWUSY7wQi8nPpEcMiCJze1z23h6_V8mnCxRnmJumdyjmtu2BndaBugJXjfP8UTN7KHfhOaVEw5ej79FcZl6Ej45Uuh2O4oeIJixaNublC8EnGt8rVllsKSCjTLMppUVwpjwu/w383-h400/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-poster.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 review" width="383" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>April 15, 1995</b></div><div><b>ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 was the second half of a "Double-Header" attraction, the first half, Three Way Dance, taking place a week prior. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>That show had seen the debuts of both Beulah McGullicutty and Eddie Guerrero. The former was revealed as the catalyst for Tommy Dreamer's rivalry with Raven, while the latter captured both the TV title and Match of the Night honors against 2 Cold Scorpio. <br /><br />Tonight, Guerrero would defend that title against Dean Malenko, while McGuillicutty was set to be in Raven's corner for his match against Dreamer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere at Three Way Dance, Woman had double-crossed The Sandman to join forces with Shane Douglas. Tonight, she'd be accompanying the ECW champion as he made his second title defence against Sandman in as many weeks.</div><br /><div>That's all the major points covered, so, without further ado, let's head down to the world-famous ECW Arena.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Hostile City Showdown 1995</h3><div>We began tonight's show with the Hostile City Showdown 1995 title card giving way to a seizure-inducing clip featuring a bunch of flashing words. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was only on closer viewing (and lots of frantic pausing) that I figured out this was supposed to be a subliminal messaging gimmick encouraging us to watch more TV. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUohbxIpoUnBZXABHoBukIoAPEhd0FXDmL7pLQ0Wk-dwM9C27KTPpyffcsNwf2Uuf37-pUDxTC-V1CzEfmG10FIhzAwLm3WTnw89qSsnzj3sWpw0v6xFLuRr6RLmI7_bSVrFDa2bzCUBbFyFwcbdVPAPKjwKZtBuaw7vZVTH_W5fzkoOePy99uu3hJZFNa/s687/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-watch-more-tv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Subliminal Messaging at Hostile City Showdown" border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="687" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUohbxIpoUnBZXABHoBukIoAPEhd0FXDmL7pLQ0Wk-dwM9C27KTPpyffcsNwf2Uuf37-pUDxTC-V1CzEfmG10FIhzAwLm3WTnw89qSsnzj3sWpw0v6xFLuRr6RLmI7_bSVrFDa2bzCUBbFyFwcbdVPAPKjwKZtBuaw7vZVTH_W5fzkoOePy99uu3hJZFNa/w400-h351/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-watch-more-tv.jpg" title="ECW Subliminal Messaging at Hostile City Showdown" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This then faded out to <b>Mikey Whipreck</b> and <b>Stevie Richards</b> already in the ring, ready to kick off our opening contest.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Stevie Richards (w/ Raven) vs. Mikey Whipreck (w/ Hack Meyers)</h3><div>I already like this show just because the production quality looks better than those shows that are ripped straight from the VHS release.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQKifCgG82ck2st4_oiZIfjGDH1PJQ6j7ZqXm6TKqVoyEO7FUNp7j_BbnWEnsjM8JMjt7-CxzY4H7-f5pD-NVpQoMYAULbdXJ8AAC0oOLPL-Qyp8IfuDWUk8CZ4ojHvdko56nzMtWxe9A-vp60Cb8EFzcLgb8cHoSnH7FHTPFb1V79zQTc4LdIz4I76Zw/s760/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-whipreck-richards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 - Mikey Whipreck vs. Stevie Richards" border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="760" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQKifCgG82ck2st4_oiZIfjGDH1PJQ6j7ZqXm6TKqVoyEO7FUNp7j_BbnWEnsjM8JMjt7-CxzY4H7-f5pD-NVpQoMYAULbdXJ8AAC0oOLPL-Qyp8IfuDWUk8CZ4ojHvdko56nzMtWxe9A-vp60Cb8EFzcLgb8cHoSnH7FHTPFb1V79zQTc4LdIz4I76Zw/w400-h291/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-whipreck-richards.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 - Mikey Whipreck vs. Stevie Richards" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>That means not only is the whole thing easier to watch but also that these screenshots should hopefully not suck too bad either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it helps that this was a relatively decent opener.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the first few moments, Richards’ boss, <b>Raven</b>, got involved, interfering on behalf of his lackey.</div><div><br /></div><div>In no mood to be messed with, Whipreck stormed to the back and returned moments later with Hack Meyers in tow, bringing out the Shah of ECW to watch his back.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the playing field even, Mikey took charge, spending a large portion of the bout going after his opponent’s arm.</div><div><br /></div><div>All the while, the crowd added insult to injury, mocking Richards for his ridiculous attire with a loud chant of “<i>Daisy Dukes! Daisy Dukes!</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t say this often, but LOL.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, the audience was at it again, this time with a “<i>You f**led up!</i>” chant after something went amiss with a spot in the corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn’t easy to tell exactly what happened since the referee was in the way, but it looked as though Whipreck didn’t move out of the corner quick enough, meaning Stevie had to stop in his tracks and then dive into the post.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I do know for sure is that Raven interfered a second time, tripping up Whipreck as he hit the ropes. Looking to capitalize, Stevie hit the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, only for Meyers to trip him up and even the score.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both men got to their feet and Mikey Whipreck soon put away his opponent with a truly horrible-looking hurricanrana.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blown spots aside, this wasn’t a horrible way to start Hostile City Showdown. </div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Mikey Whipreck </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Raven attacked and was soon joined by his other henchmen, <b>The Pitbulls</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCipP2wESXALEYWCPVLlWtzhFlE-uLMXyAuspAy6I0lZdQjCQO0XwUAVmNdnaLMrd-hlp4yCZ2RqnAmNjZdVkNA26DVehKXQIgGteYqmaQJc_ckwhhuBbXf3n55rgvniZtaAzifBc42higxWj9a6vLN2BdIbWhSaZ1HXW5dRXrfDCNjSb60wer3p7vOfT/s727/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-raven-richards-pittbull.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 - Stevie Richards, The Pitbull, and Raven" border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="727" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCipP2wESXALEYWCPVLlWtzhFlE-uLMXyAuspAy6I0lZdQjCQO0XwUAVmNdnaLMrd-hlp4yCZ2RqnAmNjZdVkNA26DVehKXQIgGteYqmaQJc_ckwhhuBbXf3n55rgvniZtaAzifBc42higxWj9a6vLN2BdIbWhSaZ1HXW5dRXrfDCNjSb60wer3p7vOfT/w400-h304/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-raven-richards-pittbull.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 - Stevie Richards, The Pitbull, and Raven" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The duo had pledged their allegiance to Raven only a week earlier at Three Way Dance ‘95. Tonight, they set about proving their loyalty by helping in a four-on-two beatdown of Meyers and Whipreck.</div><div><br /></div><div>The assault ended at the hands of The Public Enemy, who raced to the rescue, getting a few early blows in on The Pitbulls ahead of their scheduled match later on the card.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rocco Rock</b> & <b>Johnny Grunge</b> then appeared to pull something out of Meyers' trunks and yelled something utterly indecipherable on the mic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously. I even put closed captions on, and even that describes that promo as <i>indistinct</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forget what I said earlier about this show being easier to watch, I still can’t make out half of what’s going on.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tony Stetson vs. Tsubo Genjin</h3><div>We joined this match in progress with the sight of <b>Tony Stetson</b> leaning over a barefooted man in tiger skin trunks. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByp-80tacUtSIRfoei-lRcEM20ned9Z_OeofuHkuskuhNvQY3H2iIWbsyS7lLpnC40-ebPOpv0h0FLtA9OhlQYRlQwHx7hKSnHVxf8Snc3f56LNgzJ9rIL0qjjNG_QVhgQernh2kiQVp5iRTV34vXe2UXhXxMFKdLYo0PYiIOru3OBKbQZCCwZgOC99Qo/s641/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-tsubo-genjin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Tsubo Genjin" border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="641" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByp-80tacUtSIRfoei-lRcEM20ned9Z_OeofuHkuskuhNvQY3H2iIWbsyS7lLpnC40-ebPOpv0h0FLtA9OhlQYRlQwHx7hKSnHVxf8Snc3f56LNgzJ9rIL0qjjNG_QVhgQernh2kiQVp5iRTV34vXe2UXhXxMFKdLYo0PYiIOru3OBKbQZCCwZgOC99Qo/w400-h359/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-tsubo-genjin.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Tsubo Genjin" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just when you thought Jimmy Snuka was still hanging around, however, the camera pulled back to reveal that this was not the Superfly but rather <b>Tsubo Genjin </b>doing a pretty good Superfly cosplay.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Japanese grappler beat Tony Stetson so quickly that I barely had time to prevent autocorrect from changing his name before it was all over.</div><div><br /></div><div>What we saw looked inoffensive enough, but it wasn’t compelling enough to make this fan want to go back and watch it more closely.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Tsubo Genjin</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, we cut to <b>Axl Rotten</b> inviting the fans to decide the stipulation for his upcoming match with brother Ian.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BrYSjTu2zoIKyFa6X9B55g6kHjwM-IeLEV9ZzqK9gbOOBFPC4hyu5xPBybcYIDv0jsmKktCY1pLu8RX0TKKCU2ArtCBucuUbB2pg2J0vb2_HIkwcsQ09bhOLbvIA1ovTBSq8EHZYCktJ3aCdbCwbhao8dBiMncpOR9mnrzf18OJ8dcvukzvBuG8lfscS/s728/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-axl-rotten.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Ian Rotten" border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="728" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BrYSjTu2zoIKyFa6X9B55g6kHjwM-IeLEV9ZzqK9gbOOBFPC4hyu5xPBybcYIDv0jsmKktCY1pLu8RX0TKKCU2ArtCBucuUbB2pg2J0vb2_HIkwcsQ09bhOLbvIA1ovTBSq8EHZYCktJ3aCdbCwbhao8dBiMncpOR9mnrzf18OJ8dcvukzvBuG8lfscS/w400-h325/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-axl-rotten.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Ian Rotten" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Armed with a trash can full of props, Rotten offered multiple options, including ‘<i>I Quit</i>,’ ‘<i>Loser Leaves Town</i>,’ a strap match, a baseball bat match, or a barbed wire baseball bat match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unsurprisingly, the bloodthirsty fans were most in favor of the barbed wire, though when Axl gave them a final option, a death match involving everything in his trash can, they clearly decided that was the one they wanted.</div><div><br /></div><div>I bet if WCW had let Sting do this back in the day, we’d never have ended up with <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1992.html" target="_blank">that Coal Miner’s Glove match</a>.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Axl Rotten vs. Ian Rotten</h3><div>The crowd was still cheering for the death match idea when <b>Ian Rotten</b> hit the ring, meaning the death match was underway immediately.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp_TLn1rGUMar9s7ioHGcNvF5mVCPQfmmzwzN-vrNANsFTiMfKZ9r1i9nQ0vZwKjGGXrWxDlc2SCGXule_Nzgut_ES7Tq4zRu3U5yI3XjNKNSF4MNaTd2VyKADkx7KcD0gJDqnY8ScBdbzY8z2LuxoLWy4tGsLNyJGQdZ9MG0W4kIxcw3tqGdvNcH_RLv/s758/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-axl-rotten-ian-rotten2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten" border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="758" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp_TLn1rGUMar9s7ioHGcNvF5mVCPQfmmzwzN-vrNANsFTiMfKZ9r1i9nQ0vZwKjGGXrWxDlc2SCGXule_Nzgut_ES7Tq4zRu3U5yI3XjNKNSF4MNaTd2VyKADkx7KcD0gJDqnY8ScBdbzY8z2LuxoLWy4tGsLNyJGQdZ9MG0W4kIxcw3tqGdvNcH_RLv/w400-h316/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-axl-rotten-ian-rotten2.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Of course, it didn’t really matter what the stipulation was. This proved to be pretty much the same match the Rotten Boys had given us several times already.</div><div><br /></div><div>In other words, they sauntered around inflicting meaningless acts of grotesque violence on one another until somebody won.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this case, it was Ian Rotten who picked up the victory after driving his brother’s head into some barbed wire with a DDT.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything up to that point was the usual Rotten Brothers Garbagefest Special, and though it was marginally more entertaining than their previous outings, it still wasn’t very good.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Ian Rotten </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, Raven and Stevie Richards made their way to ringside for an interview with <b>Joey Styles</b>. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3offrBViHajeYKLge4-yix_SBkmuIUhXucjkpjBvZGlZBiIsJ9ISdqNoDEvDsVF4phe6sxxk3yNyJTB4vzydCH_EdsTMj_g8JOqV3jVIY-a3cxWSGJ1h0JeS5944WyfBtqGGsfUkfuRghoRgTqPsCmTLJnMy42346ssFql9gdgTUG8a66o5UiathByef7/s806/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-richards-beulah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Joey Styles, Stevie Richards, and Beulah McGuillicutty" border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="806" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3offrBViHajeYKLge4-yix_SBkmuIUhXucjkpjBvZGlZBiIsJ9ISdqNoDEvDsVF4phe6sxxk3yNyJTB4vzydCH_EdsTMj_g8JOqV3jVIY-a3cxWSGJ1h0JeS5944WyfBtqGGsfUkfuRghoRgTqPsCmTLJnMy42346ssFql9gdgTUG8a66o5UiathByef7/w400-h286/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-richards-beulah.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Joey Styles, Stevie Richards, and Beulah McGuillicutty" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Accompanied by <b>Beulah McGillicutty</b>, Richards did all the talking for his man, Raven, essentially recapping the recent history between the former Scotty Flamingo and his arch-nemesis, <b>Tommy Dreamer</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a decent promo that gave context to our next match, and it ended with the crowd imploring Stevie to “<i>shut the f*k up.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Raven (w/ Stevie Richards & Beulah McGillicutty) vs. Tommy Dreamer </h3><div>The two bitter enemies wasted no time laying into one another, brawling all the way up to the back of the arena and demolishing one another with fists, boots, and whatever plunder happened to be available.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIQoMnFpBB6XjzfHo0N-tunKHX-fBG_XWFIdY2ADmbgPg1c3d7zvW6unHGhqWkrhV6t18EDwstC_S7sc2wO7E1lO6sRPSFqoPzgnqU3_5AlPAVQaiRGfam4D1O8jP1Vja93nqF01tQKdRJ5N59OZwFL_cPIYiKxlRQeb19p_tS8Ctu_cs3qsZgnMZg30q/s805/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-raven-dreamer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 Review - Tommy Dreamer vs. Raven" border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="805" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIQoMnFpBB6XjzfHo0N-tunKHX-fBG_XWFIdY2ADmbgPg1c3d7zvW6unHGhqWkrhV6t18EDwstC_S7sc2wO7E1lO6sRPSFqoPzgnqU3_5AlPAVQaiRGfam4D1O8jP1Vja93nqF01tQKdRJ5N59OZwFL_cPIYiKxlRQeb19p_tS8Ctu_cs3qsZgnMZg30q/w400-h294/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-raven-dreamer.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 Review - Tommy Dreamer vs. Raven" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>When they ran out of things to hit one another with up there, Raven and Dreamer brawled back to ringside for a game of “fans bring the weapons.”</div><div><br /></div><div>There, Dreamer cemented his control of the match by battering his opponent with a kitchen sink, a plastic dinosaur delivered right to Raven’s bollocks, and, finally, a carton of eggs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, Raven turned the tables but was unable to maintain the advantage for very long as Dreamer, with the full, unwavering support of the ECW faithful; went on an unstoppable rampage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Richards inevitably ran in, so Dreamer took him out then DDT’d the referee for no real reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Beulah got in Tommy’s face, so he picked her up, flashed her knickers to the ECW arena, and obliterated her with a DDT.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkIrV8a5aDvb0UQNgCgiXrprXVaa73wBjEaF45YMiXLZQiB4iIs0QOOguQsyt9qFcc2-K0C4srwR2n8sNjJcIZGePiUK8XZygyZ-a667elmeSV1m82X4ypxTeWA1lQxuFDFqFrEk9Kt5ZaayVAMGd-4MfwdPN1EHFk7L2E56eUKjWI9QvM5DhFLj2vre4/s783/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-raven.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 Review - Raven" border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="783" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkIrV8a5aDvb0UQNgCgiXrprXVaa73wBjEaF45YMiXLZQiB4iIs0QOOguQsyt9qFcc2-K0C4srwR2n8sNjJcIZGePiUK8XZygyZ-a667elmeSV1m82X4ypxTeWA1lQxuFDFqFrEk9Kt5ZaayVAMGd-4MfwdPN1EHFk7L2E56eUKjWI9QvM5DhFLj2vre4/w400-h308/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-raven.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 Review - Raven" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This wasn’t much of a match, but it was certainly good for what it was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the Rotten Brothers and their garbage matches, Raven and Dreamer showed that it was possible to have a weapons-filled brawl without it sucking, injecting their bout with a well-placed sense of pace and purpose that made it compelling.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner Via DQ: Raven </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, a bloody Tommy Dreamer took center stage, basking in the adulation of the fans before heading over the guard rail to join them in that familiar chant of “<i>ECW! ECW!</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>Make no mistake about it, Dreamer was over like Rover here. </div><div><br /></div><div>If Heyman had put the title on him the next day and made him the focal point of the company, I'm sure it would have worked extremely well.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Extreme Championship Wrestling Television Championship<br />ECW TV Champion Eddy Guerrero vs. ‘The Shooter’ Dean Malenko </h3><div>Speaking of things working extremely well, that’s precisely what ECW TV Champion Eddie Guerrero (presented here as “Eddy”) and Dean Malenko did in our next contest.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jDytJbUcx5_6wpc1oBt_MG0ltzXI-G5ggCupYca5fxN55Kv5WiNDURPGLs6VuJOcIMN3_KFjGkJIxgWxhqzSinYKhnHTd0gYnUE8z9luhrO887jZzVs314acpR8-tAppZ3gvj_5R4g5GZfYowYdEq5laVtqUd6-FMQGli2P9uSOvdl4itTNLqE-3uBfG/s647/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-guerrero-malenko-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko" border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="647" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jDytJbUcx5_6wpc1oBt_MG0ltzXI-G5ggCupYca5fxN55Kv5WiNDURPGLs6VuJOcIMN3_KFjGkJIxgWxhqzSinYKhnHTd0gYnUE8z9luhrO887jZzVs314acpR8-tAppZ3gvj_5R4g5GZfYowYdEq5laVtqUd6-FMQGli2P9uSOvdl4itTNLqE-3uBfG/w400-h311/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-guerrero-malenko-3.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve produced over 200 reviews for this blog and written about countless matches, but I don’t think I’ve ever before in my life said what I’m about to say about this one:</div><div><br /></div><div>This match was flawless.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, the only one minor negative moment in this match involved the crowd turning their focus on an unruly audience member who was causing trouble off camera.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd's chant of “<i>THROW HIM OUT! THROW HIM OUT!” </i>distracted from the match at hand, though thankfully, not for very long.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was partly due to a solitary fan on the front row who kept pointing to the ring and turning back to face the rest of the audience as if to say “<i>You seeing this s**t? Ignore that guy, you’re missing something incredible here.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CqpjZS90A_QiTrqUAfVCVXhkUc1K0o6K9qTxVmV3FSh-OlPDfNTsLWXoaES5c5j_iFRAlXTQ63KLpoH_H0_PUDGYjKLltgnlq1URwMyfCvA4KBOsqzUhXMxUxSnTXVQ3DVSaIoLp8xJQVv31aRwRR7j7YfZc0MCNHw7wU_1h-PrhvhOXaXtWdwLq4MEq/s836/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-guerrero-malenko-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko" border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="836" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CqpjZS90A_QiTrqUAfVCVXhkUc1K0o6K9qTxVmV3FSh-OlPDfNTsLWXoaES5c5j_iFRAlXTQ63KLpoH_H0_PUDGYjKLltgnlq1URwMyfCvA4KBOsqzUhXMxUxSnTXVQ3DVSaIoLp8xJQVv31aRwRR7j7YfZc0MCNHw7wU_1h-PrhvhOXaXtWdwLq4MEq/w400-h275/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-guerrero-malenko-4.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mostly, however, it was because Guerrero and Malenko were so good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their performance was so utterly mesmerizing that they would have demanded your attention even if the building was on fire and a guy with bad breath yelled jokes about your momma right down your ear hole.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, maybe not, but you get the idea, I’m sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the fast-paced technical masterpiece of the bout’s early minutes to a gripping climax in which both men made one desperate lunge at victory after another, via a lengthy second act compromised mostly of submissions, this was so enthralling that you just HAVE to see it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, all good things must come to an end, as this did when the time limit expired with both champ and challenger still trading the advantage.</div><div><b><i>Time-Limit Draw (Eddy Guerrero retains the TV title)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd demanded an encore, but their cries of “<i>FIVE MORE MINUTES!</i>” fell on deaf ears and we went right into the next match.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Extreme Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship <br />ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas (w/ Woman) vs. The Sandman</h3><div>I know it would be a tricky one to pull off, but <b>Nancy “Woman” Sullivan</b> is more than worthy of a posthumous Hall of Fame induction.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VeV9DrntzXEtpXMRHHh8KgbSh3SkjHB4biMnG9Rx3V86ROZzdZgFmgfGVqLa1xJCkPMGWKUSBQKSwh1uX_7Fd24JSShTH5GENM-bKLdx72pAUtDWRnlnPVf1Is8Wo9gAtdRoT_X5GnqK5ZJqoJtMVjAdkLn6kws9uAZ23yNJP-xFHIu4orzL6VtMyY0M/s812/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-douglas-woman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - ECW Champion Shane Douglas w/ Woman" border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="812" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VeV9DrntzXEtpXMRHHh8KgbSh3SkjHB4biMnG9Rx3V86ROZzdZgFmgfGVqLa1xJCkPMGWKUSBQKSwh1uX_7Fd24JSShTH5GENM-bKLdx72pAUtDWRnlnPVf1Is8Wo9gAtdRoT_X5GnqK5ZJqoJtMVjAdkLn6kws9uAZ23yNJP-xFHIu4orzL6VtMyY0M/w400-h289/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-douglas-woman.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - ECW Champion Shane Douglas w/ Woman" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>She was always so excellent in her role and enhanced the presentation of everyone she managed, it’s a terrible shame that these days she’s talked about more the tragedy that befell her rather than what a tremendous manager she was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back at Three Way Dance, Woman had callously betrayed <b>The Sandman</b>, costing him the win in a title challenge against <b>Shane Douglas</b> and aligning herself with The Franchise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, she and Douglas took their sweet time making their entrance as a stoic Sandman stood center-ring and watched them, his stare unwavering.</div><br /><div>The split second the bell rang, the challenger pounced, attacking Douglas from behind but eventually succumbing to what Joey Styles tried to convince us was Shane’s superior wrestling prowess.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look, I’m not saying Douglas wasn’t the better of the two from a technical standpoint, but the way Styles tried to sell it, it was as if Sandman was only good for brawling and wouldn’t know a wristlock from a wristwatch.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVSOI6dHiVDS7sXvH_DZaqpq3Itd2eLyUlMGaeV0aUftaPs-XLx7ohz7JTBCXVkN2iae0nkPZzwacx_MadAXXWMDBVerXQ19J4M90Bg5zRKeY2YjBc26878dtpbcDh94e9kNC-Vr3Q2wdNxH9M-M-943e2DLic1Ia8ZCOTmf-gFoOcQw1ak1_9gesSLYO/s814/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-sandman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 - The Sandman" border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="814" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVSOI6dHiVDS7sXvH_DZaqpq3Itd2eLyUlMGaeV0aUftaPs-XLx7ohz7JTBCXVkN2iae0nkPZzwacx_MadAXXWMDBVerXQ19J4M90Bg5zRKeY2YjBc26878dtpbcDh94e9kNC-Vr3Q2wdNxH9M-M-943e2DLic1Ia8ZCOTmf-gFoOcQw1ak1_9gesSLYO/w400-h293/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-sandman.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown '95 - The Sandman" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I would’ve bought into that much more had Sandman not proved himself to be at least competent in the art of catch-as-catch-can in the aforementioned Three Way Dance bout.</div><div><br /></div><div>Minor continuity error aside, this was a reasonable match with a tremendous finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>After absorbing The Franchise’s offense, Sandman regained control out on the arena floor and punished the champion by splattering his body on the concrete.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back between the ropes, it appeared Sandman’s brawling superpowers were weakened and he soon found himself in the clutches of a Shane Douglas sleeper hold.</div><div><br /></div><div>The challenger staggered for the ropes, dragging the champion with him until they were close enough for Woman to pick up Sandman’s trusty Singapore cane and whack her own man in the legs with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Douglas fell back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sandman fell on top of him.</div><div><br /></div><div>The referee counted.</div><div><br /></div><div>One…</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sandman and Woman had duped Shane Douglas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two…</div><div><br /></div><div>Woman had double-crossed The Franchise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Three</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sandman had beaten Shane Douglas for the ECW title.</div><div><i><b>Your winner and New ECW Champion: The Sandman </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>After the bell, Woman returned to The Sandman’s side, confirming the con on a now former ECW champion who paced outside the ring looking momentarily bewildered.</div><div><br /></div><div>That bewilderment quickly turned to a moment of rage as The Franchise threw a chair, turned over a table, and then stopped, an evil grin forming that soon turned to wicked laughter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Douglas turned his back to the ring. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjnNV3jVNGVypykIB6-w9dLcXUXHCCt6zJDedwaSQJKIdJT-qV6Witd633UtmToS9j_ElIgKB3WOEdWvIYH91q_wyxQ2c5PhHFDzp56kBt9jTKfS00GnQgEMn6-_U04m0_2yghgWiFolQy4OX4x-oYy27HcekCPDjzPfu3Dy5rWPQ-oXTQUvUpso9ZCC5/s798/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-shane-douglas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Shane Douglas in a Monday Night Raw shirt" border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="798" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjnNV3jVNGVypykIB6-w9dLcXUXHCCt6zJDedwaSQJKIdJT-qV6Witd633UtmToS9j_ElIgKB3WOEdWvIYH91q_wyxQ2c5PhHFDzp56kBt9jTKfS00GnQgEMn6-_U04m0_2yghgWiFolQy4OX4x-oYy27HcekCPDjzPfu3Dy5rWPQ-oXTQUvUpso9ZCC5/w400-h297/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-shane-douglas.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Shane Douglas in a Monday Night Raw shirt" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When he turned round again, he was holding a WWF Monday Night Raw t-shirt.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Franchise slipped on the merch with menacing glee before yelling at the crowd and then leaving the ECW Arena, marching straight out of the company and into an ill-fated role as evil school teacher Dean Douglas.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, we suddenly remembered that a new champion had just been crowned.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7-ehpKkAniCJ030-_W5kqUNjmdIaxASColS63BKS1sfwSTR0q1SZ63IXAsnyaXTpJRF41PZFvs6a5OMEE57obgMPt1SXKEmgJ-Qlnd2H0EuZjmBN-bmx_DpXz4z6AjqoPxcPpvtSKM8-jyMVgZFYY8qxoYGg6Eru56T51QlQYu_XxmixGl-JZhvfgsXP/s825/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-sandman-champ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Woman and new ECW Champion Shane Douglas" border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="825" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7-ehpKkAniCJ030-_W5kqUNjmdIaxASColS63BKS1sfwSTR0q1SZ63IXAsnyaXTpJRF41PZFvs6a5OMEE57obgMPt1SXKEmgJ-Qlnd2H0EuZjmBN-bmx_DpXz4z6AjqoPxcPpvtSKM8-jyMVgZFYY8qxoYGg6Eru56T51QlQYu_XxmixGl-JZhvfgsXP/w400-h274/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-sandman-champ.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Woman and new ECW Champion Shane Douglas" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Cameras turned back to Sandman and Woman, who apparently hadn’t moved an inch during Douglas’ entire dramatic exit.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo received their ovation from the audience and then, a few seconds later, we cut straight to our next match as if the crowning of a new world champion was no big deal.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Extreme Championship Wrestling World Tag Team Championship <br />ECW World Tag Team Champions The Public Enemy (Flyboy Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge) vs. The Pitbulls (Pitbull #1 & Pitbull #2 w/ Stevie Richards)</h3><div>The Pitbulls had been on a hot streak as of late, steamrolling over every team put in front of them and even joining forces with Raven and Richards.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qQAxj-lCEyq2ipjj7tET7fCjUHzo3YRd-20z3wOYACFtFOBtwhwJ5NEnwsEIouQo1mG9wFdDAe00EY7AFHxHwJr7nXj5gyx6ly9DJGrBqXk7daTSa1b18WY3JGzrN6SrRsSBpddYFoRDl7Uy-NkhrB-ewUQ1l4ikkU3tjl4CX2FZcoSRnLVcr_rmVuh4/s832/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-chair-shots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - The Pitbulls vs. The Public Enemy" border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="832" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qQAxj-lCEyq2ipjj7tET7fCjUHzo3YRd-20z3wOYACFtFOBtwhwJ5NEnwsEIouQo1mG9wFdDAe00EY7AFHxHwJr7nXj5gyx6ly9DJGrBqXk7daTSa1b18WY3JGzrN6SrRsSBpddYFoRDl7Uy-NkhrB-ewUQ1l4ikkU3tjl4CX2FZcoSRnLVcr_rmVuh4/w400-h275/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-chair-shots.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - The Pitbulls vs. The Public Enemy" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Tonight, they finally had serious competition on their hands in the form of reigning tag team champions The Public Enemy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I’ve watched this match twice over now and I still can’t decide what I think about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were moments when it was genuinely exciting when the wild, bloody brawling, and typical ECW weapon spots made for a captivating watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then there were moments when it felt like you were watching four knuckleheads staggering blind-drunk out of a bar at three AM and attempting to fight one another.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn’t that bc anything was outright bad here, but the longer the match went on, the more it seemed to lose focus, all four men simply wandering around aimlessly whacking each other with stuff until it was time for the next big spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, Rocco Rock scored the win for his team with the most deadly finishing move of all time - The Roll-Up.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners and Still ECW Tag Team Champions: The Public Enemy Enemy</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, <b>911</b> faced <b>Ron Simmons</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, we were spared the horrors of watching 911 wrestle as the show cut right to the end of the match. </div><div><br /></div><div>That saw 911 hurl Simmons from the top rope then jump down after him and pinning him.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m so glad I didn’t have to sit through that.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Terry Funk vs. Cactus Jack</h3><div>Terry Funk made his way out for our main event wearing a shirt that said “CACTUS MY ASS.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyM74p-Qgsb7_5DkMBkLzCKXs79l_RKCpfjcyskAtUks0YXrfnRERdD_xLNXlA1hwdY4LZDM8_9F00qAGSHKNhrrpG-vpKXGvUJRTnLd9Rp99hwxY3PaV9F402p_bUqsAUo2ASiRCM2CPZ0odRoNlISh-YISzjwp0P-Xrqj2L5i4dCO5AmsHxDJKG2GIt/s703/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-cactus-my-ass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Terry Funk with 'Cactus My Ass' written on his shirt" border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="703" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyM74p-Qgsb7_5DkMBkLzCKXs79l_RKCpfjcyskAtUks0YXrfnRERdD_xLNXlA1hwdY4LZDM8_9F00qAGSHKNhrrpG-vpKXGvUJRTnLd9Rp99hwxY3PaV9F402p_bUqsAUo2ASiRCM2CPZ0odRoNlISh-YISzjwp0P-Xrqj2L5i4dCO5AmsHxDJKG2GIt/w400-h309/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-cactus-my-ass.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 Review - Terry Funk with 'Cactus My Ass' written on his shirt" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I hope whoever took him up on that offer used lube.</div><br /><div>Ahem, dirty jokes aside, this was yet another weapons-filled brawl, albeit one with a drama and intensity that the others on this show had lacked.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8TwgRhAebrG2vKv0JplGF09XkFxvlDjuqSsQrT5c60YOKY50NeS14cM3_1DeqIapthADqyLoUrNPH1XvL8ZnDRkYlJb14Mj1nw5VN9dyYtbbnW7ZicU-LBkznDMrHXs-JbJszxBfBsmcAd9fp-VdjLhB3_d9ZsdIS12jQtH34JUeHvbGnHppmQXGdS58/s820/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-cactus-jack-terry-funk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Terry Funk vs. Cactus Jack" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="820" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8TwgRhAebrG2vKv0JplGF09XkFxvlDjuqSsQrT5c60YOKY50NeS14cM3_1DeqIapthADqyLoUrNPH1XvL8ZnDRkYlJb14Mj1nw5VN9dyYtbbnW7ZicU-LBkznDMrHXs-JbJszxBfBsmcAd9fp-VdjLhB3_d9ZsdIS12jQtH34JUeHvbGnHppmQXGdS58/w400-h300/ecw-hostile-city-showdown-95-cactus-jack-terry-funk.jpg" title="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 - Terry Funk vs. Cactus Jack" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Things quickly spilled to the outside, where Cactus battered his nemesis with a toilet seat and took him on a trip to the back of the arena. Yet it was Funk who returned from that trip in control of the match, taking Jack back to the ring and decimating his flesh with a broken bottle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Terry continued his deadly assault until Mikey Whipreck ran into save his friend and former tag team partner. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not that Whipreck's assistance did any good. Funk merely clocked him around the head and sent him packing to the outside. </div><div><br /></div><div>Foley battled back, drilling Funk with a DDT on the chair a cover that was broken up by The Sandman. Much as Funk had done with Whipreck, Cactus disposed of Sandman, returned his attentions to The Funker, and won the match.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Cactus Jack</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Not that he looked like much of a winner. </div><div><br /></div><div>No sooner had the bell sounded than Sandman was back in the ring, walloping Cactus with cane shots aplenty and dousing him in lighter fluid. </div><div><br /></div><div>Funk then returned with a flaming branding iron that he used to prod Cactus out of the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an impressive visual, for sure, though if you were expecting a blazing inferno or a recap of the <a href="https://lostmediawiki.com/ECW_Arena_fire_(lost_footage_of_post-hardcore_professional_wrestling_match_brawl;_1995)" target="_blank">ECW Arena Fire</a>, you'd have to wait a couple of months. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, Cactus grabbed the branding iron and crawled around. Funk fled, babyfaces like Ian Rotten and Hack Meyers came to Foley's rescue, and ECW Hostile City Showdown 1995 ended with a sincere "<i>Oh My God" </i>from Joey Styles. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42hAIC6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade Volume 1 on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStVVRlhiPVSCmJ83-iE6kACtYJcGDaZMjd0g-ZeGCGuCCE-JQlS6CGGC2h43M4GLrm6DObBIT22tnailv_ChRYNc8VI03WhbGPXHP1uTzLIxIGTL_2SFfCU0JxrTAjF_ZbqeHgt311YQ7z43x0C3laT1hRcrhKeEPRU-gie5N7ONC620r7tle05GTBPET/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade Volume 1 on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div><i>Reviewing ECW shows can be a chore sometimes, especially when those shows feature one wild brawl after another. Don't get me wrong, I like a good brawl as much as the next fan, but when the whole card is full of them (and when half of them are mediocre), it gets very old, very fast. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Still, I'll keep reviewing these shows because, hidden among the garbage there's the occasional diamond or two. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>That was certainly the case with Hostile City Showdown 1995. Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko for the TV title is one of my favorite matches of all time and undoubtedly one of the best ECW matches ever.</i></div><div><i>That match, along with the world title change and Shane Douglas' leaving the company made this one of the more memorable and important Extreme Championship Wrestling shows. A recommended watch for sure.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><hr />
<br /><div><div><b><i>Other ECW Reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/event-review-ecw-super-summer-sizzler.html" target="_blank">ECW Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-ecw-ultra-clash-1993.html" target="_blank">ECW Ultra Clash 1993</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-ecw-nwa-bloodfest-93.html" target="_blank">NWA Blood Fest 1993</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/event-review-ecw-night-line-was-crossed.html" target="_blank">ECW The Night The Line Was Crossed 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-ecw-when-worlds-collide.html" target="_blank">ECW When World's Collide 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/07/event-review-ecw-hostile-city-showdown.html" target="_blank">ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/11/event-review-ecw-heatwave-1994.html" target="_blank">ECW Heatwave 1994 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/ecw-hardcore-heaven-1994-review.html" target="_blank">ECW Hardcore Heaven 1994</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/event-review-ecw-november-to-remember.html" target="_blank">ECW November to Remember 1994 </a></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-ecw-double-tables-1995.html" target="_blank">ECW Double Tables 1995</a></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ecw-return-of-funker-review-february.html" target="_blank">ECW Return of the Funker 1995 </a></span></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/ecw-three-way-dance-1995-review.html" target="_blank">ECW Three Way Dance 1995</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-ecw-november-to-remember-1999.html" target="_blank">ECW November to Remember 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/05/ppv-review-ecw-one-night-stand-2005.html" target="_blank">WWE - ECW One Night Stand 2005</a></li></ul></div></div><div> </div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></span></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-18870730666872240282024-01-17T08:18:00.000-08:002024-01-17T08:36:00.370-08:00WCW Starrcade 1992 Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7Qn3sCZmE2i1uoGxZNm5th1DSCHKd4XNgEVEsbumzZ5xkKCa5Zo1EY9V7vULIKyd6d7F56PzDsiestr2v1IIrxug1Cn0pQQmsrzxoNv0gh3RQM-Oyohw8o_wZl5s92M0x6CWSH4CQFLck2fvZkXd1YcvLKpQpQA35X-6IifeJnD098DvGdLEGII_r9l6/s2000/wcw-starrcade-92-event-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 1992 Review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7Qn3sCZmE2i1uoGxZNm5th1DSCHKd4XNgEVEsbumzZ5xkKCa5Zo1EY9V7vULIKyd6d7F56PzDsiestr2v1IIrxug1Cn0pQQmsrzxoNv0gh3RQM-Oyohw8o_wZl5s92M0x6CWSH4CQFLck2fvZkXd1YcvLKpQpQA35X-6IifeJnD098DvGdLEGII_r9l6/w309-h400/wcw-starrcade-92-event-poster.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 1992 Review - Event poster" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div><b>December 28, 1992</b></div><div><b>The Omni, Atlanta, Georgia.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>WCW Starrcade 1992 was the tenth installment of the company’s longest-running marquee event. It was also the last World Championship Wrestling Pay Per View with Cowboy Bill Watts in charge. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Watts' 1992 run as Executive Vice President had delivered one ill-received decision after another, whether it was banning moves off the top rope or pushing his underprepared offspring into prominent spots on the card. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, if you ask me, the worst thing Bill Watts did while running WCW was to invest so much in trying to present pro wrestling as a legitimate sport that it made for confusing viewing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take his obsession with tournaments. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I'll probably note later in this review, I don't recall a single PPV or Clash show from 1992 that didn't feature some kind of tournament or competition. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I get that they can be a useful storytelling device to explain why two wrestlers would want to fight each other, every additional tournament only diluted the importance of the last to the point that it was tough to know what -if anything- actually mattered.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take tonight, for example:</div><div><br /></div><div>Two world title matches. A King of Cable tournament final. The Battle Bowl tournament. Even more title matches, all presented as being equally as important. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having said all that, I'll go on record right now as saying that Starrcade 1992 was one of the better events in the series' history, if only from an in-ring standpoint. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what went down:</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Starrcade ‘92</h3><div>And so, the 10th annual Starrcade got underway with a video montage of title graphics from previous events. </div><div><br /></div><div>This led all the way up to tonight's proceedings, at which point the video shifted its focus to some of the evening's featured attractions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only would we see the return of the Battle Bowl tournament, but also no less than five title matches, making for a crowded and confusing card. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EKwDURGRStiJtyXiJzmv3G1DappdiskL_dRYnkr_3R5TR5Of0nnGUcYz8rkFnN5wbmkKO7udQfy9Src4-kW87jzSnrfd6ZX6kGVPo7TIDmYU_pfqqBgKBZogqDeZBOtaiecj15vFHvrtxyBAOfZkl2U8tR3_ZHaHsmoEqm7hMJXUDXtp1weBcE2PwHjY/s772/wcw-starrcade-92-ross-ventura.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 1992 - Jim Ross makes his last WCW PPV appearance with Jesse Ventura" border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EKwDURGRStiJtyXiJzmv3G1DappdiskL_dRYnkr_3R5TR5Of0nnGUcYz8rkFnN5wbmkKO7udQfy9Src4-kW87jzSnrfd6ZX6kGVPo7TIDmYU_pfqqBgKBZogqDeZBOtaiecj15vFHvrtxyBAOfZkl2U8tR3_ZHaHsmoEqm7hMJXUDXtp1weBcE2PwHjY/w400-h320/wcw-starrcade-92-ross-ventura.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 1992 - Jim Ross makes his last WCW PPV appearance with Jesse Ventura" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Anyway, Game Show Voice Over Guy then introduced us to our announcers for the evening, <b>Jim Ross</b> & <b>Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo also ran down tonight’s card, with Ventura noting that this was his first time calling a Starrcade event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wrapping up, the duo passed us on to <b>Eric Bischoff</b> for the following important announcement.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ravishing Rick Rude is Injured </h3><div>Coming to us from the WCW Control Room with a <a href="https://wcwworldwide.com/2018/02/fms-wcwmag-sept92/" target="_blank">WCW Magazine</a> special report, Bischoff announced that <b>Rick Rude</b> was hurt and would be out for around seven weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaFGeJOYVbbakTvfUBtNgw2xfM52mwOo32S4mZpoGLnhM9unwaPkbwfVO9Y8XHlcWmloj6PQMZVB8mjOA3xSGmH7KFRKQrlgJZ4lJ9O7Y9umD9XsgTnPFjEIn09P15N1VUcw6arACKDNn5Atud-2idHJZfJeySrx-ZyJn7jYI2GP8PQ84lYI7-4-WvRdz/s743/wcw-starrcade-92-eric-bischoff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade '92 - Eric Bischoff announces Rick Rude's injury in a WCW Magazine Special Report" border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="743" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaFGeJOYVbbakTvfUBtNgw2xfM52mwOo32S4mZpoGLnhM9unwaPkbwfVO9Y8XHlcWmloj6PQMZVB8mjOA3xSGmH7KFRKQrlgJZ4lJ9O7Y9umD9XsgTnPFjEIn09P15N1VUcw6arACKDNn5Atud-2idHJZfJeySrx-ZyJn7jYI2GP8PQ84lYI7-4-WvRdz/w400-h328/wcw-starrcade-92-eric-bischoff.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade '92 - Eric Bischoff announces Rick Rude's injury in a WCW Magazine Special Report" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>That meant he could no longer challenge <b>Ron Simmons</b> for the WCW title tonight. As such, <b>Dr. Death Steve Williams</b> of all people would be taking his place.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't mean anything against Williams, but I can think of at least five WCW stars who would have been a more logical replacement. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sting Gets His Battle Bowl Ring </h3><div>After a quick look at the heels and faces hanging out in separate locker rooms ahead of Battle Bowl, we next went to <b>Tony Schiavone</b>, who was standing by in the ring with top dog <b>Bill Watts</b> and baseball legend <b>Hank Aaron</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCljyMQScD4yhgGrb_ohO8RY0adBrFsE9SjO9rIKhswja8PIzmCYbPU5OzPkLzzPAQS5qp2jBPvEZf8cuyWbkNFkPNiMJ4_kBy-x9bqlj2mnN0eMx7cIMWeX-1BLHzskusjz-pcT_mlsim6N9rJ2NIVnTsqaiDqB-aZDQI3dw5onzrewtThQ-phuekEZaM/s799/wcw-starrcade-92-sting-hank-aaron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Starrcade '92 Review - Hank Aaron presents Sting with a Battle Bowl ring" border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="799" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCljyMQScD4yhgGrb_ohO8RY0adBrFsE9SjO9rIKhswja8PIzmCYbPU5OzPkLzzPAQS5qp2jBPvEZf8cuyWbkNFkPNiMJ4_kBy-x9bqlj2mnN0eMx7cIMWeX-1BLHzskusjz-pcT_mlsim6N9rJ2NIVnTsqaiDqB-aZDQI3dw5onzrewtThQ-phuekEZaM/w400-h301/wcw-starrcade-92-sting-hank-aaron.jpg" title="Starrcade '92 Review - Hank Aaron presents Sting with a Battle Bowl ring" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Watts noted that the winner of each year’s battle bowl would win a special, Super Bowl-style ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since this was an idea they’d just recently come up with, <b>Sting</b> hadn’t received a ring for his win the previous year.</div><div><br /></div><div>To correct that, The Stinger came out to receive his prize from Aaron.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I generally like the idea of this segment, it wasn’t very interesting and achieved nothing other than to remind us Sting was also in this year’s competition and was looking to win.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Time for the Lethal Lottery</h3><div>Before Sting, or anyone else for that matter, could win Battle Bowl, we turf had to get through the Lethal Lottery, a tag tournament in which “randomly selected teams” would compete for a spot in the Battle Bowl battle royal.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TjkKfbG0nbbDgXyRv59imZ7RZNcDuGpdoFV-9zguw2WppuzKJw4IszD7OsFVbGp3ahqQ15Fc6JqxM823DhnQd6lauvw6czF9QTF1dxoIKaydsLDIRHSWVmze5vkMd_1CjdoX3nUQxZWTGekIH-vWMUfKMQufNJBG5y_yDJNt2im6rvX3mqL6hS2vBLIN/s779/wcw-starrcade-92-larry-missy-hyatt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Starrcade '92 Review - Larry and Missy draw the lethal lottery" border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="779" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TjkKfbG0nbbDgXyRv59imZ7RZNcDuGpdoFV-9zguw2WppuzKJw4IszD7OsFVbGp3ahqQ15Fc6JqxM823DhnQd6lauvw6czF9QTF1dxoIKaydsLDIRHSWVmze5vkMd_1CjdoX3nUQxZWTGekIH-vWMUfKMQufNJBG5y_yDJNt2im6rvX3mqL6hS2vBLIN/w400-h296/wcw-starrcade-92-larry-missy-hyatt.jpg" title="Starrcade '92 Review - Larry and Missy draw the lethal lottery" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Missy Hyatt</b> and <b>Larry Zybyzsko</b> were on hand to tell us that they’d be drawing the teams tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, since the first two teams had already been picked back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xxi.html" target="_blank">Clash of the Champions 21</a> in November, we’d see them in action first.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Lethal Lottery - Match 1<br />Van Hammer & Dangerous Dan Spivey vs. Cactus Jack & Johnny B. Badd </h4><div>Almost 10 minutes into the show, the bell rang and we finally got underway with our opening contest, a fair effort that featured decent wrestling but drew barely a modicum of heat.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the whole, that may be because there was nothing to really care about, no genuine cause for animosity other than “<i>Tag Team Partners Who Don’t Like Each Other Due The Natural Laws of Heels, Babyfaces, and All Things Kayfabe.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>That simply wasn’t enough to get the crowds invested in what was otherwise a relatively solid match.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, <b>Johnny B. Badd</b> decided he’d had enough of trying to coexist with <b>Cactus Jack</b> and punched him out, allowing <b>Van Hammer</b> to roll up The Man From Truth or Consequences for the pin.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Van Hammer & Dan Spivey </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As the victors left via separate paths, we returned to Zybysko & Hyatt for the next Lethal Lottery drawing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The teams they drew were…well, it was these guys:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lethal Lottery - Match 2<br />‘The Natural’ Dustin Rhodes & Big Van Vader (w/ Harley Race) vs. Kensuke Sasaki & The Barbarian </h3><div>This may have been another match with no major backstory, but at least <b>Big Van Vader</b> and <b>Dustin Rhodes</b> had a little recent history from their clash in the King of Cable tournament.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtwlS31xij5cDbU8kl14Nv-BrU7itfyx5E-7t5bvFQMfJBSalmto02rFqWlum8BIz3rElyIZ8pzfHHClPT7z78E2tPWcnTFAU3fT_OAGMJCxfqXB3-ZsOd1EUHvwqX0Pw-OiXmzMHjgmLtWcQya4uSLmHVd4NfTdfgwXZ04AWD4Yeck1SQFlFBOD9jW3i/s825/wcw-starrcade-92-barbarian-vader.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 92 - Barbarian and Big Van Vader square off" border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="825" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtwlS31xij5cDbU8kl14Nv-BrU7itfyx5E-7t5bvFQMfJBSalmto02rFqWlum8BIz3rElyIZ8pzfHHClPT7z78E2tPWcnTFAU3fT_OAGMJCxfqXB3-ZsOd1EUHvwqX0Pw-OiXmzMHjgmLtWcQya4uSLmHVd4NfTdfgwXZ04AWD4Yeck1SQFlFBOD9jW3i/w400-h296/wcw-starrcade-92-barbarian-vader.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 92 - Barbarian and Big Van Vader square off" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>What’s more, Vader and <b>The Barbarian</b> instantly added interest, the two villains shaking hands as a sign of respect before clobbering the hell out of each other to determine who the bigger, stronger badass was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Combined with some strong contributions from Rhodes and Kensuke Sasaki, this resulted in a better-than-expected match that didn’t go long enough for this fan’s liking:</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, Barbarian inadvertently knocked Sasaki off the apron and was rolled up by Rhodes for the win.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you keeping score at home, that’s 2 matches in a row with a roll-up finish.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Dustin Rhodes & Big Van Vader </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Vader feigned a nod of respect for his partner before walloping him with a big fat clothesline.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kitted out in a tuxedo (presumedly to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event) <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/10/ppv-review-nwa-starrcade-1984-million.html" target="_blank">Starrcade ‘84</a> headliner and Vader’s manager then jumped on The Natural before he (Race), Vader, and Barbarian all left together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, quick side note:</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember when Dusty Rhodes used to do commentary in the mid-late 90s and it would always sound like he was calling Barbarian “<i>Ball Bearing?</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>Those were good times.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahem, OK, side note over. Let’s get back to the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jim Ross told us about the upcoming SuperBrawl III before he and Ventura discussed whether Vader’s attack on Dustin Rhodes was an attempt to keep The Natural out of Battle Bowl.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Barry Windham & The Great Muta vs. Brian Pillman & 2 Cold Scorpio</h3><div>At this point, I should point out that a number of the wrestlers we’d seen so far would also be competing in non-tournament matches later on in the show.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9BZbVIbDQShOqjTIpzkqkF-B8Z1ctQTXK1mlU0IJ-0qTDLdVRBGxOw_V-x1fnsK54w0i4uB2RUZcAuTnyG7yKnzj9ilmcQWcagqgEXrC7HfAi7H9f5mt0ekUgVCUTvcdiwy5P6qCWd8HcvGAXuKSesAdgVSF-ncgN6PsRvbGMjpyV7Rx8dO_n6QW9LTW/s771/wcw-starrcade-92-muta-scorpio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 92 - The Great Muta puts a hold on 2 Cold Scorpio" border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="771" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9BZbVIbDQShOqjTIpzkqkF-B8Z1ctQTXK1mlU0IJ-0qTDLdVRBGxOw_V-x1fnsK54w0i4uB2RUZcAuTnyG7yKnzj9ilmcQWcagqgEXrC7HfAi7H9f5mt0ekUgVCUTvcdiwy5P6qCWd8HcvGAXuKSesAdgVSF-ncgN6PsRvbGMjpyV7Rx8dO_n6QW9LTW/w400-h308/wcw-starrcade-92-muta-scorpio.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 92 - The Great Muta puts a hold on 2 Cold Scorpio" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I’ve obviously never been in charge of a major wrestling promotion, but I don’t think I’d be adding tag team tournaments to my cards if my roster was so thin that half of them had to pull double duty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two of the men competing twice tonight were <b>Barry Windham</b> and <b>Brian Pillman</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now a fully-fledged heel, a pre-Hollywood Blondes Pillman had formed what would prove to be a short-lived alliance with Windham.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two were scheduled to challenge for the tag team titles together later on in the show, but first, they had to compete against one another in our third solid match in a row.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than a brief exchange, Windham and Pillman mostly avoided any conflict that would hinder their chances of success later in the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, they mostly mixed it up with <b>The Great Muta</b> and <b>2 Cold Scorpio</b> in another match that was too good to be as short as it was.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, of the three matches we’d seen so far, this was easily the best of the bunch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The end came with a win for Windham and Muta when the former destroyed Scorpio with an enormous DDT and the latter finished the job with a big-time moonsault. </div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Barry Windham & The Great Muta</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Moving swiftly on, Missy and Larry drew our final combatants for the Lethal Lottery.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lethal Lottery - Match 4<br />Sting & ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs. Erik Watts & Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger</h3><div>Despite the booking problems and the disorganized card, Starrcade 1992 was turning out to be one of the best Starrcades ever from an in-ring perspective, especially with another quality Lethal Lottery tag match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJOAS-nCj_Z8dsuAbJKzZomF0Ab2m20Z_7F7NewlQbJNAwZNkfdnXIB2zTFBST7Mt3lLG9DKHT6zySkGeyTVCTxpC9tdAgK9QTunO6TMAT7vMUn64PumWwIeCF6nYcEaaMWwcLGYezu9nCvfZkarNYhBax3e6ebuMR1SMya2RPdzNqumDnSX8Jj0CuTSF/s800/wcw-starrcade-92-jushin-liger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 92 - Jushin 'Thunder' Liger" border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJOAS-nCj_Z8dsuAbJKzZomF0Ab2m20Z_7F7NewlQbJNAwZNkfdnXIB2zTFBST7Mt3lLG9DKHT6zySkGeyTVCTxpC9tdAgK9QTunO6TMAT7vMUn64PumWwIeCF6nYcEaaMWwcLGYezu9nCvfZkarNYhBax3e6ebuMR1SMya2RPdzNqumDnSX8Jj0CuTSF/w400-h303/wcw-starrcade-92-jushin-liger.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 92 - Jushin 'Thunder' Liger" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This one kicked off with a fantastic exchange between Sting and <b>Jushin Liger</b>, both men demonstrating some excellent wrestling before inviting their respective partners to join the fray.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sting and Williams in particular worked well together here, eventually isolating Liger from his corner and wearing him down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, <b>Erik Watts</b> eventually got the hot tag, saving his partner from defeat and going right after Dr. Death.</div><div><br /></div><div>At one point, it even looked as though he was in with a chance of winning as he somewhat clumsily attempted to get Williams in an STF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, it wasn’t to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Williams got to the ropes to break the hold, then dropped Watts throat-first across the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to claim the cover, the count, and the fall.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Sting & Steve Williams </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>With all the Lethal Lottery matches out of the way, Ross and Ventura ran down the list of participants who had earned a place in the upcoming Battle Bowl battle royal.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was followed by Tony Schiavone & Larry Zybysko giving us some pre-match analysis ahead of this next clash.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship<br />NWA World Heavyweight Champion Masa Chono vs. The Great Muta</h3><div>By the fall of 1993, World Championship Wrestling would be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Z26ZV8Ljs" target="_blank">out of the National Wrestling Alliance altogether</a> making this the last NWA title match to take place on a WCW show.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tbrrt0QIXhSe1XxI81sG6kU9ko_hk9tviWM-iilKoH_CqJBf0-bKW4gokXDNg45T1Hyyl5flRIFspbSH2AyCfH-QqMQhBPi0xonzwz6Ekhyphenhyphenz0Ucsf9F_8Bu1UY83hA3ZGHP_DjKlWJWlZeR_mVA1_dxTBLsvh3qcesxSESH634dy9YR3_xlGSVpl0rhi/s769/wcw-starrcade-92-chono-muta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 92 - Great Muta vs. Masa Chono" border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="769" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tbrrt0QIXhSe1XxI81sG6kU9ko_hk9tviWM-iilKoH_CqJBf0-bKW4gokXDNg45T1Hyyl5flRIFspbSH2AyCfH-QqMQhBPi0xonzwz6Ekhyphenhyphenz0Ucsf9F_8Bu1UY83hA3ZGHP_DjKlWJWlZeR_mVA1_dxTBLsvh3qcesxSESH634dy9YR3_xlGSVpl0rhi/w400-h318/wcw-starrcade-92-chono-muta.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 92 - Great Muta vs. Masa Chono" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The match certainly presented a sharp contrast to the four action-packed matches we’d seen so far, with Muta and Chono spending the majority of their time on the mat.</div><div><br /></div><div>The change of pace didn’t exactly light the crowd on fire, but even if they did spend the majority of their time trading submission holds, it was still at the very least an interesting watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>I read somewhere that Bill Watts had told Chono and Muta to tone it down so as not to outshine WCW’s performers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whether that’s true or not I could say,. What I can -and will- say is that this was by no means a bad match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Different? Yes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amazing? No.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, it came across as a reprieve from the action, giving the fans a chance to catch their breath before the pace picked up again.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the winner? It was Chono, thanks to the STF.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still NWA Champion: Masa Chono </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Heading back to the announce table, Ross and Ventura noted that a number one contender for Rick Rude’s US title would be determined by Bill Watts’ favorite thing in the whole world:</div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, another tournament.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, I don’t think there was a single WCW show during Watts’ run that didn’t feature some kind of tournament match.</div><div><br /></div><div>More seriously, Jim Ross also noted that if Rude wasn’t healed by January 3rd, he’d be stripped of his title.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaClI9aaOymVLdrU2h19758yygdPA61-i6AvRFYwJRq7Y2Z-PoKP3K9unrDfle4DKvSn8oaup18fksbsvcTWOjX1_Yfar1CleNtPRLnxmH3gmMEr0d8XFnhrj1tsKGRJNOjNY7AFnad8RAGEEVu39GOhGLgd5CcFmCUYr6ueAN1ski5Gs9pCotHQfo3I-3/s659/wcw-starrcade-92-rick-rude.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 92 - Rick Rude, Jesse Ventura, and Jim Ross" border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="659" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaClI9aaOymVLdrU2h19758yygdPA61-i6AvRFYwJRq7Y2Z-PoKP3K9unrDfle4DKvSn8oaup18fksbsvcTWOjX1_Yfar1CleNtPRLnxmH3gmMEr0d8XFnhrj1tsKGRJNOjNY7AFnad8RAGEEVu39GOhGLgd5CcFmCUYr6ueAN1ski5Gs9pCotHQfo3I-3/w400-h360/wcw-starrcade-92-rick-rude.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 92 - Rick Rude, Jesse Ventura, and Jim Ross" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This brought out an understandably irate Rude. </div><div><br /></div><div>Decked out in denim, the Ravishing One lashed out as his doctor for ruling him unfit to compete, then accused WCW of conspiring against him, vowing that they would never take his title.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you might expect, this was great stuff from Rick.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">World Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship <br />WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons vs. ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams</h3><div>As the two combatants made their way to the ring, Ross noted that they had previously faced each other on the football field in ‘79 and ‘80.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUzQxee2NlwBOZUCSDyryAgPLCRpcE8CPPRbZMefxHpwQnSCeMUzlYgvp_uYjwioD8gACxZi1XzWi3VXyLYmvXqLusBmmSm7coJhx8x2OIZITeBHc7qPoNXDxAuyxlX4DCvT8hUcnS0_hWByMMlDeGhYa9CpRyfJlIhKU51qSo3aVfM3W-X56Fw1P4LBZ/s809/wcw-starrcade-92-ron-simmons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 92 - Ron Simmons" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="809" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUzQxee2NlwBOZUCSDyryAgPLCRpcE8CPPRbZMefxHpwQnSCeMUzlYgvp_uYjwioD8gACxZi1XzWi3VXyLYmvXqLusBmmSm7coJhx8x2OIZITeBHc7qPoNXDxAuyxlX4DCvT8hUcnS0_hWByMMlDeGhYa9CpRyfJlIhKU51qSo3aVfM3W-X56Fw1P4LBZ/w400-h311/wcw-starrcade-92-ron-simmons.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 92 - Ron Simmons" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Naturally, then, Williams and Simmons incorporated as many football tackles as they possibly could into a match which got off to an underwhelming start but gradually got better the longer it went on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things began with Dr. Death offering a sincere handshake which the champion was reluctant to accept.</div><div><br /></div><div>When he did, Williams didn’t do the usual trick of pulling him in and attacking. Instead, he simply backed away, ready to start the match on even ground.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that he played fair for very long. Eventually, the challenger began throwing his opponent around by the hair, marking a shift in the intensity and storytelling of the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two battered each other and attempted to wear one another down, each man getting more and more aggressive and determined with every passing minute until things spilled to the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>There, the champ and challenger got so carried away brawling that they were both counted out</div><div><br /></div><div>This didn’t stop Steve Williams, who continued to attack Simmons, even jumping off the ropes and driving the champion’s face into the canvas.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took a handful of referees to pull Dr. Death away, after which the decision was changed from a double count out to a disqualification victory for Ron.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still WCW Champion: Ron Simmons </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Another SuperBrawl III commercial followed, after which Schiavone and Zybyzko previewed our next match.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">World Championship Wrestling Unified World Tag Team Championship <br />WCW Unified World Tag Team Champions Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat & Shane Douglas vs. Barry Windham & Shane Douglas </h3><div>Honestly, WCW’s title scene had become so confusing and Bill Watts had booked so many tournaments in 1992 that I’ve completely lost track of which belts were actually unified here.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbDrlsVU3Xjqtgw2H2UEHm2GI9awYBZVAYeAI9FirN9Nb1x1c07f62cApY8sZ-jN8oL175KpbtgjXDIfGk6NWxQE1G9KxsFSlFEO7OzFb9RnL_0PiBa3B_L9HhCVxNbSkHq_E3e5zksrwWX0U1o_COJfKGyK3OJ9k-dU2MvBSc6W_KdxdtWhDn9SYg9Cr/s783/wcw-starrcade-92-douglas-windham-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade 1992 Review - Shane Douglas has Barry Windham in a headlock" border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="783" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbDrlsVU3Xjqtgw2H2UEHm2GI9awYBZVAYeAI9FirN9Nb1x1c07f62cApY8sZ-jN8oL175KpbtgjXDIfGk6NWxQE1G9KxsFSlFEO7OzFb9RnL_0PiBa3B_L9HhCVxNbSkHq_E3e5zksrwWX0U1o_COJfKGyK3OJ9k-dU2MvBSc6W_KdxdtWhDn9SYg9Cr/w400-h313/wcw-starrcade-92-douglas-windham-2.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade 1992 Review - Shane Douglas has Barry Windham in a headlock" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I think it was the world and US. Though don't quote me on that. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I do know for sure, is that <b>Ricky Steamboat</b> and <b>Shane Douglas</b> came down to Steamboat’s amazingly terrible theme from the <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/06/wcw-slam-jam-vol-1-1992-track-by-track.html" target="_blank">WCW Slam Jam album</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose it’s a testament to The Dragon’s untouchable appeal as a babyface that the crowd didn’t boo him out of the building every time this song played.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking charge right from the outset, Steamboat and Douglas controlled the early part of the match, frustrating opponents as Windham and Pillman struggled to gain an advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those frustrations threatened to rekindle an animosity between the challengers which lingered from their earlier encounter in the Lethal Lottery tag match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the two did seize control, however, they were very much on the same page again, cutting Shane Douglas off from his partner and attempting to destroy him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Steamboat eventually rescued his partner only to suffer the same fate as him at the hands of Windham & Pillman.</div><div><br /></div><div>The longer it went on, the more compelling this fantastic championship match became until Douglas wrapped it up by catching Flyin’ Brian coming off the ropes with a big ol’ belly-to-belly.</div><div><b>Your Winners and Still Unified Tag Team Champions: Ricky Steamboat & Shane Douglas</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Before the next bout, Jim Ross told us that Sting’s strategy for winning his King of Cable match with Vader was simply not to get beat for 15-20 minutes so that Vader would get tired and thus be easier to beat.</div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose that’s not the worst strategy.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">King of Cable Tournament Final <br />Big Van Vader (w/ Harley Race) vs. Sting </h3><div>What did I tell you about all these tournaments?</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I want to write a “Best and Worst of 1992 WCW” just so I can include tournament overkill as the worst. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMWHyL0DmfwSc2psgD5ldoi2v7GN5BH1kt2xs86SezX9GlTLfvf2AHaaP4_cimCWOjg2MT7dBeuX4IXXavXTVMB27BkA-1OdMEj-_b98OdbNdtKuuAJJRNzyv2RHtgV0wifIsTMMEim8m80kcP9ALZpy4yC_dOj7xVfeZyhBrY1-uiYhDsvDKkcwcZAyy/s771/wcw-starrcade-92-vader-sting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade '92 Review - Vader mauls Sting in the King of Cable tournament final" border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="771" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMWHyL0DmfwSc2psgD5ldoi2v7GN5BH1kt2xs86SezX9GlTLfvf2AHaaP4_cimCWOjg2MT7dBeuX4IXXavXTVMB27BkA-1OdMEj-_b98OdbNdtKuuAJJRNzyv2RHtgV0wifIsTMMEim8m80kcP9ALZpy4yC_dOj7xVfeZyhBrY1-uiYhDsvDKkcwcZAyy/w400-h324/wcw-starrcade-92-vader-sting.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade '92 Review - Vader mauls Sting in the King of Cable tournament final" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I might even be tempted to include this bout as one of the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>I always know a match is really good when I find myself physically jolting out of my seat or wincing during a particularly painful-looking or exciting spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was the case here as Vader lept up and crashed down in an attempt to crush his rival’s chest, only for Sting to move out of the way so that Big Van landed with a painful, ass-first thud on the canvas.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was at that precise point that I realized I’d been completely absorbed by this match from the very beginning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not without good reason, either.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best part about this match is that Sting and Vader made you believe they wanted to win it more than anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>They weren’t “sports entertaining,” they weren’t putting on a show, they were fighting with all they had in a genuine, perhaps even desperate, attempt to beat their opponent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, being much larger, Big Van Vader spent much of the match doing that better than Sting, the former throwing the latter with some brutal offense, obliterating Sting into a helpless shell of a human who survived purely on defense alone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even Sting’s victory came as more of a “right place, right time” moment rather than a deliberate and effective offensive strategy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Catching Vader coming off the top rope and slamming him to the mat for a three-count only enhanced Sting’s role as the underdog in this match while making Vader look like an indestructible force whose opponent simply got lucky.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was tremendous.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and King of Cable: Sting </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Jesse Ventura presented Sting with the King of Cable trophy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYU4gZ8QPumNwS-XjpkofKLbC9D8Pn-55jUKn78SEuKUeG68rfaa7_Whlozl7dOrFiKHFueS4afGfXhyphenhyphenSDxeCUYfBmMIbnHPmFrCcSSlPfRtU9HqrfCUr9VCdbwgj0ri1tO4KfyV-pO4UQCrmDyM_XAOLsX4Ahezw1l_FoBU13abtnoI71xNB78zgykkP/s706/wcw-starrcade-92-sting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade '92 Review - Sting cuts a promo after winning the King of Cable tournament" border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="706" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYU4gZ8QPumNwS-XjpkofKLbC9D8Pn-55jUKn78SEuKUeG68rfaa7_Whlozl7dOrFiKHFueS4afGfXhyphenhyphenSDxeCUYfBmMIbnHPmFrCcSSlPfRtU9HqrfCUr9VCdbwgj0ri1tO4KfyV-pO4UQCrmDyM_XAOLsX4Ahezw1l_FoBU13abtnoI71xNB78zgykkP/w400-h359/wcw-starrcade-92-sting.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade '92 Review - Sting cuts a promo after winning the King of Cable tournament" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Accepting the award, the battle-weary grappler admitted to getting his butt kicked but promised to become our two-time Battle Bowl winner.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rings are Important </span></h3><div>Elsewhere in the arena, Tony Schiavone wouldn’t stop bragging to Larry Zybyszko about interviewing NFL Hall of Famer <b>Paul Hornung</b>, who had earned a ring as part of a winning Green Bay Packers squad at the first Super Bowl in 1967.</div><div><br /></div><div>To prove he wasn’t making it up, Schiavone cut to the interview in which Hornung spoke candidly about why every football player’s goal was to gain a Super Bowl ring and insisted that the same would be true of the Battle Bowl ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wrapping up the interview, Hornung’s closing statement declared that every wrestler would be gunning for a Battle Bowl ring because whoever had it would be considered the best in the business.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I appreciate the effort to legitimize and elevate the Battle Bowl concept, this was a dumb way to go about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If winning Battle Bowl meant you were the best in the business, what on earth is the point in having a world title.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Congratulations, you’ve earned a shot at the World Heavyweight Champion next week!”</i></div><div><i>“Nah, no thanks. I’m going to wait until December and hope that Missy Hyatt pulls my name randomly out of a hat. Then I’m going ALL THE WAY TO BATTLE BOWL, BABY.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Ahem. Let’s get on with the main event, shall we?</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Battle Bowl Battle Royal<br />Featuring: Dan Spivey, Dustin Rhodes, Van Hammer, The Great Muta, Barry Windham, Steve Williams, Big Van Vader (w/ Harley Race) Sting</span></h3><div>The fact that there were only eight men involved meant that this battle royal was much easier to follow than your typical crowded-ring scenario.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wmr3HPgdnaImqP5rQnjERSh0nXBttJScdVrsGPs1vJ9RKcdnrlUd6ksEfCyNSAc3dncB-xny7FjdpdiMdyS1F1YR6wCpoHGZVuAzvNgT8g7VsfIqRRp6zlKRhWu1-XVXboEh1sQavAuBCTUKxX33oIUbaDWQZb8fPgD_N6vwfVR-bO1r_cxv5epaNnYv/s788/wcw-starrcade-92-battle-bowl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Starrcade '92 - Battle Bowl" border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="788" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wmr3HPgdnaImqP5rQnjERSh0nXBttJScdVrsGPs1vJ9RKcdnrlUd6ksEfCyNSAc3dncB-xny7FjdpdiMdyS1F1YR6wCpoHGZVuAzvNgT8g7VsfIqRRp6zlKRhWu1-XVXboEh1sQavAuBCTUKxX33oIUbaDWQZb8fPgD_N6vwfVR-bO1r_cxv5epaNnYv/w400-h281/wcw-starrcade-92-battle-bowl.jpg" title="WCW Starrcade '92 - Battle Bowl" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, WCW being WCW, they somehow messed that up in the early part of the match by showing three different camera angles simultaneously.</div><div><br /></div><div>From what I could follow, this was certainly one of the better battle royals of the early 90s.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even before the match officially began, Vader dove out of the ring via the middle ropes to pick up where he left off with Sting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, back in the ring, the other six kicked off a reasonably decent brawl that saw Van Hammer thrown over the top rope first:</div><div><br /></div><div>Though he may have been eliminated, Hammer could at least now add “Starrcade Main Eventer” to his resume.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, Sting (who had now made it back in the ring) ejected <b>Dan Spivey </b>before he and Vader spilled over the top rope simultaneously and continued fighting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, it all came down to Muta and Windham, who gave us a decent bit of wrestling before Muta saved himself from elimination by skinning the cat and sending Big Bad Barry to the outside with a well-placed dropkick.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Battle Bowl Champion: The Muta</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As Muta celebrated, we went back to the announce table where Jesse Ventura and Jim Ross recapped the biggest stories of the night and urging us to catch the next chapter of those stories at SuperBrawl.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, Jesse and Jim signed off.</div><div><br /></div><div>It would be Ross’s last appearance on a WCW PPV. </div><div><br /></div><div>A few months after Starrcade 1992, he would be wearing a toga in Vegas.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RYwdb7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade - Vol 1 on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcDhHrtwgEcgHQ398SdcR1fpQZ2l0uvR0V8a21w5SDFViNG-1AQRWWDppHwizbcs3zdge1CfJevYkuDX-Sc4oMpBp37qUkaLvFo2AVHNGBBidUkdwZnuKwh2PQnXnEBCBKez380ZuB0tk78zSUNqC1PHb4CRTFdtNCVzUhkqepmd54B4Qu3Nnq8rUqHEt/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade - Vol 1 on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>WCW Starrcade 1992 was a frustrating show, to say the least. The actual matches themselves were all of a high standard, with only the NWA title match falling short thanks to the change of pace. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>However, the creative decisions, the cluttered and disorganized card, and all those feckin' tournaments certainly knocked it down a peg or two from being an all-out, A-Star show. </i></div><div><i><br />As frustrating as it was, however, the in-ring action was some of the best World Championship Wrestling had presented all year, making it a worthwhile watch.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><i>Until next time, thanks for reading.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>Other 1992 pro wrestling event reviews</i></b></div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/01/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-ii-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Superbrawl II</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wwf-uk-rampage-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF UK Rampage 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-92.html" target="_blank">Wrestlewar 92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xix.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wcw-beach-blast-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Beach Blast '92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xx.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Halloween Havoc 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series '92</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xxi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XXI</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/03/retro-pro-wrestling-show-episode-1-wwf.html" target="_blank">WWF 1992 - The Year in Review</a></li></ul><div><br /><div><b><i>Other NWA/WCW Starrcade reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/08/ppv-review-nwa-starrcade-83-flare-for.html" target="_blank">NWA Starrcade 1983</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/10/ppv-review-nwa-starrcade-1984-million.html" target="_blank">NWA Starrcade 1984</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/11/event-review-nwa-starrcade-1985.html" target="_blank">NWA Starrcade 1985</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/12/event-review-nwa-starrcade-1986-night.html" target="_blank">NWA Starrcade 1986</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/12/ppv-review-nwa-starrcade-87-chi-town.html" target="_blank">NWA Starrcade 1987</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/04/ppv-review-wcw-nwa-starrcade-1988-true.html" target="_blank">NWA/WCW Starracde 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/ppv-review-nwawcw-starrcade-1989-future.html">NWA/WCW Starrcade 1989</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1990-collision.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/08/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1991.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1996.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1996</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/07/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1997.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1997</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/11/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/07/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-2000.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 2000</a></li></ul></div></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-85931971918115453702024-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:002024-01-06T10:18:11.374-08:00WWE Great American Bash 2004 Review<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGLeWvgKRWL3Kx3aHUDEcZZNcl5N6V3Zp6-h7Tols9x5ciC2JHolwabG6eyjb018JLlrtkZ1oAeHPwlDKkUUwCf6LHCCGoptQXj1Zy8uQ0d3NGg6icyJeiLWE7eJcnCTFZDkhP-E3BY4U3OftRfgcVEgUKKYzLuXnQwnMOxhHAko82jg5ivCOQf7l1zpe/s1024/wwe-great-american-bash-2004-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Great American Bash 2004 Poster" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGLeWvgKRWL3Kx3aHUDEcZZNcl5N6V3Zp6-h7Tols9x5ciC2JHolwabG6eyjb018JLlrtkZ1oAeHPwlDKkUUwCf6LHCCGoptQXj1Zy8uQ0d3NGg6icyJeiLWE7eJcnCTFZDkhP-E3BY4U3OftRfgcVEgUKKYzLuXnQwnMOxhHAko82jg5ivCOQf7l1zpe/w400-h300/wwe-great-american-bash-2004-poster.jpg" title="WWE Great American Bash 2004 Poster" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><div>June 27, 2004,</div><div>Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, Virginia</div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Torn between The Great American Bash 2004 and an early 90s WCW show, I’ll admit I was swayed to view this show first by nothing more than the picture of Torrie Wilson on the poster.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, that’s probably not the wisest thing upon which to base a decision that requires several hours of commitment, but hey, WWE put Torrie on the poster and it got me to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Score one for the marketing department at Titan Towers.</div><div><br /></div><div>The show, a Smackdown-only event that served as the final PPV before Summerslam ‘04, was the first Great American Bash event promoted by WWE, reviving the NWA/WCW staple for a several-year run as a permanent fixture in the company’s Pay Per View calendar.</div><div><br /></div><div>Was it any good? </div><div><br /></div><div>There’s only one way to find out. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">America!</h3><div>The Great American Bash 2004 kicked off with a rather on-theme opening video that linked tonight’s biggest stories with some good, old-fashioned American patriotism.</div><div><br /></div><div>In between shots of the Stars & Stripes (complete with a voice-over of kids pledging their allegiance to it), we saw <b>John Bradshaw Layfield</b> boasting about being a better American than everyone else and lambasting WWE Champion <b>Eddie Guerrero</b> (here representing ‘The Land of Opportunity) for being everything that was wrong with the USA.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere, freestyle rapper and US Champion <b>John Cena</b> was the face of ‘Freedom of Speech,’ the outspoken star apparently landing in hot water with Smackdown General Manager <b>Kurt Angle</b> and finding himself booked in a fatal Fourway match.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Side note:</b> Peacock seems to have the two matches confused:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sdqBBbBX4gGABviF7xT1sFjac40DK5XhyiI4Nm98XM-sB8PdXLcABgJKVdWRTgMzc9itP_XDt_uLjg05DNWGfQstVDaTEbmEjOIUtJuQTcUQzOHVrYKVHjHPMhTGvjQUWC6hHOUCsqu9bFAwrjIaIbNJMyDx-LYm2SzVbLD8WV6wN9YASCW0Dl6blvaN/s2048/wwe_great_american_bash_2004_peacock.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Great American Bash 2004 Mislabelled on Peacock" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sdqBBbBX4gGABviF7xT1sFjac40DK5XhyiI4Nm98XM-sB8PdXLcABgJKVdWRTgMzc9itP_XDt_uLjg05DNWGfQstVDaTEbmEjOIUtJuQTcUQzOHVrYKVHjHPMhTGvjQUWC6hHOUCsqu9bFAwrjIaIbNJMyDx-LYm2SzVbLD8WV6wN9YASCW0Dl6blvaN/w400-h300/wwe_great_american_bash_2004_peacock.jpeg" title="WWE Great American Bash 2004 Mislabelled on Peacock" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally, <b>The Undertaker</b>’s rivalry with <b>Paul Heyman</b> and <b>The Dudley Boyz </b>represented ‘The Freedom to Choose,’ with 'Taker being forced to decide between joining forces with his enemies or having <b>Paul Bearer</b> murdered on live PPV. </div><div><br /></div><div>With all that over with, we went, as advertised, to the one and only poster girl herself, <b>Torrie Wilson. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni3GvfyO4-cc4eCNu_FKW5KOFjsh_8MTIAHhM_eFh2QCdYx1BGJD-JlwKd5z__MpQ5Vrw-D2CmECMEYFQ4Rpm3mWDZbM60qS78X1mUlYtrqubPppa3DDdnQ4aATuCzjW-2ApgvOlxnYMA69SMNi_OQ1tFXh96431t4QpPOj4ko9Sl9AJjOXWI1f4eUvGp/s705/great-american-bash-2004-torrie-wilson3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Torrie Wilson kicks off the 2004 Great American Bash" border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="705" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni3GvfyO4-cc4eCNu_FKW5KOFjsh_8MTIAHhM_eFh2QCdYx1BGJD-JlwKd5z__MpQ5Vrw-D2CmECMEYFQ4Rpm3mWDZbM60qS78X1mUlYtrqubPppa3DDdnQ4aATuCzjW-2ApgvOlxnYMA69SMNi_OQ1tFXh96431t4QpPOj4ko9Sl9AJjOXWI1f4eUvGp/w400-h353/great-american-bash-2004-torrie-wilson3.jpg" title="Torrie Wilson kicks off the 2004 Great American Bash" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Decked in typically patriotic attire, Wilson gave props to the crowd and US Armed Forces before finally welcoming us to The Great American Bash.</div><div><br /></div><div>As pyro exploded and music blared, <b>Michael Cole</b> noted that the event was back after a four-year hiatus, confirming that WWE considered this part of the event’s long lineage dating back to the NWA shows of the 1980s.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lXF2qRB3XPfRBBHLwXQj5T6tsOd1yPTJkn0omE9cij7rhfGA2vaA9gNDGuTkznMn34556T0_EWipj13hclQTeD-UcIBkm61VHDozQgNN3a_fYYdp5Q5TqWNuMZ9XdqwclvUxjkv-cwZVnj2UqIwGUNgVxNmASG0F-bTcpGAAtu1AYxZ1GbrZPWZIHhXO/s784/great-american-bash-2004-cole-taz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Great American Bash '04 announcers Michael Cole & Tazz" border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="784" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lXF2qRB3XPfRBBHLwXQj5T6tsOd1yPTJkn0omE9cij7rhfGA2vaA9gNDGuTkznMn34556T0_EWipj13hclQTeD-UcIBkm61VHDozQgNN3a_fYYdp5Q5TqWNuMZ9XdqwclvUxjkv-cwZVnj2UqIwGUNgVxNmASG0F-bTcpGAAtu1AYxZ1GbrZPWZIHhXO/w400-h295/great-american-bash-2004-cole-taz.jpg" title="WWE Great American Bash '04 announcers Michael Cole & Tazz" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Cole was joined by Tazz for tonight's broadcast, which began with the two of them paying close attention to the ominous cement truck set up for tonight's main event.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, it was onto our opening match.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE United States Championship <br />WWE United States Champion John Cena vs. Rene Dupree vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Booker T </h3><div>WWE never did a <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/05/ppv-review-ecw-one-night-stand-2005.html" target="_blank">One Night Stand</a> style show for WCW.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I'd say that by opening up a Great American Bash show at the Norfolk Scope with a US championship match featuring the last man to hold the WCW championship while the company was still alive was as close as they were ever going to get to paying tribute to the now-defunct company.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that <b>Booker T</b> had much desire to get involved.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vaYHN2Sk0KQqFooxMcC9Pd9GK6HB-FhR9m1yaNlySa65UqHLO2np92PvXLwjr4i9EC5cUNthCbMlu03Wgg3NluW-dkGP7x_9MoFe-jo5bZwN1Ix9m7ECFwkfv_2LOLu7FF3IDXf4PvWRrKUrQpByGgKDZ-id8tB2Zos1xKIYw4zX4L2RbN66zjNu91rw/s776/great-american-bash-2004-john-cena.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="US Champion John Cena freestyle wrapping at Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="776" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vaYHN2Sk0KQqFooxMcC9Pd9GK6HB-FhR9m1yaNlySa65UqHLO2np92PvXLwjr4i9EC5cUNthCbMlu03Wgg3NluW-dkGP7x_9MoFe-jo5bZwN1Ix9m7ECFwkfv_2LOLu7FF3IDXf4PvWRrKUrQpByGgKDZ-id8tB2Zos1xKIYw4zX4L2RbN66zjNu91rw/w400-h319/great-american-bash-2004-john-cena.jpg" title="US Champion John Cena freestyle wrapping at Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We began with a John Cena freestyle rap in which the US Champ referenced <b>RVD</b>’s marijuana use, Booker T’s time as GI Bro, and<b> Renee Dupree</b>’s General Frenchness,.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, the match kicked off with a weird format in which two guys would wrestle in the ring and the other two would hang around outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m not sure if I missed it, or if it was never actually explained, but I genuinely couldn’t work out why the non-competing wrestlers were on the floor and not on the apron waiting to be tagged in, or what exactly constituted an exchange of combatants.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidsqu5IvEyDUPV40HsCSi_G2w0FBlHDo1pNegloXxv1mKKTg-V4irxbGi8-Vz4O0XOqRcn52tAx5I9GR_lvcBE0-oy4-oLv4kwiobG3H4C0aRFtyl4gzKk7WZn76jVRwmbBGd_K_gT_lE/s830/great-american-bash-2004-rvd-dupree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Renee Dupree and Rob Van Dam at Great American Bash '04" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="830" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidsqu5IvEyDUPV40HsCSi_G2w0FBlHDo1pNegloXxv1mKKTg-V4irxbGi8-Vz4O0XOqRcn52tAx5I9GR_lvcBE0-oy4-oLv4kwiobG3H4C0aRFtyl4gzKk7WZn76jVRwmbBGd_K_gT_lE/w400-h284/great-american-bash-2004-rvd-dupree.jpg" title="Renee Dupree and Rob Van Dam at Great American Bash '04" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The only rule seemed to be that if you got beat up on the outside and then thrown in the ring, tag, you’re it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being the heel, Booker showed no signs of wanting to participate, dismissively avoiding the action until RVD finally threw his former tag team partner in the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was only at this point that the match started getting good.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Cena taking a nap on the outside, RVD took control, standing tall over both Booker T and Renee Dupree and throwing a couple of frog splashes around for good measure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly for him, that was to be his last bit of offense. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before the former ECW star could gain a fall, Cena returned to the ring, rolled him up, and pinned him.</div><div><br /></div><div>A brief lull followed as Booker and Dupree did the whole ‘heels-try-double-teaming-the-face-but-can’t-get-along’ culminating in Cena taking out Dupree before Booker took out Cena and stole the fall to eliminate the Frenchman.</div><br /><div>From there, the champion and his last remaining challenger went at it in a pretty solid encounter which resulted in the latter gaining the upper hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>For all intents and purposes, it even looked as though the then-future Hall of Famer had the match in the bag, though if you didn’t see Cena countering Booker’s scissor-kick attempt with a match-winning FU, you must still be new to this stuff.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still US Champion: John Cena </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As Cena made his way through the backstage area, he was congratulated on his victory by <b>Charlie Haas</b> a stars-and-stripes-clad <b>Jackie Gayda</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6faLfk4gMURLn7u7IhKwJ0m_NAr_K0kH81apaWnfNN_B6kGcWrUZf2J7x-sKMeRhkKVlWWPZk4nu7Hb_cqqDvz3PsZGGe6ktf3BVg_LIUf5sYFltzy2QgglCRx0Wl20eJZLPF2wr39s-oLnvvRCX7J4FbTLhmwtD1MwHbinyPRAKw35hk4ox1x1J5_e7m/s819/great-american-bash-2004-cena-haas2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great American Bash 2004 - John Cena propositions Jackie in front of Charlie Haas" border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="819" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6faLfk4gMURLn7u7IhKwJ0m_NAr_K0kH81apaWnfNN_B6kGcWrUZf2J7x-sKMeRhkKVlWWPZk4nu7Hb_cqqDvz3PsZGGe6ktf3BVg_LIUf5sYFltzy2QgglCRx0Wl20eJZLPF2wr39s-oLnvvRCX7J4FbTLhmwtD1MwHbinyPRAKw35hk4ox1x1J5_e7m/w400-h306/great-american-bash-2004-cena-haas2.jpg" title="Great American Bash 2004 - John Cena propositions Jackie in front of Charlie Haas" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Practically ignoring Haas, John invited Jackie to some post-show nookie and walked off, leaving Charlie to have another go at flirting with her.</div><div><br /></div><div>His attempt didn’t last long. </div><div><br /></div><div>The two were immediately interrupted by a wheelchair-bound Kurt Angle, who was furious with his former protege for not living up to his potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking to teach him a lesson, Angle booked Haas a match against the GM’s new protégée, <b>Luther Reigns</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was next, so it was a good job Charlie was already suited up in his wrestling gear despite not originally being booked on the card.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe1H_9BK2cs-zMrK566o1qV890miBTpBNLIJiCbuWi-XVeaVnzDqRSRuKek2emtWcJYoiERbaA1ZotKzkGJ6ExxsnEJ9pC1p0zEFGOS4a8oITgtamlTgezmbCXM7Eg48OLF_W5fAT_LKNK5OI7JHxBamFWsxNY7XP6Eds1gcMEsb00cd5ZLtKtAqNOybr/s740/great-american-bash-2004-sable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sable in a paddling pool at WWE Great American Bash 04" border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="740" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe1H_9BK2cs-zMrK566o1qV890miBTpBNLIJiCbuWi-XVeaVnzDqRSRuKek2emtWcJYoiERbaA1ZotKzkGJ6ExxsnEJ9pC1p0zEFGOS4a8oITgtamlTgezmbCXM7Eg48OLF_W5fAT_LKNK5OI7JHxBamFWsxNY7XP6Eds1gcMEsb00cd5ZLtKtAqNOybr/w400-h314/great-american-bash-2004-sable.jpg" title="Sable in a paddling pool at WWE Great American Bash 04" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Giving Haas time to make it to the Gorilla position, we next cut to <b>Sable</b>, who sat rubbing herself up and down in a hot tub while attempting to make the fact that wrestlers would be interviewed sound sexy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The attempt failed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only did this segment not come across as sexy, it didn’t even make a lot of sense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, onto Luther Reigns, who I’m sure will be back in WWE any day now to sort his son out.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Charlie Haas (w/ Miss Jackie) vs. Luther Reigns (w/ Kurt Angle)</h3><div>The set-up for this match may have been short and basic, but it was still far more entertaining than the match itself.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOLrp4AHANE6Upicg2SPGIDwv4avOMy_cJcT44tpqVRXh1Hst_A-0rIWRlTf1n9czcZrkpOnwnRp55XQCyfG-FfRsDyHwY8A8RM453ifKe12bAdq_EN077O3AAInhqULjrIzrHj0NLRS2n49xYoiCusUouYk6xXGb2E_HdXer_EKu_9lbIw1erXmQUNN6/s830/great-american-bash-2004-sable2-luther-haas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Luther Reigns demolishes Charlie Haas at Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="830" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOLrp4AHANE6Upicg2SPGIDwv4avOMy_cJcT44tpqVRXh1Hst_A-0rIWRlTf1n9czcZrkpOnwnRp55XQCyfG-FfRsDyHwY8A8RM453ifKe12bAdq_EN077O3AAInhqULjrIzrHj0NLRS2n49xYoiCusUouYk6xXGb2E_HdXer_EKu_9lbIw1erXmQUNN6/w400-h309/great-american-bash-2004-sable2-luther-haas.jpg" title="Luther Reigns demolishes Charlie Haas at Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I’m not a fan of the term “extended squash,” but that’s precisely what this was; the monsterous Reigns dominating his smaller opponent from bell to bell.</div><div><br /></div><div>The result was an entirely boring match that had no place being on a PPV, even a brand-exclusive, B-level PPV like this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heck, this match would still have been dull as the proverbial dishwater were it featured on an episode of Superstars.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was at least one person who enjoyed it, that being Kurt Angle, who sat at ringside, applauding and coaching his charge with great enthusiasm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, Angle’s amusement was everybody else’s punishment and it was a small mercy when Reigns predictably scored the win.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Luther Reigns </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We next went backstage, where John Bradshaw Layfield cut a strong and convincing promo ahead of his upcoming title match with Eddie Guerrero.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye1Xz2QbRryPnwUfziuaApwUMYLPWwupeF5JL8M_lvdVggcHk1xMFFynVkSKjBi50ByXiXG7_PEL5fwuEy87eNWGHh8rgWLD0AJnPykZ5K8qKsQCWaiJT2IWHNtNLq65P76ay3tZrXtMSKu5ArSIQxuhU835lE_45N4R8iBZYib4Q30nPGu6G4Yea9Foq/s801/great-american-bash-2004--jbl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Great American Bash 2004 - John Bradshaw Layfield cowbell promo" border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="801" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye1Xz2QbRryPnwUfziuaApwUMYLPWwupeF5JL8M_lvdVggcHk1xMFFynVkSKjBi50ByXiXG7_PEL5fwuEy87eNWGHh8rgWLD0AJnPykZ5K8qKsQCWaiJT2IWHNtNLq65P76ay3tZrXtMSKu5ArSIQxuhU835lE_45N4R8iBZYib4Q30nPGu6G4Yea9Foq/w400-h304/great-american-bash-2004--jbl.jpg" title="WWE Great American Bash 2004 - John Bradshaw Layfield cowbell promo" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Recalling their bloody battle back at Judgement Day, Layfield noted that the reason tonight's match was a bullrope match wasn't that it needed more cowbell, but rather to prevent Eddie Guerrero from getting intentionally disqualified.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the former Acolyte turned his attention to the audience, insisting that the only reason they hated JBL was down to him being a better American than they were.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t care how much you hate JBL’s run from this time, you have to give him credit for a pretty solid performance here.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE Cruiserweight Championship<br />WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero </h3><div>Speaking of solid performances, defending cruiserweight champion <b>Rey Mysterio</b> and his challenger, Chavo Guerrero, delivered what was quite possibly one of the best of their many matches together.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5FN8frFmi3Bm1zMxnjVW8eFa4hnZ4L2FOp17WWX-uc5hmkohXqWyb6EkHeMnIrnSqF30GreRX7aTgwM4JC-NZo0RNTSOZ_uXeBEo0Lmp0iqET7BSn4_19WIDK3IXB1jPtF6xrb0l9IaFRdljy1G7-ZyZEQbbM6sQBu8PsSCY3gSpLkWHQQP5EIekO4ci/s740/great-american-bash-2004-rey-mysterio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio (Great American Bash '04)" border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="740" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5FN8frFmi3Bm1zMxnjVW8eFa4hnZ4L2FOp17WWX-uc5hmkohXqWyb6EkHeMnIrnSqF30GreRX7aTgwM4JC-NZo0RNTSOZ_uXeBEo0Lmp0iqET7BSn4_19WIDK3IXB1jPtF6xrb0l9IaFRdljy1G7-ZyZEQbbM6sQBu8PsSCY3gSpLkWHQQP5EIekO4ci/w400-h344/great-american-bash-2004-rey-mysterio.jpg" title="WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio (Great American Bash '04)" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Whether it was their title match in WCW at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/09/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-revenge-2001.html" target="_blank">SuperBrawl Revenge</a> or their recent commendable outing at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/ppv-review-wwe-no-way-out-2004.html" target="_blank">No Way Out 2004</a>, Mysterio and Guerrero never had the flashiest cruiserweight matches in the world, but they usually made up for it with lashings of drama and storytelling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here, the story was both simple and compelling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unable to stop the champ whizzing around him like a pinball, the contender cut Rey’s legs from underneath him, bringing the speedy (better word?) to a grinding halt with a series of uniquely painful-looking submission holds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Refusing to yield, Mysterio battled on, at one point even gaining enough momentum to land a 619 but having his follow-up springboard attempt land him in the clutches of yet another submission hold.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDewcwb-8gsqeN2nCiuzfVnrlWZin3wK_tVxY_MbEtSAH9bZZJMHJx9mAUO55DgBmYowFIsg0sjofUgJHkMNPErGowixQLljGHdIlF8JXcI8Dn91I8yv9QIIkmWcYJNc0PF2HOrAcjH-2GBrRzwIUzq_EXdOUilOhqGUlLAkBORYSTk5OoBuhb_W9k9lqN/s776/great-american-bash-2004-rey-mysterio-chavo-guerrero-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chavo Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio - WWE Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="776" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDewcwb-8gsqeN2nCiuzfVnrlWZin3wK_tVxY_MbEtSAH9bZZJMHJx9mAUO55DgBmYowFIsg0sjofUgJHkMNPErGowixQLljGHdIlF8JXcI8Dn91I8yv9QIIkmWcYJNc0PF2HOrAcjH-2GBrRzwIUzq_EXdOUilOhqGUlLAkBORYSTk5OoBuhb_W9k9lqN/w400-h314/great-american-bash-2004-rey-mysterio-chavo-guerrero-3.jpg" title="Chavo Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio - WWE Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, Guerrero looked to have the match won, setting up his opponent for a gory bomb. At the last moment, however, Mysterio did some lucha wizardry and countered with what Tazz tried to describe as “<i>some kind of sunset flip</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div>One three-count later, and this enthralling match was over, proving that it’s possible to do all the high-flying acrobatic stuff in wrestling while still getting the audience emotionally invested rather than just giving them cool s**t to watch.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and still cruiserweight champion: Rey Mysterio </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Backstage, <b>Billy Kidman</b>, <b>Funaki</b>, and <b>Spike Dudley</b> sat in a paddling pool with Torrie Wilson arguing about which one of them would have won that last match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaaPjgQhGRG8xjrB1jAq2oRAoaBASXmmtDpSm87Xgsb69ldHfACpufaMsK4Ho66hz6EKjIHFk6lFkJzJGqY7uRxRnX3PidNYWm_WzR03EZLa__VSKKo-GY2SmuXPXYdtgsc2CqUeWvTov4Qe8wlDQBkghN9Wkl4atAHeZWnutVO9imyX_dTj-_L7pMLYO/s835/great-american-bash-2004-torrie-paddling-pool-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Torrie Wilson is the center of attention at Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="835" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaaPjgQhGRG8xjrB1jAq2oRAoaBASXmmtDpSm87Xgsb69ldHfACpufaMsK4Ho66hz6EKjIHFk6lFkJzJGqY7uRxRnX3PidNYWm_WzR03EZLa__VSKKo-GY2SmuXPXYdtgsc2CqUeWvTov4Qe8wlDQBkghN9Wkl4atAHeZWnutVO9imyX_dTj-_L7pMLYO/w400-h288/great-american-bash-2004-torrie-paddling-pool-2.jpg" title="Torrie Wilson is the center of attention at Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Of all the sentences I’ve ever written on this blog, that’s certainly one of the more unique.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the three stopped arguing to perv on Torrie’s bum as she got up to prepare for her match with sable.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was silly.</div><br /><div>This wasn’t:</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Kenzie Suzuki (w/ Hiroko) vs. Billy Gunn</h3><div>It wasn’t silly. It was just unnecessary.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjDQgBhiymYWrZ1TVT3jy_fd-9YDvDEElRo3KkiFsocOpSzTNwUmWqCF39zCcX6zK40Dr4kkrGDtuA8afhhHaCfjC1mWX35n8jlDwXatgTe-LCN3IgvR6V7oTOHUge2uwut1USEUl4e1O7KqaIMtPy0Ba9ywy4uS0Ud7ednxZtqGCljKbbxLzv43H9JcT/s835/great-american-bash-2004-billy-gunn-kenzo-suzuki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="835" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjDQgBhiymYWrZ1TVT3jy_fd-9YDvDEElRo3KkiFsocOpSzTNwUmWqCF39zCcX6zK40Dr4kkrGDtuA8afhhHaCfjC1mWX35n8jlDwXatgTe-LCN3IgvR6V7oTOHUge2uwut1USEUl4e1O7KqaIMtPy0Ba9ywy4uS0Ud7ednxZtqGCljKbbxLzv43H9JcT/w400-h294/great-american-bash-2004-billy-gunn-kenzo-suzuki.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I know <b>Billy Gunn</b> is regarded as a well-respected veteran these days, but nobody needed an Ass Man in 2004.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here, Gunn was doing practically the same thing as he was when he won <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/05/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1999.html" target="_blank">King of the Ring 1999</a>, only now with only 50% less charisma.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was just nothing interesting about him during this time, and that meant this match wasn’t all that interesting either.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bout was a rematch from their clash on Smackdown when <b>Kenzo Suzuki</b>’s geisha girl and real-life wife had <b>Hiroko</b> interfered to stop Suzuki from losing. It was so uneventful that I forgot the entire match as soon as it was over.</div><div><br /></div><div>On second watch, it turns out Suzuki -here making his WWE PPV debut- won with a backbreaker thingy.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Kenzo Suzuki </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This would prove to be Billy Gunn's last WWE Pay Per View appearance for a good number of years. His ten-year run with the company would draw to a close later that year, giving him the freedom to diss on WWE and Triple H in several shoot promos and eventually show up in TNA as The Outlaw.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Paul Heyman Holds Paul Bearer Hostage </h3><div>Out in the back, Paul Heyman had Paul Bearer gagged and bound. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOWLkf8kOSq_qGEZYOaGDVI57mYi6M7ri9Sp5W_MlXKl81Px81lGbESopdsEf92VSjhiXiG7g94Zt27iEMHejE0PZ9mSI47NZhu2UePoUAIya4D-VgbXniqpio4rsO6RjRrsVTw926FmwL-CST4p5jFs2acM1whIEHoIp-BR-zFW9bf9-YyQ3hUG_4pow/s794/great-american-bash-2004-paul-bearer-heyman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paul Bearer held hostage by Paul Heyman at WWE Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="794" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOWLkf8kOSq_qGEZYOaGDVI57mYi6M7ri9Sp5W_MlXKl81Px81lGbESopdsEf92VSjhiXiG7g94Zt27iEMHejE0PZ9mSI47NZhu2UePoUAIya4D-VgbXniqpio4rsO6RjRrsVTw926FmwL-CST4p5jFs2acM1whIEHoIp-BR-zFW9bf9-YyQ3hUG_4pow/w400-h296/great-american-bash-2004-paul-bearer-heyman.jpg" title="Paul Bearer held hostage by Paul Heyman at WWE Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The former ECW boss took a perverse glee in reminding Bearer that he would be buried alive in concrete if The Undertaker didn’t <i>“do the right thing.”</i></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sable vs. Torrie Wilson</h3><div>Playing out to near silence, this match between the two Playboy cover girls was more or less exactly what you might expect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeU8RCITc5BdE50UDdvtdwBF_2Bco1SoZxAOYORVAyDfdTG2o-TS55dUe8_VbLxHHZpog4XlzBuyzWTqz-LMWfsf-dpCDIy5s9NjGWjTE8ctunAv6iEXtfa5e9QKQ_3eEWoKwYPxV2PnpLnS2oBkQlEmCO4aQ5NlCCiFI3KU_S2nETpmFKqo8Ii4bUn_x/s826/great-american-bash-2004-sable-vs-torrie-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great American Bash 2004 - Sable vs. Torrie Wilson" border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="826" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeU8RCITc5BdE50UDdvtdwBF_2Bco1SoZxAOYORVAyDfdTG2o-TS55dUe8_VbLxHHZpog4XlzBuyzWTqz-LMWfsf-dpCDIy5s9NjGWjTE8ctunAv6iEXtfa5e9QKQ_3eEWoKwYPxV2PnpLnS2oBkQlEmCO4aQ5NlCCiFI3KU_S2nETpmFKqo8Ii4bUn_x/w400-h297/great-american-bash-2004-sable-vs-torrie-2.jpg" title="Great American Bash 2004 - Sable vs. Torrie Wilson" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>All the standard “divas” moves that we’d see for the rest of the 2000s were in play here, and though the two women performed their spots competently, there wasn’t an awful lot to enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sable dominated the early part of the match before Torrie turned the tables, hurling her opponent into the corner and charging forward, only for the two to “inadvertently” clash heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sable went down like a sack of potatoes, prompting referee Charles Robinson to hold Torrie back while he checked on the fallen wrestler.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it was all a ruse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Playing possum, Sable lured Torrie in and sprang back to life, wrapping up her former friend for the match-winning roll-up.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Sable</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Out in the back, The Undertaker walked down a dark corridor looking like a dude who’d been sent by his wife to check out a strange noise in the house in the middle of the night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere in the arena, <b>Dawn Marie</b> looked stunning in a stars-and-stripes bikini as she interviewed Rene Dupree about his earlier loss.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sYt0nSOAEbETXWTZdCFhqns0s8lYfkvJmgdeZHQxG6PjGtv3vADwvs6AQacw7NzaB1OQygXdsIH_gQL7cY5ZnaBfcwi4ZTpVfXAW0GHY7TDnV-W94TLCYdUbqTlI-VUdJvBjijJ7x5XbsP9br-H0d3IvQB5d2-ZSQe977Vlf2GMHhi-HU5thG8MPZxQa/s829/great-american-bash-2004-dawn-marie-renee-dupree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great American Bash 2004 - Dawn Marie in a bikini with Renee Dupree" border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="829" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sYt0nSOAEbETXWTZdCFhqns0s8lYfkvJmgdeZHQxG6PjGtv3vADwvs6AQacw7NzaB1OQygXdsIH_gQL7cY5ZnaBfcwi4ZTpVfXAW0GHY7TDnV-W94TLCYdUbqTlI-VUdJvBjijJ7x5XbsP9br-H0d3IvQB5d2-ZSQe977Vlf2GMHhi-HU5thG8MPZxQa/w400-h295/great-american-bash-2004-dawn-marie-renee-dupree.jpg" title="Great American Bash 2004 - Dawn Marie in a bikini with Renee Dupree" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Frenchman declared that he was going to get even by filing some sort of protest before inviting Marie to see his, ahem, “<i>French tickler.</i>”</div><br /><div>Before she could respond, <b>Nunzio </b>arrived on the scene and gave her a better offer:</div><div><br /></div><div>A whole 15 inches.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVRXi5kYUTVSm03qLtkYRg8LWliyFkAMTXK5AtVyOr658lkF26FeB5KhCDzIpkVYid00nWT3XRn49xh6J75v35WBz8Wkn7d-Ld7R4BAIIU6flmH8yEhw92URGqAx_9qzTv0iokJo5GNO4F9P54OoViXzi0mi7nidBIjqcOXuuudH6Hsozz2UQqyJRx0Zo/s852/great-american-bash-2004-dawn-marie-nunzio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nunzio shows Dawn Marie his big feet at WWE Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="852" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVRXi5kYUTVSm03qLtkYRg8LWliyFkAMTXK5AtVyOr658lkF26FeB5KhCDzIpkVYid00nWT3XRn49xh6J75v35WBz8Wkn7d-Ld7R4BAIIU6flmH8yEhw92URGqAx_9qzTv0iokJo5GNO4F9P54OoViXzi0mi7nidBIjqcOXuuudH6Hsozz2UQqyJRx0Zo/w400-h296/great-american-bash-2004-dawn-marie-nunzio.jpg" title="Nunzio shows Dawn Marie his big feet at WWE Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nunzio was, of course, talking about his feet, propping a boot up on the hot tub and repeating “<i>you know what they say about guys with big feet, huh? You know “big…feet.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>Amazingly, the dumb pickup line worked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although it took Dawn Marie to get the insinuation, when she did, she was clearly impressed and left with the FBI man.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mordecai vs. Hardcore Holly</h3><div>Speaking of big feet, <b>Mordecai</b> stomped his all-over <b>Hardcore Holly</b>’s head in a boring match which really had no business being on Pay Per View.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pzMsYEecIUUyF1cmuYPANPgWkZzlUPxOcDeJNNBvnsmJoB0LsoXTHSpdVcT7Az9-_flOdEiwv4OkqhIaM_x0XcJnQ1-_oCP5NTRwfwQr7tV1dEksEJ1yH72PoHw7P0MtXkp-nWRHgaIkHhAYhddt_wFZ3WOhFguBytvbaG10Z8zr_OSGPJ3p28jge-fP/s765/great-american-bash-2004-mordecai.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mordecai makes an entrance at GAB 2004" border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="765" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pzMsYEecIUUyF1cmuYPANPgWkZzlUPxOcDeJNNBvnsmJoB0LsoXTHSpdVcT7Az9-_flOdEiwv4OkqhIaM_x0XcJnQ1-_oCP5NTRwfwQr7tV1dEksEJ1yH72PoHw7P0MtXkp-nWRHgaIkHhAYhddt_wFZ3WOhFguBytvbaG10Z8zr_OSGPJ3p28jge-fP/w400-h305/great-american-bash-2004-mordecai.jpg" title="Mordecai makes an entrance at GAB 2004" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>For reasons unknown even to Tazz & Cole, these two had gotten into a backstage brawl on Smackdown and now looked to settle their score, whatever it may have been.</div><div><br /></div><div>The result was plenty of kicks and punches, a rest hold spot that sucked out what little life there was in the Norfolk Scope Arena that night, and a win for Mordecai with a crucifix powerbomb.</div><div><b>Your Winner: Mordecai </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Following a quick commercial for Summerslam which played on the upcoming 2004 Summer Olympic Games, we got a recap of JBL and Eddie Guerrero’s rivalry which focused on the bullrope stipulation, leading us straight into our next contest.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Texas Bullrope Match for the WWE Championship <br />WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero vs. John Bradshaw Layfield </h3><div>The first thing I need to point out here is the addition of a lighting system to keep track of which wrestler had touched which corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any time Guerrero touched a corner post, a red light would turn on in that corner.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNVR1F75VZFYBs0zpVFgMgwcKQmZqv7v2atnKoyqgWZpqPtN1HGiIqrEynVKW9qUyOwGQAO4uPzCvwQuLG6TyyLAZ1vt5Sm9_IU7fbZBL0d5DXxEs-ei-v1C9o-LKK_EtMJp6UGsR1J-1iDCOcD5uNP0PyR3y_zNRiwp2BgHVi04Ehyphenhyphen6nB-8gk4dEEkTZ/s621/great-american-bash-2004-lights.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A lighting system used for JBL vs. Eddie Guerrero at WWE Great American Bash 2004" border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="621" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNVR1F75VZFYBs0zpVFgMgwcKQmZqv7v2atnKoyqgWZpqPtN1HGiIqrEynVKW9qUyOwGQAO4uPzCvwQuLG6TyyLAZ1vt5Sm9_IU7fbZBL0d5DXxEs-ei-v1C9o-LKK_EtMJp6UGsR1J-1iDCOcD5uNP0PyR3y_zNRiwp2BgHVi04Ehyphenhyphen6nB-8gk4dEEkTZ/w400-h375/great-american-bash-2004-lights.jpg" title="A lighting system used for JBL vs. Eddie Guerrero at WWE Great American Bash 2004" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Any time JBL did so, a green light would turn on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve watched a lot of wrestling over the years but I’ve never seen this gimmick deployed in any match before or since the 2004 Great American Bash.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an interesting concept that would have worked better if one of the lightbulbs wasn’t dying and there weren’t occasional delays between a wrestler hitting the corner and the light turning on, a problem that created moments of confusion in an otherwise stellar match.</div><div><br /></div><div>The early going saw both men choking each other out with the rope. As psychologically solid as it was, it wasn’t very interesting until JBL hurled Guerrero out of the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>There, the challenger set up his opponent for a powerbomb from one announce table to the other, but the crafty champion swiped Bradshaw’s leg from under him, not only turning the tables but also turning the match up to a whole new level.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reminiscent of their bloody battle at Judgement Day, the two waged war on one another in a gripping match that highlighted Eddie Guerrero’s versatility as a pro wrestler.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhh1038sWLYp6DY3FxP1pmywZFRcXGuipxnYeXyVAZiGyqFF-ucFh_96wAwLQMj4vAPWmcugF9ZYICR7lAuigz_ut8l3qAmidTWBo8RNZWb66kfIf9WuofFjyky2PE9OWzBkH7CNZmdC0Ktx62cYeysTPT1Bw93e2eA5ecYSZWSU_O8T_LmVuuNguMBRp/s804/great-american-bash-2004-jbl-vs-guerrero.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="JBL vs. Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Title - Great American Bash 04" border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="804" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhh1038sWLYp6DY3FxP1pmywZFRcXGuipxnYeXyVAZiGyqFF-ucFh_96wAwLQMj4vAPWmcugF9ZYICR7lAuigz_ut8l3qAmidTWBo8RNZWb66kfIf9WuofFjyky2PE9OWzBkH7CNZmdC0Ktx62cYeysTPT1Bw93e2eA5ecYSZWSU_O8T_LmVuuNguMBRp/w400-h315/great-american-bash-2004-jbl-vs-guerrero.jpg" title="JBL vs. Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Title - Great American Bash 04" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>With the bullrope stipulation getting in the way of his usual fast-paced brand of lucha-inspired technical prowess, the champion played his rival at his own game and proved he could brawl with the best of ‘em.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, with both men having touched three corners, this thoroughly compelling match culminated in a tense sudden death stand-off.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two held firm in opposite corners of the ring, desperately attempting to simultaneously stop the other touching that last corner while also trying to touch it for themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, Guerrero charged at JBL, squashing his nemesis in the corner as he (Eddie) touched the post to win the match and retain the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or at least that’s how it seemed at first.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Eddie celebrated, Luther Reigns wheeled out Kurt Angle to interrupt.</div><div><br /></div><div>The GM demanded a replay of the match’s finish, a replay which showed that as a consequence of Guerrero squashing him in the corner, JBL’s shoulder had technically touched the corner first, making him the victor.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and New WWE Champion: John Bradshaw Layfield </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't doubt for a second that the kind of fans who take this stuff super seriously will have criticized that finish and claim it made Bradshaw look like a “weak champion” or whatever, but I honestly thought it was a stroke of genius.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, JBL was a heel. </div><div><br /></div><div>Winning the match on a technicality <i>did</i> make him seem unworthy of the title, and that’s precisely the point.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those fans whose enjoyment of pro wrestling hadn’t been ruined by Meltzer star ratings and the need to hero-worship the latest indie darlings would despise him even more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those fans who still bought into the stories presented to them would know this dastardly dickhead didn’t deserve the title and clamor to see him defeated.</div><div><br /></div><div>At least, that’s how it should have worked in theory. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whether it paid off in execution is another story, but it was still a fantastic move from a story and character development perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, afterward, a bloody JBL took his title backstage, leaving Eddie Guerrero to soak up the adulation of the fans, his time as Smackdown’s number-one player at an end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it was time for our main event. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2 vs. 1 Handicap Match<br />WWE Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (D’Von & Bubba Ray Dudley w/ Paul Heyman) vs. The Undertaker </h3><div>Well, almost time.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, we got a look at the backstory to this match, which essentially boiled down to Paul Heyman looking to gain control of The Undertaker by capitalizing on The Phenom’s one true weakness:</div><div><br /></div><div>His emotional bond with Paul Bearer.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a logical and interesting concept for a story, even if the whole kidnapping and threat of burying Bearer in concrete really did stretch the limits of credibility.</div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>Hey! The Dudleys kidnapped Paul Bearer. They’ve been holding him hostage and now Paul Heyman is planning to murder him!”</i></div><div><i>“Well, damn. Shouldn’t we do something? Maybe call the authorities?”</i></div><div><i>“Nah, let’s sell tickets to the murder attempt and put it on Pay Per View.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Proving that he really wasn’t bluffing, Heyman buried Bearer up to his ankles, warning ‘Taker that there’d be more cement to come if he didn’t do the right thing by laying down for The Dudley Boyz.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRawKWwQd6NrNPwJBI_vhwyScox-MX2EPECakfYw59yRozWsSryU3WE0eVXXbx8TiwySfuSMHIwHjfMBqii3vvj6CkbA0At1IGCLxwAizwNHSC60pgT4OcA2SaYjDUxG3VeXjdBoTSvPjqcuo1K8XKUEMu43Bw8Ju3sORe6-NYQ4AntdXRfWkn8go7L0a/s745/great-american-bash-2004-undertaker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great American Bash 2004 - The Undertaker vs. Dudley Boyz" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="745" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRawKWwQd6NrNPwJBI_vhwyScox-MX2EPECakfYw59yRozWsSryU3WE0eVXXbx8TiwySfuSMHIwHjfMBqii3vvj6CkbA0At1IGCLxwAizwNHSC60pgT4OcA2SaYjDUxG3VeXjdBoTSvPjqcuo1K8XKUEMu43Bw8Ju3sORe6-NYQ4AntdXRfWkn8go7L0a/w400-h323/great-american-bash-2004-undertaker.jpg" title="Great American Bash 2004 - The Undertaker vs. Dudley Boyz" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Acquiescing, The Dead Man lay down but soon changed his mind, gripping both Dudleys by the throat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before he could do any damage, however, he was interrupted by Heyman, who filled the glass crypt up just a little further.</div><div><br /></div><div>The distraction allowed <b>Bubba Ray</b> and <b>D’Von</b> to regain control, as it did any time Undertaker even threatened to fight back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl17Dim3dAns9kz9KhH71XXdJBJi8z9Ca7WuIuN5MOBwXToIP_K091Hp4fW8VvMWfVrV0cPQmZY8LLwyGZrJJOWE-quz18AhtQpJFxHLVGWEqxpN0_ZWsIZ-ezc-HKIye0v50gSc-0Q45-g5PojFxWp_BpBf2wb_vq0vxaJGlQAbhkoro79l7oo_PeWy6F/s798/great-american-bash-2004-paul-heyman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paul Heyman prepares to bury Paul Bearer in concrete" border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="798" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl17Dim3dAns9kz9KhH71XXdJBJi8z9Ca7WuIuN5MOBwXToIP_K091Hp4fW8VvMWfVrV0cPQmZY8LLwyGZrJJOWE-quz18AhtQpJFxHLVGWEqxpN0_ZWsIZ-ezc-HKIye0v50gSc-0Q45-g5PojFxWp_BpBf2wb_vq0vxaJGlQAbhkoro79l7oo_PeWy6F/w400-h311/great-american-bash-2004-paul-heyman.jpg" title="Paul Heyman prepares to bury Paul Bearer in concrete" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>By the time Bearer was submerged past his waist, Bubba began getting worried, turning the cement truck off and imploring Heyman to let them finish off their opponent before he committed murder on live Pay Per View.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness Paul agreed, because his frequent interruptions were jarring and distracting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that the rest of the match was a whole lot better.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Heyman behaving himself, ‘Taker had a decent but unremarkable battle with the tag team champions, eventually putting Bubba away with a tombstone.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: The Undertaker</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, an enraged Paul Heyman planned to finish burying Bearer. However, a spooky lightning bolt stopped him, giving ‘Taker time to make it to the glass crypt and save his long-time associate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Except, that didn’t happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, Undertaker insisted that he had no choice, pulling the lever that would release the rest of the concrete into the crypt as The Great American Bash -and, presumably, Paul Bearer’s life- came to an end.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C-twSW-562c?si=R4-WgkP5nlF8CjOP" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Kind of.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>If it wasn’t for The Guerreros, The Great American Bash 2004 would surely be ranked as one of the worst PPVs of all time.</i></div><div><i>Chavo’s cruiserweight classic with Rey Mysterio was enthralling, while Eddie’s WWE championship reign ended in fine fashion with a captivating bit of storytelling in his Texas Bullrope match with JBL. </i></div><div><i>Otherwise, this show was mostly a misfire, featuring midcard matches so blind they would have served as a bathroom break even on Smackdown, and a main event that was hindered by its own story.</i></div><div><i>Damn Torrie Wilson. I should’ve watched that WCW show. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3vxFyij" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of The Royal Rumble on Amazon now" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisIgIXcCV1hpy1s3H8ERtasBxMv8gHKZhRLzDnSKlFnLnT5-0sbVolyeu-52iPVLPlVOM492nuDdTq9AZKsF8oJ5jmsOB_0L2iKk1imskfZHPvQsVsGWtr2o7ToE59lKwO7HKaGPHlbN5PKNi5JIa4KIH3hvH_3qRtGScK15XXCRPjnCSTrog2fezVpUO/w400-h400/The%20Complete%20History%20of%20the%20Royal%20Rumble.png" title="Buy The Complete History of The Royal Rumble on Amazon now" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p><b><i>More 2004 Pro Wrestling Reviews: </i></b></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wwe-royal-rumble-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Royal Rumble 2004</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/ppv-review-wwe-no-way-out-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE No Way Out 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wwe-wrestlemania-xx.html" target="_blank">WWE Wrestlemania 20</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/wwe-backlash-2004-review.html" target="_blank">WWE Backlash 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/wwe-bad-blood-2004-review.html" target="_blank">WWE Bad Blood 2004</a></li></ul><b><i>Other Great American Bash Reviews</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/11/event-review-nwa-great-american-bash.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1986 - Charlotte</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/12/event-review-nwa-great-american-bash.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1986 - Greensboro</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/01/ppv-review-nwa-great-american-bash-1988.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1988</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/04/ppv-review-wcw-nwa-great-american-bash.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1989</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1990.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1990</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/05/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1991.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1992.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/07/wcw-great-american-bash-1996.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1996</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/03/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1997.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1997</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1998.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/06/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1999.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/03/ppv-review-great-american-bash-2000.html" target="_blank">Great American Bash 2000</a></li></ul></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> <div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-70036505769125323372023-12-20T06:54:00.000-08:002024-02-04T11:33:09.856-08:00NWA - TNA Weekly PPV #4 Review (07/10/2002)<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBebzPmU5H3dde1aYX7P8L4MMcAUHcFByhEUFcDYtWBqAKLz3o2u4BWdMILL3jVlK46wIjWDaRw6dhHoBHx5aLDcszz7smpVtYhXcGlpc0-X6tEmzSf8MwxIpFe6OwKidCBcDQzvAKKvwJQ7u2POiiHqcPVhaeVywFThmGd0Csdg1Zv_ZjfLJUYMeSqRj/s824/NWA%20TNA%20WEEKLY%20PPV%20EPISODE%204%20-%20July%2010%202002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review #4 - July 10, 2002" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="824" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBebzPmU5H3dde1aYX7P8L4MMcAUHcFByhEUFcDYtWBqAKLz3o2u4BWdMILL3jVlK46wIjWDaRw6dhHoBHx5aLDcszz7smpVtYhXcGlpc0-X6tEmzSf8MwxIpFe6OwKidCBcDQzvAKKvwJQ7u2POiiHqcPVhaeVywFThmGd0Csdg1Zv_ZjfLJUYMeSqRj/w400-h354/NWA%20TNA%20WEEKLY%20PPV%20EPISODE%204%20-%20July%2010%202002.png" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review #4 - July 10, 2002" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>July 10, 2002</b></div><div><b>Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>By the time NWA:TNA’s fourth weekly PPV came about, the company appeared to have all its ducks in a row.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Ken Shamrock was still the NWA World Heavyweight Champion and was set to defend tonight against visiting star, Takao Omori.</div><br /><div>AJ Styles had captured the X title in episode 2, held onto it in a title defense against David Young in episode 3, and then, on the same show, added to his belt collection by partnering with Jerry Lynn to beat The Rainbow Express (Lenny Lane & Alan ‘Bruce’ Funk) for the vacant tag straps.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Father James Mitchell was establishing himself as TNA’s chief baddy, leading his Disciples of The New Church in a war against Shamrock.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that we’re all caught up, let’s get to the show.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MEM9FZ1s1FM?si=u1CKBYixuGvVMelt" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 4 </h3><div>There was no recap this week, nor did we have to sit through another long preamble from announcers <b>Mike Tenay</b>, <b>Don West</b>, and <b>Ed Ferrara</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hP02SuUlW9z2ab7klkEDBbuKXmC1DHebW_NypUFJMOxqY4_Xl5YnwnX4mPRvA1vDwkZ_fZJf08jKH3ZFTCifVUyeE_-Who6Pv7bHnprBHoU0w9XlKnrqphX9ehayUGvYM7vSRwLzvwOxzxUiHt9-2SdchecEXXwkqp1r-2ijXzQDUM_jjwrxfWJXLEWc/s857/tnaweeklyppv_4_announcers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV #4 Review - Don West, Mike Tenay, and Ed Ferrara" border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="857" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hP02SuUlW9z2ab7klkEDBbuKXmC1DHebW_NypUFJMOxqY4_Xl5YnwnX4mPRvA1vDwkZ_fZJf08jKH3ZFTCifVUyeE_-Who6Pv7bHnprBHoU0w9XlKnrqphX9ehayUGvYM7vSRwLzvwOxzxUiHt9-2SdchecEXXwkqp1r-2ijXzQDUM_jjwrxfWJXLEWc/w400-h217/tnaweeklyppv_4_announcers.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV #4 Review - Don West, Mike Tenay, and Ed Ferrara" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Instead, we got a bunch of pyro, a quick voice-over greeting from Tenay, and then it was straight down to our opening contest.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">NWA World Tag Team Championship <br />NWA World Tag Team Champions Jerry Lynn & AJ Styles vs. The Disciples of The New Church (Slash & Tempest w/ Father James Mitchell)</h3><div>Remember how I said Mitchell was being positioned as the primary heel? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHVrs1JxMDGBqYi3RIXoyM-r5V-ukD_YRoUa3gOKYAy8KnWGz2-DzV0hs-wLl175M_KFfXfnr24hMO7zbs-0FEnLJwmh5tuUCynmx5QISTrcxMtuUBUKbqFD8Y9pMZ7ZTG4jOqjoUMwCpUYto0RNr86DjiWyC6wvrPOM1c4TTBbsdxVtzhi_WkHcfO4qr/s608/tnaweeklyppv_4_newchurch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 4 review - The New Church" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="608" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHVrs1JxMDGBqYi3RIXoyM-r5V-ukD_YRoUa3gOKYAy8KnWGz2-DzV0hs-wLl175M_KFfXfnr24hMO7zbs-0FEnLJwmh5tuUCynmx5QISTrcxMtuUBUKbqFD8Y9pMZ7ZTG4jOqjoUMwCpUYto0RNr86DjiWyC6wvrPOM1c4TTBbsdxVtzhi_WkHcfO4qr/w400-h285/tnaweeklyppv_4_newchurch.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 4 review - The New Church" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As he brought out his men for this match, the graphic labeled the team as simply “<b>Father James Mitchell</b> w/ The Disciples of the New Church,” without bothering to list either of the actual competitors by name.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Slash</b>, of course, had been around for the past few weeks, while Tempest was a brand-new arrival. As you’ve likely worked out from the picture above, he was the wrestler better known as Devon Storm/Crowbar. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the champs came down to <b>AJ Styles</b>’s awful Bruce Springsteen knock-off theme which, I’ve you’ve read my last few early TNA reviews, you know I absolutely loathe.</div><div><br /></div><div>That aside, the match was more or less as good as you might expect, and while that was largely down to the innovative style of the champions, the challengers more than held their own, the battle going back and forth for the better part of 15 minutes with nary a dull moment in sight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Early on, Mike Tenay noted that Lynn would be pulling double duty tonight. Not only was he teaming with AJ in this opener but, later on, he’d also be competing in a main event match to determine the X Division rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon_4z001CWahMnAJSGz3lmySJIG5RVtTb_YWy500lybVTyQnXrAzdg7PyvFU2WdfdCiHbiwDAeTqVn9uCsZGA8F509CMV8McCrCKCY2FoMQn1cmgVkHpOmNwC3YScJErGbe-Wpjwqn4xqk6lnLRRiVp4rQGqPBKpssHY3kqjOUTZfrTSFVuVkMgkADyWe/s858/tnaweeklyppv_4_tempest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Tempest puts a hurting on AJ Styles" border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="858" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon_4z001CWahMnAJSGz3lmySJIG5RVtTb_YWy500lybVTyQnXrAzdg7PyvFU2WdfdCiHbiwDAeTqVn9uCsZGA8F509CMV8McCrCKCY2FoMQn1cmgVkHpOmNwC3YScJErGbe-Wpjwqn4xqk6lnLRRiVp4rQGqPBKpssHY3kqjOUTZfrTSFVuVkMgkADyWe/w400-h223/tnaweeklyppv_4_tempest.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Tempest puts a hurting on AJ Styles" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Tenay also informed us that the person ranked number one would be the number one contender for AJ’s title.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, naturally, when it came time for the finish, Lynn found himself upset with Styles.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be honest, you couldn’t really blame him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lynn had the match under control, countering Tempest's DVD attempt with a cradle piledriver before hurling Slash outside of the ring. At that point, Styles tagged himself in, landed a Spiral Tap, and claimed the pinfall for himself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Frustrated at his glory-hogging partner, Lynn stood on the outside, getting even more annoyed as Styles paraded around with both tag belts like he’d won them singlehandedly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmm, I wonder if AJ Styles learned how to be a babyface from Hulk Hogan.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners and still tag team champions: AJ Styles & Jerry Lynn</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, we got a look back at the previous week’s main event in which <b>Brian Christopher </b>turned on <b>Scott Hall</b>, who was then brutally assaulted by Jeff Jarrett.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said in my <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/nwatna-weekly-ppv-episode-3-07032002.html" target="_blank">episode 3 review</a>, the turn wouldn’t have been so bad if Christopher hadn’t been actively fighting against Jarrett and JJ’s partner, K-Krush for most of the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the recap played, Tenay got on the phone with Hall, who insisted that it wasn’t how many times you get knocked down that counts, it’s how many times you get back up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, he also swore revenge on Christopher, Jarrett, and Krush.</div><div><br /></div><div>This all led into Brian Christopher coming to the ring for some mic time. Just so you could tell that he really was a heel now, he wrote the same style of attire as always, but in black.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Brian Christopher is His Own Man </h3><div>As he made his way out, Ferrera noted that nobody should have been surprised by Christopher aligning with Jarrett. After all, they’d grown up together and their fathers had even been business partners at one stage.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO1aegz48Y6DHLQfv2DEOfOiRyS0yyI_q4zpwb5bhzqOMUmZ7g82OH2MIpHVF-ujNQus8ApoEUPp9bftZaxrYq6cdg7Hb6DqT85uXFrJrTM7hfrGBDr0I1OdCAKtco-YTUjqTR7CVX-yxL-ax0tLurlzXNS_QfhzdXPMM3xfU_70jIKJ4o13d1AJ1S1sA/s850/tnaweeklyppv_4_brianchristopher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Brian Christopher" border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="850" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO1aegz48Y6DHLQfv2DEOfOiRyS0yyI_q4zpwb5bhzqOMUmZ7g82OH2MIpHVF-ujNQus8ApoEUPp9bftZaxrYq6cdg7Hb6DqT85uXFrJrTM7hfrGBDr0I1OdCAKtco-YTUjqTR7CVX-yxL-ax0tLurlzXNS_QfhzdXPMM3xfU_70jIKJ4o13d1AJ1S1sA/w400-h225/tnaweeklyppv_4_brianchristopher.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Brian Christopher" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Of course, Christopher’s famous father was the main thing he wanted to talk about.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a convincing and compelling promo that left me thinking I’ve been underestimating him for all this time, Brian Christopher declared that he was sick of living in Jerry Lawler’s shadow, especially since The King was never there for him as a kid.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was now his time. Time to stand out, be his own man, and be a star.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was all good stuff right until the end, when Big Bad Brian declared that he would now go by the name of Brian Lawler.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t make a great deal of sense.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“I’m sick of living in my dad’s shadow, so now I’m going to change my last name to the same</i></div><div><i>as his, making the comparisons and references to Jerry even more obvious.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Right you are, then.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Brian Lawler vs. Norman Smiley</h3><div>With that surprisingly good promo out of the way, <b>Norman Smiley</b> came out to a strong pop to take on Lawler in a reasonably good match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Smiley, who hadn’t been seen on PPV since <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/02/ppv-review-wcw-slamboree-2000.html" target="_blank">WCW Slamboree 2000</a>, delighted the crowd with his signature spots and charismatic ring presence, but it was obvious from the get-go that this was always going to be Brian’s match.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the finish, Smiley got his opponent in the corner for that old favorite, the ten punches, only for Lawler to hit him with a low blow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heading to the top rope, the former Too Cool member further confirmed he was a new man by toying with the idea of wearing his trademark goggles and then throwing them away.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, a single Hip Hop Drop sealed the deal.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Brian Lawler </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Lawler returned to the microphone and warned Scott Hall that he was next on his list.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jeff Jarrett is Deluded</h3><div>Out in the back, <b>Goldilocks</b> caught up with <b>Jeff Jarrett</b>, who was found harassing NWA Vice President <b>Bill Brehens</b> about a title shot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigF_PvHZhSuHNe8cJHJci0CyqyZ_mehFHMhwBFuW4UNxbUmzVh_1eFdJyyt5-hvzy715GIWk0M8FvnztfaWh4hA0tegiep3Ir0iOtVHVXkSu254Z4W9f7KUYpN1zhR77PxqdTDdynOhRsddgAzo72orc8wYJPJ1oFpsI1mhR6Kfy3TVnGij5NFnvtNXKqs/s781/tnaweeklyppv_5_jarrettbrehens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Jeff Jarrett confronts Bill Brehens" border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="781" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigF_PvHZhSuHNe8cJHJci0CyqyZ_mehFHMhwBFuW4UNxbUmzVh_1eFdJyyt5-hvzy715GIWk0M8FvnztfaWh4hA0tegiep3Ir0iOtVHVXkSu254Z4W9f7KUYpN1zhR77PxqdTDdynOhRsddgAzo72orc8wYJPJ1oFpsI1mhR6Kfy3TVnGij5NFnvtNXKqs/w400-h236/tnaweeklyppv_5_jarrettbrehens.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Jeff Jarrett confronts Bill Brehens" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>For reasons known only to himself, Jarrett believed himself to be the number one contender for <b>Ken Shamrock</b>’s title and was absolutely furious that he was being denied his opportunity.</div><div><br /></div><div>After shoving Brehens one too many times, the boss declared that not only would Jarrett not get a title shot, he was now also suspended.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Oh yeah? Suspend this, bitch!”</i> Jarrett replied, grabbing his crotch in a way that made me laugh much more than it should have.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, Brehens’ appearance reminds me that episode 3 had the whole thing where NWA President Jim Miller had been hog-tied in the back and assaulted.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far there was no mention of him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Was Miller OK?</div><div><br /></div><div>Was he still in the back, tied up and shirtless somewhere?</div><div><br /></div><div>I really hope that angle gets resolved, otherwise it’s a major early fail for TNA.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">K-Krush vs. Hermie Sadler (w/ his pit crew) </h3><div>And so, we were finally (hopefully) going to see the end of <b>K-Krush</b>’s feud with NASCAR driver, <b>Hermie Sadler.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wq5NeIcS8Tct2xprcOYKYsjIa9Hrd5Ox1lut_eKHcc0uB52fWM3ntbcF6_am-uPn4goNrcs9CdoG4urwgzdGYd5hpQvMsVBugWmviyxnbMeldrdyZ2x1Unppjq6pdYzg0QuHTxQqAtU9BH0eC5V8BhAtCZryTuY0eXQOvSXfTsn-Y6FRCjToeIjdToBM/s731/tnaweeklyppv_4_kkrush_hermiesaddler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - K-Krush vs. Hermie Sadler" border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="731" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wq5NeIcS8Tct2xprcOYKYsjIa9Hrd5Ox1lut_eKHcc0uB52fWM3ntbcF6_am-uPn4goNrcs9CdoG4urwgzdGYd5hpQvMsVBugWmviyxnbMeldrdyZ2x1Unppjq6pdYzg0QuHTxQqAtU9BH0eC5V8BhAtCZryTuY0eXQOvSXfTsn-Y6FRCjToeIjdToBM/w400-h243/tnaweeklyppv_4_kkrush_hermiesaddler.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - K-Krush vs. Hermie Sadler" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I know I’ve ragged on this a lot over the last couple of reviews, but there were a lot of NASCAR fans in the audience and they HATED Krush.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the future TNA champion took to the microphone, the crowd let him have it with both barrels, screaming bloody murder at Krush and even pelting him with a soda.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadler then made his way to the ring looking like he was going for a light workout at Planet Fitness and brought his entire pit crew with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>The match kicked off and, weirdly enough, was pretty entertaining.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, this wasn’t going to be a catch-as-catch-can classic, but Saddler clearly understood his role and played it well. His early offense consisted mostly of moving out of harms way when Krush tried to attack, then pouncing on his opponent with the most basic punches and kicks imaginable.</div><div><br /></div><div>As basic as it was, the crowd ate it up, and since the whole point of pro wrestling is to entertain the audience, it’s fair to say this match was a success for those involved.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Krush soon gained the upper hand and attempted a series of nonchalant pin attempts that his opponent repeatedly kicked out of.</div><div><br /></div><div>When that didn’t work, Krush applied a figure four but the NASCAR star reversed it and followed up by hitting his only real wrestling move of the match, a pretty good sit-down powerbomb.</div><div><br /></div><div>Krush recovered and went for another pin attempt, this time using the ropes for leverage to get the three count.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn’t quite over though, Krush struck Saddler after the bell, so the referee reversed the decision.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an effective way to create a feel-good ending to the match without making Ron Killings look stupid</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Hermie Saddler</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Out in the back, <b>Takao Omori</b> was shown preparing for his upcoming match when <b>Aleesha </b>approached him.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSUA32iikPrDPpyE2LeGSevmRf_pN58kvuZC8sn-na_MWC3W5SRFaphE7PRwgzvXBM5_Z6Ny0oV854OCr_8TWdu3Yut7xbejpNReEoQ1NnUirMAOFQu06tRU8ZoeXV4spM42ZqIp3H8nf1hwviGt_3fHA-essTv9f9xS6klM04ZXkZSoKchUvRMF22wjP/s844/tnaweeklyppv_4_omori_aleesha.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Takao Omori pays Aleesha" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="844" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSUA32iikPrDPpyE2LeGSevmRf_pN58kvuZC8sn-na_MWC3W5SRFaphE7PRwgzvXBM5_Z6Ny0oV854OCr_8TWdu3Yut7xbejpNReEoQ1NnUirMAOFQu06tRU8ZoeXV4spM42ZqIp3H8nf1hwviGt_3fHA-essTv9f9xS6klM04ZXkZSoKchUvRMF22wjP/w400-h225/tnaweeklyppv_4_omori_aleesha.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Takao Omori pays Aleesha" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Japanese star handed her some money, making this the fourth such exchange we’d seen her involved in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ed Ferrera -who had given her the money the previous week- claimed that he would reveal all later in the show, but first, there was this.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Briscoes (Mark & Jay Briscoe) vs. The Hot Shots (Cassidy O'Reilly & Chase Stevens)</h3><div>So, here we had the TNA debuts of both <b>The Briscoes</b> and <b>The Hot Shots</b> in what looked to have all the makings of a good match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things started well, with both teams bouncing and flying around in an attempt to gain the advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>As things progressed, The Hot Shots gained the upper hand and it looked as though we were going to be treated to an enjoyable spot fest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before that could happen, however, The Disciples of the New Church came down and <b>Malice</b> destroyed everyone in sight.</div><div><b><i>No Contest</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Vengeance is mine, so sayeth I,”</i> declared James Mitchell as he took center stage in the middle of the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin64BtYSnIiOY5d3zZ9_gg0b7NGUohzFK2vke0VF8DnYNIkLT3qGLDjpm3XlvkxiHuvqqIUQVFwQ4Nvv8yaq1UHDEdnRokc3wLYmDSujyXvH22N_0hoJuGCvMD1WGR_kWIHCidHLG5ciFvrbLOC7oMWjGOIdVS0f1J2I4HbMtCUs3M23QIk1GjaMKAecis/s857/tnaweeklyppv_4_newchurch%23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Slash, James Mitchell, and Tempest (Crowbar)" border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="857" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin64BtYSnIiOY5d3zZ9_gg0b7NGUohzFK2vke0VF8DnYNIkLT3qGLDjpm3XlvkxiHuvqqIUQVFwQ4Nvv8yaq1UHDEdnRokc3wLYmDSujyXvH22N_0hoJuGCvMD1WGR_kWIHCidHLG5ciFvrbLOC7oMWjGOIdVS0f1J2I4HbMtCUs3M23QIk1GjaMKAecis/w400-h219/tnaweeklyppv_4_newchurch%23.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV #4 - Slash, James Mitchell, and Tempest (Crowbar)" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Surrounded by his henchmen, the sinister manager declared that they would not be leaving the ring until Malice had Ken Shamrock’s blood on his hands, and if that meant innocent victims had to suffer, then so be it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, Mitchell deliberated whether Malice should first destroy referee Scott Armstrong or the timekeeper, who at first I thought was Big Dick Johnson. However, the only thing I can find online about that guy are news stories from when he was <a href="https://www.ringsidenews.com/2020/05/30/wwe-fired-lead-writer-due-to-highly-unprofessional-behavior/" target="_blank">fired by WWE for unprofessional conduct</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you can either confirm or deny that it was him, do let me know.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Malice looked to destroy the nerdy timekeeper, at which point Shamrock finally arrived but was soon overpowered by Malice, Tempest and Slash.</div><div><br /></div><div>Making the heroic save, Shamrock’s scheduled opponent, Takao Omori ran out and helped the champion clean house.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two then had an intense staredown, building some kind of tension for their later match.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">A Word With The Dupps</h3><div>Backstage, Goldilocks looked mighty uncomfortable as she attempted to interview <b>The Dupp</b>s.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AvG7doMRo7QCLQl27fVk9SoBKrc5Cik-jSFHlIHtgc8rmPESbM7HsEDjtzqhSwc8mnsi1XjxaXlpmey5C1tUJPpXUKWdj4axBwVFdDdOtrc-WshV4hzTWCJegQK7ZjlrbIYosEVukpgpUwUQyPgU0OQFJAWuMjqKO3EHw8Nl1mUlW_oM5JmwDwyG4TeW/s852/tnaweeklyppv_4_dupps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV - June 10, 2002 - Goldilocks interviews The Dupps" border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="852" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AvG7doMRo7QCLQl27fVk9SoBKrc5Cik-jSFHlIHtgc8rmPESbM7HsEDjtzqhSwc8mnsi1XjxaXlpmey5C1tUJPpXUKWdj4axBwVFdDdOtrc-WshV4hzTWCJegQK7ZjlrbIYosEVukpgpUwUQyPgU0OQFJAWuMjqKO3EHw8Nl1mUlW_oM5JmwDwyG4TeW/w400-h224/tnaweeklyppv_4_dupps.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV - June 10, 2002 - Goldilocks interviews The Dupps" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Bo and Stan Dupp took turns to sexually molest their cousin, Fluff, in the background while spouting a bunch of nonsense to put over what stupid rednecks they were supposed to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bo, in particular, threw out some genuinely funny gems, imparting words of wisdom such as <i>“Never look a deaf man in the eye,”</i> and <i>“If the shoe fits, it’s probably the right size.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>It was dumb, but I chuckled.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Jasmine St. Claire Arrives in TNA</h3><div>Up next, <b>Jeramy Borash</b> attempted to introduce <b>The Dupps</b> for their upcoming match but was interrupted by the arrival of former porn star and ECW alumn, <b>Jasmine St. Claire</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm0hEmidq7PDS3_mq71nDuLAVwfhBm_DNJff_5qQUOiByQFD-cXGMmXZ_tOmq5N8FSM31K0RAVcM-uh9g1LVNPtGO7V1U3RAfAeLLcmUR5mVbK42bscT2-6CP7_S8v5j9JEpABo85-MtXcLcIL9DkrdMi1wAot_6IPcFaW6Nx9Uiwhw-4dRauFgaarKuY/s848/tnaweeklyppv_4_jasmine_st_clair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV - June 10, 2002 - Jasmine St. Claire" border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="848" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm0hEmidq7PDS3_mq71nDuLAVwfhBm_DNJff_5qQUOiByQFD-cXGMmXZ_tOmq5N8FSM31K0RAVcM-uh9g1LVNPtGO7V1U3RAfAeLLcmUR5mVbK42bscT2-6CP7_S8v5j9JEpABo85-MtXcLcIL9DkrdMi1wAot_6IPcFaW6Nx9Uiwhw-4dRauFgaarKuY/w400-h198/tnaweeklyppv_4_jasmine_st_clair.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV - June 10, 2002 - Jasmine St. Claire" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As West and Ferrera lost their minds, St Claire strolled to ringside and took to the microphone to deliver an awfully wooden and over-rehearsed promo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Decked in a sequin gown, Jasmine noted that she’d been watching TNA for the last three weeks and still hadn’t seen any booty, so she’d decided to come and change all this by, apparently, giving Jeramy Borash a striptease.</div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>Great, I’m stuck with West and Ferrara and Borash gets a lap dance,</i>” griped Mike Tenay, who at this point sounded just as horny as his two colleagues.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, St. Claire started to dance and even slipped her thong off under her dress, which was apparently the last straw for Bill Brehens.</div><div><br /></div><div>The NWA Vice President hit the ring, at which point Ferrera hit the ring at speed and dove at the boss with a mighty spear tackle, delivering the move with such urgency and desperation that your writer fell about laughing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, that one move may have been the greatest thing Ed Ferrera ever did in his pro wrestling career.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfettered, Brehens got to his feet and wrapped his jacket around St. Claire even though she was still fully clothed, then escorted her to the back, much to the dismay of our three horny commentators.</div><div><br /></div><div>Int the ring, a flabbergasted Jeramy Borash composed himself long enough to finally introduce our next match.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Dupps (Stan & Bo Dupp w/ Fluff Dupp) vs. The Flying Elvises (Sonny Siaki & Jorge Estrada)</h3><div><b>The Flying Elvises</b> hadn’t been seen since defeating AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, and <b>Low Ki</b> in the first-ever TNA match, a feat that seemed all the more impressive now that AJ and Lynn were the tag champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here, they got stuck into a decent effort against The Dupps which apparently caught the attention of <b>Mortimer Plumtree</b> and drew him to ringside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joining the broadcast booth, Plumtree insisted that everything was fine following the breakdown in his relationship with The Johnsons, who he claimed were simply away working on getting better as a tag team.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the actual match became nothing but the background, Plumtree continued, speculating that it was likely to have been Jerry Lynn who attacked Chris Harris & James Storm on last week’s show as Lynn had the most to gain by filling in and taking their title shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the action, it was, as I said, decent enough, but it really did feel like nothing more than filler.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, the Flying Elvises won thanks to a springboard splash from <b>Jorge Estrada.</b></div><div>Your Winners: The Flying Elvises</div><div><br /></div><div>We didn’t get to see Estrada and his partner, <b>Sonny Siaki</b> celebrating for very long as news broke that something big was happening in the back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles were brawling in the catering area. Lynn got the upper hand in the fight, finishing off his own tag team partner with a cradle piledriver on top of a storage box.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“There’s your belt, AJ, you glory hound!”</i> Yelled Lynn as he stormed off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Storm, we still hadn’t heard anything from James Storm and Chris Harris, but at least they’d been mentioned on screen.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were only 40 minutes left in this show and nobody had given us an update on the attack on Jim Wilson the previous week. I don't know why I even care so much. It's not like I'm expecting something amazing to transpire from it.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship <br />NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ken Shamrock vs. Takao Omori </h3><div>Curiously, Shamrock didn’t have his belt with him as he came out to defend it against Omori.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpqEmIjO314eTHZDJETLdlLf3N8exkxoAFwoL3MTvcfNFDs8j3zLLwQC7C3dkSPWKowSYcRAsvwiZRW3nnKkf10ct3uv71aP5LQ30dkVAQxjve3Hd0Y9a-v2rM7Fsn2VaGj4B7AbaWJKih_FFfLpj6WW6iWzBcL1MnairSNEFKzQvftZz_Uy9UhAuwUnW/s764/tnaweeklyppv_4_omori_shamrock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Ken Shamrock vs. Takao Omori Tale of the Tape" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="764" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpqEmIjO314eTHZDJETLdlLf3N8exkxoAFwoL3MTvcfNFDs8j3zLLwQC7C3dkSPWKowSYcRAsvwiZRW3nnKkf10ct3uv71aP5LQ30dkVAQxjve3Hd0Y9a-v2rM7Fsn2VaGj4B7AbaWJKih_FFfLpj6WW6iWzBcL1MnairSNEFKzQvftZz_Uy9UhAuwUnW/w400-h249/tnaweeklyppv_4_omori_shamrock.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Ken Shamrock vs. Takao Omori Tale of the Tape" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Harley Race</b> may have had it. The former champion was wheeled out as a special “NWA Representative,” but I somehow missed his actual entrance and have no idea if he had the title belt or not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this match was very solid, not outlandishly amazing or worthy of being considered one of the best TNA matches ever or anything, but a captivating Striker vs. Submission Specialist battle between two guys who absolutely looked like a world heavyweight champion and his number one contender.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you get what I mean by that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shamrock in particular was more jacked than I think I’ve ever seen him. He looked great. He looked like a champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Omori, likewise, carried himself like someone worthy of being champion, or at least worthy of challenging for it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFAPk4xkg7QqzIRIU24dA8lAs6WwCs9R69ncgkuTsXCo8VECdDlSCDbStm10x0maWfs39fPzfD3uOOqTMrdZM0Vxak0IKNozL1xEdFHLl9hyphenhyphenTCJymuGmnz5qQR2y1Wv3coppxox7h7K1mThKOxseARxNQu0_Bewzyqg1edVaL2OwqogsM8fdmzJ5en9QY/s813/tnaweeklyppv_4_omori_shamrock2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV - June 10, 2002 - Ken Shamrock vs. Takao Omori" border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="813" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFAPk4xkg7QqzIRIU24dA8lAs6WwCs9R69ncgkuTsXCo8VECdDlSCDbStm10x0maWfs39fPzfD3uOOqTMrdZM0Vxak0IKNozL1xEdFHLl9hyphenhyphenTCJymuGmnz5qQR2y1Wv3coppxox7h7K1mThKOxseARxNQu0_Bewzyqg1edVaL2OwqogsM8fdmzJ5en9QY/w400-h243/tnaweeklyppv_4_omori_shamrock2.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV - June 10, 2002 - Ken Shamrock vs. Takao Omori" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Together, the two gradually built up a match that got better and better until it abruptly stopped at the hands of an interfering Jeff Jarrett.</div><div><br /></div><div>Swinging a steel chair, Jarrett went loco, taking out both champ and challenger as well as a gaggle of security personnel who tried to get involved.</div><div><b><i>No Contest</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Even Harley Race tried to stop Jarrett, but he too got whacked over the head with a chair. Fair play to him for taking that move I suppose. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Backstage Shenanigans</h3><div>Out in the back, Goldilocks found Jerry Lynn sitting against a wall and wanted to get an explanation for his attack on AJ Styles.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDJ8g-a4h0COlE8ixFuc7t0XWFlfKvD1WrywV-Whb515izo1I2NNa-9uyq_mf0h1h5LmGtocLQwEomCMMV4u9pBuE7h9NuHqzKyWP2vcB9To3Pfm0PVrGeHhY_MIBg_gXmVOs1wDzC6leaak2eA0qPehXM-XjJZ289Nab61NdIfO8KDx-oK1tk8JisALo/s782/tnaweeklyppv_4_lynn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Goldilocks interviews Jerry Lynn" border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="782" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDJ8g-a4h0COlE8ixFuc7t0XWFlfKvD1WrywV-Whb515izo1I2NNa-9uyq_mf0h1h5LmGtocLQwEomCMMV4u9pBuE7h9NuHqzKyWP2vcB9To3Pfm0PVrGeHhY_MIBg_gXmVOs1wDzC6leaak2eA0qPehXM-XjJZ289Nab61NdIfO8KDx-oK1tk8JisALo/w400-h230/tnaweeklyppv_4_lynn.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Goldilocks interviews Jerry Lynn" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, Lynn invited her to fellate him and stormed off, leaving Goldilocks to walk right into James Mitchell and his disciples.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mitchell asked the interviewer to pass a message to Jeff Jarrett. The New Church were looking for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not necessarily to beat him up, of course, just to “<i>have a word</i>” and ensure they avoided a “messy situation” of both targeting Ken Shamrock.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Mitchell and his boys left, Goldilocks heard muffled cries for help coming from nearby.</div><div><br /></div><div>When she investigated, she found Bill Brehens hogtied and gagged with FU written on his bare chest.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Mike Tenay pointed out, this was the exact same situation we’d seen Jim Miller in on the previous episode, so at least that whole thing hadn’t been completely forgotten about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, with all that over, it was onto our main event of the evening.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Six-Man Elimination Match<br />Lo Ki vs. ‘Prime Time’ Elix Skipper vs. Kid Romeo vs. Tony Mamaluke vs. ‘The Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs. NWA Tag Team Champion Jerry Lynn</h3><div>Surprisingly, Lynn was the first to go, getting counted out after <b>Tony Mamaluke</b> knocked him off the top rope to the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqzEoLCQEjJwutZzliqeu9BVKnJAIxz14NTlkinaITog3Pkc0RM_DCSDfDwk5HQ43i52if9DmB6ZzE8hAwh1MTXOgVwD5rz7nORsVBuR3w2Zvj6EWEudRbuqI0NyE0hqDcR2qC8v0hb767klN5CbCKiw4o18Bm_IQWq3cZriPZEwc_6RyoXn-6vcL3hm6/s867/tnaweeklyppv_4_lowki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Low Ki prepares to strike Tony Mamaluke" border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="867" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqzEoLCQEjJwutZzliqeu9BVKnJAIxz14NTlkinaITog3Pkc0RM_DCSDfDwk5HQ43i52if9DmB6ZzE8hAwh1MTXOgVwD5rz7nORsVBuR3w2Zvj6EWEudRbuqI0NyE0hqDcR2qC8v0hb767klN5CbCKiw4o18Bm_IQWq3cZriPZEwc_6RyoXn-6vcL3hm6/w400-h215/tnaweeklyppv_4_lowki.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - June 10, 2002 - Low Ki prepares to strike Tony Mamaluke" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Karma quickly reared its ugly head for Mamaluke, who moments later was sent to the showers by <b>Elix Skipper</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>After more fast and furious action, the debuting <b>Christopher Daniels</b> put away Elix Skipper with a Last Rites, but soon fell victim to <b>Kid Romeo</b>. There was a moment when Romeo looked to have legitimately pinned The Fallen Angel, but Daniels narrowly kicked out and spent his time playing dead by the ropes as Lo Ki locked Romeo in a Dragon Clutch to score the next fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, it all boiled down to Daniels and ‘Ki, the two continually one-upping one another and trading one desperate attempt at victory after another.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an enthralling conclusion to a great match, culminating in a win for Low Ki after he slipped free of Daniels’ Last Rites set-up and scored the fall with a huge Ki Krusher.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Low Ki.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As Tenay began telling us that Ki would get his title shot against AJ Styles on next week’s show, the victorious grappler’s celebration was cut short by the arrival of The Flying Elvises.</div><div><br /></div><div>Upset about not being left out of the match, the two attacked both Daniels and Low Ki until Elix Skipper, Tony Mamaluke, and Kid Romeo returned to make the save.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">So Long ‘Til Next Time</h3><div>Just when you thought the show was over, Jeff Jarrett stormed to ringside, cussed out Mike Tenay for no good reason, and vowed to get his title shot on next week’s show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking out his frustrations on anyone within sight, Jarrett said that wrapped TNA’s fourth weekly PPV by getting into a scrap with a Tennessee Titans football player sitting at ringside.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>While episode three had mostly been about story development, the fourth installment of TNA’s weekly Pay Per View series returned the focus to the ring. With the main event unsurprisingly stealing the show and even the NASCAR thing turning out as well as could be expected, there was nary a bad match in sight this week. <br />I still want to know what happened to Jim Miller though. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks for reading. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/48tERoF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade Vol. 1 on Amazon" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6wFASTFWwJ_JCceUCM2E5SVxdwTOA6_poogYihVRvzajO0hD3HqxmtrC4MD4oKFs_Fbq86uiD5uARBYGLmP0Nb4bv-NcQiC9cFhsvchdFLIS3XAn6tAbnFOd7UXOxfjJmedFkGYqf5JfUqzD-0g9vnWO_QucFGokJmtEVU82LKHuhoi1VSmgjmkjJsuQF=w400-h400" title="Buy The Complete History of Starrcade Vol. 1 on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></i></div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div><b><i>Other TNA Weekly PPV Reviews</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-1.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #1 - 06/19/2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/nwatna-weekly-ppv-episode-2-06262002.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #2 - 06/26/2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/nwatna-weekly-ppv-episode-3-07032002.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #3 - 07/03/2022</a></li></ul><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Other TNA PPV reviews:</i></b><br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/03/ppv-review-tna-slammiversary-2005.html" target="_blank">TNA Slammiversary 1 2005</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/12/ppv-review-tna-turning-point-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Turning Point 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-tna-bound-for-glory-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Bound for Glory 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-tna-no-surrender-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA No Surrender 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/10/ppv-review-tna-hard-justice-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Hard Justice 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/10/ppv-review-tna-slammiversary-7-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Slammiversary 7 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-tna-destination-x-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Destination-X 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-tna-genesis-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Genesis 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-tna-final-resolution-2008.html" target="_blank">TNA Final Resolution 2008</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-tna-turning-point-2008.html" target="_blank">TNA Turning Point 2008</a></li></ul></div><div><b><i>Other 2002 pro wrestling reviews</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/05/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 2002 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/05/ppv-review-wwf-no-way-out-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF No Way Out 2002</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/ppv-review-wwa-revolution-2002.html" target="_blank">WWA - The Revolution</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-x8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania X8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-backlash-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Backlash 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-insurrexion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Insurrexion 2002</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-1.html" target="_blank">NWA-TNA: Weekly PPV #1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/ppv-review-wwe-king-of-ring-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE King of the Ring 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-vengeance-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Vengeance 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wwe-global-warning-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Global Warning 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-summerslam-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Summerslam 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/10/ppv-review-wwe-unforgiven-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Unforgiven 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-no-mercy-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE No Mercy 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/11/ppv-review-wwe-rebellion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Rebellion 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2002</a></li></ul><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></div></div></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-83679785829674546012023-12-15T06:07:00.000-08:002023-12-15T06:14:22.818-08:00WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLPMchDaZuTG8nvkc2OneFMeJlsYMRP5zsEaWOWjJiUxAVVNVNcQN7xF73IM1D_8w3KSJQiKhMUeDkl78Uo8d2TSDb-Yg5_avwn_geINB60ohueA-3dpD9LWOVggxxIcMGS9kBlPxNWLL-HyPbSriaYdoCsCgPAbRc691tLe-8DCAUHdpL60FGI4U_T-8/s824/wccw%20christmas%20star%20wars%201981.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 Review by Retro Pro Wrestling" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="824" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLPMchDaZuTG8nvkc2OneFMeJlsYMRP5zsEaWOWjJiUxAVVNVNcQN7xF73IM1D_8w3KSJQiKhMUeDkl78Uo8d2TSDb-Yg5_avwn_geINB60ohueA-3dpD9LWOVggxxIcMGS9kBlPxNWLL-HyPbSriaYdoCsCgPAbRc691tLe-8DCAUHdpL60FGI4U_T-8/w400-h354/wccw%20christmas%20star%20wars%201981.png" title="WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 Review by Retro Pro Wrestling" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><div><b>December 25, 1981</b></div><div><b>Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The version of WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 available on Peacock doesn't feature the full card. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>The show, promoted under the NWA Big Time Wrestling banner, kicked off with a singles match in which El Negro Assassin and Richard Blood battled to a 15 minute draw, followed by Tiny Tom beating Little Tokyo. </div><div><br /></div><div>Neither match was on the version I watched for this review. So, if you were hoping to hear all about them, I can't promise that you'll find what you're looking for. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I can promise you, is more World Class wrestling, more of the Von Erich family, and more bonus commentary from my wife who really, really hated Ernie Ladd. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here we go:</div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981</h3><div>We began with a zoomed-out shot of a dark Reunion Arena, a single blue spotlight beaming down on ring announcer <b>Marc Lowrance</b>, as commentator <b>Bill Mercer</b> welcomed us to WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981.</div><div><br /></div><div>For his part, Lowrance pointed out the double-ring setup, informing us that some matches would take place in one ring, some in the other, and some in both. </div><div><br /></div><div>Got all that? </div><div><br /></div><div>Great. Then let’s get down to it:</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance Brass Knuckles Championship <br />NWA Brass Knuckles Champion Ernie Ladd vs. Jose Lothario </h3><div>As <b>Ernie Ladd</b> somehow took five minutes to remove his ring jacket, Mercer explained that the Brass Knucks title was fought over by those who embraced toughness and violence.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudQEWrEMpCmskOvWlgR764gEk-2zytY8cgmwsoadbDRRYtL_Hpl1pVoq2WlmUXJxI08WQbPRP2-xwfVsu5Au6FI93M_y4N_nmxE6vW7JDy7Mdqm2EEsiLj31nD2cGkPBplb1D5CiBvO-FW8kgqUWLm-LAnzwiElHGe34U0UKm-eKQS2yeYiNV8v5Qq0jj/s782/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_ernieladd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 - Ernie Ladd" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="782" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudQEWrEMpCmskOvWlgR764gEk-2zytY8cgmwsoadbDRRYtL_Hpl1pVoq2WlmUXJxI08WQbPRP2-xwfVsu5Au6FI93M_y4N_nmxE6vW7JDy7Mdqm2EEsiLj31nD2cGkPBplb1D5CiBvO-FW8kgqUWLm-LAnzwiElHGe34U0UKm-eKQS2yeYiNV8v5Qq0jj/w400-h288/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_ernieladd.jpg" title="WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 - Ernie Ladd" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>So it was a little curious to see reigning champion Ernie Ladd cower in the corner as a challenger half his size threatened to knock his block off.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jose Lothario</b> dominated the early part of the match as my wife (who occasionally stopped by to watch the show with me) yelled at Ladd for being a wuss.</div><div><br /></div><div>The champion soon turned the tables, of course, breaking out of a Lothario bear hug with a well-placed Greco-Roman eye poke.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, things descended into something akin to a slow-paced boxing match until the challenger once again seized the momentum and lept off the top rope, clocking his opponent with a flying bump to the noggin for the match-winning fall.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and New NWA Brass Knucks Champion: Jose Lothario</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I found the match pretty engrossing. Apparently, however, I was the only one. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>“That was sh*t! That was the worst wrestling match I’ve ever seen!”</i> proclaimed my better half, who has probably seen a grand total of 10 matches in her life.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“The big guy should have creamed the little guy easy!”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>To be fair, she has a point.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Universal Wrestling Association World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship<br />UWA Light Heavyweight Champion El Solitario vs. Killer Tim Brooks </h3><div>My good lady liked <b>El Solitario </b>way more than that big wuss, Ernie Ladd, whooping and cheering as the luchador threw himself in and around the ring, launching at his opponent with dropkicks and planchas.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHr0tGLbM30PHYfj8pVLLHu4LGSiOeB9HwOGkfRcWGourG6PZEo1pF-4DWOBd2VzXmmbhjNwNVilrhGFlJpxWcZm2Jcz4nOoABhxdbUNFZ2-xXRoduXVkwICGX6jmZETAa5akdPTRVCSJPG_K-PJbHbbexumrL3022GV5OsJVQ3v9Q49n50746RH302vg/s835/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_timbrooks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 - Tim Brooks vs. El Solitario" border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="835" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHr0tGLbM30PHYfj8pVLLHu4LGSiOeB9HwOGkfRcWGourG6PZEo1pF-4DWOBd2VzXmmbhjNwNVilrhGFlJpxWcZm2Jcz4nOoABhxdbUNFZ2-xXRoduXVkwICGX6jmZETAa5akdPTRVCSJPG_K-PJbHbbexumrL3022GV5OsJVQ3v9Q49n50746RH302vg/w400-h300/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_timbrooks.jpg" title="WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 - Tim Brooks vs. El Solitario" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>All the while, I was still trying to work out how the burly <b>Tim Brooks</b> qualified as a light heavyweight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ignoring that, it was hard to disagree with my wife that this was an exciting match, with Brooks pitting his brawling prowess against Solitario’s high-flying agility.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, it was the latter who prevailed, taking down the challenger with a diving bodypress to retain his title.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still UWA Light Heavyweight Champion: El Solitario</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, this:</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Texas Death Match<br />Fritz Von Erich vs. Kabuki (w/ Gary Hart)</h3><div><b>Fritz Von Erich</b> and <b>Kabuki</b> had an awfully dull match back at the February 1981 Star Wars event. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnoZstKn4UeVXDEwggkwgQ5Gh9SUAM8nRGv5AP8QeFsPp6ySZDLPfz2qX715YF83XbX9ybgcYnn7QtdtV3GwFvENLmQJ1RUAT5eCWsss1E_QJjvxf9zFQXSKDGl-39nvIcUFu0_Bz5M3kj0e9LbUX3nP-OXf633WmA1DDIAEtuBFDdWhXmWapOoFlDKlQ/s785/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_friz_von_erich.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Christmas Star Wars '81 - Fritz Von Erich vs. Kabuki" border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="785" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnoZstKn4UeVXDEwggkwgQ5Gh9SUAM8nRGv5AP8QeFsPp6ySZDLPfz2qX715YF83XbX9ybgcYnn7QtdtV3GwFvENLmQJ1RUAT5eCWsss1E_QJjvxf9zFQXSKDGl-39nvIcUFu0_Bz5M3kj0e9LbUX3nP-OXf633WmA1DDIAEtuBFDdWhXmWapOoFlDKlQ/w400-h289/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_friz_von_erich.jpg" title="WCCW Christmas Star Wars '81 - Fritz Von Erich vs. Kabuki" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>10 months later, the two apparently still hadn’t settled their rivalry, leading to a Texas Death Match which was, mercifully, better than their last Star Wars encounter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kabuki launched at Von Erich right from the opening bell but was gradually overpowered by the enormous Fritz.</div><div><br /></div><div>Admittedly, things did begin to grow a little tedious when the two spent a portion of the match exchanging various nerve holds, but it was still a good watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fritz soon gained the upper hand, applying The Claw and grinding Kabuki down to the mat for the three count.</div><div><br /></div><div>Refusing to let go, the Von Erich patriarch had to be prized off his opponent by two referees before turning his attention to <b>Gary Hart</b>, who had been running interference at every opportunity.</div><br /><div>All the while, the referee began a ten count. Kabuki got to his feet and the match continued. Shortly after, it ended again, this time with both men sprawled prone on the ring apron.</div><div><br />Neither of them could beat the official’s ten count, so at first, it looked as though this one was a draw.</div><div><br />However, since this was a Texas Death Match, the referee declared that there had to be a winner. The official also decreed that the winner would be the first man to get in the ring and get to his feet, essentially making this a death match which was determined by a race.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that there was much of a race.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a heinous act, Hart threw Von Erich off the apron into the crowd and rolled Kabuki into it, where the Japanese star crawled to his feet and won.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Kabuki</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Mercer informed us this was the only Texas Death Match Fritz Von Erich had ever lost.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Six-Man Tag <br />The Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin, and David Von Erich vs. Frank Dusek, Wild Bill Irwin, and Ten Gu</h3><div>This was different to the kind of six-man matches we’re all used to today. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeppN34OUOMEAGVRptTKaCn3HV3kttvYs2D722caUGkYoNr4he-7je-Ag6j5uuJvcmnzSnPGZk_FTkd512iVJblZyrfMUvQXbd5zvsCCso3zDPBJj8KfQDLUbxHzaT-QKXrdQIOL0nNkqL1iwnM3VmyS-gWntl_G2BCxvZUKWeC6uUee7AY5HIWFGoz6fe/s723/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_tagmatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA Big Time Wrestling Star Wars Christmas 1981 - NWA Big Time Wrestling Christmas Star Wars 1981 - The Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin, and David Von Erich vs. Frank Dusek, Wild Bill Irwin, and Ten Gu" border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="723" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeppN34OUOMEAGVRptTKaCn3HV3kttvYs2D722caUGkYoNr4he-7je-Ag6j5uuJvcmnzSnPGZk_FTkd512iVJblZyrfMUvQXbd5zvsCCso3zDPBJj8KfQDLUbxHzaT-QKXrdQIOL0nNkqL1iwnM3VmyS-gWntl_G2BCxvZUKWeC6uUee7AY5HIWFGoz6fe/w400-h296/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_tagmatch.jpg" title="NWA Big Time Wrestling Star Wars Christmas 1981 - NWA Big Time Wrestling Christmas Star Wars 1981 - The Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin, and David Von Erich vs. Frank Dusek, Wild Bill Irwin, and Ten Gu" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>What we had here, was basically two singles matches going on simultaneously (one in each ring) with the third men from each team standing five feet away from each other between the rings with the freedom to tag into either one at any time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve only ever seen one match like this before (and I believe that was also a World Class show), and I did not like the format at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn’t like it here, either.</div><div><br /></div><div>For one thing, the show’s attempt to cover the action in two rings on one camera meant that it was often hard to figure out what you were supposed to be paying attention to.</div><div><br /></div><div>For another, why would two guys fight so intensely against one another in the ring, then both end up on the apron together and just stand there a few feet apart, ignoring each other like two strangers waiting for a bus during flu season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Don’t get me wrong, The Von Erichs were as exciting as ever here, with a double flying head scissors from <b>Kevin Von Erich</b> serving as the match’s only real highlight, but there was still too much going on to keep track of.</div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, this seemed like the kind of match TNA would do in the mid-2000s and then get laughed at for it by the Internet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, Kerry, Kevin, and David won thanks to an elbow drop from Kevin:</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: The Von Erichs </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it was battle royal time.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">$10,000 Battle Royal<br />Featuring: Big Daddy Bundy, Al Madril, Armand Hussein, Bill Irwin, Blue Demon, Carlos Zapata, David Von Erich, Frank Dusek, José Lothario, Kerry Von Erich, Killer Tim Brooks, El Negro Assassino, Richard Blood and Ten Gu</h3><div>Poor Marc Lowrance could barely finish explaining the rules of this match before he was interrupted by <b>David Von Erich</b> and <b>Frank Dusek</b>, who clearly hadn’t settled their score in the last match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKQF-8OiqyVkvKpK05NY4RaWrjuqEHtGDwRUC91vLhiF4Ka4-AmrEPVoMh3n-_l-B1RilsNXwXuNbtfQ-OTFy3gKYPnmgpeM2QVfY079C4kbxNuFEF4v0SgGZhizUFv7Fe-ylBXW3hyohTB7YmYS7-4qneeiX4dJg_VhiVYOuml4czIzlndnFdbQrXrAg/s787/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_battleroyal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wrestling Star Wars 1981 Christmas Edition - Battle Royal Graphic" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="787" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKQF-8OiqyVkvKpK05NY4RaWrjuqEHtGDwRUC91vLhiF4Ka4-AmrEPVoMh3n-_l-B1RilsNXwXuNbtfQ-OTFy3gKYPnmgpeM2QVfY079C4kbxNuFEF4v0SgGZhizUFv7Fe-ylBXW3hyohTB7YmYS7-4qneeiX4dJg_VhiVYOuml4czIzlndnFdbQrXrAg/w400-h221/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_battleroyal.jpg" title="Wrestling Star Wars 1981 Christmas Edition - Battle Royal Graphic" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>When he did get to finish, the ring announcer explained that wrestlers would be thrown from Ring A into Ring B and then eliminated, with the last man remaining in each ring ultimately facing each other for the $10,000 prize.</div><div><br /></div><div>What followed was a fairly standard battle royal void of any meaningful highlights.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Big Daddy Bundy</b> (King Kong Bundy with a full head of hair and jeans) was the last man remaining in the first ring, with <b>Bill Irwin</b> somehow standing tall as the sole survivor in the second ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>As per the rules, the two collided in a fun exchange where it legitimately looked like Irwin might take the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0irXSZKf0hC_3c1w1PU7XNfM4_riSI40vdnssy3DmQiJB0l9jVewdQXbsyL25TZqPe-EHQg7scVlOuLPCZEMF7Y077rBMpG2rSVqB6FaDE1CIN5MZMBJeD0nXjeo3K15ou_M3MREZ6jtlRSps1T7nkBqJtPRmbN_NzDA85hi4g-loEKGLag3aEAA8cfF/s833/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_battleroyal2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wrestling Star Wars 1981 Christmas Edition - Battle Royal" border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="833" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0irXSZKf0hC_3c1w1PU7XNfM4_riSI40vdnssy3DmQiJB0l9jVewdQXbsyL25TZqPe-EHQg7scVlOuLPCZEMF7Y077rBMpG2rSVqB6FaDE1CIN5MZMBJeD0nXjeo3K15ou_M3MREZ6jtlRSps1T7nkBqJtPRmbN_NzDA85hi4g-loEKGLag3aEAA8cfF/w400-h288/wccw_star_wars_christmas_81_battleroyal2.jpg" title="Wrestling Star Wars 1981 Christmas Edition - Battle Royal" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, being about 10 times smaller than his opponent meant that was never going to happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Irwin had Bundy on the ropes and charged at him. Bundy dropped to the apron, yanked down the top rope, and Wild Bill went falling to the outside.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Big Daddy Bundy</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1981 wasn’t quite as good as the other Star Wars show available on Peacock, but it was by no means terrible. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The light heavyweight title match stood out to this fan as being the most fun to watch, though looking back 40+ years later the whole show offered a wonderfully nostalgic change of pace that was most enjoyable.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46RBoiq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy the Complete History of WCW Starrcade on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v21PRAZBfG-pFVf0fEXxjSrdyfVTpGbsO6vKcmSNCD_lCLovXr1TeHCDVUiEsxNWppLcb8EfNROfaNZV2cuuZ89NZUIROlXll93E0mh8_cALvg7teZwiWJhE4OwkcnD3THE_vL9Si_fIfxkXZkTYNmLw-v7DAowbtubvrIbVcsiyca0UtSrn7LneSAk4/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy the Complete History of WCW Starrcade on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Other World Class Championship Wrestling Reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/12/wccw-star-wars-1981-review.html" target="_blank">WCCW Star Wars - February 1981</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/09/event-review-wccw-parade-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCCW Parade of Champions 1 - 1984</a></li></ul></div><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-87098010393273209682023-12-14T13:22:00.000-08:002023-12-14T14:01:19.380-08:00WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7KucfAsZeeQPy8EJGp_a49VQAxbn4ra1rjb_GlEHQaN_FveVRYV48p9vWf9uGmcyhF4m4vlQNxzC-8gwnWh81R0SmssH9joJZDfGO9Nhot5jXRbI6pY6K2T4cjTwJwG1fXNTRsPhM-mGwxuFwa6Dzk8W0Jnt_UutNoI91SGJPOb0wHCE_FV-mk4ydgRa/s824/wccw%20star%20wars%201981.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="824" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7KucfAsZeeQPy8EJGp_a49VQAxbn4ra1rjb_GlEHQaN_FveVRYV48p9vWf9uGmcyhF4m4vlQNxzC-8gwnWh81R0SmssH9joJZDfGO9Nhot5jXRbI6pY6K2T4cjTwJwG1fXNTRsPhM-mGwxuFwa6Dzk8W0Jnt_UutNoI91SGJPOb0wHCE_FV-mk4ydgRa/w400-h354/wccw%20star%20wars%201981.png" title="WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>February 22nd, 1981</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Dallas Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The February installment of WCCW Star Wars 1981 is one of only two of the many Wrestling Star Wars events produced by the company that is currently available on Peacock. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>That's both disappointing and surprising, especially given the renewed interest in Fritz Von Erich's promotion generated by the December 2023 release of <i>The Iron Claw </i>movie. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, any World Class action is better than no World Class action, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Produced at a time when I believe the company was still called Big Time Wrestling, the show featured all your Von Erich favorites (including Fritz himself), along with other big stars from the time, making this fan eager to dive into it. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, with nary a lightsaber joke in sight (apart from that one), let's head down to the Dallas Reunion Arena for a WCCW Star Wars '81 review featuring -for the first time in Retro Pro Wrestling history- very special bonus commentary from non-wrestling-fan wife. </div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mil Mascaras vs. Killer Tim Brooke </h3><div>We began with a cold open on the ring as Mexican legend <b>Mil Mascaras</b> made his arrival, ready to take on <b>Killer Tim Brooks</b> in our opening match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfogCZMg1cPSrYt_7DebMc8UY5kGuW8pMfc3t6gZyUe39RVRnWt7cXpt-qV-5HcsGY4EfrZPRCVCOPYhkUBIHeE64tpgGstebfplS6KmISzXnjPq4ZhDfKEXGVtFMKQn2LxEl-sspj1UQxPuIlAyfWbH8NDwBGNj1pikSY6ojqxSwJTbkIXUMd7gz7YYkH/s804/wccw_starwars_1981_milmascaras_timbrooks2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Star Wars 1981 (Feb 22nd) - Mil Mascaras vs. Tim Brooks" border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="804" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfogCZMg1cPSrYt_7DebMc8UY5kGuW8pMfc3t6gZyUe39RVRnWt7cXpt-qV-5HcsGY4EfrZPRCVCOPYhkUBIHeE64tpgGstebfplS6KmISzXnjPq4ZhDfKEXGVtFMKQn2LxEl-sspj1UQxPuIlAyfWbH8NDwBGNj1pikSY6ojqxSwJTbkIXUMd7gz7YYkH/w400-h260/wccw_starwars_1981_milmascaras_timbrooks2.jpg" title="WCCW Star Wars 1981 (Feb 22nd) - Mil Mascaras vs. Tim Brooks" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The two men started with an old-school catch-as-catch-can duel which clearly favored the more technically gifted Mascaras.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watching this match now, at a time when a lot of modern wrestling has a much flashier, fast-paced style centered around big, crowd-popping spots, it’s actually very refreshing to watch two old-school grapplers trading holds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unable to get the advantage, the devious Tim Brooks twice tried to claim an easy victory, first accusing Mascaras of pulling his hair and demanding a DQ win, and then again asking for his arm raised in victory after the legendary luchador hurled him over the top rope.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the referee refused to yield, Brooks resorted to his style of wrestling -brawling- and faired much better against his smaller opponent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Better, but not enough to get the fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the finish approached, Mascaras battled back and sent his foe flying with a big dropkick. His second dropkick missed, but when Brooks tried to capitalize with an elbow drop, he too ate nothing but canvas.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, Mascaras climbed onto the top rope and pounced on his opponent for the three count.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can see why some people may not have enjoyed that match, but personally, I thought it was a strong way to start this 40+ year-old show.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Mil Mascaras</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, the one and only <b>Fritz Von Erich</b> made his way through the crowd for our next match and was immediately surrounded by fans who flocked to the ring apron to get his autograph.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I started catching up on WCCW, this has been one of my favorite things to see; wrestlers signing autographs for the crowd moments before the match began.</div></br><h3 style="text-align: left;">No Disqualification Match<br />Fritz Von Erich vs. Kabuki (w/ Gary Hart)</h3><div>Between Von Erich’s impromptu autograph signing and <b>Kabuki</b>’s pre-match rituals, this one took forever to get started and then even longer to get interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey15IlvYXCxj3xINLfbKYNhAEmXetp3D7Mdxp04SIMjCfOmBM09cAKsRNIf69drn0GOI5FIP4ARstKOpFqG8pB14tWOs8cHwclNx4v-8SpARU-LE3V7783CMLWjd-TgYKw2XR67xLQcv0ul0j24CtxEMUocMxwrQ_PEG885mkJ6WwdVVkPthXWtLy8qJW/s697/wccw_starwars_1981_fritz_von_erich_kabuki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Star Wars 1981 (Feb 22nd) - Fritz Von Erich vs. Great Kabuki" border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="697" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey15IlvYXCxj3xINLfbKYNhAEmXetp3D7Mdxp04SIMjCfOmBM09cAKsRNIf69drn0GOI5FIP4ARstKOpFqG8pB14tWOs8cHwclNx4v-8SpARU-LE3V7783CMLWjd-TgYKw2XR67xLQcv0ul0j24CtxEMUocMxwrQ_PEG885mkJ6WwdVVkPthXWtLy8qJW/w400-h349/wccw_starwars_1981_fritz_von_erich_kabuki.jpg" title="WCCW Star Wars 1981 (Feb 22nd) - Fritz Von Erich vs. Great Kabuki" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Fritz was largely retired at this point but had donned the trunks one more time to avenge his son David, who had recently been attacked by the apparently not-yet-Great Kabuki.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite being out for revenge, the aging grappler spent a lot of time stalking his nemesis around the ring, with only the occasional strike or attempt at a nerve hold from both men breaking up the monotony.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the match progressed, Gary Hart started to get involved and was attacked by a fan. As security (and a cigarette-smoking gentleman who looked curiously like the late, great gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson) rushed to the scene, Hart socked the fan and resumed helping out his charge.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was genuinely the most exciting moment of the entire bout.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, David Von Erich ran out to even the score. After initially getting his ass whooped by Kabuki, David recovered and beat down on the foreign star (this was, remember, no DQ), helping his pops get the win.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Fritz Von Erich </i></b></div><br /><div>Post-match, the younger Von Erich resumed his assault, sending Kabuki packing before embracing his dad.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Champion <br />NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race vs. Kerry Von Erich</h3><div>Following the fiasco in the previous match, ring announcer <b>Bill Mercer</b> took a moment to warn the fans that they would be arrested and prosecuted if they dared get involved in the matches.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQC7WKDYgZeRH9TCzXS6BzUzrDf3Dz1yMGiKkQs-s7wVubmds77i1PgXOWRBaLA9X12VnvRco3eB-eH21-QsAQlX8zQQQ3PuGDcwLOnlavX0WAEc1ifhYbQVrCzohtcyZacKP9su5mwIRPy0MXU6TITliNehybZQFmgwPrqE7V-ZI6am9Sxna9gLMtMQy/s803/wccw_starwars_1981_kerry_von_erich_harley_Race.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review - Kerry Von Erich vs. Harley Race" border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="803" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQC7WKDYgZeRH9TCzXS6BzUzrDf3Dz1yMGiKkQs-s7wVubmds77i1PgXOWRBaLA9X12VnvRco3eB-eH21-QsAQlX8zQQQ3PuGDcwLOnlavX0WAEc1ifhYbQVrCzohtcyZacKP9su5mwIRPy0MXU6TITliNehybZQFmgwPrqE7V-ZI6am9Sxna9gLMtMQy/w400-h280/wccw_starwars_1981_kerry_von_erich_harley_Race.jpg" title="WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review - Kerry Von Erich vs. Harley Race" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He then announced our champion and challenger, with commentator <b>Steve Harris </b>noting that <b>Kerry Von Erich</b> would be the youngest world champion in wrestling history if he could usurp <b>Harley Race tonight</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the most part, it looked very much like Kerry would succeed as he dominated the champion for the majority of this entertaining match.</div><div><br /></div><div>He even managed to slap on the dreaded Von Erich Claw, but Race managed to escape to the outside, where he gained momentary respite from getting his ass kicked by clocking the challenger upside the head with a sandbag.</div><div><br /></div><div>Von Erich soon regained the advantage, taking the fight back into the ring. An attempt at reversing an Irish whip into the corner resulted in the referee being knocked out to the arena floor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ever the hero, Kerry went to check on the fallen official. Race followed in pursuit, but was slapped in a sleeper hold and rolled back into the ring, where he was covered for what would have been at least a seven-count had there been a referee present.</div><div><br /></div><div>The longer Von Erich covered the prone champion, the rowdier the crowd became. Little kids in the front row waved their arms as if counting “one, two, three.” One fan even rushed to the apron and began slapping the canvas as though counting the fall, only to be quickly ushered back to his seat, probably to avoid Gary Hart coming back out and whooping the fan’s ass.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the crowd reaching fever pitch, David Manning dove into the ring from nowhere and made the official count, but Race kicked out on two.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, the action once again spilled to the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time, neither man made it back into the ring before Manning had finished counting them out.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was clearly a major disappointment to the Texas audience, but a perfect way to make Kerry Von Erich look like a major star while ensuring Race could take his title on to the next town.</div><div><b><i>Double Countout</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Couldn’t get enough of the Von Erich family?</div><br /><div>Don’t worry, there was more of them up next.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Championship <br />NWA World Tag Team Champions Ali Mustafa & Hercules Ayala vs. The Von Erichs (Kevin & David Von Erich)</h3><div>For the first time since I started this blog 11 years ago, my wife actually sat down to watch a match I was reviewing with me.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU3RenvLyn3dHETYD6yTJR64OBbwpq30BgaJo_2R4nfBpfU0o_q0_746fRsLyCvsjDUFw3Nh0hcfIrOmBTCnhYUSMV_jbXc-07kmY0FgShwrGLZ6DY8GqvTTeKvuU8MiZ5F6BDPaCY3cgIHZkZk-Wuhu2h_2nC9_bamxxHdz0MXNdV102ddD_OZPdnCPi/s816/wccw_starwars_1981_fans_surrounding_ring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review - The Crowd Swarm the ring" border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="816" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU3RenvLyn3dHETYD6yTJR64OBbwpq30BgaJo_2R4nfBpfU0o_q0_746fRsLyCvsjDUFw3Nh0hcfIrOmBTCnhYUSMV_jbXc-07kmY0FgShwrGLZ6DY8GqvTTeKvuU8MiZ5F6BDPaCY3cgIHZkZk-Wuhu2h_2nC9_bamxxHdz0MXNdV102ddD_OZPdnCPi/w400-h309/wccw_starwars_1981_fans_surrounding_ring.jpg" title="WCCW Star Wars 1981 Review - The Crowd Swarm the ring" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>She was drawn in by the sheer size of the crowd gathering around the ring, clamoring for an autograph from the Von Erich brothers.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Wow, look at all those people around the ring!” </i>she exclaimed in what was a pretty fair reaction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, if you thought the number of people at Fritz’s pre-match signing was a lot, you should see the crowd that gathered for his sons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than asking me why Kevin Von Erich was wearing a diaper, my wife’s only other contribution to this match review was to ask me the following question:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“So, this is from when wrestling was more real, right?”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, it was a fair comment. Not that WCCW was any less worked back then, but the way Kevin & David battled reigning champions Ali Mustafa & Hercules Ayala lent an air of believability to proceedings, making it easy to see why Mrs. Scholes, and the hot Texas crowd, could so easily buy into things.</div><div><br /></div><div>With disbelief well and truly suspended, both teams produced a solid tag team match that was still captivating even for this old and jaded fan.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a gripping effort, <b>Ali Mustafa</b> had <b>David Von Erich</b> set up for a submission hold, only for Kevin (the legal man) to leap off the top with a sunset flip to bring the titles home to Von Erich ranch.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners and New NWA Tag Team Champions: The Von Erichs</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The show then skipped over a match in which Chang Chung defeated <b>Bruiser Brody</b>, taking us to our final contest of the evening.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">$5,000 Battle Royal <br />Featuring: Bruiser Brody, Ali Mustafa, Billy White Cloud, Brian Blair, Chang Chung, Hercules Ayala, Jesse Barr, Jose Lothario, Raul Mata, The Lawman, Tim Brooks</h3><div>The addition of pinfalls to this one meant that we got at least two instances of guys being eliminated literally by everything piling on top of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those were the only two moments in the match were anything vaguely exciting happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a pretty good show, this battle royal with a supposed $5,000 surprise was completely underwhelming.</div><div><br /></div><div>At one point, it looked as though <b>Jose Lothario</b>, looking as old here as he would 15 years later when he managed Shawn Michaels, would win the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, it wasn’t to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bruiser Brody, who had been knocked through the middle rope, returned to the action, tossing Ali Mustafa and Tim Brooks to claim the prize.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Bruisr Brody</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>As short as this presentation of WCCW Star Wars 1981 was, it was mostly an enjoyable watch. The Fritz/Kabuki match and battle royal were not exactly exciting, but the rest of the matches involving The Von Erich family certainly were, and the opener was a pleasingly old-school change of pace from the current product.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I’ll be back with more World Class Championship Wrestling reviews very soon. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Until then, thanks for reading.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46RBoiq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy the Complete History of WCW Starrcade on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v21PRAZBfG-pFVf0fEXxjSrdyfVTpGbsO6vKcmSNCD_lCLovXr1TeHCDVUiEsxNWppLcb8EfNROfaNZV2cuuZ89NZUIROlXll93E0mh8_cALvg7teZwiWJhE4OwkcnD3THE_vL9Si_fIfxkXZkTYNmLw-v7DAowbtubvrIbVcsiyca0UtSrn7LneSAk4/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy the Complete History of WCW Starrcade on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i>Other World Class Championship Wrestling Reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/09/event-review-wccw-parade-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCCW Parade of Champions 1 - 1984</a></li></ul></div><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-35412320004780002502023-12-06T13:24:00.000-08:002023-12-06T13:40:15.429-08:00PPV REVIEW: WWF Capital Carnage 1998 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOfyHw9mVihdNocLWXjuP9kOGfBWrOUrXrhSI3KDUE5gV0_UDtS6ZWrB0T9fFLhIkQr5VF4LRNbPXTOS872dapre_f2pApqNWowvnBt1O-D2Mch4IRvXkhzkJKcKH_yyZO3xsH37xz2wp/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOfyHw9mVihdNocLWXjuP9kOGfBWrOUrXrhSI3KDUE5gV0_UDtS6ZWrB0T9fFLhIkQr5VF4LRNbPXTOS872dapre_f2pApqNWowvnBt1O-D2Mch4IRvXkhzkJKcKH_yyZO3xsH37xz2wp/w211-h400/wwf_capitalcarnage98.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Event poster" width="211" /></a></div>
<b><div><b><br /></b></div>December 6th, 1998</b><br />
<b>London Arena, London, England</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><i>Review originally published: 12/20/2018</i></div><div><i>Updated: 12/06/2023</i></div><div>
<b><br /></b> <b>A lot had changed in the 12+ months between WWF Capital Carnage 1998 and the company's last UK offering.</b><br />
<br />
That had taken place back at the Birmingham NEC arena on September 20th, 1997. It was called One Night Only and was notable for being the night <b>Shawn Michaels</b> humiliated national hero <b>Davey Boy Smith</b>, taking his European Championship in the process.<br />
<br />
Along with <b>Triple H</b> and <b>Chyna</b>, Michaels had then officially formed <b>D-Generation-X </b>and dethroned<b> Bret 'The Hitman' Hart</b> in the main event of <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">Survivor Series 1997</a>.<br />
<br />
That event, forever known as "The Montreal Screwjob" was the catalyst for unprecedented change in the WWF, change which would ultimately give us the creative and financial resurgence known as the Attitude Era.<br />
<br />
A year down the line, as the WWF returned to the UK, that change was evident from top to bottom.<br />
<br />
Michaels was no longer an active competitor, with Triple H taking his place at the helm of DX. <div><br /></div><div>Bret Hart and The Bulldog were long gone from the company, and in almost every conceivable way, the World Wrestling Federation that arrived at the London Arena on this cold December night was an entirely different entity than the one UK fans had last seen in September '97.</div><div><br />
With that being said, let's head to England's capital for Capital Carnage 1998.</div><div><br />
<h3>
There's a Fatal Fourway a'Comin'</h3><div>We began tonight's show with a hype video for tonight's fatal four-way main event pitting <b>Stone Cold Steve Austin</b>, <b>The Undertaker</b>, <b>Kane,</b> and <b>Mankind</b> against one another.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDFC4Zs0o3rT7ADA6KG11X1el-M-IDSConkXuUOTNXQmENH5QSyyjglM95kgsC4LUopdiTaktAWn89FflpyfNy5Tl06Hb5YPSSDUhwuG9Kcxctaauu38zXTNQ_4xmBKTfwUv-yQwVBcXeUGKtbXlwvG6qqGFv2038Wpumf4RWtRhPsmx9akk0ZduloAZO/s791/wwf-capital-carnage-jim-ross-jerry-lawler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="791" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDFC4Zs0o3rT7ADA6KG11X1el-M-IDSConkXuUOTNXQmENH5QSyyjglM95kgsC4LUopdiTaktAWn89FflpyfNy5Tl06Hb5YPSSDUhwuG9Kcxctaauu38zXTNQ_4xmBKTfwUv-yQwVBcXeUGKtbXlwvG6qqGFv2038Wpumf4RWtRhPsmx9akk0ZduloAZO/w400-h279/wwf-capital-carnage-jim-ross-jerry-lawler.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Though it lacked much of the drama and storytelling that most WWF PPV openings had, this one was nonetheless effective in building excitement for the match.<br />
<br />
After panning through a sea of fan-made signs and hyper audience members, we were greeted by <b>Jim Ross</b> and <b>Jerry 'The King' Lawler</b> for the usual introductions.<br />
<br />
As Ross and Lawler talk us through tonight's matches, I'll take a moment to point out two things about this show.<br />
<br />
1: This would be the night that Ross would suffer his second attack of Bell's Palsy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It would happen as Ross was actually on air just hours after <a href="https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/20981392/wwe-jim-ross-reflects-changing-wrestling-commentary-landscape" target="_blank">Ross learned that his mother had passed away</a>. Imagine getting that news and then going on to still call a pro wrestling news. What a hero that man is.<br />
<br />
2: I was at this event.<br />
<br />
Yes, somewhere in that 10,000-strong crowd was an excitable 14-year-old wearing a Stone Cold Steve Austin t-shirt who had no idea he'd still be writing about this event 25 years later.<br />
<br />
With that being said, let's get on to the matches.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Gangrel vs. Al Snow (w/ Head)</h3>
So, we got things underway with a fun little opener pitting <b>Al Snow</b> against everyone's favorite vampire warrior, <b>Gangrel</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEmIVqRymEltbWFll6pqM356j8xQbZaD2TjAXeKJAM8gwo1XF3qT2R7QZJmXioGq2AoNZhOp4MVoOM5hXt43VYmouayfpt2vnRZJtVBgJPLQQrixNNjIOnvzngQoYY5Oj7kbsPUg8TMufuo6nS3iR4Wmtd6dn54KT0t0qvvY8GASWIWgQNKacRbDXjASt/s825/wwf-capital-carnage-gangrel2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="825" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEmIVqRymEltbWFll6pqM356j8xQbZaD2TjAXeKJAM8gwo1XF3qT2R7QZJmXioGq2AoNZhOp4MVoOM5hXt43VYmouayfpt2vnRZJtVBgJPLQQrixNNjIOnvzngQoYY5Oj7kbsPUg8TMufuo6nS3iR4Wmtd6dn54KT0t0qvvY8GASWIWgQNKacRbDXjASt/w400-h291/wwf-capital-carnage-gangrel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>
It's been said before that because Gangrel's whole gimmick was so memorable, many of us forget that he was actually a pretty solid performer.<br />
<br />
Here, he proved that by taking the fight to Snow in an enjoyable contest, suplexing him from pillar to post, and engaging in some pretty sweet exchanges.<br />
<br />
With the London faithful firmly behind him, Snow did mount a comeback and even gave his opponent Head, but alas, it wasn't to be his day.<br />
<br />
Mid-bout, <b>Edge</b> and <b>Christian</b> made their way to ringside, and, after Snow had drilled Gangrel with his mannequin head, Christian kept the referee distracted while Edge lept off the top rope and took out the J.O.B Squad leader.<br />
<br />
Gangrel made the cover and this one was over.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Gangrel</i></b><br />
<br />
Out in the depths of the arena, Mankind told us that he was in "<i>the coldest boiler room I've ever been in</i>" (because, you know, England gets pretty cold in December) before reminding us that tonight's fatal four-way was no holds barred, no DQ, no countout.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGYC8L5xjViaeaWf-e35ZudIJvaStidAkNJxrY9KqdXNddK38f-QAyg-HdLNF6g9I1Qh-wuTyM5xHqsGSl61X5nXutsACov-8k1_xO-CPpILGaV_mSgFOM3-0P9U25-DmC0MevL8bJmz6NjdCjTugc188wjXHZ1qXuRDshYCW8af9X773xz2eJ5CnlgFj/s707/wwf-capital-carnage-mankind.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="707" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGYC8L5xjViaeaWf-e35ZudIJvaStidAkNJxrY9KqdXNddK38f-QAyg-HdLNF6g9I1Qh-wuTyM5xHqsGSl61X5nXutsACov-8k1_xO-CPpILGaV_mSgFOM3-0P9U25-DmC0MevL8bJmz6NjdCjTugc188wjXHZ1qXuRDshYCW8af9X773xz2eJ5CnlgFj/w400-h363/wwf-capital-carnage-mankind.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
Wrapping up one of his typically intense and well-thought-out promos, he then told us that after tonight, the London Arena would be up there with the likes of the Tower of London as a popular tourist attraction were gruesome things once happened.<br />
<br />
<h3>
L.O.D 2000 (Animal & Droz) vs. The Headbangers</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJhyphenhyphenemBw8KL5-ndYy-1p-8XfaTiylJIK5jdw53U9y2P_q65FprcPksZLdq-FTEDVOwN-lPgVz83tc0Dz54wavID4LQYUMgijeczP8A7WqZ2JhoshumukOF9BSr8DE3wrG_4ccU7Vuf5kMJ6603Ntb4RP-Jhs-MPnmdFvJUKPt9CWn7xZgpWWt6NZ6ioJE/s717/wwf-capital-carnage-headshrinkers-droze.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="717" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJhyphenhyphenemBw8KL5-ndYy-1p-8XfaTiylJIK5jdw53U9y2P_q65FprcPksZLdq-FTEDVOwN-lPgVz83tc0Dz54wavID4LQYUMgijeczP8A7WqZ2JhoshumukOF9BSr8DE3wrG_4ccU7Vuf5kMJ6603Ntb4RP-Jhs-MPnmdFvJUKPt9CWn7xZgpWWt6NZ6ioJE/w400-h325/wwf-capital-carnage-headshrinkers-droze.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
Prior to this match getting underway, we were reminded of that oh-so-classy '<b>Hawk</b> is an Addict' angle and the time <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9geNPA9zQPA" target="_blank"><b>Droz</b> pushed him off the Titantron</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>The Headbangers</b> had recently turned heel again yet here they were loved by the London crowd. Whether that's because we just loved <b>Mosh </b>and <b>Thrasher</b> or simply hated Droz so much we'd cheer for his opponents, I can't remember.<br />
<br />
What I can tell, you from watching this, is that we certainly did hate Droz.<br />
<br />
While his partner <b>Animal</b> got a lot of love, the former football star was loudly booed by the audience.<br />
<br />
That was about the most interesting thing about this short little contest.<br />
<br />
OK, so it wasn't terrible, but it barely got the chance to get going before Droz got rolled up and pinned.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners: The Headbangers</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match, Droz and Animal got into an argument which led to a full-scale brawl that had to be stopped by a gaggle of referees.<br />
<br />
The brawl wasn't much, but it was still more exciting than that previous match.<br />
<br />
<h3>
'The end is near, Austin'</h3>
Up next, we were shown a flashback to the special Friday night edition of Raw which had aired earlier that weekend.<br />
<br />
On that show, Undertaker had attempted to put Kane in a body bag and send him to an insane asylum via ambulance.<br />
<br />
However, it turned out that Kane had escaped, sent 'Taker in the ambulance, and then helped Stone Cold shove Paul Bearer (now back with The Undertaker) down a sewer.<br />
<br />
To this day, I always remember watching that segment. To this day, I'd still love to know how they pulled it off.<br />
<br />
Anyway, that took us to Michael Cole, who stood by for an interview with The Deadman.<br />
<br />
With his typically morbid promos becoming ever more macabre as of late, 'Taker talked about Austin's rotted soul and how we should pray for Stone Cold because all kinds of sinister things were going to happen to him.<br />
<br />
As usual, this was captivating stuff from The Phenom.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Val Venis vs. Goldust</h3><div>These two had previously gone at it at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-judgement-day-1998-in.html" target="_blank">Judgement Day: In Your House 25</a> during that whole saga when <b>Terri Runnels</b> was sleeping with <b>Val Venis</b>.</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLHh-F0QDMyVXQuK9-f8m4RjkuKKqee-ZwTL8iV-A7wmVTx0kRzYONqE_LN1trsKIZVmsQhDXHq8AjGvbuztQwIWMsaJgb1gwPIaNcOQBJuayD4swF2gqKCN_GoEHvd_tVvil5aKDTkPDSmyGY8_qEfNCB6plVIjmG8KOWimDxNMkxtrsRFs5Hd23HdT2/s798/wwf-capital-carnage-val-venis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Capital Carnage 1998 - Val Venis vs. Goldust" border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="798" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLHh-F0QDMyVXQuK9-f8m4RjkuKKqee-ZwTL8iV-A7wmVTx0kRzYONqE_LN1trsKIZVmsQhDXHq8AjGvbuztQwIWMsaJgb1gwPIaNcOQBJuayD4swF2gqKCN_GoEHvd_tVvil5aKDTkPDSmyGY8_qEfNCB6plVIjmG8KOWimDxNMkxtrsRFs5Hd23HdT2/w400-h309/wwf-capital-carnage-val-venis.jpg" title="WWE Capital Carnage 1998 - Val Venis vs. Goldust" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Since then, Terri had gone on to declare herself pregnant with Val's love child (which Val himself disputed thanks to having a vasectomy) and form PMS with <b>Jacqueline</b>.<br />
<br />
Yet even with her out of the picture, it seemed The Big Valbowski and <b>Goldust</b> still hated each other.<br />
<br />
Tonight, they channeled that hate into a decent yet immediately forgettable, by-the-numbers match.<br />
<br />
Though pretty basic, this was actually a decent watch, ending when Val narrowly escaped a Shattered Dreams and rolled up Goldie for the three count.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Val Venis</i></b><br />
<br />
Unfortunately for the wrestling porn star, he didn't get the chance to celebrate for very long.<br />
<br />
Goldust beat him up some more and then finally hit Shattered Dreams, much to the delight of the UK audience.<br /><br />
<h3>
Tea time: A Pile of Pious Crap</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWLHNSqjd1shXZSWg1klrBckKEJ9agRf6NoA1CTmsNe5jRqdpDX3oZDotaJyh-HZcCBcHUMsiWNsq4zrwgUMk4vzskRDM0KP8w0tr7RrhQ4u_Yi3WlCTV-9vIxmpxwNGxyq09SmorP1yw/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_vince2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Vince & Shane McMahon" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="492" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWLHNSqjd1shXZSWg1klrBckKEJ9agRf6NoA1CTmsNe5jRqdpDX3oZDotaJyh-HZcCBcHUMsiWNsq4zrwgUMk4vzskRDM0KP8w0tr7RrhQ4u_Yi3WlCTV-9vIxmpxwNGxyq09SmorP1yw/w400-h304/wwf_capitalcarnage98_vince2.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Vince & Shane McMahon" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Next, we were shown a clip of <b>Vince McMahon</b> giving a guest lecture at the prestigious Oxford University.<br />
<br />
This was followed by the Chairman making his way out, accompanied by his son <b>Shane McMahon</b>, and The Stooges, <b>Pat Patterson </b>and<b> Gerald Brisco</b>.<br />
<br />
Patterson kicked off promo time by telling us that Mr McMahon had changed tonight's card around.<br />
<br />
Instead of <b>The Rock </b>vs. <b>Triple H</b> (or Hunter Hearst Hem-sley, as Patterson continually called him), we'd get Triple H vs. <b>Jeff Jarrett</b> and The Rock vs. <b>X-Pac</b>.<br />
<br />
Gerald Briscoe then said nothing of note before handing the mic to Shane.<br />
<br />
Here, Shane took the opportunity to address footballer-turned-actor, <b>Vinnie Jones</b>.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120735/fullcredits" target="_blank">Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels</a> actor was set to be the special guest enforcer in tonight's main event, and Shane had a few thoughts on this.<br />
<br />
Specifically, he had thoughts on Jones' reputation as a "<i>hard man</i>," which in the UK, basically means you're known for being physically tough, if not a little violent.<br />
<br />
This being 1998, Shane had no problem suggesting that Jones was actually hard because he was <b>George Michael</b>'s gay lover.<br />
<br />
<i>"Oh come on, Vinnie Jones is a man's man, but not like that!"</i> cried Jim Ross on commentary, as if being accused of being gay was the worst possible thing that could ever happen to someone.<br />
<br />
Ah, the good ol' homophobic '90s.<br />
<br />
Shane's whole promo was terribly cringe-worthy.<br />
<br />
To begin with, Vince's wasn't much better.<br />
<br />
The evil overlord of the World Wrestling Federation took to the mic and began by telling us all that <i>'tea time is a load of pious crap</i>,' even going so far as to toss away the cup of tea that I was drinking.<br />
<br />
The crowd booed like they were supposed to, but there was something very odd about this statement. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember being there, live in the London Arena at age 14, and wondering why I was supposed to be upset that Vince didn't care for a spot of tea.<br />
<br />
Watching it back, I still think it was a pretty dumb line.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, Mr. McMahon redeemed himself with one of the best promos I've ever heard him cut, launching into a scathing tirade about Britain's past as a colonial power, its fall from grace, and its inferiority to the United States.<br />
<br />
Vince gave us history, he gave us politics, he gave us social commentary. Above all, he gave us a compelling reason to hate us.<br />
<br />
It was awesome and would have been even more awesome had Vince not then predicted that one day the UK would be governed by "a Prime Minister of Pakistani descent" as though this as bad as, I don't know, <i>being gay.</i><br />
<br />
Yep, racism and homophobia in one segment. What a time that decade really was.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Edge vs. Tiger Ali Singh</h3><div>Does nobody else find it weird that <b>Tiger Ali Singh</b> would always show up at these WWF UK PPVs despite doing next to nothing on television for the rest of the year?</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjhVa5xGKjgQoP3klMYsQjicOGS8pUOX33dvnjJSeb_hJnCF4ysBH6h2cwQhfMy8DliiGg0agIXDYfX_mm2fXXpgZJU-ZYn9eSx3ltKBd7T-qvPbA42oQkUfkEqu4AOR0dv66IqBQ4m_K/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_tiger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Tiger Ali Singh faced Edge - nobody gave a shit" border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="500" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjhVa5xGKjgQoP3klMYsQjicOGS8pUOX33dvnjJSeb_hJnCF4ysBH6h2cwQhfMy8DliiGg0agIXDYfX_mm2fXXpgZJU-ZYn9eSx3ltKBd7T-qvPbA42oQkUfkEqu4AOR0dv66IqBQ4m_K/w400-h306/wwf_capitalcarnage98_tiger.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Tiger Ali Singh faced Edge - nobody gave a shit" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here, the second-generation star drew heat for dedicating this match to his Indian forefathers who suffered under the tyranny of the British Empire (fair enough) but then basically got his ass handed to him in a short-nothing match with future main eventer, Edge.<br />
<br />
The Brood member quickly dominated his opponent, only for Singh to score the upset with a quick roll-up (another one) that he reinforced by putting his feet on the ropes.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Tiger Ali Singh</i></b><br />
<br />
Afterward, Singh continued the beatdown, only for Edge to once again take control and batter the evil foreigner.<br />
<br />
<h3>
It's gonna be emotional</h3><div>Up next, Michael Cole brought Vinnie Jones to the ring to respond to the earlier putdown from the McMahons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEHH4LtRISh1Bk2xx9vYzu_hfzfxMRWw6mUL4iz84_HZCu5pBnVEE9MRW_BVqW1wNz-0u_nGjPrx1c8Pny7Z4InTmYITwZqPgUf1bd2kmj9R7XeaAn5Kti5tCKy9GnbCFcGKwbqq6xMfN/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_vinnie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Michael Cole & Vinnie Jones" border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="516" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEHH4LtRISh1Bk2xx9vYzu_hfzfxMRWw6mUL4iz84_HZCu5pBnVEE9MRW_BVqW1wNz-0u_nGjPrx1c8Pny7Z4InTmYITwZqPgUf1bd2kmj9R7XeaAn5Kti5tCKy9GnbCFcGKwbqq6xMfN/w400-h269/wwf_capitalcarnage98_vinnie.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Michael Cole & Vinnie Jones" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
<br />
Though clearly amped up and enthusiastic, Jones came across as an unintelligent thug, responding to Cole's simple questions with even simpler answers (such as repeating the phrase 'bring 'em on!" over and over).<br />
<br />
The crowd loved it but, looking back, it all seemed terribly scripted and forced.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mixed Tag Team Match<br />WWF Women's Champion Sable & Christian vs. Jacqueline & Marvelous Marc Mero</h3><div>Christian's partner Edge had previously teamed with <b>Sable</b> back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1998.html" target="_blank">Summerslam 1998</a> so now it was the younger of the two 'brothers' to tag with the women's champion.</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFf1wPjWUS9dIvZ3hLryByRYBn3bHIE82QeZW_zbNunG_1eVLQJjLcsrhyphenhyphenElrHzJaMhcevlJXl_qtPwBVd6ZwqnDYOw6M0_RrYAONAYt59YypWsTaXB2VndgMP19G6jKxlqWn_UyThaQe/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_sable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Sable teamed w/ Edge to face Marc Mero & Jacqueline" border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="510" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFf1wPjWUS9dIvZ3hLryByRYBn3bHIE82QeZW_zbNunG_1eVLQJjLcsrhyphenhyphenElrHzJaMhcevlJXl_qtPwBVd6ZwqnDYOw6M0_RrYAONAYt59YypWsTaXB2VndgMP19G6jKxlqWn_UyThaQe/w400-h275/wwf_capitalcarnage98_sable.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Sable teamed w/ Edge to face Marc Mero & Jacqueline" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Quite why Sable would choose two gothic dudes as her partners is anyone's guess, but there ya go.<br />
<br />
<b>Meanwhile, Marvelous Marc Mero</b> had recently fired Jacqueline after she cost him a match against <b>The Big Boss Man</b> on Heat.<br />
<br />
He'd then gone onto Raw and promised that if he couldn't beat "that jobber" <b>Duane Gill</b>, then that would be the last we'd ever see of him.<br />
<br />
Naturally, The Marvelous One lost (thanks to interference from <b>The Blue Meanie</b>) and that was it for Mero's WWF career.<br />
<br />
Except of course for tonight, when he was forced to meet his final outstanding contractual obligation, teaming with his pissed-off former manager.<br />
<br />
The match itself was fine, with some fun, playful spots breaking up some solid action between the two men.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Mero took a walk and Christian gave chase, leaving Sable to finally get her hands on arch-rival Jacqueline.<br />
<br />
It didn't take long for the women's champion to dispose of her opponent either.<br />
<br />
A few punches and a TKO were all it took to win the match.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners: Sable & Christian</i></b><br />
<br />
Afterward, Jacqueline took out her frustrations on referee Tim White by attacking him. White lifted Jacqueline onto his shoulders, allowing Sable to reach up and pull off Jacqui's top.<br />
<br />
Having been there live, I can tell you that there are only three things I really remember from Capital Carnage:<br />
<ol>
<li>McMahon insulting tea time</li>
<li>The Rock vs. X-Pac being awesome</li>
<li>Jacqueline having her top ripped off and exposed her boobs to half of London while atop Tim White's shoulders.</li>
</ol>
<br />
For years, I'd kind of had an inkling that this was planned but had never been entirely sure.<br />
<br />
Watching this show back today, it's obvious that Jacqui was wearing a very loose-fitting shirt and no bra, almost as if she -<i>gasp</i>- wanted to flash her breasticles to 10,000 people.</div><div><br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Championship<br />WWF Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock (w/ Big Boss Man) vs. Steve Blackman</h3><div>When I said there were only three things I remember, I really mean it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7XYJFBGB-KGvF3IFoxuLqwAZntDDPDnpXKV30YphxFIMdRPwGfRC4r0geWiuIZPS6cqLUWrMi2RNJ_-kwoLv5cN252jt_pvauLfgfZuXdenuhcCYc4KPPxwOtLuzPCPTJq9CLTb5M_OQ/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_shamrock2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Ken Shamrock faced Steve Blackman" border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="429" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7XYJFBGB-KGvF3IFoxuLqwAZntDDPDnpXKV30YphxFIMdRPwGfRC4r0geWiuIZPS6cqLUWrMi2RNJ_-kwoLv5cN252jt_pvauLfgfZuXdenuhcCYc4KPPxwOtLuzPCPTJq9CLTb5M_OQ/w400-h315/wwf_capitalcarnage98_shamrock2.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Ken Shamrock faced Steve Blackman" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have absolutely no recollection whatsoever of ever seeing this match before. Now that I watch it back, I realise why.<br />
<br />
Before it started, Jim Ross told us that this was going to be a great match.<br />
<br />Jim Ross lied.<br />
<br />
This was the most boring thing on the card so far. A basic, kick-punch-chinlock repeat affair that was beyond dull.<br />
<br />
In fact, the only interesting thing that happened in the whole match was when the crowd started chanting '<i>you fat bastard!</i>' at Shamrock's second, The Big Boss Man.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Boss Man, it came as a relief he finally whacked <b>Steve Blackman</b> in the ankle with his nightstick, allowing <b>Ken Shamrock</b> to slap on the ankle lock and pick up the three count.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and Still Intercontinental Champion: Ken Shamrock</i></b><br />
<br />
Continuing the trend of post-match beatdowns that had occurred after just about every match on the card so far, Boss Man beat up on Blackman a little afterward.<br />
<br />
<h3>
If you smell what The Rock is cooking...</h3><div>Backstage, World Wrestling Federation Champion The Rock told Michael Cole that he was going to squash "that bony jabroni" X-Pac in their upcoming match.</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2VuhRbe7iA_jF9aK1fGwqCljq17GkYwjYd8gQmScb-KW3clXhfcfbhjzre9jupyf1nbBQeQH3ZIfOC7ItsA3Ip-KGnvpVWGcG0dp-ZNPpYTJOvYPZbstkPdlpLuGeCXbsfaMUfJrmR3y/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_rock2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Do you smell what The Rock is cookin?" border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="519" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2VuhRbe7iA_jF9aK1fGwqCljq17GkYwjYd8gQmScb-KW3clXhfcfbhjzre9jupyf1nbBQeQH3ZIfOC7ItsA3Ip-KGnvpVWGcG0dp-ZNPpYTJOvYPZbstkPdlpLuGeCXbsfaMUfJrmR3y/w400-h278/wwf_capitalcarnage98_rock2.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Do you smell what The Rock is cookin?" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seemingly unphased by the change in his opponent, The Great One planned to wrap out his promo with his famous catchphrase.<br />
<br />
There was just one problem:<br />
<br />
He couldn't remember it.<br />
<br />
First, he tried <i>"whatcha gonna do,"</i> then <i>"and that's the bottom line." </i>He went for <i>"to be the man, you've got to WOO," </i>and even attempted <i>"I'm the best there is, the best there was,"</i> but still it wasn't right.<br />
<br />
Finally, The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment his on <i>"If you smell what The Rock is Cookin'"</i> and this fun little segment was over.</div><div><br />
<h3>
Jeff Jarrett (w/ Debra McMichael) vs. Triple H (w/ Chyna)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaqcrdVPaV6nS9ca998-lYvOZDoed980i0CeXLRERfCBsKNJi5yyinRblbZJAdhjIV9gPuJrf_NHrqjk-oBHpN1nO7iY3-A1P9jZzZYZt4duNsDCbEA_TtDQE1NkqGXy1m7C0p0Hq2vvV/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_jarretdeb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Jeff Jarrett & Debra" border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="501" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaqcrdVPaV6nS9ca998-lYvOZDoed980i0CeXLRERfCBsKNJi5yyinRblbZJAdhjIV9gPuJrf_NHrqjk-oBHpN1nO7iY3-A1P9jZzZYZt4duNsDCbEA_TtDQE1NkqGXy1m7C0p0Hq2vvV/w400-h291/wwf_capitalcarnage98_jarretdeb.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Jeff Jarrett & Debra" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
I keep using the word "fun" in this review because that's the best way to describe it.<br />
<br />
None of the action up to this point had been particularly amazing, but outside of the Intercontinental snooze-fest, most of it had been an enjoyable watch.<br />
<br />
The same was true of Jeff Jarrett vs. Triple H.<br />
<br />
While both men would have much better matches in their careers, this one saw the two veterans prove themselves to be masters of their craft.<br />
<br />
It was the case of the cunning heel versus the super-hot babyface in a non-stop, back-and-forth battle.<br />
<br />
After a very entertaining contest and some shenanigans involving <b>Debra </b>and Chyna, Hunter Hearst Hem-sley hit the pedigree and got the three count.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Triple H</i></b><br />
<br />
I should mention -because this is obviously important- that Debra looked smoking hot here.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Stone Cold is in a bad mood</h3><div>Clearly trying to keep himself warm in the frigid British winter, Stone Cold Steve Austin told Michael Cole that he came to England to whoop somebody's ass, and it didn't matter who's ass that would happen to be.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugNCup02KzcQusSXAK-zLJj7SAFh1Ljv3k5izjM3KtZbbZAw6IMiu__ETCSU3ncpejd67Ebg_b-NS7oF9HqwLL5sY6fbJ_3jiHNhM22Gm0HkGoUdx_TZgwRA_qOmNkVyvENRngLXt906q/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_austin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Michael Cole interviews Stone Cold Steve Austin" border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="513" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugNCup02KzcQusSXAK-zLJj7SAFh1Ljv3k5izjM3KtZbbZAw6IMiu__ETCSU3ncpejd67Ebg_b-NS7oF9HqwLL5sY6fbJ_3jiHNhM22Gm0HkGoUdx_TZgwRA_qOmNkVyvENRngLXt906q/w400-h304/wwf_capitalcarnage98_austin.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Michael Cole interviews Stone Cold Steve Austin" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe it was jet lag, maybe it was just the cold, but Austin seemed rather subdued, answering each of Cole's questions slowly and calmly before finally declaring that he was in a bad mood and sending the interviewer away.<br />
<br />
<h3>
D'Lo does London</h3>
Before the next match, we were shown a video of former European Champion <b>D'Lo Brown</b> making is way around London, pretending that he lived at Buckingham Palace, mispronouncing the River Thames (its pronounced "tems") and announcing that Her Majesty The Queen had renamed Big Ben to Big D.<br />
<br />
D'Lo, you see, had lost the title to X-Pac some time ago but was still going around pretending to be the champion.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Championship<br />WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg Jesse James & Bad Ass Billy Gunn) vs. Mark Henry & WWF D'Lo Brown</h3>
Most matches involving the <b>New Age Outlaws</b> had a terrible tendency to be formulaic.<br />
<br />
Basically, Road Dogg would get beat up for a bit, <b>Billy Gunn</b> would make the save, and then it would just..kind of end.<br />
<br />
Tonight, the popular champions stuck to their tried-and-trusted formula, yet they also mixed it up enough that this became one of the better matches you'd see them in.<br />
<br />
The overall result was -you guessed it- fun.<br />
<br />
Like many of the performers tonight, you got the idea that the outlaws, as well as D'Lo and Mark Henry, were having a lot of fun, and that translated into another entertaining match.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Bad Ass Billy Gunn got the win for his team.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners and Stil Tag Team Champions: The New Age Outlaws</i></b><br />
<br />
Prior to the next match, we were reminded of The Rock's surprising heel turn and WWF Championship win back at Survivor Series 1998.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Championship<br />WWF Champion The Rock vs. WWF European Champion X-Pac</h3><div>Making his first PPV title defense since winning the gold, The Rock took the fight to X-Pac in what was by far the best match of the night so far.</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiYp-Ymw_eTpJYY1IqFokN0d_DYHI8EqnT8Bin0zJP1W3V5JzyViUVw1OaTMQp57KNKr9MPRm6b4hWizmfCikp8T3gmq0GTsWFktNKzLkluUSzglglf6ouv5Ra3K3uR2RAydkLLxDbVGC/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_xpacrocxks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - The Rock defended the WWF title against X-Pac" border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="523" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiYp-Ymw_eTpJYY1IqFokN0d_DYHI8EqnT8Bin0zJP1W3V5JzyViUVw1OaTMQp57KNKr9MPRm6b4hWizmfCikp8T3gmq0GTsWFktNKzLkluUSzglglf6ouv5Ra3K3uR2RAydkLLxDbVGC/w400-h278/wwf_capitalcarnage98_xpacrocxks.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - The Rock defended the WWF title against X-Pac" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Both champ and challenger traded the advantage several times, building up the drama of the match with every move.<br />
<br />
At one point, The Rock was fed up of being beaten up by X-Pac and threatened to leave, only for Triple H and Chyna to arrive and send the champion back to the ring.<br />
<br />
The challenger's allies then stuck around for the rest of the match, running interference in a way that made no logical sense (they were the babyfaces after all) but was very enjoyable all the same).<br />
<br />
After an absolute stormer of a title match, Triple H just beat up on The Rock, costing his buddy the match.<br />
<i><b>Your Winner via Disqualification and Still WWF Champion: The Rock</b></i><br />
<br />
Afterward, there was, you guessed it, another beatdown.<br />
<br />
Hunter and X-Pac (the babyfaces, remember?) put the boots to The Rock. Ken Shamrock ran in to help out his Corporation teammate, but he got attacked too.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, the crowd loved it.<br /><br />
<h3>
Time for the main event</h3><div>Before the final match got underway, <b>Tony Chimmel</b> introduced us to our special guest ring announcer, Shane McMahon.</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe4r2tonELsaCw_a-7yJrLEmOWAVXfp8r4VQK5qflLAGLaXOGb0-_ahXHnClalMayPi8HubG10I26WRLJEOYzzgztduQXsJvilP6wptgEtj70vJhA3M2EAoOdWqA1Uo-Cam6tTugCkYQa/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_vinnie2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Referee Gerald Brisco told Vinnie Jones he had to leave" border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="614" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe4r2tonELsaCw_a-7yJrLEmOWAVXfp8r4VQK5qflLAGLaXOGb0-_ahXHnClalMayPi8HubG10I26WRLJEOYzzgztduQXsJvilP6wptgEtj70vJhA3M2EAoOdWqA1Uo-Cam6tTugCkYQa/w400-h296/wwf_capitalcarnage98_vinnie2.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Referee Gerald Brisco told Vinnie Jones he had to leave" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In turn, McMahon introduced us to our special guest timekeeper, Pat Patterson, who got a rousing "<i>You Fat Bastard</i>!" chant from the crowd, and also Gerald Briscoe, who was taking The Big Boss Man's place as special referee, leaving Boss Man to stand outside as a second enforcer to watch Vinnie Jones.<br />
<br />
Naturally, Briscoe got a solid chant of "<i>The referee's a wanker!</i>"<br />
Next, Shane introduced us to our special guest commentator,<br />
none other than Vince McMahon himself.<br />
<br />
This made it the first time Vince had joined King & JR on commentary for a PPV since <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/05/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-18-badd.html" target="_blank">In Your House - Badd Blood</a>.<br />
<br />
Big Boss Man was then announced as the Corporate Enforcer, after which Tony Chimmel welcomed Vinnie Jones.<br />
<br />
The tough man received a huge ovation from the London crowd and got into a shoving contest with Boss Man, resulting in Briscoe showing him the red card (because football).<br />
<br />
This meant that Jones had to leave, and finally, we were allowed to have our main event.</div><div><br />
<h3>
Fatal Four Way<br />Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mankind vs. Kane vs. The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer)</h3>
<b>Special guest enforcer: The Big Boss Man</b><div><br /></div>
I won't lie, one of the most awesome things about this whole main event was hearing Vince slip naturally back into his commentary voice.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaK3S5r5yU4p-wB1LSaFKXdrz5rEBnPS6FyI3R3GwgYclNPCexaHP0EjincoAUce4y-_xdtqiCJXoVlKZPZ5Af1sVDa8UPQiNnBt_whdIox4eTj26VsJaDSDer3KCc62iWOQ2YXyEAI46/s1600/wwf_capitalcarnage98_mainevent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Mankind, Kane and Undertaker stand over a fallen Stone Cold Steve Austin" border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="481" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaK3S5r5yU4p-wB1LSaFKXdrz5rEBnPS6FyI3R3GwgYclNPCexaHP0EjincoAUce4y-_xdtqiCJXoVlKZPZ5Af1sVDa8UPQiNnBt_whdIox4eTj26VsJaDSDer3KCc62iWOQ2YXyEAI46/w400-h300/wwf_capitalcarnage98_mainevent.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Capital Carnage 1998 - Mankind, Kane and Undertaker stand over a fallen Stone Cold Steve Austin" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
He was still technically a heel, sure, but he was a heel Vince McMahon - Commentator rather than a heel Mr. McMahon - Evil Overlord.<br />
<br />
As for the match itself, it was all the chaotic, violent fun you'd expect from an Attitude Era four-way match.<br />
<br />
Plenty of brawling, swinging chairs, and, of course, a crowd who ate it all up.<br />
<br />
Mankind, <b>Undertaker</b> and <b>Kane</b> all worked hard here, but really, this was the Austin show plain and simple.<br />
<br />
The London crowd was hugely into The Texas Rattlesnake and blew the roof off the place when he finally got the win over Kane.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin</i></b><br />
<br />
To end things, Austin had a beer bash with Vinnie Jones and Earl Hebner, who had counted the winning three count after Austin had beaten up Gerald Briscoe.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3R7eb65" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of WWE's UK PPVs on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLxZYcmzyZncxJWup3PKigf9S-SYqcCcZ-nKa7h2gnnZDFLIJEdeT2rYoLNfjTV9dfma8w5otBpCY1ZdcsJXAM2xI73zMG1vU8f-KD4L2iXE6VWjeHBDAyJ4dNDk8ald0S_1XJJ04omVN8h197Rj7jeWyDn0Piw7rmH6KPorY_W_uXapi607ABJ7bcpJe/w400-h400/History%20of%20WWE%20UK%20PPVs.png" title="Buy The Complete History of WWE's UK PPVs on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
<br />
All in all then, a fun show.</div><div><br />
WWF Capital Carnage isn't the kind of pro wrestling that's going to change your life.<br />It isn't the kind of pro wrestling event that's going to have you raving to all your friends about afterward, but it is the kind of event you can pop on for a few hours on a quiet afternoon and be glad that you did.</div><div><br />The Rock/X-Pac WWF title match is the true standout here, with the main event a close second.<br />That said, outside of the atrocity that was Shamrock/Blackman, everything here is watchable and -for the most part- enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Other 1998 pro wrestling reviews</b></i><br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/07/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - Royal Rumble 1998</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/07/ppv-review-wcw-souled-out-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Souled Out 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-20-no-way.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 20: No Way Out of Texas </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-viii-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Superbrawl 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wcw-uncensored-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Uncensored 1998 </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-14.html" target="_blank">WWF - Wrestlemania 14 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/event-review-wwf-mayhem-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">WWF Mayhem in Manchester 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wcw-spring-stampede-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Spring Stampede 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wwf-unforgiven-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 21: Unforgiven</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wcw-slamboree-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Slamboree 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wwf-over-edge-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 22: Over The Edge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1998 </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/10/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - King of the Ring 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/10/ppv-review-wcw-bash-at-beach-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Bash at the Beach 1998</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2006341169"></span>WWF - In Your House 23: Fully Loaded<span id="goog_2006341170"></span></a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/10/ppv-review-wcw-road-wild-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Road Wild 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wcw-fall-brawl-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Fall Brawl 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-breakdown-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 24: Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-judgement-day-1998-in.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 25: Judgement Day</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Halloween Havoc 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - Survivor Series 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wwf-capital-carnage-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - Capital Carnage 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wcw-world-war-3-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - World War 3 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wwf-rock-bottom-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 26: Rock Bottom</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1998</a></li>
</ol>
<div>
<i><b>Other UK event reviews: </b></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/10/event-review-wwf-battle-royal-at-royal.html" target="_blank">WWF Battle Royal at the Royal Albert Hall </a><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/10/event-review-wwf-battle-royal-at-royal.html" target="_blank">1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/05/ppv-review-wwf-one-night-only-1997.html" target="_blank">WWF One Night Only 1997</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/event-review-wwf-mayhem-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">WWF Mayhem in Manchester 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wwf-capital-carnage-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF Capital Carnage 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/05/ppv-review-wwf-no-mercy-uk-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF No Mercy UK 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/01/ppv-review-wwf-insurrexion-2000.html" target="_blank">WWF Insurrexion 2000</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/07/ppv-review-wwf-rebellion-2000.html" target="_blank">WWF Rebellion 2000</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/11/ppv-review-wwf-insurrextion-2001.html" target="_blank">WWF Insurrexion 2001</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/02/ppv-review-wwf-rebellion-2001.html" target="_blank">WWF Rebellion 2001</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-insurrexion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Insurrexion 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/11/ppv-review-wwe-rebellion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Rebellion 2002</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script></div></div></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-63091793713342134762023-12-03T06:31:00.000-08:002023-12-03T06:31:17.268-08:00WWF - This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp2t1YWt57AQ-M5NbTSYEBwBV4fFAK4bEzI5ZbH4dNE48b0n7WwxdIa92f3LqC6gRfpLc51_v5BSbmBiSvfOddj1fJhnWxjfUfWyxD5ihXGS2CGj2h6WJVEhT6DcIK-nrJHNohzx89hP4c9EuQtQLhqgVNOyXk5v036yGl54uOlS2-UM44P_ti59yRbPQ/s750/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-event-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp2t1YWt57AQ-M5NbTSYEBwBV4fFAK4bEzI5ZbH4dNE48b0n7WwxdIa92f3LqC6gRfpLc51_v5BSbmBiSvfOddj1fJhnWxjfUfWyxD5ihXGS2CGj2h6WJVEhT6DcIK-nrJHNohzx89hP4c9EuQtQLhqgVNOyXk5v036yGl54uOlS2-UM44P_ti59yRbPQ/w266-h400/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-event-poster.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review - Event poster" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<b>December 3rd, 1991</b><br />
<b>Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Review originally published: 10/03/2013</i></div><div><i>Updated: 12/03/2023<br /></i>
<b><br />This Tuesday in Texas was the World Wrestling Federation's experiment to establish Tuesdays as a great night for a mid-week Pay Per View. </b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>It was an experiment that failed, and quite badly at that. </div><div><br />Despite using the entire Survivor Series '91 show as essentially one long commercial for this event, it only drew a 1.0 buyrate and was largely dismissed as unsuccessful. <br /><br />That may have been due to the fact that this took place just one week after the aforementioned Surivor Series, or it may have been down to something else, like a bland event name that didn't really capture the imagination. </div><div>
<br />
Lackluster titles aside, <i>This Tuesday in Texas</i> wasn't actually that bad a show.<br />
<br />
Here's what went down.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Undertaker promises to Bury Hulkamania</b></h3></div><div>
In case you missed <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">Survivor Series 1991</a>, this is what went down.<br />
<br />
<b>The Undertaker</b> defeated <b>Hulk Hogan</b> for the World Wrestling Federation title after <b>Ric Flair</b> came down to ringside and stuck his nose in. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuVflEhwTOJAb6UqeAOen6ac82lQU0K62oLANM5aE4m6DNGEksQN8-Cf1J1qVkW-xVTKVsdxUvSkYK5vRy8PkwxijNruEQSxHHA0w-g4wkX3IO8LdnVtbo8QMei4x_CObodAMd3McQ3fQoQFdtd6UR-eeoq23PUIVYP08X0GueWKI3__mTGWt2C82nLap/s789/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-undertaker-mean-gene.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 - Mean Gene interviews The Undertaker" border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="789" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuVflEhwTOJAb6UqeAOen6ac82lQU0K62oLANM5aE4m6DNGEksQN8-Cf1J1qVkW-xVTKVsdxUvSkYK5vRy8PkwxijNruEQSxHHA0w-g4wkX3IO8LdnVtbo8QMei4x_CObodAMd3McQ3fQoQFdtd6UR-eeoq23PUIVYP08X0GueWKI3__mTGWt2C82nLap/w400-h285/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-undertaker-mean-gene.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 - Mean Gene interviews The Undertaker" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>WWF President, <b>Jack Tunney</b> was very unhappy about this and ordered a rematch for <i>This Tuesday in Texas.</i></div><div>
<i><br /></i> Prior to tonight's show kicking off proper, we get a recap of the promo The Undertaker cut at the end of Survivor Series 1991 in which he claims that, having killed Hulkamania at Survivor Series, he will proceed to bury Hulkamania this Tuesday in Texas.<div><br /></div>
At one point in the promo, The Dead Man urged <b>Mean Gene Okerlund </b>to look inside a nearby coffin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gene did so, only to reveal that the coffin actually contained a fully working video camera which just so happened to be filming. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevcg7FJI9wZrwNtDk5OkYyYOFNKYpk0MHOkm7hoxtcbV829tnWx5KrYOdiIex7JZ_1ZJ8Va6R6tIF2cLVvX_FM_JWrSRTg8kQQ8T_pnEfY56TOxgKoWmYkSmsnhGbyBYGCrqILgppMg7qeoPA8dDQd-mHJMSbBLstF7MVxdn059ZmqD0AE-zQaTpiJOT1/s829/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-gorilla-bobby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 - Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon" border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="829" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevcg7FJI9wZrwNtDk5OkYyYOFNKYpk0MHOkm7hoxtcbV829tnWx5KrYOdiIex7JZ_1ZJ8Va6R6tIF2cLVvX_FM_JWrSRTg8kQQ8T_pnEfY56TOxgKoWmYkSmsnhGbyBYGCrqILgppMg7qeoPA8dDQd-mHJMSbBLstF7MVxdn059ZmqD0AE-zQaTpiJOT1/w400-h294/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-gorilla-bobby.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 - Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With that out of the way, we were greeted by our favorite commentary team, <b>Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan </b>and <b>Gorilla Monsoon </b>before the action really got underway with an Intercontinental Championship match.<br /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Intercontinental Championship Match:<br /></b><b>Intercontinental Champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart vs. Skinner</b></h3></div><div>Intercontinental Champion <b>Bret Hart</b> showed up in fighting mode and took the contest to his challenger in an exciting opening match.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIrDgpoKnCcFjjxXmWgnPx1cKBLqQiO1YPvJtWzTAIBzN2cxzbXZ0PWzmoLqAFmvUUCrTSH7yhcsF8l44PZO9Yf3Gb7fm3Io2OGXTJKAx7s-NqAi_ZW6t-aJM56ToCMEW62oHGqaqSJKqszVUK-RZTS0GCyGKvS0v4zNPUIx9diimcQa6UDTdfopNNvaD/s817/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-bret-hart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 Review - Intercontinental Champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart" border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="817" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIrDgpoKnCcFjjxXmWgnPx1cKBLqQiO1YPvJtWzTAIBzN2cxzbXZ0PWzmoLqAFmvUUCrTSH7yhcsF8l44PZO9Yf3Gb7fm3Io2OGXTJKAx7s-NqAi_ZW6t-aJM56ToCMEW62oHGqaqSJKqszVUK-RZTS0GCyGKvS0v4zNPUIx9diimcQa6UDTdfopNNvaD/w400-h301/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-bret-hart.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 Review - Intercontinental Champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Though it would be easy to give all the credit here to The Hitman, <b>Skinner</b> played his part well, providing a steady-paced aggressive counter to Hart's hard-and-fast technical assault.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKJAw2PfKi9qeO6wCg1kwUswV4lFccHl87EfawWEHW6nyelVdVfY9zCKiM47uwFe2IS4gLrgr5AGfFx1zWRLIns85CBwJ9lmWMw8cDoO3L8x-N8c30uHF8mhEdL1hbl04ZtFc3xd6-d9PKokbmafV-XwB87KxK4HeWF073of34ikiNDxFpFAunJ_BugO3/s824/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-bret-hart-skinner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 Review - Intercontinental Champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart works over Skinner" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="824" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKJAw2PfKi9qeO6wCg1kwUswV4lFccHl87EfawWEHW6nyelVdVfY9zCKiM47uwFe2IS4gLrgr5AGfFx1zWRLIns85CBwJ9lmWMw8cDoO3L8x-N8c30uHF8mhEdL1hbl04ZtFc3xd6-d9PKokbmafV-XwB87KxK4HeWF073of34ikiNDxFpFAunJ_BugO3/w400-h311/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-bret-hart-skinner.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas 1991 Review - Intercontinental Champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart works over Skinner" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Both men traded the advantage several times, with Skinner gaining the upper hand thanks to a cheapshot with his trusty crocodile claw before finally succumbing to the champion's deadly Sharpshooter.<br /><b><i>Your Winner and still WWF Intercontinental Champion: Bret 'The Hitman' Hart</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>Heading to the back, <b>Jake 'The Snake' Roberts </b>continued his now legendary feud with <b>Randy 'Macho Man' Savage</b> in a chilling promo. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvButkaUBrhfzFBQhVmwZrbco1ElJwWYxQAEmU7k-WsWIwNr-4pEAQIkVqzLWVy3RgymFaGhk4_0elFTX1mE460oNt9RNY5uzXLpGwBfAf_Jmgr6uA_1bIYuyMdRPG_sow3VKW2G2m4TV7LoQlxaIxXaK68Y4vfoIFRxzlXeb7QyexyuKHo64XwMdEGM3/s824/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-jake-roberts-sean-mooney.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Sean Mooney interviews Jake 'The Snake' Roberts" border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="824" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvButkaUBrhfzFBQhVmwZrbco1ElJwWYxQAEmU7k-WsWIwNr-4pEAQIkVqzLWVy3RgymFaGhk4_0elFTX1mE460oNt9RNY5uzXLpGwBfAf_Jmgr6uA_1bIYuyMdRPG_sow3VKW2G2m4TV7LoQlxaIxXaK68Y4vfoIFRxzlXeb7QyexyuKHo64XwMdEGM3/w400-h301/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-jake-roberts-sean-mooney.jpg" title="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Sean Mooney interviews Jake 'The Snake' Roberts" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div>Roberts first insisted that he was looking forward to seeing the fear-stricken across the pretty eyes of one <b>Miss. Elizabeth</b> before addressing the Jack Tunney-imposed stipulation that no snakes could be in the corner for the upcoming match. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grinning a sinister grin, Roberts claimed that was fine, that anything that happened out in the ring would now be on the head of the WWF President, and that, above all, we had to trust him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDjYFzpJ3d4cZhuWakKnJYEVzhU1FLhWriZFWdwXlefjauBROj6Ko9D7bMmODbEEzmjGPNDNe4KEJPzvuGOH418RW_nJXhd9Sy3QLrdRsS9DdMTkhxUqf8SMzyCc6RfeQMoUCnTu-PqDmw3ysl6MJiCTRU38Yt1kEEX0rE9sTB-A3cvCTzIgPnTOxlL3B/s790/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-randy-savage-elizabeth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Macho Man, Mean Gene, and Elizabeth" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="790" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDjYFzpJ3d4cZhuWakKnJYEVzhU1FLhWriZFWdwXlefjauBROj6Ko9D7bMmODbEEzmjGPNDNe4KEJPzvuGOH418RW_nJXhd9Sy3QLrdRsS9DdMTkhxUqf8SMzyCc6RfeQMoUCnTu-PqDmw3ysl6MJiCTRU38Yt1kEEX0rE9sTB-A3cvCTzIgPnTOxlL3B/w400-h329/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-randy-savage-elizabeth.jpg" title="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Macho Man, Mean Gene, and Elizabeth" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Offering a retort, a wild-eyed Randy Savage claimed that not only did he not trust Roberts, but he didn't even trust himself, and as soon as the Macho one heard Robert's music blaring somewhere in the arena, he was off and after his bitter rival.<br /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Jake 'The Snake' Roberts vs. Randy 'Macho Man' Savage</b></h3></div><div>
Jake began his way to the ring, only to be attacked halfway there by a livid Macho Man. Randy battered his foe into the ring, around the ring, and outside the ring, all while decked in his pre-match garb.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUdt6diUTnc4lFU-L_W6jKHIBdpa9tGdHpvI6OLjyfmbGbLNfS9UY9nwsyrCJHURR9tfhtqMm83YiHwRMqVuwpqWhF2qsniZDFoCs6YgOxZEPeNy4fG1GEoyz4vs8C0zyl9f0krO57PIrCmWSTpTqxdHWqEPonr0GoHwmJptofaP7TwoMn-eup2UO_U0K/s756/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-randy-savage-jake-roberts2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Jake 'The Snake' Roberts" border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="756" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUdt6diUTnc4lFU-L_W6jKHIBdpa9tGdHpvI6OLjyfmbGbLNfS9UY9nwsyrCJHURR9tfhtqMm83YiHwRMqVuwpqWhF2qsniZDFoCs6YgOxZEPeNy4fG1GEoyz4vs8C0zyl9f0krO57PIrCmWSTpTqxdHWqEPonr0GoHwmJptofaP7TwoMn-eup2UO_U0K/w400-h293/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-randy-savage-jake-roberts2.jpg" title="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Jake 'The Snake' Roberts" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet Savage's trip to the pay windah that night would be far from short.<div><br /></div>Roberts made a full recovery and attacked his rival, drilling him with a DDT and pummelling him into submission before revealing that he had a snake hidden beneath the ring all along.<br /><br />As referee <b>Earl Hebner</b> made the most feeble of attempts to stop him, Jake continued his threats to unleash his snake from a black bag which clearly had no snake in it at all.<br /><br />Still, that little niggle aside, the drama was intense.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've seen many things in my 30+ years of wrestling fandom, but the sight of Randy Savage flying off the top rope, landing a forearm, and then continuing to walk around, all whilst wearing the most ridiculous of hats, is certainly one of the more amusing.<br /><br />As for the match itself, this was a short, sharp burst of violence and aggression. Both men tore into each other with a passionate hatred, making the animosity between the two legendary grapplers seem as a real as anything ever carried out in a professional ring.<br /><br />After not very long at all, Savage flew off the top, struck his enemy with the famous flying elbow drop and earned himself a three count.<br /><b><i>Your Winner: Randy 'Macho Man' Savage</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj4nYHKNRYAI83HI-0bf0UXzMb_b-TFeAXDXxdDnSYtV5g173j4HJtSELDGs9M9sU056J9yT_pVcuUeOAMqpcg8BUYSz82QDEtrQ5kQpaNET17taS4xuxNtb56a_Lc3UNsArHA1mE-nkOs7KnUZ5wAXDFzISSsQScZBLJVL_5JnfFJYiLgPobBFar6cJm/s842/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-randy-savage-jake-roberts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Jake 'The Snake' taunts Miss Elizabeth" border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="842" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj4nYHKNRYAI83HI-0bf0UXzMb_b-TFeAXDXxdDnSYtV5g173j4HJtSELDGs9M9sU056J9yT_pVcuUeOAMqpcg8BUYSz82QDEtrQ5kQpaNET17taS4xuxNtb56a_Lc3UNsArHA1mE-nkOs7KnUZ5wAXDFzISSsQScZBLJVL_5JnfFJYiLgPobBFar6cJm/w400-h301/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-randy-savage-jake-roberts.jpg" title="WWE This Tuesday in Texas - Jake 'The Snake' taunts Miss Elizabeth" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss Elizabeth ran to ringside and practically <i>begged</i> Roberts to leave Savage alone. Then, after toying with the couple for some time, Jake finally dragged Liz up by the hair and clouted her around the chops, prompting a rush of WWF personnel to hit the ring and break up this most gripping of angles.<br />
<br />
It wasn't over just yet.<br />
<br />
Backstage, Roberts an evil figure as he laughed at his physiological torture of Savage and Liz, even going so far as to insist that hitting Elizabeth felt so good, he'd be prepared to pay for it.<br />
<br />
As far as effective heels went, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts really had no equal back in the early 90s. Everything he did on this show was chilling.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The British Bulldog vs. The Warlord (w/ Harvey Wippleman)</b></h3></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGctlxZlKRpNTRUd0OKuusui8sjrc-gBdAJ0p4GhyphenhyphenyWEyczSPiH1c9Ybf7lupw8bHH1LNOq15FQBPctcRXa1WOnwdaZcMzPlAAw7Wg-d3OHDHbEZRNyviCE-kpUN4GE5BSqHKy2FdDByeR3S4ObjPw2ME_cQn8WZouTGOxDBJiQBc8ytCJJOSUNNy3jgi/s767/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-british-bulldog2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE This Tuesday in Texas Review - The British Bulldog" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="767" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGctlxZlKRpNTRUd0OKuusui8sjrc-gBdAJ0p4GhyphenhyphenyWEyczSPiH1c9Ybf7lupw8bHH1LNOq15FQBPctcRXa1WOnwdaZcMzPlAAw7Wg-d3OHDHbEZRNyviCE-kpUN4GE5BSqHKy2FdDByeR3S4ObjPw2ME_cQn8WZouTGOxDBJiQBc8ytCJJOSUNNy3jgi/w400-h329/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-british-bulldog2.jpg" title="WWE This Tuesday in Texas Review - The British Bulldog" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>
At a time when the World Wrestling Federation was toning down on it's giant powerhouse stars and beginning the very-slow shift towards solid grapplers, a match between the humongous <b>Warlord </b>and a <b>British Bulldog (</b>who had seriously bulked up since his time in the tag ranks) probably wasn't the best way to go.<br /><br />
Still, this was a mostly enjoyable match. Slower-paced than our last two bouts, sure, but perhaps all the better for it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Indeed, the change of pace was much welcome and suited both men well as they delivered a match that was at least watchable.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEBg6SRxQRLOQidyDVgAUoAlNa8zJ-f0j4P0CR2gVa1FD4zbdhpIi_M8xXTPCIE75Lm7nvUAZ7mP8xsXfHwte88pqPAzE0oJfNGMjy6CiNY1DPzyy3YRXF2pUcavAtGpRhlju3BCDJ-Znh-28f_wNk4NUiBk3wKL5oW3Zd1hmj4U05PJXnw3Y7woJTj6N/s724/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-british-bulldogwarlord.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This Tuesday in Texas (1991) - British Bulldog vs. The Warlord" border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="724" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEBg6SRxQRLOQidyDVgAUoAlNa8zJ-f0j4P0CR2gVa1FD4zbdhpIi_M8xXTPCIE75Lm7nvUAZ7mP8xsXfHwte88pqPAzE0oJfNGMjy6CiNY1DPzyy3YRXF2pUcavAtGpRhlju3BCDJ-Znh-28f_wNk4NUiBk3wKL5oW3Zd1hmj4U05PJXnw3Y7woJTj6N/w400-h324/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-british-bulldogwarlord.jpg" title="This Tuesday in Texas (1991) - British Bulldog vs. The Warlord" width="400" /></a></div><div>
<br />
That is, until the Warlord slapped on a bearhug, and then a full nelson, both of which seemed to last for several centuries and succeeded in draining the life not only out of his opponent, but out of every fan in San Antonio and, indeed, your writer.<br />
<br />
Somehow, Davey Boy recovered and put us all out of our collective misery, hitting his trademark crucifix and, for probably the first and only time ever, actually scoring a three count on it.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The British Bulldog</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Backstage, a hysterical Macho Man collapsed in a heap, blaming himself for what happened to Elizabeth in the earlier fracas with Jake Roberts. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U7YJjqXK95KB1-vO5N4xN_lRV9H3Lh62xiD6uFsfktU2D9VxGLeuGW4hMEWqtiZlmnvkxpF4wC7GzKI_KQ9dBQZ2p8IDrmyVcHavxBvhUJjc752mMZYw0T0dHqtqW40lbyjqFlI6fN2At9HzBUTzQMqiBq6IL6UMnWNBomhyphenhyphen0aN0gQhtyOGWGO3fdi4A/s811/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-mooney-savage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This Tuesday in Texas (1991) - Sean Mooney interviews Randy Savage" border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="811" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U7YJjqXK95KB1-vO5N4xN_lRV9H3Lh62xiD6uFsfktU2D9VxGLeuGW4hMEWqtiZlmnvkxpF4wC7GzKI_KQ9dBQZ2p8IDrmyVcHavxBvhUJjc752mMZYw0T0dHqtqW40lbyjqFlI6fN2At9HzBUTzQMqiBq6IL6UMnWNBomhyphenhyphen0aN0gQhtyOGWGO3fdi4A/w400-h311/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-mooney-savage.jpg" title="This Tuesday in Texas (1991) - Sean Mooney interviews Randy Savage" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, everything involving those two men reached a new level of awesome on this show.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase & Repo Man (w/ Sensational Sherri) vs. Tito Santana & Virgil</b></h3></div><div>Here's how this one worked:<br /><br />Summerslam 1991 saw <b>Virgil</b> upset his former boss, <b>Ted Dibiase</b> and capture the Million Dollar Championship. Embarrassed, Dibiase then hired former <b>Demolition</b> member turned hunchbacked crook <b>The Repo Man</b> to help him erm, well, <i>repossess</i> the gold.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcqUA9SlpvDaAKtP7KUYMPGblf3slG2d0n6SPlwGdCMxjDnS_Oo7BpHft9PQYJv3hHc9ZbNjiNU7A7ooz9DcrjCtfa0kT1M7g-H66HpHRt_WMlo2pgbMsVqbI4bRa4HeW_4E52tezHaxtRs1cDNsIhWURsVzYnd8QRvAbK01cQQGWHbAJT-ylgTrQJ1hI/s844/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-repo-man.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This Tuesday in Texas (1991) - The Repo Man" border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="844" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcqUA9SlpvDaAKtP7KUYMPGblf3slG2d0n6SPlwGdCMxjDnS_Oo7BpHft9PQYJv3hHc9ZbNjiNU7A7ooz9DcrjCtfa0kT1M7g-H66HpHRt_WMlo2pgbMsVqbI4bRa4HeW_4E52tezHaxtRs1cDNsIhWURsVzYnd8QRvAbK01cQQGWHbAJT-ylgTrQJ1hI/w400-h304/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-repo-man.jpg" title="This Tuesday in Texas (1991) - The Repo Man" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That happened, then <b>Tito Santana </b>came along to make up the numbers, and we had ourselves a fun, enjoyable tag team contest that really struck a nerve with a Texas crowd who, admittedly, had already been on fire for most of the evening.</div><div><br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8T2pSjzzjwufiwZKK9W9ydfSHONO2GQJfU3JTWBfyr_KKNhJw1N_VHsyY0qLQ2EJqKKNwUI_DhNmhDTrzZy0jIpTqKoMNKUejdaUC8ObJ53tEhXNTBN6SCwuSSvjmsvlzsn40hhaXnK87GaWoBBxX0Hu6NH_Xn6zy4xLUs5hpz1_gROKg3ip4ATeGAfu/s751/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-virgil-ted-dibiase.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991) - Ted Dibiase hides from Virgil" border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="751" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8T2pSjzzjwufiwZKK9W9ydfSHONO2GQJfU3JTWBfyr_KKNhJw1N_VHsyY0qLQ2EJqKKNwUI_DhNmhDTrzZy0jIpTqKoMNKUejdaUC8ObJ53tEhXNTBN6SCwuSSvjmsvlzsn40hhaXnK87GaWoBBxX0Hu6NH_Xn6zy4xLUs5hpz1_gROKg3ip4ATeGAfu/w400-h306/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-virgil-ted-dibiase.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991) - Ted Dibiase hides from Virgil" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Both teams performed their roles well; the conniving heels going up against the courageous babyfaces in a match that may not stand out as a classic, but is definitely worth a watch if you feel like being entertained for a short while.<br />
<br />
In the end, the bad guys scored the win, and left Tito and Virgil with a one-way ticket to Jobbersville for the remainder of their WWF careers.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners: Ted Dibiase and The Repo Man</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7JvcE0vJ5jiuuTiBWV4ePVsW6j1Hi07yE0ZAxyq-WXdTAk7UCwpLeCiOgJKbXIZPonU07ttRamLr5Lyoql1F3DJa4cYY1MLyaCschT6NUhhj8LvprjekZaO505YSPReW9R5kpPN9j_TAgV0Gg-Pp5qcebTAxPx_s2AxNuYWOk2tlJMnvlPdeazLM_0PR/s839/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-hulk-hogan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991) - Hulk Hogan is ready for The Undertaker" border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="839" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7JvcE0vJ5jiuuTiBWV4ePVsW6j1Hi07yE0ZAxyq-WXdTAk7UCwpLeCiOgJKbXIZPonU07ttRamLr5Lyoql1F3DJa4cYY1MLyaCschT6NUhhj8LvprjekZaO505YSPReW9R5kpPN9j_TAgV0Gg-Pp5qcebTAxPx_s2AxNuYWOk2tlJMnvlPdeazLM_0PR/w400-h301/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-hulk-hogan.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991) - Hulk Hogan is ready for The Undertaker" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Prior to our main event, challenger Hulk Hogan spoke to Mean Gene about his upcoming match with The Undertaker.<br />
<br />
Among other things, Hogan made numerous references to his "teeny tiny Hulksters" and claimed that Jack Tunney had awarded him a rematch against 'Taker not because it was fair, not because they needed a main event for the Tuesday PPV, but simply because "we believed in ourselves."<br /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>World Wrestling Federation Championship match<br /></b><b>WWF Champion The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs. Hulk Hogan</b></h3></div><div>
It's hard to know what to say about this match beyond stating the obvious. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdboLmh_INYhMdnozdkMMMpJS1vEX_ou1KNwN0dj-g0vDRn-ln8VGWIJVwoBN6c2ZbVekquyOCSdamydT0_FAYddQN2JhMNado8arYbepbfK_lYdnkCYcm45M12XS1By8L5ldOU3pShR0lx-E1bH9dSsHX7nKugXLaAGHRIou5UFju_gXZG4F__kdo3Oyt/s858/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-bearer-taker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991) - Paul Bearer leads WWF Champion The Undertaker into battle" border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="858" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdboLmh_INYhMdnozdkMMMpJS1vEX_ou1KNwN0dj-g0vDRn-ln8VGWIJVwoBN6c2ZbVekquyOCSdamydT0_FAYddQN2JhMNado8arYbepbfK_lYdnkCYcm45M12XS1By8L5ldOU3pShR0lx-E1bH9dSsHX7nKugXLaAGHRIou5UFju_gXZG4F__kdo3Oyt/w400-h272/wwe-this-tuesday-texas-bearer-taker.jpg" title="WWF This Tuesday in Texas Review (1991) - Paul Bearer leads WWF Champion The Undertaker into battle" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a match in which The Immortal Hulk Hogan battled an Undertaker who was still in that early heel mode of no-selling everything and moving around like he had planks of wood attached to the back of his limbs.<br /><br /></div><div>If that sounds like your idea of a great match, it was a great match, if it sounds like hell on earth to you, that's how it will seem when you watch it.<br />
<br />
In reality, the main event was neither good nor bad. It was just a typical early-90s WWF main event; Hogan being beaten down by a big heel, making a comeback, and beating his foe around the ring.<br />
<br />
The only difference this time happened at the end.<br />
<br />
In what can only be described as a clusterf**k finish, <b>Ric Flair</b> got involved, Hogan struck him with a chair so that The Nature Boy fell on top of Jack Tunney, and <b>Paul Bearer</b> got involved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hogan stole the urn, tipped it on the floor, scooped up some of the ashes, blinded 'Taker with them, then rolled up the champion, scored a quick pinfall, and reclaimed the title.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and NEW WWF Champion: Hulk Hogan</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Alas, Hogan's reign as champion would this time be short-lived. The World Wrestling Federation title would be held up until the 1992 Royal Rumble. And we all know what happened there.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The crazy thing about This Tuesday in Texas is that, despite being a commercial failure, it was mostly a creative success. Sure, the Bulldog/Warlord match didn't quite hit the mark, and sure, the main event was the best you were going to get between Hulk Hogan and an Undertaker who was still restricted by the Zombie Mortician aspect of his character.</i></div><div><i>However, the opening Intercontinental title match delivered in spades, the Jake Roberts/Macho Man was some of the most compelling stuff I've ever seen in wrestling and even the tag team match entertained. </i></div><div><i>'Til next time, thanks for reading. </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46EPkMI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of WWE Survivor Series in ebook" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojOr9r991akRmuRZKa3brx5DUgV5aI2HFNv933NnX9Bro0oJdU_lAtL6R1n07Z4Uny1Hl1AR-QZz9gnwxStPGEtxu3pgxKfWP-YUcXHReqeoqokjc4M0MEKyWtAxp2wesYEn1mEsED1Sr8hrC2FoWLZ-1N28Jnt5ABza5x4IrpXUNhHtr7IPMbOlQ5TIY/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" title="Buy The Complete History of WWE Survivor Series in ebook" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br /><div><i><b>Other 1991 pro wrestling reviews: </b></i></div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/02/event-review-clash-of-champions-xiv.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIV: Dixie Dynamite</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/03/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-1991.html" target="_blank">WCW WrestleWar 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/04/ppv-review-wcwnjpw-supershow-1-1991.html" target="_blank">WCW/NJPW Supershow 1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/11/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-7.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 7</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/04/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-1.html" target="_blank">WCW Superbrawl I</a></li><li><a href="om/2022/05/event-review-clash-of-champions-xv.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XV - Knocksville, USA!</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/05/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1991.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xvi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVI - Fall Brawl '91</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc1991.html" target="_blank">WCW Halloween Havoc 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/10/event-review-wwf-battle-royal-at-royal.html" target="_blank">WWF Battle Royal at the Royal Albert Hall</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1991</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/10/event-review-clash-of-champions-xvii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/12/event-review-swswwf-superwrestle-1991.html" target="_blank">SWS/WWF SuperWrestle '91</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/08/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1991.html" target="_blank">WCW Starrcade 1991 - Battlebowl - The Lethal Lottery</a></li></ul><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-75587003365044737122023-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:002023-11-30T09:07:50.531-08:00EVENT REVIEW: WCW Clash of the Champions XXI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZ7o-EfuiRri5ZUMHaPBmMiCEVvobCexw_ldR1jDQMqa_5suV2pWkwu1_ybQ-xy-S6ssYFratdvE6KH1xeVVRl8uLTrWmBF9_RfElBJk1zHLgrVS5QF1mtMSTjlzeiuYwRRAQN1vERYPRRcblRAWckACvoeZzLYDSxm-YzvTI9jjPQB2ETUm8ncusESM/s799/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EVENT REVIEW: WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Opening graphic" border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="799" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZ7o-EfuiRri5ZUMHaPBmMiCEVvobCexw_ldR1jDQMqa_5suV2pWkwu1_ybQ-xy-S6ssYFratdvE6KH1xeVVRl8uLTrWmBF9_RfElBJk1zHLgrVS5QF1mtMSTjlzeiuYwRRAQN1vERYPRRcblRAWckACvoeZzLYDSxm-YzvTI9jjPQB2ETUm8ncusESM/w400-h296/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-logo.jpg" title="EVENT REVIEW: WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Opening graphic" width="400" /></a> </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>November 18, 1992 </b></div><div><b>Macon Coliseum in Macon, Georgia.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><b>By the time WCW Clash of the Champions XXI rolled around, Bill Watts' tenure in charge of the company was rapidly going south. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>After producing an excellent string of shows in the early part of 1992, The Cowboy since made a string of questionable decisions, not least of which included thrusting his son, Erik, into the limelight before he was ready and insisting on making Ron Simmons the world champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The worst part wasn't even putting the strap on the former football star. You could certainly make a case for it even if he was nowhere near the most popular star in the company. The worst part was that, after making Simmons the champion, he saddled him in a largely forgettable feud with Cactus Jack and his gang of rogues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, it would all be over soon as Watts would be out of the company the following year due to controversial remarks he'd made in an interview back in 1991. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, there was this: Clash 21, a Bill Watts show that was far, far removed from the great stuff he'd produced at the start of the year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ready? Let's get into it.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Clash of the Champions XXI</h3><div>After a brief opening video promoting tonight’s featured matches, we went live to ringside where announcers<b> Jim Ross</b> and <b>Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura</b> were pumped for tonight’s show.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh737oohzdWIbuJJFF0RI1tBO0_bJD9bQqJhEAMBfK1lgAuQRCMAsyMAhwy9Wzx2VfSZmvv4-Yup1nv0UzhKDjgoAVPggdZ7UIcBMrIJuEA1OZDi0ghIrG5UX3CTYCrACZb9XSnar-5Zc4Oy9qe8oBWH6Gtu5qUoIkPCernj29hsTgl07irkLrxwdfljq5m/s787/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-ross-ventura.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI Review - Jesse 'The Body' Ventura & Jim Ross" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="787" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh737oohzdWIbuJJFF0RI1tBO0_bJD9bQqJhEAMBfK1lgAuQRCMAsyMAhwy9Wzx2VfSZmvv4-Yup1nv0UzhKDjgoAVPggdZ7UIcBMrIJuEA1OZDi0ghIrG5UX3CTYCrACZb9XSnar-5Zc4Oy9qe8oBWH6Gtu5qUoIkPCernj29hsTgl07irkLrxwdfljq5m/w400-h299/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-ross-ventura.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI Review - Jesse 'The Body' Ventura & Jim Ross" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The duo quickly sent us to footage recorded earlier in the day from a boxing-style weigh-in between <b>Madusa</b> and <b>Paul E. Dangerously</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The two had fallen out back at Halloween Havoc 1992, leading to tonight’s ‘clash of the sexes.’</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR4iNZ2i1ib6JCmOmJS1uqxWx0fY7RSvf_l8K9gv8a-XgczTEPR2s7cz8W5hBXFNi0BA0lZM4E1TSTsqvApE4ObDwUA39O9V2DuQMaYtRkZ3oZoBlBjxAF1D-ObfYYwInOqRo8GIWIc0QGlzrG_VOQD1J9od6curNRFiXQdN45Hzp_T1S6i9_diQbOoAk/s755/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-paul-e-dangerously.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI Review - Paul Heyman in his underpants" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="755" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR4iNZ2i1ib6JCmOmJS1uqxWx0fY7RSvf_l8K9gv8a-XgczTEPR2s7cz8W5hBXFNi0BA0lZM4E1TSTsqvApE4ObDwUA39O9V2DuQMaYtRkZ3oZoBlBjxAF1D-ObfYYwInOqRo8GIWIc0QGlzrG_VOQD1J9od6curNRFiXQdN45Hzp_T1S6i9_diQbOoAk/w400-h319/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-paul-e-dangerously.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI Review - Paul Heyman in his underpants" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you ever wanted to see Paul Heyman in his skimpy undies, this was the show for you. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the weigh-in, the Dangerous Alliance leader boasted about being in peak physical condition even though the official weigh-in declared him several pounds heavier than the 180 lbs he thought he was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Madusa followed suit, taking moments to get her weight recorded before diving straight after her former colleague and attacking him.</div><div><br /></div><div>We’d see more of those two later.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYXpr-tEb6S-x89nhKmBLoEIyAXmb53Yqdc-bF0fxSfoxyNLc0pMnaLA_oWmOayZoZXn-YsQ_P2Pn25iAlGB4rQQol6trxY5sJqXs3WWKtjrAwFZ_xN-G331QMAhVAY5ywc_ZO9sQOl2GJwF3ttPsESHcw9wP6NLgnnAahhF82XQ_47rhZNJhAnEivBfZ/s770/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-watts-schiavone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 Review - Bill Watts & Tony Schiavone" border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="770" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYXpr-tEb6S-x89nhKmBLoEIyAXmb53Yqdc-bF0fxSfoxyNLc0pMnaLA_oWmOayZoZXn-YsQ_P2Pn25iAlGB4rQQol6trxY5sJqXs3WWKtjrAwFZ_xN-G331QMAhVAY5ywc_ZO9sQOl2GJwF3ttPsESHcw9wP6NLgnnAahhF82XQ_47rhZNJhAnEivBfZ/w400-h323/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-watts-schiavone.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 Review - Bill Watts & Tony Schiavone" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, we killed time by cutting to <b>Tony Schiavone</b> and WCW boss, <b>Bill Watts</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watts said nothing of note. Unlike most of his appearances, he had no big announcements to make or rules to lay down. </div><div><br /></div><div>He simply welcomed us to the show and urged us to have a good time. All the while, Cowboy Bill held up two clenched fists, as if threatening to beat us all up if we didn’t do as he damn well told us and enjoyed ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>More nothingness followed from <b>Teddy Long</b> and <b>Michael ‘P.S’ Hayes,</b> the latter of whom claimed that his hatred for Erik Watts had nothing to do with WCW’s <a href="https://www.thesportster.com/wcw-why-erik-watts-was-hated-by-fans-explained/" target="_blank">much-maligned rookie</a> being the boss’s son.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Erik, I’d hate you if your last name was Hayes,” </i>the Freebird insisted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before he could say much more, Teddy Long noted that an injured <b>Brian Pillman</b> had made his way to ringside, which is exactly where we went next.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Brian Pillman Turns on Brad Armstrong (Again)</h3><div>Pillman had been slowly feeling his way into a heel role for some time, even going so far as to slap <b>Brad Armstrong</b> back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xx.html" target="_blank">Clash of the Champions 20</a> when Armstrong revealed that he was injured and thus could no longer face Pillman in a scheduled match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtvpkx5Rlb3CS7wKzOzNcMQ1Wijzfeb__dPCKlrOi1eigr6ECJdIfvZfN2m8n9nZ3ET3viav9OL0-OVhRSNoAmMxRykcCwOiECnKaOKXT9h5jz2nBvr_pwYD-csRIaBwqWzYTltD5mOOQmBTlfmn6zkkdw5d2GwDe-McUYwnUmrlIuqIZFfvztciAgKkV/s770/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-pillman-armstrong.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Brad Armstrong confronts Brian Pillman" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="770" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtvpkx5Rlb3CS7wKzOzNcMQ1Wijzfeb__dPCKlrOi1eigr6ECJdIfvZfN2m8n9nZ3ET3viav9OL0-OVhRSNoAmMxRykcCwOiECnKaOKXT9h5jz2nBvr_pwYD-csRIaBwqWzYTltD5mOOQmBTlfmn6zkkdw5d2GwDe-McUYwnUmrlIuqIZFfvztciAgKkV/w400-h319/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-pillman-armstrong.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Brad Armstrong confronts Brian Pillman" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Now, the tables appeared to have turned as Jesse Ventura interviewed a Pillman at ringside</div><div><br /></div><div>Supporting himself on a crutch, it appeared as though it was Pillman’s turn to be injured, and, thus, the scheduled Armstrong/Pillman match was once again off the card.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, Flyin’ Brian was full of remorse for having attacked Armstrong. Now that he had hurt himself too, he knew what it felt like and even called out Brad to apologize.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it was all a rouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pillman apologized but then went on the attack, whacking Armstrong in his recently injured knee with a crutch.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Brian Pillman is disqualified!”</i> yelled referee <b>Randy Anderson</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“You can’t disqualify me, the match hasn’t even started yet!”</i> Replied Pillman, making a very good point.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, Brad Armstrong insisted on competing and this match was finally on.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Brian Pillman vs. Brad Armstrong </h3><div>Not that it was much of a match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pillman immediately attacked. Hobbling on one leg, a fired-up Armstrong fought back, but when he turned around, his opponent tackled him from behind, right square in that recently injured knee.</div><div><br /></div><div>One three count later, this was done.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Brian Pillman </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We may not have had a good match between the two, but Pillman completing his metamorphosis into full-blown baddie was a joy to watch.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Paul E.’s Mouth Gets Him in Trouble </h3><div>Up next, we took a look back at Halloween Havoc, specifically at the moment Paul E. Dangerously fired Madusa from the Dangerous Alliance and was promptly attacked by the First Lady of WCW.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBBDCUdLVrJ2NqkYxAjC_IrPOfNCRX6zo5fV4aG6viQJmEdyQWhAkLmAlThcolQAUGbtci9rNz9a6H_4NYD1qJvTq7lSrnkiSC4yj_R7n4kN8ohQiG8LOBdtTftlnW0q3Me-mZAe59auEdyG3ECgDq7GymBZ0DBO16dqnDnSw9Xx6_v9JXkbxG1Oq0PZo/s718/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-madusa-heyman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XX1 - Paul E. Dangerously, Jim Ross, and Madusa" border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="718" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBBDCUdLVrJ2NqkYxAjC_IrPOfNCRX6zo5fV4aG6viQJmEdyQWhAkLmAlThcolQAUGbtci9rNz9a6H_4NYD1qJvTq7lSrnkiSC4yj_R7n4kN8ohQiG8LOBdtTftlnW0q3Me-mZAe59auEdyG3ECgDq7GymBZ0DBO16dqnDnSw9Xx6_v9JXkbxG1Oq0PZo/w400-h326/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-madusa-heyman.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XX1 - Paul E. Dangerously, Jim Ross, and Madusa" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This led to clips of the two training to fight each other and, finally, a face-to-face confrontation on WCW Saturday Night in which Dangerously laid on the misogyny so thick that it was too much even for the rest of The Dangerous Alliance.</div><div><br /></div><div>The likes of Michael Hayes, <b>Bobby Eaton</b>, and <b>Arn Anderson</b> all tried to get their boss to cool his jets. When he ignored them, the group decided Dangerously’s tirade was something they could no longer support and all walked off, leaving him alone with Madusa.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took him a while, but once Paul realized he was alone, he promptly scampered and was chased through the arena by Madusa.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m not normally a fan of stuff like this, but Madusa and Heyman were both so good in their roles that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not that it was over yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>That lengthy recap simply provided some background context for a Paul E. Dangerously promo.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW0tXAv6F7IUXSxNVeQ-4vei_EiQhxLqp7_-v-tClsBQNxiOMNJHZzMpa52kq7i8Fha1_aoU4SkWOGPr2vVtHI7e1lNF163ULkCbq0x-4ZQ3EzaM_xIFn1xrnfwYE-86It7TBQtrANQEWB9bFw9GuTWJlOP_JWfozvBKCoMBmgWCyUTFGebCU7gFN1hTl/s813/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-hayes-heyman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Michael 'P.S' Hayes interviews Paul E. Dangerously" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="813" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW0tXAv6F7IUXSxNVeQ-4vei_EiQhxLqp7_-v-tClsBQNxiOMNJHZzMpa52kq7i8Fha1_aoU4SkWOGPr2vVtHI7e1lNF163ULkCbq0x-4ZQ3EzaM_xIFn1xrnfwYE-86It7TBQtrANQEWB9bFw9GuTWJlOP_JWfozvBKCoMBmgWCyUTFGebCU7gFN1hTl/w400-h303/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-hayes-heyman.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Michael 'P.S' Hayes interviews Paul E. Dangerously" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>With Michael Hayes back by his side, Dangerously cut a scathing and compelling promo in which he declared himself “<i>The Lord and Master of Manhood,</i>” and promised to beat Madusa with one hand tied behind his back.</div><div><br /></div><div>As good as that was, we were almost 15 minutes into the show and had seen no more than 30 seconds of wrestling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, that was about to change.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Erik Watts & Kensuke Sasaki vs. Arn Anderson & Beautiful Bobby Eaton (w/ Michael P.S Hayes) </h3><div>As this one got started, Jim Ross informed us that Paul E. had placed a bounty on Erik Watts, offering his men a cash incentive to injure the rookie grappler.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB6p_KDeXu-SfMFy2mExdMcNv9b47KXK8uoyuUY3i7ZL3fAned1iarfOWkCAMzqGTXe6qWcWpn4ztenZVGcMbY_NRVY0ZD2DvsN4rzJ3_JQm_vc0MV8kJUcJhbVBFHYPCElwoRcaxgceM4JDIdkfO21Z1ZKxPFKVqTAzXfpk1FP6p94paRmHxi1XPHKWI/s677/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-watts-sasaki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Erik Watts & Kensuke Sasaki" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="677" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB6p_KDeXu-SfMFy2mExdMcNv9b47KXK8uoyuUY3i7ZL3fAned1iarfOWkCAMzqGTXe6qWcWpn4ztenZVGcMbY_NRVY0ZD2DvsN4rzJ3_JQm_vc0MV8kJUcJhbVBFHYPCElwoRcaxgceM4JDIdkfO21Z1ZKxPFKVqTAzXfpk1FP6p94paRmHxi1XPHKWI/w400-h355/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-watts-sasaki.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Erik Watts & Kensuke Sasaki" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Alas, there was to be no bonus for the Dangerous Alliance boys on this particular night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anderson & Eaton both took a turn with Watts in the early going, though neither man could gain the advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>They faired even worse against Kensuke Sasaki, who outwrestled both men at every turn and had a particularly enjoyable exchange with Eaton.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before long, the whole thing broke down into a brawl and, in the midst of the madness, Erik Watts took down Bobby Eaton and made him submit with an STF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta admit I did not see that coming.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Erik Watts & Kensuke Sasaki</i></b></div><div><br /></div>Up next, more non-wrestling:<div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Johnny B. Badd and Scotty Flamingo Are Ready to Box</h3><div>For a show that was so far starved of actual wrestling, it seemed perfectly fitting that our next bout would involve three rounds of boxing between <b>Johnny B. Badd</b> and <b>Scotty Flamingo</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bhZvAlfeb2fmWn4-fTrdbiLpCjazSfeA6sHWe1z2kA3T-yIQSFZPt-T3zBePCh74K3krO24GgKXG7O9TvZFYnD56uDiGku8n9XA2h8QjYLBiFKrv5nV5kXlI1AhW28Lv82tTI8LErxN0eqwSGRiZVAXD5pNo84Yetlpssv6LfeL6dXnPviy8oY0uekGw/s706/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-johnny-b-badd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Tony Schiavone interviews Johnny B. Badd & Teddy Long" border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="706" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bhZvAlfeb2fmWn4-fTrdbiLpCjazSfeA6sHWe1z2kA3T-yIQSFZPt-T3zBePCh74K3krO24GgKXG7O9TvZFYnD56uDiGku8n9XA2h8QjYLBiFKrv5nV5kXlI1AhW28Lv82tTI8LErxN0eqwSGRiZVAXD5pNo84Yetlpssv6LfeL6dXnPviy8oY0uekGw/w400-h355/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-johnny-b-badd.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Tony Schiavone interviews Johnny B. Badd & Teddy Long" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>First though, we got pre-match comments from our competitors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Standing in the locker room, Tony Schiavone first interviewed Badd and his manager/second, <b>Teddy Long</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Long warned Flamingo that, as good of a wrestler as he might have been, he had made a grave mistake stepping up to box against a man the caliber of Badd.</div><div><br /></div><div>For his part, Johnny promised revenge for Scotty whacking him in the face with a roll of coins.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the commercial break, we went back to Schiavone, who this time was in Flamingo’s locker room.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXOyiSHAMsExm5HFA0bM9f193dIEgNrQftwdZbcskgDz5UPEZ34dKfAw9ZrXfpeFHRoxZ6LzoaL8chueR-YhNjxOXp_KI5rDuyaZcUflnKd9rGgAUjprB9MdvoUF75te4EuJWohXW3Y52td6zAsBVgkpsVm8baT0zaFvh8b_4j9pgPR2l7ILr4L0XLzW6/s690/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-vegas-connection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="690" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXOyiSHAMsExm5HFA0bM9f193dIEgNrQftwdZbcskgDz5UPEZ34dKfAw9ZrXfpeFHRoxZ6LzoaL8chueR-YhNjxOXp_KI5rDuyaZcUflnKd9rGgAUjprB9MdvoUF75te4EuJWohXW3Y52td6zAsBVgkpsVm8baT0zaFvh8b_4j9pgPR2l7ILr4L0XLzW6/w400-h353/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-vegas-connection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>There, the man we now know best as Raven got psyched up with the help of an entourage which included <b>Diamond Dallas Page</b>, <b>Vinnie Vegas</b>, and some random Don King impersonator.</div><div><br /></div><div>Playing to his biggest strength, Vegas did all the talking for his camp, doing a reasonably impressive job at making the fight sound like a big deal by talking about all the attention the match was getting and how the odds were well in Flamingo’s favor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright then, let’s get onto it:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Three-Round Boxing Match <br />Johnny B. Badd (w/ Teddy Long) vs. Scotty Flamingo (w/ The Vegas Connection - Diamond Dallas Page & Vinnie Vegas)</h3><div>Before this one even started, I couldn’t help but laugh at the official t-shirts sported by Scotty’s camp which declared him to be “<i>One Punch Bingo, Scotty Flamingo</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjCLqnQFQuhihW-i6qF6RrWeC3-eA-8uQDZf2JQfBmWgXTf77rnoH8CSqwbw7QaYrW2LQQc5hHIdiOO0N60T-y5Vyv68GwBSHEKBM25O28GskDFRvxtbuykQxQ9-FbzWBRuMyk5DbnPj7eyH75hvzO2sassbwFYa-ZmQv8zXnEMXh0ZDZA81g3vc4pBrB/s723/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-johnny-b-badd3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="723" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjCLqnQFQuhihW-i6qF6RrWeC3-eA-8uQDZf2JQfBmWgXTf77rnoH8CSqwbw7QaYrW2LQQc5hHIdiOO0N60T-y5Vyv68GwBSHEKBM25O28GskDFRvxtbuykQxQ9-FbzWBRuMyk5DbnPj7eyH75hvzO2sassbwFYa-ZmQv8zXnEMXh0ZDZA81g3vc4pBrB/w400-h353/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-johnny-b-badd3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The match kicked off and quickly turned into the typical worked boxing match, the babyface clobbering his opponent around the ring only for the heel to cheat whenever the referee’s back was turned.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, of course, with Vegas and DDP running interference on the outside, the referee’s back was turned a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, it wasn’t enough to give Flamingo the upperhand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Badd displayed his boxing prowess throughout the first round, leaving Flamingo dead on his feet by the time the bell rang.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both men went to their corners, where Page upped the cheating by filling one of Scotty’s gloves with water to give it extra weight.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t know much about boxing, but it never occurred to me that might be a thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only was it a thing, it was a match winning thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flamingo came out for the second round still goofy and barely with it, but when The Vegas Connection distracted the official again, he found the strength to KO Johnny B. with his loaded -and presumedly very wet- glove.</div><div><br /></div><div>Badd struggled, almost getting to his feet, collapsing again, almost getting up again, and collapsing once more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unable to get to his feet before the 10 count, Johnny B. Badd was out and done.</div><div><i><b>Your Winner Via Technical Knockout: Scotty Flamingo</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Worked boxing matches in wrestling are rarely great, but this one was at least kept mercifully short and was at least somewhat entertaining.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Battle Bowl is Back</h3><div>After the commercial break, we took a look back to <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/08/ppv-review-wcw-starrcade-1991.html" target="_blank">Starrcade ‘91</a> and the inaugural Battle Bowl tournament.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmpgE97rJ1zQw-nHE9Gst05uzEhof1fnsUhFA9Yp1rioW5VsxTmP87QzvnjyPZLRA0sVe14-wtWOG2_EdXJ0tGrS3-Buky3Qf9nWPFgGJef6iA9sAZendimSEjbnBcDWOa6f0n7xRtxPG3SNqAR9ZRaZa4TzWNax3ZJtxrg5Qbzun4oxN0__hxcG1JsQu/s733/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-jesse-missy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Jesse Ventura & Missy Hyatt draw Battle Bowl teams" border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="733" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmpgE97rJ1zQw-nHE9Gst05uzEhof1fnsUhFA9Yp1rioW5VsxTmP87QzvnjyPZLRA0sVe14-wtWOG2_EdXJ0tGrS3-Buky3Qf9nWPFgGJef6iA9sAZendimSEjbnBcDWOa6f0n7xRtxPG3SNqAR9ZRaZa4TzWNax3ZJtxrg5Qbzun4oxN0__hxcG1JsQu/w400-h334/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-jesse-missy.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Jesse Ventura & Missy Hyatt draw Battle Bowl teams" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The concept was coming back for Startcade ‘92, which meant that we next went to the ring where Jesse Ventura and <b>Missy Hyatt </b>were ready to pick names and determine the first two teams to compete in this year’s competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>After very little fanfare, Missy revealed that <b>Cactus Jack</b> and Johnny B. Badd would be teaming up, as would <b>Heavy Metal Van Hammer</b> and <b>Dangerous Dan Spivey</b>, the latter of whom I didn’t even know was still around in WCW at this point.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was followed by a quick clip for <a href="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Jesse Ventura & Missy Hyatt draw Battle Bowl teams" target="_blank">WCW Slam Jam</a>, which for some reason is the subject of the most popular review I’ve ever published here on Retro Pro Wrestling.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Handicap Match <br />Cactus Jack, The Barbarian, and Tony Atlas vs. WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons & 2 Cold Scorpio </h3><div>2 Cold Scorpio was new. So new, in fact, that neither Jim Ross nor Jesse Ventura knew who he was and continually referred to him as “Ron Simmon’s partner.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm4Q6SkEwK5V7_R2LXmayUV9DoqO9PfNUzSgIdVv_E-hjKhci1xU2KiBq8wF1TwEeolXYW7jWpBoDOIkVdaiLwF_caiQ6bosmE0b72j4Q4IiSLpmU3mNpq01j2cRI7uE-nO-Clk92Nep53HGOyp-opvSi9ml6yeOGCRW7m_bUAtcE9zglmVSp6qVe_Ocf/s830/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-cactus-atlas-barbarian.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - The Barbarian, Cactus Jack, and Tony Atlas" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="830" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm4Q6SkEwK5V7_R2LXmayUV9DoqO9PfNUzSgIdVv_E-hjKhci1xU2KiBq8wF1TwEeolXYW7jWpBoDOIkVdaiLwF_caiQ6bosmE0b72j4Q4IiSLpmU3mNpq01j2cRI7uE-nO-Clk92Nep53HGOyp-opvSi9ml6yeOGCRW7m_bUAtcE9zglmVSp6qVe_Ocf/w400-h280/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-cactus-atlas-barbarian.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - The Barbarian, Cactus Jack, and Tony Atlas" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite nobody knowing his name, Scorpio made an impressive debut, bouncing around the ring with flips, drop kicks, and the kind of wrestling that just wasn’t really seen in WCW back in 1992.</div><div><br /></div><div>The match itself was a bit of a mess, with the Cactus Jack-led trio barely able to make the most of their numbers advantage for very long.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, if you’re a Scorpio mark like yours truly, it was just fun to see him make his first appearance and even win the match thanks to. 450 splash.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Ron Simmons & 2 Cold Scorpio </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards, Jesse Ventura interviewed the world heavyweight champion and his mystery partner at ringside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbGB8VJZ8BaPW2d_ThSisbIh6ujLZ8kPKud64N5NTaDITNUgRmakafyGgNrbte1g12zZejD55laJAkOX519wkMjhvw0SiSsO-9uK8eJmHjq1uIqFKhDsj8otHWIneMIjbfMfQz9uK6lRcxaBtyNHDFRVDEik5zLv8sX0IHbApWJlIPq87LmNQP9bkv1q1/s815/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-2-cold-scorpio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Jesse Ventura interviews 2 Cold Scorpio & Ron Simmons" border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="815" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbGB8VJZ8BaPW2d_ThSisbIh6ujLZ8kPKud64N5NTaDITNUgRmakafyGgNrbte1g12zZejD55laJAkOX519wkMjhvw0SiSsO-9uK8eJmHjq1uIqFKhDsj8otHWIneMIjbfMfQz9uK6lRcxaBtyNHDFRVDEik5zLv8sX0IHbApWJlIPq87LmNQP9bkv1q1/w400-h291/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-2-cold-scorpio.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Jesse Ventura interviews 2 Cold Scorpio & Ron Simmons" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After boasting about working his way to the top of WCW, Simmons introduced his partner as one of the hottest young upstarts in the world. Scorpio, for his part, challenged anyone in WCW who wanted to fight him to step up.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was fun. This next segment was just weird.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Z-Man & Johnny Gunn Go Shopping</h3><div>So, <b>Z-Man</b> and <b>Johnny Gunn (Ton Brandi)</b> were now officially a tag team.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R1FoFnqtTP4?si=slo7WKXy3062gW4a" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><div><div>To get them over with the WCW audience, WCW put together a special video package that you can see in the video above (until WWE makes me take it down).</div><br /><div>Did it show highlights of their matches to put over what great wrestlers they were?</div><div><br /></div><div>No.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did it show them training to show how fit, strong, and ready for action they were?</div><div><br /></div><div>No.</div><div><br /></div><div>It showed them going to a tailor’s to be fitted for a suit by a gaggle of women who fawned all over them.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo were stripped down, felt up, and suited in what must have been very expensive suits given the way the girls and some old dude with a calculator celebrated when they were brought to the register.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, at least the girls sweetened the deal for Johnny and Tommy, as they pulled the boys into separate changing rooms, insinuating that naughty bad fun was about to go down behind the curtain.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t know where this clothes store is or if it still exists, but if it does, you can bet I’m buying my next suit there.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also don’t know what this was meant to accomplish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Z-Man in particular had always been positioned as a face, but this video made them look like a pair of cocky assholes who flashed their money around and were so irresistible to women that shop assistants would bang them in the middle of the store.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weird. Almost as weird as seeing Rick Rude without his signature mustache.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Rick Rude is Ready for Sting</h3><div>‘Tache or no ‘tache, the US Champion was as awesome as ever here.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LPE-fkKp-nrZzWZSJbSCZx26jTdMHrLbPKoIdL2o4Iwl83g-NcTVxSun4CvCcOHQ9BVcMe7HErEhJTW-_olymk-1LClqz9UZJHBKDdkhcZHd-3KUK4dAsTc8-ZhM8ogscNb_aHUhXo1IEOD__-to21T9qz57SGVvGereYUI0SusCRKrAnjZVJh2bCQqu/s830/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-rick-rude.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 Review - Tony Schiavone interviews Ravishing Rick Rude" border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="830" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LPE-fkKp-nrZzWZSJbSCZx26jTdMHrLbPKoIdL2o4Iwl83g-NcTVxSun4CvCcOHQ9BVcMe7HErEhJTW-_olymk-1LClqz9UZJHBKDdkhcZHd-3KUK4dAsTc8-ZhM8ogscNb_aHUhXo1IEOD__-to21T9qz57SGVvGereYUI0SusCRKrAnjZVJh2bCQqu/w400-h296/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-rick-rude.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 Review - Tony Schiavone interviews Ravishing Rick Rude" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Speaking to Tony Schiavone, he promised to take out arch-rival Sting once and for all when the two met later tonight.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Strongest Arm Competition</h3><div>Up next, we got a recap of the Jesse Ventura Invitational Strongest Arm contest, which, as you’ve probably deduced for yourself, was an arm-wrestling contest.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4tU3UA5baMLGz2YxyyiDiJ3EtpR4nBs9Byi4x9PSKpNbfmMp7EDFuO2mMvozOQlkx-I-1XETLWftE38uRRFblIeTkIP5xWwuSTNIz0gE9li2OSOu_y4CkcXLEX1maSqiZ3iHhnoGb8xpIv4qFyKyx9S4bMB2_QN6GXYdXcSbeWGp4l3v_ux0rztWE70q/s809/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-strongest-arm-competition.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI Review - Jesse Ventura and Jim Ross present the Strongest Arm award" border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="809" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4tU3UA5baMLGz2YxyyiDiJ3EtpR4nBs9Byi4x9PSKpNbfmMp7EDFuO2mMvozOQlkx-I-1XETLWftE38uRRFblIeTkIP5xWwuSTNIz0gE9li2OSOu_y4CkcXLEX1maSqiZ3iHhnoGb8xpIv4qFyKyx9S4bMB2_QN6GXYdXcSbeWGp4l3v_ux0rztWE70q/w400-h300/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-strongest-arm-competition.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI Review - Jesse Ventura and Jim Ross present the Strongest Arm award" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Ron Simmons had beaten Steve Austin in the initial first-round match, after which Barbarian overcame Arn Anderson.</div><div><br /></div><div>That coming weekend, fans tuning into WCW Worldwide would get to witness the electricity and excitement of a Vinnie Vegas/Van Hammer arm-wrestling match. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’m sure folks were flocking to their TV sets for that one.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Another Word With Paul E.</h3><div>From there, we went back for a second interview with Paul E. Dangerously.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time, the big-mouthed manager donned protective headgear as his Clash of the Sexes with Madusa got ever closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>He added nothing new, simply reiterating that he was obviously going to beat Madusa because he was a man and she wasn’t.</div><div><br /></div><div>As unnecessary as this was, it’s almost impossible to watch a Paul Heyman promo and not be entertained.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Clash of the Sexes<br />Paul E. Dangerously (w/ Michael ‘P.S’ Hayes) vs. Madusa </h3><div>As entertaining as Paul E. may have been, even he couldn’t save this one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaF19WP_Pussuc2lFO1cqAIB4gJQ9RzvUpXmD3q9DoeB0xLCZ0CkXp3pLhVhZgskCkm4iP9d455CcLd1tyl38sn2VNJMKJrdczLhZbwMMe5JUM3Ak2P3D2nN-Rzt8kE-dLwQ-LAQjqdsq_ODzOHMFxwXdZ8iveAj52NL1kcJvvpS3MTHTeBXEfP4GdNfI/s679/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-dangerously.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Paul E. Dangerously" border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="679" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaF19WP_Pussuc2lFO1cqAIB4gJQ9RzvUpXmD3q9DoeB0xLCZ0CkXp3pLhVhZgskCkm4iP9d455CcLd1tyl38sn2VNJMKJrdczLhZbwMMe5JUM3Ak2P3D2nN-Rzt8kE-dLwQ-LAQjqdsq_ODzOHMFxwXdZ8iveAj52NL1kcJvvpS3MTHTeBXEfP4GdNfI/w400-h345/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-dangerously.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Paul E. Dangerously" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Things started off with a bulky guy in a blonde wig, gi, and face mask bustling to the ring. He was supposed to be Madusa, but even from a thousand miles away, it would be obvious that it wasn’t.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once this mystery figure hit the ring, Paul E. apparently knocked them out, but we missed this because the screen was filled with Madusa’s Tale of the Tape stats at the time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD63UdBqEV0rtV8QJ8ylvsU3ri1-WEqRn2Uk0OXcg7F7D5QWNy_BVJtbLGeT-J8z34Taow7XTFW-vZYj_YYk6wVLQnDH-8PPKhD_-ftctTr1nRGx37cPVTJksTj8nscaxTpzheUVlwG8cDCkgaYGjgmDK0TWeKVH4qFl6az2Dn7x0vEjh79-KcbSXDmO3t/s816/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21madusa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Madusa's Tale of the Tape" border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="816" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD63UdBqEV0rtV8QJ8ylvsU3ri1-WEqRn2Uk0OXcg7F7D5QWNy_BVJtbLGeT-J8z34Taow7XTFW-vZYj_YYk6wVLQnDH-8PPKhD_-ftctTr1nRGx37cPVTJksTj8nscaxTpzheUVlwG8cDCkgaYGjgmDK0TWeKVH4qFl6az2Dn7x0vEjh79-KcbSXDmO3t/w400-h303/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21madusa.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Madusa's Tale of the Tape" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Dangerously soon ripped off the imposter’s wig and mask to reveal that it was actually Mike Thor, a prelim worker who had previously been hired as Paul’s sparring partner for a recent “public workout.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, the real Madusa arrived and began whipping Paul E.’s butt. </div><div><br /></div><div>The manager escaped and fled to the back.</div><div>Madusa brought him back, whooped him some more, and then he escaped again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before anyone knew it, the five-minute time limit expired and that was that.</div><div><br /></div><div>None of this, not a single moment of it, was good.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">King of Cable Tournament Update</h3><div>Up next, we got a recap of the special King of Cable tournament designed to celebrate 20 years of pro wrestling on TBS.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the opening rounds, Sting had beaten Brian Pillman and US Champion Rick Rude had overcome Barry Windham to advance to the next round.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those two would meet tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere, <b>Dustin Rhodes</b> had advanced after beating The Barbarian, and was now set to face <b>Big Van Vader</b>, who had earned his spot in the semis with a win over Tony Atlas.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOzAXvtfwV4slr1gnSc-79jM9LabNKMA4_Q1VkqX9uWMKejxDVJ-er1G1BtSCY3hYJhpwoR7Z_t8ZNoug9owhcwkkraFxMb3NuzBiim4Jv_7oMN0Zsm0ReMCoPsjlDwwaikZyQMEUtVqun2LT2Ojpc015IdSb35GL_zCO-tLkwROQKaKEm2blkeidWWL_/s772/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-vader-harley-race.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Harley Race and Big Van Vader interviewed by Tony Schiavone" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="772" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOzAXvtfwV4slr1gnSc-79jM9LabNKMA4_Q1VkqX9uWMKejxDVJ-er1G1BtSCY3hYJhpwoR7Z_t8ZNoug9owhcwkkraFxMb3NuzBiim4Jv_7oMN0Zsm0ReMCoPsjlDwwaikZyQMEUtVqun2LT2Ojpc015IdSb35GL_zCO-tLkwROQKaKEm2blkeidWWL_/w400-h305/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-vader-harley-race.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Harley Race and Big Van Vader interviewed by Tony Schiavone" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Rhodes and Vader would be meeting on WCW Saturday night, which led us to a promo with Big Van and his manager, Harley Race.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo both bragged about Vader’s superiority over the rest of the roster, with the man from the Rocky Mountains promising to become our first King of Cable champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>If he was going to do that, he’d have to get past the winner of this match:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">King of Cable Tournament Semi-Final <br />WCW US Champion Ravishing Rick Rude vs. Sting<br />(non-title)</h3><div>Prior to our match, we were introduced to three judges, <b>Larry Zybysko</b>, <b>Hiro Matsuda</b>, and <b>Ole Anderson</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trio would be responsible for deciding the winner should neither Sting nor Rude gain a victory within the allotted 20-minute time limit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNtUk8KsqCusEF1JaX6W-0uP433S4KVK-F2HBH3F118WOU-6zx5UQVkOFWlzUFc5LEeyj31DDKKNsIOT9fY4APLaTGVKUyVl1ZQEKHUr83w2cjSabtCX9x6hyphenhyphenbvBfy6qGBRzH43UyCZvOzNABFZQm5e67eMtqnLbAhaTi6E47QiAWyuOMja8itqOxgy4C/s674/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21sting-rick-rude.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Sting vs. Rick Rude" border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="674" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNtUk8KsqCusEF1JaX6W-0uP433S4KVK-F2HBH3F118WOU-6zx5UQVkOFWlzUFc5LEeyj31DDKKNsIOT9fY4APLaTGVKUyVl1ZQEKHUr83w2cjSabtCX9x6hyphenhyphenbvBfy6qGBRzH43UyCZvOzNABFZQm5e67eMtqnLbAhaTi6E47QiAWyuOMja8itqOxgy4C/w400-h366/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21sting-rick-rude.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Sting vs. Rick Rude" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Which, of course, is exactly what happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rude came out strong in the early going but was soon overpowered by Sting, who went on the offense and worked over his opponent with kicks, fists, and more than a few submission holds.</div><div><br /></div><div>After being battered down, The Ravishing One managed to turn the tables with a simple rake to the eyes that completely shifted the tide of the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>From then on in, it was all Rude for a good portion of the match, and as good as both men usually were, the need to drag this one out for 20 minutes meant there was a long stretch of the match which just wasn’t that interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the 18-minute mark struck, Sting finally made a comeback, flying off the corner and slamming his rival around with gusto, yet it just wasn’t enough.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EYluohOkWRLWsYVeNa6m1qrlD0f61iXLV_Hkv8x1zTgbF-pVK4khTbMf30aRoj-R8gfgnDn5umX0oXC4-_M0Q8c32lmBZsw1ejuaprkd6sevLz9_fJLhb_bYMzV0OGUBzAc90YqnRQa6Rkp1hrq3l_mElYK7QCq8BqCg_-H5YLFlWNcr3ENxmqosvkZo/s759/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21sting-rick-rude2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Sting and Rick Rude battle in the King of Cable tournament" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="759" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EYluohOkWRLWsYVeNa6m1qrlD0f61iXLV_Hkv8x1zTgbF-pVK4khTbMf30aRoj-R8gfgnDn5umX0oXC4-_M0Q8c32lmBZsw1ejuaprkd6sevLz9_fJLhb_bYMzV0OGUBzAc90YqnRQa6Rkp1hrq3l_mElYK7QCq8BqCg_-H5YLFlWNcr3ENxmqosvkZo/w400-h306/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21sting-rick-rude2.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Sting and Rick Rude battle in the King of Cable tournament" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After an underwhelming 20-minute contest, Sting locked in the Scorpion Death Lock but the bell rang before Rude could submit.</div><div><br /></div><div>The judge’s decision was not unanimous.</div><div><br /></div><div>Matsuda gave the nod to Sting. Zybysko, unsurprisingly, voted for his former Dangerous Alliance teammate, Rick Rude.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ole Anderson thus had the deciding vote and gave it to Sting, which was surprising given that Rude clearly dominated most of the bout.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner Via Judge’s Decision: Sting </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Rick tried to attack after the bell, but Sting drilled him with an atomic drop and sent him on his way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it was time for our main event.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">World Championship Wrestling Unified World Tag Team Championship<br />WCW Unified World Tag Team Champions Barry Windham & Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas & Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat</h3><div>Coming at the end of a show mostly devoid of quality wrestling, this was by far the most exciting match of the night.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdtyG4VF1yuwMkKSGPEtM4IzR_6WcaDY1NFdxHkJBmxT_fOQJnhO_B2MfxgZ7zCotHE-fkloQ-i19vTZhFezy9vrSUNzhTOT0DRyehWNBuFl4X4s0jT-JTSt0uaxHjYaoc2fYRKzxkxALXhCH4Lq0jO4zBue0_lPmLSuhzowxhxJ9Cft8jN2RTQYTGLIL/s770/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-rhodes-douglas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Dustin Rhodes works over Shane Douglas" border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="770" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdtyG4VF1yuwMkKSGPEtM4IzR_6WcaDY1NFdxHkJBmxT_fOQJnhO_B2MfxgZ7zCotHE-fkloQ-i19vTZhFezy9vrSUNzhTOT0DRyehWNBuFl4X4s0jT-JTSt0uaxHjYaoc2fYRKzxkxALXhCH4Lq0jO4zBue0_lPmLSuhzowxhxJ9Cft8jN2RTQYTGLIL/w400-h318/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-rhodes-douglas.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions XXI - Dustin Rhodes works over Shane Douglas" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Despite lingering tensions between the two, <b>Barry Windham</b> and Dustin Rhodes appeared to be firmly on the same page as they took the fight to their opponents in a long but mostly enjoyable tag team contest.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ricky Steamboat</b> and <b>Shane Douglas</b> had likewise formed a cohesive unit, and it was nice to see Douglas getting something of a push after being the stand-out performer in an otherwise throw-away six-man tag back at <a href="https://retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1992.html" target="_blank">Halloween Havoc ‘92</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know I’ve ragged on Douglas a lot on this blog, especially for making “I Hate Ric Flair” his entire gimmick for most of his career. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet after watching his early 90s performances in both WCW and ECW, I’m starting to appreciate The Franchise a lot more and can totally see why Paul Heyman would eventually put the ECW title on him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before his run in the land of extreme, however, Douglas made his mark with a tag team title victory that came about when the champions could no longer co-exist.</div><div><br /></div><div>Towards the finish, Dustin Rhodes charged at Ricky Steamboat. The Dragon went for a leapfrog, but couldn’t get enough elevation to clear his much taller opponent and ended up getting inadvertently headbutted in the bollocks by The Natural.</div><div><br /></div><div>Concerned for his opponent’s well-being, Rhodes checked on Steamboat instead of pinning him, which obviously drew the ire of Barry Windham.</div><div><br /></div><div>The disagreement between the two escalated into blows which Douglas happily took advantage of, catching Windham coming off a right hand from Rhodes and planting him with a simple belly-to-belly suplex for the win.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners and New Unified Tag Team Champions: Shane Douglas & Ricky Steamboat.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After the bell, Rhodes stormed off in a cloud of frustration and disappointment, only to be called back by his estranged partner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Acquiescing, Dustin returned, at which point Big Bad Barry cemented the heel turn he’d been teasing for some time by attacking The Natural.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Windham Strikes Again </h3><div>Backstage, Jesse Ventura interviewed the new tag team champions.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMpA0ymqOuxog0XPCU3TPalxGgT33mAlS1X4cn-rBp5C2u8XdKPCmOI9_LE28nTq5QPXFA1nx80_MgT8DEgoyiMC1_NZWX0YzFmlcl49pMiwCZx_QXAIzzMUuVCqKfAosd2Sb76jINs761Y6v5T1WzTzB0TZXH4Wnf4LcvyL0b-56JqNAIACXVTWOV6xQ/s820/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-douglas-steamboat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Shane Douglas and Ricky Steamboat interviewed by Jesse Ventura" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="820" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMpA0ymqOuxog0XPCU3TPalxGgT33mAlS1X4cn-rBp5C2u8XdKPCmOI9_LE28nTq5QPXFA1nx80_MgT8DEgoyiMC1_NZWX0YzFmlcl49pMiwCZx_QXAIzzMUuVCqKfAosd2Sb76jINs761Y6v5T1WzTzB0TZXH4Wnf4LcvyL0b-56JqNAIACXVTWOV6xQ/w400-h290/wcw-clash-of-the-champions-21-douglas-steamboat.jpg" title="WCW Clash of the Champions 21 - Shane Douglas and Ricky Steamboat interviewed by Jesse Ventura" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Despite wishing they could have won in different circumstances, Ricky Steamboat insisted he and Douglas were just happy to get the job done.</div><div><br /></div><div>He also turned his attention to Dustin Rhodes, making it clear that he and the man he last claimed the tag team titles with (back at Clash 17) were firm friends and that he had tremendous respect for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before anybody could say anything else, however, Barry Windham stormed into the dressing room and went positively ape-shit with a steel chair, attacking both champions and throwing Shane Douglas into a locker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back at ringside, Jim Ross promised we’d have more on this developing situation on the next TV show, but for now, Clash of the Champions XXI was over and I, for one, am happy about that.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49TwGUd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of WCW Starrcade by Retro Pro Wrestling's CJ Scholes" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ksTKWUADQYc8-l41Pxj2XmdPaFTKJk2xHh_Y8sGkxwkCghD28XHj7bHPnySw1Gwa_SABp5US5PTqpDla_gDoA_5u72p8z4n6kbm-nU9pUpnzzCqqZxMxmeJclFtjwxGSo6MQR9NuznRrPonuTTAsWW8S-6HGrVblDFlJOjUzOktA0gh4gmULpYxiZWu1/w400-h400/Copy%20of%20History%20of%20Starrcade%20Vol%201.png" title="Buy The Complete History of WCW Starrcade by Retro Pro Wrestling's CJ Scholes" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>I’m happy it’s over because, although the main event was good, the rest of the show wasn’t. </i><i>Don’t get me wrong, Sting/Rude was better than most of what went before it, but it was still somewhat underwhelming and the rest of the card really lacked any serious wrestling.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The opening light heavyweight match was more of an angle. The boxing match, though decent for what it was, still wasn’t an actual wrestling match, and the whole show seemed to revolve around a Madusa/Dangerously feud that was honestly kind of embarrassing to watch.</i></div><div><i>Still, we’ve got Starrcade coming up, so let’s see how that goes.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Until next time, thanks for reading.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>Other 1992 pro wrestling event reviews</i></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/01/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-ii-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Superbrawl II</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wwf-uk-rampage-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF UK Rampage 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-92.html" target="_blank">Wrestlewar 92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xix.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wcw-beach-blast-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Beach Blast '92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xx.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Halloween Havoc 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series '92</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/03/retro-pro-wrestling-show-episode-1-wwf.html" target="_blank">WWF 1992 - The Year in Review</a></li></ul><div><b><i>Other Clash of the Champions reviews</i></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/04/event-review-nwa-clash-of-champions-1.html" target="_blank">NWA Clash of the Champions I</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-nwa-clash-of-champions-ii.html" target="_blank">NWA Clash of the Champions II: Miami Mayhem</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-x.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XI - Costal Crush</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XII - Fall Brawl '90: Mountain Madness</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIII - Thanksgiving Thunder</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/02/event-review-clash-of-champions-xiv.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIV - Dixie Dynamite</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/05/event-review-clash-of-champions-xv.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XV - Knocksville, USA!</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xvi.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVI - Fall Brawl '91</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/10/event-review-clash-of-champions-xvii.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xix.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xx.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XX</a></li></ul></div></div><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div></div><br /></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-50813464536149240412023-11-25T10:44:00.000-08:002023-11-29T07:46:47.331-08:00WWF Survivor Series 1992 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmCe2Lo7T8mRM69xv5zBf4FwyhEYfIebIS9edMxy78hujvl1mkGov8PyBgwSmsywS2reDAqxtLoVZyMZJ_y0h7vm5m5obF7P2VF6EhRv2W-1wT871FsJVCYF2aQKDgXmC4F4eCTp36UUK/s1600/wwf_survivorseries_1992_eventposter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF (WWE) SURVIVOR SERIES 1992 - EVENT POSTER" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmCe2Lo7T8mRM69xv5zBf4FwyhEYfIebIS9edMxy78hujvl1mkGov8PyBgwSmsywS2reDAqxtLoVZyMZJ_y0h7vm5m5obF7P2VF6EhRv2W-1wT871FsJVCYF2aQKDgXmC4F4eCTp36UUK/w301-h400/wwf_survivorseries_1992_eventposter.jpg" title="WWF (WWE) SURVIVOR SERIES 1992 - EVENT POSTER" width="301" /></a></div>
<b><div><b><br /></b></div></b><div><i>Originally published: December 1, 2012</i></div><div><i>Updated November 25, 2023</i></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><b>November 25, 1992</b><br /><b>Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio</b><br />
<b><br /></b> <b>With most of the behemoths of the late 1980s now long gone, replaced by a strange mix of smaller, more technically proficient stars and some of the strangest, most cartoonish combatants seen anywhere on television, </b><b>1992 was a strange year for the World Wrestling Federation. </b><br />
<b><br /></b> As a result, the 1992 Survivor series was an altogether weird affair. <div><br /></div><div>For saying this was a period of only four, well-established PPV events, the show we're about to review came across as something akin to a modern-day WWE B-Show. An enjoyable B-show, sure, but a B-show nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Before we get into it, I should point out that this review was originally written from the VHS release of the event which contains several segments not featured in the version on WWE Network/Peacock. It was updated in 2023 with better quality screenshots from Peacock. </div><div><br />Anyway, let's dive into it.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Survivor Series 1992 </h3><div>
For reasons unbeknownst to just about everybody, <b>The Reverend Slick</b> (now a gospel-preaching good guy), welcomed us to Survivor Series '92 by rambling on about how awesome of a show we were about to watch.<br /><br />The Slickster wasn't very coherent, but at least he got a PPV payday I suppose.</div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 Review - Bobby Heenan & Vince McMahon" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="518" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbuO9mvWjWg6SIGgokMKxx4P7RsUkvolwf30l-HBKMTKLUAjyqgrU5I3A7V8QflXQlr9pjeCiktR9SWHughZDN9UxDlnuTI3LO655ThBFE5mgEE1AFgbxUwxbyRZhf3I7-TYzaN5y6PFk4_L1rFyRcu0JwOlAOLIBkBMUqRJYuzfDEhNz2MSte87ivlEi/w400-h366/wwe-survivor-series-92-heenan-mcmahon.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 Review - Bobby Heenan & Vince McMahon" width="400" /></div><br /><div>
From there, our commentary team of <b>Vince McMahon </b>and <b>Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan </b>welcomed us to the show, and we were right on to the action.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>High Energy (Owen Hart & Koko B. Ware) vs. The Headshrinkers (Samu & Fatu, w/ Afa)</b></h3><div>Winning all sorts of awards for the Worst Pro Wrestling Attire This Side of <a href="https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Phil_Theis" target="_blank">Damien Demento</a>, undercard team <b>High Energy</b> were fed to relative newcomers<b> The Headshrinkers </b>in an admittedly entertaining opening contest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 Review - Afa" border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="601" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm2F2etVhsdwpP7QadS5A2HO0snbefHV8lUO5aNRi99_wDaRmr5kFxRQKNnMxSOg0eCwiEC8mzP-VlrUDbv5CnfzPvEKEOlmriCMB-2-rUc5iJJPebN9sPWAvw4ubTdVh5oJUqyEcZeeBsKnduXNSbNny3zM6AAEiZjj2Qf9NWlJ6s_6Qz_-hvIEg9C_7/w400-h325/wwe-survivor-series-92-afa.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 Review - Afa" width="400" /></div><br />As the first Survivor Series show <i>not</i> centered around 'traditional' elimination matches, it was an interesting change of pace to see the annual November show open up with what was essentially a throw-away tag match. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Owen Hart</b> and The Headshrinkers looked good in their exchanges, while <b>Koko B. Ware </b>had no problem playing the proverbial babyface-in-peril, though it was during The Bird Man's lengthy time between the ropes that the match sagged somewhat.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series '92 - The Headshrinkers vs. High Energy" border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="628" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmTpmBbxeVkyccwlMJPvDsrDGHdSHSIi2qmOHzwGrrhcOMPSkGfEItZb6myCE4P0cScCdGCcWuWwbrr37cAQ9qslJUnanD5I0Pp6U8sgaJRl8AZ1o6SHwDFvcHt5KMLQ4w5VGU_XMIN73-qOORfGpqp3lAaIzztfNKXY5BJPrEZ42yKPTHT_wL0VqQkQT/w400-h285/wwe-survivor-series-92-headshrinkers-high-energy.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series '92 - The Headshrinkers vs. High Energy" width="400" /></div>
<br />
Alas, The Headshrinkers went over thanks to a big fat splash (that's the technical term for it, in case you were wondering), furthering their rise in the WWF Tag Team Ranks.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners: The Headshrinkers</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Backstage, <b>Lord Alfred Hayes</b> pointed a microphone at <b>The Big Boss Man. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>An enraged Boss Man insisted that he stood for Law, Order, and Justice and that his rival, <b>Nailz</b>, would get what's coming to him in their upcoming <i>Nightstick on a Pole match.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series '92 - Sean Mooney interviews Nailz" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="626" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtbShWhJAvLkuAi7zS6fonEe7EizENvKKjrBXa0pJ6KpwJ6Td0qVuCd4u-r39UGi4Th5y8rgKRXfrciDGaIrGZl-2KtQuBwkObj0G1E38RmdWYiwAlOdD8zJZvscLk2-z5MPAm9u4vBKin9wtvBkbJ40PWSf3iAzhAbiZzSJPneV3_L2Di_pp37rHFBdY/w400-h296/wwe-survivor-series-92-sean-mooney-nailz.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series '92 - Sean Mooney interviews Nailz" width="400" /></div><br />
Offering a retort, Nailz himself swore revenge on the Boss Man for apparently beating him up when the man in the orange jumpsuit was serving 'hard time.' The sad thing (or not), is that this would have actually been a halfway decent promo if Nailz didn't sound like a slightly constipated old man doing his best '<i><a href="https://ringthedamnbell.wordpress.com/2018/05/03/icons-of-wrestling-35-the-shockmaster/" target="_blank">Ole Anderson as The Shockmaster</a>'</i> impression.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a fairly bizarre move, we then cut to <b>Mean Gene Okerlund</b>, standing by with none other than The Big Boss Man, who essentially gave us exactly the same promo as he'd done just a few minutes ago.<br />
<br />
Either this was a funky move from Coliseum Home Video, or WWF producers really couldn't get enough of Ray Traylor.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Nightstick on a Pole match.<br /></b><b>The Big Boss Man vs. Nailz</b></h3>
Prior to his interview with Nailz, <b>Sean Mooney </b>had issued us a grave warning; this was going to be a brutal match.</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Nailz vs. The Big Bossman" border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="647" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LFmhbgbG6wELAjN5zJJ8M2tfK7CISZ8cRREihCydO6WbFhmOwGjk55dMTKfi146D5b5hfqLoa907kr1q2-F0J3ZHlheKbrSnTQxue_CHpBaqKL_GglneyxVo_HvG-Is0jJtqSnSj5z9N149guBELK9_QPWzg8LNJjocn_8Tgub5bP6iUoN8uM1IUJJZf/w400-h285/wwe-survivor-series-92-bossman-nailz.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Nailz vs. The Big Bossman" width="400" /></div><br />
And I mean, <i>brutal.</i> To hear Mooney talk, we were about to watch a<i> No Holds Barred First-Blood Ladder Match inside a Hell in a Cell cage wrapped in barbed wire and surrounded by flames in which the only way to win is to physically murder your opponent</i> (No stealing my ideas, WWE Creative).<br /><div>
Instead, what we got was two big dudes punching and kicking and occasionally slamming each other until Boss Man retrieved the nightstick from the pole, dropped it, and eventually defeated his rival with the Boss Man Slam.<br />
<br />
For what it was and given who was involved, this was at least a watchable contest with a hot crowd, but honestly Mooney, the last time I stubbed my toe it was more brutal than this.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Big Boss Man</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Out in the back, Sean Mooney tried to get a few words with the loser of the match. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nailz, sounding for all the world like his voice had been disguised in a manner akin to those anonymous, shadowed-out crime victims you see on TV, claimed yet more injustice and stormed off.<div><br /></div>
Killing time with yet more promos,<b> Tatanka</b> told Lord Alfred Hayes that he would defeat <b>Rick 'The Model' Martel </b>and take back his sacred eagle feathers when the two met in the ring later that evening. The undefeated Native American at least showed signs of charisma, though I dare say he did little to make this reviewer care about his rivalry, unlike <b>Ric Flair </b>and <b>Razor Ramon.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09xk0pyfW9UmwMg1IbkvE7n5teNkawL00YGtF2uLYIX2BsEeJpzpFX1ghBLfpfEUioDgj-Jh47lKOORjDlv7CWHRiQlvMu2v6I9llhMzBsXSvxC_qL1tg9QeKHc5ReXY81ufMjkvgPE6jbFf8C91w4X1HxtR82KplOImY5v4lJsU69D9U04VcxlP-SaBp/s638/wwe-survivor-series-92-ric-flair-razor-ramon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Mean Gene interviews Ric Flair & Razor Ramon" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="638" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09xk0pyfW9UmwMg1IbkvE7n5teNkawL00YGtF2uLYIX2BsEeJpzpFX1ghBLfpfEUioDgj-Jh47lKOORjDlv7CWHRiQlvMu2v6I9llhMzBsXSvxC_qL1tg9QeKHc5ReXY81ufMjkvgPE6jbFf8C91w4X1HxtR82KplOImY5v4lJsU69D9U04VcxlP-SaBp/w400-h299/wwe-survivor-series-92-ric-flair-razor-ramon.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Mean Gene interviews Ric Flair & Razor Ramon" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> Speaking to Okerlund, the dastardly duo were enraged by footage of <b>Mr. Perfect </b>turning face by pouring a jug of water over Bobby Heenan and agreeing to team up with <b>Macho Man Randy Savage</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>in what was easily the most anticipated match of the night.<br />
<br />
After Flair lost his damn mind in true Nature Boy fashion, Ramon threatened to<i> 'carve...(Mr. Perfect)...Up.'</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Rick 'The Model' Martel vs. Tatanka</b></h3></div><div>
Returning to the ring, Tatanka looked to retain his undefeated streak, and reclaim those all-important eagle feathers against a barely-interested Martel, who came to the ring dressed like the world's most effeminate sailor.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JNFOU9xS1JiGV3jvF4_W4n3F-jtXMMLwc1M8MfRj9RHLHYbdW8X1aBPGe12-rMoi6ji_OJBYuhTVFm8xcuXaoDiy43WqemCZDr0V9O6XbhtoVQw6Sveqd5PfRXpcExz-blBf7k9zw4Gw2ON13Aufr2JN7RrOhOzWDY-6MzKll5Qtw1JF4ocYfgYlyEZB/s658/wwe-survivor-series-92-tatanka-rick-martel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Rick Martel vs. Tatanka" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="658" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JNFOU9xS1JiGV3jvF4_W4n3F-jtXMMLwc1M8MfRj9RHLHYbdW8X1aBPGe12-rMoi6ji_OJBYuhTVFm8xcuXaoDiy43WqemCZDr0V9O6XbhtoVQw6Sveqd5PfRXpcExz-blBf7k9zw4Gw2ON13Aufr2JN7RrOhOzWDY-6MzKll5Qtw1JF4ocYfgYlyEZB/w400-h297/wwe-survivor-series-92-tatanka-rick-martel.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Rick Martel vs. Tatanka" width="400" /></a></div><div>
<br />
Only a few minutes into the very mediocre action, <b>Doink The Clown </b>strutted out to tease and torment the crowd.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6wfMDATNzDnpmFdjfhp9bujt_ZvsFKXdFY8LW5CflOdsyBEX7CFk5neZ3XiJMUVxP7Ts9DYCjge_FGaHTLF9rAC3LAhsYZCcWcblZ2forR8A_GR32NNqFti7L0fbKhX9mjzxOfvZOswms0j9kYCsoFUJiZZNpV8aLn_sD8ruFjblNIVMRFWm90t0_2ys/s635/wwe-survivor-series-92-doink2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Doink The Clown" border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="635" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6wfMDATNzDnpmFdjfhp9bujt_ZvsFKXdFY8LW5CflOdsyBEX7CFk5neZ3XiJMUVxP7Ts9DYCjge_FGaHTLF9rAC3LAhsYZCcWcblZ2forR8A_GR32NNqFti7L0fbKhX9mjzxOfvZOswms0j9kYCsoFUJiZZNpV8aLn_sD8ruFjblNIVMRFWm90t0_2ys/w400-h258/wwe-survivor-series-92-doink2.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Doink The Clown" width="400" /></a></div><div>
<br />
Whether it was the distraction of the clown's presence or the fact that nothing interesting happened in the ring, this came across as nothing more than a filler match in which Tatanka defeated The Model with a flying chop to bring about a welcome end.<br />
<b><i>Your winner: Tatanka</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Backstage, Sean Mooney spoke to Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect. In an entertaining promo, Perfect claimed that The Nature Boy wanted to be just like him.</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Sean Mooney interviews Randy Savage & Mr Perfect" border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="624" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtcJOLJXt1mARtX_hnU2vX2En0-Gv7SyyKZ_4q208OIAMiZx0xQwgJ_wITZrrO077HgZ5V4jf24A1QuQxM9aV8blanLOKHDdEEwtYqWuet9yYC0BKZqs9TTw9Zz6fmTJHuAlK1RmdpaSJ9qFCr6ca3ePR3tm2jO0MyMP__W_eL4zhALseAqmCXCN8tIPx/w400-h294/wwe-survivor-series-92-savage-perfect.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Sean Mooney interviews Randy Savage & Mr Perfect" width="400" /></div>
<br />
Adding his own tuppence' worth, an ever-intense Macho Man told Perfect that he neither liked nor trusted him, but that they'd still make <i>The Perfect Team</i> regardless.<div><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Ric Flair & Razor Ramon vs. Randy 'Macho Man' Randy Savage</b></h3><div></div><div>Elsewhere, I've seen this likened to a modern-day Raw main event, which I don't think is a fair comparison.</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Razor Ramon & Ric Flair work over Randy Savage" border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="547" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhrKiV5Htq0O6wmT5_AFYAT67nKvhS7vcHPciGNTxeAat2q4giccvR8TxirJg6OglwOFDbw9F_0Z-uqXku4KotoAPWcXTKIaQVMkn9krkZU2c0ogoDHNcgp9PA6Wb8CrlZ4hEBDIWfp25OC03se7yC4UKKcGCdIhzImIOWZdfsxZ_ysePHoINVXMh56wv/w400-h345/wwe-survivor-series-92-savage-flair.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Razor Ramon & Ric Flair work over Randy Savage" width="400" /></div><br /><div>
For one thing, this was a well put thought-out match with a decent back-story reaching beyond merely <i>'let's throw four feuding wrestlers in a tag match.</i><br />
<br /> Even despite the absence of Savage's original partner, <b>The Ultimate Warrior </b>(who abandoned ship mere weeks earlier), this was still a well-built match with a replacement who made sense.<br />
<br />
Perfect, as Flair's now-former Executive Consultant and one-time <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/scott-hall-pays-tribute-late-mr-perfect-curt-henning" target="_blank">AWA tag team partner</a> of Scott 'Razor Ramon' Hall (something vaguely alluded to on screen), supposedly knew Savage's opponents better than anybody, and thus was the 'perfect partner' for the Macho Man.
<br />
As for the match itself, it was by far the most entertaining bout of the night to this point. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flair pulled out his trademark <i>I'm Getting my Ass Kicked</i> routine (seriously, is there anyone in the history of wrestling whose moves while selling a beating are arguably better than his offense?), Perfect displayed not an inch of ring-rust after being out of action for a year (with back trouble), while Ramon and Savage also played their parts well.<br />
<br />
Though far from a classic, this match becomes one of only two 'highly recommended' bouts on the whole card, and ended via disqualification when the referee got fed up with the heels and called for the bell.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners via disqualification: Randy Savage & Mr. Perfect</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Razor and Flair continued their beatdown in the post-match, only for a chair to enter the party, used by the good guys to gain a measure of revenge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Razor Ramon & Ric Flair" border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="654" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmzgz7rlEr6rYEi4SGi5-qK_JmSI_pcQgp1JWr7rADfaMO-WABHx-CeDrIacMg97rH9CXO8V5TZLeV1duz4uBXNgISLThALqXwcHs2xNzuj0KuvRzUK_LSeAs5Vwcy4-20elz5b8i4TBxp48HQ1pMBA2ecGEn6dvvH8Ta2-r_IZEX5oJfi-pngmYTJcRd/w400-h303/wwe-survivor-series-92-razor-flair.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Razor Ramon & Ric Flair" width="400" /></div><br />
If you thought Flair blew his lid in his pre-match promo, you should really hear him lose his freakin' mind following their DQ loss. Mad as ever, the bad guys both raved about how unfair the outcome of their match had been.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Lord Alfred Gets a Massage</b></h3>
Prior to the PPV debut of future WWF Champion, <b>Yokozuna,</b> we were shown a pre-recorded video in which Lord Alfred Hayes entered the sumo star's dressing room, only to find Yoko receiving a massage from a couple of geisha girls.<br />
<br />
<b>Mr. Fuji </b>then invited Hayes to receive a massage, kicking him right back out of the room as soon as the microphone man began to enjoy himself a little too much.<br />
<br />
Intentionally or not, this was really rather funny.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Yokozuna vs. Virgil</b></h3>
'<i><b>Yokozuna</b> hasn't really been tested yet in the World Wrestling Federation, but he's about to be tested RIGHT NOW!' </i>lied Vince McMahon as <b>Virgil</b> charged to the ring to meet his doom.</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Yokozuna pinning Virgil" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="619" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ2Q-lWnvH8Sgs2Ug4LOyt-MuCkUqFKUDsjwWimPhCxUKeRsEOG2BWQHmbp89rTrZpz3tKosAHnZh_LtQNS318lFz0pSF3EpHVZMXD7us0s-VaoUwohD88T8va34WBGVNNcOPXKLXJlHKuA_XCO_vgpbOjXef2gVIfBPH5fW_5bQhjjdzPymFCMsds4hg/w400-h316/wwe-survivor-series-92-yoko-virgil.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Yokozuna pinning Virgil" width="400" /></div><br /><div>
For a squash match (and it's impossible to view this as anything else), this was actually a reasonably enjoyable affair.<br />
<br />
Virgil tried to hold his own against his colossal opponent but was quickly squashed, quite literally by the future world champion.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Yokozuna</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Out in the back with Sean Mooney once more, he interviewed an elated Perfect and Savage. Now firmly on the same page following their earlier tension, the two threw turkeys around the room and called each other 'the best.'</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Sean Mooney, Randy Savage, Mr Perfect and a Turkey" border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="646" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOXQ0Ic4vw-8Des2E-iUJg5TKrl8cxGCgCvaPkYTePDENIgkQ77z1lMPV0nnoFU57nR5-Ca0__IboFHInpqD3HGj-SDLIqS3P3dFkQSGDKv9UWraiDvOiHZ_R87SJt32tmBrl_pyuZ92UKfNWFcJWRPVt1omY2RGf3sFFI1AvqbNsS9q-3MswK9rfFuDF/w400-h288/wwe-survivor-series-92-perfect-turkey2.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Sean Mooney, Randy Savage, Mr Perfect and a Turkey" width="400" /></div><br /><div>It was entirely pointless, though admittedly kind of entertaining.</div><br /><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match:<br /></b><b>WWF Tag Team Champions Money Inc & The Beverley Brothers (w/ Jimmy Hart and The Genius) vs. The Natural Disasters and The Nasty Boys.</b></h3></div><div>
The only traditional elimination match on this year's Survivor Series card saw a bunch of tag teams going at it for no other apparent reason than to give them something to do. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Money Inc & The Beverley Brothers" border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="553" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bIixWo-19dZhwJSyY5MkVKMVzMIEG2by0YtRv1ZWO2iPoWBysrCNYFB12uWMhZbTWQPqUMuIU361SzjrVrJMeLP1Qz3_2E41bDnQjpgaRN_BhGG0V3j6ygZvb5zftP0AeeWWGMi87IuhzdO01cIifoENEvYUsl81vUdEJHGYHYDFFJfJZKOIS0A-wpF8/w400-h341/wwe-survivor-series-92-money-inc%23.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Money Inc & The Beverley Brothers" width="400" /></div>
<br />
Though the match itself was a fairly fun affair, it was hardly memorable and did little more than help pass the time.<br />
<br />
Indeed, it's possible that the most interesting thing in this match was <b>Ted Dibiase's </b>all-white ring attire. You know, Dibiase, the guy who wore black trunks throughout the bulk of his WWF career. Seeing him in white was just odd, as though he'd turned face without bothering to tell anybody.<div><br /></div><div>Also, as I'm updating this review a few years later, I'm reminded of the helpful comment from a long-time reader that Dibiase had no luck on PPV whatsoever whenever he switched to those white trunks.<br />
<br />
Even McMahon and Heenan seemed to lose interest pretty quick here, turning their attention instead to hyping the company's upcoming tour of Europe.<br />
<br />
Still, this was a pretty decent time-filler that ended with a win for sole survivors The Nasty Boys.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners: The Nasty Boys </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> After the match, Alfred Hayes caught up with Virgil, who warned defending WWF Champion <b>Bret 'The Hitman' Hart </b>to be wary of Yokozuna. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your writer isn't certain, but I'm pretty sure Virgil referred to Yoko as <i>Yakamuza. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCeQi28f0KIqiGZBGqseUEI-_Xbbp2DJXFCxmSHddrAdvbA1bgSbYh8QACerlN2bc2UEv3jWKf9a7_Hl_Rw1cVr6IvoIGkKh2ooELX2UOTLvquozj8mntchgYKfWvKlpE5GKs6VQIGvjI9LOci7IAV6rbO6McL8_QepteQwKJhKlB8L8XtPDjmFI77in-/s656/wwe-survivor-series-92-fake-paul-berare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Paul Bearer Cosplay Fan" border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="656" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCeQi28f0KIqiGZBGqseUEI-_Xbbp2DJXFCxmSHddrAdvbA1bgSbYh8QACerlN2bc2UEv3jWKf9a7_Hl_Rw1cVr6IvoIGkKh2ooELX2UOTLvquozj8mntchgYKfWvKlpE5GKs6VQIGvjI9LOci7IAV6rbO6McL8_QepteQwKJhKlB8L8XtPDjmFI77in-/w400-h301/wwe-survivor-series-92-fake-paul-berare.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 - Paul Bearer Cosplay Fan" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, there was this fan doing an awesome Paul Bearer cosplay, which seems worth mentioning.</div><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Coffin Match<br /></b><b>The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs. Kamala (w/ Harvey Wippleman and Kimchee)</b></h3>
So here's your back story: <b>Kamala</b> is a big guy who doesn't like <b>The Undertaker</b> and is afraid of coffins. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oOmip2K2hICgsj0e0sQ0veyqFs5DAPCVFzZ3OqYgi0MesBT-r5gASURleqTqNmeEtzf2vO42BNgxL8eM8pRt6B9fOBfgoPhlxrgnjVyM0eY72tQE3SGL3quF1RaaZTiAFhpFYBWg9c77OjZj0jFojYsdqnGxruuwIrd4MMNX5PCWib0a7viyEbAGfgLT/s638/wwe-survivor-series-92-kamala.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Kamala & Kimchee" border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="638" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oOmip2K2hICgsj0e0sQ0veyqFs5DAPCVFzZ3OqYgi0MesBT-r5gASURleqTqNmeEtzf2vO42BNgxL8eM8pRt6B9fOBfgoPhlxrgnjVyM0eY72tQE3SGL3quF1RaaZTiAFhpFYBWg9c77OjZj0jFojYsdqnGxruuwIrd4MMNX5PCWib0a7viyEbAGfgLT/w400-h301/wwe-survivor-series-92-kamala.jpg" title="WWE Survivor Series 1992 Review - Kamala & Kimchee" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>With that in mind, the two went at it in the WWF's first-ever coffin match (later better known as Casket Matches), in which the loser would be nailed into a big coffin.<br />
<br />
The picture to your left is a Paul Bearer fan in the crowd. Of course, he had nothing to do with the match itself, but I just thought the fan did such a good job cosplaying 'Taker's manager that he deserved to be immortalized in this review.<br />
<br />
As matches go, this was piss poor, and yet for some reason, the crowd was into it enough that you hardly noticed.<br />
<br />
After a contest mostly dominated by Undertaker, The Dead Man eventually pinned his opponent, tossed the Ugandan Giant into the coffin, and did a shoddy job of nailing it shut.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The Undertaker </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Prior to our main event, we received words from both Intercontinental Champion <b>Shawn Michaels </b>and reigning WWF Champion <b>Bret 'The Hitman' Hart</b>.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Sean Mooney interviews Shawn Michaels" border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="598" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhY2_sQ6gUDFtYbEp8PI1TWJyfFMW6oHQz-NkNwnO_Kq3OZCGkJBtA2x1Eog1BGxRbMGyhYedIkWQH4QwHlkvdiPO7Uit3j9CQJSdK462MMF_3iFkGMrMMOPs_vAj4LmCubUDZzVxqyyWdwM8OI7voFOqlUb_Iqz_LUjMFnTR3z2q5RzaGNgu6lrbc3YZ/w400-h315/wwe-survivor-series-92-shawn-micahels.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Sean Mooney interviews Shawn Michaels" width="400" /></div><br />
Michaels claimed that since the recently-released <b>British Bulldog </b>had defeated Hart for the IC title and he (Michaels) in turn had defeated The Bulldog for the gold, all evidence suggested that Shawn could therefore defeat Bret for the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was smart and well-delivered by HBK.<br />
<br />
In response, Hart put Michaels over as a great professional wrestler, though he obviously claimed to be better, and vowed to win their upcoming battle.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Mean Gene interviews WWF Champion Bret Hart" border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="647" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryOPcUniXhvA_1ttxrqs_TVAAF9dj179zUEdgeu3eEX3TdvCSWlVjtcSHJvo1nYbG4NW3rafen9_JtkqKd3blX8vJk30_fV1flazfWcqDQTo_xOuXxCQTRo73To2NgcudX5iQIagKt7PX_PGXr3ncVYs2M4xsM8MOA0okr3YYNqOyV14tMBHhTFmmHRVB/w400-h299/wwe-survivor-series-92-bret-hart.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Mean Gene interviews WWF Champion Bret Hart" width="400" /></div><br /><div>
Between the two interviews, we saw <b>Harvey Wippleman</b> screaming at <b>Kimchee </b>to get Kamala out of the coffin. When the Ugandan Giant did emerge, he was quite visibly shaken.</div><h3><b>World Wrestling Federation Championship Match<br /></b><b>WWF Champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart vs. WWF Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels</b></h3>
As you've probably gathered by now, the bulk of WWF Survivor Series 1992 hardly made for essential viewing. Though mostly enjoyable in their own right, you can pretty much live a full and happy life without having seen any of the other matches on this card.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls1KuS1ubXk1NKgTkTY598UTCp1ZgjEBsGkQFAmT9W2901rXTKrXNxGX65S_t9mQWNgY5rLa7omRBjyaB6UMiPZql8QwKvEL1S35fwULSz0xvi4NmFpE__1D37OYTZW8452qhSj0Q13TTP7pKII5rMyNEFBQsfFb_vuc1L-KZSnX3v_bRmMPnrF-dXD0L/s565/wwe-survivor-series-92-bret-hart-shawn-michaels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels" border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="565" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls1KuS1ubXk1NKgTkTY598UTCp1ZgjEBsGkQFAmT9W2901rXTKrXNxGX65S_t9mQWNgY5rLa7omRBjyaB6UMiPZql8QwKvEL1S35fwULSz0xvi4NmFpE__1D37OYTZW8452qhSj0Q13TTP7pKII5rMyNEFBQsfFb_vuc1L-KZSnX3v_bRmMPnrF-dXD0L/w400-h344/wwe-survivor-series-92-bret-hart-shawn-michaels.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels" width="400" /></a></div><div>
<br />
That said, the main event is certainly must-see viewing.<br />
<br />
A far cry from the gimmicks galore that surrounded the WWF at the time, and even further from the wild, heated brawl these two men would have five years later at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">Survivor Series '97</a> this was simply two awesome wrestlers on the verge of their peak being allowed to hit the ring and wrestle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
And oh did they ever wrestle.<br />
<br />
We had that all-important ring psychology, we had technical mat-based wrestling and moves off the ropes, and we had fast-paced action and slow, methodical action. We had both champ and challenger trading the advantage and we had a crowd eating up every minute of it.<br />
<br />
Sure, there's been better pro wrestling matches before and since, some of which even involved one or both men, but this was an outstanding main event match all the same and would still be so even if it didn't come on the back of a rather mediocre undercard.<br />
<br />
As for who won? The Hitman slapped Michaels in a sharp-shooter to retain the title after almost thirty minutes of solid action.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and Still WWF Champion: Bret 'The Hitman' Hart</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> In the post-match, <b>Santa Claus</b> made his way to the ring, handed Hart a piece of blue paper, and then proceeded to celebrate with the WWF Champion to close the show.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Santa Claus & Bret Hart" border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="601" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtV6F7LPDmgM1wFTce4PKpJKUhKKUG1gD5dpfWNxhrX2SRK6s6Py8jzTZkj2slI1UHF58dIH9QrYieVUbMgNe-SGcewydWVeKyoHf02MAUpACJPCC7lxy2m7zgw_MWq9CbdZCs319Lope8e_kfBImkyx-aIh4neyQXtQ3Ul3cDJYbcZcB7-O56nvFN8OY/w400-h309/wwe-survivor-series-92-santa.jpg" title="WWF Survivor Series 1992 - Santa Claus & Bret Hart" width="400" /></div><br /><div>
<i>And that, my friends, was that. Though about a thousand times better than the dire <a href="http://allprowrestlingreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">1991 show</a>, there was still nothing beyond the world title match that really fills this writer with the kind of fuzzy-warm memories usually reserved for old-school wrestling.<br />As I said earlier, your life won't be any worse off if you never see this show, but if you do decide that you want to see WWF in the final days of their bridging the gap between the Hogan Era and the New Generation, you'll at least be moderately entertained in doing so. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Gf4SvF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvFpYiJlqgjspA3BeSWjPWa3iiLkWUDCp-8TcwLKXoe1Wae5GtNqeMDZYqJ5M_cWSP3hVHQUfQePhEtEGBqk3a6NzHnNcwT_VTEz6oLhknx3TzHIQX0ndcujvDe51pFCVqn0CLJebNJNYVf3ID9EcElXR3AA7lNUWBx9ofKdXjGrsI6GYvmUqttSGSqGu/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" title="Buy The History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><hr /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><div><b><i>Other 1992 pro wrestling event reviews</i></b></div><ol><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/01/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-ii-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Superbrawl II</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/12/event-review-wwf-uk-rampage-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF UK Rampage 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/12/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wcw-wrestlewar-92.html" target="_blank">Wrestlewar 92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/event-review-wcw-clash-of-champions-xix.html" target="_blank">WCW Clash of the Champions XIX</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wcw-beach-blast-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Beach Blast '92</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1992</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/01/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1992</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series '92</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/03/retro-pro-wrestling-show-episode-1-wwf.html" target="_blank">WWF 1992 - The Year in Review</a></li></ol></div><div><div><div><b><i>Other WWF/WWE Survivor Series reviews:</i></b></div><div><ol><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1987.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1987</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1988</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1989_9.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1989</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1990</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1991</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/06/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1993.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1993</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1994</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/07/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1995.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1995</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/05/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1996.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1996</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1997</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/09/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/07/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-2000.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Sereies 2000</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-2001.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 2001</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2002</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/04/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2009.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/top-ten-matches-from-first-ten-wwe.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Matches from the First 10 Survivor Series events</a></li></ol></div></div></div><div></div><div></div><div><ol></ol></div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div><div><i><br /></i></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-67807230338573106852023-11-22T06:16:00.000-08:002024-01-04T16:32:44.784-08:00WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdk9nCFoOy6q8tLV4QlIB2hf5Da8vXP8tFwXFCox-wPMh7-sA7yIquLYGAikHuzN0R0ycxMdJUckvIhBbzvR5g8gk8I4T0amiMhEC1EGK8ZIGAjPDz5rBD8SIWBi7Wo2r9_hJt4Kgd6lvpb2RT-lfYPzW158n4gvo8wSdQPqggyrpqget0CPqaWw03H3G/s750/wwe-bad-blood-2004-event-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdk9nCFoOy6q8tLV4QlIB2hf5Da8vXP8tFwXFCox-wPMh7-sA7yIquLYGAikHuzN0R0ycxMdJUckvIhBbzvR5g8gk8I4T0amiMhEC1EGK8ZIGAjPDz5rBD8SIWBi7Wo2r9_hJt4Kgd6lvpb2RT-lfYPzW158n4gvo8wSdQPqggyrpqget0CPqaWw03H3G/w266-h400/wwe-bad-blood-2004-event-poster.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Event poster" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>June 13, 2004</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>If Bad Blood 2004 is remembered for anything, it's what many consider to be an overly-long Hell in a Cell match between former friends turned long-standing adversaries, Shawn Michaels and Triple H. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">As with many shows from around this time period, I've never actually seen it before, but I'm already skeptical that the match will prove to be anywhere near as boring as many fans seem to have dismissed it as. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Elsewhere on this Raw-brand PPV, we have Chris Benoit pulling double-duty in both tag team and world championship matches as the once-celebrated Canadian found himself at the tail end of the biggest and most successful run of his career. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Without further ado then, let's get on with it:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Blood Will Seep From the Souls of Gladiators</h3><div>Despite appearing on the promotional poster, <b>Edge</b> was nowhere to be seen in tonight’s opening video.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we focused on the <b>Triple H</b> vs. <b>Shawn Michael</b>s Hell in a Cell match and <b>Chris Benoit</b> defending the world heavyweight title against <b>Kane</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the four stars were seen in action, ominous music played and a voiceover gave us the usual dramatic spiel, this time about blood seeping from the souls of gladiators and warriors being forever changed by what we were about to witness.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="647" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IuztVf_oplzm9Un_m_rV4_OFwRKkHrCe66eKEpnvaqjfAlGiL03Msf4xLx34AjimC4H53BWHWdSvZdOQ4Oo_nsLqGI_DzX07XTi9bQMwf9RVE6QRE5-pVZY6ZrezR9JMIGMufn4WIT-T_TUM7mOOrkIZNQGdN7Qsen_uwulJPsEeKEN_d7n08giaCafo/w400-h293/wwe-bad-blood-2004-ross-lawler.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler" width="400" /></div><br /><div>In typical WWE fashion, it was a gripping way to start the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cue pyro galore, crowd shots, and a passionate greeting from none other than Jim Ross.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joined as always by Jerry Lawler, the two cast their eye over the huge steel structure hanging overhead before the bell rang and we got right into our opening match.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE World Tag Team Championship <br />WWE World Tag Team Champions La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvain Grenier) vs. Edge & WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit </h3><div>Drawing heat from the word go, <b>La Resistance</b> kicked things off by taking to the microphone to sing the Canadian national anthem before they were inevitably interrupted by fellow Canadians, Edge & Chris Benoit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - La Resistance" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="654" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7cMOjG41KwfrXgujtNTHvcbQeU8_srK7AY8oyAuo8XQ24b4mYKkmfSKtYw4e9LlXAtzah5WtSN1E1NAanXJX_MGBnj0kaCmMSAOuKYdFt75WAllZRlLF1UuAJgPxh38pvkoCfTOrUXblwaljd4FH00NNvLaia_5rOQbXDrUrnm7vdN1uEKoh_5duwLun/w400-h300/wwe-bad-blood-2004-la-resistance.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - La Resistance" width="400" /></div><br /><div>The match then got off to a fine start, with Edge entering a spirited performance against the champions before finally falling into the role of face-in-peril.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though not a masterpiece by any stretch, this was certainly a solid opener with a standard tag team formula that was elevated by the talent in the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the way, they lightly teased a modicum of tension between the challengers. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - La Resistance vs. Edge & Chris Benoit" border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="630" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwzuRFNijY3W97hsecBBqKVr77NHXtTxVMasVAEthFcarNNX2NpRiPDwaMDDeSa5pqFDO2Bcxxl8in1wKWHgO7_j2dEvFZLAL4KrpdcUCDRfOLnIOKEO-c_o78eS9nv19hUVNES6mSQn7JhChgP1JDcUE33N9VNQB8rcDI6HisdOTFCwYsuGLUjLHNBev/w400-h294/wwe-bad-blood-2004-la-resistance-edge.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - La Resistance vs. Edge & Chris Benoit" width="400" /></div><br /><div>First, Edge made it to the corner for a hot tag only to find his partner sprawled on the outside after a La Resistance cheap shot. Then, the two men nearly collided in the corner, but quickly shrugged it off and got back to business.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just when it looked like the duo had things in the bag thanks to a Benoit crossface, Kane made his arrival and destroyed both of them, resulting in a DQ.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners Via DQ: Edge & Chris Benoit (La Resistance retain)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After the bell, we cut to Chris Benoit writhing in agony on the arena floor as the announcers wondered aloud whether the champion would be in any fit state to defend his title later on in the show.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Coach is Ready for Eugene</h3><div>Cutting to the back, we found <b>Jonathan Coachman</b> eagerly psyching himself up for his match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Much to Coach’s delight, Raw General Manager <b>Eric Bischoff </b>revealed that he had taken <b>William Regal</b> out of the equation tonight, leaving Coachman free to do his thing and eliminate <b>Eugene</b> once and for all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before he could leave, however, Coach spotted something funny going on just off camera, which Bischoff casually sauntered over to deal with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it was none other than Eugene himself, who had overheard Eric calling him an embarrassment.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood '04 - Eric Bischoff & Eugene" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="625" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC57Ymz9NpcQ41w-MCsIy4IrFZLdfj03SQcZqZRHpy-pYUq9O2FOEJgDHAXN-RBSeQgpSSutMbfBFMpL8KS2PdTrHF8czheOGoXPvwr8cHqEPzN6sIvteo9_6LoSE9r_rUq7KIJAVU66k9202AqJXBiQt7vcdl9ljEL_3CNyElfvDYpCaG9DrvljC6wj3/w400-h299/wwe-bad-blood-2004-eugene-bischoff.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood '04 - Eric Bischoff & Eugene" width="400" /></div><br /><div>Feigning sympathy, Bischoff consoled an upset Eugene, trying to convince him that he simply didn’t want his nephew getting hurt like his idols, Chris Benoit and Triple H had in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>Undeterred, Eugene refused Uncle Eric’s offer to put him on a plane and send him home, instead getting gleefully excited about the prospect of hitting the ring to wrestle.</div><div><br /></div><div>We’d see that later. First, there was this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Chris Jericho vs. Tyson Tomko (w/ Trish Stratus)</h3><div>I’ll be honest, I only really know <b>Tyson Tomko</b> from his run with <b>Christian</b> in TNA, and even then I didn’t really pay much attention to his ring work.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood '04 - Chris Jericho vs. Tyson Tomko" border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="578" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rs9qipkybtmFKNRQSrITya58qtMWnHD0tUxjqIqRSpJPIhLvNSqjsTz-PcRQuRlE-RLERm5L98ijiGLnRqgyQf8BAs-6WZ3Vn0uhjghHd1-RUznLN-ALN9A-AgKnvp-ivf9ykqbXJFcrdsjIZM2HmPva53OLCaRrKhvhCaxYgfaPE3xYo2wvLRGHZMy1/w400-h340/wwe-bad-blood-2004-tomko-jericho.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood '04 - Chris Jericho vs. Tyson Tomko" width="400" /></div><br /><div>So, I wasn’t expecting too much from this one and was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be fairly enjoyable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not great, sure, but a decent David vs. Goliath in which <b>Chris Jericho</b> had to use his speed and skill to overcome the brute force of his larger opponent.</div><div><br /></div><div>At various points, it looked as though Christian’s “Problem Solver” had the match won, but it wasn’t to be his night.</div><div><br /></div><div>As <b>Trish Stratus</b> stood on the apron to give the referee a piece of her mind, Jericho pushed Tomko into her, then walloped him with an enziguri for the win.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Chris Jericho </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Out in the back, <b>Todd Grisham</b> stood by for an interview with <b>Randy Orton</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Todd Grisham interviews Randy Orton" border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="648" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS9ngZLUJKTRIB_-90uiiAZ9K1UCVXHb2BfeCnSsbr2MMGdRU1Eu5drmmjvyhQQWxdhhJRNauxvH0gKETBHtLeLMxU3lHN-gPmXw1_r32ghtPclzPxcGIRSVtV8VqCTPJa_sXM4SDZSNFG6JPo_IMkRAfhVpDJ4WPtBCAJ7GXEe9lxm26VHFA4B5xfvoa/w400-h305/wwe-bad-blood-2004-randy-orton1.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Todd Grisham interviews Randy Orton" width="400" /></div><br /><div>Marking the eve of his six-month anniversary as Intercontinental Champion, The Legend Killer began to boast about leaving Mick Foley laying in a pool of his own blood back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/wwe-backlash-2004-review.html" target="_blank">Backlash '04</a> but was soon distracted by the jeers from the fans out in the arena.</div><div><br /></div><div>Deciding he could no longer take it, Orton snatched the mic and walked out into the arena, putting himself over in a captivating promo before finally hitting the ring and demanding that the Ohio faithful bow to him.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, Orton’s scheduled opponent, <b>Shelton Benjamin</b> arrived on the scene and insisted that there was no need to wait until later in the evening for their match, they could do it right now.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE Intercontinental Championship <br />WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin</h3><div>Despite Orton’s protests, referee <b>Jack Doan</b> hit the ring and called the bell.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="635" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikg2Au104E8jbZm6FlXub1a6jMbvtSwIhaeWVOhzV7aeUMrgaubUeb2bRL32LQCdor_ugo4hgMJSOeZii0_G6nvv7-5b9TM67f1t9LZA7XB2qJCpF1zqld9Nplef521KZYkG5omRTtlC_uNpPerIeB1pklvb2jUEpG473pEMwc4-ZgCQB1GesD4icxZ3en/w400-h299/wwe-bad-blood-2004-randy-orton3.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin" width="400" /></div><br /><div>Shelton pounced, almost upsetting the champion with a roll-up for a very near fall in the opening seconds of the match before taking the fight to the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Orton soon turned the tables, setting out to systematically take his opponent apart in one of the better matches of the night.</div><div><br /></div><div>As he did so, the champion’s stablemate, <b>Ric Flair</b>, made his way out, making the save for Orton once Benjamin made a comeback and attempted a pin near the ropes.</div><div><br /></div><div>In retaliation, the challenger went after Flair, dragging him into the ring and applying a figure four to the delight of the crowd.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Orton stepped up to attack, Shelton caught him in a roll-up, simultaneously pinning Randy and holding Flair in the figure four.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the match had ended there, it would have been a fantastic finish, but tonight was not to be Shelton Benjamin’s night.</div><div><br /></div><div>He flew off the top rope towards his opponent, only to be caught, rolled up, and pinned, Orton gaining the advantage with the classic handful of tights.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still Intercontinental Champion: Randy Orton</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Backstage, <b>Matt Hardy</b> came by to wish his girlfriend, <b>Lita</b>, good luck in her upcoming women’s title match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbfL-XOEUlambikSaqt8Ow_w2_t_iwX8qp5AVkP5b3Myucz7_IR4d8OlCQLaf5-8CaujP3lXIcE-dep6ywFpwRCsp9alaPhfUUq-SkgjINoLoLZ8xBdujgwADopOH5sp7nlE0l1N0KSxVWxzNi1_l_SNpKcryHGEiPKeqCf1uNuLc2Lraznqq43Odj0uM/s644/wwe-bad-blood-2004-matt-hardy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - Eric Bischoff confronts Matt Hardy & Lita" border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="644" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbfL-XOEUlambikSaqt8Ow_w2_t_iwX8qp5AVkP5b3Myucz7_IR4d8OlCQLaf5-8CaujP3lXIcE-dep6ywFpwRCsp9alaPhfUUq-SkgjINoLoLZ8xBdujgwADopOH5sp7nlE0l1N0KSxVWxzNi1_l_SNpKcryHGEiPKeqCf1uNuLc2Lraznqq43Odj0uM/w400-h300/wwe-bad-blood-2004-matt-hardy.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 - Eric Bischoff confronts Matt Hardy & Lita" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The two began to smooch but were interrupted by Eric Bischoff and a gaggle of grumpy security guards.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking to prevent Matt Hardy from getting involved in the upcoming Benoit/Kane match, Bischoff gave the former tag team champion an ultimatum:</div><div><br /></div><div>Either leave the arena immediately or Lita’s participation in the next match would be cancelled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ever the chivalrous boyfriend, Hardy opted to leave.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE Women’s Championship <br />WWE Women’s Champion Victoria vs. Trish Stratus (w/ Tyson Tomko) vs. Gail Kim vs. Lita</h3><div><div>This is a great example of a match where the whole was not necessarily greater than the sum of its parts.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Trish Stratus, Lita, Gail Kim, and Victoria involved, this was a bout with undoubtedly the four best women wrestlers in the promotion at the time, and yet it was, at best, uninteresting, at worst, kind of messy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although it didn't last long, the whole thing seemed to consist of one girl doing a single move on another in the middle of the ring, making a count, and having it broken up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Somebody else would then hit a big move, and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Trish Stratus won the women's championship" border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="610" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKzFMR5GnOBS9zaEW1idqPNueIiBdCkqH5NxDi4W6qPFg3KFA_qIeJaSnFnN3gKnl6fnL5glErKIZbe6XR6L_gUxU0YPvo2fr8kXd_BxGl593aEC-k1o7QEjl5vX-b69Xsw30VHe3Wj3YuM4kw0ZOFp16cBwbauZG19kwR-5NLWcvRgevuwx2TqZ9KlYK/w400-h321/wwe-bad-blood-2004-trish-stratus.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Trish Stratus won the women's championship" width="400" />
</div> <br /><div>This continued until Lita nailed Gail Kim with an impressive DDT, only for Trish Stratus to capitalize, rolling up Lita for the cover, the count, and the victory.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and NEW WWE Women's Champion: Trish Stratus</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, the other girls looked on, distraught, as Stratus made her way to the back with her record-breaking fifth women's championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, JR & King took us to a promo package to one of the night's most hotly anticipated matches.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just kidding, it was for this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Eugene vs. Jonathan Coachman</h3><div>OK, say what you want about the Eugene character, but Nick Dinsmore certainly made it work to the point that he was immensely popular with the crowd here at Bad Blood 2004.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJr45vM4lkxnj-XVG1a3X9R3xSA0atFXJ5j_FFKpF-5XdkA2AfPh9yLdRjVRIe2_DhXWb9y-CZoyF0lxrSqVuywLml8QGqll94IsBVJp6d1QDF7Sfso_2R0wfd-EBKs6mtM3uTZS6Fa82YovhIXNsBldIZ1a6gQSL10_AyWrJZQQdsdnwwhSX5tMRQ4Ov/s616/wwe-bad-blood-2004-coach-eugene.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Eugene vs. Jonathan Coachman" border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="616" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJr45vM4lkxnj-XVG1a3X9R3xSA0atFXJ5j_FFKpF-5XdkA2AfPh9yLdRjVRIe2_DhXWb9y-CZoyF0lxrSqVuywLml8QGqll94IsBVJp6d1QDF7Sfso_2R0wfd-EBKs6mtM3uTZS6Fa82YovhIXNsBldIZ1a6gQSL10_AyWrJZQQdsdnwwhSX5tMRQ4Ov/w400-h284/wwe-bad-blood-2004-coach-eugene.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Eugene vs. Jonathan Coachman" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>What's more, though this was undoubtedly a comedy match, it was certainly an entertaining one.</div><div><br /></div><div>The early going saw Eugene constantly outwit and embarrass his opponent, even pulling out a spot that would later become a staple of the Saturday Morning Slam shows; both guys run the ropes, one stops and heads to the outside, the other doesn't even realize his opponent isn't there and keeps on running.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this particular instance, Eugene left Coach hitting the ropes to head outside and cuddle a teddy bear handed to him by a fan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually realizing what was going on, Coachman went outside on the attack but was once again thwarted by his nemesis.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 PPV - Jonathan Coachman tries to distract Eugene with a hot woman carrying cookies" border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="505" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vC7b3YcbA67WCcA34iO_Mp-a1U3uhMFhKH-TJQfId_VMihLrVYEQm6w6IOEkx6JAgcfCyKBvxgpMtK_Hklm0qJn7KZ0DI9MI5NpVAI_YFJo0plsdlHxb00t_namaoVblPrf7dgBo7VTessJKaDtfhsfSBZsVa8pVnzlJCL8WqDmgQoy4PwL9yPw5Snub/w400-h340/wwe-bad-blood-2004-coach-cookiewoman.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 PPV - Jonathan Coachman tries to distract Eugene with a hot woman carrying cookies" width="400" /></div><br /><div>Resorting to dirty tactics, Coach next tried to distract Eugene by bringing out a hot blonde with a tray of cookies and, when that didn't work very well, Garrison Cade got involved, only to get his comeuppance also.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, after an entertaining -if incredibly ridiculous- match, Eugene put Coach away with a crowd-popping Rock Bottom and People's Elbow.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Eugene</i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">WWE World Heavyweight Championship<br />WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit vs. Kane</h3><div>I admit that i initially turned Bad Blood 2004 off at this point and didn’t come back to it for a few days simply because, as good as his opponent was, I just didn’t relish the idea of a 20-minute Kane match.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 PPV - Kane vs. Chris Benoit" border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="479" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb7CYnPyhR7gFPQw9aVV4DHXD5WNzuQfLG6iaLTc8QTEwPBiZTPvs-wvdrfikSRBGhBpy6EBMBXNFZLsY7RiPZyqvcyZ5sLGaKNgwsdk3nsUTpcOCmKextj33IPo-ihhkVT11I40Gd7ZtbMGaXmomjaWw5sQgWLN4IcK2bn4b78nzERbIwZwEr1S9mRAl/w400-h389/wwe-bad-blood-2004-kane-benoit.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 PPV - Kane vs. Chris Benoit" width="400" /></div><br /><div>As it turned out, I found myself enjoying this much more than I thought I would.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, so there were times when things seemed to move incredibly slowly, but it was overall a riveting match with a clear story - Kane going after Benoit’s weakened neck, Benoit going after Kane’s legs in an effort to cut him down to size and apply a sharpshooter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, he got the move in, but it proved not to be enough to help the champion win the match. The Big Red Machine muscled his way to the ropes and got back to his feet.</div><div><br /></div><div>When his signature flying headbutt likewise proved ineffective, Benoit once again switched tactics, clamping in the Crippler Crossface and tanking back as if his life depended on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, even that wasn’t enough to beat the challenger, but the champion was not to be deterred.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the crowd in a frenzy, Benoit rolled up Benoit with a La magistral cradle and scored the three count.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Benoit</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>When he got backstage, Todd Grisham pulled Benoit aside to show him all of his failed attempts to make Kane submit. </div><div><br /></div><div>In one of the more bizarre segments I’ve seen in a long while, The Crippler responded to every single one of these “here’s where you failed,” remarks by repeating the exact same promo about how he was “<i>for real</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m not quite sure what the point in all that was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we got a look back at the latest chapter in the rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Triple H.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you need a recap, The Game cost HBK a title match against Benoit, so Michaels retaliated by costing HHH a battle royal victory that would have earned him a title shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two then started brawling on top of a car, which was apparently the straw that broke Eric Bischoff’s back as the Raw GM booked the following for tonight’s main event:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hell in a Cell<br />Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels </h3><div>Make no mistake about it, this match was long as hell. 47 minutes, 26 seconds long according to the official word from Jim Ross.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels, Hell in a Cell" border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="621" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-aRMz3GPXWS_4OR4Y0myZDs8mR6UTCnVjLQ4y6nYqOPccBRldMFalN6WSDvhxHD0ULlz79m5Ls22X7QLhTc_mKvEf0olOO0WLF7HL8oU67yv6-vRd86_YLozQ2JfEOc23WXSbcRN1aMvI8Ky3PcPtRE6Oq4aemNaeB43kAgeImSO2nZSzabjV1DUjUdg/w400-h311/wwe-bad-blood-2004-hbk-hhh.jpg" title="WWE Bad Blood 2004 Review - Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels, Hell in a Cell" width="400" /></div><br /><div>So it would be easy to argue -as so many other wrestling reviewers have over the years- that even though it was good, it would have been even better with about 20 minutes or so lopped off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having just finished watching it, I’m inclined to disagree.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, there was a lot of laying around “playing dead,” and yes, there may have been moments that weren’t necessarily as exciting as others, but those moments only served to enhance the overall ebb and flow of this dramatic and bloody saga.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it was a saga.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the culmination of a fierce rivalry, two former best friends turned bitter enemies who had been waging war on each other for months, finally settling the score once and for all no matter what it took, no matter what they had to do to one another.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it meant destroying one another with chairs, ring steps, and ladders, so be it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it meant drawing major blood and battling to the point that both men looked like the walking dead, so be it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it meant fighting so much that neither man could stand of their own free will and the two had to literally use one another’s body to get up, the war to end all wars between Shawn Michaels and Triple H was going to be over one way or another.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could they have produced a match that was just as good, or possibly even better, match in half the time?</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they could, but even at three-quarters of an hour and counting, this was far from boring if you were prepared to get truly engrossed in the story and saw all the time they spent napping on the mat not as time wasted, but as two men who had given it everything they had and were now desperately fighting for a single last ounce of energy with which to put their opponent away.</div><div><br /></div><div>That’s my verdict at least, and one I’m prepared to stick to. After all, if we all agreed on everything, life would be even more boring than most folks claim this match to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rant aside, the whole thing came to an end with a victory for Triple H after the exhausted superstar put his best friend away with two pedigrees.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Triple H</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, the rest of Evolution came out to carry their battle-fatigued leader to the back, afterwards Shawn Michaels was helped to his feet by the official, receiving applause from the Ohio faithful as Bad Blood 2004 came to a close.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>If it wasn't for that Hell in a Cell match, this show would have faded into the history books, destined to largely forgotten. </i></div><div><i>Don't get me wrong, the Benoit/Kane match was a damn fine match, but it's not exactly one anybody is still talking about, and I don't think that's 100% due to Benoit.</i></div><div><i>Nothing on this show was actually bad (even Coach/Eugene served its purpose), but you'd have to hope that WWE would start to seriously up their game after this show as Summerslam 2004 got ever closer. </i></div><div><i>I'll have a review of that show published in a few weeks. </i></div><div><i>Until then, thanks for reading and be sure to check out my <a href="https://amzn.to/3utVfqv" target="_blank">Retro Pro Wrestling books on Amazon</a>:</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46u20pv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of WWE Survivor Series on Amazon now" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xvSev-j0uuEl76q9jL5may2d2kfNH7LKqmxtv6kSjfHYnyp1hAmCFicy_IIUblIL4fUxAbDopG5nzt2WmywE1UKgQru7UUB5V0_MTP9mHvC2U5iZqHkfbyeFXb_2tJXzlSF_D_YUasvKYSt20yUEw-RlwIie7Z8R2Mt0BoI5pM-3Rzoe_k3sozRQWipj/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" title="Buy The Complete History of WWE Survivor Series on Amazon now" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><i>More 2004 Pro Wrestling Reviews: </i></b></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/03/ppv-review-wwe-royal-rumble-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Royal Rumble 2004</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/ppv-review-wwe-no-way-out-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE No Way Out 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/08/ppv-review-wwe-wrestlemania-xx.html" target="_blank">WWE Wrestlemania 20</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/wwe-backlash-2004-review.html" target="_blank">WWE Backlash 2004</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2004.html" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2004</a></li></ul><div><div><b><i>Other Bad Blood reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/05/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-18-badd.html" target="_blank">WWF In Your House 18: Badd Blood (1997)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/ppv-review-wwe-bad-blood-2003.html" target="_blank">WWE Bad Blood 2003</a></li></ul></div></div><div></div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a>.</b></i></span></span> </div><div><br /></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-83860120349041403592023-11-17T04:33:00.000-08:002023-11-17T04:41:44.879-08:00ECW Three Way Dance 1995 Review<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWCejZnNp1wxsP3UWbWU1Z_h55ql3JxLVguw8Ov8Zf0wo5KE3YunVZR0xZLqg1KiDcrkTYU_ak49zIrZHyZMOVeR_Ryc8FvR4EVyOBaYFnHycHiJQtbyBu3R8cucQhfN337jHaLBjNtw5A1kG6lnUc2UGE7xeTfYAOOihm7evEpsuyqiij9cBCCndmpDF/s956/ecw-3-way-dance-1995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance 1995 Review - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="708" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWCejZnNp1wxsP3UWbWU1Z_h55ql3JxLVguw8Ov8Zf0wo5KE3YunVZR0xZLqg1KiDcrkTYU_ak49zIrZHyZMOVeR_Ryc8FvR4EVyOBaYFnHycHiJQtbyBu3R8cucQhfN337jHaLBjNtw5A1kG6lnUc2UGE7xeTfYAOOihm7evEpsuyqiij9cBCCndmpDF/w296-h400/ecw-3-way-dance-1995.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance 1995 Review - Event poster" width="296" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>April 8, 1995<br />ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>In
the weeks leading up to it, ECW Three Way Dance 1995 had been promoted
as the biggest event in Extreme Championship Wrestling history.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
company went all out to make the event's namesake main event -a
three-way tag team title match pitting tag team champions Chris Benoit
& Dean Malenko against The Public Enemy and the team of Sabu and
Taz- seem like a major deal.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, proving that the 90s really were lawless times in professional wrestling, one of those stars upped sticks and took a booking elsewhere, throwing plans for this hugely hyped show into disarray. </div><div> </div><div>Would ECW recover? Would 3 Way Dance '95 live up to the hype despite the company being ditched by one of it's top stars?</div><div> </div><div>Let's head down to the ECW Arena to find out. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Sabu is in Japan </b></h3></div><div>The Three Way dance began with <b>Joey Styles</b> in front of that famous ECW TV backdrop, providing something of a disclaimer for home video fans, noting that although Sabu had been advertised as part of the event’s namesake main event, he wouldn’t be there because he was in Japan.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - Joey Styles" border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="664" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGgzZBzgMwQZn5hPoilQ6fFSCzeBEIssCTaTFqhrqtRNczbwGgUsDs8PynRtew1KUZmEPpI6tvcT8NTYL2W6tBvLeLSWjQYqHxBoxAKU5roH1LpvaMD1ND3kySdxFElBmphURqGwXGg9jQim2sU-ZHrH_n7_i0pxKZ4IY_1Y3ADxvYRhmsxVKaxrhozgp/w400-h288/ecw-3-way-dance-beaulah-joey2.jpg" title="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - Joey Styles" width="400" /></div><br /><div>Yes, this was the time Sabu famously chose to take a booking overseas at the same time as a highly promoted show with his name on the marquee.</div><div><br /></div><div>He’d be gone from the company for a short spell, enjoying a proverbial cup of coffee in WCW before being welcomed back into the ECW fold.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, we cut from Joey Styles to…Joey Styles.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Stevie Richards Replaces The Broad Street Bullies </h3><div>This time, Joey was ringside at the actual live event, welcoming his guests, <b>Raven</b>, <b>Stevie Richards</b>, and <b>The Broad Street Bullies</b>.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKUX34vZ6Z9FPcSN9j0fQvswz1ZLcS985j5JgVOowHBNQMW7-EjyNBj8krIkzgfc3Zi6WthfZ_0VwSnIk_pjfo0UGxUxbDIPn6USbaqLrMTwrOKYuyHbf5_XdQ8xl0h_A4UPgukfWckpB49c8BjCghiVGmfRDQgk3jsytQaabxqFNUubJGadPM6SlWLru/s672/ecw-3-way-dance-raven-stevie-richards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - Joey Styles w/ Raven & Stevie Richards" border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="672" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKUX34vZ6Z9FPcSN9j0fQvswz1ZLcS985j5JgVOowHBNQMW7-EjyNBj8krIkzgfc3Zi6WthfZ_0VwSnIk_pjfo0UGxUxbDIPn6USbaqLrMTwrOKYuyHbf5_XdQ8xl0h_A4UPgukfWckpB49c8BjCghiVGmfRDQgk3jsytQaabxqFNUubJGadPM6SlWLru/w400-h293/ecw-3-way-dance-raven-stevie-richards.jpg" title="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - Joey Styles w/ Raven & Stevie Richards" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Brimming with excitement, Richards informed The Bullies that they’d be fired if they didn’t win their upcoming match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, Tony Stetson and Johnny Hotbody didn’t take too kindly to this until Richards revealed that the order had been handed down to Raven himself, at which point the duo immediately complied and hit the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>As they did so, Stevie revealed that he’d actually recruited an even better team than the Bullies to do Raven’s bidding:</div><div><br /></div><div>The Pitbulls </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Broad Street Bullies (‘Hitman’ Tony Stetson & Johnny Hotbody) vs. The Pitbulls (Pitbull #1 & Pitbull #2)</h3><div>The transition from Eastern Championship Wrestling to the hardcore edgy climate of Extreme Championship may have been subtle and gradual, but there was nothing gradual or subtle about this match.</div><div><br /></div><div>An obvious message that this was a new era in ECW, this one saw one of the company’s most popular teams absolutely demolish the former ECW tag champions in record time with neither of the Bullies getting in a lick of offence.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great way to start the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Want your audience pumped up from the word go? Book a smash-mouth tag team like The Pitbulls to come in and bulldoze their way to victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>That’s precisely what <b>#1</b> and <b>#2</b> did here, planting Stetson with a top rope spike powerbomb for the win in no time at all.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: The Pitbulls</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Richards gloated about having found a team worthy of being Raven’s henchmen before the team gloated about kicking so much ass.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKaksM9PEhJyo_VwTP7i2RSbeuUofy_1Brrp0v509g3V2oudT1zUvG3lgX-4gZ6PYFBYCPDXqJzJ_xGFBDTFQ9JQ-Ub02Wr1LNcB_ayHfETwVTDTZK9MsVaT3CYhmNvBSfQitVhohKRIOcyQ_3YwdIkywDYNCjZHYcrji-pyrab24tO6n6uulYfp6jlXu/s648/ecw-3-way-dance-pitbulls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - The Pitbulls pledge their allegiance to Raven" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="648" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKaksM9PEhJyo_VwTP7i2RSbeuUofy_1Brrp0v509g3V2oudT1zUvG3lgX-4gZ6PYFBYCPDXqJzJ_xGFBDTFQ9JQ-Ub02Wr1LNcB_ayHfETwVTDTZK9MsVaT3CYhmNvBSfQitVhohKRIOcyQ_3YwdIkywDYNCjZHYcrji-pyrab24tO6n6uulYfp6jlXu/w400-h276/ecw-3-way-dance-pitbulls.jpg" title="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - The Pitbulls pledge their allegiance to Raven" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The duo didn’t take too kindly to Richards suggesting he could order them about, but they did pledge their allegiance and loyalty to Raven, who instantly flashed a rare smile and dismissed them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Big Stevie wasn’t done with the surprises, however.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Remember that girl you were telling me about? The girl that was at summer camp with you and Dreamer?”</i> He asked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Raven did indeed remember her and wasn’t too pleased when he found out Stevie had brought “<i>that fat, disgusting, overweight piece of hell to the ECW arena</i>,” even going as far as to backhand Richards across the mush.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stevie was quick to explain. This girl was no longer the way Raven remembered her, and to prove it, he brought a beautiful young woman out to ringside.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_H94Z39sjcfk6pskdhVX0P-lU-Wtd7umxsjZtB1JOkdRHoANMVRor2mXUlgh4ph1GzaPudcVcIK1etayRsyni6JWYXyCmVPda71imRvOLznCumQoSUR25vzrI_HAiTjYzshNPxGkwV-f2meKeuEtykwBCef7PlZ5HFOHtW0XZzg1Hiir37vUxRV7X_Yg/s615/ecw-3-way-dance-beaulah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - Beulah McGillicutty debuts in ECW" border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="615" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_H94Z39sjcfk6pskdhVX0P-lU-Wtd7umxsjZtB1JOkdRHoANMVRor2mXUlgh4ph1GzaPudcVcIK1etayRsyni6JWYXyCmVPda71imRvOLznCumQoSUR25vzrI_HAiTjYzshNPxGkwV-f2meKeuEtykwBCef7PlZ5HFOHtW0XZzg1Hiir37vUxRV7X_Yg/w400-h316/ecw-3-way-dance-beaulah.jpg" title="ECW 3 Way Dance 1995 - Beulah McGillicutty debuts in ECW" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Ladies and gentlemen, <b>Beulah McGillicutty</b> had arrived in ECW.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Raven (w/ Stevie Richards and Beulah McGuillcutty) vs. Tommy Dreamer </h3><div>Like the one before it, this match immediately started in high gear with Raven attacking his arch-rival before the bell.</div><div><br /></div><div>He soon lost the advantage, however, as <b>Tommy Dreamer</b> took control and battered Raven up through the stands and around the arena for a very entertaining brawl.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back at ringside, Dreamer borrowed some plunder from the ECW faithful, hurting his opponent with a cheese grater and sign before throwing him into a chair held aloft by a fan.</div><div><br /></div><div>This only seemed to snap Raven into focus. He immediately grabbed the chair and bashed his nemesis over the head with it</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet it was Dreamer who dominated this highly enjoyable bout. He even looked to have the win in the bag until he was distracted by Richards choking Beulah at ringside after she rebuked his kiss.</div><div><br /></div><div>The babyface hero leapt to the lady’s aid, only for Beulah to blind him with hairspray.</div><div><br /></div><div>That allowed Raven to DDT Dreamer on the floor and steal the match.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Raven </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Joey Styles claimed the whole ending had been a rouse. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was most likely true, but wouldn’t it have been a nice idea to confirm it by showing Richards and Bealuah giving it their best “<i>ha! Gotcha sucker!</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we cut straight to this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ron Simmons vs. Mikey Whipreck</h3><div>Up next, <b>Ron Simmons</b> hit the ring and took to the microphone, urging his opponent, <b>Mikey Whipreck</b> to stay in the back and avoid an ass-whooping.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mS-4HLy75jddYUyv-wVac6gYfSmbkwmSmw5e6nQLfCOTydoRrUPa2k2vAEcNEghzeN115-Kkw6ehiGAqlQWd6EYdPoqkTIPRPZp0rwANLmm7hBR7lJJnjdWDK4fLc2McpVzanEWHrEGis1pAeB5Q8xTpwhxyrWFRAL8TLFEELkYtHKfxl3rV90WeCTiQ/s583/ecw-3-way-dance-beaulah-ron-simmons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 - Ron Simmons vs. Mikey Whipreck" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="583" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mS-4HLy75jddYUyv-wVac6gYfSmbkwmSmw5e6nQLfCOTydoRrUPa2k2vAEcNEghzeN115-Kkw6ehiGAqlQWd6EYdPoqkTIPRPZp0rwANLmm7hBR7lJJnjdWDK4fLc2McpVzanEWHrEGis1pAeB5Q8xTpwhxyrWFRAL8TLFEELkYtHKfxl3rV90WeCTiQ/w400-h326/ecw-3-way-dance-beaulah-ron-simmons.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 - Ron Simmons vs. Mikey Whipreck" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Mikey failed to heed the warning and soon found himself at the mercy of Simmons’ brutal demolition job.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know, I’ve never been the biggest Ron Simmons fan, but after watching his ECW run as of late, it’s all the more baffling that Vince McMahon would take this obnoxious and sadistic heel and make him a goofy Roman gladiator.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here, the former WCW champion threw his opponent around like a rag doll before finishing him off with a couple of clotheslines, a clear message to the fans who had been chanting for <b>911</b> throughout the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, Simmons could have shown. mercy to his opponent and won the match. Instead, he got himself disqualified by wrapping his hand around the referee’s throat and slamming him into the mat.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner Via DQ: Ron Simmons </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Simmons gorilla pressed Mikey and hurled him to the outside, only for 911 to finally show up and catch Whipreck before he splattered on the concrete.</div><div><br /></div><div>A brawl immediately ensued, ending with Simmons sending shockwaves through the land of extreme by drilling 911 with a clothesline.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, a gaggle of jobbers hit the ring to help the fallen One Move Wonder. So, naturally, 911 recovered and chokeslammed each and every one of them, called Ron Simmons a “<i>piece of sh*t</i>” and stormed to the back, presumedly in search of his arch-rival.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Rick Steiner Arrives in ECW</h3><div>With the Chokeslam Party over, we cut to Joey Styles conducting an in-ring interview with <b>Chris Benoit</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>In his usual deliberate style, The Crippler lambasted The Tazmaniac for costing <b>Dean Malenko</b> the TV title before turning his attention to Taz’s originally scheduled partner, Sabu.</div><div><br /></div><div>Benoit got a big pop for calling Sabu a “p*ssy” who was too scared to face he and Malenko, but soon reverted to full-on heel mode by challenging <b>Taz</b> to a fight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, Tazmaniac rushed to the ring and went fist and fire with the tag team champion until he was blindsided by Dean Malenko.</div><div><br /></div><div>The subsequent two-on-one beatdown didn’t last long, however, as none other than <b>Rick Steiner</b> arrived on the scene to even the score.</div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier, Joey Styles had promised us that he would have a surprise partner to replace Sabu as Tazmaniac’s partner.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Dog Faced Gremlin was clearly that surprise partner and the fans seemed perfectly happy with that choice, chanting “<i>f**k Sabu!!</i>” in unison as Steiner, Tazmaniac, and Dangerously celebrated in the ring. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Extreme Championship Wrestling Television Championship <br />ECW TV Champion 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Eddie Guerrero</h3><div>From one debut to another, the one and only <b>Eddie Guerrero</b> made his first appearance in an ECW ring next, challenging <b>2 Cold Scorpio</b> for the TV title in a phenomenal match.</div><div> </div><div><div align="center"><img align="center" alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 - Eddie Guerrero vs. 2 Cold Scorpio" border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBJh5CATu1U8T9DqWfcM3FMKg-EgX1eJVxZ_rEfC2uTniUltpiwbZm4Kz1sqKnD0O5D6nQyoCIDzh9PY2iQjidU96fJSqbr_VOI8i6OAx4Zs7wgOUB_po8QPm8Ih6vnht-hhlvInsiLJaqBLbN89F87B3iHljpEtWjx7o2OuGDMHH0Ur6X9GTlk5oFFsE/w400-h258/ecw-3-way-dance-beaulah-eddie-scorpio.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 - Eddie Guerrero vs. 2 Cold Scorpio" width="400" /></div><div><br />Things were evenly matched at first, the two men feeling each other out and delighting the audience with a brilliant display of catch-as-catch-can before the challenger gained firm control.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the fans clearly on his side, Guerrero threw everything he had at the champion yet it still wasn’t enough to secure a victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having seemingly exhausted his arsenal, Eddie eventually found himself back on the defensive, Scorpio busting out one big move after another to leave his opponent laying practically motionless in prime position for a Tumbleweed.</div><div><br /></div><div>When that only earned a two count, the champ shot his opponent into the ropes. Guerrero, who brief moments earlier had appeared dead on his feet, suddenly shot at Scorpio, catching him with a roll-up to end what truly had to be one of the best matches of 1995.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and New ECW TV Champion: Eddie Guerrero</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After the match, Guerrero and Scorpio shook hands while Joey Styles gave a shout-out to the late, great Love Machine Art Barr.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hair vs. Hair Match<br />Axl Rotten vs. Ian Rotten</h3><div>Life can be cruelly unfair sometimes. Like when it rains on the day you’re supposed to go to the beach, or when the ECW show you’re watching follows up an amazing TV title match with more boring trash from the brothers Rotten.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was now the third major match between <b>Axl Rotte</b>n and <b>Ian Rotten</b>, and not only was it every bit as bad, it was practically the same match as the last two.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two men met at the foot of the entranceway for a brawl, beat each other up outside the ring with some weapons, then got back in and hit each other with yet more weapons.</div><div><br /></div><div>That could be a description of any of the three recent outings between these two men, with the only difference being the kind of plunder they used to batter one another with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even the piledriver on a chair shot had a faint ring of deja by to it, and when Axl finally used that chair to put his brother out for the count, it was a small mercy.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Axl Rotten </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After the bell, Axl began to shave Ian’s head, but when the victor turned to display his trophy to the audience, Ian attacked him from behind with a chair and stabbed him with whatever hair-cutting product was being used.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 - Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten" border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="611" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnne-7wNTqjzJJ1PBHYI-BSIdSn2WucmtD-WQlC6HisF7G3WVg5wM0Yu_Y4O-vv8LOMH5m3XPiFzgGOCU5UzKe4qyXouUPHfifwuVkaFhQnoj6cGURbDUaNOFpbB-3OWFiRD-2v_DMvDYSC-uGaZ5bKiaMbLo1dkJuxlfmqrAHeaiBF3ML6zeaDAfGjPDv/w400-h309/ecw-3-way-dance-rottens2.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 - Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten" width="400" /></div><br /></div><div>Finally, Ian left the arena, though not before hurling a trash can in the ring as a perfect symbol of how truly garbage this whole feud was.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hack Meyers vs. Dino Sandoff</h3><div>Destined to be a footnote in the annals of pro wrestling history, generic jobber Dino Sandoff was obliterated in a standard squash match that neither entertained nor offended.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sandoff looked terrible, tripping over Hack Meyers in one drop-down spot and barely making it over him in the second one.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was literally the only notable thing he did. </div><div><br /></div><div>Though he did get in a modicum of offence towards the end, it consisted of 95% clotheslines and wasn’t very interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Clearly, he was there merely as a body Meyers could bash around so that the fans would have an excuse to shout “Shah!” with every blow.</div><div><br /></div><div>After much Shahing, Meyers hit a brain buster to send off Sandoff further into the depths of obscurity.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Hack Meyers</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, this:</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Extreme Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship <br />ECW Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas vs. The Sandman (w/ Woman) </h3><div>This show hasn’t been very well edited by WWE’s music department.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - Woman & The Sandman" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="595" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH0vRAm7kufVKf2ZP8STB_xG7l6HPcXkRvLDCFZAC1Xvtii69kvPskmZLr4XNdwSHzpLvWgfLLed8hpICW6hxZn7yW9u2EyWc17nLiPSJfo9smG_2reExcxP5WrjFixSQP3oAXYhuXw-SP59HWNvTpamdOVF2SB9HyKMzcrq0H-Ld7fdVOYjyxLF7iFOH/w400-h313/ecw-3-way-woman-sandman.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - Woman & The Sandman" width="400" /></div><br /><div>Earlier, I swore I could hear Alice In Chains underneath the generic “<i>we’re not paying for those song rights</i>” soundalike, and now I know for sure you can hear the familiar growl of James Hetfield beneath this Enter Sandman soundalike.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, that wasn’t as jarring as the fact this home video version features a heavily edited cut of the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t know about you, but that makes me question why, if any match had to be cut down, it was the world heavyweight title match which is supposed to be important and not that dumb Rotten mess.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the editing did make it very easy to follow the story.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - The Sandman vs. Shane Douglas" border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="658" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrRBhkwRw56qe8i2eslKo0Rib9gjWiat500bYMStVQ1jXWQ_ztQkUybqCp5H6DazYYMZpC9tf7eSQRGwMv4hyugmofhdAD5NteKavGCiXJSK3nRopbeL-TGlPz0yaCJJjGeZUrkC4Krn9upZpqCeTJNLHeLN1fhRiBoX3IQgaoONLdpHK0Adl3MRSuUa0/w400-h272/ecw-3-way-dance-sandman-douglas.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - The Sandman vs. Shane Douglas" width="400" /></div><br /><div><b>The Sandman</b> was able to out-wrestle the world champion at every turn, wearing him down without relying on his usual hardcore weapons-and-brawling style in an effort to prove himself worthy of the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>When a crossface chicken wing wouldn’t do the job, Sandman leapt from the top rope with a flying leg drop, hilariously eliciting another “<i>f**k Sabu</i>” chant from the crowd.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever he tried to get his manager, <b>Woman</b>, in on the fun, however, she refused to strike <b>Shane Douglas</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, the champion made a comeback, but was once again overpowered by the challenger, who, with the match seemingly in the bag, sparked up a cigarette and sent Woman to fetch his Singapore cane.</div><div><br /></div><div>She obliged, yet rather than handing it straight to her charge, she waited until he was distracted and discreetly tossed it to Douglas.</div><div><br /></div><div>One low blow and a roll-up layer, the champion retained.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still ECW World Heavyweight Champion: Shane Douglas</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I’m not sure if I’m just high right now, but I’m pretty sure that’s at least the fourth or fifth Shane Douglas title defense I’ve seen recently where the so-called “fighting champion” wins with a fluke roll-up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, a heel’s gotta heel, which meant Douglas left not only with his title but with a new companion, embracing and snogging Woman in the middle of the ring before exiting with her, leaving Sandman alone to smoke a cigarette.</div><div><br /></div><h3>Sandman Swears Revenge</h3><div>Sandman was still smoking as we cut to a backstage promo in which the pissed-off wrestler promised to beat Douglas in their scheduled rematch and reign unholy misogyny down on Woman.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - The Sandman swears revenge on Shane Douglas" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="599" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIPZuM6NULmJF2N0XexJyg_fptEaasT4b9z_HF1NRei5_eCU8Eqrk0-WHyFcW51DB7SOyTBsj7vB7BfY5Sw240FoATe4RNIQHTUm32o078dNvU0y8hVhQZ8Uy-YI4ASXfgcFiN9XXylzBzmIE2dCgfIOPYaU_pC-WB2Nm27DxvrRvdqS0HK-2K6nfk5vr/w400-h316/ecw-3-way-dance-sandman2.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - The Sandman swears revenge on Shane Douglas" width="400" /></div><div><br />Offering a retort, Douglas cut a much better promo, vowing to shut Sandman’s mouth once and for all when they met for the “<i>ECW world heavyweight belt.</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m convinced Vince McMahon heard this promo and signed Douglas just so he could punish him with the Dean Douglas gimmick for using the word “belt.”</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvhN1uTTHqoTPwoGWipAPoOVSr7YaSfiMRAAGJloh5JVtruLXZ_LSjm3_9kcUM2QCwzAhTn7qfBSKL-tG5QjBPKCatrybqhxi9TQxkeXXbE0b8VFRLgo1sjaKyr8_n4-GbsVHJtSj0rAGA0ibz5f5LaQlGc7q2MsIUO0RBm2bPjLgtbMHT63X6z6mMa5K/s579/ecw-3-way-dance-woman-douglas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - Woman and Shane Douglas" border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="579" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvhN1uTTHqoTPwoGWipAPoOVSr7YaSfiMRAAGJloh5JVtruLXZ_LSjm3_9kcUM2QCwzAhTn7qfBSKL-tG5QjBPKCatrybqhxi9TQxkeXXbE0b8VFRLgo1sjaKyr8_n4-GbsVHJtSj0rAGA0ibz5f5LaQlGc7q2MsIUO0RBm2bPjLgtbMHT63X6z6mMa5K/w400-h338/ecw-3-way-dance-woman-douglas.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance '95 Review - Woman and Shane Douglas" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As his lengthy yet captivating promo neared it’s conclusion, Douglas also promised to put his fist deep inside The Sandman’s ass, which is…</div><div><br /></div><div>…erm…</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Woman added her a few comments of her own, letting Sandman know that not only was she in no way scared of him, but she was the very reason for his success.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was great; especially with it fading out in the pair’s evil villain laugh.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>Three Way Dance for the Extreme Championship Wrestling World Tag Team Championship <br />ECW World Tag Team Champions Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko vs. The Public Enemy ('Flyboy' Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge) vs. Taz & Rick Steiner (w/ Paul E. Dangerously & 911)</h3><div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The tag team champions wasted no time getting stuck into this one, going straight after Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge before the third team, Taz and Rick Steiner, had even stepped through the curtain.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXA5P7mtwA-LeetYCeHJvKXG7Ri89Cnl4JnvzApHM6lSJeMlwwtJWAhL09ZGjqUr26EwY0JEYgFjlT10R77LhyTyUNmJwiPFGvvyo41C-2uJA_ETIkbPLH0y3OT2LXmBK1r-Fnl59w-gAAbqbTKy9qx9BMQ8lMeEZeq1jvuQpp7PAtMLhwkYEFxM9u7ht/s611/ecw-3-way-dance-rocco-rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance 1995 - Flyboy Rocco Rock" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="611" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXA5P7mtwA-LeetYCeHJvKXG7Ri89Cnl4JnvzApHM6lSJeMlwwtJWAhL09ZGjqUr26EwY0JEYgFjlT10R77LhyTyUNmJwiPFGvvyo41C-2uJA_ETIkbPLH0y3OT2LXmBK1r-Fnl59w-gAAbqbTKy9qx9BMQ8lMeEZeq1jvuQpp7PAtMLhwkYEFxM9u7ht/w400-h295/ecw-3-way-dance-rocco-rock.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance 1995 - Flyboy Rocco Rock" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">When they did arrive on the scene, Paul E.’s men did so in a whirlwind of suplexes and general violence.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the duo took the fight to their opponents, Steiner in particular looked as though he clearly gave no fucks, throwing his weight around with some brutally stiff-looking offense and at one point no-selling a vicious German suplex from Benoit in a way that really stretched credibility.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The early chaos soon gave way to a wild six-man brawl. Unfortunately, some of this was hard to follow since most of it was shown from the perspective of a single hard camera that was zoomed all the way out to try and fit everyone in the frame.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">So it was relief, both to myself as a viewer and probably to the guys Rick Steiner was running roughshod over that he and Taz were the first team eliminated.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Not that they went quietly. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">After Benoit & Malenko took out Taz, the Dog-Faced Gremlin pounced back into the ring and all hell broke loose.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Once the dust finally settled, we were left with a reasonably enjoyable battle between the remaining two teams.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The champs emerged from that battle with the match seemingly in the bag, especially after Benoit suplexed Rocco Rock off the top through a table.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7Wnn-H4v45T5huJw_f83nIAUaCk-tdVNhaUAfkS1l-yh9zyo_0_ols-LLvGlOHX7p7Pg6aFLeM74sZ2lpR0dag1Azf-jWUzSlRNCALige39bWkTMYBMRxy6sius6sX4V3dfjIudJpkxewnfl6XZm1QegscoW6SGPoPDks-Zq45L1d7DmCPHNTzL8YSAI/s570/ecw-3-way-dance-dean-malenko.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Three Way Dance 1995 - Dean Malenko mocks Sabu" border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="570" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7Wnn-H4v45T5huJw_f83nIAUaCk-tdVNhaUAfkS1l-yh9zyo_0_ols-LLvGlOHX7p7Pg6aFLeM74sZ2lpR0dag1Azf-jWUzSlRNCALige39bWkTMYBMRxy6sius6sX4V3dfjIudJpkxewnfl6XZm1QegscoW6SGPoPDks-Zq45L1d7DmCPHNTzL8YSAI/w400-h346/ecw-3-way-dance-dean-malenko.jpg" title="ECW Three Way Dance 1995 - Dean Malenko mocks Sabu" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Feeling confident, Malenko even took a moment to respond to the fans’ “<i>f*k Sabu"</i> chant by mocking the AWOL grappler.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Confidence soon turned to cockiness, however, as he and Benoit courteously offered one another the opportunity to pin Rock. Obviously, this gave Flyboy enough time to recover so that, when Malenko did eventually go for a nonchalant cover, the challenger was able to kick out.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">That was the beginning of the end. Moments later, Public Enemy hit the Drive-By to end this underwhelming main event and capture their third tag team championship.
</span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><i>Your Winners and New ECW Tag Team Champions: The Public Enemy</i></b></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">No sooner had the bell ring than Steiner and Taz were back, brawling with Malenko and Benoit all the way to the curtain while Rock and Grunge celebrated.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Moments later, The Pitbulls hit the ring and ECW Three Way Dance came to an end with them attacking the new champions, setting up a match for the following week’s Hostile City Showdown.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>So, did ECW live up to the hype? For the most part, yes it did.
Sure, the main event may have been hard to follow and it certainly looked messy in places, but I've seen enough ECW by now to believe that it wouldn't have been any better even if Sabu had been involved.
Elsewhere, the debuts of </i></span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>Beulah McGillicutty and Eddie Guerrero added some excitement to the show, with the latter's match against 2 Cold Scorpio stealing "match of the night honors" by a large margin.
With that, I'm off to start my Hostile City Showdown '95 review. I'll get that posted in the next few weeks. </i></span></p></div></div><div> </div><div><div><b><i>Other ECW Reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/event-review-ecw-super-summer-sizzler.html" target="_blank">ECW Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-ecw-ultra-clash-1993.html" target="_blank">ECW Ultra Clash 1993</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-ecw-nwa-bloodfest-93.html" target="_blank">NWA Blood Fest 1993</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/event-review-ecw-night-line-was-crossed.html" target="_blank">ECW The Night The Line Was Crossed 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-ecw-when-worlds-collide.html" target="_blank">ECW When World's Collide 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/07/event-review-ecw-hostile-city-showdown.html" target="_blank">ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/11/event-review-ecw-heatwave-1994.html" target="_blank">ECW Heatwave 1994 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/11/ecw-hardcore-heaven-1994-review.html" target="_blank">ECW Hardcore Heaven 1994 </a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/event-review-ecw-november-to-remember.html" target="_blank">ECW November to Remember 1994 </a></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-ecw-double-tables-1995.html" target="_blank">ECW Double Tables</a></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ecw-return-of-funker-review-february.html" target="_blank">ECW Return of the Funker </a></span> <br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-ecw-november-to-remember-1999.html" target="_blank">ECW November to Remember 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/05/ppv-review-ecw-one-night-stand-2005.html" target="_blank">WWE - ECW One Night Stand 2005</a></li></ul></div></div><div> </div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></span> <br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-65292802006259998162023-11-13T05:05:00.000-08:002023-11-13T05:05:55.031-08:00PPV REVIEW: WWF Survivor Series 1996<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yLnNm6CVFske2O5ahkpcBXmEy-yByo2QRKQ1Y_2v4Ovsm7t5XrHmYgOBFRrvfu44z2DmsTvnyV0Fp1LyX1S2lbMcEVOkq90KUbm67opK-j4X5CzztspufcrQU75sgG42rUAFoLZccQpw/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_eventposer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: event poster" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yLnNm6CVFske2O5ahkpcBXmEy-yByo2QRKQ1Y_2v4Ovsm7t5XrHmYgOBFRrvfu44z2DmsTvnyV0Fp1LyX1S2lbMcEVOkq90KUbm67opK-j4X5CzztspufcrQU75sgG42rUAFoLZccQpw/w295-h400/wwf_survivorseries96_eventposer.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: event poster" width="295" /></a></div>
<b><i><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div>November 17, 1996 <br />Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>*<i>Review updated November 2023</i><br />
<br />
<b>In November 1996, the World Wrestling Federation celebrated the 10th annual Survivor Series by presenting a product that was a far cry from the one seen at the first event back in the mid-1980s. </b><br />
<b><br /></b> The original 5 vs. 5 concept of the first-ever Survivor Series had gone, replaced now with a tidy 4 vs. 4 set-up for the elimination matches.<br />
<br />
Most of the roster had gone too, with Bret 'The Hitman' Hart being the only man to perform at <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1987.html" target="_blank">the first-ever Survivor Series</a> who was still with the company in '96.<br />
<br />
Back then, he was part of a huge 10 vs. 10 elimination bout which went nigh on 40 minutes. <div><br /></div><div>Tonight, he returned from a six-month absence to battle one of the company's newest rising stars, Stone Cold Steve Austin.<br />
<br />
The days of Hulkamania were long gone too.<div><br /></div><div>Now, Hogan, who had helped the original Survivor Series out-draw <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/12/ppv-review-nwa-starrcade-87-chi-town.html" target="_blank">NWA Starrcade '87</a> now gearing up to compete at Starrcade '96 as the evil leader of the New World Order.<br />
<br />
Yet if the WWF ever stood a chance of recapturing the magic of Hulk Hogan's groundbreaking 1980s run, that chance was likely tonight, with the monster Sycho Sid riding an unprecedented wave of popularity into tonight's WWF championship match against reigning champion, 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels.<br />
<br />
Would Sid stand tall as the WWF's first real hope of countering WCW's recent run of dominance?<br />
<br />
Would The Hitman prevail, chalking up a victory for the old guard after originally performing as an up-and-comer on this very show ten years earlier?<br />
<br />
Let's head to the world-famous Madison Square Garden to find out.<br /><br />
<h3>
"As if every New Yorker had consumed an extra cup of caffeine..."</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1yvWX1hyphenhyphenkVmv1P69zf4voN57RZzlrF_5QadhmzBHVIf8CnGV3_1W9erI29ij9L3J7lIxJmxspw7-hfmju1l4wabu0l9C__3T2dY7ghPOVgnTx8W89ULBxTZIkwIaiYAGLAstCPwZMcS2/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_hbkhitman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels appeared together on radio" border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1yvWX1hyphenhyphenkVmv1P69zf4voN57RZzlrF_5QadhmzBHVIf8CnGV3_1W9erI29ij9L3J7lIxJmxspw7-hfmju1l4wabu0l9C__3T2dY7ghPOVgnTx8W89ULBxTZIkwIaiYAGLAstCPwZMcS2/w400-h270/wwf_survivorseries96_hbkhitman.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels appeared together on radio" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Our show tonight began with a terrible opening video telling us that whilst New York had always been The City That Never Sleeps, this past weekend, it was as though the entire population had downed <i>"an extra cup of caffeine."</i><br />
<br />
The way our voiceover man made it out, this was about on a par with people gaining a second head or being invaded by aliens in terms of seriousness.<br />
<br />
As dumb as it all sounded, the point here was to tell us that the World Wrestling Federation had well and truly invaded New York.<br />
<br />
First up, there had been the <a href="http://www.wwe.com/classics/wwe-hall-of-fame/1996-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-photos" target="_blank">1996 Hall of Fame banquet</a> and now there was this; Survivor Series '96.<br />
<br />
In between, we got random clips of fast-paced New York interspersed with footage from both the Hall of Fame and WWF Superstars doing media interviews.<br />
<br />
That included a brief -and I mean <i>really</i> brief shot of WWF Champion Shawn Michaels and former champion Bret 'The Hitman' Hart sharing a laugh with each other whilst being interviewed on <b>Todd Pettengill</b>'s radio show.<br />
<br />
Oh, how different their relationship would be exactly one year from that point.<br />
<br />
The whole package ultimately culminated in clips of tonight's wrestlers, hyping the big matches on the show.<br />
<br />
Honestly, the WWF did some great video packages around this time, but that, I have to tell you, was certainly not one of them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Welcome to Madison Square Garden, Welcome to The 1996 Survivor Series </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWsJ-2HtzAIRwXAwHfh6jHmyYe_9mYpZUgdcXUW_axFCOqvLm8xv_UJByKADXrV35Tg59McU5ZYgdykV6Oxe-Geso6glOJLfKIXZA9frbwlYmMI-yu523OWwx9zcjnP_WrdpPqS64Bz68/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_commentaryteam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Vince McMahon and Jim Ross did commentary (Lawler joined for first match)" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWsJ-2HtzAIRwXAwHfh6jHmyYe_9mYpZUgdcXUW_axFCOqvLm8xv_UJByKADXrV35Tg59McU5ZYgdykV6Oxe-Geso6glOJLfKIXZA9frbwlYmMI-yu523OWwx9zcjnP_WrdpPqS64Bz68/w400-h316/wwf_survivorseries96_commentaryteam.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Vince McMahon and Jim Ross did commentary (Lawler joined for first match)" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
From there, we began, as always, with Vince McMahon growling his head off and welcoming us to the show before introducing us to his broadcast colleagues <b>Jim Ross</b>, and <b>Jerry 'The King' Lawler</b>.<br />
<br />
Whilst Ross was pumped up about the entire show, Lawler was only concerned with being the sole survivor for his team later on in the show.<br />
<br />
In fact, we would only see Lawler temporarily. He would get up to wrestle and that was him done for the night.<br />
<br />
That was later, however, for now, we had our first traditional Survivor Series match of the evening to get around to.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4 vs. 4 Survivor Series Elimination Match<br />The New Rockers (Marty Jannetty & Leif Cassidy) and WWF Tag Team Champions Owen Hart & The British Bulldog (w/ Owen Hart) vs. Doug Furnas, Philip Lafon, and The Godwins (Henry O. & Phineas I. Godwin w/ Hillbilly Jim) </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t85jiZGEp9oA5oWZMnAE_rInCsXfTq-5K4MQQBtURDkUA71Gghu9JWwbUSXdtcqEb4qAGaqZ2SG_vf3mbUXuILrdF3Miz6i0b29KOxZ_lW5_FDjY8aaJYPzhYZKKd6rRkH66PnLvEJcV/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_furnaslafon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Doug Furnas and Philip Lafon debuted" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t85jiZGEp9oA5oWZMnAE_rInCsXfTq-5K4MQQBtURDkUA71Gghu9JWwbUSXdtcqEb4qAGaqZ2SG_vf3mbUXuILrdF3Miz6i0b29KOxZ_lW5_FDjY8aaJYPzhYZKKd6rRkH66PnLvEJcV/w400-h315/wwf_survivorseries96_furnaslafon.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Doug Furnas and Philip Lafon debuted" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Apparently, the version of this show that I'm watching is the heavily edited one in which <i>"Don't Go Messin' With a Country Boy"</i> has been replaced with some crappy, generic banjo music.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing that was crappy.<br />
<br />
Making their WWF Pay Per View tonight, <b>Doug Furnas</b> and <b>Phillip Lafon</b> had an enjoyable early exchange with <b>Leif Cassidy</b> and <b>Marty Jannetty</b>, the latter appearing in his second Survivor Series opening match in a row after the surprisingly amazing opener back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/07/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1995.html" target="_blank">Survivor Series '95</a>.<br />
<br />
Once <b>The Godwins</b> came into play though, the first part of this match quickly became dull as the proverbial dishwater.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, at least one of them was soon gone, with <b>Owen Hart</b> getting a quick pin over Henry after the latter had disposed of Jannetty via the deadly Slop Drop.<br />
<br />
Not long after, Davey Boy Smith sent Phineas Godwin to the showers, giving the bad guys a three-on-two advantage over the new boys, Furnas and Lafon.<br />
<br />
From there, things did start to get better, kicking off with a fast-paced exchange between <b>British Bulldog</b> and Furnas which screeched to a halt via a badly botched dropkick from Furnas.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I saw that, and I immediately stopped what I was doing to see if I could find any instance of that dropkick appearing on <a href="http://botchamania.com/" target="_blank">Botchamania</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewZCjuU40SfkROkzUrd_N18zI7-QdgLVPHavna1sEtiB9g6qEoB4bL7Tc1HsofYjlWmeZ4TJhZ30c-jvHYdn5MXqvjss7WQ2tXoK_0-vKOrdC7xsnGp91_YuxdlzhEO6krqQwu02loa4e/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_owenhart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Legendary Owen Hart was in tonight's opening match" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewZCjuU40SfkROkzUrd_N18zI7-QdgLVPHavna1sEtiB9g6qEoB4bL7Tc1HsofYjlWmeZ4TJhZ30c-jvHYdn5MXqvjss7WQ2tXoK_0-vKOrdC7xsnGp91_YuxdlzhEO6krqQwu02loa4e/w400-h301/wwf_survivorseries96_owenhart.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Legendary Owen Hart was in tonight's opening match" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
I couldn't, but I'm willing to bet you it's there, somewhere.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Furnas' failure set him up nicely to play the babyface in peril role, taking punishment from all three of his opponents.<br />
<br />
This once again slowed things down, but did occasionally give us some good wrestling to watch.<br />
<br />
Speaking of good wrestling, Furnas eventually made an underwhelming tag to Phil Lafon, who took Leif Cassidy up to the top and hit a Super Special Super Suplex that looked incredible but which sadly, your writer doesn't know the name of.<br />
<br />
That left us at two on two, the new guys vs. the champions, for the final stretch of the match.<br />
<br />
A reasonable exchange followed that would have potentially come across better if it weren't for the crowd, who were mostly silent save for the occasional chant in favour of WCW (or was it ECW? I couldn't tell).<br />
<br />
Things got heated, with Furnas and Owen battling on the outside whilst Lafon used one of the Bulldog's favourite moves -a crucifix- against him to eliminate the tag champ from the competition.<br />
<br />
Irate, Bulldog returned to the ring moments later to take out Lafon with a chop to the knee from behind.<br />
<br />
Owen picked up the pace, working over his opponent's leg and even locking in a sharpshooter. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for the reigning champ to score a victory.<br />
<br />
Doug Furnas got the hot tag, stormed the ring, and suplexed the ever-loving hell out of Hart to get the win.<br />
<br />
Somewhere in Minnesota, Brock Lesnar was taking notes.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners and Sole Survivors: Doug Furnas & Philip Lafon. </i></b><br />
<br />
Cutting away from the in-ring celebration, we were shown a quick clip of Madison Square Garden, before heading somewhere deep into the bowels of the building, where <b>Kevin Kelly</b> was standing by with <b>Paul Bearer</b> and <b>Mankind</b>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
An Interview with Paul Bearer and Mankind </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwku07UtVTxfpe492jK3W0UBiZ4haoo001zxr6AyD_nKyz-Fo9kbcqXCOQ-wn2NoK0C0bOmGgGWdF84v7lTcQvklfPSw4ELAb6ztl7PGPOC1I44lEoigLlENaR3fx4OIFugqbUEr2KlaJZ/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_mankindpaulbearer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Mankind and Paul Bearer" border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwku07UtVTxfpe492jK3W0UBiZ4haoo001zxr6AyD_nKyz-Fo9kbcqXCOQ-wn2NoK0C0bOmGgGWdF84v7lTcQvklfPSw4ELAb6ztl7PGPOC1I44lEoigLlENaR3fx4OIFugqbUEr2KlaJZ/w400-h313/wwf_survivorseries96_mankindpaulbearer.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Mankind and Paul Bearer" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Kelly first asked Paul Bearer for his thoughts about being suspended above the ring in a cage.<br />
<br />
Of course, this wasn't just some random, out-of-leftfield questioning from Kelly. This was actually the stipulation for this match, not that Bearer himself had any intentions of actually getting in there.<br />
<br />
"I'm not an animal!" he exclaimed, before reasoning that he didn't have to get in the cage because -and I quote- "I'm Paul Bearer, and you're not."<br />
<br />
As catchphrases went, there was one that never quite caught on.<br />
<br />
Turning his attention to Mankind, Kevin Kelly next questioned the deranged one about his upcoming match against <b>The Undertaker.</b><br />
<br />
Mankind claimed that after getting the better of The Dead Man at <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/09/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1996.html" target="_blank">King of the Ring 96</a>, <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/04/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1996.html" target="_blank">Summerslam 96</a>, and the previous month's <a href="https://www.blogger.com/In%20Your%20House:%20Buried%20Alive" target="_blank">In Your House: Buried Alive</a> tonight would be the night that he finally destroyed him.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mankind (w/ Paul Bearer) vs. The Undertaker</h3>
<b>Stipulation: Paul Bearer is suspended in a cage, if Undertaker wins, he gets 5 minutes alone with Paul Bearer. </b><br />
<br />
Six years after making his debut at the <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">1990 Survivor Series</a>, The Undertaker descended from the rafters like a gothic Batman and revealed a whole new look that looked as awesome reviewing this today as it did when I first saw this show as a 12-year-old kid back in 1996.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qxE1_V_YifE" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
The arrival of the new uber-goth 'Taker was enough to frighten Paul Bearer into jumping into the cage (McMahon called it a shark cage) to escape the wrath of his former charge.<br />
<br />
The Undertaker stalked Bearer but was attacked from behind by Mankind, signalling the start of another classic war between two of the World Wrestling Federation's most otherworldly combatants.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsuLFO9jzFRvVJXuarQY2EDZV3_7neGCYN2Ol_aKmDU7cyt2fVXcFluK11yCalX95-quGduuouhfsYEUgMHcu4IOMoFiCsfp8jcr0GfJ2qzBalProIxhKdJNdqbsEO7BC6_84uHi2PwJ6/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_undertaker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Undertaker debuted new attire" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsuLFO9jzFRvVJXuarQY2EDZV3_7neGCYN2Ol_aKmDU7cyt2fVXcFluK11yCalX95-quGduuouhfsYEUgMHcu4IOMoFiCsfp8jcr0GfJ2qzBalProIxhKdJNdqbsEO7BC6_84uHi2PwJ6/w400-h272/wwf_survivorseries96_undertaker.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Undertaker debuted new attire" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Classic though it may have been, this fan has to believe that the Survivor Series version of Undertaker vs. Mankind was the least engaging of their three 1996 pay per view outings.<br />
<br />
Though it was certainly a very good contest, it lacked the violent edge of their first encounter at King of the Ring, the drama and novelty value of their Boiler Room Brawl at Summerslam, and the surprise <i>Rumble '94 Redux</i> ending of the previous month's Buried Alive outing.<br />
<br />
Still, even the worst that these two bitter rivals could come up with was better than many lesser talents' best.<br />
<br />
The Dead Man worked early on to take out his opponent's Mandible Claw, only for Mankind to prove that it wasn't the only tool in his arsenal by holding his own from start to finish.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the finish, that came when Mankind pulled out the same Mystery Foreign Object he had used at Buried Alive and used it to pummel Undertaker into the corner whilst Paul Bearer distracted the referee from up in the cage.<br />
<br />
Undertaker battled out of the corner by grabbing his foe in the Tombstone and cementing the victory with a well-earned three count.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The Undertaker</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> As per the stipulation, The Undertaker was now supposed to enjoy getting his hands on Paul Bearer, but as it always did in these scenarios, wrestling history repeated itself and things didn't go according to plan.<br />
<br />
<b>The Executioner</b> ran down, ate a clothesline for his troubles, and hightailed it with Mankind and a much-relieved Paul Bearer in tow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGtK1I6mRxE_hnAhrNQ_EYf02I-zn11dJCZ6uciSM7HNLtl3XwEdTNO8Bll_OUoET4uMDEXxWAED1ziZV9dip4OOxoe2DTG2jtTM7OuItkOCk-04e_NWvYjZzXz47gKF3Syg03D_OVwB3/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_sunny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sunny was guest commentator" border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGtK1I6mRxE_hnAhrNQ_EYf02I-zn11dJCZ6uciSM7HNLtl3XwEdTNO8Bll_OUoET4uMDEXxWAED1ziZV9dip4OOxoe2DTG2jtTM7OuItkOCk-04e_NWvYjZzXz47gKF3Syg03D_OVwB3/w400-h325/wwf_survivorseries96_sunny.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sunny was guest commentator" width="400" /></a></div><h3>
Sunny is Your Guest Commentator</h3>
In a complete change of tone, the show next saw <b>Sunny</b> making her way to the ring to join Vince and Jim Ross on commentary.<br />
<br />
From there, we went backstage for a pre-match promo from the heels in our upcoming match.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Doc Hendrix Interviews The Baddies </h3>
In one of those "throw a bunch of guys together" Survivor Series matches, we were <b>about to see WWF Intercontinental Champion Hunter Hearst Helmsley</b> lead <b>Crush</b>, <b>Goldust</b>, and Jerry 'The King' Lawler into battle against <b>Marc Mero</b>, Jake Roberts, The Stalker, and some young newcomer called <b>Rocky Maivia</b>.<br />
<br />
Before we got to that part however, Hunter and Lawler addressed the fact that <b>Mark Henry</b> had been injured and would not be able to take his spot as the fourth man on the babyface team.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-T5ShLPs5SOtkMqd_dLhNyorhVwJMgSN2m3-9KI7PM6xq6Vv0EPB5RbJSR2A1pQLHnjUiI68UVcgLi5uVSNnlQb31kqqaT3LEn8aIIyWiSsR2Pi-TSGmtB6ww9OmO-VWMuAsdtk1lRj9/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_heelteam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Hunter Hearst Hemlsey (HHH), Crush, Goldust and Jerry 'The King' Lawler" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-T5ShLPs5SOtkMqd_dLhNyorhVwJMgSN2m3-9KI7PM6xq6Vv0EPB5RbJSR2A1pQLHnjUiI68UVcgLi5uVSNnlQb31kqqaT3LEn8aIIyWiSsR2Pi-TSGmtB6ww9OmO-VWMuAsdtk1lRj9/w400-h293/wwf_survivorseries96_heelteam.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Hunter Hearst Hemlsey (HHH), Crush, Goldust and Jerry 'The King' Lawler" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
The two promised to destroy the good guys three-on-two before Crush yelled about how Survivor Series was an appropriate title. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why exactly, he didn't say.<br />
<br />
He wasn't the only one to offer little in the way of substance during this time-filling backstage promo.<br />
<br />
All Goldust could give us was the reminder that we would never forget his name, and with that, it was on to ringside.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4 vs. 4 Survivor Series Match<br />WWF Intercontinental Champion Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Jerry 'The King' Lawler, Crush, Goldust (w/ Marlena) vs. Marc Mero, The Stalker, Rocky Maivia, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts</h3>
It's funny how anybody watching this show at the time would have had no idea that of all the things to happen at Survivor Series 1996, this right here - the debut of perma-grinned wunderkind Rocky Maivia- would be the most historically significant thing to happen on the entire show.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMv7nQ9P1Y_H9dKSBH3fY_jomc5Uh3i-xYGmXPQZUYusQlcgpqcKN13MTvU662wu-rte3IzHqk19_EzKYQMerpy6XJbQZ7SjQN1rQPDexZbwSlIQUnWnXLoDfXo_c4QAzyWGUOHEyEkrQk/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_rockymaivia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Rock Rocky Maivia made his debut at the show" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMv7nQ9P1Y_H9dKSBH3fY_jomc5Uh3i-xYGmXPQZUYusQlcgpqcKN13MTvU662wu-rte3IzHqk19_EzKYQMerpy6XJbQZ7SjQN1rQPDexZbwSlIQUnWnXLoDfXo_c4QAzyWGUOHEyEkrQk/w400-h283/wwf_survivorseries96_rockymaivia.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Rock Rocky Maivia made his debut at the show" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Yes, McMahon, Ross, and Sunny all got excited about the WWF's first third-generation Superstar making his debut, but even their enthusiasm could not make the first in-ring appearance of WWE legend, Hollywood Superstar, and Potential US President The Rock seem like that big of a deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was especially when it was overshadowed by Marc Mero introducing <b>Jake 'The Snake' Roberts </b>as Mark Henry's replacement as if <i>that</i> was the thing we were all supposed to remember about this match years later.</div><div>
<br />
The bout started slowly, with the heels stalling before Mero and Goldust kicked us off properly.<br />
<br />
Things picked up further with a fun exchange between Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Rocky Maivia, the announcers telling us how the latter has changed his name from Dwayne Johnson in order to pay tribute to his father Rocky Johnson and grandfather, Peter Maivia.<br />
<br />
The excitement dulled somewhat when Jake Roberts and Jerry Lawler tagged in. Roberts (who did actually look like hell here) pretended to be drunk and fell on his ass, luring in Lawler so that he could plant him with his DDT and score the first elimination of the match.<br />
<br />
Making his first WWF PPV appearance since <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/02/event-review-wwf-wrestlemania-i.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 1</a>, Barry Windham was the next man to be eliminated thanks to Goldust, who quickly disposed of his former WCW tag team partner with the Curtain Call to level the playing field, 3 vs 3.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xdxK5G54gyqfgTght7jMLX9SH1XytWqgkeMZdKsKi8PQZo2vbdt6sWJv136lujUF1_dqREo4z3SL24pasiJMDyLGadUQinCD66SmXtVetCDrGVQ6lCSdbzno53cA4_pri3fl7jBFCFwF/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_thestalker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Barry Windham as The Stalker - Great worker, dumb gimmick" border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xdxK5G54gyqfgTght7jMLX9SH1XytWqgkeMZdKsKi8PQZo2vbdt6sWJv136lujUF1_dqREo4z3SL24pasiJMDyLGadUQinCD66SmXtVetCDrGVQ6lCSdbzno53cA4_pri3fl7jBFCFwF/w400-h354/wwf_survivorseries96_thestalker.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Barry Windham as The Stalker - Great worker, dumb gimmick" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Honestly, the idea of taking a star like Barry Windham, stick him in some camouflage pants and pretend like he'd been out in the wilderness for years still boggles the mind, especially since at this show he looked more like a dodgy wife beater or you know, an actual stalker, rather than a guy who liked hanging out in the woods.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough about Windham. With him gone, it was up to our two team captains, Helmsley and Mero to take centre stage, with the IC champ dominating before Mero made a comeback and sent his long-time rival back to the showers with a Merosault.<br />
<br />
Despite getting a pinfall, The Wildman wasn't out of danger yet.<br />
<br />
Stepping up against Crush (who was wrestling on his first WWF PPV since <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/07/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1994.html" target="_blank">King of The Ring 94</a>) Mero dove after his opponent onto the outside with a head-first fuck up that looked both horrible and dangerous, and missed anyway because Goldust pushed the former Demolition member out of harms way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RqIn3pZhv9MbqiVhE7S8wiPHUih_v1gkPOsmBK7XF5Rwhzx-edc80N0R6HOEkVOKXq48v_UOCV6xjxtpjuZnsnkNUcnXlqV5-5yeIaFllhCtSGiabOK6tqsaGgeKmXp-X4kpRG7PTz_3/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_rockycrushgoldust.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Rock Rocky Maivia against Goldust and Crush" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RqIn3pZhv9MbqiVhE7S8wiPHUih_v1gkPOsmBK7XF5Rwhzx-edc80N0R6HOEkVOKXq48v_UOCV6xjxtpjuZnsnkNUcnXlqV5-5yeIaFllhCtSGiabOK6tqsaGgeKmXp-X4kpRG7PTz_3/w400-h336/wwf_survivorseries96_rockycrushgoldust.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: The Rock Rocky Maivia against Goldust and Crush" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
That caused a nearly-dead Marc Mero to be counted out, after which Jake Roberts was quickly pinned and sent packing.<br />
<br />
This left Rocky Maivia alone against Crush and Goldust.<br />
<br />
If you couldn't predict the ending from here, you obviously hadn't seen enough wrestling.<br />
<br />
Of course, the bad guys got the upper hand to begin with, but when Goldust held Rocky in place for Crush to land his heart punch finisher, the new kid inevitably ducked out of harm's way, hit the ropes, and took out Crush with a flying cross body.<br />
<br />
That sent him packing, after which all it took was -of all things- a shoulder breaker (remember when that was The Rock's finisher?) to score the big win.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and Sole Survivor: Rocky Maivia. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> So far we were two for two on newcomers winning their debut matches at this show, and the response from the crowd to this one, to see a bonafide future superstar emerge victorious was..well, lukewarm at best.<br />
<br />
Seriously, for some reason, they even cut to shots of kids in the crowd looking bored and confused at Rocky's big win.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Hitman Faces Stone Cold</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOXYc16BVLpe_BDm5Zj0iL0FZPhoMmjSHNdJ8QKlW9kZjz6P1P1VVNMjVDI_3XN8Xx3y2ai_0pGkXo7Py0_L0ilEKensvZT3xDLlDL3HVZ9ZP0u7bnfZ6YNASUt_QSIyQMsOIL382Y_Ye/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_hartpromo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart returned to WWF to face Steve Austin" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOXYc16BVLpe_BDm5Zj0iL0FZPhoMmjSHNdJ8QKlW9kZjz6P1P1VVNMjVDI_3XN8Xx3y2ai_0pGkXo7Py0_L0ilEKensvZT3xDLlDL3HVZ9ZP0u7bnfZ6YNASUt_QSIyQMsOIL382Y_Ye/w400-h301/wwf_survivorseries96_hartpromo.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart returned to WWF to face Steve Austin" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
A great video package followed next, reminding us that Bret 'The Hitman' Hart had accepted the challenge of the man he called 'The best wrestler today," Stone Cold Steve Austin.<br />
<br />
This was neatly followed by Todd Pettengill showing us clips of Stone Cold stunning the life out of everyone from <b>Freddie Joe Floyd</b> to <b>Bob 'Spark Plug' Holly</b>, and finishing up with Austin insisting that, unlike Hart, he didn't need a bunch of dumb catchphrases or slogans...and that was the bottom line because Stone Cold so.<br />
<br />
In the back, Pettingill stood face to face with Austin, reminding him that he was about to face 'the legendary,' Bret Hart, with a shot at the WWF title on the line.<br />
<br />
Unimpressed by Pettengill's bigging up The Hitman, Austin gave a compelling promo in which he insisted that he didn't give a damn about Bret's accomplishments, nor his claim to the 'The best there is, the best there, was, and the best there ever will be.<br />
<br />
'Cliches are cliches,'warned Austin, 'and an ass whippin, is an ass whipping."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvP-oFkKALrmyS0_JOKVko4YRDr8j8AKfZ6wGD70UgGKE0z5mC_GXB55i1wpo4KAzEJtzjU9bGrplJLAPktdtlPKJPGJEQCByHEkTV2KweXbI5kjhqDAPQubac1phX2Ym0TNeh6C8LZr0/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_austin2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Steve Austin looked like a star against Bret Hart" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvP-oFkKALrmyS0_JOKVko4YRDr8j8AKfZ6wGD70UgGKE0z5mC_GXB55i1wpo4KAzEJtzjU9bGrplJLAPktdtlPKJPGJEQCByHEkTV2KweXbI5kjhqDAPQubac1phX2Ym0TNeh6C8LZr0/w400-h294/wwf_survivorseries96_austin2.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Steve Austin looked like a star against Bret Hart" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
With that, Stone Cold made his way to the ring to await the arrival of Bret Hart, who first offered a verbal retort via Todd Pettingill, who continued to big up Hart's return as if he'd been gone years, rather than just six months.<br />
<br />
In one of his better promos (Hart was never all that gifted on the mic if you ask this long-time fan), The Hitman promised to beat some respect into Steve Austin,<br />
<br />
With that, he too stormed off, ready to do battle.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Winner Becomes Number One contender to the WWF Title<br />Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret 'The Hitman' Hart </h3>
The first thing that immediately strikes you as you sit down to watch Austin/Hitman I, is just how important this match looked and felt.<br />
<br />
By doing simple things like staring at each other from across the ring, pacing, and finally coming face-to-face, the two future Hall of Famers both created an air of electricity that created the kind of "big match" feel most bouts from this time sorely lacked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEABKXWh7YZtJopMNsddEKjjENl_teltCBqPTBEdQvgyWC3GXN1GO_WxKQlF82FECVRXNnziTdZ_9BnMzE5cMCNxYdpkPHUWmg6_rBrv8ka9uIiTCYqGryIOrDSKMwKKWJlB-rNsk_Hk57/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_austinhart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart beat Stone Cold Steve Austin in a great match" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEABKXWh7YZtJopMNsddEKjjENl_teltCBqPTBEdQvgyWC3GXN1GO_WxKQlF82FECVRXNnziTdZ_9BnMzE5cMCNxYdpkPHUWmg6_rBrv8ka9uIiTCYqGryIOrDSKMwKKWJlB-rNsk_Hk57/w400-h304/wwf_survivorseries96_austinhart.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart beat Stone Cold Steve Austin in a great match" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
As the two began feeling each other out, Jim Ross told us that neither man had ever submitted in their entire careers, and speculated that it might just come down to a submission finish tonight.<br />
<br />
<i>"How ironic would it be if Stone Cold Steve Austin placed the sharpshooter on Bret Hart and won by submission?"</i> asked Vince McMahon in a very eerie moment which would foreshadow the events that would take place 12 months down the line.<br />
<br />
From there, this one gradually became an absolute, all-out war for the ages.<br />
<br />
In what was probably Steve Austin's longest WWF match to this point -and by far and away certainly his best- the future champion looked like an absolute star as he traded submission moves, wild left and rights, and honest-to-goodness pro wrestling moves with the man who had been one of the company's biggest ever stars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODmtZKkdgd9z544kxMhdR6SD-IkZxZQMd-V1CnMNDrc9LyPK1qNYwx2GEljid82VUFghihSv1FYX7WZGR7rjnHKTVitn5tWYInf8laMa_-uRFOcG259QVfi8Zpx8M1cd8TBY86yl6oL8g/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_austinHART2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin had an epic war" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODmtZKkdgd9z544kxMhdR6SD-IkZxZQMd-V1CnMNDrc9LyPK1qNYwx2GEljid82VUFghihSv1FYX7WZGR7rjnHKTVitn5tWYInf8laMa_-uRFOcG259QVfi8Zpx8M1cd8TBY86yl6oL8g/w400-h240/wwf_survivorseries96_austinHART2.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin had an epic war" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Indeed, whilst his earlier coronation at <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/09/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1996.html" target="_blank">King of the Ring 1996</a> may be more memorable, it was this incredible battle with The Hitman that really made Steve Austin a superstar by the time the year was out.<br />
<br />
That's even without him winning the match.<br />
<br />
Towards the finish, Austin locked on his old finisher, The Million Dollar Dream, only for Bret to kick back off the turnbuckle, crash onto his opponent, and score a fluke three count.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Bret 'The Hitman' Hart</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Hart may have won this truly awesome match, but as Austin stared him down afterwards, you knew that this one was far, far from over.<br /><br />
<h3>
Sid is Focussed</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fMbjv1fDgnZ7a8LD4YXtLb15jKGr15htTB6Y_w5qlwNtOzoh8JIY34LY2NStjAKiM9KF-4YV5tB4Bs4MS7GYKAFY_lMLEFc5Urny95p8VZXmwl-Oj_madG5PfjqCI0oJfl2LMAx1Yfyk/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_sid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sid told Doc Hendrix he would do anything to become WWF Champion" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fMbjv1fDgnZ7a8LD4YXtLb15jKGr15htTB6Y_w5qlwNtOzoh8JIY34LY2NStjAKiM9KF-4YV5tB4Bs4MS7GYKAFY_lMLEFc5Urny95p8VZXmwl-Oj_madG5PfjqCI0oJfl2LMAx1Yfyk/w400-h291/wwf_survivorseries96_sid.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sid told Doc Hendrix he would do anything to become WWF Champion" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Standing by with Doc Hendrix, Sid delivered a short, sweet, and wonderfully psychotic promo in which he once again repeated that he would do anything and everything to defeat Shawn Michaels in their upcoming championship match.<br />
<br />
Up next, WWF Hall of Famer <b>Captain Lou Albano</b> kind of sauntered his way to ringside looking for all the world as though he wasn't supposed to be there and didn't actually know where he was going.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, this wasn't a case of the legendary manager suddenly losing his mind. He was out there, apparently, to join the Spanish announce team on commentary.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Nation of Domination Arrives </h3>
True story time:</div><div><br /></div><div>A few days after this event, I attended a house show at the Birmingham NEC in England. I don't remember much about the event except that Sid and Bret Hart were there, and that I was totally confused when the <b>Nation of Domination</b>'s music played.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi339CI1_Cc5oAtQiZXtWAqR1mlRC9oKoQgFa4grtsxaFjPKfvne3VkCzwVJ_31RApWHa7sWHLddefziiH6wBwTtfk8rBcaDR77mmkuUB3601ahK28Qncq3vlhDkNTUXmJlZFBgU3rcKprD/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_farooq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: PPV debut of Farooq's Nation of Domination gimmick" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi339CI1_Cc5oAtQiZXtWAqR1mlRC9oKoQgFa4grtsxaFjPKfvne3VkCzwVJ_31RApWHa7sWHLddefziiH6wBwTtfk8rBcaDR77mmkuUB3601ahK28Qncq3vlhDkNTUXmJlZFBgU3rcKprD/w400-h335/wwf_survivorseries96_farooq.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: PPV debut of Farooq's Nation of Domination gimmick" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
I'd never heard it before and wasn't entirely clear who was coming out to wrestle. In fact, me and my buddy initially groaned because we thought it might be Sgt. Slaughter.<br />
<br />
It's because of this -and because I can't find any proof otherwise- that I have to believe that Survivor Series 1996 saw the proper in-ring debut of the faction known as the Nation of Domination.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to be proven wrong on that one, but what I won't be proven wrong about, is that <b>Farooq</b>'s new gimmick was infinitely better than the Roman Gladiator thing he was doing just a month prior.<br /><br />
<h3>
4 vs. 4 Survivor Series Match<br />Faarooq, Vader, Razor Ramon, and Diesel (w/ Clarence Mason and Jim Cornette) vs. Flash Funk, Superfly Jimmy Snuka, Savio Vega, and Yokozuna</h3>
<div>
<div>
Here, the new Nation of Domination leader teamed up with <b>Vader</b>, <b>Fake Razor Ramon</b>, and <b>Fake Diesel</b>, the latter of whom was the only man on his team to have wrestled at a Survivor Series before, having appeared as <b>Isaac Yankem</b> at Survivor Series 95. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Back then, one member of the opposing team had been <b>Savio Vega</b>, and it was the same here too, with the Caribbean sensation teaming up with newcomer <b>Flash Funk</b> (formerly <b>2 Cold Scorpio</b>), new WWF Hall of Famer<b> Superfly</b> <b>Jimmy Snuka</b>, and <b>Yokozuna</b>, who, not counting Free for Alls, hadn't appeared on a WWF PPV since May's In Your House 8: Beware of Dog. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDJzVJBQh61E5T5FPHt9_Qbm84YmUUTgdv3A4Icp8MtPMXxXbKXIdAcr0ZbL4oJq2z0rKKwHqur3_siJRoLjK4YSku7EQ6wKno8Wjjjmq6PSnPln5cXBgndTfNxAX0zOwgZ32Nvc1p7NM/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_flashfunk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Flash Funk (formerly 2 Cold Scorpio) made his debut" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDJzVJBQh61E5T5FPHt9_Qbm84YmUUTgdv3A4Icp8MtPMXxXbKXIdAcr0ZbL4oJq2z0rKKwHqur3_siJRoLjK4YSku7EQ6wKno8Wjjjmq6PSnPln5cXBgndTfNxAX0zOwgZ32Nvc1p7NM/w330-h400/wwf_survivorseries96_flashfunk.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Flash Funk (formerly 2 Cold Scorpio) made his debut" width="330" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>
It was Funk, the fourth man to make his debut at this show, who got things going, locking up with Vader for the start of what would turn out to be a short if reasonably entertaining match.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The two former WCW stars went at it slowly at first, The Mastodon's brute strength countered by Funk's *ahem* flashy offence, including a top rope moonsault to the outside which elicited a small "ECW" chant from the marks in the first couple of rows.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Vader got the better of his foe, only for Yokozuna to step in and turn the tables. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This opened up the match for all eight men to get their moment in the spotlight, culminating in the babyface's mystery partner Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka hitting a wicked-looking bodyslam on Vader that was legitimately impressive. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately for his team, such a move didn't do them any favours. Vega tagged in, only to find himself on the outside in the heel's corner, getting slammed repeatedly into the ring post by Farooq whilst the rest of his team caused a commotion to distract the referee. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Farooq then rolled Savio into the waiting hands of Fake Diesel, who hit a powerbomb to score the bout's first elimination.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUlzJYT3PpuZiNdBIIrrjPvjP-821X0hH6GH8GQbei2CmlRqtPH8u_-WsO6Y-BFC0LIf7H_9_-AXeUAsWsZ_GDq2r2jbjfB8atcIAVN3EyEovb56Wo4-wWekEu1juaRkU8zu5h7TnFfk0/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_snukasplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Hall of Famer Jimmy 'Superfly Snuka' dives onto Fake Razor Ramon" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUlzJYT3PpuZiNdBIIrrjPvjP-821X0hH6GH8GQbei2CmlRqtPH8u_-WsO6Y-BFC0LIf7H_9_-AXeUAsWsZ_GDq2r2jbjfB8atcIAVN3EyEovb56Wo4-wWekEu1juaRkU8zu5h7TnFfk0/w400-h316/wwf_survivorseries96_snukasplash.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Hall of Famer Jimmy 'Superfly Snuka' dives onto Fake Razor Ramon" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Snuka quickly retaliated, slamming Fake Razor down and landing the patented Superfly Splash to even the scores.<br />
<br />
That effectively spelt the beginning of the end.<br />
<br />
Fake Diesel returned to the ring, hitting Snuka with a chair, at which point Savio Vega magically returned, showing no effects of the powerbomb he'd taken just a few moments ago, and brandishing a chair of his own.<br />
<br />
This caused all hell to break loose, and for the referees to throw this one out as a double disqualification.<br />
<b><i>No contest - Everyone DQ'd. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> The babyfaces cleaned house before the show cut to a final video package detailing the storied two-year history between reigning WWF Champion Shawn Michaels, and his challenger for this evening, Sycho Sid.<br />
<div><br />
<h3>
Champ and Challenger Make an Entrance </h3>
This was back in the time when the World Wrestling Federation began playing that ominous, low bass note as the wrestlers walked backstage towards the ring for main event matches.<br />
<br />
It helped add an air of anticipation to proceedings, and despite only being a small thing, is something that I do miss about the wrestling of yesteryear. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lo8iOOU_5Io" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
With Sid out in the ring, HBK not only got the super-cool backstage build-up music but also got The Goldberg Entrance, with backstage officials knocking on the door of his private locker room to let him know it was time for action.<br />
<br />
The champion's first appearance on the screen elicited a loud chorus of boos from the Madison Square Garden crowd that was completely at odds with the reception he received when he made his entrance.<br />
<br />
Michaels barely made it three feet down the entranceway before he was being molested by the New York faithful to the point that a couple of agents had to come to his rescue and fend off the over-zealous fans.<br />
<br />
Luckily, Michaels made it to the ring, where he caused Vince McMahon to laugh out by simulating masturbation in the middle of the ring.<br />
<br />
I wish I was making that up, honestly, I do.<br /><br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Championship<br />World Wrestling Federation Champion Shawn Michaels (w/ Jose Lothario) vs. Sycho Sid </h3>
<div align="center"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sid bt. Shawn Michaels to win the WWF title" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtups6WfIbx7O5e_dha5BrS6MXDwplWBUD4j5Qr_FiFczd72o3-AABam8o7zVc0T0mR6wlb-h3iBZ6W0W1qsH1s3lkkc-uS9DgqgSebMoyzGCgR-gahDJYk45DiozJl3HSxrlXwZBu1laS/w400-h293/wwf_survivorseries96_sidshawn5.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sid bt. Shawn Michaels to win the WWF title" width="400" /></div></div><br /></div><div>
McMahon may have been on HBK's side, but if there was any question as to who the MSG fans were really behind, you only had to wait until the bell rung. </div>
<div>
From there, the crowd were firmly, and loudly, behind the challenger, cheering his every move with a passion not heard since the height of Hulkamania and boing every bit of the champion's offence as though he were the world's most effective heel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was this passionate audience that really helped elevate this one into a fantastic match, though that's certainly not to say that the two combatants didn't carry their weight here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, it was Shawn Michaels who was the workhorse, bumping about the place with gusto and selling for all he was worth, putting Sid over much as Bret had done with Stone cold earlier in the show. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yet, to give him his credit, Sid himself was no slouch, and played his role as the unstoppable, dominant monster to perfection. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With every crushing boot, with every vicious blow, the crowd roared louder and louder. The louder they roared, the more Sid played to them, working into a frenzy in such a way that - watching this back right now- it's hard to believe that we weren't witnessing the birth of pro wrestling next true, bonafide mega star. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a dramatic and highly enjoyable bout, the dominant challenger wrestled a camera away from a cameraman and used it to knock Michaels' manager, <b>Jose Lothario</b>, off the apron. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The move naturally caused Michaels -in the midst of a brief comeback- to head outside and yell for help for his fallen mentor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs00y6jG3-I4LlHtUFUdokfxTIJ_qkoflJZm2-9dEp6S5CwaOaQtbucwo2Uk8zXPNDvx6FENMKV1BUR0hWfN1VDPWkMxftX7ieDIDG7fIAvQoZ8MCZs8DRkwAYMFNS4ANtcK5QLmrXAGcQ/s1600/wwf_survivorseries96_shawnjosesid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sid Smashes Shawn Michaels with a camera" border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="442" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs00y6jG3-I4LlHtUFUdokfxTIJ_qkoflJZm2-9dEp6S5CwaOaQtbucwo2Uk8zXPNDvx6FENMKV1BUR0hWfN1VDPWkMxftX7ieDIDG7fIAvQoZ8MCZs8DRkwAYMFNS4ANtcK5QLmrXAGcQ/w400-h301/wwf_survivorseries96_shawnjosesid.jpg" title="WWF / WWE SURVIVOR SERIES 1996: Sid Smashes Shawn Michaels with a camera" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>
Sid brought him back in the ring, but HBK got out of harm's way and flew off the top with a crossbody block which was intended for Sid but which actually struck referee <b>Earl Hebner</b>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From there, the ending was inevitable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Michaels returned to the outside to demand that somebody fetch help for Lothario (and really, in kayfabe terms, the fact that nobody did ultimately made everybody working for the WWF at the time look like absolute dicks). He then took a camera to the head from Sid, was returned to the ring, and powerbombed into oblivion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After that, Hebner delivered the world's slowest, most agonizing three count, and Shawn Michaels' first WWF Championship run was over.</div>
<div>
<b><i>Your Winner and NEW World Wrestling Federation Champion: Sycho Sid </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b> Post-match, EMTs finally came to poor Jose's rescue, carrying him off with Shawn Michaels literally crawling after him. All the while, Sid stood tall and proud, not only as The Master and The Ruler of The World but as your new WWF Champion.<br />
<br />
<i>And that was it for the tenth annual Survivor Series, a milestone which neither Vince McMahon nor anybody involved bothered to make mention of. </i><br />
<i>'</i><br />
<i>Perhaps this was on purpose, a chance to officially sever all ties from the Hulkamania fuelled days of the 1980s and kickstart a brand new era, one with the enormously popular Sid as its champion and figurehead.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>Of course, we all know exactly how that turned out, but you can't deny that this was the start of a very interesting time for the World Wrestling Federation. </i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>As for the show itself, there was actually a lot to enjoy here. The elimination matches ranged from really good (the opening match) to relatively decent (everything else), The Undertaker and Mankind ended chapter one of their epic rivalry with another good outing, and both Hart/Austin and Sid/Michaels were fantastic bouts in their own right, all creating what was surprisingly one of the best pay per views of 1996. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46f2JL7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws-mRh0oAPfOwPidfxYnFnOvTCPih92V10ipX-ixmHTGhGNUf5yBNvv1FXaYDiazyD2v-J0p_Ps4_o-HTd-vEsjfUhqzvvmRZxc3TqYS5eexqxWBiIFndys170T3U5w2tCVtNidWF9xhFEFKtGnUQROsw_whOdHU2XExhigD1FMrdNltOaJaMkT5UGdJ7/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" title="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>Other WWF 1996 reviews:<br /></i></b><ul><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/08/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-royal-rumble-and.html" target="_blank">Royal Rumble 1996</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/11/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-6-rage-in.html" target="_blank">In Your House 6: Rage in the Cage</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/06/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-12.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 12</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/07/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-7-good.html" target="_blank">In Your House 7: Good Friends, Better Enemies</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/07/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-8-beware_23.html" target="_blank">In Your House 8: Beware of Dog</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/09/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1996.html" target="_blank">King of the Ring 1996</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/04/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house.html" target="_blank">In Your House 9: International Incident</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/04/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1996.html" target="_blank">Summerslam 1996</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/05/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-10mind.html" target="_blank">In Your House 10: Mind Games</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/05/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-11-buried.html" target="_blank">In Your House 11: Buried Alive </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-12-its.html" target="_blank">In Your House 12: It's Time</a></li></ul><b><i>Other Survivor Series reviews:</i></b><div><ol><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1987.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1987</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1988</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1989_9.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1989</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1990</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1991</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1992</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/06/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1993.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1993</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1994</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/07/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1995.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1995</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1997</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1998</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/09/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-2001.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 2001</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/01/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2003.htm" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2003</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/04/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2009.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/top-ten-matches-from-first-ten-wwe.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Matches from the First 10 Survivor Series events</a></li></ol></div><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></div>
</div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-46285412716619828722023-11-12T16:48:00.000-08:002023-11-12T16:53:41.275-08:00PPV REVIEW: WWF Survivor Series 1998 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7mt1X8LMXsPTDZsmx0YAtQr8HvjeJWgk_lGsSZJHtWNE0wkYVVtU5jej8zSyWPLOqRxyBn7zcoLI2OpipQgnYRyVa8mh2aOAokkw5CSkIlfr2r4v8AN1vCtq1C_G9beqhHRLBghP3moS/s1600/wwf_survivorseries1998_eventposter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="379" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7mt1X8LMXsPTDZsmx0YAtQr8HvjeJWgk_lGsSZJHtWNE0wkYVVtU5jej8zSyWPLOqRxyBn7zcoLI2OpipQgnYRyVa8mh2aOAokkw5CSkIlfr2r4v8AN1vCtq1C_G9beqhHRLBghP3moS/w303-h400/wwf_survivorseries1998_eventposter.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Event poster" width="303" /></a></div>
<b><div><b><br /></b></div>November 15, 1998</b><br />
<b>Kiel Center, St. Louis, Missouri</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Originally published - 2018.<br />Updated - November 12th, 2023</i><br />
<br />
<b>It had been one year and six days since the world of professional wrestling had changed forever. </b><br />
<br />
On that day, back at <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">Survivor Series 1997</a>, <b>Vince McMahon</b> had screwed <b>Bret 'The Hitman' Hart </b>out of the World Wrestling Federation Championship in the controversial finish to Hart/Michaels II.<br />
<br />
Twelve months down the line, The Hitman was floundering as just another name down in World Championship Wrestling and Shawn Michaels was sitting at home nursing the back injury that would keep him out of active competition for years.<br />
<br />
Only Vince McMahon was still around, having used the <a href="http://prowrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Montreal_Screwjob" target="_blank">Montreal Screwjob</a> as the catalyst to create the evil <b>Mr. McMahon</b> character.<br />
<br />
Tonight, on the one-year anniversary (sort of), of that industry-changing event, McMahon was at his diabolical best as the sinister mastermind of a plot to crown his Chosen One as the new WWF Champion.<br />
<br />
That championship had been vacant since<a href="https://www.blogger.com/Permalink%20https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-breakdown-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank"> In Your House 24: Breakdown</a>, after both <b>Kane </b>and <b>The Undertaker</b> had pinned then-champion <b>Stone Cold Steve Austin</b> at the same time.<br />
<br />
The Brothers of Destruction had then met at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-judgement-day-1998-in.html" target="_blank">In Your House 25: Judgement Day </a> to try and determine which one of them could claim to be the champion, but since Austin had screwed them both out of that one, McMahon had created a tournament to crown the new champion.<br />
<br />
That tournament was happening tonight, on the first Survivor Series event to feature no traditional elimination matches.<br /><br />
<h3>
It's a Deadly Game</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MsHcxkSKSlZKybGo28SaIg4S7MzJ4BAV2dalnwpsoigqi0Ty0bFzKHK8yhFH5Jz3jPNgsU3ccakH82RQ995tjXCPSrfTg69NRAC8NubNyjAOvEp39tN58dqbPx8g4XBr9-Yr8fKdUt0L/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_announcers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 - Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Jim Ross" border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="509" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MsHcxkSKSlZKybGo28SaIg4S7MzJ4BAV2dalnwpsoigqi0Ty0bFzKHK8yhFH5Jz3jPNgsU3ccakH82RQ995tjXCPSrfTg69NRAC8NubNyjAOvEp39tN58dqbPx8g4XBr9-Yr8fKdUt0L/w400-h291/wwf_survivorseries98_announcers.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 - Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Jim Ross" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
And so the 12th annual Survivor Series got underway with one of the WWF's typically dramatic opening video packages.<br />
<br />
This one looked at each the combatants in tonight's tournament whilst a somber voiceover told us about the kind of epic sacrifices these valiant warriors would make.<br />
<br />
As always, this was followed by the usual opening gambit from The Voices of the Attitude Era - <b>Jim Ross</b> and <b>Jerry Lawler</b>.<br />
<br />
The two reminded us that tonight's tournament was indeed a deadly game (narrator: it wasn't, it was a pro wrestling show) before being interrupted by the arrival of Mr. McMahon<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mr McMahon Introduces Mankind's Mystery Opponent</h3>
As part of his efforts to play Puppet Master and orchestrate the entire tournament, Vince McMahon, flanked by <b>Pat Patterson</b>, <b>Gerald Briscoe</b>, and his bodyguard, <b>The Big Boss Man</b>, introduced us first to WWF Hardcore Champion <b>Mankind</b>.<br />
<br />
Back to being Mr McMahon's plaything, Mankind arrived freshly shaven under his mask and wearing a tuxedo.<br />
<br />
He looked like the kind of fake Mankind you might find at a low-rent indie show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-Wb4q9wICsb0Pc3Xg31VPvEGaibQhgyUnbdPAPk3L_McMzPmHEiANlHMfjSrOJjVOw-9O2ZPTU7REND3CB5kzp8-PuDZB53NgFMFHNrgxDw5q9DZiE9fEZzQf_hTA8a3uA7Bc5vZzufh/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_gill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Duane Gill's PPV debut" border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="483" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-Wb4q9wICsb0Pc3Xg31VPvEGaibQhgyUnbdPAPk3L_McMzPmHEiANlHMfjSrOJjVOw-9O2ZPTU7REND3CB5kzp8-PuDZB53NgFMFHNrgxDw5q9DZiE9fEZzQf_hTA8a3uA7Bc5vZzufh/w400-h300/wwf_survivorseries98_gill.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Duane Gill's PPV debut" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
McMahon next promised to reveal the advertised mystery opponent, eliciting a loud "<u>HBK! HBK!</u>" chant from the live audience.<br />
<br />
Man were they ever about to be disappointed.<br />
<br />
Instead of a returning Shawn Michaels, Vince revealed that Mankind's first-round opponent was, in fact, <b>Duane Gill</b>, the lifelong jobber and future Gillberg who had apparently returned to the WWF after two years on the shelf.<br />
<br />
The crowd was furious, but you couldn't help but love McMahon's over-the-top introduction, telling us that Gill had a "win-loss record like no other" and generally putting him over as some kind of main-event caliber superstar.<br />
<br />
I don't care what you say, that was good stuff.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament First Round Match<br />WWF Hardcore Champion Mankind vs. Duane Gill</h3>
As you might expect, Mankind destroyed Gill in about a minute, rolled him up, and pinned him.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Mankind</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>"Was that a real match?" </i>asked Lawler, echoing the thoughts of everyone who watched it.<br />
<br />
<i>"Sure was!" </i>quipped Ross in response.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sable is Pissed Off</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YT5wfWXRtqNFqJbt1jIC7WUn8XPD5ZSydZgvVfot5SG7AiSOewVjAsy2sStA300c9Oo_DPIeixBOkQt2xKaxVrZPhWkTVD1dNGD9rCTgTy5i6rNj5iFsabnSgtuawBWjLaMYMzAK9VwS/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_sable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Kevin Kelly interviews Sable" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="504" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YT5wfWXRtqNFqJbt1jIC7WUn8XPD5ZSydZgvVfot5SG7AiSOewVjAsy2sStA300c9Oo_DPIeixBOkQt2xKaxVrZPhWkTVD1dNGD9rCTgTy5i6rNj5iFsabnSgtuawBWjLaMYMzAK9VwS/w400-h291/wwf_survivorseries98_sable.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Kevin Kelly interviews Sable" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Out in the back, <b>Sable</b> was found nursing her head with an ice pack after being attacked by <b>Jacqueline</b> earlier on Sunday Night Heat.<br />
<br />
<b>Kevin Kelly</b> suggested to the blonde bombshell that the attack would have knocked her off her game.<br />
<br />
<i>"Knocked me off my game!?!"</i> yelled Sable. <i>"She didn't knock me off my game, she pissed me off!"</i><br />
<br />
Channeling her anger into something productive, she then promised to beat Jacqueline for the Women's Championship later on in the show.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament First Round Match<br />Jeff Jarrett (w/ Debra McMichael) vs. Al Snow (w/ Head)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O4y-0erdm_f4gpwO8StU1Fm-aCsVZjI9LJ4ZbAql-V_CBrHPK_n9LtfR-29Di6KDNVmzdodfLN0KOE6_wPTH_HcntnuRFgawAVssi_PSqsNb7SpjIVBlT7ZlprtBt3qSPp_MN5uWrQJg/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_jeffdebra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Debra McMichael leads Jeff Jarrett into battle" border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="456" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O4y-0erdm_f4gpwO8StU1Fm-aCsVZjI9LJ4ZbAql-V_CBrHPK_n9LtfR-29Di6KDNVmzdodfLN0KOE6_wPTH_HcntnuRFgawAVssi_PSqsNb7SpjIVBlT7ZlprtBt3qSPp_MN5uWrQJg/w400-h340/wwf_survivorseries98_jeffdebra.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Debra McMichael leads Jeff Jarrett into battle" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
It's funny, I don't remember <b>Debra McMichael </b>using her last name in the World Wrestling Federation.<br />
<br />
But there you go, and here she is, being introduced with her surname in what would be her first WWF PPV appearance.<br />
<br />
Here, the former Queen of WCW led her man Jeff Jarrett into a short yet fairly enjoyable bout against <b>Al Snow</b>, ending when Snow drilled Jarrett with Head to bag the victory.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Al Snow</i></b><br />
<br />
Up next, it was time for The Rattle Snake.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament First Round Match<br />The Big Boss Man vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin</h3>
From the moment Big Boss Man stepped through the curtain, Jim Ross began telegraphing the ending by speculating whether Vince McMahon's Head of Security was in it to win it, or simply to hurt Steve Austin as much as possible on behalf of his boss.<br />
<br />
Following a few minutes of typical Austin brawling, it turned out to be the latter; Boss Man grabbed his nightstick and destroyed Stone Cold, ultimately eliminating himself from the competition.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner via Disqualification: Stone Cold Steve Austin</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match. Boss Man continued his assault, battering Austin with the nightstick until cameras cut to McMahon's dressing room.<br />
<br />
There, surrounded by his stooges, the boss was asked whether he was concerned that Steve Austin had advanced in the tournament.<br />
<br />
Ever the devious heel, Vince merely laughed and claimed that the night was still young, with plenty more in store for Steve Austin.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament First Round Match<br />WWF European Champion X-Pac vs. Stephen Regal</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vphGpa40i-neBn0NUSk2WeBbqGgej97dXqY-iMKIUYXcGYT567qdVEv7i6QrrbOcnuKhMrTVgTdh_reRxd4vMlXtOxPDjgooclNLwvdsxmGvSVWQlH_UFiYuvGyTew6mmjt7vCSnXhC6/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_regal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Real Man's Man Stephen Regal faced X-Pac" border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="602" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vphGpa40i-neBn0NUSk2WeBbqGgej97dXqY-iMKIUYXcGYT567qdVEv7i6QrrbOcnuKhMrTVgTdh_reRxd4vMlXtOxPDjgooclNLwvdsxmGvSVWQlH_UFiYuvGyTew6mmjt7vCSnXhC6/w400-h241/wwf_survivorseries98_regal.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Real Man's Man Stephen Regal faced X-Pac" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><i>
He's a man...Such a man!</i><br />
<br />
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Real Man's Man <b>Stephen Regal</b> was making his WWF PPV debut, appearing on his first PPV for any company since <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/06/ppv-review-wcw-world-war-3-1997.html" target="_blank">WCW World War 3 1997</a>.<br />
<br />
At first, Regal looked a little lost without being able to rely on his "Blueblood Snob" mannerisms that he had used so well throughout his career, but he and<b> X-Pac</b> soon settled into a groove to give us the best match of the night so far.<br />
<br />
The majority of the contest saw Regal in control before the action took a tumble to the outside and brawled past the ten count.<br />
<b><i>Double Countout</i></b><br />
<br />
Rather than let Austin get a bye to the next round, Vince ordered the match to go on for an extra five minutes, but apparently, X-Pac couldn't continue, so that was scrapped and Austin got the by anyway.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament First Round Match<br />WWF Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock vs. Goldust</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY3w9Cyx17v6rXRyl6nuwBSR0oV5E9-f48sUNzee4nm_GB9K140Bi7tnx7DsyBliKSIYyPni77Z7QQHIj8e_QeO0zMf-YzIxFy-sTMgagLlAf76-StMTGxAcguN-rTPBpsutSEU6PypQy/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_shamrock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="509" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY3w9Cyx17v6rXRyl6nuwBSR0oV5E9-f48sUNzee4nm_GB9K140Bi7tnx7DsyBliKSIYyPni77Z7QQHIj8e_QeO0zMf-YzIxFy-sTMgagLlAf76-StMTGxAcguN-rTPBpsutSEU6PypQy/w400-h294/wwf_survivorseries98_shamrock.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Can I just tell you now that I hate reviewing tournaments?<br />
<br />
Already this feels like the never-ending nightmare that was <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/02/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-4.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 4</a> all over again.<br />
<br />
It doesn't help that this match was deathly dull. It was basically <b>Ken Shamrock</b> holding <b>Goldust</b> in a chin lock for five minutes before putting him in the ankle lock.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Ken Shamrock</i></b><br />
<br />
Out in the back, <b>Michael Cole</b> told us that Steve Austin had refused medical attention before suggesting that no matter how beat up he was, Austin would find a way to make it to his semi-final match.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament First Round Match<br />The Rock vs. <strike>Triple H</strike> The Big Boss Man</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXcu35TZxoFfro4Pve-vy3xSFHSSCwG-ce4I_IXTOV5LpqRnzImewFuEjvh-1v4A_wNr_YmttxXVs4oecEsFC9bIt-1w1PqOqBD_fJiUp0f3SVh6YkpeVJUd7MX2fwH7n_iBls5vVX2sm/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_bossman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Big Boss Man" border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="523" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXcu35TZxoFfro4Pve-vy3xSFHSSCwG-ce4I_IXTOV5LpqRnzImewFuEjvh-1v4A_wNr_YmttxXVs4oecEsFC9bIt-1w1PqOqBD_fJiUp0f3SVh6YkpeVJUd7MX2fwH7n_iBls5vVX2sm/w400-h270/wwf_survivorseries98_bossman.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Big Boss Man" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
So, this was supposed to be a rematch from The Rock and Triple H's epic outing at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1998.html" target="_blank">Summerslam 1998</a>, but instead, Pat Patterson and Gerald Briscoe came out to inform us that Hunter wasn't here tonight, and thus a replacement had been found.<br />
<br />
That replacement?<br />
<br />
The Big Boss Man.<br />
<br />
Boss Man entered the ring for the second time that evening but was immediately rolled up into a small package and pinned.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The Rock</i></b><br />
<br />
Big Boss Man was obviously irate, but alas, Rock was through for a match with Ken Shamrock in the quarterfinals.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament Quarter-Final Match<br />The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs. Kane</h3>
In October 1997, in this very same arena, Kane made his debut, interfering in The Undertaker's Hell in a Cell match with Shawn Michaels at <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/05/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-18-badd.html" target="_blank">Badd Blood: In Your House</a>.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoNRCeuCGAJXWKOdH_nGfF2XRewCgVof6Ejf21V3Za-fHR6MsvKuWcwmwJ-Ru7LbsAxtQZNpJV5V_dTREUjjOJGvSPok86062VZrwWHteshCRSRTStMkEh6s_DJYi15eR3kx_LT5PyIYW/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_taker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The Undertaker vs. Kane" border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="534" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoNRCeuCGAJXWKOdH_nGfF2XRewCgVof6Ejf21V3Za-fHR6MsvKuWcwmwJ-Ru7LbsAxtQZNpJV5V_dTREUjjOJGvSPok86062VZrwWHteshCRSRTStMkEh6s_DJYi15eR3kx_LT5PyIYW/w400-h263/wwf_survivorseries98_taker.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The Undertaker vs. Kane" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div>
<br />
A lot had changed in the intervening 13 months.<br />
<br />
The two had been at war, facing off at <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-14.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 14</a> and <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wwf-unforgiven-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">Unforgiven: In Your House</a>.<br />
<br />
They had also -briefly- been allies and now were sworn enemies again, this time with Paul Bearer having abandoned Kane to return to The Undertaker's side.<br />
<br />
This was one of the better matches The Brothers of Destruction would have with each other over the years - a hard-hitting, reasonably paced brawl with a lot to enjoy.<br />
<br />
The end came when Bearer distracted Kane, allowing Undertaker to drop his brother on his head with a Tombstone.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The Undertaker</i></b><br />
<br />
Afterward, Kane took out his frustrations by blasting the referee.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament Quarter-Final Match<br />WWF Hardcore Champion Mankind vs. Al Snow</h3>
Mr McMahon had apparently stolen Mr Socko and wrapped it around Head, leaving Mankind to find it in this match.<br />
<br />
That was the big story that overshadowed anything Foley and Snow did together, though that's probably because nothing Foley and Snow did together was all that entertaining.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, this wasn't a bad match in and of itself. It was perfectly fine for what it was, it's just that what it was, was basically filler, a necessary stop-gap to get us where we needed to be in the overall story dominating the show.<br />
<br />
After a couple of minutes of not very much happening, Mick retrieved Socko from Head, slapped it in Al Snow's mouth, and won the match.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Mankind</i></b><br />
<br />
Moving on...<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament Quarter Final Match<br />Ken Shamrock vs. The Rock</h3>
These two had battled throughout 1998, including memorable outings at Wrestlemania 14 and <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/07/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1998.html" target="_blank">Royal Rumble 1998.</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnV5E69h7bhyphenhyphen4Np1ZM29yqjJzP0zYzJR3UHALfCSjY0k5ERo3XUuTUxsdywurl6V8OJt_8laBGqOy7gTkh2Jnz_8l8mbPzMTdHSdu3zHu8R5RrLW4MQvstoHC5GyeIBpCdDkoXl0r9stz/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_rock2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The Rock gets squeezed by Ken Shamrock" border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="531" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnV5E69h7bhyphenhyphen4Np1ZM29yqjJzP0zYzJR3UHALfCSjY0k5ERo3XUuTUxsdywurl6V8OJt_8laBGqOy7gTkh2Jnz_8l8mbPzMTdHSdu3zHu8R5RrLW4MQvstoHC5GyeIBpCdDkoXl0r9stz/w400-h274/wwf_survivorseries98_rock2.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The Rock gets squeezed by Ken Shamrock" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
<br />
If this wasn't the best of their outings, it was certainly up there - outshining Regal/Pac and Taker/Kane for Match of the Night So Far honours and getting the crowd right on the edge of their feet.<br />
<br />
After a thrilling, dramatic war, Big Boss Man (who had appeared in the final minutes) hopped up on the apron to throw his nightstick to Shamrock.<br />
<br />
Rock intercepted, drilled his opponent, and when the referee turned around again, this one was over.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The Rock</i></b><br />
<br />
Out in the back, <b>Paul Bearer</b> promised Michael Cole that The Undertaker would beat The Rock en route to becoming our new WWF Champion.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Women's Championship<br />WWF Women's Champion Jacqueline (w/ Marc Mero) vs. Sable</h3>
Even as a horny 14-year-old (as I was in 1998) I never really saw Sable's appeal. Sure, she was a good looking woman, but she wasn't a patch on <b>Sunny</b>, nor did she have Sunny's enormous charisma and personality.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb-XWVEufA4tgFTkHESWv9_HGC4EONVdpqVru15z2MHdquL8xb5KeHlFGjRFRdyrpSfyZUx0GOfO3t5ayiq69RSAs4tgCdUra3fsxTiz-mo65SiPze5cg6ml_TPyRK1aczjropGMEZyhN/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_bearer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Michael Cole interviews Paul Bearer" border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="532" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb-XWVEufA4tgFTkHESWv9_HGC4EONVdpqVru15z2MHdquL8xb5KeHlFGjRFRdyrpSfyZUx0GOfO3t5ayiq69RSAs4tgCdUra3fsxTiz-mo65SiPze5cg6ml_TPyRK1aczjropGMEZyhN/w400-h275/wwf_survivorseries98_bearer.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Michael Cole interviews Paul Bearer" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br />
Still, I must have been in the minority because the future Mrs. Lesnar was one of the hottest acts in the company at this time, spending most of her year in a war with Jacqueline and <b>Marc Mero</b>.<br />
<br />
After losing out on the title the first time these two met for it, Sable had another chance tonight and took it in what was a surprisingly decent match.<br />
<br />
No, it wasn't a classic, but it was kept short and sweet, and it was entertaining for the most part.<br />
<br />
Somewhat predictably, Sable landed the Sablebomb to become champion.<br />
<br />
Also of note here was that <b>Shane McMahon</b> was the referee, having been demoted to this "lowly" position by his father as punishment for signing Austin to a new, iron-clad five-year contract.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and NEW WWF Women's Champion: Sable</i></b><br />
<br />
Up next, more Stone Cold.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament Semi-Final Match<br />Mankind vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin</h3>
This was fantastic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGEYtQG5pQLztidrmBbRGAj7Ez4uAdFVmhA5yp24eET7oJjXkUgvdCW4ZRuDaFNfnnsKEmr6_z_1vrwnSyqLLcRALM-mhiifvwIgZR_L0_NWhp42Ocuw_pb5HXsiY37JIudYo19nw_oBS/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_austin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Stone Cold Steve Austin" border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="492" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGEYtQG5pQLztidrmBbRGAj7Ez4uAdFVmhA5yp24eET7oJjXkUgvdCW4ZRuDaFNfnnsKEmr6_z_1vrwnSyqLLcRALM-mhiifvwIgZR_L0_NWhp42Ocuw_pb5HXsiY37JIudYo19nw_oBS/w400-h308/wwf_survivorseries98_austin.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Stone Cold Steve Austin" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Like a shorter version of the wild main events they had at Unforgiven and Over The Edge, this was Mick and Austin at their best, albeit with the added twist that Vince McMahon and his gang were there the whole time.<br />
<br />
For the most part, they let the two combatants get on with having another awesome match, but then when the finish came, Vince and Co were all over it.<br />
<br />
Austin hit a stunner and looked to have the match won, but Vince lept into the ring and beat up the referee.<br />
<br />
Austin stayed in charge and made another cover. This time, Shane ran in, but instead of counting to three, got to two, flipped Austin the bird, and then ran off.<br />
<br />
Gerald Brisco then hit Stone Cold with the weakest chair shot in known history, a third referee came in, and this one was over.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Mankind</i></b><br />
<br />
Afterward, the two McMahons, Slaughter, Patterson, and Briscoe ran (well, lightly jogged) off, jumped in a limo, and sped away.<br />
<br />
To catch them, Stone Cold committed grand theft auto, throwing another man out of his car, hijacking it, and speeding off.<br />
<br />
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler then tried to wrap their heads around the idea that Shane McMahon had signed Austin to a five-year contract just to turn on him.<br />
<br />
Like the rest of us, they couldn't figure it out either.<br />
<br />
Welcome to the Attitude Era, ladies and gentlemen.<br />
<br />
<h3>
WWF Championship Tournament Semi-Final Match<br />The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs. The Rock</h3>
If this had been an advertised marquee match on any other PPV, you have to believe that Rock and 'Taker would have delivered.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufvUe7pf3Tu1QVLAFF7mlJU2QK1GVhinSNZIJx-xDcIfImaDDllsnRDmiPTgtWYTDf69QKEvectdPBcKPDl9bTnG18GFkjNZeu6xiokF91uFS8y42zBuS_S6RQVAGTX7M683A6y-Hb74S/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_taker3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The Undertaker" border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="490" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufvUe7pf3Tu1QVLAFF7mlJU2QK1GVhinSNZIJx-xDcIfImaDDllsnRDmiPTgtWYTDf69QKEvectdPBcKPDl9bTnG18GFkjNZeu6xiokF91uFS8y42zBuS_S6RQVAGTX7M683A6y-Hb74S/w400-h299/wwf_survivorseries98_taker3.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The Undertaker" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
<br />
As it was, they were here, in an unadvertised bout designed to further a storyline, and whilst it didn't suck, it was very underwhelming considering what you might expect from these two.<br />
<br />
Possibly the sole highlight was Rock calling Paul Bearer a <i>"big fat piece of shit."</i><br />
<br />
The finish saw Kane come out and chokeslam The Rock in front of Earl Hebner, costing his brother the match via disqualification.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner via DQ: The Rock</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match, The Undertaker sought revenge on his brother for costing him a place in the finals by beating him all the way through the arena and out into the crowd.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mick is Ready</h3>
Out in the back, Mankind told Michael Cole that he was ready to conquer the one last obstacle that stood in his way of becoming WWF Champion - The Rock.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Championship Triple Threat<br />WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg Jesse James & Bad Ass Billy Gunn) vs. The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) vs. Mark Henry & D'Lo Brown</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB10DCzcqeuz4iYqt7_vUxGrvjTlzlOtOj3709Vy-izyPDZukdFiIzwdChlRknZi1KHhGrJlCm-TZYxDRDzsTaBkCvVNYfhOFlU8gIk9fK1FND6fVQWKsPmDqO5XDGcoOpxr7biNK7m8E/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_oytlaws.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The New Age Outlaws" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="510" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB10DCzcqeuz4iYqt7_vUxGrvjTlzlOtOj3709Vy-izyPDZukdFiIzwdChlRknZi1KHhGrJlCm-TZYxDRDzsTaBkCvVNYfhOFlU8gIk9fK1FND6fVQWKsPmDqO5XDGcoOpxr7biNK7m8E/w400-h274/wwf_survivorseries98_oytlaws.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - The New Age Outlaws" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
This was a unique match type that I don't think I've seen anywhere else before or since.<br />
<br />
Rather than your standard triple threat tag in which two men wrestled and could tag anyone from any team, each of the three teams had a man in the ring at once, making it like a normal triple threat match with tag partners.<br />
<br />
Early on, JR told us that <a href="http://whatculture.com/wwe/10-oddest-rules-wrestling?page=9" target="_blank">The Outlaw Rule</a> (banning tag team partners from pinning each other) was in effect.<br />
<br />
This was the rule that prevented tag team partners from pinning each other.<br />
<br />
In other words, it stopped <b>Road Dogg</b> and <b>Billy Gunn</b> from pulling <a href="https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xrzwg8" target="_blank">the same trick they used on an episode of Raw over the summer</a>. I could've sworn that was on a PPV, but all my research proves otherwise.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the rules resulted in Road Dogg playing Ricky Morton for almost the entire match before Billy Gunn pulled a Fameasser from the same place RKOs come from, and won the match.<br />
<br />
Overall, this was pretty decent, but it doesn't take a wrestling genius to know that this was designed to simply get the crowd warmed and ready for the main event.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners and Still WWF Tag Team Champions: The New Age Outlaws</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match, Billy Gunn pulled his trunks down and flashed his ass. Who did he think he was? <a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/03/from-loft-wwf-raw-magazine-1998.html" target="_blank">Shawn Michaels</a>?<br />
<br />
<h3>
The McMahons are Back</h3>
Prior to our tournament final, we were shown that Vince and Shane were back in the arena, bidding goodnight to The Big Boss Man.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Championship Tournament Final<br />Mankind vs. The Rock</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW_U1psY045Fa_xegpB2h8uzYfS1wCluCLLEad6d1sNKi-Ws8ScYsqb6_kzDf2wdlGG6AfEVkzkWE72_YEyXMZDttYdiC9aY26ROh1Qu4k-MF68EsVxsJ0eiTN1pEMKeu0rwlmeZzanTk/s1600/wwf_survivorseries98_rockchamp2t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Vince McMahon celebrates with new WWF Champion The Rock" border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="522" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW_U1psY045Fa_xegpB2h8uzYfS1wCluCLLEad6d1sNKi-Ws8ScYsqb6_kzDf2wdlGG6AfEVkzkWE72_YEyXMZDttYdiC9aY26ROh1Qu4k-MF68EsVxsJ0eiTN1pEMKeu0rwlmeZzanTk/w400-h303/wwf_survivorseries98_rockchamp2t.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1998 Deadly Game - Vince McMahon celebrates with new WWF Champion The Rock" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
As both men sized each other up, Ross assured us that even though there was no time limit, we'd stay with the match as long as it went on.<br />
<br />
<i>"Yeah, you'll get to see all of </i>this<i> pay per view,"</i> quipped Lawler.<br />
<i>"King, that's not nice,"</i> Ross replied. <i>"Making fun of the less fortunate."</i><br />
<br />
This was, of course, a joke at WCW's expense after<a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1998.html" target="_blank"> Halloween Havoc 1998</a> ran long and half of the Goldberg/DDP main event was cut off from the broadcast.<br />
<br />
That aside, this was an absolutely fantastic main event, with the two pulling out all the stops to create a wild, chaotic brawl that really worked on every level.<br />
<br />
Showing flashes of the violent brilliance that would later be the hallmark of their Royal Rumble '99 classic, Rock and Mankind went back and forth inside and outside of the ring until Rock slapped on the Sharpshooter and Vince pulled Montreal Redux.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and NEW WWF Champion: The Rock</i></b><br />
<br />
The post-match celebrations were almost as long as the match itself.<br />
<br />
Vince revealed that he, Shane, and McMahon had been in cahoots the whole time before The Rock basically told the audience to kiss his ass.<br />
<br />
From there, Mankind expressed his bewilderment at how he could have lost the match without submitting, leading The Rock to blast poor Mick over the head with the title.<br />
<br />
Finally, Austin ran out for the big hoorah, blasting both Rock and Mankind with stunners to end the show on a high note.<br />
<br />
<i>I know I claimed that watching this was starting to feel like watching Wrestlemania 4 all over again. That's because, in some parts, it was.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>Tournaments just make a show seem longer than it is, and at times it was gruelling to sit through it.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>However, you can't fault the impeccable storytelling that went on right from the opening match to the final Austin run-in. That, combined with some awesome wrestling (the main event, Shamrock/Rock and Undertaker/Kane among others) made this one of the company's best pay per views of the year.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>For saying this was the first Survivor Series ever to feature no elimination tag matches, it was actually one of the best Survivor Series shows ever too. </i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>A great watch and worth tracking down. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6l9Qozaui4rlOdVOxhqemozUAif1IeZcfBdCZzJ7rBo-Llm5Nip3ChtJTGjiIl5aqcIjMqCpfKONu109N9BzHJVuXI9Nj2TpAj0jdAGL0j4DZdtbUBMHBRE5fbggBarHuyzkL1lZF9hdEvwngtU6KNQjXg-3KKE3UaM1tNPQ0cPReq10_277xLto-kTP/s1080/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series eBook on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6l9Qozaui4rlOdVOxhqemozUAif1IeZcfBdCZzJ7rBo-Llm5Nip3ChtJTGjiIl5aqcIjMqCpfKONu109N9BzHJVuXI9Nj2TpAj0jdAGL0j4DZdtbUBMHBRE5fbggBarHuyzkL1lZF9hdEvwngtU6KNQjXg-3KKE3UaM1tNPQ0cPReq10_277xLto-kTP/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" title="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series eBook on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<hr />
<i><b>1998 events reviewed so far</b></i><br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/07/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - Royal Rumble 1998</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/07/ppv-review-wcw-souled-out-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Souled Out 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wwf-in-your-house-20-no-way.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 20: No Way Out of Texas </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-viii-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Superbrawl 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wcw-uncensored-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Uncensored 1998 </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-14.html" target="_blank">WWF - Wrestlemania 14 </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/08/ppv-review-wcw-spring-stampede-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Spring Stampede 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wwf-unforgiven-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 21: Unforgiven</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wcw-slamboree-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Slamboree 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wwf-over-edge-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 22: Over The Edge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/09/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1998 </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/10/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - King of the Ring 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/10/ppv-review-wcw-bash-at-beach-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Bash at the Beach 1998</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2006341169"></span>WWF - In Your House 23: Fully Loaded<span id="goog_2006341170"></span></a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/10/ppv-review-wcw-road-wild-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Road Wild 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF - Summerslam 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wcw-fall-brawl-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Fall Brawl 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-breakdown-1998-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 24: Breakdown</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wwf-judgement-day-1998-in.html" target="_blank">WWF - In Your House 25: Judgement Day</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/11/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1998.html" target="_blank">WCW - Halloween Havoc 1998</a></li>
</ol>
<div>
Other WWF Survivor Series reviews: </div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1987.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1987</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1988</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1989_9.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1989</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1990</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1991</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1992</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/06/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1993.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1993</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1994</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/07/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1995.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1995</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/05/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1996.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1996</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1997</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/04/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2009.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2009</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/top-ten-matches-from-first-ten-wwe.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Matches from the First 10 Survivor Series events</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span><script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script></div></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-90413693933621916702023-11-12T04:50:00.000-08:002023-11-12T04:50:56.156-08:00PPV REVIEW: WWF Survivor Series 1999<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh1JrviSvI-naBh3LbRL443bYdXHJ0st0MuwJPyJe61ZdS7I_5BaOz9H-XxlMA-7WO0jVawTGDK9B4DKAuSGq1btzKrhlfO7d0hLDuSRp_Z0ZW-WMe6xRXGSw5QGVarUisULWYh9fcqYX/s1600/wwf_survivorseries1999_eventposter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Event poster" border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh1JrviSvI-naBh3LbRL443bYdXHJ0st0MuwJPyJe61ZdS7I_5BaOz9H-XxlMA-7WO0jVawTGDK9B4DKAuSGq1btzKrhlfO7d0hLDuSRp_Z0ZW-WMe6xRXGSw5QGVarUisULWYh9fcqYX/s1600/wwf_survivorseries1999_eventposter.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Event poster" /></a></div>
<b><div><b><br /></b></div>November 14, 1999,</b><br />
<b>Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I've been a wrestling fan for most of my life, but in the late 1990s, as I approached 16 years old, I started to discover that going out with girls and skateboarding was more fun than staying home and watching professional wrestling.</b><br />
<br />
From late 1999 until sometime in the year 2000, I slowly but surely drifted away from it altogether. By the time I was 17, I was no longer watching any wrestling at all, and wouldn't do so again for about seven or eight years.<br />
<br />
As such, it's around this time on my journey to documenting every WWE PPV from Wrestlemania 1 to 30 that my memory of what was going on in pro wrestling at the time starts to get a little sketchy.<br />
<br />
Sure, I was still kind of watching (I think I dropped off altogether after <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/12/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-2000.html" target="_blank">Wrestlemania 2000</a>), but I wasn't watching with the kind of intense enthusiasm that I used to, and I honestly don't recall if I ever saw Survivor Series 1999 back in the day.<br />
<br />
If I did, I certainly wasn't paying enough attention to it as I don't recall a single thing about it.<br />
<br />
But hey, that's actually a lot of fun because it means I'm watching this one as if its the first time I've ever seen it, something I haven't been able to do since we first started covering WCW PPVs a few years ago.<br />
<br />
With that being said, I'm eager to dive into it, so let's head to the Joe Louis Arena and see what went down at Survivor Series 1999.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Who will survive tonight?</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHzqvuMWdPoqwulpLjQZH3FO_qx0XlDwJtTMzyPFoA780dppRKyuiWoT5gdkF4EBJpiFcOGz3Iz0VuC7nJ01mU8G0d427GsMicqt4p8kBxmGFK6MI3Qffqon3B7zhibXmacCorPlI0ucf/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_announcers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler called the action" border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="687" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHzqvuMWdPoqwulpLjQZH3FO_qx0XlDwJtTMzyPFoA780dppRKyuiWoT5gdkF4EBJpiFcOGz3Iz0VuC7nJ01mU8G0d427GsMicqt4p8kBxmGFK6MI3Qffqon3B7zhibXmacCorPlI0ucf/w400-h278/wwf_survivorseries99_announcers.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler called the action" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Our show began with a dramatic and compelling video package that told us that tonight, we'd see <b>Triple H</b> defending the WWF title in a triple threat match against <b>Stone Cold Steve Austin</b> and <b>The Rock</b>, with Vince McMahon as the special guest referee.<br />
<br />
This led us to our usual warm welcome from <b>Jim Ross</b> and <b>Jerry 'The King' Lawler</b>, the latter of whom told us that tonight's show was going to be even more memorable than <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">Survivor Series 1997</a>.<br />
<br />
With that, it was onto our opening match<br />
<br />
<h3>
Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match<br />The Godfather (w/ The Hos), D'Lo Brown and The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) vs. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Vo Dudley) and The Acolytes (Farooq & Bradshaw)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4lO63A-2QGoWE0I-oM4ZwDS_nzEn4VLxn4KgpxlU95ohWNZYfFivUpDqR9iUHoOzi_VO9v0uJ4m5V4Wyvr5ntZXYe7jAcxbcRyuGYQxlYlDr-868IKk9oNOq-QjrffHB-8syoWYkDKs5/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_dlo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - D'Lo Brown and his team dressed up like pimps" border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="661" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4lO63A-2QGoWE0I-oM4ZwDS_nzEn4VLxn4KgpxlU95ohWNZYfFivUpDqR9iUHoOzi_VO9v0uJ4m5V4Wyvr5ntZXYe7jAcxbcRyuGYQxlYlDr-868IKk9oNOq-QjrffHB-8syoWYkDKs5/w400-h316/wwf_survivorseries99_dlo.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - D'Lo Brown and his team dressed up like pimps" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
See what I mean about forgetting stuff? I had no idea <b>The Headbangers</b> got back together in late 1999 after that whole '<b>Chaz Warrington</b> - Wife Beater' mess.<br />
<br />
Here, <b>Mosh</b> and <b>Trasher</b> joined <b>D'Lo Brown</b> in dressing up like pimps, which <b>The Godfather</b> found hysterical.<br />
<br />
True fact - if you put an afro wig on Mosh, he looks eerily like Carlito.<br />
<br />
<b>The Dudley Boyz</b> made their entrance next, but Godfather refused to give them any of his hos, preferring instead to lock up with them and <b>The Acolytes</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Farooq</b> and <b>Bradshaw</b> were able to co-exist with <b>Bubba Ray</b> and <b>D-Von</b> long enough for them to eliminate both headbangers, but that was about all they could handle.<br />
<br />
Bradshaw grabbed a chair and walloped both D'Lo Brown and his own partner, Bubba. That was enough to get him disqualified. Farooq and D-Von then came to blows and basically walked off fighting one another, leaving Bubba Ray at the mercy of Farooq's former Nation of Domination underlings, Godfather an D'Lo Brown.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners and Survivors: The Godfather and D'Lo Brown</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match, Godfather, D'Lo, and referee <b>Tim White</b> got down and funky with The Hos.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Kurt Angle - Olympic Hero</h3>
Oh yeah, now I remember this show, it was the in-ring debut of <b>Kurt Angle</b>.<br />
<br />
Before the Olympic Gold Medalist stepped into the ring, we got a video package in which he bragged about all of his achievements. Just in listing all of his medals and championships, Angle sounded like a bona fide heel.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Shawn Stasiak vs. Kurt Angle</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKr7SdZ46zpY7tQz6b1VLDqsu4XPFh8NQhKYdPUu3l6_xoQZULnfjqre8HgwhSzQMKBSaXOXn1lrJJLBxH0BDJmbuMNhBgXpQ-sMdVK6sf-Gy1nJelDsmiPsjhGC94ZHWX3AZSlwd5EtM/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_angle2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Kurt Angle made his WWE debut" border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="691" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKr7SdZ46zpY7tQz6b1VLDqsu4XPFh8NQhKYdPUu3l6_xoQZULnfjqre8HgwhSzQMKBSaXOXn1lrJJLBxH0BDJmbuMNhBgXpQ-sMdVK6sf-Gy1nJelDsmiPsjhGC94ZHWX3AZSlwd5EtM/w400-h275/wwf_survivorseries99_angle2.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Kurt Angle made his WWE debut" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Though they'd change their minds later in his career, the fans did not care at all for Angle as he locked up with <b>Shawn Stasiak</b> in what was a decent, though not very spectacular, match.<br />
<br />
At one point, they ignored him altogether and chanted for the Detroit Red Wings before booing the Olympic Gold Medalist. When he took to the microphone to demand they stop boing they, of course, booed louder.<br />
<br />
Angle showed plenty of promise here, but there was nothing about this rather average match that made you suspect he'd go on to become one of the sports' all-time greats.<br />
<br />
Predictably, he won the match thanks to the Angle Slam.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: Kurt Angle</i></b><br />
<br />
Earlier, on Heat, Triple H had tried to lure <b>The Rock</b> and <b>Austin</b> into a beat down at the hands of his recently reunited <b>DX</b> buddies <b>X-Pac</b> and <b>Road Dogg</b>, but that had backfired. Rock had fought off the DX men while Austin kicked HHH's ass.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match<br />Val Venis, Mark Henry, Gangrel, and Steve Blackman vs. WWF European Champion The British Bulldog and The Mean Street Posse (Pete Gas, Rodney, and The Mean Street Posse)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau47E4J0VMVgEyP-qujN-mdnj4XI7Na3BvaHN4JI6ZLA9-FQPrBLsSQIj4km-YikP9TLi6js4RNL1FC8nWYBuds8O4mpz5FoxmERllE1Jn8PU1HJMtOTEcYSrLaidwBrm1c7xJF3I6E9o/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_bulldog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - The British Bulldog's career was going down hill" border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="649" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau47E4J0VMVgEyP-qujN-mdnj4XI7Na3BvaHN4JI6ZLA9-FQPrBLsSQIj4km-YikP9TLi6js4RNL1FC8nWYBuds8O4mpz5FoxmERllE1Jn8PU1HJMtOTEcYSrLaidwBrm1c7xJF3I6E9o/w400-h315/wwf_survivorseries99_bulldog.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - The British Bulldog's career was going down hill" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Poor <b>British Bulldog</b> - one minute he's competing for the world title, the next he's in a match which screams "<i>we didn't have anything else for these people to do</i>" with <b>The Mean Street Posse</b> as his partners.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I think the look on Davey Boy's face in this picture says it all, don't you?<br />
<br />
Also, I have no idea who the heels were supposed to be here. I think it was all of them. I also think it doesn't even matter because nobody seemed to care about this match.<br />
<br />
<b>Val Venis</b>' team made light work of The Posse before Bulldog got his revenge by taking out <b>Gangrel</b> and <b>Steve Blackman</b>. Yet just when you thought he might go all the way, he got splashed by both Venis and <b>Mark Henry</b> and lost the match.<br />
<br />
Seriously, poor Bulldog.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners and Survivors: Mark Henry and Val Venis</i></b><br />
<br />
Out in the back, <b>Michael Cole</b> stupidly stormed into the women's locker room for an interview without boring to check if they were decent. The ladies, particularly <b>Ivory</b> and <b>Jacqueline</b> made fun of him for it and teased him mercilessly while <b>Terri</b> scurried around trying to hide her boobs and <b>Luna</b> looked on.<br />
<br />
Now, it was only back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/09/ppv-review-wwf-no-mercy-1999.html" target="_blank">Unforgiven 1999</a> that Luna, Jacqueline, and Ivory were at war with one another, but apparently, they'd patched things up and would be competing tonight.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Eight-Woman Sudden Death Tag Team Match<br />Mae Young, The Fabulous Moolah, Tori and Debra vs. WWF Women's Champion Ivory, Jacqueline, Luna Vachon and Terri Runnels</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi82RdwBKyKaSi3hPd1OBdRjEDSmQ6l1sUUlQvkn_36vCHPePwUDRc6szkCtr9l1W7feKik53Y1HQelKRE8giXRxgzvKSiTCNt5YDQHq3XHXjXgiaOR6ikcCv6Ju8wA5sMFQ2wvht1Mri2/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_debra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Debra was lovely" border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="679" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi82RdwBKyKaSi3hPd1OBdRjEDSmQ6l1sUUlQvkn_36vCHPePwUDRc6szkCtr9l1W7feKik53Y1HQelKRE8giXRxgzvKSiTCNt5YDQHq3XHXjXgiaOR6ikcCv6Ju8wA5sMFQ2wvht1Mri2/w400-h299/wwf_survivorseries99_debra.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Debra was lovely" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
This was like a traditional Survivor Series match just fought under 'one fall to a finish' rules because nobody wanted to see a match featuring T<b>he Fabulous Moolah</b> and <b>Mae Young</b> drag on to the usual lengths of an elimination match.<br /><br />
Naturally, this was just the kind of sloppy mess you'd expect it to be.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, it ended quickly when the barely mobile Moolah pinned women's champion Ivory while Debra ripped Terri Runnel's top off for good measure.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners: Mae Young, The Fabulous Moolah, Tori and Debra</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match, Moolah stole Ivory's title then tried to beat her up some more until everybody pulled them off each other.<br />
<br />
<h3>
X-Pac is Ready for Kane</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqiJpXzq-EsyiR5V13wZrM6w2xwsjRAtVRrkOPdDOU4yrVUL4RCU_bxNX9FrEkpoXLv6R_Y-riyc6rUJJOwtALp-Ku6LavRv_olD24nL8_WykZomDzRMkmC0HJ6BWo4j4xS3hhj3p1-8Y/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_xpac.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Lilian Garcia interviews X-Pac" border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="671" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqiJpXzq-EsyiR5V13wZrM6w2xwsjRAtVRrkOPdDOU4yrVUL4RCU_bxNX9FrEkpoXLv6R_Y-riyc6rUJJOwtALp-Ku6LavRv_olD24nL8_WykZomDzRMkmC0HJ6BWo4j4xS3hhj3p1-8Y/w400-h278/wwf_survivorseries99_xpac.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Lilian Garcia interviews X-Pac" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Out in the back, Lillian Garcia asked <b>X-Pac</b> if he was ready to face "a very angry and very determined <b>Kane</b>."<br />
<br />
Now playing the heel after the recent <b>D-Generation-X</b> reunion, Pac insisted that he'd been the one carrying The Big Red Machine during their tag team run together before calling Kane impotent and sexually frustrated.<br />
<br />
X-Pac acted like he really couldn't care less about fighting Kane and, as a heel, it was an attitude that really worked for him.<br />
<br />
<h3>
X-Pac vs. Kane</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt1XqDwAhAFJF0KfanQ6mm2NlAHyGdBi-mu0lI0hJOxsxIaLWZDXYYxjhcLz7tQAb1qneVPLxEJmU8_k9eT55Kw3RQZdZiB8vK54wassQSqsfDXeJfdjL_92mfJq6jhyhYphs1D2VuW3P/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_kanetori.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Kane checks on Tori" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="557" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt1XqDwAhAFJF0KfanQ6mm2NlAHyGdBi-mu0lI0hJOxsxIaLWZDXYYxjhcLz7tQAb1qneVPLxEJmU8_k9eT55Kw3RQZdZiB8vK54wassQSqsfDXeJfdjL_92mfJq6jhyhYphs1D2VuW3P/w400-h340/wwf_survivorseries99_kanetori.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Kane checks on Tori" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
And so the big payoff to the X-Pac/Kane story that had been playing out for most of the year came to a head in a short yet enjoyable little match in which The Big Red Machine looked to counter his opponent's quickness with brute strength.<br />
<br />
It was an effective approach that not only made for entertaining viewing but also seemed to have helped Kane win the match despite interference from Road Dogg.<br />
<br />
In the end, Kane lifted X-Pac up for a tombstone, but Triple H ran in and blasted him with the WWF title for the DQ.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner via disqualification: Kane</i></b><br />
<br />
Post-match, Hunter and Road Dogg set Kane up in the corner for an X-Pac bronco buster. <b>Tori</b> ran in to try and save her boyfriend Kane but when she grabbed 'Pac, he turned around and kicked her without realizing who it was.<br />
<br />
Instantly showing shock and remorse, X-Pac fled with his DX buddies in tow.<br /><br />
<h3>
A Backstage Brawl</h3>
Out in the back, Michael Cole tried to interview The Rock, but Triple H came along and got in Rocky's face. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1tREDY16GJkgzQKdFZG1z0B9k-2S5W1Gry6FYyeJ-uwK85RZix8k1ydauMt_AfQFI5vrew4jgiDThCYJPKEmfC4RQI1Van_uZL6GQnlOJLDAlsKVCQ1Xe102f13Te99B9OgSyvKMYKKc/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_therock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Michael Cole interviews The Rock" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="633" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1tREDY16GJkgzQKdFZG1z0B9k-2S5W1Gry6FYyeJ-uwK85RZix8k1ydauMt_AfQFI5vrew4jgiDThCYJPKEmfC4RQI1Van_uZL6GQnlOJLDAlsKVCQ1Xe102f13Te99B9OgSyvKMYKKc/w400-h300/wwf_survivorseries99_therock.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Michael Cole interviews The Rock" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The two then got into a big brawl which had to be broken up by <b>Sgt. Slaughter</b> and a bunch of officials.<div></br>
<h3>
Handicap Survivor Series Elimination Match<br />Prince Albert, Mideon, Viscera, and WWF Hardcore Champion The Big Boss Man vs. The Big Show</h3>
As the combatants were making their way to the ring, we were shown clips of <b>Big Boss Man </b>interrupting the funeral of <b>Big Show</b>'s dad and <a href="http://wrestlecrap.com/icfyt/it-came-from-youtube-the-entire-gloriously-stupid-big-showbig-boss-man-feud-recapped/" target="_blank">stealing the casket</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>"If we never see that footage again, it'll be too soon," </i>said Jim Ross, echoing the thoughts of every wrestling fan who had to sit through that angle.<br />
<br />
Ross also told us that Big Show had been assigned <b>Kai En Tai</b> and <b>The Blue Meanie</b> as partners, but had beaten them up so that he could take out Boss Man and Boss Man's partners by himself.<br />
<br />
And take them out he did, in about 30 seconds. Show destroyed <b>Mideon</b> and <b>Prince Albert</b> with chokeslams in no time at all, then, in the sole highlight of the entire thing, lifted Viscera up for a huge, and hugely impressive, body slam. One chokeslam later and he was gone too.<br />
<br />
Boss Man then ran off and got counted out but, rather than celebrate, Show chased after him.<br />
<br />
That barely qualified as a match, but it was still fun to see Big Show going crazy and destroying people. That should have been his thing the whole time.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner: The Big Show</i></b><br />
<br />
Out in the back, <b>Kevin Kelly</b> tried to interview Stone Cold Steve Austin but Triple H appeared once again and struck Austin before running off. Stone Cold gave chase, then we cut to what was clearly a pre-recorded segment in which Austin was wandering around in a parking lot looking for Hunter. Cue a car with lights at full beam smashing through the parking lot gates and running down the Texas Rattlesnake.<br />
<br />
After cutting to a reaction from Jr and King, Ross actually left the announce table and went backstage to check on Austin. <b>Stephanie McMahon </b>and <b>Test </b>were already there looking over him, as was an irate Vince McMahon. Later, Shane McMahon and Sgt. Slaughter also showed up as EMTs prepared Stone Cold to be placed on a stretcher.<br />
<br />
Triple H and DX then showed up and McMahon tore them a new one, blaming them for having Austin run down. Hunter denied having anything to do with it and of, course, he was right. Later, a certain someone would reveal that they were the ones driving the car and that, yes, they did it for The Rock.<br />
<br />
Austin was finally taken away on a stretcher now be out for some time, in kayfabe selling the fact that he'd just been run over by a car but in reality recovering from injuries he'd accrued thanks to the wild and violent nature of all the main event matches he'd had over the past two years.<br />
<br />
Though the actual angle and reveal of Austin's assailant would be derided later, this whole segment was pretty dramatic and engaging stuff.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Championship<br />WWF Intercontinental Champion Chyna (w/ Miss Kitty) vs. Chris Jericho</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_E0unGsorVLVYATt0YEJPYBfHKKl1Zy_RFURk-NayXdMxKXaL7Offdk7RpRIQqkIj0yFtUQYbn3DZEIW2dYqL9e6yw8zdXSVops8LOqpiI_gKBe7Yi4wNwU5jak2oZ3xfxj_1StL7Owd/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_jericho.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Chris Jericho faced Chyna" border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="687" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_E0unGsorVLVYATt0YEJPYBfHKKl1Zy_RFURk-NayXdMxKXaL7Offdk7RpRIQqkIj0yFtUQYbn3DZEIW2dYqL9e6yw8zdXSVops8LOqpiI_gKBe7Yi4wNwU5jak2oZ3xfxj_1StL7Owd/w400-h319/wwf_survivorseries99_jericho.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - Chris Jericho faced Chyna" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
After all the drama of the 'Austin Got Run Over' angle, we went straight into what was easily the best match on the show so far by a long, long shot.<br />
<br />
<b>Chris Jericho</b> held nothing back as he absolutely brutalized <b>Chyna</b> both inside and outside of the ring, but The Ninth Wonder of the World refused to give up and eventually scored the win thanks to a top rope pedigree.<br />
<br />
OK, so the actual pedigree didn't look all that great, but the spectacle of it, particularly coming at the end of what was an absolutely thrilling match, made it work.<br />
<br />
The crowd loved it, I loved it, and if you watch it, I'm sure you'll love it too.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and Still Intercontinental Champion: Chyna</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBspZQcn5QaGN-2kkr88hju6Ll91XZkZ9XKWs_O59wiPcAEjRnpjVct0E2b5Jnnf8XCghsigGvXz7U8qZqCKGmEOXWzc96mvnOTBby599xglyp9iA_kiyLPsQWGf9SToHNJHjBTyzxflcA/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_hhhmcmahons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - DX confront The McMahons" border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="697" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBspZQcn5QaGN-2kkr88hju6Ll91XZkZ9XKWs_O59wiPcAEjRnpjVct0E2b5Jnnf8XCghsigGvXz7U8qZqCKGmEOXWzc96mvnOTBby599xglyp9iA_kiyLPsQWGf9SToHNJHjBTyzxflcA/w400-h309/wwf_survivorseries99_hhhmcmahons.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - DX confront The McMahons" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Out in the back, Triple H and X-Pac burst into the McMahon family locker room looking for <b>Vince McMahon</b>.<br />
<br />
Shane revealed that Vince had gone to the hospital with Austin before yelling at DX for the terrible crime they'd committed.<br />
<br />
Hunter and X-Pac swore down that although they were setting him up, they weren't setting him up to get run over. Helmsley then revealed the real reason he was looking for Vince - to confirm that now Austin was out of action, the main event would just a singles match against The Rock, rather than a triple threat.<br /><br />
<h3>
Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match<br />Too Cool (Scotty Too Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay) and The Hollys (Crash and Hardcore Holly) vs. Edge, Christian, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy (w/ Terri Runnels)</h3>
Last month, at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/09/ppv-review-no-mercy-1999.html" target="_blank">No mercy 1999</a>, <b>Edge</b>, <b>Christian,</b> and <b>The Hardys</b> had waged a war on each other in an instant classic tag team ladder match.<br />
<br />
Now, they were on the same side, taking the fight to <b>Too Cool</b> and <b>The Hollys</b> in a match that slowly got worse the longer it went on.<br />
<br />
Things started off pretty well, with all eight men battling back and forth before Edge and <b>Matt Hardy</b> got eliminated in quick succession.<br />
<br />
It was from this point on that things started to disintegrate, with only a rare 450 splash from <b>Jeff Hardy</b> breaking up the monotony in a big way.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Hardy was gone too, leaving Christian to put up a valiant effort until he lost to <b>Bob Holly</b>.<br />
<br />
That could have been a great match. As it was, everybody seemed to get lost and confused about halfway through so it never got any better than being fairly good.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and Sole Survivor: Hardcore Holly</i></b><br />
<br />
Out in the back, <b>Shane McMahon</b> told us that he'd spoken with Vince on the telephone.<br />
<br />
The news?<br />
<br />
Austin had not lost consciousness, which was a good sign but had suffered severe head, neck, and back trauma.<br />
<br />
The other news?<br />
<br />
We would still have a triple threat match tonight, just not with Austin.<br />
<br />
Shane never told us who the replacement would be, but we'd no doubt find that out later.<br />
<br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Championship<br />WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws vs. Mankind & Al Snow</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh8bZFJs0w_290gWb9zhvcTlTBzGNBDCuigIWao3Eh8IfM-xI3TOczVBz1GlxoaWkw6HkK0I8fhK_iNOPLJOlieR6tJt28mrtp3SrrpwbSYkvuf-gUbV4NyamLpIetkdPzO96xZekq0Qo/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_badbumbillygum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - The New Age Outlaws faced The Rock & Sock Connection" border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="665" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh8bZFJs0w_290gWb9zhvcTlTBzGNBDCuigIWao3Eh8IfM-xI3TOczVBz1GlxoaWkw6HkK0I8fhK_iNOPLJOlieR6tJt28mrtp3SrrpwbSYkvuf-gUbV4NyamLpIetkdPzO96xZekq0Qo/w400-h286/wwf_survivorseries99_badbumbillygum.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - The New Age Outlaws faced The Rock & Sock Connection" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><div><b><br /></b></div>The New Age Outlaws </b>were technically the heels here but still did their usual opening spiel anyway.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, <b>Al Snow</b> and <b>Mankind</b> had been paired up on screen because Mankind made fun of Snow a lot in <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2016/04/book-review-mick-foley-have-nice-day.html" target="_blank">his book</a>.<br />
<br />
Together, both teams tried hard to put on a good match but for some reason, it just fell flat.<br />
<br />
The Outlaws had been doing the "<i>Road Dogg Plays Face-in-Peril</i>" format for so long that they apparently didn't know how to do anything else, so we still had a long string of Roadie getting his ass whooped before the tables turned and Snow played face-in-peril for his team.<br />
<br />
The result was a messy brawl that failed to make much of an impression. In fact, the best part of the match was the commentary.<br />
<br />
At one point, Jim Ross was completely deadpan when he said "<i>Mankind gave Al snow head on Smackdown</i>"<br />
<br />
"<i>How dare you say that</i>!" quipped Lawler.<br />
<br />
It was hilarious.<br />
<br />
In the end, the Outlaws won thanks to a spike piledriver.<br />
<b><i>Your Winners and Still WWF Tag Team Champions: The New Age Outlaws</i></b><br /><br />
<h3>
World Wrestling Federation Championship Triple Threat Match<br />WWF Champion Triple H vs. The Rock vs. The Big Show</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXyzj_BzJE5x66zVJ7d84DiQaHRPmTh6a5YdsrEQEUVTxUjhw6FDdt3zekUYCeCRz-sb7ulVcKrHOte9oLYhox4r6-JiT6FN8efFiwtyNuBdr7mtALLAJajdsLYeuMp5HCj8mWuyqmW0M/s1600/wwf_survivorseries99_bigshow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - The Big Show won his first WWF Championship" border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="683" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXyzj_BzJE5x66zVJ7d84DiQaHRPmTh6a5YdsrEQEUVTxUjhw6FDdt3zekUYCeCRz-sb7ulVcKrHOte9oLYhox4r6-JiT6FN8efFiwtyNuBdr7mtALLAJajdsLYeuMp5HCj8mWuyqmW0M/w400-h313/wwf_survivorseries99_bigshow.jpg" title="WWE / WWF Survivor Series 1999 - The Big Show won his first WWF Championship" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
With no extra special reveal or anything like that, Big Show made his way to the ring to take Steve Austin's place in what turned out to be a fantastic main event.<br />
<br />
Brawling through the crowds, around the ring and yes, between the ropes, all three men worked hard to pull off some awesome spots. Plus, the fact that this was a good five or ten minutes shorter than your average 20-minute-plus main event meant that it was never allowed to drag on.<br />
<br />
As such, we got a really fun battle with nary a dull moment in sight.<br />
<br />
Towards the finish, Earl Hebner got taken out so Shane McMahon came down to referee, but Triple H pedigreed him into oblivion. DX came in for a run-in, but they got taken out by Big Show.<br />
<br />
Finally, Vince McMahon came down and planted Hunter with the WWF title. Big Show made the cover and won the WWF title for the first time.<br />
<b><i>Your Winner and NEW WWF Champion: The Big Show</i></b><br />
<br />
And so, nine months after he had helped Vince McMahon in his match against Steve Austin back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/review-wwf-st-valentines-day-massacre.html" target="_blank">St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House</a>, Big Show had finally had the favor returned. McMahon had helped the former Giant win his first WWF Championship and the big guy couldn't be happier, practically crying as he held the title aloft to end the show on a high note.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQVjreOq38x-Egzl8sKrEoDTV_AQu59ebcG_lkoNyL34qgaGuloGzECI9Hc5ymGQ6L0VZGK0_2RFsAktl76iSNKYqqslT-BpGya7mBXYWCExrxCcygaCZZGMCoPHc840nJ5OQLtly7ouadoQf3xHb1PTCqbY6nRx7d_kJjUk3IuLYiv6R5txjqDZq-5Bk/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale%20(1).png" title="Buy The Complete History of Survivor Series ebook on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><i>I may not have remembered anything about Survivor Series 1999 when I first sat down to watch it, but now that we're done, I can tell you that there are a few things I'll always remember.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'll always remember everybody dressing up as pimps in the opening match. I'll always remember Jeff Hardy busting out that sweet 450 splash, Stone Cold getting run over, and Big Show winning his first WWF title.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'll also remember how despite much of the in-ring action being rather subpar, the Chyna/Jericho match and the main event more than made up for it.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Oh, and the debut of some guy called Kurt Freakin Angle.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>All in all a decent outing, though by no means one of the best of the year.</i><i><br /></i>
<br />
<hr />
<i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>1999 events reviewed so far</b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wcw-souled-out-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Souled Out 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/01/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="http://0.0.7.227/02/review-wwf-st-valentines-day-massacre.html" target="_blank">WWF St. Valentine's Day Massacre - In Your House 27</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-wcw-superbrawl-ix.html" target="_blank">WCW Superbrawl IX</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/03/ppv-review-wcw-uncensored-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Uncensored 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/03/wrestlemania-15.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 15</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/04/ppv-review-wwf-backlash-1999-in-your.html" target="_blank">WWF Backlash 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/05/ppv-review-wwf-no-mercy-uk-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF No Mercy UK 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/05/ppv-review-wwf-over-edge-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Over the Edge 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/05/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1999.html" target="_blank">King of the Ring 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/06/ppv-review-wcw-great-american-bash-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Great American Bash 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/07/ppv-review-wcw-bash-at-beach-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Bash at the Beach 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/07/ppv-review-wwf-fully-loaded-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Fully Loaded 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/08/ppv-review-wcw-road-wild-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Road Wild 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/08/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1999.html">WWF Summerslam 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/08/ppv-review-wcw-fall-brawl-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Fall Brawl 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/08/ppv-review-wwf-rebellion-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF Rebellion 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/09/ppv-review-wwf-no-mercy-1999.html" target="_blank">WWF No Mercy 1999</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/09/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1999.html" target="_blank">WCW Halloween Havoc 1999</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<b><i>Other WWF Survivor Series reviews: </i></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1987.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1987</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/10/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1988.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1988</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1989_9.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1989</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1990.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1990</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1991.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1991</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1992.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1992</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2013/06/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1993.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1993</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1994</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2015/07/ppv-review-wwf-wwe-survivor-series-1995.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1995</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/05/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1996.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1996</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/11/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1997.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1997</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/12/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1998.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1998</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2018/04/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2009.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2009</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/top-ten-matches-from-first-ten-wwe.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Matches from the First 10 Survivor Series events</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
<ul></ul>
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-21184392863520255022023-11-08T04:58:00.020-08:002023-12-19T13:43:00.132-08:00NWA:TNA Weekly PPV #3 (07/03/2002)<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ9tI-OXXSYjNrEv3OHAgbgS0qiQzWbXL-m96qaQoZMIH4I1RypVs9PlWw14WYd3AGNiV64xaVfI6PZxf7dajgi1pUmO4mVYN4CbU3ujDUIqfXBEmb1k5A2EJNvK6c8Z9w_UK1bVMVtCA2y9LMuRFfRax4tHJnLmxubois9d1_JFhLr7bZ48QcGrJkG6n/s824/NWA%20TNA%20WEEKLY%20PPV%20EPISODE%203%20-%20July%203rd%202002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - July 3rd, 2002" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="824" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ9tI-OXXSYjNrEv3OHAgbgS0qiQzWbXL-m96qaQoZMIH4I1RypVs9PlWw14WYd3AGNiV64xaVfI6PZxf7dajgi1pUmO4mVYN4CbU3ujDUIqfXBEmb1k5A2EJNvK6c8Z9w_UK1bVMVtCA2y9LMuRFfRax4tHJnLmxubois9d1_JFhLr7bZ48QcGrJkG6n/w400-h354/NWA%20TNA%20WEEKLY%20PPV%20EPISODE%203%20-%20July%203rd%202002.png" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - July 3rd, 2002" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>July 3rd, 2002</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NWA:TNA came into episode 3 of their weekly Pay Per View events with two new champions at the helm. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ken Shamrock captured the NWA World Championship in the first episode, after which AJ Styles claimed the X title after a thrilling four-way contest involving Low-Ki, Jerry Lynn, and Psicosis in the second episode. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tonight, we'd not only see both men defending their titles for the first time but also witness the first-ever TNA Tag Team Champions crowned in a four-team tournament. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Elsewhere, the rivalry between Scott Hall and Jeff Jarrett was set to heat up in our main event. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Without further ado, let's get to it. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UjtEAdbRtjc?si=1vo4pb_-FFKwJ4tU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">TNA! TNA!</h3><div>Fortunately, we weren’t subjected to a lengthy recap of last week’s show, which is a good thing considering NWA: TNA Episode 2 dedicated more time to recaps than your average modern-day Raw episode.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we simply got a fancy opening graphic which gave way to shots of an excited audience chanting “TNA! TNA” over which <b>Mike Tenay</b> promised us fireworks on this Independence Day eve.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, TNA’s budget had stretched to a modest pyro display, next to which attractive young women gyrated in shark cages.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EgUppBJa6XFRwweNl2XlMmzwA72Xn-rYVgdt5mVPPWkxy0op0cVfKDigXtcU2oEYjfvpLhc4phrdjDGV2LTmmErvsnRRSeKKnVIBL8a-1vM-CplLNeikeCjGkz-BGhvm3egoM1Bsli6TqkAAqvtsl4oY6tFqvUj1XHPDS0qdrBiCtLC76wu1jH5uSLew/s902/nwatna-episode3-announcers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 - Don West, Mike Tenay, and Ed Ferrara" border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="902" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EgUppBJa6XFRwweNl2XlMmzwA72Xn-rYVgdt5mVPPWkxy0op0cVfKDigXtcU2oEYjfvpLhc4phrdjDGV2LTmmErvsnRRSeKKnVIBL8a-1vM-CplLNeikeCjGkz-BGhvm3egoM1Bsli6TqkAAqvtsl4oY6tFqvUj1XHPDS0qdrBiCtLC76wu1jH5uSLew/w400-h195/nwatna-episode3-announcers.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 - Don West, Mike Tenay, and Ed Ferrara" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As the camera finally settled on the ringside area, we found Tenay accompanied by his broadcast colleagues <b>Don West</b> and <b>Ed “Midlife Crisis dreadlocks” Ferrara</b>.<br /><br />The trio ran down the featured attractions on tonight’s card, including the two aforementioned title matches and a tag match putting Scott Hall & Brian Christopher taking on Jeff Jarrett & K-Krush.</div><div><br /></div><div>After Ferrera had finished ranting in support of Jarrett & Krush, Tenay introduced NWA President <b>Jim Miller</b>, who insisted it was a pleasure to be there despite being roundly booed by the crowd.</div><div><br /></div><div>Milner presented Tenay with a trophy as a means of officially welcoming Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling to the National Wrestling Alliance. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ThdlcnyMIXUnPEulykAFJb8MQBnjIsp2Mvg-0Q5YHzTPhn7vtG8ANJny_oV4AVtOziHvtCyqgAlR78704-uJAmWs_Db_qIbehrgko1TUoOoBRpQzIvfKqKylkzL1YklflA9IJx5UFdWPuVcWt0p37BrTBZrww6ERCttzogQv6KI5Gu4-c7RicI3eHtyW/s876/nwatna-episode3-jim-miller.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 - Mike Tenay and NWA President Jim Miller" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="876" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ThdlcnyMIXUnPEulykAFJb8MQBnjIsp2Mvg-0Q5YHzTPhn7vtG8ANJny_oV4AVtOziHvtCyqgAlR78704-uJAmWs_Db_qIbehrgko1TUoOoBRpQzIvfKqKylkzL1YklflA9IJx5UFdWPuVcWt0p37BrTBZrww6ERCttzogQv6KI5Gu4-c7RicI3eHtyW/w400-h228/nwatna-episode3-jim-miller.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 - Mike Tenay and NWA President Jim Miller" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He then promised to reveal a surprise, which was that he was bringing in Japanese star <b>Takao Omori</b> to challenge the winner of tonight’s NWA title match on next week’s show.</div><div><br /></div><div>With all that out of the way, it was onto Jeramy Borash for the introductions to our opening contest.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">NWA Tag Team Championship Tournament<br />Qualifying Match<br />‘Wildcat’ Chris Harris & ‘Cowboy’ James Storm vs. The Johnsons (Richard & Rod w/ Mortimer Plumtree)</h3><div>So, even though I referred to them as America’s Most Wanted in my last review, <b>Chris Harris & James Storm</b> weren’t officially going by that name yet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb89WOLxt4idHp3fCZznjJ_RZj3QCjCIvxhhoz1s9vWPV383uGZOhEV7-7QFcqz3LnXKTfxp_Pujd7_JfsailDeH7oGh2YbNp4HcPDbfOR1_wQXuAEoSkcRZyevHHkCT-zXtrefCNqyecX3bBadDVMM4XWOv0fkc6g92sSZ25i4KQLawRQQ2Hf6itbmyo/s706/nwatna-episode3-johnsons-mortimer-plumtree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Mortimer Plumtree & The Johnsons" border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="706" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb89WOLxt4idHp3fCZznjJ_RZj3QCjCIvxhhoz1s9vWPV383uGZOhEV7-7QFcqz3LnXKTfxp_Pujd7_JfsailDeH7oGh2YbNp4HcPDbfOR1_wQXuAEoSkcRZyevHHkCT-zXtrefCNqyecX3bBadDVMM4XWOv0fkc6g92sSZ25i4KQLawRQQ2Hf6itbmyo/w320-h199/nwatna-episode3-johnsons-mortimer-plumtree.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Mortimer Plumtree & The Johnsons" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>They did, however, come out to a huge ovation for a tag team tournament match against the Wrestlecrap-worthy <b>Johnsons</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo, better known as The Shane Twins or Gymini in WWE, were led to the ring by a cricket-bat-wielding <b>Mortimer Plumtree</b> who came to the ring waxing prophetical like a doomsaying preacher, looking and sounding for all the world like a cross between Brother Love, Jim Cornette, and an extra from a Harry Potter movie.</div><div><br /></div><div>One can only assume this was meant to distract from the fact that his team was a pair of walking dick jokes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having said all that, this genuinely wasn’t too bad of a match, mainly because Harris & Storm were such an exciting team to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo burst out of the gate all guns blazing, their speed and youthful energy delighting the crowd and giving them the upper hand over their opponents.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, standard tag team formula rules dictated that the heels would have to gain the advantage eventually, and they did, turning Harris upside down with a double powerbomb before getting their hands on James Storm for a longer beatdown.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following a somewhat short stint as face-in-peril, Storm made the hot tag and a four-way brawl broke out.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the middle of the madness, Hharris dove off the top rope onto one of Johnsons but was caught in mid-air. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before he was slammed to the mat, however, James Storm also jumped off the top, dropkicking his own partner to send him crashing down ontop of the Johnson boy for the cover, the count, and the fall.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Chris Harris & James Storm</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8kncakDnfM01xeQZHJ2fMayfl_x_3tpHxvvnyipqULI0Ng-eQEAdSSDtzaNNPwiTLGr1zr1cG63MQfybZDT9kKB7nnZb7GibZRj-n6ghcBV0GrW1LRpYwkrljDPkvGFnjUhGVOyO3mP1ddZ4VdhIbwO3-hijxgE4DM24ytw0eAQY1QUzLFOIkXdZnnhr/s658/nwatna-episode3-mortimer-plumtree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Mortimer Plumtree" border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="658" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8kncakDnfM01xeQZHJ2fMayfl_x_3tpHxvvnyipqULI0Ng-eQEAdSSDtzaNNPwiTLGr1zr1cG63MQfybZDT9kKB7nnZb7GibZRj-n6ghcBV0GrW1LRpYwkrljDPkvGFnjUhGVOyO3mP1ddZ4VdhIbwO3-hijxgE4DM24ytw0eAQY1QUzLFOIkXdZnnhr/w320-h221/nwatna-episode3-mortimer-plumtree.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Mortimer Plumtree" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Mortimer Plumtree berated his men so they attacked him and left, never to be seen again in TNA.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Scott Hall and Jeff Jarrett Can’t Wait</h3><div>Up next, <b>Jeramy Borash</b> introduced <b>Scott Hall</b> for an in-ring promo.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoDjbsMUVL35OTF-LQ59vlHnaXr__I3ioxSw-Ze4eNd3uegzDefeerEtTN7zZuMDDWMtbBk9l6Pgv8lNQXINR7fwK8kv4bv8W8X3FaDxfIvhTW6ZfoJTiXqJKjmrUixFX2Z9KxP5GnUQVCAZ06Qm15W_GrKaRsUC3OOJy-Kbs3EMPjpruotO2ZMe59v33/s793/nwatna-episode3-scott-hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Scott Hall" border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="793" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoDjbsMUVL35OTF-LQ59vlHnaXr__I3ioxSw-Ze4eNd3uegzDefeerEtTN7zZuMDDWMtbBk9l6Pgv8lNQXINR7fwK8kv4bv8W8X3FaDxfIvhTW6ZfoJTiXqJKjmrUixFX2Z9KxP5GnUQVCAZ06Qm15W_GrKaRsUC3OOJy-Kbs3EMPjpruotO2ZMe59v33/w320-h203/nwatna-episode3-scott-hall.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Scott Hall" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Hall could barely finish his trademark “<i>hey yo</i>,” before he was interrupted by <b>Jeff Jarrett</b>, who delighted in calling his arch-enemy a “bitch.”</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“Don’t sing it, bring it,”</i> urged Hall, issuing an invitation Jarrett was more than happy to accept as he made his way to the ring for a spot of fisticuffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before he could get there, however, he was stopped by NWA President Jim Miller, who refused to let Jarrett make a mockery of the National Wrestling Alliance and stopped him from getting in the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's interesting that Miller thought two guys settling a rivalry made a mockery of the NWA, but The Johnsons somehow didn't.</div><div><br />Anyway, at that point, <b>K-Krush</b> attacked Hall from behind but was quickly overpowered and sent crashing from the ring courtesy of a trademark Scott Hall fallaway slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, back in the dressing room, <b>Goldilocks</b> revealed that Chris Harris & James Storm had been the victims of a brutal assault.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cameras showed us the duo covered in their own blood as <b>Bill Brehens</b> (who I’m sure was referred to as the NWA President last week) demanded some help.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">‘The Alpha Male’ Monty Brown vs. Anthony Ingram </h3><div>Heck yeah. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IREIDsEArq8sC9NypgQgn1QcNG8PIA9MAtZ9I-8oTo-o_woDOlB1k-z0SfTmLbHmq0lDUH-sHjBGJsd1zWfcWqr4AXpnpgzVtcCy698_DkrMAxpQC-x_XzSkhySxUIXAGnbg4QwlRM2tSbxUJb8sTz-I7HBunOuotRzfy8h8mR3IasxovYbBwOTFnCIu/s853/nwatna-episode3-monty-brown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Monty Brown" border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="853" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IREIDsEArq8sC9NypgQgn1QcNG8PIA9MAtZ9I-8oTo-o_woDOlB1k-z0SfTmLbHmq0lDUH-sHjBGJsd1zWfcWqr4AXpnpgzVtcCy698_DkrMAxpQC-x_XzSkhySxUIXAGnbg4QwlRM2tSbxUJb8sTz-I7HBunOuotRzfy8h8mR3IasxovYbBwOTFnCIu/w400-h205/nwatna-episode3-monty-brown.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Monty Brown" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I used to be a big fan of <b>Monty Brown</b>, so this one was exciting even if all he did was beat up indie stalwart <b>Anthony Ingram</b> in a brief squash match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to the bell, Brown burst through the curtain in a maelstrom of energy and charisma, taking to the mic to work up the crowd and declare that he was here to come after Ken Shamrock’s title.</div><div><br /></div><div>The match itself was over in moments, Brown making light work of his opponent and looking damn impressive in the process before ending it with the Alpha Bomb (powerbomb into a pin).</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Monty Brown </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Backstage, Goldilocks searched for Jim Miller, presumably to deal with the Harris/Storm situation.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02ohDyXruQ0JcZDwZ0sNbV7O9phqyIFoae19g3xnRUQT0pwvDNPpaaE-VxJvJ6UV73ELSUoKBLpw8nDtEdvXVPw88r4W4Gam6IdTr6KZzGIFOIK8GO4Fbtgja98NzOOVdfUmQOMyLO_y0xxJiEQxUjBF5Ag4w1Lf0Wl4RBdoz-1VwH1L_pxL7JahafI-p/s764/nwatna-episode3-puppet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Goldilocks interviews Puppet The Psycho Dwarf" border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="764" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02ohDyXruQ0JcZDwZ0sNbV7O9phqyIFoae19g3xnRUQT0pwvDNPpaaE-VxJvJ6UV73ELSUoKBLpw8nDtEdvXVPw88r4W4Gam6IdTr6KZzGIFOIK8GO4Fbtgja98NzOOVdfUmQOMyLO_y0xxJiEQxUjBF5Ag4w1Lf0Wl4RBdoz-1VwH1L_pxL7JahafI-p/w400-h231/nwatna-episode3-puppet.jpg" title="NWA:TNA Weekly PPV - Episode 3 Review - Goldilocks interviews Puppet The Psycho Dwarf" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>She didn’t find him, but she did find <b>Puppet The Psycho Dwarf</b>, who ranted and raved about wanting to beat up Gary Coleman, Vern Troyer, and pretty much every little person on the planet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright then.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">NWA Tag Team Championship Tournament<br />Qualifying Match<br />The Rainbow Express (Lenny & Bruce w/ Joel Gertner) vs. Buff Bagwell & Apollo </h3><div><b>Lenny</b> & <b>Bruce</b> were led to the ring first before we cut to the back where Goldilocks revealed that <b>Buff Bagwell</b> was a surprise participant in this tournament and would team with <b>Apollo</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEiRiISdajYDNcWCOYW66hKOhsiCD9Cy8nAQg3ZUCGfUuG4JiS9r4s3i7Yp4RfYRGX8jDNlIfzY5XsJYLM9zIG8COA6jDs3fzxiXiSfK9N5fSQJKF5H6gsJm6Goa6dWfwrU9bhn2MeXmLfUGWOSAUkBkbqI0ET8BIYwTcxs4xwbs4z1S99ZN40nq3aJK9/s875/nwatna-episode3-buff-apolo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Goldilocks interviews Buff Bagwell & Apollo" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="875" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEiRiISdajYDNcWCOYW66hKOhsiCD9Cy8nAQg3ZUCGfUuG4JiS9r4s3i7Yp4RfYRGX8jDNlIfzY5XsJYLM9zIG8COA6jDs3fzxiXiSfK9N5fSQJKF5H6gsJm6Goa6dWfwrU9bhn2MeXmLfUGWOSAUkBkbqI0ET8BIYwTcxs4xwbs4z1S99ZN40nq3aJK9/w400-h213/nwatna-episode3-buff-apolo.jpg" title="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Goldilocks interviews Buff Bagwell & Apollo" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Buff’s star power earned him a good pop from the fans, but he immediately heeled it up, dismissing his own partner as “the second best” wrestler in the country, referring to the interviewer as “<i>Goldi-Lick</i>” and cutting off Apollo’s mic time because he didn’t think anybody would understand the foreign star’s accent.</div><div><br /></div><div>The actual match then got underway and proved to be a decent if unremarkable effort.</div><div><br /></div><div>Early on, we were distracted by<b> Aleesha</b> making her way out to extort cash from Ed Ferrrera.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was now the third week she’d done this, taking money from referee <b>Slick Johnson</b> in week one and Jeramy Borash in week 2. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ferrera refused to get drawn into his business arrangement with the former Ryan Shamrock, preferring to focus on the match at hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of, this one went back and forth for a while until Apollo got knocked to the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bagwell looked to pick up the slack for his team by drilling Bruce (Allan Funk) with a Buff Blockbuster, yet before he could capitalize, the former WCW star got superkicked out of his britches by Lenny Lane and was promptly pinned.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: The Rainbow Express</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, a dejected Bagwell spoke to Ed Ferrera, renouncing the “Buff” gimmick since it had apparently brought him nothing but trouble and insisting that not only did he want to be called “Marcus” from now on, but also that he was “done.”</div><br /><h3>Ken Shamrock is Confused </h3><div>Up next, Ken Shamrock strolled out onto the stage to respond to Monty Brown’s challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYAgYnqQ51y6wZuaCCU7BuE8qNhu9ATA7hEnZtHbTueN1lyGnLIYQWxfoBZeLtZW1KhqU5_jUJJFrJq_rNI02u0d45qDwAWvSxLyHrCQkIqmoPsIUTEh3GzRWB-Yrf1lopJbCtMZe9UNgW5-xGOHjCCT9ynZP9lHqFJmZSBForEKfUEweC4c-BGWsFU1y/s823/nwatna-episode3-ken-shamrock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - NWA:TNA World Champion Ken Shamrock" border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="823" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYAgYnqQ51y6wZuaCCU7BuE8qNhu9ATA7hEnZtHbTueN1lyGnLIYQWxfoBZeLtZW1KhqU5_jUJJFrJq_rNI02u0d45qDwAWvSxLyHrCQkIqmoPsIUTEh3GzRWB-Yrf1lopJbCtMZe9UNgW5-xGOHjCCT9ynZP9lHqFJmZSBForEKfUEweC4c-BGWsFU1y/w400-h234/nwatna-episode3-ken-shamrock.jpg" title="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - NWA:TNA World Champion Ken Shamrock" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Shamrock had so far been a solid babyface for TNA, but the crowd clearly also loved Monty, which meant the NWA Champion was met with a round of boos as he expressed his confusion that Brown would dare challenge him after just one match.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn’t long before the jeers from the audience turned into something far worse:</div><div><br /></div><div>The dreaded <i>“What?”</i> chant.</div><div><br /></div><div>Laughing it off as best he could, The World’s Most Dangerous Man promised that he would first beat Malice, then “that Japanese punk,” Takao Omori, and then -and only then- would he send Brown home with his head shoved up his ass should the indie favorite be “unlucky enough” to earn a title shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before Shamrock could say much more, the arena turned dark, and a solitary spotlight down on the sinister minister himself, <b>James Mitchell</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking as Faustian as ever, Mitchell declared that the only thing the champion had to worry about was <b>Malice</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, once the lights returned in the arena, the man once known as The Wall in WCW was standing over a fallen Ken Shamrock, presumedly having blindsided him for the second week in a row. </div><div><br /></div><div>The segment ended with Shamrock being placed in a neck brace, casting doubt over his upcoming title defense.</div><br /><h3>Bill Brehens is a Busy Man </h3><div>Out in the back, Goldilocks cleared up my earlier confusion by referring to Bill Brehens as the NWA Vice President.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe2_gvuRcXHqTV1zWWZkT5v18g3qvFWwOr2EmIOUkrO9O0YSRuQL1AhaBgcknrngHDOL0SKiwdpCZiKKqROK2xe0hXm3O_cAFk4A9a2-61tBlP7nrsKfKZVIHnkTrre8Ullt185tyNTsGz7fk7EUA7Ec4L4IFS96TkUdrchIAiqiLfOdOdnwREeKOfWDD/s892/nwatna-episode3-jerry-lynn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Jerry Lynn bothers Bill Brehens" border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="892" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe2_gvuRcXHqTV1zWWZkT5v18g3qvFWwOr2EmIOUkrO9O0YSRuQL1AhaBgcknrngHDOL0SKiwdpCZiKKqROK2xe0hXm3O_cAFk4A9a2-61tBlP7nrsKfKZVIHnkTrre8Ullt185tyNTsGz7fk7EUA7Ec4L4IFS96TkUdrchIAiqiLfOdOdnwREeKOfWDD/w400-h213/nwatna-episode3-jerry-lynn.jpg" title="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Jerry Lynn bothers Bill Brehens" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>She wanted a word with him to find out, in her words, “exactly what’s going on here in TNA,” while at the same time,<b> Jerry Lynn</b> wanted Brehens to let him find a partner and replace the injured Harris & Storm in our tag team title match.</div><div><br /></div><div>The man in charge, however, was too busy for either of them as he remained on the phone with a mystery contact who cared so little about “exactly what was going on in TNA” that they kept putting him on hold.</div><br /><h3>Puppet The Psycho Dwarf vs. Todd Stone </h3><div>Poor <b>Todd Stone</b> didn’t stand a chance.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClXnIYl3dzuLo09ZahrDw-3Q2IC61EjqGswsmwLQFfs4jKiTJUMYNW5atWx6fJ30SwOM5NHm-ck1eqvHW4sudjyPshCwyC6nbm_EnFj8pEfKoeRvc3pwgfV2Mqdxv6UMTqkeHZ4529vHwdG98DxTUowFXZEJ7iCmGRkk67NooDDhuS5OHeVnNWQp4kVVU/s829/nwatna-episode3-puppet3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Puppet 'The Psycho Dwarf' destroys Todd Stone" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="829" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClXnIYl3dzuLo09ZahrDw-3Q2IC61EjqGswsmwLQFfs4jKiTJUMYNW5atWx6fJ30SwOM5NHm-ck1eqvHW4sudjyPshCwyC6nbm_EnFj8pEfKoeRvc3pwgfV2Mqdxv6UMTqkeHZ4529vHwdG98DxTUowFXZEJ7iCmGRkk67NooDDhuS5OHeVnNWQp4kVVU/w400-h193/nwatna-episode3-puppet3.jpg" title="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Puppet 'The Psycho Dwarf' destroys Todd Stone" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to the match, Puppet The Psycho Dwarf took to the microphone to make sure everybody knew that he was a “midget killer” who, true to his job description, was there to kill midgets.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, Puppet assaulted his opponent with a slew of Singapore cane shots the moment Stone stepped between the ropes, and never let up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Destroying Stone with trash can shots, a clothesline, and more blows with the cane, The Psycho Dwarf was unrelenting, attacking his helpless adversary with violent glee before putting him away with a Death Valley Driver onto the trash can.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Puppet </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>True to form, The Psycho Dwarf went even more nuts after the bell, lashing at Jeramy Borash as the announcer tried to pull Todd Stone’s lifeless body from the ring, then when Don West patronized him with a “way to go, little fella!,” Puppet met West’s offer of a high-five by viciously whacking him with the cane.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, this whole crowd-pleasing ordeal ended with Puppet chasing referee Slick Johnson to the back. </div><br /><h3>Ken Shamrock May Be Injured</h3><div>Out in the back, Goldilocks grabbed a quick word with the two EMTs tending to visibly hurt Ken Shamrock.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the NWA champion groaned and writhed in his seat, both EMTs declared that it was still too early to tell the full extent of his injury and whether Shamrock would be able to compete in our pending world title fight.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Francine vs. Taylor Vaughn</h3><div>Before this contest, we were shown a recap from last week’s Miss TNA Battle Royal in which the winner earned a TNA contract.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua97iZuqYblJ1Tluza4So33bOQBkoQ15q1liMejX0gvST8OkH9PXMCrEuPno-M343BCWZe1Fi7phSNdi5CpYiS_UnFu2QEgPqzynDmexF0Lu44OCOqSxjAQIZwgMy8NMxsWLBRf0iDeblQU6REnHJ28qnL9trfEgJKx4HXaKVZZTm_tW3d_0VsMTqqwOu/s839/nwatna-episode3-francine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Francine" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="839" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua97iZuqYblJ1Tluza4So33bOQBkoQ15q1liMejX0gvST8OkH9PXMCrEuPno-M343BCWZe1Fi7phSNdi5CpYiS_UnFu2QEgPqzynDmexF0Lu44OCOqSxjAQIZwgMy8NMxsWLBRf0iDeblQU6REnHJ28qnL9trfEgJKx4HXaKVZZTm_tW3d_0VsMTqqwOu/w400-h234/nwatna-episode3-francine.jpg" title="TNA Wrestling Weekly PPV Review - Francine" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This recap included the awful moment when <b>Francine</b> was eliminated and Ed Ferrara tried to coerce her into going down on him in exchange for a job.</div><div><br /></div><div>That battle royal had eventually been won by <b>Taylor Vaughn</b>, though being crowned Miss TNA apparently wasn’t that much of a blessing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only had Francine gotten herself a repeat booking anyway despite supposedly not having a contract, but the Queen of Extreme immediately started lashing at the former Barbara Bush with a leather belt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Referee <b>Scott Armstrong</b> eventually seized the weapon, only for Vaughn to grab it and start attacking her nemesis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, she deliberately struck the official with it and the match was thrown out within the space of roughly sixty seconds.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner via DQ: Francine </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Ed Ferrera hopped up into the ring to give Francine her props until she made him grab her boob as an excuse to whip the ex-WWE writer like the dirty dog he was.</div><br /><h3>Oh Look, NASCAR</h3><div>As Francine made her way to the back, she deliberately shoved Jeramy Borash, who was standing at the entrance for an interview with racing driver <b>Hermie Sadler</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvvqupMTPrYkKdtYvfdDtyrVfsL2LNFSJJ4KQP21d-2rdZLmexagehbwazujyRCH7mtvsmSV7idQWcX_Cx8K4gxRoVbll10gwL0hogkgnuZ3evWGRyjcSu9OEn9aKxSMCSDNpxOkao-sXtF77-C7v4yvhF7uPS_lXZoh3lGpyywLBVCv_H3EV8_ZRnm3D/s858/nwatna-episode3-ron-killings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - K-Krush & Hermie Saddler" border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="858" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvvqupMTPrYkKdtYvfdDtyrVfsL2LNFSJJ4KQP21d-2rdZLmexagehbwazujyRCH7mtvsmSV7idQWcX_Cx8K4gxRoVbll10gwL0hogkgnuZ3evWGRyjcSu9OEn9aKxSMCSDNpxOkao-sXtF77-C7v4yvhF7uPS_lXZoh3lGpyywLBVCv_H3EV8_ZRnm3D/w400-h213/nwatna-episode3-ron-killings.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - K-Krush & Hermie Saddler" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Accompanied by his pit crew, the nasally NASCAR star gushed about what a great response he’d been getting from the TNA fans as the entire audience booed the crap out of him, though he did get a Mick Foley-style cheap pop by mentioning Nashville.</div><div><br /></div><div>K-Krush then arrived on the scene with his own “posse” of awkward-looking traineees and gave Hermie hell until Hermie could take no more and speared him to the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any brawl that may have ensued was immediately broken up, and the whole thing ended with Krush challenging Saddler to a match on next week’s show.</div><div><br /></div><div>The challenge was accepted and the match was set.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Lord, please don’t make me watch a fighting NASCAR driver. I’ve already seen more than enough Sparky Plug matches to last me a lifetime.</div><br /><h3>National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championshi<br />NWA Champion Ken Shamrock vs. Malice (w/ Father James Mitchell)</h3><div>Selling the earlier beatdown, the defending champion stormed to the ring and was immediately beaten down by the challenger.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, Malice spent the bulk of this mediocre match brutally assaulting his opponent.</div><div><br /></div><div>This resulted in a strange match where Malice looked very impressive but the match itself wasn’t all that exciting.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a few minutes of getting his ass whooped, Shamrock reversed a Malice suplex attempt with one of his own and pulled off a quick belly-to-belly for the win.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and Still NWA Champion: Ken Shamrock </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Ed Ferrera began ranting about how Malice still looked great and stood tall while a lifeless Shamrock struggled to the back.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was obviously the story they were going for here, but it would have been much better told had only Dread Head Ed been a bit more subtle about the whole thing</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">National Wrestling Alliance X Championship<br />NWA X Champion AJ Styles vs. David Young (w/ Bobcat)</h3><div>I don’t know how <b>David Young</b> had earned a title shot when he’d lost his one and only match in TNA so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I do know, is that his opponent being such an exciting wrestler meant that we spent much more time focusing on the action than in his previous match, when much of the focus had been solely on <b>Bobcat</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also know that this was the best match on this show (so far at least) by a country mile.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>AJ Styles</b> maintained control in the early going, constantly using his speed and agility to counter his bulkier opponent’s strength until Young turned the momentum by dropping the champ throat-first on the ropes and taking him down with an impressive asai moonsault.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the ring, Young continued wearing the champion down while on the outside, Bobcat paced back and forth talking to someone a cell phone, completely oblivious to the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be fair, that was a smart way to maintain her “self-absorbed spotlight stealer” gimmick without her actually stealing the spotlight from a fantastic match.</div><div><br /></div><div>At one point, the challenger (who was a far better wrestler than this fan ever realizes) looked to have the match won with his trademark spine buster, only for Styles to kick out at the last minute.</div><div><br /></div><div>Undeterred, Young maintained his advantage, even setting up Styles for a hurricanrana off the top. Before he could hit the move, however, AJ countered with a Styles Clash to retain the gold.</div><div><i><b>Your Winner and Still X Champion: AJ Styles </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>As Styles’ ridiculous “<i>Born and Raised in the USA</i>” theme played, Bobcat paraded around the ring to what she must have imagined were her adoring fans.</div><div><br /></div><div>Out in the back, Goldilocks interviewed The Rainbow Express.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY7xvU06CYfH4OztwXirw05eCMJaJ7judDHAdGTPxP8Cy2DNJU_u_V3lXdctDQx_Qo5v6XmSE1ziD6nwlpb0e679lDr2wyCCMY8rY1TUCRRrhjE5s28s4cG_Z-wouWZuShE-OHwd0Xke-xUSGiBc823IBdf76OvHjzmr-rcTYGxXl53ELEdo4NLdK2vXt/s876/nwatna-episode3-rainbow-express.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Goldilocks interviews The Rainbow Express & Joel Gertner" border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="876" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY7xvU06CYfH4OztwXirw05eCMJaJ7judDHAdGTPxP8Cy2DNJU_u_V3lXdctDQx_Qo5v6XmSE1ziD6nwlpb0e679lDr2wyCCMY8rY1TUCRRrhjE5s28s4cG_Z-wouWZuShE-OHwd0Xke-xUSGiBc823IBdf76OvHjzmr-rcTYGxXl53ELEdo4NLdK2vXt/w400-h189/nwatna-episode3-rainbow-express.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Goldilocks interviews The Rainbow Express & Joel Gertner" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just in case anyone didn’t know they were gay, Lenny Lane made a point to ensure that the first words out of his mouth were “<i>We’re not interested in you</i>.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Lenny & Bruce’s manager, <b>Joel Gertner</b>, on the other hand, was very interested in the pretty blonde reporter, fawning over her as he cut an admittedly-not-terrible promo about his team should be automatically declared the champions now that Chris Harris & James Storm couldn’t compete.</div><div><br /></div><div>After sniffing Goldilock’s face off, Gertner led his men to the ring, where they assumed they would simply be handed the titles.</div><br /><h3>National Wrestling Alliance Worls Tag Team Tournament Final<br />The Rainbow Express (Lenny & Bruce w/ Joel Gertner) vs. Jerry Lynn & NWA X Champion AJ Styles</h3><div>There was no angle or promo to herald the arrival of AJ Styles & Jerry Lynn, just the blasting of Styles’ stupid Bruce Springsteen rip-off theme song and the assumption that Bill Brehens must have granted Lynn his earlier wish. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iVcLUWCMYzSviEi537O2WK6NeyZf0GkyQRNZsip-8iKy0bbi0fRZPm9eali99S5mj-5nKshgt79xFdsyeJq_VELqw3NkjAG7aiKO1ylX8dpJsJ8byAFS6ueu-26rhZB9UsQgqcEay1MHagpJMBWhv7FPkrvM0f5n_bQcz1dQoA5k8hYgIfXJBiSJV9Q0/s880/nwatna-episode3-lenny-lane.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Lenny Lane puts Jerry Lynn in the Tiger Tamer" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="880" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iVcLUWCMYzSviEi537O2WK6NeyZf0GkyQRNZsip-8iKy0bbi0fRZPm9eali99S5mj-5nKshgt79xFdsyeJq_VELqw3NkjAG7aiKO1ylX8dpJsJ8byAFS6ueu-26rhZB9UsQgqcEay1MHagpJMBWhv7FPkrvM0f5n_bQcz1dQoA5k8hYgIfXJBiSJV9Q0/w400-h199/nwatna-episode3-lenny-lane.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Lenny Lane puts Jerry Lynn in the Tiger Tamer" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As the fresh man, Jerry Lynn wrestled the bulk of this match for his team. It was a tactic that worked at first as he took control of both Lenny and Bruce.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, it wasn’t long before the Rainbow Express gained the advantage and began to isolate the former ECW star from his partner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lenny & Bruce took firm control, with the former putting Lynn in a “Tiger Tamer” hold, which was basically a Lion Tamer because I suppose Lenny Lane looked kind of like Chris Jericho and a tiger is kind of like a lion or something?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, it didn’t matter.</div><div><br /></div><div>What mattered here is that the Rainbow boys proved they were more than just an over-the-top gimmick, holding their own with a strong performance against their incredibly talented opponents.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that it was enough to win them the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>As things broke down at the finish, AJ Styles came off the top rope with a Spiral Tap to win the match and his second piece of TNA Gold.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners and New NWA Tag Team Champions: Jerry Lynn & AJ Styles </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Backstage, somebody had beaten up NWA President Jim Miller, ripped his shirt off, hog-tied him, and scrawled FU on his chest.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a gaggle of officials panicked around the fallen president, it became obvious that this was a company already low on new ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout this show, I’ve been reflecting on how it was more about setting up and developing stories rather than delivering match after match.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’d be fine with that if this wasn’t the second “mystery attacker” angle on a two-hour show and the third “<i>oh no, somebody’s been attacked, this changes everything</i>” angle within the same timeframe.</div><br /><h3>K-Krush & Jeff Jarrett vs. Brian Christopher & Scott Hall</h3><div>These two teams wasted no time laying into each other, the action immediately toppling into the stands for an arena-wide brawl.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCRmm6PtI9nHiKrJkvdcOxEyYtdxKhqhjsXGIRBf1Al9Ks2zkqz6q6TyxOXN6pvTrNBiYTtbkL9CMRshVuXdTBfRsMKgoYLZ24zFLyNyXRw3h5IHutMa42ABh99eolI0dWWkVOmP4HyFiMj-Z40-2FAhoSvayZHlbzAdQX85yiTpyf23dGT5Cnzi2prlm/s794/nwatna-episode3-brian-christopher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Brian Christopher begs Scott Hall to make a tag" border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="794" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCRmm6PtI9nHiKrJkvdcOxEyYtdxKhqhjsXGIRBf1Al9Ks2zkqz6q6TyxOXN6pvTrNBiYTtbkL9CMRshVuXdTBfRsMKgoYLZ24zFLyNyXRw3h5IHutMa42ABh99eolI0dWWkVOmP4HyFiMj-Z40-2FAhoSvayZHlbzAdQX85yiTpyf23dGT5Cnzi2prlm/w400-h229/nwatna-episode3-brian-christopher.jpg" title="TNA Weekly PPV Review - Episode 3 - Brian Christopher begs Scott Hall to make a tag" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As Krush and <b>Brian Christopher</b> battled through the stands, Hall and Jarrett made their way to the dancer’s cage, where the brunette dancer quickly scurried away.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so she should. Poor girl. </div><div><br /></div><div>Did they really make these dancers stand in their cages for the entire show? </div><div><br /></div><div>Once the action returned to the ring, the bad guys soon took control of The Bad Guy, Jarrett and Krush overpowering Hall and wearing him down.</div><div><br /></div><div>As they did so, Brian Christopher begged -nay, demanded- a tag, sounding almost annoyed at his partner even though it was obvious Hall was in no state or position to make one.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you didn’t see a Grandmaster Sexay heel turn coming a mile away at this point, you must never have seen a wrestling match before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough, when Hall was finally able to make the tag, Christopher sucker-punched him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hall retaliated by beating up both his opponents and his own partner, but the numbers game proved too much and Brian Christopher eventually helped Jeff Jarrett get the pinfall over Scott Hall.</div><div><i><b>Your Winners: Jeff Jarrett & K-Krush </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>As Double J took to the turnbuckles to celebrate, Brian Christopher embraced K-Krush, the very man he’d been exchanging wild blows with just minutes earlier.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have no problem with mid-match heel turns in tag bouts, but if you’re going to do it, do it like Arn Anderson’s heel turn on young Dustin Rhodes back at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/03/ppv-review-wcw-bash-at-beach-1994.html" target="_blank">WCW Bash at the Beach '94</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>In that one, at least The Enforcer had the good sense not to duke it out with the very people he was about to join forces with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this whole thing ended with Jarrett reminding Hall that he’d beaten him at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/09/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1995.html" target="_blank">Royal Rumble 1995</a>, then in 1997, and again here tonight, vowing to run the nWo founder out of the NWA for good before smashing him with the NWA:TNA trophy from the start of the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Man, how’s that for a callback.</div><div><br /></div><div>For what it's worth, I could find no record of a Jarrett vs. Hall singles match in 1997. The two were part of a three-way War Games match at <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/12/ppv-review-wcw-uncensored-1997.html" target="_blank">Uncensored '97</a>, but Hall's team, Team nWo, won that one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3MAAJe1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy The Complete History of WWE Survivor Series on Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TwOvA3pp3BhUM1rWpgjONwFCVKjmtXUmNeU4r0NneQJLRRUeUnME4PIDGd6qcjOBtI0zvm1ceVtpao8IiXeYXfpZj2uCqcV18DmA8q8RnvJ5VCsQv5tPDvNh0Mk9_NuCBDi-8sr_Ezs2czSKsShnHdbOydB4uPxk8KvSC7Fdnq-GnBggJQqIxxlqcVQV/w400-h400/Survivor%20Series%20Book%20Sale.png" title="Buy The Complete History of WWE Survivor Series on Amazon" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Although I enjoyed this show immensely for the nostalgia value, NWA: TNA Weekly PPV episode 3 wasn’t the best.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As I mentioned earlier, this seemed more focused on building up to something bigger and developing stories, but most of those stories quickly became repetitive.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Styles/Young match was a blast to watch, while each of the final two tag team matches delivered in different ways. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I’m not against the Brian Christopher heel turn either, just the stupid way it was executed.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Stay tuned for episode 4 and let’s see how it plays out. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><b><i>Other TNA Weekly PPV Reviews</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-1.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #1 - 06/19/2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/nwatna-weekly-ppv-episode-2-06262002.html" target="_blank">TNA Weekly PPV #2 - 06/26/2002</a></li></ul><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Other TNA PPV reviews:</i></b><br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/03/ppv-review-tna-slammiversary-2005.html" target="_blank">TNA Slammiversary 1 2005</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/12/ppv-review-tna-turning-point-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Turning Point 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-tna-bound-for-glory-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Bound for Glory 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-tna-no-surrender-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA No Surrender 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/10/ppv-review-tna-hard-justice-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Hard Justice 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/10/ppv-review-tna-slammiversary-7-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Slammiversary 7 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-tna-destination-x-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Destination-X 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/09/ppv-review-tna-genesis-2009.html" target="_blank">TNA Genesis 2009</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-tna-final-resolution-2008.html" target="_blank">TNA Final Resolution 2008</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/08/ppv-review-tna-turning-point-2008.html" target="_blank">TNA Turning Point 2008</a></li></ul></div><div><b><i>Other 2002 pro wrestling reviews</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/05/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 2002 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/05/ppv-review-wwf-no-way-out-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF No Way Out 2002</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/ppv-review-wwa-revolution-2002.html" target="_blank">WWA - The Revolution</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/06/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-x8.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania X8</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-backlash-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Backlash 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwf-insurrexion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWF Insurrexion 2002</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/07/ppv-review-wwe-judgement-day-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Judgement Day 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/02/ppv-review-nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-1.html" target="_blank">NWA-TNA: Weekly PPV #1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/ppv-review-wwe-king-of-ring-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE King of the Ring 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-vengeance-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Vengeance 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-wwe-global-warning-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Global Warning 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-summerslam-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Summerslam 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/10/ppv-review-wwe-unforgiven-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Unforgiven 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/01/ppv-review-wwe-no-mercy-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE No Mercy 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/11/ppv-review-wwe-rebellion-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Rebellion 2002</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/ppv-review-wwe-survivor-series-2002.html" target="_blank">WWE Survivor Series 2002</a></li></ul><div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></div></div></div><div> </div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099048247271010707.post-29734789520160925282023-11-02T05:05:00.010-07:002023-11-02T05:21:29.870-07:00ECW Hardcore Heaven 1994 Review <div style="text-align: left;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4gfpvEeYAKPB2gDNozVPGKcIhP4wm2sjDUvxvTajnRErVlbea9Kp70bHMT-gffHO-35396ohSCbem4CGaF3VvU7nk2sNhIx4udMs6GQ6f5QxDWmhCxckLUCIOm6NZraxYirQ0tFW3l17jYB6Xj9ahnZWMgiXQMnxSjkP90kBc-OUhPUgDpR-rqnVjo-M/s752/ecw-hardcore-heaven-94.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - poster" border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="599" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4gfpvEeYAKPB2gDNozVPGKcIhP4wm2sjDUvxvTajnRErVlbea9Kp70bHMT-gffHO-35396ohSCbem4CGaF3VvU7nk2sNhIx4udMs6GQ6f5QxDWmhCxckLUCIOm6NZraxYirQ0tFW3l17jYB6Xj9ahnZWMgiXQMnxSjkP90kBc-OUhPUgDpR-rqnVjo-M/w319-h400/ecw-hardcore-heaven-94.jpg" title="ECW Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - poster" width="319" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>August 13, 1994 <br />ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</b><br /></div><p><b>Somehow, in my attempt to cover Extreme Championship Wrestling in chronological order, I completely missed ECW Hardcore Heaven '94. </b></p><p>So, in an attempt to play catch up, here's a review that served as a continuation of the company's biggest feuds from that summer, with Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman upping the violence factor, and The Public Enemy's problems with Terry Funk bringing the show to an end with one of the more iconic scenes in ECW history. </p><p>Before we dive into the review, did you know that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@retroprowrestling" target="_blank">Retro Pro Wrestling is now on YouTube</a>? </p><p>I'm slowly getting round to uploading a whole bunch of content to that channel, including stuff like this: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PHRIuOUHm-E?si=7p3RpCSMKu2KmRRa" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p>So, if you enjoy what I do here and you want a quick and easy way to support me, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@retroprowrestling/featured" target="_blank">please subscribe</a>! <br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hack Meyers vs. Rockin’ Rebel</h3><div>As was the norm with these ECW shows, we skipped any formal introduction to go right into our opening contest, a basic but fairly enjoyable clash between <b>Hack Meyers</b> and <b>Rockin Rebel</b>.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cUNzkurbJ6fBABdK1N0qQdShK3SloB3vLWtnyYgIoYYqiJzh7kAJxmgR8v-TMmSBFOzmx15SSjkh_qZjYKXvQz05jp7Xdx7vjcY9XKczJkmWYPNjJMx2Eci5n9Pqx7esHnRgNYRcC9PLyZyDy7mJenSOpTfGAtZ1SLhEI3w7lFhfumKLm3tfY_-q2vBI/s614/hardcore-heaven-hack-meyers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 review - Hack Meyers" border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="614" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cUNzkurbJ6fBABdK1N0qQdShK3SloB3vLWtnyYgIoYYqiJzh7kAJxmgR8v-TMmSBFOzmx15SSjkh_qZjYKXvQz05jp7Xdx7vjcY9XKczJkmWYPNjJMx2Eci5n9Pqx7esHnRgNYRcC9PLyZyDy7mJenSOpTfGAtZ1SLhEI3w7lFhfumKLm3tfY_-q2vBI/w320-h285/hardcore-heaven-hack-meyers.jpg" title="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 review - Hack Meyers" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The two didn’t do anything particularly fancy, but, as usual, the crowd was enamored with The Shah of ECW and lapped up his every move, particularly when he got Rebel in the corner and unleashed with a series of kicks and headbutts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, Meyers ended this short match by putting Rebel away with a powerslam.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Hack Meyers</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next, this:</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Iron Man Tommy Cairo vs. Chad Austin</h3><div><b>Chad Austin</b> was embracing his new-found confidence as a heel and a member of <b>Jason Knight</b>'s stable, but it wasn’t much used to him here.</div><div><br /></div><div>At least not at first.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this short but entertaining squash match, Austin’s role was simply to serve as a warm body for <b>Iron Man Tommy Cairo</b> to throw around at will. </div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight, not that there were many, came when Cairo hit a simple back bodydrop, sending Austin soaring towards the heavens and landing face-first with an ugly splat on the mat.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>“Chad Austin is dead.”</i> deadpanned announcer <b>Joey Styles</b>, and for a moment or two, it seemed he was right. </div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout the whole thing, I’m pretty sure the only offensive move Austin managed was an Irish whip reversal into the corner. However, when he followed up by charging at his opponent, Cairo moved out of harm’s way and resumed tossing Austin about like a rag doll.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, somehow, Big Bad Chad got a pin attempt in the corner, used the ropes for leverage, and stole a win. A surprise upset if ever there was one.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Chad Austin </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>These first two matches may not have been outstanding, but so far, Hardcore Heaven ‘94 was off to a good start.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">No Disqualification Match for the Eastern Championship Wrestling Television Championship<br />ECW TV Champion Mikey Whipreck vs. Jason </h3><div>Prior to his opponent’s introduction, “Sexiest Man on Earth,” Jason collected flowers from two masked fans in the front row.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUA7Dcg8L_zzhoQc3gsr5EF0NzlD7U4qQvwleTbptl2h7ZD5a6nZTYrabpDF8YfnzrVfxENoL5kFC_RzBAPRm5GN1zCbEnQzmPgVEsUfXgZpn92rTBDu0luwKoBCX0CgdNZpHSjaEyJmQo0USYcu6UVL4ZCSP6W1Mvz0zVxakAG8nyxOvag1jjpeZX70d/s570/hardcore-heaven-jason-knight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 review - Jason" border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="570" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUA7Dcg8L_zzhoQc3gsr5EF0NzlD7U4qQvwleTbptl2h7ZD5a6nZTYrabpDF8YfnzrVfxENoL5kFC_RzBAPRm5GN1zCbEnQzmPgVEsUfXgZpn92rTBDu0luwKoBCX0CgdNZpHSjaEyJmQo0USYcu6UVL4ZCSP6W1Mvz0zVxakAG8nyxOvag1jjpeZX70d/w320-h290/hardcore-heaven-jason-knight.jpg" title="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 review - Jason" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It was an attempt to get over his gimmick, sure, but I can’t help but think that this may have been the only time Jason Knight “got his flowers” in the metaphorical sense, as pretty much everything I’ve read about him says that he sucks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jason didn’t suck. And neither did this match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, I’ll admit that the most tedious part of the match was when he was in control with a standard heel beatdown, but there was a lot to like on either side of that.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mikey Whipreck</b> started strong, catching Jason with a flurry of quick arm drag takedowns and dropkicks, which delighted not only the audience but also Joey Styles, who declared with astonishment, <i>“This is the first time I’ve seen Mikey do ANYTHING!</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>You have to assume he meant anything other than getting his ass kicked, which is exactly what happened as Jason soon regained control, placed the TV champion on a table outside the ring, and leg-dropped him through it in a genuinely good spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back and forth the match went, and though it sagged at various points, it was otherwise a good match…</div><div><br /></div><div>…a good match with a horrible, dumb, stupid, terrible finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whipreck swung a chair at Jason. Jason ducked, and the offficual caught the full force of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The champ then took down Jason with the same chair and covered him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most referees throughout pro wrestling history have been notorious wimps. All it takes is for a wrestler to slightly bump into them and they’re unconscious for five minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not this official. He was tough. </div><div><br /></div><div>He took a full chair shot and still attempted to count the fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>He got one…</div><div><br /></div><div>He got two..</div><div><br /></div><div>And then he passed out.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem was, as he passed out, his hand still hit the mat, so for all intents and purposes, it looked as though Whipreck had retained his title.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, <b>The Pitbulls</b> then came down, dragged Whipreck testicles-first into the post, and tossed him back in the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jason made the cover, the referee counted to three, and Joey Styles echoed the thoughts of the entire audience and this reviewer in just two words:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“I’m confused.”</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I was still confused as The Pitbulls hoisted Jason onto their shoulders, and the announcer officially declared him the champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had to go on Wikipedia to figure out what had happened.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner and NEW TV Champion: Jason</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The newly crowned champion didn’t have much time to celebrate as <b>The Tazmaniac</b> and <b>Jimmy Snuka</b> rushed to the scene to kick off our next match.</div><br/><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Pitbulls (Pitbull #1 & Pitbull #2 w/ Jason) vs. Superfly Jimmy Snuka & The Tazmaniac</h3><div>Well, I say “match.” The faces got their opponents into the corners, Tazmaniac threw Pitbull #1 high in the air with an awesome belly-to-belly suplex, Snuka immediately followed up with the Superfly Splash, and this one was over in about 40 seconds.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners: Tazmaniac & Jimmy Snuka</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I’d forgotten that Snuka had stuck around in ECW for this long, though I am now reminded that the last few times he appeared for the promotion on a big event, he had wrestled in matches that required him to do as little as possible.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mr. Hughes (w/ Angel and ECW Champion Shane Douglas) vs. 911 (w/ Paul E. Dangerously)</h3><div>This wasn’t much of a match, either.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyBycqOkRtQvgGZDqDKQq5o1T8ZCb3h1DBX4OrYAoE9riKVYO1tOrdEEektL585p6iCoc3WT5YmViq739e6YB_OO79dQ249mPjubDvgqlEV6rcCRTXf-IPGKTYWSKyiPOmVFmFc7WLKHTU9fQuuQvO5fKB_vESF_wFsaeKx6eqEPfImtjB1pSlt3J56WT/s459/hardcore-heaven-douglas-hughes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 review - Shane Douglas & Mr. Hughes" border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="459" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyBycqOkRtQvgGZDqDKQq5o1T8ZCb3h1DBX4OrYAoE9riKVYO1tOrdEEektL585p6iCoc3WT5YmViq739e6YB_OO79dQ249mPjubDvgqlEV6rcCRTXf-IPGKTYWSKyiPOmVFmFc7WLKHTU9fQuuQvO5fKB_vESF_wFsaeKx6eqEPfImtjB1pSlt3J56WT/w320-h227/hardcore-heaven-douglas-hughes.jpg" title="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 review - Shane Douglas & Mr. Hughes" width="320" /></a></div> </div><div>Before the bell, ECW Champion <b>Shane Douglas</b> took to the microphone, putting <b>Mr. Hughes</b> over as the real giant of the company.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking to prove it, Hughes stood toe to toe with 911, rattling him with slow, deliberate blows to the face that caused <b>Paul E. Dangerously</b>’s man to stagger around, trying to sell the offense to the best of his very limited ability.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, Hughes took his opponent down with a chokeslam, eliciting a big pop from the crowd but only a two count from the official.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMhW5FA_VMJNrxOOi0fJMDLGRVu6KwifLc37Ialc_qUx_ZJVw7diY1hkMzlnQvg4T9BZMcRvaIfemaKJc5ij2wbJGCjLbKE-k5uCDiOTrW1nRb-PdMl3OwDxktFcLfgeOOPVNydFdL2WA_SpyCfQoG2ThlZKHPc4Zwxoz6ex_TEkc-ffzNl0-FusjipAL/s403/hardcore-heaven-911-hughes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 - 911 vs. Mr. Hughes" border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="403" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMhW5FA_VMJNrxOOi0fJMDLGRVu6KwifLc37Ialc_qUx_ZJVw7diY1hkMzlnQvg4T9BZMcRvaIfemaKJc5ij2wbJGCjLbKE-k5uCDiOTrW1nRb-PdMl3OwDxktFcLfgeOOPVNydFdL2WA_SpyCfQoG2ThlZKHPc4Zwxoz6ex_TEkc-ffzNl0-FusjipAL/w320-h276/hardcore-heaven-911-hughes.jpg" title="ECW Hardcore Heaven '94 - 911 vs. Mr. Hughes" width="320" /></a></div> </div><div>From there, 911 popped back up, hit a chokeslam of his own, and won the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing about this was great, but the ECW faithful did love 911, and the spectacle of it alone meant that it was at least watchable.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: 911</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Post-match, Douglas decked Dangerously. When 911 came after him for revenge, the champ hid behind Angel, who promptly ate a chokeslam, lying dead in the ring as Dangerously yelled at Shane to get his “stinking dead fish out of the ring,” or something to that effect.</div><br/><h3 style="text-align: left;">Singapore Cane Match<br />The Sandman (w/ Woman) vs. Tommy Dreamer </h3><div>Our third non-match in a row began with <b>Woman</b> escorting <b>The Sandman</b> to the ring while Joey Styles made a dumb joke about how much he liked to see a beautiful woman holding a stick.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTlDtIRmHGSTNbZDDT8x402g_YJFbTazuVz5826KVN1cW5nUpMVFLNzEPpe9nhAO7RRiYCL4HW8Ji893_cPXERRc9In27xGSEbDSc4OjS2rrE2piBeuB1Dwt27Xm_p8peUuNpcmjkcIHLzu-I6ukR-Dw8_Uq6eVFzmOEFP9pF1A_zuwbpwWGuZyNipAzd/s402/hardcore-heaven-woman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - Woman (Nancy Sullivan)" border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="402" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTlDtIRmHGSTNbZDDT8x402g_YJFbTazuVz5826KVN1cW5nUpMVFLNzEPpe9nhAO7RRiYCL4HW8Ji893_cPXERRc9In27xGSEbDSc4OjS2rrE2piBeuB1Dwt27Xm_p8peUuNpcmjkcIHLzu-I6ukR-Dw8_Uq6eVFzmOEFP9pF1A_zuwbpwWGuZyNipAzd/w320-h267/hardcore-heaven-woman.jpg" title="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - Woman (Nancy Sullivan)" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Tommy Dreamer</b> then revealed that he’d been hiding under the ring, popping up to attack Sandman from behind with a cane.</div><div><br /></div><div>With his rival down, Dreamer turned his attention to Woman and smooched her into oblivion before resuming his attack.</div><div><br /></div><div>The referee tried to intervene, but he, too, got whacked with the cane, leading to an immediate disqualification.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner via DQ: The Sandman</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, Dreamer continued his assault for a while, even taking a moment to plant the ring announcer with the cane before making his exit, leaving a bloody Sandman motionless in the middle of the ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, Woman lit a cigarette and popped it in her man’s mouth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow, miraculously, in a move that even Joey Styles found hard to believe, the unholy power of nicotine and lung cancer was enough to revive The Sandman, who promptly sat up, Undertaker style, to receive his props from the fans.</div><br/><h3 style="text-align: left;">Baseball Brawl Match for the Eastern Championship Wrestling World Tag Team Championship <br />ECW Tag Team Champions The Public Enemy (‘Flyboy’ Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge) vs. The Bad Breed (Axl & Ian Rotten)</h3><div>I have to confess that prior to this week, I’d never heard about the legend of super fan <a href="https://wrestlingnews.co/other/remember-ecws-looks-like-now" target="_blank">Hat Guy</a>.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke7vMjhJ2sZuLGV9KUOQpCt1yUZG0UVImBjOqevay7_3S2BfAMiVqJyPTRq418wtLvkKEoK48lM1-FCzkKulhq9tNFh422f8cFJsoojWL6Nl_uAC2WF1EXpYCUIejRMX-ULZ4EuAgteLVqXLAZCMn9TtxLrMAGky8_ZKELuHmHdTUAZyQY7SLIKUbqQ6-/s413/hardcore-heaven-badbreed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - The Bad Breed vs. Public Enemy" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="413" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke7vMjhJ2sZuLGV9KUOQpCt1yUZG0UVImBjOqevay7_3S2BfAMiVqJyPTRq418wtLvkKEoK48lM1-FCzkKulhq9tNFh422f8cFJsoojWL6Nl_uAC2WF1EXpYCUIejRMX-ULZ4EuAgteLVqXLAZCMn9TtxLrMAGky8_ZKELuHmHdTUAZyQY7SLIKUbqQ6-/w320-h271/hardcore-heaven-badbreed.jpg" title="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - The Bad Breed vs. Public Enemy" width="320" /></a></div> </div><div>Then I reviewed both this Hardcore Heaven show and <a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ppv-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1992.html" target="_blank">WCW Halloween Havoc 92</a> back to back and was surprised to find the very same guy in his Hawaiian shirt and straw hat sat prominently in the front row at both shows.</div><div><br /></div><div>I only mention this because the first interesting thing that happened in this match was <b>Flyboy Rocco Rock</b> attacking Hat Guy for calling him a jailbird.</div><div><br /></div><div>After that, nothing else interesting happened for a very long time as the two teams engaged in a mind-numbing brawl void of anything noteworthy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was especially bland, given that neither team seemed to care about the stipulation for the first part of the match.</div><div><br /></div><div>In case you’re wondering, a “baseball brawl” match was a cross between a Last Man Standing match and an object on a pole match, the objective being to beat your opponent down for the count of 10, after which you would revive a baseball bat with which to inflect further punishment before finally winning the match by pinfall or submission.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took the longest time for anybody to bother with the whole counting to ten thing. When it happened, it was <b>The Bad Breed</b> who hit Rocco Rock with a Doomsday Device, keeping down long enough to earn themselves bat.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, things did pick up a bit, with <b>Johnny Grunge</b> battling <b>Axl Rotten</b> outside the ring and Rocco Rock taking Ian for a walk through the crowd so that he could jump off some scaffolding on top of him.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was better than the first part of the match, but it was still Public Enemy vs. Bad Breed and, therefore, still not very good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, Public Enemy hit the Drive By, and this one was over.</div><div><b><i>Your Winners and Still ECW Tag Team Champions: The Public Enemy </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, there was no major post-match brawl between these two. Instead, we went straight to our next match.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2 Cold Scorpio vs. Sabu (w/ Paul E. Dangerously & 911)</h3><br/><div>This one started really well, with <b>Sabu</b> diving at <b>2 Cold Scorpio</b> before his music had even finished playing, only for Scorp to get the upper hand and maintain it for at least three-fifths of the entire match.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizipjybjuZh-K8tN9vl9JwDVw63Yn2lBXTnnfgfVwSBr_c1ThwThBK23pvTQbdh_Eumufa3Yx-ZBz3uQime0-ot_u0z8pi3PhL5PZYEo0S8fl3EncjA0bSEWB6N7ZGKKxj-V6CXRqU7J4pYRkSpzVQZ4SjgkV4gpAa9ntoBg_N31tjb8kEB5N-ha9-0v8m/s425/hardcore-heaven-scorpio-sabu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - Sabu vs. 2 Cold Scorpio" border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="425" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizipjybjuZh-K8tN9vl9JwDVw63Yn2lBXTnnfgfVwSBr_c1ThwThBK23pvTQbdh_Eumufa3Yx-ZBz3uQime0-ot_u0z8pi3PhL5PZYEo0S8fl3EncjA0bSEWB6N7ZGKKxj-V6CXRqU7J4pYRkSpzVQZ4SjgkV4gpAa9ntoBg_N31tjb8kEB5N-ha9-0v8m/w320-h248/hardcore-heaven-scorpio-sabu.jpg" title="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - Sabu vs. 2 Cold Scorpio" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>It was exciting stuff to begin with, but the more it went on, it became more akin to watching somebody play a wrestling video game; the two just throwing out one move after another with no rhyme or reason and neither man selling very much at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don’t get me wrong, most of those moves looked impressive. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even when Sabu crashed onto Scorpio through a table on the furthest side of the ring, you got the impression that it was a cool move despite the fact that the camera didn’t catch any of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, despite what some modern fans may tell you, there’s more to pro wrestling than just cool moves, and there are only so many times you can watch a Sabu slingshot legdrop or a Scorpio moonsault before it starts to get old and repetitive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite being on the defensive for much of the contest, it was Sabu who walked away with the victory thanks to his 5,000th slingshot leg drop of the night. This one has the assistance of Paul E. Dangerously, who held a chair over Scorpio’s face while 911 distracted the official.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so ended a match that would have been much better had it been about 5 minutes shorter and had some kind of structure to it.</div><div><b><i>Your Winner: Sabu</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, it was main event time.</div><br/><h3 style="text-align: left;">Terry Funk vs. Cactus Jack</h3><div>This one started with <b>Cactus Jack </b>on the microphone.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1r7sjYTl0bZp9_UNxY-cu_awUzKiYnrmWxm8Zpz_bIbj6twz3Lr9NVbDe3JOQyPKBZwOq-AmnhRrBBzM9DxcT47bxmAUdo3DM-XnuG0aO47ZqZ6iDgC-bDkeHUF8dRlDWEMexerWZHhjoGKZ0i-OPLd5M2zSmiSXsWVVX33FivjAGc8F80rGtG0ybkIw/s365/hardcore-heaven-cactus-funk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - Cactus Jack vs. Terry Funk" border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="365" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1r7sjYTl0bZp9_UNxY-cu_awUzKiYnrmWxm8Zpz_bIbj6twz3Lr9NVbDe3JOQyPKBZwOq-AmnhRrBBzM9DxcT47bxmAUdo3DM-XnuG0aO47ZqZ6iDgC-bDkeHUF8dRlDWEMexerWZHhjoGKZ0i-OPLd5M2zSmiSXsWVVX33FivjAGc8F80rGtG0ybkIw/w320-h274/hardcore-heaven-cactus-funk.jpg" title="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - Cactus Jack vs. Terry Funk" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Cactus, who was playing up a gimmick in which he was a proponent for family-friendly entertainment, bemoaned the level of violence on the show and insisted that what the fans really needed now was “one hell of a scientific match,” between he and <b>Terry Funk</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fans, of course, hated the idea, but The Funker was all smiles as he shook hands with the madman from Truth or Consequences to get our final bout of the evening underway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that it lasted long. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there was no scientific wrestling to be found here. Instead, the two men quickly spilled out into the crowd for a wild brawl, taking shots at one another until The Public Enemy arrived on the scene.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge immediately went after Funk, beating him to a pulp and urging Cactus to take advantage of the situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>When he refused, they beat him up, too, then discarded the official and threw Cactus on top of Funk, making their own three count.</div><div><b><i>No Contest</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>If Joey Styles had his way, Hardcore Heaven ‘94 would have ended moments later, the announcer signing off as Jack & Funk hauled ass to the back, carrying broken tables as weapons in a hunt for revenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, the two bust through the curtain again, dragging Public Enemy back to the ring to kick their ass.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cactus Jack called to the crowd for someone to throw him a chair.</div><div><br /></div><div>He got one.</div><div><br /></div><div>And another.</div><div><br /></div><div>And another.</div><div><br /></div><div>And another, until the ECW Arena was raining steel chairs, dozens of them flying through the air and crashing on top of a fallen Public Enemy as the ring announcer desperately begged the fans to stop throwing furniture.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu18ZxbVBny58nzRreudhLKmbUUbxV1nVRT7N7aVyNgHixIvQx5OXuXSA9nx_xFCreP9km-jhu17q_y0cFJ21bRFuNMWwGrZSO-2pTDwN5VttvDDIFd8KzKOoOEb7aV3tDTTCghPI4noR3VPqTJo1koeD5dnhVTgpVHfD7bRnGcBxRsrcV9Cd49jJJ358/s423/hardcore-heaven-chairshots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - The Public Enemy covered in chairs" border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="423" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu18ZxbVBny58nzRreudhLKmbUUbxV1nVRT7N7aVyNgHixIvQx5OXuXSA9nx_xFCreP9km-jhu17q_y0cFJ21bRFuNMWwGrZSO-2pTDwN5VttvDDIFd8KzKOoOEb7aV3tDTTCghPI4noR3VPqTJo1koeD5dnhVTgpVHfD7bRnGcBxRsrcV9Cd49jJJ358/w320-h234/hardcore-heaven-chairshots.jpg" title="Hardcore Heaven 1994 review - The Public Enemy covered in chairs" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div></div><div>Of course, they ignored him, and before long, it was barely possible to see Johnny Grunge’s arm rising out of a mountain of chairs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, things ended with the two heels grabbing the microphone and swearing that their problems with Cactus Jack and Terry Funk were only just beginning.</div><div><br /></div><div>—-</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>All in all, it’s fair to say that ECW Hardcore Heaven 1994 was not the most exhilarating show in the world.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Sure, there were some good moments. I genuinely enjoyed the TV title match more than most others seemed to, and the Sabu/2 Cold Scorpio match was definitely the best bout on the card even if it was too long and repetitive for this fan’s liking.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Still, despite all that, this is a show that will be forever remembered for that final moment of the fans hurling chairs into the ring, a moment that truly told the world this was no ordinary wrestling company, this, ladies and gentlemen, was ECF’NW.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Other ECW Reviews:</i></b></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/03/event-review-ecw-super-summer-sizzler.html" target="_blank">ECW Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/08/event-review-ecw-ultra-clash-1993.html" target="_blank">ECW Ultra Clash 1993</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/09/event-review-ecw-nwa-bloodfest-93.html" target="_blank">NWA Blood Fest 1993</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/event-review-ecw-night-line-was-crossed.html" target="_blank">ECW The Night The Line Was Crossed 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-ecw-when-worlds-collide.html" target="_blank">ECW When World's Collide 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/07/event-review-ecw-hostile-city-showdown.html" target="_blank">ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/11/event-review-ecw-heatwave-1994.html" target="_blank">ECW Heatwave 1994 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/07/event-review-ecw-november-to-remember.html" target="_blank">ECW November to Remember 1994 </a></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/09/event-review-ecw-double-tables-1995.html" target="_blank">ECW Double Tables</a></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2023/10/ecw-return-of-funker-review-february.html" target="_blank">ECW Return of the Funker </a></span> <br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2017/11/ppv-review-ecw-november-to-remember-1999.html" target="_blank">ECW November to Remember 1999</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2012/05/ppv-review-ecw-one-night-stand-2005.html" target="_blank">WWE - ECW One Night Stand 2005</a></li></ul><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><b><i>Other 1994 pro wrestling reviews:</i></b><br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/06/ppv-review-wwf-royal-rumble-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Royal Rumble 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/12/event-review-ecw-night-line-was-crossed.html" target="_blank">ECW The Night The Line Was Crossed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/07/ppv-review-wwf-wrestlemania-10.html" target="_blank">WWF Wrestlemania 10</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-ecw-when-worlds-collide.html" target="_blank">ECW When World's Collide 1994</a></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/07/event-review-ecw-hostile-city-showdown.html" target="_blank">ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994</a></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><a href="ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994" target="_blank">ECW Heatwave 1994 </a></span> <br /></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/07/ppv-review-wwf-king-of-ring-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF King of the Ring 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2020/03/ppv-review-wcw-bash-at-beach-1994.html" target="_blank">WCW Bash at the Beach 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-summerslam-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Summerslam 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2014/08/ppv-review-wwf-survivor-series-1994.html" target="_blank">WWF Survivor Series 1994</a></li><li><a href="https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2019/03/ppv-review-aaa-when-worlds-collide-1994.html" target="_blank">AAA When Worlds Collide </a></li></ul></span><p> <span id="docs-internal-guid-37c25752-7fff-d7dd-484d-afd4544f57cd"><i><b>Be the first to catch the latest Retro Pro Wrestling reviews by following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/retroprowrestlingreviews" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/retroprofessionalwrestling/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://threads.net/@retroprofessionalwrestling">Threads</a></b></i></span></p></div></span></div></div>CJ http://www.blogger.com/profile/16726723761231598866noreply@blogger.com0