Original Airdate: Thursday, May 26th, 2005
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Carlito's Cabana is here to kick off the show. I wasn't expecting this. He then introduces himself as the guest of the show. Matt Morgan is with him and he still stutters. Out comes Teddy Long.. In two weeks the draft lottery will begin. Tonight there will be a Winner's Choice Battle Royal, where the winner gets a match against anyone that they choose.
Rey Mysterio says that as long as he's breathing, he's going to make Eddie Guerrero pay.
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
MNM vs. Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
So we get a rematch from Judgment Day here. Holly was always better suited as a tag team wrestler, as was Haas. Haas hits a beautiful Holly-esque dropkick on Morrison as he comes off the top rope. This match is being very smartly paced. Lots of back and forth, with MNM cheating whenever possible. Haas makes a hot tag to Holly and the crowd is digging this more than you would expect. Holly goes up to the top rope and knocks down both Mercury and the referee. He hits the Alabama Slam on Mercury, but the ref is still down. Nitro grabs a chair and hits Holly with a nasty looking shot to the head. Ugh to every time that I am forced to watch these chair shots. The ref saw that and calls for the bell. Haas chases them away with a chair. That was a really good tag team match, especially for 2005 where tag team wrestling was in the gutter.
Match Rating: ***1/4 (out of 5)
The champ is here. He says JBL gave him the fight of his life, but then makes fun of him for saying "I Quit". Out comes JBL in his limo and he limps to the ring. JBL says he doesn't make excuses, which is why he is as successful as he is. He said Sunday was the first time he has ever failed at anything. JBL says Cena has it all, but he'll eventually burn out and that he'll be there to pick up the pieces. Cena rolls the JBL tribute video, which of course is him saying "I quit" over and over. That was a really long segment with absolutely no payoff.
Carlito vs. Big Show
Big Show lays the wood on Carlito's chest. Matt Morgan grabs Big Show's leg and Charles Robinson sends him to the back. Carlito gets a little bit of offense, including a missile dropkick, but it doesn't really phase Show. He hits the chokeslam for the victory. He is immediately attacked by Morgan. He picks Show up and delivers a F5 through the announcer's table. The match was a whole lot of nothing.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Kurt Angle Invitational
Kurt Angle vs. Robert
Angle says that Judgment Day was a low point for him and then makes fun of Vince McMahon for dumping money down the toilet by trying to bring back ECW. He then insults Tazz and then destroys Robert. He taps him out quickly with the Ankle Lock.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Angle says he's warmed up and wants the battle royal to begin.
Winner's Choice Battle Royal
Eddie Guerrero attacks Rey Mysterio from behind with a chair on his way down. Mysterio gets helped to the back. There are lots of random eliminations until Rey comes down and eliminates Eddie. After the commercial, we are down to the final six: Rey, Angle, Booker, Orlando Jordan and the Bashams. Booker takes a beating, but then makes a comeback and eliminates JBL's Cabinet in about 10 seconds. But then from behind comes Angle and he dumps Booker out and we are down to two. They go back and forth until Angle puts Rey in the Ankle Lock. Rey taps just so Michael Cole can remind us that you can't tap out in a battle royal. They battle on the apron and do some false finishes. Rey hits the 619, but during the springboard leap, Angle hits him with a low blow and then dumps him over the top for the victory. After the match, Angle says he wants a match with Sharmell. Ugh. The match was pretty good as far as battle royals go.
Match Rating: **1/4
Well, I'll never understand the logic of doing pay-per-view rematches on the show after the pay-per-view, but WWE seems to love that. In the case of the tag team match, it was a good TV match, so I won't complain too much. The battle royal was a solid main event, but mostly forgettable that ended on such a sour note. Other than that, this was a forgettable episode coming off a good Judgment Day show. The Angle/Booker/Sharmell story needs to go away and fast.
Overall Rating: 56%
Friday, November 22, 2019
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Monday Night Raw 5-23-05 Review
Monday, May 23rd, 2005
Resch Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
A big group of security are out to start the show. They line the ramp and out come Edge and Lita. Lita cuts a promo on how she used Kane and how she had him wrapped around her finger. This isn't particularly good work here. It doesn't help that the Kane storyline was so terrible. While she had Kane running around doing her dirty work, she was falling in love with a real man. This is all kind of surreal knowing what really happened with Matt Hardy, even the second time around. Edge seems a little uncomfortable here as well. They make out to no real response. This angle would eventually gain some steam, but this wasn't the start they were probably hoping for. They pan to Kane watching in his locker room.
Eric Bischoff is back and he wants a funeral for ECW. In walks Shelton Benjamin, who is looking for his tag team partner, Chris Jericho. Bischoff then tells Shelton his match is a handicap match.
Handicap Match
Muhammad Hassan & Daivari vs. Shelton Benjamin
The heels immediately work the handicap to their advantage, but Shelton is able to take care of them. They botch a hip toss spot, which looked to be on Hassan. Shelton gets most of the offense in surprisingly. Daivari tries to bring in a chair, which the referee takes away from him. That causes a distraction, allowing Hassan to hit his finisher for the victory. That was kind of a weird match, as I expected Hassan to get most of the offense.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Chris Jericho is shown walking into the building. They ask him about being late and blames it on the Fozzy tour of Australia. He tells Todd Grisham to tell Eric Bischoff that he'll face anyone tonight.
Christian and Tomko are backstage talking about the SmackDown roster. Edge and Lita walk in. Edge tells Christian that if he helps him win the championship tonight, that he would gift him the Money In The Bank briefcase.
Chris Masters vs. Steven Richards
Masters immediately slams Richards into the turnbuckle and hits two backbreakers and then tosses him to the mat. Masters goes for the move that broke Richards' nose, but Richards gets his revenge, pounding away. Masters quickly counters and clubs his knee. Masters then gets him in the Master Lock and that is all. Obviously a squash match.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Grisham tells Bischoff about Jericho. Bischoff then tells Grisham to go and interview Kane, which he reluctantly heads out to do.
Chris Jericho vs. Sylvain Grenier
Grenier starts off quickly and drops Jericho face first on the barricade. As far as "I'll fight anyone from the locker room" mystery opponents go, Grenier may be about the worst. Jericho fights back, but Grenier gets his knees up on the Lionsault attempt. Jericho hits the springboard dropkick and then turns him over the Walls Of Jericho and the victory. Jericho gave Grenier as much as he could for a 3 minute squash match.
Match Rating: 1/2*
As Jericho celebrates, Shelton walks out. Jericho grabs the microphone and apologizes for showing up late. Jericho sells how busy he is as he backpedals up the ramp. Shelton's not buying it.
The Draft Lottery begins on June 6th.
Eric Bischoff is in the ring for the funeral of ECW. He runs down ECW and says that he killed it once and that he will kill it again. He is on a crusade and no one is going to stop me, which naturally leads to Vince McMahon's music hitting. Vince tells Bischoff that he secretly helped financed ECW. He said he had a feeling that a lot of the stars of ECW would eventually become stars in WWE. He lists Mick Foley, the Dudleyz and Steve Austin. Vince says that Bischoff drove ECW to bankruptcy and that as a result Vince acquired debt. Vince said that ECW is not dead because everywhere he goes, he hears the chants. He is going to present the Tajiri/Benoit match from last week tonight. Vince says that the only brand that is dead is WCW. Vince says he's not qualified to talk about ECW, so he invites Paul Heyman out. Heyman points out that this is the first time WWE, WCW and ECW have been in the same ring at the same time. Paul says that ECW was about more than garbage wrestling, like bringing Rey Mysterio to the US, submission wrestling with guys like Tazz, and the passion of the fan in supporting guys like Rob Van Dam. He invites Bischoff to experience what ECW is at One Night Stand. Vince says that he is fine with Bischoff getting a group of wrestlers to try and stop One Night Stand because he likes a big fight as much as he does a big pile of money. Heyman tells Bischoff that he is starting a fire that he can't put out and then sets the ECW wreath on fire. This was a surreal segment and was a good way to build up excitement to One Night Stand to people unfamiliar with ECW's brand.
ECW Rules Match
Chris Benoit vs. Tajiri
As Benoit is making his way out, Tajiri comes out and attacks him with a kendo stick. Benoit grabs the stick, but Tajiri blows the green mist in his face. You can tell this match isn't going to get much time if the green mist comes out less than 30 seconds into the match. Tajiri grabs some weapons into the ring. Tajiri attempts to clap the trash can lids on Benoit, but he ducks and hits a German suplex. He puts Tajiri into the Crippler Crossface. Tajiri grabs the kendo stick and tries to use it to break out, but Benoit puts it in his mouth and Tajiri taps out. I'm not sure what that really accomplished. Why not give them a few more minutes?
Match Rating: 1/2*
Flair walks into Batista's locker room. Flair thanks him for saving him last week and they shake hands.
Kane is rocking back and forth in his locker room and Grisham reluctantly attempts to interview him. Kane says his whole life has been about pain and that he was born to bring pain. He says this pain hurts and starts to pretend to cry and then goes into a sinister laugh. He says that maybe he deserves this for everything that he's done. He then goes back into attempting to cry and saying how he doesn't want it. Yeah, this isn't going over any better here in 2019 as it did in 2005.
After the break, Kane is shown leaving the arena.
Maria is out and brings Viscera to the ring. God help us all. She then asks Lilian Garcia to the ring. Viscera says he waited for her last week and she never showed up. The lights dim and they put on some music. Viscera asks Maria to go grab a hot dog from a fan. Last week he sang and this week he is going to dance. I'm not sure if Lilian was supposed to laugh, but I can't really blame her. This is terrible. He pulls his pants down and is wearing red silk boxers. Out comes Coach to interrupt. He tells Viscera that Bischoff doesn't have time for a sexual harassment lawsuit and calls him an embarrassment. Viscera slaps Coach on the chest and hits a Samoan Drop. Then he humps him. Vince just had to have loved this. He then kisses Lilian.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Edge vs. Batista
Batista bumps Edge off of the apron and into the barricade. Out come Christian and Tomko, which is a nice wrinkle to this match. While Batista is in the middle of the 10 count punch, Christian interferes while Lita distracts the ref. Even with all of the advantages, it doesn't completely feel like the crowd is taking Edge as a serious threat. Batista hits a big superplex and both men are down. The referee is down and in comes Tomko and Christian. Ric Flair comes down and takes care of all three of them until he is blindsided by Edge with a spear. Batista is up and gives some spinebusters and clotheslines Tomko and Christian out of the ring. Edge hits the spear and the ref slowly climbs into the ring for a 2 count. Edge grabs the briefcase, but Batista ducks and dishes out another spinebuster. Batista Bomb time and that's all. That was an enjoyable TV main event. Nothing special, but it had a good story filled with characters that I am invested in.
Match Rating: **3/4
Batista and Flair hug and then Triple H's music hits and he walks out with a sledgehammer. Flair then hits a low blow on Batista. Triple H hits him with the sledgehammer and grabs the title. Triple H unloads on Batista and he is busted open. Triple H grabs the mic and says "Hell In A Cell" and then hits a Pedigree.
Well, most of the show was nothing but the two good segments were quite good. Just having Heyman, Bischoff and Vince in the same ring was historic and it was a bonus that it actually helped build nicely to One Night Stand. The main event match was well done and the ending to the show was intense. I would say that was my favorite segment of the Batista/Triple H feud, as it felt more believable compared to everything else they have done. This is nothing to go out of your way for, but you can do worse.
Overall Rating: 56%
Resch Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
A big group of security are out to start the show. They line the ramp and out come Edge and Lita. Lita cuts a promo on how she used Kane and how she had him wrapped around her finger. This isn't particularly good work here. It doesn't help that the Kane storyline was so terrible. While she had Kane running around doing her dirty work, she was falling in love with a real man. This is all kind of surreal knowing what really happened with Matt Hardy, even the second time around. Edge seems a little uncomfortable here as well. They make out to no real response. This angle would eventually gain some steam, but this wasn't the start they were probably hoping for. They pan to Kane watching in his locker room.
Eric Bischoff is back and he wants a funeral for ECW. In walks Shelton Benjamin, who is looking for his tag team partner, Chris Jericho. Bischoff then tells Shelton his match is a handicap match.
Handicap Match
Muhammad Hassan & Daivari vs. Shelton Benjamin
The heels immediately work the handicap to their advantage, but Shelton is able to take care of them. They botch a hip toss spot, which looked to be on Hassan. Shelton gets most of the offense in surprisingly. Daivari tries to bring in a chair, which the referee takes away from him. That causes a distraction, allowing Hassan to hit his finisher for the victory. That was kind of a weird match, as I expected Hassan to get most of the offense.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Chris Jericho is shown walking into the building. They ask him about being late and blames it on the Fozzy tour of Australia. He tells Todd Grisham to tell Eric Bischoff that he'll face anyone tonight.
Christian and Tomko are backstage talking about the SmackDown roster. Edge and Lita walk in. Edge tells Christian that if he helps him win the championship tonight, that he would gift him the Money In The Bank briefcase.
Chris Masters vs. Steven Richards
Masters immediately slams Richards into the turnbuckle and hits two backbreakers and then tosses him to the mat. Masters goes for the move that broke Richards' nose, but Richards gets his revenge, pounding away. Masters quickly counters and clubs his knee. Masters then gets him in the Master Lock and that is all. Obviously a squash match.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Grisham tells Bischoff about Jericho. Bischoff then tells Grisham to go and interview Kane, which he reluctantly heads out to do.
Chris Jericho vs. Sylvain Grenier
Grenier starts off quickly and drops Jericho face first on the barricade. As far as "I'll fight anyone from the locker room" mystery opponents go, Grenier may be about the worst. Jericho fights back, but Grenier gets his knees up on the Lionsault attempt. Jericho hits the springboard dropkick and then turns him over the Walls Of Jericho and the victory. Jericho gave Grenier as much as he could for a 3 minute squash match.
Match Rating: 1/2*
As Jericho celebrates, Shelton walks out. Jericho grabs the microphone and apologizes for showing up late. Jericho sells how busy he is as he backpedals up the ramp. Shelton's not buying it.
The Draft Lottery begins on June 6th.
Eric Bischoff is in the ring for the funeral of ECW. He runs down ECW and says that he killed it once and that he will kill it again. He is on a crusade and no one is going to stop me, which naturally leads to Vince McMahon's music hitting. Vince tells Bischoff that he secretly helped financed ECW. He said he had a feeling that a lot of the stars of ECW would eventually become stars in WWE. He lists Mick Foley, the Dudleyz and Steve Austin. Vince says that Bischoff drove ECW to bankruptcy and that as a result Vince acquired debt. Vince said that ECW is not dead because everywhere he goes, he hears the chants. He is going to present the Tajiri/Benoit match from last week tonight. Vince says that the only brand that is dead is WCW. Vince says he's not qualified to talk about ECW, so he invites Paul Heyman out. Heyman points out that this is the first time WWE, WCW and ECW have been in the same ring at the same time. Paul says that ECW was about more than garbage wrestling, like bringing Rey Mysterio to the US, submission wrestling with guys like Tazz, and the passion of the fan in supporting guys like Rob Van Dam. He invites Bischoff to experience what ECW is at One Night Stand. Vince says that he is fine with Bischoff getting a group of wrestlers to try and stop One Night Stand because he likes a big fight as much as he does a big pile of money. Heyman tells Bischoff that he is starting a fire that he can't put out and then sets the ECW wreath on fire. This was a surreal segment and was a good way to build up excitement to One Night Stand to people unfamiliar with ECW's brand.
ECW Rules Match
Chris Benoit vs. Tajiri
As Benoit is making his way out, Tajiri comes out and attacks him with a kendo stick. Benoit grabs the stick, but Tajiri blows the green mist in his face. You can tell this match isn't going to get much time if the green mist comes out less than 30 seconds into the match. Tajiri grabs some weapons into the ring. Tajiri attempts to clap the trash can lids on Benoit, but he ducks and hits a German suplex. He puts Tajiri into the Crippler Crossface. Tajiri grabs the kendo stick and tries to use it to break out, but Benoit puts it in his mouth and Tajiri taps out. I'm not sure what that really accomplished. Why not give them a few more minutes?
Match Rating: 1/2*
Flair walks into Batista's locker room. Flair thanks him for saving him last week and they shake hands.
Kane is rocking back and forth in his locker room and Grisham reluctantly attempts to interview him. Kane says his whole life has been about pain and that he was born to bring pain. He says this pain hurts and starts to pretend to cry and then goes into a sinister laugh. He says that maybe he deserves this for everything that he's done. He then goes back into attempting to cry and saying how he doesn't want it. Yeah, this isn't going over any better here in 2019 as it did in 2005.
After the break, Kane is shown leaving the arena.
Maria is out and brings Viscera to the ring. God help us all. She then asks Lilian Garcia to the ring. Viscera says he waited for her last week and she never showed up. The lights dim and they put on some music. Viscera asks Maria to go grab a hot dog from a fan. Last week he sang and this week he is going to dance. I'm not sure if Lilian was supposed to laugh, but I can't really blame her. This is terrible. He pulls his pants down and is wearing red silk boxers. Out comes Coach to interrupt. He tells Viscera that Bischoff doesn't have time for a sexual harassment lawsuit and calls him an embarrassment. Viscera slaps Coach on the chest and hits a Samoan Drop. Then he humps him. Vince just had to have loved this. He then kisses Lilian.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Edge vs. Batista
Batista bumps Edge off of the apron and into the barricade. Out come Christian and Tomko, which is a nice wrinkle to this match. While Batista is in the middle of the 10 count punch, Christian interferes while Lita distracts the ref. Even with all of the advantages, it doesn't completely feel like the crowd is taking Edge as a serious threat. Batista hits a big superplex and both men are down. The referee is down and in comes Tomko and Christian. Ric Flair comes down and takes care of all three of them until he is blindsided by Edge with a spear. Batista is up and gives some spinebusters and clotheslines Tomko and Christian out of the ring. Edge hits the spear and the ref slowly climbs into the ring for a 2 count. Edge grabs the briefcase, but Batista ducks and dishes out another spinebuster. Batista Bomb time and that's all. That was an enjoyable TV main event. Nothing special, but it had a good story filled with characters that I am invested in.
Match Rating: **3/4
Batista and Flair hug and then Triple H's music hits and he walks out with a sledgehammer. Flair then hits a low blow on Batista. Triple H hits him with the sledgehammer and grabs the title. Triple H unloads on Batista and he is busted open. Triple H grabs the mic and says "Hell In A Cell" and then hits a Pedigree.
Well, most of the show was nothing but the two good segments were quite good. Just having Heyman, Bischoff and Vince in the same ring was historic and it was a bonus that it actually helped build nicely to One Night Stand. The main event match was well done and the ending to the show was intense. I would say that was my favorite segment of the Batista/Triple H feud, as it felt more believable compared to everything else they have done. This is nothing to go out of your way for, but you can do worse.
Overall Rating: 56%
Monday, November 18, 2019
NXT 1-16-13 Review
Original Airdate: Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Adrian Neville vs. Sakamoto
Here is the NXT debut of Adrian Neville. He wins over the crowd pretty quickly with his athleticism. Sakamoto then completely sucks the air out of the building with rest holds. Neville hits a flurry of moves that gains him no reaction, even though they are fantastic. Neville then goes up top and hits the Red Arrow to a big applause and picks up the victory. They could have gave him a more talented opponent, but regardless Neville still looked impressive.
Match Rating: 1/2* (out of 5)
Leo Kruger vs. Trent Barreta
Well we're two matches in and we already have two guys who are on the AEW roster here in 2019. Kassius Ohno joins the commentary team. Kruger is just so miscast in this gimmick. Trent hits a springboard elbow and follows it up with a missile dropkick off the top. Kruger counters a DDT attempt into a half crab. Barreta follows it up with a leaping senton over the top rope. Kassius leaves the booth and interferes, allowing Kruger to hit his finisher for the victory. The referees come down and talk it over that Barreta is the winner of the match by disqualification. Trenty was trying his best, but Kruger sucked the life out of the building.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Big E Langston welcomes everyone to a new era but then Camacho interrupts him and says that they have a beef. Camacho wants the title and he says that he will take it from him tonight.
NXT Championship Match
Big E Langston vs. Camacho
William Regal questions Camacho's intelligence by challenging Big E here. Big E no sells Camacho's punches and hits five knee lifts to the gut. Big E hits the Big Finish and gets the victory. They continue to sell Big E as unstoppable. The crowd wants a 5 count and so he gives it to them. And then he does it again.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Damien Sandow & Antonio Cesaro vs. Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd
Here's a match that has some potential, although this era of NXT isn't typically balls to the wall like we see today. It's a little weird that they have Cesaro with Sandow instead of Cody Rhodes here, who I believe he was tagging with at the time. After some back and forth for the first couple of minutes, Cesaro and Sandow cut the ring in half with Gabriel. Hot tag to Kidd, who hits a springboard dropkick on Sandow. He goes for the Sharpshooter, but Cesaro interferes. Gabriel hits a springboard moonsault and Kidd hits the elbow drop for a semi-surprising victory for Kidd and Gabriel. The main events on these shows continue to feel like house show matches. This was technically fine, but I know all four men are capable of a lot more when allowed.
Match Rating: **1/4
Well, we go the debut of Neville, who will go on to be one of NXT's biggest stars and a solid main event. Big E continues to dominate and I'm curious to see who they will have be his first contender be. Every week there are positives, but overall the show still feels like it's in a little bit of a funk.
Overall Rating: 42%
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Adrian Neville vs. Sakamoto
Here is the NXT debut of Adrian Neville. He wins over the crowd pretty quickly with his athleticism. Sakamoto then completely sucks the air out of the building with rest holds. Neville hits a flurry of moves that gains him no reaction, even though they are fantastic. Neville then goes up top and hits the Red Arrow to a big applause and picks up the victory. They could have gave him a more talented opponent, but regardless Neville still looked impressive.
Match Rating: 1/2* (out of 5)
Leo Kruger vs. Trent Barreta
Well we're two matches in and we already have two guys who are on the AEW roster here in 2019. Kassius Ohno joins the commentary team. Kruger is just so miscast in this gimmick. Trent hits a springboard elbow and follows it up with a missile dropkick off the top. Kruger counters a DDT attempt into a half crab. Barreta follows it up with a leaping senton over the top rope. Kassius leaves the booth and interferes, allowing Kruger to hit his finisher for the victory. The referees come down and talk it over that Barreta is the winner of the match by disqualification. Trenty was trying his best, but Kruger sucked the life out of the building.
Match Rating: 3/4*
Big E Langston welcomes everyone to a new era but then Camacho interrupts him and says that they have a beef. Camacho wants the title and he says that he will take it from him tonight.
NXT Championship Match
Big E Langston vs. Camacho
William Regal questions Camacho's intelligence by challenging Big E here. Big E no sells Camacho's punches and hits five knee lifts to the gut. Big E hits the Big Finish and gets the victory. They continue to sell Big E as unstoppable. The crowd wants a 5 count and so he gives it to them. And then he does it again.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Damien Sandow & Antonio Cesaro vs. Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd
Here's a match that has some potential, although this era of NXT isn't typically balls to the wall like we see today. It's a little weird that they have Cesaro with Sandow instead of Cody Rhodes here, who I believe he was tagging with at the time. After some back and forth for the first couple of minutes, Cesaro and Sandow cut the ring in half with Gabriel. Hot tag to Kidd, who hits a springboard dropkick on Sandow. He goes for the Sharpshooter, but Cesaro interferes. Gabriel hits a springboard moonsault and Kidd hits the elbow drop for a semi-surprising victory for Kidd and Gabriel. The main events on these shows continue to feel like house show matches. This was technically fine, but I know all four men are capable of a lot more when allowed.
Match Rating: **1/4
Well, we go the debut of Neville, who will go on to be one of NXT's biggest stars and a solid main event. Big E continues to dominate and I'm curious to see who they will have be his first contender be. Every week there are positives, but overall the show still feels like it's in a little bit of a funk.
Overall Rating: 42%
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Superstars 11-14-92 Review
Original Airdate: Saturday, November 14th, 1992
Saskatchewan Center
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Intercontinental Championship Match
Repo Man vs. British Bulldog
Well, we're kicking things off with a bang this week. Has there ever been a tough guy wrestler who has ever had to transition to a doofus more than Barry Darsow? Bulldog hits a nice press slam, but Repo then hangs Bulldog on the top rope. Apparently Saturday Night's Main Event is also tonight and they are pretending that Bulldog has to fight two matches in one day. I'm not sure if Repo is acting more serious because it's a title match or if it's just because he isn't feeling it today. Repo goes after the second rope, but Bulldog counters it with a weird thrust. Then out of nowhere, Bulldog hits the powerslam for the victory. It was almost as if they just erased three minutes out of the match for no reason. They had a nice little match until the abrupt ending.
Match Rating: *3/4 (out of 5)
They run down the card for Saturday Night's Main Event as a triple crown, meaning all three championships will be up for grabs. British Bulldog vs. Shawn Michaels, the Ultimate Maniacs vs. Money, Inc. and Bret Hart vs. Papa Shango.
We get another Bob Backlund vignette, which will never not be weird to me. I really don't get how they thought he was going to get over in this era.
Bob St. Laurent & Jim Powers vs. The Headshrinkers
The Headshrinkers headbutt each other before starting the match. Jim Powers looks like he's lost 100 pounds. Doink makes another appearance here. Fatu hits the splash off the top rope for the easy win. This was a little disappointing. I was hoping for a little bit more physical squash.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Event Center time with Mean Gene. He quickly runs through Saturday Night's Main Event again and then it's on to Survivor Series. Rick Martel says it will be smooth sailing for the Model. Big Boss Man says he's going to get to the stick and make Nailz serve hard time.
Bam Bam Bigelow will be here soon and he yells "Bam Bam" a lot.
Iron Mike Sharpe vs. Marty Jannetty
Marty dropkicks Sharpe out over the top rope. Marty lets us know that he's used to working for what he wants and what he wants is to kick Michaels' butt. Marty hits the flying fist off the top rope and that's all.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Update time with Lord Alfred Hayes. They recap Bret Hart's match with Berzerker on Prime Time. Hart wins the match after the Sharpshooter. If Bret Hart beats Papa Shango he will defend the title again here on Superstars against Virgil.
Nailz vs. Ken Johnson
Uggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggh. Nailz has lost any momentum that he had here. The highlight is getting to see Doink in the crowd.
Match Rating: 0 Stars
The Natural Disasters and the Nasty Boys are here for an interview. They make lots of loud noises and say they are going to kick butt.
Back to Mean Gene again. Ric Flair, Razor Ramon and Mr. Perfect say Warrior and Savage are the ultimate joke. Warrior and Savage say they aren't going anywhere.
Steve Gillespie vs. Kamala
You have to love the slow burn on the feud between Harvey Wippleman and Howard Finkel. This Kamala/Undertaker feud would probably be more effective if they would have given Kamala a feud prior to it. This is every Kamala squash you've ever seen.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We go back to the Undertaker's workshop, where we are on day 72 of him making a wood box.
Mean Gene reminds us one more time to watch Saturday Night's Main Event and then that Survivor Series is in a week and a half. Tatanka channels his inner-Ultimate Warrior and somehow doesn't ever stop to breathe the entire interview. The Beverly Brothers and Money, Inc. say they are the most talent and wealth accumulated anywhere.
Next week we get Bret Hart vs. Virgil and the triple crown on Saturday Night's Main Event.
Well, that wasn't as good of a show as last week but it still is a nice improvement over the episodes earlier on this year. They had a lot to build to with SNME and a pay-per-view all in the next week and a half and were successful with that.
Overall Rating: 48%
Saskatchewan Center
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Intercontinental Championship Match
Repo Man vs. British Bulldog
Well, we're kicking things off with a bang this week. Has there ever been a tough guy wrestler who has ever had to transition to a doofus more than Barry Darsow? Bulldog hits a nice press slam, but Repo then hangs Bulldog on the top rope. Apparently Saturday Night's Main Event is also tonight and they are pretending that Bulldog has to fight two matches in one day. I'm not sure if Repo is acting more serious because it's a title match or if it's just because he isn't feeling it today. Repo goes after the second rope, but Bulldog counters it with a weird thrust. Then out of nowhere, Bulldog hits the powerslam for the victory. It was almost as if they just erased three minutes out of the match for no reason. They had a nice little match until the abrupt ending.
Match Rating: *3/4 (out of 5)
They run down the card for Saturday Night's Main Event as a triple crown, meaning all three championships will be up for grabs. British Bulldog vs. Shawn Michaels, the Ultimate Maniacs vs. Money, Inc. and Bret Hart vs. Papa Shango.
We get another Bob Backlund vignette, which will never not be weird to me. I really don't get how they thought he was going to get over in this era.
Bob St. Laurent & Jim Powers vs. The Headshrinkers
The Headshrinkers headbutt each other before starting the match. Jim Powers looks like he's lost 100 pounds. Doink makes another appearance here. Fatu hits the splash off the top rope for the easy win. This was a little disappointing. I was hoping for a little bit more physical squash.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Event Center time with Mean Gene. He quickly runs through Saturday Night's Main Event again and then it's on to Survivor Series. Rick Martel says it will be smooth sailing for the Model. Big Boss Man says he's going to get to the stick and make Nailz serve hard time.
Bam Bam Bigelow will be here soon and he yells "Bam Bam" a lot.
Iron Mike Sharpe vs. Marty Jannetty
Marty dropkicks Sharpe out over the top rope. Marty lets us know that he's used to working for what he wants and what he wants is to kick Michaels' butt. Marty hits the flying fist off the top rope and that's all.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Update time with Lord Alfred Hayes. They recap Bret Hart's match with Berzerker on Prime Time. Hart wins the match after the Sharpshooter. If Bret Hart beats Papa Shango he will defend the title again here on Superstars against Virgil.
Nailz vs. Ken Johnson
Uggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggh. Nailz has lost any momentum that he had here. The highlight is getting to see Doink in the crowd.
Match Rating: 0 Stars
The Natural Disasters and the Nasty Boys are here for an interview. They make lots of loud noises and say they are going to kick butt.
Back to Mean Gene again. Ric Flair, Razor Ramon and Mr. Perfect say Warrior and Savage are the ultimate joke. Warrior and Savage say they aren't going anywhere.
Steve Gillespie vs. Kamala
You have to love the slow burn on the feud between Harvey Wippleman and Howard Finkel. This Kamala/Undertaker feud would probably be more effective if they would have given Kamala a feud prior to it. This is every Kamala squash you've ever seen.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We go back to the Undertaker's workshop, where we are on day 72 of him making a wood box.
Mean Gene reminds us one more time to watch Saturday Night's Main Event and then that Survivor Series is in a week and a half. Tatanka channels his inner-Ultimate Warrior and somehow doesn't ever stop to breathe the entire interview. The Beverly Brothers and Money, Inc. say they are the most talent and wealth accumulated anywhere.
Next week we get Bret Hart vs. Virgil and the triple crown on Saturday Night's Main Event.
Well, that wasn't as good of a show as last week but it still is a nice improvement over the episodes earlier on this year. They had a lot to build to with SNME and a pay-per-view all in the next week and a half and were successful with that.
Overall Rating: 48%
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Judgment Day 2005 Review
Sunday, May 22nd, 2005
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
MNM vs. Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
Melina cuts a generic promo on the way down to the ring while the "paparazzi" takes their photos. Morrison was already a bumping machine here, as he made Haas look like a million bucks in their opening spots. Mercury slaps Holly's chest, which is obviously stupid. Holly naturally chops Mercury likely harder than he ever has in his life. Holly has Mercury up for the Alabama Slam, but Morrison superkicks him while the ref was distracted. Hot tag to Haas and he sends both of his opponents to the outside and then hits a leap over the top rope. Melina possibly screwed up there by trying to grab his leg the first time and Haas no sold it. He goes off the ropes again and this time Melina grabs it, but Haas stays in control. All four men are in. Morrison avoids Holly and his shoulder hits the ring post and falls to the outside. MNM hits the Snapshot and retain the championships. That was a solid opener that kept the crowd going for the entirety.
Match Rating: *** (out of 5)
Carlito vs. Big Show
Carlito says that Randy Moss left Minnesota because the people aren't cool. Carlito does all that he can to avoid Big Show to start the match off. Show finally gets him and tosses him into the turnbuckle. Matt Morgan grabs Show's ankle, but it doesn't work. It's now Carlito's turn to get his chest blown up, this time by Big Show. Show goes off the ropes, but Morgan pulls down the top rope and down goes Show. Show goes to send Carlito into the turnbuckle, but he throws him right into the rope. Carlito then hits a low blow. Somehow, Show recovers quickly and goes for a chokeslam. Morgan comes in to make the save and hits a F5 on Big Show to the shock of Carlito. Carlito hops on Show and gets the pinfall victory. This is what happens when you book yourself into a corner, you have to come up with a lot of extra to accomplish your goal. This was really hardly a match, but I've watched a lot worse.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Just in case you haven't vomited in your mouth enough over the last few weeks from this angle, we get a full recap of the Booker T/Kurt Angle situation. Sharmell asks Booker to take out Angle tonight. They then get a delivery that includes lingerie and handcuffs.
Cruiserweight Championship Match
Chavo Guerrero vs. Paul London
Chavo gets off to a fast start after some stiff kicks and a Tilt-A-Whirl backbreaker. London fights back with some of his signatures. He goes for the 450 splash, but Chavo gets his knees up and the champ is down. Chavo begins to work on the ribs. I have to say the crowd is into this one a little more than I expected. It's no secret that the WWE Cruiserweight division was treated as a joke for years. London battles back and sends Chavo to the outside. London hits a somersault dive off the top rope to the floor. It didn't look like he got much of that and he hit the floor pretty hard as a result. Chavo returns the favor with a suicide dive. Chavo goes up to the top rope, but London kicks him. Chavo counters the superplex. London hits a back body drop and then hits the 450 splash for the victory. That was a nicely worked match. Both guys got their chance to look good and London makes the nice counter and hits his finish for the decisive win.
Match Rating: ***1/4
Booker is backstage looking for Angle. He tells the SmackDown locker room that if they see Angle, to tell him Booker is looking for him. They cut to Sharmell and Angle is behind her. He lays on top of her and threatens her and I guess we are getting this match now because Angle's music hits.
Kurt Angle vs. Booker T
Booker naturally goes right after Angle. Angle gets a little of his offense in, but it's back to Booker in control. Booker drapes Angle over the top rope and hits a scissor kick, causing Angle to fall to the floor. This turned into a pretty standard wrestling match quickly. Angle ducks a kick and Booker hurts his leg on the top rope. Just a reminder that this is the feud they gave Angle after he tore the house down with Shawn Michaels and got the victory. Angle avoids a scissor kick, but Booker counters the Angle Slam attempt with a Book End. As mad as Booker is, he still does the spinarooni. Angle then explodes with a clothesline. I would say that Booker's match quality varies night to night more than most other legendary wrestlers that I can think of. Booker T then goes for a small package and gets the victory? Seemed like a messed up finish. Sharmell comes down to celebrate, which is obviously a terrible idea. Angle tries to handcuff Booker, but he handcuffs Angle to the top rope. Sharmell hits Angle with some slaps to the face and finishes with a low blow. Booker and Sharmell embrace and celebrate their victory. That one felt like it deserved to be a SmackDown main event rather than a big pay per view match. The work was good, but it didn't have a great flow and the ending was awkward.
Match Rating: **3/4
United States Championship Match
Orlando Jordan vs. Heidenreich
Speaking of matches that belong on SmackDown. Heidenreich finds a young girl to be his friend and then reads a disasterpiece. Jordan then attacks him with a dropkick through the ropes. Heidenreich hits a few unconvincing fists to the face, but Jordan takes him down again. I guess now is as good of time as any to say the set for the show is pretty cool. Just a few months ago, Heidenreich was presented as a serious threat to the Undertaker. Heidenreich rolls up a trash talking Jordan and almost gets the victory. Jordan then hits a DDT and gets the victory? Another weird finish here. That was a match that didn't do anything for either guy. After the match, the little girl comes into the ring and tries to get him up. She starts doing the dance and Heidenreich gets up and joins her. This was probably Vince McMahon's favorite part of the show.
Match Rating: 1/2*
JBL is backstage for an interview. He says he's going to pull a Babe Ruth and call his shot that he will make Cena say "I quit" tonight.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
Both men wait for the bell to ring before they let it rip. They head out of the ring and Eddie slams Rey into the announcers table. Rey get slammed face-first by a nice move from Eddie. Rey fights back for a little, but Eddie hits him with a dropkick to the legs. Eddie slaps on the Boston Crab and then into a STF. Eddie is going for a move on the steel steps, but Rey counters by pushing him into the ring post. Mysterio then hits a modified 619 around the ring post as Eddie is trying to climb back in the ring. Rey explodes with some clotheslines and then a springboard crossbody for a 2 count. Seated senton also gets a 2 count for Rey. Eddie hits two of the Three Amigos and Rey hangs Eddie on the second rope, but Rey is unable to capitalize. Chavo Guerrero is now down and distracting Jimmy Korderas. Eddie grabs a chair, but Rey dropkicks Eddie in the legs and gets Eddie on the second rope again. He knocks down Chavo and hits the 619 on Eddie. Rey goes off the top rope, but Eddie absolutely destroys him with the chair in midair. That was a vicious looking visual. Eddie is about to leave, but comes back into the ring and then repeatedly hits Rey with the chair. These two guys make beautiful music together and this match was no different. This was obviously not their best work, but it was still very good.
Match Rating: ***3/4
I Quit Match
WWE Championship Match
JBL vs. John Cena
Cean comes out on the back of a truck with a DJ playing and a light and smoke show. They start out a little hesitantly. They're outside the ring and JBL tosses Cena over the barricade and they are now brawling in the crowd. JBL tosses Cena into the steel steps. Cena's selling on that always has looked kind of poor his entire career. He always clearly pushed them over, rather than running into them. JBL pulls Cena up on the table and tries to get him to quit and then Cena back body drops him onto the other announce table. JBL hits Cena in the head with a chair shot and Cena is now busted open. Is this the only time Cena did a blade job in WWE? The chair shot was a clean shot to the head and the stair shot after was pretty close to a clear shot. I don't miss that at all. JBL hits a Clothesline From Hell and then another one. Cena is gushing at this point. JBL grabs Cena's chain and uses it to choke him. Cena tries to fight back, but JBL hits him with a low blow. After some trash talking from JBL, Cena makes the big comeback which leads to a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena hits the FU, but then JBL retreats from the ring. Cena chases him down the ramp and slams him into the limo. JBL hits a swinging neckbreaker on the hood of the limo and both men are now down. JBL is choking Cena with an electrical cord, but Cena pulls him and he goes face-first through a TV. Cena then takes him and throws him through one of his limo windows. They're on top of the limo and Cena hits a suplex. Cena has him on his truck and throws him into a CO2 tank, causing it to shoot out air. Cena hits JBL with the microphone to the head and causes him to fall off the speakers and through a table. Cena has the smokestack from the truck and before he can use it, JBL says "I quit". Cena retains the title in an Attitude Era-style brawl to cap off the show. Cena waits a minute and then decides to use it anyways and sends JBL through the random "J D" pieces of glass on the entrance stage. That was a hard fought and entertaining match that the crowd was really into. Imagine if that was their WrestleMania match instead of the vanilla match we were given.
Match Rating: ****
As far as SmackDown pay-per-views during this era go, this has to be one of the best. The main event was very memorable and Eddie and Rey also delivered in their match. There were a few other solid outings and the crowd was into most of it.
Overall Rating: 72%
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
MNM vs. Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
Melina cuts a generic promo on the way down to the ring while the "paparazzi" takes their photos. Morrison was already a bumping machine here, as he made Haas look like a million bucks in their opening spots. Mercury slaps Holly's chest, which is obviously stupid. Holly naturally chops Mercury likely harder than he ever has in his life. Holly has Mercury up for the Alabama Slam, but Morrison superkicks him while the ref was distracted. Hot tag to Haas and he sends both of his opponents to the outside and then hits a leap over the top rope. Melina possibly screwed up there by trying to grab his leg the first time and Haas no sold it. He goes off the ropes again and this time Melina grabs it, but Haas stays in control. All four men are in. Morrison avoids Holly and his shoulder hits the ring post and falls to the outside. MNM hits the Snapshot and retain the championships. That was a solid opener that kept the crowd going for the entirety.
Match Rating: *** (out of 5)
Carlito vs. Big Show
Carlito says that Randy Moss left Minnesota because the people aren't cool. Carlito does all that he can to avoid Big Show to start the match off. Show finally gets him and tosses him into the turnbuckle. Matt Morgan grabs Show's ankle, but it doesn't work. It's now Carlito's turn to get his chest blown up, this time by Big Show. Show goes off the ropes, but Morgan pulls down the top rope and down goes Show. Show goes to send Carlito into the turnbuckle, but he throws him right into the rope. Carlito then hits a low blow. Somehow, Show recovers quickly and goes for a chokeslam. Morgan comes in to make the save and hits a F5 on Big Show to the shock of Carlito. Carlito hops on Show and gets the pinfall victory. This is what happens when you book yourself into a corner, you have to come up with a lot of extra to accomplish your goal. This was really hardly a match, but I've watched a lot worse.
Match Rating: 1/2*
Just in case you haven't vomited in your mouth enough over the last few weeks from this angle, we get a full recap of the Booker T/Kurt Angle situation. Sharmell asks Booker to take out Angle tonight. They then get a delivery that includes lingerie and handcuffs.
Cruiserweight Championship Match
Chavo Guerrero vs. Paul London
Chavo gets off to a fast start after some stiff kicks and a Tilt-A-Whirl backbreaker. London fights back with some of his signatures. He goes for the 450 splash, but Chavo gets his knees up and the champ is down. Chavo begins to work on the ribs. I have to say the crowd is into this one a little more than I expected. It's no secret that the WWE Cruiserweight division was treated as a joke for years. London battles back and sends Chavo to the outside. London hits a somersault dive off the top rope to the floor. It didn't look like he got much of that and he hit the floor pretty hard as a result. Chavo returns the favor with a suicide dive. Chavo goes up to the top rope, but London kicks him. Chavo counters the superplex. London hits a back body drop and then hits the 450 splash for the victory. That was a nicely worked match. Both guys got their chance to look good and London makes the nice counter and hits his finish for the decisive win.
Match Rating: ***1/4
Booker is backstage looking for Angle. He tells the SmackDown locker room that if they see Angle, to tell him Booker is looking for him. They cut to Sharmell and Angle is behind her. He lays on top of her and threatens her and I guess we are getting this match now because Angle's music hits.
Kurt Angle vs. Booker T
Booker naturally goes right after Angle. Angle gets a little of his offense in, but it's back to Booker in control. Booker drapes Angle over the top rope and hits a scissor kick, causing Angle to fall to the floor. This turned into a pretty standard wrestling match quickly. Angle ducks a kick and Booker hurts his leg on the top rope. Just a reminder that this is the feud they gave Angle after he tore the house down with Shawn Michaels and got the victory. Angle avoids a scissor kick, but Booker counters the Angle Slam attempt with a Book End. As mad as Booker is, he still does the spinarooni. Angle then explodes with a clothesline. I would say that Booker's match quality varies night to night more than most other legendary wrestlers that I can think of. Booker T then goes for a small package and gets the victory? Seemed like a messed up finish. Sharmell comes down to celebrate, which is obviously a terrible idea. Angle tries to handcuff Booker, but he handcuffs Angle to the top rope. Sharmell hits Angle with some slaps to the face and finishes with a low blow. Booker and Sharmell embrace and celebrate their victory. That one felt like it deserved to be a SmackDown main event rather than a big pay per view match. The work was good, but it didn't have a great flow and the ending was awkward.
Match Rating: **3/4
United States Championship Match
Orlando Jordan vs. Heidenreich
Speaking of matches that belong on SmackDown. Heidenreich finds a young girl to be his friend and then reads a disasterpiece. Jordan then attacks him with a dropkick through the ropes. Heidenreich hits a few unconvincing fists to the face, but Jordan takes him down again. I guess now is as good of time as any to say the set for the show is pretty cool. Just a few months ago, Heidenreich was presented as a serious threat to the Undertaker. Heidenreich rolls up a trash talking Jordan and almost gets the victory. Jordan then hits a DDT and gets the victory? Another weird finish here. That was a match that didn't do anything for either guy. After the match, the little girl comes into the ring and tries to get him up. She starts doing the dance and Heidenreich gets up and joins her. This was probably Vince McMahon's favorite part of the show.
Match Rating: 1/2*
JBL is backstage for an interview. He says he's going to pull a Babe Ruth and call his shot that he will make Cena say "I quit" tonight.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
Both men wait for the bell to ring before they let it rip. They head out of the ring and Eddie slams Rey into the announcers table. Rey get slammed face-first by a nice move from Eddie. Rey fights back for a little, but Eddie hits him with a dropkick to the legs. Eddie slaps on the Boston Crab and then into a STF. Eddie is going for a move on the steel steps, but Rey counters by pushing him into the ring post. Mysterio then hits a modified 619 around the ring post as Eddie is trying to climb back in the ring. Rey explodes with some clotheslines and then a springboard crossbody for a 2 count. Seated senton also gets a 2 count for Rey. Eddie hits two of the Three Amigos and Rey hangs Eddie on the second rope, but Rey is unable to capitalize. Chavo Guerrero is now down and distracting Jimmy Korderas. Eddie grabs a chair, but Rey dropkicks Eddie in the legs and gets Eddie on the second rope again. He knocks down Chavo and hits the 619 on Eddie. Rey goes off the top rope, but Eddie absolutely destroys him with the chair in midair. That was a vicious looking visual. Eddie is about to leave, but comes back into the ring and then repeatedly hits Rey with the chair. These two guys make beautiful music together and this match was no different. This was obviously not their best work, but it was still very good.
Match Rating: ***3/4
I Quit Match
WWE Championship Match
JBL vs. John Cena
Cean comes out on the back of a truck with a DJ playing and a light and smoke show. They start out a little hesitantly. They're outside the ring and JBL tosses Cena over the barricade and they are now brawling in the crowd. JBL tosses Cena into the steel steps. Cena's selling on that always has looked kind of poor his entire career. He always clearly pushed them over, rather than running into them. JBL pulls Cena up on the table and tries to get him to quit and then Cena back body drops him onto the other announce table. JBL hits Cena in the head with a chair shot and Cena is now busted open. Is this the only time Cena did a blade job in WWE? The chair shot was a clean shot to the head and the stair shot after was pretty close to a clear shot. I don't miss that at all. JBL hits a Clothesline From Hell and then another one. Cena is gushing at this point. JBL grabs Cena's chain and uses it to choke him. Cena tries to fight back, but JBL hits him with a low blow. After some trash talking from JBL, Cena makes the big comeback which leads to a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena hits the FU, but then JBL retreats from the ring. Cena chases him down the ramp and slams him into the limo. JBL hits a swinging neckbreaker on the hood of the limo and both men are now down. JBL is choking Cena with an electrical cord, but Cena pulls him and he goes face-first through a TV. Cena then takes him and throws him through one of his limo windows. They're on top of the limo and Cena hits a suplex. Cena has him on his truck and throws him into a CO2 tank, causing it to shoot out air. Cena hits JBL with the microphone to the head and causes him to fall off the speakers and through a table. Cena has the smokestack from the truck and before he can use it, JBL says "I quit". Cena retains the title in an Attitude Era-style brawl to cap off the show. Cena waits a minute and then decides to use it anyways and sends JBL through the random "J D" pieces of glass on the entrance stage. That was a hard fought and entertaining match that the crowd was really into. Imagine if that was their WrestleMania match instead of the vanilla match we were given.
Match Rating: ****
As far as SmackDown pay-per-views during this era go, this has to be one of the best. The main event was very memorable and Eddie and Rey also delivered in their match. There were a few other solid outings and the crowd was into most of it.
Overall Rating: 72%
Monday, November 4, 2019
NXT 1-9-13 Review
Original Airdate: Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Yoshi Tatsu & Percy Watson vs. The Wyatt Family
Luke Harper was always so much better in this role than Erick Rowan was. In fact, Harper will go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities of this decade for WWE. The Wyatts dominate the entire match with the exception of a couple of kicks by Tatsu. This was a 1992 Superstars type squash and it was pretty mediocre.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Emma vs. Paige
I believe this is the debut of the goofy dancing Emma. Emma gets a lot of offense to start and works on the left knee of Paige. Then out of nowhere, Paige hits the Paige Turner and that's it? Some of these NXT matches during this era are just so weird. That match really did Paige no favors.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Adrian Neville says that next week we will find out why he is called "The man that gravity forgot".
Primo & Epico vs. Bo Dallas & Michael McGillicutty
I always love how they remind us that McGillicutty is the son of Curt Hennig, but we still gave him this stupid name anyways. As one would expect, this match is about as basic as it gets. Dallas makes a small comeback, but it's right back to Primo and Epico dominating. I always thought Primo was a good hand, but his matches on NXT have been really disappointing. McGillicutty makes a comeback, but Primo hits the Back Stabber and they steal the victory.
Match Rating: 3/4*
NXT Championship Match
No Disqualification Match
Seth Rollins vs. Big E Langston
This whole change in Seth Rollins' character is so bizarre if you only were to watch NXT, as it was just seemingly changed overnight. The match just started and it's already probably Big E's longest match to date. Big E Ultimate Warrior's Rollins over the top rope and to the floor. As Big E gets down to get him, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns attack him and toss him into the steps. Rollins is in control after the commercial break until Big E hits a one arm electric chair. Big E steamrolls Rollins and then double clotheslines Ambrose and Reigns off the apron. Ambrose and Reigns come in the ring and attack Big E once again and now out comes the NXT locker room. Big E hits the Big Ending and is your new NXT Championship. Rollins obviously had to drop the title and Big E is the most over guy on the roster, so this made sense. I would have liked to have seen a little bit better match out of these two, but NXT really wasn't delivering those just yet.
Match Rating: **
Big E celebrates while the rest of the roster applauds him.
Well, on paper this looks like it would be a great show, but instead it was just kind of there. The main event didn't really deliver, but given the way it was booked, it didn't have a chance to be anything better than that. This is an important episode for historic purposes, but nothing more than that.
Overall Rating: 44%
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Yoshi Tatsu & Percy Watson vs. The Wyatt Family
Luke Harper was always so much better in this role than Erick Rowan was. In fact, Harper will go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities of this decade for WWE. The Wyatts dominate the entire match with the exception of a couple of kicks by Tatsu. This was a 1992 Superstars type squash and it was pretty mediocre.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Emma vs. Paige
I believe this is the debut of the goofy dancing Emma. Emma gets a lot of offense to start and works on the left knee of Paige. Then out of nowhere, Paige hits the Paige Turner and that's it? Some of these NXT matches during this era are just so weird. That match really did Paige no favors.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Adrian Neville says that next week we will find out why he is called "The man that gravity forgot".
Primo & Epico vs. Bo Dallas & Michael McGillicutty
I always love how they remind us that McGillicutty is the son of Curt Hennig, but we still gave him this stupid name anyways. As one would expect, this match is about as basic as it gets. Dallas makes a small comeback, but it's right back to Primo and Epico dominating. I always thought Primo was a good hand, but his matches on NXT have been really disappointing. McGillicutty makes a comeback, but Primo hits the Back Stabber and they steal the victory.
Match Rating: 3/4*
NXT Championship Match
No Disqualification Match
Seth Rollins vs. Big E Langston
This whole change in Seth Rollins' character is so bizarre if you only were to watch NXT, as it was just seemingly changed overnight. The match just started and it's already probably Big E's longest match to date. Big E Ultimate Warrior's Rollins over the top rope and to the floor. As Big E gets down to get him, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns attack him and toss him into the steps. Rollins is in control after the commercial break until Big E hits a one arm electric chair. Big E steamrolls Rollins and then double clotheslines Ambrose and Reigns off the apron. Ambrose and Reigns come in the ring and attack Big E once again and now out comes the NXT locker room. Big E hits the Big Ending and is your new NXT Championship. Rollins obviously had to drop the title and Big E is the most over guy on the roster, so this made sense. I would have liked to have seen a little bit better match out of these two, but NXT really wasn't delivering those just yet.
Match Rating: **
Big E celebrates while the rest of the roster applauds him.
Well, on paper this looks like it would be a great show, but instead it was just kind of there. The main event didn't really deliver, but given the way it was booked, it didn't have a chance to be anything better than that. This is an important episode for historic purposes, but nothing more than that.
Overall Rating: 44%
Friday, November 1, 2019
Superstars 11-7-92 Review
Original Airdate: Saturday, November 7th, 1992
Saskatchewan Center
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Max Moon vs. Louie Spicolli
God, Moon's outfit is still just something everyone needs to see in their lifetime. We get a nice little bit of wrestling here. It's nice to see a sprint like this on the show. Moon hits a high cross body for the pinfall victory.
Match Rating: 1/2*
They show a clip of the match they showed us last week here where Money, Inc. won the championships.
The Headshrinkers vs. Brian Costello & Joey Maggs
I forgot about the suspenders the Headshrinkers used to wear. Lame. They were a breath of fresh air though here in 1992. Of course, they never really lived up to their potential. Huge splash that looked like it had to have hurt a little for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Mean Gene is here and he's here to remind us that Saturday Night's Main Event is returning next week and then goes right on to talk about Survivor Series. Kamala and his entourage are here to talk about their coffin match. Tatanka isn't happy that Martel stole his feathers like 6 months ago.
We get a Bam Bam Bigelow promo.
Virgil vs. Jim Peterson
I have to say Virgil always seemed pretty over on these Superstars squashes. Peterson is a pretty big guy and gets in a little bit of offense. Virgil talks about Bob Backlund and wishes him good luck. Doink is shown out in the audience with a hammer annoying some children. Virgil hits a clothesline from the second rope and hits the deadly side Russian leg sweep for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We now go to Lord Alfred Hayes to recap the Marty Jannetty return from last week.
Bret Hart now gets a music video paying tribute to him winning the WWF Championship.
Damien Demento vs. Steve May
Here is Demento's debut and he gets the no entrance music treatment. He gives one of the worst promos of all time and says that he is a creation of our mind, to which Vince says "He's not a creation of my mind". Okay, Vince. Demento hits one of the weaker looking clotheslines you will see and then rolls down his knee pad and hits a knee drop for the finish. Seriously, a knee drop? Not impressive at all.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Big Boss Man is here in the ring with that goofy interviewer last week. He says that Nailz beat him, but didn't break him because you can't break the law. Uhhh, I'm pretty sure you can. He climbs up the top rope where the nightstick is hanging and says that he's going to beat Nailz within an inch of his life. That was a pretty lame promo.
Mean Gene with a Survivor Series update. Big news! The Bushwhackers have been nice enough to let the Nasty Boys take their spot with the Natural Disasters against The Beverly Brothers and Money, Inc. Natural Disasters say their opponents are in for a fight for their lives. Somehow The Undertaker is still working on this coffin for Kamala. Man, remind me to never have him help me do anything around the house. Ultimate Warrior then does a Macho Man impersonation and it's the weirdest thing ever.
WWF Tag Team Championship Match
High Energy vs. Money, Inc.
High Energy is the best team in WWF at this time, so naturally they are jobbers. It's kind of crazy that Dibiase has less than a year left in his in ring career. Dibiase gets a cheap knee to the back as Koko is going off the ropes and the heels regain control. Koko battles back with a leaping clothesline and both teams make the tag. Owen and his awful pants take care of both opponents. Owen ducks for a back body drop and Dibiase counters with a neckbreaker and that's it? They really couldn't have given us another 2 minutes with a more impressive finish?
Match Rating: *1/2
Mean Gene is back again. Rick Martel isn't liking that Tatanka is rocking the boat and he doesn't like it. Flair, Razor and Perfect just keep on surviving in life.
Next week we get Kamala, Marty Jannetty, The Headshrinkers, Nailz and a special interview with The Natural Disasters. Plus, we get another featured match between British Bulldog and Repo Man.
We got some fresh faces this week and it makes all the difference. High Energy, Headshrinkers and Max Moon are all welcome on my TV and adding featured matches to this show was what was always needed. I am starting to get enjoyment out of watching this show for the first time in a long time.
Overall Rating: 58%
Saskatchewan Center
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Follow me on Twitter: @WorkTheNetwork2
Max Moon vs. Louie Spicolli
God, Moon's outfit is still just something everyone needs to see in their lifetime. We get a nice little bit of wrestling here. It's nice to see a sprint like this on the show. Moon hits a high cross body for the pinfall victory.
Match Rating: 1/2*
They show a clip of the match they showed us last week here where Money, Inc. won the championships.
The Headshrinkers vs. Brian Costello & Joey Maggs
I forgot about the suspenders the Headshrinkers used to wear. Lame. They were a breath of fresh air though here in 1992. Of course, they never really lived up to their potential. Huge splash that looked like it had to have hurt a little for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Mean Gene is here and he's here to remind us that Saturday Night's Main Event is returning next week and then goes right on to talk about Survivor Series. Kamala and his entourage are here to talk about their coffin match. Tatanka isn't happy that Martel stole his feathers like 6 months ago.
We get a Bam Bam Bigelow promo.
Virgil vs. Jim Peterson
I have to say Virgil always seemed pretty over on these Superstars squashes. Peterson is a pretty big guy and gets in a little bit of offense. Virgil talks about Bob Backlund and wishes him good luck. Doink is shown out in the audience with a hammer annoying some children. Virgil hits a clothesline from the second rope and hits the deadly side Russian leg sweep for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We now go to Lord Alfred Hayes to recap the Marty Jannetty return from last week.
Bret Hart now gets a music video paying tribute to him winning the WWF Championship.
Damien Demento vs. Steve May
Here is Demento's debut and he gets the no entrance music treatment. He gives one of the worst promos of all time and says that he is a creation of our mind, to which Vince says "He's not a creation of my mind". Okay, Vince. Demento hits one of the weaker looking clotheslines you will see and then rolls down his knee pad and hits a knee drop for the finish. Seriously, a knee drop? Not impressive at all.
Match Rating: 1/4*
Big Boss Man is here in the ring with that goofy interviewer last week. He says that Nailz beat him, but didn't break him because you can't break the law. Uhhh, I'm pretty sure you can. He climbs up the top rope where the nightstick is hanging and says that he's going to beat Nailz within an inch of his life. That was a pretty lame promo.
Mean Gene with a Survivor Series update. Big news! The Bushwhackers have been nice enough to let the Nasty Boys take their spot with the Natural Disasters against The Beverly Brothers and Money, Inc. Natural Disasters say their opponents are in for a fight for their lives. Somehow The Undertaker is still working on this coffin for Kamala. Man, remind me to never have him help me do anything around the house. Ultimate Warrior then does a Macho Man impersonation and it's the weirdest thing ever.
WWF Tag Team Championship Match
High Energy vs. Money, Inc.
High Energy is the best team in WWF at this time, so naturally they are jobbers. It's kind of crazy that Dibiase has less than a year left in his in ring career. Dibiase gets a cheap knee to the back as Koko is going off the ropes and the heels regain control. Koko battles back with a leaping clothesline and both teams make the tag. Owen and his awful pants take care of both opponents. Owen ducks for a back body drop and Dibiase counters with a neckbreaker and that's it? They really couldn't have given us another 2 minutes with a more impressive finish?
Match Rating: *1/2
Mean Gene is back again. Rick Martel isn't liking that Tatanka is rocking the boat and he doesn't like it. Flair, Razor and Perfect just keep on surviving in life.
Next week we get Kamala, Marty Jannetty, The Headshrinkers, Nailz and a special interview with The Natural Disasters. Plus, we get another featured match between British Bulldog and Repo Man.
We got some fresh faces this week and it makes all the difference. High Energy, Headshrinkers and Max Moon are all welcome on my TV and adding featured matches to this show was what was always needed. I am starting to get enjoyment out of watching this show for the first time in a long time.
Overall Rating: 58%
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)