Journey Through The Attitude Era Vol 11: WWF Royal Rumble 1999 Review

Good evening  joyous people of the internet as we see the return of the series nobody asked for that being my journey through the attitude era, today's adventure is none other than the Royal Rumble of 1999, the first pay per view of the new year. For those who do not know, the main event is The Royal Rumble match where 30 participants are entered into the ring and the objective is to throw your opponents out of the ring over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. The winner of this match will receive a WWF championship match at Wrestlemania. The stakes are high and for Stone Cold Steve Austin, the stakes would be even higher as the evil owner of the WWF Vince Mcmahon had placed a 100,000 dollar bounty on the head of Austin, any man who eliminated Austin would receive the money. Mankind, the WWF champion fresh off his title win in possibly the greatest Raw main event of all time would face The Rock in an I Quit match for the championship. I am ready for some action so let's do this!

 

Road Dogg vs Big Bossman

The Road Dogg had defeated the Bossman for the hardcore championship on an episode of Raw prior to the Rumble and the Bossman was let's just say not happy about this so the two meet in the ring tonight. They lockup with Bossman shoving Road Dogg down as he is the larger of the two men. Road Dogg gets a right hand in at Bossman and tells him to suck it before Bossman corners Road Dogg. Big punches from Mcmahon's personal security, followed by some good old trash talk and a splash. Bossman goes for a splash one too many times as Road Dogg slides out of the way, Road Dogg climbs on top of Bossman and hits him for 10 punches and a dropkick. Road Dogg slides out of the ring and pulls Bossman down by his ankles, slamming him by his balls first into the turnbuckle. Road Dogg lays in kicks and a front facelock before Bossman turns the tide with a nasty elbow to the face of Road Dogg which sends him to the outside.

 

 Bossman hammers away with uppercuts on Road Dogg before Dogg battles back but he is cut off by a thumb to the eye. Massive boot from Bossman to Road Dogg which knocks the hardcore champion loopy. Hard Irish whip by Bossman as Road Dogg is in dire straits Bearhug by Bossman who squeezes Road Dogg so tightly that one of his eyes could pop out but Road Dogg channels the energy of the crowd and bites the head of Bossman before being cut off again by the bigger Bossman. Bossman kicks Road Dogg in the corner while removing a turnbuckle bad. Big spinebuster by Bossman but he only gets a two. Bossman uses the rope to strangle the life out of the degenerate Road Dogg while kicking him brutally in the face. Road Dogg momentarily gets back into the match with a sleeper but Bossman has his number once more as Bossman rakes the eyes and hits a backbreaker. Bossman goes to the top rope and it does not go exactly as planned as Road Dogg tosses him off the top rope.

 

 Road Dogg hits his shake rattle and roll fists and knee drops before running off the ropes but it is all in vain as he runs right into the Bossman slam. It was an ok match, Bossman got good heat as everyone wanted to see him get killed but Road Dogg just did not have a lot of offence as a babyface, I have referenced it before but it really becomes exposed when he is wrestling as a singles wrestler, he really only has two moves and that is the fist and the kneedrop, he would not be able to hit his pumphandle drop on the bigger Bossman.

 

Winner: Big Bossman over Road Dogg via Bossman Slam!

 

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Ken Shamrock (c) vs Billy Gunn

Billy Gunn had previously pinned the champion which led to the this match on pay per view, what a novel approach to booking am I right? It makes more sense than Sin Cara beating Rusev and Rusev getting a title shot! I digress, Billy jumps Shamrock as the bell rings and starts hammering away on the world's most dangerous man. Both men trade advantage as they send one another into turnbuckles before eating rebound clotheslines. Billy looks to splash Shamrock in the corner but he misses and Shamrock goes to work, a knee lift and scoop slam do the job as Billy is writhing around in pain. Shamrock dishes out some seriously stiff kicks to the back of Billy Gunn before smashing Mr Ass with forearms and a spinning heel kick. Shamrock shoots Billy off the ropes and lowers his head, big mistake as Billy nails The FameAsser.

 

 Only two for Billy Gunn off his finisher, he hammers away on Shamrock before charging at him. Shamrock pulls down the ropes and Gunn tumbles to the outside. Shamrock sends Gunn into everything that he can find as Gunn meets the steel steps, the ringpost, and the barricade. Both men battle onto the ring apron and Billy turns the tide as he slams Shamrock from the ring apron face first onto the announce table(the Spanish one of course!). Billy drags Shamrock back into the ring and gets a two count. From the ground Shamrock starts kicking Billy's left leg. Billy crumbles onto the ground as uses his body to destroy the left leg of Billy Gunn. Billy tries fighting back but he can hardly stand as Shamrock has taken away Billy's vertical base.

 

 Front facelock by Shamrock as Billy tries to counter the intercontinental champion, Shamrock hits a fisherman suplex for two. The referee gets taken out by a clothesline from Shamrock as Val runs down to ringside and ddts Shamrock because Val was smitten with Ken's sister Ryan as was Billy too. Billy covers Shamrock but it is a two count again. Billy battles back on one leg with a spinning elbow a splash and a scoop slam. Billy goes high and misses a double axe handle and rolls his ankle. Shamrock takes advantage and Billy taps out to the pain of the Ankle Lock. Good psychology in this match as Shamrock softens up Billy's ankle throughout the match and Billy battled on one leg and the attacks on his leg led into the finish.

 

Winner: Shamrock over Billy Gunn via Ankle Lock!

 

(WWF European Championship Match) X-Pac (c) vs Gangrel

Not sure why Gangrel has this title opportunity but screw it, Gangrel gets the advantage as he shoulder blocks X-Pac, X-Pac takes over with an arm drag/hiptoss and a back bodydrop. X-Pac kicks Gangrel in the corner and goes for the bronco buster but he misses. Gangrel hits a slick arm trap suplex and a stungun for a two count. X-Pac tries for a sleeper but Gangrel counters with a flapjack. Gangrel misses a top rope elbow and X-Pac fires back with right hands and a spinkick. Pac launches himself at the challenger with a clothesline and spinning heel kicks. Bronco buster by the champion and another spinkick which has Gangrel reeling.

 

 Out of desperation, Gangrel crotches X-Pac but X-Pac fights Gangrel off and nails a crossbody. The match gets a lot of hate at this point as Gangrel reverses X-Pac in the crossbody and the referee counts the 3 before X-Pac kicks out. Poor Teddy Long (the referee) gets you fucked up chants for the rest of the match. Luckily, it does not last very long as X-Pac ducks a clothesline from Gangrel and counters a flapjack attempt into the X-Factor and X-Pac retains the championship. Quick match with not too much going on except for the botch.

 

Winner: X-Pac over Gangrel via X-Factor!

 

(WWF Women's Championship Match) Sable (c) vs Luna(Strap Match)

 

And you thought The Bellas were killing the division (Ha to be fair they have improved a lot). Sable is bad, really bad like trying to sit through the Fantastic Four bad. Anyways, Luna is fresh off her face run with the oddities and is now a heel, she has the support of Shane Mcmahon, I have no idea why Shane would be angry at Sable or why the corporation would want Luna as champion as opposed to Sable but that's what I can gather from this match. Sable was attacked on heat by Luna and she is trying to sell her back being injured.

 

 She was supposedly going to forfeit the championship but Sable declares that the match will take place and then they proceed to have every strap match ever where they whip each other with the strap until one competitor touches the turnbuckle while dragging the other along as they also touch each turnbuckle. Sable would emerge victorious as her stalker (who we would later know as Tori) would clobber Luna before she touched the final turnbuckle allowing Sable to steal the victory. It was fine it is just hard to watch Sable in the ring as she clearly was not trained very much at all.

 

Winner: Sable over Luna due to completion of rules!

 

(WWF Championship Match) The Rock vs Mankind (c) (I Quit Match)

Mankind lays into the challenger with right hands and clotheslines Rock. Mankind chokes the challenger with Rock trying to get something going for him but it is to no avail. Mankind nails a bulldog and starts punching The Rock. Mankind grabs a microphone and asks Rock will he quit which he responds by telling Mankind to kiss his ass. Cactus Jack clothesline and both men are on the floor. Rock is sent into the barricade and eats punches from the champion. Mankind tries whipping Rock into the steel steps but Rock reverses. Rock's advantage does not last long as Mankind clotheslines Rock over the announce table as Rock eats a steel chair shot from Mankind.

 

 Double arm ddt by Mankind and he pulls out socko. Mankind makes Rock pass out with the Mandible Claw. Rock cannot quit while passed out as he rolls to the outside. They brawl into the crowd and Rock hip tosses Mankind to the floor. Rock stomps on Mankind and hits him with the steel steps before grabbing the ringbell and smashing Mankind over the head with the ringbell. Rock attempts The Rock Bottom on the Spanish announce table but the table collapses but with the way they fell, the botch was covered well. The brawl up the entrance way with both men trading blows before Rock ddts Foley on the ramp. Rock grabs a ladder from the back but it ends up haunting The Rock as Mankind smashes the ladder in Rock's face. Mankind tries a Cactus Jack elbow on The Rock but Rock dodges the move. Rock climbs the scaffolding as both men trade blows from the top of the scaffolding. Rock low blows Mankind and punches Mankind who falls through the electrical circuit board as sparks fly out of the board and the arena's lights go out temporarily. Shane Mcmahon comes out and looks concerned as Mankind writhes around in pain but Rock refuses to call off the match and drags Mankind into the ring.

 

 Rock grabs handcuffs and a chair from ringside. Corporate Elbow with the chair on Foley's face and 10 unprotected chair shots to the head later, Mankind is a bloody mess and collapse the entrance way. Mankind "quits" and The Rock is the new champion. The reason I say Mankind "quits" is we would later find out that the corporation played a recording of the promo Mankind gave before the match in where he stated he would never say the words I quit I quit. Classic heel stuff right there, a very violent match especially with the knowledge that Foley's kids were basically traumatized by the incident and the damage that those chair shots could potentially have on a person.

 

Winner: The Rock over Mankind due to quitting by Mankind!

 

The Royal Rumble (Winner Goes To Wrestlemania Main Event)

Thirty men... one winner.... Oh yeah the event that every wrestling fan craves as we try to guess who will have the winning number, what legends will return and who shall feud as a result of this match. The Royal Rumble is a simple concept, two men begin fighting in the ring with a new competitor entering the ring at regular scheduled intervals usually every 90 seconds until all thirty men have entered, participants can only be eliminated by being tossed over the top rope and with both feet hitting the floor. Breaking this into paragraphs so it is easy to understand!

Entrants 1 to 5

Austin and Vince Mcmahon are numbers one and two respectively, they start us off, Austin was given number one by Mcmahon in a supposed "fair" draw while Commissioner Shawn Michaels who had turned face after leaving the corporation gave Vince number two. They kick us off as Austin mauls Mcmahon. Golga is number three and he attacks Austin which is a bad mistake by Austin eliminates Golga. Mcmahon and Austin battle into the crowd until they reach the women's bathroom. Austin is assaulted by the corporation which leads to Austin being escorted away in an ambulance. Droz enters at number four with nobody in the ring so he stands around until we have entrant number 5 who is Edge. They brawl in the ring until....

Entrants 6 to 10

The man they call Gillberg comes into the ring, he poses before being tossed over within seconds by Edge. Steve Blackman joins the rumble at number seven and starts attacking both Edge and Droz before we have Dan Severn in at number eight, Severn and Blackman start mauling each other as Tiger Ali Singh makes his way to the ring at number nine. The ring is starting to fill up, it is only a matter of time before a monster wreaks havoc. Number ten is The Blue Meanie, looking as disgusting as ever, he hits a clothesline and does his dance. Yay?

Entrants 11 to 15

My prayers are answered as Mosh was supposed to be number eleven but he is taken out by Mabel, Mabel makes his way to the ring and eliminates Droz/Blue Meanie/Blackman/Singh/ and Severn. Only Edge and Mabel remain in the ring as Road Dogg enters at number twelve and eliminates Edge. Mabel begins to destroy Road Dogg before the lights go out and Mable is abducted by The Ministry of Darkness led by Undertaker and he is taken backstage. Gangrel is in at number thirteen but he does not last too long as the Road Dogg tosses the leader of the Brood over the top rope. Kurrgan the leader of The Oddities comes in at number fourteen followed by Al Snow at fifteen. Al tries to toss Road Dogg over but it backfires as Snow is eliminated. Kurrgan and Road Dogg are the only two in the ring at this point.

 

Entrants 16 to 20

The Bizarre One Goldust enters at number sixteen with The Godfather hot on his tails at number seventeen. All hell breaks loose as Kane enters at number eighteen, the Big Red Machine eliminates Road Dogg/Kurrgan/Goldust and Godfather, leaving only himself in the ring. Men in white jackets come to ringside as The Corporation wish to place Kane in a mental asylum due to his uncontrollable behavior. Kane cleans house and eliminates himself as he escapes the attack of the men. Vince returns to ringside to commentate while Shamrock enters at number 19. Billy Gunn comes down at number 20 with one boot on selling his injury from earlier.

 

Entrants 21 to 25

Another Corporation member enters at number twenty one as Test makes his way in and hammers away on Billy Gunn, Mcmahon gets the shock of his life as Austin returns from the hospital having recovered from his assault. Austin tosses Billy/Test and Shamrock over as he is gunning for Mcmahon. Mcmahon is saved by the entry of Bossman at twenty two and the ring starts to fill again as we have Triple H at twenty three, Val Venis at twenty four and X-Pac at twenty five.

 

Entrants 26 to 30

At number twenty six we have Sexual Chocolate Mark Henry and at number twenty seven we have Jeff Jarrett. In the midst of the action, Bossman tosses X-Pac over the top and Triple H eliminates Jeff Jarrett. Number twenty eight is D'Lo Brown and number twenty nine is Owen Hart. All men in the ring brawl before we have number thirty the first ever female rumble entrant Chyna! She comes in and eliminates Henry immediately. Chyna takes too long taunting Henry as Austin knocks her right over the top. Val gets eliminated by Triple H and Austin knocks Triple H out of the match. We have our final four which is kinda surprising considering we could have had Kane or Triple H in the final four but instead we have Owen Hart, D'Lo Brown Big Bossman and Austin. Austin eliminates Owen Hart  and D'Lo gets eliminated by Bossman before Austin Stunners Bossman and sends him over.

 

 However, Vince is still in the Rumble and is terrified at ringside as Austin drags him into the ring before Stunning him. Rock makes his way to ringside and catches the eye of Austin. Rock and Austin brawl on the apron and Vince sneaks in and wins by eliminating Austin. Your winner, Vince Mcmahon. I think opinion could be divided on this ending, it could be Vince abusing his position within the company by having himself win but the odds were against Austin and Vince would ultimately lose to Austin so there was a fitting conclusion but I am not sure Vince needed to win the rumble perhaps it was just for his ego...

 

Winner: Vince Mcmahon by lasting eliminating Stone Cold Steve Austin!

 

Overall, the Royal Rumble is usually not about the matches, it is usually about the Royal Rumble itself and I think this is very true when it comes to the 1999 Royal Rumble. Without Rock and Mankind and The Rumble itself, you could mistake this for an episode of Raw. That being said, The Rock vs Mankind was a really good title match that has stood the test of time with many fans vividly recalling the match. The Rumble was good, it was fun to watch, not the best but still fun as Rumbles always are and the ending was fine.

Journey Through The Attitude Era Vol 10: WWF Rock Bottom 1998 Review

  The final pay per view from the WWF in 1998, named after the new corporate champion The Rock and his finishing move The Rock Bottom. Mcmahon could not be happier as he had he crown jewel in The Rock but the annoying Mankind was like a fly that simply would not die and tonight, Mankind has his match for the WWf championship while Steve Austin has to battle The Undertaker in a Buried Alive Match with the stipulation that Austin had to win or he would not be in the 1999 Royal Rumble. A big night for the WWF will 1998 go out with a bang? Let's find out!!

 

 

Val Venis & Godfather vs D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry

 

Godfather's first appearance on pay per view with his Hos as he offers his ladies to Val tonight for free because this is The Attitude Era and women are objects! Out comes D'Lo and Mark Henry who are accompanied by Jacqueline and Terri Runnels. Val and D'Lo kick it off trading punches with Val hitting a clothesline and a shoulder block. Godfather comes in and plants D'Lo with a spinebuster and clothesline while setting up for The Ho Train. Godfather misses and D'Lo tags in Mark Henry, loud D'Lo sucks chants so glad to see he is still hated after all these months of reviewing 1998. Henry dominates with a scoop slam, Henry chokes and stomps Godfather. Godfather scoop slams Henry and makes a desperation tag to Val but this does not go to plan as Henry squashes Val.

 

 

 

D'Lo comes in and hits a Sky High on Val. It's time for the frog splash but D'Lo misses Val. Godfather comes in as Val and Godfather double suplex Henry. Jacqueline and Terri start fighting the Hos because CATFIGHT CATFIGHT CATFIGHT! This distracts Godfather while Jacqueline enters the ring, she reveals Val's thong and slaps him in the face. Henry clotheslines Val and splashes him for the win. An ok match with not much happening in the ring, there was more focus on the girls at ringside.

 

Winners: Henry & D'Lo over Venis & Godfather via Splash!

 

 

 

Headbangers(Mosh & Thrasher) vs The Oddities(Kurrgan & Golga)

 

The Headbangers had cut Luna's hair, the manager of the oddities so Kurrgan and Golga were out for revenge against the Marilyn Manson lovers. Mosh hits everything he can think of Kurrgan but it has no effect on the giant. Kurrgan sidewalk slams poor Mosh before Thrasher comes in and eats a sidewalk slam himself. Kurrgan chokes Thrasher with his boot and splashes Thrasher. Kurrgan hits a hiptoss and an elbow and leg drop before missing the finishing blow. The Headbangers hit a double suplex on Kurrgan but they only get one. Golga comes in and runs wild throwing dropkicks and splashes. Golga misses his splash and Mosh hits the stage dive for the win. This was a bad match really really bad.

 

Winners: Headbangers over Oddities via Stage Dive!

 

Owen Hart vs Steve Blackman

Owen Hart had "retired" after injuring Dan Severn, in his place the Blue Blazer had returned who attacked Blackman. Blackman is convinced Owen is the Blue Blazer so Blackman is trying his best to unmask the Blue Blazer. Blackman had Blue Blazer ready to unmask in the ring hoping to reveal Owen when Blackman was attacked by Owen which led to this match. Owen jumps Blackman while Blackman was walking to the ring, Owen hits a snap suplex and a legdrop. Chops to the chest in the corner by The Black Hart. Blackman battles back with a body drop a chop and a kick. Clothesline and snap suplex by Blackman who continues to dominate with backbreakers. Owen changes momentum as he snaps off an enzuigiri. Snap suplex by Hart as he also kicks Blackman in his face. Hart runs into a boot and eats chops and kicks.

 

 Hart is elbowed to the outside and is on the receiving end of a baseball slide. Blackman tries to get the ball rolling but he eats an inverted atomic drop and a spinning heel kick from Owen. Owen locks in the dragon sleeper he learned from Severn and it looks like it could be all over but Blackman battles back but he eats a knee lift from Owen and an enzuigiri for good measure. Owen had earlier removed a pad from one of the turnbuckles and it bites Owen in the ass as he is sent into the exposed turnbuckle.

 

 Blackman hits a dropkick and a couple of elbows. A dragon sleeper attempt by Owen is countered by Blackman as he hits a ddt on Hart. Blackman locks in the sharpshooter on Hart and gets huge boos from the crowd. Hart bails and Blackman wins by countout. Poor ending to the match, I guess the feud would continue.

 

Winner: Steve Blackman over Owen Hart via Count-Out!

 

J.O.B Squad vs The Brood

Edge and Bob Holly kick it off with Holly gaining the advantage through a powerslam. Holly hits a falcon's arrow on Edge as he continues stomping Edge. Edge counters with a boot to the face and hits his electric chair drop. Christian comes in and eats a tigerbomb from Holly. Scorpio comes in and uses clotheslines and spinkicks to take out Christian. Al comes in and starts headbutting Christian and a clothesline. Suplex by Al before Christian grabs Al's hair and drags him to the mat. Dropkick by Christian before allowing Gangrel to come in and take a part Al Snow. Gangrel punches Al Snow all around the ring before eating a northern lights suplex from Snow. Gangrel comes back with a clothesline before Snow comes back with a wheelbarrow suplex.

 

 Two count for Al, Gangrel hits addt and in comes Edge he chokes Al and locks in a sleeper. Al fights back with an enzuigiri but he cannot make the tag as Gangrel comes in. Spinebuster as Al takes over and now he makes the tag to Scorpio. Chaos ensues as all 6 men brawl, the referee gets distracted as Al hits Christian with Head, Scorpio hits a twisting legdrop. Only two was surprise by that as Edge dives onto everyone else. Scorpio and Christian remain in the ring and Christian hits an unprettier for the win. Crowd was dead for this match poor guys worked hard and didn't really deserve that.

 

Winners: The Brood over JOB Squad by Unprettier!

 

Jeff Jarrett vs Goldust(Striptease Match)

If Goldust wins, Debra will strip and if Jarrett wins, Goldust will strip. They lock up and Goldust take over with a shoulder block, headlock takedown by The Bizarre One. Jarrett gets caught with a spinebuster, it is all Goldust so far. Jarrett is elbowed to the outside but gains control with a stungun. Goldust reverses a crossbody attempt from Jarrett but he eats a single arm ddt. High knee and a swinging neckbreaker from Jarrett. Goldust comes back with a suplex and a knee lift. Jarrett comes back with a dropkick and locks in a sleeper. Goldust counters with a backdrop, Jarrett does not stay down for long as he clotheslines Goldust.

 

 Debra comes in and distracts the referee, Goldust hits the Curtain Call on Jarrett and gets a visible pinfall. Jarrett clubs Goldust in the back and shoots Goldust into the ropes, right hand by Goldust and a bulldog. 2 count and a shattered dreams scores for Goldust. Jarrett rolls to the outside and the referee checks on him. Debra smashes the guitar over Goldust's head. Jarrett comes back in and hits The Stroke for the win. Commissioner Shawn Michaels reverses the decision and Debra must strip, she obliges and likes it and your inner horny teeneager comes to live as she strips(You should look away you filthy filthy person!).

 

Winner: You, The Fans!

 

(Tag Team Championship Match)  The New Age Outlaws (c) vs Shamrock & Big Bossman

Shamrock and Road Dogg start off the match as Shamrock hammers away on The Road Dogg. Right hands and clotheslines by The World's Most Dangerous Man. Bossman comes in and punches Road Dogg, rake to the eyes by Big Bossman. Bossman misses the splash and Billy comes into the ring. Gunn kicks and punches Bossman until Road Dogg comes into the ring. Bossman counters with an uppercut and Shamrock comes in to beat down Road Dogg. Shamrock misses a kick and Road Dogg hits his two moves so the punches to the face and his knee drop. Road Dogg gets caught in The Ankle Lock and now Shamrock goes to work. Billy comes in and tries to run wild but he tags in Road Dogg once more before taking a nasty belly to belly suplex from Shamrock.

 

 Bossman comes on and its knee lifts all around for Road Dogg, the splash connects this time and Bossman nails a leg drop for good measure. Dogg is isolated as Shamrock rolls out his spinning elbow and calf kicks. Road Dogg gets stomped and beaten before finding himself in a front facelock inches away from Billy's corner. Bossman hard irish whips Dogg into the corner Road Dogg makes the tag but the referee was distracted. Road Dogg takes a licking but keeps on ticking as Shamrock, Bossman and Shawn Michaels at ringside knock the crap out of Road Dogg. Billy finally gets in the ring put does not run wild as Shamrock calf kicks the larger Billy Gunn. Shawn Michaels hits Billy with a nightstick and it looks like the corporation will walk away with the titles before Billy Gunn surprises Shamrock with a roll up for the win. A lot of tag matches on this show and it is wearing me out but still, a good match from the most over tag team on the roster.

 

Winners: The New Age Outlaws over The Corporation via small package!

 

(WWF Championship Match) The Rock (c) vs Mankind

Mankind had attacked Rock earlier in the night and The Rock had injured ribs going into the match. Promo before the match as Mankind wants an apology from Vince for Survivor Series, Mankind gets a half assed apology before Rock jumps Mankind. Mankind hits right hands on Rock, Rock tastes the steel steps and a clothesline on the floor. Mankind crushes Rock with the steel steps and throws him into the barricade. The Rock's ribs are preventing him from battling Foley. Vince starts talking on the microphone stating Mankind will be disqualified if he commits any questionable act. Rock takes advantage with a clothesline, Foley is knocked to the outside, Rock chokes Mankind with a camera cable. Rock makes Mankind eat right hands and a suplex on the outside.

 

 Rock starts commentating and pays for it as Mankind smashes his face into the announce table. Mankind hits a big boot and Rock is sent over the top rope, baseball slide by Mankind. Rock is laying on announce table and Mankind looks to dive off the top rope. Shane grabs Mankind and Rock throws Mankind to the floor. Foley tried to smash Rock with a chair but the referee pulls the chair away and Rock ddts Mankind on the chair. Two count so Rock scoop slams Mankind and it's time for The People's Elbow. Two count again as Mankind is tossed into the turnbuckle, Mankind comes back and hits a swinging neckbreaker. They exchange blows before Mankind hits a discuss clothesline. Vince tries to disqualify Mankind but Mankind takes out the referee and attacks the timekeeper. Rock grabs a chair and smashes Mankind before hitting The Rock Bottom.

 

 Shane grabs the WWF championship and plans to hit Mankind and smashes The Rock instead, a new referee comes to ringside 1...2.. kickout! Floatover ddt by Rock for two, Double arm ddt by Mankind for two, Mankind pulls out socko. Mandible Claw as Rock passes out, we have a new champion or so we thought as Vince says Rock did not get pinned nor did he submit so Rock did not lose the championship. Mankind beats the piss out of everyone and leaves. Bad finish to a good match but Foley would have his moment weeks later as he took part in one of the greatest raw main events of all time.

 

Winner: Mankind over The Rock via Mandible Claw!

 

(Buried Alive Match) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Undertaker

Austin must win to be in the 1999 Royal Rumble, Taker wants to destroy Austin. Simple story and to win the match, one competitor must be buried alive. Austin enters second and smashes Taker with a big clothesline. He chokes Taker with his jacket and a cable as he smashes him with his right hand. They fight alongside the crowd as Taker comes back with right hands of his own. Taker brought Austin back to the ring as Austin counters with the Lou Thesz press and an elbow to the face of The Deadman. Stungun from Austin and he sends Taker balls first into the ringpost. Austin delivers an axe handle from atop a barricade onto Undertaker. Taker is sent into the steel steps but he gains control with a big boot to Austin. Austin tried a piledriver but he could not get The Phenom up as Undertaker destroys Austin with right hands.

 

 

 

They battle to the grave as Austin is sent rolling around in the dirt. Taker chokes Austin as both men are now in the grave rolling around and punching one another. Austin gets hit in his heavily taped knee. Undertaker uses this as both men brawl around the ringside area before Taker smashes Austin with a chair to the head. They battle back to the grave as Austin is sent in and Taker begins to bury The Rattlesnake. Austin climbs out before he hits Undertaker with a gas can twice and a stunner, Taker falls into the grave and Austin starts burying Taker with a wheelbarrow full of dirt.

 However, Austin walks away, Undertaker crawls out of the grave and the grave explodes. From the grave comes Kane who hammers Taker with a tombstone. Undertaker falls back into the grave and Austin comes back with a bulldozer and awkwardly starts burying Taker to win the match. That was a decent match, seen these lock up a lot over the past year so I am looking forward to something fresh.

 

Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin over Undertaker via Burial!

 

Another good showing from the WWF as we move into 1999. Not the best pay per view and not the bang I was hoping for but still a solid show. No real standout match for me this time as I was not a fan of The Rock vs Mankind finish or The Buried Alive Match but that's fine, I guess it plays into the idea that everyone and everything was so over, it did not have to be great to be considered great. It was fun covering 1998, let us hope 1999 is just as fun as we look at The Royal Rumble. Until Next time see you later !

WWE Extreme Rules 2016 Review

Welcome one and all to my Extreme Rules review, the one night of the year that WWE goes extreme. The matches are set, the night is young so let us review WWE's night of extreme.

Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler(No Disqualification Match)

The feud continues for Corbin and Ziggler as their feud culminates in the rubber match. Match starts off with trash talk from Corbin who shoves Dolph. Dolph answers back with headbutts and right hands before flooring Corbin with a dropkick. Dolph splashes Corbin and goes to knock Corbin out but Ziggler is sent fling over the top rope. Both men brawl before Ziggler is sent head first into the ringpost. Corbin goes after Ziggler's arm one hard irish whip later and Ziggler is eating right hands from The Lone Wolf. Corbin locks in a submission before Ziggler reverses with a jawbreaker, Dolph hits his comeback which consists of Clotheslines, splashes and a neckbreaker. Corbin bails to the outside and nails a stungun on Ziggler, Dolph fires back with a dropkick. The showoff attempts a fameasser but Corbins counters for a powerbomb but it is reversed by Ziggler into a sunset flip for two. Deep Six by Corbin who annihilates Ziggler with the move. Dolph finds enough strenght to battle back with a ddt and a fameasser but it only gets two. Headbutts and elbos follow for Corbin and Ziggler sets up for the superkick. Ziggler meets his demise however as Corbin takes advantage of the no disqualification rule and low blows Ziggler. One end of days later and the match is over. A hard hitting match between these two which took clever advantage of their stipulation. So many others would use weapons that night so it was nice to see a different use of the no disqualifications rule. The right man won and hopefully, the future is looking bright for Corbin.

The Usos vs The Club(Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) 

The first match of the night is the Texas Tornado Tag Match between the two rival tag teams. In recent weeks, we have seen these two lock up over several times so I am hoping that this feud is well and truly over. They waste no time in brawling as The Club are attacked by The Usos in the aisle way, Usos take advantage with splashes and clotheslines. Lots of dives from The Usos but Jimmy is taken out with a Boot of Doom from the apron. Karl nails the fallen Uso with a knee to the face while Gallows hits a big boot. A second attempt at the boot of doom is foiled as Karl is pulled out of the ring, superkick by The Usos on Gallows. A whisper in the wind misses and Gallows nails The Gallows Pole(Nice finishing move name). Match breaks down as there is a flurry of samoan drops and spinebusters. Jey Uso hits a running hip attack on the outside as Karl lays against a barricade. Gallows clotheslines Jey and throws him over the barricade and into the crowd. Gallows grabs a ring bell but eats a superkick from Jimmy. Jimmy takes to the sky and goes for his splash but Gallows dodges and Jimmy lands ribs first on the bell. Magic Killer by Anderson and Gallows for the win. Good match very chaotic and a bit all over the place but The Club move forward.

(United States Championship Match) Rusev W/ Lana vs Kalisto (c)

The story of this match is that Kalisto has been injured by The Accolade by Rusev who bent him in ways that would make anybody wince in pain. Kalisto would have to use his speed to stay away from the larger Rusev and Kalisto starts off by kicking the legs of The Bulgarian Brute. Kalisto tries for a springboard corkscrew elbow but gets taken out by a polish hammer by Rusev. Hard Irish whips by Rusev and a nasty sidekick to the head. More stomps by Rusev and he locks in a bearhug wearing down Kalisto while also softening up Kalisto's ribs. Nasty knee to the spine by Rusev and a torture rack. Kalisto fires back with kicks and a sleeper hold. Rusev begins to fade before he drops all his weight on Kalisto who gets crushed, good psychology there as Rusev continues hurting Kalisto's ribs. Kalisto shows a glimmer of hope with a tornado ddt and a hurricanrana which sends Rusev into the steel steps. Kalisto nails a springboard frog splash for a two count as he attempts the Salida del Sol but its countered by Rusev but Kalisto still nails a moonsault in desperation. Kalisto ascends to the top rope but Rusev throws him to the apron and Kalisto lands hard. The doctor checks on Kalisto and the referee pulls Rusev away as Kalisto is in tremendous pain, the announcers play up that Kalisto's back must be severely injured by this point. Rusev ignores the referee and locks in The Accolade, Kalisto has no choice and must tap. I thought that the announcers could have played up one a plucky underdog Kalisto was for fighting with the injury to his back and put over his resiliency and his determination but no they just blew over the whole thing. Kalisto's run with the championship was bad so it is good to see the title on Rusev, I do not know about Kalisto and what is next for him, I hope he can turn it around and get some momentum going but that remains to be seen. As for Rusev, I love everything he is doing at the moment. From his ring work to his interviews, he is simply very entertaining.

(Tag Team Championship Match) The New Day (c) vs The Vaudevillains

 First thing about this match was that Xavier was in the match instead of managing as Kofi was at ringside so that was nice to see for him. Xavier starts off hot as he clotheslines English and there is a hurricanrana and a hadouken to knock English off his feet. Xavier gets caught and Gotch comes in and messes up Xavier with knees and uppercuts. Knee drops from English and Gotch before Gotch puts Xavier to sleep. Xavier hits a kick to the head and makes the tag to Big E. Belly to belly suplexes for The Vaudevillains but Big E is caught with a knee to the face by English. English nails a ddt on Big E but in the chaos, Big E reverses English and is setting up for The Big Ending but Xavier is dragged out and The Vaudevillains assault Big E and Kofi leaving Xavier isolated in the ring. Whirling dervish on Xavier and he kicks out at two which the commentators claim that nobody has ever kicked out.(It is a nice touch but the move has not really been built up to be super credible as it has only beat 2 or 3 people). English holds Xavier in the air on the apron looking to hit a suplex to the outside. Xavier fights out and Big E nails his crazy spear through the ropes(looks so nasty I hope he stops doing that move before he is injured). Gotch tries a clothesline in the counter on Xavier but misses as Kofi appears on the apron and kicks Gotch in the head with Xavier hitting a shining wizard type move on Gotch for the win. The right team won the match as The New Day really have nobody to feud with as nobody is on their level. Hopefully, with Enzo's recovery we could have a great feud between the two with New Day reverting to being heels again as I think they are better as comedy heels. The Vaudevillains are in trouble as it is on the main roster but maybe just maybe they can find something that works for both men.

(Intercontinental Championship Match)  The Miz (c) vs Sami Zayn vs Cesaro vs Kevin Owens

Just to get it out of the way, the best match of the night. Without a doubt, this stole the show and was fantastic. The match starts with Zayn kicking Owens head off with a helluva kick and Cesaro uppercuts Miz so both heels are down as Zayn and Cesaro starts wrestling and it takes me back to their series on NXT. Zayn and Cesaro trade control with calf kicks and backbreakers. Miz comes in and gets sent to the outside with Zayn diving to the outside on Cesaro and Miz. Miz begs for mercy from Zayn and lures the NXT favorite in and nails him with his signature clothesline. Before Zayn can attack Miz and gain a measure of revenge, Owens comes in and a stiff clothesline is on the menu for Zayn. Stiff kicks and a senton splash for a two count. Miz and Zayn take turns at trying to superplex Owens before Cesaro lends a helping hand and powerbombs everyone into oblivion before getting a two count on everyone. Cesaro tries a suplex on Zayn but Zayn hits a blue thunder bomb before Miz kicks Zayn int he head and tries to steal the win but he only gets two. Miz has Zayn in a capture suplex hold before Cesaro grabs Miz with a german suplex which sends all three men flying. Uppercuts for every man by Cesaro and he nails everyone before Owens hits cannonballs on every man. Owens gets caught by a half nelson suplex from Zayn while Cesaro uppercuts Zayn into space and Miz sneaks in with Skull Crushing Finale on Cesaro but he only gets two! Miz gets cocky and starts slapping around Cesaro, big mistake and moments later Miz is eating a springboard uppercut from Cesaro. Cesaro nails the swing on Miz and locks in the sharpshooter, Maryse is on the apron and Miz taps out so Cesaro had the match won but the referee was distracted. Miz gets frogsplashed by Owens as Cesaro tries a sharpshooter again. Cesaro hits the neutralizer on Owens, Zayn breaks it up and goes for a rolling yoshi tonic. Two and a half for Zayn, Cesaro comes back with an uppercut and Zayn catches the Swiss Superman with exploder suplex in the corner. Helluva kick is coming but no superkick by Owens and pop up powerbomb on Cesaro, Miz drags out Owens and hits A Skull Crushing Finale on Owens on the outside. Helluva kick by Sami Zayn on Cesaro, Zayn has it won but Owens pulls Zayn out and Zayn loses his mind and goes into a rage on Owens and Miz sneaks in and pins Cesaro to retain the title. This is a great match, and there are so many reasons for this. I like that every contender had a visible win on the table in this match. Cesaro made Miz tap, Owens had Cesaro beat with powerbomb and Zayn had Cesaro beat with the helluva kick, I like the fact that every man had the visual win becsaue it is good booking, it made everyone look good. I like the fact that Miz retains, his character is great at the moment, not one person wanted that man to win the match and so many were disappointed when the Miz walked away with the win but that is great! Miz is doing his job he is making you hate him and when he loses the title to whoever it may be, it will be a big deal because we will have waited so long to see him get destroyed.

(Asylum Match) Dean Ambrose vs Chris Jericho

In my predictions, I stated that this match could potentially steal the show, I was very very very very very very wrong. This match was not bad, just very very wrong and it was clear that the crowd was sitting on their hands for a lot of it this match. The first battle occurs when Ambrose grabs a mop out of all the weapons available, Ambrose grabs a mop. He messes with Jericho and I don't know ho to feel about this already as they are turning this match which is meant to be extreme into a comedy match. Jericho fights back with a boot to the face and a dropkick to the face takes Ambrose off his feet. Jericho tries to escape from the cage from Ambrose but both men take a huge bump as it is a back suplex from the top rope. Ambrose grabs nunchucks and Jericho grabs a 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire. Jericho insults Ambrose but pays for it as he is beaten with nunchucks by The Lunatic Fringe. Jericho gets crotched by Ambrose as Ambrose grabs a fire extinguisher and Jericho reaches for the straight jacket. Jericho throws the jacket on Ambrose's head and Jericho lands an enzuigiri. Jericho tosses Ambrose into the cage and Jericho goes vintage with a dropkick to Ambrose. Jericho tries to strap Ambrose in the jacket but Ambrose powers out. Ambrose hits right hands and forearms and his clothesline for two. Jericho catches Ambrose with a backbreaker but Ambrose blocks the lionsault and nails a bulldog on Jericho. Ambrose climbs to the top of the cage and lands an elbow from the top but it only gets a two count. Ambrose grabs a mop bucket and reveals that there are thumbtacks inside. Jericho's facial are priceless as he tries to escape the cage. They tease both men falling into the tacks but both men counter with Jericho locking in the Walls on Ambrose. Ambrose goes for an elbow from the top but Jericho uses the fire extinguisher and hits a Codebreaker. Just two for Jericho's finisher as he takes the barbwire bat, beating  Ambrose all around the ring. Jericho goes for the Codebreaker one too many times as he lands back first into the thumbtacks and Ambrose nails The Dirty Deeds for the win. Match was long but Ambrose has won back to back pay per view matches for the first time in a long time I believe, good to see Ambrose beating a future hall of famer in Jericho.

(WWE Women's Championship Match) Charlotte (c) vs Natalya

Just going to talk through the finish of this match, many felt(myself included) that Charlotte would get the job done by herself and the feud would be ended there in a definitive finish. We did not get that as Dana Brooke came to ringside and distracted Natalya as Natalya was cheated out of the title once more and makes her look like a complete fool in the process.I understand that Emma was injured an they brought up Dana so they could not just send her right back down but to choose to do this, makes Charlotte look weak as she could still not get the job done in the ring on her own and Natalya had been made to look so foolish in this feud, I just feel the whole situation was handled very badly and I do not know what the plan is going forward if Sasha is apparently injured.

(WWE Championship Match) Roman Reigns (c) vs Aj Styles

Reigns walks to the ring and moody arrogant Roman Reigns is really winning me over, I would love a full heel turn by The Guy but regardless, I just really like his whole attitude and his demeanor. Lockup by the two main eventers before Roman hits an elbow on Styles. Styles Kicks Roman but Roman powers out and hits a clothesline. Styles battles back with forearms but eats a knee from the champion. Styles grabs a chair from ringside but Roman blocks it and picks up the chair and swings for Styles' head. Styles is sent into the barricade at ringside before both men go into the crowd and brawl up to the kickoff panel area where Styles is planted on the table before being kicked in the head by Styles and a forearm is on the menu for Mr. Reigns. Styles brings Reigns back to ringside before Styles rips up the ring mat, Styles has evil intentions on his mind and is planning to go for Styles Clash. It is blocked as Reigns goes for a powerbomb on the announce table but it is countered by Styles. The two men fight one another before Styles is backdropped through the announce table by Reigns. Sitout powerbomb by Reigns in the ring for two while the fans are really laying into Reigns with the boos and the you suck chants. Reigns attempts the superman punch but Styles tackles Reigns knee and takes him out. Styles targets the knee of Reigns as they fight to the outside, Styles hits a knee to the face and goes for a hurricanrana but Reigns blocks and smashes Styles into the barricade and ringpost. Powerbomb through the announce table by Reigns as Styles is almost unable to continue before Reigns misses a spear and is knocked out. Reigns regains control with a superman punch on Styles and a spear. Here come The Club as they knock out Reigns before The Usos make the save. Double superkick and splash to Styles for a two count as Reigns knocks out Gallows and Anderson with superman punches before eating A Styles Clash.1...2.. kickout by Reigns! Second Styles Clash onto a steel chair, Reigns kicks out at two and a half, they really are making Reigns look like a beast some people may not like it but kicking out of multiple finishes at this stage is so common we should not be surprised. Styles destroys The Usos and Reigns with a steel chair. Styles takes off his elbow pad and signals for the phenomenal forearm but Reigns spears him mid air for the win. What a match between these two, yes there was a lot of interference and yes it was very overbooked with all the weapons and false finishes but it was one hell of a main event. Reigns is looking very good in the ring with Styles while being booked strongly and Styles is doing himself no harm by putting on quality match after quality match when given the opportunity. All is looking well for both men coming out of this pay per view. Reigns cannot celebrate for long as Seth Rollins make his triumphant return to the ring and everybody collectively wet their pants as The Man returned to win back his championship.

Overall, another really good show from WWE, the constant references to the "New Era" are annoying and the women's division is not looking too good after this pay per view but there were a lot of positives. The Club look to be moving on to bigger things, Styles has solidified himself as a main event player, the intercontinental title picture is looking amazing and we have Seth freaking Rollins returning. It will be every interesting moving forward but WWE has been great so far in 2016 and I hope this streak continues with Money In The Bank.