Tuesday 31 January 2017

WWE Summerslam 2002 Review

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Hello ladies and gentlemen to another stress-inducing edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, which is best taken in small doses! Brock Lesnar’s meteoric rise continues in the WWE, Lesnar’s journey culminates tonight at Summerslam as Lesnar faces The Rock for the undisputed championship. Also, after four years, Shawn Michaels returns to the WWE for a street fight with his former best friend Triple H. Two big money matches and I have not even mentioned the rest of the card which features Benoit vs RVD and the pay per view debut of Rey Mysterio. This is Summerslam 2002 and thank you for joining me for this trip down memory lane! Let’s do it!

Opening Promo

We are greeted by no opening package on the WWE network. Shame on you network for denying me some epic promos. No problem I shall cover them later on the card. Interesting note: This was the first pay per view to feature Michael Cole and Tazz to call Smackdown matches as JR and Jerry Lawler had announced for all matches on pay per view regardless of brand.


Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle

Mysterio debuted vs Chavo Guerrero a month before this pay per view and was like nothing the WWE fans have ever seen. Sure, they had seen Mysterio in ECW and WCW but here was Mysterio in the big leagues so to speak and his first feud? None other than Kurt freakin Angle (Endorsements do not get much better). Before the bell rings, we could have a match of the night candidate.

Match begins with Mysterio surprising Angle by appearing behind Angle and nailing a springboard headscissors, headscissors takedown and a dropkick. Monkey flip by Mysterio before Angle tries for a German suplex, Angle rolls into an Ankle Lock, Mysterio kicks off Angle. Mysterio goes for a 619, Angle dodges and drags Mysterio onto the floor face first. Angle hurls Mysterio into the ring, stomps to the mid-section of Mysterio. Right hand by Angle, Mysterio kicks Angle in the face, Mysterio tries for his wheelbarrow bulldog but Angle counters for a wheelbarrow suplex.

Angle clotheslines Mysterio after a roll-up, backbreaker by Angle brings a two count. Angle uses the ropes to choke Mysterio, right hands by Angle. Mysterio dodges a punch, Mysterio fires up and attempts a headscissors. Angle counters for a sidewalk slam, two count for Angle. Single leg Boston crab by Angle, Mysterio counters for a small package. Two count for Mysterio, clothesline by Angle. Straight right by Angle floors Mysterio. Another right by Angle, Mysterio counters with a jawbreaker. Kicks and forearms by Mysterio, sunset flip and Angle misses a right hand. Belly to belly suplex by Angle, Mysterio counters an Angle Slam with a deep armdrag, Mysterio lowbridges Angle.

Mysterio knocks down Angle off the apron, Mysterio dives over the referee and wipes out Angle with a tope con hilo. Mysterio nails a springboard leg drop across the neck of Angle for two. Irish whip by Angle, Mysterio was looking for a victory roll, Angle counters for an Ankle Lock. Mysterio kicks off Angle which sets up Angle for The 619, The 619 connects and there’s The West Coast Pop! 1…2.. Angle kicks out at the last possible second. Spinning heel kick by Mysterio, Mysterio climbs to the top rope. Mysterio leaps over Angle and Angle is perched on the top rope. Mysterio was looking for a top rope frankensteiner but Angle holds on for an Ankle Lock. Mysterio has to tap out to the pain of The Ankle Lock.

Talk about fast-paced, the match was the perfect opener. It was hot from the get-go, the fans were so into each man. Mysterio was on fire, everything was so clean, crisp and perfect. Angle as the bully and the over-confident heel was great, I cannot say enough good things about that match. It was great stuff!


Winner: Kurt Angle over Rey Mysterio via Ankle Lock!


Stephanie & Bischoff

The two GMs share a moment, Bischoff is in Stephanie’s office. Bischoff suggests to share the office with Stephanie. They sit down and watch the pay per view together.


Chris Jericho vs Ric Flair

Flair is an active wrestler on the Raw roster since losing control of the WWE to Vince Mcmahon on Raw thanks to Brock Lesnar. Jericho ran down Flair and the two battled all over Raw which included Flair assaulting Jericho during a Fozzy concert. Flair still looks to be in good shape as opposed to how he would appear in later over a year.

Lock-up, Flair slaps Jericho, another lock-up with Flair out-wrestling Jericho. Jericho kicks Flair’s gut, right hands by Y2J. Jericho chokes Flair in the corner, back body drop by Jericho. Clothesline by Jericho, back suplex by Y2J. Jericho misses an elbow, chop by Flair. Make that chops, Irish whip and Flair sidesteps Jericho. Jericho skins the cat but walks into a chop. Jericho scores with eye poke, chops by Jericho. Irish whip and Flair flip, clothesline to the floor by Jericho. Jericho rips apart the barricade and drops Flair across the exposed barricade. Jericho climbs to the top and drops an elbow across Flair’s back. More right hands by Y2J, Flair is down.

Flair blocks the right hands, chops by The Nature Boy. Jericho blocks Flair coming in, missile dropkick by Jericho and it’s two for Y2J. Jericho exposes the top rope turnbuckle, Jericho chokes Flair with his wrist tape behind the referee’s back. Flair comes back with chops, right hand by Jericho. Jericho chokes Flair with the middle rope, leg across the back of Flair. Vertical suplex by Y2J, Jericho is climbing to the top rope. Flair springs up and chops Jericho, Flair pulls Jericho off the top rope. Jericho runs shoulder first into the ringpost.

Back body drop by Flair, back suplex by Flair. Two count for Flair, right hands by Flair. Jericho drops out of a suplex, schoolboy into a Walls of Jericho but Flair counters for a small package. Two count for Flair, clothesline by Y2J. Chops by Jericho, modified bulldog. Flair dodges The Lionsault, more chops and Flair applies a single leg Boston crab, Jericho counters for a figure four. Flair suffers in the hold for a long amount of time before reaching the ropes. Jericho crotches himself on the ropes, chop by Flair and Jericho nails the referee. Low blow by Flair and a Figure Four by Flair. Jericho taps out to the hold.

Was not feeling this match, I feel Flair and Jericho did their best but it did not come together on the night. I liked Jericho’s wrist tape spot but there was not a whole lot of cheating going on from Y2J. The finish was fine, a bit abrupt as Jericho tapped instantly.


Winner: Flair over Jericho via Figure Four!


Eddie Guerrero vs Edge


Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit had defected to Smackdown in a raid by Smackdown General Manager Stephanie Mcmahon. Behind the scenes, Paul Heyman was writing Smackdown and wanted Guerrero and Benoit to begin building his Smackdown Six. Guerrero had ignited a feud with Edge who continued rising the ranks of the WWE off the back of a great feud with Kurt Angle. Guerrero was no slouch himself since returning after feuding with RVD and pulling a very good match out of Flair.

Lock-up, Guerrero takes the back and twist the arm of Edge, Irish whip by Edge and a nice flapjack. Edge takes the back, Guerrero switches until Edge tries a suplex. Guerrero hotshots Edge’s neck onto the top rope. Right hands by Guerrero, elbow to the back of the head. Monkey flip by Edge and a nice slam. Cover and a two for Edge, Edge ties up Guerrero in the ropes. Spear by Edge, Guerrero avoids the second Spear, Edge lands on the floor on his left shoulder. Guerrero goes right after the arm of Edge, Guerrero hammerlocks Edge and hurls Edge into the steel steps. Nice bit for story with Guerrero going after Edge’s previously injured shoulder.

Single arm DDT by Guerrero, Guerrero nails a diving single arm DDT. Hammerlock on the canvas by Guerrero, Edge crawls to the ropes. Guerrero talks trash and applies a variation of the crossface chickenwing. Edge fires up, snapmare by Edge but Guerrero takes down Edge for a Fujiwara armbar. Back suplex and top wristlock by Guerrero, Irish whip into a short-arm clothesline by Guerrero. Edge catches Guerrero with a one-armed powerslam. Clotheslines by Edge, back body drop. Guerrero nails an elbow to stop Edge before Edge scores with a facebuster. Edge suplexes Guerrero from the ring to the floor, Edge is climbing to the top rope, crossbody by Edge. Guerrero stops Edge on the top rope, front suplex falcon arrow style by Edge for a two count.

Edge measures, Guerrero dropkicks Edge in the face and shoulder to block the Spear. Guerrero goes for The Frog Splash, Edge gets the feet up and Edge nails an Edgecution. 1…2.. Guerrero kicks out at two. Edge tries for another Edgecution but Guerrero counters for a northern lights suplex and a neckbreaker. Guerrerp climbs to the top but Edge meets Guerrero. Guerrero headbutts Edge’s shoulder. Guerrero scores with a Frog Splash on the shoulder, Edge kicks out at two. Guerrero is on the top rope, Edge shoves off Guerrero from the top rope. Edge ducks a clothesline, rebounds off the ropes and nails a devastating Spear to win the match.

Loved the layout of this match, Edge misses a Spear, lands awkwardly on the shoulder and Guerrero is on that shoulder like a fly on a pile of dogshit. Loved the armwork, loved Guerrero’s work and Edge looked great battling through the pain to pull out a victory. Guerrero and Edge had good chemistry together.


Winner: Edge over Eddie Guerrero via Spear!


Un-Americans Promo

Christian and Storm rip on the fans and the team of Goldust & Booker T. Easy heat for The Canadian superstars but I am not complaining.


(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) Booker T & Goldust vs The Un-Americans ©


The Un-Americans would capture the championships from Edge and Hulk Hogan, the gimmick was picking up some serious steam at this point. Goldust and Booker T had united as the WWE’s most popular odd couple. Lock-up, Christian and Goldust to start, butt bump by Goldust on Christian and a powerslam on Storm. Uppercut and a two count for Goldust, Christian springs up with a knee, tag to Storm. Irish whip and an inverted atomic drop by Goldust and followed by a clothesline. Tag to Booker, back elbow by Booker. Sidewalk slam and an enthusiastic knee drop. Cover and a two count, Goldust is legal. Right hands by Goldust, Christian nails a cheap shot from the apron.

Thumb to the eye by Storm and Goldust is hurled over the top rope, Christian rams Goldust into the barricade. Cover by Storm, two count. Storm and Christian unload on Goldust, knees and clubbing blows by Christian. Foot choke by Christian, Christian and Storm double team Goldust with the referee handling Booker. Backbreaker for a two count, Christian tags in Storm. Storm misses a dropkick, jacknife pin by Goldust for a two count. Goldust flapjacks Storm but Storm makes the tag and Christian grabs a front chancery. Goldust is inching towards the tag, Storm distracts the referee and Goldust makes the tag behind the referee’s back. Booker runs wild for a second before the referee tells Booker he must go to the apron.

Christian is in, Goldust fires out of the corner. Goldust catapults Christian into Storm, roll-up for a two count. Double knockdown with both men down, Storm runs around and drops Booker off the apron. Booker misses Goldust, the referee has Booker. Storm and Christian wind up for a conchairto, Goldust blocks and nails a double clothesline. Tag to Booker, clotheslines all around. Back body drops, chops and right hands. Flying forearm by Booker, missile dropkick on Christian.

 Cover and a two count, Storm and Goldust brawl on the floor. Christian blocks The Scissors Kick, Booker shoves off Christian from The Unprettier. Flapjack by Booker, Storm nails the referee with a calf kick, Booker nails Storm and Christian with a double Scissors Kick. Harlem sidekick on Christian but there’s no referee. Booker and Goldust wipe out Storm, here’s Test with a Big Boot on Booker T. Christian crawls in for the cover and The Un-Americans retain their championships.

Good tag team match, the tag to Booker was built up and when it happened, it was everything that the fans could have wanted. A good showing from Goldust and Booker T, I did think it was too soon to take the titles of the heel Un-Americans. The day will come though and when it does, the fans will erupt in approval as The Un-Americans are starting to get over big time. Goldust was a great face in peril, Christian and Storm worked over Goldust well. I enjoyed everything about this match.


Winners: The Un-Americans over Goldust & Booker T via Test Big Boot!


Nidia making out contest


Jamie Noble watches as his girlfriend violates some fan on a couch. Riveting stuff, Stephanie and Bischoff banter back and forth with sexual references and such. Hmmm, so much chemistry no wonder they kissed on screen.


(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Chris Benoit © vs RVD


Benoit won the championship and jumped ship to Smackdown. RVD is the hero of Raw as he battles to return the championship to its home on Raw. RVD kicks the leg of Benoit to begin the match, Benoit swipes at RVD’s face. RVD kicks Benoit down, Benoit powders as RVD poses for his fans. Benoit re-enters the ring, another kick by RVD but Benoit grabs the leg for a dragon screw. Reverse chinlock by Benoit, RVD shoves off Benoit. Shoulder block by Benoit, RVD leapfrogs over Benoit, nice crossbody for a two. Spinning heel kick by RVD, forearm shots by RVD. Benoit catches RVD for a nasty German suplex, RVD clutches at his neck. Benoit elbows RVD right on the neck.

RVD is rammed into the turnbuckle, short-arm clothesline and a two count for Benoit. Backbreaker, two count for Benoit. Snap suplex and another two count for the champion. Benoit has RVD by the shoulder, RVD rolls out of the hold but Benoit is back on top with a back elbow. Small package by RVD, two count for Van Dam. Monkey flip by RVD but Benoit springs up and cleans RVD’s clock with a forearm shot. Chop by Benoit, RVD blocks with a boot. Split-legged moonsault goes awry as Benoit blocks with his knees. Benoit misses his diving headbutt, leg drop by RVD and RVD misses The Five Star Frog Splash. Benoit clamps on The Crippler Crossface. RVD puts his feet on the ropes and the hold is broken.

RVD is shoved to the floor by Benoit and RVD clutches his arm. Hammerlock and RVD hits the ringpost. Shoulderbreaker by Benoit, slap by Benoit. Chops by Benoit, back elbow and a two count for Benoit. Benoit chokes RVD with a straight-jacket like hold, RVD counters the hold. RVD sweeps the legs, misses a handspring moonsault and Benoit has The Crippler Crossface. RVD elbows his way out of the hold, Benoit transitions to a roll-up for a two count. Benoit hammerlocks the arm and hurls RVD into the ringpost. Benoit holds onto the hammerlock before transition into a northern lights suplex. Benoit rolls through two northern lights suplex to knee RVD in the ribs over and over.

Finally, Benoit goes for The Crippler Crossface again after decimating RVD’s shoulder. Benoit breaks the hold to apply a dragon sleeper, Benoit blocks off the ropes by applying the hold from the side nearest to the ropes. RVD applies The Crippler Crossface momentarily before Benoit wriggles free. Forearms in the corner by Benoit, RVD blocks with an elbow and then a springboard thrustkick. Cover and a two for RVD, step-over heel kick by RVD. Rolling Thunder, cover and another two for the challenger. Spinning heel kick by RVD, two once more for Van Dam. RVD tries a monkey flip in the corner, Benoit crotches RVD.

Benoit jumps up, clubs the worked on shoulder before RVD counters a back suplex in mid-air into a crossbody. RVD sucks it up and delivers a Five Star Frog Splash to bring the Intercontinental Championship home to Raw.

One hell of a match, heavy in psychology. Benoit was tremendous in his destruction of RVD’s arm, Benoit always lays in his shit so snug, it looks real and he will make sure you think it’s real. Possibly, RVD’s best match since coming to the WWE, it was great stuff.


Winner: RVD over Chris Benoit!


The Undertaker vs Test


Test gets a hype package as part of The Un-Americans. Test always seem to have a good run at some point in the year. Undertaker has turned babyface and is hell bent on decimating Test. Undertaker’s heel run had been promising before I soured on the run as bad matches were taking place with Austin, Hogan and Triple H.

Lock-up, side headlock by Test. Shoulder block by Test and Taker answers with a hiptoss. Shoulder thrusts by Taker, Test buries knees into the ribs before Taker nails his leaping clothesline. More shoulder work by Taker, Taker signals for Old School. Test shoves the referee into Taker, Taker lands groin first on the top rope. Test bumps Taker to the floor, Test flings Taker knee first into the steel steps. Test nails some Nash style elbows in the corner, foot choke by Test. Taker tries battling back before Test ends that with a knee to the head. Clothesline and a rest hold from Test. Taker fights out of the hold to score with a back suplex, Taker misses an elbow.

Slugfest with Taker taking control, Irish whip by Test and a DDT by Taker. Two count for Taker, Old School by Taker. Snake eyes and a boot misses for Taker, Test misses his pumphandle slam. Taker motions for The Chokeslam, Test fights out and misses a Big Boot. Chokeslam by Taker, cover and Test kicks out of The Chokeslam. Here comes Storm, Taker hurls Christian and Storm into the ring, corner clotheslines. Chokeslam on Storm, Chokeslam on Christian. Big Boot by Test on Taker and Taker kicks out at two. Test grabs a chair, Taker boots the chair into Test’s face. Tombstone by Taker, it scores and Taker is your winner.

A good match, I would have expected worse but I must admit I was surprised with this match. Test did a good job, took some great bumps for Taker and Taker was hugely popular with the fans. Still, it seems like they are big plans for Test so I must question The Big Boot kick-out? Maybe, Test should have never connected with the move, that’s just a nit-pick though from me. Taker celebrates with The American Flag afterwards. A nice little match in the middle of the card, no real complaints from me.


Winner: Taker over Test via Tombstone!


(Non-Sanctioned Match) Triple H vs Shawn Michaels


Story-telling perfection ladies and gentlemen. Two former best friends, Triple H was the understudy to Michaels in their days of DX. Shawn Michaels had to retire due to a back injury and Triple H picked up the ball and ran with it, winning titles and having memorable matches. Michaels would return to Raw with The NWO and Michaels would convince Triple H to join Raw and reform DX. However, Triple H would Pedigree Shawn Michaels on Raw and Triple H would tell the world that he was the main event, the show-stopper and all the other monikers that Michaels would use. Triple H would attack Shawn Michaels in a carpark from behind, Michaels returns to the rings for one final match at Summerslam.

The promo before the match is fantastic, the history, the story, it is perfect. I loved the segment they would have on Raw before this match with Michaels pushing back Brock Lesnar, the pop was great. Anyways, this match is full of emotion and you believe that Triple H is a bitter prick who vows to destroy his best friend. Michaels looks to be in great shape, wearing jeans and a shirt for a street fight which Michaels would always do when it came to these type of matches. Triple H cannot take his eyes of Michaels as he makes his way to the ring while Michaels is playing it cool.

Michaels throws his towel at Triple H and starts pummelling Triple H, Triple H throws out Michaels for a breather but Michaels will not be stopped. Side headlock by Triple H, shoulder block and Michaels sidesteps Triple H. Plancha by Michaels and huge rights to Triple H’s face. Michaels rams Triple H into the ringpost, Triple H is trying to avoid Michaels. Clothesline on the floor by Michaels, Michaels grabs a trash can and a lid from under the ring. Triple H blocks with a knee to the ribs, Triple H drops Michaels onto the barricade. Michaels smacks Triple H with a trash can lid, Michaels skins the cat and nails a clothesline. Trash can shot to the head of The Game.

Michaels is on the top rope, double axe handle by Michaels. Michaels measures for Sweet Chin Music, Triple H ducks and nails a backbreaker. Michaels sells like death as Triple H has gone after the repaired back. Another backbreaker, Michaels screams out again. Strong Irish whip, Triple H looks down at Michaels with utter disdain. Another hard Irish whip, Triple H tells Michaels to suck it and knocks his former best friend down with a massive right. Elbows to the back, cover and a two count. Triple H rolls out, The Game has a chair. WHAM, chair across the spine. Cover and Michaels kicks out of the pin.

Michaels fires back, Triple H scores with a knee. Michaels rolls out of a suplex, O Connor roll for a two. Facebuster by The Game, Triple H has the chair again. DDT on the chair, cover and Michaels kicks out of the pin. Michaels is a bloody mess, Triple H has Michael’s leather belt. Triple H wraps the belt around his hand, huge right hands to the face of Michaels who is bleeding heavily. A vicious right floors Michaels, Triple H has his sledgehammer. Michaels blocks the sledgehammer, Michaels throws right after right. Irish whip, Triple H reverses and Michaels hit the corner hard, abdominal stretch by Triple H. Triple H uses the ropes for leverage. The referee cannot make Triple H break his hold.

Michaels fights from his knees, Triple H overpowers Michaels and places Michaels for a superplex. Michaels fights off Triple H, Michaels was thinking elbow but Triple H shoves the referee into the ropes. Michaels is hanging upside down and Triple H wallops Michaels with the steel chair. Triple H backbreakers Michaels onto a steel chair. Cover and Michaels will not lay down. A second backbreaker on the chair, cover and Michaels is still in this match. Triple H plans for a Pedigree on the chair, Michaels slips out with a low blow. Triple H has the chair, Michaels is in the corner. Sweet Chin Music by Michaels, the chair is blown back into the face of Triple H. Both men are down and Triple H has been opened up by Michaels.

Right hands by Michaels, flying forearm and Michaels kips-up. Michaels nails  a back body drop on the chair, chair shot to the face of Michaels. Triple H is tossed to the floor by Michaels, Michaels has his belt. Triple H is whipped across the back by Michaels, trash can to the head by Michaels. Triple H is smacked onto an announce table, Michaels nails Triple H with Hugo’s boot. Michaels nails a facebuster at Triple H collapses onto the steel steps. Michaels pulls out a ladder, Michaels batters Helmsley with the ladder in the face. More ladder shots to the chest, Michaels props up the ladder against the ringpost. Triple H is catapulted into the ladder, two count for Michaels off the pin. Triple H baseball slides the ladder into Michaels who is trying to bring it into the ring.

Triple H is climbing to the top rope, Michaels is planning a superplex. Cover and a two count, crucifix into a sunset flip by Michaels, Triple H throws off Michaels and nails a clothesline. Triple H brings in a set of steel steps, Michaels drop toeholds The Game and Triple H’s face bounces off the steps. Clothesline to the floor by Michaels, Michaels pulls out a table. Michaels nails Triple H with a fire extinguisher and Michaels is on the top rope. Michaels nails a splash through the table from the top rope. Both men roll into the ring, Michaels garbs a ladder on his way. Michaels climbs high and drops an elbow to the heart of The Game. Michael grimaces but fights through the pain, Michaels is calling for Sweet Chin Music.

Triple H blocks, Pedigree but no. Michaels trips The Game and scores the win with a jacknife hold pin. Michaels has no time to celebrate as Triple H destroys Michaels with the sledgehammer, JR loses his mind as Triple H brings the hammer down on the injured back of Michaels. Triple H leaves the arena with a sadistic grin as Michaels is stretchered out of the ring.

Tremendous match, there was so much that was great about this match. The heat segment from Triple H was great, the backbreakers, the whipping and the chair shots, all it was so brutal and the way Triple H went about it was so great. Michaels fire and selling was also great, some people have an issue with the kip-up as it destroys the image of Michaels having a crippled back but I am not as harsh as some.

 Michaels was able to generate so much sympathy and bring the fans to their feet with his comebacks and his high-risk manoeuvres. The finish was awesome too, Michaels was able to show Triple H that Triple H was not yet The Show-Stopper but Triple H would get his heat back by achieving his other goal of crippling Shawn Michaels. Just awesome stuff and it would be the beginning of Michaels’ second run with company as Michaels’ back held up during the match.


Winner: Michaels over Triple H via jacknife pin!


Howard Finkel & Trish Stratus


Finkel is a heel? Finkel claims to be sticking around forever and acting heelish. Trish interrupts as Finkel claims Trish has repeatedly embarrassed by Trish. Trish lays the charm on Finkel, Fink makes some terrible puns and it’s awkward. Trish and Fink hug, Lillian Garcia is behind The Fink. Lillian slaps Fink and low blows Fink. I have no idea why they would have Fink as a heel but this brings the crowd down for the main event.


(WWE Unidsputed Championship Match) Brock Lesnar W/ Paul Heyman vs The Rock ©


Lesnar had killed everyone in his path, won King of The Ring and earned the opportunity to main event Summerslam. Rock returned and won The WWE Undisputed Championship in a great triple threat at Vengeance. In the lead-up to the match, Lesnar had decimated Hulk Hogan. I loved the promo which showed the two working out in the gym and preparing for the match, it is such a small touch but it adds so much, a little realism is always welcome.

Rock sprints down for a war with Lesnar, Lesnar catches Rock with a belly to belly suplex, two count for Lesnar. Lesnar nails two backbreakers, cover and a two count for the challenger. Shoulder thrusts by Lesnar, Rock eats a high knee from Lesnar. Cheap shot from Heyman, Lesnar clotheslines Rock into the crowd. Lesnar military presses Rock onto the barricade and clothesline Rock back to the ringside area. Lesnar nails another belly to belly, two count for Lesnar. Rock fires up on Lesnar but Heyman trips the champion. Lesnar makes Rock pay with elbows.

Heyman chokes Rock as Lesnar has the referee. Rock fires back, Lesnar nails a huge powerslam. Right hand and shoulder thrusts by Lesnar, huge spear in the corner from Lesnar. Rock dodges the second spear and Lesnar tastes the ringpost. Back suplex by Rock, both men kip-up at the same time, Rock nails a clothesline and Lesnar is still on his feet. Third clothesline floors Lesnar, DDT by Rock for a two count. Rock was going for a sharpshooter but Heyman distracts Rock. Rock nails Heyman and applies the sharpshooter to Lesnar. They sit in this hold for quite some time before Heyman is on the apron again. Rock hurls Heyman into the ring, Rock was going to nail Heyman with a Rock Bottom. Lesnar has a chair and smashes Rock in the ribs.

Bearhug by Lesnar, Rock fights but Lesnar nails a back suplex and transitions into a gator roll. Lesnar wrenches and Rock begins to fade. Rock fires up, right hands by Rock. Heyman is on the apron, low blow by The Rock. Lesnar catches Rock and rams the champion into the corner, spear by Lesnar. Rock recovers for a clothesline, Rock knocks Lesnar to the floor. Rock clotheslines Lesnar and catapults Lesnar into the ringpost. Rock grabs Heyman and decides to Rock Bottom Heyman through the announce table. Lesnar is tossed into the ring, Rock measures for A Rock Bottom. Rock lands The Rock Bottom, 1..2..Lesnar kicks out at two.

Lesnar recovers to nail his own Rock Bottom, cover and Rock kicks out at two. Lesnar Irish whips Rock, Rock counters for a spinebuster, Lesnar blocks The People’s Elbow. F-5 is blocked, right hands by Rock. Rock Bottom is blocked into The F-5, Lesnar is your new WWE Undisputed Champion.

Great match for these two, not as good as Michaels vs Triple H but this match was a great main event. Lesnar worked the ribs throughout the match, Cole and Tazz informed us that Rock’s ribs were busted up beforehand so some good psychology there. What I truly loved about this match was The Rock. Rock acknowledged the fans, the fans were split and at some points, Lesnar sounded like a clear favourite. Rock worked it into the match, his facials were on point as they said “Are you people booing me?” Rock talked trash and came off as a little heelish and I loved it because it added to the match for me, it is something that I wish Cena would incorporate more into his matches, Cena would do a similar style match against RVD at ECW One Night Stand.

Anyways, this was great from both men. Rock was never afraid to do a job and put Lesnar over as clean as a sheet in the middle of the ring. WWE could now move forward with this hot new heel leading the ranks and hopefully, correct the mistakes of the past few months.


Winner: Brock Lesnar over Rock via F-5!


WWE’s Summerslam of 2002 was a great show, every match was enjoyable and ranged from good to great. You had five great matches from Angle vs Mysterio, Benoit vs RVD, Guerrero vs Edge, Michaels vs Triple H and Rock vs Brock. There was so much good wrestling going on with this pay per view, I rate it very highly in terms of all around great pay per views. WWE had bounced back from the lows of the past months and were slowly gathering momentum. A good change for the WWE and a homerun, Summerslam 2002 was a great showcase of the depth of the roster in which WWE had at its disposal. I am The Seanomaniac and until next time, remember : There is always another night!



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Thursday 26 January 2017

WCW Slamboree 1997 Review




Welcome ladies and gents to another action-packed edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! Did you catch the end of this week’s Raw? What a moment am I right? The Undertaker, Goldberg and Brock Lesnar all in one ring, which one of these young stallions is going to grab the brass ring and carry the company into the future? Wait a minute…… the focus is on the stars of the past…… what about the likes of Zayn?..... And with that, let’s move onto WCW! Slamboree 1997: The promo is not about the wrestlers but rather three football players like Steve McMichael, Reggie White and Kevin Greene. WCW must have thought that Wrestlemania 11 main event was where the money was at! Seriously, this could be a trainwreck or a really fun show, this is no in between with WCW. Let’s get it on!


(WCW Television Championship Match)  Steven Regal vs Ultimo Dragon © W/ Sonny Onoo


At the last pay per view, Regal had a horrible match with Prince Iaukea, Iaukea is nowhere to be seen as Dragon is your tv champion and Regal is the challenger. Lock-up, Regal takes the arm. Dragon counters and grabs a side headlock on Regal. Regal outpowers Dragon, cover and a two count for Regal. Regal stays in control with a straight jacket like submission, nasty looking hold from Regal. Dragon reverses the hold before Regal gutwrench suplexes Dragon. Slap to the face by Regal and a double stomp by Regal. Side headlock by Dragon, shoulder block and a two count for the champion.

Dropkick by Dragon, Regal eats the turnbuckle, awkward looking botch as Dragon tries to Irish whip Regal. Some uppercuts and kicks before Dragon floors Regal. Stiff kick to the spine, Dragon rakes at the face of the challenger. Double stomp on the face by Dragon, single leg Boston crab by Dragon. Regal reaches the ropes, Dragon nails a neckbreaker. Headscissors hold by Dragon, Regal escapes and tries for a Regal Stretch. Regal stomps Dragon after the champion reaches the rope. Suplex by Regal, cover and a two. Sunset flip by Dragon, Regal reverses for a Regal Stretch. Dragon reaches the ropes, reverses Regal and slaps the shit out of Regal. Cross armbreaker by Dragon, Regal counters for The Regal Stretch, Dragon wriggles free so Regal applies a Bow & Arrow.

Dragon bites Regal’s arm, stiff kick by Dragon. Two massive kicks to the back, Indian Deathlock into a Muta Lock by Dragon. Camel Clutch by Dragon, Regal elbows his way out. Big lefts by Regal, Dragon dodges a back body drop. Dropkick by Dragon, Regal falls to the floor. Onoo gets in some cheap shots, handspring elbow by Dragon. Top rope frankensteiner by Dragon, two count for Dragon. Dragon misses a moonsault, Regal goes for The Stretch but Dragon reaches the ropes. Dragon counters a tiger bomb for a frankensteiner, another two for Dragon. Roll-up by Regal gets two, uppercuts by Regal, Dragon dodges one for a huge kick. La Magistral but Regal is in the ropes.

Springboard moonsault by Dragon, Regal blocks the tiger suplex but Dragon throws Regal to the floor. Regal dodges a plancha from Dragon, Dragon sends Regal into the guard rail. Asai Moonsault by Dragon, both men are down. Onoo keeps kicking Regal and Dragon is not happy with Onoo. Onoo nails Dragon in the back of the head, Regal nails a reverse suplex and applies The Regal Stretch. Dragon submits and Regal is your new champion.

The beginning might irk some people as it was very heavy in technical and mat based wrestling, the fans were not too happy as they erupted when Regal start throwing bombs at Dragon. Two heels battling one another is never a good idea and I am not sure why Vince Russo gets so much shit about heel vs heel matches because I have seen a tonne from covering these WCW pay per views. Anyways, good call to turn Dragon a face as this at least made up for the heel vs heel as we had a babyface by the end of the match. I guess the plan is have Dragon go through Onoo’s henchmen. This could be fun. Also, Regal the heel cheated to win as it should be and the new babyface Ultimo Dragon did not lose clean. I like that WCW, more of that please.


Winner: Regal over Dragon via Regal Stretch!


Madusa vs Luna Vachon


Luna interfered in Madusa’s championship match with Akira Hokuto at the last pay per view so, we have this match tonight to settle the score. Luna slaps Madusa and rakes the back. Snapmare and hair-pull by Luna, kicks to the face by Luna. Madusa fires back but Luna goes low and chokes Madusa with the ropes. Rope guillotine by Luna, Madusa fires up and pushes back Luna with a massive spinkick. Luna sweeps the legs and chokes Madusa. Stomach claw by Luna, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds.

Corner splash by Madusa and knife edge chops. Kicks to the ribs by Madusa, clothesline. Cover and Luna kicks out at two. Madusa works the leg and floors Luna, Luna rakes the eyes, sunset flip by Madusa and it is a two count. Hair-mat slam by Luna, neckbreaker by Luna. Luna misses a diving headbutt, German Suplex by Madusa and Madusa wins the match.

Good match for the time allotted, Luna looked mean for the time she was in control, the clothesline sell was great and Madusa showed a lot of fire as she was the babyface of the division.


Winner: Madusa over Luna via German Suplex!


Mean Gene Okerlund & The Macho Man Randy Savage


Savage is here after his big loss at the last pay per view to DDP. There was a stupid NWO dissension angle that overshadowed DDP’s big win in his first main event. Savage comes down to speak and DDP appears with a crutch seconds later. Savage runs with Elizabeth and Bischoff tells Savage to leave. DDP calls Savage Hogan’s Bitch and Savage wants to kill DDP. Savage walks to the ring, DDP beats the piss out of Savage and The NWO with the crutch, Bischoff takes a huge shot before Norton attacks the ribs of DDP. It is five on one but The Giant is here to save DDP.

It popped the crowd huge, DDP was growing as a star at a steady rate, I would say WCW would have been very happy with Mr. Page.


Yuji Yasuraoka vs Rey Mysterio


Yuji had just debuted in WCW, Yuji would be retired only three years later and would become a motorcycle mechanic. Mysterio is Mysterio which is awesome and show-stealing. Kicks by Yuji and a side headlock, snapmare into a reverse chinlock. Mysterio and Yuji slap one another and trade wrestling holds. Yuji escapes a choke with a Northern Lights suplex, stiff kick to the spine. Scoop slam by Yuji, Mysterio grabs the arm. Big clothesline by Yuji, cover and a two count. Back body drop by Mysterio, forearms and a frankensteiner to the floor by Mysterio. Referee Mark Curtis blocks Mysterio on a tope con hilo so, Mysterio dives over Curtis. Yuji recovers and re-enters the ring.

Drop toehold and camel clutch by Mysterio, Mysterio kicks and stomps Yuji. Mysterio is on the apron and dives into a spinkick from Yuji. Cover and Mysterio puts his foot on the rope. Forearm shots by Yuji, jump up spinkick into a Fujiwara armbar by Yuji. Yuji transitions into the cross armbreaker, Mysterio reaches the ropes so Yuji brutalizes Mysterio with kicks. Chest chop, Mysterio holds onto the ropes and will not be whipped. Yuji takes a look at Mysterio and hotshots Mysterio’s arm onto the top rope. Yuji nails a plancha that the camera misses, Mysterio is in dire straits.

Suplex from the apron to the ring by Yuji, Yuji runs into two boots. Mysterio drops Yuji and nails a split-legged moonsault for two. Yuji misses a spinkick, Mysterio powerbombs Yuji (I think that is the first time I have seen Mysterio powerbomb someone). Mysterio is on the top rope, Yuji dodges the splash. Double arm DDT by Yuji, cover and a two count for Yuji. Yuji tries again, northern lights suplex by Mysterio for a two count. Mysterio whips Yuji to the floor, Yuji comes back with a spinning heel kick. Yuji misses a corner clothesline but nails a thrust kick. Yuji tries a crossbody but Mysterio blocks with a dropkick. West Coast Pop and Mysterios win the match.


Good match but not great, Yuji’s kicks were not as crisp as they could have been. There were a few botches in there too which made the match very sloppy as a whole. Mysterio goes over as Mysterio is challenging Syxx for the championship. Disappointing for a cruiserweight match not to steal the show, this could be a tough show to get through with a healthy dose of cruiserweight awesomeness.


Winner: Mysterio over Yuji via West Coast Pop!


Mortis W/ James Vanderberg vs Glacier


Mortis vs Glacier, Reptile vs Sub-Zero. Bischoff’s idea to capitalize on Mortal Kombat, Mortis stole Glacier’s war helmet. Glacier is undefeated and charges into Mortis, Mortis stomps the shit out of Glacier’s leg. Here comes Wrath, Mortis eats an electric chair drop and a back body drop. Clothesline by Glacier and here comes Wrath with the staff of Mortis. Wrath chokes the life out of Glacier, Mortis leg drops Glacier’s face onto the steel steps. The match has long since ended in a DQ. However, here comes Ernest Miller who karate kicks Mortis and Wrath out of the ring.


Winner: Glacier over Mortis via DQ! DUD


(WCW United States Championship Match) Dean Malenko © vs Jeff Jarrett


Jarrett has been accepted into The Four Horseman by this point, Jarrett and Mongo lost a tag team match to The Public Enemy at the last pay per view so how we got to this match, I have no idea. Lock-up with Malenko shoving back Jarrett, clean break from Malenko. Shoulder block from Jarrett, another lock-up. Malenko eats a hiptoss but pops up and stops Jarrett with a drop toehold. Jarrett wriggles free, drop toehold and Jarrett walks on Malenko. Malenko snapmares and slaps on a reverse chinlock. Malenko transitions into an STF, Jarrett fights up to a vertical base and trips up Malenko. Both men rise to their feet in a stalemate.

Malenko sweeps Jarrett and has a leg lock, Malenko wears down the leg of Jarrett with elbows and knees. Malenko stretches Jarrett’s leg across the guard rail and dropkicks the leg. Jarrett hobbles away from Malenko to jump Malenko in the ring. Dropkick by Jarrett followed by an abdominal stretch. Jarrett uses Debra for some extra leverage (Good heel tactic from Jarrett). Malenko backs into the ropes and stomps all over Jarrett after a botched abdominal stretch reversal. Huge right from Malenko and Jarrett powders. Test of strength and Jarrett kicks Malenko in the gut.

Malenko hair-pulls Jarrett to the mat, Jarrett pops up and grabs the arm. Back suplex by Malenko, Jarrett nails a boot to the face out of an Irish whip, spinning neckbreaker. Jarrett tries for a Figure Four, Malenko shoots for The Texas Cloverleaf, small package by Jarrett gets a two count. Rope guillotine by Malenko, Jarrett throws Malenko to the floor to avoid the Texas Cloverleaf. Malenko is whipped into the guard rail and dropped on the rail for that extra bit of offence. Crossbody by Jarrett but Malenko rolls through. 1…2.. Jarrett kicks out, sleeper by Jarrett. Sleeper by Malenko, Jarrett nails a shinbreaker and applies The Figure Four. Malenko grabs the ropes.

Jarrett is shoved into the turnbuckle and both men crack heads, here comes Mongo. Mongo picks up Jarrett and throws Jarrett in the ring. Malenko nails a Tiger Bomb into The Texas Cloverleaf and Jarrett gives up.


Another match heavy in technical wrestling and psychology. Crowd hated Jarrett which helped the match compared to Dragon vs Regal. The ending did little to add tension between Mongo and Jarrett, it would have made sense if Mongo cost Jarrett the match by throwing him in and Jarrett getting distracted by Mongo. Yet, that did not happen as Jarrett was rolled in and went to fight Malenko with Malenko beating Jarrett to the punch. I think it could have been executed better as it was clear they were trying to tease more tension between Mongo and Jarrett over Debra.

Also, nice to see Malenko have a reign as United States Champion. I forgot to mention it while Malenko won the championship but WWE likes to present the story that all these WCW talented rosters never got anywhere and were always held down. While they may not have penetrated the main event scene, the likes of Benoit, Guerrero and Malenko have been treated well so far in their WCW runs. Perhaps the narrative was a little twisted? Only time will tell but just something to think about as Benoit continues to be featured alongside Flair in The Horseman and Guerrero/Malenko are around and holding the us championship.


Winner: Dean Malenko over Jeff Jarrett via Texas Cloverleaf!


(Japanese Deathmatch) Chris Benoit W/ Woman vs Meng


The Dungeon of Doom are still a thing brother! Yes, that statement is true. Sullivan and his revolving door of goons cannot stay away from Chris Benoit. Meng is the hired gun as The Faces of Fear were integrated into the group. Benoit and Meng are slow to start, Meng shoves back Benoit. Test of strength, Meng kicks Benoit, Benoit catches the leg for a dragon screw. Benoit shoots for the leg and Meng kicks Benoit hard. Lock-up, Meng belly to belly throws Benoit, kick to the ribs. Meng misses a clothesline, German suplex by Benoit. Benoit dodges a kick, dropkick to the knee. Benoit goes for a figure four, Meng kicks off Benoit. We are out on the floor and Benoit sends Meng into the steel steps. Reset in the ring, test of strength.

Meng backs Benoit into the corner, chops and elbows. Benoit chops Meng but Meng unloads on Benoit. Benoit knees Meng over and over and slams Meng to the mat. Jacqueline comes out and Woman scares off Jacqueline.. ok? Meng is back in control, headbutt by Meng. Single leg Boston Crab by Meng, crowd are rallying huge for Benoit. Benoit catches Meng charging in, chop war by both men. Headbutt by Meng, Meng piledrives Benoit. Meng goes for a short-arm clothesline and Benoit applies The Crossface. Meng makes it to the ropes, there are no breaks but the referee calls for a break. Benoit stomps Meng out onto the floor.

Benoit tees off on Meng who counters with a huge elbow, stomp to the head by Meng. Meng pummels Benoit over and over, Benoit asks Meng for more and Meng obliges. Gutsy move from Benoit who asks for more, Meng hurls Benoit into the corner, huge kicks to the head and chest by Meng. Meng misses a boot, Benoit clubs Meng in the back of the head. German suplex, two by Benoit. Meng stops the third, chop by Meng. Benoit goes for The Crossface. Meng escapes the hold by bailing to the floor, suicide dive by Benoit. Benoit climbs to the top rope, Meng crotches Benoit. Benoit floats over and nails a massive German suplex. Diving Headbutt by Benoit but Meng catches Benoit in The Tonga grip. Woman is on the apron.

Benoit would not let Woman throw in the towel as Meng chokes out Benoit. Great angle and work with Benoit in this match, Meng continues to be an awesome force while Benoit looks like a hell of a fighter as Benoit fought against the odds and took the fight to Meng. Finish was creative too, Benoit struggles and struggles while you have Benoit refusing to give up easily. Good stuff, the best of the night so far.


Winner: Meng over Chris Benoit via Tonga Death Grip!


Steiner Brothers vs Hugh Morrus & Konnan


More Dungeon of Doom as we have Morrus and Konnan battling Rick and Scott Steiner. Scott cannot rough up Morrus as Morrus is just as big, Morrus grabs the side headlock. Shoulder block by Morrus, clubbing blow but Scott shakes off Morrus. Belly to belly into a side headlock by Scott, tag to Rick. Rick eats a corner clothesline from Morrus, Morrus misses the second clothesline. Belly to belly overhead suplex by Rick and two clothesline. Diving clothesline by Rick, Morrus powders. Tag to Konnan, Konnan wallops Rick and eats a clothesline for his trouble. German suplex by Rick, Konnan runs into a hiptoss and a huge right.

Scott is in and clubbing Konnan, Konnan blocks with a boot. Belly to belly by Scott, Konnan tags Morrus. Jimmy Hart trips Scott and Morrus nails a neckbreaker. Hotshot by Morrus, Konnan puts the boots to Scott. Rolling clothesline by Konnan, cover and a two count. Double Fujiwara armbar by The Dungeon Of Doom, Rick kills Konnan.

 More Fujiwara armbars on Scott, Scott decks Konnan and knocks down Morrus. Tag to Rick, Rick clotheslines everyone. Scoop slams, Konnan is on the floor, powerslam on Morrus. Top rope bulldog by Rick, Konnan saves the match for his team. Scott pummels Konnan in the corner. Rick and Konnan collide, clothesline by Morrus. Morrus misses The No Laughing Matter, Frankensteiner by Scott and The Steiner Brothers walk away with the win.

Alright match, bit on the short side with The Steiners going over like they should. Scott and Rick continue to be over despite their poor booking in recent months. Post-match, Konnan lays out Hugh Morrus.


Winners: The Steiner Brothers over Morrus & Konnan via Frankensteiner!


Reggie White vs Steve Mongo McMichael


A long match with Mongo? And nobody to cover for Mongo? This is my worst nightmare. Mongo charges White and messes up White’s leg. White leapfrogs Mongo, clubbing blow by White and Mongo falls to the floor. Mongo tries to leave, embarrassed and frustrated. Gilbert Brown carries Mongo back to the ring, dropkick by Reggie White. Two count for Reggie White, Mongo works the arm. White stands up and clotheslines Mongo out of the ring. Mongo clips White’s leg from the back, elbows to the leg by Mongo. Mongo misses a leg drop, side headlock by White. Crossbody by White gets a two count.

Nerve hold by White, Mongo prays in the middle of the hold at White’s command. Mongo low blows White and drives a headbutt down south. Mongo rams White into the top turnbuckle twice before White returns the favour. Mongo tries the figure four but White kicks Mongo out of the ring, Mongo is on the top rope and White slams Mongo off the top rope. Forearm shots by Mongo, White battles back. Clothesline and make it two, inverted atomic drop and a clothesline to the floor by White.

They brawl on the floor, Mongo has control in the ring. White suplexes Mongo splash by White but Debra has the referee. Gilbert Brown takes the briefcase away but Jeff Jarrett gives Mongo another briefcase and Mongo clocks White. Mongo wins! Mongo wins! Mongo wins!

Not a disaster, Mongo is one of my favourite wrestlers based on facials and trash talk alone. Mongo cannot wrestle for shit but he sure is entertaining. White did not make an ass of himself, White hit some decent moves and may he rest in peace as research shows Reggie White would only live for several more years.


Winner: Mongo over White via Briefcase Shot!


NWO vs Roddy Piper/Ric Flair/Kevin Greene


The so-called Wolfpac of Nash, Hall and Syxx battle the old-timers in Flair and Piper with their special partner Kevin Greene. This feud had a heavy-mix of realism added to it as Nash, Hall & Syxx would regularly shoot on television when speaking about Flair and Piper. There is also the legendary backstage fight between Piper and Nash which depending on who you believe, had a clear winner. Kevin Greene is a footballer and is the hometown boy while Charlotte is no stranger to Ric Flair either and well, Piper is an Icon like the shirt says. Flair gets a monster pop for his return to action.

Syxx and Flair to start, Flair had said he could whip Syxx’s ass which led to Syxx slapping Flair on Nitro in a very shoot-laced promo. Shoulder block by Syxx, lock-up and Syxx hits another shoulder block. Flair chop and Syxx is down, Flari strut and the places lights up. Massive spinning heel kick by Syxx, Flair is wiped out. Flair chops and punches Syxx, back body drop. Right hands to Hall and Syxx. Nash takes a chop too and Nash looks at Flair like how dare this guy. Great stuff all around, Greene and Hall have a staredown. Nash shoves Greene, Greene shoves Nash. Knee by Nash, knees in the corner and elbows. Greene nails a shoulder block on Nash.

Huge clothesline, scoop slam by Greene. Nash powders and Greene nails Hall and Syxx with a double clothesline. The Wolfpac have a huddle and strategize. Hall wants Piper, slap by Piper. Lock-up, Piper drills Hall. Hall goes low, knee lift by Piper. Lock-up Hall tees off on Piper, Piper attacks all members of The NWO. Neckbreaker on Hall, Syxx enters and illegally smacks Piper’s taped leg. Hall and Syxx work the leg. Hall tries for a figure four but Piper kicks off Hall. Tag to Flair who chops everything in sight.

Eye rake by Hall, Flair flip and Flair tries for a crossbody. Fallaway slam by Hall, Flair is clotheslined to the floor. Piper protects Flair but Nash wipes out Flair with a huge boot. Cover by Hall with feet on the ropes, two count for Hall. Tag to Nash, snake eyes by Nash. Foot choke by Nash, cheap shot by Hall. Sidewalk slam by Nash, tag to Hall. Hall slaps Flair over and over, stamp to the face. Corner clothesline, tag to Syxx. Bronco buster by Syxx, Flair chops back against Syxx. Syxx grabs a side headlock, shoulder block by Flair. Syxx shoves Flair into Hall and Nash, cheap shots ensue. Both men bang heads, Syxx drapes an arm over for a two. Tag to Piper, Piper floors Hall. Piper nails the referee who apparently did not see the tag.

Greene has Syxx, multiple forearms and thrusts by Greene. Greene clotheslines Syxx to the floor, Hall and Flair are in the ring. Nash cheap shots Flair, Flair blocks The Outsider’s Edge. Figure Four by Flair on Hall, Sleeper by Piper on Nash, Powerslam by Greene on Syxx and WCW defeat The NWO in the middle of the ring.

What a hot crowd, Flair’s return was fantastic and Greene did better than Mongo and Reggie White, the match was hot from start to finish, the crowd loved the antics of Piper and Flair, they cheered Greene like crazy. Hall and Nash were bullying Flair while Syxx was such a prick hiding behind his two big buddies. The wrestling was not going to blow you out of the water but as entertainment, that match was worthy of being a main event.


Winners: Flair/Piper/Greene over Team Wolfpac via Powerslam/Sleeper/Figure Four!


So, that was WCW’s Slamboree 1997, a pay per view which could be viewed as largely on the disappointing side. A lot of top stars are nowhere to be seen on the show (Hogan/Luger/Macho Man/DDP/Giant) and the matches we were given ranged from squashes to no-contests. Although, I did see Ernest Miller’s debut so there is that positive. Kidding, the Benoit vs Meng match was enjoyable for the story it told but I am rather sick of Benoit vs Sullivan by this point, I pray something new is coming. The main event was a lot of fun too, Flair and Piper were so much fun, Greene held his own and The NWO is The NWO baby, Syxx bumps around, Hall entertains and Nash destroys. They all got to do their thing and we got a fun main event because of their work. Beyond those two matches though, there was not a lot going on that you needed to see. Final Verdict: WCW was hot with The NWO but they were not banging at tremendous matches or pay per views!





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Monday 23 January 2017

WWE Vengeance 2002 Review

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Welcome one and all back to Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews which guarantees to get your knickers in a twist every time we post! That’s right, we are back and back with a Vengeance! That being WWE’s Vengeance 2002 and possibly the worst pun of all-time. Anyways, WWE and 2002 were not getting along, the brand-split was proving awkward to manage and the stars were not forming naturally and the big names were not drawing. Stone Cold Steve Austin had left, walking out on the company due to differences with creative and this led to The Rock returning to the company. The Rock challenges The Undertaker for The Undisputed Championship with Kurt Angle thrown in because Angle is Angle. We also have the return of Chris Benoit to pay per view and some guy named John Cena? You never heard of him? Me neither so let’s rock!

Opening Promo

 Biblical quotes which describe the main event and the major angles going into tonight’s pay per view. Rock, Angle and Undertaker quote the same passage that Samuel Jackson quotes in Pulp Fiction and it ends. Decent stuff with Michael Cole and Tazz calling the first half of the pay per view, this was the beginning of the Smackdown commentators being incorporated onto pay per views. Before this, they would do brief setups to the Smackdown matches on pay per view while JR and Jerry Lawler called the action.

(Tag Team Table Match) Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit vs Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley

Bubba Ray had helped Ric Flair defeat Eddie Guerrero at King of The Ring to help Eddie get out of the angle, Benoit had returned after a year out from a neck injury. Benoit and Spike begin, Benoit nails a back suplex, clothesline and a backbreaker on poor Spike. Spike reverses a hiptoss and tags Bubba, Benoit drop toeholds Bubba and Latino Heat comes in to put the boots to Bubba. Double back elbow to Bubba and cheap shot to Spike, clothesline by Benoit. Snap suplex by Benoit, tag to Guerrero. Guerrero stomps on Bubba before tagging in Benoit. Scoop slam and an elbow by Benoit.

Bubba smashes Guerrero off the apron but Benoit nails a German suplex. Guerrero slingshots and lays in some rights on Bubba’s face. Guerrero wrenches away at Bubba’s face. Benoit scores with a back body drop on Bubba, stomps by Benoit. Bubba fires back but the damage done by Benoit and Guerrero is too much, Guerrero chokes Bubba behind the referee’s back. Bubba clubs both Guerrero and Benoit but Benoit rakes the eyes. More stomps by Benoit, hard Irish whip and a cheap shot to Spike. Guerrero grabs a table, looking for the win. Guerrero eats a tope from Spike, Benoit smashes Spike into the barricade and the steel steps.

Bubba comes back at Benoit before Guerrero trips up Bubba and Benoit maintains control. Guerrero tees off on Bubba and sets up the table. Benoit and Guerrero prepare for a superplex through the table, Spike moves the table and punches Benoit and Guerrero. The table is placed in the corner, Guerrero and Benoit prepare to Irish whip Spike through the table. Bubba intercepts to tackle Spike to the ground, Bubba clotheslines Benoit twice. Back drop on Benoit and one for Guerrero. Sidewalk slam on Benoit, Guerrero is hurled off the top rope by Bubba. Double stomp by Spike on Benoit, Bubba nails Guerrero with punches and a huge elbow. What’s Up? headbutt by Spike and Bubba, Spike was going for a table but Benoit applies The Crippler Crossface. Bubba makes the save with a Samoan Drop on Benoit.

Bubba places Benoit on the table, Bubba tries for a senton and Benoit dodges the incoming Bubba. Guerrero elbows the bejesus out of Spike, headscissors takedown by Spike. Benoit clotheslines Guerrero to the floor by mistake. Spike tries reviving Bubba, Spike and Guerrero are fighting by a table. Guerrero is looking for a suplex, Spike blocks for a Dudley Dog through the table. That is one down and one to go for Spike and Bubba! Benoit picks up Spike right away and grabs a table. Spike tries a Dudley Dog, Benoit blocks and military press slams Spike through a table on the floor. Benoit and Bubba are the only two remaining in the match.

Bubba has a table setup, Benoit was looking for a German suplex but Bubba reverses for a Bubba Bomb through the table. Exciting fun match from The Raw Brand, Benoit looked great in the ring and the tag team of Benoit and Guerrero would be short-lived when they would move to Smackdown but I did enjoy their bullying of Spike and Bubba in this match. Table matches are always fun for the fans and it was a good choice of opener.


Winners: Spike & Bubba over Benoit & Guerrero via Bubba Bomb through the table!

Eric Bischoff Promo

Eric Bischoff and Stephanie Mcmahon had been unveiled as the mangers of Raw and Smackdown respectively, it was a big shock especially to see Bischoff on WWE tv after The Monday Night Wars and Bischoff being on the WCW side. You think of all people who would be blacklisted from WWE, it would be Bischoff but nope, you would be dead wrong. Anyways, Bischoff and Stephanie are competing for the services of Triple H. Triple H walks into Stephanie’s office to negotiate and Bischoff groans at the thought of losing Triple H.


(WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match) Jamie Noble © W/ Nidia vs Billy Kidman

Kidman earned his opportunity by pinning the champion in a tag match, Noble is outwrestled by the quicker Kidman in the beginning, Noble powders and talks with Nidia. Headscissors takedown by Kidman, leg drop across Noble’s neck. Noble dodges a slingshot plancha, tosses Nidia into Kidman and nails a single arm DDT. Noble lawn darts Kidman shoulder first into the ringpost. Hammerlock northern lights suplex by Noble, Kidman is in a bad way as Noble continues weakening the arm of Kidman. Kidman battles back and goes for a spinebuster but the challenger’s arm gives out and Noble takes control by hurling Kidman into the ringpost. Hammerlock submission hold by Noble, Kidman battles back with one arm. Clothesline and a hurricanrana by Kidman. Nice dropkick and a fireman’s carry with Kidman using his knee to smash the head of Noble. Two count for Kidman.

Noble catches Kidman with a single arm DDT and a Fujiwara armbar, stomps to the head by Noble. Noble goes for a powerbomb and Kidman counters with a facebuster. Two count for Kidman, enzuigiri by Kidman. Kidman climbs for The Shooting Star Press, Noble climbs to the top to stop Kidman. Kidman drills Noble with a spinebuster Sky High like move for a close two count. Kidman goes for a tornado DDT, Noble hangs on to the ropes so Kidman hotshots Noble. Perfect setup for The Shooting Star Press, Kidman dives and Nobles dodges! La Magistral by Noble and a two count for the champion.

Noble stomps Kidman, Kidman slides out of a suplex. Noble nails a Tiger Bomb for the win. Good match that is hurt by an out of nowhere ending. Kidman sold the arm well throughout, Noble worked the arm throughout the match but the finish with the tiger bomb did not show the arm work that Noble had put into the match. So, a little disappointed by the finish but a good match overall.


Winner: Jamie Noble over Billy Kidman via Tiger Bomb!


(WWE European Championship Match) Jeff Hardy © vs William Regal

Hardy put himself on the map in WWE with a standout performance against Undertaker in a ladder match for The Undisputed Championship. It is a great Raw main event and Hardy was rewarded for his hardwork with the European Championship. Regal lost the title to Hardy and Regal has his rematch here tonight.

Regal shoulder blocks Hardy hard, Regal blocks a sunset flip and drives his knee into Jeff’s back. Irish whip in the corner by Jeff, Regal puts up a boot and Hardy is knocked down. Regal misses a knee drop and Jeff kicks the leg of Regal before nailing a jawbreaker. Hardy catapults Regal to the floor, Regal catches Jeff off a baseball slide, Hardy turns the move into a headscissors. Hardy runs up the barricade and looks for a crossbody. Regal ducks the oncoming Hardy, Whisper in The Wind by Hardy. Regal eats a mule kick from Hardy, leg drop to the groin by the champion. Hardy climbs to the top rope, Regal counters The Swanton Bomb with his knees. Half-nelson suplex by Regal gets a two count.

Regal backbreaker and a stiff kick by the challenger, Hardy floors Regal out of nowhere and rolls-up Regal for the win. What a quick match, not much to say about it, the ending was more abrupt than the last match’s finish. I cannot exactly call it bad considering it was over in a flash. Cole and Tazz put over Jeff Hardy as a huge deal, sad when you think Jeff would be out of the company before Wrestlemania.


Winner: Jeff Hardy over Regal via roll-up!

Jeff is put over even more!

Hardy shakes the hands of Flair and Hogan and they say that kid is the future of the company, endorsements do not come much bigger than Flair and Hogan. Hogan and Flair debate about Bischoff and Stephanie claiming it could be a great thing or bad thing. Sly digs at Bischoff and WCW throughout the segment.


Chris Jericho vs John Cena

Chris Jericho is facing young talent and it is not Chris Jericho from the last few years? Just kidding, Jericho could not beat Cena who debuted with ruthless aggression and slapped the shit out of Kurt Angle. Jericho seems to be at his most douche-looking, Cena walks to the ring and Jericho has a steel chair, Cena grabs the chair and wallops Jericho in the spine. Jericho vows to ends Cena’s career but can the rookie upset Jericho?

Hard Irish whips and a clothesline by Cena, Jericho powders with Cena in pursuit. Back elbow and spinebuster by Cena for a two count. Jericho hotshots Cena, back suplex and a dropkick to the back of the head by Y2J. Jericho is exposing the top turnbuckle, roll-up by Cena and the rookie gets a two. Jericho slaps and punches Cena, hard Irish whip by Jericho. Breakdown by Y2J, Jericho climbs up to the top rope, Cena catches Jericho off-guard and scores with a superplex. Two count for Cena, right hands by Cena. Tilt-a-whirl slam by Cena and another two, Jericho catches Cena running in for a splash with a dropkick to the ribs. Cena catapults Jericho onto the middle rope, Jericho looks for the dive and Cena nails a belly to belly.

Jericho outsmarts Cena but misses The Lionsault. Flashback by Jericho, Jericho uses the ropes for leverage but Cena powers out of the hold. Irish whip and bulldog by Y2J, Lionsault by Jericho. Jericho decides not to pin Cena, Jericho tries for The Walls of Jericho but Cena cradles Y2J.

A good showing for Cena, Jericho is at his best as a heel in my book. Jericho was over-confident and full of himself which led to the rookie gaining the big victory over the veteran. A timeless story that more often than not, does the trick. Cannot say much more about it but it looks good for Cena.


Winner: John Cena over Chris Jericho via Small Package!


Eric Bischoff Promo

A lawyer knocks on Stephanie’s door with a contract. Bischoff fears the worst as it looks like Triple H is going to sign for Smackdown!


(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) RVD © VS Brock Lesnar W/ Paul Heyman

Lesnar is going to Summerslam to face the undisputed champion. RVD would lose to Lesnar in The King of The Ring final and RVD is not happy about Lesnar winning the match. Good bit of history between Heyman and RVD, Heyman makes it very clear that RVD is Heyman’s creation and Lesnar is going to destroy that creation.

Lesnar shoves off RVD to begin the match, in steps RVD with punches. Lesnar grabs RVD and dumps RVD in his head, clubbing blows by Lesnar. RVD fires back with forearm shots and kicks, drop toehold and Lesnar eats the turnbuckle. Spinning heel kick and Lesnar is out on the floor, Lesnar shoulder thrusts RVD. RVD looks for the legs, dropkick to the knee and a dropkick to the face. Lesnar shoves off RVD who was looking for a back suplex. RVD dodges a clothesline from Lesnar, Lesnar is on the floor. RVD tries the slingshot plancha, Lesnar catches RVD.

 Lesnar is pushed into the ringpost by RVD, RVD tries an apron moonsault and Lesnar catches RVD once more. This time, RVD is powerslammed into the floor by Lesnar. Backbreaker in the ring by Lesnar, more clubbing blows by Lesnar. Another backbreaker by The Next Big Thing, belly to belly by Lesnar. RVD nails a step-over heel kick by RVD. Kick to the head by RVD, forearm shots by the champion. RVD was trying for a monkey flip but Lesnar overpowers RVD and hurls the champion to the floor. Lesnar rams RVD back first into the ring apron, RVD tastes the steel steps. Bearhug by Lesnar in the middle of the ring. Lesnar pushes RVD spine first into the corner, abdominal stretch by Lesnar.

Irish whip by Lesnar, RVD dodges Lesnar. Diving thrust kick by RVD, dropkick to the face by Van Dam. Slingshot leg drop by RVD and a leaping thrust kick from the top rope. Rolling Thunder and Lesnar powers out at two. Superkick by RVD and the champion is up top, Lesnar is right back up. Lesnar looks for The F-5, RVD counters for a DDT. Five Star Frog Splash by RVD, cover and Heyman pulls out the referee. Heyman saves Lesnar but the referee disqualifies Lesnar. Charles Robinson attacks  Heyman, Lesnar throws off Robinson and RVD goes after Lesnar. RVD is looking for The Van Terminator, Heyman holds onto RVD’s leg and Lesnar suplexes RVD on the steel chair before F-5ing RVD on the chair.

Good match with a finish that hurts neither man. RVD was rising so quickly in popularity and so different to everyone else on the roster in terms of style. RVD had Lesnar beat while Lesnar gets back his heat with The F-5 on the chair. I must say, early Lesnar can sell when he needs to in that ring. The kicks looked great as Lesnar would jump back for them while Lesnar throwing around other people is always fun. Brock was such a bully and time had been put into The Next Big Thing. Brock would either sink or swim in next month’s Summerslam.


Winner: RVD over Lesnar via DQ!


Stephanie & Bischoff

Triple H signed but it was divorce papers. Triple H will either go to Smackdown or Raw, Triple H continues to be an awkward babyface in the changing landscape of the WWE.


Big Show vs Booker T (No Disqualification Match)

Ah good old Big Show, my choice for biggest disappointment since debuting in the company. Booker T had joined The NWO before being kicked out by Shawn Michaels and was now a babyface alongside his comedic partner Goldust. Show had been doing a piss poor job of being a monster in The NWO before Shawn Michaels kicked out Show and the group crumbled with Hall’s release and Nash’s quad injury.

The match begins with Booker T throwing kicks at Show but Show catches a leg and throws Booker T to the ground, huge toss by Show. Booker is trying to shake Show, headbutt by Show. Club across the back by Show who steps across Booker’s back. Booker slides out of a scoop slam, enzuigiri by Booker. Clothesline by Show, chest slap and a clothesline to the floor by Show. Booker grabs a chair, Show blocks with his fist. Booker is rammed into the ringpost, Show sandwiches Booker against a ringpost. Booker dodges the second clothesline, Booker chops Show. Grabbing a cable, Booker chokes Show before battling by the Spanish announce table.

Booker drills Show with a monitor and climbs up on the other announce table. Booker runs across and puts Show through the Spanish announce table with a Scissors Kick. In the ring, Booker keeps kicking Show. Low blow and a Scissors Kick, Booker reels back the years with a Houston Hangover. Booker pins Show and wins the match.

That felt like a squash, Show got in a bit of offence but Booker dominated for the last portion of the match. Table spot was cool, thought it would be given more love or impact from the announcers but they quickly moved on from that. Harlem Hangover looks beautiful, Booker could not have nailed it more perfectly if he tried. Poor Show, I really do feel for the guy the more I watch him, I have never seen such a giant jobbed out so often.


Winner: Booker T over Big Show via Houston Hangover!


Dawn Marie & Torrie Wilson at WWE New York

The two Smackdown Divas argue over the golden thong award which Torrie won and the main event. Torrie picks Rock and Dawn picks Undertaker. Torrie is obviously on the booking team….


Triple H chooses……

Triple H is a free agent but Eric Bischoff and Stephanie Mcmahon both want the exclusive services of Triple. Stephanie and Bischoff come out to make their pitches to The Game. Triple H likes neither one of the general managers and the tide turns when Shawn Michaels comes out to the ring and tells The Game that it is time to reform D-Generation X. Triple H was initially choosing Smackdown but HBK’s offer is quite enticing. Bischoff is beyond happy when Triple H chooses Raw, Bischoff rubs it in Stephanie’s face. Bischoff claims to have balls before Stephanie slaps the shit out of Bischoff.

Fine segment, nothing special. Nice to see HBK and Triple H back together, the idea of DX coming back was crazy as well but stranger things have happened in the WWE. Little did we know, there is something big coming around the corner for Triple H and Shawn Michaels.


Triple H chooses Raw!


(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) Edge & Hulk Hogan © vs The Un-Americans

Hogan and Edge won the titles in a memorable match on Smackdown with Billy & Chuck. Edge’s stock continues to rise as he was paired with Hulk Hogan. The Un-Americans were not impressed by Mr. America Hulk Hogan and fellow Canadian Edge. The Un-Americans were getting a lot of tv time as Vince was a huge fan of the gimmick. Storm had a tough time since entering the WWE with little opportunities coming after his initial Intercontinental Championship reign. Christian had not been on pay per view since Wrestlemania so I’d say these two were glad to sink their teeth into this angle.

Hogan starts the match with Christian, huge Hogan chants. Hogan shoves Christian to the floor and Hogan invites Christian into the ring. Storm whacks Hogan from the apron, Christian jumps Hogan. Hogan takes a double suplex and is back up, double clothesline and double noggin knocker. Axe bomber by Hogan on Storm, right hands by Hogan. Corner clothesline by Hogan, tag to Edge. Edge hammers away on Storm, flapjack by Edge. Flying forearm and stomps in the corner by Edge, Christian pushes Edge off Storm behind the referee’s back. Calf kick by Storm and tag to Christian, right hands by Christian.

Backbreaker by Christian, cover and a two for Christian. Christian slaps on a sleeper, Edge fires up but Christian uses the hair to ground Edge. Edge dodges a second rope elbow from Christian, enzuigiri by Edge. Facebuster on an interfering Storm and a tag to Hogan. Hogan punches both Un-Americans, Christian dodges the big boot and nails a reverse DDT. Hogan hulks up, right hands to Storm and Christian. Big boot on Christian, Leg Drop and a cover. Storm drags off Hogan, Christian rakes the eyes. Storm hotshots Hogan and Storm measures Hogan for a Superkick. Christian mounts Hogan and pummels away at The Hulkster. Storm is legal, right hands to Hogan.

Christian chokes Hogan in the corner, Edge is with the referee while Hogan takes a beating. Double Irish whip, Hogan clotheslines Christian and Storm. Everyone is down except Edge, Hogan makes the tag to Edge. Right hands and back body drops by Edge, Spear in the corner on Christian and Storm. Edge O Matic on Storm, Christian makes the save and Hogan brawls with Christian on the floor. Edge Spears the referee as Storm leapfrogs Edge, Edgecution on Storm but there is no referee. Here comes Test, Hogan is out cold thanks to Test. Test annihilates Edge with a Big Boot, Storm covers but Edge kicks out at two. Rikishi and Test battle to the back.

Edge Spears Storm, the referee is with Christian. Here comes Jericho and Jericho nails Edge with the tag team championship. Storm covers Edge and the match is over.

That was another quick match, crowd was hot for Hogan and Edge. Jericho comes in and I believe would become a part of the group before things would go south and the group would be broken up. Christian and Storm did well, working with Hogan is easy and the match had a bit of drama going for it near the end with Test and Jericho interfering. Hogan has won only once on pay per view since returning to the WWE and would soon leave the company after putting over Brock Lesnar on an episode of Smackdown. So, I will say this much about Hogan. His match with The Rock was a classic, Hogan could not do a lot by this stage in his career, the matches after The Rock were nowehere near as good but the man still got huge reactions.


Winners: The Un-Americans over Hogan & Edge via Shenanigans!


(WWE Undisputed Championship Match) The Undertaker © vs The Rock vs Kurt Angle

Rock returned to WWE after Stone Cold took his ball and went home. Rock would be having problems with Undertaker the moment The Rock returned with a confrontation at the end of King of The Ring. In the meantime, Kurt Angle challenged Undertaker for the undisputed championship on Smackdown which ended in controversial fashion as Angle tapped out Undertaker at the same time Undertaker pinned Angle. Angle was added to the match and we have a triple threat for the championship. I love this promo package, The Rock was my favourite wrestler as a child so I was obviously in high spirits but the build-up had me intrigued and the package was just great stuff with all three men beating the crap out of one another.

Rock and Undertaker get in one another’s faces with Angle being the odd man out, Taker and Rock stomp all over Angle and Angle eats a big boot from Taker and a clothesline over the top by Rock. Taker jumps Rock, right hands to The Great One. Rock blocks the back body drop, mat slam by Rock. Irish whip and a leaping clothesline by Taker, Taker knocks Angle off the apron. Angle wipes out Taker by sending Taker into the steel steps, Angle drops Rock with a German suplex. Angle chokes Rock in the corner, hard chop by The Olympic Hero. Rock returns the favour with chops before Angle catches Rock with a belly to belly suplex.

 Irish whip into a belly to belly by Angle, Rock blocks the third and nails a DDT for two. Angle powders and Rock gives chase. Angle is rammed into the steel steps, Angle whips Rock into the barricade. Angle clotheslines Rock and Taker clotheslines Angle. Taker wallops Rock with thunderous rights, Taker stomps Rock. Slow measured right hands by Taker, Rock blocks and lays in shots to Taker but Taker sidewalk slams Rock for a two count. Taker attacks Angle and Rock nails Taker with a Chokeslam, Angle breaks up Rock-s pin-fall. Rock clotheslines Angle and applies The Ankle Lock to Angle. Angle escapes and Rock Bottoms Rock. Taker saves his championship by breaking up the pin-fall.

Angle was looking for The Angle Slam, Taker drills Angle with The Angle Slam. Rock breaks up the pin, Rock eats a back elbow from Taker. Rock kips-up, clothesline to Taker and Angle is thrown to the floor. Spinebuster on Taker and The People’s Elbow finds the mark. Angle drags out Rock and tries to steal the pin, Taker kicks out at two. Angle puts the boots to Taker, foot choke by The Olympic Hero. Taker corners Angle with big right hands, corner clothesline. Angle reverses an Irish whip but runs shoulder first into the ringpost, Taker smashes Angle up against the barricade. Angle tastes the ringpiost too, Rock sprays water in Taker’s face. Taker and Rock battle by the remaining announce table.

Taker pummels Angle who has been opened up by the ringpost. Apron leg drop by Taker, headbutt by The Deadman. Old School by Taker, cover and Rock makes the save. Right hands by Rock, running DDT by Taker. Rock kicks out at two and a half, Angle has a chair. Taker poised for a Chokeslam, Taker smacks the chair out of Angle’s hands. Angle is pinballed between Rock and Taker, Taker cannot connect with The Chokeslam. Low blow by Rock, Angle decimates Taker with a chair shot, Angle Slam on Rock. Angle is so beaten-up that he cannot capitalize right away. Taker kicks out after the chair shot and Rock kicks out of The Angle Slam. Angle measures Rock, Rock catches Angle’s leg, scores with a dragon screw leg whip and applies the sharpshooter.

Taker saves his title, The Last Ride on The Rock. Cover and Angle pulls off Taker for an Ankle Lock. Taker rolls through and kicks off Angle, Taker motions for The Last Ride. Angle grabs a triangle choke on Taker, Taker powers up Angle and drops Angle to the mat. However, Angle does not give up on the triangle choke, Taker is fading and Rock makes the save. Rock Bottom but no, Angle wiggles free and has The Ankle Lock. Rock rolls through for a victory roll, two count for Rock. Taker Chokeslams Angle, Rock scores with The Rock Bottom on Taker and Taker kicks out of The Rock Bottom.

Angle rolls-up Rock for a two count, big boot by Taker on Rock. Angle Slam on Taker by Angle, the straps are down and Angle is measuring Rock. Rock recovers and catches Angle with a Rock Bottom. Despite Taker’s efforts, The Rock pins Angle with The Rock Bottom.

An awesome main event, there may not have been much story but that final stretch of finishers and false-finishes was great. The crowd were so into the match and JR was selling this match like the greatest triple threat he had ever seen. Angle was tremendous, Rock was tremendous and Taker was too. I cannot tell you how much I loved the last five minutes of the match. So much drama, so much uncertainty and so much excitement. So, Rock comes back and walks away with the championship so we have our main event for Summerslam as Brock Lesnar takes on The Rock.


Winner: The Rock over Everyone Else via Rock Bottom!


That was WWE’s Vengeance 2002, a mostly average show with one or two noteworthy moments. The problem I had with this pay per view was that a lot of matches ended without establishing any sort of story, the matches finished before they ever got going. You think about the European Championship match, the Tag Team Championship match and Booker T vs Big Show, they were all over in a matter of minutes which made it hard to give them a proper rating.

Matches like Jericho vs Cena and Kidman vs Noble were good for the stories they told like Noble working the arm and Jericho being too arrogant and underestimating Cena. The main event was so much fun, it brought me back to watching the match live, the drama and excitement was great. This had been WWE’s best showing since the brand split, we will see next time if they could maintain the momentum heading into one of the big four pay per views, that being Summerslam. That’s been another review, thanks for reading and remember: There is always another night!




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