Tuesday 28 February 2017

WCW World War 3 1997 Review

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Good day to you wrestling fans of the internet, it’s time for another review here at Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! Sticking with WCW for this one and it’s World War 3 1997. A sixty man battle royal to determine the number one contender to Hogan’s world championship. Also, on tonight’s card, Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio, the pay per view debut of Raven and Curt Hennig vs Ric Flair. Halloween Havoc was hit and miss but will World War 3 be more of the same? Let’s find out!


Opening Promo


We have a soldier spying on the action at WCW, the soldier gets too close to the action and ends up being blown away by the WCW wrestlers. Simple and cheesy but I like it.


Glacier & Ernest Miller vs The Faces of Fear


This is not the type of match I would want to open up a pay per view, Glacier and Miller have done nothing since their feud with Wrath & Mortis while The Faces of Fear have been direction less as the WCW tag team championships continue to not be defended. We start off with a brawl, Miller floors Barbarian. Glacier punches and kicks Meng but Meng kicks down Glacier in the end. Glacier gets up and kicks Meng down, Glacier grabs the arm of Meng and tags in Miller. Miller Irish whips Meng, Glacier helps Miller nails a crossbody. Meng tags Barbarian, chops and kicks by Miller. Tag to Glacier and a forearm by Glacier.


Tag to Meng, Glacier dodges, kicks and punches Meng to no effect. Dropkick by Glacier, Meng headbutts into Barbarian and Miller planchas onto Barbarian. Glacier planchas on Meng, Barbarian is back up and clubs Glacier. Irish whip by Barbarian, Barbarian misses a corner clothesline. Tag to Meng, back drop into a powerbomb. Cover and Miller makes the save. Barbarian elbows the back of Glacier. Choke in the corner, Barbarian whips Glacier into Miller, tag to Meng. Dropkick by Meng, backbreaker for a two count. Tag to Barbarian, The Faces of Fear club the bejesus out of Glacier. Foot choke from Barbarian, reverse chinlock by Barbarian.


Meng is legal, stomps by Meng. Shoulderbreaker for two, shots to the head by Meng and a huge shoulder claw. Tag to Meng, Meng misses an elbow but Meng continues the attack. Glacier fights back, back suplex by Glacier. Tag to Miller, kicks and chops by Miller. Flying clothesline by Miller, Barbarian eats the same clothesline. Huge roundhouses by Miller, Jimmy Hart is attacked too but Meng grabs Miller with The Tonga Death Grip.


Mercifully, it is over. I am kidding, that is a bit harsh but the match was a borefest. Glacier and Miller are not able to pull off a good tag match, both are green and their offense is not great. If they incorporate some wrestling into their moveset, maybe there will be better matches ahead for Glacier and Miller. At this time, not even close to a good match.


Winners: The Faces of Fear over Miller & Glacier via Tonga Death Grip!


(WCW Television Championship Match) Disco Inferno vs Saturn ©


Saturn’s career in WCW is off to a good start with a championship in his possession. At the last pay per view, we saw Disco Inferno beaten by Jacqueline. Saturn comes to the ring with Raven, Raven cuts a four-word promo which gives Saturn the all clear to decimate Disco Inferno.


Takedown by Saturn, lock-up and a firemen’s carry by Saturn. Side headlock by Saturn, shoulder block by Saturn. Lock-up, side headlock by Saturn. Disco hiptosses Saturn, nails a dropkick and Saturn powders to the floor. Slap by Saturn and a huge chop, Disco nails a hiptoss off an Irish whip and Saturn powders to the floor again. Disco yanks Saturn into the ring, Disco lowers his head off an Irish whip. Kick to the head by Saturn and clothesline by Saturn. Inverted atomic drop by Disco, right hands by Disco and huge stomps. Fist drop for a two count, Disco tries for an elbow and Saturn dodges. Pumphandle suplex by Saturn, two count for the champion. Scoop slam by Saturn, Saturn misses a middle rope moonsault. Disco answers with a clothesline, two count.


Saturn goes for a backslide, two count. Disco is crotched on the top rope. Springboard clothesline by Saturn, Disco is on his feet and Disco nails Kidman and Lodi with The Chartbuster. Saturn makes the save with a huge lariat to the back of the head. Disco blocks a tiger suplex, swinging neckbreaker for two. Disco is on the top rope, crossbody but Saturn rolls through for The Rings of Saturn.


Fun little match with Saturn being put over strong with his Rings of Saturn, Saturn looks nasty and in great shape, I like how Saturn is singled out from the very beginning in The Flock as the guy to look out for in the future. Disco did well, nothing to nit-pick. It was a fine match.


Winner: Saturn over Disco Inferno via Rings of Saturn!


Giant Promo


Hall broke a bone in Giant’s hand, Giant is a favourite for the match but obviously, Giant is not at 100%. Giant cuts the world’s softest promo as the microphone barely picks up what Giant is saying, it went something along the lines of I am going to kill Scott Hall and everyone else in the match.


Ultimo Dragon vs Yuji Nagata W/ Sonny Onoo


A return match from Halloween Havoc 1997, if Dragon wins this match, Dragon gets five-minutes alone with Sonny Onoo. Nagata is a hired gun who’s goal is to eliminate Dragon as Onoo tuned on Dragon months ago which is why Dragon wants to destroy Onoo. They test the water with some kicks, Dragon’s elbow is taped up which should lead to some sheananigans.


Dragon leg sweeps Nagata, elbow by Dragon. Handspring elbow is blocked by Nagata for a Fujiwara armbar, Dragon wriggles free and Nagata powders after a dropkick. Onoo kicks Dragon which should be a disqualification but Dragon lifts up Onoo for a suplex and Nagata makes the save. Nagata misses a dropkick, side headlock takedown by Dragon. Dragon refuses to let go of his side headlock, punches to the head. Nagata counters for a back suplex, stomps to the face by Nagata. Piledriver by Nagata, reverse chinlock by Nagata. Dragon fights out but Nagata applies a reverse chinlock. Back suplex by Dragon, Nagata is back on top with an elbow and kicks to the chest.


Another piledriver, two for Nagata. Foot choke by Nagata, kicking rush by Nagata which ends with an enzuigiri and a camel clutch. Irish whip, Dragon tries for a suplex by Nagata has the Fujiwara armbar. Dragon makes it to the ropes, another reverse chinlock. Belly to belly suplex by Nagata, Nagata eats a kicking rush from Dragon after Dragon avoids a back drop. Kicks to the chest and back of Nagata, Nagata begs of to the corner. Dragon nails a facewash, dragon screw legwhip on the floor. Crossbody to the floor by Dragon, Nagata and Dragon are on the top rope. Sunset flip powerbomb for two, scoop slam by Dragon. Moonsault, two for Dragon.


Dragon has Nagata in the Dragon Sleeper after slipping out of a suplex but Onoo distracts the referee and the referee misses the tap-out. Frankensteiner by Dragon, Onoo places Nagata’s foot on the ropes. Dragon back suplexes Nagata into Onoo but Nagata falls onto Dragon and in the most awkward looking pin I have ever seen, Nagata wins the match.


Not a good match I am sorry guys, Dragon and Nagata put in the work but the crowd could not care less as they were silent throughout this match. The finish looked like shite too, do not know what they were looking for or going for but the finish was very sloppy.


Winner: Nagata over Dragon via sloppy pin!


(WCW Tag Team Championship Match) The Steiner Brothers W/ Ted Dibiase vs Dave Taylor & Steven Regal


So, when did this happen? The Outsiders lost the championships and it was not on pay per view? I had to suffer through all those number one contenders matches and you are telling me the title change was not on pay per view? Anyways, Regal and Taylor have come out of nowhere, beaten Harlem Heat and earned this opportunity.


Taylor and Scott begin the match, Scott hiptosses Taylor. Side headlock by Scott, shoulder block by Scott. Lock-up, Taylor pushes Scott into the corner, Regal beats down Scott behind the referee’s back. Taylor Irish whip, lowers the head and Scott nails a Tiger Bomb, Rick clotheslines Regal and The Steiners pose for the fans. Tag to Rick, Regal and Rick lock-up. Rick wrenches the arm, Regal goes for the leg but Rick is too strong for Regal. Huge toss by Rick, forearm shot by Regal, European uppercuts and a knee to the face. Rick is down, Rick blocks a forearm for a Fujiwara armbar. Tag to Scott, huge belly to belly suplex from Scott. Two count for Scott, STF by Scott.


Tag to Rick, Fujiwara armbar by Rick. Regal pokes the eyes and tags in Taylor, inverted atomic drop by Taylor, shoulder block from Rick and a powerslam. Cover and Regal makes the save, tag to Scott. Side headlock by Scott, Taylor shoves off Scott and Regal nails a cheap shot from the apron. Taylor distracts the referee while Regal puts the boots to Scott. Taylor stretches the arm and tags Regal. European uppercut by Regal, two count. Scott fires back with a clothesline, Regal hooks the legs of Scott and tags Taylor. Uppercut for two by Taylor. Surfboard-like stretch by Taylor, tag to Regal.


 Regal is whipped into the corner and walks into a belly to belly suplex, tag to Rick. Rick hammers Taylor and Regal, slams all around. Scott tees off with Taylor, Rick back drops Regal. Scott back drops Taylor onto Regal, Taylor is dumped to the floor. Steiner Bulldog and this match is over.


Standard Steiner tag match, suplexes and ass-whipping. Not a long heat segment for Taylor & Regal, never looked like a real threat to the champions. Glad that Steiners are champion and they had new challengers, I will be happy as long as I do not see The Steiners vs Harlem Heat.


Winners: Steiners over Regal & Taylor via Steiner Bulldog!


Raven/JJ. Dillon Promo


Dillon states that Raven has to sign a contract to wrestle in WCW, Raven has been a confusing character for the powers that be in WCW.


Raven vs Scott Riggs (Raven’s Rules Match)


Riggs sports an eyepatch due to being drop toeholded onto a chair by Raven, Riggs seems to be caught in a dilemma as Raven seems to have control of Riggs despite Riggs wanting to beat the crap out of Raven. The Flock come with Raven and Riggs dives onto The Flock. Right hands by Riggs, Raven is sent into the steel steps. Right hands in the corner by Riggs, Riggs is fired up for this match. Raven is stomped in the corner, swinging neckbreaker and splash by Riggs. Two count for Riggs, Irish whip into the corner. Schoolboy by Riggs for two, Raven pulls Riggs into the top turnbuckle.


Raven chokes Riggs with his flannel, Riggs is tossed to the floor. Riggs reverses an Irish whip and Raven eats the steel steps. Riggs uses a camera cable to choke Raven, more right hands by Riggs. Jawbreaker by Raven, snapmare and an elbow. Raven has a chair, chair shot to the back of Riggs. Raven sets up the chair, Riggs reverses the Irish whip and drop toeholds Raven into the chair. Riggs covers Raven for two, Riggs dropkicks the chair into Raven’s face. Raven kicks out for a second time, Riggs has the chair set up. Riggs calls for a bulldog on the chair, Riggs scores with the bulldog. Cover and Raven kicks out at two.


Raven slides out of the suplex and nails The Even Flow DDT. Raven grabs a microphone and asks Riggs to join The Flock. Another Even Flow DDT, Raven screams at Riggs for not joining The Flock. A third Even Flow DDT by Raven, Riggs is out cold and Raven wins the match as Riggs is unable to continue the match.


Something different, the positives of this show so far have been strong showings for two Flock members Raven and Saturn. Raven gets his assed kicked for the majority of the match, surprised that Riggs received so much offense. Interesting angle though, I do like Raven as a performer and The Flock was awesome, Riggs is carried off by The Flock and would soon be a member of the group. It was a decent match, I preferred the character work of Raven over the match.


Winner: Raven over Riggs via TKO!


Mongo vs Alex Wright


Mongo comes to the ring carrying a lead pipe. Goldberg’s music plays throughout the arena, Mongo is on the microphone and Mongo tells the crowd that Mongo laid out Goldberg, it is funny how WWE do not mention this part of Goldberg’s career, guess it was not always the story that Goldberg was super-over and kicking ass. In Goldberg’s place, we have a rematch from the last pay per view as Wright battles Mongo. Wright is not happy with Queen Debra, Wright clearly wants no part of Mongo.


Wright attacks Mongo from behind, Wright whips Mongo with his jacket. Chops by Wright but Mongo nails a back elbow and a series of clotheslines and slams. Wright is kicked to the floor, Wright tries walking away. Wright attacks Mongo briefly before Mongo nails a flapjack. Elbow to the head by Mongo, sidewalk slam by Mongo. Two count for Mongo, calf kick from Wright. Chops by Wright, Mongo counters an Irish whip. Massive chop blocks by Mongo, lariat, sidewalk slam and a Mongo Spike. Goodnight, it is over.


Trash, thank god it was brief this time. Disappointed for Wright who was showing some promise with his heel persona but looks like that is all over. Love Mongo the personality but Mongo the wrestlers blows big time.


Winner: Mongo over Wright via Mongo Spike!


(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero ©


As you look at the title of this match, you will see that Eddie won back the championship after their great match at Halloween Havoc. So, that great match was wasted, no recap of how Eddie won the championship but Eddie’s character work is fantastic. The look of disgust on his face is fantastic.


Eddie works the arm, Mysterio arm drags out of the hold. Eddie tells the referee that Mysterio was using the tights, love it. Eddie has a hammerlock, snapmare by Mysterio and Eddie says Mysterio pulled the hair. Lock-up, shoulder block by Mysterio, beautiful headscissors takedown by Mysterio. Eddie uses a double underhook pin for two, Mysterio is caught trying to slide through Mysterio’s leg and Eddie nails a nasty German suplex. Back suplex from Eddie, abdominal stretch by Eddie. Irish whip by Eddie, lowers the head and Mysterio nails a kick to the head, beautiful headscissors by Mysterio. Mysterio and Eddie block dives, Mysterio elevates Eddie on the top rope. Eddie blocks a sunset flip powerbomb and nails a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.


Eddie is on the top rope, Mysterio crotches Eddie. Eddie nails a top rope superplex, Eddie sets up for The Frog Splash. Mysterio dodges, hurricanrana for two, flapjack by Eddie cuts off Mysterio. Mysterio counters a Gory Special with an arm drag, headscissors takedown for two. Eddie is back on top with a dropkick to the head, chops by Eddie. Uppercut by Eddie, Eddie drops Mysterio across the top rope. Eddie tries for the sunset flip powerbomb, Mysterio counters for a hurricanrana. Tope con hilo from Mysterio, split-legged moonsault for two. Right hands by Mysterio, Eddie is elevated onto the top turnbuckle.


Mysterio shoots for a hurricanrana, Eddie counters with a powerbomb. Gory Special by Eddie, transition to a pin, two count. Mysterio bridges out for a victory roll, two for Mysterio. Spinning heel kick by Mysterio, Mysterio climbs to the top, Eddie tries a powerbomb and we have a major botch. Eddie whips Mysterio into the corner, Mysterio answers with a moonsault for two, guillotine leg drop by Mysterio. Mysterio is looking for The West Coast Pop, Mysterio scores but Eddie holds the ropes at two. Mysterio looks for a springboard frankensteiner but Eddie drops Mysterio face first on the top turnbuckle. Frog Splash by Eddie and Eddie retains the championship.


Not as good as The Halloween Havoc match, sloppy at points and a fuck up or two in between. Still some beautiful things in this match, loved Eddie accusing Mysterio of cheating at the start of the match. Both wrestlers are great but this was just not their night. Still better than half of what I have seen on this card though.


Winner: Eddie Guerrero over Rey Mysterio via Frog Splash!


(WCW United States Championship Match) Curt Hennig © vs Ric Flair (No Disqualification Match)


Flair and Hennig continue their war, Hennig had injured Flair at Fall Brawl, slamming a cage door on Flair’s head. Flair kicked the championship on Hennig’s face, not exactly on the same level but Flair did get revenge. So, this match is a no DQ match to make sure that there is a winner in this match. Hennig avoids Flair on the floor, Hennig jaw-jacks with a fan and here comes Flair! Flair punches and tosses Hennig into the crowd.


Hennig gains control on the floor with huge punches and Flair is tossed ringside. Hennig roughs up Flair against the guard rail, Flair is choked with a camera cord. Right hands by Hennig, clothesline to the floor. Flair hotshots Hennig and Flair is in control, double axe handle by Flair. Flair is limping after the double axe handle from the top, chops by Flair. Eye poke by Hennig, back drop on the floor by Hennig. Clothesline by the champion, Hennig pins Flair in the ring for two, Hennig hits the referee in the face. Elbow by Hennig and another two count, Hennig scissor stomps on the leg of Flair. Leg drop to the groin by Perfect, more leg work from Perfect.


Spinning toehold and slaps from Hennig, Flair fights back with right hands. Chop block by Flair, kick to the hamstring. Snapmare and a knee drop, right hands by Flair. Chop by Flair, Flair goes on the top rope and Hennig throws Flair off the top rope. Cover and two for the champion, slugfest with Hennig winning the war with chops. Cover and two for Hennig, Flair fires up with chops and right hands. Hair-toss by Flair, Irish whip and Hennig holds onto the ropes. In comes Flair with chops, eye rake from Flair. Eye poke by Hennig, Irish whip by Flair and both men bang heads.


Hennig rolls to another ring, back suplex by Flair, cover and two for Flair. More chopping in the corner from Hennig, snapmare into the snap-over neckbreaker. Irish whip, Flair flip and Flair is on the floor. Flair eats the steel steps and the guard rails, more chopping. Flair grabs Hennig and throws Hennig into the guard rail, Flair suplexes Hennig from the apron into the ring. Flair grabs a chair, Hennig is crotched on the chair and Flair kicks the chair into Hennig’s leg. Flair has the championship and a belt, Flair is looking to injure Hennig. Chair shots to the leg of Hennig, Flair has the belt.


Figure Four by Flair, Hennig wriggles and struggles but Hennig has the championship and Flair is knocked out with the championship. Hennig retains as Hennig pins Flair after the championship to the face.


Not a big fan of this match either, both men half-ass it in the sense that they go to their spots and not much is going on in the ring. Flair and Hennig’s offense are weak, this match is like 90% chopping and it makes the match drag a lot. Leg work was good psychology, Flair did rough up Hennig’s leg but I have still not seen a good match between these two and Hennig’s WCW run continues to be a disappointment. Hopefully, that is the end of this feud because it has lacked the intensity needed for such a personal feud.


Winner: Hennig over Flair via Championship Match!


Sixty Man Battle Royal


Sixty men and the winner will face the World Heavyweight Champion at SuperBrawl, elimination occurs when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope. Three rings with twenty wrestlers in each, when there are five wrestler left in each ring, they move to one ring and the final 15 compete to become the number one contender. It will be difficult for obvious reasons to keep drag of every wrestler in this match so I will note anything worth mentioning and once we are down to the final 15.


Ok, so I see Greg The Hammer Valentine, Norman Smiley, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Big Bubba Rogers who have not been on pay per view for at least a year. I did not know Chris Adams was still in WCW. Renegade is in this match, Bobby Blaze and The NWO get their own entrance. Everyone is wearing Syxx shirts, I assume Waltman had been fired at this stage so Nash and Hall are showing support for their buddy. Rick Rude is here too after jumping from the WWF and DX. No Kevin Nash at number sixty, could number sixty be a surprise?


The Giant throws out at least 6 people in ten seconds, nice to see they still care about The Giant. Public Enemy botch their elimination three times with Meng, it’s hilarious. The NWO are all in one ring together and WCW wrestlers are not teaming up take out the NWO, guess they are not a huge threat. Giant is sitting in the corner doing fuck all while ring 2 seems to be packed. Ernest Miller eliminates Malenko, this is priceless. A lot of focus placed on The Giant and his injured thumb.


Only Giant and Meng remain in ring three, Giant and Meng begin clubbing gone another in the corner. NWO controls ring one, Giant dropkicks Meng over the top rope. Luger, DDP, Rick Steiner and Booker T remain in ring two. The NWO are refusing to move, sticking together as a unit. WCW and The NWO go to war, Diamond Cutter on Vincent. DDP and Savage are brawling, Giant eliminates Vincent. Booker T & Rick Steiner have been thrown out of the ring, The Giant has Bagwell and Savage, noggin knocker. The NWO gang up on Luger, Giant throws out Bagwell, Luger and Hennig.


Final four, DDP, Savage, Hall and The Giant. Savage blocks The Diamond Cutter, scoop slam by Savage. Giant protects DDP and Savage cannot nail The Elbow Drop. Diamond Cutter, Giant stops the elimination of Savage, Giant Chokeslams Savage. Savage has been eliminated, Hall shits himself at the sight of Giant and DDP. Hall points to the entrance way, The NWO music plays. Here comes Hogan, Hogan is number sixty. DDP vs Hall, Giant vs Hogan. Hogan slams Giant effortlessly. Giant has Hall on the top rope, DDP is straddled on the ropes. Bearhug by Giant on Hall, crowd is going crazy and here comes Sting!


Hogan is on the floor, Hogan is eliminated but Sting hits Giant. What happened to DDP? It’s Kevin Nash, DDP was tossed over like garbage by Hogan. Fantastic WCW, you never seem to disappoint. Scott Hall wins the match and the championship opportunity at Superbrawl.


Oh boy, this match and finish is trash. Ok, trying to follow all the action with sixty men and three rings makes a difficult watch, it was not unbearable or bad but the constant camera cuts are irritating. When the match was down to only stars, I thought it was good. The interaction between The NWO & WCW was cool, it goes to hell in the last few minutes.


First, Hogan comes out and slams Giant like a mega babyface, Hogan enters a match to become the number one contender for his own championship which is silly to begin with, DDP, the rising star in the company is thrown out like garbage by Hogan. DDP was not even hit with Nash’s bat, it was Hogan dumping out and The NWO beat the piss out of DDP afterwards. It’s another finish involving fake Stings in the match and to top it all off, WCW looks like idiots again as The NWO outsmart everyone.  


This was an awful pay per view, there was a lot of matches that meant nothing, had no heat and were just there. It felt like everything was building to the main event in a way that was like “Ah fuck it lets mess around until the battle royal” So, there was a whole lot of awful and average throughout this pay per view, I do like Saturn going over strong and the character work from Raven but everything up until the main event was nothing special. And then, the main event itself was trash, same old NWO conquering everyone, no Sting before Starrcade. The more and more I watch, the more I am convinced WCW survived on The NWO vs Sting carrying the product because this stuff is terrible! Remember: There’s always another night!



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Monday 27 February 2017

WCW Halloween Havoc 1997 Review

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Good evening creatures of the night to another coma-inducing edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! Why did I make fun of myself? Because nobody likes a show-off, where was I? Ah yes, WCW Halloween Havoc of 1997! Off the back of a disappointing Fall Brawl and War Games match, we have Halloween Havoc featuring DDP vs Savage, Hall vs Luger, Flair vs Hennig & Hogan vs Piper in a steel cage. Again, WCW taunts me with a card that has a lot of potential but will it fall into the same traps as most other pay per views leaving me dissatisfied and wanting to rip my hair out? Let’s find out!


Opening Promo


All about Piper vs Hogan inside a steel cage. Hogan and Piper are both gold on the microphone so it’s a good hype package ladies and gentlemen. I must mention the stage design, WCW killed it when it came to Halloween Havoc. The stages always look so much fun, Dusty Rhodes is back on commentary, I will be honest, I would prefer Zbyszko


 Yuji Nagata W/ Sonny Onoo vs Ultimo Dragon


Nagata is on his excursion from NJPW which brings him to WCW. Nagata is a hired gun of Onoo who wants to take down Dragon. Dragon wants to kill Onoo, these two could have a fun match. Side headlock by Nagata, shoulder block and nobody moves, shoulder block by Dragon. Dragon trips up Nagata but Nagata takes the back and nails a t-bone suplex. Nagata whips Dragon in the corner, headstand mule kick from Dragon and a kicking rush from Dragon. Nagata catches Dragon with a sleeper, Nagata rips at the face of Dragon to boos from the crowd. Dragon counters a sleeper with a back suplex.


Nagata is up first, big stiff kicks from Nagata. Camel clutch from Nagata, piledriver from Nagata for a two count. Dragon blocks a suplex momentarily but Nagata connects at the second attempt. Reverse chinlock from Nagata, Nagata switches to stepping on the throat of Dragon. Stiff kick to the chest drops Dragon, Dragon asks for more from Nagata. Dragon catches the leg and nails a dragon screw legwhip and starts kicking Nagata all over. Dragon attempts a plancha but Nagata kicks Dragon in the ribs. Dragon whips Nagata into the guard rail and nails an Asai moonsault. Camera pans out to Raven & his Flock.


Handspring elbow in the corner is blocked by a knee from Nagata. Dragon has Nagata on the top rope, sunset flip powerbomb from Dragon. Scoop slam to Nagata, beautiful moonsault for two. Dragon chops Nagata and sets up for his frankensteiner, Nagata elbows Dragon off and Nagata grabs the arm of Dragon and sends it into the metal part of the turnbuckle. Nagata works the arms with kicks and holds, belly to belly by Nagata. Nagata Lock in the middle of the ring, Dragon inches his way to the ropes. Dragon slides out of a powerbomb for a Dragon Sleeper, Nagata squirms to the ropes. Enzuigiri by Dragon, both men are down in the middle of the ring.


They duke it out on their knees, Dragon wins the exchange. Kicking rush from Dragon, Dragon sets up for the frankensteiner. Dragon scores but is favouring the arm, one-armed Dragon Sleeper but Nagata counters for a Fujiwara armbar. Nagata wears out Dragon after the match, Onoo laughs it up before nailing a huge kick to the arm of Dragon.


Good showcase for Mr.IWGP, Nagata looked good in there with Dragon. They told a good story, hit their signature spots. I am glad to see Dragon getting good reactions from the crowd, Dragon is one hell of an athlete and sold well in this match. Finish went with the story of the match, it was solid. A good choice of opening match from WCW.


Winner: Nagata over Dragon via Fujiwara Armbar!


Gado vs Chris Jericho


Two wrestlers who know one another very well from their days in WAR in Japan. Gedo now books New Japan while Jericho is the most over man on the Raw roster thanks to his list. They start off with a wrist lock from Gedo, Jericho reverses the hold for a hammerlock. Hammerlock from Gedo, Jericho counters with kicks and a spinning sole butt. Huge slap from Jericho and Gedo powders to the floor. Jericho attacks Gedo as Gedo re-enters the ring, back elbow from Jericho. Snapmare into a pin, two count for Jericho. Jericho chops Gedo and nails a shoulder block, Gedo sidesteps Jericho. Jericho skins the cat but Gedo clotheslines Jericho to the floor.


Powerslam by Gedo, cover and two. Sleeper by Gedo, Jericho stands up and drops Gedo onto the mat. Clothesline by Jericho, Gedo tries a hurricanrana but it’s a double powerbomb from Jericho. Two count, knee to the face by Jericho. Jericho tries a super hurricanrana but it all goes assways, Gedo powders as Jericho tries for a plancha. Gedo dodges with a dropkick to the ribs of Jericho. Gedo lands on his feet from a German suplex, Jericho tries for a victory roll but Gedo drops Jericho knee first. Jericho swats away Gedo as Gedo tries a missile dropkick. Liontamer and Jericho wins the match.


They replay the botched frankensteiner, nice one WCW. Seemed like an offense exhibition for Jericho, not a lot of heat to the match at all. Gedo looks like someone who needs to go through puberty, bless his fat little face. These guys are both very good but this match was not good.


Winner: Jericho over Gedo via Liontamer!


(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero © (Title vs Mask Match)


Eddie became a heel after becoming back from injury and just oozed personality. After defeating Jericho for the championship, Eddie faces his first challenger in Mysterio. Mysterio grabs a side headlock, springboard hurricanrana into an arm drag, Mysterio crossbodies Eddie to the floor. Mysterio looks for a suicide dive but Eddie trips Mysterio and Mysterio lands hard on the floor. Eddie shoves Mysterio into the steel steps and in the ring, nails a slingshot hilo across the back of Mysterio. European uppercut by Eddie, Irish whip is reversed by Mysterio, dropkick by Mysterio.


Mysterio looked for a handspring elbow but Eddie counters for a back suplex. Suplex and a cover by the champion, two for Eddie. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two, Eddie is frustrated. Eddie rips at the mask of Mysterio, abdominal stretch and ripping at the mask by Eddie. Pumphandle-like backbreaker by Eddie, cover and a two. Mysterio counters a press pin for a springboard DDT, disgustingly quick from Mysterio. Dropkick by Mysterio, Mysterio readies himself for a tope, Eddie slides into the ring and dropkicks Mysterio. Eddie whips Mysterio into the guard rail. Camel clutch by the champion and more mask ripping.


Gory Special by Eddie, Mysterio fights out with an arm drag but Eddie cuts off Mysterio with dropkick. Nasty backbreaker by Eddie, bow & arrow submission hold by Eddie. Leaping calf kick by Eddie for a two count, uppercuts in the corner by Eddie. Mysterio battles back with forearm shots, chops and an Irish whip goes wrong as Eddie throws Mysterio into the corner for a tree of woe. Eddie misses a dropkick as Mysterio pulls himself up and Eddie lands groin first on the ringpost. Crossbody by Mysterio to the floor, Eddie is flung into the ring. Irish whip, hurricanrana by Mysterio for a two count. Eddie fires back with a clothesline, Irish whip but Mysterio springboards out of the way and 619s Eddie for a hurricanrana to the floor, Mysterio nails a somersault flip into a hurricanrana on the floor.


Corkscrew moonsault by Mysterio, two count for the challenger. Scoop slam by Mysterio, split-legged moonsault is blocked with the knees by Eddie. Powerbomb and pin for two, Eddie picks up Mysterio and charges into the corner. Mysterio hotshots Eddie into the top turnbuckle and nails a spinning heel kick. Mysterio motions for The West Coast Pop, Eddie counters mid jump for a backbreaker. Eddie motions for The Frog Splash, Mysterio dodges and both men fight to the top turnbuckle. Eddie looks for a Samurai powerbomb and Mysterio counters for a hurricanrana, Mysterio wins the match.


Unbelievable match, these two were on fire in this match. It had intensity, drama and so much excitement. Mysterio nailed moves here that some people cannot pull off to this day. Eddie is a tremendous heel, I love everything about the man, every facial, bump and move is fantastic. Mysterio is a great babyface in peril, Mysterio was selling his ass off. That finish was awesome, plain and simple. That was perfect wrestling as far as I am concerned.


Winner: Rey Mysterio over Eddie Guerrero via Hurricanrana!


Bischoff/Hogan Promo


Bischoff returns to pay per view, I think it’s been at least five pay per views since I have seen the master of The NWO. Bischoff does not want Hogan to wrestle tonight and Hogan will not wrestle unless WCW can guarantee that Sting will be nowhere near the building. Hogan runs down Piper and Sting while claiming to have made wrestling. A little long for my taste but good stuff from Hogan and Bischoff


 Mongo vs Alex Wright W/ Queen Debra


Originally, Jeff Jarrett was meant to face Mongo for The United States Championship but Jarrett jumped ship to the WWF and plans had to change. Curt Hennig has the championship and will be defending against Ric Flair and Debra is in Wright’s corner as Jarrett is no longer with the company. Wright attacks Mongo and wrenches the arm, Mongo reverses the hold. Scoop slam by Mongo, cover and a two count. Wright powders and slowly re-enters the ring. Lock-up and side headlock by Mongo, Wright arm drags Mongo and dances.


Standing switch into an arm lock by Wright, stomps to Mongo’s chest. Irish whip and more attacks to the arm. Mongo reverses the hold and Wright is down, more knees to the arm of Wright. Uppercuts by Wright and Mongo is down, Side headlock by Wright, shoulder block by Wright. Hiptoss by Mongo, scoop slam. Right hands by Mongo, stomps and elbows by Mongo. Wright takes control with a spinning heel kick. Mongo grabs Wright for The Mongo Spike, Debra distracts the referee and here’s Goldberg. Spear by Goldberg and a Jackhammmer, Wright is thrown on top and Wright wins the match.


Trash, trash from Wright and Mongo. No story to the match, no flow, no chemistry and no reaction from the fans. Referee turned around while Goldberg was killing Mongo. DUD!


Winner: Wright over Mongo via Jackhammer by Goldberg!


Macho Man/Elizabeth


Macho Man explains that DDP is a marked man while muffing some stuff that the mic does not pick up. That’s unfortunate because Savage’s promos are always entertaining.


Disco Inferno vs Jacqueline


The television champion is up against a woman, I have no idea how this match came to fruition. Jacqueline was portrayed as a man beater in the same way we would look at Chyna except Jacqueline would be in the ring fighting a man almost two years before Chyna would step into the ring. Anyways, Jacqueline is one tough woman but to believe her to be a challenge to Disco is laughable. What makes it worse is Disco is a champion.


Disco stays away from Jacqueline, this continues for at least two minutes. Jacqueline chases Disco, sunset flip by Jacqueline for two. Drop toehold by Disco, Disco powders to the floor. Arm drag by Disco and more stalling. Disco eats a forearm and shots from Jacqueline. Disco walks to the back, Jacqueline gives chase and clotheslines Disco. Irish whip by Jacqueline, shoulder block and it does not knock Disco. More kicks and forearms from Jacqueline, Disco begs for mercy and tosses Jacqueline to the floor. Jacqueline lands on her feet and pulls Disco into the ringpost groin first. Jacqueline suplexes Disco on the floor, more forearm shots in the ring.


Massive clotheslines by Jacqueline, floatover DDT by Jacqueline. Jacqueline is on the top rope. Crossbody by Jacqueline, Disco rolls through but it is a two count. Jacqueline rolls up Disco and gets the win. DUD!


Winner: Jacqueline over Disco Inferno via schoolgirl!


(WCW United States Championship Match) Curt Hennig © vs Ric Flair


Hennig had debuted in WCW with little fanfare due to some poor matches with DDP. Hennig took the place of Arn Anderson in The Four Horseman after Anderson’s abrupt retirement. Hennig would be on Team Flair for The War Games Match at Fall Brawl and Hennig would turn on Flair and The Horseman joining The NWO. Flair was understandably pissed and the two battle it out tonight of the championship.


Flair sprints to the ring and punches and kicks the shit out of Hennig. Hennig  is smashed into the guard rail and tries leaving, Flair smashes Hennig into the guard rail. Flair trips Hennig and smacks the leg off the ringpost. Flair grabs a chair but Hennig escapes the chair blow. Chops and punches by Flair, Flair struts and is in control of this match. Irish whip in the corner by Flair, Hennig explodes out with a clothesline, snap-over neckbreaker by Hennig. Hennig drops Flair and works the leg of The Nature Boy. Flair battles back but Hennig goes to the leg, Flair rakes the eyes of Hennig.


Hennig nails a huge forearm blow for two, Hennig targets the head of Flair before chopping Flair. Flair asks for more from Hennig, Flair flip and Flair is on the floor. Hennig stomps all over the leg. More closed fists to the head by Hennig, Flair battles back with chops. Side headlock and a shoulder block by Flair, Hennig applies a sleeper. Flair counters with a back suplex, Hennig powders and drags Flair to the ringpost. Hennig looks to smack Flair’s head against the ringpost with a chair, Flair dodges the fatal blow. Flair chops Hennig with a huge chop, right hands to the face of Hennig.


Hennig is whipped into the guard rail, more chops by Flair. Flair catapults Hennig into the ringpost. Right hands by Flair, Hennig is on dream street. Hennig has Flair in the ring but Flair eye pokes Hennig, more chops floor Hennig. Hennig grabs his championship to leave but Flair gives chase, Hennig has the cruiserweight championship though, must have forgotten his own championship. Knee lift by Hennig, Hennig looks for a Hennig Plex on the chair but Flair blocks the suplex and suplexes Hennig on the championship. Flair has the belt, Hennig is in the tree of woe and Flair stomps the belt into Hennig’s face. Referees come out and Flair continues attacking Hennig.


I liked the start of the match, Flair coming down to manhandle the man who tried to end his career. Everything else, was a disappointment. So, the commentary team focus on Hogan vs Piper and whether Hogan will wrestle tonight while ignoring Hennig working over Flair’s head. About the head, Hennig works the leg for the first half of the match and then it looks like it clicks in Hennig’s head “Flair is supposed to have a concussion, I should attack the head”. The intensity and heat were not there and the finish was so lame, Flair stomps the belt on Hennig’s face once and we are meant to believe Flair has got revenge on Hennig. Not even close, not my cup of tea.


Winner: Hennig over Flair via Disqualification!


Mean Gene & Eric Bischoff


JJ. Dillon claims Hogan will wrestle, Bischoff says Hogan will not wrestle and Dillon shows Bischoff that Dillon has power and the cage match is official. Bischoff continues to piss and moan, Bischoff complains about Sting.


Lex Luger vs Scott Hall (Larry Zbyszko = Special Guest Referee)


Hall has been having problems with Zbyszko, Zbyszko had cost Hall a match against DDP & Luger at Fall Brawl. Now, Hall will battle Luger with Zbyszko as the referee. This match could not be poorer than that tag match. Luger is an afterthought in this match from what I gather from the commentary, it’s all about Zbyszko and Hall. Toothpick into the eye of Zbyszko, Luger clotheslines Hall. Lock-up, Hall pushes back Luger and chokes Luger. Zbyszko stops Hall cheating and we reset, another lock-up. Luger pushes back Hall, Zbyszko gets a clean break from Luger. Side headlock by Hall, Luger breaks free and has a top wristlock before Hall uses the hair to apply the side headlock.


Lock-up, shoulder thrusts by Hall. Luger reverses the hold and wrenches the arm of Hall. Hall comes to the ropes and Luger has to break the hold. Hall asks for a test of strength, kick to the mid-section and surfboard hold by Hall. Luger reverses the hold, Hall makes it to the ropes. Luger unloads with right hands on Hall in the corner, inverted atomic drop and clothesline by Hall. Hall chokes Luger on the rope, right hands to the back by Hall. Corner clothesline by Hall for two, fallaway slam by Hall. Cover and another two for Hall, Irish whip and a sleeper by Hall. Back suplex by Luger out of the sleeper, both men are down. Hall drapes an arm over for another two, Hall is in Zbyszko’s face. Hall kicks Luger to the floor, Luger climbs to the apron and Hall knocks Luger into the guard rail.


Hall tees off on Luger, Hall and Zbyszko get into a shoving match. Zbyszko back drops Hall to the floor, Bischoff is on the apron and Zbyszko kicks Bischoff to the floor. Both men crawl into the ring, Luger unloads on Hall. Huge lariat, inverted atomic drops by Luger. Huge forearm shot and Luger calls for The Torture Rack. Bischoff is with Zbyszko, Syxx nails Luger from behind. Outsider’s Edge by Hall and Scott Hall wins the match. Zbyszko hesitates on the final count but Scott Hall is your winner and Zbyszko raises Hall’s hand.


However, Hall’s win is overturned as Zbyszko watches a replay of Syxx helping Hall win the match. Hall charges in and gets caught in The Torture Rack. Bischoff, Syxx and Hall beat up Larry Zbyszko. Bischoff poses with one foot on top of a fallen Zbyszko.


Entertaining match, not a whole lot going on in the ring. Hall was entertaining, works the crowd almost as good as Hogan. Not crazy about a match between Zbyszko & Hall or Bischoff but it looks like it could be leading to that down the road. I feel for Luger being an afterthought in this match, the man was super over throughout 1997 and with Sting appearing here and there, Luger had to carry a lot of pay per views but it looks like Luger is not going to be a big deal in the months to come which is sad.


Winner: Luger over Hall via Torture Rack!


(Las Vegas Deathmatch) Randy Savage W/ Miss Elizabeth vs DDP W/ Kimberley Page


A feud with so much promise comes to an end. It began with Savage ignoring the rising star of DDP, Savage would expose the fact that Kimberley has posed for Playboy. DDP and Savage brawled, trash-talked and tore it up for months. DDP won the first match in his first pay per view main event, Savage won the return match and the subsequent poor tag team matches. However, this is the rubber match for the two, there can be only one winner. The match is over when one man cannot answer the count of ten.


DDP jumps to the floor and attacks Savage, Savage pokes the eye and works the injured ribs of DDP. DDP smashes Savage into the guard rail, DDP snapmares Savage with Savage’s own shirt, stomps to Savage’s ribs. In the ring, Savage dives on top of DDP, hotshot manoeuvre by Savage. Left jabs from Savage, Savage stomps the ribs and steps on the face of DDP. DDP springs up and stomps Savage, rights and lefts stagger Savage. Irish whip into the corner, Savage puts up a boot and we have a double knockdown. Neckbreaker by DDP, Savage slips out of The Diamond Cutter and powders to the floor. Plancha by DDP, DDP holds his ribs in pain but continues to go after Savage.


Savage hotshots DDP as DDP falls to the floor, double axe handle from the top rope by Savage on DDP’s ribs. Savage clotheslines DDP into the crowd and The Flock. Savage chokes DDP among the people, another double axe handle by Savage. DDP and Savage are by the stage, DDP Irish whips Savage into the tombstones on the stage. DDP slams Savage through a prop casket, Dusty Rhodes is going mad on commentary, it’s hilarious. Anyways, Savage answers the count at seven. DDP kicks Savage back to the ring, Savage reverses an Irish whip and DDP meets the guard rail. DDP is hurled into the steel steps twice hard by Savage.


Savage attacks a cameraman and steals the camera, DDP kicks the camera back into Savage’s face. Elizabeth is on the apron and the referee is waffled with some sort of lid, Elizabeth chokes the life out of DDP with a camera cord. Kimberley makes the save by dragging away Eilizabeth. New referee, Savage eats a punch from DDP. DDP is fighting on pure guts alone, inverted atomic drop and front slam. DDP calls for The Diamond Cutter, Savage holds onto the ropes to avoid the cutter. Savage climbs to the top rope, The Elbow connects on the ribs of DDP. Savage is up while DDP is still not moving. Scoop slam by Savage, Savage climbs high again. Elbow Drop connects for a second time.


DDP pulls himself up at nine, Savage looks for a scoop slam and DDP’s feet hit the referee by accident. DDP slides out of the scoop slam, Diamond Cutter by DDP! The referee is up, the count has begun. Both men inch their way up, DDP looks for The Diamond Cutter. Savage counters for a backslide and a low blow, Savage has the referee distracted and “Sting” nails DDP in the ribs with his baseball bat. Savage wins as DDP cannot answer the ten count.


Good match, a lot of intensity but I believe it is hurt by the finish. I think DDP had to win this feud, I do not think there was any other way to go for this feud especially if DDP is to grow as a star. The action was great, the Kimberley & Elizabeth spot was great. The camera spot was fun and Savage dropped two elbows on DDP. DDP survived showed tremendous heart so I thought what a story it would be for DDP to survive the elbow drops and beat Savage with The Diamond Cutter. But it was not meant to be, instead we got a cheap finish with a fake Sting assaulting DDP and costing DDP the match. I do not think DDP looked better coming out of the end of this match and I believe the wrong man won this match.


Winner: Savage over DDP via Sting baseball bat attack!


(Steel Cage Match) Hollywood Hulk Hogan vs Roddy piper


Hogan returns to pay per view for a non-title match against Piper, it is also Piper’s return to pay per view so how did these two cross paths once more? I have no idea to be honest with you, it is Piper’s one year anniversary with WCW. Piper debuted at the last Halloween Havoc, Piper carries Hogan’s belt to the ring over his shoulder, Piper looks less intimidating without his beard. WCW’s cage looks more like a Punjabi prison match cage, looks like this match will have pin-falls and submissions. Hogan runs from Piper to begin the match, Hogan tries scaling the cage and Piper bites the leg of Hogan and Hogan is down off the cage.


Right hands by Piper, more biting from Piper. Hogan begs for mercy, eye poke from Piper, atomic drop by Piper. Double ear clap by Piper, Piper slaps the head of Hogan who crumbles to the floor as Piper pummels Hogan. Low blow by Piper, Hogan rams Piper into the cage. Hogan asks for the door to be opened, Piper is stomped. Piper spears Hogan out of the cage, the match continues as Hogan slams the door on Piper’s head repeatedly. Piper is crotched on the guard rail, Hogan decides that enough is enough. Sting is in the rampway but is it the real Sting? Piper attacks Hogan and slams the door on Hogan’s back.


Sting is making his way to the ring, Hogan is out on the floor. Right hands by Piper, Hogan rakes the eyes and Piper meets the cage with his face. Hogan tries climbing away, Piper batters Hogan down. They are both climbing the cage, there are two Stings in the aisle way. Hogan whips Piper with his strap, Hogan stomps Piper in the corner. Right hand floors Piper, Hogan slaps Piper over and over before posing. Hogan tries climbing again, Hogan is almost over but a Sting is blocking Hogan. Piper has Hogan on the cage, right hands by both men. More Stings are coming into the arena, Hogan is climbing into the ring. Piper is almost free, Hogan is dragging Piper back into the cage.


Hogan and Piper are in the ring, Piper chokes Hogan with his shirt and Hogan wallops Piper with the world championship. Hogan rams Piper’s head off the mat, Leg Drop by Hogan. Make it two and Piper survives, Hogan is in shock and Hogan calls for reinforcements. Here comes Savage and Savage drops a double axe handle from the top of the cage and hits Hogan by accident. Sleeper by Piper and Hogan fades. Piper wins but here comes Savage. Bischoff is here, Hogan cracks Piper with the championship. Bischoff has handcuffs, Piper is handcuffed to the cage. Hogan and Savage beat up Piper.


A fan has entered the ring, fake Sting takes down that fan. Hogan and Savage beat the piss out of the fan, security is all over the ring. That’s the end of the pay per view folks!


Another trash main event from WCW, the cage was a mostly non-factor in the match. Piper and Hogan brawled and brawled and brawled and brawled, that’s all. You had the army of Stings, one got knocked out and it never led to anything so what was the point? Then, you have the fan come in and get his ass stomped by Hogan & Savage so all the eyes are taken off the hero Piper who just scored another win over Hogan and we have Piper chained to the cage with nobody touching the man. No focus, a waste of all these Stings, Hogan in the main event is killing me and I still have to stomach a hell of a lot more from this company.


Winner: Piper over Hogan via Sleeper!


WCW’S Halloween Havoc of 1997 was an average show at best. I did enjoy DDP vs Savage and Eddie vs Mysterio, the latter might be the best match of both men’s careers but everything else was like pulling teeth at times. Jericho’s match was a squash, Disco vs Jacqueline and Mongo vs Wright were horrific, Flair vs Hennig fell flat as did Hall vs Luger and that main event was such trash, I mean I do not even want to talk about it anymore. I will say this though, Randy Savage is a crazy man and how he did not break both his legs jumping that high off the cage I have no idea but that’s it from me, this show has two matches worth seeing and the rest you can give a miss. Remember: There’s always another night!





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Wednesday 22 February 2017

TNA Unbreakable 2005 Review

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Welcome one and all to another hard-hitting edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! It is another TNA review and this is a big one, it’s Unbreakable 2005! On this pay per view, the only five-star match in TNA’s history takes place as Christopher Daniels defends his championship against AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. Also, TNA/NWA world champion Raven battles the man who pinned him at the last pay per view in a tag match, Rhino. Sabu faces Abyss, Jeff Hardy is in action and there’s many more so grab a beer, sit back and relax as we watch TNA’s Unbreakable 2005!


3-Live Kru vs Diamonds In The Rough


David Young and Elix Skipper team up with their mentor Simon Diamond to battle BG James, Konnan and Ron Killings. Diamond is coaching Skipper and Young who have the potential to be stars but seem to always mess up at crucial moments while 3-Live Kru are stronger than ever as they are united after BG James chose Konnan and Killings over former New Age Outlaw partner Kip James. James does his Road Dogg shtick while warming up the crowd with Konnan.


Skipper and James start, Skipper takes the leg of James, stiff kick to the spine by Skipper. Irish whip by Skipper, James dodges a clothesline and nails Young and Skipper with right hands, knee drop on Skipper but Diamond makes the save. Young tags in, James tags in Killings. Shoulder block and double stomps from Killings and James. Tag to BG, right hand to Young and a big boot to Diamond. Diamond slaps the bejesus out of Skipper, Skipper nails a springboard spinning heel kick. Skipper stomps James while the referee is busy with Killings & Konnan. In comes Diamond, back elbow on James for a two count.


Young headbutts James, tag to Diamond who tees off on James. James grabs a side headlock and both men bang heads, Konnan gets the hot tag. Reverse DDT on Skipper, hiptoss on Diamond. Rolling Lariat on Young, Konnan hits Young with his show and nails The K-Factor for the win on Young.


Decent opening match albeit a little on the short side. Strong showing for the recently reunited 3-Live Kru. Not a lot more to say about this match as it was so on the short side.


Winners: 3-Live Kru over Diamonds in The Rough via K-Factor!


Recap of pre-show!


Monty Brown interrupts a match to challenge the winner of tonight’s world championship match to a match at Bound for Glory. Jarrett comes out and states his claim for a championship match at Bound for Glory, Jeff Hardy beats the piss out of Jarrett while Kip James drags away Monty Brown.


Austin Aries vs Roderick Strong


A showcase match from two ROH superstars, Aries had a fantastic match with Daniels for the X-Division Championship at the last pay per view. The two begin the match with some mat wrestling with the crowd chanting for ROH and both superstars. Aries grabs a side headlock, shoulder block by Aries. Strong takes down Aries but Aries kicks off Strong and we reset after a stand-off. Strong whips Aries into the corner, Aries counters Strong and nails an elbow. Aries runs in for a dropkick but Strong catches Aries for a backbreaker and a double underhook suplex. Strong stomps on Aries, backbreaker by Strong.


Hard Irish whip by Strong who is working the back, bodyscissors into a rolling cradle from Strong for a two count. Reverse chinlock by Strong, Aries battles back to his feet but Strong cuts off Aries with a huge dropkick. Two count for Strong, hard chop in the corner from Strong. Aries throws some forearms and chops of his own, Strong has been rocked. Huge lariat by Aries, make it two and a nice pendulum elbow from Aries for a two count. Irish whip, Strong takes the back but Aries elbows out of the hold. Aries nails a hotshot Macho Man Style and a slingshot twisting splash for a two count. Aries calls for The Brainbuster, Strong blocks for another variation of a backbreaker, two count for Strong.


Gutbuster by Strong and a Sick Kick for two, great false-finish there. Small package by Aries, two count and Strong fires back with a clothesline. Strong is looking for a Boston Crab, Aries has the foot to block the hold. Catapult by Strong into the corner, Aries counters Strong running in and rolls to the middle of the ring. Dropkick in the corner and a Brainbuster by Aries. 450 Splash from Aries and this match is over.


Another good showing from Austin Aries, both of these men are now in WWE and I am glad for both having watched them throughout the years in ROH. Strong lost but showed a lot to the fans in this match with his arsenal of backbreakers and his chain wrestling while Aries continues to look like a massive deal in wresting thanks to the fact that is he is so smooth in that ring and the 450 Splash is always going to draw a reaction from any crowd.


Winner: Austin Aries over Roderick Strong via 450 Splash!


The Franchise & Monty Brown


Brown and James have an argument backstage before their tag team match against Apolo & Lance Hoyt. Looks like a break up is written in the cards for these two.


Kip James & Monty Brown vs Apolo & Lance Hoyt W/ Sonny Siaki


Lance Hoyt is filling in for Siaki who was injured at the hands of James & Brown. Hoyt & James to start, James takes the back, standing switch from Hoyt. Side headlock from James, shoulder block and a shoulder block from Hoyt. Hiptoss and scoop slam from Hoyt, James powders to the floor. Brown is in James’ face, more trouble in the camp of James & Brown. James scores with a gut kick, right hand from James and a tag to Brown. Hoyt clotheslines Brown and James, right hands on Brown and a huge sidewalk slam. Two count for Hoyt, tag to Apolo. Apolo wrenches the arm before Brown rakes the eyes and stomps all over Apolo.


Apolo chops Brown, huge boot and a clothesline for a two count. Tag to Hoyt, double back elbow and a two count for Hoyt. James blind tags into the match, Hoyt nails James with right hands before James reverses an Irish whip and Brown clubs Hoyt from the apron. Neckbreaker by James who drops knees on the face of Hoyt. Tag to Brown, Irish whip out of the corner and a huge hip splash from Brown. Shots to the ribs of Hoyt, Hoyt avoids a corner clothesline and nails ten punches in the corner. Brown answers back with two back suplexes, Hoyt avoids the third but Brown nails a huge spinning slam. Cover and a two count for Brown. Tag to James, they put the boots to Hoyt.


Right hands by James, choking in the corner from James. Hoyt blocks a clothesline in the corner with a boot and we have a double knockdown. Tag to Apolo, clotheslines to James and Brown. DDT by Apolo on Brown, powerslam on James. Irish whip, Sky High by Apolo but James makes the save. FameAsser on Apolo, Hoyt nails a boot on James and delivers a moonsault. Brown and Hoyt brawl to the floor. Brown whips Hoyt into the ringpost, James tries nailing Apolo but James nails Brown. Superkick by Apolo, two count as James does not stay down. Brown saves James, right hands by Apolo but Brown reverses an Irish whip for a Pounce! Game over as Brown gets the win.


Decent tag match, a lot of the match was based around the problems between James & Brown, miscommunications throughout which further the tension between the two, Apolo was never high on the importance list for TNA so no surprise he’s taking the fall in this match.


Winners: James & Brown over Apolo & Hoyt via POUNCE!


Chris Sabin vs Petey Williams


Sabin and Williams have a lot of history one another, many battles for the X-Division Championship. Tenay explains it was meant to be Shocker vs Sabin but AAA changed Shocker’s booking schedule and Shocker was unable to make the pay per view which explains a lot as these two were nowhere near one another prior to this pay per view. Lock-up, Williams takes the arm but Sabin wrestles his way into control. Side headlock by Sabin, snapmare by Sabin and an arm drag. Williams escapes by tossing Sabin to the floor, Williams tries for a plancha, Sabin slides into the ring and catches Williams with headscissors. Springboard elbow by Sabin, Sabin was looking for a sunset flip powerbomb but Williams hangs on and flings Sabin into the guard rail.


Two count in the ring, Williams elbows Sabin in the corner. Tree of woe as we are treated to the Canadian National Anthem while Williams stamps on Sabin’s private parts. More forearms from Williams, nice backbreaker for a two count. Sabin fights back, clothesline and a back elbow from Sabin. Thrustkick from Sabin and Sabin looks for a powerbomb but Williams counters for a DDT. Two count for Williams, straight-jacket like chinlock by Williams. Sabin fights back before Williams nails a short-arm clothesline. Williams chokes Sabin with a knee and taunts his long-time rival. Williams whips Sabin into the corner, Sabin dodges and drops Williams with a beautiful dropkick to the back of the head.


Forearm shots by Sabin, chops by Williams. Chops by Sabin, huge enzuigiri and a fisherman buster by Sabin. Cover and another two count, Sabin eats a boot and Williams looks for the Canadian Destoryer, Sabin counters but Williams rolls-up Sabin into a sharpshooter. Sabin makes it to the ropes, leaping tornado DDT from Sabin. Two for Sabin, tilt-a-whirl into a Russian leg sweep by Williams. Williams calls for his finish, Sabin dodges and whips Williams to the ropes. Williams elevates Sabin to the apron, Williams swats away a springboard dropkick for another sharpshooter.


Sabin escapes, Williams Irish whips Sabin into a corner. Williams misses and Sabin lawn darts Williams into a turnbuckle. Cradle Shock attempt is blocked, Williams rakes the eyes. Sabin is blinded and Sabin lifts the referee. Williams looks for The Canadian Destroyer but Sabin drops out for The Cradle Shock and win the match. Matt Bentley comes out of nowhere and Superkicks Sabin.


Very good match, Sabin and Williams get the fans all-in on the match as the match continues, a lot of hard-hitting action, some good false-finishes. The ending was a little silly in my eyes, was there a need for Sabin to pick up the referee and inject comedy into this serious match? These two have had many matches with one another, the chemistry was there and I would not mind these two battling it out again. Williams was a great replacement for Shocker.


Winner: Sabin over Williams via Cradle Shock!


Abyss W/ James Mitchell vs Sabu (No Disqualification Match)


Abyss interfered in the Sacrifice main event, destroying Sabu and attacking Raven. Jeff Hardy would clear the ring of Abyss but we have Sabu vs Abyss while Jeff Hardy is off fighting Bobby Roode. Hype package for Abyss and a bitchin promo from James Mitchell kick us off before Sabu appears in the ring. Sabu nails Abyss with right hands, no effect and Abyss smashes Sabu with a right hand. More right hands from the monster Abyss, Sabu ducks a clothesline and hammers away on Abyss.


Abyss cuts off Sabu with a big boot, chest chop by Abyss. Irish whip into the corner, Sabu puts up a boot but Abyss belly to belly suplexes Sabu. Sabu powders and asks for a chair, Abyss cuts off Sabu and grabs the chair. Abyss takes the feet of Abyss, chops the monster down and drops an Arabian facebuster for two. Springboard using the chair clothesline leaves both men on the floor. Sabu pulls out a table and sets it up at ringside, Abyss battles back and hurls Sabu into the guard rail. Abyss brings out a new table as Sabu’s table had a broken leg. Abyss throws Sabu into the ring but Sabu comes back out with a tope con hilo onto Abyss.


Abyss tries entering the ring but Sabu kicks the leg of the big man, springboard into a DDT by Sabu. Cover and Abyss powers out, Abyss is in the ropes taking right hands. Sabu sets up for a springboard but Abyss catches Sabu for a belly to belly suplex. Cover and a two for Abyss, Abyss leaves the ring for another table. Sabu cracks Abyss with three chair shots, cover and Abyss kicks out again. Sabu is on the top rope with the chair, Arabian Facebuster through the table by Sabu. Cover and Mitchell puts Abyss’ foot on the ropes. Sabu grabs Mitchell but Abyss stops Sabu and nails Shock Treatment. Abyss has his bag of thumbtacks, the thumbtacks are spread across the ring.


Abyss looks for the chokeslam, Sabu blocks and starts throwing haymakers. Abyss cuts him off for a powerbomb but Sabu fights out of the move. Sabu has a chair and tries for a springboard but Abyss catches Sabu for a Black Hole Slam on the thumbtacks. Cover and Abyss wins this match.


Good hardcore match, some people love them and some people hate them. I fall in between, I do not mind them and I can appreciate a good hardcore match. Bumps were nasty but looked great, all the tables bumps looked fantastic and the finish looked spectacular. One thing to take away from this match is Abyss uses the thumbtacks a lot on pay per view, perhaps the thumbtacks would have more emphasis and be more memorable if they were not used so often by the monster.


Winner: Abyss over Sabu via Black Hole Slam on thumbtacks!


Bobby Roode vs Jeff Hardy


Jeff Hardy’s pay per view return match, Hardy had no showed a pay per view months back and disappeared from TNA after no showing at Hard Justice which led to a suspension. Roode attacks Hardy who is posing on the top rope, Roode hammers the bejesus out of Hardy before getting distracted by the crowd, flying forearm by Hardy. Dropkick to the back of the head and Roode is down on the floor, baseball slide by The Charismatic Enigma. Plancha takes down Roode, Roode meets the steel steps. Irish whip by Roode, Hardy looks for Whisper in The Wind and Roode trips up Hardy. Roode puts the boots to Hardy in the corner and chokes Hardy.


Corner clothesline, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Cover and a two count for Roode, Roode rakes the eyes and uses the ropes to choke Hardy. Surfboard from Roode, chops and right hands by Roode. Irish whip, sunset flip by Hardy, Roode rolls out with a dropkick to the mush. Knees to the mid-section and a backbreaker by Roode, two count for Roode. Hardy blocks a suplex, Roode blocks a Twist of Fate, jumping back kick from Hardy. Right hands by Hardy, forearm and a clothesline. Whisper in The Wind, cover and a two. Roode looks for a powerbomb, Hardy counters for a leg drop to the groin.


Elbow from Roode, Hardy nails a complete shot. Hardy heads to the top, Williams runs to ringside and trips Hardy. Roode and Hardy are on the top rope, Roode is shoved off but Roode runs back up the turnbuckle for a belly to belly from the top for two. Williams is distracting the referee, Roode has the hockey stick. Hardy drops Williams and nails Roode with a Twist of Fate. Roode rolls to the floor, Williams is reviving Roode so Hardy dives onto both members of Team Canada. Jeff Jarrett comes through the crowd and nails Hardy with a hockey stick twice, Roode was distracting the referee and pins Hardy in the ring.


Another decent match, Hardy looked fine after his four-month absence. Roode was good, the finish was fine as Hardy had attacked Jarrett earlier in the night and they seem to be building to a match between the two at Bound for Glory.


Winner: Roode over Hardy via Shenanigans!


(NWA/TNA Tag Team Championship Match) The Naturals © W/ Jimmy Hart vs AMW VS Team Canada vs Alex Shelley & Sean Waltman


Shelley & Waltman won The Chris Candido Memorial Tag Team Tournament while the other three teams had been feuding for months. Waltman is a no-show at the beginning of the match, elimination rules are in play for this match. Naturals and AMW begin the match brawling in the ring and on the floor. Stevens and Storm begin, Storm kicks Stevens in the head hard twice. Shelley tags himself in, dropkick to the back of the head. Back suplex by Shelley for two, forearm shots and A-1 cheap shots Shelley off an Irish whip. Shelley is in the ring with Young, Young tags in his partner A-1. Young and A-1 work over Shelley, shoulder thrusts by Young. A-1 is legal, A-1 chokes the life out of Shelley.


Tag to Young, A-1 misses a clothesline and Shelley takes both members of Team Canada down. Johnny Candido jumps the rail and is in the match? Ok, Johnny Candido clotheslines everyone before Young pins Candido with a small cradle.


Johnny Candido/Alex Shelley have been eliminated!


Storm nails diamond dust on Young, powerslam on A-1. Eye of The Storm on Young, cover and a two count. Off an Irish whip, A-1 cheap shots Storm. Snap suplex by Young for two, tag to A-1. A-1 chokes the life out of Storm before tagging Young. Snapmare and a reverse chinlock from Young on Storm, A-1 stomps and chokes Storm before tagging Young once again. Storm drops Young with a massive Superkick, hot tag to Harris. Shot to A-1, shots to The Naturals. A-1 tries an Irish whip, shoulder block by A-1 but Harris nails a Thesz press and right hands. Bulldog on A-1, A-1 fights off the catatonic and Harris nails a beautiful stalling suplex for two.Storm nails The Naturals, referee is distracted and we have Young eliminated AMW after A-1 nails Harris with a hockey stick.


AMW have been eliminated!


The Naturals are all over Young before A-1 nails Douglas with a cheap shot, right hands by Young. Douglas tries for a crucifix but Young nails a Samoan drop. Douglas is tossed to the floor and A-1 shoves over Jimmy Hart. Forearm shots by Young, high knee by Douglas and Stevens gets the hot tag. Right hands to A-1, Young eats an Alabama slam but A-1 makes the save. A-1 nails Stevens with a powerbomb, Douglas attacks A-1. A-1 places Douglas on the top turnbuckle, Douglas shoves off A-1 but here comes Young. Middle rope superplex by Young, Young pins Stevens for a two count, A-1 lifts Stevens up for an electric chair drop, Young is on the top rope and Jimmy Hart shoves Young off the top rope and A-1 eats The Natural Disaster for the win.


Good tag team match, still not a big fan of The Naturals. They just are not clicking with me as the top team of the division, AMW are acting heelish and they are saving the big match between The Naturals & AMW. Waltman is buried on air too during the match, I thought it was an angle until Waltman never appeared and Shelley got a new partner. Anyways, the action was good, nothing sloppy or way off, solid amount of time between eliminations and finish was fun.


Winners: The Naturals over Team Canada via Natural Disaster!


(NWA/TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match) Rhino vs Raven © (Raven’s Rules Match)


Rhino debuted attacking Raven and siding with Jarrett after Raven’s match with Abyss, Rhino pinned Raven at Sacrifice and was awarded a championship match. Two former ECW stars, two former hardcore champions and now they meet for the richest prize in TNA. Raven comes to the ring with a trolley full of weapons and I am getting flashbacks to Backlash 2001! Rhino has a kendo stick while Raven holds a chain in his hand. Rhino is hesitant to step in the ring with the champion, both men have kendo sticks before Raven charges at Rhino. Raven uses a crutch to rake the face of the challenger, Rhino shoves off Raven and grabs nunchucks while stomping and elbowing Raven.


Raven uses a pizza cutter on Rhino, Raven picks up two baking trays while Rhino is bleeding, baking trays to the head one after the over. Raven pulls out a ladder from under the ring, Rhino battles back with right hands on Raven. Rhino hits Raven with a beer keg, Raven avoids the third keg shot. Kendo stick by Raven, shots to the back by Raven. Two count for Raven, Raven applies an ankle lock. Rhino makes it to the ropes, Raven rolls to the floor. Rhino nails Raven with the trash can. Raven is bleeding now, Rhino kicks a trash can into Raven’s face. Rhino face washes Raven but Raven blocks the running boot for an ankle lock. Rhino swats away Raven with a trash can, Rhino has a staple gun.


Raven gets two put into his skull before Rhino grabs a chair. Rhino climbs to the top rope and attempts a splash, Raven moves at the last second. Raven jabs and nails a discuss clothesline, rebound clothesline from Raven. Knee lift, corner clothesline and a bulldog. Two count for the champion, Rhino cuts off Raven by slamming Raven’s head into a steel chair. Here comes Cassidy Riley, Raven’s lackey, Even Flow DDT by Raven but Riley distracts the referee by accident allowing Rhino to kick out at two. Rhino nails Raven with a ladder, ten punches in the corner by Rhino. Raven slips out and powerbombs Rhino on the ladder.


The ladder snaps but Rhino kicks out at two, Rhino powders and see-saws the ladder into Raven’s face. Cover and a two for Rhino, Rhino lifts the trolley into the ring. Raven rams the trolley into Rhino, Rhino low blows Raven and attempts The Gore but Raven Gores the trolley. Jarrett comes down to the ring and tries to whack Raven with the belt. Jeff Hardy grabs the belt from Jarrett, Even Flow DDT by Raven on Jarrett and an Even Flow DDT on Rhino. Raven retains his championship.


Another hardcore match on the card, I do not mind hardcore matches so I found the match entertaining at the very least. Must have been tough to have a hardcore style match when Abyss and Sabu used tables and thumbtacks. Lots of blood in this one, A Jarrett run-in (Yawn) and another win for Raven. It was good but I would like to see something different from Raven and Rhino who I have seen do this type of match throughout their whole career.


Winner: Raven over Rhino via Even Flow DDT!


(X-Division Championship Match) Christopher Daniels ©vs Samoa Joe vs AJ Styles


Here is what you came to see, the golden boy of TNA Styles, the most dominate wrestler in the X-Division Joe and the champion Daniels battling it out in the main event. The only five star rated match in TNA’s history, three of the very best. Joe won his opportunity at Daniels by beating Styles, Styles was added to the match due to the bad blood between Daniels and Styles. Kind of a copout but I will allow it for this match. They must have known this was going to be incredible as they got the main event spot over Raven & Rhino.


Daniels’ mouth gets him in trouble as Joe and Styles chop and punch Daniels. Stiff kicks to the spine by both men in a contest by Joe and Styles. Daniels gets up and screams “Stop kicking me!” before being kicked once more by the two challengers. Styles tries for multiple pines on Joe, Joe kicks out and goes for a Rings of Saturn. Daniels saves his championship, leaping calf kick by Daniels on Styles. Here comes Joe, chops and an enzuigiri to Daniels, Daniels falls to the floor. Forearms and kicks by Joe to Styles, Daniels trips Joe who was running the ropes. Daniels takes on both challengers, bulldog/enzugiri combination by Daniels. Joe is up, chops to the chest of Daniels.


Joe whips Styles into the corner, Daniels eats a huge uranage from Joe. Styles nails a headscissors takedown on Styles, Styles kicks Joe in the chest. Styles nails a clothesline on Daniels before Joe belly to belly suplexes Styles. Joe face washes Styles, Daniels pounces Joe out of the ring, split-legged moonsault by Daniels on Joe to the floor. Styles nails a springboard shooting star press onto Joe and Daniels, unbelievable move from Styles. Styles covers Joe in the ring, two for Styles. Joe eats a dropkick from Styles, another two for Styles. Styles nails Joe with forearms, in comes Daniels with chops to Styles. Daniels monkey flips Styles into Joe and Styles catches Joe with a hurricanrana.


O’Connor roll by Styles on Daniels for two, Daniels elevates Styles to the floor. High knee to Joe, Daniels slaps Joe. Joe fires back with a stiff rush, knees to the head. Daniels goes for an O’Connor roll, Joe counters with a coquina clutch. Styles breaks up the submission with a Spinal tap. Styles covers both men on after the other for a two count. Daniels tosses Styles to the floor, Daniels drops Joe with a complete shot. Daniels sets up for The BME, Styles crotches Daniels and places Daniels in the tree of woe. Joe takes out Styles with a knee, Joe murders Daniels with a brutal kick to the face. Inverted atomic drop on Styles and a kick to the face with a senton by Joe for a two count.


Daniels takes knees to the face before countering a third knee for a death valley driver. Styles interrupts the pin, chops on Daniels. Styles is knocked to the floor, Styles avoids the plancha. They have a slugfest before Joe nails a twisting suicide dive over the top rope. Joe has Daniels for The Muscle Buster, Daniels rakes the eyes of Joe to survive. Styles is on the top rope with Daniels, Joe joins the two men and hurls Styles and Daniels to the mat with a back body drop. All three men are down, right hands by Joe. Huge forearms thrown by the two, Styles fires up on Joe. Joe answers back with a huge German suplex, Styles is in the corner. Muscle Buster by Joe on Styles, Daniels has the championship belt. Joe nails a powerslam on Daniels as Daniels begs for mercy.


The referee tries taking the belt away before Daniels enzuigiris the belt into Joe’s face. Slugfest between Daniels and Styles, blue thunder bomb by Daniels for a two count. Uranage slam by Daniels, BME connects on Styles but Joe makes the save. Vicious kicks to Daniels, Daniels snapmares Joe and nails crossrhodes. Joe is out on the floor, Daniels whips Styles but Styles avoids the clothesline for the springboard reverse DDT. Two count for Styles, Styles is on the top rope. Daniels smacks Styles and climbs to the top rope, superplex by Daniels. Joe crawls onto Daniels and gets a two count, two count on Styles too. Joe powerbombs Daniels before transitioning into an STF. Daniels makes it to the ropes.


Headbutt by Joe on Daniels, a hard chop floors Daniels. Joe uppercuts Styles before Styles nails a Pele kick and picks up Joe for a torture rack into a slam, two count for Styles. Daniels slams Styles onto Joe, Styles slides out of a suplex for a sunset flip into The Styles Clash. Joe makes the save at two and a half, Styles is thrown to the floor by Joe. Daniels lowbridges Joe who hits the floor hard. Styles and Daniels exchange blows in the ring, Styles gains control. Eye poke by Daniels, Styles blocks The Angel’s Wings by backdropping Daniels and pinning Daniels’ shoulders to the mat, Styles wins the championship.


A fantastic match, they threw everything they had into this match. So many memorable moments in this match, the shooting star press, Joe’s twisting dive, Styles’ Spinal Tap and the finish. Everyone was on their A Game, Styles was flying around like a madman, Joe was killing people left, right and centre, Daniels was crafty and taking advantage when the other two were weak. It was nonstop action from the very beginning, never a dull moment and you wanted to see more every time these three touched in the ring. TNA made the right call putting this as the main event, it is one of the most memorable matches in TNA history and kudos to all three men involved in the match.


Winner: AJ Styles over Daniels & Joe via pin-fall!


TNA’S Unbreakable of 2005 was an ok show by TNA standards, a lot of the matches seemed to be just there, Aries vs Strong was a good showcase for those two. The hardcore matches were interesting but I felt I have seen the same Abyss match and Raven match for that matter far too many times now. Sabin and Williams was solid, the referee spot bothers me as it was far too stupid for that match. The rest of the undercard was nothing special, the tag matches were ok and the tag team championship match was the same thing I have seen for months on end now, they are in desperate need of fresh blood. The main event was pure gold, action from beginning to end with no dull moments in between. Check out this pay per view only for that match and remember: There’s always another night!



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