Sunday 30 April 2017

WWE Unforgiven 2003 Review

Image result for wwe unforgiven 2003


Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! Extended absence? I know, a lot of things have changed since the last review but I am back and it’s time to continue critiquing a fake sport that we love oh so much. Tonight’s review looks at WWE’s Unforgiven 2003, a Raw exclusive pay per view which can only mean fun if you have been following my reviews over the past number of months. The big matches at Unforgiven include Kane vs Shane Mcmahon, Goldberg vs Triple H and a young Randy Orton taking his first steps on the path to stardom as he faces Shawn Michaels. Like any Raw show from this time, it has potential but will I be pulling out my hair by the end? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

The same promo which plays at every Unforgiven and Judgement Day, the women with the seductive but creepy voice questioning our mortalities and what makes good man, what makes a bad man, there is no justice, we are all unforgiven. It is stuff that I have seen a lot now and it does not register as impactful but Triple H’s teardown of Goldberg in the opening promo is pretty, epic heel stuff. Too bad it cannot erase what happened at Summerslam…

(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) La Resistance © vs The Dudley Boyz (Handicap Tables Match)

Meant to be a six-man tag but La Resistance botched a table spot and messed up Spike’s neck. La Resistance were Vince’s favourite act, they rose through the ranks and won the championships despite in my eyes, not earning the opportunity and their gimmick carrying them through the matches. Rob Conway was a new edition following an assault on The Dudleys. D-Von and Dupree begin the match, D-Von mat slams Dupree before Dupree backs D-Von into the corner, tag to Conway. Conway eats a shoulder block and a scoop slam followed by a leg drop. Bubba and D-Von double clothesline Conway, tag to Bubba.

Conway is placed in the tree of woe and whacked over and over. Clothesline by Bubba, shot to Dupree and Grenier. Bubba splashes all members of La Resistance, double flapjack to Conway. Conway whacks Bubba in the back off an Irish whip, Dupree takes control of Bubba. Tag to Conway, a chop floors Bubba. Tag to Grenier, Grenier chokes Bubba. Dupree and Grenier slam Bubba to the mat, right hands by Dupree. Tag to Conway, sleeper by Conway but Bubba counters for a back suplex. D-Von receives a tag and cleans house,  neckbreaker to Conway. Flying clothesline to Dupree, Conway jumps D-Von but Bubba blind tags in, Reverse 3D.

What’s Up headbutt to Dupree, a table is placed in the corner of the ring. Grenier & Conway beat down The Dudley Boyz, Dupree places a table in the corner, D-Von is Irish whipped through the table, Bubba is the remaining member of his team. Bubba battles against everyone but Conway plants Bubba with a DDT. Grenier is alone with Bubba, Bubba and Grenier slug it out with Bubba winning the war. Bubba suplexes Grenier through the table, Conway chokes Bubba immediately after the suplex. La Resistance try a back drop through the table but D-Von moves the table. Dupree decks Conway by mistake, Bubba Bomb to Dupree.

Conway is slammed through two tables on the floor by The Dudley Boyz, only Dupree remains for La Resistance. Dupree drops The Dudley Boyz with a clothesline, Dupree grabs D-Von. D-Von escapes a scoop slam and Dupree’s fate is sealed as The Dudleys secure victory with a 3D through the table.

A fun opening match, I felt the feud was stale and the matches were not great from a quality standpoint but you add tables to the mix and everything becomes that little more interesting. Especially when you stack the odds against the babyfaces and The Dudleys come out on top to become champions once more. Good stuff, let’s hope this feud is over.


Winners: The Dudley Boyz over La Resistance via 3D through the table!

Test vs Scott Steiner

This is still going? Wow, Test was a bully, he abused Stacy, put her in harm’s way and treated her like a doormat. Scott Steiner came to Stacy’s rescue, Steiner won Stacy’s services after a match at Bad Blood but it looks like that has been changed somehow, it is not explained in the promo so, I cannot really tell what is happening. Stacy will be free if Steiner wins this match, it is a slight variation of the match at Bad Blood, the change is so little that you could barely class it as a change. Anyways, Test is a jerk and it should be time for his ass to be kicked.

Steiner is assaulted by Test before the bell rings, Test slags off Stacy before eating a scoop slam from Steiner for two. Steiner clubs the shit out of Test, big chops by Steiner. Clothesline by Steiner, theatrics elbow for two followed by push-ups. Test hides behind Stacy, Stacy slaps Test and Steiner puts the boots to Test. Steiner checks on Stacy, Test jumps up and hurls Steiner into the steel steps. Steiner comes back with chops before Test nails a full-nelson slam for two. Corner clothesline and push-ups by Test, right hands by Steiner. Sleeper by Test, Stacy rallies the crowd for Steiner.

 Steiner fights out to eat a big elbow, Test climbs to the top rope. Steiner catches Test for a Northern Lights suplex, clotheslines by Steiner. Belly to belly by Steiner for two, Test hides behind the referee. Eye poke by Test, pump handle slam by Test does not connect, double underhook powerbomb by Steiner for two. Test hides behind the referee and low blows Steiner, Test uses the ropes for leverage but Stacy shoves off Test’s feet. Test grabs Stacy but Stacy hangmans Test, falling reverse DDT by Steiner for a close two.

Test drops Steiner with a pump handle slam and calls for The Big Boot. Stacy distracts Test by showing her assets to the world, Test swings and misses Stacy. Roll-up by Steiner for two, clothesline by Test who chases Stacy. Stacy runs into Steiner and Test Big Boots Steiner for two. Test exposes a top turnbuckle, Test grabs a chair from ringside. Stacy has the chair but she wallops Steiner by mistake. Big Boot by Test and Stacy is still Test’s slave and so is Scott Steiner.

Well, that was not awful. This is the third pay per view match between the two so they know what they are doing, they are familiar with one another. Did not expect false-finishes in this kind of match but there you go, I do not know what else to show, it was not great and it was not awful. Better than you could hope for but I cannot help feel that Steiner deserved so much more in the WWE.

Winner: Test over Scott Steiner via Big Boot!

Randy Orton W/ Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels

The Legend Killer, a gimmick that launched the star which we know today as Randy Orton. Orton thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread, Shawn Michaels is a living legend and believes that Orton is getting a little ahead of himself. Big test for Randy Orton, Orton had main evented Summerslam in the elimination chamber but this is a one on one match with The Heartbreak Kid.

Michaels takes the back of Orton and slaps the youngster’s head. Lock-up and hammerlock by Michaels, hiptoss and side headlock by Michaels. Stare-down with Orton being frustrated by Michaels, lock-up and side headlock by Orton. Michaels fights back, shoulder block and right hands by Michaels. Orton skins the cat and dropkicks Michaels, clothesline by Orton for two. Scoop slam by Orton, Michaels blocks a double axe handle for an inverted atomic drop. Clotheslines by Michaels and Michaels skins the cat, showing Orton how it is all done.

Baseball slide by Michaels, crossbody to the floor by Michaels. Michaels has Orton on the apron, Orton slides out and grabs hold of Michaels, Michaels counters for a German suplex, Michaels gets two. Victory roll pin for two by Michaels, Orton is driven into the turnbuckle. Orton blocks an oncoming Michaels with a boot, right hands by Orton. Michaels turns the tide and chops Orton, lighting up Orton’s chest. Chops by Orton, both men trade control over and over. The referee pulls off Michaels, right hands by Orton but Michaels whips Orton into the corner.

Orton dodges an oncoming Michaels and Michaels smashes his shoulder off the ringpost, Orton drags away the referee and Flair puts the boots to Michaels. Orton lawn darts Michaels shoulder first into the ringpost, shoulder thrusts by Orton. Orton drops his knees onto Michaels’ arm before applying a hammerlock. Michaels fights back, Orton goes for the shoulder with a single arm DDT for two. Short-arm scissors by Orton, Orton pulls on the arm of Michaels. Michaels fights out of the hold, small package by Michaels for two. Irish whip by Orton, Michaels avoids the dropkick and pummels Orton. Chops by Michaels, flying forearm by Michaels.

Kip-up from Michaels, inverted atomic drop followed by right hands. Back body drop, Flair is decked by Michaels. Orton is tossed to the floor, Michaels throw haymakers at a prone Orton. Orton meets the barricade, Michaels is on the top rope. Flair runs to Michaels but Michael shakes off Flair, double axe handle to Orton for two. Orton reverses an Irish whip and Michaels is turned inside out, Orton is on the middle rope, Michaels blocks Orton with a boot to the face. Michaels measures Orton, Sweet Chin Music is blocked and countered for an RKO, cover by Orton and Michaels kicks out at two.

Orton is on the top rope, Michaels dodges the crossbody from Orton. Michaels and Flair meet again, Flair is knocked on his ass and Michaels scores with his elbow drop. Michaels screams in pain, selling his shoulder injury. Cover with one arm and Orton kicks out at two, Michaels kips-up. Michaels runes up the band, Sweet Chin Music by Michaels and Flair places Orton’s foot on the ropes. The referee does not see the foot but upon seeing it, reverses his decision. Flair hands Orton brass knuckles, Michaels lands Sweet Chin Music on Flair and attempts to back suplex Orton from the apron into the ring but Orton Kos Michaels with the brass knuckles, Orton walks out the winner.

That’s what I like to see, a good story with a good match to go along with it. Michaels and Orton feel one another out in the beginning, Orton’s cockiness does not pay off as Michaels teaches Orton a lesson in humility. A mistake from Michaels leads to Orton dishing out the punishment to Michaels, good ringwork from Orton. Michaels shows great fire as usual, the crowd are wetting themselves in anticipation of The Sweet Chin Music. Michaels scores but Flair costs Michaels dearly and Orton steals the win, Orton proved he could hang with the best on this night.

Winner: Randy Orton over Shawn Michaels via Brass Knuckles!

Trish Stratus & Lita vs Molly Holly & Gail Kim

Lita is back! Something different in the division? I do not believe it, all jokes aside it is great to see Lita back in the ring where she belongs. Nice to see Gail Kim on pay per view and where did Molly Holly come out of as champion? What happened to Jazz? The heels jump Lita & Trish, Trish & Lita nails the heels with poetry in motion. Double baseball slide, Gail and Lita kick us off, arm drags by Lita. Back body drop, snap suplex and a kip-up. Tag to Trish, senton by Trish for two. Chops by Trish, clothesline by Trish for two.

Schoolgirl by Trish for two, matrix move into a Chick Kick. Molly saves Gail, chops by Trish and Gail reverses the Irish whip, Molly lowbridges Trish. Trish is rammed into the barricade, dragon-like sleeper by Molly. Tag to Gail, Gail locks in the same hold, Trish bridges out after using the top turnbuckle. Molly trips up Lita, Trish is dragged to Gail’s corner. Tag to Molly, front chancery by Molly. Gail distracts the referee so he does not see the tag. Backbreaker by Molly for two, Gail gets the tag.

Trish takes down both Molly & Gail using a headscissors/bulldog combination, Gail cuts off Trish from the hot-tag. Scoop slam by Gail, Gail misses a middle rope senton, tag to Lita. Clotheslines by Lita, dropkick to Gail. Monkey flip and punches by Lita to Molly, headscissors by Lita. Lita powerbombs Gail, Molly clubs Lita in the back. Molly is climbing to the top, Trish nails her headstand headscissors, Reverse Twist of Fate by Lita and Lita drops Molly with The Litasault.

Good return match for Lita, something different for the Raw women. Lita was and still is one of the most athletic and popular women to ever be in the company so to have her back on tv was a great thing for The WWE. Trish plays a good face in peril, the heels work the back and it builds to Lita’s triumphant return. No complaints for me.

Winners: Lita & Trish Stratus over Gail Kim & Molly Holly via Litasault!

(Last Man Standing Match) Shane Mcmahon vs Kane

Kane had unmasked and gone wild, Kane ran through RVD, JR and even tombstoned Linda Mcmahon. This led to Shane’s return, Shane vowed to gain revenge, the feud got silly in a hurry with electrocution to testicles and people being thrown into pits of fire. Now, let me be clear: I enjoy Shane Mcmahon, Shane never fails to deliver in the ring but this was not the best move for Kane who seemed to just get his mojo back. Kane was like the Kane of 1997, the Kane who did not give a damn and was a monster so why screw over your hot heel by having him have a believable match with Shane Mcmahon?

Shane attacks Kane from behind on the ramp, a flurry of chair shots by Shane. Kane stays down until five before stumbling to his feet, Shane goes for the feet of Kane. Shane sends Kane’s leg into the ringpost before Kane kicks off Shane. Shane bangs Kane’s head off the steel steps repeatedly, Shane jabs Kane but Kane says enough with this crap, Shane is shoved into the crowd. Shane dives onto Kane but Kane slams Shane onto the floor. Uppercut by Kane, right hands by Kane. Kane flattens Shane with steel steps to the head, Kane kicks Shane in the ribs in the ring.

Chokeslam by Kane, Shane survives so Kane destroys the referee. Kane decides against Tombstoning Shane, Kane grabs the steel steps. Kane tries for The Tombstone, Shane slides out and Shane bulldogs Kane onto the steel steps, Shane baseball slides the steps into Kane’s head. Shane nails Kane with steel steps over and over, Shane positions Kane for Coast to Coast. Kane is rocked in the face with the steel steps, no referee to make the count. Both men make the count at nine, Kane throws Shane to the floor. Kane beats Shane towards the entrance stage, Kane misses a clothesline and hits a wall hard. Shane knees and wallops Kane in a massive battle.

Kane flings Shane into the stage, Shane makes it to his feet by seven. Kane throws Shane into the stage multiple times. Kane makes his way toward the Spanish announce table, Kane tips the table onto Shane but it turns out Shane dodged the blow, Shane smacks Kane with a sheet and a camera. Shane chokes Kane with a handful of cables, Kane is dragged towards the stage and it looks like the Big Red Monster might be on his last legs. Kane grabs Shane for a Chokeslam, Shane goes low and DDTs Kane.

Shane slams a monitor onto Kane’s head, Shane looks up towards the sky and it seems Shane has an idea. Shane begins climbing higher and higher, Shane is on top of the Unforgiven stage. Shane attempts an Elbow Drop but Kane moves at the last second, Shane does not move and Kane is declared the winner as Shane cannot break the count.

Hard to hate a match where the fans are into to such a degree that they cheer event the little things. I will say that Shane & Kane have an entertaining and fun match but what can we look for from Kane now? Kane could barely beat Shane, how will anybody believe in Kane as a top title contender?  A fun match but counterproductive in terms of what you are doing with Kane.

Winner: Kane over Shane Mcmahon via Shane not making The Ten Count!

Austin & Jericho Promo

Jericho is not happy with Austin, Jericho gets in Austin’s face calling Austin a disgrace. Austin asks for Jericho to hit him but Jericho will not do it, Jericho asks Austin to watch as Jericho wins The Intercontinental Championship.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Christian © vs Chris Jericho vs Rob Van Dam

 Christian did not want to face either man so, Christian interrupted a number one contender’s match between the two. However, Christian’s plan backfired as now Christian must defend against both men in this triple threat match. Jericho & Christian attack RVD, double dropkick by RVD. Christian is elevated to the floor, Jericho has RVD on the apron. RVD suplexes Jericho to the floor, moonsault by RVD onto Jericho & Christian. RVD shoulder thrusts Christian and dropkicks the champion, monkey flip to Christian for two. Spinning heel kick by RVD to Christian, Jericho reappears for a flying crossbody for two.

Jericho chops RVD, Jericho misses a flying forearm and RVD lands a moonsault. Diving thrust kick by RVD, Christian prevents RVD’s Rolling Thunder. Christian sends RVD into the steel steps, Jericho covers RVD for two. Christian & Jericho shove one another, both men put the boots to RVD. Double back elbow, Christian holds RVD and Jericho throws jabs at RVD. Big botch as RVD attempts to flip over Jericho and Jericho fucks up the spot completely. Repeat the spot and RVD starts kicking everything in sight, enzuigiri by Jericho cuts off RVD for two. RVD creates some space with a double DDT, two count for RVD on Jericho.

Huge kick by RVD, RVD wipes out Christian with a tope con hilo. Jericho drops RVD with a springboard moonsault. Cover by Jericho for two, Jericho chokes RVD with tape from his wrist. Reverse chinlock by Jericho, RVD tries a hurricanrana on Jericho, Jericho counters for a Walls of Jericho. RVD is dragged to the centre of the ring, Christian waffles Jericho. The best friends come to blows, both men trade control with Christian ramming Jericho off the barricade. Christian is hurled into the steel steps, reverse elbow by Jericho for two. Christian avoids the modified bulldog, falling reverse DDT for two by Christian.

Christian is on the top rope, Jericho crotches Christian. Top rope superplex by Jericho, RVD tries stealing the pin but Christian kicks out at two. Springboard crossbody by RVD on Jericho for two, Jericho kicks RVD and scores with a modified bulldog. Lionsault misses, Jericho lands on his feet. Spinning heel kick by RVD for two, Christian dives aiming for RVD but Jericho eats the blow. Christian is dropped onto Jericho, RVD lands a Five Star Frog Splash onto Christian and Jericho.

 RVD covers Jericho but Christian makes the save, RVD throws Christian to the floor. Jericho is kicked in the head, Jericho is on the top rope and RVD is looking for a back superplex. RVD has Jericho in the electric chair position, Christian comes in and powerbombs RVD. Cover and RVD kicks out, Christian crawls to Jericho but Jericho places his foot on the ropes. RVD waffles Christian with a spinning heel kick, Jericho is on the floor. Christian has the championship, RVD catapults Christian into Jericho. Roll-up by RVD for two, spinning heel kick and Christian is down, RVD kicks Jericho off. Christian has the championship, RVD dives onto the championship and Christian rolls up RVD to retain.

Way too long for my liking, it follows the standard triple threat formula but the action in the ring when it was down to two was not hitting the mark. It was sloppy and choppy in parts, crowd seemed quiet too. Maybe they were burnt out from the last match? They stay silent until the tower of doom spot, all three are good workers but this was not their night.

Winner: Christian over RVD & Jericho via roll-up!

Triple H promo

Triple H tells us a story that would make it straight to DVD if WWE produced it, Triple H calls for the end of Goldberg’s career.

(Winners to announce for Raw) Jerry Lawler & JR vs Al Snow & The Coach

Coach turned heel, Coach showed to be quite great in his role as an asshole. This was before Coach’s run-in with The Rock but you can see that The Coach has it in him and the comedic timing that some WWE wrestlers do not have. Weird to see Al Snow on pay per view too, I feel like I am in bizarro land. No commentary for this match, that’s a terrible idea. You can feel every awkward sound from the crowd as they look at this trash.

Lawler tris pinning Snow early, lock-up and side headlock by Lawler. Shoulder block for two, Snow sweeps and covers Lawler for two. Another lock-up, huge shot by Snow. Lawler shakes off Snow before Snow suckers in Lawler, vicious stomps by Snow. Clothesline by Snow for two, cover by Snow for two. Right hands by Lawler, hard Irish whip by Snow. Lawler eats a clothesline from Snow for two, abdominal stretch by Snow. Back body drop by Snow, clubbing blows by Snow.

Lawler Piledrives Snow, cover and Snow places his foot on the ropes. Lawler reaches for JR, elbow by Snow. Coach tags in, clubbing blows by Coach. Irish whip by Coach, multiple covers by Coach for two. Coach misses a bronco buster, Lawler decks Snow. Lawler waffles Coach, scoop slam and a diving fist drop. Snow makes the save, tag to JR. Snow is lowblowed by JR and clotheslined to the floor, JR clotheslines Coach. Lawler has Snow on the floor, the referee is with the two. JR beats the piss out of Coach, Jericho runs down and dropkicks JR in the back of the head. Coach and Snow are now the commentators of Raw.

Garbage match, garbage angle. Jericho does screw over Austin by having his best friend fired which at least is keeping up with what they were booking. But man alive, this match sucked, it was so awkward. JR is meant to be crying in his hands, how many times has JR been fired? Just stupid, Snow & Coach lasted less time than a sneeze.

Winners: Snow & Coach over JR & Jerry Lawler via Shenanigans!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Triple H © vs Goldberg

The phrase strike while the iron is hot comes to mind with this mess of an angle. Goldberg’s WWE career was hit and miss by this point but at Summerslam, Goldberg was on a level that made it feel WCW 1998 all over again, Goldberg’s career is on the line in this match but last month was the time to have Goldberg go over. Instead, we have Triple H in shorts due to his groin injury, barely able to work with an opponent that needs carrying in long matches. Did Triple H need the belt for another month? No, he did not and this is why so many point the finger at him as a man who has held others down.

Lock-up, stalemate. Another lock-up, Triple H smashes Goldberg with right hands, Goldberg military press slams Triple H. Triple H takes the arm and wrenches, Goldberg blocks a suplex and slams Triple H to the mat. Slugfest, Triple H rakes the eyes of Goldberg. Goldberg back body drops Triple H, Triple H tries throwing Goldberg to the floor, Goldberg is back before Triple H takes a breath, clothesline by Goldberg. Double underhook suplex by Goldberg, Goldberg is thinking Spear, Triple H counters with a huge knee.

Clothesline by Triple H, Goldberg is on the floor. Triple H drops an elbow on the back of the head for two, another slugfest. Triple H sends Goldberg’s leg into the ringpost, chop blocks by Triple H. Figure four using the ropes for leverage, Goldberg powers out after much struggling. Knee drops by Triple H, Goldberg blocks the knee on the third attempt, massive boot by Goldberg. Clotheslines by Goldberg, Goldberg is selling the arm but Triple H worked the leg? Ok, powerslam by Goldberg for two.

Triple H is on the floor, Triple H is bleeding after meeting the steel steps. Goldberg whips Triple H into the ring, Triple H begs for mercy. Triple H shoves Goldberg into the referee, low blow and DDT by Triple H. Goldberg avoids The Pedigree by back dropping Triple H to the floor. Triple H has his sledgehammer, Goldberg is nailed in the jaw with the sledgehammer. Triple H measures for the final blow and Goldberg Spears Triple H. Jackhammer by Goldberg and Goldberg is your new World Heavyweight Champion.

Yeah, this match did not come off like they wanted to at all. It was slow and sluggish, Goldberg sold his arm but Triple H worked the leg? Why was Goldberg holding his arm? Why was Triple H wrestling such a long match when he is injured? Why could Goldberg not run over Triple H? You built it up and it just did not come off, you were one month late WWE and that’s what you get for it, a lukewarm reaction to the match and your new champion.

Winner: Goldberg over Triple H via Jackhammer!

There you have it, that was WWE’s Unforgiven 2003. It was alright, I have seen worse during this year, the standout match is Orton vs Michaels, Orton is picking up steam and one to look out for in the future. The tables match was fun and Lita’s return was a nice moment. The likes of The Intercontinental Championship match, the announcer’s match and Kane vs Shane ranged from terrible to silly booking. Too long, dead crowds and Kane making Shane a threat do not help this pay per view. The main event was a drag too, should have been over in five minutes but you had to have that long main event match didn’t you Triple H? You had to even though you were injured, could have saved me twenty minutes if you just did the job and saved yourself from further injury. Anyways, come back next time for TNA’s Bound For Glory 2005 and remember: There’s always another night!



Related image

Tuesday 11 April 2017

WWE Summerslam 2003 Review

Image result for wwe summerslam 2003 


Hello and welcome to another sunny-edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! We are deep into 2003 and it's time for Summerslam, one of the big four pay per views. We have an Elimination Chamber Match for The World Heavyweight Championship, Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle for The WWE Championship, A fresh, heel and unmasked Kane against RVD and Shane Mcmahon vs Eric Bischoff, it's WWE Blockbuster of The Summer but will be a flop? There is only one way to find out, let's rock!

Opening Promo




They do not give me one on The Network, possibly due to the use of St. Anger by Metallica as the theme for the pay per view, the show opens with some military flag-bearers and Lillian Garcia singing The National Anthem. Lillian does a great job which is no surprise. Hold on a minute, we do have a promo with an Irish sounding priest talking about sin and death, glad to see our country represented on pay per view. It is a joint pay per view with all announcers talking about the pay per view.



(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) The Dudley Boyz vs La Resistance (C)



La Resistance are your tag team champions, they disrespect Americans and there is no difference between La Resistance and The Un-Americans, The Un-Americans were better workers too. Shame really, Rob Conway had just joined La Resistance so we have a three-man group now. The Dudleys meet the champions on the ramp, The Dudleys pummel Grenier & Dupree. Dupree is choked with The French flag, leaping clothesline and dropkick by D-Von on Dupree, Grenier eats a clothesline.



Dupree backs D-Von into the corner, Grenier is in the ring. Clothesline by D-Von and a nice scoop slam, leg drop for two. Tag to Bubba, clubbing blows by Bubba. Chest slap, Grenier is in the tree of woe, Bubba steps on Grenier's little man and more chest slaps from Bubba. Back elbow and a choke, Dupree is whipped into Grenier, corner splash by Bubba and The Dudley Boyz control the ring. Right hands by Bubba, Grenier clubs Bubba from the apron, back suplex and elbows by Dupree for two. Grenier is legal, double shoulder block, low blow by Grenier as the referee deals with D-Von. Hard Irish whip by Dupree, bearhug by Dupree.



Headbutts by Bubba, right hand to Grenier but Dupree scores with a spinebuster before D-Von saves Bubba, Bubba Bomb on Grenier. D-Von gets the hot-tag, clotheslines to everyone. Back drop to Dupree, neckbreaker to Grenier, Grenier is on the floor. Powerslam on Dupree for two, leaping clothesline by D-Von. Grenier grabs D-Von from the apron, Dupree knocks Grenier by mistaker and D-Von rolls-up Dupree for two. Double spinebuster by La Resistance for two, Bubba tees off on Dupree, What's Up Headbutt to Grenier.



3D to Dupree, Grenier pulls out the referee at two, a cameraman nails D-Von in the back of the head, Dupree is placed on top of D-Von and La Resistance retain their championships. The cameraman wipes out Bubba and Spike, the cameraman is revealed to be Rob Conway, La Resistance steal the win.



It was alright, crowd was hot for the match and The Dudleys & La Resistance did nothing to ruin the crowd's mood. Still not buying La Resistance as the best tag team on Raw, The Dudleys feel stale chasing the championships and it has been a month, one month! Feuds with Rodney Mack and now this, it feels like The Dudley Boyz need something new, the match was fine but these teams feel stale to me.

 

Winners: La Resistance over The Dudley Boyz via Shenanigans!

Christian/Eric Bischoff Segment




Eric Bischoff is training for match with Shane, Christian is annoyed he is not on the show, asks can he help Bischoff, Bischoff says no. So, Christian asks did Bischoff do anything with Linda Mcmahon, Bischoff says he will reveal all later tonight. Ewww.

Undertaker vs A-Train




A-Train is Vince's hired gun, A-Train took out Stephanie and has set his sights on The American Badass, nice bit of continuity as Taker's ribs are taped up, they were worked on by Cena at Vengeance, A-Train attacked Undertaker with a lead pipe, Undertaker is like a wounded animal. Lock-up, A-Train looks to attack the ribs, Sable is in A-Train's corner. Shoulder block by A-Train, side headlock by A-Train. Another shoulder block, knees by Taker. Russian legsweep by Taker for two, elbows in the corner by Taker. Right hands by A-Train, Taker recovers off an Irish whip for a running DDT for two, Taker works the arm of A-Train.



Leaping clothesline by Taker, Old School by Taker. A-Train lowbridges Taker and that's how Taker's ribs are hurt. Shots to the kidneys by A-Train, two for A-Train. Foot choke by A-Train, more forearms and knees to the ribs of Taker. Suplex by A-Train, Taker fights back from his knees before A-Train headbutts Taker. Taker fires up, A-Train is caught in a sleeper before countering with a back suplex, rib shot by A-Train. Snake eyes by Taker, Taker misses the big boot and we have a malfunction at the junction with both men colliding in the middle of the ring. Taker unloads on A-Train with right hands, slugfest and Taker is in control.



Big boot and leg drop by Taker for two, apron leg drop by Taker. Corner clothesline, make it two, Taker calls for The Last Ride, A-Train shoves Taker into the referee. Baldo Bomb by A-Train for two, Taker clotheslines the referee by mistake. Bicycle Kick by A-Train, A-Train grabs a steel chair, Taker boots the chair into A-Train's head. Two for Taker, A-Train slides out of a Tombstone, Chokeslam by Taker and the match is over. Sable comes onto Taker, Stephanie comes out and beats up Sable.



That match was a let-down, there was not much of a heat segment from A-Train, it was a simple story to tell with Taker's injured ribs but nothing ever came together, it felt half-assed from A-Train, Sable was pointless to have at ringside except for the last spot, if you bring out a valet and she is a heel, there should be a safe bet that she will get involved but nope, she was just there for The Stephanie spot at the end of everything, they might call it a huge win for Taker but A-Train never looked like a threat to The Undertaker.

 

Winner: The Undertaker over A-Train via Chokeslam!

Eric Bischoff vs Shane Mcmahon




Ok, Kane had unmasked and attacked Linda Mcmahon, Shane returned and promised to beat the crap out of Kane, Shane nailed Kane with a chair and knocked him off the Raw stage. Now, for whatever reason, there is no match between the two at Summerslam as RVD is being fed to Kane to end their feud which is completely overshadowed by this point and Shane Mcmahon is facing Eric Bischoff because Austin said you might as well fight someone, this sounds lame and it is, it feels thrown together and it does not have to be this way, you could have had Shane vs Kane and not this piece of shit storyline.



Bischoff claims to have had sex with Linda Mcmahon multiple times, nice image for everyone reading this review (Sorry I apologize). Shane stomps and elbows Bischoff in the corner, forearms to the face by Shane, Bischoff is thrown to the floor and Bischoff tries leaving, clothesline by Shane. Shots to the back of the head by Shane, kick to the ribs by Shane. Bischoff is hurled into the barricade, and rammed into the ring apron and into the barriacde again. Bischoff is floored by a left jab, Bischoff is pounced off the announce table, The Coach cracks Shane with a chair, this is beginning of The Coach as a heel, I love Coach.



Bischoff makes the match a no DQ and falls count anywhere match, Shane kicks out after being thrown into the steel steps, Coach flings Shane into the ring, Coach grabs Shane. Bischoff cuts off JR & Jerry Lawler, Coach calls the moves while Bischoff kicks Shane. Coach is great, Bischoff kicks Shane in the head multiple times. Shane fights back, DDT to Bischoff, elbows to Coach. Low blow by Coach, Austin's music hits and The Coach wets himself. Coach stands up to Austin, Coach does not touch Austin but Shane shoves Coach into Austin. Cue Austin killing Coach, just beautiful, Shane joins in stomping Coach.



Austin leaves after Stunnering Bischoff as Bischoff laid a hand on Austin thanks to Shane's help, Shane pulls up Bischoff up after The Stunner, Shane wants to put Bischoff through the announce table, Bischoff is placed on the table and Shane dives through the table with His Elbow Drop. The Match comes to and end with Shane gaining revenge.



Way too long, it really did not need to happen. Like I said above, they should have gone right to Shane vs Kane even though that did derail the push Kane was receiving at the time. I did love Coach's heel turn, the guy seemed to be loving every second of his time and I like to see that but this match was pointless and went too long, a waste of Shane in my eyes.

 

Winner: Shane Mcmahon over Eric Bischoff via Elbow Drop!

Randy Orton/Ric Flair




Flair is telling Orton to protect Triple H, Orton says all is good. Orton talks about what-ifs, Triple H appears and warns Orton there is not waht-ifs, looks like they were planting the seeds a whole year before Orton would win the championship.



(WWE United States Championship Match) Eddie Guerrero (C) vs Chris Benoit vs Rhyno vs Tajiri



Eddie Guerrero won the championship at Vengeance thanks to Rhyno. Rhyno was Benoit's tag partner and screwed The Rabid Wolverine out of the championship. Tajiri had been a former partner of Eddie Guerrero and maybe because Heyman is booking Smackdown, Tajiri is in this match. Everyone wants to kill Eddie, Tajiri is on the floor. Benoit and Rhyno start the match, clothesline by Rhyno, Benoit applies The Crossface, Eddie takes out Benoit before staying on the floor. Tajiri kicks the head off Rhyno and Benoit, Rhyno comes back with a clothesline on Tajiri.



The three challengers take turns hammering Eddie, Rhyno powerslams Eddie. Benoit goes after Rhyno, snap suplex by Benoit for two. Tajiri attacks Benoit, chop by Benoit. Back suplex by Benoit, Eddie makes the save. Rhyno is tossed to the floor as is Benoit by Eddie, monkey flip and tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Tajiri on Eddie, Rhyno breaks up the pin. Benoit and Rhyno brawl, Rhyno drills Benoit into the turnbuckle, Eddie tries stealing the pin but Rhyno is not happy, superplex by Rhyno on Eddie. Tajiri breaks up the pin, kicks by Tajiri. Handspring elbow by Tajiri on Benoit, Eddie makes the save. Rhyno back suplexes Eddie for two, headscissors takedown by Eddie on Rhyno.



Hurricanrana by Eddie on Benoit for two, Rhyno and Benoit brawl some more until Rhyno clotheslines Benoit, Eddie tosses Rhyno to the floor. Eddie and Tajiri are in the ring, Lasso from El Paso by Eddie, Benoit has Rhyno in The Crippler Crossface. Tajiri makes it to the ropes and Eddie dropkicks Benoit. Eddie poses and Benoit locks in The Crossface, Rhyno saves the championship. Tajiri blocks a powerbomb but eats a spinebuster from Rhyno, dropkick by Benoit. Benoit grabs Tajiri for German suplexes, Tajiri blocks the third for his own German suplex for two. Tajiri grabs Benoit for The Tarantula, Eddie has the championship.



Rhyno Gores Eddie but Eddie uses the championship as a shield, Tajiri kicks Eddie off the top rope, Benoit has Tajiri in the tree of woe, Benoit lands a Diving Headbutt on Rhyno and Tajiri saves the match at the last second. Benoit ducks the Buzzsaw kick, Tajiri hurricanranas Benoit to the floor and Eddie Frog Splashes Rhyno for the win.



That was a good match, good workes can never go wrong. What is super clear from this match is Eddie is gaining some serious momentum, the chants were all throughout for Eddie, bigger things must be in the future for Latino Heat. Anyways, this was a fun match with plenty of hard-hitting action, false-finishes and a good finish that builds the character of Latino Heat as an opportunist who will do whatever it takes to retain his championship.

 

Winner: Eddie Guerrero over Everyone Else via Frog Splash!




(WWE Championship Match) Kurt Angle (C) vs Brock Lesnar



Kurt Angle returned and won The WWE Championship, Kurt and Brock were friends but Brock would turn his back on Kurt and align himself with Vince Mcmahon. Vince challenged Brock to a steel cage match, Kurt Angle was the special referee, Brock was assaulted earlier in the night, swerve! Brock was not injured, Vince has Brock in his pocket and now they fight to see who is the best, Brock was a monster babyface but his best work is as a heel so I am looking forward to seeing this match.



We have a nice stare-down with Mike Chioda laying down the rules, no handshake between the two. Lock-up, Lesnar shoves back Angle. Angle takes the back of Lesnar, Lesnar has Angle in a hammerlock, Angle counters for a side headlock. Lock-up, Angle trips Lesnar, we have another stand-off. Lock-up and Lesnar shoves down Angle, another lock-up with the same result. Angle shoves Lesnar into the corner by the back of his head, arm drags by Angle. Lesnar powders, Lesnar grabs the championship and walks out of the arena. Angle decks Lesnar, right hands by Angle but Lesnar clubs his way back into the match.



Angle goes for the leg, knes by Lesnar. Belly to belly suplex by Angle for two, Lesnar military presses Angle to the floor. Lesnar sends Angle into the steel steps, Lesnar back drops Angle for two. Angle counters a military press for an O Connor roll, two for Angle and Lesnar regains control with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Rear-naked choke by Lesnar, Angle fires up but Lesnar cuts off Angle with a knee to the ribs. Backbreakers by Lesnar, stomps and foot choke by Lesnar. Angle battles back with right hands and a schoolboy for two, clothesline by Lesnar. Standing version of The Muscle Buster by Lesnar for two, shoulder thrusts by the challenger.


Shoulder thrusts by Lesnar, Angle dodges a spear as Lesnar hits the ringpost. Shoulder blocks by Angle, dropkick to the hamstring. Right hands by Angle, flying clothesline and a German suplex, make it three. Angle gets a two count, Lesnar belly to belly suplexes Angle, Angle eats a massive spinebuster for two. F-5 is countered for a DDT by Angle, cover for two. Angle measures for an Angle Slam, it connects. 1....2.... Lesnar kicks out of The Angle Slam. Ankle Lock, Lesnar escapes and Angle is pushed into the referee. Angle has a sleeper on Lesnar using his legs, Angle transitions into an Ankle Lock. Lesnar reachs the ropes but the referee is down, Lesnar taps.



Vince appears with a chair, Angle is cracked with the chair. F-5, 1......2........ Angle kicks out! Vince tells Lesnar to kill Angle, Angle counters and trips Lesnar for The Ankle Lock, Lesnar makes it to the ropes but Angle pulls Lesnar to the middle of the ring, Lesnar taps to The Ankle Lock and Angle for good measure, Angle Slams Vince Mcmahon through a chair.



Good but not great, the beginning I like a lot with both men feeling one another out and wrestling on the mat. Lesnar's power and Angle's brains show great sides of each character, the beginning of Lesnar's heat segment was great, the military press slam to the floor looked and sounded nasty, maybe it was because Lesnar was no longer use to working heel but I felt the heat was not as strong as it should have been. Not a fan of The Vince stuff, I felt it should have been just the two very best battling it out like Wrestlemania but that is the way it is sometimes, you do not get what you want (Remember that, it is important for later).

 

Winner: Kurt Angle over Brock Lesnar via Ankle Lock!

Kane vs Rob Van Dam




Kane had problems with RVD? Kane was not The Big Red Machine we all knew and loved, Kane would lose his mask and a lot of the story of Kane's career was retconned. Not a fan of this in movies and I do not know how to feel about when it comes to Kane. Anyways, Kane's scars from the fire were more psychological than anything else, Kane would set JR on fire and Kane would Tombstone Linda Mcmahon. They should have saved that for next month as Shane vs Kane is what is truly brewing while it looks like creative just went Oh yeah, we have RVD, let's have him face Kane in the meantime.



Howard Finkel informs us that this match is No Holds Barred, RVD takes the fight right to Kane, clothesline by Kane. RVD is dropped across the top rope and stumbles to the floor, uppercut by Kane on the floor. RVD moonsaults off the apron onto Kane, right hands by RVD but Kane overpowers RVD. RVD eats the ringpost, Kane pulls out a ladder. Kane tries pulling the ladder into the ring, RVD see-saws the ladder into Kane's face. Diving thrustkick by RVD, Rolling Thunder is blocked as Kane grabs the throat of RVD for a Chokeslam, Kane eats a kick to the head and RVD crossbodies Kane to the floor. Kane sends RVD into the ringpost and steel steps.



Step-through kick to the head by RVD, shoulder thrust by RVD. Diving thrustkick and a spinning leg drop for two, right hands by RVD. RVD tries another dive but Kane shoves RVD to the floor before RVD can leap, Kane has the ladder once more. RVD is rammed with the ladder for two, right hands by Kane. Blatant choke by Kane, corner clothesline by Kane. Foot choke by Kane, RVD dodges a corner clothesline and wallops Kane with an enzuigiri. Kane elevates RVD to the apron, Kane uppercuts RVD to the floor, Kane tries his diving clothesline and RVD dodges the clothesline. Ladder to the face of Kane, Kane recovers to DDT RVD on the floor.



Kane has the steel steps, RVD counters with a drop toehold and Kane smacks off the steel steps, RVD dropkicks Kane into the crowd. Kane is crotched on the barricade, RVD scores with a leg drop onto the barricade. RVD has a chair, spinning heel kick by RVD. A chair is on Kane, Rolling Thunder on Kane and the chair. Kane sits up, RVD dropkicks the chair into Kane's face. RVD signals for The Van Terminator, Kane moves out of the way at the last second, Kane catches RVD who tries a crossbody. Tombstone on the steel steps, Kane picks up the win.



Not a big fan of this match, I do not know what it was about the match but it did not come all together for me. RVD was almost torched by Kane, RVD was Kane's best friend and Kane turned his back on him so, it should be like a war in that ring. They had the violence element but I was not blown away by it and it is hard to think that Kane after destroying RVD is going to face Shane Mcmahon, Kane who is like an absolute monster is going to have to make Shane Mcmahon look like a threat. Thank god for RVD being super over despite his booking because this match should have been right up his alley but it was just there as a match, maybe that's why it was the match between the two big championship matches.

 

Winner: Kane over RVD via Tombstone on The Steel Steps!

Linda Mcmahon/Eric Bischoff




Bischoff shits himself as Linda enters his room and smacks the shit out of him, yay? Who cares really?



(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Triple H (C) vs Shawn Michaels vs Goldberg vs Kevin Nash vs Chris Jericho vs Randy Orton (Elimination Chamber Match)



The second-ever Elimination Chamber match, all the top superstars on RAW collide in this massive, evil structure. Two men start, four men are locked in pods, one pod opens at timed intervals, eliminations can occur an anytime and they can occur by pin-fall or submission. What you need to know about this match is Triple H is nursing a groin injury, he is wearing biker length tights and cannot move around in any realy shape or form, remember that as you watch this match unfold.



Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels kick us off, side headlock by Jericho. Hammerlock by Michaels, shoulder block and a springboard crossbody by Michaels. Backslide by Michaels for two, knee by Jericho. Sunset flip by Michaels for two, slap by Jericho. Slap by Michaels, right hands by Michaels. Back body drop, Jericho goes for The Walls of Jericho but Michaels counters for a small package for two. Modified bulldog by Jericho, Lionsault is avoided but clothesline by Jericho helps Y2J maintain control. Randy Orton is released from his pod, crossbody on Michaels for two. Dropkick and clothesline to Michaels, Jericho attacks Orton.



Orton backbreaker for two, Michaels decks Orton & Jericho. Enzuigiri by Jericho to Michaels for two, dropkick by Orton to Jericho. Orton is back dropped to the floor, ouch. Scoop slam on the floor by Jericho, Michaels tried a hurricanrana but Jericho has The Walls of Jericho on Michaels. In comes Nash out of his pod, Orton is manhandled. Jericho is clotheslined to the floor, Jericho is rammed into the chamber wall. Jericho is scrapped off the chamber wall, sidewalk slam to Orton for two. Nash clotheslines Michaels for two, big boot to Jericho. Jacknife Powerbomb on Jericho does not go to plan as Michaels Sweet Chin Musics Nash and Jericho pins Big Sexy.

 

Kevin Nash has been eliminated by Chris Jericho!




Triple H is out of the pod and Michaels Sweet Chin Musics Triple H back into his pod. Nash Powerbombs Jericho & Orton, Michaels is bleeding as Orton cracked heads with Michaels thanks to Nash. Michaels tries pinning Jericho & Orton but both places their feet on the ropes. Orton, Jericho & Michaels slug it out until in comes Goldberg. Right hands to everyone, military press into a spinebuster on Orton, Michaels & Jericho eat a double clothesline. Spear for Orton and Orton is a goner.

 

Randy Orton has been eliminated by Goldberg via Spear!




Jericho missile dropkicks Goldberg, one count for Jericho. Goldberg presses Jericho to the floor, Michaels is whipped hard by Goldberg into the corner. Jericho is Speared through the chamber pod by Goldberg, Michaels elbows Goldberg. Sweet Chin Music, Goldberg ducks and Spears Michaels. Jackhammer and Michaels is gone, Spear to Jericho and a Jackhammer, Jericho is gone too.



Chris Jericho & Shawn Michaels have been eliminated by Goldberg via Spear & Jackhammer!



Triple H wets himself at the thought of facing Goldberg all alone, Flair blocks Goldberg's entrance to the pod, Goldberg punches through the glass. Triple H is pummeled by Goldberg, Triple H is scrapped off the chamber wall. Clothesline by Goldberg, Goldberg calls for The Spear, Flair hands Triple H the sledgehammer through the wall. Goldberg is decked in the head and Triple H retains the championship.



You fucking company, you have the audacity to put that as the ending for your main event. Trash, absolute trash for The RAW main event scene. Triple H is injured, Triple H cannot do the main event matches for a month or two, there is no reason to have Triple H as champion. Goldberg destroys everyone, they build up the ending perfectly for Goldberg to dethrone Triple H as the new champion and yet, Triple H beats Goldberg. Of course, Triple H uses the sledgehammer, you know the way he does it right? He covers the hard part with his hand so in reality, Goldberg was knocked out by Triple H's big fist. Yeah... this match was going great up until the finish.

 

Winner: Triple H over Goldberg via Sledgehammer To The Head!




That was WWE's Summerslam 2003, a more disappointing show that I could have hoped for, a lot of the matches just did not deliver. Shane's match was a waste as was Kane vs RVD, Lesnar vs Angle was good but not great, Eddie was entertaining and the fatal four way was good. Taker's match felt like it was just there, The Dudleys match was just there and that main event, that took me down so many levels. I cannot understand that decision, it was the dumbest thing I have seen, it was like a WCW show featuring Hogan or a TNA show with Jarrett in the main event. Well done RAW main event scene, you continually annoy me with boring matches and politics that would make The White House blush. Overall, do not see the show, it is not worth your time. Thanks for reading and remember: There's always another night!









Image result for WWE summerslam 2003 GIF




Thursday 6 April 2017

WWE Vengeance 2003 Review

Image result for wwe vengeance 2003

 
Hello and welcome to another ball-busting edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! It is time for another review and it is going to be WWE's Vengeance 2003, Kurt Angle returns to face Big Show & Brock Lesnar in a triple threat for The WWE Championship, Sable takes on Stephanie, Vince takes on Zach Gowan, a young John Cena faces The Undertaker & Chris Benoit vs Eddie Guerrero to crown the first-ever WWE United States Champion. The show is filled with matches that made everyone love Smackdown during this time but will this show live up to the hype? Let's rock!

Opening Promo




Footage of babyfaces like Lesnar, Angle, Stephanie & Zach Gowan, they want to prove themselves, that they are the very best and they can justify all the hard work and sacrifices through the years. In comes Vince Mcmahon as the master puppeteer, Mcmahon calls himself the reaper of the souls and it is all about control tonight. That was awesome, Vince is such a crazy heel you canot help but love his performances. Michael Cole & Tazz welcome us to the action, they reference this as the first Smackdown pay per view which is not entirely true as Rebellion in 2002 was a Smackdown Exclusive pay per view.



(WWE United States Championship Match) Eddie Guerrero vs Chris Benoit



A tournament was held and these two are the finalists, Eddie is the heel but loved while the fans while Benoit is Benoit, a badass babyface. An early candidate for match of the night, you have seen these two go out at it before, you know how good both are and this should be excellent. Referee Mike Chioda calls in both wrestlers for the rules, stare-down between the two, it is intense.



Lock-up and clean break from Benoit, hammerlock by Eddie. Elbows and shoulder block by Benoit, Eddie powders. Lock-up, Eddie takes the arm and Benoit takes the back looking for the crossface, Eddie floatovers and grabs a side headlock. Shoulder block by Eddie, test of strength with Eddie and Benoit trading advantages, Eddie kicks Benoit to break the hold and trip Benoit for a top wristlock. Chops by Eddie, hurricanrana by Eddie but Benoit rolls through for a roll-up, they trade pins before Benoit arm drags Eddie and Eddie arm drags Benoit. Lock-up, side headlock takedown by Eddie and a shoulder block into another side headlock.



Both men trade counters until Benoit scores with a shoulderbreaker, Crippler Crossface by Benoit but Eddie crawls to the ropes. Eddie is on the floor, suicide dive by Benoit. Eddie is tossed shoulder first into the turnbuckle, scoop slam by Benoit. Make it two, Benoit works the shoulder with a submission hold on the mat. Roll-up by Benoit, Eddie rolls through but Benoit chops Eddie, Irish whip into the corner and Eddie decks Benoit with a back elbow. Top rope hurricanrana by Eddie, two for Eddie. Back suplex for two by Eddie, Eddie kicks Benoit over and over. Chop war, eye poke by Eddie to gain control, back body drop and clotheslines by Benoit.



Chops by Benoit, Eddie blocks the German suplex, Benoit places Eddie on the top rope, Benoit scores with a back superplex. Benoit crawls into the cover for two, Benoit scores with two German suplexes, Eddie blocks the third but Benoit counters for a Crippler Crossface, Eddie reaches the ropes with his feet. Backbreaker by Benoit for two, Eddie avoids a backbreaker for The Three Amigos. Eddie places Benoit on the top rope, superplex by Eddie. Eddie is climbing to the top rope, Benoit evades The Frog Splash.



Powerbomb by Benoit for two, third Crippler Crossface. Eddie grabs the ropes, Benoit is not breaking the hold and the referee is in Benoit's face. Eddie shoves Benoit into the referee, Eddie grabs the championship. Benoit is waffled with the title, Frog Splash by Eddie. 1......2..... Benoit kicks out! Eddie grabs the championship again, Eddie wallops the referee and places the championship on Benoit, Eddie lays down hoping the referee will see Benoit attacked him.



The referee is not moving, Eddie shakes the referee over and over, Benoit applies The Crippler Crossface, Eddie taps and taps but there is no referee. Benoit wakes the referee, German suplex by Benoit on Eddie, Benoit calls for The Diving Headbutt. Eddie pulls the referee into Benoitn Rhyno sprints down to the ring and Rhyno Gores Benoit. Eddie scores with The Frog Splash and Eddie Guerrero wins The United States Championship.



Man, that was good. These two do not have bad matches, they work body parts, it is hard-hitting you could hear the chops in the cheap seats. The referee bumps and The Rhyno run-in were a bit much but it did help build drama and excitement. It was a long match but as the match went on, the fans could not help but get into the match. Tremendous effort from Eddie & Benoit with a little over-booking thrown into the match. Not their best but still very good and entertaining.

 

Winner: Eddie Guerrero over Chris Benoit via Frog Splash!

Vince/Stephanie Mcmahon




They talk about Linda, about the matches, Vince is not happy with Stephanie's attitude. Vince promises to go to Raw and confront Kane, Vince gives Stephanie flowers in preparation for her match, a big bunch of flowers for Sable and a shitty, tiny bunch for Stephanie. Ah Vince, father of the year.

Jamie Noble vs Billy Gunn W/ Torrie Wilson




If Jamie Noble wins, Torrie has to sleep with Jamie Noble. Billy Gunn had returned after his injury, Torrie said she would sleep with Noble if Billy Gunn loses, Torrie is confident in her man as Noble is a creepy little stalker so, there is no way Torrie would have to sleep with her stalker would she?



Noble has his own lovecase with sex toys and oils, Gunn runs to the ramp to kill Noble, Gunn boots Noble. Gunn opens the case, Noble was not lying. Tilt-a-whirl sideslam and right hands by Gunn, Gunn misses a Stinger splash, Noble dropkicks Gunn to the floor. Plancha by Noble, Gunn's knee buckles and Noble dropkicks Gunn against the steel steps. Nidia appears on the ramp, Noble works the knee with elbows over and over. Gunn wriggles free, Noble goes back to the knee, more kicks to the knee. Gunn dodges and scores with The One & Only.



Right hands by Gunn, neckbreaker for two. FameAsser is blocked, Diamond Cutter by Gunn for two. Gunn is on the top rope, Noble crotches Gunn. Top rope DDT by Noble, Nidia places Gunn's foor on the bottom rope, Noble sees this and Noble is not happy. Torrie is kissed by Noble, Nidia & Torrie slap Noble. Noble kicks Gunn's leg, Torrie grabs Noble, Gunn tries for The Gunn Stinger, Noble slips out and pushes Gunn into Torrie before rolling-up Gunn with a handful of tights.



That leg work went nowhere and since when does the heel get the girl? The stalker gets the girl, I suppose it is not the worst storyline in the world when it came to women in WWE, I still have to cover the great story of Kane raping Lita but then becoming her boyfriend and the babyface battling against Snitsky. Anyways, match was not much and the leg work went nowhere.

 

Winner: Jamie Noble over Billy Gunn via Handful of Tights!

APA Invitational Brawl




The Basham Brothers, Kanyon, Brookyln Brawler and Johnny Nitro are some of the rare sightings I see in this invitational. Spanky is dancing on the bar, the Easter Bunny is here. The FBI & Matt Hary & Shannon Moore help fill the ranks, Brother Love even makes an apperance. Doink, two mask guys and a Roddy Piperless Sean O Haire. Finally, The APA are here and this match is going to begin if you can call it a match.



Oh I see Matt from Tough Enough, the guy that Hardcore Holly roughed up, cannot believe he made it to pay per view. Brother Love cuts a promo before cracking someone with a stool. Stools goe flying, bodies are everywhere and there is beer all around the place. O Haire cracks The APA with pool cues, Moore dives onto O Haire. Brother Love puts Moore through a window, O Haire is cracked with a vase of flowers. Kanyon is on a table with one of The Bashams, Matt leg drops through the table. Funaki continues drinking until passing out, Brother Love is caught between The APA. Bottle to the head and The APA win the match or rather just Bradshaw.



It was fun filler from Smacdown, some of the spots were funny. Who knew Brother Love would do so well, Funaki was pretty funny too. It is much better than the Redneck Triathlon that Raw did at Bad Blood.

 

Winner: Bradshaw over Everyone Else!

Jamie Noble Segment




Jamie lusts over Torrie while telling a security guard how good things will be on Smackdown, the guard asks about Nidia to which Noble replies ah, she will get over it.




(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) The World's Greatest Tag Team (C) vs Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman



Billy Kidman has short hair and has bulked himself up quite a bit, Mysterio is the cruiserweight champion, that title is so mishandled much like the women's championship. Haas & Benjamin have distanced themselves from Kurt Angle, Benjamin takes down Mysterio early. Mysterio goes for the leg, boot to the head and forearms by Mysterio. Headscissors by Mysterio, tag to Kidman. Drop toehold and dropkick combination for two, headscissors by Kidman. Knee by Benjamin and Kidman is slammed hard, tag to Haas. Roll-up by Haas, shoulder block by Haas.



Flying forearm by Kidman but Haas recovers with sheer brute force, Haas misses a leg across the back, crotching himself. Tag to Mysterio, Mysterio lands a guillotine leg drop for two, Haas counters a bulldog for a back suplex, hard Irish whip by Haas. Huge slam by Haas for two, tag to Benjamin. Flapjack by Benjamin for two, rear-naked choke by Benjamin. Mysterio counters the corner clothesline, hurricanrana by Mysterio but Benjamin rolls through, low dropkick by Mysterio. Tag to Kidman, right hands and dropkicks to both Haas & Benjamin. Spinebuster to Haas for two, Kidman tries a headscissors but Benjamin grabs Kidman.



Leapfrog combination is blocked as Mysterio pulls out Benjamin, Kidman drop toeholds Haas. Mysterio sets up for The 619 but Benjamin grabs Mysterio's foot. Mysterio kicks off Benjamin, springboard senton by Mysterio. Kidman lowbridges Hass to the floor, springboard shooting star press by Kidman to the floor. Haas is rolled into the ring for two, Benjamin drives Kidman into the ringpost while the referee was dealing with Mysterio. Tag to Benjamin, backbreaker by Benjamin. Bow & arrow hold by Benjamin, Kidman flips out for a cover, two for Kidman. Benjamin stops Kidman making the tag, tag to Haas.



Hard Irish whip by Haas, Kidman fires up and hurls Haas to the floor. Benjamin distracts the referee so Mysterio's tag is missed, double suplex by Haas & Benjamin for two. Tag to Benjamin, powerbomb and stomp to the gut by Benjamin. Two for Benjamin, Benjamins goes for another powerbomb and Kidman executes a facebuster. Tag to Mysterio, somersault attack by Mysterio. Shot to Haas, enzuigiri to Benjamin. Haas is sidestepped and sent to the floor, springboard sunset flip by Mysterio for two. Tornado DDT by Mysterio for two, Haas is legal. Scoop slam and Kidman is knocked to the floor.



619 by Mysterio to Haas, referee has his back turned as Mysterio covers Haas. Benjamin & Kidman tumble to the floor, Haas covers Mysterio but is two. Jawbreaker by Mysterio, Kidman & Benjamin are in the ring. Haas is on the top rope, Kidman & Mysterio combine for a leapfrog hurricanrana for two. Dragon Whip by Benjamin on Kidman, Mysterio eats a knee from Haas. Benjamin blind tags in as Mysterio looks for a hurricanrana on Haas, Mysterio does not see it coming as Benjamin drives Mysterio into the mat with a springboard bulldog.



That was really good, crowd came alive for this match and they never stopped as Kidman & Mysterio looked to steal the show, Mysterio is fantastic and Kidman more than held his own in this match. Haas & Benjamin were so good, they are such easy to hate heels, Mysterio & Kidman are great babyfaces. An awesome tag team match that makes me want to see these two continue to fight.

 

Winners: Haas & Benjamin over Kidman & Mysterio via Springboard Bulldog!

Stephanie Mcmahon vs Sable




Sable was Vince's new sex toy, Stephanie does not like Sable and they had been feuding on Smackdown. Not sure what happened between Sable & Torrie but it looks like things quickly shifted to Stephanie. Sable dances in front of Stephanie and Stephanie beats up Sable on the ramp and then in the crowd, clothesline by Stephanie. Sable is thrown into the ring and Stephanie eats a dropkick to the head, kicks in the corner by Sable. Stephanie is dragged from the corner to the middle of the ring for two, Stephanie fights back on her knees before Sable drills Stephanie in the back of the head. Sable dances over Stephanie, roll-up by Stephanie for two.



Slap by Sablen Stephanie is choked and slapped by Sable. Stephanie back elbows Sable, spear and punches by Stephanie, hair-pull by Stephanie by two. Stephanie has a chair and the referee pulls it away, slap and forearms by Stephanie. Kick is blocked by Stephanie, huge slap by Stephanie and more punches by Stephanie. Cover for two, snap-over neckbreaker by Stephanie, stomps by Stephanie. Stephanie chokes Sable, Stephanie begins stripping Sable, Sable kicks Stephanie and the referee covers up Sable but A-Train runs down and steam rolls Stephanie, Sable covers and the match is over.


It must be a Mcmahon trait as Stephanie pulls out an entertaining match without having any wrestling ability whatsoever. Sable was able to be an annoying heel too with it being close to her real-life persona if you believe everything you hear on the internet. Clever way to have a run-in too with Sable needing assistance with her outfit. Much like her match with Trish Stratus at No Way Out, Stephanie delivers when push comes to shove.


Winner: Sable over Stephanie via A-Train Clothesline!


The Undertaker vs John Cena


It is all about respect, Cena is brash, young and arrogant. Cena thinks he can wipe out Undertaker without any hassle, Undertaker plans on destroying John Cena. Another big test for Cena when you think about it, Cena worked Lesnar at Backlash and only several months later, he is facing The Deadman. Love how Undertaker stares Cena down from the ramp, slowly walking towards Cena.


Lock-up and Taker shoves back Cena, slap by Cena. Cena hammers Taker with right hands, Taker grabs Cena and pummels Cena. Huge body shot by Taker, kick to the head and Cena is on the floor, right hand decks Cena. Cena bounces off the guard rail and timekeeper's area. Cena takes a mouthful of water, Cena spits in Taker's face. Taker reverses and Irish whip and Cena tastes the barricade and the ringpost. Headbutt and rights hands by Taker, apron leg drop by Taker. More boots and punches to the head, cover for two.


Knees by Taker, Cena is flung to the floor. Old School by Taker, Chokeslam and Taker pulls up Cena. Taker motions for The Last Ride, Cena counters for a DDT. Cena exposes the top turnbuckle, kicks to the ribs of Taker. Choke by Cena, Taker decks Cena after recovering, elbows by Taker. Corner clothesline by Taker, Cena dodges the second clothesline, shoulder block by Cena. Cena bumps Taker off the apron to the floor, right hands by Cena. Kick to the ribs by Cena, Taker fires up but Cena goes to the ribs, shoulder thrusts by Cena. Clothesline by Taker floors Cena, cover for two.


Taker slips out of a scoop slam for a dragon sleeper, Cena makes it to the ropes. Spinebuster by Cena for two, knees to the ribs for two. Slugfest with Taker winning the war, clothesline by Taker. Cover for two, Taker cannot execute The Tombstone, Cena goes for The FU, Taker slips out for a big boot and leg drop, Cena kicks out at two. Right hands by Taker, choke by Taker. Cena grabs his chain, chain to the ribs by Cena. FU by Cena, 1......2.... Taker kicks out! Cena pummels Taker, Cena ten punches Taker before Taker counters for The Last Ride, Taker wins the match.


That was a great match, Taker did a great job making Cena look like a credible threat, Cena's star continues to rise. The heat sgement was not amazing from Cena but I love the execution from the exposed turnbuckle busting up Taker's ribs to Taker not being able to execute The Tombstone or his leaping clothesline due to his injuries, Taker sold everything for Cena, you could not ask for a better match between rising star and veteran, this was great.


Winner: Undertaker over John Cena via Last Ride!


Vince Mcmahon vs Zach Gowan


Zach Gowan had a great story, bone cancer led to his leg being amputated, Vince did believe Gowan belonged, Vince does not like freaks. Zach Gowan earned a WWE contract by beating The Big Show thanks to Brock Lesnar & Kurt Angle. Vince with the quote of a lifetime tells Gowan he may have beat cancer but he cannot beat Vince Mcmahon. Just tremendous from Vince, I do not see how he is not everyone's favourite heel.


Lock-up and Vince shoves back Gowan before posing, another lock-up and Vince shoves back Gowan for a second time. Takedown by Vince, slaps to the back of the head by Vince. Hiptoss by Vince and a scoop slam by Vince. Clothesline by Vince, kicks and shoulder thrusts by Vince. Knees and elbows by Vince, Gowan fires up with elbows. Vince is elevated to the floor, baseball slide and Asai moonsault by Gowan. Leg drops by Gowan, two for Gowan. Leg hold by Vince, Vince drives his knees into Gowan's leg. Vince kicks the knee of Gowan before posing for the fans.


Gowan's knee is sent into the ringpost, single leg Boston crab by Vince. Gowan makes it to the ropes but Vince continues wrenching and yanking out Gowan's leg. Gowan dropkicks Vince, dropkick again by Gowan. Right hands by Gowan, Gowan sends Vince's balls into the ringpost. Vince's legs are sent into the ringpost, bulldog by Gowan. Middle rope missile dropkick by Gowan, moonsault by Gowan for two. Vince rolls to the floor for a chair, referee is shoved to the floor. Gowan dropkicks the chair into Vince's head, Vince is a bloody mess.


Corkscrew moonsault misses as Vince avoids the contact, Zach Gowan knocks himself out as Vince covers for the pin. Well, that sucked, way too long of a match. Vince is entertaining, that always is certain but long heat segments by Vince Mcmahon? No thank you, I have no interest in seeing that kind of match, finish makes Gowan look like a geek, I think Gowan should have went over but the fans do give him a standing ovation so they must have liked the match. However, I did not.


Winner: Vince Mcmahon over Zach Gowan!


(WWE Championship Match) Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar (C) vs The Big Show


Kurt Angle returned after his Wrestlemania match with Lesnar, Angle and Lesnar are both babyfaces and competing against one another in a friendly manner while The Big Show is Vince's chosen champion. Lesnar and Angle attack Show, Show clotheslines both. Angle is on the floor, Chokeslam by Show on Lesnar and Angle makes the save. Huge chest slap by Show, elbow by Angle. Show blocks the German suplex for a clothesline, headbutt by Show. Right hands by Angle, Show tries for a Final Cut, Angle shoots for The Ankle Lock, Show kicks off Angle. Lesnar is knocked to the floor, Show leg drops Angle and Lesnar makes the save.


Shoulder thrusts by Lesnar, middle rope forearm by Lesnar. F-5 attempt is blocked for The Final Cut, two count for Show. Angle has trash can lids, Show is waffled with the lids. Double suplex by Show, Show calls for The Double Chokeslam, Angle & Lesnar reverse and Double Chokeslam Show, Lesnar covers and Angle pulls Lesnar off. Angle and Lesnar fight, clothesline by Lesnar. F-5 by Lesnar to Angle, F-5 to Show. Cover and Angle pulls out the referee, right hands by Lesnar. Angle is sent into the steel steps and the ringpost. Show is up, hotshot by Lesnar. Clothesline by Lesnar, make it two but Show does not move, clothesline and leg drop by Show for two, Angle is bleeding.


Show and Lesnar are on the middle rope, Lesnar slides down and powerbombs Show, Angle has a chair, shot to the back of Lesnar. Huge smack to the head of Lesnar, Angle covers Show for two. On the floor, Show boots the chair into Angle's face. Show readies the announce table, Chokeslam is blocked and Angle Angle Slams Show through the announce table. Lesnar and Angle are in the ring, bleeding and staring one another down, right hands by Angle. Lesnar hammers back, F-5 is blocked as Angle uses the ropes, Lesnar tosses Angle to the floor. Lesnar is whipped into the steel steps, German suplex by Angle, make it two.


Angle Slam is avoided, spinebuster by Lesnar. Two for Lesnar, rear-naked choke by Lesnar. Show leg drops Lesnar, two for Show. Double Chokeslam, cover on Lesnar and Show gets two, Show covers Angle and Lesnar makes the save. Lesnar low blows Show, right hands by Angle to Lesnar. Lesnar spears the ringpost, Ankle Lock by Angle. Angle Slam to Show, Angle Slam to Lesnar and Kurt Angle wins The WWE Championship.


Good main event, it follows the traditional triple threat formula with one man staying down for large periods of time while the other two fight, I think they used Show well in this match. Allowing Show to be dominant, Angle and Lesnar's interactions were good, Lesnar and Show had some good stuff too with the powerbomb and The F-5. Bottom line: everyone had their moments in this match, it was not great but it was still a good, enjoyable and fun match with the added bonus of Angle winning the championship after returning from injury.


Winner: Kurt Angle over Big Show & Brock Lesnar via Angle Slam!


That was WWE's Vengeance 2003, a show that was above average in my eyes, you had a good tag team championship match, a good united states championship match, Sable vs Stephanie was entertaining a stand-out performance from Cena who held his own with The Undertaker and a triple threat main event that was a fun end to the show. Vince's match dragged on too long and The APA Brawl was filler but this show had a lot more good than bad, Smackdown was more entertaining at Raw during this time and it shows on this pay per view. Thanks for reading and remember: There's always another night!









Related image


Wednesday 5 April 2017

WCW Starrcade 1998 Review

Image result for wcw starrcade 1998 


Hello and welcome to a burial-loving edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! This is a big one, some people see the downfall of WCW as Starrcade 1997 and others point to Starrcade 1998. Today, I will bring you my thoughts on what some see as a death blow for WCW. Looking up and down this card, I find it hard to believe this is meant to be Starrcade, it looks like I am going to be seeing a lot of matches that would be at home on Thunder. Anyways, we have Kevin Nash vs Goldberg, DDP vs The Giant, Eric Bischoff vs Ric Flair and much, much more. So, shall we take a look at some stupid booking? Hell yeah, this WCW's Starrcade 1998, let's rock!

Opening Promo




It is garbage, it is a few different angles of Goldberg, close-ups and such. No hype for matches, nobody else, thanks WCW this was so clearly on par with last year's production.



(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Juventud Guerrera vs Rey Mysterio vs Billy Kidman (C)



No championship advantage for Kidman, Mysterio cost Juventud his match against Kidman at World War 3, Juventud slaps Kidman and Mysterio so Mysterio & Kidman double team Juventud. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Mysterio to Juventud, corner dropkick by Kidman. Bronco buster by Mysterio, Mysterio hits Kidman by accident so their alliance breaks down before Juventud gets decked for being an annoying twat. Kidman clubs Mysterio and Juventud, Juventud misses a crossbody from the top, Kidman suplexes Mysterio onto Juventud, both men try winning the match before going back to beating up Juventud.



Double bulldog by Juventud, double cover for two. Juventud chops Mysterio & Kidman, Mysterio tries to German suplex Juventud, Juventud lands on his feet so Kidman clotheslines Juventud, facebuster by Mysterio on Kidman. Kidman is clotheslined to the floor, Mysterio is elevated onto Kidman. Springboard splash by Juventud onto both men, Juventud eats a double dropkick after attempting a crossbody. Springboard hurricanrana by Juventud to Mysterio who was on Kidman's shoulders. Two count for Juventud, bulldog by Kidman on Juventud for two. Kidman misses a splash on Juventud, Mysterio connects with a split-legged moonsault, Juventud saves Kidman.



Mysterio hurricanranas Juventud to the floor, suplex by Kidman. Middle rope leg drop by Kidman for two, powerbomb by Kidman to Juventud as Mysterio makes the save. Bulldog by Mysterio, Juventud pulls off Mysterio. Backbreaker by Juventud, Kidman makes the save and Juventud is on the floor. Kidman is lowbridged by Mysterio, Asai moonsault by Mysterio onto both Juventud & Kidman. Springboard hurricanrana by Mysterio, Juvi Driver and Kidman breaks up the pin. Kidman is crotched on the top rope and Juventud lifts Mysterio up to Kidman and Mysterio pulls off a hurricanrana for two.



Sky High by Kidman, Mysterio saves the match. Juventud and Mysterio spill to the floor, Kidman climbs to the top rope and Shooting Star presses onto Mysterio & Juventud. Eddie Guerrero is here, Juventud hotshots Kidman. Sunset flip by Juventud, Kidman counters but Eddie clotheslines Kidman. Mysterio dropkicks Juventud and Kidman holds on and pins Juventud to retain his championship.



Well, they went out there and pulled out every trick in the book. Some really nice spots in this match, a bit on the long side with some dull moments. If they cut off a few minutes, this could be a really tight match but it did not come together, finish was a bit wacky with Kidman winning by poor fluke thanks to Mysterio. Poor Mysterio looks like a moron but it was fun and enjoyable.

 

Winner: Kidman over Juventud & Mysterio via sunset flip!




(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Kidman (C) vs Eddie Guerrero



Eddie dresses down Juventud before calling out Kidman for a match, Kidman accepts the match and it takes place now. Eddie clotheslines and powerbombs Kidman for two, small package by Eddie for two. Chops by Eddie, flapjack by Eddie. Abdominal stretch by Eddie, Juventud helps with the leverage, Mysterio pushes Juventud so that Eddie has to have a fair fight. Slingshot headscissors by Kidman, Eddie squashes the comeback with huge chops and a clothesline, Kidman comes back with a dropkick, Kidman tees off on Eddie. Juventud grabs Kidman's leg and Eddie chop blocks the champion. European uppercut by Eddie, Mysterio pulls out Kidman to the floor.



Kidman recovers to send Eddie into the guard rail, Juventud interferes and Eddie smacks Kidman into the ringpost. Ten punches by Kidman in the ring, sleeper by Kidman but Eddie jawbreakers Kidman. Eddie unties his boot, slaps by Eddie. Kidman pummels Eddie, corner clothesline but Eddie takes off his boot. Boot to the head by Eddie, cover and Kidman kicks out at two. Brainbuster by Eddie, Kidman crotches Eddie on the top rope. Superplex by Kidman for two, Eddie goes back to the knee. Indian deathlock by Eddie, using the ropes for leverage, Mysterio clocks Juventud and Eddie with the boot.



Eddie executes a beautiful hurricanrana, Kidman counters a powerbomb for a facebuster. Kidman stomps all over Eddie, scoop slam and slingshot leg drop by Kidman for two. Top rope hurricanrana is blocked by Eddie, Kidman is placed on the top rope. Kidman shoves off Eddie, Juventud crotches Kidman on the top rope. Mysterio pushes Eddie into Juventud and Kidman nails The Seven Year Itch to retain his championship.



That was more fun from the cruiserweights, good to see a champion put over strong, it really was not a strong point of WCW. Great to see Eddie back on pay per view, have not seen him properly since his feud with Chavo which went nowhere and did nothing for the man, Kidman comes off as a gutsy babyface for his performance while Eddie is the man with egg on his face for claiming he could beat Kidman no problem.

 

Winner: Billy Kidman over Eddie Guerrero via Seven Year Itch!

Norman Smiley vs Prince Iaukea




Why? Why? Why? Norman Smiley vs Prince Iaukea? Iaukea had been a failed project since 1996 and Smiley is brand new, this is a terrible idea and did they not have bigger feuds for Starrcade? Where is Bam Bam Bigelow? They made such a big deal for Bigelow at the last pay per view, where is he now? Iaukea looks ridiculous, lock-up with a roll-up by Iaukea, Smiley slaps Iaukea on the chest and back, dragon screw legwhip by Iaukea followed by a dropkick.



Poorly missed time apron senton by Iaukea for two, Smiley headbutts Iaukea, more slaps. Uppercut by Smiley, hammerlock into a kimura by Smiley, short-arm scissors. Right hands by Iaukea but Smiley suplexes Iaukea onto the top rope, Smiley dances showing the world The Wiggle. Scoop slam for two, headscissors hold by Smiley. Sunset flip by Iaukea for two, snapmare and knee drop by Smiley, right hands and uppercuts by Smiley. Double stomp by Smiley, rolling cradle pin by Smiley. Iaukea fires up with chops and kicks, Smiley blocks a suplex for his own suplex.



Double underhook suplex by Smiley for two, cross armbreaker by Smiley. Palm thrusts by Iaukea, shoulder thrusts but Smiley counters with a drop toehold, Wiggle Time. Iaukea drops Smiley with a northern lights suplex for two, Smiley throat thrusts Iaukea, bodyscissors by Smiley. After a series of awkward looking submissions, Iaukea fights backn headbutt to the groin. Smiley powders, Iaukea stomps Smiley before Smiley rakes the eyes. Iaukea misses a corner splash, snapmare by Iaukea, springboard crossbody but Smiley rolls through for two, Smiley reverses an Irish whip for a Crossface Chickenwing, Smiley wins the match.



God, that was bad, these two should not be having a match longer than three minutes, it was so boring, Iaukea has the worst offence as a babyface, slaps and more slaps do not make a great babyface, Smiley was awful too. They were not on the same page, it was so sloppy and that finish was cringeworthy in how poorly it was executed, I felt bad for the two wrestlers involved, hopefully I never have to watch the two wrestle ever again.

 

Winner: Norman Smiley over Prince Iaukea via Crossface Chickenwing!

Scott Hall Promo




Scott Hall talks about Kevin Nash and the fans, Hall says he does not have to prove anything to anyone. Hall talks about 1999 as the year of Scott Hall.

Ernest The Cat Miller W/ Sonny Onoo vs Saturn




This damn feud so, Satrun teamed with Kaz Hayashi and was pinned by Miller after good matches with Goldberg and a great match with Raven at Fall Brawl. Miller cuts a promo at the start of the match, hyping himself. Saturn looks like a gay biker, Saturn needs to lose that vest and the bandana and the glasses, what was the man thinking? Miller does his usual shtick of asking his opponent to leave, Miller counts to five and Saturn has not moved.



Saturn decks Miller, Miller powders to the floor. Miller tries leaving but sees Saturn's back is turned, Miller slides into the ring just short of reaching Saturn, Saturn stomps and pummels Miller. Miller offers a handshake, Saturn boots Miller. Miller rakes the eyes and sweeps Saturn, choke hold by Miller. Saturn is choked on the top rope, Saturn trips Miller for a pin attempt, two count for Saturn. Miller stalls and stalls, huge thrustkick by Miller. Two for Miller, Saturn fires up but Miller nails a huge knee. Miller gets caught as a kick goes wrong and Saturn slams Miller.



Belly to belly suplex by Saturn for two, swinging neckbreaker by Saturn. Miller dodges the double axe handle and nails Saturn with a thrustkick. Miller covers for two, Miller blocks the exploder suplex, another huge kick by Miller. Miller asks for Onoo, Onoo kicks Miller by mistake so Miller boots Onoo and walks into a Death Valley Driver and this match is over.



More garbage from WCW, was what the point in killing Saturn's momentum? Saturn had a great 1998 in terms of coming in and being a killer, working with Goldberg before the main event run and having a great feud with Raven. Yet, you have him doing this crap with comedy wrestlers like Miller, it is a waste of Saturn and another match that does not belong on Starrcade.

 

Winner: Saturn over The Cat via Death Valley Driver!

Flair Promo/Steiner Punks Konnan




Flair promises to whoop Bischoff's ass, Flair is fantastic. Steiner & Bagwell punk Konnan, Luger pulls Konnan away, none of these man are on the show except Konnan, this saddens me greatly.

Bryan Adams & Scott Norton W/ Vincent vs Fit Finlay & Jerry Flynn




This is Starrcade? Jerry Flynn on WCW pay per view? Is someone taking the piss? Jerry's mullet should be a national treasure but this man has no place on this pay per view nor does this match. Adams & Finlay start, lock-up with Finlay kicking Adams, boot by Adams and a corner clothesline. Finaly blocks the corner clothesline for his own, elbow by Finlay for two. Uppercut and knee drop by Finlay, Finaly misses a corner spear and in comes Norton. Eye poke by Finlay, powerslam by Norton and Jerry Flynn makes the save. Tag to Flynn, Norton runs through both with a double clothesline.



Corner kick by Flynn, tag to Adams. Chops by Flynn, spinning chop by Flynn. Cheap shot by Vincent and a backbreaker by Adams, two count for Adams. Thrustkick by Flynn, tag to Finlay. Clothesline by Finlay for two, reverse chinlock by Finlay. Elbows by Finlay, Finlay ducks on an Irish whip and eats a piledriver, tag to Norton. DDT by Norton, neck crank by Norton. Neckbreaker for two, corner splash by Norton. Adams puts the boots to Finlay on the floor, shots to the kidneys by Norton. Short-arm clothesline and chops by Norton, Shoulderbreaker by Norton for two.



Double back elbow, Finlay recovers for a DDT. Finlay misses a middle rope splash, gutbuster by Adams. Adams tries to splash Finlay, Finlay blocks and a hot-tag to Flynn. Flynn kicks Norton, enzuigiri by Flynn. Adams and Finlay brawl, Flynn is clotheslined by Norton. Powerbomb by Norton, the match is over.



Garbage match, garbage psychology, garbage hot-tag. Just terrible all around, Flynn looked like a joke, he was a jobber so I expect no less but it begs the question: Why have this match on your biggest show of the year? Just awful, waste of time.

 

Winners: NWO Hollywood over Flynn & Finlay via Powerbomb!

Eric Bischoff Segment




Bischoff gives a bullshit apology for what he has said abour Ric Flair. Meh I do not really care.



(WCW Television Championship Match) Chris Jericho W/ Ralphus vs Konnan (C)



Lock-up, right hand by Konnan. Kick by Jericho, side headlock by Jericho. Shoulder block by Jericho, low dropkick by Konnan. Spinning heel kick by Jericho, Jericho struts and climbs to the top rope. Jericho misses a crossbody, clothesline to the floor by Konnan. Konnan doves off the apron but hits the guard rail hard, Konnan whips Jericho into the guard rail, Konnan tries a clothesline but Jericho blocks with a boot and Konnan hits the ringpost hard, more posing from Jericho. Suplex and a cocky pin for two, reverse chinlock by Jericho. Konnan fires up but Jericho knees Konnan in the ribs.



Chops by Jericho, foot choke by Jericho. Scoop slam, Jericho climbs to the top turnbuckle. Jericho dives into the boot of Konnan, rolling clothesline by Konnan. Alabama slam with a jacknife cover for two, jawbreaker by Jericho. Forearm and Lionsault for two, Jericho tries a springboard plancha, Konnan sidesteps and Jericho hits the steel steps hard. Cover for two, K-Factor is blocked for The Liontamer, Konnan blocks so Jericho catapults Konnan into the corner.



Konnan avoids Jericho's corner splash, right hands by Konnan. Konnan shoves the referee down, championship to the face by Jericho for two, K-Factor by Konnan. Tequila Sunrise by Konnan and Jericho has no choice but to tap-out to the submission hold, Konnan is still your television championship.



Another match that means nothing, it was just there. Jericho is entertaining but there is not going on in the ring, Konnan may be good on the microphone but I have never seen what was so special about K-Dawg in the ring, feels like Jericho wants out of the company and Jericho would get his wish in the summer so hang in there Y2J, only a little longer.

 

Winner: Konnan over Chris Jericho via Tequila Sunrise!


Ric Flair vs Eric Bischoff




A match almost a year in the making, Flair wanted to watch his son wrestle in a tournament, Bischoff fired Flair for no-showing a Thunder taping and Bischoff's off-camera treatment of Flair was horrendous but Flair would return in a very memorable Nitro segment, reuniting The Four Horseman and calling Bischoff a no good son of a bitch. Now, they meet at Starrcade after Bischoff mocked Flair's family and Flair suffered a heart attack.



Flair sprints to the ring and chops and punches poor Bischoff, knee drop by Flair. Right hand by Flair, Flair stomps Bischoff. Bischoff screams out his knee is hurting, Flair does not buy it and attacks the knee of Bischoff. Flair stomps on the knee, the referee pulls back Flair and Bischoff decks Flair with a huge kick. Flair is introduced to the guard rail, Flair is bleeding and Bischoff continues kicking Flair. Right hands by Bischoff, Flair shakes off Bischoff but Bischoff regains control until a low blow by Flair.



Another low blow and a knee to the balls, Bischoff is chopped hard. The referee is down after getting in Flair's way, huge chops by Flair. Shattered dreams by Flair, back suplex by Flair. Suplex by Flair, Figure Four by Flair. Bischoff taps like a little girl, here is Curt Hennig. Hennig hands Bischoff brass knuckles and Bischoff beats Flair.



This match was everything it should have been until the finish, why did Bischoff go over Flair. After months of torment from Bischoff, Flair loses at Starrcade? This company is so fucking stupid sometimes, I swear I cannot take much more of this company. The stroyline would be resolved as Flair would beat Bischoff for the presidency of WCW but Flair would turn heel because it is WCW.

 

Winner: Eric Bischoff over Ric Flair via Brass Knuckles!

DDP vs The Giant




WCW put the United States Championship on an injured Bret Hart.... this company continues to be such a joy to look back on for historical purposes. Anyways, Giant Chokeslammed DDP multiple times, both men spit on one another to start the match. Shoulder thrusts by DDP, right hands and Giant is clotheslined to the floor. Giant pulls out DDP, right hands by DDP until Giant clotheslines DDP. Headbutt by Giant, DDP uses a trash can to block a punch from The Giant and cracks Giant with the trash can. Giant recovers to send DDP into the steel steps.



Giant military presses DDP into the ring, DDP is clutching his leg. Giant elbows the leg, knees the leg and stomps DDP's chest. DDP rakes the eyes, huge chest slap by The Giant. Corner clothesline by Giant, Giant poses before kicking at DDP. Headbutt by Giant, DDP pulls himself up but Giant locks in a bearhug. Powerslam by Giant, Giant pulls up DDP for more punishment. Giant mocks DDP's pose, another bearhug by Giant. DDP bites the nose of The Giant, sunset flip does not work for DDP. Huge backbreaker by Giant, DDP screams out in pain.



Giant whips DDP into the ropes and DDP drills Giant with a huge floatover DDT, DDP covers for two. Giant pushes off DDP and the referee is squashedn here comes Bret Hart. Hart cracks Giant by mistake, low blow to Hart. 1... Giant kicks out instantly. DDP connects with a top rope clothesline, make it two. DDP jumps into a Chokeslam but no, DDP low blows Giant. Giant holds on and DDP is on the top rope, DDP counters The Chokeslam for a Diamond Cutter, DDP defeats The Giant.



What was the point of the Bret Hart run-in? Hart's chair shot did fuck all, it was utterly pointless. This match was boring, giant's offense was dull and the match was boring as a result. The finish was nice, got a big pop from the crowd but everything else about the match was not worth your time.

 

Winner: DDP over The Giant via Diamond Cutter!




(WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Kevin Nash vs Goldberg (C)



There is not much of a promo package, more of just footage of the two men in action briefly with opera-like music in the background, WCW's production has never been on par with The WWF and it shows with stuff like this, Michael Buffer does his introductions and Schiavone states The Biggest match in the history of our sport is about to begin, Schiavone is so lame that he is lovable.



Lock-up, Nash is pushed back by Goldberg, lock-up and side headlock by Nash. Back suplex by Goldberg, Nash powders to the floor. Knees by Nash, forearms and elbows by Nash. Knees in the corner, right hands in the corner. Elbows by Nash, foot choke by Nash. Goldberg powers down Nash, right hands and a chokehold by Goldberg, Nash counters for a cross armbreaker but Goldberg counters for a heel hook. Right hands and stomps by Goldberg, Nash is decked by the champion. Nash pulls Goldberg into the corner, foot choke by Nash. Nash misses a big boot and Goldberg Spears Nash.



Low blow by Nash, Sidewalk slam by Nash for two, elbow for two. Goldberg is choked on the middle rope, leg across the back for two. Forearms to the back by Nash, Goldberg fights back but eats a back elbow and clothesline for two. Goldberg turns the tide with a spinning neckbreaker, double underhook slam for two. Thrustkick by Goldberg, powerslam by Goldberg for two. Spinning heel kick by Goldberg, here is Disco Inferno. Spear by Goldberg, Bigelow is clotheslined to the floor by Goldberg. Scott Hall is on the apron, Hall tasers Goldberg and Nash picks up Goldberg for the mother of all Jaknife Powerbomb, Nash breaks the streak and Nash is now your World Heavyweight Champion. Goldberg is pulling himself up but Goldberg cannot stand as Nash looks on, not understanding what is wrong with Goldberg.



Ok, could people buy into Nash beating Goldberg? I think yes, it was not like Nash was unpopular, the crowd were into Nash and there were Goldberg sucks chants. Let me be clear, I am not trying to justify Nash's win, I am just looking at the factors and events surrounding the win. If it were me, I would have had DDP do it at Halloween Havoc, I think it was time for DDP as champion, you have to strike when it is time and I felt Halloween Havoc was a missed opportunity. However, I do think that Nash winning was not the worst call in the world, Nash was up there with DDP in terms of popularity and they were both babyfaces so maybe it was not the worst decision, you had to beat Goldberg at some point.



That being said, the execution was awful. Of all the ways you could have had this play out, you have Scott Hall taser Goldberg. It was just a terrible idea to have it done this way, the crowd were into the match though, it was alright. Godberg had the match of his life against DDP and Nash was not going to be ablt to match that kind of match, they did their best but it is not great.

 

Winner: Kevin Nash over Goldberg via Jacknife Powerbomb!




That was WCW's Starrcade 1998, a show that had a card that did not live up to the name. The cruiserweight matches open the show and do their best to entertain the audience. After those matches, the show goes to absolute shite, every match is dull and boring with superstars who do not deserve to be Starrcade. Iaukea, Smiley & Jerry Flynn? Get out of here with this crap, this is not acceptable for Starrcade. DDP vs Giant has a nice finish, Giant's offense is terrible while Goldberg vs Nash was alright until the finish, absolutely dreadful. My advice is do not watch this show only for the historic main event if you want to have your judgement on Goldberg vs Nash







Image result for WCW Starrcade 1998 Gif