Friday 30 June 2017

WWE Taboo Tuesday 2004 Review

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Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that would forgive Big Cass three times for kicking its face in! In the middle of all the 2004 madness, we have Taboo Tuesday 2004 featuring superstars of the Raw brand in matches chosen by you, the fans! What could be more exciting? Lots of possibilities, lots of combinations and it could be something truly memorable as we watch the likes of Chris Benoit, Edge, Kane, Shawn Michaels and Triple H. The ultimate in fan participation, you are in control, it is all in your hands. Will it be a big hit? Let’s find out!


Opening Promo


The package hypes you up in all the right ways, it tells you that you are in control, giving off the impression that this is all about the fans. What a treat for all those watching, fans today would kill to have such power nowadays. Anyways, it is really good stuff, that’s what you need to know. Before the pay per view starts, we find out that all the Raw divas will be wrestling in schoolgirl outfits… hmmmm kinky!


(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Chris Jericho © vs Shelton Benjamin


Jericho had ended his feud with Christian in a ladder match, becoming the Intercontinental champion in the process, Jericho has no idea who his opponent will be for this match. Coach is acting as a host for the night, it is a nice touch to give the impression that nobody has any idea who their opponents will be or what the stipulations will be, Jericho has a choice for 15 possible opponents. They go through all the possible opponents for Jericho, showing everyone getting hyped up for the match. I had no clue Rodney Mack was still in WWE at this point or Chuck Palumbo. Benjamin gets a big chance to sign in this title match after returning from an injury, Benjamin’s return was advertised during the last pay per view so big things were in Benjamin’s future.


Lock-up, clean break. Another lock-up, armdrag by Jericho. Lock-up and an armdrag by Benjamin, armbar by the challenger. Jericho forearms his way out, chops by Jericho. Benjamin elevates Jericho to the floor after holding on the ropes from an Irish whip, baseball slide by Benjamin. Cover for two, reverse chinlock by Benjamin. Benjamin backs Jericho into the corner, chest slap by Benjamin. Jericho boots Benjamin out of the corner, running enzuigiri for two. Back suplex with elbows by Jericho, suplex by Jericho followed by a come on baby pin by Jericho. Benjamin fires back at Jericho, Jericho holds onto the ropes from an Irish whip. Benjamin suffers stiff kicks to the spine, backbreaker by Y2J.


Slap by Jericho, sunset flip by Benjamin for two. Clothesline by Jericho for two, Jericho is on the top rope but Benjamin crotches the champion. Superplex by Benjamin, slugfest with Benjamin winning the war. Leaping clothesline, back body drop and a Dragon Whip for two. Right hands by Benjamin, Jericho reverses the Irish whip and nails a modified bulldog. Lionsault is dodged by Benjamin, Benjamin ascends to the top turnbuckle. Huge lariat for two, Benjamin misses a Stinger splash, Jericho attempts The Walls of Jericho, Benjamin counters for a small package, two for the challenger. Jericho clotheslines Benjamin, Lionsault by Y2J. Two for Jericho, Jericho chops Bejamin in the corner. Jericho is whipped into the corner, Jericho jumps to the middle rope but walks into The T-Bone Suplex and we have a new champion.


Great choice of opener from WWE, it was fast-paced and exciting from beginning to end. Benjamin was slowly climbing the ladder on Raw, Jericho was great as the over-confident cocky champion who saw Benjamin as a junior and not on his level, Benjamin was good in short bursts, didn’t expose himself and looked good and that he belonged at the end of the match. The title change also shows that the fans’ vote matters as they were able to make a difference and have a title change occur on the pay per view.


Winner: Shelton Benjamin over Chris Jericho via T-Bone Suplex!


Who will be the challenger?


HBK, Benoit and Edge try to gain last minute votes from the fans, only one man can become the champion. Todd Grisham announces who will be challenging Triple H for The World Heavyweight Championship along with The Coach and that man is Shawn Michaels! Edge is not a happy man as Benoit congratulates Michaels. This means Benoit & Edge will challenge for the world tag team championships.


(WWE Women’s Championship Fulfill Your Fantasy Battle Royal Match)


Seven beautiful women competing for the chance to be women’s champion, dressed as schoolgirls. Well, WWE has come a long way since these days, we have Trish Stratus, Jazz, Gail Kim, Nidia, Victoria, Molly Holly and Stacy Keibler. Lots of kicking and screaming, pantie shots everywhere. Nidia and Jazz are thrown out pretty quick, Gail Kim basically eliminates herself with a hurricanrana. We are down to Trish, Stacy, Molly and Victoria. Victoria is catapulted over by Molly and Trish, snap suplex by Molly on Stacy. Molly is stopped by Stacy, Stacy fights back against the two. Molly forearms Stacy out before Trish wins the match.


Yeah it is basically a joke of a match, I had a big smile on my face for the whole match but you cannot talk about credible challengers for Trish’s title. There is not a lot with half the roster being heels and the likes of Nidia and Stacy are not going to be having a run for the championship anytime soon. They needed Lita more than ever.


Winner: Trish Stratus over Everyone Else via Survival!


Kane vs Gene Snitsky (Steel Chain Match)


What a fucking joke this is, one of the biggest what the fucks in wrestling. Kane, who raped Lita is now a babyface because Snitsky smacked Kane with a chair which led to Kane falling on Lita and the baby being lost. First, miscarriages are not funny and I am so glad that this will not be an angle that comes back anytime soon. Secondly, Kane is the babyface for standing up for his lost baby yet the baby was made because Kane raped Lita?


Chain is in the middle of the ring, Kane throws it to the floor and begins beating the piss out of Snitsky, uppercuts in the corner. Snitsky powders as Kane gives chase, Kane has the chain. Snitsky ducks the chain, Kane is thrown into the ring. Snitsky has the chain, Kane dodges with an uppercut. Kane clotheslines Snitsky with the chain, Snitsky’s head is battered off the chain. Huge right hand with the chain, Kane is caught off-guard as Snitsky whips Kane into the ringpost using the chain. Chain to the face by Snitsky, Snitsky whips the bejesus out of Kane, Snitsky chokes Kane with the chain. Uppercut by Kane as The Big Red Machine wriggles free, Snitsky uses a big knee to regain control. Foot choke by Snitsky, right hands and stomps by Snitsky.


Kane reverses an Irish whip and nails a corner clothesline, boot by Snitsky to avoid the second clothesline. Scoop slam by Snitsky, multiple elbow drops for two. Clothesline by Snitsky for two, more chain shots by Snitsky. Snitsky chokes Kane, Kane shakes off Snitsky. Snitsky motions for a right hand, Kane battles back with rights of his own. Snitsky powers Kane down with a sidewalk slam, Kane sits-up. Uppercuts by Kane, double big boot with both men down. Kane sits-up again, Lita takes the chain from Snitsky. Snitsky avoids The Chokeslam, Lita gives Kane the chain. Snitsky kicks the steel steps into Kane’s leg.


Snitsky stabs Kane with the steel chair, multiple shots follow before Snitsky grabs the chain. More choking, choking with the steel chair and chain. Snitsky is looking for a Pillmanizer as the chair is around the neck of Kane, Snitsky does it as blood spills from the mouth of Kane. Lita was helpless to watch as Kane flops around, the referee asks for The EMTs. This match seems to have come to a standstill but wait Snitsky wants the pin-fall and Snitsky gets the pin.


A little long for my taste ladies and gentlemen, I like big monster battles, it was cool to see the two slug it out in battle. Some parts were dull though, I feel they could have shaved off a couple minutes towards the end. Snitsky seemed a little lost at times, the finish is quite violent and a good way to put heat on the new Snitsky, I just think having Snitsky out there for so long in the ring did more harm than good for your new monster.


Winner: Snitsky over Kane via Pillmanizer!


Eric Bischoff vs Eugene (Hair vs Hair Match)


Bischoff has never liked his nephew Eugene, Bischoff saw Eugene as an utter annoyance and could not wait to rid himself of his easily excited nephew. Trouble for Bischoff was that Eugene continued to gain popularity week after week and scored a few big wins, Eugene is injured due to assault at the hands of Snitsky on Raw. Bischoff attacks Eugene from behind, kicks by Eugene. Tonnes of kicks by Bischoff as Eugene tries to cover up, Eugene is rammed into the turnbuckle and begins hulking up. Bischoff claims his knee is injured, Eugene takes the bait. However, the kick has no effect. Right hands by Eugene, airplane spin by Eugene. Sidekick by Eugene, leg drop by Eugene for the win.


Coach announces that Bischoff must have his head shaved bald, Coach makes his way down to the ring. Coach asks the audience what they think, Coach says Bischoff should have to wear a dress for a month before changing it to be a servant. Coach claims that Coach has the final say, Bischoff has to be Eugene’s servant for five minutes. However, here comes the boss. Bischoff tries to do a runner but Vince is having none of it, Bischoff has to be shaved bald. Vince also makes Coach wear the dress for justice.


That was a fun angle, the match lasted barely three minutes but the aftermath was hilarious. Bischoff was funny, Coach was funny and Vince as a fair babyface is always awesome, I enjoyed this so much.


Winner: Eugene over Bischoff via Leg Drop!


Shawn Michaels/Edge Confrontation


Edge is pissed that he is not number one contender, Edge is extremely upset with Michaels who won the vote despite his injury. Edge calls Michaels a sin of a bitch and that’s all folks.


(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) La Resistance © vs Chris Benoit & Edge


Not the first time that Benoit and Edge have teamed together or faced this team, they were on better terms that time around though. Edge is a reluctant partner to Benoit. There are USA chants for a match featuring French and Canadian superstars, great stuff.


Edge beats the piss out of Conway, Conway chops back. Edge fires back, hard Irish whip and a corner clothesline by Edge, tag to Benoit. Benoit chops Conway, clothesline by The Rabid Wolverine. Snap suplex by Benoit, two for Benoit. Edge tags back in, eye rake by Conway. Right hands by Conway and a tag to Grenier, clubbing blows by Grenier. Suplex by Grenier, Edge dodges an elbow drop. Clothesline by Edge, snap suplex by Edge. Edge climbs to the top turnbuckle, Edge steps down and jaw-jacks with a fan. Benoit says concentrate, Edge sends Grenier into the barricade. Tag to Benoit, back suplex by Benoit for two.


Backbreaker for two, flapjack by Benoit. Chops by Benoit, tag to Edge. Edge is lured in by Grenier, Conway tags into the match. Edge nails a flying forearm, Conway is out on the apron. Edge Spears Conway into the barricade, Grenier batters Edge on the floor before Benoit saves Edge. Conway brings Edge to his corner, tag to Grenier. Knee drop for two, reverse chinlock by Grenier. Edge breaks free before a flapjack from Grenier for two, tag to Conway. Double suplex, two for Conway. Grenier waves the flag as Conway chokes Edge using the middle rope. Edge fires back with right hands, eye rake by Conway.


Tag to Grenier, Edge clotheslines Grenier out of the corner. Tag to Benoit, chops by Benoit before Grenier reverses an Irish whip and scores with a huge lariat to the back of the head. Tag to Conway who chokes Benoit, Grenier batters Benoit behind the referee’s back. Benoit German suplexes Conway and Benoit tags Edge but the referee misses the tag. Edge is so upset that he walks to the back, Benoit is all alone against La Resistance. Benoit looks on as he watches Edge leave Benoit behind. Edge leaves the arena, reverse chinlock by Grenier.


Benoit superplexes Grenier, Grenier tags Conway. Conway stomps on Benoit, Grenier comes in but Benoit sends Conway into Grenier. German suplex on Grenier, German suplexes on Conway. Grenier is knocked to the floor and Benoit has The Crippler Crossface on Conway. Conway taps and Benoit wins the championships.


Benoit defeats La Resistance, the team portrayed as the top team on Raw for God knows how many months by himself… Seems like a fitting end for La Resistance’s reign, they were treated as a top team when nobody gave a damn about tag team wrestling in the WWE. It was a good match, story was told well with Edge being irate and leaving, Benoit showing he is a gutsy underdog that never gives up.


Winners: Chris Benoit & Edge over La Resistance via Crippler Crossface!


Triple H interview


Triple H is asked about Shawn Michaels’ injury, Triple H does not buy the injury and Triple H is looking to kick the crap out of HBK. I would be pumped for this match if I had not seen it and variations of it for months over the past year.


Christy Hemme vs Carmella (Lingerie Fight)


So, Christy Hemme won The Raw Diva Search with Carmella being the other finalist, they decided to do a feud between the two and we will have a match. While the contest was a joke, it yielded the likes of Christy, Michelle McCool, Maria etc. The fans choose a lingerie pillow fight, this is more family fun right? We have cubicles which show us the women stripping, this feels so awkward. I cannot imagine bringing my children to this show, it is hilarious.


Well, they batter each other with pillows, Carmella looks tall and awkward. They roll around with Christy choking Carmella, Christy covers Carmella in seconds. Shite and garbage but if I was being paid that much by the company, I would embarrass myself and roll around half-naked.


Winner: Christy Hemme over Carmella via Pillow Shot to The Head!


(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Triple H © vs Shawn Michaels


Michaels comes to the ring limping, Michaels is playing up the angle well before the match even begins, Triple H corners Michaels. Lock-up, Michaels hammer away at Triple H, Michaels stays in the corner despite taking down Triple H. Triple H goes for the leg, Michaels tees off on The Game. Side headlock by Michaels, huge chop and Michaels is in the corner. Michaels tries a kick which leads to Triple H slamming the leg into the mat, Triple H stomps all over the leg of HBK. Right hands by Michaels, Triple H goes to the leg. Knees by Triple H, figure four by The Game. Michaels is begging for the referee to not ring the bell, Michaels edges towards the ropes.


Michaels pulls Triple H into the ringpost using his legs, chops by Michaels. Michaels catapults Triple H into the top turnbuckle, inverted atomic drops on the bad leg. Michaels sacrifices his knee to take down Triple H, chops by Michaels. Cover for two, Michaels avoids a Pedigree with a DDT after a low blow. Elbow Drop by Michaels, Batista distracts Michaels. Sweet Chin Music by Michaels, Batista is with the referee. Edge Spears the crap out of Michaels, Triple H covers and retains the championship.


That was a fine wrestling match, went at great speed but I preferred that to another thirty minute affair between these two, I have seen it so much so this was a breath of fresh air. Michaels sells the hell out of his leg, Triple H works it over like the sick son of a bitch that he is meant to be and you have a feud for months with Michaels battling the man who cost him the championship Edge. All around good stuff coming out of this match.


Winner: Triple H over Shawn Michaels via Spear!


Randy Orton vs Ric Flair (Steel Cage Match)


A lot of build for this match, Orton did not want to take down Ric Flair. Ric Flair had been called out by Randy Orton, Orton got under Flair’s skin calling Flair an ass-kisser and Triple H’s bitch. Flair wants to show he still has it, Flair cost Orton a championship opportunity, Flair is looking to take everything away from Orton. The stipulation is a steel cage match, shoulder block from Orton to begin the match.


Chops from Flair, Orton turns the tide with rights and lefts. Flair chops back before Orton punches back, Irish whip and back drop by Orton. Flair tries running away, Orton corners Flair but Flair eye pokes Orton. Huge chop from Flair, low blow by The Nature Boy. Flair sends Orton into the steel cage, Orton is bleeding. Right hands by Flair, boot to the face. Flair rakes Orton’s face off the steel cage, knee drop by Flair. Chops by Flair, Flair tastes Orton’s blood as The Nature Boy struts around the cage like he owns the damn thing. Flair chops but they have no effect on Orton, Flair is sent into the cage. Elbows to the face by Orton, Flair is now bleeding.


Flair tries running away, Flair’s ass is exposed. Flair falls groin first on the top rope, Flair begs for mercy. Ten punches by Orton, Flair low blows Orton down. Orton rakes Flair’s face off the cage, rights and lefts by Orton. Orton dropkicks Flair into the steel cage, Orton yanks Flair off the top rope. Orton climbs for a top rope crossbody, two for Orton. Backbreaker by Orton, two for Orton. Flair chops down Orton, Flair crawls towards the door. Orton holds onto Flair’s foot, elbow to the back of the head by Orton. Flair pulls brass knuckles out of his trunks, Flair waffles Orton but Orton kicks out at two. Flair tries escaping again, Flair is stuck at the door but Flair drags in a chair. Orton ducks the chair shot for an RKO, Orton wins the match with the two embracing at the end of the night.


That was a lot of fun, Flair turned back the clock with this match. They got colour pretty earlier and went into classic Flair stuff, Flair was on fire for this match, Flair did all he could to solidify Orton as the man in the WWE. Orton did great toom it was fantastic stuff. I loved the drama and the spots, everything was perfect from the two of them. What a great end to the pay per view, that might be the last time that Flair main evented a pay per view and what a way to go out if it was, fun stuff from the past and the present of wrestling.


Winner: Randy Orton over Ric Flair via RKO!


That was WWE’s Taboo Tuesday of 2004, a great little show I tell you! You could probably take out the Divas stuff but the show came together very nicely. You had the feel of fans being in control, you had a lot of gimmick matches which rarely disappoint fans, you had good stuff like Benjamin and Snitsky being made out to be stars, you had great performances from the likes of Flair, Michaels and Benoit. It was a breeze to go through, Raw and Smackdown have been delivering as we near 2005, I am hoping for much action like this. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!




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WCW Fall Brawl 1999 Review

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Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that never gives you the same matches over and over week after week. This is WCW, this is Fall Brawl 1999 and boys and girls, I might have just hit the jackpot in terms of terrible pay per views. Bischoff is out of power, gone from WCW and creative has had a facelift with no real card or direction going into this pay per view. The main event is Sting vs Hogan, Hogan is in the red and yellow and claims that he would never double-cross Sting (I suppose we will ignore the previous two years). Also, we have Benoit vs Sid for The United States Championship, ICP are here and Goldberg. Will this be awful? More than likely so let’s get into it!


Opening Promo


It’s not much whatsoever, it is mostly Hogan saying trust me like Jake Roberts as Sting is shown not to be trusting Hulk Hogan. Poor production WCW, you are wasting my time.


Vampiro/ICP vs The Filthy Animals


First thing about this match is Raven is no longer with the company, Raven walked out on the company in a meeting with all of the talent, it takes balls and the man went back to ECW. So, The Deadpool are down a member who could wrestle which sucks, it is a rematch from the awful Road Wild. A lot of stalling to begin the match, Vampiro is telling everyone to shut up while Mysterio has the fans chant for Eddie. Kidman and Shaggy 2 Dope begin, Shaggy clubs Kidman. Kidman dropkicks and stomps all over Shaggy, Kidman misses a corner splash and Shaggy nails a huge clothesline. Kidman flips out of a back suplex for a forearm. Mysterio tags in for a springboard leg drop, tag to Eddie who nails a slingshot hilo.


Leaping calf kick by Eddie, tag to Mysterio. Springboard splash by Mysterio, Shaggy tags Violent J. Violent J catapults Mysterio into his corner, Vampiro is the legal man for his team. Mysterio hair slams Vampiro, bronco buster by Mysterio, tag to Kidman. Vampiro tags Violent, Kidman unloads on Violent J, Violent J hides behind the referee. Huge chop by Violent J, DDT by Violent J and a tag to Vampiro. Powerbomb by Vampiro, two as Eddie saves his partner. Kidman fires up before a shoulder block from Vampiro, top rope spinning heel kick by Vampiro for two. ICP put the boots to Kidman behind the referee’s back, Vampiro tags Shaggy. Powerslam for two, Eddie saves Kidman once more.


Clothesline by Kidman, tag to Mysterio. Springboard senton, springboard moonsault as Vampiro saves Violent J. Violent J clotheslines Mysterio to the floor, Vampiro and Shaggy send Mysterio into the barricade. Vampiro applies a reverse chinlock while The ICP distract Eddie & Kidman. Vampiro attacks Eddie & Kidman before applying a front chancery on Mysterio, Eddie finally gets the tag, elbows and chops to Vampiro. Clothesline by Eddie, more chops by Eddie. Vampiro avoids the monkey flip for an enzuigiri, tag to Violent J. Violent J scoop slams Eddie, top rope leg drop by Shaggy with Kidman saving Eddie. Tag to Vampiro, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Eddie. Eddie wipes out ICP before Vampiro beats down Eddie.


Some weird piledriver-cutter manoeuvre by Shaggy & Vampiro, Kidman shoves Shaggy off the top rope. Vampiro gutwrench suplexes Kidman off the top rope. Eddie missile dropkicks Vampiro which sets up the perfect moment for Kidman to score with The Shooting Star Press to win the match.


It was alright, not the worst from a match featuring ICP. Not a good run for a new star in Vampiro though, that’s another match he has lost on pay per view. Anyways, it was sloppy in parts, the crowd were huge into Eddie Guerrero and what they did was not give them a lot of Eddie. However, the crowd was hot like it often is for the start of pay per views, I am sure this will change by the end of the first hour.


Winners: The Filthy Animals over The Deadpool via Shooting Star Press!


(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Lenny Lane © W/ Lodi vs Kaz Hayashi


Well, this would not be accepted in 2017. Lenny and Lodi are playing a very full-on gay gimmick that drew a lot of criticism from the gay community, Lenny won the championship from Rey Mysterio, I will give you a minute to let that sink in, oh Christ. I also think Lenny might be taking the piss out of Jericho with the hairstyle, Hayashi had beaten Lenny so they are having a match for the championship. Lenny and Lodi bump butts before starting the match because gays are heels.


Lenny takes the back, Hayashi is not pleased by the attempted rape. Side headlock by Lenny, shoulder block and beautiful skips from Lenny. Armbar by Lenny, Lenny hides in the ropes. Kicks to the ass by Hayashi, sunset flip for two. Dropkick by Hayashi and a headscissors takedown, Lenny runs to a hug from Lodi. Twisting Space Tiger Moonsault from Hayashi, elbow drop by Hayashi. Lodi trips Hayashi when Hayashi runs the ropes but Lenny misses elbow drops. Wheelbarrow sit-out slam by Lenny for two, eye rake and back rakes by Lenny. Snapmare and stomp by Lenny, two for Lenny. Hayashi boots Lenny, drop toehold and Lenny hits the middle turnbuckle hard. Hayashi tries a slingshot but Lenny dodges the splash, overly sexual pin from Lenny for two.


Knees to the ribs and gutwrench powerbomb for two, Hayashi lowbridges Lenny and nails a tope con hilo. Lodi attacks Hayashi while the referee tends to Lenny, Hayashi is whipped hard into the guard rail. Two for Lenny, Lenny stomps Hayashi in the corner, foot choke from the champion. Reverse chinlock by Lenny, Hayashi escapes for a hurricanrana for a close two. Lenny nails a huge bulldog for two, Hayashi is caught from a slide. Hayashi escapes out of a back suplex for his own, slingshot bulldog by Hayashi. Both men are on the top rope, running powerbomb by Hayashi. Lodi places Lenny’s foot on the ropes, Lodi crotches Hayashi.


Hayashi nails a middle rope hurricanrana. Jawbreaker by Lenny, Hayashi dropkicks Lenny into Lodi, victory roll for two. Hayashi backbreakers Lenny, Hayashi calls for the end. Hayashi is hotshotted by Lodi, roll-up by Lenny for two. Hayashi walks right into a Stroke from Lenny and Lenny retains the championship.


Crowd were not into this match but these two tried their hardest. It was crazy with all the near-falls, it reminded me of a main event from WWE nowadays. Sadly, the action could not match the quality of a WWE main event, it was slow in parts and the crowd chanting faggot and homo were a nice touch for the gimmick of Lenny & Lodi.


Winner: Lenny over Kaz Hayashi via Stroke!


Sting Interview


Mean Gene interviews Sting, Sting says Luger is so close to losing The Stinger as a friend, Sting agrees that Hogan is a changed man and that there are no problems until they step into the ring.


The Revolution vs The First Family W/ Jimmy Hart


Brian Knobbs & Hugh Morrus are going to battle Shane Douglas and Dean Malenko, Douglas fucks up the town which is so perfect for this company at the time. Slugfest to start the match, Morrus & Douglas are on the floor, Knobbs is pummelling Malenko in the ring. Malenko low blows both family members, noggin knocker. Inverted atomic drop and leaping calf kick by The Revolution, double baseball slide by Malenko & Douglas. Douglas tees off on Morrus, Malenko sends Knobbs into the steel steps. Douglas cracks Morrus with the steel steps, Knobbs whips Malenko into the steel steps. Ten punches by Douglas, boot in the corner and clothesline by Knobbs.


Forearm shots by Knobbs, Douglas is send into Knobbs’ smelly pit. Douglas fires up, tag to Malenko. Drop toehold and low dropkick combination, armdrag and knees to the arm by Malenko to an incoming Morrus. Douglas comes in with Morrus delivering a few big rights before Douglas turns the tide with a boot and a neckbreaker. Eye poke by Morrus, tag to Knobbs. Knobbs walks into an armdrag, tag to Malenko. Malenko hurls Knobbs to the floor, Douglas whips Knobbs into the guard rail. Knobbs reverses Douglas into another guard rail but it means nothing as Douglas is back up quick and Malenko tags in Douglas.


Douglas & Malenko own the ring, Knobbs walks into a drop toehold. Side headlock by Douglas, Morrus nails Douglas from the apron. Morrus puts the boots to Douglas on the floor, Knobbs misses a big splash. Tag to Malenko, Malenko scores with a back drop, right hands for Knobbs. Jimmy Hart is knocked into Knobbs’ lap, Knobbs trips Malenko which allows Morrus to nail his No Laughing Matter Moonsault.


So, the new hot group with the new star in the company lose to Brian Knobbs and Hugh Morrus, a tag team I would consider on the lower side of the heels’ side. Yeah, you wonder why Benoit, Malenko, Eddie and Saturn feared for their jobs under the new booking regime, what a joke of a match and a joke of a finish.


Winners: The First Family over The Revolution via No Laughing Matter!


(WCW Television Championship Match) Saturn vs Rick Steiner ©


Rick Steiner has been in limbo with Scott Steiner disappearing from out screens, Rick is television champion, the title never meant much and it does not help when Rick hardly defends the damn thing. Steiner takes down Saturn, eye rake by Steiner. Clothesline by Steiner for two, Saturn superkicks Steiner down. Springboard leg drop by Saturn, suicide dive by Saturn. Ten punches by Saturn, German suplex by Saturn for two. Steiner places the referee in the way, low blow by Steiner, Saturn is thrown to the floor. Saturn is sent into the steel steps, Steiner rips up the safety mats and DDTs Saturn onto the concrete. Steiner clubs down Saturn, huge German release suplex for two.


Clothesline by Steiner, camel clutch by the champion. Steiner transitions into a single leg Boston crab, belly to belly suplex by Steiner. Saturn is placed on the top rope, Saturn fights back for a missile dropkick. Springboard forearm and exploder suplex by Saturn, Steiner recovers well for a huge powerslam, snatching Saturn out of mid-air. Saturn reverses an Irish whip for The Death Valley Driver, Steiner kicks out at two. Steiner blocks the second DVD, Saturn is rammed into the turnbuckle. Steiner climbs to the top rope, Saturn crotches Steiner. Steiner blocks the suplex, sending Saturn to the floor and Steiner nails The Steiner Bulldog for the win.


Again, the hot new group which you are trying to get over loses to an established star, you have to feel for Saturn. The guy looked to have so much potential in his feud with Raven and within months, it was snatched from him. Match was boring, mostly a one-sided affair with Steiner wiping the floor with Saturn, crowd did not care and I did not when it was all over.


Winner: Rick Steiner over Saturn via Steiner Bulldog!


Hulk Hogan Interview


Hogan is walking the straight path ladies and gentlemen, Hogan does not like to be called a liar (The irony!) and Hogan wants to kick Sting’s ass and Luger’s ass if he sticks his nose where it does not belong.


Berlyn W/ The Bodyguard vs Jim Duggan


Berlyn is Alex Wright with a mohawk look right out of Fist of The North Star, Berlyn was feuding with Buff Bagwell but Bagwell refused to put Berlyn over so we have a replacement in Jim Duggan. This had to be Duggan’s first pay per view singles match in at least three years, Duggan gets a bigger pop than anybody who has wrestled so far on the night, just brilliant. Huge dropkick by Berlyn to start the match, Duggan turns the tide with a hard Irish whip and a lot of clotheslines which leaves Berlyn on the floor.


Atomic drop by Duggan, forearms in the corner. Polish hammer by Duggan, Berlyn is begging for mercy. Duggan lowers his head off an Irish whip, big kick and clothesline by Berlyn. Side headlock into an uppercut by Berlyn, Duggan fires backs with huge right hands. Eye poke by Berlyn, stomps in the corner. Snapmare into a reverse chinlock, Duggan escapes for huge shoulder thrusts. Berlyn stops Duggan with a boot, elbow drop by Berlyn. Duggan clubs down Berlyn, they wrestle on the mat a bit. No idea what is going on here, they reset for a lock-up.


Berlyn snapmares Duggan over, they just seem to be hugging one another. Berlyn is holding onto a sleeper awkwardly, Duggan fires up and back drops Berlyn. Berlyn powders to the floor, the bodyguard has ripped up the safety mats, the bodyguard clotheslines Duggan. Neckbreaker by Berlyn and this is mercifully over.


The pick of the bunch in terms of shite matches. They were on two different wave-lengths, it was awkward, disjointed and sloppy. One of the most boring matches committed to pay per view, Duggan did not feel like selling Berlyn’s offense. Looks like they got lost the whole time and Bagwell comes out to talk to Duggan afterwards, Duggan shoves him off looking legitimately pissed. Just a beautiful clusterfuck of a match, this was one of the worst.


Winner: Berlyn over Duggan via Neckbreaker!


(WCW Tag Team Championship Match) Harlem Heat vs The West Texas Rednecks © W/ Curt Hennig


After winning the championships from The Jersey Triad, Harlem Heat are the challengers once more because this company has no idea what they are doing, Barry and Kendall Windham are your champions, The West Texas Rednecks are over with the southern audience (Big shocker right?), WCW have no clue what they are doing. Booker and Kendall start, forearms from Booker. Kendall powders and Booker gives chase, Kendall stomps Booker before a flying forearm and a clothesline from Booker ends that.


Barry is in, armdrag and clothesline by Booker. Tag to Stevie Ray for a double suplex, right hands by Stevie Ray. Inverted atomic drop, one for Kendall too. Big boot to Barry, eye rake from Barry. Tag to Kendall, back elbow from Kendall. Huge chops, Stevie Ray asks for more. Right hands by Stevie Ray, Kendall blocks with a boot, cheap shot by Barry. Barry elbows Stevie Ray, double clothesline, tag to Barry. Powerslam by Stevie Ray, Booker gets the hot-tag. Sidekick by Booker, backbreaker to Kendall. Kendall kicks out at two, Kendall drags Booker to the floor. Barry and Hennig attack Booker, knee drop by Kendall for two.


Reverse chinlock, Booker dodges a big boot. Scissors Kick by Booker, followed by a Spinaroonie. Barry nails his Leaping Clothesline, Stevie Ray is irate. Hennig sends Booker into the guard rail, back suplex by Barry for two. Barry scores with a superplex for two as Stevie Ray saves Booker. Kendall is in, lariat by Kendall for two. Booker nails a sunset flip out of the corner, two for Booker. Kendall applies a front chancery, tag to Barry who applies a sleeper. Tag to Kendall, Stevie Ray gets the tag but Barry has distracted the referee. Scoop slam by Stevie Ray on both Windhams, Barry saves Kendall from the Slapjack. Hennig nails Stevie Ray with a cowbell off an Irish whip, Kendall covers but Booker fights off Hennig & Windham to nail a missile dropkick for the win.


That was fine, you cannot go wrong with Booker working most of the match and Barry doing the same for his team, I feel Booker was beyond this at this point in his career but WCW did not see it that way. The finish was quite confusing, Kendall had the cover and was screaming at the referee who simply ignored Kendall’s request, Booker calmly comes in and kicks his head off, it amused me greatly. And why change the titles if you are only going to put them back on Harlem Heat? Pointless booking WCW. Anyways, it was a good match compared to everything I had seen on this card so far.


Winners: Harlem Heat over The West Texas Rednecks via Missile Dropkick!


(WCW United States Championship Match) Chris Benoit © vs Sid Vicious


Sid is undefeated, Benoit seemed to be finally getting somewhere in WCW, you know where this is going though don’t you? Lock-up, Benoit shoves back Sid. Sid shoves back Benoit with ease, Sid shoves back Benoit. Side headlock by Benoit, shoulder block from the bigger Sid. Eye rake by Sid, choke against the rope by Sid. Benoit slides through Sid’s leg, dragon screw by Benoit. Benoit goes right for the leg, Sid wriggles free and begins kicking the ribs of Benoit. Huge right hand by Sid, multiple stomps by The Millennium Man. Sid misses a huge splash, Benoit goes for the leg again.


Benoit places the steel steps on Sid’s legs, Benoit dropkicks the steel steps onto Sid’s leg. Sid catches Benoit in mid-air, Benoit slides out for a German suplex, Sid whips Benoit off the ropes. Benoit goes for a crucifix but Sid takes down Benoit with a Samoan drop. Cobra clutch from Sid, transition to a slam for two. Reverse chinlock by Sid, sunset flip but Sid covers for a pin, two for Sid. Benoit slides out of a powerslam, Irish whip by Benoit is reversed, dropkick to the knee by Benoit. Crippler Crossface by Benoit, Sid powers up and reaches the ropes with his foot. Benoit goes for a Diving Headbutt, Sid avoids and delivers the powerbomb for the win.


I liked the story they were telling in this match, Sid was treated like a huge behemoth who was unbeatable in many ways. Benoit knows this and goes for the leg, chopping away at the big man to whittle him down to his size. Benoit showed a lot of heart and had a match that the crowd were into which is something that most did not achieve on this card. However, it is another case of The Revolution losing on this night, they did not win a singles match. How demoralizing it must be for a new group to lose every match on pay per view.


Winner: Sid Vicious over Chris Benoit via Powerbomb!


Goldberg vs DDP


A rematch from Halloween Havoc 1998, the best match that Goldberg ever had. Hoping to create the magic? And what is the deal with Goldberg? I feel he has not been around a lot in WCW for the year of 1999, some ppvs he is here and others he is not. Before the match begins, the referee finds a lot of weapons on DDP’s person, we have a chain and a roll of quarters, Goldberg clotheslines DDP to the floor. Side headlock by Goldberg, shoulder block by Goldberg. Armwringer and side headlock by DDP, Goldberg escapes and DDP is on his ass again.


Side headlock by DDP, Goldberg dumps DDP on the floor with a shoulder block. DDP has the mic, the fans chant Goldberg and DDP is not a happy man. Goldberg chases after DDP, they brawl in the crowd before Goldberg dumps DDP ringside. DDP jumps on Goldberg in the ring, Diamond Cutter is dodged for a huge powerslam, DDP low blows Goldberg using the referee for cover. DDP nails Goldberg with brass knuckles, Goldberg is down. Foot choke by DDP, DDP poses for the fans.


DDP slaps the head of Goldberg, huge right hands with his brass knuckles. Elbow by DDP for two, reverse chinlock by DDP. DDP uses the ropes for leverage behind the referee’s back, Goldberg begins to shake off the damage. Right hands by Goldberg, hug boot to the face of DDP. Irish whip by Goldberg, float-over DDT by DDP, two for DDP. DDP runs into a double underhook slam for two, here comes The Triad. Kanyon clocks Goldberg with a hubcap, DDP slams Goldberg for two. Kanyon and Bigelow attack Goldberg with DDP holding the referee. Double clothesline by Goldberg on Bigelow & Kanyon, Spear to DDP and Jackhammer goodnight.


Well, it still gets monster reactions when it happens. The match was nothing on their match from the previous year, it was quite boring with a lot of stalling from DDP. I just found myself bored watching it until the very end when Goldberg hit The Spear.


Winner: Goldberg over DDP via Jackhammer!


(WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Sting vs Hulk Hogan ©


Hogan had turned babyface, retiring the black and white colours while also retiring Kevin Nash, Sting was next in line for a championship match after Hogan had beaten Savage for the championship. Sting trusts Hogan as Hogan now wears the red and yellow but Sting’s best friend Lex Luger has caused friction by saying Hogan cannot be trusted. Over the next few weeks on Nitro, questionable things happened to Sting which made him doubt Hogan’s words, we go into this match with Sting not sure whether he should trust Hogan or Luger.


Bret Hart is here to offer good luck to both competitors, how nice of Bret Hart and how funny is it to see Bret shake Hogan’s hand when Hogan would never put over Bret. Lock-up, Hogan shoves Sting because Sting did not break. Not exactly heeling it up, lots of trash-talking between the two. Roll-up by Hogan, Sting escapes using the ropes. Lock-up and armwringer by Hogan, Sting reverses for his own. Hammerlock counter by Hogan, Sting returns the favour and Hogan takes down Sting and applies a sleeper. Side headlock by Hogan, hammerlock by Sting. Hogan goes to the ropes, Sting shoves Hogan in the back and Hogan talks with the fans.


Lock-up, Hogan shoves back Sting and knees the challenger. Right hands by Hogan, Irish whip and a corner clothesline. Scoop slam and elbow drops by Hogan, Sting scoop slams and elbows Hogan. Hogan gains control with a knee and multiple elbows to the arm of Sting. Suplex by Hogan, Sting no-sells. Right hands by Sting, ten punches in the corner. Hogan rolls to the floor, Hogan drags out Sting. They slug it out on the floor, eye rake by Hogan. Hogan smacks Sting off the guard rail, Sting knees Hogan and turns the tide, hurling the champion into the guard rail. Hogan chokes Sting with a camera cord, elbow across the throat by Hogan. Back suplex for two, Hogan applies a surfboard stretch.


Abdominal stretch into a roll-up for two, Hogan continues punishing Sting. Ten punches by Hogan, Hogan bites the head of Sting. More right hands by Hogan for two, crossbody block by Sting for two. Stinger Splash, make it two. Hogan avoids the third and Hogan hulks up, right hands. Big boot and The Leg Drop, DDP wipes out the referee. Diamond Cutter by DDP, Sting is placed on top of Hogan and of course, Hogan kicks out of The Diamond Cutter. DDP Diamond Cutters the referee, Hogan is on his feet in no time. Bret Hart is with DDP, Hogan boots Sid before Lex Luger appears. Sting has the baseball bat, Hogan looks at Sting with the bat. Sting waffles Hogan with the bat, Scorpion Deathlock, Hogan is out-cold and Sting is your winner.


Jesus Christ what the hell was this match? First, you have babyface vs babyface which is a tough deal to do yet Hogan DOMINATES the match. Not controls it, not works as the heel, flat out DOMINATES Sting for the entirety of the match. No-sells DDP’s Diamond Cutter and takes down the hot heel in Sid and Luger so that’s three men in total. You make Sting champion in a way that makes The Stinger look heel? Sting as a heel? How is that going to get over when everyone is sick to death of Hogan being in the company? Place erupted for Sting’s win, Sting as a heel I have no faith in and the way Hogan is portrayed is so cartoony, it borders on insanity.


Winner: Sting over Hogan via Scorpion Deathlock!



That was WCW’s Fall Brawl of 1999, a show that had a lot of bad and very little good, I did not enjoy a lot of this card. I thought they were some shocking booking decisions like new stars such as Vampiro and Douglas losing, the treatment of Berlyn was a joke with that new gimmick being dead before it really got started. Action was boring, rising stars were put down rather dominantly with only Sid, Sting, Hogan and Goldberg looking like big deals by the end of the night. The main event was a shit-show and the whole pay per view was terrible. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!



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Tuesday 27 June 2017

WWE No Mercy 2004 Review

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Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that fights back against Youtube! WWE’s No Mercy of 2004 is next on the hit list, Smackdown and Raw were having a rough 2004, Raw was looking worse with Triple H on top, resetting despite Randy Orton’s rise to the main event scene. Smackdown had seen Eddie Guerrero as champion before low drawing numbers led to JBL and his surprisingly good matches and gimmick. However, JBL has hit a brick wall known as The Undertaker and it does not look like The Deadman is doing the JOB anytime soon. We have a rematch from Summerslam as these two go one on one while we have Booker T vs John Cena and Kurt Angle vs The Big Show. Like always, there is potential but will it be a homerun for Smackdown? Let’s find out!


Opening Promo


Three money matches and they are all advertised and hyped with epic music and fanfare, the good stuff from the WWE production team.


Eddie Guerrero vs Luther Reigns


Tazz says it all, kicking it off strong with Eddie Guerrero facing off against the rather green Luther Reigns, Reigns had his debut pay per view match several months before with Charlie Haas, it was interesting to say the least. Not the best showcase for Reigns but when Eddie is in the ring, I have to think this might be Reigns’ best match of his entire career.


Reigns backs Eddie into the corner, short-arm clothesline by Reigns. Eye poke by Eddie, Eddie chops and scores with a back elbow. Drop toehold and reverse chinlock by Eddie, side headlock by Eddie. Reigns shoulder blocks Eddie, Eddie leg trips Reigns. Side headlock by Eddie, dropkick by Eddie. Snapmare for two, armwringer by Eddie. Reigns whips Eddie into the corner off an Irish whip, gorilla press slam by Reigns for two. Hard Irish whip and bearhug by Reigns, Eddie wriggles free after multiple headbutts but Reigns big boots Eddie. Left jabs by Reigns, Eddie is floored for two. Reverse chinlock by Reigns, transition into a surfboard. Eddie kicks his way out but Reigns nails a huge back suplex for two.


Backbreaker by Reigns, Eddie knees his way out of the hold. Reigns dodges an oncoming Latino Heat, Jindrak puts the boots to Eddie behind the referee’s back. Eddie shakes it off, Eddie grabs the back of Reigns. Knees by Reigns, back elbow by Reigns for two. Backbreaker into a submission hold by Reigns, powerslam by Reigns for two. Eddie avoids the swinging neckbreaker, shiranui-like manoeuvre by Latino Heat.


Eddie nails rights and lefts, elbows by Latino Heat. Dropkick by Eddie, clotheslines and a flying forearm. Three Amigos by Eddie, Reigns counters the third though for a front suplex. Eddie looks hurt by ringside, Eddie sees a security guard and bumps him in the back to steal a baton. Eddie brings in a chair, the chair is dropkicked into Jindrak’s face. Reigns is down, Eddie misses The Frog Splash. The referee throws out the chair while Eddie decks Reigns with the baton, Eddie covers for the win after a Frog Splash.


Big carry job from Latino Heat but you know what? I enjoyed this match, Eddie was fantastic, the man oozed charisma. Crowd loved Eddie, Eddie did a good job in making Reigns’ offense look good and impactful, I did think Latino Heat was sloppy in parts but I will overlook it for the sheer entertainment that Guerrero brought to the match, the finish is unique for Eddie’s character and clever, yeah I liked this a lot.


Winner: Eddie Guerrero over Luther Reigns via Frog Splash!


Dawn Marie Interview


Dawn Marie is implying that Charlie Haas wants Dawn Marie, Dawn Marie promises to kick Jackie Gayda’s ass, Dawn Marie walks in on a changing Jackie and tells her to her face that she is not all that.


(WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match) Spike Dudley © W/ The Dudley Boyz vs Nunzio W/ Johnny Stamboli


Nunzio had beaten Spike on Smackdown, that leads to this match. That’s all I expect from this division and I am not surprised. Nunzio backs Spike into the corner, forearm and shoulder block by Nunzio. Big hiptosses and Spike powders, Spike comes in where Nunzio controls the match with quick pins before a huge elbow from Spike. Spike applies a hammerlock but Nunzio sends Spike to the floor. Plancha by Nunzio, cover for two. Scoop slam by Nunzio, Bubba distracts the referee while D-Von shoves Nunzio off the top rope. Spike covers for two, Spike applies a full-nelson. Nunzio escapes before a drop toehold from Spike, Nunzio counters the La Magistral for a roll-up.


Nunzio tries a middle rope axe handle but Spike has it well-scouted with a dropkick. Bottom rope choke by Spike, The Dudleys attack Nunzio behind the referee’s back. Full-nelson by Spike once more, Nunzio backs Spike into the corner. Powerbomb by Nunzio, back suplex with a bridge for two. Hard Irish whip by Nunzio, Spike kicks out at two. Middle rope leg drop by Nunzio for two, Spike pulls Nunzio to the floor. Spike misses a double stomp, Nunzio back drops Spike on the floor. Nunzio covers but Spike’s foot is on the ropes. Backslide by Nunzio for two, Bubba is on the apron. Nunzio knocks down Bubba, D-Von grabs the leg of Nunzio. Nunzio misses a corner splash, Bubba pulls Nunzio groin first into the ringpost and Spike steals the win.


A good match, I was worried that the crowd might not give a damn about this match but by the end, they were into the action and were cheering on Nunzio to win the championship. Spike with The Dudleys as his backup is a fun idea, they can get a lot of mileage out of this gimmick if they can build up good babyfaces like Paul London. But yeah, good stuff with no real complains from me.


Winner: Spike Dudley over Nunzio via Shenanigans!


Paul London vs Billy Kidman


Interesting little story here with Kidman injuring Chavo Guerrero with his Shooting Star Press, the injury played on Kidman’s mind. Kidman could not bring himself to perform the move, it would cost London and his partner multiple matches and their tag team championships. Kidman would become an introvert, refusing to finish matches and walking away time after time. The stipulation is Kidman cannot walk away from this match or he is fired, I like to see a bit of personality and character development in my wrestling.


Match starts with a baseball slide from London, forearm shots by London. Back drop by London, snapmare and kick to the spine. Leaping calf kick by London for two, right hands by an irate London. Clothesline by London, dropsault by London. Kidman is on the floor, springboard moonsault by London to the floor. Slingshot splash for two, eye rake from Kidman. Kidman kicks London in the face before hurling London sternum first into the ringpost, low dropkick by Kidman to the back of London. Abdominal stretch by Kidman, London knees his way out of the hold. Kick to the ribs by Kidman for two, surfboard stretch by Kidman. London wriggles free, London tried to leapfrog out of the corner but Kidman saw it coming for a huge gutbuster by Kidman for two.


Flapjack by Kidman, abdominal stretch on the ground by Kidman. Kidman continues working the ribs of Kidman, huge forearm by London. Kick to the ribs, London mounts a comeback before a knee to the ribs by Kidman. London fires up with a flying forearm and a spinning heel kick, enzuigiri by London. Two for London, it is 1998 all over again as Kidman counters a powerbomb for a facebuster. Two for Kidman, London elevates Kidman to the apron. London bounces Kidman’s head off the top turnbuckle, London tries a suplex but Kidman slides out. The BK bomb is turned into a hurricanrana for two, Kidman dropkicks London hard.


Kidman thinks about The Shooting Star Press, Kidman panics and refuses to do the move. Kidman goes back and forth over whether to do the move or not, Kidman runs back to the ring. London superkicks Kidman in the face, London tries sticking it to London with a shooting star press, Kidman blocks with his knees before decimating London with The Shooting Star Press. Kidman sees London bleeding and on a stretcher, Kidman does it again to London.


That was really well-worked, I enjoyed this match a lot. Kidman worked over the ribs the whole match, good psychology on the part of Kidman. Kidman finally seems to have an edge, London was good too but the match falls apart for one reason and one reason only: The crowd wanted to see The Shooting Star Press and when Kidman performed the move, the fans were happy. When London is strapped to the stretcher, Kidman does it again and the crowd cheers louder. It is disappointing that a good match is ruined by poor reception for the fans.


Winner: Billy Kidman over Paul London via Shooting Star Press!


JBL interview


Josh Matthews interviews JBL, JBL insults the crowd. It is ok, JBL calls off as a slimeball who the fans want to see get annihilated. What I like about this interview is JBL cannot guarantee victory for once as he is truly terrified of The Deadman.


(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) Kenzo Suzuki & Rene Dupree © W/ Hiroko & Fifi vs Rob Van Dam & Rey Mysterio


Seems like it was not long before Kenzo Suzuki found his calling as a comedy character, I think this must have been the inspiration for his gimmick which he portrayed for years in AJPW. Mysterio & RVD are two high-flying babyfaces, they should be a booker’s wet dream of a tag team. Dupree & RVD talk trash before trading wrestling holds, Dupree has a side headlock. Powerbomb attempt is countered for a roll-up by RVD, more roll-ups with lots of theatrics. The crowd appreciates the action, Mysterio blind tags in for a double dropkick before Dupree drives Mysterio into the corner, tag to Suzuki.


Boot out of the corner by Mysterio, low dropkick by Mysterio. Dupree is side-stepped, tag to RVD. Simultaneous tope con hilos by the challengers, RVD covers Suzuki for two. Throat thrust by Suzuki, clothesline by RVD. Dupree is knocked off the apron, Suzuki distracts the referee while Dupree shoves RVD off the top rope. Huge chops by Suzuki, scoop slam and knee drop by Suzuki. Tag to Dupree, snapover neckbreaker and reverse chinlock by Dupree. Mysterio is knocked off the apron, tag to Suzuki. Knee drop with Mysterio saving RVD. Armbar by Suzuki, Suzuki motions to ram RVD’s head into the turnbuckle, RVD kicks Suzuki in the head and tags Mysterio. Tornado DDT by Mysterio, Dupree saves Suzuki.


Dupree is knocked to the floor by Mysterio, ten punches by Mysterio on Suzuki. Suzuki elevates Mysterio to the apron, springboard senton for two. Chop by Suzuki, Mysterio trips Suzuki. Dupree saves Suzuki from a 619. Dupree tries a powerbomb, RVD chop blocks Dupree. Rolling Thunder by RVD, Mysterio 619s Suzuki. Dupree hotshots Mysterio to save Suzuki form a West Coast Pop, RVD takes out Dupree but Suzuki rolls-up Mysterio using the ropes for leverage.


Solid match, nothing overly memorable or exciting about it but a good showing for all involved. The tag team division was not all the great on either brand at this point but I could see RVD and Mysterio having a good championship run had RVD not been injured soon after this pay per view. What I must say about this show so far is it is extremely solid, there is nothing that I hate or can complain about, it’s all middle of the road.


Winners: Suzuki & Dupree over RVD & Mysterio via Roll-Up!


Kurt Angle vs Big Show


Big Show returned on an episode of Smackdown after being kayfabe fired by Kurt Angle. Show came after Angle as revenge, Angle took a tranquilizer dart, firing it into the back of The Big Show and shaving the giant’s head bald. Show is going to kill Angle, that is the basic concept of this match. This would be the beginning of bald Show, Angle looks petrified as Show stares down The Olympic Hero. They lock-up, Show clean breaks and tells Angle that Show will kick Angle’s ass time and time again. Lock-up with Show shoving Angle to the floor, side headlock by Angle, Show counters for a toss and a shoulder block.


Angle takes the back, Show backs Angle into the corner. Huge butt bump by Show, huge toss by Show. Suplex by Show, Show steps all over the chest of Angle. Hard Irish whip and a military press slam by Show, Angle powders and begins leaving the arena. Angle comes back before stopping in front of the referee, Angle gets counted out and Show is declared the winner. Theodore Long comes out and restarts the match. Angle rolls in at nine, huge headbutt by Show. Chest slap by Show, Show steps all over Angle. Another huge toss by Show, hard Irish whip which sends Angle over the top rope and to the floor. Angle has a chair, Show punches the chair into Angle’s face. Leg drop by Show, huge chest slaps by Show.


Angle elbows Show in the corner, Angle dives into a scoop slam. Show calls for The Chokeslam, Angle reverses for a roll-through into an Ankle Lock. Angle grapevines the leg, Show kicks off Angle into the referee. Angle grabs the chair and waffles the leg of Show. Angle begins working the leg while Show writhes in pain, heel hook from Angle. Show kicks off Angle but misses a crucial big boot, Angle delivers an Angle Slam for two. Angle rolls out to grab his gun, Show breaks the gun over his knee. Angle punches Show to no effect, Alley Oop Bomb by Show. Chokeslam with Angle on the top rope, Show has his revenge.


Show is a good wrestler, Show can be very good when he is allowed work a match that suites his style. Angle is extremely good and this was the perfect match for Show, Show tosses and hurls Angle around the ring, Angle makes every punch, every boot and every slam look like it has broken him apart. Angle is entertaining and crafty as he uses the chair as the only way to cripple the giant before Angle does the job and puts over Show like an absolute monster with that top rope Chokeslam.


Winner: Big Show over Kurt Angle via Top Rope Chokeslam!


(WWE United States Championship Match) John Cena vs Booker T © (Final of Best of Five Series)


Cena clotheslined Angle by mistake, Angle stripped Cena of his championships. Booker T won the championship and the two engaged in a rivalry over the championship. Like all series matches, it comes down to the wire as the final match will decide who goes home with the championship. In a nice touch, both men are shown walking towards the stage before making their entrance. Cena wins the initial slugfest, shoulder block by Cena for one. Another shoulder block, Booker avoids the third with a drop toehold. Cena dodges the shuffle sidekick, clothesline to the floor by Cena. Knee by Booker, clubbing blows that weaken The Doctor of Thuganomics.


 Boot out of the corner by Cena, clothesline for two. Spinebuster by Booker for two, Cena is sent into the steel steps. Booker tries again but Cena sends Booker into the steel steps, cover by Cena for two. Booker suckers in Cena for a hotshot, huge thrustkick by Booker for two. Reverse chinlock by Booker, Cena wriggles free for a crossbody. Two for Cena, Cena tries an Irish whip but Booker Irish whips Cena hard into the corner. Suplex by Booker for two, another reverse chinlock. Cena blocks a suplex for his own suplex, Booker regains control with a flapjack. Cena reaches the ropes, Booker lays in some vicious rights to the head of Cena. Booker misses a Harlem Sidekick, Booker is all tied up in the ropes.


Cena fires up, clotheslines and back elbows by Cena. Shoulder block for two, bulldog by Cena which leads to The Five Knuckle Shuffle. Two for Cena, Cena pumps the sneakers, FU does not connect. Book-End for two, Booker grabs a chair from ringside. The referee talks Booker out of using the chair, Scissors Kick misses and Cena covers for two. Booker grabs a front chancery, Cena backs Booker into the corner and delivers an FU to become The United States Champion.


Underwhelming in a lot of ways, they had been working a lot with one another and that shows as it was not a bad match by any stretch. However, it did not have that big fight feel, it was not back and forth with lots of drama and excitement. Cena never looked like he was in danger against Booker T, Cena’s victory look assured as soon as the bell rang for the match. It was just there which is fine for this pay per view, it fits with that theme but for a blow-off to a feud, it was tame.


Winner: John Cena over Booker T via FU!


Charlie Haas/Rico/Jackie Gayda vs The Dudley Boyz/Dawn Marie


So, the story of the match is that Jackie and Charlie are getting married but Dawn claims Haas wants Dawn and that the marriage is essentially a sham. Dawn is wearing a shirt with the words “Charlie loves Dawn” printed on it, nice heel work from Ms. Marie. D-Von jumps Haas to begin the match, Haas leapfrogs out of the corner, nice hiptosses and dropkick by Haas. Back drop by D-Von, tag to Dawn. Dawn checks on Haas, tag to Jackie. Dawn was showing her thong to Haas, Jackie rips off Dawn’s shirt and chokes her with it. Dawn is tied up in the ropes, Bubba pulls down Jackie by the hair.


Dawn tags Bubba, Bubba pulls on the hair of Jackie. Bubba closes his eyes, Jackie tags Rico. Rico and Bubba kiss, Bubba freaks out while Rico celebrates. Bubba pretends to puke at ringside, Bubba tags D-Von. Backslides and other pins by Rico, D-Von kicks out over and over. Spinkick and huge boot to the face by Rico, Bubba returns to crotch Rico on the top rope. D-Von scoop slams amd elbows Rico for two, tag to Bubba. Bubba chokes Rico with tape, Rico breaks free and DDTs Bubba. Tag to Haas, right hands by Haas. Back drop for D-Von, dropkick for Bubba. Exploder suplex by Haas, flying forearm to D-Von. Bubba elbows D-Von by mistake.


German suplex to Bubba, Dawn distracts Haas. Rico blind tags in, crossbody for two. Jackie and Dawn brawl in the ring, headbutt by Dawn. Jackie hits the floor hard, What’s Up headbutt does not happen as Rico wants D-Von’s shiny head on his balls. Rico grabs Sawn allowing Jackie to hit a Spear. Crossbody by Haas, Moonsault by Rico and Team Babyface win this match.


This was your comedy break match and I loved it, Rico ran the whole nine yards with his gimmick. Commitment and hard work can get you a long way if you put in as much effort as Rico, this was fun. I had a smile on my face as I watched it and it served its purpose to hold over the crowd for the main event.


Winners: Haas/Rico/Jackie over The Dudleys Boyz & Dawn Marie via Moonsault!


(WWE Championship Match) The Undertaker vs JBL © (Last Ride Match)


Think of an ambulance match, the only way to win is to drag your opponent to the stage and place him in the hearse. JBL brought back Viscera and Gangrel to take out Undertaker, Undertaker would destroy both his former associates, leaving JBL without any backup, JBL’s days as champion could be numbered. They hype the bejesus out of how this could be Undertaker’s next championship reign, video packages played throughout the night detailing Undertaker’s championship reigns.


JBL goes right after Taker, bad idea with Taker winning the war of the fists. Elbows by Taker, Taker stomps JBL in the corner. Taker works the arm setting up Old School, Taker pummels JBL some more. JBL clubs Taker, no effect on The Deadman. Big boot by Taker, JBL avoids an elbow drop. Eye poke by JBL, Taker ducks a clothesline and drills the champion with a Chokeslam. Taker wallops JBL with a huge right hand, elbow across the throat. Leg drop across the apron by Taker, Taker rams JBL into the barricade. JBL greets the steel steps with his face as Taker eyes up the hearse, Taker decides JBL shall meet the announce table. JBL uses the steel steps to take down Taker, Taker is bounced off the announce table.


JBL picks up the steel steps again, right to the face of The Deadman. JBL begins smacking around Taker with huge rights, JBL climbs high and nails a massive shoulder block. Taker lures in the champion for a triangle choke, JBL is knocked to the floor by Taker. JBL turns the tide by sending Taker into the steel steps, JBL was looking for a piledriver but Taker back drops JBL to the floor. They spill out to the crowd, Taker Tombstones JBL on the steel steps. JBL manages to recover enough to strike Taker with a chair shot to the skull. JBL rips apart the other announce table, JBL has a chair looking down at Taker.


Taker blocks the chair and Chokeslams JBL from one announce table through the other announce table, Taker picks up JBL, bringing the champion towards the hearse. Taker opens the hearse and out springs Heidenreich, Heidenreich has ether and begins choking out The Deadman. The hearse almost leaves with Taker before Taker fires up on Heidenreich. JBL and Heidenreich place Taker in the hearse and this time, Taker loses the match and JBL retains his championship. Heyman was driving the hearse and Heidenreich rams the hearse with a hummer which explodes.


Solid match, I am torn on the booking of JBL as champion. Since being thrust into the main event, JBL has managed to not pin anyone in his title matches, I am not against a heel cheating to win, heels are meant to cheat but the fact that JBL has still not managed a pin-fall or submission victory on pay per view saddens me. Taker pummels JBL for 90% of the match, the fans love that and after seeing their Summerslam match, I am very happy with the type of story they told in this one. Not big into Heidenreich, seemed like another big guy to clash with Taker in the sense of “oh look it is Godzilla vs King Kong kind of thing”. That angle does not have a lot of success when it comes to Taker, Taker usually triumphs and works circles around his opponent. Anyways, it was a good brawl which was so much better than their last effort but the finish does no favours for either man.


Winner: JBL over Undertaker!


That was WWE’s No Mercy of 2004, a solid show for Smackdown. Judgement Day and Great American Bash had issues in terms of poor match quality and squashes matches, those problems were not present here/ There was nothing truly worth seeing on this show but it was an easy watch, I had fun watching the show and I don’t feel like I wasted my time. Big stars like Taker and Show were allowed to do what they did best, the relief moments and comedy was fine and even the lower card stuff was entertaining. A good bounce back from the Blue Brand, hoping the momentum keeps up as we head into 2005! Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!



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Monday 26 June 2017

WWE Unforgiven 2004 Review

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Hello and Welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series that builds up historic first-time matches and ruins them through shitty booking. Back to WWE, it’s Unforgiven 2004! After hotshotting a potential money angle, we will see Randy Orton defend his championship against Triple H, it is a decision that confuses me to this day. Chris Jericho renews his feud with Christian which is bizarre after Jericho wiping the floor with Tomko and moving onto Evolution and finally, we have Shawn Michaels against Kane, Michaels is looking for revenge. 2004 has not been one of the great years for pay per views, the brand exclusive pay per views have been hit and miss, will Unforgiven be different? Let’s find out!


Opening Promo


All about Orton vs Triple H, it documents Triple H’s betrayal and Orton’s fight against his former mentor. It had so much potential, I really do not see the need to have it immediately following Orton’s world championship win. But that’s what happens when the challenger has ties to the owner of the company.


Evolution vs Chris Benoit & William Regal


Following his loss to Orton, Benoit continues to wage war with Evolution. Regal joins Benoit as Eugene has suffered an injury at the hands of Evolution. I feel for Eugene, Triple H mocked and decimated Eugene and then moved onto Orton which Eugene never gaining revenge. Benoit and Batista start the match, Benoit almost catches Batista for a Crossface, Batista grabs the ropes. Dragon screw legwhip by Benoit, Regal tags into the match. Batista cheap shots Benoit, knees by Batista and a side headlock.


Benoit clubs Batista, exploder suplex by Regal. Huge forearm for two, tag to Benoit. Benoit chops and stomps Batista, Batista overpowers Benoit. Knees in the corner, tag to Flair. Chops by Flair, Benoit turns the tide with his own chops. Huge chops by Benoit, back body drop and shot by Regal. Tag to Regal, huge forearms by Regal. Tag to Benoit, Flair flop with Benoit tagging in Regal. Knee to the head by Regal, eye poke by Flair. Chop block by Flair, knees to the leg by Flair. Regal kips-up for a wristlock, shoulder block by Regal and a tag to Benoit. Chops by Benoit, Flair begs for mercy. Knee by Flair, shin breaker by Flair. Benoit counters with an enzuigiri, tag to Regal.


Batista grabs Regal and misses a corner clothesline, uppercuts by Regal. Tag to Benoit, knees by Batista. Batista is caught for a Sharpshooter momentarily before shoving off Benoit, back elbow by Batista for two. Tag to Regal by a retreating Benoit, Batista spears Regal into the counter. Flair chokes Regal, right hands by Batista. Tag to Flair huge chop by The Nature Boy. Right hands by Flair, eye rake by Flair. Back suplex by Flair for two, Regal grabs a side headlock before Batista clubs Regal from the apron. Tag to Batista, neckbreaker by Batista. Two for Evolution, forearm to the face by The Animal. Flair drops an elbow onto Regal’s neck from the apron, chop block by Flair.


Figure Four by Flair, Benoit elbows Flair to save Regal. Small package by Regal for two, Flair tags Batista. Suplex by Batista, Benoit saves Regal. Reverse chinlock by Batista, Regal and Batista bang heads off an Irish whip. Tag to Benoit, Benoit chops Flair down. Back body drop, snap suplex and a forearm to Batista. German suplex by Benoit, one for Batista too. Another for Flair, make it three. Benoit climbs high, Diving Headbutt finds the mark. Flair avoids The Sharpshooter with an eye poke, Crossface by Benoit. Batista saves Flair with a huge slam, spinebuster to Regal. Regal is sent into the ringpost, Benoit counters The Figure Four for The Crossface., Benoit and Regal win the match.


Good opening match, crowd seems pumped for this night. Benoit always delivers in the ring, Regal is no slouch either while Flair knows exactly how to work a crowd and everyone knows how to structure the match to accentuate Batista’s strengths and hide his negatives. The four come together, it’s hard-hitting, entertaining and a fun match.


Winners: Chris Benoit & William Regal over Evolution via Crippler Crossface!


Christian & Trish Stratus Segment


The lovebirds are not getting along, Christian says Trish takes it from behind. Classy, Trish manipulates Tomko to being in her corner over Christian’s corner. Christian calls her a slut and that’s all folks.


(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Trish Stratus © W/Tyson Tomko vs Victoria


The match I wanted to see, Trish as a heel with a new lease of life against the babyface Victoria who came out of nowhere to take Trish’s place. Victoria certainly had the credibility after beating the likes of Lita and beating Trish in the past. Victoria outwrestles Trish to begin the match, Trish powders before catching Victoria with a knee. Middle rope choke by Trish, Trish climbs to the middle rope and chokes Victoria. Trish repeats the spot before Victoria slaps Trish and military press slams Trish into a gutbuster. Kick to the ribs by Victoria, Trish is dropkicked to the floor. Tomko saves Trish from a top rope crossbody from Victoria, Victoria slides out and is sent into the ringpost by Trish, Victoria lands hard on the floor.


Huge kick to the ribs by Trish, mounted punches by Trish. Modified abdominal stretch by Trish, Trish rams Victoria’s head off the canvas multiple times. Reverse chinlock by Trish, Victoria fires up before a huge spinebuster by Trish for two. Another reverse chinlock by Trish, Victoria breaks free with right hands. Corner spears, tilt-a-whirl sidewalk slam for two. Scoop slam and booty-shaking moonsault for two. Matrix dodge by Trish, Victoria dodges The Chick Kick. Headbutt by Victoria, Victoria planchas onto Tomko. Tomko no-sells and walks into Stratusfaction. Tomko lifts up Victoria by the throat after the match and here is a DDT by a mystery woman.


That was a good match, it was everything I had hoped for from these two. Trish was so much better as a heel, she played that part to perfection. Victoria is great too, I love her babyface run, it was brief and I cannot recall her ever being a babyface in the company again after this stint but I was really impressed by her, I think Victoria vs Trish could have been every bit as great as Lita vs Trish. The only knock on the match is the finish, Tomko did not interfere, Tomko did not look to interfere at the end. It was Victoria who grabbed Tomko’s attention and it led to Victoria’s own downfall, would have protected Victoria better if Tomko tripped her or appeared up on the apron.


Winner: Trish Stratus over Victoria via Stratusfaction!


Tyson Tomko vs Steven Richards


Tomko calls out the mystery woman which leads to Tomko attacking Richards, what a way to treat a babyface as Richards is wearing a bra underneath. Tomko puts the wig back on Richards, huge choke by Tomko. Right hand by Tomko, neck crank by Tomko. Rope choke by Tomko, kick to the ribs by Tomko. Huge choke by Tomko, Richards hits a punch or two before Tomko powers up Richards for a slam. Richards fires up before a right hand from Tomko. Richards grabs Tomko by the balls, Tomko hits the turnbuckle. Richards attacks Tomko wildly, dropkick by Richards. Huge neckbreaker by Tomko for the win. DUD!


Winner: Tyson Tomko over Steven Richards via Neckbreaker!


(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Christian vs Chris Jericho (Ladder Match)


Edge had to vacate the championship due to a legitimate injury, this came in handy for the returning Captain Charisma as Christian was able to restart his feud with Chris Jericho. The two had an interesting feud going before Christian was injured, hoping they can show the chemistry they had at Wrestlemania. A ladder match where the only way to win is climb to the top of the ladder and retrieve the championship, Tomko is banned from ringside.


They talk trash and bang heads as the bell rings, slap by Christian. Clothesline and right hands by Jericho, back elbow by Y2J. Suplex by Jericho, back suplex by Jericho. Boot to the head, Jericho chops Christian in the corner. Christian reverses Jericho in the corner, huge chest slap by Christian. Christian steps on the throat on Jericho, Christian sidesteps Jericho but Jericho lands on the apron before elevating Christian to the floor. Jericho grabs a ladder from ringside, Christian dodges the ladder, luring in Jericho for some right hands. Christian steps on Jericho’s throat once more, Irish whip by Christian. Jericho holds onto the ropes, drop toehold and leg across the back by Jericho. Enzuigiri by Y2J and Jericho goes for the ladder.


 Christian tries a baseball slide, Jericho dodges and Christian is rammed with the ladder. Christian lays against the ringpost, Jericho goes for the head with his ladder but Christian ducks and tackles Jericho into the crowd. Jericho back drops Christian to ringside, Jericho chokes Christian with a camera cable. Jericho misses and gets caught with an Unprettier, Christian edges his way towards the championship. Christian has a hand on the title, Jericho grabs the foot of Christian. Christian hurls Jericho into the ladder, Christian places a ladder on the top rope. Jericho reverses the Irish whip and Christian smacks into the ladder. Jericho takes the ladder and smacks Christian over the back, forearms by Jericho. Jericho is sent into the ladder by Christian.


 Christian props the ladder onto the middle rope, Jericho is battered down before Christian guillotines Jericho into the ladder. Christian places Jericho in the corner, the ladder is placed on Jericho’s face. Christian gathers momentum before Jericho throws the ladder into Christian’s face. Jericho climbs the top rope with the ladder in his hand and tips the ladder onto Christian’s back. Jericho attempts his modified bulldog but Christian throws Jericho into the ladder, Jericho is caught by the leg. Christian runs full-force into the ladder to damage Jericho. Christian is climbing the ladder, Jericho flips off Christian which leads to Christian abandoning his game plan and deciding to inflict more pain on Jericho.


Jericho lures in Christian for a dropkick, the ladder smacks Christian in the face. Modified bulldog on the ladder by Jericho, Jericho places Christian in between the ladder rungs. Christian is smacked over and over before a Lionsault from Jericho, Christian dodges at the last minute, Jericho clutches his knee in excruciating pain. Christian has the ladder, Jericho is waffled right between the eyes. Christian sets up the ladder and begins climbing, Christian is inches away. Jericho chases after Christian, Jericho tips the ladder with Christian swinging from the championship. Jericho flings the ladder at Christian and Christian crashes to the canvas. Jericho is inches from the championship, Christian tips the ladder and Jericho is on the floor.


Christian is on the top of the ladder, kicking at Jericho but Jericho battles his way up the ladder and applies The Walls of Jericho on the ladder. Christian falls to the mat but not before tipping the ladder, sending Jericho spine first onto the downed ladder and the canvas. Christian and Jericho each have a ladder near the title, Christian reaches for the championship. Christian has a hand on the championship but Jericho pushes it out of reach and nails a huge facebuster with both men falling down to the mat. Jericho climbs over Christian to reach for the championship, Jericho brings down the championship for the win.


This match grew on me, I thought it was quite tame for a ladder match in the beginning or at least what we could come to expect from ladder matches. The action intensified with the ladder spots, some more devastating than the others. I liked the drama of each man tipping the other only to find that neither would stay down, the finish was ok. They had gone through a lot of big bumps and this seems to be the climax to all the ladder spots but Christian was knocked out by the move while Jericho popped right up despite both men taking the huge bump. Aside from that, really good Intercontinental Championship match.


Winner: Chris Jericho over Christian via Retrieval of The Championship!


Kane & Lita Interview/Jericho & Edge Interview


Todd Grisham interviews Lita about The Shawn Michaels’ match, Lita wants Michaels to destroy Kane. Kane interrupts and tells Lita it is a no disqualification match and that Lita has to watch Kane destroy Michaels. We also have Edge confronting Jericho over the Intercontinental Championship.


(No Disqualification Match) Kane vs Shawn Michaels


Kane is a rapist, lovely things have happened to Kane over the course of his WWE Career. Kane impregnated Lita against her will, Lita is not happy with Kane but she was forced to marry Kane. Kane had destroyed Shawn Michaels after Bad Blood, injuring The Heartbreak Kid with a Pillmanizer on the neck using the chair. Great to see Michaels back in the WWE, Raw feels empty without The Show-Stopper.


Lock-up, Kane overpowers Michaels with right hands and kicks, high knee from Michaels as Kane lowers his head off an Irish whip. Lou Thesz press by Michaels, Michaels is a machine with right hands to The Big Red Machine. Kane powders and blames Lita, Michaels misses a baseball slide and eats a right from Kane. Kane misses a clothesline and hits his arm off the ringpost. Michaels climbs to the top rope, Kane uppercuts Michaels as he comes down. Right hand by Kane, Kane chokes Michaels with his boot. Corner clothesline by Kane, two for Kane. Michaels fires up with chops before a scoop slam by Kane, Michaels avoids an elbow drop for a huge clothesline. Michaels skins the cat with Lita loving every minute of it, Kane gets distracted and eats a plancha from Michaels.


Kane uses Lita as a shield, throat thrust by Kane. Kane drops Michaels across the barricade, Kane military presses Michaels onto the announce table. Kane suplexes Michaels through the table, Kane threatens Lita some more. Two for Kane, leg drop by Kane. Foot choke by Kane, hard Irish whip by The Big Red Machine. Kane smashes the throat of Michaels with elbows, Kane tries a corner clothesline but Michaels dodges with a boot. Michaels runs into a sidewalk slam from Kane, two for Kane as The Big Red Machine applies a reverse chinlock. Michaels escapes, chops before Kane throat tosses Michaels to the canvas. Cover for two, neck vice from Kane. Michaels fires back, clothesline by Kane almost decapitating The Heartbreak Kid. Michaels escapes a back suplex for a massive DDT.


Slugfest between the two, flying forearm by Michaels. Kane sits up while Michaels kips-up, chops and rights from Michaels. Michaels flips out of the corner, Kane throws Michaels into the steel steps. Kane reaches for the chair, Michaels is bleeding everywhere. Kane has the chair, Michaels blocks with a low blow. Michaels slaps Kane, back elbow by Kane cuts off HBK. Kane places Michaels’ head against the ringpost, Michaels dodges the boot. Kane’s head is bounced off the ringpost, they roll back into the ring. Inverted atomic drop by Michaels, make it two and a huge right hand by HBK.


Elbow drop by HBK, Michaels fires up but Kane avoids Sweet Chin Music with a big boot. Kane climbs to the top rope, diving clothesline from Kane. Kane motions for a Chokeslam, Michaels counters with a low blow. Michaels has the steel chair, chair shot by Michaels. Kane sits up, Lita takes the chair away from Kane. Kane screams at Lita, Michaels recovers. Sweet Chin Music is blocked, Kane goes for The Chokeslam, Michaels wriggles free for Sweet Chin Music, Shawn Michaels wins the match.


Good match, always count on Michaels to deliver a good match. The two work the crowd really well in this match. Kane comes off as a beast while Michaels is a great babyface, selling being one of his many great qualities. They built up to that Sweet Chin Music, when it happened the roof almost came off the arena. No real nit-picks with the match, the only thing I noticed was the amount of times Michaels has been busted open on pay per view during this year and the last. The man’s skin must be made of glass, the man is bloody all the time. Anyways, Michaels and Kane bring the fire to this pay per view, two solid matches back to back.


Winner: Shawn Michaels over Kane via Sweet Chin Music!


Triple H Interview


Triple H cuts a really good promo that could have ended at least three times before it actually does, a lot of hard-hitting lines about Orton being second-rate, good but not great, the learner yet Triple H is the master, you get the picture. As per his character, Hunter goes on far too long and by the end, everyone wants it to be over.


(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) La Resistance © vs Tajiri & Rhyno


The team thrown together who have previously only fought Coach and Garrison Cade on pay per view are now challenging for the championships. The La Resistance thing was stale in the beginning of the year yet they are still here, holding the titles. Tajiri and Grenier start, shoulder block by Grenier for two. Snapmare and cover by Tajiri, front chancery by Tajiri. Side headlock by Tajiri, chest slaps by Tajiri. Armdrags by Tajiri with an armbar, Grenier hits a big knee before tagging in Conway. Conway eats an armdrag and has to battle Rhyno, Rhyno pounds away at Conway. Hard Irish whip and back drop by Rhyno, Rhyno sets up for The Gore. Conway powders and La Resistance talk strategy.


 Rhyno misses a corner clothesline, single arm DDT by Conway. Tag to Grenier, knee to the arm. Leg drop to the arm, make it three by Grenier. Tag to Conway, belly to belly suplex by Rhyno. Tag to Tajiri, huge kicks floor Conway. Grenier saves Conway, sunset flip into a rolling cradle by Tajiri for two. Tajiri kicks Grenier off the apron, Conway dodges a tornado DDT and clotheslines Tajiri. Rhyno is knocked off the apron, Grenier steps in for a suplex. Two for Grenier, neck vice from Grenier. Backbreaker by Grenier for two, hard Irish whip and elbow drop by Grenier. Conway chokes Tajiri using the ropes, Grenier puts the boots to Tajiri.


Scoop slam for two by Conway, camel clutch by Conway. Tajiri wriggles free to headscissors takedown Conway, tag to Rhyno. Right hands for all, leaping clothesline for Grenier. Conway is sent tumbling to the floor, corner Gore by Rhyno. Belly to belly suplex for two, Grenier fights back before a spinebuster by Rhyno for two as Conway saves Grenier. Bonsoir by La Resistance for two, Tajiri kicks everything. Tajiri ends up low blowing Grenier with the flag, Gore by Rhyno, Conway places Grenier’s foot on the ropes. Conway and Tajiri brawl while Grenier decks Rhyno with the flagpole in the face, the champions retain.


It was alright, I am not overly impressed with La Resistance, never have been. It is the gimmick that keeps them alive as opposed to how good they are, Tajiri and Rhyno are good for a team that were just thrown together. Finish was a little flat, the flagpole in the face? Like it was not a metal pole or anything like that, just an average flagpole to the face was enough to take down the man-beast Rhyno.


Winners: La Resistance over Tajiri & Rhyno via Shenanigans!


(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Randy Orton © vs Triple H


Ok, let’s address the big issue that most people have with this angle: They hotshotted the shit out of it! Everyone knew that Triple H was a jealous maniac who could not allow anyone to be champion, we knew Triple H could only survive so long as playing second-fiddle to his stablemate but for Triple H to turn the next night screwed the fans and the company out of a lot of money. You could not have an easier angle to build, month after month you could have teased it until a blow-off at Royal Rumble or Wrestlemania but nope, they messed all that up for a match a month later.


Lock-up, Orton backs Triple H into the corner. Slap from Orton, side headlock by Triple H. Orton wriggles free with relative ease, another slap from Orton. Triple H is not a happy camper, Orton spits on Triple H again. Right hands by Orton, Triple H turns the table and strikes back. Hard Irish whip and back drop by Orton, uppercuts and snapmare by Orton. Orton clubs The Game’s chest, knee drop for two. Reverse chinlock by Orton, Triple H backs into a corner to escape, huge elbow by The Game. Orton fires back with right hands, Triple H flips to the floor. Uppercut by Orton, Triple H has been rocked. Triple H avoids a back drop and scores big with a chop block.


Triple H was setting up for a figure four on the ringpost but Orton pulls Triple H into the ringpost, drop toehold by Triple H into Triple H wrenching the leg of Orton. Elbow to the knee, huge chop block from The Game. Orton is fighting back with one leg as Triple H continues to tear apart the leg of Orton, Triple H wrenches the leg of Orton. Orton escapes the clutches of the challenger by using his good leg to batter The Game. An Irish whip goes wrong for Orton, knee facebuster by Triple H for two. More leg work from Triple H, more elbows to weaken Orton’s vertical base. Figure four by Triple H, Triple H uses the ropes for leverage, Orton has been stuck in this hold for well over two minutes now.


Orton breaks free, shoving The Game into the ringpost. Right hands by Orton, Orton nails a powerslam for two. Eye poke by Orton and a dropkick for two, DDT by Orton for two. Sleeper by Triple H, Orton counters for his own sleeper before Triple H delivers a back suplex. Boot to the face by Orton as Triple H looked for a double axe handle, Orton climbs to the top rope. Crossbody by Orton for two, Orton clotheslines Triple H to the floor. Orton nails Triple H with his backbreaker, two for Orton. Orton measures for The RKO, Triple H shoves Orton into the referee. Pedigree is blocked for The RKO, beautiful counter from Orton. No referee though, here comes Flair to save Triple H’s bacon.


Flair and Batista end up being knocked down, low blow by The Game. Coach is coming down in a referee shirt, two for Triple H off the low blow. Orton sees Coach and decks Coach, spinebuster by Batista. Triple H covers but Orton kicks out at two, Pedigree is blocked again and Orton RKOS Coach. Flair has a chair, eye poke on Flair. RKO on Flair, Batista is in for a Batista Bomb but no, Orton low blows Batista. Triple H has a chair, Orton is cracked with the chair. Pedigree by Triple H on the chair, Batista drags in the referee and Triple H is your champion.


Meh, it was going just fine until the end. I am sorry but you did not protect Orton in that match, you did not have Orton look strong by battling back against all the members of Evolution. This was not the time to take the championship off Orton, Orton just won the championship. The match undoes everything that the company had done while building Randy Orton. I am not sure how quickly plans changed to have Batista as the guy to dethrone Triple H but what was done to Orton was a shame and a waste of a year in terms of Raw booking. The match was good in parts, I liked the call-backs to their interactions on Raw, I liked that Triple H worked the leg although Orton was selling sometimes and not all the time. Finish hurt the match big with so much interference and after months of wanting something new, it’s taken away just like that.


Winner: Triple H over Randy Orton via Pedigree on Chair!


That was WWE’s Unforgiven 2004, one of the stronger shows of that year and for the Raw brand. My main negative was The Tomko vs Richards match that was a mauling, it went far too long and could have been something, they could have played on the history between Victoria and Richards, Richards standing up for his former girlfriend but no, you had an awkward match for five minutes. The tag team championship match seemed out of nowhere too, not a strong division on Raw, it shows when La Resistance are doing nothing of any real significance yet holding the championships constantly.


 I have complained about the angle and finish of Orton vs Triple H enough, bottom line is it was just a bad call and poor booking. Yet, everything else on the show was enjoyable, Victoria and Trish had the match I was waiting for, Victoria held her own and proved a great babyface while Trish was on fire as the bitchy top heel. Christian and Jericho was fun, it was a ladder match and they rarely disappoint and finally, Michaels vs Kane was good too. Michaels came back, looked for revenge and got it all while keeping the crowd in the palm of his hands. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!


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