Tuesday 22 January 2019

WWE One Night Stand 2008 Review

Image result for WWE One night stand 2008



Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that has a future shrouded in more mystery than The Revival! It’s time for WWE One Night Stand 2008, the one night of the year where the WWE goes extreme. The feud continues between John Cena and JBL, Bradshaw will not let his rivalry with The Leader Of The Cenation slide. Cena picked up the victory by catching JBL by surprise at Judgement Day but they meet again tonight. Meanwhile on Smackdown, Edge looks to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in his battle with The Undertaker. The championship had been vacated due to Undertaker’s illegal Hell’s Gate manoeuvre and while Undertaker was victorious by count-out in their last encounter, the championship could not be won by count-out. Edge looks to settle the feud with a TLC match for the championship, Edge’s signature match, can The Deadman overcome The Rated R Superstar? We also have Batista looking to avenge his loss at Backlash to Shawn Michaels, the man who retired his mentor Ric Flair and Triple H and Randy Orton look to finish the final chapter in their feud over the WWE Championship.


Opening Promo


Flashes of all the top WWE Superstars as on this night, things get extreme. First Blood between JBL and John Cena, Triple H and Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match, Michaels vs Batista in a Stretcher Match and the TLC match between Undertaker and Edge, all the focus on these massive four matches, clips of each man using weapons fill out the promo, it was good but not great.


(Falls Count Anywhere Match) Jeff Hardy vs Umaga


Umaga and Jeff Hardy have kind of fallen out of the WWE Championship picture since Wrestlemania so this should be a return to form for both of these wrestlers and Hardy is the perfect fit for the Extreme Rules concept and with the match being Falls Count Anywhere, I can only imagine what Jeff Hardy will do in this match. Reverse elbow from Umaga to begin, Irish whip to the corner. Hardy goes down hard, stomps to the head. Umaga tries another Irish whip, Whisper In The Wind from Hardy for two. Hardy climbs to the middle rope, Umaga catches the crossbody for a spinning side slam, close two for Umaga. Irish whip from Umaga, Hardy holds onto the ropes. Lowbridging the giant, Hardy nails a plancha for two.


Hardy gets overzealous, Umaga whips Hardy hard into the barricade, They battle their way into the crowd, chairs are dropped on Hardy’s back. Headbutts from Umaga, Hardy picks up a traffic cone but Umaga shakes off the shot to the head. Superkick from Umaga for two, Umaga pummels Hardy into one of the boxes by the stage, Umaga misses his running hip attack. Hardy showers Umaga with a fire extinguisher, Umaga and Hardy begin battling by a corridor. Umaga misses a chair to the head, Hardy slides down the barrister of the stairs and clotheslines Umaga for two.


Hardy lands worse from the attack, they battle at the concessions area. Hardy meets a bin head first, two for Umaga. Umaga punches and kicks Hardy to outside the arena, Hardy meets another one of the loading boxes. Two for Umaga, Hardy’s face meets the back of a truck. Hardy smashes Umaga into a truck door, two for Hardy. The two battle over to a truck with a ladder on the back, Hardy begins climbing to the top of the truck. Umaga grabs the leg of Hardy, Hardy kicks off Umaga. Hardy climbs to the top, Swanton Bomb off the top of the truck, Hardy wins the match.


Nice little opening match from Hardy and Umaga, the two have a lot of chemistry with one another. Hardy is reaching peak popularity in the WWE by this point, you can hear the fans screaming for him throughout the match. Umaga is an awesome big man too, so agile and so believable in his role, the two batter one another with some nice spots mixed in there, the superkick off the traffic cone shot and the clothesline sliding down the banister. So, fun opening match, not much in terms of actual wrestling but entertaining enough to put a smile on everyone’s face in the arena.


Winner: Jeff Hardy over Umaga Via Swanton Bomb!


(Five-Way Singapore Cane Match) Big Show vs Chavo Guerrero vs CM Punk vs John Morrison vs Tommy Dreamer


Each corner of the ring has a Singapore Cane in its corner, the winner of this match will challenge the ECW Champion Kane at Night Of Champions. Everyone jumps Big Show, smart strategy. Show shakes it off though, headbutts and slams from The Giant. Show misses and elbow drop, Punk and Morrison combine to take off Show’s head. Dreamer DDT, Frog Splash from Chavo. Each man runs up for the kendo sticks, Show is like a giant pinata. Everyone whips Show relentlessly, Show is clotheslined to the floor. Punk and Chavo pair off by the announce tables, Chavo hits the famous Basketball/Football Player Man, no clue was not paying attention to what sport he played.


Chavo is beneath the player who has the kendo stick, Chavo eats it to the head. Show tosses Morriosn around the ring. Show picks up the steel steps, Morrison chop blocks Show who cuts his head open off the steel steps. Punk powerslams Chavo for two, Morrison smashes Punk with the kendo stick. Dreamer nails a pumphandle suplex with a kendo stick on Morrison. Dreamer blocks a GTS, applies the Texas Cloverleaf but Morrison saves Punk. We have a tower of doom spot with four men down before Big Show awakens with his face covered in blood, Bam Neely and The Miz are battered by The Big Show.


Kendo stick shots for Morriosn who tried a plancha, Punk, Dreamer and Chavo are waffled with the kendo stick. It’s a savage beating for everyone involved, Dreamer tries to whack Show. Show blocks the kendo stick shot, Chokeslam from Show. Show stands tall, Show picks up Dreamer. Dreamer is in the corner, Show has the kendo stick. Dreamer is cracked in the skull, Show covers with his foot and we have your challenger for Night Of Champions.


That was fun, loved the psychology of the early parts of the match, Show’s cut was nasty but boy, it was needed for the story they were telling. Show unleashes his anger, Show gets angry and nobody is safe. It was all about Show in the last five minutes and that is what you needed if you are building up a monster, I am sure Show didn’t enjoy being cut open but it was a great visual. Looking forward to Show vs Kane at Night Of Champions, cannot wait for that match.


Winner: Big Show over Everyone Else Via Kendo Stick To The Head!


(First Blood Match) JBL vs John Cena


The feud continues between Cena and JBL, a first blood match as these two despise one another, I buy into hook, line and sinker. We begin with both men ripping off the turnbuckles from their respective corners. Cena talks trash to JBL, JBL and Cena begin trading blows. Low kicks from JBL, clubbing blows from the loudmouth Texan. Cena avoids a big boot, shoulder block from Cena. JBL rolls to the floor, mounted punches from Cena. JBL manages to reverse an Irish whip and send Cena to the floor, elbow and hard right hand by JBL. JBL tries to send Cena into the exposed turnbuckle, Cena blocks but JBL maintains control with a reverse elbow. JBL scores with big right hands and boots to the head of Cena. JBL grinds Cena’s face off the barricade, anything to rip open Cena’s face.


 Cena battles back on the ramp, big right hands from Cena. Eye rake by JBL, massive big boot from JBL. JBL grabs a chair from ringside, Cena is placed against the ringpost, Cena ducks the chair shot and sends JBL to the announce table. Microphone shot from JBL, Cena is down once more. JBL batters Cena with the microphone, JBL continues to talk trash. JBL misses the microphone shot, shoulder blocks from Cena. Spinning out side slam from Cena, Five Knuckle Shuffle from Cena. FU is avoided, JBL lands on the apron and a slingshot from JBL leaves both men down. Boots from JBL, Cena meets the ringpost head first.


JBL grabs the steel steps, Cena dodges the steps to the head. Cena’s head meets the barricade, crowd comes alive for Cena. JBL tries a DDT on the steel steps, Cena blocks and JBL knocks the air out of himself. Cena has the microphone, JBL is smashed in the head with the microphone. No blood, JBL’s face is raked off the steel steps, still no blood. In the ring, JBL avoids a Cena attack and sends Cena into the exposed turnbuckle. Cena ducks a clothesline and bulldogs JBL onto a chair, JBL reveals a chain that was hidden in his towel. Wham to the ribs of Cena, JBL wraps the chain around his fist. Cena dodges the chain, FU to JBL, planting him in the middle of the ring.


Boot by JBL, Cena is tied up in the ropes. Cena has no defence, JBL looks to capitalise. JBL has a whip, Cena has nowhere to go.  JBL gets too cocky, low blow by Cena. STFU using the chain and JBL begins to bleed from the mouth due to the chain being wrapped around his neck.


I loved this match, I loved the laser focus of JBL on opening up the head of John Cena. Every attack that JBL inflicted on Cena was on the head, from exposing turnbuckles to hiding chains to bust open Cena. Thought it was tremendous work from JBL on that part, Cena was very good when it came to selling his ass off for JBL, thought they could have stretched out the blood a bit, JBL was bleeding the second the chain was wrapped around the neck, thought there could have been more of a struggle perhaps a close-up of JBL having the chain around his neck and then, spouting blood but that is a very minor nitpick.


Winner: John Cena over JBL via First Blood!


(I Quit Match) Melina vs Beth Phoenix


Melina and Beth use to be on the same page before Beth began to bully Melina because nobody compares to The Glamazon. Melina starts off with a knee to the ribs and a guillotine choke. Beth breaks out and nails a powerslam, backbreaker from Beth into a submission before Melina uses her flexibility to escape the hold. Melina nails a bulldog off the top rope, Melina applies an Indian deathlock into a Muta Lock. Beth crawls to the floor to break the hold, Melina tosses Beth into the ring. Beth spears Melina to the corner, Melina gets stomped in the corner. Beth pulls back on Melina’s hair using the ropes,  Argentine Backbreaker from Beth.


Melina refuses to give up as Beth stretches her jaw over and over. Melina begins to battle back, Melina attempts a headscissors, Beth counters before Melina wheelbarrows through, Beth hits the turnbuckle hard. Melina transitions to a Fujiwara armbar out of a headscissors. Beth powers up but Melina rolls into a crossbreker armbar. Beth powers up and slams Melina hard to the mat. Wheelbarrow life into The Glam Slam, chickenwing from Beth. Melina is crying out in pain but she will not say I quit, Beth wrenches back with Melina crying out in pain, Beth transitions to a choke and Melina is forced to tap.


Like an awkward tennis match, this is filled with a tonne of screaming that I would rather not have to listen to that trash. However, Melina and Beth are two quality athletes, Melina’s flexibility is one of her main strengths and I love they worked that into the finish, that choke was God damn nasty but the bigger question is can I buy into Melina as a babyface? We shall see as the months continue!


Winner: Beth Phoenix over Melina via Submission!


(Stretcher Match) Shawn Michaels vs Batista


Batista feels lied to, Batista told HBK that if Michaels was lying, The Animal would come for The Heartbreak Kid. That day has come, Batista is here and they will meet in a stretcher match. The Animal promises one thing, to inflict pain on Shawn Michaels.


Michaels charges Batista, knowing Batista is ready to explode, Batista does see Michaels coming though, clothesline to the floor. Not good for HBK, Batista drops Michaels onto the stretcher. Batista attempts an Irish whip into the steel steps, Michaels reverses the Irish whip. Batista’s arm is the target, enzuigiri against the steel steps. Michael uses the stretcher to shove over Batista, HBK looks to ram The Animal once more. Michaels tries placing Batista on the stretcher, Batista fights it off, Batista Bomb is countered for a guillotine choke. Batista is choked out, Michaels begins wheeling the stretcher.


Batista fights his way out of it, spinebuster onto the apron from HBK. Clothesline turns HBK inside out, running powerslam from The Animal. Batista attempts a spear but HBK sees it coming, flying forearm from HBK. Elbow Drop from HBK, clothesline from Batista thwarts Sweet Chin Music. Batista Bomb is blocked once more, Sweet Chin Music lands Batista on the stretcher at ringside. Batista rolls off the stretcher much to Michaels’ frustration. Batista begins to fight, Michaels rams The Animal repeatedly with the stretcher until Batista blocks the stretcher. Michaels eats the stretcher with his jaw, Batista shoves the stretcher hard into Michaels.


Spear by Batista, Batista Bomb from The Animal. Batista drags Michaels to the stretcher, Chris Jericho is here at ringside. Jericho tries supporting Michaels, pumping up The Heartbreak Kid. Jericho might have just saved Michaels in this match, Batista is thinking of punishing Michaels more. Michaels pulls himself up to fight Batista, Michaels tries a sweet chin music but it is not enough to even hurt The Animal. Batista talks trash to Michaels before signalling for another Batista Bomb, Batista drags Michaels to the stretcher. Jericho stops the stretcher, Batista is astonished by Jericho’s interference. Batista grabs the steel steps, looking to end HBK. Spinebuster on the steel steps, Michaels is finished and the stretcher is pushed over the finish line.


Thought this was great, this is what the feud between these two needed to be at this point. Batista was hell bent on revenge, Michaels had lied to Batista about his injury, Michaels had taken away Ric Flair from Batista. Batista needed the win and needed to punish Michaels, Michaels sells the beating like only he can when it comes to the WWE roster at this time, untouchable is Michaels. Loved the Flair callback with Batista’s own twist, it was  a very strong emotional contest which might have stole the show.


Winner: Batista over Shawn Michaels!


(WWE Championship Last Man Standing Match) Triple H © vs Randy Orton


Intense stare-down from the second Triple H emerges from the curtain, Orton’s facials are tremendous once more. Orton looks jumpy, hesitant to engage with the champion. The Game shows no sign of nerves, Orton attacks first though. Triple H is tossed to the floor, Orton is sent into the steel steps though. Triple H continues to batter Orton around the ringside area, we return to the ring. Big right hands from Triple H, stomps from The Game. Triple H rakes at the face of Orton, Orton is thrown shoulder-first into the ringpost. Make it double, Triple H attempts a clothesline but Orton nails a dropkick.


Triple H sidesteps Orton who falls to the floor, right hands by The Game. Triple H looks to do some damage with the announce table, mounted right hand punches from Triple H. Pedigree and RKO are stopped on the table, Orton drapes Triple H over the table and DDTs the champion to the floor. Triple H survives the ten count, Orton decides its time to rip up the ringside mat. RKO is prevented, Orton hits the ringpost shoulder first. Orton controls the match in the ring though, clothesline to the back of the head. Stomps to the legs and a knee drop to the face, Triple H gets smashed with the steel steps right in the face.


Orton brings in some extension cord wire, Triple H battles back to avoid being choked but a boot from Orton allows the joke to take place. Triple H collapses to the mat, Triple H reaches his feet at eight. Orton attempts an RKO, Triple H throws Orton to the floor, Orton mouths to the referee his collarbone is broken. Triple H looks for his trusty sledgehammer, shot to the head of Orton.


Hard to talk about this one considering the injury, it was short and very disappointing as Orton was on a phenomenal run as a heel in WWE and the look on Triple H’s face shows that he felt awful for what happened, they can call it a no remorse look all they want, that is the look of someone who knows they fucked up a match. Poor Orton, hope that The Legend Killer comes back soon, Raw will be very heel light now.


Winner: Triple H over Randy Orton!


(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Edge vs The Undertaker


Taker’s career could be over if The Deadman loses this match, this is what Edge wants Taker to sacrifice in his bid to become champion. It’s a TLC match, the match Edge made famous, can Taker overcome Edge? Edge charges Taker which leads to pummels and right hands from The Deadman. Elbows in the corner and a big choke from Big Evil, Edge is a punching bag in this match. Old School and a massive boot, Edge manages to take control and begins stacking tables at ringside. Taker grabs a ladder and rams it into the head of The Rated-R-Superstar. Edge sets up a ladder in the ring, Taker yanks down Edge.


Taker is sent into a ladder on the top rope by Edge, Taker is staggered. Edge returns the favour, Taker begins climbing but Edge meets him on top of the ladder, both men end up falling off the ladder. Edge gets a ladder booted into his face, Edge spills out to the floor. Taker grabs another chair, Edge takes the chair across his back. Edge is flattened by The Deadman. Taker attempts his apron leg drop but Edge uses a chair to block, chop block from Edge. Taker battles back, looking for a Last Ride onto a ladder but Edge uses a low blow to maintain control. Edge sets up Taker on a table by the announce table, splash through the table by Edge.


Edge tries reaching the championship, Taker pulls down Edge but Edge manages to nail a Spear. Taker has his leg placed inside a ladder, Edge smashes Taker’s knee with a chair, preventing Taker from being able to use both his feet to climb the ladder. Edge grabs a twenty foot ladder, Taker is walloped with two chair shots to the head. Edge eats a low blow, no conchairto. Edge rolls to the apron, Chokeslam onto the bridge ladder. Taker is alone in the ring, in comes Hawkins and Ryder. Taker is beaten down, the two setup a table in the ring.


Taker fights off Hawkins and Ryder, Hawkins eats a Chokeslam through a table at ringside, Ryder meets his demise with a Chokeslam from the apron through a table at ringside. Edge Spears Taker off the apron to the floor, Edge begins climbing the ladder. Taker stumbles on one feet, Last Ride through the two tables stacked atop one another. La Familia is laying in ruins, here comes Chavo and Bam Neely. Neely and Chavo miss a conchairto, Undertaker lays out everyone with chair shots but Edge is stirring. Edge waits until Taker is at the top of the ladder, Taker goes crashing through four tables at ringside, Edge is your new world heavyweight champion, The Undertaker is fired from WWE!


This what a lot of fun for a main event, everyone loves tables/ladders/chairs. Edge and La Familia were a great unit, stacking the deck against Undertaker, Taker never stopped selling the leg and stood up like that last gunslinger firing until it was all too much, Edge barely escaped from The Deadman. Undertaker fought from underneath bringing the pain to Edge, Edge used everything he could to try and trade bombs with Taker, it was a good main event after the fiasco that was the prior match. Also loved how they did everything within their power to convince Taker would overcome the odds when all was over, everything was teased to believe you into thinking The Deadman would rise up one more time and overcome La Familia, another strength of the match was how Taker was beaten, no clean win for Edge allowing the feud to continue and be stretched out due to Edge not gaining that clean win over Taker, good stuff.


Winner: Edge over Undertaker Via Retrieval Of The Belt!


That was WWE’s One Night Stand 2008, a very entertaining pay per view from WWE. Let’s address the controversy first, sad for Orton being in that incredible run where his character work was fantastic and have it snatched from him, very sad. The pay per view opened with a very entertaining hardcore style match with Hardy and Umaga, they may not have used weapons but they explored the arena and the finish was more than satisfying. The ECW Championship was a lot of fun too with Big Show getting a great rub, that visual of the pissed off Giant wreaking havoc on everyone in his way was awesome, I am looking forward to the encounter between the two monsters in ECW. Cena and JBL had great psychology, Big Match John pulled it out while JBL worked over the head, taped his fists and snuck weapons into the ring via his towel to beat up Cena and bust him open, it was so much fun. Melina and Beth had a very physical I Quit match, Beth using Melina’s flexibility to the fullest, some great looking moves in this match.


Moving onto Michaels and Batista, a strong match in terms of story-telling. Loved the anger of Batista coming through in his performance, Michaels was great at selling the ass-whooping that The Animal handed him throughout the match. Orton and Triple H was disappointing but nothing could be done there and then you had Taker vs Edge, Edge throwing everything at Taker and surviving through the skin of his teeth, Edge was not the better man, Edge did not deserve it and I would enjoy nothing more than watching Undertaker seek his revenge on Edge, perfect heel work from Edge. Thanks for reading and supporting, just remember: There’s always another night!


WWF Saturday Night's Main Event March 12th, 1988 Review

Image result for wwf saturday night's main event


Hello and welcome to another wonderous edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is gaining more momentum than AEW! Well, no that is not true at all but a man can dream can’t he? Anyways, it is time for another Saturday Night’s Main Event review, we are two weeks away from Wrestlemania IV, what are we looking at? Having stolen the WWF Championship from Hulk Hogan, Andre sold the championship to Ted Dibiase making The Million Dollar Man the new WWF Champion. This did not sit well with President of the WWF Jack Tunney who had something to say about the despicable acts of The Million Dollar Man. On tonight’s edition, we have Hulk Hogan vs King Harley Race and Ted Dibiase vs Randy Macho Man Savage, let’s get it on!


Brutus The Barber Beefcake vs Greg The Hammer Valentine W/ Jimmy Hart


Former tag team partners come to blows, the two men collectively known as The Dream Team fell apart as Beefcake became more flamboyant and started cutting his opponents’ hair, turning babyface in the process. Beefcake comes down the ramp and scares off Valentine, They come to blows as Beefcake wins the lock-up battle. Elbows and knees by Valentine, Irish whip. Beefcake ducks the clothesline and nails a high knee, scoop slam. Irish whip by Beefcake, put by The Barber. Struttin and cuttin from Beefcake, atomic drop by Beefcake. Running elbow by Beefcake, jacknife cover for two.


Valentine is all shook up, ten punches in the corner by Beefcake. Valentine falls to the mat, cheap shot from Valentine out of the corner. Valentine climbs high, axe handle to the head of Beefcake. Huge falling forearm for two, Valentine looks to work the leg. Beefcake reaches the ropes but Valentine does not release the hold until the count of four. Beefcake rolls out to the floor, here comes The Honky Tonk Man. Honky steals the microphone of Howard Finkel, Honky starts trash-talking Beefcake at ringside. Honky is brought to the backstage area after his verbal assault on Beefcake.


Valentine maintains control with a scoop slam, Valentine signals for the figure four. Headbutt to the groin, leg snap from Valentine. Make it two, Beefcake writhes around in pain. Beefcake stops a third leg snap with a roll-up, no pin. Figure four is blocked, elbow to the face. Both men trade blows, big right hands by Beefcake. Reverse elbow from Beefcake, Sleeper from Beefcake. Valentine reaches the ropes, both men tumble to the floor. Jimmy Hart wakes up Valentine, Hart attacks Beefcake behind the referee’s back. Beefcake chases Hart, Hart escapes as Valentine stomps on the head of Beefcake. Back suplex from Valentine but Beefcake had his shoulder up on the suplex, Valentine has been pinned.


Fun match to set up the big match between Beefcake and Honky Tonk Man, loved the arrogance of Honky to come out and cut a promo in the middle of the match. Honky was a heat-magnet, tremendous stuff. The finish was different but it worked for me, Valentine’s shoulders were down. Great opening match.


Winner: Brutus The Barber Beefcake over Greg Valentine Via Back Suplex!


Hulk Hogan vs King Harley Race W/ Bobby The Brain Heenan


Hogan chases off Heenan to begin the match, a smart move from Hogan who charges Race. Race elbows Hogan twice, no effect on Hogan. Headbutts by Race, Hogan begins to shake off the headbutts of Race. Hogan postures for the fans, massive lariat from Hogan. Another clothesline, clothesline onto the table at ringside. Hogan rams Race shoulder first into the ringpost, Hogan turns his focus to Heenan once more, Heenan is petrified. Hogan back drops Race on the floor, atomic drop on Race. Race is rammed head first off the ringpost, scoop slam on the floor.


Race is rolled into the ring, elbow to the top of the head. Massive chop from Hogan, make it two. Hogan rips off his wrist-tape to choke Race, axe bomber using the tape for two. Race is leaning against the ropes, Heenan grabs Hogan. Hogan chokes Heenan, Race makes the save. Falling headbutt and knee drop from Race, belly to belly suplex by Race. Knee across the throat, piledriver from Race. Stomp to the head, Hogan is tossed to the floor. Hogan is laid down on the table, Race climbs to the apron. Race tries a falling headbutt, landing hard on the table.


Left hands by Race, Race climbs to the top turnbuckle. Diving Headbutt connects from The King, one..two…. Hogan is Hulking Up. Hogan shakes off Race’s attacks, big right hands. Corner clothesline, massive clothesline and An Atomic Leg Drop for the ages as Hogan is able to put away The King Harley Race. Heenan attacks Hogan before diving over the top rope to escape Hogan’s wrath, Hogan celebrates his victory.


Another fun match, Hogan and Race go through their best spots, Hogan decimates Race to begin, the anger of The Hulkster tipping into his match as Hogan cannot deny how mad he is over losing his WWF Championship. Race was a tremendous wrestler in his day, that table spot would lead to the end of his WWF Career, the injury and surgery led to Race wrestling one more match against Haku in 1989 before stepping away from the WWF.


Winner: Hulk Hogan over Harley Race Via Atomic Leg Drop!


Macho Man Randy Savage W/ Miss Elizabeth vs The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase W/ Virgil


Dibiase has a surprise for Savage, it is Andre The Giant. Talk about a backup plan, Andre in the corner of Dibiase. Virgil talks to Elizabeth Savage gets distracted and in comes Dibiase. Lefts and rights from Dibiase, choke using the top rope by Dibiase. Reverse elbow and pose from Dibiase, stomp to the chest. Chops by Dibiase, shoulder thrusts in the corner. Middle rope axe handle by Dibiase, choke from The Million Dollar Man. Irish whip to the corner, Savage reverses it. Reverse elbow, kick to the head, knee to the back. Dibiase spills to the floor, Dibiase is thrown back in the ring. Diving axe handle from Savage, Dibiase begging for mercy.


Dibiase’s kick is caught, clothesline by Savage. Two for Savage, neck snap using the rope. Elbow and Dibiase falls out to the floor, Savage asks Dibiase to get back into the ring. Eye rake and clubbing blows from Dibiase, falling fist drops from Dibiase. Irish whip to the corner, elbow from Savage. Dibiase thrown to the corner, scoop slam but the knee drop misses. Dibiase applies a spinning toe hold, Savage kicks off Dibiase. Dibiase drags out Savage, Andre distracts Savage. Virgil smashes Savage in the back, the referee gets rid of Virgil. Dibiase nails a middle rope axe handle. Big elbow drop for two, sleeper from Dibiase.


Savage begins to fade, Andre insists that Savage tapped and passed out but no, Savage is alive and well. Savage breaks the hold, massive shoulder block and clothesline. Irish whip to the corner, elbow and back body drop. Dibiase grabs a headlock, the referee is bundled over with a shoulder block as Savage ducked, knees by Savage. Dibiase is thrown to the floor, Savage dives onto Dibiase with an axe handle. Here comes Andre, massive headbutt floors Savage. Savage meets the ringpost, Elizabeth is going backstage looking for assistance.


Andre chops Savage down to the floor, Dibiase shields the referee from seeing Andre’s attacks. The referee begins counting, Savage is unable to answer the count of the referee, we have a winner in Ted Dibiase. Andre and Virgil continue to destroy Savage, Dibiase is gloating. Slaps to the face, Hogan makes the save with a steel chair, the heels leave but the damage has been done.


Great little match from Dibiase and Savage, two great characters and while Dibiase is not fully fleshed out as a character just yet, Dibiase is a terrific wrestler and that shines through in this match. Savage knows exactly who he is and The Macho Man is tremendous inside of that ring and I cannot wait for the eventual showdown between Savage and Dibiase.


Winner: Ted Dibiase over Randy Savage Via Count -Out!


The Islanders W/ Bobby Heenan vs The Killer Bees


Killer Bees charge The Islanders, Brunzell takes down Haku. Tag to Blair, arm-wrench before a tag to Brunzell. Brunzell misses a dropkick off an Irish whip, Tama takes control with eye rakes and back rakes. Suplex, two for Tama. Haku comes in, brief assault before Tama comes back in, Brunzell nails an inverted atomic drop. Haku is tagged in, Brunzell and Haku take one another down. Tama receives the tag, Blair receives the tag from Brunzell. Atomic drop to Tama, apron shot to Haku. Pair of scoop slams, O Connor Roll for Blair. Referee gets distracted by Haku and Brunzell, Haku clotheslines Blair and Tama picks up the win. Not much to this match, it was over very quickly.


Winners: The Islanders over The Killer Bees Via Clothesline!


One Man Gang vs Ken Patera


Gang jumps Patera before Patera can take off his entrance gear, Patera is choked with the gear. Patera rallies, right hands to Gang. Irish whip to the corner, bearhug on Gang. Eye rake by Gang, Patera releases the grip. Gang misses an axe handle, full-nelson from Patera. Gang reaches the ropes, Patera continues to pummel and kick Gang. Gang turns the tide in the corner, shoulder thrusts from Gang. Irish whip to the corner by Patera, high knee in the corner. Ten punches by Patera, Patera Irish whips Gang. Massive clothesline by Gang who steals the win. Gang and Patera brawl after the match, Slick whacks Patera with his cane before the heels leave. Another quick nothing match so you are looking at another two match show in reality.


Winner: One Man Gang over Ken Patera Via Clothesline!


Although the two matches at the end of the show were shorter than a cup of coffee, this was a very action packed show from the WWF. Building towards Wrestlemania IV, we have a match featuring the big four names circling around the WWF Championship, we have some good work from Hogan and Harley Race while Macho Madness is reaching a fever pitch brother! Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!


Sunday 20 January 2019

WWF Saturday's Night Main Event February 5th, 1988 Edition

Image result for wwf saturday night's main event


Hello and welcome one and all to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is more foolish than having Strowman lose to Lesnar again! It is time of quite possibly the most iconic Saturday Night’s Main Event of all-time, the WWF Championship is on the line as Hulk Hogan defends his WWF Championship against Andre The Giant, the crowd is freaking out before a match has even begun. We also have a tag team championship match towards the end of the show while Macho Man Randy Savage takes on The Honky Tonk Man.


(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) The Honky Tonk Man © W/ Jimmy Hart vs Macho Man Randy Savage W/ Miss Elizabeth


Honky Tonk Man makes about ten Elvis references in his promo, truly terrific, a truly annoying chicken-shit heel. Jimmy Hart distracts Savage, Honky Tonk Man dances in front of Elizabeth before running for his life. Savage chases Honky, big elbow, neck-snap using the ropes. Honky and Jimmy Hart clash heads, Jimmy Hart distracts Savage. Eye rake by Honky but the sunset flip does not work, right hand by Savage. Savage misses a corner clothesline, shoulder is damaged. Snapmare by Honky, Savage dodges an elbow. Jimmy Hart distracts Savage, into the ring comes Jimmy Hart. Hart drops the megaphone, Honky uses the megaphone behind the referee’s back. Whack to the ribs for two, Honky is irate.


I must mention Peggy Sue is at ringside, Peggy Sue is Sherri in disguise. Savage escapes a chinlock, shoulder block by Savage but Honky comes back with a knee to the ribs. Apron axe handle by Honky, Honky gestures towards Elizabeth. Headlock and a right hand by Honky, Jimmy Hart chokes Savage behind the referee’s back. Honky dances for Elizabeth, Peggy Sue attacks Savage. Right hands by Honky, Savage begins to block and jab with his lefts. Low knee by Honky, massive clothesline floors Savage.


Multiple elbows by Honky, Honky dances at Elizabeth some more. Honky advances towards Elizabeth, Jimmy Hart corners Elizabeth. Savage is up, axe handle to Honky. Honky begs for mercy, Savage tosses Honky to the floor. Diving axe handle from the top rope, elbow and a scoop slam.  Diving axe handle connects, two for Savage. Jimmy Hart is on the apron, Savage yanks him into the ring. Honky knees Hart by accident, sleeper by Savage. Peggy Sue threatens Elizabeth, Savage saves Elizabeth. Honky tries an axe handle, Savage punches Honky and sends Honky into the turnbuckle, Savage wins by count-out. Honky corners Savage with his guitar, Jimmy Hart clocks Savage with his megaphone. Elizabeth is covering Savage, Honky tells Elizabeth to move. Savage blocks the guitar shot, kick to the ribs but Honky flees, Savage will have to wait his turn but Savage breaks the guitar. Savage holds open the ropes for Elizabeth, we never get to see that and the crowd erupts.


The crowd is on fire, I am sorry but Savage is fantastic and Honky is great too but this crowd, this motherfucking crowd is so on fire for everything that an elbow, a punch, a slam means so God damn much. Savage won by count-out and the fans erupted, if Savage broke that guitar over Honky, the cheers would have been deafening. Love the work of Honky, so annoying, so antagonizing, you want Savage to annihilate him, you are begging for it, it’s just good ol’ wrestling and I am hooked!


Winner: Randy Savage over Honky Tonk Man via Count-Out!


(WWF Heavyweight Championship Match) Hulk Hogan © vs Andre The Giant W/ Ted Dibiase & Virgil


The biggest rematch of all-time, they build the hype times a million for this. No shortage of drama, Andre almost pinned Hogan at Wrestlemania 3, it seemed controversial and Andre claims to have never truly been beaten by Hogan. A year in the making, Survivor Series was all about these two, wrestling was these two and there is nothing that can compare to the big title match feeling.


The bell rings, Hogan awaits Andre who stands on the apron taking everything in but here comes Andre slowly but surely. Andre’s facials are fantastic, they are worth a mention here. The arrogance and smugness who fears nothing, not even The Hulkster. Andre talks strategy with Dibiase and Virgil, Hogan comes over and attacks everyone. Dibiase and Virgil are knocked around by Hogan. Andre and Hogan, right hands by Hogan. Big right hand, chops to Andre. Andre meets the turnbuckle hard, kicks to the ribs and Mongolian chops. Elbow to the head, Andre is staggering around the ring. Axe bomber but Andre still stands, Virgil eats a right hand.


 Eye rake by Hogan, corner clothesline. Big right hand, eye rake again by the champion. Hogan climbs to the top rope, Andre catches Hogan. Bodyslam by Andre, Andre misses a falling headbutt. Hogan tries to pin Andre, choke by Hogan. Andre gains control with his chokehold, Irish whip to the corner. Scoop slam by Andre, kicks to the back. Coconut crush from Andre, big boot by Andre. Hogan falls to the floor, Virgil attacks Hogan. Choke from Andre, Andre uses his singlet to choke Hogan. More choking from Hogan, Hogan is rallying and shaking off Andre.


Hogan is on his feet from the choke, knees to the ribs. Chops from Hogan, right hands by the champion. Eye rake by Hogan, Hogan is on the middle rope. Diving clothesline by Hogan, Virgil stops the leg drop. Hogan nails the leg drop behind the referee’s back, Virgil is with the referee. Hogan is furious, Andre grabs Hogan. Headbutts to the back of the head, Butterfly Suplex from Andre. The referee counts to 3, Hogan’s shoulder was up but the referee did not see it? What is going on? This is insane! Mean Gene is here, Andre tells everyone that he is surrendering the title to Dibiase, Dibiase is champion without winning the championship, what a disgrace? Hogan is irate, hold on one second. There are two referees that look the same, what could this be? Twins, they are screaming at one another, Earl kicks down Dave Hebnar. Hogan knows that this Hebnar is the rat, Hogan asks for the crowd to decide what is next. Hogan picks up the referee, Earl is tossed onto Dibiase and Virgil, crazy times.


Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest angles of all-time. We have heard of tag team partners swapping out, brothers swapping out but this was God damn identical twins, nothing better than identical twins. Hogan and Andre delivered, the outrage this caused was just pure awesome. How dare Dibiase pay off an identical twin to screw Hogan out of the championship, but it might just be the smartest heel move in the history of wrestling in a kayfabe sense of course, smartest heel move in wrestling is obviously Triple H marrying into The Mcmahon Family. Anyways, this was so much fun and an ingenious angle that I am surprised has not been ripped off more often. Great match, great angle, some of the best childhood memories wrestling fans will have.


Winner: Andre The Giant over Hulk Hogan Via Butterfly Suplex!


(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) The Hart Foundation vs Strikeforce ©


We cut to a Hogan interview and miss the tag team match…. What? The Fuck is this? Why even show it so? POINTLESS


That was one of the most memorable Saturday Night’s Main Events of all-time. No disputing that, two matches and a match being caught off before it really gets going is not a great show but the matches delivered ten fold for this edition of the show. Savage and Honky tear the house down to begin with, back and forth it is the perfect mix. Savage looking to rip the head off of Honky, Honky uses his “charm” on Elizabeth, Jimmy Hart protecting his meal ticket in Honky Tonk Man. It is all sorts of fun with a finish that you would feel would fall flat but the energy and passion of the crowd carries it and all in all, I was extremely happy once it was over. Then came the main event, Hogan and Andre, one more time. Andre crippled at this point but such a presence that he gets away with it, back and forth the match sucks you in and that finish nobody saw coming and the drama that comes with it, it was fantastic. You simply need to see this edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Thanks for reading and supporting, see you next time and remember: There’s always another night!

Tuesday 15 January 2019

WWF Royal Rumble 1988 Review

Royal Rumble 88 logo.jpg





Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that brings you more fire than Becky Lynch on Twitter! It’s time for the inaugural Royal Rumble, twenty men competing in an over the top rope battle royal. We also have a contract signing of what might be the most important rematch in history, Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant do battle once more! We also get to see Rick Rude vs Ricky Steamboat, The Islanders vs The Young Stallions, this should be a fun card but it’s the first of its kind, could The Royal Rumble have the success that Wrestlemania had? Let’s find out!


Ravishing Rick Rude vs Ricky The Dragon Steamboat


Rude starts with forearms, right hands to the face of Steamboat, Steamboat answers with massive chops. Eye rake by Rude, Steamboat skins the cat off an Irish whip. Rude is sent tumbling to the floor as Steamboat poses for the fan. Rude asks for the test of strength, Rude quickly overpowers Steamboat, the crowd come alive for Steamboat. Up comes Steamboat, trip into an armbar from Steamboat. Steamboat wrenches the arm of The Ravishing One, Rude escapes but eats a deep armdrag. Rude uses big forearms to escape, the two trade Irish whips before a massive chop from Steamboat. Deep armdrag and armbar from Steamboat, Rude is almost pinned as we have a close two.


Rude boots Steamboat and escapes the hold, Steamboat is bounced off the turnbuckle. Rude rakes the eyes maintaining control. Steamboat is staggering, Rude Irish whips Steamboat. Steamboat slides through his legs twice, massive arm-drag into an armbar. Knees to the base of the shoulder from Steamboat, Steamboat has tortured the arm of Rude for the majority of this match. Rude uses an elbow to escape the hold, Rude poses for the fans. Right hands by Rude, Steamboat chops back. Rude knees Steamboat in the ribs which causes Steamboat to tumble to the floor, the referee begins to count against Steamboat.


Steamboat is sent back first into the apron, scoop slam on the floor. Rude nails his signature pose as the fans boo Rude. Steamboat eats a right hand as he is dragged up to the apron, apron suplex from Rude for two. Camel clutch from Rude, every time Steamboat tries to escape, Rude drops all his weight on Steamboat’s spine. Steamboat fades, two drops of the hand but Steamboat continues to battle. Steamboat picks Rude up onto his shoulders, electric chair drop from Steamboat. Steamboat tries a splash, Rude puts up his knees.


Atomic drop from Rude, Rude poses for the fans again. Two for Rude, camel clutch from Rude. Steamboat escapes and kicks off Rude, Rude eats the turnbuckle hard. Snapmare and falling chop from Steamboat for two, headlock takedown from Rude. The two trade pins, Steamboat bridges up and backslides Rude for two. Schoolboy from Steamboat for two, jacknife cover from Steamboat for two, both men attempt small packages for two. Eye rake by Rude, Irish whip by Rude. Lariat for two, Steamboat blocks the suplex. Suplex by Steamboat, Steamboat climbs high. Rude pulls the referee into the crossbody, Rude has Steamboat in an Argentine Backbreaker. Ricky The Dragon Steamboat is declared the winner by DQ, Rude is incensed!


This was a whole lot of fun, two legends tearing it up in the ring. Fantastic arm work from Steamboat throughout the earlier parts of the match. Steamboat was energetic and selling like death throughout the match while Rude was a fantastic in terms of his character, nobody could be possibly be as full as themselves as Ravishing Rick Rude, the man oozes charisma. Loved the finish too, Rude cheated and paid for it, perfect classic heel getting what he deserves for cheating.


Winner: Ricky The Dragon Steamboat over Rick Rude via DQ!


(WWF Women’s Tag Team Championship 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match) The Glamour Girls © W/ Jimmy Hart vs The Jumping Bomb Angels


Double dropkick to start, Kai and Martin double team Yamazaki. Splash by Martin, Yamazaki escapes and school boys for two. Tateno gutwrench slams Martin for two. Tag to Yamazaki, Martin catches the crossbody and slams her, Martin misses the elbow. Yamazaki and Kai are in the ring, high knee from Yamazaki. Tag to Tateno, massive dropkicks. Cheap shot by Yamazaki, Kai is knocked around for two. Tateno applies an octopus stretch, the match breaks down, double figure four leg locks from the Jumping Bomb Angels. Tateno leg drops Martin hard, another wishbone split from Tateno. Yamazaki comes in for an Indian deathlock, Martin has her legs wrenched at repeatedly.


Tateno comes in, Martin grabs Tateno in the corner, Tateno is dragged to the mat. Kai smacks Tateno from the apron, Martin nails an alley oop bomb for the first fall, The Glamour Girls celebrate in the win as they are so close to retaining their tag team championships.


We restart with Martin dragging the hair out of Tateno. Massive chop and boot by Kai, Tateno bridges out of a pin. Scoop slam by Kai, Kai misses a splash. Dropkicks and slams by Yamazaki, crossbody for two. The Jumping Bomb Angels bamboozle The Glamour Girls, Kai knocks down Tateno. Powerbomb is reversed from Tateno, Tateno schoolgirls Kai and we have evened things up, the winner of the next fall wins the tag team championships.


Tateno Irish whips Kai, Tateno and Kai trade blows. Kai wins the battle, tag to Martin. Enzuigiri from Tateno, tag to Yamazaki. Fisherman suplex is blocked, Martin knees Yamazaki down to the mat. Irish whip to the corner, Yamazaki leapfrogs Martin and backslides Martin before Martin escapes. Catapult for Yamazaki, tag to Kai. Necksnap from Kai, stomps from Kai. Double underhook suplex for two, Kai bites the arm of Yamazaki. Boot across the choke, tag to Martin, Yamazaki tags Tateno who is tossed across the ring. Tateno rallies, back drops for Kai, two drops for two. Martin is dragged into the ring too, tag to Yamazaki. Scoop slam and knee drop combination for two, scoop slam and cover for two by Yamazaki. Double underhook suplex with a bridge for two.


Tateno is in, middle rope senton misses. Tateno regains control, tag to Yamazaki. Diving clothesline for two, Kai saves Martin. Both Jumping Bomb Angels climb to the top rope, Double Diving Dropkick for the win behind the referee’s back, this match is over and we have new champions.


Best women’s match in the WWF at this point, The Jumping Bomb Angels are super talented, they showed they were lightyears ahead at Survivor Series and that finish speaks volume, perfect double dropkick that wipes out Judy Martin, fantastic stuff from The Jumping Bomb Angels. Another highlight is Vince not having a clue of the names of The Jumping Bomb Angels, great stuff.


Winners: The Jumping Bomb Angels over The Glamour Girls via Double Diving Dropkick!


Hogan/Andre Contract Signing/Dino Bravo World Record


Dino Bravo sets a new record albeit with help from Jesse Ventura, classic segment to put over the raw power of the new debuting superstar. Good start for Bravo, we also have the contract signing for Hogan vs Andre at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Ted Dibiase is in Andre’s corner with Virgil, fantastic promo and presence from Dibiase, you can see why Dibiase was signed to the WWF. Jack Tunney presides over the contract signing, nice use of an authority figure who does not dominate the show. Andre leaves Hogan in a heap on the ground, can Hogan topple Andre again?


The Royal Rumble Match


Twenty men competing in a battle royal, entrants one and two are Bret Hart and Tito Santana respectively. How do you win? Throw your opponent over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. Santana gets the better of Bret to begin the match, right hands to the face of Bret. Bret uses gut punches to get back into the match, inverted atomic drop by Bret. Middle rope elbow drop by Bret, number three is Butch Reed. Flying Forearm to Bret but in comes Reed. Reed tries to eliminate Santana, Santana survives the attack of the two heels. Reed nails a middle rope axe handle double elbow with Santana being taken down again. Number four is Neidhart, Santana is surrounded by The Hart Foundation. Reed and The Hart Foundation decimate Santana, backbreaker and middle rope elbow combination.


Santana continues to be worked on by The Hart Foundation, number five is Jake Roberts. Butch Reed is dumped out of the ring.


Butch Reed Has Been Eliminated By Roberts!


Roberts hammers The Hart Foundation, The Hart Foundation bang heads. Roberts calls for the DDT, Bret is staggering. Neidhart saves Bret from the DDT, Bret piledrivers Santana. Number six is Harley Race, elbows to Roberts. Roberts is almost thrown out but Roberts survives, Roberts eats a headbutt from Race. Number seven is Brunzell of The Killer Bees. We have a pile up, every man desperately trying to dump the other’s out of the ring. Number eight is Sam Houston. The Hart Foundation hurl Santana out to the floor!


Tito Santana Has Been Eliminated By The Hart Foundation!


Number nine is Danny Davis, Houston tees off on Davis. Right hands in the corner, eye rake by Davis. Davis eats a back suplex from Roberts, Davis holds onto the ropes to survive the DDT. Number ten is Boris Zhukov, nothing much happens. Number eleven is Magnificent Muraco, Zhukov is thrown out by Roberts and Brunzell!


Boris Zhukov Has Been Eliminated By Roberts & Brunzell!


Number twelve is Volkoff, Davis and Volkoff double team Houston. Harley Race is dumped out by Muraco.


Harley Race Has Been Eliminated By Muraco!


Bret and Roberts struggle in the corner, Muraco chops Volkoff. Number thirteen is Hacksaw Jim Duggan, huge cheers for Duggan. Race smashes Duggan in the face, Duggan gets distracted before entering the ring. Duggan begins attacking everything in sight, we have number fourteen and it is Outlaw Ron Bass. Bass clubs Muraco, Bret and Brunzell do battle. Roberts decimates Davis, Volkoff saves Davis from elimination. Volkoff tosses out Brunzell!


Jumpin Jim Brunzell Has Been Eliminated By Volkoff!


Number fifteen is B Brian Blair, Blair goes after The Hart Foundation. Duggan and Bass square off, eye rake by Bass to survive being eliminated. Number sixteen is Hillbilly Jim. Jim throws Neidhart over the top rope with ease with a backdrop.


Jim Neidhart Has Been Eliminated By Hillbilly Jim!


Number seventeen is Dino Bravo, Sam Houston is thrown to the floor, we did not catch who throw out Houston but Vince and Jesse believe it was Ron Bass.


Sam Houston Has Been Eliminated By Ron Bass!


Number eighteen is The Ultimate Warrior, Muraco tosses out Bret Hart.


Bret Hart Has Been Eliminated By Muraco!


Number nineteen is One Man Gang, Gang and Roberts do battle. Gang tosses out Blair with one hand, Gang tosses out Roberts too!


Jake Roberts & Brian Blair Have Been Eliminated By One Man Gang!


Number twenty is JYD, Volkoff hammers away on Duggan before Duggan tosses out Volkoff. One Man Gang throws out Hillbilly Jim for his third elimination.


Nikolai Volkoff Has Been Eliminated By Jim Duggan!
Hillbilly Jim Has Been Eliminated By One Man Gang!
Danny Davis Has Been Eliminated By Jim Duggan!
Ultimate Warrior Has Been Eliminated By One Man Gang!
JYD Has Been Eliminated By Outlaw Ron Bass!
Ron Bass Has Been Eliminated By Muraco!


All these eliminations happened back to back, Muraco and Duggan are beaten down by One Man Gang and Dino Bravo. Duggan is squished in the corner, Bravo holds One Man Gang and One Man Gang clotheslines Muraco over the top rope.


Muraco Has Been Eliminated By One Man Gang!


Gang clubs down Duggan, Duggan eats a double clothesline. Bravo holds Duggan against the ropes, One Man Gang knocks over Bravo by mistake, we are down to two!


Dino Bravo Has Been Eliminated BY One Man Gang!


One Man Gang chokes Duggan on the top rope, clubbing blows by Gang. Duggan is weak, One Man Gang charges at the ropes, Duggan lowbridges One Man Gang by pulling down the ropes, Hacksaw Jim Duggn is your inaugural Royal Rumble Winner and a worthy winner at that!


For a first time event, they are going to be growing pains but this was a lot of fun for the time given, you had plenty of top WWF superstars in the match with the crowd coming alive for the likes of Duggan, Roberts, and JYD. The drama was there and the fans were loving. A great first showing and no wonder this is a concept that has stood the test of time.


Winner: Hacksaw Jim Duggan!


The Islanders W/ Bobby The Brain Heenan vs The Young Stallions


Tama and Powers begin the match, Tama cowers from Powers, laughing at the young stallion. Eye rake by Tama, elbows to the head. Powers leapfrogs Tama, rights and lefts. Scoop slam, Tama rolls out to the floor. Tama asks for a handshake, Power catches Tama. Atomic drop, right hand from Roma, arm-wrench from Powers. Tama grabs the hair of Powers, Powers misses a corner splash. In comes Haku but in comes Roma. Both men trade arm-wrenches, Haku Irish whips Roma and nails a shoulder block. Arm-drag by Haku, stomps from Haku.


Crossbody from Roma, tag to Powers. Double reverse elbow on Haku for two, armbar from Powers. Eye rake by Haku, tag to Tama. Snapmare and elbow to the head, scoop slam. Tama misses an elbow drop, Powers is dragged to The Islander corner though. Haku and Powers clothesline another one down, tag to Roma. Roma pummels and backdrops Tama, shot to Haku. Dropkick to Tama for two, Haku saves Tama. Roma attacks Tama but goes off the ropes, Haku lowbridges Roma who tweaks his knee on the outside. Roma writhes around in pain and cannot make it back into the ring, The Islanders win the first fall.


Roma has to start the fall despite his injured leg, these are the rules. Tama zeroes in on the leg immediately, Roma screams out in pain as Tama works the leg. Scoop slam, Roma blocks the splash with his knees. Tag to Haku, Powers comes in and hammers Haku. Back drop, two for Powers. Powers whips Haku to the corner, elbow for two. Irish whip centre of the ring, dropkick by Powers for two. Suplex by Powers for two, right hands. Irish whip and reverse elbow for two, Haku goes low on Powers, tag to Tama.


Stomp to the groin, tag to Haku. Double headbutt, Roma rallies Powers. Irish whip, small package on Tama for two. Haku chops down Powers, backbreaker for two. Tama gets tag in, spinning reverse elbow. Chops by Tama, hiptoss for two. Tag to Haku, shots to the mid-section. Standing dropkick for two, gutwrench suplex for two. Abdominal stretch, Powers escapes the hold but Haku maintains control with a stomp. Diving splash misses for Haku, Haku Irish whips Powers. Kick by Powers, Haku maintains more control. Haku misses a dropkick though, Powers tags Roma.


Haku attacks the injured leg, elbows to the injured leg. Roma writhes around in pain, Tama dives down on the legs of Roma. Single leg Boston Crab from Haku, The Islanders have walked away as the winners of this match.


The crowd seemed worn out for this match, could also be a case of the audience not caring about the match, it well could be a mix of both. I did enjoy Roma selling his leg, the story was established early in the first fall and played into the finish in the second fall, love my wrestling being simple and easy to follow.


Winners: The Islanders over The Young Stallions Via Boston Crab!


That was the first-ever Royal Rumble, this was a strong debut for the Royal Rumble. The concept was born on this night and received a positive enough response to be continued annually. What you have to remember is this was on the USA Network not pay per view but a lot of this card was very strong. Hogan and Andre was a tremendous angle, Dibiase being a hype man to the biggest rematch of all time, great things are coming down the line. Rude and Steamboat was fantastic, the women’s tag team championship match was fun too and the rumble itself had so many big names, established Jim Duggan as a force to be reckoned with and would go onto to be one of the cornerstones of the WWF/WWE Calendar on The Road To Wrestlemania. Thanks for reading and supporting and remember: There’s always another night!







Sunday 6 January 2019

WWF Saturday Night's Main Event January 2nd, 1988 Review

Image result for wwf saturday night's main event


Hello and welcome to another wonderful edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that causes more controversy than a Tampon Spot! It’s another Saturday Night’s Main Event, it is time to build up to the WWF’s first-ever Royal Rumble which will take place later in the month. On tonight’s show we have The Bolsheviks vs Strikeforce, Greg Valentine vs Koko B. Ware, Jake Roberts vs Sika, and Hulk Hogan vs King Kong Bundy for the WWF Championship. Bring it on, let’s go Brother!


(WWF World Tag Team Championship Match) The Bolsheviks W/ Slick vs Strikeforce ©


Zhukov and Volkoff stand smugly while Slick delivers a sexy promo full of soul that courses through my body and leaves me wondering why I am so lame compared to The Slickster. Santana and Martel are your tag team champions, they cut a promo also before the match, fun stuff.


Zhukov and Santana begin, scoop slam by Santana. Hiptoss by Zhukov, hiptoss by Santana into an armbar. Tag to Martel, double gut punch to Zhukov. Arm-wringer and tag to Santana, arm-wrench by Santana. Tag to Martel, forearm by Zhukov. Tag to Volkoff, schoolboy by Martel for two. Volkoff powers out, knees to the guts. Tag to Zhukov, Martel reverses Zhukov. Zhukov meets the turnbuckle, tag to Santana. Flying crossbody from Santana for two, Volkoff saves Zhukov. Clothesline by Volkoff, eye rake by Volkoff to keep down Santana. Illegal choke by Volkoff, Zhukov chokes Santana from the apron.


Zhukov is the legal man, back suplex for two. Reverse chinlock from Zhukov, elbows from Santana. Scoop slam by Zhukov, elbow misses for Zhukov. Santana dives through Zhukov’s legs, tag to Martel. Right hands, hiptoss to Zhukov. Back drop, Boston Crab by Martel and Zhukov has to tap out, we have an end to the first-fall of this match. The champions are the victors of the first-fall.


The bell has rung, we shall continue. Volkoff has been dropkicked to the floor, double dropkick on Zhukov. Scoop slam by Martel, another Boston Crab attempt. Volkoff saves Zhukov, match breaks down with Volkoff dropping Martel over the top rope. Gorilla press into a ribbreaker by Volkoff for two, Zhukov comes in and headbutts Martel in the back. Tag to Volkoff, headbutt from Volkoff. Multiple headbutts from Volkoff, eye rake in the corner. Another headbutt, Martel kicks off Volkoff. Axe handle stops the tag for Volkoff, Martel is isolated in the heel’s corner. Double  elbow smash, knee drop by Volkoff for two.


Irish whip, sunset flip reversal from Martel. Both men bang heads in the middle of the ring, Slick screams at Volkoff to get to his feet. Zhukov cannot make it, Santana is the legal man. Dropkicks to The Bolsheviks, Flying Forearm but Volkoff saves Zhukov. Volkoff grabs the cane from Slick and waffles Zhukov by mistake, the champions retain.


This was a lot of fun, we are deep into The Golden Era and the crowds all sound like molten lava, it is hot in that building. What helps in The Communists being such big heels given the circumstances, the foreign heel gimmick may have been at its peak during this time in the WWF. Martel and Santana are full of energy and the crowd love every minute of it, Volkoff is such a great comedy foil, I fall in love with man every time I see him bump around, good stuff.


Winners: Strikeforce over The Bolsheviks via Cane Shot!


Jake The Snake Roberts vs Sika W/ Mr. Fuji


With the passing of Mean Gene, I thought it would be appropriate to mention what he brings to the show and that is so much with the personality he brings to his interviews. Rest in Peace Gene, you were tremendous.


Roberts and Sika lock-up, Roberts takes Sika down with arm-drags. Sika misses wild punches, Roberts is using his speed to avoid Sika. Irish whip by Sika, Roberts holds onto the ropes and tells Sika to kiss his ass. Sika charges in, Roberts nails shoulders in the corner. Right hands by Roberts, Sika catches Roberts for a back body drop. Sika rakes the back and chest of Roberts, Fuji smashes Roberts with the cane. Another foot choke by Sika, headbutt by Sika. Nerve hold from Sika, Roberts escapes and nails a knee lifts. Lefts and a right from Roberts, Fuji grabs the leg of Roberts. Sika Irish whips Roberts to the corner, Roberts dodges the splash, roll-up from Roberts for the win. Sika is back dropped to the floor, Fuji is all alone. DDT on Fuji, huge pop! Damien on Fuji, fantastic stuff!


Tonnes of fun, short and sweet. Roberts is super over with the DDT providing my ears with deafening cheers from the fans, they are simply loving life! Sika does a good job being a massive annoyance and a monster while the fans are simply crying out for a DDT. Fuji’s facials were tremendous when caught, just a fun little segment.


Winner: Jake Roberts over Sika via Roll-Up!


(WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match)King Kong Bundy W/ Andre The Giant vs Hulk Hogan ©


These two clashed last time with Bundy defeating Hogan on the last Saturday Night Main Event thanks to the antics of Bobby Heenan. To ensure victory this time, Hogan is up against Bundy with Andre in his corner. Hogan cuts a promo about Ronald Reagan and about how they are a superpower together.


The two lock-up, Hogan pushes down Bundy. Bundy misses a splash, Hogan takes control. Bundy meets the turnbuckles on every corner, staggering is Bundy. Hogan chops and Irish whips Bundy, big boot to the floor. Bundy is on queer street, Andre talks advice with Bundy. Bundy re-evaluates and Hogan elbows Bundy once more. Irish whip, Axe Bomber. Hogan is rocking and rolling, Andre talks advice to Bundy once again. Bundy charges in, Hogan hammers Bundy with right hands. Arm-wringer from Hogan, elbows to the arm. Bundy is in serious trouble, this could be over in a flash.


Bundy reverses the hold and uses the hair of Hogan to pull him down, Hogan begins to rally. Right hands from Hogan, shoulder block staggers Bundy. Reverse elbow smash from Bundy, Bundy zeroes in on the arm. Elbows to the arm of Hogan, Hogan sits in the armbar before recovering. Breaking free, Hogan scoop slams Bundy but misses a follow-up elbow drop. Kicks to the chest from Bundy, scoop slam from Bundy. Bundy misses two elbow drops, Hogan is rallying once more.


Corner clothesline, Bundy squishes the referee and Hogan. The referee is down, Bundy misses a splash. Running elbow by Hogan, big right hand by Hogan. Andre talks to Bundy on the floor, new referees are tending to the original referee. Eye rake when we restart, Bundy clubs Hogan. Massive clothesline, knee drop by Bundy. Bundy chops Hogan to the floor, right hands by Bundy. Bundy stands all over Hogan, shoulder block by Bundy. Fist drop for two, Bundy applies a chinlock. Chops from Bundy, Irish whip to the corner. Avalanche from Bundy, Bundy stalls. Irish whip to the corner, Avalanche again! Big Splash, 1…..2….. Hogan kicks out! Hogan Hulks Up! Irish whip to the corner but its reversed for Bundy, Bundy crashes to the mat. Atomic Leg Drop and Hogan wins the match!


That was tremendous fun, Hogan brings the crowd to their feet. Bundy and Hogan have worked many times by this point, they know how to get the most out of their matches. Bundy looked good, Hogan looked good and all was well at the end of the day. We also get an extension of the angle as Andre chokes the life out of Hogan. Talking about getting the most out of something simple, Andre is being built up all over again, could we have Andre vs Hogan two? How do we add more to the angle? Andre throws out The Bulldogs with ease, Andre is doing as he pleases, Andre is the man.


Winner: Hulk Hogan over King Kong Bundy via Atomic Leg Drop!


Koko B. Ware vs Greg Valentine W/ Jimmy Hart


Shoulder block by Koko, flapjack onto the top rope by Valentine. Knee to the head, clubbing blows by Valentine. Two for The Hammer, chop by Valentine. Figure four attempt is blocked by Koko. We reset, lock-up and chops by Valentine.  Axe handle from the top rope by Valentine, elbow by Valentine for two. Reverse chinlock by Valentine, Valentine throws Koko to the floor. Clubbing blows by Valentine, Koko is stuck on the apron taking damage. Clothesline by Valentine, two for The Hammer.


The crowd is freaking out, it is Brutus The Barber Beefcake, Valentine’s former tag team partner. Small package by Koko for two, backslide for one. The referee is asking for Beefcake to leave the arena, stalling of the highest magnitude.  Back drop by Valentine, elbow drop by Valentine for two. Scoop slam by Valentine, Valentine climbs high. Koko pulls Valentine off the top rope, Koko is pumping himself up. Rights and lefts by Koko, big dropkick. Headbutt brings Valentine down, middle rope fist drop. Two for Koko, Valentine counters Koko for a shin breaker, Figure Four from Valentine. Beefcake comes down after Valentine’s win, Beefcake takes the hair from Jimmy Hart’s head.


Not a fan of this one, this was an extended squash with stalling! That’s just horrible really, making me sit through Valentine destroy Koko and we are talking in terms of offense a good 90/10 split in Valentine’s favour and you have the nerve to make me wait for the referee to kick out Beefcake? Disgusting!


Winner: Greg Valentine over Koko B. Ware via Figure Four!


That was Saturday Night’s Main Event, not a memorable version with moments that live on in every wrestling fans’ heart but entertaining nonetheless. My only real issue was the last match, you could have scrapped that and I feel Koko is already screwed when it comes to his booking and I have not even seen that much of The Birdman so far so this might be a very rapid decline for Koko. Thanks for reading and supporting and remember: There’s always another night!