WWE Summerslam 2008 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that bangs on about still being relevant more than Enzo & Cass! It’s WWE’s Summerslam 2008, the return of The Deadman. Yes, Undertaker is back to seek revenge against the man who cost him his career, Edge must face Undertaker inside of a Hell In A Cell. Triple H has to defend his championship against none other than Great Khali, not looking forward to that match in the slightest, not going to lie to you people. Also, who is the biggest star of the last 3 years in the WWE? Was it The Animal Batista or was it John Cena? Two of the biggest collide for one night only to find out who the man is in the WWE. Other huge matches include CM Punk defending against JBL who has been on a role rekindling his feud with one John Cena. So, let’s get to this review!

Jeff Hardy vs MVP

Two of the rising superstars in the WWE, MVP has seen better days though after losing his United States Championship to Jeff’s brother Matt Hardy. Jeff seems on the cusp of a championship reign but has fallen a little in recent times. MVP has cost Jeff Hardy two big wins in the last few weeks. MVP misses a big boot to start the match, Jeff gives chase around the ring. Jeff drags MVP to the floor, MVP meets the barricade. Scoop slam and slingshot leg drop by Jeff for two as MVP places his feet on the ropes. Jeff grabs the arm while MVP pushes back on Jeff’s face, MVP cannot escape the arm-bar though. We have a clean break, Jeff nails a right hand and some boots to MVP.

The referee pushes off Jeff, more rights from Jeff. Irish whip to the corner, MVP belly to belly suplexes Jeff into the corner. That was beautiful and looked nasty too, two count for MVP. MVP applies a butterfly lock, stiff kick to the spine from MVP. Another butterfly lock from MVP, transition into a camel clutch. Jeff kicks off MVP but MVP rolls through into a single leg Boston crab, transitioning into a heel hook. Jeff makes it to the apron, Jeff looks for a slingshot but MVP decks Jeff with a right hand, MVP drops all his weight across the back of Jeff for two.

MVP slams Jeff into the tree of woe, Jeff is thrown back first into the turnbuckle. Two for MVP, MVP has Jeff in an Argentine backbreaker before Jeff slips out and delivers a nice neckbreaker. Corkscrew mule kick, Jeff was looking for his corner dropkick but MVP kicks off Jeff who hits his head hard off the canvas. Two for MVP, MVP comes close once more. Whip to the corner, John Wu dropkick from MVP. MVP looks for the player’s boot, Jeff explodes out of the corner with a neckbreaker. Russian legsweep followed by Jeff’s unique cover for two. MVP blocks the corner dropkick, looking for a spinebuster but Jeff rolls through for a sunset flip, two for Jeff. Whisper In The Wind, Jeff looks for the swanton, here comes Shelton Benjamin and Jeff dives onto Benjamin. Jeff looks for the swanton once more, MVP dodges and nails The Drive-By for the win.

This was a very enjoyable opener from the two, I was a little sceptical when the match began, could MVP be motivated and work with Jeff on this night considering his rapid decent down the card but no, MVP was vicious and worked over Hardy during the match convincingly, Jeff is crazy popular as always but those comebacks and signature moves are really being formed now in the minds of the fans, it makes the match so much fun.

Winner: MVP over Jeff Hardy via Drive-By!

(WWE Women’s Championship & Intercontinental Championship Match) Mickie James © & Kofi Kingston vs Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix

Despite Kofi’s splash on Raw, it feels Kingston has accomplished little to nothing as champion while WWE’s booking of the Divas has always been suspect so while Beth and Mickie have feuded, we have not seen many of the matches or angles play out with little more than a segment here and there. However, we do have the true birth of Glamarella here, Santino has dumped Maria and turned heel, taking on a persona which is magnificent and I shall here nothing against it.

Beth and Mickie begin the match, side headlock does not work for Mickie as Beth pushes Mickie off. Mickie takes the back, Beth is caught in the wasit-lock. Beth elbows Mickie away, Mickie dropkicks the knee and a low dropkick floors Beth for two. Beth nails a back suplex, Santino wants the tag. Mickie kicks Santino, monkey flip and a tag to Kofi. Springboard crossbody and dropkicks, Irish whip to the corner. Corner punches from Kofi, shoulder thrusts and a massive uppercut. Santino powders, Mickie dropkicks Beth off the apron. Kofi pretends to dive, Santino dives into Beth’s arm. Chemistry, Kofi gets over-zealous and eats a neckbreaker, Santino is in control.

Reverse chin-lock from Santino, tag to Beth. Beth kicks Kofi before a tag to Santino, snap suplex with a float-over for two. Back into a chin-lock, Kofi breaks free and both men bang heads. In comes Mickie, forearms and a neck-breaker. Irish whip, Regal-like cutter from Mickie. Santino eats a dropkick from Mickie, corner hurricanrana from Mickie. Lou Thesz Press from Mickie but Santino is in the ring, Santino lowbridges Kofi. MickieDT onto Santino, massive lariat from Beth to the back of the neck. Glam Slam on Mickie, we have new champions.

This was excellent, Beth and Santino as a duo are marvellous. Santino steals the show every second that he is in that ring. His facials and offence are perfect while Mickie and Kofi show a tonne of fire when they are in the ring. Disappointed that Kofi’s first reign never really took off but there is a bright future ahead for that man but as I was saying, there were so many elements to this match that made it so much fun. I want more Santino, I want more Beth and I want more Kofi and Mickie, hope there are rematches to come down the road.

Winners: Glamarella over Kofi Kingston & Mickie James via Glam Slam!

Shawn Michaels Announcement

Shawn Michaels is The Showstopper, Shawn Michaels is The Main Event but is Shawn Micheals finished wrestling? Chris Jericho’s assault on the eye of HBK have led Shawn Michaels to making a decision with his wife Rebecca by his side. Shawn’s wife is crying already, this is quite good. Shawn Michaels talks about walking away, retiring from the sport. The decision is for Michaels to make, Michaels will be listening to the doctor’s advice and walking away from the ring. The whole speech and Rebecca crying is very convincing, it is crazy to think that his Hall Of Fame speech will not come close to this.

The crowd pops as Jericho enters the ring, sensing that this is not a legitimate retirement but an angle, who cares though? Chris Jericho, the man who has forced HBK to retire has interrupted HBK’s retirement. Jericho wants HBK to state that he is the sole reason for HBK’s retirement. This is tense, Jericho is a despicable human being, Jericho is ice-cold in this segment. Bringing up the kids, Jericho has crossed such a line. HBK calls Jericho a vile, selfish and worthless human being and a wannabe Shawn Michaels, the two stare one another down. Another crushing line from Michaels, Jericho looks to sucker-punch Michaels but nails Rebecca instead. Interestingly, Jericho legit punched Michaels’ wife during the segment, causing Jericho to call himself unprofessional and feel like an actual piece of shit like his TV counterpart.

As far as angles go, this was tremendous. Jericho’s face after the punch tells you that even he knows he has crossed the line. The punch looks great because it was real but how low can you sink, sucker-punching another man’s wife. Jericho’s heat was nuclear, Jericho is the character to watch in the WWE at this time, nobody comes close. The commentators are silent, nobody reacts for what feels like minutes, they let you tell the story through body language and feel everything that is going on inside that ring. Rebecca has a legitimate swollen lip, you could not have done this better if you tried, I cannot wait to see the next chapter in this feud, I am all in on this feud and the story had me before this with Jericho trying to prove that he had surpassed his idol in Michaels.

(ECW Championship Match) Mark Henry © W/ Tony Atlas vs Matt Hardy

Being out of The United States Championship picture, Matt Hardy was transitioned to ECW as the brand’s top babyface and most established star alongside Mark Henry. Matt has never won a major singles championship in the WWE, could Matt win the big one? Mark Henry has had such a start and stop career due to injuries but Mark was finally finding his groove as an animal on ECW destroying everyone in his path.

Hardy starts attacking Henry, Henry shoves off Hardy with ease. Hardy dodges a clothesline in the corner, nailing a Twist of Fate. Tony Atlas breaks up the pin to save Henry’s championship reign. The match ends in an DQ, Atlas attacks Hardy. Here comes brother Jeff for the save, Swanton Bomb on Atlas. The Hardys double suplex Henry on the outside, I guess that is the end of that match. DUD!

Winner: Matt Hardy over Mark Henry via DQ!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) CM Punk © vs JBL

JBL had defeated John Cena in a brutal brawl and has set his sights on CM Punk, JBL being the premier bully of the WWE has been a joy to watch since returning following a stint as a commentator. Punk needs a big win as Punk survived Batista thanks to Kane, Punk is new school while JBL is old school. JBL believes indie wrestling to be trash and pisses all over Ring Of Honor. JBL clubs Punk and applies a side headlock, big shoulder block from the challenger. Punk dodges a clothesline, kicks to the legs and a flying forearm. Dropkick from Punk, JBL is out on the floor. Suicide dive from Punk, Punk climbs the top rope. Crossbody for two, JBL hits a massive shoulder block on Punk. Stomping on the fingers, JBL assumes control.

Irish whip to the corner, Punk boots off JBL. Punk tries to go high but a fallaway slam from JBL puts down Punk. Close call for Punk, JBL goes to work on the spine. Waist-lock from the challenger, Punk kicks his way out but JBL boots down Punk for two. Snap suplex for two, JBL nails a massive back suplex for two. Another waist-lock from JBL, looking to squeeze the life out of the champion. Abdominal Stretch from the challenger, Punk hip-tosses JBL out of the submission. High running knee in the corner, bulldog connects for Punk. GTS attempt but Punk’s ribs collapse from the weight of JBL. Short-arm clothesline from hell, followed by multiple elbow drops from JBL but Punk survives at two.

The two trade blows, clothesline misses for JBL. Spinning back fists and a roundhouse kick to the head for two, Punk rolls to the apron. Punk’s springboard backfires as JBL catches the champion for a powerslam, two for JBL. JBL winds up for his clothesline, Punk counters with a beautiful leaping calf kick, both men lay on the mat. Another high knee in the corner from Punk, JBL counters the bulldog. JBL places Punk on the top rope, super back drop from JBL. 1…2.. JBL comes close once more to having the championship around his waist. Short-arm clothesline misses again as Punk ducks for a GTS, Punk retains his championship.

Enjoyed this match a lot, JBL is completely believable in his role as a bully, JBL’s mannerisms are fantastic throughout this match, showing utter disgust for his challenge in CM Punk. The fallaway slam which leads to the heat segment is tremendous, JBL works over the back tirelessly, it plays into much of the match with Punk being unable to hit the GTS at first and Punk doubles over in pain throughout due to the damage to his back, JBL’s shock as his Clothesline From Hell misses and leads to The GTS is just good wrestling, might be my favourite match on the card so far.

Winner: CM Punk over JBL via GTS!

(WWE Championship Match) Triple H © vs The Great Khali W/ R. Singh

This came out of nowhere didn’t it? Where was Khali for so much of the year? Anyways, the more important story to me at least is Triple H is champion of Smackdown with Randy Orton out of the picture due to an unfortunate injury suffered at the hands of The Game. Neither championship picture intrigues me as much as the other big matches on the card which is a worrying sign. However, Punk and JBL won me over with a solid championship match but can Triple H pull a watchable match out of one Great Khali?

Khali shoves Triple H, Triple H continues to duck Khali and nail right hands but an early pedigree attempt does not work, a clothesline staggers Kahli but Khali nails his throat toss slam to The Game. Khali wants Triple H to get to his feet, Vice Grip from Khali. Triple H struggles and struggles but boots to the monster end the submission, chop block from HHH. Khali rolls to the floor, clutching that left leg, Triple H is in pursuit. Khali suckers The Game in, massive Slap to the head from Khali. Khali stomps Triple H in the ring, elbows in the corner. Short-arm clothesline from Khali, shoulder claw from the challenger.

Scoop slam and leg drop from Khali, another shoulder claw from Khali. Triple H mounts a comeback with right hands and a facebuster, Triple H has Khali tangled in the ropes. Nowhere to go for Khali, Khali boots away Triple H. Wisely, Singh saves Khali from the ropes. Triple H wants a pedigree, Khali makes his way to the ropes and back drops Triple H to the floor. Khali hangs too closely to the ropes, Triple H pulls out Khali. Khali’s leg meets the ring-post, Triple H stands on the apron and from the floor, Khali chops down Triple H with a slap.

Vice grip from Khali, Triple H ran right into the submission. Tripe H throws rights and lefts, Khali applies more pressure with Triple H falling to a knee. Triple H powers out of the submission, stomps to that injured leg of Khali. Khali misses a corner splash, could it be Pedigree time? Triple H struggles and applies The Pedigree, this match is over!

You know what? That did not drag anywhere near as bad as I thought, Triple H did everything that he could to make that an interesting match, the champion sold everything that Khali did like a God, Khali would hit a chop here and there and Triple H would struggle through this match like someone who had been battered. Loved Triple H kicking out the injured leg of Khali to escape the grip and apply the pedigree, it was established early and played into the finish, I see logical wrestling and I like, happy days.

Winner: Triple H over Great Khali via Pedigree!

John Cena vs Batista

Big match promo package, big match feel, the two biggest superstars of the last 4 years in WWE. Both men rose at the same time, the faces of their brands. Let’s do this, Batista takes down Cena with a shoulder block but a leapfrog and scoop slam puts down Batista. We reset, both men a little more cautious. Side headlock from Cena, shoulder block but Batista boots Cena, early Batista Bomb attempt but Cena dodges, Batista nails a clothesline and jackhammer for two. Irish whip reversal from Cena, fisherman suplex. Two for Cena, both men running through their signature offence. Irish whip reversal from Batista, sidewalk slam for two for The Animal.

Cena attempts an FU, Batista slips out for a chop block. Knees and right hands from Batista, shin-breaker from The Animal. Figure Four from Batista, love that little nod to Naitch. Cena reaches the ropes to free himself, another FU attempt, Batista holds onto the ropes so Cena dumps Batista to the floor, Cena clutches his injured leg, collapsing to the mat. Batista misses a clothesline, Cena nails his shoulder blocks and spin-out slam. Cena holds his leg throughout, Five Knuckle Shuffle from Cena.

FU blocked for a third time, Batista boots Cena to the mat. Cena is seared to the corner, shoulder thrusts and a corner clothesline. Batista nails his spinebuster, planting Cena in the middle of the ring. Batista Bomb is countered, dragon screw and STFU from Cena. Cena tracks Batista back from the ropes, Batista might tap but reaches the ropes just in time. FU is countered into a rear-naked choke. Cena elbows Batista’s knee to escape, love it good stuff Cena. Out of nowhere, Spear from Batista to take down Cena. 1…..2…. Cena kicks out!

Cena escapes a powerslam for a counter into an FU, tremendous counter. Best I have seen in quite some time, Cena cannot capitalize immediately. Cena crawls over, 1…2… Batista kicks out! Cena climbs to the top rope, Cena is slow to climb. Batista pursues, they trade blows at the top of the turnbuckle. Cena knocks down Batista, could it be Kobashi-style leg drop time? Cena jumps but Batista counters for a Batista Bomb. 1….2.. Cena kicks out! Batista is furious, big boot form The Animal, Batista Bomb and Cena is down.

This was utterly fantastic, this match never let up from start to finish. It was high calibre from the word go, the two playing chess with one another, the big moves coming out, everything they did was so crisp and clean. The counters from the FU to The Batista Bomb were simply awesome and that finish, a snap from Batista. Something has changed in our beloved Animal, it might not be an immediate heel turn but there is a dark side to Batista and who knows where we will go from here but I will proudly say this was an awesome match.

Winner: Batista over John Cena via Batista Bomb!

The Undertaker vs Edge (Hell In A Cell Match)

Edge had vanquished The Undertaker after falling to The Deadman at Wrestlemania, Edge had never faced a greater challenge than Undertaker, Edge was riding on cloud nine but Edge cheated on beloved wife Vickie Guerrero with his secretary, Undertaker had been reinstated by General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Vickie topped off her revenge on her cheating husband by making the match a Hell in a Cell match. Edge would use Mick Foley as the man to bring out his dark side, that sick, sinister side of Edge that battled Mick Foley at Wrestlemania.

Edge is in his zone but it’s Undertaker’s yard, the camera angles and Taker symbolically shutting the door of the cell, it is sheer perfection. Edge looks eager and ready to brawl with Taker but can The Rated R Superstar match The Deadman? Taker seems calm, no emotion. If any look is on his face, it might just be pity for Edge for what pain is about to come his way. Edge tees off on Taker, Taker cannot land a strike as Edge continues to pummel Taker. A big boot stops Edge’s offence though, Taker measures Edge in the corner for right hands and headbutts. Edge is tossed to the floor, Taker headbutts Edge on the ringside area. Edge is smashed into the cell wall, Taker scrapes Edge’s face off the cell wall. Taker brings steps into the ring, what could be the purpose here?

Taker lifts Edge onto his shoulders, snake eyes into the steps. Taker’s boot misses though as Edge nails an elbow and sends Taker into the steps. Low-angle Spear against the steps by Edge, steel steps to the head of Taker. Edge brings out tables, Edge has had experiences in TLC matches and hardcore matches, the tables are stacked on top of one another. Edge wants a suplex through the tables, Taker blocks and wants chokeslam but Edge counters with a hotshot into the ropes. Edge brings out a chair, stabbing Taker in the neck with the chair.

Chair shot to the back of Taker, Edge has placed a table in the ring and Edge grabs a ladder, Edge is in familiar territory. Chair to the head of The Deadman, another chair shot to the head of Undertaker. Taker is lying on the table, Edge wants to drive a chair through Taker’s face, Edge destroys Taker with the same dive that took out Mick Foley. Conchairto is on Edge’s mind, Taker is back to his feet though. Taker boots Edge off the apron into the cell wall, steel steps are smashed into the face of Edge. Edge escapes  Taker’s snake eyes attempt, Taker is propped up against the cell wall, Edge grabs the steel steps and uses the steps to aid his Spear through the cell wall, both men are outside of the cell.

Edge and Taker brawl by the announce table, Edge cracks Taker with a monitor twice. Taker is on the Raw announce table, Edge climbs onto another announce table and runs at Taker, nailing a massive Spear through the ECW announce table. Edge is doing everything he can to destroy Undertaker and the crazy son of a bitch just might pull this off! Edge and Taker make their way back to the ring, the crowd boos but not everyone wants to fall off the cell ladies and gentlemen, not everyone is insane as Mick Foley. Taker rolls into the ring and eats a ladder to the face from Edge, Edge looks for another weapon and it is a camera. Taker is waffled with a camera, call-backs for all to see.

Taker kicks out at two! Edge wants the spear, Taker counters for a thunderous Chokeslam. 1…2… Edge kicks out! Last Ride is blocked with a low blow, Edgecution/Impaler DDT for two. Nobody bought into that finish, Taker sits up. Last Ride is avoided again, Spear from Edge but Taker survives again! Edge pummels Taker in the corner, Taker counters for a Last Ride, it finally connects. 1…2… Edge kicks out again! Taker drags Edge onto steel steps, tombstone is countered for an Edge O Matic on the steel steps from The Rated R Superstar. Two count for Edge, Edge has Taker where he wants him, Edge is looking for Old School.

Foolishly, Edge gets caught by Taker. Taker Chokeslams Edge through the two tables at ringside, similar to how Edge sent Taker tumbling through all those tables to end his career, Taker has extracted the perfect revenge on Edge. Taker spears Edge, another layer to the story between the two. Taker reaches for the camera, just like Survivor Series. Edge is waffled with the camera, Taker is not done yet though. Taker goes for Conchairto, every little thing that Edge did to Taker is coming back to him. Tombstone Piledriver and Undertaker has won this match but it is not over, Taker Chokeslams Edge off a ladder through the ring.

This was a tremendous main event, I thought nothing would come close to Cena and Batista but Taker and Edge stole the show. Loved the psychotic side of Edge, The Rated R Superstar brought out that vicious side of himself, drilling Taker with everything that he had, Edge knew that it would not be enough to take down Taker unless Edge stopped The Deadman breathing. Tables, Ladders, chairs, cameras and steel steps were all used to put down Taker but nothing Edge did would stop The Deadman. Hell-bent on revenge, Undertaker would not be denied on this night, Taker took everything Edge had and destroyed The Rated R Superstar. What made this so sweet was Taker using everything that Edge had done to him against him, the camera, the spears, the conchairtos, Taker enacted the perfect revenge and it was beautiful.

Winner: Undertaker over Edge via Tombstone Piledriver!

That was WWE’s Summerslam of 2008, the third of the big four pay per views for that year and it delivered, oh boy did it deliver. With exception of Matt Hardy vs Mark Henry, every match on this card ranged from fun to awesome. MVP and Jeff Hardy accounted well for themselves in the opening match, Hardy’s popularity carries through any match adding to the excitement but the two work a basic match with MVP showcasing his talent and Jeff showing off the charisma and work ethic that we all love. Santino and Beth are a tremendous pairing with Santino stealing every part of this match, good mixed tag team match, could not have gone smoother. You have the angle of Jericho vs HBK reaching a fever pitch with HBK looking to walk away from the ring and in his what could be final moments with the fans, Jericho tries to humiliate Michaels only to sucker punch his wife.

This is followed by 4 tremendous big matches, Punk and JBL put on a great match with JBL walking all over Punk and his over-confidence leading to the resilient champion Punk securing the win over his bitter opponent. Punk stands a as a true champion, no longer the underdog against every challenger from the Raw brand. To my surprise, Triple H brings out a very watchable and credible match with The Great Khali, I never thought I would type that yet here we are, Triple H sold well, Triple H had the crowd on his side and the work put in leading to the pedigree was solid and when the pedigree connected, I was with the fans enjoying the match. Cena vs Batista was awesome, everything about it felt like a Mania match, they worked a frantic pace, hit all their spots and had a finish that had me asking for more and questioning where they would go next. Finally, Taker gaining his revenge on the man who had been a thorn in his side for almost two years was beautiful. After every slimy and sneaky thing Edge had done, it was beautiful to see Edge’s world come crashing down upon him, this was a great Summerslam. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWF Summerslam 1988 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that brings people down more than Jim Cornette talking about the current product! It’s WWF Summerslam 1988: The Mega-Powers vs The Mega-Bucks! Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan have come together to thwart the evil Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase and Andre The Giant. We also have The Honky Tonk Man defending his WWF intercontinental Championship, Rick Rude vs JYD and much much more. Can the WWF come back strong after an exhausting Wrestlemania IV? Let’s find out!

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs The British Bulldogs W/ Matilda

Two premier tag teams of the WWF, The Rougeaus have turned heel since the last time we have seen them, The Bulldogs want to tear the duo apart. Davey Boy starts with Jacque, turnbuckle smash by Davey Boy. Davey Boy wants Raymond, the two Rougeau Brothers take a breather. Lock-up, Raymond takes a cheap shot at Davey Boy. Rights by Raymond, monkey flip does not work for Raymond. Armdrag by Davey Boy, tag to Dynamite and we have a double headbutt. Arm-drag by Dynamite, Raymond drops down off an Irish whip but is met with a headbutt by Dynamite. Arm-drag and wrench by Dynamite, tag to Davey Boy.

Sunset flip and arm-drag by Davey Boy, tag to Dynamite who applies a similar hold to the arm. Irish whip and clothesline by Dynamite, tag to Davey Boy. Raymond sunset flips Davey Boy for two before Davey Boy regains control, tag to Dynamite. Arm-wrench from Dynamite, tag to Davey Boy. Shoulder block from The Bulldogs, sleeper hold from Davey Boy. Headlock from Davey Boy, Raymond shoves off Davey Boy and Jacque trips Davey Boy, allowing Raymond to tag out to his fresh brother. Jacque wrenches on the leg of Davey Boy, driving the leg into the mat.

Jacque works the leg and tags Raymond for a wish-bone split, quick tag to Jacque who drops all his weight on the leg of Davey Boy. Jacque cheap shots Dynamite which allows another wish-bone split by the heels, Raymond is now the legal man. Davey Boy kicks off Raymond but Raymond scores with a big back body drop. Tag to Jacque, toe hold from The Rougeau Brother. Small package reversal by Davey Boy, just two for Davey Boy. Jacque drags Davey Boy to his corner, in comes Raymond. More foot holds, monkey flip from Davey Boy. In comes Dynamite, clothesline, snap suplex and falling headbutt for two.

Back suplex, Raymond places his foot on the ropes. Raymond is thrown to the floor, Davey Boy nails Jacque and throws Raymond into the guard rail. Dynamite tags in Davey Boy, Running Powerslam by Davey Boy. Jacque saves Raymond, tag to Dynamite from Davey Boy. Jacque enters illegally and back suplexes Dynamite, Raymond tags Jacque. Scoop slam and knee drop for a two count, Davey Boy argues with the referee as The Rougeau Brothers batter Dynamite. Assisted gutbuster by The Rougeau Brothers, abdominal stretch by Jacque. Davey Boy breaks the submission, The Rougeau Brothers trade places and attack Dynamite.

Splash by Jacque for two and a half, Jacque applies a camel clutch. Raymond interferes to punch Dynamite right in the mouth. Elbow to the head from Jacque, tag to Raymond. Dynamite is sent hurling into the corner, snapmare and camel clutch from Raymond. Dynamite stands up with Raymond on his back, Raymond meets the corner hard. Raymond rolls over to his corner, tagging Jacque. Cheap shot to Davey Boy, Dynamite rolls up Jacque for a two but the referee was with Davey Boy, The Bulldogs could have had the match won right there. Tag to Raymond, superkick to the ribs. Two for Raymond, Raymond applies a front chancery.

Jacque distracts the referee who misses the hot-tag to Davey Boy. Jacque covers Dynamite for two, headbutt from Dynamite and finally we have Davey Boy in the match. Davey Boy misses a dropkick but nails a gorilla press slam, Jacque is crotched on that top rope. Raymond elbows Jacque by accident, noggin-knocker from The Bulldogs. Davey Boy launches Dynamite for an assisted diving headbutt but the bell rings, we have a draw.

A draw might not be the most exciting way to kick off a pay per view but this was quite the opening match. The crowd were red-hot throughout the match, so loud and into everything which makes this match a lot better, adding to my overall enjoyment of this match. Jacque and Raymond work over Dynamite for the majority of the match, Dynamite being the smaller man sells his ass off for The Rougeau Brothers, the build to the hot-tag is tremendous even if the hot-tag itself was lacklustre. Overall, an enjoyable tag team opening match, would have preferred a clean winner in the match.

Time Limit Draw!

Outlaw Ron Bass Assaults Brutus The Barber Beefcake

On WWF Superstars, Ron Bass uses the spur of his boot to cut the forehead of Brutus Beefcake, cutting open the forward of The Barber. Beefcake is unable to compete for the Intercontinental Championship following this vicious assault.

Bad News Brown vs Ken Patera

Patera is jumped entering the ring, rights and a scoop slam by Brown. Elbow to the face, right hand in the corner. Irish whip to the corner, Patera explodes out of the corner with a clothesline. Stomps by Patera, Irish whip and elbow by Patera. Foot rake by Patera, scoop slam but elbow drop misses, Brown is back in control. Headbutt by Brown, Patera is rocked to the apron with a right hand. Choke from Brown, Patera has not been able to do much in this match. Patera is sent back into the turnbuckle, more right hands. Irish whip and chop by Brown, big right to the throat. More choking from Brown, Irish whip but Patera kicks Brown down off the Irish whip. Elbows to the head, DDT but Brown powers out of the pin.

Clothesline from Patera, elbow drop for two. Rib-breaker and small package for two, bearhug from Patera in the middle of the ring. Brown is in a lot of discomfort, eye rake from Brown. Patera has the full-nelson but Brown is in the ropes. Patera clubs down Brown, second full-nelson attempt but Brown is in the ropes once more. Irish whip by Patera, Patera lowers the head and Brown takes control with a smash to the back. Patera unloads with forearm shots, Irish whip to the corner and shoulder thrusts from Patera. Patera Irish whips Brown to the opposite corner, Brown dodges the incoming Patera. Patera hits the ring-post hard, Ghetto Blaster and Bad News Brown is your winner.

Definitely, a slow down from the last match. In my opinion, went a little too long, I liked the offence of Brown who showed a lot of character, a mean-streak worthy of being a heel. Patera looks comical with his selling and a mis-step here and there do not help the match. However, we got there in the end and that is what matters when all is said and done.

Winner: Bad News Brown over Ken Patera via Ghetto Blaster!

Ravishing Rick Rude W/ Bobby Heenan vs The Junkyard Dog

Rude jumps JYD to start the match, Irish whip reversal from JYD. Back drop and Dogbutts here we go, Rude is out on the floor already. JYD is on fire, Heenan consoles Rude who is holding his forehead. JYD pulls Rude into the ring, punch to the guts from JYD. Rude is floored once more, Rude dodges a falling headbutt though. Clothesline from Rude, Rude nails a double axe handle from the top rope. Elbows to the back of the head of JYD from Rude, the crowd comes alive for JYD but Rude continues the onslaught of elbows. Elbows and rights to JYD, JYD is still on his feet though. Snap-mare into a reverse chin-lock from Rude, choke from Rude as Heenan distracts the referee. Nice touch, great use of Heenan.

Weasel chants fill the arena, JYD is back to his feet. Rights and lefts from JYD, Irish whip to the corner. Rude blocks JYD with a boot to the face, elbow from Rude for two. Reverse chin-lock from Rude, JYD battles out of the hold. Rights to Rude, wind-up headbutt that rocks Rude. Heenan distracts JYD, Russian legsweep from Rude. Rude nails a diving fist drop, Rude reveals that his pants have Jake Roberts’ wife airbrushed on them. An irate Roberts comes to ringside and pummels Rude for the DQ.

Fun match while it lasted, JYD with the right opponent is a tremendous babyface, the crowd rallies towards JYD with such ease. Rude is on fire as of late in the WWF, Rude is such a heel, every movement inside of the ring screams heel, arrogance and egotistical maniac, I am in love with Rude at the moment if you cannot tell, Heenan is perfect as always and now, more gasoline has been poured on the fire for the feud of Roberts vs Rude.

Winner: Rick Rude over Junkyard Dog via DQ!

Honky Tonk Man/Mega-Powers Interviews

Mean Gene interviews Hogan & Savage who have a secret weapon against The Mega-Bucks, who could it be? Well, it is none other than Ms. Elizabeth. Like Mean Gene, we, the audience are perplexed by this announcement. What could Elizabeth do to The Mega-Bucks? Also Honky Tonk Man has issued an open challenge for his championship with Beefcake being out of action. Mean Gene knows the man who will face Honky Tonk Man but the champion does not care who the challenger is, the match will end the same with a Shake, Rattle & Roll.

The Bolsheviks W/ Slick vs The Powers Of Pain W/ Baron

Powers Of Pain rush the ring and take down The Bolsheviks, Boris is in trouble on the floor. In comes Volkoff, Warlord & Barbarian throat thrust Volkoff. Zhukov re-enters the ring, side headlock. Shoulder block does not move Barbarian, axe handle by Barbarian but Volkoff makes the save. Zhukov is whipped to the corner, Barbarian rallies and tags in Warlord. Elbow to the throat, Volkoff saves Zhukov. Powerslam by Warlord, Volkoff distracts the referee.

Slick is on the apron, Warlord is distracted. Here comes Volkoff, right hands and Warlord is rammed into the turnbuckle. Zhukov chokes Warlord from the apron, Warlord headbutts his way out of the corner. Zhukov nails a cheap shot before being tagged in, Warlord is raked across the top rope. The Bolsheviks take turns beating down Warlord. Slick and The Baron have a face-off, Warlord continues to take a beating at the hands of The Bolsheviks. Roundhouse kick and clubbing blows by Volkoff, tag to Zhukov. Double back drop is blocked by an axe handle smash by Warlord, tag to Barbarian. Throat thrust to Zhukov, scoop slam to Volkoff. Thrust kick to Zhukov, boot to Zhukov. Volkoff eats a boot to the floor, tag to Warlord. Double Shoulder Block by The Powers Of Pain, running powerslam and diving headbutt combination for the win.

That was slow at times, the crowd stayed with the match to give them credit but I tuned out once Warlord was battered in the corner for what seemed like an eternity. Finish was good though, great visual and looks impressive too.

Winners: Powers Of Pain over The Bolsheviks via Diving Headbutt!

Brother Love Segment

The Evangelist parody that is Brother Love, that mullet is hideous and that red face too, Bruce Prichard is one ugly son of a gun. Brother Love has a special guest, who could it be? Hacksaw Jim Duggan! Duggan lacks love, Brother Love mocks and belittles Duggan, not such a good idea on the part of Brother Love. Duggan scares off Brother Love and the segment comes to an end.

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Honky Tonk Man © W/ Jimmy Hart vs ?????

This was legendary, a moment that sparked the rise of one wrestler, you know what is coming but what is masterful here is Honky’s cockiness in the interview before the match, showing a complete disdain for his competition by not even wishing to know who his opponent was going to be for the match. Honky is so full of himself, it is tremendous. It ends in a flash, The Ultimate Warrior sprints to the ring with lightening speed, a few shoulder blocks and a splash later, we have a new Intercontinental Champion. The crowd reaction justifies this title reign in itself, Honky flips and sells like a boss for the new star, The Ultimate Warrior has arrived in the WWF. Awesome moment, awesome match, how could you hate this segment?

Winner: Ultimate Warrior over Honky Tonk Man via Ultimate Splash!

The Rock Don Muraco vs Dino Bravo

Bravo, self-proclaimed World’s Strongest Man squares up to Muraco. Lock-up, neither man gains control, clean break from Muraco. Bravo eats a shoulder block, Muraco steps on the face of Bravo. Hiptoss and scoop slam, arm-drag with Bravo running for the outside. Elbows by Muraco, Bravo pushes Muraco to the corner. Shoulder thrusts, Irish whip by Bravo. Muraco reverses and nails a hiptoss, monkey flip from the corner. Arm-drag by Muraco, Bravo gains control with an inverted atomic drop, stomps to the head. Leg drop for one, Muraco stops a back body drop with a neckbreaker. Bravo misses an elbow drop, back drop from Muraco.

Muraco nails Bravo’s manager, Bravo tries to take control of the match but Muraco tries for a scoop slam but Bravo sneaks out the back of the hold. Muraco is too slow for Bravo as Bravo nails his signature Sidewalk Slam for the win, Dino Bravo is on the rise in the WWF.

This was another slow match on this card between big guys, it is starting to weigh me down with all the big men on the card. What you need for this kind of match is big personalities and we do not have that in this match. As a result, it is slow and takes forever to get to the end despite the short length of the match.

Winner: Dino Bravo over Don Muraco via Sidewalk Slam!

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) Demolition © W/ Jimmy Hart & Mr. Fuji vs The Hart Foundation

With Jimmy Hart switching his allegiance, the advantage goes to Demolition who will have the knowledge of how The Hart Foundation works together. Ax & Bret begin the match, Ax shoves away Bret. Clubbing blows from Ax, big scoop slam from Ax. Ax misses an elbow and here comes Bret, massive right hands, one for Smash too. Shot to the ribs, O’Connor roll from Bret for two. Smash tags in off Ax, Smash runs in to an arm-drag. Tag to Neidhart, Irish whip from Smash. Neidhart ducks and nails a series of right hands, Neidhart eats a boot to the back from Ax, illegally from the apron. Ax receives the tag and beats down Neidhart, quick tag to Smash who dishes out the axe handles.

Irish whip but Ax puts his head down, big smash from Neidhartt. Tag to Bret, Ax begs off from Bret. Bret takes down Ax and dropkicks Smash, Irish whip from the corner. Bret hits the ring-post hard, the shoulder of Bret has been damaged badly. Smash tags Ax, Ax goes to work on the arm. Bret’s arm is wrenched over the ropes, Smash illegally attacks the arm from the apron behind the referee’s back. Demolition destroy Bret’s arm, shoulder first goes Bret into the top turnbuckle. Stomps to the shoulder from Ax, Ax tags Smash into the match. Shoulder-breaker from Smash, arm-wrench from Smash.

Tag to Ax, Ax stomps the arm and begins wrenching the arm some more. Ax distracts the referee as Smash wrenches Bret’s arm from the apron. Smash hurls Bret’s shoulder into the ring-post, Bret struggles to make it to his feet on the outside. Right hand from Smash, Smash tags in Ax. Irish whip, Bret ducks the clothesline of Ax and nails a clothesline of his own. Smash distracts the referee so the referee misses the tag, Smash rams Bret into multiple turnbuckles. Irish whip to the corner, Bret kicks away Smash and tags Neidhart. Dropkicks and scoop slams, Nedihart is running wild brother!

Smash is clotheslined to the floor, Neidhart slingshots onto Smash. Bret knocks Ax off the apron, Neidhart nails a Powerslam. 1…2.. Ax kicks out of the powerslam. Tag to Bret, Neidhart spears Smash in the corner. Two for Bret, backbreaker by Bret. Ax pulls Bret off Smash, the match breaks down. Fuji is on the apron, Nedihart decks Fuji but Jimmy Hart hands Ax the megaphone, Bret never saw it coming and Demolition retain their tag team championships.

A very fun tag team championship match, The Hart Foundation are very popular in their roles as babyfaces, the crowd have livened up for this match after a run of lengthy big man singles matches. Fuji and Jimmy Hart like any manager during this era are heat magnets which make for a very easy watch. Bret is tremendous selling his arm, Bret sells and sells which builds the sympathy, the best match on the card so far!

Winners: Demolition over The Hart Foundation via Megaphone To The Back Of The Head!

The Big Bossman W/ Slick vs Koko B Ware W/ Frankie

The Birdman vs The Bossman, Bossman’s first pay per view appearance in the WWF. Bossman clubs Koko from behind, Koko is flung to the floor. Koko Irish whips Bossman, dropkick from Koko. Bossman is stuck in the ropes, splash from Koko. Rights from Koko, Bossman is not a happy camper. Koko dodges and nails Bossman, Bossman catches Koko. Massive shot to the back from Bossman, headbutt from Bossman. Irish whip to the corner, big splash from Bossman. Knees to the spine from Bossman, kick to the lower back. Clothesline by Bossman, Bossman pulls Koko up off the mat.

Stretch from Bossman, Koko kicks off Bossman. Bossman drops his leg across Koko who is draped across the middle rope. Bossman nails a massive right hand, scoop slam from Bossman. Bossman is climbing to the top rope, Bossman misses a splash. Irish whip to the corner, Bossman misses a corner splash. Rights and lefts from Koko, they stagger Bossman. Missile dropkick, big splash but Bossman kicks out at two. Bossman flattens Koko with his Bossman Slam for the win.

I am caught in two minds about this pay per view, I feel the WWF felt obligated to put on competitive matches when many of these matches should have been simple squash matches. So when you see a card with DQs and time limit draws, matches like this where Bossman should have steamrolled Koko yet the match goes on and on, it just makes the pay per view drag at times. So, it was fine, Bossman looked good but this match went on far too long for what should have been a squash.

Winner: Big Bossman over Koko B. Ware via Bossman Slam!

Hercules vs Jake The Snake Roberts

Hercules tries to jump Roberts, it does not work at first but Roberts eats a boot off an Irish whip to the corner. Hercules gains control, knee lift from Roberts. DDT time but Hercules slips out to the floor. Roberts blocks Hercules’ punches, scoop slam by Roberts. Side headlock, Hercules cannot escape the hold. Back suplex but Roberts holds on to the hold, Hercules breaks free with a shoulder block. Snap-mare into a reverse chin-lock, Roberts stands but a hair-pull brings down The Snake. Clothesline by Hercules for two, reverse chin-lock once more from Hercules. Roberts wriggles free before an elbow sends Roberts tumbling to the floor, Roberts is on the apron, eating clubbing blows from Hercules before Hercules’ cockiness allows Roberts to thrown Hercules to the floor.

Hercules is not happy, Hercules hot-shots Roberts with the top rope. Hercules pummels Roberts, reverse chin-lock for the third time but Roberts jawbreakers his way out of the hold. Big right hand floors Hercules, short-arm clothesline. DDT is countered for a back drop, Hercules dodges a knee lift. Elbow drop from Hercules for two, Hercules attempts a scoop slam but Roberts sneaks out the back, DDT and Jake Roberts wins the match.

I found myself hoping for this match to end sooner than later, poor Hercules sat in one of the chin-locks for at least two minutes, it was never-ending at times. That DDT though was gorgeous and I am excited for Jake Roberts vs Rick Rude so all this filler is just not for me especially when this is on pay per view.

Winner: Jake The Snake Roberts over Hercules via DDT!

The Mega-Powers W/ Ms. Elizabeth vs The Mega-Bucks W/ Virgil & Bobby Heenan

So how did we get here? Randy Savage won the WWF Championship at Wrestlemania IV thanks to a helping hand from Hulk Hogan and a steel chair. Dibiase and Andre The Giant assaulted Savage on WWF Superstars, leading to Savage issuing the challenge to Dibiase and The Giant for a tag team match. Jesse Ventura was announced as the special guest referee and Randy Savage announced that his partner was none other than Hulk Hogan. Jesse Ventura appeared on the Brother Love show being bribed by The Mega-Bucks but would Ventura call this match right down the middle?

Savage and Andre begin the match, Andre chokes and chops Savage to start the match. Tag to Dibiase, Dibiase wants Hogan. Hogan is in the ring, eye rake by Dibiase. Hogan blocks a boot, atomic drop into a punch from Savage, Dibiase is pin-balled between the two. Axe Bomber from Hogan, tag to Savage. Elbow from The Mega-Powers, Heenan is not happy. Dibiase meets the turnbuckle multiple times, tag to Hogan. Dibiase is rammed into Savage’s boot, axe handle and knee drop from Savage. Two for Savage, tag to Hogan. Double boot, two for Hogan. Scoop slam and elbow drop from Hogan, make it three. Hogan gets caught by Andre, headbutt by Andre. Andre knocks down Savage too, Elizabeth is on the apron.

Dibiase drops a knee on Hogan, Andre drops his weight down on Hogan. Rope choke from Andre, Savage watches on as Hogan takes a beating. Andre chokes the life out of Hogan, Hogan is fading fast. Andre chokes Hogan with the strap of his singlet, Dibiase cheap shots Hogan with Ventura dealing with Savage. Running boot from Dibiase, chop from Andre. Dibiase is the legal man, Irish whip and clothesline from Dibiase for two. Fist drops from Dibiase, two for Dibiase. Reverse chin-lock from Dibiase, Hogan Hulks up and pummels Dibiase. Big knockdown in the middle of the ring, Savage gets the hot-tag in the middle of the ring.

Back drop for Dibiase, hot-shot for Dibiase. Diving axe handle by Savage, elbow to the head. Savage misses a knee in the corner, Dibiase nails a right hand. Savage Irish whips Dibiase, reversal from Dibiase but Savage nails a crossbody for two. Dibiase nails a clothesline tag to Andre. Shoulder thrusts and butt bumps from Andre, Andre is crushed in the corner. Tag to Dibiase, suplex from Dibiase. Dibiase misses a middle rope elbow drop, Savage kicks off a chasing Dibiase. Tag to Hogan, Dibiase wants no part of The Hulkster.

Corner clothesline for Dibiase, Hogan scores with a suplex. Hogan clotheslines Andre down, the crowd loses their mind. Savage is on the top rope, Andre blocks the elbow from Savage with a boot. Hogan has Dibiase in a sleeper, Andre headbutts Hogan, Hogan is tossed to the floor. Ventura begins counting out The Mega-Powers, Elizabeth is on the apron. Elizabeth takes off her skirt, distracting Ventura and Heenan and Dibiase, the secret weapon has been revealed, The Mega-Powers  are back on their feet. Savage nails an axe handle on Andre, Andre tumbles to the floor. Dibiase eats an Elbow Drop and Atomic Leg Drop, The Mega-Powers stand tall at Summerslam!

Well, it was all built around this one match wasn’t it? It’s the reason the fans packed into the building, the reason why everyone ordered Summerslam. So, while a struggled through much of the pay per view, this match brought everything to the table. Crowd excitement check, drama check, the secret weapon spoke about earlier check, Hogan & Savage thwarting the evil Dibiase & Andre check. I must point out that Dibiase has been a joy since joining the WWF, his selling and arrogance only topped by perhaps Rick Rude on the WWF roster, Savage continues to be a speed demon compared to everyone else inside of that ring, just the right amount of energy I needed, the crowd were all into this match. It was a magical team that delivered a magical performance on this night.

Winners: The Mega-Powers over The Mega-Bucks via Atomic Leg Drop!

That was WWF’s Summerslam 1988, a tough slog of a pay per view at times but it delivered a main event that made up from what I had to sit through for 2 hours of the show. DQ finishes and time limit draws are not the worst finishes in the world, when executed correctly they can add another layer to a story or more drama to a match but when they are followed by slow plodding big man singles matches, it can kill off a crowd very easily. This is what we got for the first half of this show. As good as Bulldogs vs Rougeau Brothers was, it was followed by Dino Bravo vs Hercules or Rick Rude vs JYD. The Hart Foundation vs Demolition was a solid tag team match, really enjoyed Bret’s selling and the finish with the megaphone, very good match. Honky Tonk losing the intercontinental championship is an iconic moment and of course, The Mega-Powers vs The Mega-Bucks was everything you could have hoped for, watch this pay per view for that match alone and Ultimate Warrior’s rise because there is nothing else you are missing on the rest of the show, thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!