WWF In Your House X: Mind Games Review!

 

Welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that will never preach toxic positivity! It’s WWF Mind Games where Shawn Michaels defends his WWF Championship against the deranged Mankind who has vanquished The Undertaker for now and with Paul Bearer at his side, I don’t know if Mankind can be stopped. Rounding out the card we have Undertaker vs Goldust again? But why? Jerry Lawler vs Mark Henry is happening so I guess that makes sense why Lawler beat Jake The Snake Roberts but I am not too thrilled about that match and The Smoking Gunns vs British Bulldog & Owen Hart? Have we finally put to the rest Phineas’ obsession with Sunny? Thank God if that’s true but you know the story by now In Your House PPVs are usually more digestible than the overblown big WWF PPVs so this has a strong chance of being better than Summerslam but that’s not saying much!

 

(Caribbean Strap Match) Justin Hawk Bradshaw W/ Dirty Dutch Mantel vs Savio Vega

Oh lord really? Savio sprints to the ring looking to beat up Bradshaw who whips Savio over and over, big strap shots to the throat. Bradshaw has the strap around Savio’s neck, huge toss across the ring. More whipping from Bradshaw, Savio stops Bradshaw from winning. Huge ECW chants ring throughout the arena, Bradshaw is pulled into the ring-post twice. Massive strap shot from Savio, Sandman tosses beer on Savio. Dreamer and Sandman are held back by Heyman, very interesting what could this all mean? Bradshaw applies a sleeper with the strap before transitioning to a headlock. Three buckle touches before Savio stops the big man in his tracks with a belly to back suplex. Bradshaw is waffled with the strap over and over, Bradshaw screams out in pain over and over.

 

Savio touches three but Bradshaw is determined to stop Savio and Bradshaw does just that. Savio is up first, clothesline and make it two from Savio. Spinning Heel Kick from Savio, Bradshaw stops Savio from winning with a mighty pull and a big boot. Clothesline from Hell, Bradshaw touches three but Savio has also touched three before being pulled into the fourth buckle.

 

Same finish I have seen in every single one of these stupid matches, one guy touches without the other noticing and boom they win with 4 touches to 3. The concept is dumb, the match is dumb and this is not a hot opening match just like Savio at Summerslam.

 

Winner: Savio Vega over Justin Hawk Bradshaw via Touching The Four Buckles!

 

Jim Cornette vs Jose Lothario

Cornette has been knocked on his ass multiple times by the manager and trainer Shawn Michaels so now they will be fighting in this ring tonight. Cornette is confident against the 62 year old Jose Lothario. Cornette is decked seconds into the match, a huge slap from Jose. Jose and throat thrust before Cornette begs for mercy, Jose yanks Cornette to the middle of the ring. Cornette is bounced off the buckle twice and a right hand knocks down Cornette. Big left hand and this match is over.

 

Wow I thought Cornette would do something to get some heat but Cornette gets slaughtered here and it was infinitely better than the actual opening match. Cornette takes big bumps and puts over Jose Lothario, not a problem with it at all.

 

Winner: Jose Lothario over Jim Cornette via Left Hand!

 

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) Owen Hart & The British Bulldog vs The Smoking Gunns © W/ Sunny

Sunny is paired with Faarooq but is still here with The Smoking Gunns, a heel vs heel match is not exactly my idea of fun. If anything Bulldog & Owen come up as babyfaces messing up Sunny’s picture that she shows before each match. Clarence Mason is here to manage the challengers, Owen gets rolled up by Billy for two. Billy and Owen lock-up, arm-bar from Billy before Owen counters. Shoulder tackle from Billy, hip-toss and arm-drags from Owen. Flying crossbody for two, side headlock from Owen. Leapfrogs before Owen small packages Billy for two, boot by Billy and a tag to Bart. Scoop slam but Bart misses the elbow drop, tag to Bulldog.

 

Side headlock from Bart, shoulder tackle to Bulldog. Schoolboy from Bulldog before a massive dropkick and arm-bar. Tag to Owen, chop block from The King of Hearts. Owen wrenches the leg of Bart, Owen uses the ropes to batter the left leg of Bart. Tag to Bulldog, wishbone split from the challengers. Knee to the left leg from Bulldog, make it two. Tag to Owen, kicks to the both legs from The King of Hearts. Leg trip and foot crank from Owen before a big leg drop and an Indian death-lock from Owen. Boston crab from Owen, Bart grabs the ropes. Tag to Bulldog, delayed vertical suplex from Bulldog. Massive leg drop with Billy making the save, Owen cheap-shots Bart. Spinning toe hold from Owen, small package counter for two before Owen lands a massive enzuigiri with Billy making the save.

 

Tag to Bulldog, Irish whip with Billy assaulting Bulldog. Massive clothesline from Bart, Billy stomps Bulldog on the floor and sends Bulldog into the steel steps. Billy is in, massive flying fist in the corner. Tag to Bart, Bart hobbles over and tag to Billy. Sidewalk slam/diving leg drop combination from the champions, Mason distracts the referee with Owen landing a diving fist drop. Two for Bulldog, Billy stomps the life out of Bulldog before tagging Bart. Knee drops from Bart, tag to Billy. Face-rake from Billy, reverse chin-lock and shot to the head from Billy. Tag to Bart, Bulldog avoids the running powerslam. Billy shoves Bart, Bulldog lands The Running Powerslam while Owen wipes out Billy with a spinning heel kick.

 

Well both teams are heels and the crowd never really get behind Bulldog & Owen as babyfaces so we have this awkward match and again, the camera misses Sunny distracting Billy which leads to Billy shoving Bart. Happy for Owen and Bulldog as they are tremendously entertaining and Owen covers for Bulldog’s flaws. The match really was a whole load of nothing, didn’t leave any sort of impression on me. Sunny breaks up with The Gunns though, could Sunny be moving onto bigger and better things?

 

Winners: Owen Hart & British Bulldog over The Smoking Gunns via Running Powerslam!

 

Jerry Lawler vs Mark Henry

Lawler’s promos are always top-notch but the matches are trash, this is Henry’s first match in the WWF so this could be quite the match. Lawler stalls like every WWF match that Lawler has had at this point, side headlock from Lawler. Arm-wrench and shove from Henry, side headlock from Henry. Hammerlock counter from Lawler, hammerlock counter and shove from Henry. Henry picks up Lawler and gorilla press slams The King, shoulder block does not work for Lawler. Henry side-steps Lawler and Lawler suicide dives into the guardrail, Lawler reaches down into his tights and smashes Henry in the face three times. Henry starts to shake off the attacks of Lawler, massive knees from Henry. Massive chop to the head, make it two. Argentine back-breaker ad this match is over, another DUD from Lawler.

 

Winner: Mark Henry over Jerry Lawler via Argentine Back-Breaker!

 

(Final Curtain Match) Goldust W/ Marlena vs The Undertaker

Having defeated Mero at Summerslam, Goldust is in the sights of The Undertaker again. No slow-motion here with Taker uppercutting Goldust over and over, Irish whips to the opposite buckle. Massive leg drop from Taker, two for The Deadman. Goldust rolls to the floor, Goldust hot-shots Taker and Marlena slaps Taker. Bad idea as Taker Irish whips Goldust but Taker lowers the head, massive neck-breaker from Goldust. Uppercut from Taker, Irish whip and big boot. Suplex from Taker, old school from Taker. Goldust is tossed to the floor, Marlena hands some sort of purse to The Bizarre One. Marlena is lifted up by The Deadman but Taker does not hit her, Goldust throws powder into the eyes of The Deadman. Goldust chokes Taker and lands a big right hand on the outside.

 

Goldust shoves Taker’s eye into the steel steps, Goldust hammers away on Taker. Taker avoids a right hand from Goldust but eats a massive clothesline for two, Goldust hammers away at Taker in the corner. Boot to the face from Goldust, belly to back suplex from Taker to slow down Goldust. Hip-toss from Goldust for two, Goldust claws at the face of Taker again. Taker begins to fight back as Goldust piles on the pressure, Marlena is with the referee as Goldust kicks low and whips Taker to the buckle. Goldust taunts for too long, Undertaker throws Goldust to the corner. Rights and lefts from Taker, an uppercut floors The Bizarre One. Goldust sends Taker to the buckle, Taker comes out with an elbow before running into a powerslam.

 

Taker sits-up, Goldust is right on the attack with right hands. Goldust misses a clothesline, flying clothesline from The Deadman. Goldust is whipped to the buckle, Goldust boots away Taker and climbs high. Taker grabs Goldust by the throat, massive Chokeslam from the buckle. Tombstone Piledriver and this match is over, Taker wins!

 

Decent, I have seen these two mix it up three times on PPV during this year, Goldust is not blowing me away like The Natural Dustin Rhodes would in WCW, Goldust is heavy on character work and Taker and Goldust do not seem to have good chemistry with one another. I look forward to Taker’s feud with Mankind continuing as they are just meant for one another at this point with Taker not delivering with any other opponent. As for Goldust, it seems like squandered momentum, a lot of stops and starts for The Bizarre One.

 

Winner: Undertaker over Goldust via Tombstone Piledriver!

 

(WWF Championship Match) Shawn Michaels © W/ Jose Lothario vs Mankind W/ Paul Bearer

Makes sense for these two to meet with Mankind being the biggest heel in the company at this point after defeating The Undertaker, the Mandible Claw has been protected as a deadly finish that spells the end of anyone so this is quite the match. Side headlock from Michaels ends in an elbow from Mankind, Mankind stomps away at HBK. Irish whip, back-body drop from Mankind. Cactus Jack clothesline to the floor with Michaels being shoved into the guardrail. Mankind wastes no time ripping up the padding at ringside and Michaels dropkicks Mankind and buries the challenger under the exposed concrete. Michaels double-stomps Mankind and lands a diving crossbody onto the challenger, Michaels shoves Mankind down with Mankind’s head bouncing off the concrete.

 

Back in the ring, diving axe handle from HBK. Irish whip with Mankind reversing, Mankind misses a clothesline. Jabs and rights from Michaels, big clothesline brings down Mankind. Scoop slam, diving elbow drop from HBK. Mankind dives out of the ring to avoid Sweet Chin Music, Mankind looks to the turn for comfort. Mankind drags HBK to the corner, they both trade the advantage with right hands. Michaels is whipped to the buckle, they blow a spot before Michaels pummels Mankind in the middle of the ring. Mankind counters a snap-mare for a possible mandible claw attempt but HBK is blocking the attempt. Michaels is in top-mount pummelling away on Mankind, Mankind is kicked in the head twice before answering with a right hand. Michaels is tossed to the floor, Mankind grabs the Spanish announce table while Michaels dives over the table and crossbodies Mankind.

 

By the steel steps, Michaels suplexes Mankind into them. Seeing the damage that had been done, Michaels chop-blocks the ankle of Mankind. HBK drives the knee into the coffin that Mankind arrived in, Mankind is like a wounded animal. Massive stomp from Michaels, Mankind elbows his way back into the match. Right hand after right hand, Mankind gets caught in the dragon screw from HBK. Michaels applies a figure-four in the middle of the ring, mankind screams out in agony. Mankind reverses the hold, whipping Michaels who dropkicks the knee of Mankind. Michaels drops both knees onto the leg of Mankind, single leg Boston crab from the champion. Crucifix into a sunset flip for two, Mankind counters a hurricanrana by dropping Michaels throat-first on the rope.

 

Mankind has a pen and stabs himself in the leg to get the feeling back into it, right hands and running knee in the corner from the challenger. Mankind is countered with a belly to back suplex, Michaels slides through the legs and trips Mankind. Right hands, Michaels flips out of the corner into the tree of woe. Mankind lands his elbow to Michaels who is in the tree of woe, make it double. Leg drop from Mankind, HBK rolls to the floor laying by the steel steps. Mankind charges and hits his knee off the steel steps, HBK drop toeholds Mankind into the steel steps. HBK wants to suplex Mankind into the ring, they struggle over the suplex. Mankind lifts Michaels to the apron, Mankind charges for a clothesline but hits the ring-post.

 

Irish whip and flying elbow from Michaels, Mankind runs into a powerslam for two. Michaels ties up Mankind in the ropes, Mankind could pass out. Michaels sends Mankind to the floor after Mankind locks in the Mandible Claw in desperation. Mankind has the hold once more before Michaels pulls Mankind into the guardrail by the announcers. HBK has a chair, Mankind misses a punch hitting the chair and Michaels cracks Mankind with a chair-shot to the leg and head. Michaels bites the hand of Mankind and wrenches away at the arm, Michaels stomps on the fingers too for good measure. Stretching and pulling on the fingers, Mankind is helpless as HBK continues his attacks. Massive stomps on the hand of Mankind, Michaels is relentless in his attacks. Mankind back-drops HBK to the floor, Cactus Jack elbow drop to the floor.

 

Mankind follows up with a swinging neck-breaker on the concrete, Michaels tries to re-enter the ring but Mankind guillotine leg drops Michaels and plants the champion with a double arm DDT for a close two. Pulling piledriver from the challenger, close two again for the challenger. Mankind attempts multiple pins but Michaels will not stay down, Mankind is frustrated so the challenger grabs a steel chair. Make it two, Mankind opens the casket. What’s the plan here? Michaels fights back with right hands, Mankind reverses the Irish whip but is waffled with a flying forearm. Kip-up, Michaels stomps Mankind over and over, scoop slam and diving crossbody for two. Mankind crotches Michaels who was climbing to the top rope, Mankind wanted a super belly to back suplex through the table but Michaels counters with a crossbody in mid-air.

 

Mankind is somehow up, chair in hand while Bearer has the referee distracted. Michaels runs up a chair and Sweet Chin Musics the chair into the face of Mankind, Michaels covers but Mankind manages to kick out before Vader runs down into the match. Flying forearm from Michaels knocks Vader to the floor, Paul Bearer cracks Michaels with the urn. Sid and Vader are brawling in the ramp, Mandible Claw from Mankind on Michaels. From the casket emerges The Deadman who hurls Mankind to the floor, and that’s all she wrote.

 

Great entertaining match that Mick Foley would speak very highly of when talking about his favourite matches that he took part in, they work a very fast pace with Mankind taking the best parts of his brawls with Undertaker and applying them to the main event scene with HBK. I really enjoyed the finish too, it sucks when there is a DQ in a main event but I thought it was too soon to squash all this momentum that Mankind had built up, conquering The Undertaker and despite how the Summerslam match is viewed, Vader was very unlucky to get beaten by Michaels and won the match twice so I could see some sort of triple threat between the three possibly or something involving all these wrestlers because they are a lot of loose ends to be tied up. Anyways, this match is exciting and a sign of things to come in the WWF with the WWF edging closer into the beginning of an era that we would all become very familiar with in the next few years. Mankind and Shawn Michaels have a great match and it’s the only match worth watching on this PPV.

 

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Mankind via DQ!

 

That was WWF’s In Your House X: Mind Games, a one match show if I have ever seen one, the WWF continues to give me reasons not to care about their pay per views with matches that simply do not have that spark or creativity in them. Savio vs Bradshaw is like any strap match you have seen before, same finish and same overblown routine, no reason to watch. Lothario beats down Cornette in less than a minute, Cornette bumped well but not a match in this man’s mind. Owen & Bulldog vs Gunns is all about Sunny breaking up with The Gunns, it’s heel vs heel which is always a bad idea if you are not turning someone by the end of the match. As a result, they go through the motions, fans are unsure who to really believe in during the match and then it ends, not really interested in The Gunns break up but interested in Sunny with Faarooq.

 

Jerry Lawler vs Mark Henry is every WWF Lawler match that I have seen since 1993, Henry could be swapped with Roberts, Warrior, Piper or Bret. There’s no heat, Henry almost kills Lawler with a gorilla press slam at one point and it’s just not very good at all. Undertaker vs Goldust is the same match I have seen twice before, Goldust does not have the chemistry with The Deadman. It’s boring despite Goldust being a big man who could thrown around Taker we never get that we get plodding slow action that leads to a tombstone, I have seen it already this year, didn’t need to see it again. Finally, the main event is very good if not great, they tear the house down and you get some really nice work from both men. Mandible Claw is protected, Mankind is protected. Michaels works an interesting strategy stomping away at the hand, taking away Mankind’s finish. The bump to the floor is wild as is three or four other bumps Mankind takes in the match and the finish leaves thing open for rematches and you also have an exciting close to the show. Watch this only for the main event and you will be a happy wrestling fan, avoid everything else. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!

WWF Insurrextion 2002 Review

Good evening to you, chain gang members to another balls to the walls edition of the only internet wrestling review series that pumps up its sneakers more than John Cena: Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews. Here at my esteemed headquarters (AKA The Basement), I like to critique wrestling pay per views and they are certain shows I look forward to, the big four of the WWE are always fun, TNA pay per views are fun for other reasons but one type of pay per view that I love to cover is the UK pay per views of the WWF.

These shows have fans who have been starved of the product, are into most if not all the matches and the matches seem to be fun. Tonight, is no exception as I look at WWF’s Insurrextion of 2002, big matches on the card include Big Show vs Stone Cold Steve Austin as Austin continues to deal with The NWO, Undertaker vs Triple H in the main event and Eddie Guerrero vs RVD. So, let’s waste no more time and get this thing on the road, strap in for WWE’s Insurrextion 2002!

Opening Promo

It feels more like an opening for RAW as we see highlights of every superstar that will appear on the pay per view, cheesy announcer talks over the clips claiming that the WWF is in town!

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Eddie Guerrero © vs Rob Van Dam

Guerrero defeated RVD for the championship at Backlash under dubious circumstances, Van Dam looks to regain his Intercontinental Championship. RVD seemed to be super over with the audience as expected, Guerrero grabs the arm but RVD sweeps Guerrero. High pace start with a stand-off, the crowd approves. Guerrero and RVD begin shoving, Guerrero smacks RVD square in the face, RVD nails a spinning heel kick and Guerrero powders. Baseball slide and moonsault from the apron by RVD.

Springboard legdrop for a two count by RVD, forearm shots to Guerrero. Split-legged moonsault by RVD gets a two count, shoulder thrusts by RVD. Guerrero counters for a sunset flip, RVD is back on top though with a monkey flip. Guerrero turns the tide by side-stepping RVD. Guerrero stomps all over RVD in the ring, back elbow for a two count. Guerrero rams RVD into the turnbuckle and begin stomping all over the challenger.

Elbows to the back of the head by Guerrero, vertical suplex with a floatover, two count for the champion. Slingshot splash from Guerrero, two count for the champion. Guerrero slaps on a sleeper, RVD makes it to the ropes. Sunset flip by RVD, two count, victory roll and another two count. Guerrero clotheslines RVD and applies a variation of the ankle lock. RVD makes it to the ropes, RVD unloads on Guerrero before the champion dropkicks RVD’s leg. Heel hook by Guerrero, dropkick to the knee by Van Dam. Guerrero works the leg of the challenger, RVD uses his free leg to kick off Guerrero.

Thrust kick by RVD, slugfest in the middle of the ring. Giant monkey flip by RVD, clothesline and a suplex with a floatover. Guerrero kicks out at two, scoop slam and Rolling Thunder for a two count. Guerrero gets caught in a rolling fireman’s carry, moonsault by RVD. Two count for RVD, RVD nails a spinning heel kick, Van Dam misses The Five Star Frog Splash. Guerrero has his championship, the referee is shoved down. The referee disqualifies Guerrero and RVD proceeds to smash Guerrero with the Intercontinental Championship and nails a Giant Five Star Frog Splash!

Very good opening match to the show, title changes never occur at these shows. RVD came out in the beginning like a house of fire, hitting Guerrero with everything he had, Guerrero works the leg building sympathy for Van Dam which disappointingly, Van Dam does not sell during his comeback. However, the crowd were big into RVD and it adds to the match so I say it was good.

Winner: RVD over Eddie Guerrero via Disqualification!

Trish Stratus & Jacqueline vs Molly Holly & Jazz

Terri interviews Jazz and Molly, Molly rips on the divas who use sex to exploit their image. Love me some heel Molly Holly, Trish and Jacqueline will be teaming up to take down the devious heels. Molly and Jazz wipe out Trish to double team Jacqueline, double suplex on Jacqueline. Atomic drop by Jacqueline, Jacqueline pounds on Molly. They do the cliché roll on the referee spot, Molly is not happy. Roll-up by Jacqueline for two, Jazz takes a cheap shot on Jacqueline. Double clothesline, Jazz nails Jacqueline with a slam, huge leg drop. Irish whip in the corner, Jazz clotheslines Jacqueline hard, Jazz misses a second leg drop.

Tag to Trish, clotheslines to Jazz. Jawbreaker by Jazz, Trish kicks Jazz in the face and throws in Molly Holly. Chops to the chest of Molly but Jazz smacks Trish down with a superkick. Kicks to the ribs by Jazz, chickenwing submission by Jazz. Trish is slammed face first into the mat, two count for Jazz. Tag to Molly, Molly throws Trish into the mat, handspring elbow by Molly. Jacqueline makes the save, Molly drags Trish by the hair to her corner. Jazz is legal, Jazz begins jabbing Trish, Trish blocks the final punch. Forearm to the face but Molly takes a cheap shot, Jacqueline is with the referee. Trish almost pins Jazz, roll-up by Jazz for a two count. Neckbreaker by Trish, Jazz fights back until Jacqueline gets the tag.

Hotshot by Jacqueline, O Connor Roll for a two count. DDT by Jacqueline and Molly makes the save. Jacqueline clubs Molly, Jazz takes down Jacqueline for a single leg Boston crab, Jacqueline crawls and crawls but Jazz drags her back for The STF. Trish saves Jacqueline, Jacqueline and Trish clothesline their opponents. Molly pairs off with Jacqueline, dosey doe spot with the faces reversing into a double springboard bulldog. Trish and Jacqueline walk away with the win.

Good women’s match, 2002 was looking a hell of a lot different than the previous few years. Trish was slowly turning into an awesome babyface, Molly, Jazz and Jacqueline can all work, it is tremendous and I am looking forward to all the way. The match was fun, it was not sloppy and everyone got to look good in the process. Bring it on!

Winners: Trish & Jacqueline over Jazz & Molly via Double Stratusfaction!

X-Pac vs Bradshaw

Bradshaw was being elevated to his association with Stone Cold Steve Austin and their battle against The NWO. X-Pac comes to the ring in a Kane mask and wielding nunchucks. X-Pac exposes a middle turnbuckle before the match starts, lock-up and Bradshaw tosses off X-Pac. Side headlock by X-Pac, hard knock down by Bradshaw. X-Pac rakes the eyes and pays for it with a huge big boot. Bradshaw rams X-Pac into the corner, hard Irish whip and big back body drop. Bradshaw misses a corner clothesline, kicks to the head by X-Pac. X-Pac attempts a spinning heel kick, Bradshaw catches X-Pac mid-flight and throws X-Pac to the ground. Irish whip by Bradshaw goes wrong as X-Pac targets the leg.

X-Pac rams Bradshaw into the exposed turnbuckle, opening up Bradshaw. X-Pac targets the knee and uses closed fists to beat down Bradshaw. Spinning heel kick by X-Pac, Bradshaw is covered in blood as X-Pac continues chopping and kicking Bradshaw. Nasty boot to the face, choke by X-Pac. Bradshaw attempts a comeback but X-Pac pokes the eyes and begins the ten punch in the corner. Bradshaw turns the tide with a massive powerbomb. Bradshaw smacks around X-Pac with right hands and clotheslines. Powerslam for a two count, hangman’s neckbreaker by Bradshaw. Bradshaw climbs to the top rope, diving shoulder block.

Cover and X-Pac gets a two count, X-Pac signals for a top rope move, Bradshaw catches X-Pac and Bradshaw nails the fallaway slam. Hall sprints down to ringside, Hall distracts Bradshaw but Bradshaw catches X-Pac with a big boot. Hall is persistent and attracts Bradshaw for a nunchuck shot, Bradshaw survives the shot by kicking out at two. X-Pac misses the bronco buster, Clothesline From Hell hits Scott Hall and X-Pac ducks.

Low blow and an X-Factor, X-Pac steals a win in what was a fairly standard match, they worked hard and I am surprised Bradshaw would bleed on a Uk pay per view but X-Pac opened up that wound. The NWO would make a pay per view appearance at Judgement Day and would not make it to Vengeance two months later as the group would fall apart. Group was doomed from the beginning to take this as a high point in their 2002 run.

Winner: X-Pac over Bradshaw via low blow & an X-Factor!

Undertaker Promo

Undertaker loves beating the shit out of people, Triple H is his next victim so it is not looking good for The Cerebral Assassin. Tonnes of What chnats during the promo to the point where it’s getting on my nerves.

(WWF Hardcore Championship Match) Steven Richards © vs Booker T

Booker T has been a disappointment since his feud with The Rock ended, Booker T feuded with Edge over a Japanese shampoo commercial but this could mark a turnaround for Booker as Booker is clearly the babyface in this match. Richards won the championship thanks to a Jazz assist so Richards is on cloud nine.

Lock-up and armdrag by Richards, another lock-up with Booker pushing back Richards, kicks in the corner by Booker T. Booker pulls out a tonne of trash cans and plates while Richards throws them out of the ring. Richards believes himself to be king of the ring yet Booker has other plans which include smacking the champion with a metal tray. Booker tosses Richard to the floor and smashes a broom across Richard’s back. Richards begs for mercy in the ring, eye poke by Richards. Massive chops and right hands, Booker turns the tide with a massive sidekick. Vertical suplex by Booker T, trash can shot to the head of Richards. Harlem sidekick by Booker for a two count.

Richards battles back, chops before Booker reverses an Irish whip and eats a flapjack. Booker rams Richards’ head into the turnbuckle before Richards nails a low blow to gain control. Tray to the head, cover by Richards and Richards gets a two count. Back body drop by Booker, Richards elevates Booker to the floor. Richards hurls a trash can at Booker and only gets a two count. Richards begins dropping elbows and mocking Booker T. Booker fights back but misses a Harlem Sidekick which leaves Booker straddling on the top rope. Metal tray shot by Richards. Richards applies a sleeper, Booker fights out. Scoop slam by Booker, Richards dropkicks a trash can into Booker’s face.

Richards wedges a trash can into a corner but Booker T Irish whips Richards into the trash can, flying forearm and spinebuster by Booker. Sidekick and Booker is on fire. Richards has a trash can placed on his head, missile dropkick from Booker and Richards kicks out at two and a half. Richards nails The Stevie Kick for a two count, Richards misses an elbow. Book-End by Booker T and we have a new champion. Celebrations do not last as Crash Holly rolls-up Booker T. Scissor Kick by Booker T on Crash and Booker is champion for the second time on this night.

Tommy Dreamer and Justin Credible are here, Dreamer has a table. Booker takes out Credible and Dreamer and looks to nail a Spinaroonie. Here comes Jazz, low blow and Richards botches putting Booker through the table the first time but on the second attempt, Richards regains the title.

Might be the most technical hardcore match I have ever seen, they were using sleepers and all. Honestly, Booker was way above this crap but I guess Vince did not see anything in Booker T. Booker gets a great reaction from the fans but Booker would go on to try and join The NWO which would mean the company almost failed to capitalize on Booker’s popularity by making him a heel when there was no reason for it.

Winner: Richards over Booker T via flapjack through a table!

The Hardy Boyz vs Brock Lesnar & Shawn Stasiak

Lesnar is The Next Big Thing, Lesnar destroyed The Hardy Boyz. Lesnar would have single victories over both Hardys by TKO. Shawn Stasiak makes it to pay per view in the WWF and it is not a multi-man match or a battle royal. I consider this achievement for Stasiak. If you do not recall, Stasiak has a planet where he believes he is on another world called Planet Stasiak where he can hear voices in his head. Yeah, it is not quite Beaver Cleavage but we are pretty close ladies and gentlemen.

Stasiak runs down to the ring to start the match, spinebuster by Stasiak on Jeff Hardy. Stasiak Irish whips Jeff and nails a sidewalk slam. Two count for Stasiak, Heyman is screaming at Stasiak to tag Brock and have this match over with in an instant. Jeff nails a jawbreaker and tags Matt, side effect on Stasiak. Poetry in Motion misses as Lesnar saves Stasiak. Lesnar tackles Matt and proceeds to victimize Matt with shoulder tackles. Matt tees off on Lesnar, boots to the face by Matt. Matt gets caught, series of backbreakers and powerslams by Lesnar.

Irish whip by Lesnar and a huge powerslam. Jeff is knocked to the floor by Lesnar, Matt tries battling back while Lesnar rakes Matt’s face across the top rope. Stalling vertical suplex by Lesnar, Lesnar smacks Matt into the corner  twice, Lesnar runs into the ringpost as Matt dodges. Stasiak tags himself into the match, Matt tags Jeff. Dropkicks to Stasiak, leg drop to the sacred parts. Whisper in The Wind for two, Lesnar is knocked off the apron. Twist of Fate by Matt and Swanton Bomb on Stasiak for the win.

Post-match, we are treated to two F-5s before Lesnar powerbombs Stasiak into oblivion. Decent tag match, Lesnar looks like a wrecking machine, Stasiak was surprisingly entertaining as his delusional character and The Hardy Boyz are always fun to watch, Stasiak takes the pin to protect Lesnar and Lesnar decimates everyone to remain strong.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz over Lesnar & Stasiak via Swanton Bomb!

(WWF European Championship Match) William Regal vs Spike Dudley ©

Home country man Regal puts down the crowd even though they love and adore Regal (Life is a cruel mistress sometimes, I forgive you though Regal). Spike Dudley will be playing the role of the small superstar Regal underestimates, Regal has fallen victim to Tajiri and even Crash Holly who would win the European Championship from Regal at the other UK pay per view Rebellion two years prior.

Big knockdown by Regal, stomp on the face by the challenger. Cravate lock and a knee to the face, left hands and forearms by Regal. Spike battles back, forearm and a dropkick by Spike. Regal begs for mercy yet Spike continues to destroy, headbutt to the lower area. Regal fights out of The Dudley Dog and Spike falls to a heap on the ground. Spike may have a fractured ankle after landing on his feet from a Dudley Dog. A trainer cuts open the boot of Spike as Regal wants to kill Spike. Spike is being helped out of the ring before Regal kicks Spike by the ankle and decides he wants to be champion.

Regal steps on the ankle before nailing a Tigerbomb, Regal goes for the cover and pulls up Spike at the count of two, Regal wants to hurt Spike. Regal picks up Spike and Spike cradles Regal for the win to retain his championship. Regal lays out Spike after the match with a massive Power of the Punch with the brass knuckles.

More of an angle than a match but why did Regal lose? If Regal takes advantage of Spike’s injury, roughs up Spike and wins due to Spike not being at 100%, is that not a better story to tell than Spike still winning despite his injury? Were they saving the title change for Raw or was it part of the whole wrestlers cannot win in their hometown/country?

Winner: Spike Dudley over William Regal via inside cradle!

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Big Show

Austin had problems, Austin had been screwed out of an undisputed championship match by bad officiating from Ric Flair and The NWO are breathing down The Rattlesnake’s neck, becoming stronger as The Big Show has joined (or rather, re-joined) the group. Big Show would turn on Austin in a tag match on Raw and my thoughts on The Big Show in the WWF goes as follows: A huge disappointment who does not look motivated by any means.

To be fair, I have come to love Show in his later years in the WWE but in WCW and his run in the WWE before facing Brock Lesnar, Show never seemed to live up to the hype or deliver that big match. The match begins with a little controversy as Ric Flair makes himself the special guest referee for the match, could Flair be trying to mend broken bridges with Austin?

Austin and Show trade insults before the lock-up, Show overpowers Austin with ease. Second lock-up, Show shoves back Austin. Third lock-up and Austin is shoved down for a third time. We have a fat bastard chant for Show, Show continues to toy with Austin, elbow by Show knocks down Austin. Austin bails to the floor. Austin wants a test of strength before kicking Show over and over, Show cuts off Austin with a clothesline. Austin retreats to the corner, another lock-up with Show chest slapping Austin. Three shots to the chest of Austin, Irish whip by Show goes wrong as Austin kicks the legs of Show. Show goes down and there’s a massive shot to the groin. Austin continues to work the leg with elbows to Show’s knees.

Austin rams Show’s knee into the ringpost before stepping all over Show’s knee. Show gets back to his feet and headbutts Austin, Austin takes Show down with a tackle and applies a leg lock. Show rips at Austin’s head to escape the hold, chopblock by Austin. More leg work from The Rattlesnake, Show catches Austin for a scoop slam. Elbow drop by Show, more chest slaps. Show tosses Austin around the ring and steps on the back of Austin. Clubs to the back by Show, suplex by Show. Austin backs into the corner and kicks Show’s leg before Austin eats a back body drop from Show. Second back body drop by Show, Austin is in big trouble. Show steps on Austin’s back, huge clothesline by Show. Cover and a two for Show, Show stomps and elbows Austin. Austin fires up for a moment before Show clubs Austin and applies the bearhug.

Crowd comes alive for Austin, Austin bites the head of Show. Show headbutts Austin, another bearhug. Austin headbutts his way out of the hold, Show eats a boot to the face twice. Middle rope Lou Thesz Press by Austin, Show swats Austin away. Huge rights from Austin and Show counters with a big boot, Show clotheslines the referee by mistake. Stunner by Austin and here comes Hall and X-Pac. Hall and X-Pac drag out Flair, Flair runs off Hall and Nash. Show is on his feet, Chokeslam? No Austin fights out, big boot by Show. Show clubs Austin and headbutts The Rattlesnake. Kevin Nash is in the ring, Stunner on Nash and Stunner on Show, make it two Stunners on Show and Austin escapes with the win. Flair scares off Nash with a chair and Stunners Ric Flair once again.

A match that was very good with very little happening, Show and Austin take it easy in front of the crowd but still managed to hold onto them for the whole match. Might just have been the easiest payday in both men’s careers. Austin powdering and bailing was a little strange though, babyfaces are meant to powder. As for Show, it looks like Show was still no monster despite his heel turn and joining the NWO. Seems like a waste of time but The NWO were a waste of time in the WWF.

Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin over Big Show via Stunner!

Triple H vs The Undertaker

Undertaker cost Triple H the undisputed championship as Undertaker thought it would be easier to beat Hulk Hogan. Sound strategy from The Deadman but Triple H was not happy, Triple H wanted revenge so we have this match between the number one contender and the former champion. It was certainly a weird time for Triple H who had been positioned as the top babyface at Wrestlemania yet by the next month’s pay per view. Triple H was no longer champion and out of the title picture.

Triple H and Taker exchange big shots, high knee by The Game and back body drop by Triple H. Huge clothesline and Taker is on the floor, Taker lures in The Game and rocks The Game’s world. Triple H regains control by shoving Taker into the ringpost, hard right hands by Triple H. Undertaker knocks down Triple H in the ring, shoulder thrusts by The Deadman. Taker looks for Old School but Triple H yanks Taker off the top rope, suplex by The Game. Elbow drop and a cover, Triple H gets a two count. Taker plays possum and throws Triple H to the floor, Triple H clotheslines Taker on the outside. Triple H hammers away at Taker on the apron, Taker blocks a right hand and hotshots The Game. Corner clothesline by Taker, Taker slides out to the floor and elbows Triple H across the throat.

Leg drop across Triple H’s neck, Triple H blocks a corner clothesline, right hands by The Game. Taker ducks a clothesline and goes after Triple H’s injured knee. The top rope breaks as Undertaker hits the rope hard, low blow by Taker. Taker slaps on a sleeper, Triple H escapes with a back suplex. Double knockdown in the middle of the ring, Taker misses a big boot and is straddled on the top rope. Neckbreaker by Triple H, right hands by The Game. Another neckbreaker by Triple H, spinebuster for a two count. Triple H looks for a Pedigree, Taker shoves off The Game and nails a big boot.

Triple H counters a chokeslam with a DDT, two count for Triple H. Facebuster by The Game but Undertaker nails The Chokeslam. Triple H kicks out at two, Taker strolls to the outside and grabs a chair. Triple H big boots the chair into Taker’s face for another two count. DDT by Taker, cover and a two count for Taker. Taker went for his dragon sleeper, Triple H nails a clothesline. Snake eyes by Taker but Triple H nails a high knee. Pedigree by Triple H and Triple H walks away with the win.

Another enjoyable match, they took it easy and the rope breaking made the moves a little more difficult to execute which led to little changes. Not the intense hate filled brawl you would think of when you hear the story of Taker running Triple H’s chances at being undisputed champion and that Triple H laid out Taker on Raw. From what I saw, this could be a good match and the WWF were building to a match between the two as Hulkamania was not running as wild as it did when Hogan first came back, there was a title change that was coming. Overall, a fine main event match that sent the fans home happy!

Winner: Triple H over Undertaker via Pedigree!

Insurrextion was a by the books UK pay per view, no title changes, the faces going over and matches were more fun than serious. The women’s match stands out as it was so different to the other tag matches that the women had done on pay per view, everyone could wrestle in that match and they showed that this women’s division on Raw meant business. The card was filled with matches that were not too long and easy on the eyes, there was nothing that was horrible on the card so, it was good but felt like an extended Raw in terms of quality. That wraps up another pay per view review, I hope you have had a great Christmas and a happy new year. I am signing off and remember, there is always another night!

Journey Through The Attitude Era Vol 25: WWF Royal Rumble 2000 Review

Hello dear friends, welcome back to the series which embarks on a journey through the much loved Attitude Era, a period in wrestling where it was seemingly at its peak. We loved, we laughed we groaned we moaned and even sometimes cried and I am here to take you on a nostalgia trip while also criticizing and analysing the era of wrestling that you love more than your first born child. Ok maybe not that much but you get the point! And of course, the draft has sucked in all our attention so let us travel to a bygone era where the WWF always had our attention. The Royal Rumble, a favourite of casual and hardcore fans, returns surprises and quality matches, The Royal Rumble has it all and tonight we are looking at the 2000 Rumble. The big matches include Triple H vs Cactus Jack for the WWF Championship and The Royal Rumble Match. Let’s do this !!

Opening Promo

Mankind and Triple H describe one another as both men are incredibly tough, Triple H is in Cactus Jack’s world as this is a street fight, a match that is right up Cactus Jack’s alley. JR and Jerry Lawler welcome us to the action.

Kurt Angle vs Tazz

Kurt Angle is our undefeated Olympic Hero but there is one pissed off man who does not agree, Angle’s unnamed special opponent. Angle lays down the challenge to his opponent asking him not to be nervous when you are in the ring with Kurt. The crowd knows who is coming but it does not mean everybody does. The music hits and it is former ECW champion Tazz!!! Right hand from Tazz, Kurt is elevated over the top rope, suplex attempt by Tazz goes wrong, Kurt counters Tazz. Forearm from Kurt to Tazz, Tazz meets the turnbuckle, choke in the corner by Angle. Belly to belly suplex, Kurt goes up top and crotched by Tazz.

 Head and arm Tazzplex from the top rope, two count for Tazz. Inside cradle from Kurt and a clothesline. German suplex by Angle, Olympic Slam is countered into a German suplex, second head and armplex. T-bone suplex and it is time for the tazzmission. Kurt passes out and Tazz wins in his debut. Impressive debut for Tazz, it would be downhill from here for The Human Suplex Machine but on this night, in Madison Square Garden near his hometown, Tazz was the man.

Winner: Tazz over Kurt Angle following Tazzmission!

(Tag Team Table Match) The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz

Terri is left speechless by The Hardys as she is told to stay backstage for this match. It is important to mention as Terri would continue to have problems with her clients The Hardys which would lead to a confrontation at next month’s No Way Out(No Spoilers here). Dudleys rip on the local sports team(Heel 101 right there) before brawling on the ramp. Bubba and Jeff square off, Bubba Bomb by Bubba. D-Von brawls with Matt, Dudleys grab a table and set it up in the middle of the ring. Matt saves his brother Jeff from going through a table by flipping the table over. DDT by Matt on Bubba, Jeff nails a plancha on Bubba. D-Von attempts powerbombing Matt through a table, Matt blocks, Matt tries putting D-Von through. D-Von blocks and nails a suplex of his own. Jeff attempts eliminating Bubba but Bubba slams the table in Jeff’s face.

 Matt is laid out on the table, Bubba goes to the second rope, Matt battles back. The Hardys attempt to put Bubba through a table with a double superplex, D-Von moves the table. Matt grabs a ladder and The Dudleys are smacked around with the ladder. Matt caves Bubba’s skull with a chair and lays him on a table, Matt climbs a ladder on the outside looking to put Bubba through. Double splash from The Hardys put Bubba through the table. Matt and Jeff set up tables against the ring apron, hoping to eliminate D-Von. Matt misses a leg drop and Jeff misses a plancha. D-Von survives, Bubba staggers to his feet and now The Hardys must pay. Bubba grabs the steel steps and place a table onto the steps. Bubba has Matt on the middle turnbuckle and Matt goes through the table with a powerbomb. Bubba acquires a chair as all four men are in the crowd. Bubba begins stacking tables, four tables with two on the bottom, two placed on top. Jeff tries helping Matt but gets his skull crushed with a chair.

 Matt is on the tables and Bubba plans powerbombing Jeff through Matt who is laying on the table. Jeff low blows Bubba and whacks Bubba with a chair, make it two and Bubba falls through two tables. Matt puts D-Von on the table and Jeff puts D-Von through the table with a Swanton Bomb from ten feet. That was fun, a lot of high risk moves and table destruction which is fun to watch. Jeff is insane as usual and was the star for the match with his death defying stunts. Chair shots are nasty due to the fact they are all to the head, unprotected of course.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz over The Dudley Boyz via elimination!

Miss Rumble Swimsuit Competition

Well I have to cover everything so here goes nothing. We have a judging panel? Wow Sgt. Slaughter as usual but we also have Moolah and Classies Freddie Blassie? Awesome so yeah we are going to see some T&A. So Kat or Miss Kitty is still champion when we had the likes of Luna Ivory and Jacqueline on the active roster. Ivory is reluctant to strip down yet she looks absolutely amazing(I do believe I have a huge crush on the women). Terri and Jacqueline have no hesitation about any of this, Jacqueline goes wild as the cowgirl. Luna is reluctant and does not take part. Kat strips to a bubble wrap bikini as Jerry Lawler goes wild over his girlfriend at the time. 

Hold on one moment Mae Young is here(And Business is picking up by god!). Mae strips and it is cringeworthy but not the worst thing I have seen. Mae starts pulling off the bra and we are saved by Sexual Chocolate Mark Henry. Mark looks like he is having the time of his life. Jerry on the microphone is fantastic. As the judges are all old men who prefer a finer wine, Mae Young is the winner of the Miss Rumble 2000 Swimsuit competition.

Winner: Mae Young!

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Chris Jericho © vs Chyna © vs Hardcore Holly.

As you noticed, I named Chyna and Jericho as champions well they are co-champions. Yes both are champions because they pinned one another in a rematch for the title. Why is Hardcore Holly vying for the title? Because he gets a push every once in a while and this was his moment for 2000. It does not get higher than this trust me. Jericho had begun his turn from chickenshit heel to lovable face. Lot of Jerichoholics in Madison Square Garden. Holly being the ass that he is, shoves Chyna down and slaps Y2J. Chyna throws forearms at Holly before being sent to the floor. Y2J and Holly start out, beautiful dropkick by Holly on Jericho. Flying forearm by Jericho, two count.

 Holly and Y2J engage in a slap war before Holly attempts a hurricanrana. Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho, Chyna breaks it up. Elbow to the face of Y2J, Chyna floors Holly. Chyna takes down Holly with a baseball slide, she continues the assault, Jericho launches himself at Holly. Chyna takes advantage, handspring elbow and DDT. Holly breaks up Chyna’s pin, Chyna is tossed to the floor. Holly and Jericho fight it out before Chyna pulls down the rope, Jericho falls to the floor. Holly grabs a chair intent on smashing Chyna. Jericho saves Chyna and Chyna dropkicks the chair into Holly’s face. Jericho and Chyna dive onto Holly, double pin but Holly kicks out. Chyna low blows Y2J, pedigree on Hardcore Holly. Holly kicks out of the pedigree? Cannot believe that.

 Holly lifts Chyna onto his shoulders, Jericho nails a crossbody long two count for Y2J. Jericho and Holly are on the top rope, Chyna crotches both men. Superplex by Chyna, Holly grabs Chyna’s leg though and almost steals the win. Chyna lays out Holly with a chair shot, Chyna gets cocky and goes for a Walls of Jericho. Facebuster by Jericho on Chyna and nails the lionsault for the win. Fine match from these three, standard triple threat formula with one person remaining down for a long time.

Winner: Chris Jericho over Everyone Else via Lionsault!

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) The Acolytes vs The New Age Outlaws ©

Acolytes are badass, no games no fancy holds just ass kickers and that does not bode well for The New Age Outlaws. Acolytes sprint to ringside and start whipping ass, Billy and Bradshaw are in the ring, dropkick by Billy does not do much, Billy eats a fallaway slam while Road Dogg eats a big boot. Faarooq is in the ring and he attempts a dominator on Road Dogg, Billy makes the save but tastes a clothesline. Road Dogg nails his punch but misses his kneedrop.

 Billy and Bradshaw brawl briefly, Billy misses his splash and gets turned inside out by a clothesline from hell. Road Dogg takes a spinebuster from Faarooq, Billy drags out the referee and the referee is taken down. X-Pac comes to ringside and whacks Bradshaw, Billy nails a FameAsser and just like that it is over in four minutes. DUD but hey not everything can be gold.

Winners: New Age Outlaws over Acolytes via FameAsser!

(WWF Championship Match) Triple H © W/ Stephanie vs Cactus Jack

With Vince out of the picture, Triple H was in control, he got his title match and defeated Big Show thanks to DX. They made Mankind retire after a match with The Rock which was a pinkslip on a pole match. They made fun of Foley in a bunch of promos. The Rock gathered every superstar on the WWF roster, they would walk out if Foley was not reinstated. Foley was back and got his match at The Royal Rumble. Triple H busted open Foley and put him through the announce table. Mankind was not ready for a street fight, Triple H was as smug as you could be but when Foley reveals Cactus Jack will be in the street fight, one of Foley’s alter egos, Triple H looked as if he saw death knocking on his door.

 They do a great job building up Cactus Jack as this maniac who can take ungodly amounts of abuse. This felt big and it needed to be big or Triple H would be in trouble. He was not solidified as a top guy, he needed credibility and Cactus Jack would help Triple H achieve it on this night. Cactus and Triple H stare one another down before Stephanie kisses Triple H and walks to the back, this will be a war and the anticipation is building. Referee Hebnar is pushing back Cactus, Cactus wants to go. Mind games have begun, Triple H looks nervous in the face of Cactus Jack. Right hands by Jack, Triple H counters Jack with right hands of his own, Cactus Jack explodes out of the corner with a clothesline, right hands from Jack, Triple H avoids the knee to the face by sliding out of the ring. Triple H eats a neckbreaker courtesy of Cactus Jack.

 Leg drop by Cactus, into the steel steps, Triple H is being beaten all over the ringside area. Triple H grabs a ringbell and lets Cactus have it right in the face. Triple H wields chair and invites Cactus to come into the ring, Cactus obliges and Triple H smashes Jack with the chair. Cactus pops up with a clothesline, Helmsley attempted exposing the turnbuckle but he could not finish the job. Cactus Jack places a chair across the champion’s face, leg drop on the chair, two count for Cactus Jack. Triple H walks right into another smack by Cactus Jack, both men roll to the outside, Triple H starts punching the challenger before being backdropped into the crowd. It is time for crowd brawling(every damn time). Suplex by Jack on the entrance way, trash can to the skull of the champion. Irish whip into the entrance way by Jack, Triple H’s head is bounced off the stage, Triple H collapses to the floor. Triple H catches Cactus Jack off guard with a back drop on a trash can. Triple H’s advantage does not last long as Cactus Jack punishes Triple H with right hands. Jack slams Triple H’s head against the steel steps using his knee. Cactus Jack unveils a barbwire 2x4 .

 Triple H low blows the challenger and makes him pay with the barbwire 2x4. Low blow by Cactus, both men are down. Cactus starts questioning the officials as they hid his 2x4, Cactus smashes Triple H with the 2x4 barbwire bat. Triple H is a bloody mess, Cactus rakes his eyes with the barbwire. Piledriver is countered on the announce table, Triple H has countered the challenger and is looking for some breathing space. Both men are in the ring, right hands by The Game. Could be pedigree time, nope Cactus catapults Triple H into the turnbuckle and a facebuster by Jack. Triple H kicks out at two. Cactus Jack clothesline, Triple H hiptosses and Irish whips Cactus Jack into the steel steps. Triple H targets the left knee of Cactus Jack. A second chop block by the champion, Triple H grabs the barbwire, wham right across Cactus’ leg. Triple H grabs handcuffs, stomp to the head of Cactus, Triple H tries putting on the handcuffs, the first attempt does not go right. In the end, Triple H succeeds and picks up the steel steps. Jack drop toeholds Triple H into the steel steps and uses his head to low blow Triple H. Triple H fires up with a clothesline. Chair to the ribs, Cactus falls to the floor outside of the ring, chair shot to the face of the challenger.

 Cactus Jack is defenceless, Cactus Jack is begging for more but The Rock saves Cactus Jack with a chair shot to Triple H. A policeman takes off the cuffs on Jack, Triple H is begging for mercy. No mercy here from Cactus, onto the announce table the two competitors climb. Piledriver on the announce table by Cactus Jack. Jack grabs a bag of thumbtacks, Stephanie is back at ringside to save her husband. Triple H backdrops Cactus Jack into the thumbtacks. Cactus Jack is right back up, pedigree by the champion. 1..2… Cactus Jack kicked out of the pedigree, Triple H is livid. Second pedigree on the tacks, Triple H retains the WWF Championship.

 What a match that was, in the same arena that Cactus made his debut in the WWF defeating Triple H, Triple H returns the favour by beating Cactus Jack for the WWF Championship. Cactus Jack did his best to make Triple H on this night and Cactus accomplished that goal perfectly. It had drama, it had excitement and it was brutal. Everything you could really want from Attitude Era WWF. Great Match!

Winner: Triple H over Cactus Jack via Pedigree onto Thumbtacks!

The Royal Rumble

30 men, an over the top battle royal to determine the number one contender to the WWF championship a Wrestlemania. To eliminate your opponent, you must throw them over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. Your best chances of winning are coming in towards the end of the match(27 being a lucky number). Participants enter every 90 seconds until all 30 men have entered. Favourites for the match are the former champion The Big Show, The People’s Champion The Rock and The Big Red Machine Kane. Howard Finkel explains the rules to the crowd in attendance and we also get a promo detailing the history of the event. I will split this into segments so it is easy to follow!

Entrants 1 to 5

D’Lo Brown is number one while Grandmaster Sexay is number twom both men trade blows, dropkick by Sexay. Snapmare, D’Lo counters Sexay and a calf kick takes down Sexay. D’Lo attemptshis running powerbomb but Sexay counters with a hurricanrana. Snapmare and dropkick by Sexay, D’Lo tossed onto the apron but he does not go down. Number three is Mosh, Mosh beats down Sexay. Kaientai who were originally in the rumble but were removed come down and start attacking the participants.

 Kaientai are thrown over quickly. Sexay nails D’Lo with a bulldog on Mosh, Mosh immediately clutches his ankle and looks to be hurt. Number 4 is Christian, Christian nails Mosh with his reverse DDT, Mosh and D’Lo go at it while Christian and Sexay brawl in the corner. Number 5 is Rikishi, Rikishi waits and eliminates Mosh and Christian and Rikishi drops D’Lo with a Rikishi driver and D’Lo is eliminated. Still in the ring: Grand Master Sexay and Rikishi!

Entrants 6 to 10

Number 6 is Scotty Too Hotty and all three members of Too Cool dance in Madison Square Garden. Rikishi clotheslines his boys and Sexay and Scotty are eliminated. Number 7 is the Lethal Weapon Steve Blackman, Blackman takes down Rikishi with kicks and right hands, Rikishi catches Blackman with the Rikishi Driver. Blackman is eliminated. Rikishi could be the dark horse of this match as we await number 8. Oh my, it is Viscera these two are going to go at it. The giants trade blows, belly to belly suplex by Viscera and a leg drop. Splash in the corner by Viscera, stomps on Rikishi. 

Viscera misses a second splash and Rikishi hits three superkicks on Viscera and clotheslines Viscera over the top rope. Number 9 is Big Bossman, Bossman waits on the outside of the ring, he is too cowardly to get in there with the 400 pound Rikishi. Number 10 is Test, Stephanie’s former boyfriend. Test and Bossman brawl on the outside before all three men are in the ring. Bossman low blows Test and Rikishi low blows Bossman. All three men are down, right hands from Rikishi on Test. Bossman starts throwing haymakers at both men. Still in the ring: Test Rikishi and Big Bossman!

Entrants 11 to 15

Bulldog is number 11, Bulldog goes right after Rikishi in the corner, Bulldog tries lifting Rikishi. Number 12 is Gangrel, sadly I think this is his last pay per view appearance. Taka and Funaki of Kaientai interefere once more but this is the last time it will happen as Bossman and Gangrel toss Taka so hard he smashes his skull off the floor being taken to the hospital in the process. Number 13 is Edge who comes smiling to ringside, the ring is starting to fill, a big star must be on their way. Rikishi squashes Bossman with a Banzai drop, Gangrel and Bossman begin lifting Rikishi in the corner but it is going to take more to take out the big man.

 Number 14 is Bob Backlund who briefly returned to the WWF to coach Kurt Angle(16 years later he is coaching Darren Young). Every man in the ring teams up to throw out Rikishi. Gangrel and Edge go out reigniting an old feud. Number 15 is Y2J, Jericho dropkicks Backlund over the top rope. Still in the ring: Bossman, Test, Gangrel, Bulldog, Jericho, Edge!

Entrants 16 to 20

Crash Holly enters at number 16, going right after Edge, Chyna is number 17, the only woman to enter a royal rumble twice. Chyna and Jericho start beating one another to death, Chyna is lifted onto the apron by Y2J, Chyna suplexes Jericho to the floor before Bossman eliminates Chyna. Chyna and Jericho start arguing as per usual.

 Faarooq is number 18, the Mean Street Posse interfere and it allows Bossman to eliminate Faarooq. 19 is the Road Dogg, loud crowd chants for The People’s Champion. Al Snow is number 20, Road Dogg eliminates British Bulldog. Number 21 is Val Venis, Funaki comes back to try and win the Rumble without Taka as Taka is in hospital. Still In the ring: Val Venis, Al Snow, Bossman, Gangrel, Edge, Crash Holly, Test and Road Dogg.

Entrants 21 to 25

Prince Albert is number 22, Edge is eliminated by Al Snow and Val Venis. Albert goes after Bossman while Test attacks Road Dogg. Val and Snow attack one another while Crash bounce around the ring getting knocked over. Number 23 is Hardcore Holly, dull point in the match, a lot of guys in there with nothing really happening. Number 24 is The Rock, thank God and business is picking up, Bossman is eliminated by The Rock, Val Venis goes after The Rock as does Hardcore Holly. Number 25 is Mr. Ass Billy Gunn.

 I was expecting Rock to run wild and throw body after body over the top, I am most surprised we still have a full ring. Rock DDTs Crash and Crash is eliminated by The Rock. Hardcore and Al Snow try to eliminate The Rock. Number 26 is The Big Show, Show and Rock avoid one another to begin with, Test and Gangrel are eliminated by Big Show. Show taunts The Rock and throws The People’s Champion over the top rope. Still In the ring: Albert, Al Snow, Billy Gunn, Big Show, Val Venis, Hardcore Holly, Road Dogg and The Rock.

Entrants 26 to 30

Bradshaw is number 27 and The Mean Street Posse try to take down Bradshaw. It fails but The New Age Outlaws eliminate Bradshaw. Number 28 is the monster Kane,Val meets Kane and it does not go well. Val is choked over the top by Kane. The Godfather is number 29, Prince Albert is eliminated by Kane. Funaki comes into the ring and is tossed to the floor. Finally, X-Pac is number 30, three members of D-X are in there so Rock chances are looking slim. Hardcore Holly and Godfather are eliminated by Big Show. Al Snow is eliminated by The Rock, Billy Gunn eliminates Road Dogg, Kane eliminates Billy Gunn but The New Age Outlaws drag Kane out of the ring, he has not been eliminated but he battles to the back briefly. X-Pac is tossed over by The Rock but the referees did not see it happen so X-Pac sneaks back in. Kane slams Big Show but X-Pac takes advantage and spinning heel kicks Kane over the top.

 Bronco buster on Show by X-Pac but Show is angry, gorilla press slam and Show has eliminated X-Pac. Rock and Show remain, two men, one will go to Wrestlemania. Rock nails the spinebuster and a People’s Elbow. Rock tries eliminating Big Show but Big Show counters and Show chokeslams The Rock. Big Show scoops up a prone Rock for a running powerslam to dump Rock over. Rock counters and holds on, The Rock has won the rumble. That was not a great rumble, it certainly was dull for a large part. Too Cool’s dance and the final moments were highlights and the pop for The Rock winning was great as it was clear The Rock was the number one star in the WWF.

 The Big Show attacks The Rock after The Royal Rumble, Show had a reason though as The Rock’s feet had touched the floor first and should have not won the match and Show would attempt to prove this and was able to granting him a rematch at No Way Out which will be our next stop.

Winner: The Rock by Survival!

Overall, a memorable show from the WWF, the only down point on the show was the brief Acolytes vs New Age Outlaws match, everything else grabbed my attention whether it was the insane table match or the Jericho and Chyna rivalry in the triple threat match. They could have had a blow off match instead of adding Holly. Cactus Jack vs Triple H delivered and then some, that was a brutal intense and physical match, I loved everything about the match. Rumble was hit and miss, largely boring but The Rock winning made up for it and the WWF started string in 2000 an we shall see if they can continue the momentum! See you next time!!!