WWE Backlash 2006 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that makes your skin crawl more than John Cena breaking the fourth wall! It’s Backlash 2006, Wrestlemania has ended but we are far from finished in terms of fallout. John Cena and Triple H continue their feud with Edge being added to the mix to make a triple threat match for the WWE Championship. Tag team partners come to blows as Carlito battles Chris Masters and Kane battles Big Show while we also have Shawn Michaels and God taking on The Mcmahons and the pay per view debut of the one called Umaga. Backlash usually delivers more often than not, let’s see what happens tonight!

Opening Promo

Demonic laughter with Vince talking about The Mcmahons kicking HBK’s ass. Highlights from Wrestlemania, etc. We now move onto less ridiculous promos with a hype package for a main event. The Game wants his championship, Edge wants to prove he is not a fluke, Cena wants to remain on top of the mountain.

Chris Masters vs Carlito

This had been simmering from quite some time, Carlito initially had asked Masters to be his partner inside the elimination chamber for New Year’s Revolution. The two proved quite the team before Carlito eliminated Masters, dumped him out of The Rumble and made Masters look like a moron. Carlito was gaining more fan support night after night, this led to Carlito’s face turn and we have the match between the two. The two have a stare-down, lots of finger-pointing and insults.

Masters decks Carlito, Carlito is choked with his own shirt. Low dropkick and facebuster by Carlito, Masters is up quickly. Right hands by Carlito, back drop by Masters. Two for Masters, clubbing blow by Masters. Carlito escapes a military press and applies a Masterlock. Masters breaks free, Masters is lowbridged by Carlito. Plancha by Carlito, stomps and right hands by Carlito. Right hands by Carlito, Masters stomps Carlito and looks for a powerbomb. Turnbuckle Powerbomb by Masters, two for Masters. Masters chokes Carlito with a knee, leg across the back by Masters. Huge leg drop for two, Masters drags Carlito by the hair. Neck vice by Masters, Carlito breaks free before eating a reverse elbow for two.

Another rest hold by Masters, neckbreaker by Masters. Eye rake by Carlito, clothesline by Masters. Mounted punches by Masters, snake eyes with Masters calling for his finish. Carlito slips out of the masterlock for a cradle, two for Carlito. Springboard elbow by Carlito, Carlito has his apple. Masters watches the apple in the air, low dropkick by Carlito. Right hands, clotheslines by Carlito. Carlito counters a neckbreaker for a dropkick, two. Irish whip by Masters to the corner, Carlito is placed on the top rope. Carlito knocks off Masters, moonsault by Carlito for two. Masters tries hard for a Masterlock, Carlito sends Masters into the top turnbuckle. Backstabber and with his feet on the ropes, Carlito steals the win.

Strong Eddie vibes from Carlito in this match, might be a bit too similar at times after Eddie’s recent passing but this company had no problem exploiting Eddie’s death so I should be happy this is in a positive manner. I have enjoyed Carlito’s work since his debut, the babyface stuff is coming along slowly and he is going through some growing pains. Masters has been interesting enough although I have seen him in singles action with only HBK so the test comes for when Masters is in there with people who are not as good as HBK. For now, it was solid and a decent opening match.

Winner: Carlito over Chris Masters via Backstabber!

Maria & Lita

Maria surveys the audience about who will win the WWE Championship, Lita interrupts while Maria calls Lita a whore. Lita promises that Edge will walk out champion, basic stuff.

Umaga W/ Armando Alejandro Estrada vs Ric Flair

Umaga was Rikishi’s brother who portrayed Jamal in Three-Minute Warning, Jamal had been wrestling in All Japan as part of Ro&D alongside the likes of Taka Michinoku, Taiyo Kea and D’Lo Brown. If you were wondering, there were the top heel stable that Kawada, Kojima and Mutoh would beat the piss out of. Anyways, Umaga is Vince’s new monster, he debuted and destroyed Flair. Flair has a chance at revenge tonight.

Umaga attacks Flair on the ramp, Umaga destroys Flair with punches. Eye poke by Flair, low blow behind the referee’s back. Right hands by Flair, another low blow and chops by Flair. Umaga shakes it off with a huge right, corner clothesline. Flair avoids a hip attack, chops by Flair. Umaga runs into the ringpost, more chops by Flair. Chop block by Flair, make it three and Umaga is down. Umaga kicks off Flair for a figure four, Umaga puts Flair in the tree of woe. Flying headbutt by Umaga, hip attack by Umaga. Diving Headbutt by Umaga and Umaga finishes off Flair with a Samoan Spike.

Strong showing from Umaga, Flair gives it the razzle dazzle but Umaga is far too strong. Excellent showcase for Umaga with Flair being a great babyface to get over the huge monster. Future looks bright for the first two winners in tonight’s matches, Raw would be interesting for the next few months.

Winner: Umaga over Ric Flair via Samoan Spike!

The Mcmahons

Vince talks shit about God, Shane looks at Vince like Vince just ate a child in front of his very eyes. Vince pours out Shane’s water and walks across water like God, Vince talks Fish and bread and breaks the bread in a symbolic gesture like God. This was painfully unfunny, Vince holds a Mackarel and exclaims Holy Mackarel. Shane sips from his water that is now wine. Yeah, painful stuff.

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Trish Stratus vs Mickie James ©

The best women’s storyline in WWE up to this point with the obsessed stalker Mickie James confronting her idol Trish Stratus and defeating her for the championship at Wrestlemania. Trish looks to win back the championship from the crazy Mickie James, Mickie’s character work was phenomenal at Mania, I expect more goodness from this match.

Mickie is cautious in her approach with Trish being confident this time around, the mind games have turned and Trish is in control. Lock-up, armwringer by Mickie. Trish counters and sweeps the leg for two, Trish smiles as Mickie looks off her game. Trish blows Mickie a kiss, Matrix spot into a headscissors, clotheslines and dropkick by Trish. Trish measures for a Chick Kick, Mickie dodges but eats a boot from Trish. Lou Thesz Press off the apron, right hands by Trish for two. Forearms by Trish, corner splash by Trish. Trish loos for ten punches, Mickie sends Trish to the floor and we have a problem as Trish’s arm bends under her body, the challenger is seriously hurt. Mickie covers with the referee giving the dreaded X simple. Mickie is disqualified after an awkward minute or two.

Such a shame, I was into the start of this match. Trish was playing head games with Mickie, Mickie had been completely put off her game. It was going to be interesting to see how Mickie would try to escape with her championship.

Winner: Trish Stratus over Mickie James via DQ!

Maria Interviews HBK

HBK cuts a promo about kicking The Mcmahon’s ass.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match/ Money In The Bank Briefcase Match)

Following Wrestlemania, Benjamin engaged in a war of words with RVD, RVD walked away the winner at Wrestlemania with the briefcase while Benjamin had beaten Ric Flair for the Intercontinental Championship. The two collide tonight with the winner leaving with both championship and briefcase.

Benjamin takes down RVD, slapping the head of RVD. Armwringer from Benjamin, RVD takes the arm. Benjamin armdrags out, posing for the fans again. Knee by Benjamin, side headlock. Shoulder block by Benjamin, RVD takes down Benjamin with his legs, deep armdrags. Benjamin wants a break, RVD clotheslines Benjamin down. Benjamin stalls for time on the floor, lock-up and clubbing blows by Benjamin. Right hands by Benjamin, RVD floats over and nails Benjamin with a spinning heel kick. Scoop slam, Benjamin avoids a rolling thunder. Plancha by RVD, RVD  is on the apron but Benjamin leaps over RVD for a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor. Two for Benjamin, Benjamin drives his knee into the backs of RVD. Reverse chinlock by Benjamin, RVD wriggles free but it slammed down by his ponytail.

Knee lift by Benjamin for two, backbreaker by Benjamin. Clubbing blows by Benjamin, camel clutch by Benjamin. RVD reaches the ropes, scoop slams by Benjamin. RVD escapes another chinlock, RVD counters a rolling thunder for a Samoan drop, two for Benjamin. Benjamin has RVD on the top rope, RVD batters off Benjamin. Benjamin leaps up to the top rope and superplexes RVD, two for Benjamin. Rear-naked choke with a bodyscissors, RVD breaks free and Benjamin misses a dropkick as RVD holds onto the ropes. Kick to the head by RVD, clotheslines by RVD. Superkick floors Benjamin, springboard diving kick. Spinning wheel kick and Rolling Thunder, two for RVD. Slam by RVD, split-legged moonsault for two.

 Shoulder thrusts by RVD, Benjamin flips out of the monkey flip. Step-through spinning heel kick by RVD, Benjamin dodges the frog splash. DDT by Benjamin, two for Benjamin. RVD rolls to the floor and drop toeholds Benjamin into the barricade, Benjamin grabs the briefcase. Huge kick to the head, Benjamin is on the top rope. Diving crossbody, RVD rolls through for two. Dragon Whip misses, hurricanrana by RVD. Benjamin elbows RVD into the referee, RVD nails Benjamin with the briefcase. Five Star Frog Splash and RVD is your new champion.

Very good match, they were given more time due to Trish’s injury and they use it perfectly. Benjamin had transitioned into an over-confident heel with Mama being a great asset to his character, disappointed that she did not make a difference while the company were finally rectifying the mistakes they had made back in 2002 when they did not go with RVD despite his popularity and the way he moved the merchandise brother! This was good stuff, a highlight for both.

Winner: RVD over Shelton Benjamin via Five Star Frog Splash!

Kane vs The Big Show

Kane had snapped, hearing voices in his head that would constantly say May 19^th. What did it mean? Why was Kane snapping? Big Show stood up to his partner and now they come to blows over Kane’s new attitude. Kane cheap shots Show, Show counters with a gorilla press slam. Headbutt by Show, huge chest chops. Show whips Kane to the corner, Kane boots Show and goes after the injured eye of Show. Show goes for the hand of Kane, Kane’s hand is smacked off the turnbuckle. Show smacks around Kane on the floor, Kane sends Show into the steel steps. Show enters the ring with Kane stomping  Show, more arm work from Kane before a huge clothesline for two.

 Show slams Kane, Show misses an elbow drop. Keylock from Kane, Show shakes off Kane. Boot by Kane, Kane climbs to the top rope. Show blocks the clothesline for a fallaway slam. Clothesline by Show, hip splash and shoulder block by Show. Kane counters the chokeslam for a DDT, two for Kane. Show catches Kane for a powerslam, two for Show. Show looks to claw out Kane’s eye, Kane eye pokes Show. Kane boots Show to the floor, the arena turns red with a voice saying the word May 19^th. Kane writhes around on the mat with Show looking on confused, Show has a steel chair. Show waffles Kane with the chair, Show looks on regretful.

No ringbell, no nothing? Ok, we will assume that Kane won by DQ. Yeah, it is sluggish and slow, what can you expect from these two titans. It does not have that physicality or intensity you need to pull off the match and the finish was beyond weak, did not help either guy. A real blight on this card that seems to be at least interesting up onto this point.

Winner: Kane over Big Show via DQ!

The Mcmahons vs Shawn Michaels & God

Vince blamed his loss at Wrestlemania on Michaels having a partner in God, it was pretty funny stuff when you think about it with Mcmahon blaming a loss in wrestling due to God. Anyways, some people were offended by Mcmahon and his mockery of religion, Vince would film religious skits and use quotes familiar with the bible and the holy spirit. It was all a bit much despite the entertaining aspect of Vince being an utter nutcase.

Vince grabs a microphone and introduces God, a spotlight is shown with Vince changing God’s music to Somebody Call Your Momma. Vince dances to God’s theme, this is insanity. HBK slaps Vince and Shane is pummelled by Michaels. Back drop, right hands and a plancha onto Vince. Shane is clotheslined to the floor, plancha by Michaels. Shane and Michaels brawl to the stage, knees and lefts by Shane. Shane tries a piledriver, Michaels back drops Shane on the stage. HBK chops down an oncoming Vince, Shane is bounced off the stage. Michaels crossbodies himself and Vince off the stage through some equipment at the side of the stage. Michaels climbs up to the stage and is waffled by a chair shot by Shane. Shane checks on Vince, Vince emerges from the wreckage.

Shane is battering Michaels down the ramp, Michaels is bleeding. Michaels meets the barricade and ringpost, Shane jabs Michaels. Back suplex, Shane misses his big elbow drop. Michaels and Shane brawl, DDT by Shane. Vince tags in, Vince pulls off his belt and whips Michaels like a dog. Vince uses the belt to flatten Michaels, Vince has a trash can. Michaels is waffled, Vince asks for the microphone. Vince screams about God, asks about God leaving the building. Vince misses sweet chin music, right hands by HBK. Shane is down, flying forearm by HBK, Shane cracks Vince with a chair by accident. Michaels hammers Shane, flying forearm and kip-up.

Inverted atomic drop followed by right hands and a scoop slam. Elbow drop by Michaels, the crowd has come alive for HBK. Sweet Chin Music to both Mcmahons, Michaels screams Suck It which is another subtle hint for what is to come. Michaels looks for a table, Michaels finds two tables. Shane and Vince are laid on the tables, Michaels has a ladder. Michaels climbs the ladder but The Spirit Squad appear, Michaels dives onto Mcmahon’s goons. HBK battles but is overwhelmed by the number’s game. The Spirit Squad lift up Michaels after a beating and send HBK through a table. The Mcmahons steal the win, HBK and God lose.

The feud could have ended at Wrestlemania, it had a fitting end with HBK destroying Vince but it continued, they could not recapture the magic of the first time, it is very rarely that anyone can top the original. Michaels being the awesome wrestler that he is, tries his best to make an entertaining match out of this fiasco but it just does not come off, it is nowhere near the level of the Wrestlemania match.

Winners: The Mcmahons over Shawn Michaels via Shenanigans!

John Cena Promo/ Matt Striker Segment

Todd Grisham interviews Cena, Cena cuts a solid promo about the main event. Trish Stratus has dislocated her shoulder but here comes some filler in the form of Matt Striker. Eugene insults and humiliates Striker, fine stuff.

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Triple H vs Edge

Cena had been crowned the man at Wrestlemania with Triple H tapping to the STFU. The match was average at best with Cena not exactly shining in there with The Game, Edge comes out the next night after his show-stealing match declaring to be number one contender. Top quality promo package for the match, gets you in the mood for the match.

Edge rolls to the floor, Cena and Triple H brawl. Shoulder block by Cena, fisherman suplex for two. Inverted atomic drop by The Game, right hands by Triple H. High knee, Edge breaks up the count. Cena and Triple H brawl with Edge watching on from the apron, both Triple H and Cena notice Edge on the apron. Edge is yanked in the ring, Edge is pinballed around before being clotheslined to the floor. Edge is bounced off the announce table by both Cena and Triple H, Triple H attacks Cena from behind and throws Cena to the floor. Edge lures in The Game and pulls Triple H into the bottom turnbuckle. Edge stomps on Triple H, Cena pulls down Triple H. Cena nails a splash on Edge for two, spinning side slam by the champion.

 Lita lowbridges Cena, knee facebuster by Triple H. Clothesline, cover and two for Triple H. Spinebuster by Triple H to cut off Edge’s comeback, Edge slips out of a suplex and nails an Edge O Matic for two. Sleeper by Triple H, Edge escapes and applies a sleeper to Triple H. Cena was looking for a double FU, Edge slips out and Spears both men. Edge catapults Triple H into the ringpost, Triple H has donned the crimson mask. Edge has Triple H on the announce table, Edgecution on the table. Edge dropkicks Cena in the ring for two, Edge stomps Cena in the corner. Edge Spears Cena in the corner, Edge tries another spear but Cena clamps on an STFU. Edge is so close to tapping, Triple H prevents Edge from tapping and smacks Cena with a microphone.

 Triple H has a chair, Edge is walloped into the crowd. Cena drop toeholds Triple H for an STFU, Triple H begins to fade as Cena applies more pressure. Triple H does not fade though, Triple H survives. FU is avoided by Triple H, Cena slips out of the pedigree for another STFU. Edge appears on the top rope, Cena is knocked into the referee. Cena hooks Edge for a super FU, Triple H joins in for a tower of doom spot. Lita has a chair, Triple H spinebusters Lita. Triple H does not want the chair, Triple H is going for the sledgehammer. Edge Spears Triple H, Cena has Edge for an FU. Triple H lows blows Cena, Edge is on the floor. Cena counters a Pedigree for a jacknife roll-up. After the match, Triple H lays out both men to stand tall.

Good main event, I liked the beginning with Edge being the coward and the other two going toe to toe before realizing Hey, wait this guy is making a fool out of us. Match had some really dramatic transitions too with Cena applying the STFU out of nowhere and Cena’s Pedigree counters. They all worked well with one another, there was no denying the chemistry they had with one another. Only gripe is Triple H standing tall, makes no sense in the grand scheme of things, your next program is RVD and Cena with Edge being an annoyance in the background, you are building to RVD’s showdown with Cena. No need for Triple H to lay out both with the sledgehammer, no need for Triple H to look tough after his loss, he will be a babyface with Michaels in a matter of weeks. That being said, it a very good main event with a rabid crowd who were all in on the match, everyone looked good and it was another good match for Cena as champion, those had been few and far between during the last few months.

Winner: John Cena over Everyone Else via Roll-Up!

That was WWE’s Backlash 2006, a good show from the Raw brand but nothing spectacular. When I saw the line-up, I thought this show could be something special but I was disappointed once we hit Trish vs Mickie. What happened was out of their control but I was looking forward to that match and when you are served Big Show vs Kane, it is enough to kill anyone’s enthusiasm. Michaels vs The Mcmahons was a bit much for me as I said before, Mcmahon’s character was a nutcase at the time but it bordered on cringe and embarrassing as a wrestling fan, I would like to forget most of the match. Carlito was good with Masters though, RVD and Shelton had a good match showing off what they could do given the time and you had a fun main event. Overall, the good outweighed the bad but there was some forgettable stuff on this show. Thans for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE New Year's Revolution 2006 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is more lost in the shuffle than Luke Harper! Our next stop is WWE’s New Year Revolution of 2006, headline by the elimination chamber match featuring John Cena defending against the likes of Chris Masters, Carlito, Shawn Michaels etc. Last year’s New Year Revolution was plagued by injuries and was nothing more than a one match show. Can WWE do better this time around? Looking up and down the card, the answer: maybe we might be in for a one match show but it is an elimination chamber match baby, they never disappoint! So, read on eagle-eyed viewer as we check out Raw’s first offering for 2006.

Opening Promo

We have WWE superstars speaking about the brutal elimination chamber, how it takes a toll on your body, how big and destructive it can be. We get our WWE narrator talking about fantasy being fulfilled, your desires will be here in paradise. It will be paradise for one man but it could be hell for five other men. Good stuff, we have Joey Styles and The Coach on commentary which is rare without a JR or Jerry Lawler in sight. This is a big test for the two or at least I would have imagined it would be considering Styles’ background in ECW and Coach tending to announce on lower-tier shows like Heat.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Edge W/ Lita vs Ric Flair ©

In a feel-good moment at Taboo Tuesday, Ric Flair toppled Carlito and became Intercontinental champion. Meanwhile, Edge had finished his feud with Matt Hardy and had not done much in terms of in-ring action on pay per view missing the last two pay per views at the end of 2005. Edge returns to the ring on ppv, attacking Flair from behind to begin this match. Right hands by Edge, Irish whip to the corner and back drop by Edge. Flair chops back at Edge, Irish whip and back drop by Flair. Right hands by Flair, Flair chases Lita. Edge clotheslines Flair on the floor, suplex on the floor by Edge. Edge pummels Flair, Flair is choked with the middle rope. Foot choke by Edge, clothesline by Edge.

Snapmare into a dragon sleeper, ten punches by Flair. Atomic drop and chops by Flair, dropkick by Edge and Flair is clotheslined to the floor. Edge tries an axe handle off the apron, Flair chops Edge hard. Edge is crotched on the barricade, Flair chops Edge in the corner. Flair is on the top rope, Edge and Lita are poked in the eyes. Flair nails an axe handle for two, Flair chop blocks Edge. Shin breaker by Flair, Lita is on the apron. Edge is elevated to the floor, Flair has Lita. Figure Four on Lita, Edge cracks Flair with his briefcase. Flair is a bloody mess, Flair wins the match by DQ as Edge continues to dish out the punishment to The Nature Boy.

It was fine for what it was, Flair had been on fire with his feud with Triple H, Flair looked like he had something left to give in the WWE. So, to see a subdued match from Flair with the man who would be the next WWE Champions unbeknownst to those in attendance of course, is a little disappointing. However, as I said, it was good for what they wanted to accomplish.

Winner: Ric Flair over Edge via DQ!

Kurt Angle and Daivari Promo

Angle starts speaking like crazy, Angle talks about tapping out Jesus, hating The Black People and hoping America loses the war to Iraq. Angle gets serious, Angle calls himself the next WWE Champion. That was bizarre.

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Trish Stratus © vs Mickie James

The feud that reignited everyone’s interest in the women in the WWE. Mickie James was obsessed with Trish, Mickie saved Trish on multiple occasions. Mickie would dress like Trish and would use Trish’s moves in the ring. Trish would get more and more upset with Mickie as it reached uncomfortable levels with Mickie kissing Trish and being a little too close for comfort. Mickie asks for a handshake, Trish gets serious and Mickie is a little confused by her idol’s serious nature.

Armwrench by Trish, Trish takes down Mickie for a one-count. Side headlock by Mickie, hammerlock by Mickie. Trish counters for a side headlock, Mickie cups Trish’s puppies. Trish breaks the hold, lock-up with Mickie grabbing a hammerlock. Trish counters, Mickie counters. A lot of counters, roll-up by Mickie for two. Trish counters a headscissors for two, Mickie kicks Trish to the floor. Mickie holds the ropes open for Trish, side headlock by Mickie. Shoulder block, Trish trips Mickie. Forearms by Trish, Mickie fires back. Irish whip to the corner by Trish, Mickie kicks off Trish. Mickie gets distracted, handstand headscissors is blocked.

Trish blocks a tornado DDT, huge pump kick by Trish. Trish misses a baseball slide, Mickie grabs the championship. Mickie does not use the belt, Mickie eats a lou thesz press from Trish, forearms by Trish. Chops by Trish, Mickie kicks off Trish. Trish nails The Stratusphere, spinebuster for two. Mickie kicks off Trish, side headlock and Mickie loos for Stratusfaction. Mickie nails it, Trish kicks out at two. Trish catches Mickie, Stratusfaction is blocked. Mick Kick misses, Chick Kick connects and it is over.

That’s what I am talking about, a hard-hitting women’s match that is the best thing I have seen since Victoria was allowed do her thing with Trish. For all the talking that WWE does about the golden era of women’s wrestlers during the mid-2000s, the great matches are few and far between. This was very good though, built upon the solid story-telling that they had done since the debut of Mickie James on the main roster, I am enjoying where this is going!

Winner: Trish Stratus over Mickie James via Chick Kick!

Gregory Helms vs Jerry Lawler

My memory told me that Helms unmasked as Hurricane and went straight to Smackdown capturing the cruiserweight championship. My memory was wrong as it seems Helms was on Raw and had to wrestler Lawler on pay per view. Last time on pay per view, Lawler stunk up the joint with Hassan at funnily enough, this pay per view last year.

Helms armdrags Lawler, lock-up with Helms pushing back Lawler. Right hands by Helms, Lawler reverses and hiptosses Helms. Back drop by Lawler, left jabs by Lawler. Huge right, Lawler does The Hurricane pose before sending Helms to the floor. Eye poke by Helms, Lawler is rammed off the turnbuckle. Leg drop by Helms, two for Helms. Sidewalk slam by Helms, choke by Helms. Suplex by Helms, make it two. Make it three for a two-count, chinlock by Helms. Armdrag escape by Lawler, Helms retakes control with a snapmare for two. Knee drop by Helms, chinlock by Helms.

 Backbreaker by Helms, slaps and a clothesline to the floor by Helms. Lawler meets the ringpost, Helms talks trash on commentary before attacking Lawler in the ring. Missile dropkick for two, Helms misses a corner splash. The strap is down, left jabs and a huge right. Fist drop, Helms counters the piledriver. Helms is on the top rope, Lawler crotches Helms. Helms tumbles to the mat, Diving Fist Drop by Lawler and Lawler wins.

Dull and lifeless, far too long for a Lawler match. It does absolutely nothing for either man in this match, Helms should have been moved right to Smackdown. DUD!

Winner: Jerry Lawler over Gregory Helms via Diving Fist Drop!

Big Momma & Viscera

The World’s Largest Love Machine Viscera comes across Big Momma, Viscera wants sex and Big Momma does not oblige. Big Momma goes to tell Benjamin who will face Viscera in a match later tonight.

Triple H vs The Big Show

Triple H had put a bullet so to speak in his former mentor Ric Flair, Big Show was not happy with the way the bully acted and challenged Triple H to a match. Triple H backed off but they would meet on this night as both men cost one another opportunities to be in tonight’s main event. Triple H wanted an advantage, The Game took out the hand of The Big Show by smashing Show’s hand with a sledgehammer. Show is wearing a cast but is showing no signs of injury as they prepare for this match.

Triple H is on the run early, right hands by The Game. Show shoves down Triple H, huge chop by Show. Slam by Show, Show nails a huge elbow. Make it two, Triple H runs from Show. Show pulls Triple H out to the floor, headbutt by Show. Show whips Triple H to the floor, chop against the barricade. Show tries to enter the ring, high knee by The Game. Show picks up Triple H, Triple H is driven into the ringpost. Show lines up a punch, Triple H ducks and Show smacks his hand off the ringpost. Triple H takes control using the hand as a focal point, kicks and knees to the arm. Triple H hurls Show’s arm into the ringpost, Triple H tears off the protective cast. Knees to the hand, Show screams out in massive pain. Headbutt from Show, make it two.

Triple H lowbridges Show, Triple H drives Show’s hand into the steel steps. More kicks to the arm, huge knee drop by The Game. Keylock by Triple H, Show wriggles free. Show’s arm meets the ringpost, Show armdrags The Game. Forearm by Show, sidewalk slam by Show. Splashes by Show, shoulder block and Show calls for a Chokeslam. Show cannot lift The Game, Show punches the referee by mistake. Headbutt by Triple H, The Game has the sledgehammer. Show blocks and breaks the hammer with his hand, thrustkick by Show. Headbutt, The Game tumbles to the floor. The Game has a chair, Show stops the threat.

Triple H meets the steel steps, Show grabs the steps. Show cannot do it with his bad hand, low blow by Triple H. Triple H wallops Show’s hand with a steel chair, Show spears Triple H on the floor. Show calls for a Chokeslam, Triple H had his sledgehammer, huge shot to the head. Pedigree by Triple H and Triple H overcomes the giant.

If you thought the last match was dull and lifeless, Triple H and Big Show have an easy night on the job as they tell a simple story with very few moments that would gain any sort of reaction from fans. Triple H worked the arm the entire match and it did not play into the finish, that sucks. Anyways, this was a very boring match with not enough being done by either man to grab my attention or any of the fans in attendance.

Winner: Triple H over Big Show via Pedigree!

Chris Masters/Carlito Promo

Carlito has a plan, Carlito and Masters combine in order to take out Cena, Kane, Angle and Shawn Michaels. Good plan and good way to get around the issue of everyone thinking that those two are cannon-fodder for this match.

Shelton Benjamin W/ Big Momma vs Viscera

Having been pushed down the totem pole in terms of babyfaces on Raw, Benjamin turned heel with his Momma by his side. It would open up new doors for Benjamin who had been left with little to do as we entered 2006. Viscera comes out as the black Val Venis, promising to share his love with everyone. Pure filler match but hey, it might be a lot of fun.

Lock-up, side headlock by Benjamin. Hiptoss but Benjamin flips out, shoulder block by Viscera. Lock-up, keylock by Benjamin. Viscera bumps off Benjamin with his booty, spinebuster by Viscera. On the floor, Momma protects Benjamin. Cheap shots by Benjamin, Benjamin hits Viscera with knee lifts in the ring. Low dropkick by Benjamin, diving clothesline by Benjamin. Two for Benjamin, kicks to the knee by Benjamin. Viscera attacks Benjamin, Benjamin stomps down Viscera. Samoan drop by Viscera, clotheslines by Viscera. Scoop slam by Viscera, elbow drop for two. Spinning side slam by Viscera, Visagra from Viscera. Short-arm clothesline, Benjamin dodges a splash. Viscera gets cracked with the purse, Dragon Whip by Benjamin for the win.

This will be a thumbs-up in my book for Big Momma’s trash talk from ringside and Viscera’s fantastic finishing move. It was pretty awful discarding those two things but I do not care, I wish to see more of Big Momma. She was phenomenal, simply a joy cursing out Viscera.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin over Viscera via Dragon Whip!

(Bra & Panties Gauntlet Match) Torrie Wilson vs Ashley vs Candice vs Victoria vs Maria vs Mae Young

Some relief action and entertainment before the main event. Surprisingly, the last time we had this type of match, it had a genuine story with Mickie James helping Trish retain her championship due to her infatuation with Ms. Stratus. Anyways, simple match where to win you must strip your opponent to her underwear.

The two to start the match is Maria and Candice Michelle, Candice asks for a handshake. Maria ducks a clothesline and rips at Candice, Candice kicks Maria hard. More stripping attempts, both women fight before a pull-down from Candice. Scoop slam by Candice, stomps from Candice. Go Daddy spin from Candice, Maria’s top comes off. Knee lifts from Candice, Maria trips Candice. Candice loses her top, clothesline by Candice. Choke by Candice, Candice tries her leg choke from the corner but it backfires with Maris stripping Candice. Candice has been eliminated.

Next up is Torrie Wilson, another one of Vince’s Devils. Torrie kicks and suplexes Maria, Maria reverses a hold for a victory-roll. No clothes come off, Torrie knees Maria. Handspring elbow by Torrie, Maria kicks off Torrie. Baseball slide by Maria, Maria boots Torrie. Torrie’s top is off, spear by Torrie. They do the catfight/roll over the referee spot. Torrie slaps Maria, Torrie is in the referee’s face. Maria strips Torrie as she argues with the referee. Torrie Wilson has been eliminated.

Shit gets real with Victoria storming down to the ring, Maria looks out of energy. Maria is clubbed by Victoria, Maria is on the top rope. Maria blocks a right hand, sunset flip but Victoria stomps all over Maria. Scoop slam and moonsault by Victoria, Victoria strips Maria and Maris is out of this match.

Here comes Moolah with Mae Young, this is heading to a place that I do not want to go. Mae waves to everyone, Victoria looks confused. Mae has decided to strip for everyone, everyone groans and tries to look elsewhere while Victoria clubs the shit out of Mae Young. Moolah pulls off Victoria, Mae strips Victoria but it is only her top.

Here comes Ashley, Victoria calls for Widow’s Peak. Ashley slips out and pulls down the pants of Victoria. This match is over and because Ashley has done fuc all to earn her money for the night, she decides to strip for everyone in attendance. Yeah filler and all in good fun of course.

Winner: Ashley over Everyone Else via Keeping Her Clothes On (Kind Of!)

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Kane vs Carlito vs Chris Masters vs Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels

New Year’s Revolution was the pay per view where the elimination chamber match would take place annually, Cena defends against the best the Raw brand has to offer, it turns out for the best for Cena and WWE as Cena had exhausted his feud with Angle and Triple H & Edge were busy elsewhere. Big stories going into the match were Michaels having problems with Mr. Mcmahon and Cena going against the odds to try and retain his championship. Michaels and Cena are to begin the match, Cena sucks chants ring out through the arena.

Lock-up, armwrench from HBK. Hammerlock by Michaels, elbow by Cena. Twice it happens, Michaels is not happy. Slap from HBK, Cena decks Michaels. Back drop, Michaels pulls Cena to the floor. Michaels chops Cena in the ring, HBK lowers his head off an Irish whip. Kick from Cena, hard Irish whip to the corner by HBK. Another hard Irish whip for two, more chops to the chest of Cena. Cena reveres an Irish whip, Michaels is placed across the top rope. Kick to the ribs by Cena, Michaels is clotheslined to the floor. We have our first entrant and it is Carlito. Carlito sprints out and pummels Cena, dropkick by Carlito. Tope con hilo from Carlito onto Michaels, Cena tees off on Carlito. Complete shot by Carlito for two, Michaels is yanked off the top rope.

Two for Carlito on HBK, right hands to Cena and HBK. Back elbow to Cena by Carlito, suplex to Michaels for two. Small package by HBK for two, Carlito takes down Michaels with a clothesline. Cena floors Carlito, chops by Carlito. Carlito runs into a double flapjack, HBK and Cena combine to attack Carlito. Double back drop, Angle is in the match. German suplexes all around, the crowd is going nuts. Michaels is suplexed to the floor as is Carlito, Cena eats right hands in the corner.

Michaels is catapulted into the cage wall, Cena eats stomps from Angle. Michaels is bleeding everywhere, Michaels is smashed into one of the chambers. Cena fires back at Angle, belly to belly suplex by Angle. The straps are down, Angle measures Carlito. Carlito counters, Angle counters for The Ankle Lock. Masters saves his partner Carlito, clothesline for everyone. Powerslam for Cena, military press slam on HBK. Masterlock on Angle is blocked, Ankle Lock. Cena tries for an FU on Angle, Angle rolls through for an Ankle Lock. Michaels nails Angle with Sweet Chin Music, Angle is out of here!

Kurt Angle has been eliminated via Sweet Chin Music!

Carlito and Masters pick on the scraps of Michaels and Cena, Carlito has Michaels on the outside. Carlito and Masters put the boots to Cena, here comes the final participant which is Kane. Masters and Carlito take an ass-whoopin, powerslam to Masters. Carlito is thrown outside the ring, Masters and Kane are on the top rope. Masters is shoved off, diving clothesline by Kane. Chokeslam to Michaels, Chokeslam to Cena. Kane blocks the masterlock, Backstabber by Carlito. Kane sits-up, Kane pummels the two youngsters. Carlito is saved by Masters, double DDT. Carlito splashes Kane with Masters adding extra weight. Kane does not kickout as the force of the two is too much.

Kane has been eliminated via Dog-Pile!

Cena is on his feet, Carlito has Michaels down on the outside. Masters suplexes Cena, Cena is dumped out by Masters. Michaels is stomped by both Masters and Carlito, HBK takes out Carlito with a forearm. Clotheslines and right hands follow for the dynamic duo, Carlito is clotheslined to the outside as is Masters. Scoop slam to Cena, elbow drop by HBK. Michaels looks for Sweet Chin Music, Cena eats Sweet Chin Music. Carlito and Masters jump Michaels, Carlito drops Michaels with his corkscrew-like crossrhodes. HBK is out of this match!

Shawn Michaels has been eliminated via Spinning Neckbreaker!

Cena fires up, spinning side slam on Carlito. Five Knuckle Shuffle on Carlito, Masters saves Carlito from an FU. Cena is dumped to the floor, Cena eats a DDT on the steel from Masters. Masters checks on his buddy Carlito, Cena is bleeding. Cena is rammed into the chain wall, double suplex on Cena. Double back suplex on Cena, Masters calls for the end. Masters applies The Masterlock, Carlito low blows Masters and rolls-up Masters but Cena rolls-up Carlito and this match is over.

However, we are not done on this night. We have another match as Edge is cashing in his Money in The Bank briefcase. Cena loos on in disbelief, a bloody mess in the middle of the night. Vince congratulates Cena on retaining his championship, Edge walks to the ring with the biggest grin on his face. Cena slumps against the ropes, trying to stand. Edge pummels Cena with right hands, two for Edge. Spear by Edge for two, Edge looks on shocked. Cena lives, Edge’s world appears to shatter ever so slightly. Edge goes back to the drawing board, one more Spear should do it. The Spear connects, Edge is your new WWE Champion.

It had been building, the wheels had been set in motion for over a year, it could be seen back to the days of The Smackdown Six where only injury slowed down The Rated-R Superstar’s progress. Edge had his doubters, they were people in the back not favour of this move but by Wrestlemania, Edge would have repaid all those who had put faith in him.

The Chamber was a stepdown from the previous year, the year prior seemed to have such an explosive nature to it, everybody seemed incredibly over and everything came together in that match. This match was quite good, I loved Angle decimating everyone only to be undone by a superkick. Carlito and Masters looked quite good, I would have enjoyed a bit more double-teaming of Cena, Michaels looked like he took a worse beating than the champion and that should not be when you are trying to show that Edge took advantage of Cena who was at his worst. Regardless, the chamber match was quite good with a twist ending that few seen coming but many did love.

Winner: Edge over John Cena via Spear!

That was WWE’s New Year Revolution of 2006, a one match show like the year prior. There was nothing truly awful about this show bar Helms vs Lawler but nothing of significance bar the main event. Everything seemed just there to build up the main event, Trish vs Mickie was interesting in furthering the feud, I liked the two going at it and they seemed to have quite a bit of chemistry. Main event was very good, not as good as the year prior but definitely worth seeing for Edge’s moment in the spotlight. My advice: Go straight to the main event as there is not much else to see, thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Survivor Series 2005 Review

Hello and welcome to Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that flies higher than the security guard that Braun Strowman killed! We are in for the last of the big four of 2005: WWE’s Survivor Series 2005. It’s the show where WWE said hang on a minute, we have two brands and we have never done a who is better match? That’s right, we have the likes of Melina vs Trish Stratus, Ric Flair continues his feud with The Game Triple H, Cena defends against Angle and the main event is a traditional five-on-five Survivor Series Style Elimination match between the two brands, who will reign supreme? Raw or Smackdown? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

It is all about surviving, the best of the best against one another deciding who is the man. The best of Raw and the best of Smackdown, Triple H wants to end Ric Flair’s career and the deck is stacked against John Cena. It is very good stuff, gets you hyped for what you are about to see and I love it.

(WWE United States Championship Match) Chris Benoit  vs Booker T W/ Sharmell

This was a best of seven series with Booker T turning heel after following the words of his wife Sharmell who told Booker that Benoit was simply not his friend. They engaged in a war over the championship with this being match one of said series, this is similar to the war the two had over the WCW Television Championship in the early parts of 1998. Bit of a stare-down with referee Charles Robinson enforcing a clean break. Lock-up, exploder by Booker. Lock-up, Booker backs Benoit into the corner. Benoit turns Booker and knees Booker and throws Booker to the floor. Lock-up, waistlock by Booker. Benoit reverses the waistlock and ties up Booker, Booker reaches the ropes.

Booker powders, test of strength. Side shuffle kick by Booker, back elbow by Booker. Benoit blocks a suplex for a snap suplex, clothesline by Benoit for two. Knees in the corner, Booker boots Benoit when Benoit comes running in for a clothesline. Sidewalk slam by Booker for two, armbar by Booker. Benoit fires out of the armbar but Booker locks in an abdominal stretch. Hiptoss by Benoit, armdrag and a knee to the head. Kick to the head by Booker off an Irish whip by Benoit, huge spinning kick by Booker. Two for Booker, hard Irish whip by Booker. Jacknife cover for two, neckbreaker by Booker for two. Reverse chinlock by Booker, Benoit battles back sliding out of a suplex and here comes German suplexes. Harlem Sidekick by Booker cuts off Benoit, two for Booker.

Benoit ducks a sidekick, dragon screw legwhip, Benoit tries for a sharpshooter but Booker reverses for a small package. Two for Booker, chops by Benoit. Clothesline by Benoit for two, three German suplexes by Benoit. Sharmell distracts Benoit who is on the top rope, Booker looks for a superplex. Benoit headbutts Booker to the canvas, Diving Headbutt by Benoit but Booker dodges. Oklahoma roll using the ropes and Sharmell for leverage, Booker wins the match.

A very subdued performance from both men, they could steal the show if they wished but it is a best of seven series, they are not going to go all-out in the first match. Despite the two not going balls to the walls, they still managed to entertain the crowd, building well to Benoit’s comeback and Sharmell furthering herself as the key to victory for Booker. It is funny, they leave Benoit in the ring like Royal Rumble 2003 when this match was nowhere near as intense or spectacular.

Winner: Booker T over Chris Benoit via Shenanigans!

Bischoff/Vince Mcmahon Segment

Vince wishes Bischoff the best of luck in his match with Theodore Long, Bischoff is confident ahead of his match, proclaiming victory against Long, victory against Team Smackdown and victory for Kurt Angle against John Cena. Cena walks in and runs off Bischoff, Vince says keep it up my nigga to Cena before running into Booker. Ah Vince, showing off his power because he can get away with it.

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Melina W/ Mercury & Nitro vs Trish Stratus © W/ Mickie James

Inter-promotional match with MNM abducting Trish Stratus, leading to this match for Melina. Trish mounts Melina to begin the match, Melina rolls to the floor. Trish dives onto MNM, MNM protect Melina on the floor. Trish swings Melina by the hair, handstand headscissors by Trish. Melina reverses an Irish whip to the corner and works the back of Trish, Melina chokes Trish using the ropes. Kick to the ribs by Trish, headscissors choke by Melina. Foot choke by Melina, Trish reverses Melina in the corner, foot choke by Trish. Eye rake and kick to the head by Melina, Melina shoves down Mickie James. Catfight on the floor, MNM look for The Snapshot on Trish. Why is there no DQ? The referee ejects MNM, Melina is irate.

Spear and forearms by Melina, Trish is bounced off the mat. Clothesline by Melina, Trish is rammed off the mat. Surfboard stretch by Melina, Trish fights back from her knees, forearms to the face. Stratusfaction is blocked, hair-pull takedown by Melina for two. Matrix spot is countered with an axe handle by Melina, Trish fights back once more. Forearms, Melina elbows Trish. Handstand headscissors by Trish, spinebuster for two. Melina ducks The Chick Kick, Melina dumps Trish to the apron off Stratusfaction. Mickie James pulls Trish out of the way, apron kick by Trish and a Stratusfaction for the win.

This match is a testament to how good Trish could be, she made Melina look like a threat in this match. Melina did not look weak or lost at any moment in this match, I wish Trish stuck around for years, she could have been great for newer stars. Also, I love the furthering of Mickie James and Trish, Trish was in danger before Mickie pulled Trish out of the way. You could easily pull this up with Mickie helping Trish and Trish starting to catch on, it could lead to more tension. It is all very well done, no wonder people look back on it so fondly.

Winner: Trish Stratus over Melina via Stratusfaction!

(Last Man Standing Match) Triple H vs Ric Flair

They had a hell of a match at Taboo Tuesday, they beat the piss out of one another. It was brutal and violent, loved every aspect of that match. Big win for Flair too, Flair was showing that there was still life in this dog despite his age. Anyways, starting the feud with a cage match was weird but the pay per view called for it and we follow the steel cage match with a Last Man Standing match. Match starts on the ramp, Triple H blindsides Flair and begins punching the face of Flair. Back elbow by Triple H, Triple H grabs a chair. Flair surprises Triple H with a kendo stick, Flair batters Triple H in the crowd. Triple H back drops Flair to ringside, suplex on the floor by Triple H. Referee begins counting, Flair makes it up to the apron. Triple H suplexes Flair into the ring. Elbow by Triple H, right hands in the corner by The Game.

Flair fights out of the corner, Triple H tosses Flair to the floor. Triple H sends Flair into the ringpost, Triple H pulls out a screwdriver. Flair is bleeding, Triple H digs the screwdriver into Flair’s head. Lots of stabbing by Triple H, Flair is on his knees as The Game pummels his former best friend. Triple H exposes his knee and drives it into the head of Flair. Flair begins battling back with chops, Triple H throws Flair to the floor again. Triple H begins taking apart the Spanish announce table. Flair desperately throws Triple H into the steel steps, eye poke by Triple H. Spinebuster on the floor by The Game, Triple H has a microphone and begins talking trash to Flair. Testicular claw by Flair, Triple H waffles Flair with the microphone, Triple H has Flair on the announce table for a Pedigree.

Flair reverses and back drops Triple H through the other announce table. Triple H stands at a count of nine, chops and rights by Flair. Flair ducks his head off an Irish whip, knee facebuster by Triple H. Right hand by Triple H, The Game has a chair. Triple H hesitates, mounted punches by Triple H. Flair asks for more, right hands by Flair. The Game batters Flair down, Triple H’s Pedigree is blocked with a low blow. Flair smashes Triple H with a chair shot, Flair bites the head of Triple H. Low blow by Flair, Flair pulls The Game groin first into the ringpost. Flair continues to send The Game’s testicles into the ringpost. Chop block by Flair, stomps by The Nature Boy. Chop block by Flair, The Game kicks off Flair. No figure four today, Flair trips up Triple H sending his legs into the ringpost.

Flair whacks Triple H’s legs with a steel chair, Figure Four by Flair. Flair uses the ropes for leverage, Triple H is tapping out in pain. Clothesline by Triple H, Triple H has the steel steps. Steel steps to the face, Flair drop toeholds Triple H into the steel steps. Chops by Flair, Flair Irish whips Triple H. Triple H catches Flair with a Pedigree out of nowhere. Flair manages to stand, another Pedigree. Flair flips off Triple H and stands, right hands by The Game. Third Pedigree, Flair shows signs of life so Triple H grans his sledgehammer. Flair is walloped in the back with the sledgehammer, Triple H wins.

Very good match, Flair and Triple H had the story and the chemistry with one another to make a tremendous program. They start off hot with a brawl all around the arena and Flair is busted open within seconds. It had the violence and some great spots like the screwdriver or Flair refusing to die. Flair had some good offense too, I liked the leg work and the multiple low blows. I guess if there was an issue with the match, it would be that Flair seemed to have no kill-shot in his arsenal, the figure four was not going to keep The Game down. However, it was a lot of fun and they had the crowd in the palm of their hands, another masterful performance from Ric Flair.

Winner: Triple H over Ric Flair via Sledgehammer Shot!

Batista is The Leader!

JBL and Orton argue about who is leader before Batista shows everyone who is boss. Team Smackdown are ready to kick some serious ass, we also have Edge insult a local sports star. I was not really interested so I skipped it.

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Kurt Angle

Daivari is the special referee for the match, Daivari is firmly in the corner of Kurt Angle. Glad that Daivari was able to find a role for himself following the departure of Muhammad Hassan. With this feud, Cena was in with one of the best in Kurt Angle. The first match had not blown me away while the triple threat was mostly Angle vs Michaels with Cena taken out after being sent through an announce table. Hoping that Cena vs Angle lights up the arena this time around.

Lock-up, Cena pushes back Angle. Takedown and leg work by Angle, Cena cannot kick off Angle who continues to wrench the ankle of the champion. Armdrag by Cena, shoulder blocks before Angle bails to the floor. Daivari does not allow Cena to attack Angle on the floor, Daivari counts as slow as possible. Mixed crowd reaction for Cena, Angle clubs down Cena in the ring. Back elbow and hiptoss by Cena, fisherman suplex with Daivari not counting. Cena jaw-jacks with Daivari, Angle has the Ankle Lock. Cena reaches the ropes but Daivari kicks off Cena’s arm. Cena kicks off Angle, Cena slaps Daivari in the face. Daivari threatens to DQ Cena but Angle begs Daivari to reconsider, Cena shoulder blocks Angle into Daivari.

Belly to belly suplex on the floor by Angle, new referee and Angle gets two. Mounted punches and snap suplex by Angle for two, bodyscissors by Angle. Crossbody by Cena for two, right hands too. Angle belly to belly suplexes Cena, knee lift by Angle. Foot choke by Angle, back suplex by Angle for two. Reverse chinlock by Angle, jawbreaker escape from Cena. Big DDT by Cena, slugfest with Cena nailing his shoulder blocks and clotheslines. Spinning side slam by Cena, Five Knuckle Shuffle by Cena. Angle clotheslines the referee to avoid an FU, low blow by Angle. Angle Slam for two, Cena is on the top rope. Angle nails a superplex, two for Angle.

Angle climbs to the top rope, Cena avoids the moonsault. FU but Angle uses the referee for leverage, clothesline by Angle. Angle uppercuts the referee and goes to grab Daivari. Cena DDTs Daivari, the Smackdown referee is in the ring. Cena catches Angle for an FU and Cena retains his championship.

Wow, that sucked a whole lot of ass. They skipped all the drama like they were short on time or something. They did not tease Daivari doing a good job, they just showed their hand instantly with Daivari helping Angle. Angle went right for The Ankle Lock, there was no struggle, there was no reason to care about this match. In all my time covering Kurt Angle matches, I would say I have never seen such a horrid match in terms of story and action from Angle.

Winner: John Cena over Kurt Angle via FU!

Eric Bischoff vs Theodore Long

Lucky me, I have to see this match. Lots of stalling, karate poses and shite. Bischoff chokes Long with his martial arts belt. Long is choked some more, coquina clutch by Bischoff. Long takes off his shoe and batters Bischoff, Bischoff throat thrusts Long. Long is kicked over, Boogeyman’s music hits. Bischoff tells the referees to catch The Boogeyman, little does Bischoff know that The Boogeyman is in the ring. Boogeyman chokes Bischoff and slams Bischoff into the mat to give Long the win. DUD!

Winner: Theodore Long over Eric Bischoff via Pumphandle Slam!

(Traditional Survivor Series Style Elimination Match) Team Raw (Chris Masters/Carlito/Kane/The Big Show/Shawn Michaels) vs Team Smackdown (Batista/Rey Mysterio/Randy Orton/JBL/Bobby Lashley)

Now, this is a good angle. We have had a brand split since 2002 but we have never had the two go head to head to see who is the superior show. We finally have a match to decide who is the best with the two factions going to war. Unfortunately, things are very much in the favour of Smackdown starpower wise but if you expect Shawn Michaels to be outperformed by anybody, you have another thing coming.

Orton and Michaels to begin, lock-up with Orton shoving back Michaels. Clean break from Orton, lock-up with Michaels being backed into the corner again. Slap from Orton, Michaels slaps back. Lock-up and side headlock takedown by Michaels, slap by HBK. Chop by HBK, boot to the face of Orton. Orton kicks Michaels in the face after Michaels lowers his head off an Irish whip. Uppercut by Orton for two, scoop slam and knee drop by Orton. Michaels tags in Masters, shoulder blocks by Masters. Orton rakes the eyes and clubs Masters, knee lift by Orton. Masters bounces Orton off the turnbuckle, chops and shoulder block. Two for Masters, uppercut and clubbing blows by Orton.

Lashley is in, Masters tries a shoulder block. Powerslam by Lashley, Lashley misses a corner clothesline. Clothesline by Masters, Masterlock attempt. Lashley blocks it, belly to belly suplex by Lashley. Masters tags Carlito, Carlito does not want Lashley. Lashley yanks in Carlito, right hand has no effect on Lashley. Clotheslines by Lashley and a running powerslam for two. Carlito elbows Lashley, tag to HBK. HBK is yanked off the top rope, clothesline by Lashley. Scoop slam by Lashley, belly to belly suplex by Lashley. Carlito comes into the ring, Dominator for Carlito. Lashley looks for a Dominator on HBK, Kane Chokeslams Lashley from the apron.

Lashley has been eliminated via Chokeslam!

Mysterio is in with HBK, Kane kicks Mysterio in the spine. Tag to Masters, elbow drops by Masters. Military press slam by Masters, tag to Kane. Mysterio dodges an elbow from Kane, low dropkicks by Mysterio. Standing moonsault for two, big boot by Kane on Mysterio. Kane works the back of Mysterio, foot choke by Kane. Backbreaker by Kane, two for Kane. Kane backs Mysterio into the corner, bearhug by Kane. Mysterio bites his way out, tag to Batista. Right hands by Batista, shoulder thrusts in the corner. Clothesline by Batista, Kane elbows Batista and goes to the ribs. Spear by Batista, clotheslines for Team Raw. Big Show is in, Batista blocks a Chokeslam. 619 on Kane, Spinebuster and Kane has been eliminated. Kane and Show Chokeslam Batista to finish off The Animal.

Kane has been eliminated via Spinebuster!

Batista has been eliminated via Chokeslam!

JBL is in the ring with Show, Show clotheslines and chops JBL. Orton eats a boot, Mysterio is caught and tossed to the floor. Orton hotshots Show from the apron, Clothesline From Hell by JBL. Tag to Mysterio, 619 by Mysterio. Tag to Orton who nails a massive RKO on Show. Tag to JBL who blasts Show with a Clothesline From Hell. Tag to Mysterio, seated senton and Show has been eliminated.

Big Show has been eliminated via Springboard Senton!

The match breaks down with Masters and Mysterio in the ring. Hard Irish whip by Masters for two, tag to Carlito. Snap suplex and foot choke by Carlito, leg drop for two. Reverse chinlock by Carlito, Masters tries reviving Michaels who is down at ringside following a fallaway slam from JBL. Mysterio fights out, JBL tags in off Mysterio. Springboard moonsault by Mysterio, Carlito catches Mysterio but in comes JBL with a Clothesline From Hell for the elimination.

Carlito has been eliminated via Clothesline!

JBL and Masters brawl with JBL eye poking Masters. In comes Mysterio, springboard crossbody for two, Masters Irish whips Mysterio into the corner. Corner spear by Masters, the second spear misses. Drop toehold into the ropes, 619 and springboard leg drop by Mysterio for the elimination. Team Raw is down to just Shawn Michaels.

Chris Masters has been eliminated via Springboard Leg Drop!

Michaels is in the ring, hard chop to Mysterio. Drop toehold by Mysterio, 619 connects by Mysterio but Mysterio dives into a Sweet Chin Music for the elimination. JBL tries a Clothesline From Hell but Michaels ducks and we have another Sweet Chin Music for another elimination.

Rey Mysterio/JBL have been eliminated via Sweet Chin Music!

Orton tries RKO but Michaels shoves off Orton. Michaels tries Sweet Chin Music but Orton holds onto the ropes and powders. Michaels dives onto Orton for a plancha, chops by Michaels. Flying forearm by Michaels, kip-up. Inverted atomic drop and clotheslines by HBK. Scoop slam, elbow drop by Michaels. Michaels calls for Sweet Chin Music, JBL is in the ring with a chair. Michaels dodges and drops JBL with Sweet Chin Music but Orton pounces for an RKO and it is goodnight for HBK. The Smackdown locker room celebrates but the gong hits and Undertaker shows what happens to those who fuck with The Deadman.

This was a lot of fun, I do not think it could touch the 2003 match. That was just off the charts for drama and Michaels’ performance was phenomenal. This match was very good though, I liked all of the eliminations except Lashley. When originally preparing for the match I wrote down Matt Hardy as the final member of the Smackdown team so I was a little shocked to see Lashley there considering his pay per view debut came the month before. His elimination did him absolutely no favours, a Chokeslam by Kane from the apron seemed a bit weak for the new badass on Smackdown. Michaels was great as usual, made something as simple as a slam on the floor look like death and he just lay there for a few moments and you had the drama of the three on one in place. Shame that there was no beatdown from Orton or JBL to further build sympathy for Michaels, they went straight into the end but it was still great fun to watch.

Winners: Team Smackdown over Team Raw via RKO!

That was WWE’s Survivor Series of 2005, a hit and miss show for one of the big four of the year. The main event delivered it was non-stop fun all over the place with a cool angle to signal the final chapter of Taker vs Orton which had spanned over nine months. Flair vs Triple H was violent and told a good story, I might prefer their first encounter in the cage but they were both great matches to watch. Melina looked really good with Trish, Trish proved to me that she could carry in the ring and was at the peak of her powers. Benoit vs Booker I cannot complain too much it was the first of a series I expected not much, Long vs Bischoff was awful. Finally, I have no idea what happened in Angle vs Cena, it was such a bizarre match from a psychology standpoint, it did not work to either man’s benefit, it did not play to their strengths, it was a shambles. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Unforgiven 2005 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that gives you a bigger anti-climax than Jason Jordan being Kurt Angle’s son. WWE’s Unforgiven 2005 is our next review, Cena had overcome Chris Jericho and now had to deal with the hottest heel on the Raw roster in Kurt Angle, it has show-stealer written all over it while Matt Hardy continues his feud with Edge in a steel cage match that cannot be worse than their first encounter. Some of the other featured matches are Chris Masters vs Shawn Michaels, Carlito vs Ric Flair and Snitsky vs Big Show. 2005 has been a mostly good year for the company, will the momentum continue? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

Angle and Cena are the focus with Bischoff putting Angle as the next obstacle for The Doctor of Thuganomics. Lots of hype for it as it should be, good stuff from the WWE.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Carlito © vs Ric Flair

It seems that at this time, Vince wanted that three-man team on commentary. Not a major issue but it sure does get frustrating listening to Coach on commentary. Flair has become a babyface in The Game’s absence, Carlito is a big cocky kid who thinks Flair is far too old to win the championship.

Lock-up and side headlock takedown by Flair, another side headlock takedown by Flair. Carlito pulls hair to escape, hammerlock by Flair. Carlito grabs the ropes, shoulder block and strut by Carlito. Hammerlock by Flair, stiff push in the back of Carlito. Shoulder thrust by Flair another hammerlock but Carlito elbows his way out. Right hand by Carlito, big chop by Flair. Flair looks for the figure four, Carlito scurries to the floor. Lock-up, Carlito pushes Flair into the corner. Right hands by Carlito, eye poke by Flair. Chops by Flair, right hands for good measure. Irish whip to the corner, Carlito clotheslines Flair. Ten punches by Carlito, inverted atomic drop and chop by Flair. Figure Four is blocked by Carlito as Flair is kicked to the floor.

Hotshot by Carlito, Carlito shoves Flair shoulder first into the ringpost. Flair is sent into the steel steps, two for Carlito in the ring. Keylock by Carlito, chops by Flair but Carlito pulls down Flair by the hair. Left hands by Carlito, elbows in the corner by Carlito. Irish whip and back drop by Carlito, two for the champion. Single arm DDT for two, keylock by Carlito. Left hands by Carlito, chops by Flair and a big back elbow. Knee drop by Flair, chop and Flair climbs to the top rope. Carlito gets nailed by a double axe handle, Flair finally hits a move off the top rope. Flair goes wild, Flair climbs again but Carlito dropkicks Flair for two. Carlito has his apple, Carlito takes a bite and Flair punches it out of Carlito’s mouth. Flair applies The Figure Four and Carlito taps.

Wow, a tremendous opening match from the legend Ric Flair. Flair was over like rover in Oklahoma, Flair has so many great qualities that you tend to look over the quality of the matches, Flair could make any segment and any match entertaining, this was one of those moments. Flair finally nailing a move off the top rope was a great spot and when Carlito tapped, it was amazing. Definitely, one of the highlights of the year, no doubt about that.

Winner: Ric Flair over Carlito via Figure Four!

Carlito Ignores Todd Grisham/Lita & Edge

Flair pulls out four women from the crowd to celebrate at the end of the night while Carlito storms away from an interview. Lita rubs Edge’s shoulders as they prepare for the match, Edge promises to beat the life out of Hardy and make Lita happy.

Vince’s Devils W/ Candice Michelle vs Ashley Massaro & Trish Stratus

So, Ashley won the Raw Diva’s search which did not go down well with Raw’s new stars in Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle. Both turned heel and aligned with Victoria while Trish Stratus returned after about four months out of action from injury. Victoria and Trish begin, Victoria takes down Trish applying a Muta Lock before working the arm of Trish. Corner headscissors by Trish, Lou Thesz Press by Trish. Trish nails forearms and chops on Victoria, huge chop from Trish. Tag to Ashley, clothesline to Victoria. Low dropkick by Ashley for two, Torrie saves the match. Torrie fucks Ashley to the floor, Candice attacks Ashley. Slingshot leg drop by Victoria and a headscissors choke, reverse chinlock by Victoria.

Ashley is thrown to the canvas by Victoria, tag to Torrie. Torrie stomps and kicks Ashley, Ashley meets the canvas. Tag to Victoria, Ashley fights back before a massive knee. Front chancery from Victoria, Ashley begins walking to the corner. Torrie distracts the referee so Trish’s tag is missed, suplex by Victoria. Victoria looks for a top rope move, Ashley crotches Victoria. Tag to Trish, handstand headscissors by Trish, Torrie attacks Trish from the apron but Trish knocks Torrie to the floor. Victoria motions for her tilt-a-whirl sideslam but Trish counters with a headcissors. Matrix dodge and a double clothesline, spinebuster on Victoria.

Candice Michelle distracts the referee, Ashley knocks down Candice. Victoria ic caught, double takedown by Trish on Victoria and Torrie, Chick Kick by Trish and this match is over.

It was like slow motion when Ashley was in that ring but when Trish and Victoria got down to it for the brief time they were in the ring, they were so good. I wish we had more of those two going at it especially with Lita being out of the picture with the whole Matt vs Edge thing.

Winners: Trish & Ashley over Vince’s Devil via Chick Kick!

Flair and the ladies

Flair takes the four women into the back of the limo for some fun with champagne, Flair makes sure to take some Viagra before entering the limo, of course Vince would have Flair do that, that is some fun stuff. Flair being Flair, nothing better.

Big Show vs Snitsky

Two behemoths going at it, Snitsky has been in limbo since his feud with Kane while Big Show is making his first appearance on a Raw pay per view. The match begins hot with the two trading blows, huge toss by Show. Make it two tosses, headbutt by Show. Show steps all over Snitsky’s throat, Snitsky walks up the ramp before Show clubs the back of Snitsky. Huge chop from Show, Snitsky rolls to the floor which leads to Show missing a clothesline and Show’s arm smacks off the ringpost. Snitsky works the arm with a keylock, Show shoves off Snitsky. Show tries for a Chokeslam, Snitsky swats away the arm of Show.

Snitsky blocks the chokeslam a second time, Show bounces off the top turnbuckle. Back suplex by Snitsky, two for Snitsky. Show fires back at Snitsky, shoulder block by Snitsky. Big boot floors Show for two, another keylock by Snitsky. Show fights out for a spinebuster, Show kips-up using the ropes. Clotheslines by Show, corner splash and a shoulder block. Show calls for the end, Chokeslam and this match is over.

Kept it short which is a good thing, had a bit of psychology to it with the arm work and Show did sell the arm throughout, crowd did not give up on the two and it ended without a hitch so it was alright. Show beats the piss out of Snitsky after the match, some nice revenge for Show.

Winner: Big Show over Snitsky via Chokeslam!

Kerwin White vs Shelton Benjamin

I had no idea that this gimmick made it to pay per view, Chavo Guerrero is now Kerwin White, his hair has been dyed, White wears a sweater and carries golf clubs. White listens to Jazz and is as white as white can be. Benjamin slides out of the ring and decks White on the floor, clubbing blows by Benjamin. Back elbow by Benjamin, White eats a knee to the ribs. Scoop slam by Benjamin, running low clothesline by Benjamin. White goes low with a dropkick, Benjamin counters with a flapjack and clothesline for two. Benjamin misses a knee in the corner, chop block from White. Multiple elbows and stomps to the leg, White poses for the crowd. Shinbreaker by White, Benjamin counters for a roll-up. White rolls through for a brock lock.

Right hands by Benjamin who escapes, beautiful headscissors by White who poses for everyone. Two for White, right hands by White. Benjamin flips out of a monkey flip, Samoan drop by Benjamin. White regains control, Benjamin fires back with clotheslines and a backbreaker for two. Back drop by Benjamin, back suplex by Benjamin. Benjamin climbs to the top rope, White crotches Benjamin. Superplex by White, two for White. Drop toehold by White, White applies a single leg Boston crab. Benjamin rolls through for a catapult, White hits the top turnbuckle hard. White sneaks in a golf club, White runs into a T-Bone Suplex and it’s over.

I will give it a thumbs up for the fact that it is Kerwin White on pay per view but the match was nothing memorable, nothing that I will remember ten minutes from now. I don’t know where White could have got out of the gimmick but it does not last too long.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin over Kerwin White via T-Bone Suplex!

(Steel Cage Match) Matt Hardy vs Edge W/ Lita

Hardy came back for his match with Edge in this very personal rivalry but the first match was a train-wreck, Hardy was beaten like a chump in their first encounter, not the best way to make someone seem like a big threat or make good money off a rivalry.

Lock-up, it breaks down into right hands with Hardy winning the war. Edge blocks meeting the cage, Hardy does the same. Right hands by Edge, huge slap by Hardy. Hardy Irish whips Edge to the corner, Edge tries escaping the cage. Hardy catches Edge, double axe handle by Hardy. Edge tries crawling out the door, side headlock by Hardy but Edge counters with a back suplex. However, Hardy holds onto Edge’s head, shoulder block by Hardy. Side headlock takedown by Hardy, Edge rakes Hardy’s eyes to escape. Headbutt by Edge, right hands by The Rated R Superstar.

Edge tries escaping, Hardy yanks Edge down and nails a clothesline. Two for Hardy, Hardy drops Edge with a diving clothesline. Hardy calls for Twist of Fate, Edge shoves off Hardy, Hardy hits the cage face first and Edge plants Hardy with an Edge O Matic for two. Edge climbs once more, Hardy has Edge by the head. Hardy looks for a Side Effect off the top rope, Edge fights out with Hardy tumbling to the mat. Edge measures Hardy, missile dropkick to the back of the head. Back suplex by Edge, make it two. Edge continues to punish Hardy with right hands, similar to Summerslam. Hardy’s head is knocked off the steel cage, huge boot from Edge. Hardy looks dazed, DDT by Edge for two.

Edge powerbombs Hardy into the cage wall, turnbuckle powerbomb by Edge. Edge continues to beat on Hardy’s head, the referee asks Hardy if he can continue, Hardy continues to stand. Boot to the face by Edge, Edge places Hardy on the top turnbuckle. Edge fights back and looks for a powerbomb off the top rope, it connects. Hardy kicks out at two, Edge wants to walk out the door but Hardy has himself wrapped around Hardy’s leg. Edge decides to punish Hardy, Hardy bites Edge’s hand. Edge retaliates with huge right hands, Hardy counters with a flapjack. Hardy sidesteps a Spear, Side Effect for two. Edge reaches for the cage door, Hardy drags Edge back in but Lita hands Edge his briefcase. Hardy ducks the briefcase shot, Edge is tied up in the ropes. Hardy tees off with lots of fire, Edge is catapulted into the cage wall.

Running bulldog on the briefcase, Edge is rammed off every side of the cage. Lita begins scaling the cage, Hardy knocks off Lita. Edge is a bloody mess, right hands by Hardy in a reverse of the Summerslam scenario. Hardy has the briefcase, Hardy was about to clobber Edge from the top rope but Edge shoved the referee into Hardy. Edge Spears Hardy, Edge climbs towards victory. Hardy Side Effects Edge from the top rope, Lita has a steel chair. Lita breaks up Hardy’s pin.

Edge begins climbing towards the door, Lita has the briefcase. Hardy blocks the briefcase and Hardy drops Lita with a Twist of Fate. Edge Spears Hardy, Hardy kicks out of the spear. Edge begins climbing, Hardy is in pursuit. Edge is cracked off the steel cage and falls to the canvas. Hardy is on top of the cage, Hardy can climb over but he looks down at a broken Edge, Hardy Leg Drops Edge off the top of the steel cage for the win.

Great cage match, it might have been a bit show with Edge’s heat segment going on for a very long time but after that, it was all action. You had Matt punishing Edge for everything, you had Lita involved trying to push things into Edge’s favour, you had some crazy spots like the powerbomb, side effect and of course, the leg drop and a great ending in Matt tying up the score with Edge and putting on a performance that both men could be proud of at the end of the day, Angle and Cena would have their work cut out for them if they wish to top that match.

Winner: Matt Hardy over Edge via Leg Drop!

Bischoff/Cena Segment

Cena has an injured ankle, the doctor tapes it up with Bischoff mocking Cena. Bischoff plays it to perfection with Cena silently thinking about kicking Bischoff’s ass. Cena places tape over Bischoff’s mouth before walking away with Bischoff looking ready to burst a blood vessel.

(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) The Hurricane & Rosey © vs Trevor Murdoch & Lance Cade

Cade & Murdoch had beaten the champions in a non-title match which is essentially all the build we have for this match. As I said, they needed fresh blood and Cade & Murdoch are fresh blood. Hurricane and Cade begin, lock-up with Cade elbowing the smaller Hurricane. Scoop slam by Cade, Hurricane dodges an elbow. Right hands by Hurricane, armdrags by Hurricane. Murdoch eats an armdrag and a headscissors. Murdoch powders, Cade calms down his angry partner. Cade tags in Murdoch, Murdoch beats down Hurricane. Back elbow out of the corner by Hurricane, missile dropkick for not even a one-count. Tag to Rosey, drop toehold and headbutt combination for two.

Cade distracts Rosey, Murdoch tries a headbutt but Rosey’s head is harder. Rosey drives his ass into Murdoch’s head, Cade saves Murdoch. Cade tags in and knee drops Rosey for two, front chancery by Cade. Murdoch is obsessed with Lillian, Murdoch asks for a kiss. Hurrican saves Lillian with right hands, Murdoch catches Hurricane for a stiff DDT from the apron to the floor. Side headlock by Cade, back suplex by Rosey. Rosey looks down at his downed partner, Rosey knocks back Cade, back drop by Rosey. Corner clothesline and Murdoch eats a clothesline too. Murdoch pulls Cade out of the way from a corner clothesline, cover by Murdoch for two.

Elbow drops by Murdoch for two, trainers come down for Hurricane. Murdoch mounts Rosey for right hands, Cade clubs Rosey on the floor. Rosey is backed into the apron, two for Murdoch. Tag to Cade, body blows by Cade. Rosey double clotheslines Cade & Murdoch, Hurricane wants to compete and help his partner despite his condition. Hurricane brawls with Cade & Murdoch, Hurricane is nailed with a high and low combination, new champions.

That was fine, Cade & Murdoch were new so they were not over with the audience. I did like their antics though, Murdoch looks like a bizarrely funny Stan Hansen whole Cade seems to have a bit to him which I don’t remember. It’s a new team to work with, they are not very likeable which will be great for Hurricane and Rosey to work with. That DDT was also brutal too, props for Hurricane taking that bump.

Winners: Cade & Murdoch over Hurricane & Rosey via High & Low Combination!

Maria Interviews Masters

Maria is a blonde who knows nothing, she calls Masters a masturbate which Masters corrects her in saying he is the masterpiece. Masters compares himself to Michaelangelo’s David which Maria believes to be the ninja turtle. Masters continues and claims he will defeat Michaels with The Masterlock!

Chris Masters vs Shawn Michaels

So, Masters had debuted early in the year with an appearance on pay per view coming in the form of choking out a female bodybuilder. So, Masters first real feud in WWE comes against Shawn Michaels, I do not like Masters’ chances. Meanwhile, Michaels had went from heel back to face in no-time due to his program with Hulk Hogan falling apart due to egos and politics. The match begins with Masters applying The Masterlock to Michaels who was doing his pose, big stomps by Masters. Michaels counters the masterlock by sliding down and kicking off Masters. Michaels chops back at Masters, knee lift from HBK. Clothesline by Michaels, Masters is knocked to the floor.

Plancha by Michaels, right hands by HBK. Masters is sent into the steel steps, chop on the floor by HBK. Michaels has a chair, the referee takes the chair and Masters capitalizes, HBK meets the barricade. Masters powerbombs Michaels into the ringpost twice, Masters clubs down Michaels. Elbow drops and leg drop by Masters for two, delayed vertical suplex by Masters for two. Forearms to the back by Masters, HBK begins to fight back. Back drop by Masters, two for The Masterpiece. Backbreaker by Masters, Masters poses in the middle of the ring. Right hands by Masters, another backbreaker by Masters who holds Michaels in a submission hold. Michaels fights his out, right hands by HBK.

Michaels tries a crucifix, Masters turns it for a masterlock attempt. Masters is backed into the corner, chops by HBK. Michaels flips out of the corner, torture rack from Masters. Michaels fights out of the torture rack, sunset flip for two. Clothesline by Masters, military press slam by Masters. Masters motions for The Masterlock, Michaels is fighting the hold. Michaels uses the referee as a shield and low blows Masters, chops from HBK.

Flying forearm by HBK, kip-up and an inverted atomic drop. Huge clotheslines and a scoop slam, Michaels climbs to the top rope. Elbow drop, Michaels calls for Sweet Chin Music. Masters dodges and clamps in The Masterlock, Michaels tries escaping by running up the turnbuckle, Michaels is fading. Crowd are chanting like crazy, Michaels hopes over the apron. Masters has to break the hold, Michaels did not escape. Hotshot by Michaels, Michaels tries a crossbody but Masters catches Michaels, turns it into The Masterlock but Michaels escapes and nails Sweet Chin Music for the win.

This was good and even great at certain points, Michaels is called the best in-ring performer of all-time, Michaels takes the twenty-two year old Masters and brings him to a fantastic fun match that had the crowd going absolutely nuts. The counters and transitions into The Masterlock were great, Masters’ finish was protected with Michaels not escaping the hold but rather using the rules to his advantage and that finish was awesome. Michaels had the crowd in the palm of his hands, they were just eaten everything the man did up. Tremendous stuff, a great match for Masters.

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Chris Masters via Sweet Chin Music!

Flair is God!

The women leave the limo, all hot and sweaty before a very drunk and exhausted Flair leaves the limo with his pants down and collapses due to exhaustion. One of the best segments from the WWE, similar to Royal Rumble with Eddie Guerrero, it seems Flair was meant for WWE’s comedy!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Kurt Angle

Following Cena’s win over Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle attacked Cena as the new number one contender. Angle was the best heel on the roster at the time, just tremendous at what he does best: wrestle. Cena has a taped ankle, Angle is going to go after it, the question is Can Cena overcome Angle when he is not 100%? Match starts off with a shoulder block from Angle, hiptoss by Cena. Angle powders, frustrated by Cena. Lock-up, hammerlock by Angle. Fujiwara armbar by Angle, big knees to the arm. Cena has a side headlock, takedown by the champion. Shoulder block by Cena, make it two with Angle rolling out to the floor. Kick and right hands by Angle, big uppercuts by Angle. Hard Irish whip, Cena boots down Angle. Scoop slam and elbow drops by Cena for two, Angle is rammed off the top turnbuckle.

Sideslam by Cena for two, Angle rakes the eyes. Release German suplex by Angle, Cena eats uppercuts and stomps. Suplex by Angle for two, reverse choke hold by Angle, nasty MMA like forearms across the face by the challengers. Sunset flip by Cena for two, right hands by the champion. Hard Irish whip and belly to belly suplex by Angle, Angle poses for all the fans. Waistlock by Angle after a huge knee lift, Cena begins to mount a comeback with elbows before Angle nails a huge German suplex, two for Angle. Bodyscissors by Angle, Angle clamps on a rear-naked choke. Cena breaks free and DDTs Angle, slugfest between champion and challenger with Cena winning the war.

Clotheslines and shoulder block by Cena, fisherman suplex for two. Cena motions for The FU, Angle slides down the back of Cena for an Ankle Lock. Cena kicks off Angle, spinebuster by Cena for two. Irish whip to the corner, Angle is up in the FU, Angle counters for an Angle Slam, two for Angle. Ankle Lock, Cena kicks off Angle again. Spinning sideslam by Cena, Five Knuckle Shuffle for two. Angle clotheslines the referee by accident, FU by Cena but there is no referee. Angle low blows Cena, Angle has his gold medal. Cena is decked, Angle knee drops Cena’s ankle. Ankle Lock, Bischoff is here taunting Cena with the championship.

Cena reaches the ropes but Bischoff kicks off Cena’s arm. Angle drags back Cena, Cena kicks off Angle into Bischoff. Cena grabs his championship, Angle is smacked in the face with the championship and the referee sees that Cena used the championship. The referee calls for the bell and Kurt Angle is your winner by DQ. Before Lillian announces Angle as the winner, Cena FUs Bischoff. After the match, Angle beats up Cena. Angle wanted to put Cena through the announce table but Cena FUs Angle through the table.

That was not a good main event match from Angle and Cena, it was entertaining at times but never rose to the level I expect from Angle and the main event level Cena. The ankle was not worked at any point during the match, Angle did not even go near the ankle until the final ankle lock with Bischoff in the ring, why bring so much attention to the ankle if you do not plan on bringing it into the match. A DQ against the champion is lame too with the finish resembling JBL vs Batista at Great American Bash. I am all for prolonging this feud, I think we can get some good stuff out of it but this was not the way to go about it, have Cena go over by using the championship and hitting the FU, Angle would have a legitimate excuse for a rematch.

Winner: Kurt Angle over John Cena via DQ!

That was WWE’s Unforgiven of 2005, a good to great show at times. The only blight on the card was White vs Benjamin and the tag team championship match, both matches seemed to suffer from disinterest and gimmicks that were new and needed more time to be established. You have a lot of strong matches with Hardy vs Edge stealing the show, Flair vs Carlito was a lot of fun especially the segments that followed and Michaels made Masters look like a star in the ring. Cena vs Angle was good but no ankle work and a weak finish was not good in my opinion, it needed something more and to ignore the ankle was ridiculous considering the time they put into showing it. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!