WWE Cyber Sunday 2008 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that pays less than Paul Heyman Circa 2000! It’s Cyber Sunday 2008, it is my vote, my voice and my choice (Feel like I am singing Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins). Anyways, the power is in our hands, we decide the matches and the stipulations. Who will face Triple H for the WWE Championship? We do not know! Who will be the special referee for Batista vs Chris Jericho? We do not know! That is what adds to the drama, it could be anyone! Usually, this pay per view disappoints as it is usually a filler event to the more serious pay per views but let’s see what WWE come up with this time!

(No Holds Barred Match) Rey Mysterio vs Kane

Mysterio and Kane had been feuding due to Kane’s hatred of Mysterio and how the fans accept Mysterio and his mask. Kane tried to take the mask of Mysterio but got disqualified in their last encounter. Mysterio ducks Kane’s attacks and kicks at The Big Red Monster. Kane lands a big knee to cut off Mysterio, Mysterio quickens the pace and low-bridges Kane. Tope con hilo to the floor, Mysterio waffles Kane with a kendo stick before grabbing a stop sign. Kane boots Mysterio down, Mysterio is thrown into the ring-post sternum first. Kane dropkicks Mysterio into the ring-post, Kane grabs a camera cable. Mysterio is choked with the cable before being slammed into the ring-post, military press into the ring by Kane for two.

Mysterio reaches for the kendo stick, Kane kicks Mysterio and kicks the stick away. Hard Irish whip to the corner, scoop slam with a leg drop. Two for Kane, back-breaker with Kane stretching Mysterio over his knee. Mysterio battles out of the hold, Kane boots down Mysterio. Two for Kane again, Kane is getting frustrated now. Stretch hold from Kane, Mysterio reaches the ropes and kicks Kane away. However, Kane smashes Mysterio with a right hand, another back-breaker stretch from The Big Red Monster. Mysterio digs at Kane’s eyes, massive kick to the face. Mysterio boots away Kane, bulldog from Mysterio.

Enzuigiri from Mysterio, Kane is in position for the 619. Kane lures in Mysterio who comes in charging, massive clothesline from Kane. Kane grabs a steel chair, tossing it into the ring. Mysterio dropkicks the chair into Kane’s face, tilt-a-whirl neck-breaker from Mysterio. Mysterio has the chair, Arabian face-buster from Mysterio for two. Mysterio tries for a crossbody but Kane catches the underdog with a massive throat thrust. Kane has the steel steps in the ring, boot from Kane to Mysterio. The Steel steps are in the corner, Mysterio slides out of the powerslam. Chokeslam attempt for Kane, Mysterio slips out and drop toeholds Kane into the steel steps. West Coast Pop from Mysterio for two, Mysterio was so close!

Mysterio grabs the chair, to the ribs goes the chair. Knee shots and one to the head, Kane is knocked into the ropes. 619 blocked again, chokeslam attempt but Mysterio counters for a hurricanrana, 619 and springboard splash from Mysterio for the win. Mysterio has beaten Kane within a flash, Kane is fuming.

Good back and forth contest from these two, they work in the weapons in a meaningful manner for sure. Mysterio used the steel steps and the chair to setup big moments, the finishing sequence was pretty too with Mysterio countering the chokeslam into a hurricanrana. Looks beautiful every time I see it, enjoyed this as an opening match.

Winner: Rey Mysterio over Kane via Splash!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Matt Hardy © vs Evan Bourne

Babyface vs babyface, side headlock with Hardy taking down Bourne with ease. Dropkick from Bourne to remind Hardy this will not be an easy task, loud Hardy chants. Snap-mare from Bourne into a side headlock, Hardy breaks the hold for a key-lock. Slam to the mat, Hardy looks for an easy pin-fall. Victory roll from Bourne for two, kick by Hardy. Sunset flip from Bourne for two, Bourne blocks side effect for a roll-up. High knee, kick to the face and a hurricanrana with Hardy looking dazed. Hardy side-steps Bourne who lands on the apron, Hardy forearms Bourne to the floor.

 Hardy rams Bourne off the buckle and lands a vicious clothesline for two, Hardy tries a bulldog but Bourne runs Hardy into the buckle. Cross-arm-breaker attempt from Bourne, Hardy attempts to block the hold as we transition into the arm-wringer. Kicks into a standing moonsault from Bourne for two, hammerlock from Bourne. Hardy clubs down Bourne, Bourne answers with a kick to the head. Bourne is climbing high, Hardy rolls away from the shooting star press. Plancha fake-out from Bourne, Hardy does not fall for it and ties up Bourne in the ropes. Scoop slam on the floor by Hardy for two, middle rope elbow drop to the back of the head for two.

Abdominal stretch from Hardy, extra shots to the ribs of Bourne. Hardy grabs the leg for extra pressure, Bourne fights back though with big right hands before a Hardy clothesline ends that flurry. Stiff kick to the ribs, splash mountain bomb is countered with a beautiful hurricanrana. Hardy looks to reassume control but Bourne kicks away at Hardy, Hardy manages to counter for Side Effect, close two for Hardy. Second Side Effect for another close two, frustration coming across Hardy’s face. Middle rope axe handle goes wrong for Hardy as a spinning heel kick from Bourne wipes out the champion.

Kicks from Bourne, moonsault out of the corner for two. Elbow in the corner, high kick to the face for two. Meteora from the top rope for two, high kick misses for Bourne as Hardy rolls-up the challenger for two. Tilt-a-whirl arm-bar from Bourne, Bourne wants the shooting star press. Hardy climbs up to the buckle, stopping Bourne. Bourne knocks down Hardy, shooting star press misses for Bourne. Twist of Fate is countered for a backslide, two for Bourne. Out of the pin-fall attempt, Hardy delivers a Twist Of Fate for the win.

An awkward one for sure, Hardy had pleaded on TV for a match with Henry but the fans have the power and we get a babyface vs babyface match. Hardy uses his experience to play the dominant heel in this one over Bourne, fans did not want to see Hardy brutalize and control Bourne yet at the same time, Bourne was not familiar to this audience as it seems so the two work hard and Hardy makes Bourne look like a credible competitor but the fans were not buying into it so we had an awkward one to sit through. Some interesting counters in there though, Bourne has massive potential.

Winner: Matt Hardy over Evan Bourne via Twist Of Fate!

Cryme Tyme vs John Morrison & The Miz

Cryme Tyme were mocked on The Dirtsheet, I literally forgot they were still around. They seem to do nothing but manage to stay employed, JTG and Morrison start. Trash-talking, elbows and headlocks from both. Morrison whips JTG, JTG takes a knee and uppercuts Morrison. Morrison tags Miz, Miz eats a dropkick before JTG tags Shad. Corner splash, scoop slam for two. Another slam, tag to JTG. Shad Alabama slams JTG onto Miz for two, Miz throat punches JTG. Tag to Morrison, big kicks to JTG. JTG blocks the right hand and shoves Morrison to his corner. Tag to Shad, Shad elevates JTG onto Morrison. Morrison and Miz are tossed to the floor, Shad military presses JTG onto Morrison & Miz.

JTG and Shad making the most of this rare pay per view appearance, Shad gets a two on Morrison in the ring. Morrison backs Shad to the corner, Miz holds onto Shad. Morrison brings all his weight down on Shad’s hamstring. Miz tags in and works the leg, tag to Morrison. Morrison applies a single leg Boston crab, Shad shakes off Morrison. Morrison tags Miz, Miz applies a heel hook. Miz is shook off, Shad tags JTG. Leaping clothesline and neck-snap on Miz, Morrison is knocked to the floor. Slingblade on Miz, Morrison distracts JTG who is on the top rope. Miz smacks JTG to the floor, Miz covers JTG for two. Double gut-buster from Miz & Morrison, Morrison chokes JTG on the middle rope.

Boot from Miz behind the referee’s back, more stomps and a running knee from Morrison for two. Miz tags in and batters JTG before applying a chin-lock, JTG almost escapes but Miz tags Morrison. They try their slingshot elbow and knee combination but JTG smashes Morrison to the ground and stomps on Miz. Morrison tries stopping the tag but JTG tags in Shad. Boots and flapjacks, a clothesline that turns Morrison inside and out. Morrison is tossed to the corner, Morrison kicks out Shad’s knee. Schoolboy with feet on the ropes, JTG pushes off Morrison’s feet. Shad spinebusters Morrison, Miz makes the save. Miz and JTG brawl, the referee removes JTG. Miz kicks out Shad’s leg, Morrison hits Moonlight Drive for the win.

Average, wonderfully average. Cryme Tyme try so hard to get the crowd into this match but it is not happening, the tag team division has been suffering for an awfully long time in the WWE. Felt like Hardys vs MNM at ECW December to Dismember, felt like the match started over multiple times with Shad and JTG making multiple hot-tags before being shut down. Finish was fine, they look like they have plans for Morrison and Miz, I do not see the point of doing anything with Cryme Tyme anyways so let us see what the future holds.

Winners: Miz & Morrison over Cryme Tyme via Moonlight Drive!

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Santino Marella © W/ Beth Phoenix vs The Honky Tonk Man

The Honk-A-Meter was a fantastic idea for Marella, Marella was a wonderful goofball heel who of course would think that he is the greatest intercontinental champion since The Honky Tonk Man. Shaquille O’Neal is in attendance tonight which is a wonderful cameo. Fitting that Marella would face the very man who inspired his personal quest to become the greatest intercontinental champion of all-time. Honky belittles Marella before dancing, Honky challenges Marella to dance who dances for a bit. Massive cheapshot from Marella, Honky and Marella lock-up.

Marella backs Honky to the corner, Honky dodges Marella. Marella begs off, Honky grabs a side headlock and smashes Marella in the face. Side headlock, shoulder block from Honky. Beth trips up Honky, the referee disqualifies Marella. Marella gives out to Beth, Goldust comes out because why not. Blocking the path of Marella, Piper comes down too because he is The Hot Rod. Final Cut from Goldust, Piper nails lefts and an eye poke. Shake, Rattle & Roll.

Yeah, do I really need to talk about that? I thought it could have been great heat for Marella to beat Honky or at least you know give us some kind of a competitive match. What they delivered was awful, DUD!

Winner: Honky Tonk Man over Santino Marella via DQ!

(Last Man Standing Match) The Big Show vs The Undertaker

Big Show crushed Undertaker at No Mercy, the most devastating right hand in the business. Show knocks people out with The Knock-Out Punch and boy do I love when Big Show is allowed to be a big nasty SOB who throws his weight around. We start with right hands from Taker, Show is covering up but Taker is the best striker in the business. Show sends Taker to the floor though, more big punches from both men. Headbutt from Show, Taker is sent into the timekeeper’s area. Show looks for a chokeslam, stun-gun from Taker. Chair to the head from Taker, Show retreats to the ring.

Corner clothesline by Taker, Show reverses an Irish whip to the corner. Taker counters with a boot but runs right into a clothesline from Show. Headbutt by Show, rights and lefts from Show. Taker is down in the corner, headbutt floors The Deadman. Show lands a massive leg drop, the referee begins counting. At 7, Taker rises to his feet. Show boots Taker to the floor, more massive right hands. Taker is leaning against the ring-post, Show misses a chair-shot. Taker boots Show and guillotines Show by ramming Show throat-first into the ring-post with the chair on his throat. At 8, Show manages to make it to this feet. Show is laying across the ring apron, elbows by The Phenom.

Setting up the apron leg drop, Show staggers around the ring as Taker stomps the left leg and tees off with rights and lefts. Irish whip attempt by Taker but Show lands a massive lariat. At 8, Taker is on his feet. Show stomps Taker against the ropes, Taker is staggering now. Headbutts from Show, Taker is continuing to battle back from the attacks of Show. A knee cuts off Taker momentarily, headbutt by Show. Taker lands more right hands, chokeslam attempt for Taker. Show grabs Taker’s throat, chokeslam attempt is countered for a DDT from Taker. Show makes it up at 9, Show manages to shake off Taker. Headbutt to Taker again, Show exposes a turnbuckle. Elbow to Taker, Show lifts up Taker.

Taker slips out and shoves Show into the buckle, leaping clothesline from The Deadman. Show makes it up at 9, Taker tries a boot in the corner but Show dodges. Taker hits the exposed buckle and tumbles to the floor, Taker is smashed off the steel steps. Show exposes the announce table, Taker is waffled with the monitor. Taker is knocked into the crowd, Show grabs a chair. Taker punches Show in the face and looks for a leg drop but Show Chokeslams Taker through the announce table. Taker manages to get up at 9, Taker has his fists raised ready to fight. Taker wallops Show and Show is shaking it off, Show slaps around Taker.

Right hand from Taker, right hand from Show. Slugfest, whip by Show. Show lowers his head, DDT from The Deadman. Taker sits up, Old School but Show counters for a Chokeslam. Taker pulls himself using the ropes at 9, Knock-Out Punch right to the face. Taker manages to sit up at 9, Show is irate. Show has the chair, Taker is cracked with the chair in the head. Show tries to pick up Taker but Taker locks in Hell’s Gate. Taker has suckered in Show, Hell’s Gate has choked out Show. Taker is trying desperately trying to pull himself up using the ropes, Taker makes it to his feet and defeats Show.

I thoroughly enjoyed this match, I get its slow pace and lack of manoeuvres might be a turn off for some people but I do love two big bastards going at it and it is so believable. Show working the body with those punches and the knock-out punch is just terrific, Show batters Taker with such glee throughout the match. The finish is beautiful, Show winding up for Taker’s head with that trusted Knock-Out Punch only to fall into Hell’s Gate. Taker sells every attack from Show like death, Taker constantly pulls himself up using the ropes before collapsing again to the floor, really showing the deadly attacks of Show. We are tied one a piece between these two and I am looking forward to that final match.

Winner: The Undertaker over The Big Show via Being The Last Man Standing!

(WWE Championship Match) Triple H © vs Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy’s second chance at becoming a champion against The Game, the two did battle at No Mercy with Triple H squeezing out a win over The Charismatic Enigma. Hardy pushed Triple H to his limits, could Hardy upset Triple H on this night?

Lock-up, clean break from the champion. Arm-wringer from Hardy, Triple H counters for a hammerlock but Hardy counters with his own. Side headlock from Triple H, shoulder block from Triple H. Hip-toss from Hardy, kick off from Triple H. Arm-drag into an arm-bar from Hardy, Triple H shoves Hardy to the corner. Leap-over from Hardy, both men attempt their finishers before a stalemate. Lock-up, side headlock from Triple H. Arm-drags from Hardy into an arm-wringer. Triple H backs Hardy into the corner, shoulder thrusts. Hardy escapes and tries for seemingly whisper in the wind but Hardy is sent tumbling to the floor.

Triple H shoves Hardy into the ring-post, make it double. Schoolboy for two, arm-bar from the champion. Hardy fights back, corkscrew mule kick misses as Triple H dodges. Arm-bar from Triple H, Hardy fights back again but lowers his head on an Irish whip. Face-buster from Triple H, Triple H hits the ropes again but Hardy counters with a sling-blade like manoeuvre. Leg drop to the gut and dropkick to the face from Hardy for two, Triple H reverses an Irish whip. Hardy slips out of the spinebuster for a sit-out front suplex for two. Corner clothesline from Hardy, Hardy attempts a corner dropkick but Triple H lands a spinebuster for two.

 Triple H whips Hardy to the corner, Hardy tries a middle rope crossbody but the champion counters for a crossface. Triple H sees Hardy crawling close to the ropes so Hardy is dragged back to the middle of the ring. Crossface reapplied, Hardy counters the hold for a pin-fall for a close two. The Game stomps Hardy to the floor, Hardy reverses an Irish whip and the champion meets the steel steps. Hardy uses the steps to nail Poetry in Motion on Triple H, both men are down on the floor. Whisper in The Wind, make it double. 1….2… Triple H kicks out! Rope assisted dropkick in the corner, two for Hardy. Twist of Fate is countered, Triple H shoves off Hardy. Pedigree attempt, Hardy sweeps the legs and jacknife covers The Game for two.

Sleeper from Triple H to cut off the challenger, Hardy escapes and nails The Twist of Fate. 1…2.. Triple H manages to kick out! Hardy climbs to the top rope, Swanton Bomb from Hardy. Hardy decides one is not enough, Swanton Bomb number two does not go to plan. Triple H blocks with his knees and both men are now down. Pedigree is countered for a corkscrew mule kick, plancha from Hardy. Hardy tosses Triple H back in the ring, another swanton attempt but Triple H crotches Hardy and lands the Pedigree for the win.

They work hard like they did at No Mercy, Triple H has definitively beaten Hardy now with the Pedigree. Interesting considering what we know the future holds but I thought they did put together an interesting match on this occasion. There do a rehash of last month with Hardy acknowledging how good The Game is while The Game acknowledging that Hardy is so close to climbing to the top of the mountain. I cannot think of much more to say though, it was good but I had also seen this match last month with a relatively similar layout.

Winner: Triple H over Jeff Hardy via Pedigree!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Chris Jericho © vs Batista (Stone Cold Steve Austin Special Guest Referee)

Jericho had freed himself of Shawn Michaels, a feud that had spanned for months on Raw. Jericho was doing some of the best character work in his life but now, Jericho must face The Animal. Batista has been on a warpath since the summer, defeating John Cena and winning a number one contender’s match. The deck is stacked against Y2J though as nobody is willing to help Jericho weasel his way out of the match and the special guest referee is none other than The Texas Rattlesnake. However, Randy Orton is more than miffed at this choice from the WWE Nation.

The bell rings, Jericho is still talking trash with Austin. Not a wise choice with The Animal in the background. Jericho slaps Batista, Batista spears Jericho to the corner, shoulder thrusts from Batista. Irish whip by Batista, Jericho holds onto the ropes and decides to leave. Jericho continues walking away, Austin asks for the microphone. Austin says that if Jericho gets disqualified or counted out, Jericho loses his championship. Jericho is worried and rushes back to the ring, clothesline by Batista. Hard Irish whip and slap from Batista, high elbow and suplex for two. Batista rams Jericho into the buckle, elbows from Batista. Hip-toss from Batista, Jericho manages to throw the challenger to the floor.

Baseball slide from Jericho, Batista tries entering the ring and Jericho ties up Batista in the ropes. Batista’s left leg is a target for the champion, Jericho makes no mistake in attacking the leg. Jericho wrenches the leg, more kicks to the knee. Chop block from the champion, slaps from Jericho. Bad idea, Batista smashes Jericho in the face. Right hands by Batista, Irish whip but Jericho ducks the clothesline and dropkicks the knee. Back to the knee goes the champion, numerous kicks to the hamstring and calf.

Batista knocks away Jericho with his good leg before Jericho slaps on a sleeper, Batista backs Jericho to the corner. Drop toehold from Jericho cuts off The Animal, ten punches in the corner attempt from Jericho. Batista counters, looking for the powerbomb but Jericho rolls through for a two count. More kicks to the leg from Jericho, Batista uses his good leg for a massive big boot. Batista fires back with right hands, a corner clothesline and a running powerslam. Batista Bomb attempt but Jericho attacks the leg and has The Walls of Jericho locked in, Batista manages to crawl to the ropes. Jericho does not release so Austin forces Jericho to release the hold.

Batista shoves away Jericho, massive black hole slam for two. Jericho ducks a clothesline, crossbody attempt but Batista counters for his powerbomb. However, Jericho wriggles free.  Jericho is on the apron, stun-gun to Batista and Jericho edges towards the top rope. Diving attack fails for Jericho as Batista nails a clothesline, close two for Batista. Batista is measuring for the spear, Jericho dodges last second. Batista hits the ring-post hard, Jericho and Batista are on the apron climbing the buckle. Batista tosses off Jericho, diving shoulder block from Batista for a close two.

Jericho counters the spinebuster for a DDT, Batista is rolling his way to the corner. Batista hits Jericho with an elbow, Batista shoulder blocks Austin by mistake. Codebreaker from Jericho, Austin is down. Here comes Shawn Michaels, Michaels counts super slow for Jericho due to his hatred for Jericho. Jericho and Michaels have words, Batista Spears Jericho who was spooked by Michaels. Michaels tries to count the pin but JBL comes out and Clotheslines Michaels on the floor. Jericho chop blocks Batista, Jericho grabs the championship. Randy Orton runs down and wipes out Austin, what is going on? Jericho waffles Batista with the championship, 1….2… Batista manages to get his shoulder up and kick out!

Austin is up too, Stone Cold Stunner to Orton which sends everyone into a frenzy. Jericho and Austin have words, Jericho avoids the stunner but does not avoid the spinebuster. Batista Bomb for the ages on Jericho in the middle of the ring, 1…2…3!

The deck was truly stacked against the slimy Jericho on this night but Jericho delivered a very good performance in the main event with Batista. The Special Guest Referee stipulation is hit and miss with me, it almost always guarantees shenanigans and boy did this match have that at the end. Austin down, Michaels comes out but we also have JBL and Orton. The crowd lost their minds with each little moment, ramping up the drama and excitement of the match ten fold. How was the match before that ending though? Well, Jericho worked the leg and I was into it, Batista could not deliver his power moves as he needed that leg as his foundation. Batista struggled to put away Jericho because his power was taken away, definitely could have heightened the drama more with a Walls of Jericho in there that made you doubt whether Batista could hang on. When the walls were used, it felt too early, I thought Jericho could have done more to build drama for that moment. However, for a Cyber Sunday pay per view to end with a new champion with a redemption story and as much excitement as it did, I am one happy customer.

Winner: Batista over Chris Jericho via Batista Bomb!

That was WWE’s Cyber Sunday 2008, a decent pay per view due to my low expectations coming into the event. While they are fun gimmick matches on these shows, they tend to have little importance on the grand scheme of things in WWE and the matches tend to be hit and miss. We kick off with a continuation of Kane vs Mysterio, an interesting angle for sure and a great match up due to the Mysterio vs Big Man factor. Mysterio is super popular with the fans, flies around the ring and Kane keeps swatting him down, weapons come into play which help keep the crowd coming with the match until we have a great counter into the finish with Mysterio slaying The Big Red Monster.

Things take a dip with Hardy vs Bourne, nothing majorly wrong here with the two working hard but crowd did not want to boo Hardy who had to dominate and dictate the pace due to being the veteran/champion and the crowd seemed like they did not connect to the high-flying Bourne. Speculating it was due to lack of exposure to ECW, regardless the match suffered from the fans and their torn or disinterested perspective. The tag match between Morrison & Miz & Cryme Tyme did little for me. I like Morrison & Miz, I feel Cryme Tyme are hardly ever booked and the tag division is such a non-factor in WWE that this match meant nothing. Undertaker vs Big Show was hard-hitting with Taker doing his best to showcase The Big Show and how much of a threat he is to The Deadman. I think with these two matches Taker has succeeded with putting Show on the map, I like the brawling battles the two have and the finish is satisfying with Show setting up for his trusty weapon only to fall into Taker’s trap.

Triple H vs Jeff Hardy was good but felt too similar to their previous match, the one positive I suppose you have from it is Triple H can move past this now and they can start to rebuild Hardy towards the main event scene that they desperately want him to attain. The main event is so exciting in those final minutes, it makes the pay per view worth it almost. Batista finally back on top of the mountain but Jericho’s reign is over so quickly, what could possibly be next after Jericho’s hard work? Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Unforgiven 2008 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that disappears more than The Kabuki Warriors! It’s time for WWE Unforgiven 2008, the peak of The Championship Scramble Phase of WWE! Three major championships defended in championship scramble matches, what could happen in this wild night of the WWE. Triple H defends his WWE Championship, Mark Henry defends his ECW Championship and CM Punk defends his World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Unforgiven and let’s get it on!

Opening Hype Package

History is guaranteed, championship scramble all night long. Highlights of Jericho vs Michaels, the most heated feud in the WWE, Chris Jericho wants to finish off Shawn Michaels, this is damn sure personal as JR would say. An excellent package that hypes up Michaels vs Jericho, this angle has been tremendous and now we are sinking our teeth right into the middle of it.

ECW Championship Scramble Match (Matt Hardy vs Mark Henry © vs The Miz vs Chavo Guerrero vs Finlay)

The Miz and Matt Hardy to start, this match has a twenty-minute time limit, every five minutes, a new superstar will enter the ring. Miz takes the back of Hardy, hammerlock reversal from Hardy. Side headlock takedown from Hardy, shoulder block from Hardy. Another shoulder block, hiptoss from Miz though. Miz grabs a side headlock, Miz is shoved into the corner. Corner clothesline from Hardy, Hardy cannot nail the bulldog though. Miz shoves Hardy into the corner, Miz misses a corner clothesline and eats a powerbomb from Hardy for two.

Running clothesline from Hardy for two, Miz pulls Hardy into the middle rope. Cross-armed punches from Miz, Miz drops his weight down on Hardy’s back for two. Reverse chinlock from Miz, sunset flip from Hardy off an Irish whip for two. Miz nails a clothesline for two, Miz is caught on the middle rope trying to escape from Hardy. Splash Mountain Bomb incoming but Hardy cannot hold onto Miz, Reality Check from Miz. Hardy rolls to the floor, Miz’s chance at championship gold alludes him for now. The next superstar to enter the match is here, it’s Chavo Guerrero. Chavo throws Miz out of the ring and nails a Frog Splash on Hardy to become the new ECW Champion.

Miz nails a forearm on Chavo, running clothesline from Miz for two. Rolling Kappu kick from Chavo to Miz, plancha to the floor. Hardy throws Chavo into the ring, scoop slam and elbow drop for two. Chavo is looking for a superplex on Miz, Miz fights out and nails a crossbody on Hardy and Chavo for two. Clothesline from Hardy who is rallying, back drop to Chavo. Clubbing blow to Miz, corner clothesline and bulldog takes out both Chavo and Miz. Side Effect on Chavo, Hardy is ECW Champion! Irish whip to Miz, Hardy throws Chavo to the floor. Hardy applies a sleeper to Miz to wear down his challenger. Mark Henry is the next man to enter the championship scramble. Chavo, Miz and Hardy decide the best way to deal with Henry is team up to take out The World’s Strongest Man.

Henry is fresh though, Henry takes the punishment and shoves down his challengers. Clotheslines galore, Chavo is tossed across the ring. Henry press slams Hardy with ease, Miz tees off on Henry but eats a splash. World’s Strongest Slam on Chavo and Mark Henry is ECW Champion. Henry slams Miz with ease, Hardy unloads before a headbutt rocks Hardy. World’s Strongest Slam is blocked by Hardy but a massive chop sends Hardy to the floor. Henry flapjacks Miz, Chavo attacks Henry but Henry shrugs off the attacks. Chavo gets caught in a bearhug from Henry, Hardy begins climbing the top turnbuckle. Hardy dives into a bearhug, Hardy throws rights and lefts but begins to fade with each passing second.

Finlay is the last man to enter, DDT on Henry for two. Make it two, two-count for Finlay again. There are five minutes left in this match, bearhug from Henry. Hornswoggle is in the ring, Hornswoggle distracts Henry. Shillelagh from Finlay, Finlay and Hardy throw Henry to the floor. Celtic Cross and Finlay is your ECW Champion. Miz is on the top rope, missile dropkick from Miz. Miz grabs Hardy but walks into a Twist Of Fate and Hardy is your ECW Champion. Henry is on his feet, Hardy stands his ground to battle Henry. Chavo Frog Splashes Miz in the background but Hardy stops Chavo stealing his championship.

Henry boots Hardy and nails a World’s Strongest Slam on Miz, Hardy makes the save. Henry slams Chavo, Hardy saves his championship once more. Henry goes after Finlay, World’s Strongest Slam but Hardy makes the save again. Miz rolls up Hardy for two as Henry makes the save. Chavo dives into the arms of Henry, World’s Strongest Slam but Hardy saves his championship again. Henry continues to look for an easy pin-fall but Hardy is continuing to defend his championship, nobody can score a pin-fall with Hardy breaking up every pin-fall attempt.

That was a fun opening match, I feel like these matches are going to be difficult to critique because you have little spots here and there but is there really a lot going on for twenty minutes? It feels like we are always killing time until the next wrestler enters the match. So, what did I like? The crafty tactics of Chavo stealing a pin to win the championship, Finlay using Hornswoggle to gain the upper hand and Hardy defending his territory in the ring was also a highlight.

Winner: Matt Hardy Via Survival!

(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) Cryme Tyme vs Ted Dibiase & Cody Rhodes ©

Am I back in 2006? Cryme Tyme back in WWE? They have been off pay per view for what seems like an eternity while Rhodes and Dibiase are back after winning the championships at Night Of Champions when Dibiase revealed that Rhodes was his partner, stabbing mentor Hardcore Holly in the back figuratively. Rhodes and JTG begin the match, Rhodes ducks from JTG to start the match. Irish whip from Rhodes, punch from JTG. Big dropkick and Shad clothesline Dibiase & Rhodes to the floor. Shad elevates JTG over the top rope onto the champions, a huge plancha from JTG.

Shad eats a jawbreaker from Dibiase, Dibiase nails an elbow in the corner. Shad counters with a massive sidewalk slam, elbow drop for two. Dibiase boots Shad in the face, tag to Rhodes. The champions batter Shad, JTG blind tags in and nails a slingshot shoulder block for two. Rhodes begs off from JTG, slap from Rhodes, JTG gives chase on the floor and Rhodes nails a massive clothesline on the floor. Rhodes works the arm in the ring, applying a keylock on JTG. Dibiase tags in, wrenches the arm and tags back in Rhodes who nails a middle rope axe handle. Rhodes uses the ropes to wrench JTG’s arm, Dibiase wrenches the arm behind the referee’s back.

Russian legsweep from Rhodes, knee drop and an arm wrench. Tag to Dibiase who nails a dropkick, kick to the arm and a keylock from Dibiase. JTG battles back and nails a back suplex, Dibiase tags in Rhodes who prevents JTG from tagging Shad as Shad is knocked off the apron. JTG boots Rhodes away but JTG cannot crawl to the corner. Keylock from Rhodes, JTG manages to escape but a scoop slam ends the hopes of JTG for now. Rhodes looks for a moonsault and misses, Shad snake eyes Dibiase and scores big with a forearm.

JTG takes down Rhodes briefly, the referee brings JTG out of the ring. Illegally, Rhodes nails his Silver Spoon DDT, Shad is saved by his foot on the ropes. Dibiase tags in Rhodes, Shad clotheslines Rhodes. Cryme Tyme look for their finish, Dibiase interferes with JTG landing a small package on Rhodes, Sahd punches Dibiase into the small package, Dibiase pushes over the small package and the champions retain their titles. After the match, some afro having Samoan saves the champions from the beatdown, this is Manu’s debut and well, this is bizarre.

Could they not have Manu interfere in the match to allow the champions to retain, would that not be a more impressive debut for Manu? But what do I know about booking right? The match itself was fine thought the heat segment was a little long. Despite JTG’s impressive athletic display, the fans were not hugely into the duo of JTG & Shad. So, this could have been handle and booked better but it was passable, nothing awful here.

Winners: Dibiase & Rhodes over Cryme Tyme via Small Package!

(Unsanctioned Match) Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho

It all began with Chris Jericho wanting to be HBK, Jericho wanted to emulate his idol but Jericho realized that sometimes, it is not a good thing to meet your idols for Chris Jericho was disappointed by Shawn Michaels, Michaels was a fraud in Jericho’s eyes, faking an injury to defeat Batista so Jericho did everything in his power to expose Michaels. Things would come to a head as Jericho nearly blinded HBK and waffled Michael’s wife in the face with a right hand. Despite not having medical clearance, Michaels is here to battle Jericho.

The match begins with a takedown and Michaels walloping Jericho with his cowboy boot, Jericho rolls to the floor. Michaels dives onto Jericho, into the crowd they brawl. Michaels trips Jericho and catapults Y2J into the ring-post. Michaels looks under the ring and grabs a chair, Jericho ducks the chair shot. Kick to the gut and Jericho sends HBK onto the announce table. DDT on the floor from Jericho, Jericho pulls a table from under the ring. Jericho hurls the table onto Michaels, Jericho wants a powerbomb through the table. Michaels avoids the powerbomb but Jericho smacks Michaels’ arm off the ring apron.  Jericho has a chair in the ring, Jericho smashes Michaels with the chair in the back and ribs.

Back suplex from Y2J, right hands and kicks from Jericho. A choke from Y2J, Y2J is sent into the ring-post by Michaels. Jericho is on the apron, Jericho wants a suplex to the floor. HBK and Jericho trade shots, HBK hangs on and manages to clothesline Jericho back into the ring. Right hands by Michaels, Irish whip reversal which leads to a flying forearm from Michaels. Kip-up from Michaels and a blatant choke, HBK manages to climb to the top rope. Elbow drop, Sweet Chin Music but Michaels stops himself, Jericho has collapsed to his knees. HBK begins pummelling Jericho, crucifix on the arm and we have a crossface.

Jericho reverses by pulling HBK eye first into the steel chair, Jericho zeroes in on the eye. The same eye that had been injured, Jericho digs his fingers into the eye. The two trade blows, Jericho whips HBK into the corner but HBK comes flying out with a Lou Thesz press. Michaels was looking for a piledriver but Jericho reverses for a Walls Of Jericho. Michaels reaches the ropes but there is no rope break, Jericho does not have to break the hold but Michaels pulls out a fire extinguisher from under the ring, Michaels blasts Jericho in the face. Michaels waffles Jericho in the face with the extinguisher, Jericho rolls to the floor. Michaels is in pursuit, stiff kick to the ribs of Jericho.

Jericho is tossed into the barricade, Michaels wants a suplex on the ramp and it connects, both men scream in pain. Here comes Lance Cade, Michaels punches down Cade. Jericho eats a massive right to the face, Cade comes back for more, catching Michaels on his injured arm. Massive lariat to Michaels, Cade kicks HBK’s arm into the ring-post, Cade holds down Michaels’ arm, Jericho smashes the chair into the arm of Michaels, these two are battering HBK. Jericho places the chair on Michaels’ arm, it could be time for a Pillmanizer! Michaels kicks off Cade who crotches Jericho on the top rope. Sweet Chin Music for Cade, Michaels smashes Jericho with the chair and Jericho falls through the table at ringside.

Michaels takes apart the announce table, Jericho is placed on the table. Jericho rolls off the table in desperation, Michaels places Jericho on top of Cade on the table. Michaels climbs to the top rope, Elbow Drop through both Cade and Jericho. Michaels takes off his belt, beginning to whip Jericho. Michaels ties up Jericho, stating an eye for an eye before pummelling Jericho with closed fists in the eye. Jericho is not moving, more closed fists to the eye of Jericho in a barbaric fashion.

A brutal, physical and entertaining contest. Michaels and Jericho bring the emotion and drama tenfold in these wild brawl, this feels like a brawl from the get go, the two men go about dissecting one another in cruel ways, Jericho goes after the arm with Michaels fighting from underneath. Love the use of Cade to give Jericho the advantage, Michaels’ comeback is electric and then we have that finish, a finish that builds on everything this story has been so far, it goes back to the roots of the feud with Michaels pummelling Jericho until Jericho is lifeless, Michaels uses the tape from his arm to punch Jericho in the eye over and over just like Jericho did to Michaels at The Bash. Michaels has his revenge, leaving Jericho a mess with it not being too drawn out like when Jericho did the same to Michaels, tremendous match.

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Chris Jericho via TKO!

(WWE Championship Scramble Match) Triple H © vs Brian Kendrick vs Shelton Benjamin vs Jeff Hardy vs MVP

Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin will begin the match, same rules as the ECW Championship Scramble. Five of Smackdown’s top superstars battling it out for The Game’s championship. Roll-up by Benjamin, roll-up by Hardy. Both men attempting to capture the championship as early as possible. Side headlock from Benjamin, shoulder block and a quick two for Benjamin. Irish whip, Hardy avoids a scoop slam for an O Connor roll, two for Hardy. To the corner, Irish whip reversal from Benjamin. Sunset flip out of the corner from Hardy for two, Benjamin applies a side headlock into a takedown.

Hardy is caught by Benjamin for a buckle bomb, stomps from Benjamin. Snap suplex for two, camel clutch from Benjamin. Knees to the back and stomps, Hardy counters a back suplex for a two count. Clothesline by Hardy for one, Hardy pummels Benjamin on the mat. Scoop slam and leg drop from Hardy, two for Hardy. At number three comes The Brian Kendrick, Kendrick saunters his way down to the ring, Hardy and Benjamin are clubbing one another on the apron. Benjamin is knocked off the apron by Kendrick, Kendrick focuses on Hardy. Flying forearm from Kendrick for two, stomps from Kendrick.

Kendrick brings Hardy to the corner, Hardy dodges a corner splash. Hardy nails an alley oop powerbomb to win the championship. Hardy nails Benjamin with a snap suplex, forearms from Benjamin. Benjamin misses a corner splash, Twist of Fate misses for Hardy and Benjamin nails Pay-Dirt. Kendrick kicks Benjamin off Hardy, Kendrick nails Sliced Bread No.2 and Kendrick is your current WWE Champion. MVP comes out at number four, MVP flapjacks Kendrick, dropkick to Hardy. MVP has Benjamin, facebuster from MVP. MVP is steadying himself, MVP is wiped out by a leaping calf kick from Kendrick. Kendrick poses and Hardy wipes out Kendrick.

Mule kick to Benjamin, Benjamin and MVP are in the corner. Slingshot dropkick by Hardy, Kendrick protects his championship. MVP and Kendrick brawl, Irish whip to the corner and Kendrick answers with a crossbody. Boot to Benjamin, Benjamin looks for a powerbomb on Kendrick but Kendrick counters with a hurricanrana. Right hands to MVP, MVP answers back but a leaping calf kick takes down MVP. Our final entrant is here, it is the one and only The Game Triple H. Triple H storms to the ring, clotheslining Benjamin to the floor, Kendrick eats a clothesline. Facebuster for MVP, Kendrick eats a spinebuster and MVP is sent to the floor. Pedigree to Kendrick, Triple H is your current champion.

4 minutes left, Benjamin jumps Triple H. The two brawl on the floor, Benjamin meets the barricade but Triple H meets the steel steps. Hardy grabs MVP, Hardy nails Twist of Fate and Hardy is your current champion. Kendrick attempts a Sliced Bread No.2, Hardy escapes and nails a sit-out front suplex. Hardy climbs to the top rope, Triple H crotches Hardy. Pedigree on Kendrick again, Triple H is back as your current WWE Champion. Hardy nails a Swanton Bomb on Kendrick and becomes your current WWE Champion. Triple H looks on in shock, Pedigree attempt but Triple H is dumped to the floor. Tope con hilo from Hardy.

MVP comes for Kendrick, Kendrick is placed on the top rope. Benjamin, Kendrick and MVP perform a beautiful tower of doom spot, Hardy is still your champion. Whisper in The Wind on MVP, Swanton Bomb on Benjamin. Triple H catches MVP with a Pedigree with one second remaining, Triple H is your champion!

That finish does not sit well with me at all, Jeff Hardy looks like a massive twat trying to pin Benjamin instead of breaking up Triple H’s pin-fall. What would be going through his head logic wise? No clue, takes away from what little story-telling was going on in this crazy match. Does it really even setup Hardy vs Triple H? Not in my mind, the match was fine but that finish was garbage!

Winner: Triple H over Everyone Else via Survival!

CM Punk & Randy Orton

Randy Orton is back from injury, not ready to return to the ring but feeling brave enough to get in the face of CM Punk. CM Punk’s underdog story is coming to an end unfortunately though as Manu, Dibiase and Rhodes wipe out Punk and Kingston. The segment ends with a punt on Punk, this would be the end of Punk’s reign as champion, losing the championship without even losing it in the ring. A sad end but had Punk been booked properly since becoming champion? I’d say no, fluke might have been the right word to describe that reign.

(WWE Divas Championship Match) Michelle McCool © vs Maryse

Michelle defeated Natalya to become inaugural champion while Maryse has come out as the new heel in town on Smackdown. The two begin with a nice wrestling sequence, Russian legsweep from Michelle for two. Maryse pulls Michelle down by her hair, more wrist-locks before Michelle flips out of the corner and arm-drags Maryse. Michelle looks to have blown out her knee on the moonsault, Maryse kicks out the knee and goes to work before Michelle boots Maryse hard on the floor. Diving clothesline on the barricade for two, in the ring Maryse nails a chop block.

Maryse wrenches the leg, slamming Michelle’s knee into the mat. Indian death-lock like hold from Maryse, Michelle begins to fight back on one leg, Maryse pulls Michelle into the ropes, choke using the middle rope. On her knees, Michelle nails an enzuigiri for two. The two trade punches, Irish whip by Michelle. Maryse goes for a sunset flip, Michelle rolls through and nails a dropkick. Michelle tries a suplex, the knee buckles but Michelle answers with a big boot. Sit-out front suplex by Michelle on one knee for the win.

Decent story told by the two for the time given, Michelle sold the knee throughout and Maryse did work over the knee which is always a plus. Finish was fine, just did not know it was coming nor did the fans, not sure if Michelle had really established the suplex as a finish, the faith-breaker is infinitely superior as a finish.

Winner: Michelle McCool over Maryse via Sit-out Front Suplex!

Undertaker & Big Show Segment

Vickie Guerrero and Edge had made Taker’s life a living hell on Smackdown for many months but Taker had his revenge on Edge, destroying Edge in The Hell in a Cell and watching Edge go up in flames after a Chokeslam through the ring. Vickie was yet to pay though, Taker sends a casket to the ring in preparation for the demise of Vickie Guerrero as she must pay for her sins. Vickie had also managed to piss off Big Show, keeping The Giant out of the championship scramble. Show holds Vickie hostage as Taker comes to the ring, Vickie screams in terror at the sight of The Deadman and the realization that her fate has been sealed, doom is what awaits The Smackdown General Manager.

However, Show is not on the side of The Deadman. Show Kos Taker with a right hand, Taker had been setup by Vickie Guerrero. Show proceeds to show the power and ability that made the giant a once fearsome athlete. Show had returned at No Way Out 2008 but now, Show was back in business for real, no smiling, no silly gimmick matches on ECW, it was Big Show’s time to become a bad ass once more. KO punch and Undertaker is laying lifeless in the ring, Big Show is large and in charge!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Scramble Match) Batista vs Kane vs Rey Mysterio vs JBL vs ????

Batista and JBL to start the match, the question looms over this match: Will CM Punk compete after the assault of Randy Orton? Lock-up, side headlock from JBL but Batista shoulder tackles JBL down, Batista stomps and shoulder thrusts JBL in the corner. JBL boots Batista, Irish whip reversal to the corner. Batista nails a clothesline, sleeper hold off an Irish whip reversal by JBL. Batista counters with a sin breaker, chop block from The Animal. Figure four from Batista, JBL inches his way to the ropes.

JBL trades shots with Batista, JBL dumps Batista to the floor. Batista sends JBL into the steel steps, we have our third entrant in Kane. Kane walks into the ring, no fear of Batista. Kane uppercuts Batista, Batista is whipped to the corner, Batista explodes out of the corner with a clothesline. Kane reverses and Irish whip and nails a big boot, snapmare and a low dropkick for two. Kane stomps Batista in the corner.

 Kane whips Batista to the corner, elbow block from The Animal. Corner clothesline from Batista, Kane is choked in the corner. Irish whip reversal from Kane, sidewalk slam from Kane. Kane misses his diving clothesline, Kane dodges the spear with an uppercut. Chokeslam is blocked, Batista bomb is stopped by JBL with a boot. Kane boots Batista to the floor, Chokeslam From Hell on JBL and Kane is your current champion. Rey Mysterio is in at number four, low dropkicks from Mysterio. Mysterio nails a springboard dropkick, Kane goes flying to the floor. Tilt-a-whirl headscissors and bulldog on JBL, Mysterio misses a 619 on Kane who drills Mysterio with a clothesline.

Batista saves Mysterio with a back suplex from Kane, Batista and Mysterio combine for a splash on Kane, Batista gets two off of the splash. Mysterio tricks Batista for a sunset flip, two for Mysterio. JBL comes in with short-arm clotheslines and fallaway slams. The final entrant is here, it’s Chris Jericho. A shock to all involved as Jericho looks battered from his brawl with Michaels. Mysterio dropkicks JBL into the ropes, Batista Spears Jericho and Mysterio. The Animal is cooking, powerslam to Kane. Spear to JBL, Mysterio kicks at Batista. Mysterio nails 619 on Kane, boot by Batista to Kane.

Batista is on his feet, clotheslining Mysterio to the floor. Kane uppercuts Batista, JBL Clothesline From Hell to Kane. Batista nails a spinebuster on JBL, Kane knocks down Batista. Diving Clothesline from Kane, Batista Spears Kane avoiding the chokeslam. Batista spinebusters Kane and Batista is your champion, Jericho sneaks in and pins Kane behind Batista’s back as Batista powerbombs Mysterio, Y2J is your champion.

This match was going to build around who was Punk’s placement, Jericho winning the championship would add yet another layer to the feud between HBK and Y2J but as for the match itself, there was no difference to the others and this is the third scramble match of the night, the novelty has worn off on me with only the last five minutes mattering in a twenty minute match. Interesting enough concept but three times in one night was too much for me.

Winner: Chris Jericho Over Everyone Else via Survival!

That was WWE’s Unforgiven 2008, a night of championship scrambles but ultimately, a decent pay per view effort from the WWE. The scrambles were fun at times but the majority of the action was stalling waiting for the last five minutes, the matches ranged from frequent title changes to one championship change at the end, they were ok but nothing to write home about. HBK vs Jericho was a fantastic match that built upon everything that had been driving the story between the two. A brawl with all the emotional weight and drama infused with a hot crowd makes for an excellent match that everyone should watch as it may be the best match of their feud but was easily the best match of the pay per view. Show’s heel turn made for an interesting angle while Punk’s removal from the title picture was odd and infuriating at the time, you could see why this is a mixed bag of a pay per view. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Summerslam 2008 Review

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

Jeff Hardy vs MVP

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

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

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

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

Winner: MVP over Jeff Hardy via Drive-By!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shawn Michaels Announcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Matt Hardy over Mark Henry via DQ!

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: CM Punk over JBL via GTS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Triple H over Great Khali via Pedigree!

John Cena vs Batista

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Batista over John Cena via Batista Bomb!

The Undertaker vs Edge (Hell In A Cell Match)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Undertaker over Edge via Tombstone Piledriver!

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

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