ECW Hardcore Heaven 2000 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that could have sworn Jeff Jarrett kept wrestling after the closure of WCW! ECW’s Hardcore Heaven 2000, did I mention the wheels were coming off this company? Ok, Mike Awesome is gone, the behemoth that kills everything. We never get the pay off, it is disappointing. Raven is nowhere to be seen, The Impact Players have split as Lance Storm is off to WCW. Scrambling for an answer, we find Justin Credible as the new ECW champion with Dreamer waiting in the wings. RVD is back from injury while Jerry Lynn is scratching and clawing trying to make it to the  main event scene. Corino continues to rise and the mid-card seems the same as every other show, this could be a hit or a miss folks. Let’s get into it!

Balls Mahoney vs Masato Tanaka

The arena looks nice and well lit, they even have a ramp. Tanaka and Mahoney were tag team champions, they are facing one another because God knows why. Kintaro Kanemura chokes out Gertner on Cyrus’ order, waistlock from Tanaka. Hammerlock counters, front chancery. Mahoney reaches the ropes, takedown by Mahoney. Single leg Boston crab by Mahoney, Tanaka reaches the ropes. Slugfest, Mahoney knocks Tanaka with a right hand. Crossbody by Tanaka for two, armdrag into an armbar. Lariat by Mahoney for two, Mahoney misses a spinning heel kick. Tanaka tries a plancha, Mahoney catches Tanaka and sends Tanaka into the guard rail. Two beers to the head, Tanaka meets the guard rail.

Tanaka sends Mahoney into the guard rail, right hands by Tanaka. Chair to the ribs, Tanaka cracks Mahoney with the chair. Tornado DDT on the ramp, they swing chairs at one another, Tanaka takes three shots to the head. Two for Mahoney, Tanaka eats a superkick for two. Mahoney has gathered  many chairs, the nutcracker suite is countered for a tornado DDT, two for Tanaka. Nutcracker Suite for two, Mahoney cracks his own head off the turnbuckle. Diamond Dust for two, Mahoney punches Tanaka. Nutcracker Suite on the pile of chairs for two, Tanaka dodges the leg drop. Roaring Elbow for two, Tanaka nails a super chair shot. Mahoney strong styles up before another Roaring Elbow ends the match.

A tonne of fun, ridiculous at times due to the amount of finisher kick-outs going on in the match but every single move popped the crowd, building their excitement to another level. They had their formula down to a tee, a great opening match for the fans.

Winner: Masato Tanaka over Balls Mahoney via Roaring Elbow!

Simon Diamond W/ The Prodigy/The Prodigette/Mitch/Musketeer vs Little Guido vs Mikey Whipwreck W/ Sinister Minister

I do not even know where to start with Simon’s entourage, it is ridiculous. Little Guido has moved down the card as opposed to up as Guido is still wrestling the same type of match that dominated his 1999. Whipwreck has his hair dyed red and playing the gimmick of a fire-obsessed maniac. Teases of finishes everywhere, armdrags by all. Superkick by Whipwreck on Guido, dropkick on Diamond. Headscissors by Guido on Diamond, Guido faceplants Diamond for two. Whipwreck nails a diving clothesline on Guido for two, Simon suplexes on Whipwreck. Guido dropkicks Diamond for two, slingshot leg drop on Guido by Whipwreck. Diamond drills Whipwreck with a chair, the lights go down in the arena.

Diamond planchas onto Big Sal, Whipwreck takes out Diamond’s entourage. Big Sal squishes the entourage, Sicilian Slice on Whipwreck for two. Diamond hammers away on Guido, sit-out spinebuster by Diamond. Two for Diamond, superkick by Whipwreck. Whippersnapper on Diamond, Diamond is eliminated. Crossbody with a roll through by Whipwreck for two, Double Underhook Spinning Facebuster by Whipwreck for two. Big Sal clubs Whipwreck, Russian legsweep by Guido for two. Guido misses a super elbow, fireball by Whipwreck on Big Sal. Maritato by Guido for the win.

Not on par with Super Crazy & Tajiri but fun nonetheless. A big knock on the match is the lights going down in the arena, killing the mood for a lot of fans in attendance. A fun match at the end of the night, happy for Guido to get the win.

Winner: Little Guido over Everyone Else via Maritato!

CW Anderson W/ The Dangerous Alliance vs Kid Kash W/ Jazz

Jazz gets beat up by The Dangerous Alliance, Kash makes the save. Kash dives onto Anderson and Wiles, left hand in the ring by Anderson. Hurricanrana by Kash, deep armdrag and a dropkick. Wiles gets knocked, diving hurricanrana onto Wiles. Chops by Kash, headscissors by Kash. Anderson nails a sit-out powerbomb out of nowhere, chops by Anderson. Anderson throws Kash to the floor, Wiles does some damage. Kash nails a crossbody for two, lariat by Anderson. Exploder suplex by Anderson for two, reverse chinlock by Anderson. Kash fires up, powerslam by Anderson to stop Kash for two. Anderson misses a splash, Wiles is cracked with Lou E’s cell phone. Superkick by Anderson for two, Top Rope Hurricanrana by Kash for the win.

Alright match, Kash has huge potential to be mixing it up with the likes of Crazy, Guido and Tajiri. Whether the company does anything with Kash, we shall see.

Winner: Kid Kash over CW Anderson via Super Rana!

Da Baldies vs Doring & Roadkill vs Chetti & Nova

Starts off hot with a tonne of brawling, Chetti & Nova have Devito. Kicking combination, pump kicks for Angel. Face-off between what must have been ECW’s future hopes for the tag division. Da Baldies stop the face-off, springboard clothesline by Roadkill. Senton Bomb on Devito for two, Lancaster Lariat of Lust for two. Springboard thrustkick by Chetti on Doring, Dirt Road Slam by Roadkill on Chetti. Double flapjack by Da Baldies on Roadkill, double slam onto two chairs. Nova nails both Baldies, elbow drop by Doring on Angel. Grimes does a run-in, Bare-back on Grimes. Danaconda on Grimes, Angel cracks Doring with the guitar for the elimination.

Roadkill fucks up Grimes, cannot believe Grimes is walking. Roadkill has a table, springboard splash through the table by Roadkill. Chetti spinning heel kicks Devito, Nova nails a cutter on Angel. Amityville Horror on Devito, Tidal Wave on Devito for the win.

Fun tag match, wished it was a bit longer and we had Doring & Roadkill vs Nova & Chetti. They had chemistry and it could be a lot of fun, Da Baldies have been pure filler since their existence adding nothing to pay per views with their garbage brawling and of course, every time Da Baldies come out you must have New Jack, New Jack does his shtick at the end of the match.

Winners: Chetti & Nova over Da Baldies via Tidal Wave!

Steve Corino W/ Jack Victory vs Tajiri

The change in Corino is astounding, Corino went from looking like a girl in tights to a man with a good body to backup his great promo skills. Slaps and kicks by Tajiri, enzuigiri by Corino. Powerbomb by Corino for two, Tarantula by Tajiri. On the ramp, Tajiri kicks Corino. Brainbuster on the ramp, a kick sends Corino to the floor. Tajiri bites the cut of Corino, low dropkick in the tree of woe by Tajiri. Victory saves Corino from a second dropkick, superkick for two. Tajiri kicks a chair into Corino’s face, Tajiri baseball slides the table into Corino’s face. Springboard clothesline by Tajiri, Corino comes back with a back drop through the table. Fisherman suplex for two, northern lights suplex for two. Leaping leg lariat by Corino, abdominal stretch by Corino. Octopus stretch on Corino by Tajiri, Green Mist on Victory. Powerslam by Corino for two, Buzzsaw Rush from Tajiri, Diving Foot Stomp through the table for the win.

Fair play to Corino who took an ass-whipping on the last two pay per views back to back. I would say these two matches did a lot to help Corino in the eyes of the fans, Corino’s physical transformation from looking like a lesbian to a pro wrestler is a great help. But Corino takes a beating here, it is fantastic stuff. Perfect fit for the match, perfect way to end the feud.

Winner: Tajiri over Corino via Diving Foot Stomp!

(ECW Television Champioship Match) The Sandman vs Rhino ©

Rhino made things personal, Rhino gored Sandman’s wife, Sandman cost Rhino the TV championship although Rhino won it back in the end. Sandman’s return has been disappointing, two bait and switches on pay per view meant Sandman has wrestled once in a six-man tag match at November to Remember on pay per view while this event takes place in May of 2000.

Rhino stomps all over Sandman, right hands by Rhino. Sandman fights back with punches, Rhino is tossed to the floor. Rhino is tossed into the crowd, right hands by Sandman. Guillotine leg drop by Sandman, brawling outside of the ring. Rhino positions Sandman for a gore, Sandman dodges at the last second. Sandman piledrivers Rhino in the ring for two, make it two. Lori is here, Corino and Victory are here. Sandman saves Lori, Rhino piledrivers Sandman on the ramp. Lori slaps Rhino, Rhino Piledrivers Lori through a table at ringside. Sandman canes everything in sight, picking up his wife. Rhino Gores both through a table in the corner, Rhino retains his championship.

So, we waited three pay per views for that? I was expecting so much more from such an emotionally charged feud. Sandman is limited, I mean everyone knows that but I expected more violence, more insanity and intensity. I did not feel it for this match, the visual of Rhino destroying Sandman’s wife was quite disturbing, that is going so far but we did not get a huge angle out of it at the end of the day. The piledriver is a great finish though, perfect fit for Rhino.

Winner: Rhino over Sandman via Gore!

Jerry Lynn vs Rob Van Dam W/ Scotty Anton & Bill Alfonso

Quite possibly the best series of matches between two wrestlers in ECW is back to write another chapter, both men have been injured with Lynn being upset at the attention that RVD has received. Lynn has a darker edge to him, could this mean something promising?

Usual theatrics from the two, nice transitions with great fluidity. More flips and theatrics, crowd is eating every single thing up from these two. Side headlock by RVD, thrustkick connects on Lynn. Cartwheel moonsault for two, Lynn cuts off RVD. Springboard dropkick by Lynn, plancha connects by Lynn. RVD ends up crotching Lynn on the guard rail, thrustkick by RVD. Corkscrew guillotine leg drop by RVD, RVD misses a moonsault off the guard rail. In the ring, Lynn leg drops RVD for two, Jumping DDT by Lynn for two, tornado DDT does not connect. Both men are down after a clothesline, Alfonso has a chair.

Lynn hurls the chair at RVD, Lynn leg drops RVD onto the chair for two. Step-through spinning heel kick by RVD. Rolling Thunder by RVD for two, forearms by RVD. Inverted atomic drop, running Van Damanator. Two for RVD, Lynn powerbombs RVD for two. Superplex by Lynn, two for Lynn. Guillotine leg drop by Lynn, Lynn bulldogs RVD through the table. Scotty Anton is at ringside, Lynn nails Anton with a somersault. Scoop slam, Alfonso shoves Lynn off the top rope. Diving thrustkick with Lynn eating a chair to the face thanks to Alfonso, a chair is placed on Lynn’s body.

Five Star Frog Splash, RVD is slow to capitalize. Victory and Corino attack RVD, Lynn fights off Corino and Victory. Rhino Gores Lynn, Rhino powerbombs RVD. RVD smacks Rhino, diving thrustkick by RVD. Van Damanator to Cyrus, Lynn dropkicks the chair into Alfonso. Van Damanator on Lynn, Anton pushes RVD to the floor. Lynn delivers The Cradle Piledriver and RVD kicks out at two, Cradle Piledriver on the chair and Lynn wins the match.

That was a lot of fun until all of the interference, Anton turning on RVD would have been fine but you had all The Network stud which did not help the match in the slightest. RVD and Lynn have great chemistry, two tremendous performers who came together to make ECW’s version of art. Interesting to see where RVD goes in ECW from losing to Lynn as it seems RVD winning back the championship he never lost has been abandoned.

Winner: Jerry Lynn over RVD via Cradle Piledriver!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Justin Credible © W/ Francine vs Lance Storm W/ Dawn Marie

Dreamer cannot fight Credible due to herniated discs in his back, I am sickened by the lack of a satisfying conclusion to Awesome’s title reign and the Dreamer/Raven/Francine storyline. Instead we have Storm standing up for ECW as Credible spat on the tag team championships destroying The Impact Players and making space for Storm to go to WCW. Storm takes down Credible, Credible powders. Right hand by Storm, Credible is being decimated. Flair flip and Storm dropkicks Credible to the guard rail. Storm tries a plancha, Credible waffles Storm with the cane. Storm is bleeding, a table has been setup on the ramp. Both men trade chops in the ring, boot by Credible.

Reverse chinlock by Credible, Storm sunset flips for two. Credible nails a clothesline, chops by Storm. Eye poke by Credible, another sleeper. Hurricanrana by Storm, elbow from the top rope for two. Jawbreaker and dropkick for two, series of counters before a northern lights from Storm for two. Superkick by Credible for two, Credible shoves Storm into a steel chair for two. Crossbody but Storm rolls through for two, Storm hiptosses Credible through the ringside table. Two for Storm, roll-through into The Single Leg Boston Crab. Francine cracks Storm with her shoe, catfight between the two ladies. Credible grabs Dawn, That’s Incredible to Dawn.

 Storm uses the cane on Credible, piledriver for two. Credible reverses Storm for That’s Incredible, two for Credible. Both men trade blows, Storm catapults Credible to the corner but Credible almost steals it with a reversal to a roll-up. Storm climbs to the top rope, Credible crotches Storm and That’s Incredible for the win.

I am not sure how that finish came off as so flat, there was no real dramatic finish from it but it is hard to complain. ECW was in a bad way due to stars leaving all the time, this match could have been something huge a year down the line. Looking back on ECW’s history, The Impact Players did not even reach their full potential being jerked around when it came to the tag team championships, so much more could have came before this match but issues like Awesome leaving and Storm leaving too complicated the matters. The crowd also wanted to see Dreamer win the big one, that much was obvious from the last image of the pay per view with Dreamer laying out Francine. Question is: Would ECW pull the trigger?

Winner: Justin Credible over Lance Storm via That’s Incredible!

That was ECW’s Hardcore Heaven 2000, a show that was more disappointing when all was finished. I have grown to breeze through ECW shows during this era, they are fun and even the bad is watchable. However, I am looking for advancements on pay per views, I am looking for quality matches with storylines and angles that I want to sink my teeth into, ECW is struggling to draw me in at this point. Corino is flourishing into a real superstar in the company that’s enjoyable to watch, Jerry Lynn has finally beaten RVD, that’s big news but outside of those two things I do not know how much interests me about the product. Tanaka is nowhere near the championship, Sandman and Rhino did not deliver and you just know they are going to fight again. Credible is going to suffer the same as Awesome and Taz before him as there are no credible challengers (excuse the pun) to face the champion. You can draw out Dreamer but RVD is not ready just yet, Lynn is not and Corino is not either so where do you go? It is a rough time on-screen and off-screen for the company. This show was enjoyable but I do not know how much had changed when everything was finished. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

ECW November To Remember 1999 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that does not walk with Elias! It’s ECW November to Remember, it’s ECW Wrestlemania. Their biggest show, their biggest card. The return of Sandman! Hak is back from WCW to give us a six-man tag match for our main event, not a big fan of that but we have The Impact Players and Rhino taking on Raven, Dreamer and Sandman. We also have Chris Candido vs Sabu, Taz vs Rob Van Dam in a changing of the guard and Jerry Lynn in a three-way dance. Stacked card, a disappointing main event but this might be great stuff! Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

Styles, Cyrus and Gertner open the show before Taz comes out and is a dickhead. Taz is a bitter piece of shit, Gertner is now a babyface since The Dudleys have left the company to join the WWF. Taz chokes out Gertner, Taz cuts a promo and we have our first match.

Simon Diamond W/ Dick Hertz vs Spike Dudley

Simon cuts a promo insulting the crowd, Simon is with his bodyguard Dick. Dick puns everywhere, Simon is quite the fun mid-card act. Jazz is not happy with Simon Diamond, Jazz slaps and plants The Jazz Stinger on Simon. Dick nails The Penile Implant on Jazz. Here comes Spike, so what was the actual planned match, it seems so random. Acid Drop on Dick, Simon attacks Spike. Stomps by Simon, Spike attempts an acid drop. Simon flapjacks Spike onto the turnbuckle, Simon hurls Spike to the floor. Spike tricks Simon and nails a somersault to the floor. Spike smacks a chair over Simon’s back. Simon recovers with a back drop on the floor, Simon is bleeding. Simon’s suplexes for two, Spike headbutts Simon in the balls and nails The Acid Drop for the win.

The FBI lay out Spike, huge splash and low blow but here comes Nova. Axe handle to Big Sal, sit-out spinebuster on Guido. Guido misses a shoulder tackle, facebuster by Nova. Nova climbs to the top rope, crossbody to the floor. Big Sal clubs Nova as he enters the ring, Guido goes on the offensive. Nova walks into a lariat for two, slapwar between the two. Knee by Guido, Sicilian Slice for two. Nova and Guido counter one another before  a neckbreaker from Guido for two, Guido eats a massive Samoan drop from Nova.

Right hands by Nova, powerbomb position into a cutter, Smash Mouth by Nova. Big Sal makes the save, Big Sal misses a splash. Tornado DDT by Nova on Big Sal, Tomikaze by Guido on Nova and this match is all over! Big Sal splashes Nova before Chetti makes the save. Huge kick from Chetti, here come Doring & Roadkill. Wham Bam Thank You Mam, Roadkill splashes Chetti.

Well, I got to see a tonne of people but there was not much meaning to anything inside of that ring. Spike vs Simon was so brief, why did Jazz come there to get destroyed? Why all the run-ins? I would prefer a great tag between the teams but I suppose Chetti is still selling the back injury. Just expected more based on the past pay per views.

Winner: Spike Dudley over Simon Diamond via Acid Drop!

Winner: Guido over Nova via Tomikaze!

Tajiri W/ Steve Corino & Jack Victory vs Super Crazy vs Jerry Lynn

Three of the best workers from the company at the time in ECW’s signature match. Match starts with Tajiri being wiped out, Lynn has taped up ribs. Lynn nails a headscissors takedown, Crazy answers with his own armdrag. Standing ovation, Tajiri has Lynn in The Tarantula. Crazy makes the save, Tarantula on Crazy. Lynn and Tajiri pair off, thrustkick from Tajiri. Lynn dives onto Crazy, Tajiri nails an Asai moonsault. Crazy meets the guard rail, Tajiri and Crazy are in the crowd while Lynn dives onto the two. Crazy climbs scaffolding and dives onto the two, moonsault from ten feet in the air.

Drop toehold by Crazy, Lynn bulldogs Tajiri. Gory Special by Lynn, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Lynn. Tajiri dropkicks Lynn, hurricanrana by Tajiri on Crazy. Crazy slaps Tajiri, powerbomb with Lynn making the save. Cradle Piledriver on Crazy by Lynn, Tajiri wants the pin on Crazy so Tajiri nails a Brainbuster for the elimination!

Super Crazy Has Been Eliminated!

Handspring elbow by Tajiri, nasty kick to the ribs. Low dropkick in the tree of woe, Lynn counters the handspring for a German suplex for two. Backbreaker by Tajiri, Tajiri misses a middle rope moonsault. Forearms by Lynn, Lynn tornado DDTs Tajiri for two. German suplex for two, more kicks to the ribs. Lynn avoids the brainbuster, Lynn’s back prevents the cradle piledriver. Lynn fires up, Cradle Piledriver out of nowhere and Lynn wins the match before Corino attacks Lynn. Lynn plants Corino for his interference.

Good match, loved Lynn’s fire at the end. Crazy was fantastic throughout the match, some mind-blowing chemistry style spots going on inside of that ring. They are some of the best workers in the company, no doubt about that. Loved this match, super entertaining.

Winner: Jerry Lynn over Tajiri via Cradle Piledriver!

Da Baldies vs Axl Rotten/Balls Mahoney/New Jack

Angel, the leader of Da Baldies stapled New Jack’s eye, injuring The Gangsta. New Jack is out for revenge due to nearly being blinded. Mahoney and Rotten get beat down by Skull and Devito before Angel joins in, Angel begins dancing and prancing before the music plays inside of the arena. New Jack brutalizes everyone in the ring, Angel begs for mercy. Golf club to the body, New Jack uses a hoover to destroy Angel’s balls. New Jack dives from the top of a sign through a table onto one of Da Baldies. They make their way back to the ring, Skull is left in the ring with New Jack. Right hands by New Jack, New Jack staples Skull. Angel has a guitar, wham to the back of the head and Da Baldies win the match. DUD!

Winners: Da Baldies over New Jack/Axl Rotten/Balls Mahoney via Guitar Shot!

Chris Candido W/ Tammy vs Sabu

Somehow Chris Candido comes in and out of ECW, I do not know how the man does it but he seems to float around the company and never seem to be involved in anything meaningful since the dissolution of The Triple Threat. Sabu is fresh off a feud with Credible so expect Sabu to bounce back in this match. Some nice takedowns and brawling on the floor before Candido takes control with a back suplex. Two for Candido, Sabu back drops Candido to the floor. Plancha by Sabu, Candido gains control in the ring. Stalling suplex by Candido, middle rope leg drop for two. Sabu avoids diving headbutt, triple jump leg drop for two.

Sabu places a table at ringside, on the barricade and apron. Candido knocks Sabu to the floor, Candido is crotched on the top rope. Tope rope hurricanrana by Sabu, camel clutch by Sabu. Candido has a table, Sabu is on the table. Candido misses the leg drop through the table, Sabu covers for two. Camel Clutch by Sabu, Sabu throws his chair at Candido. Air Sabu, Sabu baseball slides Candido. Air Sabu into the crowd, crowd brawling. Scoop slam by Candido, Sabu smacks Candido with the chair. Top rope splash by Sabu, two for Sabu. Camel Clutch by Sabu, table for Sabu. Sabu clotheslines Candido onto the table, Top Rope Leg Drop through the table for two. Snapmare, Candido dodges the triple jump moonsault. Powerbomb by Candido, two for Candido.

Piledriver by Candido, two for Candido. Superplex for two, chops by Candido. Candido eats a leg lariat by Sabu, Arabian press for two. Sunny crotches Sabu, top rope hurricanrana by Candido. Diving Headbutt for two, short piledriver. Another table, low dropkick by Sabu. Candido is on the table, Alfonso has Sunny on the table. Candido sacrifices himself for Sunny, Candido survives the leg drop. Arabian Facebuster by Sabu, Camel Clutch with Candido tapping.

That was piss-poor, I do not know how you make a match with so many tables and weapons so God damn boring. This was slow, tedious and a chore to get through, I wanted this match to finish for it was pure torture. Need to get this off my mind and out of my memories, let’s move on!

Winner: Sabu over Candido via Camel Clutch!

(ECW Heavyweight Championship Match) Mike Awesome © W/ Judge Jeff Jones vs Masato Tanaka

Two of the best in FMW came to ECW, Heyman needed main eventers so badly with Taz leaving and nobody really being in a position to take over that mantle of top star about from RVD but we were not there yet, Awesome defeated Tanaka for the championship at Anarchy Rulz and this would be a one-on-one match for the ECW championship. Corner splash by Awesome, slaps in the corner. Elbow by Awesome, Tanaka elevates Awesome to the apron. Springboard elbow and diving crossbody to the floor by Tanaka, Tanaka smacks Awesome with a chair to the head. Awesome slams Tanaka into the guard rail, belly to belly suplex by Awesome. Clothesline to the floor, Awesome Dive! Awesome springboards into the crowd, chair shot by Awesome. Tanaka shows fighting spirit before massive chair shots, Tanaka cracks Awesome. Roaring elbow using the chair, Tanaka uses a chair to break Awesome’s face. Two for Tanaka, Tornado DDT for two. Awesome stops Tanaka’s DDT for an Alabama slam.

Lariat by Awesome, Alabama Slam. Back drop by Tanaka, they battle on the apron. Sit-out Awesome Bomb through the table, two for Awesome. Awesome has a table, Tanaka plays possum. Awesome and Tanaka grapple before Tanaka superplexes Awesome through the table, two for Tanaka. Diamond Dust, Awesome ducks, German suplex and clothesline. Awesome Splash for two, Top Rope Awesome Bomb for the win.

Similar to the Anarchy Rulz and Heatwave match, these guys have their match down to a tee. It is great entertaining stuff, Tanaka takes abuse and fights from underneath, the crowd loves the guy. While Awesome is super powerful and athletic, the guys bring maximum effort all of the time. They have the ECW formula perfected and I doubt they could have a bad match with one another if they tried!

Winner: Mike Awesome over Masato Tanaka via Awesome Bomb!

(ECW Television Championship Match) Rob Van Dam © W/ Bill Alfonso vs Taz

Taz is on his way out of ECW, the best thing for Taz to do is put over the next big thing in ECW. No mistaking it, RVD was the hope that ECW would have to build around if they were to survive, best use of Taz in his last year for ECW. Series of counters, more counters before a takedown by Taz. Right hands and stomps by Taz, RVD boots Taz. Sunset flip by RVD for two, right hands by both men. Taz sends RVD crashing to the floor, they brawl on the floor. RVD crotches Taz, Taz has Alfonso before RVD dives onto Taz. Stomps from Taz, Alabama slam by Taz for two.

Forearms from Taz, Tiger Tazplex. Taz has a table, spinning heel kick by RVD. Moonsault by RVD for two, Rolling Thunder for two. Clothesline by Taz, Taz catches RVD and delivers a head & arm Tazplex through the table. Two for Taz, RVD thrustkicks a chair into Taz’s face after Alfonso slaps Taz. Two for RVD, RVD and Taz wrestle on the top rope before a split-legged moonsault by RVD for two. Spinning heel kick, Five Star Frog Splash and that’s it!

Another flat-finish by ECW, the match was ok but I was really hoping for a big finish that makes RVD look like a huge star. I did not get that! They botched a turnbuckle spot a few seconds before the ending, it took away a lot of the magic and after all that, it was one little heel kick before a frog splash with absolutely no drama. Saying it was disappointing would be an understatement, I was not happy when this match was finished, this was boring.

Winner: RVD over Taz via Five Star Frog Splash!

The Impact Players & Rhino W/ Jason/Dawn Marie vs Tommy Dreamer/Raven/Sandman W/ Francine

Sandman made a dramatic return in the ECW arena after a stint in WCW where Hak was doing fuck-all in the hardcore division. Sandman and Rhino begin, lock-up. Rhino shoves down Sandman, Sandman pulls down Rhino by the hair. Dreamer and Storm battle, right hands by Dreamer. Elbow by Storm, Russian legsweep by Dreamer. Credible is crotched on the top rope, hanging neckbreaker by Dreamer. Sandman and Credible are legal, Rhino takes down Sandman. Rhino is now legal, Credible whacks Sandman with the cane from the apron. Credible comes into the ring, Sandman is beaten down by the trio of heels.

Handspring clothesline by Storm, Rhino nails a middle rope powerbomb for two. Credible tags in, stomps by Credible. Credible misses a low dropkick, Storm nails a superkick. Sandman dodges the splash, Raven comes in off the hot-tag. Back drop to Storm and Credible, knee lift to Storm. Flair flip, Rhino Gores Raven for two. Superkick by Storm for two on Dreamer, Dreamer clotheslines Rhino to the floor. Storm planchas onto Dreamer, Raven nails The Even Flow DDT, Storm saves the match.

Rhino and Dreamer brawl, Raven gets a table. Raven stops Dreamer from attacking Rhino, Raven tries the splash and Rhino avoids the splash. Rhino Gores Storm by mistake, Sandman canes Rhino. Dawn Marie attacks Sandman, Francine and Dawn Marie roll around on the floor. Sandman kisses Dawn, Raven canes Sandman by mistake. That’s Incredible on Sandman and The Impact Players walk away with the win.

It was quick-paced in parts, a lot of things going on at different moments but not a tremendous main event by any margin. I would have been more interested in a tag team title match and a singles match between Rhino and The Sandman. It ended abruptly, not building to a satisfying climax and you know what? I am not excited to see the continuation of any of the feuds in this match, that’s your main event for your Wrestlemania? Come on, that’s not good enough.

Winners: Team Impact Players over Team Sandman via That’s Incredible!

That was ECW’s November to Remember 1999, a mixed bag for ECW’s Wrestlemania. The start to the show was very odd and rushed, run-ins galore and matches with little to no meaning in the grand scheme of things. Not my cup of tea at all, things picked up with the three-way dance and the world heavyweight championship match but all that came in between and after was very boring. Sabu and Candido dragged, Taz and RVD was nowhere near as good as it should have been and the six-man tag for all the bells and whistles, was a boring affair too. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

ECW Anarchy Rulz 1999 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition to Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that says less than Sanada! Another ECW pay per view, it’s ECW Anarchy Rulz 1999! Headlined by Rob Van Dam against Balls Mahoney following a bait and switch with Johnny Smith (Do not ask me why, I have no idea why they thought it would be a good idea). We also have a three-way dance for the ECW Championship with Taz defending against two FMW stars in Masato Tanaka & Mike Awesome. While the company may be following apart, the match quality is on the rise. Will this be another hit? Let’s find out!

Lance Storm W/ Dawn Marie vs Jerry Lynn

Building upon last month’s main event, Lynn and Storm are going to wrestle in what may be the sleeper match on this show, I cannot think of a hotter way to kick off a pay per view. Standing switches from both men, floatovers and hammerlocks galore. Side headlock from Storm, Lynn escapes but more flips and tricks before a headscissors and a headlock takedown. Lynn and Storm chop one another, Lynn missiles dropkicks Storm to the floor. Victory roll from Lynn for two, judo throw headlock takedown by Lynn. Elbows by Storm, Storm stunguns Lynn. Dropkick from Storm, right hands from Storm. Cartwheel clothesline by Storm, Lynn comes back with sunset flips but Storm controls with a low blow, two for Storm.

Leg drop by Storm for two, sleeper by Storm. Abdominal stretch from Lynn, Lynn is on the apron. Storm is sent to the floor, splash to the floor. Missile dropkick for two, low blow by Lynn. Roll-ups by both men, German suplex by Lynn for two. Superkick by Storm, two for Storm. Storm reverse DDTs Lynn for two, Dawn gives Storm a chair. Storm is whipped into the chair in the corner, Lynn is crotched on the top rope, sunset flip powerbomb by Lynn with a jacknife cover, two for Lynn as Dawn attacks the referee. Lynn DDTs Storm on the chair, Dawn places Storm’s foot on the ropes.

Storm sends Lynn into the ringpost rib first, knees to the ribs by Storm. Backbreaker into a stretch by Storm, stunner by Lynn for two. Rib shots by Storm, shoulder block to the ribs. Lynn nails a diving hurricanrana for two. Three-quarter nelson pin from Storm out of nothing and we have a winner in Storm.

Flat finish as is my main complaint when it comes to the company, gutsy performance from Lynn, slowly rising the card in the eyes of the fans and in Heyman’s eyes. Extremely happy knowing what is coming down the line for Jerry Lynn because Lynn has been on fire for a number of months now. Storm and Lynn had a great athletic contest, a lot of fun for an opening match.

Winner: Lance Storm over Jerry Lynn via Cradle!

Simon Diamond/Tony Devito/Tom Marquez vs Jazz/Chris Chetti/Nova

Diamond won’t wrestle Jazz, Jazz beats up Marquez. Diamond and Devito attack Jazz, Chetti and Nova make the save. Chetti blows out his knee on a moonsault, putting the match in danger. Nova continues battling Diamond, corner clothesline. Low blow by Devito, Devito stomps and chokes Nova. Diamond suplexes Nova into oblivion for two, Jazz watches on from the floor, not sure what is going on with this match. Devito botches a slam, Roadkill and Doring come out and attack everyone, Angelica is here too. DQ finish, Hart Attack on Jazz. CW Anderson and a whole bunch of jobbers come out before New Jack’s music hits in the arena. New Jack clears the house and we are out of here. DUD!

No Contest!

Little Guido W/ Big Sal E Graziano vs Super Crazy vs Tajiri

Three of the best who were awesome in matches against one another squaring off in ECW’s signature match. The match starts with everyone picking on one another, Tajiri begins kicking the legs of his enemies. Springboards all around from the three, camel clutch by Guido on Super Crazy. Tajiri kicks the head of Super Crazy, Tajiri fools Guido and kicks Guido in the face. Chest slaps by Super Crazy on Guido, Guido is tossed into the crowd. Tajiri baseball slides Super Crazy into the crowd, Asai Moonsault into the crowd. Big Sal slams Tajiri and powerbombs Super Crazy. Sicilian Slice on Tajiri, Guido stomps both opponents.

German suplex by Tajiri on Guido, Super Crazy moonsaults into the crowd on Tajiri and Guido. Big Sal is dropkicked through a table, Tajiri and Super Crazy are in the ring. Tarantula from Tajiri, Guido dropkicks Super Crazy. Romero Special by Crazy on Tajiri, transition into a dragon sleeper. Camel clutch and Boston crab combination on Tajiri. Guido slaps Super Crazy, Tomikaze by Guido on Super Crazy for two. Tajiri kicks Guido and puts him in the tree of woe, low dropkick by Tajiri and a springboard moonsault by Super Crazy finishes off Guido.

Down to two, the classic rivalry renewed. Kick by Tajiri, Super Crazy kicks back at Tajiri. Ten punches from Super Crazy, Tajiri answers with a handspring elbow. Brainbuster is blocked, sit-out powerbomb for two. Tajiri reverses a powerbomb for a DDT, Super Crazy has Tajiri for a dragon sleeper, Tajiri blocks so Super Crazy nails a tornado inverted DDT. Two for Crazy, Tajiri stops the three moonsaults. Buzzsaw kick, low dropkick and Brainbuster this is over!

Super fun match, all these three were key parts of the show by this point, they worked with one another so much, the chemistry was off the charts. I love every spot in this match, some really nice things done by everyone and anyone of the three could be television champion once Rob Van Dam stepped up into the main event scene. These guys were great, one of the best spotfests you will see in ECW!

Winner: Tajiri over Super Crazy via Brainbuster!

Justin Credible W/ Jason vs Sabu

Sabu was pissed at Credible, Credible kept dodging Sabu. However, Sabu is cleared to wrestle and the match will take place tonight, clotheslines for Jason. Sabu hammers Credible, springboard leg drop by Sabu for two. Scoop slam, springboard split-legged moonsault for two. Reverse chinlock with punches by Sabu, chair to the head of Credible. Sabu has a table, Credible Russian legsweeps Sabu. Sabu is on the table, Credible splashes Sabu through the table. Springboard leg lariat by Sabu, baseball slide by Sabu. Triple Jump Somersault Splash by Sabu, table has been setup between the guard rail and ring apron.

Credible rolls off the table, Sabu drops a guillotine leg drop onto Credible. Clothesline by Sabu, Credible is placed on the table. Triple Jump Leg Drop by Sabu, Sabu repeats the spot breaking the table on this attempt. Sabu has Credible in the ring, Camel Clutch by Sabu. Jason distracts Sabu, Superkick by Credible. Two for Credible, Camel Clutch by Credible. Leg drop by Credible, another Camel Clutch. Sabu knees Credible in the dick, low dropkick by Sabu. Camel Clutch, Jason attacks and eats a leg drop. Alfonso has a table for Jason, Credible saves Jason using the Singapore cane. Two for Credible, Sabu reaches the ropes.

 Credible dropkicks a chair into Sabu’s face, springboard DDT by Sabu. Two for Sabu, Credible waffles Sabu with the cane. Two for Credible, jawbreaker by Credible. Credible charges and shoves Sabu through a table, two for Credible as Sabu escapes. Triple Jump Moonsault by Sabu, Triple Jump Leg Drop by Sabu. Sabu eats a superkick from Jason, That’s Incredible for two. Low dropkick by Sabu, Credible dodges the Arabian facebuster. Sabu and Credible trade holds before a That’s Incredible on a steel chair for the win.

Interesting brawl, Sabu did not mess up anything in that ring which is rare! Kidding, Sabu brings the pain to Credible, Credible takes an absolute beating in this match, Sabu makes Credible earn this win with Credible pinning Sabu as clean as you can get in ECW, this was a huge win for Credible. I think this was as good as you could get from these two, it may have even overdelivered when I think about it more.

Winner: Justin Credible over Sabu via That’s Incredible!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Taz © vs Masato Tanaka vs Mike Awesome

Mike Awesome is added to the match, Taz is on the way out of the company while his championship run on top of the company has been lacklustre due to lack of main event talent. Tanaka and Awesome fight one another until they notice Taz is laughing at the two. Tanaka and Awesome are thrown around by Taz, lots of Tazplexes. Awesome powerbombs Tanaka, Taz nails a head and arm Taz plex on Awesome. Taz eats a Roaring Elbow from Tanaka, Awesome Splash and The Human Suplex Machine has lost his championship. Everyone looks on in shock as the locker room empties to say goodbye to Taz.

Boot by Awesome, Tanaka is clotheslined to the floor. Suicide Dive by Awesome, diving clothesline by Awesome for two. Clothesline by Awesome, sit-out powerbomb by Awesome for two. Awesome has a table ringside, springboard clothesline by Tanaka. Chairs to the ribs and to the head by Tanaka, swinging DDT by Tanaka. Missile dropkick by Tanaka, Tornado DDT for two. Tanaka smacks a chair into Awesome’s face from the top rope for two, Tanaka wants the table. Powerbomb for two, Awesome escapes and Awesome Bombs Tanaka through the table at ringside. Alabama Slam by Awesome, Awesome Splash for two.

Awesome has a chair, two massive chair shots. Three shots, Tanaka has fighting spirit. Diamond Dust by Tanaka, two for Tanaka. Awesome ducks the elbow for a German suplex and a spear for two. Awesome has a chair, wham to the head of Tanaka. Tanaka is on the table, Tanaka was playing possum. Superplex is blocked, Awesome Bomb from the top rope through the table. New champion and his name is Mike Awesome!

An emotional moment as Taz bows out leaving the ring after five minutes and watching the two new heavyweights to carry the company going forward. Taz is thanked for his years of service and then, you have Tanaka and Awesome, two men who tore it up in FMW and now were doing it for the American audience. Tremendous spotfest between Awesome and Tanaka, Tanaka always gave it everything while Awesome was a freakishly agile big man.

Winner: Mike Awesome over Masato Tanaka via Awesome Bomb!

(ECW Tag Team Championship Match) Tommy Dreamer & Raven © W/ Francine vs Steve Corino/Rhino W/ Jack Victory

Raven returned to ECW after a two year absence, Raven’s return was fantastic for the company as they had just lost The Dudley Boyz to the WWF. Rhino and Corino attack an injured Dreamer, Raven is nowhere to be seen due to his hatred of Dreamer. Spinebuster by Rhino on Dreamer, stopping Dreamer who was beating up Victory and chasing off Corino. Corino comes back with a ladder, Rhino is whipped into the ladder. Dreamer is tripped onto a chair, Francine kicks Rhino, no effect. Sit-out Michinoku Driver by Rhino on Francine, Even Flow DDT by Raven on Rhino, Victory and Corino beat down the champions. Double DDTs by the champions and the match is over. Kind of pointless in the long run, a waste of a match. DUD!

(ECW Television Championship Match) Rob Van Dam © vs Balls Mahoney

Originally, RVD vs Johnny Smith, a regular from All Japan. Chaos ensues as The Impact Players annoy The Hardcore Chair Swingin’ Freaks before Spike Dudley even the odds, Dawn Marie eats an Acid Drop before we end up with RVD putting his championship on the line against Balls Mahoney. Back suplex by Balls, big clothesline by Balls. Two for Balls, right hands by Balls before RVD fires back with a thrustkick and a crossbody. Leg trip cover for two by the champion, dropkick and Balls is on the floor. Balls and RVD are on the floor, RVD tastes the guard rail. Balls grabs a beer and cracks RVD. RVD sends Balls into the ringpost and then, into the crowd. Mahoney fucks a chair at RVD’s head, hate the chair-throwing nonsense.

Right hands by Balls, two for Balls. Kicks by RVD, belly to belly suplex by Balls. Spinning heel kick knocks RVD to the floor, RVD is whipped into the crowd. Van Daminator in the crowd, RVD somersault planchas from the top turnbuckle into the crowd. Two for RVD, Balls is bleeding. Balls makes it to the top rope, RVD crotches Balls. Balls pushes off RVD, Balls nails a middle rope leg drop for two. Reverse chinlock by Balls, RVD fires back. Balls yanks down RVD with a spinebuster, frog splash by Balls for two. RVD and Balls are on the top rope, superplex by the champion. Alfonso leaves a chair in the ring, Balls eats the chair to the head for two.

Rolling Thunder by RVD using a chair for two, Balls is monkey flipped by RVD. RVD runs into a Liger Bomb from Balls onto a chair, two for Balls. RVD tries a northern lights suplex, DDT counter from Balls for two. Piledriver for two, Balls calls for a superkick. Balls scores, Balls waffles RVD with his chair shot. Alfonso smacks Balls with the chair, RVD thrustkicks a chair into Balls’ face after Balls missed Alfonso with the chair, Five Star Frog Splash and the match is over, RVD retains his championship.

Not blown away by this match, it was solid but any match that comes after RVD vs Jerry Lynn is going to have to be amazing to get that kind of reaction. Balls did well, Balls was a tag team guy at this point much like Bubba against Taz. Balls had some good spots, delivered some nasty shots to RVD and seemed like a credible challenger at times. Disappointed we did not see Johnny Smith vs RVD, big All Japan mark here so watching Smith right before his beastly Champion Carnival run in 2000 against RVD would have been awesome but we cannot all get what we want, I think the main event should have been the ECW heavyweight championship match due to how significant it was with Taz leaving and the new era under Mike Awesome but RVD’s popularity led to Heyman putting Mr PPV on last.

Winner: RVD over Balls Mahoney via Five Star Frog Splash!

That was ECW’s Anarchy Rulz, another solid show from ECW. It is almost a running joke at this point, ECW’s fortunes worsened and the bigger stars left yet there was less overbooked messes when it came to pay per views. No Sandman, No Douglas , No Bigelow, No Funk yet I find myself enjoying the likes of Super Crazy, Guido, Tajiri, Storm and Lynn. The only knocks on this show were the Chetti match that ended abruptly and the tag team match featuring Raven and Dreamer, I feel they could have done more for Raven’s pay per view return and a  lot of time could have been shaved off RVD vs Balls Mahoney. The rest of the card was quite good though, enjoyed Credible vs Sabu, Sabu gave Credible the beating we all wanted to see but Credible was on the rise and Credible gutted it out to beat Sabu, a big win for Credible. Lynn vs Storm was a fun match with counters and technical wrestling throughout, a flat finish hurt what could have been a really great match, I loved both three way dances so it’s a thumbs up show for me. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

ECW Heatwave 1999 Review

Hello and welcome to another rebel-rousing edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that wants to beat up Corey Graves more than Booker T! ECW’s Heatwave 1999 headlined by The Impact Players taking on Rob Van Dam & Jerry Lynn, that’s disappointing. What about Sabu? Why not have Sabu & RVD take on The Impact Players? We also have Taz vs Tajiri, once again Taz faces a rising star in the promotion who fans will believe does not have a chance of winning the championship. It is really not a good look for Taz, the rest of the card seems decent so we will see what comes my way!

Danny Doring & Roadkill W/ Angelica vs Chris Chetti & Nova

 Lita has one fat ass let me tell you that! Nova and Chetti are ECW’s odd couple, Chetti loves himself while Nova wants to whoop all kinds of ass. Nova attacks Doring and Roadkill why Chetti is in love with himself, Doring attacks Chetti. Hart Attack by Doring & Roadkill, Irish whip to the corner. Corner splash by Roadkill, Bareback by Doring for two. Nova fires back at Doring, G Spot Suite by Doring. Tag to Roadkill, springboard leg drop by Roadkill for two. Sidewalk slam, springboard elbow by legal man Doring. Beautiful Spin Doctor from Nova, Chetti gets the tag. Clotheslines, scissors kick to Roadkill. Powerslam to Doring for two, Nova stunners and DDTs Roadkill & Doring.

Nova and Chetti combine for a monkey flip into a clothesline, figure four by Nova. Doring & Chetti leg drop both figure four wrestlers, blue thunder bomb by Chetti, Double Springboard Moonsault by Chetti. Chetti is on the mic, Chetti begins talking trash. Chetti dances, Angelica comes into the ring. Nova is in Chetti’s face, Angelica slaps Chetti. Chetti nails The Amityville Horror. Nova drops Doring with The Kryptonite Krunch, Amityville Horror on Roadkill and Tidal Wave for the win.

Unbelievably fun match from these four young wrestlers, Chetti and Nova gelled inside of the ring while Roadkill was a crazy, athletic big man who was doing all sorts of dives, the crowd was hot into this match. Not all was bad it seemed for ECW when a lot of their bigger stars were leaving, these four could rip it up inside of the ring given the spotlight. That was one of the best opening matches that they had on ECW pay per view.

Winners: Chris Chetti & Nova over Doring & Roadkill via Tidal Wave!

Jason vs Jazz

Jazz was in Credible’s entourage, not saying much before Jason annoyed Jazz for the last time. Jazz is here to kick all sorts of ass, think of ECW’s version of Chyna but even better in the ring when given the chance. Slap from Jazz, clothesline has no effect. Crossbody as Jason slaps Jazz’s ass and nails a falling slam, drop toehold by Jazz. Scoop slam by Jazz, middle rope crossbody for two. Legsweep by Jazz, chop by Jason. Jason misses a leg drop, necksnap and cradle by Jazz for two.

Lock-up, knees and chops by Jason. Dropkick by Jason, middle rope elbow for two. Dropkick to the back by Jason, crucifix pin by Jazz for two. Jason sweeps the legs for two, chop and elbow for two. Leg drop for two, kicks by Jazz but Jason absorbs the punishment. Suplex by Jazz, Samoan drop by Jazz for two. Headbutt to the groin, Jazz has a chair. Make it two, Jazz smacks a chair into Jason’s nuts, enzuigiri from Jason. Jason tries for a powerbomb, Jazz nails The Jazz Stinger on the chair for the win.

Fun match from these two, the crowd seemed so into this match, I was rather shocked but Jason was a little dickhead and it’s been a while since we have seen Jason be brutalized while Jazz could go inside of that ring, Heyman would use Jazz very well from this point.

Winner: Jazz over Jason via Jazz Stinger!

Super Crazy vs Little Guido W/ Big Sal E Graziano

ECW is making the most of Super Crazy and Guido, two very good wrestlers who really impressed at the last pay per view, Guido brought a lot out of Tajiri, a side we had not really seen before while Super Crazy had a great match with Taka Michinoku. Lock-up by Guido, clean break from Guido. Guido pulls Super Crazy down by the hair, leg sweeps all around by the two. Arm drags a plenty, stand-off. Guido lures in Super Crazy, Fujiwara armbar off a springboard attempt from Super Crazy. Springboard moonsault by Super Crazy after a legsweep for two, Guido nails a swinging neckbreaker for two. Chest slap, Irish whip to the corner by Super Crazy, lariat in the corner. Ten punches, stomps by Super Crazy.

Elbow by Guido, ten punches by Guido does not work. Powerbomb, standing moonsault for two. Big Sal grabs Super Crazy’s leg, Guido is sent flying to the floor, Guido could not take control. Crowd brawling time, moonsault from the bleachers, nice spot. Super Crazy has Guido for a moonsault in the ring, Big Sal interferes, neckbreaker by Guido. Super Crazy fires back with a headscissors and a springboard spinning heel kick. Guido blocks a springboard splash, Sicilian Slice for two. Big Sal attacks Super Crazy as Guido distracts the referee, splash against the guard rail, slam on the floor. Sicilian Crab but Super Crazy reaches the ropes.

 Irish whip to the corner, big powerbomb by Guido for two. Guido has the referee again, Big Sal nails Super Crazy with a rocker dropper, middle rope splash by Guido for two. Guido blocks a headscissors, kimura lock from Guido. Swinging DDT from Super Crazy for two, Guido dodges the springboard moonsault. Chest slap from Super Crazy, Michinoku Driver. Three Turnbuckles Moonsaults from Super Crazy before diving onto Big Sal, Guido dodges the moonsault. Tomikaze for two, Guido blocks the powerbomb the first time. Cross-armed Powerbomb for the win by Super Crazy.

Very good match, these two have their styles and they mesh so well with one another inside of that ring, Guido may be one of the best workers in the company at that time, Tajiri and now Super Crazy have come out looking better than when they walked into the match. A flatish finish though, I do not know what it is about ECW but when it comes to finish, they seem to just happen and it’s like oh that’s it? Cool, I guess. But this match was so much fun, I want to see more of these guys mixing it up and luckily, I will get my wish.

Winner: Super Crazy over Little Guido via Powerbomb!

(ECW Tag Team Championship Match) The Dudley Boyz © W/ Dudley Entourage vs Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley

This match again? Guess it is all we have in terms of seasoned tag teams, Bubba throws Spike onto the ramp in a horrible bump. Balls pummels Bubba, Bubba ducks the chair shot. Balls is cracked with the chair, Spike dodges the chair. Dudley Dog using the top rope, Bubba eats the ramp. Balls is sent into the guard rail, Spike is back dropped into the ring. Sign Guy puts in the ringbell, ringbell to the throat of Spike. Bubba claws at Balls’ eyes, spinning reverse elbow by D-Von. Balls is messing up Bubba, Bubba tips into the crowd. Spike tries for a hurricanrana, Spike is successful as D-Von spills to the floor. Bubba and Balls are in the ring, Spike cutters D-Von on the guard rail. Bubba has a Dudley Street sign, Spike is cracked with the sign.

Cheesegrater, that’s pretty sick. Balls recovers for a superkick, cheesegrater to the head of Bubba. Spike and D-Von are crowd brawling, they all go crowd brawling before Spike dives off the bleachers onto everyone. Balls and D-Von are in the ring, D-Von pounds away on Balls. Superkick by Balls, Bubba scoop slams Spike before being punched in the nuts. Ten punches by the challengers, the champions nail double powerbombs. Spike and Balls are in a bad way, double neckbreaker by the challengers for two. Sit-out spinebuster and Acid Drop for double two counts, low blows by the challengers. Acid Drop/Nutcracker Suite, Sign Guy pulls out the referee. Balls smacks Gertner and Sign Guy’s heads together. 3D is blocked for double roll-ups, the challengers win.

See what I mean by flat finishes? This should have been huge, The Dudleys put over the next big tag team as WWF is calling for The Dudley Boyz. A simple finish to do but they somehow made it seem flat and boring, it was brawling for the most part so there was nothing that they could do that was going to blow me away, I have seen the same type of match since The Dudleys became thee team to beat in ECW. New Jack makes the save and I believe that is the last we see of The Dudleys in ECW on pay per view. They were great heels, they had beaten every major team in the company and they earned it, you could see them as a legitimate act in WWF, they had that big team feel about them and they proved it becoming the most decorated tag team in wrestling history.

Winners: Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley over The Dudley Boyz via Roll-Ups!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Taz © vs Tajiri W/ Corino/Victory/Rhino

Corino shits all over Dreamer and Francine, Francine beats Corino in a match. Tajiri kicks the duo of Francine and Dreamer before Taz comes down to the ring. Handspring Elbow by Tajiri, baseball slide followed up by an Asai Moonsault. Taz blocks the tarantula for an Alabama slam, Tajiri lands on his feet out of a German suplex, low dropkick and Oklahoma Roll for two. Reverse chinlock by Tajiri, belly to back suplex by Taz. Head and arm Tazplex, enzuigiri by Tajiri. Tajiri is crotched on the top rope, head and arm Tazplex from the top rope. Low blow by Tajiri, Buzzsaw Kick and low dropkick by Tajiri for two.

Tajiri is on the top rope, Taz shoves Tajiri onto Rhino. Taz has Jack Victory, wheel chair to the face. Thrustkick by Tajiri, hurricanrana is blocked for a powerbomb by Taz. Tajiri kicks Taz over and over, Taz lures Tajiri in for a leg trapped Tazplex through the table. Taz goes to the stage, what is that in Taz’s hands? Barbed wire, Taz has barbed wire. Taz chokes Tajiri into a Tazmission, disqualification in a championship match in ECW?

Well, that ending sucked two tonnes, they say Tajiri tapped but it came off more as a DQ, how could we tell when the camera was so far away? Pointless stuff at the end of the day, Taz continues to have no credible challengers as the badass and focal point of ECW. Greener pastures in WWF for Taz await, soon it will be all about how Taz leaves the company. Enjoying Corino’s work, biggest heel in the company when he opens his mouth, the look also helps as Corino appears to be about 5 years old compared to the rest of the locker room.

Winner: Taz over Tajiri via Tazmission I think?

The Impact Players W/ Dawn Marie vs Rob Van Dam & Jerry Lynn W/ Bill Alfonso

Lynn and Credible to start, unlikely partners in Lynn & RVD while The Impact Players are on the same page. Credible shoves Lynn to the corner, knees to the ribs. Chops, Lynn chops back. Both tease finishers to play on their past matches, Lynn whips Credible to the corner. Michaels flip and a bulldog by Lynn, Storm eats a dropkick before Lynn catapults Credible onto Storm. RVD vs Storm, drop toehold by RVD. Waistlock by RVD, stand-off. Side headlock, shoulder block by RVD. Monkey flip by RVD after a series of dodges, Storm kicks RVD. Series of flips, Storm and RVD trade more counters.

Roll through into a Single Leg Boston Crab by Storm, huge kick counter by RVD. Storm and Lynn are in the ring, chops by Storm. Lynn chops back, abdominal stretch from Lynn, hotshot by Lynn. Credible waffles Lynn with the Singapore cane, chops by Credible. Foot choke by Credible, knee to the face using the chair for extra pain. Sit-out powerbomb for two, eye poke by Credible. Dropkick by Storm, Lynn fires up. Boot to the face of Storm, victory roll for two. Series of pins, this spot is overdone with Lynn. Happens every match, low blow and Superkick by Storm for two. Backbreaker and tag to Credible, Credible taunts RVD while Storm works over Lynn.

Outsider’s Edge for two, Credible tags Storm. Knee to the head, Storm wedges a chair on the top rope. Storm tries using the chair for a crossbody but Lynn dropkicks the chair into Storm’s face. DDT by Lynn on a chair, Credible is down. Lynn tags RVD, double underhook slam by RVD. Spinning heel kick, diving thrustkick by RVD. Inverted atomic drop, RVD kicks a chair into Storm’s face. Baseball slide, corkscrew guillotine leg drop by RVD. Middle rope bulldog to the ramp by Lynn on Credible. RVD misses a crossbody into the crowd and wipes out, RVD fights back before nailing Storm with a somersault splash. Inverted DDT on the ramp by Credible on Lynn.

RVD has Storm on the top rope, Storm pushes RVD onto the chair, Diving Spinning Heel Kick for two. Low blow by Storm, RVD kicks back at Storm. Rolling Thunder with the chair on Storm, Credible makes the save. RVD whips Credible to the floor, RVD drop toeholds Storm onto a chair. Sabu runs down and smashes Credible through the table, RVD frog splashes Lynn by mistake as Storm dodges. Van Daminator on Storm, Cradle Piledriver by Lynn and this match is over.

For a tag match to main event a show, it has to be something special. This was not that something special, RVD and Lynn never really teased any dissension, it was much more of Lynn taking an ass-whoopin until RVD’s eventual hot-tag. Credible and Storm were fine as were Lynn and RVD but there was nothing special about this main event, you could have done two single matches and it would have been a better result. I do feel sorry for the company though, they were about to start on network television and they are losing three of their biggest stars in Taz and The Dudley Boyz, the next pay per view will be interesting to see what takes place.

Winners: RVD & Jerry Lynn over The Impact Players via Cradle Piledriver!

That was ECW’s Heatwave 1999, another good show from ECW it must be said, ECW pay per views are becoming far more easier to breeze through, the squash matches are disappearing in favour of young tag teams and junior heavyweights ripping it up inside of the ring, that’s all good in my eyes. Something needs to be done for the heavyweight championship though, feels very weak at the minute as nobody seems close to touching Taz. The main event was rather boring with nothing of any significance going on even when RVD splashed Lynn, Lynn just kept going and won the match. Hate each other my ass, there was no drama to that match while flat finishes do hurt matches in ECW but this was an overall good show, looking forward to the next one. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

ECW Hardcore Heaven 1999 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomanaic Wrestling Review, the only wrestling review series on the internet that hates sneezing more than Vincent Kennedy Mcmahon! I am powering on through ECW, we are speaking about 1999 and it’s time for Hardcore Heaven 1999! One of my thoughts from the last pay per view has come to life as ECW has no real top heel to battle Taz so we will have one half of The Dudleys in Bubba Ray taking on Taz for the ECW Championship. It’s rematch city as RVD battles Jerry Lynn once more and we have Lance Storm vs Tommy Dreamer. It is the best card they can put together and Living Dangerously was just awful so this show can’t possibly be worst? Right? Right?

Taz vs Chris Candido

Didn’t this happen at Hardcore Heaven before? Anyways, Candido has The Dudleys in his corner as insurance, Taz clotheslines The Dudleys. German Tazplex, head and arm Tazplex. Powerbomb by Candido out of nowhere, Candido climbs to the top rope. Taz dodges the headbutt, exploder Tazplex. Tazmission and Candido taps immediately. So, was that Candido’s farewell? Dudleys 3D Taz and that’s the end of that. DUD!

Winner: Taz over Candido via Tazmission!

The Dudley Boyz vs Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley

Balls answers The Dudleys’ challenge, Cyrus is on commentary. Belly to belly on D-Von by Balls, Bubba pummels Balls. Balls is tossed off the top rope, Spike’s music hits as we see another match we have seen one billion times. Double low blow, Dudley Dog and Nutcracker Suite for two. Sign Guy Dudley pulled out the referee, Spike dives on Sign Guy. Dudleys have Balls, Spike is tossed at The Dudleys. Spike is tossed into the guard rail, double clothesline by Balls. D-Von nails a flying forearm on Balls, Samoan drop by Bubba on Spike. Bubba has a table, Spike almost rolls up Bubba for two. Bubba is on the middle rope, Spike low blows Bubba. Bubba reverses the hurricanrana for a middle rope Bubba Bomb through the table.

Two as Balls makes the save, D-Von drops Balls with an inverted DDT. 3D on Spike, Balls has his chair. Chair to the back of Bubba, chair to the head of D-Von and then Bubba. Sign Guy is caught by Balls, Gertner chair shots Balls weakily. Gertner throws fire at Balls, Balls spits fire in Gertner’s face. Low blow by D-Von and a 3D and this match is over.

Meh, it had a few spots that were good, the comedy of Gertner is usually funny but it almost seems like a waste, you could do so much with The Dudleys, people want to pay to see them get beaten up so you could at least keep them out there for longer than a few minutes. It was fine as an opener at the end of the day, wrestling was never the important part for ECW so I am basically talking shit like always so shall we move on? Let’s do that!

Winners: The Dudley Boyz over Balls & Spike via 3D!

Super Crazy vs Taka Michinoku

These two are awesome, Taka was essentially a prodigy over in Michinoku Pro, going on to become one of the world’s best junior wrestlers after escaping from the WWF. Still kicking ass in Suzuki-Gun, the match starts with a dropkick by Super Crazy. Side headlock by Taka, elbow by Taka after a shoulder block. Super Crazy nails a deep armdrag, jumping DDT by Super Crazy. Taka stops Super Crazy’s attempt at a springboard, snapmare and dropkick by Taka. Chops by Taka, Super Crazy reverses an Irish whip for a sleeper. Elbows by Taka, another sleeper before a Russian legsweep by Taka. Tornado DDT by Taka, Taka wants another but Super Crazy blocks for a sit-out spinebuster. Super Crazy climbs to the top rope, Taka crotches Super Crazy. Beautiful springboard hurricanrana for two, they trade roll-up pins.

Taka elevates Super Crazy to the floor, Taka misses his signature plancha. Super Crazy dropkicks Taka into the crowd, springboard moonsault by Super Crazy. Low dropkick by Super Crazy, Taka’s clutching his knee and Super Crazy is targeting said knee. Dragon screw legwhip, enzuigiri by Taka. Scoop slam, Taka misses his moonsault. Three Moonsaults from Super Crazy for two, Taka blocks a crossbody with a dropkick. Missile dropkick by Taka, Michinoku Driver from Taka. Super Crazy blocks a second driver for a DDT, kneeling powerbomb by Super Crazy. Cross-armed Powerbomb for the win, Super Crazy is victorious.

Good stuff, fair play to Taka who never stopped selling the leg once it was targeted, I mentioned these two were good and given more time, I would say the two could have torn the house down. Still good though, they were athletic freaks and both had an arsenal of moves that could gain ohs and ahs from the ECW faithful.

Winner: Super Crazy over Taka Michinoku via Powerbomb!

Little Guido W/ Big Sal E Graziano vs Yoshihiro Tajiri

Guido and Tajiri clash as the company is trying to get away from Tajiri and Crazy, Tajiri kicks while Guido shoots for takedowns. Some real nice mat wrestling and punches from both as the match begins, rear-naked choke by Tajiri. Guido reaches the ropes, we are back on the feet. Huge kicks by Tajiri, Guido sells magnificently. Huge slaps from Guido, stomps in the corner. Kick by Guido, Guido lures Tajiri into a Fujiwara armbar. Tajiri reaches the ropes, Guido climbs to the top. Dropkick to the arm, plancha by Guido is side-stepped. Tajiri dives onto Big Sal and Guido, Tajiri dropkicks Guido after dropping The Italian on the guard rail.

Tarantula by Tajiri, Big Sal clobbers Tajiri. Tajiri launches Guido onto the ramp after an attempted headscissors, Guido drop toeholds Tajiri onto the ramp. Guido is on the middle rope, Sicilian Slice from Guido. Two for Guido, stomps to the chest. Top rope splash for two, Fujiwara armbar from Guido. Guido stomps the arm, Guido distracts the referee. Big Sal is here, huge falling slam. Jacknife cover from Guido for two, kimura lock from Guido. Tajiri escapes, Guido throws Tajiri to the floor. Big Sal is attacking Tajiri again, scoop slam by Guido. Knee drop, huge slap war between the two.

Elbow and leg drop by Guido for two, shoulder blocks in the corner. Huge thrust kick by Tajiri, hurricanrana is countered for a powerbomb by Guido. Sicilian crab is reversed, low dropkick from Tajiri. Make it two, Guido escapes a brainbuster for a triangle chokehold, Tajiri makes it to the ropes. Tajiri spins Guido in an interesting manoeuvre, Guido eats a massive slap. Guido is placed in the tree of woe, running low dropkick. Big Sal eats a kick to the head, spinning heel kick and a Brainbuster for the win.

Another well-worked match with Tajiri and Guido showing their strengths inside of the ring, Tajiri was really starting to develop a personality by this point in the company. Beautiful kicks, great snap from them as Guido sells them so well while Big Sal as a constant annoyance getting what was coming to him at the end was very good, brainbuster is a sick finisher. Two good matches in a row, I must be dreaming.

Winner: Tajiri over Little Guido via Brainbuster!

Lance Storm W/ Dawn Marie vs Tommy Dreamer W/ Francine

Francine is in the corner of Dreamer, befriending her long-time foe as Shane Douglas would leave the company, Dawn Marie had a good gimmick going being a parody of Sunny originally before now being a parody of Beulah as Storm feuded with Dreamer. The two brawl as this is a hardcore style match, Storm eats a chair to the head and gets blasted with a bottle of water before Storm reverse DDTs Dreamer on the ramp. Elbow by Storm, Dreamed is hurled into the ring. Dreamer is tripped onto a chair, two for Storm. Fans erupt checking out Francine’s booty, got to love how the fans care so much about the wrestlers in the ring. Storm sends Dreamer into a chair, Superkick by Storm for two.

 Dreamer sends Storm groin first into the ringpost, Dreamer has a guard rail in the ring. Storm dodges a chair shot and crotches Dreamer on the guard rail, Storm is on the top rope. Storm somehow misses a splash, not sure what they were looking for on that spot. Dreamer is sent flying from the top rope onto a chair, two for Storm. Boots by Storm, Flair flip by Storm. Storm ends up being back dropped through the table at ringside, Storm dents Dreamer with a chair. Dreamer is bleeding, Storm is using his belt to cut the head of Dreamer. Stunner using the chair by Dreamer, two for Dreamer. Dreamer comes to ringside, grabbing a ladder and bridging said ladder between guard rail and ring apron. Storm blocks a cutter and sends Dreamer onto the ladder, trash can lid shot to the head of Dreamer.

Baseball slide is avoided by Dreamer, Dreamer smacks Storm with the ladder. Beer to the head of Storm, Storm has the ladder on his head and is shoved into the turnbuckle. Dreamer smacks the ladder with a chair, Storms hit the referee inadvertently. Dreamer has Storm on the ladder, Dreamer eats ladder as Storm rolls out of the way. Storm has a table, Dreamer is laying on the table. Dreamer is on his feet, Dreamer nails a Spiccoli Driver through the table. Cyrus is in the ring, Francine spears and bronco busters Cyrus. Dawn pulls down Francine, Dreamer grabs Dawn. Piledriver on Dawn, Storm nails Dreamer with a trash can. Dreamer has the can on his head, Spinning Heel Kick From The Top Rope and Storm wins the match.

Good brawl between Storm and Dreamer, they had the women at ringside to add another level of drama to the match. Dreamer was solid, giving his body to all those bumps that others would wince at but Dreamer is ready, willing and able to fuck himself up just for the fans which has to be commended. This was fun, this card is doing a lot better than I expected, nothing that has really made me mad so far, let’s hope the momentum continues.

Winner: Lance Storm over Tommy Dreamer via Spinning Heel Kick!

(ECW Television Championship Match) Jerry Lynn vs Rob Van Dam © W/ Bill Alfonso

A rematch from last month, the only match worth a damn from the last pay per view. Two at their peak, mixing it up with some insane chemistry and spots that worked so well. Lynn is on the map now, a legitimate threat while RVD may be the future of the company, the hope that they have to carry them into the next year.

Side headlock by RVD, top wristlock by Lynn. RVD reverses, Lynn drop toeholds RVD. Floatover by RVD, cover for two. Nice stuff, side headlock by RVD. Shoulder block by RVD, leap frogs by both, dodges and reversals while also building upon counters from the last match, stand-off and the fans are eating this match up. Clean break from RVD, clean break from Lynn. Forearms, catapult by Lynn. RVD lands on his feet, more leapfrogs and reversals, Irish whip to the corner, Lynn flips out of the monkey flip. RVD is bleeding from his eye, kicks and forearms from RVD. Springboard, Lynn has RVD on the apron, springboard dropkick by Lynn, RVD is in a heap on the ground.

Lynn dives to the floor, guillotine leg drop by Lynn as RVD re-enters the ring. RVD is placed on the top rope, bulldog by Lynn. Two for Lynn, Lynn is crotched on the top rope, avoiding a Van Damanator the first time but eating a massive kick to the head and smacking his head off the concrete floor. Bad landing for Lynn, RVD has to stall which is nothing new for Mr. Monday Night. Lynn is bleeding everywhere, the match should be over. RVD brings Lynn into the ring, Irish whip into the crowd. Lynn looks lost, this is kind of scary. Lynn wants to continue, RVD leaps over the guard rail and delivers a running clothesline. Lynn is back up, we are in the ring. Sunset flip out of the corner, two for Lynn. Lynn’s piledriver is blocked, Alabama Slam by RVD. Rolling Thunder is dodged by Lynn, tornado DDT is blocked for a northern lights suplex for two.

RVD places Lynn on the top rope, sunset flip powerbomb by Lynn for two. RVD kicks a chair into Lynn’s face, Lynn recovers to have RVD on the top rope. RVD throws Lynn’s off  the turnbuckle and through a table at ringside, RVD suplexes Lynn on the guard rail, corkscrew guillotine leg drop from RVD. RVD dropkicks a chair into Lynn’s face, Alfonso is in the ring with a chair. Sunset flip powerbomb through a ringside table by Lynn, RVD boots Lynn from the corner. Lynn cracks Alfonso with the chair, German suplex on RVD for two. Scoop slam by Lynn, RVD pump kicks Lynn.

The two struggle on the top rope, no idea what they wanted to do but it was far too complicated. Van Daminator by Lynn for two, sunset flip with roll through and pins before a Cradle Piledriver is blocked, roll-up by Lynn for two. Lynn has RVD on the top rope, RVD knocks Lynn for a split-legged moonsault for two. Five Star Frog Splash after a snapmare and corkscrew leg drop, Lynn small packages out of the frog splash, two for Lynn. Van Daminator by RVD, Five Star Frog Splash and the match is over.

Excellent considering the circumstances, poor Jerry Lynn. Lynn looked out of it after that bump but by God, they worked their asses off to deliver a match of the night performance. They were so good together, some of it I was not a fan of when it came to this match. I do not like the throwing and catching chair bullshit, makes no sense to me as why Lynn would catch the chair and let RVD kick his head in every time. RVD’s posturing can be very annoying when it is for thirty or forty seconds at a time after a simple exchange, gets a bit grating if you know what I mean. However, so many dramatic moments, so many memorable spots, this match was a tonne of fun, you should see it just for the way the crowd is reacting towards the last five minutes of the match.

Winner: RVD over Jerry Lynn via Five Star Frog Splash!

Sid vs Justin Credible

Sid kicks, punches and mauls Credible. Jason attacks Sid, Jazz hands Credible his kendo stick. Powerbomb for Jason, Credible smacks Sid with the kendo stick. No effect, Chokeslam by Sid. Storm attacks Sid, there is a DQ in ECW. No DQ when Jason does it but when Storm does it, it is a DQ? Chokeslam for Storm, Credible throws powder in Sid’s eyes. The Impact Players put the boots to Sid, Sabu comes down to the ring and puts Sid and Credible through the table, no just Sid as Storm saves Credible. What the fuck is the point of any of this? Sid kills Judge Jeff Jones and ended up in WCW in the summer of 1999, a time where nobody was watching that trash.

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Taz © vs Bubba Ray Dudley

Lack of top heels, big test for Bubba though. Bubba was arguably the best heel on the mic in the company as Douglas would be gone, Taz makes it a falls count anywhere match. Bubba chops Taz after a distraction from Sign Guy, right hands by Bubba. Taz is thrown to the floor, drop toehold on the ramp by Taz. Stop sign to the head by Taz, Bubba is thrown onto a table. Crowd brawling, my favourite. Both men are bleeding and they eventually come ringside, right hands by Bubba. Taz nails a super Tazplex, D-Von drops Taz with a reverse DDT. Straight right hand by Bubba, corner splash by Bubba.

Clothesline by Taz, sidewalk slam by Bubba. Two for Bubba, the two men trade right hands before the two hiptoss the referee through a table. Bubba nails a Bubba Bomb for two, neckbreaker by Bubba for two. Taz blocks 3D for a DDT, Tazplex to Bubba through the table. Two for Taz, Samoan drop is countered for a Tazmission and Bubba taps out!

You have to feel for Taz in some ways, Taz reached the top of the mountain and there were no big heels for Taz to work with in the company at the time. Another match was Sabu was already stretching it, then you have Bubba who is a great talker but was unproven at that level working The Human Suplex Machine. It was more lucky for Taz to be out of the company soon because what could they do with him? Taz had nobody to really work with, it was the sad truth of the situation. Not a fan of long crowd brawling, it is lazy and after Taz’s match with Douglas, I groan every time I see Taz on the floor. Hiptoss spot was weird too, like just why would they do that ?

Winner: Taz over Bubba Ray Dudley via Tazmission!

That was ECW’s Hardcore Heaven 1999, maybe the best ECW pay per view I will review. They upped their game massively from the last show, there were fast-paced matches featuring the likes of Tajiri, Guido, Super Crazy and Taka Michinoku. Storm and Dreamer had a good brawl, it was entertaining and a good way to make Storm seem like a real threat. RVD and Jerry Lynn stole the show, they knocked it up another level after Living Dangerously, there were some moments I did not like in the match but overall, it was a tonne of fun, incredible display from two of the best. My only knocks were the Sid madness and the lack of main event heels for Taz. Considering everything though, this was the best show they could put on and I was entertained throughout, kudos to ECW for putting on a pay per view that I did not piss all over! Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!