WWE Extreme Rules 2009 Review!

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series that is more blown-up than The Rock after a promo! It’s time for WWE Extreme Rules 2009! The main event is a rematch between Jeff Hardy and Edge in a TLC match, the match that made the two of them famous. It is clearly rematch city as we have John Cena vs The Big Show, Batista vs Randy Orton and CM Punk vs Umaga. The one night of the year that WWE goes extreme, I am happy with that! This should be a fun one but will there be any highlights on this night? Let’s find out!

 

(WWE United States Championship Fatal Four Way Match) Kofi Kingston © vs William Regal vs Matt Hardy vs MVP

So MVP lost the championship to Kingston on the previous RAW and has to get his rematch in a fatal four way? Sucks to be MVP, the tunnel is also gone so I mark this as the decline of poor MVP, soon it will be teaming with Mark Henry. Happy to see Regal back on PPV considering Regal was quite enjoyable as Intercontinental Champion. Matt Hardy is already out of the main event picture after losing to Jeff. Hardy & Regal will look to work together, not sure if MVP has transitioned to a fully-fledged babyface just yet but we shall see as it looks like it for now.

 

Regal shoves Hardy into the babyfaces, the babyfaces clean house. Hardy returns the favour, Hardy and MVP brawl on the floor. Kofi and Regal in the ring, Kofi planchas onto both Hardy & MVP. Regal eats a shoulder and a diving crossbody for two, MVP is back in now and lands a shoulder block. Something went wrong there but we continue, the show must go on as they say in the business. Kofi lands a high elbow after two leap-frogs, Regal comes in and knees Kofi. Regal pummels Kofi, Regal wants a superplex. Massive tower of doom spot, MVP wasn’t in position so things did not look great. Hardy tries stealing the pin but it does not work. Hardy lands a side effect on Regal for two, Hardy lands a scoop slam and climbs high. Diving leg drop connects for two, Twist of Fate is stopped by Kofi.

 

Kofi chops at Hardy, dropkick and flying clothesline, Kofi scoop slams Regal onto Hardy. Boom Drop on both men for a two, Regal is canned to the floor. Hardy sends Kofi to the corner, Kofi lands the Christian corner kick. MVP is kicked to the floor, Regal throws Kofi into Hardy. MVP lands a boot to Regal, belly to belly suplex on Kofi but Hardy makes the save. MVP & Hardy are brawling, MVP is winning that war. Knee to the face, Ballin’ Elbow but Regal makes the save. Exploder suplex by Regal, peppering shots in the corner. Knee Trembler to MVP. Exploder to Hardy, Regal throws Kofi to the ropes who rebounds with Trouble in Paradise for the win.

 

Solid opening match here, everyone gets a moment to shine and it’s balls to the wall from the get-go, everyone hitting big shots and fun spots. MVP shows some potential as a babyface here while Kofi seems to be super promising which is great to see from the WWE. Regal’s over-confidence leading to his KO was a nice spot too. Fans loved it and right man wins, good start!

 

Winner: Kofi Kingston over Everyone Else via Trouble in Paradise!

 

(WWE Intercontinental Championship No Holds Barred Match) Rey Mysterio © vs Chris Jericho

Jericho was beaten in a fantastic match at the prior PPV, that match was built around Jericho saying there is no way that Mysterio could hit him with The 619. Jericho would be proved wrong but Jericho says now that Mysterio’s mask will be ripped off. Another simple concept to follow for this match, no holds barred which probably doesn’t matter as I don’t think anyone will be drilling the other with piledrivers and such but this is going to be your basic no-DQ match.

 

Mysterio tackles Jericho to start, Mysterio kicks Jericho to the floor. Jericho meets the announce table and the tope of the table is thrown in his face. Mysterio hits a running dropkick, Jericho meets the barricade. Jericho recovers and elbows Mysterio, the champion meets the barricade. Jericho tries whipping Mysterio into the steel steps but Mysterio flips over the steps and dropkicks them into Jericho. Mysterio sends Jericho into the steel steps and lands an apron diving hurricanrana before nailing a slingshot leg drop in the ring for two. Jericho boots Mysterio in the ribs and uses the rope-hung guillotine. Two for the challenger, Jericho boots and chokes Mysterio in the corner.

 

Mysterio is whipped to the opposite buckle, Mysterio is on the apron and lands a shoulder but Jericho stops the moonsault by pushing the legs. This spot was used in the prior match but Jericho never went after the knee, will this change in this match. Jericho uses it as a set-up for a plancha but Mysterio kicks Jericho to the floor. Mysterio nails a 619 around the ring-post, diving crossbody finds the mark. In the ring, Mysterio lands a springboard leg drop for two. Irish whip by Jericho, head-scissors counter by Mysterio which is the set-up for the 619 but Jericho is up quickly and shoulder blocks the life out of Mysterio. Scoop slam escape by Mysterio, leg kicks and forearm shots. Mysterio wants a modified bulldog but rolls into the victory pin, two for Mysterio. Jericho rolls through for a close two, Jericho tries a sunset flip but Mysterio rolls through. However, Mysterio misses the dropkick as Jericho wants the Walls of Jericho.

 

Mysterio counters with a small package for two, a kick to the side of the head for two. Jericho answers back with a clothesline to gain control, Mysterio is sent flying to the floor on his belly. In the ring, Jericho spears the ring-post as Mysterio dodges, Mysterio lands a massive suicide dive with both men crashing to the mat. Springboard seated senton, head-scissors and a pop-up hurricanrana for two. Jericho tries a clothesline, drop toehold by Mysterio. Jericho counters though with a back-breaker that looks brutal, bigger reaction at Judgement Day but still a great spot for two. Mysterio fights back, pop-up hurricanrana countered for a powerbomb. Lionsault misses, 619 to the back of the head but Mysterio’s splash is countered with a Code-breaker! 1….2……. Mysterio kicks out!

 

Jericho grabs a chair, the first instance of the match stipulation being introduced. Mysterio dropkicks the chair into Jericho’s face, Mysterio grabs the chair and lands a leg-drop Sabu style for two. Jericho is dropped into the chair, Mysterio uses the chair for a pop-up hurricanrana but Jericho counters for a Walls of Jericho. Mysterio scrambles for the chair and cracks Jericho in the face with the chair. Jericho falls into perfect position for the 619, Mysterio runs up but Jericho rips off the mask in one smooth move and rolls-up Mysterio for the win.

 

Another match with these two that is very good, not as hot as the Judgement Day match and I don’t know if the stipulation was necessary for the match, I feel they could have gotten where they needed to without the help of the stipulation. Could have been nice to have Jericho go after the mask a bit more, Jericho did go after it in the previous match. Regardless, another solid match between these two, their counters and false-finishes are better than most in the company during this time. Great chemistry I cannot wait to see where they go next!

 

Winner: Chris Jericho over Rey Mysterio via Roll-Up!

 

(Strap Match) CM Punk vs Umaga

Rematch with a gimmick, I don’t think I have ever liked a strap match in my many years of watching wrestling as it always end in some sort of hokey bullshit where the heel is touching the strap just behind the babyface or vice-versa. Maybe I liked the one between Rock & HHH because that ended in pins but any with the touching corners stipulation sucked in my opinion.

 

Umaga starts by kicking and punching Punk, touching two corners before Punk nails a massive knee. Punk touches two corners before Umaga lands a Samoan drop. Umaga starts whipping Punk like a dog, Punk is dragged to the ring-post while Umaga tries pulling out Punk’s shoulder. Punk’s arm is bounced off the steel steps, Punk is suplexed onto the top rope and superkicked to the floor. Punk starts touching pads, Umaga gets two with ease. Punk lands an apron kick, springboard diving clothesline. Punk calls for The GTS, Umaga slips out and lands a spinning heel kick. Punk manages to nail his corner kick and his bulldog, Punk starts touching buckles. Punk touched three before Umaga landed his spinning uranage slam. Umaga touches three before Punk ties himself up in the ropes. Punk low-bridges Umaga, Punk begins touching buckles.

 

Punk reaches three before Umaga drags Punk across the ring, throat thrust by Umaga. Umaga is climbing to the top rope, Punk uses the strap to pull down Umaga. Punk is going to touch a fourth buckle but Umaga fights and fights, thinking that the spike will end this match but Umaga runs right into a GTS and Punk touches the buckle.

 

Yeah not as good as their previous match, the gimmick is a rough one and doesn’t make for a great match. Fans were alright, they did a good job of making it passable but I wouldn’t say Punk is near that main event scene in terms of popularity but you will see that Punk knew exactly what was needed to be done to make it to that next level.

 

Winner: CM Punk over Umaga via Touching All 4 Buckles!

 

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Extreme Rules Match) Christian © vs Jack Swagger vs Tommy Dreamer

The fuck is Tommy Dreamer doing in there? What are those pants? An extreme rules match will definitely paper over the cracks in this one, this could be a fun spot-fest. Swagger wants the two babyfaces to fight, Swagger does not realize that he has no friends here. Christian starts off slapping Swagger, Swagger uses his array of suplexes to take him down. Christian is on the floor, Dreamer tries a DDT but Swagger throws another suplex. Christian & Dreamer decide to grab weapons, fans chant ECW. Swagger is demolished with both weapons. White Russian leg-sweep by Dreamer on Swagger, Christian saves his championship. Dreamer fights back with the cane and lands a pumphandle suplex with his cane. Swagger jumps Dreamer, Dreamer is bounced off the turnbuckle over and over. Swagger has a trash-can lid, Dreamer sends Swagger tumbling to the floor. Dreamer is on the apron with a trash-can, Dreamer uses the trash-can for a senton into both men.

 

Dreamer throws Swagger into the ring, more trash cans and canes. Dreamer is on the middle rope, diving shoulder block using the cane. Swagger is in the tree of woe, Christian trips up Dreamer. Christian lands the low dropkick before tossing Dreamer into Swagger. Two for Christian, Dramer fights back and looks for his DDT. Christian backs Dreamer into the corner, Swagger has the cane and drops Christian. Belly to belly suplex for two, gut-buster and military press by Swagger for two. Dreamer misses a middle rope elbow on Christian, Christian wanted a springboard plancha but Swagger takes out Christian with a trash can. More trash cans and canes are in the ring, Dreamer waffles Swagger in the ribs but Swagger counters for a nice belly to belly suplex.

 

Swagger makes a line of trash cans, Dreamer is in serious trouble here. Swagger wants a superplex, Christian comes in for the tower of doom spot. Massive powerbomb by Christian, Dreamer manages to kick out as does Swagger. Christian grabs a crutch, Swagger counters Christian. Both men tease their finishers, Swagger has Christian and drops him on the exposed turnbuckle. Dreamer smashes Swagger in the ribs with the crutch and drops Swagger with a Dreamer DDT for the win!

 

So they really don’t feed into the story that Dreamer would have ended his career if he lost, this is a big moment for Dreamer and his career could have ended if he didn’t win the match but Matthews and Striker do a piss-poor job of selling it. Great moment for Tommy who would be the guy who hired so many of your favourites during that RA era and was jobbed out to countless starts, Dreamer finally gets his moment in the sun. Surprised they didn’t bring out a table but Dreamer took so many big bumps in this one, wrestling like it was his last match. Another very solid representation of ECW on PPV, very good stuff!

 

Winner: Tommy Dreamer over Everyone Else via DDT!

 

(Hog Pen Match) Santina Marella vs Vickie Guerrero

Really? Fuck me let’s just get this over with. Chavo wrestlers instead of Vickie, both men are covered in mud. Vickie decides to come in and Santina is ready to slop her. Chavo makes the save but slops Vickie by mistake. Slop is on Chavo’s head, Santina throws down Vickie and wins the match and her crown. Her theme is Rico’s theme? Why not. Utter shite!

 

Winner: Santina Marella!

 

(WWE World Championship Steel Cage Match) Randy Orton © vs Batista

I had a feeling they would have a cage match, I was thinking to myself how can we save Batista from losing to Orton without making him look weak? A cage match never fails, Orton took out Flair prior to this match in quite an emotional moment. Really adds another layer to this match, let’s hope it lives up to the hype.

 

Orton tries to run immediately, Batista is in hot pursuit. Batista takes Orton to the corner, shoulder thrusts in the corner. Orton is against the cage, Batista spears Orton into the cage twice. The third time Orton dodges and Batista spears the cage, Batista thwarts Orton’s escape. Batista is kicked in the head, Orton tries escaping through the door. Right hand staggers Orton, corner clothesline by Batista. Corner clothesline and a powerslam but its blocked, Orton shoves Batista into the cage and lands his back-breaker. Orton tries crawling out the cage but Batista is too strong, Orton tastes the cage. All four sides of the cage, powerslam from The Animal for two. Orton lures Batista in, Batista meets the turnbuckle. Stomps in the corner, Batista reverses an Irish whip and lands a Spine-buster. Batista Bomb is countered as Orton elevates Batista into the cage wall. Orton dropkicks Batista off the cage wall, Orton thinks about escaping but decides he wants to kick Batista in the head. Orton tries to escape, Batista dodges the kick though and looks for the powerbomb. Batista Bomb but Orton is hanging on, Orton escapes but the RKO is countered. Orton is shoved into the cage and Batista lands The Batista Bomb!

 

Batista won the championship from Orton? You serious? This really happened? Just like that? Was somebody injured? Orton who had his reign fucked up by Triple H at Mania? Orton drops the championship to Batista just like that? I really am shocked, I didn’t think this happened at all. Well the storyline definitely had the drama it needed but I don’t think the match could live up to the angle. Totally shocked though. Cage match is a tough one in this era, Orton did try to scramble and Orton’s greed cost him which is solid stuff but I just felt it was a little underwhelming.

 

Winner: Batista over Randy Orton via Batista Bomb!

 

(Submission Match) John Cena vs Big Show

So this match was built around the idea of their previous match where Cena could not lock in the STF on Show as Show was simply too big to pull it off. Cena has already vanquished Show so not sure why we did not move onto the Miz feud but I guess we can squeeze another month out of these two.

 

Can Cena do the impossible? Cena is throwing kicks which is not his strongpoint at all, Show lands a clothesline within seconds. Show wants his camel clutch, Cena is too quick and tries an STF but it is not going to work. Show is too fresh, Show continues to try and box but Cena goes for legs. Gut shots by Cena, Show lands a massive side-kick to floor Cena. Show works the ribs, headbutt to the corner. Show lands a massive splash, Cena avoids the splash but the bulldog doesn’t work like Judgement Day. Cena splats on the mat and spills to the floor, Show lands headbutt after headbutt against the ropes. Cena is trying to fight back, big rights and lefts but the shoulder block does not work with Show knocking Cena back with ease. Show is going for a full-nelson on Cena, interesting choice.

 

Cena attempts to escape, Show headbutts Cena in the back. To the buckle, Show eats a boot and Cena slaps on a sleeper. Alley Oop Bomb from Show, Show drops his hips on Cena who is in dire straits now. Chest slap by Show, massive suplex by Show. Show steps on Cena’s ribs once more, Show is delighted with himself. Show uses the middle rope to choke Cena, Show misses his Vader bomb with Cena rolling out of the way. Cena tries a slam but Show falls on top, Show clamps on a head & arm choke here. Show clearly watching the UFC, Cena uses his knees to escape the hold. Cena is grabbed by the throat, Show cannot nail the Chokeslam so Show decides to toss Cena to the floor.

 

Show picks up Cena, gut-buster hold into the steel steps. Show clamps on an abdominal stretch in the middle of the ring. Cena escapes the hold and counters a Chokeslam into a DDT. Cena stops the selling and looks for the STF, Show rolls to his side and kicks Cena to the floor. Show picks up Cena to the apron, Cena teases going for his leg drop but Cena dives into a bearhug. Cena rakes the eyes and lands the throwback, Cena calls for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Show is staggered but the AA puts down Show. Cena is trying again for the STF, one elbow from Show ends Cena’s flurry.

 

Show lands the Knockout Punch! Cena rolls to the floor, Cole makes mention of Cena not being able to answer the count? What? It is a submission match, you cannot have a DQ or a count-out in that surely? It’s the one night where there are no rules Cole! Show picks up Cena but Cena shoves Show into the ring-post, Cena sees Show slowly crawling into the ring. Cena lands his diving leg drop, Cena decides to use the ropes to tie Show up. Cena uses the ropes and applies the stiffest STF I have ever seen from Cena. Show cannot move and Show decides to tap out!

 

Same problems with this as their previous match. You either buy into Show’s slow but brutal offence or you find it dull and tedious, Cena’s lack of selling can also impact how much you enjoy the match but the finish was clever and the fans continue to react huge to Cena every time Cena is in the ring. Wish I could see a little more from Cena and maybe Show soften up Cena’s back for his big camel clutch finish but the continued attempts at the STF were good, built the drama for the eventual finish and that is the one time Cena locked in the STF where it looked good, it was tight and looked excruciating. Compare that to Cena applying that hold in any other match and it’s night and day.

 

Winner: John Cena over Big Show via STF!

 

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match) Edge © vs Jeff Hardy

Two men who made their mark on the business in this match, No Mercy 1999 was the first ever tag team ladder match and these two men made history. When you think of the TLC matches, the moment you always see is either Jeff’s massive Swanton or Edge’s spear to Jeff off the ladder. There is not a more fitting match for these two, it’s perfect that their feud ends with the match that started it all. I expect high-risk moves and awesome spots, their previous matches have been solid but not reached that next level. This is the second time they will main event over the WWE Championship, let’s hope that they live up to the hype on this night.

 

The bell rings, both men are tentative. Edge uses the hair and lands a knee in the corner, Hardy leaps over Edge and lands a clothesline. They go to the corner, Hardy is ramming Edge’s head off the buckle. Scoop slam, leg drop by Hardy. Edge answers with a knee, whip to the buckle. Corner Spear by Edge, Edge wants The Edgecution but Hardy answers with a beautiful sit-out front suplex. Hardy looks for ladders now, Hardy grabs a smaller ladder that is kicked into Hardy’s face as Edge lands a massive baseball slide.

 

Edge picks up the ladder and leans it against the ring, Hardy answers back with a clothesline. In the ring, Hardy lands clubbing blows. Edge is elevated onto the ladder that he set up, unfortunate for the champion. Hardy tries climbing to the gold but there is no time as Edge is back up, flapjack into the ladder from Edge. The spot went wrong but actually came out much better as a result, Edge decides to grab a new ladder. The ladder is placed in the corner of the ring, Edge wants the Irish whip. Hardy hits the ladder hard, Edge places the ladder in another corner. Edge is thinking Spear, Hardy leaps over Edge and Edge spears the ladder hard.

 

Hardy places the ladder in front of Edge’s face, slingshot dropkick by Hardy. Hardy tries a running dropkick but Edge moves out of the way, Hardy hurts his leg on that one. Hardy is placed in the middle of the ladder, Edge targets the leg and his back. Edge uses a sharpshooter while using the ladder which leaves Hardy screaming out in pain. Edge tosses Hardy to the floor, Hardy is on his feet though. The missile dropkick finds the mark as Edge crashes to the canvas, Hardy suplexes Edge onto an open ladder, Edge looks like that was seriously painful. Hardy pulls out the 15 foot ladder, a Twist of Fate from Hardy. Hardy cannot help himself though, Hardy wants that massive leg drop. Edge knows all about that spot. Hardy tips the ladder and looks to pull down the championship, Edge reacts and yanks down Hardy who sells his leg.

 

Edge is fighting a man with one leg now, things have improved dramatically for the champion. Hardy sends Edge into the ladder, Hardy climbs up and lands a Whisper In The Wind. Hardy lands a Cactus Jack clothesline to the floor, both men are down. Edge boots Hardy in the face, Edge bridges a ladder between the barricade and ring apron. Edge sends Hardy into the barricade before grabbing the steel steps, Hardy kicks down Edge. Hardy lands a cutter on the barricade, Hardy places Edge on the ladder bridge. Could Hardy be thinking shades of WM23? Hardy places a massive ladder next to Edge, Hardy is thinking someone insane here. Hardy does not see Edge is up, both men are battling on the ladder. This is very dangerous as there is nowhere to go and both men thud off the floor and through the ladder in an incredible spot. Watch the replay on that, Hardy smashes off the ground. Hardy immediately grabs his shoulder, shocked if Hardy did not destroy something there. Miraculously, Hardy is up as well as Edge. Hardy punches Edge into the referee, not sure what impact the referee bump could have but it happened. Edge wants to do what he has done in the past and Spear Hardy off the ladder but Hardy reverses for a massive Twist of Fate!

 

Hardy begins climbing towards the championship, Edge can hardly stand but Edge will not let go of Hardy. Both men are climbing now, Hardy is closer to the championship. Edge lands big shots, Hardy is knocked off the ladder but Edge grabs the legs of Edge, Edge is stuck in the ladder. Powerless to stop Hardy, Hardy pulls down the championship while Edge can do nothing but watch on in horror. It looks like the match is over but here comes Mr. Money In The Bank. The air has been sucked out of the arena with the crowd booing wildly, Punk is going to take it all away from Hardy. GTS in the middle of the ring, 1…2… Hardy kicks out! Punk is in shock at this turn of events, Hardy tries a small package but Punk kicks out. Punk has a scowl on his face, Punk makes no mistake this time. Massive head kick and a GTS later, Punk is your champion!

 

A great ladder match with an even more dramatic ending, Hardy and Edge earn their main event stripes in this one. They take some horrific looking bumps in this one, Hardy gets to do what Hardy does best: Big risks and great looking bumps. Both men use the ladder well throughout the match, they have callbacks to their previous encounters and you have that wonderful moment where Hardy takes everything away from Edge. It’s beautiful and fitting for Hardy, Hardy deserved it and you have Punk steal it like that. It’s disappointing that we would not see a decisive close to their rivalry but what a way to kick off their feud and what a way to turn Punk heel. Great main event!

 

Winner: Jeff Hardy over Edge via Retrieval of The Championship!

 

Winner: CM Punk over Jeff Hardy via GTS!

 

That was WWE’s Extreme Rules 2009, another very solid showing from WWE in 2009. We kick things off with an action packed fatal 4 way, everyone gets a moment to shine, it’s frantic and chaotic and leaves you wanting more. Not on the level of a TNA X-Division opening match but still a lot of fun from some grizzled veterans and young-guns looking to shine brightly on PPV. Jericho vs Mysterio is arguably my favourite feud in WWE during this time, they despise one another and the concept of their matches is straight-forward and laid out to you. It’s very engaging and the crowd is split which just adds to the whole thing. Great finish here, Jericho had spoken about unmasking Mysterio, it was his goal and to seal his record 9^th Intercontinental Championship, Jericho rips the mask off Mysterio while Mysterio is attempting The 619. Quality stuff here, cannot wait for the finale to this trilogy.

 

The triple threat ECW Championship match is a lot of fun too, it has no right to be but it delivers a lot of cool spots, shockingly from Dreamer who seems to be wrestling like it is his final match which is nice but the commentators here completely let me down as they fail to talk about Dreamer’s story throughout the match. Great moment for Dreamer, the match was a lot of fun and maybe it can lead to more interesting match-ups and Christian rising higher on the card because Christian deserves better. I worry for Swagger who was learning a lot from Christian, not sure he can maintain that momentum without Captain Charisma. I’d like to note that the women’s championship has not been seen on PPV for two months now, possibly three as I cannot remember if there was a match at Backlash but they really should have done something with Melina if they were taking the championship away from Beth who had been excellent since being paired with Santino.

 

Batista vs Orton shocked me, I sound like a broken record at this point but I cannot believe Orton loses the championship between his feud with Cena. I thought those two would feud after Orton beat Batista and Cena finished whatever they were planning with Miz but nope, Batista avenges not only Triple H but Ric Flair by winning the championship from Orton. I felt the desperation from Orton to escape and hold onto the championship but it felt like this was tame. The last match felt like a set-up for this one but this wasn’t high-stakes and it was one finisher reversal and then bam, Batista Bomb and it’s over. I expected more for Batista winning the championship but maybe Batista knew this was temporary and the title would be back in the hands of The Viper soon after this match. Cena vs Show will be a good match to you if you enjoy Show being dominant and can push aside Cena’s abandonment of selling once we hit the finishing stretch, Cena does a good job showcasing Show’s strength. Show comes off as a massively evil individual who wants to break every bone in Cena’s body but they never really play up the submission aspect. We have one full-nelson and an abdominal stretch but Show could use and has more devastating holds than that, Show didn’t even clamp on his camel clutch back-breaker move. If there was ever a time to use it, it would be in the submission match! Standard Cena affair with Cena coming out on top with a creative finish and his best looking STF, your feelings on it will be decided on how you feel about him during this era. The main event is high-stakes drama, you have the perfect story. The match that made them both famous, the match that Jeff Hardy dives off crazy things in which the fans love, the match that Edge always wins. Brutal looking spots, callbacks to previous encounters and then, it happens. Jeff does the unthinkable and beats Edge, everyone is so happy that finally Jeff is back on top, Jeff can have a long reign as champion. However, fate had other plans and out comes CM Punk who hadn’t been getting the best babyface reactions as of late, who was clearly number 2 when it came to babyfaces behind Jeff. Punk comes in and ruins everyone’s night, can Hardy build himself up one more time? Soul-crushing drama right here but it makes for great television! Another very easy PPV from WWE to sit through, people may be turning off and the buy-rates are down but they are delivering the goods during 2009. Can they keep it up? Guess we will find out down the line, thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!

WWE No Way Out 2008 Review

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is more shocking than Hogan's return to the WWE! Elimination Chamber matches hold the key to deciding what will take place at Wrestlemania, Smackdown's number one contender for the championship at Wrestlemania will be decided with a chamber match, Raw's number one contender will be decided through an elimination chamber match. Cena challengers Orton for the championship that he never lost, Mysterio vs Edge 2 and much much more! Let's Go!

(ECW World Championship Match) Chavo Guerrero (C) vs CM Punk

Punk vows for revenge on Chavo, Chavo stole Punk's championship with help from Edge. The match starts with a boot from Punk, reverse elbow. Chavo battles back, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Punk. Irish whip to the corner, Chavo boots Punk to the floor after Punk was elevated to the apron. Chavo wants the count-out win, elbows to the back of the head by Chavo, two for Chavo. Vicious kicks to the ribs of Punk, Punk screams out in pain. Right hands by Punk, kicks to the legs before a drop toehold and senton by Chavo.






Back suplex by Chavo, bodyscissors from the champion. Punk escapes with a catapult to the corner. Spinning sole butt, knee lift by Punk. Back drop, Irish whip to the corner. Chavo boots back but Punk counters with a powerslam for two. GTS attempt, Chavo counters with a headscissors. Tornado DDT for two, step-up enzuigiri by Punk for two. Punk mis-reads the vibe of the crowd and attempts the three amigos, high knee in the corner and bulldog by Punk for two as Chavo places his foot on the ropes.






Another GTS attempt, Punk dumps Chavo to the apron. Head-kick by Punk, Chavo is laying out on the floor. Punk picks up a dead-weight Chavo. Two for Punk, Punk places Chavo on the top rope, Punk is looking for a superplex. Chavo beats down Punk, Punk crotches Chavo on the top rope. Punk's hurricanrana is blocked with Punk crashing to the mat, Chavo nails The Frog Splash for the win.






Rather disappointing match, the crowd let down Punk and Chavo in this match, Punk was booed out of it while they weren't exactly reacting to Chavo either. The leg work was never really set up, Chavo went after the ribs, there was little story to the match and a clean win is the last thing I expected in this one and it went down like that, people did not really know what to make of all of it.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero over CM Punk via Frog Splash!

(Smackdown Elimination Chamber Match) Finlay vs The Great Khali vs Big Daddy V vs MVP vs Batista vs The Undertaker

Taker and Batista start, right hands by both men. Batista wins the war, to the corner we go. Shoulder thrusts by Batista, knee by Taker. Batista is tossed to the steel floor, Batista's face is raked off the chain wall. Batista right hands and boots Taker back into the ring, clothesline by Batista for two. Boot by Taker, right hands as Batista is being worn down. Choke from Taker, Batista begins to rally after a flurry from Taker. High elbow for two, both men boot one another down. It is Big Daddy V, Big Daddy V clubs both men. Massive chops, clotheslines to Taker and Batista. Scoop slam to Taker, Samoan Drop to Taker. Big Daddy V steps all over Taker, Batista takes more chopped.






Taker falls through the chamber door after a headbutt from Big Daddy V. Splash against the chain wall, Big Daddy V has Batista in the corner. Splash in the corner, Batista spinebusters Big Daddy V out of nowhere. Clothlesline to the floor, Taker DDTs Big Daddy V on the floor and we have our first elimination!

Big Daddy V Has Been Eliminated Via DDT!

Here comes The Great Khali, headbutts and chops from Khali. Taker pummels Khali, chokeslam attempt. Two-handed throat toss by Khali, Taker kicks out at two and a half. Khali applies The Vice Grip to Batista, Batista escapes and Spears Khali.Singh is booted by Taker, Taker applies Hell's Gate and Khali has been eliminated!

The Great Khali Has Been Eliminated Via Hell's Gate!

Down to two but not for long as Finlay comes into the match. Big boot by Taker, Finaly dodges a corner big boot, elbow to Batista. Batista is tossed to the steel floor, Celtic Cross on Taker for two. Batista catapults Finlay into the chain wall, Batista re-enters the ring and eats a clothesline from Taker. Taker is tossed to the floor by Finlay, Taker is rammed into the chain wall. Two for Finlay, Taker is hurled into the chamber pods over and over.






Batista sends Finlay into the ringpost shoulder first, muscle buster from Batista. MVP is out but Taker pummels the bejesus out of MVP. MVP nails Batista with a shining black, Player's Boot to Taker. Two for MVP, MVP chokes Finlay with a chain from around his neck; two for MVP. Taker has been opened after a chin shot from MVP, boot to Finlay. Taker is on his feet, the punches from MVP are not taking down Taker. MVP tries to run from Taker, MVP is on top of the chamber pod. Taker grabs MVP by the throat, super Chokeslam from The Deadman and Finlay pins MVP!

MVP Has Been Eliminated Via Super Chokeslam!

Taker misses a top rope elbow on Finlay, Batista seems to be the freshest of the bunch. Hornswoggle appears from under the ring, Finlay has a shillelagh. Shots to Batista and Taker, Batista looks for the powerbomb but Finlay waffles Batista with the shillelagh, two for Finlay. Finlay turns into Taker who Chokeslams Finlay onto the steel floor for the elimination!

Finlay Has Been Eliminated Via Chokeslam!

Down to two, the same two who started the match. Batista is bleeding, Taker is bleeding. Slugfest, Batista looks for The Batista Bomb. It connects, 1.......2........ Undertaker kicks out! Ten punches in the corner, Taker counters for The Last Ride. 1......2....... Batista kicks out! Tombstone is countered, Taker is sent to the floor. Lawn dart into the chain wall, Batista tries it again but Taker counters over the rope and into The Tombstone, it's over Taker is going to Wrestlemania.






Excellent chamber match from everyone involved, this was well-produced with the monsters Khali and Big Daddy V being allowed to dominate but being taken out early due to their limited skills. The rivalry of Taker and Batista, the feud that dominated Smackdown throughout 2007, they fought so many times, they both scored victories over one another but only one man could stand tall. They started the match, they finished the match. Great stuff from this match, Raw has a lot to live up to for their chamber match.

Winner: The Undertaker over Batista via Tombstone Piledriver!

Mr. Kennedy vs Ric Flair

Ric Flair's career will end the next time The Nature Boy loses a match, Kennedy will be Flair's opponent tonight. Lock-up, shoulder block by Kennedy who struts. Flair chops and struts, hiptoss from Flair. Kennedy is not happy, boot and forearms by Kennedy. Rights and chops by Flair, dropkick to the injured knee by Kennedy. Smart move from Kennedy, single leg Boston crab by Kennedy. Figure Four around the ringpost by Kennedy, Kennedy talks trash in Flair's face. Slap from Kennedy, two for Kennedy. More slaps from Kennedy, slap by Flair. Boot to the knee, Kennedy slaps on the figure four. Flair edges his way to the ropes, Kennedy holds onto the submission for as long as possible.






Chops by Flair, Green Bay Plunge from Kennedy for two. Flair counters the move the second time, massive chop blocks by Flair. Roll-up by Kennedy for two, Side headlock, Flair counters for a figure four. Small package for two, Kennedy runs into Flair though. Figure Four by Flair and Kennedy taps out!






It was a good match, it's hard to have a bad match against Flair. Flair always garners a reaction from the fans, Kennedy's heel work is also very good. Loved the slapping and trying to beat Flair with his own move but I can't help but think that Kennedy could have benefited so much from beating and retiring Flair but sadly, the company had lost faith in company since the year prior.

Winner: Ric Flair over Mr. Kennedy via Figure Four!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Edge (C) vs Rey Mysterio






Mysterio has his rematch, also of note is that Floyd Mayweather is at ringside. Edge is utterly confident as Mysterio has an injured bicep. Heavily taped, headscissors by Mysterio. Head-kick by Mysterio, ten punches to the champion. Big boot by Edge off a leapfrog by Mysterio, Mysterio regroups out on the floor. Baseball slide by Edge, Edge stomps Mysterio hard. Mysterio is thrown into the steel steps, Edge gleefully asks Mysterio if he will continue, hammerlock by Edge. On the top rope, Edge places Mysterio in the tree of woe, dropkick misses as Edge smacks groin first into the ringpost. Moonsault by Mysterio for two, diving tornado DDT for two as Edge places his foot on the bottom rope.






Sunset flip by Edge, Mysterio dodges and drop toeholds Edge. 619, Mysterio is in tremendous pain. Kick to the head, springboard crossbody goes wrong and Edge plants Mysterio with a spear.






Super short match but the injury has to be legit, unfortunate for Mysterio and the fans as we are robbed of that jaw-dropping Mysterio performance. The angle after the match is fantastic though as The Big Show returns to the WWE as seemingly a babyface. Show transitions in a fantastic fashion by turning on Mysterio and Floyd Mayweather breaks the nose of The Big Show. Money, Money, Money!

Winner: Edge over Rey Mysterio via Mid-Air Spear!

(WWE Championship Match) Randy Orton (C) vs John Cena









The Viper took out John Cena which led to Cena vacating his championship, in Cena's absence, Orton dominated every person in his path, nobody could touch Orton. Not HBK, not Triple H, nobody could measure up to Orton. Then, the unthinkable happened. Cena returned at the Royal Rumble and managed to win the damn thing. Orton had nowhere to run from the man who he could not beat for the championship.






We begin, small package by Cena for two. Takedown by Cena for two, boot to the stomach by Orton. Cena is clubbed down, right after right hand by the champion. Cena reverses an Irish whip to the corner, bulldog for two. Irish whip, high elbow by Cena. Elbow drop for two, Cena tries another Irish whip and Orton boots Cena in the head. Huge right floors Cena, Orton poses as Cena is down. Cena tries the schoolboy for two, lariat for two for Orton. Boot to the chest, Cena is being battered against the ropes, right by Orton. Dueling chants from the crowd, Cena hotshots Orton. Kobashi-style leg drop for two, Orton stops the corner clothesline. More rights from Orton, choke from the champion.






Cena attempts an FU, European uppercut stops Mr. Cena. Orton stomps the ankle, make that both ankles. Garvin-style stomps from Orton, Cena survives but misses a corner splash. Orton locks in a vicious looking sleeper to ground the challenger, Cena breaks free to nail massive shoulder blocks. Spinning side slam, Cena calls for the five knuckle shuffle. It connects, FU but Orton escapes to the floor. Cena pursues,Orton and Cena trade blows. Both men try to win by count-out which is a little weird for the challenger to do, they trade blows some more.






Orton backbreaker, Orton clutches his leg once more. Sliding to the cover, Orton gets two. Orton places Cena on the top rope, Cena shoves off Orton. Kobashi-style leg drop misses this time, Orton measures for The RKO. Cena blocks, back suplex and Cena applies The STFU. Orton screams and scrambles, Orton edges to the ropes but Orton cound tap, Orton reaches and Orton makes it to the ropes. Orton rolls to the floor; clutching his knee once more. Orton wants to be counted out, Cena is lured in. RKO on the floor, Cena makes it into the ring at nine. Cena is pissed, Cena wants a war and Orton bitch slaps the referee for the DQ.






That was good stuff in this match, Orton was thee ultimate chicken-shit heel in this match. Orton tried having Cena counted out, Orton wanted himself counted out to avoid losing the championship and just when Cena is all sick of Orton's tricks and it looks like it is time to die for Orton. Orton slaps the referee to cost Cena the championship that was firmly in the grasp of the challenger. The crowd was alive for this match and it worked so well, Orton is at his best here.

Winner: John Cena over Randy Orton via DQ!

(Raw Elimination Chamber Match) Shawn Michaels vs Triple H vs Chris Jericho vs JBL vs Umaga vs Jeff Hardy






The winner of this match will face Randy Orton at Wrestlemania, Jericho and Michaels start off this match. Lock-up; hammerlock by Jericho. Elbows by HBK, shoulder block by Michaels. Chop war between the two, Jericho leapfrogs Michaels. Crucfix into a sunset flip pin by HBK for two, series of pins by boht men before a northern lights suplex by Jericho for two. More pins before a clothesline by Jericho, slaps by Jericho. Flying forearm by Michaels, inverted atomic drop and clotheslines. Scoop slam, Jericho blocks the elbow drop with his knees. Bulldog, Lionsault is blocked by Michaels but Jericho blocks the knees and looks for The Walls of Jericho.






Small package by Jericho for two, both men bang heads in the middle of the ring. Umaga is the next man in the match. Umaga dominates both men with clotheslines and strikes, double Samoan drop by Umaga. Umaga hip drops on both Jericho and Michaels, Umaga drops everything on the back of HBK. Jericho comes back with chops, throat thrust floors Jericho. Umaga misses a middle rope headbutt, elbow drop by HBK. Jericho looks for the Walls of Jericho, Umaga is stuck in the hold. Michaels applies a crossface on the monster too, can Umaga hang on? JBL is the fourth man in the match, JBL goes after Jericho. Neckbreaker and short-arm clothesline, Michaels is thrown to the steel floor.






Jericho is stomped down, big boot to Jericho. Tornado DDT by Jericho, two for Jericho. Umaga rakes the face of Michaels off the chain wall. Umaga tortures Michaels in the ring, Triple H comes into the match. Triple H comes to the aid of Michaels, facebuster to JBL. Facebuster to Umaga, JBL and Umaga bang heads. Spinebuster to Jericho and Umaga, DDT to JBL for two. Umaga misses a splash and meets the chamber pod glass courtesy of The Game. Modified bulldog by Jericho on Triple H, Lionsault misses. Pedigree attempt, JBL Clotheslines Triple H but Jericho nails The Codebreaker on JBL and it's night night for JBL.

JBL Has Been Eliminated Via Codebreaker!

JBL grabs a chair and waffles Michaels, Umaga and Jericho. Everyone is down and the countdown for Hardy begins, forearms to Umaga. Corkscrew mule kick to Umaga, sit-out suplex to Jericho. Poetry in Motion on Umaga using Jericho, Triple H comes back with right hands. DX eat a Whisper In The Wind. Thrustkick by Umaga, spinning slam on Jericho. The Game is in the tree of woe, Umaga hurls Michaels into Triple H. Headbutt to Triple H, shot to the ribs of Jericho, Umaga is dominating this match. Umaga hip attacks Jericho through the chamber pod glass. Umaga eats a Sweet Chin Music, Codebreaker, Pedigree and Swanton Bomb to stop the monster! Sweet Chin Music and Jericho is gone, Hardy hits Twist of Fate while Triple H hits a Pedigreee on Michaels, HBK is gone.

Umaga Has Been Eliminated Via Swanton Bomb!

Jericho Has Been Eliminated Via Sweet Chin Music!

Michaels Has Been Eliminated Via Pedigree!

Hardy and Triple H battle it out, DDT on the floor by Hardy. Triple H is bleeding, Triple H is rammed off the chain wall. Hardy dives off the top, Pedigree counter but no Hardy back drops Triple H into the ring. Hardy misses his swanton, Triple H nails The Pedigree but Hardy kicks out at two! The Game has a chair, Pedigree on the chair. No it's blocked, low blow by Hardy. Twist of Fate does not connect, Triple H tosses Hardy onto the chair. Pedigree on the chair and Triple H is going to Wrestlemania.






This match was good but just did not have the charm of the Smackdown elimination chamber. The eliminations came quick and fast, not much pacing between them which is what hurt the match in my opinion. If there was time between Jericho being eliminated or Triple H coldly Pedigreeing Michaels to achieve his goal of becoming WWE Champion. Hardy kicking out of the Pedigree was a huge moment but they squandered the moment seconds later but I can understand why they did not want Hardy going down so easily. So, there were some cool spots, Umaga's elimination was a particular highlight but if the eliminations were given time to breathe, I thought it could have been much better!

Winner: Triple H over Jeff Hardy via Pedigree!

Well, that was WWE's No Way Out 2008, a very good pay per view from WWE. No real bad matches on this card, we have two very good chamber matches with the Smackdown chamber match being excellent. The WWE Championship had great heat to it with the crowd's energy being at a peak during this match, Big Show's return was a great way to get the fans to forget about Mysterio and Edge while Flair and Kennedy was good stuff too. So, I would recommend this pay per view, WWE was in full Wrestlemania mode and it delivers in bucketloads with exciting and dramatic chamber matches coupled with a great return and WWE championship match. Thanks for reading and remember: There's always another night!

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, 2nd June 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that gets more heat than Big Cass! It’s one of the final Saturday Night’s Main Events with Cena facing Khali, a strange main event and an arm wrestling contest. The early Saturday Night Main Events were a lot of fun but can these later events recapture the glory days?

The Great Khali W/ Singh vs John Cena

Cena attacks Khali right away, Khali blocks every shot. Shoulder block and FU attempt, Khali smacks down Cena. Clubbing blows from Khali, Cena is sent to the floor. Khali Irish whips Cena hard, Cena eats a boot. Massive scoop slam, Khali misses a leg drop. Cena attempts an STFU, Khali shoves off Cena. Headbutt by Khali, massive clothesline from Khali. Khali shuts down Cena’s comeback attempts, Cena is choked on the middle rope. Massive right hand by Khali, massive headbutt. Khali blocks an FU, Giant Brain chop by Khali. Two-Handed Throat Slam from Khali and Khali wins this match with ease. A squash match really, no rating for that.

Winner: The Great Khali over John Cena via Throat Toss!

Arm Wrestling Match

Vince places Mark Henry in his spot, Lashley and Henry do battle. Lashley would Spear Henry but Vince would cheap shot Lashley with a chair, it was alright nothing special.

Batista & Chris Benoit vs MVP & Edge

MVP tees off on Benoit, Benoit fires back at MVP. Crossface by Benoit, MVP makes it to the ropes. Edge tags in, Edge beats down Benoit. Benoit chops Edge, snap suplex and elbow drop for two. Reverse elbow and clotheslines by Benoit, tag to Batista. Edge tags MVP, Batista brings in MVP. Shoulder blocks and a huge slam, Edge saves MVP. MVP unloads on Batista with right hands, front chancery from MVP. Knee from Batista, boot for two. Benoit tags in and pummels MVP, chops in the corner. MVP misses a boot and Benoit drills MVP with German suplexes. Edge eats a right hand from Benoit, Benoit misses a headbutt though for taking too long.

MVP stomps and elbows Benoit for two, Edge comes in and kicks Benoit. Gutwrench suplex from MVP, elbows and knees for two. Benoit stays near the ropes, MVP tags Edge. Snapmare and waistlock from Edge, Benoit escapes with a massive enzuigiri. Benoit kicks off MVP, hot-tag to Batista. Right hands to MVP, clothesline and corner splashes. Running powerslam, Edge runs away from MVP’s aid. Spinebuster on MVP, tag to Benoit who nails a Diving Headbutt for the win.

Solid tag team match, I like the idea of Edge being such a chickenshit heel that he wants no part of The Animal, Benoit sold well and Batista’s hot-tag was decent. Probably going to be the match of the night based on this card.

Winners: Batista & Chris Benoit over Edge & MVP via Diving Headbutt!

Finlay & Hornswoggle vs Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman

A rematch from a Smackdown pay per view that I never knew I wanted to see again, Boogeyman shrugs off Finlay. Finlay is smashed off the turnbuckle, rights and lefts by Boogeyman. Hip splash, inverted atomic drop and splash. Tag to Little Boogeyman, tiny hip splashes, Finlay eats slaps to the face. Little Boogeyman bites Finlay, DDT on Finlay. Finlay tags Hornswoggle, Finlay dropkicks Little Boogeyman. The two dance, Little Boogeyman gets two of an inside cradle. Big Boogeyman chases Hornswoggle, Finlay boots Little Boogeyman for the win. Bleh DUD!

Winners: Finlay & Hornswoggle over Boogeymen via Boot!

Weird & Wacky Match

Kevin Thorn teams with Umaga and Viscera to do battle with Doink who teams with Eugene and Kane. Doink mocks Thorn for a while, clothesline by Thorn. Stomps by Thorn, Kane uppercuts Thorn. Tag to Eugene, double axe handle by Eugene. Umaga is legal, boot and stomps by Umaga. Tag to Viscera, Eugene fires up on Viscera. Spinning side slam by Viscera, Thorn is now legal. A few kicks from Thorn before a tag to Umaga who clamps on a shoulder claw. Umaga batters Eugene, Umaga continues to beat up Eugene before Eugene manages to break free to tag Kane.

Kane batters Viscera and Thorn, corner clothesline on Thorn. Sidewalk slam, Umaga eats a fist to the face. Diving Clothesline by Kane, Umaga saves Thorn. Doink gets smacked by Umaga as does Eugene, Thorn tags Viscera. Viscera misses a splash, Kane Chokeslams Viscera for the win. God, do not make me watch that again.

Winners: Team Kane over Team Umaga via Chokeslam!

Entirely forgettable and nothing to make you tune into One Night Stand that would be on the next night. So, I would recommend to avoid this because there is nothing you need to see here. Thanks for reading if you bothered to click on this review and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Judgment Day 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that continues to stumble along more than Impact Wrestling! It’s WWE Judgment Day 2007 where a whole lot has changed in the space of a month. Edge is your World Heavyweight Champion after cashing in on Undertaker on an episode of Smackdown, Batista looks to regain the championship in a one on one match against Edge. John Cena faces his biggest challenge yet in the form of The Great Khali while Lashley continues his war with The Mcmahons. Another solid card from the three active brands so let us see how things turn out! This is Judgment Day 2007

Ric Flair vs Carlito

Poor Carlito had lost his way, Jeff Hardy stealing the babyface push intended for Carlito, Carlito floundered and turned heel leading us to this match. Carlito charges Flair, Flair chops the hell out of Carlito. Sunset flip by Carlito, Flair counters for right hands, more trading of blows before Flair wins the war. Back drop from Flair, Carlito powders. Carlito lures in Flair and yanks The Nature Boy’s arm off the ringpost, keylock from Carlito. Carlito stomps on the arm of Flair, Carlito works on the arm with a hammerlock. Flair tries to fight back but Carlito goes back to the arm, Carlito drops elbows onto the arm. Flair is sent shoulder first into the turnbuckle.

Knee drops on the arm by Carlito, Carlito smashes Flair’s arm off the ringpost. Carlito dropkicks the arm of Flair into the ringpost, hammerlock scoop slam. Flair fires back, Carlito wrenches the arm. Dropkick to the arm, keylock from Carlito. Flair chops back at Carlito, Carlito maintains control by going to the arm. Snapmare into a keylock, Flair breaks free but a reverse elbow from Carlito stops Flair in his tracks. Two for Carlito, another keylock, this match is going a bit long and becoming very repetitive by this point. Armdrag by Flair, Carlito answers with a dropkick for two. Flair meets the turnbuckle shoulder first, Flair answers with chops.

Carlito back drops Flair, two for Carlito. Armbar from Carlito, knees and stomps to the arm from Carlito. More keylocks, fuck me I am sick of this match. Arm-drag from Flair, more chops. Right from Flair, chops from Flair. Snapmare and stomp, more chops against the ropes. Reverse elbow and Woo, back drop. Chop block, more chops. Carlito misses The Backstabber as Flair holds on to the ropes, stomps from Flair, massive knee drop and it’s time to go to the school. Figure Four on Carlito and Carlito has to tap!

While the fans may have popped at the end of the match, I was certainly not into this match. Far too long and not enough action for my liking, Carlito works the arm, the bad arm of Flair. Would have been more effective to take out Flair’s good arm, a lot of rest holds and cut-offs that sucked me out of the match the more it went on and on and on, nowhere to really go for Carlito now in my eyes so we will see what future holds.

Winner: Ric Flair over Carlito via Figure Four!

HBK Promo

HBK has a concussion and Randy Orton knew that all too well by introducing us to an early version of the punt kick. Michaels tells us that The Heartbreak Kid is ready to kick ass before Orton hurls HBK into some metal bars by the interview area, HBK smashes his head as The Viper strikes!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Bobby Lashley vs Shane Mcmahon & Vince Mcmahon © & Umaga

Lashley’s chance at revenge, The Mcmahons took what mattered most to Lashley, that being his ECW Championship. Odd to have a rematch when it’s a three on one handicap match but no surprise when The Mcmahons are stacking the odds against a babyface. I just hope this match suits Lashley a little better for I felt the previous match did no favours for the rising star who The Mcmahons wanted to be at the top of the company.

Lashley has no fear, staring down his three opponents. Lashley smacks Umaga to the floor, Lashley pummels Vince. Shane makes the save, Lashley fires back. Umaga cannot make it into the ring, Shane saves Vince for a second time. Rights and lefts from Shane, Lashley belly to belly suplexes Shane. Corner splash, Umaga splashes Shane by mistake. Spear to Umaga, Shane is picked up and a huge running powerslam that they call The Dominator for some reason? Weird but that’s all! Lashley pins Shane for the win. Well, it was hardly a match but it is everything I could have hoped for, I did not need to see a repeat of Backlash.

Winner: Lashley over The Mcmahons via Dominator!

CM Punk vs Elijah Burke

What a nice surprise as we have a second match on the card from ECW, this features CM Punk, the man who fooled The New Breed and the constant thorn in the side of Elijah Burke doing battle. Punk has his ribs all taped up due to an assault on the hands of Burke, this should be a simple enough story to follow for the match.

Punk looks to create distance through kicks while Burke looks to attack the ribs, Punk takes the back. Burke breaks the lock and hammers the ribs, Punk forearms and kicks Burke in the ribs. Side headlock from Punk, shots to the ribs from Burke. Punk looks for leg kicks, Burke brings Punk to the corner. Punk dodges the attacks of Burke, shots to the ribs from Burke after cornering Punk. Stomps to the ribs, Punk is a wounded animal. Big kick from Punk, snapmare into a stiff kick to the spine. Scoop slam, two for Punk. Reverse chinlock from Punk, massive kicks to the ribs by Burke.

Punk answers with an exploder suplex, shots in the corner by Punk. Kick to the ribs, corner clothesline from Punk who hurts himself. Delayed vertical suplex from Punk, two for Punk. Reverse chinlock from Punk, rib shot from Burke. Burke smacks the ribs of Punk, the referee pulls away Burke. Punk whips Burke to the corner, forearm shots from Punk. Punk nails a middle rope crossbody for two, kick from Burke. Irish whip to the corner, corner spear from Burke. Make it two, Punk blocks the third with a kick to the head. Burke dumps Punk to the floor, Punk is left on the apron. Punk slides under the bottom rope for a sunset flip, two for Punk. Side headlock takedown from Punk, shoulder block from Punk. Burke tries a hiptoss, Punk counters but no GTS.

Springboard dropkick by Punk that leaves Burke on the floor, Punk decides to risk it all. Suicide dive from Punk, two for Punk. Punk tries another springboard but Punk is dragged off the turnbuckle, landing hard on his ribs. Forearms to the back, two for Burke. Bodyscissors from Burke, Punk fights back before a suplex and back suplex from Burke for two. Bodyscissors from Burke, Punk battles out. Small package from Burke for two, knee from Burke. Burke climbs to the top rope, Punk crotches Burke. Top rope superplex from Punk, both men break the count at nine.

Burke goes to the ribs, Punk shrugs it off for clotheslines. Enzuigiri from Punk for two, clinch knees from Punk. Bulldog in the corner is blocked, Elijah Express is dodged. GTS is countered, Elijah Experience for two! Burke wants a back superplex, super Elijah Express which leaves Punk in the tree of woe. Two for Burke as Punk reaches the ropes, Elijah Experience is countered for a GTS and Punk is your winner!

Given plenty of time but it did not hit the right spot for me, I thought Burke would make the most of Punk’s injured ribs with his offense but I was really let down. I loved the super Elijah Express, if it was used earlier to setup the heat it would have been fantastic but Burke’s methods of going after the ribs left a lot to be desired, nothing that looked devastating. It was choppy in parts too due to bad chemistry between the two, Punk has been a verbal critic of Burke in the past so there is that but yeah, this match was not that good.

Winner: CM Punk over Elijah Burke via GTS!

Shawn Michaels vs Randy Orton

HBK has not been cleared for the match, HBK comes down to the ring and Orton goes to work on Michaels. Orton knocks Michaels down hard with a right hand, rope-hung DDT from Orton but Michaels somehow kicks out. Orton stomps on Michaels’ head, Orton continues to kick the head of The Heartbreak Kid. Michaels cannot stand, Orton does not hit The RKO. Michaels is placed on the top rope, Orton wants a super RKO. Michaels claws the eyes of Orton, Orton is shoved off the top rope. Michaels nails his elbow drop, Michaels attempts a Sweet Chin Music but comically falls over, this a bit much now. The referee calls off the match, Orton looks down at Michaels before delivering a massive RKO.

I felt robbed of a big money match at the time, it would have been great to see these two go at it again but what comes of this is something I asked for on the last pay per view. That being Orton is on the up ladies and gentlemen, the women can cheer him all they want, a despicable and ruthless Orton is on the horizon and I am looking forward to the rise of Orton.

Winner: Randy Orton over Shawn Michaels via TKO!

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

Cade and Matt begin the match, this a rematch from Backlash. Lock-up, clean break. Side headlock takedown from Cade, headscissor counters from Matt. Armdrag from Matt, hammerlock from Matt. Cade reaches the ropes, side headlock takedown by Matt. Hiptoss from Cade, two for Cade. Tag to Murdoch, Murdoch drives his shoulders into Matt. Tag to Cade, right hand from Matt. Reverse elbow and elbow drop, tag to Jeff. Slingshot dropkick, Cade drives Jeff to the corner. Murdoch is in the ring, hammerlock from Murdoch. Armdrag from Jeff, more deep armdrags and a tag to Matt.

Clothesline from Matt after poetry in motion, middle rope elbow drop for two. Side headlock from Murdoch, blind tag to Cade who smashes Matt with a lariat for two. Dropkick for two, Cade and Murdoch throw Matt into the corner. Tag to Murdoch, Matt counters Murdoch and Jeff is legal. Flying forearm, ten punches in the corner followed by a seated dropkick for two. Whisper in the Wind, Cade saves Murdoch. Matt slams Cade, The Hardy Boyz clear the ring. Jeff grabs a side headlock on Murdoch, Murdoch shrugs off Jeff. Murdoch is kicked to the floor, Jeff misses a tope con hilo. Jeff smashes his back off the floor, driving the air out of his body.

Murdoch throws Jeff in, two for Murdoch. Cade works the spine with knees, assisted leg drop for two. Murdoch is legal, reverse chinlock. Murdoch boots Jeff in the face for two, Cade nails a massive forearm for two. Quick tags from the challengers, sunset flip powerbomb for two with Matt saving Jeff. Jawbreaker from Jeff, Cade can’t stop Jeff’s tag to Matt. Matt cleans house, clothesline and bulldog combination, two on Cade. Side Effect for two, Matt throws Murdoch to the floor, Sit-out Spinebuster from Cade for two. Twist of Fate on Cade, tag to Jeff. Swanton Bomb and The Hardys retain their championships.

Not much difference between this and their Backlash match, this match was tighter due to the time limit on this match. The heat sequence on Jeff was quite good too with Jeff having the wind knocked out of him off the flip to the floor, The Hardys continue to be the best tag team in the WWE.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz over Cade & Murdoch via Swanton Bomb!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)  Edge © vs Batista

So, Kennedy went and fucked things up for himself which led to the decision of giving Edge the money in the bank and cash-in on The Undertaker after a war with Batista. Edge sits atop the Smackdown mountain with The Animal coming for the gold, Edge looks petrified and I love it. Batista shoves down Edge, Edge covers up in the corner. Edge continues to fear for his life with Batista, lock-up. Batista picks up Edge placing him on the top rope, Batista stares down Edge who covers up once more, Edge is doing great so far. Side headlock by Edge, shoulder block from Batista. Elbows and right hands from Batista, reverse elbow for two.

Eye rake from Edge, Batista sidesteps the champion. Batista tries a powerslam, Edge slips out the back and sends Batista’s knee into the steel steps. Batista retaliates by sending Edge back first into the ring apron. In the ring, Edge low dropkicks the knee, chop block from Edge. Batista misses a corner spear, nailing his shoulder off the ringpost. The two trade blows as Edge smacks the arm of Batista, Fujiwara armbar from Edge. Transition into a hammerlock, Batista shakes off Edge. Batista spinebusters Edge into the corner, Batista attempts a superplex but Edge shakes off The Animal.

Edge attempts a double axe handle only to eat a clothesline from Batista, both men are down. They trade blows, back drop by The Animal. Corner clothesline, punches from Batista. Powerslam for two, spinning side slam by Batista for two. Edge counters, Edge wants the spear. Batista Spears Edge,1…2…Edge kicks out! Edge is caught for a running powerslam, Batista calls for the end. Edge avoids the powerbomb, spinebuster but Edge rolls up Batista as Batista hurt his leg off the spinebuster.

What was that finish, Edge no sold the spinebuster? Is that possible? Batista never showed that his leg was that weak in the match so it was a super shock for me, that was different but this match never felt like a top quality match or a championship match. I never got sucked into the match, the way Edge no-sells the spinebuster is very comical, not a fan of this match.

Winner: Edge over Batista via Roll-Up!

(WWE United States Championship Match) Chris Benoit © vs MVP (Two out of Three Falls Match)

MVP’ last crack at the championship, has MVP found the answer to Benoit’s craftiness? The two lock-up and roll to the floor, Benoit slaps MVP. Sharpshooter and Crossface attempts, MVP escapes. Arm-drags by Benoit, drop toehold into a crossface attempt. MVP makes it to the ropes, MVP goes for the legs of Benoit. Side headlock takedown by MVP, Benoit escapes with a back suplex. Benoit punches and chops MVP, MVP shoots for the takedown and connects with ease. Benoit has to use the ropes to escape, chops from Benoit.

MVP takes out the legs of Benoit for two, elbow to the knee by MVP. MVP wrenches at the knee of Benoit, Benoit makes it to his feet but MVP is on the knee like a vulture. Chops from Benoit, MVP takes a massive German suplex. Three by Benoit, Benoit’s knee is weak though. MVP recovers, Crossface from Benoit but MVP reaches the ropes with his foot. MVP kicks the leg of Benoit, repeated stomps from MVP. Player’s Boot misses, Sharpshooter by Benoit. MVP reaches the ropes, Benoit nails MVP with an enzuigiri. MVP is up first, chop block from the challenger.

Massive stomp from MVP, Benoit has MVP on his shoulders. MVP counters into The Playmaker and MVP manages to take the first fall in this match, a great counter from the challenger with Benoit not being able to hold the weight of MVP. We have the rest period, MVP shoots for the leg of Benoit. Benoit stops the takedown and knees MVP, right hands by Benoit. MVP slides under Benoit and elbows the champion’s knee, elbow drop to the knee form MVP. Two for MVP, MVP places Benoit in the tree of woe. Massive boot to the knee of Benoit, Benoit is in a bad, bad way.

Two for MVP, heel hook from MVP. Benoit fires back, crossface is countered as MVP ties up Benoit in a stretch muffler, beautiful counter from MVP. The knee has been worked on for the majority of the match, this would be a great finish for MVP. Benoit sells tremendously, Benoit crawls to the ropes. Cravate with knees, playmaker is countered for a crossface attempt. MVP elbows the knee to escape, small package for two. MVP kicks the knee of Benoit, small package from MVP and MVP is your champion.

The culmination of a three month feud and it was great, MVP has grown by leaps and bounds by working with Benoit, MVP continued to learn counters and battle Benoit to the very last, MVP was finally able to outsmart the veteran and it made for a satisfying conclusion to the feud, this would be the last feud for Benoit and it was certainly not a bad feud to end your career on, Benoit’s work inside of the ring will be missed while his legacy is forever tainted.

Winner: MVP over Chris Benoit via Inside Cradle!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs The Great Khali

Cena brawls with the monster, big mistake by Mr Cena. Khali is here to kill Cena, elbows by Khali. Headbutt by Khali, massive right hand with Cena rolling to the floor. Cena meets the steel steps, two for Khali. Scoop slam and leg drop by Khali, two for Khali. Hard Irish whip, make it two. Clothesline by Khali, Khali misses a leg drop. Throwback for one, spinkick by Khali. Khali applies his shoulder grip, Cena fights his way out of the hold. Shoulder block, Khali is tied up in the ropes. Right hands by Cena, boot by Khali. Cena blocks the chop, Cena is on the floor. Cena dropkicks the steel steps into Khali’s knee, Kobashi style leg drop to Khali, STFU on Khali. Khali taps! Cena wins the match!

Well, it was hardly a classic clocking in at eight minutes, basic Khali match with a little comeback from Cena at the end, tough way to end the show but the fans ate it up so it is not all bad, I just wanted something more after sitting through this pay per view.

Winner: John Cena over Great Khali via STFU!

That was WWE’s Judgement Day 2007, a rather disappointing pay per view, the three advertised major brand championship matches all felt rather flat to me, Lashley beating Shane within a minute, Edge no selling Batista’s spinebuster to roll him up made no sense and Cena beating Khali like a regular Raw main event did nothing for me, a bright spot on the card was MVP overcoming Benoit after growing as a performer and Punk and Burke managed to put together a decent match while Flair was entertaining as all hell in the opening match. But I would give this a miss, you are not missing much here. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!