WWE Armageddon 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wresting Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that remembers Just Joe! WWE’s Armageddon 2007, the last pay per view of the year. It’s been up and down for much of the year for WWE but this is a chance to start off 2008 with some serious momentum. For weeks, a mysterious promo played about the 2^nd coming of a saviour. It was revealed to be Y2J, Chris Jericho returns after a two-year absence, his last pay per view match coming against John Cena at Summerslam 2005. Jericho challenges Orton for the WWE Championship, can The Viper withstand Chris Jericho? Meanwhile, on Smackdown, Edge has weaselled his way into the main event scene by screwing over Undertaker at Survivor Series. Batista, Edge and Undertaker will battle for the world heavyweight championship. Card looks solid while a Chris Jericho return should help the Raw roster so let’s get it on!

Opening Promo

A narrator with a sinister voice, the typical promo. Highlights of Orton destroying everyone, we have hope though. A light in the darkness, it is Y2J. Chris Jericho is here to Save Us, we next move onto a hype package for the triple threat. Good stuff, simple and builds hype for the main events. Amazing how WWE’s production was always lightyears ahead of the competition.

(WWE United States Championship Match) MVP © vs Rey Mysterio

With Finlay switching from heel to babyface, Mysterio moves onto his next feud with MVP, MVP’s takedown attempt fails. Lock-up, MVP tries another takedown but Mysterio is too fast. Kicks to the leg, headscissors by Mysterio. Small package for two, Mysterio continues to kick at MVP. Springboard arm-drag, MVP is on the floor. Referee blocks the dive, Mysterio dives over the referee. MVP stops an Irish whip to the corner, alley oop from MVP. Two for MVP, nasty forearms from MVP. Cravate lock by MVP, Mysterio battles out of the hold. Drop toehold by MVP, boot to the side of the head.

Two for MVP, forearm shots by MVP. Mysterio battles out of a hold, eye poke by MVP. Facebuster for two, MVP has keylock on Mysterio. Mysterio kicks his way out but Mysterio is yanked down by his mask, two for MVP. Military press by MVP fails, Mysterio lands on his feet and scores with a huge hurricanrana. Kicks and forearms shots, springboard crossbody for two. MVP shoves Mysterio onto the apron, springboard senton from Mysterio but Mysterio clutches his knee. Split-legged moonsault for two, Mysterio rebounds of the ropes into a massive lariat.

Both men battle onto the top turnbuckle, Mysterio is knocked to the apron. Mysterio is pulled up, the challenger fights off MVP. Top rope hurricanrana for two, big boot from MVP out of nowhere for two. Reverse brainbuster is countered by Mysterio for a falling reverse DDT, two for Mysterio. Mysterio knocks MVP onto the middle rope 619 misses and Mysterio gives chase. Hurricanrana off the apron, MVP opts not to break the count and retains his championship.

That was a fun opening match, I forgot how much I missed Mysterio in his absence, Mysterio is back to doing what he does best and that is take an ass-whipping before setting the world alight with his amazing agility and ability inside of the ring. The ending was a downer due to MVP doing the same thing he did when it came to Kane at Cyber Sunday, if you are building up MVP, you have to give him some big wins, not count-out losses to bigger stars.

Winner: Rey Mysterio over MVP via Count-Out!

CM Punk & Kane vs Big Daddy V & Mark Henry

Big Daddy V was ECW’s monster, poor Big Daddy V was then joined by two other monsters in Mark Henry and Kane. Anyways, Henry and Big Daddy V bullied Punk and Kane was Punk’s saviour. Punk and Henry start the match, Punk is shrugged off by Henry before the kicks begin, Henry is moved to Punk’s corner. In comes Kane, uppercuts galore. Clothesline from Henry stops an incoming Punk, clobbering blows to the back. Punk eats more punishment, tag to Big Daddy V. Punk chops back, Big Daddy V throws Punk to the floor. Striker gets in cheap shots, military press by Big Daddy V.

In comes Henry, Henry steps on Punk. Foot choke by Henry, throat choke by Henry. Henry misses a splash, in comes Kane. Corner clotheslines, boot to Henry. Diving clothesline by Kane, uppercut to Big Daddy V. Henry shoves Kane to the corner, tag to Big Daddy V. Chokeslam attempt, Big Daddy V baldo bombs Kane with Punk making the save. Short-arm clothesline, clubbing blows by Big Daddy V. Henry is the legal man now, bearhug from The World’s Strongest Man. Kane fires up, running DDT from The Big Red Machine. Hot-tag to Punk, high knees to Big Daddy V. Enzuigiri to Big Daddy V, Punk tries a springboard clothesline and Big Daddy V nails a massive Samoan Drop for the win.

That was solid, poor booking of the champion unless there will be an eventual title match between Big Daddy V and Punk but that already happened, and it was the shits. I do not think they are going back there, almost the story of Punk’s whole time on ECW though, Punk is being treated like garbage.

Winners: Big Daddy V & Mark Henry over CM Punk & Kane via Samoan Drop!

Mr. Kennedy vs Shawn Michaels

Kennedy is stepping up to the plate facing none other than The Heartbreak Kid, this should be some good stuff. Knee and clubbing blows from Kennedy, reverse elbow by Kennedy. Right hands and scoop slam by Kennedy, elbow drop and backbreaker. Michaels is in trouble, right hands in the corner by Kennedy. Michaels chops back, Irish whip to the corner and Michaels ends up countering the Green Bay Plunge with a chop block. Michaels cannot nail a suplex, HBK’s back is weak. Mic Check is blocked, single arm DDT by Michaels. Fujiwara armbar from HBK, Kennedy breaks free spearing Michaels to the floor.

Michaels sends Kennedy into the barricade, HBK continues to destroy Kennedy’s arm. Kennedy batters Michaels who holds onto the arm of Kennedy. The two brawl on the apron and Kennedy pushes Michaels back first into the ringpost. Kennedy shoves Michaels into the turnbuckle. Face wash from Kennedy, two for Kennedy. Backbreaker by Kennedy for two, Kennedy stretches Kennedy until HBK escapes. Scoop slam, Kennedy outsmarts Michaels and elbows HBK for a two-count.

Reverse chinlock by Kennedy, clubbing blows to the back. Michaels fires back with right hands. Kennedy is elevated over the top rope and to the floor, chops by Michaels. Flying forearm, kip-up. Inverted atomic drops, right hands and a scoop slam. Elbow drop by Michaels, superkick misses and Kennedy rolls-up Michaels for two. Green Bay Plunge is countered for a sunset flip, two for Michaels. Catapult onto the ringpost by Kennedy, Green Bay Plunge for two. Kennedy taunts Michaels, Mic Check is blocked as Michaels holds onto the ropes. Kennedy waffles Michaels with his left sore hand, HBK nails Sweet Chin Music for the win.

As always, Michaels brings the goods on pay per view. Michaels works the arm and it plays into the finish, a simple thing but you would be surprised at how often that simple trick is lost in a wrestling match. The replay and show how it was injured and how it cost Kennedy, the announcers tell the story but we did not need that, we were told the story with our eyes. Kennedy works the back of Michaels, Michaels make the most of it and I loved the shove into the ringpost, Michaels did something different again.

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Mr. Kennedy via Sweet Chin Music!

(No. 1 Contender Match For WWE Championship) Jeff Hardy vs Triple H

The winner of this match goes to Royal Rumble, Triple H tries to punk out Hardy. They lock-up, side headlock by Triple H. Shoulder block, Hardy escapes from a side headlock but another shoulder block from Triple H. Clothesine by The Game, Irish whip to the corner. Hardy nails a series of deep arm-drags, Triple H powders to the floor. The Game dodges the baseball slide, Hardy smacks Triple H off the barricade. Hardy misses his barricade clothesine, clothesline by The Game. Side headlock by Hardy in the ring, slap from Triple H. Triple H wants the best of Hardy, Hardy is fired up now.

Lock-up, Triple H misses a right hand. Stomps by Hardy, inverted atomic drop and low leg drop. Low dropkick for two, slap by Hardy. Stomp by Triple H, Hardy is tossed to the floor. Irish whip to the steel steps, Hardy is smacked back first into the barricade and ring apron. Elbow drops by The Game, Irish whip to the opposite corner by The Game. Hardy crumbles to the canvas in pain, elbow by Hardy. Triple H prevents whisper in the wind by pushing Hardy to the barricade. Hardy is re-entering the ring as Triple H drills Hardy with a middle rope elbow.

Hardy fires back with right hands, corkscrew mule kick is swatted away. Elbow by Triple H for two, abdominal stretch by Triple H. Hardy escapes a suplex for an enzuigiri, Irish whip by Hardy but The Game nails a facebuster and clothesline for two. Sleeper hold from Triple H, Hardy runs The Game head first into the turnbuckle, middle rope front dropkick. Swinging neckbreaker drop from Hardy, the two trade blows. Flying clothesline and forearms by Hardy, ten punches in the corner. Hardy misses his slingshot dropkick, two for Triple H.

Hardy clotheslines Triple H to the floor, plancha by The Charismatic Enigma. Hardy climbs to the top rope, crossbody for two. Whisper in The Wind from Hardy for two, Twist of Fate is avoided for a DDT, two for Triple H. Crucifix pin is countered by Triple H for a Samoan drop, two for Triple H as Hardy reverses into the pin for two. Right hands by Triple H, The Game stomps Hardy in the corner. Hardy leapfrogs Triple H, corkscrew mule kick and slingshot dropkick connects on Triple H. Swanton Bomb misses, Triple H covers for two. Pedigree is avoided Twist of Fate is avoided too. Spinebuster by Triple H, Triple H pulls Hardy up for The Pedigree, Hardy counters for a jacknife cover and Hardy steals the win.

I get what they were going for with this match, the way Triple H carried himself in the match and the story they were going for but in my eyes, they did not hit a home-run. Hardy never fired up after that slap, Hardy never proved that he could hang with Triple H. It was rather Triple H got too cocky and sure of himself and Hardy stole the win away from Triple H. That’s a fine story between a heel and a babyface but this was two babyfaces and if Hardy is to be elevated to a championship match with Orton at Royal Rumble, surely a clean win would have been better. Just the thoughts of a rambling mad man but I thought the intention was good but the execution left much to be desired.

Winner: Jeff Hardy over Triple H via Jacknife Cover!

The Great Khali vs Finlay

Finlay saved Hornswoggle, Finlay kicks at Khali. Khali tosses Finlay to the corner, stomps by Khali. Elbow in the corner by Khali, boot by Khali. Finlay is hurled to the floor as Khali poses, Khali comes to the outside. Finlay meets the barricade, chops by Khali. Headbutt by Khali, shoulder claw by Khali. Finlay breaks free before a spinkick from Khali takes down Finlay. Another shoulder claw, Finlay makes it to the ropes. Vice Grip by Khali, Khali spots Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle is swatted away by Khali, chop to Finlay. Scoop slam by Khali, Khali poses some more. The turnbuckle is exposed by Khali, Finlay has his shillelagh. Khali stops Finlay, the referee takes away a shillelagh but Hornswoggle has another shillelagh. Whack to the nuts of Khali, whack to the head of Khali and Finlay wins the match.

A short Khali match is a good Khali match, that makes me happy. Babyface Finlay does not make me happy but Finlay still cheating like a heel makes me super happy. This was good because of those two things!

Winner: Finlay over Great Khali via Shillelagh!

(WWE Championship Match) Randy Orton © vs Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho is back, Orton has destroyed everyone in his way but one man said no way. Y2J had been teasing a return for months with a code that was to be cracked, the code revealed save us Y2J and thus, Jericho made his WWE return after two years away. Jericho had his hair cut short which was a change we all had to get use to but it was babyface Jericho that we all loved. Jericho got under Orton’s skin which leads us to this match.

Lock-up, clean break from both men. Arm-drag by Y2J, Orton backs up Jericho. No clean break, cheap right hands by Orton. Hard Irish whip to the corner, Jericho dodges the oncoming Orton. Arm-drags and armbar from Jericho, forearm shots by Orton but Jericho answers by suplexing Orton onto the ropes. Stiff kick to the ribs, make it two. Elbows to the ribs by Y2J, knee by Orton. Orton avoids a back drop but eats a spinning heel kick, springboard dropkick is scouted by Orton. Orton did not expect a crossbody though, Orton is clobbered down by the challenger.

Jericho re-enters the ring but gets caught, rope-hung DDT takes too long though. Jericho tries for the walls, Orton kicks off Jericho. Big DDT by Orton, two for the champion. Orton applies a sleeper to the challenger, Jericho battles out but eats a massive dropkick. Two for Orton, rear-naked choke with a bodyscissors by Orton. Irish whip to the corner, Jericho puts on the brakes and both men bang heads. Both men trade rights, chops by Y2J. Flying forearm, shoulder blocks. Big clothesline for two, Jericho bounces Orton’s head off the turnbuckle. Missile dropkick for two, the challenger stomps the champion.

Powerslam by Orton off an Irish whip for two, Orton sends Jericho into the ringpost. RKO is countered for a backslide, two for Jericho. Orton boots Jericho and the challenger is flung into the ringpost shoulder first. Superplex by Orton, Jericho holds onto the ropes to avoid the dropkick. Walls of Jericho is countered with a small package for two, Orton eats an enzuigiri. Modified bulldog, Lionsault is blocked with the knees. Orton backbreaker, RKO is shrugged off, Lionsault for two. That one had the people, they thought it was Jericho’s time.

Jericho charges Orton in the corner, Orton places Jericho on the apron. Massive forearm by Orton, the two are on the floor. Orton tosses Jericho into JBL and Michael Cole, JBL looks disgusted by this action. Jericho goes after Orton, hotshot by Jericho. Flying forearm to the back of the head, Orton tosses off Jericho to avoid The Codebreaker. Orton is measuring Jericho for the punt, Jericho dodges, roll-up into The Walls of Jericho. Orton is scratching and clawing, Jericho drags back Orton to the middle of the ring. JBL boots Jericho right in the side of the head and the crowd erupts in a chorus of boos, Jericho wins by DQ.

I was not impressed by this match at all, I thought when Jericho looked like winning the place lit up and came alive but the rest of the match they seemed disinterested and I do not know if I can play them, the action was not great. What did impress me was how that was such a great way to reintroduce JBL as an active wrestler to the WWE. JBL would be arrogant and pompous enough to cost someone the championship just because they fell on their lap, I also miss the character of JBL away from the championship because JBL was a terrific character while on the blue brand but this match was rather flat for Jericho’s return.

Winner: Chris Jericho over Randy Orton via DQ!

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Beth Phoenix © vs Mickie James

Fuck yes, no bullshit tag match. It’s the best two workers in the division hooking it up, Beth tosses Mickie across the ring to begin. Massive shoulder block by Beth, Beth takes kicks to the thigh and leg. Mickie cannot Irish whip The Glamazon, corner headscissors does not work for Mickie as Beth nails a powerbomb. Two for Beth, Beth chokes Mickie using the middle rope. Dragon sleeper from Beth, Mickie knees her way out only for Beth to slap her down. Running powerslam to the corner, Mickie avoids a spear. Roll-up for two, kick to the mid-section.

Irish whip reversal, Mickie tries a bulldog but Beth has her chicken-wing hold on the challenger. Kick to the face from Mickie, reverse brainbuster is countered. Corner headscissors by Mickie, Thesz press by Mickie. Big kick, another Thesz press as Mickie lays into Beth. Low dropkick for two, neckbreaker by Mickie. Mickie climbs to the top rope, missile dropkick by Mickie for two. MickieDT is blocked, Beth knees Mickie and nails her Fisherman Buster for the win.

While the crowd may be silent during the women’s matches, these two can go and given a few more minutes I know they could tell a good story inside of the ring. Mickie gets in more offense than any other Diva at the time as your top babyface should but Beth is too strong and drills Mickie, proving that nobody can stop The Glamazon for the moment.

Winner: Beth Phoenix over Mickie James via Fisherman Buster!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Edge vs Batista © vs The Undertaker

Edge had come back with a bang, Edge never lost his championship due to injury and when Edge returned, it was revealed that Edge had entered a relationship with The Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. This triple threat has a tonne of story which is surely missed in today’s WWE. Undertaker and Batista fought tooth and nail for the championship with Batista finally beating Taker only two months prior while Edge had screwed Taker out of the championship twice but also had beaten Batista on a number of occasions defending his championship.

Batista and Taker grab Edge, Edge is in trouble before Taker and Batista turn on one another. Taker sends Batista back first into the barricade, Edge stomps Taker as Taker enters the ring. Edge slides out of the ring off an Irish whip, Batista is back on Taker. Batista clotheslines Taker to the floor, Batista baseball slides Edge. Taker slams Batista off the steel steps, apron leg drop by Taker. Batista escapes a powerslam to send Taker into the ringpost, Edge sends Batista into the ringpost. Two for Edge, Batista nails Edge with a spinning side slam for two.

Shoulder thrusts in the corner by Batista, Irish whip to the opposite corner. Edge dropkicks Batista down, Edge wants the spear. Batista blocks with a boot, running powerslam for two as Taker pulls out The Animal. Edge is on the apron, Batista clotheslines Taker to the floor. Edge eats a massive spinebuster, Batista Bomb is avoided with a low blow. Edgecution, Taker pulls out the referee. Edge recoils in horror, rights and lefts by Taker. Irish whip to the corner, corner clothesline. Snake eyes, big boot. Two for Taker, Old School connects on Edge. Last Ride is stopped as Batista Spears Edge, Edge is tossed to the floor.

Taker catches Batista in the triangle choke, Edge rings the bell to distract Taker. Genius tactics from Edge, Spear on Taker for two. Edge is shocked, Spear to Batista but the champion kicks out two. Edge grabs two chairs, conchairto is on the mind of Edge. Batista is laid on the chair, Edge gets the chair kicked into his face. Taker clotheslines Edge to the floor, clothesline by Batista to Undertaker. Taker crotches Batista who had climbed to the top rope, superplex by The Deadman. Two for Taker, Old School is countered for a spinebuster.

Spear to Edge by Batista, Taker drives Batista to the corner. Wait a minute, that’s not Edge! Chokeslam to Batista, Taker calls for the tombstone. Taker Chokeslams an Edge clone, Batista looks for a powerbomb. Taker Irish whips Batista, snake eyes but Batista counters with a clothesline. Running powerslam is countered for a Tombstone, Edge waffles Taker with the chair twice. Edge covers Batista and Edge becomes the champion.

Well, that was fun and it was fun due to Edge being a chickenshit heel. Loved ringing the bell to make Taker believe he had won the match, Edge as a coward throughout, knowing that there was no way he could measure up to The Deadman or The Animal. Edge’s facials and actions throughout the match fitted his character to a tee, the edition of The Edgeheads is awesome for the fact that they do look a lot like Edge and I just loved when a heel builds a stable around him that is going to bump like mad for the heel’s opponents and believe me, Hawkins and Ryder are going to take a lot of ass whippings and I cannot wait to see it.

Winner: Edge over Everyone Else via Spear!

That was WWE’s Armageddon of 2007, a mostly positive pay per view with some matches not quite hitting that sweet spot. Shawn Michaels and Kennedy was great stuff, the finish played into the narrative of the match, it worked well and Shawn Michaels may be the greatest in-ring performer of all-time. The main event worked well too for the same reasons but whereas Michaels’ arm work told the story of the Kennedy match, Edge’s character stole the show and told the story of this match with Edge finding a way to escape with the gold living up to his Ultimate Opportunist moniker that has been crafted since his first Money in The Bank cash-in almost two years prior. The disappointments were the story of Triple H and Jeff Hardy being let down by the ring work where Hardy looks like a fluke and not the shining rising star that the man should be heading into the biggest match of his career up to that point. Jericho and Orton was great for reintroducing JBL as a wrestler to the roster and starting his feud with Jericho but the match was flat as was MVP walking out on another opponent who was seen as the bigger star. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE No Mercy 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another spine-tingling edition of Seanomanaic Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is heartbroken by the loss of Big Cass! WWE’s No Mercy 2007, big changes in the landscape of WWE. You must be thinking how? Well, John Cena goes down with an injury which leads us to Triple H back at the forefront of Raw battling the evil Mr. Mcmahon while the most sinister man on the planet Randy Orton is waiting in the wings, how will Vince Mcmahon screw Triple H on this night? Meanwhile on Smackdown, Batista has finally won the championship that he chased for over 8 months but now, Batista must battle Khali in Khali’s signature match The Punjabi Prison Match. Unforgiven was forgettable but can No Mercy be something special? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

Cena’s legendary reign put to an end by an injury from allegedly a hiptoss from Mr. Kennedy, not a good day for Mr. Kennedy. Beyond this, we have our typical narrator with a dark voice talking about No Mercy.

(WWE Championship Match) Randy Orton © vs Triple H

Mr. Mcmahon enters the arena, Mcmahon gives Orton the championship with Triple H coming out to challenge Orton. Orton and Mcmahon say no, Triple H manipulates Mcmahon and Orton and we have this match. Orton is understandably upset that Vince fell for Triple H’s cheap tricks but Vince is a cartoon villain and this is exactly how to get to this egomaniac.

Orton cheap shots The Game, elbow by Triple H. Right hands, Orton powders from the punches of The Game. Orton grabs his championship but Triple H says you ain’t going anywhere. Orton continues to run, Triple H is in pursuit. Clothesline by The Game, Triple rolls Orton in the ring but Orton stomps on The Game. Reverse on the Irish whip and Orton eats the high knee of The Game. Orton counters a suplex for a backbreaker, elbow by Orton for two. Mounted punches by Orton, Orton chokes Triple H and talks trash. Slugfest between the two, powerslam by Orton stops Triple H. Two for Orton, Garvin-style stomps by Orton, knee drop by Orton.

Two for Orton, Orton locks in a sleeper. Triple H escapes Orton’s hold, corner clothesline. Make it two, clothesline to the back of the head for two. Triple H places Orton on the top rope, superplex from Triple H. Two for Triple H, spinebuster by Triple H for two. They roll to the floor, Triple H tries to re-enter the ring but there is a DDT from Orton. Two for Orton, Orton looks for The RKO. Triple H shoves off Orton, Pedigree is blocked too. Orton back drops Triple H, knee drop misses. Figure Four by Triple H, Orton reaches the ropes. Orton lures Triple H in and throws The Game to the floor, hotshot by Triple H. Triple H climbs on the top rope, Orton crotches The Game and Orton looks for a corner spear, Triple H dodges and rolls-up Orton.

Well, the crowd was hot for this match as you had two huge stars in the opening match and it was the championship on the line but for the match itself, it was alright. No real drama to the match and a roll-up ended the reign of Orton who was on a roll at the time. Plus, a fifteen minute reign is never going to be something I am a fan of, this sucks.

Winner: Triple H over Randy Orton via Roll-Up!

Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch/Mr Kennedy vs Jeff Hardy/ Paul London & Brian Kendrick

The only two tag teams on the Raw brand alongside two upper mid-carders in a match that would be at home on Raw. Kendrick and Cade start, crossbody by Kendrick. Tag to London, sunset flip by London for two. Cade knocks down London, tag to Murdoch. Dropkick by London for two, tag to Jeff. Poetry in Motion, two for Jeff. Jawbreaker is blocked, boot by Murdoch. Kennedy is legal, Jeff is stomped hard. Kennedy misses a boot, tag to Kendrick. Cade comes in, forearms and dropkicks. Murdoch lowbridges Kendrick who falls hard, Cade covers for two. Cade batters Kendrick, tag to Murdoch for assisted leg drop.

Scoop slam, knee to the ribs of Kendrick. Make it three, Kennedy stomps all over Kendrick. Running facewash by Kennedy, Kennedy chokes out Kendrick. Kendrick rallies, Kennedy cuts off Kendrick. Cade comes in looking for a superplex, tornado DDT by Kendrick. Jeff is tagged in, flying forearms. Neckbreaker on Murdoch for two, sit-out suplex and a Swanton Bomb for two as Cade saves Murdoch. London hurricanranas Cade, corkscrew mule kick on Kennedy by Jeff. Springboard dropkick by London for two, spinning heel kick. London is on the top rope, Kennedy crotches London. Green Bay Plunge from Kennedy and Team Kennedy wins.

Your standard Raw main event match, the crowd is hot for Jeff as usual. Cade and Murdoch are a rough badass team but they hardly get to shine nor do London and Kendrick who are super exciting as the match is in such a rush. Kennedy picks up a win but it is not over Jeff Hardy so the impact is not as great.

Winners: Team Kennedy over Team Hardy via Green Bay Plunge!

(ECW World Championship Match) Big Daddy V W/ Matt Striker vs CM Punk ©

CM Punk faces a huge test in facing Big Daddy V, the unstoppable monster of ECW. Dreamer was supposed to be the number one contender but Matt Striker persuaded Estrada, the general manager of ECW to award Big Daddy V the championship match. V throws Punk across the ring, Punk tries shooting on V. V takes down Punk and hammers Punk, huge forearms and fists. Punk escapes and kicks V, enzuigiri staggers V. V brings Punk to the corner, huge slap. Punk avoids the splash, missile dropkick. Striker jumps Punk, the match is over.

Why in the name of God would Striker interrupt the match? What was the point of this? V was in no danger, Striker was not provoked. Absolutely no reason for Striker to cost his client the championship, this makes no sense and I wonder why they did this.

Winner: CM Punk over Big Daddy V via DQ!

(WWE Championship Match) Triple H © vs Umaga

Umaga vs Triple H was scheduled for tonight, Triple H weaselled his way into a match with Orton earlier in the night so we have the scheduled match now for the championship. Umaga outstrikes Triple H, Triple H is down. DDT by Triple H has little effect, The Game lowbridges Umaga. Triple H bounces Umaga off the steel steps to no effect, superkick by Umaga. Hip drop by Umaga, Umaga misses the middle rope headbutt. Knee facebuster to no effect, Pedigree is reversed via back drop. Spinebuster lands, Pedigree is reversed for a Samoan drop. Umaga stomps Triple H, bearhug by Umaga. Triple H escapes but gets caught in a spinning sidewalk slam.

Two for Umaga, knee drops by Umaga. Umaga pummels Triple H in the corner, the intent is obvious. Running hip attack time, Triple H dodges at the last second. Triple H boots Umaga, Umaga misses a splash and hits the ringpost. Pedigree on The Samoan Bulldozer and Triple H picks up the win over Umaga.

Decent match, we get to see Umaga as the dominant monster and Triple H overcoming the daunting task of defeating The Samoan Bulldozer. The story of the match could have been drawn out longer but its not about the match, it is about The Game overcoming the odds and based on that, the match is good.

Winner: Triple H over Umaga via Pedigree!

Finlay vs Rey Mysterio

Lock-ups leads to Finlay uppercutting Mysterio, Mysterio ducks a clothesline and nails a dropkick, snapmare and slingshot dropkick. Followed by a slingshot splash for two, mounted ten punches by Mysterio. Hard Irish whip by Finlay, Finlay and Mysterio battle on the apron. Mysterio looks for a sunset flip powerbomb but Finlay ties up Mysterio using the ringskirt. Clubbing blows by Mysterio, Mysterio is hurled into the ringpost. Fujiwara armbar by Finlay, Mysterio battles out but Finlay maintains control with a short-arm clothesline. Elbows by Finlay, Mysterio fights back. Finlay goes back to the arm with a hammerlock, Mysterio snapmares Finlay into the turnbuckle.

Springboard crossbody for Mysterio, it gets two. Springboard seated senton, dropkick for two. Dropkick and Finlay is on the ropes, clothesline by Finlay. Finlay gets two, Mysterio tries a hurricanrana but Finlay nails a shoulderbreaker for two. Finlay exposes a turnbuckle, Finlay grabs his shillelagh. Mysterio kicks off Finlay, hurricanrana to the floor. Finlay eats a massive kick on the apron, Mysterio climbs to the top rope. Guillotine leg drop on Finlay, the referee gives the dreaded X symbol. Mysterio shows regret over the injury, Finlay fakes it and batters Mysterio.

So it is a no-contest then? The match was going great. Finlay is nothing fancy in the ring, Finlay picks a body part and works the shit out of it. Every move was on the arm, Finlay would go the arm when Mysterio fired up, it was tremendous. Finlay’s mannerisms and body language are fantastic. Mysterio is  marvel inside of the ring, nobody can touch him on his best day so I would have like to have seen a fitting end to the match as opposed to an angle to prolong the feud.

No Contest!

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Beth Phoenix vs Candice Michelle ©

I praised the shit out of these two at the last pay per view because these two worked their God damn asses off adding a new dynamic to the women’s division with The Glamazon as a big woman working with the smaller woman. Beth pushes down Candice, Candice is tossed around by Beth. Clubbing blows by Beth, Candice leapfrogs Beth. Delfin special for two, Beth boots Candice in the ribs. Spear in the corner, Candice dodges another spear. Kicks and low dropkicks by Candice for two, Beth powers out again.

Candice tries a crossbody, Beth slams down Candice. Two for Beth, seated-cobra clutch. Candice tries to Bret her away out but Beth kicks out at two. Candice runs Beth into the turnbuckle hard, forearms by Candice. Flying forearm, dropkicks and a spinning heel kick. Candice climbs high, crossbody for two. Beth spears Candice into the corner, Candice flips over for a sunset flip for two. Backbreaker by Beth, High-Angle Fisherman Buster by Beth for the win.

This was not as good as the prior match but still an enjoyable watch, Candice fought from underneath the entire time as Beth was clearly too strong for the champion. With each rally, Candice faded as Beth wore her down until eventually, it was time for Beth to ascend as the rightful Queen of the division, I would have liked more time to better showcase Candice as an underdog but this was Beth’s night and she deserved it being so different to anything else that the WWE had at the time.

Winner: Beth Phoenix over Candice Michelle via Fisherman Buster!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Batista © vs The Great Khali (Punjabi Prison Match)

Batista defends his championship against Khali in Khali’s match, the concept is stupid and ridiculous with escaping two cages and time limits to do so, silly business really but I shall do my best to call this match. Batista brings the pain early before Khali boots and slaps Batista, Khali asks for a door to open. Khali does not escape in time, the door will never open again now. The two struggle, boot by Khali, scoop slam by Khali. Khali misses a leg drop, Spear from Batista. Batista calls for the door to be opened, Khali and Batista struggle at the door.

Khali chokes Batista against the bamboo cage, Khali chokes Batista with a rope. Khali whips Batista with a strap, Khali asks for the third door to be opened. Batista batters Khali, spinebuster by Batista. Neither man makes it to the door, Batista whips Khali over and over. Batista begins climbing the structure even though it is not in the rules. Khali gives chase, Khali stomps on Batista from the top rope. Batista catches Khali but there is no powerbomb, Khali stops The Animal.

Vice Grip by the challenger, Batista is in trouble. Khali brings Batista to his knees, the last door is finally open. Batista low blows Khali in a last-ditch attempt to take down the challenger. Khali uses the door on Batista’s back, nobody escapes the four doors. Guess they will climb so? Both men begin climbing the cage, Khali pulls Batista off the cage. Khali escapes the first cage with Batista trapped, Khali begins climbing cage two. It is a race, Batista dives to the second cage and outclimbs Khali to win the match.

That was so much better than I expected it to be between these two, it was enjoyable at points which is crazy when you think at who was involved. The race down was quite fun, Khali tossing Batista was good stuff too, they surprised me with this match but please no more Khali at the top of the card, we get it, Khali is big but his matches are awful.

Winner: Batista over Great Khali via Escape!

(WWE Championship Match) Triple H © vs Randy Orton (Last Man Standing Match)

Orton continues to screw Triple H as Vince Mcmahon allows Orton to invoke his rematch clause the same night that he loses the championship. Triple H is injured, his ribs are busted and The Game is fatigued after two championship matches. Orton smells blood, Orton works the ribs. Triple H tries a pedigree on the floor, Orton smacks Triple H off the ramp. Orton pummels the ribs of The Game, Triple H is knocked to the floor. Triple H is dropped on the barricade, Triple H is sent crashing into the steel steps. Dropkick from Orton, facebuster from Triple H in desperation. Orton backbreaker, Orton chokes Triple H with a camera cable.

Triple H stands at nine, monitor to the head from Orton. Orton tries an RKO but Triple H shoves off Orton who crashes through the announce table. Orton stands at nine, low blow by Orton. Triple H spinebusters Orton on the floor, Orton stands at nine. Triple H has steps, Orton eats the steps to the head. Orton stands at nine again! Orton stops the chair shot with a kick to the ribs, DDT on the chair. Orton pummels The Game, Orton RKOs Triple H onto a chair. Triple H stands at nine, bloodied by the chair. A defiant suck it from The Game but Triple H cannot stand.

Triple H blocks the punt, Orton cannot escape. Clothesline by Triple H, Orton is tossed to the floor. Pedigree is blocked for a catapult, Triple H meets the ringpost. Orton wants to use the steps, low blow by The Game. Triple H whacks the chair onto Orton’s head that smacks off the steel steps. Orton stands at nine, Pedigree on the table is avoided for an RKO. Orton caught Triple H completely off guard!

Very good match between those two, if we take away the bullshit at the start of the night and look at purely this match, it is an awesome match. Orton and Triple H bring the goods in this match, it is brutal at times as the two batter one another with weapons in a bid to win the war, Orton is fitting into that main event heel role so smoothly, you would be thinking why did they ignore him for the past year, why was this not done sooner. Orton and his character have an edge to them, Orton is confident and downright mesmerizing at times while Triple H provides balls to the wall energy with his charisma and feats of strength. Both men came off looking tough at the end of this match, the match is filled with drama and a great end to the pay per view.

Winner: Randy Orton over Triple H via RKO!

That was WWE’s No Mercy of 2007, a breeze of a show to get through in reflection. Nothing special when it came to many of the matches but my only real complaint would be the treatment of Orton as champion at the beginning of the show and Striker’s out of character and bizarre interference in the ECW championship match. Baffles me why Striker would just jump in when V was in no real danger and Striker was not provoked, it was random and killed the crowd for quite sometime. Orton and Triple H delivers what you need in a pay per view main event, Khali and Batista delivers a great match when those two had no right too but overall, the card is enjoyable and it looks like WWE could breathe easy even with John Cena on the sidelines. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Wrestlemania 23 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomanic’s Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that would never name a battle royal after Fabulous Moolah! It’s Wrestlemania 23 time, I thought I would give the classics a rest and keep moving forward as I look through WWE from where I had last left off. So, Wrestlemania 23 is headlined by John Cena defending his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels, HBK would been given the spotlight to shine due to Triple H’s quad injury at New Year’s Revolution. On the Smackdown side, we have The Undertaker challenging World Heavyweight Champion Batista, a clash of two titans and the two biggest stars on the blue brand. In a bit of Mania madness, we have the battle of the billionaires in Donald Trump vs Vince Mcmahon, each man choosing a superstar to battle on their behalf with the loser being shaved bald. Very rarely will a Wrestlemania let you down but it does not mean it never happens so let’s see what Wrestlemania 23 was all about!

Opening Promo

We are shown Wrestlemania through the years, fans screaming and the most famous moments like Hogan, Bret, Piper, Austin and HBK. Some of the best and biggest moments that last a lifetime, Wrestlemania is the showcase of the immortals. All Grown Up is the theme of this year, we are at the sight of Wrestlemania 3. We get the normal video package hyping up the event as Aretha Franklin sings the national anthem, you know the deal let’s just watch this madness.

(Money In The Bank Ladder Match) Matt Hardy vs Jeff Hardy vs Edge vs Randy Orton vs Mr. Kennedy vs King Booker vs Finlay vs CM Punk

A lot of big names in this match, a big prize is up for grabs. The winner will be able to cash in the money in the bank at anytime and possibly become a world champion. Lots of rising stars and main event players, there was a strong possibility of almost any man winning this match. It starts with people running for ladders, a lot of brawling between the huge numbers. Edge has a ladder and almost steals the win, Matt stops Edge. Thought they could have made more of those two fighting, Orton and Finlay are on the ladder. They roll to the floor and fight, Jeff and Kennedy brawl by the ladder. Booker pulls out a tiny ladder, Punk smacks everyone with the little step ladder. Punk is bleeding, Edge makes a ladder bridge between the apron and barricade.

Booker spinebusters and kicks everyone, Spinaroonie. The Hardys wipe out Booker, Side Effect on Edge. Jeff makes his ladder madness setup, Finlay saves Edge pushing Jeff to the floor. Edge suplexes Matt onto the ladder, Kenton Bomb misses as Matt dodges. Swanton Bomb on Kennedy, The Hardys nail Finlay and Orton with the ladder. The Hardys fight on the ladder for the briefcase, Finlay tips over The Hardys. Finlay clotheslines everyone, Edge Spears Orton and Booker, Kennedy and Matt. Add Jeff to that list, Punk ducks the spear. Punk whacks everyone with the ladder, Edge Spears Punk. Edge grabs a huge ladder, Orton stops Edge who falls to the floor. Jeff attacks Orton, sit-out suplex.

Matt places Edge across the ladder bridge, Matt wants to fuck up Edge. Jeff climbs the huge ladder and decides to leg drop Edge through the ladder. Edge is stretchered out, Orton begins nailing RKOs on everyone. Punk slams a ladder into Orton’s back, Orton and Punk stand on two different ladders. Super RKO from Orton, Super BookEnd from the ladder as Orton gets caught. Matt chases Booker, Sharmell is in the ring. Matt threatens to Twist of Fate Sharmell, Booker attempts to save Sharmell. Twist of Fate on Booker, Finlay is here. Finlay tips over Matt’s ladder, Celtic Cross on the ladder by Finlay.

Two ladders stand under the briefcase, Finlay is selling the effects of the match. Hornswoggle is here, Kennedy boots Finlay. Kennedy looks at Hornswiggle, right hand by Hornswoggle. Kennedy decides it’s time for The Green Bay Plunge on Hornswoggle, Finlay decks Kennedy with the ladder. Springboard dropkick by Punk, Finlay falls off the ladder. Kennedy and Punk brawl atop the ladder, Punk shoves off Kennedy but Kennedy decks Punk with a ladder to the face, Kennedy climbs to the top of the ladder. Kennedy wins Money In The Bank!

Fantastic match, they were perfecting the formula for this match after only two previous matches, this had many spots where everyone was allowed to shine at Wrestlemania. From Finisher barrages to high spots all around the place, everyone looked good, each spot built upon the previous spot until we had a massive collection of moments that you could look back at and say that was simply awesome. A fantastic way to open the show, the question is can anything else top this match?

Winner: Mr. Kennedy over Everyone Else via Retrieval Of The Briefcase!

Mr. Kennedy Promo

Kennedy congratulates himself, Kennedy warns every champion in the company that Kennedy is coming for them, Kennedy is Mr. Money In The Bank.

The Great Khali vs Kane

Khali had quite the bizarre year, everything was running smoothly at first with a victory over The Undertaker in dominating fashion before not being able to finish the feud between the two due to injury or being unreliable, take your pick. So, Khali comes back after doing very little in terms of significance to battle The Big Red Machine Kane. Kane had switched over to Smackdown beating the likes of MVP while teaming with his brother The Undertaker.

Khali shoves down Kane, shoulder block from Khali. Right hands by Kane, Khali pulls Kane out to the floor. Khali poses, hotshot from Kane. Kane clotheslines Khali to no effect, scoop slam by Khali. Nerve hold from Khali, stomps and chokes from Khali. Kane battles back against Khali, big corner clothesline. Kane nails his signature diving clothesline, a boot but Khali still stands. Khali is caught in the ropes though, right hands by Kane. Kane slides out looking for a hook, Khali knocks the hook out of Kane’s hand. Slugfest with Khali winning the war, Khali unhooks the top turnbuckle. Kane uses the hook on Khali’s nuts, slam from Kane. Khali kicks out at two, Kane calls for a Chokeslam. Khali retaliates, massive two-handed throat toss. Khali pins Kane with a foot on The Big Red Machine’s chest.

A good showing for The Punjabi Nightmare, Kane was reliable as always inside of the ring, Khali had an up and down year but Vince was still high on the monster. Khali looked dominant, a force to be reckoned with and that’s exactly what the doctor ordered as Kane puts over another monster with Umaga being the flavour of the month last year and Khali taking over from Umaga this year.

Winner: Great Khali over Kane via Throat Toss!

(WWE United States Championship Match) Chris Benoit © vs MVP

MVP had been pissing off everyone on Smackdown, MVP had incurred the wrath of Kane, The Undertaker and now, The Rabid Wolverine. Benoit puts up his gold against MVP, MVP looks to impress on the big stage. Lock-up with MVP grabbing a side headlock, takedown with Benoit countering with the headscissors, MVP wriggles free into a stretch. Headlock from MVP, shoulder block from MVP. MVP blocks a German, MVP blocks the crossface. Benoit spills out to the floor, MVP says that Benoit has not got what it takes. Benoit teases a sharpshooter and crossface, MVP leaps for the ropes. Waistlock from Benoit, MVP grabs the arm and delivers a firemen’s carry. Benoit has the armbar, MVP grabs the ropes.

MVP lures in Benoit, sucker punch from the challenger. Hard Irish whip, Benoit blocks the boot, Benoit looks for the superplex. MVP blocks, smacking Benoit’s arm off the top rope. MVP works the arm with stomps, Benoit ducks a kick and locks the German suplexes. Hat-trick of suplexes, MVP crotches Benoit to avoid the headbutt. Superplex but Benoit reverses with a small package for two, MVP kicks out and works the arm. MVP hammerlocks the arm and throws Benoit to the corner, O Connor roll for two. Back suplex by the challenger, two for MVP.

MVP is getting frustrated with Benoit’s resiliency, keylock from MVP. Boot from MVP, two for the challenger. MVP tries a scoop slam, Benoit attempts the crossface but MVP smartly attacks the arm. Hammerlock slam by MVP, Ballin Elbow by MVP. Two for MVP, player’s boot misses. Two Germans, MVP blocks the third. Clothesline misses, German suplexes by Benoit. Diving Headbutt connects, Benoit gets the victory over MVP.

Talk about making the most of their time in the ring, MVP throws everything at Benoit, showing that MVP has been scouting the champion. So many counters, a strategy that took away Benoit’s two killshot submissions but the tenacity of the champion triumphs over the egotistical challenger. MVP was good, great even but Benoit was simply too much for the young hotshot for now. What could happen next time? Well, based on this match I cannot wait to see where these two go from here.

Winner: Chris Benoit over MVP via Diving Headbutt!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Batista © vs The Undertaker

The Undertaker, The Phenom of The WWE would enter the royal rumble and win that year’s event, Undertaker has the choice of three champions and decided to do battle with The Animal. Batista had returned from his injury running through the likes of Finlay, Mr. Kennedy and King Booker before recapturing the championship that The Animal never lost. The two biggest Smackdown stars doing battle inside of the ring, the entrance from The Deadman is spectacular. It’s difficult to describe just how much Undertaker’s entrance would play into matches, Undertaker comes across as the final boss in a video game, the last cowboy in the wild, wild west. A menacing Demon, unwavering in the face of adversity, you get chills watching that slow walk and the eyes. Oh God, the eyes of a man who has one goal in mind: Destroy whatever is put in front of him.

The bell rings and Batista spears Taker hard, right hands by The Animal. Taker fires off live rounds into the face of Batista, Batista answers back. Hard Irish whip and clothesline, Taker is knocked to the floor. Taker lands on his feet, they brawl on the floor. Taker is sent crashing over the steel steps, diving shoulder block from Batista for two. More rights from the champion, boot by Taker. Clothesline by Batista for two, the champion is overwhelming The Deadman. Scoop slam, Taker blocks a boot. Rights and lefts from Taker, corner clothesline from Taker. Make it two, snake eyes and massive boot. Leg drop for two, Taker looks for old school. Old School connects, Batista refuses to take the chokeslam. Leaping clothesline from The Deadman for two, Taker knocks The Animal to the floor.

Apron leg drop connects for the challenger, Taker launches himself at Batista with a dive over the top rope, crazy athleticism from The Deadman. The two brawl on the floor with Batista sending Taker into the timekeeper’s area, right hands from Batista. Batista clears the announce table, running powerslam through the announce table, Taker has been demolished. Only two for the champion, Taker counters the Batista Bomb, backing Batista into the corner. Belly to belly suplex by Batista for two, the champions stomps the challenger in the corner. Ten punches from Batista, Taker counters for The Last Ride. 1..2.. Batista kicks out! Batista counters for a spinebuster, Taker setups. Batista is in shock, Chokeslam from Taker. 1…2.. Batista kicks out again, Batista avoids the tombstone for a spear. Batista Bomb connects, 1…2… UNDERTAKER KICKS OUT! A second powerbomb? No, Taker back drops Batista. Batista tries a powerslam, Taker shoves off Batista. Tombstone Piledriver in the middle of the ring and we have a new champion!

Exceeded all expectations, that crowd was in a frenzy by the end of the match. Two titans brawling like King Kong vs Godzilla, two monsters throwing down inside of the ring. From Batista dominating the early portions to Taker showing why you cannot kill The Deadman, an absolute war with huge bombs thrown by both men. A fantastic match, a highlight for both men. That finishing stretch was awesome, Taker has stolen the last two shows without a doubt and not one person in that arena expected such a fantastic match, it blew everyone’s mind.

Winner: The Undertaker over Batista via Tombstone Piledriver!

ECW Originals vs The New Breed

ECW gets on the card with RVD, Sabu, Sandman and Tommy Dreamer take on the punk upstarts of ECW. Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorn, Matt Striker and Marcus Cor Von. Nice to see ECW featured at Wrestlemania but an eight-man tag with these guys, does not scream amazing or fun to me. Striker and Sabu begin the match, springboard leg lariats and clotheslines from Sabu for two. Dropkick to Striker, tag to Sandman. Diving guillotine leg drop from Sandman, Cor Von saves  Striker. Tag to Burke, hiptoss from Sandman. Dreamer and Sandman double team Burke, Cor Von knees Dreamer in the back. Clothesline from Burke, double underhook suplex on Dreamer.

Tag to Burke, double backdrop. Elijah Express, two for Burke. Tag to Thorn, clothesline and reverse chinlock. Dreamer eats a sit-out spinebuster, Sabu saves Dreamer. Tag to Cor Von, stomps from The Alpha Male. Snap suplex for two, tag to Burke. Dreamer neckbreakers both Burke & Cor Von, tag to RVD. Clotheslines and spin kicks to Striker, diving thrust kick to Thorn. Super monkey flip to Striker, Rolling Thunder. Cor Von clotheslines RVD, Sabu nails a tope con hilo. Dreamer DDT on Striker, Burke knocks down Dreamer. Sandman knocks down Burke, RVD nails Striker with The Five Star Frog Splash for the win.

God Bless them, those ECW originals. Good promotion for the brand of ECW but if they wanted more attention on the brand and wanted to get as many eyes on the product as possible, I would have preferred an Extreme Rules match which would have helped massively for all those involved. To be fair, they were some nice spots, Striker made the most of his time in the ring and Cor Von was a joy to watch in TNA so maybe if given the time, Cor Von could be something to watch on ECW. A feel good moment overall, could have been helped if it was Extreme Rules!

Winners: Team ECW Originals over Team New Breed via Five Star Frog Splash!

(Battle of The Billionaires Match) Bobby Lashley W/ Donald Trump vs Umaga W/ Vince Mcmahon (Austin Special Guest Referee)

Vince had been over confident and cocky as usual, Vince had made an enemy of Donald Trump which has led us to this moment where both men have wagered their hair. Vince’s attitude and bravado came back to bite the chairman as Austin was made the special guest referee. The two titans in the match, Lashley who has had such an awkward push while Umaga has been going strong despite the loss to John Cena. Both men trade blows, rights from Lashley. Austin pulls off Lashley for a break, boot from Umaga. Umaga misses a splash, diving shoulder block for two. Estrada placed Umaga’s foot on the rope, Lashley yanks in Estrada. Running powerslam for your troubles, Umaga misses a running splash and crashes off the floor.

Right hands from Lashley, Lashley misses a spear and crashes to the outside. Umaga is in control, massive splash for two. Choke from Umaga, Austin is not happy with Umaga. More choking, Austin grabs Umaga’s hair. Lashley fights back, clothesline from Umaga. Massive hip splash from Umaga, Lashley fires back before a Samoan drop. Umaga reverses a slam for a splash, two for Umaga. Vince is on the apron, Lashley bumps into Vince. Umaga drills Lashley with a complete shot. Umaga climbs to the top rope, Lashley yanks Umaga off the top rope. Super Lariato! Umaga flips out from Lashley’s clothesline. Austin almost counts out everyone, Austin says screw that, we will have a winner.

Shane is here to look after Vince, Vince seems a bit injured after the bump. Lashley eats a throat thrust, Shane joins Vince at ringside. Umaga drills Lashley in the counter, choke hold from Umaga. Austin has Umaga again, Shane tries attacking Austin. Samoan Spike to Austin, Vince is loving it. Shane is coaching Umaga, Shane begins blasting Lashley. Lashley catches Shane, Umaga makes the save. Massive hip attack from Umaga, things are looking bleak for Lashley.

Vince hands Shane a trash can, Shane is going Coast to Coast. Beautiful just like Wrestlemania X7, Shane has a referee shirt on underneath. Vince is screwing Trump, Umaga is looking for a top rope splash. It connects, Austin pulls out Shane. Right hands to Shane, Umaga knocks down Austin again. Vince talks trash to Austin, Trump tackles Vince to the ground. Right hands by Trump, Umaga eats a Stunner and Lashley hammers Umaga with a Spear, Vince has his head shaved bald by Austin, Lashley and Trump before Austin stuns Trump.

I will say it a thousand times, Vince may be the most entertaining heel in the business, Vince and his family may dominate segments, the Invasion is a particular sore spot for many a fan but Vince would never let any WCW stars get over his WWF talent, it was doomed from the beginning. However, Vince steals the show as per usual inside of the ring, Vince’s antics and facials make The Chairman the ultimate cartoon villain inside of the ring. When it comes to an ass-kicking, Vince takes one hell of a beating. Vince is utterly humiliated and humbled at the end of this match. Fantastic entertainment for everyone who is watching. Poor Lashley though, a complete afterthought in the match and the fans are already voicing disapproval, The Lashley experiment might be going horribly wrong!

Winner: Bobby Lashley over Umaga via Spear!

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Melina © vs Ashley (Lumberjill Match)

That Playboy cover might have prolonged Ashley’s career because I cannot think of a single thing she has done beyond some lingerie like matches and one tag match with Trish. However, we have something interesting and different on the other side of things, we have Melina. Melina, the former manager of MNM, she’s here as champion. Her transformation from valet to champion is fantastic for the division which desperately needed fresh blood with the departures of Trish and Lita. They had two big mainstays in Mickie James and Melina, looking forward to seeing how they do as time goes on in the company.

So, the ring is surrounded by divas, Ashley takes down Melina and throws fists. Melina is thrown in by the Divas, roll-up for two. Melina begs for mercy, Ashley hits the middle rope hard. Foot choke from Melina, forearms by Ashley. Foot choke from Ashley, kick from Melina. Top rope choke from Melina, big swing from Melina. Two, choke from Melina. Stretch from Melina, headscissors from Ashley. Forearms by the challenger, whip to the corner. Monkey flip from Ashley, Melina dodges the elbow and Melina gets two. O Connor roll reversed by Melina for the win. Dull and dead.

Winner: Melina over Ashley via Roll-Up!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Shawn Michaels

Tag team champions gone bad, John Cena has been champion since vanquishing his greatest foe in Edge while Michaels had been teaming with his best buddy Triple H. Triple H would damage his quad once more and this would lead to a gap in the plans for the main event of Wrestlemania. Up steps Mr Wrestlemania in The Heartbreak Kid, beating Randy Orton and Edge to earn this opportunity. Michaels has stolen the show at Wrestlemania countless times, many more times on pay per view. Cena has stepped it up when the pressure is on, Cena is maturing before everyone’s eyes but can the champion hang with The Show-Stopper?

Michaels calls Cena to the centre of the ring, Michaels calls for a handshake. Cena says no, Michaels slaps Cena and chops down the champion. Oh boy, and a suck it for good measure. Cena did not expect that, lock-up. Side headlock from Michaels, Cena tries a back suplex. Michaels is too quick for Cena, HBK ducks every shot from Cena. Chopped down, Cena looks to the ground looking for some sort of guidance. Michaels tells Cena that Cena is not in HBK’s league, this is big time trash talk from Mr. Wrestlemania. Shoulder thrusts from HBK, side headlock takedown from HBK. Make it two, Cena escapes and nails a massive clothesline. HBK is down in the corner, Cena stares a hole through HBK. Things have gone up another gear, shoulder block from Cena. Lou Thesz press from HBK, Cena lifts Michaels to the apron.

Hotshot from HBK, Michaels hiptosses Cena to the floor. Enzuigiri on the outside, springboard moonsault from Michaels. Chops from HBK, forearms thrown in too. Cena tries to kick away Micheals, Michaels clubs the knee. Cena sells like crazy, Michaels goes after the knee smelling blood. Cena’s knee meets the ringpost, Michaels continues to work the leg with chop blocks and knees. Michaels kicks and chops Cena, Cena looks vulnerable and helpless for the first time in quite some time. Michaels looks Cena right in the eyes, telling the champion that it is over partner. Cena begins to fight back in desperation, Michaels is knocked back by Cena. Michaels comes running back with a massive shoulder thrust, Cena is trying to beat down Michaels but Michaels goes back to the leg to counter Cena’s power.

Michaels tries a corner spear, Cena dodges clutching his knee. Michaels ran head first into the ringpost, Michaels is a bloody mess (Nothing new there!). Massive lariat and right hands by Cena, you would swear Cena is the heel as the crowd ramp up the sympathy for HBK. Cena proceeds to run and jump, what was the leg work for? Spinning side slam, Five Knuckle Shuffle. FU is avoided, Michaels flip in the corner. Michaels ducks a right hand but superkicks the referee accidently. FU is countered for a DDT, Michaels rolls out tipping over the steel steps, Michaels drags Cena to the steel steps. Michaels piledrivers Cena on the steps, fantastically brutal spot! Cena is bleeding on the back of his head, a new referee comes down to count the pin. Cena survives the piledriver, massive forearm with a kip-up from the challenger.

Elbow drop from Michaels, Cena counters sweet chin music for a clothesline. Chops from HBK, right hands from Cena. Slugfest, FU is countered for a sunset flip, two for Michaels. Cena counters a leapfrog from a massive FU, 1…2… Michaels kicks out of The FU! Cena places Michaels on the top rope, Cena wants a super FU, Michaels counters that with right hands. Forearm knocks off Cena, crossbody from Michaels is rolled through by Cena. FU is countered by Michaels who lands on his feet, drop toehold from Cena multiple times but HBK counters with kick offs and an inside cradle for two, amazing sequence! Michaels misses the enzuigiri and gets caught in The STFU, Michaels is clawing towards the ropes. Michaels makes it to the ropes. The referee pulls off Cena, Cena is livid. Sweet Chin Music on the button! Micheals crawls for the cover and it’s two for Michaels. Both men use one another to stand, FU attempt is blocked but Cena clamps on an STFU from a drop toehold. Michaels has nowhere to go and has to tap, Cena retains his championship.

Unbelievably Fantastic Match, there is little more I could say about this match. My one knock is Cena never went back to selling the knee, I would have liked to have seen a little more selling from the champion but forget about that, Shawn Michaels stole the God Damn show again. Michaels selling was phenomenal, Michaels took the ringpost to the head, bladed and made it seem like death. Michaels looked dazed and confused, it was masterful how HBK could craft sympathy around a simple spot, it was awesome Michaels had you believe that there was nobody home. You also had Michaels going after the knee, it’s a sad part when it comes to Michaels’ last run in the WWE, we only got a little bit of a heel run against Hogan because Michaels proved here how vicious, evil and darn right sadistic he could be given the chance. The knee work combined with the trash talk and the piledriver was delightful, I haven’t even gotten into all the counters and the finishing sequence. Superb wrestling match, Michaels stole the show but credit to Cena, it takes two to tango and Cena walked away from this with the best match of his career.

Winner: John Cena over Shawn Michaels via STFU!

That was WWE’s Wrestlemania 23, one great Wrestlemania looking back on all the action, the only slow parts of the night were the women’s championship match and the Khali match. Both were kept short so it’s hard to complain too much about either since you need those gaps to help pace the show. The Money in The Bank had been perfected by this stage, there were many crazy spots that had the fans wetting themselves, everyone had a moment or two where they looked good and Kennedy seemed poised for a championship run on top of either Raw or Smackdown. Mcmahon vs Trump was a spectacle that delivered like all Mcmahon matches, I don’t recall ever seeing a match featuring Mcmahon that was boring, they brought out all the stops for this match and Vince ever the entertainer was humiliated at the end of it all.

You also had two tremendous title matches in Batista and Undertaker shocking everyone with their great chemistry, Batista earned that performance at Wrestlemania, one hell of a way to show that The Animal can hang with The Phenom. Undertaker was hitting his stride when it came to Mania matches, I look forward to seeing more of the two do battle in the years that pass. Of course, we have Cena vs Michaels, Michaels was so good it’s unfair. Nobody could hold a candle to Michaels on this night, tremendous back and forth action. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE No Way Out 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that stirs up more controversy than Vince Russo speaking about the wrestling business! We are back, college takes it toll on all and I am no exception but here we are with WWE’s No Way Out 2007, one month away from Wrestlemania, WWE’s biggest show we have the superstars of Raw, Smackdown and ECW coming together to make this a night to never forget. The main event consists of champions and challengers teaming up for a special attraction match as John Cena and Shawn Michaels do battle with Batista and The Undertaker, Bobby Lashley defends his ECW Championships against the brash Mr. Kennedy and much, much more. So, can WWE knock this one out of the park on the road to Wrestlemania? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

It is all about the big four as Vince Mcmahon announced that Michaels & Cena would team up against Batista & Undertaker, the biggest tag match in WWE history. Rather tame package in comparison to so many others that would normally fill the slot, no hype for any other match so it might give you an idea of what we are dealing with for this pay per view.

MVP & MNM W/ Melina vs Chris Benoit & The Hardy Boyz

God damn it! Have I not suffered enough when it comes to MNM and The Hardys? This is absolutely ridiculous, these two have been battling for months. This is stretching it to the max, Mercury and Matt begin the match. Right hands by both, Matt eats a knee from Mercury. Elbow to the head, hard Irish whip before Matt blocks with a boot. Middle rope elbow to the back of the head and a tag to Jeff, slingshot dropkick for two. Quick tag to Matt, Mercury pulls Matt down by the hair. In comes Nitro, Nitro eats a hiptoss. Right hands by Matt, Nitro pushes Matt to the corner, tag to MVP. Right hands and a scoop slam by MVP, Matt dodges an elbow.

Tag to Benoit, right hands and chops. Knees, eye rake by MVP to take control. Snapmare and kick to the spine for two, slap by Benoit. MVP tags Mercury but Mercury will not get in the ring. Clothesline by Benoit, snap suplex for two. Tag to Jeff, eye rake by MVP. Nitro jumps in and beats down Jeff, reverse mule kick and neckbreaker by Jeff. Legdrop to the low regions, slap by Nitro. Mercury sends Jeff into the barricade after a distraction from Nitro, reverse chinlock by Nitro. Jeff fights out but Mercury knees Jeff as Jeff tried to run off the ropes, Mercury is now the legal man. Reverse chinlock by Mercury, MVP is now in the ring. MNM put the boots to Jeff while MVP distracts the referee, snap suplex for two. Tag to Nitro, hard Irish whip by Nitro. Jeff is placed on the top rope, Jeff knocks off Nitro. Beautiful Whisper in The Wind, Jeff tags Matt.

Right hands and elbow by Matt, clothesline by Mercury. Clothesline and bulldog combination, Side Effect on Nitro for two. MVP stops Matt’s twist of fate, back suplex by MVP. Tag to MVP, reverse chinlock by MVP. Gutwrench suplex by MVP, Ballin’ Elbow for two. Tag to Mercury, right hands by Mercury. Clothesline by Mercury for two, tag to Nitro who works the ribs. Neckbreaker for two, Matt back drops Nitro but Mercury stops the tag. Same fate for Mercury, tag to Benoit.

Snap suplexes and chops all around, double German suplex to MNM. Crowd goes crazy, The Hardys clear the ring. Poetry in Motion on Mercury, Twist of Fate and Jeff lands The Swanton Bomb. Benoit climbs too, Diving Headbutt to Mercury and MVP makes the save. MVP and Matt are on the floor, Nitro clotheslines Jeff on the apron. MVP has Benoit’s championship, Crippler Crossface by Benoit but Nitro makes the save. Benoit eats a clothesline, Matt stops the snapshot and Benoit rolls through on Mercury for a Crippler Crossface, this match is over!

Solid stuff, I am sick to death seeing MNM vs The Hardys but no denying that the fans just eat up everything about The Hardys, Jeff is and clearly always was the bigger star of the two but as a package deal, The Hardys are fantastic. It was a laid back style match with a few nice little spots thrown in, not enough to be memorable but enough to be a good match to open the show.

Winners: Chris Benoit/The Hardys over MNM & MVP via Crippler Crossface!

(WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match) Gregory Helms © vs Scotty Too Hotty vs Daivari vs Funaki vs Jimmy Wang Yang vs Shannon Moore vs Jamie Noble vs Chavo Guerrero

Two men start and more enter after eliminations until we have one man left standing. Daivari jumps on Scotty Too Hotty, right hands, hard Irish whips and a scoop slam for two. Daivari taunts, right hands from Scotty. Facebuster by Scotty, Scotty nails The Worm and eliminates Daivari.

In comes Gregory Helms, Scotty is beaten down with stomps and chokes. Rope hung guillotine for two, double underhook from Helms. Scotty gets to his feet and smacks Helms before a back suplex from Scotty.  Helms stops a worm attempt, Double Knee Facebuster and Scotty is eliminated.

Funaki comes down to the ring, Irish whip to the corner. Funaki blocks with a right hand, Funaki nails a crossbody but Helms holds onto the tights and manages to eliminate Smackdown’s number one announcer.

Shannon Moore is next, Prince of Punk. Nice headscissors on the floor, backbreaker in the ring by Helms for two. Middle rope neckbreaker by Moore for two, Moore wants to impress. Helms nails Moore with an exploder suplex from the middle rope and a Double Knee Facebuster ends Moore’s night.

Jimmy Wang Yang is here, elbow and standing moonsault for two, right hands by Yang. Eye poke by Yang, foot sweep and an Oklahoma roll for two. Russian legsweep into an octopus like stretch, transition into a pin for two. Helms dodges the moonsault from Yang, massive right from Helms. Helms measures, Yang blocks the facebuster for a hurricanrana. Helms is eliminated but nails an Eye of The Hurricane.

Noble sprints down to the ring, two for Noble. Neckbreaker by Noble for two, Noble is pouncing on Yang. Scoop slam by Noble, leg drop and a seated cobra clutch. Noble tries a roll up with the tights for another two, sleeper from Noble. Jawbreaker reversal by Yang, Noble misses a high knee. Inverted atomic drop and clotheslines by Yang, spinning heel kick for two. Flying knee by Noble for two, Noble attempts a superplex. Yang counters and delivers his Standing Moonsault for the elimination.

Yang believes that the match is over but Vickie Guerrero has pulled a surprise by having Chavo enter the match. Chavo is back to take out Yang, Yang is exhausted. Back suplex and a kick to the spine, stomps to the chest and a foot choke in the corner. Yang nails a spinning heel kick, Yang elevates Chavo to the floor. Body Splash to the floor by Yang, Chavo dodges a missile dropkick. Three Amigos by Chavo, Chavo is on the top rope. Yang blocks for a tope rope hurricanrana for two, Chavo prevents a moonsault. Yang attempts a corkscrew moonsault, Chavo dodges and nails The Frog Splash and we have a new champion.

Match was nothing special, entries were rapid and meant nothing, Helms’ reign should have meant the start of something new for the division with a great babyface overcoming the seemingly unbeatable Helms. Chavo was not that much of a heat magnet as the great heel turn was wasted by this point, Chavo had so much momentum in his feud with Mysterio but the matches did not deliver but Chavo took out Mysterio. However, Chavo was then fed to Benoit so I do not feel anything from this championship change.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero over Jimmy Wang Yang via Frog Splash!

Finlay & Hornswoggle vs Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman

No idea why this is happening but here we go, Finlay and Boogeyman begin the match. Wristlock by Finlay, firemen’s carry by Boogeyman. Irish whip and right hands by Boogeyman, Boogeyman smacks Finlay off the barricade. Big slap across the apron by Boogeyman, kick to the head by Boogeyman. Powerslam, Little Boogeyman is in the ring. Two big hip attacks before Little Boogeyman eats some worms. Hornswoggle wants Little Boogeyan before Finlay boots Little Boogeyman. Small package by Little Boogeyman, Finlay kicks out and mauls Little Boogeyman. Elbow by Finlay, massive hip attack by Finlay. Short-arm scissors, Little Boogeyman and Hornswoggle fight under the ring. Boogeyman crawls out from under the ring, shoulder tackle and clotheslines by Boogeyman.

Leg trip by Boogeyman, catapult to the corner. Irish whip and corner elbow by Boogeyman, corner splash by Boogeyman. Clothesline by Boogeyman, Little Boogeyman dives onto Finlay but here comes Hornswoggle. Boogeyman has worms, Hornswoggle is being chased by Boogeyman. Little Boogeyman eats a shillelagh to the head and we have winners in Finlay & Hornswoggle.

Yeah, that was pretty piss-poor in terms of comedy. That’s all it had going for it and it did not deliver nearly enough of that to keep the fans amused or myself. The two never even locked up, we never saw Hornswoggle and Little Boogeyman get it on inside of the ring. That was the whole novelty of this match and you did not give it to us for that match. DUD!

Winners: Finlay & Hornswoggle over Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman via Shillelagh!

King Booker W/ Queen Sharmell vs Kane

Kane eliminated Booker from the rumble, Booker came back and eliminated Kane. Simple idea and here we have the match, Kane corners Booker. Right hands and uppercuts by Kane, corner elbows. Booker catches Kane with a kick to the ribs, elbows and chops by Booker. Kane overpowers Booker, more rights to the head of Booker. Kane eats a corner elbow from Booker but Kane answers back with a backbreaker, Booker rolls to the apron. Hotshot by Booker, Kane looks for a chokeslam but Booker knees Kane. Kane reverses an Irish whip for a boot, clothesline to the floor by Kane. Booker plays possum before bouncing Kane off the steel steps, missile dropkick for two.

Top wristlock by Booker, Kane shakes off Booker. Right hands by Kane, big boot and Kane is climbing the top rope. Booker counters the diving clothesline for a heel kick, two for Booker. Kane mounts a comeback before a flying forearm from Booker for two, mounted punches by Booker. Right hands and kicks by Booker, Booker wants a suplex but Kane nails his own suplex. Massive heel kick by Booker, two for Booker. Kane is up, Booker dodges a chokeslam. Kane avoids a scissors kick, clothesline by Kane.

Kane sits up! Booker is unaware. Right hands by The Big Red Machine, Booker is bounced off the turnbuckle. Ten punches by Kane, corner clothesline by Kane. Make it two, sidewalk slam. Diving clothesline by Kane, Sharmell is on the apron. Harlem sidekick by Booker, Scissors Kick is blocked for a Chokeslam and this match is over.

For two big stars like these two, it sure seemed like they wanted to have a match that would be on par with a house show main event. There was nothing special about this match, only thing that makes it any sort of fun is the character work of Sharmell and Booker, Booker was so funny being goofy thinking he could lift Kane among other things but this was quite the poor match.

Winner: Kane over King Booker via Chokeslam!

(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) Paul London & Brian Kendrick © vs Deuce & Domino W/ Cherry

Love fresh blood, the challengers had beaten the champions twice so we have this tag team championship match. London and Domino start, slapfest before London quickens the pace, spinning reverse elbow. Tag to Kendrick, double Japanese armdrag. Armdrag by Kendrick, tag to London. Double stomp to the arm, Deuce is sent crashing to the floor. Dropkick to Domino, London and Kendrick try to fire up the crowd, it does not work. London drop toeholds Domino, blind tag by Deuce. Domino clubs down London, backbreaker by Deuce. Short-arm clothesline for two, Deuce grabs a hold. Knees to the back by Deuce, tag to Domino.

Clubbing blows to the back, surfboard stretch by Domino. Domino pulls London to the corner, tag to Deuce. Deuce slams London back first into the corner, tag to Domino. Knee to the back, Deuce tags back into the match and applies a chinlock to London with a knee to the back. Deuce knocks London off the apron, London kicks off Deuce and dodges both challengers.

Tag to Kendrick, forearms to Domino. Massive dropkick, backslide on Deuce for two. Kicks to the legs, massive right by Deuce. The challengers attempt a doomsday device, Kendrick rolls through and victory rolls Deuce for the win, London and Kendrick are still champions.

The meh card continues as we have another match that felt like it was just kind of there, granted that the challengers were brand new to WWE TV. However, you need to hit a home-run when it comes to pay per view and they did not on this occasion, the fractured tag team scene in the WWE continues to struggle along.

Winners: London & Kendrick over Deuce & Domino via Roll-Up!

(ECW Heavyweight Championship Match) Bobby Lashley © vs Mr. Kennedy

This match starts on the ramp, not the best match for Kennedy when it comes to his push while the Lashley train is in full effect. Lashley takes Kennedy to the ring and throws around the challenger, Kennedy is on the apron. Kennedy rolls out to the floor, Kennedy momentarily has control before Lashley throws Kennedy into the ring. Eye poke by Kennedy, back drop by Lashley. Shoulder block by Lashley, scoop slam by Lashley. Clothesline by Lashley, Kennedy is caught for a stalling delayed vertical suplex. More low root tactics by Kennedy pay off, stomps in the corner by Kennedy before another clothesline by Lashley.

Torture rack by Lashley, Kennedy rakes the eyes and dropkicks the knee, running low boot by Kennedy. Indian deathlock by the challenger, Lashley kicks off Kennedy but Kennedy goes after the injured leg. Single leg Boston crab by Kennedy, Lashley battles back but a scoop slam attempt fails as Kennedy chop blocks the leg. Kennedy dropkicks the leg and rakes the face of Lashley, stomps and a foot choke from Kennedy. Lashley shoves off Kennedy, Kennedy goes for the leg and nails a DDT for two.

Rolling firemen’s carry by Kennedy, Kennedy is climbing to the top rope. Kenton Bomb is blocked with knees by Lashley, belly to belly suplex by Lashley. Slugfest, exploder suplex by Lashley. Back drop for two, torture rack by Lashley. Backbreaker from torture rack for two, the referee is down. Low blow by Kennedy, Kennedy rolls out to grab a chair. Chair to the back, Lashley blocks the second shot before nailing Kennedy in the back and we have a DQ finish.

What a garbage match, I almost fell asleep during this snorefest. Kennedy was nowhere near as good as they needed him to be to carry Lashley to a watchable match, this was way too long. The leg work meant nothing, Lashley forgot about it as we neared the end of the match. It had a finish that was beyond boring, another win for Kennedy over a big star by DQ. It’s such terrible booking when it comes to making the guy the next big star.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy over Bobby Lashley via DQ!

John Cena & Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker & Batista

There was a talent contest before that featuring the divas, you missed nothing. So, we have no way of really selling this pay per view beyond this match, both partners on both teams hate one another so it will be a battle of who will crack first and screw up everything for their team. Michaels and Cena have a better advantage as they are tag team champions, Cena and Batista begin the match. Thought they would save that, they are not saving that. Shoulder block and shoulder thrusts in the corner by Batista, boot by Cena. Right hands by Cena, Batista nails a rolling firemen’s carry, Batista nails a jackhammer for two.

Cena fires back before tagging Michaels, chops by HBK. Batista Irish whips Michaels to the corner, kick by Michaels but massive clothesline by Batista for two. Tag to Taker, rights and lefts to Michaels, Taker wrenches the arm. Old School by Taker, Michaels elbows away Taker. HBK tries ten punches but Taker says screw that, boot to the head for two. Batista and Cena are in for round two, right hands by Cena. Elbow By Batista, tag to Taker. Running knee by Taker, Taker is on the top rope. Cena does not nail a superplex on first attempt but does on the second. Taker scores with a clothesline, elbow drop misses as Cena tags in Michaels.

Flying forearm by HBK, Taker grabs Michaels by the throat. Chops by Michaels, Michaels runs into a military press slam. Michaels is pressed to the floor, Batista drops Michaels on the steel steps. Batista and Taker exchange quick tags pummelling HBK, chops from HBK who wants the comeback. Sidewalk slam by Taker for two, Batista is now the legal man. Nice rear-naked choke from Batista, Michaels manages to nail a big DDT to slow down The Animal. Tag to Cena, clotheslines to Batista. Throwback, Cena goes to the top rope. Kobashi style leg drop, Taker comes in immediately to stop that pin. Shoulder block for Taker, Taker is clotheslined to the floor.

Spinning side slam to Batista, Five Knuckle Shuffle but Taker stops The FU. Michaels and Taker brawl on the floor, Michaels dives into Taker’s arm. Michaels is sent crashing against the ringpost, Batista slams Cena. Michaels stops a Batista bomb with a chop block, Michaels roughs up Batista. Clothesline by Michaels, tag to Cena. Elbow by Cena for two, Irish whip to the corner. Cena waffles Batista for two, chops by HBK who comes in after Cena. Enzuigiri for two, front chancery by HBK. Cena receives the tag, Batista fights back before a sleeper from Cena. Cena applies The STFU on Batista, Taker saves the match with a boot to the head of Cena.

Scoop slam by Cena, tag to Michaels. Michaels climbs high, elbow drop connects to the heart of Batista. Batista ducks sweet chin music for a sidewalk slam, Taker gets the hot-tag. Right hands to everyone, corner clothesline, snake eyes followed by a big boot. Leaping clothesline by Taker, corner clotheslines from The Deadman. Double chokeslam, no Batista spinebusters Michaels. Chokeslam for Cena, Batista spinebusters Taker. Sweet Chin Music and an FU leads to a win for the Raw duo.

Well, fair play to JBL for calling that match by himself as Michael Cole’s voice finally died after being shaky all night. We finally had a match worthy of the main event and worthy of pay per view on this show, they needed it so bad and boy, they delivered when given the chance. It was like molten hot reactions for Taker’s hot-tag at the end, the crowd were in a frenzy for this match by that point, the big struggles, the matches we thought we would never see, it was perfect in so many ways when you think of it all, great stuff all around from JBL’s one man performance to everyone inside of the ring, a  nice little underrated gem and a sign of things to come at next month’s Wrestlemania.

Winners: John Cena & Shawn Michaels over Batista & Undertaker via FU!

That was WWE’s No Way Out of 2007, a very good definition of what a B level pay per view if you asked a very jaded wrestling fan. The pay per view opened with a quite fun six-man tag and went to shit following that match. When I say went to shit, I do not mean in terms of things going wrong or questionable booking but plain and simple: super, boring and uninteresting matches coupled with uninspired performances from the men in those matches. It is the truth, this was built around one match, the main event and that did deliver, no denying how good that was for a main event but everything else bar the opening match was boring. It was just there, it did nothing to progress anything of real significance. My advice is watch the main event and nothing else from this show, thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!