ECW Anarchy Rulz 1999 Review

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

Lance Storm W/ Dawn Marie vs Jerry Lynn

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

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

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

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

Winner: Lance Storm over Jerry Lynn via Cradle!

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

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

No Contest!

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Tajiri over Super Crazy via Brainbuster!

Justin Credible W/ Jason vs Sabu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Mike Awesome over Masato Tanaka via Awesome Bomb!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ECW Hardcore Heaven 1999 Review

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

Taz vs Chris Candido

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

Winner: Taz over Candido via Tazmission!

The Dudley Boyz vs Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley

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

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

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

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

Super Crazy vs Taka Michinoku

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

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

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

Winner: Super Crazy over Taka Michinoku via Powerbomb!

Little Guido W/ Big Sal E Graziano vs Yoshihiro Tajiri

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

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

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

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

Winner: Tajiri over Little Guido via Brainbuster!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sid vs Justin Credible

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Taz over Bubba Ray Dudley via Tazmission!

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

ECW Living Dangerously 1999 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that makes a mockery of the wrestling business more than those guys down in CZW! I venture back into the Land of Extreme with ECW’s Living Dangerously 1999, headlined by the farewell of Shane Douglas coupled with another match between Taz and Sabu, one of ECW’s greatest feuds which is becoming more like a joke due to ECW style booking. New Jack battles Mustafa in a battle of The Gangstas while Spike Dudley finds another partner to beat up The Dudley Boyz. Shall I be pissed after watching good matches being ruined by overbooking? Well, let’s find out!

Super Crazy vs Tajiri

After a Taz promo and Styles doing his usual shtick, we have Tajiri vs Super Crazy which would be the new ECW version of Malenko vs Guerrero as these two men could wrestle, they meshed well together and there was always fun involved in these matches. Some mat wrestling to begin, they have a stand-off before some more nice wrestling. Hurricanrana roll through from Super Crazy, monkey flip followed by armdrag by Tajiri. Kip-ups and the whole lot, Richochet and Ospreay eat your heart out! Handspring back elbow by Tajiri before a tope con hilo, Asai moonsault by The Japanese Buzzsaw. Super Crazy nails sunset flip onto the ramp, springboard moonsault by Super Crazy.

Super Crazy clotheslines Tajiri into the ring, Triple Moonsaults by Super Crazy for two. Super Crazy wants a back superplex, Tajiri is kicked in the spine and left in the tree of woe. Low dropkick, springboard moonsault for two. Tajiri has a sunset flip for two, Super Crazy is back on his feet. Firemen’s carry but the moonsault is blocked, massive head kick by Tajiri. Low dropkick by Tajiri, two for Tajiri. Kicks floor Super Crazy, another low dropkick for two. Sunset flip from the corner by Super Crazy for two, Super Crazy botches a springboard. German suplex for two, Super Crazy blocks the dragon suplex. Sit-out powerbomb for two, Tajiri counters the powerbomb with a sloppy DDT. Super Crazy reverses a hurricanrana for a roll-up out of nowhere.

Botches aside, another good and fast-paced entertaining match from these two, I smile when I see these two because I actually get to see wrestling. That’s a rarity when it comes to ECW especially when the two men in the ring can work and tell a story, that is not the case with most of these hardcore ECW wrestlers. So, I was happy watching this match, it wasn’t their best match by any stretch but still good.

Winner: Super Crazy over Tajiri via Roll-Up!

Steve Corino vs Balls Mahoney W/ Axl Rotten

Mahoney clotheslines and mauls Corino to begin, Mahoney misses a spinning heel kick and tumbles to the floor, baseball slide by Corino. Corino teases a suicide dive, Mahoney catches Corino and Rotten clotheslines Corino. Scoop slam by Mahoney, frog splash for two. Corino dodges the leg drop, leaping leg lariat by Corino. Two, superkick by Corino. Corino has the chair and sits to apply a chinlock, Mahoney nails his own superkick. Chair shot rapes poor Corino and it’s over. Hardly a match, DUD!

Winner: Balls Mahoney over Steve Corino via Chair Shot!

Antifaz Del Norte vs Little Guido W/ Big Sal Graziano

Young high-flying Mexican luchador does battle with cocky shoot-style wrestler Little Guido. Guido gains control with a shoulder block, cross armbreaker from Guido. Rope break, we reset. Slaps by Antifaz, nice armdrag. Thrustkick, springboard dropkick. Diving corkscrew tornillo by Antifaz, springboard sunset flip for two. Guido counters hurricanrana for powerbomb, stomps to Antifaz. Slapfest, sit-out suplex by Antifaz. Leg drop and elbows by Antifaz, Guido nails a middle rope Russian legsweep for two. Sleeper by Antifaz, jawbreaker by Guido. Clothesline for two, Antifaz nails a corkscrew for two. Spinning heel kick, Guido powders. Antifaz dives into Big Sal’s arms, slam through the table. Sicilian Crab and the match is over. Very short match, difficult to rate. DUD!

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

RVD had beaten Bigelow and was finding his stride as champion, Jerry Lynn came into ECW alongside Tommy Rogers but was breaking out as a reliable star when called upon in the promotion. We begin with the two trading pins, large RVD chants from the crowd. Side headlock by RVD, shoulder block with a series of leapfrogs before a kick from Lynn. Middle rope crossbody by Lynn with another stand-off, side headlock from Lynn. Inverted atomic drop by RVD, clothesline response by Lynn. RVD powders, side headlock by Lynn. Leg drop from Lynn and a low dropkick, RVD is clotheslined to the floor. Lynn nails a running senton from the apron, Lynn knocks RVD into the crowd before delivering a great springboard crossbody into the crowd.

In the ring, RVD kicks Lynn as Lynn enters, forearms by RVD. RVD tries a springboard, Lynn dropkicks RVD to the floor. Lynn and RVD brawl on the floor, Lynn is left sprawled across the guard rail. Guillotine leg drop by RVD across the guard rail, springboard crossbody by RVD off the guardrail. Backbreaker by RVD in the ring, Alfonso gives RVD a chair. Romero special by RVD, pin using the special for two. Kicks in the corner, Irish whip by RVD. Lynn dodges the monkey flip for a sunset flip powerbomb on the chair for two, nice spot. RVD back drops Lynn onto the chair, Lynn hangs on though. RVD counters a DDT for an inverted atomic drop but Lynn counters the northern lights suplex for a falling reverse DDT on the chair for two.

Nice dodging of chair shots before Lynn leg drops RVD’s head into oblivion using the chair for two, Lynn has the chair and is climbing to the top rope. Alfonso grabs Lynn’s foot, Lynn cracks RVD with the chair but RVD with his last ounce of strength, kicks the chair into Lynn’s face who falls through a table at ringside. Scoop slam in the ring, RVD places a chair on Lynn but eats knees off the split-legged moonsault. RVD smacks Lynn in the head with the chair, series of pins by the two with neither men winning the match. German suplex by Lynn for two, Lynn stomps RVD in the corner. Lynn elevates RVD to the apron, Lynn is on the top rope. Tornado DDT but the table at ringside does not break, that looked painful as hell.

Two for Lynn, big lariat by RVD. Two for RVD, scoop slam into Rolling Thunder. Two for RVD, forearms by RVD. Lynn tries a tornado DDT, RVD blocks initially before being spiked with a DDT. Two for Lynn, the bell rings as the time limit has expired while Lynn asks for five more minutes. The champion agrees, Cradle Piledriver by Jerry Lynn for two. Lynn eats a boot, Van Damanator and a Five Star Frog Splash for the win.

The beginnings of a series that would be arguably RVD’s best work and Jerry Lynn showing why he was so revolutionary and great for the wrestling business. Lynn came across as a big star following this match, this was a very important match for Lynn in the eyes of management and the fans. You want a competitive match in ECW, bring in Jerry Lynn and the man shall not disappoint. It did have its flaws, the dangerous table moments and the ridiculous setup for the van damanator that rarely made sense, I mean why would the opponent hold the chair and wait for their head to be kicked off their shoulders? Anyways, this was the beginning of some good stuff in terms of wrestling for these two talented athletes.

Winner: Rob Van Dam over Jerry Lynn via Five Star Frog Splash!

Mustafa vs New Jack

The Gangstas imploded as Mustafa was a hired gun for The Dudleys, taking out his former partner New Jack. New Jack comes into the match looking for revenge, this is going to be weapon shots and brawling for ten plus minutes, I am not looking forward to this match. The two take turns hitting one another with all different types of weapons, they trade control before a botched guitar shot from New Jack as it flies into the crowd. New Jack is bleeding, no surprise there. Mustafa survives with a low blow, no-selling the guitar to the head. The two spill into the crowd, they find a table. New Jack dives like always, you know what happens next. New Jack wins, total trash. DUD!

Winner: New Jack over Mustafa via Splash Of Death!

The Dudley Boyz W/ The Dudley Entourage vs Nova & Spike Dudley

Nothing new here with The Dudleys fighting Spike, D-Von and Bubba crack trays on Nova and Spike. Bubba hurls Spike into the crowd, they just love body surfing don’t they? Diving headbutt to the groin of Nova, middle rope sit-out powerbomb by Bubba. 3D on Nova, Bob Ortiz helps Nova. 3D for your sins, Mr. ring announcer. The Dudleys shit talk the locker room, Judge Jeff Jones brings out Sid Vicious. The Dudleys jump Sid, Double Chokeslam by Sid. Sid and Spike attack The Dudleys, Spike and Sid stand tall before Sid kills Spike. DUD! Just an angle!

No Contest?

The Impact Players W/ Jason/Jazz/Dawn Marie vs Shane Douglas & Tommy Dreamer W/ Francine

Shane Douglas was looking towards greener pastures, WCW to be exact. The Franchise found himself under attack from the new combination of Lance Storm and Justin Credible, Credible was being solidly pushed despite his lack of well, anything special inside of the ring. Storm had found new life as a heel with his fake Tammy Lynn in Dawn Marie, the two were looking like they could be a big force in the company. So, now we have the team of old enemies Douglas and Dreamer joining sides to take down the new threat in Storm & Credible.

Dreamer and Storm begin, right hands by Storm. Corner clothesline by Storm, Dreamer clotheslines Storm after a miscommunication between the impact players. Tag to Douglas, drop toehold and rolling neck snap by Douglas and Dreamer. Douglas and Credible begin fighting, right hands and poor looking ones at that. Snap suplexes by Douglas, delayed vertical suplex by Douglas. Chop war between the two, Credible does his flair flip to the apron. Inverted atomic drop and flapjack by Douglas, tag to Dreamer. Sidewalk slam/elbow combination for two, spinebuster by Dreamer. Abdominal stretch by Dreamer, Douglas military press Storm onto Credible. Right hands by Douglas before Storm knees Douglas in the back, superkick by Credible. Tag to Storm, the impact players put the boots to Douglas.

Dropkick by Storm, tag to Credible. Chops by Credible, tag to Storm. Storm rakes the eyes, Douglas nails a back suplex. Storm grabs the leg of Douglas, stopping the tag. In comes Credible, jawbreaker and right hand by Credible. Douglas eats a pair of elbows, Credible misses a low dropkick and rams his special area into the ringpost. Hot-tag to Dreamer, right hands to Credible. Russian legsweep by Dreamer, Cactus Jack clothesline to the floor. Storm planchas onto Dreamer, Douglas whips Storm into the guard rail before sending Storm balls first into the ringpost. Powerslam by Dreamer on Storm for two, Tomahawk for two. Dreamer eats a superkick from Storm, repeated elbows by Storm. Tag to Credible, reverse chinlock from Credible.

Storm is tagged, front chancery to prevent the tag. Leaping leg lariat by Storm for two, delayed suplex with middle finger by Storm. Tag to Credible, middle rope elbow. Double suplex on the ramp by the impact players, right hands in the corner by Storm. Storm is crotched on the top rope, hanging neckbreaker by Dreamer. Low dropkick by an interfering Credible, Dreamer nails Credible with a diving cutter. Tag to Douglas, clothesline by The Franchise.

Scoop slams a plenty, dropkick to Storm. Dropkick for Credible, noggin knocker. Dawn Marie low blows Douglas, here comes Francine. Snapmare and catfight on pay per view, the first of many between these two on pay per view. Storm grabs Francine, Storm beats down Douglas. Credible on Dreamer, Francine has a ladder. Dreamer balances the ladder on the turnbuckle, Dreamer drops Credible on the ladder. Crossbody by Douglas on Storm for two, Dreamer and Douglas see-saw the ladder on The Impact Players, two for Douglas. Belly to belly suplex on Credible for two, Credible low blows Douglas. Credible has his kendo stick, Francine takes the stick and kicks Credible in the head, Pittsburgh Plunge for the win.

A rather boring match when all was finished, The Franchise was a magnificent promo, a true heel inside of that ring but I never saw what was special about Douglas inside of the ring in ECW, not that much changed when we got to WCW. In that same vein, I am not a big fan of Credible who I just do not buy into as a top draw within the company and the feud with Dreamer has been going on and on for months now, I am truly bored of the two inside of the ring. Give me something new, happy days for Douglas who would not have his cheques bouncing on him at the end of the day.

Winners: Tommy Dreamer & Shane Douglas over The Impact Players via Pittsburgh Plunge!

(ECW/FTW Championship Match) Taz © vs Sabu ©

Well, somehow we are back at these two fighting once again, the biggest show for ECW ended with no championship change, Taz did not defeat Shane Douglas but we had Taz and Sabu staring one another down. Barely Legal in 1997 was built around this match, that match was rather disappointing and I am not thrilled with the prospect of the rematch. However, when you look at the roster, I am not sure who else you could put in that ring with Taz as Douglas was now a babyface, leaving the promotion and some of the bigger names like Bigelow had left the company while Storm, Credible and RVD were rising the card, feeding them to Taz would do no favours for anyone.

Sabu has his jaw taped up after Taz broke it with a clothesline, the match is made a falls count anywhere deathmatch. Sabu shoots for a takedown on the wrestling machine Taz, poor strategy choice from Sabu. Right hands by both, Taz nails the jaw. Sabu blocks the cross-armed punches, Sabu and Taz mat wrestle before a stand-off. Takedown and crossface punches by Taz, boot to the side of the head. Sabu whips Taz to the corner, springboard leg drop, slingshot somersault leg drop for two. Air Sabu in the corner, baseball slide as Sabu dumps Taz into the crowd. Sabu triple jumps to the floor eating a chair to the face. Crowd-brawling, Sabu dives into the crowd from the ramp for two.

They make it to the ramp, Taz suplexes Sabu to the crowd below. Sabu and Taz are in the ring, fists are flying. There is a table lying across the guard rail and apron, Taz belly to belly suplexes Sabu over the top rope and through the table. Clothesline on jaw, Sabu rakes the eyes of Taz. Chair to the head, more crowd brawling. Taz chases away Alfonso, leg drop by Sabu on Taz for two. Camel Clutch by Sabu, table is set up in the ring. Taz is on the top rope, top rope hurricanrana by Sabu for two. Taz plants Sabu with a powerbomb after an attempted hurricanrana from Sabu. Two for Taz, Sabu rolls to the apron.

Taz is on the apron, Sabu nails a sunset flip powerbomb for two. Taz did not want to eat that bump, Sabu has a table set across the guard rail. Splash through the table, Sabu dives off the top rope to the floor for two. Arabian Facebuster for two, low blow by Taz. Pump handle throw by Taz, two for Taz. Sabu grabs a chair and whacks Taz, Triple Jump Moonsault by Sabu for two. Head and arm Tazplex for two, Triple Jump Leg Drop for two. Another Tazplex, Sabu is lifted to the top rope. Middle rope Tazplex, two for Taz. Sabu has a table, Taz has the table in the corner. Dragon suplex through the table, two as Sabu kicks out! Alfonso throws in the towel, Tazmission and it’s over.

Not feeling it ladies and gentlemen, they are some nice visual such as Sabu digging Taz’s eyes out or the blood of the fractured jaw but the match is the same as it was two years prior. Could not live up to the hype, crowd brawling is always garbage in my eyes. A struggle maybe but this was not the super fight they were trying to sell, it was very boring at times with them just building to a table spot here and there, selling was the last things on their mind. Passable but another boring main event for The Human Suplex Machine.

Winner: Taz over Sabu via Tazmission!

That was ECW’s Living Dangerously 1999, a pay per view that somehow makes it to the two and a half hour mark. I am serious about that, this show had  so much nothing going on that I can’t believe it is that long. You had squashes, drawn out matches that could have ended minutes beforehand and I do not even know what to call The Dudleys or The New Jack match. Simply a whole lot of punching taking place, garbage wrestling, the type of thing that people who would knock the company would bang on about, there were not wrong as it was on full display tonight. The finishes were exactly exciting in this company either, I do not know what it is but ECW just irks me the more that I watch the company in action. However, I will be soldiering on until I am finished, thanks for watching and remember: There’s always another night!

ECW Guilty As Charged 1999 Review

Hello and welcome to another beer-smashing edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling reviews series on the internet that remembers Who! Back to ECW and The Land of Extreme, we kick off 1999 with ECW’s Guilty As Charged. Headlined by the showdown between Taz and Shane Douglas for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship (Bit fucking late to that party bitches!). We also have RVD vs Lance Storm, Justin Credible vs Tommy Dreamer again because fuck you and New Jack continues his war with The Dudleys. Overbooking all over the card? I sincerely fucking hope not so strap in this is ECW’s Guilty As Charged 1999!

The FBI vs Danny Doring & Roadkill

That was a fast turnover from heels to babyfaces for Doring and Roadkill, they face the team of Tracy Smothers and Little Guido, one-half of what I consider the only decent opening match I have seen on pay per view for this company. Doring and Guido begin, Doring has Muffin Ass written on his tights, this comes from a joke with Chris Chetti who in Doring’s own words called a “Huge Fagnet”. Lock-up, Doring pushes back Guido. Guido asks for a break, side headlock by Doring. Doring struts and we already have interference, truly magnificent as The Hardcore Chair-Swingin Freaks come to ringside. They are in the match, it is a three-way danced style elimination match.

Smothers and Mahoney are in the ring, right hands by Smothers. Clothesline by Mahoney, Rotten nails Roadkill with a chair. Smothers drills Mahoney with a leaping calf kick, Mahoney answers with a superkick. Powerbomb by Mahoney, clothesline to the floor. Mahoney dives onto The FBI, Rotten and Roadkill are in the ring. Clothesline by Rotten, Smothers attacks Rotten and goes after Roadkill. Sidewalk slam by Roadkill, elbows by Smothers. Powerslam by Roadkill, top rope splash by Roadkill. Guido saves the match, G-Spot on Guido. Bareback on Smothers, T-Bag Leg Drop by Doring. Hart Attack by Doring & Roadkill, Rich smacks Doring with the Italian Flag. Double high-end fisherman suplex by The FBI and Doring & Roadkill have been eliminated.

FBI stomp Mahoney, double chops, dropkicks and elbows for two. Mahoney escapes a reverse chinlock for a back suplex, tag to Rotten. Clotheslines and jabs from Rotten, bionic elbow. Smothers and Guido bang heads, Nutcracker suite and Head Trauma from Rotten as The Hardcore Chair-Swingin Freaks win the match. Big Sal and Big Guido eat chair shots, down they go.

Fun stuff, I cannot really complain when the action was fast and tight, a lot of nice moves on display from every team. Right team won when you think of who could challenge for the tag team titles as Doring and Roadkill are so new and The FBI were simply opening match comedy wrestlers.

Winners: Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten over Everyone Else via Nutcracker Suite!

Terry Funk Promo

Terry Funk being Terry Funk is awesome, Funk speaks about Dreamer’s betrayal and about how Funk will want Dreamer to suffer every day for the rest of your life.

Super Crazy vs Yoshiro Tajiri

The first pay per view meeting between Tajiri and Super Crazy, two wrestlers who would bring some beautiful wrestling back to ECW. Lock-up and clean break from Crazy, hammerlock and wristlock into an armdrag by Tajiri into a cover for two. Snapmare by Crazy into a La Magistral for two, lock-up and side headlock by Crazy. Jumping DDT from Crazy, leg kicks from Tajiri. Low dropkick, Crazy needs a breather. Chest chops from both, low dropkick by Tajiri. Make it two, rolling kneebar from Tajiri. Handspring back elbow by Tajiri, baseball slide and an Asai Moonsault. Tarantula by Tajiri, springboard dropkick by Super Crazy.

Hilo over the top rope, moonsault off the guard rail to Tajiri. Romero Special from Crazy, transition to a dragon sleeper. Stomp by Crazy, tilt-a-whirl is countered for an armdrag, Crazy rolls to the floor. Crossbody by Tajiri to the floor, spinning heel kick by Tajiri for two. Crazy blocks a German, drop toehold into a La Magistral for two. Drop toehold but Tajiri counters for his own La Magistral for two. Chops by Crazy, Tajiri flips out of a German. Crazy kicks Tajiri and nails a moonsault off the top rope for two, slingshot tornillo from Crazy to the floor. Missile dropkick by Crazy, tornado DDT by Crazy. Lariat to the back of the head, inverted DDT from the middle rope. Tajiri counters a powerbomb for a DDT, Crazy misses a corkscrew splash.

Tajiri nails Crazy with a sunset flip powerbomb for two, Tajiri drags Crazy to the corner. Crazy is placed on the top rope. Top rope hurricanrana by Tajiri, Crazy rolls through for a cover. Two for Crazy, powerbomb by Crazy for two. Tajiri nails a sit-out powerbomb complete with rolling cradle for two, kicks by Tajiri. Dragon Suplex by Tajiri out of nowhere and Tajiri wins the match!

Good stuff, so different from everything else on the card. It has been a long time since the days of Benoit, Malenko and Mysterio in ECW. If you were looking for technical wrestling in the company after they left, you did not have any real choice. However, with these two coming in and their matches with Little Guido to come, it should be fun to call at the least. You could not deny their chemistry, there was just something special when Tajiri and Crazy would be rocking around that ring.

Winner: Tajiri over Super Crazy via Dragon Suplex!

John Kronus vs Mystery Opponent

Judge Jeff Jones has transformed from crooked referee to judge, beats me but let’s roll with it. Kronus is in the ring, we have no idea who Kronus will be facing. Sid comes down, Chokeslam for Kronus through a table at ringside. Chair shots to the head of Kronus, Powerbomb by Sid and this match is over.

The Dudley Boyz vs Spike Dudley & New Jack

Oh my favourite, here comes the part of the show with no wrestling. Spike and New Jack hammer The Dudleys with weapons, hurricanrana by Spike in the corner. Bubba is choked with the middle rope, Spike continues using weapons and forearms on Bubba before Bubba waffles Spike with a metal tray. D-Von and New Jack brawl on the floor, D-Von is in control with right hands. Big Dick helps D-Von attack New Jack, military press slam by Bubba on Spike with Spike being launched into the crowd. Insane that they could get away with that, imagine if the fans sued or were injured.

Spike is tossed into the crowd for a second time, Bubba scares off the camera man. D-Von and New Jack brawl on the floor, New Jack sends D-Von into the guard rail. Spike hammers Bubba with a tray, Spike pummels Bubba. New Jack chokes D-Von with a camera cable, Spike and New Jack control the ring. Dudleys have chairs, New Jack and Spike have guitars. Big Dick eats two guitars to the head, The Dudleys attack New Jack & Spike from behind. Middle rope Bubba Bomb. New Jack fights D-Von and Bubba on the ramp before succumbing to a 3D. Acid Drop on Big Dick, Acid Drop on D-Von. Bubba splashes D-Von by mistake, Acid Drop on Bubba. Big Dick blocks a second acid drop, 3D with The Dudleys winning the match.

What a garbage match that was, showing us a squash and following it up with this pathetic nonsense. I am sorry but this gets harder to watch every single time, New Jack was an incredible wrestling personality no question of that. But the man had no business doing this sort of trash on pay per view, anybody who could sit through this is a God damn saint because I am almost at he end of my rope watching this so-called “wrestling”.

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

(ECW Television Championship Match) Rob Van Dam © W/ Bill Alfonso vs Lance Storm W/ Tammy Lynn Bytch

Storm was originally supposed to face Jerry Lynn and Spike Dudley in a three-way dance but Lynn was injured and Spike was moved into the tag match snoozefest which I just had to witness, RVD was meant to face Masato Tanaka but that did not come true as Tanaka was unable to make it to the pay per view. RVD and Storm lock-up, nice wrestling with both men taking control until a stand-off. Eye poke and right hands by Storm, dropkick by RVD for two. Snapmare by RVD for two, Storm rolls through for a single leg Boston crab off an Irish whip. Alfonso attacks Bytch, Storm intervenes but eats a slingshot leg drop from RVD. Corkscrew leg drop from RVD as Storm hangs off the guard rail, posing from RVD.

Storm meets the ringpost, double underhook front slam by RVD for two. Forearm by RVD, Storm ducks a clothesline for a huge superkick. Two for Storm, jawbreaker by Storm. Corner elbow and dropkick by Storm, Irish whip reversed by RVD. Springboard attempt by RVD goes awry as Storm dropkicks RVD to the floor, baseball slide by Storm. RVD sentons onto Storm from the guard rail as they do battle in the crowd. RVD tries a scoop slam but Storm counters for a reverse DDT, Storm dropkicks RVD who is stuck in the crowd. Springboard crossbody by Storm, RVD attempts another springboard and Storm has the counter ready. RVD is crotched on the top rope, RVD counters a super back suplex for a crossbody. Drop toehold by RVD, RVD applies a Romero Special.

Rolling Thunder by RVD, two for the champion. Irish whip to the corner, Storm leaps to the top rope and drills RVD with an elbow to the face. Right hand by Storm, RVD is whipped to the corner. Handspring clothesline by Storm, RVD blocks the northern lights suplex. RVD is thrown a chair from Alfonso, Van Damnator. Storm is thrown back into the ring by RVD, Bytch is on the apron. Small package with Storm getting two, spinning heel kick by RVD. RVD Van Damnators the referee, Storm hits his own Van Damnator but there is no referee. Storm has RVD on the top rope, Storm takes a chair from Alfonso but RVD kicks the chair into Storm’s face. Two for RVD, clotheslines by RVD. Storm dodges the frog splash, powerbomb is countered by RVD. The two trade counters before a bridging German suplex by RVD for the win.

That was an unexpected finish to the match from RVD, came out of nowhere. Anyways, it seems that RVD is growing leaps and bounds before our eyes, the matches are not great just yet. I felt there was way too much pandering between moves which really killed the flow of the match for me. Also, we have interference and a referee bump for the first time of the night, I hope it is the only time I will see that tonight. Storm along with Lynn can always be relied on for a solid match, I would not mind a rematch between these two.

Winner: Rob Van Dam over Lance Storm via German Suplex!

(Stairway to Heaven Match) Justin Credible vs Tommy Dreamer

Speaking of feuds that need to die as soon as possible, Justin Credible continues to haunt Tommy Dreamer. ECW were doing everything to make Justin Credible interesting (They were failing, boy was vanilla as they come), they had Credible injure Mikey Whipwreck, injure Great Sasuke and run off The Sandman who had left for WCW in reality. The feud has a new spin with Funk aligning himself with Credible, endorsing the former Aldo Montoya.

Lock-up, Credible knees Dreamer in the corner. Chops by Dreamer, low blow by Dreamer. Spinebuster by Dreamer and a Cactus Jack clothesline, Credible sends Dreamer into the guard rail. Credible roughs up Dreamer in the ring using the chair before tossing Dreamer to the ramp. Drop toehold onto the chair, Credible stomps away on Dreamer with Nicole Bass taking a cheap shot. Dreamer scores with a Russian legsweep in the ring, Credible is bounced off a chair. Dreamer Driver/Emerald Flowsion, Dreamer picks up a ladder. Jason and Credible try a baseball slide, Dreamer dodges and wallops the two with the ladder. Credible is in the crowd, Dreamer bridges the ladder between the guard rail and ring apron.

Dreamer electric chair drops Credible onto the ladder, Dreamer places a ladder in the corner and slingshots Credible into the ladder. Falling slam onto the ladder, Dreamer is on the middle rope but misses an elbow as Credible moves out of the way. Credible has a chair, Dreamer’s arm is placed in the ladder as Credible zeroes in on Dreamer’s arm. Dreamer reverses an Irish whip and Credible smacks off the ladder, Dreamer is on the apron. Credible nails Dreamer with a fisherman buster to the floor, Dreamer is on the top rope. Bass distracts the referee, Jazz low blows and suplexes Dreamer. Jason clotheslines Dreamer for good measure.

Ladder is leaned against the ropes, Credible stomps Dreamer. Credible misses a low dropkick and hits groin first off the ringpost. Spiccoli Driver, Dreamer see-saws the ladder into Credible’s face. Dreamer climbs towards the Singapore cane, Credible yanks Dreamer off the ladder. Dreamer is placed on the ladder and Credible tips the ladder with Dreamer on it and through a table, creative spot there. Credible nails his swinging DDT on Dreamer, Credible places the ladder on Dreamer’s neck and Credible rams Dreamer into the turnbuckle.

Credible has another ladder, Dreamer is on the floor ringside. The two set up ladders with Dreamer dropping Credible with a cutter off the ladder. Dreamer brings down the cane, leaping DDT from Dreamer. Credible is left against the ropes, Dreamer wants payback. Funk is here, trash can to the head. Singapore cane to the head by Credible and a That’s Incredible on the ladder for the win.

That was not a bad match by ECW standards, there were some nice and well-executed spots throughout this match. I thought they were going to tell a story with the arm of Dreamer but that was abandoned after a minute or two whivh was a shame but this was good stuff for the most part.

Winner: Justin Credible over Tommy Dreamer via That’s Incredible!

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) Taz vs Shane Douglas © W/ Francine

It’s been a year in the making and would you look at that, Douglas has his wrist taped up again. Douglas was the ECW champion, Douglas was The Franchise. The man’s intensity in his promos and hatred were legendary and they made Douglas the man in ECW. The wrestling had been a let down since the beginning of these reviews, it is hard to write that but Douglas was not putting on the classics that were expected of the man who was meant to be the future of the business. However, nobody could touch Douglas in terms of character work in the company, nobody deserved the championship more than Douglas but it comes down to this, could Douglas make Taz look like the star that they needed Taz to be?

The match that should have been at November to Remember happens now, lock-up and side headlock takedown by Taz. Douglas grabs a side headlock, Taz counters the same way Douglas did with a headscissors. More mat wrestling by the two, Taz takes the waist. Drop toehold by Douglas, Taz escapes a headlock for a hammerlock. Stare-down, right hands and kicks by Douglas. Taz nails a head and arm Tazplex, Douglas rolls to the floor. Lock-up, Douglas chokes and stomps Taz. Cast to the head, Alabama slam by Taz. Clothesline with Douglas rolling to the floor, Taz is in pursuit. Right hands by Taz, Douglas sends Taz into the crowd. Crowd brawling from the two, this brawling goes on and on and on and on….

Finally, they are back in the ring. Taz has a table in the corner as Douglas peppers the challenger with rights, Taz fires up with kicks in the corner. Taz is Irish whipped through the table, Douglas has another table. Head and arm Tazplex through the table, the lights go out and it looks like Sabu is here. Springboard clothesline, what the fuck is this? Sabu cracks Taz with a chair, both men are hurled to the floor. Moonsault onto Taz and Douglas, Douglas is put through a table with a leg drop. Taz is put through a table with a twisting splash, Douglas covers Taz for two. Douglas holds up the three fingers, Candido is here as the two girls catfight. Candido clobbers Douglas? Tazplex by Taz, Tazmission with Douglas trying everything to escape but Taz is tenacious. Taz chokes out Douglas and we have a new champion.

Another moment that should have been something truly special spoiled by overbooking and nonsense. Where do we begin? Liked the two wrestling in the beginning, they had the makings of a decent story with Taz proving that he was the better man and then, we had at least 6 minutes of brawling in the crowd. Why? Why did I need six minutes of the two stumbling around and punching one another? There is no faster way to take me out of a match than lazily stumble around and kill time in the crowd, it’s a joke. Next we have Sabu interrupt what is Taz’s shining moment laying out both champion and challenger. Unnecessary when you are trying to make Taz your new top star, you don’t need to put the focus on someone else. Sabu was supposed to be in the match, Sabu got injured so Sabu can return and have his match that story writes itself!

But no, you had Sabu lay out Taz and Douglas, way to make Taz look tough there ECW. Next, Douglas calls out Candido who turns on Douglas, do we really need to see that? The Triple Threat were done with Bigelow in WCW by this point, we did not need to see Candido in there with Douglas as Taz should have been the focal point of the match. For the reasons I have argued above, I was not happy with this. We waited a year to see Taz take that championship from Douglas, Taz should have outclassed Douglas with Douglas and all his arrogance coming crashing down as he knew there was no surviving Taz. Instead, we got the same old shit from ECW where they just could not let a good match be a good match.

Winner: Taz over Shane Douglas via Tazmission!

That was ECW’s Guilty as Charged 1999, a better than most pay per view from ECW. This felt like something different at times, there was not as much overbooking on this card like most of the others. There was some good wrestling in terms of Tajiri and Crazy and RVD vs Lance Storm. The New Jack match was just awful, no time for that kind of trash while the main event was  a big let down. You built and built but when you have that much crowd brawling and interference taking place in the match, you are not solidifying Taz at the man, you are not have Douglas pass the torch. You are simply dicking around at the worst possible time like ECW seemed to do at every pay per view hat I have covered. So, better than anything I have seen so far in terms of match quality thanks to RVD shining with Storm and Tajiri vs Crazy brining fun to the ring but a lot of this was garbage as was the stereotype for ECW. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!