WWE Vengeance 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another bone-breaking edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that comes up on the losing end more than Curt Hawkins! WWE’s Vengeance 2007, Night of Champions based around the concept of every match being a title match. Batista’s last chance at becoming World Heavyweight Champion as The Animal battles Edge while John Cena finds himself in a five-way match for his WWE Championship. The card does not have me overly excited but let us see where things head, this is Vengeance 2007.

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

Cade & Murdoch had reformed their evil ways or so we thought before the two stole the tag team championships from The Hardys, The Hardys look to win back the gold on this night. Cade and Matt start, some nice wrestling before Matt crossbodies Cade and lays down right hands. Tag to Jeff, Omega combination for two. Cade grabs a headlock, blind tag from Murdoch. Big neckbreaker for two, Jeff reverses a back drop with a kick. Corkscrew mule kick, tag to Matt. Middle rope axe handle, Matt tags in Jeff. Poetry in Motion, corner dropkick from Jeff. Matt clotheslines Cade to the floor as The Hardys rule the ring. Tag to Matt, the champions decide to regroup after their beating.

The challengers chase down the champions, Matt has Murdoch. Slap from Murdoch, Murdoch runs from Matt. Tag to Cade, Matt misses the tag. Chop block by Cade, Matt had his leg attacked on a match on Smackdown, it has been worked into this match. Murdoch works the leg before tagging Cade, another massive chop block. Matt’s leg is driven forcefully into the mat, tag to Murdoch. Matt tries fighting back, Murdoch attacks the leg. Single leg Boston crab, Matt escapes and tags Jeff. Slingshot dropkick, inverted atomic drop and low leg drop. Back drop for Murdoch, Cade gets caught for a neckbreaker.

Two for Jeff, Whisper in the Wind on Cade. Two for Jeff, sit-out front suplex. Jeff looks for the swanton, Murdoch eats a boot to the head. Matt is with the referee, Murdoch trips Jeff. Sit-out Spinebuster from Cade and the heels retain their championship.

Decent tag team match from these two, you cannot get a bad tag match from the Hardys, their reunion in 2006 and 2007 makes it appear to be 1999 all over again as there is not one young child or woman who does not love The Hardy Boyz. The two teams have fought for at least three pay per views this year, I am ready for something new but fearful for the future.

Winners: Cade & Murdoch over The Hardy Boyz via Sit-out Spinebuster!

(WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match) Chavo Guerrero © vs Jimmy Wang Yang

Oh, this championship is still around and the push that Chavo received from his feud with Mysterio is but a distant memory. Roll-up from Yang for two, lock-up. Side headlock takedown from Yang, Chavo lures in Yang and smashes Yang. Hard Irish whip, uppercut floors Yang. Yang answers with a suplex and a kimura hold, whip to the corner. Yang walks up Chavo but Chavo hurls Yang to the floor. Baseball slide from Chavo, Chavo climbs to the top. Yang dropkicks Chavo off the top rope, Yang climbs the top rope. Big crossbody attack by Yang, two for Yang in the ring.

Chavo begs for mercy, Irish whip to the corner. Chavo reverses Yang, hiptossing Yang into the turnbuckle. Chavo chokes Yang using the bottom rope, high-angle back suplex for two. Stretch from Chavo, Yang escapes and chops Chavo. Drop toehold and splash by Chavo, more kicks to the spine. Hard Irish whip to the corner, snapmare into a camel clutch like manoeuvre. Back suplex escape from Yang, Yang nails a middle rope dropkick. Spinning heel kick in the corner, crossbody for two. Chavo counters for two amigos, spinning heel kick from Yang. Two for Yang, Chavo rolls out of the way of the moonsault. Gory Special from Chavo, Yang rolls through for two and a half. Chavo pulls Yang into the corner and up to the top rope, Yang knocks off Chavo. Chavo crotches Yang, Yang tumbles to the mat, Frog Splash by Chavo and the champion retains.

The division was on its dying legs by this point, there was little heat or interest in this match from the crowd. The near-fall at the end was as close as the fans got to being into the match. However, the two men involved worked hard , it is a shame that the match mattered little to the fans.

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

(ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match) CM Punk vs Johnny Nitro

So, we know that it was meant to be Benoit vs Punk which would have been very good but Benoit missed the show which would lead to Nitro filling in for Benoit. Nitro had dropped off the face of the earth as Jeff Hardy took his Intercontinental Championship and The Hardys beat the piss out of MNM in every match they had, the championship has been vacated by Bobby Lashley in the pursuit of the WWE Championship.

Punk and Nitro begin wrestling, Nitro wins and taunts Punk. Punk kicks the legs of Nitro, huge head kick with Nitro rolling to the floor. Nitro slaps Punk, Nitro runs from Punk. Punk nails a slingshot splash on Nitro, whip to the corner. Slap from Punk, Punk finds himself on the end of a huge kick from Nitro. Nasty forearms from Nitro for two, cobra clutch style choke from Nitro. Kick to the chest by Nitro, arm wrenches from Nitro. Backbreaker from Nitro and a single arm DDT for two. Another rest hold from Nitro, Punk escapes and nails a huge enzuigiri. Kicks and forearms from Punk, leaping leg lariat for two. Nitro blocks the knee in the corner, roll-up with feet on the ropes for two.

Massive lariat from Punk for two, GTS is blocked with elbows from Nitro. Nitro wants the sunset flip, Punk counters his own pin for two. Muay Thai knees from Punk, high running knee in the corner with a bulldog. Punk is feeling it now, Punk is on the apron. Punk rolls through off a springboard, Punk is on the apron. Punk tries a shoulder block, Nitro knees Punk in the head and nails a snapping neckbreaker for the win.

Similar to the last match, this match suffered from an intense lack of heat. Fans were not happy without Benoit being in the match, Punk and Nitro did not have plenty of time to put the match together either so this must be factored into any criticisms of this match but it just fell flat at the end of the day, Vengeance needs something big to get me back into this show.

Winner: Johnny Nitro over CM Punk via Neckbreaker!

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Santino Marella © vs Umaga

Santino had become champion thanks to the help of Bobby Lashley who decimated Umaga which led to Marella winning the championship. Marella tries to roll up Umaga, Umaga grabs Marella by the throat. Marella escapes, massive forearms from Marella, Umaga drops his weight back on Marella. Marella blocks a headbutt with his knees, superkick from Umaga. Shoulder claw from Umaga, Umaga throws Marella to the corner. Umaga gets disqualified for beating the crap out of Marella. More of an angle than a match, no rating for this.

Winner: Santino Marella over Umaga via DQ!

(WWE United States Championship Match) Ric Flair vs MVP ©

First championship defence for MVP on pay per view after besting The Rabid Wolverine, Flair is a good day at the office. The two lock-up, MVP clean breaks in the corner. Trash talk from MVP, Flair has none of it. Chops and right hands from Flair, MVP powders while Flair struts. Takedown from Flair, Flair wrenches the leg. MVP escapes and boots Flair to the floor hard, MVP rolls out to take control of the match. Two for MVP, clubbing forearms from MVP. Reverse chinlock from MVP, Flair is bleeding. Flair is battered in the corner, chops from Flair. MVP whips Flair to the corner, big back body drop.

Reverse chinlock from MVP, Flair escapes but eats a gorilla press slam from MVP. Knee to the head for two, forearms by MVP. Jawbreaker from Flair, big right hand. Chops galore, reverse elbow from Flair. Back drop, ten punches in the corner. Stungun from MVP to counter Flair, MVP misses the player’s boot. Chop block from MVP, Figure Four from Flair. MVP makes it to the ropes, rights and lefts from Flair. Eye poke from MVP behind the referee’s back, Playmaker from MVP and MVP retains the championship.

Another solid performance from MVP, Flair is always entertaining from the ring and guaranteed to make the most of the time that he has in the ring. The show just seems to be in one gear though, hoping that things pick up with the main event matches that are on their way but the pay per view is just moving along at a decent pace.

Winner: MVP over Ric Flair via Playmaker!

(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) Deuce & Domino © W/ Cherry vs Sgt Slaughter & Jimmy Snuka

Why, just why? Snuka pummels Domino, tag to Slaughter. Slaughter kicks the crap out of Domino, snapmare for two. Shoulder thrusts from Slaughter, back drop for two. Cobra Clutch on Domino, Domino reaches the ropes. Reverse elbow from Slaughter, short-arm clothesline. Another Cobra Clutch, Deuce attacks from the apron. Domino takes control, tag to Deuce. Deuce tags in Domino, elbows and such for two. Deuce comes in, Deuce misses his Snuka splash, tag to Snuka. Right chops and headbutt, Domino gets nailed too. Flying forearm, two for Snuka. Backbreaker from Snuka, crossbody but Deuce rolls through for the win. Awful and unnecessary, no thanks! DUD!

Winners: Deuce & Domino over Snuka & Slaughter via Roll-Up!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Edge © vs Batista

Last chance for The Animal, Edge had slipped through the cracks against Batista on two previous occasions but for how much longer could Edge run? Well, this is Batista’s last chance, Batista has to beat Edge in this match. Batista goes right after Edge, shoulder thrusts in the corner. Shoulder block for two, keylock from The Animal. Edge escapes but eats a massive sidewalk slam for two, Edge holds onto the ropes from an Irish whip. Batista is lowbridged, Edge tries an apron splash but Batista catches the champion. Back first into the apron, Batista wants to lawn dart Edge into the ringpost. Edge shoves Batista into the ringpost, Batista eats blows to the back of the head. Batista is tossed shoulder first into the ringpost, Edge keeps the challenger on the floor with a baseball slide. Edge wears down the arm, hiptoss from Batista.

Batista meets the ringpost once again, Batista fights back. Drop toehold from Edge and into a hammerlock, Batista counters for a Samoan drop. Edge holds on, crucifix hold from Edge. Batista fires back with forearms, Edge blocks the clothesline. Edge hangs up the arm of Batista, gigantic lariat from The Animal. Spinning sidewalk slam from Batista for two, Batista Bomb is countered for The Edgecution, two for Edge. Roll-up from Batista for two, roll-up by Edge for two. Running powerslam is countered for the Edge O Matic. Edge wants the spear, Batista Spears Edge. Low blow to stop the Batista bomb from Edge, Edge cannot win by DQ though as Theodore Long restarts the match.

Edge is not a happy boy, Edge marches back to the ring. Edge batters Batista, Spear by Edge for two. Batista kicks out! Edge grabs a chair, Edge throws down the chair. Small package for two by Batista, Edge wriggles free from the Batista Bomb. Clothesline to the floor, Edge pulls Batista into the steel steps. Batista blocks a spear for a Batista Bomb on the floor. Batista pushes Edge into the ring but Batista does not break the ten-count.

Sweet Jesus, that finish sucks. The way it was set up, I thought it was time for The Animal to be the champion but Batista looks like a chump again. Fair enough if both men cannot answer the count, I could live with that but Batista pushes Edge back in and does not make the count himself? You can powerbomb Edge after the match all you want to get your heat back but you look so dumb when you think of it, Batista could have broken the count and grabbed Edge again restarting the count. The building came alive for the match but that finish sucks!

Winner: Edge over Batista via Count-Out!

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

These two had a pudding bowl match last month, they are now battling for the championship. Candice looks amazing, Melina starts strong choking and kicking Candice. Two for Melina, headbutt by Melina. Running knees in the corner, headscissors choke from Melina. Roll-up from Candice for two, Candice is slammed into the mat. Bow & Arrow from Melina, Candice escapes for a two count. Melina misses a splash as Candice lowbridges the champion, slingshot from Candice. Powerslam from Candice, elbow drop for two. Whip to the corner, running bulldog from Candice for two. Eye rake from Melina, Melina looks for a neckbreaker. Candice kicks out at two, forearms by Melina, Candice nails a massive spinning heel kick for the win.

Lots of screaming and groaning, it is bizarre to me when the division was looking good with Melina as the head bitch and this push for Candice comes out of nowhere, truly a shock that nobody was expecting but I am an optimistic man so maybe Candice is going to do things with the championship that had no been done since the days of Trish and Lita.

Winner: Candice Michelle over Melina via Spinning Heel Kick!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs King Booker vs Mick Foley vs Randy Orton vs Bobby Lashley

Why is Foley here? Why did Lashley give up his ECW championship after fighting so hard to get it back from The Mcmahons? Why are we wasting the heel push of Orton with all the momentum he has built up? These are my questions, I do not understand this match. We start off hot with Lashley diving onto everyone, Lashley grabs King Booker. Lashley nails Booker with a massive backbreaker, Cena saves the match. Cena and Lashley face-off, the two slug it out. Spinebuster by Lashley, Cena rolls to the floor. Lashley starts ripping at the announce table, everyone begins brawling on the floor. Foley takes apart King Booker until Foley meets the steel steps.

 Orton tries an RKO on the floor, Lashley blocks but Cena FUs Lashley through the announce table. Booker goes after Cena, massive knees and an Irish whip to the corner. Scissors Kick by Booker, Orton saves the match. Shoulder blocks and spinning side slam by Cena, Cena tries for a five knuckle shuffle but Orton nails an RKO, Foley saves the match. Running knee to Orton, Double Arm DDT on Orton. Mr. Socko is here, Booker sidekicks Foley. Double knockdown between Orton and Booker, Foley has a chair. Foley cracks Lashley and Booker, Cena eats it too. Orton attacks Foley from behind, Orton punt kicks Foley. Lashley Spears Orton, Booker sidekicks Lashley. Cena hotshots Booker who falls to the floor, FU onto Foley by Cena and Cena wins the match.

Compared to everything else on this show, this match was pure bliss and a breeze, I did think it was a waste of some talent like the likes of Orton who was on the heel run of his life and Lashley who needed to be groomed slowly but hats off to all involved they delivered on a show that was mostly a waste of your time.

Winner: John Cena over Everyone Else via FU!

That was WWE’s Vengeance 2007, definitely one of the weaker shows of the year from the WWE. The rematches hurt this pay per view in my eyes, Cade & Murdoch vs The Hardys was very old by this point and Edge vs Batista had been done to death which made the matches hard to show anything new or interesting. The fresh feuds going into the show were disappointing too, Punk vs Nitro on short notice was a shame as neither man got to truly show what they could do while the Smackdown tag team match was a joke, MVP vs Flair was all Flair and the women’s match was in the slot of death which was deserved looking back, you have a fun main event but it’s not enough to save this show, best to avoid this one if you are looking back on the year. Thanks for the continued support, 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!

WWE Royal Rumble 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that wanted Jay White in The Bullet Club! What a shocker we have for you tonight as I review WWE’s Royal Rumble 2007, the first of the big four for 2007. The card includes Batista defending his world heavyweight championship against Mr. Kennedy fresh off a feud with Undertaker, we also have John Cena defending his WWE championship against Umaga and even the ECW Championship will be defended as Bobby Lashley battles Test. You cannot forget the royal rumble match with the winner going to Wrestlemania to challenge for his respective brand’s pay per view. Royal Rumbles rarely disappoint but could 2007 be different? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

A subdued package if I am honest, they hype the rumble and the main event matches but it just does not have that grandioso feel to it for me.

The Hardy Boyz vs MNM W/ Melina

Look at this, another match between these teams. We have seen them touch at Survivor Series, December to Dismember, Armageddon and now the Royal Rumble. Talk about getting the most out of a match, happy to see The Hardys together and I am glad that Mercury was used to the best of his abilities but something new would be nice.

Nitro and Matt begin the match, tag to Mercury as Nitro jumped Matt. Munted punches by Mercury, Matt is meant to have a dislocated jaw per storyline assault from MNM. Tag to Nitro, shots to the jaw. Matt fights back, forearms to the face of Nitro. Nitro smacks the gut of Matt, tag to Mercury. Mercury misses a right hand, clubbing blows by Matt. Tag to Jeff, slingshot dropkick for two. Mercury backs Jeff to the corner, tag to Nitro. Right hands by Nitro, inverted atomic drop and leg drop to the groin by Jeff for two. Fist drop/splash combination by The Hardys, neckbreaker by Matt for two. Nitro gains control, tag to Mercury.

Tag to Nitro, uppercuts and a middle rope choke. Boot from the apron by Mercury, Nitro covers for two. Cravate lock by Nitro, knees to the jaw by Nitro. Tag to Mercury, big slaps by Mercury. Reverse chinlock by Mercury, Matt fights back before a hairpull from Mercury. Mercury misses a middle rope splash, tag to Jeff. Jeff nails forearms and a sit-out suplex on Nitro for two, whisper in the wind from Jeff. Mercury saves Nitro, Matt pummels Mercury with a back suplex. Double suplex on Nitro, Omega splash by The Hardys but Jeff is smacked in the ribs with knees by Nitro, Matt connects with the leg drop but Jeff is the legal man. Tag to Mercury, stomp to the ribs. Two for Mercury, Mercury brings Jeff to the corner. Right hands before a tag to Nitro, running knee by Nitro.

Leg drop by Mercury for two, waistlock from Mercury. Jeff tries a cradle for two, Mercury pounds away on Jeff. Double gutbuster by MNM, Matt saves Jeff. Kicks by Nitro, rear naked choke by Nitro. Jeff escapes but Nitro grabs a front chancery, Jeff back drops Nitro off but Mercury distracts the referee and the referee misses the tag. MNM double team Jeff, face rake using the ropes. Jeff nails Nitro with a reverse mule kick, tag to Matt. Back drop to Nitro, elbow to Mercury. Corner clothesline and bulldog combination for two on Nitro, middle rope elbow to the back of the head of Nitro for two. Jeff stops Nitro from nailing snapshot, Poetry in Motion on Mercury. Nitro dodges poetry in motion, roll-up on Matt for two. Side Effect on Nitro, Twist of Fate on Nitro. Mercury tackles Matt to the floor but Jeff tags in and nails a Swanton Bomb for the win.

Good opening match from these two, they have been facing off for months so I am glad to see the rivalry finally come to an end although it was rather one-sided with The Hardys beating the crap out of MNM on every occasion. However, I did enjoy the series and it was the best match out of all that they had, good start to the show.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz over MNM via Swanton Bomb!

(ECW World Championship Match) Bobby Lashley © vs Test

Oh why does the lord wish pain on my soul? After the awful ECW pay per view, we have Test challenging Bobby Lashley. Lashley was the champion after defeating Big Show in that chamber match that we shall not speak of again, Lashley has his first challenger in Test.

Lock-up, Test has Lashley in the corner. Slap by Test, takedown from Lashley. Test reaches for the ropes and we have the escape, Test sends Lashley into the ropes. Test chokes Lashley using the middle rope, elbows and foot choke from Test. Lashley catches Test for an exploder suplex, stalling vertical suplex by Lashley. Test rolls to the floor, Lashley is caught open on the apron. Test sends Lashley into the ringpost, armlock from Test. Lashley escapes before Test goes back to the arm, Lashley back drops Test. Corner spear by Lashley, Lashley botches a military press but covers well showing his arm is hurt. Big Boot by Test for two, Test screams and harasses the referee. Lashley escapes a tko attempt, clothesline by Lashley. Test rolls to the floor, says fuck it and gets counted out.

What kind of logic is that? The heel challenger decides he does not want the championship and loses by countout? What kind of bizarre booking is that? What the hell were they trying to accomplish? Why would Test ever have an opportunity at the championship again? Why did Lashley lay out Test at the end? How does this help Lashley? This was pointless, a waste of ten minutes but when you think of how they used ECW, it almost seems fitting. DUD!

Winner: Bobby Lashley over Test via Count-Out!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Batista © vs Mr. Kennedy

Batista became champion after finally beating King Booker after a series of average matches, Kennedy had a victory over Batista via DQ. Kennedy was a rising star on Smackdown, coming off a feud with The Undertaker and the wheels were in motion for Taker vs Batista at Mania but this should still be a good match considering the two personalities inside of the ring.

Lock-up, Batista throws down Kennedy multiple times. Batista has Kennedy in the corner, Kennedy smacks around Batista after a clean break. Elbows by Kennedy, boot by Batista. Suplex for two, Batista rams Kennedy into the barricade. Kennedy comes back by sending Batista foot first into the steel steps, Batista is hobbling. Shoulder thrusts by Batista in the corner, Kennedy dropkicks the knee of Batista. Lots of leg work from Kennedy, Indian deathlock from Kennedy. Kennedy uses the ropes for leverage, the referee catches Kennedy.

Knee trembler from Kennedy for two, Boston crab by Kennedy. Batista kicks off Kennedy, small package for two. Running powerslam is blocked by Kennedy, chop block by the challenger. Batista nails a desperate spinebuster, right hands by Batista. Kennedy nails the knee, a kick to the face wakes up Batista. Clotheslines, corner clothesline and a slam. Rolling firemen’s carry, Batista calls for the end. Kennedy pushes Batista into the referee, low blow and neckbreaker but there is no referee. Short DDT by Kennedy for two, boot from the corner by Kennedy. Kennedy dives into a clothesline, Batista Bomb on one leg and that’s all she wrote.

Solid championship match, Kennedy worked the leg throughout the whole match and Batista sold the match very well. Another good match in the books for Kennedy, you could see why the company was so high on the character and the persona. Kennedy had a charisma, the fans wanted the championship reign but based on this performance, they would not have to wait long before Kennedy’s day. Well, until fate interfered and screwed all that up but this may be Kennedy’s finest moment inside of a WWE ring.

Winner: Batista over Kennedy via Batista Bomb!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Umaga (Last Man Standing Match)

John Cena had beaten Umaga at New Year’s Revolution, it was a shock to me as I expected that Umaga would become wreckless and get disqualified which would lead to this match. I was wrong as Umaga was rolled-up by Cena, Umaga is back for revenge and Cena is not 100%. Cena’s ribs are taped up, Cena is walking gingerly while Umaga cannot wait for the bell to ring. We saw very good selling in the last championship match, can Cena match Batista’s performance?

Cena pummels Umaga before Umaga goes to the ribs, Cena is on the defence now. Cena is hurled into the steel steps, headbutt by Umaga. More rib punches, shoulder thrusts by Umaga. Clothesline by Umaga, Umaga brings steel steps into the ring. Cena hotshots Umaga, Cena picks up the steel steps and hurls them at Umaga’s head. The referee begins counting, Umaga is up at six. Cena is on the attack, Umaga is in the ring. Spinning heel kick by Umaga, bearhug by Umaga. Belly to belly suplex by Umaga, Umaga has steel steps in the ring once more. Umaga has the steps in the corner, Cena is placed against the steel steps. Umaga motions for the running hip attack, Cena dodges the attack. Umaga is clocked with the steel steps, Cena tries a crossbody but Umaga counters for a massive side slam.

Umaga hip drops Cena, Cena blocks the third drop with his knees, throwback onto the steel steps. Spinning side slam onto the steel steps, Five Knuckle Shuffle by Cena. Cena tries an FU but Umaga is too heavy, Cena’s back cannot carry the weight and Cena cracks himself off the steel steps. Cena is bleeding, right hands by Umaga. Foot choke by Umaga, right hands by Umaga. Cena wants more, Cena is still standing. Right hands by Cena, Samoan drop by Umaga. Cena blocks the Samoan spike but cannot block the headbutt, Cena is in the tree of woe. Cena avoids a headbutt and nails an awesome Kobashi style leg drop on Umaga.

Umaga is sent into the ringpost, Cena knocks down Estrada. Cena has a TV monitor, Umaga is walloped with the monitor. Cena and Umaga brawl on the floor, Umaga smacks Cena off the steel steps. Cena is laid on the announce table, Umaga takes a run and leaps at Cena. Cena dodges at the last second, Umaga stands at nine. Estrada unhooks the top turnbuckle, Estrada wants Umaga to use the turnbuckle and its steel rod. Cena counters for an FU, right hand to Estrada, Umaga is smacked with the steel rod and Cena applies an STFU using the rope to choke out Umaga.

Great championship match, Cena showed so much fire in this match. I would have liked to seen more rib work and more selling from Cena himself but taking that out of the criticism, the match is a tonne of fun. Lots of moving around, the next spot builds and is bigger and better than the next with table bumps, fun with the steel steps and a hard fought battle on the part of Cena. Umaga plays the monster so well inside of the ring, it was a very fitting championship match for a big event like the royal rumble.

Winner: John Cena over Umaga via Not Answering The Count!

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

You know how it works by now, if you are still reading and don’t know how a rumble works, you must be insane. Thirty men with one opportunity to go to Wrestlemania and headline for the championship of their respective brand. Rules are simple: two men enter with entrants coming into the ring at timed intervals, eliminations occur over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. I will split this into sections so it is easy for all of you to follow.

Entrants 1 to 5

Flair is in at number one, Finlay at number two. Shoulder block by Finlay, right hands by Finlay. Chops by Flair, back drop by Finlay. Number three is Kenny Dykstra, Flair chops Kenny. The heels gang up on Flair, double stomps in the corner. Number four is Matt Hardy, Side Effect on Kenny. Number five is Edge, Edge sprints down and Spears Flair and Finlay. Matt dodges, Twist of Fate on Edge. Flair rolls out and grabs a chair. Edge tosses out Flair and Kenny in quick succession.

Kenny/Flair Have Been Eliminated!

Entrants 6 to 10

Number six is Dreamer, Dreamer low dropkicks Edge before Finlay takes down Dreamer. Matt almost eliminates Edge, number seven is Sabu. Sabu pulls out a table, Sabu DDTs Dreamer. Number eight is Gregory Helms, Helms restarts his feud with Matt. Stomps by Helms, Sabu almost throws out Finlay but Finlay hangs onto the bottom rope. Dreamer and Edge square off in the corner, Sabu blocks being tossed by Finlay. Number nine is Shelton Benjamin, Benjamin almost tosses Dreamer. Same deal with Matt, Finlay and Benjamin tease tossing one another. Number ten is Kane, things are going to change very quickly. Boot for Dreamer, right hands for anybody who is in Kane’s way. Powerslam for Helms, Chokeslam for Edge. Dreamer is tossed to the floor, Kane Chokeslams Sabu through the table for the elimination.

Sabu/Dreamer Have Been Eliminated!

Entrants 11 to 15

Number eleven is CM Punk, Punk rushes Edge. Finlay and Punk brawl, number twelve is King Booker. Booker tosses Helms within seconds.

Helms Has Been Eliminated!

Punk and Booker try to eliminate one another, number thirteen is Super Crazy. Number fourteen is Jeff Hardy, The Hardys double team those in their way. The Hardys run into Kane, Poetry in Motion on Kane. Number fifteen is The Sandman, things are going to get extreme. Kendo stick shots for anyone in the way, Booker has enough of that jazz and tosses Sandman in seconds.

The Sandman Has Been Eliminated!

Entrants 16 to 20

Entrant number sixteen is Randy Orton, right hands to Super Crazy, Rated RKO toss Super Crazy. Rated RKO team up again and out go The Hardy Boyz.

The Hardy Boyz Have Been Eliminated!

Number seventeen is Chris Benoit, chops for everyone. German suplexes for Finlay, Benjamin has Punk on the apron. Punk survives barely, more German suplexes as Benoit kills everyone. Number eighteen is RVD, kicks galore as RVD pummels everything in sight. King Booker is tossed out by Kane, Booker is distraught. Booker re-enters and Scissor Kicks Kane before eliminating Kane.

Kane/King Booker Have Been Eliminated!

Number eighteen is Viscera, RVD punches Finlay. Number twenty is Nitro, Viscera smacks Punk in the corner. Rated RKO double team Nitro, Benoit stomps Benjamin.

Entrants 21 to 25

Number twenty-one is Kevin Thorn, RVD dropkicks Nitro into Viscera. Multiple clotheslines but Viscera will not go down. Number twenty-two is Hardcore Holly, the ring is filling up with plenty of superstars. Everyone ganging up on Viscera, number twenty-three is Shawn Michaels. Lou Thesz Press on Finlay, clothesline and Finlay is eliminated. Sweet Chin Music which allows everyone to toss Viscera over the top rope. Benjamin is elevated to the floor by HBK.

Benjamin/Viscera/Finlay Have Been Eliminated!

Number twenty-four is Chris Masters, Rated RKO attack Michaels. Benoit sends Nitro tumbling to the floor, Masters works on Punk in the corner.

Nitro Has Been Eliminated!

Number twenty five is Chavo Guerrero, Benoit pulls out Kevin Thorn with nobody watching.

Thorn Has Been Eliminated!

Entrants 26 to 30

Twenty-six is MVP, MVP goes after Benoit. Masters and RVD do battle, Masters tries a back suplex but RVD leaps out of the suplex and dropkicks Masters out of the rumble.

Masters Has Been Eliminated!

Orton and Punk are battling close to the ringpost, Punk survives elimination. Carlito is number twenty-seven, Rated RKO pummel Carlito. Number twenty-eight is The Great Khali, Khali beats up everyone with superior power. Number twenty-nine is Miz, Holly is tossed to the floor as is Benoit and Miz and RVD. Punk is tossed out too, Carlito is slapped out. Khali throws Chavo out too, Khali poses dominantly.

Benoit/Holly/Miz/RVD/Chavo/Carlito/Punk Have Been Eliminated!

Khali Slam on Michaels, number thirty is The Undertaker. Taker and Khali brawl, right hands by The Deadman. Brain chops by Khali, Taker staggers but does not go down. More brawling, Khali eats haymakers from Taker. Khali is against the ropes, Khali is clotheslined out of the match. Old School on MVP, Taker tosses MVP.

MVP/Great Khali Have Been Eliminated!

Orton clatters Taker with a steel chair, Edge thought about spearing Orton. Orton caught Edge, Orton is not happy. RKO on Michaels, Michaels falls to the floor. Orton and Edge have words, Rated RKO pummel Undertaker. Taker will not stay down though, more blows reign down on Taker. Corner clotheslines by Taker who is mounting a comeback, chokeslam is blocked via gut kick. Double clothesline by Taker, snake eyes on Edge. Massive boot, Edge Spears Taker who wanted a chokeslam on Orton. Chair to the head of Taker, Edge wants a conchairto. Michaels saves Taker by throwing out Orton and nailing Edge with Sweet Chin Music. We are down to two, Michaels and Taker.

Rated RKO Have Been Eliminated!

Taker sits up, Michaels kips-up. A stare-down for the ages, right hands by HBK. Taker shoves off Michaels to survive, right hands by Taker in the corner. Michaels hangs on by the skin of his teeth, chops by HBK. Michaels does his flip in the corner, Taker headbutts Michaels. Taker misses a boot, both men almost spill out, huge forearm by Michaels. Taker blocks with an elbow, right hands by Taker. Neckbreaker by HBK, slugfest between the two. Boot by Taker, Taker lifts Michaels to the apron. Michaels is resilient as ever, HBK is on the top rope.

Taker wants to toss HBK to the floor, Michaels is not staying down. Taker hits the mat with a thud, Michaels pulls his all into his elbow drop. Michaels wants sweet chin music, Taker blocks that for a Chokeslam. Undertaker eats a Sweet Chin Music as the tombstone is countered, Michaels measures for one more kick. Michaels misses as Taker dumps Michaels to the floor, Taker is going to Wrestlemania!

Winner: Undertaker over Everyone Else via Survival!

I might be alone in this opinion but I really found this rumble rather boring, there were no surprises which are some of the most fun parts of these kind of matches but there were also no memorable moments throughout the match. Rumbles allow for interactions that are not normally possible due to brand restrictions but I felt that there was nothing here, it was just everyone fighting and not doing a lot when it came to making the match fun.

However, that finishing stretch with the battle between Taker and Michaels was great, so much tension and so much drama. Just the two of them battling out made the match so important, they tore the house down in the time that they shared alone in that ring. Taker and Michaels were easily the stars of the match, they came into the match late though which means I sat through a whole lot of nothing just to get that nugget of gold at the end and as good as the match was, I cannot say the rumble itself was overly entertaining or exciting.

That was WWE’s Royal Rumble 2007, a mostly good pay per view from the WWE. It is very hard to make a Royal Rumble boring, it is the second biggest show in the WWE calendar. They want to deliver, it is the road to Wrestlemania. This show delivered, I only felt let down by bizarre booking in the ECW championship match and the rather boring Royal Rumble. The opening tag match was fast-paced with The Hardys doing what they do best, Jeff has been a sensation and such a shot of electricity and fresh air since his return from TNA, The Hardys are money and the fans still love them after all this time.

The Raw & Smackdown championship matches were really good stuff, Kennedy is such an unlikable heel even with all his charisma, Kennedy works the leg throughout the match, Batista sells and works for that finish and when it comes, it is impactful as Batista drives Kennedy through the mat. Even better when it comes to Cena vs Umaga, Umaga works the ribs and dominates while Cena battles from underneath, Cena and Umaga have a super fun match with all the steel steps shenanigans and announce table stuff before we have Cena resorting to choking out the monster just to win, I think it would have been so much more impactful had Cena not beaten Umaga by pin-fall at the prior pay per view, you could have even got another month out of this by having Cena finally pin Umaga but what’s done is done, no need to dwell on it.

My only gripes were that awful ECW title match and the rumble itself. The rumble did not feel like the rumbles we have come to known, no real titanic battles or points of interest. A lot of people you could have done without, I know they wanted to represent ECW but beyond RVD and Punk, every ECW roster member in the match was bounced around like a joke. They were just filler, things felt big when HBK and Taker came in but that was well into the twenties of the match. The match had been on a long time before that and the ECW championship finish made no sense to me, no idea why the challenger would walk away from a championship match. Bizarre and pointless, Lashley beat up Test afterwards so why could Lashley not just pin Test? Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

 

WWF Royal Rumble 2002 Review

Good evening steroid-heads and muscle guys to another testosterone-filled edition of the only wrestling review series that makes sure to always make Roman look strong: Seanomaniac Wrestling Review! I am on a hot streak baby with enough content to hold you over until Christmas or at least, I hope I do. Yes, I am banging out another review like I was born to do so! Tonight’s review is WWF’s Royal Rumble 2002. Triple H made his triumphant return after his quad tear and set his sights on becoming WWF Undisputed Champion. However, Triple H will have to survive a Royal Rumble match with 29 other superstars vying for the opportunity to main event Wrestlemania. Also, Chris Jericho, the first ever Undisputed Champion will defend his coveted championship against none other than The Rock. We also have the Tag Team championships and Intercontinental championships being defended, Vince vs Ric Flair in a street fight for control of the WWF, and Royal Rumble shows are always fun so sit back and enjoy WWF’s Royal Rumble 2002!

Opening Promo

Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Stone Cold Steve Austin, RVD and Triple H are some of the big names in the rumble, this is going to be one hell of a show. Focus is on the rumble itself as we are shown footage of various rumble winners. We are live from Atlanta, Georgia and JR and Jerry Lawler welcome us to the action.

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) The Dudley Boyz W/ Stacy Keblier vs Spike Dudley & Tazz ©

I still find it hard to believe that Tazz won a championship this late into his career but Tazz is one half of your champions alongside Spike Dudley. The match begins with Bubba and D-Von roughing up Tazz on the floor. The Dudleys drop Tazz with a modified neckbreaker on the floor. 

This is not good for Spike who is wearing a neck brace as the match begins. Modified neckbreaker on Spike, Bubba tears off the protective collar and neckbreakers Spike. Snap suplex by Bubba on Spike, tag to D-Von. Quick tag to Bubba who brainbusters Spike. Spike slides out of a suplex and nails The Dudley Dog on Bubba.

D-Von distracts the referee so Tazz’s tag is not seen. Massive flapjack to Spike, D-Von attempts his headbutt but Spike dodges. Bubba is in the ring but Bubba mauls D-Von by mistake. Tag to Tazz who clotheslines everyone in sight, suplexes to both Dudleys. Northern Lights on D-Von, Bubba makes the save. Tazz boots Bubba and Spike nails a second Dudley Dog. 

Tazz chokes out Stacy, D-Von launches Spike to the floor but D-Von does not see Tazz who chokes out D-Von for the submission win. That was brief but a hot opening match. The Dudleys might be the most natural heel tag team I have ever seen, the ending comes out of nowhere. Bubba disappears and Tazz makes D-Von taps immediately. No complaining from me though, a good match.

Winners: Tazz & Spike over The Dudley Boyz via Tazzmission!

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Edge © vs William Regal

Regal had begun using the brass knuckles and the war between Edge and Regal had turned nasty as Edge had snapped busting Regal with a chair as a result of Regal’s cheap assaults. Regal is searched for brass knuckles with the referee finding a pair of knuckles. Edge hammers Regal once the knuckles have been taking away. Back body drop by Edge on Regal, Regal is stomped in the corner by Edge. Edge rams Regal’s face into the mat, Regal cuts off Edge with a knee and drives Edge to the mat with a knee to the head.

 Edge counters an uppercut into a backslide before Regal floors Edge with a left hand. Edge nails an enzuigiri out of nowhere before Regal drills Edge with a half-nelson suplex. Knees to the face by Regal, Regal uses a reverse chinlock to wear down Edge. Edge blocks a Tigerbomb into a back body drop like manoeuvre, Regal holds on to eventually nail a Tigerbomb. Two count for Regal. Huge left hand by Regal, Regal knees Edge who falls to the floor.

Regal was looking to Tigerbomb Edge from the apron to the floor but Edge counters for an Edgecution on the apron. Edge pins Regal but Regal places his foot on the ropes, Edge Irish whips Regal but Regal puts on the brakes and both men bang heads. Huge forearms by Edge, spinning heel kick and a vertical suplex, Edge gets a close two. Regal nails a release German suplex but Edge comes back with a massive clothesline.

 Edge looks for The Edgecution but Regal reverses into The Regal Stretch. Edge makes it to the ropes which sickens Regal, Edge counters Regal into The Regal Stretch. Regal grabs the ropes so Edge dropkicks Regal and schoolboys the challenger for a two count. Regal is pushed off the top rope by Edge.

Edge scores with a spinning heel kick, Edge motions for The Spear but Regal has a second pair of brass knuckles. Regal uses the referee as a shield for The Spear and Edge Spears the referee.

 Regal recovers to nail Edge with the brass knuckles and the referee counts the pin-fall. I liked this match, I like Regal’s style in the ring although as I have stated in the past, Regal’s moveset is not the most exciting for the fans. Regal using the second pair of brass knuckles was good heat and the finish is believable while also protecting the babyface Edge. Edge’s comeback was good and the former champion was over.

Winner: Regal over Edge via Power of The Punch!

(WWF Women’s Championship Match) Trish Stratus © vs Jazz (Jacqueline Special Referee)

Jazz is an animal who would destroy men in ECW, Jazz was big, black and nasty. There is also an angle going into this match as Trish’s hand is busted up from an assault by Jazz on Smackdown. Trish’s hand is taped up due to the assault. Jazz jumps Trish and begins ripping at Trish. Big rights and a splash by Jazz, Trish fires back, sunset flip by Trish begins a series of pins by the two women before Jazz hotshots Trish into the ropes. 

Jazz stomps on the hand of Trish, huge leg drop by Jazz. Jazz wrenches the arm over the ropes which Trish screaming in pain. Jacqueline and Jazz have an argument, Jacqueline shoves Jazz and Trish responds with a schoolgirl for two. Trish uses forearms to fire up but Jazz wrenches the arm and smacks Trish into the ground. Trish nails her Stratusfaction for a two count, Jazz is right back up.

DDT by Jazz gains the challenger a two count, Irish whip by Jazz. Corner clothesline by Jazz, Trish dodges and nails a one-handed bulldog for the win. Wow, I was not expecting that, I thought Jazz was going to demolish Trish due to her injured arm.

 They had a solid story going on in the match with Jazz looking like a beast and Jazz winning due to Trish’s injury but no, Trish goes over clean on your hottest heel in the women’s division. I am not sure about that booking choice but there you have it!

Winner: Trish over Jazz via one-handed bulldog!

(Street Fight Match) Ric Flair vs Vince Mcmahon

Vince Mcmahon and Ric Flair have never gotten along, Flair challenged Vince to a match and now they will fight in a street fight. In the lead-up to the match, Vince had busted Flair open with a lead pipe. On an episode of Smackdown, Flair had his revenge by bloodying Vince Mcmahon. 

We are in Georgia so we are in Flair Country, you could not ask for a better place for Flair’s first match since returning to the WWF. Stare-off between these two men, lock up with Vince outpowering Flair. Lock up with a side headlock by Vince, Vince squeezes down hard on Flair. Shoulder block by Vince who poses and struts to mock Flair, lock up and hammerlock by Flair.

 Flair punches Vince and stomps away on Mcmahon. Vince kicks Flair in the ribs, shoulder thrusts by Vince. Elbows to the face of The Nature Boy, Vince chops Flair and Woos but Flair chops Vince who screams comically. Vince rakes the eyes.

Clothesline by Vince, Flair flop and Vince goes back to the shoulder thrusts. Flair flip in the turnbuckle and Vince knocks Flair to the floor, Vince wallops Flair with a sign. Vince grabs a trash can from under the ring, Flair has been busted open (No surprise there). Vince decimates a bloody Flair with punches, Vince scoop slams Flair beside Flair’s children.

 Vince takes the first ever selfie beside Flair’s children. Vince begins working the leg of Flair, more leg work by Vince who has Flair exactly where he wants him. Vince goes for The Figure Four on Flair. Flair turns over Vince and Vince has to relinquish the hold. Vince powders and looks for a lead pipe from ringside. Flair blocks Vince with a massive low blow. Vince is on the floor once more.

Flair chops Vince which Vince sells like being shot, monitor to the face by Flair. Flair smashes Vince with right hands and now, Vince is bleeding. Vince begs for mercy but Flair begins working the leg of Vince. Flair’s children take pictures of the screaming Vince. Low blow by Flair and Flair has the lead pipe, Vince takes the pipe to the head and locks in The Figure Four for the win. 

Vince and Flair have one of the most entertaining matches you might ever see, Vince poses and rants, Vince makes face and ultimately, Vince takes an ass-kicking from Flair which is all the fans wanted from the match. It was not a wrestling match but the story-telling and the entertainment was top-notch.

Winner: Flair over Vince Mcmahon via Figure Four!

Stephanie/Austin Promo

Stephanie is back in the WWF after being banished in The Invasion storyline, that lasted all of a month. Anyways, Stephanie believes Triple H is going to win the rumble while Austin interrupts the interview by screaming what repeatedly which makes Stephanie freaks out and runs away from Austin. Austin says Austin is going to win The Royal Rumble. Funny promo from Austin and Stephanie’s freak-out was fun too.

(WWF Undisputed Championship Match) Chris Jericho © vs The Rock

Jericho defeated The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night at Vengeance, Rock defeated Booker T for this opportunity which makes me laugh. Of all people, The Rock defeated Booker T for this opportunity? Anyways, we have a rematch from No Mercy and Vengeance with The Rock looking to score the big win over Jericho. Jericho talks trash to The Rock to begin the match, Jericho puts the hand up and tells The Rock to Just Bring It.

 Rock proceeds to drop Jericho on his head with a Samoan Drop. Jericho powders but Rock gives chase, takedown by The Rock and a flurry of fists by The Rock. Flying forearm by Jericho who changes the momentum, right hands and chops by Y2J. Corner clothesline and slaps by Y2J, Rock dodges the second corner clothesline and Jericho runs into the ringpost. 

Rock cannot enjoy control as Jericho hotshots Rock into the top rope, Jericho stomps all over The Rock. Jericho tries to chop The Rock but The Rock reverses Y2J with a back elbow. Jericho catches The Rock with a nice spinning heel kick. Jericho exposes the top turnbuckle, Rock fires up on Y2J. Jericho looks for The Walls, Rock uses his legs to kick off Chris Jericho.

Jericho does not let up on Rock, Y2J climbs to the top rope and nails a missile dropkick. Cover and two for the champion, reverse chinlock by Y2J. Rock battles to a vertical base, back elbow by Y2J cuts off Rock. Y2J climbs the top rope but Rock crotches the champion by hitting the ropes, hard chops by Rock. Superplex by Rock, big right hands by Rock. Overhead belly to belly throw for a two count by the challenger. Jericho Irish whips The Rock and lands a modified bulldog and a Lionsault. Jericho nails two, cover and it is a two count for Jericho.

 Jericho and Hebnar enter a shoving match, Jericho taunts Rock who counters a missile dropkick into a sharpshooter. The Un-Americans run to ringside, Jericho taps to keep Rock strong but the referee does not see the interference. Jericho scores with The Rock Bottom for a two count, Nick Patrick ejects Lance Storm and Christian. Jericho nails a senton and attempts The People’s Elbow.

 Rock kips-up and sidesteps Y2J to the floor. Rock clears the announce table planning to destroy Jericho, Jericho drops Rock sternum first on the Spanish announce table. The Rock Rock Bottoms Jericho through the announce table.

Y2J is dragged into the ring, Jericho barely kicks out at two and a half. Rock signals for The Rock Bottom, Jericho blocks. Walls of Jericho are locked in, Rock reaches the ropes. Small package by The Rock for a two count, Y2J boots Rock in the face. Referee bump as Rock nails Hebnar with a leaping clothesline, Jericho nails Rock with one of the belts. Cover and Rock kicks out at two, Jericho walks into a massive DDT.

Rock makes the cover and Nick Patrick is not making the count, Rock decides to Rock Bottom Nick Patrick. Spinebuster to Jericho, People’s Elbow by The Rock. No referee for The Rock, Rock begins to awaken the referee when Jericho scores with a low blow and rams Rock into the exposed turnbuckle while using the ropes to steal the win.

 These two have fought so match over the past number of months that it is impossible for them to have a bad match. Rock gets the visual tap-out on Jericho and is beaten by a combination of using the ropes and an exposed turnbuckle which makes The Rock look strong despite the loss. 

The run-in was weird though, I am so accustomed to run-ins leading to the end of a match but Storm and Christian’s interference had nothing to do with the ending of the match. Really good stuff from Rock and Jericho.

Winner: Chris Jericho over Rock via Shenanigans!

Thirty Man Royal Rumble Match

Thirty men and one opportunity to headline Wrestlemania. Just in case you do not know the rules, let me explain: Two men begin the match and at timed intervals, a new superstar enters the match until all thirty men have entered the match. Elimination occurs by throwing your opponent over the top rope and both their feet touching the floor.

 A lot of big names and surprises are in the rumble which makes the match entertaining. Surprisingly, I see the WWF have spoiled a few of the returns in this promo package but I won’t spoil that for you because I am a nice guy (And possibly sexy… that is yet to be confirmed).

Entrants 1 to 5

To make it easy to follow, I shall break up the entrants and action in groups of five. Number one is Rikishi and number two is none other than the returning Goldust. Goldust taunts Rikishi which leads to Rikishi knocking down Goldust quickly. Right hands by Goldust, Goldust is almost tossed over but Goldust hangs on, Goldust is almost elevated to the floor for a second time.

 Rikishi hammers Goldust but The Bizarre One hangs on by a thread. Number three is The Big Bossman, Rikishi works over both heels. Clothesline by Bossman, Goldust helps Bossman. Bossman and Goldust begin brawling while number four enters. Bradshaw is number four, everyone takes bumps for the stiff Texan. Stinkface by Rikishi on Bossman superkick and clothesline.

Bossman has been eliminated by Rikishi!

Goldust hammers away on Bradshaw but Bradshaw powerbombs Goldust. Number Five is Lance Storm, Storm clotheslines Goldust before Goldust hotshots Storm. Rikishi and Bradshaw brawl in the corner. Storm and Goldust do the same with no man giving an inch and every man surviving the elimination attempt. Bradshaw roughs up Storm with huge rights and a clubbing blow.

Entrants 6 to 10

Number six is Al Snow, Snow whacks everything that moves, Bradshaw kills Storm with a Clothesline From Hell. Storm survives elimination with a low blow. Snow and Bradshaw throw bombs before we have number seven. It’s Billy Gunn with blond locks, Billy eats a boot from Bradshaw. Storm and Snow end up on the apron and Snow superkicks Storm out.

Storm has been eliminated by Snow!

Bradshaw works over Goldust but in comes Billy Gunn who eliminates Bradshaw just like that!

Bradshaw has been eliminated by Billy Gunn!

Undertaker is in at number eight, Chokeslam to Billy. Shots to Snow, Goldust and Rikishi. Undertaker Chokeslams Goldust to the floor. Undertaker’s not done though, Snow has been tossed over the top rope and over goes Rikishi and Billy. Undertaker is dominant in this match.

Goldust/Billy/Snow/Rikishi have been eliminated by Undertaker!

Matt Hardy is number nine, Matt goes after Undertaker. However, Lita is involved in this match, Taker is low blowed by Lita. Matt nails a neckbreaker and Lita is kicking The Undertaker. Matt tries eliminating Undertaker but Taker is too strong. Matt battles with a back elbow, right hands by Matt and Matt almost has Taker but Taker fights off Matt. 

We have number ten enter the match and it is Jeff Hardy. Jeff saves Matt and The Hardys beat down on Taker. Team Extreme are triple teaming Taker and all our friends once again. Taker clotheslines both Hardys though, Taker eats a Twist of Fate and a Swanton. The Hardys try to eliminate Big Evil but Taker catches Jeff for Poetry in Motion and tosses out Jeff Hardy. Matt eats a Last Ride and Matt is the next man eliminated.

The Hardys have been eliminated by Undertaker!

Entrants 11 to 15

Maven is number eleven and the winner of Tough Enough. Maven runs into Taker’s arms, Lita and The Hardys jump Taker. Taker beats down all Hardys and takes his eyes off Maven. What follows next is one of the biggest shocks in wrestling as Maven dropkicks Taker out of the match.

Undertaker has been eliminated by Maven!

Taker re-enters the ring and proceeds to beat Maven all around the arena. Maven is never officially eliminated but we do not see him for the rest of the night as Taker wipes the floor with Maven. 

Savage chair shot to the skull by Undertaker. We have number twelve and it is Scotty Too Hotty, Scotty eats a right hand from Undertaker who continues brutalizing Maven. Undertaker drags Maven through the crowd and it is the last we see of The Tough Enough Winner.

Maven has been eliminated by Undertaker!

Scotty makes his way into the ring while number thirteen which is Christian. Christian poses while Scotty tries to remember what his name is, Christian poses in the corner with not a care in the world. 

Scotty rolls in and battles Christian. Christian drills Scotty with a reverse DDT. Number fourteen is DDP, DDP nails a discuss clothesline on Christian. Diamond Cutter on Christian, Scotty measures Christian for the facebuster and delivers The Worm. DDP tosses Scotty over following The Worm!

Scotty has been eliminated by DDP!

Number fifteen is Chuck, DDP knocks down Chuck with a neckbreaker, Chuck nails a discuss lariat on DDP. Chuck stomps all over DDP while Christian recovers in the corner, DDP fights back with chops and right hands. Christian reappears with a clothesline on DDP, Chuck and Christian double team DDP. DDP battles to survive which proves successful.

Entrants 16 to 20

Godfather brings out twelve hoes at number sixteen because Godfather is the man and everyone wants to be a pimp. DDP is eliminated off-screen which sums up his WWF career quiet accurately.

DDP has been eliminated by Christian!

Godfather spent so much time dancing that we have a new entrant already, Albert is number seventeen, Albert crushes everyone that stands in his way. Axe kick to Godfather but Chuck and Christian eliminate Albert.

Albert has been eliminated by Christian & Chuck!

Godfather misses a double Ho Train on Christian and Chuck and The Godfather has been eliminated.

Godfather has been eliminated by Christian & Chuck!

Perry Saturn is number eighteen, Saturn beats down on Chuck and Christian before Chuck gains control. Chuck chokes Saturn in the corner while Christian helps Saturn. Saturn drills Chuck with a brainbuster, here comes number nineteen and it is Stone Cold Steve Austin. 

Austin hammers everyone in the ring, stomping a mudhole on Chuck, Christian and Saturn. Christian is tossed over, Stunner to Saturn and Chuck is thrown over the top rope as is Saturn.

Saturn/Christian/Chuck have been eliminated by Austin!

Austin eliminates Chuck and Christian twice because Austin has so much time to wait until the next entrant. Austin is perched on the top rope, waiting for his next victim while screaming what over and over. 

Austin’s prayers are answered as Val Venis comes in at number twenty. Austin stomps Val while the crowd chants What like their lives depending on chanting that word. Val takes it to Austin though, right hands to The Rattlesnake, knee drops by Val Venis.

Entrants 21 to 25

Test is number twenty one, Test beats down Austin in the corner. Val and Test team up to put the boots to Austin. Test Big Boots Val by mistake, Val is clotheslined over and Test eats a Stunner before being tossed over too.

Test/Val have been eliminated by Austin!

Austin awaits the number twenty-two entrant and it is The Game! Triple H and Austin are alone in the ring for two minutes, Triple H and Austin look one another in the eyes. The trash talking commences before the bombs start flying. Austin controls Triple H before Triple H battles back.

 Number twenty-three is Hurricane Helms, Austin and Triple batter one another before Hurricane signals for The Double Chokeslam on Austin and Triple H. Hurricane’s powers do not work as Triple H and Austin toss over Hurricane.

Hurricane has been eliminated by The Power Trip!

Triple H and Austin continue their war, spinebuster by Austin and in comes number twenty-four which is Faarooq. Faarooq goes after Austin and Triple H, spinebuster on Austin, Triple H goes after Faarooq. Stunner on Faarooq and Triple H clotheslines Faarooq to the floor.

Faarooq has been eliminated by The Power Trip!

Austin and Triple H continue their brawl, right hands by Austin and Triple H rakes the eyes of Austin to stay alive in the match. Number twenty-five is Mr. Perfect! Perfect is in phenomenal shape, Perfect saunters to the ring while Austin and Triple H murder one another. Perfect knocks down Austin and knocks down Triple H. Austin and Triple H team up on Perfect, Perfect hangs on to survive.

Entrants 26 to 30

Twenty-six is Kurt Angle, Angel beats down Triple H. Austin chops Perfect while Angle chops Triple H. Angle suplexes Triple H while Perfect and Austin continue their chop war. Twenty-seven is Big Show, Show headbutts Angle and Chokeslams Perfect. Austin and Triple H batter Show, double clothesline by Show on both Austin and Triple H. 

Big boot by Show on Triple H, another headbutt to Angle and Perfect. Twenty-eight is Kane, Kane squares off with Show and both men trade blows. Kane low blows Show and lifts Show out of the rumble. However, Kane eats A Stunner and Angle throws over Kane.

Big Show has been eliminated by Kane!

Kane has been eliminated by Kurt Angle!

RVD is in at twenty-nine, Five Star Frog Splash on Angle, Rolling Thunder on Austin. RVD runs into a Pedigree but Angle attacks Triple H. Perfect drills Angle with a suplex before number thirty Booker T is your final entrant. Booker T tosses over RVD who was dead from The Pedigree. Booker attempts a Spinaroonie but Austin throws over Booker.

RVD has been eliminated by Booker T!

Booker T has been eliminated by Austin!

Austin eats three German suplexes from Angle before low blowing Angle. Who would have thought Mr. Perfect would have been in the final four? Austin fires away on Angle and Perfect, Angle dumps over Austin when Austin almost had Perfect.

Austin has been eliminated by Angle!

Huge shocker with Angle eliminating Austin, Austin grabs a chair and nails Perfect and Angle with the chair before drilling Triple H. Angle nails Perfect by mistake, Perfect nails The Perfect Plex on Angle, flipover neckbreaker by Perfect but Triple H blindsides Perfect and it is not a Perfect night.

Perfect has been eliminated by Triple H!

Angle and Triple H begin brawling, Angle nails an overhead belly to belly. Triple H is almost eliminated but hangs on, Triple H chokes Angle and pummels The Olympic Hero. Triple H is elevated to the apron, facebuster by Triple H and clothesline by The Game. Kurt Angle has been eliminated!

Winner: Triple H by lastly eliminating Kurt Angle!

2002’s Rumble was an entertaining one if nothing else, the result was largely predictable even back then when we all were not smartened up to what was going on but still very satisfying. Triple H’s road to redemption was a very easy story to tell, of course the focus of the story became Stephanie vs Triple H with Jericho being a mere afterthought but before all that crap, yeah this looked like an easy story to invest into, the surprises were fun and the last 8 superstars in that match might be one of the most star studded final entrants I might have ever seen.

 Undertaker being eliminated by Maven was a great moment, Angle eliminating Austin was a shocker and Triple H winning was a great feel-good moment. I know the comparisons will be to the Rumble the year prior and Royal Rumble 2001 was a superior Rumble but I mean that Rumble holds up there with the 1992 Rumble was one of the best of all-time so any comparisons to last year’s event is unfair.

 It was a very good Rumble, I did not feel bored watching the match like it tends to be sometimes and the ending sucked me in, leaving me very happy that Triple H was able to come back and aim for the top.

WWF’s Royal Rumble 2002 was an overall great show, the matches before The Rumble were filled with action and drama, the crowd loved seeing Ric Flair whoop Mcmahon’s ass. Vince is simply one of the most entertaining characters in the company’s history, he was tremendous in that match and he is not even a wrestler! Jericho and Rock delivered another very good match for the championship.

 I liked Jericho going over so that his reign is not considered a cup of coffee reign and I also like how Jericho cheated to win so it appears that his championship reign is nothing more than a fluke which will add to things when the chickenshit heel Jericho eventually drops the title to The Game. The other title matches ranged from solid to good, I am interested to see where Edge goes next in his pursuit of Regal and where does Trish go from here after beating Jazz in their first encounter. 

Trish beating Jazz is the only low point from the show I can think of, if you are going to use the injury angle, it is the perfect way for the heel to win because you can sit there and say oh well the babyface was not 100% so there should be a rematch and so forth. I understand a babyface fighting through the pain of an injury to win a final encounter in a feud but a babyface going over clean to kick off a feud while injured? 

That makes no sense to me. Overall, Royal Rumble was a better show than Vengeance, part of that is due to the likes of Flair and Triple H and the show being one of the big four but there has to be credit on the performers and matches that took place too. This was an enjoyable show to review that I felt passed by very quickly as I was taking my notes. That’s all you could really want out of a show.