WCW Bash at The Beach 1997 Review

Welcome one and all to Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! WCW and celebrities, ah yes, in the midst of their war with WCW, The NWO decided they would bring in Dennis Rodman because screw you they can, they are The NWO got it? Ok, this is WCW’s Bash at The Beach 1997 and the main event sees super friends Lex Luger and The Giant battle Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman. We have not seen Hogan for two months and this is what you give me WCW? Fuck but in good news, there is the emergence of Curt Hennig in WCW. It could be a mixed bag, it could be garbage or it could be amazing. This is WCW’s Bash at The Beach 1997!

Opening Promo

Luger and Giant challenge Rodman and Hogan, we see highlights of The NWO embarrassing our two heroes and that’s the promo ladies and gentlemen. Got to say, that was poor compared to other pay per views when they have ran down the entire card.

Wrath & Mortis vs Glacier and Ernest “The Cat” Miller

Why do you hate me WCW? Why do you start this pay per view with this match? Anyways, Glacier has continued to make Wrath and Mortis like dweebs, regularly beating the Mortal Kombat wannabes but the dynamic duo would beat up Glacier until Ernest Miller saved Glacier at a previous pay per view. Trying to see The Cat as serious is like trying to see Roman Reigns as a top babyface: It is just not working! (Ha I am so funny, I know you laughed! Do not dare lie!).

Wrath and Mortis jump Miller and Glacier, Miller fights back on Mortis. Glacier tosses Wrath to the floor, Mortis slaps Glacier and Glacier takes down Mortis and lays in right hands. Elbows by Glacier, Mortis is crotched on the top rope and eats a huge kick. Wrath comes in and Miller springboard kicks Wrath out of the ring. More kicks by Glacier and a cheap shot from Miller. Spinning heel kick by Miller, Mortis tags in Wrath. Lock-up, Wrath squishes Miller and elbows the shit out of the boy. Huge chops from Wrath, straight sidekick from Miller, shots to the ribs by Miller, pump kick by Miller.

Wrath takes over with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, Wrath misses a middle rope elbow. Miller wrenches the arm and tags Glacier, double arm-wringer but Wrath shoves off Miller and Glacier, Glacier and Miller deliver a double dropkick. Side headlock by Glacier, Glacier stops Mortis from scoring with a cheap shot but Wrath scores with a pump kick and a senton from the apron. Mortis is with the referee and Wrath has a chair, Mortis superkicks a chair into Glacier’s face as Glacier leans onto the ringpost. Mortis roughs up Glacier in the corner with kicks and punches.

Glacier fights back and nails a sidekick, Wrath enters illegally and clotheslines Glacier. Tag to Wrath, kick by Mortis and Wrath delivers a huge powerbomb. Miller makes the save before Glacier is pinned, back elbow from Wrath. Billy Goat’s Curse by Wrath, Mortis delivers a second rope leg drop on Glacier’s neck. Scoop slam by Mortis and Mortis climbs to the top and misses a moonsault. Wrath cheap shots Miller, Miller is in the ring. Miller kicks down Mortis and Wrath with some fabulous looking kicks. Miller is in the corner with Wrath, Glacier pairs off with Mortis. Glacier ten punches Mortis.

Wrath and Miller are on the floor, Glacier DDTs Mortis in the ring. Vandenberg wraps a chain around Mortis’ boot. Vandenberg distracts Glacier, Chronic Kick on Vandenberg but Mortis nails Glacier with a Chronic Kick with the chain on his boot. 1..2..3!

That was not the crap I expected from this match. Hopefully, they can move on from this feud as it has been the down point of the last number of pay per views. Miller was fine when he was in there, Mortis took some fun bumps and Wrath did get to throw around his opponents briefly so I was happy with this match.

Winners: Mortis & Wrath over Glacier & Miller via Chronic Chain Kick!

(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Chris Jericho © vs Ultimo Dragon

After months of not seeing championship matches due to Syxx not defending the title on pay per view, we have a babyface vs babyface match between two men who have wrestled a lot in WAR in Japan. Jericho and Dragon trade holds to begin the match. Jericho takes the back, elbows by Dragon. More spectacular counters with handstands and cartwheels, both men have a stand-off. Lock-up and Jericho pushes back Dragon, Dragon nails his headstand dropkick from the corner, kick rush from Dragon and Jericho is down.

Stiff kicks by Dragon, reverse chinlock by Dragon. Chops by Dragon, Jericho counters a frankensteiner for a double powerbomb. Senton splash for two by Jericho, Jericho holds onto Dragon. Vertical suplex by Jericho, cover and another two. Backbreaker into a submission hold by Jericho, forearm shot by Jericho. Dragon fires back on Jericho with a back suplex, moonsault by Jericho. Tiger bomb by Jericho for a two count, Jericho props Dragon on the top rope and Jericho motions for a superplex. Jericho tries to dropkick Dragon but Jericho misses the dropkick. Schiavone covers for Jericho well and Jericho nails a springboard plancha.

Scoop slam by Jericho, Dragon blocks a middle rope elbow with a boot to the face. Dragon has Jericho on the top turnbuckle, Jericho blocks two frankensteiner attempts, Jericho was looking for a crossbody on the floor but Dragon nails a dropkick. Jericho snap suplexes Dragon on the floor, stungun by Jericho. Jericho attempts a springboard plancha, Dragon dodges and Dragon wipes out Jericho with an Asai Moonsault. Dragon rolls into the ring and almost wins by count-out which would be stupid on his part. Hurricanrana by Dragon for two, handspring elbow is caught. Jericho looks for The La Magistral cradle but Dragon slips out and covers Jericho for two.

Series of pin counters which are very nice and both men tumble out to the floor. Dragon enzuigiris Jericho on the floor and we nearly have another count-out. Dragon attempts a suplex, Jericho lands on his feet, nails an elbow and The Lionsault for two. Scoop slam by Jericho, Jericho tries The Lionsault and Dragon nips-up and dropkicks Jericho in mid-air. Dragon has Jericho in The Dragon Sleeper, Jericho blocks with a knee to the head so Dragon nails a clothesline. Moonsault by Dragon, Jericho reverses a tiger suplex, Dragon blocks a tiger bomb for a hurricanrana but Jericho rolls through and pins Dragon.

I have seen better from Dragon and Jericho, there was a lot of cool spots in the match but it seemed rushed in parts with little in the way of selling. These men do have a lot of chemistry together due to their matches in the likes of WAR but this was not their finest hour. That being said, an off-night for these two is still good!

Winner: Jericho over Dragon via hurricanrana roll through!

Mean Gene Okerlund

Mean Gene interviews Raven who had made the jump from ECW while Steven Richards sits down beside Raven. Okerlund gets an interview from Raven who quotes poetry and cuts a promo which is deeper than anything you would see today. Okerlund wants to know if Raven is DDP’s mystery partner but Raven dances around the question. Raven bitch slaps Steven Richards and pushes his lackey to the ground. Huge Raven mark so I love most things involving the man.

(NWO Japan) Great Muta & Masahiro Chono vs The Steiner Brothers

Two of the three musketeers of New Japan, Chono and Muta team up to take on the most popular tag-team in WCW. Chono and Muta would be a part of NWO Japan where the group was far more successful in terms of paying off the storyline. Chono would defect to form Team Chono 2000 while Muta would head NWO Japan. Anyways, I am getting off track.

Muta and Chono rough up The Steiners before The Steiners clear the ring of the heels and do their pose. Muta and Scott to start, Chono is jaw-jacking with the fans. Lock-up and side headlock by Scott, clubbing blows by Scott. Muta knocks down Scott with a huge boot, kicks to the ribs by Muta. Muta chokes Scott, spinning sole butt by Muta. Scott catches and drops Muta with a tiger bomb, gorilla press slam and a cheap shot to Chono. Muta powders and regroups for round two. In comes Rick Steiner and in comes Masahiro Chono.

Lock-up, side headlock by Rick. Shoulder block by Rick, eye rake by Chono and a side headlock of his own. Shoulder block and Rick does not go down. Eye rake by Chono and a Yakuza Kick by Chono. Test of strength, Rick is in control and Chono goes low with a boot to the ribs. Rick catches Chono with a back body drop, Chono powders to the floor. More jaw-jacking by Chono, tag to Scott. Scott takes on Muta and Chono, Scott props Muta on the top rope. Chono comes from behind and nails an electric chair drop, handspring back elbow and bulldog by Muta. Snapmare and rolling space elbow from Muta, Chono is legal and Chono cheap shots Rick.

Chono poses for too long on the top rope, belly to belly suplex by Scott, Scott tags Rick. Rick clotheslines Muta and Chono, belly to belly on Chono and Muta. Rick nails a bulldog on Muta, Chono makes the save. Yakuza Kick to Rick, Rick suplexes Chono. Scott belly to belly suplexes Muta, Chono clubs Scott on the top rope. Top rope frankensteiner by Muta on Scott, Rick is in with Muta. Dragon screw legwhip by Muta, Muta misses his handspring elbow as Rick nails a German suplex. Chono makes a save, Scott drops Muta with a frankensteiner. Chono pulls out the referee to save Muta, Chono argues with the referee. Assisted DDT by Rick and Scott to Muta and The Steiners win the match.

Well, that was a solid tag match. A lot of powdering, stalling and jaw-jacking from Chono but I cannot say I hated the match. It was phoning it in though from both teams and Chono just watched as Muta was pinned but I’ll let it slide due to the awesome tag matches they had years earlier in New Japan.

Winners: The Steiners over NWO Japan via DDT!

Juventud Guerrera/Lizmark Jr./Hector Garza vs La Parka/Psychosis/Villano IV W/ Sonny Onoo

Lucha libre motherfuckers, prepare for flips, dips and dives. Lizmark and Psychosis to start, lock-up and Psychosis grabs a side headlock. Lizmark and Psychosis trade mat-holds, Psychosis shoves Lizmark. Shoulder block by Psychosis and in comes Hector Garza with a flying armdrag. In comes Villano IV and corner clothesline on Hector Garza. Chops by Villano IV, Garza is down after a boot to the face. Garza nails a springboard dropkick and a baseball slide before nailing a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker on the floor. Juventud and La Parka are in the ring, headscissors takedown by Juventud, make it two.

Juventud elevates Parka to the floor, another headscissors by Juventud. Onoo nails Juventud with two kicks before accidently nailing La Parka. Onoo bribes La Parka with money (Fantastic). Lizmark and Psychosis are in the match, the heels are out-smarted by Lizmark. Juventud splashes all three heels before we have a simultaneous dive by the babyfaces, tope con hilos all around. Juventud tries a springboard crossbody but Psychosis drops Juventud with a dropkick. Sunset flip powerbomb by Psychosis for two, La Parka nails a cheap shot. We have moonsaults all around as the babyfaces are destroying the heels.

Psychosis and Villano IV bang heads, we have the star manoeuvre as La Parka ends the move by scoring with a backbreaker on Juventud. Garza kicks Psychosis into his partners, series of missed top rope moves. Villano IV and Juventud remain, Juventud and Garza come to the corner and we have Lizmark dropkick La Parka and Psychosis, four men tumble to the floor. Lizmark dives onto Villano IV, La Parka dives onto Lizmark. Juventud dives onto La Parka, Psychosis is elevated onto his teammates and finally, Garza dives onto the other five men.

Villano V comes into the ring illegally and swaps with Villano IV. Villano V wipes out Psychosis, Garza nails a springboard dropkick and a standing moonsault for the win in this lucha libre match. Ridiculously fun match from the luchadors, no selling and a lot of complicated spots that seem silly when logic is used but man, that was so much fun. A nice change of pace from a pay per view that has been alright for now.

Winners: Team Technicos over Team Rudos via Standing Moonsault!

(Career vs Career Match) Kevin Sullivan W/Jimmy Hart/Jacqueline vs Chris Benoit W/ Woman

The war will finally come to an end between The Dungeon of Doom and The Four Horseman. The Horseman had been fighting with one another as Jarrett and Mongo waged war on one another so Benoit was left to battle the likes of Meng, Barbarian and whoever Sullivan threw at The Canadian Crippler. Benoit had survived it all and now, the feud ends with both men’s careers on the line!

Benoit and Sullivan brawl, Sullivan suplexes Benoit to the floor, Benoit is rammed into the guard rail, Jacqueline cheap shots and chops Benoit. Benoit walks into a right hand from Sullivan, Jacqueline helps Sullivan before Benoit throws Jacqueline at Sullivan. Jacqueline is right back up, Sullivan throws Jacqueline at Benoit. Benoit and Sullivan are by the stage, throwing surfboards at one another. Sullivan is walloping Benoit over and over while Jacqueline pounces on Benoit. Jimmy Hart is on a lifeguard post, Benoit pushes the post over and Jimmy Hart is down. Jacqueline throws a lounge chair at Benoit, Benoit rallies and pummels Sullivan. Sullivan goes low to regain control.

Sullivan double stomps on Benoit’s ribs, Sullivan nails Benoit with a tray but Benoit kicks Sullivan and we are back in the ring, stomps in the ring from Benoit. Clothesline by Benoit, Sullivan pulls Benoit to the floor as Jimmy Hart chokes and kicks Benoit. Sullivan lifts Benoit groin first into the ringpost, Sullivan chops the chest of Benoit. Benoit is crotched on the guard rail in front of Raven, lariat knocks Benoit off the apron and a low blow from The Taskmaster. Benoit fires up again, Sullivan is whipped into the ring. Benoit crotches Sullivan on the top rope, more stomps from Benoit. Sullivan bites the ribs of Benoit to survive, Benoit bites the ear of Sullivan.

Chops by Benoit, Benoit takes the arm and has The Crippler Crossface on Sullivan. Sullivan almost passes out to The Crossface but Sullivan makes it to the ropes. Benoit drags Sullivan to the middle of the ring and reapplies The Crossface. Sullivan makes it to the rope again and Benoit responds by stomping all over Sullivan. Benoit chops Sullivan but Sullivan shows fighting spirit to knock down Benoit, Benoit misses a corner clothesline and Benoit is now in the tree of woe, Running Knee by Sullivan. Make it three times as Jacqueline pulls out a chair, Jimmy Hart is with the referee. Jacqueline wants to hit Benoit, Sullivan wants to nail Benoit. Jacqueline does not take the news well.

Jacqueline clocks Sullivan with the chair, the chair explodes while Jacqueline walks out of the arena. Benoit takes advantage with a Diving Headbutt and the career of Kevin Sullivan is over as Benoit wins the match with his Diving Headbutt! Jimmy Hart is in Sullivan’s face and Sullivan scares off Jimmy Hart as Sullivan gets to leave on his own terms and retire in his hometown.

Hard-hitting match, very intense with a lot of good stuff from both men. I enjoyed the brawling and the unfair odds stacked against Benoit. I was looking forward to Benoit overcoming the odds in an epic manner, I was a little disappointed to see Benoit win this match thanks to Jacqueline and a chair shot. So, it was good stuff, the pay per view is picking up momentum but I wish we had a more satisfying ending of Benoit triumphing over Kevin Sullivan and moving onto the next chapter of his life and career in wrestling.

Winner: Chris Benoit over Kevin Sullivan via chair shot!

(WCW United States Championship Match) Mongo W/ Debra McMichael vs Jeff Jarrett ©

My main man Mongo to take on Jarrett, the on and off again rivalry between two men who were Horseman but Ric Flair would kick out Jarrett who always seemed to be causing problems. The match begins with Mongo stealing Jarrett’s championship and posing (Best match opening in existence). Lock-up and Jarrett outwrestles Mongo, strut from Jarrett and a little pose on the top rope. Mongo takes the back, Jarrett elbows his way out and Mongo spikes Jarrett with a slam, Mongo takes out the leg of Jarrett with a three-point stance. Jarrett powders while Mongo poses for the crowd. Test of strength with Mongo in control until Jarrett goes low.

Mongo is back in control, knee to Jarrett and Jarrett is clotheslined to the floor. Jarrett lures Mongo to the floor, Mongo is knocked into the steel steps, Mongo retaliates with an Irish whip into the guard rail. Elbow to the throat by Mongo, Jarrett is in the ring. Jarrett gains control for a moment, military press slam by Mongo. Series of clothesline and a powerslam by Mongo. Two count for Mongo, Mongo misses a high knee in the corner. Jarrett mocks Mongo with a three point stance, Jarrett targets Mongo’s knee with two chopblocks. Figure Four, Debra is on the apron, Jarrett is given the briefcase by Debra and Jarrett nails Mongo to retain his championship.

Crap as per usual with Mongo, can we just let this feud die? This has been going on for months like Benoit vs The Dungeon of Doom, it was clear for months that Debra was with Jarrett but I guess we are supposed to be shocked at her betrayal? I love you Mongo but this was garbage.

Winner: Jarrett over Mongo via Briefcase Shot!

Mean Gene Okerlund & Road Wild Promo

Wacky commercial runs for Road Wild and we have a Hollywood Hulk Hogan & Dennis Rodman promo, Hogan saying brah and trying to be hip is so unintentionally funny. Dennis Rodman has a very soft voice, missed out on being a singer in my books. Highlights include Hogan calling Lex a Hogan wannabe, that’s about it. I like the idea that Hogan is so delusional he thinks Rodman is a great tag team partner.

Scott Hall & Randy Savage W/ Miss Elizabeth vs DDP & ? W/ Kimberley Page

Scott Hall would interfere in the match between Savage and DDP at last month’s pay per view which led to Savage winning the match over DDP. DDP has a mystery partner and the announcers take guesses as to who the mystery man is, could it be Raven? It is none other than Curt Hennig, the crowd does not pop nor do the announcers. A little strange but no worries, this match has a lot of elements that could make this match a show stealer.

DDP and Savage begin, clothesline from DDP, elbows in the corner and forearm shots from DDP. Savage powders and takes a walk. Savage spits at DDP, DDP spits on Savage. Savage tags Hall, Hall wants Hennig. Hall throws the toothpick and Hennig spits the gum at Hall, lock-up with Hennig pushing back Hall. Hall shoves Hennig, Hennig shoves Hall back. Slap from Hennig, right hands from Hennig. Knee lift from Hennig, Hall misses a right hand. Atomic drop, inverted atomic drop and a clothesline from Hennig. Tag to DDP, elbows by DDP and Hall is floored. DDP nails his Styles Clash like manoeuvre and Savage eats a cheap shot.

Hall reverses a corner Irish whip and clotheslines DDP, Savage clotheslines DDP and is tagged into the match. Double axe handle from Savage, DDP is rammed into the turnbuckle and choked by Savage. Hall is in and chokes DDP across the rope, Savage gets in another cheap shot. Hall works the ribs of DDP, DDP nails a right to rock Hall but Hall throws DDP to the floor. Savage is all over DDP, into the steel steps go DDP. Discuss right hand from Hall, tag to Savage. DDP fights back against Savage, Hennig gets the tag. DDP accidently lowbridges Hennig, Hennig botches falling over the top rope, Hennig clubs DDP in the spine. Hall drops DDP with The Outsider’s Edge as Hennig walks out on DDP. Savage drops The Elbow on DDP while spitting at Kimberley, Savage pins DDP with his foot across his throat.

That was not the hot match I was hoping for, Hennig did not get the hot tag to run wild so we did not get to see a lot of Hennig in the ring. DDP sold well and the finish does build interest for what’s next of Curt Hennig but damn, I wanted more from this match, I was so engrossed in DDP vs Savage, this could have been a nice continuation of the feud until we have a third match between the two but this was more of a match you would put on before the main event to calm down the crowd. DDP sold well, Savage was entertaining as never wanting to face DDP one on one so Savage tried to cheap shot DDP on every occasion. Apart from that, it was disappointing.

Winners: Hall & Savage over DDP & Hennig via Elbow Drop!

Ric Flair vs Roddy Piper

Flair disappeared after Syxx in his world tag team championship match at the last pay per view, leaving Piper all alone and at the mercy of The Outsiders, Piper was not too happy and we have the two icons going at one another as opposed to battling The NWO. Piper unloads on Flair and Flair powders after being massacred with punches from Piper. Piper chops Flair in the corner, slaps from Piper and ten punches in the corner from Piper. Irish whip, Flair flip and clothesline from Piper, Flair is on the floor. Piper backdrops Flair on the floor (That must have hurt). More chops from Piper, Flair is being whooped.

Flair begs for mercy on his knees, Piper is on his knees and eye pokes Flair. Piper and the referee have an argument, Flair nails a chop block. Flair chops and punches The Hot Rod, right hands reign down on the skull of Piper. Shot to the leg by Flair, Piper crumbles on the floor. Knee to the thigh by Flair, more chops by Flair. Figure Four by Flair in the middle of the ring, Piper shows a lot of heart and reverses the figure four, Flair breaks the hold in frustration. Eye poke from Flair, Irish whip and Piper drops Flair with a neckbreaker, Piper chokes Flair but Flair low blows Piper.

Right hand from Flair, chops but Piper is shaking off Flair’s shots. Left hands from Piper, rights and left from Piper and Piper knees Flair on the groin. Irish whip in the corner and back body drop, Piper clotheslines Flair to the floor. Chops against the guard rail, Flair climbs into the ring, Irish whip and Piper has the Sleeper until Flair reverses with a jawbreaker, Flair cannot get the pin with his feet on the ropes. Flair goes to the top rope, Piper yanks Flair off the top rope. Figure four from Piper, Flair is almost pinned from the figure four but manages to reach the ropes.

Flair pulls brass knuckles out of his knee pad, Piper blocks and nails Flair. Here comes Mongo and Benoit, Benoit nails Flair by accident with a Diving Headbutt but Mongo nails Piper with a Tombstone Piledriver, Flair drapes the arm over Piper and Piper kicks out (Imagine Mongo could have led Flair to victory). Piper and Flair battle it out, Sleeper from Piper. Piper makes Flair pass out to The Sleeper and Sleeper gets revenge for Flair abandoning him last month.

The most entertaining match of the night, two legends showing they still have it, Flair is such a snake as a heel, the brass knuckles from the knee pad, the work on Piper’s knee. Piper’s comeback and fire was great, the crowd was at its loudest for this match. Little strange with Mongo and Benoit being faces in their matches and heels for Flair’s match. Also, to see Flair as a heel so soon after coming back in that great six-man tag match, I am a little disappointed but Flair showed why he was so good in this match. I did love it and both men’s antics. Good stuff from two of the very best!

Winner: Piper over Flair via Sleeper!

Lex Luger & The Giant vs Dennis Rodman & Hollywood Hulk Hogan

Hogan’s return to pay per view and it is in a tag match with Dennis Rodman. I have nothing else to say about this, Luger vs Hogan to begin the match. Savage is ringside for the match, Hogan works the arm before Luger takes control. Hogan runs to the ropes and takes a breather, Hogan poses and we have a lock-up, Luger poses back at Hogan. Side headlock from Hogan, shoulder block and more posing. Lock-up, side headlock from Luger. Shoulder block and posing from Luger. Test of strength, Hogan goes low and clubs Luger, eye rake from Hogan.

Foot choke from Hogan, scoop slam. Luger dodges the elbow, scoop slam by Luger. Hogan and Rodman talk strategy and Rodman is in the ring. Rodman continues to dodge Luger, so much stalling going on in this match. Lock-up and an armdrag by Rodman, the building erupts for an armdrag. Luger armdrags Rodman and Hogan, that’s better treatment for your main babyface in Sting’s absence. More powdering, lock-up by Luger. Shoulder block from Rodman, Luger is down again. Lock-up and a clothesline from Luger to Rodman, Rodman tags Hogan.

Giant is in, right hands from Hogan to Giant. Clothesline and chokehold by Hogan, chops by Hogan. Giant is being pummelled by Hogan, Hogan powders once Giant no-sells all his offense. Hogan pummels Giant some more until Giant nails a massive atomic drop, tag to Rodman.  Lock-up, knee by Rodman, Giant catches Rodman in mid-air and nails an inverted atomic drop while spanking Rodman. Hogan saves Rodman by kicking out Giant’s legs, Hogan rams Giant into Rodman’s boot. Double clothesline by Rodman & Hogan on Giant, double axe handle by Hogan to Giant. Hogan bites The Giant, big boot and right hands by Hogan. Hogan tries a hiptoss, Rodman is in the ring. Double hiptoss by Rodman and Hogan, double cover and Giant powers out and tags Luger.

Luger clotheslines Rodman, Savage and Hogan. Rodman cheap shots Luger and Hogan scores with a clothesline. Back suplex and a two count for Hogan. Hogan chokes Luger on the rope, Savage cheap shots Luger. Leg Drop by Hogan, cover and Luger kicks out at two. Tag to Rodman, elbow by Rodman. Foot choke by Rodman, Rodman dodges a splash from Luger but does not see The Giant. Giant runs wild with kicks and headbutts to Rodman and Hogan, noggin knocker by Giant. Sting appears on the rampway, the referee is down. Sting nails The Giant with a bat, this guy is massive how could anyone believe it’s Sting. Luger submits Hogan to the Rack and puts Rodman in The Rack too.

What a crock of shit that match was, I will say Rodman was entertaining, he mostly leap-frogged Luger and Giant but Rodman was entertaining. I have no idea why Rodman worked so much of that match, I would probably kill the person who said that Rodman should shoulder block, hiptoss and rough up the top babyface Lex Luger. I can understand double teaming but Rodman was running over Luger and I am thinking “Why would anyone cheer Luger after that?”. It was all very bizarre, then you have “Sting” come out when the guy has to be as tall as The Giant, Giant gets nailed with the bat and that’s not even the finish! Luger hulks up and murders everyone, trash, trash and more trash.

Winners: Giant & Luger over Rodman & Hogan via Torture Rack!

The one-year anniversary of The NWO was a pay per view to forget for WCW. The highlights of this pay per view are Piper vs Flair and Benoit vs Sullivan, two good matches that delivered for the fans even if one had a questionable ending. The lucha-libre six-man tag was fun and fast-paced, a lot of spots which had the fans saying wow, some good stuff. Everything else seemed to fit the scale of mostly disappointing. Hennig’s debut was nothing to look back on with fond memories, Jericho vs Dragon had better matches and the main event was ridiculous for the way Hogan worked over The Giant, the over-booked finish and Luger bumping around for Dennis Rodman. That’s all from me and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Unforgiven 2002 Review

Welcome one and all to you avid-readers of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews! We are officially on the road to Wrestlemania, the news of Seth Rollins’ injury has hit the wrestling world hard. It seems with every up, there is down, with every step forward, there are two steps back. The WWE is moving forward and so are we. That brings me to today’s review which is WWE’s Unforgiven 2002! The Summer of Brock had begun, The Rock had been vanquished and in his place, stood The Next Big Thing. However, all was not rosy in Brock’s Kingdom as The American Badass wants the Undisputed Championship which is now exclusive to Smackdown. Meanwhile on Raw, The Big Gold WCW Championship has been reactivated, two warriors in RVD and Triple H will battle out for the championship. The undercard is filled with possibly a lot of solid matches and there’s no better time than now so let’s do this!

Opening Promo

They resurrect the female voiceover who narrates the big, scary pay per views. They do a good job hyping up the history and value of the world heavyweight championship while also hyping up RVD vs Triple H and Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar. Good stuff, a bit on the cheesy side as Adrenaline by former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale blares through my headset. Stage is of a simple design but it differs from Raw and Smackdown so it has that over today’s stage designs.

The Un-Americans vs Bubba Ray/Booker T/Goldust/Kane

The Un-Americans are one of Vince’s pet projects so they receive tv time a plenty and have been present in high profile matches for the past three pay per views. Regal joined two weeks prior to this match and we also saw the return of Kane who kicked the crap out of The Un-Americans (Kane might have the best returns of any superstar ever). Anyways, this is an eight-man tag pitting our American heroes against the dastardly Canadians and their English friend.

Goldust and Christian to start, butt bump from Goldust. Cover and a two, Christian clubs Goldust and in comes Storm. Double clothesline by Goldust, tag to Bubba and both men do a tribute to Dusty Rhodes with big bionic elbows. Jawbreaker by Storm, Storm puts the boots to Bubba before Bubba places Storm in the tree of woe and chops Storm. Regal smashes Bubba but Bubba recovers to flapjack Storm. Two count for Bubba, tag to Goldust. Christian grabs Goldust’s leg off an Irish whip. Goldust is roughed up on the floor before Test takes it to Goldust in the ring. Huge elbows and stomps from Test.

Goldust catches Test with a clothesline, Booker tees off on Test. Flying forearm to Test and a thrust kick to Regal. Regal and Booker are legal as Test rolls out, Storm has the referee and we see a What’s Up headbutt on Regal from Booker. Bubba tells Booker to get the tables, Storm and Christian baseball slide the table into Booker’s face. Test has Booker, Booker eats elbows in the corner and right hands. Tag to Regal, left hands and an uppercut by Regal for two. Exploder suplex by Regal for a two count, tag to Christian. Christian applies a reverse chinlock, Booker fights back before eating a knee into the ribs. Goldust makes the save.

Booker nails a sunset flip out of the corner, two count and Booker creates some space with a spinebuster. Kane is in, right hands to Storm. Back body drop, clothesline to Regal and a right to Test. Sidewalk slam to Test, tilt-a-whirl slam on Storm. Big brawl with only Regal and Kane left in the ring, Test misses a Big Boot, Kane misses a slam and Test nails a Pumphandle Slam. Booker T drops Test with a Scissors Kick. Spinaroonie but Christian drops Booker with a falling reverse DDT. Storm and Christian low blow Kane and Storm nails a Superkick for two.

Booker and Christian are brawling, Christian knocks down Booker. Bubba is in the ring, Bubba Bomb on Christian. Regal and Bubba spill to the floor, Goldust nails Shattered Dreams on Christian. Test Big Boots Goldust, flying clothesline by Kane on Test. Kane catches Storm for a Chokeslam and drops Regals with a punch. Team USA win the match thanks to a Chokeslam by Kane.

Perfect opener for the crowd, a lot of action towards the end, everyone was nailing their finishers and rolling out of the ring. It flowed well and nobody was out of place. Kane wins his return match, they saved him for the end and it did pay off, the fans exploded when Kane started kicking Un-American ass. Good stuff!

Winners: Team USA over The Un-Americans via Chokeslam!

Stephanie pep talk for Billy & Chuck!

Tonight, Stephanie’s team of Billy & Chuck will battle Bischoff’s team of Rosie and Jamal. Not for supremacy but rather if Bischoff wins, Stephanie will have to kiss another woman because lesbians are awesome while if Stephanie wins, Bischoff has to kiss Stephanie’s ass (Yep, this was 2002 ladies and gentlemen , a weird strange place where things like were the norm). Anyways, Billy & Chuck promise to win.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Chris Jericho © vs Ric Flair

Was not blown away with their first match but it is going to continue. Jericho won the championship under dubious circumstances as it seems RVD loves to play tag with that championship. Flair looks to be already ageing rapidly under the WWE schedule. I think only Michaels aged worse in the WWE as the years went passed by.

They lock-up, Flair slaps Jericho, shoulder block from Jericho. Flair sidesteps Jericho but Jericho lands on the apron, Jericho looks for a double axe handle but Flair has it scouted, right to the sternum by Flair. Flair looks for a Figure Four, Jericho shoves off Flair and nails his triangle dropkick. Jericho chops Flair on the floor and rolls The Nature Boy into the ring. Missile dropkick by Jericho, cover and a two count. Jericho talks trash and slaps Flair. Leg across the back by Jericho, abdominal stretch by Jericho. Flair reverses the hold, chops by Flair.

Flair flip in the corner, right hand by Flair catches Jericho, Jericho is hurled head first into the ringpost. Flair hurls Jericho into the steel steps, more chops by Flair. Knee drop by Flair, snapmare and a knee drop from the second rope. Cover and a two count for Flair, more chops and right hands. Flair plants Jericho with a shin breaker, Figure Four is blocked with an inside cradle, two count for the champion. Flair eats a back elbow, Jericho goes for The Lionsault. Flair dodges and Jericho lands on his feet but clutches his knee.

Jericho may have hurt himself, the referee asks for Flair to back off and not attack Jericho. The referee calls for a trainer, Flair falls for the oldest trick in the book as Jericho makes Flair tap to The Walls of Jericho! Jericho celebrates as Flair looks on in disappear.

It was more of the same from the Summerslam match. A lot of chops from Flair but not a lot of heat for the match and definitely not Jericho’s best work. Interesting finish with Jericho out-foxing Flair with a dirty trick but I was not big into this angle or this match.

Winner: Chris Jericho over Flair via Walls of Jericho!

Edge vs Eddie Guerrero

Initially, this feud began with Eddie being annoyed by Edge’s good looks and popularity. Going into this pay per view, Cole makes reference to the feud being about Guerrero wanting respect and being annoyed he took two stinkfaces recently. Edge was smashed with a chair by Guerrero on last week’s Smackdown so Edge comes storming to the ring.

Guerrero avoids Edge until Guerrero has a clear advantage. Stomps and rights by Guerrero until Edge drops Guerrero with a back body drop, chops and right hands by Edge. Guerrero fights back with some mean rights, powerslam by Edge off an Irish whip reversal. Edge nails a delayed vertical suplex for a two count. Irish whip by Edge into the corner, Guerrero counters with a back elbow and a massive tornado DDT. Guerrero stomps all over Edge’s head, suplex and a two for Guerrero. Guerrero contorts the neck of Edge, working on the concussion that Edge suffered on Smackdown. Edge battles back with knees to the head.

Back suplex by Guerrero, cover and a two for Latino Heat. Front chancery by Guerrero who transitions to a cravat like crossface hold. Edge fights back before Guerrero cuts off Edge with a back elbow. Stomps by Guerrero and a right-hand floors Edge. Guerrero taunts Edge and continues dishing out the right hands. Edge catches Guerrero with a straight right and both men are down. Edge misses a corner splash, more right hands from Latino Heat, Guerrero chokes Edge with his boot and the bottom rope. Edge school-boys Guerrero for two, small package for two. Edge creates space with a neckbreaker, both men are down. They throw bombs on their knees.

Right hand by Edge who explodes with an inverted atomic drop, faecbuster by Edge and a two count for Edge. Edge slips out the back of a suplex for an Edge O Matic, two count for Edge. Jawbreaker by Guerrero, right hands for Guerrero. Guerrero was looking for a hurricanrana but Edge counters for a powerbomb, two count for Edge. Edge was looking for a flapjack, Edge shoves Guerrero into the top turnbuckle and measures for a Spear. Guerrero dodges and Edge puts on the breaks, Edgecution by Edge! Guerrero puts his foot on the ropes at the last second. Edge climbs to the top rope and waits for Guerrero, Guerrero dodges the missile dropkick. Guerrero exposes a top turnbuckle, Guerrero tries to Irish whip Edge.

Edge reverses the Irish whip and Spears Guerrero in the corner. Guerrero is placed on the top rope, Edge is looking for a superplex but Guerrero rams Edge’s head into the exposed turnbuckle and delivers a sick sunset flip powerbomb. Guerrero holds onto the tights too because Guerrero is a great heel and this match is over.

Loved the psychology of this match, Guerrero half exposed that turnbuckle in the early portion of the match and Tazz picked up and made sure to mention it so you knew Guerrero was planning to use it at some stage in the match. Guerrero controlled the majority of the match and was just great, from mannerisms to timing, Guerrero was phenomenal. The finish was great too with Guerrero using the turnbuckle to smash Edge’s head because Edge had a concussion, good stuff from these two stars of Smackdown.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero over Edge via sunset flip powerbomb!

Triple H & RVD

Triple H verbally puts down RVD and Ric Flair. Flair stands up ready to kill Triple H but RVD says no worries Flair, I got this. RVD puts over Flair as the man and Triple H as a piece of shit.

(Interpromotional Match) Billy & Chuck vs Three Minute Warning

In a memorable segment on Smackdown, Billy & Chuck were meant to be married. Bischoff impersonated a priest and assaulted Billy & Chuck with Jamal & Rosey. Bischoff also had Stephanie attacked by Jamal & Rosey, Billy & Chuck beat the crap out of Bischoff and Three Minute Warning on Raw so how we got to lesbians and ass kissing, I have no idea.

Billy & Chuck rush into the ring to meet the two giants, Billy and Jamal tumble to the floor. Chuck eats a kick from former manager Rico, back suplex by Rosey. Rosey clubs the chest of Chuck, Jamal is legal. Huge knee lift from Jamal, cover and a two count. Rosey and Jamal beat up Chuck, scoop slam by Rosey for a two count. Reverse chinlock by Rosey, series of headbutts by Rosey. Jamal is in the match, clubbing blows by Jamal. Billy is distracted by the referee and Three Minute Warning put more boots to Chuck. Another cheap shot by Rosey, Rosey misses a middle rope moonsault as Chuck rolls out of the way.

Tag to Billy, right hands by Billy. Dropkicks and huge clothesline by Billy. Noggin knocker, no effect and Billy is knocked down hard. Chuck is on the floor, Jamal is on the top rope but Chuck hurls Jamal off the top rope. Rosey plants Billy with a facebuster, Chuck puts down Rosey with a Superkick. Jamal superkicks Chuck out of the match. Jamal measures for a Samoan drop but Billy counters in mid-air for a Fameasser. Billy has the match won but here comes Rico, Billy knocks down Rico with a right hand. Rosey hurls Billy into Jamal’s Samoan drop and this match is over. We have hot lesbian action on the way.Not much of a tag match, Jamal and Rosey come off looking like beasts which is good for them as they squash Billy & Chuck.

Winners: Three Minute Warning over Billy & Chuck via Samoan Drop!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) RVD vs Triple H ©

Triple H had been awarded the championship as Triple H was the number one contender for the Undisputed Championship but Stephanie signed Brock Lesnar exclusively to Smackdown. Bischoff countered this move by reactivating the World Heavyweight Championship. RVD won the right to face Triple H by winning a fatal four way on Raw.

Lock-up, RVD takes down The Game with a side headlock. Another lock-up, same result with RVD out wrestling the champion. Triple H looks taken back by the wrestling skill of RVD. Third lock-up, Triple H pulls the hair of RVD in the lock-up. Triple H has a hammerlock, side headlock by RVD. Triple H shoves RVD and RVD slaps the taste out of the champion. Kick and right hand from The Game, shoulder block by Triple H but RVD comes back with a side headlock. Triple H crawls to the ropes and RVD breaks the hold, The Game powders to the floor to change his game plan. RVD grabs a bottle of water and impersonates Triple H, Triple H is seething with rage.

More side headlocks, Lou Thesz be damned! Knee in the corner by Triple H, right hands by The Game. RVD blocks an Irish whip in the corner, sunset flip by RVD for a two count. RVD trips up Triple H and grabs another side headlock. Spinning sole butt by RVD, Triple H is on the floor, Triple H dodges a tope con hilo and RVD splats on the floor. Triple H mocks the challenger, Triple H stomps all over RVD. Triple H slams RVD into the ring apron and Triple H delivers elbows to RVD’s ribs. Hard Irish whip by Triple H into the steel steps and RVD is thrown back into the ring. Cover and a two count for the champion.

Right hands by The Game, rope guillotine by Triple H. RVD slides out of a suplex for an O’Connor roll, two count for RVD and Triple H is back on top with a neckbreaker. Triple H has RVD by the announce tables, RVD sends Triple H into the table, high knee by The Game for a two count. Triple H is on the top rope, RVD kicks Triple H and Triple H is thrown off the top rope. Triple H slaps on a sleeper, RVD shakes off The Game and nails a spinning heel kick. Slugfest with RVD emerging the victor, step-over spinning heel kick and another by RVD. Handspring moonsault by RVD, roll through monkey flip by RVD. Shoulder thrusts by RVD, diving thrust kick and a rolling thunder. Two count for RVD as Triple H rolls out of the ring.

Plancha by RVD, RVD is on the top rope and nails a thrust kick. Cover and Triple H kicks out at two. Facebuster by Triple H and Triple H rams into referee Earl Hebnar. Spinning heel kick by RVD but there is no referee. Pedigree is blocked as RVD catapults Triple H into the top turnbuckle, Five Star Frog Splash by RVD. Triple H low blows RVD and looks for his sledgehammer. RVD scores with a spinning heel kick, here comes Ric Flair and Flair picks up the sledgehammer. Flair corners Triple H and wallops RVD, Pedigree by Triple H. Flair rolls in the referee and Triple H escapes with the championship.

I thought it started out well with RVD proving that he could hold his own with The Game and The Game getting more agitated with each sequence with the challenger. It starts to go downhill afterwards with Triple H’s control segments playing out as slow. The finish was interesting with RVD getting two visual pinfalls over The Game yet RVD would never have another one on one match with Triple H. Politics aside, I think it was a shame that RVD would not hold the championship during this year but this was a good showing from RVD. RVD was clearly the most popular guy on Raw but this match was not the best for either men.

Winner: Triple H over RVD via Pedigree!

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Trish Stratus vs Molly Holly ©

Remember Raw had a women’s division? I had high hopes when I was looking over this time period but the women disappeared from pay per view, last appearing at King of The Ring. Anyways, the feud which began over the champion having a fat ass continues as the hero Trish tries to regain her women’s championship.

Lock-up, Trish takes the back before Molly counters and slams Trish down by the hair. Molly works the arm, Trish kips-up and wrenches the arm of Molly. Firemen’s carry by Molly for a two, Trish rolls-up Molly for a two and we restart with a lock-up. Japanese arm drags and a dropkick by Trish, neckbreaker for a two count. Molly counters Trish with a huge right, Irish whip into the corner, Trish misses an elbow and Molly goes to work with stomps and a snap suplex. Hair-slam by Molly, Trish is hurled to the floor.

Trish is rammed into the steel steps and the barricade, Trish fights back but Molly hurls Trish to the floor. Straight-jacket choke by Molly ala Jinsei Shinzaki. Trish shakes off Molly but Molly fires back with a dropkick. Small package by Trish for two, another roll-up for two by the challenger. Molly trips Trish into the bottom rope, Molly was looking for a sidewalk slam and Trish counters for a bulldog. Two count for Trish, Trish nails a massive Chick Kick for a two.

Molly kicks down Trish, Molly is on the top rope and Trish crotches Molly and looks for a handstand headscissors, Molly catches the leg of Trish and ties Trish in the tree of woe, handspring elbow for a two count. Trish catches Molly with a beautiful bulldog counter and Trish wins the championship.

Good stuff from these two women, they had not hit their stride just yet but it was nice to see a good flow to a women’s match. Finish comes out of nowhere but the finish looks great. Hope to see more from the Raw women and not for them to disappear from pay per view.

Winner: Trish Stratus over Molly Holly via Stratusfaction!

Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle

Benoit and Kurt Angle were teammates in a six-man tag, another feud that centres about a Stinkface as both men suffered a stinkface from Rikishi (A lot of ass on this show). I love watching these two wrestle because I know I am going to get great stuff either way, Angle had been stealing the show all year while Benoit returned to form with a great showing against RVD at Summerslam.

Lock-up, they roll to the floor and get in one another’s faces. Takedown by Angle and Benoit wriggles free and they trade control with Benoit going for The Crossface, Angle makes it to the ropes. Angle takes down Benoit, Benoit trying to free himself from Angle who has control on the mat, Benoit reaches the rope after an Ankle Lock attempt. Third lock-up, Angle has a hammerlock and holds on after Benoit’s snapmare. Benoit rolls through but Angle has a side headlock, shoulder block by Angle. Angle picks up Benoit for a driver, Benoit slides out and we have multiple pin attempts. Benoit almost has The Crossface, Angle rolls out and the fans applaud the wrestling from both men.

Angle and Benoit trade holds, Angle shoves Benoit to the floor. Angle drops Benoit throat first on the barricade, stomps to the ribs by Angle. Backbreaker for two and Angle kicks the head of Benoit. Bodyscissors by Angle, Benoit has the most epic facial while trying to break the hold, Benoit breaks the hold and Irish whips Angle before Angle nails a big knee to the ribs. Benoit is rammed into the turnbuckle, shoulder thrusts by Angle. Angle misses a shoulder thrust, Angle hits the ringpost hard with his shoulder. Benoit rams Angle into the post, back suplex by Benoit and a two count. Benoit clubs the injured shoulder and lands a short-arm clothesline.

 Benoit blocks a German suplex but cannot block the belly to belly suplex. German suplex by Benoit, make it two. Angle blocks the third and nails a German suplex of his own, make it two by Angle. Benoit blocks the third and nails a huge German suplex, Angle nails his own German suplex. Two in a row by Angle and a third by Angle. Straps are down, Angle looks for The Angle Slam, Benoit sneaks out for a huge German suplex which makes Angle to a moonsault. Benoit was looking for the diving headbutt but Angle sucked up the pain to run up and deliver his belly to belly from the top rope. Two count for Angle, Benoit trips Angle and tries a jacknife pin, Angle slips out and applies The Ankle Lock.

Benoit kicks off Angle, Benoit was going for a slam until both men counter one another until Benoit delivers a shoulder breaker, Diving Headbutt by Benoit. Cover and Angle kicks out at two so Benoit applies The Crippler Crossface. Angle looks to tap but Angle reverses the hold into an Ankle Lock, Benoit rolls through for a Crossface, Angle bridges out and Angle has The Ankle Lock. Benoit makes it to the ropes, Angle drags back Benoit for a Crossface but Benoit makes it to the ropes, Benoit wriggles free to cover Angle in a cradle and Benoit uses his feet on the ropes to secure the win.

Awesome match from these two, a perfect blend of counters, bumping and psychology. I could watch these roll around and wrestle for hours, they were that good at wrestling. Angle and Benoit were in a league of their own when it came to doing technical wrestling and putting on highly competitive matches. The match of the night and the reason you should watch this pay per view, end of story.

Winner: Chris Benoit over Kurt Angle via cradle!

HLA: Bischoff and Stephanie

Bischoff won so Stephanie has to make out with lesbians, two beautiful young women come out to the ring and Bischoff is the happiest man on the planet as Stephanie squirms on the spot. Bischoff has an ace up his sleeve as a huge lesbian comes out and Stephanie must kiss her. It turns out to be Rikishi, Rikishi stinkfaces Bischoff and Stephanie has the last laugh. A fine segment when you throw logic at the window.

I mean Steph must have known she would lose and asked Rikishi to dress up, Steph knew that Bischoff would just accept Rikishi? You see what I mean? Anyways, Steph one ups Bischoff, I’d like more focus on the wrestlers please!!!

(WWE Undisputed Championship Match) The Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar © W/ Paul Heyman

The main event promo begins with footage of The Undertaker and Lesnar’s rise to prominence. Hogan is destroyed, Rock is beaten, there is no one who can stop Lesnar. Heyman and Lesnar would target Undertaker’s wife Sarah who is pregnant at the time. Lesnar would put his hands on Sarah’s baby bump so Taker called out Lesnar and these two big motherfuckers started killing one another.

Undertaker shoves Lesnar, Taker corners Lesnar and Lesnar is not happy. Lock-up and Lesnar shoves back Taker. Taker shoves Lesnar out of the ring, Lesnar is irate and livid. Lock-up and side headlock by Lesnar, shoulder block by Lesnar and Taker counters with a hiptoss and Taker sends Lesnar to the floor. Knee by Lesnar and clubbing blows to Taker, Taker armdrags Lesnar and works the shoulder. Lesnar fights back with a knee, shoulder thrusts by Lesnar. Big boot by Taker and a leaping clothesline for a two count. Taker nails Old School, Irish whip into the corner and Paul Heyman is on the apron, Taker boots Heyman.

Lesnar takes control with a spear, vertical suplex by Lesnar for two. Lesnar works the ribs of Taker with stomps and right hands. Lesnar exits the ring and pulls Taker into the ringpost. Cover and a two for the champion, Taker tees off with a flurry of rights. Powerslam off an Irish whip reversal for two by Lesnar, bearhug by Lesnar. Taker tries shaking off Lesnar but Lesnar continues the pressure and Taker begins to fade. Taker fights his way out of the hold, Lesnar nails a nasty knee and a go behind throw by The Next Big Thing. Lesnar continues to control Taker, Taker escapes by swinging Lesnar to the floor.

Taker nails some body blows and Lesnar is out on the floor. Taker tosses Lesnar into the timekeeper’s area, Lesnar wallops Taker with the championship belt while Heyman distracts the referee. Taker is bleeding profusely, cover by Lesnar and it is a two count. Right hands to the wounds of Taker by Lesnar, boot to the head. Taker fires up, corner clothesline by Taker. A second clothesline and Taker signals for a Chokeslam. Lesnar elbows his way out but Lesnar cannot avoid the big boot. Two count for Taker, snake eyes and a big boot by Taker. Right hands by the challenger, Lesnar’s head meets the turnbuckle. Irish whip and Lesnar crushes the referee, Chokeslam by Undertaker but there is no referee.

Here comes Matt Hardy, Last Ride to Matt Hardy. Lesnar drops Taker with a spinebuster, two count as Taker kicks out of the spinebuster. DDT by Taker and Lesnar kicks out at two. Lesnar slides out of The Tombstone and Lesnar shoves Taker into the referee. Heyman tosses in a steel chair and Lesnar grabs the chair, Taker blocks the chair with a boot. Taker has the chair, right to the cranium and Lesnar is not down. Second chair shot knocks Lesnar to the floor. Heyman is knocked into the crowd by The Undertaker, Lesnar has been opened up by the chair shot. Big boot and a leg drop by Taker, two count for the challenger.

Taker motions for The Last Ride, Lesnar counters with a back drop. Lesnar attempts The F-5, Taker counters and they unload in the corner. Lesnar puts his hands on the referee and the referee calls for the bell as the match has been thrown out, the two men keep brawling and the night ends with Taker hurling Lesnar through the stage.

Three referee bumps, a run-in and a no-finish all in one match. Probably not the best way to end your pay per view. Regardless, I did not get a lot of enjoyment out of this match, it seems like they were saving everything for the next month. I was glad Lesnar hit no F-5 during the match so the move is still protected and I liked Lesnar trying to weaken Taker by breaking down Taker’s ribs but aside from that, there was not much intensity to a bout that had the narrative of a dickhead champion putting his hands on the challenger’s wife’s unborn baby.

That was Unforgiven 2002, an up and down show like much of WWE that year unfortunately. The positives were the hot opening match and two excellent matches in Edge vs Eddie Guerrero and Benoit vs Angle. The World Heavyweight Championship Match was decent and I was not a big fan of a lot the other matches on this card. Final verdict on WWE Unforgiven 2002: there is some good but there is also some bad stuff on here that might make you want to hurl your laptop through a wall! That’s all from me and remember: There’s always another night!

WCW The Great American Bash 1997 Review

Hello wrestling enthusiasts to another hard-hitting edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews.! I feel patriotic, I feel the colours of the red, white and blue flowing through my veins so it is time for The Great American Bash of 1997. WCW was a role, the company was winning the rating wars, The NWO had not turned sour and a new star was emerging in DDP along with a number of mid-carders who were sharing the limelight. This pay per view is full of rematches from the last pay per view. We have DDP vs Savage, Nash & Hall vs Flair & Piper, Hokuto vs Madusa etc. It may be a night of rematches but can the matches be better than their predecessors? Let’s find out!

Psychosis W/ Sonny Onoo vs Ultimo Dragon

Onoo had turned on Dragon at last month’s Slamboree, costing Dragon his match against Steve Regal for the TV Championship. Psychosis is now managed by Sonny Onoo and this is in fact a rematch from an earlier pay per view I have covered, I am happier this time around as we have a clear babyface in Dragon.

Lock-up and Dragon armdrags Psychosis, drop toehold by Psychosis. Arm wringer by Psychosis, Dragon wriggles free. Psychosis powders and ask for advice from Dragon, Dragon seems to very popular with the crowd. Shoulder block by Psychosis, Psychosis jacks Dragon in the face and poses. Dragon drops an elbow on Psychosis, chops in the corner by Dragon. Handstand dropkick by Dragon, kick rush by Ultimo Dragon. Psychosis jaw-jacks with fans, Psychosis re-enters the ring to take an Argentine backbreaker. Dragon goes for a back body drop, Psychosis kicks Dragon and nails a running lariat. Dragon recovers to hotshot Psychosis. Dragon misses the slingshot plancha, Psychosis has the referee in the ring while Onoo knocks Dragon down with a roundhouse kick.

Baseball slide by Psychosis, Psychosis delivers a leg drop to Dragon who is caught up in the ropes, elbows in the corner by Psychosis. Drop toehold into a La Magistral for a two count. Backbreaker by Psychosis, Psychosis puts his feet on the ropes during the pin, referee catches Psychosis. Dragon powders and grabs Onoo for a suplex, Psychosis saves his manager. Dragon in the ring, catches Psychosis in the face with a spinning sole butt, handspring elbow by Dragon. Asai Moonsault by Ultimo Dragon, brainbuster by Dragon. Dragon lifts up Psychosis for the tombstone, two count as Psychosis kicks out. Dragon elevates Psychosis onto the apron, Psychosis shoulders Dragon and nails a spinning heel kick from the top rope.

Tope suicida by Psychosis wipes out Dragon, Dragon catches Psychosis with a hurricanrana, Psychosis rolls through for a two count. Psychosis misses a top rope moonsault as Dragon dropkicks Psychosis in mid-air. Dragon has Psychosis on the top rope, hurricanrana. Dragon hooks Psychosis for the tiger suplex, Dragon is distracted by Onoo. Psychosis takes control with a missile dropkick, two count for Psychosis. Onoo is on the apron, Dragon sends Psychosis into Onoo who nails Psychosis by mistake. Dragon Sleeper by Ultimo Dragon and Dragon is your winner. Onoo runs away before Dragon gets his hands on Psychosis.

Much better match than their previous counter, I liked Psychosis using more power moves and posing more, showing off his charisma and the methodical approach is usually a better way to go for a heel. Dragon showed a lot of fire and was very over with the fans. Finish was fine, good action throughout, good stuff.

Winner: Ultimo Dragon over Psychosis via Dragon Sleeper!

(Number One Contender’s Match) Harlem Heat W/ Sensational Sherri vs The Steiner Brothers

The Steiners were number one contenders before Scott’s car accident angle. Two top teams who want to challenge and take the belts from The Outsiders. Scott and Stevie Ray start, Scott takes down Stevie Ray. Stevie Ray comes back with a hiptoss, side headlock from Scott. Shoulder block does not knock Stevie Ray, elbow from Stevie Ray and Scott is down. Big boot from Stevie Ray, Stevie misses the second boot, exploder suplex from Scott and Booker T is knocked down as The Steiners do their signature pose.

Stevie Ray and Booker regroup, Scott tags in Rick. Stevie Ray clubs Rick before Rick nails a powerslam, Scott takes down Booker. Booker is legal, Booker wants Scott. Lock-up, Scott knees Booker, right hand by Scott. Booker asks for a test of strength, Scott is winning the war. Booker kicks Scott and applies a full-nelson. Scott breaks the grip before Booker nails a shot to the ribs, forearm shot from Booker. Scott fights back with a tigerbomb, cover and a two count for Scott. Tag to Rick, thumb to the eye by Booker. Rick blocks a suplex and drops Booker, right hand shots from Rick. Tag to Scott, military press slam by Scott. Scott misses an ugly second rope elbow, spinaroonie from Booker.

Booker nails a Harlem sidekick, clothesline by Booker and both men spill out to the floor. Scott smashes Booker into the guard rail, tag to Rick. Rick clotheslines the illegal Stevie Ray but Booker clubs Rick to the floor. Suplex on the floor by Stevie Ray, running lariat by Stevie Ray. Cover by Booker for a two count, Ray tags in and lays right hands into Rick. Jumping high knee by Stevie Ray, Booker hotshots Rick. Cover by Stevie Ray for two, Stevie Ray nails Scott. Harlem Sidekick by Booker, cover and a two count. Booker attempts another sidekick but Rick catches Booker and slams Booker to the canvas.

Tag to Scott, clotheslines and scoop slams galore. Belly to belly suplex by Scott on Booker, Rick and Stevie Ray are brawling on the floor. Scott has Booker on the top rope, Frankensteiner by Scott. Here’s Vincent and Vincent elbow drops Booker T so, Harlem Heat win the match by disqualification. The Steiners catch Vincent and Vincent is swiftly destroyed.

Fine tag match, I have argued in the past that the tag team division is a bit of a mess with turns taking place commonly. Based off last month and this month’s match, Harlem Heat are once again heel. The heat segment was quite short but the match was fine overall. It make sense for The NWO to not want to face The Steiners as The Steiners had taken the titles from The Outsiders before but I am not looking forward to another heel vs heel match.

Winners: Harlem Heat over The Steiner Brothers via DQ!

Hugh Morrus vs Konnan

Speaking of heel vs heel, Hugh Morrus is taking on his former Dungeon of Doom stablemate Konnan who left the group by taking out Morrus after losing a tag match. Morrus dropkicks Konnan in the early goings before Konnan throws Morrus to the outside. Konnan hurls Morrus into the steel steps, stomps to the back of the head by Konnan. Dropkick by Konnan and his rolling clothesline. Cover and a two count for Konnan. Reverse chinlock by Konnan.

Low dropkicks by Konnan to the face and back of the head of Morrus, Konna stretches Morrus. Morrus slips out to unload on Konnan, Konnan powders. Konnan tastes the steel steps and Morrus stomps on Konnan’s bald head. Spinning heel kick from Morrus, cover and a two count. Morrus returns the favour and stretches Konnan. Morrus transitions into a Fujiwara armbar, gutwrench suplex by Morrus. Another Fujiwara armbar, Konnan kicks Morrus who lowers his head and Konnan applies a stump puller before switching to a headscissors hold. Cross armbreaker by Konnan, Konnan boots Morrus in the head over and over.

Slugfest, Morrus wins the war. Konnan escapes a scoop slam, Morrus goes back for a Fujiwara armbar. Konnan kicks off Morrus, O’Connor roll by Konnan for two. Powerslam by Morrus, Morrus goes for No Laughing Matter. Konnan trips Morrus, German suplex and mercifully, Konnan applies The Tequila Sunrise.

Garbage, a lot of rest holds from wrestlers who could not keep the match interesting doing just rest holds. No reaction as both our heels and the finish is laughable as Morrus perches on the top rope for The NO Laughing Matter and it looks like Konnan is going to move out of the way but Morrus waits… and waits… and waits…. Until Konnan decides that he has to trip Morrus which looks so bad for both men, just awful stuff.

Winner: Konnan over Hugh Morrus via Tequila Sunrise!

Public Enemy & Mean Gene

They bring a table with them, Public Enemy are not on the card. Public Enemy are not happy about their position in the company, they want to be number one contenders and they want a piece of Harlem Heat. Rather pointless.

Wrath W/ Mortis & James Vandenberg vs Glacier

Shao Kahn wannabe Wrath takes on Sub-Zero wannabe Glacier with Mortis handcuffed to the ringpost. Shang Tsung wannabe Vandenberg is also ringside for the match, the Mortal Kombat thing just did not work in WCW at the time due to the popularity of The NWO. This feud has been garbage but I do enjoy the costumes and the entrances. Glacier wants his sacred helmet back for the devilish Wrath and his associates.

Lock-up, Wrath cheap shots Glacier over and over. More kicks and elbows from Wrath, Glacier dodges Wrath and nails a martial arts like rush. Spinkick and a thrust chop, Glacier asks Wrath to bring it, shuffle sidekick from Glacier and a nice dropkick. Wrath is on the floor, plancha by Glacier. Palm strikes to the face of Wrath, Vandenberg taunts Glacier, sidekick to the face of Wrath. Wrath crumbles on the floor. Wrath suckers in Glacier and Glacier eats the guard rail. Glacier recovers to send Wrath into the steel steps. Glacier nails a diving chop from the apron. Glacier kicks Wrath in the corner, Irish whip and Glacier misses a splash.

Wrath hotshots Glacier throat first onto the top rope, stomps in the corner by Wrath. Sleeper hold by Wrath, Glacier eventually fights out of the hold. Wrath Irish whips Glacier, Glacier misses a crossbody and Glacier falls to the floor. Wrath nails an apron rolling senton, Wrath is on the top rope. Flying clothesline, arrogant cover from Wrath. Wrath slaps Glacier over and over, Glacier blocks and grabs a choke hold on Wrath. Wrath fights out with a knee, backbreaker by Wrath. Wrath misses an elbow from the middle rope, Glacier sweeps the legs of Wrath, back body drop.

Reverse spinning elbow, two count for Glacier. Wrath stops Glacier and nails a sidewalk slam. Glacier crotches Wrath, superplex by Glacier. Mortis is on the apron, Glacier smashes Mortis. Glacier walks into a back suplex from Wrath, Vandenberg is on the apron. Mortis tries throwing Wrath the chain, Glacier grabs the chain, Chronic Kick by Glacier and Glacier defeats Wrath. In the chaos, Vandenberg steals the key to the handcuffs from Nick Patrick. Mortis attacks Glacier with the handcuffs.

Another garbage match, they tried but this was never going to be anything resembling good. Glacier was green and it shows in his offence while Wrath should never be throwing kicks. Finish was sloppy with the chain, the best variation I have seen of the chain throw finish is Shamrock vs Rock in The Survivor Series tournament match, Bossman made it look like a genuine accident when Rock caught the nightstick over Shamrock but this was just dumb. Mortis hurls the chain miles over Wrath who is standing next to him, bad stuff all around.

Winner: Glacier over Wrath via Chain shot!

(WCW Women’s Championship Match) Madusa vs Akira Hokuto © W/ Sonny Onoo

It could be Madusa’s final match if she loses this match. Madusa had been chasing Hokuto for some time with little interruptions from the likes of Luna. The women’s championship is quite the nice belt, I do like the design.

Hokuto spits on and slaps Madusa, hair-pull by Hokuto. Another hair-pull, Hokuto steps on Madusa’s head. Hokuto chokes Madusa in the corner and nails a two-handed throat toss. Hokuto is running through all her offence from their previous match. Hokuto chokes Madusa using the ropes and pulling on the challenger’s hair. Piledriver and Hokuto steps on the face of Madusa. Irish whip by Hokuto, Madusa counters with a hairslam and a series of missile dropkicks. Madusa gets a two count her efforts, right hands in the corner by Madusa.

Hokuto grabs Madusa by the throat, foot choke in the corner by Hokuto. Scoop slam by Hokuto, knee across the throat. Hokuto looks for a leg lock, Hokuto bites the foot of Madusa. Madusa reverses an Irish whip for a roundhouse kick, series of kicks and a snapmare from Madusa. Hokuto catches Madusa for a  small package, two count for the champion. Madusa comes back with a massive double axe handle but Madusa is clutching her left knee. Shin breaker by Hokuto on the damaged knee. Romero Special from Hokuto, Hokuto breaks the hold and scores with a northern lights suplex, two count for Hokuto.

Handstand headscissors by Madusa, powerbomb and a two count for Madusa. Hokuto will not let go of Madusa, Hokuto places Madusa on the top rope. Hokuto nails a top rope superplex, Hokuto gets a two count. Madusa finds herself in a leg lock, Madusa fights and screams but makes it to the ropes. Hokuto misses a top rope dropkick, German Suplex by Madusa. Onoo pulls on Madusa’s injured leg to break the pin. Hokuto steps all over the injured leg. Scoop slam from Hokuto, Madusa blocks a splash with her knees.

Clothesline by Madusa, Madusa tries for a back suplex but Madusa’s knee buckles and Hokuto wins with a brainbuster to retain the championship. Hokuto bites and rips at the knee of Madusa, per stipulation of the match, Madusa must retire as her career comes to an end.

A good little match, Hokuto is a whole other level of heel. I liked the story of tweaking her knee and leading into the finish but they used it in a strange way. A better way to go about it which was what I thought would have been clever was Onoo attacking and pulling the leg of Madusa during the German Suplex. However, they had the match continue and Madusa collapse in a way that was not clear and basically, Hokuto beats her clean. No reaction for the retirement and Mean Gene is awkwardly shoved into our face trying to ask Madusa about the end of her career. Just very lazy and in poor taste written angle.

Winner: Hokuto over Madusa via Brainbuster!

(Deathmatch) Chris Benoit vs Meng

A rematch from the last pay per view, Benoit starts hot with a suicide dive into Meng, Diving Headbutt by Benoit. Crippler Crossface but Meng powers up to his feet and places Meng on the top rope. Meng tosses Benoit across the ring, Benoit recovers for a low dropkick, Benoit tries for a figure four, Meng reaches for The Tonga Death Grip so Benoit catches the arm and applies a Crossface. Meng reaches the rope even though there should be no break (WCW does not follow its own rules). Meng kicks Benoit’s head off, Benoit trips Meng off an Irish whip. Benoit attempts and nails a suplex which drops Meng across the top rope.

Meng ties Benoit in the tree of woe and kicks the crap out of Benoit. Chops by both men, Meng wins the war. Spinebuster by Meng, boot to the jaw by Meng. Dragon sleeper by Meng, chops by Benoit but Meng is too strong. Scoop slam and splash by Meng, Meng covers Benoit like a twat (Hate when wrestlers pin their opponent when a match has no pin-falls). Benoit survives the splash but eats a nasty superkick from Meng. Benoit sends Meng into the guard rail and in the ring, Benoit nails a German suplex. Meng gets up at nine, another German suplex by Benoit. Benoit stomps Meng to the floor, Meng rolls into the ring and scores with an inverted atomic drop.

Tonga Death Grip, Benoit is hanged by Meng and escapes barely. Benoit fires up on the floor, Meng puts down Benoit with a headbutt. Reverse chinlock by Meng, snapmare and a reverse chinlock by Meng. Foot stomp to the head by Meng, forearm shots and a back suplex. Meng misses a middle rope splash, Benoit drives down Meng for a Crippler Crossface. Meng reaches the ropes, Benoit has The Crippler Crossface again! Meng clubs down Benoit, dragon screw legwhip by Benoit. Crippler Crossface by Benoit, Meng sits in the hold for an eternity. All of a sudden, Nick Patrick calls for the bell as Meng has passed out to The Crippler Crossface.

Not as good as their first encounter, there was a lot more drama and excitement attached to the first match. I did not feel the desperation of the match for Benoit, the ending came out of nowhere for me as Meng sat in the hold for what seemed like an eternity. It was a good physical contest from both men that suffered from a lack of drama and emotion.

Winner: Benoit over Meng via Crippler Crossface!

Kevin Greene vs Mongo W/ Debra McMichael

Two former footballers going at it, Mongo has been in WCW for a number of months as a member of The Four Horseman while Greene came in for a six man tag match at last month’s Slamboree where Greene was allowed to be protected. This is a singles match and this could be a catastrophe.

Greene sprints to the ring, nails a forearm and a dropkick. Clothesline on Mongo, forearm shots and Mongo powders to the floor. Mongo jaw-jacks with fans to stall for time, Mongo lures Greene to the floor, Mongo works the leg and rubs Greene’s face into the mat. Apparently, we have Kevin Greene’s mother at ringside, Momma Greene slaps Mongo with a purse, Greene tosses Mongo into the steel steps. Greene checks on his mother and turns to Mongo, Mongo stomps all over Greene and the leg. Punt to the ribs by Mongo and more posing.

Neckbreaker by Mongo, cover and a two count for Mongo. Irish whip, Greene nails a Lou Thesz Press, right hands to Mongo’s head. Mongo nails a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, chops by Mongo. Big shots in the corner by Mongo, ten punches in the corner from Greene but Mongo counters with an inverted atomic drop and a dropkick. Two count for Mongo, hard Irish whip by Mongo. Mongo chokes Greene in the corner, Greene kicks away Mongo. Greene nails a flying shoulder tackle, cover and Mongo puts his feet on the bottom rope. Greene clotheslines Mongo to the floor.

Greene stomps on Mongo, scoop slam on the floor. Debra tries to distract Greene but it does not work, Greene Irish whips Mongo into the corner. Greene calls for the end, Mongo sidesteps Greene’s splash. Chops on the back and a choke hold by Mongo. Debra is on the apron, Jeff Jarrett comes down and clocks Mongo with the briefcase by mistake. Greene covers Mongo for the win.

Not an abomination, I love Mongo way too much to be that harsh. Mongo was able to get through this without Greene looking like a fool. The finish continues the dissension between The Four Horseman. Not a huge fan of that story, Benoit and Flair are the most interesting members and they are doing their own thing. So, we have Jarrett and Mongo at one another’s throats and I’d love to see it all end now.

Winner: Kevin Greene over Mongo via Briefcase Shot!

(WCW Tag Team Championship Match) The Outsiders © W/ Syxx vs Ric Flair & Scott Hall

Nash & Hall are accompanied by their buddy Syxx, The Outsiders had their hottest match since their debut match at Bash at The Beach, it was their six-man tag at Slamboree. Tonight, they face Piper and Flair which has the potential to be just as special.

Flair and Hall to start, toothpick spot from Hall. Kick and right hand from Hall, right hands from Hall. Chops from Flair, right hands and Hall is down. Hall powders and talks strategy. Lock-up, Flair flip and Nash nails a big boot. Cover by Hall for a two count, Flair blocks a right hand and chops back at Hall. Syxx grabs Flair’s foot and Hall nails a clothesline for two. Tag to Kevin Nash, knees in the corner by Nash. Elbows to Flair, right hand knocks down Flair. Irish whip and a huge sidewalk slam. Cover and two count for Nash. Snake eyes by Nash and a cheap shot from Hall.

Flair low blows Nash as the referee is with Hall. Flair tags Piper, Piper decks Hall and eye pokes Nash. Sleeper on Hall, Hall counters by dropping Piper on the top rope, both men are down. Flair wants back into the match, Syxx nails Piper with a spinning heel kick as Flair is with the referee. Flair attacks Syxx in the rampway and Piper is all alone against The Outsiders. Cover by Hall and Piper kicks out at two. Knee by Nash and Nash begins pummelling Piper. Hall and Nash put the boots to Piper, Piper continues to take punishment from the hands of Hall.

Piper stands bravely and asks Nash to bring it, Piper eats knees in the corners from Nash. Piper battles back Hall and Nash, Irish whip by Piper. Nash reverses, Hall clubs Piper and Nash delivers a big boot. Outsider’s Edge and Piper does not kick out as Hall and Nash emerge victorious.

Going into the match, I was interested to see how Piper and Flair would do against Hall and Nash and if Hall & Nash were to win, how would it happen? Well, Flair was in the match for only a short while and the finish puts over Hall and Nash strong which is nice to see these guys being treated as top level threats considering they did a job as the last pay per view. Will this lead to Piper vs Flair? There is a strong chance and I can tell you I am not looking forward to a match between those two. Also, we could have another Harlem Heat turn as they will face The Outsiders in a match that I have seen and its variations multiple times now. Something new please!

Winners: Hall & Nash over Flair & Piper via Outsider’s Edge!

Macho Man Randy Savage W/ Miss Elizabeth vs DDP W/ Kimberley Page

DDP and Savage have been at one another’s throats for months. DDP was climbing the ranks of WCW and Savage would not give The Master Of The Diamond Cutter the time of day. It got personal as Savage would out DDP’s wife Kimberley for posing for Playboy and The NWO would spray paint Kimberley while Savage would attack DDP. They main evented Spring Stampede in a great match that was overshadowed by dissension in The NWO. DDP scored a huge win over Savage and I felt it was lost among The NWO crap like Nick Patrick leaving the group and Bischoff being smacked around by Savage. Also, I thought Savage should have went over in the first match to build anticipation for DDP’s victory but I am not the booker so let’s get this match underway.

DDP comes through the crowd and mauls Savage. DDP has taped up ribs due to attacks from Savage and The NWO. Savage slips out of The Diamond Cutter, DDP nails a plancha on Savage and immediately, clutches his ribs. Savage is now on offence, DDP recovers to bounce Savage off the guard rail. Savage hides behind Elizabeth, DDP gives chase and nails a clothesline. DDP is climbing to the top rope, diving clothesline. DDP hurls Savage to the floor, Savage rakes the eyes and Savage clotheslines DDP into the crowd. Savage works the ribs, dropping DDP onto the guard rail. DDP is introduced to chairs, DDP returns the favour by slamming Savage into a wall and some doors. DDP has a crutch waiting for Savage, crutch to the ribs and across the back.

DDP and Savage throw bombs as they make their way from the crowd back to the ringside area. Savage drops DDP on his ribs, DDP is sent into the steel steps. Savage has a powder from Elizabeth, DDP is blinded by the powder and hit with an object in the head. Savage rips at the ribs and goes to work. Savage decks the referee and nails a piledriver? Why?

Savage continues decking DDP, DDP gets to his feet and nails a headbutt. Savage stomps DDP in the corner, left straight shots from Savage. Savage chokes DDP and Savage throws out another referee. DDP has a second-wind, rights by DDP but Savage blocks with an elbow and nails two clotheslines. DDP is knocked to the floor, Savage threatens Kimberley. Third referee is protecting Kimberley, Savage and DDP battle to the ramp and the side of the stage. DDP bundles Savage into what is called a VIP area.

Flowers to the head by DDP, scoop slam through a table by DDP. DDP chokes Savage with his shirt as they make their way towards the ramp. DDP trips Savage and drags Savage groin first into the ringpost. Styles Clash by DDP, Savage nails a jawbreaker and DDP powders to the floor. DDP tastes the steps for a second time, Savage is ripping up the safety mats. Savage was thinking piledriver but Nick Patrick saves DDP. Savage kills Patrick and a cameraman, DDP wallops Savage with a chair shot. DDP hurls Savage into the ring.

Savage scores with a low blow, Savage attempts a suplex but DDP slides out and nails a Diamond Cutter. DDP is prevented from winning as Scott Hall stomps on the head of Nick Patrick. Savage drills DDP with Hall’s tag team championship and Hall nails The Outsider’s Edge. Savage nails his Elbow Drop, Hall forces Nick Patrick to count the pin-fall.

Not as intense as The Spring Stampede match but a decent match nonetheless. Savage worked the ribs of DDP, DDP showed a lot of fire, you had the brawling through the crowd, it was a bit much as they fought in the VIP area, it looked cartoony almost the way that area was set up. Savage’s insane character is entertaining but hinges on silly, I like aspects like wanting to take out DDP with a piledriver on the unprotected concrete floor but the attacking of the multiple referees is something that I see as unnecessary. The finish was what should have took place the first time these two squared off with Savage going over to build up DDP’s eventual win. With this, we are tied one a piece.

Winner: Savage over DDP via Elbow Drop!

WCW’s Great American Bash of 1997 featured a lot of matches that were rematches from the last two month’s pay per views and suffered as many of the rematches were simply not as good as the first encounters. The two main events of DDP vs Savage and The Outsiders vs Hall & Nash did not have a hot crowd and an intensity to them like the matches at Spring Stampede and Slamboree, respectively. Benoit vs Meng was not as dramatic as the first deathmatch, Madusa’s retirement match did not achieve the desired reaction. The tag team scene is not floundering, I am sure it consists of the champions, Harlem Heat, The Steiners and nobody else.

Konnan and Hugh Morrus was horrific and the bright spark on the card is Dragon vs Psychosis who had a good match (No real surprise there). My verdict is The Great American Bash is not a good pay per view, watch it only for the continuation of DDP vs Savage. Everything else you can give a miss. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!